Pop links

BBC 4 celebrates the 100th birthday of Tintin creator Herge and looks at how the Tintin books influenced many real-life reporters to pursue careers in journalism.

-----

Also on BBC 4, the "Sunday" program airs a 1969 interview with John Lennon, in which the former Beatle discusses his religious views and talks critically about the Church of England. You'll need to skip ahead to hear the Lennon segment.

-----

Good Heavens! Our pal Rick has started yet another blog! This one's dedicated to 45 r.p.m. and album cover art. He starts with a Monkees post, natch.

-----

Comic book artist George Roussos didn't use his sketchbooks for just his own art. They also included drawings by pals like Dan Barry, Jack Kirby, Al Fleischer, Frank Frazetta and more. Golden Age Comic Book Stories shares a few examples here and here.

-----

First he gets verbally assaulted by Dick Cheney, now he's physically assaulted by the Joker! Lifelong Batfan Sen. Patrick Leahy talks about his cameo in "Batman: The Dark Knight."

-----

Today in sharity:

Photobucket

Beatles producer George Martin honored, interviewed

George Martin received a Grammy Foundation Leadership Award in Los Angeles the other night during a dinner/concert featuring appearanced by Yoko Ono, Olivia Harrison, Jeff Beck, Burt Bacharach and others.

He also did an interview talking a bit about "On Record: The Soundtrack of Our Lives," a documentary series with the ambitious aim of chronicling the history of recorded music and its impact on society. It will feature archival performances and interviews with artists from all genres, including Enrico Caruso, Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, Loretta Lynn and Jay-Z. It will air in the fall of 2010.

Pop links

The Hollywood Animation Archive celebrates the pin-up art of George Petty.

Photobucket

-----

Surviving members of The Faces--including Rod Stewart, Ian McLagen and Ronnie Wood are weighing a reunion.

McLagan said Stewart was the only member uncertain about reforming.

"Rod hasn't wanted to do it for a long time. He didn't see the need in it but I think he really wants to now."

It has been nearly four decades since the band, known for hits such as Cindy Incidentally and Stay With Me, first formed.

"It's going to be great if it does happen," McLagan said.

-----

The painted bass drum head from The Beatles Sgt. Pepper album has sold for £541,250 at auction.

Photobucket

-----

The Quardian reports on Joss Whedon's upcoming Web musical Dr Horrible's Sing-along Blog, which can be seen for free in three parts July 15, 17 and 19 here. Free viewing finishes on July 20, but the whole 42 minutes can still be downloaded via subscription. After that, a DVD will be available.

-----

Pappy serves up some comic book noir.

Photobucket

New James Bond Quantum of Solace movie poster

Photobucket

New and upcoming pop culture books

These may be of interest to some of you out there. Click the links to get more info from Amazon.

Photobucket
Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy (Metropolitan Museum of Art Publications)
From Wonder Woman’s satin stars and golden bracelets to Batman’s brooding cape and mask, the style of superheroes’ dress has influenced both street wear and high fashion. This richly illustrated book explores how radical couture, avant-garde sportswear, and state-of-the-art military garments—as seen through the lens of the superhero—can be metaphors for sex, power, and politics. Beginning with the origins of the superhero costume, this volume looks at how designers have been influenced by iconographic components such as the cape, mask, boots, and unitard. Costumes, such as those worn by Batman and Catwoman, are examined as reflections of sexual and physical prowess, while others, most notably those of Superman and Captain America, are analyzed as political propaganda.

Photobucket
Love on the Racks: A History of American Romance Comics
For the better part of three decades romance comics were an American institution. Nearly 6,000 romance comics were published between 1947 and 1977, and there was a time when one of every five comics sold in the U.S. was a romance comic. This is the first book devoted entirely to the rarely studied world of romance comics. The text includes information on several types of romance comics and their creators, plus the history, numbers, and publishing frequency of dozens of romance titles. The author examines several significant periods in the development of the romance genre, including the origins of Archie Comics and other teen romance publications, the romance comic "boom and bust" of the 1950s, and the genre's sudden disappearance when fantasy and superhero comics began to dominate mainstream comics in the late 1970s.

