DARK HORSE COMICS Pop-Out People Bendy Figures Miscellaneous Exclusives ROCKETUSA Walking Tin Toys Die Cast Figures Metal Clickers Motion Clickers Tin Signs MAC Action Figures Ornaments Exclusives RIX TINS Coasters (Series 1) Tin and Playing Cards TOYNAMI Futurama I-Men (Preview) TOY FARE 2002 TOY FARE 2003 
BONGO COMICS Futurama Comics Futurama Comics Previews Futurama Comics UK Trade Paperbacks Infinitely Secret Crossover Special CALENDARS EMMY ADS
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Next up for the Futurama Simpsons gang is the long anticipated TPB collecting all four issues of the Crossovers as well as Simpsons Comic 87 and from what I have heard the Simpsons Comics story Chili Chili Bang Bang. Both of these comics can be found making brief appearances in both Crossover specials. I reiterate that Bongo should really do this one up with higher quality paper, possible some extra little features and an all new cover - how cool would that be? While I am on the subject of asking for stuff I have no right to ask for - how about nice printed posters of all 4 covers to hang on our walls? All 4 were beatifully done and really amazing art that would look great on any wall in any home. Viva la Bongo!! I have not had time to do the review for issue 19 yet nor finish up my recommendations for Futurama Comics that people should try out if they were not sure so be looking for that still. Plus next time, so why did the UK get Crossover II Part 2 before the US? Oh, and one final word - Free Comic Book Day is May 7th.
I hope to get caught up with reviews of issues 19 and 20 by weeks end so stay tuned for both of those. Issue 20 should be hitting comic book stands in May and it will be written by Patric Verrone which means it will be good!
Along the same note I am also told that Futurama Comics sales are not that great, although many of us probably already knew that. This, along with the need to find good artists to work on the comics and produce quality work, is the main culprit in pushing this title to run quarterly instead of bi-monthly or even monthly. That is the bad news - the good news? Not only are the Bongo staff behind Futurama Comics and love producing them but Groening is really backing the project as well. So, in a sense it is a personal thing with Bongo and Groening to keep the comics coming out so long as they can justify it against the overall health of Bongo Comics. Other stuff they produce sells well enough to give them the luxury of creating Futurama Comics. So, that means we need to make a push to get people on board with Futurama Comics to ensure from the fans side of things that we do all we can for this comic. For those who have not picked up the comic because you feel comics are for kids or that this is just a licensed property and the people producing them don't really care about it you are dead wrong. Bongo Comics is owned by Matt Groening - you know, the guy who created them all and as such he and the staff at Bongo are committed to produce quality stuff be it Simpsons, Futurama, Heroes Anonymous or Little Green Men. They are all done with care and committment not really seen in many of todays comics. I will admit though that many of the early issues of Futurama Comics seemed to be aimed at a younger audience but after a few issues the slant really became entertaining older readers as well. In my next update I will go over some of the issues I feel are worth picking up if you have been hesitant to read the comics. Now, back to normal everyday stuff. Added a review of Issue 18 to the Futurama Comics page and should have Issue 19 up in a day or two. That is about it for now unless you want to jump on over and see the preview cover to the forthcoming Issue 20 that is!!! I predict this will be the Greatest Cover Ever!!! And it is written by Patric Verrone who wrote many episodes of the show and who has produced some great stuff already.
I hope to get caught up with reviews of issues 19 and 20 by weeks end so stay tuned for both of those. Issue 20 should be hitting comic book stands in May and it will be written by Patric Verrone which means it will be good!
I hope to get caught up with reviews of issues 19 and 20 by weeks end so stay tuned for both of those. Issue 20 should be hitting comic book stands in May and it will be written by Patric Verrone which means it will be good!
In the interim, much stuff going on with Futurama - most notably the comics. While I was away both issues 18 and 19 were released, the 2005 Calendar (you have one on your wall don't you?), Futurama Adventures and both parts to the second Futurama Simpsons Crossover. Both parts you are asking? I know what many of you are saying - I only have the first part and I did not realize that the second part was out just yet. There is a reason for that but I will wait for the folks who immediately jumped in their cars, bikes, scooters and/ or Segways to get to their local comic book store looking for this issue to get back.... OK, now that you are back and disapointed the reason that you have not found the second part of the Crossover is because it has only been released in the UK so far and the US version does not hit shelves for another couple of weeks!! Yes, once again those blokes across the Pond get Futurama stuff before us just like those dang DVD's!! I was pretty disappointed with this turn of events particularly since the beginning of this year Titan Publishing (the people who print Futurama Comics in the UK) announced that they will be running Futurama Comics on a monthly schedule now. Sure, they are basically just breaking up one issue of the American comics and stretching them out over two months but with all the neat little extras Titan puts into the comics (pin-ups, masks, stickers, etc) they are well worth picking up even if you live here in the States. Heck, they are even a bigger size the US versions!! For that I have to say Boo to Bongo Comics on this one!! I think with the show gone and the comics the only thing we have left they should really be finding ways to thank the fans who support the comics with little extras of their own. Since the schedule has gone quarterly how about packing in more stories and upping the page count. I think many fans would be interested to see other stories that focus in on characters such as Zapp, Zoidberg, or others. While they are at it how about going to a larger format with extra goodies inside such as stickers, pin-ups, or my most wanted item - Trading Cards!!!! As many of you know I am a big supporter of Bongo Comics but an even bigger supporter of Futurama and Futurama Comics so I of course thank Bongo for just continuing on the series even though that Network Which Shall Remain Nameless cancelled it but in this instance I think their brothers in publishing across the Pond are giving those fans more incentive to buy the comics as well as support the legacy of the show. Do you agree? Then email Bongo Comics and let them know you want more Futurama Comics!!! That is all for now - more updates coming on a regular basis for now so keep checking back. Now if you will excuse me I need to go take a rage dump.
