SweetIM

I am a computer guy, not a phone guy; if you can't get in touch with me via IM, e-mail, or landline, then I am unavailable (or unavailable to you, but all the same). I do not "text," nor do I "drunk dial" - I do not even own a cellphone! I am a computer guy and I love it.

I spend a whole lot of time in IM, at least when I am not busy, and I used to spend a lot more. Since I started the website and got to work on it in earnest, I do not have the time to chat that I once did, but I still manage to talk pretty regularly - even while working. I use the original IM - AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) - because it has all of the features I need without a bunch of bells and whistles I don't, and though everything AOL does is bloated, it is nowhere near as large and wieldy as some of the other IM programs out there. Still, there are certain things AIM does not allow me to do that I wish it did.

That is what SweetIM is for!

Once installed, the application toolbar lets you add all sorts of fun things to your IM sessions with a click of the button. Smilies, winks, video winks, emoticons, sounds, and more - clicking any one of the buttons opens a whole world of IM fun that you can share with whomever you are talking to.

And SweetIM is 100% safe. In October, 2008, SweetIM was certified by TRUSTe as a Trusted Download Product. So you know you and your IM buddies are protected and SweetIM is not another, fly-by-night toolbar service filled with tracking cookies, spybots, and so forth.

Just follow any of the links provided to install with your favorite messenger, including YIM, AIM, ICQ, Mozilla, Explorer, and MSN Messenger, and check it out for yourself. For as much time as I spend in IM, a program like this is exactly what I need to help pass the time!

Female Force: Sarah Palin - 2nd-Printing

Bluewater Productions is proud to announce that the comic book, FEMALE FORCE: SARAH PALIN, has completely sold out and will be going back for a second printing.

"Due to the overwhelming demand for both the Palin and Clinton FEMALE FORCE issues, we are thrilled to have to run a second printing," said Bluewater Productions publisher, Darren G. Davis. "Despite our plan to over-print these titles the demand greatly exceeded our projections."

These post order numbers occurred prior to the comics street release (March 11^th). Comic book stores that have ordered this title will have them on the release date. The 2^nd printing of the comic will feature the same painted cover of Sarah Palin by Patricio Carbajal (featured above).

The comic book series has been featured on CNN, Fox News, The Los Angeles Times, USA Today, and numerous other media outlets. The FEMALE FORCE: Sarah Palin title was printed using Bluewater’s new green printing philosophy.

We are getting close to selling out of the Hillary Clinton comic as well. The issue is still available to order through Diamond DCD item #: NOV083848. There is still time to order Female Force: Michelle Obama DCD ITEM # FEB094121. FEMALE FORCE: Caroline Kennedy will be released in June, 2009.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Art Class - Results

This is a very small town and I don't begrudge these old cats anything, but I have to say this: anyone with any amount of knowledge or power in or around this town lets it go straight to their heads. It's ridiculous.

Today, one of the locals who attended Art College in Boston back in The Day (like 35 years ago) literally took over the class. Thankfully, he had us doing some actual exercises; our regular instructor is a far better artist than teacher and he keeps teaching us the Very Basics (as you can see in the accompanying picture).

Today, we did gestures and blind contours - exercises I remember well - but there's just no way I can bring those to you. The 98 machine keeps running out of resources doing all of this, so I'm having to swap files between boxes constantly to resize, edit, watermark, etc. - just too much of a hassle and the work is too faint to show well.

At any rate, these are some the faces I did on February 21^st (last week), when we were learning faces. All I did electronically is move the images so they fit in a smaller area and change the paper's background color (which scanned a light blue) to white. I'm pretty sure it lost a few lines when I did that, but you get the gist of things.

But back to what I was saying:

I enjoy the class and all, but these people - everyone in Decatur County, TN - suck so hard, it's flatly unimaginable. You really would not believe this until you've experienced it for yourself.

While this cat droned on and on about what Art really is and how we should hold the pencil and all this "I love the sound of my voice and you should too, because I am very obviously An Authority Figure - listen to me! I am important!" shit, one of the little girls in the class stole a book I'd brought in to share with some of those little girls!

Several of them are into manga, so I brought in a couple of those "How to Draw Manga"-type books (I think these were "Superheroes" and "Superheroines") and damn if I didn't have to ask the entire class if someone had the other book! And everyone in the class knew who had the book, yet not one of them said a frigging word! I knew who had the book because I'd seen her with it earlier!

If she weren't trying to thieve it, she would have simply said, "Oh, I thought we could borrow them; I have it." Because the regular instructor has told us several times that we can take home any of the books he brings in. I certainly wouldn't have minded - I'd have been happy to let her take it home, so long as she brought it back when she was done! - but she was looking to steal it.

So I get home and got into The Art Box because I was looking for my charcoal crayons - I bought a whole pack a while back - and couldn't find them. Then it occurred to me I had taken them up there a few weeks back to share with the class... and someone obviously stole the entire box right out of my bag!

Decatur County, TN is filled with nothing but thieves, liars, drug addicts, corrupt cops, and just awful people. And no one bothers to call them on it because they're all just like them! It's a sociological issue and the only way to solve it is to burn the whole place to the gro... to start teaching the children how to behave properly - instill in them the morals and conduct that should have been instilled in their hillbilly parents, and...

Oh, why bother.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Art Class

My instructor didn't call until late yesterday - he didn't say why - maybe they got busy, seeing as how they are opening a deli right next door. At any rate, we decided to get together early this morning, so I'm on my way out the door earlier than usual today.

Everyone's at WonderCon, but I have a few things for you that I'll get to throughout the day. Make sure to stop by the website if you are a gamer - there's a whole lot of new content these days!

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Gangbanger Gets Life for Murdering Judging Amy Actress

The Los Angeles gangbanger who brutally murdered Judging Amy actress, Tara Correa-McMullen and another teen in 2005 has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility for parole.

23-year old Damien Watts indiscriminately opened fire on a group of people outside an apartment complex, killing the actress and another girl, and wounding two men. McMullen had a recurring role on Judging Amy and had also appeared in the movie, Rebound. However, she had a tumultuous personal life which involved dealings with gangmembers. She was 16-years old at the time of her death. Watts murdered a 31-year old man the day before as the victim loaded laundry into his car.

Damien Watts was charged with murder with special circumstances, attempted murder, and several other charges. He was sentenced to two consecutive life terms. A co-defendant is awaiting trial.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

28 Days of Comics

If you have a moment and are in the market for a few good comic books, check out Things From Another World's 28 Days of Comics blowout tomorrow. Check the calendar to see all the great specials and get your money's worth! Plus, get free domestic shipping on all orders of $30 or more.

