This week’s Mutts storyline takes a political tone as creator Patrick McDonnell campaigns in favor of California’s Proposition 2, which is aimed at curbing factory farm abuses. Mutts,  found in 700+ newspapers in 20 countries, is read by four million Californians no doubt distracted more by presidential politics than the proposition.

Michael Markarian spoke with McDonnell at the Huffington Post about this unusual activism for the one page of the newspaper that usually eschews offending anyone.

“In Mutts I try to see the world through the eyes of animals,” he told the site. “This has made me more conscious of how tough many of them have it on this planet. In 2000 I was asked to join the Board of Directors of The Humane Society of the United States, and became even more aware and involved. I felt that my strip could address (hopefully, for the most part, in an entertaining way) some of these issues and help give the animals a voice.

“Prop 2 is just too important to not tackle. Even though the reform will be modest, it puts a stake into the ground that the way we treat farm animals matters…20 million animals will be directly impacted, suffering less, if this measure passes. It will also send a clear message to the factory farm conglomerates that, once people are made aware, they will not tolerate the way most animals raised for food are treated in this country.”

Newsarama reports that further issues of the Fringe comic book series will be delayed until January. The first issue hit stands on September 3, timed to the Fox series’ debut, but due to a desire to adhere closely to the television series, DC Comics has decided to push back subsequent issues.

"The writers of the show want to make sure the comic book is integrated into the mythology of the Fringe world, so we have decided to refocus the direction of the comic book," announced Hank Kanalz, VP-General Manager of DC’s WildStorm imprint.

"Unfortunately, this means that we will have some delays," he continued, "but [the series] will be back in January."

According to Fringe‘s co-story consultant Athena Wickham, the TV series’ comic book companion "will consist of two parts. Part A will tell the back-story of two of our key characters: Walter Bishop and William Bell. Part B will consist of stand-alone stories. Readers will be introduced to a range of characters — from those at the epicenter of the pilot to others who might not live to make a series appearance."

Fringe is a science fiction procedural drama that also features over-arching story elements. The television series focuses on Agent Olivia Dunham and scientific father-son duo Walter and Peter Bishop as they investigate mysterious happenings related to a phenomenon called "The Pattern." It was recently picked up for a full 22 episode season.

The first issue of the comic book series was written by Zack Whedon, Julia Cho, Alex Katsnelson and Denielle Dispaltro, with art from Tom Mandrake and Simon Coleby. The issue contained two short stories. "Like Minds" focused on the meeting of Walter Bishop and William Bell. "The Prisoner" depicts a Lost Highway inspired twist when a man wakes up in a prison cell in someone else’s body.

Variety reports that director Ridley Scott will helm The Forever War, based on Joe Haldeman’s 1974 novel of the same name. The film will be Scott’s first foray into science fiction since Alien and Blade Runner.

Scott admits that he intended to film The Forever War nearly, well, forever ago.

"I first pursued Forever War 25 years ago, and the book has only grown more timely and relevant since," said Scott.

"It’s a science-fiction epic," he continued, "a bit of The Odyssey by way of Blade Runner, built upon a brilliant, disorienting premise."

The novel’s plot centers on "a soldier who battles an enemy in deep space for only a few months, only to return home to a planet he doesn’t recognize some 20 years later." Forever Free and Forever Peace were two other novels set in the the same reality in addition to the novella A Separate War. The novel has also been adapted into a three-volume graphic novel by the Belgian comics creator Marvano which saw an English edition years ago.

The Forever War has been in development for, you guessed it, forever. Shortly after the novel’s publication, Richard Edlund picked up the rights to the film with the intention of making it his directorial debut. When the film never entered production, the Sci Fi Channel attempted a miniseries that also hit a stalemate. Scott eventually secured the rights, and the film will now be produced by Scott Free with executive producers Vince Gerardis and Ralph Vicinanza, whose company Created By represents Haldeman.

Ridley Scott himself has a project slate that extends from now until, that’s right, forever. The director is set to helm Nottingham starring Russell Crowe as both Robin Hood and the Sheriff of Nottingham. He also was recently attached to an adaptation of Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World, which would have marked his first science fiction film in over three decades had The Forever War fallen through. Scott is also circling Child 44 and Gucci. His latest film, Body of Lies, debuted last Friday to unexpectedly poor box office numbers.

On a side note, check out the cover to The Forever War. Doesn’t that look exactly like Benicio Del Toro? While it’s too early to talk about casting, who wouldn’t want to see good ol’ BDT in a space odyssey?

Note: Click here for last week’s victim!

The Crime Scene: "The Lion Sleeps Tonight"
From Showtime: "While grocery shopping with Rita and the kids, Dexter comes across a fellow predator. But this one is a pedophile. After the pedophile is seen talking with Astor, Dexter must decide if he fits The Code. Meanwhile, Debra has a new homicide to solve, a mysteriously skinned Jane Doe that they like Freebo for. But Dexter knows that Freebo is not the culprit, so he must find a way to help Debra identify their murder victim, thus proving that Freebo didn’t do the crime. While doing this, Dexter learns that Miguel Prado wants Dexter to be his friend. But just how smart is it for Dexter, a serial killer, to befriend an Assistant District Attorney?"

Blood Spatter Analysis
In the season’s third installment, "The Lion Sleeps Tonight," Dexter continues to explore his impending role as a father while dealing with the ramifications of murdering Freebo, the man Miguel Prado believes to have killed his younger brother. Miguel, who doesn’t know that Dexter is the true culprit, witnessed the aftermath of our hero’s killing of Freebo in the previous episode, and was shockingly happy about Dexter’s actions. Complications continue as Miguel pushes his way deeper into Dexter’s life, swearing that the killing of Freebo is a favor that will "never be forgotten." (more…)