Friday, October 2, 2009
Remember "The Last Dragon"
A favorite film of my youth was Motown founder Berry Gordy's The Last Dragon. AOL Black Voices has an interview with the film's lead, Taimak. Apparently the film is being remade with Samuel L. Jackson playing the villain, Sho'Nuff the Shogun of Harlem.
Eric Reynolds Talks to Alan David Doane
Eric Reynolds, PR prince and now an associate publisher at Fantagraphics Books, answers "5 Questions" for Alan David Doane at the "Trouble with Comics" blog, part of Doane's Comic Book Galaxy.
Todd Phillips Begins Production on Next Film, "Due Date"
Press release from Business Wire:
Todd Phillips Makes a “Date” with Robert Downey Jr. and Zach Galifianakis
Phillips’ New Comedy “Due Date” is the Filmmaker’s Latest Collaboration with Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Principal photography is underway on Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ “Due Date.” The film is being directed by Todd Phillips, whose most recent collaboration with Warner Bros. and Legendary, “The Hangover,” broke box office records this past summer. The film stars Robert Downey Jr. (“Iron Man,” upcoming “Sherlock Holmes”) and Zach Galifianakis (“The Hangover”) as two unlikely companions who are thrown together on a road trip that turns out to be as life-changing as it is outrageous. Also cast in the film are Michelle Monaghan (“Made of Honor”) and Academy Award® winner Jamie Foxx, who recently starred alongside Downey in the critically acclaimed “The Soloist.”
Downey plays Peter Highman, an expectant first-time father whose wife’s due date is a mere five days away. As Peter hurries to catch a flight home from Atlanta to be at her side for the birth, his best intentions go completely awry when a chance encounter with aspiring actor Ethan Tremblay (Galifianakis) forces Peter to hitch a ride with Ethan—on what turns out to be a cross-country road trip that will ultimately destroy several cars, numerous friendships and Peter’s last nerve.
“Due Date” will be filming in various locations across the USA, including Georgia, New Mexico, Arizona and Los Angeles.
Todd Phillips directs from a screenplay by Alan R. Cohen & Alan Freedland and Adam Sztykiel & Todd Phillips, from a story by Cohen & Freedland. The film is being produced by Phillips and Dan Goldberg, who previously collaborated on “The Hangover.” Scott Budnick, Thomas Tull and Susan Downey are serving as executive producers on the film.
The behind-the-scenes creative team from “The Hangover” returns, including director of photography Lawrence Sher, production designer Bill Brzeski, editor Debra Neil-Fisher and costume designer Louise Mingenbach.
“Due Date” is currently scheduled for a Fall 2010 release.
Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with Legendary Pictures, A Green Hat Films Production of A Todd Phillips Movie, “Due Date,” to be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. [END of release.]
Sounds like Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, doesn't it?
Todd Phillips Makes a “Date” with Robert Downey Jr. and Zach Galifianakis
Phillips’ New Comedy “Due Date” is the Filmmaker’s Latest Collaboration with Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Principal photography is underway on Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ “Due Date.” The film is being directed by Todd Phillips, whose most recent collaboration with Warner Bros. and Legendary, “The Hangover,” broke box office records this past summer. The film stars Robert Downey Jr. (“Iron Man,” upcoming “Sherlock Holmes”) and Zach Galifianakis (“The Hangover”) as two unlikely companions who are thrown together on a road trip that turns out to be as life-changing as it is outrageous. Also cast in the film are Michelle Monaghan (“Made of Honor”) and Academy Award® winner Jamie Foxx, who recently starred alongside Downey in the critically acclaimed “The Soloist.”
Downey plays Peter Highman, an expectant first-time father whose wife’s due date is a mere five days away. As Peter hurries to catch a flight home from Atlanta to be at her side for the birth, his best intentions go completely awry when a chance encounter with aspiring actor Ethan Tremblay (Galifianakis) forces Peter to hitch a ride with Ethan—on what turns out to be a cross-country road trip that will ultimately destroy several cars, numerous friendships and Peter’s last nerve.
“Due Date” will be filming in various locations across the USA, including Georgia, New Mexico, Arizona and Los Angeles.
Todd Phillips directs from a screenplay by Alan R. Cohen & Alan Freedland and Adam Sztykiel & Todd Phillips, from a story by Cohen & Freedland. The film is being produced by Phillips and Dan Goldberg, who previously collaborated on “The Hangover.” Scott Budnick, Thomas Tull and Susan Downey are serving as executive producers on the film.
The behind-the-scenes creative team from “The Hangover” returns, including director of photography Lawrence Sher, production designer Bill Brzeski, editor Debra Neil-Fisher and costume designer Louise Mingenbach.
