Super Punch

Art roundup

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Wed, 22 May 2013 04:21:00 +0000

Marco Mazzoni posted a big batch of new work.

You can now watch the pilot for Cartoon Network's upcoming Steven Universe. (Extremely reminiscent of Adventure Time.)

Frederick Jurk.

New pulp by Stephen King plus two other great reads

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Tue, 21 May 2013 03:41:00 +0000

I've started and abandoned a few books and comics recently, but these three were terrific:

1. Joyland by Stephen King: Probably the best Hard Case Crime book to date. How should I describe it? The dull official description is:

Set in a small-town North Carolina amusement park in 1973, Joyland tells the story of the summer in which college student Devin Jones comes to work as a carny and confronts the legacy of a vicious murder, the fate of a dying child, and the ways both will change his life forever.

This book deserves something a little more sensational. How about,

It's the team-up you've been waiting for! Can a group of meddling kids help a (sexy) gunslinger, a telepath, and a dog unravel the mystery of a haunted amusement park before the killer strikes again?!

Joyland showcases King's considerable gifts for suspense, supernatural horror, and touching coming of age stories. There's an unmasking straight out of Scooby-Doo. Yet it can easily fit alongside the Dark Tower series. The regular version, featuring a cover by Glen Orbik, is $7 at Amazon. There's also signed and unsigned limited editions featuring a cover and interior illustrations by Robert McGinnins. Highly recommended. (By comparison, I did not enjoy King's other novel for Hard Case Crime.)

2. The Quantum Thief by Hannu Rajaniemi: I loved the first three quarters of this book. Imagine William Gibson's Neuromancer with just a touch of China Mieville's bizarre world building - - in a richly imagined future world, a thief with a damaged memory teams up with a mysterious warrior woman to steal a poorly defined but incredibly valuable item. My only complaint about the book is that it's so overfilled with ideas and twists that the last quarter of the book feels rushed. Not much of a complaint. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series. $7 at Amazon.

3. Prophet, Volume 1: Remission by Simon Roy, Farel Dalrymple, Giannis Milogiannis, and Brandon Graham: This is a comic where you're better off knowing as little as possible. Suffice to say that it's a terrifically-illustrated post-apocalyptic thriller. Like Saga, every page seems to present a brand new inventive character, or design, or planet, but you never feel lost. $8 at Amazon. I could even say, "If you loved Thundarr the Barbarian, you'll love Prophet."

Great deals on DC closeouts

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Mon, 20 May 2013 23:14:00 +0000

The BBTS has some good deals on Justice League Unlimited and DC Universe limited edition sets, including $18 for a 7-pack.

New character posters for The Wolverine

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Mon, 20 May 2013 22:16:00 +0000

New posters for The Wolverine. Via.

*Buy Marvel Universe figures at Amazon.

Link roundup

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Mon, 20 May 2013 21:54:00 +0000

1. John Martz decided to end art blog Drawn:

In a 2013-era Internet that allows artists to share their work easier than ever and to a bigger audience than ever, and for anyone to start a Tumblr or a Pinterest account to collect and curate their own inspirations and influences, a 2005-era link blog like Drawn grows increasingly irrelevant.

I wonder if his decision is any way motivated by a difficulty in finding illustration that truly inspired him and made it feel worth continuing the blog.

2. A tour of NECA's studio with glimpses of upcoming toys.

3. $60 million of the Mets' $100 payroll is going to players on the disabled list or no longer with the team.

4. Tetris pieces as magnets and a desk set.

Keystone Design Union's chimera

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Mon, 20 May 2013 18:47:00 +0000

Keystone Design Union's chimera.

Free copies of Penny Arcade's On The Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness 3

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Mon, 20 May 2013 16:55:00 +0000

Penny Arcade is giving away free copies of On The Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness 3. Relatedly, I encourage you to back their Downloadable Content Kickstarter.

New Star Wars cartoon to focus on old concepts

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Mon, 20 May 2013 14:37:00 +0000

The new Disney Star Wars animated series will be more of the old - - "Rebels", set before Episode IV and apparently relying heavily on McQuarrie's designs and the team that made the canceled Clone Wars cartoon:

Production has begun on Star Wars Rebels, an exciting, all-new animated television series based on one of the greatest entertainment franchises of all time. Scheduled to premiere in fall 2014 as a one-hour special telecast on Disney Channel, it will be followed by a series on Disney XD channels around the world.

