Infinite Vacation #4

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Female Force: Ruth Handler - The Darker Side of Barbie

Every girl has one. It is one of the best-selling and most enduring toys of all time, and despite being made of plastic and only 7” inches high, Barbie is one of the greatest female forces of the last 50 years. That’s why Barbie and her creator, Ruth Handler, are the subjects of an upcoming Bluewater Productions biography comic title.

Scheduled for a March 2011 release, Female Force: Ruth Handler, the Creator of Barbie follows the creation and impact of one of the most iconic and influential toys ever made. It examines the life and legacy of its creator, the late Ruth Handler

"Barbie and her creators, specifically Handler, are so iconic that it is hard to come up with something to say that hasn't been said, but I'm confident that this book will leave her (Barbie and Handler) maybe a bit exposed," issue author Tara Broeckel revealed. "Their collective story is so complex that often times, the darker narrative is left untold."

For over 50 years, Barbie has helped young girls come of age in the midst of an ever-changing social climate. But what do we really know about her? Female Force: Ruth Handler, the Creator of Barbie tells the story of how America’s favorite fashion doll emerged from the seedy underworld of German sex symbols and cigarette shop gag gifts to become one of history’s most iconic women.

‘I never knew the sordid roots of such a sweet and innocent toy. It’s peachy to draw as there’s a humour that runs through the great writing and history which allows me to inject some comedy and fun into the art.’ said artist Neil Alexander.

"This is the first time we have featured a subject who is no longer with us (Handler passed away in 2002). But her importance, and the impact of her idea, has shaped the lives of many young girls, influenced fashion and still sparks debate," said Bluewater’s president Darren Davis.

The title, written by Broeckel, was penciled by Neil Alexander, with cover art provided by Michael Szyksznian. The issue will retail for $3.99 and be available through most online venues as well as local comic book stores.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Wolverine #6

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Howard Stern, 'King of All Media,' Comes to Comics

He changed the face and tone of radio for a raw, edgier generation, then set his sites on TV, movies, books, and satellite broadcasting. Howard Stern, the pioneering "shock jock" and self-proclaimed "king of all media," was selected as the first subject to be featured in Bluewater Productions' latest biography comic title, Orbit.

Howard Stern News announced the upcoming April 2011 issue on the January 26th broadcast of the "Howard Stern Show" on Sirius XM Satellite Radio.

Orbit: Howard Stern lifts the veil on the man behind the microphone by examining his rise to fame, his assault on the status quo of broadcasting, his over-the-top, sometimes crude, persona, and his ground-breaking move to satellite radio.

“He is the voice of a generation, the voice of dissent, the voice of the people. He says what we all want to say and does what we all want to do... and people love him for it,” said writer CW Cooke. “He's been in the public eye for years, but he's still an enigma.”

"Orbit," according to Bluewater president Darren Davis, "is a natural extension of the biography comic division established by Bluewater's Female Force, Fame, and Political Power.

"We are launching Orbit with a skew toward a more male demographic. When we weighed the possibilities of featuring people like Stern, LeBron James, Gary Gygax and JRR Tolkien into our existing titles, the tone and tenor didn't match. Their enduring popularity and contributions to popular culture are worthy of coverage, but they needed a different voice in which to present the material. Orbit fits that bill."

The inaugural issue of Orbit, penned by Cooke and illustrated by Kent Hurlburt, retails for $3.99 and will be available through local comic book shops and various online venues such as Amazon.com. Two alternative covers for the issue were designed by Micha Szyksznian and Juan Mar Studios

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Thor #620

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Takio

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Girls' Best Friend

While it may be a cliche, it's been my experience that the cliche is true, or close enough for government work as they say. I know that every girl I have dated had at least one diamond or piece featuring diamonds, and engagement rings have to have a diamond, of course. But I guess there is no reason to limit diamonds to special occasions, such as engagements and marriages.

While they may be most often associated with wedding bands, diamonds are great for a wide array of jewelry, including necklaces, earrings, and more. World Jewels specializes in manufacturing their own pieces, including mounting the stones. They are especially proud of their fine work on engagement rings and diamond wedding bands. And they carry a large assortment of fine jewelry of all kinds, most of which can be seen on their website.

While they specialize in diamonds and related jewelry, they also handle other gemstones. But beware: The astrological signs have changed recently, so be sure to check that out before you buy or you might get stuck with the wrong stone! No matter the occasion or jewelry, World Jewels has you covered. Check them out online through any of the links provided above.

Infinite Vacation - Fast Company Spoof

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Wizard Magazine to Close Immediately

This is one of those "breaking" stories I usually stay away from because none of the details are confirmed, but because there are so many of them, I decided to go ahead and report that Wizard Magazine is closing immediately, laying-off almost all of its employees and canceling all freelance engagements. According to all reports, the Wizard conventions will not be affected.

Sister publication, Toyfare, may or may not be following suit; reports vary. Newsarama reports that Toyfare is closing, but other sites have not followed suit.

You can subscribe to this post below for further updates.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Red State

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Westboro Baptist Church Protesting Kevin Smith's Red State

The Westboro Baptist Church -- whose motto is "God hates fags" -- has decided to protest Kevin Smith's upcoming horror film, Red State. Kevin Smith has decided to fight fire with fire and organize a counter-protest.

