Upcoming CDs

CD new releases Aug. 21, 2007

Boulders by Roy Wood

Harlem Was the Place 1929-1952 by Various Artists

Live at the Grande Ballroom 1968 by Mc5

Cavern: The Most Famous Club in the World by Various Artists

CD new releases Aug. 28, 2007

It's Not Big It's Large by Lyle Lovett

Greatest Hits by Sly & the Family Stone

Once Upon a Dream by The Rascals

See by The Rascals

Freedom Suite by The Rascals

Search and Nearness by The Rascals

The Young Rascals by The Young Rascals

Groovin' by The Young Rascals

Collections by The Young Rascals

Piper at the Gates of Dawn by Pink Floyd

Photograph: The Very Best of Ringo Starr by Ringo Starr

Time to Gather Seeds by The Limeliters

Zappa Box by Frank Zappa

Breathing Under Water by Anoushka Shankar and Karsh Kale

CD new repleases Sept. 4, 2007

Kill to Get Crimson by Mark Knopfler

La Radiolina by Manu Chao

CD new releases Sept. 11, 2007

Live at the BBC by Sandy Denny

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? by Jimmy Smith

Stardust by Original Soundtrack

Untouchable! The Classic 1959-1966 Recordings by Johnny 'Guitar' Watson

CD new releases Sept. 18, 2007

Live 1969 by Simon & Garfunkel

Songbird: Rare Tracks and Forgotten Gems by Emmylou Harris

Bitchin' by The Donnas

Complete On the Corner Sessions by Miles Davis

Wish You Were Here by Badfinger

Vintage G.I. Joe ad



Comics shipping Aug. 22, 2007

DARK HORSE COMICS

JUN078197 BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER 2ND PTG #3 $2.99
MAY070044 STAR WARS KNIGHTS OF THE OLD REPUBLIC #19 $2.99

DC COMICS

MAY070134 BATMAN #668 $2.99
APR070165 BATMAN BATMAN AND SON HC $19.99
JUN070166 BATMAN LOBO DEADLY SERIOUS #1 (OF 2) $5.99
JUN070182 BIRDS OF PREY #109 $2.99
JUN070184 BLUE BEETLE #18 $2.99
JUN070144 COUNTDOWN 36 $2.99
JUN070192 GREEN ARROW YEAR ONE #4 (OF 6) $2.99
JUN070196 GREEN LANTERN CORPS #15 $2.99
JUN070205 JSA CLASSIFIED #29 $2.99
JUN070162 OUTSIDERS FIVE OF A KIND WEEK 4 METAMORPHO AQUAMAN $2.99
MAY070206 OYAYUBIHIME INFINITY VOL 6 $9.99
JUN070231 SCOOBY DOO #123 $2.25
MAY070181 SHOWCASE PRESENTS WONDER WOMAN VOL 1 TP $16.99
JUN070214 SPIRIT #9 $2.99
JUN070209 SUPERGIRL AND THE LEGION OF SUPER HEROES #33 $2.99
JUN070174 SUPERMAN #666 (NOTE PRICE) $3.99

IMAGE COMICS

JUN071873 BONDS #1 (OF 3) $3.99
JUN071915 HIDING IN TIME #2 (OF 4) $3.50
JUN071881 IN HER DARKEST HOUR ONE SHOT $3.50
MAY071873 INVINCIBLE #45 $2.99
JUL071992 JOHNNY DELGADO IS DEAD #1 (OF 2) $3.99
JUN071887 SURREAL ADVENTURES OF EDGAR ALLAN POO GN $9.99
JUN071942 WITCHBLADE TAKERU MANGA MACK CVR B #7 $3.99
JUN071941 WITCHBLADE TAKERU MANGA SUMITA CVR A #7 $3.99

MARVEL COMICS

MAY072095 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #543 $2.99
JUN072137 ANNIHILATION CONQUEST STAR LORD #2 (OF 4) $2.99
FEB072155 ASTONISHING X-MEN #22 $2.99
JUN072193 CABLE DEADPOOL #44 $2.99
JUN072114 DAILY BUGLE SEPTEMBER PI
JUN072148 FANTASTIC FIVE #4 (OF 5) $2.99
JUN072237 FANTASTIC FOUR BY JOHN ROMITA JR POSTER $6.99
JUN072229 HEROES FOR HIRE VOL 2 AHEAD OF THE CURVE TP $13.99
MAY072118 IMMORTAL IRON FIST #8 $2.99
JUN072155 IRON MAN #21 $2.99
JUN072168 MARVEL ADVENTURES AVENGERS #15 $2.99
JUN072166 MARVEL ADVENTURES FANTASTIC FOUR #27 $2.99
JUN072164 MARVEL ADVENTURES IRON MAN #4 $2.99
JUN072122 MARVEL ILLUSTRATED LAST OF THE MOHICANS #4 (OF 6) $2.99
JUN072173 MYSTIC ARCANA SCARLET WITCH $2.99
JUN072131 SENSATIONAL SPIDER-MAN #40 $2.99
JUN072219 SPIDER-GIRL PRESENTS THE BUZZ & DARKDEVIL DIGEST TP $7.99
JUN072181 THE ORDER #2 CWI $2.99
JUN072233 THOR VISIONARIES WALT SIMONSON VOL 4 TP $24.99
JUN072187 THUNDERBOLTS #116 $2.99
JUN072125 ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR #45 $2.99
JUN072222 ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN VOL 17 CLONE SAGA TP $24.99
JUN072197 WOLVERINE #56 $3.99
MAY072124 WORLD WAR HULK GAMMA CORPS #2 (OF 4) WWH $2.99
JUN072159 WORLD WAR HULK GAMMA FILES $3.99
JUN072225 X-23 TARGET TP $15.99
JUN072191 X-MEN #202 $2.99
JUN072196 X-MEN FIRST CLASS VOL 2 #3 $2.99

