Weekly Entertainment and Music News (2004 Oscar Winners Posted)

[FH]

2004 Academy Award Winners
Source: Entertainment Weekly


LORD OF THE 'RINGS' Jackson celebrates one of the 11 Oscars won by ''Return of the King''

''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' overcame Oscar voters' longtime aversion to fantasy films Sunday night, winning 11 awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Peter Jackson. Calling fantasy an ''f-word'' that he hoped would survive the show's five-second delay, Jackson thanked the Academy for seeing ''beyond the trolls, wizards, and hobbits.''

First-timers won all of the evening's acting prizes: Best Actress Charlize Theron, Best Actor Sean Penn, Best Supporting Actor Tim Robbins, and Best Supporting Actress Renée Zellweger each took home their first Oscars.

Theron, who won for her unglamorous portrayal of real-life serial killer Aileen Wuornos, tearfully thanked her mother. ''You have sacrificed so much for me to be able to live here and make my dreams come true,'' she said. A teary Zellweger thanked her fellow nominees, while Tim Robbins offered a message to victims of ''abuse and violence'': ''There is no shame in seeking help and counseling.''

Here are the Oscar winners:

Best Picture
''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King''

Best Actor
Sean Penn, ''Mystic River''

Best Actress
Charlize Theron, ''Monster''

Best Supporting Actor
Tim Robbins, ''Mystic River''

Best Supporting Actress
Renée Zellweger, ''Cold Mountain''

Best Director
Peter Jackson, ''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King''

Best Adapted Screenplay
''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King''

Best Original Screenplay
''Lost in Translation''

Best Foreign Language Film
''The Barbarian Invasions''

Best Animated Feature Film
''Finding Nemo''

Best Cinematography
''Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World''

Best Short Film (Live Action)
''Two Soldiers''

Best Short Film (Animated)
''Harvie Krumpet''

Best Documentary Short Subject
''Chernobyl Heart''

Best Documentary Feature
''The Fog of War''

Best Art Direction
''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King''

Best Visual Effects
''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King''

Best Sound Mixing
''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King''

Best Sound Editing
''Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World''

Best Film Editing
''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King''

Best Song
''Into the West'' (''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'')

Best Score
''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King''

Best Costume Design
''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King''

Best Makeup
''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King''

(Posted:02/25/04)

[FH]

Pierce Brosnan Says His 007 Future is Opaque
Source: Coming Soon!
Variety chatted with one of the many superstars at the Oscars Night Before party, Pierce Brosnan, who noted he'd completed four films in a row. As for whether he'll be back for another outing as James Bond, Brosnan said that commitment was "opaque." It appears the rumors from a few weeks ago, that said his participation in James Bond 21 was iffy, weren't that far off after all.

We'll keep you updated as soon as we hear more about the next 007 film.

[FH]

An Update on the 30 Days of Night Adaptation
Source: Superhero Hype

The Anchorage Press has a great article about Steve Niles' 30 Days of Night comics and the upcoming film. Here's a few clips which talk about the status of the big screen project...

Sam Raimi of Spider-Man fame has plans to produce the film version of 30 Days of Night. Raimi, a big a horror flick fan, proved his chops in the genre when he created the classic, campy Evil Dead. Around the time he was directing Spider-Man, Raimi launched Ghost House, a production company strictly dedicated to producing scary movies.

Filming of 30 Days of Night is at least a year away, probably longer, said Sue Binder, business manager of Ghost House. The production company plans to release three other movies before 30 Days of Night, she said. Meantime, Sony-owned Columbia Pictures is in the process of acquiring a script after passing on a screenplay Niles wrote last year. Niles said he's heard one of Sony's big guns is rewriting his script.

In a press release, Joe Drake, an entertainment industry veteran, said Raimi's 30 Days of Night is on track to hitting the big screen. Drake heads Senator International, which does financing, production and distribution of feature films. He said Columbia Pictures plans to handle 30 Days of Night's North American distribution. "With Columbia committed to moving this picture forward, we have all the elements in place to produce an original horror classic," Drake said. A spokesman for Drake's company said the film might be shot in Alaska, although it's too early to tell.

[FH]

More on the Possible Batman Begins Costume?
Source: Dark Horizons
Dark Horizons has posted more gossip about what the Batman Begins costume might look like. Here's a clip...