The singular ruling against the First Amendment with which I have agreed is the Arizona law passed specifically to ban the Westboro Baptist Church from protesting at the funeral of the nine-year old girl who was killed during Jared Lee Loughner's shooting rampage. The law actually only prevents protests for an hour before and after the services, as well as during, and disallows protesters from assembling within 300' of the funeral services. This is more than reasonable, and doesn't actually "ban" anything, as funerals are pretty much the worst place for anyone to make a political or religious point.

I decided not to link to anything directly run by, or supporting, the Westboro Baptist Church, as this is obviously yet another publicity stunt for the deranged fundamentalists, but make no mistake about it:

Though the Westboro Baptist Church may be more "extreme" than most, they absolutely embody the true "spirit" of the Baptist denomination, which demonizes everything from dancing to Halloween to astronomy.

Baptists are an extremist organization made all the more frightening because they are untaxed. Legally speaking, they should not be allowed to attempt to influence politics in any way, yet Baptist preachers frequently flaunt this law, using their sermons to preach hatred for Muslims, Jews, and members of other denominations, and frequently call for censorship of mainstream TV and movies. They are also known as "The Religious Right," and are nationally-recognized as a "political force" due to the voting power their demagogue preachers openly "influence."

As churches pay no taxes, they have no legal protection nor recourse. However, the church has well over $5 billion stockpiled -- which is helping no one but the church, not even their congregations -- and routinely buys the law.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Thor Goes to Hollywood - Frankenstein Spoof

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Healthline

Over the summer, my father had a mild stroke. He has had health problems for years, health problems he did not attend to the way someone who was concerned about their health would have, the way someone concerned with their health should. Still, none of that made it any less dramatic and scary.

The doctors put him on medicine that is supposed to help and, as many stroke victims do, he recovered quite well. I do not know the names of the medicines he is now taking (he may be on simvastatin, a popular drug for patients with high cholesterol, but I do not know that for certain), but I know he has to watch what he eats very closely.

The Internet is a great boon to people like my dad, as sites like Healthline provide a wealth of information concerning health, medicine, and care. The site lets you check your symptoms, learn more about conditions and illnesses, and even has informational videos. Just follow the link to check it out for yourself.

Fame: The Royals

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Comics Code Discontinued by Publishers

Swiftly on the heels of DC Comics' announcement that they were dropping the Comics Code from their publications, Archie Comics announced they were following suit. Marvel dropped the Comics Code from its titles in 2001, when the CCA (Comics Code Authority) denied one of their issues. It was replaced with a ratings system devised by the company. DC is planning the same.

As Archie Comics President Mike Pellerito told Newsarama, "The code never affected us editorially..." Further, he noted that the decision was made a while back and Archie Comics has not submitted anything to the CCA for approval for over year now. "We are trying to look forward to where comics need to be in the future."

The CCA was formed in 1954 in response to the government's claim that violent imagery in comic books lead to juvenile crime. This idea was forwarded by a book entitled Seduction of the Innocent, in which several outrageous claims were made and false allegations of extortion were levied against publishers. A Tennessee-born Southern Baptist by the name of Estes Kefauver is largely to blame for the censoring of comic books, but revisionists have worked hard to obscure his involvement.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Butcher Baker #2

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Ricky Gervais Saves the Golden Globes

And not only did no one thank Ricky Gervais, they are still crucifying him! As others have said, this is probably the stupidest "scandal" that has come about in at least... well, it's stupid. With everything that's going on in the real world, Gervais' hosting of the Golden Globes barely warrants the coverage it has received, much less the brouhaha it has caused. Gervais has even been sucked into the ongoing political debate between extremists!

Gervais' comments were hardly "roast"-worthy; as others have noted, he simply repeated gags and rumors that have been circling these very Interwebs for years now (with flair, mind you). Suggesting that two Scientologists might be closeted homosexuals wasn't even new when South Park did it... FIVE FUCKING YEARS AGO! And the most "scathing" thing he said about The Tourist was that nobody saw it, which is born-out by the box office results.

oooooo! Fuckin' edgy!

The truth is that exactly three "stars" were offended: Robert Downey, Jr.; Bruce Willis; and whoever the hell the President of the Foreign Press, or whatever, is. This "debacle" shows the world the real problem with Hollow-wood: Talent and entertainment, the very products in which this industry claims to deal, take a backseat to affluence. This is a problem throughout the entertainment industry: As someone else put it, 'It's not about who's good; it's about who's cool [amongst those in the industry].'

And "cool" is all too often determined by political or religious affiliation, who's selling tickets, who's buying tickets, and who knows whom.

All Ricky Gervais did was poke a little harmless fun at a roomful of pompous blowhards in an effort to lighten the black-tie mood. Johnny Depp certainly seemed to Get It -- as well he should -- because he knows he's talented and no matter what anyone says, he makes billion-dollar movies (and billions of dollars making movies). And I was shocked and disappointed by Steve Buscemi's reaction... but then, he plays homeless stereotypes in fucking Adam Sandler movies now. Don't let that horse get too high there, Stevie.

The Golden Globes are nothing more than glad-handing amongst Hollywood stars; a celebration of self-absorption thrown by navel-gazing narcissists and sycophants of the same. You could feed a small country with the money spent on such pointless, ugly celebrations of wealth, and the fact that at least half of the people in attendance claim to be humanitarians is exactly the kind of bullshit Gervais used to fuel his act.

I've spent years glossing-over most of Hollywood's more human foibles, as The Rundown is no gossip rag, and I was always under the impression that, regardless of their status and wealth, most people in Hollywood are exactly that: People.

