New 'The Avengers' trailer arrives!

Nuff said!

The 38th Saturn Awards Nominees

Now the Oscar's are done and dusted, we're still not done with the awards season. The 38th Saturn Awards nominees have been announced.

The awards celebrate the best in Science-Fiction, Fantasy & Horror. 

Click here to see the complete list.

The Art Of Barsoom: Thomas Yeates

Continuing my look at the various artists inspired by Edgar Rice Burroughs' Barsoom / John Carter series.

This time, it's a look at the art of Thomas Yeates, who produced the artwork for the Barnes & Noble Library Of Wonder series edition of the book published in 2009 (it's definitely a case of not judging a book by it's cover, as the book is very good!)

More art after the jump (click to embiggen).

John Carter of 1912

Here's a 'new' trailer for John Carter in the style of the film 'The Artist' in ye olde timey-wimey black and white. A little bit different.

(via The John Carter Files)

New viral video for Prometheus

New viral video for Ridley Scott's Prometheus has been released, introducing Peter Weyland at TED 2023, the billionaire business man who intends on building the first convincingly humanoid robotic system.

The Final John Carter Trailer

Here's the final trailer for John Carter before it hits cinemas on March 9th.


It seems that Disney just loves pushing the same all out action snippets and especially the White Apes scene, seeing as it has appeared in virtually EVERY trailer! But from what I'm hearing from the reviews that are slowly leaking out, there is SO much more to this film than just all out action and the white apes of the trailers. Other than the brief featurette, I am surprised that the trailers hardly feature the romance aspect between John Carter and Dejah Thoris, which is, you could say, one of the main plot points!

Personally I am looking forward to watching this, not been this excited for a movie in a long while! And for videos more representative of the story and showing a different side to the film seen in the official trailers, check out the fan trailer and sizzle reel below!

First TV Spot for Pixar's Brave

A couple of snippets of new footage and I'm liking the song in this spot too - ‘Tha Mo Ghaol Air Aird A’ Chuain‘ by Julie Fowlis - definitely gives it a Gaelic flavour. Looking forward to seeing this.

Brave is out in cinemas June 22 (US) & August 13 (UK)


(via Slash Film)

The Art Of Barsoom: Roy Krenkel

Continuing my look at the various artists inspired by Edgar Rice Burroughs' Barsoom / John Carter series.

This time, it's a look at the art of Roy Krenkel, who produced the cover and interior artwork for the Ace editions of the books in the 1960s.

More art after the jump (click to embiggen).

Jimmy Kimmel's Movie: The Movie

Jimmy Kimmel produced this star studded movie parody trailer, featuring the likes of George Clooney, Charlize Theron, Gary Oldman, Jeff Goldblum, Meryl Streep, Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Colin Farrell, John Goodman, and lots more. Enjoy!

Mass Effect 3 'Fight' Live Action Trailer

Looking forward to this game!

The Art of Barsoom: J Allen St John

Continuing my look at the various artists inspired by Edgar Rice Burroughs' Barsoom / John Carter series.

This time, it's a look at the art of J Allen St John (1872-1957), who produced the interior and some of the cover artwork for the early editions.

More art after the jump (click to embiggen).

Warlord Of Mars

Currently Reading: Synthetic Men Of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs

Art by Michael Whelan

In the run up to the release of Disney's John Carter on March 9th, I'm reading through the entire Edgar Rice Burroughs 'Barsoom' series, I'm now up to book 9 - Synthetic Men Of Mars. 

From Wikipedia: 
Like several previous novels in the Barsoom series, Synthetic Men introduces a completely new character as its protagonist: Vor Daj, a warrior from Helium and a member of John Carter's personal guard. Vor Daj narrates the action in the first person, so that when John Carter appears in the story, he is described in the third person (unlike other Barsoomian novels that feature Carter as the first-person narrator).
Synthetic Men also brings back a familiar character, Ras Thavas, a brilliant but evil scientist who functions as the villain in The Master Mind of Mars.


Almost finished this and I have enjoyed it. It does feel a bit more slower paced and if compared to the previous eight books of the series that I've read so far, it does feel the weakest, but it is still entertaining!

And according to Wikipedia the copyright for this story has expired in Australia, and thus now resides in the public domain there. The text is available via Project Gutenberg Australia.

And the Oscar goes to ...

The list of winners :
BEST PICTURE
The Artist

BEST ACTRESS
Meryl Streep (The Iron Lady)

BEST ACTOR
Jeam Dujardin (The Artist)

BEST DIRECTOR
Michel Hazanavicius (The Artist)

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon & Jim Rash (The Descendants)

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Woody Allen (Midnight In Paris)

BEST ORIGINAL SONG
Man Or Muppet (The Muppets)

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
Ludovic Bource (The Artist)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Christopher Plummer (Beginners)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Octavia Spencer (The Help)

BEST FILM EDITING
Kirk Baxter and Angus Wall (The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo)

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
A Separation

BEST ANIMATED FILM
Rango

BEST ART DIRECTION
Dante Ferretti and Francesca Lo Schiavo (Hugo)

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Robert Richardson (Hugo)

BEST SOUND MIXING
Tom Fleischman and John Midgley (Hugo)

BEST SOUND EDITING
Philip Stockton and Eugene Gearty (Hugo)

BEST COSTUMES
Mark Bridges (The Artist)

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Rob Legato, Joss Williams, Ben Grossman and Alex Henning (Hugo)

BEST MAKE UP
Mark Coulier and J Roy Helland (The Iron Lady)

BEST ANIMATED SHORT
The Fantastic Flying Books Of Mr Morris Lessmore

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
Undefeated

BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT
Saving Face

BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT
The Shore

John Carter Sizzle Reel

Shown at the end of the extended clip of the White Apes video, Andrew Stanton tweets that this sizzle reel was cut by Erik Jessen, one of the editors on John Carter during the time the film was in production. I think Disney needs to release this as a standalone trailer.

(Via JohnCarterFiles)

Scott Pilgrim vs Ludacris

The original version of this mash up video by Mike Relm came out last year, but had no ending. Now it does!


(Via Edgar Wright)

New Trailer For Game Of Thrones

Just over a month to go!

What If Star Wars: The Phantom Menace Was Good?!

Belated Media have posted up  a video on Youtube wondering 'What If Star Wars Episode I was good?!' Interesting concept.

The Art Of Barsoom: Gino D'Achille

Continuing my look at the various artists inspired by Edgar Rice Burroughs' Barsoom / John Carter series.

This time, it's a look at the art of Gino D'Achille, who produced the cover artwork for the Ballantine editions of the books in 1973.

More art after the jump (click to embiggen).

A Princess Of Mars

Two new John Carter Featurettes

(via John Carter Files)

Extended John Carter Clip

Wow! Nice spot from Jcomreader for digging up this clip of the Great White Apes scene from John Carter! Liking the set of snippets after the main clip too.

Cool Art: Raiders Of the Lost Ark by Mark Raats

Planet-Pulp are currently showcasing some quality Indiana Jones art. As an example, here's some awesome 'Raiders Of The Lost Ark' artwork from Mark Raats.

Another poster after the jump.

The Art Of Barsoom: Michael Whelan

Continuing my look at the various artists inspired by Edgar Rice Burroughs' Barsoom / John Carter series.

This time, it's a look at the art of Michael Whelan, who produced the cover artwork for the Ballantine editions of the books in 1979.

More art after the jump (click to embiggen).

New clip/trailer for Pixar's Brave

This brand new trailer shows prospective husbands taking part in an archery competition to win Merida's hand in marriage.

The blurb:
Since ancient times, stories of epic battles and mystical legends have been passed through the generations across the rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland. In "Brave," a new tale joins the lore when the courageous Merida (voice of Kelly Macdonald) confronts tradition, destiny and the fiercest of beasts.

Merida is a skilled archer and impetuous daughter of King Fergus (voice of Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (voice of Emma Thompson). Determined to carve her own path in life, Merida defies an age-old custom sacred to the uproarious lords of the land: massive Lord MacGuffin (voice of Kevin McKidd), surly Lord Macintosh (voice of Craig Ferguson) and cantankerous Lord Dingwall (voice of Robbie Coltrane). Merida's actions inadvertently unleash chaos and fury in the kingdom, and when she turns to an eccentric old Wise Woman (voice of Julie Walters) for help, she is granted an ill-fated wish. The ensuing peril forces Merida to discover the meaning of true bravery in order to undo a beastly curse before it's too late.

