The Onion Gets a Serious Book About THE ONION

In 1988, a band of University of Wisconsin–Madison undergrads and dropouts began publishing a free weekly newspaper with no editorial stance other than “You Are Dumb.” Just wanting to make a few bucks, they wound up becoming the bedrock of modern satire over the course of twenty years, changing the way we consume both our comedy and our news. The Onion served as a hilarious and brutally perceptive satire of the absurdity and horrors of late twentieth-century American life and grew into a global phenomenon. Now, for the first time, the full history of the publication is told by one of its original staffers, author and historian Christine Wenc. Through dozens of interviews, Wenc charts The Onion’s rise, its position as one of the first online humor sites, and the way it influenced television programs like The Daily Show and The Colbert Report. Funny Because It’s True peels back the layers to reveal how a group of young misfits from flyover country unintentionally created a cultural phenomenon. 

Ancient Aliens Season 20 arrives 12/3 on DVD

From mysterious megalithic ruins in Bolivia and giant sarcophagi in Egypt, to galactic stargates and over 100,000 newly uncovered Maya structures, to the incredible revelations of UFO pioneers and government whistleblowers, season 20 of ANCIENT ALIENS® further examines the theory that extraterrestrials have been visiting Earth for thousands of years. Now, at a time when scientists and space agencies around the world are engaged in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, the series embarks on a deep dive into the most compelling evidence surrounding the age-old question: Are we alone in the universe?

Hallowed By Their Name: The Unofficial Iron Maiden Bible

Embark on a thrilling journey through the superlative recorded canon of one of the world’s most legendary heavy metal bands. Music journalist Martin Popoff provides an intimate and scholarly look into the life and times of Iron Maiden. From their humble beginnings in the dingy clubs of East London to headlining arenas and festivals worldwide, the band’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and unrelenting dedication to remaining prolific and vital in the present day.

Dive deep into their music, stage performances, and the iconic figure of Eddie, their undead mascot. Readers will discover the stories behind all their albums—such as Killers, The Number of the Beast, and Powerslave, through to their most recent, Senjutsu (and all solo releases)—as well as the inspiring creative and commercial resurgence that the band experienced beginning with the return of Bruce Dickinson to the fold in 1999.

TCM Announces New Original Fashion x Film Series - Follow the Thread

Turner Classic Movies (TCM) announced today a new original limited series, Follow the Thread, hosted by TCM’s Alicia Malone. Exploring the synergies between fashion and film, this series will trace their influence across the past, present and future of our culture. Presented on TCM (June 4) and HBO Max (June 17), Follow the Thread will cover a variety of topics at the intersection of film and fashion, inspired by The Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute’s new exhibition, In America: An Anthology of Fashion.

Alfred Hitchcock: Master of Suspense Graphic Novel

In 1960, the film Psycho traumatized viewers around the world. Never before had the angst or the suspense been so well presented in cinema. But where does the talent of this Alfred Hitchcock come from, the one now nicknamed the "Master of Suspense"? To find out, we must first go back to his youth, in England, during the first half of the 20th century. Having grown up in a Catholic family - a religious originality that will be felt in a large part of his cinema - “Hitch” is an atypical Englishman who, very early on, had a taste for telling stories. The temptation to work for the cinema will not be long in coming, first as a graphic designer at Islington Studios in London where his visual talent will lead him to make his debut behind the camera, as an assistant and then as a full director. It is also here that he will meet Alma Reville, his assistant and wife who will accompany him throughout his storied career, including the jump to the big time in Hollywood.

TASCHEN Announces The Marvel Comics Library’; Spider-Man. Vol. 1. 1962–1964

‘The Marvel Comics Library’, an exclusive, long-term collaboration between TASCHEN and Marvel, was announced today. Over the next decade, Marvel’s rarest classic comics, including Spider-Man, Avengers and Captain America will be reproduced in their original glory, in extra-large format. The library offers collectors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to lay their hands on the world’s most desirable comics.

ComiXology Originals and Scott Snyder’s Best Jackett Press Announce Multi-Title Deal

Scott Snyder is coming to comiXology Originals in a big way. ComiXology’s exclusive content line, comiXology Originals, and Scott Snyder’s publishing company, Best Jackett Press, announced today that Snyder will be writing eight new titles for comiXology Originals. The titles will be made available as digital first releases exclusively on comiXology and Kindle with all eight titles collected in print and released at a later date by Dark Horse Books.

With these new titles, #1 New York Times bestselling writer Snyder is returning to his creator-owned roots and collaborating with some of the biggest artists in comics, including Rafael Albuquerque, Greg Capullo, Francesco Francavilla, Jamal Igle, Jock, Tula Lotay, Francis Manapul, and Dan Panosian. Legendary comics editor Will Dennis is overseeing the titles.

“This historic, multi-title deal with comiXology Originals has enabled us to assemble a murderers’ row of artists and together we’re challenging ourselves creatively to work outside of our comfort zones and really lean into the possibilities of making comics,” said Scott Snyder. “This deal allows me the freedom to explore the kind of storytelling I've wanted to try for a long time, while supporting my need to try something that’s not totally comfortable for me.”

