Jimmy's Juke Joint

Sleeper

Sleeper by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips. It's a comic book. The complete series is collected in 4 trade paperbacks. Go get them.

What's it about? Well, according to Mr. Brubaker's own site:

Secret Agent Holden Carver is a man on a mission -- only nobody left alive seems to know it.

Holden Carver is part of a world-spanning secret organization headed by Tao, super-manipulator and ruthless criminal mastermind. He is also a sleeper agent, forced into a world of evil and treachery by master spy John Lynch, who now lies in an irreversible coma, the only living soul able to bear witness that Carver is actually one of the good guys. Now, ensnared in an ongoing game of cat and mouse, every day is a challenge for Holden to evade detection by those who think he is an ally, avoid capture from those who believe he is a traitor, and somehow survive with his soul intact.

What's a spy to do when no one knows he's been left out in the cold?

Intrigued? Thought so. I got into this book late. Had heard much about it. I devoured the 4 trades in a matter of a couple of days. Yes, some super powers involved, but mostly spy vs. spy, hard boiled crime noir, thriller drama!

His upcoming comic, Criminal, is being much hyped and looks awesome. Click on the link for a free preview.

We're interviewing Mr. Brubaker tomorrow night for my podcast, Comic News Insider. We'll talk old stuff, but I'm sure he'll be all about pushing Criminal. Stay tuned...

My Name is Jimmy, and I'm a Dork

Yes. I am.

I've always been into nerdy,geeky and dorky things. Like comic books, sci-fi/fantasy, video games, etc. Yet, I maintained that airness of cool throughout the years. Always hiding my dorky ways and only revealing to others in secret. As my friend's Emily and Aaron would put it, I am a stealth nerd.

Of course, as you age, it becomes more acceptable to be more open about such things. Still, there are extremes. The super scary dorky socially inept people. Crazed fanatics of certain TV shows or films or books. I've never been that extreme. And, I admire the passion these people have. It's just not my thing. Still, I fall into the land of dorkdom more often than not. Especially lately. What with the podcast about comic books and the like. The joining of The Browncoats last year. The overall embracing of things previously hidden.

So, it should come to no surprise when I found myself nerding out the other night with a friend. A group of us (6 guys) had just seen Snakes on a Plane and decided to get some drinks after. A couple of my close friends knew about my nerdy ways and even liked some of the stuff I did. But, we never really could nerd out too much about stuff, because I would go into overdrive. One of the guys with us, Patrick, is a friend of these friends and we have hung on several occasions. Great guy. Not sure how it got brought up, but I do know he initiated. The subject of Joss Whedon. Creator of some of my favorite stuff including Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Firefly, Serenity, Astonishing X-Men, etc. He's also the writer/director that I idolize.

Patrick brought up Buffy. Now, I've seen every episode. Probably more than once due to all of the repeats on TV. He asks what my 2 favorite episodes are and I went with the obvious: Emmy nominated "Hush" and the musical, "Once More with Feeling". There are plenty of others, but those were the first 2 that came to mind. He agreed.

He then asks, "Did you ever watch Firefly?" This opened up a whole new can of worms. Which, why anyone opens up a can of worms, I don't know. But, the worms, while squirmy, were delicious! We geeked out on the show for quite awhile. Another friend, James, was in on this convo as well. I had dragged James and his girl to the opening of Serenity, the movie sequel to the Firefly TV show. Then, I lent them my Firefly DVD set, which they loved. And, here's where my nerd card is played. We were talking about various episodes and they would say something like, "Oh..that one where Mal hooks up with the hooker in that western town!" I said without hesitation. "'Heart of Gold'. Yeah, that rocked!" Then Patrick went on about "the one where he's dying in the beginning and there are flashbacks..". I respond with, "Yeah. That was 'Out of Gas'!" He goes on about "the one where they break into a hospital"...

"Ariel!"

"..the one where the big guy has a town worship him.."

"Jaynestown!"

"...the one where that guy shows up, kidnaps the hot mechanic chick and gets shot..."

"The Message!"

