Messiah War Prologue Variant

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Dammit, Jim! Star Trek Sequel Already in the Works

According to Variety, JJ Abrams has already signed-on to helm the sequel to the yet to be released Star Trek relaunch. The sequel is being scribed by Lost co-creator, Damon Lindelof, as well as Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci of Fringe.

Fringe was co-created by Abrams and Orci and Kurtzman worked on the Star Trek relaunch - the premiere of which is mere weeks away! Orci, Lindelof, and Kurtzman are also working on another flick called Aliens and Cowboys (which I must admit, sounds so goofy on the one hand, but really cool on the other). The Star Trek sequel is looking for a 2011 release.

The trio said they are hoping to "explore some incredibly exciting things" with the sequel, as "the first movie has to be about origin." But they added they are waiting to see how fans react next month. Those are my italics because, well... just the state of the industry, you know? IOW, they aren't waiting to see if the release is a success, they're just waiting to see how people react so they have a better idea of where to go - to ensure financial success. I know it's showbusiness, but with such practices, it's hard not to be cynical.

The image is the final theatrical poster in hi-res. The Rundown is an official Star Trek blog.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Dial-Up Sucks

Ugh. I told you it would be this way for at least a little while and I was not prepared for it. Having broadband for over a year now... doesn't so much "spoil" you as force you to realize what the Web is supposed to be. However, my provider is unable to properly handle their record-keeping and/or is willfully looking to rip me off, and I refuse to go for it this time.

Anyway, nothing's going on, except for my being back on dial-up. I was just dropping-by to let you know that. Oh and that I may be doing the late-night thing for the next week or so - I just have that nite-owl "feeling."

You know what? Let me just throw this out there: I may try some new things. Nothing specific or anything like that, I just feel a bit daffy.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Body Bags for Father's Day

Jason Pearson's long out of print high-octane action series with a paternal twist returns in a completely new collection just in time for Father's Day!

30 March 2009 (Berkeley, CA) - This June, Image Comics brings back Jason Pearson’s long out of print BODY BAGS: FATHER'S DAY mini-series in an all-new collection!

"I'm very happy to see the FATHER’S DAY trade paperback in print after so many years," Pearson said. "People have been asking for this collection for a while now, and after the success of the BODY BAGS: ONE SHOT, the timing is finally right. There are lots of new Mack and Panda fans that are just discovering these characters and they need access to the story that started it all."

BODY BAGS collects the sold-out origin story of Mack (a.k.a. Clown Face), the best "body bagger" in the business, and the sudden arrival of his estranged daughter, Panda, as a rival "bagger" threatens to end her life. In short order, Mack has to learn just how he'll handle a wild teenage daughter determined to follow in her daddy’s lethal footsteps. In addition, the collection will feature never-before-seen artwork and bonus materials that will have fans old and new coming back for more!

BODY BAGS, VOL. 1: FATHER'S DAY TP (APR090358), a 128-page full color softcover for $14.99, will be in stores June 17^th, 2009.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Marvel Comics Shipping 04-01-09

No April Fool, this is your Rundown of Marvel Comics shipping this Wednesday:

Comics On-Sale:
AGENTS OF ATLAS #3 (DR)
AGENTS OF ATLAS #3 MCGUINNESS VARIANT (DR)
AGENTS OF ATLAS #3 WOLVERINE ART VARIANT (DR)
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #590
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #590 WOLVERINE ART VARIANT
ASTONISHING TALES #3
AVENGERS/INVADERS #9
AVENGERS/INVADERS #9 SUYDAM VARIANT
AVENGERS/INVADERS #9 ROSS SKETCH VARIANT
BLACK PANTHER #3 (DR)
CABLE #13 (MW)
CABLE #13 OLIVETTI VARIANT (MW)
CAPTAIN AMERICA COMICS 70TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL
CAPTAIN AMERICA COMICS 70TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL MARTIN VARIANT
CAPTAIN AMERICA COMICS 70TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL MARTIN SKETCH VARIANT
DARK REIGN: FANTASTIC FOUR #2 (DR)
DEAD OF NIGHT FEATURING WEREWOLF BY NIGHT #4
DEADPOOL #9 (DR)
DESTROYER #1
DOCTOR DOOM AND THE MASTERS OF EVIL #3
FRANKLIN RICHARDS: APRIL FOOLS
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #12 (DR)
MARVEL ASSISTANT-SIZED SPECTACULAR #1
MARVEL PREVIEWS #68
MARVEL: YOUR UNIVERSE #3
NEW AVENGERS: THE REUNION #2 (DR)
NEW MUTANTS SAGA
OFFICIAL INDEX TO THE MARVEL UNIVERSE #4
PRIDE & PREJUDICE #1
SECRET WARRIORS #3 (DR)
SECRET WARRIORS #3 WOLVERINE ART VARIANT (DR)
SOLEIL: UNIVERSAL WAR ONE - REVELATIONS #1
SOLEIL: UNIVERSAL WAR ONE - REVELATIONS #1 VARIANT
THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ #3 YOUNG 2ND PRINTING VARIANT
THUNDERBOLTS #129 DE LA TORRE 2ND PRINTING VARIANT (DR)
WAR OF KINGS #2 (WOK)
WAR OF KINGS #2 COIPEL VARIANT (WOK)
WOLVERINE MAGAZINE #1
X-MEN: FIRST CLASS FINALS #3

Collections On-Sale:
DEADPOOL CLASSIC VOL. 2 TPB
MARVEL MASTERWORKS: THE X-MEN VOL. 4 HC (2ND PRINT)
MARVEL MASTERWORKS: THE X-MEN VOL. 4 HC (VARIANT, 2ND PRINT)
WHAT IF?: SECRET WARS TPB
WOLVERINE OMNIBUS VOL. 1 HC MILLER COVER
WOLVERINE OMNIBUS VOL. 1 HC MCNIVEN COVER (DM ONLY)
WOLVERINE: FIRST CLASS - WOLVERINE-BY-NIGHT TPB
WOLVERINE: TALES OF WEAPON X GN-HC

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

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

101 Home Selling Tips

I wish I had taken more pictures of my apartment while I was here. There were times when it was spotless and it looked really nice, but those were never times when I had a working camera handy. Still, if I am being honest, my home is generally messy - not dirty - just your average, run-of-the-mill bachelor's-type place. Magazines and empty plates, a sinkful of dishes, work clothes strewn about aimlessly, and freshly cleaned clothes stacked on the couch or floor... the usual. This is why people prefer to come to open houses! Which is why you need to know how to stage one. You can find that out by visiting this handy link:

http://energizedseller.com/content/101HomeSellingTips.aspx

Also, you need to enter your pet into the scariest/funniest pet pictures contest! If you don't think that picture of Scamper is scary, you do not know him. I think he has scratched or bitten almost everyone who comes into this home, with the exception of my parents... I take that back, he scratched my mom. All the other pics of him I have are just of the "Aww, how cute!" variety.

