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Friday, December 11, 2009

Dad's Underwear

Yesterday was my Moms birthday. The good news was, I spent it helping my Dad go shopping to make the shift from fruit-smuggler underwear to boxer-briefs. Was easily the funniest, best, most crazy Dad-moment in a long while. But so proud of my Pop for entering the new century. (Special thanks to Craig Rogers, who made me stop wearing those underwear in 1988.)


And yes, I know my Dad's reading this now (because he's friended nearly half of you). But this is how I'm going to get him to laugh. Can't wait to milk all the emotions for a scene in a book. Love you all.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Adoption

For those who have adopted kids -- or know someone who do, this came to me from the sister of one of my first readers (and now dear friend). Of course, feel free to share with anyone you think needs to hear it:




Brad... my sister is in the process of adopting, and had this conversation with her 4 year old son today (who WILL be getting a copy of your Heroes!):


This morning I was driving Nathan to daycare and we were talking about Batman and Spiderman, as we so often do. He asked about what happened to Batman's mom and dad. I told him that Bruce Wayne's mom and dad had died and that Alfred had helped raise him and stayed with him. He asked about Spiderman, where were his mom and dad. I didn't know but that Peter Parker was raised by his uncle and aunt. And while I was prepared to launch into my favorite "all families are different and as long as there is love its a family" schpeel that I love so dearly, Nathan had his own story to tell. He told me that this would be just like for his new sister. That we aren't her first family but that she'd come live with us and we'd love her forever like Alfred did for Batman. He says he will tell his big sister all about Batman and how families can love you and make you a superhero even if you aren't there as a baby first. Yeah... we're going to be just fine.


Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Title Of The New Book!

Here it is. The winner for the title of the new non-fiction book, out this May. And, the very first look at the cover.



Heroes For My Son.



And yes, it was the biggest blowout vote we ever had. Just staggering. Special sorry to my wife, who lost.


Hugs and thanks to all who voted.


Heroes For My Son (Book Cover)

Monday, November 09, 2009

First Look at Brad on Buffy The Vampire Slayer

First cover.


Issue 32.


Out in February.


Georges Jeanty drawing.


And Joss's reaction is about right.




Buffy The Vampire Slayer Cover Issue #32

Friday, November 06, 2009

Sesame Street

Happy 40th Sesame Street. And still have my favorites... Sing it with me. Imagine the old animation and that trippy ball: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5... (YouTube)

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Wild Things

Saw Where The Wild Things Are last night. It has no business being great. But it is. So manipulative. So perfect. It just replays all the operas from your childhood, and for ten bucks, you have your childhood back. I will watch anything Spike Jonze does. Eggers too.


Also, I love this and I'm so jealous of them. Like seeing cool kids who you know could be your friends. I can just feel the Gen Ys getting started. Proof that they'll always be something new for us.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Jumbo's

Since I'm 15 years old, I've been eating at Jumbo's. I eventually married the owner's daughter. It is a Miami landmark, but it's also the best fried shrimp and chicken anywhere. That's right. Anywhere.


Sadly, because of the economy, it's been losing money by the handful. So take a look at this video and see why history will miss this one.


Click here (YouTube)

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Vote On The New Title!

Oh, yes, it's that time again -- Fall approaches, pumpkins appear, and my wife revels in the fact that I'm physically incapable of picking my own title for the next book. In my defense, this is a different kind of title, since it's the first non-fiction book I've ever done.


So first, please help us vote (pick one of these titles only -- and the description of the book is below, but don't read that until you vote). Which title do you like better:



Heroes For My Son

or

50 Heroes For My Son



Yes, I know they're similar. Just vote (you can vote below, or send an email to bradmeltzer44 at gmail.com, or at @bradmeltzer on twitter). You vote? Okay, then here's what the book's about:


Since the day my son was born, I've been writing a book for him. It's a collection of heroes throughout history. Some are famous (like Jim Henson, Mr. Rogers, and Rosa Parks). Some are totally unknown. (In fact, if you have someone you're thinking of, send them my way). But the result is this book -- a gift to my son.


Yes, I know I'm mushy. It's for my boys. I'm allowed. (I'll be even more mushy in the book I did for my daughter, which comes out the following year.)


So there you go. Whatever it's called, it won't be out until May 2010 (yes, for Father's Day), so please vote now. And as always, thanks for putting up with this.


Love,


B

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Indiana Visit!

I'm coming to Indiana this Saturday (October 3rd, 7:30 pm) for a reading, signing, talk -- all the good stuff at the Michigan City Public Library, 100 E. Fourth Street, Michigan City (Google Map).


Call 219-873-3049 for more information and here's a link to the event.


And as always, will sign whatever you want to bring.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Be In The Next Novel

Wanna get your name (or a loved one's name) in my next novel and help a good cause?


Comix4Sight Auction

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Save This Blog!

One of my favorite book blogs -- Off The Page -- is in danger of getting the axe, and so it falls to us to prove to the morons who cancel such things that, well...we're reading it.


It's written by Chauncey Mabe and Oline Cogdill, two South Florida folks who have a real love of books and who are vital to the art community here.


So please do click the link and root them on.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Monday, September 14, 2009

Forget Kanye

Forget Kayne. Norman Borlaug died. One of my true heroes (and yes, he's in the heroes book i'm doing).


Penn & Teller on Dr. Borlaug

Friday, September 04, 2009

Summer Books And Movies

Finally back from two weeks away, and just need to recommend one book and one film that're worth checking out.


For the book, it's Stitches by David Small. Yes, I read it months ago, but I think it's so douche-y to talk about a book no one else can buy -- and it's now finally on sale. It was the only book I brought back from BookExpo in May. Yes, it's a comic. And yes, I wish the ending were a hair more self-examining, but man, I promise you will be blown away. Just heartbreaking and wonderful in all the right places.


