A&A The Official Jan Duursema Discussion Thread

AnotherAgentSmith, I totally agree with you on Michelle Yeoh as Tra'Saa! Lucy Liu's acting isn't as deep as Ms. Yeoh's!

 

Kampilan, well it's actually you who inspired me to think of Michelle Yeoh as Tra'saa by mentioning Lucy Liu.

I think Lucy Liu is a good actress and has the necessary martial art skills but she seems a bit too young and 'suffers' somewhat from the image she has in previous parts (e.g. in Ally McBeal) and Michelle Yeoh does less, I think with Michelle Yeoh people would have an easier time seeing a female Jedi so in tune with nature. It's just my personal feeling that Michelle Yeoh could portray that more effectively, she has more that aura than Lucy Liu.

I'm actually curious, I wonder what Ms. Duursema's opinions are on which actors/actresses should portray these great characters?

 

Hi Jan, Justin thinks Mark Dacascos would be a good Quinlan and I actually would like to see that!

AASmith, Yeah, Lucy Liu is kinda young for Tholme!
Michelle Yeow is perfect and can really hear her soothing voice as Tra'Saa.

 

Marc Dacascos is a great idea I concur!

His performance in 'Le Pacte des Loups' (Brotherhood of the Wolf) was excellent. He has the martial art skills and can have an exotic yet dark and brooding aura over him.

 

volfe: my guess might be the guy from the x-files (amongst others) who was a shape-shifter. can anyone remember who he is?
sorry - but my only other hint is that he has a bad complexion.

quinlan: if lou diamond can get his acting up a notch - then he could be cool.
but maybe we have to give it to the guy from epI and give him his big break?val klmer definitely has the depth - but i have always liked him since "the doors."

tholme: pacino has the skills - but he is a little too short...

sorry i can't offer better suggestions!

 

Well, I hope I can make it to Mid-Ohio-Con. I'll have to check with my supervisor and see if I have some leave time left.

 

Starwars.com just posted news on Star Wars Republic issue #49.

"The Clone Wars begin in comics form. As the ongoing Star Wars: Republic title spans the years between Episode II and III, it will chronicle the events of the Clone Wars. The elite Jedi are now the guiding generals of the Republic's clone army, and the battle against the Separatists spreads across the galaxy. On the space station known as the Wheel, Jedi Knight Aayla Secura seeks out an unscrupulous gunrunner with badly needed intelligence regarding Separatist plans. Cloak and dagger is a dangerous game, and the rules of the Jedi Code often get in the way. How far will a Jedi go to gain the advantage in the ongoing war?
Star Wars: Republic #49, by John Ostrander and Jan Duursema, is scheduled for release on December 18."

That sounds excellent and Aayla seems to be prominently featured in it!
Next week on September 18, 'Rite of Passage 4' is scheduled for release! Loads of excellent Aayla Star Wars action penciled by the great Ms. Duursema to look forward to!

 

Jan,

I read an article about you in a SW magazine some time ago and there it was stated that your first SW work was to draw Marvel 92, called "The Dream". Now, I've heard about this comic before and was interested in it since there was a rumour that Anakin's ghost appeard in it...so, is that true? And do you have any idea how I'll get that comic? Being a serious Vader/Anakin-addict, I can't live with the knowledge there's things about him I don't have...*grin* And it be very fun to see how your art has changed over it years.

Love, Kee

 

Jan,

Any chance of seeing any Mara Jade art by you appear in a "Tales" comic?

-Mazz

 

Actors--

Quinlan: Val Kilmer. He's got the right look and can look evil and good at the same time. Also, one day when I was drawing Quin I realized I had put a lot of Kilmer's look into him without even realizing it. I don't plan these things--they just happen. Dacascos looks good, but I'm not sure how he acts? Martial art stuff looks fantastic though. (I didn't get to see Brotherhood of the Wolf--I wanted to but I just didn't get to.)