Directed by Mark Andrews ("The Incredibles," "Ratatouille," "John Carter of Mars") and Brenda Chapman ("The Lion King," "Prince of Egypt"), and produced by Katherine Sarafian ("Lifted," "The Incredibles"), "Brave" is a grand adventure full of heart, memorable characters and the signature Pixar humor enjoyed by audiences of all ages.

The Art Of Barsoom: Frank Frazetta

Throughout the 100 years since the first John Carter of Mars book was published, there have been many artists that have been inspired by the Barsoom adventures of John Carter. Many have been showcased as covers on the reprinted books of the 70's and those in turn have inspired the artists of today.

And so I start with one of the most influential fantasy artists, Frank Frazetta (1928-2010). Check out more Frazetta artwork here.

More art after the jump.
EDIT: Added Interior Art

'A Princess of Mars' 1970 Edition Cover

John Carter: New Dejah Thoris featurette

Disney has released a new featurette featuring Dejah Thoris (Lynn Collins) and her relationship with John Carter (Taylor Kitsch), including some new footage too! Nice, a welcome change from the all out action of the previous videos.

(via John Carter Files)

New poster for Pixar's Brave

Another film that I'm looking forward to - Pixar's Brave. The story is Pixar’s first fairy tale and revolves around a young princess (voiced by Kelly Macdonald) in the Scottish Highlands who defies an age-old custom, inadvertently unleashing chaos and fury in the kingdom. The film also features the voices of Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson, Kevin McKidd, Craig Ferguson, Robbie Coltrane, and Julie Walters.

Here's the new poster. Stay tuned for the new trailer that's released tomorrow too.

Mondo's Awesome John Carter Imax Poster

Wow! The guys at Mondo have done it again! Another (inter)stellar poster, this time for the John Carter Midnight IMAX showing on March 9th by JC Richard. And those lucky people who go will bag themselves a print of this poster!

Awesome, definitely something to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first print of A Princess Of Mars, which the film is based! I've not been impressed with the poster campaign so far, so take note Disney!

(Via Los Angeles Times)

Mass Effect 3: Take Back Earth Extended Trailer

After yesterday's trailer release, here's the extended version of the Mass Effect 'Take Back Earth' Trailer.

Plot:
In Mass Effect 3, an ancient alien race known only as "Reapers", has launched an all-out invasion of the galaxy, leaving nothing but a trail of destruction in their wake. Earth has been taken, the galaxy is on the verge of total annihilation, and you are the only one who can stop them. The price of failure is extinction. You, as Commander Shepard, must lead the counter assault to take it back. Only you can determine how events will play out, which planets you will save from annihilation and which alliances you will form or abandon as you rally the forces of the galaxy to eliminate the Reaper threat once and for all.

Currently Reading: Swords Of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs

Art by Michael Whelan

In the run up to the release of Disney's John Carter on March 9th, I'm reading through the entire Edgar Rice Burroughs 'Barsoom' series, I'm now up to book 8 - Swords Of Mars. 

From Wikipedia: 
John Carter relates an adventure commencing with a private war he and his picked followers have been waging against the resurgent Guild of Assassins, led by Ur Jan. Hoping to cut off the threat at the root, he travels undercover to the Assassins' base, the restive city of Zodanga, still smarting from its defeat and sack by the Empire of Helium and the horde of Tharks in A Princess of Mars. There Carter passes himself off in the underworld as Vandor, a freelance bravo, cultivating small-time criminal Rapas the Ulsio and attempting the penetrate the ranks of the Guild.

Almost finished this and it's another in the series that I've enjoyed. Felt it was more part spy novel in the early part and when John Carter arrives on the moon Thuria, it's back into the familar territory and style of the previous Barsoom books.

And according to Wikipedia the copyright for this story has expired in Australia, and thus now resides in the public domain there. The text is available via Project Gutenberg Australia.

John Carter: Soundtrack Preview

Score Keeper at Aint It Cool News has posted previews for Michael Giacchino's soundtrack of John Carter online. Be warned, the titles for the tracklists could serve as spoilers.

The soundtrack will be released on March 6.


JOHN CARTER (2012) by scorekeeper
(Via: Aintitcool.com)

Sci Fi Who's Who in Tatooine by Ulises Farinas

Ulises Farinas has created a huge Tatooine mural which serves as a gathering place for legendary Sci-Fi, and comic characters - see if you can spot characters from Star Wars, Star Trek, Doctor Who, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Simpsons, Predator, Batman, The Wizard of Oz, Fallout and many more.

Check it out in below in all its high res glory (click to embiggen).

 (via Ulises Farinas via GAS)

The 47th Annual Nebula Award Finalists Announced

The 2011 Nebula Awards Nominees have just been announced by The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.

The winners will be announced at SFWA’s 47^th Annual Nebula Awards Weekend, to be held Thursday through Sunday, May 17 to May 20, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia.

The Nebula Awards are voted on, and presented by, active members of  SFWA. Voting will open to SFWA Active members on March 1 and close on March 30.

Founded in 1965 by the late Damon Knight, Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America brings together the most successful and daring writers of speculative fiction throughout the world.

Since its inception, SFWA® has grown in numbers and influence until it is now widely recognised as one of the most effective non-profit writers’ organizations in existence, boasting a membership of approximately 2,000 science fiction and fantasy writers as well as artists, editors and allied professionals.  Each year the organisation presents the prestigious Nebula Awards® for the year’s best literary and dramatic works of speculative fiction.

Mass Effect 3: Take Back Earth Trailer

After showing the teaser, EA/Bioware have released the 'Take Back Earth' trailer that was shown during The Walking Dead on Sunday in the US. Although stand by tomorrow when they release the extended version of the trailer.

Short Film: Dr Grordbort Presents The Deadliest Game

Victorian adventurers go big game hunting on an alien planet in Dr Grordbort Presents: The Deadliest Game - - A short film from Media Design School based on the sci-fi world of Dr Grordbort created by writer and artist Greg Broadmore from Weta Workshop.

Via Superpunch

John Carter Behind The Scenes Videos

Now, it's very safe to say that I'm really looking forward to watching John Carter. In fact dare I say, I'm more excited than I have been for any recent film. I think reading the original source material, Edgar Rice Burroughs' Barsoom series, and following the film every step of the way, has heightened things for me.

Here are some behind the scenes compilation videos, and a couple more after the jump. Always find these type of videos fascinating.

Cool Art: Mondo Academy Awards Series

I really love the artwork by the guys at Mondo and they've now announced their first ever Academy Awards poster series, featuring limited edition prints of their favourite nominated films in select categories.

There will be four posters from four different categories in all and the first two include Hugo by artist Kevin Tong and Rango, one of my favourite films from last year, by Tom Whalen:

Hugo (Regular Print) by Kevin Tong

HUGO (Best Picture category) 24×36, regular edition price is $45 while the variant costs $70

Rango by Tom Whalen

RANGO (Best Animated Film category) 18×24, price is $40

The other two posters in the series will be revealed next week. It was announced last year that Mondo has partnered with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences to archive all prints for their research library. Posters for all four films will be sold during the Academy Awards on Sunday, February 26.

Follow @MondoNews for the sale announce time.

(via Collider)

New John Carter Promo

New one minute promo spot featuring new footage. Squeeee! I Wish it was March 9th already!

Ride of Passage

Another quality short video from the Animation Workshop!

Plot:
Toki's tribe expects him to bring home the head of the biggest animal possible. In return, he will receive honor and respect. However, this rite of passage does not turn out as planned. With the help of a colorful new friend, he achieves something much bigger.

By: Christian Bøving-Andersen, Casper Michelsen, Eva Lee Wallberg, Tina Lykke Thorn, Søren B. Nørbæk, Allan Lønskov, Jakob Kousholt, David F. Otzen

Mass Effect 3: Take Earth Back Teaser Trailer

With the demo now available on the usual formats, here's a new trailer . . . for the new trailer!

'Cost Of Living' Short Video

Cost of Living is a short sci-fi video written and directed by newcomer BenDavid Grabinski.

Brandon Routh (Superman Returns, Scott Pilgrim vs The World) and Bret Harrison (Reaper) play Silas and Jerry, employed by a scientific facility that often loses control of its “experiments” and thus must be dealt with with extreme force. During one crisis our heroes are dispatched on a suicide mission into the darkest and most dangerous bowels of the building, and as Silas and Jerry stare certain death in its off-camera face they discuss their futures, including a possible transfer to a facility that doesn’t have so many monster problems.

Check out FoIndustries for more info.

