I enjoy reading ICv2′s box office coverage, because they look at the weekend movie sales rankings with a distinctly fan perspective. This particular column I’m linking to points out that, since Cowboys & Aliens (based on a graphic novel written solely to get movie interest) effectively tied with The Smurfs, The Smurfs is considered to have done surprisingly well, while Cowboys & Aliens has the stench of flop about it. (Final figures show C&A winning, as expected, but given its star power and extensive marketing, that’s disappointing compared to expectations.) “Creator” Platinum Studios is, as Heidi points out, pretty much dead:
As for COWBOYS & ALIENS, it seems to have been the driving motivation for the entity known as Platinum Studios for several years now — they aren’t publishing any more and let go of their last employee, Dan Forcey, back in June. The utter flop that was DYLAN DOG: DEAD OF NIGHT probably didn’t help, either. You’ll recall that Platinum has come under some scrutiny here for years over their signing tons of creators to work-for-hire contracts, not publishing anything for most of a decade, and in general living up to the stereotype of the “publisher” who’s only in it for the movie deal in spectacular fashion.
She includes information from SEC filings that say the following:
During the three months ended March 31, 2011, the Company had a net loss of $1,226,145 and utilized cash in operations of $309,662. At March 31, 2011, the Company had a working capital deficit of $20,343,243 (excluding its derivative liability) and a shareholders’ deficiency of $17,291,894. The Company is also delinquent in payment of $120,026 for payroll taxes as of March 31, 2011 and in default of certain of its short term notes payable. These matters raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
Wow, 20 million dollars overdrawn! That’s quite impressive, in a disturbing way. Speaking of millions, in two weeks, Captain America: The First Avenger made more than Green Lantern has in its release to date — but never fear, Warner is planning a sequel anyway, mostly because they don’t know what else to do to build a new huge franchise. Worrisome: they want to “make it a little edgier and darker”. Such is execu-think. Batman is dark, and it’s Warner’s only superhero success, so Green Lantern needs to be that way too. Ick. At least they also want to “balance the time the movie spends in space versus on Earth” That’s why I wasn’t interested. No desire to watch CGI alien video-game escapees, thanks.
Speaking of Cap, I did see the movie, and I enjoyed it, although not enough to drive a full review. However, if you’re curious, check out Ty Templeton’s four-panel summary. They’re jokes you’ve seen before about the character, but Ty’s art is just so chirpy in its presentation.
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