My Absurd Quest To Revive A Terrible Superhero

[@austinmcconnell]

KICKSTART ATLAS HERE: bit.ly/GOATLAS

[@vaniljLeo]

ok!

[@thanosdoomjuggernaut2846]

You need to go check out Hugo Danner. Superman was based off of him. The book is called Gladiator. I’m not sure if he’s in a public domain but I think he is. Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster based Superman literally off of him. And marvel made Gladiator off of Superman. If you get paid off of this hit me up, LOL.

[@AManOnline.]

You've got a donation from me, Austin! I can't wait to see this universe pop off

[@BlaudracheLP]

Is there an alternative way to fund it for those who don't own a credit card?

[@johnwolfenden7599]

but if the 6 gun gorilla movie is animated, how will it be just a guy in a suit? Green screen?

[@ScottCramer]

If you're looking for voice actors I've always wanted to be in a Barbie straight-to-DVD style movie!

[@zachschmo]

If you’re looking for voice actors Scott has always wanted to be in a Barbie straight-to-DVD style movie

[@cjhawk2000]

Scott needs to be be part of this

[@justfiddiculus7736]

Scott has always wanted to be in a movie like this

[@dankmegatron313]

You absolutely need to be in this movie

[@rexjolles]

Same. I'll help

[@imhungreee7645]

As a 3d filmmaker. PLEASE start with a short 2 min official preview. Animated features 5 min or longer are very difficult to gage how difficult full cg is. (Even if it's intentionally less professional) and 3 day problems can be dodged easily once you get a good lay of the land. Good luck!

[@tatehildyard5332]

I honestly think a retro comic animation style would have been cheaper, easier and have been more in the spirit of the original work. Or am I just talking out of my ass?

[@imhungreee7645]

@@tatehildyard5332 You are correct it would be cheaper and more stylized. But in 3D films, you usually only capture about 50% of everything you build. So you put in a ton of effort even if it is just a small project. It takes a lot of prep work like texturing and lighting for even the most simple things. So people don't usually like to do 3D unless it is going to be a big production. 2D is better in this regard because you only spend time on what the audience is going to see. 2D is a lot more limiting though, so there are pros and cons for both sides. I don't want to sound like a know-it-all, but I really enjoy it when people want to know more about 3D or films in general!

[@tatehildyard5332]

@@imhungreee7645 You did not sound like a know it all. I was looking for the contrasting perspective of a more informed person on the subject.

[@ONEPEAKFRFR]

Wow

[@SapioiT]

As someone who enjoys short 3D movies/films which seem like they could rival Marvel, DC, and Disney, if they were turned into a full-length movie/film, I think that sharing this video with a bunch of people who make those kinds of short films/movies could lead to a partnership which to result into a full movie or an anime series/cartoon series (like Star Wars: Rebels, for example).

[@Hyacinth828]

Weirdest thing just happened... I was telling my parents about the BBCU and Kickstarter for Atlas' movie, when my mother just blurted out "Oh yeah, I remember Atlas." Naturally I was stunned. Turns out as a kid, she had a piano teacher who collected comic books, and she'd read them during her sibling's piano lessons. I was psyched about that, and she was really happy someone was reviving the character. Thanks for this, Austin! I really hope the movie turns out well!

[@LaneCorbett]

I'd pay to watch these movies ngl

[@KGBeast.]

"Oh yeah, I remember Atlas. " she's a legend

[@jjd3hner544]

At least we know one person who would watch atlas in theaters

[@j-stormstrike9012]

No way! That’s awesome.

[@DrDunsparce]

One of like 4 Altas fans 💀

[@TheSecondVersion]

>Atlas loses the need for glasses. Fact: The lenses in your eyes are controlled by muscles, which is what lets you refocus them as needed (and why your eyesight worsens in old age; the muscles weaken) What if some of the secret exercises taught to him involved *flexing his EYES,* thus allowing him to correct his vision at will

[@AlphaPizzadog]

his eyes are normally unfocused, he has to put conscious effort into using his eyes but he has up to 20/0.125 vision how does he do it? putting his hands in a binocular position.

[@soulbound2]

That’s some fridge brilliance right there

[@ibn_adham]

Then how does laser surgery improve your eyesight?

[@patrickhurley7029]

genius

[@seanbigay1042]

Guy with glasses has super strength. Why does this sound so familiar?

[@thegodofalldragons]

My main concern would be that "intentionally bad" works tend to try too hard to be funny. I'd say look to Adam West Batman for inspiration on how to do a campy superhero story right.

[@kermanbizzlebop8895]

this 100% I feel he's going at this the completely wrong way. he's doing the "WOW SO SILLY AND CAMPY HAHA *winks at camera*" bullshit that so many reworkings of older properties fall for and i feel that's just so tired and just not fun. those things didn't work cause they were terrible or goofy, the AUTHENTICITY of it is what made these things great. having a serious story measured with that genuine silly authenticity would make it so much better. he's also being way too surface level with this story when there's like a PERFECT story about toxic masculinity (the actual social problem of men feeling they have to be "manly" to be a man) and the problems surrounding that with how Linda and this Atlas guy treats him instead of just doing the old outdated 40s origin story AGAIN. these characters are ripe for reimagining and he's just going at them like they're jokes instead of actually doing something interesting with them.

[@worldcomicsreview354]

Now I want to take the concepts of these characters and tell actually heroic, epic stories with them, which are not parodies at all. That'll piss people off.

[@thegodofalldragons]

@@kermanbizzlebop8895 I wouldn't even say deconstruct it. You could play it as a charmingly sincere story about self-improvement and taking control of one's life, just with a lot of tongue-in-cheek melodrama. Poke fun at the inherent silliness of superheroes in general, while still demonstrating why people like these stories anyway.

[@komi9261]

@@thegodofalldragons Can you contact austin somehow? I love your ideas and would really really want to see it as something..

[@askinredroads5132]

Yes!

[@DavidFrostbite]

I feel like theres an unexplored theme here around self confidence. Cause Jim _does_ try to get the lady _and_ sick up for her in a fight. Like, he wasn't a coward, he did the hard part. He just wasn't prepared.

[@rustyshackle8000]

WHich could be why Linda berates him. She thanks him for stepping in, she genuinely appreciates that he tried to help without any expectation of reward, but the reason she gets on him is because he ran into a situation without considering if he could even solved it. He could have called the police, or used some other method other than rushing in and getting his ass kicked.

[@kpmh2001]

"You know those terrible straight-to-video animated Barbie movies?" Say no more, I'm in.

[@austinmcconnell]

My man. 😎

[@rexjolles]

@@austinmcconnell I'll be a voice actor for free

[@emmypersonal4033]

They're IN right now too! Plenty of young adults and teens are reminiscing about those movies rn so this is the perfect time to aim for that style!

[@bitratebenny2856]

Amen, brother.

[@zillasaiyan1m274]

@@austinmcconnell I can be a voice actor I can do lots of different voices the skits on my channel are my resume :)

[@peronafanman]

The BBCU will be the best cinematic universe ever, just y'all wait.

[@IcyDiamond]

Don’t you mean the BBCU?

[@peronafanman]

@@IcyDiamond Fixed it

[@alex.g7317]

@@IcyDiamond that’s what he said Dipshit

[@ONEPEAKFRFR]

@@IcyDiamond ABBCU A. Animated B. Bargain B. Bin C. Cinematic U. Universe

[@rinoz47]

Binging With Babish Culinary Universe?

[@strikerblitz2164]

My only concern is with Linda, if any character needs to change, it's definitely her. Like Jim helped her brother fight off the gangsters, but she berates him because he got beat up pretty badly? Maybe if you wanted to play off his cowardice, he could've ran away. Maybe she's not berating him, and that's just him deciding to go training, or she stays the same, but Jim doesn't end up with her because he realizes that he's better off without her.

[@misteryA555]

Yeah, having her get mad at someone who did nothing except get injured will make her a really unlikable character. Especially because she isn't the one with an arc here (at least it doesn't seem like it- which is fine movies are short not every character can have a full arc) It'd be better if Atlas had a more extreme reaction to the thugs- like running away leaving her all on her own. That would be a real reason to be mad at him, since he abandoned her and if she wasn't prepared she'd be in actual trouble. It will also give him a much lower starting point so the transformation is more satisfying. Maybe she even doesn't want to tell him about her brother because she still doesn't trust him after his earlier cowardace, but he tells her he never wants to act that way again and refuses to give up like before, so she gives him the details

[@badideagenerator2315]

They should have him dump her in the end

[@osmanyousif7849]

Sheesh, she sounds like Amber from Invincible (TV show)….

[@demetriusrose2011]

yeah defiantly, I think the point he gets back with her after her just being a dick makes no sense.

[@TheTaxGeek]

I kind of like the "updated" Linda. She's no longer a "stenographer" (do those even exist anymore?), and when it's clear Jim ain't gonna be any help, she hits the "ruffians" with her pepper spray. WTG.

[@singletona082]

Honestly Public Domain Cinematic universe is a genuinely grand idea that could be a fun series of youtube crossovers if nothing else. Get TaleForge, Net Narrator, and the like to help do narration and voicework or just readings. Have a modern day radio drama.

[@ericnielsen4868]

Bargain Bin Cinematic Universe*

[@dravenduprii6254]

Fun Unowned Comics (because we already know it's cinematic by now) Univers I can see it all now Disney's biggest rival started out as a joke that the world couldn't get enough of.

[@astrodyno7273]

BBC Universe

[@SharpDesign]

A Cinematic Universe that anyone can jump in on sounds amazing.

[@SapioiT]

And if enough people share this video with the people who make those awesome short movies/films which get hundreds of thousands to millions of views but have no chance of making it into a real movie, then we might have a chance to see Pixar levels of movie/film quality, or close-enough to make you wonder what Pixar and Disney are doing with all the money they have.

[@ieatrainbows095]

"It is a shame for a man to grow old without seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable" - Socrates I think having atlas spout some wisdom like this would sell the idea that he chose Jim because he has all the pieces to become a good man, he just needs to put in the effort. Him being an IT guy and being more of an intellectual during his early life isn't wrong, but it is wrong to stay weak and only push one part of his humanity, that being his mind instead of his body. “The society that separates its scholars from its warriors will have its thinking done by cowards and its fighting by fools.” - Thucydides.

[@victor_silva6142]

this is actually gold advice. You work as an editor in RL? serious it's the kind of thing that could turn a project into a money making one.

[@Artemisarrowzz]

This would be freaking awesome

[@highway_roadkill]

i think this is the key piece that would turn Atlas from a trash superhero concept to an actually half-decent one

[@bunnygirlerika9489]

Thats is a great idea. Look at some irl athletes who are actually very intelligent on top of being super fit and buff.

[@jockeyfield1954]

"Jim of all people? Please, Socrates, a soldier is much more fit! Maybe a pro-wrestler, a boxer, just anyone would be a way better hero to carry out justice than Jim over there. Come back to me with someone worth while. I hate it when people waste my time, Socrates, you know that."

[@MattMamba24]

Purposefully going for a, “so bad it’s good” movie usually results in a movie that can get overly self-aware, full of inside jokes, and forgettable. It might be fun to make, but not so fun for others to watch. I wish you the best though and hope you have fun with it. Just wanted to drop my thoughts on it! Have a great rest of your week!

[@SlimThrull]

Agreed. You have to take it seriously, but not super seriously.

[@LordVader1094]

@@SlimThrull You also need to try making it good first

[@aspectralstudios8303]

I am pretty sure Austin's got this. 😎😃

[@thepillowhead2453]

@@SlimThrull A good example of this is Malignant.

[@myWeirdNerdyNeighbor]

@@skyhook2131 you have an idea of what it takes, yet austin didn't tell HOW he was doing it. I say give him a chance beyond assumptions. :D

[@i_so_late]

someone else said it, but I'll repeat it I love love love this whole idea of the BBCU, but be careful of the mindset of intentionally making a "so bad it's good" movie. I feel like that's the wrong mindset, you can make something goofy and ridiculous but you still have to like it, it still has to be good in it's humor and campiness. Someone mentioned the 1960s Batman movie, and while I haven't seen it, from what I know about it it's probably a great source of tonal inspiration for this whole idea

[@wolframbloomer5887]

@person person I think its important, and I'm sure folks on the kickstarter would agree, that the way you either get a good movie *or* a "so bad its good movie" is, in either case: you aim to make something good. A "so bad its good movie" is often at its most interesting when it tries to be good and falls short, rather than when it leans to winking-to-the-camera stylistic suck based on the limitations of the funding and time. Still though, I liked "Today is Spaceship Day", so I think Austin has some knowledge about how to make So Bad It's Good work.

[@rayvenkman2087]

How about Naked Gun or Airplane! but with superheroes? Straight-faced characters in an absurd word in the vein of Adam West Batman.

[@kevinboros7427]

"Terrible straight to video Barbie movies"?! Sir, I'll have you know that those films SLAPPED. I remember as a kid that they were real bangers; my favourite was the one with the evil, fairy-consuming dark monsters.

[@forkspoon5375]

mariposa? H E L L Y E A H

[@kevinboros7427]

@@forkspoon5375 I couldn't even remember its name, but now that I looked it up, yeah, it's that one!

[@vijeomasher9154]

My favorite is the musical one, Princess and the Pauper.

[@forkspoon5375]

@@kevinboros7427 It is a masterpiece of film

[@kevinboros7427]

@@vijeomasher9154 I remember that one too

[@RealityRogue]

I would love to see intense/rich backstories for each of them. Having their stories be taken more seriously than even the main DC/Marvel comics

[@Huggbees]

I'm interested, and excited.

[@ammagon4519]

Voice Atlas

[@PastramiMan]

Voice Atlas bet you won't

[@hjohnson966]

You've got to make DVDs for this movie, with crappy DVD cover art. That would really sell the "Walmart bargain bin" movie vibe. Even better, slap a huge $5 sticker on the case, even if you have to sell it for more than that. I just want a huge sticker ruining the already awful cover art.

[@austinmcconnell]

Hahahaha I'll consider it.

[@rexjolles]

@@austinmcconnell and use broken English on the description

[@mr_indie_fan]

I neeeed it

[@protorhinocerator142]

5 bucks is too much. Sell them for $4.99. And have the price already slashed from $32 as if the store marked it down, but it's all part of the original cover art. 10 cents - no, 32 bucks, no, $4.99. YESSSS!

[@Protofall]

@@austinmcconnell burn the disc onto a DVD-R. We don't press discs here in the bargain bin universe.

[@TRTMN-vs3ew]

Little late to the party here but I am glad to see this BBCU getting some traction going. My only concerns are Linda's character and the lack of villains who could pose an actual threat to Atlas. Here are some ideas for handling those issues... 1) For Linda, maybe give her a background where she too went through hardships similar to Jim. Unlike Jim, Linda did not have anyone there to help her overcome these hardships, forcing her to harden up and become a stronger person at the cost of becoming not a really nice person. Jim's timidity and weakness are things she looks down upon since it reminds Linda of what she was like growing up. But rather than offer encouragement or support, she projects her buried bitterness and self-loathing onto Jim after he gets taken down by the thugs. Later on, after Jim becomes Atlas, Man of Might, he develops a friendship with Linda and learns about why she acts this way. I wouldn't want a romantic relationship between them but a more platonic one built on respect and admiration for each other's personal strengths and improvements. This emphasizes a message about the importance of healthy self-improvement, both physically and mentally, and becoming a better happier person if one is unhappy about how they are as opposed to just, ya know, just buffing up for the sole purpose of getting laid. 2) For the villains, everything would revolve around Andy. In an attempt to guide Andy down a better path, Jim teaches him some of the secret exercises he learned from Atlas so he can get fit and defend himself. This does not dissuade Andy from his dark path and he instead betrays Atlas by sharing those same super-empowering exercises with the Duke's henchman when Atlas begins dismantling their criminal operations to basically force Linda's little brother into giving up crime. To accelerate the process, these henchmen use steroids thus developing their powers in a matter of days whereas it took Jim months to achieve his own strength. Unlike Jim, who had potential but no incredible physical skills beforehand, the Duke's henchmen each gain different forms of physical enhancement centered around a specific skill they previously possessed... -One henchman who was good at throwing can now throw super hard. Possible Nicknames: Pitch, Lob, or Hurl. -Another henchman with a pretty mean kick is now able to kick with incredible force. Possible Nicknames: Boot or Punt. -A very large henchman with a devastating tackle can now charge through solid brick walls like a juggernaut. Possible Names: Pain Train, Blindside, or Impetus. These henchmen prove to be quite the nuisance for Atlas though not really all that hard to take down once Jim uses his smarts as well as his brawn to figure out their physical enhancements are limited to those special abilities. Thus, though Pitch/Lob/Hurl and Boot/Punt can throw and kick really hard respectively, neither possesses astounding strength nor durability. Additionally, Pain Train/Blindside/Impetus can charge through solid brick walls, but breaking stone is pretty much as far as his tackling strength takes him, with stronger materials only resulting in a painful concussion. For The Duke himself, I would have him gain strength surpassing that of Atlas but with one crucial weakness: His stamina and endurance suck due to the artificial steroid boost. Think of the Rocky Balboa films where Atlas wins out through sheer resilience before knocking the exhausted Duke down to the floor with a solid finisher. Following this, a reformed Andy helps Atlas dismantle the rest of the Duke's criminal empire. Meanwhile, the crime boss and his henchmen spend time recovering from their injuries. When they do recover they find their physical enhancements are now gone and their bodies are suffering from permanent side effects. Pitch/Lob/Hurl can no longer throw due to his arms being frail and weak; Boot/Punt experiences cramps in his legs; Pain Train/Blindside/Impetus suffers from concussion; The Duke is left bedridden due to his muscles atrophying. This highlights the severe consequences of using steroids to achieve faster results in physical improvement. And that is it. Just some ideas I wanted to throw out there. Hope they are to the readers' liking. Enjoy :)

[@XX-sp3tt]

There's a comfort and a love of taking in the discarded and the unwanted, and showing that in story telling, there are few bad ideas, only bad executions.

[@SpaghettiEnterprises]

I disagree. Drinking bleach is a bad idea regardless of execution.

