So long, Dan Adkins -- some of his best covers

Comics historian J. David Spurlock reports that famed Marvel Comics artist/inker has passed away. Another big loss from Marvel's heyday.

In tribute, here's a look at some of Adkins' excellent cover art.

Doctor Who Nightmare in Silver pics

Preview: Doctor Who Nightmare in Silver

Today's Google doodle pays tribute to Saul Bass

Check out Google's nifty tribute to the great film title designer.




And here are some samples of Bass' work:

Vintage photos: Dick Van Dyke hosts CBS Cartoon Theatre 1955

Video: Paul McCartney performs Eight Days a Week live

Promo video for new Beach Boys live collection

So long Ray Harryhausen - some of his classic scenes

Special effects pioneer Ray Harryhausen has passed away at age 92. The Guardian has a nice overview of his career, which included some of the classic scenes below:

New, huge Adam West Batman action figure up for pre-order from Amazon

Details:

For close to 50 years the Batman TV show has delighted audiences and for several generations Adam West is the Batman. We grew up with this iconic version of Batman and we are honored to have created this 18" tall poseable figure featuring Adam West's likeness, functioning utility belt, interchangeable hands, and loads more.



NECA Batman Adam West Action Figure, 1/4 Scale

New comics for May 8, 2013: Conan; Buffy; Showcase Presents Superman Family; Johnny Hazard; Steed and Peel; Donald Duck Carl Barks Library; Steve Ditko, more!

Click the links to order discounted items from Amazon. Highlights:


The Chronicles of King Conan Volume 5: The Black Dragons and Other Stories


Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 Volume 3: Guarded


Showcase Presents: Superman Family Vol. 4


Essential Defenders - Volume 7


Johnny Hazard The Newspaper Dailies 1946-1948 Volume 2


Steed and Mrs. Peel Vol. 1: A Very Civil Armageddon


Walt Disney's Donald Duck: The Old Castle's Secret (Carl Barks Library)


Steve Ditko's Monsters Volume 1: Gorgo (Ditko Monsters)


Doctor Who Inflatable Step-In TARDIS

Macca debuts Beatles tunes in new live shows

Paul McCartney is shaking up his set list for his latest tour, adding several tunes never performed live by the Beatles or himself.

McCartney opened the show with the first live version of The Beatles' #1 hit from 1965 "Eight Days A Week." For the fourth song of the evening, Paul dusted off Wings' 1975 #1 hit "Listen To What The Man Said," which he hadn't performed since a promotional tour in the late '80s and was last a regular part of his repertoire during the Wings Over The World Tour in 1975 and 1976. Another Wings song, "Another Day," returned to the fold for the first time since 1993. Seventeen songs into the set came another huge moment, when Paul McCartney played The Beatles classic "Your Mother Should Know" off Magical Mystery Tour live for the first time in his career. Macca wasn't finished playing Beatles songs for the first time as he also performed "All Together Now" off Yellow Submarine and shockingly the Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band track "Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite!" He wasn't done yet as towards the end of the show he busted out the Wings hit "Hi, Hi, Hi" for the first time since the aforementioned Wings Over The World Tour. In one of the encore slots came another wonderful treat in the form of another Sgt. Peppers debut, the long-awaited "Lovely Rita."

 I've seen Sir Paul perform twice -- 1989 and 2003 -- both excellent. He puts on a great show and loves treating the fans, as you can see from the details above. If you have a chance, see him.