Random Thoughts

Hubby-Eric was sent a link to Dorothy of Oz, a dark version of "The Wizard of Oz" that's done in comic book form with photos blended into artwork. Eric naturally purchased it right away, and I'll be sure to review it once it has arrived. Check out the gallery to get an idea of the style of the book.

If you register to vote on June 19th, you can get a free comic book! Brian K. Vaughan is offering free copies of Wildstorm's Ex Machina to comic book readers who use this link to register to vote on June 19th. This is a first come, first serve deal, so register early on the 19th (but wait until the 19th). If you live in San Francisco, you can register in person at Isotope - the comic book lounge. This press release brought to you by an e-mail from James Sime.

Coming through Franklin's Findings is news that hubby-Eric will be very happy to hear, as we were just discussing this the other day! Star Trek: The Animated Series will be released on DVD next year.

Fanboy Rampage let's us know that DC Comics is taking their letter columns on-line. On the one hand, it's nice that they are making an effort. On the other hand... how many people will notice this? Well, one more thanks to Fanboy Rampage, at least.

Via Shane Bailey comes this delightful rumor: Not only has Chris Columbus been tapped to direct a Sub-Mariner movie, but The Rock will be playing Namor. Excuse me whilst I giggle for a few minutes.

The Marvel solicits for September were leaked a bit early, and Neilalien is happy to see the new Doctor Strange series being solicited. While I'm not that interested in cosmic stories, this baby is co-written by JMS with art by Brandon Peterson. I'll be giving it a shot. The official Marvel Solicits are now up at Toon Zone.

Out of the blue, Larry Young sent me a copy of Hench, which is a story set from the point-of-view of a typical henchman. I'm looking forward to reading and reviewing it. Larry also reports that Variety's Bags and Boards gave Ursula an "A+". I'm thinking I ought to go back and order it...

Speaking of ordering, someone pointed me to this answer about my question on PS238 being cancelled by Diamond: When a comic is "cancelled" by Diamond, it just means that particular issues were late and must be re-solicited. Sadly, Dork Storm Press had apparently used up it's "final chances" on books due to previous cancellations of other titles. So, wheras the comics would have been listed as returnable items, we now have to wait until August 1st. On the up side, both Nodwick and ps238 will come out on the same day at the beginning of August, and ps238 #8 will come out at the end of August! So all is well, just a little delayed. On another up note, the trades for both Nodwick and ps238 will be out at Origins and in stores soon after! :) I still don't quite understand what that means, per se, but it looks like the books aren't going to be massively delayed by the cancellation, so I'm happy. By the way, if you aren't currently reading PS238, START. It's excellent. There's a trade coming out soon (APR04 2574), I highly recommend it. Order it now. Zodon commands it.

My lukewarm reaction to Identity Crisis #1 was not the norm, as most fans seemed to embrace it wholeheartedly. Silver Bullets says "Wow." Don MacPherson says "Highly Recommended." Captain Custard says "One of the better issues of the year." H of The Comic Treadmill says "This was an outstanding set-up. Captivatingly written. Captivatingly drawn. And prior knowledge of the main players is unnecessary. It's a good story."

I also hunted for some more reviews of Aquaman #19, and ComiXtreme echoes my complaint, only a little more forcefully: "And it was going so well, too." MediasharX focuses on the character that Will is giving us in the new book, but also seems a little down on the latest issue. Ain't It Cool News pulls no punches in saying they were disappointed.

For the record, the Seattle Public Library Central Branch that I think is really ugly and completely inappropriate for Seattle was designed by Dutch Architect Rem Koolhaas. The Experience Music Project building, which I think is even uglier, was designed by Frank Gehry.

Ok, ok... Happy Bloomsday. Sheesh.