The Steranko Time Machine

I can remember the first Jim Steranko comic book that I ever read. It was Nick Fury #1. I was 9 years old. I'd been reading comics for years... Batman, Superman, Spider-Man... but Nick Fury [as written and drawn by Jim Steranko] was like a movie come to life [even though it was on the printed page].

As I become older, I always kept my eye out for comics by Steranko. They were few and far between [and sometimes only covers], but boy, were they worth it. The man is a legend despite the fact that his primary work in comics was less than ten years and consisted of approximately 30 stories.

Years later I attended my first comic book convention. My goal was to buy Steranko's run on Nick Fury in mint condition. Not only was I able to score the set [and at a good price], but I ended up becoming friends with the dealer, Mike Kott. I was surprised to learn that Steranko had branched out into publishing. At the same show I picked up my first issue of his publication, Mediascene [which featured an interview with Doug Moench and Paul Gulacy].

Steranko had moved away from comics, instead he spent his time concentrating on painting [he did a series of covers for The Shadow paperbacks reprints] and publishing [Mediascene which later became Prevue]. When Steranko offered some of his Shadow "pencil paintings" for sale in the early 80's, I splurged and bought one. I was newly married, in college and the $225 bucks it cost seemed like a fortune. Steranko was nice enough to send along an autographed copy of his book Unseen Shadows.

If you're a Steranko fan, then you know what an interesting life he's led. In addition to being a comic book artist, a publisher, a painter, a professional magician / escape artist [in his youth he traveled with carnivals and circuses], a musician and more. If you're just discovering Steranko, then you're in for a treat!

Steranko is still a huge draw at conventions around the country. Last year he was a special guest at FX 2005. [In fact it was his cover for the program book that inspired this post.] I was unable to attend the FX show, but even if I had, there would have been no chance of a Steranko piece for my Stallone Gallery. Steranko doesn't sketch at shows and seldom does commissions... and those that he does do cost thousands!

Every so often I love to pull out my Chandler graphic novel, or the three issues of Captain America that he did... but my favorite is still his run on Nick Fury. Over 35 years later, I still get the same rush as that 9 year old seeing it for the first time.

A Blog By Any Other Name

My buddy, John Beatty has started up a new blog where he posts his art and thoughts on just about everything. The thing is that in the last three days he's changed the blog's name three times! The blog was first called, appropriately enough, Read Me First. Then it became XXL Artist... and now it's Big Beatty's Blog O'Rama.

It was kind of funny as we discussed possible names for the blog. Beatty liked the name Art Whore, but [fortunately] that was taken. BBB [Big Beatty's Blog] was considered. So was Diary of a Fat Man: The Road to Less [a GREAT name for a blog about weight loss, but Beatty's new blog isn't, so the title was rejected].

Beatty also rejected some of my suggestions such as: Beatty Watches Ethan... So You're Bored Too? ... A New Name Coming... Are You Looking At Me?... and settled on Big Beatty's Blog O'Rama [a nod to his nickname and first web site].

My guess is that Big John has at least ONE more name change coming, so I saved the best suggestion for now. Since Beatty's blog is about nearly everything he could call it Beatty On Nearly Everything... BONE!

Uh... on second thought maybe that isn't such a great name for his blog.

I'll bet ZONERs can help come up with good names should the big guy decide a new one is needed!

Welcome to the Party!

Way back on November 16, 2003, I posted an item about the first issue of a comic that I'd read and fell in love with. That comic, The Walking Dead, was one of the freshest comics

that I'd read in years. It instantly made my "pull list."

A few days later, I posted that the first issue was quickly selling out along with a link to an interview with Robert Kirkman. In February of 2004, The Walking Dead was already my favorite monthly comic!

In April of 2004, I reported that Tony Moore, the regular artist on The Walking Dead
had decided to leave and that Charlie Adlard would be taking over with issue 6. The quality of The Walking Dead didn't miss a beat.

With the recent success of comic books turned into movies, Jeb Whitlock of JoBlo.com suggests that The Walking Dead get the chance.

All I can say is, "Welcome to the party, Jeb!"

Close to a Perfect Moment

I used to buy stuff fairly regularly off of e-Bay. Usually the items that I won were either hardback novels or items for my Stallone collection. In the last year or so, it's been pretty rare for me to find ANY THING that I really want.