Anyway, you need to enter your scariest/funniest pet picture into the contest and you can do exactly that by following the link above. Also do not forget the top 100 for selling a home. Whether you are a seasoned real estate agent or just trying to unload your own home for the first time, you need to check out those great tips. You could probably use the reminders, or use the information!

Lazy Sunday

That's pretty much what it is. My neck and head hurt, but I can't sleep, so I'm just watching Hulu and relaxing - doing a little reading. There hasn't been much going on anyway. I think we'll get back to the run of things tomorrow, but I don't know for how long.

I'm finally moving away from this horrible hellhole! The problem is that I don't know exactly where to. Twice it was Florida, but things fell through both times. Just waiting here is nothing but spinning tires and I've done it for too long now, so I'm putting most of my things in storage and staying with the folks and friends, etc., until I find something I can afford (and like).

But don't you worry, I'll be around. I'm not saying everything's on-hold until I get settled - far from it! I've moved around a lot in my 30-some-odd years and I haven't always had Internet for various reasons. However, I also wasn't middle-aged; there is very little I'd rather do or spend money on these days than Internet, so that's a major priority. I will likely be on dial-up for a few months, but I'll be here. In general, you probably won't be able to tell - aside from the slow down... but it's been pretty slow off and on a lot here lately, so I wouldn't expect it to change too much.

Today's a bust, though. Just figured I'd check in and let you know.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Buffy - A Simple Matter of Practicality

I told you about how I am just now getting into Buffy the Vampire Slayer, a decade after everyone else. And let me just say this about that: I tried Angel, and still watch it from time to time (it comes on very early in the mornings), but I never cared for it. I was busy doing other things in life when Buffy the Vampire Slayer originally ran and missed the whole series (with the exception of a handful of episodes, none of which I paid much attention to). After being so disappointed by Angel (which I only learned about when it was canceled and they were picketing outside the studios), I didn't bother with Buffy until I decided to give it a shot on Hulu. And I love it!

But I do have a problem.

This problem is, on the one hand, a simple matter of suspension of disbelief; OTOH, it's also a simple matter of practicality: no one outside of the core stars has any acumen or memory, and - and this is the most disconcerting and by far the bigger of the two - messes seem to clean themselves up without even trying.

The former is why I say it's a matter of suspending one's disbelief; obviously, if all of Sunnydale "remembered" the vampires they constantly come across or the werewolf in the middle of a school dance (which actually happened in season two), the series would have a pretty steep hill to climb. It could be done - in fact, last week's Supernatural had a play on this very theme, with the Ghostfacers duo (which - like everything Supernatural does - was just brilliant, but again, not the point) - but it would be tough and too much time would be lost explaining the whole thing to viewers, especially recapping it every episode for new and infrequent viewers. So we'll let the acumen, "collective memory" subject lay, as it is everyone's gripe about such fare and we're not here for that.

My real gripe, while along the very same lines, is a bit more pragmatic: despite the literal mountain - avalanche - of physical evidence left behind, absolutely no one ever mentions it, notices it, or even cleans it up!

In a single episode, a solid, blown-glass globe (like a snowglobe) was smashed against a chalkboard (which I'm pretty sure would shatter both), an entire computer system was wrecked, and a warehouse burned to the ground. Mere episodes before, a very ornate church was completely wrecked and then set ablaze. Now, not only is no one ever questioned as to these events, etc., it's as if they never happened at all by the very next episode! And I'm not just talking about the characters or dialogue; the chalkboard and computer system are both replaced, the ashes of the burned ruins apparently swept away, and no one receives so much as a stern talking-to!

I've said as much before about the whole "arc" thing so prevalent in modern serial work. When a storyline ends, a plot resolves, the characters should not "reset" to their pre-plot selves. In fact, that is specifically what should not happen in good fiction; that is literally opposed to good fiction - to shorthand it, without a change in characters, no plot resolves. And that is really these creators' only saving grace as far as I'm concerned - they can always lean back on the serial fiction saw, and claim the plot needs to resolve without change to the characters in order for the larger story (the series) to continue.

But this is above and beyond that: the actual, physical setting has not even changed! It is a whole new level of "suspension of disbelief" - it's "just shut-up and enjoy the ride" - and I think it's a cop-out!

If you cannot find a way to tell the story you want to tell without upsetting the status quo which must remain completely unchanged, then you need to either get better or put the idea on the backburner until you do. Further, some stories simply do not lend themselves to serialized form - such as those in which the main character(s) die. Again, even this rule can be gotten around (the X-Men were "dead" for dozens of issues in/around the #220s), but not by a pedestrian talent.

I have personally avoided doing certain stories, pictures, whatever, that I know are "in" me - that have never disappeared, never been forgotten - simply because I knew I wasn't good enough to do the work justice. And sometimes, I wish I had just bitten the bullet and done the work, warts and all. However, I also take solace in the fact that I have been able to pull many of these works out of their incomplete state years later and actually do them justice. Whether or not they were successful, I personally got more from the work and developed more as an artist because I wasn't able to say, "I gave it my best."

There really is something to be said for patience, though I doubt the correlation to divinity.

At any rate, Buffy the Vampire Slayer has to be one of the worst offenders in the last few decades. Like I say, it's one thing to suspend disbelief, it's another to be asked repeatedly to do so against all reason! It's a lot more coercion than it appears on the surface. But I'm not going to let Whedon and crew off that lightly, because Angel was an even more egregious offender!

Seriously people, this is so simple that there is literally NO excuse for it. The slightest of mentions, the least perceptible of nods:

• Buffy's principal says, "And you still have yet to explain what you were doing there the night that church burned to the ground," during one of his famous lectures
• Willow mentions how she and Buffy stayed up late the night before, getting "their story" together
• Someone says something along the lines of, "You know, where that old warehouse that burned down used to be"
• They bother to switch classrooms, instead of carrying on in the damaged one
• OR, again so simple, a character just says, "At least they got that mess cleaned up"

I'm not obtuse; I understand sets cost money and I understand writers and creators need to eat and pay rent, but this matter of continuity is so easy to maintain that the creators' inability to do this amounts to a simple matter of laziness. I mean, at the end of the second season, the vampires set Buffy up to take the rap for murder and assault - this was their Big Plan - and all of this should have happened at least once innumerable times before... sans work!

Still, a great show and loads of fun. I can just imagine how much better it would be if I weren't constantly reminded it's a show that's loads of fun.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Rob Schneider, an Interesting Asshole

I am no big fan of Rob Schneider. That is not to say I dislike him or his work or anything like that; I mean exactly what I say: I am no fan. I would be shocked if something bad happened to him, but probably not as shocked as I would be if he won an award. His movies are pretty crummy, but they do have their moments and provide some modicum of entertainment now and then.

