Ya know, for 2009 we thought we'd do a nice little status check on all four of our major BRBTV shows to see who from the cast has a regular TV gig these days. The first series up on our status roster is "Santa Barbara." So here, in celebration of life and all that's merry in the new year, is a little handy-dandy rundown on our beloved folks from "SB," and what they're doing for regular TV stuff right now, or just a second ago ...
- A Martinez
aka, Cruz Castillo
Most recently: Ray Montez on "One Life to Live" this past fall, with a stint as Roy DiLucca on "General Hospital" a few years ago, and you know that in that daily soaps game, you're never really "dead" or out ... Martinez also has a couple movie projects: "The Terminators" and "Becoming Eduardo," as we've mentioned on this blog.
- Judith McConnell
aka, the second and longest Sophia Capwell
Most recently: Bad Witch on "Passions" in 2007
- Nancy Lee Grahn
aka, Julia Wainwright Capwell
Now: Alexis Davis on "General Hospital"
- Signy Coleman
aka, Celeste DiNapoli
Most recently: Hope Newman on "The Young and the Restless" last year, and she told BRBTV several weeks ago that a return to the show was possible, but not as Hope
- Todd McKee
aka, the original (and best, BRBTV says) Ted Capwell
Most recently: Jake Maclaine on "The Bold and the Beautiful" this past November
- John Allen Nelson
aka, the original (hottest, hottest, hottest!) Warren Lockridge
Most recently: After his Fox show "Vanished" was canceled in 2006, on which he had a plum starring role, he did some one-shots on shows like "Burn Notice," "Grey's Anatomy" and "Knight Rider," and he still has that "Fire Bay" movie coming up, in which he plays JFK (hello ... HOT!) and for which the release date was pushed back to 2010
- Robin Mattson
aka, the second and stingiest Gina Capwell whatever-whatever
Most recently: Cheri Love on "As the World Turns" in 2007, and has been known to rear her pretty little head on "GH," where she was the longtime vixen Heather Webber
- Melissa (Brennan) Reeves
aka, Jade Perkins early in the show's run
Most recently: Jennifer Horton on "Days of Our Lives" in 2006
- Justin Deas
aka, the most memorable Keith Timmons
Now: Buzz Cooper on "The Guiding Light"
- Wolf Muser
aka, Marcello Armonti
Most recently: Dr. Seifert on "The Bold and the Beautiful" this past September
- Mark Arnold
aka, the second Joe Perkins
Now: He's veering off the daytime soaps form of this compilation, as he's got movie roles coming out of his ears:
Geraldine (2009) (pre-production) .... Det. Doug Willoughby
April Showers (2009) (post-production) .... Sean's Father
The Last Stop (2009) (post-production) .... George
An American Journalist (2009) (post-production) .... Sean Donnely
Purge (2008) (completed) .... Frank
They Came from Outer Space (2008) (completed) .... Dr. Katz
Who Shot Mamba? (2008) (completed) .... Armen Chadwick
- Vincent Irizarry
aka, Dr. Scott Clark
Basically now: Dr. David Hayward on "All My Children" and "One Life to Live" and David Chow on "The Young and the Restless"
- Sydney Penny
aka, B.J. Walker
Now: Julia Santos Keefer on "All My Children"
- Tricia Cast
aka, Christy Duvall
Basically now: Nina McNeil on "The Young and the Restless" and the movie "Old Habits Die Hard"
- Kim Zimmer
aka, Jodie Walker
Now: Reva Shayne Lewis Cooper Spaulding Lewis Lewis on "Guiding Light"
- Eileen Davidson
aka, the final Kelly Capwell
Now: Ashley Abbott Carlton on "Y&R" and "B&B"
- Jack Wagner
aka, the final Warren Lockridge
Now: Dominick Marone on "B&B"
- Eric Close
aka, Sawyer Walker
Now: Martin Fitzgerald on "Without a Trace"
- Ally Walker
aka, Andrea Bedford
Most recently: Agent Stahl on "Sons of Anarchy" this past November and the movie "Wonderful World"
- Thaao Penghlis
aka, Dr. Micah DeAngelis
Now: Tony DiMera on "Days of Our Lives"
- Marj Dusay
aka, second and most boistrous Pamela Capwell
Now: Alexandra Spaulding on "Guiding Light"
- Lonnie Quinn
aka, Rich Landers
Now: Newscaster on WCBS-TV in New York
- Lynn Clark
aka, the original Lilly Light
Now: Have you seen her playing "Katie" in that stop-smoking commercial?
- Julia Campbell
aka, Courtney Capwell
Now: This week's episode of NBC's "Heroes," playing a struggling single mom of a teen son whose last name is Campbell, actually.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Sunday, February 01, 2009
BRBTV birthdays for February
- Kim Zimmer, who shone as Jodie Walker on "Santa Barbara," turns 54 on Groundhog's Day, February 2.
- Bo Hopkins, hotter than hot (in our opinion!) as Matthew Blaisdel on "Dynasty," turns 67 on February 2.
- Morgan Fairchild, one of the Jenna Wades on "Dallas" and so many other things in our soap-opera lexicon, turns 59 on February 3.
- Gayle Hunnicutt, who was the love of J.R.'s life, Vanessa Beaumont, on "Dallas," turns 66 on February 6.
- Bruce W. Timm, writer and artist for "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 48 on February 8.
- Dame Judith Anderson, the grand gal who originated the Minx Lockridge role on "SB," was born on February 10, 1897, and died on January 3, 1992.
- Tina Louise, the unforgettable Julie Grey on "Dallas," and an unforgettable redhead anyway (!), turns 75 on February 11.
- Richard Eden, who was Brick Wallace on "Santa Barbara," turns the big 5-0 on February 13.
- Stockard Channing, who voiced the Barbara Gordon of the future (that's Commissioner Barbara Gordon to you!) on "Batman Beyond," turns 65 on February 13.
- Gretchen Wyler, who is a BRBTV double-shot as Dr. Dagmara Conrad on "Dallas" and Judge Larson on "SB," was born on February 16, 1932 and died on died May 27, 2007.
- George Kennedy, so fun as Carter McKay on "Dallas," turns 84 on February 18.
- Michael Nader, the hottie Dex Dexter on "Dynasty," turns 64 on February 19.
- Kathleen Beller, who was Kirby Aynders on "Dynasty," turns 53 on February 19.
- Two "Santa Barbara" stars share a birthday on February 20: Marj Dusay (second Pamela Capwell), who turns 73 and Peter Love (Ric Castillo), who turns 46.
- Henry Polic II, who voiced the Scarecrow on "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 64 on February 20.
- Jack Coleman, the second Steven Carrington on "Dynasty," who's got a great show in NBC's "Heroes," turns 51 on February 21.
- John Ashton, who was cartel oilman Willie Joe Garr on "Dallas," turns 61 on February 22.
- Dennis Redfield, who played Roger Larson on "Dallas," turns 66 on February 23.
- Two "Dynasty" stars share a birthday on February 24: James Farentino (Dr. Nick Toscanni) turns 71 and Susan Scannell (Nicole Simpson DeVilbus) turns 51.
- John Vernon, the voice of Rupert Thorne in "Batman: The Animated Series," was born on February 24, 1932 and died on February 1, 2005.
- Leann Hunley, Dana Waring on "Dynasty," turns 54 on February 25.
- Bert Remsen, a double BRBTV star as Dandy Dandridge on "Dallas" and Jack Crager on "Dynasty," was born on February 25, 1925 and died on April 22, 1999.
- Margarita Cordova, who was Rosa Andrade on "SB," turns 70 on February 26.
- Barbara Babcock, Pam's steady boss Liz Craig on "Dallas," turns 72 on February 27.
- Stephanie Beacham, the spicy Sable Colby of "Dynasty" and "The Colbys," turns 62 on February 28.
Happy birthday to all ...
- Bo Hopkins, hotter than hot (in our opinion!) as Matthew Blaisdel on "Dynasty," turns 67 on February 2.
- Morgan Fairchild, one of the Jenna Wades on "Dallas" and so many other things in our soap-opera lexicon, turns 59 on February 3.
- Gayle Hunnicutt, who was the love of J.R.'s life, Vanessa Beaumont, on "Dallas," turns 66 on February 6.
- Bruce W. Timm, writer and artist for "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 48 on February 8.
- Dame Judith Anderson, the grand gal who originated the Minx Lockridge role on "SB," was born on February 10, 1897, and died on January 3, 1992.
- Tina Louise, the unforgettable Julie Grey on "Dallas," and an unforgettable redhead anyway (!), turns 75 on February 11.
- Richard Eden, who was Brick Wallace on "Santa Barbara," turns the big 5-0 on February 13.
- Stockard Channing, who voiced the Barbara Gordon of the future (that's Commissioner Barbara Gordon to you!) on "Batman Beyond," turns 65 on February 13.
- Gretchen Wyler, who is a BRBTV double-shot as Dr. Dagmara Conrad on "Dallas" and Judge Larson on "SB," was born on February 16, 1932 and died on died May 27, 2007.
- George Kennedy, so fun as Carter McKay on "Dallas," turns 84 on February 18.
- Michael Nader, the hottie Dex Dexter on "Dynasty," turns 64 on February 19.
- Kathleen Beller, who was Kirby Aynders on "Dynasty," turns 53 on February 19.
- Two "Santa Barbara" stars share a birthday on February 20: Marj Dusay (second Pamela Capwell), who turns 73 and Peter Love (Ric Castillo), who turns 46.
- Henry Polic II, who voiced the Scarecrow on "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 64 on February 20.
- Jack Coleman, the second Steven Carrington on "Dynasty," who's got a great show in NBC's "Heroes," turns 51 on February 21.
- John Ashton, who was cartel oilman Willie Joe Garr on "Dallas," turns 61 on February 22.
- Dennis Redfield, who played Roger Larson on "Dallas," turns 66 on February 23.
- Two "Dynasty" stars share a birthday on February 24: James Farentino (Dr. Nick Toscanni) turns 71 and Susan Scannell (Nicole Simpson DeVilbus) turns 51.
- John Vernon, the voice of Rupert Thorne in "Batman: The Animated Series," was born on February 24, 1932 and died on February 1, 2005.
- Leann Hunley, Dana Waring on "Dynasty," turns 54 on February 25.
- Bert Remsen, a double BRBTV star as Dandy Dandridge on "Dallas" and Jack Crager on "Dynasty," was born on February 25, 1925 and died on April 22, 1999.
- Margarita Cordova, who was Rosa Andrade on "SB," turns 70 on February 26.
- Barbara Babcock, Pam's steady boss Liz Craig on "Dallas," turns 72 on February 27.
- Stephanie Beacham, the spicy Sable Colby of "Dynasty" and "The Colbys," turns 62 on February 28.
Happy birthday to all ...
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Archie Comics for January
ARCHIE NEW LOOK SERIES VOLUME 2: JUGHEAD "THE MATCHMAKERS"
Now, together under one cover for the very first time, the complete "Matchmakers" saga! The story that began in JUGHEAD'S DOUBLE DIGEST #139 and concluded in JUGHEAD'S DOUBLE DIGEST #142 caused quite a stir, as it brought back the "new look" of Riverdale's fabled teens, first seen in the landmark "Bad Boy Trouble," the epic 2007 tale that appeared in several high-profile issues of BETTY & VERONCIA DOUBLE DIGEST. The flagship characters of Archie Comics have once again gotten an extreme makeover, and the buzz has been deafening! Add to that the intrigue of Jughead actually showing interest in a girl and you've got a recipe for a tale of combustible proportions! It all starts when Archie, Betty, Reggie and Veronica agree that Jughead needs a break from his "fifth wheel" status. They hatch a scheme to find a girl who will interest Jughead more than food and sleep... never realizing they would actually succeed! Or have they? Comic book legends Joe Staton and Al Milgrom bring their years of experience to the Archie "new look," handling pencils and inks respectively, and help you relive the most talked-about Jughead story of 2008 in this special collection!
