DIABOLIK INTERVIEW

Diabolik Interview: Patrick Pezzati. With all the excitement around the upcoming Blu-ray release of Danger Diabolik in May, Spy Vibe has been celebrating the Diabolik universe with a series of posts about the music, set designs, action figures, and even the Diabolik theme park ride! My old friend, Patrick Pezzati, also joined me in the Spy Vibe lair recently for a brief chat about what it was like to grow up reading the Diabolik comics. Patrick lived in Italy between pre-school and college and spent those formative years exposed to both Italian and American culture and read counter-culture titles like Diabolik and the secret agent satire comic, Alan Ford. He founded the awesome chain of New England record shops, Turn it Up, in 1995 -my weekly haunt for fifteen years until I left for sunnier climes. Welcome, Patrick!

How did you first get introduced to Diabolik? What were your earliest impressions?

It was so early that I don’t really remember, but it was always one of the most popular comics in Italy where I grew up. The first things that were attractive were the cleverness of the disguises and tricks he and Eva used, and the cool gadgets they had. Above all, the fact that the bad guy always won was unusual and very cool to us rebellious teenagers.

You collected the comics when you were growing up?

Yes, I had hundreds of issues at one time and bought new issues as they came out. [below: Patrick's current stash].

How were the comics distributed? Were they monthly? Could you subscribe, or did you have to find them locally at news agents and bookshops?

You could subscribe, but I don’t remember ever doing so because there were newsstands and “cartolerie” (paper supply shops) everywhere that sold the monthly issues (as well as the reissues that came out regularly).

So, one could look for old issues, as well?

Yes, you could send away for older issues and I did that a few times; there were shops that sold older original comics, and they often had reissue series you could buy.

So cool! The comics have typically been difficult to find in the States, so I’m sure some readers are wishing they could go back in time and tap into that market. Did you have friends who were into Diabolik, too, or was this something you explored on your own?

Almost all my “rebel” friends loved Diabolik.

Apparently, the tone of Diabolik evolved over the length of the series, from ruthless criminal to an anti-hero with Robin Hood qualities. What did you note over the course of your reading the character?

At first it was all about the gadgets and disguises, as I mentioned above. As I got older and as the series evolved, the interaction and mutual respect between Diabolik and Ginko grew and became much more significant. Hard to say how much was the change in the characters and how much was my own increased observational abilities and interest in the characters themselves, though.

As a reader of the comic, what did you think of Mario Bava’s screen adaptation?

I have to admit that I’ve only seen snippets of it, so I can’t really say. Got to put it on the list, though!

You are in for a real treat! Did you collect other Diabolik items?

We may have picked up a few gadgets here and there but nothing we specifically collected. I had a model car once when I was about 12 that replicated some of the trickery in the comics.

Fun! That sounds like a similar thing to the Corgi car series. Back to the theme of rebellion: one theory about why anti-heroes have been more prevalent in Italy, France, and Germany especially is because those cultures dealt more with aspects of anarchy, defeat and rebuilding, and questioning of authority. Does that theory resonate at all with you?

Absolutely! Gangster movies were always popular, but even in terms of real life that was the case. In post-fascist Italy all the documentaries we watched in school focused on the “resistance”, so the anti-heroes were always celebrated in every aspect of life. We also had an influx of artists and musicians from Chile after Pinochet so we were keenly aware of “fighting the power”.

That makes a lot of sense, and it’s so interesting how heroes reflect their different cultures. Looking back, what were some of your favorite elements (or stories) you saw in the Diabolik universe?

As I mentioned above, the disguises and the gadgets were the first thing that drew me in. The exotic fictional locales added to the allure, too. Overall, the way Diabolik evaded certain defeat and/or death every time was what brought me back again and again. In a way, the fact that he was an outlaw made him the ultimate underdog.

That’s a great overview of the series and I think it will help new readers/viewers who might pick up the new Blu-ray. Thank you! 

Thanks, this was fun!

Thank you for stopping by! Related Spy Vibe posts: Diabolik Figures, Diabolik Sounds, Diabolik Set Design, Diabolik Park Ride, Danger Diabolik Blu. Spy Vibers might also enjoy my Diabolikal board on Pinterest. Enjoy!

Selected Spy Vibe Posts: New 007 Song, Diabolik Figures, Diabolik Sounds, Diabolik Set Design, Diabolik Park Ride, Danger Diabolik Blu, Count Arthur Strong, Honey West Title Cards, Bowie Day, New Year Cosmonauts, Neil Innes R.I.P., Claudine Auger R.I.P., OHMSS at 50, Italian Job 50th OST, Charles Schulz Modern, Paul Desmond, Python 50th, Randall Hopkirk 50th, Thunderbirds Day, Lazenby Returns to MI6, Dr. John R.I.P., Spy Vibe Radio: Lupin III, Lupin Ska, Spy Vibe Prime, Zigomar Translation, The Village: Part 1, Monkey Punch R.I.P., Bubble Girl 63, ITC Soundtracks, Spy Vibe Radio: Public Eye, UFO Prime, Spaceship to Mars, Modesty Blaise Companion, Spy Vibe Radio: Fantomas, George Day, Fantomas Blu, Dark Shadows Doc, Bedazzled Blu-ray, Mary Quant Exhibit, Laika Calypso, Lost in Space Japan, Spy Dust Calypso, Atomic Cafe, John Barry Mono, Interview: John Barry Book, Land of the Giants Score, Skyfall Concert, Dearest Emma, Spy Vibe Radio: Upperseven, Ogilvy at Elstree, Mabuse Propaganda, Bond Beatles Day, Spy Vibe Radio: Liquidator, Diabolik LP, Fab Dresses, Eurospy Music Collection, Beetle Bailey in West Berlin, Why Mort Walker?, Spy Vibe radio: The Beatles Help!, Avengers Critical Guide, The Spotnicks, Benny Spies, James Pond 0017', Satire Stones, Annette Andre Book, Cat Day, Spy Vibe Radio: Get Smart, Caine: My Generation, Interview: Ian Ogilvy, Horror of Party Beach, Sylvie Vartan Renown, Ringo At 78, Dark Shadows Strips, Spy Vibe Radio: Flint, Archie Batman 66, Paul at 76, Beatles Pac-Man, Spy Vibe Radio: Jerry Cotton, The Invaders, 007 Horowitz Book Tour, McGoohan/Prisoner Event at Elstree, The Prisoner Interviews Vol 1, British Underground Press, Interview: Fab4 Mania, Bond Cocktail Book, Bond at Bletchley, Spy Smasher, Spy Vibe Radio: Peter Gunn, Agent Zero M, New Prisoner Comic, Dr. No Villains Edition,  Spy Vibe Radio: Danger Diabolik, Dr. No 60th, Oy-Oy-Seven, Spy Vibe Radio (UFO), Cold War Comic Strips, Thunderball Event, Mission to India, Mort Walker Celebration,  Peter Wyngarde Celebration, Batman 66 Exhibit, Prisoner Fifty Event, Ian Fleming Publications 2017-2018, Interview: Ed Hulse Pulp, Avengers Audio Drama, Interview: Callan At 50, Interview: Playboys, Spies, Private Eyes, TWA Returns, Spy Vibe Radio 8, Interview: Ryan Heshka, Mid-Century Modern Schulz, Agent Werewolf, Johnny Sokko 50th, Interview: Trina Robbins, Eddie Izzard, The Prisoner Capt Scarlet 50th, Hugh Hefner R.I.P., Jack Good R.I.P., Interview: Shaken Not Stirred, Callan 50th, Spy Vibe Radio 7, The Prisoner 50th Event, Spy-Fi Event, Kaho Aso 007, Two Million, Bo Diddley, Carnaby Pop, Le Carre Events, Billy Bragg Skiffle, Elvis 68, Jack Kirby The Prisoner, Casino Royale Concert, Review: The Prisoner Vol 2, Interview: The Prisoner Essential Guide, Maud Russell Mottisfont, Spy Vibe Radio 4, Batman Gallants, Adam West R.I.P., Village Triangle, Roger Moore R.I.P., Spy Vibe Radio 3, Sgt Pepper 50th, Satanik Kriminal OST, 60s Overdrive, Make Love in London, Spy Vibe Radio 2, Spy Vibe Radio 1, James Bond Strips, Propaganda Mabuse, Interview: Police Surgeon, XTC Avengers, 1966 Pep Spies, Batman Book Interview, Exclusive Fleming Interview, Avengers Comic Strips, Robert Vaughn RIP, UNCLE Fashions, Thunderbirds Are Pop!, Interview: Spy Film Guide, Lost Avengers Found, The Callan File, Mission Impossible 50th, Green Hornet 50th, Star Trek 50th, Portmeirion Photography 1, Filming the Prisoner, Gaiman McGinnins Project, Ian Fleming Grave, Revolver at 50, Karen Romanko Interview, Mod Tales 2, Umbrella Man: Patrick Macnee, New Beatles Film, The Curious Camera, Esterel Fashion 1966, Exclusive Ian Ogilvy Interview, 007 Tribute Covers, The Phantom Avon novels return, Ian Fleming Festival, Argoman Design, Sylvia Anderson R.I.P., Ken Adam R.I.P., George Martin R.I.P., The New Avengers Comics, The Phantom at 80, 007 Manga, Avengerworld Book, Diana Rigg Auto Show, The Prisoner Audio Drama Review.