That changed last week when I saw a belt buckle that Sylvester Stallone had commissioned for folks who worked on his movie "Paradise Alley." It was pretty cool in that it featured the title of the movie, the lead characters and the year the movie took place on the front. The back had the quote, "Never perfect people, only perfect moments" and was signed "Sly." Yeah, the buckle would make a nice addition to the collection.

No one had bid on the buckle. I decided to watch the auction. Days went by with no bids. Winning the buckle for the opening bid of less than ten bucks was becoming a REAL possibility. The auction was set to close yesterday and I wasn't going to be able to be home. Only one thing to do... call in Beatty. Big J and I agreed that a bid of $20 would probably win it.

Big John was set to place a bid for me right as the auction was closing. At 4:59:45 another bidder dropped in with a bid of $23.98. Beatty knew that I wanted the buckle and so at 4:59:57 he popped in a bid of $25.67.

Yes! Yes! Yes!

We had the high bid...for 20 seconds, then with just 7 seconds left in the auction the first bidder came back with a bid of $26.67 to win.

Oh well... I still may be able to find some hardbacks...

Everything Happens for a Reason

Like most of you, I am anxiously waiting for the return of Lost. Last season's cliffhanger is one of the best in recent memory. I love how what seem to be chance or random events come back to have meaning... in fact it seems that everything happens for a reason.

Over There to be Seen Over There

The other day I posted that Over There is my favorite show of the summer. So you can imagine how happy I was to hear that Over There will soon be seen in about 100 territories around the world.

The fact that Over There has been picked up in so many territories increases the odds that the series will be back next season. And that just makes my day.

The Ultimate Sin

YES! The news that we've been waiting for...

The deluxe dvd edition of Sin City [Recut & Extended] will be available starting December 13th at about $39.99. The dvd will include the 124 minute theatrical release and a new 147 minute extended cut with both presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen, along with English DTS 5.1 and Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround tracks.

Extras will include three commentary tracks: 1] with directors Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller; 2] Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino; and 3] the Austin Premiere crowd reaction!

Additional extras include a 15 minute film school with Rodriguez, 17 uninterupted minutes of Tarantino's segment, footage of a Sin City cast/crew party, featurettes on the cars, special effects, make-up, costumes, props, how they convinced Miller to assist with the film; casting, Tarantino, plus trailers, bloopers, and an interactive game. Topping it all off will be the complete Sin City graphic novel The Hard Goodbye.

Whew!

I... can...not... wait...

No Time To Get Dressed

I had thought that Blondie's 75th Anniversary cross-over event was over. Yesterday's strip, posted above shows that I was wrong.

I guess that The Phantom was in a hurry to make the plane since he didn't have time to put on his full costume. [Another tip of the cowl to Mark Evanier!]

A New Season of "Must See" TV

The new tv season is nearly upon us and so I thought it might be fun to take a look at the shows that have made my MUST SEE TV list:

Sunday has traditionally been one of the weakest nights of the week and the new season looks to be more of the same. The only show that I plan to watch is West Wing [NBC]. Although last season was one of the best for West Wing, the new night could spell trouble. Since the Bartlett's are on the way out, fans may decide that they should
be as well. I hope not.

Monday looks to have just the right mix of shows. At 8PM, I'll check out Surface [NBC]. This show has a lot of potential - an "adventure-drama" about what happens when sea creatures [monsters?] are discovered all across the world's oceans. At 9PM, I'll switch over to FOX and check out Prison Break and at 10, it'll be back to NBC for the highly under-rated Medium.


Tuesday belongs to 24 and The Shield, but since they won't start up for a while I plan to give WB's Supernatural at 9PM a shot. Given the WB's track record with making my MUST SEE TV list, this could be bad, especially since my wife will want to watch The Amazing Race on CBS.

Wednesday is the greatly anticipated return of Lost at 9PM on ABC. I'll also probably dvr E-Ring on NBC at the same time. At 10, I'll keep it on ABC and check out Invasion. Seems that creepy is back in with Invasion, Supernatural and Surface all premiering this season. I wonder how many will last for two.

Thursday was for years THE night for tv. Not anymore. Survivor on CBS at 8PM will continue to be a family event. At 9PM, I'll switch over to ABC and give the Night Stalker a shot. I remember watching Darrin McGavin in the original Night Stalker movie back in 1972. It was a fun movie... but I didn't much care for the tv series that followed. Maybe this one will be better.

