A Die Hard prequel series reveals the truth behind John McClane’s iconic “Yippee-ki-yay” moment. John McTiernan’s 1988 movie about a lone cop caught up in a terrorist takeover of Nakatomi Plaza on Christmas Eve is considered one of the greatest action films ever made, full of many quote-worthy moments. One such moment is during John’s first interaction with the villainous Hans Gruber, who accuses his mysterious interloper of thinking he’s a cowboy like John Wayne. Although John its he’s more of a Roy Rogers fan, the Die Hard: Year One comic miniseries suggest Gruber’s assessment is both correct and incorrect. 46373u

Director John McTiernan is often labeled as one of the greatest action directors of all time, having helmed some of the most well-known action classics, from Predator to Die Hard to Last Action Hero and beyond. McTiernan has had a tremendous impact on not only the action genre, but the creative style used by filmmakers looking to convey convincing, effective, and exciting action in their films. McTiernan puts on a masterclass of the moving camera, making use of tracking, steadicam, crane, dolly, zoom, and whip-pan shots so effectively that they become a part of his visual language and style. His love of natural lighting effects, including lens flares and blemishes that would otherwise be deemed problems, are instrumental in his style and enhance the flash and sleekness of his vision.