» November 2006 Archives
Thursday, November 30, 2006
» The only boy who could ever teach me...
The Good : Preacher, while flawed at times (with a major sag in quality about three-quarters of the way through), was one of the best comics of the '90s. It was funny, violent, spun a cracking yarn and did all that Grail stuff a million times better than The Da Vinci Code (I'm fairly sure that the latter didn't include a grossly corpulent, bulemic priest falling out of a helicopter). The idea of doing a movie, given that it's a lengthy saga that spun out over sixty-odd issues and ten trade paperbacks, is quite a ridiculous one, and it's no surprise that it never got off the ground. As with Watchmen and Sandman, the only way this could ever really work would be as a HBO series. Which is what this will be.
The Bad : Mark. Steven. Johnson. That's Mark Steven "I did Daredevil, but that didn't stop them letting me do another one, so I'm about to release Ghost Rider, which looks even worse!" Johnson. Damn.
The Ugly : Oh, alright then. This is what Preacher's most infamous character, Arseface, might have looked like if the movie had got off the ground (it's a genuine make-up test). Will they pull it off in the series? Will they even pull off the series? Time will tell...
» Horselover Fat
He was a man who wrote about the essence of reality, always questioning the nature of reality and what it means to be alive and to be human in the twentieth century - and his work is just as, if not more, relevant now that we have entered the twenty-first century.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
» Alternate Cover - 29th November 2006
What a weak. Er, I mean, week. With almost every major Marvel title still utterly dominated by the Hero Vs. Hero storyline, Civil War, it's getting increasingly difficult to find enthusiasm for certain titles. This week, I take a look at the continuity-plugging fanfic that Guggenheim somehow ended up passing off as the end to his run, in Wolverine #48, the return of Dolph Lu...I mean, Frank Castle, The Punisher to the "spandex" Marvel Universe in Punisher War Journal #1, and Amazing Spider-Man #536, in which we learn how not to do a tie-in. Doesn't sound like I'm feeling charitable this week, does it? There're also short reviews of X-Factor #13, Pirates of Coney Island #2, and yet more inside.
» Latest casualty in Iraq: Elmo's Dad
This past weekend our militaristic presence in Iraq exceeded the length of our involvement in all of World War II. Of course, in the case of World War II we were actually fighting something, rather than just stomping around shooting things in the name of some vague ideal.
But the worst is yet to come, because--on December 27--Elmo's dad gets deployed.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
» Xbox 360 Review - Sonic The Hedgehog
Sonic is a mammal with a mission: to combine the best aspects of his previous 3D outings. The next-gen debut of the character has been hyped as his rebirth, and hopes are high as Dr Eggman launches a spectacular FMV assault on a thinly disguised Venice…
Monday, November 27, 2006
» Doctor Who - The Runaway Bride
Preview clip on Youtube right now...
Sunday, November 26, 2006
» The Sweeney
"Git yer trousers on, you're nicked!" The most influential police drama in British TV history gets the NTS treatment. Remember when ITV was, y'know, GOOD?
» What the fuck have they done to Nipper?
HMV have a long and happy association with Nipper, the little dog which is the centrepiece of the picture 'His Master's Voice' from which the company name is taken. For many years, HMV had a photo of a real Parson Jack Russell (sweet little dogs; I used to own one), which was great, and which honoured the tradition of Nipper without making him look outdated. This Nipper was very versatile, running all over TV adverts and generally looking cool from whatever angle HMV chose to picture him (except possibly the back view).
Anyone who's been near a HMV recently cannot fail to notice how HMV have changed their famous image of Nipper, no doubt lauded by their management as 'updating Nipper for the 21st century' or some such shite. Instead, they've managed to plaster a CGI mess all over their retail presence. I mean, come on, what is this?
"Be inspired"? Be bored, more like. I actually WAS inspired by the last incarnation of Nipper; he immediately made me feel happy and made the HMV experience that more enjoyable. The new Nipper only makes me feel angry and not particularly interested in shopping in HMV, especially when Music Zone is just down the road and is a lot cheaper.
