Empress of the Aliens™ Barbie® Doll | Barbie Collector

This Barbie is not fooling around...too bad she does not come with a pod baby or anything like that.

Empress of the Aliens™ Barbie® Doll | Barbie Collector

Riven from Dark Horse....WEREWOLVES!!!!

RIVEN SENDS A SHIVER THROUGH

 DARK HORSE PRESENTS!

APRIL 25, MILWAUKIE, OR—Riven, the latest tale set to debut in Dark Horse Comics’ legendary anthology Dark Horse Presents, marks a new beginning for horror fans! 

Dark Horse Comics recently announced the Riven graphic novel, the third collaboration between cowriters Bo Hampton (The Legend of Sleepy Hollow) and Robert Tinnell (The Wicked West), which is slated to hit stores August 22.  Riven’s three-part story beginning in Dark Horse Presents #14 will serve as a chilling introduction to their world of terror.

“Dark Horse Presents is bringing together such a great mix of talent and stories at the moment that it’s honestly an honor to be included in the book. From all the chatter Dark Horse Presents has been generating it’s clear the book is appealing to discerning, articulate readers—and those are precisely the sorts of people we hope are attracted to Riven,” said Robert Tinnell. 

Riven’s Katya has been in a coma for five years, and when she awakes, everything has changed. Now she is a gorgeous teenager with a mysterious, gruesome past, becoming aware of a growing, terrifying power inside her body, triggered by the touch of the full moon, eager to break free . . . Can Katya solve the mystery of her blood-drenched nightmares before they become reality?

“It was a great spawning ground in its original incarnation and I’m really happy to be part of Dark Horse Presents now. I’m looking forward to seeing the Riven pages in that format,” Bo Hampton added.

Check out Riven in Dark Horse Presents #14, on sale July 18!

Teeth Shoes....nicanel: Iris Van Herpen S/S 2012 Couture /

These look like shoes made for WildClaw...

nicanel: Iris Van Herpen S/S 2012 Couture /: Spiky soled shoes from Iris Van Herpen's 2012 spring / summer show. View the rest of the show / collection here .

Movement Design with Scott T. Barsotti

Watch this funny video with out very own Scott T. Barsotti who designed the movement for Strawdog's Duchess of Malfi!

Surveying The Craft : Movement Direction from KBH Media on Vimeo.

GAME OF WEREWOLVES screening Monday/Wednesday

Hey guys and ghouls,

GAME OF WEREWOLVES (aka LOBOS DE ARGA) will be screening at the Chicago Latino Film Festival this Monday 4/23 and Wednesday 4/25.

I just saw this flick at the Brussels International Fantasy Film Festival, and it's really quite awesome. In chatting with the director following the screening, I learned that he was going to be attending the Chicago Latino Film Festival next week, so you'll not only get to see one of the more awesome werewolf flicks in recent memory, but you'll also get to meet cool cat Juan Moreno Martinez, writer/director of LOBOS DE ARGA (the original Spanish title, and the one we both prefer).

Here's a brief synopsis:

Tomas, a successful writer, is invited back to his hometown of Arga where he is to receive an award for his accomplishments. Little does the writer know it's a trap the townspeople have devised hoping his arrival will end a 100 year old village curse. A mock-comedy of the werewolf craze, this film takes you on a laugh-out-loud thriller to enjoy.

And here's my brief review:

"I'm sure this catchphrase will be used time and again once writer/director Moreno's love letter to the Universal classics, Paul Naschy and 80s practical effects makes its way into the public consciousness, so I'm going to seize the opportunity that comes with having seen it first: "GAME OF WEREWOLVES does for lycanthropes what SHAUN OF THE DEAD did for zombies."  There, now I feel better. But in all seriousness, there is much here to favorably compare with Edgar Wright's instant undead classic: It is first and foremost a situational, character-based comedy - not a spoof - dealing with ordinary characters trapped in extraordinary, supernatural circumstances. In this case, writer Gorka Otxoa returns to his home village coincidentally on the 100th anniversary of the gypsy curse laid upon it. Things get hairy in a hurry, with nary a CGI wolf nor cuddly TWILIGHT boy toy in sight, and the heads roll as fast and furious as the belly laughs. Highly recommended, and one I'll be rooting for over the next few months to make its way in the world."

Finally, here's the info:

http://chicagolatinofilmfestival.org/film/game-of-werewolves/

Instituto Cervantes

31 W. Ohio St. Chicago, IL 60610
312-335-1996
chicago.cervantes.es

How to get there:

BUS: #22 Clark
CTA: Red Line to Grand
PARKING: $8 with validation up to 12 hours

Hope to see some of you blood brothers and sisters there!

