GeekRoundTable.com

The Jim Henson Company Forms Publishing Partnership with Archaia

THE JIM HENSON COMPANY AND ARCHAIA COMICS FORM GRAPHIC NOVEL PUBLISHING PARTNERSHIP
 
NEW COMICS AND GRAPHIC NOVELS WILL BE BASED ON FAVORITES FROM
THE JIM HENSON COMPANY’S LIBRARY AS WELL AS ORIGINAL CONCEPTS

Hollywood, CA (June 22, 2009) –The Jim Henson Company and Archaia announced today that they have entered into a partnership that will publish comic books and graphic novels based on popular Henson titles as well as new co-branded original properties.
 
The multi-year partnership will draw from The Jim Henson Company’s extensive film and television library, including Fraggle Rock, The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, Mirrormask, The Storyteller and other titles. The agreement also allows The Jim Henson Company and Archaia to partner with talent in the comic book, television and film industries to create brand-new stories under a co-branded banner, building on the legacy of quality and creativity of The Jim Henson Company brand and strengthening Archaia’s relationships within the entertainment sector.
 
“Some of the best storytellers in the world are flocking to comic books and graphic novels, making them the foremost platform for innovative and imaginative storytelling,” said Joe LeFavi, Director of Publishing and Development at The Jim Henson Company and who will serve as story editor on all the books. “Archaia has always epitomized artistic integrity, and their passion and support for our brands ensure that fans will receive the very best from the properties they know and love as well as from the new stories we will tell.”
 
“This is a truly groundbreaking agreement, as it is not just a licensing deal but a partnership in every sense of the word,” said Stephen Christy, Archaia’s Director of Development. “To work with the entire Jim Henson Company and with new talent to create the next generation of Jim Henson Company fan favorites is an unprecedented opportunity, and a dream come true for all of us at Archaia. Creating comics that become a part of the incredibly rich Jim Henson Company legacy is an exciting challenge, and I think fans will share our excitement when they see the talent we’re bringing in to help make these comics a reality.”
 
Representatives from Archaia and Henson will announce creative teams and a release schedule for the initial slate at San Diego Comic-Con International, with the first title tentatively scheduled for winter 2009.
 

About The Jim Henson Company

The Jim Henson Company has remained an established leader in family entertainment for over 50 years and is recognized worldwide as an innovator in puppetry, animatronics and digital animation. Best known as creators of the world famous Muppets, Henson has received over 50 Emmy Awards and nine Grammy Awards. Recent credits include “Sid the Science Kid”, and “Pajanimals”. Features include “The Dark Crystal,” “Labyrinth,” “MirrorMask,” and “Unstable Fables.” Television productions include “Fraggle Rock” and the sci-fi cult series “Farscape.” With additional locations in New York and London, The Jim Henson Company is headquartered in Los Angeles on the historic Charlie Chaplin lot, complete with soundstage and postproduction facilities. Independently owned and operated by the five adult children of founder Jim Henson, the Company is also home to Jim Henson's Creature Shop™, a pre-eminent character-building and visual effects group with international film, television and advertising clients, as well as Henson Recording Studios, one of the music industry's top recording facilities known for its world-class blend of state of the art and vintage equipment. The Company is currently in production on 40 episodes of “Dinosaur Train,” an animated preschool series teaching concepts of natural science and history, set to debut on PBS KIDS in fall 2009. The Company’s Henson Alternative brand continues to produce “Puppet Up! - Uncensored,” a live puppet improvisational show that runs monthly at the Avalon Hollywood. The Company has also announced the creation of Jim Henson Designs, a merchandise collection inspired by Jim Henson’s earliest sketches, and The Jim Henson Company: Discoveries, an acquisitions banner that celebrates outstanding third party produced independent film, television and video productions from around the globe embodying the Company’s enduring legacy. www.henson.com

You want million dollar!?

Ahh, so here we go.

Anyone that's listened to us knows how much we despise multiple title summer blockbuster ccrossovers with life changing consequences and solutions that will eventually be washed away at the end only to start all over again in about 3 months time.