SCRIPT: Melanie J. Morgan
PENCILS: Joe Staton
INKS: Al Milgrom
On sale at comic specialty shops: January 21, 2009
On sale on newsstands: February 3, 2009
112-page, full-color squarebound paperback
ISBN #: 978-1-879794-38-2 / OLD # 1-879794-38-1
$10.95 U.S.
ARCHIE #593
"Wreck-ommendation": To get Archie out of his hair... and his mansion... Mr. Lodge agrees to write him a letter of recommendation.
SCRIPT: Craig Boldman
ART: Stan Goldberg
"Changing Times": Feeling passed by, useless and "fossilized" by rapidly advancing technology, Mr. Weatherbee considers retiring. Will the students be able to convince him otherwise?
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Stan Goldberg
"It's Downhill from Here": When Jughead and Archie agree to move a piano for Betty, will they hit a high note or be horribly out-of-tune?
SCRIPT: Bill Golliher
ART: Stan Goldberg
"Dancing Lesson!": When the parents of Riverdale's teens chaperone the dance, they wow their kids with dance moves from the past!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Stan Goldberg
On sale at comic specialty shops: January 28, 2009
On sale on newsstands: February 10, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.
ARCHIE & FRIENDS #127
THE SECOND PART OF A FUN-FILLED, FOUR-PART TALE FROM FAN-FAVORITE ALEX SIMMONS!
"The Cartoon Life of Chuck Clayton, Part Two": Continuing this special storyline, Chuck Clayton takes center stage. Feeling overwhelmed by all the commitments in his life, Chuck could sure use some help teaching his cartooning class... and he's about to get it from an unlikely source! Chuck's world of collecting, drawing, and teaching kids how to make their own comics takes on new meaning in this poignant tale. This new multi-part epic comes courtesy of someone who knows his way around both creating and teaching comics, namely acclaimed writer, children's art advocate, and organizer of the world's only "Kids' Comics" convention, Alex Simmons.
SCRIPT: Alex Simmons
ART: Fernando Ruiz
On sale at comic specialty shops: January 14, 2009
On sale on newsstands: January 27, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.
ARCHIE DIGEST #251
"A Time to Reflect": The gang meets Dilton's inventor uncle – and are soon whisked away on a journey to the future in his time machine! This literally "timely" tale is packed with both laughs and introspection as Archie and his friends explore the fragile nature of the Earth's environment and effects of global warming.
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Stan Goldberg
"Job Fair Flair": Obsessed with his new handheld video game, Archie forgets to bring his resume, references, and a proper wardrobe to the Job Fair. Will he be fired before he's even hired?
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Jeff Shultz
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic specialty shops: February 4, 2009
On sale on newsstands: February 17, 2009
88-page, full-color digest
$2.49 U.S.
ARCHIE'S DOUBLE DIGEST #195
"The Model Z": Mr. Lodge decides to enter the classic car he bought from Archie's grandfather in ARCHIE DIGEST #239 in an antique auto competition... but the car is stolen before the contest begins! Who did it, and what was their "motor-vation?!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Pat Kennedy
"The Grommet": Archie dreams of winning gold in the cold by becoming an Olympic snowboarder... but wait until he sees how many hills he has to climb to get there – literally!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Pat Kennedy.
"Quiet Riot": Archie and his dad decide to let Mrs. Andrews sleep in after a busy week... now if only they can keep quiet!
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 specialty shops: January 14, 2009
On sale on newsstands: January 27, 2009
176-page, full-color digest
$3.69 U.S.
BETTY #178
A SPECIAL VALENTINE'S DAY ISSUE!
"My One & Only Valentine": Betty makes homemade Valentine's Day cards for Archie and Reggie, one declaring love and the other friendship... but will the cards reach the correct recipients? It's a comedy of romantic errors as only Archie Comics could deliver it!
SPECIAL BONUS: Betty shows her readers how to make homemade Valentines of their own!
SCRIPT: Barbara Slate
ART: Stan Goldberg
On sale at comic specialty shops: February 4, 2009
On sale on newsstands: February 17, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.
BETTY & VERONICA SPECTACULAR #87
BETTY & VERONICA TRADE FASHIONABLE CHIC FOR INTREPID MYSTIQUE IN THIS ACTION-PACKED ISSUE!
"Where the Action Is!": In perhaps the most aptly-titled tale of the year, Betty and Veronica deliver high-octane action and adventure as the most super secret agents ever to tackle a viperous spy... not to mention the most beautiful! Equipped by Dilton with the latest high tech crime-fighting gadgets, the girls are on the case as Archie goes missing... and the usual suspects are quickly rounded up. But will the real suspect be someone a bit more unusual? You'll never guess! All this plus "Action Fashions," an action movie quiz, gadget pages and more!
SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent
On sale at comic specialty shops: January 21, 2009
On sale on newsstands: February 3, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.
BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST #191
"Flying High": A tribute to the brave female pilots and stunt performers who helped pioneer the early years of aviation! This "what if" story casts Betty as a stunt flyer, with Archie as her trusty mechanic and Veronica as a flashy movie star looking for a secret stunt double for her latest high-flying feature film. Fans of antique airplanes and Hollywood's golden age will love this story's authentic attention to detail in both its script and art!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Bob Bolling
"DesignERR!": Trying to ease a guilty conscience, Veronica finds a designer store that rents clothes and accessories for her friends who can't afford such luxuries.
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 specialty shops: January 28, 2009
On sale on newsstands: February 10, 2009
88-page, full-color digest
$2.49 U.S.
JUGHEAD #193
"The Jughead List": Jughead decides to follow in Mr. Lodge's footsteps by creating a list of goals he simply must accomplish in his lifetime. But can Jughead cram a lifetime of goals into one week the way he's crammed down a lifetime of burgers in one sitting?
SCRIPT: Craig Boldman
ART: Rex Lindsey
On sale at comic specialty shops: January 21, 2009
On sale on newsstands: February 3, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.
JUGHEAD & FRIENDS DIGEST #31
"Banana Split Decision": It's a split decision, and it's decided by the readers as they get a chance to choose the direction of this story! Jughead simply doesn't want to pay up on the empty promise he made to Ethel to take her out on a date. Readers can alternate between pages depicting two separate directions for the story: one where Jughead ducks into Dilton's laboratory to avoid Ethel; the other where Jughead toughs it out and actually goes on the date with Ethel! Each choice leads to another and another... and is of course packed with laughs and adventure!
SCRIPT AND ART: Fernando Ruiz.
"Mystery Man": Amateur investigators Chuck and Archie have a genuine mystery on their hands: not only has Jughead gotten a top-secret job, he's stopped wearing his trademark crown hat, too! Can this mother of all mysteries be solved?!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Pat Kennedy
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic specialty shops: January 21, 2009
On sale on newsstands: February 3, 2009
88-page, full-color digest
$2.49 U.S.
JUGHEAD'S DOUBLE DIGEST #147
"The Big UFO Scare": The truth is out there... and it has something to do with a sky full of bright glowing orbs. Is Riverdale being invaded? Jughead and Archie aim to find out!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Rex Lindsey
"Pet Set": Veronica takes Jughead to the "Doggie Heaven Boutique" to show him and Hot Dog "how the other canines live!" But the grass isn't always greener on the other side of the doghouse!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Pat Kennedy
"The Intruder": Snowed-in by sub-zero temperatures, Jughead warms up his imagination by reading classic adventure novels, and imagining himself in the heart of the action!
SCRIPT: George Gladir
ART: Pat Kennedy
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic specialty shops: January 28, 2009
On sale on newsstands: February 10, 2009
176-page, full-color digest
$3.69 U.S.
PALS-N-GALS DOUBLE DIGEST #128
THE THRILLING CONCLUSION TO THE "NEW LOOK" STORY, "BREAKUP BLUES"
THE INTRIGUING TALE WHERE MIDGE & MOOSE'S ROMANCE HANGS IN THE BALANCE!
"Breakup Blues, Part 4": For the past three issues, Archie and his friends have been dealing with the unimaginable: the breakup of Midge and Moose! In the aftermath, Midge started seeing Reggie and Moose began dating Judy Johnson. The status quo of Riverdale High's circle of friends was severely shaken, but that didn't stop the former couple's friends from doing what they could to get the pair back together. Their efforts weren't always successful, but they still haven't given up hope. The fourth and final installment brings everything together as the kids convene at an exclusive dance club to boogie the night away... and hopefully bring Moose and Midge back together once and for all! And they're about to get some help from an unlikely source. Will true love persevere and save the day? Be sure to reserve your copy so you can find out! The romantic intrigue is served up in the "realistic" art style that made both Betty and Veronica's "Bad Boy Trouble" and Jughead's "Matchmakers" some of the most talked-about Archie stories in recent years! Veteran penciller Tod Smith and journeyman inker Al Milgrom carry on that popular style in what has surely been the most explosive Archie Comics story to date!
SCRIPT: Melanie J. Morgan
PENCILS: Tod Smith
INKS: Al Milgrom
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic specialty shops: January 21, 2009
On sale on newsstands: February 3, 2009
176-page, full-color digest
$3.69 U.S.
Friday, January 16, 2009
John Schneider offers a one-of-a-kind collectible
Our own Bo Duke of "The Dukes of Hazzard," Mr. John Schneider to the rest of the world, muses in a new email blast to fans that when he's asked to sign one of those 1:18 scale General Lee model cars, "if one of the other actors hasn't already taken it, I try to claim the trunk area for my signature." Well, now he's kicked the car-collecting game up a gear: He's now offering to fans his own "Bo Duke Special Edition" model General Lees, with a few rather interesting custom touches. Let's just say ... ever wonder what the General Lee really looked like after it made one of those harrowing jumps? (Hint: It wasn't driving away merrily, unscathed, with the boys laughing in the front seat!)
"These are the rarest of the rare -- and really special -- as I had a blast creating this for the fans," Schneider says of his new custom model cars. "I am quite proud of them!"
Schneider is offering up the very first custom car -- the 01 -- on eBay, in an auction closing next week. Bidding had just leapt from $157.50 to $290 as we were posting.
Get the whole deal on "Bo's Jumpyard," including a highly entertaining and instructional video (cute as ever -- like a little boy playing in the sandbox!) at Schneider's official site.
Schneider also notes the recent hospitalization of renowned stunt driver Al Wyatt Jr., and BRBTV adds in our own prayers for strength and healing for Wyatt and his family.
"These are the rarest of the rare -- and really special -- as I had a blast creating this for the fans," Schneider says of his new custom model cars. "I am quite proud of them!"
Schneider is offering up the very first custom car -- the 01 -- on eBay, in an auction closing next week. Bidding had just leapt from $157.50 to $290 as we were posting.
Get the whole deal on "Bo's Jumpyard," including a highly entertaining and instructional video (cute as ever -- like a little boy playing in the sandbox!) at Schneider's official site.
Schneider also notes the recent hospitalization of renowned stunt driver Al Wyatt Jr., and BRBTV adds in our own prayers for strength and healing for Wyatt and his family.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Anthony De Longis has a busy January
We already knew that Mr. Anthony De Longis is a guy of many talents in Hollywood, besides portraying Leo Mitchell on our beloved "Santa Barbara," as well as appearing in the "Dukes of Hazzard" episodes "Enos and Daisy's Wedding" and "The Hazzardgate Tape." De Longis has had a pretty busy year already, and we're just getting started! He offered BRBTV a little update on what he's got going on right now ...
"I've started off the year with a job (always a good thing) for Rockstar Productions ('Grand Theft Auto 4,' among other huge game hits)!" he says. "The rest is all very secret but we had our first rehearsal today and it looks like a fun project."
Also on tap are a selection of TV appearances, the first of which is this week:
- "Leverage" episode "The Wedding Job," which premiered on Tuesday on TNT and repeats Saturday, January 17 at 1 p.m., featuring a knife and cleaver fight with De Longis (you can also catch it on TNT's site).
