Rated B: 2010-05-30

Monday, June 07, 2010

Thor #615 - Fraction, Ferry Begin Their Vaunted Run

Chew #11 Features Sweets Sneak-Preview

Berkeley, CA - 2 June 2010 - Fans who pick up a copy of John Layman and Rob Guillory's CHEW #11 on June 9, 2010, are in for a treat: an exclusive sneak peek of Kody Chamberlain's SWEETS! A Lousisiana native, Chamberlain makes his writing debut with this five-issue miniseries.

"I've been a fan of CHEW from the very beginning," says Chamberlain. "So, when John and Rob offered up some valuable real estate inside their comic, I decided to give them more than just a preview -- I gave them an exclusive! I hope CHEW readers enjoy the peek at four unseen pages of SWEETS."

In 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, he 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.

CHEW #11 (MAR100423), a 32-page, full-color comic book for $2.99, features a four-page, exclusive preview of SWEETS #1 and will be in stores on June 9, 2010. SWEETS #1 (of 5) (MAY100427), a 32-page, full-color comic book for $2.99, will be in stores on July 14, 2010.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Insane Jane: Avenging Star #1 - Variant

New Bluewater Horror - "Nanny & Hank" and "Insane Jane"

With its critically-praised horror anthology series, Vincent Price Presents, Bluewater Productions has already proven it knows horror. This summer, Bluewater explores the edgier side of comics once again with the release of two of its darkest series yet, Nanny & Hank and its long-awaited sequel to Insane Jane.

Nanny & Hank focuses on the adventures of an elderly couple adjusting to their new lives as septuagenarian vampires. Even worse, the couple has to embark on a family vacation without alerting their children and grandchildren to the fact that they now need human blood to survive.

Insane Jane: Avenging Star picks up where the mentally unhinged heroine's 2008 sold-out series left off. Jane is now confined to a hospital for the mentally ill. But this doesn't stop her from fighting the forces of evil while taking on a new, equally disturbed, sidekick. Or does it? With Insane Jane, it's not always easy to determine what's real and what's not.

Nanny & Hank features the talents of writer Mark L. Miller, writer of the company's Vincent Price anthology series, and artist Steve Babb. Insane Jane: Avenging Star was co- written by Bluewater founder and president, Darren G. Davis, and Zach Hunchar. The artwork was done by GMB Chomichuk.

Davis said that he is looking forward to the release of both comics. “Nanny & Hank has particular meaning for me because the main characters are based on my own grandparents, whose names really were Nanny and Hank,” Davis said. “And the original Insane Jane series was always a favorite of mine. Our readers really enjoyed it, too. It's an oddball tale. It's a bit different than most other comics you can find.”

Both comics will run in four parts and are listed in this month's Diamond Previews magazine. Each separate issue will retail for $3.99, and will be available at comic shops.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Saturday, June 05, 2010

Kids Read Comics

I have always maintained that my interest in comic books and tabletop roleplaying games are what lead to my interest in reading and the arts. And history, math, science, et.al.! It certainly wasn't public school! I have always supported the notion that kids should be urged to read comics as early as possible, and that it is a hobby with nothing but good to offer - an interest in reading, visual arts, superheroic ideals to which no one can truly adhere but should strive to do so, anyway.

Kids Read Comics is a free event in Dearborn, Michigan the 13^th-15^th of this month, and is designed specifically to get kids not only interested in reading comics, but in drawing, writing, and creating them too! It hosts a bevy of talent and tons of great events. Kids Read Comics is also a great way to spend some family time.

Follow the link provided above or the banner in the sideboard to learn more!

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Friday, June 04, 2010

Avengers #2 - Romita, Jr. Variant

Emma Watson Nude Pics Faker Faces Jail

John Cavanagh, who digitally placed Emma Watson's head on an underage girl's nude body and circulated the images, plead guilty to 19 counts of making an indecent image of a child. Cavanagh claimed the photos were nude shots of Harry Potter star, Emma Watson.

Once the pictures were discovered to be fake and Cavanagh was discovered to be the uploader, authorities raided his home and found hundreds of child pornography images on his computer.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Baron von Shock #1 - Second-Printing

McDonald's Recalls Shrek Glasses

McDonald's has recalled some 2 million Shrek drinking glasses because the paint contains low levels of cadmium, which is toxic. Although the levels of cadmium in the drinking glasses is said to be "only slightly above" what is considered "acceptable" levels, a McDonald's spokesperson said they were recalling them "out of an abundance of caution."

Experts worry that the cadmium could rub-off onto children's hands, then be transferred to their mouths. They do not know the effects of long-time exposure to low levels of cadmium. Customers are being warned to quit using the glasses immediately.

Shrek Forever After, the final movie in the series, opened at #1 in America last weekend.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Haunt #7 - Second-Printing Variant

Tate Donovan, Christina Chang Leave 'No Ordinary Family'

Tate Donovan and Christina Chang are leaving ABC's superhero show, No Ordinary Family. A spokesperson for the show said the decision was "strictly storyline-related" and that the two would guest-star in future episodes, as needed and their schedules allow.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Video from AMC's Walking Dead

Thursday, June 03, 2010

Guardians of the Globe

New Thundercats Coming to Cartoon Network

Cartoon Network and Warner Bros. have announced plans to revive the 1980's classic cartoon, Thundercats. The new series will have a strong anime feel to it, as it will be animated by Japanese firm, Studio4°C, best known for their work on The Animatrix. Sam Register, VP of Creative Affairs at Warner Brothers Animation, said, "The realism and dynamic visual style we’ve achieved are sure to thrill viewers..."

Cartoon Network is also revamping Looney Tunes, and bringing MAD Magazine to TV, as well. One of the original Thundercats writers was recently discovered to be missing from his home, and is believed to have been murdered, possibly by his roommates. News of a live-action Thundercats movie surfaced in 2009, but little more has been reported on it.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

RIP, Rue McClanahan

And then there was one... With the passing of Rue McClanahan, Betty White is the only remaining Golden Girls castmember still alive. McClanahan, 76, suffered a major stroke and died peacefully with her family at her side. The actress had suffered a stroke last year, 2009, after undergoing heart surgery, and was treated for breast cancer in 1997.

McClanahan appeared on Broadway, in numerous TV shows, and films, but was best-known for the role of Blanche Deveraux in NBC's classic hit sit-com, The Golden Girls. She played Bea Arthur's best friend on Maude years before the two appeared in Golden Girls. She was married six times and had one child from her first marriage. In 2007, McClanahan wrote a book entitled, My First Five Husbands ... and the Ones Who Got Away.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Marvel Comics on Shelves Today - 06-03-10

I know I'm a little late this week, but so are the comics. Here's your Rundown of Marvel Comics available now:

Comics On-Sale:
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN MGC #546
AVENGERS PRIME #1 (HA)
AVENGERS PRIME #1 DJURDJEVIC VARIANT (HA)

AVENGERS, THOR & CAPTAIN AMERICA: OFFICIAL INDEX TO THE MARVEL UNIVERSE #2
AVENGERS: SPOTLIGHT
AVENGERS: THE ORIGIN #3
CAPTAIN AMERICA/BLACK PANTHER: FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS #3
DARKSTAR AND THE WINTER GUARD #1
ELECTRIC ANT #3
FRANKEN-CASTLE #17
FRANKEN-CASTLE #17 HEROIC AGE VARIANT
HAWKEYE & MOCKINGBIRD #1 (HA)
HAWKEYE & MOCKINGBIRD #1 DJURDJEVIC VARIANT (HA)
HAWKEYE & MOCKINGBIRD #1 WOMEN OF MARVEL VARIANT (HA)
HERALDS #1
HERALDS #1 KEVIC-DJURDJEVIC VARIANT
HERCULES: TWILIGHT OF A GOD #1 (HA)
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #25 2ND PRINTING VARIANT
IRON MAN MAGAZINE #2
IRON MAN: EXTREMIS DIRECTOR'S CUT #2

ORSON SCOTT CARD'S ENDER IN EXILE #1
PUNISHER: FRANKEN-CASTLE - THE BIRTH OF THE MONSTER #1
SKY DOLL SPACE SHIP #1
SKY DOLL SPACE SHIP #1 VARIANT
SPECTACULAR SPIDER-GIRL #2
STEPHEN KING'S N. #4
THE STAND: HARDCASES #1
THE THANOS IMPERATIVE #1
THE TORCH #8
THOR AND THE WARRIORS FOUR #3
UNCANNY X-MEN #524 2ND PRINTING VARIANT (XSC)
VENGEANCE OF THE MOON KNIGHT #9 (HA)
WOMEN OF MARVEL: CELEBRATING SEVEN DECADES POSTER BOOK
X-MEN FOREVER GIANT-SIZE #1
X-MEN: HELLBOUND #1 2ND PRINTING VARIANT

Collections On-Sale:
AGENTS OF ATLAS: TURF WARS TPB
DAREDEVIL BY ED BRUBAKER & MICHAEL LARK OMNIBUS VOL. 2 HC
DAREDEVIL: THE MAN WITHOUT FEAR TPB (NEW PRINTING)
ENDER'S GAME: WAR OF GIFTS PREMIERE HC
HULK: PLANET SKAAR TPB

OFFICIAL HANDBOOK OF THE MARVEL UNIVERSE A TO Z VOL. 14 PREMIERE HC
SPIDER-MAN NOIR: EYES WITHOUT A FACE PREMIERE HC
WAR OF KINGS: WARRIORS TPB
X-BABIES: STARS REBORN GN-TPB
X-FORCE VOL. 1 HC

*HA = Heroic Age tie-in
*XSC = X-Men: Second Coming tie-in

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Wednesday, June 02, 2010

Glee's Jane Lynch Weds Longtime Girlfriend

Jane Lynch, best known as the William McKinley High's glee club's arch-enemy, Sue Sylvester, married her longtime girlfriend, Lara Embry, Monday. Though the couple live in California, which does not recognize gay marriage, they were joined at the Blue Heron Restaurant in Massachusetts. Both women wore suits for the ceremony.

An employee of the restaurant's said they had been planning the event for months and the staff was very excited to be involved.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Trivial Pursuit Co-Creator Dies

Chris Haney, the co-creator of the popular boardgame, Trivial Pursuit, died Monday at the age of 59 following a protracted illness. Haney worked as a newspaper photo editor before teaming with a sports reporter to invent Trivial Pursuit in 1979, which took the world by storm when it was released in 1982. In 1984, Time magazine called it "an American social phenomenon." The two sold the rights to Hasbro, owner of Wizards of the Coast, in 2008 for a cool $80 million.

Haney is survived by his wife, his ex-wife, and three children.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Shrek Tops Memorial Day Weekend Box Office

The fourth installment in the franchise, Shrek Forever After opened at #1 in America with a reported $55.7 million take. Shrek had some intimidating competition in Prince of Persia and Sex and the City 2, both of which also opened in the top-five; Prince of Persia pulled $37.8 million, and the Sex and the City sequel came in third with $37.1 million. Iron Man 2 fell to #4 and Russell Crowe's Robin Hood rounded-out the top five.

The Memorial Day weekend is one of Hollywood's biggest times of the year, but the 2010 season bore a pretty big drop in ticket sales - from $213.8m in 2009 to $182.2 million.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Tuesday, June 01, 2010

The Heroic Age Has Begun!

New York, NY (January 27, 2010) – Marvel Comics is proud to announce The Heroic Age, the dawn of an exciting new era of heroism in the Marvel Universe! Beginning in May 2010 with the release of Avengers #1, The Heroic Age ushers in a brighter Marvel Universe and a bold new era for the world’s greatest super heroes as they emerge from darkness with a renewed sense of hope and optimism, leading to the formation of all new teams with new members... and brand new characters! Titles branded with the Heroic Age banner offer a perfect jumping-on point for readers, both new and old alike, as the top comic book creators in the world deliver a Marvel Universe like you’ve never seen before!

Over the past few years, the Marvel Universe and its citizens have found themselves living in a dark age of despair. Beginning with the disbanding of the Avengers, the heroes of the Marvel Universe have been caught in a demoralizing downward spiral that has included the genocide of the mutant population, a divisive civil war between heroes, the assassination of Captain America, a worldwide subversive alien infiltration and invasion, and the media-fueled and publicly-supported ascension of the Green Goblin’s civilian identity, Norman Osborn, to power and control of the United States. Now, the heroes have united once again, stronger than ever and are prepared to face the dangers that lie ahead.

“Our heroes have experienced some of their greatest trials and tribulations recently, but now there’s going to be a renewed hope among their ranks,” said Joe Quesada, Chief Creative Officer & Editor-in-Chief Marvel Entertainment LLC. “As our heroes emerge from the darkness, the Marvel Universe is going to be a more optimistic place than we’ve seen in a quite awhile. But that doesn’t mean we’re making things easy for our characters!”

