Every Sunday, that’s right, every freaking Sunday, Nerd City H.Q. Piece Brewery offers their $25 Growler and Pizza to go special.

Pick up some of their delicious award-winning brew and pizza, then settle in for a long day of

sports/cartoons/adult films/whatever.

Get all the deets on this and other great Piece specials here.

Piece Brewery

1927 W. North Ave.

Chicago, Il 60622

Jaroo is a new/free online site that allows you to watch many new live action shows and cartoons aimed towards the kids/tweens.  The positive about this site is that it hosts classic cartoons such as Captain N Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda cartoon among others.  The site acts just like Hulu so it’s definitely worth checking out.  Check out Jaroo right here.

Here’s another amazing vintage-style MOTU figure from Frenchcustum.  Once again, the figure is based upon a character who was featured in the original Filmation cartoons, but was never released by Mattel as a toy.  I always wanted a Strongarm figure as a kid, and this custom really does the character justice.

For more info on Frenchcustum, check out his MOTU site here.

Or, if you don’t speak French, head over to this thread at GrayskullMuseum.

In the most recent episode of Nerd City (55 to be exact - that’s right, Max and Ben are “tomcats”), the raping and bastardization of the comics, cartoons, action figures, etc. we held so dear as youngsters was discussed. I just came across a couple articles I felt fit in with that subject matter and they are linked below:

KIDS CARTOON THEME SONGS WITH VIDEOS

and…

HOW TO RUIN A CHILDHOOD FRANCHISE

If you’re in the Columbus area, you should totally check out this great show at the always awesome Rivet Gallery.

From Rivet:

Rivet is happy to present “We’ll Be Right Back… After These Messages“

Join us in celebrating the cartoons of old at Rivet with a Saturday morning at night extravaganza! Featuring Saturday morning staples like mimosas, cereal, and some other goodies. Limited commercial interruptions, and remember to be quiet, mom is still sleeping!

Opening Reception: Saturday, August 1 from 7-10pm
Exhibition: August 1 through August 31

For additional information, please visit our web site, Rivet or call 614-294-8697.

The artist list includes:

Andrew Bell

Charlie Owens

Chris Lee

Daniel Elson

Clinton Reno

John Lara

Tiffany Liu

Mike Mass

Scott Cambell

Shannon Bonatakis

Jason Limon

Thom Glick

CJ Metzger

Matthew Hawkins

Gunnar

To get more info, or for details on purchasing some of these pieces, go to Rivet’s site here.

Direct Youtube Link

I recently came across this cartoon adaptation of Mike Mignola’s The Amazing Screw-On Head and it rules. Originally designed as a series for the formerly-named SciFi Channel, it unfortunately never made it past the pilot stage, which is a shame. Featuring the voices of Paul Giamatti, David Hyde Pierce, Molly Shannon, and Patton Oswalt, this is one of the coolest cartoons I’ve seen in a long, long time. It is very, very Mignola, and the animation and storytelling are exceptional.

Get it here.

As co-creator of the Ninja Turles, Peter Laird and his characters have had an immeasurable impact on pop culture worldwide. This year represents the 25th annivesary of TMNT’s creation. Laird recently talked with Nerd City’s Max on his work, the milestone of 25 years, and what the future holds for the beloved franchise.

Recently, TMNT celebrated it’s 25th anniversary. How does it feel to have your work appreciated so long after it’s intitial conception?

It’s a great feeling, albeit sometimes kind of weird–I mean, twenty-five years ago, I never expected to be working on the same thing that many years later! But it does make me feel good that these wacky little things Kevin (Eastman) and I created struck a positive nerve with a lot of people.

Why do you think the Turtles have endured in popularity for so many years?

I’m not completely sure, but I think it probably has a lot to do with their basic appeal as characters–the four turtles, with Splinter, make up a loving family…and I think that is very attractive.

When you and Kevin Eastman first created the ninja turtles, did you have any idea it would be so successful?

Not at all! When we did that first comic back in the late winter of 1984, we just wanted to have a comic book published. Never in our wildest dreams did we expect it to go so far. We would have been (and were, as it turned out) happy just to see all of the books we printed get sold.

Does the current state of Ninja Turtle-dom still represent your original vision? If not, how does it differ?