AC

PS Here's a link to the trailer as well. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeR8LPt4LM4

Tim Seeley's Ex Sanguine Comic

Well this book just sounds fun.  I was a big fan of Tim Seeleys' Lovebunny and Mr Hell book...i think that was it's name.  He does horror and humor well....

And here's some more info:

APRIL 13, CHICAGO, IL–From C2E2, Dark Horse Comics is thrilled to announce Ex Sanguine—a unique blend of horror and thriller from Tim Seeley, the creator of Hack/Slash, writer of The Occultist, artist of The Guild, and more. 

“Ex Sanguine is my take on the vampire-romance genre, but instead of being full of longing and anguished staring, it’s full of brutal flirtations between two savage predators, one a vampire, one a serial killer,” said Tim Seeley.

One is a natural-born killer—a remorseless hunter of men restlessly prowling the night for victims to quench an unnatural bloodlust. The other, Saul Adams, is a vampire. A bored vampire. His centuries of existence have left him world weary and detached, lost in a haze of endless memories for days or weeks on end. His latest bout of preoccupation is mercifully interrupted by federal agents.

They insinuate Saul’s complicity in the latest of a series of murders that have come to be known as “The Sanguine Killings.” Saul ignores these accusations, having eyes only for the bits of crime scenes they show him. The Sanguine Killer doesn’t just kill; he also paints primal pictographs in his victims’ blood. Where the feds see murderous compulsion and rage in the intricate patterns of Xs left on walls and sidewalks by the killer, Saul sees something different: Craft. Art.

“Dark Horse has long been the leader in high-quality, innovative horror comics, and I’m honored to bring my blood-soaked ‘romance’ Ex Sanguine to their impressive lineup,” Tim Seeley added.

Check out the exclusive interview on Comic Book Resources.

Ex Sanguine #1 is on sale November 28, 2012!

Episode 19 Deathscribe 2010 Part One...

Listen and Enjoy.

John Cusack Panel and Signing at C2E2 to Promote The Raven

John Cusack To Appear At Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2)

March 19, 2012

Critically Acclaimed Actor to Preview Trailer for The Raven

Norwalk, CT, March 19, 2012: John Cusack, a Chicago native and one of Hollywood’s most accomplished and respected actors of his generation, will appear at this year’s Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2). Mr. Cusack will participate in a Q&A session on Sunday, April 15th and show a trailer for The Raven, his new movie from Relativity starring Mr. Cusack as Edgar Allen Poe. The independent period thriller, which will be released on April 27th, is directed by James McTiegue and tells the fictionalized account of the last days of Poe’s life in which the poet teams up with a young Baltimore detective to hunt down a serial killer who uses Poe’s works as the basis for his murders. Mr. Cusack will also do a limited signing for 100 fans at C2E2.
“I am enormously pleased to share this news about John Cusack’s appearance at C2E2,” notes Lance Fensterman, Group Vice President for ReedPOP and Show Manager for C2E2. “I count myself as a major fan and the fact that he is now coming to C2E2 where he will meet and greet thousands of fans, many of whom share my enthusiasm and admiration for his films, is a perfect highlight. His participation at C2E2 reinforces how great our event has become and I know his appearance will be a huge attraction.”
Some other guests who will be participating in signings or panels at C2E2 include: Neal Adams, Axel Alonso, John Barrowman, Anthony Daniels, Chris Hardwick, Charlaine Harris, Adam Hughes, Stephanie Izard, Tom Morello, and Joe Quesada, to name just a few!
C2E2 will take place April 13 – 15, 2012 in the North Building at the McCormick Place Convention Center. For further information about other guests and activities at C2E2 as well as purchasing tickets, please visit www.C2E2.com.

Walking Dead Panel at C2E2

Stars of The Walking Dead To Participate in Q & A with Fans; Followed by 3-Hour Signing!