UNDERGROUND PRESS SALE

Sale Alert: There is a big sale over at Rocket 88 Books, where you can pick up In the Sixties by Barry Miles and this cool gem, British Underground Press of the Sixties (now only $25!). Sale ends Jan 5th, 2019. From my original press release: International Times founder/Indica Gallery/Bookshop owner Barry Miles and London gallery owner James Birch created an exciting book called British Underground Press of the Sixties. Essentially a catalog for the 2017 exhibit at A22 Gallery, the book celebrates the legacy of the UK counter-culture movement and features cover art from every issue of Britain's underground press in the 60s, along with comics and other material. The images are fascinating, revealing, and as co-curator James Birch described them, "visually explosive." I enjoy seeing elements of the various popular styles of the time such as Op Art, Art Nouveau, and psychedelia. If Spy Vibers ever wondered how the culture evolved during the decade and how the ideas of the youth movement were transmitted, you will do well to study the underground press and the efforts of people like Miles, Joe Boyd, and John "Hoppy" Hopkins. And you might already well have a foot in that territory if curiosity has led you The Beatles and Pink Floyd. Two editions are available: standard edition and a signed/boxed edition with artifacts (limited to 100). More info at British Underground Press and Rocket 88. From their press release: "In 1966 Barry Miles and John ‘Hoppy’ Hopkins decided to start a newspaper. They called it International Times and launched it in April. It was the first British underground newspaper, and began a news media revolution. This catalogue displays the covers of every British underground paper that launched in the 1960s: International Times, Oz, Friends/Frendz, Gandalf’s Garden, Black Dwarfand Ink. It also includes the comic books that grew out of the papers, and various examples of the graphics, ads, posters and flyers produced by each publication. There will be 100 limited edition Groovy Deluxe sets of the catalogue housed in a box with each with an original 1960s issue of IT , Oz and Friends, an original OzJanis Jopiln poster and is also signed and numbered by the authors." Below: sample cover designs (from the web), the new book, and a video discussion with Miles and Birch. And stay tuned for news about another cool (signed!) book about the 1960s by Barry Miles! Enjoy! Related posts: Make Love in London, Paul At 74, 60s Overdrive, Psychedelic Celluloid, Fluxus Film, Ivan Vaughan and The Beatles, Notes Behind the Curtain 1, Notes Behind the Curtain 2, Notes Behind the Curtain 3, Notes Behind the Curtain 4, The Goldfinger Variations. 