[@the5wards]

"There are no mistakes, just happy failed multi-billion-dollar movie franchises" -Aristotle, probably

[@peterfrank3365]

For this BBCU, I would've gone with a "James Gunn" route, specifically his 'Scooby Doo'. As he originally, intended anyway; as a semi-parody, and not a straight adaptation the studio had it to be. Pokes fun at itself, but there should be considerable sincerity. Another thing to consider is to play with expectations. My idea is that the villain of the BCCU saga actually steps down from that role and one of the heroes claim it instead. I don't think any cinematic universes right now have anything like that. My imagining for 'Atlas' is also not a straight re-telling, but more of a quasi-sequel to his origins. It would've set in the '80s. He's an old man whose superhero career is reduced to sharing his exercise regiment in those fitness home videos as crimes have become too complicated for him. He's in no shame but is simply bored. Those are just my input anyway.

[@meechthelittle]

This sounds waaaaaay better than the proposed generic/recycled story. If this doesn't get made in this instance, it definitely needs to in another.

[@goldenhorde6944]

Yeah my idea was to lean into the obvious Shazam parallels by actually having Charles Atlas (or a legally distinct likeness thereof) appear in Jim's dream as the previous avatar of Atlas who now has to hang up the cape and pass his mantle down to the next generation of superheros, kinda like Nite Owl from Watchmen.

[@ohboy5999]

No

[@neophyte_tpk]

Heh bbcu

[@jadenbryant9283]

Like I said in the other video make the universe start out light hearted but overtime gets darker think of Neon genesis evangelion with how darker it got overtime

[@Nineball459]

actually going through with this is a hilarious and fun idea but I'd highly recommend not going into it with the mindset of making something "so bad its good." What makes those kinds of movies fun is the inherent genuineness and sincerity throughout, and you're not going to get that if you dive headfirst with such a cynical mindset.

[@JusDoc]

backing for sure! In the event this struggles to get off the ground, you could alter it into a podcast - build out the fictional universe as a series of episodes in the vein of BBC radio shows, individual voices for the characters, background effects, some basic heroic music, etc. Would lower productions costs somewhat, and still let these characters see the light of a new millennium

[@zainaltafalla5804]

Damn thats a really good idea

[@darthjekyll3648]

I vote for the saviors as the hero team name.

[@nebulatoonz8493]

no youtuber puts as much effort into the kind of "ha ha what if we did this" ideas that most people would never actually attempt as austin

[@alex.g7317]

Grammar much?

[@Signal_Lost.]

@@alex.g7317 His comment could use a little polish, but it's far and away from being completely unintelligible.

[@nebulatoonz8493]

​@@alex.g7317 I find it strangely appropriate that the featured video on your channel is a passive-aggressive shitpost. Ironically, its description also contains multiple grammatical errors. You're on KZbin. Curb your superiority complex a bit and realize that most people commenting aren't wasting their energy on cleaning up the sentence structure of a casual remark that took seconds to type. Thanks!

[@alex.g7317]

@@nebulatoonz8493 ok, Jeeze m8, really delving deep ain’t you… I should probably have muted my voice tho…

[@alex.g7317]

@@Signal_Lost. good point

[@CSLucasEpic]

I just found and read Daring Adventures 18 online (its in the public domain so its easy, and free), and there is one part of the story I liked and you ommited. Jim gets visited by Atlas not once, but TWICE. The second time is right after finishing his training and getting all his muscles. He visits Linda to show off his new bod, Linda is impressed but tells him she is afraid because Duke called her and said he was going to see her soon. Jim figures "okay, I'm just a guy, not much I can do. I mean, I have muscles and all but one guy can't do much" As soon as he gets back home, Atlas appears before him again, and in a nutshell tells him "Are you freaking kidding me!? I gave you the secrets to become the strongest man on the planet, you could stop a car if you wanted to, and you are NOT going to do anything about a simple mobster? What the heck is wrong with you!?" And THEN Jim decides to make himself a superhero costume, finde Duke, and stop his plans. The whole exchange there gives off the impression that, before putting on the costume, the only reason Jim started to do Atlas' secret workout was just so he could impress Linda and not to be a hero.

[@doomyboi]

I don't think Atlas even needs to be a "so bad it's good" movie. I think there's actually a gem of a good, strong moral regarding confidence in one's self and respect for one's own talents and body hiding in there that could really make the whole thing shine if it's nurtured properly by the narrative. The animation might not be the best quality, but if the story itself is good enough people will just look at it as a quirk rather than just another reason to bag on the whole thing.

[@SlimThrull]

Eh... Guy loses girl so he goes out and gets jacked. Guy gets girl back by have muscles. It's a doubly sexist trope that should have already been killed off. If it isn't done as a parody, it could look "tone deaf". I think that's what the kids call it these days.

[@Sketch-Motion]

I think he means for it to be more like the 60s Batman type of "so bad it's good".

[@GlizzyGoblin757]

@@SlimThrull It isnt a sexist trope though really.

[@SlimThrull]

@@GlizzyGoblin757 Yeah, it is.

[@EspeonMistress00]

I want people to think that a 15 year old Australian plays the gorilla. Like it's actually a grown Florida man but we will all pretend it's played by a 15 year old Australian.

[@henriquejambu]

Where’s this kid, hire him to do the voice acting

[@Persun_McPersonson]

I have a feeling that this could turn out to be just as much of a misguided mess as Sprouting Orchids and Neva's Story if not handled correctly. "So bad it's good" is hard to nail intentionally and easily falls flat. I'm still looking forward to how this pans out; good luck.

[@rodrigorebollos]

I hope that the Atlas film will get some references and ideas from professional strong men and body builders, especially on the work out scenes and bulking phases, Their villain could be something akin to Bane + Cobblepot, Some guy selling black market "Super steroids" that also happens to use them to do crime Added note: His Superhero lair should be called the "Jungle Gym" to match his aesthetique and outfit

[@Fox_RZK]

I don't know why it took me until now but it totally hit me that One Punch Man can be a perfectly valid modern version of Atlas, kinda. Mostly the dead end job office worker wanting courage and trained until they became a hero part, but still.

[@renerusselladorio1952]

It's more like mha in my opinion

[@Fox_RZK]

@@renerusselladorio1952 Nah, Midoriya didn't work for his powers, he did work, but his powers wasn't a direct result.

[@iantaakalla8180]

If MHA was like it was originally, then MHA could be similar to this version to Atlas.

