Not Your Father’s Ringo

Posted on by
Since many ZONErs are comic fans, you probably already know who Mike “Ringo” Wieringo is. For those of you who don’t…

… Mike has worked for Marvel, DC and Image Comics. He also is co-creator of the Tellos comic series with writer Todd Dezago. Mike is currently teaming with writer Mark Waid on Marvel Comics‘ Fantastic Four which continues to receive rave reviews.

What’s really cool, in addition to the comic work that Mike‘s doing, is that he has his own website. There you’ll find a bio, a gallery, and a bunch of other neat sections… but my favorite is Mike’s blog which he has been updating regularly of late.

I’m about to drop him a line and let him know how much I’m enjoying his art updates. Check out his site and you may want to do the same!

Another Welcome Rain

Posted on by

Critics have praised Barry Eisler‘s first two novels, Rain Fall and Hard Rain, calling Japanese-American John Rain, the cynical, romantic, conscientious assassin, “one of the most memorable characters in recent thrillers.”

Yeah, I’d go along with that.

In fact Eisler‘s two novels featuring John Rain have been some of the best novels that I’ve read in the last few years.

So you can imagine how much I’m looking forward to his latest, Rain Storm.

And if you’d like to take a look, just click HERE.

A Peek at Peak

Posted on by
Bob Peak. You may not know the name but I’d guarantee you know his work.

I just spent another session at his web site [always longer than intended]. I’ve seen most of his paintings many times before, but there’s just something about them that calls you back.

Peak was called the “Father of the modern movie poster” and I’ll bet that you’ll agree that at times his paintings were better than the movies they were promoting. Peak also did dozens of Time and TV Guide covers…US postage stamps… and examples of his paintings hang in the Smithsonian.

If you’d like to check out his work, click HERE. But don’t be surprised if you stay a little longer than anticipated.

Knowing Too Much…

Posted on by
As most of you know, Michael Mann and Tom Cruise are teaming on Collateral.

It’s the story of a hitman [Cruise] who hires a cab driver [Jamie Fox] to drive him to five locations in one night.

What the driver doesn’t know [at least at first] is that a hit is taking place at each stop.

The initial teaser trailer was released a few weeks ago, and while it looked interesting, I wasn’t completely sold.

The full trailer is now available, along with some more stills from the film. I’ve got to admit that NOW the movie is starting to look better. The producers have to walk a thin line in how much they show though… they need to show enough to get interest up, but if they give away too much, then no one will want to see the movie.

Knowing too much can be a bad thing. If you don’t believe me, just ask the taxi driver.

Jeb Misses the Mark

Posted on by
Since my blog is geared towards fun stuff, I usually don’t discuss politics too much. But this story was just too good not to mention.

Florida’s Governor, Jeb Bush, was speaking to a group of 200 honors students and opened it up for questions. An 18 year old student asked the Governor if he could answer an FCAT Math Question.

FCAT is the test that students are required to pass in order to get a diploma. And while I think the idea of FCAT is a good one, I do have some problems with the way its implemented… but I digress.

According to the article, “the governor gave a steely grin and then stalled a bit. “The angles would be … If I was going to guess … Three-four-five. Three-four-five. I don’t know, 125, 90 and whatever remains on 180?”

As you’ve probably already figured out, the answer was wrong.

Does that mean that the Governor is stupid? No. Does it mean that he shouldn’t be allowed to be governor? No. Does it mean that he couldn’t pass the test? No.

I don’t think that we should judge a person on the basis of one test. But that’s what they do with the FCAT.

July is Big Beatty Month

Posted on by
July looks to be a good month for Big John Beatty.

The first issue of the two issue story in Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtes is out now. Big John provided the inks over Rick Remender‘s pencils to Steve Murphy‘s story and Scott Cohn kicked in some beautiful tone work to top it all off!

I’d NEVER bought an issue of TMNT before and had it not been for the really nice job these guys did I would have let this issue sit as well. Heck, their work together is so nice, I’d have bought it even if Big J wasn’t my buddy and I wasn’t a fan of Rick‘s work. Check it out and you’ll become a fan too!

And if the issue of Tales of TMNT wasn’t enough, John has started his weekly blog. This time out he talks about Southern Comfort… and it ain’t what you’re thinking.

Finally, the Big B has started accepting commissions again. He took a few before Heroes Con and really enjoyed doing them.

Like I said, July looks to be a good month for Beatty… I wonder what August has in store…

Miller & Rodriguez Talk Sin City

Posted on by
Comics Continuim has coverage of MTV’s Total Request Live behind-the-scenes look at Sin City.

Brittany Murphy, who plays Shelly, hosted and was joined by Sin City creator and film co-director Frank Miller, director Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino. For full details click HERE.

I am so stoked for this movie. Frank Miller used to say that a movie would never happen, but Robert Rodriguez won him over by bringing in stars and filming a sample reel of what he would do if given the chance to direct Sin City on the big screen.

What makes this story even cooler is that Miller came on board as co-director! And the cast they’ve assembled is unreal. Bruce Willis is Hartigan. Jessica Alba is Nancy Callahan. Michael Clarke Duncan is Manute. Josh Harnett is Dwight. Mickey Rourke is Marv. Bennico Del Torro, Michael Madsen, Clive Owen, and Nick Stahl also appear.

Time to Take Things Easy

Posted on by
Walter Mosley‘s eighth Easy Rawlins novel is now available and I’m putting in my order!

I’ve read, and enjoyed all of the Easy Rawlins‘ stories and Little Scarlet, set during the Watts riots of 1965, looks to be a welcome addition to the series. Easy, an unlicensed PI, along with his best friend, the cold-blooded killer called Mouse, find themselves in the middle of a murder investigation which could land Easy in jail or dead.