“Due Date” is currently scheduled for a Fall 2010 release.
Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with Legendary Pictures, A Green Hat Films Production of A Todd Phillips Movie, “Due Date,” to be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. [END of release.]
Sounds like Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, doesn't it?
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Brian Haberlin's "Area 52" at iTunes App Store
Press release from Tasty Pop:
Area 52 is now available for download in the iTunes App Store
Tasty Pop brings the highly acclaimed Avalon Studios comic mini-series, Area 52 to the iPhone and iPod Touch.
Created and written by comic book pioneer and founder of Avalon Studios, Brian Haberlin (Witchblade, Spawn, Blackest Night, Aria and many others). Area 52 also features the dynamic art of Clayton Henry (X-Men, Adventure Comics) and vivid colors by veteran colorist, Ian Hannin (Amazing Spiderman, Superman). The comic is a nonstop thrill ride combining Sci-Fi, Comedy and Adventure.
Haberlin says of Area 52: “One of my favorite Avalon series!”
Imagine the warehouse from the end of RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK, the place where the government stashes all of its other-worldly discoveries, from Excalibur to Alien space ships. They are all housed in Area 52. Think of it as Area 51’s attic. When the government has sufficiently probed, poked, prodded and catalogued it goes here to gather dust.
Located in a super-high-tech computer automated climate-controlled warehouse hidden in a remote area of the even more remote continent of Antarctica – this is possibly the most mind numbingly boring tour of duty in any of the armed services. That is until something goes terribly wrong.
Area 52 is a four-issue mini-series. Issue #1 is available as a FREE download. Issues #2-4 are only 99 cents each.
Area 52 is the first of several Avalon Studios titles to be released through Tasty Pop.
Muhyo and Roji Still Giving Ghosts a Beat Down
I finished
MUHYO & ROJI'S BUREAU OF SUPERNATURAL INVESTIGATION VOLUME 13 (Muhyo and Roji's Bureau of Supernatural Investigation)
I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin. It's one of the series that I really look forward to seeing new volumes.
MUHYO & ROJI'S BUREAU OF SUPERNATURAL INVESTIGATION VOLUME 13 (Muhyo and Roji's Bureau of Supernatural Investigation)
I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin. It's one of the series that I really look forward to seeing new volumes.
Steve Harvey Participant in "Roopster Roux" Graphic Novel
Press release from Bluewater Productions:
STEVE HARVEY’S “ROOPSTER ROUX” HOPS ON OVER TO BLUEWATER
Many know Steve Harvey as one of the Original Kings of Comedy, but he is also the face and narrator of the children’s book series Roopster Roux. Now this series is being adapted by Bluewater Productions into an original story graphic novel.
The series chronicles the adventures of a sports-loving rooster who enjoys reading and whose heroic deeds are due in large part to the knowledge Roopster gains through various books. Aided by his super-charged skateboard, Roopster delivers positive educational messages while keeping readers entertained with action-packed adventures.
Harvey will serve as the on-page narrator for the newest comic adaptation written by series creator Lavaille Lavette. The graphic novel is scheduled for release in 2010. The graphic novel with be written by Ryan Burton (Female Force: Stephenie Meyer & Flying Saucers Vs the Earth) and drawn by Erik Thompson (Steve Lawlis & Atlas).
“I’m pleased and excited to partner with Bluewater Productions, said Lavette. Bluewater has a proven success record in the graphic novel universe. The Roopster Roux graphic novel series will be full of exciting adventures, destined to take the Roopster Roux character to new heights”.
The new adventures look to draw on the series’ core audience of children 6-12 and will incorporate Steve Harvey as an interactive character much in the same vein as the Bill Cosby 1970’s animated series “Fat Albert.”
"I really like Roopster Roux," said Harvey. "The series is fast-paced. Roopster is a hero to kids and a lot of adults as well. Readers from all walks of life identify with Roopster Roux".
The four “The Adventures of Roopster Roux” books and tapes series (Slammin Slim , Escape From Vultures Roost, Surfing The Net and Monster All Stars) have sold over half a million units. The series has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, Reading is Fundamental (RIF), School Districts and local and national levels of Government entities. Eighteen major cities have proclaimed Roopster Roux Day to promote reading and literacy, including the four largest cities in the United States.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to present quality storytelling in a comic format to a younger audience,” said Bluewater president Darren Davis. “If it gets just one more kid to start reading, then it’ll be a great success. I was one of those kids and comics helped me to become a better, more engaged, reader.”
More information about Roopster Roux can be found on its official website: http://www.roopsterroux.com.
