Crisis on Infinite Springfields

"Apocalypse Cow"

2008-04-21T12:23:00.003-06:00

Airing Sunday, April 27, 2008:

After Bart joins the 4-H club, he and Lisa save a cow, Lou, from going to the slaughterhouse and give it to Mary, a farm girl (guest voice Zooey Deschanel). Her father mistakenly believes it to be a token of marriage, prompting Homer and Marge to attempt break the two up and save the cow.

"Any Given Sundance"

2008-04-21T12:17:00.003-06:00

Airing Sunday, May 4, 2008:

When Lisa creates a hit documentary about her family for a school project and enters it into the Sundance Film Festival, Homer, Bart and Marge become embarrassed by the candid behind-the-scenes look at their lives, leading them to capture John C. Reilly and Jim Jarmusch, who guest star as themselves.

"Papa Don't Leech"

2008-03-31T19:24:00.004-06:00

It's the return of Colonel Homer and Springfield's own country music star Lurleen Lumpkin (voice of Beverly D'Angelo), plus a guest appearance by the Dixie Chicks, in the April 13, 2008 episode of The Simpsons.

"The Debarted"

2008-02-21T22:37:00.004-06:00

Airing March 2:

Bart teams up with a new kid at school, Donny, to pull some pranks, but when the hijinks go haywire, Groundskeeper Willie tips Bart off to the fact that there might be a rat amongst his friends. Meanwhile, Homer becomes attached to a loaner vehicle while his is in the shop being repaired.

"Love, Springfieldian Style"

2008-02-09T13:36:00.000-06:00

Airing February 17:

After being stranded in a Tunnel of Love ride at a carnival, Homer, Marge and Bart pass the time by sharing some of the greatest love stories of all time.

"That 90s Show"

2008-01-19T09:33:00.001-06:00

"Weird Al" Yankovich and Kurt Loder will guest-star as themselves in the January 27 episode of The Simpsons.

Synopsis:

When Bart and Lisa discover Marge's diploma from Springfield University, Marge reveals that she attended the university back when she and Homer first started dating.
In a flashback, Homer gives up his dreams of becoming a musician and takes a job at his father's laser tag warehouse to support Marge while she attends Springfield University. However, when Marge finds herself attracted to the offbeat Professor August, Homer decides he has had enough of Marge's wandering eye. Homer focuses his emotions on his music, inventing a new sound called "grunge."

As Marge continues to date the pretentious professor, Homer becomes the hottest grunge artist around, as evidenced by Weird Al's parody of his music. But when Marge sees a special news report on MTV with Kurt Loder announcing that Homer's band, Sadgasm, has broken up and that Homer is holed-up in a mansion hopelessly addicted to drugs, Marge must choose between her new life and her old love.

Ralph Wiggum For President

2008-01-03T00:08:00.000-06:00

Ralph in '08!

The Simpsons website is kicking off a presidential campaign site for Ralph Wiggum, in honor of the January 6th episode, "E. Pluribus Wiggum."

You can download a printable campaign poster here in PDF format.

The poster has the address www.wiggumforprez08.com/ on it, but at the time of this post, it just points to Foxmovies.com.

I'm sure if we keep checking back, we'll eventually find out everything we need to know about Ralph's campaign platform.

Giant Inflatable Spider Pig

2007-12-23T11:56:00.001-06:00

Is it a bird? is it a plane? No - it's a giant inflatable Spider Pig.

The cartoon balloon rose above London's iconic Battersea Power Station to mark the release of The Simpsons Movie on DVD.

The stunt was a cheeky recreation of Pink Floyd's Animals album cover shoot in 1977 - when their pig broke loose, shot up into Heathrow's flight path and startled pilots at 40,000ft.

This time, to make sure history did not repeat itself, an SAS trained marksman was on standby to take Spiderpig down if he looked like flying off.