In summary; HMV can fuck off.
» Project: Romantic
Third in the "Project" series of indie comics anthologies from Adhouse, which has already given us 2003's Project: Telstar, and 2005's Project; Superior, the newly-released Project: Romantic is also the last in this series. Heartbreakers.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
» Nintendo Wii Preview - Launch Games
The anticipation held for the Wii seems somewhat different to that of other games systems; beyond the screenshots and press releases, we want to know how its games are actually played, and more specifically, how developers have taken advantage of the unique motion sensing technology to enhance the gaming experience. With just two weeks left until the European launch of the Nintendo's controversially named console, Josh takes a look at a handful of innovative titles that are due to be released for the system over the next few months.
» Go Faster Stripe are very good indeed
Following on from John's championing of the excellent Replay, another independent DVD production has come to my easily distracted attention. Now, excuse me while I play with this ball of string for a moment.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
» Alternate Cover - 22nd November 2006
It's probably the review of Civil War #5 that you're clamouring for this week, but let me remind you that there are still other comics coming out, and this week, the best of those aren't even related to Civil War at all. White Tiger #1 brings a rare Bendis-created Marvel character to her own title, and Quesada's series finally screeches (ahem) over the finish line with Daredevil: Father #6. There's also reviews of Ms. Marvel #9, featuring Rogue, and Iron Man #13, featuring Happy Hogan and Pepper Potts! (No, seriously.)
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Monday, November 20, 2006
» The Thomas Pynchon Countdown: Mason & Dixon
Tomorrow. Against the Day is released tomorrow. (Well, not really...you Brits are already starting your Monday while I finish my Sunday so I'm cheating myself of a few hours here.) And we've come to the end of our look back at every one of Thomas Pynchon's full-length published works.
And it's perhaps fitting that we end on the quietest and--in a very real way--most domestic of Pynchon's books: Mason & Dixon, his 1997 re-imagining of colonial America.
Continue reading "The Thomas Pynchon Countdown: Mason & Dixon" »
Sunday, November 19, 2006
» Unwise things to write Part #1736272
Here is my title sequence for my very own Young Ones episode starring me as Vivian and Mike, and Tom as Neil and Rik. I hope you enjoy it, i tried to make it like the original but better.
You tried to make it like one of the best sitcoms ever produced... but better. Erm, yeah.
» Being Gardner Dozois
Gardner Dozois's place in the history of SF is assured. He is one of the most famous science fiction editors in the entire history of the field, perhaps second only to the legendary John W. Campbell, editor of Astounding Science Fiction from 1937 until his death in 1971. Strangely enough, another trait Dozois shares with Campbell is that both men had a writing career that was subsequently overshadowed by their editorial career.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
» The Thomas Pynchon Countdown: Slow Learner
W-wait a minute...Slow Learner? I thought we only had one book left. I thought it was called Mason & Dixon. A-and I thought the Pynchon Countdown happened on Mondays, not Saturdays. What...who are you? What's your message? What do you want?
Well, I wasn't originally going to review Slow Learner. The reasons why should become clear below. But it fits nicely into my pre-late-afternoon plans and there's really no reason I have to skip it...so here goes.
Continue reading "The Thomas Pynchon Countdown: Slow Learner" »
» I Worship His Shadow - Part 2
This is the second part of my series of articles covering the sci-fi series LEXX. In this article I'll be reviewing season 2 of the show, which consisted of 20 45-minute episodes - giving it a total runtime almost twice as long as the first season, but covering many times more material.
This article was somewhat trickier to write than the first one - this is the third revision - simply because of the way that I've watched LEXX and how my opinions have changed over time. Season 2 is actually the last season for me to see in its entireity, which presented me with the problem of already knowing the outcome of the main story arc. In fact I'd known the outcome for several years prior to even seeing an episode of LEXX - but that's perhaps a story for another time.
