BREAKING: Disney to Buy Marvel

According to ABC News, Disney has announced it is buying Marvel Entertainment for $4 billion.

MUCH more on this to come.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Domo Now Available at Target

As part of a new vinyl toy test initiative by the Target retail chain, new packaging solutions and colorways have been created of this popular character with the mass-market audience in mind. For collectors, these special Qees have been produced in four new, exclusive colors that were previously unavailable. These new colors include solid yellow and solid orange, as well as translucent black and translucent blue. Domos in the new colors are now available in a special blind-box two-pack.

“We have tried to introduce the ‘mystery box’ genre to a more casual consumer, with an equally weighted ratio of four different colors packed in a blind box and paired with a visible brown Domo Qee,” said Dark Horse’s vice-president of product development, David Scroggy. “The customer has an equal shot at one of four possible surprise colors. The blister-carded package for the single Domo Qee choices are something new for both Toy2R and Dark Horse. None of these colors is a part of our regular mystery-box assortment, so we hope this will be of interest to collectors as well as the general public.”

“Obviously these are new outlets for designer toys, so you must step back and see what works best for them while still capturing the essence of the designer-toy genre,” said Toy2R founder and president Raymond Choy.

These exclusive Domo releases are available now at select Target locations. In addition, Dark Horse also announces a color change in the upcoming Dark Horse Deluxe line of 4” flocked Domo vinyls. The previously announced Raging Red color has been changed to Mint Green. The edition size will remain at five hundred pieces.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Jonathan Hickman's SoCal Signing Today!

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Formatting

I know Win98 is 10 years old; I know Microsoft doesn't support it and few scripts and so forth work on it as well as they do other, newer platforms. It's unfortunate all the way around (there's really little need to go into it; needless to say, I disagree with the handling of it all, but Billy Gates has yet to make $100 billion and the rest of us can just go "get effed"), because I am stuck with it right this minute - and for the foreseeable future. While I hope to have the Vista box back up and going within the next week or so, if it can't be done, then it simply cannot be done and I'll be on 98 until it can be. Please don't even mention "Linux."

I apologize for the funky formatting issues we've been having lately. I could employ some workarounds to eliminate them, but it would not only increase the time spent on every post by as much as 2+ hours - apiece - it wouldn't really be worth it. I know it looks funky and stuff, and I sincerely apologize for that, but The Weirding and The Rundown are generally flawless in our attention to detail. Not flawless in our employment of detail, but certainly in our pursuit of it. Does that even make sense?

Well, I hope you can, for now, look past the funk and just enjoy the words. The beautiful, nonsensical, sometimes even lyrical, words.

You may now return your browser to its upright position.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Star Wars Comes to the iPhone

MILWAUKIE, OR – AUGUST 27, 2009 -- In a partnership that will echo through the cosmos, Lucasfilm, THQ Wireless, and Dark Horse Comics will release Star Wars™ comics to the iPhone mobile platform for the first time ever!

The selection of Star Wars: The Clone Wars Vol. 1 – Shipyards of Doom, Star Wars: Empire Vol. 1 – Betrayal, and Star Wars: Legacy Vol. 1 – Broken represents three of the most important time periods in the history of the Star Wars galaxy. The three collections will span the time between the Clone Wars era, the Classic era and the distant future.

Star Wars: Empire Vol. 1 – Betrayal is set just weeks before the events of the original film, Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope, and follows a faction of disgruntled Imperial Officers attempting to overthrow Emperor Palpatine. But the plot is complicated by the emergence of the bounty hunter Boba Fett, and by the loyalty of Darth Vader to his dark master. Betrayal will be released in four chapters, written by Scott Allie and drawn by Brian Horton.

Star Wars: Legacy Vol. 1 – Broken takes place more than a century after the events of Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi and focuses on a fifth-generation Skywalker named Cade, a rogue Jedi and bounty hunter who travels the galaxy living by his own code. Broken will be released in two parts, written by John Ostrander and drawn by Jan Duursema.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars Vol. 1 – Shipyard of Doom is based on the wildly popular animated series from Lucasfilm Animation and highlights events from the epic time period when Jedi Knights, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, and Padawan Ahsoka Tano struggled to maintain order and peace in a war-torn galaxy. Shipyards of Doom will be released in its entirety, written by Henry Gilroy, and drawn by the Fillbach Brothers.

Working together with Lucasfilm and THQ Wireless, Dark Horse Senior Editor Randy Stradley and Senior Web Designer, Mike Denning, carefully reformatted each panel and page to maximize the visual grandeur while staying true to the original comic books. All parties involved ensured that the material would transition to the new medium in the best format possible, delicately considering every word balloon and background image.

Dark Horse President Mike Richardson is delighted with the new program, stating, “Lucasfilm has been a proud and longstanding partner of ours, and I’m equally excited to be working with the wonderful people at THQ Wireless on this program. The stories of The Clone Wars, Legacy, and Empire embody some of the best comics in the Star Wars universe that Dark Horse has ever released. I think it’s wonderful that these key tales will be available to fans everywhere in a new and accessible way.”

Adam Comiskey, Vice President THQ Wireless commented, “Bringing a selection of some of the finest comic books to the iPhone mobile platform is an exciting chapter in our relationship with Lucasfilm. Our partnership with Dark Horse means that for the first time, Star Wars fans will be able to use their iPhone to view a fantastic line up of comics.”

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Image Comics + Newsarama = Talent Search!

26 August 2009 (Berkeley, CA) - As announced at this year's San Diego Comic Con, LIBERTY MEADOWS creator Frank Cho and THE 'NAM writer Doug Murray are teaming up with Newsarama to seek out new talent for their upcoming Image Comics project, 50-GIRLS-50!

"When creating 50-GIRLS-50, Doug and I knew we wanted to go with a very different look than we've had on any previous collaboration," Cho said. "Given the immense wealth of talent online, we decided an open call would be the best way to find someone. We're open to seeing all styles for our prospective illustrator and look forward to the results."

50-GIRLS-50 will be a science-fiction, action-adventure miniseries conceived and written by Cho and Murray with the artist working off Cho's designs. Newsarama and Image Comics will keep contenders updated on their respective sites, with Newsarama giving you an exclusive inside look at the process and Image Comics' brand-new 50-GIRLS-50 message board playing host to the submissions. Artists will also have the opportunity to get one-on-one feedback from Murray at this year's Baltimore Comic Con, October 10^th & 11^th.

Murray added, "I can't say we have a definitive style in mind, which is what makes this whole process all the more exciting. We're eager to see what the emerging artists of the world have to offer."

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Deadpool: Merc with a Mouth #2 - Second-Printing

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Eau du Trekkies

Yes, it's true, a company named Firebox (no relation to Lindsay Lohan) is releasing three distinct odeurs related to the sci-fi TV classic, Star Trek. I have no idea in the world why anyone anywhere would ever want to smell like a Trekkie, but here it is.

There are two varieties for men, including "Tiberius" and "Red Shirt." Yes, "Red Shirt." And for the ladies, there is "Ponn Farr." Each is available for a mere $29.95 directly from Firebox.

Which, all else aside, is one hell of a name for a girl's power pop group!

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Dark Wolverine #77

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Jonathan Hickman's SoCal Signing Debut

25 August 2009 (Berkeley, CA) - NIGHTLY NEWS and PAX ROMANA's Jonathan Hickman will be making his Southern California signing debut this Saturday, August 29^th at Canoga Park, CA's Collector's Paradise!