Second, RocketUSA has a new item out. It is a cubicle sign and comes with 4 magnetic pegs to hang notes, memos and other messages on. The images is the always popular 'A Mindless Worker is A Happy Worker...' They released this pretty silently so people don't really know it is out there as of yet. It is nice to see RocketUSA prodcue one more item like this and as always it would be nice if they came back to either their tin toys or die cast series. Lastly, (come on Lasty!) I was lucky enough to have a quick Q/ A with Futurama Comics artist John Delaney. Who is John Delaney? He is a regular artist on Futurama Comics along with James Lloyd and is responsible for the last three parts of the ultra-cool trilogy currently running in the title. He has also done a few other issues before this. With each issue he pencils John keeps getting tighter and tighter - Futurama Comics 18 is his best work to date and he is already scheduled to bring us the exciting conclusion to this story in September with issue 19 and I can't wait to read it.
Anyways, check it out. The 2005 calendar was not ready for sale at the show this year so I did not get a chance to pick that up but I have heard Amazon has already started shipping them. If you ordered from them be sure to check your mail boxes. Bongo did have Futurama Comics 18 for sale and I picked it up. I should have a review read in the next day or two. It is a great issue and is really setting the stage for a monster of a conclusion in September!
The San Diego Comic Con is just around the corner! I have not heard too much as of yet beyond what I have already posted but I did hear that Phil LaMarr will be at the Wonderful World of Animation booth on Saturday doing a signing with his other cohorts from Justice League. Phil does the voice of Green Lantern on the show and, um, oh yea Hermes Conrad and a whole slew of others on Futurama. I missed him last year but will be sure to catch up with him this year! That is all for now and probably until after the Con! Peace out, y'all!!
Also wanted to make note of a few things for fans of the giclee's produced by 20th Century Fox Studios. The limited edition You're Not Paid to Think giclee has sold out. I think it sold out just over a month or two ago. The Space Pilot 3000 giclee is nearing being sold out. I believe there are 2, maybe 3 left so if you have been waiting to get this one you better hurry and get it before somebody else does. Lastly, the first two sets of the miniture sets of giclee's produced from the 2001 calendar are also sold out. You can still get the last set of three images but who knows how long before they are sold through. I will be making an update over the weekend with the cover image to Futurama Comics 18 and it is possible I will have a scan of issue 19 up very soon as well. Possibly before Comic Con but it could be after. After these two possible updates I will probably be down for a bit getting ready for Comic Con 2004 and taking a little break. Again, thanks goes out to the person who has forwarded me all these great images of late. You are doing much to keep Futurama alive and kicking! Hope to see some of you at the Con this year! The others I will make sure I avoid!
Speaking of Ian Boothby I am told that he came up with the concepts for the new 2005 Futurama Calendar coming out later this year. Be sure to check the sneak peek look at the cover in the Futurama Comics Previews section. Lastly, be on the lookout for UK versions of Futurama Comics 11 which should be hitting newstands in the next week or so.
Some very cool stuff arrived in my inbox today from the land of Bongo! Jump on over to the Futurama Comics Preview page for a first look at the cover art of the 2005 calendar!! Not good enough you say? How about a first look at the house ad for Futurama Comics 19? Still not good enough for you? Well, only because you insist there is also a first look at the art work for the next Futurama TPB called Futurama Adventures!! The very cool individual who forwarded them to me said I could use them on one condition (there's always a catch) and that is that nobody can say anything bad about Bongo Comics... Ever!! So, allright already - Bongo rules!! In fact I encourage, wait change that, I challenge every reader out there to write a letter to Futurama Comics and let them know how much they rule! In fact, tell your friends and family to do the same. If they don't read Futurama Comics give them a copy of yours and write the letter for them or for those too cheap to spend 37 cents on a stamp - email them. It's free! I guess while I am at it there is other stuff to talk about. Futurama Comics 17 comes out today! Or at least it is supposed to. I went to my local comic book shop and they did not have a copy in. I have heard other people got it so I know it has been released. Also, check out the Toynami website as they have additional images and info about their forthcoming I-Men figures. Looks like they will be released in June! It also looks as though the Season 4 DVD's will be released in August so there is plenty of Futurama goodness to take us through the rest of the year. Viva la Futurama! Boy, now I am out of breath. I need to go lie down. Peace out y'all!!