Friday is the second worst night of the week for tv [thank goodness for dvds]. I will give Threshold at 8PM on CBS a try since it has the same Invasion/Supernatural/Surface vibe.

Saturdays is the pits. I always hope that the SciFi Channel will have a halfway decent flick but that's rarely the case... still I continue to tune in.

Before I bring this post to a close, I want to mention the shows that I've enjoyed this summer: Hell's Kitchen hooked me and I wasn't sure I'd care about it at all; So You Think You Can Dance is as much fun as American Idol; Hogan Knows Best shows a side of The Hulkster that makes you wish he was your neighbor; Celebrity Fitness Club had me watching celebrities that I didn't even watch when they were famous [well, except for Gary Busey!]; Wanted has characters quirky enough to elevate it from the run of the mill cop show; The Ultimate Fighter is like The Contender on steroids; and my favorite summer show has turned out to be Over There.

Well, that's what I'm looking forward to from the new season. Have I missed anything?

Bob Denver's Legacy

Bob Denver, the clueless hero of "Gilligan's Island" has died at the age of 70.

Denver, as Gilligan,. set sail on what should have been a three-hour tour but instead ended up being a 40 year adventure entertaining several generations of fans.

I was five years old when "Gilligan's Island" premiered and I can remember watching each week. They castaways were funny. Especially Gulligan.

The show ran for only three seasons. The funny thing is it never died. Bob Denver has 25 credits listed in the Internet Movie Database. Eight of them have direct ties to Gulligan's Island. Talk about creating an enduring and endearing character.

I didn't care much for Gilligan's Island once I was older. I remember watching Rescue from Gilligan's Island and thinking how stupid it was. It wasn't stupid though, it was silly. The kind of silly that little kids eat up... like I did when I used to watch Gilligan and the castways in their initial run.

Bob Denver's three hour tour will never end. He'll continue to entertain generation after generation. Smiles and the sounds of laughter is a great legacy.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and fans of Mr. Denver.

Talk About Sick Covers

Over at Dial B for Blog they've posted The Top 5 Sickest Comic Book Covers Ever!

Their choices include:

5] Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen [#110] operating on Superman's brain and turning him into a computer [potentially sick, but really more silly]

4] Star Spangled #124 which features a man being lured to commit suicide by two ghostly figures [maybe scary, but hardly sick]

3] Superboy [#189] walking in to find his father has hung himself [now that's sick for a kid's comic]

2] Adventure Comics #269 showing a powerless Krypto forced to watch home movies [now that's kind of funny!]

1] Sandman Mystery Theater #58 which features a close-up of man who's been shot in the head lying in a pool of blood. [Ok, that is sick]

Now I realize that they were talking about sick comic covers that were geared towards kids, but when I read the topic I immediately thought of the two covers posted here and here.

Tampa Was a Blast!

Last weekend, Big Beatty, John Higashi and I made our way to the Tampa Comic Book and Toy Show.

As many of you know, it's my favorite little convention. But if Tim Gordon continues to put on such great shows, it won't be little much longer. It's held three times a year and has added the Tampa Indie Film Fest to a program which already includes celebrites signing autographs, artists sketching, a costume contest, prize drawaings... there's ALWAYS something going on to interest everyone.

Beatty, Higashi and I drove down the night before. It's become a tradition that we go down a day ahead of the show, hang out with other collectors and eat dinner at a place called Sweet Tomatoes.

This time Randy Martin joined us for dinner. Afterwards we went over to his place to hang out. Randy has thecoolest Edward Scissorhands art collection that you can see if you click HERE.

The next morning, Beatty, Higashi and I headed over to the show. Higashi was on a mission. His goal was to get to Ethan Van Sciver to add to a sketch that he'd started a few shows ago, and to set up a commission with Pablo Marcos. My plan was to meet Pablo Marcos and possibly get a Stallone sketch from him. Beatty was there just to stir up some fun.

Higashi started getting that predator look in his eyes and I knew that soon he would be in full con mode. The doors opened and the crowd headed in. As we were walking to the artist area, I saw Randy Martin had set up and so I stopped to chat with him. Higashi continued to make his way to Ethan's spot center stage.

A few minutes later, I headed over to the stage area. Higashi was waiting for Ethan to arrive. I said, "Hi" to Marty Nodell and his son. I was just hanging out waiting for Big Beatty to mosey over when Cindy Morgan walked up to me and introduced herself. Cindy was a guest of the show and is best known for her role as Lacey Underall in Caddyshack. She asked if I was with the show. I told her I wasn't. As luck would have it, Tim
Gordon [who runs the show] was passing by. He stopped and was able to answer Ms. Morgan's question. There was a bit of small talk and then she excused herself to set up. Tim and I spoke a bit before he went on stage to introduce the guests and welcome the crowd.

I decided to head over to the film room when suddenly Captain Battle and his Battle Team appeared.

His Battle Team was filming fan reaction as he walked through the crowd meeting and greeting young and old alike. I shook hands with the good
Captain and was awarded his first dvd movie. I'll write more about that soon.

In the film room, Beatty and I watched a retrospective on Irwin Allen. Allen was first known for his tv shows, Lost in Space, Voyage to the
Bottom of the Sea, The Time Tunnel, and Land of the Giants. He then went on to become the King of Disaster Movies with The Posideon Adventure, and The Towering Inferno. Higashi came in. He'd been successful in getting Ethan to add more to his Star Wars piece. The three of us watched a short film called Contact from Beyond. The people who made the film were in the audience and the crowd enjoyed the experience.

That's the look that Wild Bill Black had on his face when he saw Beatty and I re-enter the convention hall. Bill was talking to Marty Nodell and had made the trip to Tampa just to hang with Marty for the afternoon. It's always great to see Wild Bill, who is busier than ever with his comic and dvd businesses.

I spent some time talking with Jesse "Cadre" Hansen and Mitch "Bubba the Redneck Werewolf" Hyman. It's always a blast speaking to these guys as they love what they're doing and their fan base continues to grow. Beatty came over to see some new stuff that Cadre had created. When Beatty gives praise, you know it's earned. He and Mitch talked about Beatty doing a cover for a future issue of Bubba -- so that looks like it's going to happen.

Then is was time for the costume contest. It's surprising to me, because of the size of the show, how many really good costumers are always there. You have to admit that it adds something to a show, when you see characters walking around and they look like who they're supposed to be. The winner was a guy dressed as The Shadow -- at the last show he came as Marv. In the picture above, that's me with The Scarecrow from Batman Begins and Kevin from Sin City.

The only thing left to do was for Higashi to set up his Star Wars commission. That's Pablo and his lovely wife pictured above. Higashi and I were in line as Pablo sketched for fans. Higashi asked me if I was going to try for a Stallone sketch. Because of the time factor, I said that I didn't think so. We watched as Pablo completed a beautiful Vamperella sketch... then a Zombie pencil sketch... and then a Conan. Man, each sketch was a beaut. Higashi set up his commission which
Pablo was doing as a take-home piece. I then arranged to have a Stallone sketch done and mailed with Higashi's. I don't know which character Pablo is going to do... but you can be sure, it'll be sweet.

Sadly it was time for us to get on the road. Higashi had been able to get Ethan to add to his piece and Pablo to commit to a commission. I had been able to arrange for a Pablo sketch as well. We'd been able to visit with old and new friends, see some fun films, check out some wild costumes, and just have a great day. Tim's next show is in November. If you're able to make it, I can promise that you'll have a fun time. Heck, you may even get to be in a picture with Steve, Big Beatty and Wild Bill!

No Fun Today

I try to keep the focus of my ZONE posts on fun stuff; things that I find interesting and hope that you do too.

This entry isn't about the comic convention that I went to last weekend, the great book that I'm reading, or even the tv shows that I've enjoyed this summer

Nope.

This entry is about the horrific wake left by Hurricane Katrina.

Daytona was hit by three hurricanes last year. Three! And I'd go through six more, to avoid one like Katrina.

The worst part was not when the storms were hitting. By far the worst was when the storms had passed and we were left to deal with the aftermath. Flooded streets. No power for days. Which meant no air conditioning, no refrigeration, no hot water or warm meals. And then there was the damage. People left homeless. Businesses wiped out. People injured or killed as a direct result of the hurricane.

We experienced all of that. But on a scale no where near the one facing the survivors of Katrina.

Don't worry, I'll be back with a more upbeat topic tomorrow. Maybe I'll post up pics and a con report, or tell you about The Killings of Stanley Ketchel, or even the tv shows this summer that have kept me entertained. But until then...

