Thark Thursday: Artist - Operation GutterBall

Okay, I have no idea what this dude's real name is, but in just a few strokes of a sharpie marker he's rendered some really inspired illustrations of our favorite green martians. I particularly love how the eye defines the shape of the head--gives a good alien-from-another-world feel. And while that's not the first time I've seen a Helium-style helmet on a Thark, the overall effect with the roundish head is magnificent.

Great work on the physique too--quite believable compared to others I've seen that come off a little forced. Getting those extra arms in there can be tough!

Finally, we have an action shot:

Great stuff, head over and check out Operation Gutterball's other work!

SPACE NAZIS! Official Iron Sky Trailer

Holy S#!t this looks amazing! It's incredible to think this is NOT a Hollywood film, but an independently produced feature from Finnish filmmakers. In case you haven't heard of it, or just want a refresher, here's the synopisis:

NAZIS ON THE MOON!

...oh, the official synopsis:

In the last moments of World War II, a secret Nazi space program evaded destruction by fleeing to the Dark Side of the Moon. During 70 years of utter secrecy, the Nazis construct a gigantic space fortress with a massive armada of flying saucers.

When American astronaut James Washington (Christopher Kirby) puts down his Lunar Lander a bit too close to the secret Nazi base, the Moon Führer (Udo Kier) decides the glorious moment of retaking the Earth has arrived sooner than expected. Washington claims the mission is just a publicity stunt for the President of the United States (Stephanie Paul), but what else could the man be but a scout for the imminent attack by Earth forces? The Fourth Reich must act!

Two Nazi officers, ruthless Klaus Adler (Götz Otto) and idealistic Renate Richter (Julia Dietze), travel to Earth to prepare the invasion. In the end when the Moon Nazi UFO armada darkens the skies, ready to strike at the unprepared Earth, every man, woman and nation alike, must re-evaluate their priorities.

The fact that German character actor Udo Kier makes an appearance is a stroke of sheer genius--on his part and the filmmakers'.

The film opens sometime this April.


Iron Sky official website

Video: Newbies guide to John Carter

Disney's produced a super short primer for anyone not familiar with the John Carter series. For me that includes just about everyone I know, so I'll be forwarding this to peeps in hopes they get excited about seeing the film too!

For everybody else, it sports some quick clips you may not have seen yet.

Via io9.com

Also on io9, an article on why Edgar Rice Burroughs' work story is still relevant today.

Thark Thursdays!

There's not much time left until the new John Carter of Mars film hits theaters (March 9). So starting now through March 8, every Thursday from here out will feature some fantastic Thark art. (Say that five times fast: tharkart, tharkart, tharkart....).

Today's Tharkworks are brought to you by the bold imaginings of illustrator Thomas Denmark, who's working on a new Barsoomian RPG, Warriors of the Red Planet, with Al from the Beyond the Black Gate blog.

Gotta love those action poses!

Oh, and don't forget to check out the Barsoomiology page a top for more John Carter of Mars links and goodness!

Weren't they making a Buck Rogers movie?

I seem to recall, circa 2009, this clip surfaced with word that an independently produced film about Buck was in the works.


Here's a scene that was apparently shot for the film:


I remember James at Grognardia had done a post about it. When I went to the offical website, which is run by the rights holders (The Dille Family Trust) there's nary a word about it. The uploader of the video has zilch as well.

Anyone else recall this or have info?