Coca-Colla and The Real Coke

Coca-Cola's first formula contained an ingredient which provided drinkers with a bit more of a boost than caffeine; Coca-Cola originally contained cocaine, despite the company's insistence that it never did. In fact, Coca-Cola was literally named for its two main ingredients: the Coca plant (Coca), and the kola nut (Cola). Everyone knows this, though, apparently, some people still find it hard to believe. According to some sources, cocaine remained an ingredient of Coca-Cola until 1929; others say the famous soda still includes traces of the coca leaf - though it is now denatured coca leaves (meaning the cocaine has already been extracted).

The truth is that most soft drinks of the late 1800s (when Coca-Cola was first made and sold) contained cocaine, so it was not unusual. Like these other soft drinks, Coca-Cola was originally marketed as a medicine, and an alternative to alcoholic beverages. Though the company claims the "original" recipe is still used, Coca-Cola's famous recipe has actually been altered a few times over the years, so no Coca-Cola today can truly be called "The Real Thing."

Now, a Bolivian company is manufacturing a cocaine-laced soft drink called Coca-Colla. While the "Colla" bit is actually named for the Colla people of the Bolivian highlands, the "Coca" is absolutely in reference to the coca plant, which is a major ingredient of Coca-Colla.

Bolivia has tried to stop cultivation of the coca plant in the past, largely at America's behest, but their new president, Evo Morales, is a coca grower who publicly champions the crop as a legitimate product with many uses. While it has established a "zero-tolerance" policy for cocaine, Morales' administration has encouraged Bolivian companies to use coca in products including tea, syrup, liqueurs - even toothpaste - and has backed Coca-Colla from the start.

"The industrialization of coca interests us," the deputy minister of rural development told reporters. If the products containing coca are successful, the government has vowed to increase the number of acres set aside for coca production from 30,000 acres to 50,000 acres. Obviously - and sadly - the American government has already condemned this, saying the majority of the coca plants would be used for the production of cocaine.

In 2005, the Paez Indians of Columbia created Coca Sek, a soft drink made of coca leaves, and distributed crushed coca leaves as tea. The coca leaf is used daily in most parts of South America, and has been used for cooking, medicinal purposes, and in religious rites for centuries. The Paez said they were trying to disassociate the coca leaf from cocaine, "We wanted to convince people that coca is not the same as the drug, and allow indigenous people to be proud of the leaf," David Curtido, who lead the Coca Sek and coca-based products projects. Coca Sek was banned in 2006, thanks to pressure from the UN's international narcotics control board.

Coca-Colla is bottled with a red label. Experts expect the Coca-Cola company to file suit against the maker, but the Atlanta, Georgia-based corporation has not responded to questions concerning Coca-Colla.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

The Hoff's Ex-Wife Sentenced to Jail for DUI

Pamela Bach, formerly married to David Hasselhoff, turned herself in early to begin a three month prison sentence in a Los Angeles prison for DUI. Bach plead "no contest" to her second DUI charge last Thursday. She received 60 days for violating her probation from the first DUI, which she received in November of last year. Bach was not expected at the jail until next week, but her attorney said she "wants to do the right thing," and move-on with her life. She will not be allowed to drive for two years, once she is released.

Pamela Bach and David Hasselhoff were married for 16 years. She appeared as a cafe owner several times on Hasselhoff's Baywatch. "The Hoff" filed for divorce in 2006, citing "irreconcilable differences."

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Batman 3: Nolan, Bale, July 2012

Warner Brothers has officially announced that Batman 3 will hit theaters July 12^th, 2012. Christopher Nolan will return to the director's chair, and according to all reports, Christian Bale will return to the cowl. Nolan has said he is already working on a script, with David Goyer and his brother, Jonathan Nolan, but he gave no details as to the villains, plot, or anything else.

The Dark Knight was released on July 18^th, 2008. The July 12^th, 2012 release date could always change, but it is - as of now - Warner Brothers' "official" release date for Batman 3.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Invincible #75

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Way Behind

I have gotten way behind on my... well, everything, but my reading in particular. I am still reading the second month of Siege! Well, the creators and editors are largely to blame for that (it just isn't that good), but that's only part of the whole thing. Yes, I have a bad allergy/sinus infection and the medicine I got for it literally knocks me out, and it's totally screwed my sleep and schedule, but... I don't know, maybe that is to blame. Whatever the cause, I'm so far behind right now that I just don't know where to start!

I can say this much: There is a wealth of Dark Conspiracy material on the way. Well, wealth may not be the right word... pages - there are several pages of Dark Conspiracy material on the way this weekend. I forgot how many charts and tables there are, and that's why I haven't worked harder to get them out there before now. I am literally just hunkering-down and making it happen, even though it takes hours and hours to accomplish (tables are so time-consuming!).

I realize the navigation for the Dark Conspiracy department is completely broken, but there is a reason for that: I don't want the Referees' Material to be accessible by players. Obviously, anyone can just click-through to the GM pages and go from there, but I want to make sure they have to do that, and don't accidentally come across content they shouldn't see. Of course, I've made more than my share of mistakes along the way - I've lost my place too many times, thanks to all the starting and stopping I've done, and I've got so many notes that they're all but useless.

I've been organizing my notes, files, and computers all week long, too. I am always at-odds with that step: On the one hand, it takes a long time, during which I'm not actually producing anything; OTOH, once it gets done, it makes content production much easier and faster. I finally broke-down and switched to Thunderbird (e-mail), even though I used it years ago and gave-up on it. I absolutely have to have a better e-mail client than Windows Live, and even though Thunderbird is confusing, it has many of the features I need and allows for add-ons. I'm hoping I'll eventually be able to customize my e-mail system to actually work for me, instead of having to constantly fight with it, even though it's going to take time to research, learn, and configure (finding the right add-ons is usually the most time-consuming part of this whole thing).

I installed Google Chrome, only because I need to make sure the site appears correctly under as many browsers as possible. I'll be checking the site under all of the major browsers (Chrome, Firefox, and IE) and troubleshooting any problems I find. I may also install Safari, but so few people use it that I'm not sure it's worth fooling with at this time. Again, even though I use Firefox regularly, I'll still be configuring these browsers to my specifications (to some extent).

Depending on how long this takes, I may also get the Champions Transportation pages published, but Dark Conspiracy is the department I'm working on. I'd really like for everyone to "Like" The Weirding's Facebook page, because I post updates and so forth there. Obviously, I also talk about it here, but you'll get all the information there quicker. Also, if you have a gaming blog/site, I'm happy to link to you. Just leave a message there, or just add your link to the Wall!