Speaking of Simpsons Comics 87 I will have a cover scan and review up shortly on that issue. Why review Simpsons Comics here on my Futurama site? You'll just have to wait and see. Should have it up in the next day so don't go jumping out of any buildings. It really is a cool thing. As mentioned in my last update the last set of giclee's should be hitting animation art stores or should be there already. All the images look great but what would you expect? I intend to pick up mine sometime in January and when I do I will have the scans and short review of them up again. End Transmission!!
In other up and coming stuff I am hearing that possibly at the end of next week will see the latest and last of the giclee releases based off of the 2001 calendar. Only 3 images this time and I believe it will be a print run of 80 again so there should be plenty to go around - just don't wait too long and miss out. Only 2 more weeks until Season 4 R2 DVD's come out - should be a real good set as Season 4 featured some of the best Futurama had to offer.
Also out this week is the UK version issue 6. I expect to be getting that shortly. Also, if anyone out there is from Germany that would like to trade German for US Futurama Comics please contact me. Also on the horizon - the last set of giclee's from the 2001 calendar. There are 3 images still to be printed and they may be released by years end. Peace out y'all!!
On another note a very good friend did me a huge favor and picked me up a sketch of Dr. Zoidberg done by James Lloyd at the Vancouver Comic Convention a few weeks back. Many thanks to you good friend - it is an awesome sketch! Last weekend Metro Comics in Santa Barbara hosted a small little Bongo Comics signing that consisted of Bill Morrison and Nathan Kane. Even though I did not attend Metro Comics makes it a regular practice of getting extra signed stuff for sale for people who cannot attend their events and this year I took advantage of the oppurtunity. Metro runs a signing it seems like once a year so if you are in the Santa Barbara area be sure to look them up. Speaking of signings I have had some photos stockpiling up of a couple of events that I had attended over the last couple of years that I hope to be putting up in the next few days. Nothing major to talk about from them other than to share some photos and talk a bit about the events themselves so be watching for those.
Many of you already know that the Season 2 R1 DVD sets have been released here in the States and I am sure many of you have your grubby hands all over them staying up all hours of the night watching them. Well, you have haven't you? Sure bet that if you haven't been watching the DVD's you have been giving your fingers a good workout with the Futurama video game. Yes that has also been released in the past month and I have been hearing mixed reviews of it. Futurama fans find it fun and entertaining while gaming fans find it to be just run of the mill and so-so. Be sure to pick it up and find out for yourself. Coming up later this month will see the release of Futurama Comics 15 and in August UK Futurama Comics 6 was released. Still waiting on word of when Ian Boothby's 4 part trilogy will make it to newstands as well as the new Crossover but I am sure that is coming up fast. To top it all off Spring 2004 we still have Toynami's I-Men figures ready to hit store shelves. If you have not heard about these be sure to check out my report from the San Diego Comic Con for some information as well as Figures.com who got some pics from this years Wizard World Chicago. That't is for now I will be back shortly.
Added a couple of sites to the links page as well - they are the Scary Door which is a site devoted to linking and reviewing Futurama sites on the net. Check them out and put in the good word for this little old site - that is if you like it. Or, suggest a site to add to the growning number of links already there. I also added links to the Billy West and Frank Welker official sites. Frank Welker is the voice of Nibbler on the show as well as almost any other animal you hear on it. Besides that work Frank has a rich backgroun in the voice over field and there is bound to be a character he has voiced that you are familiar with. Billy West, well I think we all know about him. This just in the guestbook is back!! That is right you now can leave your thoughts, comments, criticism, whatever for me and others to see. Or heck, just add an entry to say hi! I would say be the first to add your entry but somebody has already beaten you to the punch! Thanks All4Zoidberg! I also have up the preview for the upcoming issue 15 of Futurama Comics. I will have the scan up shortly after I make some room on my server to handle it. The Production Art and the Fan Art sections will probably be taken down for awhile to make room for other content.
FRY MAKES A DEAL WITH THE DEVIL IN AN ALL-NEW ‘FUTURAMA’ AUGUST 10
ON FOX
Voice Cast: Billy West as Fry, Professor Farnsworth, Zapp Brannigan, Dr. Zoidberg and Nixon; Katey Sagal as Leela; John DiMaggio as Bender, and Lauren Tom as Amy. It has been a long journey to get to this point but one that we are all greatefull for nonetheless. Stop by the Futurama Foundation to give your thoughts on the series and show your appreciation for all those involved in producing the show. In other stuff, the final four days of my Comic Con report have been completed. I am still working on the transcript for the Futurama 5.0 panel and hope to have that ready in the next day or so. In even better news is the new website for Billy West! That is right, voice talent Billy West has started up his own official website. Go check it out and drop him a line. He also has his own message board running but so far it does not appear that he has responded or participated in it yet. |
