Wrath of the Titans

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Spider-Man 2010

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

New G-Man Game Online Now!

29 December 2009 (Berkeley, CA) - While most comic books are taking a week off, Mini Marvels cartoonist Chris Giarrusso invites fans to fill that time with G-MAN: CAPE CRISIS: ESCAPE FROM DARK FOREST, the all-new video game featuring his beloved creator-owned superhero!

"I'm very happy to see that comics and gaming fans have been enjoying the classic 8-bit style G-Man video games we've been adding to chrisgcomics.com," Giarrusso said. "Long-time gaming fans dig that familiar old-school feel they grew up with, while younger fans are discovering the undeniable charm of these games for the first time. I personally couldn't be more thrilled with the way these games tie directly into aspects of the Cape Crisis comic series."

ESCAPE FROM DARK FOREST adapts the memorable chase scene from G-MAN: CAPE CRISIS #4, where G-Man must stay one step ahead of the deadly forest monsters seeking to devour him. Once readers are finished being thrilled, they can head down to their local comic book store in January to pick up the shocking conclusion to G-MAN: CAPE CRISIS, as well as the currently available digest collection of G-MAN's previous comics, G-MAN: LEARNING TO FLY.

G-MAN: CAPE CRISIS #5 (OCT090421), a 32-page, full-color comic book for $2.99, will be in stores January 13^th, 2009. Printable order info can be downloaded to help your retailer assist you in finding G-Man books. G-MAN: CAPE CRISIS: ESCAPE FROM DARK FOREST is available for free online play right now!

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

RIP: Avenged Sevenfold's James Sullivan

Heavy metal band, Avenged Sevenfold's drummer, James "The Rev" Sullivan, was found dead of apparent natural causes. Sullivan was 28. Avenged Sevenfold's self-titled fourth album, released in 2008, won them critical praise and climbed into the year's top five on album charts. The band released a statement in which they called Sullivan "one of the world's best drummers, but more importantly our best friend..."

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Technical Update

I got hi-speed installed yesterday and it worked for all of about three hours. Of course, most of that was spent trying to watch videos while Windows updated... Windows is always updating. Anyway, when I rebooted, I was unable to connect. Though I probably should have, I didn't suspect Windows' Updates immediately, and noticed the connectivity light was flashing.

For whatever reason, the modem worked fine until I had to recycle it, then it just quit. I had to pay $15 to have one airmailed to me so it would arrive today (God willing). So I'm - once again - between computers and connections and I'm reticent to do anything over here because I'm switching to the new computer as soon as the modem arrives.

So, sit tight and hopefully, we'll be able to bring you some cool stuff shortly. It's a slow news week, anyway.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

2010: Year of the Spider-Man?

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Technical Difficulties

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Deadpool #7 - Second-Printing Liefeld Variant

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Work is Fun Once Again

Well, I finally had my Chrimmas dinner - and boy, was it ever worth the wait! We didn't do deviled eggs (we ran out of eggs) and Mom said she'd make the green bean casserole with leftovers tomorrow, but everything else went off without a hitch. Well, we forgot to set-out the mac n cheese, but that just means I have an entire bucket o' mac n cheese for the rest of the week.

I really needed this. I knew I was kinda burned-out and all, but with everything medical that's been going on lately, it was hard to separate the two. Now I realize just how much I needed a break - one including a huge feast and absolute downtime, unfettered by guilt or worry.

Even better, this is the last weekend on dial-up! Yes, the technicians arrive sometime Monday morning to install that new "broad's band" I've been hearing so much about lately. What can I say? I'm a trendsetter. God willing, if everything goes well, I'll be watching YouTube and Hulu and Netflix and banging really hot chi... listening to music. You know, rejoining the fucking human race.

ANYwho, here's to the Holidays:

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

See Tori Amos on the M.O.D.O.K. Holiday Special

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Eerily Prophetic Murphy Movie Art Removed

Redbox is busy removing the DVD and promotional artwork for one of Brittany Murphy's last movies, Deadline. In the movie, Murphy plays a writer who moves to a country house to combat writer's block, but soon comes to think the house haunted. The poster art shows Brittany Murphy apparently lifeless in a tub.

Though we have chosen not to include the art because it could be seen as being in bad taste, I do wonder if there is any historical reason to do so. The artwork is still showing on Netflix, but it is literally as described above; it is a tasteful picture for a suspense flick, not a morbid gorefest or anything, but it's still kind of morbid to show here simply to illustrate the point. Nevertheless, once the art is removed from all outlets (which Redbox says it hopes to have complete by January 1^st), products with the original art will skyrocket in value, becoming collectors' items.

Brittany Murphy still has other films awaiting release, including one called Abandoned. The 32-year old actress died suddenly of unknown causes last week.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Charlie Sheen's Colorado Christmas... in Jail

Charlie Sheen spent several hours in jail yesterday after authorities responded to a 911 call from an Aspen home at which the Two and a Half Men star and his third wife were staying. Police arrested Sheen on three charges, including second-degree assault and menacing, and misdemeanor criminal mischief. Though it was originally reported that Sheen would be held until trial, he was released when he posted $8500 bond.

Charlie Sheen has been married three times and has faced allegations of domestic violence in all three marriages. In the 1990s, Sheen ran afoul of the law numerous times for drugs, prostitution, and assault.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Hasbro Suing Atari Over D&D Rights

Gaming monopoly, Hasbro, is suing iconic video game maker, Atari, over the rights to the Dungeons & Dragons branding. Hasbro claims Atari entered a sub-licensing contract with Japanese video game maker, Namco Bandai (NBP), to make D&D games, which violates the original licensing agreement Atari had with Hasbro; Atari basically granted the rights to NBP the way one might sub-let an apartment. Atari calls the allegations "meritless." Namco recently purchase Atari Europe.

Hasbro's suit contains five, separate charges of breach of contract and seeks compensatory damages. Hasbro released a statement saying it regretted having to take these actions, but Atari left them no choice; Atari's statement noted the millions of dollars it has invested in manufacturing D&D video games over the years and that it had tried to work-out a deal with Hasbro, who was the uncooperative party. Atari alleges this is merely an attempt to nullify the companies' long-standing agreement so Hasbro can regain control of the rights it had previously signed-over to Atari.

This is not the first time Atari has had legal troubles concerning the Dungeons & Dragons brand. Earlier this year, the company which helped develop the D&D Online game sued Atari on similar grounds, claiming the video game giant had breached the contract by refusing to promote D&D Online because it wanted to instead promote one Atari created internally. Atari is rumored to have at least two more D&D-branded video games in the works, including one based on the popular Neverwinter Nights game.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Stan Lee Guests on This Week's Super Hero Squad

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

I sincerely hope you all enjoy your Christmas or whatever holiday it is you celebrate. I will be spending the time with my parents, who won't arrive until the 26^th; technically, I'll be alone for Christmas, but just chronologically. I'm making the most of it by stretching-out the cooking throughout the holiday, proper.