All that said, I happened upon an interview with him purely by accident and found out, truly to my surprise, that he's actually quite an interesting person. If you take a moment to read the interview, you will get the reference in the title; if you don't, it is what Jay Mohr called Schneider in his book, Gasping for Airtime, which I have not read. I am, I must admit, a complete fan of Jay Mohr. Even Schneider gives him his dues in the interview, regardless of the comment. But I digress...

Check out the interview, as I'm pretty sure you won't be disappointed.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Chatty Cathy

I know this is like the fourth or fifth post I've written this week where I'm just babbling like the idiot I am, but what can I say?

Oh!

My longtime e-mail provider has changed and is forcing me to check my mail online, which I do not like. It's inconvenient, takes longer than it should, and you have to retrain the service to all of the preferences you have set in your e-mail client (which have built up over the years). I basically have until sometime Monday to decide what to do, and this is the weekend, which means I'm kinda stuck... and I can't say they didn't give me enough warning, because they did. I just didn't fully appreciate the whole thing then - largely because I didn't realize I wasn't going to be able to use my e-mail client.

It's chilly and wet today and rained all last night. I felt awful and could not sleep. That's happened every night this week, nearly: I feel fine throughout the day, but the moment I lie down, I feel like I could crawl out of my skin! I didn't get to sleep until nearly 6am, but I was pretty wide awake at 9:00, so I got up. I don't know what's wrong with me. Other than being stressed out of my mind...

Anyway, I am certain I can find something to talk about today, seeing as how I've been out of it almost the entire week.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Made It Home

Finally, and I am exhausted! I should go to Art class tomorrow, but I am not sure I will. There's just so much going on, so much that has been going on, and so much about to be going on that I just can't spare the time this weekend, even after missing last weekend. I will get back up there soon, though.

I know I've said before that I was moving - and rightfully so, given the way this place is and how I've been treated - but it is very final now. I don't know exactly when this will all be taking place, but it is definitely soon; I will be out of here by May 1st, at the latest. Things are very much in flux right now and I don't know what to tell you because I'm none too sure of anything, myself. However, know that everything here will be fine, though probably a bit sketchy - even sketchier than lately! - while I get settled into... wherever or whatever.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Ultimate Wolverine vs. Hulk #1, 2 - Third-Printing Variant

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Image Scales Olympus in May

25 March 2009 (Berkeley, CA) - Image Comics, Nathan Edmondson, and Christian Ward reveal the secret life of the gods through the eyes of the Brothers Gemini in OLYMPUS, an all-new, full color, ongoing series beginning this May!

"Christian Ward and I created OLYMPUS as a barrel of powder, and along came the good folks at Image with the match," Edmondson said. "To see our living vision presented to the world by such an excellent and widely-received publisher is an honor."

OLYMPUS begins with the Brothers Gemini, 3,000 years after Zeus has granted them eternal life in exchange for eternal servitude, hunting an exiled god, only to stumble upon a greater horror by accidentally releasing one of Hades' most dangerous prisoners. The results explode as Edmondson and Ward expand the mythology of classic tales in a fresh, compelling visual style in an action-adventure driven series unlike any other out there.
OLYMPUS #1 (MAR092402), a 24-page full color comic book for $2.99, will be in-stores May 20^th, 2009.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Still Away

Hey guys. I am still away from home and so am limited as to what I can do. However, I hate being away from this thing - it really does drive me batty - almost as much as I get sick of being here after a few weeks of that. All in all, I'm much happier blogging than not; let's face it, I need to run my mouth... about something, or nothing at all. I just need to blather and I've come to accept that about me. At any rate, a few PRs have come through that I figured I would go on and share with you while I am here.

Oh, we should be back to "near" normal next week. I say "near" because I'm not sure what speed I'll be at and that may be a problem. Long story short, my provider overcharged me 2-3 months in a row. They admit they overcharged me, but - get this: they want me to go ahead and pay the entire amount they overcharged me or they are going to cut my services! The "pro-rated amount," that is, the amount they overcharged me to begin with, will show up on my next bill!

To be frank, I do not have it. And - and I really would love to hear your thoughts on this - due to the nature of this issue, I really don't know if I would pay the full amount, even if I could! I mean, how nasty is that!? It's their mistake, they admit that, yet I'm supposed to pay what amounts to like three months' service at once or else!

If it seems like I'm always having issues with my internet service, it's only half true: I've never had any problems with dial-up services, but yes, every, single time I have added high-speed services, I end-up getting screwed. But Charter is known for screwing its customers; this particular company, TDS, I don't know about. However, I've had phone services with them for over three years now and never had a single problem! (Well, no problems that couldn't be handled - you know.) I had their high-speed services for about eight months before problems started too, so I can't say they've been all that bad a company, we just happen to differ here. After all, had I made a mistake on paying them, they sure as hell wouldn't credit me the difference to their loss!

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

FYI: RPGs @ The Wording

The Rundown is a kind of catch-all blog and always has been. Recall that this has been my blog since 1998 - and that means it really was my online journal - my "diary," to a large extent. I got a bit personal from time to time, but most of it was much like you read today, only far less frequent and far nastier.

Anyway, this particular incarnation started out to be as much about roleplaying games as comics and entertainment, but has since hardly mentioned RPGs, with the very rare exception. So, seeing as how The Wording is the site's blog and the site is largely dedicated to tabletop RPGs, it kind of makes sense to move the discussions over there. I am still going to mention RPGs and possibly even give with the occasional full article like I have been doing, but by and large, you can now find the roleplaying game stuff over there.

The Wording is accessible from every page on the site: it's the little skull icon at the top, right-hand corner of the page. It is also included in all the blogrolls.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

On the Road Again

Well guys, by the time you read this, I am either on the way to where I need to be or have already arrived. Either way, I am not where I can get to a computer. There are plenty o' computers where I will be, so that's no big deal. Again, I am just reminding you in case you leave a comment.

Comments are moderated to weed-out spam - and I do a pretty good job of it - but that means honest comments have to be approved manually, as well. I won't be around to do that regularly, so don't get upset if you leave a comment and it doesn't appear right away. It could take a day or more for me to get here and approve it.

Also, like I said before, the posts will be fewer while I am away, but I will try to bring you at least a few things here and there.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Wolverine 71 - Second-Printing Variant

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Avalanche!

I know. There have been more posts these last two days than some of the last few weeks! But I wasn't feeling well at all yesterday and slept as much of it away as I could, and - of course - that's when literally everything happened! I got to some of it last night and more of it throughout today, but I still have more.

