* I’ve read a lot of depressing comics-industry economic news stories lately, but I don’t think any of them even come close to touching this one.
* In much less depressing news, Michael Kupperman’s starting a blog, maybe? (Via Paul Hornschemeier.)
* More silver linings to possible comics-economics dark clouds: Kevin Huizenga has announced a new minicomic containing a story originally intended for his now-cancelled series Or Else.
* Ken Parille takes a close look at Chris Ware’s use of the red-circle leitmotif in Acme Novelty Library #19, my favorite comic of 2008. I did something similar in my own review.
* David Uzumeri does his level best to explain the cosmology of the DC Universe as revealed (“revealed”?) in Grant Morrison and Doug Mahnke’s Superman Beyond. I’m still a little unclear as to how this all jibes with the revived Anti-Monitor as seen in The Sinestro Corps War and kinda-sorta in the upcoming Blackest Night, part of the Geoff Johns Green Lantern run for which Morrison has expressed much admiration (so you know he probably does want them to jibe). (Via Douglas Wolk.)
* Christ Almighty, did Dr. Josef Mengele create a town full of Aryan twins in Brazil? (Via Bryan Alexander.)
* A Broadway musical based on Thriller? Sure, I’ll…well, actually, I’m not sure if I will eat it or not. If it’s just another one of those “here’s a greatest-hits package from a pop-rock artist with some feints in the direction of musical theater thrown in” deals, I’m not that interested. But I am on record as a huge proponent of the original John Landis “Thriller” videos effectiveness and importance as horror, so if they take things in that direction, you can sign me up. (Via Dread Central.)
* A Star Wars horror novel? Sure, I’ll…no, you know what? Pretty doubtful I’ll eat this one. I suppose this marks the emergence of the Star Wars Universe into full post-Silver Age maturity, where now you can do “Star Wars plus crime / horror / whatever” genre mixings a la Nu-Marvel, but I look at that cover and think “No way can this be good.” Prove me wrong? (Via Topless Robot.)
* I debated whether or not to blog about the horrible case of Kim De Gelder, a 20-year-old Belgian who entered a nursery and stabbed two babies and a caretaker to death. Now authorities are examining possible (though to my eyes dubious, at least given the evidence cited) links to the death of Heath Ledger, his performance as the Joker, and possibly The Crow as well, so it’s truly become my kind of story, God help me. God help us all, actually.
* I’m going to try not to end these things on down notes like that, at least not all the time, so here’s something that actually might cheer you up: 27 Comics Ben Morse Loves.