"Coming down to Southern California for a signing has been a long time coming," Hickman said. "There [are] an amazing [number] of great stores in Southern California and I'm very excited about my first signing. Edward and the crew at Collector's Paradise have already gone a long way to make me feel welcome."

Collector's Paradise has been a mainstay of the Southern California retail community for over 15 years and featured signings with some of comics biggest names. Like all their signings, Collector's Paradise adds a twist to the event, with famed comic book podcast ComicsOnComics.com recording their first-ever live show at Collector's Paradise, featuring Hickman and several well-known comedians! From there, Hickman will begin a signing session for his legion of Collector's Paradise fans.

Collector's Paradise owner Ed Greenberg added, "We've been home to a great roster of signings over the years, especially in recent months, but Jonathan is a creator we've been hoping to have since NIGHTLY NEWS was initially released. All of his Image work is constantly in our top-ten sellers, so we're looking forward to the event."

Jonathan Hickman will be signing at Collector's Paradise Saturday, August 29^th from 3:00 - 6:00 PM, preceded by the Comics on Comics taping 1:00 - 3:00 PM.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Spider-Woman on iTunes

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Drunk Day

That wash so tot'ly s'posed to say Hump Day.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Deadpool #900

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Colorado Meth Ring Laundered Money Through Comic Books

A Colorado meth ring of at least 41 suspects who were moving whole pounds of meth through the city and surrounding areas used a comic book collection worth at least $¹/₂ million to launder their money. If only the guys from Office Space had known someone on meth...

Two brothers suspected to be the ringleaders of the outfit were captured thanks to wire-taps on some 13 phones. The Weirding has no idea if the wire-taps were actually legal, but as one officer notes, meth-heads are responsible for as much as ²/₃ of all crimes. They are filthy creatures of habit with no redeeming social value, whatsoever. When captured, the brothers' comic book collection included first-edition printings of such titles as Batman and Superman. The Weirding has no idea how many DC Comics readers are addicted to meth, but fears a Marvel ad campaign coming... ("The Choice of 'Clean' Collectors")

100 boxes of comic books were seized. According to police, some of the comics were worth thousands of dollars apiece! The brothers (whose last name is Castro - no, really!) would parlay the comic books from their collection into money whenever needed; they avoided keeping large sums of cash laying around by maintaining a comic book collection worth $500,000.

Meth-heads are becoming savvier, using a "shake-and-bake" method to create just enough dope for personal use and circumvent recent restrictions on pseudophedrine purchases, but cops believe the Castro brothers were involved in a major, international drug syndicate which created meth in a "superlab" in Mexico and used chicks to import it (in their No Zones!).

The Weirding does not know how the Castro Brothers transported their comics.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Marvel Comics Shipping 08-26-09

Here you go, guys - your weekly Rundown of Marvel Comics shipping tomorrow, August 26^th, 2009. You know, Google - an actual monopoly - "downgrades" us because they consider this duplicate content, but we do it all for you - it's all for you. Anyway:

Comics On-Sale:
ANITA BLAKE, THE LAUGHING CORPSE - NECROMANCER #4
AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE #27
AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE #27 70TH FRAME VARIANT
BETA RAY BILL: GODHUNTER #3
CAPTAIN AMERICA #601 2ND PRINTING VARIANT
DARK AVENGERS #7 2ND PRINTING VARIANT (DAX)
DARK AVENGERS #8 (DAX)
DARK AVENGERS #8 70TH FRAME VARIANT (DAX)
DARK AVENGERS #8 BIANCHI VARIANT (DAX)
DARK REIGN: ELEKTRA #5 (DR)
DARK REIGN: MADE MEN #5
DARK REIGN: THE SINISTER SPIDER-MAN #3
DARK TOWER: THE FALL OF GILEAD #4
DARK TOWER: THE FALL OF GILEAD #4 LAFUENTE VARIANT
DARK TOWER: THE FALL OF GILEAD #4 SKETCH VARIANT
DARK WOLVERINE #77
DARK WOLVERINE #77 70TH FRAME VARIANT
DARK WOLVERINE #77 YOUNG GUN VARIANT
DARK X-MEN: THE BEGINNING #3
DEADPOOL #14
FANTASTIC FOUR #570
FANTASTIC FOUR #570 EAGLESHAM MR. FANTASTIC VARIANT
FANTASTIC FOUR #570 70TH FRAME VARIANT
FANTASTIC FOUR #570 CASSADAY VARIANT
FANTASTIC FOUR #570 CASSADAY SKETCH VARIANT
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #17
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #17 70TH FRAME VARIANT
HALO: HELLJUMPER #2
HULK #14 CHURCHILL WRAPAROUND COVER
HULK #14 CHURCHILL VARIANT
HULK #14 MCGUINNESS VARIANT
HULK #14 DEADPOOL VARIANT
INCREDIBLE HERCULES #133
INCREDIBLE HERCULES #133 70TH FRAME VARIANT
INCREDIBLE HULK #601
INCREDIBLE HULK #601 70TH FRAME VARIANT
INCREDIBLE HULK #601 MCGUINNESS VARIANT
MARVEL ADVENTURES SPIDER-MAN #54
MARVEL PREVIEWS #73
MARY JANE AND FRIENDS POSTER BOOK
MS. MARVEL #44 (DR)
NEW AVENGERS #56
NEW AVENGERS #56 70TH FRAME VARIANT
NEW MUTANTS #4
NEW MUTANTS #4 70TH FRAME VARIANT
NEW MUTANTS #4 BENJAMIN VARIANT
NOVA #28
NOVA #28 70TH FRAME VARIANT
RIFTWAR #3
RUNAWAYS #13
RUNAWAYS #13 70TH FRAME VARIANT
SECRET WARRIORS #7
SECRET WARRIORS #7 70TH FRAME VARIANT
SKRULL KILL KREW #4 (DR)
SKRULL KILL KREW #4 BROUSSARD VARIANT (DR)
SON OF HULK #14
SON OF HULK #14 70TH FRAME VARIANT
SPIN ANGELS #1
SPIN ANGELS #1 VARIANT
TIMESTORM 2009/2099 #4
WOLVERINE FIRST CLASS #18
WOLVERINE FIRST CLASS #18 70TH FRAME VARIANT
WOLVERINE MAGAZINE #3
WOLVERINE ORIGINS #39
WOLVERINE ORIGINS #39 70TH FRAME VARIANT
X-FORCE #18
X-FORCE #18 70TH FRAME VARIANT
X-MEN FOREVER #6

Collections On-Sale:
AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE - DISASSEMBLED PREMIERE HC
CABLE VOL. 2: WAITING FOR THE END OF THE WORLD TPB
GHOST RIDER: TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS TPB
IMMORTAL IRON FIST VOL. 5: ESCAPE FROM THE EIGHTH CITY PREMIERE HC
LORDS OF AVALON: KNIGHT OF DARKNESS HC
MARVEL MASTERWORKS: THE INCREDIBLE HULK VOL. 1 TPB
MARVEL MASTERWORKS: THE INCREDIBLE HULK VOL. 1 TPB VARIANT (DM ONLY)
UNCANNY X-MEN: THE SISTERHOOD TPB
X-FORCE VOL. 2: OLD GHOSTS TPB
X-FORCE/CABLE: MESSIAH WAR HC

*DAX = Dark Avengers/Uncanny X-Men: Utopia tie-in
*DR = Dark Reign tie-in

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Invincible Iron Man #20 - Stark: Disassembled

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Black Gold - Actuality

You can't throw a shoe these days without hitting a "reality TV" star; reality shows are all over the dial. And though many are slightly amusing and a handful deal with real issues, the "reality" involved is specious, at best. Not so with shows like Ice Road Truckers and TruTV's new Black Gold!

