Marv by Dave Cortes!
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 painted sculpture by Dave Cortes.
“Dark Side of the Ring”: Season 2 / Z-View
Dark Side of the Ring: Season 2 (2020)
Created by: Evan Husney, Jason Eisener
Director: Jason Eisener
Stars: Chris Jericho, Jim Ross, Dean Malenko, Vickie Guerrero, James E. Cornette, Chavo Guerrero Jr., Steve Austin, Vince Russo, Bruce Prichard, Sam Fatu, Don Muraco, Jimmy Hart, David Schultz, John Stossel, Hulk Hogan, Mick Foley, B. Brian Blair, Joe Laurinaitis, Paul Ellering, Nikita Koloff and Dave Meltzer.
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
Each episode of Dark Side of the Ring profiles a professional wrestler or event that has become infamous among professional wrestling insiders. Interviews with those who were there, archival footage and reenactments are used in each episode.
- Ep. 1: Benoit – Part One. Chris Benoit was a wrestling superstar. At the top of his game, Benoit had it all. A beautiful wife and wonderful 7-year-old-son, plus everything that fame and fortune could buy. From the outside life looked great. Then over a period of three days, Chris Benoit murdered his wife, his son and himself.
- Ep. 2: Benoit – Part Two. What caused Benoit to go off the rails? Steroids? Taking so many head shots in pro wrestling? Those close to the tragedy speak for the first time.
- Ep. 3: The Life and Crimes of New Jack. Jerome Young aka New Jack was a wrestler known for his extreme antics in and out of the ring. Some of New Jack’s stunts resulted in real life charges. In one match he incorrectly “bladed” an opponent severing two of the man’s artery’s. His opponent survived after 50 stitches. New Jack was charged with aggravated assault. In another match New Jack tasered an opponent then threw him him from a 40′ scaffold. His opponent missed the tables that were to break his fall and instead landed on the top rope. New Jack said he meant to do that. There are several other incidents… like the time he stabbed an opponent with a real knife.
- Ep. 4: The Brawl for All. In 1998, Tough Man Competitions and the UFC were gaining in popularity. The WWE had legitimate roughnecks working for them. Problem was most were mid-card wrestlers. So someone came up with the idea to have real fights. Contestants would wear boxing gloves and fight in three one minute rounds. Fans hated it. Several wrestlers were hurt. And it was hard to promote – why weren’t the top level superstars competing?
- Ep. 5: Jimmy Snuka and the Death of Nancy Argentino. Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka was a pro wrestling superstar. Sadly, Snuka may have committed murder — and got away with it. On May 10, 1983, Snuka called for an ambulance. His mistress, Nancy Argentino, was severely injured. She later died from traumatic brain injuries. Autopsy findings revealed more than two dozen cuts and bruises on her head, ear, chin, arms, hands, back, buttocks, legs, and feet. The Forensic pathologist said the case should be investigated as a homicide. Snuka had previously been arrested for beating Miss Argentino. No charges were filed. Then 32 years later, Snuka was arrested and charged with third-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter for Argentino’s death. Yet, Snuka never stood trial.
- Ep. 6: The Assassination of Dino Bravo. Dino Bravo was a popular pro wrestler in Canada before branching out to other organizations. Bravo always did well in the ring during his twenty-two year career. But outside the ring, things went south. At the age of 44, Bravo was found dead from eleven gunshots to the head and torso. His murderer(s) were never caught.
- Ep. 7: David Schultz: The Slap Heard Round the World. These days everyone knows that pro wrestling is sports entertainment. For decades that wasn’t the case. Wrestlers and promoters went out of their way to make sure that professional wrestling was thought of as “real”. On December 28, 1984, 20/20 reporter John Stossel was backstage at a Madison Square Garden event. Stossel approached David “Dr. D” Schultz with the cameras rolling and started an interview. Stossel told Schultz he thought wrestling was fake. Schultz responded by slapping Stossel hard in the head. When Stossel got up, visibly shaken, Schultz gave him another slap which again knocked him down. Stossel sued. Schultz was fired. Schultz said that he hit Stossel at the direction of Vince McMahon. This is the story of those slaps and the aftermath.
- Ep. 8: Cocaine & Cowboy Boots: The Herb Abrams Story. Herb Abrams called himself Mr. Electricity. Abrams had a plan to build a wrestling organization that would rival the WWE. He even got a million dollars to produce a weekly wrestling show. Sadly things went south. Before Abrams died police found him in his New York City office nude, covered in baby oil, and destroying his office furniture with a baseball bat.
