Flash Gordon by Barry Windsor-Smith!
Barry Windsor-Smith, best known first for his groundbreaking art on Conan (and later everything he drew/painted) shows his take on Flash Gordon.
Source: Heritage Auctions.
Rarely Seen “Rocky IV” Promo Pic Featuring Sly Stallone & Dolph Lundgren!
Here we have a cool and rarely seen Rocky IV promo pic featuring Dolph Lundgren and Sly Stallone.
Click on the image to see a championship-sized view. – Craig
“The Pitt” Season 2 starring Noah Wyle and Katherine LaNasa / Z-View
“The Pitt” Season 2 (2026)
Created by: R. Scott Gemmill
Teleplay by:
- (eps. 16; 30) R. Scott Gemmill
- (ep. 17) Joe Sachs & R. Scott Gemmill
- (eps. 18; 29) Noah Wyle
- (eps. 19; 24) Cynthia Adarkwa
- (eps. 20; 25) Simran Baidwan
- (ep. 21) Kirsten Pierre-Geyfman & R. Scott Gemmill
- (eps. 22; 26) Valerie Chu
- (eps. 23; 28) Joe Sachs
- (ep. 27) Danny Hogan & R. Scott Gemmill
Directed by:
- John Wells (eps. 16; 30)
- Damian Marcano (eps. 17; 20; 25; 28)
- Uta Briesewitz (eps. 18; 22; 26; 29)
- John Cameron (eps. 19; 23)
- Noah Wyle (ep. 20)
- Shawn Hatosy (ep. 24)
- Amanda Marsalis (ep. 27)
Stars: Noah Wyle, Tracy Ifeachor, Patrick Ball, Katherine LaNasa, Supriya Ganesh, Fiona Dourif, Taylor Dearden, Isa Briones, Gerran Howell, Shabana Azeez and Sepideh Moafi.
Tagline: The work never stops.
The Plot…
The Pitt follows Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch in real time as he works a major hospital emergency room that is understaffed and overworked. It is the fourth of July.
Let the fireworks begin.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
The Pitt was nominated for 13 2025 Primetime Emmy Awards and won 5…
- Nominee for Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup – Myriam Arougheti, Thomas Floutz, Chris Burgoyne, Martina Sykes for episode “4:00 P.M.”
- Nominee for Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (One Hour) – Todd Grace, Ed Carr, Von Varga, Tami Treadwell for episode “6:00 P.M.”
- Nominee for Outstanding Sound Editing for a Comedy or Drama Series (One Hour) – Bryan Parker, Kristen Hirlinger, Vince Tennant, Joshua Adeniji, Roland N. Thai, Lyndsey Schenk, Sam Lewis, Nicholas Kmet, Adam DeCoste, Alex Ullrich for episode “7:00 P.M.”
- Nominee for Outstanding Contemporary Makeup (Non-Prosthetic) – Merry Lee Traum, Marie-Flore Beaubien, Leesa Simone for episode “7:00 P.M.”
- Nominee for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series – Joe Sachs for episode “2:00 P.M.”
- Nominee for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series – R. Scott Gemmill for episode “7:00 A.M.”
- Nominee for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series – John Wells for episode “7:00 A.M.”
- Winner for Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series – Cathy Sandrich Gelfond, Erica Berger
- Winner for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series – Shawn Hatosy
- Winner for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series – Katherine LaNasa
- Winner for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series – Noah Wyle
- Winner for Outstanding Drama Series – Damian Marcano, Michael Hissrich, R. Scott Gemmill, John Wells, Michelle Lankwarden, Simran Baidwan, Erin Jontow, Amanda Marsalis, Terri Murphy, Cynthia Adarkwa, Noah Wyle, Joe Sachs
The Pitt continues to be must-see tv for me.
Noah Wyle and Katherine LaNasa have won well deserved Emmys for their performances on The Pitt.
“The Pitt” Season 2 (2026) earns 5 of 5 stars.
The Shadow by Tony Harris!
Although I’m not a big fan of The Shadow, I dig everything about Tony Harris’ drawing of the man who knows the evil that may lurk within your heart.
(And although the art is signed to Craig, it’s not this Craig that owns it. 😉 – Craig)
“Harbinger Down” (2015) starring Lance Henriksen / Z-View
Harbinger Down (2015)
Director: Alec Gillis
Screenplay: Alec Gillis
Stars: Lance Henriksen, Giovonnie Samuels, Matt Winston
Tagline: Terror is just beneath the surface.
