WHAT'S NEW

Saturday, August 20, 2005

STARGATE:
It was wonderful to see Amanda Tapping back on STARGATE SG-1 last night. While I'm still struggling with the new cast, having Col. Carter back was definitely a plus in the episode last night. On Tuesday night, you'll have a chance to catch up on all the new season two episodes of STARGATE ATLANTIS. SciFi will host a mini-marathon of the series beginning Tuesday at 7:00pm.

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LOST:
According to USA Today, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (HBO's Oz) will join the cast of LOST as a new character called Emeka, joining Michelle Rodriguez as Ana-Lucia and one new female character.

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THE ASTRONAUT FARMER:
The Hollywood Reporter indicates that Warner Independent Pictures has signed actor Billy Bob Thornton to star in THE ASTRONAUT FARMER. Mark and Michael Polish wrote the script. Michael Polish will direct. The story centers an eccentric farmer who dreams of space travel and sets out to build a rocket inside his barn. His neighbors consider him an oddity, the government thinks he is a threat, and the media sees him as a story.

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SPAWN:
A lot of familiar names have turned up as Todd McFarlane announced on Spawn.com the voice cast for the new SPAWN animated series. Here is an excerpt:
The selection process was slow going as we had anywhere from five to ten actors for each part to critique. The characters voices are such a subjective choice it was nice to have many options. With so many options I was able to match the sound for each character that I had in my head with a real voice.
KEITH DAVID, ("Spawn: The Animated Series," "Pitch Black,") was at the top of my list for Spawn, since he had done such an excellent job in the HBO series. I couldn't imagine anyone else for the role. When Keith was approached for the part he was more than happy to return as the voice of Spawn and we were thrilled to have him back.
MICHAEL JAI WHITE, ("Spawn," "Exit Wounds,") who all of you should remember as portraying Spawn in our live action movie in 1997. I was pleased with his audition for Barabbas, one of our main "bad" characters, and happy for the opportunity to have both Spawn actors working together on the project.
Captain Edwards, the police chief. When I heard the voice of CARL WEATHERS ("Rocky," "Predator") I thought he was perfect. He had the right amount of authority in his voice and his delivery of the lines was close to perfect without any direction. He truly is an accomplished actor.
One character who was relatively easy to cast was our Detective Ainge. He was one of the first characters we heard and right away I chose BRUCE BOXLEITNER. Another impressive addition to our cast, as he has been doing voice over work for years in addition to his role as Capt. John J. Sheridan in "Babylon 5" and many other movie and television roles.
We did eventually find a gem, another recognizable name we were happy to add to the cast, MARK HAMILL ("Star Wars," "Batman: The Animated Series") will be our Twitch. Mark is a pro. He did three different auditions in three subtly different examples of the voice. His auditions showed a wide range of emotions as well. We were lucky to land him in such a pivotal role for our project.

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SMALLVILLE
Buffy fans will be happy to hear that James Marsters (Spike) will be showing up on SMALLVILLE this season as Brainiac. "It's so cool. I mean, I'm very excited about Smallville," Marsters said in a recent interview. "God, I had the best dinner with [executive producer] Al Gough, and granted, he was trying to seduce me into signing a contract with him, but I was struck with how normal he was, how down-to-earth and how much we talked about our families, and then about art. He was interesting on a number of subjects, and I think he's got a good mind. I like his brain with the Superman mythology. You know, [Smallville] is a coming-of-age drama again, like Buffy, and those are fabulous, because we're all coming of age constantly. I'm always trying to grow up, so you know, that story never gets old for anybody. 'Become yourself.' When are you not gonna need to hear that?

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We have already received quite a few messages on this topic. Be sure to send me your opinions to share with your fellow readers. Send a message to sgbruckner@aol.com and I'll post it on the Discussion Page. If you have other issues you'd like to talk about, send them along.

Daneil Dae Kim - August 4
Claudia Christian - August 10
Stephen Austin - August 11
Tim Earls - August 15
Nancy Tarczynski - August 16
Skip Beaudine - August 26

If there is anyone we have missed, be sure to drop me a note so that I can add them to our Cast and Crew Birthday Listing. We want to include everyone in our Happy Birthday Wishes.

NEW STARGATE ATLANTIS MERCHANDISE

This September, Rittenhouse Archives will bring collectors the first full series of trading cards for the Stargate SG-1 spin-off show Stargate: Atlantis. Show stars Joe Flanigan (Major Sheppard) and Paul McGillion (Dr. Beckett) will be signing autograph cards to be found exclusively in the Stargate: Atlantis Season One Trading Cards series. We've crammed this product with lots of value, including 1 autograph card AND 1 costume card per box. Based on the rapid sellout of ALL of our past Stargate SG-1 products, we very much expect another quick sellout!

One Autograph Per Box; One Costume Card Per Box
For more details on exciting chase cards and a complete list of signers and costume cards, visit the Stargate Atlantis: Season One product page or place your pre-order today in our on-line store.

BATMAN BEGINS will have plenty of Bat-company when it reaches stores on Oct. 18. In addition to the animated THE BATMAN VS. DRACULA, Warner Bros. Home Video has announced Special Editions of BATMAN, BATMAN RETURNS, BATMAN FOREVER and BATMAN AND ROBIN to be released on that day. Warner is also releasing BATMAN THE MOTION PICTURE ANTHOLOGY 1989-1997, a collection of the Special Editions of the four films.

BATMAN BEGINS Warner Home Video has announced that BATMAN BEGINS will be released on DVD on October 18th. The film will be available in two versions: a single-disc edition that contains the movie only and a two-disc edition that includes a 72-page comic book and several hours of DVD extras. The two disc set will contain "documentaries on the genesis of the Dark Knight, the reinvention of the Batmobile and the development of miniatures, CGI and effects for the Monorail Chase scene; a study of Christian Bale's transformation into Batman; a spoof, "Tankman Begins"; and a featurette on the creation of Gotham City, the Batcave and Wayne Manor."
Here is a full list of what the Deluxe Edition will offer:
· Genesis of the Bat: Batman Incarnations from the Mid-1980s to the Present
· The Journey Begins: Creative Concepts, Story Development and Casting
· Shaping Mind and Body: Fighting Style
· Gotham City Rises: Production Design
· Cape and Cowl: The New Batsuit
· The Tumbler: The New Batmobile
· Path to Discovery: Filming in Iceland
· Saving Gotham City: The Monorail Chase Sequence
· Confidential Files Character/Weaponry Gallery Featurette
· Interactive Menus: INNER DEMONS COMIC: Explore the special features through an exclusive interactive comic book
· Exclusive collectible 72-page comic book
· Detective Comics #37 - the very first Batman story
· Batman: The Man Who Falls - a classic story that inspired Batman Begins
· Batman: The Long Halloween - a chilling excerpt that also inspired the film
· Photo gallery
· Theatrical Trailer
· Easter Eggs DVD ROM Features:
· Batman Begins Mobile Game Demo & Weblinks

STARGATE SG-1 SEASON EIGHT
Stargate SG-1
Release Date: October 4, 2005
Item can be pre-ordered through www.amazon.com

SPACE STATION
Launching onto DVD for the First Time June 7

Space Station follows two separate space shuttles that leave from Florida's Kennedy Space Center and Russia's Baikonur Cosmodrome to rendezvous with their new home in orbit 220 miles above Earth. Now people of every age and language can work side by side with their space-walking crewmates, building and inhabiting this unprecedented structure in space.

For video clips from the DVD, go to Space Station page. Now that the shuttle is back in space, this is a very timely video. Learn what the astronauts are going through with weightlessness.

Visit to the DVD Reviews page to see what I thought of the set. Let me know if you agree -- or found some other special material that should be noted. Some recent reviews include:
Wonder Woman - Season Two
Wonder Woman - Season Three
Lois & Clark - First Season
The West Wing - Fourth Season
IMAX - Space Station

BATTLESTAR GALACTICA #2: With the second issue of Battlestar Galactica: The Official Magazine, prepare to step aboard the Galactica with an exclusive behind-the-scenes set visit. Plus, Mary McDonnell discusses Laura Roslin's difficult presidential path, Katee Sackhoff kicks back as Starbuck and Chief Tyrol (Aaron Douglas) talks repairs.