Our thoughts and prayers are with the millions of families facing the days ahead.

Who Will Show Up Next?

I really don't read comic strips much anymore. You would think that I still would since I love the form. It's just as I got older, I just found myself reading fewer strips. One that I still take the time to check out is Blondie.

It's hard to believe that Blondie celebrates it's 75th anniversary on September 8th. What's really cool is that many comic strip creators are joining in on the celebration by having their characters make appearances in the Blondie strip and vice versa.

Here Dagwood shows up to personally invite Garfield to the party. Rose gets her invite. BC has a subtle reference. Many characters decide to show up early for the party. The Wizard of Id plans to attend. Dick Tracy is on a case but takes time to make mention of the event! Mutts' invitation arrives as even more guests arrive early. Dagwood sends the Wizard of Id a gift. Beetle Bailey and Dagwood hang out playing poker. Mother Goose and Grim provide a witty set of directions to the Bumstread's. Dagwood drops off an invite for The Family Circus. The Wizard of Id decides on the perfect gift. Blondie shows up in Shoe's hangout. Even little Trixie is welcome. And of course there are many special guests showing up in recent Blondie strips.

If you like this kind of stuff, then keep your eyes peeled. The cross-overs will be going on for at least another week. [A special tip of the derby to Mark Evanier for pointing out all these great guest appearances!]

Tampa, Here I Come!

This weekend I'm heading down to the Tampa Comic Book and Toy Convention. Tim Gordon puts on the show and it's ALWAYS a blast.

This time the guest list includes: Cindy "Tron" Morgan, Marty "Green Lantern" Nodell, Ethan "Green Lantern" Van Sciver, Alex "Spider-Man" Saviuk, Pablo "Conan" Marcos, and many others. The second Tampa Indie Film Fest will also run during the show.

If you're in the area, you ought to join in on the fun!

MI 3 and Zero Chance of Failure

Yep, you're looking at the first pic from Mission Impossible 3 to show up on the web.

The Hollywood News has the honor of the scoop and a slightly bigger version of the pic as well.

That's Kerri Russell alongside Tom Cruise... they look like a pretty good team and with JJ Abrahams [Alias and Lost] directing, it can't fail!

And speaking of things that can't fail, does anyone here remember when Coca Cola released New Coke? Talk about a big time mistake.

New Coke was promoted as being THE, well, new Coke. The idea was that New Coke would replace the traditional Coke. The powers that be thought that the hype and "new" taste would bring in more Coke drinkers without losing the faithful millions already drinking Coke.

Guess what? New Coke tanked. It was a long time before the Coca Cola Company tried "new" recipes. But things have changed. Now you can get Coke, Diet Coke, Cherry Coke, Vanilla Coke, Coke with Lime...

Last month Coke Zero was introduced. It's a diet cola with no caleries and no after taste. It's really good. For me, it's my new Coke.

I'm Glad That I Waited

From the title of this post, you might think that I'm going to talk about the success of "The 40 Year Old Virgin," but I'm not.

Instead, I'm here to talk down the "bare bones" dvd release of "Sin CIty." As most of you know, I'm a huge fan of Robert Rodriguez, Frank Miller and especially the Sin City series of graphic novels. The mix of Rodriguez and Miller with one of the best casts in recent memory made Sin City a must have for my dvd collection.

I thought long and hard about whether or not to get the current "bare bones" edition and finally decided to wait. I figured that the deluxe edition would be out maybe as soon as Christmas, I'd already seen Sin City twice and would be taking a stand against this kind
of marketing.

Beatty bought his copy and really tempted me to break down and get one as well.

But ultimately I didn't. And in a weird way I felt like I wasn't supporting Rodriguez, Miller and Sin City.

Yeah, I felt that way until I read that Rodriguez "openly loathes" the "bare bones" edition. Rodriguez even goes on to say, "I hate it when they do double-dip stuff, so I don't put any extra **** on there at all so people will hopefully go, 'Ah, I'll just wait.'

So how long will we have to wait? "December [or] not too far afterwards" is the word from the man himself.

Now you know why I'm glad that I decided to wait... and four months compared to 40 years is a piece of cake.

Robert Rodriguez-O-Rama

Robert Rodriguez talks about his favorite films, why we'll never see another Spy Kids movie, why Stallone would make a great Batman, the role that he had planned for Mickey Rourke in From Dusk Till Dawnand a whole lot more an interview HERE.

