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?

Max is a huge fan of Rob Schrab, and he thinks you should be too. Originally from Wisconsin, by far one of Nerd City’s favorite states, Schrab studied at art-school in super-awesome Milwaukee. Whilst there, he created Scud: The Disposable Assassin, one of the best, funniest independent comics ever. Although long,     long,long, delayed (like Chinese Democracy long), Image has recently released the entire series in the new omnibus, “Scud: The Disposable Assassin: The Whole Shebang“, which absolutely rules. Scud is also soon-to-be-released (hopefully) as an action figure from oft-beleagured Shocker Toys, making Scud the word in Nerd, once again.

Following interest (misguided, unfortunately) in turning Scud in to a movie, (at one time the project was even linked to conspiracy king Oliver Stone), and the release of a Scud video game on the ill-fated Sega Saturn, Schrab and writing partner Dan Harmon began a relationship with Robert Zemeckis‘ Image Movers production company, which eventually resulted in the super kick-ass Monster House. Seriously, Monster House is one of the best animated movies ever. It’s like the movies Spielberg (who co-produced) used to make. (Please see Goonies, Gremlins)

At about this time, Schrab and Harmon began work on “Heat Vision and Jack” with Ben Stiller. Widely considered to be one of the best pilots never aired, (by Fox, of course), the show starred a young Jack Black as a man on the run from Ron Silver (as Ron Silver) and NASA, and featured Owen Wilson as the voice of Black’s unemployeed roommate/talking motorcycle Heat Vision.  It ruled.

Direct Youtube Link

Following the untimely demise of the show, Schrab and Harmon went on to create Channel101.com, an online community for comedic film makers that has included work by Black, Harmon, and Schrab, as well as helping to launch SNL’s The Lonely Island crew. It also spawned one of the greatest internet video series ever, Yacht Rock.

Direct Youtube Link

Currently, Schrab works on the sublime, filthy-dirty hilariousness that is “The Sarah Silverman Program” on Comedy Central, which recently opened a third season with their highest ratings ever.

In conclusion, Rob Schrab is the bomb. Thank you.

For continuing Schrab updates, please check out his website, Robschrab.com. And Mr. Schrab, please, keep up the good work.

Episode XV: The boys are joined by Chicago comedian Jimmy Pennington as they talk shit on “Star Wars:Clone Wars”, discuss the current improv comedy scene, and try to determine why He-man is such a racist, this week on Nerd City.

Pictures and links after the jump…

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Just in time for the holiday season comes the announcment of a new PS3 on its way.  Being released this November, Sony will introduce a 160GB system that will be bundled with Uncharted Drakes Fortune (which IMO is the best game on the system) This is interesting that Sony keeps upping the HD space considering that you can exchange the hard drive easily by yourself and Sony even explains how to do this in the manual.  Either way it will be nice for all the DLC that will be coming out on the PSN, especially the movie rental and download service they offer.  The new bundle pack will retail for $499 and will be available once again in November.

Sony Computer Entertainment America Announces Limited-Edition Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune(TM) PLAYSTATION(R)3 Bundle Featuring New 160GB PS3(TM) System

FOSTER CITY, Calif., Aug. 20 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today announced plans to introduce a new 160GB PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system in North America as part of the limited-edition Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune(TM) PS3 system bundle. The increased storage size enables entertainment enthusiasts to store even more movies, television shows, and games downloaded from PLAYSTATION(R)Network, as well as more videos, music, and photos from their personal collection. Slated to launch in November for $499.99 (MSRP), the 160GB PS3 system will come bundled with the hit game, Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune(TM), a PLAYSTATION Network voucher for PAIN, and a DUALSHOCK(R)3 wireless controller. The previously announced 80GB PS3 system ($399.99 MSRP) has started shipping to retailers.

“As PLAYSTATION Network continues to evolve with our recently launched video delivery service and more exclusive games, PS3 owners are demanding more storage capacity,” said Jack Tretton, president and CEO, SCEA. “Consumers also are utilizing PS3 as an entertainment hub for their digital media, placing content such as their entire music collection on the hard drive. The 160GB PS3 system addresses this growing consumer demand in a compelling bundle that delivers significant value.”

The Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune PS3 bundle includes the following components:
— 160GB PS3 system — The 160GB PS3 is a complete entertainment system comprising a Blu-ray(TM) Disc player, HDMI output, an integrated Wi-Fi connection, and Cell Broadband Engine(TM).
— Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune — A 400-year-old clue found in the coffin of Sir Francis Drake sets a modern-day fortune hunter, Nathan Drake, on an exploration for the fabled treasure of El Dorado, leading to the discovery of a forgotten island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The search turns deadly when Drake becomes stranded on the island and hunted by mercenaries. Outnumbered and outgunned, Drake and his companions must fight to survive as they begin to unravel the terrible secrets hidden on the Island.

— PAIN PLAYSTATION Network Voucher* — PAIN boldly tackles a rarely explored area of video-gaming … comedy. The unique mechanic of the game allows the player to load a character into a human-sized, ultra-powerful slingshot, and fire the character into an active, physics-controlled environment, filled with precarious and humorous situations. Download PAIN from PLAYSTATION Store (http://store.playstation.com) to your PS3 system with the included voucher.
— DUALSHOCK 3 Wireless Controller — DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller provides the most intuitive game play experience with pressure sensors in each action button and the inclusion of the highly sensitive SIXAXIS(TM) motion sensing technology.

The additional storage space of the 160GB model will benefit consumers, as several highly anticipated PLAYSTATION Network and PS3 games along with add-on content will be available for download soon, including PAIN Amusement Park, Ratchet & Clank(R)Future: Quest for Booty(TM), SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation, and The Last Guy(TM). The bundle is also a great option for consumers who want to utilize PLAYSTATION Network’s video delivery service, which offers new blockbuster movies and popular TV shows for download on an ongoing basis.
PS3 momentum has soared in 2008, starting with Blu-ray becoming the
high-definition standard and following the launches of key franchise titles, including Gran Turismo(TM) 5 Prologue, Grand Theft Auto(TM) IV, and Metal Gear Solid(R)4: Guns of the Patriots. That momentum will continue into the holidays and beyond, as PS3’s software lineup will offer the most depth and breadth of any platform across the industry, delivering highly anticipated exclusives such as BUZZ!(TM): Quiz TV, LittleBigPlanet(TM), Resistance(TM) 2, MotorStorm(TM) Pacific Rift, and Killzone(TM) 2.

We all saw how Rush failed at Tom Sawyer on The Colbert Report, so now we get to see Nas show em how things are done. On a side note, Nas’ new album that just came out is great. Definitely give it a shot.

Great web series by fellow nerds Bill Hader and Seth Myers.  This show is about two friends (Hader and Joe Lo Truglio) who are waiting in line 11 days for a new Sci-Fi Space movie, comedy ensues after that.  Featuring guest stars Jason Sudekis, Paul Scheer and Liz Cackowski I guarentee you will laugh. Here is the first episode and the rest can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/user/TheLineFutureSpace

Direct Youtube Link

From the sound of things, Peart blew it for everyone!  Again with the Tom Sawyer???

From Kotaku: