Category: News

big-questions-by-anders-nilsen-5335912

REVIEW: “Big Questions” by Anders Nilsen

big-questions-by-anders-nilsen-5335912If you’re plugged into the comics field at all, you’ve probably already heard of this: it’s the gigantic out-of-left-field book that all of the cool kids have been talking about for the last six months (call it 2011’s Bottomless Belly Button). Of course, the really cool kids have known about it for a while: Nilsen has been serializing Big Questions as a series of smaller comics for close to a decade now.

In a wide, open landscape — there’s a stand of trees by a river, and a single farmhouse, and even some caves underground, but what we see most of all is widely scattered single trees — live a flock of small birds, who are collectively our main characters. They’re fascinated by “the giant,” which they think is a massive metal bird, by the metal egg that it drops one day, and, later, after that egg is no more, by the grounded giant itself, and the man that comes out of it. That single farmhouse is also the home of an old woman and the idiot grandson she takes care of, but the humans in Big Questions are all seen from outside, like the other non-bird dangers, like the Owl and the Snake.

The birds question their lives, their cosmology, the purpose and ends of the world around them — these are the questions of the title. And they, despite their best attempts, don’t really understand what’s going on with the giant, the egg and the pilot, or with the grandmother and the idiot. Nilsen tells his story from the point of view of a dozen unreliable narrators, but has the clarity and precision of his drawings to show us both what’s really there and what the birds think is there.

Big Questions is a magnificent achievement: sweeping, even epic in its scope, with a heartbreaking sense of mortality and loss while maintaining a sense of mystery and spookiness. But it all begins with a few birds — drawn more simply than the style Nilsen developed later in this story — wondering about the purpose of their lives. It might not answer those big questions, since no book could, but it asks them well, and thinks about them deeply, and tells a worthy story around them.

New Pulp Writers Visit Earth Station One Podcast

Earth Station One Episode 114: More Assembly Required

ESO REASSEMBLE!!! This week, the ESO crew follows up on The Avengers movie review to focus on the long-running comic series that inspired one of the biggest blockbusters of all-time. ESO hosts Mike Faber, Mike Gordon, and Bobby Nash are joined by Van Allen Plexico (www.AvengersAssemble.net) to discuss what makes this band of Marvel misfits the Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. We also interview writer/editor Win Scott Eckert as he takes a turn in The Geek Seat. And we are proud to introduce the newest podcast to the ESO Network family, Transmissions from Atlantis with hosts Jason and Rita de la Torre! All this, plus the usual Rants, Raves, Khan Report, and Shout Outs!

Join us for yet another episode of The Earth Station One Podcast we like to call: More Assembly Required at www.esopodcast.com.
Direct link: http://erthstationone.wordpress.com/2012/06/07/earth-station-one-episode-114-more-assembly-required/

Even More Awards You Probably Know About Already

Once again, those few benighted souls relying on Antick Musings for their skiffy-world news have been poorly served, but here’s the most recent clutch of awards given out in our realms:

Robert A. Heinlein Award

This is both a fairly new award — barely a decade old — and one given for a body of work, rather than a specific piece of fiction, which means it has gone to pretty much exactlywho we all would have predicted it would, in pretty much the same order. The award is given, officially, for “outstanding published works in science fiction and technical writings that inspire the human exploration of space” — NASA propaganda, essentially.

This year’s winner is Stanley Schmidt, long-time editor of Analog, and, in best Heinlein fashion, the award itself is a whopping great medallion that Schmidt will be expected to wear as much as he can — or, at least, the matching lapel pins for when the medallion “is impractical.”

Arthur C. Clarke Award

This is the one that Christopher Priest made such a fuss about a few weeks back — it’s one of the major UK “Best SF Novel” awards, given to “the best science fiction novel published in the United Kingdom” as decided by a panel of judges from the British Science Fiction Association, the Science Fiction Foundation, and the SCI-LONDON Film Festival. (Because who better to judge the merits of a novel than people who both organize a film festival and can’t afford a shift key?)

This year, the award went to the only work Priest found barely tolerable, Jane Rogers’s The Testament of Jessie Lamb, which may, perhaps, fill Priest’s heart [1] with something vaguely like happiness.

John W. Campbell Memorial Award

This one is a US “Best SF Novel” award, given — at least, this is how it’s seemed to most outsiders for the past thirty-plus years — to the good SF novel that the late Campbell would have hated the most. (The tone was set early, with with the very first winner, Barry Malzberg’s grim Beyond Apollo, a novel about sex-crazed and just plain old crazed astronauts.)

This year’s slate of nominees has just been announced, and they are:

  • Ernest Cline, Ready Player One (Crown)
  • Kathleen Ann Goonan, This Shared Dream (Tor Books)
  • Will McIntosh, Soft Apocalypse (Night Shade Books)
  • China Miéville, Embassytown (Ballantine Books/Del Rey)
  • Christopher Priest, The Islanders (Gollancz)
  • Joan Slonczewski, The Highest Frontier (Tor Books)
  • Michael Swanwick, Dancing with Bears (Night Shade Books)
  • Lavie Tidhar, Osama (PS Publishing)
  • Daniel H. Wilson, Robopocalypse (Simon & Schuster)
  • Gene Wolfe, Home Fires (Tor Books)
  • Rob Ziegler, Seed (Night Shade Books)

I haven’t read several of these books, so my judgement may be off, but I expect that Osama will be hard to beat: I can feel Campbell already spinning in his grave just because of the nomination. Congratulations to all of the nominees.

I could have sworn there were more than that, but I seem to be at the end of the list for now. Congrats to those who have already won, and good luck for those jostling their way on the very long Campbell list — remember, most of you have already lost!

[1] I originally typed “hard” here — my fingers sometimes have better jokes than I do.

A New Trailer for Wreck-It Ralph

60-0-022-0013_rev-300x125-5052517Now that we’re saturated in all things Brave, Disney has ratcheted up the marketing for its November 2 release of Wreck-It Ralph. Featuring the vocal talent of John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman, Jack McBrayer, and Jane Lynch the film was directed by Rich Moore (The Simpsons).

Ralph (John C. Reilly) is tired of being overshadowed by Fix-It Felix (Jack McBrayer), the “good guy” star of their game who always gets to save the day. But after decades doing the same thing andseeing all the glory go to Felix, Ralph decides he’s tired of playing the role of a bad guy.  He takes matters into his own massive hands and sets off on a game-hopping journey across the arcade through every generation of video games to prove he’s got what it takes to be a hero.

Video: ‘Wreck-It Ralph’ movie trailer

On his quest, he meets the tough-as-nails Sergeant Calhoun (Jane Lynch) from the first-person action game Hero’s Duty. But it’s the feisty misfit Vanellope von Schweetz (Sarah Silverman) from the candy-coated cart racing game, Sugar Rush, whose world is threatened when Ralph accidentally unleashes a deadly enemy that threatens the entire arcade.  Will Ralph realize his dream and save the day before it’s too late?

THE EAGLE FLIES HIGH IN NEW ADVENTURES FROM PULP OBSCURA!

 

He is the Nation’s Ace Troubleshooter, the Country’s Amazing Master Spy! Jeff Shannon is The Eagle- America’s Ultimate Secret Agent! And He Flies Again in six all new stories in THE NEW ADVENTURES OF THE EAGLE, the latest PULP OBSCURA release from Pro Se Productions, in conjunction with ALTUS PRESS!



PULP OBSCURA, an imprint of Pro Se Productions, a leading New Pulp Publisher, in conjunction with Altus Press, a top Publisher of both New Pulp and Classic Reprints, that features rare and largely unknown Pulp characters from yesterday featured in brand new stories written by Today’s New Pulp writers!

THE NEW ADVENTURES OF THE EAGLE is the third Pulp Obscura volume since the line debuted!

From Japan to Berlin, from Paris to Moscow, from London to Washington D.C. and all points between and beyond, his reputation for facing the most dangerous opponents, taking on the most difficult missions is well known.  The Eagle’s Mission: To Wage a One Man War Against America’s Enemies and those Who Threaten Liberty Across The Globe! From Out of the Past Comes New Tales of One of Pulp’s Forgotten Heroes! Pro Se Productions in Conjunction with Altus Press Presents a New Volume in its PULP OBSCURA line! Bringing Adventures and Heroes Lost in Yesterday Blazing to Life in New Pulp Tales Today! Thrill to Six Sensational Tales of High Powered Adventure, Heart Stopping Thrills,and Death Defying Action from Nick Ahlhelm, Teel James Glenn, Lee Houston, Jr., Ashley Mangin, Bobby Nash, and R. P. Steeves! And featuring a stunning cover by award winning artist David L. Russell and fantastic design work by Sean Ali!

Join Jeff Shannon as he fights against the foes of freedom in fantastic new adventures! PULP OBSCURA PROUDLY PRESENTS THE NEW ADVENTURES OF THE EAGLE! From Pro Se Productions in conjunction with Altus Press! Pro Se Productions- Puttin’ The Monthly Back into Pulp!

Get THE NEW ADVENTURES OF THE EAGLE today at http://www.amazon.com/The-New-Adventures-Eagle-Volume/dp/1477577653/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1339075461&sr=8-1 and www.prosepulp.com and www.pulpobscura.net!  And coming VERY soon in all ebook formats!

Also debuting on the same day as this new Pulp Obscura volume is THE EAGLE OMNIBUS from Altus Press! Jeff Shannon, Special Agent for G-2 Secret Service, is better known throughout the world by his other moniker: the Eagle. Featuring all five of the Eagle’s published stories, plus two related stories, these classic espionage stories have never been completely reprinted before… until now. Featuring an introduction by Tom Johnson, this is a must have for Pulp Fans!  Get yours today at

Robert L. Washington III, drawn by Chris Ivy

Robert L. Washington III: 1964-2012

robert-l-washington-iii-2504527Robert Lee Washington III, a comic book writer best known for writing the first 18 issues of Static for Milestone Media, passed away today after suffering from multiple heart attacks.

Robert had a heart attack yesterday afternoon. He collapsed, unconscious, and was rushed to Mount Sinai hospital in Queens. In the following twenty four hours, he had two additional heart attacks. His heart stopped at 7:18pm tonight and he passed away.

Robert first came to prominence in 1993 writing the debut of Static for the new Milestone Comics line, and later writing Shadow Cabinet. He also wrote Extreme Justice for DC Comics, The Good Guys for Defiant, and Ninjak for Acclaim.

In later years, he’d gone through some rough patches. He’d been homeless a few times, and had received assistance from the Hero Initiative to get back on his feet, but by all accounts was getting back on his feet. He’d even started writing comics again, and his last job was a one page autobiographical story for Hero Comics 2012, a benefit for the Hero Initiative that came out just last month.

His quirky sense of humor made his run on Static a classic. He will be missed.

 

CONTEST: Win a copy of Blood Work, U.S Marshals, or A Perfect World

In time for Father’s Day, Warner Home Video is releasing Blu-ray editions of three overlooked films by some of our favorite performers – Clint Eastwood, Tommy Lee, Jones, and Robert Downey, Jr. To celebrate these films, being released on Tuesday, we have one (1) Blu-ray copy of each of the following movies: Blood Work, U.S Marshals, and A Perfect World to give away.

Here’s how you can enter the contest: tell us what, in 300 words or less, Father’s Day means to you. You can write from any perspective you wish, without profanity please, and post your entry no later than 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, June 13, 2012.

Three winners will be selected but you must live in the United States and P.O. Box addresses will not be accepted. The judgment of ComicMix‘s panel of experts will be final.

To refresh your memory, here are synopses of the three movies: (more…)

Iron Man 3 Releases First Formal Picture

Marvel Studios sent out a formal press release today announcing the commencement of production on Iron Man 3, despite filming actually beginning May 23, 2012 at EUE/Screen Gems Studios in North Carolina. The film, written by Shane Black and Drew Pearce appears to have been heavily influenced by Warren Ellis Extremis storyline which ran in the Iron Man comic beginning in 2005. Elements of the story were also used in the Iron Man: Armored Adventures episode “Extremis”.