In this article I will be going into a bit more detail about some of the main characters. Although it will be the truth, and only the truth, it will certainly not be the whole truth - for that you'll have to watch the show for yourself.
Friday, November 17, 2006
» Telewest Customer Service, there
Thank you for emailing Customer Services Feedback online at Telewest.co.uk.
One of our consultants will contact you to confirm receipt of your enquiry within the next 72 hours.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
» As if there weren't enough reasons to hate Sony...
... they've managed to get Lik-Sang shut down.
Well, thanks a fucking bunch.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
» Alternate Cover - 15th November 2006
It's another of those famous high-quality, low-yield weeks here because I've got two of my favourite comics out, DMZ (starting its second year with issue #13) and Phonogram (reaching the halfway point with issue #3) and Wisdom, the new Marvel Max title by sometime Dr. Who scribe, Paul Cornell. And, just to buck the quality trend, one other comic that I'm almost too embarassed to admit buying, because I knew months ago it was going to be rubbish.
» Down and Out in the Movie Kingdom
Cory Doctorow, that infamous SF author, blogging guru, and overall technology person, has written another article for Locus Online - called "The March of the Polygons: How High-Definition Is Bad News for SF Flicks." Instead of restating his points, I will merely point you to the article. So...here you go.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
» The Comedy Awards nominations, then...
Not on until December, but what the hey, let's have a crack at them...
Best TV comedy actor
David Mitchell and Robert Webb - Peep Show (Channel 4)
Ricky Gervais - Extras (BBC Two)
Stephen Merchant - Extras (BBC Two)
Sorry, I'm confused. Why have Mitchell and Webb been nominated as a double act, but Merchant and Gervais separately? Whose bright idea was that? Well, anyway, this should definitely be the Peep Show pair. But it won't.
Monday, November 13, 2006
» The Thomas Pynchon Countdown: Vineland
It's hard to believe Against the Day comes out in a week. It's almost--almost--like a day I thought might not get here at all. And for what it's worth, this Thomas Pynchon countdown has me appreciating its approach even more...because I'm becomming nostalgic for these books...even though I've probably read them all over again in the past year I have the urge to start them again...go back...not so much to see what I missed but to re-immerse myself in their individual little worlds.
And nowhere is that desire more evident than with Vineland.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
» Torchwood - Small Worlds
23:00 - Torchwood, then. Could it be possible for it to be any more predictable? Apparently it can.
Also I'm rather disappointed by the lack of Gwen Being Stupid, as it means I won't be able to make fun of her in this commentary.
Anyway, please step back in time one hour with me, and read this commentary what I wrote.
» In Theory: Custom DVDs
So a few years back I had an idea that I never really bothered to tell anyone...because, well, I didn't know anyone that could do anything about it...and it was just a little fantasy after all...
But doing some very early Christmas browsing I realized that now, more than ever, my years-ago brainstorm of a Custom DVD franchise could really, really take off...what with all the "themed" collections of TV shows for sale now...
I believe we've reached a point at which the ease and accessibility of technology would make this feasible, and I'm surprised nobody's tried it yet.
» RIP Jack Williamson
Wow. Okay, folks, this is it...a day I honestly never thought would come. Jack Williamson, aka "The Dean of Science Fiction" passed away on Friday, Nov 10th, at the age of 98. The man published his first story - "The Metal Man" - in Amazing Stories in 1928. When his family moved to New Mexico in 1915, they did so by covered wagon. This is a giant of the SF field. He wrote over fifty novels, the most recent of which was published in 2005. And honestly - for a writer - what better way is there to leave this Earth than to do so still able to pursue the craft you love? The man was and is a giant in the SF field - much of what he wrote shaped what SF has become, and what it will become. He was the second person in the field to ever receive the Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master Award - the first was Robert A. Heinlein. Williamson may not have been the greatest SF writer, but for a man to create so much influential work in one lifetime...you can't help but admire him.