COMICS

JUN073331 BART SIMPSON COMICS #37 $2.99
JUN073255 BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #154 $3.69
JUN073254 BETTY & VERONICA SPECTACULAR #79 $2.25
JUN073320 BIG BANG COMICS PRESENTS AGENTS OF BADGE #6 $7.95
JUN073380 CAPTAIN CANUCK UNHOLY WAR #4 (OF 4) $3.99
JUN073951 DEVI #13 $2.99
APR074092 FINAL DESTINATION SPRING BREAK #5 (OF 5) (RES) $3.99
MAY073277 FUTURAMA VOL 4 CONQUERS THE UNIVERSE TP $14.95
MAY073341 HIGHLANDER #10 $2.99
MAY073333 NEW BATTLESTAR GALACTICA SEASON ZERO #1 $2.99
SEP042366 NHS PKT MANGA VOL 4 TP $9.99
APR074047 RAMAYAN 3392 AD RELOADED #1 $2.99
MAY073343 SAVAGE TALES #3 $4.99
MAY073784 STREET FIGHTER SAKURA GANBARU VOL 1 GN $12.95
MAY073346 TERMINATOR 2 INFINITY #2 $3.50
JUN073585 UNCLE SCROOGE #369 $7.99
JAN073354 VAMPIRELLA SUMMER SPECIAL #1 COMPLETE CVR SET $19.95
STAR19711 VOGELEIN CLOCKWORK FAERIE TP $12.95
MAY073475 VOGELEIN OLD GHOSTS GN $12.95
JUN073586 WALT DISNEYS COMICS & STORIES #684 $7.99

MAGAZINES

JUN074006 ALTER EGO #71 $6.95

RELATED MERCHANDISE

APR074029 HOW TO DRAW DYNAMIC COMIC BOOKS HC $34.95
APR074030 HOW TO DRAW DYNAMIC COMIC BOOKS LTD HC $49.95
MAY073789 HOW TO DRAW DYNAMIC COMIC BOOKS SC $19.95

New and upcoming action figures

Complete List of Marvel Legends Action Figures
Complete List of DC Direct Action Figures

Here's a look at action figures available via your local comics shop or via the TIP!-supporting links below:

DC Direct Action Figures

DC Armory Action Figures
--Aquaman
--Batman
--Flamebird
--Nightwing

Superman Last Son Action Figures
--Last Son Superman
--Ursa
--Bizarro
--Zod

Shazam Action Figures
--Dr. Sivana
--Captain Marvel Jr.
--Mary Marvel
--Billy Batson and Hoppy
--Captain Marvel

Superman Vs. Doomsday
Doomsday
Lex Luthor and Robot
Solar Suit Superman
Superman

Batman and Son
Batman
Ninja Man-Bat
Robin and Daimin
The Joker

DC Direct Reactivated Action Figures
--Batman
--Wonder Woman
--Lobo
--Superman

DC 13-inch Figures
Green Lantern
Martian Manhunter
Catwoman
Nightwing
Classic Batman
Batgirl gray costume
Batgirl black costume

Elseworlds Action Figures Series 3
--Supergirl
--Batgirl
--Nightstar
--Kingdom Come Aquaman
--Red Son Green Lantern

First Appearance Series 4
--Blue Beetle translucent
--Blue Beetle
--Brave New World Atom
--Warlord
--Brave New World Martian Manhunter
--Brave New World Aquaman

Infinite Crisis Action Figures Series 1
--Powergirl
--Omac
--Mongul
--Earth Prime Superboy
--Alexander Luthor

JSA Action Figures
--Mr. Terrific
--Hawkgirl
--Dr. Midnite
--Hourman
--Golden Age Atom 2-pack

DC Direct Wonder Woman Series 1 Action Figures
--Wonder Woman
--Agent Diana Prince
--Circe
--Donna Troy as Wonder Woman

DC Direct New Frontier Series 2 Action Figures
--Batman
--Dr. Fate
--The Flash
--Martian Manhunter

Fantastic Four Rise of the Silver Surfer action figures
Battle Stretch Mr. Fantastic
Fire Blast Human Torch
Raging Thing
Force Field Invisible Woman
Silver Surfer
Lightning Attack Dr. Doom
Blast-off Human Torch
Super Strength Thing

Hanna Barbera Series 3 Action Figures
--Fred Flintstone Quittin' Time
--Twinkle Toes Fred Flintstone
--Great Grape Ape
--Huckleberry Hound
--The Jetsons
--Secret Squirrel
--Snagglepuss

McFarlane Lost series 2 action figures
--Sawyer
--Jin
--Sun
--Mr. Eko

McFarlane Lost series 3 action figures
--Sayid
--Desmond
--Claire
--Ben/Henry

Marvel Legends Action Figures

Hasbro Marvel Legends Figures Series 3
--Bucky Barnes
--First appearance Captain America
--Marvel Girl Rachel Grey
--Heroes for Hire Black Knight
--Hydra Soldier
--X-3 Colossus
--Astonishing X-Men Cyclops
--Danger

Hasbro Marvel Legends Icons 12-inch Action Figures
--The Punisher
--Doctor Doom
--The Human Torch
--The Silver Surfer

Marvel Legends Masterworks Sets
--Spider-Man Vs. Green Goblin
--Fantastic Four Vs. Mole Man
--Hulk Vs. The Thing
--Galactus Vs. Everybody

Marvel Select Figures

Best of Marvel Select Figures
--Grey Hulk
--Thanos
--Ultimate Spider-Man
--Green Goblin
--Mephisto

Marvel Sideshow Toys Figures
--Venom
--Black costume Spider-Man
--Spider-Man
--White Queen
--White Queen Exclusive

Pop Artifact! G.I. Joe Sea Adventurer

Pop Culture Roundup Aug. 15, 2007

The BBC has season 2 details for "Torchwood."



Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman) is back and reunited with Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman) when she teams up with Torchwood (BBC Two) to help them solve a series of mysterious deaths in Cardiff.

Pictured here as she steps into the Hub for the first time, a more grown up and worldly-wise Martha brings her medical knowledge and the expertise learnt during her travels with The Doctor to help Torchwood do battle against an alien threat.

Freema Agyeman says: "Martha has grown up a lot since Doctor Who. She's now a fully qualified doctor and a bit hardened by life experiences. When she finds out that Captain Jack needs her help, she joins Torchwood for a while. She continues to develop her knowledge of alien intelligence, but this time keeping her feet on the ground.

"These will be invaluable skills to take back with her on future adventures with The Doctor. She outgrew The Doctor, in a sense, and so the next time they meet it will be in a more professional capacity. I'm so proud of her journey and who she has become.

"And for me as an actress, it's a great new challenge to be able to broaden and expand Martha as she develops in other directions for this more adult series. The Torchwood team are fabulous to work with and have made me very welcome."

Creator of Torchwood, Russell T Davies says: "Freema is a wonderful actress and we want to give her the chance to add another dimension to Martha. She is going to cause some waves in the team – especially as she joins Torchwood at a point when everything is going to change for one of them."

Freema is one of many special guest stars appearing in the new series of Torchwood. Richard Briers is the latest to join the line-up, playing Parker, a reclusive millionaire who is the keeper of alien secrets, much later in the series. Alan Dale (Ugly Betty, Lost) and James Marsters (Buffy The Vampire Slayer) have also been confirmed.

The second series of Torchwood begins on BBC Two in the New Year and Martha will be starring half way through the series, appearing in three episodes.

-------------------

Esteemed Bat fan Sen. Patrick Leahy will appear in the next Batman film.

Leahy is apparently a big comic book enthusiast, and actually served as an extra in the 1997 Batman installment: Batman and Robin.

The senator told the station he can't reveal the exact details of his role in the upcoming movie, but he did say he has landed a scene with its two stars, Christian Bale and Heath Ledger.


Leahy also penned the foreward to DC Comics' "Dark Knight Archives Vol. 1." Plus, he occasionally sends the vice president into a foaming/cussing at the mouth rage, which makes him a bit of a superhero in his own right, as far as I'm concerned.

Best Batman sites.

-----------------------------

Preview pages from the new "James Bond Enclyclopedia."



------------------------------

An upcoming Mick Jagger solo best-of CD features a previously unreleased duet with John Lennon.

"Too Many Cooks (Spoil the Soup)" features Jagger on vocals, the late Lennon on guitar and Lennon's fellow Beatle Ringo Starr on drums.

It was recorded in Los Angeles in 1973 and was produced by Lennon.


--------------------------------

A DVD set showcasing Jim Henson's pre-"Sesame Street" works is planned.

The DVD collection will be full of Henson's early experimental shorts, crazy commercials, television appearances, other rarities from the Henson vault and other retrospective goodies for Henson fans and historians to enjoy.

---------------------------------

The New York Times marks the 50th anniversary of Jack Kerouac's "On the Road."

The autobiographical, stream-of-consciousness “On the Road” follows Sal Paradise (a character based on Kerouac) and Dean Moriarty (based on Kerouac’s friend Neal Cassady) as they ramble back and forth across the country, drinking, listening to jazz and having affairs.

Viking is releasing a 50th-anniversary edition on Thursday (the original came out Sept. 5, 1957), and is also publishing, for the first time in book form, the original version that Kerouac typed on a 120-foot-long scroll and a new analysis by John Leland, a reporter at The New York Times, titled “Why Kerouac Matters: The Lessons of ‘On the Road’ (They’re Not What You Think).” The Library of America will include “On the Road” in a collection of Kerouac’s “road novels” to be published next month. And the New York Public Library will pay homage in November with an exhibition of the original scroll and other materials from the Kerouac archives.


------------------------

Dhani Harrison, son of George, and the Wu-Tang Clan are reportedly doing a cover of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps."

DVD: Doctor Who Complete Third Season

Here's the cover art for the season 3 "Doctor Who" DVD set. It's out Nov. 6 on six disks. It's available for pre-order now from Amazon.



Complete list of Doctor Who on DVD.

DVD: The Sopranos - Season 6, Part 2

Out on four disks Oct. 23, this set wraps up the show's final season. It's available for pre-order now from Amazon.

Extras include:

• Four Audio Commentaries with cast members Dominic Chainese, Robert Iler, Arthur Nascarella, Steven R. Schirripa and Stevie Van Zandt
• Music of The Sopranos featurette
• Making “Cleaver” featurette



Complete list: The Sopranos on DVD.

DVD: Veronica Mars - The Complete Third Season

The final and worst season of this once-promising series will be out in a six-disk set on Oct. 23. It's available for pre-order now from Amazon.

Extras include:

* Pitching Season 4: An in-depth interview with creator Rob Thomas discussing a new direction for the series presented to network executives that picks up years later, with Veronica as a rookie FBI agent
* Going Undercover with Rob Thomas: Thomas walks us through some of the most memorable moments from Season 3
* Webisode gallery with cast interviews and various set tours
* Unaired scenes with introductions by Rob Thomas
* Gag reel



Complete list: Veronica Mars on DVD.

DVD: Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea - Season 3, Volume 2

Here's the disk art for this most recent of DVD sets collecting producer Irwin Allen's 1960s sci fi adventure series.

It'll be out Oct. 23 and is available for pre-order now from Amazon.



Complete list: Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea on DVD.

DVD: 2001 - A Space Odyssey (Two-Disc Special Edition)

This two-disk edition of Stanley Kubrick's classic sci fi meditation is out Oct. 23 and available for pre-order now from Amazon.

Bonus features include:

* Commentary by Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood
* Theatrical trailer
* Channel 4 documentary: 2001: The Making of a Myth
* Standing on the Shoulders of Kubrick: The Legacy of 2001
* Vision of a Future Passed: The Prophecy of 2001
* 2001: A Space Odyssey - A Look Behind the Future
* 2001: FX and Early Conceptual Artwork
* Look: Stanley Kubrick!
* Audio-only interview with Stanley Kubrick

Rich Buckler pens How to Draw Dynamic Comic Books

How-to-draw books are a dime a dozen, but when a real comics guy pens one, they're worth noting.

Bronze Age fans will surely remember Buckler for his capable work for both DC and Marvel. He's a capable artist in the Neal Adams mold. Kids interested in learning the craft probably stand a lot to gain from this book, which features an intro by Stan Lee. It's available for order from Amazon.

Details:

Among the few comics artists to be featured on a US Postage Stamp, Rich Buckler is one of the best-known comic-book artists: He's drawn groundbreaking runs on Fantastic Four, Avengers, Spectacular Spider-Man, X-Men, Teen Titans, and more. Even Stan Lee says, "From the time he drew his first assignments for Marvel Comics, I've been one of his biggest fans. There are few people better qualified to write a book on the subject than Rich Buckler!" Now, after more than thirty-five years in comic books, Buckler reveals the secrets of drawing the heroic figure, the language of storytelling, narrative technique, building a better page, and much more, in focused chapters that build the reader's skills step by step. How to Draw Dynamic Comic Books is the authoritative guide to creating compelling comic books, packed with advice from a master.

New comics Aug. 15, 2007

Click links to order discounted graphic novels from Amazon.

Comics shipping Aug. 15, 2007

DC COMICS

JUN070148 ACTION COMICS #854 (CD) $2.99
JUN070151 AMAZONS ATTACK #5 (OF 6) $2.99
MAY070201 APOTHECARIUS ARGENTUM VOL 2 $9.99
JUN070183 AQUAMAN SWORD OF ATLANTIS #55 $2.99
MAR058151 BATMAN DARK VICTORY TP $19.99
JUN070194 BLACK CANARY #4 (OF 4) $2.99
JUN070155 BOOSTER GOLD #1 $3.50
MAY078333 BOOSTER GOLD VAR ED #1 $3.50
JUN070187 BRAVE AND THE BOLD #6 $2.99
JUN070150 CATWOMAN #70 (AA) $2.99
MAY070144 CATWOMAN ITS ONLY A MOVIE TP $19.99
JUN070185 CHECKMATE #17 $2.99
JUN070143 COUNTDOWN 37 $2.99
JUN070188 FLASH #231 $2.99
MAY070163 FLASH GREATEST STORIES EVER TOLD $19.99
MAY070226 GOOD AS LILY $9.99
JUN070244 GRIFTER MIDNIGHTER #6 (OF 6) $2.99
JUN070250 HIGHWAYMEN #3 (OF 5) $2.99
JUN070200 JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #12 (NOTE PRICE) $3.50
JUN070201 JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA VAR ED #12 (NOTE PRICE) $3.50
JUN070227 LEGION OF SUPER HEROES IN THE 31ST CENTURY #5 $2.25
MAY070204 MUSASHI #9 VOL 12 $9.99
JUN070161 OUTSIDERS FIVE OF A KIND WEEK 3 THUNDER MARTIAN MANHUNTER $2.99
MAY070206 OYAYUBIHIME INFINITY VOL 6 $9.99
JUN070251 PROGRAMME #2 (OF 12) $2.99
JUN070169 ROBIN #165 $2.99
JUN070211 SHADOWPACT #16 $2.99
JUN070176 SUPERMAN BATMAN #39 $2.99

IMAGE COMICS

JUN071915 HIDING IN TIME #2 (OF 4) $3.50
JUN071881 IN HER DARKEST HOUR ONE SHOT $3.50
JUN071939 RIPCLAW PILOT SEASON #1 $2.99
MAR071854 SPAWN #170 $2.95
JUN071887 SURREAL ADVENTURES OF EDGAR ALLAN POO GN $9.99

MARVEL COMICS

JUN072136 ANNIHILATION CONQUEST QUASAR #2 (OF 4) $2.99
JUN072142 CAPTAIN AMERICA #29 CWI $2.99
JUN072234 DP 7 CLASSIC VOL 1 TP $24.99
JUN072130 FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN #23 $2.99
JUN072223 IRON MAN DIRECTOR OF SHIELD TP (JUL068577) $14.99
JUN072165 MARVEL ADVENTURES HULK #2 $2.99
JUN072170 MARVEL ADVENTURES TWO-IN-ONE #2 $4.99
JUN072124 MARVEL ILLUSTRATED TREASURE ISLAND #3 (OF 6) $2.99
MAY062026 NEW AVENGERS VOL 2 SENTRY TP $14.99
JUN072190 NEW X-MEN #41 $2.99
JUN072207 RED PROPHET TALES OF ALVIN MAKER #10 (OF 12) $2.99
JUN072135 SPIDER-MAN FAMILY #4 $4.99
JUN072177 SUB-MARINER #3 (OF 6) CWI $2.99
JUN072185 SUPER VILLAIN TEAM UP MODOKS 11 #2 (OF 5) $2.99
MAY078330 THOR 2ND PTG COIPEL VAR #1 $2.99
JUN072127 ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #112 $2.99
JUN072222 ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN VOL 17 CLONE SAGA TP $24.99
JUN072198 WOLVERINE ORIGINS #16 $3.99

WIZARD ENTERTAINMENT

JUN073147 WIZARD ANIME INSIDER NARUTO CVR #48 (NOTE PRICE) $4.99

COMICS

JUN073573 ARCHAIC #8 (NOTE PRICE) $3.50
FEB073135 BIOWULF PKT MANGA TP $14.95
JUN073755 CLASH #1 (OF 5) $3.50
MAY073385 GI JOE STORM SHADOW #3 $3.50
MAR073134 NHS HAWAII POCKET MANGA VOL 4 TP $14.95
MAY073781 PANEL DISCUSSION NEW PTG TP $24.95
JUN073332 SIMPSONS COMICS #133 $2.99
MAY073784 STREET FIGHTER SAKURA GANBARU VOL 1 GN $12.95
STAR19711 VOGELEIN CLOCKWORK FAERIE TP $12.95
MAY073475 VOGELEIN OLD GHOSTS GN $12.95
APR052519 YOTSUBA MANGA VOL 1 TP $9.99
JUN052660 YOTSUBA MANGA VOL 2 TP $9.99
AUG052608 YOTSUBA MANGA VOL 3 TP $9.99
MAY073126 YOTSUBA MANGA VOL 4 TP $9.99

MAGAZINES

JUN074006 ALTER EGO #71 $6.95

RELATED MERCHANDISE

MAY073789 HOW TO DRAW DYNAMIC COMIC BOOKS SC $19.95

Vintage G.I. Joe ad



Pop Artifact! G.I. Joe Action Marine

Pop Culture Roundup Aug. 14, 2007

DC Comics has a new kid-aimed Captain Marvel comic in the works, along with some other additions to its Johnny DC line.

Mike Kunkel, creator of the critically-acclaimed Herobear and the Kid, is providing Billy Batson and the Magic of Shazam, a kid-friendly reworking of Captain Marvel, the classic superhero saga of child empowerment.

---------------------

Another original "Star Trek" actor will appear on "Heroes."

Having recruited George "Sulu" Takei to portray Hiro's father during Season 1, the Heroes creator has called upon Nichelle Nichols, aka USS Enterprise communications officer Lt. Uhura, to fill a short-term role.

----------------------

And the title for the next Indiana Jones movie is...

-----------------------

Still no Beatles, but John Lennon's music is now available for legal downloading.

Sixteen of Lennon's solo works from EMI Music are available for the first time on iTunes starting today, with the "Lennon Legend" and "Acoustic" collections making their worldwide digital debuts. For a limited period of 30 days, exclusive video content will be included with the albums "John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band," "Sometime in New York City," "Walls and Bridges," "Milk and Honey" and the collections "Anthology" and "Working Class Hero."

-------------------------

Mattel is recalling a whole mess of toys.

...action today involving 18.2 million magnetic toys, about half of them sold in the United States, expanded a recall initiated last year after reports of deaths and injuries to children who ingested magnets that had come loose. Mattel said the recall covered 63 different toys, all sold before January of this year, including 44 Polly Pocket toys, 11 Doggie Day Care toys, 4 Batman toys, a One Piece toy, and two Barbie toys.

CD new releases Aug. 14, 2007

Kiss: Kissology Volume II 1978-1991 ~ Kiss



Live at the BBC (Bonus Dvd) by Sandy Denny



Forever Cool by Dean Martin

DVD new releases Aug. 14, 2007

David Lynch's Inland Empire (Limited Edition Two-Disc Set)


Charlie Chan Collection, Vol. 3 (Behind That Curtain / Charlie Chan's Secret / Charlie Chan at Monte Carlo / Charlie Chan on Broadway / The Black Camel)


Dynasty - The Second Season


Kiss: Kissology Volume II 1978-1991


Les Paul - Chasing Sound


The Fugitive - Season One, Vol. 1


Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters for DVD


Doctor Strange: The Sorcerer Supreme


Doctor Who - Robot


Doctor Who - Survival


Elvis: The Mini-Series


A Pup Named Scooby Doo, Vol. 7


Rowan Atkinson Live!


Loonatics Unleashed: Complete Second Season


Welcome to Grindhouse: Dragon Princess/Karate Warriors


Welcome to Grindhouse: The Bodyguard/Sister Street Fighter


The Rolling Stones: In Performance (w/ Book)

Vintage G.I. Joe Ad



Pop Artifact! G.I. Joe Action Sailor

Pop Culture Roundup Aug. 13, 2007

The BBC has a number of comics-related TV documentaries in the works. Hopefully we'll see some of these stateside ('specially the Ditko program):

BBC Four is set to explore the wonderful world of comic books in a new three-part series celebrating one the of most powerful achievements of British popular culture – the classic comic strips generations of us have grown up with over the past 70 years.

From the Beano to Bunty, Commando to Viz, The Eagle to 2000AD, British comics have captivated generations from the Thirties to the present day.

Narrated by comedy writer Armando Iannucci (The Thick Of It), Comics Britannia will feature comics legends who wrote and drew the original strips, comics experts and a range of celebrity fans who re-live their favourite comic strip moments and characters.

Bash Street Kids, Dennis the Menace, Roy of The Rovers, Fat Slags, Watchmen, V for Vendetta and many more are brought to life using a special graphics style that allows the audience literally to step inside the comics.

Comics Britannia forms the centrepiece of BBC Four's comics season which also includes a one-off film, In Search Of Steve Ditko, which sees Jonathan Ross go in search of his hero – comic book legend, Steve Ditko.

Other programmes within the season include Adam West's Batman series and Modesty Blaise.


----------------------------

Comics artist Mike Wieringo died yesterday of a sudden heart attack.

Wieringo did work on DC Comics' The Flash and Adventures of Superman titles and may be best known for his lengthy run on Marvel's Fantastic Four with writer Mark Waid.

------------------------------

DC Direct plans a line of action figures inspired by DC's Showcase Presents reprints books. The first batch will include a Carmine Infantino Batgirl, Curt Swan Superman, Joe Kubert Hawkman and Jonah Hex (I guess we don't know which artist's rendition of Jonah we'll be getting).

At this time, yet subject to change, the Superman and Hawkman figures will include extra alternate heads. The Curt Swan Superman will sport heads representing Red Kryptonite transformations (a lion, etc.) and the Kubert Hawkman will feature both his pre and post-“honor wings” looks. The talented Karen Palinko has sculpted all four debut figures.

--------------------

A diverse group of musicians provide tunes the soundtrack of "I'm Not There," the upcoming Bob Dylan bio-pic. Here's the track list:

All Along The Watchtower --Eddie Vedder & The Million Dollar Bashers
As I Went Out One Morning--Mira Billotte
Ballad Of A Thin Man--Stephen Malkmus & The Million Dollar Bashers
Billy--Los Lobos
Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window--The Hold Steady
Can't Leave Her Behind--Stephen Malkmus & Lee Ranaldo
Cold Irons Bound--Tom Verlaine & The Million Dollar Bashers
Dark Eyes--Iron & Wine & Calexico
Fourth Time Around--Yo La Tengo
Goin' To Acapulco--Jim James & Calexico
Highway 61 Revisited--Karen O & The Million Dollar Bashers
I Wanna Be Your Lover--Yo La Tengo
I'm Not There--Bob Dylan
I'm Not There--Sonic Youth
Just Like A Woman--Charlotte Gainsbourg & Calexico
Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues--Ramblin' Jack Elliot
Knockin' On Heaven's Door--Antony & The Johnsons
The Lonesome Death Of Hattie Carroll--Mason Jennings
Maggie's Farm--Stephen Malkmus & The Million Dollar Bashers
Mama You've Been On My Mind--Jack Johnson
The Man In The Long Black Coat--Mark Lanegan
Moonshiner--Bob Forrest
One More Cup Of Coffee--Roger McGuinn & Calexico
Pressing On--John Doe
Ring Them Bells--Sufjan Stevens
Señor (Tales Of Yankee Power)--Willie Nelson & Calexico
Simple Twist Of Fate--Jeff Tweedy
Stuck Inside Of Mobile With Memphis Blues Again--Cat Power
The Times They Are A Changin'--Mason Jennings
Tombstone Blues--Richie Havens
When The Ship Comes In--Marcus Carl Franklin
Wicked Messenger--The Black Keys
You Ain't Goin 'Nowhere--Glen Hansard & Markta Irglov

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Asterix fans will want to take a gander at this Obilex Pez dispenser.

Vintage G.I. Joe Ad



Pop Artifacts! Batman buttons 4

Pop Culture Roundup Aug. 10, 2007

Filming has begun on Doctor Who's fourth season with Catherine Tate boarding the TARDIS as the Doctor's new companion, Donna Noble. More from the BBC:

The start of the new series will see Donna tracking down the Time Lord during an alien emergency in modern-day London.

The couple are destined to experience a series of wonderful adventures throughout the new series including meeting one of Doctor Who's most popular aliens, The Ood, in a brand new episode, Planet Of The Ood.

Donna and The Doctor – David Tennant – will also be travelling through time for an encounter with the legendary murder mystery novelist, Agatha Christie.

Agatha Christie will be played by Jekyll star Fenella Woolgar and The Good Life actress Felicity Kendal will star as Lady Clemency Eddison.

Blackadder and Notting Hill actor Tim McInnerny will also guest star later in the series.

Doctor Who's executive producer and head writer, Russell T Davies comments: "Visiting Agatha Christie has been on my wish-list for ages now and, for the Doctor, it's a real meeting of minds! Viewers can expect many more ambitious storylines and a whole host of guest stars in 2008."

Mathew Prichard, Agatha Christie's grandson, comments: "What a brilliant idea that Agatha Christie and Doctor Who should meet! Two characters whose contribution to British entertainment is absolutely unrivalled.

"As far as I know my grandmother, Agatha Christie, never saw Doctor Who, but I am sure she would have been intrigued, excited and above all flattered by all this attention in 2007."

Catherine Tate said: "I am delighted to be returning to Doctor Who. I had a blast last Christmas and look forward to travelling again through time and space with that nice man from Gallifrey."

Freema Agyeman who has played Martha Jones, The Doctor's companion throughout the critically acclaimed third series, will return to the show to join The Doctor and Donna mid-series.




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"Layer Cake" director Matthew Vaughn is set to direct a big screen Thor movie.

Mark Protosevich (I Am Legend) is scripting the tale, which will bring the Norse god to life as he wields his mighty hammer Mjolnir and travels from his mystical home of Asgard to help the humans of Midgard.

The announcement comes just as Paramount releases Matthew's latest project Stardust, an adaptation of the Neil Gaiman novel, starring Robert De Niro and Michelle Pfeiffer.

It marks his second effort at a superhero pic. He was apparently attached to direct X-Men 3 before bowing out for personal reasons.


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Marvel Comics plans a direct-to-DVD animated Hulk movie.

"Hulk Smash"...is slated for release in October of 2008.

Vintage DC Comics house ad



Today's video: Mego action figures ad



Pop Artifacts! Batman buttons 3

Pop Culture Roundup Aug. 9, 2007

In a lengthy interview, Joss Whedon talks about Buffy and Marvel Comics, his ill-fated Wonder Woman script and his in-the-works horror flick "Goners."

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The official Doctor Who site presents some cool season 3 concept art by the show's production artists.

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Robyn Hitchcock has a retrospective box set in the works.

I Wanna Go Backwards will include two disks of B-sides, demos and alternate takes along with Hitchcock's 1981 debut, Black Snake Diamond Role, 1984's I Often Dream of Trains and 1990's Eye--all with bonus tracks. It'll be out Oct. 16.

In 2008, a second box, tentatively dubbed Bad Case of History, will sport the three albums Hitchcock recorded with his band the Egyptians plus another odds-and-sods collection, "Dynasty."

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Check out a stunning collection of World War II propaganda posters.

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The Deseret News doesn't like Sci Fi's new "Flash Gordon" series, which premiers Friday night.

The first time I tried to watch the 90-minute pilot of "Flash Gordon" I fell asleep. The second time, it was all I could do to keep my eyes open.

And I like science fiction shows. I was sort of looking forward to this one.


While Inside Bay Area thinks it's worth giving a chance:

Flash Gordon" is a hoot and a half, especially after Friday night's choppy 90-minute pilot. As we all know, pilots are the place where all the ingredients get tossed in the pot and something coherent sort of springs forth.

But after we get through the initial introductions, "Flash Gordon" turns into a tasty little treat. The action takes place on both the planet Mongo and Earth, with people and aliens shifting back and forth between the two. Later episodes will take place on other planets as well.

October 2007 comics solicitations

Along with upcoming items from DC and Marvel Comics, here's some stuff to look out for in your comics shop come October. Click links to pre-order items from Amazon.

COMPLETE PEANUTS 1963-1964 HC
by Charles M. Schulz In this volume of the bestselling Complete Peanuts series, Charles Schulz introduces one (in fact, three) of the quirkiest characters to the Peanuts universe, the numerically-monikered 95472 siblings. They didn't stay around very long but offered some choice bits of satirical nonsense while they did. As it happens, this volume is particularly rich in never-before-reprinted strips: over 150 (more than one fifth of the book!) have never seen the light of day since their original appearance over 40 years ago, so this will be a trove of undiscovered treasures even for avid Peanuts collectors. Introduced by Bill Melendez, animator of all the Peanuts TV specials starting all the way back with A Charlie Brown Christmas!

HANK KETCHAMS COMPLETE DENNIS THE MENACE 1957-1958 HC
by Hank Ketcham No one captured the mischievousness, rambunctiousness, and anarchy of a kid's world better than cartoonist Hank Ketcham with Dennis the Menace. The strip appeals to both parents and children - while parents shake their head ruefully at how accurately Ketcham caught the essence of children's natural zest for mayhem, children identify with Dennis and the chaos that he leaves in his wake. Ketcham's gags are funny, subtle and touching, and executed with a vivacious exquisite line. Ketcham's legendary pen and ink work achieves its full flowering in this volume, as do the various situations and themes that Ketcham would return to again and again. This fourth volume of Hank Ketcham's The Complete Dennis the Menace publishes every single panel strip from 1957 and 1958 in one handsome and thick hardcover volume.

POPEYE VOL 2 WELL BLOW ME DOWN HC
by E.C. Segar This second volume of the acclaimed hit series collecting the entirety of E.C. Segar's original Popeye (a.k.a. Thimble Theatre) comic strips begins with a foreword by Beetle Bailey creator Mort Walker, and continues with an introduction by noted film and cartooning critic Donald Phelps. This second volume features work from 1930 to 1932, and most notably includes the debut of Segar's second greatest character: J. Wellington Wimpy, which stands as a one-of-a-kind icon some 70 years after his creation - the most likeable lowdown cad ever to grace the comics page. Popeye Volume 2 includes the stories: "Clint Gore" (continued from the cliffhanger last volume); "A One-Way Bank," in which Popeye opens a bank that allows withdrawals but no deposits; a long war story featuring King Blozo that begins with "The Great Rough-House War"; and "Skullyville," which wraps up the daily strips for this volume.

EC ARCHIVES VAULT OF HORROR VOLUME 1 HC
by Various Legendary publisher Bill Gaines provided the forum and creators like Al Feldstein, Johnny Craig, Wally Wood, Harry Harrison, Jack Kamen, Harvey Kurtzman, Graham Ingels, and Jack Davis provided the mayhem. Six full issues and 24 complete stories are collected in this full-color, deluxe volume. Foreword by perennial N.Y. Times best-selling author R.L. Stine.

UNCLE SCROOGE ADVENTURES LAND PYGMY INDIANS WAR OF WENDIGO TP
by Carl Barks & Don Rosa It's the first in a new series of Gemstone trade paperbacks - pairing Carl Barks' Scrooge classics with Don Rosa's modern-day sequels! This time "Land of the Pygmy Indians" is teamed with its follow-up, "War of the Wendigo!" When Scrooge grows sick of the big city's rumble, his back-to-nature journey takes him to the Peeweegah - Native Americans whose traditions haven't changed in a thousand years, and whom he must defend from modernity's encroaching grasp!

WALT DISNEYS CHRISTMAS PARADE #5
by Barks, Block, Korhonen & Scarpa It's Gemstone's latest 80-page Disney annual! In Carl Barks' "Thrifty Spendthrift," a hypnotized Uncle Scrooge reenacts the "Twelve Days of Christmas" song in real life! Then Pat and Shelly Block plunge Donald into a "Cookery Countdown," and Italian maestro Romano Scarpa brings us Mickey, Goofy and the Ducks in "Memoirs of an Invisible Santa." Finally Scrooge returns to top off the book with Kari Korhonen's "Mr. Clerkly's Christmas!"

BEST AMERICAN COMICS 2007
by Various The latest volume in Houghton-Mifflin's ground-breaking series! Guest editor Christ Ware and series editor Anne Elizabeth Moore have sought out the best stories to create this cutting-edge collection. With contributors such as Lynda Barry, R. Crumb, Gilbert Hernandez, and Art Spiegelman, no reader will want to be without.

COMPLETE DICK TRACY VOL 3 HC
Presenting the third volume of IDW Publishing's deluxe hardcover collection of Chester Gould's timeless comic strip, Dick Tracy. Volume Three once again contains over 500 comic strips from the series' early years, this time covering material that originally ran from January 1935 through June 1936. This special volume features an introduction from Consulting Editor and longtime Tracy writer Max Allan Collins. Each volume features book design from award-winning designer/artist Ashley Wood.

DOCTOR WHO ENCYCLOPEDIA HC
by Gary Russell Covering both Christopher Eccelston and David Tennant's Doctors and packed with never-before-seen photos, concept drawings, and special effects artwork, the Doctor Who Encylopedia is the perfect companion for anyone wishing to know more about the Doctor, the Tardis, his friends and enemies, and the worlds through which he travels.

DOC SAVAGE DOUBLE NOVEL VOL 11The pulp era's greatest superman battles evil in two exciting 1936 thrillers by Laurence Donovan and Lester Dent writing as "Kenneth Robeson." First, the Man of Bronze battles Var, a faceless fiend whose sinister pronouncements threaten destruction through the eerie "Cold Death!" Then, Doc Savage becomes embroiled in a desperate race to Antarctica to block "The South Pole Terror!" This collector's item pulp reprint showcases the classic color pulp cover by Walter Baumhofer, original interior illustrations by Paul Orban and historical articles by Will Murray, author of seven Bantam Doc Savage novels.

SHADOW DOUBLE NOVEL VOL 12
The Dark Avenger explores the worlds of magic and mystery in two of Walter Gibson's most intriguing thrillers. The Shadow is buried alive when he battles Hindu thuggees of an ancient cult as he searches for the strange secrets of the "Serpents of Siva." Plus, writer/magician Walter Gibson reveals yogi secrets and the levitation illusion. Then, Lamont Cranston visits a magic convention to investigate "The Magigals Mystery," featuring Walter Gibson's only pulp cameo! This classic pulp collection also features George Rozen's incredible pulp covers, all the original interior art by illustrators Edd Cartier and Paul Orban, and historical articles on Walter Gibson's magical world by Will Murray and Anthony Tollin.