[@starkillersneed]

Honestly I love the idea of a superhero who works hard for his abilities. This is much more explored in the East, to a ridiculous extent even as satirized by One Punch Man, but in the West the trope is a lot less prevalent. Even when the hero is mostly mundane, like Batman or Daredevil, he has a fuckton of cash or a "weak" superpower that boosts his abilities.

[@shawnwarrynn8609]

There's also the Luther Strode comics by image comics.

[@MrGrompo]

Still haven't gotten over the fact that he got his superpowers by just working out.

[@ianmsutherland]

Sanderson: Secretly writes stories and gets $30mil on Kickstarter. McConnell: I'm gonna try that. This will be the first Kickstarter I've ever supported!

[@matthewharper866]

*40 mil

[@chucklesdeclown8819]

Same here, Lowkey super excited

[@leonardopaulsen2116]

Same, haven't ever supported anyone else before

[@patrickrandolph132]

Same

[@ChrisTrenary]

Have not watched this yet but if this is going where I think it's going then HELL YES.

[@thomheil]

Atlas' costume is everything. Thank you for bringing it to the world's attention.

[@mervjohnson8010]

The idea of looking back on your life and realizing you've been too cowardly I think is a message a lot of people need to hear - in superhero form!

[@deadpoolnerd]

Atlas does sound really interesting in origin. It reminds me of One punch man, a man inspired to do heroics and not just accept a meager life pushes himself to become stronger going beyond their normal limits to become something bigger. As a hero that's interesting most strength and power deriving from science or aliens or mutant strength. Atlas nah just good ole will power and determination. Only thing I'd change the costume a bit, the upper half and lower half so don't match well. I get the stereotypical strong man motif, and the upper half being ala Captain Marvel. I'd say either go full strong man look, or keep the Captain Marvel aesthetic but maybe accent the costume with the tiger stripes to call back to the strongman motif.

[@meowertwelve]

I was worried he wouldn't raise the money but he met his goal over the weekend. Good job, Austin. I'm excited to see Atlas' story come to life.

[@KronosGodwisen]

He has a red fist pictured on his chest but he has whitish gloves. What's that about? Does he have a flaming super punch or is that just a picture of someone elses fist? Wait a second, he's the original Jim from the office? That put a spin on things.

[@happyslapsgiving5421]

Now that you mentioned it, I went back and looked at the costume. That's not even the worst part, IMHO. Nor is the leopard pattern on his undies. What drives me nuts is that he has the same beige - light yellow color on his gloves and the background of the red fist symbol. And then he has an entirely different bright yellow for the popped collar.

[@sktcg1]

I really hope that this kickstarter works out so you can make the rest of the movies

[@mr_indie_fan]

The kickstarter is for the first movie, he will probably have to have a 15k dollar kickstarter for each one

[@sktcg1]

@@mr_indie_fan yeah you’re probably right

[@TheManInBlueFlames]

We need more mediums like this that teach guys how to be CHADs!

[@Drizzy95100]

Definitely make this if you get all of the required funding, Austin. I'm a self-published author and after watching your first video about your team of 'Bargain Bin Super-Heroes', I decided to scour the internet to seek out the lamest, and most ridiculous, public domain super-heroes (and super-villains) to create my own non-serious super-hero team novel for fun that actually becomes more serious by the end and its currently shaping along quite well. In closing, you inspired me, Austin, and as I said before definitely keep up with this idea because I think it's fantastic!!!

[@themarinefan]

Please, let us know when the novel is finished!

[@Drizzy95100]

Will do! Only six more chapters and then it will be completed and sold only on Amazon in e-book, paperback, and hardcover formats!

[@corsaircarl9582]

I'm actually working on the same! All the normal heroes and villains disappeared so it's up to the heroes with the most useless superpowers ever to try and save the world from an encroaching force hellbent on turning the world into a bore fest from a villain that can make anything boring. The protagonist is an alien that can talk to trashcans.

[@Drizzy95100]

Sounds awesome, man! Good luck with it! 👍

[@bluefalcon6356]

Just commenting here for updates, good luck on your novel!

[@amosnimos]

The quality of this movie based on the script should depend a lot on how "good" the training montage is, so... focus on that! i think the spirit of this movie is good, motivate people to get in good shape. don't be shy to take inspiration from other good movie training montage, make sure it's intense! i personally really like the one from my hero academia.

[@protorhinocerator142]

Look for a license-free 80's song as your montage music. Then have the song skip in the middle.

[@Haunted_Plush]

I've always liked the incredible's montage

[@amosnimos]

@@Haunted_Plush Yeah i agree that's also a good example, but not really feasible for a normal human.

[@Haunted_Plush]

@@amosnimos I mostly think it works because of the themeing of all the elements, it's got a specific vibe and it knows what it's trying to be and do

[@Bruhtatochip742]

I think it should start out with him trying different exercises from various Greek tales, like Sisyphus and his boulder for example. The god of strength tasks him to learn the secret of strength through these exercises. Try as he might, the exercises don't seem right for Jim. He fails time and time again until he's at his lowest peak, causing Atlas himself to become uncertain about this mortal. Suddenly, Jim discovers a routine of his own choosing and builds himself up. Jim is then blessed with the God's greater strength. At that point, Atlas reveals to Jim that he was meant to fail the Greek tales. What lies in strength is how we respond to life's toughest battles. We can either crack under pressure or put our will-power to use and find what works.

[@FerdinandZebua]

Three weeks in and Austin's Kickstarter has tripled his funding goal, lol! Go go go! 🤣🤣👍👍

[@mikerazor7]

So is it gonna be the BBCU (Bargain Bin Cinematic Universe), the PDCU (Public Domain Cinematic Universe), or the RSCU (Really Stupid Cinematic Universe)?

[@IcyDiamond]

I like the first one the best

[@singletona082]

My vote is for BBCU. or BBMU (Bargain Bin Media Universe.)

[@thelordz33]

Yes

[@happyslapsgiving5421]

What about the RSPDBBCU?

[@mr_indie_fan]

If the movie gets released on DVD when its finished ill be sure to buy it! Seems like an interesting idea! Also: ill see if i can give some money to the kickstarter to get this going!

[@mr_indie_fan]

@Darth Starkiller definitley agree with that last part!

