A Belated Birthday...

Yesterday would have been the 94th birthday of American comic writer and artist Will Eisner. He is perhaps most famous for his creation of "The Spirit."

Eisner created "The Spirit" in June 1939 as a seven-page urban crime fighter story. It was published in the Sunday newspaper. The comic ran June 1940 through 1952. The tabloid-sized feature followed the vigilante crime fighter, the Spirit, through his adventures, which he funded from the rewards he received when he captured villains. The only character to truly know who he was, and in turn gave him permission, was the Spirit's friend Central City Police Commissioner Dolan.



While the character of the Spirit became one of the classic icons of comic history, Eisner was often criticized for his portrayal of Ebony White, the African American sidekick. Often portrayed as a caricature of the racial "blackface" often associated with Jim Crow:

The Will Eisner Comic Industry Award, also known as The Eisner Award, given every year to celebrate American comic artists and writers. It was named in honor of Will Eisner, and is considered to be the most prestigious award a comic artist and writer can receive. It also includes the comic industry's Hall of Fame.

Star Wars in 3D

With 3D taking over the movie industry, it is no surprise that George Lucas has joined in on the excitement. While 3D can be seen as a visual treat, sometimes it begs the question of whether or not it is even worth it.

Fox recently announced that "Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace" will be the first of the saga to get the 3D makeover. Lucas plans to release all of the films in years to follow.

Hearing the "Star Wars" saga will be adapted to 3D and re-released does not come as a great surprise. However, choosing to go in order from beginning to end, as well as choosing to focus on the one film that received the most criticism out of any of the saga's episodes, seems to be a risky move for Lucas.

As a blogger wrote on Sci-fi Now's website: "Star Wars Episode I in 3D--because we didn't all complain enough when it was in two dimensions."

Whether or not it will generate new fans or revive the excitement for the saga can only be seen when it is released.

Catch The Phantom Menace in 3D on February 10, 2012.

A Return to the Small Screen

"Firefly" is getting another chance, thanks to the Science channel. The channel obtained the rights to the complete series and plans to air them in their entirety, as well as segments presented by physicist, Dr. Michio Kaku, on the theoretical science behind the series. This will be the first time since 2008 that "Firefly" will be aired in its entirety on television.

Entertainment Weekly interviewed Nathon Fillion, who played the lead character, Malcolm "Mal" Reynolds, who spoke of his love for the show and fans, as well his willingness to return to the infamous character were Fox to give it another chance.

"Firefly" will premier on Science Channel, March 6.

Read all of Fillion's interview here:http://tinyurl.com/4fvvfg8

Dr. Who Week

Facebook is known for its profile picture month celebrations. Starting on February 13, a member managed to spread an event to fans across the world of the classic British show, to dedicate a week to everything Dr. Who. Fans have been changing their profile pictures, to those of Doctors and companions, as well as famous aliens, such as the Slitheen, and variations of the Tardis.

In honor of Dr. Who week, after conversations with fans, as well as looking at the characters most chosen as a profile pic, I have put together the Doctors and Companions recognized and praised the most during the week:


The Doctors

Ninth Doctor

Though he only got one season, the current Dr. Who would not exist if it wasn't for Christopher Eccleston's portrayol of the infamous character. With the Bad Wolf arc, hints of Torchwood, Daleks, and a final kiss with Rose, what's not to love about his unffortunaetly short season?

Tenth Doctor

David Tennant is possibly the most popular of the Doctors. Picking up where Eccleston left off, he dives right in to the role with memorable jokes and lines. Tennant lasted three seasons, with many specials in between. Continuing the arc with Rose, mentions of Bad Wolf, a daughter, and The Master, the Tenth Doctor remains one of the most pivotal regenerations of The Doctor character.


Eleventh Doctor

Although many were worried for Matt Smith to take over after Tennant's long run, Smith managed to pull together the Eleventh regeneration well. With one season under his belt, he dives into the second with high hopes and Karen Gillian (Amy Pond) portraying his companion again, sparking a record for havnig the same companion in two complete seasons since the original show, before its sixteen year lapse between eight and nine.

The Companions:

Rose Tyler



The first companion since the sixteen year lapse, Rose started off strong, and ended strong. Billie Piper stayed true to the character, making her a well-rounded strong woman who was not afraid to look deep into the heart of the TARDIS to help save The Doctor. As her relationship grew, and though we all missed her during Ten's seasons, she returned, succeded in helping him save the universe, and even managed to live out her years happily with the human form of The Doctor.

Amy Pond

The current companion portrayed by Karren Gillian. Amy is a nice refreshing character, and a nice throwback to the fiestier companions. Although she has lately been critized as being a bit too scandalous iwth her short skirts and thin, black tights, the writers don't plan on changing her character any time soon. She brings a nice balance to the TARDIS and is the perfect counterpart to Matt Smith's portrayal of Eleven.

Romana

A Time Lady from the same planet as The Doctor, she regenerates until she finds the form she desires, and manages to continue her assignment as the Fourth Doctor's companion. While Lalla Ward portrays Romana's second regeneration, her first should not be forgotton. With Douglas Adams as script editor for her regeneration, and the close relationship with the Doctor, Romana is one of the most remembered companions, up there with likes of Sarah Jane, who currently on BBC has her own spinoff show.

X-Men: First Class

The much anticpated origin story of Xavier and Magneto finally released the first trailer. It's great to see how many different characters they are including in the story. Some have never been featured in an X-men film before.

X-Men: First Class

Happy Birthday Jules Verne!

Today marks the 183rd birthday of science-fiction author Jules Verne. Verne was one of the most influential writers, whos ideas not only pushed the genre forward, but made predictions for the future. He wrote about submerienes and air travel before those things were invted and known to the world.

Verne lived in a time when the Industrial Revolution was claiming Europe and science was what was happening. He began writing and studying Latin at an early age. When he was older, he moved to Paris to study law, but found himself torn between his love of theater and writing and work. Once his father found out he was actually writing more than he was studying, he removed all finances from Verne's name. Over time Jules Verne managed to get his work published, and his ideas influenced both fiction writers and scientists around the world.

Now, Verne's work has seen even more praise with the popularity of Steampunk. In fact, The Secret Adventures of Jules Verne, was a SyFy (It was still SciFi back then) original miniseries in 2000, that took place in the Steampunk genre.


As his stories are continued to be remade into movies, by actors such as Brendan Frasier in The Journey to the Center of the Earth, and dropping his name and influence in movies such as Tron: Legacy, Verne lives on and influences the genre of future writers.

Check out this Star Wars influenced superbowl 45 commercial!