Also check out their Ultimate Watchmen Contest while you're there.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Ed McMahon Hospitalized

Former sidekick to Tonight Show host, Johnny Carson, Ed McMahon was hospitalized for pneumonia and other problems. McMahon is 85 and is in intensive care. He has apparently been in a Los Angeles hospital for several weeks now. McMahon's wife and family are with him, and said they are "hopeful." But they also noted his condition is "serious."

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Art Class

I am supposed to meet my instructor at the classroom today for some one-on-one instruction. I am not sure what to expect. The guy is good - really good - but he does not have a photorealistic style and I'm not sure he could successfully pull one off.

His is a more commercial, down-home style - like my aunt's. There is nothing wrong with that and it certainly doesn't mean there's nothing he can teach me - of course there is - I just don't know what in the world he is going to teach me one-on-one. In a class setting, we focus on the basics, and I need those basics as I haven't seriously pursued drawing, or the visual Arts in any form, in several years. It's great to get those refreshers - it's like anything else you haven't done in a while - it just takes some memory-jogging and suddenly, the ideas start flowing.

But this guy never went to school for Art; he's self-taught. And I already know one thing over him: how to draw literally from observation. That's the single, most critical thing to visual arts: ignoring all of your preconceived notions about how something is "supposed" to look or work and simply drawing what you see in front of you.

Once you have mastered that and drawn enough stuff from observation, you can draw literally anything from imagination, because you don't just know how it should look, you know how to literally render it on paper. You can tell from this guy's work that he works almost solely from his imagination.

But, again, everyone has something to teach me and I want to learn, so maybe he'll be moving me into paints. I don't have much experience with paints of any kind and that's his field of choice, so I can definitely learn a lot from him in that arena.

And everyone is off, getting their stuff together and headed to WonderCon this weekend, anyway (if they aren't already there), so I don't expect much to go down while I'm gone. I'll be back later on.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

The Stand: American Nightmare #1 - Variant

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Sam Jackson is Nick Fury x9

A testament to my complete disorganization, I have had this piece for about a week now and have notes everywhere and still forgot to bring it to you! Hey, I was sick! Anyway, Marvel signed Samuel L. Jackson to an unheard-of NINE picture deal! Jackson is set to portray Nick Fury - a white guy - in Captain America, Thor, Iron Man 2, The Avengers, and maybe a movie on S.H.I.E.L.D. (the organization which Nick Fury heads - or did, for like 50 years).

I went over this before and I stand by what I said: I'm tired of the racial switch in comic book movies. It was a novel and daring (ha!) approach for Kingpin in Daredevil, but by this point, it's simply lazy and gimmicky. I don't know that Mickey Rourke would have made a better Nick Fury, but he damn sure looks the part!

When it comes to classic books - such as I, Robot or even I Am Legend (which they will never successfully make a movie of because producers can't help but try to "improve" on the ending) - the color of the lead character is regardless. In the better ones, you are rarely made aware of such things anyway, unless they bear some significance. Comic books are a totally different ballgame because - they are comic books! The art is at least as important as the story and we have come to love these characters as we've come to know them. It's as if 50+ years of history doesn't matter in the least.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

I, Artist

I've told you time and again how I grew up wanting to be a sequential artist (comic book artist/cartoonist, whatever you want to call it) and lamented the fact that I could not show you any of my offline work because I didn't have a scanner.

I'm really poor, guys. I mean, in life experiences, talent, and so forth, I'm overwhelmingly wealthy - but financially speaking, I'm perpetually broke as hell. Right now, I'm paying-out over $200 more than I make every month. I pray to God this can be rectified within short order - the income tax I expect will go some ways, and getting back into a pain clinic (which will happen in April, if not sooner) will go even further - but for the time being, when I say I can't afford things like a camera or whatever, when I say sponsored posts help pay my rent and keep my lights on, I really do mean that.

Anyway, with a 98 box finally up, running, and networked (well, online - nothing will network with a Vista, I don't care who you are), I can start sharing some of my work. And now that I am back in class, there will be quite a bit!

Not for nothing, I want you to take a look at the picture featured on the Dark Conspiracy R.A.S.S.L. page. That picture took me more than three days to do - and it isn't even the version that will eventually be there! It was an earlier version which I like, but is not the one I plan on using. I just needed to put something up so I could show the page. The surrounding text is awful - repetitious, meandering, etc. - but check out that picture:

That is the coolest fucking picture you will ever see in a RPG supplement - free, free RPG supplement! I don't care who you are.

Again, when I tell you I'm working on stuff, it just isn't ready yet, this is what I mean. I'm not going to toot my own horn here (too much), but that is one hell of a picture and after spending almost a week on it, I am quite proud of that graphic. As I've said time and time and time again, I am not just looking to slap some stuff up on the Web; I strive for the very best.

It's almost too bad so few can find it because Google is such a bully of a search engine, no? I guarantee you 100% that nothing above this single page in any search engine is better than that right there.

Anyway, the picture at the top is a self-portrait. I drew it while holding the sketchbook in one hand because the only mirror I have is in the bathroom. The light source was a chest-level nightlight just to the right. You can find an actual picture of me online, but that is about as accurate a representation as one can get. My sequential art style is far cleaner. The Weirding will contain a lot of all styles and mediums in which I can work.

I have a lot of talents, but I am so good at the things I do because I work very, very hard. And I decided to create my own website to offer all of this stuff without having to compromise (too much) or compete in a closed-shop industry(s).

So now you know I've got the chops and the authority. I'm one of those guys who says, "I told you so."

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Tonight's American Idol Rundown

Last year, I quit watching American Idol around this time because the clear lead - I forget who it was (I'm pretty sure it was a female, but I honestly can't even recall that now) - was voted-off around now. Of course, "voted-off" is kind of a misnomer, since no one is so much voted-off as voted to stay. At any rate, the (by far) best contender was no longer competing around this time in the competition last year, so I resolved then and there to find something else to do with my entire week - and there is plenty.

Tonight, Alison made it through - and she was clearly the best singer last night - but while neither Jesse nor Matt deserved to make it through based on the strength of their performances last night, I was hoping Megan got another chance. Granted, her performance last night was lacking - she just didn't hit it the way I think she can, but she's good-looking. I mean real damn good-looking. And she has that sultry, husky voice. It's no surprise she's got a kid... nor that she's raising it alone.