I'm having a huge menu this year, partly because I missed Thanksgiving, but also so I don't have to worry with cooking again until after New Year's! Then I'll be going into surgery, so I'll have someone here to cook and clean for me (at least off and on) for a few weeks, so I'm making a mountain of food. Another reason is because I spent the last holiday season alone (more or less - I went to friends' houses) and had no leftovers of my own. It really bothered me, listening to everyone talk about eating leftovers and turkey sammiches and shit for weeks following...

My movie playlist is shorter this year because someone stole a lot of my flicks, but it's still classic: Badder Santa; Silent Night, Deadly Night; and Black Christmas. I also lost my Jack Benny CDs, so I have to tear through everything downstairs to see if I can find at least one of them - that's a tradition with which I'm unwilling to part! I have a couple DVDs with Christmas episodes, so it's not like I'll be completely SOL, but still.

So, I hope you all enjoy the holidays and feel free to drop us a line and tell us how things went! Merry Christmas from The Rundown and The Weirding.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

More Anti-Spam

I'm not sure what happened, because spam has been very manageable the last few years following the institution of comment moderation, but the last several weeks have seen an absolute flood of spam, specifically from foreign lands. The Cyberculturalist is currently under attack by forces unknown from India, so there may be some relation, but I don't think so (generally speaking); I think Blogger's whole "translation" features are to blame. I had no choice but to initiate further anti-spam measures.

You now have to punch-in one of those darned ID code-thingies before your post goes through. I hated to do it and held-out for as long as possible, but I'm once again spending upwards of an hour a day rejecting comments. I was hoping they would die-off after a short while, but it's going-on at least two months now (if not longer) without abatement, so... there it is.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Image United: Interlude

23 December 2009 (Berkeley, CA) - This March, the effects of IMAGE UNITED go global with a glimpse of the crossover's impact on INVINCIBLE and many other Image Comics favorites in the one-shot event, IMAGE UNITED: INTERLUDE!

"As the scope of IMAGE UNITED became larger and larger, it was apparent we would really need to touch on what the rest of the Image universe is up to," IMAGE UNITED writer Robert Kirkman said. "The goal behind the mini-series is to create an even tighter Image universe than ever before, so not only do we get to see how this affects Image founder characters like SPAWN, YOUNGBLOOD, and SAVAGE DRAGON, but we're bringing in INVINCIBLE, among many other surprises."

IMAGE UNITED: INTERLUDE picks up immediately after the cataclysmic events of IMAGE UNITED #3 as the entire world reels from the issue's devastation. INVINCIBLE leads the charge with a pantheon of Image's finest, illustrated by Ottley and the many other fan-favorite artists. The complete cast of characters and creators will be announced over the coming weeks.

IMAGE UNITED: INTERLUDE, a 32-page, full-color comic book for $3.99, will be in-stores on March 31^st, 2010

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Peter Jackson's Mortal Engines

Though director, Peter Jackson, has been known to own the rights to Philip Reeves' post-Apocalyptic sci-fi series, Mortal Engines, for some time now, it has recently come to light that work is underway on the filming of the movies based on the first four books. While a spokesperson for the Jackson camp did not deny this, he did refuse comment, saying only Jackson should be the one to discuss the Mortal Engines project.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

RIP: Top Cat

Arnold Stang, best known for his voice-over work as the 1960's animated character, Top Cat, has died. Stang, 91, died in Virginia from pneumonia. Stang also appeared in several films, often as the "nerd," including It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. Stang began his career on the radio and worked with Milton Berle, Bill Cosby, Frank Sinatra, and many more. His last big-screen appearance was in the 1993 Dennis the Menace movie.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Avengers vs. Atlas #1

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Stephen King's "N."

Marvel is proud to announce Stephen King’s N. #1 (of 4), a new graphic fiction adaptation of the bestselling author’s chilling short story in his recently-released collection, Just After Sunset. The blockbuster creative team of Marc Guggenheim and Alex Maleev, also responsible for the red-hot Stephen King’s “N” Motion Comic, tell the story of something terrifying hidden in Ackerman’s Field. A bizarre arrangement of eight stones keeps a nightmare contained, but when --in the eye of an unfortunate beholder -- the eight stones become seven, the fabric of what we think is real begins to shred, and an unbearable doom seizes the mind.

"It's absolutely thrilling for Marvel to be working on 'N.' again and having the honor to publish it as a comic book miniseries," said said Ruwan Jayatilleke, Marvel Senior Vice President, Development & Planning, Print, Animation, and Digital Media. "Both as a fan of the story and a producer on the 'N.' motion comic, I am absolutely psyched for the terrifying ride that Marc, Alex, and the editors have planned for readers!"

It’s the graphic fiction adaptation demanded by fans all over the world-- Stephen King’s “N.” begins in March and no horror fan can afford to miss this alarming tale!

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Image United Pre-Release Sell-Out

21 December 2009 (Berkeley, CA) - IMAGE UNITED, the six-part crossover written by Robert Kirkman and featuring Image Founders Erik Larsen, Rob Liefeld, Todd McFarlane, Whilce Portacio, Marc Silvestri, and Jim Valentino, makes its second-coming to comic stands this Wednesday with a pre-release, distribution-level sell out!

"Considering the substantial overprint, we're quite pleased by how quickly IMAGE UNITED has sold out," Kirkman said. "The reception to the first issue was immense - with its own sell-out the day of release - but to hear it's happening a second time, two days before, makes everyone involved very happy. This crossover is a major labor of love, so we're very thankful for the support from both our fans and retail partners."

IMAGE UNITED is a six-part crossover encompassing the entire Image superhero universe and features each Image founder illustrating their own characters. Since its announcement, the crossover has garnered headlines from the New York Times, USAToday, and other media outlets clinging desperately to what passes for "life," with its once-in-a-lifetime approach to the superhero crossover. Despite a significant overprint, the second issue completely sold-out at a distribution-level two days before release! A new printing will be released in January with a new cover by Rob Liefeld.

IMAGE UNITED #2 2^nd-Printing, a 32-page, full-color comic book for $3.99, will be in stores January 20^th, 2010.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Def Leppard: The Cartoon

While details are sketchy (HA!) and no pitch has been made, spokespersons for Primary Wave, with whom legendary British rock band and '80s' hair-metal powerhouse, Def Leppard, recently signed, say an animated series will find the band "in a fictional, adventurous setting."

Def Leppard's deal with Primary Wave is described as "wide-ranging," and includes video games, cellphone apps, and the aforementioned cartoon series. Primary Wave is now managing Def Leppard's discography, as well. While the band's last album proved their biggest showing since the 1990s, both in the U.S. (#5) and overseas (#10), it fulfilled their contract with Universal and no future recording or touring plans have been made.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

io9's Most Important Events in Comics This Decade

I am pleased to say that I was unaware of many of these. Pleased because I didn't get bilked by the companies anymore than I did... All told, I have to say I felt the Big Two reached into my wallet, bodily, and stole my hard-earned money with no excuse - not once, not twice, but numerous times.

