Captain America on Nightline tonight
Sources tell us that Joe Simon was interviewed for tonight’s episode of Nightline on ABC about his creation, Captain America. Check your local listings for times.
Author: Glenn Hauman
PeterDavid.net temporarily offline
Yes, I know it’s offline, as is BobGreenberger.com. I’ve got my webmaster hat on and I’m trying to resolve the problem ASAP.
UPDATE: Servers restored.
Eisner group bids $385.4 million for Topps
The Sporting News and AP reports that a buyout group that includes former Disney CEO Michael Eisner and Chicago private-equity firm Madison Dearborn Partners LLC. has paid over a third of a billion for the Topps Company, the makers of sports cards, Garbage Pail Kids, Wacky Packages, the classic Mars Attack! series, and even the occasional comic book.
The deal drew immediate opposition from Topps director Arnaud Ajdler, who said Tuesday he had not yet been in touch with other major shareholders. He thought the deal should be abandoned because negotiations did not go through a proper process and that the Eisner-led offer undervalues the company.
The board approved the deal in a 7-3 vote, with Ajdler and two others opposed. The company said it will solicit better offers over the next 40 days. The deal requires regulatory approval and a vote by Topps shareholders.
Running the Mickey Mouse outfit
The New York Times has a long article on John Lasseter, who has been tapped to become the chief creative officer of animation for the Walt Disney Company after founding Pixar. Good reading, particularly with Lasseter reviving the 2-D animation department – with a strong focus on story.
Yes, story. The New Disney. It ain’t just pretty pictures anymore.
Comicspace fundraiser
Josh Roberts reports: "Starting today, I’m launching a week-long ComicSpace Fundraiser to help cover hosting costs. It was either this or sell one of my kids, and I’m not convinced I can get a decent price for either of the little brats. All donations generated through this week-long fundraiser will be used to pay ahead on the combined monthly hosting bill for OnlineComics.net and ComicSpace – which, believe it or not, is nearly equal to my mortgage payment."
Hello Kitty Airlines
There’s a large section of America’s comic reading public that just doesn’t get the appeal of manga, chibi, or any of the cutesy stuff from Asia… and this is not going to help.
From Eva Air, we present to you the first Hello Kitty Airline. Complete with stamped tickets, special stewardess uniforms, in flight sales, and special inflight meals.
Unscrewed! auctions to benefit exploited creators
Unscrewed!, the organization created by comics creators, fans, and retailers to combat illegal and unethical practices by a would-be publisher, today announced a benefit auction to provide relief to the artists and writers exploited by that company. Since its inception in January, Unscrewed! has grown quickly, amassing support from top name talents in the comic book industry, as well as many who are just begining their careers. Full reports of all Unscrewed! activities can be found at the website: www.unscrewedcomic.com
Hero Squared coming to a close
Ian Brill, a man who calls himself the Earth-Prime Jimmy Olsen and who clearly hasn’t seen the shirts at the DC booth at WonderCon, reports that Hero Squared is coming to a close, according to BOOM! Studios head Ross Richie, who also says "this will be the last word for J.M. DeMatteis when it comes to the superhero genre."
Marc, Marc, Marc… don’t you know that never is a very long time in the span of the eternal cosmos that is but a metaphor for the mind of the infinite… er, just never is a long time.
Bun… James Bun
"Now, pay attention, 007. This link looks like it takes you to the 30-Second Bunny Theatre website…"
"Yes, I’m well aware of the site, Q."
"This is different, 007. This is actually a 75 second clip, filled with a variety of highlights from your professional career."
"Hmm. And some candid moments as well. Well, at least the bunnies make sense in that context."
"Oh, DO grow up, 007."
DC and Marvel month-to-month sales, January ’07
The Beat has all the Marvel and DC sales info that the hardcore stats junkies want. Nothing truly surprising, except for all of the books held for the end of Civil War, some serious drop offs in the numbers on the Ultimate books over the last few years, and lateness on a lot of DC books from people working in Hollywood.
