"Sesame Street: A Celebration of 40 Years of Life on the Street"

Sid the Science Kid Merchandise - Dolls, Books, DVDs, Apparel, Albums & more!

Since its premiere last fall, Jim Henson's Sid the Science Kid has gained a lot fans. Developed to inspire a lifelong curiosity and love for learning in young children, Sid the Science Kid appeals to preschoolers’ instinctive quest to figure out how things work, using humor and music as key teaching tools. Since its debut fans have been claimoring for Sid the Science Kid merchandise. Young scientists can rejoice, because fans will soon be able to connect with Sid and his friends in a whole new way with a slew of new products hitting stores this fall.

The Jim Henson Company has partnered with Hasbro Toys to produce a variety of Sid the Science Kid toys and games. Hasbro is planning to release a deluxe "Talkin' Sid the Science Kid" doll this fall. Fans will be able to cuddle with the large plush doll version of Sid that talks and sings. You can press Sids belly to hear six different phrases and to hear Sid sing songs from the show. The electronic talking Sid will also come packaged with a special DVD including "The Sticker Chart" episode of the Sid the Science Kid.

Fans will also be able to collect soft plush versions of Sid and all his classmates. You'll be able to play and cuddly with plush figures of your favorite characters. Hasbro plans on releasing a set of "Sid the Science Kid Mini Plushes" this fall - featuring plush versions of Sid, Gabriela, May and Gerald ($6.99 each).

Aside from toys, Sid will also be making his way into books. HarperCollins Children's Books and The Jim Henson Company plan to release a series of books based on the program. The first three titles, targeting pre-schoolers ages 3-6, will hit book stores in December.

In "Why Are My Shoes Shrinking?" ($3.99, pre-order) Sid finds that he can't wear his favorite shoes to school any more because they're too small. Sid learns his shoes aren't shrinking but instead, he's growing. The 24-page storybook is written by N. T. Raymond and illustrated with full-color stills from the series.

Sid learns what happens if you don't clean your teeth in the book "A Cavity is a Hole in Your Tooth" ($5.99, pre-order). With the help of his family, friends, and teacher, Sid finds out why is brushing your teeth so important in the 32-page Let's Read and Find Out book by Jodi Huelin.

When Sid's dad catches a cold, Sid has to be careful not to get sick too in "The Trouble with Germs" ($3.99, pre-order) Sid investigates germs in this 32-page I Can Read book by Jennifer Frantz.

Sid the Science Kid made its DVD debut earlier this month with two DVD releases from NCircle Entertainment. "Sid the Science Kid: Change Happens" ($9.99, order) and "Sid the Science Kid: The Bug Club" ($9.99, order) each featured four episodes from the series and hit stores on August 4th.

NCircle Entertainment is planning to follow-up these releases with a third Sid the Science Kid DVD on December 1, 2009. In "Sid the Science Kid: Weather Kid Sid" ($9.99, pre-order) Sid discovers that wind, rain and sun can be fascinating and fun! The single-disc release, which runs 115-minutes, will include four episode from the series - "Sid's Rainy Play Date", "Special Sunny Dad Day", "Sid's Holiday Adventure", and "The Wind Did It".

Earlier this summer TysToyBox.com, launched an online store for Sid the Science Kid. The store carries "print on demand" apparel, where customers can personalize t-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies, featuring Sid and his friends ($16.99 each, order). Fans can wear their favorite characters with a variety of designs, colors and styles.

Also earlier this year The Jim Henson Company released a collection of songs from Sid the Science Kid in an exclusive Amazon.com album. "Sid the Science Kid: Soundtrack - Volume 1" ($8.99, order) features 18 original songs from the show's first 20 episodes - covering such scientific topics as tools and measurement, transformation and change, the senses, and health. Hopefully "Volume 2" (featuring the songs from the second half of the 40-episode series) is not too far off.

The Jim Henson Company has also made a collection episodes of the series available via iTunes. Sid the Science Kid, Vol. 1 ($1.99 per episode, purchase) features the first 10 episodes of the show available for purchasing. You can download the Sid the Science Kid episodes dealing with tools, measurement, transformation, and change; now fans can watch Sid's adventures on their computers and portable devices.