- "Eli Stone" episode on January 20 on ABC, featuring a gladiator fight with sword and shield vs. double swords (see ABC's site on that).
- "Extreme Marksman" on the History Channel on January 25 at 8 p.m. ("I have the climactic last two acts to show off my whip skills both on the ground and on horseback," De Longis says).
"I've started off the year with a job (always a good thing) for Rockstar Productions ('Grand Theft Auto 4,' among other huge game hits)!" he says. "The rest is all very secret but we had our first rehearsal today and it looks like a fun project."
Also on tap are a selection of TV appearances, the first of which is this week:
- "Leverage" episode "The Wedding Job," which premiered on Tuesday on TNT and repeats Saturday, January 17 at 1 p.m., featuring a knife and cleaver fight with De Longis (you can also catch it on TNT's site).
- "Eli Stone" episode on January 20 on ABC, featuring a gladiator fight with sword and shield vs. double swords (see ABC's site on that).
- "Extreme Marksman" on the History Channel on January 25 at 8 p.m. ("I have the climactic last two acts to show off my whip skills both on the ground and on horseback," De Longis says).
De Longis told us a few months ago that he was getting a visit from Black Belt Magazine. They filmed a short whip improvisation at his ranch, Rancho Indalo, for a combative applications whip article featuring him in the December and January issues. "They also inducted me into the Black Belt Hall of Fame as 2008 Weapons Instructor of the Year, a great honor," he says.
You can check out the footage at: http://www.blackbeltmag.com/anthony_de_longis_bullwhip_december_2008_black_belt/videos/163
You can learn more about Anthony De Longis at his site, DeLongis.com, and check out our interview with him in the September 5 post, plus some fun photos in the October 24 post.
Photo by, and courtesy of, John Leonetti, The Whip Cracking Galleries
BRBTV News Blog Blip on January 15: BRBTV mourns the passing of Ricardo Montalban, whom we loved so dearly on the '80s "Fantasy Island" as well as on our beloved "Dynasty" spinoff "The Colbys." We cannot say enough about the handsome, charismatic actor, who years before even wowed us so greatly as Khan in the "Star Trek" realm. May his work live on!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Paul Castiglia: Beyond Archie's (Weird) Mysteries ...
It's hard to believe it's been a decade since PAX-TV launched the "Archie's Weird Mysteries" animated series. Archie, Betty, Veronica, Reggie, Jughead in precarious and "weird" situations involving mysterious creatures and events ... my, my, my, how we miss it. We also miss the fun accompanying comic book title from Archie.
BRBTV had the pleasure of chatting via email with Paul Castiglia, who wrote for the Archie's Weird Mysteries comic, later retitled Archie's Mysteries. He had some interesting things to say about this unique direction for the timeless Archies characters, and he's got some great work going on these days, too ...
BRBTV: You had a couple things to juggle with the Archie's Weird Mysteries comic. You had to remain true to both the TV show and to these long-established, iconic characters. Did you find that difficult, in this supernatural-mystery-type setting?
PC: That was definitely the most challenging aspect – to stay faithful to the characters within the context of the TV series’ concept. What made this especially hard was the fact that some of the situations I came up with lent themselves to great jokes and one-liners, but I always had to self-edit first and ask myself, “Would Veronica actually say this; would Betty really do that?”
It’s not the easiest thing to do once you’re wrapped up in your plot, and many Archie writers (myself included) don’t always get it right. You just try your best to keep all the varying personalities in the back of your mind and not assign interchangeable dialogue to the characters.
One edge I’ve tried to fall back on in my writing is my exposure to the evolution of the Archie characters gained through my experiences as company archivist when I worked on Archie staff in the ‘90s, as well as my continuing duties researching and editing the “Archie Americana Series.”
You've said in interviews that when the TV show hit the airwaves, you campaigned to get the job doing the comic version. Why was that?
I have always been a fan of the “horror-comedy” genre from Hollywood’s golden age. This was a very popular genre from the 1930s through the 1950s in both shorts and feature films. So popular that several of the classic comedians tried the genre more than once - Laurel & Hardy, the Three Stooges, the Little Rascals, the Bowery Boys and most famously Abbott & Costello each made several horror-comedies (and incidentally, I have a book on the topic in the works).
I also appreciated all the “legitimate” horror movies from the ‘30s through the 1980s that incorporated comedic elements. And I was a HUGE fan of the “Kolchak the Night Stalker” TV movies and short-lived series (about an intrepid reporter investigating the supernatural). When I heard what the concept for the animated “Archie’s Weird Mysteries” TV series was, I knew I had to write the comic book version of it – it would be my opportunity to write Archie meets “Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein” meets “Kolchak the Night Stalker” meets “Night of the Creeps” (a great 1980s movie which is practically an Archie comic book come to life … if Archie and Jughead ever had to fight zombies, that is)!
How did your comic version differ from the TV show? Were there any concessions you had to make for those fans who just love all the comics but had never seen the TV show?
Based on the original “Archie’s Weird Mysteries” format established in the TV series, Riverdale was a universe where anything could happen – Riverdale had become a “weirdness magnet” attracting all sorts of monsters, aliens and paranormal creatures and the story possibilities seemed limitless. But this actually became a limitation, because although anything could happen, it often happened without any explanation. That, plus the show tended to keep its “weird” focused in the realm of the “spooky.” To offer some thrills and chills the regular readers of Archie Comics could appreciate, I made an effort to incorporate some of the more familiar elements of the comics mythology – like the love triangle. This manifested itself in stories where Archie had duplicate clones to make his life easier (which of course it didn’t) as well as a story where Archie’s “perfect girl” was actually a robot. When I adopted the teenage vampire girl Scarlet from the TV series for a story, I tried to keep the dating complications intact even though the bigger picture of that story was heading toward cataclysmic circumstances. Beyond that, I tried to retain as much of the archetype personalities as possible – Jughead always hungry, Reggie always a pest, etc. Sometimes I just aimed for “silly” weird stories (like the intergalactic baseball saga) while the show’s tone was often more “serious,” with tense adventures. Maintaining these “Archieverse” elements in the comics helped make the comic accessible to those who had never seen the cartoon show.
The comic lasted longer than the show, which only ran about a year. In fact, the comic even survived a name change. Why the drop of "Weird" in the title?
The comic series was a moderate success. It was most successful as a subscription and mail order item. The publishers and editor wanted to keep it going, but felt that too much time had passed without the show being on the air. They suggested that I take a “Scooby Doo” approach where the mysteries all turned out to be hoaxes. Contrary to a popular misconception, “Archie’s Weird Mysteries” was NOT a “Scooby Doo” knockoff because the supernatural menaces Archie and his friends encountered were real in the stories. I pointed out to Archie management that because we had already been compared to Scooby Doo in this fashion, we should probably try something else. They were open to suggestions. My girlfriend at the time (now my wife) Barbara Jarvie was big into forensics. She used to watch all the Bill Curtis-produced and other forensic documentaries on TV. It was also the time when "C.S.I." was starting to take off, as well. She suggested shifting the focus to forensics on a G-rated level – solving non-grisly crimes. I brought her on-board as co-writer to ensure that all the forensics information was accurate. Ironically, not long after the name and format change, the cartoon series returned to the airwaves in many cities via syndication!
Any chance of the title reviving? It seems the closest thing to it in the Archie line right now is Tales From Riverdale. And if you look around the web, fans still remember and like Archie's Weird Mysteries.
That would depend upon the publishers, and would be a decision based on several factors. Naturally, it would have to make good business sense for them. I certainly would love to do it again if given the opportunity.
Who's your favorite Archie character?
Wow, that’s a tough one – I like them all to varying degrees. If I have to key in on one from each gender, I’d say Betty Cooper and Jughead Jones. Probably because of their individuality.
Who's the easiest Archie character to write?
I’m not sure. Archie stories are very situation-driven. You start with the situation, and then you have a core group of characters who would all react differently to that situation. But even within that, the characters can throw you curve balls and react in unexpected ways. That adds conflict to the story. I’d say the most difficult characters to write are probably Jughead and Reggie, because it’s difficult to maintain the integrity of those personalities – it’s very tempting to compromise their personalities in favor of moving the plot forward. It goes back to what I said about “interchangeable dialogue.” I’ve seen stories where Reggie’s word balloons might as well have come out of Archie’s mouth, and that’s just not staying true to Reggie’s character in my opinion.
Which character in Archie's Weird Mysteries are you most like?
If I take the time to figure that out, you’ll never have a complete interview to post!
What's the craziest thing you made an Archie character do in Archie's Weird Mysteries?
To adequately answer that, I’d have to go back and reread the comics, which I haven’t done in quite some time. But I think the craziest thing I ever made artist Fernando Ruiz draw were giant lobsters and Pokemon-like characters. I consider those two stories among the weakest I ever wrote. It goes back to what I said about the limitations. It wasn’t too much later we dropped the “Weird” and gave the series a new lease on life creatively.
I told myself, at the time the show was airing, that if they ever brought Cheryl Blossom into it I was going to just about have a glee-induced coronary. As far as I recall, she wasn't in the comic title, either? Was that ever a possibility?
Cheryl made it into at least one issue, in the story “Archie Squared” from AWM #4. That was the story where Archie had multiple clones wrecking havoc everywhere.
What was the fan mail like for this particular comic title?
Fan mail was pretty consistent on this. Readers really enjoyed it. And there were of course the two opposing camps: those who loved the “Weird” and those who preferred the forensic approach. The third camp appreciated both incarnations of the comic.
I very much appreciate the fact that you are a professional working in the comics industry who is a Christian. How do you think your Christian beliefs have translated -- either directly or indirectly -- into your comics writing?
It’s hard to pinpoint for me. It’s actually easier for me to spot some stories I wrote in the past when I was in a “backsliding phase” that show a lot of the confusion I went through when I wasn’t being active in my Christian life. But those stories written once I got back on track spiritually tend to have inherent moralistic and ethical underpinnings.
What did you picture yourself doing as an adult, when you were a little kid?
Oh, I knew I was going to be involved in animation and/or comic books. Originally I thought it would be as an artist and not as a writer/editor. As He so often does, God had other plans!
Tell us a little about Mecha Manga Bible Heroes.
Mecha Manga Bible Heroes is a new comic series that I co-created and edit for JMG Comics. We’re taking Old Testament Bible stories, leaving the characters, themes and plots intact, but transporting them to a future world of robots, aliens and advanced technology, with mech and manga-styled art. So far we’ve released issue #1, which recounts the tale of David vs. Goliath.
We’re currently working on the second issue, which will be the first installment of a three-part story arc called “The Rise of David.” It is scheduled for March release.
Mecha Manga Bible Heroes comics are available at Christian bookstores and some comic shops (check out our blog for details on both – http://mechamangabibleblog.blogspot.com/) and is most easily available to order directly from DeeperShopping.com. (http://www.deepershopping.com/item/grob.john.marc/comic.bk.mecha.manga.bible.heroes.david.vs.goliath/171476.html)
What's beyond Mecha Manga Bible Heroes for you?
I hope to continue conceiving, promoting and editing projects for JMG Comics, and there are several Archie projects in the works that I can’t reveal yet that I will be a part of.
Betty or Veronica??????? Or Cheryl????????!!!!!!!
Betty of course!
My brother and his wife named their daughter Veronica for (yes!) Veronica Lodge. Any advice for them, since Ronnie will be a teenager soon?!!?
If there’s an Archie in her high school, transfer her to another school!
BRBTV had the pleasure of chatting via email with Paul Castiglia, who wrote for the Archie's Weird Mysteries comic, later retitled Archie's Mysteries. He had some interesting things to say about this unique direction for the timeless Archies characters, and he's got some great work going on these days, too ...
BRBTV: You had a couple things to juggle with the Archie's Weird Mysteries comic. You had to remain true to both the TV show and to these long-established, iconic characters. Did you find that difficult, in this supernatural-mystery-type setting?
