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Kevin Talks “Porno”, “Watchmen” & More With Wizard!

September 26th @ 2:15 pm | No Comments » | Scooped by John Whiteaker

  • Wizard devotes 2 pages to a new interview with Kevin in the latest issue, and we’ve got some scannage for ya above. On first glance, we thought this might be a “Zack And Miri” only interview, but there’s so much more to be seen, including some NEW tidbits for fans of “Watchmen”.


    On the “Watchmen” front, Kevin reveals that the entire Dr. Manhattan book was translated perfectly and fully intact (panel for panel!), and that the film features “one big change and two small changes”. Also, more kudos for Jackie Earl Haley as Rorschach, in a role that we think will steal the show.

    On the “Zack And Miri” front, it’s familiar territory for our regular readers, with a few words on the NC-17, Rogen’s casting, and the nudity. This one’s worth a read, so click and enjoy, and then shed a tear when you realize it’s still a month ’til “Zack and Miri”, and over half a year until “Watchmen”!

View Askew NewsBites

September 15th @ 4:31 pm | No Comments » | Scooped by Jenn Camp, Pat, E.Christopher, John Whiteaker

  • We’ve been keeping an eye on the Count Basie website, and it looks like tickets to Kevin’s upcomning Q&A have just about totally sold out (they may be gone by the time you’re reading this). If you have been holding off on getting your seats, now is the time to log in or call the Count Basie to secure your seats. This WILL sell out, just like last time. Kevin takes the stage at 7 PM on Friday, November 7th, hot on the heels of the release of “Zack and Miri Make a Porno”.
  • And speaking of the Basie, here’s a couple stills from LAST year’s Basie bash for Kevin’s 37th birthday — These fresh shots come to us as we prepare to screen “Threevening”, out on DVD on October 21st. More details on that release soon, as we’re hoping for a possible Stash event/signing or at least your chance to grab a signed copy directly from us. Stay tuned.
  • As its Fall release approaches, DC comics are ramping up the promotions for Kevin’s return to comics with “Batman: Cacophony”. Take a peek at the ad and editorial that appeared in the back of some new DC comics this week. Some folks found it amusing that they showed a picture of the first two scripts. The scan also reveals a few of the other villains Kevin has appearing in the 3-part series, so read if you’re curious, but be careful if you want to save them for surprises. As always, we’re sure Kevin has something very special planned for us in November. Can’t wait.
  • Comedian Joshua Sankey’s latest newsletter confirms that his scene in “Zack and Miri Make a Porno” was one of the casualties of the editing process when Kevin was cutting scenes for time. Hopefully, we’ll see his work on the eventual DVD (the gang always saves ALL this stuff).
  • FirstShowing picks up on the current status of “Red State”. While the article contains no new information, it’s a nice summary of the events we’ve reported over the past few months regarding the project. As of today, as far as we know, additional funding is still needed to get the project off the ground. The last quote was around $5 million, quite low as far as budgets go these days.
  • Seems a group of atheists in Cincinatti have chosen Buddy Christ as their meetup logo. Interesting.

Oretga High Res Pics – San Diego!

September 1st @ 5:13 pm | No Comments » | Scooped by Albert Ortega

  • Our high resolution San Diego Comic Con series continues today, with the official Albert Ortega series now beginning (we saw his colleague’s work last week) — This first batch features some great shots of Kev rockin’ the podium, as well as some of the best shots to date of the “Zack And Miri Make a Porno” cast, including some beautiful photos of the stunning Elizabeth Banks. Some great full-cast photos, too. So, as always, click away, and pay thanks to the great Albert Ortega who shares all of these great shots with us at News Askew free of charge, for your viewing pleasure. More to come in the next update!

MTV Breaks Details On “Porno”, “Batman”…

August 29th @ 12:52 am | No Comments » | Scooped by Brian Jacks, John Whiteaker, Jenn Camp

  • We’re got three more new articles from MTV today, all of which feature information that we haven’t seen mentioned anywhere before! So, some nice exclusives here, and information you’ll be interested to read, regarding of course “Zack And Miri Make a Porno” and also more details on Kev’s return to comics, “Batman: Cacophony”. The first is a brand new interview with brand new quotes from Kevin. We’ve got some select passages below, but highly recommend you click over and check out the full text of each:

      “…There’s like 20 to 25 percent ad-libbing in the movie. The genius of Rogen is that that dude can ad-lib and every bit is useable in a way that feels insanely organic — it moves the scene and plot forward. You welcome a dude like that — not only can he execute, but he can elevate. Having him was a blessing. His ad-libs don’t stick out like a sore thumb: “That’s a Kevin Smith line, that’s a Seth Rogen line.” “

      “…I think it’s our most visually interesting movie to date — that seems to be the compliment from a lot of people, including Bob Weinstein. So there’s a sequence in the movie that features some slow-mo — It features Seth and Elizabeth. I think it’s just beautiful, and I’m so proud of it. “


      “…“We don’t need put a foot in both worlds,” Smith said. “This is a different thing.”