I will be sure to keep you updated with details on these, and all the other upcoming, "Sid the Science Kid" products as more information becomes available.

Muppet Comics Roll on with The Muppet Show, Robin Hood, and Peter Pan

BOOM! Studios plans to continue their series of Muppet comic books with more mini-series. The company currently has two 4-part Muppet Show comic book series underway, plus two 4-part fairy tale adaptations coming soon.

The first Muppet mini-series, "The Muppet Show Comic Book" by Roger Langridge, launched in March with monthly installments following thereafter. The third issue will be released soon, and the 4-part story arc is set to conclude in June. The series became an instant top-seller, with the first two issues already entering second printings. However Roger Langridge's adaptation of The Muppet Show won't end after issue #4, as the series will be followed by another four-part arc by Langridge entitled "The Treasure Of Peg Leg Wilson". The second Muppet Show comic arc will kick off in July and follow with monthly installments into the fall.

BOOM! is also readying a series of Muppet fairy tale books with twisted retellings of classic tales staring the Muppets. The first comic, "Muppet Robin Hood", will run throughout the summer with a four-part story featuring Kermit the Frog in the titular role of Robin Hood and Miss Piggy as Maid Marion. While originally planned to launch last month, the series' release was somewhat delayed; however the first issue was sent to print last week and issue #1 is planned to hit comic book stores on Wednesday (May 27th). In the comic, Robin Hood and the Merry Men take on the stuffy Sheriff of Muppetham (Sam the Eagle) and the wicked Gonzo of Gisbourne. The mini-series is being written by Tim Beedle, with artwork by Armand Villavert Jr.

The fourth Muppet comic arc, also retelling of a classic story, will be "Muppet Peter Pan". The 4-part arc is planned to hit comic book stores and newsstands around August. The timid Kermie Pan resides in the magical realm of Neverswamp, where the pushy fairy Piggytink tries to toughen him up! One night, while searching for his shadow, Kermie Pan and Piggytink encounter the Darling children, who run away to Neverswamp and encourage Kermie Pan to battle Captain Gonzo! Written by Grace Randolph with artwork by Amy Mebberson, the issues in the 4-part comic will also feature special covers by David Petersen.

I will be sure to keep you updated with more information on all the upcoming Muppet comic books as more details and titles become available.

July's Muppet Comic Book Offerings

This week, BOOM! Studios continues their series of Muppet comic books with the second installment of their debut a four-part "The Muppet Show Comic Book" by Roger Langridge. The first issue, "The Muppet Show Comic Book #1", was released last month and was an instant top seller. "The Muppet Show Comic Book #2" will be released on Wednesday (April 29th) while "The Muppet Show Comic Book #3" will be released on May 27th and "The Muppet Show Comic Book #4" will be released on June 24th.

Roger Langridge will continue to produce Muppet comic books with a second Muppet mini-series kicking off in July. "The Muppet Show: Treasure Of Peg Leg Wilson #1" is planned to hit stores on July 29, 2009. In the new four-part story arc, Scooter discovers old documents which reveal that a cache of treature is hidden somewhere within the theater, and when Rizzo the Rat overhears this the news spreads like wildfire. Meanwhile, Animal begins acting very strangely - he's now refined and well-mannered! This new Muppet mini-series is being written and drawn by Roger Langridge and will follow a similar format and style of his original "The Muppet Show Comic Book" series.

BOOM! will release the final chapter of their other Muppet series, "Muppet Robin Hood", in July as well. "Muppet Robin Hood #1" will be released this week (April 29th); and "Muppet Robin Hood #2" will follow on May 27th and "Muppet Robin Hood #3" will be released on June 24th. This four-part comic mini-series is being written by Tim Beedle, with artwork by Armand Villavert Jr. In the final issue, the imprisoned Robin Hood (Kermit the Frog) awaits the gallows. But can the Merry Men spring Robin free and defeat Prince John? If only they could find the 'narrator' and discover how the story is supposed to end!

