I'm quite fond of Adam Blake, but as with the Justice Society of America, Captain Comet is a concept that works best within the context of a specific point in history. He was the most evolved man as envisioned by the 1950s-- super intelligent telepathic/telekinetic spacefarer. Starlords are a dime a dozen in comics, but the tinny atomic age spaceman flavor of Captain Comet set him apart. Guys like Adam Blake were
in, but those special powers that set him apart did not secure him sales. He was fading out as super-heroes were strolling in, and even if those powers gave him entry into the long underwear set as a 1970s revival, his roots in mid-century sci-fi simultaneously distanced him. In a world with Superman and Luke Skywalker, what place is there for Adam Blake?
It reminds me of poor Pete Campbell, who having taken on the American James Bond and failing miserably, had to make due with being as Pete Campbell as he could be. However, Vincent Kartheiser is not Pete, even if typecasting might begin telling us otherwise. Kartheiser seems like a rather cool, humble, intelligent guy, as far from Pete as game goofball Jon Hamm is from the vicious, petty, manipulative Don Draper. I wanted an atypical actor for the role of Adam Blake-- someone who could stand out more for his mental prowess and a unique aura than his time in the gym. Evoking the McCarthy era through ongoing if indirect association wouldn't hurt. Kartheiser is a handsome guy when not playing up his dorkiness, but even his receding hairline evokes Blake's original looks and abilities. In a world where Henry Cavill is our Superman, I think a lot of us would rather cleave Captain Comet to our nerdy, doughy breast.
Regardless, you know Ken Cosgrove is just going to come riding in on a Zeta Beam with his jetpack and raygun to steal the show.
Diabolic Movie Fan Casting
- Donna Troy @ Diana Prince is the New Wonder Woman
- Vibe @ Justice League Detroit
- Nightshade @ Power of the Atom
- Zook @ The Idol-Head of Diabolu