The 2011 Golden Globes proved me wrong.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Thor Goes to Hollywood - Jaws Spoof

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Bluewater's Sinbad to Set Sail on the Big Screen in 2012

Morningside Entertainment has optioned Bluewater Productions Sinbad: Rogue of Mars for adaptation into an epic action adventure fantasy feature for 2012. A continuation of the Sinbad films that started in 1958 with The 7^th Voyage of Sinbad, and was followed in the 1970s with The Golden Voyage of Sinbad and Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger, Rogue of Mars is an updated sequel rather than a reboot.

Executive Producer Barry Schneer revealed that Rogue of Mars is the first of a planned new trilogy that will bring this beloved character to a whole new generation while still showing respect to the original fans, “I am thrilled to continue the amazing legacy my uncle, Charles Schneer began with 7^th Voyage and bring to the screen the Sinbad movie that he and Ray Harryhausen never got to make.”

In his fourth film adventure, Sinbad and his crew find a magical urn and are transported to another planet by a ruthless and vengeful Jinn bent on freeing his race, who have been imprisoned for millennia, then laying waste to the ones responsible.

"Sinbad has always been one of more popular titles in our library that also includes Wrath of the Titans and Jason and the Argonauts, says Darren G. Davis, Publisher of Bluewater Productions. “It certainly lends itself to a big-budget tentpole movie."

Bluewater Production's Sinbad: Rogue of Mars graphic novel will be available in April 2011. Paul J. Salamoff, creator of Logan's Run: Last Day, has been tapped to write the screenplay for the movie adaptation.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Infinite Vacation

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Octomom 'Gets What She Deserves'

Octomom apparently filmed some kind of bizarre porn video for Vivid Video, the bastion of "quality" porn. In the video, she is said to whip a guy wearing a diaper. Well, at least it's classy.

I am dismayed on so many levels here that I don't even know where to begin, but I'll try:

America has become a third-world country where we, the citizens, are concerned (if you're a politician, policeman, lawyer, judge, celebrity, banker, or are rich, it's the "greatest country in the world"). I won't beat a dead horse by pointing-out how Congress, the Senate, the President, and the Powers That Be in general live in cartoon luxury -- with $1500/hour hookers, private jets, fat raises and bonuses -- or how they re-appropriated our money to numerous, corrupt corporations and industries, including the banks and Wall Street, who caused this mess in the first place. And there is no question that Octomom made a series of truly bad mistakes on a recurring basis.

But why are we content to be the country in which a mother of 14 children is forced to enter the sex industry just to feed them, just to keep them in a house? We have always been the kind of country to insist that, when bad things happen to anyone (good, bad, or otherwise) that person 'got what (s)he deserves.' That's simply retarded, yet the overwhelming majority of the country believes this, despite what they or the media tells us -- their actions belie what they say. But, most importantly, nobody cares.

This is specifically due to Christianity and, more specifically, due to a denomination of Christians called Baptists. In the late 1980s, these were the Fundamentalists who amassed to form what is known as the "Religious Right." The Religious Right lead the charge to censor such things as horror movies, heavy metal music, TV shows and movies; they were also behind the censoring of comic books in the 1950s, and they are ardent supporters of the NRA. They literally extorted the country through a mixture of religious guilt, a series of boycotts, and their voting power. And they enjoy reminding people how they support the Second Amendment by showing-off their guns and making huge donations to the NRA. We keep hearing that the Religious Right was a product of their time and the movement is largely over, but that's just more media whitewashing; make no mistake, the Religious Right is alive and well (retarded, though) and still poisoning our country.

Octomom is not, by any stretch of the imagination, a good or decent person, according to everything I've heard -- she intentionally became pregnant with two litters of children, after all. No matter your political affiliation or beliefs... that's fucked-up!

But, if we truly are not a nation still under the Religious Right's thumb, then why don't we care that 14 children are going to grow-up to learn that we forced their mother to debase herself just so she could afford to house, clothe, and feed them?

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Age of X: Chapter Two - New Mutants #22

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Who is Nathan Edmondson?

Whoops! This one's totally on me; when I read this, I thought it was a convention schedule... (Sorry!)

Who is Jake Ellis? Who is Nathan Edmondson? What's Edmondson's favorite tasty beverage? Find out on the JAKE ELLIS SEES EVERYTHING TOUR, coming to a local comic shop near you January 13^th - 26^th, 2011! Meet Edmondson, get your books signed, and take home an awesome piece of original art from Tonci Zonjic if you're first in line at each stop!

WHO IS JAKE ELLIS? #1 (NOV100403), a 32-page, full-color comic book from Image Comics, is in stores now for $2.99. Also written by Edmondson: THE LIGHT VOL. 1 TP (OCT100471), a 140-page, full-color graphic novel drawn by Brett Weldele (The Surrogates), on sale now for $16.99; and OLYMPUS TP (OCT090377), a 128-page, full-color graphic novel drawn by Christian Ward (INFINITE VACATION), on sale now for $14.99.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19^th, 2011
Austin Books & Comics
5002 North Lamar Blvd.
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 454-4197
www.austinbooks.com
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 20^th, 2011
Bedrock City
Westheimer Store
6517 Westheimer
Houston, TX 77057
(713) 780-0675
www.bedrockcity.com
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 21^st, 2011
with ROB GUILLORY (CHEW) and KODY CHAMBERLAIN (SWEETS)
Crescent City Comics
4916 Freret St.
New Orleans, LA
(504) 891-3796
http://crescentcitycomics.com
7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 22^nd, 2011
TBS Comics
Fort Walton Beach Store
550 Mary Esther Blvd.
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
(850) 244-5441
www.tbscomics.com
(Please contact the store for signing time.)