And in the Robert Rodriguez interview HERE you'll learn about the casting and storyline for Sin City 2 [and maybe 3], the double feature that he's doing with Quentin Tarantino, and the part he had planned for Quentin in Once Upon a Time in Mexico, and even more!

That should hold you over until next time!

Like Cheap Whiskey, Very Nasty and Satisfying

Today while surfing the net I came across a couple of items that should interest most ZONErs.

The first is that several authors [including Stephen King, John Grisham, Peter Straub, Neil Gaiman, Lemony Snicket, Michael Chabon and others] are participating in an auction for charity where the winning bidders will get to name a character in each author's novel. How cool is that? For more details click HERE.

The second item of interest is directly related to the first, in that Stephen King's particpation in the auction involves a new novel titled Cell. King describes Cell as "a violent piece of work, which comes complete with zombies set in motion by bad cell phone signals that destroy the human brain. Like cheap whiskey, it's very nasty and extremely satisfying." Stephen King and zombies! Count me in.

And come to think of it... maybe I should take a shot at the auction as well. A zombie named "Big Beatty" is just too cool not to give it a go.

Worth a Watch? You Be the Jury!

A few weeks ago, Chris Mills listed some movies that aren't on dvd, but should be. I, the Jury starring Armand Assante as Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer was one of them.

I couldn't agree more. I saw the movie when it was first released and loved it. I wish I was writing to say that Assante's Hammer has finally made it to dvd, but I'm not.

Instead I'm writing to say that you can see it on the FOX Movie Channel this month. I, the Jury isn't a classic or for everyone. But if you're a fan of Spillane, Assante, or Barbara Carrera then... you might want to give it a go.

I know I will. "I, the Jury" rates an A.

A Decade Later, Your Words Still Sting

Mike Hoffman is an artist who has strong opinions. Unfortunately most of what he posts are attacks on other artists that he considers hacks, no-talents, etc. Hoffman has been ranting about many of the biggest name artists in the comic business for several months now. Not only does he denegrate their talents, but at the same time he puffs up his own.

And it's not that Hoffman lacks talent. He's very good at what he does. And what he does is paint and draw in the style of Frazetta. That in and of itself is not a bad thing. Like anything, it is what it is.

Hoffman's style has stirred up a lot of debate among fans and pros alike. Some love it, some hate it. At any rate, everyone has an opinion. And you know how opinionated Big Beatty is. Well, it seems that at some point in the last ten or fifteen years, Beatty said something that got under Hoffman's skin. Well... it finally worked its way out in a a recent rant posted on his website:

And then there's "Big" John Beatty, who went into a blind fury over my artwork way back in the 1990s. I'd post a pic of this moron here, but a Google search turns up almost nothing on this clown. Great career as an "inker" ya got going there, John!

John got wind of Hoffman's comments and responded:

I've had a great career as an "inker" and enjoyed it for many years...now I've moved on to doing other work, which is of no interest to you, or many others so, I'll leave it at that.

You're a scary talent that comics and illustration will lose, but I'm sure your life, as mine, will continue on and hopefully for the better, as I can see staying in the business you are in is making your life practically unbearable...according to what I read in your weblog.

Your a great humorist and I enjoy your rants very much...really...I figure you are working towards a new career goal in commentary, instead of art for your future?

Anyway...big "ups" for the mention and for the memory that I must have left on you since you've been stewing about it since 1990. Finally got the balls to come out and say something in 2005?

I know that someone must scan all of your email due to the fact that you must have thin skin or something, so if this never does reach you, that's fine too.

Have a great life outside of the USA and I hope this means that there really will be a "Hoffman International" once you and the family are outside of the country?

That is if you ever really leave instead of just talking a lot about it?

Best wishes-
-John

I wonder what Beatty said that's been bugging Hoffman for all these years...

I wonder if this is the last we've heard from the two of them...

But most of all I wonder if this means that I'll never get a Hoffman Stallone sketch for my gallery.

Maybe 2005 Just Got A Little Better

2005 has NOT been the greatest year for movies.

Sure there was Sin City, and War of the Worlds. And yeah, King Kong is coming. Heck, even The Transporter 2 and The New World might be good... but the year overall has been pretty blah.

So in a year like this, when a movie comes in under the radar and looks to be a winner, ya just gotta love it.