- Ep. 9: The Last Ride of the Road Warriors. The Road Warriors were one of the most popular tag teams of their generation. Legitimate tough guys, they were popular with fans everywhere. At the top of their game, things started to unravel. Alcohol and substance abuse by one would bring both down.
- EP. 10: The Final Days of Owen Hart. Owen Hart came from the Hart Wrestling Dynasty. Stu Hart was Owen’s father and Bret Hart, his brother. On May 23rd 1999, Owen was to make a dramatic and comedic entrance to the ring. He was to be lowered from the rafters. Then Owen would dangle a few feet above the ring as if he couldn’t get released. Sadly, the stunt went wrong. Owen was released from the harness while still eighty feet in the air. He fell to his death. Owen’s widow and others discuss the mistakes made.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Dark Side of the Ring is must-see viewing for fans of professional wrestling. Even if you think you know the stories covered, new information and insights are presented.
Dark Side of the Ring: Season 2 (2020) rates 5 of 5 stars
Tex Willer: The Convicts by Massimo Carnevale.
I love this cover art (without the cover dressing) for Tex Willer: The Convicts by Massimo Carnevale. Hope you do as well.
“Unforgiven” (1992) directed and starring Clint Eastwood; co-starring Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman and Richard Harris / Z-View
Unforgiven (1992)
Director: Clint Eastwood
Screenplay: David Webb Peoples
Stars: Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman, Richard Harris, Jaimz Woolvett,
Frances Fisher, Anna Thomson, David Mucci, Rob Campbell, Anthony James, Beverley Elliott, Liisa Repo-Martell, Shane Thomas Meier and Saul Rubinek.
Tagline: It’s a hell of a thing, killing a man
The Plot…
The year is 1880. Will Munny is having a hard go of it. His wife died three years ago leaving Will to raise two young children on his own. At one time Will was a dangerous man. An outlaw. He made his living with his gun. Will did many things that he’s not proud of. But he changed all that for his wife. Will gave up the drinking and evil ways to become a farmer. He’s nowhere near as good with a plow as he was with a gun.
One day a young man shows up. He calls himself The Schofield Kid. He claims to be an experienced bounty hunter. The Kid says that he’s after a $1,000 bounty and could use some help. He knows Munny’s reputation with a gun. Says he’ll split the bounty 50-50. All they need to do is ride to Big Whiskey and bring in a couple of cowboys.
Will initially turns down the offer. Then realizes that he’s not making it as a farmer. His share of the bounty would go a long way in providing for his kids. But Will’s older now and hasn’t fired a gun in years. So Will recruits his old crime partner, Ned Logan to join in. Ned is older now. He too gave up the life and settled down… but the chance to ride with Will again (and his share of the bounty) is enough to get him on board.
Will, Ned and The Schofield Kid ride for Big Whiskey. Little do they know that their biggest problem won’t be earning the bounty. Big Whiskey is run by a crooked, sadistic Sheriff named “Little Bill” Daggett. When Will, Ned and the Kid find themselves on the wrong side of Sheriff Daggett, it becomes clear they’re overmatched.
And it is too late to just ride away.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Unforgiven was nominated for nine 1993 Academy Awards and won four…
- Nominee for Best Sound – Les Fresholtz, Vern Poore, Dick Alexander, Rob Young
- Nominee for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration – Henry Bumstead, Janice Blackie-Goodine
- Nominee for Best Cinematography – Jack N. Green
- Nominee for Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen – David Webb Peoples
- Nominee for Best Actor in a Leading Role – Clint Eastwood
- Winner for Best Film Editing – Joel Cox
- Winner for Best Director – Clint Eastwood
- Winner for Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Gene Hackman
- Winner for Best Picture – Clint Eastwood
Clint Eastwood had the movie rights for quite a while before making the movie. He felt he needed to be the right age to play Will Munny.
Eastwood not only directed and starred in the movie, but he also wrote the film’s main theme.
Jaimz Woolvett who plays The Schofield Kid, is in his feature film debut.
Unforgiven has my favorite Gene Hackman role.
Unforgiven (1992) rates 5 of 5 stars
“Jurassic World: Rebirth” (2025) starring Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali / Z-View
Jurassic World: Rebirth (2025)
Director: Gareth Edwards
Screenplay: David Koepp; based on characters by Michael Crichton
Stars: Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Luna Blaise, David Iacono, Audrina Miranda, Bechir Sylvain, Ed Skrein, Lucy Thackeray, Billy Smith and Jonny Lavelle.