MONTHLY MAGAZINES:

Cult Times #120: STARGATE ATLANTIS: In this issue, David Hewlett, talks about his arrogant Dr Rodney McKay character and explains that for the second season he has trouble choosing his favourite moment out of being strung up upside down and being kissed by Dr Beckett. CHARMED star Brian Krause looks back on the long and complex career of Leo, who has now played the roles of Whitelighter, Elder, Avatar, mortal, father and husband on the show. Also included, Tom Baldwin from THE 4400 is back, still investigating the mysterious 4400 returnees. Star Joel Gretsch explains why his character is more important than ever in Season Two

TV Zone #193: BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: This issue provides an on-set interview with Commander Adama-- star Edward James Olmos discusses the effect of his character's near-death experience on Season Two. This issue also provides an exclusive first-look review of the latest three Ninth Doctor novels from BBC Books – The Deviant Strain, Only Human and The Stealers of Dreams. STARGATE ATLANTIS' Torri Higginson explains what the changes – such as a new commander! – in the new season will mean for her character, Dr Elizabeth Weir. And, TV Zone pays tribute to James Doohan, best known for his miracle engineering cures in Star Trek.

Starburst Special #71: BATTLESTAR GALACTICA takes front and center position in this issue. As season two begins, the magazine gives you a behind the scenes look at cast and crew! Jamie Bamber talks about playing headstrong Captain Lee ‘Apollo’ Adama; Edward James Olmos discusses his character of Commander Adama, and the repercussions of the assassination attempt; Producer Ron Moore talks about the changes and surprises in store for Year Two; Tricia Helfer who plays Cyclon agent Number Six talks about playing a villainess and production designer Richard Hudolin discusses creating new worlds for Galactica, illustrated with concept drawings, set photos and sketches.

With the release of SERENITY on September 30, Titan magazines will release a 100-page souvenir magazineso that fans can continue the Firefly saga as the magazine takes you on board with exclusive interviews with the entire crew, including Nathan Fillion (Captain Malcolm Reynolds), Gina Torres (Zoe) and Adam Baldwin (Jayne Cobb). Plus, creator Joss Whedon exposes Serenity's secrets and we go behind the scenes of the filming and the extraordinary special effects.
"Joss Whedon, the genius creator behind Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, applies his trademark wit and arresting characters to the big screen with Serenity, continuing the adventures first began in the television show, Firefly. Promising to be one of the years best films, this special collectors' souvenir movie magazine will offer the fans a look behind the scenes into the mind of Joss Whedon." - Martin Eden, Editor, Official Serenity Movie Magazine

Cult Times #119: LOST: With the series becoming a huge hit in the U.S., Matthew Fox talks about filming in Hawaii and about his character and the survivors of a plane crash on a mysterious island. Also in this issue, ENTERPRISE's Rick Berman looks back on the final season and gives his thoughts on the last episode and the future of Trek and MEDIUM's Medium Glenn Gordon Caron, the show's creator, explains what he hoped to accomplish through the tale of a woman who attempts to live a normal family life despite being frequently visited by spirits who want her help.

Expose Special #29: HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE: Get a review of the latest installment of the Harry Potter adventure -- and talk with fantasy authors James Patterson, Juliet E. McKenna, Francis Hardinge and Ian Ogilvy on the resurgence of fantasy fiction.

TV Zone Special #64: NEW SEASON PREVIEWS: STARGATE SG-1 and STARGATE ATLANTIS. In this issue, you will find previews of the new seasons, with cast changes, new plotlines and new foes ahead. Cast interviews with Ben Browder, Joe Flanigan, Amanda Tapping, Chris Judge, Michael Shanks, Beau Bridges, Cliff Simon, Mitch Pileggi, Paul McGillion and Jason Momoa. Also inside, preparing for the 10th Doctor Who and a look at the end of the past season.

