Jimmy's Juke Joint

CNI 74

Comic News Insider: Episode 74 is available for free download! Sponsored by Dynamic Forces! Click on the link or get it through iTunes. And while you're there, could you leave a nice and happy positive comment for us? I've asked and asked and nothing! Don't I give you a lot? I mean, you get to hear my beautiful angelic voice every week. Isn't that enough for you people?!!!

No? Okay. Well, just ask and ye shall receive. From someone else. Anyway...

Great show this week! Reviews of Civil War: The Return #1, Silent War #1 and the Iron Man animated DVD. News includes The Boys, Eagle Awards, Klingon comic books, Finding Nemo musical, Muppets, Dr. Who animated, KISS comics, etc.

Jim Starlin joins us to discuss his extensive career and current projects. The man has been in the biz for many years and has some interesting things to say! Legendary work includes creating Thanos, to writing epic stories like The Death of Captain Marvel and Batman: Death in the Family, to Dreadstar and now Kid Kosmos.

Some great listener feedback, NYCC news, the Top 3 and contact info:

[email protected]

212 501 6246

www.comicnewsinsider.com

www.myspace.com/comicnewsinsider

Thanks for listening!

Nervous Nellie

We have a new regular at the bar. I've dubbed her Nervous Nellie. First time she sat at the bar was a couple of weeks ago. Immediately, a waiter and hostess came over to fill me in. "We're not sure what's wrong with her, but she's a bit...off. She's nice and always pays and doesn't really bother anyone. She'll have a few drinks, fidget a lot, but she's harmless."

K...

Sure enough, she had a few, speaking only to order. She fidgeted about like someone recently instilled in the witness protection program. Constantly ogling about. Playing with her beverage napkin. But, keeping to herself and then paying. Even tipping 20%. All good, I figured.

Since then, she's been in a few times. Same routine. One of the waiters has a theory. That she has some sort of fear of public places and people and this is her way of conquering it. Perhaps. But, there is something a bit off as well. Just not sure what.

So, in she comes last night. Once again, same routine. As she was nearing the end of her 3rd glass of wine, I asked if she wanted another. "No, I don't have enough money.", she replies. Okay, she doesn't have enough for the 4th drink. Fine. She's never said that before. It's cool. She's a little short on scratch tonight.

I turn away for a minute and notice out of the corner of my eye that she is putting her coat on. Huh. I go over and ask if she needs anything else. She says, "I don't have enough money." OH. I see. She had never done this before, and due to her unknown delicate state, I didn't want to exacerbate any situation. "Well, how are you going to pay for the drinks you had?" She quickly responds. "Do you want to call my parents?"

This baffled me, but I kept with it. "No. But, do you have any money?" She claims she has $15. I asked her to leave it and bring the rest either tomorrow or within the next few days. She pulls out the money and it's actually $20. Well, enough for 2 glasses of wine. I take it and ask her to come back with the rest when she can. She quickly puts her self together and heads out.

I was agog. The waiters couldn't believe it either. We just chalked it up to a new nervous tic she may have. Though, this one could be a problem if it forms into a habit. I mean, I feel bad for her. I don't know what's wrong, but I feel bad. I hope it's nothing serious, but I also hope it's not a form of crazy where she'll come back and kick my ass.

So, if you are walking by and see her...

CALL HER PARENTS!!!

Fun with Photoshop

I suck at photo shop. Graphic designs. All that stuff. Just not my thing. But, many of you out there are brilliant at it. My podcast co-host, Joe, is pretty durn good. And, some of our listeners have gotten in on having a little fun on our forums.

Good ol' PurpleBelly from Australia (beauty of podcasting...international listeners!) recently doctored up an old photo of me.

There had been a thread of random avatars (that's what that pic is) using some random shirtless cowboy. He and another forum member were putting peoples regular avatar pics on top of the cowboy face. Leaving the shirtless cowboy part though. I refused to be a part of it!

But, just so I didn't come across like a bastard, I shared a pic of a shirtless me back in the day.This one. Yeah, I've explained it before. Back when I was hot. What was that....'00? Yep. Yeah, yeah. 2 injuries later, late night bar scene drinking, eating, etc, not sleeping, etc.= big fat ass. Anyway, old pic. He took it and did the photo shop magic above! Note the background of The Walking Dead comic book. One of my favorites out right now! And I love the drawn in cowboy hat. I actually bought a black leather cowboy hat when I was in Texas (where the pic was taken) on tour for about 4 months. I'll have to dig up old shots some time. REGULATORS!!!