Tagline: A new era is born.
The Plot…
Martin Krebs, an executive at ParkerGenix, offers Zora Bennett two million dollars to head a dangerous expedition. If Zora accepts, her team will go to an abandoned dinosaur research laboratory located on a remote island somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean. The island was deserted when experiments to mutate dinosaurs got out of hand. Several scientists were killed and the dinosaurs escaped. Now the mutated creatures thrive on the island. It is illegal for anyone to go there.
ParkerGenix scientists believe that dinosaur DNA holds the key to a cure for heart disease. Zora accepts the offer. She recruits fellow mercenaries Duncan Kincaid, LeClerc, Nina and Bobby Atwater. Martin Krebs from ParkerGenix and paleontologist Dr. Henry Loomis will round out the team.
Their mission is to sneak onto the island, locate the three dinosaur species, retrieve DNA from each and get back alive. It won’t be easy.
The mission is made even more difficult when nearing the island, they receive and SOS from a sinking sail boat. They arrive in time to save a father, his young daughter, his grown daughter and her boyfriend. Because they are so close to the island, and the clock is ticking, they have no choice but to bring the survivors along.
As their boat nears the island, it is attacked by several Spinosaurus dinosaurs. Several crew members are knocked overboard. The craft is driven ashore but now useless. Those that make it to the island alive will have to survive 24 hours. At that point a rescue helicopter will circle and attempt to pick up survivors.
Getting through the 24 hours alive will be difficult enough. Attempting to complete their mission is still a goal.
The clock is ticking.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
This is the only Jurassic Park sequel to feature all new characters.
Jonathan Bailey who plays Dr. Henry Loomis, can also be heard playing clarinet in several orchestral tracks of the film’s score. Baily also performs the solo heard when his character first touches a dinosaur.
There are plenty of scares and intense scenes as expected.
There is a baby dinosaur that appears throughout the film once the team gets on the island. Its inclusion seemed out of place to me unless they were shooting a children’s movie. Yeah, it is cute, but for me seemed so out of place.
Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo are excellent.
Jurassic World: Rebirth (2025) rates 3 of 5 stars
Evan Bryce Cranston Presents Rambo, Ghost Rider, Batman and Blue Beetle!
I’ve been a fan Evan Bryce Cranston aka artgantuan’s art for years. This is one of his sketchbook pages. I don’t own it, but I wanted to share it. We have Ghost Rider, Batman, Blue Beetle and Rambo!
Sly Stallone as Jack Carter is a Wanted Man by Steve Bryant!
I’m a fan of Steve Bryant’s art. So it’s a no-brainer to subscribe to his free newsletter. Earlier this year Steve posted a commission of Val Kilmer as Doc Holiday from Tombstone. Doc was standing in front of a wanted poster — for him. I loved it.
Not long before that I saw that Ralph Meyer had the same idea with his Undertaker character.
Of course that got me thinking that it would be cool to see Jack Carter in the same situation. When I approached Steve with the idea, he loved it. And man, did he come through like a champ.
I got to meet Steve at HeroesCon 2025, where I picked up the art. It looks even better in person. I am also happy to say that Steve is as cool a person as he is good an artist. There will be more Steve Bryant Stallone pieces in my collection in the future!
“Silverado” (1985) directed by Lawrence Kasdan, starring Kevin Kline, Scott Glenn, Kevin Costner, Danny Glover and Brian Dennehy / Z-View
Silverado (1985)
Director: Lawrence Kasdan
Screenplay: Lawrence Kasdan, Mark Kasdan
Stars: Kevin Kline, Scott Glenn, Kevin Costner, Danny Glover, Brian Dennehy, Linda Hunt, Jeff Goldblum, Rosanna Arquette, Joe Seneca, Jeff Fahey, Marvin J. McIntyre, Brad Leland, Sheb Wooley, Jonathan Kasdan, Todd Allen, Bill Thurman, Meg Kasdan, Dick Durock, Gene Hartline, Jake Kasdan and John Cleese.
Tagline: A dangerous place, in a lawless time… ‘Til four friends risked all to make things right.
The Plot…
Four strangers, Emmett an ex-con, Paden a former outlaw, Jake a slow-witted fast gunslinger and Mal a drifter meet on the road to Silverado. Along the way they will have adventures and become friends.