Selected Spy Vibe Posts: Spy Dust Calypso, Atomic Cafe, John Barry Mono, Interview: John Barry Book, Land of the Giants Score, Skyfall Concert, Dearest Emma, Spy Vibe Radio: Upperseven, Ogilvy at Elstree, Mabuse Propaganda, Bond Beatles Day, Spy Vibe Radio: Liquidator, Diabolik LP, Fab Dresses, Eurospy Music Collection, Beetle Bailey in West Berlin, Why Mort Walker?, Spy Vibe radio: The Beatles Help!, Avengers Critical Guide, The Spotnicks, Benny Spies, James Pond 0017', Satire Stones, Annette Andre Book, Cat Day, Spy Vibe Radio: Get Smart, Caine: My Generation, Interview: Ian Ogilvy, Horror of Party Beach, Sylvie Vartan Renown, Ringo At 78, Dark Shadows Strips, Spy Vibe Radio: Flint, Archie Batman 66, Paul at 76, Beatles Pac-Man, Spy Vibe Radio: Jerry Cotton, The Invaders, 007 Horowitz Book Tour, McGoohan/Prisoner Event at Elstree, The Prisoner Interviews Vol 1, British Underground Press, Interview: Fab4 Mania, Bond Cocktail Book, Bond at Bletchley, Spy Smasher, Spy Vibe Radio: Peter Gunn, Agent Zero M, New Prisoner Comic, Dr. No Villains Edition,  Spy Vibe Radio: Danger Diabolik, Dr. No 60th, Oy-Oy-Seven, Spy Vibe Radio (UFO), Cold War Comic Strips, Thunderball Event, Mission to India, Mort Walker Celebration,  Peter Wyngarde Celebration, Batman 66 Exhibit, Prisoner Fifty Event, Ian Fleming Publications 2017-2018, Interview: Ed Hulse Pulp, Avengers Audio Drama, Interview: Callan At 50, Interview: Playboys, Spies, Private Eyes, TWA Returns, Spy Vibe Radio 8, Interview: Ryan Heshka, Mid-Century Modern Schulz, Agent Werewolf, Mata Hair Exhibit, Johnny Sokko 50th, Interview: Trina Robbins, Eddie Izzard, The Prisoner Capt Scarlet 50th, Hugh Hefner R.I.P., Jack Good R.I.P., Interview: Shaken Not Stirred, Callan 50th, Spy Vibe Radio 7, The Prisoner 50th Event, Spy-Fi Event, Kaho Aso 007, Two Million, Bo Diddley, Carnaby Pop, Le Carre Events, Billy Bragg Skiffle, Elvis 68, Jack Kirby The Prisoner, Casino Royale Concert, Review: The Prisoner Vol 2, Interview: The Prisoner Essential Guide, Maud Russell Mottisfont, Spy Vibe Radio 4, Batman Gallants, Adam West R.I.P., Village Triangle, Roger Moore R.I.P., Spy Vibe Radio 3, Sgt Pepper 50th, Satanik Kriminal OST, 60s Overdrive, Make Love in London, Spy Vibe Radio 2, Spy Vibe Radio 1, James Bond Strips, Propaganda Mabuse, Interview: Police Surgeon, XTC Avengers, 1966 Pep Spies, Batman Book Interview, Exclusive Fleming Interview, Avengers Comic Strips, Robert Vaughn RIP, UNCLE Fashions, Thunderbirds Are Pop!, Interview: Spy Film Guide, Lost Avengers Found, The Callan File, Mission Impossible 50th, Green Hornet 50th, Star Trek 50th, Portmeirion Photography 1, Filming the Prisoner, Gaiman McGinnins Project, Ian Fleming Grave, Revolver at 50, Karen Romanko Interview, Mod Tales 2, Umbrella Man: Patrick Macnee, New Beatles Film, The Curious Camera, Esterel Fashion 1966, Exclusive Ian Ogilvy Interview, 007 Tribute Covers, The Phantom Avon novels return, Ian Fleming Festival, Argoman Design, Sylvia Anderson R.I.P., Ken Adam R.I.P., George Martin R.I.P., The New Avengers Comics, The Phantom at 80, 007 Manga, Avengerworld Book, Diana Rigg Auto Show, The Prisoner Audio Drama Review.

YELLOW SUBMARINE PRIME

Ahoy Mateys! The Beatles animated classic Yellow Submarine is now streaming on Amazon Prime. "Once upon a time... or maybe twice..." there was a film that wove Beatles music and mythology with 1960s psychedelic design into an imaginative, animated masterpiece called Yellow Submarine (1968). The movie centers around the Beatles, who travel in a yellow submarine to use music to save the people of Pepperland from the nasty Blue Meanies. One of my all-time favorite films, I even recorded a cassette from the TV as a kid so I could listen to my own audio version of the story. Animation fans might enjoy the contrast between the dark, photo-collage style of the Liverpool sequence, where the saga begins with Elenor Rigby, and the brilliantly surreal cel animation of the Fab's journey through exotic environments to Pepperland (see sample images below). The film recently set sail  into theaters for a special 50th anniversary event, and now fans can study it further via Amazon!

About the 50th screening event in theaters: "Picturehouse Entertainment are thrilled to announce the blues-banishing news that The Beatles’ legendary animated hit film YELLOW SUBMARINE is returning to cinemas across the UK and Ireland on 8 July 2018. An unmissable cinema event, this momentous big-screen revival will give generations of audiences the golden opportunity to revisit Pepperland for the 50th anniversary of the film’s original release. The visionary feature film designed by the great art director Heinz Edelmann can now be experienced in glorious surround sound with the groundbreaking animation presented in stunningly-remastered 4k. Looking and sounding better than ever before, join John, Paul, George and Ringo on the technicolour adventure of a lifetime. Illustrated with mind-bending moving images, YELLOW SUBMARINE tells the story of how The Beatles battle the music-hating Blue Meanies armed only with the power of love. From Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds to Nowhere Man, and Eleanor Rigby to All You Need Is Love, YELLOW SUBMARINE features some of the most-loved songs from the greatest band the world has ever known. An exuberant fusion of music, film and art, YELLOW SUBMARINE is a landmark cinematic experience that is as fun and vibrant as it was in 1968." Ticket and theater info will be posted on April 17th. Learn more about the film at the Yellow Submarine website. Enjoy!

