Rocky illustration by Riccardo Rosanna!
Check out this sweet Rocky illustration by Riccardo Rosanna. The art was created for a future project. Hmmm. I wonder what the project is and when it will be ready for fans.
“Man on Fire”: Season 1, starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II / Z-View
Man on Fire: Season 1 (2025)
Created by: Kyle Killen; based on MAN ON FIRE by A.J. Quinnell
Director:
- Steven Caple Jr. (Eps. 1-2)
- Vicente Amorim (Eps. 3-4)
- Clare Kilner (Eps. 5-6)
- Michael Cuesta (Ep. 7)
Teleplay by:
- Kyle Killen (Eps. 1-7)
Starring: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Billie Boullet, Scoot McNairy, Alice Braga, Paul Ben-Victor and Bobby Cannavale.
Tagline: None.
The Plot… (beware of spoilers)
John Creasy was a Captain in the United States Special Forces. If a team was needed to go in a high risk-high reward situation, Creasey was the man you wanted in charge. Creasey was formidable in all aspects of military training and second to none as a strategist. When Creasey left the military, the CIA scooped him up. Creasey continued to be the go-to leader who would get the mission accomplished, no matter the odds.
That was then.
A mission led by Creasey resulted in his entire squad wiped out. Creasey became a shell of his former self. He left the CIA. Now he drinks too much and suffers from PTSD.
Paul Rayburn, a friend of Creasey’s, owns a security company. Rayburn flies Creasey to Brazil to offer him a job. While Creasey considers the opportunity, he re-bonds with Rayburn, his wife and their two children.
Tragedy strikes when a terrorist group blows up the building where Rayburn and his family live. Rayburn, his wife and son are three of the approximately six hundred killed in the explosion. Rayburn’s daughter Poe, wasn’t in the building when it detonated. She saw one of the terrorists. Worse still, he saw her.
Poe becomes a target of the terrorists. Creasey now has something to live for – to protect Poe and get revenge for the murder of his friends and 600 others.
Thoughts…
I like that Man on Fire didn’t play out the exact same plot as the excellent Man on Fire movie directed by Tony Scott, starring Denzel Washington and Dakota Fanning.
This is the third adaptation of AJ Quinnell’s MAN ON FIRE novel. The first was the 1987 film Man on Fire starring Scott Glenn as John Creasey. The second was the 2004 Man on Fire movie starring Denzel Washington.
A.J. Quinell is the pen name of Philip Nicholson. He wrote five novels about John Creasey.
Kudos to Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. Playing a character Denzel Washington made famous is a BIG ask. Abdul-Mateen II did a fine job.
Man on Fire: Season 1 (2025) rates 4 of 5 stars.
THE GIRL WITH THE DEEP BLUE EYES by Lawrence Block / Z-View
THE GIRL WITH THE DEEP BLUE EYES by Lawrence Block
First sentence…
The phone woke him from a dream.
The Overview: Beware of Spoilers…
Gallatin County Florida Sheriff William Radburn has information that Lisa Otterbein plans to have her husband killed. A local no-good snitched to Radburn after being approached by Lisa. She was looking for a killer. Someone to murder her wealthy husband.
So Sheriff Radburn decides to set up a sting. If Radburn gets Lisa on tape asking a hitman to murder her husband, she will go to prison and a life will be saved. Radburn approaches Doak Miller. Miller is a retired New York City cop with 24 years of service. Miller recently moved to Gallatin County after his wife divorced him. Miller is new to the area, experienced and could pass as a killer.
Radburn meets with Miller and lays out the plan. Miller will wear a wire, act as the hitman, and record Lisa asking him to kill her husband.
Miller meets with Lisa. She’s beautiful. More than beautiful really. Stunning. With amazing deep blue eyes. Miller is attracted to her. But he has a job to do. Miller says all the right things and gets Lisa’s responses on tape.
Radburn is surprised when he listens to the recording. Lisa doesn’t want a hitman. She doesn’t want her husband killed. Sure, their marriage has hit a rough patch, but kill him? Never. Miller says his experience dealing with criminals and liars tells him Lisa is telling the truth. The sheriff was given bad info.
Except he wasn’t.
Miller told Lisa how to respond. Practiced his questions and her answers until they sounded right. THEN he recorded the exchanges.
Now Miller and Lisa are heading into a red hot affair and planning a cold-blooded murder.
+++
Lawrence Block wrote this in 2015, but it has the feel of the erotic tales he wrote under pseudonyms at the start of his career. If you’re a fan of tales like DOUBLE INDEMNITY and THE POSTMAN ALWAYS RINGS TWICE, this one is for you.
Rating:
The Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Robinson!
The Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Robinson. Perfection.
Marlow from “30 Days of Night” by J. Beers!