As for film, for sure, go see the Basterds and District 9, but when you're ready to really get king nerd going (and here comes the douche-y part because you can't buy it yet. God, I'm a hypocrite), go see the independent movie Last Son by fellow Jerry Siegel obsessed Brad Ricca. It'sf packed with never before seen footage/images/facts about Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster and the creation of Superman. And to totally steal from him: There is just "an Earth-2 (and 3) level of cool that two Brads were at different times in the same library having these big OMG moments in seeing this stuff. And (ready for this?) In the EXACT SAME ROOM where Joanne Siegel spread out her mail from her newspaper ad and chose Joe's to answer."


How's that for a benefit? Watch this film and see proof that another Earth exists.


That's the summer catch-up. Novel is coming along. First Buffy script is in. Art is just starting to show up. And big news coming about the non-fiction book, which is now coming out in May.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Senator Ted Kennedy

At 19, I was an intern in the Senate. I got to see and meet tons of senators who couldn't care less about interns. But one day, just as the elevator doors were closing, Senator Ted Kennedy stepped inside. I wasn't a Kennedy groupie. I was 19--I didn't care about Senators. But I still remember looking up and seeing, for the first time in my life, someone who was -truly- bigger than life. I just stood and stared.

Friday, August 21, 2009

Help Fight Cancer and Get Something for Yourself

I know you're tired of doing good deeds for no reason -- you ask yourself, "What's in it for me?" Well, for once, here is something for you (especially if you know a child who likes Ninja Turtles).


To offset expenses for my pal Jake Black's cancer treatment, Mirage--the Ninja Turtles Company--has released a t-shirt. You pick the size. You pick the color. And Jake gets some help.


And you look cool. And you sleep the good sleep.


Check it out. And thanks for checking it out.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Back on Topps

They're my friends so I plug for them. But this is good stuff. So here it is, season 2 of the Emmy-nominated original online series, Back on Topps starring The Sklar Brothers.



Back on Topps


Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Thrillerfest and Superman

Just now getting back from the weekend, which was wild for sheer surrealness, starting with the visit to the house where Superman was created. Last time I was there, the paint was peeling, the roof was dumping water into the bedrooms, the whole place was a mess. Today, the outside is pristine. It's the Norman Rockwell painting I imagined in my head. And of course, we took an early sneak peek at the Superman fence that now marks the spot (now that the house is no longer red and blue, it needed something). And for the ultra geeks, it's the original S. Go see it here (WSJ)...click slideshow...


Had a beautiful time catching up with all the Siegel & Shuster Society members, who are the dearest people around. And then, it was onto the roomful of real Siegels and Shusters. I mean, it. All of them. A hundred or so relatives, each with their own personal story of Joe drawing on butcher's paper, and Jerry telling stories. Natch, the pinnacle was meeting the real Lois Lane, Joanne Siegel, who was...how does this not sound odd...stunning. Really stunning. And so full of life. Like you look at her and know that she should've inspired the most famous reporter. Her daughter and the rest of their family are so appreciative of all of your work and I bring back love and hugs and mushy stuff for all.


Then onto Thrillerfest, where I got to spend time with pals (dicky name-drop time) Harlan Coben, David Baldacci, Sandra Brown, Steve Berry, Jon Land, and loads of others that I rarely get to see but always love seeing. The Thriller writers get it so right. A full conference just to discuss (and help other writers with) the craft.


And then back home, where my son says to me, "I hate to read." Perfect ending to a weekend of literacy love. We're now (and me we, I mean Jason Sherry, who did the first video, and the film CUBES) putting together a new video so you can see the new house for yourself. I can't thank you enough for putting the word out and telling people and doing what each of you individually did. As I said over and over, it wasn't me. YOU were the reason it really got done.


This week is going to the Heroes for my Son book.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Free Book

As I sit on a plane, headed to Cleveland, here's a little Friday love: a free copy of The First Counsel. Really. Free. You can read the whole thing through this new program is trying out (read: experimenting and praying with).

Tuesday, July 07, 2009

Superman, Buffy and Freemasons

Off to Cleveland later this week for the final unveiling of the newly restored house where Superman was created. Let me be clear: it is only restored because of you. All the people who passed the news around...who talked it up...who forwarded the video. All the writers and artists who donated stuff. All the Siegel & Shuster Society people who did the true heavy lifting. And all the members of the Invisible Army, who are sneaky and amazing. Love you like family. If I were Oprah, I'd buy you all hovercars.


The ribbon cutting (which I have to miss because of a previous promise to Thrillerfest) is Saturday at 10am at the house, so please do come if you're near Cleveland. Address is 10622 Kimberly Avenue. For me, the real thrill will be Friday night, when we sit down for dinner with the Siegel and Shuster families. Will of course bring back a full report.


Also, the Buffy writing is underway. That is all.


Also also, the fourth geocache has been hidden (for the promotion we're doing with the Freemasons). The clue is here.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

It's Happening

I need to point this out. This is the gold mine from The Zero Game. This is exactly what I said they'd do with it. This is exactly what they're doing. They see you right now. They told me. They see you shaking your head. They see it all.



Work begins on world's deepest underground lab AP
By DIRK LAMMERS, Associated Press Writer


SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Far below the Black Hills of South Dakota, crews are building the world's deepest underground science lab at a depth equivalent to more than six Empire State buildings — a place uniquely suited to scientists' quest for mysterious particles known as dark matter.


Scientists, politicians and other officials gathered Monday for a groundbreaking of sorts at a lab 4,850 foot below the surface of an old gold mine that was once the site of Nobel Prize-winning physics research.


The site is ideal for experiments because its location is largely shielded from cosmic rays that could interfere with efforts to prove the existence of dark matter, which is thought to make up nearly a quarter of the mass of the universe.


The deepest reaches of the mine plunge to 8,000 feet below the surface. Some early geology and hydrology experiments are already under way at 4,850 feet. Researchers also hope to build two deeper labs that are still awaiting funding from Congress.


"The fact that we're going to be in the Davis Cavern just tickles us pink," said Tom Shutt of Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, referring to a portion of the mine named after scientist Ray Davis Jr., who used it in the 1960s to demonstrate the existence of particles called solar neutrinos.


Davis and a colleague named John Bahcall won a share of the 2002 Nobel Prize for physics for their work.


