About Stephen Schleicher

Stephen Schleicher began his career writing for the Digital Media Online community of sites, including Digital Producer and Creative Mac covering all aspects of the digital content creation industry. He then moved on to consumer technology, and began the Coolness Roundup podcast. A writing fool, Stephen has freelanced for Sci-Fi Channel's Technology Blog, and Gizmodo. Still longing for the good ol' days, Stephen launched Major Spoilers in July 2006, because he is a glutton for punishment.

Hillary Clinton Bio Comic

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Here’s a title that totally surprises me, but what the heck, there’s already comics about Obama and McCain, so I guess I can roll with the announcement from Bluewater Productions of a Hillary Clinton biographical comic.

“We’re excited to bring this book to the table,” says Bluewater’s Vice President Jason Schultz.  “There are a couple comics focusing on John McCain and Barack Obama, we wanted to feature Hilary who broke all the rules in this election and made history”

This 32-page comic book will be telling the story of her life, “Female Force: Hillary Clinton” will explore both sides of the issue, from her positive contribution to the new feminist ethos to the detractors who argue against her attempt to secure the nomination to the bitter end. Though the battle for the presidency now comes down to John McCain and Barack Obama, interest is still strong and steadfast for what might have been the first female presidential nominee in history. Join Bluewater Productions as we examine the enigma of Hillary Clinton.

This issue is expected to arrive in January 2009.

via Bluewater Productions

Retailer Summits Raises $20,000 for Charity

diamondretailersummits.gifWhile there were some interesting tid-bits of news that floated out of the Diamond/ Alliance Retailer Summits last week in Las Vegas, the biggest and best news was announced yesterday as the company stated it had raised $20,000 to benefit the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, The HERO Initiative and ProLiteracy.

“Our retailers really opened their wallets and checkbooks to support these worthwhile charities. It was great to see such generosity by our west coast retailers and we expect to see the same from our retailers attending the Ft. Wayne Retailer Summit in October.” said Dan Manser, VP of Marketing for Diamond Comic Distributors.

If you have time, you can help out too by donating the cost of one comic book issue to your favorite comic book charity.

via Diamond Comic Distributors

Captain Trips Back to Press

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The Stand is easily one of Stephen King’s best selling novels of all time, so it is no surprise fans are flocking to the Marvel adaptation causing the first issue of the Captain Trips story to sell out at the distributor level.  Marvel has announced it will be going back to press to get more copies in the hands of readers.

If you haven’t read the first issue, be prepared for some pretty creepy imagery as Captain Trips spreads from person to person as the first hint of the apocalypse begin.  If you can’t wade through a thousand page novel, I think this adaptation is going to be really good.

The reprint will arrive October 22, 2008 and will sell for $3.99.

via Marvel

Heroes Fumbles Third Season Opener

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There were a lot of complaints about the second season of NBC’s Heroes – from the lackluster storyline to the writer’s strike causing the season to end abruptly, fans were less than amused with the sophomore trials of the series.  Unfortunately, those feelings are still reverberating into the third season.

The Hollywood Reporter has viewership for the season three two-hour premiere down 25% from last year.

The “Heroes” debut (9.9 million viewers, 4.9 preliminary adults 18-49 rating and a 12 share and matched its lowest original episode rating ever. (“Heroes” was actually down even more, 33%, if you include NBC’s heavily protested move last fall to roll its Saturday encore rating into its premiere). Clip show lead-in “Heroes: Countdown to the Premiere” (6 million, 2.6/7)  placed third in the hour.

If the ratings don’t pick up, you can expect some heavy changes and shuffling to occur as the network scrambles to save the show.  I did get a chance to watch the premiere, and while good, it felt a lot like season one mixed with the remake of the Fly movie.

via Hollywood Reporter

Top 10 Posters for August 2008

If you’ve been following the site this week, you’ve seen all the Top FILL IN THE BLANK lists from Diamond Comic Distributors.  Why not take it to the next logical level and finish everything of with the Top 10 Posters for the month.

