TRT020: Maggot Pizza

The boys finally get their shit together and talk about how much they loved SOLO: A Star Wars Story, even though it is underperforming at the box office, C.B. Cebulski interesting take on Marvel’s purpose,  Amazon’s decision to offer comixology-offers-print-on-demand-new-titles-for-amazon-prime.html"> print-on-demand comics, if $10 is too much to pay for a comics book, and why the hell Jamie Foxx would want to play Spawn.

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This week the boys go over more fallout from Universal FanCon, Overwatch League and the popularity of e-sports, Bill & Ted's mid-life crisis, Renny Harlin and the Chinese movie industry, The Wrinkle in Time laying an egg, Jim Lee's response to DC rumors, Rob Liefeld crying rich, and censorship or sensibilities?

Story Links:

More fallout from Universal Fancon.  It appears as if there “may be” a villain in all of this.  http://www.comicsbeat.com/report-universal-fan-con-founders-are-out-of-pocket-300000-blame-fans/

First of all… why is this a big deal?  And wait a second… there are pro teams of video game players?  How did gaming get here? https://www.bleedingcool.com/2018/05/08/overwatch-leagues-boston-uprising-parts-ways-with-coach/

The sequel everyone wanted but no one thought would happen.  https://geektyrant.com/news/keanu-reeves-and-alex-winter-confirmed-for-bill-ted-face-the-music-which-is-officially-in-pre-production

Renny Harlin makes an interesting move which may be leading the way to a resurgence in his career and a potential change in the way the film industry works.  http://variety.com/2018/film/asia/renny-harlin-china-production-company-extraordinary-entertainment-1202802567/

Not everything Disney does is gold… loser-disneys-big-quarter-wrinkle-time-220638977.html">https://finance.yahoo.com/news/lone-loser-disneys-big-quarter-wrinkle-time-220638977.html

Jim Lee shoots down re-boot rumors.  https://www.cbr.com/jim-lee-denies-reboot-rumors/

Let's talk about films getting over-hyped… https://www.cbr.com/liefeld-cried-watching-deadpool-2/. https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2390352/deadpool-2s-test-screening-scores-reportedly-revealed

Richard Meyer, Antarctic Press and Jawbreakers - https://www.bleedingcool.com/2018/05/13/no-enemy-but-peace/

Benedict Cumberbatch Will Only Accept Roles In Projects Where His Female Co-Star Is Paid Equally - http://deadline.com/2018/05/benedict-cumberbatch-pay-equality-sunnymarch-patrick-melrose-1202389547/amp/

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Cobra Kai  - Never Die! The boys discuss the YouTube Red Original series Cobra Kai before getting into the week’s geek news including Infinity Wars’ lack of ponytails, if The Rock is big enough to save G.I. Joe, the Gambit movie, Power Rangers, James Cameron, Frank Miller, the Eisner Awards and more.

Story Links:

• Uh-oh!  Infinity War is sexist!! https://www.racked.com/2018/4/25/17275020/avengers-infinity-war-hair-mantis-black-widow-gamora-scarlet-witch
• Paramount wants The Rock to come back to G. I. Joe https://www.cbr.com/paramount-wants-the-rock-to-return-for-gi-joe-ever-vigilant/
• The Gambit movie just won't go away desperately-seeking-directors-gambit-script-great-fox-now-interviewing-directors.html"> https://www.newsarama.com/39786-desperately-seeking-directors-gambit-script-great-fox-now-interviewing-directors.html
• Saban sells the Power Rangers power-rangers-sold-to-hasbro.html"> https://www.newsarama.com/39721-power-rangers-sold-to-hasbro.html
• James Cameron opens his mouth and silly shit comes out https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2018/04/james-cameron-avatar-godfather-avengers
• Frank Miller says he “Wasn't thinking Clearly”. frank-miller-wasnt-thinking-clearly-when-he-criticized-occupy-wall-street.html"> http://www.theouthousers.com/index.php/news/140513-frank-miller-wasnt-thinking-clearly-when-he-criticized-occupy-wall-street.htm
• Here are the Eisner noms.  Let's talk about the validity of comic awards (or any entertainment awards).  Do they even matter to anyone? the-eisners-snub-the-outhouse-for-37th-year-in-a-row.html"> http://www.theouthousers.com/index.php/news/140509-the-eisners-snub-the-outhouse-for-37th-year-in-a-row.html

Show links:

The boys talk all about Avenger: Infinity War (SPOILER ALERT!) but first they take on Grand Theft Auto profits, the Venom trailer, Marvel making bank, WWE being hypocritical the Simpson’s controversy, cry-closets, and Netflix going sci-fi.  