The original vision of the Turtles has evolved…”mutated”, you might say…over the years, through all of the various iterations (animated TV shows, live action movies, different comic book adaptations, etc.)–but in the TMNT Volume 4 comics that I write and Mirage Studio publishes, (thirty issues to date, beginning in 2001), I think I have pretty much kept to my individual vision of the TMNT.

As you mentioned, the Turtles have seen many, many incarnations. What have been some of your favorite interpretations of these beloved characters?

That’s hard to say–there have been many cool versions. But I think two that stand out are the first live-action movie Turtles, crafted by the Jim Henson Studio artists, and the 2K3 cartoon series which we created in partnership with 4Kids.

How involved are you in the control of the TMNT property? Does all work related require your O.K.?

I’m not very much involved with the day-to-day workings of Mirage–most of that is handled by the able staff at the studio. They have a pretty good idea of what I like or don’t like. I only get involved when there is something coming up that might require my approval or creative input.

What non-Turtle related Peter Laird works should fans look for?

I haven’t done much comics work outside the TMNT,  but I am proud of the “Planet Racers” graphic novel trilogy that I did with Jim Lawson (for more information, check out www.plantetracers.com).

Direct Youtube Link

With twenty-five years already behind the franchise , what does the future hold for the Turtles (movies, cartoons, video games etc.)?

Well, one thing I know for certain at this point is that we have another movie planned–this time a live-action film scheduled to be released in 2011. Ubisoft is preparing a cool new videogame, which I believe is coming out this year. There will probably be more licensed merchandise. I’d love to see another animated TV series, but as of right now there are no such plans. Mirage Studios will likely continue to publish some TMNT comics, at least for a while–”Tales of the TMNT” and my own irregurlarly scheduled “TMNT” comic.

In the 80’s, Remco produced various action figure lines that were intended to be compatable with Mattel’s Masters of the Universe line.  Among these lines were a line based upon Mike  Grell’s The Warlord, a pirate themed line, a robot line, and, my personal favorite, The Warrior Beasts.  What made the Warrior beases so cool is that htey were all monsters and featured creatures so crazy looking that they made a lot of the MOTU figures that they attempted to emulate look lame.  At the time, these figures filled the shelves of K-Mart because you much preferred to take home a far more respectable Ram-Man figure.  However, as time has gone on, Warrior Beasts have become some of the most celebrated and sought after toys of their era.

But I digress.  This custom by He-Mike from the He-Man.org forums takes one of the Warrior Beast figures, Craven, and updates him as a Masters of the Universe Classics figure.  Utilizing parts from MOTUC Stratosand Skeletor and the original Warrior Beasts Craven, this figure looks amazing.  I’m loving the paint details, as well.

For more info on this custom, check out the thread at the He-Man.org forums here.

For more info on the original Warrior Beasts line, check out the thread at the Action Figure Archives forums here.

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada’s Adriean Koleric is Item, one of Nerd City’s favorite artists and greatest allies.  Item was kind enough to answer a few questions about his artistic philosophies, inspirations, and his upcoming HERD show.

I see a really cool range of homages in your work from nerd pop culture to modern architecture to fashion to music. Stylistically, what influences propel Item?

I think you pretty well summed it up in your question! Ya, i’m a Nerd through and through. I love Industrial Design, Architecture, etc. …but my first love is pop culture, especially early to mid-80’s era. Stuff like comic books, toys, vinyl, cartoons, etc. That shit just gets me going and really helps fuel the creative fire. By the way I have to say, the trailer for the new GI Joe movie looks absolutely sick! I was a little worried with the all leather promo posters, but this really settled things down for me. I’ve been waiting for this flick since 1983, so it’s kind of a big deal to me!

What specifically is the HERD show and how did the idea come about for it?

HERD is my first solo show that’s based on the original Star Wars AT-AT design. The show will center around a dozen refurbished AT-AT’s (aptly renamed to AK-AT’s ) and will also feature some wall graphics, lighting elements and my first official toy based on my AK-AT driver mashup. I basically had 2 objectives for the show. One was to put focus on the actual design of the AT-AT’s and make people realize that someone actually sat down and spent time on this piece which in my opinion is one of the most iconic pieces of art ever made.

