"Heroes Give Hope" Limited Edition Print

In an effort to raise money for Japan, still in need though we don't hear about it on the news constantly anymore, artist Dave Williams created this amazing poster. Combining the flag of Japan with William's take on 72 different iconic heroes, this simple yet beautiful piece is a one of a kind that you can big on here.

Can you name every character featured below? If so, prove it in the comments!

(Note - Dave has also made some badass posters for the Back to the Future trilogy, Thor and X-Men: First Class. A Captain America one should be appearing on his site soon, so be sure to check out the linkage below to stay updated!)

Your Favorite Heroes have gathered to offer their support with this fantastic new Print by Artist and Illustrator Dave Williams

This Limited print measures 24 x 18 inches and is printed on a 350gsm matte It is numbered 1/1 and signed by the artist. It features unique interpretations of dozens of the most iconic heroes of the past few decades and was created uniquely for the Heroes Give Hope Auction. It will never be sold or reprinted again.

Printing services for this piece were graciously donated to the auction by Tom Sound

You can find more of Dave William's work here or by following him on twitter @davewi11 .

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Book Review: Crazy4Cult Cult Movie Art

 (crossposted on Film.com)


The Big Lebowski. Fargo. Edward Scissorhands. They Live. Shaun of the Dead. Back to the Future. Jaws. Blue Velvet. Beetlejuice. Blade Runner. Planet of the Apes. Tron. The Warriors. The Evil Dead. Office Space. Donnie Darko.


If I just listed any of your favorite movies, then brace yourselves, an art book is being released by Titan this week that is going to make you lose your mind.

Gallery 1988's Crazy4Cult Cult Movie Art is a collection of art based on, you guessed it, cult movies, that has been displayed in four different shows at Los Angeles' Gallery 1988 over the past couple of years. I've had the good fortune to have attended two of these showings and the better fortune to have picked up some art prints before they sold out at said showings.

The idea is brilliant - tell a bunch of uncommonly talented underground artists to create a piece or multiple pieces based on their favorite cult movies. The results are beautiful, gruesome, clever and comfortingly nostalgic. I've salivated over some of these pieces for years and am thrilled that I now own all of them in a 175 page coffee table book, the cover of which features crazy eyed, Pulp Fictioned Sam Jackson, surrounded by bullet holes, pointing a gun in my direction. My living room just got a whole lot happier.

The book begins with a forward by longtime Crazy4Cult supporter, Kevin Smith, a third of which is appropriately one long penis joke. I wish there had been more background information on Gallery 1988, on Crazy4Cult, on the artists, on the artists' relationships with the filmmakers whose films these pieces were inspired by, but the focus of this book, like every showing I've been to, is simply the art speaking for itself. As Smith says in his closing paragraph,

"No words I use here can prepare you for what you're gonna see inside: artists painting other artists. Andy Warhol would be so proud."

And to a certain extent this is true. I suppose my knowledge hungry mind can take to the Internet if I wish to learn more about the process. My only other small gripe is wishing there was an index in the back of the book with page numbers beside each artist, but perhaps aware of an overall lack of context, a more digital age friendly road was taken, listing the artists' websites beside their names instead.

But on to what works in this book, because the introduction and index are really the only weak points.

The layout is spot on, flowing easily from one movie to the next. Right before Smith's introduction is a haunting Shepard Fairey piece inspired by They Live, which upped the film's want-to-see factor for me ten fold. After the introduction, the first collection of pieces are, naturally, based on Kevin Smith joints, my favorites of which were specifically inspired by Mallrats. The book then moves into some stunning takes on true classics - Dracula, Metropolis, The Wizard of Oz, and Nosferatu (Seriously, Maria, Dorothy Who, and Snowfall Over Poppies became instant favorites, based on the artwork alone) before going Full Cult, delving into Pink Flamingos, Clockwork Orange, Harold and Maude, Dawn of the Dead and all too long section on Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory aka the most terrifying movie of all time. The book continues jumping from film to film until concluding 170 pages later on The Big Lebowski.

