Muppet Comic Mondays: Muppet Peter Pan Trade Paperback Review

Muppet Peter Pan

Trade Paperback Review

Written by Grace Randolph

Illustrated by Amy Mebberson

Ryan Dosier - If you haven't read Muppet Peter Pan yet, you absolutely must. As I've raved about many times before, it remains the most beautifully drawn and wonderfully written series of Muppet comics yet released. The trade paperback that collects all four issues in one place is just as wonderful as the series itself.

Being able to have all four issues in one convenient package is awesome and makes sitting down to read it all the more easier. I love the idea that someone who wasn't able to get the single issues of the series when they were initially released can now easily pick up this one book for a low price and have all he or she needs.

I won't spend to much time rehashing my thoughts on the whole story (but you can read our reviews here, here, here, and here) but I do have to say that the story here is fun and twisted and Muppety in a way that the previous Muppet Tales outing (Muppet Robin Hood) did not. There's even a fresh twist to the well-known Peter Pan story to add a little fun to this already great story.

The Muppets are all written wonderfully and they play their characters very well. Of course the highlight of this series is Amy Mebberson's wonderful artwork. On-model and just plain gorgeous, Amy still remains my favorite of the artists to tackle the Muppets so far.

Of course, the main reason I bought this trade is because The Muppet Mindset was quoted on the back, but there are so many more reasons you should buy it if you have yet to collect the Peter Pan comics. It's gorgeous, hilarious, and good old Muppety fun. This book is highly recommended!

So what are you waiting for? Buy your copy of Muppet Peter Pan today!

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier

The Muppet Mindset Has Been Quoted!

Thanks to our good friend Justin H. Piatt for alerting me to this news!

Well, Muppet fans, The Muppet Mindset is moving up in the world! I've just received word that the blog has been quoted on the back of the Muppet Peter Pan Trade Paperback, the collection of all four issues of the series. Don't believe me? See for yourself!

This is an extreme honor for me and I can't thank BOOM Kids and Disney Comics and The Muppets Studio enough for this tremendous honor. Never in my life did I expect to be quoted on the back of an official Muppet product. It's really just a surreal experience and I'm proud to stand by my quote still! Grace Randolph's hilarious writing combined with Amy Mebberson's nearly-flawless artwork made Muppet Peter Pan the best of the Muppet comics that I've read.

So anyway... just had to show that off a little bit and share my excitement with you, my dedicated readers! I've already ordered both the hard back and paperback versions of the trade for my collection, but if you want to do the same, Amazon has them both for relatively cheap.

Thanks again to BOOM Kids and Disney Comics for the great honor!












The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier

Muppet Comic Mondays: Muppet Peter Pan #4

Muppet Peter Pan #4

Comic Book Review

Ryan Dosier - After a delay of about a month, it's finally here. The final installment of "Muppet Peter Pan" written by Grace Randolph and illustrated by Amy Mebberson. When we last left the Neverswamp, Piggytink had been reduced to a seemingly-lifeless lump by the wicked Mr. Smee (Rizzo). Will she survive? Will Peter and Piggytink work out their height differences? Does Captain Hook ever fall in love? ...Let's find out!

PLOT
As expected, part four picks up right where part three left off. Sam Eagle reminds us of the cliffhanger from last issue as the increasingly impatient narrator prods him to move along. So he does, and we reconvene with Peter (Kermit) who has just found Piggytink laying lifeless in the Lost Boy's clubhouse.

When Piggytink won't wake up, Peter thinks she just mad at him and storms off. It takes Nibbs (Pepe) to explain to the naive frog that it's love that drives Piggytink and keeps her around, and it will likewise take love to bring her back.

So, with a little love power, Peter is able to revive Piggytink--which pleases her to no end, as you can imagine. For the rest of the issue Piggy remains latched onto her beloved Peter now that he has finally made his true feelings known--and there were witnesses!

After Piggytink explains what Mr. Smee did, Captain Gonzo/Hook, Peter, the Lost Boys, Wendy, Michael, John, and the Hippen Groovy tribe team up to set things right. First, Wendy and Captain Gonzo will try the peaceful approach. Peter is convinced that won't work, so he has his own plan B that involves a lot more swordplay and a lot less peaceful harmonizing.

As Wendy and Gonzo approach the ship, and we get a hilarious joke involving the captain's log and a brief, but fantastic cameo by Lew Zealand, it's obvious that Wendy's plee for peace is not going to be abetted by Mister/Captain Smee. He soon calls to his aide every single rat on the ship to engage in mutiny against Gonzo.

So with plan A failed, Peter and the Lost Boys begin plan B against Smee's rat army. Nana (Camilla) falls from the sky, Fozzie makes a deliciously awful joke, Louis Kazagger reports for Muppet Sports, and the Hippen Groovy act as highly-colorful Pied-Pipers.

The story has an extremely satisfying end that I won't give away for those of you who haven't had the chance to read it yet. Sure, it's not a traditional way for the Peter Pan story to end, but it is an extremely Muppety way.

TONE

Usually Muppet fairy tale adaptations have a difficult time of balancing the Muppety tone while attempting to tell the story. Thankfully, that is definitely not the case with Muppet Peter Pan. Thanks to the combined work of Randolph and Mebberson, this story is totally Muppety.

WRITING

It's hard for me to decide if I like the writing better than the artwork here, because they are both awesome and they work together perfectly. Grace Randolph has such a wonderful understanding of the Muppets. She knows even minor characters like Janice, Bean Bunny, and Louis Kazagger perfectly and I sincerely hope she returns to write more Muppet comics.

ART

Likewise, if there is one artist I would love to see back with the Muppets it is definitely Amy Mebberson. Her Disney-like illustrations capture the likeness of almost every Muppet perfectly, with Pepe being the odd exception. Though Amy has stated many times that her preference is with the Jim Henson-era Muppets so this one little bump in an otherwise perfect road is easily over-looked.

I think her best work is with Gonzo, Janice, Scooter, Kermit, and, undoubtedly, Miss Piggy. Her Piggy is one of the most gorgeous and faithful interpretations of her that I've ever seen and would love to see Amy draw more. Even if it was just a Miss Piggy calendar drawn by Amy, I'd eat it up!

CONCLUSION

After the unfortunate tone of Muppet Robin Hood, it is extremely refreshing and heartening to see that not all Muppet fairy tale stories have to be less than spectacular. Muppet Peter Pan captures everything great about the Muppets. It is written in such a way that they retain their uniquely brilliant personalities and drawn in such a way that is faithful to the actual puppets and just plain gorgeous.

I highly recommend this series of comics! Pick up the single issues as soon as you can or wait for the trade paperback to come out--whatever you choose, just make sure you pick this up!

CAST
Kermit the Frog as Peter Pan, Miss Piggy as Piggytink, Gonzo the Great as Captain Hook, Janice as Wendy, Scooter as John, Bean Bunny as Michael, Sam Eagle as Mr. Darling/the Narrator, Rizzo the Rat as Mr. Smee, Sweetums as Mr. Starks, Fozzie Bear as Tootles, Rowlf the Dog as Slightly, Pepe the King Prawn as Nibs, Dr. Teeth as His High Grooviness Dr. Goldentooth, Floyd Pepper as Firecheeks Floyd, Zoot as Zoot Runningmouth, Animal as He-Who-Runs-With-Sharks/Animal, The Swedish Chef as himself, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker as gunmen, Lew Zealand as a pirate, Statler and Waldorf as themselves in the crow's nest, Camilla the Chicken as Nana, Louis Kazagger as Himself, Rats as themselves.

Thanks to ToughPigs for the pictures used in today's article!

Don't forget to come back to The Muppet Mindset tomorrow for Part 2 of our interview with Bill Barretta!













