Monday, January 25, 2010

2010 comic cons bring out the classic stars

Ahhhh ... the great American comic con ... a great place to catch those classic TV stars you love so much. This year promises to be a good one for star-spottin,' as several of our BRBTV stars will be out and about on the con circuit. Here's who's scheduled so far:

Toronto Comic Con, March 26-28
BarBara Luna, Carmen Esperanza of "Dallas"

Anaheim Comic Con, April 16-18
Ed Asner, Roland Daggett of "Batman: The Animated Series"
Adam West, the Gray Ghost on "Batman: The Animated Series"
Jennilee Harrison, Jamie Ewing of "Dallas"
Richard Hatch, Dean Caldwell of "Dynasty"
David Hedison, Roger Langdon of "The Colbys"
Herb Jefferson Jr., Walden on "The Dukes of Hazzard"
Tracy Scoggins, Monica Colby on "Dynasty" / "The Colbys" plus appearances on "The Dukes"

Motor City Comic Con, May 14-16
Adam West, the Gray Ghost on "Batman: The Animated Series"
Jennilee Harrison, Jamie Ewing of "Dallas"
Ernie Brown, Avery of "The Dukes of Hazzard" and a security guard on "Batman: The Animated Series"

Chicago Comic Con, August 19-22
Adam West, the Gray Ghost on "Batman: The Animated Series"

Dragon*Con, Atlanta, September 3-6
Jonathan Frakes, Jamie Lee Hogg of "The Dukes"

(And speaking of Atlanta, Wizard World must've been taking note of the huge numbers that Dragon-Con has been bringing in the past couple years -- they just announced last week that they've acquired the Atlanta Comic Convention, dates TBD!)

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Signy Coleman invites you to her comfy cyber-home

When we interviewed Signy Coleman for our November 21 and 26, 2008 posts, she told us she was planning an official website, one that she had decided to launch to dispel some of the sometimes-outrageous things she would read about herself online. Well, Signy-Coleman.com is live and as inviting as a drive on a lovely stretch of the countryside.

At the site, you'll find not only the standard bio and resume and some beautiful snaps of the modeling days of our former Celeste DiNapoli of "Santa Barbara," you'll even see recipes from this new author, who is releasing a cookbook with her sister, Bethany Coleman-Atherton.

"As I grew and began expanding the area of my pond, my years as a ballerina and sheer determination earned me a ticket to Paris and the chance to strut the catwalks of high fashion," she reminisces in an excerpt from the book. "Forget about becoming Christian Dior’s muse, or being splashed across the glossy pages of fashion magazines, Paris was like waking up in a dream, the golden ticket firmly in hand, into a realm of food far exceeding anything I had ever experienced. ... For this 19 year old tomboy, who had never been further then the mountains north of San Francisco, it was rapture."

The sisters' book, "Snaggin' the Stag: Luring the Hart from Forest, Memoirs with Recipes," blends their own continental adventuring with exotic taste. "It's sort of memoirs of food and love and the chase that's involved," Signy told us about the book. "We tested all the recipes. We dressed, we photographed, everything is ours."

And now, Coleman's new website gives you a glimpse of not only the book, but also her travels and, unmistakably, her flair for life.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Looks like Archie's moving on from that whole marriage thing ...

If you haven't been following the Archie-Marries-Veronica (then Betty!) storyline, we won't do any spoilin', but just look at what's coming down the pike for our man Arch! A new lady??? And one from that other band? Here's the scoop from Archie Comics ...

What’s New, Pussycats?

Two of the greatest bands in comic book history hook up like never before when Josie and the Pussycats come to town to tour with The Archies. However, more than music is made on one starry night outside Archie’s home, when there’s a kiss that could change Riverdale forever. Is it possible that the pure-hearted, red-haired lead of The Archies is really falling in love with Valerie, the beautiful bassist/songwriter of Josie and the Pussycats? What will happen to Betty and Veronica? “It Starts with a Kiss” is the beginning of a tale to be continued. Don’t miss out while the world watches to see if Archie and Valerie have what it takes to make their love survive. Look for part one in Archie #608, hitting stores this April!

Sunday, January 17, 2010

James Best will be taking on the "Shrews" once again

Just a few years ago, in 2005, a fervent fan cried out for a sequel on the IMDb page for the 1959 movie, "The Killer Shrews." He kicked off some interesting responses, then later added, "I think James Best could return as the doctor if the movie is remade." Well, faithful fan, you'll be happy to know that Best, our own Rosco P. Coltrane of "The Dukes of Hazzard," is right now working on the script for the sequel, 50 years after the original was released.

"I am been very busy lately, doing a rewrite on a screenplay that Steve Latshaw and I are working on," Best says in the current issue of his email newsletter. "We hope to shoot the movie in the spring. It is a sequel to a movie I made 50 years ago. It is called 'Killer Shrews II.'"

The plot of the original, written by Jay Simms of "Have Gun, Will Travel" and "The Big Valley," involved a group of people on an isolated island, being terrorized by giant, voracious shrews. In the midst of a hurricane, we'll add. And hey, the promotional campaign involved a woman's pink pump and splattered blood, so whaddya expect? (But just so we're clear here -- we're talking about the vicious animal shrew here, not the ... ahem ... female.)

"This was a movie that I made as a favor to a man named Ray Kellogg," Best continues. "Years ago. It was made for practically nothing but was so corny that it actually became a cult film. We hope to shoot it in a three-dimensional format."

Wanna get primed? You can watch the original at Archive.org, where you'll see posts from other ardent fans(!). You can also catch the film's trailer at the IMDb.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Archie Comics announces publishing agreement with Random House

From Archie Comics

Archie Comic Publications Inc. has reached an agreement with Random House Publisher Services, a division of Random House Inc., to exclusively handle worldwide distribution of Archie graphic novels and trade paperbacks.

The agreement with Random House Publisher Services marks the first time that all Archie paperback titles will be available from one source for both domestic and international trade bookstore distribution. Distribution of the Archie paperback line through Random House will commence on September 1, 2010. The direct comic store distribution of the Archie comics, digests and graphic novels will continue through Diamond Comic Distributors Inc.

“As Archie expands our business globally, we are thrilled to partner with Random House Publisher Services to bring the Archie brand to the world,” said Jon Goldwater, co-CEO of Archie Comics.

“We are delighted Archie Comics will be joining the RHPS client team this September,” said RHPS President Jeff Abraham. “We have developed a strong traction in the graphic-novel category with our bookseller customers, for whom this category is among their fastest-growing. We believe they quickly will find selling the beloved Archie characters and storylines profitable and fun.”

Archie Comics continues to position itself and its brands as an international entertainment entity across multiple media platforms, with many noteworthy accomplishments over the past few quarters. The company made its entry into the world of digital comics, resulting in the most downloaded comic in iTunes history. It also initiated a variety of crossover projects with stars of music, movies and television, and inked an entertainment representation deal with Creative Artist Agency. Most notable of all, the hit “Archie Gets Married” comic book storyline received unprecedented international press coverage and is enjoying massive worldwide sales.

The new distribution deal with Random House follows the recent announcement of Archie’s first international office in New Delhi, India.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Coming up in Archie Comics

ARCHIE #605
THE ARCHIE STORY OF THE CENTURY CONCLUDES WITH A VERY SPECIAL BIRTH!
"Archie Marries Betty: Happily Ever After": Now that you’ve witnessed the engagement and wedding of Archie and Betty, prepare for the next stage of married life: parenthood! Of course, you haven’t really had a taste of parenthood until you’ve seen it done Archie-style! Can Archie get through Lamaze class without causing a commotion? Never mind that – can he make it through the actual birth without full scale panic? Mixed in with the patented Archie humor is the heartwarming reaction among the new grandparents, friends and faculty. And let’s just say there’s a big surprise in store for the happy couple! But that’s not the only surprise in Riverdale – just wait until you see the job Archie gets, and who ends up with whom among Archie and Betty’s friends… not to mention yet another surprise wedding! When it comes to Riverdale, the surprises never end! With a script by famed movie producer Michael Uslan and art by legendary artist Stan Goldberg, this is sure to be one of the most talked-about Archie issues of all time. Don’t miss this thrilling conclusion to the Archie saga of the century!
SCRIPT: Michael Uslan
ART: Stan Goldberg
On sale at comic shops: January 27, 2010
On sale at newsstands: February 9, 2010
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #139
FEATURING THE WINNER OF THE SPECIAL KIDS’ COMIC CON/TIME OUT NEW YORK COMPETITION!
"Summer Spring Show": When Betty and Veronica babysit a girl named Summer, they’re in for a really big show… and they’re the stars! Summer is a "showbiz kid" with a flair for the theatrical, and she literally shines the spotlight on Betty and Veronica as she engages them in interactive skits, songs and more! Summer was the winner of the special contest at this year’s Kids’ Comic Con. Time Out New York Magazine’s Time Out Kids web page held a poll where kids were asked who their favorite comic book characters are, with the grand prize being the chance to be drawn into an Archie comic book! Summer chose Betty and Veronica… and now, just like her faves, Summer is a part of comic book history!
PLUS: "Moose & Me": When the gal pals get together for some girl talk, they compare each others’ boyfriends, leading Midge to introduce her friends to "the REAL Moose!"
SCRIPTS: Alex Simmons
ART: Dan Parent
On sale at comic shops: January 13, 2010
On sale at newsstands: January 26, 2010
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

