The Warner Home Video/Los Angeles Times event will also feature a Q & A with some of the voice cast members and filmmakers who have yet to be announced. Potential voice actor guests include Nathan Fillion (‘Castle’), Tim Daly (‘Private Practice’, ‘Superman: The Animated Series’), Kevin Conroy (‘Batman: The Animated Series’), Michael Rosenbaum (‘Smallville’), Carl Lumbly (‘Alias’), Alexis Densinof (‘Angel’), Paul Blackthorne (‘The Dresden Files’), and Claudia Black (‘Farscape’, ‘Pitch Black’).

Did you want a shot at attending? All you need to do is send your first & last name and a valid email address to JLDoomLA@yahoo.com – space is limited and tickets are “first come, first served” so hop to it. Also keep an eye on Hero Complex, the LA Times nerd blog, for another chance at free tickets.

Here are a few images from the flick for your peepers:


Produced by Warner Premiere, DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation, the all-new Justice League: Doom arrives February 28, 2012 from Warner Home Video as a Blu-Ray™ Combo Pack and DVD, On Demand and for Download. Both the Blu-Ray™ Combo Pack and DVD will include an UltraViiolet™ Digital Copy.

As always, check your local listings to verify times.

Monday, Jan. 16th
• 7:30pm – Adventure Time [Cartoon Ntwrk] (Animated)
New episodes begin -yay!
• 8pm – Alcatraz [FOX] (Season Premiere)
It’s JJ Abrams produced. You are obliged to watch. Plus it’s got Jorge Garcia (Hurley!!) and Sam Neill (‘Jurassic Park’).
• 8pm – Regular Show [Cartoon Ntwrk] (Animated)
• 9pm – Being Human [Syfy] (Season Premiere)
It’s a good one. I have a non-spoiler preview/review up at Seat42f. Repeats at 11pm.
• 10pm – Castle [ABC]
Castle good friend the Mayor is implicated in a murder.
• 10pm – Lost Girl [Syfy] (Season Premiere)
If you aren’t in Canada or haven’t already used *ahem* alternate means to watch this series, you’re in luck. A young woman learns of her supernatural heritage while having to protect an innocent. Repeats at 12am.
• 10pm – Hawaii Five-0 [CBS] (Mid-Season Premiere)
Chin Ho tells Steve some shocking news while Danny must help his ex-wife when she goes into labor.
• 11pm – Conan [TBS]
Kate Beckinsale and Stephen Merchant appear.
• 12:35am – Late Night With Jimmy Fallon [NBC]
Liam Neeson stops in to promote ‘The Grey’, in which he fights hordes of wolves in the frozen wilderness with Wolverine claws made of broken, tiny alcohol bottles.
• 12:37am – Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson [CBS]
Lucy Liu and Kevin Sorbo stop by for a chat.

Tuesday, Jan. 17th
• 6:30pm – X-Play [G4]
• 7pm – Attack of the Show [G4]
• 8pm – From Hell [IFC] (Movie With Commercials)
Johnny Depp searches for Jack the Ripper in this comic adaptation.
• 9pm – New Girl [FOX] (Mid-Season Premiere)
Jess takes charge when Schmidt’s 29th birthday plans fall apart.
• 10pm – White Collar [USA] (Mid-Season Premiere)
Peter and Neal work to rescue Elizabeth who’s been kidnapped.
• 10pm – Justified [FX] (Season Premiere)
Neal McDonough (‘Captain America’, ‘Minority Report’) joins the cast as a Detroit mobster. Yay Neal!
• 11:35pm – Late Show With David Letterman [CBS]
Ricky Gervais.
• 11:35pm – Tonight Show With Jay Leno [NBC]
Sam Worthington promotes ‘Man On A Ledge’ but will probably mention ‘Wrath Of The Titans’ too.

Wednesday, Jan. 17th
• 6:30pm – X-Play [G4]
Ah yes, the 2011 Golden Mullet Awards. Be prepared for a parade of the worst of last year’s games.
• 7pm – Attack of the Show [G4]
• 9pm – Ghost Hunters [Syfy]
• 10pm – Face Off [Syfy]
Three words: waterproof creature makeup. Hell yes.
• 11:35pm -Late Show With David Letterman [CBS]
Michael Fassbender. Because yes.
• 12am – Jimmy Kimmel Live [ABC]
Will Arnett appears to talk about ‘Up All Night’ and will most likely talk about ‘Arrested Development’ too.

Thursday, Jan. 18th
• 6:30pm – X-Play [G4]
• 7pm – Attack of the Show [G4]
• 8pm – The Vampire Diaries [CW]
Bonnie is reunited with her mother while Klaus tries to regain control of his family’s coffins.
• 8pm – 30 Rock [NBC]
Tracy’s offensive rant leaks on the internet while Jack judges Liz’s secret boyfriend (James Marsden – the ‘X-Men’ flicks).
• 8pm – Alien [IFC] (Movie With Commercials)
• 8:30pm – Parks and Recreation [NBC]
• 9pm – The Secret Circle [CW]
Jake and Cassie investigate her father’s death so she can avoid the same fate.
• 9pm – The Finder [FOX]
Lance Sweets crosses over as Wlater helps find evidence that can save a prison on death row.
• 9pm – Person of Interest [CBS]
Carter meets Reese. Jim Cavieziel still sounds like Batman.
• 9:30pm – Up All Night [NBC]
Megan Mullally guest stars as a rival talk show host.
• 10pm – Archer [FX] (Season Premiere)
Burt Reynolds guest-voices himself. And he’s dating Archer’s mom.
• 11pm – Conan [TBS]
‘Haywire’ star Gina Carano, who’ll hopefully brings about a new wave of legit kickass female action heroes.
• 12:35am – Late Night With Jimmy Fallon [NBC]
Ewan McGregor!

Friday, Jan. 20th
• 7pm – Attack of the Show [G4]
• 8pm – Chuck [NBC]
The penultimate episode. *sniff sniff* Chuch and Sarah battle Nicholas Quinn on a bullet train while the Intersect threatens Sarah’s life.
• 8pm – Star Wars: The Clone Wars [Cartoon Ntwrk] (Animated)
Obi-Wan goes undercover in a prison and must work with bounty hunter Cad Bane to escape.
• 8:30pm – Generator Rex [Cartoon Ntwrk] (Animated)
Rex and Noah transport and EVO that can mess with Rex’s powers.
• 9pm – Fringe [FOX]
While Peter is Over There, the alt-Fringe team battle a new enemy.
• 9pm – Grimm [NBC]
Titled “Of Mouse and Man,” a gruesome homicide is connected to a man’s troubled childhood. I’m guessing this is a “Three Blind Mice” riff.
• 10pm – Merlin [Syfy]
It’s Arthur’s birthday and someone’s trying to kill him – worst present ever. Repeats at midnight.
• 11pm – Blade the Anime [G4] (Anime, Dubbed)
Blade teams up with a detective when they learn a vamp is working with cops.
• 11pm – Being Human [Syfy] (Repeat)
In case you missed it earlier in the week.
• 11:30pm – Wolverine the Anime [G4] (Anime, Dubbed)
A mysterious woman rescues Logan from a trap.