The week in geek news:

• GTA5 has quietly become more profitable than ANYTHING else in the entertainment industry.  Why is that? https://rapcandy.life/2018/04/12/gta-5-has-now-made-more-money-than-any-other-game-movie-or-book/
• What did you think of the VENOM trailer? http://comicbook.com/marvel/2018/04/29/venom-trailer-24-hours-wonder-woman-doctor-strange/
• With Avengers 3 opening this weekend Comicbook.com asks “Where did the Money go?”  http://comicbook.com/marvel/2018/04/25/avengers-infinity-war-will-take-mcu-over-15-billion/
• What's all of this controversy over the WWE’s new event?  http://www.adventuresinpoortaste.com/2018/04/25/greatest-royal-rumble-is-a-hypocritical-stain-on-wwes-recent-message-of-inclusivity-and-diversity/
• Political correctness now affecting the Simpsons. http://www.slashfilm.com/hank-azaria-apu-controversy/
• Here are the Eisner nominations if we wanna pick on these for a bit 2018-eisner-awards-nominations.html"> https://www.newsarama.com/39672-2018-eisner-awards-nominations.html
• Universities installing “Cry-closets”?  https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/weird-news/cry-closet-installed-university-students-12431462
• Netfix to make Sci-Fi and Fantasy main focus - http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/04/28/netflix-will-make-sci-fi-and-fantasy-shows-and-movies-its-main-focus

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Chris Sal and Andy talk the failed Universal FanCon, what it takes to run a successful convention, the troubles of Kickstarter, Netflix getting into the theater business, if winning an Oscar is profitable, WWE crazed fans, DC Fresh Start rumors, why DC Comics might be signing big name writers, and the continuing saga of Allison Mack.

• Kickstarter funded, Universal FanCon “postponed” two weeks before the show.  https://www.bleedingcool.com/2018/04/20/universal-fancon-baltimore-postponed/.  More fallout.  https://www.bleedingcool.com/2018/04/21/aftermath-universal-fancon-postponed/.
• Is Netflix getting into the theater business?  http://variety.com/2018/film/news/netflix-byron-allen-movie-theater-1202761265/
• Quick hit:  WWE gets restraining order against kook.  http://www.tmz.com/2018/04/19/wwe-restraining-order-fan-poop-training-center/
• Bleeding Cool is breaking this “DC Fresh Start” directive.  This seems a little “too good to be true”. Do you believe the hype?  If so, what do you think of these “scoops”? https://www.bleedingcool.com/2018/04/20/dc-fresh-start-comics/. Grant Morrison & Liam Sharp on GL https://www.bleedingcool.com/2018/04/20/grant-morrison-on-green-lantern-dc-fresh-start/. https://www.bleedingcool.com/2018/04/20/liam-sharp-grant-morrison-green-lantern/. Azzarello on Suicide Squad https://www.bleedingcool.com/2018/04/20/brian-azzarello-on-suicide-squad-dc-fresh-start/. Aquaman by Kelley Sue https://www.bleedingcool.com/2018/04/20/kelly-sue-deconnick-aquaman-dc/.
• Activision developed an AI coach or use in its games.  http://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/ai-video-game-coach-alexa-1202764169/.
• Update on the Allison Mack story:  https://www.cbr.com/smallville-star-allison-mack-arrested-in-sex-cult-case/

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Andy and Sal get back to work and take on all the weeks’ most interesting pop culture stories as well as a little extra filler. This week Rhonda Rousey at Wrestlemania, Andre the Giant, Stan Lee’s blood, Kiss, creepy collectors, The King of Kong, Billy Mitchell’s demise, Titans TV, Starfire, Sean Murphy and Ready Player One.

Longtime comic book journalist and podcaster Augie De Blieck Jr. joins Andy and Chris to discuss his Pipeline Comics op-ed “The Inevitable Direct Market Implosion”. We get to what’s wrong with the direct market, the root cause and of course, the three of us know exactly how to fix it.

https://www.pipelinecomics.com/

https://www.pipelinecomics.com/the-inevitable-direct-market-implosion/

https://twitter.com/pipelinecomics

April Fools, Easter Eggs, and a wild week of pop culture stories including William Messner-Loebs tragic living situation, Microsoft’s draconian new terms of service, more New Mutants delays, the New York Times Graphic Novel and comic coverage, Allison Mack’s involvement in a sex-trafficking cult, the return of the Fantastic Four, and more.

#microsoft #williammessnerloebs #newmutants #newyorktimes #alisonmack #cults #fantasticfour #readyplayerone #baseball #openingday #aprilfools

Story links:

• Microsoft Will Ban ‘Offensive’, ‘Inappropriate’ Public Content In Skype, Office, Xbox and Other Services.   https://beebom.com/microsoft-bans-offensive-language-services-products/.
• Fox moves THE NEW MUTANTS (again!) and X-MEN: DARK PHOENIX.  http://www.comicsbeat.com/fox-moves-the-new-mutants-again-and-x-men-dark-phoenix/.  
• Bill Messner-Loebs Homeless in Detroit.  creator-bill-messner-loebs-homeless-in-detroit.html">https://www.newsarama.com/39238-creator-bill-messner-loebs-homeless-in-detroit.html.  
• Introducing The Book Review’s New Graphic Novels and Comics Column in the New York Times.  https://www.nytco.com/introducing-the-book-reviews-new-graphic-novels-and-comics-column/.
• Allison Mack expected to be arrested for Sex Trafficking.  https://artvoice.com/2018/03/27/allison-mack-expected-arrested-next/#.WsDhL4D3af1.
• Marvel Comics Announces New Fantastic Four Series.  https://www.cbr.com/marvel-comics-announces-new-fantastic-four-series/.  Also, https://www.bleedingcool.com/2018/03/29/fantastic-four-dan-slott-sara-pichelli/.   Good companion piece from Bleeding Cool https://www.bleedingcool.com/2018/03/29/history-marvel-comics-fantastic-four/.
• Marvel announces Marvel Knights 20th Anniversary trades -
• http://www.comicsbeat.com/marvel-announces-a-marvel-knights-20th-anniversary-trade-program-heres-why-thats-a-big-deal/
• Netflix April Fools joke - https://www.comicbookmovie.com/ghost_rider/marvel-netflix-announces-midnight-sons-series-featuring-ghost-rider-blade-moon-knight-and-punisher-a159197

Andy is back from his Fiesta evaluation, so the gang steps on the gas. This week - Rick & Morty in Limbo, Sherlock loved to death, I Can Only Imagine keeps the faith, Frank Miller is how old?, Spielberg shade over Netflix movies, Astro City TV, Five Below in hot water, Domino fans gets more boners, Justice League Ad Nauseum,  Pop Culture comebacks, listener emails and more.

Story links:

• The Future of Rick and Morty is in Limbo https://io9.gizmodo.com/the-future-of-rick-and-morty-is-in-limbo-according-to-1823870527. https://www.cbr.com/rick-and-morty-season-4-harmon-interview/

• Martin Freeman says that Fans have Loved Sherlock “to death” https://news.avclub.com/martin-freeman-says-sherlock-fans-loved-the-show-to-dea-1823873058?rev=1521400304929

• I Can Only Imagine does 17.1 million on only 1600 screens  http://variety.com/2018/film/news/i-can-only-imagine-box-office-faith-based-film-1202729700/

• Frank Miller signs a five project deal with D.C.  http://www.superherohype.com/news/413779-frank-miller-signs-five-project-deal-with-dc-comics.

• Spielberg disses Netflix movies https://io9.gizmodo.com/steven-spielberg-doesnt-believe-netflix-movies-deserve-1824023285

• Astro City to get TV Show. https://comicsworthreading.com/2018/03/23/this-should-be-worth-watching-astro-city-to-get-tv-show/

• Why do businesses like Five Below get better deals than comic shops?   https://www.bleedingcool.com/2018/03/23/five-below-better-deals-comic-stores-through-diamond-retailer-asks/

• Domino book from Gail Simone https://www.bleedingcool.com/2018/03/24/gail-simone-spotlight-panel-wondercon/.

• D.C. is doubling down on their Justice League properties https://www.bleedingcool.com/2018/03/24/wonder-woman-justice-league-dark-wondercon/

• What pop culture were you late to the party on? https://www.avclub.com/late-to-the-party-what-pop-culture-did-you-come-around-1822353704

With Andy off road testing Ford Festivas, Chris and Sal are joined by the Queen of Comics Retail - Christina Merkler from InstockTrades.com and DCBService.com - to discuss the Avengers Infinity War Trailer, Jessica Jones, The Mayo Report, Event Comics, learning Klingon, Dungeons & Dragons, Hanna Barbara, if Hong Kong Phooey is cultural appropriation, Stan Lee's new audiobook, Toys-r-Us, Lady Death on kickstarter and much, much, more.

Show Links:

• Avengers trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZfuNTqbHE8
• Jessica Jones - https://www.netflix.com/title/80002311
• From our Pal John Mayo over at CBR, Are We Seeing Proof that Events Drive the Industry?  https://www.cbr.com/mayo-report-comic-book-sales-drop-february-2018/?view=list and in relation to this from our pal Tim Seeley https://mobile.twitter.com/HackinTimSeeley/status/972175627351674881.
• Now you can learn Klingon online - https://io9.gizmodo.com/qapla-duolingos-klingon-course-is-finally-here-1823794113
• Jim Chueng joins DC'sJustice League -  https://www.bleedingcool.com/2018/03/15/john-stewart-scott-snyder-jim-cheung-justice-league-relaunch/.  
• DC / Hanna Barbarra Crossover -  shazam-meets-captain-caveman-and-more-in-new-wave-of-dc-hanna-barbera-crossover-books.html">https://www.newsarama.com/39083-shazam-
• shazam-meets-captain-caveman-and-more-in-new-wave-of-dc-hanna-barbera-crossover-books.html"> -captain-caveman-and-more-in-new-wave-of-dc-hanna-barbera-crossover-books.html. 
• Stan Lee's new Audiobook -  http://variety.com/2018/biz/news/kat-rosenfield-audible-stan-lee-project-1202727692/ 
• Toys-R-Us going out of business -  https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2018/03/14/592882488/game-over-for-toys-r-us-chain-going-out-of-business. 
• Dungeons & Dragons' Introduces Their Own Monstrous Version of March Madness http://comicbook.com/gaming/2018/03/15/dungeons-and-dragons-march-madness/
• Lady Death on Kickstarter -  https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/brianpulido/brian-pulidos-newest-lady-death-apocalyptic-abyss.