So long as everything goes like it should, you'll get stuff throughout the week, even though I will be gone. This means it may take longer than usual for me to approve comments. I will be checking-in when, and as, I can while away, and should be back no later than Saturday, but I'm just reminding everyone.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Thunderbolts #128 - Third-Printing

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Raimi on Dunst in Spider-Man 4

With both Sam Raimi and Tobey Maguire signed-on to do Spider-Man 4, no one knows for certain whether or not Kirsten Dunst will be reprising her role as Mary-Jane. However, Raimi told MTV's Splash Page that he is writing the fourth movie in the mega-popular series with Mary Jane and said he "couldn't imagine making a Spider-Man movie without Kirsten."

However, the very same Splash Page confirmed Dunst's return back in October of 2008! I'm not exactly sure what has happened between then and now to make them think Dunst would not be returning, but this was from a piece just last week.

While rumors have been floating about the villain or villains set to appear (Morbius has been mentioned, as has Mickey Rourke, though Raimi said he was unawaer of the latter rumor), Raimi himself said he was not at liberty to discuss such matters. However, he did say that the villain(s) would be those from the Marvel Universe and not invented for the movie.

Spider-Man 4 will hit theaters in May, 2011.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Fall & Winter Clothes from Sears

Thank goodness spring is here and summer is just around the corner! It has been a weird winter, with 70-degree days and below-freezing temperature nights, and I am more than ready for warm weather all the time! I am so tired of my sinuses and... but I digress.

Sears has fall and winter apparel at 75-80% off the original price right now through April 18^th! I found an incredible white coat with fur trimming, but I could not get the image to save so I could show it. The picture I have is all I could manage to save from the website. But, if you are into denim, that there is a pretty nice jacket. And once you hit middle-age (or around 30, whatever), you really should have both a jacket for mild weather and a big coat for wintry temperatures; the huge parka in 50-degree weather just does not cut it after junior high.

75-80% means you are getting winter and fall clothing at a whopping ¹/₄ of the original price! I doubt you could find clothing this nice at that price even at a yard sale! You really owe it to yourself to check it out now and get what you can for next year.

Plus, we are not completely out of the woods just yet. More and more these last few years, we have had mild winters and sudden "cold snaps" near the summer months, so you may wind-up using whatever you buy this year!

Spider-Man Rescues Boy from Ledge

Bangkok officials were contacted after a young, autistic boy started crying then climbed out onto a third-story ledge. Upon learning that the boy loved comic book characters, the responding fireman, Somchai Yoosabai, went back to the station to retrieve his Spider-Man costume. When he returned, he held out a glass of juice, and the boy happily leapt into his arms!

Yoosabi says he keeps the costume in his locker to liven-up fire drills at local school.s

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Who's Next?

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

American Jesus - Free!

Hey guys, sorry this one is late. My mail provider switched applications and even though I knew they were going to, it wasn't supposed to take place until today and they apparently went ahead and did it sometime yesterday, so I have a few backlogged e-m,ails to get through.

23 March 2009 (Berkeley, CA) - Yesterday, Newsarama exclusively featured the first full issue of Mark Millar and Peter Gross' AMERICAN JESUS, VOL. 1: CHOSEN TPB!

AMERICAN JESUS, VOL. 1: CHOSEN, the first chapter of Millar and Gross' AMERICAN JESUS trilogy, has been described by the press as Ultimate Spider-Man meets The Book of Revelation. It follows young Jodie Christianson coming to terms with being the resurrected Christ. In the first issue featured on Newsarama, Jodie survives a massive car accident and quickly realizes he has abilities he's only previously read about in Bible passages and comic books. The trilogy is set to continue this fall in AMERICAN JESUS, VOL. 2: THE RESURRECTION.

AMERICAN JESUS, VOL. 1: CHOSEN TPB, a 96-page full color softcover collection for $9.99, will be in stores this Wednesday March 25^th, 2009.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Robin Williams' Surgery

I learned of this whilst nightblogging this morning and meant to mention it. Comic, Robin Williams, underwent a three-hour heart surgery to repair his mitral valve, replace his aortic valve, and correct an irregular heartbeat. Doctors said his heart will have full function within the next two months.

Williams had canceled the rest of his Weapons of Self-Destruction tour after he began experiencing shortness of breath while onstage. A spokesperson said the tour will resume in the fall. A spokesperson for the hospital said the veteran comedian was entertaining the staff "a couple of hours after the surgery."

Robin Williams is 57.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Body by Sabon

Like the vaunted Tyler Durden, I too used to sell soap. Really and for truly. I never made any myself (though I actually did know the recipe, somehow), but I did sell it. Of course, I was barely more than a kid and I did not have the contacts to truly make a go of such a thing; most of the people I knew then were struggling to make it on their own (as was I) and none of them could afford the finer things in life. Actually, I do not know that I have the resources to make a go of such a thing now. Sadly, I simply do not know too many people who can afford truly nice things - well, that are willing to spend good money on such things, I guess I should say.

But these last 15 years or so, I have learned a thing or two (if only that) and one of those things is that you have to treat yourself from time to time. "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy" is very true. You will burn yourself out if you don't take a day off here and there and the finer things, such as Sabon reed diffuser oil can turn a regular, everyday routine - like bathing - into something truly special.

Sabon has tons of great products, if diffuser oils aren't your thing. They have dozens of products and product categories, ranging from the catch-all "Bath" to "Bestsellers." As you would expect, they also have a Gift Boutique and Travel-Size accommodations. And do not forget accessories - accessories you will need to enjoy your luxury bath and beauty products. This category has everything from scrubbing sponges and brushes to little, wooden scoops (which could be used for practically anything around the house - even decorations - and are amazingly affordable at a mere $1.00 per piece!),.

Nightblogging

Last night may have done it; by not fighting and just going with the flow (Circadian rhythms and all that), I think I may have finally gotten my days and nights switched back around. I woke up a little after 9a and didn't feel like going right back to sleep, so that's a good sign.

Oh, but I really wanted to know if you liked the overnight posts or preferred them to be released throughout the day like normal people's. I mean, there will be occasions where I will be forced to blog whenever I happen to have the time and etc., but I mean just in general.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Dark Avengers #1 - Third-Printing

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

By Popular Demand - The Rundown's 42nd-Printing!

You know, a year or so back when I was getting a zillion press releases announcing the second- and third- printing of this issue and that one, I would publish them. By last summer, at least, they got to be so prolific that I simply couldn't keep up! By late summer, it got downright silly. But you may have noticed I've come back around and am publishing at least the covers of these further printings, sometimes with the release information, sometimes not (really just as I feel like it, no rhyme or reason).

I had to come around, because at least 60-70% of the PRs I get these days are about second-, third-, and fourth- printings, ad nauseam. And I'll freely admit, a lot of the later printing covers kick some serious ass. But, like some of creators have noted, this really is a fad and a pretty blatant and sleazy one.

