Men in Black (series)
Encyclopedia
The Men in Black are a fictional secret organization which monitors and suppresses paranormal activity on Earth, including aliens, demons and mutants, while keeping the public ignorant of such occurrences. They were created by Lowell Cunningham
, which were based on the Men in Black
myths surrounding UFOs, and first appeared in The Men in Black #1 (January 1991). The most notable agents in the organization are Zed, Jay and Kay who are the main protagonists in the series. Since the release of the comic books, they have been adapted into other media including a number of critically successful films, an animated television series as well as a video game.
and 1992
. The Men in Black are a secret organization that monitors and suppresses paranormal activity on Earth (including aliens, demons and mutants), while keeping the populace ignorant of its happenings.
, starring Tommy Lee Jones
as Agent K and Will Smith
as Agent J with Barry Sonnenfeld
as director. The film went on to become a commercial success grossing US$587 million worldwide on a $90 million budget as well as a critical success with a 91% rating on aggregate reviews site Rotten Tomatoes
. A sequel, Men in Black II
, was released in 2002 which saw both Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith reprising their roles earning $441 million worldwide, less than the first and it received average reviews from critics with a score of 39% on Rotten Tomatoes. A third film is set to be released ten years after the second in 2012, Men in Black III
, will be the first 3D film in the series and will see Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones reunite once again with new actors such as Josh Brolin
and Jemaine Clement
joining the film.
, aired from 1997 to 2001. The show was based on the film adaptation of the series, it takes place after the events of the first film albeit with a few changes, such as Agent K not having his memory erased. The show followed Agents J, K and L on their cases following the basic plot formula was for the MIB to protect the Earth from harm, and this extended into keeping peace throughout the galaxy. The show had some discrepancies with both the films and comic series with its own additions, such as the MIB headquarters being located at what looked like a disused area under LaGuardia airport.
game Men in Black II: Alien Escape
was partially based on the second film. An upcoming video game published by Activision is planned for Spring 2012, around the time when the third movie will be released. The game will share themes from the film but will have its own original story.
, who played J in the films, released two rap singles based on the films: "Men in Black
" (from Men in Black) and "Black Suits Comin' (Nod Ya Head)
" (from Men in Black II).
The amusement park ride Men in Black: Alien Attack
at the Universal Studios Florida
amusement park is based on the film Men in Black, as is the parody film Men in White
.
Lowell Cunningham
Lowell Cunningham is an American creator and writer best known for The Men in Black, which became the basis for a media franchise.-Biography:Cunningham created the comic book series The Men in Black...
, which were based on the Men in Black
Men in Black
Men in Black , in American popular culture and in UFO conspiracy theories, are men dressed in black suits who claim to be government agents who harass or threaten UFO witnesses to keep them quiet about what they have seen. It is sometimes implied that they may be aliens themselves...
myths surrounding UFOs, and first appeared in The Men in Black #1 (January 1991). The most notable agents in the organization are Zed, Jay and Kay who are the main protagonists in the series. Since the release of the comic books, they have been adapted into other media including a number of critically successful films, an animated television series as well as a video game.
Publication
The original The Men in Black comic books were published in 19911991 in comics
-January:* Checkmate is canceled by DC Comics with issue #33.* El Diablo vol. 2 is canceled by DC with issue #16.* Count Duckula is canceled by the Marvel Comics imprint Star Comics with issue #15....
and 1992
1992 in comics
-Year overall:* Image Comics explodes onto the scene, releasing eight ongoing and limited series, starting with Youngblood in April; followed by Spawn in May; Savage Dragon in July; and Brigade, Shadowhawk, and WildC.A.T.S. in August....
. The Men in Black are a secret organization that monitors and suppresses paranormal activity on Earth (including aliens, demons and mutants), while keeping the populace ignorant of its happenings.
Film series
The series was adapted into a film in 1997, titled Men in BlackMen in Black (film)
Men in Black is a 1997 science fiction comedy film directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, starring Tommy Lee Jones, Will Smith and Vincent D'Onofrio. The film was based on the Men in Black comic book series by Lowell Cunningham, originally published by Marvel Comics. The film featured the creature effects...
, starring Tommy Lee Jones
Tommy Lee Jones
Tommy Lee Jones is an American actor and film director. He has received three Academy Award nominations, winning one as Best Supporting Actor for the 1993 thriller film The Fugitive....
as Agent K and Will Smith
Will Smith
Willard Christopher "Will" Smith, Jr. , also known by his stage name The Fresh Prince, is an American actor, producer, and rapper. He has enjoyed success in television, film and music. In April 2007, Newsweek called him the most powerful actor in Hollywood...
as Agent J with Barry Sonnenfeld
Barry Sonnenfeld
Barry Sonnenfeld is an American filmmaker and television director. He worked as cinematographer for the Coen brothers, then later he directed and produced big budget films such as Men in Black.-Life and career:...
as director. The film went on to become a commercial success grossing US$587 million worldwide on a $90 million budget as well as a critical success with a 91% rating on aggregate reviews site Rotten Tomatoes
Rotten Tomatoes
Rotten Tomatoes is a website devoted to reviews, information, and news of films—widely known as a film review aggregator. Its name derives from the cliché of audiences throwing tomatoes and other vegetables at a poor stage performance...