I loved The Mutant Massacre and it was the catalyst for my comic book collection, but Jim Shooter had a... well, not "quiet," but possibly understated (by others) brilliance; that was the first, last, and only time a multi-title crossover event actually worked. I'm far from naive, so I realize the intent was the same as it is today with these events: to not only move units, but introduce flagging titles to larger audiences. I have no problem with this, especially since I've become a fan of a handful of titles and characters through these efforts (the first being Thor - again, with The Mutant Massacre). However, the "'Aughties," as many are calling them, proved just how far a great idea could be taken before it goes from being "great" to "overplayed" to outright "Bullshit."

So I missed the alien invasion. I nearly missed the Dark Reign (and try, I did). And while I'm onboard for The Siege, it's literally only because I realize now, after the aforementioned, that if I want to not just collect but actually read and enjoy Marvel Comics, I have to be. I think that sucks - you know, just for the record.

A lot of these are from the DC Universe, which I have never followed for all sorts of reasons, but which The Rundown does not report on only because DC refuses to support us in any way, including sending us PR. DC prefers to cozy-up to mainstream publications - you know, the ones nobody reads - like newspapers and TV tabloid "news magazines." I was happy to learn that basically no one was pleased with DC's series of Dick Moves this decade - the company literally released ongoing, weekly "THIS WILL CHANGE THE DC UNIVERSE FOREVER" maxi-series all of the last, at least, five years. And not even die-hard DC fans appreciated it.

Comic books cost too much for this shit and the industry is doing the same thing they did in the 1980s, 1990s, ad infinitum: screwing the fans. It hasn't worked yet, but now they got Spider-Man money, so it isn't going to change.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Christmas Agenda

Sorry, guys. Here's how this breaks down (sorta):

I had company scheduled for the Christmas weekend, but they backed-out, so my folks are coming up instead. This is... well, I love my parents and all, like most everyone, but my mom will be with me for the surgery (two weeks after), so I'm going to get my fill of them this holiday season... like most everyone. I'm trying so hard to get the place clean to whatever extent I can, but it's demoralizing as hell because it will never be clean enough for my mom...

I had already decorated the house for my original company, so that much is done (and it looks okay - I forgot how little Christmas decor I have), and I'd planned on cooking the whole spread. Now that Mom is coming, she's going to cook a lot of it, so that's cool. However, I still had to trek to the store earlier for evaporated milk, and am now putting together my grocery list for tomorrow. It isn't lengthy, mind you, but I also have to find a handful of gifts...

I don't have enough butter to cook anything tonight, so I'm only doing prep (chopping celery and onions, crushing crackers, washing serving dishes, so on), but tomorrow, I will be cooking the cornbread (for the stuffing/dressing). I also have to make two kinds of cookies, a sweet potato pie, a pumpkin pie, sweet corn (add butter, warm), and a cake. I also have to make the frosting for the cake... You know what? No I don't; I'll buy some. I do have to make the pie crusts, though.

Needless to say, it's been busy and it's only going to get busier. But it's a hell of a lot of fun; I don't do anything all year long, other from work, and at the heart of it all, I'm something of a traditions kind of guy. I love celebrating the holidays and I tend to go all-out for them.

I'll be around, it will just be slow like it has been lately. Then I'll be out for at least the first two weeks of January.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

RIP: Brittany Murphy

Brittany Murphy, starlet of such features as Clueless, 8 Mile and Sin City, as well as the animated family show, King of the Hill, was pronounced dead on arrival at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Reports say she was found in full cardiac arrest after EMT arrived at her home, following a call from her screenwriter husband. A handful of reports say her mother found her unconscious in the shower; the story is developing.

Many commenters have hinted at a possible cocaine habit.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

RIP: Dan O'Bannon

Dan O'Bannon, screenwriter of cult, punk rock, horror classic, Return of the Living Dead, and sci-fi horror classic, Alien, has died at 63 from complications due to Crohn's disease. Some of O'Bannon's other credits include Blue Thunder, Total Recall, Dead & Buried, and Lifeforce. He worked in many aspects of the business (acting, production, direction) - he even did graphics work on Star Wars! - but was best known for his writing.

In 1985, O'Bannon made his directorial debut with one of The Weirding's top flicks of all-time, Return of the Living Dead, a feature he wrote and described as a "rock n roll zombie movie." We brought you the reunion clips last Halloween (2008).

O'Bannon's first film was Dark Star, a sci-fi/horror flick directed by John Carpenter and co-written by the two. Carpenter told the L.A. Times that O'Bannon was "enormously talented and... quite underappreciated." His wife described him, succinctly as "a futurist."

The film he had been working on just prior to his death chronicled his battle with Crohn's disease - an inflammation of the bowel which is genetically inherited and affects this blogger, as well. His widow described it as a sci-fi/horror movie ("...of course," she said) entitled The Pain Clinic.

Dan O'Bannon was survived by his wife of 25 years and son, Adam.

I loved O'Bannon's work and would like to extend my sincerest condolences to all of his friends and family.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Leann Rimes is Single

While reports say the couple announced their intent to divorce as far back as September, country music star, Leann Rimes' husband officially filed for divorce this weekend. In Tennessee it is mandatory that couples undergo reconciliation attempts, mediation, or couples therapy before filing for divorce, proper.

The two had no children, though if you happen to get involved with the otherwise attractive Ms. Rimes, you will have to adopt two nostrils. Both are full-grown.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Invincible Iron Man #22 - Variant

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Bluewater's Michael Jackson Tribute Goes Into Third-Printing

Michael Jackson's reign as the King of Pop is celebrated in the latest biographical comic book from Bluewater Productions. The life of the world's most popular entertainer was infused with fantasy and tragedy. His discography is legendary. His legacy is complicated and unparalleled. The second-edition collector's edition tribute featuring Michael Jackson has sold-out and is going back for a third-printing. Tribute: Michael Jackson, King of Pop third-printing is scheduled to hit comic shops, Amazon, and newsstands the first part of January.

"The fans have spoken. The demand for this book has exceeded all our projections. We are very happy that his fans have enjoyed the book," said Bluewater president Darren G. Davis.

A third-printing of the book will be released with a Thriller-inspired new cover by Giuseppe Mazzola from Jackson's official fan club. Mazzola also provided the foreword to the expanded, 30-page edition.

Next month Bluewater will be releasing a graphic novel version of Female Force: JK Rowling. Upcoming biography comics include Ellen Degenerous, Bill Clinton, and Twilight's Stephenie Meyer.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Welcome to the X-Men, Super Hero Squad - Hope You Survive!