I have been a fan of Steve Niles and Ben Templesmith’s 30 Days of Night comic since it first came out. I loved the concept — a vampire clan goes to Barrow Alaska, a small town near the artic circle. Each year Barrow goes through 30 days of night. Cut off from the rest of the world, the town folk find themselves in a fight for survival.
When the 30 Days of Night movie was announced, I had high hopes it would be at least good. And man, was it ever. I like the film better with each new viewing. Much of the reason for that is the performance of Danny Huston. If you haven’t seen the film, give it a go.
“Please, God. Please…” – Woman begging for mercy
“God?… No god.” – Marlow
Source: J. Beers Instagram.
Rambo by Andrew Krahnke!
When I saw that Andrew Krahnke was going to be a guest at HeroesCon 2026, I knew I wanted to try to get a sketch from him. I’d never met Krahnke, but I knew his work through his graphic novel BLOODRIK.
I sent Krahnke an e-mail to see if he was taking pre-show commissions. As you can see above, he was. I thought Krahnke would be great for a Rambo piece, and was he ever.
This is my first piece from Andrew Krahnke. I hope there will be more.
Batman by Thobias Daneluz!
Thobias Daneluz has such a cool art style. Check out Thobias’ Instgram to see more of his art. (And plan to stay awhile.)
“Gladiator” by Leo Leibelman!
Leo Leibelman is a freelance artist who has provided art for comics, trading cards, novels, instructional materials, film storyboards and more. Leo Leibelman takes commissions.
Leo Leibelman presents the film that made Russell Crowe a star!
“Are you not entertained? Are you not entertained? Is this not why you are here?” – Maximus
“Constantine” (2005) starring Keanu Reeves / Z-View
Constantine (2005)
Director: Francis Lawrence
Screenplay: Kevin Brodbin, Frank Cappello; story by Kevin Brodbin; based on Hellblazer by Jamie Delano, Garth Ennis
Stars: Keanu Reeves, Rachel Weisz, Shia LaBeouf, Tilda Swinton, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Djimon Hounsou, Gavin Rossdale and Peter Stormare.
Tagline: Hell wants him. Heaven won’t take him. Earth needs him.
The Plot (beware of spoilers)…
LA Detective Angela Dodson turns to John Constantine, a occult expert and exorcist, to help her investigate her sister’s suicide. Constantine discovers that demons have a plan to enter the human realm using the Spear of Destiny and Angela’s sister.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
John Constantine was created by writer Alan Moore, during his run on DC Comics’ Swamp Thing. After negative experiences with movie adaptations of his work (From Hell and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen), Moore refused to have anything to do with Hollywood. He went as far as to reject any money or credit for movie adaptations of his characters or work.
Constantine just didn’t resonate with me. Most folks like it better than I do. As always, your mileage may vary.
Constantine (2005) rates 2 of 5 stars
“Rear Window” Alt Poster by Niccolò Fioriti!
Niccolò Fioriti worked up a clever alt Rear Window poster. I like how on point and well done this one is.
“Why would a man leave his apartment three times on a rainy night with a suitcase and come back three times?“ – L.B. Jefferies
“From Here to Eternity” (1953) starring Burt Lancaster, Mongomery Clift, Deborah Kerr, Frank Sinatra & Donna Reed / Z-View
From Here to Eternity (1953)
Director: Fred Zinnemann
Screenplay: Daniel Taradash; based on FROM HERE TO ETERNITY by James Jones
Stars: Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Clift, Deborah Kerr, Donna Reed, Frank Sinatra, Philip Ober, Ernest Borgnine, Jack Warden, Claude Akins, Al Silvani and George Reeves.
Tagline: WARDEN… who wouldn’t do it… even for her… PREW… who wanted to be left alone… KAREN… who was looking for a real man… MAGGIO… you just have to laugh at him… LORENE… to look at her you’d never guess…
The Plot…
1941. Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Private Robert E. Lee Prewitt, a professional boxer who retired after blinding another fighter, is transferred to Fort Shafter in Hawaii. Captain “Dynamite” Holmes is excited to get Prewitt under his command. Prewitt on his boxing team is a sure thing to win the Regimental Boxing Championship. When Prewitt refuses to box, Holmes decides to “break him”.
To that end, Captain Holmes orders his subordinates to make Prewitt’s life miserable. Extra duties. Extreme punishments. Nothing can break Prewitt’s resolve. Company punishments for Prewitt’s “infractions” distance his fellow soldiers from him. Only Private Angelo Maggio is willing to be friendly with Prewitt. This causes friction between Maggio and the sadistic Sergeant Judson.
Sergeant Milton knows Captain Holmes is wrong, but it would be career suicide to disobey him. Of course Milton’s affair with Captain Holmes’ wife would have the same result.
Things are past a breaking point…
… then the morning of December 7th dawns…
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
From Here to Eternity was nominated for thirteen 1954 Academy Awards. It won eight.
