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 making him more confident and stronger.
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.
“Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” (1941) starring Spencer Tracy, Ingrid Berman & Lana Turner / Z-View
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1941)
Director: Victor Fleming
Screenplay: John Lee Mahin, Percy Heath, Samuel Hoffenstein; based on STRANGE CASE OF DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE by Robert Louis Stevenson
Stars: Spencer Tracy, Ingrid Bergman, Lana Turner, Donald Crisp, Ian Hunter, Barton MacLane, Frederick Worlock, Lumsden Hare, Lawrence Grant and Forrester Harvey.
Tagline: Do you have secret longings that you dare not reveal? If you do, it’s the Mr. Hyde in you – and you can find out all about him from M-G-M’s fascinating, revealing film!
The Plot…
1887. Dr. Jekyll and Beatrix Emery are in love and wish to be married. Beatrix’s father is not happy with the relationship. To delay the marriage Beatrix’s dad takes her on a prolonged trip out of country.
Meanwhile Dr. Henry Jekyll continues his experiments to separate the good and evil in humans. With Beatrix gone, Jekyll decides to ingest his serum himself. It works by changing Dr. Jekyll’s appearance and personality. He’s no longer a calm and kind person. Now he’s become harsh, crude and sadistic. Jekyll takes to calling himself Mr. Hyde when he’s under the influence of his serum.
Late one night Hyde saves Ivy Peterson from an attacker as she is walking home. This leads to Hyde becoming infatuated with Ivy… in an unhealthy relationship. As time passes Jekyll spends more and more time as Hyde. Hyde’s behavior becomes more outrageous as he gets into bar fights and instigates mayhem. His behavior with Ivy also takes a turn for the worst.
Soon Beatrix will return…
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Because of the Hays Code Ivy’s profession was changed from a prostitute to a barmaid.
Spencer Tracy had hoped to play Hyde without use of make-up, but ultimately it was decided to use some. Even still, the transformation from Jekyll to Hyde isn’t enough to make it believable that Jekyll wouldn’t be recognized.
Spencer Tracy also wanted the roles of Beatrix and Ivy to be played by the same actress. Just as Tracy’s Jekyll and Hyde were the two sides (good and bad) of the same person, Beatrix and Ivy would be the female version.
Neither Beatrix nor Ivy appear in Robert Louis Stevenson’s novella. They first appear in the stage play adapted by T.R. Sullivan.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1941) is basically a remake of the 1931 Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Sadly, the remake falls far short of the original which was nominated for three Academy Awards, winning one. Part of the problem is the Hays Code and part is that the transformation from Jekyll to Hyde is lacking.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1941) rates 3 of 5 stars
Rocky Balboa vs Alfred E. Neuman by Jack Rickard!
The art above is Jack Rickard’s painting that was used as the cover for MAD #194 released in October 1977. Sly owned and proudly displayed the original for many years.
Source: Heritage Auctions.
Sly Stallone is Jack Carter by Rags Morales!
Sly Stallone is Jack Carter by Rags Morales!
I was able to get this awesome piece through a mail order commission. It was one of my best commission experiences ever. I was kept in regular communication as to my place on Rags list and the progress of the completed piece. It was mailed in secure packaging… and of course the piece itself is a beaut.
TRUTH TO POWER: A LUKE CAGE MARVEL CRIME NOVEL by S.A. Cosby!
One of my favorite authors is S.A. Cosby. I highly recommend everything he’s written. Anyway, I was doing a search to see if Cosby’s next book had been announced. It has. I was surprised to find out it’s the third book in the Marvel Crime novel series. I wasn’t even aware that there was a Marvel Crime novel series.
Ah, but there is.
Here’s the lowdown on S.A. Cosby’s TRUTH TO POWER: A LUKE CAGE MARVEL CRIME NOVEL…
Luke Cage plays detective and super hero when he uncovers a conspiracy turning vulnerable Americans into unwitting pawns of a madman.
New York Times bestselling author S. A. Cosby (KING OF ASHES) writes an original crime novel starring Harlem’s unbreakable hero for the Marvel Crime thriller series for adult readers.
With advanced cybernetics showing up in the possession of low-level criminals, Luke Cage is hired to investigate a factory manufacturing medical devices in rural Virginia. Leaving Jessica Jones during a delicate moment in their relationship, he makes plans to travel south but is devastated to learn that a cousin who scoped out the plant for him has been found dead. The police report states it was an accident. But Luke has long known that official words are just that: words.
Fueled by guilt and vengeance, Luke arrives in Virginia and promises his aunt he’ll get to the bottom of things. But danger lurks in every living room, barroom, and country road of Majestic, and the local sheriff’s barely concealed prejudices are ready to boil to the surface. Even ordinary people seem to have no qualms about testing their might against the hero from New York City.