The toughest men in Texas have just 50 days to dig four holes - a feat never before done, according to one onlooker. The stakes are far higher than simply watching-out for one's job; this is a job in which the workers' very lives could be at stake! Like TruTV's motto says, this isn't "reality" - it's actuality. We get to follow along as they try their best to not only complete the "never done before" five holes, but do so without injury or loss of life!

Shows like Black Gold get me too nervous sometimes. The reality shows are all fine and good - you know half the stuff that goes on in those things is staged, or at least agged-on from nothing too big into made-for-TV drama - but shows like Black Gold are very real. I don't care how many people are watching, how many safety precautions have been taken, or whatever else - things can (and all too often do) happen and sometimes, these shows are just too much for my fragile nerves! And those fragile nerves are exactly why I am blogging about this stuff and not doing it myself!

However, I really believe truTV's Black Gold is doing the whole "reality TV" genre one better; this can't be called "reality TV" and no one can suggest any of it was staged - at least not anything important. I mean, the holes will either get dug on-time or not, and (God forbid) someone might get hurt in the process! Knowing that one or more people edited the recorded events so that they are more linearly connected or dramatic does not change the fact that these things actually happened more or less as they are shown on TV.

Check out the videos and you can catch new episodes every Wednesday on TruTV.

Running It Down

I know it was a late-start today, but there really wasn't anything to report until the afternoon. Anyway, I am literally neck-deep in research for this Hallowe'en's unveiling - and it really will be something to see!

I realize my projects have been long delayed and few of them have actually materialized (on your end) yet, but with all of my personal issues the last couple-three years, as well as the fact that I (as always) have the absolute worst habit of underestimating projects and biting off more than I can chew, it's just been... really hard to get it all together and keep it together long enough for anything to come of it. However, I have been able to bring you at least a few new things every Halloween, and this year's darkest holiday will be no different!

Except for this: this year, I finally have a whole, whole lot to bring you! While the Vista box is still down and I have no idea if any of the data on it survived, I did manage to burn a lot of it to disc back in the spring (before the move). It isn't everything, but it's better than nothing; it was enough of a start that I was able to salvage quite a bit of what I'd been working on there. Even better, everything for the Atlantis campaign was being kept on this computer to begin with, so it just has to be formatted.

But this Halloween finally allows me to do what I've been wanting to do ever since I started this crazy site: bring you some truly incredible, completely original, material that will literally make you... just FLIP-OUT!

So, I'm busy and stuff.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Best of Time

Unlike that guy on the streetcorner a few blocks from your house, Best of Time offers actual Rolex watches (complete with serial number and the whole nine) at discount prices. They are proud members of the BBB (Better Business Bureau) and maintain an A+ Rating with the organization - the highest you can get. Located in Atlanta, GA, Best of Time guarantees genuine Rolex watches with a three-year warranty. They also provide free shipping via FedEx.

Rolex are known to be among the - if not the - best watches ever made. Because of this, they have long been a staple of the affluent, as well as a target of forgers and con-artists. While Rolex watches are often faked, Best of Time's Rolexes come with GIA papers, as well as genuine serial numbers which you can use to verify the authenticity of your purchase with the company, itself. They also come in the actual boxes.

Best of Time purchases their stock in specific quantities and cuts-out the middleman to bring you the absolute lowest prices on the market. Their watches are like-new and pre-owned, but come in brand new boxes (just in case you need to fool your friends... or your boss, or your wife)! Either way you cut it, you simply cannot find a better deal anywhere.

Check with the Better Business Bureau, then head on over to their website (at www.bestoftime.com) to learn more about the company and what they have to offer. Finally, buy your genuine Rolex watch at the absolute lowest price available anywhere! It's just that simple.

Dark Horse Gets Deadlocked

AUGUST 19, MILWAUKIE, OR—Dark Horse is partnering with 72 Productions to release Deadlocke, a special one-shot comic tie-in to Christopher Krovatin's Venomous. Venomous, a Simon & Schuster young adult novel, is also currently in the works as a feature film produced by the Los Angeles–based company 72 Productions, run by Jen Chaiken and Sebastian Dungan.

Deadlocke mixes real life and young adult themes with escapist comic book fantasy to tell the story of a Manhattan teenager, Locke Vinetti, whose world is turned upside down when the dark alter ego who exists in his drawings threatens to take over his life. Locke must learn to control his newfound strength at the risk of losing Renee, the darkly beautiful girl of his dreams. This internal struggle eventually culminates in a brutal rooftop battle where the characters' lives, and souls, hang in the balance.

Novel author and screenwriter Chris Krovatin's other credits include 2005's Heavy Metal and You. He is currently working on his first adult novel for Broadway Books, expected to be finished within the next year. This special comic tie-in is written by Rex Mundi writer Arvid Nelson and illustrated by Nick Stakal, artist on the recent Criminal Macabre series, Cell Block 666.

"The film script for Deadlocke is just great," says Nelson. "The dialogue crackles, and so does the plot. There's a fantastic tension between reality and fantasy. I think we really captured that in the comic, and I'm so excited for people to read it!"

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Amazing Spider-Man #602 Second-Printing

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Marvel 70th Parties Wrap-Up

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

A Slap-Happy Saturday

Hey guys, I went without cigarettes for two solid days this week. Before you say stupid things like, "Good for you!" or "Sounds like a good time to quit," you should know that I've been smoking since I was about 13-14, so... that ain't gonna happen. I had a ride coming the other day, Thursday night, and Friday morning - and not one showed-up. So I fixed the bike as best I could and trucked it on up to the store my lonesome. It's about 14 miles, round-trip. Needless to say, I was pooped when I got home.

I know this is still technically Friday, but I doubt too many of you will see this before tomorrow and I have no idea what tomorrow will bring. The ride really wasn't bad at all - I actually enjoyed it - but, needless to say, I got sorer as the day wore on and my folks are supposed to be here for a visit around 3p, so I don't know how much you'll get from me.

Anyway, until later, and have a great weekend! Only a couple more left this summer!

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Cowboy Ninja Viking

20 August 2009 (Berkeley, CA) – This October Image Comics’ newest hero shows how just one personality may not be enough to save the world, in this all new series from AJ Lieberman (BATMAN: HUSH RETURNS) and PROOF artist, Riley Rossmo: COWBOY NINJA VIKING!

"COWBOY NINJA VIKING is everything I look for in a series to bring to Image," Image Vice-President Jim Valentino said. "There is absolutely nothing else on the stands that looks or reads remotely like COWBOY NINJA VIKING, especially given its Golden Age dimensions and format. I certainly can’t think of any other titles featuring schizophrenic heroes combating evil with no less [sic] than three personalities.”

