Marvel Comics’ Amazing Spider-Man #583 hits comic book shops today. This edition features a special side story with a nod to history as Peter Parker covers Barack Obama’s inauguration and discovers a situation that requires Spiderman’s help. Half of the covers feature the president-elect. Marvel expects the edition to sell out. Do you have plans to get a copy?

Alternate cover for Amazing Spider-Man #583

I am looking forward to February as a month for more than just Valentine’s Day now that I stumbled upon the trailer for Coraline, directed by Henry Selick (where have I been…under a rock?). Based on the 2002 book by author Neil Gaiman, the story is about a young girl looking for something more than her dull life at home, and finding it on the other side of a little door in her house (oh, does she ever!).

The website for the movie is really fun too (be sure to check out the amazing dancing mustache once you’ve entered the circus tent). Watch out, your dreams could come true!

Attention all you Facebook users, IMPACT author and artist Harry Hamernik has a created a Facebook group for Cartoonimals, his latest art instruction title. You can post your own cartoon animals to the site and Harry will give you feedback on it.

Monkey: Journey to the West is the title of a “pop” opera by Gorillaz (one of my fav bands). It opened in November 2008, but so far performances have only been in the U.K., and according to the web site, it looks like the last performance wrapped up Jan. 4. Gorillaz is fronted by four animated characters created by Jamie Hewlett, the co-creator of Tank Girl, but Monkey: Journey to the West is performed by live actors with some animation and all the costumes, face paint and set design (and of course animation) was created by Hewlett. The illustration gallery is worth a look.

You can see some awesome clips on the official Monkey: Journey to the West YouTube channel. Here’s one of them:

The Dark Knight proves that, yes, a comic book movie can be considered a “Best Picture!”

The Producers Guild of America have nominated The Dark Knight for their annual Producers Guild Award. The awards ceremony, which takes place Saturday, January 24 at the Hollywood Palladium, is considered an indicator for next month’s Oscars. In the running with The Dark Knight is The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Frost/Nixon, Milk and Slumdog Millionaire. 

For some interesting and varied opinions on this nomination visit justpressplay.net, film.com, or start your own discussion here