It is strange to think of SF without him...it was almost as though he would live forever.
Regarding funeral arrangements, Locus Online stated that "Memorial services will be 16 Nov at 2 p.m. in the Campus Union Building ballroom of ENMU in Portales; in lieu of flowers, the family has asked that contributions be made to the The Jack and Blanche Williamson Scholarship Fund, ENMU Foundation, Eastern New Mexico University, Station #8, Portales NM 88130"
Friday, November 10, 2006
» Alan Moore to appear on the Simpsons
All I can say is, they'd better not fuck this up.
» Doctor Who : The Soundtrack
Neil Hannon to do Song For Ten.
I'll repeat that : Neil Hannon. To do Song For Ten. Holy flying fuck.
Thursday, November 9, 2006
» Torchwood - Cyberwoman
Three episodes into series two of Doctor Who, and we were getting worried. It had been good, sure, but it certainly hadn't been great - and it certainly hadn't been anything like what we'd been expecting of it. Then the fourth episode - Stephen Moffat's magnificent The Girl In The Fireplace - came along, and did much to allay those nagging doubts. We were reminded how it was worth sticking with the show, because even through the slightly-off patches, it was still capable of being little short of genius.
There's a clear parallel to be drawn, then, between that second series and the first series of Torchwood, as once again RTD's creation is already running a gauntlet of "Well, it's alright, but it's not really that great, is it?" criticism. Step up the all-important episode four - and a very familiar-looking enemy...
» The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band
#"If skirts get any shorter", said the flapper with a sob, "I'll have two more cheeks to powder, and a lot more hair to bob"#
On the 7th November 2006, the Colston Hall in Bristol paid host to some very special guests indeed...
Wednesday, November 8, 2006
» Alternate Cover - 8th November 2006
This week's comic reviews show us that if you're both writing and drawing a comic, you can expect it to be pretty damn good, as we look at Jonathan Hickman's The Nightly News, Masamune Shirow's Ghost in the Shell 1.5: Human Error Processor #1 and Alan Davis' Fantastic Four: The End #1. Of course, Hulk #100 also shows the traditional writer/artist team-up can still bring home the big results. Also featured are Uncanny X-Men #480, American Virgin #8 and X-Men: Phoenix: Endsong #3.
» I Worship His Shadow
LEXX is a science fiction series that ran from 1997 to 2002. During its 4-season run, it dared to go where no other sci-fi series had gone before, with mixed success. My initial description of the series was that it was 'B-movie sci-fi' - and I still stand by that today. Some of the ideas used in the series are excellent, some of them are hideous - some of the execution is excellent, and some of it is hideous. If you're a fan of shows that don't always take themselves entirely seriously, and are willing to take the good with the bad, then LEXX is the show for you.
The four seasons of LEXX are very different from each other, so I'll be covering each one in a seperate article. This article will cover the first season - a set of 4 made-for-TV movies - the first of which happens to be entitled "I Worship His Shadow"...
» Venom! Venom! VENOM!
I remember back when the costume for the original Spider-Man movie was unveiled. Amid the excitement at how freakin' awesome it looked, there was no small level of surprise that they'd managed to keep the thing so damned faithful to the comics, when many of us feared that we'd get some horrible, Hollywood-ised monstrosity (the fact that that came later, in the shape of the Green Goblin, was beside the point...).
Well, assuming that the following image is genuine, then it's safe to say that they've bloody well done it again. If the Venom in Spider-Man 3 genuinely looks like this image (which appears to be concept art for either the film itself or perhaps a videogame), then the level of fidelity to the comic is downright stunning. Plus he looks cool as hell...