Photobucket
Collector's Guide to Pez: Identification and Price Guide, 3rd Edition

PEZ's claim to collectible fame is among one of the most intriguing urban legends on the books. Word has it a die-hard PEZhead's desire to trade and connect with her fellow PEZ pals was the impetus for her boyfriend developing eBay. True or not, the PEZ you love has certainly come a long way since its start in 1927. In this new edition of the Collector's Guide to PEZ you gain thorough details of company history, updated pricing and more than 16 chapters devoted to PEZ. Look for information on many rare and extremely valuable dispensers, plus 1,000 fun and fantastic photos.

Photobucket
DC Universe Illustrated by Neal Adams Vol. 1
The first of three hardcover volumes collecting nearly every DC Comics story and cover by Neal Adams not already collected in Green Lantern/Green Arrow, Batman or Deadman titles! Featuring rarely seen stories from Our Army at War issues #182, 183 and 186, Star Spangled War Stories #134 and 144, Detective Comics #369, Teen Titans #20 to 22, Action Comics #425, Superman #254, Weird War Tales #12 and 13 and more.

Photobucket
Creepy Archives
Dark Horse Comics further corners the market on high-quality horror storytelling with one of the most anticipated releases of the decade - a hardcover archive collection of the legendary Creepy Magazine! This groundbreaking material turned the world of graphic storytelling on its head in the early 1960s, as phenomenal young artists like Bernie Wrightson and Neal Adams reached new artistic heights with their fascinating explorations of classic and modern horror stories.

Photobucket
Zot!: The Complete Black and White Collection: 1987-1991
Long before manga took the American comics market by storm, Scott McCloud (Understanding Comics, Making Comics) combined the best ideas from manga, alternative comics, and superheroes into Zot!—a frenetic and innovative exploration of comics' potential that helped set the stage for McCloud's later groundbreaking theoretical work.

Photobucket
Hawkman Companion
Instantly recognizable among comic fans, Hawkman is one of the most iconic heroes ever created. Inspired by tales as old as mankind and those much more recent, this four-color legend has left an indelible mark upon the comic industry. Behind a fabulous CLIFF CHIANG cover, this collection contains interviews and commentary from many who have helped Hawkman soar through the ages, including JOE KUBERT, GEOFF JOHNS, SHELLY MOLDOFF, TIMOTHY TRUMAN, JUSTIN GRAY, JIMMY PALMIOTTI, RAGS MORALES, STEPHEN SADOWSKI, DON KRAMER, BEN RAAB, TONY ISABELLA, DAN JURGENS, ROY THOMAS, STEVE LIEBER, MURPHY ANDERSON and many other top comics creators. Also included is a copious image parade, profiles on the Hawks through the ages, as well as their allies and adversaries, and a timeline of Hawkman's storied existence throughout the DC Comics Universe. With insight into the character and the creators who made him what he is, the HAWKMAN COMPANION is certain to please any Hawkfan. Written by Doug Zawisza.

Pop links

It's the first-ever Beatles Day in Liverpool. You can read all sorts of stories related to the event at the Liverpool Echo. I like the logo. Wish I could find a bigger version.

Photobucket

-----

Sad news: Muriel Kubert, wife of famed comic book artist Joe Kubert, has passed away.

Muriel and Joe had five children. Andy and Adam followed their father to the drawing board and became two of the most respected artists of the day. Lisa, Danny, and David round out the pack. In turn, their children gave them 11 grandchildren.

Muriel often modeled for Joe’s work, although this reporter cannot say the process was fully intentional. The resemblance between Mrs. Kubert and Shiera Hall from the early 1960s Hawkman revival is uncanny.

Superman at 70: Adventures of Superman TV show gallery

Let's wrap up our celebration of the Man of Steel's 70th anniversary with this look at his 1950s live-action TV series.

I loved watching reruns of this show as a kid. For me, George Reeves is Superman. He brought such a great blend of heroism, drama and whimsy to the show. He made you simultaneously believe in Superman while winkingly acknowledging the preposterousness of a grown man in a cape.

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Bonus: Superman on "I Love Lucy"!

Photobucket

Photobucket

Pop links

A movie based on Richard and Wendy Pini's pioneering independently published "Elfquest" comic book series is in the works. Rawson Thurber ("Dodgeball," "The Mysteries of Pittsburgh") is set to direct.

------

Pop culture historian Ron Goulart talks about his new book on "good girl" art.

Q: How do you define "good girl art"?

A: It's basically pinups. Way back in the '60s, the American Comic Book Co. started doing a catalog. They were selling comic books through the mail and they'd say, "This one has superheroes or Superman art," and then they would come up with comics that had "girl art," and then they would say, "This one has 'good girl art,' as opposed to lousy girl art, I suppose. Although some of the good girl art quality is not that great, a lot of it is.




-----

Superman at 70: 1965 Superman merchandising ad

Just received this from the many-blogged Rick (On My Mind, Plastic Man Platitudes, Mail it to Team Up, Comic Book Letterheads Museum...) and thought I'd post it. Thanks Rick!

Photobucket

Poster for straight-to-DVD Wonder Woman movie revealed

Here 'tis. TV Guide has an interview with Keri Russell, doing the voice of Wonder Woman and Nathan Fillion ("Firefly"), who is doing the voice for Steve Trevor. Interestingly, Russell and Fillion recently co-starred in the live-action comedy "Waitress." The Wonder Woman DVD will be out next February.

The movie tells the Amazon princess' origin story. "She's a true, strong warrior, but she's also right at the break of being a young woman standing on her own and fighting out in the world," Russell says.

Photobucket

Superman at 70: Various Superman house ads

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Comics shipping July 9, 2008

Click linked items to order from Amazon.

DARK HORSE COMICS

MAR080021 BLOOD PLUS NOVEL VOL 02 CHEVALIER (RES) $8.95
MAY080034 BPRD THE WARNING #1 (OF 5) $2.99
MAY080042 GOON #26 $2.99
MAY080043 GOON #26 TOP SECRET ERIC POWELL VAR CVR $2.99
MAR080065 HELLBOY ODDEST JOBS TP $14.95
APR080011 INDIANA JONES & TOMB OF THE GODS #1 $2.99

DC COMICS

MAY080255 100 BULLETS #93 (MR) $2.99
MAY080180 ACTION COMICS #867 $2.99
APR080271 AMERICAN VIRGIN TP VOL 04 AROUND THE WORLD (MR) $17.99

1401212409 Batman and Son
Author: Grant Morrison, Andy Kubert, Jesse D...; Buy New: $16.49


B0016NA9O2 Batman Black & White
Buy New: $64.99
MAY080174 BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #19 $2.99
MAY080229 BATMAN STRIKES #47 $2.25
MAY080189 BOOSTER GOLD #1000000 $2.99
MAY080237 CHUCK #2 (OF 6) $2.99
MAY080171 DETECTIVE COMICS #846 RIP $2.99
MAY080146 FINAL CRISIS REQUIEM #1 $3.99
MAY080192 GREEN ARROW BLACK CANARY #10 $2.99

B000ZLX18M Green Lantern Series 3
Buy New: $17.99

B000ZM0PYE Green Lantern Series 3
Buy New: $17.99

B000ZM2FDS Green Lantern Series 3
Buy New: $17.99

B000ZLX18W Green Lantern Series 3
Buy New: $17.99
MAY080150 HUNTRESS YEAR ONE #5 (OF 6) $2.99
MAY080166 JOKERS ASYLUM THE PENGUIN #1 $2.99
APR080216 JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #17 $2.99
APR080285 KIKAIDER CODE 02 VOL 07 (MR) $9.99
MAY080228 LEGION OF SUPER HEROES IN THE 31ST CENTURY #16 $2.25
MAY080246 LOST BOYS REIGN OF FROGS #3 (OF 4) (MR) $3.50
APR080265 NEW YORK FOUR $9.99
MAY080244 NUMBER OF THE BEAST #7 (OF 8) $2.99

140121830X Teen Titans Spotlight: Wonder Girl
Author: J. Torres; Buy New: $12.23
MAY080141 TRINITY #6 $2.99
APR080291 VARIANTE VOL 04 (MR) $12.99

B000ZLX19Q Women of the DC Universe Series 2 Wonder Girl Bust
Buy New: $54.99
MAY080203 WONDER WOMAN #22 $2.99
MAY080273 YOUNG LIARS #5 (MR) $2.99