Now, you think that PurpleBelly was done? Oh no. I started a thread in our forums asking for listeners to "report" obscure news stories. Co-host, Joe, joked that if you did, then a CNI Press Badge would be awarded! This got PB thinking and he came up with this.

You KNOW you want one. These just very well may become the official CNI press badges for any cub reporter out there ready to break into the big time! No, you don't have to have my half naked shot up there on it. You can put your own half naked shot up there! Especially if you're one of them thar girlies!

Thanks for the love, PurpleBelly. I knew I'd like him right off. His screen name is an homage to Joss Whedon's Firefly and Serenity! Save me a 'roo steak and a side order of Tasmanian devil fries. In exchange, I'll introduce you to the wonder that is In 'N Out Burger when I see you at San Diego Comic Con in July!

G'day. 

They're Back!

That's right. They're back. My baby's mama's have returned with the kids. I've missed them so. And just in time too! The TV season is coming back in full swing and many of my favorite shows are back on. Beware. Possible spoilers ahead.

First up, Smallville. For you loyal readers, you know that I really dug Season 5 and felt 6 was off to a great start with the introduction of the Green Arrow story arc. The first show in January was titled "Justice." If you've been following the show, you know that Clark has met young versions of heroes from the DC comics universe. A speedster, Bart Allen (Impulse, a relative of The Flash). A cyborg, Victor Stone (Cyborg of The Teen Titans), Arthur Curry (Aquaman) and Oliver Queen (Green Arrow). GA has assembled them together to fight as a force for good. No name for the team, but as GA says, "Something with justice in it!" Clark joins with them to help shut down an evil factory owned and run by Lex Luthor. Luthor has really been showing his bad side as of late. Not sure how I feel about the whole nuptials with Lana Lang and her pregnancy, but we'll see how it plays out. Martian Manhunter has even made an appearance this year. Now if he could just meet a young Bruce Wayne...

Probably the best written show on television right now. Battlestar Galactica is back for the second half of season 3. And with a bang! We left off the first half of season 3 with a big cliffhanger. A face off between the Cylons and humans. The Eye of Jupiter. A Cylon gets boxed! So much going on and brilliantly played by the actors. Baltar is back with on Galactica and brought a friend along for the ride. The path to earth is becoming more evident. If you aren't watching this show, do it. Go buy/rent/borrow seasons 1 & 2, then download or uh..."find" the season 3 episodes to catch up. Go ahead. I'll wait.

The breakout hit of the year, Heroes, returns with a vengeance! New heroes and a death is promised. We interviewed Co-Executive Producer/Writer Bryan Fuller on the podcast and he hints at big things to come. We think we even got him to accidentally give something away! When we last left Heroes, Claire's dad had her friend, Zach, and others "hollowed" out by The Haitian. He was ordered to make her forget too, but went against his bosses wishes. She is slowly trying to rebuild her friendship. That Hayden Panettiere who plays Claire. Fine actress indeed! Great moments in the opener. The heroes are starting to come together and interact. Hiro and Isaac are joined by Nathan and a hilarious interchange happens. The Nikki/Jessica character is still conflicted and we're not sure which one of them will emerge at any time. Chris Eccleston joins the cast and interacts with Peter. Some more "HOLY CRAP!" moments in store. Trust me.

Lost comes back the first week of February and I'm anxious to see how it plays out after the big cliffhanger back in November. Plus, my good friend, Michael Emerson is on it playing the maybe bad guy, Benjamin Linus!

Some other notable returns include Rome and Prison Break. Rome is still pretty gritty and due to production costs, will end after this 2nd season. Prison Break just doesn't have that intrigue now that they are out of the prison and on the run.

Yeah, I watch way too much TV. How do I do all that, read comics, do the podcast, bartend, and have a social life? That's my pimpin' secret. I'll never tell.

Just ask the baby's mama's. 

CNI 73

Comic News Insider: Episode 73 is available for free download! Click on the link or get it through iTunes! Once again, no interview this week. But, you seem to love that, so enjoy!

Reviews of Okko #1, The Helmet of Fate: Detective Chimp #1, War of the Undead #1. News includes Heroes, Iron Man, Warren Ellis, Mouse Guard, Hilton Batcave, KISS comics, Spidey, Supes and Sin City sequels, 52, a controversial RPG and much more!

Lots of great banter with Joe and I that you all seem to dig! As per usual, we end with lots of great listener feedback, The Top 3 and our contact info.

[email protected]

212 501 6246

www.comicnewsinsider.com

www.myspace.com/comicnewsinsider

Thanks for listening!