Saturday, Jan. 21st
• 9am-8pm – Ninja Warrior Marathon [G4]
• 7pm – Wyvern [Syfy] (Movie With Commercials)
A dragon attacks an Alaskan town.
• 8pm – The Prestige [IFC] (Movie With Commercials)
• 9pm – The Fades [BBC America]
Neil plans a battle against the Fades while Paul learns of his role in the oncoming fight.
• 9pm – Snow Beast [Syfy] (Movie With Commercials, Premiere)
John Schneider (‘Dukes of Hazzard’, ‘Smallville’) stars as the lead of a research team stalked by a mysterious predator in the Canadian wilderness.
• 11pm – Would You Rather? With Graham Norton [BBC America]
• 11pm – Alcatraz [FOX] (Repeat)
In case you missed the premiere earlier this week.
• 12am – Bleach [Cartoon Ntwrk] (Anime, Dubbed)
• Hulu Spotlight: The Secrets of Isis
The 70s series that spun-off from the Captain Marvel live-action show, a high school teacher discovers an amulet that let’s her channel the powers of the goddess Isis. It’s good times.

Sunday, Jan. 22nd
• 2:30pm – Ghost Rider [FX] (Movie With Commercials)
• 5pm – Underworld: Evolution [FX] (Movie With Commercials)
• 7pm – Tekken [G4] (Movie With Commercials)
Based on the video game. I haven’t seen it yet but, hey, why not.
• 8pm -Once Upon A Time [ABC]
Mary Margaret and David (aka Snow White and Prince Charming) get the spotlight in both the “real world” and fairy tale land.
• 8pm – Secrets of the Manor House [PBS]
For those of you obsessed with Downton Abbey, you’d be interested in this special that looks at the history of the rich and the servant class in Britain from the Edwardian age through World War II.
• 8pm – Murders in the Rue Morgue [Turner Classic Movies] (Movie, Black & White)
Bela Lugosi plays a mad doctor wreaking havoc in Paris. From 1932.
• 9pm – Masterpiece Classic [PBS]
‘Downton Abbey’ episode 3!
• 9:15pm – The Black Cat [Turner Classic Movies] (Movie, Black & White)
Boris Karloff vs Bela Lugosi as a cultist and mad scientist respectively in this 1934 horror flick.
• 10pm – Masterpiece Mystery! [PBS] (Repeat)
More Cumberbatch goodness in ‘Sherlock: The Blind Banker.’
• 10:30pm – Island of Lost Souls [Turner Classic Movies] (Movie, Black & White)
Charles Laughton plays a doctor experimenting with splicing people with animals in this classic H.G. Wells adaptation.

Yes, that’s actually Christopher Lloyd and Tisha Campbell-Martin is providing the Beyonce for the track. You can download the full, uncensored rap on iTunes or Amazon.

Photo Credit: Liane Hentscher/FOX

Last week was pretty quiet on the new episode front. This week is definitely not. Especially Thursday and Friday.

As always, check your local listings to verify times.

Monday, Jan. 9th
• 7pm – Attack of the Show [G4]
• 8pm – The Andromeda Strain [Turner Classic Movies] (Movie)
The 1971 adaption of Michael Crichton’s thriller about an alien disease that destroys a town and could decimate the world.
• 10pm – Castle [ABC] (Mid-Season Premiere, MUST WATCH)
A murder involving a womanizer may interfere with Ryan’s wedding.
• 10:15pm – The Last Man on Earth [Turner Classic Movies] (Movie)
This flick has been remade in some variety at least six times but this is the only one with Vincent Price. The 1964 classic about the only non-vampire left in the world who happens to be a scientist.
• 11pm – Conan [TBS]
The ever-delightful Seth Green guests and ups the redhead factor to two. Also comedian/actor David Cross (‘Arrested Development’, ‘The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret’) and singer/musician Gavin DeGraw.
• 11:35pm – Late Show With David Letterman [CBS]
Mark Wahlberg appears to promote ‘Contraband’, in which he may or may not tell someone to say hi to their mother for him.
• 12am – Jimmy Kimmel Live [ABC]
Channing Tatum talks about the action/thriller ‘Haywire’ and probably ‘G.I. Joe: Retaliation’.
• 12:35am – Late Night With Jimmy Fallon [NBC]
Looks like it’s back-to-back Mark Wahlberg. Homeboy’s getting around a lot.

Tuesday, Jan. 10th
• 7pm – Attack of the Show [G4]
• 10pm – Jamie’s American Road Trip [BBC America]
Chef Jamie Oliver’s journey through the US to experience regional culture and food continues as he visits Wyoming and cooks for legit cowboys. Food nerds will love this show.
• 11pm – CES All Access Live [Spike TV]
Part 1 of their two-part coverage of this years Consumer Electronics Show will feature looks at new technology and interviews.
• 11:35pm – Late Show With David Letterman [CBS]
It’s Kate Beckinsale’s turn to promote ‘Contraband’ though I suspect Dave won’t be able to resist mentioning her pleater adventuring in ‘Underworld: Awakening’.
• 12:35am – Late Night With Jimmy Fallon [NBC]
Former SNL Update partners reunite as Tiny Fey drops to promote the return of ’30 Rock’.

Wednesday, Jan. 11th
• 7pm – Attack of the Show [G4]
• 8:30pm – Suburgatory [ABC]
Tessa develops a crush on the new boy at school who she thinks is gay but is actually an undercover narc. I look forward to many ’21 Jump Street’ references. Also, don’t forget Alan Tudyk is a co-star.
• 9pm – Harry’s Law [NBC]
I’m loathe to even include this but Erica Durance (Lois Lane on ‘Smallville’) guest stars as a woman who dresses as Wonder Woman and beats up scumbags but subsequently is in legal trouble for it. This is David E. Kelley putting salt in the wound and then setting you on fire.
• 9pm – Ghost Hunters [Syfy] (Season Premiere)
The team investigates Kings Island amusement park in Ohio and a family home in New Hampshire.
• 9pm – I Cloned My Pet [TLC]
In case you want to know who to blame when genetically engineered super-gerbils take over the world, behold the people who made it so.
• 10pm – Face Off [Syfy] (Season Premiere, MUST WATCH)
Hands down the most successful reality show on Syfy, last season was a perfect marriage of subject and execution. I’m really excited to see what Season 2 has in store.
• 10:15pm – The Three Musketeers [Turner Classic Movies] (Movie)
The 1948 Gene Kelly classic, which isn’t a musical, also stars Lana Turner, June Allyson, Vincent Price, and Angela Lansbury. Many credit it as the early template for how to shoot fight scenes.