COWBOY NINJA VIKING is the birth-child of Doctor Sebastian Ghislain, a psychotherapist who recruits Multiple Personality Disorder patients to create a unit of counter-intelligence agents called the Triplets. But what happens when those guys become out of control assassins? That’s when the deadliest Triplet of them all, COWBOY NINJA VIKING, is called in to take down his own brethren.

COWBOY NINJA VIKING #1 (AUG090294), a 24-page, full color, Golden Age-format comic book for $3.50, will be in stores October 7^th, 2009.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Female Force: Stephenie Meyer

Bluewater Productions and Twilight-inspired retailer, Dazzled by Twilight, announced the production of an exclusive edition of the upcoming release of Female Force Stephenie Meyer.

Dazzled by Twilight, the largest retailer in Forks, Washington, the town where the fictional characters of Stephenie Meyer’ wildly popular Twilight saga takes place, will be the only resource to buy a limited-run, 32-page version of the Meyer’s biography comic featuring a custom, alternate cover. A special edition poster of the cover will also be available through the store.

"Stephenie Meyer's vibrant storytelling has captured our hearts, and the hearts of millions of readers and moviegoers, and we are excited to offer this Dazzled by Twilight Exclusive Edition of Female Force - Stephenie Meyer - direct from the heart of Twilight in Forks, Washington." said Annette Root, the store’s owner.

Female Force: Stephenie Meyer is scheduled for release the same day the movie hits theaters - November 20th. The Dazzled by Twilight edition can only be purchased at the retail location (61 N. Forks Ave, Forks, WA) or Dazzled By Twilight’s online store.

“When I visited Forks, I was really captured by the warmth of the community and how they have embraced the Twilight books,” said Bluewater’s president Darren G. Davis. “I’m very pleased to join forces with Dazzled by Twilight to bring more attention to this great town.”

The comic, written by Ryan Burton (Flying Saucers vs The Earth) examines Meyer’s rise to popularity, her Twilight saga novels, the launching of the successful movie franchise and her future plans. According to Burton, a very recognizable and iconic vampire will serve as the story’s narrator. The title is being drawn by Dave MacNeil and the Dazzled By Twilight cover is painted by Azim Akberali.

Meyer, Named USA Today's "Author of the Year" in 2008, is the first fiction author featured in the Female Force series. The series, to date, has published biographies on such influential women as Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Sarah Palin and Princess Diana. Female Force offers a broad examination of strong and influential women who are shaping modern history and culture.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Ultimate Comics Avengers #1 Second Printing Variant

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Ultimate Spider-Man #1 - 2nd-Print

Well, you knew it was comi... IS THAT FELICIA HARDY HE'S SUCKING ON!?


© C Harris Lynn, 2009

SEE! Jessica Drew Jiggle IN MOTION (With Her Tig-ol Bitties)

New York, NY (August 19, 2009) – If the pages of Marvel Comics could move, what would they look like? Wonder no more! Marvel Comics announced the launch of its first ever original motion comic, Spider-Woman. The legendary, Eisner-award winning Brian Michael Bendis wrote the story of Spider-Woman, with art by Eisner Award winning artist, Alex Maleev (Daredevil and Stephen King’s N. Mobisodes). The first episode of Spider-Woman will be available on iTunes beginning today, with additional episodes released every two weeks.

Marvel provided a sneak-peek of the first episode of this exciting new comic to a throng of fans at the “Marvel Digital Comics…and Beyond!” panel at San Diego Comic Con.

There will be five episodes of Spider-Woman, each running 10-12 minutes. The first episode will be available exclusively on iTunes for 99 cents for the first two weeks. After the first two weeks all episodes will cost $1.99. This is the first time an original Marvel motion comic will be made available for fans to download and own.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Jessica Drew's Gigantic bOObs

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Mice Templar Strike Back at High Prices

17 August 2009 (Berkeley, CA) - Despite erroneous pricing on THE MICE TEMPLAR #2, the series will maintain a $2.99 price point through its entire run!

"In this challenging economic time, we certainly know it's always a shock when your favorite book raises its price point unexpectedly," writer Bryan J.L. Glass said. "As regular comics buyers who understand the importance of consistent pricing, we're dedicated to keeping MICE TEMPLAR: DESTINY at $2.99 for the foreseeable future. We apologize for the very regretful error on the cover of issue #2."

While retailers were charged regular price for MICE TEMPLAR: DESTINY #2, the cover featured an erroneous price of $3.99 and they are advised to charge their shoppers no more than the regular price. Future, regular-size issues will return to the $2.99 price point for the run of 'DESTINY'.

MICE TEMPLAR: DESTINY #3 (JUL090401), a 32-page, full-color comic book for $2.99, will be in stores September 2nd, 2009.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Steve Harvey Joins GMA

Noted actor, comedian, and author, Steve Harvey, joins the cast of ABC's Good Morning America on a recurring basis, starting tomorrow. He will be covering relationship issues with his trademarked brand of just-this-side-of-off-color humor and amazing insight into the topic.

GMA made the announcement on ABC.com yesterday.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Corman's Black Scorpion Set to Prowl

Angel City is once again safe from the vermin which infest its streets as Roger Corman’s femme fatale, Black Scorpion, returns to comic book pages this November from Bluewater Productions.

Roger Corman Presents: Black Scorpion is the first title to emerge from the partnership announced in August between the legendary genre filmmaker and the independent comic book publisher.

“Comic books have given me so much over the years that it’s time I gave something back to the medium,” said Corman.

This new version of the Black Scorpion, which previously found success as two made-for-cable movies on Showtime and 22 one hour episodes on the SciFi Channel, will reintroduce and reimagine the original character, developed by Corman and producer Craig Nevius.

Nevius added “Roger and I had always intended to create a comic book franchise based on the Black Scorpion movies and TV series. And with classic costumed superheroes back in vogue thanks to the success of the Batman and Iron Man movies, the time seemed right to bring back our costumed super heroine.”

Written by long-time genre veteran, Paul Salamoff (Batman & Robin, Ed Wood, The Addams Family, Scary Movie 2, Alien Siege), the new comic version of the character will build on the original mythology of a police detective who, consumed by revenge over the murder of her father, decides to don a mask and strike at those criminals who deem themselves above the law. Daniel Cuchacovich provides the art for the monthly title which includes the likeness of Michelle Lintel (who played the title character in the television series).

Following this title, several other Corman properties will soon find their way into graphic form. Some of the titles currently under development include Death Stalker, The Barbarian Queen, and Humanoids from the Deep. As Bluewater now is working with both Corman and the Vincent Price estate, it is certain that several of the horror classics based on the Edgar Allen Poe stories will also be produced in comic form in the near future.

"Roger Corman's body of work is so visual and visceral," said Bluewater's president Darren Davis. "What will make these titles stand out is Mr. Corman’s personal involvement in their development. This is not a licensing gimmick, but an outlet to rediscover his creative genius and a chance for readers to once again be pleasantly frightened. I still get the willies from the Masque of the Red Death."

