Strange Ruminations #2: Our Newsletter of the Weird keeps on Trucking

Greetings, Weirdos!

Welcome back to "Strange Ruminations," the second installment of our journey Into the Weird. Prep yourself for another mad dash through the realms of sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and comics! This week, we've got a smorgasbord of geekery that's sure to tickle your sci-fi synapses and fuel your fantasy addiction.

So what’s on the menu? Well, we'll kick things off with our Recent News Roundup, bringing you the latest buzz from the worlds of geek culture, films, comics, fiction, and TV. Then, prepare to have your mind blown as we spotlight the cosmic artistry of one David Millgate in our Artist of the Week section.

Feeling nostalgic? Join me for a trip down memory lane in The Comics That Made Me, where we'll revisit the classic DC Comics Presents Issue 37 (1981), featuring an unforgettable team-up between Superman and a certain feathery female of the Thanagarian persuasion.

Of course, no newsletter would be complete without some fresh recommendations. I'll share the films, TV series, fiction, and comic collections that have been keeping me up at night (in the best possible way).

So, without further ado, let's dive into the strange and the wonderful. The weird awaits!

Recent News Roundup

Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice!

Hold onto your striped suits, folks! "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" has exploded onto screens, leaving audiences spellbound and box office records shattered.

Tim Burton's long-awaited sequel to his 1988 classic has conjured up a jaw-dropping $110 million domestic debut, outperforming even the mighty "Deadpool and Wolverine." This ghostly triumph marks the third-biggest opening of 2024, the second-largest for both a Tim Burton film and a horror flick, and narrowly misses the all-time September opening record.

While fans are already clamoring for a third installment, Burton himself seems hesitant to jump back into the afterlife. The eccentric director admits he wasn't initially keen on revisiting the franchise and would need some serious convincing to helm another Beetlejuice adventure. But with numbers like these, who knows what spirits might move him?

Goonies Never Say Die!

Goonies fans, rejoice! Our favorite band of misfit treasure hunters might be making a comeback. Rumors are swirling faster than One-Eyed Willy's ship that a sequel to the beloved 1985 classic is in the works, with the original cast set to return.

According to CBR, a source cited by The Sun said we could be diving back into adventure as soon as 2026 or 2027. This potential sequel aims to capture the current craze for youth adventure films while introducing the Goonies' charm to a whole new generation. While previous attempts to revive the franchise hit dead ends, this latest effort seems to have the team's full support. Could it be that the Goonies really never say die? Only time will tell, but we're keeping our fingers crossed and our treasure maps ready!

Superhero Cinema: Fall 2024 Blockbusters

As we approach the end of 2024, comic book fans have two major film adaptations to look forward to:

Joker: Folie à Deux (October 4, 2024) The highly anticipated sequel to 2019's "Joker" is set to hit theaters, starring Joaquin Phoenix reprising his Oscar-winning role as Arthur Fleck/Joker. This time, he's joined by Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn in what promises to be a twisted musical thriller. Directed by Todd Phillips, the film will explore the relationship between these two iconic DC villains within Arkham Asylum.

Venom: The Last Dance (October 25, 2024) Tom Hardy returns as Eddie Brock/Venom in the third installment of Sony's symbiote saga. This time, Eddie and Venom find themselves on the run from both the U.S. government and an invading force of Klyntar symbiotes. The film promises high-stakes action and the potential separation of Eddie and Venom, adding a new layer of tension to their complex relationship. Both films are generating significant buzz and are expected to be major box office draws. Whether you're a DC fan, a Marvel enthusiast, or simply enjoy superhero cinema, this fall offers something for everyone.

Dune's Desert Storm: Villeneuve Teases Fiery Future

Dune fans, rejoice! Director Denis Villeneuve is riding high on the success of Dune: Part Two, basking in the audience's enthusiastic response after the pandemic-clouded release of the first installment. But that's just the beginning of this sandworm-sized saga! Dune 3 is officially "in the works"! While the script is still taking shape, Villeneuve has dropped some tantalizing hints about what's to come.

Brace yourselves for an intense storyline fueled by Chani's rage – it seems our favorite Fremen warrior has some scores to settle! But don't expect a carbon copy of Frank Herbert's Dune: Messiah. Villeneuve is committed to crafting a film that surpasses even the epic scale of Part Two, even if it means deviating from the source material. Chani's story arc, in particular, might see some surprising twists and turns.

One thing's for certain: Villeneuve won't settle for anything less than extraordinary. The spice must flow, but only if it's of the highest quality! Stay tuned for more updates on this desert odyssey as we eagerly await our next journey to Arrakis.

Featured Artist of the Week: David Millgate

This week we’re spotlighting David Millgate, a versatile British artist known for his work in comic books, concept art, and illustration. With a career spanning over 30 years, Millgate has made significant contributions to the comic book industry, particularly through his work with 2000 AD, the renowned British science fiction anthology. His artistic style is characterized by a blend of gritty realism and dynamic action, often featuring iconic characters like Judge Dredd.