So mark your calendars because the Muppets' "The Treasure of Peg Leg Wilson #1" and "Muppet Robin Hood #4" will both be released on July 29, 2009. I will be sure to keep you updated with more information on the upcoming Muppet comic book series as more information become available.

BOOM! Studios' June Muppet Comic Book Offerings

Last week, BOOM! Studios launched their new series of Muppet comic books. The debut mini-series, a four-part Muppet Show comic, is being written and drawn by Roger Langridge. The first issue, "The Muppet Show Comic Book #1", was released last week was an instant top seller. Retailers are completely selling out of their copies and a second printing is already planned for April. "The Muppet Show Comic Book #2" will be released on April 29th and "The Muppet Show Comic Book #3" will be released on May 27th.

The fourth installment of "The Muppet Show Comic Book" will follow the monthly release schedule, with "The Muppet Show Comic Book #4" planned to hit stores on June 24, 2009. In the fourth issue the spotlight is cast on Miss Piggy and asks the age old question "is the stage big enough for this such a massive ego?"

June will also bring the third installment of BOOM! Studios' second Muppet series, "Muppet Robin Hood". This four-part comic mini-series gives an irreverent retelling of the classic tale of "Robin Hood" with the Muppets. The series is being written by Tim Beedle, with artwork by Armand Villavert Jr. In the comic, Robin Hood (Kermit the Frog) joins up with the Merry Men to take on the stuffy Sheriff of Muppetham (Sam the Eagle) and the wicked Gonzo of Gisbourne (The Great Gonzo). In "Muppet Robin Hood #3", Robin enters an archery contest to win the love of Maid Marian (Miss Piggy). "Muppet Robin Hood #1" will be released on April 29th and "Muppet Robin Hood #2" will follow on May 27th. The third installment, "Muppet Robin Hood #3", will be released on June 24, 2009 with the final issue planned for release in July.

So mark your calendars because "The Muppet Show #4" and "Muppets Robin Hood #3" will both be released on Jun 24, 2009. I will be sure to keep you updated with more information on the upcoming Muppet comic book seriess as more information become available.

The Muppet Show Comic Comes on Wednesday

The Muppets' long awaited comic book series from BOOM! Studios is almost here. The first issue of the highly anticipated "The Muppet Show: Comic Book" will hit comic book stores this Wednesday (March 25, 2009). The initial four-issue mini series, written and drawn by Roger Langridge, is based on the beloved The Muppet Show and will come packed with all the expected skits, gags, and characters one has come to expect from The Muppet Show.

In the 24-page debut issue, Kermit the Frog long for the simple life back in the swamp. As he forlornly plucks his banjo, Miss Piggy, Fozzie, Gonzo and the rest of the gang attempt to bring him out of his funk.

With a retail price of only $2.99, how can you say no? "The Muppet Show #1" will be released with two different variant covers; and you can order a copy of the comic book online throught BOOM! Studios' website (order cover A or cover B). Subsequent issues will be released on a monthly basis, with the second installment planned for release on April 29, 2009.

And for those who can't wait until Wednesday to get their hands on the comic, BOOM! Studios has provided Comic Book Resources with an exclusive preview of "The Muppet Show #1" - so you can read the first 10 pages of the comic online. So surf on over and check it out!

More Muppet Comics Come in May

As previously reported, BOOM! Studios is preparing to launch a brand-new series of comic books this spring staring the Muppets. The debut mini-series, a four-part Muppet Show comic book series, is being written and drawn by Roger Langridge and will launch next month with the release of "The Muppet Show #1" on March 25, followed by "The Muppet Show #2" on April 29.

"The Muppet Show #3", the third installment in the series, has now been announced for a May 27, 2009 release - continuing the monthly spacing between issues. The story in the third issue will focus on exploits of the Great Gonzo as his dangerous routines come under scrutiny from the theater's insurance agent.

