Actor Ron Taylor, most favorably remembered as the voice of "Bleeding Gums" Murphy on The Simpsons died this day in 2002. Murphy’s character was Lisa Simpson’s inspiring, saxophone-playing mentor. Taylor also played a Klingon chief on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and this reader’s favorite credit, Taylor originated the role of Audrey II in the Off-Broadway production of Little Shop of Horrors. Taylor tragically passed from a heart attack. His delightful performances will be missed.

Registration for the Web Cartoonists’ Choice Awards has opened once again, providing webcomic creators the opportunity to vote for their favorite comics and creators. Voters must register before Jan. 23, 2008. Winners will be announced at MegaCon on March 8, 2008.

For rules regarding eligibility, timelines and a list of ways you can promote the WCCA on your own site, visit the WCCA homepage at www.ccawards.com/.

Len Wein writes that, had it not been for him blogging the terrific news about how the National Parks Service has added the cover of Batman: Nevermore to the permanent collection at the Edgar Allen Poe National Historic Site in Philadelphia, he might have left the house an hour earlier and become embroiled in a bank robbery.  Notes Len, "The Batman saved my life… again."

Ran into Alex Simmons at the local diner last week, who reminded me that the next Kids’ Comic Con will take place at the Bronx Community College on Saturday, March 29.  Ah, if only that wasn’t the date of my godson’s bar mitzvah!  But no such excuses for the rest of you, particularly as the event will feature the announcement of the finalists in the first-ever KCC Comics Awards!  The deadline for nominations is Valentine’s Day; check out this page for all the categories and to get a nominations form.  The winners will be announced at this year’s New York Comic Con on Kids’ Day, April 20.  And just as a reminder, Alex is also spearheading the Color of Comics exhibit at BCC, opening February 6 and running through mid-March.

For those het gals and gay guys looking for a little more parity in their superheroic objectification, it’s Shirtless Superheroes to the rescue!  Although anyone who’s been to the beach can tell you shirtless men and near-topless women aren’t technically equivalent, it’s still something of a sight for sore eyes.  Although so many six-pack abs in one place does start to look a bit creepy.

Speaking of deadlines and things of interest to female fans, Ginger Mayerson is pleased to announce the first issue of the Journal of Women On Comics, a print compilation of women writing on comics online.  Deadline is February 29, gals! (more…)

Jaden Smith, the son of actor Will Smith, is the latest cast member to sign on for a remake of the 1951 science-fiction classic The Day the Earth Stood Still.

Smith will join Keanu Reeves, who has already signed on for the role of Klaatu, the alien who visits Earth and, in the original film, first utters the words "Klaatu, barada, nikto." The phrase was later borrowed – and forever enshrined in cult film history – by the Evil Dead film franchise. Jaden will play Jacob, the stepson of scientist Helen Benson, played by Jennifer Connelly.

According to Reuters:

"Klaatu’s arrival on Earth triggers a global upheaval as governments and scientists race to unravel the mystery behind his appearance. Jacob and Helen get caught up in Klaatu’s mission, coming to understand the ramifications of his being a self-described ‘friend to the Earth.’"

The film will be directed by Scott Derrickson.