So how could I ever find a story that contains all of that and actually enjoy it? Can't right? Until recently...

This has been one of my favorite online comics and OMG they actually did the same exact thing with other online comics, just better. And it was free.

This is brought by the guys of LeastICouldDo.Com and LFGComic.com. I've talked about these guys to other people before and I have successfully converted them to reading it daily and also reading the writer's blogs.

Enjoy!

Ultimate Final Civil War Invasion Crisis Thing

And this deserves a notice. 

Dollhouse. Oh my god! They finally pulled in the big number, Alan Tudyk. If you don't know who he is it's this debonair mother fucker

 

He comes in as a paranoid environmental pothead engineer, which becomes funny how well he plays the role. And the second half of the show this guy gets way more lines and becomes vital to the episode, and just fucking shines

This show really needed a chance given to it than what it got. The characters and story telling is completely different that Joss Whedon's Buffy and Firefly. Which has been a down side for some people. Which kinda made me think, "You know what, this is the same type of thought people went into the Spirit with". And I would just ask people to give this show another try. The twists aren't cliched and change every episodes, they end and the characters have to live with their decisions. And it comes back to bite them in the ass.

It's too bad that we won't be able to see the episode that stars Felicia Day, ready?

Her ~~~>

really I could have posted any picture, but why not her with a lightsaber? *SWOON*

Guess I'll have to see that episode when the DVD get's released.

I won't be covering any news about Star Trek, cause we're all going to have our opinions. Word to your mother.

Collaborating and listening,

Johann "The Johann Joseph" Joseph

X-Files star Gillian Anderson set to appear on Dr. Who

 

According to the Daily Telegraph, Gillian Anderson is lined up for an appearance at Doctor Who. The article at their website states:

The 40-year-old, best known for her role as FBI Special Agent Dana Scully in the sci-fi drama, is expected to be cast opposite the new Doctor Matt Smith. Doctor Who's makers want the London-based actress to appear in a one-off special episode as a deadly enemy of the Time Lord.
The American star would play the part of the renegade Time Lady The Rani, a glamorous but evil scientific genius previously played in the series by Kate O'Mara in the 80s. An insider told the Daily Express newspaper: "Gillian obviously has a massive sci-fi following and it's felt that it would be a major coup to have her appear in Doctor Who.

"The team behind the show are keen for the next Doctor to have lots of new enemies and Gillian would be a glamorous and impressive addition to the list. The Rani would be a perfect role for her as the character used to be regarded as one of the Doctor's most deadly opponents."

read the full article here.

April 25th, 2009. A star went out

From Wikipedia: Beatrice "Bea" Arthur (May 13, 1922 – April 25, 2009) was an American comedienne, actress, and singer. In a career spanning seven decades, Arthur achieved success as the title character Maude Findlay on the 1970s sitcom Maude, and as Dorothy Zbornak on the 1980s sitcom The Golden Girls; she won Emmys for both roles.

This is truly bad news. Bea Arthur was definitely an icon in all forms of media. She also voiced the Fembot/Femputer in the Futurama, episode "Amazon Women In The Mood". She played Dewey's babysitter in Malcolm In The Middle. And her incredibly sharp with when she appeared on the Comedy Central Roasts.

As I read more about her profile and her role in the show "Maude" certain aspects of the show included topics like divorce, menopause, drug use, alcoholism, nervous breakdown and spousal abuse and an abortion episode. And the Abortion episode was 2 months before the conclusion of Roe v. Wade. A lot of these actors may have threatened to walk off instead of doing issues like these that could have been career suicide.

And of course her appearance on the Star Wars Holiday Special.

What else can I say other than, she will definitely be missed.

J Dash D

Sarah Connor Chronicles Cancelled?

Say it isn't so!  It looks like Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles will not be back for a third season.  Reported by The Ausiello Files, says that multiple sources are saying that the show will not be renewed for a third season.

"It's done," maintains a source close to the show. "Everyone has pretty much known for a couple of weeks." Adds a network insider: "Consider it canceled."

Fox has not officially announced that it has canceled the show, but lack of saying that it would return is a bad omen "No decision has been made yet," insists a network rep. "We will be announcing our fall schedule on May 18."  You do not have to read between the lines to realize the writing is on the wall.... it won't be back. 

Though the show may not be returning, the season finale took the show out on a action packed end that gave closure to the show and moved the franchise into the next chapter.  It went out a winner.  Too bad it could'nt hold that same energy through the lackluster second season.

Cameron was able to survive time travel, other terminators, numerous gunshots, explosions, but may not be able to survive the Fox network's axe.  Fox will officially announce it's Fall schedule on May 18, so will can hope and pray till then.

Geek out!

Ned Cato Jr,

'Angel' Star Andy Hallett Dies at 33

Reported by Aol/Popeater

  



(March 31) - Andy Hallett, the actor who portrayed the cheerful green-skinned demon Lorne on the TV series 'Angel,' has died from heart failure following a five-year battle against heart disease, according to E! Online. His friend and agent Pat Brady confirmed that the actor passed away at the age of 33 on Sunday night at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles with his father Dave Hallett by his side.

The actor and musician appeared in more than 70 episodes of Joss Whedon's series 'Angel' between 2000 and 2004 and contributed two songs to the 'Angel: Live Fast, Die Never' soundtrack, released in 2005.
According to a 2005 interview, about a month after filming the last episode of Angel, Hallett suffered a dental infection which spread through the bloodstream to his heart, leading to a case of cardiomyopathy, for which he spent five days in the hospital.   Although he recovered, his heart muscle and valves were weakened and he found himself easily fatigued afterward. He did not return to acting (except for a voice part in the animated film Geppetto's Secret), but pursued his music career and frequently appeared at media conventions for Buffy and Angel and for science fiction and fantasy in general.  Five years after first experiencing heart problems, and after at least three additional hospitalizations, Hallett died from congestive heart failure on March 29, 2009 at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles with his father by his bedside..

Hallet's career took off when he was dragged on stage at a concert to sing with Patti LaBelle. He was later seen in a Los Angeles revue by 'Buffy The Vampire Slayer' creator Joss Whedon, who created the demon character Lorne in the show's spin-off 'Angel' just for him, according to WENN.

A private funeral service will be held for family and close friends in Cape Cod, where Hallett was raised.
Hallet made an appearence at

Another Angel castmember, Glenn Quinn, who played Doyle in season one, passed away in 2002.

Recent Losses in TV

Bernie Hamilton, Dec. 30: The actor known mostly for his role as Captain Harold Dobey on the '70s TV show 'Starsky and Hutch' died at the age of 80 due to cardiac arrest.

Majel Barrett Roddenberry, Dec. 18: The widow of the late 'Star Trek' creator Gene Roddenberry died at the age of 76 from leukemia.

Michael Crichton, Nov. 4: The best-selling author of 'Jurassic Park,' 'The Andromeda Strain' and 'Disclosure' saw several of his titles become smash films. Crichton also tapped into his medical background to create TV smash 'ER.' He lost his battle to cancer at 66.

Neal Hefti, Oct. 11: The Hollywood composer whose notable achievements include the themes for 'Batman' and 'The Odd Couple,' died at home in Los Angeles at 85.

Super Friday for shows

ZOMG! So many good episodes.

Battlestar Galactica: I cannot believe how well this entire series was created. Everything unanswered or left up in the air was finally brought to light. Or at least I can think of. The concept of Earth, President Roslin, and the one I've been bugging about. Will Haley's death ever be avenged? I just can't believe how awesome this show was. I dont want to fill up too many spoilers just in case others may be waiting to watch it on their DVR or Hulu, so post in the comment section to discuss.

Dollhouse: After Friday's episode, Im definitely tuned in to this show. It's definitely been on the up & up since the first episode and after this episode. I am almost too shocked to believe this show is still in the process of revealing the big intrigue. Who is the mole? Who is Alpha, and where is he?  How did he become Alpha? Who else are they going to cast from BSG? Ok the last one, not so serious, but they already casted 2 people from that show. Im not complaining, they are good actors. 