Norwalk, CT, April 2, 2012:  Lauren Cohan, who plays the popular character Maggie Greene, the principal love interest of Glenn (Steven Yeun) in AMC’s The Walking Dead, will appear along with Yeun at this year’s Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2).  Yeun’s appearance at C2E2 was recently announced (3/28) and Ms. Cohan’s appearance has just been confirmed by show organizers.  The two stars of the hit television series will appear at the pop culture convention on Saturday, April 14 where they will conduct a Q & A with fans followed by a free 3-hour signing.  
C2E2, which is organized by the creators of New York Comic Con (NYCC), will be held April 13 – 15 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL.  For further information about activities at C2E2 as well as purchasing tickets, please visit www.C2E2.com.  Other recently announced guests who will be appearing at the pop culture extravaganza include John Barrowman, John Cusack, Anthony Daniels, Josh Gates, Chris Hardwick, Charlaine Harris, Adam Hughes, Joe Kubert, Tom Morello, Chad Michael Murray, Anne Rice, Scott Snyder, and J Michael Straczynski among many others!  
“We were already pleased to announce Steven Yeun’s appearance on our Walking Dead panel at C2E2 last week, so this new addition is the icing on the cake,” notes Lance Fensterman, Group Vice President for ReedPOP and Show Manager for C2E2.  “Steven Yeun and Lauren Cohan have enormous on-screen chemistry and I am sure this will translate into a great panel appearance for both of them.  On top of this, they are also making themselves available for an extended 3-hour signing which virtually assures that anyone who wants to get an autograph and to meet them personally will have the opportunity.  I know I can speak on behalf of thousands of fans when I say that we are enormously grateful to Steven and Lauren for giving us so much of their time!”

About Lauren Cohan:

In addition to her role as Maggie on The Walking Dead, Lauren is most recognized for her roles as Bela Talbot on Supernatural, Vivian Volkoff on Chuck, and Rose on The Vampire Diaries.  
Lauren was born in Philadelphia and lived in New Jersey during her childhood before moving to the United Kingdom.  She graduated from the University of Winchester / King Alfred's College where she studied Drama and English Literature, before touring with a theatre company she co-founded at the University.
Lauren then split her time and work between London and LA, working on several films as well as some non-commercial projects.

About Steven Yeun:

In addition to his starring role in The Walking Dead, Mr. Yeun has also recently starred in an episode of the television series Law & Order: Los Angeles and an episode of Warehouse 13.  Steven Yeun lived in Chicago where he performed with the Second City Theatre and understudied for the Steppenwolf Theatre’s production of Kafka on the Shore.  In addition, he was part of several improvisational/sketch comedy groups including Stir Friday Night, Hands and Detective Detective.  Additional credits include The Big Bang Theory and the role of Chaz in the independent film My Name is Jerry.    Mr. Yeun currently lives in Los Angeles.

Neil Gaiman Interviews Stephen King

'Nuff said. Enjoy.

C2E2 -WE’RE NO ANGELS: The Leading Ladies of Paranormal/Urban Fantasy

Panels & Screenings Schedule - C2E2 - Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo - April 13-15, 2012

Oh I cannot wait for this one....

Date: Saturday, April 14
5:15 PM - 6:15 PM
Location: N427bc
Speakers: Charlaine Harris , Chloe Neill , Christina Henry , Gwen Reyes , Jeaniene Frost , Karina Cooper , Kerrelyn Sparks , Pamela Palmer
Description:
Be they fanged, furred, infernal, seraphic, or fey…beware the women of paranormal fiction…and their kick-ass heroines. Danger just might be these girls’ middle names. But no amount of bad guys can keep these ladies from doing what's right. Whether standing up for friends and family, or just plain kicking some ass, these girls don't shy away from a fight. Featured authors: Karina Cooper, Jeaniene Frost, Charlaine Harris, Christina Henry, Chloe Neill, Pamela Palmer, Kerrelyn Sparks.
Track:
Sci-Fi / Fantasy

And yet still more info:

Charlaine Harris And Other Writers To Appear At Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2)

February 28, 2012

#1 Bestselling Novelist Provides Literary Luster at Annual Pop Culture Event

Norwalk, CT, February 28, 2012:  Charlaine Harris, the #1 New York Times bestselling author best known for her Southern Vampire Mysteries featuring Sookie Stackhouse, will be a Spotlight Guest at this year’s Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2).  Ms. Harris’s enormously popular series is also the basis of True Blood, the HBO series produced by Alan Ball (Six Feet Under) and starring Golden Globe winner Anna Paquin in the role of Sookie.  Providing literary luster at a convention that is brimming with artists, creators and other talent from all segments of the pop culture universe, Ms. Harris will be joined by other Featured Guest writers appearing at C2E2 including: Rachel Caine, Christina Henry, Mari Mancusi, Chloe Neill, and Veronica Wolff.  All of these authors, including Charlaine Harris, will be participating in panels and will do a signing at C2E2 where they will meet and greet thousands of fans.    
C2E2 will take place April 13 – 15, 2012 in the North Building at the McCormick Place Convention Center.  For further information about guests and activities at C2E2 as well as purchasing tickets, please visit www.C2E2.com . 
“Charlaine Harris and all these literary guests are a fantastic addition to our developing list of major talent who will be appearing at C2E2,” notes Lance Fensterman, Group Vice President for ReedPOP and Show Manager for C2E2.  “Their participation is further evidence that the pop culture world cuts across all entertainment boundaries and includes artists from every walk of life.  I know these writers will be well-received at our show and will find legions of fans anxious to hear them speak and meet them in person.”