The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier

News Update: January 18th, 2010

NEWS UPDATE: January 18th, 2010
Remember to catch Cookie Monster in a celebration for Sesame Street's 40th Anniversary tonight at 9/8c on TLC's Cake Boss. It's sure to be a fantastic appearance!

ToughPigs has an exclusive preview of Muppet Peter Pan #4, released this Wednesday, January 20th (or possibly delayed to Thursday, January 21st due to today's holiday). As has become commonplace with the Peter Pan comics, the writing and the artwork are near-perfect, making this another must-have issue!

Disney fan blog Stitch Kingdom reported yesterday that talks or a new Muppet experience in Walt Disney World, tentatively titled "Muppet Mardi Gras," have been buzzing around with the Disney higher-ups. Not much information is known beyond that, or even if it's fact or a mere rumor, but if any more information surfaces, The Muppet Mindset will let you know!

And, finally, this news isn't terribly important to the Muppet world, but it is to my world. The Muppet Mindset has been given its own page on Muppet Wiki. It's truly an honor to officially be a part of the biggest Muppet resource on the web. Thanks to all of the Mindset's dedicated fans; without you, this wouldn't be possible!

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier

Muppet Comic Mondays: Muppet Peter Pan #3

TV ALERT
As reported yesterday, The Muppets will be appearing on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon Wednesday night on NBC. Muppets Studio's Twitter feed is now reporting that the Muppets will be performing "The 12 Days of Christmas." This appearance is most definitely unmissable, so make sure to check it out!

RINGING OF THE BELLS

Remember that tonight is the night that the Muppet community gets together to ring their bells. Remember to ring some sort of bell of your own tonight at 9:00pm U.S. Eastern Time. To figure out what time that is for you, check here.

Muppet Peter Pan #3
Comic Book Review

Ryan Dosier – As we learned last Monday, Peter Pan and the Darling Children had finally arrived at the Neverswamp and faced the menacing (sort of) Captain Hook. We were left with a real cliff-hanger—Piggytink searching for the missing Wendy and Peter, Michael, and John off to meet the Lost Boys.

Issue #3 was released in October 2009.

PLOT
The story opens, once again, with Sam Eagle refreshing us on the plot—as only he can (loudly and patriotically).

We’re soon swept away to the camp of The Hippen Groovee Tribe (portrayed beautifully by The Electric Mayhem) who have saved Janice from her trap in the forest. They soon welcome her into their clan, proclaiming her their prophetic “caged bird who fell from the sky.” They soon give Wendy a guitar, and psychedelic mojo overtakes her as Piggytink finally discovers her. As soon as Piggytink arrives, she flies off again to “rouse the idiots” who are Peter and the Lost Boys.

Meanwhile, Peter assimilates John and Michael into the Lost Boys (Fozzie, Rowlf, and Pepe) and convinces them that the Hippen Groovee are vicious savages who have captured Wendy. This rallies the Lost Boys to fight for her freedom (while Piggytink conveniently takes a bubble bath).

Wendy soon finds Captain Hook in the jungle making himself a new hat (long story). It’s here that he reveals his plight prior to being Captain Hook. He was once a daredevil obsessed with canons (sound familiar?) who dreamed of having a pirate themed show on a ship.

Hook appeals to Wendy’s sympathetic side and quickly offers the assistance of the Hippen Groovee to brainstorm on how to make his dream a reality. This is abruptly interrupted by Peter and the Lost Boys, who, of course, try to attack Captain Hook.

Wendy, with her new found sense of love and harmony, man, puts a stop to Peter’s senseless fighting. Peter won’t stand for this, of course, and the two get into a big fight that causes the group to abandon Peter as soon as dinner is called.

The end of this issue is even more suspenseful than issue #2, and it’s sure to bring us a great finale come issue #4.