Leading the development of the series is a creative team of exceptional talent. Screenwriter/producer Simon Kinberg (X-Men: First Class, Sherlock Holmes, Mr. & Mrs. Smith) is an executive producer on Star Wars Rebels and will write the premiere episode. He is joined by Dave Filoni as executive producer, who served as supervising director of the Emmy nominated Star Wars: The Clone Wars since 2008. Executive producer Greg Weisman brings with him a wealth of animation experience with credits such as Young Justice, The Spectacular Spider-Man and Gargoyles.

Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer, Disney Channels Worldwide, said, "The entire team at Lucasfilm has provided extraordinary creativity and innovation for over three decades, and we're thrilled to be bringing the expansive and imaginative world of Star Wars to Disney XD's viewers."

"I couldn't be more excited to explore new corners of the Star Wars universe," said Kathleen Kennedy, president, Lucasfilm. "I think Star Wars Rebels will capture the look, feel and fun that both kids and their parents love about Star Wars."

The action-filled series is set between the events of Episode III and IV -- an era spanning almost two decades never-before explored on-screen. Star Wars Rebels takes place in a time where the Empire is securing its grip on the galaxy and hunting down the last of the Jedi Knights as a fledgling rebellion against the Empire is taking shape. Details about the show are a closely guarded secret at this point.

Star Wars Rebels will be produced by Lucasfilm Animation, featuring many of the key talents that made Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

Link roundup

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Mon, 20 May 2013 13:44:00 +0000

1. Mark Cuban asked designers to redesign the Dallas Mavericks uniform for free:

If we really like your design and you, I may even throw in some tickets.

2. Neil Gaiman's How to Talk to Girls at Parties is a free download at Amazon and comes with the first few chapters of The Ocean at the End of the Lane.

3. "At One High School, There's Gym Class, And Then There's 'Fat Gym' Class."

Link roundup

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Fri, 17 May 2013 21:58:00 +0000

1. A troll talks about his time on Metafilter:

there was a group of people who used the site for earnest discussion because they were having their emotional needs met by reality, and then the rest of us.

Via.

2. Le Matos. Via.

3. Dirty play by Cristiano Ronaldo.

4. Studio Ghibli movies are half off at Amazon today (for example, Mononoke is $10). (With any luck this move indicates the movies will finally be available as digital downloads.)

Benedict Cumberbatch is terrific in Star Trek

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Fri, 17 May 2013 19:53:00 +0000

I've seen some negative reviews criticizing the movie as dumb, but I'm not sure what movie those people were expecting. The plot of the first JJ Abrams Star Trek was incredibly stupid, and certainly far worse than this.

Into Darkness is a solid, entertaining movie - - kind of like Wrath of Khan crossed with 24. And Cumberbatch is an alltime terrific villain. (Not sure what was up with Pike's ridiculous sideburns, though.)

Link roundup

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:21:00 +0000

1. Marrying your cousin: good for you and your family, bad for the world?

2. "Rich Families Cutting Lines at Disney World By Hiring Disabled Guides." (What does it take to get rich? An ability to spot loopholes and the willingness to take advantage of them.)

3. Another one:

Army officials say the manager of the sexual assault response program at Fort Campbell has been arrested in a domestic dispute and relieved of his post.

Lt. Col. Darin Haas turned himself in to police late Wednesday on charges of violating an order of protection and stalking.

4. Doctor Who 3.7" action figures available for preorder.

Art roundup

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Fri, 17 May 2013 13:36:00 +0000

Skrulls by James Brouwer for a cancelled video game.

Locke & Key: Alpha #1 cover by Gabriel Rodriguez. Via.

The Colour out of Space (by Lovecraft) available at Amazon. Via.

How to make glowing Converse All-Stars. Via.

Best covers: Marvel Comics Solicitations for August 2013

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:59:00 +0000

My favorite covers form the Marvel Comics solicitations for August 2013:

UNCANNY X-FORCE #10 SAM HUMPHRIES (W) • DEXTER SOY (A) Cover by KRIS ANKA

THUNDERBOLTS #14 CHARLES SOULE (W) • Jefte Palo (A) Cover by JULIAN TOTINO TEDESCO

ULTIMATE COMICS ULTIMATES #29 JOSHUA HALE FIALKOV (W) • CARMINE DI GIANDOMENICO (A) Cover by MICHAEL KOMARCK

IRON MAN #14 KIERON GILLEN (W) • GREG LAND (A/C)

*Buy Psylocke toys at Amazon.