      Sure, we didn’t expect a Jay and Silent Bob cameo (not least of all because Jason Mewes is starring in the film as a different character), but not even a little nod?

      “Nothing, not even like a little wink,” Smith said. “There’s a moment where we needed to showcase a pack of cigarettes at one point. I don’t even think it wound up in the final cut. And our designer who’s been on almost every movie with us was like, ‘Should we use Nails?’ And I was like no, find some fake movie cigarette brand.””


      “…For “Cacophony,” Smith will be bringing Onomatopoeia back to the mean streets of Gotham, this time setting his sights on the Caped Crusader, which Smith is quick to point out is the “apex” of non-superpowered heroes. “He’s just a dude in a suit, he’s not like Superman,” elaborated Smith. “Onomatopoeia would never go after Superman — what’s the point? You can’t take him down. But Batman is a prey he can get his head around, like, if I can do this it’d be great.”

      While Smith obviously prefers to keep details of his story under wraps, he assures fans that this will not be one of those projects that will see massive delays between issues (case in point, his infamous “Spider-Man/Black Cat: The Evil That Men Do” mini-series for Marvel). Cut the guy some slack — he’s got movies to write and direct, after all! — but he also has two issues already written and in the hands of “Cacophony” artist, Walt J. Flanagan. “I’m two issues done [and] I got one issue to do, Walter is almost on the last page of issue one in terms of artwork.””

View Askew NewsBites™

August 28th @ 7:07 am | No Comments » | Scooped by Matt H, Michael Vinduska, Artimus Naugin, Rex Moribe, Leigh Webb, Jan Welter

  • Mosier and Smith reunite this week for SModcast #62, where Foreigner’s Lou Graham takes a drubbing, but then the talk soon turns to other topics, including the latest happenings in the world of View Askew (The NC-17 appeal, Kev’s awards, Watchmen, and more.) Here’s that rundown:

      SModcast 62: The Human Quilt –

      In which our heroes accost a rocker in the cereal aisle, get unruly on a plane, fear the wrath of a pent-up Paul Bunyan, and go to the movies.

    For those looking for a few more words on “Watchmen”, Kevin does once again confirm that everything from the books is unchanged. Which we hope means everything about the ending! Listen for Mosier’s take as well — Yep, he got to watch it, too.

    SModcast remains a free (thanks ThinkGeek!), fast download exclusively at Quick Stop Entertainment — Go grab your copy and enjoy another hour of the best podcast in all the land.

  • Via an MTV News article today, Kevin chats about the possibility for yet ANOTHER Superman film franchise reboot, though stops short of saying the films need a darker tone (as others have suggested):


      “…fan-favorite writer/director Kevin Smith also had reservations on a newer, darker Man of Steel. “You always have to always keep Superman very distinct from Batman,” he related. “Batman can be brooding and bleak and dark but Superman – if you want to take a realistic approach to him that’s fine, but I don’t think you can turn him into an angry character. Superman is about the hope in people, the good in people, whereas Batman is about the more driven, hungry for justice angry side of us. [So] I don’t know if doing a dark Superman is the approach, but I’m all for a reboot.”

  • Kevin appears in Terry Moore’s “Runaways 3” #1 from Marvel, out today. A skrull character shape-shifts into Kevin when the team needs a celebrity. Humberto Ramos did the art. While we’re not sure of any current working relationship between Kevin and Terry, he DID write a blurb for the back of Terry’s “Strangers in Paradise” pocket book #2.
  • Another mention of Kevin’s “Watchmen” watch shows up in online geek comic “Hijinks Ensue” today.
  • Our congrats to new Dad Jason Lee, who along with girlfriend Ceren Alkac welcomed a daughter on August 10th. The little girl is their first child together.

