There was a recent decision that the Jack Kirby estate would not be getting a settlement for characters that Kirby helped create.
This site does a better job of explaining it all;
http://grizzlybomb.com/2011/07/30/the-jack-kirby-settlement/
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Cul De Sac
No, no not the fantastic film with Donald Pleasance, but a comic strip that has given me the gift of laughter.
I am referring to, of course, to the wonderful daily strip Cul De Sac by Richard Thompson.
My words can not do it justice. Instead, here is a link;
http://www.gocomics.com/culdesac
And here is a strip
Go read them all, buy the books and you can thank me later.
I am referring to, of course, to the wonderful daily strip Cul De Sac by Richard Thompson.
My words can not do it justice. Instead, here is a link;
http://www.gocomics.com/culdesac
And here is a strip
Go read them all, buy the books and you can thank me later.
Monday, July 25, 2011
DVD Round Up
TOM AND JERRY: FUR FLYING ADVENTURES VOL. 2
This has already been in better packaging and better presentation. Why anyone would buy these double dip things is beyond me.
ER THE FINAL SEASON
The show that should have quit years before it did is finally over. Can I get an Amen?
ARTHUR
Long time readers of this column know my opinion on remakes. This has done nothing to change that.
THE SECRET LIFE OF JEFFREY DAHMER
Severin Films has done a great job in getting this sleazy classic on DVD. It made me feel dirty.
REGGIE PERRIN SET 1
A deliciously black comedy with the master of such things; Martin Clune. Acorn Media gets high marks for this release.
THE END OF POVERTY
A documentary that should be seen by everyone. Especially people who think they've got it bad.
MAKING OF THE PRESIDENT
Anyone fascinated with JFK would need to add this meticulous collection to their DVD stack. Probably the most unbiased non political set of documentaries dealing with JFK out there.
THE BRETTS
A lavishly produced period drama that sucks you into a London theater family warts and all. Truly one of the best things ever presented on Masterpiece Theater.
THE BABY
Severin gives us what can only be described as one weird ass movie. That being said, you need to watch it.
This has already been in better packaging and better presentation. Why anyone would buy these double dip things is beyond me.
ER THE FINAL SEASON
The show that should have quit years before it did is finally over. Can I get an Amen?
ARTHUR
Long time readers of this column know my opinion on remakes. This has done nothing to change that.
THE SECRET LIFE OF JEFFREY DAHMER
Severin Films has done a great job in getting this sleazy classic on DVD. It made me feel dirty.
REGGIE PERRIN SET 1
A deliciously black comedy with the master of such things; Martin Clune. Acorn Media gets high marks for this release.
THE END OF POVERTY
A documentary that should be seen by everyone. Especially people who think they've got it bad.
MAKING OF THE PRESIDENT
Anyone fascinated with JFK would need to add this meticulous collection to their DVD stack. Probably the most unbiased non political set of documentaries dealing with JFK out there.
THE BRETTS
A lavishly produced period drama that sucks you into a London theater family warts and all. Truly one of the best things ever presented on Masterpiece Theater.
THE BABY
Severin gives us what can only be described as one weird ass movie. That being said, you need to watch it.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
DC 52
Apparently I forgot to pay attention. I just assumed that Justice Society of America would be one of the 52 titles in the relaunch. Why wouldn't it? They gave Mr. Terrific his own title so, why wouldn't The Justice Society be in it.
And I'm excited about a couple of the books, Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E. to be exact. The dark Justice League looked good. The Western comic would probably get my attention as long as it was good.
But no Justice Society?
No Justice Society that without there would be no Justice League.
Really?
I'm pretty sure I find this unacceptable.
Now I don't know if I feel like giving DC my coinage for comics.
Too soon to tell.
This sucks.
Justice Society of America #52
The most fascinating event in the recent storyline is that the new incarnation of Mr. Terrific is losing his intelligence. Something has been done to him and he is at the end of the trail in discovering who.
This is where it gets bizarre.
He tracks down a man who thinks that he is the biggest fan of Mr. Terrific. The original one. He has taken steps to remove the new Mr. Terrific's intelligence. Then he destroyed all shred of evidence that showed how he did it.
Then he hung himself.
There is no way to find out how it was done. Mr.Terrific is screwed.
But, Mr. Terrific is more than that. He realizes that he has to relearn all he has lost. The final scene of him watching a video that teaches small children how to read shows that he is a true hero, ready to tackle any problem head on.
This is epic storytelling at its best and shows that Justice Society is truly one of the great comics being produced today.
Here's hoping that DC doesn't screw it up with their new 52 idiotic idea.
Friday, July 22, 2011
YOU WILL WANT TO CHECK THIS OUT
I received this press release from Acorn Media and thought I would share it with you all ;
ACORN MEDIA GROUP UNVEILS ACORN TV
First British TV Focused Streaming Service Offers Critically Acclaimed Series including Upstairs Downstairs, Brideshead Revisited and Agatha Christie’s Poirot
Silver Spring, MD; July 18, 2011 – Acorn Media Group today announced the launch of Acorn TV, a new streaming service that makes the company’s award-winning British mysteries and dramas available online to American audiences.