--Channel 4 News

"E. Pluribus Wiggum"

2007-12-22T13:45:00.000-06:00

Jon Stewart, the host of Comedy Central's The Daily Show, will be making a guest appearance as himself on the January 6, 2008 episode of The Simpsons, along with Dan Rather.

"It's truly a great honor and I'm very excited about it," said Stewart.

Synopsis:

After Springfield becomes the first city in the nation to hold a presidential primary election, excitement builds as reporters from around the country, including Jon Stewart and Dan Rather, descend upon Springfield to cover the debates. When the candidates turn out to be less than compelling, Kent Brockman announces an unexpected turn of events: Springfield voters rejected all of the candidates and embraced a write-in: notorious bed-wetter Ralph Wiggum.

With Ralph as the new presidential front-runner, Republican and Democratic party leaders fight to win him over as their candidate. Find out if Ralph can make the leap from Sesame Street to Pennsylvania Avenue.

Comics Continuum has a video of Jon Stewart recording his dialogue for the episode here.

"Eternal Moonshine of the Simpson Mind"

2007-11-28T13:26:00.001-06:00

Airing December 16:

Homer wakes up one morning only to find himself outdoors and covered with snow. With no recollection of what happened the night before, he makes his way home only to find his entire family missing. Hopelessly confused, he goes to Moe's bar, where Moe reveals that Homer drank a "Forget-Me-Shot" the night before - a drink so potent, it wipes out a the last 24 hours of one's memory.

When Wiggum informs Homer of a domestic disturbance at the Simpson house the night before, Homer begins to worry that he may have done something awful. Homer turns to Professor Frink, who hooks him up to a device that allows him to explore his memories to piece together the night's events.

Click the image to enlarge.

"Funeral for a Fiend"

2007-11-15T14:23:00.001-06:00

Airing November 25, 2007:

When Bart accidentally kills his old nemesis Sideshow Bob (voice of Kelsey Grammar), Bob's brother Cecil (David Hyde Pierce) and father (John Mahoney) invite Bart to attend the memorial service to bury the hatchet for good.

Keith Olbermann makes a guest appearance as himself.

"Husbands and Knives"

2007-11-02T18:50:00.000-06:00

Airing November 18:

Much to the Comic Book Guy's chagrin, Bart, Lisa and Milhouse check out a new comic-book store called "Coolsville Comics & Toys," where they are treated like royalty by a friendly comic book buff named Milo (guest voice Jack Black). Coolsville attracts some real-life comic book creators, such as Alan Moore, Art Spiegelman and Dan Clowes (guest-voicing as themselves), and the Comic Book Guy wages war on Coolsville in an attempt to win back his customers.

Meanwhile, Marge decides her middle-aged physique could use some help, and she launches a gym for 'regular women.' Marge's gym becomes wildly successful and as her fame grows, Homer fears she will dump him for a younger, more fit guy. Homer decides to take matters into his own hands to get into shape.

90 Minutes of "The Simpsons" on November 4

2007-10-26T19:56:00.001-06:00

Sunday, November 4, 2007:

In addition to the new Treehouse of Horror XVIII, Fox will air the "24" parody 24 Minutes and last year's Treehouse of Horror XVII, which includes "Married to the Blob", "You Gotta Know When to Golem", and "The Day the Earth Looked Stupid."

Treehouse of Horror XVIII

2007-10-26T19:48:00.001-06:00

The frightfest begins in "Mr. and Mrs. Simpson" as Homer and Marge leave for what appears to be an ordinary day. But Homer is living a double life as a secret agent, and he is assigned to eliminate Kent Brockman. When a mysterious woman blocks Homer's shot and tries to kill Brockman herself, Homer finds that his competition "hits" a little too close to home.

In "E.T. Go Home," Bart and Lisa come to the aid of Kodo the space alien, who's hiding from the government. Kodo asks them to help him obtain a long list of devices so he can reconnect with his home planet, but his intentions prove to be anything but friendly.