ARCHIE DIGEST #261
"Snow Woe": A snow day means no school, but Archie’s cheers soon turn to chills when his dad turns down the thermostat!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Tim Kennedy
"Blood Line": Everyone knows Archie is a good sport… but is he as good an athlete as his dad was?
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Bob Bolling
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic shops: February 3, 2010
On sale at newsstands: February 16, 2010
88-page, full-color digest
$2.69 U.S.


ARCHIE’S DOUBLE DIGEST #205
IT’S ANOTHER BLAST FROM THE PAST, AS MADHOUSE’S RONALD THE RUBBER BOY MAKES A BIG AND BOUNCY COMEBACK!
"The Return of Ronald the Rubber Boy": Originally seen in the pages of ARCHIE’S MADHOUSE, Ronald had the bad habit of swallowing chewing gum. He swallowed so much gum that he began to take on its elastic properties, making him the goofy teenage equivalent of some famous super-stretchy guys! Now he’s back and bouncier than ever, in a tale that’s sure to stretch your funny bone!
SCRIPT: Tim Kennedy
ART: Pat Kennedy
"The Pro": Archie looks just like a famous snowboarder who’s popular with the ladies… and he aims to meet those ladies by pretending to be that snowboarder!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Jeff Shultz
"Down Memory Lane": Archie reminisces about the love triangle throughout the years and how Betty & Veronica have always competed for him!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Bob Bolling
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic shops: January 13, 2010
On sale at newsstands: January 26, 2010
176-page, full-color digest
$3.99 U.S.

BETTY #184
"Betty at Beverly Hills High School": Betty gets an opportunity to see how students in "The Golden State" live when a student exchange program sends her to California! Unlike Riverdale High, glitzy Beverly Hills High feels more like a movie than a high school, with students decked out in the latest fashions, shades and accessories. Betty also loves the focus on athleticism and competition, and trains for the track team with her new friend Olympia. She also gets to see some of the sights, including Rodeo Drive. All we can say is: Veronica Lodge, eat your heart out!
SCRIPT: Hal Lifson
ART: Stan Goldberg
"No Room to Talk": When Betty and Jughead spend the weekend helping Archie organize his room, they learn the true meaning of "organized chaos!"
SCRIPT: Bill Golliher
ART: Stan Goldberg
"Kidding Around!": Betty babysits a girl named Emily, but with Emily’s energy and imagination, Betty does anything but "sit"!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Stan Goldberg.
On sale at comic shops: February 3, 2010
On sale at newsstands: February 16, 2010
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.


BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST #201
"Green Machine": Veronica decides to "go green" – as long as it means she can spend "green" on new eco-accessories! "Famous Name Game": The girls contemplate what it would be like to be pro athletes… except Veronica, who sees pro sports in a more monetary light!
SCRIPTS: Mike Pellowski
ART: Jeff Shultz
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic shops: January 27, 2010
On sale at newsstands: February 9, 2010
88-page, full-color digest
$2.69 U.S.

JUGHEAD #199
TRULA TWYST RETURNS WITH HER MOST CLEVER SCHEME EVER!
Jughead’s nemesis Trula Twyst sets out to prove her thesis that there’s only room for one Jughead in Riverdale – by becoming another Jughead! Who will be the last Jug standing? Trula’s unique fascination with and conflicted feelings toward Jughead come to the fore in this tale that threatens to spin the Jughead mythos on its crowned beanie!
SCRIPT: Craig Boldman
ART: Rex Lindsey
On sale at comic shops: January 20, 2010
On sale at newsstands: February 2, 2010
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.