Thursday, Jan. 12th
• 7pm – Attack of the Show [G4]
‘Chuck’ star Yvonne Strahovski appears. Yay!
• 8pm – Bones [FOX] (Mid-Season Premiere)
A message in human blood sparks a scavenger hunt.
• 8pm – 30 Rock [NBC] (Season Premiere)
Liz has a new attitude while Jenna becomes more famous after a turn as a jerky celebrity judge. I missed this show but dammit I wish ‘Community’ was still on too.
• 8pm – The Vampire Diaries [CW]
• 8pm – The Big Bang Theory [CBS] (Mid-Season Premiere)
• 8:30pm – Parks and Recreation [NBC] (Mid-Season Premiere)
• 9pm – The Secret Circle [CW]
Adam and Cassie research her father’s past as Faye tries a spell to give her individual powers.
• 9pm – Person of Interest [CBS] (Mid-Season Premiere)
Jim Cavieziel’s character has still yet to declare that he is Batman.
• 9pm – The Finder [FOX] (Series Premiere)
The ‘Bones’ spin-off officially begins as Walter (George Stults) helps a teen find his missing father in the Florida wilderness and musician John Fogerty get back his stolen guitar.
• 9:30pm – Up All Night [NBC] (Mid-Season Premiere)
I find this show very funny. It’s definitely worth checking out.
• 10pm – The Mentalist [CBS] (Mid-Season Premiere)
• 11pm – Conan [TBS]
Ricky Gervais!
• 11:30pm – Beyond Sherwood Forest [Syfy] (Movie With Commercials)
In a bit of corporate synergy, Robin Dunne (‘Sanctuary’) stars as Robin Hood who not only robs from the rich and gives to the poor, he contends with supernatural forces. Erica Durance (‘Smallville’) co-stars as Maid Marion.
• 12:35am – Late Night With Jimmy Fallon [NBC]
Expect shenanigans as Daniel Radcliffe pops in for a chat. He’s hosting ‘Saturday Night Live’ this week and stars in the period piece/horror flick ‘The Woman in Black’ in theaters February 2nd.

Friday, Jan. 13th
• 7pm – Attack of the Show [G4]
• 8pm – Chuck [NBC]
Mrogan faces fallout from the Intersect during a mission while Jeff and Lester get their own spy on.
• 8pm – Nikita [CW]
• 8pm – Star Wars: The Clone Wars [Crtn Ntwk] (CG Animated)
Lux turns her back on Dooku and the Separists and joins Death Watch, a faction that is surely as hardcore as it sounds.
• 8:30pm – Generator Rex [Crtn Ntwk] (Animated)
• 9pm – Supernatural [CW]
Jason Dohring (‘Veronica Mars’, ‘Moonlight’) and Nicholas Lea (‘The X-Files’, ‘V’, ‘Once Upon A Time’) guest star. Hee hee.
• 9pm – Fringe [FOX] (Mid-Season Premiere)
Peter travels to Over There to confront Walternate while Olivia gets an unnerving visit from an Observer.
• 9pm – Grimm [NBC] (Mid-Season Premiere)
A fugitive with great strength and a high tolerance for pain searches for the people who put him behind bars.
• 10pm – Merlin [Syfy]
If you missed last week’s premiere, it’s a shame because it was a really good episode. Lucky for you it’s a two-parter – Arthur attempts to take Merlin back to Camelot in hopes to save his life and encounters magical creatures on the way. And he stilll has to find a way to stop the Dorocha.
• 11pm – Blade [G4] (Anime, Premiere)
The vampire hunter chases Deacon Frost through Asia.
• 11:30pm – Wolverine [G4] (Anime, Premiere)
Mariko is kidnapped to fufill an arranged marriage, naturally this doesn’t sit well with Logan who follows her to Japan.
• 11:35pm – Late Show With David Letterman [CBS]
Viggo Mortensen joins Dave though he probably won’t be dressed in his LOTR gear.
• 12:37am – Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson [CBS]
The always lovely Kristen Bell visits.

Saturday, Jan. 14th
• 4pm – Hocus Pocus [ABC Family] (Movie With Commercials)
Also at 1pm on Sunday.
• 8pm – The Devil’s Rejects [IFC] (Movie With Commercials)
Yes there are commercials but horror fans should be pleased to know that IFC is not big on editing for content.
• 9pm – The Fades [BBC America] (Series Premiere, MUST WATCH)
Another UK stab at a “male Buffy” – this time a high schooler has supernatural visions/sight and his greater destiny is revealed. I’m already sure it’s better than the last one, the name of which I can’t even remember.
• 9pm – Collision Earth [Syfy] (Movie With Commercials)
A mad scientist’s weapon may be the Earth’s only hope to keep Mercury from crashing into it.
• 9pm – Austin City Limits [PBS]
For all you “indie-rock” fans, Arcade Fire plays tunes from their 2010 album.
• 10:15pm – The Nerdist [BBC America] (MUST WATCH)
Lily Loveless and Thomas Dolby guest as Chris Hardwicke and company talk horror.
• 10:15pm – From Dusk till Dawn [IFC] (Movie With Commercials)
• 11pm – Stonehenge Apocalyps [Syfy] (Movie With Commercials)
With Misha Collins!
• 11pm – Coraline [ABC Family] (Movie With Commercials)
The delightfully disconcerting stop-motion animation adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s book.
• 11:29pm – Saturday Night Live [NBC] (MUST WATCH)
Hosted by Daniel Radcliffe – I’ll be disappointed if there’s no Harry Potter sketch. And if it sucks.
11:45pm – Would You Rather? With Graham Norton [BBC America]

Sunday, Jan. 15th
• 2:05pm – Alien vs. Predator [Spike] (Movie With Commercials)
TV Guide calls it “[a] gory, pointless thriller with good effects.”
• 4pm – Improv-Ice Starring Styx [NBC]
This is such a weird thing I had to list it – rock band/provider-of-many-songs-for-’Supernatural’ Styx plays while ice skaters perform routines made up that day. Features Michael Weiss, Nancy Kerrigan, Sasha Cohen, and the glorious Johnny Weir.
• 5pm – An American Werewolf in London [Syfy] (Movie With Commercials)
• 7pm – Masterpiece Classic [PBS] (Repeat)
Did you miss the ‘Downton Abbey’ season 2 premiere? Here’s your chance to catch it again.
• 8pm – Once Upon A Time [ABC] (MUST WATCH)
Hansel and Gretel! Emma Caufield (‘Buffy) guest stars!
• 8pm – The Simpsons [FOX] (Animated)
It’s their take on ‘Social Network’.
• 8pm – Dune [BBC America] (Movie With Commercials)
“Expanded version” with a whopping 4-hour run-time.
• 8pm – Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein [Turner Classic Movies] (Movie)
The legendary comedy team meet Dracula, the Wolf Man, Frankenstein’s monster and a mysterious and deadly woman. Bela Lugosi and Lon Chaney star as their iconic characters.
• 8pm – Golden Globe Awards [NBC]
If nothing else tickles your fancy, feel free to watch Ricky Gervais make fun of other rich, famous people who are there to get awards. Also, see if anyone’s drunk when they give their acceptance speech.
• 8:30pm – Napoleon Dynamite [FOX] (Animated, Series Premiere)
Part 1 of a 2 pronged premiere – second episode airs at 9:30pm.
• 9pm – Leverage [TNT] (Season Finale, MUST WATCH)
After an explosive ending to the last job, the crew joins forces with ally and foe alike to take down the enemy behind the curtain. Repeats at 12am.
• 9pm – Masterpiece Classic [PBS]
Downton Abbey episode 2 – catch the non-lethal-because-we-live-in-modern-times fever!
• 9pm – Family Guy [FOX] (Animated)
• 10pm – Masterpiece Mystery! [PBS] (Repeat)
Have you missed the reimagining of ‘Sherlock Holmes’? Lucky for you, PBS is reairing them starting with ‘Sherlock: A Study In Pink’. It’s the Cumberbatchiest!
• 11pm – Blade Anime [G4] (Animated, Repeat)
• 11:30pm – Robot Chicken [Cartoon Ntwrk] (Animated)
It’s the 100th episode!
• 11:30pm – Wolverine Anime [G4] (Animated, Repeat)

*************

Mister Terrific #2

What do you think are Michael’s most important qualities? Are there any aspects that you wanted to change that DC wouldn’t allow or vice-versa?