PC: That was definitely the most challenging aspect – to stay faithful to the characters within the context of the TV series’ concept. What made this especially hard was the fact that some of the situations I came up with lent themselves to great jokes and one-liners, but I always had to self-edit first and ask myself, “Would Veronica actually say this; would Betty really do that?”It’s not the easiest thing to do once you’re wrapped up in your plot, and many Archie writers (myself included) don’t always get it right. You just try your best to keep all the varying personalities in the back of your mind and not assign interchangeable dialogue to the characters.
One edge I’ve tried to fall back on in my writing is my exposure to the evolution of the Archie characters gained through my experiences as company archivist when I worked on Archie staff in the ‘90s, as well as my continuing duties researching and editing the “Archie Americana Series.”
You've said in interviews that when the TV show hit the airwaves, you campaigned to get the job doing the comic version. Why was that?
I have always been a fan of the “horror-comedy” genre from Hollywood’s golden age. This was a very popular genre from the 1930s through the 1950s in both shorts and feature films. So popular that several of the classic comedians tried the genre more than once - Laurel & Hardy, the Three Stooges, the Little Rascals, the Bowery Boys and most famously Abbott & Costello each made several horror-comedies (and incidentally, I have a book on the topic in the works).
I also appreciated all the “legitimate” horror movies from the ‘30s through the 1980s that incorporated comedic elements. And I was a HUGE fan of the “Kolchak the Night Stalker” TV movies and short-lived series (about an intrepid reporter investigating the supernatural). When I heard what the concept for the animated “Archie’s Weird Mysteries” TV series was, I knew I had to write the comic book version of it – it would be my opportunity to write Archie meets “Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein” meets “Kolchak the Night Stalker” meets “Night of the Creeps” (a great 1980s movie which is practically an Archie comic book come to life … if Archie and Jughead ever had to fight zombies, that is)!
How did your comic version differ from the TV show? Were there any concessions you had to make for those fans who just love all the comics but had never seen the TV show?
Based on the original “Archie’s Weird Mysteries” format established in the TV series, Riverdale was a universe where anything could happen – Riverdale had become a “weirdness magnet” attracting all sorts of monsters, aliens and paranormal creatures and the story possibilities seemed limitless. But this actually became a limitation, because although anything could happen, it often happened without any explanation. That, plus the show tended to keep its “weird” focused in the realm of the “spooky.” To offer some thrills and chills the regular readers of Archie Comics could appreciate, I made an effort to incorporate some of the more familiar elements of the comics mythology – like the love triangle. This manifested itself in stories where Archie had duplicate clones to make his life easier (which of course it didn’t) as well as a story where Archie’s “perfect girl” was actually a robot. When I adopted the teenage vampire girl Scarlet from the TV series for a story, I tried to keep the dating complications intact even though the bigger picture of that story was heading toward cataclysmic circumstances. Beyond that, I tried to retain as much of the archetype personalities as possible – Jughead always hungry, Reggie always a pest, etc. Sometimes I just aimed for “silly” weird stories (like the intergalactic baseball saga) while the show’s tone was often more “serious,” with tense adventures. Maintaining these “Archieverse” elements in the comics helped make the comic accessible to those who had never seen the cartoon show.
The comic lasted longer than the show, which only ran about a year. In fact, the comic even survived a name change. Why the drop of "Weird" in the title?
The comic series was a moderate success. It was most successful as a subscription and mail order item. The publishers and editor wanted to keep it going, but felt that too much time had passed without the show being on the air. They suggested that I take a “Scooby Doo” approach where the mysteries all turned out to be hoaxes. Contrary to a popular misconception, “Archie’s Weird Mysteries” was NOT a “Scooby Doo” knockoff because the supernatural menaces Archie and his friends encountered were real in the stories. I pointed out to Archie management that because we had already been compared to Scooby Doo in this fashion, we should probably try something else. They were open to suggestions. My girlfriend at the time (now my wife) Barbara Jarvie was big into forensics. She used to watch all the Bill Curtis-produced and other forensic documentaries on TV. It was also the time when "C.S.I." was starting to take off, as well. She suggested shifting the focus to forensics on a G-rated level – solving non-grisly crimes. I brought her on-board as co-writer to ensure that all the forensics information was accurate. Ironically, not long after the name and format change, the cartoon series returned to the airwaves in many cities via syndication!
Any chance of the title reviving? It seems the closest thing to it in the Archie line right now is Tales From Riverdale. And if you look around the web, fans still remember and like Archie's Weird Mysteries.
That would depend upon the publishers, and would be a decision based on several factors. Naturally, it would have to make good business sense for them. I certainly would love to do it again if given the opportunity.
Who's your favorite Archie character?
Wow, that’s a tough one – I like them all to varying degrees. If I have to key in on one from each gender, I’d say Betty Cooper and Jughead Jones. Probably because of their individuality.
Who's the easiest Archie character to write?
I’m not sure. Archie stories are very situation-driven. You start with the situation, and then you have a core group of characters who would all react differently to that situation. But even within that, the characters can throw you curve balls and react in unexpected ways. That adds conflict to the story. I’d say the most difficult characters to write are probably Jughead and Reggie, because it’s difficult to maintain the integrity of those personalities – it’s very tempting to compromise their personalities in favor of moving the plot forward. It goes back to what I said about “interchangeable dialogue.” I’ve seen stories where Reggie’s word balloons might as well have come out of Archie’s mouth, and that’s just not staying true to Reggie’s character in my opinion.
Which character in Archie's Weird Mysteries are you most like?
If I take the time to figure that out, you’ll never have a complete interview to post!
What's the craziest thing you made an Archie character do in Archie's Weird Mysteries?
To adequately answer that, I’d have to go back and reread the comics, which I haven’t done in quite some time. But I think the craziest thing I ever made artist Fernando Ruiz draw were giant lobsters and Pokemon-like characters. I consider those two stories among the weakest I ever wrote. It goes back to what I said about the limitations. It wasn’t too much later we dropped the “Weird” and gave the series a new lease on life creatively.
I told myself, at the time the show was airing, that if they ever brought Cheryl Blossom into it I was going to just about have a glee-induced coronary. As far as I recall, she wasn't in the comic title, either? Was that ever a possibility?
Cheryl made it into at least one issue, in the story “Archie Squared” from AWM #4. That was the story where Archie had multiple clones wrecking havoc everywhere.
What was the fan mail like for this particular comic title?
Fan mail was pretty consistent on this. Readers really enjoyed it. And there were of course the two opposing camps: those who loved the “Weird” and those who preferred the forensic approach. The third camp appreciated both incarnations of the comic.
I very much appreciate the fact that you are a professional working in the comics industry who is a Christian. How do you think your Christian beliefs have translated -- either directly or indirectly -- into your comics writing?
It’s hard to pinpoint for me. It’s actually easier for me to spot some stories I wrote in the past when I was in a “backsliding phase” that show a lot of the confusion I went through when I wasn’t being active in my Christian life. But those stories written once I got back on track spiritually tend to have inherent moralistic and ethical underpinnings.
What did you picture yourself doing as an adult, when you were a little kid?
Oh, I knew I was going to be involved in animation and/or comic books. Originally I thought it would be as an artist and not as a writer/editor. As He so often does, God had other plans!
Tell us a little about Mecha Manga Bible Heroes.
Mecha Manga Bible Heroes is a new comic series that I co-created and edit for JMG Comics. We’re taking Old Testament Bible stories, leaving the characters, themes and plots intact, but transporting them to a future world of robots, aliens and advanced technology, with mech and manga-styled art. So far we’ve released issue #1, which recounts the tale of David vs. Goliath.
We’re currently working on the second issue, which will be the first installment of a three-part story arc called “The Rise of David.” It is scheduled for March release.
Mecha Manga Bible Heroes comics are available at Christian bookstores and some comic shops (check out our blog for details on both – http://mechamangabibleblog.blogspot.com/) and is most easily available to order directly from DeeperShopping.com. (http://www.deepershopping.com/item/grob.john.marc/comic.bk.mecha.manga.bible.heroes.david.vs.goliath/171476.html)
What's beyond Mecha Manga Bible Heroes for you?
I hope to continue conceiving, promoting and editing projects for JMG Comics, and there are several Archie projects in the works that I can’t reveal yet that I will be a part of.
Betty or Veronica??????? Or Cheryl????????!!!!!!!
Betty of course!
My brother and his wife named their daughter Veronica for (yes!) Veronica Lodge. Any advice for them, since Ronnie will be a teenager soon?!!?
If there’s an Archie in her high school, transfer her to another school!
Monday, January 05, 2009
Happy New Year!!!!
Happy New Year from BRBTV!
I'm looking forward to seeing how 2009 unfolds, as I've had several professional and personal goals on my mind for the new year.
For the past three years, I've been producing the BRBTV News Blog as a way to offer fun little tidbits to the fans of the classic '80s TV shows I love. It's been fab, because even though during this whole time I've been working in the ministry setting by day, I have felt like I've been able to maintain some sort of journalistic "practice" with this blog. I've still been able to think like a newsgirl, in some way!
In the past three or four months, though, I have felt the Lord leading me in a new direction. I am feeling led to dial down a few of my projects, such as this blog. That's why I am transitioning it to an occasional blog (weekly or biweekly), rather than a Monday-through-Friday one, as it's been these past three years.
The BRBTV News Blog will still feature the monthly celeb birthdays, and the Archie Comics releases (frankly, because Rik just makes that so easy for me!), as well as a few other posts now and then. I have two book-signings planned for this year, so I'm sure I'll have some photos and news to share from those. Plus, coming up very soon, on the 11th of this month, will be a rare post on "Archie's Weird Mysteries" -- a fresh BRBTV interview with writer Paul Castilglia.
The blog's current content, dating back to January 2006, will remain online (Blogger.com permitting, of course!). We've had some fun times, this blog and I, and I want to leave available the original content I've posted here from interviews and events.
As far as other BRBTV stuff, look for a fourth electronic edition of the reference guide "Send Me to Santa Barbara," most likely in the next few months. There may be more updates to the other three BRBTV e-books, but it will be a while.
There's been a brand-new BRBTV Report in Amazon's hopper for about a year now; it's been on hold for their determination of the direction of their Amazon Shorts program. If the Shorts program doesn't publish the Report, it will be published via BRBTV.com. And the show it references, you ask???? Well, how about a clue: "Rut-raw, Shaggy!!!!"
There are at least two more BRBTV Reports planned for 2009 and beyond: I have been collaborating with talented "voice man" Will Rodgers of Tennessee on guides to the animated series "Superman" and "Justice League" / "Justice League Unlimited." Basically, this collaboration means Will's writing the stuff, and I'm doing the editing and graphic design. (Will's a highly capable uber-geek! ... Sorry, Will -- to me, that's a compliment!)
I've had a terrific amount of fun with this whole silly BRBTV thing; I don't know that I would ever give it up, and I don't believe the Big Guy would ask me to. Time is finite, however, and we must spend it in the best way we can.
Outside the BRBTV realm, the big project I'm focusing on right now is my third novel, "Enie," which I'm hoping will surprise you just a bit. It's nearly ready for release. See BillieRae.com to read more.
I've loved the My Mother's Clothing project very much. I've loved the weekly format, and the elements of raw photography and sociological study. I've decided to continue that yearlong photo essay format with a new 2009 project, "The Inexplicable Lives of Dolls," which launched yesterday.
There are other projects in my brain, and I dare say they will see the light of day. I often joke with people that writer's block is a very foreign term to me. I've always had way more writing ideas than I've had time for.
So ... that's that! Thank-you for your comments on this blog, for your emails to me, and for encouraging me in these past 10 years of BRBTV ...
- Billie Rae Bates
I'm looking forward to seeing how 2009 unfolds, as I've had several professional and personal goals on my mind for the new year.
For the past three years, I've been producing the BRBTV News Blog as a way to offer fun little tidbits to the fans of the classic '80s TV shows I love. It's been fab, because even though during this whole time I've been working in the ministry setting by day, I have felt like I've been able to maintain some sort of journalistic "practice" with this blog. I've still been able to think like a newsgirl, in some way!