WRITING
The writing in this issue is phenomenal—just as it has been throughout the series. I’m amazed at how wonderfully Grace Randolph writes The Electric Mayhem, Bean Bunny, and especially Miss Piggy. Bean has a handful of laugh out loud moments that really make him shine through and Miss Piggy is absolutely perfect throughout; from telling Floyd to get a job, to whacking Rizzo on the head, Piggy is perfect. She is the real highlight of this entire series. Kudos to Grace for bringing back the pig we all know and love!

ART
This is the only real place I have any discrepancies in this issue. Normally, I’m the biggest supporter of Amy Mebberson’s art, but I wouldn’t be a fair and balanced blog if I didn’t provide some constructive criticism now and again. Amy’s flawless artwork hits its first snag in this issue on one character: Pepe. Now, Amy has mentioned before that she is much more partial to the Jim Henson-era Muppets—and Pepe is extremely difficult to draw—but with, literally, every other character looking gorgeous and perfect, it’s a little striking to see one be illustrated rather poorly.

But other than this one little flub, the rest of the issue is absolutely beautiful. The backgrounds are strikingly gorgeous and there are tons of subtle little comedic nuances with Amy’s drawings that you can catch something new each time you read through. It’s obvious that Amy has a true grasp on all of the characters, and it shows in her work.

CONCLUSION
This series has the best writing and artwork out of any of the Muppet comic books I’ve seen. Like James Gannon said in the last review, this really feels like it could be a Muppet movie. Most of us are tired of the Muppets portraying literary characters rather than themselves, but I’m here to tell you that this doesn’t feel like the Muppets are acting at all. It feels as if they are playing themselves—they just happen to be named Peter Pan and Piggytink.

Be sure to pick up Muppet Peter Pan as soon as you can!

CAST
Kermit the Frog as Peter Pan, Miss Piggy as Piggytink, Gonzo the Great as Captain Hook, Janice as Wendy, Scooter as John, Bean Bunny as Michael, Sam Eagle as Mr. Darling/the Narrator, Rizzo the Rat as Mr. Smee, Sweetums as Mr. Starks, Fozzie Bear as Tootles, Rowlf the Dog as Slightly, Pepe the King Prawn as Nibs, Dr. Teeth as His High Grooviness Dr. Goldentooth, Floyd Pepper as Firecheeks Floyd, Zoot as Zoot Runningmouth, Animal as He-Who-Runs-With-Sharks/Animal, The Swedish Chef as himself, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker as gunmen.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier.

Muppet Comic Mondays: Muppet Peter Pan #2

Today's Muppet Comic Monday is brought to us by our good friend James Gannon, who reviewed The Treasure of Peg Leg Wilson #4 for us a few weeks ago.

Remember that Muppet Bohemian Rhapsody is now available for download on Amazon and iTunes internationally and will be available in the US tomorrow! Check back here tomorrow for links and more information.

James Gannon - Ah, Muppet Peter Pan, the second Muppet comic miniseries where Kermit wears tights.

While the first issue is spent establishing Peter Pan, and all the rest (Peter having to get his shadow and taking the kids to Neverland…err Neverswamp, much to Piggytink’s dismay), this issue gets the ball rolling on meeting Captain Hook and his gang of pirates.

Of course, that’s after we’re reminded that Sam has taken over as Narrator, which leads to a classic Sam moment where he puts his overzealous patriotism over his own common sense (let’s just say it involves Sam having the other Narrator for an American Meal that the pilgrims feasted on and allegations of cannibalism). Which brings this reviewer to the casting choices of this story. In the grand tradition of Peter Pan, the father is always performed by the same actor who performs Captain Hook, like Hans Conried in the Disney version. Grace Rudolph breaks tradition, and for the better I might add.  Sam is a perfectly strict father figure, and a hilarious stuffed shirt who hijacks the story to make sure his kids are American, not British. I doubt that using Gonzo would have had that interesting, almost Bullwinkle-esque angle. Besides, I doubt Gonzo would make a great father. “Remember not to take any dynamite from strangers, kids.”