Because he is a man of science, Michael Holt’s most important quality is his curiosity. A desire to know everything there is to know about the universe and its scientific mysteries is what drives this guy. But outside the scientific sphere, Michael’s next most important quality is his ability to inspire others. This is especially true when it comes to Michael’s influence on Aleeka Okafur and Jamaal Mason.

Aleeka sees Michael as pretty much the perfect man, and that’s not just because of his money and success. Michael’s dedication to philanthropic causes (another quality)—as embodied by his creation and funding of the Conscientia Institute—is truly noble. It shows the kindness (a third quality) that lies inside Michael and it’s the reason she’s in love with this man.

In regards to Jamaal, Michael is going to become more and more of a mentor figure. This is because Michael sees the incredible potential within Jamaal to become an even greater scientific bellwether than himself. It’s this ability to see and inspire greatness in others that is yet another important quality Michael Holt possesses, one that might be his most important one – both as a man and as the hero, Mister Terrific.

It seems like we’re getting to know the New 52 version of Mr. Terrific by seeing his status quo destroyed as opposed to seeing a “norm” established. Is that a fair assessment and why take that route?

I think there’s a little of both going on, but that’s because I’ve already read issues 5 through 8! Seriously, though… yes, we saw Mister Terrific cut down to size in issue #3, and this was on purpose. It was done to further humanize the character. The creative team and I believe it was very important to show that being one of the smartest men on the planet can give you a false feeling of invincibility. This is what Mister Terrific possesses in the first two issues. But when Brainstorm reveals a hidden truth about our hero’s past, we see Mister Terrific’s smart veneer shatter. So yes, it’s here that we do see his “norm” destroyed.”

But the next three issues, #4, #5, and #6, are all about showing what Mister Terrific’s new norm will be. This is a man who, in these next issues, will begin to realize that it takes more than a genius intellect to be a well-rounded human being. That’s what Mister Terrific’s emotional journey throughout the course of this series is going to be. The destruction of his initial emotional state was necessary so that the audience would be able to experience Mister Terrific’s inner changes as they happen, hence the “destructive” nature of the first three issues, as well as the subsequent “restorative” nature of the next three issues.

As a result of these first six stories, a new Mister Terrific emerges in issue #7. He’s still a hero, but he’ll be a bit wiser and more prepared for the many difficult challenges and seismic events that will rock both his personal life and his heroic life as protector of Los Angeles.

Ed. Note: This next question/answer is a major spoiler. I’ve whited it out to protect the innocence of those who are still picking up back issues – highlight it to read. Start here –> The fact that the death of Michael’s wife and unborn child was a random occurrence is a major part of his backstory. Does Brainstorm’s revelation that he was responsible for the circumstances of the accident contradict that character-defining randomness? Or is Michael’s loss of control in the face of having someone to focus his rage on and the consequences of that the real life-altering event? And is it possible that Brainstorm simply made everything up after gleaning Michael’s identity to evoke that reaction (he took particular glee in those kids loosing faith in Mr. Terrific…)?

That’s just it – the deaths of Paula and Aaron Holt were not random. They were caused by the birth of a madman (Brainstorm). This is how evil works. It is born and the ripples it sends out cause untold, seeming random destruction.

Mister Terrific #4

But there is a definitive connectivity to Brainstorm’s birth and Paula/Aaron’s deaths. It’s the balance of the universe that reflects an eternal struggle between good and evil. Ironically, had Brainstorm not been born… and had both Paula and Aaron not died… Mister Terrific would not have gained the subsequent insight that he is a man “out of balance” with himself. This refers to the fact that Mister Terrific, up until the issue #3, has always believed that intelligence can solve any problem. Well, that’s not true. And when Brainstorm teaches him this (again, in issue #3), Mister Terrific can’t handle it. The very concept rocks his entire world. So what does he do? He loses it. But it’s something that needed to happen, in order for Mister Terrific to grow as both a hero and a human being. So I don’t see the events of issue #3 as a contradiction to Mister Terrific’s character. And Brainstorm did not make up what happened years earlier.

What happened to Mister Terrific—his loss of control—was inevitable, given his penchant for denying his emotional side. We see this in issue #2, during Michael’s conversation with his girlfriend, Karen Starr. Here’s a guy who is letting his intellect dictate his behavior in a romantic relationship. While that might have advantages at times, it’s going to be disastrous in the end. Romance is not about science. Attraction is about science, especia

lly when you look at the notions of chemical attraction, pheromones, etc. But romance is an emotional conceit. Therefore, it needs to be nurtured with emotional responses, not intellectual discourses – which is how Michael reacts on several occasions. Needless to say, things aren’t going to go well for Michael and Karen from issue #6 onward.<–End Spoilers

This next arc has Mr. Terrific assisting some extra-terrestrial beings – will they factor into any bigger storylines in the future, both in this title and/or across the New 52?

I certainly hope so. Without revealing any spoilers, I’ll confirm that, yes, there are plans to bring back the Kryl. Readers will know the reason why by the end of issue #5. And I do have a pretty big story in mind with the Kryl, one that will team up Mister Terrific with a certain super team already active in the DCnU. But that story is still in the works, so I can’t talk about it. Let’s just say that there may be some very cool guest stars in Mister Terrific’s near future!

How important is it to see Mr. Terrific tackle problems outside of Los Angeles and not just keep him confined to his home city?

It’s very important to show that Mister Terrific is LA’s protector, so most of his stories in the first twelve issues do take place in Los Angeles. However, it’s important to show the wide variety of stories this character can support, hence the decision to feature an outer space adventure early on in the series.

The fact of the matter is, many mainstream readers are not very familiar with the character, Mister Terrific, if at all. So the creative team and myself are trying to do a lot in these first twelve issues, in order to show the scope of adventures Mister Terrific can have. Sure, he can be your standard “protector of the city” like Superman is towards Metropolis. But imagine if every Superman story took place in Metropolis. Think about how limiting this would be for a character with such limitless potential. This is exactly how DC feels about Mister Terrific. That’s why you’ll see him participating in his first outer space adventure in issues #4 and #5. You’ll also see Mister Terrific tackling his first case outside of the United States in issue #6, which is also a special Valentine’s Day story (out February 2012).

I have to ask even if I don’t expect a straight answer: Does Karen Starr have powers and will we be seeing Power Girl anytime soon?

Ha! Yes, this question does have a tendency to pop up on occasion. All kidding aside, no, you’re not going to get a straight answer from me right now. However, everyone is going to get a straight answer to this question in 2012. And the answer is pretty awesome. Honestly, I think readers are going to be pleasantly surprised by what DC and this series has in store for Karen Starr. It’s a shocker and it’s really fantastic.

Not to imply that all the Black superheroes or heroes of color know each other (even though there are so few, it’s statistically plausible), but are there any plans to include any of the unused Milestone characters in the book? I’d love to see a team-up with Icon and Rocket or Xombi…

There are currently no plans to use any of the Milestone characters in MISTER TERRIFIC. However, I absolutely love Hardware, who just appeared in STATIC SHOCK. So who knows what could happen somewhere down the line? Anything’s possible.

Mister Terrific #5

Speaking of diversity, while comics are more representative then they’ve been in the past, there are still a lot of people who have a difficult time finding characters that look like them or they can relate to in books and have been very vocal about it. Why is it still so hard to increase diversity in the comics landscape?