Cult Times Special #34: DOCTOR WHO: This issue can be a primer for Doctor Who fans. After a nine-year absence, 2005 marked the return of Doctor Who, bigger and better than ever before. Under the guidance of Russell T Davies, it's moved from being a fondly-remembered piece of kitsch to a vital, ratings-grabbing part of the BBC's schedule. You get an in-depth look at the past, present and future of the galaxy's best-loved Time Lord. New to DOCTOR WHO? This issue will give you a look at the 26 years of DOCTOR WHO. This guide features the high points of the series so far and the facts you need to know to fully immerse yourself in the Whoniverse! Also included in this issue, SMALLVILLE's executive producer Alfred Gough looks back on the fourth season of this pre-Superman Clark Kent and tells us why he thinks it's the best year yet! Paul McGillion talks about his role as Dr. Beckett in STARGATE ATLANTIS and BATTLESTAR GALACTICA's Edward James Olmos looks at the series cliffhanger.

Expose #94: HARRY POTTER: In this issue, you'll learn more about the weird and wonderful world of unlicensed fan fiction as it pushes back the boundaries of JK Rowling’s fictional world… and, in some cases, the boundaries of taste. HERCULES: NBC’s new mini-series explores the darker side of the Greek hero. Meet star Paul Telfer as he talks about taking the character back to his murderously gory origins, and how he pushed to play the character with an English accent.

Be sure to drop over to Titan Magazine's website for updates on magazines associated with specific shows like ALIAS, ANGEL, LOST, SMALLVILLE and STARGATE SG-1. They are gearing up the presses for a BATTLESTAR GALACTICA magazine and a special issue for SERENITY.

Amazing Spider-Man #523 will arrive in stores on August 31 from Marvel Comics. The issue is written by J. Michael Straczynski, with art by Mike Deodato and a cover by Terry Dodson.

Here's how Marvel describes the book:
""Moving Up" It's the sensational Spider-Man versus the horrendous hordes of Hydra as the villainous organization makes its final push to seize control of the country! Standing in the way? Everyone¹s favorite wall-crawler. But will Spidey have enough left in the tank to take out the group of terrorists and save the day? Part 5 (of 6). "

Amazing Spider-Man #523 will be 32 pages and will cost $2.50.

SUPREME POWER: HYPERION #2

Written by J. Michael Straczynski, penciled by Dan Jurgens, cover by Mike Deodato.
"Hunting the Alien." Now that the world knows his dark secret, Hyperion suddenly finds himself both alone and hunted. Four new super-powered individuals -- each based on a character from the original Squadron Supreme -- are after his hide, and they've got the will and means to take him down!

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Oct. 19.

THE BOOK OF LOST SOULS #1

Written by J. Michael Straczynski, pencils and cover by Colleen Doran.
The destinies of most people are defined early on. Then there are the others -- the lost. Those whose numbers aren't in yet, who could go toward the light or toward the darkness -- indeed, who could be tipped one direction or another. And everything starts with the book. That's what Jonathan is about to discover. When he took a suicide plunge off the London Bridge more than a century ago, the last place he expected to land was on his feet, in the present, standing at the entrance to a tunnel into a world of mysteries beyond his wildest imagination. A world of powers and principalities and, above all, rules that he'd best learn quickly. Or he'll have to deal with the Dark Man. And what the Dark Man can't turn, he devours.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Oct. 26

FANTASTIC FOUR #529

Fantastic Four #529 will arrive in stores on July 27 from Marvel Comics. The issue is written by J. Michael Straczynski, with art and cover by Mike McKone.

Here's how Marvel describes the issue:
"'Appointment Overdue!' Reed's got a rendezvous to keep at the edge of space‹but in order to reach it, he's going to have to work his way through a battalion of America's best-trained fighting men!"

Fantastic Four #529 will be 32 pages and will cost $2.50.

FANTASTIC FOUR #530

Written by J. Michael Straczynski, pencils and cover by Mike McKone.
It's a reunion with destiny as the Fantastic Four once more brave the hazards of outer space for a rendezvous with a fateful cosmic storm ­ And the secret that lies therein!