In the final Halloween scare, "Heck House," Bart, Lisa and their friends spend Halloween night pulling pranks on unsuspecting people in Springfield. But when they go too far, Flanders decides he's going to spook them straight. Transforming the church into the "Heck House," Flanders is filled with supernatural power and subjects the children to his wrath of seven deadly sins in the "Treehouse of Horror XVIII" episode of THE SIMPSONS airing Sunday, Nov. 4 (8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT) on FOX. (SI-1816) (TV-14 D, L, S, V)

Simpsons Star Wars

2007-09-29T00:05:00.000-06:00

"The Homer of Seville"

2007-09-28T23:57:00.001-06:00

Episode JABF18

"After a freak accident, Homer becomes an opera singer and finds himself star of the Springfield Opera. Soon he becomes mobbed by fans and gains himself a female stalker."

Guest stars: Maya Rudolph and Placido Domingo (pictured) as himself.

"The Homer of Seville" airs Sunday, September 30.

Stephen Colbert Gets Simpsonized

2007-09-15T12:04:00.001-06:00

"He Loves To Fly And He D'ohs"

2007-09-02T01:19:00.000-06:00

The nineteenth season of The Simpsons begins on Sunday, September 23, 2007. Stephen Colbert and Lionel Richie will guest star on the season premiere, "He Loves To Fly And He D'ohs."

Synopsis:

"After Homer saves Mr. Burns from drowning in a mall fountain, Burns thanks him by taking him on a whirlwind trip to Chicago on his private plane. Homer is smitten with the luxury jet and all the perks that come with it, including flying with song legend Lionel Richie, who serenades him with a customized version of 'Say You, Say Me.' After returning home, Homer makes it his mission to find a job that offers him the chance to fly on a corporate jet and enlists a life coach, guest-star Stephen Colbert, to help fulfill this dream."

Bart Simpson Art Exhibit

2007-08-03T13:56:00.001-06:00

From the LAist:

"Using a sweet ten inch D.I.Y. Bart Simpson Blank Platform Qee Figure as a blank canvas, 50 artists from Doink to Rentals frontman Matt Sharp to Simpsons creator Matt Groening himself have created one-of-a-kind Simpsons art that will be unveiled today in Hollywood."

Meltdown Comics and Collectibles held the opening on August 1st, 2007.

Click on the flyer to the left to enlarge.

See also: Cool pictures of the DIY Bart Simpson Qee Worldwide Tour.

Simpsons DS

2007-08-02T11:54:00.000-06:00

Krusty Burger Commercial

2007-07-29T21:17:00.000-06:00

"Homer Eats Whopper"

2007-07-28T21:07:00.000-06:00

Homer's "Tonight Show" Monologue

2007-07-25T12:21:00.000-06:00

Burger King Commercial

2007-07-25T12:19:00.000-06:00

Springfield, Vermont Movie Premiere

2007-07-22T09:02:00.000-06:00

Springfield, Vermont, winner of the Springfield Challenge with 15, 367 votes, hosted the world premiere of The Simpsons Movie on Saturday, July 21, 2007.

Matt Groening and the Simpson family were in attendance.

For more information, a quick search turns up plenty of news stories, photos, and videos of the event.

However, I have yet to find a photo of any "Duff & D'oh-Nuts," the beer-and-donut-flavored ice cream created by Ben & Jerry's for the movie premiere. It was available for one day only, and only in Springfield.

Entertainment Weekly

2007-07-20T20:50:00.001-06:00

Coverage of The Simpsons Movie in the latest issue of Entertainment Weekly, available at EW.com:

D'oh! - Conan O'Brien jokes about being one of just two early "Simpsons" writers not asked to collaborate on the movie version.

Homer's Odyssey - After 18 years, theaters will finally echo with the sweet sounds of D'oh! Go behind the scenes with Marge, Bart, Lisa, Maggie and the other good citizens of Springfield for an inside look at what better be the Best. Movie. Ever.

