10 Things Dr. McCoy is Not
Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy is known for his two signature lines: 1] “He’s dead, Jim!” and 2] “I’m a doctor, not a ____ (fill in the blank). With that said, I present, 10 Things Dr. Leonard McCoy is Not.
The Uncanny X-Men 100 Project
The Adam Kubert cover is my favorite from the Heroes Initiative Uncanny X-Men 100 Project.
The Heroes Initiative is an organization that…
…creates a financial safety net for comic creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. Since inception, the Hero Initiative has been fortunate enough to benefit more than 50 creators and their families with over $950,000 worth of much-needed aid, fueled by your contributions! It’s a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment.
One of the cool fundraising ideas that the Heroes Initiative came up with was the Uncanny X-Men 100 Project. Heroes Initiative in collaboration with Marvel Comics got over 100 artists to create an original X-Men cover on specially printed blank Uncanny X-Men #12 covers. The original art was then auctioned off with the proceeds going to the Hero Initiative. In additional the 100+ pieces were collected in special edition hard and trade paperback books again with the proceeds going to support the Hero Initiative.
You can see all 100+ pieces of X-Men art here. You can purchase a hardcover or a softcover (and help support the Heroes Initiative).
Spielberg Making Order Out of Chaos
Nerdwriter has created a really interesting and spot-on breakdown of how Steven Spielberg broke down the taking of the beach scene in Saving Private Ryan. Definitely worth a look.
The Hellboy 100 Project
The Dan Bereton Hellboy cover is my favorite from the Heroes Initiative Hellboy 100 Project.
The Heroes Initiative is an organization that…
…creates a financial safety net for comic creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. Since inception, the Hero Initiative has been fortunate enough to benefit more than 50 creators and their families with over $950,000 worth of much-needed aid, fueled by your contributions! It’s a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment.
One of the cool fundraising ideas that the Heroes Initiative came up with was the Hellboy 100 Project. Heroes Initiative in collaboration with Dark Horse Comics got over 100 artists to create an original Hellboy cover on specially printed blank Hellboy and the BRPD 1952 #1 covers. The original art was then auctioned off with the proceeds going to the Hero Initiative. In additional the 100+ pieces were collected in special edition hard and trade paperback books again with the proceeds going to support the Hero Initiative.
You can see all 100+ pieces of Hellboy art here. You can purchase a hardcover or a softcover (and help support the Heroes Initiative) here.
Rob Smith’s Barney Ross
I’ve known Rob Smith Jr. for decades. In addition to being a talented artist, Rob is one of the most passionate, committed and dedicated people I’ve ever met. Rob absolutely loves the state of Florida, nature, art, politics, reading and more. Rob’s enthusiasm is contagious and he is always on the go. Another thing I admire about Rob is he doesn’t just talk about his passions, he gets actively involved.
Rob gifted me with his take on Sly as Barney Ross a few years ago and sadly it didn’t get posted until just now.
You can check out Rob’s site and learn about more of his passions!
Kevin Durand Talks Season 3 of “The Strain”
Ken W. Hanley at Fangoria recently posted Kevin Durand Talks Season 3 of The Strain.
Behind the Scenes Video of the Original Star Trek TV Series
Billy Blackburn served as a stand-in actor for DeForest Kelly and even played minor non-speaking roles on the original Star Trek tv series. Blackburn often had his Super 8 camera with him to film behind-the-scenes home movies. You can see several minutes below if you’re so inclined.
Did Zeck & Beatty Use the Force (of Will) to Make Cap to Fix His Shield
CBR.com has a regular feature that answers fans’ questions about comic books. Recently a Captain America story drawn by my buddies, Mike Zeck and John Beatty was the subject of the question: Did Captain America Once Fix His Shield Through Force of Will?
Fury (2014) / Z-View
Fury (2014)
Director: David Ayer
Screenplay: David Ayer
Stars: Brad Pitt, Shia LaBeouf, Logan Lerman, Michael Pena and Jon Bernthal.
The Pitch: “Hey, David Ayer wants to make a war movie with Brad Pitt!”
Tagline: “War never ends quietly.”
The Overview: Beware of Spoilers…
In the latter days of World War II, tank commander Don ‘Wardaddy’ Collier [Pitt] wants nothing more than to keep his highly battle-tested crew alive. Returning from a battle with a dead crew member, Collier is immediately given a raw recruit and ordered to have his tank commandos join up on a mission vital to the success of the war.
Writer / director David Ayer has brought together an excellent cast to give us a unique perspective on war — from a tank crew’s view. Although most would think that being in a tank would be one of the safest places during a battle, that was far from true. It has been said that the average life expectancy of an allied tank crew was just six weeks.