TBS Comics
Pensacola Store
6873 North 9^th Ave.
Pensacola, FL 32504
(850) 474-1419
www.tbscomics.com
(Please contact the store for signing time.)

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 26^th, 2011
Criminal Records
1154-A Euclid Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30307
(404) 215-9511
www.criminalatl.com
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Paul - Movie Trailer

Here is the extended trailer.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Bluewater Brings Fame to Graphic Novel Format - Bieber, Swift, Gaga, and More!

Bluewater Productions unveiled its schedule for the release of special edition graphic novels from its popular Fame biography comic book series that will be primarily distributed to bookstores and Wal-mart.

Starting in March, graphic novels featuring Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, and the Cast of Glee will be repackaged with additional artwork, story content, and new covers to expand each edition to nearly 40-pages! Retail giant Wal-mart has already committed to carrying the Bieber title.

“Each of these titles sold-out during their initial release, but now we are nearly doubling the size of the book and giving fans and collectors more of what they want,” said publisher Darren G. Davis.

Each issue retails for $7.99. Although primarily distributed through traditional retail outlets, these special editions will also be available through several online venues, including Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, and Borders online.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Red State - The Father

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Journey Into Mystery #622 - Loki

I'm not promoting Fear Itself, the latest maxi-series crossover event that will CHANGE THE MARVEL UNIVERSE FOREVER, because I was so disappointed by Siege, the countless X-Men-related crossovers, and Shadowland, and I am not buying-in to anymore of these. I also cannot suggest it to others for these reasons. However, because it is another one of these maxi-series crossovers, it affects basically all the characters and titles, so I am bringing you the PR posts and information on the individual titles and characters I follow.

Loki vs. Fear Itself! This April, the blockbuster Thor creative team of Kieron Gillen and Doug Braithwaite return to Asgard with Journey Into Mystery #622! Prepare for a blood and thunder fueled epic that pits the malevolent mind of Thor’s brother against an evil more twisted, and far blacker, than his own. Can the eternal trickster and the Mighty Avenger work together to topple this fearsome foe? And, in the face of Fear Itself, can he be trusted with the lives of those he has betrayed so many times before? Unlock the armory and man the parapets because, this April, the World Tree’s final fate lies in the hands of Marvel’s master manipulator, as the Thor ongoing series becomes Journey Into Mystery!

"My year on Thor was just glorious hyperspeed chaos, from start to end,” said Gillen. “[When] I was asked to do Journey Into Mystery... my first thought is exactly what we're doing with it. Put it like this: I couldn't be more excited if I [were invited to drink] in the halls of Valhalla."

Plus, get caught all caught-up on Thor since his return to the Marvel Universe in J. Michael Straczynski’s epic run, and discover the hidden truths of Loki’s reincarnation, only in the oversized Journey Into Mystery #622, on sale this April!

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

X-Men: First to Last

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Bombs Away - The Bomb Queen Returns!

She's currently fighting President Obama in the pages of BOMB QUEEN, Vol. VI, but in 2011, Bomb Queen will take girl fights to a whole new level when she takes on HACK/SLASH's Cassie Hack and the Queen of England!

BOMB QUEEN VS. HACK/SLASH VALENTINE'S DAY SPECIAL, a one-shot from Bomb Queen creator Jimmie Robinson, hits shelves in February. In it, Tim Seeley's HACK/SLASH heroine Cassie Hack must face down a horde of perverted slashers who have been released from Bomb Queen's evil dimension into her unsuspecting world. Among those evil individuals? Bomb Queen herself!

In March, Robinson's BOMB QUEEN ALL-GIRL SPECIAL #1 will see Bomb Queen waging war against the wider world when she travels to London to kill the Queen of England. But Bomb Queen better not underestimate Her Majesty, who has a few tricks of her own that may spell doom for Bomb Queen. There can be only one Queen!

"Barack Obama is a wuss compared to Cassie Hack and Queen Elizabeth," says Robinson. "Bomb Queen has a real fight on her hands this time around!"

BOMB QUEEN VS. HACK SLASH VALENTINE'S DAY SPECIAL (DEC100437), a 32-page, full-color one-shot from Shadowline and Image Comics, will be in stores February 9^th, 2011, for $3.50. BOMB QUEEN ALL-GIRL SPECIAL #1 (JAN110559), a 32-page, full-color comic book from Shadowline and Image Comics, will be in stores March 9^th, 2011, for $3.50.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Red State: The Virgin

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Carbon Grey

At the birth of the industrial age, a great war is raging. Sister hunts sister as gods are betrayed and enemies ascend to power...

In March, Image Comics enters the maelstrom with the release of CARBON GREY #1, a stunning foray into our world's secret history. Hoang Nguyen (Punisher War Zone, Metal Militia), Khari Evans (Shanna the She-Devil), Paul Gardner, and Mike Kennedy (Aeon Flux, Lone Wolf and Cub 2100) pen the thrilling tale. The indescribably gorgeous artwork for the series is courtesy of Nguyen, Evans, and Kinsun Loh.