Inside 'The Simpsons Movie' - Nope, it's not a cruel joke -- we got producers Matt Groening and James L. Brooks to give us the scoop. Go ahead and have a cow, man.

Also, for collectors, EW.com is offering all four Simpsons covers for $10.00 here.

180 Foot Tall Homer Simpson

2007-07-18T17:39:00.000-06:00

To promote The Simpsons Movie, a 180 foot tall Homer Simpson was painted next to the Cerne Abbas giant in Dorset, England, using a water-based biodegradable paint that will wash away with the first rain.

Despite the painting's extremely temporary nature, the humorless Pagan Federation was not amused, and vowed to wash it away with "rain magic."

Wow. You've got to love organizations that are self-satirizing.

The Pagan Federation's complaint that the painting of Homer is "very disrespectful and not at all aesthetically pleasing" was met with a typical internet response. (The animated gif is hilarious, but it didn't animate when I posted it here, so you'll have to follow the link to see it for yourself).

Jay Leno, "Testify" Soundtrack

2007-07-18T12:31:00.000-06:00

Left: Homer Simpson is set to make an appearance on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" on Tuesday, July 24, during Jay's opening monologue.

Below: Another music CD to add to your Simpsons collection... "Testify" is set to be released on September 18, 2007.

For a complete list of tracks, check out the Simpsons Channel, via Shout! Factory.

Trailer for the New Simpsons Video Game

2007-07-18T12:18:00.000-06:00

The Simpsons on Channel 4

2007-07-18T12:13:00.000-06:00

"The Simpsons Go to Paris"

2007-07-16T11:15:00.000-06:00

The Simpsons (and Simpsonized models and fashion designers) in a fashion spread from the August issue of Harper's Bazaar magazine. Click images to enlarge. (via TV Squad, via LiveJournal).

Kwik-E-Marts Revisited

2007-07-03T09:29:00.000-06:00

The 7-Eleven website has more info on the Kwik-E-Marts, including where to find them, and what you can buy there, like Radioactive Man #711.

There are great Kwik-E-Mart photosets on Flickr. Check out photos of the Kwik-E-Marts in Burbank, Mountain View, and Bladensburg. See what these converted 7-Elevens look like inside and out.

Washington Post coverage.

Previously mentioned here and here.

Thank you, come again.

"Final" Simpsons Movie Poster

2007-07-02T12:53:00.001-06:00

Yet Another Simpsons Movie Poster

2007-07-02T12:52:00.001-06:00

Another Simpsons Movie Poster

2007-07-02T12:48:00.000-06:00

Kwik-E-Mart Conversions

2007-07-02T12:36:00.001-06:00

Advertising Age has an update on the plan to convert 7-11 stores into Kwik-E-Marts, previously mentioned here.

Specialized merchandise that will be on sale include Buzz Cola, KrustyO's cereal, and Radioactive Man comics from Bongo.

There haven't been any 7-11s in my area for years, so I guess I'll be picking this stuff up on eBay.

Simpsons-Themed Xbox 360

2007-05-10T12:54:00.000-06:00

According to Engadget, Microsoft will be giving away 100 limited edition Simpsons-themed Xbox 360s.

EA Officially Announces New Simpsons Game

2007-05-10T12:41:00.000-06:00

GameSpot ran a couple of articles this week on the new Simpsons video game being developed by Electronic Arts.

For a description of the game, check out The Simpsons First Look.

For the official announcement, and a list of what platforms it will be available on, click here.

Click on the promotional art at left for a larger view.

Good Housekeeping

2007-05-03T21:57:00.000-06:00

There's a new Simpsons Safety Poster available from Safety World: Good Housekeeping.

Simpsons Movie Teaser Posters

2007-05-03T18:46:00.000-06:00

Via Russia's Present Cinema.