The old Homestake Gold Mine in a community called Lead (pronounced LEED) was shut down in 2001 after 125 years. Pumps that kept the mine dry were turned off years ago, so workers have been drying it out to prepare for the new research.


Before the labs are built, crews must also stabilize the tunnels and install new infrastructure. The lab at 4,850 feet is not much to look at yet. A rusty orange film covers the walls, floors, ceilings and debris left behind by miners.


The first dark matter experiment will be the Large Underground Xenon detector experiment — or LUX — a project to detect weakly interacting particles that could give scientists greater insight into the Big Bang explosion believed to have formed the universe.


Shutt, along with Brown University's Rick Gaitskell and nearly a dozen collaborators will work at the site to search for dark matter, which does not emit detectable light or radiation. But scientists say its presence can be inferred from gravitational effects on visible matter.


Scientists believe most of the dark matter in the universe contains no atoms and does not interact with ordinary matter through electromagnetic forces. They are trying to discover exactly what it is, how much exists and what effect it may have on the future of the universe.


Physicists have said that without dark matter, galaxies might never have formed. By learning more about dark matter, they hope to understand better whether the universe is expanding or contracting.


The research team will try to catch the ghostly particles in a 300-kilogram tank of liquid xenon, a cold substance that is three times heavier than water. If they tried to detect dark matter above ground, the highly sensitive detector would be bombarded by cosmic radiation.


Scientists hope to start construction on the two deepest labs by 2012 and open them by 2016. The projects are expected to cost $550 million.


Friday, June 19, 2009

Brad's Graduation Speech

Last night, we went to the graduation ceremony for City Year Miami. When Brad got up to speak, he told the graduates that when he was 22 years old and graduating from the University of Michigan, he entered the schoolwide competition to be the graduation speaker. He lost, never even making the second round. But as he said last night, he's a stubborn bastard. He is. And then he reached into his pocket and pulled out the speech that he'd waited nearly 20 years to give. See below. Back then, the term Gen-X wasn't even invented, but his words are as relevant now as they were then (and does it sound like him, or what?). Just some fun to remind us when we were young.


Feel free to send to others, of course...


- Cori



Chase Your Dreams; Find Your Road Runner
By Brad Meltzer, age 22


The media loves to speculate about what our generation will accomplish. They call us the "Television Generation" or "The Baby-busters." Above all else, the media loves to report that our generation, aged 18-25, will be the first generation in history to have less than our parents. I cannot express how much this annoying little factoid bothers me.


I do not question the economic principles on which this prediction is based; rather, I am concerned about the consequences of the statement. It is both silly and bothersome to hear anyone "tell" us what we will be. The logical flaws alone are staggering. How can they know what our generation will accomplish when so many of our future leaders are still sitting here, awaiting graduation? It is as if they are trying to write that widely read year-in-review article before the year takes place.


They don't know our capabilities or the extent of our ingenuity. They simply base their "prediction" on the assumption that our limits are equal to the limits of their generation. They are wrong. This is a new generation. Graduates, it is "our" generation, and we differ from all others. Granted, we may have lower national math scores, and lower geographical knowledge. Certainly, there is some truth to the notion that we will not have the same economic advantages that our parents had. Yet, that does not mean that we will necessarily have less than our parents. Let the world know - we will not be counted out. I am confident we will surprise them. We have a different type of knowledge; more street-smart and clever. We are imaginative and more ingenious.


Creativity is an elemental force of nature. Use that force in whatever you decide to do. Whether you choose law, medicine, business, teaching, or any of the other limitless doors that are open to you, show the world - our time has come - we have arrived, and we will not be easily defeated.


As we face graduation, do not be scared of the future. Embrace it. Do not weather the storm. Control it. Make the most of your time, and we will make the best of our generation.


For the past two decades, we have seen Wile E. Coyote chase the ever-elusive Road Runner. For twenty years, we have known that he will never be able to catch him; yet, we still continue to watch. No matter how impossible our dreams might be, we must all practice the childhood lessons of Wile E. Coyote. Be persistent as you chase your own dreams, so that you may one day find your Road Runner.


Thank you, and good luck to you all. Go Blue.


Tuesday, June 09, 2009

New Secret Treasure!

Alright partypeople, the new secret treasures are now hidden (parts 2 and 3) in the team-up we're doing with the Freemasons. If you're saying, "What the hell is he talking about?" go read this to hear more about how you can GPS to find the geocaches that are hidden in the DC/MD/VA area.


As before, each clue overlaps thematically with The Book of Lies. And they're really getting cooler and cooler. Solve the puzzle...get the coordinates...find the goodies. One of them can only be seen at night. Pretty sneaky, sis.


So here you go -- and thanks to Johnny_Cache and Sue Hislop, our masterminds.



Book of Lies: Part 1, Scene 2, Alligator Alley


Book of Lies: Part 1, Scene 3, The Canal


Saturday, June 06, 2009

Old Jews Telling Jokes

I am now going to do you a favor. I used to hate Father's Day. It was a fake holiday. Until I got presents on it. So take this link, send it to your Dad, and wish him a Happy Father's Day with it. He deserves it.


Thanks to Jason S. for finding it.


Old Jews Telling Jokes

Thursday, June 04, 2009

New Cover

Here's the newest foreign cover -- this one for the paperback in the UK and Australia and published by the always classy Hodder & Stoughton (my first editor there was named George Lucas, so he called me on the phone the first day and left the message, "I'm George Lucas and I want to buy your book." Hurm). Clearly, they like the scary little running man over there too.


Tuesday, June 02, 2009

Hidden Treasure!

One of the things we're doing to promote the paperback of Book of Lies (see, plug right there!) is a collaboration with the Freemasons. Yes. The Freemasons. I love those guys. And after The Book of Fate, we connected in that Mork/Orson way and they started pointing out all these Freemason things that had been running through my books without me knowing it. Was wild.


And so, we're launching a geocaching puzzle.


Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunt played throughout the world by people armed with GPS devices. The basic idea is to solve puzzles and locate hidden containers, called geocaches, that're hidden all over. You don't need to read the book to do the puzzle. But you do need one of those cool GPS devices (though an iPhone does the trick).