The Plot…
Stephen along with his graduate students Sadie and Ronelle are aboard the fishing boat Harbinger. They are at sea to study the effects of global warming on whales. The Harbinger is crewed by ship captain Graff and his crew which consists of Bowman, Roland, Big G, Dock, Svetlana and Atka.
When an large foreign object is discovered on sonar, they bring it aboard. To their surprise they discover they’ve found a crashed Soviet lunar module. Aboard is a dead cosmonaut…
… as well as the alien that killed him.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Harbinger Down comes off as a low-budget homage (re-imagining? rip-off) of John Carpenter’s The Thing. At the start of the film, the date is given as June 25 1982, which happens to be the day JC’s The Thing was released.
When the crew first discovers the module, Graff asks “Is that a man in there, or something?” This is the same question asked by Doctor Copper in John Carpenter’s The Thing.
In John Carpenter’s The Thing, Childs asks about “voodoo shit” in regard to the alien. Here a character makes the same “voodoo shit” reference to the monster.
Harbinger Down (2015) rates 2 of 5 stars
“Reservoir Dogs” Alt Poster by Nick Charge!
Reservoir Dogs was my introduction to Quentin Tarantino. It and Pulp Fiction are my Tarantino favs. Depending on my mood, they alternate in the top spot.
Nick Charge has created a clever alt poster for Reservoir Dogs. Look into Mr. Blonde’s shades and I’ll bet you begin to hear “Stuck in the Middle with You”.
If you’d like to see more of Nick Charge’s art, you can on his Instagram.
“You shoot me in a dream, you better wake up and apologize.” – Mr. White
“Badland Rising” – The Poster and Trailer are Here!
The poster and trailer for Badland Rising is here. It looks to be a good low-budget crime/action film.
Deal me in.
A former soldier working in construction to save his family’s farm, is eager to return to his wife and son. But his homecoming is derailed when he inadvertently becomes entangled in the bloody aftermath of a botched mob robbery. While escaping the chaos, Dave unknowingly acquires a bag of money, making him the target of ruthless criminals.
CAST: Jake Ryan, Nathan Phillips, Steve Mouzakis
The film will be on digital and VOD on June 12th.
UNFINISHED TALES by Ed Brubaker & Sean Phillips!
Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips’ new graphic novel, UNFINISHED TALES, drops December 8, 2026. Here’s the lowdown…
“Brubaker and Phillips don’t hit a wrong note.” — Shane Black
A shocking new original graphic novel from the legendary team of Brubaker and Phillips!
Finnegan Blake is one of the most successful authors in the world, but he can’t enjoy all the fame and fortune anymore. Because Finn is ten years past his deadline on the final book in his epic fantasy series, and has no hope of ever finishing it. Until an old friend shows up with the perfect solution to his writers block. But their pact soon turns dark, as egos clash and old secrets emerge, leading Finn to wonder exactly what kind of deal he’s made, and how far he’s willing to go to get this final book onto the bestseller list. Most writers would kill for Finn’s life… will he?
The Lord of the Rings meets The Talented Mr Ripley in this paranoid thriller by the grand masters of comics noir. UNFINISHED TALES is the must-have graphic novel for the Christmas season, from the red hot creators of RECKLESS, THE FADE OUT, KILL OR BE KILLED and CRIMINAL (coming in 2026 to Prime Video).
Marv and Nancy by Chris Samnee!
Marv from Frank Miller’s Sin City is one of my all-time favorite characters. I love seeing artists do their “take” on the big lug. Today we have a Marv and Nancy by Chris Samnee.
“Shoot the Piano Player” (1960) directed by François Truffaut / Z-View
Shoot the Piano Player (1960)
Director: François Truffaut
Screenplay: François Truffaut, Marcel Moussy; based on DOWN THERE (aka SHOOT THE PIANO PLAYER) by David Goodis
Stars: Charles Aznavour, Marie Dubois, Nicole Berger, Michèle Mercier and Albert Rémy.
Tagline: A Film for Adults
The Plot…
Charlie Koller is a piano player in a small jazz club. Charlie comes in each night, plays the piano and keeps to himself. He’s a low key guy. Léna, a waitress at the club, is starting to fall in love with Charlie. Although Léna knows a bit about Charlie’s past, she keeps it secret.
One night when Charlie is playing, a man comes rushing in the club. The man is Charlie’s estranged brother. He’s on the run from two thugs who aren’t far behind. Although Charlie wants no part of his brother’s problem, he can’t stand by and do nothing. The choice to get involved will bring forth the past Charlie has kept hidden and result in several murders.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Although based on David Goodis’ excellent novel, DOWN THERE, the screenplay makes significant changes to the protagonist. In the movie his name is Charlie, in the novel it is Eddie. In the movie Charlie is small, shy and passive. In the novel, Eddie is physically imposing and projects confidence. Eddie chooses to be private for an unknown reason. Charlie is naturally introverted.