"...the one where the guy boards their ship and takes them out one by one..."

"Objects in Space!"

Yeah. I knew the name of each episode.

Just as we were geeking out big time, a couple of girls come over to us. A couple of cute, young, drunk girls. They were looking for another spot to go. Preferably with dancing. We all stopped to help the damsels in distress and gave them places to go. They had about 5 other girls near by just chilling. It was a birthday group of girls and birthday girl was liquored up!

And, I swear...one looked just like Snow White. Same haircut. Same look. And, yes, she had the red ribbon thingy in her hair! Her outfit didn't resemble, but everything else did! Childhood fantasies started to form. Then I felt dirty. Like Christina Aguilera dirrrty.

The exchange with the drunkettes lasted all of 10 minutes. The 2 girls that came over walked outside, jumped in a cab and were gone. They totally left the rest of their group! I guess Snow White had some dwarf loving to get home to.

Anyway...we never got back to the geeky topics. And, as hot as some of these girls were. As young as they were. As drunk as they were...

I was annoyed that they had interrupted our nerdgasm conversation.

My name is Jimmy, and I'm a dork.

Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang

I just saw Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang. I know. A little late. I missed it in theaters,but bought the DVD because I heard good things. Starring Robert Downey, Jr., Val Kilmer and Michelle Monaghan. The boys are brilliantly funny in this. It's an homage to the old 40's crime thrillers, but with a humorous twist. Dark humor that is. Michelle is great as the femme fatale caught up in all of the hullabaloo. Loved it. Rent it. Buy it. Just watch it.

I feel I owe the movie an apology though. Since it came out, I assumed it was based on the comic book of the same name. It's not.

And, I didn't read the comic book. So, here I am. Talking out my ass about 2 things of the same name that I hadn't seen or read. I kept talking to people about how a lot of movies are based on comic books that they wouldn't realize. Road to Perdition. A History of Violence. And I always included Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang. Yes, I'm an idiot. Look up "idiot" in the dictionary and what will you see? No, not my picture. But, the definition of the word "idiot". Which I am. Well, just in this case. We all know I'm tragically genius.

I know you were all waiting for me to make a joke about the title. Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang. Like how that's the story of my life. Meet a girl and follow my motto. Hit it, get it and quit it. Which loosely translated from Sanskrit means "kiss kiss, bang bang." But, I wont demean you, the reader, to such a base level of humor. I'm way above that and so are you.

Oh wait...I just did. Oh well.

Kiss kiss, bang bang this, bitches.

Snakes on a Muthafuckin' Plane!

I told you I was going to see it. Didn't I? And I bet you're going as well. Don't be ashamed. If predictions are accurate, everyone's going.

I went with some of my peoples. And these girls were our dates. That's right. Top that, bitches!

Oh yeah. How was the movie? Well. It had snakes. On a plane. And 2 + 2 = 4. Get it? This wasn't some foreign film with subtitles. Some arsty Ang Lee flick. Nope! I'm not going to spoil it for you. But, really, doesn't the title already do that? I'm just gonna say that it's so bad that it's good. Funny in places it probably didn't mean to be. From start to finish. Not really scary. Just funny and campy. People get bit all over. In spots on their person that will make you uncomfortable. Yet, it's still funny! And, when Bad Mother Fucker Sam says that now infamous line, don't be surprised if you find yourself cheering and clapping. Seriously.

I'll leave you with this precautionary poster. Should there ever be reptiles of any sort on your aircraft, you'll thank me for it later. For now...just go.

GO SEE THE MOTHAFUCKIN' MOVIE!

SOAP!

Do I really need to elaborate? Yeah, I'm going to see it tonight. I'm basically paying $10 to see Samuel L. Jackson say the line we all know by now. No, I'm not gonna say it. If you don't motherfucking know it, then go see the motherfucking flick!

Make fun all you want. You know you wanna go. Hey, it was either this or the small art house film, Lemurs on a Rickshaw. I'll catch that one on DVD.

CNI 50!!!