Millgate's most notable works include co-creating the popular 2000 AD series "Sinister Dexter" with writer Dan Abnett, as well as his numerous contributions to Judge Dredd stories and cover art. His talent has also led him to work in various other media, including computer games, films, television, and the music industry.

Feast your eyes on some of his drool-inducing masterworks...

The Comics That Made Me: DC Comics Presents #37 (September, 1981)

“The Stars, Like Moths!”

This is one of the first Superman comics I remember buying off the spinner rack, and it remains one of my favorites to this day. With art by the great Jim Starlin and writing by Roy Thomas, how could you not like this comic? Starlin also came up with the plot for this particular issue. The colors were done by Gene D'Angelo, letters by John Costanza, and editing by Julius Schwartz.

The cover by Starlin shows Superman stuck to the bottom of a giant floating rock while a reptile-like condor menaces him. Hawkgirl is at the bottom of the page, ready to wallop this beast with her mace. We can see a red sun in the background, which might explain why Superman seems helpless on this cover.

Let's get to the synopsis. The first page features a splash after introducing Superman and Hawkgirl. It shows Superman clinging to a piece of debris in a fiery limbo with a glowing red sun in the background, its gravity drawing him to his doom. As we know, Superman is helpless beneath the rays of a red sun. Shayera, or Shiera Hall, as Hawkgirl is known on Earth, narrates the story in her diary.

The story starts in medias res, but Shiera's diary soon gives us a flashback of how this sordid tale began. It started with a phone call she received from Dr. Erwin Wright from the Center of Amerindian Studies. He wanted to speak to Shiera's husband, Carter, a famous archaeologist like herself. When Carter wasn't available, she offered to help the doctor instead.

The doctor, displaying sexist tendencies bordering on misogyny, insists that he needs Carter Hall, who wrote all the bylines in National Geographic and various other magazines. Shiera retorts that she co-wrote them with Carter. The doctor explains his plight: he's at an archaeological dig site in the Rocky Mountains and has uncovered an alien antechamber. He needs their expertise, preferring Carter's.

Shiera says she'll come down, and we see that she's already donned her Hawkgirl attire. She flies to the Rocky Mountains, changes into her civilian guise, and meets Dr. Wright, who remains sexist upon meeting her. He shows her the antechamber he discovered and the writing found inside. It's not cuneiform or Egyptian hieroglyphics. Shiera can't read it but recognizes it as Kryptonese and thinks that, as corny as it sounds, this might be a job for Superman.

That night, while Dr. Wright sleeps nearby, she uses the JLA signal to contact Superman. He comes as soon as he's able, recognizing the significance of a Kryptonian antechamber in the Rocky Mountains. Superman reads the script, a welcoming message in his native Kryptonian tongue. He observes that it's written in a dialect a hundred years older than the one he speaks and identifies the chamber as having been built in the 19th century.

They exit the antechamber and enter what appears to be a laboratory, magnificently illustrated by Starlin. They discover a projectron containing the diary of whoever built this lab. Superman is surprised to find that the scientist is his great-grandfather, Var-El, whom he recognizes from busts and portraits on Krypton.

The projectron, speaking Kryptonese, reveals Var-El's visual journal. Superman adjusts the computer to translate for Shiera's benefit. It turns out that Var-El was a scientist experimenting with a universal solar storage system deemed too dangerous by Krypton's Science Council. Forbidden to conduct his experiments there, he developed a form of intergalactic teleportation that brought him to Earth in the mid-1800s.

Var-El discovered he possessed super strength, flight, and invulnerability under Earth's yellow sun, which aided him in constructing his super-scientific lab. Superman describes it as equivalent to a Jules Verne novel. The final journal entry mentions Var-El working on a cosmic iris that, when opened, would reveal where the solar energies of dying stars were trapped.

As Shiera explores the lab, she's attacked by a giant green sentinel android created by Var-El as a watchdog. Superman destroys it with his heat vision. While Shiera gathers equipment outside, Superman accidentally activates the iris, which turns out to be a portal to another dimension. He's dragged in by the gravity of a massive red sun that collects energy from dying stars. And now we know what happened to Var-El a century ago.

Activating her anti-gravity belt, Hawkgirl enters the dimension to save Superman, who is being attacked by giant condors. They fend off the creatures, but Superman, weakened by the red sun, is nearly pulled into it. At the last moment, Shiera saves him, her wings burning as she flies them both out through the portal. This leaves us wondering whether Var-El ended up in the belly of a monstrous condor, or burned to a crisp by the red sun.

The issue ends with Hawkgirl telling Superman not to tell Carter what happened, a cryptic statement that leaves us wondering about its implications. Is Carter the jealous type? Or, Rao forbid, is Shiera and Supes planning on spending the rest of the weekend together??

All joking aside, this issue is particularly significant as it reveals the origin of Jor-El's knowledge about Earth, passed down from Var-El's discoveries. It also introduces the intriguing possibility that ancient Kryptonians might have visited Earth, adding depth to the Superman mythos.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ All in all, a worthy read. Starlin’s art is the main attraction, but Roy’s script shines almost as brightly.