Wha-at? Everything about the girl screams, "SEX!" She better watch the burgeoning sleeve though; tattoos are basically a neon sign, which say... well, unless you're an aborigine or pirate, you don't have a real reason to get a tattoo. I freely admit I wish she'd gone further just because she's eye-candy, but it isn't as if she can't sing, now. And Alison is cute, but she's 16! You know, just no.

Anyway, this is a really long way of getting around to saying I don't like the way they're doing the eliminations this year.

I don't know who the third person is to go through yet.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Image Comics - WonderCon 2009

26 February 2009 (Berkeley, CA) - This weekend thousands of comic fans will flood San Francisco's Moscone Hall for WonderCon 2009 to meet their favorite creators and the publisher who brings it better than any other, the Bay Area's very own Image Comics!

"It's always fun to travel to conventions, but nothing beats the hometown show," Image Comics Founder and Illustrator of the WonderCon Exclusive SAVAGE DRAGON #145, Erik Larsen, said. "It may not be the biggest, but it's certainly one of the best! Plus, it's a particularly important con for me, as this week marks the big relaunch of SAVAGE DRAGON! I'm excited to hear what the fans have to say about the big issue!"

Throughout the weekend Larsen, along with VIKING's Ivan Brandon, ELEPHANTMEN's Richard Starkings & Moritat, DARKNESS' Michael Broussard, and Top Cow Productions Publisher Filip Sablik, will be available at the Image Comics booth signing autographs and selling exclusive items! However, the convention doesn't truly begin until Friday's Image Comics Show at 3-4 PM in room 103 featuring Larsen, Starkings, THE GREAT UNKNOWN's Duncan Rouleau, and Champions Online writer, John Layman, with the first word on an all-new project! In addition, the already much coveted SAVAGE DRAGON #145 variant featuring President Barack Obama taking on Osama Bin Laden will be available starting Friday for a very limited amount of time with a select few fans randomly winning a copy during the Friday panel. If that's not enough GODLAND's Joe Casey, PHERONE's Viktor Kalvachev, NEW BRIGHTON ARCHAELOGICAL SOCIETY's Mark Andrew Smith, and many more will stop by the booth!

Image Comics can be found at booth #407 during Wondercon, February 27 - March 1^st 2009, taking place in the San Francisco Moscone Center.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Action Comics #1 Goes to Auction

A copy of Action Comics #1 will go on auction for $1 at Comic Connect soon. While issues in Fine condition go for just over $125,000, there are only about 100 copies known to exist, so this one is expected to go for more. The original owner bought it for 35 in 1958 and held onto it for nearly 60 years. He is not being identified.

Action Comics #1 was the first appearance of Superman.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Final Harry Potter Coming in 2011

The final installment in the wildly popular Harry Potter film series is set for a 2011 release. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will be released in two parts, due to the sheer breadth of the last book. The first installment is due in theaters in 2010, with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows set for release the following year.

With an estimated $4.5 billion to its credit, the Harry Potter film series is the biggest in history, surpassing all of the James Bond and Star Wars films.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Simpsons 44 Episodes Closer to 500

Fox has ordered another 44 episodes (two seasons) of the venerable and award-winning The Simpsons. This is another milestone for The Simpsons, which already holds the record for longest-running animated sit-com and will now hold the record for longest-running primetime show.

Gunsmoke previously held the latter record. However, Gunsmoke ran for 635 episodes; with this additional 44, The Simpsons will still only have 493 under its belt.

January 14^th, 2010 marks the 20^th anniversary of the debut.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Savage Dragon #145 WonderCon Variant

24 February 2009 (Berkeley, CA) - Fans attending this year's WonderCon are in for a treat as the convention will exclusively feature the greatest comic book cover of all time, SAVAGE DRAGON #145!

"I had no idea what I was getting into, but the moment I finished the cover I told myself: 'Erik, you just created the greatest comic book cover of all time' and it turns out I was totally right," Erik Larsen said. "Lets face it, President Barack Obama punching out Osama Bin Laden with a huge American flag in one hand while Savage Dragon frees Lady Liberty from a Weapon of Mass Destruction is as good as it's ever going to get."

Despite Larsen's humble nature, the WonderCon variant will no doubt be the greatest comic book cover ever printed, due in no short order to our nation's 44th President kicking the ass of his greatest nemesis. The cover's status is augmented by the fact a very limited run of 1000 will be made available and never reprinted. Fans wishing to purchase a copy can only do so by attending San Francisco's WonderCon.

The SAVAGE DRAGON #145 WonderCon Exclusive will only be available at the Image Comics booth at WonderCon, February 27^th, 28^th, and March 1^st.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

The Stand: American Nightmare - Variant

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Liefeld's Return to Youngblood Sells-Out in Less Than 12 Hours!

25 February 2009 (Berkeley, CA) - Rob Liefeld's return to YOUNGBLOOD with President Barack Obama exploded with a nearly instantaneous sell-out despite a very significant over print.

"WOW! It's very exciting and a great honor to come back and the result be an instant sell-out for the book! I'd also like to thank President Obama for picking such a great new line up for YOUNGBLOOD, obviously he has the magic touch," said Liefeld. "That said, YOUNGBLOOD #8 is just the prelude to a much larger story. If you liked it, you're going to be blown away by the next issue in May. Given YOUNGBLOOD's status as a government sanctioned superteam, you can bet on our nation's newest President being involved from the very beginning!"

The YOUNGBLOOD appearance by President Obama marks the very beginning of Liefeld's return to his seminal creation. Starting in May, Rob will return to the book in full force, full-time, as he takes over the writing and illustrating duties to present a whole new direction for the team. This news comes on the heels of mega-director Brett Ratner (X-MEN 3, RUSH HOUR) announcing he'll be taking the reins of the upcoming YOUNGBLOOD feature film.

YOUNGBLOOD #8 2^nd-Printing, a 32-page full color comic book for $2.99, will be in-stores March 11^th, 2009

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Punisher #2 - Second-Printing

PUNISHER #2 SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (JAN098090)
Written by RICK REMENDER
Pencils & Cover by JEROME OPEÑA
Parental Advisory …$2.99
FOC—3/5/09, On-Sale—3/25/09

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

A New Scream Trilogy?

It appears so, at least it's rumored to be in the works. One website received an anonymous e-mail which included a snapshot of what appears to be a William Morris Agency intranet communique, stating that the company has signed a deal with Scream scribe, Kevin Williamson, to pen not one but three sequels, effectively rebooting the Scream franchise with a new trilogy.