One of my favorite things about having each movie grouped together is noticing each artists take on characters' specific costumes. This is especially fun with The Goonies, comparing the cartooned take of Goonies Never Say Die with the detailed paper doll like series consisting of their costumes paired with memorable quotes.

Even just casually flipping through the book, one can't help but notice the true artistry at work from all directions. Each person who contributed to this book has such an incredibly distant style, that no two pieces even begin to look alike. If an artist created more than piece, you instantly recognize the style, but because each of these films has such powerful imagery on its own, the book doesn't become the slightest bit redundant. It's absolutely fascinating to see how each film triggers each artists' imaginations.

I loved seeing how one person would be moved to create a simple, beautiful portrait like (The Big Tourist) Marla, from Fight Club, The Eraser Guys Are Coming from Eternal Sunshine, or Mathilda from The Professional, another compelled to fit entire plots of the movie into one painting like Self Respecting Consumers from Mallrats, or Back To The Future Part 1/Back to the Future Part 2, others inspired by one moment or one image like Temptresses from Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Come Play with Us from The Shining or I Can't, Eddie and Hold Me...I Can't, three works inspired by the same moment in Edward Scissorhands, and some who took characters and created something completely new like The Parking Ticket from Star Wars or River Tam and the Fireflies from Firefly.

And of course, we can't forget about the mash-up, one of the stand out delights of Crazy 4 Cult, a novelty that now appears regularly in apparel from companies like RIPT, Tee Fury and Threadless. We see them here in all the Crazy 4 Cult posters as well as 8 Bit Beach Party, a piece I was happy to have the chance to dissect again and LA Plays Itself, a take on a postcard that combines multiple movies set in Los Angeles.

It doesn't stop with paint on canvass. The book shows off mixed media sculptures, stuffed dolls, 3D paper collages, figurines of all kinds and matchbook sketches. While neat to see photographed in the book, they aren't quite the same as seeing them in person and act as a strong motivation for making your way to Crazy 4 Cult 5...or 6....or 7...if you weren't convinced already.

But more so than having the chance to admire the artists and creative teams behind the films, the book is a must own for the feelings it engenders and memories it brings back for the reader. A Goonies inspired map, entitled In Pursuit of Willy, took me back to elementary school, when I would draw elaborate maps filled with obstacles set in Fantasy worlds instead of paying attention in class. Sweets for the Sweet, a Rocky Horror inspired piece, caused me to recall the first time I saw the film in high school and felt simultaneously hip and depraved for loving it as much as I did.

The movies depicted in Crazy4Cult Cult Movie Art were selected because of the gut connection audience goers (no matter how few saw the films upon the initial release) developed to them over time. They are about the weirdos, the outcasts, the unlikely hero, they are quirky, horrific, filled with joy, they are filled with characters we relate to, and characters we want to relate to, they are atypical, they are special and for all of these reasons, I've always adored what Crazy4Cult has done and continues to do, and am thrilled to see a collection like this available for those who don't live in Los Angeles and have never had the chance to attend a showing.

If the book, available now, simply isn't enough for you, Titan is also releasing a Crazy 4 Cult calender next month. If you do live in Los Angeles, Crazy 4 Cult 5 is opening Friday, July 8th, at Gallery 1988, and will run until the 30th.

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Best Finds of Wondercon 2011 [And How To Get Some For Yourself!]

Crossposted on Film.com

I've been attending comic book conventions since I was two years old and perhaps my most favorite part of every experience, no matter how many stars are in attendance, no matter how much footage I see, no matter how amazing the cosplay is, no matter how much drinking with fun folk occurs (don't worry, that part didn't start until I was 16. I mean...21...), is raiding the dealer's room for awesome swag and merchandise. ESPECIALLY at Wondercon, which may be packed, but not overly filled to the brim or ginormous enough to make the Dealer's Room bridge on the stressful and wholly enervating experience it can be at big brother Comic-Con. So I thought for the rest of you dealer's room loving geeks out there, I'd give you a taste of some of my favorite items seen and acquired on the show floor.