I'm not saying any more, but if you're in (or plan to be in) Washington, DC, Maryland, or Virginia, go to www.bradmeltzer.com (on the homepage) and get ready to find. We hid the stuff, but good.

Beatles

Watch this. I know. It's a trailer for a new videogame, but...just trust me. It's the Beatles.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Superman House

The number one email we've gotten over the past few months is: What's happening with the Superman House?


And so, finally, a true update (and you can see more on Newsarama):




As some of you know, our goal was to raise $50,000 to work on the outside of the house. In the end, we raised $101,000. So work is now going on in the inside as well. It's just beautiful.


So let this be my invitation to all: On Saturday, July 11, 2009, in Cleveland, we'll have the official ribbon-cutting and unveiling of the redone Siegel house. The roof, the siding, the cement...so much has been done to this place. They even repainted it back to historic colors (honestly, I kinda liked the red and bright blue), but history won in this one. The only thing that made me crazy was the dark green trim. Green on Superman's house? A bunch of us screamed bloody kryptonite, but again, it's good to have the history. And from what I hear, we'll have a great showing by the Siegel family for the big unveiling. So if you're anywhere near Cleveland, hope you'll join us.


Finally, the one thing people really need to know is how much work the Siegel & Shuster Society put into this. We all helped raise the money, but they did all the heavy lifting. The people of Cleveland did that. We owe them forever for getting it done.


And finally, finally, based on the success of the Siegel house, we've actually turned our attention to a new cause. So now, if people go to www.OrdinaryPeopleChangeTheWorld.com (or on Facebook too), they'll see us raising money for City Year, an organization that my wife and I recently helped bring to Miami -- but is one of the premier service organizations around the world. It's like a Peace Corps for the United States and it empowers kids 17 - 24 years old. All we're asking is for people to give one dollar. Just one. Watch the video. (YouTube link)







So to all: thank you. The government never cared about the Siegel house. Politicians didn't care about it. It was the writing and art community that did this. And it proves to me, once again, why I believe in the heroes I believe in.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

My Favorite Video Ever

In honor of the paperback publication and the new dog cover, here's a new version of my favorite video we ever made (with a new ending). Jason Sherry is a genius.


Everyody still hates Brad Meltzer in paperback. (YouTube link)




Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Massive Guilt

I hate telling you this. But if I didn't tell you, then you'd email me and say, "Why didn't you tell me?"


And I'd write, "I didn't wanna bother you."


And you'd write, "Will you please stop with the humble nonsense? We all know you're a narcissist. Besides, you should tell us this stuff."


And then I'd feel all this guilt (even more than the usual guilt I feel).


And then I'd tell you anyway.


So.


Today's the day that The Book of Lies comes out in paperback. Same keen mystery. Same keen ending. Much lower price! And as Facebook friends know, way ultra-keen new cover with foreboding dog image.


So if you'd like to buy it (or just see the cover, or you need a small paper block to balance your couch), click here.


Most important, let me send some true love and appreciation to you and yours. Summer's here and that makes me feel young and spry and ready for a game of red rover (because let's be honest, that's as close to sports as I ever got). So so happy to have you in our lives.


Love and thanks and teddy bears,


B

Friday, May 08, 2009

Germans!

Got a new publisher in Germany, who just sent me the scariest coolest cover.
I'm now scared of myself.


Book Of Lies, German Cover

Tuesday, May 05, 2009

Dom DeLuise Dies At 75

My father and I rarely agree on movies. But easily my favorite Dad movie memory from childhood was watching Cannonball Run with him. More specifically the outtakes at the end. When we'd watch that together -- "these bleeds?" -- all our differences melted away and our humor level was exactly the same. Of course, the key ingredient wasn't Burt Reynolds, or Sammy Davis. It was Dom DeLuise. Every time he laughed...just go watch it.



Cannonball Run Outtakes (YouTube)



I knew I wasn't alone when The State parodied it all those years ago. So a moment of silence for the man who earned those laughs.

Monday, May 04, 2009

Movies

I feel like I've been on a tear of recommending trailers. So why stop now? Here's my new favorite.


More Than A Game (Apple Trailers)

Friday, May 01, 2009

New Cover, New Song

Here's the sneak peek of the new cover for the paperback (coming out at the end of the month on May 26th). Trust me, I was surprised as you were at the image. I do like it. Skeevy. And I guess they wanted to ride the power of the dog, and so we ride...


Book Of Lies

Also, as some true love from me to you (and in honor of Buy Indie day), here's a nice little video that walks the line of schmaltz but still makes me do the smile:

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Calculator!

If you're missing it -- and especially for those with kids -- the most fun happening in cartoons right now is Batman's Brave and the Bold on Cartoon Network. I love this show. It's somehow, oddly, impossibly satisfying for us adults, while being (gasp!) fun for the kiddos.


And the fact they're doing Calculator? (Newsarama) Oh me oh my. I don't even care if it's the original costume. That may be the best part. (See? Fun!) And if they call him Noah Kuttler, I will die. Right there. I will die and the real Noah will die too. It'll be amazing.




PS - In the video, his name is Myron. We live till the sequel.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

To Start Your Day

I know Les Miz is so durn overrated.


I know this is just a promo for a TV show.


I know they're manipulating us with editing and music.


And I know their Paula is better than our Paula.


But boy, do I love this (YouTube).


I wish it for everyone.


Love and teddy bears to all.

Monday, April 13, 2009

1950s Us

Just a great article about movies and our past (and our future) [NY Times]. The opening sentence alone is worth it: “The past is a foreign country,” the novelist L. P. Hartley once wrote; “they do things differently there.”


Thanks to Scott Butki at Newsvine for the heads up.

Tuesday, April 07, 2009

Eisners

Just saw the Eisner nominations for this year. Especially excited by the love for Matt Wagner (one of my first pals in comics), and for Matt Fraction (who I don't know (tried to find him at the Eisners last year), but is easily one of my current favorites). Go read his X-Men annual. I haven't bought an X-Men annual since it was in a polybag. Easily one of the best stories of the year.