May will also bring the second installment of BOOM! Studios' second Muppet series, "Muppet Robin Hood". This four-part comic mini-series gives an irreverent retelling of the classic tale of "Robin Hood" with the Muppets. The series is being written by Tim Beedle, with artwork by Armand Villavert Jr. In the comic, Robin Hood (Kermit the Frog) joins up with the Merry Men to take on the stuffy Sheriff of Muppetham (Sam the Eagle) and the wicked Gonzo of Gisbourne (The Great Gonzo). "Muppet Robin Hood #1" will be released on April 29 and "Muppet Robin Hood #2" will follow on May 27, 2009.

So mark your calendars because "The Muppet Show #3" and "Muppets Robin Hood #2" will both be released on May 27, 2009. I will be sure to keep you updated with more information on the upcoming Muppet comic book seriess as more information become available.

"Kermit Culture" Explores the Depths of the Muppets

McFarland & Company, a publisher of scholarly and academic books, is planning to release an exciting new anthology of academic essays that explore various perspectives on Jim Henson's Muppets. Entitled Kermit Culture: Critical Perspectives on Jim Henson's Muppets, the book will feature a unique collection of original essays on the Muppets.

Collected, edited, and contributed to by Jennifer C. Garlen and Anissa M. Graham, the anthology includes the work of a variety of contributors from various academic disciplines - including literature, philosophy, culture studies, puppetry arts, and education. As a result, Jennifer Garlen says, "there should be something for everyone in the collection."

Intended for both scholarly and general audiences, the essays included in the book represent a diverse range of topics – such as Statler and Waldorf's role as a critical chorus, the role of Muppets as actors, the Muppet films' embodiment of the American journey, Miss Piggy and gender stereotypes, the morality of Kermit the Frog, and even what the Muppets tell us about ourselves. This unique anthology of essays will provide distinct perspectives on how the Muppets became enduring characters, renowned cultural icons, and how they play into outlook on life and the world around us.

The 323-page book is slated for a softcover release in spring/summer 2009; you can already pre-order a copy for the McFarland website. I will be sure to keep you updated with more details regarding the release of Kermit Culture as more details become confirmed and available.

Jennifer Garlen has told me that, "if the anthology sells well enough, [they] already have plans and potential contributors for a second book that looks at the expanded Henson universe." So the success of Kermit Culture could lead towards an academic exploration of Fraggles, Grouches, Gelflings, Farscape aliens, and many other classic Henson creatures and characters that couldn't fit into this book (which deals exclusively on the Muppet Show family of characters).

Below you can read a copy of the official publisher’s description for Kermit Culture along with a complete listing of the essays and authors included in this remarkable new anthology.

Publisher's summary:
By the end of its five-year run on television, The Muppet Show had transformed its motley cast of characters from mere fistfuls of felt to true multi-media celebrities. Sophisticated and highly individuated, each of the Muppets nonetheless embodied a conventional character type from classic television comedy. Kermit, the manager of the show, functioned as straight man to the majority of the show’s jokes. Miss Piggy, the resident diva, evolved from first season chorus girl to full-fledged megastar. The Costello to Kermit’s Abbot, Fozzie peddled his vaudevillian shtick to a tough audience, but his genuine sweetness made him lovable even when his jokes were terrible. Intended for both scholarly and general audiences, these essays represent the work and ideas of a global community of scholars and Muppet enthusiasts, providing a unique perspective on just how Kermit and the rest of the frogs, dogs, bears, and chickens became cultural icons with influences reaching far beyond the world of 1970s television comedy.

Kermit Culture: Critical Perspectives on Jim Henson's Muppets
Part I: Audience Participation
• "Taking Silliness Seriously: The Muppet Show and the Anglo-American Nonsense Tradition" by Michelle Ann Abate
• "The Muppet Show Re-Forms the Fringe" by Anissa M. Graham
• "What The Muppets Can Tell Us About Our Furry Selves" by Gideon Haberkorn
• "How to Become a Muppet, or, The Great Muppet Paper" by Ben Underwood
• "Stuffed Tuxedoes: Statler and Waldorf as Critical Chorus" by Lynne Schneider