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

The Crusades, Book I

Berkeley, CA - 27 April 2010 - The Dark Ages begin again in the first-ever collection of the controversial crime series THE CRUSADES, written by Steven T. Seagle (Soul Kiss, it's a bird...) and drawn by Kelley Jones (Sandman, Batman).

The first of two re-mastered volumes, THE CRUSADES Vol. 1: KNIGHT collects THE CRUSADES: URBAN DECREE and THE CRUSADES #1-9.

"This material has been out of print for about a decade, but -- dealing with church scandals, shady land deals, shock media, and social justice -- it remains creepily relevant in its themes," says Seagle, "I get asked at every convention if the series will ever be collected, and now I can finally say 'yes' in a big way."

"We've really gone back in and made a great book even better for this edition," adds Jones, "We've redesigned everything, produced new covers, corrected some typos, heightened the color effects, upgraded the paper -- this quirky book was mostly missed the first time around, but it is not to be missed this time."

"Image is proud to collect THE CRUSADES for the first time," says Image Publisher Eric Stephenson. "This is fantastic work by Steve and Kelley that deserves a top=flight collection and the vast new audience this two-volume set will attract."

In THE CRUSADES, an enigmatic 11^th-Century Knight has come to render terrible justice on the citizens of 21^st-Century San Francisco. His acts of unspeakable violence spark a firestorm of moral soul-searching in the hearts and minds of the city's most colorful figures. Putting together the pieces of the Knight's mysteriously brutal puzzle is the voluptuous Venus Kostopikas, a fact checker for a dying newspaper who has aspirations to rise above her station and lead her own crusade.

THE CRUSADES Vol. 1: KNIGHT, a full-color, 256-page hardcover for $29.99, will be in stores July 4^th, 2010.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Shadowland

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Lady Robotika from the Go-Go's Jane Wiedlin

Berkeley, CA - 23 April 2010 - JANE WIEDLIN (The Go-Go's) and BILL MORRISON (Bongo Comics) blast off this July with the out-of-this-world space adventure, LADY ROBOTIKA from Shadowline and Image Comics. Scribes Wiedlin and Morrison get an assist by TONE RODRIGUEZ (Shadowhawk), who works with Morrison on the art.

"I never meant for it to be like this," exclaims Wiedlin. "One minute I was just another hard-workin' guitar slinger, ripping out power chords while traveling the hinterlands with my band, The Go-Go's. The next, I was blasted into a crazy adventure in Space, with powers far beyond a damn fine F chord, and some nice, sexy stage banter. But hey, it's a big Universe out there, and someone's got to save it. Guess that someone is ME."

Morrison adds, "I heard someone say 'Lady Robotika is bigger than Jesus!' I certainly didn't say it. I would never say something like that. I'm going to Hell, aren't I?"

"LADY ROBOTIKA is pure rock and roll," says Shadowline Publisher Jim Valentino. "Loud and proud of it! This is the space adventure for rock stars."

In LADY ROBOTIKA, aliens from a distant planet abduct rock star, Jane Wiedlin, and force her to play a concert for their Earth-obsessed emperor. During the trek back to their planet, the aliens implant Jane's body with nanobots. But their plan to turn her into one of their cyborg slaves backfires when Jane learns to control the nanites within her and becomes the super-powered cyborg liberator, LADY ROBOTIKA!

LADY ROBOTIKA #1 - a full-color, 32-page comic, written by Jane Wiedlin and Bill Morrison, with art by Bill Morrison and Tone Rodriquez - will be available on July 14^th, 2010 for $3.50.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

See the Hawkeye & Mockingbird Sketchbook FREE @ Marvel Digital

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Chyna Beats Chick Down with a Wire Hanger

Joanie Laurer, aka Chyna, is at the center of an LAPD investigation in which one Gabriela Targos claims Laurer attacked her mercilessly, so that she feared for her life!

Targos says Laurer asked her to come to a motel room, and once she arrived, Laurer went all "Chyna" on her - without provocation, or apparent reason - pulling her hair, punching her in the face, and even beating her with a wire coathanger. Targos claims Laurer dragged her by the hair and threatened her life, and the altercation ended only when Targos escaped the room.

Chyna was a popular WWE wrestler in the 1990s, who has since appeared in several reality shows, including Surreal Life and Celebrity Rehab. Joanie Laurer refuses to admit she has a substance or steroid abuse problem - or any problems whatsoever, for that matter - though she appeared in a sex tape with a fellow wrestler, and was recently hospitalized for alcohol poisoning and self-mutilation, and has been recorded displaying bizarre behavior at inappropriate times and venues many times over.

Laurer could not be reached for comment.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Live TV on the Xbox?

Rumors abound as to Xbox' live TV offerings, set for release next year (2011). Some say Xbox is setting-up a single channel, which will stream live broadcasts to the game system, but a new rumor (citing an undisclosed source) claims that Xbox will actually host an entire array of TV stations, and that users will be able to "record" them for playback.

None of this is substantiated, though the channel idea has been rumored for several months now. You can already stream movies directly to your Xbox from Netflix, so the basic technology is there.

I chose to post this here instead of on The Cyberculturalist because it focuses more on entertainment than technology, but discussions similar to this one are usually found there.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Most Likely to Quote Star Wars

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Draining

I was at the doctor's all day Monday (long story), but I got some medicine that was supposed to dry my sinuses or whatever - stop me from being so stuffed-up and mucousy and all - but it isn't helping. All it's done is make me so sleepy that I've literally been nodding-off, sitting in my chair.

I'm not cutting-out early or anything, I just wanted to apologize for being so off my game this week, and last week, and before that. I have got a MAJOR sinus infection/allergies/whatever, and it's just making life hell for me.

I've also been, like, organizing everything in the house (because I'm having to dust a layer of green pollen off of it everyday) and on my computer, so that once I am finally able to take a breath without hitching or spewing snot, I can be more productive, and I tend to get lost in that and forget what I was doing, etc.

Anyway, sorry, but I think everyone's fighting this pollen and stuff. My head is so... When I get tired of blowing my nose and try to inhale through it - to just "sniffle" - my ears pop. It's so... just bear with me.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Dark Tower: The Gunslinger - The Journey Begins

The Man in Black has laid ruin everything Roland Deschain holds dear and this May, the Lone Gunslinger embarks on an all-new quest to avenge his fallen gunslingers in Dark Tower: The Gunslinger – The Journey Begins #1.

Now’s your chance to jump onboard the acclaimed Dark Tower series with this new blockbuster series! Join Robin Furth, Peter David, and Richard Isanove, as they welcome superstar artist, Sean Phillips (INCOGNITO), into the ka-tet of creators entrusted by Stephen King himself to bring the adult adventures of his most personal creation to life! Featuring a variant cover by Dark Tower superstar artist, Jae Lee, this is one issue you will not want to miss!