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

So You Think You Can Dance Choreographer Arrested for Child Molestation

Shane Sparks, whose real name is Melvin Sparks, became a force in the choreography industry following his work on the movie, You Got Served. His work on FOX' So You Think You Can Dance as a hip-hop choreographer garnered him an Emmy nomination and led to a judging job on MTV's dance show, America's Best Dance Crew. In 1994, a woman alleges he began molesting her when she was only 15 years old. Police arrested him Friday night on eight counts of felony child molestation.

Police say Sparks has been the focus of an ongoing investigation instigated by the woman's allegations. Now an adult, the unidentified (and alleged) victim claims the abuse went on for several years. Police say their investigation spans several years, as well. Sparks' representative was out of town and could not be contacted for comment.

Shane Sparks is the second So You Think You Can Dance choreographer to be arrested for sex crimes; Alex Da Silva was arrested in August on charges that he raped four of his dance students.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

What Up, Nerds?

I is up in the public Webspace because I am all out in the public. I've no idea why I'm talking like a Kardashian, either.

Anyway, I won't be home for a bit, I just thought I'd stop by and say "hi." Actually, I guess I should be updating things and stuff because this is technically the first time I've ever been online with this box.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Image's Turf

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Chew's New Arc? Already Sold-Out

15 December 2009 (Berkeley, CA) - CHEW, the highly acclaimed new series by writer John Layman and artist Rob Guillory, has begun its second story arc, "International Flavor," with yet another complete, distribution-level sell out!

"When CHEW was first announced, many people expressed skepticism as to the longevity of a series about an investigator who gets psychic impressions from the things he eats. With the release of CHEW #6, the first issue of its second story arc, "International Flavor," we prove that CHEW has legs beyond its initial arc. In fact, we're confident CHEW won't start sucking until at least issue #7. Pick one up next Wednesday, December 23, and find out for yourself!"

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. While copies may still be available at your local comic book store, there are no plans to reprint the issue at this time.

CHEW #7 (OCT090413), a 32-page full color comic book for $2.99, will be in-stores December 23, 2009

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

RIP - Roy Disney

Roy Disney, nephew of Walt Disney, died yesterday at age 79 of stomach cancer. His uncle and father co-founded the Walt Disney Company in 1923 and Roy himself became an instrumental part of the company, perhaps best known for his efforts in removing both Ron Miller and Michael Eisner.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Fractured Fables Free This FCBD!

15 December 2009 (Berkeley, CA) - This Free Comic Book Day some of the comic book industry's best and brightest use their talents to welcome the next generation of comic book readers with the kid friendly anthology, FRACTURED FABLES!

"FRACTURED FABLES is a primer to a larger anthology coming this summer with some of the biggest names in comics doing all-new, hilarious takes our most beloved fairy tales," Fractured Fables editor, Jim Valentino, said. "We're looking to introduce younger readers to the wider world of comics and believe Free Comic Book Day is a prime opportunity to give them their first look!"

FRACTURED FABLES features a cover by MADMAN ATOMIC COMICS creators Mike & Laura Allred and all-new new stories by Bryan Talbot, Doug TenNapel, Ted McKeever, Camilla d'Errico, Christian Ward, Alexander Grecian, Derek McCulloch, and Anthony Peruzzo. This special FCBD offering will give both retailers and fans a small taste of the new hardcover anthology from Silverline Books due later in the year. These humorous intrpretations will delight any reader, regardless of age!

FRACTURED FABLES, a 36-page, full-color comic book, will be made available on Free Comic Book Day, May 1st, 2010.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Savage Dragon #156

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Marvel's Greatest Comics Just $1.00!

Marvel is proud to announce the all-new Marvel’s Greatest Comics imprint, spotlighting Marvel’s most-acclaimed series with new printings of these must-read issues priced at only one dollar each! This bold new venture, launching in March 2010, offers a perfect jumping on point for new readers as well as provides retailers with a great low cost first chapter to some of the hottest selling Marvel Collected editions. And to really get things going, the first title from this line, Invincible Iron Man #1, is free!

“We’re proud of the books Marvel publishes and now not only are we giving retailers a great way to promote our top collections, but also giving consumers a chance to sample some of our top comics, maybe for the first time and at an unbeatable price,” said David Gabriel, Marvel Senior Vice-President of Sales & Circulation. “Marvel’s Greatest Comics represents one of the best values in comics today and with Free Comic Book Day only months after the initial launch, retailers will want to be well stocked.”

Retailers can check upcoming editions of the Marvel Mailer or with Diamond Customer Service to find out how they can qualify for the free copies.

The titles launching in March, at one per week, are:

March 3: INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #1
March 10: CAPTAIN AMERICA #1
March 17: WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ #1
March 24: THOR #1
March 31: PUNISHER MAX #1

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Horror Movie Poster Design

This list claims to document something about the "evolution" of horror movie poster design, but ti does no such thing; more than anything, this is merely a collection of posters from the more popular horror movies of the last 100 years (give or take). For that reason alone, it's certainly blogworthy, but I doubt you'll learn anything about design, posters, or even movies. In fact, each entry is simply tagged with the movie's logline, so... I mean, what does the plot synopsis have to do with design?

Still, like I say, it's worth checking-out.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Savage Dragon: Back in Blue

15 December 2009 (Berkeley, CA) - SAVAGE DRAGON has recently made a much publicized return to the Chicago police force, seen the return of his greatest nemesis, and - in SAVAGE DRAGON #156 - he can only pray to survive what may be his fiercest challenge yet: his own creator, Erik Larsen.

"I'm putting SAVAGE DRAGON through the ringer, this time out," Larsen said. "When it came down to executing that classic superhero cliché, the showdown with an evil twin, there was no way that I was going to do the expected -- that's not the way I'm wired. Often, I've heard about writer/artists doing issue-long fight scenes and it occurred to me that I've never actually done that. This was an opportunity to cut loose as I've never cut loose before and the end result is not only the most brutal comic I've ever illustrated, but quite possibly the most shocking as well. I've often said that there is no status quo in SAVAGE DRAGON and that nothing and nobody is safe. For readers weened on superhero comics from other publishers, this may seem like a foreign concept but SAVAGE DRAGON readers have experienced that for years. Those readers who came onboard when Dragon returned to the police force are in for the surprise of their lives! If you think you have a good idea of what's possible in a superhero book, think again. SAVAGE DRAGON #156 will make you a believer."

SAVAGE DRAGON: BACK IN BLUE collects the series' much publicized revamp featured in the Chicago Tribune, New York Times, and Huffington Post, among others. Beginning with SAVAGE DRAGON's return to the Chicago police force, his run-in with President Obama, and the return of his greatest nemesis, Overlord, the collection presents the best possible jumping-on point for any fan eager to try-out the series.