With newspapers and magazines drying-up one after the next, I guess I can't blame them; the guys in the business itself have predicted the demise of comic books literally since they were invented! But with the Web here - and here in a big way, definitely to stay - it changes everything. Marvel knows this and has made the right moves, with their pay-to-read online comics, and DC is still working on their online game, so both of the Big Two are headed in the right directions, though Marvel clearly has a wide lead. But under-printing comics just so you can inflate the industry and numbers with countless reprints is as bad as all those tinfoil covers and crap back in the 90s.

That is one thing I have always hated about the comics industry, and is especially apt with their moving into Hollywood - an industry content to recycle instead of reinvent - and that is that once it finds a gimmick that works, it wears it out like a cat with a toy.

In the 80s, it was all about ninjas and Japanese culture; in the early 90s (and the 80s' obsession with ninjas and violence led directly to this), it was all about "dark" characters and "gritty" stories; then alternate covers, tinfoil holograms, and collector cards, etc.; now it's all about the reprints. This is a cheap, and basically unethical, ploy to get your money and the comics industry is guilty of this all the way around - and has been for at least 20 years now.

I wouldn't hold on to tightly to that treasured Dark Reign crossover that's worth $12310927490 right now; sell that sucker high, because they are going to reprint it so much that by the time you decide to part with it, it's literally going to be worth $10.

I told you that comics' popularity is cyclical and we're entering the downturn of this latest popularity surge. I truly believe sequential art will always be around in one form or another - it's the oldest art known to Man! - but I can't sit here and tell you that my beloved comic books will still be here in their current form 20 years from now. Heck, I don't even care for the newer, slicker comic books, by and large! Give me the old newsprint and toner issues! You could then drop the price to something reasonable, though I'd be willing to bet most of the current staff has no idea how to make them that way.

Regardless, comics' waning popularity, added to the Web's increasing prominence, and the economy means $2-3.99 comic books are going to be the very first thing one cuts back on to save money. And instead of realizing this and forming a new strategy, these morons are taking the exact same stance they always have: "Let's milk it for all it's worth! We'll stop making them when they stop buying them."

It's never worked before guys, and I really don't think it's going to work this time, either.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

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I Prophesy

The online gaming market is a burgeoning one. It seems there is something new almost daily. And many of them rival those you can play offline. In fact, I just saw an article today which said PCs were beating home gaming units (like the Wii, etc.) insofar as which people preferred to play on.

I Prophesy: The Future Revealed is a game for which you will need Flash 10 (I apparently did not have it installed, and when you go to the splash page, it will prompt you for a download, if you do not either) and a high-speed connection (I assume - I have one [right now] and it appears you would need one to get the most out of it), but appears to be pretty simple to play. I admit that I have yet to create a character and try it for myself because I am very busy tonight. I did bookmark the site to check out later, though. And I do plan on playing for a little while.

Anyway, you have an avatar which has to join one of three teams, based largely upon what you (or your character) believe about the future. You watch videos, play games, and solve puzzles in order to be asked certain questions about humanity's future. There is a countdown going on and when the clock reaches 0, the team with the most points wins "big prizes" (whatever that means). But everyone has a chance at weekly prizes, just for playing. And, yes, you can customize your avatar.

The other characters/avatars you meet in the game are real people and you can have IM chats with them. There is a way to go directly from one prophecy to another, by using your toolbar at the bottom of your screen. Though doing so is largely the point of the game, you get points for almost all of your actions, so taking your time and enjoying the game can be as rewarding as "solving" it.

Very cool little app that I can see sucking hours away from my everyday life, if I let it... However, I think a lot of my malaise as late has as much to do with my needing some quality relaxation time as anything else, so I plan on giving it a shot later tonight or tomorrow and letting you know what I think. You should give it a shot now, though - why wait? Maybe I'll see you there!

Stephen Colbert Truly Spaced-Out

Comedian, Stephen Colbert, urged viewers to vote for a room of the space station to be named after him. They complied with nearly 300,000 votes - more than enough to win the NASA-sponsored contest! However, NASA reserves the right to name the room whatever it wants, but a spokesperson told AP the names which received the highest votes would get "the most consideration." Also among the possible names was Serenity, which Firefly fans will know well. All told, there over 1 million votes.

If Stephen Colbert's name is used, the name of the room will actually be "Colbert." Which, when you think about it, doesn't sound so bad. I mean, it's just a room, after all.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Dolphin Bubbles

You honestly have to see this for yourself! Dolphins - at least those in captivity - have learned or developed a process by which they blow these incredible bubble rings through their blowholes. What is even more fascinating is how they interact with them, and one another, after the bubble rings have been blown!

At first, I thought, "Wow. Dolphins blowing bubbles. Who woulda thunk it?" But I watched one of the videos and was honestly amazed. That's why I say you really have to see this for yourself.

According to the experts (you will hear all of the details in the video below), the females do it more than the males and it is some kind of learned practice. They believe one or more of the dolphins which have been there for a while taught it to the others. They also explain how the younger and newer dolphins interact with those already practiced at creating the dolphin bubbles to learn how to do it themselves.

Further, the dolphins push the rings around with their noses - manipulating them, making them larger, and breaking them before another dolphin gets the chance to play with them. I have no idea what any of this means, if anything, zoologically speaking, but it is really cool and fun to watch. I mean, what it says about dolphins sociology, psychology, or whatever - their capacity for learned behavior - all that stuff is for others to determine; for us, it really is just fun to watch and pretty amazing to see.

Letterman Marries

I would be remiss not to throw this one in, although I am quite certain everyone and their mother knows this by now:

After being heckled by celebrities for years, late night talk show host, David Letterman, shocked his audience members Monday night by announcing he and longtime girlfriend, Regina Lasko, had been married at a quiet court service last Thursday.The announcement only slightly upstaged guest, Bruce Willis, who had been married a few weeks back, as well.

Letterman had previously sworn-off marriage, following a divorce in 1977.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Yeah, Yeah

I know what I just told you - about how I wasn't feeling well, was sleeping a lot, and didn't know what was going on this week, etc. - but I have slept a lot this past week, so I was up and decided to go ahead and make the most of it. Like I blogged earlier, I really will be gone most of this week and don't have any idea what to tell you to expect, so I figured I'd give all you night owls and early birds a treat of blogtastic proportions.

I really am straight, I really am.

Dish Network for $9.99!

I have been through almost every cable/satellite provider in my area. One of them completely ripped me off, while the other got turned off simply because I could not stay at least one month ahead... or fell two months behind - something. That one was my fault, and I have to pay them eventually, but seeing as how I am going to be leaving here in less than 60 days (and probably sooner), I figure I can make-do with what I can find online in the meantime.