Of course, Gonzo makes a very interesting Captain Hook. He did play the role twice on Muppet Babies, but this time is different. Instead of absolutely reeking villainy, and being dead set on getting revenge on Peter Pan for leaving him in the handless state, he seems more hurt by the psychological damage, and even bemoans having to get along with only his metal hook. Which begs the question, was Captain Hook always known as Captain Hook, even before his hand had to be replaced by one? Anyway, Rizzo is perfectly cast as Mr. Smee. But instead of being the same sycophant you’d expect to see, he seems completely reluctant about his lot in life, and gets pretty annoyed by Captain Hook’s emotional baggage. Rounding out the pirates, we have Sweetums, Lew Zealand (in a non-speaking role), and even Statler and Waldorf in the crow’s nest. Bunsen and Beaker even get in as the ship’s gunmen, but with their own special slant. Bunsen doesn’t just man the cannons, but he introduces his own, highly experimental vaporizing cannons and cannon ball net traps (they cut down on waste).

Once Peter et al get to Neverswamp, we get an amazing cameo only a die-hard fan would have written. Piggytink laments her situation with Peter to the “For the Birds” birds from the Sex and Violence pilot. I usually try not to reveal these, but I think this deserves attention. And their bit “agreeing” with Piggy is actually funnier than the actual skit. Leading of course to some great play between Gonzo and Kermit, including a comedic sword fight and more emotional baggage by Gonzo’s Hook.

Now, I’ve never been crazy about these Muppet classic retellings. Sure, I do like The Muppet Christmas Carol and I really like Muppet Treasure Island. And The Muppets' Wizard of Oz… well… I liked Quentin Tarantino’s cameo. But Grace gets it right. Not only is this because these Muppet Fairy Tales have an all Muppet cast, but because she has a great feel for the characters. While I enjoyed Muppet Robin Hood, the writing was pretty straightforward at times, and you got a sense of the Muppets playing the characters. Here, we get the Muppets as these characters. Not Kermit playing Peter Pan, but if Kermit were Peter Pan. Even the story has a nice Muppet style twist that seems very natural.

As far as the artwork goes, there is NO excuse for Muppet fans to say they don’t like the stylization. Amy Mebberson has an amazing Disney-like Storybook quality with absolutely wonderful adaptations of the characters. Even wrinkling and rumpling the character’s faces when they emote.  It reminds me of those great old Tom Leigh illustrated Muppet books, like “Muppet Manners or The Night Gonzo Threw a Party.” And really, the best looking illustrated Miss Piggy I’ve seen in years. Seems like both artist and writer are big Miss Piggy fans, giving us a much deeper character and genuinely funny dialogue.  You can almost hear Frank Oz’s voice when you read.

I just can’t recommend this comic  miniseries enough. Even if you didn’t like Muppet Robin Hood, and you somehow don’t appreciate Roger Langridge’s work in The Muppet Show Comic Book, you’ve got to pick this one up.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier.

Muppet Comic Mondays: Muppet Peter Pan #1

TV ALERT
Remember that The Muppets will be performing with Andrea Bocelli tonight on The Jay Leno Show on NBC at 10/9c!

Muppet Peter Pan #1
Comic Book Review

Ryan Dosier – Muppet fans have been eagerly awaiting the release of the new Muppet Peter Pan comic book written by friend of the blog Grace Randolph and drawn by, also friend of the blog, Amy Mebberson. Muppets fans everywhere hoped it would be better than the Muppets’ previous comic book fairy tale adaption, Muppet Peter Pan. Let’s find out if their hopes were fulfilled.

Issue #1 was released in August 2009.

PLOT
Issue #1 provides us with a back story of how Peter Pan became the green-clad, high-flying, never-aging legend he is today. Sam Eagle guides us through the plot in true Sam fashion—even interrupting the narrator (multiple times) to make the story more American.