Friday, April 03, 2009

Birthday Love

Just a quick thanks for all the birthday love this week. Was a good week here -- working on the new novel, off to Kansas, back already. And lots of time to read what everyone wrote.


It matters. It does. Even at my most cynical, it matters.


So thank you.


Hugs and teddy bears.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Spike & Eggers

Okay, I take back everything from yesterday's blog. Instead, I replace it with today's. "WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE TRAILER (!!!)" (FilmDrunk). See the screenwriters too.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Three Stooges coming soon

I can't possibly explain why this (Variety) gets me excited.



MGM gets its 'Stooges'
Penn, Carrey, Del Toro part of studio's plan
By MICHAEL FLEMING



MGM and the Farrelly brothers are closing in on their cast for "The Three Stooges."



Studio has set Sean Penn to play Larry, and negotiations are underway with Jim Carrey to play Curly, with the actor already making plans to gain 40 pounds to approximate the physical dimensions of Jerome "Curly" Howard.



The studio is zeroing in on Benicio Del Toro to play Moe.



The film is not a biopic, but rather a comedy built around the antics of the three characters that Moe Howard, Larry Fine and Howard played in the Columbia Pictures shorts.



The quest by the Peter and Bobby Farrelly to harness the project spans more than a decade and three studios. They first tried at Columbia, again at Warner Bros., and finally at MGM, where Worldwide Motion Picture Group chairman Mary Parent championed the cause and bought the WB-owned scripts and made a deal with Stooges rights holders C3.



Production will begin in early fall for a release sometime in 2010. The Farrellys, who wrote the script, are producing with their Conundrum partner Bradley Thomas, and Charlie Wessler.



C3 Entertainment principals Earl and Robert Benjamin will be executive producers.



Project will get underway after Penn completes the Asger Leth-directed Universal/Imagine Entertainment drama "Cartel." He hasn't done a comedy since the 1989 laffer "We're No Angels."



The Farrellys have long had their eyes on Del Toro to play Moe. Del Toro, who's coming off "Che," showed comic chops in the Guy Ritchie-directed "Snatch."



The surprise is the emergence of Carrey to play Curly. Howard established the character as a seminal physical comedian, from the first time he appeared in the first Stooges short in 1934 until he suffered a stroke on the set in 1946.


Monday, March 23, 2009

Weekend in Pop Culture

Just back from a beautiful weekend in Charlottesville, so thanks to all who came to the Virginia Festival of the Book and introduced themselves. Was one of my favorite events in a long while.


On the plane, was submerged in pop culture, which really just seemed to be peeking since I was eating it all at once:


  • The end of Battlestar Galactica - Loved and felt totally satisfied (even ignoring my minor geek tweaks), and made me wish more shows ended before they overstay.
  • My MacBook (yes, made the switch 10 months ago), but this was the first time I felt it, when, in the airport, I realized I'd only downloaded half the Battlestar ending on iTunes and had to get the final half before I boarded the plane. Love the internets.
  • Favorite new show to replace Battlestar: Friday Night Lights. Football, jocks, remake of a movie -- all of these things kept me away from the show, but (and I'm halfway through season 1, so don't ruin it), this is clearly the best written show on TV for me. I love it. I love it. It shouldn't work, but it all does. Amazing that I love this like I love The Wire. (I said it).
  • Wrote the intro for Absolute Promethia (such goodness)
  • And just digging the hell out of Kings, by my pal Michael Green. Go support him!

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Disney and Elmo

Just back from a week's vacation in Disney, where the clear high point was the stop in Sea World. Why? Because when I was 15 years old, I spent all my free time (and four years of high school) scooping ice cream at the Häagen-Dazs in the Aventura Mall. It taught me to hate rich people and to be nice to anyone serving food of any kind (except for those Orange Julius pricks). But the highlight was my best pal at work, a fellow 15 year old who always said his lifelong dream was to train the whales and dolphins at Sea World. He even wore a cheesy gold whale tail around his neck (don't make fun, I used to wear a Superman charm. It was a gift, Snoopy).


Twenty years later, he's at Sea World. The star of the whale and dolphin show. I cry every time I see him.


So go be nice to the ice cream guys. Tip 'em too. If you're a jerk, we used our pinkies to break the bottom of your cone so it'd leak on you by the time you hit JC Penney. Eat that.


Also, here's Ricky Gervais and Elmo.




Monday, March 09, 2009

Saint Dave

Of all the Watchmen news over the weekend, I think I've been most impressed by all-around amazing guy Dave Gibbons. In addition to being said nice guy and all, he has really stepped as an ambassador to comics. Every interview he does he keeps bringing it back to the comic (instead of just focusing on the movie).


Take a look at it here (Time Magazine).


As polite as he has been about the whole thing, I'm so happy that he said out loud what we all know -- and that's that a movie is not the highest aspiration a comic (or novel) can achieve. A book is a book. If it's a movie, great. But aspire to what's really important.

Friday, March 06, 2009

Bigger Than Watchmen

Here's the true biggest story in comics today. And it'll have far more of a lasting impact on the industry than any new movie: The New York Times Graphic Novel Bestseller List.

Tuesday, March 03, 2009

Brad Saw Watchmen

Saw Watchmen last night. You have to go see it and decide for yourself. You have to. Don't read reviews. Don't be influenced. Make your own decision (just like when the comic came out).


But let me just say this -- seeing the film is like seeing, twenty years later, the girl/boy from junior high that you had your biggest crush on. It's thrilling. And gets your blood flying -- really flying. But what stands out most is what's different and imperfect and therefore (unfairly or fairly) outstandingly wrong.


What they get perfect is so damn perfect (it's insane how perfect). What they get wrong feels like lemons on your papercuts. But go see. You'll know.

Monday, March 02, 2009

Brad Seeing Watchmen Tonight

Going to see Watchmen tonight. Cone of silence has been on for nearly a year now: no previews, no stills (except for the street scene I saw in Wizard), no casting (except for Kelly from Bad News Bears), no moving images. Caught one tiny look at the Entertainment Weekly Nite Owl cover, but that's IT. And it's taken work. Like avoiding sunlight. So for good or bad, my eyes will be drinking deep tonight. Full report tomorrow.