The Broken Heart

Don't let the title fool you. I'm not talking about mine. We all know I don't have one. And, for the record...my internet at home is still out. I'm using a friend's computer right now. Back to the topic. Broken heart.

Right at the end of my bar shift, a girl comes in by herself and orders a glass of wine. She seemed quite sad. I was going to ignore and just make fun as I always do, but figured I'd see what was up. Sure enough, she let's it out a bit. She and her boyfriend of 2 years had just broken up. She was waiting for him to get off work to go over there and get her stuff, etc. I gave the usual spiel about how it's gonna suck and she'll never find love again, etc. They don't call me Bedside Manner Jimmy for nothing! No, I mentioned how it's best to get it over, etc. She then said how they have a business together. Wow. That's a bit harder. She just was so...sad. It made me think about times when I had been on both sides of that situation. No, I will not go into examples. They were all bitches and I was right. The end. Anyway, I wanted to do something. Just hug her and say it's going to be okay and fix it. Best I could do was give her a glass of wine or 2.

She appreciated my kind words. Few as they were. I just didn't know what to tell her. "Buck it up, kiddo!" That just didn't seem like the right thing to say. She kept repeating, "It is what it is." Trying to fight back the tears. A few leaked out. THERE'S NO CRYING IN BREAK UPS! Oh wait...yeah, there is crying. We talked a few moments more and she started getting her coat on. The ex came in to meet her and they were off! I wished her "best of luck" (yeah, lame...I know) and hoped for the best.

Now, I want to know what happened! Hopefully, she'll come in weekly and give me an update. It can be my real world soap opera. And, of course, while she's still vulnerable, I'll ask her out for drinks. Hey, she was cute. What do you want from me? And we all know the best thing for a broken heart is hooking up with a stranger. And I'm that strange hooker for her! Wait...I mean...

Without A Net

I've been without internet for 2 days now. I'm using the computer at work right now. Please. Anyone. Send fiber optics, wireless, the geek squad....ANYTHING!!!

I'm dying over here!

Korean BBQ

I was out with some friends last night and we were looking for a place to dine. Our first choice was packed, so we walked down the block. As we passed one building, Josie asks, "What's this place?"

"What place?", I reply. Some new Korean place had opened up a block from my crib and I hadn't even noticed. Huh. Well, let's give it a shot. So we did. It was a beautiful looking joint. But, would the food hold up?

We perused the menu. Bi bop kim. Jae ji jim. Mmmmmm bop. (I think that last one is a type of beef indigenous to the Hanson Province in South Korea.) Good thing we had a bonafide Korean with us to help translate. Thanks, Mike! The wine menu was on a hand stitched leather scroll. I felt like I should stand on my chair and pronounce the news of the day. "Hear ye! Hear ye! Tonight I shall feast upon the succulent meat of the far east and indulge in libations from across the land!" Tempted, but I refrained from doing so. I ordered a nice Williamette Valley Pinot Noir from Oregon. I was pronouncing it like you think you would. (And had been for years.) The name "William" and then "ette". William-ette. Williamette! Not so, says former Oregonian (Oregonite? Oregoner? Oregonad?) Emily. She says it's pronounced Will-Lamb-It. From some Native American tribe. Apparently well known for their production of the pinot noir grape? The real reason the U.S. had to wipe them out back in the day. Liquor!

If you've never done Korean BBQ, it's like this. Somewhere on your table, usually the middle, there is a mini grill. You order whatever meats you'd like, in our case duck, shrimp and beef. Put 'em on the grill and let 'em cook! You get various sides as well like rice and vegetables and sauces and such. I'm always wary of ordering raw meat from an Asian restaurant. You know the whole rumor of us eating cats and dogs. Tastes like....cats and dogs! Why do you think we make such great dog catchers? No overstock. But, this place seemed respectable and nice, so I took my chances.

Some people would rather not cook their own food when out, but this is a fun way to do it. Especially when you're fighting over the food with your chopsticks. I had to bite Josie's arm to get one of those shrimp. Emily punched me in the eye for the piece of duck I had just picked up. She screamed, "I ordered the duck! So quack, quack, motherfucker!" She's a lively one, that Emily. Mike just took it all in and snapped shots of us all. He's like me. Asian and armed with a camera at all times.

Speaking of Asians. It's always a good sign when you walk into an Asian restaurant and see a bunch of other Asians. If you're accepted by your own kind, then it's all good. It's like when you walk into a Wal-Mart and see nothing but white trailer park trash. Home sweet home!