The body and sections are dark grey and rippled somewhat to look like real skin, imagine how they portrayed Spawn and you get the right idea. The Batsymbol is across the chest armour and not in a yellow oval. The cowl and cape are black or dark blue, the cowl looks like the skin material too and is thinner and has realistic human features like cheekbones and forehead.

The ears are fairly long like in the previous movies and the design of the eyes and jaw cutaways are similar. Overall the suit doesnt look as exaggeratedly muscular as it was before and the rubber like material is thinner. I would be worried if this was made for any of the previous actors but Christian Bale is carrying a bit of bulk and beef and this suit would have been made specifically for his larger frame.

While you should take this with a grain of salt, you can check out the full report at the link above.

[FH]

JERRY CANTRELL, BILLY DUFFY Form New Supergroup?
Source: Blabbermouth

According to a source close to John Corabi (ex-MÖTLEY CRÜE, BRIDES OF DESTRUCTION, THE SCREAM), a new supergroup is brewing in Los Angeles featuring Corabi on vocals, plus Billy Duffy from THE CULT and Jerry Cantrell from ALICE IN CHAINS on guitar. They have reportedly been jamming for about two weeks, and have a debut live show tentatively planned for the beginning of March at the Troubadour in Hollywood, California. No further information is available at this time.

[FH]

Velvet Revolver Album Preview: GN'R + STP = Uphill Battle
Source: MTV


The odds are stacked against Velvet Revolver. Their singer, Scott Weiland, is currently in drug rehab for the umpteenth time. Who knows if he'll be a free man when it's time to tour, and judging from his past history, it could be a struggle for him to stay clean when the band hits the road.

As for his bandmates — ex-Guns N' Roses members Slash (guitar), Duff McKagan (bass) and Matt Sorum (drums), and former Suicidal Tendencies guitarist Dave Kushner — they're ready to rock, but there's some question whether the rock community is ready to embrace them. Over a decade has passed since most of the lineup set stages alight with Guns, and since then the members have embarked on other projects without much mainstream success.

Velvet Revolver are fighting an uphill battle for sure; it's one of the main reasons their music sounds so volcanic. They know they have everything to prove on their debut album, Contraband, which comes out May 18, and they're shouting, "Bring it on!" Even after a single listen, it's clear that Velvet Revolver have met the challenge, creating a punchy, aggressive and uncompromising disc that emanates the hunger and vitality of Appetite for Destruction-era GN'R, back when the bandmembers were wild, wasted and struggling to succeed.

"We're probably more aggressive and angrier than ever," Sorum said. "It's definitely an aggressive, dangerous, sexy rock and roll album."

In some ways Contraband is the sum of its parts. Slash fires off an arsenal of bluesy metal riffs and serpentine solos, McKagan and Sorum lay down throbbing, swaggering rhythms and Weiland sings in a voice that's equal parts rage and pained regret. But while Velvet Revolver conjure the ghosts of Stone Temple Pilots and '80s GN'R, there are lots of other demons at play that drive Contraband, and prevent it from sounding retro.

Kushner provides important counterbalance to Slash's trademark playing, enhancing the songs with layered guitar textures and scratchy post-punk passages that are sometimes reminiscent of Jane's Addiction (before joining, Kushner played in Dave Navarro's solo band). "It doesn't sound exactly like either one of our bands," Sorum said. "There are elements of GN'R, and these vocals sound a little bit like STP, of course, but I mean it — it's a different album and it's a contemporary record."

The first single, "Slither," opens with brooding bass and gurgling guitar before erupting into a head-bobbing rocker that could be Soundgarden covering STP. Then the chorus kicks in, and Slash picks a familiar distorted guitar lick while Weiland croons an infectious line that'll make for an obvious concert sing-along.

In "Illegal," staccato guitar punctuates the main verse, then drops out for the Beatles-y chorus. On "Set Me Free," which was also featured in the soundtrack to "The Hulk," an angular lick segues into a blazing, decadent guitar line, creating images of a speeding, swerving car on a slick, windy road. The excitement of heightened reality hangs thick, but disaster could lurk around the next bend.

The intensity of the music on Contraband is a selling point, but it's Weiland's personal, heartbroken lyrics that fill the songs with lingering emotion. The guy has had it rough over the past year. He was arrested for drugs, busted for driving under the influence, ordered into rehab and his wife left him. These traumatic experiences resonate in his verse. "I keep a journal of memories, feeling lonely can't leave/ Fall to pieces, I'm falling/ Fell to pieces and I'm still falling," he sings in "Fall to Pieces."

Some songs deal directly with Weiland's addiction. On "Big Machine," he sings, "He's a junkie piece of sh-- because you say so/ All that first-class tough sh-- brings me down, down, down." More of the tunes address his marital woes. "I broke through the ice, she won't be coming back again," he laments on "You Got No Right."

Clearly Weiland hurts and he regrets what has happened to him, but he gives very little indication that he wants to change his lifestyle to win back the things he has lost. Instead, he comes off as cocky and obstinate, condemning the people around him for pushing him into the hole in which he has fallen. For much of the record, he's on the defensive. "Kick the town with broken bones ... Fight now, stand your ground," he sings in "Spectacle." And in "Headspace," Weiland half-boasts, "Through a minefield, build to blast/ Will I make it will I last? ... Free my mind, don't let any of those f---ers in my headspace."

Velvet Revolver's Contraband may not be particularly positive or hip-sounding, but its musical turbulence more than makes up for that. In fact, the friction and candid volatility make it one of the most honest records to come along since Alice in Chains' self-titled final offering. Like that band's late frontman, Layne Staley, Weiland is a gifted but tragic figure whose addictive personality and vulnerability color his music. Only time will tell whether Weiland will be able break the chain and truly enjoy all he has created.



—Jon Wiederhorn

[FH]

It's Official, Disney to Distribute Chronicles of Narnia
Source: Coming Soon!

In February, Disney Consumer Products chairman Andy Mooney briefly hinted in a speech that the studio might be distributing The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, now Walt Disney Pictures has made it official. The studio announced today it has entered into an agreement with Walden Media to co-finance and distribute the long-awaited motion picture adaptation of the first book published in C.S. Lewis' famed series. The live-action film will be directed by Andrew Adamson (Shrek, Shrek 2) and is scheduled to be released Christmas, 2005, by Walt Disney Pictures. The agreement allows for the continuation of the partnership for future films in the series.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, the first in an exciting series of films in the making and based on the phenomenal bestselling novels, concerns a war between good and evil, pitting the magnificent lion Aslan against the forces of darkness in the magical world of Narnia. A White Witch has used her dark powers to keep Narnia in winter for 100 years, but it is foretold that four humans will be able to help Aslan break the spell. When the Pevensie siblings -- Lucy, Susan, Edmund, and Peter -- discover the magic of Narnia by entering the enchanted world through a wardrobe, the stage is set for a classic battle of epic proportions.

Commenting on the announcement, chairman of The Walt Disney Studios Dick Cook said, "With an exciting and meaningful plot and well-drawn, emotional characters, 'The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe' has the potential to be just the start of an extraordinary series of films; the exceptional imagination present in the novels follows in the best Disney tradition. We're pleased to be partnered once again with Walden Media -- I think this is just the kind of movie audiences are looking for, and we're thrilled to be able to bring it to the screen."

Cary Granat and Micheal Flaherty, co-founders of Walden Media, added, "Disney has been a great friend and partner, with our company, on 'Holes,' 'Ghosts of the Abyss,' and this summer's 'Around the World in 80 Days.' The combination of C.S. Lewis' visionary 'Chronicles of Narnia' with the incredible strength and uniqueness of the Walt Disney brand and organization makes this a true dream project for us. This is one of the most imaginative novels ever written, and to bring it to the screen requires a director of equal inventiveness, ingenuity, and spirit. Andrew Adamson is just the guy -- he knows better than anyone how to create magic on-screen and tell a story that touches the audience's hearts. His expertise in visual effects, animation, and live-action will be critical to a fantasy work of this magnitude."

Adamson added, "'The Chronicles of Narnia' were an important part of my childhood just as they are to millions of fans around the world. I hope to bring to the screen a movie that is as real to the audience as Narnia was to me as a child. 'The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe' tells an epic story of great heart, of a family torn apart by a war in our world, who are united in their struggle to save the magical land of Narnia. It's been a long time dream of mine to bring these classic stories to a new generation of moviegoers and readers."

Douglas Gresham, stepson of C.S. Lewis, said, "Fans of the series have been waiting for generations for a film that faithfully adapts the Narnia books for the screen. Disney and Walden are a perfect match for the magical world that C.S. Lewis created, and we're as excited to see the movie as everyone else is."

