The New Dark Knight Poster

The viral marketing for The Dark Knight revealed this new poster today for the anticipated July 18 release.

AT&T Announces iPhone 3G Pricing Plans

AT&T today announced its pricing structure for the next iteration of Apple’s iPhone — which you can plunk down money for come 8 am, July 11th. There’s not much that’s surprising here — new customers and those eligible for an upgrade will be able to nab the phone for $199 (8GB) or $299 (16GB), while “early upgraders” will have to fork over $399 or $499, all with a two year contract and $18 upgrade fee, of course. The telco says a no-commitment version of the phone will be available for $599 and $699, though it looks like that will come after the initial launch. AT&T appears to be leaning pretty heavily towards the all-in unlimited plans, but there are options if you don’t want to go that route. Below is AT&T’s “iReady” video.

 

The Lost Book Club

ABC.com has just announced the formation of a LOST Book Club, which will spotlight titles that have been referenced on the show.

The book-club site shows a list of books that have been mentioned on each season of the series. You can browse the list by season or theme (books that have popped up in the background, address the theme, have been quoted, etc.)

“Also available on ABC.com will be a message board to discuss the titles, a synopsis of each book along with when and how it was referenced in the show and an introduction by co-creator/executive producer Damon Lindelof and executive producer Carlton Cuse,” a press release states.

Titles include everything from The Fountainhead and Lord of the Flies to Aldous Huxley‘s Island and Flann O’Brien’s The Third Policeman. (Reprinted from Pop Candy)

Watching the Watchmen By Dave Gibbons

Voted among Time magazine’s 100 Best Novels from 1923 to the present, a perennial bestseller over the past twenty years and widely considered the greatest graphic novel of all time, WATCHMEN is a gripping, labyrinthine piece of comic art, which has earned an acclaimed place in modern literary history. Now, you can enjoy the ultimate companion to the comics masterpiece, as artist Dave Gibbons gives his own account of the genesis of WATCHMEN in this dust-jacketed hardback volume, opening his vast personal archives to reveal excised pages, original character designs, page thumbnails, sketches and much more, including posters, covers and rare portfolio art. Featuring the breathtaking design of Chip Kidd and Mike Essl, WATCHING THE WATCHMEN is both a major art book in its own right, and the definitive companion to the graphic novel that changed an industry. “I’ve had a great time, re-visiting the very beginnings of Watchmen and unearthing material I haven’t set eyes on for many years. As a fan myself, this is the kind of stuff I eat up and I’m sure the many devotees of the graphic novel will do the same!” says Gibbons.

 

The book will be release on October 21, 2008 and can be preordered here.

Hellboy on Inside The Actor’s Studio

My friend Don sent me this.

 

 

Chip Kidd: Book One

Described as “the closest thing to a rock star” in graphic design today (USA Today), Chip Kidd is universally recognized as an American master of contemporary book design. At the forefront of a revolution in publishing, Kidd’s iconic covers, with their inventive marriage of type and found images, have influenced an entire generation of design practitioners in many fields. Chip Kidd: Book One collects all of his book covers and designs for the first time, as well as hundreds of developmental sketches and concepts-annotated by Kidd and by many of the best-selling authors he’s worked with over the years. The result is an important contribution to the design canon today as well as a visually dazzling (and often hilarious) insider’s look at the design and publishing process. The book also showcases Kidd’s work with comics and graphic novels, including his collaborations with leading artists and writers in the field. Featured are projects for DC Comics, including Batman and Superman, as well as Kidd’s award-winning exploration of the art of Charles M. Schulz. Chip Kidd: Book One is sure to enthrall design aficionados, book lovers, pop-culture fanatics, comics fans, and design students.  Order the book here.  Check out Chip’s website here.

Milk Jug Gets A Makeover

A simple change to the design of the gallon milk jug, adopted by Wal-Mart and Costco, seems made for the times. The jugs are cheaper to ship and better for the environment, the milk is fresher when it arrives in stores, and it costs less.

What’s not to like? Plenty, as it turns out.

The jugs have no real spout, and their unorthodox shape makes consumers feel like novices at the simple task of pouring a glass of milk. Read the whole story here.

Free Fruitista Freeze Sample At Taco bell July 8-15

 Get a free sample of Fruitista Freeze between July 8th and July 15th at participating stores. One per person. No coupon is needed. Offer available while supplies last. The Fruitista Freeze is a refreshing frozen strawberry or mango drink topped with real strawberries.

Below is a viral video to promote the new drink.  Find out what happens when Taco Bell gets frozen?

 

Sign Your Name Here

Atom Smasher has a collection of customizable scenes. Besides the Wheel of Fortune scene, you can put your name on a restaurant sign, road sign, or gas station sign.  Check it out here.

iPhone 3G See What’s New video

Apple has posted a guided tour of the new features found in the iPhone 3G due to be released on Friday July 11, 2008. You can watch the video here.

Kevin Smith Has Seen The Dark Knight And Raves About It

Director Kevin Smith just saw The Dark Knight and he raved about it on his blog.

He says:

“Courtesy of Peter Sciretta over at SlashFilm.com, I caught an early screening of “The Dark Knight” yesterday evening. Without giving anything away, this is an epic film (and trust me: based on the sheer size and scope of the visuals and storytelling, that’s not an overstatement). It’s the “Godfather II” of comic book films and three times more earnest than “Batman Begins”. Easily the most adult comic book film ever made. Heath Ledger didn’t so much give a performance as he disappeared completely into the role; I know I’m not the first to suggest this, but he’ll likely get at least an Oscar nod (if not the win) for Best Supporting Actor. The flick’s nearly three hours long and only leaves you wanting more (in a great way). I can’t imagine anyone being disappointed by it. Nolan and crew have created something close to a masterpiece.”