Diversity in the comics landscape will increase when there are more diverse creators making mainstream, high-profile comic books. The reading audiences are already diverse. Now what we need is for the creative pool to catch up with this diversity. Fortunately, I think we’re seeing the beginnings of this happening in mainstream comics.

For example, DC Comics’ New 52 is doing a good job at facilitating this change. Not only do you have me writing MISTER TERRIFIC, but they’ve also just announced that writer Marc Bernardin will be taking over STATIC SHOCK with issue #7. Plus, you already have Tony Bedard doing a fantastic job presenting diverse characters in BLUE BEETLE, another book I love. So again, I think progress is being made. Is it happening as quickly as we’d all like? Probably not. But it is happening. And it will get better as more and more diverse creators learn their craft and make their presence known.

As for diverse talents looking to break in, I have two pieces of advice. The first is this: a great way for a diverse creator to get hired at a major company is for you to do you own, brilliant indie book first. The major companies are always looking for great, new talents. And if you can make an impression—either with 1) a creator-owned book at a small press or 2) an innovative project on the internet—you will get noticed, and more likely than not… the major companies will eventually come calling.

And now, I’m going to contradict myself with my second piece of advice: don’t wait for that call. Do your own thing. And do it right now. The Internet is still mostly a wild, untamed frontier. Go ahead and make your own comic book project, then get it out there where people can see it. Who knows? Maybe you are the next George Lucas, and a digital comic is the next STAR WARS of the 21st Century. The point is, sometimes it’s best not to wait for a door to open. Sometimes it’s better to make your own doorway and walk through it on your own terms.

Ultimately, what would you like Mr. Terrific’s legacy to be?

Most people, even die hard comic book fans, still haven’t heard of Mister Terrific. If this series can change that in a positive way—and create some devoted fans of the character, too—then this series will be a success. That’s enough of a “legacy,” in my opinion. Honestly, I don’t want to think about it too much beyond that. Sure, I hope people enjoy the stories we’re telling. That’s a given. But again, let’s hold off on discussing this “legacy” aspect for a few more years, okay?

‘Mister Terrific’ #5 goes on sale January 11, 2012 – don’t forget to add it to your pull list! Meanwhile, issues #1-#4 are available for your purchasing pleasure at your Local Comic Shop.

'Daredevil: Cage Match' pitted the titular hero against Luke Cage, the Blaxploitation-flavored character hero developed in the 70s at Marvel Comics

As a youngling, I was always attracted to action, adventure and fantasy. Whether it was animated or live action, took place in the future/past/present/space/ or alternate dimension, as long as it had heroes fighting villains, I was in.

But as much as I loved it, as a non-white little girl it was sometimes very difficult to find characters to identify with on a deeper level. And I know I’m not the only one that feels or has felt this way. Over the last two years, the online discussions of gender representation and the general lack of diversity in comics has become a big focal point since Marvel and DC Comics have both made big moves in their books and in the realms of live-action adaptation.

So, in the interest of cultivating a respectful, open dialogue about a very important topic, I welcome you to a new series at MoS – Super-Power To The People. In it, we will examine diversity in every corner of nerd media and its effects on those who consume it – of particular interest is “othering” and how children are effected by things like tokenism (unintentional or purposeful) and lack of relatability.

I have no idea how many entries this monthly feature will have because there’s a lot to talk about, but I’m excited to get it going. There’ll be a lot of written topics but I also plan to have some audio editions with special guests.

If there’s any topic in particular you would like to cover, feel free to share!

What I imagine a lot of JSA parties look like...

Happy Holidays everybody! As we speed towards New Year’s, let me help steer you towards some interesting TV offerings.

As always, check local listings to verify programming.

Monday, Dec. 26th
• All Night – Being Human [Syfy] (Repeats)
Catch up on the back half of the first season of the American remake. That’s a lot of “of-s.”
• 6:30pm – National Treasure: Book of Secrets [USA] (Movie With Commercials)
• 6:30pm – Starship Troopers [G4] (Movie With Commercials)
Nothing says “Day After Christmas” like giant, brain killer bugs and military propaganda satire.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl [ABC Family] (Movie With Commercials)
• 8pm – Rudolph’s Shiny New Year [ABC] (Animated, Repeat)
And you thought the animated specials were over? Pssh…
• 8:45pm – Lucky Number Slevin [IFC] (Movie With Commercials)
• Hulu Spotlight: Misfits
If you haven’t been watching this British series about teenage delinquents who accidentally get superpowers, here’s a great opportunity to start. Two full seasons and episode 1 of the third are all available to watch right now.

Tuesday, Dec. 27th
• 6pm – The Fury [Fox Movie Channel] (Movie)
Kirk Douglas is on a mission to rescue his telepathic son from a Government agency in this 1978 Brian De Palma flick.
• 6pm – Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory [ABC Family] (Movie With Commercials)
The one, the only, the original. Accept no substitutes.
• 8pm – Close Encounters of the Third Kind [Turner Classic Movies] (Movie)
The 1977 Steven Spielberg classic that gave birth to one of the most famous few notes in pop culture history.
• 8pm – Zombieland [FX] (Movie With Commercials)
Repeats at 10pm.
• 8pm – The Boondock Saints [IFC] (Movie With Commercials)
It’s on IFC so all the cussing and blood should be intact but there will be adverts.
• 9pm – Kennedy Center Honors [CBS]
There’s nothing wrong with a little culture – Barbara Cook, Neil Diamond, Yo-Yo Ma, Sonny Rollins, and Meryl Streep are honored.
• 10:30pm – Earth vs. the Flying Saucers [Turner Classic Movies] (Movie)
1956 flick that has space aliens contacting a scientist as part of a plan to take over Earth. One of the crowns of the “space aliens as Communists” era of science fiction film making.

Wednesday, Dec. 28th
• 7pm – Casper [ABC Family] (Movie With Commercials)
Young Christina Richie and Bill Pullman star in this adaptation of the old cartoon/comic about the titular friendly ghost.
• 8pm – From Dusk Till Dawn [IFC] (Movie With Commercials)
The Quentin Tarantino action/horror film featuring a neck-tattooed George Clooney and the iconic Salma-Hayek-dancing-
with-a-snake scene.
• 11pm – The Postman [Syfy] (Movie With Commercials)
Or, as I like to call it, “Dances With Mail.” Kevin Costner directs himself as a bearded dude in a postal uniform in a post-apocalyptic, Western-ish future.
• Netflix Spotlight: Gojira (aka Godzilla)
The original 1954 Japanese version of the legendary monster flick is available for streaming. There’s also a whole host of other Godzilla adventures from the last 50+ years for your marathon-ing pleasure.

Thursday, Dec. 29th
• All Day – Burn Notice [USA] (Repeats, Marathon)
• 8pm – Happy New Year, Charlie Brown [ABC] (Animated, Repeat)
• 9pm – Three Inches [Syfy] (Premiere, MUST WATCH)
Two-hour intro to the series about a man who develops the power to move objects only three inches and teams up with other unusually powered people. I can’t tell if this is a great idea to premiere it when there’s nothing new on any other channel or confused that they “buried” it in a holiday week when people aren’t around to watch/program their dvrs.
• 10pm – The Incredible Hulk [Syfy] (Movie With Commercials)
The really, really good Edward Norton version that I wish they made a sequel to.