Scream basically reinvigorated the slasher flick genre - and it most certainly is a sub-genre in and of itself. Released years after the 80's slasher-flick had died a slow (and grisly) death, Scream was not expected to do all that well, but weeks after its release, it kept climbing the box office charts. Director, Wes Craven, had similarly reinvigorated the genre with 1984's A Nightmare on Elm Street, which introduced the world to Freddy Krueger.

The original Scream is one of my favorite movies and I rate it right up there with other classics of the entire genre - Suspiria, Evil Dead, et.al. - but the sequels left a lot to be desired. Still, with all of the other classic horror movie remakes going on these days (including Craven's own Last House on the Left), I'm at least thankful they aren't messing with Scream.

While the trilogy is still rumored, Scream 4, at least, appears to be a go.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Joss Whedon on Getting DC Characters to the Silver Screen

Joss Whedon gave an interview to Maxim magazine recently in which he discussed the difficulty of getting DC Comics characters to the big screen. He basically said what we have known all along, and what I've discussed here previously, that DC characters are more removed from humanity and therefore do not really "connect" with audiences.

As to his working on the shelved Wonder Woman movie, he explained that he was asked to write a script and then was asked... "not to." In his words, "They didn't tell me to leave, but they showed me the door and how pretty it was. Would I like to touch the knob and maybe make it swing?"

I guess I had seen Joss Whedon before, but having seen the pictures of him in conjunction with this particular piece, I would just like to say, on behalf of nerds everywhere... just "Wow." Now I get why so many geeks "connect" with this guy. He could have walked out of any Advanced Math course in America.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Dark Avengers #2 - Second-Printing

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

The New Era of Youngblood Begins Today

[24] February 2009 (Berkeley, CA) - The bold new era of YOUNGBLOOD begins today as series creator, Rob Liefeld, takes the reins and reveals President Barack Obama's shocking lineup of the long-running superhero team!

"Since YOUNGBLOOD's very first issue back in 1992, the series has always had a real world, political connection by taking on such issues as the first Iraq war and really exploring just what it would mean to be a government sanctioned superteam," Liefeld said. "Bringing Obama into the picture is a necessary extension of YOUNGBLOOD's history and I couldn't imagine a better way to start my full-time return to the series."

YOUNGBLOOD began the Image revolution in early 1992 and was the first creator-owned comic book to sell over a million copies right out of the gate by bringing a whole new perspective to what superhero comics were capable of. Rob's creations took the medium by storm, influencing an entire generation of creators. It did it again recently, when Brett Ratner, the famed director behind such blockbuster films as Rush Hour and X3, announced he will be taking the property to new heights by kick-starting the YOUNGBLOOD film franchise.

Tomorrow's issue not only features a six-page back up story setting up Rob Liefeld's full-time return to the series with May's YOUNGBLOOD #9, but also an already much-coveted variant cover featuring our nation's 44^th president. YOUNGBLOOD #8, a 32-page full color comic book for $2.99, will be in-stores tomorrow

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Michael Cera in Arrested Development

Sources close to the project say lone hold-out, Michael Cera (Superbad, Juno), has finally agreed to do the Arrested Development movie. Ron Howard, the director and executive producer of the TV series, told Ryan Seacrest on the red carpet, "We've now been asked to stop offering any details... but it's looking good."

Now, wait a minute... you've got the chance to play a part you created in a full-length feature film directed by Ron Howard, alongside such castmembers as Jason Bateman, Jeffrey Tambor, Jessica Walter, Henry Winkler, and many more, and you were holding-out!? What, exactly, were you "holding-out" for, Mr. Superbad? Who do you think you are - George friggin' Clooney!?

Get a clue, little boy.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Land of Isis Starts This June!

This June, Bluewater's flagship title, Legend of Isis, launches a new ongoing series. Just as Isis' life is getting back to normal, a mysterious package arrives at her doorstep, leading her toward a battle with the gruesome Scarab Queen! The series will also be the launching pad for the upcoming Bluewater series, Tony & Cleo. The first arc of the Legend of Isis series is written by AE Stueve and drawn by Ivan Barriga.

Also coming soon is the Legend of Isis trade paperback, featuring the popular (and sold-out) "Dogs of War" storyline. This trade is scheduled to street in April.

One of the hottest selling characters of 2002 from IMAGE COMICS comes home to Bluewater Productions. Trapped 5,000 years out of time, the would-be Egyptian Goddess, Isis, must adjust to her new life in 21^st century Los Angeles. Using her mystical staff and some help from a few new friends, Isis will protect those around her from the evil that threatens their world. But how can she protect a world she doesn't fully understand?

"I tried to take a classic approach to Isis, telling pulp-style stories that would appeal to anyone who likes comics," said writer AE Stueve.

Legend of Isis has been optioned by Paramount Pictures and is soon to be a feature film!


© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Male MUST BE MID-LATE 20′S and SIX FEET OR TALLER. LEAD.

That is the headline for the Thor casting call, as Marvel has apparently yet to decide on a lead for Kenneth Branagh's feature film. I'm not sure who I would cast here, though both Winchester brothers were suggested in another forum.

I actually don't get into the casting thing too much, for no good reason I can think of. I said Sean William Scott as The Riddler - and I stand by that - but that's about as far as I go. I did, however, suggest Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer) for Beast long before he was in the running - or even mentioned! I also suggested Robert Downey, Jr. for Iron Man long before he was in the running (though he probably was mentioned - I don't know for certain, but I would think he would have been a forerunner to begin with, most likely for the same reasons he was to me). Aside from that, I had Billy Idol as Judge Dredd many, many years ago, and I still think he would have visually fulfilled the role.

Anyway, just putting that out there. If you're a 6'1+ 20-year old, you might want to dye your hair blond and head out to Hollywood. And no, that's not a pick-up line.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Marvel Comics Shipping 02-25-09

Here we go, True Believers - your weekly Rundown of Marvel Comics shipping this Wednesday, February 25^th, 2009:

Comics On-Sale
AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE #22 (DR)
CAPTAIN AMERICA #47
DARK AVENGERS #1 2ND PRINTING VARIANT (DR)
DARK REIGN FILES
DARK TOWER: TREACHERY #6
DOCTOR DOOM AND THE MASTERS OF EVIL #2
ENDER'S SHADOW: BATTLE SCHOOL #3
FANTASTIC FOUR #564
GHOST RIDER: DANNY KETCH #5
HULK #10
HULK #10 ADAMS VARIANT
HULK #10 50/50 VARIANT
INCREDIBLE HERCULES #126
KICK-ASS #1 UMPTEENTH PRINTING VARIANT
KICK-ASS #2 UMPTEENTH PRINTING VARIANT
KICK-ASS #3 UMPTEENTH PRINTING VARIANT
KICK-ASS #4 UMPTEENTH PRINTING VARIANT
LORDS OF AVALON: KNIGHT OF DARKNESS #4
MARVEL ADVENTURES FANTASTIC FOUR #45
MARVEL PREVIEWS #67
MARVELS: EYE OF THE CAMERA #4
MARVELS: EYE OF THE CAMERA #4 BLACK AND WHITE VARIANT
MIGHTY AVENGERS #22 (DR)
MS. MARVEL #36 (DR)
NEW AVENGERS #50 (DR)
NEW AVENGERS #50 VARIANT (DR)
NOVA #22
RUNAWAYS #7
SHE-HULK #38
SKAAR: SON OF HULK #8
SKAAR: SON OF HULK #8 LIM VARIANT
SOLEIL: SCOURGE OF THE GODS #2
SOLEIL: YTHAQ - THE FORSAKEN WORLD #3
THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ #2 YOUNG 2ND PRINTING VARIANT
THUNDERBOLTS #129 (DR)
THUNDERBOLTS #129 LANGLEY VARIANT (DR)
ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #131
WAR MACHINE #3 (DR)
WOLVERINE: FIRST CLASS #12
WOLVERINE: ORIGINS 33 (DR)
X-FORCE #12

Collections On-Sale:
CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE DEATH OF CAPTAIN AMERICA VOL. 3 - THE MAN WHO BOUGHT AMERICA TPB
INCREDIBLE HERCULES: LOVE AND WAR PREMIERE HC
KABUKI: THE ALCHEMY HC
MARVEL MASTERWORKS: ATLAS ERA STRANGE TALES VOL. 2 HC
MARVEL MASTERWORKS: ATLAS ERA STRANGE TALES VOL. 2 HC VARIANT
MARVEL MASTERWORKS: THE FANTASTIC FOUR VOL. 1 TPB
MARVEL MASTERWORKS: THE FANTASTIC FOUR VOL. 1 TPB VARIANT DM ONLY
MARVEL MASTERWORKS: THE MIGHTY THOR VOL. 8 HC
MARVEL MASTERWORKS: THE MIGHTY THOR VOL. 8 HC VARIANT
MIGHTY AVENGERS ASSEMBLE HC CHO COVER
MIGHTY AVENGERS ASSEMBLE HC NAME VARIANT DM ONLY
NEW AVENGERS VOL. 8: SECRET INVASION BOOK 1 TPB
NEW AVENGERS VOL. 8: SECRET INVASION BOOK 1 TPB DM ONLY
SECRET INVASION: BLACK PANTHER TPB
SECRET INVASION: RUNAWAYS/YOUNG AVENGERS TPB
SKRULLS VS. POWER PACK DIGEST
X-MEN: LEGACY - SINS OF THE FATHER TPB

*DR = Dark Reign tie-in

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Danze Faucets

I love art and the aesthetic, though sometimes something comes about that even I am not sure what to think of. I want you to follow this link and take a look at the Danze faucet and tell me what you think.

I mean, I get it - I figure the water sprays from what appears to be a slit there beneath the pipe - but I have to wonder how it works, you know? It looks like the slightest misgiving could soak the entire house! But I'm sure it has to be pretty sensitive and all.

Still, aesthetically speaking, I don't know what to think of it. What is "Danze," while we're at it? Is that German? It does have that stark, Minimalist approach which I connect to German design for some reason - maybe their car designs? But I'm not sure what it is.

Don't get me wrong, it certainly looks functional and all... what do you think?

Check Out the Champions Update

I have to get some things out to you, but I am still recovering and taking it slow. I took so much cold medicine last night that I couldn't sleep, so I stayed up and reworked the Champions index page. There's little new, though I don't think I had published the Competent and Skilled Normals write-ups on The Weirding before now. For any n00bs, The Weirding covers tabletop roleplaying games - the old-tyme stuff - not the newfangled computer games... with you kids and your 8-track tapes and A&W rootbeer floats. Your Foghat records.

I'm either so sleepy I could nod-off on the keyboard or so wired I'm about to puke. Somewhere in the middle, I think. At any rate, enjoy what's up - with all the broken links - and I'll definitely be up sometime today with some more stuff, probably both here and there.

Oh, and also check out the Unarmed Melee System Expansion for Dark Conspiracy, which comes with the details for R.A.S.S.L.

The Weirding covers Champions 4^th-Ed. and Dark Conspiracy 1^st-Ed.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Ledger Wins Oscar for Joker

So, I guess Heath Ledger did win - making it only the second posthumous Oscar in history - and deservedly so, if all are to be believed. I mean, no one can say this was a sympathy vote.

What I found most interesting about this is that Ledger said he studied puppets' movements in preparation for the role - which is doubly interesting, once you understand that the creative origin for the psychotic clown was the movie, The Man Who Laughs, a silent film Bob Kane saw in his youth. In fact, legend has it that Kane used a still photograph of the lead character as the model for his first sketches of The Joker.

I wondered if I could say I was familiar with Ledger's catalog. I liked him in 10 Things I Hate About You, but he really just played a "young guy." I also liked him in The Patriot, but the movie itself (though enjoyable) was so full of inaccuracies, it made it impossible to judge his performance on its own merits. I have not seen Brokeback Mountain and have no real desire to, though I also have nothing against it (I might watch it one day, I just don't like heavy dramas).

The reason I say all this is to say I believe we really did lose someone who would have one day been a great actor. And though his work was slim prior to his death, his Oscar was just and deserved. At least they got one thing right.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

The Flu

Hi guys, I have the flu and have since last week. I feel awful. I have to get a few things out to you today, but I feel terrible. I don't know when I'll be back.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

War Machine #2 - Second-Printing

WAR MACHINE #2 SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (JAN098084)
Written by GREG PAK
Pencils & Cover by LEONARDO MANCO
Rated T+ …$2.99
FOC—3/5/09, On-Sale—3/25/09

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Easel Out the Door

I just get worse, don't I? I'm on my way to the free art course down the road here. Last night, a neighbor came by to borrow money and said to make sure I call him before I walk down there - he'd take me. Of course, he's not answering his phone.

I'm still sick as hell - just lousy - but I missed last week because I had this little kitten and was afraid Scamper would kill him if I left them alone for more than a few minutes, so I'm going, no matter what. The drugstore is right across the street from the course, so I'll bop over there real quick and grab some cough medicine. I'll make it.

ttys

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Coming This Spring

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

New Avengers #49 - Second-Printing

NEW AVENGERS #49 SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (JAN098091)
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Pencils & Cover by BILLY TAN
Rated A …$3.99
FOC—3/5/09, On-Sale—3/25/09

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

I Kill Giants - and You Must, Too!