January also sees SAVAGE DRAGON #156, the second part of the current "Dragon War" storyline, featuring the long-anticipated final showdown between Savage Dragon and an otherworldly counterpart intent on taking over his identity. With this issue, Larsen looks to push the boundaries of what people think of when they think of a typical superhero fight, presenting something on a much bigger scale than the previous eighteen years' worth of issues has ever portrayed.

SAVAGE DRAGON #156 (NOV090333), a 32-page, full-color comic book for $3.50, will be in stores January 6, 2010. Additionally, SAVAGE DRAGON: BACK IN BLUE (NOV090357), a 144-page full color trade paperback for $14.99, will be in-stores January 20, 2010.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Wrath of the Titans

December 15, 2009 - Eagle One Media is proud to announce the upcoming release of Wrath of the Titans on DVD March 2, 2010. With a story developed under the guidance of Ray Harryhausen and presented as a unique motion comic film, fans of the beloved original motion picture can immerse themselves again in the further adventures of hero Perseus and his winged horse Pegasus in anticipation of the upcoming theatrical big-budget remake of Clash of the Titans on March 26, 2010. The DVD shall also include a special bonus, 28-page comic book with a tie-in story.

Five years have passed since the legendary Perseus defeated the evil Gorgon Medusa, killed the Kraken, and assumed the crown of the kingdom of Argos. Things seemed idyllic throughout the land for its citizens and recent news of an apparent heir has put everyone in a celebratory mood. Yet lurking in the shadows is the one being in Argos simmering with hate and discontent. Calibus, once thought dead, has been let out of the Underworld by Hades and looks to take his vengeance. Perseus stole his bride, stole his position, stole Zeus’ favor, and now Calibus looks to take it all back. And with the news that a baby boy was born to Perseus and Andromeda, he is chilling that dish of revenge…

The Wrath of the Titans DVD is a revolutionary convergence of animation and comics. It utilizes the storyline, art, and dialog from Washington-based Bluewater Productions' just-released comic book series, and with the addition of voice-over, special effects, music, and animation, creates a fast-paced video adaptation that takes viewers back to Grecian mythological times, where the Gods battled amongst themselves and heroes fought unimaginable creatures. This motion comic production joins Eagle One Media’s other available motion comics such as Street Fighter, based on the worldwide popular CAPCOM video game, and Voltron: Defender of the Universe, based on the popular anime television series. All of which are available on DVD or for download through iTunes, Playstation Network, and other media distribution platforms.

Also in March will be the printed graphic novel version with a new cover image by Azim. ISBN: 978-1616239435.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Courtney Love Loses Custody of Daughter

While court documents clearly show that Frances Bean Cobain, daughter of Courtney Love and late Nirvana frontman, Kurt Cobain, is now under the guardianship of Cobain's mother and sister, they do not declare the reason. So far, no one knows exactly why 17-year old Frances Bean is no longer in Courtney Love's custody.

Love lost custody of her daughter in 2003 due to a drug overdose, but regained her in 2005.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Capullo Covers Image United

14 December 2009 (Berkeley, CA) - IMAGE UNITED's second issue will welcome HAUNT and SPAWN artist, Greg Capullo, to the fold, as he joins the Image founders with a one-time variant cover featuring the entire cast against the series' dreaded villain, Omega Spawn!

"When it came time to choose an artist for our next guest variant, Greg Capullo was the first guy who came to mind," Image Comics Publisher, Eric Stephenson, said. "From his early days following Todd on SPAWN to his creator-owned series CREECH and his work on HAUNT, Greg has become nearly as synonymous with Image Comics as any of the founders. Besides that, he's also a phenomenal cover artist in his own right. We're thrilled to have him on board."

Greg Capullo's cover features the heroes of IMAGE UNITED combating the series' big bad, Omega Spawn, as reflected in the miniseries' shocking opener. Retailers can order as many copies of the color version as they wish, but there will also be a limited edition 1:100 version of the cover in pristine black and white, available to qualifying accounts.

IMAGE UNITED #2, a 32-page full color comic book for $3.99, will be in-stores December 23^rd 2009. Both Capullo covers, including the full color (OCT098185) and 1:100 black and white (OCT098186), have a Final Order Cutoff of December 17^th 2009.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Meh... Monday

Well, I'm here, there's just nothing going on. It's all about friggin' Tiger Woods and... no, that's it. I'm waiting for some eBay stuff to come through and kicking it. I wish I had more to tell you - I actually read the freaking paper yesterday (online, of course), even - but there just isn't much. It's almost 60 degrees here today, so I figure I'll just go on standby.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Flight of the Conchords Crashes

On their website, comedians Bret (Brit) McKenzie and Jemaine Clement stated they would not be pursuing a third season of their HBO hit series, Flight of the Conchords. The pair said they were proud of the first two seasons and that, although the TV characters Bret and Jemaine would no longer be with us, the real characters... um, people, Bret and Jemaine would.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

New Charges for OJ?

Some 50+ passengers on an American Airlines flight were flabbergasted when an unruly flight attendant issued a terrorist warning to a man requesting orange juice. According to one witness, the flight attendant was surly, condescending, and violent prior to an outburst which stunned the passengers. She later called an elderly gentleman who had been out of earshot during her tirade to the front of the plane to give a statement, then remarked to the onlooking passengers, "Now I have witnesses, too."

Federal charges should be filed against the unruly flight attendant and she should be made an example of by the press and media. Such flagrant abuses of an already corrupt and broken system should always be punished to the fullest extent of the law.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Spawn #10 (Cerebus) to be Reprinted After 15 Years!

9 December 2009 (Berkeley, CA) - After over 15 years, Todd McFarlane and Dave Sim's highly acclaimed collaboration in SPAWN #10, guest-starring CEREBUS, returns to print in the upcoming SPAWN ORIGINS COLLECTION: DELUXE EDITION VOL. 1 HC!

"It hasn't been reprinted since it first came out," SPAWN #10 writer and CEREBUS creator, Dave Sim, said. "I'm very glad that's all over with after 14 years. Todd sent me black and white scans of Spawn 10 which will be published in a Cerebus Miscellany volume someday and, hopefully, Spawn 10 will be included in any and all future collections if the Toddmiester decides to make that official McFarlane policy."

The SPAWN ORIGINS COLLECTION: DELUXE EDITION VOL. 1 HC features the artwork of Todd McFarlane, which laid the groundwork for the most successful independent comic book ever published. This limited edition hardcover includes classic SPAWN stories written by Sim, Alan Moore, Frank Miller, Grant Morrison, and McFarlane himself in one massive, slipcase collection. It will mark the first time Sim and McFarlane's collaboration has seen print since it first appeared in 1994!