Devil in a Blue Dress is the only film adaptation of an Easy Rawlins‘ novel, and although it didn’t set the box office on fire, it’s definitely worth a look. Denzel Washington plays Easy Rawlins, but the movie is OWNED by Don Cheadle as Mouse. Jennifer Beals, looking as pretty as ever, also co-stars in this excellent film by Carl Franklin.

Yeah, I think I’ll order the book tonight and pull the dvd off the shelf. It’s time I spent a little time taking things Easy.

RIP – Marlon Brando

Posted on by

Dim the the lights. A legend has died. Marlon Brando passed on today.

Arguably the greatest actor who ever lived, none can argue that he influenced a generation. And I’m not just talking about actors such as James Dean, Robert DeNiro, or Johnny Depp. Brando literally influenced a generation of kids who wanted to rebel… and Brando continued to rebel throughout his life.

If all you know about Marlon Brando was that he played Superman‘s father or was pretty strange when interviewed by Larry King. If you only know Brando from impressionists doing their take on Brando as Vito Corleone from The Godfather then you owe it to yourself to check him out.

Yeah, he was cool in Apocalypse Now… and you may have heard how strange he was in The Island of Dr. Moreau [both on and off the set]…

…but if you want to see Brando at his best then check out On the Waterfront… A Streetcar Named Desire… Guys and Dolls [he could do it all!]…One Eyed Jacks [which he also directed]… Mutiny on the Bounty… and of course… The Godfather.

Marlon Brando was indeed the man. Our prayers go out to his family, friends and fans.

Now I think I’ll dim the lights and put on a classic Brando movie…

Lesnar Takes a Shot

Posted on by
Brock Lesnar, touted as The Next Big Thing in the WWE, a legitimate National Champion in college and a 3 time Champ in the Pros has walked away from his multi-million dollar contract to try out for the NFL.

And while Brock is big enough, strong enough, and even fast enough to make it in the NFL, he has an uphill battle to get picked up since he hasn’t played in nine years and the last time was on a high school team.

Still ya have to admire a person willing to turn down millions of dollars to pursue a dream.

Third Time a Charm?

Posted on by
Two out of three ain’t bad… and that’s just what I’m hoping for.

See, I didn’t care for Blade, but really, really liked Blade 2. Blade 3 aka Blade Trinity will be released later this year and I’m hoping that it will be as fun as Blade 2.

Wesley Snipes is back and that’s a plus. This time around they’ve added two new supporting character’s. Abigail and Hannibal King. Both of them look pretty interesting and I’m sure that the studio is thinking spin-off .

Twilight Zone Marathon

Posted on by
You just know I love SciFi’s 4th of July Twilight Zone Marathon. No matter how many times I’ve seen some of the episodes… they’re like old friends whose stories you’ve heard before but love to hear again.

I always recommend “To Serve Man” [1PM and 11PM] and “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet” [believe it or not, it doesn’t look like they’re showing this classic episode], but you might also want to check out “Will the Real Martian Stand Up?” [8:30 PM] or “The Monsters are Due on Maple Street” [Midnight].

The cool thing is that the marathon runs from 9AM on July 4th to 6PM, July 5th. So even if you just tune in for a bit here and there you’ll probably catch something fun.

Only in America

Posted on by

Mike Tyson has earned over $300 million and is bankrupt.

I guess I shouldn’t feel bad for him, but I do. Tyson should have been on top of the world at this point in career… if he was even fighting. When he was in his prime nobody and I mean nobody could beat him. He was on track to break Marciano‘s record of wins without a defeat.

And then Don King came into his life. And we know what happened after that.

The sad thing is, Tyson is suing Don King for $100 million… but it looks like he’ll settle for a lot less… a whole lot less.

And I’ll bet you that after it’s all said and done, Tyson will end up fighting for Don King again.

Only in America… only in America.

Free Comic Book Day

Posted on by
Comic books are one of the few truly American art forms. So it’s strange that most American kids go through a comic book phase, but as they get older turn their back on the art form. I guess it’s because of the perception that comics are just for kids.

Sure, it’s true that many comic books are geared to kids. It’s just as true that there are as many types of comics available as there are interests. And comics AREN’T just for kids.

If you liked the Spider-Man or X-Men movies, then you should check out the Spider-Man or X-Men comics. Same with Alien and Predator… or even Alien vs Predator. If you’re a fan of hardboiled crime stories then check out Frank Miller’s Sin City and 100 Bullets. If horror movies are your thing then take a chance on The Walking Dead or Steve Niles’ 30 Days of Night. You say you loved Gladiator and Troy? Well, what’d you think of 300?

Trust me. There are comics out there that you’d like. And here’s a cool incentive to get you to take a look. On July 3rd, comic book companies across the US will have comic books available for FREE. You read that right, FREE.

Now not every comic will be free and not every comic book shop will participate. But I bet that one near you will. This is the third year for FREE COMIC BOOK DAY and publishers want people to check out their titles, so some really cool books will be available.

And then I’d love to hear what comics YOU’RE reading!

Jason Pearson’s Redbird

Posted on by
Jason Pearson is one of the most popular comic artists working today. His Body Bags series is considered a classic example of what a writer/artist can do when left to his own creation.

I was fortunate enough to meet Jason at Heroes Con earlier this month and was even able to get a Stallone sketch from him. Jason had some of the pages for his new series, Redbird, on display… and man, did they look sweet!

You can read about Jason and Redbird by clicking on THIS LINK… and then we can meet back here tomorrow.