Also, my pal Bryan Gruley's Starvation Lake launches tomorrow and every new author needs your help, so please do give a look. Got a great review here.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Book Club

Book Club last night was so damn much fun. It came on the heels of a letter from DC Comics saying that they've sold over a million -- one million -- copies of Watchmen since the trailer was released. Brilliant. So to sit there and watch my wife's overeducated book club argue over utilitarianism vs. retributivism (Adrian vs. Rorschach) was just beautiful. They didn't even complain about the giant squid. Best part was certainly picking apart Chapter V and all the symmetry references -- and the moment when they realized that the little kid reading Black Freighter (and seeing it's reflection in his real world) was a meta-signal of why it's important that we're reading Watchmen and seeing the reflection in our world. Heads exploded. Dr. Manhattan was right. Nothing ever ends.


And super best part? They picked my pal Junot Diaz's Oscar Wao for their next book (and actually think it was their idea).


The revolution is on.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Why I Married My Wife

Tonight is the night: when all of my wife's friends come over to our house to have their bookclub and discuss Watchmen. I can't tell you how excited I am. For the past two weeks, I've been watching my wife sit in bed, with Watchmen in her lap. I freeze this image in my mind as it brings me the perfect nerd-gasm. My wife. Reading my favorite book. Is that hot or what?


But what's truly hot is this (spolilers ahead): after I mentioned that a few friends who had seen the movie reported back that we'd love what they get right and kill them for what they get wrong, we started compiling a list of all the things that they CAN'T get wrong. The Watchmen untouchables. And in the midst of this frenzy with my pal Jason, my wife said simply to me:


The only thing that has to happen is Rorschach dies.


blink, blink.


"Marry me!" I screamed again.


In conclusion, I've prepared for tonight's book club. I've prepared better for this than most (okay, all) of my law school classes. I've got a list of great themes, from the ultra-obvious (deconstruction of the superhero), to the dangers of nostalgia and longing for the past, to the value of identity, to the discussion of the triangle with Laurie ultimately choosing Dan (Man beats Superman).


But I want more.


So send them in now. Best concepts and ideas and themes and cool things in Watchmen (and don't tell me that issue five runs backwards in perfect symmetry (scoop of chocolate, scoop of vanilla -- don't waste my time)).


The End is Nigh.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

UK Pub Date And Watchmen Reaction

For all those (hi, Cliff!) who wrote and asked when The Book of Lies would be published in the UK, well here you go.


Today's the day -- England, Ireland, Australia and loads of other countries that carry English language books. And we didn't even change all the elevator references to lifts (I used that joke in 1997).


Here's the cover, which I'm fascinated by. Love seeing how other countries interpret it.







Also, after talking to a select few who have seen the movie early, let me pass on the one comment in common: we'll love what they do right. We'll kill people for what they get wrong. That is all.


PS - Also saw a sneak peek of the Zatanna costume for Smallville. Best. Best.

After Watchmen

First and foremost, my wife just finished reading Watchmen. Was miraculous to sit and talk to her about what is...um...what's been arguably the most important book in my life. I could literally talk for hours on it, and even though I usually know to keep it in check, my inner 15 year-old kept leaping out with geek-glee (trandemark!). The amazing part was how much she loved the book -- got the depth and nuances and all the goodies -- but really didn't like the kill-all-NY ending. In post-9/11, it's just not what we read in 1985. And totally fair point by her. (See more on this in tomorrow's blog about what I heard from people who saw the movie).


Second, see below for DC's new "After Watchmen...What's Next" program. Brilliant. Really. And yes, I know everyone tends to put out more books when the Spider-Man or Batman films hit, but this is different (and not just because we're a part of this one). In truth, I thought this was genius and only after, did I realize we were in it. Watchmen isn't just a movie right now. It's a publishing phenomenon. And I know John Cunningham and the DC crew were the key reason for that. They saw the wave and were ahead of it with this one. So for all those people who ask, what should I read next, see below (or better yet, buy them something YOU love (Y, Ex Machina, Scott Pilgrim, etc).


http://www.newsarama.com/comics/020918-Watchmen.html



DC COMICS ANNOUNCES “AFTER WATCHMEN, WHAT’S NEXT?” PROGRAM


The excitement surrounding the upcoming WATCHMEN feature film has brought new readers to the graphic novel format. Now that they’ve read WATCHMEN, where do they go next? Help point them in the right direction with DC Comics’ “AFTER WATCHMEN, WHAT’S NEXT?” program.


DC Comics has developed a marketing campaign that spotlights several award-winning, best-selling titles from our various imprints. Each book reflects an aspect of WATCHMEN’s broad appeal — including other works by Alan Moore, science fiction tales, post-modern super hero action and sophisticated titles for mature readers — and is a great entry point for both new fans just discovering graphic novels and established readers looking to try something new.


The program is supported by an extensive marketing campaign including five promotionally-priced reprint Specials which are rush solicited below.


The marketing campaign includes:


Five “AFTER WATCHMEN, WHAT’S NEXT?” Specials featuring a cover price of just $1.00:



    • SAGA OF THE SWAMP THING #21 SPECIAL EDITION
    • TRANSMETROPOLITAN #1 SPECIAL EDITION
    • PLANETARY #1 SPECIAL EDITION
    • PREACHER #1 SPECIAL
    • IDENTITY CRISIS #1 SPECIAL

Please see below for more information on these Specials.

