Largest Comic Book Convention Opens in San Diego
The world's largest gathering of comic book fans is taking place in California. But organizers of the annual Comic-Con say this convention is not just for comic book fans. Hollywood, TV Networks and videogame makers are all getting into the game - helping to fuel the growing consumer appetite for costumed heroes and fantasy. And when it's the world's biggest comic book convention - some find it simply too hard to resist dressing up.
Avatar Becomes Top-Grossing Film of All Time
The science fiction movie Avatar has become the top-grossing movie of all time, thanks to strong ticket sales overseas.
The movie, directed by James Cameron, has surpassed box office profits earned by Titanic - another James Cameron film, made in 1997. Avatar, which has grossed $1.85 billion in six weeks, is the tale of an ex-soldier who uses a mind-controlled "avatar" - or remotely controlled body - to infiltrate a native tribe on a planet light-years away from Earth.
Milla Jovovich, the "Reigning Queen of Kick-Butt"
Milla Jovovich is our favorite sci-fi actress. More than any other major actress, Milla has specialized in science fiction films. Her sci-fi oeuvre includes The Fifth Element (1997), Ultraviolet (2006), and the Resident Evil franchise. VH1 dubbed to her the "reigning queen of kick-butt."
Pyrate Daze
In history, pirates were brutal psychopaths who terrorized the seven seas and murdered, maimed, and raped anyone who got in their way -- much like the pirates of today, actually. However, the image of the 18th century pirate has been romanticized in popular media and fiction. Robert Louis Stevenson’s 1883 novel Treasure Island probably started the trend, although I was too lazy to actually research the question.
Disney to Acquire Comic Book Giant Marvel
The Walt Disney Company has announced an agreement to acquire Marvel Entertainment in a $4 billion cash and stock deal. The surprise agreement means the company that owns Mickey Mouse, could soon own the rights to Spiderman, Iron Man and thousands of other Marvel comic strip characters.
International Toy Fair Is Serious Business
The world may be in the grips of an economic crisis, but the market for toys was looking pretty recession-proof last week at the International Toy Fair. Held annually at a huge convention center in New York City, the fair is by far the biggest toy industry show in the world, with more than 1,200 exhibitors showcasing more than 100,000 products.
Leia's Gold Metal Bikini
In the third Star Wars movie, Return of the Jedi, Princess Leia allows herself to be captured by the giant slug, Jabba the Hut. Jabba promptly dresses Leia in a metal bikini and makes her his slave. Apparently, Jabba finds human women more interesting than giant slug women. Which is totally understandable after we caught a glimpse of Mrs. Hutt in Star Wars Episode I, The Phantom Menace.