Selected related posts: Paul at 76, Ringo at 78, Beatles Pac-Man, Interview: Fab 4 Mania, The Beatles: Mission to India, Sgt. Pepper 50th, The Beatles: The Curious Camera, Revolver At 50, Pattie Boyd Exhibit, Peter Sellers to John Lennon: UK Satire, John Lennon Remembered, Vintage Vinyl, Experimental Beatles, Ivan Vaughan, Essential Ringo, Notes Behind the Curtain 1, Notes Behind the Curtain 2, Notes Behind the Curtain 3, Notes Behind the Curtain 4, 1960s Overdrive, Make Love in London, George Martin R.I.P., Tony Sheridan R.I.P., Cynthia Lennon R.I.P., Encouragement From Yoko, My Experimental Re-Mix & Film with Yoko, Lennon70 Tribute Film, Home Movies, Sean Lennon Release, Gilbert Taylor R.I.P., Atomic Art, Love Piece, Sean Lennon Scores, Sean Lennon Limited Edition, Fab Fall 2013, George Harrison, New Beatles Fashion, Yellow Submarine 50th. 

Selected Spy Vibe Posts: Horror of Party Beach, Sylvie Vartan Renown, Ringo At 78, Dark Shadows Strips, Spy Vibe Radio: Flint, Archie Batman 66, Paul at 76, Beatles Pac-Man, Spy Vibe Radio: Jerry Cotton, The Invaders, 007 Horowitz Book Tour, McGoohan/Prisoner Event at Elstree, The Prisoner Interviews Vol 1, British Underground Press, Interview: Fab4 Mania, Bond Cocktail Book, Bond at Bletchley, Spy Smasher, Spy Vibe Radio: Peter Gunn, Agent Zero M, New Prisoner Comic, Dr. No Villains Edition,  Spy Vibe Radio: Danger Diabolik, Dr. No 60th, Oy-Oy-Seven, Spy Vibe Radio (UFO), Cold War Comic Strips, Thunderball Event, Mission to India, Mort Walker Celebration,  Peter Wyngarde Celebration, Batman 66 Exhibit, Prisoner Fifty Event, Ian Fleming Publications 2017-2018, Interview: Ed Hulse Pulp, Avengers Audio Drama, Interview: Callan At 50, Interview: Playboys, Spies, Private Eyes, TWA Returns, Spy Vibe Radio 8, Interview: Ryan Heshka, Mid-Century Modern Schulz, Agent Werewolf, Mata Hair Exhibit, Johnny Sokko 50th, Interview: Trina Robbins, Eddie Izzard, The Prisoner Capt Scarlet 50th, Hugh Hefner R.I.P., Jack Good R.I.P., Interview: Shaken Not Stirred, Callan 50th, Spy Vibe Radio 7, The Prisoner 50th Event, Spy-Fi Event, Kaho Aso 007, Two Million, Bo Diddley, Carnaby Pop, Le Carre Events, Billy Bragg Skiffle, Elvis 68, Jack Kirby The Prisoner, Casino Royale Concert, Review: The Prisoner Vol 2, Interview: The Prisoner Essential Guide, Maud Russell Mottisfont, Spy Vibe Radio 4, Batman Gallants, Adam West R.I.P., Village Triangle, Roger Moore R.I.P., Spy Vibe Radio 3, Sgt Pepper 50th, Satanik Kriminal OST, 60s Overdrive, Make Love in London, Spy Vibe Radio 2, Spy Vibe Radio 1, James Bond Strips, Propaganda Mabuse, Interview: Police Surgeon, XTC Avengers, 1966 Pep Spies, Batman Book Interview, Exclusive Fleming Interview, Avengers Comic Strips, Robert Vaughn RIP, UNCLE Fashions, Thunderbirds Are Pop!, Interview: Spy Film Guide, Lost Avengers Found, The Callan File, Mission Impossible 50th, Green Hornet 50th, Star Trek 50th, Portmeirion Photography 1, Filming the Prisoner, Gaiman McGinnins Project, Ian Fleming Grave, Revolver at 50, Karen Romanko Interview, Mod Tales 2, Umbrella Man: Patrick Macnee, New Beatles Film, The Curious Camera, Esterel Fashion 1966, Exclusive Ian Ogilvy Interview, 007 Tribute Covers, The Phantom Avon novels return, Ian Fleming Festival, Argoman Design, Sylvia Anderson R.I.P., Ken Adam R.I.P., George Martin R.I.P., The New Avengers Comics, The Phantom at 80, 007 Manga, Avengerworld Book, Diana Rigg Auto Show, The Prisoner Audio Drama Review.