Print:




  • 32-page booklet to be given away at conventions, comics shops and book stores
  • House ads in the DC Universe, Vertigo and WildStorm titles
  • Editorial page promotions in Vertigo: On the Ledge, DC Nation and WildStorm Stormfront columns
  • Trade ads

Online:




  • E-mail Blasts
  • National Consumer Online Banner Advertising Campaign
  • Retailer Tools on DC Comics retailer page on diamondcomics.com
  • Checklist, Header Card, Shelf Talker and Bag Slick
  • Bag Stuffer for DC Retailer page for Direct Market retailers

Social Networking:




  • AFTER WATCHMEN, WHAT’S NEXT? MySpace Group
  • AFTER WATCHMEN, WHAT’S NEXT? Facebook Group

Conventions:




  • Ad pages in Convention Program Guides
  • 32-page Booklet distribution at DC booth
  • Bookmark distribution at DC booth

DCCOMICS.COM:




  • Website at www.readwatchmen.com
  • Showcase titles on the homepages of DC, WildStorm and Vertigo throughout February, March and April to capture new WATCHMEN readers
  • Articles on DC, Vertigo and WildStorm homepages

Co-op:


  • Co-op Movie Slide
  • Co-op Ad Slick

**********


DC COMICS RUSH SOLICITS FIVE “AFTER WATCHMEN, WHAT’S NEXT?” SPECIALS


Tying into the new “After Watchmen, What’s Next?” program, DC rush solicits five key titles priced at just $1.00 each!


These titles will arrive in stores weekly beginning March 11, and prominently feature the “After Watchmen, What’s Next?” branding and trade dress. Each is offered to all Diamond retailers at a special “C” discount code of 60% off.


Retailers may order these issues by contacting their Diamond Customer Service Representative or DC Sales Representative, or by email at reorders@diamondcomics.com.


The “AFTER WATCHMEN, WHAT’S NEXT?” Specials are:


SAGA OF THE SWAMP THING #21 SPECIAL EDITION (JAN098009)

Written by Alan Moore

Art by Stephen Bissette & John Totleben

Cover by Tom Yeates

On sale March 11; 32 pg, FC, $1.00 US • MATURE READERS

Final Order Cutoff date: February 19


TRANSMETROPOLITAN #1 SPECIAL EDITION (JAN098010)

Written by Warren Ellis

Art by Darick Robertson & Jerome K. Moore

Cover by Geof Darrow

On sale March 18; 32 pg, FC, $1.00 US • MATURE READERS

Final Order Cutoff date: February 26


PLANETARY #1 SPECIAL EDITION (JAN098011)

Written by Warren Ellis

Art and cover by John Cassaday

On sale March 25; 32 pg, FC, $1.00 US

Final Order Cutoff date: March 5


PREACHER #1 SPECIAL EDITION (JAN098012)

Written by Garth Ennis

Art by Steve Dillon

Cover by Glenn Fabry

On sale April 1; 48 pg, FC, $1.00 US • MATURE READERS

Final Order Cutoff date: March 12


IDENTITY CRISIS #1 SPECIAL EDITION (JAN098013)

Written by Brad Meltzer

Art by Rags Morales & Michael Bair

Cover by Michael Turner

On sale April 8; 48 pg, FC, $1.00 US

Final Order Cutoff date: March 19


Monday, February 16, 2009

Scarlett Johansson's New Role

Don’t care if it's not true. Don't care if it never happens. In my fantasies, it's now permanent.



Johansson Tipped To Take Black Widow Part (IMDB)
16 February 2009 4:15 AM, PST


British actress Emily Blunt is set to miss out on a coveted role in the forthcoming Iron Man sequel - Scarlett Johansson is reportedly in talks to play femme-fatale the Black Widow.


Blunt was widely tipped to take on the part of Russian spy Natasha Romanoff in the follow-up of the 2008 blockbuster.


But The Devil Wears Prada star faces a scheduling conflict, after signing up to act alongside funnyman Jack Black in a new movie version of Gulliver's Travels.


And Johansson is now close to agreeing a deal to step into the breach on the forthcoming Iron Man sequel, according to Entertainment Weekly.


Friday, February 13, 2009

Cause Yourself Blindness!

Just got the below sent to me by the publisher: The Book of Lies is now available for your iPhone. Must admit, haven't tried it yet, since I'm waiting for a new Blackberry (still can't believe with all the stuff we get sent, no one has a connection for me at RIM), so have no idea how the reading experience is. But a free book of your choice to the first person who tries it out and actually reads. As usual, email me through the site and I'll send goodies. If you get no goodies, you weren't first. Or I think you cheated.



Book of Lies For Your iPhone



Have a great weekend all. And to all those with no Valentine (curse it for being on a Saturday night), be mine. My wife says it's cool as long as it's impersonal and internety.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Candy From Youth And A Thank You

First, a huge thank you to everyone who has responded to this and sent in their personal stories about their parents. What amazed me isn't just that people have written -- it's the honestly of what you're writing. I continue to maintain that we have the best readers of any author (suck it, JD Salinger!) -- and it's because there's such a true humble honestly that radiates from you all.


In return (beyond trying to do justice with some of the stories), I share these candy-bar commercials, which I found while looking for info on Chunky candy bars. The $100,000 Bar orgasmic reaction is particularly fantastic (plus, corded phones!). Enjoy.

Wednesday, February 04, 2009

Lego

For any conversation about how awesome Legos are. This is the awesome.


I LEGO N.Y. (New York Times)



And this is the spaceship Lego I was OBSESSED with when younger. By the end, I could build it by heart.

Violinist

Kinda hate the Washington Post for doing this (sinply because they can be exactly the kinds of snobs who’d walk right past this guy). But also gotta love them for doing this.



A Violinist in the Metro (Washington Post)


A man sat at a metro station in Washington DC and started to play the violin; it was a cold January morning. He played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes.


During that time, since it was rush hour, it was calculated that thousand of people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. Three minutes went by and a middle aged man noticed there was musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried up to meet his schedule. A minute later, the violinist received his first dollar tip: a woman threw the money in the till and without stopping continued to walk. A few minutes later, someone leaned against the wall to listen to him, but the man looked at his watch and started to walk again. Clearly he was late for work. The one who paid the most attention was a 3 year old boy. His mother tagged him along, hurried but the kid stopped to look at the violinist. Finally the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. All the parents, without exception, forced them to move on. In the 45 minutes the musician played, only 6 people stopped and stayed for a while. About 20 gave him money but continued to walk their normal pace He collected $32. When he finished playing and silence took over, no one noticed it. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition. No one knew this but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the best musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written with a violin worth 3.5 million dollars. Two days before his playing in the subway, Joshua Bell sold out at a theater in Boston and the seats average $100. This is a real story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and priorities of people. The outlines were: in a commonplace environment at an inappropriate hour: Do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize the talent in an unexpected context?