SPAWN ORIGINS COLLECTION: DELUXE EDITION VOL. 1 HC (SEP090283), a 620-page full-color hardcover for $100 will be in-stores soon. A signed and numbered edition (SEP090284) will also be available for $150. Cerebus is ™ and © 2009 Dave Sim.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

A Little Pussy in the House

I had to dig-up the floorboards to get the cat out of the house. It took about 1¹/₂ hours, three shovels, and two hammers (and two cups of coffee and one cigarette... and an onion, and some string). She's fine.

I guess that teaches me to be more specific with my prepositions when praying ("...around the house")... although, technically speaking, that could have been even messier.

Related note: House for sale. Some work needed.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

ELI ROTH USED TO BE A GIRL!

Well, kinda...

Horror director and Inglourious Basterds star, Eli Roth, told the New York Post he worked as a sex chatroom chick back in college. He says they hired men instead of girls because men knew what other men wanted to hear. He also said he became proficient at chatting with multiple people and could type up to 120 words per minute... one-handed.

According to Roth, there were even magazine ads for him... er, her. He said the majority of the people with whom he chatted were scientists and professors, as this was 1991. He did not reveal his nom de porn.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Female Force: Ellen Degeneres

She entertains millions everyday with her quirky wit and timeless charm. Now daytime talk show host and veteran comic Ellen DeGeneres’ life story will be the featured subject of an upcoming issue of Bluewater Productions’ Female Force biography comic series.

Female Force: Ellen DeGeneres, scheduled for a March 2010 release, follows the comedienne from her youth in Louisiana, through the endless smoke-filled comedy club circuit, to her breakthrough sitcom, and finally through her role as an Emmy-winning daytime talk show host.

“People forget what a groundbreaking talent she is and that fame did not come overnight,” said Bluewater president Darren Davis. “But through all her highs and lows, she managed to stay true to herself and prove that she is a female force.”

The issue, written by Sandra C. Ruckdeschel and penciled by Pedro Ponzo, also delves into Ellen’s personal life as an openly gay performer and an advocate for gay rights. “It is part of whom she is and any telling of her story without acknowledging the importance she places on her identity would be disrespectful to her accomplishments,” said Ruckdeschel.

According to Davis, fans of Ellen will be able to revisit several of the entertainer’s most iconic moments, including her 1986 appearance on the Tonight Show, the 1997 episode of her sitcom where her character announces she is gay, her entrance as host of the 2006 Oscars, and even her “trademark” dance moves. It evens covers the recent announcement of Ellen joining the judging panel for American Idol.

The suggested retail price (SRP) for the upcoming trade paperback is $3.99.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Beardless... Sextless?

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Fall of the Hulks Checklist

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Tyler Perry's Mother Passes

Willie Maxine Perry, Tyler Perry's mother, died at age 64. Perry announced her death on his website Tuesday, but did not provide further details and those in the Perry camp are keeping mum.

Tyler Perry has said his titular character, Madea, is based (in part) on his mother and aunt, as well as many strong, maternal figures central to "[his] part of the African-American community." Critics have called his portrayal of Madea, as well as his work in general, stereotypical and damaging to black Americans.

Our condolences to the Perry family and all of their friends.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Astonishing X-Men: A Fallen X-Man Returns!

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Peter Jackson Publicly Considering Big-Budget Mini-Series About Dragons

Peter Jackson bought the rights to Naomi Novik's fantasy series, Temeraire, in 2006 and planned to parlay them into a movie franchise, but the platinum-grade director has changed his tune, saying he thinks the concept would work better as a TV mini-series. He seems to be angling for a SyFy-type mini- along the lines of the recent, woeful O.Z. and whatever that new one is they're doing.

Sorry guys, but I've just given-up on certain things. ANYwho... Temeraire is, according to the author(-ess), a re-imagining of the Napoleonic Wars from the backs of dragons.

Sam Raimi has found some moderate success with his series, Legend of the Seeker, also based on a series of fantasy novels by Terry Goodkind. Legend of the Seeker is actually a really, really good show you can probably find on one of your local stations and Hulu.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Marvel Comics On-Sale Today, 12-09-09

Your weekly Rundown of Marvel Comics on-shelves today begins...

Right...




NOW:

Comics On-Sale:
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #614 (GNTLT)
BLACK WIDOW: DEADLY ORIGIN #2
DARK REIGN: THE LIST - PUNISHER 2ND PRINTING VARIANT
DARK REIGN: THE LIST - WOLVERINE 2ND PRINTING VARIANT
DARK X-MEN #2
DEADPOOL #18
DEATHLOK #2
ENDER'S GAME: WAR OF GIFTS SPECIAL
GHOST RIDERS: HEAVEN'S ON FIRE #5
INCREDIBLE HULK #605
INCREDIBLE HULK #605 DJURDJEVIC 70TH ANNIVERSARY VARIANT
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #20
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #20 ZIRCHER WRAPAROUND
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #21
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #21 ZIRCHER COVER
MARVEL 70TH ANNIVERSARY FRAME ART
MARVEL ADVENTURES SUPER HEROES #18
NATION X #1
NEW AVENGERS ANNUAL #3
PUNISHER NOIR #4
PUNISHER NOIR #4 CALERO VARIANT
PUNISHERMAX #2
REALM OF KINGS IMPERIAL GUARD #2
S.W.O.R.D. #2
SPIDER-MAN & THE SECRET WARS #1
THE MARVELOUS LAND OF OZ #1 2ND PRINTING VARIANT
UNCANNY X-MEN: FIRST CLASS #6
WAR MACHINE #12
WEB OF SPIDER-MAN #3 (GNTLT)
WHAT IF? WORLD WAR HULK
WOLVERINE: UNDER THE BOARDWALK
X NECROSHA: THE GATHERING (XN)
X-MEN FOREVER #13
X-MEN NOIR: MARK OF CAIN #1
X-MEN NOIR: MARK OF CAIN #1 CALERO VARIANT

Collections On-Sale:
DARK REIGN: THE UNDERSIDE TPB
GENEXT: UNITED TPB
HOUSE OF M: SPIDER-MAN, FANTASTIC FOUR & X-MEN HC
MARVEL ADVENTURES SPIDER-MAN VOL. 14: THWIP! DIGEST
MARVEL MASTERWORKS: GOLDEN AGE SUB-MARINER VOL. 3 HC
MARVEL MASTERWORKS: GOLDEN AGE SUB-MARINER VOL. 3 HC VARIANT (DM ONLY)
MS. MARVEL VOL. 7: DARK REIGN TPB
RUNAWAYS: THE GOOD DIE YOUNG TPB
SKY DOLL VOL. 1 TPB
SPIDER-MAN: RED-HEADED STRANGER PREMIERE HC TOMB OF DRACULA OMNIBUS VOL. 2 HC ANDRASOFSZKY COVER
TOMB OF DRACULA OMNIBUS VOL. 2 HC COLAN COVER (DM ONLY)
ULTIMATUM: MARCH ON ULTIMATUM TPB
ULTIMATUM: X-MEN/FANTASTIC FOUR TPB
WHAT IF? CLASSIC VOL. 6 TPB
X-FACTOR: OVERTIME PREMIERE HC
X-MEN/SPIDER-MAN TPB

*GNTLT = Amazing Spider-Man: The Gauntlet tie-in
*XN = X-Necrosha tie-in

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Siege: The Cabal #1 - Second-Printing

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Major Recording Industry Giants Admit to Piracy

Warner Music Canada, Sony BMG Music Canada, EMI Music Canada, and Universal Music Canada admit they owe about $50 million (Canadian) to musicians, artists, and estates whose music they have been ripping-off and pirating on compilation CDs for the entirety of the industry in Canada. It is a longstanding practice in the industry to use artists' works on compilation releases in Canada without compensating the artists.