Comic News Insider: Episode 50 is available for free download! Click on the link or get it through iTunes! That's right! Episode 50!!! We made it this far. Let's see if we can make it to another 50. For now, just go listen to this 50. Not 50 Cent. Our 50!

It's a special show chock full of goodness, news, guests, reviews, well wishes and our mommies. Yeah, I said it.

We review the new Ultimate Avengers 2 DVD and almost have our own civil war over it. Tons of news including Marvel movie stuff, Aquaman movie stuff, Hellboy 2, Doctor Who, Shatner, Heroes, Marvel's gay/lesbian policy, Milestone comics, Wizard backlash, etc. So much more. I barely even touched upon it here!

John Cassaday joins us in studio for a conversation about just stuff. Not an interview per se, just a conversation. We talk about all sorts of things. Seriously.

Our very own CNI girl, Blair Butler, joins us from our L.A. studio via phone for another conversation about....well.....comics! We just chat about some of hers and our favorite books out there. Blair is going to be a regular correspondent for us. Perhaps every other week or maybe once a month. Let us know what you think! Check her out every Thursday on G4's Attack of the Show for her "Fresh Ink" segment. A weekly comic book review.

Tons of well wishes from our listeners! Sorry! We couldn't fit you all in the show. Thanks so much though! Even our mommies call in! Plus, our old pal, Unemployed Skeletor, checks in with us as well.

As always, end with the Top 3 and the contact info.

[email protected]

212 501 6246

www.myspace.com/comicnewsinsider

Call the Hotline!

Woo hoo! An almost nekkid Supergirl! What's that got to do with today's post? Yep, you guessed it. Nothing.

I'm actually asking a favor here. For all of the billions of listeners of COMIC NEWS INSIDER, you will know that we are recording our 50th episode tonight! Hells yeah! 50, bitches!

One thing we would like is for you, the listener, to call the hotline and leave a short and sweet message that we can play on the show! Something simple like:

Hi, this is_________, love the show, great interviews, segments, banter, Jimmy is hot, etc.

What? Like you didn't see that last one coming? Call today by 6 p.m. Eastern Standard Time!

212 501 6246

Thanks!

Retro Blog 1:Our American Cousin

April 15, 1865

As you all may remember, I was very excited to be a part of the Ford's Theatre production of Our American Cousin. My first lead, playing the titular cousin, Asa Trenchard! We have had a successful run and last night was a special benefit for President Lincoln. The cast was teeming with enthusiasm! Always been a big fan of Honest Abe myself and often wore a stove pipe hat just like him. Alas, no more. That fucking ass-winder, Booth, decided to steal my spotlight and shoot Lincoln. We're still not sure if he's going to make it. It's just past midnight and I'm off to bed soon.

To top it off, Booth wasn't even in the show! He's just a theatre resident and picks up his mail there. What happened, John? Some random chain letter upset you? Mommy didn't send you her weekly mail to remind you she loves you? And, to even further humiliate me, he chose his moment of infamy right after my gut busting line. "Don't know the manners of good society, eh? Well, I guess I know enough to turn you inside out, old gal—you sockdologizing old man-trap." I realize it doesn't make much sense out of context, but believe me....it's hilarious! How dare he steal my moment. My biggest and best laugh of all 3 acts! I swear, if he hadn't run off like he did, I would have shot him in the mouth. "Sic semper tyrannis?" What the hell does that mean and why did he shout right before shooting The President? Something about a tyrannosaurus? I didn't know he was a dinosaur buff. I mean, he's a weird dude. No question, but dinosaurs?

I know what you're thinking. President Lincoln has been shot and here I am complaining about not getting my kudos. As I said, I love Lincoln. But, this was supposed to be my shining moment that I worked long and hard for. Forgive me for feeling a sense of bitterness. Instead of remembering my brilliant performance last night, all anyone will remember is that cock sock Booth shooting The President. And yes, I was extra brilliant last night. I was hoping to get an invite to The White House. I've heard about those rocking parties that happen in Lincoln's bedroom.