"CARBON GREY has been an eight-year journey, a true labor of love," says Nguyen. "We've been consumed with this project, and we're so happy that Image Comics is helping us get it into readers' hands. I hope readers will feel the same passion we do for the book."

Image Comics Publisher Eric Stephenson adds, "I'm really happy we're finally releasing CARBON GREY. Jimmy Palmiotti introduced me to Hoang at WonderCon last year, and I picked the book up on the spot. The amount of dedication and craft on display in the pitch was nothing short of astounding: The beauty and detail in the art, the freshness of the story -- it just blew me away -- and I'm thrilled that a year later, we're able to share this wonderful project with fans everywhere."

For generations, the Sisters Grey have protected and counseled the Kaiser, ruler of Mitteleuropa. As civilization spirals into its first truly global war, Giselle Grey stands accused of assassinating the man she was born to protect. Pursued by her sisters, including twin Mathilde, and hunted by the enemy, Giselle must unravel the prophecy of the Carbon Grey before history itself is rewritten.

CARBON GREY #1 (JAN110554), a 32-page, full-color comic book for $2.99, will be in stores March 2^nd, 2011.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Infinite Vacation #1

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Black Panther: Man Without Fear #514

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Captain Wonder 3D

This February, you'll be able to enjoy an extra dimension with the release of CAPTAIN WONDER 3D from Image Comics -- a comic book featuring the most advanced 3D ever used in the medium!

This 48-page one-shot is from comics superstars Brian Haberlin (WITCHBLADE, SPAWN, ARIA) and Philip Tan (Green Lantern, X-Men, SPAWN), who share writing and art duties in this thrilling superhero tale. 3D glasses are included!

"With CAPTAIN WONDER, we developed an all-new 3D process, making this hands down the best 3D in comics," exclaims Haberlin. "We're sure we put the wonder back into comics with this book, and comics fans of all ages will not be disappointed."

Tan says, "Working on Captain Wonder was so much fun, creating a world, new villains, new heroes... It was a blast to work on, and it's a blast to read. So much new stuff out there is dark these days -- it was great to help create something that was fun and light!"

Captain Wonder is the superhero of this world -- he's saved millions of people during his 24-year career. But now everything is going to Hell in a hand basket: Captain Wonder has been missing for the last two months, and the harmony he so carefully protected is beginning to crumble. What happened to Captain Wonder, and when will he return? The answer may lie with Billy Gordon, a 10-year-old boy who may be in danger himself and may be the world's only hope!

CAPTAIN WONDER 3D, a 48-page, full-color one-shot featuring the most advanced 3D technology in comics and the glasses to view it, will be in stores February 16^th, 2011, for $4.99.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Amazing Spider-Man #651

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Sister Act Tickets

This post has been removed.

Todd McFarlane at Golden Apple Comics Today!

Who: Todd McFarlane, Spawn Creator and Emmy and Grammy-winning Director/Producer

What: Todd McFarlane and special guests, signing the landmark 200^th issue of SPAWN. The Spawn VIP Party will include the legendary comic creator Stan Lee and an array of special celebrity and comic book superstars.

When: Wednesday, January 12^th, 2011, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Where: Golden Apple Comic Store, 7018 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90023

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Ultimate Avengers vs. New Warriors #1

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Car Connect

I live in a rural area -- rural enough that inclement weather literally keeps me from traveling, and others from visiting. It is not easy living where I do without a vehicle, despite the fact that I only need to go anywhere about once a week or so (and then, it is usually just to the convenience store a few miles away) and I have been considering buying a car -- particularly, a chevrolet.

Growing-up, I only ever had one "muscle car" and I loved it. Also a chevrolet, it rode smooth, had plenty of room, and I considered it pretty safe. I have owned several cars since that one which I personally felt less safe in, much less comfortable. However, given the state of the economy and the current price of gas, I realize a muscle car is not the best choice right this moment.

I will probably end up with something more stable and down-to-earth, such as the Saab 9.3 or maybe an inexpensive "luxury" model of some sort. After all, I really am of the age where cruising around in a Chevrolet Camaro Lt sends entirely the wrong message.

Silver Surfer #1

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Lorna: Relic Wrangler

Fun fact: Washington D.C.'s occult architecture was configured to roll out the red carpet for an extra-dimensional Dark Lord. And only one woman can rescue mankind from certain doom!

In March, Image Comics will tell the tale of mankind's savior in LORNA, RELIC WRANGLER, a one-shot adventure written by Micah S. Harris (HEAVEN'S WAR) and illustrated by Loston Wallace (Elvira Mistress of the Dark, Batman Animated Series), Michael Youngblood, and Olli Hihnala. Eisner-award winning artist Darwyn Cooke (DC: The New Frontier, Richard Stark's Parker) provides the gorgeous cover, while Dean Yeagle supplies a pin-up-worthy variant cover.

"Lorna's passions were never those of your typical southern belle," Harris says. "Now, from her trailer park HQ, she tracks the uncanny on a global scale."

"Lorna is Mary Ann and Ginger combined with a mint julep twist of Laura Croft," Wallace adds. "Sexy, funny, and devilishly smart, Lorna fearlessly faces down supernatural dangers wearing cut-off jeans shorts. What's not to like?!"

To defeat a nefarious evil entity, Lorna, Relic Wrangler, must pilfer a mysterious artifact from a Memorial in the heart of our nation's capitol. What she doesn't know is that she's offering herself up as a sacrificial party favor in the process! Lorna also has to face down her high school nemesis -- now a cat-suited villainess -- in a girl fight for the ages!