Tholme: Billy Bob Thornton would work very well. I mentioned on World Famous Comics that I realized recently that Tholme reminded me of one of my teachers. Tholme even has a similar ascerbic attitude and a way of getting under Quinlan's skin that this teacher had of doing to his students. His lessons were well learned though--and never forgotten!

Kh'aris: Michael Dorn would be cool--or Rutger Hauer? A final on Kh'aris eludes me though...

Villie: Vin Diesel would work--voice or not--Vin's got the walk and the attitude of Villie. Or the guy who played Van Zandt in Reign of Fire? Guy who plays Villie's gotta know he's bad.

Tr'a Saa: Michelle Yeoh definitely. She has the presence of T'ra--a woman of power. What makes you think there is anything going on between T'ra and Tholme, hmm? They are Jedi...

>>Karkko: Wes Studi (Geronimo, Magua from Last of the Mohicans)<< Yeah, he would be good! Whoever played Karkko would have to be in heavy makeup because of the nose and all. How about Michael Dorn for Karkko?

Anjelica Huston as Sheyf Tinte!! How cool would that be? She's far too beautiful though (Anjelica Huston that is--she'd need heavy makeup for Tinte--or maybe we'd just have a much better looking Tinte.)

Zao--would appear as himself of course. Just like Yoda.

 

Hi Kee--

'The Dream'--Now I have to look this book up. I did this story so long ago--at the beginning of my career in comics that I have forgotten the finer points of the story. I know I have a copy in a box in the depths of a closet. I will have to look it up to let you know if Anakin's ghost appears in it. Hopefully Dark Horse will reprint this at some point. I may even have a couple of copies. I'll let you know.

I did see this book at a couple of conventions recently and looked through it quickly. My art has changed tremendously over the years. The first time someone handed one of those books to me to sign, I handed it back and told them I'd love to sign a book for them, but I didn't draw this particular one. They then pointed out my name in the credits to me. I honestly did not recognise my own work.

If you are keen on Anakin--check out SW Ongoing 50! Trust me.(doesn't Villie say that?)

Mazz--

Haven't gotten the chance to draw Mara Jade yet. One of these days, maybe? I drew a commission of Mara a while back. You can see it at Comic Book Warehouse if you are inclined.

Characters I would love to draw but haven't yet-- Mara, Aurra Sing, The Dark Woman, Kit Fisto, Luminara, Bariss, Shaak Ti (well, technically I did draw them for the Adaptation, but their appearences were brief.), K'Kruk, Tsui Choi.

Maybe I'll get a chance to do that soon!

You a Mara fan?

 

Dark Horse also updated their website with the information on the upcoming Star Wars Republic issue #49.

I quote:
"With the Battle of Geonosis, the galaxy is officially plunged into war. As the Jedi Council struggles with their new role as leaders of the Republic's clone army, other Jedi operatives have taken on the job of intelligence gathering. On a vast space station known as "The Wheel," Jedi knight Aayla Secura is searching for a notorious gun-runner who can help her intercept the Separatist's latest secret plans. But spying is a dirty business, and operatives are often more expendable than the information they possess. Is this what being a Jedi has come to? With this issue, Star Wars: Republic jumps into the as yet unrevealed events in the time period between Episode II and Episode III -- the Clone Wars! If you're wondering what happens next after Attack of the Clones, this is where you find the answers!"

You can find it on their website here.

 

Hi Jan!

The actor who played Van Zan in 'Reign of Fire' is Matthew Mcconnaughy. (His tattoos in it were great, reminded me of Wesley Snipes in 'Blade'. He played the part very well, a kick-ass action movie.)
Though Vin Diesel is cool too, ever see him in 'Pitch Black'? He was awesome in that movie.

"What makes you think there is anything going on between T'ra and Tholme, hmm? They are Jedi..."
The way that scene was drawn (awesome job so detailed and rich)and the apparent emotions and expressions on the faces of Tholme and Tra'saa as well as their body language ... there's something beneath the surface there, definately!

I think Angelica Houston would be good since she has proved she can portray such type of characters very well.