But you do not have to do that - actually, neither do I, but I digress - because Dish Network is offering services for as low as $9.99 per month! Seriously! All you need to do is follow the link to learn more about this incredible offer.

And even if it is only for a limited time, full price packages start at a mere $19-29.99. That is certainly low enough that almost anyone can afford it. And network TV cancels all its good programs months after they start - that is no way to live! Why fool with it, anyway - three, maybe four or five, channels? Cable/satellite is just awesome, even if you do not watch TV all that much. Especially since so many networks are now offering their own programs - programs which network TV simply cannot match. The Closer, Leverage, Burn Notice... there really are too many for me to even recall right off the top of my head.

My suggestion is to get the basic package and add HBO, but if you can afford it, the extended package brings so much more - including free movie channels - for about double the amount. Of course, you get more than twice the channels, so it really is worth it. And HBO is no more than $15 per month and offers hours and hours of great entertainment, including their original programming, which simply cannot be beaten.

At this price, there is absolutely no reason not to check it out today!

Sicky Stuff, Buffy

Hey guys. Things have been even more demanding on the personal front than usual these last few months. Regular readers know about my neck/spine and all thr troubles it's been bringing me. Well, I was unable to be here like normal for several months and I managed to get in way over my head with... well, everything. Now, everyone wants their money and so on and I don't have any. Needless to say, I'm struggling.

I've been watching Hulu a lot lately... because it's all I've got. And I - like everyone else did back in the 90s - have fallen in love with Buffy the Vampire Slayer. It really is a good show! When it was coming on, I was busy doing other things - mainly working - and though I caught an episode here and there, I didn't want to get involved because I knew I wouldn't be able to catch them all. Hulu only has seasons 1-3 right now and I am already on the second one.

Anyway, I've been watching a lot of Buffy and WKRP and just taking it easy, waiting on different phonecalls and mail. Actually, I've been sleeping a lot - I mean, like, freakishly. It must be this new medicine - that's all I can figure. I've also been adding to the site, so you should check that out sometime. I am definitely moving somewhere very soon, though I can't say where yet - because I honestly do not know! I've been waiting for a specific place to open up, but was told the other day that it could be as long as eight months! So I've decided to put in for other places and play the field a bit; I can't stay here another year. For all sorts of reasons, but I just can't. In fact, I doubt I'll be here another month - maybe two.

I'll be around a couple of days this week, but I already know I have to be away from Wednesday, probably through the weekend. I'll post when I can, but I doubt I'll be checking mail because I loaned the laptop to someone else and it isn't setup to receive mail, anyway, and I really don't want to go through all of that just for a few days.

Oh yes, there is also a bunch of editing-type stuff to look forward to here and on the other blogs. Stuff that will take several days to finish and I'm not really looking forward to, but can no longer put off.

So, enjoy what you get from me this week and make sure to stick around for the archives. Check out the entire for all sorts of stuff - especially if you're a gamer! We specialize in the Nerdery.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Marvel Comics Shipping 03-25-09

Here you go guys - your weekly Rundown of Marvel Comics shipping this Wednesday the 25^th day of March, 2009:

Comics On-Sale:
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #589
AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE FEATURING REPTIL #1
CAPTAIN AMERICA #48
DAREDEVIL #117
DARK AVENGERS #2 2ND PRINTING VARIANT (DR)
DARK REIGN: ELEKTRA #1 (DR)
DARK REIGN: ELEKTRA #1 MANN VARIANT (DR)
FANTASTIC FOUR #565
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #12
IMMORTAL IRON FIST #24
INCREDIBLE HERCULES #127 (DR)
MARVEL ADVENTURES FANTASTIC FOUR #46
MIGHTY AVENGERS #23 (DR)
MS. MARVEL #37 (DR)
NEW AVENGERS #49 2ND PRINTING VARIANT (DR)
NEW AVENGERS #51 (DR)
NEW AVENGERS #51 BACHALO VARIANT (DR)
NOVA #23 (WOK)
PUNISHER #2 2ND PRINTING VARIANT (DR)
RUNAWAYS #8
SECRET INVASION CHRONICLES #1
SKAAR: SON OF HULK #9
SQUADRON SUPREME #9
THUNDERBOLTS #130 (DR)
THUNDERBOLTS #130 LANGLEY VARIANT (DR)
WAR MACHINE #2 2ND PRINTING VARIANT (DR)
WAR MACHINE #4 (DR)
WAR OF KINGS: DARKHAWK #2 (WOK)
WOLVERINE SAGA
WOLVERINE: FIRST CLASS #13
X-FORCE/CABLE: MESSIAH WAR ONE-SHOT
X-FORCE/CABLE: MESSIAH WAR ONE-SHOT CHOI VARIANT
X-FORCE/CABLE: MESSIAH WAR ONE-SHOT LIEFELD VARIANT
X-INFERNUS #4
X-INFERNUS #4 CHAREST VARIANT
X-MEN: KINGBREAKER #4 (WOK)
X-MEN: SWORD OF THE BRADDOCKS ONE-SHOT
X-MEN: THE TIMES AND LIFE OF LUCAS BISHOP #2

Collections On-Sale:
AVENGERS: HAWKEYE PREMIERE HC
AVENGERS: HAWKEYE PREMIERE HC (DM ONLY)
DAREDEVIL: LADY BULLSEYE TPB
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 1: LEGACY TPB
HULK: SKAAR - SON OF HULK HC
IMMORTAL IRON FIST VOL. 4: THE MORTAL IRON FIST PREMIERE HC
MARVEL ADVENTURES FANTASTIC FOUR: DOOMED IF YOU DON'T DIGEST
MARVEL MASTERWORKS: THE X-MEN VOL. 1 TPB
MARVEL MASTERWORKS: THE X-MEN VOL. 1 TPB VARIANT (DM ONLY)
MS. MARVEL VOL. 5: SECRET INVASION TPB
MS. MARVEL VOL. 5: SECRET INVASION TPB (DM ONLY)
OFFICIAL HANDBOOK OF THE MARVEL UNIVERSE A TO Z VOL. 7 PREMIERE HC
SECRET INVASION: THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN TPB
SECRET INVASION: THOR TPB
ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN: POWER & RESPONSIBILITY PREMIERE HC

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

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Watchmen Fans: Seaguy is Not the Only Sequel Morrison's Working On

In a chat with Comic Book Resources (CBR) about the upcoming sequel to his 2004 Vertigop mini-series, Seaguy, Grant Morrison let it slip that he's not only working on an Earth 4 series - that's the Charlton characters, the ones who appear in Watchmen - but he is doing it "Watchmen style." Does this mean a Watchmen sequel? Penned by Grant Morrison!?