The novel is hardboiled noir. The film shifts between noir, comedy, romance and melodrama.
Due to budget restraints, Truffaut often filmed on the streets of Paris where they could, improvising dialogue as they went along.
While I’m a fan of Shoot the Piano Player, I like the novel even better!
Shoot the Piano Player (1960) rates 4 of 5 stars
“Crime 101” (2026) written and directed by Bart Layton, starring Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Barry Keoghan and Halle Berry / Z-View
Crime 101 (2026)
Director: Bart Layton
Screenplay: Bart Layton; based on Crime 101 by Don Winslow
Stars: Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Barry Keoghan, Monica Barbaro, Corey Hawkins, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Halle Berry and Nick Nolte.
Tagline: One Heist Connects Them All
The Plot…
Mike is a meticulous jewel thief. He carefully plans his robberies to minimize all risks. Mike never has to resort to violence, leaves no clues and is gone well before the police arrive. Mike’s goal is to get enough money to walk away from this life and start a new one without looking back.
Mike has successfully pulled off a string of robberies and believes that no one has linked that one man is behind them all.
He’s wrong.
LAPD Detective Lou Lubesnick is convinced that there are about a dozen robberies that were committed by the lone thief. All of the jobs were done with easy access to a highway. The thief had obviously cased the job and knew the comings and going of all the employees. And not a single job resulted in anyone being hurt. Although Detective Lubesnick is convinced, his bosses aren’t. But that isn’t deterring Lubesnick.
Mike’s fence, Money also helps identify potential jobs. When Money pushes Mike to take down a jewelry store without enough time to figure out how to make it work, Mike passes. Money gets hires a hothead named Ormon for the heist. This puts Mike at odds with both Money and Ormon.
As Detective Lubesnick closes in, Mike sees an opportunity for a job that will either set him up with the money needed to walk away… or get him killed.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Crime 101 is based on a novella by Don Winslow.
Crime 101 checks all the boxes – excellent story and direction plus a great cast.
Crime 101 (2026) rates 5 of 5 stars
“The Descent” Alt Poster by Juan Ramos!
Like Juan Ramos (who created this alt poster), I am a fan of The Descent. Ramos said he created this piece to “celebrate one of horror’s most claustrophobic, brutal, and unforgettable journeys”.
Mission accomplished!
“Hey, there’s something down here…” – Holly
Bring Back The Black Terror by Beau Smith, Charles Dixon & Dan Brereton!
That’s the Black Terror by Dan Brereton. He’s the protagonist of The Black Terror limited series that he and writers Beau Smith and Charles Dixon created in 1989 for Eclipse Comics.
That series is way overdue for a nice compilation.
“We’re No Angels” (1955) directed by Michael Curtiz, starring Humphrey Bogart, Aldo Ray and Peter Ustinov / Z-View
We’re No Angels (1955)
Director: Michael Curtiz
Screenplay: Ranald MacDougall; based on La Cuisine Des Anges by Albert Husson
Stars: Humphrey Bogart, Aldo Ray, Peter Ustinov, Joan Bennett, Basil Rathbone, Gloria Talbott and Leo G. Carroll.
Tagline: A strangler… A swindler… A safecracker… Yet you’ll love them!
The Plot…
Joseph, a thief, along with Albert and Jules who are murderers escape from the Devil’s Island French Prison. They make it to a small town where they plan to steal enough funds to make it aboard a ship for their final escape.
The convicts decide to go into a store, steal clothes and money and make their getaway. Once in the store they discover that the store is failing. The nice family running the store is on the verge of losing everything. Against their better judgment the three convicts decide to stay at the store until nightfall. While there the boys decide to fix the leaking roof… help with sales… cook the family a nice dinner and more.
The longer Joseph, Albert and Jules stay the less likely they are to getaway. The clock is ticking.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
We’re No Angels is based on the French play La cuisine des anges (The Angels’ Kitchen) by Albert Husson. Interestingly enough, there was a Broadway play, My Three Angels by Sam and Bella Spewack which was was also based on the French play. The Spewacks sued Paramount because parts of their play were incorporated into the movie without proper permission or payment.
We’re No Angels (1955) rates 3 of 5 stars
“Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” Season 4 – The Teaser is Here!
The first teaser for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 4 is here.
Deal me in!
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 4 premieres 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.