In the past three or four months, though, I have felt the Lord leading me in a new direction. I am feeling led to dial down a few of my projects, such as this blog. That's why I am transitioning it to an occasional blog (weekly or biweekly), rather than a Monday-through-Friday one, as it's been these past three years.
The BRBTV News Blog will still feature the monthly celeb birthdays, and the Archie Comics releases (frankly, because Rik just makes that so easy for me!), as well as a few other posts now and then. I have two book-signings planned for this year, so I'm sure I'll have some photos and news to share from those. Plus, coming up very soon, on the 11th of this month, will be a rare post on "Archie's Weird Mysteries" -- a fresh BRBTV interview with writer Paul Castilglia.
The blog's current content, dating back to January 2006, will remain online (Blogger.com permitting, of course!). We've had some fun times, this blog and I, and I want to leave available the original content I've posted here from interviews and events.
As far as other BRBTV stuff, look for a fourth electronic edition of the reference guide "Send Me to Santa Barbara," most likely in the next few months. There may be more updates to the other three BRBTV e-books, but it will be a while.
There's been a brand-new BRBTV Report in Amazon's hopper for about a year now; it's been on hold for their determination of the direction of their Amazon Shorts program. If the Shorts program doesn't publish the Report, it will be published via BRBTV.com. And the show it references, you ask???? Well, how about a clue: "Rut-raw, Shaggy!!!!"
There are at least two more BRBTV Reports planned for 2009 and beyond: I have been collaborating with talented "voice man" Will Rodgers of Tennessee on guides to the animated series "Superman" and "Justice League" / "Justice League Unlimited." Basically, this collaboration means Will's writing the stuff, and I'm doing the editing and graphic design. (Will's a highly capable uber-geek! ... Sorry, Will -- to me, that's a compliment!)
I've had a terrific amount of fun with this whole silly BRBTV thing; I don't know that I would ever give it up, and I don't believe the Big Guy would ask me to. Time is finite, however, and we must spend it in the best way we can.
Outside the BRBTV realm, the big project I'm focusing on right now is my third novel, "Enie," which I'm hoping will surprise you just a bit. It's nearly ready for release. See BillieRae.com to read more.
I've loved the My Mother's Clothing project very much. I've loved the weekly format, and the elements of raw photography and sociological study. I've decided to continue that yearlong photo essay format with a new 2009 project, "The Inexplicable Lives of Dolls," which launched yesterday.
There are other projects in my brain, and I dare say they will see the light of day. I often joke with people that writer's block is a very foreign term to me. I've always had way more writing ideas than I've had time for.
So ... that's that! Thank-you for your comments on this blog, for your emails to me, and for encouraging me in these past 10 years of BRBTV ...
- Billie Rae Bates
Thursday, January 01, 2009
BRBTV birthdays for January
- Rick Hurst, Cletus Hogg of "The Dukes of Hazzard," turned 63 on January 1.
- Rawley Valverde, Amado Gonzalez on "Santa Barbara," turned 43 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 74 on January 2.
- Victoria Principal, Pamela Ewing of "Dallas," turned 59 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 55 on January 5.
- Michael Wilding Jr., that handsome son of Elizabeth Taylor who showed up on "Dallas" as Alex Barton, turns 56 on January 6.
- Fern Fitzgerald, our lovely and biting Marilee Stone of "Dallas," turns 62 on January 7.
- Kristen Meadows, Victoria Lane of "SB," turns 52 on January 7.
- Tony Wike, who voiced Mr. Weatherbee on "Archie's Weird Mysteries," turns 54 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 67 on January 9.
- Krista Tesreau, the psycho Andi Klein of "SB," turns 45 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 66 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 68 on January 14.
- Arte Johnson, also a notable guest as Irving in the "The Dukes" episode "Double Sting," turns 79 on January 20.
- Joe Marinelli, the mobster cross-dresser with a heart of gold, Bunny, on "SB," turns 52 on January 21.
- Leigh Taylor-Young, Kimberly Cryder on "Dallas," turns 57 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 45 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 45 on January 27.
- James Cromwell, who was the duplicitous Gerald Kane on "Dallas," turns 69 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 66 on January 28.
- Susan Howard, longtime Donna Krebbs on "Dallas," turns 63 on January 28.
- Harley Jane Kozak, the wonderful Mary Duvall on "SB" and one of our favorites, turns 52 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 61 on January 29.
- John Forsythe, the amazing Blake Carrington on "Dynasty," turns 91 on January 29.
- Katharine Ross, the much-put-upon Francesca Colby on "Dynasty" spinoff "The Colbys," turns 67 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 a most-young 31 on January 31.
Happy birthday to all!!!!
- Rawley Valverde, Amado Gonzalez on "Santa Barbara," turned 43 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 74 on January 2.
- Victoria Principal, Pamela Ewing of "Dallas," turned 59 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 55 on January 5.
- Michael Wilding Jr., that handsome son of Elizabeth Taylor who showed up on "Dallas" as Alex Barton, turns 56 on January 6.
- Fern Fitzgerald, our lovely and biting Marilee Stone of "Dallas," turns 62 on January 7.
- Kristen Meadows, Victoria Lane of "SB," turns 52 on January 7.
- Tony Wike, who voiced Mr. Weatherbee on "Archie's Weird Mysteries," turns 54 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 67 on January 9.
- Krista Tesreau, the psycho Andi Klein of "SB," turns 45 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 66 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 68 on January 14.
- Arte Johnson, also a notable guest as Irving in the "The Dukes" episode "Double Sting," turns 79 on January 20.
- Joe Marinelli, the mobster cross-dresser with a heart of gold, Bunny, on "SB," turns 52 on January 21.
- Leigh Taylor-Young, Kimberly Cryder on "Dallas," turns 57 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 45 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 45 on January 27.
- James Cromwell, who was the duplicitous Gerald Kane on "Dallas," turns 69 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 66 on January 28.
- Susan Howard, longtime Donna Krebbs on "Dallas," turns 63 on January 28.
- Harley Jane Kozak, the wonderful Mary Duvall on "SB" and one of our favorites, turns 52 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 61 on January 29.
- John Forsythe, the amazing Blake Carrington on "Dynasty," turns 91 on January 29.
- Katharine Ross, the much-put-upon Francesca Colby on "Dynasty" spinoff "The Colbys," turns 67 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 a most-young 31 on January 31.
Happy birthday to all!!!!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Bits 'n' Pieces: Tom Wopat generates some ink
Boston Herald, Calgary Herald ... our own buddy Luke Duke doesn't have to travel far beyond Hazzard County to get the newspaper reporters' keyboards a-clickin'. Tom Wopat's current role as Billy Flynn in "Chicago" has been making a splash, for sure:
http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/entertainment/story.html?id=fe9c47e8-ebf3-4b42-b59a-7d6e21255681
http://news.bostonherald.com/entertainment/arts_culture/view/2008_12_08_Duke_of_%E2%80%98Chicago_:_%E2%80%98Hazzard__made_Tom_Wopat_famous__but_music_was_always_his_driving_passion/srvc=home&position=6
http://www.wickedlocal.com/halifax/fun/entertainment/arts/x1049852478/Tom-Wopat-stars-as-Billy-Flynn-in-latest-Chicago-tour
Over in Denver, our former "Dynasty" diva Dominique Deveraux, known to the rest of the world as Diahann Carroll, got a nice write-up, herself, in the U.K., as she's out and about promoting her new book:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/3793410/Diahann-Carroll-viva-la-diva.html
http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/entertainment/story.html?id=fe9c47e8-ebf3-4b42-b59a-7d6e21255681
http://news.bostonherald.com/entertainment/arts_culture/view/2008_12_08_Duke_of_%E2%80%98Chicago_:_%E2%80%98Hazzard__made_Tom_Wopat_famous__but_music_was_always_his_driving_passion/srvc=home&position=6
http://www.wickedlocal.com/halifax/fun/entertainment/arts/x1049852478/Tom-Wopat-stars-as-Billy-Flynn-in-latest-Chicago-tour
Over in Denver, our former "Dynasty" diva Dominique Deveraux, known to the rest of the world as Diahann Carroll, got a nice write-up, herself, in the U.K., as she's out and about promoting her new book:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/3793410/Diahann-Carroll-viva-la-diva.html
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Michael Durrell joins a jam-packed cast in "Barry Munday"
On "Santa Barbara," Michael Durrell was Alex Nikolas, an accomplished scientist who was just a bit of a thorn in the side of the Capwell family. Before that, in 1986, he was Sgt. Landers on "Dynasty." Since "SB," Durrell has been popping up here and there, in stuff like "Matlock," "Beverly Hills, 90210" and more recently, "Without a Trace." Now Durrell has a new project on tap for next year.
"Barry Munday" is classified as in postproduction and features Durrell in the role of Father Walsh. It's a comedy with the title role played by Patrick Wilson, who will be portraying Nite Owl in the "Watchmen" movie coming in March. Written and directed by Chris D'Arienzo, "Barry Munday" also includes Colin Hanks, that son of Tom whom we loved in "Roswell," as well as Malcolm McDowell, Chloë Sevigny, Cybill Shepherd and Emily Procter, whose line delivery we so enjoy on "CSI: Miami."
Billy Dee Williams of our beloved "Dynasty" has the role of Lonnie Green, as we reported last year. It's certainly not the only thing Williams has going on right now: see "This Bitter Earth" and "The Perfect Age of Rock 'n' Roll."
BRBTV News Blog Blip: John Schneider, our own Bo Duke of "The Dukes of Hazzard," issued some kind Christmas greetings to fans via email last week, and he also gave a tipoff to what's next on his agenda: directing an episode of ABC Family's "The Secret Life of the American Teenager," in which he also portrays Marshall Bowman. "It's a great episode that will answer lots of the questions you may have had about the show over this last year," he says, then adds teasingly, "Nope ... Can't tell you!"
"Barry Munday" is classified as in postproduction and features Durrell in the role of Father Walsh. It's a comedy with the title role played by Patrick Wilson, who will be portraying Nite Owl in the "Watchmen" movie coming in March. Written and directed by Chris D'Arienzo, "Barry Munday" also includes Colin Hanks, that son of Tom whom we loved in "Roswell," as well as Malcolm McDowell, Chloë Sevigny, Cybill Shepherd and Emily Procter, whose line delivery we so enjoy on "CSI: Miami."
Billy Dee Williams of our beloved "Dynasty" has the role of Lonnie Green, as we reported last year. It's certainly not the only thing Williams has going on right now: see "This Bitter Earth" and "The Perfect Age of Rock 'n' Roll."
BRBTV News Blog Blip: John Schneider, our own Bo Duke of "The Dukes of Hazzard," issued some kind Christmas greetings to fans via email last week, and he also gave a tipoff to what's next on his agenda: directing an episode of ABC Family's "The Secret Life of the American Teenager," in which he also portrays Marshall Bowman. "It's a great episode that will answer lots of the questions you may have had about the show over this last year," he says, then adds teasingly, "Nope ... Can't tell you!"
Friday, December 26, 2008
Harley Jane Kozak makes "A Date You Can't Refuse"
The adventures continue for Wollie Shelley, the protagonist who emerged from the brain of Harley Jane Kozak, our own Mary Duvall of "Santa Barbara." Our favorite novelist is now all set to release the next book in the Shelley series, "A Date You Can't Refuse."
The book's plotline from Amazon:
"Serial dater and greeting-card artist Wollie Shelley goes undercover in a media-training company suspected of video piracy, but when a dead body appears on the company’s property, she’s caught up in a conspiracy that goes way beyond some stolen DVDs. Wollie Shelley isn’t happy about taking the job as a “social coach” at MediaRex, but the FBI makes her an offer she can’t refuse. If she agrees to infiltrate the company, they’ll guarantee that her schizophrenic brother will have a home at the federally subsidized halfway house he’s come to love. So Wollie launches into teaching three foreign celebrities how to cope with the customs of Beverly Hills, improve their English, and become Oprah-ready. And when a coyote-chewed corpse appears in the MediaRex compound, Wollie realizes that her colleagues are concealing some serious secrets of their own."