Recommendations:

Just a few things I’ve been watching, re-watching, and reading of late. You might enjoy them too.

Films: Nightbreed

As a childhood favorite that has stood the test of time, Clive Barker's "Nightbreed" is a dark fantasy horror film that deserves a place in every genre fan's collection, and one I rewatched recently. This 1990 cult classic, based on Barker's novella "Cabal," offers a unique and captivating take on the monster movie genre that’s not to be missed.

The Story:

Meet Aaron Boone, a troubled mechanic plagued by nightmares of a hidden city called Midian, home to a race of monsters known as the Nightbreed. Framed for a series of brutal murders, Boone finds himself drawn to Midian, where he discovers that the creatures he once feared may be his only salvation. As he uncovers the truth about his own nature and the real evil that threatens both humans and monsters alike, Boone must embrace his destiny and fight to protect his newfound family.

Review:

"Nightbreed" is a visually stunning and thematically rich film that subverts traditional horror tropes by presenting the monsters as sympathetic and misunderstood beings. Barker's signature blend of horror and fantasy creates a world that is both terrifying and alluring, populated by an array of imaginative creatures brought to life through impressive practical effects and makeup.

For you weirdos looking to experience this monstrous masterpiece, "Nightbreed" is currently available to stream for free on Tubi. Whether you're revisiting a childhood favorite or discovering it for the first time, this film offers a rich and rewarding viewing experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Anime Series: Gantz

Gantz is a dark and intense sci-fi thriller that pushes the boundaries of conventional anime storytelling, and one I’ve been obsessed with lately. The series follows Kei Kurono, a high school student who finds himself thrust into a deadly game orchestrated by a mysterious black sphere called Gantz. Alongside other recently deceased individuals, Kei must participate in dangerous missions to hunt down and eliminate alien threats.

With its gritty atmosphere, visceral action sequences, and thought-provoking themes, Gantz offers a unique and unforgettable viewing experience. The show explores complex moral dilemmas and the human psyche under extreme circumstances, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats throughout its 26-episode run.

While not for the faint of heart due to its graphic violence and mature themes, Gantz delivers a gripping narrative that will leave you questioning the nature of life, death, and humanity. The series boasts stunning visuals, memorable characters, and a haunting soundtrack that perfectly complements its dark tone.

For those seeking a thrilling and unconventional anime experience, Gantz can currently be found on Crunchyroll.

Fiction: Grady Hendrix’s Dead Leprechauns and Devil Cats - Strange Tales of the White Street Society

"Dead Leprechauns and Devil Cats" is a wickedly funny and imaginative collection of Victorian-era supernatural tales that had me in stitches. Seriously, it's comedic horror at it's finest, and Grady Hendrix needs no introduction.

Following the adventures of the White Street Society, the stories in this weird collection blend steampunk, horror, and satire to create a uniquely entertaining universe of madness. Grady's sharp wit and clever writing shine as he skewers 19th-century prejudices and fears while delivering bizarre and engaging plots.

From singing decapitated heads to German holiday demons, each tale is more outrageous than the last. While not for the easily offended (one of the characters is obnoxiously elitist), fans of Hendrix's work and those who enjoy darkly humorous historical fiction will find this collection a delightful and twisted romp through a reimagined past we all should be glad never existed. But boy is it fun to read about it. Find it on Amazon or get your hands on it immediately via Kindle.

Comics: Judge Dredd: The Complete Case Files 44

This isn't just another day at the iso-cube - this collection is a rollercoaster of justice that'll leave you gasping for breath, but in a good way.

Sure, some stories might feel like a protein cube from the vending machine - filling but not exactly gourmet. But hey, even Judges need a snack between saving the city, right? And when this collection hits its stride, it's like watching Dredd nail a Lawmaster jump over a burning Resyk truck - pure adrenaline!

The "Origins" finale? It's got more twists than a muties' game of Twister. And that "Tour of Duty" teaser? It's like getting a glimpse of the Chief Judge's secret files - you know it's gonna be big!

Artwise, it's a mishmash of talent. You've got the new blood bringing fresh ideas, mixed with the old guard showing why they're legends. Ezquerra's work? It's like he's been possessed by Grud himself.

Bottom line: Case Files 44 is meatier than a Mega-City hotdog and twice as satisfying. It's not just a comic - it's a slice of future history. Don’t be a perp, get it ASAP. (And for those of you living in the States or anywhere except the UK, you can download it on the 2000 A.D. website. It’s so worth it!)

Random Panel of Weirdness

Until Next Time

Well, that's all for this week, weird ones!

I hope you found something interesting or useful in this edition. As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts, so hit me up at sinkintotheweird@gmail.com with any thoughts you might have.

Before I sign off, here's a quick reminder:

* Stay curious

* Be kind to yourself

* And don't forget to weird out now and then ;)

Until next time, take care and keep being awesome!

Cheers,

Herm

P.S. If you enjoyed this newsletter, why not share it with a friend? They might thank you for it! 😉

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