IMAGE COMICS

APR082191 AGE OF BRONZE #27 (MR) $3.50

1582408653 Captain Stoneheart And The Truth Fairy
Author: Joe Kelly, Chris Bachalo;
MAY082171 I KILL GIANTS #1 (OF 7) $2.99
MAY082231 PILOT SEASON URBAN MYTHS #1 $3.99
JAN082086 SHARK-MAN #3 $3.50
JAN082088 SPAWN #180 $2.95
DEC072103 STEVE NILES STRANGE CASES #4 $2.50
MAY082221 WILDGUARD INSIDER #3 (OF 3) $3.50
MAY082233 WITCHBLADE #119 ROSS CVR B $2.99
MAY082232 WITCHBLADE #119 SEJIC CVR A $2.99

MARVEL COMICS

MAY082262 AMAZING SPIDER-GIRL #22 $2.99
MAY082259 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #565 $2.99
MAY082366 ANITA BLAKE VH GUILTY PLEASURES TP VOL 01 $14.99

078512716X Annihilation Conquest Book 2
Author: Javier Grillo-Marxuach, Dan Abnett, ...; Buy New: $26.39
MAY082268 CAPTAIN AMERICA WHITE #0 $2.99
APR088184 CAPTAIN AMERICA WHITE #0 TIM SALE VAR $2.99
MAY082311 CAPTAIN BRITAIN AND MI 13 #3 SI $2.99

0785132279 Criminal Vol. 3
Author: Ed Brubaker, Sean Phillips; Buy New: $9.59


0785123164 Essential Doctor Strange, Vol. 1
Author: Stan Lee, Steve Ditko; Buy New: $11.55
MAY082269 ETERNALS #2 $2.99
MAY082335 GENEXT #3 (OF 5) $3.99
MAY082274 GUARDIANS OF GALAXY #3 $2.99
MAY082290 HULK CHRONICLES WWH #1 $4.99
APR088241 HULK RED HULK MUST HAVE (PP #820) $4.99
APR088295 INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #2 2ND PTG LARROCA VAR (PP #821) $2.99
MAY082278 INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #3 $2.99
MAY082280 IRON MAN LEGACY OF DOOM #4 (OF 4) $2.99
MAY082272 LAST DEFENDERS #5 (OF 6) $2.99
MAY082285 MARVEL ADVENTURES HULK #13 $2.99

0785128131 Ms. Marvel Volume 4
Author: Brian Reed, Aaron Lopresti; Buy New: $10.19
MAY082334 NEW EXILES #8 $2.99
MAY082294 NOVA #15 $2.99

0785129154 Power Pack, Vol. 1
Author: Marc Sumerak, Gurihiru; Buy New: $16.49
OCT072156 POWERS #29 (MR) $3.95

0785128530 Runaways: Dead End Kids
Author: Joss Whedon, Michael Ryan; Buy New: $13.59

MAY082300 SECRET INVASION #4 SI $3.99
MAY082255 ULTIMATE ORIGINS #2 (OF 5) $2.99
APR088286 ULTIMATE ORIGINS #2 (OF 5) DELL OTTO SKETCH VAR $2.99
MAY082383 UNCANNY X-MEN ALEX ROSS POSTER $7.99

0785126112 Wolverine: Death of Wolverine
Author: Marc Guggenheim, Jason Aaron, Howard...; Buy New: $15.67
APR088299 X-FORCE #4 2ND PTG CRAIN VAR (PP #821) $2.99
MAY082330 YOUNG X-MEN #4 DWS $2.99

