District 9 Poster
The new poster for “District 9” is starting to pop-up around the web. I sure hope this movie lives up to my medium-high expectations! This poster does at least.
Happy Birthday, Sly!
Happy 63rd Birthday to Sylvester Stallone! Just one question, “Where do you keep the time machine?”
Scotty Shumaker’s Rambo
This week’s piece is Sly as Rambo by Scotty Schumaker. I’d been following Scotty’s work at his Deviant Art site for a while, so when he offered up sketch commissions, I had to jump on board. Scotty was great through the whole process, keeping us all informed on where he was on his posted commission list. He sent the art in a package that a tank couldn’t have destroyed.
Thanks to Scotty for a wonderful commission experience.
Happy 4th of July!
I want to wish everyone a happy 4th of July. If you’re in the USA, it’s Independence Day, if you’re not in the states, feel free to celebrate anyway. Just remember, don’t eat or drink too much and if you plan on playing with fireworks, be sure not to blow up any pets or family members. Other than that, have at it.
Cousin, It Ain’t My Bidness
IMPAwards.com has four new character posters for Tarantino’s “Inglourious Basterds”. I like ’em all, but this one is my favorite. They really should have written “business” as “bidness” though.
CNN Michael Jackson Video
CNN.com has posted video of Michael Jackson rehearsing with dancers during a June 23rd session at the Staples Center. In that one minute and 34 seconds, we can see just how magical it was when MJ was on stage. Anyone doubt that when the rehearsal tapes are released on dvd, they’ll shoot straight to number 1… as will the CD?
Alexis Arguello & Karl Malden – R.I.P.
Alexis Arguello and Karl Malden passed on today.
Alexis Arguello, who was a champion in three weight divisions, died at the age of 57 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Arguello, was a charismatic champion who compiled an amazing 82 – 8 record before finally retiring in 1995. Although Arguello never lost a fight 130 pounds he is best known for his first brutal and controversial war against Aaron Pryor in 1982. Arguello moved up in weight with the hope of being the first champion in four weight divisions. Pryor won the fight by knocking out Arguello in the 14th round of the epic fight which had seen both fighters taking and giving as good as they were getting. Arguello seemed to be gaining the advantage, but in the respite before the 14th round, Pryor’s trainer, Panama Lewis, called for a specific water bottle — “the one I mixed” — the mysterious drink seemed to revive Pryor who went on to win. The fight against Pryor was voted Fight of the Year and Fight of the Decade by Ring magazine. Arguello fought for 13 more years and remained a popular figure after leaving the squared circle. He appeared in commercials, carried his country’s flag in the Olympics and was currently the mayor of Managua, the capital of Nicaragua.
Karl Malden, 97, died today from natural causes. An Oscar winner for Best Supporting Actor in 1951 for his role in “A Streetcar Named Desire” which starred Marlon Brando. Malden also appeared with Brando in “On the Waterfront” and “One-Eyed Jacks” as well as several dozen movies without him. Malden had a five year run with Michael Douglas in the popular “Streets of San Francisco” tv series which ran from 1972 – 1977.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families, friends and fans of Alexis Arguello and Karl Malden.
“Carriers”
I’m a sucker for movies about a small band of folks working to survive against insurmountable odds. This trailer and especially this trailer for “Carriers” makes it look like it will fit the bill.
More Collected Chaykin Goodness
It’s no secret that I’m a huge Howard Chaykin fan. It’s also no secret that Chaykin’s classic American Flagg series is being reprinted in nice hardcover editions. What I didn’t know until reading this interview with Chaykin at Newsarama today, is that Power and Glory, Black Kiss and Midnight Men are going to be collected and reprinted in their own hardcover editions!
The Nocturnals Together Again
CBR.com caught up with Dan Brereton and he gives us the lowdown on the Nocturnals collected editions. I dig the Nocturnals, but would really love to see Dan’s work on The Black Terror reprinted in a nice hardcover.
Oh Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes!
The new International trailer for “Inglourious Basterds”, like Harry @ AICN says, “is the first trailer that I feel conveys the sort of vibe I am expecting from the film.” From Harry’s keyboard to Quentin in the editing room, I say.
Catching Up with Andrew Robinson
Newsarama.com has a nice little interview with Andrew Robinson that’s worth a look!
Michael Jackson – RIP
It’s still hard to believe that Michael Jackson died today. He was only 50 years old and in preparation for a new tour. At first it was thought that perhaps MJ had gone too far in his rehearsals and was exhausted, but when word kept coming out that he died, we knew at the very least the situation was grave.
Unfortunately for some, the bizarre behavior of Michaeal Jackson’s later years, and the allegations of child abuse will overshadow his accomplishments in the entertainment industry. But most will remember the first time they heard a Michael Jackson song that made them move [even if they couldn’t dance a lick]. they’ll remember the Michael Jackson song that made them smile when everything was going wrong, or the first time that they saw him moonwalk, or the video that they kept rewinding to watch again.
That’s the Michael Jackson I want to remember. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and fans.
Evan Bryce’s Stallone
I’m a big Evan Bryce fan. I’ve been following his work for a few years now and we’ve become friends via the internet.
When I saw that Evan was going to be at this year’s Heroes Convention, I knew that I’d want to get a sketch from him to go with my other two. We talked and Evan asked what character I wanted. I told him it was his choice and handed him the reference photos. I had high expectations for what Evan would come up with. He exceeded them all.
Evan is an exciting artist and one to keep an eye on. You can see more of his work at his blog or his Deviant Art site. Plan to spend a while.
Farrah Fawcett – R.I.P.
Farrah Fawcett passed away today at the age of 62 after a long battle with cancer.
Although best known as a 70’s sex symbol, Farrah actually started working in commercials and bit parts in television in the late 60’s. Anyone besides me old enough to remember her 1973 commercial with Joe Namath? Then in September of 1976, and the premiere of Charlie’s Angels, Farrah shot to superstardom. The show was a hit and Farrah was the fan favorite angel. Her poster sold millions of copies and became a 70’s icon. Farrah stayed with the series for just one year before leaving to try her hand at movies. Although her theatrical movies didn’t do well [I do remember liking “Saturn 3” with Kirk Douglas], she continued to be a fan favorite.
In 1984, Farrah earned an Emmy nomination for “The Burning Bed”. She would earn two more before her career was over [“Small Sacrifices” and “The Guardian”]. In 1995, at the age of 48, Farrah posed nude for Playboy. It became the best selling issue of the decade.
The last few years had been tough ones for Farrah as she struggled to beat the cancer that ultimately took her life. Farrah has passed on, but her icon status will be outlive most of us. Growing up in the late 60’s and 70’s, Farrah Fawcett was our Marilyn Monroe.
Our thoughts go out to her family, friends and fans.