The suggested retail price (SRP) for each upcoming issue is $3.99

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Daredevil #500 - Gatefold

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Marvel Comics Shipping 08-19-09

Your weekly Rundown of Marvel Comics shipping this Wednesday, August 19^th, 2009, await just after the colon:

Comics On-Sale:
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #603
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #603 70TH FRAME VARIANT
DAREDEVIL #500 DJURDJEVIC GATEFOLD COVER
DAREDEVIL #500 ROSS COVER
DAREDEVIL #500 70TH FRAME VARIANT
DAREDEVIL #500 DARROW VARIANT
DAREDEVIL #500 DELL'OTTO VARIANT
DARK REIGN: MISTER NEGATIVE #3
DARK REIGN: THE HOOD #4
DEADPOOL: SUICIDE KINGS #5
GENEXT: UNITED #4
MARVEL ADVENTURES THE AVENGERS #39
MIGHTY AVENGERS #28
MIGHTY AVENGERS #28 70TH FRAME VARIANT
MS. MARVEL: WAR OF THE MARVELS MUST HAVE ONE-SHOT
PUNISHER #8
PUNISHER #8 70TH FRAME VARIANT
PUNISHER #8 REST IN PIECES VARIANT
PUNISHER NOIR #1
PUNISHER NOIR #1 CALERO VARIANT
PUNISHER: FRANK CASTLE MAX #73
SPIDER-WOMAN SAGA
THE STAND: AMERICAN NIGHTMARES #5
THE STAND: AMERICAN NIGHTMARES #5 PERKINS VARIANT
WOLVERINE WEAPON X #4
WOLVERINE WEAPON X #4 GRANOV
WOLVERINE WEAPON X #4 70TH FRAME VARIANT
X-FACTOR #47
X-FACTOR #47 70TH FRAME VARIANT
X-MEN LEGACY #226 2ND PRINTING VARIANT
X-MEN LEGACY #227
X-MEN LEGACY #227 70TH FRAME VARIANT

Collections On-Sale:
ASTONISHING X-MEN: GHOST BOX PREMIERE HC
AVENGERS FOREVER HC
BLACK WIDOW: THE STING OF THE WIDOW PREMIERE HC
BLACK WIDOW: THE STING OF THE WIDOW PREMIERE HC (DM ONLY)
DARK AVENGERS VOL. 1: ASSEMBLE PREMIERE HC
ESSENTIAL MARVEL TEAM-UP VOL. 3 TPB
MARVEL MASTERWORKS: THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN VOL. 11 HC
MARVEL MASTERWORKS: THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN VOL. 11 HC (VARIANT)
MIGHTY AVENGERS: EARTH'S MIGHTIEST PREMIERE HC
NEW AVENGERS VOL. 11: SEARCH FOR THE SORCERER SUPREME PREMIERE HC
NYX: NO WAY HOME TPB
PUNISHER: DARK REIGN PREMIERE HC
PUNISHER: FRANK CASTLE MAX - SIX HOURS TO KILL TPB
SPIDER-MAN/MARY JANE: ...YOU JUST HIT THE JACKPOT TPB
SQUADRON SUPREME: BRIGHT SHINING LIES TPB
ULTIMATE X-MEN ULTIMATE COLLECTION BOOK 3 TPB
WOLVERINE ORIGINS: DARK REIGN PREMIERE HC
X-FACTOR: TIME AND A HALF PREMIERE HC

Posters On-Sale:
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN/MARY JANE POSTER

*DAX = Dark Avengers/Uncanny X-Men: Utopia tie-in
*DR = Dark Reign tie-in

Every week!

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

The Marvels Project #1 - Parel Variant

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Brian's Rove-ing Eye

The Family Guy's dog usually has eyes only for Lois, as well as an outspoken liberal leaning. But in season eight, he will take to right-wing radio. Both Rush Limbaugh and Karl Rove will make guest appearances on the FOX animated hit, as confirmed by Rove on Twitter Friday.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

X-Men Forever #4 - Second-Printing Variant

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

A Note on Form and Advertising

Observant readers might have noted a new... approach here, lately:

I often present only the art from certain press releases - particularly the second-printings and other variants. As a sequential artist, storyteller, and writer myself - as well as a life-long comics fan - I have a very close relationship to comic books and sequential art in all forms. The simple fact is that, according to the form, genre, approach, medium - whatever you wish to call it (medium is actually the technically correct term in this case) - words are meant to be replaced. If you were writing a song about a subject and that subject is identified in the title, the words may become superfluous - and I am of the firm belief that superfluity is unnecessary; less is more. This has nothing to do with reinforcing The Weirding's Minimalist design; it is the reason behind it.

You can access The Weirding by clicking the titlebar in the uppermost, right-hand side on every page.

I have been trying to alternate between posts bearing artwork only and written pieces. It doesn't always work-out that way, and The Rundown is an art-based blog so that's okay, but it looks better when you see the whole blog (as opposed to single posts).

Sometimes I include more information, such as release dates and other publishing data, according to how much time I have, whatever else is going on, and so on and so forth. I sometimes attach links to our sponsors, not only to encourage you to patronage them, but also so you can easily order stuff.

The Rundown and The Weirding can offer you content for free only because our sponsors and advertisers take-up the slack. I live on a fixed income and cannot afford to "soak" hosting, programs, and other costs - I grew-up in the comic book collecting and roleplaying game communities and I wouldn't do this anyway; I don't like most of you that much. You're overly-opinionated, woefully ignorant, and often aggressive about it. None of you ever gave me a break when I was purchasing an issue or obscure supplement off you and you wouldn't today, so get over it.

Many, specifically in the roleplaying community, do not like the fact that The Weirding is a sponsored site which accepts advertising because you have the retarded idea that I should give you my personally-created content for free. I don't like the fact that you are overweight, bathe infrequently, and often smell like cheese - I like cheese; please bathe more. Comic books are not free; roleplaying games (excepting such gracious and - hopefully - industry-altering examples as S.A.F.E.) are not free; music is not free; and this is because the resources spent creating, developing, and producing these things are not free. This is one of the many reasons The Weirding is exceptional.

Were I to "give back to the community" what I have received, The Weirding would have 15 different colored landing pages with the same content (only one of which actually leads to the site, and only 1500 people would be able to find it) and it would be subscription-based. And would cost your first-born. Plus, I would charge you another "one-time" fee every time I edited a page (The Weirding 4^th-Ed.!) - and I would edit at least one every hour.

Despite my disabilities, I could spend my time and money doing things like having sex with incredibly good-looking people. Or fixing my house, buying a car specially-designed to accommodate my disability, helping my parents retire, or a whole lot more.

No-o, really good-looking. But stunning.

However, I am a life-long fan of tabletop roleplaying games, comic books, movies and slasher-flicks, hardcore music, and other subjects and concepts I choose to cover. Far from simply lining my pockets (or sating my baser desires - both of which are accepted means of spending money in America), a lot of what little money is made here is spent acquiring resources which (hopefully) allow me to better develop, produce, and present this information and content - which, again, you get for free.

Many of you "haters" have turned the rest of the world off to these pursuits and hobbies. Tabletop roleplaying games - once booming and thriving - is now a failed industry, dominated by the least common denominator. Comic books - a medium which gave rise to superhumans and an American mythology to rival that of the ancient Greeks' and Romans' - now offer little more than reprints of mildly-successful, and largely mediocre, fare.

And it's your fault.