Ayer is great at creating heroes and villains that aren’t black and white and he doesn’t let us down here. Although a first glance there are several stereotypical characters, the actors chosen make them real. Ayers movies always leave the viewer with a lot to think about and Fury is no exception. Right now, I’m thinking that it might be time for another viewing.
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My Heart Broke in Hollywood by Stan Lee and Jim Steranko!
You’re usually not one to read romance comics, right? Me neither.
However, when the story is drawn by Jim Steranko (and written by Stan Lee), romance comic or not, it’s worth a look. Check out their short graphic story My Heart Broke in Hollywood and I’ll bet you agree.
Source: The Bristol Board.
American Monster #4 by Azzarello & Doe / Z-View
American Monster #4 is part of an on-going series published by Vertigo Comics.
- Writer: Brian Azzarello
- Artist: Juan Doe
- Colorist: Juan Doe
- Letterer: Juan DoeRegular
- Cover Artist: Juan Doe
*** Beware – spoilers may be found below ***
The smallest of towns oft times make for the biggest happenings… and the small burg that Theo Montclaire has decided to call home is no exception. Shotguns, betrayal, perversion and explosions. Just a few of the ingredients that make up the ass-kicking meal known as AMERICAN MONSTER.
There’s a lot going on in issue three. Felix’s gun-running gang is at odds with the Reverand’s 2nd Amendment gun-toting Christians, the honest Deputy is being told to stand down on his investigation, and Theo is making a deal for explosives and looking to buy a bar.
Azzarello and Doe continue to impress. With American Monster they’ve laid the ground work for a great on-going crime series for those wanting a story that isn’t wall to wall fights, the traditional good guys in white hats or stories that are simply told. American Monster isn’t for kids or those offended by mature language, but it is for folks who enjoy a well crafted and well drawn comic.
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Jim Thompson’s The Killer Inside Me Gets New Life with IDW
The Killer Inside Me by Jim Thompson is a classic. Written 62 years ago, The Killer Inside Me has been the subject of two film adaptations, has been a major influence on countless novelists, screenwriters, lyricists and yet has never had a comic adaptation until now.
IDW is publishing the comic adaptation of The Killer Inside Me as a comic mini-series written by Devin Faraci and illustrated by Vic Malhotra. Faraci recently spoke with Zack Smith at Newsarama about how Jim Thompson’s The Killer Inside Me Gets New Life with IDW.
If you’re at all interested in The Killer Inside Me‘s importance to the genre, influence on generations or what goes into creating a worthy adaptation, then this interview is for you!
American Monster #3 by Azzarello & Doe / Z-View
American Monster #3 is part of an on-going series published by Vertigo Comics.
- Writer: Brian Azzarello
- Artist: Juan Doe
- Colorist: Juan Doe
- Letterer: Juan DoeRegular
- Cover Artist: Juan Doe
*** Beware – spoilers may be found below ***
The war both home and abroad. The struggle between man and monster. The epic fight between good and evil. All of these battles and more waging within the soul of one man…and all in one small town.
In American Monster #3 we learn the source of Theo’s disfigurement, attend a wake and learn that Felix’s gang isn’t the only group in town with guns and a beef and more.
Azzarello and Doe are taking us on a fun ride. If you’re into crime fiction, like great writing and art then American Monster could be for you. American Monster isn’t for kids or those offended by mature language.
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Ranked the 10 Best Guillermo del Toro Monsters
Max Evry at ComingSoon.net recently Ranked the 10 Best Guillermo del Toro Monsters. I won’t quibble with the list other than to say I would have placed the Reapers from Blade II in the number one position.
American Monster #2 by Azzarello & Doe / Z-View
American Monster #2 is part of an on-going series published by Vertigo Comics.
- Writer: Brian Azzarello
- Artist: Juan Doe
- Colorist: Juan Doe
- Letterer: Juan Doe
- Regular Cover Artist: Juan Doe
*** Beware – spoilers may be found below ***
A man’s country can be both something to fight for…and to fight against. Just one of many difficult decisions punching Theo Montclair square in the face. Betrayal and rage are just some the easier emotions that Theo will suffer through on his long hard road towards redemption.
In American Monster #2 we begin to learn more about the characters and their relationships. Thanks to Deputy Downs (a honest cop?) we learn that the disfigured man is Theodore Montclaire and that he sports the same back tats as the local gang leader. And speaking of the local gang leader… somebody murdered his dog…
Azzarello and Doe are once again in top form.
American Monster isn’t for kids or those offended by mature language.
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