In Silverado, Paden learns that one of his crime partners, Cobb is Sheriff. Cobb has a sweet deal. Not only is Cobb the Sheriff, but he also owns the bar and runs the town for Mr. McKendrick. McKendrick is owner of the biggest ranch in the area. Nothing happens in Silverado without McKendrick’s okay. McKendrick also holds a grudge against Emmett, Jake and Mal. He wants them dead.
Paden is going to have to make a choice. Cobb has offered him a sweet deal. All he has to do is nothing. Just standby and watch his friends be gunned down.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Silverado was nominated for two 1986 Academy Awards…
- Nominee for Best Music, Original Score – Bruce Broughton
- Nominee for Best Sound – Donald O. Mitchell, Rick Kline, Kevin O’Connell, David M. Ronne
Silverado features Jeff Fahey’s feature film debut.
Kevin Kline, Scott Glenn, Kevin Costner and Danny Glover were perfectly cast. The four had great chemistry. Brian Dennehy made a great villain — a bad guy, but very likable. It was nice seeing Linda Hunt, Jeff Goldblum, Rosanna Arquette, Joe Seneca, Jeff Fahey, John Cleese and Sheb Wooley appear.
If the box office had been better there could have been a sequel. Sadly it was not to be.
Silverado is an under-rated gem. If you’re a western fan, Silverado checks all the right boxes.
Silverado (1985) rates 5 of 5 stars
Kurt Brugel Gets Carter!
Kurt Brugel is a freelance artist. When I saw he was taking commissions for quick studies, I jumped on board for a few. Here we have his take on Sly Stallone as Jack Carter from Get Carter. Brugel nailed it. I’m glad I, uh, got Carter.
“Species” (1995) starring Natasha Henstridge, Michael Madsen, Ben Kingsley, Alfred Molina, Forest Whitaker and Marg Helgenberger / Z-View
Species (1995)
Director: Roger Donaldson
Screenplay: Dennis Feldman
Stars: Natasha Henstridge, Michael Madsen, Ben Kingsley, Alfred Molina, Forest Whitaker, Marg Helgenberger, Jordan Lund, Don Fischer, Virginia Morris, Esther Scott, William Utay, Roger Donaldson and Whip Hubley.
Tagline: For three million years, the human race has been at the top of the evolutionary ladder. Nothing lasts forever
The Plot…
SETI (Search for ExtraTerrestrial Intelligence) scientists are elated when they receive a transmission. The message contains alien DNA. So the government funds a laboratory to splice the DNA with that of female human. Scientists are shocked when the baby “girl” begins growing at a rapid rate. They name the child Sil.
Within a short time Sil is the size of a pre-teen. Super smart and strong, the scientists become concerned when Sil displays violent outbursts while sleeping. The decision is made to terminate Sil before she reaches full strength. When the execution fails Sil escapes. Soon she will reach adulthood. At that point, she will be infinitely more dangerous.
The government pulls together a team that includes anthropologist Dr. Stephen Arden, molecular biologist Dr. Laura Baker, “empath” Dan Smithson, and mercenary Preston “Press” Lennox. They are to track and kill SIL. A backup squad will be on standby to assist.
The clock is ticking.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Sil was designed by Swiss artist H. R. Giger. Giger also designed the creatures in Alien. Giger created the “nightmare train” effects used when Sil is dreaming. Interestingly enough, Giger had been attached to an alien on a train film titled Isobar. Isobar was to star Sylvester Stallone, but the film was never made due to Carolco Pictures’ financial troubles.
Species features the theatrical movie debut of Natasha Henstridge who played Sil.
Dennis Feldman, Species screenwriter, followed up with a four-issue comic book adaptation drawn by Jon Foster as well as two alternate comic book continuations: Species: Human Race and a one-shot Species: Offspring. Feldman also wrote the sequel film, Species II.
Arnold Schwarzenegger reportedly showed interest in the script but moved on due to budget restrictions.
I loved the idea of the team of diverse talents that included an empath.
Species (1995) rates 4 of 5 stars
“Night of the Living Dead” Alt Poster by Rafał Rola!
One of my all-time favorite horror movies, Night of the Living Dead gets an alt poster by Rafał Rola.