Clone Wars: Cad Bane is the fucking shit!

J Dash Muthafucking D

Because geeking out, just isnt enough

WATCHMEN

Saw the Watchmen, and even though everyone on here before me stated it, the movie is awesome. The little things they cut out made sense on the interpretation. And some of the things that were cut obviously for time constraints. The ending as everyone possibly knew is different than the comic. But you know what I say? Good, it was a perfect ending. Made damn more sense than the comic. I've heard it before that the comic ending seems a bit out of left field. But this ending just seems more realistic to the world that's created in the comic. Don't get me wrong, loved the ending in the comic. It made sense in the comic and it was fitting, and at first I did wonder how they could possibly change the ending, but now, I wouldn't want to change a damn thing!

Rorschach, god damn could that have been anymore perfect? Even the bruises on his face looked like the comic. The comedian as he was about to get thrown through the window? Looked like the panel.

A real awesome adaptation. There isn't much else I can say that the guys of geek-tastic.com have done so already. But I do feel kinda bad for the box office tallies of this weekend. I've heard various responses to why they didn't go, movie being too long, don't want to support fox, I'll wait for the DVD, and this kinda makes me sad because this movie has been in waiting for so damn long that when they finally got it released with the proper script, director, cast and fan base. It isn't doing as well as it had hoped.

I for one am going to see it again, and even though I know I can get a pirated copy of it (who can't nowadays), I know this film deserves my dollars. The only temptation I have for the pirated version is to watch this movie on times I'm not at the theater and when the movie goes out of the screen before it comes out on DVD, but I will pull through the temptation, and also get the Tales Of The Black Freighter when it gets released.

TWO THUMBS UP! 

DOLLHOUSE

This show has been getting way too much flak, and I don't even hear anyone mention what the show really is about. I had the first impression that this show was a "Identity Of The Week" type of show. And the first episode it did look like that. But during the second episode I realized the first episode was just an introduction to the main characters and the idea of "Dollhouse", not the real story. The second and third episodes give you a glimpse of who the main villain is, who has yet to be fully revealed. And also the idea that Dollhouse is a urban legend being investigated by none other than Helo of BSG. Then they start to reveal that the characters who are supposed to be the dolls of the show are showing signs of not being completely mind wiped, and even gives some speculations of the main villain.

Now for right now this isn't a Buffy or a Firefly (*swoon* Firefly) but it has it's potential to add more depth to the characters and story and hopefully be good. Maybe Whedon will add his touch at directing and being the main writer for some episodes and add that big 1 2 punch that makes the show. He directed & wrote the pilot but I think he'll do better once the characters have established depth.

I haven't seen that big episode everyone needs to watch yet, but I do recommend maybe giving it a chance. Especially the second episode more than the first. Check it on Hulu or something.

And since the latest article came out that Nielsen ratings have been recording larger amount of viewers, this could potentially give this show a chance to make it's mark.

I'm reserving my thumbs up or thumbs down rating until I've seen more about this show.

Rating Pending

 

As for the Geek Me episodes, it's been difficult to schedule another recording with everyone's busy schedules and I would like to try to be on top of all the news as I post them, so I'm going to be changing the format to smaller snippets.         

And also Rockband is releasing the Beatles track pack. Im really hoping the best for it, development and playability. I dont own Guitar Hero or Rock Band, but I really wouldnt mind rocking out with friends to Love Me Do, I Wanna Hold Your Hand and All You Need Is Love (And of course have a back up singing She Loves You)    

The Children of Jonny Quest

I am a huge fan of Hanna Barbera's Jonny Quest, created by Doug Wildey, and I have noticed over the last few years the impact that show has on the current generation of animators and comic book artists.  The story of a boy adventurer and his family and friends seem to have inspired a few good tributes.