With the ka-tet gone and Gilead left in ashes, Roland sets out to hunt the Man in Black. Roland hasn’t forgotten what John Farson did to the Affiliation and it only fuels the fire that burns within him. Will Roland finally reach the Dark Tower? Can he avenge his fallen comrades? Find out this May when Dark Tower: The Gunslinger – The Journey Begins #1 hits shelves everywhere!

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Iron Man: Extremis Motion Comic #2 - On-Sale Now!

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Sweets

SWEET ON DARK AND GRITTY CRIME
Newcomer, Kody Chamberlain, writes and draws SWEETS for Image Comics

Berkeley, CA - 22 April 2010 - Newcomer and Louisiana native, Kody Chamberlain, makes his Image Comics debut with SWEETS, a five-issue crime drama set in New Orleans, shortly before Hurricane Katrina strikes.

"New Orleans is a great town for crime comics. It's rich with culture, architecture, and all the little details that rarely show through in comic books," says Chamberlain. "I've lived in South Louisiana all my life: I don't have to jump on Google to find tourist photos. The music is my music, and the slang is my slang. Hopefully, that shows through, and makes the city come alive for the readers."

"Kody has one of the freshest perspectives I've seen in a while," says Image Publisher, Eric Stephenson. "His artwork is fantastic, but he's a great writer as well, and SWEETS is going to be the book to read."

SWEETS: A spree killer terrorizes New Orleans days before Hurricane Katrina makes landfall. Detective Curt Delatte just buried his only daughter, and he's in no condition to work. But when the bodies pile up, Delatte masks his grief and joins the hunt through the bowels of the Big Easy. It won't be long until his city---and his evidence---gets washed away.

SWEETS #1, a full-color, 32-page comic, written and drawn by Kody Chamberlain, will be available for $2.99, and in stores on July 14^th, 2010. A special preview of SWEETS can be found in CHEW #11, in stores June 9^th.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Battle for the Soul of New York

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Marvel Comics Hitting Shelves Today - 04-28-10

Here we go guys and gals, your weekly Rundown of Marvel Comics hitting newsstands today, April 27^th, 2010:

Comics On-Sale:
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #629
CAPTAIN AMERICA #605
CAPTAIN AMERICA #605 IRON MAN BY DESIGN VARIANT
CIVIL WAR MGC #1
DEADPOOL #22
DEADPOOL #22 IRON MAN BY DESIGN VARIANT
FALL OF THE HULKS: RED HULK #4
FANTASTIC FOUR #578
FANTASTIC FOUR #578 IRON MAN BY DESIGN VARIANT
HULK #20 2ND PRINTING VARIANT (FOTHS)
HULK #21 2ND PRINTING VARIANT (FOTHS)
HUSK #1
HUSK #1 VARIANT
INCREDIBLE HULK #608 2ND PRINTING VARIANT (FOTHS)
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #25 LARROCA COVER
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #25 LARROCA WRAPAROUND COVER
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #25 TRIMPE VARIANT (HA)
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #25 MOVIE VARIANT (HA)
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #25 IRON MAN BY DESIGN VARIANT (HA)
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #25 FOILOGRAM VARIANT (HA)
IRON MAN 2: PUBLIC IDENTITY #1
MARVEL PREVIEWS #81
MARVEL ZOMBIES 5 #2
MARVEL ZOMBIES 5 #2 SPOILER VARIANT
MIGHTY AVENGERS #36 (S)
MILLAR & MCNIVEN'S NEMESIS #1 2ND PRINTING VARIANT
NEW AVENGERS #64 (S)
PETER PARKER #2 (MDCU)
PUNISHER #16
PUNISHER #16 IRON MAN BY DESIGN VARIANT
SECRET WARRIORS #15
SECRET WARRIORS #15 IRON MAN BY DESIGN VARIANT
SIEGE #1 2ND PRINTING VARIANT
SIEGE #2 3RD PRINTING VARIANT
SIEGE: SECRET WARRIORS #1
SIEGE: SECRET WARRIORS #1 DJURDJEVIC SKETCH VARIANT
SPIDER-MAN #1
THOR #609 (S)
THOR #609 IRON MAN BY DESIGN VARIANT (S)
THUNDERBOLTS #143 (S)
THUNDERBOLTS #143 IRON MAN BY DESIGN VARIANT (S)
ULTIMATE COMICS AVENGERS 2 #1
ULTIMATE COMICS AVENGERS 2 #1 INKED YU VARIANT
ULTIMATE COMICS AVENGERS 2 #1 VILLAIN VARIANT
ULTIMATE COMICS AVENGERS 2 #1 FOILOGRAM VARIANT
ULTIMATE COMICS X #1 3RD PRINTING VARIANT
WOLVERINE ORIGINS #47
WOLVERINE ORIGINS #47 IRON MAN BY DESIGN VARIANT
WORLD WAR HULKS: HULKED-OUT HEROES #2
WORLD WAR HULKS: HULKED-OUT HEROES #2 MCGUINNESS VARIANT
X-FORCE #26 (XSC)
X-FORCE #26 FINCH VARIANT (XSC)
X-FORCE #26 R.I.P. VARIANT (XSC)
X-FORCE #26 IRON MAN BY DESIGN VARIANT (XSC)
X-MEN FOREVER #22

Collections On-Sale:
DARK REIGN: HAWKEYE TPB
GENE COLAN PREMIERE HC
HOUSE OF M: NO MORE MUTANTS HC
INCREDIBLE HERCULES: THE MIGHTY THORCULES TPB
IRON MAN: DEADLY SOLUTIONS PREMIERE HC
IRON MAN: DEADLY SOLUTIONS PREMIERE HC (DM ONLY)
KABUKI REFLECTIONS HC
KABUKI REFLECTIONS HC LIMITED EDITION VARIANT (DM ONLY)
MARVEL MASTERWORKS: THE INHUMANS VOL. 2 HC
MARVEL MASTERWORKS: THE INHUMANS VOL. 2 HC VARIANT (DM ONLY)
MARVEL MASTERWORKS: THE SILVER SURFER VOL. 1 TPB
MARVEL MASTERWORKS: THE SILVER SURFER VOL. 1 TPB VARIANT (DM ONLY)
MARVEL SUPER HERO SQUAD: INFINITY SWORD QUEST HC
MS. MARVEL VOL. 8: WAR OF THE MARVELS TPB
MS. MARVEL VOL. 9: BEST YOU CAN BE PREMIERE HC
NEW AVENGERS VOL. 4 HC
NEW MUTANTS VOL. 1: RETURN OF LEGION TPB
NEW MUTANTS: NECROSHA PREMIERE HC
NEW WARRIORS CLASSIC VOL. 2 TPB
STAR COMICS: ALL-STAR COLLECTION VOL. 3 GN-TPB
STRANGE: THE DOCTOR IS OUT TPB
THE INVINCIBLE IRON MAN OMNIBUS VOL. 2 HC LARROCA COVER
THE INVINCIBLE IRON MAN OMNIBUS VOL. 2 HC COLAN COVER (DM ONLY)
ULTIMATE COMICS WOLVERINE VS. HULK TPB
WOLVERINE NOIR GN-TPB

Posters On-Sale:
CAPTAIN AMERICA: REBORN FINALE BY BRYAN HITCH POSTER

*GNTLT = Amazing Spider-Man: The Gauntlet tie-in
*HA = Heroic Age tie-in
*S = SIEGE tie-in
*XSC = X-Men: Second Coming tie-in

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Thor #611

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Scripps Sells Snoopy WAAAAAAAAUUUUUGGGHHH!