Part II: Adaptation and Performance
• "From Muppetry to Puppetry" by Jennifer Stoessner
• "The Muppets in Shakespeare" by Hugh Davis
• "Enter Kermit as Bob Cratchit: Muppets as Actors" by Ginger Stelle
• "The Muppet Wizard of Oz and the Re-Imagination of the American Myth" by Alissa Burger
• "While and at the Same Time: Gonzo the Great and the Conflation of High and Low Culture" by Jennifer C. Garlen

Part III: Theories and Strategies
• "The American Journey Narrative in The Muppet Movies" by Tara K. Parmiter
• "It's Time to Get Together for Some Sex and Violence on the Muppet Show?" by Kathleen Kennedy
• "'British to a Fang, British to a Whisker': Reconsidering The Muppet Show’s National Identity" by Rayna Denison
• "The Muppet Show as Educational Critique" by Julie G. Maudlin
• "The Ethos of Kermit the Frog" by Michele Lockhart
• "Miss Piggy and the Subversion of Gender Stereotypes" by Maryanne Fisher and Anthony Cox
• "Muppets and Money" by Andrew Leal

"Return to Labyrinth" Continues this Spring

The third installment in Tokyopop's "Return to Labyrinth" series is planned for release this spring. The original manga series, which launched in 2006, is a follow up to the classic Henson film "Labyrinth". Taking place thirteen years after the events of the original film, Toby, who was just an infant when his sister Sarah wished him away to the labyrinth, is dragged back into the goblin kingdom to take his place as the heir to the throne.

"Return to Labyrinth: Volume 3" will resolve the dramatic cliffhangers of the second volume and sets out to answer many of the readers' (and Toby's) unanswered questions. The 192-page graphic novel, written by Jake Forbes and with art by Chris Lie, will be released this spring – with an official release date set for May 1, 2009. The third volume has just been sent to the printers and the book is already beginning to appear for pre-ordering online; while volume 1 and volume 2 are already in stores. I will keep you updated with more information on this (and other) Tokyopop series as more information continues to surface.

The Muppets Take on Robin Hood in April

Ever since it was first reported that BOOM! Studios was going to be producing original comics featuring the Muppets, fans have been wondering what kind of Muppetational adventures they can expect to see. As previously announced, the initial mini-series, a four-issue arch based on "The Muppet Show", will make it's debut in March -- "The Muppet Show #1" will hit comic book stores on March 25th, "The Muppet Show #2" will follow on April 29th, and issues #3 and #4 will follow shortly after. However Muppet fans won't have to wait long for even more Muppet fun to come to their local comic book store, because the Muppets' second mini-series, "Muppet Robin Hood", is planning to launch in April -- hitting stores on April 29, 2009.

The new four-part comic mini-series gives an irreverent retelling of the classic tale of "Robin Hood" featuring the one and only Muppets. The series is being written by Tim Beedle, with artwork being helmed by Armand Villavert Jr. In the comic, Robin Hood (Kermit the Frog) joins up with the Merry Men, Sherwood Forest's infamous gang of misfit outlaws, to take on the stuffy Sheriff of Muppetham (Sam the Eagle) and the wicked Gonzo of Gisbourne (The Great Gonzo). The four issue mini-series will feature special collectible covers by David Peterson and Shelli Paroline.

"Muppet Robin Hood #1" is planned for release on April 29, 2009 (the same day as "The Muppet Show #2"), with subsequent issues to follow thereafter. I will be sure to keep you updated with more information on this upcoming comic book series as more details become available.

The Muppet Show #2 Hits Stores in April

Last month it was announced that BOOM! Studios was planning to release the first issue of a four-part The Muppet Show comic books mini-series. The debut issue will hit store on March 25, 2009; and ever since the initial announcement, Muppet fans have been claimoring for more information on this exciting comic book series. Well, you won't have to wait much longer because "The Muppet Show #2", the second issue in Muppets' comic book series, will be released the very next month - hitting comic book stores on April 29, 2009! The four-issue mini series, written and drawn by Roger Langridge, is based on the beloved The Muppet Show and will come packed with all the expected skits, gags, and characters one has come to expect from The Muppet Show.