19 February 2009 (Berkeley, CA) - This May, Image Comics releases Joe Kelly and JM Ken Niimura's complete I KILL GIANTS trade paperback while declaring everyone on the planet Earth should buy it since it's so damn good.

"I'm really flattered Image would make that kind of claim - so much so, Ken and I are humbled beyond words and hope people like it as much as Image thinks they will," Kelly said. "Ken certainly did a phenomenal job with the art and I like to think it's pretty good as a whole. Then again, there's a lot of people on Earth. Maybe only half the population should buy the collection and recommend it to friends if they think it'll appeal to them. That's still a lot of people. At least three billion."

I KILL GIANTS tells the heart-wrenching story of Barbara Thorson, a girl whose own family can't tell if she's insane or actually the giant slayer she claims to be. During its seven issue run, fans were won over by Joe Kelly's impeccable storytelling and JM Ken Niimura's charming visuals, creating what the publisher believes will be one of the shining stars in its strong line of perennial collections for several centuries to come.

Image Comics Publisher Eric Stephenson said, "While Image prides itself on its entire line of comic books, graphic novels and trade paperbacks, we feel I KILL GIANTS is a title all six billion people on Earth will enjoy, whether they're already comics fans or not. I'm personally buying six copies to hand out to various friends and family members - and I get them for free!"

I KILL GIANTS (MAR092427), a 184-page black and white tradepaperback for $15.99, will be in stores May 13^th, 2009.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Sick... Again!

About this time yesterday, I started hurting in my lower throat and chest. I had purchased a different brand of cigarettes because they were on sale (my regular brand, just a different variety) and thought that may have been to blame, even though it had never happened before.

By about 9:00 last night, I was sick as a dog.

I'll probably get a few things out to you. I went to the drugstore right off the bat this time and am going to take a nap. We'll see how I feel when I wake up.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Life on Mars is Rocking!

After the Boston Legal debacle, I hate to say anything nice about ABC, but I have to admit... Life on Mars is literally whipping ass! This is a fantastic show and definitely a worthy successor to the original - which quickly became one of my favorite shows when it ran.

But it's a whole, whole lot different. I never saw the final several episodes of the original BBC series, so I don't know how it ends yet, but I'm pretty sure it didn't have much of a sci-fi twist. I figure it had to do with him coming out of his coma or something (not that I'm all that clever, mind you - I read a few things online before I realized they were spoilers). ABC's Life on Mars seems pretty firmly set in the sci-fi arena - in fact, my satellite provider (DirecTV) even lists it as fantasy.

Harvey Keitel is always rocking, but he's really putting his all into this role - as is the entire cast! The show isn't as concerned with the period details as the BBC series, which can be jarring at times, but I have a feeling the anachronisms are going to play into the whole thing because they seem to drop them with a wink. Or maybe that's just me.

They've stayed true to the larger, socio-political aspects of the original, as well. There's plenty of rocking '70s music, plenty of corruption (that's not an anachronism; cops are just bad people and always corrupt), and lots of womens' suffrage and stuff. And a load of actual ass-whippings.

If I had a single nitpick, it is that it isn't as pulpish, noirish as the original; that was a lot of Life on Mars' charm. But again, the American version has its own strengths and is far more than a simple adaptation. The other would be the relationship between the two male leads - it's still as complicated, just in a different way.

Life on Mars is rocking real hard - I have to admit, it makes Wednesdays worth watching. And Life on Mars has become an actual phenomena, spawning at least one British sequel, in addition to this series. Which is why ABC is champing at the bit to cancel it.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Plenty of Savage Dragon #145

17 February 2009 - Next week Image Comics releases SAVAGE DRAGON #145, the ultimate jumping-on point for Image's second longest-running series, featuring Dragon's return to the Chicago police force and a special appearance by President Barack Obama, with more than enough copies printed to meet demand.

"A lot of people have been milking the reprint game for all it's worth by keeping their print runs tight in order to guarantee a sellout and I'd rather not engage in such tomfoolery. I want people read my comic instead of chasing after elusive back issues on eBay," Erik Larsen said. "While we've gone through multiple printings on SAVAGE DRAGON #137, which featured the first cover appearance of Barack Obama back when he was a candidate, we've now printed more than double our expectations for sell-through in order to ensure there are plenty of copies to go around. This relaunch has been years in the making and it'd be a darned shame if anyone was unable to try out the series. New fans, lapsed fans, and everyone in-between can pick this issue up to jump on board the series. With an appearance by President Barack Obama, it's the patriotic thing to do!"

SAVAGE DRAGON #145 has gained the media spotlight for the last several months with sources like The New York Times, NBC News, The Chicago Tribune, MTV, USAToday, and even Fox News covering the issue's bold new beginning and the nation's 44^th President welcoming back Chicago's other beloved adopted son to their police force. Given the anticipation for the issue, initial orders have broken records for the series in the last several years and instead of keeping the print run conservative, Image Comics has printed more than is necessary to make sure everyone has an opportunity to grab a copy.

SAVAGE DRAGON #145 (OBAMA COVER: DEC082233, OFFICER DRAGON COVER: DEC082232), a full color 32-page comic book for $3.50, will be in stores February 25^th, 2009.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Secret Warriors #1 - Second-Print Variant

SECRET WARRIORS #1 SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (DEC088146)
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS & JONATHAN HICKMAN
Penciled by STEFANO CASELLI
Cover by STEFANO CASELLI
Rated T+ …$3.99
FOC – 2/19/09 On-Sale – 3/11/09

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

First Family Guy, Now Futurama

Proving that FOX has always had a premature cancellation problem, actor Billy West told Anime Supercon attendees that, due to high ratings and DVD sales, the network is angling to bring Futurama back to network TV.

Meanwhile, the next straight-to-DVD title, Into the Wild Green Yonder, drops next Tuesday, the 24^th.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Dark Reign: Hawkeye #1 - Sneak!

DARK REIGN: HAWKEYE #1 (of 5) (FEB092500)
Written by ANDY DIGGLE
Penciled by TOM RANEY
Cover by CLINT LANGLEY
Parental Advisory …$3.99
FOC—3/19/09, On-Sale—4/8/09

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

American Idol Needs to Dial It Back a Bit

You know, these people aren't my "friends." I don't think I would hang-out with any of the contestants on American Idol. Not to be ugly, but, you know? I sincerely doubt we're into the same things and none of them strike me as brilliant conversationalists or anything along those lines. So let's pull back a bit on the whole "HI! HEY! YOU THERE!"