Magic the Gathering Doc Coming from Creators of The Toys That Made Us

The Nacelle Company, the people behind The Toys That Made Us and The Movies That Made Us, have partnered with Cavegirl Productions and X-Ray Films to announce they are producing a documentary about the iconic collectible card game Magic: The Gathering. The movie, Igniting the Spark, The Story of Magic: The Gathering, will explore the game’s history, explosive growth, and enduring popularity.

Magic: The Gathering, the world’s most popular strategy card game, was created by mathematician Richard Garfield in 1993 and is published by Wizards of the Coast (Dungeons & Dragons), a subsidiary of Hasbro.

The Magic: The Gathering franchise has more than 38 million fans in over 70 countries. Over the years, Magic has evolved from a niche card game into a world-wide phenomenon boasting international tournaments, ever-expanding sets, and enthusiastic collectors.

NY Transit Museum Celebrates Comics Going Underground

Growing up in Brooklyn many years ago, Marvel Comics always spoke directly to me. Most of their heroes were East Coast based and I could spot New York landmarks in each panel ...ones I had walked past before and could visit now. It's a surreal moment for a kid, to sit beside a fountain where Nightcrawler had a heart to heart with his girlfriend! The lifeblood flowing through that city was and will always be the trains running beneath, and you'd better believe, if something earth shattering was happening in the pages of Spider-Man or X-Men topside, it wouldn't be long before those tremors were felt below. Hell, the Morlocks made their home in the tunnels I sped through on many a day. For those of us with vibrant memories of these moments, an exhibit of comics exploring those catacombs, dark tunnels and elevated steel trestles sounds fantastic.

X-O Manowar #1 Reviewed

In this nation of re-makes and re-imaginings, it should be of no surprise that the gods of the paneled page would see fit to resurrect some beloved, albeit somewhat obscure comic book heroes to see if they are a good fit with today's audience. To that end...coming to local comic shops in the coming months are Bloodshot, Harbinger, Archer and Armstrong and X-O Manowar, all from Valiant Comics! We got an advance peek at X-O, so here's the skinny...

It is a time of conflict when the rich get richer and the poor are just happy to be alive. Romans dominate the country side, leaving little room for the nomadic Visigoths who have already been driven from their own lands. With no where left to go, they are forced to clash with the superior might of the Roman war machine..which seem to have acquired powers beyond that of mortal men! Amid the chaos of war, alien visitors have taken advantage of the chaos to cover their clandestine activities. Young Aric of the Visigoths, headstrong and bold, has already sacrificed the life of many a soldier to his recklessness. He is not about to let his surviving brothers in arms be taken by creatures such as these!!

The set up is practically Cowboys and Aliens, with the Cowboys replaced by Visigoths! Give me a sword and armor tale over six shooters and dirt any day. From the look of the covers, we already know what is in store for Aric and it seems we are in for a killer time watching him get there. This first issue has a bit of a slow burn going on, setting up the canvas on which this story will play out, but doesn't skimp on the realities of ancient warfare and the carnage that comes with it. Aric's world is literally falling apart around him, so by the time he comes across otherworldly beings, he has nothing to lose. This makes him dangerous. The writing is serious but not weighed down with it's morose subject matter, creating a fast read that will torment you as you await issue 2! Consider this an intense tease. You are shown the man...and what he could be. Now you have to buy a ticket to the full ride to see what happens next! My prediction? Alien body parts floating through space. Aric is an angry, angry young man.



















X-O Manowar hits comic shops Wednesday, May 2nd!

A Sneak Peek at Spartacus: Vengeance

AKA THERE WILL BE BLOOD FOR THE HOLIDAYS! mUAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

When he’s separated from the love of his life, Spartacus is forced into the gruesome and bloodthirsty arena, where a grisly death is primetime entertainment. Spartacus must fight for survival, befriend his enemies and play politics in this new world of corruption, violence, sex and fame. He’ll be seduced by power and tormented by vengeance. But his passion will give him the strength to prevail over every obstacle, in this modern and uninhibited tale of death, honor and endurance.

...And that was just season 1.

On the heels of the bloody escape from the House of Batiatus that concluded "Spartacus: Blood and Sand", the gladiator rebellion continues and begins to strike fear into the heart of the Roman Republic in "Spartacus: Vengeance". Gaius Claudius Glaber and his Roman troops are sent to Capua to crush the growing band of freed slaves that Spartacus leads before it can inflict further damage. Spartacus is presented the choice of satisfying his personal need for vengeance against the man that condemned his wife to slavery and eventual death or making the larger sacrifices necessary to keep his budding army from breaking apart. Containing all of the blood-soaked action, exotic sexuality, and villainy and heroism that has come to distinguish the series, the tale of Spartacus resumes in epic fashion. Here's a peek...

After watching this..I feel....this is a chick flick, yes? Lots of burly shirtless men. I also am reminded of a line from one of my favorite TV shows, Garth Marenghi's Darkplace, where they say any scene without dialogue was considered for slow motion. Oh yes..there will be CGI blood.

Spartacus: Vengeance premieres on STARZ Friday, January 27^th at 10pm ET.