A classic series of seven novels that have sold over 85 million copies worldwide, C.S. Lewis' "The Chronicles of Narnia" began with the publication of "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" in 1950. Six more novels (including the prequel, "The Magician's Nephew," and the sequels, "The Horse and His Boy," "Prince Caspian," "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader," "The Silver Chair" and "The Last Battle") would follow in the next six years. The final title in the series, "The Last Battle," was awarded the highest mark of excellence in children's literature, the prestigious Carnegie Award.

[FH]

Title for House of 1000 Corpses Sequel Uncovered
Source: Creature Corner
Creature Corner has learned from writer/director Rob Zombie's assistant what the title is for his House of 1000 Corpses sequel, which Lions Gate is targeting for an October release.

A script is done, however, and courtesy of Rob's lovely assistant, we've got the official title for the follow up: The Devil's Rejects. It's a moniker that'll draw in the church groups, won't it? According to Rob's assistant, the name is stemmed from "the nickname the media has bestowed upon our favorite band of murderers."

Want to learn about more of the follow-up's story? Then hit the link above! Thanks to 'Rotten' for the heads up.

[FH]

Robert Rodriguez Directing Princess of Mars
Source: Coming Soon!

Robert Rodriguez ("Spy Kids" series) is set to direct Edgar Rice Burroughs' science fiction classic Princess of Mars for Paramount Pictures.

The project is based on the first book in Burroughs' 11-book series, "John Carter of Mars," which centers on John Carter, a Civil War officer from Virginia who is transported to Mars and finds himself a captive of the savage green men from Thark. Eventually, he rises to become the greatest warrior of all time, marries the beautiful Dejah Thoris, raises a family and embarks on numerous adventures.

Mark Protosevich wrote the latest draft of the script. Rodriguez will first adapt and direct Sin City, based on the graphic novels by Frank Miller, for Dimension Films.

[FH]

DEF LEPPARD: All-Covers Album On The Way?
Source: Blabbermouth
MelodicRock.com is reporting that DEF LEPPARD are recording an all-covers album focusing on the British bands of the '70s, tentatively due this summer. No further information is available at this time.

[FH]

[b]New Comics Releases 3/3{/b]
PUBLISHER
TITLE, ISSUE NUMBER, PRICE IN U.S. DOLLARS

ABSENCE OF INK COMIC PRESS
Forlorn Funnies #5, $10.95

AC COMICS
Americas Greatest Comics #8, $6.95

ACES & EIGHTS PUBLISHING
Last Minute #1, $3.00

ACTIVE IMAGES
Comicrafts Pow Pack CD-Rom (AA), $39.95
Comicrafts Zap Pack CD-Rom (AA), $29.95

AIRWAVE COMICS
Yets #2, $3.50

ALTERNATIVE COMICS
Magic Whistle #9, $11.95

AMAZE INK (SLAVE LABOR GRAPHICS)
Bear #4, $2.95
Evenfall Vol 1 TPB Lay Me Down, $9.95
Little Scrowlie #5, $2.95
Slave Labor Peepshow Vol 3 #3, AR

ANTARCTIC PRESS
Heaven Sent #2, $2.99

APE ENTERTAINMENT
Atomic Age Treasury Of Pulp Action Vol 1 TPB, $12.95

ARCHANGEL STUDIOS
Red Star Vol 2 #4, $2.99

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS
Archie Double Digest #150, $3.59
Archies Spring Break Special #3 (AA), $2.25
Archies Spring Break Special #4 (AA), $2.29
Archies Spring Break Special #5 (AA), $2.49
Betty & Veronica Spectacular #65, $2.19
Sonic Super Special #11 (AA), $2.29
Sonic Super Special #12 (AA), $2.49
Sonic Super Special #13 (AA), $2.49
Sonic Super Special #14 (AA), $2.49
Sonic Super Special #15 (AA), $2.49

