25/06/05
Whedonverse and Beyond... Ze Banquet
From: Alternate Universe Presents

We at Alternate Universe would like to remind you that on Saturday night there will be a Happy Meals on Legs' Banquet with our guests of honor. Tickets cost $125.00 and are available via our website at www.alternateuniversepresents.com

Seating will be done by lottery to make it fair for everyone. However, as we are a smaller and more intimate event, your odds are most excellent to sit with a guest. We will also be auctioning off seats next to a few guests during our auction.

Come and join us for a lovely meal in Sacramento.

25/06/05
JM.com: Steve's Planned Birthday Surprise for James
From: http://www.james-marsters.com/home.html

FOR THOSE OF YOU ATTENDING THE TORONTO EXPO IN AUGUST, WE WILL BE USING THAT WEEKEND TO CELEBRATE JAMES’ BIRTHDAY (WHICH WILL HAVE BEEN ONE WEEK EARLIER) ! WE HOPE TO SURPRISE HIM WITH A CAKE AND A ROUSING RENDITION OF HAPPY BIRTHDAY FROM THE FANS, SOMETIME DURING THE SATURDAY NIGHT CONCERT.
FOR THOSE OF YOU GOING TO SACRAMENTO, PLEASE HELP KEEP THIS A SECRET!!!!! (HE DOESN’T READ HIS OWN WEBSITE, SO WE’RE SAFE HERE :-) )
THIS IS NOT A CALL FOR ANY GIFTS, JUST A BIG CELEBRATION AND A GOOD TIME.

STEVE HIMBER

25/06/05
Whedonverse and Beyond... Newest Bonus Guest
From: Alternate Universe Presents

Alternate Universe Presents is pleased to announce our newest bonus guest - the creator of 'Harry Dresden', Mr. Jim Butcher!

Jim will be joining us for the whole weekend - autographs (no charge), photos, Q&A's, Meet and Greet, and the Banquet.

For those of you who just have to have a photo (I'm including myself in this group), James Marsters and Jim Butcher will be participating in a joint "Harry Dresden" photo shoot. Tickets are available on Shopping Cart Page 2.

Thank you,

AUP

25/06/05
Spike and Angel Rise from Grave: Joss Whedon Interview
From: http://www.tvguide.com/news/insider/

Spike and Angel Rise from Grave
by Ethan Alter

Cancelation, like death, doesn't seem to stop vampires. Characters from three defunct Joss Whedon series — Buffy, Angel and Firefly — are being resurrected this summer in comic-book form.

First up, on June 29 is Angel: The Curse, IDW Publishing's five-part story set after the events of last year's apocalyptic series finale. The story finds Angel in Romania searching for the Gypsy tribe that cursed him with a soul a century ago. IDW also brings back Angel's former rival for Buffy's affections in the one-shot Spike: Old Times in August. The blond Brit will reunite with a vengeance demon and former crush. In between these two Buffyverse comics, the first issue of Dark Horse Comics' Serenity, based on the space-cowboy TV show Firefly, goes on sale July 6. The three-part comic serves as a bridge between the series and the upcoming movie, directed by Whedon and due in theaters on September 30.

Additionally, Whedon is regularly penning the best-selling title Astonishing X-Men from Marvel Comics. Here, the busy writer/director takes a break from editing his feature-film debut to tell TVGuide.com all about his comic antics.

TVGuide.com: What is your exact involvement with these different comic-book projects?
Joss Whedon: It ranges... For the Angel and Spike comics, I basically told [the writers] areas to stay away from, just in case those were stories that we still might get a chance to tell on film. Otherwise, I pretty much let them do their thing, although I kept peeking over [their shoulders]. For the Serenity comic, I worked out the story with the writer Brett Matthews and have been sort of overseeing the editing and giving notes.

TVG: How will the comic lead into the movie?
Whedon: Well, when the series ended, certain things were happening and, in the movie, certain things have already happened. So the idea was to bridge the time gap and act as a kind of prequel for the movie. Inara has sworn she's going to leave the ship, and this deals with Mal's reaction to that. It also showcases the crew in their usual state, with lots of heists going wrong. And it features the return of a villain from the series... a couple [of them], in fact. It's an action/heisty romp that hopefully gives the characters a little more resonance. It does leave you prepped for the movie should you want that, but you don't need to have seen the series or be planning to see the movie for the comic to work.

TVG: You're known for being very hands-on when it comes to controlling the direction of your worlds. Is it hard to watch other people write adventures for these characters?
Whedon: I get the usual mix of feelings: horror, pride and fun. You do want to do everything yourself, but every now and then, someone shows you something you haven't thought of and it's really charming. It's tough because I'm very strict about the canon of my shows, but at the same time, you have to let people create. As long as it's responsible, all they have to do is make it engaging and I'm satisfied.

TVG: What advantages do comic books offer over film?
Whedon: For one thing, there's no budget. The artists can't say, "I can't afford to draw a dragon." Also, you can tell stories in all kinds of odd ways and you're not beholden to sponsors. But at the same time, while you can do almost anything, a Buffy comic is going to be picked up by younger people, so you have to look out for what you're doing there. And ultimately, you don't have four acts and an episode a week — you have 22 pages and an episode a month. So, in a way, it's very similar. But you do have great leeway to do whatever you want in terms of visuals. We have a space-heist sequence in the Serenity comic. That's an expensive proposition in a movie or TV show. It's zero gravity and Nathan Fillion [who plays Mal Reynolds in Serenity] hates harnesses. But his comic-book self doesn't mind floating at all! He's the most perfect gentleman I've ever worked with. [Laughs]

TVG: Do you think any of these comics will become ongoing series?
Whedon: I could see it happening. But for me, it's about getting the story out that you're telling right now. Don't worry about the next thing. You have to keep your eyes on the prize, and right now that prize is trying to make a three-part comic that's worth your time and spare change, and a movie that's worth putting your butt in the theater. If both of those things work, then I'll have to work more. And if they don't work, I'll wish I had to work more.

TVG: Finally, will we ever learn what happened in that alleyway in the series finale of Angel?
Whedon: Of course. I have every intention of keeping the Buffyverse alive — and not just in flashback tales that I'm not connected to. And if I can't do it with the actors I love, I might just do it with drawings of the actors I love.

25/06/05
James Marsters & Anthony Stewart Head on Rove [Live]
From: Me

I just found out that James Marsters and Anthony Stewart Head will be appearing together on next Tuesday's (28/06/05) episode of Rove [Live] at 9:30pm on Channel 10!

This'll be James' second appearance on the show (the first time round was awesome!) and it'll be Tony's first.

I command all Australian's to watch! Or at least I hope a good portion of you will...

From: http://www.rovelive.com/guests/current/

James Marsters & Anthony Stewart Head

For seven seasons, Buffy The Vampire Slayer was the biggest word in cult TV, and even after its demise, its influence continues to be felt. Two of its stars are in town for a convention, but first, Rove sits 'em down and stakes his claim.
www.tabularasa.com.au

21/06/05
Peter David: Spike Coverage in TV Guide
From: http://peterdavid.malibulist.com/archives/003005.html

June 17, 2005

Spike Coverage in TV Guide

I believe it's been mentioned elsewhere, but I thought I'd let you guys know that the new issue of TV Guide features a half-page write-up on page 12 about the "Angel" and "Spike" comics coming from IDW. They feature the cover from my "Spike" one-shot and a capsule description of the plot. No, my name isn't mentioned, but that's fine; it's not like my name is going to mean anything to TV Guide readers. Meantime IDW got a bunch of new orders in for the book that they directly attribute to the TV Guide write-up.

Best of all, there's going to be a full page ad on the inside cover of the one-shot for "Fallen Angel," so it'll be a nice way to let potential new readers about the book's existence.

Very shortly you'll be seeing artwork from the new artist, either here or on Newsarama. You won't believe how gorgeous it looks.

PAD

Posted by Peter David at June 17, 2005 12:38 AM | TrackBack | Other blogs commenting

20/06/05
JMLive: Last Remaining Tickets
From: James Marsters Live Mailing List

James Marsters is on the way to becoming the hottest ticket in London.

Seats for his Friday night concert at St James's Church in Piccadilly have been quickly snapped up and all downstairs seating is now SOLD OUT.

Balcony tickets are still on sale for the acoustic concert on October 28. To book your seats go to www.rfh.org.uk or call 08700 602 565.

The site and box office are also selling the last remaining tickets for the highly-anticipated world premiere of Words & Music by James Marsters at the Mermaid Theatre in London on October 29.

_________________________________________________

James Marsters Live
http://www.jamesmarsterslive.com

18/06/05
IDW: June Heralds the Return of Angel
From: Dru @ jamesmarstersfans@yahoogroups.com ; andyhallettfans@yahoogroups.com

This is running in current IDW comics:

IDWords: JUNE HERALDS THE RETURN OF ANGEL

Last time we saw Angel, things didn't look too good for him. His TV show was ending, his comics had stopped, and he faced seemingly insurmountable odds.

But he wouldn't be Angel if hd didn't battle his way back to the forefront.

Angel, who originally built his fan base when he appeared on BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER before spinning off to his own successful TV show, is a man in conflict with his own vampiric side, as well as with the seedier elements of the supernatural world. One of the reasons Angel has been able to survive for so long is that he's been surrounded by a support team of friends and fellow warriors.

Until now, that is.

IDW Publishing returns Angel to comics in ANGEL: THE CURSE, the first five-issue ANGEL miniseries that sees him alone and on the run. THE CURST, the first of many ANGEL books planned by IDW, will be written by popular ANGEL novelist (and former IDW Editor-in-Chief) Jeff Mariotte. Mariotte, who also co-wrote the first official behind-the-scenes series companion, THE ANGEL CASEFILES, VOL. 1, will be joined by Italian artist David Messina on this first miniseries. Other artists will offer their interpretation of Angel, too, as each issue will feature exciting variant covers from renowned artists like Tim Bradstreet, John Byrne, Chris Cross, Igor Kordey, Kelsey Shannon, Ben Templesmith, Jill Thompson and more.

To discuss the return of Angel to comics, we spoke with writer Mariotte about the book, and another question that's been on fandom's mind...

IDW: The first Angel miniseries is more of an Angel solo tale. What's he up to in ANGEL: THE CURSE?

JEFF: Angel's in Romania, trying to a) find descendants of the Gypsies who cursed him so long ago, and b) somehow persuade them to want to do him a favor, in spite of the past history between them. He'd like the "happiness clause" lifted from his curse, if possible, and believe that, since he'd adverted another apocalypse, it's not too much to ask.

IDW: The last time we saw all the characters, in the finale of the TV show, they were in pretty dire straits. Will we eventually see what the rest of Angel's compatriots have been up to?

JEFF: Yes, but we won't get the full lowdown in this first miniseries. As soon as we get the go-ahead to reveal more, we will do so.

IDW: Angel has his fans, yes. But if our mailbag is any indication, Spike's fans are truly legion. Wither everyone's favorite snarky, snarly vamp? Will he be along for the ride, too?

JEFF: Spike? Snarly Brit, platinum hair? I think I've heard of him.

IDW: Now, you know Spike's fans will never be content with that. So I have to press further...will we see Spike?! And if so, when?

JEFF: Okay, yes! We will see Spike! Angel is pretty much on his own in Romania for this miniseries, but the rumor is that another writer is doing a Spike one-shot for late summer, and WILLIAM THE BLOODY will be joining Angel and the gang for my second mini, following THE CURSE.

http://www.idwpublishing.com

18/06/05
JamesMarsters.com: A Message from Steve Himber
From: http://www.james-marsters.com/home.html

A MESSAGE FROM STEVE HIMBER
Almost all the tickets for the London one-man shows (Saturday) and Friday night’s concert are sold out – so if you’ve been waiting, don’t wait to long or you may miss out. I’m hearing a lot of excitement about the Toronto convention and James and I are working very hard to make sure that we can live up to the excitement and provide a great weekend – especially since this will be the last convention for a while. Toronto has wanted James for an appearance for many years now, so we hope to make up for lost time. There is a good amount of things brewing for James in the acting world and we hope to be able to announce any concrete details as soon as we can. As always, thanks to everyone who has been so supportive of James and only wish him the best and hope to see more of him on screen (and in concerts and conventions). I know the best is yet to come!

18/06/05
Whedonverse and Beyond... Q&A Submissions
From: Alternate Universe Presents

Ever sit through a Q&A and go "oh man, not that question again!" ? We have. And so we'd like to make it a little different. We'd like you to submit questions you would like to ask any of our guests during the Q&A. We would like the Q&As to be fun, irreverent, thoughtful and interesting! Let's get creative and see what we can come up with.

BASIC RULES 1. Send your questions to aupsubmission@yahoo.com
2. You can submit as many questions as you like.
3. Please put in the subject header the guest's name. At the convention, you'll find out if you're question has been picked!

To make it fun. The person who manages to come up with one great question for each guest gets a prize!

Start submitting those questions!

Thank you,
AUP

18/06/05
Ask Ausiello: Spike Movie
From: http://www.tvguide.com/news/askausiello/050615.asp

Question: Thanks for asking about a Spike series or telemovie. I wrote a poem that I would like WB execs to see. Here it is:

I want James Marsters on my TV.

Of all the stars on my TV
There is none that I
really want to see.

Why can't the networks
get a clue and hire you?

Do the executives have to
get the flu to get a clue?

For it would be nice to see you.

Thanks! — Sarah

Ausiello: That's the kind of sloppy poetry that can bring a no-holds-barred Internet campaign to a screeching halt, Sarah. Seriously, that was terrible. In fact, I'd go so far as to call it TMHPIHERIML. The first person to correctly guess what that stands for wins a shout-out in AA, a copy of TV Guide (issue TBD) and, um, what do I have lying around here... um... a pencil with a clarinet on it. Good luck to all!

18/06/05
Whedonverse and Beyond... Clarification
From: Alternate Universe Presents

The sale is limited to 3 days and anyone buying those passes are entitled to only one (1) autograph per headliner. Anyone who bought a pass before June 12 will be getting 2 autographs per headliner a value of $130, worth much more than the highest discount of $35 being offered.

When we decided to give attendees extra autographs as a thank you, we were going to give them one extra autograph from one headliner of their choice, but when we decided upon the sale, we decided in order to be fair to attendees who had already purchased tickets, to give everyone two (2) autographs, as the total value ($130) was worth more than the highest discount ($35) being offered.

We hope this clears ups any questions.

Thank you,

AUP

13/06/05
JM.com: New Concert + New Message from James
From: http://www.james-marsters.com/home.html

Wow, it looks like Toronto is going to be one hell of a party! Steve tells me that the tickets are going like crazy – right on! I know I’m going to have to rock the house because it will be a while before I can commit to another convention like this. I’m hoping that the acting will keep us connected – you guys have been so supportive and complimentary, I know I can do it again. I will also keep the music alive. Rehearsals for the London gig are frustrating but good – it should be a cool, different show. Lots going on. See you all soon.

James

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

JAMES MARSTERS ADDS LIVE CONCERT TO UK PERFORMANCES
James Marsters will be appearing live in concert in London in a music special this autumn.

He will be performing for one night only at St James's Church in Piccadilly on Friday, October 28.

The historic venue in the heart of London's West End was the setting for the climax of James's hugely successful solo tour of Britain and tickets sold out quickly. Tickets shortly go on sale at www.rfh.org.uk alongside the last remaining tickets for the premiere of his Words & Music show. Full details available from www.jamesmarsterslive.com

13/06/05
JMLive: Live in Concert
From: "James Marsters Live"

James Marsters will be appearing live in concert in London in a music special this autumn.

He will be performing for one night only at St James's Church in Piccadilly on Friday, October 28.

The historic venue in the heart of London's West End was the setting for the climax of James's hugely successful solo tour of Britain and tickets sold out quickly.

Music lovers will shortly be able to book their pew for the night at the Sir Christopher Wren designed church by contacting http://www.rfh.org.uk or calling 0870 163 3833. All seating is unreserved. Balcony and ground floor seats are both available. Tickets will be sold alongside the last remaining seats for the world premiere of Words & Music, which takes place at the Mermaid Theatre in London the following day.

James will be performing some of his newest songs at St James's Church as well as tracks from his solo album Civilized Man. Venue information from http://www.st-james-piccadilly.org

_________________________________________________

James Marsters Live
http://www.jamesmarsterslive.com

13/06/05
Canadian National Expo Newsletter
From: info@hobbystar.com

Greetings! Just wanted to let you know that we have added more great guests to the web site for the 2005 Canadian National Expo. Ticket information has also been posted and advance ticket sales will be available through our web site and Ticketmaster.ca as of July 1st. Please visit regularly to keep up with all the news. Thanks.

www.canadiannationalexpo.com

13/06/05
Whedonverse and Beyond... Ticket Sale
From: Alternate Universe Presents

For 3 days, we’re lowering our ticket prices. The PRETTY, SHINY, and BRONZE PASSES are being discounted for a very short period of time. These three levels allow you entrance to the convention for 3 days.

You are guaranteed one (1) autograph per person from each headliner (James Marsters, Amber Benson, David Fury, Adam Busch, and Tom Lenk). You will have admittance to all Q&As, the dealer room, and the Costume Ball. You will be able to purchase extra autographs, photographs with the guests, tickets to the Meet & Greet and Banquet, as well as tickets to the concerts and to James Marsters' exclusive Talkback.

This sale will start at June 13, 12:30 am EST and will end at Thursday, June 16, 7 am EST. If you’ve been holding off on buying tickets or have friends who are thinking about coming, this is the time to take the plunge!!!

We hope to see you in Sacramento!

AUP

13/06/05
Whedonverse and Beyond... Attention Ticket Holders
From: Alternate Universe Presents

We at Alternate Universe Presents would like to say a big THANK YOU to our current attendees for being so understanding about the change in line-up. With that in mind, we're going to give all attendees who have purchased PRETTY, SHINY and BRONZE PASSES before June 12, two (2) autographs, instead of just one (1) autograph, from each headliner. Headliners are currently: James Marsters, Amber Benson, Adam Busch, Tom Lenk, and David Fury.

For those who have purchased or plan to purchase a Weekend Boarding Pass, you will receive one free autograph from any of the headliners (except for James Marsters) with your purchase.

Thank you again and we look forward to see all of you in Sacramento!

AUP

13/06/05
Whedonverse and Beyond... Latest Things on Sale
From: Alternate Universe Presents

Amber Benson photo ops are up for sale as well as a joint photo op with James Marsters and Amber Benson (for $80, it's a steal). We're also selling Tom Lenk and Adam Busch joint photos... and they're going to need a third person to make their trio complete!

We've got extra autographs for sell for everyone! Weekend Passes come with one free autograph from any headliner (except James Marsters).

Don't forget, if you are a Weekend Pass holder, you are now eligible to buy concert tickets, autograph and photo op tickets.

AUP
----------------------------------
Whedonverse And Beyond July 8-10, 2005
MB: http://aupresents.proboards45.com/index.cgi
LJ: http://www.livejournal.com/community/aupnews/
Update List: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AUPUpdate to subscribe

08/06/05
SimonSays: Spark and Burn Description
From: http://www.simonsays.com/content/content.cfm?sid=33&pid=508245

SimonSays > Spark and Burn

Spark and Burn
(Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
By Diana G. Gallagher

Format: Mass Market Paperback

Price: $6.99
Pre-order Now

Inside the Cover

In the nineteenth century a boy named William was born. A sweet, gentle boy -- no one could have guessed the suffering he'd cause, the pain he'd inflict. When, as a young man, he meets a woman called Drusilla -- a strange woman, a woman unlike anyone William has ever known -- he is fundamentally changed. She has turned him. There will be no more William. He is Spike now.

As Spike, he travels Europe with a band of vagabond vampires. Dru, Darla, and Angelus instruct him on his new nature, and from them he learns about that greatest of vampiric enemies, the girl who is chosen to stand up against them, trained to kill them, endowed with the strength it takes to defeat them: the Slayer. Then and there, Spike decides he'll hunt down those slayers. He'll see how many he can find.

Who would have thought then that he'd fight on the Slayer's side? Who would have guessed that Spike, once William, would go out and seek his soul for a slayer? Who would have dared dream he'd fall in love with one?

08/06/05
JamesMarsters.com: New Message from James
From: http://www.jamesmarsters.com/home.html

A MESSAGE FROM JAMES:
Hey everybody! Just back from the Detroit concert – it was great to connect with everyone there. I think my music sucked a little bit, but I tried to make up for it with a lot of conversation with everyone. It didn’t help that my A string broke mid-concert – but that’s live performance for you. I promise much better for future events. I’m excited about the upcoming cons – the response from you guys has been amazing. These will be the last cons I’ll do for a while – I need to focus on the acting and am working on writing some new material for the next album. Keep rocking!

James

04/06/05
Advance Order & Subscription > Spike: Old Times
From: http://www.forbidden-planet.co.uk/acatalog/Spike__Old_Times.html#aSPIKE

Advance Order & Subscription > IDW > Spike: Old Times > Spike: Old Times

Spike: Old Times

Shop Price: £4.95
Price: £3.70

Credits
Peter David (w); Fernando Goni (a)

Contents
Spike returns to the comic book world in this special one-shot written by fan-favorite writer Peter David! On a dark night in 1880s London, a young poet named William was humiliated by an elegant woman named Cecily and fled into the night... not realizing it would be the first night of the rest of his unlife. But Cecily had a few secrets of her own. Now it's over a century later, elegant Cecily is a vengeance demon named Halfrek endeavoring to destroy another young poet, and William the Vampire - the renowned Spike - is squaring off against her to try and even the scales.

Availability
August 2005

04/06/05
JamesMarstersLive: Buy James Marsters Online
From: James Marsters Live Mailing List

BUY JAMES MARSTERS ONLINE

Online booking has now opened for the world premiere of James Marsters: Words & Music.

The last remaining seats for the stage special at the Mermaid Theatre in London are selling quickly and all top prices tickets are now completely SOLD OUT.

The last remaining lower price tickets are currently being snapped-up. To check availability and select a seat for the hottest show in town, go to http://www.rfh.org.uk and click on the calendar for October 29.

The evening will combine James's greatest passions - theatre and music. He will be realising a life-long ambition to perform on the London stage and is currently selecting theatrical pieces specially for the premiere. The second half of the show following the interval will be an acoustic concert of his latest songs.

And there's more .....

James is currently looking at the possibility of adding some London music dates at the end of the week before the Mermaid special. The extra dates are to cope with the overwhelming demand for tickets. Details will be released shortly on http://www.jamesmarsterslive.com

_________________________________________________

James Marsters Live
http://www.jamesmarsterslive.com

04/06/05
Whedonverse and Beyond... Day Passes Are Now on Sale
From: From: Alternate Universe Presents

Alternate Universe Presents in now offering Saturday and Sunday Day Passes for $60 each. The Day Passes allow the attendee entry into all the Q&A's held that day and the dealer's room, plus an option to buy autographs and photos on each respective day. (The Day Pass holders will be seated behind the Weekend Pass holders.)

By popular demand, tickets for An Evening at the Bronze concert tickets are now on sale to the general public! Don't miss out on a double dose of fun with performances by James Marsters and Common Rotation! (Note: The James Marsters Talk Back Tickets included in the EVENING AT THE BRONZE PACKAGE are only available for purchase by the Pretty, Shiny and Bronze Pass holders. Those who purchase the Concert Only ticket will be seated behind the convention ticket holders and the weekend pass holders.)

04/06/05
MotorCity Buffy Con Updates
From: http://www.motorcitybuffy.com/main.html

Updated May 27th, 2005

Gold Tickets are now SOLD OUT!

James Marsters Concert tickets are now open to the Public!
Since all convention attendees have had the chance to purchase priority seating at the James Marsters concert, we are pleased to announce that the concert will be open to the public. Tickets will be $50 at the door for non-convention attendees. Convention attendees will be seated first, then general admission seats will be filled "first come, first serve."

Autographed CD's must be purchased by 5.31.05. CD's WILL NOT be available at the concert!

Updated May 26th, 2005

*Please Read: Banquet and cocktail party tickets MUST be purchased by Tuesday, May 31, as I have to give a final count to the hotel by that date. Don't miss out on these great events--buy your tickets now!

04/06/05
Win a Vampire Spike!
From: http://dvd.monstersandcritics.com/news/article_6461.php/Win_a_Vampire_Spike _!

Win a Vampire Spike!
By Andy McKeague May 21, 2005, 13:15 GMT

Those wonderful people at Sideshow Collectables have given us 2 Vampire Spikes from the hit shows Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel to give away. These are limited to 6,000 world-wide.

So for our first global competition there will be -

1 US winner !
1 European winner !

Spike's vampire nature was first displayed in all its glory in the episode "School Hard," but it was his handsome human face that was the more surprising side to this villain. As the seasons progressed, Spike's nefarious vampire ways were always the expected, but the slow reveal of his past from human poet to the sadistic, William the Bloody proved to be an even more compelling tale. As a vampire, he earned his nickname by impaling his victims on railroad spikes. Brash and on fire with blood lust, Spike was known for racing into fights just for the rush and sheer pleasure.

• Features over 30 points of articulation
• Sawed-off Shotgun from episode "Fool For Love"
• Shotgun shells
• Broken skull
• Amulet from episode "Chosen"
• 12" figure base with "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" Logo

So from Monday 23rd for two weeks, visit the competition page, fill in your details and Good LUCK !

A full list of terms and conditions for postage from Sideshow are listed on the competition item.

04/06/05
Whedonverse and Beyond... Weekend Boarding Pass Special
From: Dru @ captaintightpants@yahoogroups.com ; jamesmarstersfans@yahoogroups.com

Alternate Universe Presents would like to open up the purchase of autograph tickets, photo ops and the concerts tickets to the Weekend Boarding Pass holders! Plus, we’re kicking in a Serenity Shindig Special of one free autograph with either Nathan Fillion or Adam Baldwin! You choose which one when you get there in July.

(This offer does not include options to purchase Meet and Greet, Banquet or James Marsters Talkback tickets.)

JOIN US IN SACRAMENTO THIS JULY!!

www.alternateuniversepresents.com

04/06/05
JOSS WHEDON'S "SPIKE" RETURNS TO COMICS IN SPECIAL ONE-SHOT BY PETER DAVID
From: http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=5332

JOSS WHEDON'S "SPIKE" RETURNS TO COMICS IN SPECIAL ONE-SHOT BY PETER DAVID
by Jonah Weiland, Executive Producer
Posted: May 27, 2005
Official Press Release

San Diego, CA (May 26, 2005) Ever since Joss Whedon’s Angel TV series came to an end, fans have wanted more. We’ve gotten stacks of postcards pleading for the return of Spike. And now, IDW Publishing is poised to give the fans what they want in the form of Spike: Old Times, a one-shot focusing on an untold tale from the character’s past.

On a dark night in the 1880s, an elegant woman, named Cecily humiliates William, a young poet who flees into the night… not realizing it would turn out to be the first night of the rest of his unlife. Now, over a century later, the elegant Cecily is a vengeance demon known as Halfrek is aiming to destroy yet another young poet. But this time, William the Vampire—the renowned Spike—is at hand to even the odds.

Bringing the popular character back to comic books is fan-favorite writer Peter David (Fallen Angel), joined on this project by artist Fernando Goni.

“I always figured the business of having Spike and Halfrek ‘recognize’ each other in the episode Older and Far Away was nothing but an in-joke shout-out to actress Kali Rocha's having played both Halfrek and, in the previous season's episode Fool for Love, Spike's lost love, Cecily,” speculates writer Peter David. “But in the Whedon-verse, there's no such thing as an in-joke that can't be milked for all it's worth. And I figured there was plenty worth milking here. Quite simply, it was an episode that I wanted to see, and since it can't ever be done by Mutant Enemy, writing the story myself is the next best thing.”

The full-color 48-page one-shot, Spike: Old Times, will be available in August.

About FOX Licensing & Merchandising
A recognized industry leader, Twentieth Century Fox Licensing and Merchandising licenses and markets properties worldwide on behalf of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, Twentieth Television and Fox Broadcasting Company, as well as third party lines. The division is aligned with Twentieth Century Fox Television, one of the top suppliers of primetime entertainment programming to the broadcast networks.

About IDW Publishing
IDW PUBLISHING is a division of Idea + Design Works, LLC, a revolutionary creative service company with a wide range of clients. Among their best-selling titles are CBS’s CSI: Crime Scene Investigation; Konami’s Metal Gear Solid; and GrimJack: Killer Instinct. IDW has films in development at Sony Pictures, Dimension Films, and Paramount Pictures.

04/06/05
Feels Just Like Old Times with Spike Around
From: http://comicbookbin.com/comicbooknews009.html

Feels Just Like Old Times with Spike Around
By The Editor
May 26, 2005, 18:37

Ever since Joss Whedon’s Angel TV series came to an end, fans have wanted more. We’ve gotten stacks of postcards pleading for the return of Spike. And now, IDW Publishing is poised to give the fans what they want in the form of Spike: Old Times, a one-shot focusing on an untold tale from the character’s past.

On a dark night in the 1880s, an elegant woman, named Cecily humiliates William, a young poet who flees into the night… not realizing it would turn out to be the first night of the rest of his unlife. Now, over a century later, the elegant Cecily is a vengeance demon known as Halfrek is aiming to destroy yet another young poet. But this time, William the Vampire—the renowned Spike—is at hand to even the odds.

Bringing the popular character back to comic books is fan-favorite writer Peter David (Fallen Angel), joined on this project by artist Fernando Goni.

“I always figured the business of having Spike and Halfrek ‘recognize’ each other in the episode Older and Far Away was nothing but an in-joke shout-out to actress Kali Rocha's having played both Halfrek and, in the previous season's episode Fool for Love, Spike's lost love, Cecily,” speculates writer Peter David. “But in the Whedon-verse, there's no such thing as an in-joke that can't be milked for all it's worth. And I figured there was plenty worth milking here. Quite simply, it was an episode that I wanted to see, and since it can't ever be done by Mutant Enemy, writing the story myself is the next best thing.”

The full-color 48-page one-shot, Spike: Old Times, will be available in August.

© Copyright 2002-2005, Coolstreak Cartoons Inc. - All rights Reserved. All other texts, images, characters and trademarks are copyright their respective owners.

04/06/05
Ask Ausiello: Spike Movie News
From: http://www.tvguide.com/news/askausiello/050525.asp

Question: Evil, evil, evil. Making us wait a week to find out about the Spike movie is a fate worse than those tortuous weeks spent waiting for Scott "Scary" Savol to get voted off American Idol (Ask Ausiello 5/18). Evil! — Tara Larsen

Ausiello: Um, did you just compare James Marsters to Scott Savol? I can't be sure, but I'm fairly certain that's a stakeworthy offense.

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Question: Your AA cliff-hanger endings must stop! First the Gilmore Girls, then the Spike movie. Are you that insecure about us returning? — Martin

Ausiello: It's just a sweeps thing, Marty. We'll get back to self-contained episodes starting next week.

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Question: That's horrible! How could you leave us Spike devotees hanging at the very end of your column like some Floridian chad!? You're supposed to be our television golden god, but you have disappointed. I demand Spike movie info, or I shall toss my golden Smurf icon into the trash. Don't think I won't. — Rachel

Ausiello: Uncle! OK, here's the deal. WB president David Janollari instantly recognized me as "the Spike guy" when we met up last week at the Frog's upfront bash, so that allowed me to dispense with the pleasantries and cut right to the chase. I asked him, point-blank: "Should Spike fans just abandon this fight? Because if there's no chance of a Spike movie happening, let me know now and I'll tell them to give up." Well, Janollari insisted a William the Bloody telepic was most definitely not a lost cause, adding that it remains a "project of interest" for him. When I asked what the frick the holdup was, he told me a bunch of stuff off the record before revealing on the record that Joss Whedon has yet to pick up the phone to discuss the matter with him. And as you no doubt recall, Whedon hinted in the March 23 AA that he was thisclose to putting some feelers out to Janollari about Spike. Long story short: I think the ball's in Joss' court, folks.