I get the whole "Your American Idols" bit and that's about as far as that should go.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Bolt Takes UK Box Office

Disney's Bolt conquered the UK box office over the weekend, with US winner, Friday the 13^th, came in a distant 6^th. Just no accounting for taste, hrm? Interestingly, My Bloody Valentine is still in their top ten, though at 10.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Spidey Meets the President

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

On the Watchmen

There's a press blackout on Watchmen; no one can review it until after it's been released or, presumably, March 5^th. But a lot of the press has seen the film and they are generally agreed it rocks. Except for one niggling caveat:

Most of them either loved the graphic novel from childhood, have been caught-up in the hype and recently fell in love with it, or have never read it. "Well, that describes basically everyone," true, but go with me here. My point is that it's once again reached fad proportions, which makes it pretty impossible to get a decent review.

Reviewers unfamiliar with the source material are likely to be so impressed with the visuals that they will give it a good review - some may even be worried about pissing-off Snyder or the studio and not getting passes to future previews; those who just "discovered" Watchmen are certainly going to call it the best thing ever - next week, it'll be pink bowling shoes, then Britney Spears will release another album, ad nauseam; and fanboys of my ilk - well, my peers, nonetheless - will think it the best thing since... well, the original series.

IOW, everyone's going to give a "thumbs-up" to Watchmen, so there's no way to tell if it's going to be any good or not until it's actually in theaters.

Not for nothing, Watchmen is not the best graphic novel ever told; that distinction (so far) belongs to Elektra: Assassin, which came out the same year and was shuffled under the hype of both Watchmen and Dark Knight Returns. While Watchmen is certainly a great story, it is not, in fact, a groundbreaking piece of sequential art; as far as that goes, Watchmen brought absolutely no innovation to the form. Elektra: Assassin literally changed the way comic books are made.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Paul Cornell Talks Young Avengers

In case you haven’t heard yet, there’s a new Young Avengers book on the way—and it’s smack dab in the middle of Dark Reign! That’s right True Believers, fresh from New York Comic Con, Jeff Suter sits with Paul Cornell and they chat about his big announcement from the con, Dark Reign: Young Avengers! In episode 64 of the Mighty Marvel Podcast, listeners get an exclusive first look into just what Paul Cornell has in store for his new series! Wondering who the cast of characters will be? Who are their enemies? And will the team survive? Cornell dishes about this and more, as Dark Reign falls on Marvel’s young breed of heroes!


© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Marvel Comics Shipping 02-18-09

Here you go, guys - your Rundown of Marvel Comics shipping tomorrow, February 18^th, 2009:

Comics On-Sale
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #583 OBAMA 5TH PRINTING VARIANT
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #587
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN FAMILY #4
DARK AVENGERS #2 (DR)
DARK AVENGERS #2 YOUNG GUN VARIANT (DR)
GHOST RIDER #32
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #10 (WOK)
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #9 2ND PRINTING VARIANT (DR)
KABUKI REFLECTIONS #12
MARVEL ADVENTURES THE AVENGERS #33
MARVEL ADVENTURES TWO-IN-ONE #20
MOON KNIGHT #27
NEW EXILES #18
NYX: NO WAY HOME #6
PUNISHER: FRANK CASTLE MAX #67
SPIDER-MAN NOIR #3
SPIDER-MAN NOIR #3 CALERO VARIANT
SQUADRON SUPREME #8
THUNDERBOLTS #128 2ND PRINTING VARIANT (DR)
ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR #60
ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR #60 WHITE VARIANT
ULTIMATE WOLVERINE VS. HULK #2 (ALL-NEW PRINTING)
UNCANNY X-MEN #506
WAR MACHINE #1 MANCO 2ND PRINTING WRAPAROUND VARIANT (DR)
WOLVERINE #70 MCNIVEN 2ND PRINTING VARIANT
X-FACTOR #40
X-MEN NOIR #2 CALERO 2ND PRINTING VARIANT
X-MEN: KINGBREAKER #3 (WOK)
X-MEN: LEGACY #221
YOUNG X-MEN #11

Collections On-Sale:
CAPTAIN BRITAIN AND MI13 VOL. 1: SECRET INVASION TPB
CAPTAIN BRITAIN AND MI13 VOL. 1: SECRET INVASION TPB VARIANT
ESSENTIAL CLASSIC X-MEN VOL. 3 TPB
MARVEL ADVENTURES THE AVENGERS VOL. 8: THE NEW RECRUITS DIGEST
MOON KNIGHT VOL. 4: DEATH OF MARC SPECTOR PREMIERE HC
PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL VOL. 5: SECRET INVASION PREMIERE HC
SECRET INVASION: FRONT LINE TPB
SECRET INVASION: INCREDIBLE HERCULES TPB
SECRET INVASION: THUNDERBOLTS TPB
ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN VOL. 10 HC

Posters On-Sale:
DARK TOWER: SORCERER POSTER
THE STAND: AMERICAN NIGHTMARES POSTER
ULTIMATUM BY DAVID FINCH PANORAMA POSTER

*DR = Dark Reign tie-in
*WOK = War of Kings tie-in

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Heroes: Something Actually Happened

So I said I was over it - and I really was; the only reason Heroes won-out over The Closer when it returned is because I completely forgot The Closer was premiering! And yet something actually happened. For the first time in... at least a season and a half, I actually watched Heroes - even more, I enjoyed it!

So I've been watching it regularly once again. And, I am happy to say, I'm loving it!

Things are actually happening! Not the way they never did before - you know, "Next week, it all happens" and all that shit - but really, actually happening. People are using their powers, stories are developing, characters are being revealed almost as often as they are introduced.

Which reminds me: wasn't there a little black kid and a black girl from Louisiana or something at one point? And that chick whose eyes went black when she killed people - what happened to her? Is "Tracy Strauss" no longer the other 53 chicks? Didn't one of them die?

I'd heard Heroes was getting a much-needed reboot, but it was fairly imperceptible - maybe only because I haven't paid attention to the freaking thing in like two years - and suddenly, things are happening, people with superpowers are getting all crazy and using them, characters have motivations and goals and they are actually acting on and pursuing them... it's like a real TV show!

And I am loving it!

Still, they need to sweep back through and tie-up some of those loose ends before I can say Heroes is back on top. And where the hell is Eureka?

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Freaking Holidays

Will this string of holidays ever end!?