The funny thing is we don’t know the name of the Artist behind it like we would with a VanGogh or Warhol piece. According to Wikipedia, the AT-AT Designers name is Joe Johnston who funny enough is supposed to be the Director for the upcoming Captian America movie. Nice little tidbit eh? As for the second objective, I also wanted to show how some of us are heavily influenced by Western Pop Culture and that items such as the AT-AT’s are essentially ‘Art’ to us which then filters into our work today. These are the creations we look fondly back onto and inspire us to do what we do in a creative realm. Essentially what i’m saying is that we’re the HERD that are being lead by this movement called Pop Culture.

You have commissioned some really cool pieces from Suckadelic as part of the show. How did that collabo come about and what was the process like?

It was such an easy process. I have to say The Sucklord is a machine and an absolute professional at what he does. I basically dropped him an e-mail with a sketch of my ‘AK-AT Driver’ to see if he’d take it on as a job, which he graciously did. From there he rattled off a dozen kit-bashed resin figures that were spot on to what I was hoping to get. I felt like a kid again when those bad boys showed up in the mail. The quality is downright criminal. I cannot wait to include them in HERD!

You share the music that you’re enjoying fairly regularly on your blog. What have you been listening to while working on the pieces for the HERD show?

My Nano was on serious shuffle mode through the HERD process. The tunes were all over the place, but if I had to pick something specific i’d say I really got into The Rakes. ‘Strasbourg’ is a bloody masterpiece! Absolute brilliance! I’m also one of those guys to have a ‘background’ movie playing while I work. You know, the flicks that just sound great? Life Aquatic, Snatch, Lock Stock, The Darjeeling Limited and definitely Afro Samurai! RZA rocked the shit with that soundtrack. I wish my theme song sounded as bad ass as that one.

What is your process for custom painting the AT-AT’s.

Well the first challenge was actually getting my hands on them. Thank goodness for E-bay! Otherwise i’d be hooped. Once they arrived, then came disassembly and then a major cleaning as you would not believe the state that some came in. One was actually lit on fire from the inside! Of course no mention of that in the auction description. So after all components were ‘brought back to life’, out came the spray paint and the rest is history.

What else is on the horizon for you, artistically?

I’ve got a couple of shows in the pipeline. One based on Cobra Commander which will be another solo gig and then a group show I’m putting together that will be an all ‘Droid’ program. The mediums will vary for both, but the common is that I’ll still be incorporating some of my Design background to each one. Stuff like this just evolves as the process goes, so it’s always hard for me to know exactly how things will turn out at the end.

Thanks so much for what you’re doing with your art. Your combination of uber modern style and geek culture reverence is exactly what Nerd City loves!

…and I love you Nerd City !

HERD will officially be happening Spring 2009 (April 17-May16) in Edmonton at Latitude53.

Please check out Item’s web site here and blog here for more info.

Rob Schrab is the shit. His work includes “Scud: The Disposable Assassin“, “Monster House“, “Heat Vision and Jack“, and “The Sarah Silverman Program“. (See his Nerd City profile here.) Max recently had a chance to ask Rob a few questions about his work, his future, and his recent return to Scud.

Direct Youtube Link

You recently returned to “Scud: The Disposable Assassin” after a ten year hiatus. How does it feel to come back to a project after so much time away, and what was it that brought you back to finish Scud?

It feels great.  I had Scud hanging over my head for ten years.  It died and came back better than ever.  I didn’t think I could do it.  I hope it inspires a generation of Scud fans to not give up on things that are important to them.

Good question.  It’s hard to say since I’m in the middle of Scud and I can only see it from inside and only the fans can see it looking in.  I think Scud reminds fans of themselves.  He has the same wants and desires they do (to be accepted, find sanctuary in a soul mate) and he has the same weaknesses (the need to be accepted, and find sanctuary in a soul mate).  He’s slight of frame but can kick ass, he protects his friends more than himself and even though he finds this life to be completely without logic and utterly unfair -it’s still precious to him.  That’s why I like him.

What else is in store for everyone’s favorite disposable assassin? Is there any possibility of a Scud movie?

“The Sarah SIlverman Program” recently began a new season on Comedy Central. The show has utilized cartoons, musical numbers, and puppetry. What kinds of things can fans expect this season of the show?