New John Carter Featurette, with new clips!

Disney have released a new featurette for the film John Carter titled 'An Introduction To John Carter' featuring new clips and soundbites from director and co-screenwriter Andrew Stanton, co-screenwriter Mark Andrews as well as actors Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins and Willem DaFoe.

I'm liking Willem's quote (at 0.46) in particular though; 'John Carter had to be there in order for Star Wars to happen, or Avatar to happen.' So true!

Anyway, enjoy.

Trailer for 'Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter'

Here's the first trailer for the big screen adaptation of Seth Grahame-Smith’s Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. Directed by Wanted’s Timur Bekmambetov and starring Benjamin Walker, Dominic Cooper, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Alan Tudyk and Rufus Sewell, the film is released on June 22 in the US and then on August 2 in the UK.

Drive / Mario Kart Mash Up Art by Dan Hipp

Quality Drive/Mario Kart mash up illustration by Dan Hipp.

Commander Shepard Is Still Alive

Like it!
A parody song of 'Still Alive' from Portal, based on Commander Shepard's experiences during Mass Effect 1 and 2.

Source: 360MMGN

FemShep Mass Effect 3 Trailer

FemShep can kick as much ass as her male counterpart! Got March 9th booked off already for this.

Star Wars Posters by Christopher Lee

Christopher Lee has designed some awesome cartoony posters from the Original Star Wars Trilogy. Check out the rest after the jump.

via Nerd Approved

Bad Toys II

Awesome short animation from Daniel Brunet and Nicolas Douste.


Via JoBlo

BAFTA Video Game Awards

Voting has now commenced for the 2012 BAFTA Video Games Awards.

Vote for your favourite and you could be in with a chance of winning a Limited Edition Star Wars Xbox 360 console with Kinect too!

Click here to vote

The Great Battle Of Skyrim

Tyrannicon has created this epic battle of 500 Draugr, 200 skeletons, 500 Dwarven Warriors and a dragon using mods and console commands.

Happy 80th Birthday to John Williams!

The man behind the music to fims such as Star Wars, Jurassic Park , Indiana Jones, Jaws, Close Encounters and man y more, celebrates his 80th birthday today. Happy birthday!

Another award for Rango!

With more than a thousand attendees - filmmakers, producers, directors and members of the visual effects community - gathered to recognize the year’s best work and the artists who created it. One of my favourite films from last year, Rango was the evening’s most honoured project with four awards at the VES Awards, and continuing where it left off at the Annie Awards, including Outstanding Visual Effects in an Animated Feature Motion Picture, Outstanding Animated Character in an Animated Feature Motion Picture, Outstanding Created Environment in an Animated Feature Motion Picture, and Outstanding Virtual Cinematography in an Animated Feature Motion Picture.

Hugo, Rise of the Planet of the Apes and Transformers: Dark of the Moon all took home two awards in the Feature Motion Picture categories, while Boardwalk Empire and Game of Thrones each garnered a pair of awards in the Television categories.

Click here to see the rest of the award winners: VES Awards

Another new John Carter trailer

Holy crap! I like this new trailer that's been released for the John Carter film. IMO, it's the best one yet!!! Now why couldn't the Superbowl trailer have been like this! Hope it puts more bums on seats when the film is released on March 9th!

'Ink' by Jamin Winans

Last night I watched the film Ink, directed, written, edited and distributed by Jamin Winans and shot for a stunning $250,000, thanks to Den Of Geek bringing it to my attention.

It did take a while to get going, IMO, but I stuck with it and was rewarded with a more original, imaginative and emotional film than all of current Hollywood (and their obsession with remaking the 80's & 90's) put together! The soundtrack, composed by Jamin Winans as well, is very haunting and kind of reminds me of Clint Mansell's soundtrack to Moon (another under rated film in my opinion). As the blurb on the poster says, 'A dark, wonderous, poetic tale', and that is definitely what it is. Totally recommended

Synopsis (from IMDb):
As the light fades and the city goes to sleep, two forces emerge. They are invisible except for the power they exert over us in our sleep, battling for our souls through dreams. One force delivers hope and strength through good dreams; the other infuses the subconscious with desperation through nightmares. John (Chris Kelly) and Emma (Quinn Hunchar), Father and Daughter are wrenched into this fantastical dream world battle, forced to fight for John's soul and to save Emma from an eternal nightmare. Separate in their journey, they encounter unusual characters that exist only in their subconscious. Or do they? Ink is a high-concept visual thriller that weaves seamlessly between the conscious and the subconscious. Ink has been hailed as the new "it" movie and compared to cult classics Brazil, Donnie Darko, The Matrix, Dark City and Pan's Labyrinth. 

