• Well, back to reality today, folks…We gotta admit, we had a great time with yesterday’s April Fool’s joke, and it seems like MOST of you did, too. Responses ranged from, “That was NOT FAIR. You will burn in Dante’s Inferno for that” to “Damn you and this cursed day!” to “I nearly soiled myself!! You got me (and a slew of others, I’m sure). Kudos.”. All in all, we’re pleased with the response and, while we’re sure we disappointed some, glad that most of you at least saw the humor in it all. For those of you still confused by all this, yes, yesterday’s stories were indeed ALL false. Oh, would that they were true, and perhaps someday soon we WILL have some good news along those lines. Until then, though, here’s today’s News Askew:

• According to the computers at Blockbuster Video, the Miramax Special Edition DVD release of Clerks (catalog number MRX17365) is happening on Tuesday, May 18th! This puts the release in line with dates that Kevin has hinted about in the past, and, while they still haven’t released any official notice, we’re about 95% sure this is going to happen. From what we’ve heard, the disc will feature all of the content on the Miramax laserdisc, which includes an excellent commentary track, deleted scenes (including the controversial original ending), the Soul Asylum video, & more. The only problem is that this sucker is retailing for a massive $39.99 and, while we’re sure online sites will have it discounted, this is still a HUGE chunk of change compared to the loaded New Line Special Editions that retail for $24.99. We fear no 16:9 enhancement, too. Oh well, ya can’t win ’em all! BTW: If anyone from the studio’s sending out preview copies, shoot one our way so we can review it!

• There is some WAY cool stuff coming our way, most of it focusing on Dogma, and others on the upcoming View Askew related comics…And thanks to Preview magazine we’re able to get the news to you right away. Here’s the upcoming coolness:

We assume that most of this stuff is coming from Graphitti Designs, but can’t find any real confirmation of that…We’re looking to get in touch with a source on some of this stuff, and possibly find a pipeline to get some of this sent to us up front so we can give you a better preview of what’s coming up as soon as it’s ready to go. Anyone from Graphitti out there?

• In a surprising move, Miramax announced changes to their film release schedule for the remainder of 1999 today, and, lo and behold, there’s Dogma!!! Looks like they’re planning an earlier release than anticipated as well – Friday, August 27th, 1999…Which puts it in a prime position to rule the box office at normally quiet end of the summer moviegoing season. By that time Star Wars should have done most of its damage, and all the other “event” films will have run their course as well. Whether or not Cannes will have an impact on the release of the film, we’re nor sure – But we expect a completed version of Dogma in WIDE release late this summer! Only a few months to go, folks…

• Many of you have heard the rumblings, since Vulgarthon 1998, when it was hinted at that Kevin’s followup to Dogma would be a “Clerks sequel”. Kevin finally came clean today, indicating that a script has indeed been written and pre-production would begin on the tentativety-titled “Clerks 2: The Next Day” soon after post-production wraps on Dogma. All members of the originals’ cast have reportedly been contacted, and are very interested and excited about the chance to reprise their roles for a sequel. This news was originally to be kept under wraps until the impending re-release of the original classic sometime this summer (in order to drum up business for Dogma and interest a larger crowd in the sequel), but apparently some big news like this just can’t stay hidden for long. Naturally, we’re very pleased to be the first site anywhere to bring you this exclusive news, and will offer continuing coverage as we hear more!

• An inside source tells us that, now that the legal battle has been fought, James Cameron‘s treatment of Spiderman is indeed being developed and planned as a major Columbia/Tristar release sometime in the summer of 2001. The big story? None other than Ben Affleck, who’s currently in discussion to play the web slinger himself. “I’d be crazy to pass up an opportunity like this”, said Affleck, who went on to explain that the chance of playing a hero that he grew up admiring in comics would be a dream come true. No other actors are being considered for the role at present time, including Leonardo DiCaprio, who seemed a shoe-in for the role after Cameron’s treatment was written. Sources say that Affleck was the first approached for the role, and that film’s producers are very excited about finally breaking ground on the project. No word yet on whether Cameron himself will be directing the film, though it seems highly possible with nothing currently on his slate other than production duties on the upcoming Planet of the Apes remake.

Oh, and By the way, if you believe a single shred of anything you read above, you are, indeed, an APRIL FOOL!

• Brian O’Halloran made a rare post over at the View Askew board yesterday, with details on how you can catch him performing his new play! Here’s Brian…

They say: The New Jersey Repertory Theater on Broadway in Long Branch, NJ is now accepting reservations for their next mainstage production “A World I Never Made” by Bryan Williams. This world premiere is directed by Arlene Schulman and stars Steve Carroll, Kendal Ridgeway and Brian O’Halloran. Previews begin April 13, 14. Opens April 16 and plays thru May 2. Call for reservations at 732-229-3166. Everyone get your tickets and support Brian’s show!

• Corona’s excellent Coming Attractions website has posted a bit of a scoop on Ben’s status with the Preacher project, as revealed by Kevin in one of his recent appearances:

• Okay, we haven’t seen it for ourselves, but this show called “Station Zero” (which is a Beavis and Butthead type video show centered on Hip-Hop music on MTV, like they need MORE hip-hop on that channel, but we digress) played “Thank U” by Alanis (Once in a while, they’re forced to play an alternative or pop video by “The Man”. Funny!). While playing the video, The character Chino, who got knocked out, groggily moans “God?”. His partner Karaz replies “Naw, man…she’s just playing God in a movie. She’s a DOGMA”. And the plugs continue…
• The evil (since we know if we played, it would consume our lives) Hollywood Stock Exchange recently listed Kevin Smith as the “autuer to watch” recently. Glad to see he’s doing well on the cyber circuit, as always.
• Finally, there’s a DD review on today’s Tony’s Tips. Check it out HERE.

• Lots of nice stuff to talk about today, some small, some big, but all equally important. On our side, we’ve got a few cool things in the works, as well – First of all, the kind hosts extended the red carpet to us for the Rider University screening next Thursday night (April 8th), so we’re planning to attend. It’s been close to 2 years since we’ve seen Kevin speak, and Rider’s not TOO big of a drive for us, so plan on some first-hand coverage of that event (though we still welcome your own stories and pictures, of course). Also, we’re hearing the rumblings of what could be a major event here at News Askew, but aren’t going to say more until we get some details worked out. Stay tuned, you won’t be sorry! And now, the news:

• Here’s something pretty cool that we hadn’t seen or read about anywhere…Of course, we ASSUMED it would come, but hadn’t heard a peep about til now: Kevin’s ENTIRE Daredevil run collected in one trade paperback! Our scooper peeked at a recent Production memo that was routed to certain people’s desks and spotted something called DAREDEVIL VISIONARIES: KEVIN SMITH added to the list. A closer look revealed that this 192-page trade paperback, set to go on sale in September, will collect DAREDEVIL (vol. 2) #1-8 into one handy volume! This is great news for collectors as well as those of you who missed a few issues or were just too damned lazy to buy them (what’s WRONG with you?). We’ll have more on this one as soon as we can confirm.