So here we were, writer/editor Jack C. Harris and myself, caught in a warp of eternity. Had we committed some hideous transgression to be doomed to this Purgatory? Well, no. What we’d done is agree to be guests on a radio call-in program about 30 years ago. Subject, of course: comic books.

We arrived at the small, shadowy studio early, earlier than the host, who breezed in a minute or so before air time and then, without notes, he was speaking into a microphone, introducing Jack and me, urging listeners to ask us questions and giving a phone number they could call if they wanted to speak to one or both of us.

We waited for that ol’ switchboard to light up. And waited. And waited. And waited. It seemed that nobody was interested in comic books, not that night in that city. We waited, and tried to make small talk, which I do not include in my skill set, and waited and waited.

Then there was a call! Hallelujah! Oh joy, oh happiness – a call! For us? Unfortunately, no. Some guy wanted to tout a community event of some sort, and fine, say I – more power to him.

There may have been one or two more calls – as noted, this was 30 years ago and I had no reason to cherish the memories – but basically, Jack, Mr. Radio Man, and I sat in that studio for two hours and then Jack and I left and I got on a train back to New York.

Got on the Amtrak, did I, little knowing that Jack, Radio Man and I were pioneers. What we’d done was fill up airtime without imparting any information, without saying anything anyone wanted or needed to hear

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Long gone is the time when great science fiction programming came in two categories; Star Trek spinoff and everything else. Today, those categories have been split into dozens more, including things like superheroes, time travel, or even the occasional futuristic evil robot plot. Fringe seems to take just about all of the elements that fans have loved over the years of watching X-Files, Heroes, and Lost and purées them into an hour long drama that will inevitably go over the heads of millions of viewers.

From creator J.J. Abrams (Lost, Alias), Fringe follows the structure of too-curious-for-her-own-good government agent (Anna Torv) and the estranged son who must suffer from his father’s evil schemes (Joshua Jackson) solving mysteries surrounding a string of DNA that could “change humanity as we know it”. While the structure may not sound that boring, the actors make sure to help that point.

Anna Torv’s Olivia Dunham leaves enough room for a tractor to fit in her enthusiasm factor. She, along with everyone in the series, seems to be playing this out like it will be the next Lost, trying not to emote too much, because who knows where their character may lead in a season or two. This is a nice return to primetime TV for Joshua Jackson, seeing as how the last time we saw him, he was hanging around a creek. He plays the cunning-yet-brash son of the evil Dr. Walter Bishop (John Noble). There is room for plenty of father-son and even lover-dead lover drama, which eats up about half of the pilot.

The story loses steam when they introduce the stereotypical “evil corporation with a secret that controls the government” subplot. This will more than likely become the center of the entire series, if it even gets the chance to unravel that plot. Throw in a few cameos from Abrams’ other shows, and you’ve got a nice little vehicle to keep naive Lost fans happy until mid January.

The concept of DNA manipulation and secret government cover-ups is no longer flashy and original to an audience of modern primetime television. Add that in with more Lost-esque ambiguity and a very weak leading role, this show doesn’t look to be going too far. Fox has already ordered 13 episodes of the series, but those who know Fox’s M.O. when it comes to new series know that it will take a miracle if Fringe even makes it past three episodes. The network is infamous for dumping shows at the first sign of a bad review or bored expression, and this show is just asking for one-if not both of those conclusions. RATING: 6/10

Fringe premiers on Fox Tuesday, September 9 at 8pm Eastern.
 

Director Kevin Smith told Sci Fi Wire that he wants to cast Seth Rogen in an original superhero movie.

"First, I’m going to do a 180 turn and do a horror movie called Red State," Smith said while attending the Toronto International Film Festival. His latest film, Zack and Miri Make a Porno, screened their and stars Rogen along with Elizabeth Banks. "It’s going to be a total horror-political-psychological movie without a funny line in it. Then I’m going to do the science fiction super-hero movie. It’s going to be an original super-hero that I’ve created. It’s stewing right now. I want to do it, though, and, God willing, it will star Seth Rogen."

Rogen is also set to cowrite and star in Sony’s The Green Hornet film, coming in summer 2010.

The Wire report also quoted Smith as saying, "I haven’t written a comic book for about three years, but I am going to write a Batman soon." The project, Batman: Cacophony was a surprise announcement during the summer convention season and has already been solicited for release this November.  Artwork is said to be from Walt Flanagan with covers from Adam Kubert and Andy Kubert. The story promises the return of Onomatopoeia, his villain from his run on Green Arrow along with Batman rogues Mr. Zsasz and the Joker. One can only hope he’s actually started writing by now.
 

Anime fans can look forward to the October 7 release of Strait Jacket on DVD. The film, created by Ichiro Sakaki (Scrapped Princess), was a major success in Japan and comes to America with high anticipation.Sakaki wrote the screenplay for the feature, based on his original light novels, which to date have sold more than half a million copies in Japan.

According to a release, the film is about: “In a world where sorcery and science co-exist, the power of magic comes with a price: Humans who do not take proper precautions are transformed into horrific demons. Those who destroy these demons – and run the highest risk of all – are tactical sorcerers known as ‘Strait Jackets’.  But when terrorists unleash a plague of demonic carnage, the Sorcery Management Bureau must enlist unlicensed assassin Leiot Steinberg to stop the slaughter.  Even if this rogue killer and a mysterious young girl can end the outbreak, will they be able to face their own dark secrets?”

The dub cast includes Crispin Freeman (Hellsing, Ghost in the Shell: Standalone Complex) and Kari Wahlgren (Samurai Champloo, Steamboy).

The 76-minute film is being released domestically by Manga Entertainment Ltd. and comes with holographic “O-card” packaging and  will retail for $19.97.