A History of Violence could be THAT movie. Take a look at the one sheet that was just released. Check out the trailer and clip -- heck look all over the official site.

Maybe 2005 just got a little better.

This Fall, Kong Will Be King

Without a doubt,this fall Kong will be King

Pretty much every movie fan in the world knows that Peter Jackson's King Kong will be released on December 14th. What many of us didn't know until just recently was that Warner Brothers had finally decided to release the orginal King Kong to dvd on November 22nd.

What makes this release even cooler is that Peter Jackson is also contributing to the dvd release. Jackson has created a two hour, seven part documentary titled: "RKO Production 601: The Making of Kong, the Eighth Wonder of the World." What will really get Kong fans going is that "part of the documentary focuses on the mysterious 'spider pit' sequence deleted from the film before its theatrical premiere." The dvd will also contain a recreation of it as well as features on director Merian C. Cooper, and commentary tracks by legendary stop-motion animator Ray Harryhausen and others.

Of course to maximize their profits, Warners is releasing Kong in not one, not two, but THREE, that's right - THREE editions. You can read about what's in each edition HERE.

I don't know which version, I'm going to get, but you can be sure that one will find it's way into my collection!

A Story About a Valuable Stolen Property

If you're like me or any of the other 36 million people who've read Dan Brown's The DaVinci Code, then you probably love a good conspiracy story.

If that's the case, then whoo-boy, do I have a doosey for ya.

Lewis Perdue has not only accused Dan Brown of plagiarizing from Perdue's books The DaVinci Legacy [published in 1983 ] and Daughter of God [published in 2000], but he has taken his case to court and the Internet.

A recent court ruling by Judge George Daniels of U.S. District Court in New York says that "Any slightly similar elements are on the level of generalized or otherwise unprotectable ideas."

Still, Perdue plans to appeal this decision and argues that there are over 300 significant similarities between his book and The DaVinci Code. Perdue further argues that "in an analysis of more than 50 pivotal plot events, sixty-five percent of these – 65% – occur in the same order."

In his latest blog post, Perdue says despite Judge Daniels' ruling, Perdue's battle to show that Brown plagiarized his work isn't over, in fact, "It's hardly begun."

You can find more of Perdue's thoughts HERE.

I've read and enjoyed Brown's The DaVinci Code.

I haven't yet read Perdue's The DaVinci Legacy or Daughter of God, but I should since they sound like good conspiracy stories.

Then again, maybe I should just follow Perdue's Battle Against Brown.

Who Needs Five Different Sin City Covers?

I've been on quite the dvd kick of late, recommending Lost: Season One and Superman: Season One.

Now comes along one of my favorite movies of the year and my all-time favorite comic book movie and I'm still trying to decide if I'm going to by the initial release.

Sin City [aka The Barebones Edition] hits the street on August 16th. It's already been announced that next year a deluxe edition [with tons of extras] will be available. So, I'm thinking that I ought to just wait for it. It'll only be a few more months -- and it'll have everything that the August 16th release has and more.

Studios release various editions of dvds to maximize their profits and I can understand that. They're in business to make money. What irks me is when they do gimmicks like 5 different covers for the same edition. I guess some people will buy all five.

Me, I'm still trying to decide if I should buy just one.

You Won't Believe a Man Can Fly

Yesterday, I said that I usually don't buy tv series dvds for my collection. Then I talked up one. Any guess what I'm about to do today?

Yep, today I'm recommending the first season dvd of Superman.

If you're anywhere near my age [46], then George Reeves WAS Superman. And sure, the effects were low budget [ok, no budget], but man, did we love the show.

I can't wait to get the chance to love it again!

What Would I Have to Lose?

I usually don't purchase tv series for my dvd collection.

I may make an exception though when Lost comes to dvd on September 6th.

Lost was on my "Must See TV" list from its premiere and it continued to gain momentum with each new episode. What was not to like? Great characters. A great mystery. And just enough info to REALLY wonder what the heck is going on.

The dvd extras and price [$38.99] also add to the appeal for making Lost a dvd addition to my collection.

Treat Your Mother Right

You may remember the sage advice of The Mayor of Carter Country... No, not "Handle it, handle it, Roy." His words of wisdom were, "Always be kind to your mother."

Mr. T agrees. So Treat Your Mother Right and quit yer jibber-jabberin'.

And don't give me no backtalk!