As Luke uncovers a conspiracy reaching to the county line and beyond, an persistent evil begins to take hold of the town, leaving Luke to hope that his unbreakable skin will protect him long enough to protect others and bring an end to the hate threatening to engulf the nation.
TRUTH TO POWER continues the Marvel Crime series that began with Lisa Jewell’s BREAKING THE DARK and Alex Segura’s ENEMY OF MY ENEMY. Bringing fans into a grittier, street-level side of the Marvel Universe, Marvel Crime novels build on one another but can be enjoyed as stand-alone reads and will thrill even those new to the Marvel Universe.
TRUTH TO POWER: A LUKE CAGE MARVEL CRIME NOVEL Hardcover
TRUTH TO POWER: A LUKE CAGE MARVEL CRIME NOVEL Kindle
TRUTH TO POWER drops on September 22, 2026.
Wolverine by Rudy Ao!
I love this Wolverine by Rudy Ao. I’ll bet you do as well.
“Cross” Season 2 (2026) starring Aldis Hodge / Z-View
Cross: Season 2 (2026)
Created by: Ben Watkins; based on the ALEX CROSS novels by James Patterson
Director:
- Craig Siebels (Eps. 9-10)
- Stacey Muhammad (Eps. 11-12)
- R.T. Thorne (Eps. 13-14)
- Tiffany K. Guillen (Ep. 15)
- Edward Ornelas (Ep. 16)
Teleplay:
- Ben Watkins & Marissa Lee (Ep. 9)
- Jim Dunn (Ep. 10)
- J. David Shanks (Ep. 11)
- Sonja Perryman (Ep. 12)
- Alexandra Salerno (Ep. 13)
- Ron McCants (Ep. 14)
- Sam Ernst (Ep. 15)
- Ben Watkins & Aiyana White (Ep. 16)
Stars: Aldis Hodge, Isaiah Mustafa, Juanita Jennings, Alona Tal, Samantha Walkes, Caleb Elijah, Melody Hurd, Jennifer Wigmore, Eloise Mumford, Ryan Eggold, Stacie Greenwell, Sharon Taylor, Karen Robinson, Mercedes de la Zerda, Siobhan Murphy and Johnny Ray Gill.
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
D.C. Detective Alex Cross (Hodge) and (his best friend since childhood) Detective John Sampson (Mustafa) are placed on a task force to find a serial killer who has threatened to kill billionaire Lance Durand and is systematically murdering Durand’s business associates. The killer leaves clues and collects fingers of the victims.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Cross benefits from a great cast. Standouts are Aldis Hodge, Isaiah Mustafa (who plays my favorite character), Ryan Eggold and Johnny Ray Gill (who is a scene-stealer).
I am looking forward to season 3.
Cross: Season 2 (2026) rates 4 of 5 stars.
“28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” (2026) written by Alex Garland; directed by Nia DaCosta; starring Ralph Fiennes, Jack O’Connell and Alfie Williams / Z-View
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (2026)
Director: Nia DaCosta
Screenplay: Alex Garland
Stars: Ralph Fiennes, Jack O’Connell, Alfie Williams, Erin Kellyman, Chi Lewis-Parry, Maura Bird, Robert Rhodes, Emma Laird, Sam Locke and David Sterne.
Tagline: Fear is the new faith.
The Plot…
At the end of 28 Years Later Spike was saved from a zombie horde by Jimmy Crystal and his followers. Spike feels lucky until it becomes clear Jimmy Crystal is psycho Satan-worshipper. Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal, as he calls himself, feels he is part of Satan’s plan in this zombie-plagued world. To that end, the terrorize, mutilate and kill any people they come across… unless the are able to become one of Sir Lord Crystal’s followers.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ian Kelson has made progress with his work to find a cure for the rage virus. If successful, it could mean a chance to free the world of the rage virus’ effects.
When Jimmy Crystal spots Dr. Ian in the distance, Sir Lord decides he and his followers will pay the good doctor a visit.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
The final scenes of 28 Years Later had a comic bent that seemed out of place. I was worried that 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple would have the same feel. I shouldn’t have been concerned. We learn that Jimmy Crystal and his followers are nothing to laugh about.
While I enjoyed 28 Years Later and 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, both fell short of 28 Days Later (which I consider a classic). With that said, I think both 28 Years Later and Bone Temple work better when viewed as a whole.
There’s a scene at the end of Bone Temple that could set up the next movie in the franchise. I hope that that film gets made.
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (2026) rates 4 of 5 stars