Steve Harvey is widely-acclaimed comedian, actor, entertainer, and radio personality. He is probably best known as the star of the WB sitcom The Steve Harvey Show, and as one of the four comedians featured in the Spike Lee film The Original Kings of Comedy. Currently, he is the host of The Steve Harvey Morning Show, a nationally syndicated radio program.
November 2009 DVD Releases from VIZ Media
Press release from VIZ Media:
DVD RELEASES FOR NOVEMBER 2009 FROM VIZ MEDIA
VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced their list of DVD titles scheduled for release in November 2009. This includes the first NARUTO Shippuden Movie as well as the latest episodic releases of the popular BLEACH, NARUTO Shippuden and POKÉMON series. November DVD releases also include the newest NANA, BLEACH and NARUTO Box Sets. VIZ Media DVD titles are distributed (in English) in the U.S and Mexico by Warner Home Video and in Canada by Allegro.
New NARUTO Releases Include:
NARUTO Shippuden The Movie • Rated 'T+' for Older Teens • MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN • Available November 10
A powerful spirit that once threatened to destroy the world is back! Naruto's mission is to protect a priestess named Shion, who is the only one with the power to seal away the monster. She also has the uncanny ability to predict someone's fate. her latest prediction: Naruto will soon die. Naruto's only hope is to abandon Shion, but that's not Naruto's style. He decides to face her fatal prediction head-on--and die!
NARUTO Shippuden, Volume 3 • Rated 'T+' for Older Teens • MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN • Available November 24
Gaara of the Sand has been kidnapped, and Team Kakashi are on their way! Sakura uses her skills as a medic ninja to treat the wounded Kankuro, impressing everyone with her sure and steady hands. Granny Chiyo of the Sand decides to accompany Team Kakashi, but before they can get to Gaara and the Akatsuki lair, the team is confronted by a familiar enemy--Itachi Uchiha.
Episodes: 9 – 13
NARUTO UNCUT Season 1, Volume 2 DVD Box Set • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens • MSRP: $39.97 US / $57.99 CAN • Available November 24
Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura face deadly enemies and dark powers as the Chunin Exam continues in the Forest of Death. While they search for the Heaven and Earth scrolls, something evil is afoot, and it's after Sasuke! Then the genin must take on each other in one-on-one battles. Does Naruto have what it takes to stand up to his peers--and win?
Episodes: 26 – 52
New BLEACH Releases Include:
BLEACH UNCUT Box Set 4, Part 1 • Rated ‘T’ for Teens • MSRP: $49.95 US / $71.99 CAN • Available November 3
Ichigo and his friends return from the Soul Society to the World of the Living and try to resume their normal lives. But when strange abductions start happening, it's up to them to solve the riddle. More Soul Reapers arrive to help uncover the truth behind a mysterious clan known as Bounts. Will these allies be strong enough to stop the Bount leader from stealing human souls and feeding his dangerous ambition?
Episodes: 64 – 79 (Original and Uncut)
BLEACH Volume 22 • Rated ‘T’ for Teens • MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN • Available November 17
Rangiku Matsumoto and several other Soul Reapers arrive to help in the battle against the evil Bounts. Entering the cave hideout, they soon discover they've stumbled into a trap! Just in time to back up their comrades, Ichigo faces the Bount leader Kariya and must summon his bankai if he is to survive, while Uryû must rediscover his lost powers as well.
Episodes: 88 – 91
New POKÉMON Releases Include:
POKÉMON: ELEMENTS, Volume 5: Ice • Rated 'A' for All Ages • MSRP: $9.98 US / $14.99 CAN • Available November 24
POKÉMON: ELEMENTS, Volume 6: Dark • Rated 'A' for All Ages • MSRP: $9.98 US / $14.99 CAN • Available November 24
Following the POKÉMON All Star series set, the POKÉMON: ELEMENTS collection consists of the most important episodes commemorating the different types of Pokémon characters. Each disc showcases a Pokémon type with three all-time favorite episodes. Collect them all!
Volume 5 Includes 3 Ice–type episodes:
1. Freeze Frame
2. Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let it Snorunt!
3. Spring Fever
Volume 6 Includes 3 Dark–type episodes:
1. Absol-ute Disaster
2. Pop Goes The Sneasel
3. A Bite to Remember
New Shojo Releases Include:
NANA BOX SET, Volume 2 • Rated ‘M’ for Mature • MSRP: $59.90 US / $85.99 CAN • Available November 24
Careers, friendship, love--can two bright young women named Nana manage to have it all?