. A sequel, Men in Black II
Men in Black II
Men in Black II is a 2002 science fiction action comedy starring Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones. The film also stars Lara Flynn Boyle, Johnny Knoxville, Rosario Dawson and Rip Torn...
, was released in 2002 which saw both Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith reprising their roles earning $441 million worldwide, less than the first and it received average reviews from critics with a score of 39% on Rotten Tomatoes. A third film is set to be released ten years after the second in 2012, Men in Black III
Men in Black III
Men in Black III is an upcoming 3D science fiction comedy film starring Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones...
, will be the first 3D film in the series and will see Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones reunite once again with new actors such as Josh Brolin
Josh Brolin
Josh James Brolin is an American actor. He has acted in theater, film and television roles since 1985, and won acting awards for his roles in the films W., No Country for Old Men, Milk and True Grit.-Early life:...
and Jemaine Clement
Jemaine Clement
Jemaine Clement is a New Zealand comedian, actor and musician, best known as one half of the musical comedy duo Flight of the Conchords along with Bret McKenzie.-Early life:...
joining the film.
Television series
An animated television series, Men in Black: The SeriesMen in Black: The Series
Men in Black: The Series also known as Men in Black: The Animated Series is an American animated television series that aired during The WB's Kids' WB programming block for four seasons from 1997 through 2001.The show features characters from 1997's science fiction film Men in Black, which was...
, aired from 1997 to 2001. The show was based on the film adaptation of the series, it takes place after the events of the first film albeit with a few changes, such as Agent K not having his memory erased. The show followed Agents J, K and L on their cases following the basic plot formula was for the MIB to protect the Earth from harm, and this extended into keeping peace throughout the galaxy. The show had some discrepancies with both the films and comic series with its own additions, such as the MIB headquarters being located at what looked like a disused area under LaGuardia airport.
Video game
The 20022002 in games
This page lists board and card games, wargames, miniatures games, and table-top role-playing games published in 2002. For video and console games, see 2002 in video gaming.-Death:...
game Men in Black II: Alien Escape
Men in Black II: Alien Escape
Men in Black II: Alien Escape is a video game of the action-adventure genre released in 2002 by Melbourne House. The game is partially based on the Men in Black II movie.-Plot:...
was partially based on the second film. An upcoming video game published by Activision is planned for Spring 2012, around the time when the third movie will be released. The game will share themes from the film but will have its own original story.
Other
Will SmithWill Smith
Willard Christopher "Will" Smith, Jr. , also known by his stage name The Fresh Prince, is an American actor, producer, and rapper. He has enjoyed success in television, film and music. In April 2007, Newsweek called him the most powerful actor in Hollywood...
, who played J in the films, released two rap singles based on the films: "Men in Black
Men in Black (song)
"Men in Black" is a song by Will Smith from the movie Men in Black, in which he also starred. The song plays during the movie's closing credits...
" (from Men in Black) and "Black Suits Comin' (Nod Ya Head)
Black Suits Comin' (Nod Ya Head)
"Black Suits Comin' " is a song by American hip hop musician Will Smith, featured on his 2002 third studio album Born to Reign. Written for the 2002 Columbia Pictures action/comedy film Men in Black II, in which Smith portrays Agent J...
" (from Men in Black II).
The amusement park ride Men in Black: Alien Attack
Men in Black: Alien Attack
Men in Black: Alien Attack is a spinning, laser-shooting dark ride located at Universal Studios Florida themed to the 1997 film, Men in Black. The building housing the ride was made to resemble a pavilion at the 1964 New York World Expo while the towers resemble their real life counterpart.The...
at the Universal Studios Florida
Universal Studios Florida
Universal Studios Florida is an American theme park located in Orlando, Florida. Opened on June 7, 1990, the park's theme is the entertainment industry, in particular movies and television. Universal Studios Florida inspires its guests to "ride the movies," and it features numerous attractions and...
amusement park is based on the film Men in Black, as is the parody film Men in White
Men in White (1998 film)
National Lampoon's Men in White is a straight-to-television satirical parody of contemporary science fiction movies, mainly spoofing Men in Black and Independence Day. It debuted in 1998 on the Fox Family Channel.-Plot synopsis:...
.