[@mr_indie_fan]

Seems like a good idea and im definitley getting tired of how woke marvel and dc are becoming so this will be a nice change of pace!

[@mr_indie_fan]

I can probably donate like 20 bucks, which i know isn't alot but every dollar counts! Especially with a goal as low as 15k

[@MrFredstt]

Atlas could legit be a cool comic teaching young boys/men the importance of what it means to be a man, health, courage, etc

[@patroka]

Very interesting idea, and I hope it pans out. Though, I’m a little worried that it might be a little too... boring, I guess, if the adaptation is fairly straightforward. Does it have any sort of hook, beyond the appeal that the source material is terrible?

[@cara-seyun]

Agreed There better be some killer dialogue or character development or something

[@bluetuhgreen]

My thoughts exactly. I like the joke of them all being bad but if that’s it I won’t enjoy it. Gotta either poke fun at itself or add something to make it so bad it’s good.

[@groofay]

I mean, I'm not expecting Alan Moore Swamp Thing levels of revamping, but yeah, I think I'll back this one and see how it goes. It looks like it's going to be the self-aware sort of adaptation at least, so there's that.

[@dragotyranniraptorex6460]

is it me, or does the twist of having the brother be involved with a gang and the mc go in to try to deter him sound like it was a plot point that's been used before?

[@empoleonmaster6709]

@@dragotyranniraptorex6460 That's the point!

[@gunmunz]

As many people suggested in the first vid, the post credits sequence(a lynch pin in any Cinematic universe) needs to be a workout video.

[@michaelcebulski4916]

I will support so long as there is a promise of an after credit scene where Hagrid the Table recruits Atlas into the Bargain Bin team.

[@princecharon]

I like Linda's astonished reaction to the new Jim. Also, for what it's worth I think you've got the right idea on how to start a cinematic universe: Just make one movie first, and see if people like it. If they do, great, and if they don't, back to the drawing board.

[@austinmcconnell]

Totally agree!

[@bradpoer]

Just the backstory of the story alone makes it worthy and deserving of being made- your treatment looks to be awesome. So weird how inspiration works…

[@computerman2168]

This is the most dramatic, saddening, on-edge,suspensful story ever, its better than every hero created by marvel or dc.

[@happyslapsgiving5421]

So I went and researched some suggestions for Phase 2, because you will totally get to Phase 2. 😂 I'm obsessed now. What have you done? 😂 Other than (actually not bad) *British Agent 99,* our connection to a Phase 1 heroine, we could have... - *Emily Ghost:* teaches other ghosts how to spook humans (basically Beetlejuice 30 years earlier), but isn't very good at it. - *Fatman the Human Flying Saucer:* he's obese, turns into a "flying saucer" and has a skinny sidekick covered in tin called *Tinman.* - *Funnyman:* comedian, uses practical-joke-themed gadgets (made by the creators of Superman after they left DC, not a joke). - *Green Lama:* the Buddhist kind, not the camel-like creature with two L's (although...), he studied Buddhism so he summons ghosts. - *Iron Ace:* medieval knight covered in armor, returned in WWII ("the present") with a fighter plane... also covered in armor. - *Miss Fury:* her powers come from not wanting to wear the same dress as another girl at a party (and also shamanism). - *Nightmare & Sleepy:* powerless wrestlers, they wear glow in the dark Halloween skeleton costumes, creating a skeleton illusion. - *Nyoko:* African witchdoctor, he snorts powdered ivory and gets elephant-themed mystical powers. As you do. - *Red Rube:* yes, really (real name Reuben Reuben), he's Shazam with grandpa and grandma ghosts instead of gods. - *Stardust the Super Wizard:* space hero, he turned an enemy into a large disembodied head and carries him around like a mascot. - *Tondo the Omnipotent Robot:* tricked aliens into not invading by showing fake post-apocalyptic videos, also looks super derpy. And to match the use of a Public Domain character with a different editorial origin like Red Riding Hood in Phase 1... - *Dorothy:* the girl from Kansas with the dog and the magic shoes. Why her, you ask? Because she just turned... public domain. PS: as potential supporting characters, *Betsy Crane* and *Linda Lark,* created by different authors and published by different houses, were both made in '61, both nurses, both protagonists of romance / intrigue stories rather than action adventures, and both (hear this) suffered from inconsistent hair color from one issue to the next. That's gold! *Cynthia Gold?* Same thing, a year later. The *Three Nurses?* You know it. Funnily enough, the three of them never met: they just shared a comic book. But wait, there's more: twin sisters Sue and Sally Smith, the *Flying Nurses,* parachuted from planes onto whichever dangerous hot spot needed them. They also had a twin thing psychic link. Dammit, now I'm picturing a spin-off with the Smith twins going on a recruiting spree and teaching the others how to parachute. PPS: another one with cameo potential is *Pin-Up Pete* (my favourite). He's a sleazy US soldier, and each issue he shows a picture (and tells a related story) of a new girl he seduced around the world. That is all.

[@95triforce]

This Kickstarter surpassed its goal by well over 300%. Austin. I’m loving the content you’re putting out there and can not wait for this movie to premier. I’m inviting all my friends over to watch. Hope it’s going well! 😄

[@yellowflag9945]

The reason I am subscribed to Austin’s channel is because although I know the style, more intelligent yet fun content, you never know what will come next. Keep going Austin.

[@Soguwe]

love how you went from accidentally making a bad movie in sprouting orchids to intentionally making a bad movie it's like poetry, it rhymes

[@RockyTorres43]

And both begun with crowdsourcing

[@ender7278]

What are sprouting orchids?

[@RockyTorres43]

@@ender7278 it is Austin's first feature film. He has a couple of videos on it. Search "I made a movie. It stunk" or something a long those lines.

[@dcalltheway610]

Hope to see ALL of this come to to... Love what ive seen so far.

[@conspirasister5945]

I am so down for this!!! Please, please make this movie, Austin! “Barbie movie”animation quality has a special place in my heart, and I honestly think it would give this movie just the vibe you’re looking for.