AVATAR PRESS
Hellina Vs Pandora #0 Platinum Foil Incentive, AR
Hellina Vs Pandora #0, $2.50
Hellina Vs Pandora Brown Cvr #0, $3.99
Hellina Vs Pandora Brown Nude Cvr #0, $6.00
Hellina Vs Pandora Mychaels Cvr #0, $3.99
Hellina Vs Pandora Nude Cvr #0, $6.00
Hellina Vs Pandora Wraparound Cvr #0, $3.99
Joe Lansdales Drive In #4 (Of 4), $3.50
Joe Lansdales Drive In #4 Blood Red Foil Incentive, AR
Joe Lansdales Drive In Wrap Cvr #4 (Of 4), $3.95
Mark Millars The Unfunnies #2 (Of 4), $3.50
Mark Millars The Unfunnies Offensive Cvr #2 (Of 4), $3.50
Steven Grants My Flesh Is Cool #2 (Of 3), $3.50
Steven Grants My Flesh Is Cool Wrap Cvr #2 (Of 3), $3.50

AXIOM
Gun Fu Lost City #2 Ruiz Cvr Ed, $5.00
Gun Fu Lost City #2, $3.50

BONGO COMICS
Radioactive Man #100 (AA), $2.50
Radioactive Man #136 (AA), $2.50
Radioactive Man #222 (AA), $2.50
Simpsons Comics #61 (AA), $2.50

BRASS BALL COMICS
Bubba Redneck Werewolf #4, $2.95

CPM MANGA
Slayers Return TPB, $9.99

CROSSGEN ENTERTAINMENT
John Carpenters Snake Plissken Golden Cvr Ed #4, $2.99
John Carpenters Snake Plissken Rodriguez Cvr Ed #4, $2.99

DARK HORSE COMICS
Al Capp Lil Abner Frazetta Sundays Vol 4 1960-1961 HC, $18.95
BPRD A Plague Of Frogs #1, $2.99
Conan Lunchbox, $14.99
Hell #4, $2.99
Hellboy Art Of The Movie SC, $24.95
Hellboy Movie Lunch Box, $14.99
Kiss Vol 4 Unholy War TPB, $9.95
Kotobukiya Clone Trooper Soft Vinyl Model Kit, $94.99
Kwaidan TPB, $14.95
Mighty Mouse Lunchbox, $14.99
Roman Dirge Open Jugular Cheescake Lunch Box, $14.99
Star Wars Clone Wars Vol 3 Last Stand On Jabiim TPB 2 & 3, $14.95
Star Wars Empire #17, $2.99
Star Wars Infinities Return Of The Jedi #3 (Of 4), $2.99
Syn #5, $2.99
Tim Burton Robot Boy Lunchbox, $14.99

DC COMICS
Action Comics #812 Second Printing, $2.25
Adventures Of Superman #625 Second Printing, $2.25
Authority Vol 2 #10, $2.95
Batman City Of Light #6 (Of 8), $2.95
Detective Comics #792, $2.75
Formerly Known As The Justice League TPB, $12.95
Hard Time #2, $2.50
Justice League Adventures #29, $2.25
Justice League Animated The Flash Mini Maquette, $29.95
Looney Tunes #112, $2.25
Monolith #2, $2.95
My Faith In Frankie #3 (Of 4), $2.95
Plastic Man #4, $2.95
Robotech Invasion #3 (Of 5), $2.95
Sandman Presents Thesaly Witch For Hire #2 (Of 4), $2.95
Superman Batman #7, $2.95
Superman Birthright #8 (Of 12), $2.95
Swamp Thing #1, $2.95
Y The Last Man #20, $2.95

DEVILS DUE PUBLISHING
GI Joe GI Joe Reborn Incentive, $4.95
GI Joe GI Joe Reborn, $4.95
GI Joe Poster Book, $4.95

DIGITAL WEBBING
Digital Webbing Presents #14, $2.95

DREAMWAVE
Transformers Generation One Vol 2 War & Peace TPB, $17.95

DYNAMIC FORCES
DF 11th Anniv Starter Set, $11.00
DF Punisher Max Sgn #1, $19.99
DF Ultimate Fantastic Four Cgc Graded 9.8 #1, $89.99
DFE Transformers GI Joe Foil Cvr 4 For 1 Pack, $14.99

FANTAGRAPHICS BOOKS
Adventures Of Mcconey 2 TPB Pack, $19.95
Alice In Sexland Extreme #6 (resolicited)(adult), $3.95
Dildo #1-3 Pack (adult), $9.95
Footlicker #1-3 Pack (adult), $9.95
Fuzz & Pluck Splitsville #1-#3 Pack, $12.00
Matrixxx #3 (Of 3)(adult), $3.95
Megamanga Vol 10 Were Slut TPB (adult), $19.95
Megamanga Vol 9 Hot Tails 2 TPB (adult), $13.95
Schizo #1-3 Pack (AA), $11.40
Sexual Positions Of The Kama Sutra #1-2 Pack (adult), $6.00
Teens At Play #1 (adult), $4.95
Thorn Garden (AA)(adult), $14.95
Underworld Vol 1 & 3 & 4 TPB Pack, $27.00
Visions Of Curves #4 (adult), $5.95