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via Diamond Comic Distributors

Major Spoilers #41: Where to Begin

Major Spoilers Podcast

This issue: Mighty C’Thu’lu rests at R’yleth! Britt Reid and Kato emerge from the Black Beauty! Cliffjumper gets ready to layeth the smacketh downeth on a Hobbit (Here’s a hint: Bet on the giant robot.) Where to start collecting comics! How to stop watching anime! Why to keep up with Secret Invasion! What is up with new Hitchhiker’s Guide? The Schleicher has turned on the ‘No Smoking’ sign, so strap your tray tables up, secure all personal belongings, and please return the stewardess to her original upright position…

This episode is sponsored in part by the Mid-Ohio-Con (www.midohiocon.com)

 

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Show Notes after the Jump!

More After the Jump >>

Boom! Studios Sneak Peek: Nyarlathotep

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I’ve been wondering when Boom! Studios would tackle more Lovecraft titles and bring more creatures from the Cthulhu mythos to print.  The answer is December, when H.P. Lovecraft’s prose poem, Nyarlathotep is brought to life in a 32-page hard cover tome, illustrated by Chuck BB.

“I was absolutely excited to take on a Lovecraft project,” said illustrator extraordinaire Chuck BB.  “What appeals to me so much about Lovecraft’s writing is that he is able to express a level of scariness that is less about spooking you, and more about making you feel small and insignificant in an unexplored world.  Lovecraft speaks of a force that is beyond the comprehension of human beings, bigger than any religion could possibly offer, and older than time itself.”

Take the jump for a quick sneak peek of the adaptation.

More After the Jump >>

Archie Comics Announce Bill Galvan Mini-Tour

bill_galvan.jpgArchie Comics is sending Bill Galvan around the Utah area to teach layout techniques, pencilling, and inking that he uses in the pages of Archie Comics.

If you are in the area, it might be worth your time to check out.

Kearns Public Library
Library Kearns Meeting Room
5350 South 4220 West, Kearns
Thursday – September 25th 2008
3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Whitmore Library
Whitmore Library Meeting Room
2197 E. Fort Union Boulevard, Salt Lake City
Friday – September 26th 2008
3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The City Library
Salt Lake Public Library Lower Urban Room
210 East 400 South, Salt Lake City
Friday – October 3rd 2008
3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

via Archie Comics

Boom! Studios Sneak Peek of the Week

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We’re cutting it close with this week’s collection of sneak peeks from Boom! Studios, but we got’em just for you.  Take the jump for Cthulhu Tales #5, Fall of Cthulhu: Godwar #2, Station #3, and Warhammer: Condemned by Fire #5.

More After the Jump >>

Major Spoilers Poll of the Week: Battle of the Kasem Voice Over Roles

This week, a little something different.  I had originally planned this poll to be between Shaggy and Alexander Cabot III, following last week’s Josie and the Pussycats poll, but decided to take it to the next level with

THE BATTLE OF THE CASEY KASEM VOICE OVER ROLES!

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Who is your favorite character Kasem voiced in animated television history?

Casey Kasem Voice Over Roles

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Savage Dragon Fans Really Like Obama

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Ever since Savage Dragon first endorssed Barack Obama on the cover of Savage Dragon #137, Image has had a tough time keeping the title in stock.  The company announced the issue has sold out once again at the distributor level, prompting Image to go back to press for a thrid printing.

“Believe me, we’re trying to keep it in stock,” said SAVAGE DRAGON creator Erik Larsen. “We’ve been printing much more than we predicted needing and the demand just kept growing. I’m thrilled to know that whether people agree or disagree with Dragon, they’re extremely passionate about what may be the most important US Presidential election yet.”

The latest printing will arrive in stores October 15, 2008 for $2.99.

via Image Comics

ComicBase Atlas Ships

comicbaseatlas.pngEvery year there is a new release of ComicBase.  It means I have to spend some money to get the next year’s worth of updates, comic covers, and all the other little goodies the company throw in, but this year, there’s something extra in the update – ComicBase Atlas.

The things I’m most interested in are iPhone access (which I hope includes iPod Touch), and finally cover downloads for those who purchase the Archive Edition.  Complete press release with all the details after the jump.

More After the Jump >>