Looking forward to 'Rite of Passage 4' due out next week.

 

Jan, you probably been told this during your interview for #64 but SW Insider#62 has Amy/Aayla on it! Its the promo photo that was first released. Don't know if Amy was interviewed for it but she deserves to have more articles for the mag: Michionne/Aurra has several articles and photos on past issues already!

Can't wait for both issues!

 

Hi!

Vin or Matt, Angelica, Val or the rest of the lot--it would just be too cool to see any of these characters made real like Aayla was.

The first time I saw Amy as Aayla was when I was finishing the final pages on AOTC. Since I was truly in 'the Zone'--drawing mode--I just got the ref and started sketching away from the reference. Then all of a sudden it hit me--I was REFERENCING from a real person's face for a character I had created! Reality shifted slightly and I got my footing again (tho my feet were at least a foot or two off of the ground ) AAYLA was REAL!

Now she is on the COVER of Star Wars Insider 62! Could there be any better tribute to Amy and Aayla than that? They did interview her for the article. There was some speculation about her being on the cover--but there she is!! YAY AMY!

I really hope they put back some of the footage of her that they cut from AOTC for the DVD. Please--we need more Aayla!

I'm looking forward to seeing issue 4 of ROP also. It's going to be a kicking finish for this arc! But I'll miss you all for 3 issues--til 49 in December.

Ah, Agent Smith--T'ra and Tholme. What lies beneath that 'look'? (one of my personal favorite scenes...) Write JO and insist--we need to know and he has to tell us--

 

Hi Jan

Tom AKA Villiemace here

Just wanted to say that when I went into my specialist comic shop (where I buy my Star Wars Comics in the UK) I found much to my delight a figure of TEEMTO. I bought him immediately and he is now standing on the table next to the computer as I type this message.

I am looking forward very much to Rite of passage 4 when it comes out. Hope to see Villie in it. I hope Tholme survives

Well I have got to go. I am off to see the Bourne Identity tonight and am looking forward to it

All the best

Tom

 

Hi Jan. It would indeed be awesome if those characters came to the big screen, especially Quinlan and Villie, they have so much potential.

Star Wars Insider #62 does look awesome though! Sad we don't get that over here in Europe. I'll find a way to get my hands on a copy though.

[image=http://www.starwars.com/community/news/2002/09/img/insider62_cover_bg.jpg]

It's an awesome tribute to Aayla Secura, to Ms. Allen but in my eyes to you as well. Without your essential input and creativity we wouldn't have Aayla today. Without Ms. Allen we wouldn't have Aayla as she is on the big screen. I feel greatly in your debt for creating such a great character. The attention and cover of Star Wars Insider #62 is well deserved.

'Prequel Watch' reported that one of the eight deleted scenes on the DVD set of Episode II will be the 'Assault on the Droid Control Ship' in which I thought Aayla had several scenes no? If so that's great news since it should mean more Aayla on the DVD!
(Though this hasn't been officially confirmed yet.)

I can hardly wait for 'Rite of Passage 4'! But know I'll miss Aayla a lot and you as well!

"T'ra and Tholme. What lies beneath that 'look'? (one of my personal favorite scenes...) Write JO and insist--we need to know and he has to tell us--"
I'll be sure to ask Mr. Ostrander ... I'll use my most persuasive Agent techniques.
(I still think Tholme and Tra'saa ... well those two sure seem sweet on each other. )

 

Hi Jan,
Man, its just so unreal whenever I think that here you are working on Twilight and then Darkness and all of a sudden AOTC comes along and you see that fresh new Aayla/Amy photo ref! Were you able to keep it? I can understand the other AOTC material had to be returned but this is Aayla Secura here! Wow...

Yeah, I can see Michael Dorn as Karkko too!

AASmith, I agree: the attention and cover is well deserved for the creators and Ms. Allen. Awesome!

I never saw the whole General Mills Cereal lightsaber pen commercials but didn't people say they saw a new Arena Jedi Charge scene with Aayla in it? Fingers-crossed for that one as well as the cut Federation Droid Ship Mission with Plo and Ki...