Available at acornonline.com/TV, the launch line-up includes such bestselling classics and contemporary titles as Upstairs Downstairs, Brideshead Revisited, The Far Pavilions, Foyle’s War, Agatha Christie’s Poirot and The Forsyte Saga. Acorn TV will mark the first time many of these programs are available for streaming.
Acorn Media, a leading independent media company that Time magazine has called the “chief curators of the best Brit TV,” holds exclusive North American distribution rights to the most critically acclaimed programs, all of which are available from Acorn Media on lavishly packaged DVDs. Most are also available from Acorn Media as digital copies that can be purchased and downloaded. Now, Acorn TV offers U.S. fans of British TV the opportunity to stream many of their favorite series, as well as discover programs such as Vera starring Brenda Blethyn and Reggie Perrin starring Martin Clunes. These programs and many others offered by Acorn are beloved by U.K. viewers but haven’t been available to U.S. audiences.
"Acorn Media Group has found incredible success building a media company focused on audiences passionate for distinctive programming, in particular, British programming,” said Miguel Penella, CEO of Acorn Media Group. “Through our long-term relationship with our target audience, Acorn Media has helped introduce British dramas and mystery programs in North America. With Acorn TV, we can offer these programs on an anytime and, ultimately, anywhere basis. We look forward to streaming our incredible program library to U.S. audiences.”
At launch Acorn TV is offering a full season of six different series with the first episode of each season featured online for free. For only $24.99 a year, Acorn Premium subscribers get unlimited access to all of the episodes in each selected season. In addition, Premium members receive free shipping on all orders from Acorn’s distinctive merchandise catalog and website, www.AcornOnline.com.
A free trial of Acorn TV is being offered to viewers through August 31 at acornonline.com/TV.
Programming for Acorn TV is refreshed weekly, with each season available for six weeks. There are six seasons and more than 40 hours of programming offered at any given time. Each week one season will be added and the oldest season will be removed. As Acorn TV develops the programming offering will evolve based on audience preferences.
Acorn TV is accessible at launch on computers, iPhones, iPads, and any portable device with a browser that runs Flash 10 or higher, Apple TV, and Google TV. Additional devices and applications will follow over the next 12 months.
To access Acorn TV:
1. Visit acornonline.com/TV and click on the big red button at the top right of the page that says “Register now to try Acorn TV Premium Access for free until 8/31/11”
2. Enter registration information (just email, no credit card required) and then sit back and enjoy some fine British television!
ACORN MEDIA GROUP UNVEILS ACORN TV
First British TV Focused Streaming Service Offers Critically Acclaimed Series including Upstairs Downstairs, Brideshead Revisited and Agatha Christie’s Poirot
Silver Spring, MD; July 18, 2011 – Acorn Media Group today announced the launch of Acorn TV, a new streaming service that makes the company’s award-winning British mysteries and dramas available online to American audiences.
Available at acornonline.com/TV, the launch line-up includes such bestselling classics and contemporary titles as Upstairs Downstairs, Brideshead Revisited, The Far Pavilions, Foyle’s War, Agatha Christie’s Poirot and The Forsyte Saga. Acorn TV will mark the first time many of these programs are available for streaming.
Acorn Media, a leading independent media company that Time magazine has called the “chief curators of the best Brit TV,” holds exclusive North American distribution rights to the most critically acclaimed programs, all of which are available from Acorn Media on lavishly packaged DVDs. Most are also available from Acorn Media as digital copies that can be purchased and downloaded. Now, Acorn TV offers U.S. fans of British TV the opportunity to stream many of their favorite series, as well as discover programs such as Vera starring Brenda Blethyn and Reggie Perrin starring Martin Clunes. These programs and many others offered by Acorn are beloved by U.K. viewers but haven’t been available to U.S. audiences.
"Acorn Media Group has found incredible success building a media company focused on audiences passionate for distinctive programming, in particular, British programming,” said Miguel Penella, CEO of Acorn Media Group. “Through our long-term relationship with our target audience, Acorn Media has helped introduce British dramas and mystery programs in North America. With Acorn TV, we can offer these programs on an anytime and, ultimately, anywhere basis. We look forward to streaming our incredible program library to U.S. audiences.”
At launch Acorn TV is offering a full season of six different series with the first episode of each season featured online for free. For only $24.99 a year, Acorn Premium subscribers get unlimited access to all of the episodes in each selected season. In addition, Premium members receive free shipping on all orders from Acorn’s distinctive merchandise catalog and website, www.AcornOnline.com.
A free trial of Acorn TV is being offered to viewers through August 31 at acornonline.com/TV.
Programming for Acorn TV is refreshed weekly, with each season available for six weeks. There are six seasons and more than 40 hours of programming offered at any given time. Each week one season will be added and the oldest season will be removed. As Acorn TV develops the programming offering will evolve based on audience preferences.