E.W. Scripps Co. sold the unit which controls the Peanuts comic strip properties, including Snoopy and Charlie Brown - to Iconix Brand Group, Inc., the company which controls the licensing for such brands as Joe Boxer, London Fog, and more. Iconix paid a reported $175 million for control of the the Peanuts properties licensing.

The sale also creates a new partnership between Iconix Brand and Peanuts' creator, Charles Schultz', surviving family members. The Schulz family will pay 20% of the sale's price in exchange for 20% ownership.

Peanuts holdings include numerous TV specials, movies, the iconic comic strip, and more. Characters also appear in commercials for companies such as Met Life and CVS, and appears on products from Hallmark, Old Navy, and others. Licensed Peanuts merchandise is estimated to generate nearly $2 billion, annually.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

DOH!

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Legend of the Seeker Canceled

Legend of the Seeker, Sam Raimi's (Spider-Man, Evil Dead) syndicated fantasy show, based on the Terry Goodkind novels, has been canceled after its second season. I am partially to blame: I really liked Legend of the Seeker, though it was not without its faults, and I failed to push it as hard as I should have.

In my defense, it was from ABC, and they did the same thing they always do: Moved it around constantly, so you could never find it. Legend of the Seeker started playing locally on either Saturday or Sunday afternoons. I saw it scheduled there for several weeks, but didn't catch it every time. I began watching it regularly late nights, again on either Saturday or Sunday, and eventually on Sundays only. At first, it was a late-night recast, but it was soon removed from the afternoon schedule altogether, which - though it didn't bother me, seeing as how I could never figure out when, exactly, it aired - I knew wasn't a good sign. Still, it not only ran in the late-night slot for the last couple of years, they started running the new episode around 1-2a, and re-airing the previous week's episode at 4am. Again, I appreciated it, but knew it wasn't good.

Live with Regis and Kelly promoted it heavily, and Hulu ran an extended set until very recently - again, although it was a syndicated show, Legend of the Seeker was filmed by ABC Studios - but I saw almost nothing about it on the blogs, or online in general, beyond the initial announcements. From the comments its cancellation has generated elsewhere online, it apparently did have the cult following it deserved but, again, I wasn't even aware of these folks - or that LotS was in danger of being canceled in the first place - and I definitely consider myself a fan!

But, again, I'm a fair-minded, even-handed, kind of guy and I'd be remiss not to mention Legend of the Seeker's one, fatal, flaw - and fans aren't going to like hearing it anymore than I like saying it, but if you watch it with a hairy eyeball, you'll be forced to agree: Bruce Spence.

Sorry, but Al Gore is less wooden.

Spence absolutely looks the part, and he had his moments throughout the series, but he is just... he is not good. And though he seemed to be growing into the role, I prefer to remember him only as he appeared in the Mad Max flicks.

Still, a tongue-waggingly beautiful cast was only the most obvious of LotS' strengths. The SFX were damn good - they were better than a lot of movies' special effects! - the sets were fantastic, the cinematography excellent; visually-speaking, Legend of the Seeker will be returned to by fans and creators, alike, time and again for "reference." It was also an incredibly detailed, and strikingly original, fantasy world; in fact, now that it's over, I'm definitely going to pick-up Goodkind's novels to keep the story going. And going it is: The Sword of Truth series spans a whopping 11 books, so far!

Whatever the fate of the Legend of the Seeker TV show, I expect Dark Horse, IDW, or a similar house, to pick it up and hopefully make good with it in sequential art form. I figure a painted interior - actually, I'd be shocked if it isn't (though I'm sure any talent could do it justice, Legend of the Seeker will be known for its visuals, which can only be captured in a natural color, or mixed, medium) - with none other than Terry Goodkind at the keyboard. I'd be a little surprised to see an ongoing series; a series of mini-series or graphic novels is what I expect.

Goodkind should also be tapped for the inevitable pen & paper RPG, though probably only as a creative consultant/executive producer; I guarantee a (probably yet uncollected) team of fan-fic diehards out there already have a handle on bringing the concepts to the tabletop. That is where the industry is headed, after all - and always should have been. It just remains to be seen if the larger companies are going to look beyond their stuffy, overpriced boxes for that outside (not necessarily freelance) talent; if these independent, wannabe designers are going to start seeking-out and culling their own collectives; or one, or more, of the aforementioned comics groups are going to swing their considerable licensing heft back in the direction of the old-school RPG.

Also a good idea? Hello, SyFy movie. (But I don't necessarily expect that; the comic book series [of mini-series, probably] I'd make book on.) RIP, Legend of the Seeker; long live Legend of the Seeker!

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Walking Dead #75

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Sorry

I'll get into it some other time, but things went awry today and I was away from the keyboard, so to speak, from around noon to around 6pm. This was not planned, was not supposed to happen, was through no fault of my own, and I had no control over it.

At any rate, I apologize, and we'll be back to normal tomorrow!

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Shadowland: Battle For The Soul Of New York

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Roy Thomas Returns to Conan: Road of Kings

MILWAUKIE, OR, April 22, 2010—At last weekend’s C2E2 convention, Dark Horse Comics announced that it would continue telling the epic tale of Robert E. Howard’s Conan the Cimmerian with the return of legendary writer, Roy Thomas. Thomas introduced the comic-reading public to Conan in 1970, when he began the highly successful Conan the Barbarian for Marvel Comics, a title he wrote for 10 years. Conan and comics fans will also remember the former Marvel editor in chief’s classic tales from lauded runs as a writer and editor on The Savage Sword of Conan, and as the writer of King Conan. Now, in 2010, Thomas returns to the character he helped ingrain into the consciousness of the comics community with Conan: Road of Kings.

“Conan the Cimmerian is one of the most important people in my life—even if he never really existed—and it was a genuine thrill to be asked by Dark Horse publisher Mike Richardson to scribe a year’s worth of his darkly epic adventures,” Thomas said.