I swear, I'm gonna kick that Booth's ass if I ever see him again. Challenge him to a duel or something. He always sucked in sword classes. Matter of fact, he always sucked...if you get my meaning.

Looks like I'll be auditioning for a new show now. Don't know what. Fret not, my loyal fans. I'll keep you informed via this daily post. I do hope Lincoln pulls through, but if he doesn't, then I suppose I'll have to change my resume. Instead of Our American Cousin, I'll put The Night That Dick, Booth, Shot The President and Ruined My Chance at Fame.

Then again, I did notice The President dozing off in Act 2, so here's to him surviving with better manners.

What? Too soon?

Claus von Bulow:Philosopher

Okay, that's actually Jeremy Irons as Claus von Bulow in his Oscar winning performance in Reversal of Fortune. If you haven't seen it, you are missing out. Great flick. Go ahead and see it now. I'll wait.

Back? Okay, good. As you learned, Jeremy used the Danish accent that Claus had to perfection. Came across very sinister. Like the German bad guy in the first Indiana Jones movie.

Now, we've set up the look and the accent. I can't keep doing this people! Holding your hands through every post! You have to do your homework! Anyway, now you'll get when I said I ran into a guy who looked and talked like Jeremy playing Claus.

My friend, Neeka, met me at a bar the other night. My good friend, and old co-worker, Beth, was bartending. I got there early to get some eats and sat next to this dude named Sid that Beth introduced me to. We exchanged pleasantries and that was that. Neeka shows up and suddenly his interest is piqued. Gee...wonder why. Long haired Asian dude sitting there eating a sandwich alone. No talky. Beautiful young Persian girl shows up. Talky talky!

He interrupts us and starts asking questions. Like he was grilling us back at the station house. Somehow, we got on the subject of philosophy. I think Neeka had mentioned she studied it. He asked who her favorite philosopher was and she replied that it was Sartre. Sid seemed to want to test her and asked,"What is he famous for?". We both kind of just shrugged, sensing that he was challenging for the sake of feeling self-important. I mean, I knew No Exit, but really couldn't think of anything else. "Come on. His most famous quote. What he was known for!" This time, it came out like he was yelling at us for not studying for the test. "It's 'I know what I know'!", he exclaims.

We both just said, "Okay." Sort of trying to avoid talking to him, but he kept interrupting. "Bah! I am just an old bald man asking questions!", he says. Once again, we both just said, "Okay." And yes, he actually said, "Bah!" Finally, we asked what he did for a living. "I'm a math teacher,but that's nothing important in this world." At least it made sense why we felt like his students. And...he was doing tequila shots during the whole short 5 minute conversation with him.

Moral of the story: If you see an old bald dude that resembles and sounds like Jeremy Irons in Reversal of Fortune...and he wants to talk about philosophy...and he's doing tequila shots...

RUN!

People Suck...uh...ROCK!

Yeah, I know. What with the Gary Larson strip over there, you'd think I'd be bitching about jerks in this post. You'd be half right. There are a ton of jerks and assholes in this world. We're surrounded by them. Some of your friends are them. Maybe I'm one to you! If so...EAT IT!

Calm down, I was just joshing! Sure, people suck. And suck often. But, then, you got the good ones. I was in a bad mood recently and started chatting with my friend, Melissa. She of the objective and good listener type. Just by hanging and talking, she made me feel better. No, I wasn't magically cured, but she reminded me that people don't just suck. Some people (like her) rock. And rock hard.

As does my friend, Heidi. The other night, I was in a good mood this time and she enhanced it. In a clearly given and taken platonic manner, she tells a group of friends, "Jimmy and I have been best friends for years. We just didn't know it until recently!"

May not seem like much to you, but it was pretty freakin' sweet to hear. And, yes, I've got several good and positive friends out there. You do too. Come on. You do.

To all of the sucky people...keep on sucking, you sucky suckers of suckdom. It's fine. Because the people that rock, will

...ala The Scorpions....

ROCK YOU LIKE A HURRICANE!

(What? It was either that or Michael Jackson's Rock With You. I think I chose wisely.)