The recording companies are technically responsible for up to $60 billion (CAD) - and, by all rights, should be forced to pay that, as well as lose their Internet access. By forcing these creeps to pay the maximum fines allowed by law, it will send a clear message to other recording companies and corporations that "piracy is wrong." It not only hurts the industry, it hurts the artist who made the music in the first place.

Some people, however, simply never learn.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

"World" Stops Turning

CBS announced that the long-time soap opera, As the World Turns, will end production next year. Earlier this year, CBS canceled Guiding Light; following World's cancellation, the channel will have only two daytime dramas left - Bold and Beautiful and The Young and the Restless.

Over the years, such actors and actresses as James Earl Jones, Meg Ryan, and Parker Posey appeared on the show.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Family Ties Star Back in Jail for Another Assault

Brian Bonsall is back in jail after being accused of yet another assault, this time on a friend. The summer before last, Bonsall was on the lam after allegedly violating a probation stemming from an assault on his then-girlfriend.

According to police, Bonsall got into an altercation with a friend at an undisclosed apartment and hit the friend in the noggin with a broken stool. Bonsall is now in jail, awaiting a court appearance this Wednesday. He claims he was inebriated at the time of the incident and remembers nothing.

His TV mama got gay.

UPDATE:
(Now with More Neck-Tat!)

Bonsall faces several charges, including the aforementioned violation. Upon arrest, Bonsall said both he and his friend had been drinking "a lot." He then said they were both bipolar and like drugs "a lot," and that the drugs he likes sometimes make him forget.

That's sad and I want to go on record as saying I didn't know that and wouldn't have treated the matter so lightly, if I had. I didn't treat it so lightly the first time and I didn't know that. Still, I hope that his mental affliction is taken into account by the judge and he is not simply thrown-away to be lost in a bloated, corrupt, archaic, Draconian, and thoroughly insufficient legal "system."

Colorado is where they kill gay people.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

4th-Printing Female Force: Palin Contains New Material!

As Sarah Palin criss-crosses the nation promoting her new tell-all memoir, Bluewater Productions plans to "go rogue" with a fourth-printing of the best-selling bio comic featuring the former Alaska governor.

Female Force: Sarah Palin, Going Rogue Edition updates her story from the original comic released in February with new artwork and a new cover by Vinnie Tartamella. This special edition will be available in comic shops and online venues later this month.

“People just can’t get enough of Sarah Palin,” said Darren Davis, Bluewater’s president, on the need for the unprecedented fourth-printing of a single title. “This issue has proven to be one of our all-time best sellers and Palin signed a couple copies of the comics for us.”

Published earlier this year, the original comic ended with her failed bid for the Vice Presidency of the United States. Since then, Palin has remained a high-profile personality, given her curious resignation as governor of Alaska, her new memoir, and her public clash with her former son-in-law.

“She is a polarizing figure, but a compelling one,” Davis remarked as to why he thought the Palin title has sold so well. “Many scoffed when I said last year we’ll still be talking about Palin long after the election. I think she will be a topic of conversation for many years.”

Female Force offers a broad examination of strong and influential women who are shaping modern history and culture. The Palin book will share the comic shelf with a Female Force biography of Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling which also comes out this month.

The suggested retail price (SRP) for the upcoming comic book is $3.99.

Pre-ordering is currently available at several outlets using the Diamond Comic Distributor code OCT098131 F

Female Force individual issues are also available on Amazon.com, where they have been ranked among the site’s top 300 books.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Monk Finale Sets Records

Monk ended its series on the highest note in its eight-year run, and the highest-note for basic cable ever! With 9.8 million viewers, it shattered The Closer's previous record of 9.2. Some 3.2 million of those viewers were from the 18-49 range. Monk not only beat-out basic cable records, it also shut-out the Friday night competition across the boards!

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Siege #7 - What Price Victory?

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Let the Spirits Move Thee!

One of the things about living in Tennessee - aside from corrupt cops, hillbilly rednecks, meth, meth mouth, strippers on meth, truckers on meth, hookers on meth, hunters, hunters on meth... okay, aside from all the drawbacks of living in a bass-ackward state - one of the worst things about living in Tennessee are the alcohol laws. There is a fat, disgusting lobbyist called "The Goose" who supposedly got his name because he wined and dined all the fat, disgusting, corrupt lawmakers of the state - and their daddies. He wants the laws the way they are because... well, fat, corrupt people called "The Goose" tend to avoid questioning.

Anyway, Governor Phil Bredesen recently signed a law allowing the sale of wines directly to consumers - meaning we can finally (legally) buy wine and have it shipped to us! I'm no big wine connoisseur or anything, but that's pretty cool! Especially since I'm also not a big beer-lover. My preferred drink is a beer with frequent rounds of girly shots (with names like "Alabama Slamma," "Swee-Tarts," "Sour Apples," "Lemondrops..." Wha-at?), but I'm not here to talk about myself:

The law only went into effect this summer and it isn't like wines are a big pastime in Tennessee, so I wanted to direct you to this great resource, where you can find - and add - online wine retailers who ship to Tennessee.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Whilce Portacio Returns to Hulk!

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

One Week Left for Klingon Christmas Carol

Due to overwhelming response, the annual "one night only" A Klingon Christmas Carol has been extended through December 13^th. That's right, Trekkies: there's only one week left to get your Scrooge on in Klingon... of course, you have to be able to get all the way up to the aptly-named Mixed Blood, MN to do so.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Shamus Trails Hood Who Shot Friend for Dimebook

A 16-year old Indiana boy shot and killed his 13-year old friend over a dispute involving turn-of-the-century dime novels. Apparently, both boys are big readers of pulp fiction from the era - though details are sketchy. Dime novel pulps from names such as Chandler and Lovecraft can fetch hundreds, even thousands, of dollars at auction, and are often sought after by readers and collectors alike.