Continuing where Conan the Cimmerian #25 leaves off, Thomas’s Conan: Road of Kings will tell a 12-issue epic about the next stage in the adventurous hero’s illustrious life, beginning with a new #1 issue. Featuring art by Mike Hawthorne (Fear Agent), Road of Kings begins this December.

“Conan: Road of Kings picks up the barbarian on the Vilayet Sea, at nearly the easternmost edge of Robert E. Howard’s map of the Hyborian age, and has 12 breathless issues to deliver him—black-haired, sullen-eyed, sword in hand—to the westernmost shores of that age undreamed of,” Thomas continued. “To reach his destination, he must travel the fabled Road of Kings that winds its way through the civilized kingdoms—but along his path lurk inhuman monstrosities, malevolent sorcerers, and not a few power-crazed men and women who are determined to see to it that he doesn’t make it.

“Dynamic artist, Mike Hawthorne, and I intend to make Conan’s westward odyssey a chapter in the Cimmerian’s life that readers won’t soon forget,” Thomas explained. “This will be a quite different take on Conan’s life than the one I pioneered at Marvel in the '70s and the '90s, with new adventures, new antagonists, even new and alternative sides to characters you thought you’d met before.”

The current Conan creative team of writer Tim Truman and artist Tomás Giorello are set to continue their adventures with the Cimmerian, as well. Jumping ahead in Conan’s timeline, King Conan: The Scarlet Citadel features the adventurer years in the future—after he’s become the king of Aquilonia—and adapts one of Robert E. Howard’s original Conan tales. This four-issue miniseries will hit comic shops in early 2011.

Dark Horse Comics is also slated to continue its run of successful Conan reprints with King Conan Volume 1 on sale August 25, The Savage Sword of Conan Volume 8 on sale September 22, and Conan: The Newspaper Strips Volume 1 on sale September 8, all featuring the writing talents of Thomas alongside other greats, like Doug Moench, John Buscema, Gil Kane, Ernie Chan, and more!

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Iron Man Legacy #1 - Second-Printing

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Bret Michaels in Intensive Care

Former Poison frontman, and now former reality TV star, Bret Michaels, is in critical condition at an undisclosed Los Angeles hospital after suffering a brain hemorrhage. Sources close to the celebrity say Michaels complained of an "excruciating" headache and was rushed to a hospital. There, doctors discovered massive bleeding at the base of his brain.

Michaels recently had an appendectomy and remained in the hospital slightly longer than usual. He went from there to a rehab facility for diabetics. At this time, doctors do not know the reason for his brain hemorrhage.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Shadowline, Image Present: Fractured Fables

Berkeley, CA - 22 April 2010 - Some our most beloved fairy tales get a fresh perspective this July with the release of FRACTURED FABLES, an all-new anthology from Shadowline and Image Comics.

"FRACTURED FABLES is pure labor of love," says Shadowline Publisher Jim Valentino. "This book was meant to happen from the start. The creators who worked on it were so enthusiastic, and we've really got something special in FRACTURED FABLES. This book will introduce a whole new generation of fans to comic books!"

Some of the comic book industry's best and brightest use their talents to produce the kid-friendly anthology FRACTURED FABLES. Featuring a cover by MIKE and LAURA ALLRED, and humorous takes on familiar fairy tales from creators including JILL THOMPSON, BRYAN TALBOT, PETER DAVID, BEN TEMPLESMITH, TERRY MOORE, SCOTT MORSE, DOUG TENNAPEL, TED McKEEVER, BILL MORRISON, LARRY MARDER, JIM VALENTINO, PHIL HESTER, SHANNON WHEELER, and many more!

FRACTURED FABLES, a 160-page, full-color hardcover anthology featuring an all-star cast of creators, will be available for $29.99 and in stores July 14^th, 2010. A free sampling of the delightful tales in FRACTURED FABLES will be available on Free Comic Book Day. Look for it May 1^st, 2010, at your favorite comic book shop!

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

The Siege On Your Wallet

I'm a Marvel kid - always have been, always thought I would be - but I have to speak-out against Siege: The Clusterfuck.

Now, for those of you who are going to say, "Told ya so," and all that, just stuff it; I told you so, too! The experience I'm about to relate is the very reason I did not buy into any of the last three or four Big Events (Civil War, Skrull Invasion, Dark Reign, et,al.), but it's more than that.

Marvel has yet to top The Mutant Massacre of the 1980s. Marvel has yet to top anything during Jim Shooter's reign, and that includes Secret Wars II and the embarrassment that was The Beyonder. Still, Siege could have been a pretty fun romp, in addition to being a cash cow; instead, it is a convoluted practice in padding, a complete letdown, and an arrogant slap in the face.

I wanted to bring you updates along the way - what I thought about the first month, second, etc. - but the truth is that I got completely lost in the second month. That's beyond "not good" - that's fucked-up, because Marvel is a major, damn publisher - #1 of what is known as The Big Two! That's a fuck-up of Exxon-Valdez proportions.

What happened is as obvious as it is lamentable, and the point at which 1000 fanboys scream,"Told ya so!" in unison: Siege was a hit, so Marvel immediately sought to capitalize on it to the n^th degree. Strictly speaking, you really can't fault them for that; that's what companies do: They make money, and when a money-making opportunity presents itself, they are poised to jump on it. However, you certainly can fault them for doing so in the most half-assed, haphazard way imaginable.

Remember that I checked the "Siege and All Crossovers" option. During Month One of Siege, my bill (for Siege-related items, alone) was about $50. You can imagine my shock when I logged into my account on Month Two to find that had ballooned to more than double - somewhere in the neighborhood of $130, for Siege-related items alone!!! Many of these were one-shots. Come Month Three, I was weeding-out the Siege crossover titles/issues, because literally every title Marvel publishes was getting in on the act, and my bill for Siege-related items alone was around $200!!! In fact, that's why I'm writing this:

I have a boxful of Siege comics setting directly to my right and I haven't the faintest idea as to where to begin! I became immediately disenchanted last month when I opened Dark Avengers #14 to find that the story apparently happened before the siege of Asgard - which is really fucked-up, because Dark Avengers #13 happened during the siege of Asgard... It doesn't get any better from there.

Again, I have all the Siege crossover issues from the first two months, and I'm reading them in the order in which they are listed on the Checklist. Unfortunately, New Mutants #11 isn't listed in there, nor are any of these one-shots, and seeing as how I guess I should have read Dark Avengers #14 before I read #13 - and, thus, before I read any of Siege or Siege: Embedded, et.al. - I was afraid I'd end-up reading the wrong one(s) first... or second, wait.

AAAARRGGGH!