Friday, Dec 30th
• 6pm – Generator Rex [Cartoon Ntwk] (Animated)
Rex loses his goggles in a fight and is on a mission to get them back.
• 6:30pm – Young Justice [Cartoon Ntwk] (Animated, Repeat)
Great episode as Artemis and Robin fight powerful intruders to save the team and their headquarters.
• 8pm – Chuck [NBC] (MUST WATCH)
It’s a Sarah-centric episode as she goes solo to deal with a big, huge secret from her past. Guest stars Tim DeKay of ‘White Collar’ and the glorious Cheryl Ladd.
• 8pm – The Curious Case of Benjamin Button [FX] (Movie With Commercials)
• The Addams Family [AMC] (Movie With Commercials)
• 8pm – V for Vendetta [BBC America] (Movie With Commercials)
• 10pm – Sanctuary [Syfy] (Season Finale)
Henry and Tesla team up to discover what the SCIU have done with some of Tesla’s work meanwhile Bigfoot and Kate check into Caleb. Will and Abby, not to be left out, look into Magnus’ past.
• 10pm – Addams Family Values [AMC] (Movie With Commercials)
“Eat me!” “He’s great for Thanksgiving Day…”
• 11pm – Shaun of the Dead [BBC America] (Movie With Commercials)

Saturday, Dec. 31st
• All Day – The Twilight Zone (Original) Marathon [Syfy] (Repeats)
• 11am-12am – Walking Dead Marathon [AMC] (Repeats)
Ring in the New Year with everyone’s favorite zombie survivors (and the ones everyone hates too).
• 1pm-6:30pm – Adventure Time Mini-Marathon [Cartoon Ntwk] (Repeats)
• 1:30pm – Bedazzled [Fox Movie Channel] (Movie)
Peter Cook and Dudley Moore star as the Devil and a contract signee respectively in this 1967 comedy classic. Was remade surprisingly enjoyably with Brendan Fraser and Elizabeth Hurley.
• 6:30pm – Tropic Thunder [FX] (Movie With Commercials)
• 7pm – True Lies [Fox Movie Channel] (Movie)
Second best Arnold Schwarzenegger flick ever?
• 8pm – Live From Lincoln Center [PBS]
The New York Philharmonic plays songs by Leonard Bernstein and George Gershwin. A more cultured alternative to whatever fresh horror is being unleashed on the pop-based New Year’s shows.
• 9:30pm – The Abyss [Fox Movie Channel]
The James Cameron underwater spectacular shown in its extended, three-hour version.
• 10pm – Great Performances [PBS] (Repeat)
It’s the musical side of Hugh Laurie as he showcases the city of New Orleans and its style of Blues music. Guest musicians include Allen Toussaint, Irma Thomas, and Tom Jones.
• Hulu Spotlight: Quantum Leap
Welcome in the future by jumping through the past. Two seasons of the Scott Bakula classic are available for your viewing pleasure.

Sunday, Jan. 1st
• All Day – Absolutely Fabulous Marathon [BBC America] (Repeats)
Everyone’s favorite saucy Brit boozers get the spotlight all day. First ep airs at 7:20am, the last begins at 5:20am on the morning of the 2nd.
• All Day – The Twilight Zone Marathon [Syfy] (Repeats)
Day 2 of the marathon concludes after the 5:30am episode that runs into Jan. 2nd.
• 3pm – Live Free or Die Hard [Fox Movie Channel] (Movie)
Unrated version of the fourth McClane saga which also stars Timothy Olyphant, Justin Long, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and Maggie Q.
• 4pm-6pm, 7pm-10pm – Once Upon A Time S1 Marathon [ABC] (Repeats)
It’s also available on Hulu but, if you’ve had a lot of fun on the 31st and don’t feel like getting off the couch, here’s a great option.
• 5:30pm – Close Encounters of the Third Kind [Turner Classic Movie] (Movie)
In case you missed it earlier this week.
• 6pm – Iron Man [Fox Movie Channel aka FXM] (Movie)
Yes, the Robert Downey, Jr. flick. Without commercials or edits. Enjoy. And stay in your pajamas. Repeats at 9pm.
• 9pm – Leverage [TNT] (MUST WATCH)
The team takes on a crooked cash-for-gold organization.
• Hulu Spotlight: BraveStarr and Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers and  Voltron: Defender of the Universe
If you’re feeling a little nostalgic and missing Saturday mornings of years past, here are three classic 80s toons with at least a season’s worth of full episodes for you to watch while eating your favorite sugary cereal.

Happy New Year, everyone – I hope 2012 brings you good luck and happiness!

Now you may have heard some of these suggestions before – if that’s the case then feel free to use them as a spark of inspiration!

Your Local Comic Shop
Especially handy if you have multiple nerds to shop for, the local comic shop has many options for the last minute shopper – in addition to comics and collected editions/graphic novels, you can usually find anime, dvds/blu-rays, toys, statue, apparel and accessories, trading card games, and role=playing games all under one roof. They may even have gift cards (which we’ll get into more in a moment). I’ve also been to shops that sell video games AND classic consoles.

The great thing about graphic novels is that there’s a little something for everyone, even people who don’t normally read comics. For fans of Urban Fantasy or related genres, titles like ‘Fables’, ‘Locke & Key’, ‘Sandman’, ‘Books of Magic’, ‘The Unwritten’, and ‘American Vampire’ would be very appealing. Is that special someone a movie junkie but completely oblivious to the comic world? Blow their mind with a copy of ‘A History of Violence’, ‘Road to Perdition’, or ‘From Hell’ and pair it with an unknown but similarly flavored book like ‘Daytripper’, ‘Criminal’, or ’100 Bullets’. As for the kids, there’s a lot of options for them like the gorgeous Skottie Young illustrated ‘OZ’ books, ‘Leave It To Chance’ (especially great for adventurous girls), ‘Bone’ (which skews a little older, like 4th grade and up), the Calvin & Hobbes-esque ‘Franklin Richards: Son of A Genius’ series, and ‘Supergirl: Cosmic Adventures In The 8th Grade’. The best part is you can ask the person who works there for suggestions based on your gift-receivers tastes. Totally handy and easy.

Order Online, Pick Up In The Store
While I know going into a store right now would be super-painful, if there’s something you absolutely, positively have to get today, a whole lot of store offer pick up services. You’d probably still have to wait in line but at least you wouldn’t have to brave walking through the aisles. Big places like Best Buy, GameStop, Apple, Barnes & Noble, and Fry’s all offer the option to pay for/reserve an item from the comfort of your home.

Gift Certificates
I know, I know. Gift cards aren’t the most glamorous option but there’s a way of making them cooler and more personalized. Take, for instance, Thwipster – a geek-centric site that offers different daily deals on graphic novels, busts, toys, and other such fun-ery. Online comic shop Things From Another World is a great option for those who don’t live anywhere near a store, plus they have non-comic merchandise. There is, of course, Think Geek which offers everything from Star Trek robes to Han Solo in Carbonite ice trays to a variety of caffeinated treats.  If we’re talking real personalized, Web Undies has all kinds of branded undergarments and “loungewear” for your significant other or friend that you know really well.  Journey’s has some awesome DC Comics-themed Converse  that run $40-$60. How cool would you be for contributing to buying something so fly? Or you could buy them outright and…

Buy Now, Give Later
It’s great to have everything to open on one day but there’s nothing like getting a few post “Big Day” presents. So relax and get whatever you were going to get them anyway. (Especially if it’s a piece from the DC Comics/Noir Jewlery collection…preeeeeeeetty…)

Know any secret shopping nooks or great deals? Share your tips! And don’t forget to breathe when some crazed shopper tries to steal your cart…

copyright BBC America

So this is the week where we really start struggling to find good stuff on the regular TV dial. But never fear! I shall help you find something nice to wrap presents to…

Monday, Dec. 19th
6:30pm – X-Play (G4)
7pm – Attack of the Show (G4)
8pm – Terra Nova [FOX] (Season Finale)
Everything comes to a head in the two-hour finale as the 11th Pilgrimage and Phoenix Group make their moves.
8pm – The Horsemen [IFC] (Movie With Commercials)
Dennis Quaid plays a cop investigating a rash of serial killings with ties to a biblical prophecy.
8:30pm – A Chipmunk Christmas [ABC] (Animated, Repeat)
Alvin sets out to help a sick boy in this 1981 special. Features several classic Chipmunks songs.
8:30pm – The Incredibles [ABC Family] (Animated, Movie With Commercials)
Everything you’d want from a Fantastic Four movie but will probably never get.
9pm – VH1 Divas Celebrate Soul [VH1]
Ok, so it’s totally an odd suggestion, admittedly, but I’m a vocal nerd and I’m guessing there’s more of you out there too. Singers include Mary J. Blige, Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson, Florence and the Machine, Anita Baker, Mavis Staples, Jessie J and Jill Scott.
11pm – Conan [TBS]
Seth MacFarlane (‘Family Guy,’ ‘The Cleveland Show’) is one of the guests.
11pm – Population 436 [Syfy] (Movie With Commercials)
Jeremy Sisto stars as a census taker visiting a town where the population hasn’t changed for 100 years. Obviously strange things are afoot at the Circle K.
12:35am – Late Night With Jimmy Fallon [NBC]
Jeremy Renner stops in to talk ‘Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol’ and most likely Jimmy will ask about ‘Avengers.’ Also, Rooney Mara appears to promote ‘The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.’
Hulu Spotlight: He-Man & She-Ra Christmas Special
One of my favorite, more odd holiday specials from my childhood. Somehow two Earth children get involved in the Eternia/Etheria shenanigans. Also one of the prime examples of “Holiday Cheer Melts Bad Guy’s Heart.” Good times.

Tuesday, Dec. 20th
6:30pm – X-Play (G4)
7pm – Attack of the Show (G4)
8:30pm – The Amazing World of Gumball [Cartoon Ntwk] (Animated, Repeat)
Features an out-of-control prank role between Darwin and Gumball and Dad. It’s one of my favorites.
10pm – Conan [TBS]
Patton Oswalt!
10pm – Teeth [IFC] (Movie With Commercials)
Indie black comedy/thriller about a young lady who has teeth in an unusual place. Don’t expect any tameness since it’s airing on IFC who, despite succumbing to commercial interruptions, doesn’t edit much beyond that.
10pm – The Manhattan Project [Fox Movie Channel] (Movie)
A high schooler builds a thermonuclear device as a science project in this 80s classic.
11pm – Alien Apocalypse [Syfy] (Movie With Commercials)
Bruce Campbell and Renee O’Connor (Gabriele from ‘Xena’) star as astronauts who return to Earth to find it taken over by aliens and attempt to free humanity. But really, I had you at Bruce Campbell.

Wednesday, Dec. 21st
6:30pm – X-Play (G4)
7pm – Attack of the Show (G4)
8pm – The Santa Clause [ABC Family] (Movie With Commercials)
8pm – How The Grinch Stole Christmas [Cartoon Ntwrk] (Animated)
9pm – Nova [PBS] (Repeat)
This episode, titled “What Darwin Never Knew,” takes an in-depth look at evolutionary development and studies the Cambrian explosion that resulted in the first major groups of animals half-a-billion years ago.
9pm – Elf [USA] (Movie With Commercials)
This is not the first nor will it be the last time you’ll be able to see this Wil Farrell classic between now and the 26th.
10pm – American Horror Story [FX] (Season Finale)
I would suggest you prepare to be creeped out.
Hulu Spotlight: The Office (UK) Christmas Special Part 1 & Part 2

Thursday Dec. 22nd
6:30pm – X-Play (G4)
7pm – Attack of the Show (G4)
7pm – Earth 2050: The Future of Energy [Discovery]
Per TV Guide’s online listing, “Three films on innovations in fuel, mobility and cities are featured.”
8pm – Viking Apocalypse [National Geographic]
Despite sounding like a Syfy Movie of the Week, really this about the investigation of a mass burial pit containing 51 Viking raider remains found in England in 2009. They were brutally slain somewhere between 910 and 1030 but by whom and what exactly happened? *cue mysterious music*
8pm – The Thin Man [Turner Classic Movies] (Movie)
The 1934 classic is the first of a series of comedy/mystery flicks featuring married sleuths Nick and Nora Charles (played by William Powell and Myrna Loy). Also stars Maureen O’Hara (probably best known for ‘The Parent Trap’) and Cesar Romero (Joker on the 60s ‘Batman’ series).
9pm – Batman Forever [Syfy] (Movie With Commercials)
This movie will forever hold a place in my heart for the line, “Hole-y rusted metal, Batman!”
9:45pm – After The Thin Man [Turner Classic Movies] (Movie)
Liked the first flick? Lucky for you they’re having a mini-marathon of Nick and Nora Charles adventures…
11pm – The Stranger [Spike] (Movie With Commercials)
“Stone Cold” Steve Austin stars as a badass amnesiac with the FBI and Russian mob chasing after him.
11:45pm – Another Thin Man [Turner Classic Movies] (Movies)
The third in the film series (and this marathon), Nick and Nora investigate a series of murders “at a Long Island estate.”

Friday, Dec. 23rd
7pm – Attack of the Show (G4)
7pm – Batman: The Brave and the Bold [Cartoon Ntwk] (Animated, Repeat)
8pm – Chuck [NBC] (MUST WATCH)
Stan Lee guest stars on this holiday themed episode that has Chuck and Sarah try to figure out who’s out to get them this time as Ellie tries to have a perfect Christmas.
8pm – Olive, The Other Reindeer [CW] (Animated)
A dog, who believes she’s a reindeer, seeks out Santa to join his sleigh. Stars the voices of Drew Barrymore, Joe Pantoliano, Dan Castellenta, Ed Asner, Peter MacNicol, and Jay Mohr.
8pm – Young Guns [AMC] (Movie With Commercials)
10pm – Sanctuary [Syfy]
Magnus is asked to negotiate a peace treaty between Caleb’s forces and the governments of the surface.
10:30pm – Young Guns II [AMC] (Movie With Commercials)
11pm – X-Men Anime [G4]
11:30pm – Iron Man Anime [G4]
12:35am – Late Night With Jimmy Fallon [NBC]
The Muppets!