Link roundup

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:48:00 +0000

1. "The Army is investigating Sgt. 1st Class Gregory McQueen, a sexual abuse educator at Fort Hood, Texas, for running a small-time prostitution ring and for the sexual assault of another soldier, senior military officials have confirmed." Via.

2. Gizmodo:

One year ago, a team of researchers traveled deep into the Honduran rainforest in search of Ciudad Blanca, the legendary lost city of treasures. Yesterday, they revealed images—uncovered by lasers—of structures that they believe to be the White City itself.

The legend of the White City has captured explorers' imaginations for centuries; Hernán Cortés detailed his interest in the purportedly gold-laden metropolis as far back as 1526. But the Mosquitia region where it was rumored to exist is densely packed with rainforest, and the conquistadors never penetrated deep enough to claim their prize.

3. Two great baseball gifs: pathetic slide by Ian Kinsler; Mariano Rivera shatters a bat.

4. Walter Russell Mead:

The Burma-China pipeline project has hit a snag just a few months before completion, Burmese officials report. Because the pipeline crosses territory where the state is battling armed independence armies, the pipeline won’t become operational for some time.

The delay highlights the importance of the Strait of Malacca for energy-hungry Asian countries. The sheer amount of oil that goes through the strait is remarkable: 75 percent of the oil consumed by Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan and 37 percent of China’s demand travels through this 1.5 nautical mile-wide stretch. The pipeline through Burma would ease China’s reliance on the strait somewhat.

Art roundup

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:25:00 +0000

Dead End Thrills posted a big batch of Bioshock Infinite wallpapers.

Chris Buzelli.

Antonio Caparo.

Becky Cloonan gets advice from Paul Pope.

Last Exit to Nowhere's latest tees is The Rabbit in Red Lounge, inspired by Halloween, and Stay on Target.

*Preorder Paul Pope's Battling Boy at Amazon.

Link roundup

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Wed, 15 May 2013 22:12:00 +0000

1. Living in the jungle and studying monkeys:

It took about 30 hours for the teeny tiny ants to discover my opened box of frosted flakes. I thought sealing up the bag with a hair tie would be an effective measure against their invasion, but I was wrong. I got back from the field and found they had fit their tiny bodies into the big Styrofoam box I keep my food in, and were busy invading the cereal. So I put off my hunger and went to work on getting rid of them because there is no way I'm throwing the cereal out, food is too precious here.

(Yes, she figures a way to separate the ants from the cereal.)

2. Posterized.

3. Now this is some wild speculation. (Read the highlighted comment.)

GIVEAWAY CLOSED: First commenter wins Eduardo Galeano's famous Soccer in Sun and Shadow

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Wed, 15 May 2013 19:34:00 +0000

Byliner's latest: Eduardo Galeano's Soccer in Sun and Shadow:

One of the great sports books of our time, “Soccer in Sun and Shadow,” by Uruguay’s legendary novelist and journalist Eduardo Galeano, is now available for the first time as an e-book. Brimming with wit and charm and the kind of insight only a true fan could bring, it “stands out like Pelé on a field of second stringers,” says “The New Yorker.”

Originally appearing in Spanish in 1995, now revised and thoroughly updated, “Soccer in Sun and Shadow” traces the sport from its roots in China to the Brazilian slums where the dance form capoeira reshaped it into a soccer “made of hip feints, undulations of the torso, and legs in flight,” and finally through the great moments of a century’s worth of competition in all corners of the globe.

These stories come addictively fast and furious, as vignettes that have the searing impact of great photographs. And as would be expected of one of our great historians, Galeano sets every one of them against a greater context: the wars being waged, the cultural shifts transforming societies, and what inflames him the most: the inexorable influences of money, sponsorship, television, and any form of cold, hard calculation that aims to place winning for its own sake above the beauty and glory of the game.

“[I am] a beggar for good soccer,” writes Galeano. “I go about the world, hand outstretched, and in the stadiums I plead: ‘A pretty move, for the love of God.’ ” The past century’s great players, from Di Stéfano to Cruyff to Maradona, reward him with such moves, and we are all the richer for it. At times hilarious, at others heartbreaking, one thing it never lacks is humanity. “Soccer in Sun and Shadow” is a fan’s book, and it’s much more. Featuring original artwork by the author, it has been called by the “San Francisco Chronicle” “a loving tribute to the game and its culture, and a celebration not only of soccer but also of life.”

