Coming soon: "Alex Raymond: An Artistic Journey: Adventure, Intrigue and Romance"

Out Dec. 10, 2015.
Alex Raymond was one of the most influential comic strip artists of the 20th Century, creating action-packed art for Secret Agent X-9, the spectacular, classic imagery for Flash Gordon, and the nuanced, brilliant artwork for the detective/film-noiresque Rip Kirby. Now, for the first time, Hermes Press presents a comprehensive, definitive, art monograph covering Raymond's complete artistic output with an authoritative text by noted comics historian Ron Goulart. This new exhaustive full color art book features over 400 images, many scanned directly from Raymond's original artwork, and is being published under license from King Features as part of their 100th anniversary celebration. See original artwork from Raymond's work on Secret Agent X-9, Flash Gordon, Jungle Jim, and Rip Kirby together with numerous examples of his earliest strip artwork, commercial illustration, and more. This extra large format art book is presented in a 10 by 13 inch size, so collectors can savor every detail of Raymond's artistic genius.

BBC spills beans on Doctor Who season 9

With a new season ready to begin this Saturday, the BBC has revealed title names, cast details and even some plot points for "Doctor Who." Go here for minor spoilers. Or don't!


Batman to meet the Man from U.N.C.L.E. in upcoming mini-series

Batman '66, DC Comics' fun ongoing series featuring stories inspired by the Adam West "Batman" TV series, is set to end in December.

But, the same month, the 1960s Batman will be featured in the first issue of a six-part mini-series wherein he meet that other cult franchise, "The Man from U.N.C.L.E."

Here's a blurb about the new series, which is scripted by Jeff Parker with art by David Hahn and covers by the great Michael Allred:
Two 1960s television icons cross paths for a groovy, globe-spanning adventure in this one-of-a-kind miniseries. The deadly organization known as T.H.R.U.S.H. has a new twist in their plans for world conquest—they’re recruiting some of Gotham City’s most infamous villains! Agents Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin bring this information to the one man who knows everything about these new enemies: Batman. Before you can say “Open channel D,” the Dynamic Duo and the Men from U.N.C.L.E. are jetting off to Europe to thwart the schemes of this deadly criminal cartel.

Pop Artifact: Captain America board game


Video tour of new Jack Kirby art exhibit

If, like me, you can't make it down to California State University to see the new exhibit devoted to the work of comic book pioneer Jack Kirby, here's a look:


New Doctor Who season 9 video teaser


Pop Culture Roundup: Patsy Walker a.k.a. Hellcat!; Batman and Superman

Marvel has announced a new take on Patsy Walker, a.k.a. Hellcat.
The series is ... "like a superhero version of 'Trainwreck' or 'Broad City' -- a comedic and action-packed story about a woman figuring out her life," series editor Wil Moss explained. "Except Abbi and Ilana have never had to deal with crime waves, a supervillain temp agency, or an ex who is literally the son of Satan."
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Via Slay, Monstrobot: How to save a dying newspaper, World's Finest style!


New Music Friday: The Libertines; the Buckinghams; the Four Season; Marvin Gaye; Mike Nesmith; Al Kooper, more

Click the links to order discounted CDs, vinyl and downloads from Amazon.