New and upcoming action figures Aug. 9, 2007

Complete List of Marvel Legends Action Figures
Complete List of DC Direct Action Figures

Here's a look at action figures available via your local comics shop or via the TIP!-supporting links below:

DC Direct Action Figures

DC Armory Action Figures
--Aquaman
--Batman
--Flamebird
--Nightwing

Superman Last Son Action Figures
--Last Son Superman
--Ursa
--Bizarro
--Zod

Shazam Action Figures
--Dr. Sivana
--Captain Marvel Jr.
--Mary Marvel
--Billy Batson and Hoppy
--Captain Marvel

Superman Vs. Doomsday
Doomsday
Lex Luthor and Robot
Solar Suit Superman
Superman

Batman and Son
Batman
Ninja Man-Bat
Robin and Daimin
The Joker

DC Direct Reactivated Action Figures
--Batman
--Wonder Woman
--Lobo
--Superman

DC 13-inch Figures
Green Lantern
Martian Manhunter
Catwoman
Nightwing
Classic Batman
Batgirl gray costume
Batgirl black costume

Elseworlds Action Figures Series 3
--Supergirl
--Batgirl
--Nightstar
--Kingdom Come Aquaman
--Red Son Green Lantern

First Appearance Series 4
--Blue Beetle translucent
--Blue Beetle
--Brave New World Atom
--Warlord
--Brave New World Martian Manhunter
--Brave New World Aquaman

Infinite Crisis Action Figures Series 1
--Powergirl
--Omac
--Mongul
--Earth Prime Superboy
--Alexander Luthor

JSA Action Figures
--Mr. Terrific
--Hawkgirl
--Dr. Midnite
--Hourman
--Golden Age Atom 2-pack

DC Direct Wonder Woman Series 1 Action Figures
--Wonder Woman
--Agent Diana Prince
--Circe
--Donna Troy as Wonder Woman

DC Direct New Frontier Series 2 Action Figures
--Batman
--Dr. Fate
--The Flash
--Martian Manhunter

Fantastic Four Rise of the Silver Surfer action figures
Battle Stretch Mr. Fantastic
Fire Blast Human Torch
Raging Thing
Force Field Invisible Woman
Silver Surfer
Lightning Attack Dr. Doom
Blast-off Human Torch
Super Strength Thing

Hanna Barbera Series 3 Action Figures
--Fred Flintstone Quittin' Time
--Twinkle Toes Fred Flintstone
--Great Grape Ape
--Huckleberry Hound
--The Jetsons
--Secret Squirrel
--Snagglepuss

McFarlane Lost series 2 action figures
--Sawyer
--Jin
--Sun
--Mr. Eko

McFarlane Lost series 3 action figures
--Sayid
--Desmond
--Claire
--Ben/Henry

Marvel Legends Action Figures

Hasbro Marvel Legends Figures Series 3
--Bucky Barnes
--First appearance Captain America
--Marvel Girl Rachel Grey
--Heroes for Hire Black Knight
--Hydra Soldier
--X-3 Colossus
--Astonishing X-Men Cyclops
--Danger

Hasbro Marvel Legends Icons 12-inch Action Figures
--The Punisher
--Doctor Doom
--The Human Torch
--The Silver Surfer

Marvel Legends Masterworks Sets
--Spider-Man Vs. Green Goblin
--Fantastic Four Vs. Mole Man
--Hulk Vs. The Thing
--Galactus Vs. Everybody

Marvel Select Figures

Best of Marvel Select Figures
--Grey Hulk
--Thanos
--Ultimate Spider-Man
--Green Goblin
--Mephisto

Marvel Sideshow Toys Figures
--Venom
--Black costume Spider-Man
--Spider-Man
--White Queen
--White Queen Exclusive

Vintage DC Comics house ad



Today's video: Bonanza action figures TV ad

Pop Artifacts! Batman buttons 2

Pop Culture Roundup Aug. 8, 2007

Back in the 60s, illegal "pirate" radio was the best place to hear the hippest music in the UK. Now, some of the best-known DJs from that time are broadcasing again--legally. According to the BBC:

Johnnie Walker of BBC Radio 2, Emperor Rosko – who is flying over from Los Angeles to take part – Norman St John and John Kerr, both coming over from Australia, are just four of the DJs.

They will be boarding the LV18, a former lightship moored half-a-mile off Harwich, for six days of music and chat, with the emphasis firmly on Sixties music.

Programmes start on Thursday 9 August 2007 and continue 24-hours a day until 3pm on Tuesday 14 August – 40 years to the day and time that nearly all the original pirate stations went off air, scuppered by the Marine Offences Act.

As well as by tuning in to Pirate BBC Essex on 729, 765 and 1530 MW, the shows can also be heard via the website, bbc.co.uk/essex.


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Another attempt is underway to bring Jonny Quest to the big screen.

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Anton Yelchin ("Alpha Dog") is in negotiations to play Chekov in director J.J. Abrams' upcoming Star Trek film.

Casting is under way in New York and London for Kirk, Bones, Uhura, Sulu, Scotty, the film's villain and the Federation captain. Abrams is expected to sign bigger-name actors for the latter two parts.

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Carla Gugino is joining the cast of "Watchmen." She'll play the original Silk Spectre, part of the Minutemen, a group of heroes who preceded the Watchmen.

She joins Patrick Wilson, Jackie Earle Haley, Matthew Goode, Billy Crudup, Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Malin Akerman in the Warner Bros. movie, which is set in an alternate America that has passed a law banning costumed crime fighters. When one is murdered, the remaining members set out to solve the mystery.

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Shadows' guitarist Hank Marvin tells how Paul McCartney nearly gave "Here, There and Everywhere" away.

...at least Marvin has finally recorded an instrumental version as McCartney originally envisaged it. It's one of 15 tracks on his new album, Guitar Man - which includes the old Bread classic as the title track, George Harrison's While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Sting's Fields of Gold, James Blunt's You're Beautiful and Summer House, a new song co-written by his son Ben.

Book: The DC Comics Action Figure Archive

Out Dec. 27, this 208-page tome by Scott Beatty traces the history of DC-based action figures with lots of pictures.

The book is listed at $40, but is available for pre-order now from Amazon for $26.40.

For the legions that collect the immensely popular DC Comics action figures, we have good news: the official visual compendium of more than 1,400 characters has finally arrived. The DC Comics Action Figure Archive is the definitive reference for the serious enthusiast. Assembled by lead collector Scott Beatty and the experts at DC Comics, this sturdy hardcover features more than 600 full-color photographs and an easily navigable A-to-Z structure. Here, too, are previously impossible-to-find release dates, variants and "redecoes," as well as detailed information on action figure scales and articulation points. From Ace the Bat-Hound to Zauriel, with lots of Batman and Superman in-between, this collector's must-have guide doesn't miss a beat.