[@colleenmichele9787]

Whoa! That’s incredible! You’ve done such a great job

[@Strixtech]

I knew it! We'll have T.H.E.M. (The Heroes Everyone Missed) in no time! Loved the Atlas story ❤

[@EPPicstuff]

I'm really excited that you're working on this project! I do hope however, that you'll take these ridiculous concepts and characters, and make it work. With what resources you have available to you, put your full heart into making these incredible movies; that you won't skip out on quality at an point. The fact that you said it will be a "So bad it's good" kind of movie, scares me. That should probably be a consequence of a failed work, not the objective. Right? Make those movies so nonsensical that it's hilarious. Make sure it's still witty and fun! Or perhaps at the same time, disguise actual really compelling character exploration, tackle engaging themes! All and all, make your really good, well made, passionate, really funny movies with the absurdity proud on your sleeve and you're not sorry one bit. Good Luck Austin! Rootin' for you!

[@CSLucasEpic]

What I love about Atlas is that when the Greek god visits his dream and bestows Jim with his secrets, Jim has to work for it. Its no like him getting his strength automatically, with some magic potion, or artifact. No, Jim has to actually put down the work and effort. The Greek god Atlas didn't give Jim his powers, Jim freaking earned them. And even after that he remains somewhat insecure of himself, not of his strength, but of his capabiligies asxa man to do what's right. He remains flwaed and still works on self improvement. In the hands of a good writer, Atlas will become a great superhero.

[@TorstenAdair]

Since you’re learning how… Make this a serial, both as a nod to old films, but also to the original comics. Once you complete the first storyline, you can edit it into a feature.

[@happyslapsgiving5421]

I'm not sure, but I think the limitation here would be money. It's probably going to be a short(ish) movie. Several episodes would definitely cost more.

[@quickflash2studios232]

Honestly, I rewatched the original video and I’d love to see this get all the way to the end! The idea of all the eclectic universes battling together is such a cool visual idea!

[@-No_3-]

I need more of these I think he should really continue this

[@austinmcconnell]

Good news! Atlas is in production. bit.ly/GOATLAS

[@-No_3-]

Why on this comment?

[@hiccuphaddock4520]

Austin! This idea is AMAZING the world could really use some fresh superheroes and what sets yours apart is just that, how silly they are. I think there's an amazing goofy charm here and it's something that the world could really use right now! Looking forward to watching it!

[@Tarrabyte]

Personally, I would have changed the pants to tights, a darker version of the costume. If I remember, maybe I'll make him the sims and see what I can do. Also, I say 100% go for it. I have a feeling you'd get picked up by either Pixar or Netflix. If WB/marvel got you, that'd be cool but they have enough heroes.

[@Foxy02016]

I really hope that this cinematic universe can come true honestly

[@pleaseenteraname1103]

I mean this isn’t the most shameless marketing strategy I’ve ever seen but man is it up there. You should definitely make the movie it should be like a parody.

[@hexum7]

I think this should be the framing device in the movie- the actual creator stepping in to beg for money to make the movie. Formatted as a found footage type of thing

[@dmh2k7]

This looks fun. I actually like the animation style and designs of the preview here. Just need to polish it up a bit. Sorry if you've heard this a million times. If your still thinking of using Catman, you may have to change his look and possibly name, as DC has a Catman with a very similar outfit.

[@wolframbloomer5887]

I think there's also a potentially real issue with the Spider-Queen too.

[@Sketch-Motion]

Use the Australian version.

[@ahobbyist9520]

Atlas when the mild mannered Clark doesn’t clutch the 4v1: where have all the good men gone?

[@janvanhouwelingen4721]

AustinMcConnels videos be like: "I made a joke once and then things got out of hand." I love it.

[@phoenixrising1992]

Okay, so what I've got from the origin story is that it's a little bit of Shazam mixed in with One Punch Man. Sounds like a great idea tbh!

[@dagriggstar]

I think it needs a plot twist on the original story like the initial fight causes some mental health issue to trigger, the visit from atlas is actually delusion and go from there. Or the visit is real, but some other aspect of the story that is more believable isnt, like he hallucinated driving home with Linda but actually she wasnt there, but the fight and dream is real.

[@Limitedprodigy002]

Your videos kind of inspired me to try and revive a public domain character myself in English Class. Currently working on the Hero known as “The Press Guardian” and I’m kind of trying to reboot him as a pulp fiction esc. super hero.

[@CSLucasEpic]

Omg... I actually know about The Press Guardian, and I think he would fit amazingly in modern times. Good luck! I hope your project goes well.

[@leahpark5245]

as much as i want to see this come to fruition, i definitely recommend working on something smaller rather than a full feature length movie first! especially since you are now asking for kickstarter funds to go into it... people care about what they put their money into.

[@willmfrank]

I'm just knocked out by the panel shown at 7:00 and how much Atlas resembles Seth MacFarlane...

[@hufflepufflez3293]

This looks so fun! The PCU seems super fun, if we're allowed to add onto it in like a multiverse-type deal, I think that would be so fun!

[@mr_indie_fan]

Didn't think of that until i saw this comment but yeah because its public domain characters if you put in the effort you can make stuff to expand this when it comes out!

[@Reno750]

THE ABSOLUTE MADMAN, HE'S ACTUALLY DOING IT!

[@zxtudio]

I had the same idea also my father also thought it was dumb also. I was rummaging through the public domain at the time like a couple years back

[@mr_indie_fan]

Everyone be sure to share this so this can turn into an actual thing!

[@dwotl]

This is hands down one of the dumbest plans I have ever heard in my life, you have my full support and will spread the word of this glorious insanity.

[@austinmcconnell]

These are my favorite kinds of comments. 😂

[@Clem_Grineer]

he reached double his goal. Now this, does put a smile on my face.

[@infinitylord4901]

I don’t even care that you laid everything for the first stage of the cinematic universe out in a previous video I want to see this movie franchise happen. I can’t donate to the Kickstarter right now, but I would definitely want to paid to see it when it’s out!

[@theisaacwilliamson]

Austin, I think this is actually a really cool story. You can keep with the campiness of it, but I think the feel would be better suited for the motion-comic animation as opposed to purposely bad. Motion comic is still cheap to do, cheap to voice, but still fun to watch. If you wonder what I mean by motion comic, Zack Snyder used them to storyboard 300, watchmen, and Justice league.