We got a couple of desserts. Mike ordered some traditional Korean dessert that was basically and big ice bowl w/ and ice center and fruit and sauces and stuff. Like a gourmet snow cone! I had some crumbling pear thing that was pretty scrumptious. Em refrained from dessert at first because she has a "mini The Biggest Loser" bet happening with some friends. Good thing. I swear I heard her step on a scale and it said, "To be continued." Jokes, folks! She's a skinny little dancer girl. No, not that type of dancer. Sheeeesh.

Did I mention that it's only a block from where I live and I didn't even know it was there? If you live in NYC, go check out Bann. Just call me first and take me with you.

CNI 72

Comic News Insider: Episode 72 is available for free download! Click on the link or get it through iTunes! Go on...GIT!

Like the logo over there? As you may remember, my friend, Paul Pope, designed it. He has been crazy busy with deadlines and was able to squeeze in the coloring of it recently. Pretty freakin' cool, eh? Yes, 2 versions. Which one do you like better? I think we're leaning towards the green. Figure it out soon 'cuz we want to get t-shirts, postcards, business cards, thongs, etc!

This week is sans interview. Hey! We spoiled you with great interviews lately. We thought we'd give you a break to just hear the beautiful cacophony of our voices. Your welcome. Reviews of Amerikan Freak #1, Thunderbolts #110, Pirates vs. Ninjas #1 and Superman/Batman vs. Aliens/Predators #1. What's this? An extra book? We do it for the people. News includes:

• Golden Globe geek wrap up
• Batman catfish
• Stan Lee-26th most influential living American
• Vampirella
• More Cowboys & Aliens flack
• Manga Shakespeare
• FLASH GORDON series on Sci-Fi
• Who Wants to be a Superhero 2
• Kevin Smith in Die Hard 4
• Sam Raimi on Spider-Man 4
• Halle Berry calls for an X4

What's with all of the 4's? That's...fantastic! Get it? Yeah, I am comedy. As always, listener feedback, our Top 3 and contact info. Speaking of...

[email protected]

212 501 6246

www.myspace.com/comicnewsinsider

www.comicnewsinsider.com

Thanks for listening!

Golden Globes Recap

This is one of my favorite awards shows each year. Mostly because everyone is relaxed and drinking! Getting all liquored up certainly makes for some fun moments. This year, not so much. A few highlights.

• Some lame ass song to open. I think sung by Beyonce'.
• Justin Timberlake accepting an award for Prince. What's this? Prince was in attendance? Yep. He couldn't find his way up to the stage because of the way the tables were put together. So, JT (as I affectionately call him), accepted the award as he lowered himself below the mic to simulate Prince's shortness.
• In a strange red carpet interview, Evangeline Lily talks about her disdain for fame and how she will eventually quit acting. Almost stumbled on whether she would quit Lost. Hmmm.....
• Hugh Laurie's speech after his win. "I'm speechless. I'm literally without a speech." He goes on to praise his crew, "Somebody somewhere is working with a crew of drunken thieves. Not me though! They're great and smell of newly mown grass."
• No geek love. Masi Oka from Heroes and Evangeline Lily from Lost did not win. Neither did their shows. For the record, Cars won as best animated feature.
• Sascha Baron Cohen deservedly won for Borat and gave a great speech about his horror over staring into his co-stars nether regions during a well known scene of the movie.
• Arnold Schwarzenegger coming out on crutches at the end to present the Best Picture award and literally spouting out the movie titles. He had to say Babel and Bobby in a row. First he pronounced it "Bobble" and then when it won, he got a bit closer with "Bah-bull".

Lotsa hot women. Usually I give out the Most Boobalicious. The most important award. And often there are quite a few up for it. However, this year had a serious lack of breastage. So, it goes to a past winner, Salma Hayek. That's not the dress she wore last night, but trust me. It was very close. What with the cleavage literally overflowing from her dress.

I normally watch it straight through, but this year I fast forwarded through most of it. Maybe I missed some brilliant or funny speeches, but I kept getting bored. Oh great. Someone else is crying as they thank everyone. Someone else makes a lame joke that no one laughs at.

Next year, drink up people! I want some more memorable moments! And ladies?

Bring back the boobage. Or at least have the cameramen focus longer on the ones who care enough about people like me to dress like a whore. I mean, like a princess. Don't let Salma Hayek take the crown 2 years running! You can still redeem yourselves at the Oscars. I'll be waiting. And perhaps after all of that cleavage, what rhymes with waiting.

Yep. You guessed it. Ice skating. See you on the rink!