Neal Adams Green Lantern comics covers

The upcoming Green Lantern flick focuses on the more cosmic of the hero's adventures. But, in the comics, some of the best stories were well-grounded here on earth. During the early 1970s, writer Denny O'Neill and artist Neal Adams did an acclaimed run on the title, which paired Green Lantern with Green Arrow in a series of across-America adventures that touches on hot issues of the day: politics, the generation gap, the media, drug abuse and racism.

Here are some of Adams' covers from that time:

Paul McCartney recording project on vintage gear

Macca tells Wired magazine about his latest experimental recording projects, which hearkens back to the days of four-track and "Tomorrow Never Knows"-style tape loops. As demonstrated by his most recent Fireman album, the best work Paul has done in years, McCartney in relaxed, experimental mode can yield good stuff. I'm also looking forward to the expanded remasters of McCartney I and II next week.

“I’ve dusted off the same two old machines that I used for ‘Tomorrow Never Knows,’” McCartney said during a wide-ranging phone interview to be published soon by Wired.com. “We’re having trouble finding spare parts. But my man Eddie Klein, who works in my studio and is an old Abbey Road guy, is a real boffin and has got the machines working again.”

“The new project is going to take a couple years,” said McCartney. “It’s very long-range. I’ve no idea when it is actually going to happen, but I’m really into it.”

New Google doodle pays tribute to Les Paul: Record your own song!

This is pretty cool: In honor of what would be the guitarist/innovator's 96th birthday, Google has posted an interactive guitar graphic on its main page. You can strum the strings and even record your playing. Then play back the recording and play over it in the overdubbing fashion Paul pioneered.

Video: New song from Ray Davies

Via The Guardian: Backed by the Leisure Society, the former Kinks' front man performs a new song, "Sane."

Matt Smith returns for Doctor Who season 7

The floppy-haired one will be back for 14 new episodes, the BBC reports.  But there's no word yet on when that season may air.

DC/Marvel Crossover Omnibus on the way

This recently cropped up on Amazon: A 512-page hardcover collecting all the DC-Marvel Comics crossovers, including Superman Vs. Spider-Man, Batman vs. the Hulk, X-men and Teen Titans, etc.

The release date is listed as Feb. 7, 2012, with a discounted price of $31.49, from $49.99.

Marvel Comics plans John Carter of Mars adaptation

From the press release:

Transported to the dying planet of Mars, Captain John Carter must now fight for his life against creatures unlike any ever seen by mankind. But as he finds himself enveloped by an alien civil war, he meets the proud and beautiful Dejah Thoris, Princess of Helium, who will change his life forever!

“With our new partnership with Marvel Entertainment, we believe we have found the best creative force to revive the thrills and adventures in the 21st Century of the legendary John Carter of Mars. We are looking forward to introducing this original interplanetary adventurer to a new generation of fans and await the first issue with great anticipation,” said James Sullos, President of Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc.

Re-envisioned by acclaimed scribe Roger Langridge (Thor: The Mighty Avenger) and fan-favorite artist Filipe Andrade (Onslaught Unleashed), with covers by Eisner-winner Skottie Young (Wonderful Wizard of Oz), John Carter: A Princess of Mars #1 (of 5) brings you the story you love like you’ve never seen it before.

“Edgar Rice Burroughs created one of the great action heroes in John Carter and we’re excited to bring his novels to comics for a new generation,” said Axel Alonso, Marvel Editor-In-Chief. “Roger and Filipe are going to blow everyone away with their take on the John Carter novels, keeping fans new and old on the edge of their seats.”

Conan movie character posters

Wanna invest in a Harvey Kurtzman documentary?

Filmmakers are seeking funding for  a documentary film about legendary EC Comics artist and Mad magazine founder Harvey Kurtzman. Info from Booksteve:

I am developing a documentary on MAD Magazine founder Harvey Kurtzman and his influential, early 1960’s humor magazine HELP! Working with fellow producer Terry Gilliam (Monty Python) and director Bruce Sinofsky (Metallica: Some Kind of Monster, HBO’s Brothers Keeper) as well as the cooperation of the Kurtzman estate, we feel that this is an amazing and underappreciated story in American cultural and comedic history.

As this is a film about artists, illustrators and the creative process, I thought that you might know some people who would want to be a part of this film. Right now, our two biggest needs are finding people who either knew Harvey (and were involved with HELP!) and most importantly, that dreaded word that every filmmaker dares to mention: Investors.

We could go the Kickstarter route with this effort, but I feel that there may be enough power in the artist community to bring in the funding we seek. Right now, we are about $250,000 short of our current fundraising goals. If there were people willing to invest, or even make a donation toward this film, it would go a long way to insuring that we get most of the wonderful, talented and sorry to say, old timers on camera before it is too late.

Any thoughts or ideas on this subject are most welcome. Thank you for your continued support for this film.

Sincerely,

Philip Michelson

Moondog Films

phil@moondogworld.com

New comics June 7, 2011

Things I'll buy:

ALL NEW BATMAN THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #8

Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse: "Race to Death Valley" (Vol. 1) 

Items of note:


Mister X: The Brides of Mister X and Other Stories


DC Direct Ame-Comi Heroine Series: Mera PVC Figure


DC Direct Ame-Comi Heroine Series: Raven PVC Figure


DC Direct Brightest Day Series 1: Green Arrow Action Figure


DC Direct Brightest Day Series 1: Deadman Action Figure


DC Direct Brightest Day Series 1: Hawkgirl Action Figure


DC Direct Brightest Day Series 1: Aquaman Action Figure


DC Direct DC Dynamics: Sinestro Statue

 
DC Direct Green Lantern (Movie): Kilowog Bust


DC Direct Green Lantern (Movie): Tomar Re Bust

 
Superman Chronicles Vol. 9

 
DC Direct Ultimate Showdown: Green Lantern vs. Sinestro Statue Set

 
DC Direct Women of the DC Universe Series 3: Harley Quinn Bust

 
Li'l Abner Volume 3 HC

 
Avengers - West Coast Avengers: Family Ties

 
Captain America: American Nightmare


Captain America by Dan Jurgens Volume 1


Captain America: Fighting Avenger Volume 1 (Captain America: the Fighting Avenger)


Captain America: No Escape


New X-Men by Grant Morrison Book 2


Modesty Blaise: Top Traitor (Modesty Blaise (Graphic Novels))




Doc Savage Double-Novel Pulp Reprints Volume #48: "Red Snow" & "Death Had Yellow Eyes" (Classic Cover)


The Shadow Double-Novel Pulp Reprints #49: "The Shadow Laughs!" & "Voice of Death"