 

I thought you might be interested to know that there is an Aayla Secura Lightsaber (handle) replica for sale on eBay.
While at a bit of a steep price it certainly does look very well crafted, it is the Episode II version of Aayla's lightsaber as seen in the promo pics. Worth to take a look.

 

VillieMace! You lucky guy--you got a Teemto! I'm so happy for you. (For anyone who didn't hear the rest of this coversation--we're part of a covert TEEMTO fan club... --seriously, Teemto is one of my all time favorite characters. Now you need to give him a tiny little glass of Juri juice so he'll be truly happy.

Do you believe I am still looking for him? (well, I do have a Zao that was customed from a Teemto, but I want a Teemto too!) One day I will find him... the Zao is incredible though...!

How was the Bourne Identity? Anyone else see it?

You got any thoughts about actors for these characters? Anyone else?

AASmith, Kampilan--

I am thrilled about the SW Insider cover and article too!! Amy/Aayla looks great on the cover and the mini-article inside the article is really nice. I spoke with Amy the other day and she is really happy with the cover and the article as well!

I'm just sitting here a little in awe at the whole thing smiling and thinking that it's all to cool.

The rest of the issue is great too--lightsaber forms, and ships, and a review of Empire--and so much more! All good!

(Yeah, AASmith) I always thought T'ra and Tholme were sweet on each other too. So you didn't miss that 'look', huh?

The lightsaber handle on ebay looked very nice. *sigh*

Kamplian--I actually didn't have that much reference for Aayla from Ep II. Just two or three shots, I think. There just wasn't much available at the time.

 

Jan,

Yeah, I'm a Mara fan.

Actually, you did do a Mara sketch for me at San Diego Comic-Con 2001. You ended up taking the sketch book, and I had to find it from your hubby. It's one of my favorite MJ con sketches (it was a shoulders up illustration). That was a fun trip.

Would it help if some of us fans bugged DHC about you doing some sort of Mara Jade related material? Or does it work that way?

-Mazz

 

Hi Jan,
I actually enjoyed Bourne Identity. Never read the book and didn't know it was based on one!

Like to see that Zao custom sometime!

John had a really cool story on how you got the news of Insider #62...that is just too cool! Wow...!
Again, congratulations to all of you!


So I'm thinking Lucasfilm didn't let you keep one picture?

 

Hi Jan! So you're part of a secret Teemto fansociety he? Maybe the Teemto figure is on sale online somewhere? I'm sure you'll be able to find it.
Again it's awesome that Aayla made the cover of Star Wars Insider #62, it's really quite an hommage to Ms. Allen and you as well, since there would be no Aayla without your creativity either. (I'll have to try and get my hands on a copy or two sometime.)

('The Bourne Identity' I think will still take a few months or weeks ot come out here, we're somewhat behind on the USA.)

A bit expensive though that lightsaber, especially for being a resin cast and not metal. Maybe one day MasterReplicas will make one? But that would probably be even more expensive...

When I saw that awesome drawing/scene of Tholme and Tra'saa in Darkness that's what I read from the emotion and attitude you had so greatly captured that was palpable on the page.
I asked Mr. Ostrander and he replied he knows in his heart what he sees behind it but that we can theorize and imagine for ourselves.

 

Jan---your work in SW# 45/ROP4 is just incredible! Was able to get it today. Thought it was delayed? I went to pick up my usual titles and saw the issue was out in front of me! Wow!
The cover came out great. The issue overall: what a way to end a great story arc!! I mean, many stories don't end as spectacular as they should but this one did. The build-up leading to it was just icing on the cake. Really fantastic issue. Thanks for the very awesome Aayla artwork!

 

Kampilan, you got 'Rite of Passage 4'! Dude that is soo awesome! So it did get released on time? I'll have to check my comic shop asap! *Gets overly ecstatic in anticipation.*
Is it truly that epic and awesome!?!