The alleged murderer is thought to have escaped to Kentucky, where they do not read.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Steven Seagal: Lawman Breaks A&E Records

There's some kind of criminal joke in there, but I'm just not feeling it... ANYwho, Steven Seagal: Lawman premiered to some 3.4 million Monday, with the second episode drawing 3.6 million. Two million of those viewers were from the coveted 18-49 demographic, making it the most watched premiere in the network's history.

Seagal claims unnecessary FBI investigations using questionable tactics ruined his movie career. I believe him.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Site(s) Updates

I'm such a terrible Webmaster. When I first started doing this, I wasn't that bad - no, really - but so much has changed since then, not to mention how many times the site has moved, etc.

The bigger problem is updates, of which I've just done another round (and am still working on), because The Weirding is fucking huge! It doesn't look like it, and technically speaking, I've tried my best to contain it more this go-round (another problem, read on), but it has thousands of links, hundreds of files, and scores of directories. Changing a single link or filename can often lead to massive headaches which don't appear for weeks, even months! I am dependent on certain Webmaster tools to help me locate these because there can be so many in so many disparate places. I try my best to "fix" them through the front-end so that they redirect to the right place, but that doesn't always happen.

I also find myself chasing nonsense far too often. For example, the software I use, like all software, has some bugs and kinks. One of these is that you have to click and physically select "Remove Link" before you delete a link's text - you can't just highlight the text and remove it like you can in almost every other program - and if you forget to do that, the highlighted text is removed, but the link remains. It doesn't really mean anything - I suppose if you managed to drop your cursor directly over that cursor's-length of page, you'd find the "hidden" link (often to nowhere) - but the tools I use, and the search engines, still pick them up. Many times, I've spent hours hunting-down links I know I removed only to discover I'd only removed the hyperlinked text and the link itself was still buried in the document (and being picked-up).

Anyway, I went through and did a bunch of maintenance-type stuff both last night and again today. Things are tighter, there are fewer broken links (for which I apologize profusely, but again, I don't usually know about them for several days or more), and so forth, but I can't be sure of anything at this point.

Like I said, once I get enough of the raw content up again - and this has been my strategy from Day One (which hasn't worked, mind you, but it's kinda too late in the game to change it now) - I'm going to sweep through and do a major overhaul. The problem is that things have changed so often between the planning/development and actual publishing phases that I really don't know where everything is anymore and I can't really "see" it until the physical pieces are actually in-place.

Anyway, things should be easier to find and should (hopefully) actually be there once you do find them. So, enjoy.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

FlashForward Pushed Back

You might have heard a while back that ABC was suspending FlashForward's production "momentarily" - a move the TV industry often calls "going on hiatus." Well, we didn't report on it because I'm all for them suspending it indefinitely; FlashForward heaves. Anyway, someone at ABC may agree with me, as news comes today that its return has already been pushed back again.

According to reports, ABC wants to make sure it isn't interrupted by the Olympics. FlashForward is now set to return the same month as V - March.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Dark Tower: The Battle of Jericho Hill #1

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Agenda

I have to do the shopping real quick today and I woke-up late (because I got froze-out in the early morning and had to get up and turn-up the heat and wait for it to heat-up, etc., before I could get back to sleep), so we'll just push everything up like two hours, k?

Check out this Prohibition-Era speakeasy bowling alley while you wait.

I will try to regale you with my thoughts on Buffy (the comic book) if I can make it through the handful of issues I've gotten so far. It isn't that they're bad... well, you'll have to wait.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Utopia? Yeah, Not So Much

For the first time since highschool, I have enjoyed reading Uncanny X-Men - I mean really enjoyed it! That's all thanks to Matt Fraction and I want to thank him for that (Greg Land is owed no small amount of credit, as well).

HOWEVER...

I opened #514 only to figure out... fucking nothing! No, I take that back: I figured out I had no idea what was going on, when it had started, who was involved - I think you're getting the idea. Turns out, that was the idea I was supposed to get, because there was no way I could know what was going on without also reading Dark Avengers #7 and 8, along with something else, and then I need to rush out and buy yet another book - a "special" one!

It was what we (both inside and outside the industry) call "a dick move." Except, of course, it was done by a corporation, so complaining about it results in a chorus of "Duh-h"-type responses from the... is it intellegentsia? (Spell Chekc says "no.")

Anyhow, I have no idea how events played-out because all the issues I don't already have are already too expensive to buy. Luckily - and, yes, The Corporation loves us (this is how we know) - I'm sure they will all be collected into a super-, jumbo-sized TPB with a different cover than the $34.95 hardcover (Duh-h) so I can figure out WTF is going on in #519.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

FALL OF THE HULKS GAMMA McGUINNESS SANTA VARIANT

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

An Admission

You've probably heard by now that former Family Ties star, Meredith Baxter, came out of the closet this morning. I, too, have an admission to make... though it's nowhere near as controversial, nor does anyone really care because I'm not a celebrity - but here it is:

I apologize for things being so slow lately, but there are a lot of reasons. The holidays are certainly a factor, as was the Halloween roll-out (which, with a few glaring exceptions, was pretty successful), but there is the Medical Thing.

I used to discuss the Medical Thing all the time because I went off my meds for a year. I have been on powerful pain medications for about three years now, however I have been stepped-down off them the last few months. I didn't expect the... I guess it is, literally, "withdrawal." Like I say, I went off them on my own through all of 2008, mainly because it was just more of a hassle than (I thought) it worth. A change of medical venues fixed that, but I didn't realize that then.

Anyway, I simply haven't had the strength nor desire to work lately. I had to clean the entire house earlier in the week because it had gone so long without it. Like anyone, I just clean the windows, mop the floor, whatever, whenever I notice they're dirty and really need it. I developed a serious sinus infection which I put down to the pain meds thing for a month or so before I finally sought attention for it. Once I did, I realized it was a sinus infection, and that's when I noticed all the dust and just general dirt which had accumulated over the last few months (when I've been more focused on the site, the holidays, and "getting clean").

I'm feeling a bit better now, but it's still a struggle. Not least of that struggle being the fact that I'm simply off pain meds once again; it took a week or so, but the pain is back in full-force now, so (once again), there are days when I'm simply bed-ridden. I'll be out for at least an entire week, probably two, next month following the surgery. If the surgery doesn't fix it - and, sadly, the outlook is about 50/50 - I will undergo another in the Spring, and will eventually go back on pain meds. But some friends and family members have undergone this surgery and come out much better because of it, so I'm hopeful.

Either way, I know things have been slow, hits prove this, and I didn't want you to think I was just unceremoniously phasing-out the blogs or quitting, entirely. I love The Rundown, I started it specifically because I could no longer draw comic books industriously (nor read them - nor anything - because of having to hang my head for long periods), and I plan to continue doing it for as long as I can, it's just... it is what it is right now and though I apologize, there's nothing I can do about it but allow it to play-out on its own.

I hope y'all understand and continue to visit, as I will continue to work as often as possible. Thanks again for your support and all such!

© C Harris Lynn, 2009