Tuesday, February 03, 2009

Be in the New Novel

Yes, it’s that treasured time again: when I offer to cast your life in a book, in the hopes that you’ll share something private, real, and most important, honest about your personal life for the benefit of this imaginary character I’m working on. In the past, some of the best details for characters have come from friends and readers, so before we go forward, let’s go through the usual disclaimer: if you reply to this (whether you post or send me a private message), I actually may use it in a book, so you waive your rights to sue me, hate me, or give me Indian burns. In fact, at least three readers/friends from this blog were in the last book (see the Acknowledgments, though a few more asked their names withheld).


Now onto the personal question:


Are you (or have you ever known) someone who grew up with an absent parent -- or more specifically -- without knowing who one of your parents was? (could be by death, abandonment, divorce or because they left or you never knew who they were) If so, how did it affect your life? (And I mean that specifically. Not just, “It made me insecure, or strong, or whatever.” HoW did that insecurity or strength actually manifest?) As always, personal examples (incidents/dreams/fears/stories) are always best. And if you want to send something private, please send to bradmeltzer27 [AT] gmail [dot] com. And again, thanks for the honesty -- that’s easily the most vital and appreciated part.

Monday, February 02, 2009

Ghost Photos

Thanks to Warren Ellis, who of course should be the one to find these:



War Haunted


Favorite Tour Interview

This may be my favorite interview from the entire book tour.


Love to KCRW for doing it — it mixes my top 5 songs with 5 points in my life. And you’ll hear how I got a gun pulled on me, and had Blues Traveler play in our kitchen.


Listen (don't just read the transcript) at: http://www.kcrw.com/music/programs/gd/gd090128brad_meltzer

Friday, January 30, 2009

The Onion

Back from NY and back to the warm weather. Read a great comic script from a young writer who I’ve been rooting for for awhile now. Just reminds me that the new crop is coming through (which is always so damn beautiful — see Hickman and Fraction for my current faves).


And here’s why The Onion is still the webpage that should never be missed.



Obama Disappointed Cabinet Failed To Understand His Reference To 'Savage Sword Of Conan' #24


Thursday, January 29, 2009

New York

In NY for top secret book project. Jump into little sushi place. Look...Bruce Willis. Crash on sister's couch. I miss this place.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Election Comics

I don’t like to use this place to shill. But when it comes to shilling, there’s nothing like shilling for your friends. And so, in honor of our mutual pal The Calculator aka Noah Kuttler aka the guy who posts all this stuff everyday, let me shill for our mutual pal Dan Goldman and his book about the election, which comes out today.


It’s a graphic novel look into the 08 election (titled “08”. Duh.). I’ve known Dan a long time now, so check out his site at: http://dangoldman.net/08/

Friday, January 23, 2009

Gaiman

After our talk at the White House, Neil Gaiman just sent me the first half of his upcoming Batman story, “Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader?”


For the past few months, I’ve been trying to imagine the other puzzle pieces from the few end pieces that he gave me. Usually, nothing lives up to your imagined perfection (see Phantom Menace, et al).


But this one has such an elegant simplicity to it. Rest assured, it’s in the perfect person’s hands.


Also, as my wife finally started reading Watchmen, I sat next to her in bed, reading issue one over her shoulder. And I giggled that evil giggle when she flipped right past that redhead with the End is Nigh sign.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Oscars

Let me be clear on why I think Hollywood is filled with snobs. One of the best pictures of the year is Wall-E. That’s not an opinion. That’s a fact.


If you ask anyone and they disagree, don’t be friends with them.


Rooting for Slumdog now...

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

New President

Forget changing the world and hope and coming together -- this day always reminds me of the publication of The First Council, simply because it came out right as Bush was being sworn in (and as a result, the publisher had thousands of buttons delivered to the freezing crowd, with the tagline: Want to Date the President’s Daughter?).


Was so appropriate back then. Now? Superduper creepy.


Also, easily the most easily overlooked fact of the day:


On Monday, Vice President Dick Cheney pulled a muscle in his back, leaving him in a wheelchair for the inauguration.


It’s like when the guy who played Jar Jar got hurt in an accident before the last Star Wars opened. And some guy said, “That was no accident.”

Thursday, January 08, 2009

Wife’s Book Club

My wife’s book club is one of those book clubs that won’t read my books. They won’t say it (okay, they did say it), but it’s true.


But after years, YEARS of trying, they’re reading Watchmen AND Y: The Last Man, next month.


This was so damn hard, and took such subtle chess playing (I’m talking true years), it is clear to me now that nothing less than world domination for the Invisible Army will follow.

Thursday, January 01, 2009

The Worst Seats

The other night, in Florida, I had the fun of going to see the Broadway show Avenue Q with my pal (douche-y namedrop time) Jeff Marx, one of the creators of Avenue Q.


I'd seen it before. I love it like candy. Good candy. Like Chaleston Chew when those were the best.


But there was something about getting to see it with the guy who dreamed it up -- with his parents and family and friends and all of us there. Broadway and the Tony are nice. But at intermission, we were talking about the beauty of having YOUR play come to YOUR theater in YOUR hometown.


And as I mentioned this beauty to Jeff, he turned to the back of the theater, pointed up to crappy seats up in the balcony, and said, "That's where I used to sit when I came here years ago and saw Phantom."


Let me be clear here: most people, when they find success, never want to think of those days when they had the suck seats. But we should never forget those seats. Those are the best seats we'll ever have in our lives.


What you see below is the picture Jeff took -- of his Tony-award winning play -- from his old seats up in the balcony.


I love him for never forgetting. But I love him more for leaving our amazing center-orchestra seats to take in the view from way back.


PS - Other best part? When the 99-year-old lady usher shooed him (and us) out of the theater, threatening that, "The show's over, young man, time for you to get out."