Acorn TV is accessible at launch on computers, iPhones, iPads, and any portable device with a browser that runs Flash 10 or higher, Apple TV, and Google TV. Additional devices and applications will follow over the next 12 months.
To access Acorn TV:
1. Visit acornonline.com/TV and click on the big red button at the top right of the page that says “Register now to try Acorn TV Premium Access for free until 8/31/11”
2. Enter registration information (just email, no credit card required) and then sit back and enjoy some fine British television!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Comic Book Round Up
Yes, sigh, I am buying comic books again. I figure with the release of the Captain America movie there will be some great and not so great stuff coming down the pike. Add in DC's Flashpoint and their soon to be realized reboot (again) and there is some stuff I will need to read.
XOMBI 1,2,3
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This was one of my favorite comic books in its first incarnation. I bought them all and thought they were great. The new incarnation is just a good. The artwork by Frazer Irving is fantastic and it feels like Xombi never left. Of course since DC is doing it's reboot in September I get six issues and then it's gone again. CRAP! Maybe he'll end up as a supporting character in one of the new books. Wishful thinking.
FRANKENSTEIN AND THE CREATURES OF THE UNKNOWN 1
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It's the return of Frankenstein and the rest of the good old Creature Commandos. The storyline starts in WW2, but is in modern time by the end of the first issue and things will never be the same. While this is only a three issue limited for the Flashpoint event, we do get Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. in the reboot. Frankenstein is always cool.
FIRST WAVE SPECIAL 1
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When I first heard the concept of First Wave, it appealed to me. I like Doc Savage, The Shadow, The Spirit, Batman and The Avenger. This could be really cool. Yeah, then I didn't buy any of them. But this one had The Avenger in it. I thought they made him a little dark and took away his supporting cast from the original pulps, but he was still pretty cool. I imagine this whole line will be cancelled as well.
RED SKULL INCARNATE 1
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I am a huge Captain America fan and this means that The Red Skull gets dragged along for the ride. But this isn't your daddy's Red Skull. Sure, it's his origin, but this takes us waaaay back to his horrid beginnings and show us what transformed him into the red skulled monster we all know and love. This is only issue 1 and the whole thing is just so damned dark in tone. This is gonna be a bumpy ride folks.
So, there you have it. Four different titles all with a finite lifespan. Well, I guess Frankenstein will continue in his new title, but we'll have to see if it is as much fun as the three issue mini series has started out to be.
XOMBI 1,2,3
This was one of my favorite comic books in its first incarnation. I bought them all and thought they were great. The new incarnation is just a good. The artwork by Frazer Irving is fantastic and it feels like Xombi never left. Of course since DC is doing it's reboot in September I get six issues and then it's gone again. CRAP! Maybe he'll end up as a supporting character in one of the new books. Wishful thinking.
FRANKENSTEIN AND THE CREATURES OF THE UNKNOWN 1
It's the return of Frankenstein and the rest of the good old Creature Commandos. The storyline starts in WW2, but is in modern time by the end of the first issue and things will never be the same. While this is only a three issue limited for the Flashpoint event, we do get Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. in the reboot. Frankenstein is always cool.
FIRST WAVE SPECIAL 1
When I first heard the concept of First Wave, it appealed to me. I like Doc Savage, The Shadow, The Spirit, Batman and The Avenger. This could be really cool. Yeah, then I didn't buy any of them. But this one had The Avenger in it. I thought they made him a little dark and took away his supporting cast from the original pulps, but he was still pretty cool. I imagine this whole line will be cancelled as well.
RED SKULL INCARNATE 1
I am a huge Captain America fan and this means that The Red Skull gets dragged along for the ride. But this isn't your daddy's Red Skull. Sure, it's his origin, but this takes us waaaay back to his horrid beginnings and show us what transformed him into the red skulled monster we all know and love. This is only issue 1 and the whole thing is just so damned dark in tone. This is gonna be a bumpy ride folks.
So, there you have it. Four different titles all with a finite lifespan. Well, I guess Frankenstein will continue in his new title, but we'll have to see if it is as much fun as the three issue mini series has started out to be.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
DVD Round Up
A 1984 television drama starring Ben Cross and Amy Irving. The Far Pavilions tells the story of Anjuli and Ash and their turbulent love in India. Filled with lavish production values and intense battle scenes, The Far Pavilions looks better than ever from Acorn Media.
This three part British thriller keeps you on the edge of your seat while trying to figure out who is the good guy and who is the bad guy. Are there even any good guys? The only way to know for sure is to watch this gripping mystery from beginning to end.
Based on the novels of Alan Hunter, Geroge Gently is set in 1966 Britain. Gently, played by Martin Shaw, along with his youthful sidekick, Bacchus, find themselves embroiled in some of the strangest murder mysteries on television today.
An interesting series that chronicles 8 different war machines from their inception to 2006 to show the trials and errors in constructing machines with one purpose. War.
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