You can catch it on Lovefilm and Netflix, but the downside now, is trying to hunt down a copy on Region-Free bluray.

UPDATE:
You can buy a region free version direct from Jamin Winans' website and it's even signed by him as well!

2012 Annie Award Winners

On Saturday, the 39th Annie Awards were announced in Los Angeles to celebrate the very best of animation. One of my favourite films from last year, Rango, managed to bag a few gongs, including the 'Best Animated Feature' award.

Here's a selection of the winners:

• Best Animated Feature: "Rango"
• Best Animated Special Production: "Kung Fu Panda: Secrets of the Masters"
• Best Animated Short Subject: "Adam and Dog"
• Animated Effects in an Animated Production: "The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn"
• Animated Effects in a Live Action Production: "Transformers: Dark of the Moon"
• Character Animation in a Feature Production: "Rio"
• Character Animation in a Live Action Production: "Rise of the Planet of the Apes"
• Character Design in a Feature Production: "Rango"
• Directing in a Feature Production: Jennifer Yuh Nelson - "Kung Fu Panda 2"
• Music in a Feature Production: John Williams - "The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn"
• Production Design in a Feature Production: "Kung Fu Panda 2"
• Storyboarding in a Feature Production: "Winnie the Pooh"
• Voice Acting in a Feature Production: Bill Nighy - "Arthur Christmas"
• Writing in a Feature Production: "Rango"
• Editing in a Feature Production: "Rango"
• Winsor McCay Award: Walt Peregoy, Borge Ring, Robert Searle
• June Foray Award: Art Leonardi
• Special Achievement Award: Depth Analysis

For the complete list of winners check out the The Annie Awards website.

New "New" John Carter Trailer

This is a fan trailer for John Carter created from elements of all the various trailers that have been released as of February 5, 2012. Personally, I think this is much better than the Superbowl trailer that was aired yesterday. Check it out.


via The John Carter Files

The Extended 'The Avengers' Superbowl Trailer

Batman / Watchmen aside, I'm generally not a fan of super hero comic books or films, but after watching this trailer, I might give this a go.

John Carter Extended Superbowl Ad

Zero by Christopher Kezelos

Here's a short animated film by Christopher Kezelos, 'Zero'.

The Blurb:
In a world that judges people by their number, Zero faces constant prejudice and persecution. He walks a lonely path until a chance encounter changes his life forever: he meets a female zero. Together they prove that through determination, courage, and love, nothing can be truly something.


Via

Currently Reading: A Fighting Man Of Mars

Art by Michael Whelan

In the run up to the release of Disney's John Carter on March 9th, I'm reading through the entire Edgar Rice Burroughs 'Barsoom' series, now up to book 7 - A Fighting Man Of Mars. 

From Wikipedia: 
The story is purportedly relayed back to earth via the Gridley Wave, a sort of super radio frequency previously introduced in Tanar of Pellucidar, the third of Burrough's Pellucidar novels, which thus provides a link between the two series. The story-teller is Ulysses Paxton, protagonist of the previous novel, The Master Mind of Mars, but this story is not about him; rather, it is the tale of Tan Hadron of Hastor, a lowly, poor padwar (a low-ranking officer) who is in love with the beautiful, haughty Sanoma Tora, daughter of Tor Hatan, a minor but rich noble. As he is only a padwar, Sanoma spurns him. Then Sanoma Tora is kidnapped, and the novel moves into high gear.

Currently only about a third of the way though, but what I have read so far, I'm enjoying. And I can also say that about the previous six books I've read in the Barsoom series (especially the first three books), and would recommend them to anyone if they enjoy their science fiction.

And according to Wikipedia the copyright for this story has expired in Australia, and thus now resides in the public domain there. The text is available via Project Gutenberg Australia

The Legend Of Zelda Poster Art by Gabriel Leoni

“It’s dangerous to go alone. Take this…” – The Legend Of Zelda

Here are some cool The Legend Of Zelda poster designs by artist Gabriel Leoni.