The book is published by Broadway and releases on March 17, 2009. You can order it now for $16.47 from Amazon
.
BRBTV News Blog Blip: Isn't it ironic that a talented songstress whose trademark tune was "Santa Baby" would choose Christmas as the day she departs ... Ms. Eartha Kitt, who lived a good full life of 81 years, died of cancer yesterday. As Catwomen go, Kitt had not only the fab last name to recommend her -- she also had a considerable more snarl, a seething sultriness, and the slinkier feline mannerisms we're quite sure future Catwomen such as Michelle Pfeiffer, Adrienne Barbeau and even Halle Berry drew heavily from.
The book's plotline from Amazon:
"Serial dater and greeting-card artist Wollie Shelley goes undercover in a media-training company suspected of video piracy, but when a dead body appears on the company’s property, she’s caught up in a conspiracy that goes way beyond some stolen DVDs. Wollie Shelley isn’t happy about taking the job as a “social coach” at MediaRex, but the FBI makes her an offer she can’t refuse. If she agrees to infiltrate the company, they’ll guarantee that her schizophrenic brother will have a home at the federally subsidized halfway house he’s come to love. So Wollie launches into teaching three foreign celebrities how to cope with the customs of Beverly Hills, improve their English, and become Oprah-ready. And when a coyote-chewed corpse appears in the MediaRex compound, Wollie realizes that her colleagues are concealing some serious secrets of their own."
The book is published by Broadway and releases on March 17, 2009. You can order it now for $16.47 from Amazon
.BRBTV News Blog Blip: Isn't it ironic that a talented songstress whose trademark tune was "Santa Baby" would choose Christmas as the day she departs ... Ms. Eartha Kitt, who lived a good full life of 81 years, died of cancer yesterday. As Catwomen go, Kitt had not only the fab last name to recommend her -- she also had a considerable more snarl, a seething sultriness, and the slinkier feline mannerisms we're quite sure future Catwomen such as Michelle Pfeiffer, Adrienne Barbeau and even Halle Berry drew heavily from.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas from BRBTV!
(That's all, actually.)
Oh, and check this week's installment of the My Mother's Clothing yearlong photo project. We're almost to the end of the year!
Oh, and check this week's installment of the My Mother's Clothing yearlong photo project. We're almost to the end of the year!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Gina Gallego goes from the "Periphery" to "Duress"
Each of the actresses who portrayed Santana Andrade on our beloved "Santa Barbara" were just a little different. While we must admit that we've always been partial to the original, Ava Lazar, in Gina Gallego's take we saw quite a lot of spunk, and some lovable insecurity. What's Gallego up to right now? Several projects, actually, two of which we mentioned on this blog a year ago ...
"Periphery," which is in postproduction, is a drama written and directed by Phoenix filmmaker Duane Allen Humeyestewa. Gallego portrays Carmelita in the movie.
"Murder World" (renamed from "Pearblossom") is written and directed by Ron Carlson and scheduled for release next year. The plotline from the IMDb: "New Year's Eve, 1968: While driving on the Pearblossom Highway, a lesbian couple encounters the creator of the universe. Laid to rest for 40 years, the women wake up on New Year's Day as reborn creatures."
"Duress" is listed as filming in L.A. right now. Gallego plays the character Rosa. The plotline from the IMDb: "Haunted with nightmares of his wife's recent suicide and struggling to mend the relationship with his only daughter, Richard is caught as a witness to the violence of Abner Solvie. He finds himself at the mercy of a charismatic killer and plagued by his involvement in the city's recent murders. As Abner's new found protégé, Richard is forced to adopt the mind of his sociopathic mentor in order to protect the one he loves. Richard must decide if he's willing to kill in order to keep his daughter alive."
"Periphery," which is in postproduction, is a drama written and directed by Phoenix filmmaker Duane Allen Humeyestewa. Gallego portrays Carmelita in the movie.
"Murder World" (renamed from "Pearblossom") is written and directed by Ron Carlson and scheduled for release next year. The plotline from the IMDb: "New Year's Eve, 1968: While driving on the Pearblossom Highway, a lesbian couple encounters the creator of the universe. Laid to rest for 40 years, the women wake up on New Year's Day as reborn creatures."
"Duress" is listed as filming in L.A. right now. Gallego plays the character Rosa. The plotline from the IMDb: "Haunted with nightmares of his wife's recent suicide and struggling to mend the relationship with his only daughter, Richard is caught as a witness to the violence of Abner Solvie. He finds himself at the mercy of a charismatic killer and plagued by his involvement in the city's recent murders. As Abner's new found protégé, Richard is forced to adopt the mind of his sociopathic mentor in order to protect the one he loves. Richard must decide if he's willing to kill in order to keep his daughter alive."
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Ray Wise moves on from "Reaper"
You might have wondered what Ray Wise was going to do after that fairly plum role on the CW's "Reaper." Well, we can answer that question for this enigmatic former Blair Sullivan of "Dallas" and Spiros Koralis of "The Colbys" whom we adored on "Twin Peaks."
"Iodine" is a drama that filmed in Ontario and is scheduled for release in 2009. The plotline from the IMDb: "John Clem heads north to investigate the disappearance of his father and follows in his footsteps." Wise portrays Avery.
"Stuntmen" gets Zachary Levi, the star of NBC's "Chuck," out onto the big screen. Eric Amadio writes, directs and appears as a cameraman. The plotline from the IMDb: "When the industry's two biggest stuntmen are nominated for Stuntman of the Year, an over-ambitious documentarian reignites a dormant rivalry between the two men that results in an all-out press war." Wise appears as Jack Strongbow.
In "Infestation," Wise is Ethan - Cooper's father, and the plotline is intriguing, to say the least: "A slacker awakes to find himself weak and wrapped in a webbing; after realizing that the world has been taken over by giant alien insects, he wakes a ragtag group of strangers and together they fight for survival." It has filmed in Bulgaria.
"Pandemic" is due out any time. Wise is Gen. Matthews in this drama directed by Jason Connery and written by Aaron Pope.
"Iodine" is a drama that filmed in Ontario and is scheduled for release in 2009. The plotline from the IMDb: "John Clem heads north to investigate the disappearance of his father and follows in his footsteps." Wise portrays Avery.
"Stuntmen" gets Zachary Levi, the star of NBC's "Chuck," out onto the big screen. Eric Amadio writes, directs and appears as a cameraman. The plotline from the IMDb: "When the industry's two biggest stuntmen are nominated for Stuntman of the Year, an over-ambitious documentarian reignites a dormant rivalry between the two men that results in an all-out press war." Wise appears as Jack Strongbow.
In "Infestation," Wise is Ethan - Cooper's father, and the plotline is intriguing, to say the least: "A slacker awakes to find himself weak and wrapped in a webbing; after realizing that the world has been taken over by giant alien insects, he wakes a ragtag group of strangers and together they fight for survival." It has filmed in Bulgaria.
"Pandemic" is due out any time. Wise is Gen. Matthews in this drama directed by Jason Connery and written by Aaron Pope.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Sonny Shroyer is looking at a good 2009
When we're weren't looking, Sonny Shroyer, our sweet ole Enos Strate of "The Dukes of Hazzard," snuck himself in a bunch of new projects ...
"Fast" is scheduled for release next year and is currently filming. Shroyer portrays Sam Right, and Ritchie Greer is writing, directing and starring in the movie.
"Opening Day" is due for release on April 4 of next year. It comes from Film Systems International and was shot in Mobile, Alabama. Shroyer is Ray Hampton in the flick. The first part of a quite-long plotline on the IMDb: "The War on Terror grinds slowly forward. Gavin Wallace does his part, serving with his National Guard unit; performing his tedious, dangerous duty in the hot gritty deserts and dirty streets of Iraq. The daily exposure to physical and psychological hazards so far from home takes its toll - even in the company of brothers in arms. Finally Gavin received his orders for discharge and heads stateside for clearing."
"Our Child Is Missing" also features Dean Cain, which makes us wonder ... ummmmm, is it one of those Sci Fi Channel Saturday-night creature features we love so much? Probably not. it's written and directed by Lance W. Dreesen and due out next year. Shroyer is Ed Walker.
"Van Wilder 3" is another 2009 project, and it's classified as completed. This one's a comedy, and Linden Ashby is also on board.
"Fast" is scheduled for release next year and is currently filming. Shroyer portrays Sam Right, and Ritchie Greer is writing, directing and starring in the movie.
"Opening Day" is due for release on April 4 of next year. It comes from Film Systems International and was shot in Mobile, Alabama. Shroyer is Ray Hampton in the flick. The first part of a quite-long plotline on the IMDb: "The War on Terror grinds slowly forward. Gavin Wallace does his part, serving with his National Guard unit; performing his tedious, dangerous duty in the hot gritty deserts and dirty streets of Iraq. The daily exposure to physical and psychological hazards so far from home takes its toll - even in the company of brothers in arms. Finally Gavin received his orders for discharge and heads stateside for clearing."
"Our Child Is Missing" also features Dean Cain, which makes us wonder ... ummmmm, is it one of those Sci Fi Channel Saturday-night creature features we love so much? Probably not. it's written and directed by Lance W. Dreesen and due out next year. Shroyer is Ed Walker.
"Van Wilder 3" is another 2009 project, and it's classified as completed. This one's a comedy, and Linden Ashby is also on board.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Digest offers Jughead fans a chance to see "what if"
From Archie ComicsHave you ever wondered to yourself, “What would have happened if I’d only done this differently?” Or, “This could have gone in a totally different direction if only I had said…”
Well, here’s your chance to put that “what if” concept into action by choosing the direction of the lead story in January’s JUGHEAD & FRIENDS DIGEST #31!
That’s right: “Banana Split Decision” is decided by you, the reader! Jughead simply doesn’t want to pay up on the empty promise he made to Ethel to take her out on a date.
That’s where you come in. As you read the story, you can alternate between pages depicting two separate directions: one where Jughead ducks into Dilton’s laboratory to avoid Ethel; the other where Jughead toughs it out and actually goes on the date with Ethel! Each choice leads to another and another… and is of course packed with laughs and adventure! Best of all, you can read the story more than once and not come up with the same story twice! How’s that for double the fun?!
JUGHEAD & FRIENDS DIGEST #31
SCRIPT AND ART: Fernando Ruiz.
On sale at comic specialty shops: January 21, 2009
On sale on newsstands: February 3, 2009
88-page, full-color digest
$2.49 U.S.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
"Church Lady"? Should Harley Jane Kozak worry if that's typecasting?
She's indulged her love for writing mystery novels in recent years, but to us "Santa Barbara" fans, Harley Jane Kozak will always be the sweet but sensible nun who left the convent, Mary Duvall.
Now Kozak has stepped back into the acting world with "The Red Queen," scheduled for release this year. Shooting in Texas, the movie is written and directed by David Carren, and it features Kozak as the "Church Lady." Hmmm ....
The plotline from the IMDb:
"Gabriella Salinas has spent her entire life yearning for a connection with her mother, who died during childbirth at the remote St. Amelia's Mission on the muddy banks of the Rio Grande. Desperate to know where she came from, Gabby has been pressing her father, Jose Salinas, for details all her life. But the man refuses to tell his daughter anything more than her mother was a poor immigrant from Nicaragua and that he's a foster kid from Santa Fe. When Gabby uses the Internet to search for information on her maternal heritage, she sets in motion a series of events that transforms her life and upends her world. As Gabby reels from learning her entire life is a lie, she still continues her pursuit of the truth. Despite many trials and obstacles, and determined and dangerous opponents, Gabby Salinas finally gains the connection with her mother that she has always desired."
Now Kozak has stepped back into the acting world with "The Red Queen," scheduled for release this year. Shooting in Texas, the movie is written and directed by David Carren, and it features Kozak as the "Church Lady." Hmmm ....
The plotline from the IMDb:
"Gabriella Salinas has spent her entire life yearning for a connection with her mother, who died during childbirth at the remote St. Amelia's Mission on the muddy banks of the Rio Grande. Desperate to know where she came from, Gabby has been pressing her father, Jose Salinas, for details all her life. But the man refuses to tell his daughter anything more than her mother was a poor immigrant from Nicaragua and that he's a foster kid from Santa Fe. When Gabby uses the Internet to search for information on her maternal heritage, she sets in motion a series of events that transforms her life and upends her world. As Gabby reels from learning her entire life is a lie, she still continues her pursuit of the truth. Despite many trials and obstacles, and determined and dangerous opponents, Gabby Salinas finally gains the connection with her mother that she has always desired."
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
GSN brings on all of our classic TV stars in New Year's Eve marathon
It's the "$100,000 Pyramid" all the time, all day long, on the Game Show Network for New Year's Eve. And while we're anticipating the new year, we'll be seeing a lot of stars from the BRBTV shows.
Audrey Landers and Ken Kercheval of "Dallas." Terry Lester, our middle Mason Capwell of "Santa Barbara." LeVar Burton and Ed Begley Jr., who worked on "Batman: The Animated Series" and "Batman Beyond."
The schedule, from Brandon's TV Blog:
9:00 a.m. - #26: Florence Henderson and Ed Begley Jr.
9:30 a.m. - #171: Ken Kercheval and Rita Moreno
10:00 a.m. - #145: David Graf and Mary Cadorette
10:30 a.m. - #65: Nipsey Russell and Teresa Ganzel
11:00 a.m. - #432: Soupy Sales and Shelley Smith
11:30 a.m. - #68: Howard Morton and Didi Conn
12:00 p.m. - #457: Audrey Landers and Nathan Cook
12:30 p.m. - #87: Vicki Lawrence and Dick Cavett
1:00 p.m. - #378: Betty White and David Graf
1:30 p.m. - #414: Brian Mitchell and Markie Post
2:00 p.m. - #121: Annie Bloom and Jamie Farr
2:30 p.m. - #186: Terry Lester and Florence Henderson
3:00 p.m. - #56: LeVar Burton and Markie Post
3:30 p.m. - #469: David Graf and Patty Duke
4:00 p.m. - #5: Brian Mitchell and Vicki Lawrence
4:30 p.m. - #389: Smokey Robinson and Gladys Knight
5:00 p.m. - #11: Betty White and Nathan Cook
5:30 p.m. - #99: Brian Mitchell and Markie Post
Audrey Landers and Ken Kercheval of "Dallas." Terry Lester, our middle Mason Capwell of "Santa Barbara." LeVar Burton and Ed Begley Jr., who worked on "Batman: The Animated Series" and "Batman Beyond."
The schedule, from Brandon's TV Blog:
9:00 a.m. - #26: Florence Henderson and Ed Begley Jr.
9:30 a.m. - #171: Ken Kercheval and Rita Moreno
10:00 a.m. - #145: David Graf and Mary Cadorette
10:30 a.m. - #65: Nipsey Russell and Teresa Ganzel
11:00 a.m. - #432: Soupy Sales and Shelley Smith
11:30 a.m. - #68: Howard Morton and Didi Conn
12:00 p.m. - #457: Audrey Landers and Nathan Cook
12:30 p.m. - #87: Vicki Lawrence and Dick Cavett
1:00 p.m. - #378: Betty White and David Graf
1:30 p.m. - #414: Brian Mitchell and Markie Post
2:00 p.m. - #121: Annie Bloom and Jamie Farr
2:30 p.m. - #186: Terry Lester and Florence Henderson
3:00 p.m. - #56: LeVar Burton and Markie Post
3:30 p.m. - #469: David Graf and Patty Duke
4:00 p.m. - #5: Brian Mitchell and Vicki Lawrence
4:30 p.m. - #389: Smokey Robinson and Gladys Knight
5:00 p.m. - #11: Betty White and Nathan Cook
5:30 p.m. - #99: Brian Mitchell and Markie Post
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Tom Wopat releases new album
Sheri, the web gal of Wopat.com, offers this news from the Luke Duke front:"You've been waiting patiently (some of you, maybe not so patiently…) for new music from Tom Wopat, and we've got great news! Tom has just finished his latest album, which is sure to please! We have a limited supply available of this limited pre-release edition of 'Consider it Swung.' This is most definitely his most exciting release to date and features all the best of Tom Wopat's vocal qualities you've come to love, plus some exciting new surprises. On this CD, you'll find 14 of your favorite tunes, including 'Ode to Billie Joe,' 'But Not For Me,' 'Spinning Wheel' and Tom's own 'Thailand Sea.'"
"I've managed to snag some for you, but I only have a very limited supply. The CDs are $25, including shipping (inside the U.S.) and $35 (international orders), payable in United States currency. To order, click this link through PayPal for fastest processing (to ensure it arrives in time for gift-giving)."
See the payment link at Wopat.com, or send your check/money order to:
Tom Wopat Fan Club
P.O. Box 1302
New Bern, NC 28563-1302
"Remember," Sheri says, "this is a limited pre-edition release of the official release scheduled for sometime early 2009. This is already a collector's item and one you don't want to miss.
Give the best this holiday season for your Tom Wopat fan … the gift with something for everyone. Wishing you and yours the happiest of holiday seasons!"
:) Sheri
Monday, December 15, 2008
Archie Comic Publications Inc. announces new management team
From Archie Comics
Mamaroneck, NY -- Archie Comic Publications Inc. is pleased to announce the following promotions: Victor Gorelick to co-president/editor-in-chief and Fred Mausser as co-president/director of circulation. Michael Pellerito has been named vice-president/managing editor. In addition to running the day-to-day operations of Archie Comic Publications Inc., the new management team will review all areas of the company’s properties and operations in order to broaden the legacy of Archie Comics as a leader in the field of humor and family friendly entertainment for untold decades to come.
Gorelick and Mausser indicated they are extremely confident in the continuing success of these true American icons (Archie, Betty, Chuck, Jughead, Veronica and friends), and are developing plans to bring additional projects to fruition in the near future. The potential of the Archie Comics’ stable of properties has never been brighter.
“We’re very thankful for the trust placed in us by the Estates of Richard Goldwater and Michael Silberkleit. We’re also extremely confident in the future of Archie and his friends and will strive to bring these properties to new heights,” stated Gorelick, Mausser and Pellerito at a recent office presentation.
About Archie Comic Publications Inc.
Archie Comic Publications Inc. was founded in 1941 and remains one of the purest brands of family entertainment for almost seven decades of readers. Appealing to kids, tweens, teens and the young at heart, the company features such well known characters as Archie, Betty, Chuck, Jughead, Veronica. Other famous properties such as Josie and the Pussycats, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Little Archie, The Shield and a myriad of other characters are also owned by Archie Comics. The company has also been successful in the publishing of licensed properties, namely Sonic the Hedgehog from Sega and other properties such as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. For information about Archie Comics, please visit www.archiecomics.com
Mamaroneck, NY -- Archie Comic Publications Inc. is pleased to announce the following promotions: Victor Gorelick to co-president/editor-in-chief and Fred Mausser as co-president/director of circulation. Michael Pellerito has been named vice-president/managing editor. In addition to running the day-to-day operations of Archie Comic Publications Inc., the new management team will review all areas of the company’s properties and operations in order to broaden the legacy of Archie Comics as a leader in the field of humor and family friendly entertainment for untold decades to come.
Gorelick and Mausser indicated they are extremely confident in the continuing success of these true American icons (Archie, Betty, Chuck, Jughead, Veronica and friends), and are developing plans to bring additional projects to fruition in the near future. The potential of the Archie Comics’ stable of properties has never been brighter.
“We’re very thankful for the trust placed in us by the Estates of Richard Goldwater and Michael Silberkleit. We’re also extremely confident in the future of Archie and his friends and will strive to bring these properties to new heights,” stated Gorelick, Mausser and Pellerito at a recent office presentation.
About Archie Comic Publications Inc.
Archie Comic Publications Inc. was founded in 1941 and remains one of the purest brands of family entertainment for almost seven decades of readers. Appealing to kids, tweens, teens and the young at heart, the company features such well known characters as Archie, Betty, Chuck, Jughead, Veronica. Other famous properties such as Josie and the Pussycats, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Little Archie, The Shield and a myriad of other characters are also owned by Archie Comics. The company has also been successful in the publishing of licensed properties, namely Sonic the Hedgehog from Sega and other properties such as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. For information about Archie Comics, please visit www.archiecomics.com
Friday, December 12, 2008
Jughead's new look epic "The Matchmakers" is now available in one collection
From Archie ComicsBack in the spring of 2007, the world of Archie Comics was rocked by the publication of BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #151, featuring the first installment of "Bad Boy Trouble," an epic tale spanning four issues that found Riverdale's favorite teens rendered in a realistic style!
The "new look" inspired months and months of debate and media coverage... and was so intriguing to fans that it led to further "new look" sagas. The most recent is the "Breakup Blues" saga currently concluding in the pages of PALS-N-GALS DIGEST... but in between, the crowned one got a taste of reality, too!
That's right: not only did Jughead get a "realistic makeover," but the intriguing tale he starred in led to a bit of a personality makeover as well. It all started when Archie, Betty, Reggie and Veronica agreed that Jughead needed a break from his "fifth wheel" status. They hatched a scheme to find a girl who would interest Jughead more than food and sleep… never realizing they would actually succeed! Or did they?
Comic book legends Joe Staton and Al Milgrom brought their years of experience to the Archie "new look," handling pencils and inks respectively, giving this story an extra-special touch.
Now, all four installments of this heralded tale from JUGHEAD'S DOUBLE DIGEST #139 through #142 are available in one convenient, affordable edition. The special 6 x 9 inch format contains 112 full-color, thrill-packed pages, with a low cover price of only $9.95 US! Whether reading it again or discovering it for the first time, don't miss the most talked about Jughead story of 2008!
ARCHIE NEW LOOK SERIES VOLUME 2: JUGHEAD
SCRIPT: Melanie J. Morgan. ART: Joe Staton.
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: January 21, 2009
On Sale on Newsstands: February 3, 2009
112-page, full-color 6" x 9" squarebound paperback
ISBN #: 978-1-879794-38-2
OLD # 1-879794-38-1
$9.95 U.S.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Tom Wopat ventures off the stage for "Taking Chance"
You may think Tom Wopat's life is all about Broadway these days. Well ... actually, you'd be right. But that doesn't mean our own Luke Duke of "The Dukes of Hazzard" won't pick up a small movie role now and then.
"Taking Chance" is a story of military honor. The plotline from the IMDb: "Based on real-life events, Lt. Col. Michael Strobl, a volunteer military escort officer, accompanies the body of 19-year-old Marine Chance Phelps back to his hometown of Dubois, Wyoming." Kevin Bacon stars, and Wopat's character is Phelps' father. Paige Turco of the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" movies and the '90s TV show "American Gothic" also appears.
Directed by Ross Katz, who also shares writing duties with Michael Strobl, the movie is scheduled to air in February 2009. It made the Sundance Film Festival for next year, too.
BRBTV News Blog Blip: What does the number 13 mean to you? The number meant a lot to BRB's mom, in this week's installment of the yearlong My Mother's Clothing project, now in its final four weeks.
"Taking Chance" is a story of military honor. The plotline from the IMDb: "Based on real-life events, Lt. Col. Michael Strobl, a volunteer military escort officer, accompanies the body of 19-year-old Marine Chance Phelps back to his hometown of Dubois, Wyoming." Kevin Bacon stars, and Wopat's character is Phelps' father. Paige Turco of the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" movies and the '90s TV show "American Gothic" also appears.
Directed by Ross Katz, who also shares writing duties with Michael Strobl, the movie is scheduled to air in February 2009. It made the Sundance Film Festival for next year, too.