Saturday, Dec. 24th
1pm – Batman [Reelz] (Movie With Commercials)
The Michael Keaton/Tim Burton flick that helped legitimize comic book adaptations.
1:30pm – Jackie Chan’s Project A [IFC] (Movie With Commercials)
Jackie Chan stars as a cop trying to bust pirates in 1900s Hong Kong in this 1983 action/comedy. Also stars Sammo Hung and features stunts reminiscent of silent comedies and their stars (like Buster Keaton).
4pm – Outlander [Syfy] (Movie With Commercials)
It’s like “Beowulf” from space – Jim Cavieziel plays an extraterrestrial warrior who crashes in Norway of Olde and helps Viking hunt a monster.
4pm – Alvin and the Chipmunks [FX] (Movie With Commercials)
It is both charming and disconcerting.
4pm – In The Good Old Summertime [Turner Classic Movies] (Movie, Musical)
Before Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks traded email, Judy Garland and Van Johnson feuded and fell in love through letters. Both are remakes of “The Shop Around The Corner” which itself was based on a play. Hazzah for trivia!
4:15pm – Sahara [TNT] (Movie With Commercials)
Matthew McConaughey amd Steve Zahn star as treasure hunters looking for a ship buried in the desert. It’s not Shakespeare but it’s fun.
5:45pm – Sunshine [IFC] (Movies With Commercials)
Danny Boyle’s flick about a group of scientists who voyage to the sun in an attempt to revive it in 2057. Stars Cillian Murphy, Michelle Yeoh, and Chris Evans among others.
6pm – Big [Fox Movie Channel] (Movie)
The Tom Hanks classic.
7pm – Steve Niles’ Remains [Chiller] (Movie With Commercials)
In case you need a little blood and guts before the family arrives. Or you can watch with your family depending on how you roll.
7pm – The Sound of Music [CBS] (Movie With Commercials, Musical)
Settle in, this puppy has a runtime of 4 hours….
7:06pm – Jaws [Spike] (Movie With Commercials)
Not the happiest of holiday fare but sometimes you just need to see a giant shark terrorizes a small seaside town…
8pm – Doctor Who: Best of The Christmas Specials [BBC America]
A host of famous Whovians discuss some of the more awesome highlights from Specials past.
8pm – A Christmas Story [TBS] (Movie With Commercials)
And so begins the now annual marathon of this Yueltide classic. It’ll run for at least 24 hours so you have plenty of opportunities to catch it.
9pm – The Nerdist: Year In Review [BBC America] (MUST WATCH)
Chris Hardwick hosts his podcasts 2011 wrap up with appearances by Wil Wheaton and Nathan Fillion among others.
9pm – The Fifth Element [Syfy] (Movie With Commercials)
Leeloo multipass.
10pm – The Graham Norton Show [BBC America]
The Doctor Who fest continues as Matt Smith is one of the guests on this holiday special.
11:30pm – Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me! [BBC America]
Did you miss this earlier in the week? Here’s a great opportunity to catch it – it’s got Neil Gaiman!
12am-5:30am – Bleach [Cartoon Ntwrk] (Anime, Dubbed, Repeat)
Need something to keep you alert while you’re wrapping last minute packages or prepping for travel? Here is a sampling of recently aired eps that actually feature fight scenes.

Sunday, Dec. 25th
All Day – The Outer Limits [Chiller] (Repeats, Original Series)
All Day – A Christmas Story [TBS] (Movie With Commercials)
All Day – Home Alone [Fox Movie Channel]
Not to be outdone, FMC has 24-hours of Kevin giving criminals potentially fatal head injuries. Maybe next year will get ‘Die Hard’ on repeat…
11am-11pm – Mythbusters marathon [Discovery Channel]
11:58pm – Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom [USA] (Movie With Commercials)
“Cover your heart, Indy!”
2:33pm – Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade [USA] (Movie With Commercials)
This is my favorite Indy movie and possibly my favorite flick with Sean Connery in it. Love, I have it.
6pm – Shrek [Cartoon Ntwk] (Animated, Movie With Commercials)
8pm – How The Grinch Stole Christmas [ABC] (Animated, Repeat)
8:30pm – Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas [ABC] (Movie With Commercials)
Back to back versions of Grinch for those so inclined.
8:45pm – House Party [IFC] (Movie With Commercials)
Rappers Kid ‘n Play star as a pair of high school kids trying to throw a party while one’s parents are out of town. Hijinks ensue and I love that they’re showing this flick. Also stars Tisha Campbell, Martin Lawrence, and three members of Full Force. Repeats at midnight.
9pm – Doctor Who [BBC America] (MUST WATCH)
The Christmas special is titled “The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe.” Oh, this will be enjoyable. Replays at 11:20pm with the “Best of Christmas Specials” re-airing in between.
9pm – Leverage [TNT] (MUST WATCH)
It’s a nerd du force as Emma Caufield (Anya on ‘Buffy’) and David Odgden Stiers (‘Dead Zone’ the series, Cogsworth in ‘Beauty and the Beast’) guest stars and Jonathan Frakes directs this ep which features an elaborate “sweetheart” scamming ring. Repeats at midnight.
9:30pm – Powerpuff Girls Holiday Episodes [Boomerang] (Animated, Repeat)
11pm – Merlin [Syfy] (Repeat)
Six-episode marathon to catch you up before the new season starts in January.

Based on ‘JLA: Tower of Babel’ by Mark Waid, the latest from the DC Universe Animated Original Movies collection, the Justice League faces one of their greatest challenges as Batman’s Leaguer-gone-rogue “contingency plans” fall into the hands of supervillains.

Before we get to the voices, let me say that this flick has one of the most impressive behind-the-scenes team ever assemble – Producers Bruce Timm and Alan Burnett, Director/Producer Lauren Montgomery (who’s done stellar work so far), Casting and Voice Director Andrea “Every Role I Cast Is Perfect” Romano, and, of course, it’s written by the late, great Dwayne McDuffie. I dare you to find a better, more talented group of creative minds.

Now, let’s get to the cast. It’s practically every voice you’ve loved from the last twenty years: Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern; Tim Daly as Superman; Kevin Conroy as Batman; Michael Rosenbaum as The Flash; Susan Eisenberg as Wonder Woman; and Carl Lumbly as Martian Manhunter. We’ve also got Bumper Robinson (‘A Different World’, ‘Transformers: Animated’), Phil Morris (‘Smallville’), Olivia d’Abo (‘The Wonder Years’), Alexis Denisof (‘Angel’), Paul Blackthorne (‘The Dresden Files’), and Claudia Black (‘Farscape’) among others.

Here’s some of the fancy extras you can expect if you get the Blu-ray combo pack:

•Standard and high definition versions of the feature film
•UltraViiolet™ Digital Copy,
• Sneak Peak at Superman vs. The Elite, the next DC Universe Animated Original Movie
• Featurette – “A Legion of One: The Dwayne McDuffie Story” – The skilled writer penned some of the best stories which consistently entertained fans. From his early writing career to adapting the popular work of All-Star Superman, this is the story of Dwayne McDuffie, as told by his family and friends.
• Featurette – “Guarding the Balance: Batman and the JLA” – Everyone has a weakness and so do superheroes, yet when they go rogue, their power can topple more than a few egos, they can shatter worlds. The Justice League is the most powerful organization of superheroes on the planet, but what if the Justice League went rogue, and decided to use their power for harm?

If you can’t tell, I’m really really really really excited to see this. It’s a rarity to have this much awesomeness involved in one project.

Produced by Warner Premiere, DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation, the all-new, PG-13 rated film arrives February 28, 2012 from Warner Home Video as a Blu-Ray™ Combo Pack ($24.98 SRP) and DVD ($19.98 SRP), On Demand and for Download. Both the Blu-Ray™ Combo Pack and DVD will include an UltraViiolet™ Digital Copy.