The Blurb:
The Legend of Zelda, one of the best selling games that Nintendo has ever created, was recently added to the Hall of Fame of video games.

Each poster represents one of the games and my personal favorites. I will work on a different design for Skyward Sword being the most important Zelda game yet.

Check out the rest after the jump.

It's Friday! Lets have some animation!

Yay it's Friday! Let's have some animation!

Space Stallions by The Animation Workshop


Wing by The Animation Workshop


Saturday Morning Watchmen by Harry Partridge


The Elder Scrolls Adventures with the Dovahkids by Harry Partridge


The Grandfather Of Soul by Keytoon Animation Studios


Alma by Rodrigo Blaas

New John Carter Trailer

Disney have released a new trailer for John Carter that features some new footage. Check it out!

The Fantastic Flying Books Of Mr Morris Lessmore

Here's a nice little short video 'The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr Morris Lessmore' by Moonbot Studios that more than reminds me of the films by Pixar. Also one of five animated short films considered for this year's Oscars.

The Blurb:
Inspired, in equal measures, by Hurricane Katrina, Buster Keaton, The Wizard of Oz, and a love for books, “Morris Lessmore” is a story of people who devote their lives to books and books who return the favor. Morris Lessmore is a poignant, humorous allegory about the curative powers of story. Using a variety of techniques (miniatures, computer animation, 2D animation) award winning author/ illustrator William Joyce and Co-director Brandon Oldenburg present a new narrative experience that harkens back to silent films and M-G-M Technicolor musicals. “Morris Lessmore” is old fashioned and cutting edge at the same time.

“The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore” is one of five animated short films that will be considered for outstanding film achievements of 2011 in the 84th Academy Awards ®. 

To date, “The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore” film has drummed up fans all over the world taking home the following awards:
· Cinequest Film Fest: Best Animated Short
· Palm Springs International ShortFest: Audience Favorite Award
· SIGGRAPH: Best in Show

via This Is Not The Six Word Novel

Before Watchmen Cover Art

DC Comics have now released the cover art for the new 'Before Watchmen' series. Writers and artists taking up the mantel are;

• RORSCHACH (4 issues) – Writer: Brian Azzarello. Artist: Lee Bermejo
• MINUTEMEN (6 issues) – Writer/Artist: Darwyn Cooke
• COMEDIAN (6 issues) – Writer: Brian Azzarello. Artist: J.G. Jones
• DR. MANHATTAN (4 issues) – Writer: J. Michael Straczynski. Artist: Adam Hughes
• NITE OWL (4 issues) – Writer: J. Michael Straczynski. Artists: Andy and Joe Kubert
• OZYMANDIAS (6 issues) – Writer: Len Wein. Artist: Jae Lee
• SILK SPECTRE (4 issues) – Writer: Darwyn Cooke. Artist: Amanda Conner

Check out the original 1986 Watchmen cover art by Dave Gibbons too and the 2012 Before Watchmen cover art after the jump.

via DC Comics The Source

The Art Of John Carter

As I've mentioned before, I'm really looking forward to watching John Carter next month. Reading the books (up to book 7 now) has only stoked things further. And now, It'sArtMag.com has posted some exclusive concept art from the movie by Ryan Church, Michael Kutshe, David Krenz, and Mayes C Rubeo. Most likely all will be featured from the forthcoming book 'The Art Of Disney John Carter'.

I've also added some of the concept art by artist Phil Saunders from the abandoned Jon Favreau 2006 adaptation. 

Check out the artwork after the jump. (click the pics to embiggen!)
Via It's Art

The Dog Strikes Back: 2012 Gameday Commercial

Last year it was the lil Vader kid, this year it's a dog that wants to get into shape! Volkswagen are back with their Superbowl commercials.
The Bark Side: 2012 Gameday Teaser


The Dog Strikes Back: 2012 Full Gameday Commercial
Keep watching until the end for extra Star Wars stuff!

Mass Effect 3: Cast Reveal Trailer

Gearing up for the March launch of the third game in the Mass Effect series, EA and Bioware have released a new trailer revealing the voice talent in the game.

via RPG Site

Skyrim: 2012 - Part 2

After going shopping, they're back with more highjinks in Skyrim 2012.

via Grosjean Brother Productions