The Web gives people like me - true fans and active hobbyists who would love to share our love for these things with people we know would love them if only they weren't associated with such distasteful (and often angry, bitter, and aggressive) people - a means for doing so. I completely understand many of you have been socially, mentally, and (especially) emotionally abused - often because you are comic book fans and/or tabletop roleplayers - I was, too! But we now have a President who reads comic books; internationally-known, bestselling authors and artists whose work graces the walls of respected art galleries lend their talents to our fields; Suffocation appeared in a commercial for the frigging History Channel! The time for such secularity is done. We have earned mainstream society's respect, yet our lack of social graces keeps us separate from them. Some will argue that it is in these shadows where true Art is made, yet I insist that nothing can be enjoyed which remains unknown.

Where is the harm in being put on display when you and/or your work is exceptional? (This is one reason so few can separate the art from the artist... but I digress.) We are an entire network of communities comprised of like-minded enthusiasts whose pursuits are hardly known outside of our network, but movies like Darkon and mediums like the Web are finally giving mainstream society a glimpse into what we do. And they like it! Why the hell wouldn't they!? It's a whole lot of fun!

The Weirding is free thanks to the sponsors and advertisers who are directing their products and announcements at you! Far from shitting on you for your "geekiness" or Nerdery, they specifically want to cater to you - and some of them even hope to make you a little bit "cooler" and more acceptable to mainstream society. And many of you could use it. Whatever else you may think of this, know that it keeps resources such as this free.

I will always bring you the highest-quality content and, over time, I will establish The Weirding as one of, if not the, premiere landing pads for your interests. However we must expand the fanbase, we must appeal to new fans, and we must put our social afflictions to rest... or at least quit being so vociferous about them! Last month alone, I spent well over $200 on The Weirding and related products (things like pens, paper, notebooks, correction fluid, et.al.) and advertisers and sponsors paid for every, last bit of it! Yet, no matter how much content I produce, nor how great it looks and reads, or how well it is researched, I still get static because there are ads in the margins... like there are on every other Web page online.

We enthusiasts spend an awful lot of time, effort, and money doing what we do - roleplaying, collecting comic books, buying death metal CDs and T-shirts, et.al. - these are lifestyles, and everybody knows it. And advertisers and sponsors are looking to help us maintain these lifestyles - even thrive within them - and I, for one, respect their efforts! You should, too! It's a symbiotic relationship from which we can all benefit - if only some of our more vocal, and thoroughly misguided, members would STFU. These companies can provide us with the materials we need to maintain our lifestyles and are more than willing to make it as convenient and affordable as they can; we, in turn, provide them with a steady financial return. It's called "commerce" and for whatever reason, it's just fine when gaming companies do it; it's just this side of murder when anyone else does.

As always, I welcome your criticisms - even your slams, flames, and tirades (I've certainly suffered worse) - as well as your contributions, however I aim to be a solid force in bringing quality comic books, tabletop roleplaying games, death metal and punk rock, and mad-slasher flicks to a larger (and hopefully more appreciative) audience, and I need money to do that. This is why The Weirding accepts sponsors and advertisers.

And if that is antithetical to your desires or provincial, little outlook, then... you know:

Suck it! SUCK IT!

SUCK IT!

Yours in Christ,
Manodogs

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Chew is on Its Last Set of Teeth

13 August 2009 (Berkeley, CA) – Since CHEW’s release, John Layman and Rob Guillory’s ongoing crime series with a disgustingly delicious twist has faced a series of distribution-level sellouts despite extremely healthy reprints. Next month, Issues One, Two, and Three will each be reprinted in time for Issue Four's release, with Issue One reprinted for a fourth (and final!) printing, a ‘Last Bite’ edition for people who are still hungry for a copy of one of the most talked about debuts of the summer.

“I continued to be stunned and staggered by response to this book, and I don't understand it one bit.,” Layman said. “CHEW is about a cannibal cop, set [in a] post-bird flu alternative reality. Nobody should want to read it, and yet it continues to sell out. I’m told we’re now three times as successful as THE WALKING DEAD’s initial launch and, even better, the fans and retailers I’ve heard from are excited for more. So I'm not even going to try to understand it, I'm just going to be grateful to all the readers and retailers and reviewers who have responded so, so, so positively. Thanks!"

CHEW's star, Detective Tony Chu, is a cop with a secret. As a Cibopath, Detective Chu gets a psychic impression from whatever he eats. While it means he's a hell of a Detective if he can stomach the evidence, once his secret gets out, the government makes plans for him whether he likes it or not. CHEW blends horror, mystery, and the strangest ability of them all in an ongoing series of horrific crimes solved in the most horrific way possible. With the sell-outs continuing on a regular basis, Image will be once again increasing each printing’s quantities in hopes of keeping them available. The fourth printing of issue one will mark the final time the comic will be reprinted in a special ‘Last Bite’ edition.

CHEW #1-4, all 32-page full color comic books for $2.99, will be available in-stores on September 2^nd, 2009.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

X-Men Forever #3

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Bluewater's August Releases

Because of the lightning strike which destroyed the Vista box, I lost a lot of mail. I hope my data is still on there, but there's no way to get to it now. I don't have the art for all this stuff, but I covered most of it throughout the month, so just hit the Bluewater tag to the right... or right there!

Vincent Price Presents #12
Writer: Nick Lyons
Pencils: R.H.Stewart
Cover Artist(s): cover: Jim McDermott
This one-shot featuring Vincent Price tells another Gothic adventure. In "Fade Away," Private Eye Frank Wood takes on a case in which he must investigate mysterious break-ins at a home belonging to a wealthy old man named Jack Leonard. Is there really an intruder or is Jack losing his mind and seeing someone that isn't there?

William Shatner Presents: Tek War #3
Writer: William Shatner & Scott Davis
Pencils: Erich Owens
Dr. Leon Kittridge is proving more elusive and more costly to find than Jake Cardigan ever thought. Recovering from a blast that nearly killed him, Jake’s determination leads him to old acquaintances - and deadly consequences. In this third chapter of the TekWar series, based on the best selling novels by William Shatner, the stakes have gotten considerably higher and new, shocking revelations about the secrets of Tek and Jake's quest for vindication are unveiled.

Lionsgate Films: Leprechaun #4
Writer: Zach Hunchar
Pencils: Kris Carter
The horror icon series from LIONSGATE FILMS continues. Is this the end for our heroes? Is this the beginning of the end for their adventures? Or, perhaps, is it the end of the beginning as humans and Leprechaun most overcome their differences and face a old evil?

Political Power: Barack Obama
Writer: Chris Ward
Pencils: Azim Akberal
A spin-off series from the popular FEMALE FORCE line comes Political Power. Barack Obama’s story inspired a nation, but you’ve never seen it told like this! Pick up this wildly entertaining, and factual, look at the life of our 44^th president from writer Chris Ward (Twisted ToyFare Theatre, Ninja Tales) and artist Azim Akberali (Wrath of the Titans) and see why everyone from CNN to Howard Stern is buzzing. Stimulate the economy by getting this collector's issue today!

Female Force: Condoleezza Rice
Author(s): Chris Ward & Nick Lyons
Artist(s) Ryan Howe
Cover Artist(s): cover by Vinnie Tartamella
This comic series has gotten national attention and press on such places as CNN, FOX NEWS, and People Magazine. The highly successful Female Force comic book series continues with a new installment focusing on Condoleezza Rice. A special one-shot that chronicles Rice's life from her childhood to her accomplished career as the first African American woman to hold the position of United States Secretary of State. This issue will document how Condoleezza Rice became one of the most powerful women of the past decade.

Legend of Isis #4
Writer: Aaron Stueve
Pencils: Noval Hernawan
Cover Artist(s): Weshoyot
Isis' relationship with Scott is falling apart while the Scarab Queen wreaks havoc on the city! Can Isis defeat her when she has so many worries on her mind? Pick up the explosive fourth part of the Scarab Queen storyline to find out. Also, check out the last few pages of issue #4 to get a glimpse of the newest villain in Isis' rogues gallery--Dr. Love!

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Deadpool #12 - Second-Printing Variant

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Wrap-Up

We've been going back and forth between the late-night posts and regular schedule, but I just wanted to drop-by and babble at ya a minute. Like I thought, everyone's busy with GenCon and stuff; I got maybe two PRs, one of which I'd already covered because it had hit the mainstream press earlier. I'll drop several of the communiques I received throughout the week that I didn't get to this weekend - kind of "wrap-up" the week - stuff you've likely already seen elsewhere.

Anyway, I'm about to turn this antenna and get some of the other channels that only come in late at night. I don't know what my body's up to; I'll schedule some stuff for tomorrow, but I'll either be up early or stay up late... if you aren't at GenCon, take it easy this weekend! It's supposed to be hot but comfortable here, and we're pretty far south, so you should be good. They're predicting thunderstorms Sunday, so there may be some rain wherever you are, too.

Drop me a comment, if you like - I'll be around! ttys

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Web Hosting Geeks

We are geeks here to The Weirding - as you well know, because if you are reading this, it is almost certain you are a bit of a geek, too. While we are all into comic books and D&D, we are obviously also into computers and the Web; technically, I think you have to be interested in one of these three areas to qualify as a "geek," but I suppose you can be a geek about anything - maybe it's more about the depth of your interest than the interest itself.

This is definitely true of Web Hosting Geeks dot Com: these guys are all about website hosting - thus the name. I wish I had known about them before I paid for my first host... Longtime readers and followers know I have gone through no fewer than three web hosts the past few years. While we may have found our long-term home (boy, I hope so!), it has taken its toll - on hits, search engine placement, and much more.

That's the thing about the Web: people can't enjoy what you have to offer if they can't find you, and the more you move around, the harder it is for them to do so. If you find the right host the first time, you can do what you should do with a good website: build it a little at a time - develop it slowly and steadily, instead of having to move everything from one host to another time and time again.

Web Hosting Geeks rates various web hosting companies according to a range of features, price, customer service, and more - they really are geeky when it comes to hosting! In fact, of their top ten right now, I had only heard of three when I was searching for a home for The Weirding. Luckily, our current host is one of these, but I had to go about my research the old-fashioned way; you can just start right here and cut your time by at least half!

If you can be a geek about anything, Web Hosting Geeks certainly qualifies. Start looking for your website's host right here, and check out their blog for more information, as well. Check out their posts on CMS, for example - something I have been looking into for some time now.

Where Should I Shop Online? (Not an Ad)

I decided to pose this question to y'all because I know a lot of my personal friends come by, and I've made friends through this blog whose opinions I trust:

I live so far out, I have to find somewhere to shop online. I can technically drive - like, I have my license and it's current, etc. - but it makes my neck hurt so bad that keeping up with insurance and all that was just too much, so I sold my car. Obviously, moving this far out was not in the cards at that time but either way it goes, I can't afford a car for how little I use one. I do, however, have to have things.

I'm wondering if any of you shop online and where you would suggest. I'm looking at Wal-Mart.com, Walgreens.com, et.al., and each has things I need, but I'm new to this. Amazon has groceries and things, but damn are they high! So, any suggestions?

Thanks!

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Strange Tales #3

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

TGIF

I have promise myself that I will one day attend GenCon and DragonCon, it simply hasn't happened yet. I'm seriously missing gaming and with all my online gaming friends away at GenCon this weekend, and me by myself here, I had to take a day off just to... "veg." We watched the meteor shower the other night (what we could see of it) and drank too much - I'm not 100% on exactly how many actual shooting stars we saw...

Obviously, a lot of folks are at GenCon and I wanted to do little more than crack open the books and maybe knock-out a couple pages on the site, but I had my mom up for a couple days and then had a friend over last night, and may have company coming up this weekend, so I'm going to be pressed for time. If no one comes up, I'll prolly do some gaming design, but housework is the primary focus of my agenda.

Anyway, I've no idea how much to expect in the way of PRs, announcements, and etc., but (as always), we'll take it as it comes. Whether or not you are able to attend GenCon, I hope your weekend is great - just a few more left this summer!

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

RIP, John Hughes

Having grown-up in the 1980s, I was as affected by John Hughes' many films as anyone. In fact, The Breakfast Club was my favorite movie from the moment I saw it (shortly after it debuted on video). While I admit it fails to elicit the same systemic response in me it once did, I also graduated highschool some 17 years ago - and the world has changed irrevocably since then. Still, many lines and scenes from almost all of his movies still get me, and I can't turn off a John Hughes movie, no matter how hard I try.

So, if you were wondering why I haven't eulogized the esteemed writer and director - one whose movies truly did "raise" a generation - it's simply because so many others have. Truth be told, for as much as I loved all his movies growing up, and still enjoy them when they are replayed (uncut) today, what do I have to offer aside from the above?

Though Mr. Hughes retired from making movies many years ago (I personally believe it was because he knew the world had changed in such a way as to make his, often tongue-in-cheek, teenage romps irrelevant to newer generations... or maybe just because he had nothing left to say?), his effect will always be felt. And though his movies are much the product of their time, they all contain at least something that speaks to kids, and especially teenagers, of every generation.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Sit Down! It's TruTV

Do you have friends or family members who have physical reactions to whatever they see on-screen? I know some people yell at the TV or movie screen and others are constantly saying things like, "Didju see that!?" But my friend Jackson beats them all: he's a Rewinder. You know the type: as soon as something nifty happens, he jumps up, throws his hands to either side of his head as though whatever it was just happened outside, and runs to the TV to rewind it... Now, ol' Jackson's cooler than the other side of the pillow, but you have to hide the remote when you watch a movie with him.

I'll freely admit I'm one of those who constantly redirects your attention to the TV. I know people like to talk a little while they're watching movies and so forth, but - and this is especially true if I've already seen whatever's on and the person/people I'm with haven't - I constantly just nod and point to the screen. I'm aware of it and try to control it, but I don't want to get involved in a full-length discussion while I'm watching TV!

There's just no way I can watch shows like TruTV's Most Shocking with Jackson - and not just because we don't have a DVR. One or both of us would go crazy (it's the the truTV effect)! While shows like Dominick Dunne and Forensic Files rarely elicit such outbursts, they are more to my liking. Either way, you can watch them all on TruTV.

If you haven't seen TruTV lately, you really should be watching. The format is greatly expanded from the former channel's often repetitive courtroom coverage, and it isn't the scripted, pseudo-reality of "reality TV" - it's actuality.

Walking Dead Headed to AMC

Robert Kirkman's Walking Dead appears to be headed for Mad Men territory. Developed by Frank Darabont under a deal with NBC, AMC won the property following a bidding war. The Walking Dead is being developed into an ongoing series.

AMC used to show old movies - specifically, those from the 1940s-1960s - without commercials or commercial breaks. The station started breaking into movies with commercials suddenly - without warning to their growing audience, which caused a small backlash (at least online). AMC then expanded their movie library to include many recent movies whose "classic" status is questionable, at best. However, AMC has won critics over with their first original TV series, Mad Men.