JUGHEAD’S DOUBLE DIGEST #157
"Ugly Dog Contest": Things are about to get ugly… really ugly… when an ugly dog contest hits Riverdale!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Pat Kennedy
"Cold Case": An ice skating outing gets a "chilly" reception from Jughead, who is freezing from crown to toes!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Tim Kennedy
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic shops: January 27, 2010
On sale at newsstands: February 9, 2010
176-page, full-color digest
$3.99 U.S.


PALS ‘N’ GALS DOUBLE DIGEST #138
DON’T MISS THE THRILLING CONCLUSION OF THE LATEST "NEW LOOK" SAGA THAT TRANSFORMS REGGIE FROM WISE GUY TO ROMEO!
"A Funny Kind of Love Part Four": Beautiful and bright Bernadette Brownlee has had a rocky romance with Riverdale’s resident wise guy, Reggie! Bernadette has seen another side of Reggie – as a charismatic, convincing orator. She would much prefer Reggie to pursue a spot on the debating team instead of fame, glory and laughs at the national stand-up comic search. But Reggie is committed to comedy, and this leads to a highly volatile breakup between the two! But Archie isn’t convinced that Bernadette and Reggie are really through with one another, and he’s determined to reach at least one of them. Will Archie’s influence bring the pair back together, or will Reggie have the last laugh? Is Reggie’s future with Bernadette truly open for debate? There’s only one way to find out: reserve your copy of this thrilling conclusion to the most unexpected "New Look" yet! Rendered in the "realistic" art style that made Betty and Veronica’s "Bad Boy Trouble" and "My Father’s Betrayal," Jughead’s "The Matchmakers," Moose and Midge’s "Breakup Blues," and Archie and his friends’ "Goodbye Forever" some of the most talked about Archie stories in recent years!
SCRIPT: Melanie J. Morgan
ART: Tod Smith and Al Milgrom
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic shops: January 20, 2010
On sale at newsstands: February 2, 2010
176-page, full-color digest
$3.99 U.S.

Saturday, January 09, 2010

U.S. Postal Service issues our favorite soda threesome on a stamp


OK, we're afraid we're going to have to issue one of our run-don't-walk edicts, because this one's pretty hot ... This July, run, don't walk, to your neighborhood post office (and if you live in our neighborhood, get there really early, because there's always a line out the door just for usual business!), because you're going to want to nab yourself some of these Archie Comics stamps, part of the "Sunday Funnies" collection.
The U.S. Postal Service issued this description as it unveiled its 2010 line of stamps:
"Offering an idealized portrait of American adolescence, Archie existed only in comic-book form before debuting in newspapers in 1946. A typical small-town teenager with a knack for goofing things up, 17-year-old Archie Andrews is often torn between haughty brunette Veronica Lodge and sweet, blonde Betty Cooper."
Yea, don't we know it ... sigh ...
Anyhow, the "Sunday Funnies" stamps go on sale in July. To see what other stamps are coming this year, view the Postal Service's press release.

Thursday, January 07, 2010

James Best announces a redesigned website

While you're a-browsin' around in cyberspace, check out a newly renovated corner of Hazzard County, the official website of James (Rosco P. Coltrane) Best. With a right-nice photo of Best and his wife, Dorothy Collier Best, along with links to his official art site, bio, personal appearances, Best Friend Films and more, you'll want to go on in and sit a spell:

http://jamesbest.com/

Tuesday, January 05, 2010

BRBTV birthdays for January

- Rick Hurst, Cletus Hogg of "The Dukes of Hazzard," turned 64 on January 1.
- Rawley Valverde, Amado Gonzalez on "Santa Barbara," turned 44 on January 1.
- John Considine, a BRBTV quadruple-shot as the commanding Grant Capwell on "SB," David Prescott on "Dynasty," Lt. Braden on "The Colbys" and Investigator Hackle on the "P.O.V." episode of "Batman: The Animated Series," turned 75 on January 2.
- Victoria Principal, Pamela Ewing of "Dallas," turned 60 on January 3.
- Sorrell Booke, the unforgettable Boss J.D. Hogg of "The Dukes," was born January 4, 1930, and passed on February 11, 1994.
- Pamela Sue Martin, the supercool 'n' sassy original Fallon Carrington on "Dynasty," turns 56 on January 5.
- Michael Wilding Jr., that handsome son of Elizabeth Taylor who showed up on "Dallas" as Alex Barton, turns 57 on January 6.
- Fern Fitzgerald, our lovely and biting Marilee Stone of "Dallas," turns 63 on January 7.
- Kristen Meadows, Victoria Lane of "SB," turns 53 on January 7.
- Tony Wike, who voiced Mr. Weatherbee on "Archie's Weird Mysteries," turns 55 on January 7.
- K Callan, who portrayed not only Superman's mom in the '90s "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman," but also April Stevens' mom Amy on "Dallas," turns 68 on January 9.
- Krista Tesreau, the psycho Andi Klein of "SB," turns 46 on January 10.
- Richard Moll, who did a few wonderful turns as the skanky Milo Beaudry on "The Dukes," and who voiced Harvey Dent / Two-Face on "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 67 on January 13.
- Sherill Lynn Rettino, the faithful secretary Jackie Dugan on "Dallas," was born on January 13, 1956 and died July 3, 1995.
- Barry Jenner, who sought to woo Sue Ellen Ewing as Jerry Kenderson on "Dallas," is 69 on January 14.
- Arte Johnson, also a notable guest as Irving in the "The Dukes" episode "Double Sting," turns 81 on January 20.
- Joe Marinelli, the mobster cross-dresser with a heart of gold, Bunny, on "SB," turns 53 on January 21.
- Leigh Taylor-Young, Kimberly Cryder on "Dallas," turns 58 on January 25.
- Cathy Podewell, country-bumpkin Cally Harper on "Dallas," and Paul Johansson, long-lost Capwell son Greg Hughes on "SB," both turn a young 46 on January 26.
- Donna Reed, the Miss Ellie replacement on "Dallas," was born on January 27, 1921, and passed on January 14, 1986.
- Carrington Garland, a very lovely Kelly Capwell (we liked her every bit as much as Robin Wright) on "SB," turns 46 on January 27.
- James Cromwell, who was the duplicitous Gerald Kane on "Dallas," turns 70 on January 27.
- John Beck , a BRBTV double-shot with a stint as Mark Graison on "Dallas" and a turn as David Raymond on "SB," turns 67 on January 28.
- Susan Howard, longtime Donna Krebbs on "Dallas," turns 64 on January 28.
- Harley Jane Kozak, the wonderful Mary Duvall on "SB" and one of our favorites, turns 53 on January 28.
- Marc Singer , a little spooky as Matt Cantrell on "Dallas," and who voiced Dr. Kirk Langstrom on "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 62 on January 29.
- John Forsythe, the amazing Blake Carrington on "Dynasty," turns 92 on January 29.
- Katharine Ross, the much-put-upon Francesca Colby on "Dynasty" spinoff "The Colbys," turns 68 on January 29.
- David Wayne, who was one of the Digger Barneses on "Dallas," was born on January 30, 1914 and died February 9, 1995.
- Justin Gocke, a most memorable Brandon DeMott on "SB," turns 32 on January 31.

Happy birthday to all!!!!

Friday, January 01, 2010

Happy New Year -- and welcome, Scooby-Doo, to the BRBTV family!

It's a fine, fine day when we can announce a new product in the BRBTV line, and it's even finer when it's a special day like New Year's!

Since his TV debut in 1969, Scooby-Doo has been loved the world over. The comical, cowardly Great Dane and his human pals, Freddy, Daphne, Velma and Shaggy, have been riding around in their Mystery Machine, bringing in the ghosts and monsters and all-around crooks, for decades. Now a brand-new BRBTV Report examines the genesis of the original series, “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!”, with some thoughts directly from Scoob's creators, the legendary animation duo Joe Ruby and Ken Spears. The Report also offers a detailed episode guide and other fun stuff such as a “whodunit” list, the show’s credits and a look at some of the vast Scooby merchandise.

"Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! A BRBTV Report"
24 pages
PDF format, fully portable and printable!
$1
Visit the BRBTV Reports page to view the entire collection of BRBTV Reports, several of which are also available on Amazon.
Can you believe the BRBTV News Blog is in its fifth year? That's like forever and a day in web terms! Happy New Year!