LORNA: RELIC WRANGLER, a 32-page, full-color, one-shot from Image Comics, will be in stores March 23^rd, 2011, for $3.99.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Betty White Bio Sells-Out

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

27 #2 - Second-Printing

After spectacular sellout of first issue, 27 #2 also heads back to press for a second-printing

Berkeley, CA - 6 January 2011 - Ain't It Cool calls Shadowline and Image Comics' new hit 27 "intriguingly surprising," and The Outhouse calls it "easily the most unique comic of the year." The folks at Graphic Policy "can't wait to read issue two," and apparently fans can't wait either -- 27 #2 has sold out at the distribution level!

Shadowline and Image are rushing a new printing to press, which will be on store shelves and in the hands of fans on February 9^th, the same day as the third issue of the hit miniseries, which is written by Charles Soule (Strongman) and illustrated by Renzo Podesta with lavish covers by W. Scott Forbes.

"It's fantastic that so many people enjoyed the first issue of 27," says Soule, "and I'm glad fans have enjoyed the second issue as well. I can't say it enough that this wouldn't be possible without the support of the fans -- this encore is for you!"

"27 is having a stupendous run, following in the footsteps of MORNING GLORIES and other great Image titles with multiple sellouts," adds Shadowline Publisher Jim Valentino. "As the miniseries continues, you can expect more rock and roll, more intrigue, and more crazy fun!"

In 27, the "27 Club" admits only the most brilliant musicians and artists -- and kills them dead in their 27^th year. Will Garland is a famous rock guitarist, secretly unable to play for months due to a neurological disorder afflicting his left hand. He's also 27. With mad scientists, long dead rock legends and cosmic entities in his way, can he make it to 28?

27 #2 (of 4) Second-Printing (NOV108244), a 32-page full-color comic book in the Golden Age format, will be in stores January 5^th, 2011, alongside 27 #3 (NOV100455).

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Age of X: Alpha

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Todd McFarlane

In 1992, Todd McFarlane co-founded the world's greatest creator-owned comics company, Image Comics, and released his own best-selling comic book, SPAWN. On January 12^th, 2011, SPAWN becomes only the second independent series in history to reach the 200-issue mark!

To celebrate, McFarlane will be signing at Golden Apple Comics in Los Angeles, the same store where McFarlane launched the first issue of the groundbreaking SPAWN series.

"On June 2^nd, 1992 I sat in a store called Golden Apple Comics and launched the first issue of my new series, SPAWN." says McFarlane. "That day literally set the stage for all the success this book has had since. To honor that monumental beginning, I'll be returning to my roots, so to speak, with the release of the 200^th issue of SPAWN, almost 18 years later."

Fans of SPAWN and McFarlane's work can meet him on January 12^th, 2011, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Golden Apple Comics, 7018 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA. The signing will be limited to two items per person. The signing will also feature an array of special surprise guests!

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Red State

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Responds to Patton Oswalt

Patton Oswalt has become the de facto icon for Geekdom since "Geek Culture" became mainstream, and for good reason. Patton Oswalt is truly "One of Us" (gabba gabba hey!). In the current issue of Wired, Oswalt pens a satirical jab at both the culture and his place in it... and self-proclaimed "geeks" across the Web took up arms to "defend" themselves and their "right" to their "opinions" or... whatever.

Well, all humor aside, Patton Oswalt is 100% right!

I grew-up reading comic books, playing tabletop roleplaying games, going to conventions, and participating in what is now called "Geek Culture," so that absolutely does make me something of an authority on the subject as a whole -- not necessarily an "expert" (there are many more knowledgeable people), but I do know what I'm talking about. I never enjoyed Star Trek, haven't given a shit about Star Wars since I was about 10-years-old, and do not generally play video games (they're a colossal waste of time), but make absolutely no mistake about it: I am one of the premiere members of the Nerd Polloi and have been literally since I was a child.

My IQ is literally off the charts and always was, so I started reading at a very early age -- when I was about three, to be exact. I started kindergarten when I was four and was twice given the opportunity to skip grades (which I didn't because I was a child who broke-down at the thought of "leaving" my "friends" -- in retrospect, I would have been better-off). We can argue nature vs. nurture, but whatever the matter, I developed differently than my peers and this naturally made it hard for me to get along with them as a whole. I had plenty of friends and such, but they were kept close and personal, and this made me "gay." Furthermore, my predilection for reading, scholastics, and Art in general (over athletics) reinforced the perception of all these negative stereotypes.

I gravitated toward what is now referred to as "Geek Culture" to escape this persecution and abuse almost as much as I did for the companionship of those who enjoyed the same things I did. Only to learn that many within the very subculture were as angry, antisocial, and convinced of their superiority as the assholes from whom I was trying to escape.

See, it was very acceptable to abuse people like me and, over time, even I accepted that. And even though I detested the endless Kirk vs. Picard "debates" and the constant smell of unwashed fat under facepaint, I knew that these were -- for better or worse -- "my people." But, over time, our subculture began attracting just generally disaffected personalities -- people who did not fit-in elsewhere because they really were just assholes. Our subculture became the public pool at which unwanted kids were dropped-off and left to their own devices, which was usually intellectual bullying.

Again, we can argue that they were antisocial by nature, or that they became antisocial because they suffered the same persecution and abuse I did (nurture/environment), but the truth lay somewhere between: Some were/are just born assholes, others became antisocial defensively, and for others, it was a little of both. In retrospect, and for what it's worth, I believe I was of the latter camp.