I searched, in vain, for a Siege Flowchart. If I can figure this all out, I may create one for you, once this is all said and done, but I'm torn: On the one hand, the events of Siege ostensibly lead into The Heroic Age and relaunch the Avengers titles (and, yes, I'm buying the foundation issues, but then I'm done), so it is arguably important; OTOH... who fucking cares? You know? It's so obvious that 90% of the "Siege-related" crossover items are unimportant to the actual story; they are just profiteering.

What have I continually told you? You want a big, fat, "I TOLD YA SO!" ?

Every, single time Marvel gets a greenlight - every time interest in comic books soars - they blow the bottom out of the whole thing. This will ruin comics for most young collectors, and the hobby will sag once again. It's already starting to happen!

So, I'm doing just what I said I would: I'm biting the bullet on Siege, and I'll buy the foundation issues for this Heroic Age, and then - you listening, Marvel Comics? - I'm out. Never fear, they'll still strangle a hefty $30-50 from me each month with all the many X-titles, but that's a personal thing; I have a nice X-collection which is, now, far more a point of pride than a source of joy. That's my burden to bear, but I told y'all going-in that it was like this.

This one's on me, Marvel.

SHUT IT DOWN.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Black Widow #1 - Second-Printing

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Daddy Lohan and Cops Crash Lindsay's Pad

It's officially summer, y'all!

Michael Lohan flew to Cali and got the cops to accompany him to Lindsay Lohan's apartment. He says the landlord gave them the key, and the whole posse came crashing through Lin-Lin's house sometime yesterday afternoon, looking for the youngest Lohan, Ali, who is either 15 or 16. Both Lohans turned to Twitter to broadcast their... concerns.

Lindsay is upset her father did this, especially with cops in tow, but Michael Lohan insists he is concerned for Ali's welfare and "will not stop." Apparently, he is now speaking to Child and Welfare Services in the area.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Fame: Taylor Swift

To say that Taylor Swift is riding a winning streak is an understatement. The singer/songwriter was named Billboard Magazine's Artist of the Year in 2009. She began her 2010 by winning the Grammy for Album of the Year for her sophomore album, Fearless, and that album has spent more time at number-one on the Billboard charts than any other album since 2000. Now, the talented musician is slated to become a comic-book hero; Swift will become the latest celebrity immortalized in sequential form when her biography comic, Fame: Taylor Swift, hits comic shops this July.

The comic, by Bluewater Productions, will trace Swift's rise from young singer/songwriter to mega-selling recording artist. It also chronicles her unwavering commitment to pushing herself. After all, this is a performer who began writing songs at the age of 10. Just one year later, she traveled to Nashville, determined to break into the country music scene.

Swift distributed her demo tape to every label in town, and received no offers. Of course, all that would change quickly. In 2006, she debuted with her self-titled album, and Swift's life has never been the same.

CW Cooke and PR McCormack teamed-up to write the Swift bio comic, while artist, Erick Adrian Marquez, handled the pencils. The comic features two covers, one by Marquez and a second by JuanMar Studios, and will retail for $3.99.

"Learning about Taylor's life from the beginning until now made her feel like more than just the next big thing, it made me see the pop icon as a human being." Said writer CW Cooke.

Artist Marquez said he was impressed at the dedication the young artist showed even as a child. "I really appreciate Swift's - and her parent's - drive from such a young age to be successful based on her creativity and talent," Marquez said.

Fame: Taylor Swift is the latest biography comic from Bluewater Productions. Though the independent comic company publishes comics in every genre - superhero, fantasy, adventure and young adult - it has received significant media attention for its biography comics, which have feature such high-profile subjects as Oprah Winfrey, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, and Colin Powell. The company's Fame line also features Lady GaGa, 50 Cent, Robert Pattinson, and soccer star David Beckham.

“We've found a niche with our bio comics,” said Darren G. Davis, president and founder of Bluewater Productions. “Our success with these comics shows that there is a much wider audience for sequential storytelling than many thought. These readers are simply looking for something other than superheroes or horror. With our bio comics, we strive to bring these new readers evenhanded, well-researched looks at some of their favorite celebrities.”

Readers can advance order Fame: Taylor Swift at Amazon.com or by calling their local comic shop. They can also order Fame: Lady GaGa and Fame: Robert Pattinson, both due out in May, in the same way.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

WotC Files Suit Against 'False Promoter'

Wizards of the Coast, a division of Hasbro which took over TSR and its properties some years back and also makes the Magic: The Gathering collectible card game (CCG), has filed a federal suit against four defendants from Alabama, alleging they reported events at non-existent venues in order to receive promotional materials which they then sold online through e-Bay. WotC claims to have purchased some of the cards from the "promoters" through the auction site.

WotC says the defendants conspired to create hundreds of false players, events, and venues with the express purposes of receiving promotional and premium cards under false pretenses. The defendants are thought to have garnered somewhere between $3-10 profit per card. The suit calls for an immediate "cease and desist" of the selling of M:TG cards online, and asks for reparations in excess of $100,000 (including legal costs and fees)!

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Bluewater Productions May Schedule

FAME: Robert Pattinson
Author(s): Kim Sherman
Artist(s) : Nathaniel Ooten
Cover Artist(s): 2 cover by: A: JUANMAR STUDIOS B: Paul Andrew Manton
Though his star meter skyrocketed with the global sensation, Twilight, Robert Pattinson's ability and dedication to acting has him poised for lasting success beyond the series of vampire flicks. Unlike a simple chronological biography, this FAME book uses an ambrosial, sensory approach to deconstruct each of Robert Pattinson's roles.


Rock & Roll Comics: Pink Floyd
Writer: Spike Steffenhagen, Jay Allen Sanford
Pencils Ken Landgraf
Cover Artist(s): cover: Steve Byrant
As showcased in Pink Floyd's own official CD box set, Shine On, the Pink Floyd Experience comics chronicle rock's most enigmatic psychedelic warriors, from their early days with stoner icon, Syd Barrett, through their split and later reformation. Art and story by Ken Landgraf (Wolverine, Hawkman, Nightwing & Flamebird), Spike Steffenhagen (Children of the Grave), Jay Allen Sanford (Overheard in San Diego), and more, the collection also includes update material, bringing the saga up to 2010.


Twilight Unbound: The Stephenie Meyer Story
Author(s): Ryan Burton and Darren G. Davis
Artist(s) David McNeil
Cover Artist(s): cover by: Vinnie Tartamella
From a dream to a string of best sellers to a successful movie franchise, Stephenie Meyer has captured the imagination of millions with her stories about a young girl and her vampire lover. Now the tables are turned, as Stephenie Meyer becomes the featured protagonist in a special biography graphic novel. Twilight Unbound: Stephenie Meyer, released just in time for the upcoming movie sequel based on her book Eclipse, examines her rise to popularity, her Twilight saga novels and her future plans. This book will also include the history of Forks; the Washington peninsula town where her stories take place as well as other bonus material not found anywhere else. Updated version from the Female Force series.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Cartoon Network Updating Looney Tunes

Cartoon Network announced an updated version of the Looney Tunes cartoons, featuring Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck. Bugs and Daffy will move to the suburbs, where they will be surrounded by "colorful neighbors," including Yosemite Sam, Granny, Sylvester the Cat, and more.

The network also announced more live-action programming, including a sports show which will condense full NFL games into one-hour shows featuring "fun" facts and tidbits, and an animated version of Mad Magazine.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

IDW's True Blood

IDW has just released the cover art for True Blood #1, the comic book adaptation of the HBO TV show, which is an adaptation of the Charlaine Harris series. IDW's series is written by TV series creator, Alan Ball, though may be scripted by someone else. The story takes place at Merlotte's, where the major characters are said to be trapped by a ghost which forces them to reveal their deepest secret to escape.

The six-issue series costs $4.99 per issue and streets in late July. True Blood returns to HBO this summer. No one is sure if the True Blood comic book and TV series will intertwine.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

IDW to Release Dungeons & Dragons Comic, Gaming Aid

IDW announced a new Dungeons & Dragons comic book, set to street in August, which will not only contain an ongoing story featuring characters and concepts from the popular tabletop RPG, it will include gaming stats and information for using these characters and concepts in your own campaigns. In November, IDW will begin collecting the series into trade paperbacks (TPB), as well as releasing new titles in the series.

Though details are sketchy (ha!) at this point, series based on the Dark Sun and Forgotten Realms settings are expected.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Muslims Threaten to Kill South Park Creators

This story did not pass by me unnoticed, I simply waited to post it because I wanted to see how Trey, Matt, and Comedy Central, et.al., were going to handle it; I support their right to handle the situation as they so choose and didn't want to add to the furor in a negative way.

That said, Muslim activists have threatened to murder Trey Parker and Matt Stone, creators of South Park, for a new episode which "showed" the prophet, Muhammed, in a fucking bear suit. "The prophet" was never actually shown, it was only suggested that an animated character "in" a bear suit was the Muslim prophet. Other religious figures were represented, including Buddha, who snorted blow during the episode. Subsequent reruns of the episode were blatantly, and pointedly, censored.

The Muslim who posted the death threats, along with addresses of the South Park creators' studios and home, says it was only meant as a "warning." Because, whenever you "warn" someone about possible violence against them, you include all the pertinent information anyone needs to find them.

These people are not "extremists." These people are just Muslims; all Muslims think and act this way, as has been evidenced time and time again; there is no difference in "extremist Muslim" and Muslim - the only reason anyone bothers to add that useless qualifier is to hopefully avoid violence against themselves!

I also didn't want to post this because I would be remiss if I didn't mention that South Park already showed a depiction of Mohammed in an earlier episode, many years ago. However, Matt Stone himself reminded viewers of that little tidbit in an interview regarding the topic. That episode, Super Best Friends, aired in 2001.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

June Comics Order - Down to the Wire!

Sorry, guys. I have until Monday to get my comics order in for June and am only about ³/₄ through the Previews catalog... and I had questions I had to ask my retailer, so... I have things planned for later this week which preclude comics ordering (but hopefully won't disrupt anything here), so I have to get this done today - well, as much as I can do, you know.

And I had to make a "quick," 15-mile jaunt to the store, so I'm just this side of passing-out, but I already have my pokechops thawing and plan to grill them, so...

Nothing's really going on, anyway. I've parsed the majority of PRs I've received this week and some celebrities are flashing their tits. The End. What can you do?

So, if anything else comes up while I'm sitting here, I'll be sure to let you know about it; otherwise, we'll drag-up some news for ya tomorrow. Enjoy the archives! And don't forget to get your pulls in, too!

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Hunting Lobby Attacks Bluewater, DeGeneres for Supporting Humane Society

When Bluewater Productions president Darren Davis received a call from a Walter "Bud" Pidgeon, president of the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance, demanding he withdraw the new Female Empowerment: Ellen DeGeneres issue because of her support of the U.S. Humane Society, the Washington-based publisher thought it was someone playing a joke. As e-mails flooded Bluewater's server from USSA's members castigating him for "elevating" gays, supporting "less than acceptable lifestyles," and for honoring Ellen's request that issue proceeds go the to U.S. Humane Society, he quickly discovered Pidgeon was a real person and had in fact called upon his 3 million members to take action against Bluewater.

"Being the subject of a Bluewater issue has become quite the celebrity 'get' with the attendant national publicity," said Bluewater publisher Darren Davis. "We hear from A-list publicists every day pitching one celeb or another." Davis explained that the subject of each issue, if they choose to participate, gets to select a charity and ¹/₃ of the proceeds go directly to their nonprofit of choice.

"Ellen chose the U.S. Humane Society," said Davis, "an animal rights organization she has supported for years."

In a letter demanding Davis take immediate action, Pidgeon explained the USSA's objections - including the U.S. Humane Society's campaign to ban dove hunting and their seeking regulation of dog breeders. Pidgeon followed-up with a release to the group's 3.1 million members asking them to contact DeGeneres and Bluewater and share their outrage.

And contact Bluewater the USSA members did. For example, one email expresses outrage for supporting the Humane Society, which the writer alleges is "headed by vegans." Another writes "I am amazed that a comics publisher would elevate a person of 'DeGenerates' [sic] background... Children are the readers of comics, and they do not need indoctrination into less-than-acceptable lifestyles..."

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Most Likely to Kick Your Ass

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Happy 4/20 from The Rundown and The Weirding!

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Female Force: Ellen Degeneres - 2nd-Printing

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

All Day

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Iron Man 2 Premiere to be Held in L.A.

Originally scheduled to premiere in London, the Iron Man 2 premiere has been moved to Los Angeles (as of the time of this writing), due to the flight problems they are still experiencing across The Pond. A volcano in Iceland has been spewing ash for several days, and though news reports this morning say that flights will resume today, the Iron Man 2 premiere has been rescheduled and moved to Los Angeles.

