• Okay, so there’s a headline and no news, but impending news is always kind of exciting too, no? Here’s what Kevin had to say recently:

Our popular guess (and many others’) is the confirmation of an unrated release for Clerks II. Or perhaps, even more shocking, an R without any cuts? Ya never know. Stay tuned folks.

• This sounds like one of the cooler events we can recall since we’ve been doing this page — Clerks will be featured in the Netflix Rolling Roadshow, which will screen films at special locations and tie film-related events to them. On August 6th, Clerks will screen AT the actual QUICK STOP in Leonardo! We imagine a big screen in the parking lot with folks gathered about. Even cooler, Kevin and some of the flick’s cast are scheduled to attend. What a FANTASTIC thing to do before the sequel comes out. This looks to be a can’t miss event. As soon as we learn more, we’ll pass that info on to you. This could go down in the books as one of the coolest Askew events ever!

• A hearty congratulations to the super cool Bryan Johnson, as the new head honcho of Stash West. Kev says:

• We’ll have them at the Stash signed by release time, but Amazon’s already announced 2 new script books that we haven’t heard about yet, coming from Graphitti.

The Clerks II Screenplay (due August 25, 2006)

and…

“In-Convenience: The View Askewniverse From Clerks To Clerks II (Unbound)” (due February 25, 2007), which collects every script Kevin’s ever written along with new photos. Sounds great! We’ll let ya know when we have them available for you.

• And attention, Degrassi fans: This weekend in Toronto at the Paradise Comics TORONTO COMICON there’s a Degrassi graphic novel launch panel. The panel takes paces from 1-2 PM on Saturday, and features starts from teh show, prizes, and more. There will be book signings with the cast as well! 11 to noon, and 3 to 4:30. Appearing at the booth will be: Stacey Farber (Ellie), Ryan Cooley (J.T.), Miriam McDonald (Emma), Stefan Brogren (Snake from Degrassi Jr. High and DNG), and J. Torres. Check promotion info out HERE, or visit the con’s website http://torontocomicon.com/.

• By far our most popular scoop today, news broke this morning of our beloved Jason Lee taking on a new film role — The voice of the animated title character of the forthing film, “Underdog”, of all things! CNN/Hollywood Reporter has the story:

Speed of lightning, roar of Jason Lee

‘My Name is Earl’ actor to give voice to ‘Underdog’

LOS ANGELES, California (Hollywood Reporter) — Have no fear, the voice of Underdog is here.

“My Name Is Earl” star Jason Lee is lending his voice to the title character of “Underdog,” a live-action Disney adaptation of the classic 1960s cartoon.

“Underdog” followed the adventures of a humble dog named Shoeshine Boy who became the superheroic Underdog, who spoke in rhyme. In the movie, he is adopted by a 12-year-old boy and uses his superpower to protect his love, Polly Purebred, and the citizens of Capitol City from the evil Simon Barsinister. Peter Dinklage has been cast as Barsinister.

Frederik Du Chau (”Racing Stripes”) is directing. Spyglass Entertainment is producing for Walt Disney Pictures.

During his “Earl” hiatus, Lee will direct a short film that he wrote. The silent love story stars Giovanni Ribisi and Beth Riesgraf. Lee is also working on photography projects for such publications as Anthem and Flaunt.

Lee voiced the character of Syndrome in “The Incredibles.” In the summer, he will appear in Sony’s motion-capture feature “Monster House,” and he has a cameo in Kevin Smith’s “Clerks II.”

Many other sites picked up the scoop today, including Yahoo Movies and Aint It Cool News.

“Fuck You, Rich Little!”

• Watch Jeff Anderson spout off a few amazingly accurate impressions as he and Trevor introduce this new segment of Train Wreck, the Clerks II video blog. This one was filmed on the last day at Mooby’s — Could we actually be approaching the New Jersey editions of the series? Find out what’s stuck to Jeff’s hat, too! Thanks again to Zak and Joey for keepin’ the hits comin’! View the vids at Kev’s Mypsace or the official Clerks II site.