Green Lantern Light Up Ring
The most coveted swag of Wondercon 2011, these official Green Lantern rings, licensed by DC comics, were given out at the DC booth throughout the weekend. The only guaranteed way to get one was to wait in an epic line, so very few of our cohorts actually got their hands on one. I feared that because of this reason, I wouldn't be able to get an extra one for Da7e, but because the Universe quite likes us, I found one sitting on the floor during the Femme Fatales panel and nabbed it up. Buy one on ebay for 100 bucks, or better yet, don't. Are people insane?!

Star Trek/Reservoir Dogs Tote Bag
Of all the things I tweeted this weekend, a photo of this tote bag hands down got the most response. Expect to see some Retro Outlaw items getting some love across the internets this week. The tote was only *five* dollars and the sole reason I didn't nab it was so Robert Meyer Burnett (or another huge original Trek fan) could. The design is also on a shirt, but as far as I know, you won't be able to find it online. If you are headed to Comic-Con this year, remember to look Retro Outlaw up as soon as you arrive so you can grab yourself one to carry your swag in for the weekend.

The Walking Dead Hoodie
Continuing my trend of owning WAY too much The Walking Dead merchandise, I couldn't resist buying this adorable hoodie from the Image booth for only a meager discount off the retail price. Not only is it comfortable and cute, but it's for The Walking Dead and there was only one size small remaining! And I do mean the COMIC mind you. So the hoodie is only and exclusively full of win. I expect to never take it off. Apparently it isn't available anywhere else yet, but you can pre-order one for yourself here.

More after the jump!

Brittney Lee Art Print
Ob.Sessed. Eruditechick and I made the correct decision of perusing Artist's Alley early on and discovered designer/animator's Brittney Lee's amazing work. I haven't been a fan of this particular style of animation in the past (reminiscent of later Disney works like Hercules, The Emperor's New Groove and Tarzan), but somehow when Lee does it, I can't get enough. A lot of her prints seemed to focus on sweet romance, from one of a pirate trying to get a mermaid's attention, to one of a couple kissing outside of a home in the winter, and many others focused on girls with cats. As someone who loves all of the above, it was difficult to not buy everything she had on sale. But ultimately I went with the one featured above. This particular print had sold out by the time I came back on Sunday, so the one Lee sold to me was the very print she submitted to Comic-Con International for approval in Artist's Alley. She personalized it to me next to her signature and I thoroughly geeked out. Look her up at Comic-Con and be sure to go by her booth. Everything is significantly discounted in person, plus you have the opportunity to get your purchase made out to you and meet the lovely artist! See other favorite prints of mine here and here.

Jedi Master Bathrobe
Another hot booth in the dealer's room was the "Robe" booth. I call it the "Robe" booth, because I don't know what its Christian name is. (Update: Its in fact "Robe Factory." I was close.) But a Jedi Master bathrobe has been on my damn Amazon wishlist for years, so you better believe when I noticed that they were 50% off, I bought one on the spot. It's terrycloth, it's huge, it makes me feel like a Jedi Master, it's the greatest purchase one could ever make at a comic convention ever. Hyperbole? What's that? The booth also featured Star Trek bathrobes and Captain America lounging robes, among others.You can buy one for yourself here, but it might be smarter to wait until Comic-Con for that sweet sweet major discount.

Blank-ees
Hand-painted pop art takes on every geek character imaginable, I picked up one of these in magnet form as an "I went out of town without you" gift for my boyfriend. Anyone who can guess which character I purchased for him wins 12 points. (That number may or may not be a hint. Another hint: You will not see it on her website, but you do see it in the pictures above in large form - the small form is gone, because I bought it, but it's next to a character from the same universe!) The artist, Lauren Perry, takes commissions, and if you choose to order through her website, she can make you any character you desire. I hope I can find her again at Comic-Con, because next time, I'm buying one for myself.

Return of the Jedi Comb
I didn't actually purchase any of these $15 combs, but I was completely fascinated by their existence. Were geek themed combs a thing in the early 80s? How does it even work? Who uses combs? So many questions! I found these at a booth FILLED with bizarre and hard to find Star Wars items that would have made 12 year old me faint. But 25 year old me hasn't rewatched the movies in a while and doesn't use a comb, so the item went unpurchased.