Tuesday, November 7, 2006
» Borat - Cultural Learnings Of America For Make Benefit Glorious Nation Of Kazakhstan
Borat is the second cinematic offspring of Da Ali G Show, Sacha Baron-Cohen's character-based hidden camera show. Where Da Ali G Moviezzz or whatever the fuck it was called suffered from taking its main character away from what made it amusing in the first place - his interaction with real people in staged interviews and suchlike - and ended up just being a load of catchphrases and crude knob jokes (it may get much better in the second half, I was asleep), with Borat, he has definitely upped his game. The interview segments remain, linked by scripted segments, and it is funny. Tremendously funny. Painfully funny.
Sunday, November 5, 2006
» The Thomas Pynchon Countdown: Gravity's Rainbow
Week three of the Thomas Pynchon Countdown...two books behind us and two books still ahead. Which is to say we're at the peak of our own little rainbow here, heh heh, just a little joke you understand, gotta keep the mood light what with a war on and everything...
Continue reading "The Thomas Pynchon Countdown: Gravity's Rainbow" »
» First Look At 28 Weeks Later
"This is a shit idea. You know why? Because it's really obviously a shit idea."
That was my initial reaction to hearing that a sequel to 28 Days Later was in the works, but having seen the new test footage of 28 Weeks Later over at the Fox Atomic website, my initial skepticism is quickly giving way to real excitement. Despite garland and Boyle not being involved in the project, it seems like this film will maintain the 'feel' of 28 Days later, and I'm also glad to see that it still seems to be based in the UK, as I'd heard many reports to the contrary. I didn't realise that it was slated for a spring 2007 release, which means we'll be getting the movie sooner rather than later. I'm still mentally processing everything in the footage, so it's probably going to take a while for everything (the cast, hints at the deeper storyline and so forth) to sink in before I put my speculation hat on.
Friday, November 3, 2006
» Russell, please just shut up now.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,22877-2407543.html
Blimey, I don't know where to begin with this. I've happily defended Russell Davies in the past - I genuinely think he is a good writer, and it was his enthusiasm which brought Doctor Who back to the mainstream after all - but then he comes out with some total arse like this, and it makes me wonder why I bother.
Thursday, November 2, 2006
» *vomits everywhere*
I'm currently watching Remembrance of the Daleks, the 25th Anniversary Who serial. I've just watched Part One, and it's pretty great stuff so far. The Doctor and Ace have a really good dynamic, and it's got Michael Sheard in it. (Oh, and DALEKS COULDN'T CLIMB STAIRS UNTIL RUSSELL T DAVIS MADE IT SO, HE DID, IT'S TRUE.)
But then there's the title sequence. It's sick and wrong on every single level. The visuals are a crock of shit, although I like the spinning CGI TARDIS. But The Doctor winking? Piss off. The music is abominable. It's not just shit, it's faintly bizarre. Interesting idea to mix in a bit of the middle eight in to the opening theme, but unfortunately it was done by some cack-handed late-80s Radiophonic-wannabe TWAT. And as for that logo... pathetic.
I realise this is probably old hat for most of you, but this is the first time I've seen any McCoy stuff. My flabber was most gasted.
Wednesday, November 1, 2006
» Alternate Cover - 1st November 2006
The Civil War cash-ins never end as Choosing Sides gets its fast-track release and New Avengers shows us what happens when the man with the power of a million exploding suns wants to go sit down and have a think about things. Luckily, Ultimate Spider-Man doesn't have a Civil War anywhere near it, though there's still plenty of ways they can screw it up...
» For Bison...it was Tuesday
Everyone remembers Street Fighter: The Movie, right? It was a terrible film based on an excellent videogame, and it starred Raul Julia, Jean Claude Van Dam, and Kylie Minogue. I personally thought that the movie said pretty much everything that needed to be said about Street Fighter in a narrative sense, but apparently others don't feel the same.
I'm not sure what to say. Even at the tender age of eleven years old, I remember leaving the cinema after seeing Street Fighter: The Movie with my friends, and thinking that what I had just witnessed seemed very wrong indeed.
So very, very wrong.
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