When I was growing-up, tabletop RPG was considered satanic, comic books were not considered "literature," and heavy metal was... also considered satanic. I was bullied, singled-out to be made an example of by authority figures, beaten, castigated... some of the stories I could tell you would leave you traumatized -- but don't fool yourself: They could never traumatize you the way they did me. See, they aren't just stories to me; they are my reality.

You can't download back issues and claim to be a comic book person; you have to go to conventions and comics shops and pore through boxes to find them -- and put-up with some balding, fat asshole overcharging the shit out of you. Playing World of Warcraft or seeing the Lord of the Rings movies makes you no more an expert on fantasy literature or legend than enjoying slasher flicks makes me a murderer. The problem is that we Nerd Polloi are expected to accept you and, if we do not, we are accused of being "exclusive" and so on and so forth.

I got news for you, kids: We always were.

You don't have to suffer the indignities of enjoying nerdly pursuits to be considered a "True Geek," but you do have to kind of... you know, read the books and shit. You do have to kind of live the life, not read-up on it or download it. You don't have to prove it to me for me to give you a chance, but when you pop-off at the mouth about how much you love Star Wars and try to convince me that I should too, or how 4E is a better system, et.al., you should know that I am going to eat everything in your little Dragonball-Z lunchbox. I grew-up hearing that shit from people who know far more about it than you ever will and they couldn't change my mind.

I have a callous on my finger from holding a pencil, both to draw and write. I have callouses on my hands from wielding drumsticks. I have a cyst on my wrist from holding a mouse and a collapsed vertebrae from sitting on my ass -- behind a monitor, behind a trapkit, behind a drafting table. You might, maybe, have "Nintendo Thumb" and yet you probably don't even know what "Nintendo Thumb" means. I run a blog on comics and pop-culture/entertainment and a website dedicated to tabletop roleplaying games you've never heard of, and none of it is done "ironically" nor in some misguided attempt to be obscure; these are things I love and always have and I want to share that interest in, and love for, these things.

So, yeah: It makes me a little hot when tourists come crashing into my town, especially when they want to change everything about it and tell me how it should be run. It makes me even angrier when their defense is along the lines of, "Let it go," and "What's your problem?" And it makes me want to eat babies alive when pretenders to the throne sell it all out from beneath me.

But, come on. Is there really any other way to eat babies?

I encourage people to participate in Geekdom -- that's literally why I spend so much time on this blog and The Weirding. And it's all free! If I were to tell you how much I have contributed to Geekdom, you wouldn't believe me. If I were to tell you how little credit and payment I've received for these contributions, you would think me a fool. However, I am constantly criticized for taking-on advertisers and just as frequently challenged for voicing my "opinion." But, this is Geekdom -- not liking videogames or comic book movies or anything along those lines -- not the bullshit, mainstream, "I own the backpack, so I'm in!" concept of "Geek Culture." We are, and always have been, a rather surly and very exclusive lot.

You want the reality of "Geek Culture," show-up to a con on Sunday: That smell is active Geek "culture."

I see most of the current crop of "fans" as little more than tourists, because that's what they are. And part of my self-appointed "job" is to act as a guide, and I'm (usually) happy to do so. I love these things and enjoy sharing that with others, but hardcore nerds have never been an appreciative group. That is one of the primary reasons I drifted away from the "scene." And that's where established Geekdom and the new crop of tourists intersect: They all have strong, and largely uninformed, opinions on... well, everything.

It's great that there has been a surge in the "geek" market(s), but just owning a computer or smartphone doesn't make you an actual authority on anything. That you love World of Warcraft is awesome and I fully support your love of it, but you are not going to "win" an argument with me regarding Dungeons & Dragons (for example), despite the fact that you may have played it or -- as Oswalt so specifically and correctly points-out -- read-up on it.

One of Oswalt's assertions has been one of mine for years: What the current, mainstream "geek" markets are getting is literally watered-down from the keystones of the subculture. That is how "mainstream" everything works -- that is the very definition of the term; it has to have mass appeal for it to be considered mainstream. For that to happen, the edges have to be carefully trimmed and child-proofed, and big companies painstakingly research and cannibalize what has come before in order to achieve this. So, while D&D 4E may be similar to "real" Dungeons & Dragons, it is not actual Dungeons & Dragons; it has been watered-down to appeal to more people, to be mainstream. It is far more akin to World of Warcraft and MMORPG, in general -- and there's nothing wrong with that, with it being its own product with its own appeal -- but it is not, nor will it ever be, comparable to the actual tabletop RPG I play.

And if you ever get the chance to play it with me, you'll understand this. That's what I'm saying: You have to do it to be it; you have to experience it firsthand to know.

Add to this the fact that the current generation, and really the last several generations, have been raised to believe that anything they "think" or "believe" is valid and anything they want is deserved, and you might (hopefully) start to understand that, from where I (and some others) stand, current "geek culture" accentuates only the worst and most general aspects of the actual subculture.

Having said all of that, make no mistake about it: One of these very keystones is opinion. I grew-up amidst endless arguments as to which Star Trek captain was best, in which comic book issue this or that actually occurred, why a 3-18 system is more mathematically stable/correct than a percentile-based system, ad infinitum. In some of these instances, there is no "right" answer; in others, there is a very definite, very clear, very right, answer.