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Aug. 24.

SUPREME POWER #18

Written by J. Michael Straczynski, pencils and cover by Gary Frank.
"Exhibit R: The Statement of Mark Milton." Hyperion's world is turned upside down when his dark secret is exposed to the entire world. But the worst is yet to come... Next month's news will blow you away!

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Aug. 31.

STRANGE: BEGINNINGS AND ENDINGS TPB

Written by J. Michael Straczynski and Sara "Samm" Barnes, penciled by Brandon Peterson, cover by Peterson.
Brash young surgeon Dr. Stephen Strange is on a collision course with destiny -- a journey that will force him to search the deepest corners of his own heartŠand the outer reaches of the cosmos! Masters of the comic-book medium J. Michael Straczynski, Samm Barnes and Brandon Peterson chronicle the adventures of the Master of the Mystic Arts in the year's most highly anticipated origin story! Collects Strange #1-6.

144 pages, $17.99.

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #522

Written by J. Michael Straczynski, penciled by Mike Deodato, cover by Kaare Andrews.
It's an action-packed extravaganza as the hordes of Hydra make a final push to take over the United States!! And it's up to everyone's favorite red, white, and blue web-slinger to make sure that "Hail Hydra" isn't the new national anthem!

COMIC BOOKS: For a listing of current comic books written by J. Michael Straczynski, go to JMS COMIC BOOKS page. There is a brief synopsis of the book and a date when publication is expected. Issued covered are AMAZING SPIDERMAN, FANTASTIC FOUR, STRANGE, RISING STARS, and others.
For other comic book titles for such shows as STARGATE, SERENITY, CSI, ANGEL, etc., go to COMIC BOOKS - OTHER TITLES.

STARGATE SCHEDULE:
08/22/2005 06:00 PM STARGATE SG-1 (SEASONS 1-5) PRISONERS
08/22/2005 07:00 PM STARGATE SG-1 (SEASON 6) THE CHANGELING
08/22/2005 08:00 PM STARGATE SG-1 (SEASON 6) MEMENTO
08/22/2005 09:00 PM STARGATE SG-1 (SEASON 6) PROPHECY
08/22/2005 10:00 PM STARGATE SG-1 (SEASON 6) FULL CIRCLE
08/23/2005 06:00 PM STARGATE SG-1 (SEASONS 1-5) GAMEKEEPER
08/24/2005 06:00 PM STARGATE SG-1 (SEASONS 1-5) NEED
08/25/2005 06:00 PM STARGATE SG-1 (SEASONS 1-5) THOR'S CHARIOT
08/26/2005 06:00 PM STARGATE SG-1 (SEASONS 1-5) MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE (STARGATE)
08/26/2005 08:00 PM STARGATE SG-1 (SEASON 9) EX-DEUS MACHINA
08/26/2005 11:00 PM STARGATE SG-1 (SEASON 9) EX-DEUS MACHINA
08/29/2005 06:00 PM STARGATE SG-1 (SEASONS 1-5) FAMILY
08/29/2005 07:00 PM STARGATE SG-1 (SEASONS 1-5) CHILDREN OF THE GODS - PT 1
08/29/2005 08:00 PM STARGATE SG-1 (SEASONS 1-5) CHILDREN OF THE GODS - PT 2
08/29/2005 09:00 PM STARGATE SG-1 (SEASONS 1-5) THE ENEMY WITHIN (STARGATE)
08/29/2005 10:00 PM STARGATE SG-1 (SEASONS 1-5) EMANCIPATION (STARGATE)
08/30/2005 06:00 PM STARGATE SG-1 (SEASONS 1-5) SECRETS (STARGATE)
08/31/2005 06:00 PM STARGATE SG-1 (SEASONS 1-5) BANE