PiggyTink (Miss Piggy) discovers Peter Pan (Kermit the Frog) abandoned by his mother (as all frogs are) in a Boston swamp (Sam’s idea) and escorts him off to Neverswamp where he never has to grow older.

Soon, we meet the Darling Children, Wendy, John, and Michael (Janice, Scooter, and Bean Bunny, respectively) who love hearing the stories of Peter Pan and reenacting them.

We then discover that Peter and PiggyTink are spying on the children in hopes of recovering Peter’s shadow from their nursery. Peter lost it one night while listening to one of Wendy’s stories.

But soon enough it is time for the Darling’s to go to bed—as ordered by their maid, Nana (Camilla), who helps them wash up and get in bed. After the children are in bed, their adopted father (Sam Eagle) enters and argues with Wendy about how she needs to grow up. This quickly perturbs Peter, who is a firm believer in never growing up.

Mr. Darling soon goes out for his “nightly voting practice run” and leaves the children under Nana’s care. This is when Peter and PiggyTink sneak into the nursery to find Peter’s shadow.

After some hilarious action, Peter and PiggyTink find the shadow and wake the Darling children. Wendy (hilariously) restores Peter’s shadow to the rest of him and Peter and PiggyTink are all set to go… until the Darling’s beg to go with him. Peter agrees and PiggyTink (reluctantly) obliges with some Piggydust, allowing thee children to fly off to Neverswamp.

TONE
I have never been more impressed with the tone of a Muppet comic book than I was with Muppet Peter Pan. Normally, I attribute the tone to the writer of the comic, but this time I simply have to acknowledge that both Grace and Amy’s work adds to the exceptional tone of Muppet Peter Pan. Everything feels like the Muppets and nothing makes me stop and think, “Wait… (insert Muppet here) wouldn’t say/look like that!”

Kudos to both Grace and Amy for their fantastic work!

WRITING
I am thoroughly impressed with Grace Randolph’s writing of the Muppets in this book. It is absolutely fantastic and each and every one of them shines. Miss Piggy is an exceptional highlight, and Sam Eagle is absolutely perfect. Grace also gets extreme points for writing Janice, Scooter, and Bean Bunny flawlessly. For such sparsely seen characters, Grace really hits them all on the head (not literally, thankfully) and knows exactly how they each should sound.

ART
As anyone who reads the blog knows, I consider Amy Mebberson’s artwork as close to perfect as you can get. It really shines here as we see how no character moves beyond their puppet limit—even though they’re illustrated. Amy really has a great feel for the characters movements and personalities and humors (especially Sam and Bean). It is amazing to see what she can do with Miss Piggy. Each of her characters are absolutely stunning.

Plus, she included an absolutely hilarious sight-gag with Scooter’s glasses. What more could you want?

CONCLUSION
Muppet Peter Pan has quickly become my favorite of the Muppet comic books from BOOM! Studios. I am just so completely stunned by all of the beautiful work put in by Grace and Amy and it’s a real honor to have interviewed the both of them.

Be sure to pick up your own copy of Muppet Peter Pan as soon as you can!

CAST

Kermit the Frog as Peter Pan, Miss Piggy as PiggyTink, Janice as Wendy Darling, Scooter as Michael Darling, Bean Bunny as John Darling, Sam Eagle as the Narrator and Mr. Darling, Camilla the Chicken as Nana.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier.

Interview with Grace Randolph, Muppet Peter Pan Writer

NEWS UPDATE: November 6th, 2009
Check out Google.com's homepage again today to see Bert and Ernie posing in place of the search engine's two O's. You can almost hear Ernie's raspy laugh!

Andrea Bocelli's Christmas album has debuted on iTunes. It includes "Jingle Bells" performed by Bocelli and The Muppets. For only $.99, why not buy it?

Cookie Monster, Elmo, and Abby Cadabby appeared on NBC's Today this morning to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Sesame Street. Check it out the entire celebration on Today's official website!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Today on The Muppet Mindset, we interview the writer of the hilarious Muppet Peter Pan comic book, Grace Randolph. Grace has worked on many comics before and has been a Muppet fan all of her life (she even has her own Muppet Whatnot; how cool is that?).