GUTSOON ENTERTAINMENT
Raijin Comics #43, $5.95

HARRIS COMICS
Vampirella Comics Magazine #2 Virgin Cvr Ed, $9.95
Vampirella Haunted House Poster (AA), $7.95

IMAGE COMICS
Darkness Vol 2 #7, $2.99
Mcfarlanes Sports NBA 3-In 2-Pk Ser 1 AF Asst, AR
Mcfarlanes Sports Picks MLB Series 8 Fig Asst, AR
PVP Vol 1 Dork Ages TPB, $11.95
Spawn AF Asst Ser 25 Classic Comic Covers 2, AR
Sword Of Dracula #3, $2.95
Tomb Raider #38, $2.99

JAPPANIMATION
Xigatu Warriors Book 1 GN, $5.00

MARVEL COMICS
Alpha Flight #1, $2.99
Avengers Thunderbolts Vol 1 TPB, $19.99
Captain America & The Falcon #1, $2.99
Exiles #44, $2.99
Hulk Unchained #3 (Of 3), $2.99
Marvel Age Spider-Man #1, $2.25
Marvel Encyclopedia Vol 5 Marvel Knights HC, $29.99
Punisher The Movie #1 (Of 3), $2.99
Rogues Gallery Electro Bust, $45.00
Spider-Girl #71, $2.99
Spider-Man Unlimited #2, $2.99
Supreme Power #8, $2.99
Thanos #7, $2.99
Thor #75, $2.99
Ultimate Capt America 1945 Bust, $55.00
Uncanny X-Men #441, $2.25
X-Men Modern Era Psylocke MED Statue, $75.00

MEATHAUS COMICS
Meathaus #7 Love Songs, $12.95

MU PRESS
Rhudiprrt Prince Of Fur #11, $2.95
Wild #4 (adult), $3.75

NBM
Library Of Opera Godfathers Code #1, $2.95

OMNIBUS PRESS
Godspeed Kurt Cobain Graphic SC, $17.95

ONI PRESS
Scooter Girl #6 (Of 6), $2.99

RADIO COMIX
Furrlough #133, $2.99
Liberty From Hell #3, $2.99

REBELLION
2000 AD #1375, $3.75
2000 AD #1376, $3.75
Judge Dredd Megazine #216, $10.99

RIP OFF PRESS
Freak Brothers #0 New Ptg (AA)(adult), $3.95
Freak Brothers #3 New Ptg (AA), $3.95

SIRIUS ENTERTAINMENT
7th System 6 Pack, $15.00
Akiko #52, $2.95
Banzai Girl Ltd Ed Sketchbook (AA), $7.95
Banzai Girl Poster #1 (AA), $6.95
Fang Testament TPB (AA), $11.95
Trademark & Copyright Book New Ptg, $2.95

STICKMAN GRAPHICS
Digital Prepress For Comic Books SC (AA), $36.95
Festering Season GN SC, $19.95
Stonehaven GN HC, $38.95
Stonehaven GN SC, $19.95

TCZ STUDIO
Celestial Zone Vol 2 #8 (Of 12), $9.50

TOKYOPOP
Battle Royale Vol 6 GN (Of 10), $9.99
Btx Vol 2 GN (Of 16), $9.99
Cyborg 009 Vol 4 GN (Of 8), $9.99
Demon Diary Vol 6 GN (Of 7), $9.99
Erica Sakurazawas The Aromatic Bitters GN, $9.99
Escaflowne Vol 5 GN (Of 8), $9.99
Fairly Odd Parents Cinemanga Vol 1 GN Monsters & Myths (Of 2, $7.99
Forbidden Dance Vol 4 GN (Of 4), $9.99
Girl Got Game Vol 2 GN (Of 6), $9.99
Kare Kano Vol 8 GN (Of 13), $9.99
Lupin III Vol 12 GN (Of 14), $9.99
Peach Girl Change Of Heart Vol 7 TPB (Of 11), $9.99
Pet Shop Of Horrors Vol 5 GN (Of 10), $9.99
Psychic Academy Vol 1 GN (Of 10), $9.99
Saiyuki Vol 1 GN (Of 9), $9.99
Snow Drop Vol 2 GN (Of 6), $9.99
Spy Kids 3D Cinemanga Game Over GN, $7.99

VIZ
Alice 19th Vol 3 GN, $9.95
Animerica Mar 2004 Vol 12 #3, $4.99
Fushigi Yugi Vol 10 GN Enemy, $9.95
Fushigi Yugi Vol 2 TPB 2nd Ed Oracle (resolicited), $9.95
Hot Gimmick Vol 3 TPB, $9.95
One Piece Vol 3 TPB, $7.95
Shonen Jump Vol 2 #4 Apr 2004, $4.99
Viz Inu Yasha Anime Manga Boxed Set, $39.98
Yu GI Oh Vol 4 TPB, $7.95

WIZARD ENTERTAINMENT
Inquest Gamer Horn Magical Maiden Cvr #108, $4.99
Inquest Gamer Yu-GI-Oh Cvr #108, $4.99
Neopets Blue Ka-Cheek Ex Plush, AR
Vacation Pepe Muppets Toyfare Exclusive Figure, AR

magazines
Beckett Hockey Card Monthly #161, $4.99
Becketts Basketball Card Plus #10 TPB, $9.99
Comic Shop News #872, AR
Comics Buyers Guide #1582, $3.99
Dr Who Magazine #340, $6.80
Easyriders Apr04, $6.99
Filmfax #65 (AA), $9.95
Fortean Times #181, $7.25
Game Pro Apr04, $5.99
Hustler My0444 (adult), $7.99
International Tattoo Jul04, $5.99
Lemon Club Jan 2004 (adult), $7.99
Newtype Jan 2004, $10.99
Penthouse Letters Apr04 (adult), $6.99
Rue Morgue Magazine Mar Apr 2004, $7.95
Swank 8504P (adult), $8.99
Ultimate DVD #51, $7.99

books
BTVS Apocalypse Memories MMPB, $6.99
Dark Desire A Vampire Novel MMPB, $6.99
Manga Techniques Vol 6 Eng Ed, $12.99
Micronauts Book 3 MMPB, $6.99
Satoshi Urushihara Portfolio (adult), $130.00
Seuss The Whole Seuss And Nothing But The Seuss HC, $35.00
Sex Lies And Headlocks TPB, $12.95
Treasure Planet Voyage Of Discovery TPB, $8.99
Treasured Chests Vol 4 TPB, $9.95
Tsunami Graphix 3D SC, $25.00

[FH]

U2 Retrospective Book Planned For 2005 Release
Source: MTV




Publishers got a sneak peek the past few weeks at what is poised to be one of rock's big publishing events of 2005, an anthology by and about U2. Planned as a full-color photo retrospective, "In the Name of Love: U2 by U2" is proposed to coincide with the release of the band's next and 10th studio album, and timed for the 25th anniversary of the group's first LP, Boy.

The proposal, which was shown to prospective publishers in the past few weeks in the form of a blad — a selection of pages of text, photos and illustrations — includes previously unseen photos of the band throughout its career, such as from album-cover photo shoots with Peter Rowen, the boy who posed for the cover of War and other releases. "It's meant to show the band not just in the context of a rock band, but as figures in world culture," said one publisher who took a look.

The bandmembers themselves did not take meetings to shop the book, but sent out their longtime manager, Paul McGuinness, in their place. (McGuinness' office did not return calls for comment.)

Jim Henke is the proposed writer for the book, since he has had a long history with U2, first having lobbied his bosses at Rolling Stone to feature the group on its cover in 1985 (with the headline, "Our Choice — Band of the '80s"), and then creating an exhibit in 2003 on the band at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, where he is now chief curator. Much of what was included in the exhibit, titled "In the Name of Love: Two Decades of U2," is expected to make the finished book. One of the most extensive exhibitions on one act ever to be displayed in the museum, it included the band's first drum kit, costumes from years of stage productions, the Zoo TV Tour sign, photos by longtime band lensman Anton Corbijn, the first U2 T-shirt, early rejection letters from record labels, meticulous notes by producers Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois from a couple of recording sessions, and handwritten lyrics.