About Spotlight Guest Charlaine Harris:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Charlaine Harris has been a published novelist for thirty years. Charlaine began writing mystery series—the Aurora Teagarden series and the much darker Lily Bard series—but then went on to write Dead Until Dark which broke genre boundaries to appeal to a wide audience of people who just enjoy a good adventure. Each subsequent book about Sookie Stackhouse, telepathic barmaid and friend to vampires, werewolves, and various other odd creatures, has drawn more readers. The Southern Vampire books are published in twenty languages. They are also the basis of True Blood, the HBO series produced by Alan Ball (Six Feet Under) and starring Golden Globe winner Anna Paquin in the role of Sookie.  Charlaine also writes the Harper Connelly series.

About Literary Featured Guests:

Rachel Caine is The New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Morganville Vampires, Weather Warden, and Outcast Season novels, among many others. She grew up in the badlands outside of El Paso, Texas. General Sheridan famously said, "If I owned Texas and Hell, I would rent out Texas and live in Hell." Rachel's trying her best, with the Morganville series, to prove him right. (But still, she does lives in Fort Worth, Texas. Not Hell.)
Christina Henry is the author of the Black Wings series and enjoys running long distances, reading anything she can get her hands on and watching movies with subtitles in her spare time. Henry used to work in a comic book store and as a result, has boxes of bagged and boarded comics in her attic.  She lives in Chicago with her husband and son, and can be found on the web at www.christinahenry.net.
Mari Mancusi used to wish she could become a vampire back in high school. But she ended up in another blood sucking profession—journalism—instead. Today she writes books for teens and adults. When not writing about creatures of the night, Mari enjoys traveling, cooking, goth clubbing, watching cheesy horror movies, and her favorite guilty pleasure—videogames. A graduate of Boston University and a two time Emmy Award winner, she lives in Austin, Texas with her husband Jacob, daughter Avalon and dog Mesquite. You can find Mari online at www.bloodcovenvampires.com.
Chloe Neill was born and raised in the South, but now makes her home in the Midwest. Chloe is the author of the fan-favorite and The New York Times bestselling Chicagoland Vampires series. She watches entirely too much television, roots for her favorite college football team, and believes, however unlikely, that she’ll one day finish a half-marathon. You can learn about Chloe Neill and Chicago’s vampires at www.chloeneill.com.
Veronica Wolff, once an aspiring art historian, is an award-winning, bestselling author with a soft spot for kilts and vampires. Known for her Scottish historical romances, she now writes a young adult series called The Watchers as well as an adult contemporary romance series called Sierra Falls. She has lived everywhere from Texas, to Hawaii, to India, finally settling in Northern California where she lives with her husband, two kids, and a houseful of pets.  Her unmarketable skills include snowboarding, speaking Hindi, gardening, and knowing an alarming amount of pop-culture trivia.

C2E2 -Anne Rice Spotlight Panel

Panels & Screenings Schedule - C2E2 - Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo - April 13-15, 2012

Anne Rice Spotlight

Date: Sunday, April 15
1:15 PM - 2:15 PM
Location: S402ab
Speaker: Anne Rice
Description:
Her books have sold millions of copies and she's not done yet! Come find out what's new and what's next for this best-selling author.
Track:
Sci-Fi / Fantasy

C2E2 - WildClaw Panel It’s Alive! Alive! The Monster Mash-up of Creativity and Collaboration in Chicago’s Vital Horror Community

Panels & Screenings Schedule - C2E2 - Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo - April 13-15, 2012

Come see our panel yall!