STARGATE ATLANTIS:
08/23/2005 07:00 PM STARGATE ATLANTIS (SEASON 2) THE SIEGE - PT 3
08/23/2005 08:00 PM STARGATE ATLANTIS (SEASON 2) THE INTRUDER
08/23/2005 09:00 PM STARGATE ATLANTIS (SEASON 2) RUNNER
08/23/2005 10:00 PM STARGATE ATLANTIS (SEASON 2) DUET
08/23/2005 11:00 PM STARGATE ATLANTIS (SEASON 2) CONDEMNED
08/23/2005 12:00 AM STARGATE ATLANTIS (SEASON 2) TRINITY
08/26/2005 09:00 PM STARGATE ATLANTIS (SEASON 2) INSTINCT
08/26/2005 12:00 AM STARGATE ATLANTIS (SEASON 2) INSTINCT
09/09/2005 09:00 PM STARGATE ATLANTIS (SEASON 2) CONVERSION
09/09/2005 12:00 AM STARGATE ATLANTIS (SEASON 2) CONVERSION

BATTLESTAR GALACTICA:
08/22/2005 11:00 PM BATTLESTAR GALACTICA (SEASON 2) HOME - PT 1
08/26/2005 10:00 PM BATTLESTAR GALACTICA (SEASON 2) HOME - PT 2
08/26/2005 01:00 AM BATTLESTAR GALACTICA (SEASON 2) HOME - PT 2
08/29/2005 11:00 PM BATTLESTAR GALACTICA (SEASON 2) HOME - PT 2
09/05/2005 11:00 PM BATTLESTAR GALACTICA (SEASON 2) VALLEY OF DARKNESS
09/09/2005 10:00 PM BATTLESTAR GALACTICA (SEASON 2) FINAL CUT
09/09/2005 01:00 AM BATTLESTAR GALACTICA (SEASON 2) FINAL CUT

You do NOT have to pay the prices asked for over at e-bay! Here are photos of B5 and Crusade cast members at fantastic prices. Check out Photo Shop. Ordering is easy -- and you can't beat the prices! Just let me know which photos you want and I'll check to make sure they are still in stock.

TORONTO NATIONAL EXPO
JMS writes: Just a head's up for folks in the Toronto area...I'll be appearing at the Toronto National Expo at the Metro Toronto Convention Center the weekend of August 26th-28th, doing panels, signing stuff...generally making trouble. Also appearing at the con are such folks as Margot Kidder, Frank Quitely, Carlos Pacheco, Mark Bagley, Neal Adams, James Marsters, Elijah Wood, Marina Sirtis and a truckload of other actors, writers, artists and the like.
For more information, go to http://www.toronto.com/profile/881305/?cslink=cs_generic_4_3

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September 2-5, 2005
DRAGONCON
Location: Atlanta, GA
B5 guest: Stephen Furst
Other guests -- and there a tons of them, include: Carmen Argenziano, Steve Bacic, Adam Baldwin, Alexis Cruz, Peter David and Kevin Sorbo
For more information, go to http://www.dragoncon.org/index.htm September 10-11, 2005
THE BIG APPLE COMIC-CON: COMIC BOOK, ART & TOY SHOW
Location: New York, NY
War, Horror, Suspence, Swords, and Sorcery! Big Apple Comic-Con's salute to Adventure Comics! Over 300 tables of Comic Books, Toys! Contests, Giveaways, Anime, Gaming, Panels, Seminars & Surprises!
For more information, visit www.bigapple.con.com or call 201-865-3288
Admission: $10 per day. Children under 8 free.
Tickets available: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr

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Be sure to visit the referenced sites to see if there have been changes in dates/guests attending. Visit our Convention Calendar for a full listing of upcoming conventions.

BACK ISSUES OF THE ZOCALO TODAY

The front page of the The Zocalo Today changes daily, so be sure to check the back issues to make sure that you haven't missed anything IMPORTANT! I don't want the front page getting too long so I shift information periodically into the archives. So if you aren't a regular visitor to The Zocalo Today, be sure to check out the back issues. Just use the button above!

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Take care and I look forward to hearing from you.
Sandra Bruckner (sgbruckner@aol.com)
Editor/Publisher
ISN News: The Zocalo Today
http://www.isnnews.net
Copyright - SBruckner, 1999-2005

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