The release did say, “The production schedule will also include locations in Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina, Miami, Florida and China.

“Based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series, first published in 1963, Iron Man 3 returns Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man, Marvel’s The Avengers) as the iconic Super Hero character Tony Stark/Iron Man along with Gwyneth Paltrow (Iron Man, Iron Man 2) as Pepper Potts, Don Cheadle (Iron Man 2) as James “Rhodey” Rhodes and Jon Favreau (Iron Man, Iron Man 2) as Happy Hogan. Set for release in the U.S. on May 3, 2013, Marvel’s Iron Man 3 marks the second feature to be fully owned, marketed and distributed by Disney, which acquired Marvel in 2009.”

The press release did not mention the following cast members although they had been previously confirmed in other reports: Ben Kingsley as The Mandarin, Guy Pearce as Aldrich Killian, creator of The Extremis Virus, Andy Lau as “an old friend of Tony’s from China, Rebecca Hall as Dr. Maya Hansen, Ashley Hamilton as Jack Taggert, and James Badge Dale as Eric Savin /Iron Patriot. The latter, an armored figure worn by Norman Osborn in the Civil War comics saga, was a surprise addition.

At present neither Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) or Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders) have been confirmed for the film, although one or both are expected considering SHIELD has been the glue to hold the Marvel Movie Universe together.

“Iron Man 3 continues the epic, big-screen adventures of the world’s favorite billionaire inventor/Super Hero, Tony Stark aka Iron Man.  Marvel Studios’ President Kevin Feige is producing the film.  Executive producers on the project include Jon Favreau, Louis D’Esposito, Alan Fine, Stan Lee, Charles Newirth, Victoria Alonso, Stephen Broussard and Dan Mintz.

“The creative production team on the film includes two-time Oscar®-winning director of photography John Toll, ASC (Braveheart, Legends of the Fall), production designer Bill Brzeski (The Hangover, Due Date), editors Jeffrey Ford, A.C.E. (Marvel’s The Avengers, Captain America: The First Avenger) and Peter S. Elliot (Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer), and costume designer Louise Frogley (Quantum of Solace, Contagion).

“Marvel Studios most recently produced the critically acclaimed Marvel’s The Avengers, which set the all-time, domestic 3-day weekend box office record at $207.4 million. The film, which is currently in release, continues to shatter box office records and is The Walt Disney Studios’ highest-grossing global and domestic release of all time and marks the studios’ fifth film to gross more than $1 billion worldwide.

“In the summer of 2011, Marvel successfully launched two new franchises with Thor, starring Chris Hemsworth, and Captain America: The First Avenger, starring Chris Evans. Both films opened #1 at the box office and have grossed over $800 million worldwide combined. In 2010 Iron Man 2, starring Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson and Mickey Rourke, took the #1 spot in its first weekend with a domestic box office gross of $128.1 million.

“In the summer of 2008, Marvel produced the summer blockbuster movies Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk. Iron Man, in which Robert Downey Jr. originally dons the Super Hero’s powerful armor and stars alongside co-stars Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges and Gwyneth Paltrow, was released May 2, 2008, and was an immediate box office success.  Garnering the number one position for two weeks in a row, the film brought in over $100 million in its opening weekend.  On June 13, 2008, Marvel released The Incredible Hulk, marking its second number one opener of that summer.”

The Point Radio: SyFy’s Spooky Treasures

No matter what you are looking for – love & danger or things that go bump in the night, we’ve got you covered as we continue our talks with Jenny McCarthy from NBC’s LOVE IN THE WILD and the folks from SyFy‘s HAUNTED COLLECTOR. Plus WALKING DEAD goes black and white and yes, that’s a Joss Whedon action figure

The Point Radio is on the air right now – 24 hours a day of pop culture fun for FREE. GO HERE and LISTEN FREE on any computer or mobile device– and please check us out on Facebook right here & toss us a “like” or follow us on Twitter @ThePointRadio.

Categories

Archives

Everything you need to make great comics!

comicmix-pro-300x69-2

Nucleus X

Bookshop Zaks