Walking Dead concerns a ragtag group of survivors constantly on the move, following an Apocalypse which resulted in the dead coming to life. Infighting and wars with other groups of survivors is often more problematic than the zombies.

Frank Darabont is notable for his work with The Shawshank Redemption, a decidedly non-horror story by Stephen King which first appeared in the book, Different Seasons. The other three novellas collected in the book have also been made into movies, the most famous of which being The Body, which became a movie entitled Stand by Me.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Blogger Burp

Sorry for the late start today, folks. It happens from time to time (yesterday, for example), but today was Blogger's fault!

I was up at 7am and was posting for later in the day (scheduled posts), but Blogger told me the "autosave" failed, then the picture would upload, but return an error whenever it was "finished." So I was going to add a note, informing you as to how I would come back in later and include the art, but then Blogger gave me an error as to how it could not publish my post. I got the message.

I tried to open Blogger in another window and it gave me an error message...

Needless to say, I was trying, but I was unable to do anything... So again, I'm just here to apologize for the late start. I think it's going to be kinda slow today, anyway; new comics arrive today, so everyone has their hands full with other things.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

First Family Flips Over Special Edition Bio Comic from Bluewater

They’re the ultimate "power couple:" He’s the President of the United States.; she's the First Lady. And together, their life stories have been "coupled" in a special edition flip comic book from Bluewater Productions.

First Family: The Obamas, scheduled for release October 28^th, includes the unabridged issues from Bluewater’s biography comic series, Political Power: Barack Obama and Female Force: Michelle Obama. A special wraparound cover by Vinnie Tartamella will combine both issues.

"Their stories are intertwined, so we thought it proper to unite their biographies into one giant 48-page issue," said Bluewater president, Darren Davis. "You read all about President Obama’s life and when you finish, you just flip the book over and you can dive into the biography of Michelle Obama."

The respective books were penned by Neal Bailey and Chris Ward. Joshua Labello and Azim provided the pencils and inks. According to Bluewater, there will be some new artwork that wasn’t included in the original books.

Female Force: Michelle Obama, which was released in April, is currently in its second-printing and is one of the most successful titles of the series. Political Power: Barack Obama will be released later this month.

Female Force and Political Power offer broad examinations of strong and influential people who are shaping modern history and culture.

The suggested retail price (SRP) for the upcoming one-shot is $6.99.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Blair Witch III

For those of us who were scarred by the second Blair Witch Project (Book of Shadows - a truly awful movie) and said the first one would have been 10x better, had it been about 30 minutes shorter (well, I may have been the only one who said that, but I stand by it), there's mixed news (as opposed to "good" or "bad"): the original directors are reuniting to make a third installment.

Director, Eduardo Sanchez - who likened his experience with the first movie to "winning the World Series on your first time at bat" - is coming out of self-imposed "semi"-retirement for the project. He told reporters he and co- writer and director, Daniel Myrick, originally thought of making a movie set in the 1700s, but are now discussing picking-up the story right after the end of the first Blair Witch Project movie, which made over $250 million worldwide and cost less than $100k to make.

Unlike many things, I definitely feel that it's been a decade since the first Blair Witch Project. There's no denying that Blair Witch Project broke new ground in many ways, but there is also no denying that that ground has since been well-trodden. As Sanchez notes, it's going to be largely impossible to reinvent the Blair Witch wheel, but he also notes that the second movie "broke the mythology," so this is a great opportunity for the two to break new ground - and Sanchez is aware of this, saying, "Ideally, each Blair Witch film would be a completely different kind of movie."

Let's hope the third Blair Witch Project is a "good" kind of movie.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Celebrate Marvel's 70th Anniversary at Parties Nationwide

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Amazing Spider-Man #602 - or Why We Liked Comics as Kids

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Marvel Comics Shipping 08-12-09

Sorry for the delay, True Believers - I'm fighting a cold here - nevertheless, here is your weekly Rundown of Marvel Comics hitting shelves tomorrow, August 12^th, 2009:

Comics On-Sale:
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #602
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #602 70TH FRAME VARIANT
CABLE #17
CABLE #17 70TH FRAME VARIANT
CAPTAIN AMERICA THEATER OF WAR: TO SOLDIER ON ONE-SHOT
DARK X-MEN: THE BEGINNING #1 2ND PRINTING VARIANT
DEADPOOL #13
DEADPOOL #13 70TH FRAME VARIANT
DOMINIC FORTUNE #1
INCREDIBLE HERCULES #132
INCREDIBLE HERCULES #132 DJURDJEVIC 70TH ANNIVERSARY VARIANT
KABUKI REFLECTIONS #14
LOCKJAW AND THE PET AVENGERS #4
LOCKJAW AND THE PET AVENGERS #4 HENRICHON VARIANT
MARVEL ADVENTURES SUPER HEROES #14
MARVEL DIVAS #2
MARVEL SPOTLIGHT: SUMMER EVENTS
MS. MARVEL #43 (DR)
MS. MARVEL #43 70TH FRAME VARIANT (DR)
PRIDE & PREJUDICE #5
SOLEIL: SCOURGE OF THE GODS - THE FALL #2
THE MARVELS PROJECT #1
THE MARVELS PROJECT #1 PAREL VARIANT
THE MARVELS PROJECT #1 MCNIVEN VARIANT
THE MARVELS PROJECT #1 MCNIVEN SKETCH VARIANT
THE MARVELS PROJECT #1 70TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY VARIANT
THE MARVELS PROJECT #1 BLANK COVER VARIANT
THOR: TALES OF ASGARD BY STAN LEE & JACK KIRBY #4
ULTIMATE COMICS AVENGERS #1
ULTIMATE COMICS AVENGERS #1 YU VARIANT
ULTIMATE COMICS AVENGERS #1 SPECIAL VARIANT
ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN #1
ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN #1 DJURDJEVIC VARIANT
ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN #1 SPECIAL VARIANT
ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN #1 BLACK AND WHITE VARIANT
UNCANNY X-MEN #514 (DAX)
UNCANNY X-MEN #514 BIANCHI VARIANT (DAX)
UNCANNY X-MEN #514 70TH FRAME VARIANT (DAX)
UNCANNY X-MEN: FIRST CLASS #2
X-MEN FOREVER #5
X-MEN FOREVER #5 70TH FRAME VARIANT

Collections On-Sale:
MARVEL ADVENTURES SPIDER-MAN VOL. 13: ANIMAL ATTACK! DIGEST
PUNISHER: WAR ZONE TPB
RUNAWAYS: PRIDE & JOY TPB
SOLEIL: UNIVERSAL WAR ONE - REVELATIONS PREMIERE HC
SUPREME POWER: HYPERION PREMIERE HC
THOR BY J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI VOL. 2 TPB
ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR VOL. 6 HC
ULTIMATE X-MEN VOL. 9 HC
WOLVERINE FIRST CLASS: NINJAS, GODS AND DIVAS TPB
WOLVERINE: FLIES TO A SPIDER TPB
X-MEN: FIRST CLASS FINALS GN-TPB

*DAX = Dark Avengers/Uncanny X-Men: Utopia tie-in
*DR = Dark Reign tie-in

© C Harris Lynn, 2009