The Mix : What are people talking about today?

John Ostrander: “We hold these truths to be self-evident”

John Ostrander: “We hold these truths to be self-evident”

I just read where the Anglican church, now controlled by conservative African bishops, are threatening to lower the boom of the American branch — the Episcopalians — to the point of tossing them out over the issue of appointing an openly and actively gay bishop and the issue of offering blessings to same sex couples.    

Never mind that the bishop in question, V. Gene Robinson, happens to be in a very monogamous relationship, or that he is, by all accounts, a very good man and capable administrator. Never mind that he is being open about his sexuality and his relationship — there would be no problem if he just kept it a secret and lied about it. Never mind that the couples in question are seeking stability in one on one relationships in a loving situation and are looking to commit to one another. Never mind that the Anglican Church has a history of not being doctrinal, of open inquiry, of autonomy for each of the Churches within its communion. What matters is that once again the Christian Right(eous) have determined that their version of the truth is the only truth and will impose that view on everyone and it doesn’t matter what they destroy along the way.

The Crusades live.

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Black Betty screams just for you

Black Betty screams just for you

After Dark’s Black Betty speaks to ComicMix about To Die For!, the scoop on Superman’s changes, our update on teevee news, 

All this, Timeline, more news and serious thrills on ComicMix’s eighth exclusive Podcast — available right here:

 

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Ford memorial auction raises over $4000

Ford memorial auction raises over $4000

Following up on our earlier post, auction coordinator Deb Geisler writes: "We’re delighted to tell you that the auction raised $4,030, which will be donated to the special fund set up by the Friends of the Minneapolis Library in Mike’s name. We had so many donations (more than 70!) that we divided the auction into a voice auction (the extravaganza portion) and a silent auction following that. NESFA will be sending the proceeds of the auction to the Friends of the Minneapolis Library shortly, and we hope it helps to engage people in the love of F&SF literature for many years to come."

To learn more about the John M. Ford Book Endowment, click here.

Arkin to Get Smart with Carell

Arkin to Get Smart with Carell

Fresh from their oscar-nominated performances in Little Miss Sunshine last year, Steve Carell and Alan Arkin will be appearing together in the Warner Bros. film version of Get Smart as Maxwell Smart (Secret Agent 86, as if you’d forgotten) and the Chief, respectively. Also cast in the film is Anne Hathaway as Agent 99.

But now, the really tough question — do you even try to replace Bernie Kopell as Siegfried? And Patrick Warburton, of course, is the obvious choice for Hymie the Robot.

Marvel gets Fooled

Marvel gets Fooled

For those who enjoyed yesterday’s brief look at Marvel’s financials and want to see and understand more, the Motley Fool has done some of the heavy lifting for you. What’s telling is that the entire piece is spent detailing the financing behind Marvel’s movie production and licensing (which, admittedly, has been the object of speculation and is somewhat complex) but not a whit on the comics themselves.

Letterman NYCC quiz

Letterman NYCC quiz

The CBS Late Show with David Letterman took a look last night at the New York Comic Con, offering the following bit:

Said Letterman, "We got some footage of the event. We then compiled this quiz. Some of my favorites:

(Heavy guy thumbing through comic books)

"Just an hour into the convention, this man has already gotten his hands on:

A) Superman #1

B) Green Lantern #3

C) Cheeseburger #6

(Character in giant head)

"The character on the right:

A) is from a Japanese cartoon

B) will soon be in his own movie

C) has been stumbling blindly through the city since the Thanksgiving Parade

(Girl in fluffy dress and orange wig):

"Looking at this scene, we’re reminded that:

A) all fantasy realms are welcome here

B) the convention is a great place to meet friends

C) it’s been a tough month for Britney Spears

(Alien with claws):

"You may remember this creature from:

A) "Lord of the Rings"

B) "Pan’s Labyrinth"

C) Your local Taco Bell"

Letterman’s competitor, Stephen Colbert, was a guest of the NYCC.

Scott Shaw! salutes black history

One of the highlights of the Black Panel at NYCC was when Denys Cowan started mentioning all the pioneers deserving of wider recognition.  Scott Shaw! celebrates Black History Month on his Oddball Comics website with a title from 1947 called All-Negro Comics entirely produced by black cartoonists/ The page also includes a discussion of other comics of the time created for black audiences. 

A fascinating read, including lots of clickable articles and illustrations.  (No Michael Davis, I don’t believe "Negro Kitty" is among the characters, so you still own that idea…)

Enough to make you gag

Hey New Yorkers!  Not doing anything tomorrow night, and frustrated because you can’t draw or sell gag cartoons?  Yeah, you know who you are.  Funny thing, Media Bistro at 494 Broadway has just the solution — a 3-hour intensive course (starting at 6:30 PM) on How to Draw and Sell Gag Cartoons, taught by John Donohue, whose cartoons have appeared in The New Yorker, Barron’s, Thompson’s Medical Economics, and other spots. 

If for no other reason, you should go to find out how and why editors are still purchasing tired 1950s stereotypes of henpecked husbands pursued by purse-wielding wives .

Joe Sinnott ailing

Joe Sinnott ailing

Word is slowly spreading from Marvel’s editorial halls that legendary artist Joe Sinnott has had a heart attack. Joe was at the New York Comic-Con this past weekend, mingling with fans without seeming ill. We’ll post details as we hear them.

Ain’t It Cool comics awards

Ain’t It Cool comics awards

The Ain’t It Cool News site has just come out with an  "AICN Comics" presentation of its third annual @$$ie Awards, featuring your host Crucifer (the @$$keeper?), above.  Categories include Best Single Moment/Single Issue, Best Cover Artist, Best Miniseries/Special/One-Shot, Best Comic Book Character, Best Artist/Art Team, Best Writer, Best Publisher, and Best Ongoing Comic Book Series.  Mercifully, only the intro is done in comic book form.