[@chaolinpescain]

wholly agree, animation takes time and is expensive. if you do animation youre gonna end up with 2 routes, release it within a year and sell the entire project as a joke since the animation is gonna be janky asf or take the 2-3 years and $$$ it would need to make it decent enough to tell a good story. motion comics can get a lot done and can be as good as actual animation if enough effort is put into it

[@CheesyLizzy]

I just realized that one of the Kickstarter goals is a theatrical release, and I just think that'd be really cool and also pretty funny seeing this stacked up against corporate animated giants like Illumination and DreamWorks. Has anyone ever made a theatrical release of a movie based off something the public domain before? Because that'd be pretty extraordinary to see happen.

[@krebward]

League of Extraordinary Gentlemen

[@zinkheroofyoutube8004]

The Disney Princess Movies

[@regenerations67]

At the end of the movie I think it would be better if jim realizes that linda is a shallow person and realizes that she was only interested in his looks and not his personality. and decides to leave her and to more focus on himself as a person and to not focus on his strength, but on himself.

[@terrylecroix4745]

The Linda character is really terrible.

[@darken2417]

Or, get ready for some real degree level writing right now. He someway comes to the realization that even with his new powers he actually hasn't changed from before. He is still weak but weak from within deeper than what can be fixed with training. This clearly because he is still simping for that inadequate woman. End it with him going chad mode truly acting like a character that deserves the name ATLAS. Super machismo personality shift, would be funny if he ever has to work with female heroes he'd be so condescending. Make him always refer to himself as a true man and such, super arrogant. And if he ever has to talk to a hero who is having emotional issues or woman issues have him be a real jerk about it. Men don't have feelings sort of vibe.

[@uckbritley1305]

and then Atlas changes his superhero name to Sigma

[@mdtisthebest6249]

I mean she has the right to not like him though

[@theleftistvortex]

New video! Can’t wait to finish it.

[@anxiousace4393]

This inspired me to see how many story's I could fit into one world, and I am at 7 different story's that previously had no connection to the main story lol it's actually kinda hard cause all the different story's had different world rules, so I have to shift those around to make it work

[@oliverrn3092]

This will be an awesome movie series.

[@machiman9780]

I thank you for blessing us with this video.

[@ajshim]

I am so excited for this. Please, please, please! Make this real! Every time I am down or demotivated in my own artistic journey I always play your videos. In particular the public domain cinematic universe videos.

[@siege1686]

If you're going to make more of these, will you need more writers? I'd love to draft up a story. This is just an idea, a minor alteration to the origin story: what if he goes through a near death experience? Like one of the mob guys beating up Andy shoots Jim Randall and he goes through the dream realizing he didn't do much with his life, he is allowed more life from the god in his dream. When he wakes up he is alone in the alley. With his new lease in life, he gets jacked and the rest of the movie happens. Again, just a suggestion.

[@siege1686]

If you need a voice for the bad guy, I've been told I can do a good impression of Kingpin. Anyways, can't wait for your project to be complete!

[@CodyVibbart]

This was my first time supporting a Kickstarter project! Best of luck on this movie, Austin. I'm looking forward to it.

[@scienceme9794]

I said it last time, and I'll say it again: Atlas' secret exercise routine should be100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, 100 squats, and running for 10km every single day.

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

And then sprinkle on a lawsuit by One Punch Man's creator, lol. But who knows, maybe that creator was inspired by Atlas!

[@matthewmatthew981]

And the training montage should be set to Dumbbell Nan-Kilo Moteru.

[@porc1429]

No. It should be something different

[@BarronVonSchnoot]

@@porc1429 no

[@protorhinocerator142]

@@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley He's stronger than Saitama. He does 101 push-ups, 101 sit-ups, 101 squats, and running for 10.1km every single day. He has become... NO PUNCH MAN!

[@outdateduser7036]

I feel like some aspects of the premise might need to be altered for modern societal standards. It's a little strong with the "you should be a REAL MAN with MUSCLES and CHEST HAIR" kind of overtones.

[@user-ey8wp9mi4y]

Or the “you must be very brave and always save the girl otherwise you are a worthless wimp”

[@SeanNicholsEh]

Yeah, I found that to be pretty cringey. And not, I don't think, in the way that he's trying to incorporate cringe.

[@maskofthedragon]

A God of fitness scolding a guy for being a pussy is funny though

[@porc1429]

Yeah. Might be a good arc for Atlas. He's been told to be a REAL MAN with MUSCLES and CHEST HAIR! So in his efforts of crime fighting he just use violence all the time but then he realizes that this doesn't work. Or something idk

[@dpt4458]

I think its a perfectly good premise. Instead of starting directly with the modern notions of whatever a man should be and keep with them in being woke or whatever they should develop naturally. Challenging ideals in unique and interesting ways rather than saying things "as they are". Make someone in the series weak and not a real man and then have him do something good like idk sacrificing himself. Then Atlas ask the gods for funeral military rights for the man but the gods refuse. He then challenges their ideas of weak and strong by showing how their common moral interest has been fulfilled by both a strong and weak man thus showing that the strong and the good are not definetily linked. This is what a good show should show in my opiniom rather then whatever modern opinions we have which are shallow and don't mean much.

[@sansventura7199]

Funny thing about this story is that there are some legitimate kernels of promise stored in it I mean a cowardly but well leaning young adult wants to become a better and stronger person after an embarrassing moment in their life, is in itself a great start for a story. Atlas the Greek god of strength finally getting fed up with modern day cowardice and weakness “while not without some problematic implications” can definitely be used in a fun way for some unique character drama. The status quo of the irl world and its ideals on justice and strength vs our modern day ideals of Justice and strength. And finally the actual guy himself can be fun to watch, maybe explore why he’s so adverse to violence and but still felt the need to step up to TRY and help. Maybe explore if he’s doing this for himself or the adoration of others? Honestly not a half bad first step. Just a Shame everything else is weird.

[@livtupi]

If the bar is at barbie straight to dvd movies, my expectations are high

[@sholmes5914]

I can't support you monetarily, but this sounds amazing and i wish you the best of luck! Love your videos!

[@AnnabelRoss6789]

Laugh all you want but The Human Fly actually has a lot of potential-As flies are some of the most successful, durable and diverse of the insect world he could have powerful durability, as well as wall climbing, flight and acid spit. Besides he would make a cool phase 3 character and as a fodder for Spider Queen... Or possible romantic interest.