View Askew NewsBites™

August 26th @ 9:53 pm | No Comments » | Scooped by Steven Kirkham, Jesse L, Jeremy Bridges, Mike Whaley

  • The amazing Crazy4Cult II gallery will remain on display through September 12th. Stop by the website to see some of the offerings for this year, (a direct link to the entire collection can be found here), but you really wanna stop and see this in person if you are in the Los Angeles area. After the 12th, this stuff goes home with the lucky buyers, so see it while ya still can. Just some of the coolest stuff you can put on your wall, for sure. Kevin was in attendance for opening night, and will likely check in soon with details on the show as well as notes on some of the works he’s purchased.
  • Scott Kurtz and PVP give a nod to Onomatopoeia (created of course by Kevin Smith in his famous run on Green Arrow) in the write-up below today’s strip (read the blog entry after you check out the strip).
  • Another photo of Mewes from Monster Mania surfaces today, this time with WWE wrestler the Blue Meanie.
  • And finally, in other Mewes news, we’ve got an inside track on the work he’s doing as the silent killer in the new flick “Silent but Deady”. Expect some exclusive shots and interviews soon. Until then, read up on what Jay had to say about the role, as The Windsor Star has the story.

View Askew NewsBites™

August 23rd @ 4:37 pm | No Comments » | Scooped by Michael Vinduska, Amy Windham, Ben Nahoum, Bill Norris, Travis Post, David Di Troia, Mike Whaley, John Whiteaker, Ian Muttoo

  • Kevin appeared on KROQ radio’s popular “Kevin & Bean” program yesterday, and as always our good pal Will has the hookup with the audio. Listen in as Kev sits in with the guys — Runtime is around 30 minutes. We’re now listening as we continue to write the update…
  • With almost a full year until the next Judd Apatow involved comedy, New York Entertainemnt publishes a list of “Five Movies to Get You Through the Coming Judd Apatow Drought”. One of them is, of course, “Zack & Miri Make a Porno”:


      Release Date: October 31
      Featured Apatow acolytes: Seth Rogen, Elizabeth Banks, Craig Robinson.
      Apatovian plot: Rogen and Banks star as lifelong friends down on their luck. After a fifteen-year high-school reunion underscores their lack of accomplishment, they decide to start their own amateur porn company. Then, inexplicably, they fall in love.
      How Judd Apatow would’ve made it funnier: Jay Baruchel as a high-maintenance mustached porn actor with performance anxiety.

  • Kevin’s brief “Watchmen” comments continue to spread across the web and keep the film in the news. Entertainment Weekly was unable to get Kevin to elaborate any further, though also speculate the film will see running time cuts (sadly, the 3 hour version will likely never be seen in theaters, we’ll have to wait for DVD). G4TV also runs a similar article on the subject, and features the story in their daily video wrapup.
  • And hey, while we’re on the subject, Kevin caught yet ANOTHER top secret, highly anticipated flick, the JJ Abrams reboot of “Star Trek”, in a private screening. Trekmovie.com has the story.
  • We posted scans of it a few weeks back, but in case you didn’t read them, Wizard has now placed the excellent “Guardian Devil Director’s Commentary” piece on their website.
  • This goes through select sections of the comic saga and features comments from Smith, Palmiotti, and Quesada. Hardcover editions to celebrate the 10th anniversary are streeting on September 10th. Here’s a look at the main book as well as the special variant. We want!

  • A blogger from UK’s “The Guardian” writes of his experience meeting Kevin for a brief interview during the recent VisionFest 08.
  • Via an online poll down on their left sidebar, Paste Magazine asks what your favorite Seth Rogen film (so far) is — No choice for “Zack & Miri”, which we assume is because it isn’t out yet, though there IS a spot for “Other”.
  • Seth Rogen hits MSN’s list of “Summer Winners”, with a drop mention of “Zack And Miri Make a Porno”.
  • A new version of “Clerks” on DVD has surfaced in Australia, basically a trimmed-down 1 disc version of the superior “Clerks X” set we have in the States. If you don’t have a region-free player tho, at least it’s something.

“Batman: Cacophony” – November 12th!

August 20th @ 9:24 pm | 3 Comments » | Scooped by Cole R

  • Newsarama posted the cover and some details on Kevin’s highly-anticipated return to the comics world, and revealed the title of the Batman book will be “Batman: Cacophony”. They’re also speculating a NOVEMBER arrival for the book, and even reveal the book’s cover, designed by Adam Kubert. This will also mark the first time Kevin and longtime pal Walt Flanagan will work on a book together. Here’s the deets:


      Written by Kevin Smith
      Art by Walt J. Flanagan & Sandra Hope
      Cover by Adam Kubert
      Variant cover by Andy Kubert
      Sketch cover by Andy Kubert
      Best-selling comic book writer/director Kevin Smith (GREEN ARROW, Daredevil, Clerks) steps into Gotham City to write this 3-part miniseries event! Practically from out of nowhere, the mysterious masked killer known as
      Onomatopoeia returns and sets his sights – and sounds – against The Caped Crusader!

