Craig’s Back – Where’s He Been?

Well, it’s been a while hasn’t it.

My computer crashed on the Thursday before Labor Day weekend.  I took it into the shop ( a great local place called Volusia Computers) the next morning.  What followed was a run of bad luck I haven’t seen since Big John Beatty busted out on triple aces twice in a row in a game of In-Between.

But that’s a story for another time.

The guys at Volusia Computers were great, but my computer could not be resuscitated.  We almost had it back, but then it died again.  At that point I decided to buy a refurbished, but bigger and faster computer.  It was ready for pick-up and started experiencing minor problems when they were showing me it’s features.  So for my inconvenience I was upgraded to an even better computer for a lower price.

The downside was that it took some time to get my new refurbished computer ready for me to take home.  Oh, and did I mention that while all this was going on that my big screen tv died?  It did.

FPL came out and installed a smart merter and didn’t tell us to turn off appliances.  So for a few days I was without my computer AND my big screen tv.

All is good now.  I’ve got a new tv and new (to me) computer.  Both are improvements over what I had.  So…

I’m back, baby.

Francavilla’s Black Beetle is Coming!

If, like me, you’re a fan of Francesco Francavilla’s art and stories, you’ll be happy to hear that his character the Black Beetle will premiere in his first mini-series starting in January.  It’ll be called No Way Out.

If you just can’t wait until January, this December the three part Black Beetle story, Night Shift, will be collected into a single volume.

Big congrats to Francesco!

Boatwright & Carter’s Explosive Return

Thomas Boatwright makes an explosive return with Jack Carter!

If you’d like to see more of Thomas Boatwright’s art check out his blog and his DA site. Send him some love.

If you get commissions, you should consider a piece from Thomas. He keeps you totally in the loop on his progress, finishes his commissions on or ahead of schedule, has very reasonable prices, is a fantastic artist and always gives you more than you’re expecting! – Craig

R.I.P. Neil Armstrong

Neil Armstrong, the first human to step foot on the moon, died today at the age of 82 from “complications resulting from cardiovascular procedures.”  In a statement released by his family, Mr. Armstrong was described “as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, and also as “a reluctant American hero who always believed he was just doing his job.”

Neil Armstrong was part of the historic three man crew [Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Mike Collins] that took humans to the moon for the first time.  On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first to step foot on the moon saying it was “a small step for man, a giant leap for mankind.”  Despite the opportunity that being the first person to accomplish such a historic feat provided, Mr. Armstrong remained humble and rarely stepped into the public spotlight.

Most times that you come by this blog, you’ll find me writing about fictional heroes.  Today’s post is about a true hero.

Rest in Peace, Neil Armstrong.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Armstrong’s family, friends and fans.

EW Presents a Walking Dead Sneak Peak

Although we’re still over a month and a half away from the return of AMC’s The Walking Dead, this week’s issue of Entertainment Weekly is going to give us a sneak peak at what to expect from the coming season.

From the looks of the four covers, this is going to be an issue and a season not to miss!

And a tip o’ Daryl Dixion’s crossbow arrow to CBR.com for the post.


RIP Tony Scott

Tony Scott died yesterday at the age of 68.  It has been reported that Mr. Scott had inoperable brain cancer and that was the reason he committed suicide by jumping from a bridge.

Tony Scott became a name director with Top Gun and then went on to direct hit after hit including: Beverly Hills Cop II, Revenge [under-rated!], Days of Thunder, The Last Boy Scout, True Romance, Crimson Tide and Man on Fire.

RIP Tony Scott.  Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends and fans.


Mike Torrance Takes Aim at Jack Carter

Mike Torrance aka The Krayola Kidd may have done more Jack Carter drawings than anyone else in my collection. Perhaps he enjoys drawing the character as much as I do getting the pieces.

You can see more of Mike’s art at The Daily Sketch with The Krayola Kidd (and if you’ve never checked out Mike’s site, you ought to if only to see his Walking Dead cards!) and his Deviant Art site. Mike is available for commissions and his prices are very reasonable.


Scene of the Crime

You know I’m diggin’ that Scene of the Crime cover by Michael Lark and Sean Phillips.  It’s for a new, over-sized hardcover reprint of the crime/noir graphic story that Lark and Phillips did with writer, Ed Brubaker.

Scene of the Crime will be out on November 14th, but you should let your local comic shop manager know now.

 

The Rock is Fast & Furious

Yesterday Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson tweeted this photo of himself and co-star Gina Carano from the set of Fast & Furious 6Justin Lin is returning to direct the sequel which also brings back original stars Vin Diesel, Paul Walker and Michelle Rodriguez.

Since I thought Fast 5 was the best of the series, I’m ready to buy a ticket now.