From the tone of the storylines, to the stunning new artistic look, The Heroic Age ushers in a dramatic new vision of the Marvel Universe. Marvel’s most elite characters will be at the center of The Heroic Age, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, the Fantastic Four, the Avengers, and more!

David Gabriel, Senior Vice-President of Sales & Circulation, Marvel Entertainment LLC. added, “We've been working-out the details of The Heroic Age for about a year now. The plan is to give old and new fans alike the perfect place to jump into the Marvel Universe without feeling like they've missed out on anything that's come before. If there's a Heroic Age banner on one of the books, we're serious when we say 'the Marvel Universe Starts Here'!”

A new Age of Heroes dawns this May as The Heroic Age begins and changes the face of comics as you know them! Join Brian Michael Bendis, Ed Brubaker, Jonathan Hickman, John Romita Jr, and more of the industry’s hottest creators as they bring a bold new era for the world’s greatest super heroes, with a stunning new look for the Marvel Universe!

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Uncanny X-Men #524 - Second-Printing Variant

Uncanny X-Men #524 - 2nd-Printing Variant

Some Brief Reminders

Several, real quick, tidbits here:

Don't forget to check older posts for updates. We posted on Gary Coleman's hospitalization and simply updated the post when he died, for example; we recently updated the post on Charlie Sheen's Christmas arrest. While making new posts for these things - especially stories that happened a while back - would bring more traffic and so forth, they make it harder to find things, and it's just bad form. I know we've gone back and forth on this one many times, but this is the way I set it up and have been trying to maintain, so while there will be exceptions, the best thing is to choose the "e-Mail Follow-Up Comments" option below posts in which you are interested, as updates are posted as Comments. Simply click on the title to open the post, then click "Post a Comment" and check the box beneath the comment window.
You do not have to join Blogger to post comments; you can sign-in under your Google account, AOL/AIM account, OpenID, WordPress screen name, and others. You can also post anonymously.
Comments do not post right away; they are moderated. Though it's usually pretty quick, it may be several hours - even days - before your comment appears. Be patient!
Comic books come out this Thursday, as opposed to Wednesday, due to the holiday weekend.
I have been updating the Dark Conspiracy department quite a bit lately and it is the only thing on my website agenda, so new content and updates are forthcoming. I am considering redesigning the whole thing to improve the navigation which is, I admit, wonky, but that's a larger project. While I'll keep you apprised of the larger updates/additions, you'll find a lot of new and updated content just by poking around the site.
GenCon registrations are open. You can get to it by clicking on the banner at the top-right, where you can also learn more about everything GenCon! At this time, The Weirding/The Rundown will not be in attendance (unless something wonderful happens between now and then to change that). We would love to find a guest-blogger(s) who will be in attendance to write about it - while they are there, and/or after the event. Just leave a comment here with your contact information (e-mail or IM screen name is fine) and we'll get back to you!
DC Universe Online is coming to PC and PS3 this November.
After 40 years, former Vice-President, Al Gore, and his PMRC-founding wife, Tipper, have separated.
Robert DeNiro and Ray Liotta will appear together on Spike TV's Guys' Choice Awards on June 20^th in celebration of the 20^th anniversary of the release of Goodfellas. The network is still working on getting Joe Pesci to attend, as well. Director and screenwriter, Martin Scorcese, will not attend and he is currently in Europe.
Newscaster, Ted Koppel's, 40-year-old son was found dead in a New York City apartment, possibly from alcohol-induced asphyxiation.

This isn't an actual Rundown post (the brief, staccato blasts of news and links we bring you infrequently and for which this blog was named). Had it been an actual Rundown, you would have been informed as to how to handle it.

UPDATE
---
Okay, so it turned into a Rundown. Ya know...

© C Harris Lynn, 2010

Steve Rogers: Super Soldier #1 - Sneak-Preview

Michael Bay to Helm TMNT Reboot

Paramount and Nickelodeon have tapped Transformers director, Michael Bay, to produce the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles live-action remake of the 1990's movies. The movie will be produced under the Platinum Dunes banner, which did the Friday the 13^th and Nightmare on Elm Street remakes.

The original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles live-action flick was released in 1990. A $200 million return spawned two semi-successful sequels. In 2007, the CGI-animated TMNT was released. It was the movie that knocked 300 out of the #1 spot.

© C Harris Lynn, 2010