"One of the Top 100 Best Sports Books of All Time.” —Sports Illustrated

You can download a copy at Amazon and the usual locations.

~~I have one copy to giveaway. First commenter to leave their email wins it.~~ We have a winner.

GIVEAWAY CLOSED: First five commenters win a copy of Tales From Lovecraft Middle School #3: Teacher's Pest

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Wed, 15 May 2013 19:04:00 +0000

Hands down, my favorite series to read to my boys is Tales From Lovecraft Middle School. I have FIVE advance review copies of book three in the series, Teacher's Pest, to give away. These are paperback versions and don't have the super cool lenticular cover.

~~To win a copy, comment on this post and include your email so I can contact you if you win. USA residents only, please.~~ Giveaway over.

Art roundup

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:37:00 +0000

Cover for the album Endless Fantasy.

16 new Monsters Inc. tees at Threadless.

Fallout Vault hoodie for sale.

Brave and the Bold villain Crazy Quilt as a custom action figure by Xysma the Warhorse.

Skateboard deck by WBYK. Via.

*Buy Monsters Inc. toys at eBay.

Listen to Daft Punk's Random Access Memories now (for free)

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Mon, 13 May 2013 20:34:00 +0000

Head to iTunes, choose view in iTunes, and you should see a play/listen now button on the RAM album cover. You can stream the entire album.

Update: Or just follow this link and skip iTunes (and more easily avoid the Moroder spoken word track).

Art roundup

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Sun, 12 May 2013 21:46:00 +0000

Mermaid sculpture carved from a sperm whale's tooth by Martin Bässler. Via.

Cultist by Igor Kieryluk for Wizards of the Coast.

A few by Bayard Baudoin.

Super Mario Bros. movie poster via.

Cover, interior illustrations and trailer for The Resurrectionist:

Philadelphia, the late 1870s. A city of gas lamps, cobblestone streets, and horse-drawn carriages—and home to the controversial surgeon Dr. Spencer Black. The son of a grave robber, young Dr. Black studies at Philadelphia’s esteemed Academy of Medicine, where he develops an unconventional hypothesis: What if the world’s most celebrated mythological beasts—mermaids, minotaurs, and satyrs—were in fact the evolutionary ancestors of humankind?

The Resurrectionist offers two extraordinary books in one. The first is a fictional biography of Dr. Spencer Black, from a childhood spent exhuming corpses through his medical training, his travels with carnivals, and the mysterious disappearance at the end of his life. The second book is Black’s magnum opus: The Codex Extinct Animalia, a Gray’s Anatomy for mythological beasts—dragons, centaurs, Pegasus, Cerberus—all rendered in meticulously detailed anatomical illustrations. You need only look at these images to realize they are the work of a madman. The Resurrectionist tells his story.

41% off at Amazon.

Neil Gaiman's new Doctor Who episode now on sale

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Sun, 12 May 2013 21:40:00 +0000

The latest Neil Gaiman-written episode of Doctor Who, Nightmare in Silver, is available at iTunes and Amazon.

The Dark by Lemony Snicket and Jon Klassen is $3 at Amazon

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Sun, 12 May 2013 13:45:00 +0000

The Dark by Lemony Snicket and Jon Klassen is a $3 download at Amazon.

(If, like me, your only Kindle device is an iPhone, it might give you a hard time about buying it. Make sure you have a Amazon Cloud Reader account, buy the book and send it to the Cloud Reader. Next time you use Kindle on your iPhone, you can download the book to your iPhone, too.)

Link roundup

noreply@blogger.com (John) — Sun, 12 May 2013 04:04:00 +0000

1. "The death toll in Bangladesh's worst industrial disaster has passed 1,000 after more bodies were found in the rubble of a collapsed nine-storey building outside the capital Dhaka."

2. Tips for preventing, and dealing with smartphone theft.

3. Chipotle's spin-off Asian-themed restaurant chain continues to slowly expand in DC and will be coming to California.

4. "CNBC has learned from a former Bloomberg employee that he accessed usage information of the company's data terminals of Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke and former U.S. Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner."