Happy 100th Birthday, Jack Kirby!

Once, long ago and far away, this used to be a comics blog. And we're returning to our roots, celebrating the 100th birthday of Jack "King" Kirby!

That's pretty much it...other than that, I have nothing.

Happy Birthday, Jack Kirby!

Yes, the King himself would have been 99 today.

And if he saw what was going on....I'm not sure he'd approve.

Enjoy these graphics from past posts....and catch all of you later.

Happy Birthday, Fred Hembeck!

Happy 97th Birthday, Jack Kirby!

Public Domain Drive-In: Happy Birthday, Orson Welles

Whether he's made films about egocentric newspapermen, engaging in audio pranks involving alien invasions, or inspiring the voice of a cartoon mouse, Orson Welles has had a significant impact on popular culture.

So in that spirit, I offer some video tidbits featuring the great man, including The Stranger (a great little noir thriller); the infamous War of the Worlds broadcast from 1938;  and an oft-parodied piece of audio. Enjoy!






And now, for the democratic response:

Happy Birthday, Steve Ditko!

Yes, today is Steve Ditko's 85th birthday, and in that spirit, I want to provide for you and your viewing pleasure a link to possibly the best documentary about him.

(I still wish this would be released on DVD one day)

Happy Birthday, Groucho Marx!

Kind of a rough day professionally, but thankfully, today means one thing: time to celebrate with comedy!

Happy Birthday, Jack Kirby!

Let me hop on the bandwagon....although I could settle for a traditional headshot:

Personally, I prefer this mashup done for (more than likely) Mike Sterling:

Remember, kids - Kirby set some pretty high standards for comics. So pay tribute to the King today.

Happy Birthday To Me!

One of these men is the height of awesomeness;
the other is Robert Conrad

My friends, today marks a significant milestone in my life.

I get a year older.

But given that I'll receive a plethora of well-meaning Facebook messages which say, "I'm too busy to actually talk to you in person", here's a great way for my online pals (and even Chicago-based readers) to celebrate.

I'm planning to be at Fado Irish Pub, located at Grand and Clark, about 6:00 pm. Please feel free to join me for celebration, good times, and general mirth making.

(And if you want to bring presents, that's OK, too).

And why the Wild Wild West screencap? Because not only is "Artemus Gordon" the greatest character name ever, but these guys knew how to kick back and have a good time while fighting diabolical, power-mad villains in the old west.

Hope to see you tonight!

(Screencap courtesy The Wild Wild West Season 2 episode, "The Night of the Ready Made Corpse". You can find it on You Tube via searching. Seriously. Watch it)

A Special Quatermass Monday Birthday Wish for Chuck Moore

As always, I am greatly indebted to pal Chuck at Comic Related - thanks to his willingness to take me on as a columnist and podcaster, I'm finding myself slowly (but surely) engaging an industry in a field that I dearly love.

It's also an opportunity to repeat something I did for him - and you - two years ago.

Since the first time I posted episodes of Quatermass & the Pit as a Halloween-themed countdown, the provider that allowed me to embed the videos either went out of business...or deleted the videos. Since they're now up on the Internet Archive for your viewing (and downloading) pleasure, here's a repeat performance.

And if you're good, maybe on Halloween....you'll get an extra treat.




Quatermass & the Pit, Episode 1 - Internet Archive

Happy Belated Birthday, Jack Kirby!

No, I didn't forget yesterday was Jack "The King" Kirby's birthday - I just wanted to make sure he had his own post and wasn't an afterthought. After all, we're talking the man who seemingly inspired Steven Moffatt with this image:

And what would Jack say if he were around?

Happy Birthday, Doctor Who!

And now, a pause to celebrate a show that many of us love and enjoy.

By the way, I'll be celebrating this weekend by attending Chicago TARDIS in Lombard.

If you're there, and would like to have a Close, Personal Encounter™ with me, I'll be part of the "There's a Blog For That" panel on Sunday at 1:00 pm. (Correction)

Otherwise, check out cool podcasts like Radio Free Skaro, Podshock, 2 Minute Time Lord, or the Happiness Patrol. Watch some Doctor Who stories.

Happy birthday to a fine sci-fi institution.

Happy Birthday To Will Eisner, Roger, and Me

First, near-twin Roger's birthday is tomorrow, and I had bought him a really nice card...which I then promptly forgot to send.

Oh, and as a young lad, I would take pictures of myself. Enjoy!

Watch THIS, Pal: Quatermass & The Pit, Episode One

First, very special birthday wishes to pal Chuck, and in celebration of that (and Halloween), a kinda sorta brand new blog feature.

Last year, I had attempted to create the "Public Domain Drive-In", and use works that are in the public domain. Much of it was put off due to time...but I wanted to create a way to help encourage people to use this material.

Fortunately, I had a thought - since pal Chuck is a big fan of British science fiction television (most notably Torchwood), and although I had blogged about it previously, just in time for Halloween, over the next six weeks, we're going to feature an episode of the classic Quatermass & the Pit, which has influenced not one, but two episodes of Doctor Who.

(And if you wish, please feel free to use this as an opportunity to blog/podcast/create more online fun)

So just sit back, relax, and enjoy part one of....Quatermass & the Pit.

(EDIT - Minor coding glitch in embedded video. Now fixed - enjoy!)

Happy Birthday, Jack Kirby

Happy Birthday, Andy Martello!

Just wanted to wish a good one to fellow blogger/superior comic/all around swell guy Andy Martello.

And here's the latest from his blog.

Happy Birthday, Billy Shakespeare!

Yes, although the morning news and Mayor Daley may declare this "Talk Like Shakespeare Day", we here at Blog This, Pal! (and by "we", I mean "me and Dax the wonder cat" would like to encourage you to partake of the Bard's more literary fare.

Since several of you don't live near a convenient Shakespeare festival - and are often pressed for time - let me suggest Librivox as a resource for all things Shakespearean.

So check out these Shakespearean monologue "greatest hits". Or dive deeply into his sonnets.

As for me, I know my choice...and it involves a blue box that travels through time.

Happy Birthday, Mike Sterling

Of course, I had to be a dick on his blog, but I want to take some time to wish a happy birthday to Mike Sterling of Progressive Ruin.

In many ways, he is responsible for me being a blogger - no, it doesn't involve chloroform, tequila, and a frantic road trip to Vegas....but he helped me appreciate the genius of Swamp Thing. His ability to talk about comics in such a casual, no-nonsense, and completely likeable way...well, my original comments still stand.

Happy birthday, Mike! Here are some clips from one of your favorite shows because, well, I care.

One of these days, dude, I'm heading to Ralph's, and I'll offer a dollar for ABSOLUTE NEW FRONTIER.

Happy Birthday to My Latest Facebook Friend

Happy birthday, Stan "the Man" Lee, who is now my latest Facebook friend.

(Because, like, he and I hang and stuff)

Happy Birthday, Chuck!

Just wanted to wish a very special happy birthday to my good friend Chuck Moore over at Comic Related. In the past few years - in fact, the past few months - his site has been getting quite a lot of activity, and is well worth checking out.

So, for your birthday, Chuck - a ring! A Green Hornet ring!



(Special thanks to pal/co-blogger Ryan for sending me the link)

So please, go over to Comic Related and wish Chuck a happy birthday!