Game of Thrones Sigil Shirts
Now I don't know a damn thing about the George R.R. Martin series because I'm stupid and have only read the beginning of the first book, but from what I was told, these shirts represent different kingdoms, each with its own sigil. The kingdoms are Stark, Lannister, Baratheon, Tully, Arryn, Greyjoy, and Targaryen and by the end of the con, you could get 2 for $35. But again, I'm stupid, and didn't have time to talk to Future Muse about how much she is going to want one of these, so I didn't get one. For a limited time, you can use this code at the HBO store to get the show floor price: WGOT20.

Lord Mesa "Lil" Art Print
Another amazing Artist's Alley find, it was almost impossible to decide which print to buy from Lord Mesa's booth. Ultimately, I went with a five dollar Avatar: The Last Airbender one, as I've only recently gotten into the show and own absolutely nothing relating to it. If you followed my tweets during Wondercon, you'd have noticed my never ending pleas that someone direct me towards a booth with a good stuffed Momo, but alas there wasn't a single Airbender toy in the whole damned hall. Fortunately, this print was a nice (and undoubtedly much cheaper) substitute. Lord Mesa was even kind enough to tell me where to stop looking in his book of prints to avoid Season 3 spoilers, as I'm only halfway through the series. I came close to buying his phenomenal Joker/Harley print and only didn't because I already have two pieces of fantastic Harley artwork, and too much Harley artwork on my walls may give people the wrong impression of me. Or the exact correct impression of me that I would rather wait to show you once we're friends :). Check out his loads of artwork here.

Dorothy of Oz Comic
IDW was giving away samples of the Dorothy of Oz comic, which will act as a bridge between The Wizard of Oz and the forthcoming animated movie featuring the voices of Lea Michele, Hugh Dancy, Patrick Stewart, Oliver Platt and more. I was very excited to pick up this preview, as the Oz books have always been huge in my family, Return to Oz having been a childhood staple. The movie is based on the book by the same name, written by the grandson of L. Frank Baum, Roger S Baum, and the comic supports the notion that the movie, like the book it was based on, will be more on the side of whimsical and fun than disturbing and unsettling, like the original Baum's books were, and like Return to Oz, based on his 2nd and 3rd books, most certainly was. I prefer the dark part of Oz, but was still happy to get my hands on a copy of this comic, purely for collection purposes.

Tony Fleecs' Pulp Superwomen
Also found in Artist's Alley - and I'm still kicking myself for not going back and getting one - were these gorgeous prints of what the covers would look like if superwomen were ever translated into the world of pulp fiction. Fleecs also has a series called "Adorable Tragedies" where he recreates the darkest moments in superheros lives, but in the style of "adorable" or as Lord Mesa calls it, "Lil". Click here to see Batman's adorable tragedy and here to see Wolverine's. Oh, and there may have also been a Team Spike print. I was so impressed with Fleecs work overall, my plan was to go grab Eruditechick and bring her over to help me decide which one to get, but I never made it back. Here's hoping Fleecs appears at Comic-Con so I can get one then - I much prefer buying art FROM the artist. Though if you want one for yourself now, just follow the link.

Cookie Vs. Wookie Shirt
This is just adorable and warranted mention. You can grab one here.

Of course, there was also great swag at many panels, including a Green Lantern shirt & lanyard, Falling Skies comic book, Priest 3D glasses, Femme Fatales bags and Dr Who shirt, and endless other great merchandise on the floor. This year in particular, I grasped the value of spending quality time in Artist's Alley. It's a great way to discover new artists, chat with ones you're already familiar with, and make some great, unique purchases.

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All Things Fangirl Holiday Gift Guide 2010

Oops. Christmas is in a week. HOORAY FOR EXPEDITED SHIPPING!

This year's list is a mix of things I want, things I own, things I've already bought for my friends, and things I've seen on other gift guides that made me squee. So if you're stuck in your search for the perfect geeky gift for your fannish friends, look no further - we've got you covered.