Nana K.'s Tokyo experiment is in jeopardy when she finds herself strapped for cash and her relationship with Shoji on uncertain ground. Nana O.'s love life takes an unexpected turn when she's reunited with her old flame, Ren from Trapnest. With such a close connection to her favorite band, will Nana K. get to meet the man of her dreams--Takumi? Sometimes dreams do come true... Episodes: 12 – 22[END]
DVD RELEASES FOR NOVEMBER 2009 FROM VIZ MEDIA
VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced their list of DVD titles scheduled for release in November 2009. This includes the first NARUTO Shippuden Movie as well as the latest episodic releases of the popular BLEACH, NARUTO Shippuden and POKÉMON series. November DVD releases also include the newest NANA, BLEACH and NARUTO Box Sets. VIZ Media DVD titles are distributed (in English) in the U.S and Mexico by Warner Home Video and in Canada by Allegro.
New NARUTO Releases Include:
NARUTO Shippuden The Movie • Rated 'T+' for Older Teens • MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN • Available November 10
A powerful spirit that once threatened to destroy the world is back! Naruto's mission is to protect a priestess named Shion, who is the only one with the power to seal away the monster. She also has the uncanny ability to predict someone's fate. her latest prediction: Naruto will soon die. Naruto's only hope is to abandon Shion, but that's not Naruto's style. He decides to face her fatal prediction head-on--and die!
NARUTO Shippuden, Volume 3 • Rated 'T+' for Older Teens • MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN • Available November 24
Gaara of the Sand has been kidnapped, and Team Kakashi are on their way! Sakura uses her skills as a medic ninja to treat the wounded Kankuro, impressing everyone with her sure and steady hands. Granny Chiyo of the Sand decides to accompany Team Kakashi, but before they can get to Gaara and the Akatsuki lair, the team is confronted by a familiar enemy--Itachi Uchiha.
Episodes: 9 – 13
NARUTO UNCUT Season 1, Volume 2 DVD Box Set • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens • MSRP: $39.97 US / $57.99 CAN • Available November 24
Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura face deadly enemies and dark powers as the Chunin Exam continues in the Forest of Death. While they search for the Heaven and Earth scrolls, something evil is afoot, and it's after Sasuke! Then the genin must take on each other in one-on-one battles. Does Naruto have what it takes to stand up to his peers--and win?
Episodes: 26 – 52
New BLEACH Releases Include:
BLEACH UNCUT Box Set 4, Part 1 • Rated ‘T’ for Teens • MSRP: $49.95 US / $71.99 CAN • Available November 3
Ichigo and his friends return from the Soul Society to the World of the Living and try to resume their normal lives. But when strange abductions start happening, it's up to them to solve the riddle. More Soul Reapers arrive to help uncover the truth behind a mysterious clan known as Bounts. Will these allies be strong enough to stop the Bount leader from stealing human souls and feeding his dangerous ambition?
Episodes: 64 – 79 (Original and Uncut)
BLEACH Volume 22 • Rated ‘T’ for Teens • MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN • Available November 17
Rangiku Matsumoto and several other Soul Reapers arrive to help in the battle against the evil Bounts. Entering the cave hideout, they soon discover they've stumbled into a trap! Just in time to back up their comrades, Ichigo faces the Bount leader Kariya and must summon his bankai if he is to survive, while Uryû must rediscover his lost powers as well.
Episodes: 88 – 91
New POKÉMON Releases Include:
POKÉMON: ELEMENTS, Volume 5: Ice • Rated 'A' for All Ages • MSRP: $9.98 US / $14.99 CAN • Available November 24
POKÉMON: ELEMENTS, Volume 6: Dark • Rated 'A' for All Ages • MSRP: $9.98 US / $14.99 CAN • Available November 24
Following the POKÉMON All Star series set, the POKÉMON: ELEMENTS collection consists of the most important episodes commemorating the different types of Pokémon characters. Each disc showcases a Pokémon type with three all-time favorite episodes. Collect them all!
Volume 5 Includes 3 Ice–type episodes:
1. Freeze Frame
2. Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let it Snorunt!
3. Spring Fever
Volume 6 Includes 3 Dark–type episodes:
1. Absol-ute Disaster
2. Pop Goes The Sneasel
3. A Bite to Remember
New Shojo Releases Include:
NANA BOX SET, Volume 2 • Rated ‘M’ for Mature • MSRP: $59.90 US / $85.99 CAN • Available November 24
Careers, friendship, love--can two bright young women named Nana manage to have it all?
Nana K.'s Tokyo experiment is in jeopardy when she finds herself strapped for cash and her relationship with Shoji on uncertain ground. Nana O.'s love life takes an unexpected turn when she's reunited with her old flame, Ren from Trapnest. With such a close connection to her favorite band, will Nana K. get to meet the man of her dreams--Takumi? Sometimes dreams do come true... Episodes: 12 – 22[END]
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