"Most bands don't have their material tied in as cogently as that," said the publishing source, who asked not to be identified so that negotiations to procure the anthology wouldn't be jeopardized. "If a publisher can make the book work as an event or tie it into a loyal fanbase, there's some gold in them thar hills."

He predicted that the U2 project would command a multimillion-dollar deal once the bids are collected on Monday (March 1).



—Jennifer Vineyard

[FH]

Paul Rudd Up for a Fantastic Four Role?
Source: Superhero Hype

'Fantastic4scoop' sent us the following rumor which says he talked to the "Friends" star about the talk that he was up for Superman, and Rudd appears to have mentioned Fantastic Four...

Howdy, I had one scoop for you a long ass time ago, and that was in regards to Christian Bale being considered for Batman, but that was during the whole Batman vs. Superman debacle, and that was just a stroke of luck coming across that tidbit. That scoop was maybe a year or two old and also mentioned actor Paul Rudd (Friends, Wet Hot American Summer) as being in contention for the role of Superman.

Well, living in LA I get the privilege to annoy crappy celebrities like, once a week, and this week I had a chance run in with Paul Rudd; I briefly asked him if there was any truth to the Superman rumors, or any other heros for that matter, and he replied something along the lines of, "I never tried to get Superman, they never contacted me about playing Superman, and while I would love the career boost, I was just a name thrown into the hat and promptly removed. I have recently been contacted about the Fantastic Four movie, but I don't think I'll be playing the lead or anything. I think they might want a bigger star to anchor the picture."

He didn't say what part he was offered, and it would be ignorant for me to guess, as I've always been a DC fan.

We'll have to see if this turns into anything. At this time Fox and Marvel are picking a director, and once that's done we should start hearing more about the casting.

[FH]

Batman Begins Starts Production, Oldman is Gordon Source: Warner Bros. Pictures Thursday, March 4, 2004

Batman Begins, director Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated film, has commenced production in Iceland, with Gary Oldman joining the all-star cast. The announcement was made today by Jeff Robinov, President of Production, Warner Bros. Pictures.

In Batman Begins, Oldman will play Lieutenant James Gordon, a detective on the Gotham police force. The film stars Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne/Batman; Michael Caine as his trusted butler Alfred; Katie Holmes as Rachel, a childhood friend of Wayne's; Liam Neeson as Wayne's mentor, Henri Ducard; Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox, a former board member and sidelined employee of Wayne Enterprises; and Ken Watanabe as the villainous Ra's Al Ghul.

Directed by Christopher Nolan from a screenplay by David Goyer and Christopher Nolan, Batman Begins is produced by Emma Thomas, Charles Roven and Larry Franco. The executive producers are Ben Melniker and Michael Uslan. The film is based on characters created by Bob Kane and published by DC Comics.

Batman Begins is scheduled to film in Iceland, London and Chicago.

The film, which explores the origins of the Batman legend and the Dark Knight's emergence as a force for good in Gotham, will be released worldwide in Summer 2005 by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

[FH]

Jerry Bruckheimer to Develop Prince of Persia Source: Coming Soon!
Jerry Bruckheimer Films is in talks to acquire the feature film rights to best-selling video game Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. The project is being earmarked as a feature film for Disney, says Variety. The deal includes a script being written by game creator Jordan Mechner. John August is executive producing and supervising Mechner on the script.

The game is set in medieval Persia, Earth's mightiest and most mysterious kingdom, where a king and his son defeat the powerful Maharajah and kidnap his daughter, looting his palace of priceless treasure, including an extravagant hourglass, and a mysterious dagger.

What the Prince does not realize, is that these two objects can turn their possessor into an immortal god, and give him control over time itself. Tricked by a dying Vizier bent on harnessing this terrible magic for himself, the Prince releases the sands of time, destroying a kingdom and turning its populace into ferocious demons. Only the Prince, the Vizier, and Princess Farah, the kidnapped daughter of the Maharajah, remain unchanged. Now, it is up to the young Prince of Persia to call upon every resource and ounce of courage he possesses to save his kingdom and redeem his fatal mistake.

Mechner says Bruckheimer's "Pirates of the Caribbean" was a touchstone for the adaptation. "Rather than do a straight beat-for-beat adaptation of the new videogame, we're taking some cool elements from the game and using them to craft a new story -- much as 'Pirates' did with the theme park ride."