Extra Lives by Tom Bissell

A must for any video game fan in your life, Extra Lives manages to alleviate any guilt one may feel dedicating hours upon hours to killing zombies, marrying NPCs & assassinating some Creed (just go with it). The book makes a clear & concise argument that video games are not only art, but are capable of telling stories more personally & profoundly than any other art form can. I read the book in three days, but it could have been one if I hadn't purposefully stopped myself. I couldn't recommend it more highly! Buy it here, $15

Time Traveler's Calendar

This calendar takes 95 time travel occurrences and places them on a single timeline. Watch thousands of years of time travel take place over the course of 12 months!

Includes favorites such as Back to the Future, Terminator, Lost and Chrono Trigger!

Yeah, that's a must own. And I own one. Buy one for yourself here, $20. Hat Tip: Slashfilm

Pride & Prejudice Fleece Sweatshirt

I AM SO OBSESSED WITH THIS. I want this so bad. Like, beyond all wanting of anything. It's my favorite style of sweatshirt for one of my favorite books/love stories of all time. I ache with desire for this sweatshirt. ACHE. Buy it for me, or well, people you know in actual life, here - $42 (42! the meaning of life! it's a sign!). The fine folks that make this sweatshirt, Out of Print, make A LOT of awesome shirts & sweatshirts, all featuring "iconic & out of print" book covers. I highly encourage browsing their catalog!

Cinders At Home Cooking Clothes

A delightful Etsy shop featuring aprons, pot holders, and more made from classic geeky bedsheets & the like. My personal favorite was a Star Wars New Hope sweetheart apron that sold today...fingers crossed it's because someone bought it for me...that's TOTALLY plausible, right? But if you know someone who cooks and is fan of Nightmare Before Christmas, Star Wars, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Mario, Zelda, etc. this is the Etsy shop for you. Click here to check out her goods - $16-$39

Sweet 80s Movie Print Set

If you are a fan of Retowhale on Etsy (we were all about her director coasters in last year's gift guide), you may want to check out her 80s Movie Print Set. The artwork is also available on coasters, but not in time for Christmas, I'm afraid. But if you are interested in her prints, she can get them to you by the 23rd if you order today, the 17th! Other available prints include Rushmore, Pulp Fiction & The Royal Tenenbauns. Click here to buy one - $24.

 80s Filmography Shirt

A different kind of tribute to the films of the 80s, this time on a t-shirt, minimalist in style, and focusing on a broader range of genres. For your friend who identifies with being a geek, or at least film geek, but hasn't yet taken the step toward wearing it proudly, this shirt is a grade a geek garb gateway drug. What did I just type. I'm actually not even sure I can name all the movies on there, which means it's even cooler than I am. You should buy it. Here. $20. Hat Tip: Io9

Comic Wallets

Super cool shop that creates wallets out of comic book pages. Right now they have wallets made from 8 Marvel titles, 11 DC titles, plus Simpsons, Star Wars, Walking Dead, Scott Pilgrim, Transformers and more. The perfect gift for any comic lover whose wallet may be looking a little worn down. Buy them here, $10-$30.

Little Otsu Anything

Discovered the Little Otsu site thanks to the Tribeca Film Festival's Gift Guide and I absolutely adore everything they make - to do lists, planners, film notebooks, and so on. They're inexpensive, quirky, unique & practical. A great gift for the Type A geeks in your life. Check out all their items here - $10-$16

Game of Thrones/Walking Dead/Hunger Games/Green Lantern/Powers

We all have those friends that love to be up to date on whatever the next big Geek thing will be. Surprise that friend with not only your generosity, but your knowledge of both them & the geek world around you by tapping into the zeitgist with one of the books listed above. Game of Thrones for the fantasy film/tv lovers, Walking Dead for anyone watching it (so, everyone), Hunger Games for the sci fi film fans, Green Lantern TPBs, (the Geoff Johns era, staring with Secret Origin & Rebirth), for the superhero movie lovers, and if you REALLY want to be ahead of the game, some Powers books, for fans of either superheros or crime/mystery who don't even know yet how much they are going to love the forthcoming FX show. $10-$20, anywhere, just give em a google.