When there is a clear answer -- a fact -- then your opinion means fuck-all. Period. That isn't "self-righteousness," nor a "need to be right/superior;" that's The Way Things Are and I don't care what you "think" or "believe."

The best I can do is try to point these tourists in the right direction. Watchmen is not the best work in the comics medium; Elektra: Assassin is. This is not my "opinion;" I can deconstruct both works -- because I know how, I know the criteria -- and prove my case. And I can show you how to do the same. The problem is that our current climate is one of "everybody is special, everyone's opinion is valid, and no one is wrong." Except... you know, that's not reality and the current climate -- and mainstream society -- holds that facts and reality are secondary to "feelings" and "opinions" and "beliefs."

They are not and you should not fool yourself about this.

There is a silver-lining (a few of them, actually) and that's that this too shall pass -- Geek Culture being mainstream, I mean. Nerdery is as much counterculture as subculture and always has been. We do not like watered-down product and we know how to spot it and, over time, our antisocial tendencies will assert themselves and all these WoW-playing, J-pop-listening-to poseurs will see what ugly, hateful, exclusive people we are. And they'll go back to watching football, listening to rap, and date-raping -- or whatever it is they do.

And we'll get some really good work from this process. We True Nerds will rebel, as we are wont to do (it is our nature), the way we always have: We will go deeper, further; we will immerse ourselves in the fundamentals of the subculture, which are far too involved and "obscure" for tourists.

Some of them will follow, and this is also great, and the subculture will once again, as Patton Oswalt suggests, go back underground -- revert to the subculture it always was. And, best of all, it won't be as denigrated as it was before.

This is all good in its own way. After all, mainstream society is finally starting to realize that most of our interests are merely interesting to nerds like us, not necessarily antisocial, Satanic, or otherwise negative or harmful. Now we just have to remind them that playing videogames and/or liking Star Wars doesn't automatically qualify them as "geeks."

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Fantastic... Three

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

FAME: Lady Gaga

© C Harris Lynn, 2011

Man and Elephantman

SFX Magazine praises the world of ELEPHANTMEN, calling it "a future gone wrong made to look nightmarishly beautiful," and Comic Book Review Power Rankings says "ELEPHANTMEN is continually one of the most engaging and beautiful books on the stands." The critically praised series that Comic Book Resources calls "subtle, smart and succinct" is seeing a slew of new releases in 2011, particularly during March!

In March 2011, comics fans will get a special treat with ELEPHANTMEN: MAN AND ELEPHANTMAN #1, an INVINCIBLE RETURNS-style one-shot that will please current readers and garner new fans for the series. It's a perfect jump-on issue!

Readers will also get an advance sneak peek of MAN AND ELEPHANTMAN in Robert Kirkman's THE WALKING DEAD #82!

This stand-alone oversized issue from Image Comics, written by Richard Starkings and drawn by Axel Medellin, will feature variant covers by Starkings, Ian Churchill (MARINEMAN, Supergirl) and Ed McGuinness (Superman, Deadpool). It will also feature a special retailer incentive cover by the incomparable J. Scott Campbell (Danger Girl, Fairy Tale Fantasies), the first of triptych of covers that will continue with issues #31 and #32 of the ongoing series.

March 2011 also sees the release of ELEPHANTMEN VOL. 4: QUESTIONABLE THINGS, a gorgeous hardcover that collects issues #24-30 and features art by Möritat (The Spirit), Medellin, and Marian Churchland (BEAST).

Starkings explains, "We just rounded-out our fourth year of publication with Image Comics in 2010, so it's fitting that we move into 2011 with our fourth hardcover collection, featuring the first issues by our new regular artist, Mighty Axel Medellin. After contributing a page to our All Star 25^th issue, his first complete issue was #27 and since then he's consistently blown me away with his versatility on each and every issue. He has been a fan of the series from the get-go, and it shows on every page; his work on MAN AND ELEPHANTMAN will make you lick every page -- and I still think I've barely scratched the surface of his abilities. I'm very happy to be starting our next story arc with Axel and a special number #1 issue!"

Adds Image Publisher Eric Stephenson, "Richard has a fantastic eye for talent, and after introducing the world to the stellar work of Möritat and Marian Churchland, he's found another winner in Axel Medellin. If you haven't been picking-up ELEPHANTMEN before, now is definitely the time to get hooked on one of the most original and exciting series in comics!"

The Elephantmen are the survivors of genetic engineering experiments by a sinister organization that sought to create biological weapons of mass destruction. Freed and rehabilitated, the Elephantmen now live among the people they were designed to destroy, continually treated with suspicion and contempt except by a handful of trusted allies.

ELEPHANTMEN: MAN AND ELEPHANTMAN #1, a 40-page full-color comic book for $3.99, will be in stores March 30^th, 2011. ELEPHANTMEN, VOL. 4: QUESTIONABLE THINGS HC, a 312-page, full-color graphic novel, will be in stores March 23^rd, 2011. Both books can be ordered through the January issue of Previews.

Also out in early 2011: ELEPHANTMEN: WAR TOYS, VOL.2: ENEMY SPECIES OGN (January 26^th, $9.99, NOV100423), an all-new, 104-page, full-color graphic novel by Starkings and artist Boo Cook; and ELEPHANTMEN: COVER STORIES #1 (February 16^th, $5.99, DEC100455), a 64-page full-color collection of covers and sketches by Ladrönn and Boo Cook that features a flip cover by Cook.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011