      Retailers please note: This issue will ship with three covers. For every 25 copies of the Standard Edition (with a cover by Adam Kubert), retailers may order one copy of the Variant Edition (with a cover by Andy Kubert). For every 50 copies of the Standard Edition (with a cover by Adam Kubert), retailers may order one copy of the Sketch Edition (with a cover by Andy Kubert). Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.


      On sale November 12 • 1 of 3 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US

    We really dig Kev’s villain and can’t wait to see him face off against Bats. The saddest news of the whole thing is probably the confirmation that it’s just 3 short issues, though we’re betting the story will be packed. The variant cover details are also interesting to see, at the rate they’re being issued, it certainly seems they’ll be rare (so if any kind comic shop owners out there can get us a hookup on the rare books, let us know, lest our View Askew comics collections be incomplete). We’ll of course keep on top of this story, a great Fall followup to “Zack & Miri” will be the new Batman book, just two weeks after we see the film!

View Askew NewsBites™

August 18th @ 6:30 am | No Comments » | Scooped by Steven Pollastri, James Page, Josh Griffith, Willie Stevens, Andre Levesque

  • Tickets for Kevin’s upcomming show in Hartford are going on sale a week from today – Monday, August 25th, at 10:00 AM. The show takes place on January 24th of 2009 so you’ll be making reservations pretty well in advance, but it never hurts. Kevin’s Canada gigs typically sell out. This link should have your tickets ready for purchase in a week.
  • The latest Myspace blog from rap artist MC Chris reveals a rough cut of a track deemed “too dirty” to run with “Zack And Miri Make A Porno”. You can listen to that one there, whilst Chris also DOES reveal that another song of his WILL feature in the film (though no clues to which just yet). Visit the official MC Chris site for more from the man.
  • Who watches the Watchmen? Apparently, one very lucky director. Seems that /Film also shares our jealousy over Kevin’s early watch of the “Watchmen”, currently our most anticipated flick of 2009. By the way, if you’re in that boat with us, you may want to sign this online petition to Warner Bros in the hopes that they’ll keep the running time intact (showing us the same film Kevin saw and not a shortened version).
  • For the last year or two, comic book artist Ashley Wood has been publishing a series of small art books called “Sparrow”. Each volume features a different artist. According to Mr. Wood’s blog, a member of the View Askew comics family, Jim Mahfood, will be getting his own volume of Sparrow sometime in the future (no release date is given). At $12.99 each for a 48 page, 6 inch square book isn’t the cheapest, but they’re very well done and worth the money if you’re a fan. Worth looking into for sure, as Jim was with View Askew in the comics world from the beginning.

View Askew NewsBites

August 5th @ 8:06 pm | No Comments » | Scooped by John Whiteaker, Bethany Edwards, Ron Motta

  • SModcast #60 returns after a week off for San Diego, and Kevin (this week along with special guests Walt and Bryan) once again has prepared a fantastic and free program for you…We also believe the running time’s a record breaker, coming it at 1:06. Download it for free exclusively at Quick Stop Entertainment and listen to the fun of three friends hanging out in a room, chatting it up about pretty much anything that comes to mind. Here’s the cryptic logline for the week:


      SModcast 60: The Clone War


      In which our heroes marvel over Pillow Babies, thwart an attack by Stalin’s man-apes, and face off over the love of a human Xerox.


    Don’t miss SModcast, some of the very best entertainment the web has to offer, courtesy of View Askew Productions and our friends at cool stuff website ThinkGeek.

  • Playboy Magazine staffer Ron Motta beautifully recounts another recent “Spaced” signing event and has some kind words to tie it into the Askewniverse:


      “Like Kevin Smith’s Clerks, Spaced captures perfectly where I was when I was in my mid-20s.”


    The blog goes into detail on “Spaced” and its origins, and even reveals how a 3rd series of the popular program might have started. Worth reading, and of course DEFINITELY worth picking up a copy of from Laser Blazer online!

  • The 2 PM video finale of YouTube pheom “LonelyGirl15” features a classic “Mallrats” quote right at the start.
  • Wizard Magazine featured another fantastic piece on Daredevil and the rest of the “Marvel Knights” line as part of the anniversary — We’ve got a few more scans for your enjoyment above, featuring a new interview with those involved with the books. Again, we highly recommend you grab a copy of this month’s Wizard for your collection, especially if you’ve got all the Daredevil books.