The Venture Brothers

Cartoon Network hit the mark in the bullseye with this brilliant parody of Jonny Quest.  I normally do not like parodies of classic Hanna Barbera heroes, (i.e. Space Ghost Coast to Coast), but this show is so well done it almost feels like a continuation of the original series.  The show gives us look into the lives of Dr Thaddeus "Rusty" Venture, sons Hank and Dean, and bodyguard Brock Samon.  When the creators Jason Publick and Doc Hammer realized the Cartoon Network owned the rights to Jonny Quest, the added the characters to the show.  Season 1 and 2 are availible and Season 3 will be out on March 29 on DVD and Blu-Ray.  Pubilick and Hammer are currently working on season 4.

Ben 10/ Ben 10 Alien Force

Ben 10 is a cool little show that features the adventures of Ben Tennyson, his cousin Gwen and their grandfather Max.  Ben finds an alien device called the "Omnitrix" that gives the wearer the ability to transform into any number of alien forms stored in its core.  Gwen has the ability to cast spells, and grandpa Max is a retired "plumber", a group of secret government agents charged with the responsibility of protecting Earth from alien invaders.  Ben kind of inherits the job, because many aliens races want the Omnitrix for themselves.  Though aimed at younger audiences this is a fun show to watch.

Ben 10 Alien Force takes place five years in the future from the original series.  The picks up following a older Ben, cousin Gwen whose powers that were earlier thought to be spells, are found out to be energy manipulation, due to the fact that she is of half alien background.  Joining Ben and Gwen is Kevin Levin, a former enemy who had powers similar to Ben that got out of control.  Kevin now wants to atone for his villianous past.  Grandpa Max has  disappeared fighting aliens and the kids are looking for him.  During this search the group also fight off alien invaders and help the reletives of former "plumbers".  When I first heard about the concept of ending the original show and then asging the charcters, i figured would end the show, but boy, was I wrong the show hit the ground running and has not looked back.  A great way to energize the show.  Both shows have produced live action TV movies that are aimed for the tween audience.

The Secret Saturdays

This cool show follows the adventures of the Saturdays, a family of cryptozoologists,and their crytoid pals that work to keep the existence of cryptoids secret whlie protecting them from the outside world.  The show is heavily influenced by the 1960's Hanna Barbera style of Jonny Quest.  Unlike the other shows listed here is more serious in tone than the others, making it a true Child of Jonny Quest.  Any adult will find this show a bit nostalgia-inducing and fun. 

These show owe Doug Wildey's creation a debt of thanks, but have also created their path and are doing incredible work.  Check out these shows on television and on DVD.

Geek Out!

Ned Cato Jr,

Ellen Tigh is "Imperious Leader"

On the heels of the discovery at the beginning of the final 10 episodes of Battlestar Galactica, that Ellen Tigh, the wife of Colonel Saul Tigh, comes the revelation that not only is she alive but is the imperious leader and one of the creators of the Cylon race.

In the most recent episode of BSG we learn in flashback  and  from restored memories from an injured Anders from the moment of Ellen's "death", and  what happened to the final five.  Cavil angry at his human limitations and looking for vengeance for his cylon ancestors, killed the final five who all worked in the same research facility, who had "rediscovered" resurrection from a organic memory download from the 13th tribe.  Because they knew war was coming they built a resurrection ship in preparation.

  The five tried to warn the other tribes, to tell them to take care of their creations, but because they had sub-light speeds it took too long to reach the twelve colonies, and by the time they reached the colonies, war had already started.  The 2nd generation of cylons tried to create humanoid cylons but failed resulting in the dependent hybrids.  The five made a deal, stop the war and they would create the humanoids.  This led to the creation of the 7 models.  Cavil who had helped design the human cylons, murdered the five.   The five downloaded via the resurrection ship, but Cavil erased their memories and placed them among the humans to show them how horrible humans were.*He also killed an 8th cylon model, Daniel, because of his closeness to Ellen.  We now that the original cylons had the ability to reproduce and that the centurions believed in a  "One True God".

This is my favorite episode of the entire series, in one episode, the show managed to complete the circle including the original series.  Kudos!

Geek Out!

Ned Cato Jr,