Joe Shuster Superman Original Art Auction!

Posted by Tom Mason Categories: Collecting, Editorials, DC Comics, Marvel Comics,

If you’ve ever dreamed about owning an original piece of Superman artwork by co-creator and artist Joe Shuster, now’s your chance.

Longtime original art dealer Larry Shell is offering a rare piece of American comics history this week in a fast-paced auction.

It’s a full color Joe Shuster recreation to the cover of Action Comics #16 (the original issue went on sale in 1938). According to Shell, this recreation was drawn in 1983 and “is one of only a very few cover recreations that Shuster did and is 100% his work.” It was originally owned by Wendy and Richard Pini (Elfquest).

The original measures a large 15” x 20” in size and is rendered in lead and colored pencils, which gives the image the soft quality of pastels.

You can see a photo of Joe Shuster with the original piece here.

Click to continue reading Joe Shuster Superman Original Art Auction!

Read More | Joe Shuster Auction

The next iPhone will have a 4-inch display

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Displays, Handhelds,

This morning The Wall Street Journal is reporting that the next Apple iPhone will prominently feature a display that's "at least 4-inches diagonally." additionally, the device is set to go into production next month. The result? Approximately a 30% increase in viewing area on the iPhone.

WSJ goes on to report that Apple will tap Sharp, Japan Display Inc., and LG Display as the suppliers for the displays. We've been hearing that the new iPhone would have a 4-inch display for a while now, but when The Journal reports it with confidence, you've gotta take notice.

This is a welcome bit of news for many iPhone fans, as many have grown weary of the 3.5-inch display that each iPhone, including the current iPhone 4S model, has used. The cries of many will likely be addressed by Apple with the introduction of its next flagship smartphone.

Read More | WSJ

Avengers Assemble Links!

Posted by Tom Mason Categories: Editorials, Movies, Reviews, Marvel Comics,

Because we're all about The Avengers 24/7/365, here are a bunch of nice Avengers links that haven't been abused too much by the internets.

Assemble! My pal, the comics historian Peter Sanderson, takes a look at The Avengers. The money quote: “That climactic battle between the Avengers and Loki’s invading forces, in the heart of New York City, captured the fantastic spectacle and visceral excitement that the superhero genre can create more fully than I had ever imagined seeing in a live action film.”

Click to continue reading Avengers Assemble Links!

Comic Book Jobs: ReedPOP

Posted by Tom Mason Categories: Conventions, Editorials,

We live in a world where there’s almost a comic book convention every weekend. (And some smartypants producer should put together a reality show based around that.)

One of the biggest and best convention organizers is Reed Exhibitions. Their ReedPOP division puts on the New York Comic Con, The Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo, PAX, Star Wars Celebration, The UFC Fan Expo, and “other events in the pop culture world.”

Now they’re looking for a Digital Sales Executive. This is a sales job and you’ll be expected to sell “the ad inventory across ReedPOP's family of show sites as well as creating and selling additional online products.”

Click to continue reading Comic Book Jobs: ReedPOP

Read More | ReedPOP

Halo 4 Limited Edition details announced

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: First Person Shooters, Microsoft, Xbox 360, Xbox Live,

The release date of Halo 4 is quickly approaching, as November 6 is less than six months away. Today Microsoft announced the Halo 4 Limited Edition, a $99.99 bundle that beings Halo fans a ton of extras:

• War Games Map Pack Access – The Limited Edition includes access to nine maps – three future competitive multiplayer map packs, each including three locations, available for download post-launch on Xbox LIVE.
• Specializations – Receive early access to six Specializations, available at launch on Xbox LIVE, to achieve higher ranks in your Spartan career. In addition to gaining access to new ranks, Specializations unlock new customization options. Purchasers of the “Halo 4” Limited Edition will get access on launch day, while others will have to wait as Specializations are released over time.
• The Limited Edition also contains the UNSC Infinity Briefing Packet, which includes an armor customization schematic, a blueprint of the massive ship itself, and insight into what it means to be one of humanity’s finest warriors: the Spartan-IVs.
• “Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn” Special Edition – An extended 90-minute version of the live-action digital series that will bring the “Halo” universe to life as you’ve never seen it, and provide an enthralling backstory leading up to the events of “Halo 4.”
• Bonus digital content through Xbox LIVE:
  • Unique in-game Spartan-IV armor skin
  • Unique in-game weapon skin for the Assault Rifle
  • An exclusive in-game emblem
  • Xbox LIVE Avatar prop
  • Xbox LIVE Avatar Spartan-IV armor set

Definitely a lot of content in exchange for an extra $40 above the standard version of Halo 4. You can pre-order Halo 4 now.