- Winner for Best Picture – Buddy Adler
- Winner for Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Frank Sinatra
- Winner for Best Actress in a Supporting Role – Donna Reed
- Winner for Best Director – Fred Zinnemann
- Winner for Best Writing, Screenplay – Daniel Taradash
- Winner for Best Cinematography, Black-and-White – Burnett Guffey
- Winner for Best Sound, Recording – John P. Livadary
- Winner for Best Film Editing – William A. Lyon
- Nominee for Best Actor in a Leading Role – Montgomery Clift
- Nominee for Best Actor in a Leading Role – Burt Lancaster
- Nominee for Best Actress in a Leading Role – Deborah Kerr
- Nominee for Best Costume Design, Black-and-White – Jean Louis
- Nominee for Best Music, Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture – Morris Stoloff, George Duning
From Here to Eternity tied Gone with the Wind with the eight Oscars won by a single film. This record stood for over a decade. The films were also winners of the Best Picture Oscar. Interestingly enough only one actor appears in both: George (Superman) Reeves. Reeves had small roles in both films and is actually uncredited in From Here to Eternity.
Claude Atkins made his film debut in this film.
From Here to Eternity is a classic.
From Here to Eternity (1953) rates 5 of 5 stars.
“Dracula” (1931) Alt Poster by Rory Martinez!
The vintage feel of this alt Dracula poster by Rory Martinez
is fire.
“For one who has not lived even a single lifetime, you’re a wise man, Van Helsing.“ – Dracula
Will Elder and Harvey Kurtzman’s Original Art for MAD #259 Featuring Rambo & Ronald Reagon!
Here’s a photo of the original Will Elder and Harvey Kurtzman art used for Mad #259 published in December 1985. This image is from the Sylvester Stallone Heritage Auction.
“Strange New Worlds” Season 4 – The Trailer is Here!
We have the Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 4 trailer. I was a huge fan of the original series. Strange New Worlds is a worthy follow-up. Looking forward to July 23rd.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds returns July 23 only on Paramount+.
The crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise, led by Captain Christopher Pike, embarks on a series of thrilling and emotional adventures across the stars. On their journey, they will battle inner demons and external threats, encounter colorful new characters, reunite with familiar faces and confront terrifying aliens. Through it all, they strive to embrace a bright, hopeful future.
“Carrie” (1976) directed by Brian DePalma, starring Sissy Spacek, John Travolta and Piper Laurie / Z-View
Carrie (1976)
Director: Brian De Palma
Screenplay: Lawrence D. Cohen; based on CARRIE by Stephen King
Stars: Sissy Spacek, John Travolta, Piper Laurie, William Katt, Nancy Allen, P.J. Soles, Michael Talbott and John Travolta.
Tagline: If you’ve got a taste for terror… take Carrie to the prom.
The Plot…
High school is almost unbearable for Carrie. She’s sixteen, immature and an easy target. At school Carrie is bullied daily. Her home life isn’t any better. Carrie is being raised by a single mother who is a religious zealot.
A particularly rough hazing incident in the PE showers leaves Carrie sobbing on the floor. Sue, one of the school’s most popular girls, feels remorse for her involvement. So she asks her boyfriend, Tommy Ross (also one of the cool kids) to take Carrie to the prom. Sue thinks that if Carrie is seen on a date with Tommy other kids might start viewing Carrie differently. Tom eventually agrees.
At first Carrie thinks she’s being set up. Tommy finally convinces Carrie he’s sincere. Carrie agrees to go despite her mother’s refusal to allow the date.
What Sue, Tommy and Carrie don’t know is that Chris, one of the girls involved in the PE incident, has a plan to humiliate Carrie at the Prom. Chris has no idea how badly her “prank” can go. She also has no idea that Carrie has recently discovered telekinetic powers.
Time for the prom. It will be a night you’ll never forget.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Although the ending of the movie is different than Stephen King’s book, King has said he like the movie’s ending better.
Sue Snell is played by Amy Irving. Sue’s mother is played by Priscilla Pointer… who is Amy Irving’s real life mother.
John Travolta, who just became a teen idol thanks to his role on Welcome Back Kotter, has a small role but was billed second on posters/ads.
Sissy Spacek was in real life a high school Homecoming Queen.
Carrie features Amy Irving’s feature film debut.
I had read the Stephen King novel a few years prior to seeing the movie. When the film came out I was a junior in high school. I saw it with a date at a midnight showing. I thought the film was ready to roll the end credits. Then the final scare comes. It caught me so off guard I jumped out of my seat. Yeah, try playing that off with your date. No, I wasn’t scared. Really.
One of Carrie’s taglines was: Carrie may look perfectly innocent, but she’ll shock you right out of your seat… and that’s a promise! In my case, promise kept.
Carrie (1976) rates 5 of 5 stars.