Eco Friendly Tote Bags

Celebrities, art, landmarks, subway stops, pets - the list of images printed on these tote bags goes on and on and on - 175 pages worth of on and on in fact, so if you're super stuck, this is the place to go. The Anderson Cooper bag featured above happened to crack me up, but it doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of this sites' offerings. Click here to browse - $18.

Arclight Gift Card

Obviously this requires that the recepient live in Los Angeles, but for a film lover who isn't a journalist (and thusly on every screening list) - what's better than free movies at the best movie theater chain in the country? I mean, you know, I'll take one at least. Buy em here - $5-$200.

Lost Encyclopedia

We all have those friends who love Lost and will continue to love Lost, questionable final season or not (for the record, I loved it), for the rest of ever. This comprehensive encyclopedia is a wonderful addition to any Lost lovers collection and can maybe even help clear up any lingering questions...? I own it. I love it. Buy it here - $25.

Lego Hogwarts Set

A perfect gift for that geek couple in your life, with kid or without. If anyone says they don't like legos, they aren't a real person. Or a real geek. Or a human. Whatever, it's nonsense, is my point. This amazingly awesome I want it set is a great project for couples or roommates to work on while sipping on hot chocolate during the holiday season. Or while sipping on whiskey turning whenever. It's expensive, but it's LEGO HOGWARTS. Buy it here - $150.

Character Clinks

This gift would be geared towards your geek friends who happen also to be big into the wine scene and/or hosting events. The Clinks Etsy shop has plenty of fun wine (and beer!) clinks to make sure no one loses track of their drinks at a party. My favorite part of the Mad Men set is the inclusion of Dick Whitman. Loltown. Other sets include James Bond, Star Wars, and The Beatles. To check out the complete collection, head here - $17-$34

Zombie Combat Manual

I mean, you gotta be prepared right? If watching The Walking Dead is starting to make you question your ability to survive a zombie outbreak (please let their never be a zombie outbreak), pick up this book and get a learnin'. Buy it on Amazon - $11

Comic Location Art Prints

Wow. Gorgeous, right? I want this. I want this on my wall! But I can't put something like this on a wish list OR buy it for myself...I need to hope someone randomly comes across it and decides to get it for me. Such is the case with all decorative wall hangings I suppose. But man oh man do I love this. The artist, Justin Van Genderen, also made prints for Metropolis, New York & Neo Tokyo. See them all here. $18.

Back to the Future Card Game

For the film geek who is ALSO a board game nerd. Like me. Citadels is my jam. So Citadels + Back to the Future = let's DO this thing. Buy it here. $16

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Simon Pegg Finds Me Geek Art

Reason #94 you should follow Simon Pegg on Twitter: He links to things like this, James Hance's Relentlessly Cheerful Art. Pegg's favorites were the Muppet paintings, but I was more partial to the ones featured below.

"Help"

"The Dark Starry Night"

"These Are The Droids We're Looking For"

Check out the rest of his art and purchase some for yourself here.

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Disney Women Just Got A Lot More Awesome

 I'm oddly obsessed with these. If I had a favorite Disney character the way I had a favorite DC character, I'd want one of these on my wall. Well. Actually, I'd take one on my wall anyway. These are gorgeous.

From J Scott Campbell (Danger Girl)
Hat Tip: Live For Films

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Couldn't Be More In Love If I Tried [Joseph Gordon Levitt alert!]

He's adorable, he's talented, he's smart, he seems pretty damn nice, and he created something like this. I've known about HitRecord for a while now, but watching this video just got me all re-jazzed about the idea. Here's the short film Joe (I can call him Joe, right? I mean, since we're getting married and all?) made with 306 collaborators on his site. It's really clever and gorgeous and lovely and wonderful and I can't believe it took me this long to see it!



Head to his site here and collaborate!

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Why Yes. I Am Going To This. [Event]

In a word....duh

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