Read More | Halo 4 pre-order

HTC EVO 4G LTE, One X delayed indefinitely in customs due to Apple patent infringement

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smartphones, Corporate News, Google, Handhelds,

Whoa! It looks like two major HTC devices have just been indefinitely delayed at United States Customs for an investigation due to an Apple patent infringement. If you were ready to pick up the HTC One X or HTC EVO 4G LTE on day one, you've got a wait ahead of you:

"The US availability of the HTC One X and HTC EVO 4G LTE has been delayed due to a standard U.S. Customs review of shipments that is required after an ITC exclusion order. We believe we are in compliance with the ruling and HTC is working closely with Customs to secure approval."

While HTC is putting on the smiley face for the public, this is a pretty serious blow. The devices that are being held infringe on an Apple patent that covers the action of automatically turning email addresses and phone numbers in tappable links. We don't see how HTC can quickly remove that feature from phones that are sitting in their shipping containers.

Read More | WSJ

Apple prepping MacBook Pro with Retina display, USB 3.0

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, PC / Laptop, Rumors, USB,

Apple is preparing to launch a redesigned MacBook Pro that'll be sporting all sorts of new features. According to multiple sources, the new MacBook Pro will feature a new, ultra-thin unibody design, USB 3.0 ports (a first for Apple,) and at the center of it all, a "jaw-dropping" Retina display.

How's Apple gonna achieve making a thin notebook even thinner? With the removal of two components. First, the optical drive is going bye-bye. Apple started phasing out optical drives with the release of the original MacBook Air, and then continued the trend with the latest Mac mini. With the release of the Mac App Store, and broadband being to ubiquitous, it stands to reason that digital files and downloads are here to stay. Apple does still sell an external optical drive that connects via USB for those who need it.

Click to continue reading Apple prepping MacBook Pro with Retina display, USB 3.0

New Rdio redesign is now available to all

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Design, Internet, Music,

Just a quick PSA for all you music lovers out there--that new Rdio design we recently talked about? Well, it's now live for everyone. Our favorite streaming music service has rolled out the new clean look for all, and it's pretty fantastic. Check out a video walkthrough below.

Click to continue reading New Rdio redesign is now available to all

Read More | Rdio

A look at the BlackBerry 10 home screen

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smartphones, Software,

Research in Motion happily debuted BlackBerry 10 recently (conveniently skipping over BlackBerry 8 and 9,) showing off a Developer-only handset and a few software screenshots. Now we finally get a look at the home screen and app launcher. These are likely the two most important areas from a mobile OS design and usability perspective, and the absence of information was odd. What you see above are four apps running at once. Tap one, and it'll go full-screen. A swipe to the right brings up the app launcher, which looks as you'd expect--a grid of app icons. As always, we'll keep you posted on any other new information that RIM releases as the BB10 release draws near.

Buffalo releases the WZR-D1800H, the first 802.11ac router, for $179

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Wireless / WiFi,

Buffalo has just released the very first 802.11ac router in the $179.99 WZR-D1800H, alongside the WLI-HD-D1300 wireless media bridge. With speeds of up to 1.3Gbps, the new 802.11ac standard is three times faster than 802.11n, but the only problem is that there aren't any 802.11ac chips installed in any computers yet, so buying the router right now would just mean you are preparing for the future. Luckily, it's backwards compatable with 802.11a/b/g/n standards, so you're good there. The AirStation AC1300 media bridge allows you to connect up to four wired devices to your new 802.11ac network. You can grab both products now.

Read More | Buffalo