In the follow-up issue, Fozzie Bear's comedy act is even more terrible than normal! But when he asks Gonzo to help him with his latest routine, Fozzie might end up breaking more than his funny bone. While the plot of the backstage story in the first issue is mainly a Kermit story, the story in the second installment focuses mainly on Fozzzie Bear -- the third issue will be a Gonzo story, and the fourth issue will revolve around Miss Piggy.

"The Muppet Show #2" will be released on April 29, 2009 with two different variant covers (see below). And with a retail price of only $2.99 per issue, how can you say no? I will be sure to keep you updated with more information on these upcoming Muppet Show comics as soon as more details become available.

Miss Piggy Plugs New Book on The Today Show

The Muppets' resident diva, the one and only Miss Piggy, will make a special guest appearance on NBC's Today next week in order to promote her new book "The Diva Code: Miss Piggy on Life, Love, and the 10,000 Idiotic Things Men Frogs Do!"

Miss Piggy is set to appear as a special guest on the NBC daytime talk show on Monday, February 2, 2009! Today, a morning news and talk show, is broadcasted nationwide on NBC -- check your local listings for details. So mark your calendars and be sure to catch this special Muppet appearance on NBC.

And be sure to pick up Miss Piggy's book, "The Diva Code", when it hits store shelves tomorrow. The book is filled with Miss Piggy's personal advice on love, fashion, career, attitude, and her secrets of diva-dom! The book is a perfect addition to any Muppet fan's (or diva's) library -- so be sure to order your copy today!

The Muppet Show #1 Hits Stores in March

Ever since it was first reported that BOOM! Studios was producing original comics based on The Muppet Show, fans have been eager to get their hands on these all-new Muppetational adventures. Well, the wait is finally over, because "The Muppet Show #1", the debut issue in BOOM! Studios' Muppets series, is planned to hit comic book stores on March 25, 2009! The initial four-issue miniseries, written and drawn by Roger Langridge, is based on the beloved The Muppet Show and will come packed with all the expected skits, gags, and characters one has come to expect from The Muppet Show.

In the 24-page debut issue, Kermit the Frog begins to long for the simple life back in the swamp. As he forlornly plucks his banjo, Miss Piggy, Fozzie, Gonzo and the rest of the gang try to bring him out of his funk. While the plot of the backstage story in this first installment is mainly a Kermit story, the second issue will focus on Fozzie Bear, the third on Gonzo, and the fourth issue will revolve around Miss Piggy.

"The Muppet Show #1" will be released on March 25, 2009 with two different variant covers (see below). And with a retail price of only $2.99 per issue, how can you say no? I will be sure to keep you updated with more information on these upcoming comics as soon as more details become available.

"Street Gang" Kicks Off Sesame's 40th Anniversary

Sesame Street is about to celebrate its 40th anniversary and, as previously reported, a fascinating new book has been released to explore the exciting history of the landmark series. "Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street" by Michael Davis, hit store shelves last week. Davis spent more than five years gathering and writing the story of Sesame Street, conducting more than 200 in-depth interviews with some of the series' key players.

This 384-page hardcover book traces the amazing story of five decades of social and cultural change and the miraculous creative efforts, passion, and commitment of the writers, producers, directors, animators, and puppeteers who created one of the most influential programs in the history of television. The book includes lots of untold stories about the creation, rise and enduring success of the beloved series.

No fan will want to miss out on this book, so be sure to pick up your copy of "Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street" right now! You can pick up the complete unabridged audio book, narrated by Sesame Street legend Caroll Spinney, on CD as well. Both items are available at bookstores nationwide.

You can order the book and the audio book online; but for even more information on this exciting piece of Sesame history, be sure to visit the book's official website – StreetGangBook.com. The site includes exciting reviews, book previews, rare photos, book club questions, and so much more. You can even request a free personally autographed bookplate sticker from the author to put in your book, turning you book into a personally signed copy!