While Morrison does not answer that question directly (largely because it is not posed to him), the entire article is focused on sequels, even leading-off with a bit about The Empire Strikes Back and how some sequels have managed to be better than their predecessors. Of course, the article is about the Seaguy sequel, specifically, so it could all just be a case of too much reading between the lines, but who's to say?

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Twilight Director Reunites with Summit

Some might have thought Catherine Hardwicke would never return to Summit Entertainment, after being pulled from the Twilight series (even though the movie made a truckload of cash), but it appears Hardwicke and Summit have made-up. Summit has hired Hardwicke to helm the fantasy-drama, If I Stay.

The movie is about a pianist and her rock star boyfriend who is forced to choose between life and death following a car accident. The film is based on the children's book by the same name by author, Gayle Forman. And, get this, the book hasn't even been released yet! It's not due out until this spring! But foreign book rights have already sold in 18 countries.

A spokesperson for Summit said Hardwicke was the "clear" choice for directors because only she "...capture the emotion, grace and passion of this beautiful book." The Rundown believes it has to do with how quickly she turned around Twilight, but who's keeping score?

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Saturday

I woke up in plenty of time to make Art class, but I didn't sleep well and my neck was killing me, so I skipped it. Instead, I queued-up a slew of Saturday morning - afternoon programming that has this particular Saturday feeling like one from my childhood.

I started out with some Abbott and Costello, then a little fantasy anime. I tried watching the Conan series, but it was awful - just... awful. So I queued-up a couple movies and have been working all morning long. This coming week, I have to do my taxes, thanks to a late W2 that just arrived a week or so back. Though still working on Dark Conspiracy, I am also doing the next project for Chill. Since no one entered our last contest, I don't know when I'll get around to Cyberpunk.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Joe Quesada Talks Daredevil

Ol' Joey Q is back at the helm this week, after an extended absence from his own weekly reports, and he's talking Daredevil. He is going to be answering questions readers submitted, as well as talking about the series and character, in general. What is the future of the series? Will it have a new writer? Plus, a sneak-peek at the cover of Daredevil #500. All in this week's My Cup o' Joe.

Seeing the new Ultimatum 3 promo (isn't that picture just freaking awesome!? Check out Spidey's hand on his face! Beautiful!), I guess we can deduce what becomes of the man without fear in the Ultimates Universe, so I'm guessing Joe Quesada will be talking about the real DD.

As a subscriber, I'm torn: comic books literally just cost too much these days. I really don't care for the better image quality, yaddayadda; I was perfectly happy with the colored-toner days of 75¢-$1.00 magazines. I could stand it if Daredevil ceased, though I love the character. Further, I'm absolutely thrilled to hear a new writer may be joining the staff. Brubaker's work was fresh and fun for a minute there, but it's been mundane and mediocre this past year; some new blood may be just what Daredevil needs to get back into the swing of things.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Black Friday @ Buy.com

Buy.com continually has great deals on everything under the sun. While their day to day prices are almost always cheaper than you can find in any brick and mortar store, their weekly deals are even better, and their Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals are literally just this side of giving the stuff away!

I have become increasingly disillusioned with auction sites, as it seems too many of the sellers take the whole "collectibles" thing too far. A recent purchase I made from another site cost me less than $10 altogether, while the prices I found at auction sites would have cost twice that with shipping and handling. Buy.com carries such a wide selection of products, you should really check there before you pay anywhere or anyone else. And this is even truer when it comes to holiday shopping!

Ultimatum - Who's Next?

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

CBLDF, Image, and Liberty Comics

20 March 2009 (Berkeley, CA) - At today's ComicsPRO Annual Meeting, Image Comics announced plans to further expand its support of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, the comics industry's first response in the fight against censorship. Image will support the not-for-profit organization with a second installment of LIBERTY COMICS and will launch The CBLDF Liberty Series, a series of high-end variant covers featuring Image's strongest titles with exclusive artwork not available anywhere else. All proceeds of both projects will go directly towards the Fund's important defense of comics' First Amendment rights.

"Image Comics was founded on defending comics' creative freedom and the CBLDF continues the fight for securing the free speech rights we all depend on to do business," Image Comics Publisher Eric Stephenson said. "It's important to us to ensure that they have the resources they need to continue that important work. The CBLDF stands up for every creator, retailer, publisher, and fan in this industry, so it's important to us, as a publisher, to stand up in support of their work."

The first step in Image's expanded support of the Fund will be the launch of the CBLDF Liberty Series. These special edition comics will come at a slightly higher price and every dollar earned will go towards supporting the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund's efforts to defend the industry's rights to support a full line of comics. Every variant in the CBLDF Liberty Series is available as a separate line item from the regular series, allowing fans and retailers an easy opportunity to make a big difference. Full details about participating books in this series will be released later this Spring, for the program's launch this Summer.

This October, Image Comics will release LIBERTY COMICS #2, the sequel to last year's all-star anthology which raised over $30,000 to benefit the Fund. The second volume will continue the original's tradition of featuring high end creators like Mike Mignola, J. Scott Campbell, Darwyn Cooke, Mark Millar, Walter Simonson, Garth Ennis, Darick Robertson, and Art Adams, with a with a whole new roster to be announced in advance of this year's Comic-Con International: San Diego.

CBLDF Executive Director Charles Brownstein says, "Image Comics has been extraordinary in their support of the CBLDF. As a corporate member, they are one of the pillars of the business community who support the Fund's work. With Liberty Comics and the new Liberty Series of covers, they are increasing their support in a way that will ensure we are able to continue to perform our legal work, and expand our education mission in new directions. We are grateful to Image Comics, its partners, and creators for lending such extraordinary support to the CBLDF."

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

No Transformers 3 in 2011

Director Michael Bay said Paramount "jumped the gun" when they announced a 2011 release date for Transformers 3 the other day. On his website, Bay said he did agree to July 4^th, but not 2011. Bay said his "brain needs a break from fighting robots."

If things work out, that would mean Transformers 3 should hit theaters July 4^th, 2012.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Weapon X #1 - Alan Davis Variant

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Kettlebell Exercises

Every year or two, some new fitness craze comes along which purports to do what no other diet or exercise craze can do. And though many of them are little than fads, there are a handful which stand apart largely because they actually work.

I am not an exercise kind of guy - I just do not care to sweat, am not very active (in that manner), and I get bored - but if there were some exercise or exercise program which is actually fun, I would certainly lose my reticence. I think this is true of many people. "Jazzercise" was one of those fad-type exercise programs which works and though it is nowhere near as popular as it once was, it is still around - because it not only works, but is fun!

Kettlebell exercise is a lot like Jazzercise in these ways, though it has not yet reached "fad" status. Kettleworx offers several packages which include instructional DVDs for you to watch and learn how the Kettlebell works. And it does work - largely because it is so much fun!

Wolverine Art Appreciation Makes Washington Post Headlines!

Wolverine is everywhere bub, and today he made headlines in the Washington Post for the unprecedented Wolverine Art Appreciation Variant Covers! Click over for comments from Marvel EiC, Joe Quesada, himself and a first look at covers inspired by some of the world’s greatest artists! These variant covers depict Wolverine like you’ve never seen him before, in styles reminiscent of Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Andy Warhol, and more!


The titles featuring these variants are:


AGENTS OF ATLAS #3
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #590
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #592
CAPTAIN BRITAIN AND MI13 #12
DAREDEVIL #118
EXILES #1
GHOST RIDER #34
HULK #11
INCREDIBLE HERCULES #128
MOON KNIGHT #29
MS. MARVEL #38
RUNAWAYS #9
SECRET WARRIORS #3
UNCANNY X-MEN #508
WAR MACHINE #5
WOLVERINE: FIRST CLASS #14
X-MEN: LEGACY #223

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Ultimatum 3 - Who's Next?

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Evil and Malice Save the World This May!

18 March 2009 (Berkeley, CA) - EVIL AND MALICE, Jimmie Robinson's all-ages superhero series, finally gets collected this May in a 128-page trade paperback aimed at younger readers!

"A definitive collection of EVIL & MALICE has been a long time coming and I'm very happy it's with the folks at Silverline Books," Robinson said. "Over the years, I've heard a lot of demand for a superhero series older readers could share with their younger siblings, nieces, and nephews. Considering Shadowline's continued pushes into the younger reader market with their own Silverline Books division, they seemed like the right home to bring back EVIL & MALICE. I'm highly anticipating its upcoming reception with fans - new and old alike!"

EVIL & MALICE: SAVE THE WORLD collects the entire story of Evelyn and Malinda, the 13-year old twin daughters of an infamous (but soft-hearted) villain, The Black Eye. Once a collective of villains makes life miserable for dad, Evelyn and Malinda take it upon themselves to strike back - as superheroes! They're quickly thrown into a madcap race against time until their father discovers their identities and grounds them for life!

Coming this May for $14.99

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Inside South Park

It's no secret The Weirding is a huge fan of South Park, so we are apt to extol its excellence, but we are obviously biased. The critics, however, seem to agree; did you know South Park has been nominated for an Oscar? It was also nominated for seven Emmys and won two - along with a GLAAD Award, an NAACP Image Award, a CableACE, a Peabody... just to name a few! Not too shabby for a show that's done in only six days and arrives at Comedy Central about an hour and a half before it premieres!

South Park is a pop-culture landmark, alongside The Simpsons and Family Guy (the former of which they lauded in the episode The Simpsons Already Did It; they lashed-out at Family Guy in the Cartoon Wars series) - that is going into its 13^th season, and has already been renewed for seven more. Seeing as how South Park got its start online, it was only fitting that South Park Studios became one of the first (and few) sites to offer their entire catalogue online for free.

I found this great feature on Matt and Trey, detailing the entire process behind getting a South Park episode to air. And someone over to MSN suggested American Idol have a South Park night.

Pretty good stuff.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Wolverine #70 - Third-Printing Variant

WOLVERINE #70 THIRD PRINTING VARIANT (FEB098017)
Written by MARK MILLAR
Pencils & Cover by STEVE MCNIVEN
Parental Advisory …$2.99
FOC—3/26/09, On-Sale—4/15/09

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Judge Dismisses Disney Case Against Family Guy

A Manhattan judge has dismissed music publisher, Bourne Co.'s lawsuit against Family Guy and its creator, Seth MacFarlane, in a case we told you about last year. Bourne Co. owns the rights to the classic tune, When You Wish Upon a Star, used in the Disney film, Pinnochio. Family Guy parodied the song in an episode even Fox originally refused to air due its material.

In the episode, entitled When You Wish Upon a Weinstein, the song's tune is used, but the lyrics were changed. The Bourne Co. called the lyrics "anti-Semitic" and claimed Family Guy had damaged the tune with the association. But the judge (Judge Deborah Batts) said the creative team of the show was well within their rights, as copyright does not protect against parody. Further, she added the tune's wholesome image is specifically what makes it ripe for parody!

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Monaco Rare Coin

Many of us invest in comic books. Most of us collect comic books, but many of us actually invest in them - that is, we purchase certain issues and titles specifically because we believe their value will increase over time. I will be honest with you: I do not even take the comics in which I invest out of the bag! When they arrive, I file them, and that is the last time I handle them until I sell them!

Investing in comics is a good thing and many of us have made really good money doing it, but comic books are an highly speculative field; you never know which titles/issues are going to be good investments until it happens. What you really need to do is diversify your holdings. My savings account's rate has decreased every month for the last four months, so even those sorts of things can be a bust. What can you do?

You should consider gold! Seriously. Monaco Rare Coin is part of the Monex family and has helped tens of thousands build world-class coin portfolios. You can also get gold, silver, and other precious metals, in ingot form. Monaco and Monex have dealt in precious metals for nearly 40 years now and are members of all the major Guilds and Associations related to the industry.

Diversify your portfolio with precious metals and enjoy your comic book collection! With some firm, proven investments - such as precious metals and coins - under your belt, you can afford to invest more in the highly speculative field of comics!

Weapon X #1 - Coipel Variant

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

American Idol Trading Cards

FremantleMedia and Upper Deck are launching a line of trading cards based on the popular reality TV show, American Idol. The cards will feature images of contestants (both past and present), as well as the judges and Ryan Seacrest.

The series has 138 cards. Six special cards, autographed by American Idol winners, will be randomly included in the 5-card packs. "Regular" cards include past winners and popular finalists, along with rejects.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Wolverine Art Appreciation Month

Marvel is proud to announce that in honor of Wolverine's 35^th anniversary, numerous Marvel titles will feature Wolverine Art Appreciation Variant Covers in April, as part of Wolverine Art Appreciation Month. In the tradition of Marvel's previous variant cover programs, featuring everything from villains to zombies to monkeys, select Marvel titles will feature variant covers spotlighting the most popular X-Man through a unique lens! Inspired by some of the world's greatest artists, these variant covers depict Wolverine like you've never seen him before, in styles reminiscent of Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Andy Warhol, and more!

"This is a huge year for Wolverine as he proves why he's arguably one of the most popular characters in the world," explained Joe Quesada, Marvel Comics Editor-in-Chief. "He's not just popular with fans but also with artists, as evidenced by how many of today's top comic artists jockey for a chance to draw him. This got us thinking: what if Wolverine had been around for hundreds, if not thousands, of years? What great, classic artists would want a crack at drawing a Wolverine cover?"

Please visit for a first look at these landmark Wolverine Art Appreciation Variant Covers!

© C Harris Lynn, 2009