My apologies. I’ve missed so much. I’ve been knee-deep in comics-scripting, editing, and some deal-making (which I’ll make ya’ll privy to as soon as things are set in stone). When not doing the above, I’ve been relishing the birthday gift sent by my agents at Endeavor: every episode of ‘The Simpsons’ ever made! I was taken back by how many I’d actually missed over the years.

On that note, thanks to all who sent cards and gifts (you too, Kathleen – those smokes came in handy) over the last few weeks.

Where to start…

The San Diego Con was a load of laughs. Thanks to all who showed up. The figures went over surprisingly well (then again, considering the craftsmanship, perhaps it’s not that surprising). I’d urge all to pick up a set if you have the means.

The reaction to the scene was huge, as you might’ve read on some of the gossip sites (and our own NewsAskew). It was welcome on our end, as audiences won’t be seeing the completed flick for quite some time.

On that subject: Harvey came down and watched what we’d finished of the flick shortly before we left for San Diego.

The man loved it (he’s convinced Ben will get nominated for Best Actor), and verified what we’d always suspected:

they’re going to hold the film for a Cannes debut. If the ‘Max follows the ‘Pulp’ release plan, that’d mean the flick’ll hit theatres in fall of ’99 (can’t do the summer, man – there’s that ‘other Trilogy’ flick). Rest assured, we’ll have a screening for board (or bored) folks well in advance of this.

Ben came down yesterday (along with Jon Gordon, our ‘Max exec) and hung out for the day. We had some lunch and watched the flick (which he, too, loved), and discussed some places to begin hacking down, once we’re done with the first cut. Mind you – the first cut’s coming in at around the three and a half hour mark. Lest anyone think I’m all for a longer version of this movie, let me assure you that I’m not. Anything more than a two and a half hour cut of this movie would be indulgent. We’re aiming for two twenty – not an easy task, when you consider that means and hour and change of material has to go (the upside: it’ll make a great laserdisc). I’d let you know what’s going and what’s staying, but the draft that’s out there on the ‘net is a ways away from the final draft, so it’d be pointless.

In terms of this picture’s tank-ability: it’s already made the lion’s share of its cash back in foreign sales. And even if the movie was a complete piece of shit (which from the reaction we’re getting and the ol’ (big) gut instinct, it doesn’t seem to be), it’s assured a healthy opening, based on the cast alone. I don’t think I’m shooting myself in the foot here by stating there’s no possible way this movie could ‘tank’… financially.

Of course, there’s always the critics.

The slate for the coming year in terms of the Oni projects is pretty cool. We’ve got some great books planned for the faithful. The reaction we got from retailers and pro’s in San Diego was amazing, and the numbers we’ve seen on this stuff is beyond any of our initial expectations (something that carried over to the ‘Daredevil’ run as well – the numbers of the books ordered were five times that of the numbers in recent years, making it a top ten book for the week it ships; needless to say, Marvel’s happy). I’m really enjoying the comics stuff, and I’m glad to see that most of you are too.

That’s about it professionally…

Personally?

I’ve been sitting on this news for awhile, but it’s kind of too good to not share.

Remember that USA Today article they did on me waaaaay back in March/April? Well the woman who wrote that piece -her name’s Jennifer Schwalbach. We sort of fell in love (yes – the article was that good), and we’ve been dating for some time now. There’s a ton I could say on the subject, but something’s I’m learning I want to keep for myself.

But not this one…

Ready?

April ’99…

I become a dad.

How cool is that?