“The Last of Us” Season 2 (2025) starring Pedro Pascal & Bella Ramsey / Z-View
The Last of Us: Season 2 (2025)
Created by: Craig Mazin, Neil Druckmann; based on The Last of Us by Naughty Dog
Teleplay by: Craig Mazin (episodes 1-5); Neil Druckmann & Halley Gross & Craig Mazin (episodes 6-7)
Directed by: Craig Mazin (episode 1); Mark Mylod (episode 2); Peter Hoar (episode 3); Kate Herron (episode 4); Stephen Williams (episode 5); Neil Druckmann (episode 6); Nina Lopez-Corrado (episodes 7)
Stars: Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Gabriel Luna, Isabela Merced, Young Mazino, Kaitlyn Dever, Rutina Wesley, Robert John Burke, Tati Gabrielle, Ariela Barer, Danny Ramirez, Catherine O’Hara, Alanna Ubach, Hettienne Park, Tony Dalton, Joe Pantoliano and Jeffrey Wright.
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
Five years have passed since the events of season one. Although Joel and Ellie have settled in to the Jackson Hole community, some event radically changed their relationship. As the series progresses we will discover the cause. Also, something so tragically unexpected will happen that will change the trajectory of the series.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
The Last of Us is based on the popular video game of the same name. I’ve never played it and didn’t know the story ahead of seeing the show.
Every episode contains twists, but none as brutal as in the second episode.
The characters are well cast and well played. Of course not enough can be said about Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey. They are supported by an amazing supporting cast. Standouts include Gabriel Luna, Isabela Merced, Young Mazino, Kaitlyn Dever, Tony Dalton, Joe Pantoliano and Jeffrey Wright.
I’ve never seen a lead character that has irritated me as much as Ellie did in season two.
Season two’s ending leaves me with questions. Since I haven’t played the game or know the story, I’m interested to see what happens in season 3.
The Last of Us: Season 2 (2025) earns 4 of 5 stars.
Rocky Balboa with a Dandy Win by Dee Fish!
I met Dee Fish at a Florida con (not sure which one) over 20 years ago. Dee was doing a strip called Dandy and Friends. That’s Dandy in the corner after a bout with Rocky. This was my first Dee Fish sketch. You can see the second here.
Sly Stallone as Deke DaSilva from “Nighthawks” by Dan Brereton!
I’ve been a Dan Brereton fan since I first saw his work in The Black Terror decades ago. [Someone should publish a nice trade edition of The Black Terror, but we’ll save that for another post.]
When I was lucky enough to get on Dan’s sketch list in 2003. I asked him to pick the Stallone character he’d like to draw. As you can see he chose Deke DaSilva from Nighthawks. Awesome choice to go with Dan Brereton‘s awesome art.
“Bullet to the Head” (2012) directed by Walter Hill, starring Sylvester Stallone, Jason Momoa, Christian Slater and Sung Kang / Z-View
Bullet to the Head (2012)
Director: Walter Hill
Screenplay: Alessandro Camon; based on the comic Du plomb dans la tête by Matz
Stars: Sylvester Stallone, Jason Momoa, Christian Slater, Sung Kang, Sarah Shahi, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Holt McCallany, Brian Van Holt, Weronika Rosati, Dane Rhodes, Marcus Lyle Brown and Jon Seda.
Tagline: Revenge never gets old.
The Plot…
James Bonomo, a.k.a. Jimmy Bobo, and Louis Blanchard are hitmen hired to take out a dirty cop named Hank Greely. After the successful mission, an attempt is made on Bobo and Blanchard by a large killer. Blanchard is murdered, but Bobo survives.
Washington Police Detective Taylor Kwon is sent to investigate the execution of Hank Greely. When corrupt cops attempt to kill Kwon, he is saved by Jimmy Bobo. Kwon’s a police officer and Bobo is a killer. Neither trusts the other, but Bobo and Kwon will have to work together if they want to survive.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Bullet to the Head is based on the French comic Du Plomb Dans La Tête (“Lead in the Head”).
Wayne “Running Scared” (2006) Kramer was originally set to direct. He dropped out because he wanted a darker film than Sly Stallone. Stallone then reached out to Walter Hill.
Thomas Jane was originally set to play the cop who teams with Jimmy Bobo. Producer Joel Silver wanted a more “ethic” actor to increase overseas sales. Jane was replaced by Sung Kang.
Sly Stallone’s character’s name is James “Jimmy Bobo” Bonomo. In the film Oscar, Stallone’s gangster character says that he once worked with James “Jumpin’ Jimmy” Bonomo.
Bullet to the Head (2012) rates 4 of 5 stars