BRBTV News Blog Blip: What does the number 13 mean to you? The number meant a lot to BRB's mom, in this week's installment of the yearlong My Mother's Clothing project, now in its final four weeks.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Coming up in Archie Comics
THE ARCHIES: GREATEST HITS VOLUME ONE
Everyone's heard the hit song "Sugar Sugar" and children of the 1970s remember The Archies band from Saturday morning cartoons, but did you know the band actually started in comic books? Now fans can relive that history with some of The Archies' most tuneful tales. Features painstaking restoration from original publishing elements, and a special foreword by Ron Dante, the famed singing voice of Archie and a successful singer-songwriter, musician and producer of such multi-platinum acts as Barry Manilow, Cher and Pat Benatar.
On sale at comic specialty shops: December 10, 2008
On sale on newsstands: December 23, 2008
96-page, full-color squarebound paperback
ISBN #: 978-1-879794-37-5
Old ISBN #: 1-879-794-37-3
$9.95 U.S.
ARCHIE #592
"The Demo": A salesmen tries to sell Archie and Jughead an interactive sports video game, but the teens consider acting out the action with the wireless device as just "going through the motions" compared to their real life memories.
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Stan Goldberg.
"Snow Woe": Will Archie and Chuck's entries in the winter photo contest wow the judges or be met with a "chilly" reception?
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Stan Goldberg.
"Trouble by the Foot": Klutzy Archie's clodhoppers have trampled everything in Lodge Mansion... including Mr. Lodge's feet!
SCRIPT: Craig Boldman.
ART: Stan Goldberg.
"A Touchy Subject": The gang contemplates what life would be like if everything could be accessed via touch screen.
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Stan Goldberg.
On sale at comic specialty shops: December 24, 2008
On sale on newsstands: January 6, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.
ARCHIE & FRIENDS #126
FAN-FAVORITE WRITER ALEX SIMMONS RETURNS FOR A FUN-FILLED, FOUR-PART TALE!
"The Cartoon Life of Chuck Clayton, Part One: Gnomes & Stick Figure Funnies": Chuck Clayton takes center stage in this special storyline. Chuck is asked to teach an after-school program in cartooning to elementary school kids... and it isn't long before he learns the kids can be more hyperactive than his doodles! Can Chuck ultimately connect with the kids and help them create the next comic book classics? Will his temporary teaching gig lead to bigger and better things, or is his tenure soon to be terminated? The answer's just a splash panel away! This new multi-part epic comes courtesy of someone who knows his way around both creating and teaching comics, namely acclaimed writer, children's art advocate, and organizer of the world's only "Kids' Comics" convention, Alex Simmons.
SCRIPT: Alex Simmons.
ART: Fernando Ruiz.
On sale at comic specialty shops: December 10, 2008
On sale on newsstands: December 23, 2008
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.
ARCHIE DIGEST #250
"The Archies in Beverly Hills": When pop star Jessica Simmers asks The Archies to play her high school reunion, the teens are headed for the California sun! While there, they partake of the many Hollywood sights and meet other celebrities, too! This star-studded story comes courtesy of famed "pop archaeologist" and celebrity news columnist Hal Lifson.
SCRIPT: Hal Lifson.
ART: Rex Lindsey.
"Any Port in a Storm": It's a cold winter night, and Archie must choose between the chewy, warm cookies at Betty's house, or the toasty, warm fireplace at Veronica's mansion!
SCRIPT: Kathleen Webb.
ART: Pat Kennedy.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
SCRIPT AND ART: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
Cool-ifornia cover by Rex Lindsey, inspired by the famous Beatles' "Abbey Road" album cover!
On sale at comic specialty shops: December 24, 2008
On sale on newsstands: January 6, 2009
88-page, full-color digest
$2.49 U.S.
BETTY & VERONICA #239
"Good Bye Paparazzi!": The paparazzi follow Veronica home to Riverdale from a movie premiere, and it isn't long before most of her friends are vogue-ing for the cameras, too!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski.
ART: Jeff Shultz.
"Scrap Flap": Veronica has no interest whatsoever in Betty's new scrapbook hobby... until she meets the hunky scrapbook expert at the craft shop!
SCRIPT: Craig Boldman.
ART: Jeff Shultz.
"Dancing Fool": Inspired by a classic beach party movie, Veronica comes up with her own dance step guaranteed to make you flip... literally!
SCRIPT: Kathleen Webb.
ART: Jeff Shultz.
On sale at comic specialty shops: December 17, 2008
On sale on newsstands: December 30, 2008
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.
BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST #190
"Coming to the U.S.A.": This poignant tale details Kumi and her family's arrival in the United States and their introduction to American life and culture. Not to mention Kumi's first day at Riverdale High and how she met Archie and his friends. It's a very special day for Archie Comics' newest superstar!
SCRIPT: Misako Rocks!
ART: Jeff Shultz.
"Bedtime Story": A boy's camping trip leaves the girls without plans for the weekend... until they decide to have a slumber party! Of course, true to form, the party will involve every activity but "slumbering!"
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski.
ART: Tim Kennedy.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
SCRIPT AND ART: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic specialty shops: December 17, 2008
On sale on newsstands: December 30, 2008
88-page, full-color digest
$2.49 U.S.
BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #167
"Get Out of Town": You can take Cheryl out of Riverdale, but you can't take Riverdale out of Cheryl... especially when Archie visits Pembroke to remind her!
SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent.
"Lucky Charmed Life": When Betty removes her "lucky" leprechaun figure from its safe hiding place, will it bring good fortune or misfortune?
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski.
ART: Tim Kennedy.
"The Staff": Veronica has a new chauffeur, and it isn't long before her friends "drive" him crazy!
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Fernando Ruiz.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
On sale at comic specialty shops: January 7, 2009
On sale on newsstands: January 20, 2009
176-page, full-color digest
$3.69 U.S.
JUGHEAD'S DOUBLE DIGEST #146
"Worry Flurry": Mrs. Jones worries that her husband and Jughead aren't getting enough physical activity... and then worries some more over all the injuries and trouble such activity could cause!
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Jeff Shultz.
"Dishing It Out": A competition between school cafeteria managers allows Jughead to see Miss Beazly in action. Can her rival take the heat, or will she get out of the kitchen?
SCRIPT: Bill Golliher.
ART: Stan Goldberg.
"The Recycling Game": The gang figures out the perfect way to battle the recession and help the environment at the same time: recycle their cans and bottles for cash!
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Randy Elliott.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
On sale at comic specialty shops: December 17, 2008
On sale on newsstands: December 30, 2008
176-page, full-color digest
$3.69 U.S.
PALS-N-GALS DOUBLE DIGEST #127
THE THIRD PART OF A NEW FOUR-PART STORY IN THE "REALISTIC STYLE" - AND THIS TIME, MOOSE & MIDGE'S ROMANCE HANGS IN THE BALANCE!
"Breakup Blues, Part 3": The unbelievable has happened: Midge and Moose have broken up! Now Midge is seeing Reggie while Moose is dating Judy Johnson. Needless to say, the status quo of Riverdale High's circle of friends has been shaken, but the former couple's friends aren't giving up hope. In this latest installment, Betty and Archie have a plan to get Midge and Moose talking again. Will it bring the former lovebirds back together or drive a further wedge between them? They say the road to regret is paved with good intentions... are Betty and Archie just what the doctor ordered or have they gone too far? Now the stakes are higher, as not just romantic relationships but lifelong friendships hang in the balance! It's romantic intrigue served up in the "realistic" art style that made both Betty and Veronica's "Bad Boy Trouble" and Jughead's "Matchmakers" some of the most-talked about Archie stories in recent years! Veteran penciller Tod Smith and journeyman inker Al Milgrom carry on that popular style in what is sure to be the most explosive Archie Comics story of the year!
SCRIPT: Melanie J. Morgan.
ART: Tod Smith (pencils) and Al Milgrom (inks).
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
On sale at comic specialty shops: December 10, 2008
On sale on newsstands: December 23, 2008
176-page, full-color digest
$3.69 U.S.
SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH #99
"The Final Battle, Part 2 of 3": The countdown to issue #100 continues! With the aid of their new allies, the Four Blades, Sabrina and her friends set out to battle the villainous Vosblanc. They journey to the main plaza of the Magic Realm only to find that the source of all magic, the Mana Tree, is dying. Not very good timing as the first wave of Vosblanc's followers attack! And just as he did before, Vosblanc tries to turn the entire Magic Realm against Sabrina and her friends. Their only hope is to convince everyone of the withered Mana Leaf's existence, but Vosblanc has other plans. With the situation more desperate than ever, it's up to Sabrina, now one of the most powerful magic users in the realm, to do the unimaginable to save it. Can she save the day or will life as she knows it be changed forever?
SCRIPT: Tania del Rio.
ART: Lindsey Cibos (pencils) and Jim Amash (inks).
On sale at comic specialty shops: January 7, 2009
On sale on newsstands: January 20, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.
TALES FROM RIVERDALE DIGEST #31
"Not Home Alone": Mr. Andrews can't wait to start working from home... but his work won't start until his distractions stop!
SCRIPT AND ART: Fernando Ruiz.
"Money Matters": Archie, Reggie and Moose fantasize what it would be like to be rich... but after observing Mr. Lodge they soon learn that the reality (namely, hard work) outweighs the fantasy!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski.
ART: Tim Kennedy.
On sale at comic specialty shops: December 10, 2008
On sale on newsstands: December 23, 2008
88-page, full-color digest
$2.49 U.S.
VERONICA #192
"Kiss & Tell": Veronica's Aunt Lily gives her a necklace she claims is charmed... and it isn't long before Veronica is experiencing clairvoyant images while wearing it! Is the necklace merely magical, or is the magic all in Veronica's head?
SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent. "Career Sphere": Career Day at the school leads Veronica to imagine what life in the workplace would be like... with her as the boss, of course!
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Dan Parent.
On sale at comic specialty shops: January 7, 2009
On sale on newsstands: January 20, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Charlene Tilton and daughter bring on "The Fish"
She may be traveling to the U.K. and dipping into panto, but Charlene Tilton is doing what she can to keep the projects going on this side of the pond, too. Our former Lucy Ewing of "Dallas" has a new TV series scheduled for next year.
"The Fish," billed as "not another reality show," will feature Tilton as "the Crazy One." She's joined by her daughter, Cherish Lee, in the show. Cherish, born in August 1982 (ironically, just after Lucy was dealing with the Roger situation, and just before the character learned she was pregnant), has done a little other acting.
Brigitte Nielsen also stars in this story of "what happens when actors and writers go on strike." The comedy is directed by Demetrius Navarro and written by Ryan Glasgow. See the promo video on YouTube.
"The Fish," billed as "not another reality show," will feature Tilton as "the Crazy One." She's joined by her daughter, Cherish Lee, in the show. Cherish, born in August 1982 (ironically, just after Lucy was dealing with the Roger situation, and just before the character learned she was pregnant), has done a little other acting.
Brigitte Nielsen also stars in this story of "what happens when actors and writers go on strike." The comedy is directed by Demetrius Navarro and written by Ryan Glasgow. See the promo video on YouTube.
Monday, December 08, 2008
New York TV show features Archie Comics writer Alex Simmons
Tune into New York City TV show "BronxTalk" with host Gary Axelbank tonight and you'll hear Alex Simmons of Archie Comics. The writer will be on the show live from 9 to 9:30 p.m."BronxTalk" airs on local channel 67, and fans can call in to (718) 960-7241 and ask Simmons questions. He will be talking about the fun and power of comics for kids, as well as his latest Archie & Friends miniseries, “The Cartoon Life of Chuck Clayton.” Simmons has worked on many comics characters over the years, including Blackjack, Batman, Tarzan, Superman and Scooby-Doo.
If you miss the live show, there will be replays on channel 67 the entire week at 4:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. The station also offers live viewing from its website; see the link below.
BronxTalk
Channel 67
Monday, December 8
9:00 - 9:30 p.m.
(718) 960-7241
http://bronxnet.org
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