It’s Alive! Alive! The Monster Mash-up of Creativity and Collaboration in Chicago’s Vital Horror Community

Date: Friday, April 13
4:45 PM - 5:45 PM
Location: Variant Stage
Speakers: Adam Bartlett , Aly Renee Amidei , Bobby Sparky King , Brian Kirst , Dave Dorman , John Pata , Rafael Nieves
Description:
Collaborative art forms like Comics, Theatre, and Film require many artists coming together to bring a beast to life. Once the monster lives, it needs an audience to feed on in order to thrive. WildClaw Theatre’s mission is to bring the world of Horror to the Chicago Stage. In our five years, we have made some wonderful friends who share our love for all the things that go bump in the night. Learn from our collective successes and mistakes as a panel of professionals from comics, retail, film, theatre, and journalism discuss the creative collaborative process, marketing, and that special something that makes the horror community of Chicago a killer force that just won't die.
Track:
Performance

Save the Storefront Theatre Petition

Sign it please.  We love this venue and want to keep seeing theatre produced in the loop!

Go See Dave Dorman's Tentacley Terrific Work At Rotofugi!

The gallery opening is tonight!
http://www.rotofugi.com/home/template_permalink.asp?id=234

From their site...
re excited and honored to have Eisner and Inkpot award-winning artist Dave Dorman as the next artist who will be showing in our gallery.
Dave's PI a la Mode exhibit will feature a combination of new works loosely themed around all things tentacled, along with an assortment of older works from Dave's career as a comic-book artist and professional illustrator. Dave's worked for almost every major publisher in the business across a range of titles and genres, but might best be known for his work on various Star Wars books which led him to be voted as the "Best Star Wars Artist" by readers of The Official Best of Star Wars Magazine.
The exhibit opening will be this Friday, April 6, 7-10pm. As with most of our exhibits, if you're interested in potentially purchasing a piece from the exhibit please make sure you are signed up for our Gallery Previews email list. The preview will be emailed out at 10am on Friday, and we will begin accepting requests to purchase (via email) at 12 Noon that same day. Thanks!

"Turn of the Screw" a terrifying treat at First Folio - Chicago Sun-Times

Dear horror lovers...go check out a classic spooky tale over at first folio...

‘Turn of the Screw’ a terrifying treat at First Folio - Chicago Sun-Times

SHADOW SHOW: ALL NEW STORIES IN CELEBRATION OF RAY BRADBURY

Mort Castle (Celebrity Judge, DEATHSCRIBE I) and his Columbia College colleague Sam Weller have compiled a fantastic book: 26 stories inspired by Ray Bradbury.

An amazing assembly of authors: Neil Gaiman - Margaret Atwood - Jay Bonansinga - Sam Weller - David Morrell - Thomas F. Monteleone - Lee Martin - Joe Hill - Dan Chaon - John McNally - Joe Meno - Robert McCammon - Ramsey Campbell - Mort Castle - Alice Hoffman - John Maclay – Jacquelyn Mitchard - Gary Braunbeck - Bonnie Jo Campbell - Audrey Niffenegger - Charles Yu - Julia Keller - Dave Eggers - Bayo Ojikutu - Kelly Link - Harlan Ellison.

Harlan Ellison. I just read his wikipedia entry and couldn't stop grinning. He voiced himself on an episode of Scooby Doo, Mystery Incorporated!!

And check out the spectrum of names blurbing for the book:

"Great new tales of imagination in the Bradbury tradition."
-- Hugh Hefner

“There is no more fitting tribute to my friend Ray Bradbury than a compilation of wonderful short stories! Ray is a champion of libraries and one of America’s most inventive teller of tales. I cherish many happy times engrossed in his stories. This anthology reflects the high imagination, visionary ideas, and fantastic writing that Ray is loved and known for around the world.”
--Laura Bush

"Ray Bradbury is without a doubt, one of this, or any century's greatest and most imaginative writers. SHADOW SHOW, a book of truly great stories, is the perfect tribute to America's master storyteller."
--Stan Lee

"SHADOW SHOW is a treasure-trove for Ray Bradbury enthusiasts as for all readers who are drawn to richly imaginative, deftly plotted, startlingly original and unsettling short fiction."
--Joyce Carol Oates

Hugh Hefner and Laura Bush. Amazing.

Then again, we're talking about Ray Frickin Bradbury. Superlatives aren't enough. Maybe capitals:

"THE MAN CHANGED THE COURSE OF IMAGINATIVE FICTION. He is a living legend. His stories infect your brain and give you a fever. A mild, deliriously joyful fever. The symptoms will pass but the VIRUS IS WITH YOU FOREVER, affecting how you see and think about the world."
--J. T. Andronicus "Mister" Morlock

So here are the links to follow to pre-order a copy. I did so immediately. So should you.

www.amazon.com/Shadow-Show-All-New-Celebration-Bradbury/

Or if you'd like the collectable –

www.gauntletpress.com/