WIZARD ENTERTAINMENT

MAY083516 TOYFARE #133 MARVEL SECRET INVASION CVR $4.99

**********

COMICS

APR084079 2000 AD #1591 $4.50
APR084080 2000 AD #1592 $4.50
MAR083393 ACES CURSE O/T RED BARON GN $12.95
APR084075 ANUBIS DARK DESIRES #4 (A) $5.99
MAY083603 ARCHIE & FRIENDS #121 $2.25
MAY083605 ARCHIE DOUBLE DIGEST #190 $3.69
APR083702 ARMY OF DARKNESS XENA WHY NOT #4 (OF 4) $3.50
APR083891 AVALON HIGH CORONATION GN VOL 02 (OF 3) HOMECOMING $9.99
APR083892 BAD KITTY GN VOL 01 CATNIPPED $9.99
MAY083976 BADGER SAVES THE WORLD TP $19.99
APR084222 BASTARD TP VOL 17 (MR) $9.99
MAR083593 BATTLESTAR GALACTICA ORIGINS #7 $3.50
APR083808 BERLIN #16 (MR) $3.95
MAY083590 BLACK COAT 48-PAGE SPECIAL $6.95
MAR083674 BLOODRAYNE RAW III $3.99
MAY083812 BLUE SKY GN (MR) $12.95
MAR083763 BODY COUNT SC (MR) $16.95
MAY083722 BONE COLOR ED HC VOL 08 TREASURE HUNTERS $19.99