A special screening of the movie may still take place in London on the 26^th - the day on which it was scheduled to premiere there.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Marvel Comics Shipping 04-21-10

Here it is, guys and gals - your weekly Rundown of Marvel Comics hitting shelves tomorrow, April 21^st, 2010:

Comics On-Sale:
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #628
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #628 IRON MAN BY DESIGN VARIANT
AVENGERS VS. ATLAS #4
AVENGERS VS. ATLAS #4 DAVIS VARIANT
CAPTAIN AMERICA: WHO WON'T WIELD THE SHIELD #1
DARK TOWER: THE BATTLE OF JERICHO HILL #5
DARK TOWER: THE BATTLE OF JERICHO HILL #5 NORD VARIANT
DARK WOLVERINE #85
DARK WOLVERINE #85 IRON MAN BY DESIGN VARIANT
DEADPOOL: MERC WITH A MOUTH #10
DEADPOOL: MERC WITH A MOUTH #10 IRON MAN BY DESIGN VARIANT
DEATHLOK #6
DOOMWAR #3
FALL OF THE HULKS: THE SAVAGE SHE-HULKS #2
FIRESTAR #1
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #25
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #25 IRON MAN BY DESIGN VARIANT
HER-OES #1
HERCULES: FALL OF AN AVENGER #2
IRON MANUAL MARK #3
NEW AVENGERS MGC #1
NOVA #36
NOVA #36 IRON MAN BY DESIGN VARIANT
SIEGE: SPIDER-MAN #1
SIEGE: SPIDER-MAN #1 DJURDJEVIC SKETCH VARIANT
SIF #1
THE MARVELOUS LAND OF OZ #5
THE TORCH #7
ULTIMATE COMICS AVENGERS #6
ULTIMATE COMICS NEW ULTIMATES #1 2ND PRINTING VARIANT
ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN #9
X-FACTOR #204
X-FACTOR #204 IRON MAN BY DESIGN VARIANT
X-MEN FOREVER ANNUAL #1
X-MEN LEGACY #235 (XSC)
X-MEN LEGACY #235 FINCH VARIANT (XSC)
X-MEN LEGACY #235 IRON MAN BY DESIGN VARIANT (XSC)
X-MEN: PIXIE STRIKES BACK #3

Collections On-Sale:
LOCKJAW AND THE PET AVENGERS GN-TPB
PUNISHER: DEAD END TPB
RUNAWAYS VOL. 10: ROCK ZOMBIES DIGEST
THUNDERBOLTS: WIDOWMAKER TPB
WHAT IF? SECRET INVASION TPB
X-FACTOR VOL. 8: OVERTIME TPB

*XSC = X-Men: Second Coming tie-in

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Stop-Motion Legend, Ray Harryhausen, Speaks

Ray Harryhausen is the most popular stop-motion animator in the world. His creations graced the screen in such classic films as Jason and the Argonauts, the original Clash of the Titans, and Robocop. Stop-motion animation has since fallen out of favor in Hollywood - which is weird, because CGI is hardly better - and Harryhausen is now nearing his 90^th birthday, but he made time to speak to Horatia Harrod.

While stop-motion animation is admittedly jerky, I have always maintained it could be made better - more fluid, better integrated into its surroundings - with the addition of CGI. It seems, to me, a combination of the two would provide for amazing results, but I have neither the patience nor the know-how to find out for myself. Still, CGI sucks. Seeing as how they're remaking every movie ever released since 1978 anyway, maybe someone out there will take-up the attempt?

Oh, and so long as we're on the subject, Hollo-wood: YOU ONLY REMAKE THE BAD MOVIES, STUPID. The bad ones.

Nevertheless, enjoy the interview.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Who is Spinal Tap?

Spinal Tap alumni, Harry Shearer and Michael McKean, will play against one another on an episode of Celebrity Jeopardy set to air the week of May 20^th. The actors have both appeared in numerous films and TV shows - McKean most notably in Laverne & Shirley, Shearer in The Simpsons - but their work on the seminal This is Spinal Tap, a mockumentary of a 1980's British heavy metal band's rise and fall, has led to countless reunions.

Some of the other celebrities scheduled to appear on Jeopardy that week include Neil Patrick Harris and Cheech Marin.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

A Dragon Kicks Ass

How to Train Your Dragon narrowly edged-out Kick-Ass for the #1 position at the box office this weekend. Dragon pulled an even $20m, while Kick-Ass pulled just under that, at approximately $19.7m.

Kick-Ass suffered largely from mixed reviews, and a mixed message. Touted as a satire of fanboy culture, few think it hit its mark. Famed movie reviewer, Roger Ebert, panned the film on moral grounds, and it appears he may have struck a chord with moviegoers.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Dark Horse Inks Hammer Properties

Dark Horse will release a series of graphic novels and comics properties based on Hammer Films properties, starting with Let Me In. The project is based on a new Hammer film, yet released, which is a remake of the Swedish horror film, Let the Right One In. The movie debuts in October.

Exclusive Media Group is reviving the legendary film house. The company also owns Spitfire Pictures and Newmarket Films distribution.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Political Power: Arnold Schwarzenegger

Is he the embodiment of the American dream, or is he simply a man lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time? That's the question Bluewater Productions tackles in its newest biography comic, Political Power: Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Due to hit comic shops on June 30^th, Bluewater's latest bio comic traces Schwarzenegger's life as he rises from obscure body builder to movie star to governor of California. It's a career path few would have predicted. Then again, defying predictions is a common theme for Schwarzenegger.

Few, after all, would have predicted a movie career for Schwarzenegger. And fewer still would have predicted that the former body builder would become Hollywood's top action star. But in movies such as Terminator, Predator, and True Lies, Schwarzenegger brought untold profits to the movie studios smart enough to cast him as their leading man.

Written by Justin Peniston with interior art by Matt Filer, Political Power: Arnold Schwarzenegger continues Bluewater's successful line of biography comics. Bluewater launched the Political Power line last July with a comic on former Secretary of State Colin Powell. It has since presented the stories of Barack Obama, Joe Biden, George W. Bush, and Al Gore. Like its sister title, Female Force, the series has a simple goal: to even-handedly tell the stories of the individuals responsible for shaping the American experience.

Peniston said that even hardcore Schwarzenegger fans will be surprised at some of the revelations in Political Power: Arnold Schwarzenegger, "The crazy thing is, as something of an action movie buff, I probably tended to dismiss Arnold's accomplishments more than I should have," Peniston said. "I didn't realize, living in a culture that allows people to become famous for any old thing these days, how difficult it was for Arnold to make the jump from bodybuilding to acting. I didn't know that he was a millionaire before he was a successful actor. I didn't know that he's been following a plan that he's had in place all along. I guess I'm saying that I knew he was a self-made man, but I didn't know what that really meant until I took on this project."

Darren G. Davis, publisher and founder of Bluewater Productions, said that Schwarzenegger was a natural choice for the Political Power line, "Arnold Schwarzenegger is the governor of the most-populated state in the country," Davis said. "He is undeniably an important man. He was also the most sought-after action movie star for more than a decade. Arnold Schwarzenegger certainly deserves his own comic."

© C Harris Lynn, 2010