Truthfully, there isn't anything going on to report. I'm working on the Champions stuff, mainly because a lot of it is already done and just needs to be edited and formatted, but also because the manager of the Webring took my site off the list because I haven't updated it in so long. I find that shitty; he should have written me first, at least! Not to mention that most of the sites which are still active are comprised of at least 60% dead links.

But it lit a fire under my butt and got me back to it, at least.

It's hard going from system to system at the drop of a hat, which is why I try to focus on one project at a time until I get tired of it or something inspires me to move on. Lately, that has been Dark Conspiracy. It's a real pain to put all those books back on the shelf and pull out all the Champions stuff. It's even worse having to refamiliarize myself with the entire system - I haven't played Champions in at least five years!

Anyway, there will be a load of new pages up by tonight, though they certainly won't be tweaked-out, so I can't really tell you what to expect from them. If anything comes up in the meantime, I'll be sure to post.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Scarlett Johansson is the Black Widow

The Black Widow has always been one of my favorite characters, because Daredevil has always been one of my favorite characters and the two are both integrally, and intimately, tied. News has it that Scarlett Johansson has signed-on to the Iron Man 2 cast to play the Russian spy, whose real name is Natasha Romanoff (no relation - well, barely, anyway).

The Rundown has yet to confirm this, but it is being widely-reported and Johansson does look like Natasha - and it's not just the copper top. If I felt like doing it, I'd make a little Photoshop to crop her hair and prove my point... but. You know, I don't feel like it.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Morning, Nerds!

Hey, you nerds. I woke up to really great news this morning... well, good news so far (have to wait and see how it plays out, but I'm keeping my hopes up for now). I feel well - better than I have most of the last week, anyway - and it's a warm, pretty day.

I have some things to handle real quick, so let me go on and handle them and we'll get down to the business. The business of Nerdery.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

War of Kings #1 - Ron Lim Variant

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Transformers 2 Trailer - with Farking Goodness

Farkers comment

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Dollhouse - A Review

While I was handling computers throughout, I managed to catch the premiere of Joss Whedon's new outing, Dollhouse, Friday night. As I've said before, Joss Whedon simply doesn't do it for me - I'm starting to wonder if it's a generational thing; most of Whedon's rabid fanbase is young. I don't have any numbers, but I suspect few of his true fans are over 30. Dollhouse falls firmly into that pop-cultural arena termed "Whedonesque" - and that, in my opinion, is to its detriment.

I can describe "Whedonesque" with a simple phrase: "spinning tires." It's simply spinning wheels at 90MPH, and I'm not the only one who thinks this; one reviewer said, "the show lacks something for viewers to grab onto." That really is its primary flaw, but let me go deeper:

Whedon is one of the many new talents who has a very loose (if any) grasp of the "mystery" concept. For these creators, leaving the audience out of the show is their inept way of inducing suspense and managing mystery. Except that it doesn't work because nothing is ever explained.

Let's compare it to Frank Miller's Elektra: Assassin, in which little is explained in the early chapters and much is left to the audience to infer throughout. While many elements and concepts are introduced without the reader knowing their significance, Miller includes them at every point along the way, so that you make the connections yourself. As opposed to simply telling you what the elements mean or how they relate to the story (especially in some grandiose, "arc-ending" revelation), and far from simply throwing them out there as some obtuse "challenge" to the audience, the concepts and elements are integral to the story - they really are the story, itself - and you are compelled to learn more.

Elektra: Assassin is a very challenging piece, due largely to its unconventional, non-linear progression, but is ultimately satisfying because it comes together in retrospect; when you reach the end of the book, literally everything falls neatly into place and you realize what was happening at every point along the way. The story, on its own - in and of itself - is the revelatory "arc" ending! That is how stories are supposed to be told and the only thing on TV these days that even comes close is Supernatural.

While you might not realize what is going on as you read it, when you reach the end, you see that the story was clear the entire time, the structure of the storytelling simply made it harder to see; had it been told more traditionally, the story is still remarkable, but the overall product would have lost some of its thrust because the non-linear progression heightened the suspense and wonderment and became as much a part of the story as the content itself.

Presentation counts - especially in, like, sequential art (you know, comic books and TV shows).

Shows like Dollhouse go from one "mystery" to another, hinting all the while that THERE IS MORE TO THIS THAN MEETS THE EYE, but without ever truly developing any of these things or connecting them, except in the most tenuous of ways. The entire time, it leads you to think there is something there you are missing and could get, if you just tried a little harder - except there really isn't! Far from being developed beforehand, Whedon is just going by the seat of his pants - making it up as he goes along - and all that "mystery" and obfuscation is nothing more than misdirection; he doesn't know wtf is going on! The structure isn't the issue, it's the actual content. Furthermore, every time you think you've figured something out, the show makes certain to let you know it was just a red herring; far from drawing you further in, it actually pushes you out! By the time this happens four or five times, who frigging cares what's "really" going on?

The younger generation is... I don't know if it's "competitive" or cynical, but if it's the former, it's certainly a twisted misconception. Joss Whedon is what the younger gamers call a "cheating GM" - a concept we older gamers are all but unfamiliar with. After all, a GM can't really "cheat," since he is the final arbiter; an example best illustrates:

A GM writes-up an encounter for the party which includes a trapdoor and a monster. One of the players gets incredibly lucky with his dice rolls, handily dispatching the monster, and another figures out how to disarm the trapdoor. Instead of improvising the rest of the encounter and moving on with the game, the GM decides to change the stats involved on the fly, making the encounter more difficult and the players' well-deserved success worthless. He may feel stupid or he may just not know where to go from there because he expected the encounter to take far longer and be more difficult, but - for whatever reason - he breaks a cardinal rule and sets himself up as the players' foe, as opposed to the (somewhat) objective arbiter.

Dollhouse didn't do well in the ratings game, but FOX expected a soft launch. I hope the series continues and picks up along the way, but one of the key elements is lacking: stop jumping from faux "mystery" to red herring and let the audience in on what's really going on. I can already give you the Rundown: this agency is blah-blah, but THERE IS MORE GOING ON, which leads to another agency which is blah-blah and has MORE GOING ON, and both pale in comparison to another agency - proving that THERE IS MORE GOING ON everywhere... but who cares?

Set some things in stone and allow the mystery to come from there. If we don't know anything about anything, then there is no mystery - it's all just opaque nonsense going nowhere!

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles came on right before it and that was a fun view. I liked The Sarah Connor Chronicles, but only caught a few episodes because it was on against Chuck, which just kills; this is a great move for the Terminator series.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009