Kate Napolitano is Managing Editor of ToyFare Magazine, and her newly launched blog, “Chewing on Poison Ivy” can currently be found on the Wizard Universe website.  She recently talked Toyfare,  lady nerdiness, and s-e-x, with Nerd City’s Max.

Kate, how did you get involved with ToyFare, and what does your position as Managing Editor entail?

I got involved with ToyFare by lots of finger-crossing, the most eccentric cover letter I’ve ever written, and a devout love of all things Wizard since before puberty. To start with that last part first, I grew up reading both Wizard and ToyFare; read it all through college at Fairfield University in Connecticut where I graduated Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa (if I don’t say that part my Mom will call you and make you put it in, ha ha) in 2006 with a degree in English and Women’s Studies. I spent a little time post-college “finding myself” writing freelance and teaching at a private school, but the stars aligned one day when I happened upon a ToyFare Managing Editor ad on Craigslist.

I wrote a cover letter that started “My density has brought me to you,” had several interviews, and here I am.

And what do I do? The Managing Editor is a wheel-greaser: I’m in charge of making sure everything big and small gets done, gets done well, and, above all, gets done on time. I create schedules, set up meetings, keep track of the budget and payroll, harass people to get finish things, and also do a whole lotta copyediting.

Tell us a little bit about your new blog, “Chewing on Poison Ivy“.

I love comics, and I love the subject of Women’s (well, really Gender) Studies; Sex and Superheroes are myfavorite S-words, lol! There’s a lot to celebrate about being a girl-nerd, a lot to celebrate about being a boy-nerd, and a lot to celebrate about all the male and female characters we love. I’m setting out on my blog to do just that, but critically, maybe a touch academically from time to time, and most importantly, with whatever fan interaction I can think of. I’m always open to suggestions. It’s about having fun while entertaining some critical thought and discussion.

As a prominent female member of the nerd communitiy, what are the things you’re particularly nerdy about?

I am a COMPLETE nerd about the usual suspects like Star Trek (though I’ll admit I didn’t get on board Voyager until Seven of Nine arrived), Family Guy, and animation in general…I love unique animation—like MTV’s adaptation of Sam Kieth’s The Maxx, or pretty much anything Stop Motion (I’m a Wallace and Gromit geek, always watch the Rankin-Bass Christmas specials, and am on Atom Films’ website all the time looking at the latest stop motion/claymation contributions).

I also think I love Alan Moore’s works more than is medically deemed “normal,” lol, with a special love for Tom Strong. I literally held his action figure while I slept the night it arrived in the mail (my boyfriend said later the couch was not as uncomfortable as he thought it’d be, ha ha).

I’m also pretty nerdy about sex: I like learning about it (I once interned at NYC’s Museum of Sex), and do collect textbooks and guides about it. I even have books on animal sexuality—like did you know that female porcupines are only in heat four hours a year? Or that male bean weevils have barbed penises that make sex just hideous for females? Sex has way more flavors than Baskin-Robbins.

Coming up on Chewing on Poison Ivy, I’ve got an interview with American Gladiator Phoenix (we met at WW Chicago this year and she’s as sweet as she is gorgeous), some book reviews, and likely an essay or two about working at Wizard itself (like for example we’ve got two mens rooms on the first floor, and I think it’d be fun to play with stuff like that).

As for ToyFare, issue 136 goes on sale in October, and has a fabulous interview with Bruce Campbell, plus a ton of great Gears of War and GI Joe coverage. We’re working on 137 now, which has a massive Holiday gift-buying guide (CBS is actually issuing a life-size Captain Kirk captain’s chair!), and after that 138 has a GIANT 2009 Preview. Toys, games, movies—we’re on it!

Well, I really don’t find Family Guy that funny anymore but occasionally it will make me laugh but this video made me chuckle.  I guess Seth McFarlane is doing short web cartoons, brought to us by BK, and this one relates to video games so I thought I’d post it.  It truely shows how big of a bitch Peach really is.

Direct Youtube Link

With the release of Mario Super Sluggers yesterday (I recommend picking it up by the way). 2pstart has created an interesting cartoon for the game. If you check out their archives HERE you will find some other funny cartoons based off of other video games. Enjoy.