Author: Elayne Riggs

More 300 views

More 300 views

  • News
  • April 8, 2007

You know something’s become a cultural phenomenon when it’s used as a springboard for humor pieces, on the assumption that viewers and readers will "get it" because the source material has become firmly embedded in our collective consciousness.  So it was with great amusement that I read Dr. PZ Myers’ take on 300 wherein he reveals that the movie is really about "a retelling of the creation-evolution struggle!" Next up, his similar interpretation of Grindhouse!

On a more serious note is artist Chris Weston’s I Hate 300 analysis, in which he pulls no punches in finding the movie "the most racist, homophobic and conservative film that I’ve ever had the misfortune to endure."  Weston later confesses that it took him about a week to get over the experience, so for good or ill the movie seems to be making quite an impact.

Tasty Easter videos

Tasty Easter videos

  • News
  • April 8, 2007

ComicMix would like to wish all our readers a very happy Easter, wherein we pay tribute to Eostre, the Great Mother Goddess of the Saxons — otherwise known as Astarte in ancient Greece, Ishtar in Assyria, Ostara in Norse myth, and Peeps in modern times — by eating questionable foodstuffs high in sugar content.

And comic book peeps are no different.  Paul Dini interviews the Easter Bunny on his latest Monkey Talk, wherein he can’t resist nibbling on his interview subject’s chocolate relative; and Rich Johnston tries repeatedly to give away a free Cadbury’s Creme Egg, below:

We have a theory as to why Rich was having trouble.  Here’s hoping your holiday is sweet and springtime fresh!

 

Virgin Galactic’s new home

Virgin Galactic’s new home

  • News
  • April 7, 2007

Auntie Beeb confirms that the Virgin Galactic spaceport proposal is a go.  Residents of New Mexico have voted their approval of "a new tax to build the nation’s first commercial spaceport."

Virgin Galactic will be building in Dona Ana County, described as " a relatively poor and bleak swathe of desert in southern New Mexico with fewer than 200,000 residents," who will be supporting billionaire Richard Branson via a 0.25% increase in the local sales tax.  This increase is expected to raise about $50 million towards the project’s estimated $200 million pricetag.  Presumably the rest will come from Branson’s petty cash drawer.

The spaceport, whose supporters are spouting the usual "bring thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in space tourism revenue to the area" lip service, is expected to open in 2009, catering to elite members of Branson’s tax bracket which will pay about $200,000 each for a 2.5-hour flight.  Not including sales tax, presumably.

Bureaucracy of robotics

Bureaucracy of robotics

  • News
  • April 7, 2007

When it comes to robots, it’s fairly well acknowledged that Japan’s been kicking other countries’ butts since the days of Astroboy.  Now, reports IESB, "the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has drafted a hugely complex set of proposals for keeping robots in check. The document, entitled Draft Guidelines to Secure the Safe Performance of Next Generation Robots, extends to nearly 60 pages of civil service jargon."

The document calls for the formation of a special study group — including lawyers — to draw up a set of firm proposals to govern the development of robots.  But they’re not counting on robot lawyers!

According to our step-sister website Engadget, "Under Japan’s plan, all robots would be required to report back to a central database any and all injuries they cause to the people they are meant to be helping or protecting. The draft is currently open to public comment with a final set of principles set to be unveiled as early as May." 

And did you know Japan is not the first country to draft ethical robot legislation?  South Korea and Europe had already unveiled their versions.  Apparently South Korea in particular has been wrestling with this for awhile.

For the Birds

For the Birds

  • News
  • April 7, 2007

Sean McKeever notes, regarding his takeover of writing chores on DC ‘s popular Birds of Prey series with the departure of long-time writer and fan favorite Gail Simone: "My first issue will be #112, and the commitment is open-ended."  He also links to his latest interview with Newsarama’s Vaneta Rogers.  For her part, Simone says she’s leaving the book because "I was simply offered a project I couldn’t turn down. A dream book with a dream art team, and a real chance to reshape comics’ history."  Let the speculation commence!

(Full disclosure: My husband inked Birds of Prey for about a year.)

Speedy recovery, Carla

Speedy recovery, Carla

  • News
  • April 7, 2007

Carla Speed McNeill, writer and artist of the "aboriginal SF" comic Finder, will be undergoing surgery in a couple weeks for what she describes as "moderate-to-severe carpal tunnel syndrome" in her drawing hand.  As someone who can’t remember the last time I woke up without hand numbness, my thoughts are with Carla during this frustrating time, and ComicMix would like to extend our best wishes that all goes well and she’ll soon return to drawing without pain.

Colleen Doran  notes that "Many people in the creative arts struggle with this painful and debilitating condition," and passes along some helpful advice to help prevent its onset.

Another comic book movie for Nic Cage

Another comic book movie for Nic Cage

  • News
  • April 6, 2007

AP is reporting that Nicolas Cage has signed to star in the movie adaptation of the Virgin comic The Sadhu.  The movie’s script will be written by self-help maven Deepak Chopra, the father of Virgin’s chief creative officer Gotham Chopra, and is slated to be directed by Indian filmmaker Shekhar Kapur (The Four Feathers).

Chopra the younger says, "Our goal is to start filming in India in early 2008," and explains a little about the title.  "The sadhu is an iconic character. He is an Indian equivalent of the samurai. He is the spiritual warrior of the mind."

No word on whether flaming heads or motorcycles will be involved.

Anime on the move

Anime on the move

  • News
  • April 6, 2007

Anime conventions are running hot and cold this year.

IVC2 reports that Anime Expo, currently the nation’s largest anime convention with over 40,000 in attendance last year, will be moving back to its original home at the Long Beach (CA) Sports Arena on June 29 through July 2.  A highlight of the show is sure to be the return engagement of "AX Singing Idol" — details can be found at the AX website.  Be sure to pack the sunscreen!

We used the word "currently" up there because Reed Exhibitions, the people who brought you the New York Comic Con, have been busy organizing the first New York Anime Festival, to be held at the Javits Center on December 7 through 9.

According to Reed’s press release, the con will "span the complete breadth of anime pop culture including exclusive and extensive screenings, a gala cosplay masquerade, and sessions with the biggest names in anime from Japan, Asia, and America. The event will also explore the Japanese cultural experience with a showcase of both traditional and cutting-edge Japanese cuisine, apparel, and lifestyles." Dress warmly for the late fall!

And if you simply can’t wait until then, particularly if you live in the Northwest US and aren’t all tired out from the Emerald City Con, don’t forget that Sakura-Con 2007 ("the oldest and most well-attended Anime Convention in the Pacific Northwest — non-profit, all ages, all volunteer and ‘for the fans by the fans’") starts tomorrow, April 6, through Sunday the 8th at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center in Seattle.

Logos for each of these three conventions are pictured at right.  That’s a lot of anime, but really just a small cross-section of the actual anime con circuit, which is easily as impressive as the mainstream comicon circuit…

When cartoonists gather

When cartoonists gather

  • News
  • April 5, 2007

Two good reports on cartoonist meetings, complete with pictures:

Howard Cruse details a get-together in Massachusetts of some Pioneer Valley cartoonists, and Mikhaela Reid talks about the Women, Action and the Media (WAM) conference in Washington DC, where she and fellow cartoonists Stephanie McMillan (who also has a review) and Jen Sorensen presented a "Resistance through Ridicule" panel and slideshow.

Fun fact from Stephanie: "When cartoonists get together, it takes a maximum of about ten minutes for the conversation to turn to Photoshop and/or font programs."

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