I've been told that a paperback edition of the book is planned for release next fall. This second edition will feature an additional chapter covering the latest season of the series, the development of Abby Cadabby, the casting of Roscoe Orman as the show's third Gordon, and much more. An exclusive except from this forthcoming chapter can be read on the official "Street Gang" website – which, again, is located at StreetGangBook.com.

However "Street Gang" is just the first of many anniversary items, as Sesame Workshop is planning several other exciting items to celebrate the 40 year history of "Sesame Street". A special panel discussion, "Sesame Street at 40: A Night of Celebration with the Legendary Cast", will be held on January 30th at William Paterson University in Wayne, N.J. Hosted by Michael Davis, the event will feature an unprecedented live Q&A with Frank Oz, Kevin Clash, Caroll Spinney, Sonia Manzano, Bob McGrath, Marty Robinson, Fran Brill, David Rudman and Tony Geiss.

Another celebratory book, "Sesame Street: A Celebration of Forty Years of Life on the Street" by Louise Gikow, is planned for release by Black Dog & Leventhal publishers in the fall. This giant hardcover book will include hundreds of rare photographs from the Sesame Workshop archives giving an historical look both in front of and behind the cameras; plus excerpts from scripts, original character sketches and show notes, character profiles, behind the scenes insights, and much more.

And finally, Sesame Workshop and Genius Products are planning to release a special 2-disc "Sesame Street: 40th Anniversary" DVD set to commemorate 40 years of "Sesame Street". This special DVD compilation is planned for release in November and will include loads of classic content from past 40 years.

I will be sure to keep you updated on these and other upcoming anniversary items, along with the premiere of the show's landmark 40th season, as soon as more information becomes available.

Farscape #1 Hits Stores on Christmas Eve

Ever since the reports surfaced that BOOM! Studios was producing a series of comics based on Jim Henson's Farscape, fans have eagerly been waiting to get their hands on the next chapter of the Farscape adventure. Well, when you enter your local comic shop on December 24th BOOM! Studios’ much-anticipated Farscape #1 will be waiting for. The first installment of the Farscape comics will be released just in time for the holidays!

"We originally solicited this for November, but we pushed back the release because we had to make sure the book was the best product possible for fans awaiting Farscape's return," said Chip Mosher, BOOM!'s Marketing and Sales Director. "And let me tell you, it will be worth the wait!"

Farscape #1 is written by television series creator Rockne O'Bannon with script by Keith R.A. DeCandido, interior art by Tommy Patterson and three variant covers featuring artwork by Dennis Calero and Joseph Corroney, and a special photo cover.

Picking up directly where the television miniseries Farscape: The Peacekeeper Wars left off, fans can look forward to show creator O'Bannon steering their favorite characters into new and original stories, keeping with the existing canon - and then extending it. I will be sure to keep you updated with more information on these upcoming comic books as soon as more details become available.

A Muppet Show Comic Update

Things are moving along on BOOM Studio's upcoming series of Muppet comic books. Boom plans to launch the new line in March 2009. The comics will launch next year with an initial four-issue miniseries written by Roger Langridge. As you may know, Langridge had previously created Muppet comics for the now defunct Disney Adventure magazine. The debut miniseries will be based on "The Muppet Show" and is said to be very much in the same vein as the show -- with a lot of skits and gags. Several of the key people involved in development and approvals for the comics were also involved in the production of the original Muppet Show. The publisher has decided to issue several variant covers on the first issue - you can check out a sample of Langridge's preliminary penciling for one such cover on the right.

After the initial four-part miniseries, Langridge will be working with various writers and artists to create future Muppet miniseries. BOOM's second batch of Muppet comics are said to feature the Muppets in parodies of classic literary works – such as King Arthur, Robin Hood, and the Three Musketeers.

The new comics are sure to garner a lot of attention from Muppet fans when they arrive early next; and you can be sure that I will keep you updated with more information on these upcoming comic books as soon as more details become available.

Spinney Narrates Complete "Street Gang" Audio Book

As previously announced, a new book exploring the history of Sesame Street is planned for release later this year. "Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street" by Michael Davis will hit book stores on December 26, 2008. This narrative non-fiction book chronicles the history of Sesame Street with novelistic storytelling and detail.

Drawing upon hundreds of personal interviews with those who were there, Davis tells the unforgettable story of five decades of social and cultural change and the miraculous creative efforts, passion, and commitment of the writers, producers, directors, animators, and puppeteers who created one of the most influential programs in the history of television.

The 384-page book will be released by Viking Press; but in addition to the hardcover printing, an audio book version of the text is also planned. Narrated by the legendary Caroll Spinney (puppeter behind Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch), the complete unabridged 7-hour audio adaptation of "Street Gang" will be available on CD (in a 5-disc set) and for digital download on December 26, simultaneous with the hardcover release.

I will keep you updated with more information on the release of this wonderful new book as details continue to emmerge.

2009 Calendars are Here!

With just about three months (92 days) left in 2008, isn't it time you start thinking about how you're going to keep your days straight in 2009? The 2009 calendars start hitting stores, so it is only prudent that you decided which one (or ones) you're going to get now. There are two Muppet-related calendars coming out for 2009; and with price-tags only around $15 you might want to just scoop them both up.

The first calendar is The Muppets' official 2009 wall calendar. Each month of this 2009 calendar features a different Muppet photos with bright and colors and designs. The calendar measures standard wall-calendar size (12" x 24") and is sure to brighten up the wall of any room. The calendar is being produced by Danilo and Muppet Studios and is retailing for just around $14.99.

The other Muppet calendar to be on the look out for is the 2009 Fraggle Rock wall calendar. Gobo, Mokey, Wembley, Boober, Red, the Doozers, the Gorgs and all your other favorite Fraggle character don the pages of this exciting wall calendar. The calendar measures standard wall-calendar size (12" x 24") and is being produced by MeadWestvaco and the Jim Henson Company.

So although 2008 isn't over yet, it's not too early to buy your Muppet calendars. I'll keep you posted with information on any other Muppet calendars or merchandise as I get it.

Farscape Comics Come in November

Ever since the announcement that BOOM! Studios would be producing a series of "Farscape" comics, anticipation has been high among fans. The first issue, and part of an initial four-part miniseries, is slated for release in November 2008.

The comics will picks up immediately where the "Farscape: The Peacekeeper Wars" television miniseries left off. The story contained in the initial four-part miniseries focuses on Crichton and Aeryn and their newborn son, as well as those characters who stayed aboard Moya. It has also been said that fan will be able to witness Rygel's return to Hyneria as he attempts to reclaim his throne.

Rockne O'Bannon (creator of "Farscape") is helming the storytelling duties for the comic continuationn, while "Farscape" novelist Keith R.A. DeCandido is scripting out O'Bannon's plots and Tommy Patterson is handeling the artwork. O'Bannon has stated that he is treating the comics as if it were "the next season of the series."

I will be sure to keep you updated with more information on these upcoming comic books as soon as more details become available.

Muppet Comics Coming from BOOM!

As previously reported, BOOM! Studios is planning to release a series of Muppet comic books. The comics will launch next year with a miniseries written by Roger Langridge. As you may know, Langridge had previously created Muppet comics for the now defunct Disney Adventure magazine. The single comics in the initial miniseries will also be designed to be collected together into a trade paperback as well. The debut four-issue miniseries will be based on "The Muppet Show" and is said to be very much in the same vein as the show -- with a lot of skits and gags. Each book will have its own storylines, but there will also be an overlapping narrative connecting all four books. The first installment will focus on Kermit, the second on Fozzie Bear, the third on Gonzo, and the fourth book will be a Miss Piggy book. The debut installment is planned for release in the Spring of 2009.

After the initial miniseries, Langridge will be working with various writers and artists to create future miniseries. BOOM's second batch of Muppet comics are said to feature the Muppets in parodies of classic literary works – such as Robin Hood, King Arthur and the Three Musketeers. According to series editor Paul Morrissey, the approach with these books will be to basically do "kid-friendly Monty Python."

The new comics are sure to garner a lot of attention from Muppet fans when it debuts early next; and you can be sure that I'll keep you updated with more information on these upcoming books as soon as more details become available.