Damnation

Alternate reality scenarios are not limited to comics like Exiles. The forthcoming Magic: The Gathering release, Planar Chaos, celebrating prerelease tournaments this weekend, will feature what are essentially alternate reality versions of some classic Magic cards. Take a look at some examples that Wizards has already revealed.

Damnation with art by Kev Walker:
This card is Wrath of God for Black. Wow... I love it.

Akroma, Angel of Fury with art by Darren Bader:
Akroma, Angel of Wrath is a popular Legendary Creature, and this version is no slouch either.

Oros, the Avenger (prerelease version) with art by Darren Bader:
This recalls Treva, the Renewer from the Invasion set, and there will be four others like it in the set.


Links:
Chaos Theory by Magic Designer Mark Rosewater
The Rebirth of Cool by Aaron Forsythe
Planar Chaos site
magicthegathering.com
Gatherer the Magic: The Gathering Card Database
Damnation Wallpaper
Oros Wallpaper

Last Night's TV

Quick comments on last night's (Th, Jan. 18, 2007) shows:

Smallville 6.11 - Justice: I'm not a regular viewer, but the introduction of the Justice League (Clark, Green Arrow, Cyborg, Impulse and Aquaman with Chloe manning the Watchtower) wasn't half bad. Poor Lois. Totally in the dark about everyone's super powers.

Scrubs 6.06 - My Musical: Music references have always had a place in this show, so it was only natural that they did one of these. Decent premise for having a musical episode. I would not want to see this on a regular basis though. A little is enough.

30 Rock 1.12 - The Head and the Hair: Probably one of my favorite episodes so far. Liz and Jenna wondering what was going on with the world when Jack asked them for coffee was priceless. And ultimately defeat cruelly snatched from the jaws of victory for everyone by the end. Well done as I was not expecting that.

Carson Daly 6.066: Again, I am not a regular viewer, but there was a Warren Haynes appearance. He did a nice acoustic cover of Radiohead's Lucky. Current Events Karaoke updating viewers on the iPhone to the tune of Under Pressure was amusing.

Reference: Yahoo TV (show episode guides)

April Cover Previews

Ms. Marvel # 14 by Greg Horn:
Fighting will only mess up that great hair and body paint.

Ghost Rider: Trail of Tears # 3 (of 6) by Clayton Crain:
The Spirit of Vengeance has not always needed gasoline.

Mighty Avengers # 2 by Frank Cho: Maybe this version of Ultron will find a loyal bride.

newuniversal # 5 by Salvador Larocca:
So swirly. So purple.

Exiles # 93 by Paul Pelletier:
Alternate reality Sue & Wolverine doing well for themselves.

X-23: Target X # 5 (of 6) by Michael Choi:
Be careful not to pop those chest balloons.

X-Factor # 18 by Pablo Raimondi:
That feeling you've had enough of a certain someone.

Firestorm # 35 by Pete Woods:
Do not hold your breath for the cover to Firestorm # 36.

Hellblazer # 231 by Lee Bermejo:
Sometimes the cigarettes don't get to finish the job.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer # 2 by Jo Chen:
Xander: So, you mean there's really something behind this mystical painting that acts like a mirror?
Buffy: Yeah, Giles says a whole other universe that can see what we're doing and saying.
X: Not everything though, right?!
B: Are you thinking of...
X: Yeah.
B: I'm sure they can see that.
X: They so shouldn't see that. Ever.
B: I know. We'll have to destroy it. It's too bad though. I look so good in this thing.
X: Well, maybe that's reason enough to keep it. We can't have a Slayer with self-esteem issues.
B: True. That would be bad. Undesirable even.
X: Plus even I look good in it. That kind of magic must be a force for good.
B: Hard to question that logic. It's settled then.

Sources:
Marvel Comics for April, 2007
DC Comics for April, 2007
Dark Horse Comics for April, 2007
Image Comics for April, 2007

Sun Via STEREO

NASA's STEREO mission holds the promise of taking three dimensional images of the Sun beginning in April, 2007. In the meantime, it can provide pictures like this:



Sources:
NASA Image of the Day
STEREO