Grace Randolph Interview

conducted by Ryan Dosier

RYAN:   First off, Grace, thank you so much for agreeing to do an interview with us here at The Muppet Mindset. It means a whole lot and we’re honored to have you! And, as the geeky fan-boy I am, I also have to say how much I love Muppet Peter Pan so far. You’ve got the characters down pat! Gonzo as Captain Hook? Truly genius.

GRACE:   I’m so glad to hear you’re enjoying Muppet Peter Pan!  It’s always a little nerve-wracking working on something that has already been established for many years.  You know people are going to be picking it up with certain expectations, so you want to meet those expectations and – if you can pull it off – exceed them!

RYAN:   Let’s get started, shall we? How did Muppet Peter Pan come about? Did you pitch the idea to Disney/BOOM! and then run with it? Or was it pitched by someone else and they just asked you to write it?

GRACE:   Paul Morrissey was my editor over at TOKYOPOP and when he moved over to BOOM! Kids to take over the Muppet books, he asked me to pitch some ideas.  One was Muppet Peter Pan.  He liked it, Disney liked it, and so it was off to the races!  And when Aaron Sparrow came aboard as the new Muppet Editor he really liked what I was doing so it was a seamless transition.  The book is as fun to make as it is – hopefully – to read!

RYAN:   What is the casting process for a comic book like this like? Does Disney approach you with an idea of which Muppets they’d like to portray which characters? Or is there some sort of creative leeway on your part?

GRACE:   I’m happy to say that I cast the entire book myself.  Of course, the major roles are discussed in the pitch, so Disney knew what I wanted to do before they approved it.  Casting-wise, I’m most proud of Sam The Eagle as the narrator and Janice as Wendy.  I think a large role like that really allows the character to come into her own.

RYAN:   Is it difficult writing somewhat minor Muppet characters like Janice, Scooter, and Bean Bunny in the starring roles as the Darling Children? The casting is superb, but it must be hard to find the right “voice” for a character like Bean due to such a lack of source material.

GRACE:   Well, to me Bean will always be the star of THE MUPPET SHOW 3D at Disney Hollywood Studios!  He’s cute and spunky, so I have a lot of fun writing him.  I enjoy finding each character’s voice and trying to be true to that.  If there isn’t a lot of source material, I try to think about what the character stands for and what image they project.  And the great thing about the minor characters is that I can flesh them out a little.  Like I said, I’ve been having a lot of fun with Janice.

RYAN:   Tell us about Amy Mebberson, the artist for Muppet Peter Pan. What is it like working with her on this project? How would you describe her beautiful artwork? (Keep in mind, the word perfect can be used.)

GRACE:   Amy Mebberson is the perfect artist for the Muppets!  Her renditions of the characters are pure perfection, and her attention to “puppet anatomy” is perfect-a-mundo!

RYAN:   Muppet Peter Pan is far from your first job in the comic book industry. What have some of your past projects been?

GRACE:   Well my first big break was at DC Comics with Justice League Unlimited #41, starring the Joker and Harley Quinn!  I then went on to do a lot of work for TOKYOPOP, starting with an entry in their Pilot Program which I’m happy to say was the most popular one with readers.  I then did a number of short stories for their Warcraft and StarCraft anthologies.

RYAN:   Where do you draw your inspiration for writing from (either Muppet-related or not)?

GRACE:   Hmm, well, I’d say I write the kind of comics I’d want to read.  I’m a big comic book reader and I know what it’s like to read an amazing comic – and what it’s like to read a crappy one.  So whenever I’m sitting at my computer writing a comic, I imagine what it’s like to read that issue as I go along.

RYAN:   I know in another interview you mentioned that you have your very own Muppet Whatnot. Tell us about him. I hear he made a brief cameo in issue #2.