0439706335 Bone Volume 8
Author: Jeff Smith; Buy New: $9.99
MAR084013 CHRONICLES OF THE GRIM PEDDLER GN VOL 01 $11.95
MAY083546 CHUMBLE SPUZZ GN VOL 02 PIGEON MAN & DEATH SINGS THE BLUES $12.95
MAY083947 CLASSIC TRANSFORMERS TP VOL 02 $19.99
APR084063 COLA MADNES TP (MR) $24.95
FEB083791 COLLECTION OF SHA TP $19.95
MAY083972 CSI DYING IN THE GUTTERS TP NEW PTG $11.99
MAY083971 CSI SECRET IDENTITY TP NEW PTG $11.99
MAY083981 DEAD SHE SAID #2 $3.99
APR083778 DEMONS REGRET #1 (MR) $3.99
MAR084032 DEVI WITCHBLADE #1 LAND CVR $2.99
MAR084033 DEVI WITCHBLADE #1 SINGH CVR $2.99
MAY083838 DF ANGEL AFTER THE FALL #9 EX ALT CVR $14.99
APR083814 DF AVENGERS INVADERS #2 EX ALT KRUEGER SGN CVR $29.99
APR083815 DF PROJECT SUPERPOWERS #1 SGN CVR $29.99
APR083816 DF ULTIMATE ORIGINS #1 EX ALT SGN CVR $29.99
MAY083854 DF WOLVERINE #66 EX ALT CVR $14.99
MAY083975 DOCTOR WHO CLASSICS TP VOL 01 $19.99
MAY084028 DOG STYLE GN VOL 02 (A) $10.99
MAY083795 DRAFTED #9 $3.50
FEB083547 DRAGON CROSS #6 (MR) $3.25
MAR083846 EXTRACT GN (A) $19.95
MAY084027 FAMILY GN (A) $11.99
MAY083628 FART PARTY GN (MR) $13.95
DEC073688 FAVOLE HC VOL 03 FROZEN LIGHT (MR) $14.95
APR083545 FEMME NOIR DARK CITY DIARIES #1 (OF 4) BOLLAND CVR B $3.95
APR083544 FEMME NOIR DARK CITY DIARIES #1 (OF 4) STATON & LOPEZ CVR A $3.95
APR083546 FICTION CLEMENS #2 (OF 3) $5.95
FEB083977 FURRLOUGH #183 $3.99
APR083728 GACHA GACHA NEXT REVOLUTION GN VOL 07 (MR) $12.95
MAY084181 GAMEKEEPER SERIES 2 #5 (MR) $2.99
MAY083987 GENE SIMMONS ZIPPER TP VOL 01 $19.99
MAY083832 GENTLEMAN JIM HC $14.95
DEC073840 GODDESS OF WAR #1 (OF 4) (RES) (MR) $12.95
APR083774 GOLDEN PRINCE & ARGENT KING GN (MR) $12.95
MAY083714 GRAPHIC LIBRARY GN BOSTON TEA PARTY $7.95
MAY083715 GRAPHIC LIBRARY GN CREATION OF US CONSTITUTION $7.95
MAY083716 GRAPHIC LIBRARY GN PAUL REVERES RIDE $7.95
MAY083717 GRAPHIC LIBRARY GN STAR SPANGLED BANNER $7.95
MAY083718 GRAPHIC LIBRARY GN STORY OF THE STATUE OF LIBERTY $7.95
MAY083719 GRAPHIC LIBRARY GN WINTER AT VALLEY FORGE $7.95
APR083744 GROWING UP WITH COMICS GN $16.99
APR083765 HACK SLASH SERIES #13 GRAHAM CVR B (MR) $3.50
APR083764 HACK SLASH SERIES #13 SEELEY CVR A (MR) $3.50
MAY083549 HALO & SPROCKET TP VOL 02 NATURAL CREATURES $8.95
APR083740 HARRY PORKER (ONE SHOT) $4.95
MAY083925 HOT MEXICAN LOVE COMICS 2008 (MR) $5.95
APR084224 INU YASHA TP VOL 34 $8.95
APR083729 KAGETORA GN VOL 10 $10.95
FEB084022 KINGDOM HEARTS VOL 1-4 GN BOXED SET (O/A) $23.99
MAY083816 KISS BLUE GN VOL 01 (OF 2) (MR) $12.95
DEC073812 KOLCHAK THE NIGHT STALKER THE LOVECRAFTIAN HORROR SC NEW PTG $13.95
APR083489 KYLE BAKER NAT TURNER HC $24.95
APR083488 KYLE BAKER NAT TURNER SC $12.95
APR083615 LOOKING FOR GROUP #4 $2.95
DEC073332 MAGIC WHISTLE TP VOL 11 BODY ARMOR FOR YOUR DIGNITY (MR) $11.95
MAR083383 MEN OF MYSTERY #71 $9.95
FEB083678 NECESSARY EVIL #6 $3.99
MAR083633 NECESSARY EVIL TP VOL 01 $17.99
FEB083679 NEGATIVE BURN #20 (MR) $5.99
MAR083420 NINJA HIGH SCHOOL #161 $2.99
APR083656 NORTH WIND TP VOL 01 $15.99
MAR083672 OMEN POSITIVE ISSUE $2.99
DEC073815 PHANTOM JUNGLE ACTION TP (O/A) $19.99
MAR083690 RED COLORED ELEGY HC (MR) $24.95
APR084213 RED RIVER GN VOL 22 $9.99
APR083698 RED SONJA #35 $2.99
MAY083983 SNAKED TP $17.99
MAY083614 SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #190 $2.25
MAY083783 SPOOKS OMEGA TEAM #0 $0.99
APR084225 SWITCH GN VOL 03 $9.99
FEB083549 TEMPEST #6 $3.25
OCT073439 THIRTEEN STEPS #5 (MR) $3.99
APR084226 TOGARI TP VOL 07 $9.99
FEB083551 TOTEM #6 $3.25
MAY083943 TRANSFORMERS ALL HAIL MEGATRON #1 $3.99
MAY083942 TRANSFORMERS MOVIE PREQUEL SAGA O/T ALLSPARK #1 $3.99
MAY083946 TRANSFORMERS THE ARK TP VOL 02 $19.99
MAY083805 UNWANTED GN $15.00
MAR083410 VAMPIRELLA COLLECTORS CLUB STARTER KIT $19.99
APR084239 VERY VERY SWEET GN VOL 01 $10.99
APR083582 WOLFSKIN ANNUAL #1 (MR) $4.99
APR083583 WOLFSKIN ANNUAL #1 PAINTED CVR (MR) $4.99
APR083584 WOLFSKIN ANNUAL #1 WRAP CVR (MR) $4.99
APR084227 YAKITATE JAPAN TP VOL 12 $9.99

MAGAZINES

APR084254 COMIC FOUNDRY MAGAZINE SUMMER 2008 $5.98
MAY084287 CSI MAGAZINE #5 SPECIAL $9.99
MAY084288 DR WHO MAGAZINE #397 $7.99
APR084271 FEMME FATALES VOL 17 #3 $9.99
APR084273 FORTEAN TIMES #238 $11.25
APR084275 GIANT ROBOT #54 $4.99
APR084081 JUDGE DREDD MEGAZINE #273 $7.50
APR084286 LEES TOY REVIEW #189 JUL 2008 $5.95
MAY084272 LOCUS #570 $6.95
APR084289 SCRYE #123 SUMMER 2008 $5.99
APR084300 SFX SPECIAL #34 $11.00