GRACE:   Yes, Josh!  I made him at FAO Schwartz in New York City and he’s named after the guy who put him together for me.  Muppet Robin Hood writer Tim Beedle suggested I give him a cameo in the book so I sent his picture to Amy.  He did indeed make it into issue #2 – he’s the pirate with glasses when we first see Captain Hook’s ship, The Saucy Pullet!

RYAN:   Were you at the D23 Disney fan convention in Anaheim in September? If so, tell us about what seemed to be a truly incredible experience.

GRACE:   Aside from comic books, I’m a HUGE Disney fan.  So I jumped at the chance to attend D23 where I was at the BOOM! Studios’ booth promoting Muppet Peter Pan.  I think it’s a good idea for Disney to have its own convention for fans – their own San Diego Comic Con if you will.  And boy was it chock full of great Disney news and behind the scenes information!  I’m a D23 member and I highly recommend joining.  They publish a quarterly D23 magazine (which you can also buy in Disney Stores) and I believe that the spring issue will have a whole section on D23 for those who missed it.

RYAN:   You seem to be a huge Muppet fan, just like myself, and that is fantastic. How did you become a fan of the Muppets?

GRACE:   When I was a kid it’s something my parents thought I might like, so they introduced me to the show, etc.  The Muppets stand out because their humor is very adult.  A lot of times people think you need to dumb stuff down for kids, which is ridiculous.  The Muppets don’t talk down to kids, which is one of the reasons I think those same kids are still fans when they grow-up.

RYAN:   Who is your favorite Muppet?

GRACE:   I really like Sam The Eagle.  I find his Americana humor hilarious!  But after writing Muppet Peter Pan, I’d say I’ve developed a soft spot for all the Muppets I’ve written.  When you have to think like a Muppet, you become a Muppet.  Or at least understand them a whole lot better!

RYAN:   What about your favorite Muppet production?

GRACE:   Hands down, A Muppet Christmas Carol.  I love that movie and I think it’s really very clever.  I’m always impressed that Michael Caine was so game.

RYAN:   What are the chances of seeing Angus McGonagle the Gargling Gargoyle appear in Muppet Peter Pan?

GRACE:   Hehe – sorry!  There are no buildings in Neverswamp!

RYAN:   Are you excited for all of the incredible Muppet projects being worked on by Disney (The Cheapest Muppet Movie Ever Made, a new Halloween special, etc.)?

GRACE:   At the D23 Expo I attended the Muppet Panel and let me tell you, there is just a ton of wonderful Muppet stuff on the way!  Everyone will get to experience the Muppet Renaissance in the next year or so.

RYAN:   Without giving away too much, what sort of fun surprises can readers expect from Muppet Peter Pan?

GRACE:   More awesomeness.

RYAN:   Do you have any other plans to work with the Muppets in the future?

GRACE:   I have some pitches in, but of course I’m looking forward to the upcoming Muppet King Arthur!

RYAN:   Finally, what advice do you have for aspiring Muppet writers or comic book writers who want to get involved in the industry?

GRACE:   Nobody is going to hand you a writing job.  You’ve got to get out there and be persistent, professional, and polite.  I suggest going to conventions and meeting the people who would hire you – and be sure you’ve got the goods to back up your pitch.

RYAN:   Thank you so much for doing an interview with us, Grace. It’s an honor and a privilege! Where can fans find out more about you and your work?

GRACE:   It was my pleasure!  I’ve gotten such great feedback on Muppet Peter Pan from readers and it’s meant a lot.  If anyone would like to know more about the other stuff I’m working on, please visit my website www.gracerandolph.com.

RYAN:   Fantastic. Thank you again!

Remember folks, go get yourself a copy of Muppet Peter Pan! Issues 1 and 2 are available today online or in a comic book store near you! Be sure to read The Muppet Mindset's interview with the other half of the Muppet Robin Hood team by checking out our interview with artist Amy Mebberson!