JABF14: "24 Minutes"

2007-04-29T20:30:00.000-06:00

Synopsis: "With the help of Jack Bauer and Chloe O'Brian, Bart and Lisa must stop bullies Dolph, Jimbo and Kearney from releasing the ultimate stink bomb at Springfield Elementary's annual bake sale."

"24 Minutes," previously mentioned here, will be the 400th episode of The Simpsons. It airs on May 20 as part of the one-hour season finale.

Kiefer Sutherland and Mary Lynn Rajskub guest star, providing the voices of their characters from the Fox series "24."

JABF15: "You Kent Always Say What You Want"

2007-04-29T19:44:00.000-06:00

You can't always use the title you want. Case in point: The 399th episode of The Simpsons, "The Kent State Massacre," was renamed "You Kent Always Say What You Want" in the aftermath of the Virginia Tech shootings. Since the original title unapologetically referred to the 1970 Kent State shootings, this would seem to be a textbook example of the "too soon" philosophy of acceptable comedy.

Synopsis: "Homer purchases the one millionth ice cream cone at an ice cream store and is featured on Kent Brockman’s nightly news program. However, the innocent interview turns into trouble when Brockman uses a shocking expletive and Ned Flanders wages an anti-indecency campaign."

The rapper Ludacris (left) guest-stars as himself.

"You Kent Always Say What You Want" airs May 20 as part of the one-hour season finale.

The Simpsons as American Idol Judges

2007-04-26T13:28:00.000-06:00

JABF12: "Stop, Or My Dog Will Shoot!"

2007-04-12T12:39:00.000-06:00

"Homer is upset when he realizes that Marge brought him and the family to a boring Harvest Fest instead of his much-anticipated day of debauchery at October Fest. Attempting to leave, Homer accidentally drags the family into a puzzling cornfield maze. When the whole family manages to escape except for Homer, they send out Santa's Little Helper, who sniffs out Homer and rescues him. Santa’s Little Helper becomes a local hero and the Simpsons decide to enroll him in Police Dog Academy, where he’s teamed with a grizzled veteran cop named Lou and they become a crime-busting duo. Bart’s excitement quickly dissipates when a jaded Santa’s Little Helper bites him, and the Simpsons send the dog away to live with Chief Wiggum. To appease Bart’s depression after the loss of his dog, Marge agrees to buy him a huge pet snake. But when the snake causes a life-threatening situation at Bart and Lisa’s school, Santa’s Little Helper gets a chance to redeem himself."

Rudy Giuliani and Stephen Hawking guest-star as themselves. Airs April 29.

JABF10: "Marge Gamer"

2007-04-01T21:51:00.000-06:00

"Marge becomes a spectacle during a PTA meeting for not having an e-mail address, and she decides to take a chance on using the Internet. Amazed and delighted by all the Internet has to offer, Marge joins a popular role-playing fantasy game called "Earthland Realms." To Marge’s dismay, the game has her interacting with practically the whole town of Springfield, including Bart, who happens to be the game’s most feared and destructive player. Meanwhile, Homer saves Lisa's soccer game from cancellation after he volunteers to take the place of a referee who recently quit. However, Homer’s refereeing skills only exasperate Lisa, and her competitive streak gets the best of her."

"Marge Gamer" airs April 22, 2007.

"Thank You For Coming, I'll See You In Hell!"

2007-03-28T17:20:00.000-06:00

From the Richmond Times-Dispatch:

Real Kwik-E-Marts? Woo-Hoo!

7-Eleven may convert some stores to coincide with 'Simpsons Movie'

It appears as though the world's largest convenience store will get Simpsonized, though 7-Eleven Inc. said the deal isn't done yet.

But at a company event yesterday in Richmond, officials showcased their planned promotional efforts with major upcoming films, including "The Simpsons Movie."

If all goes as planned, the convenience store chain plans to refit 11 stores across the U.S. -- Richmond is an unlikely choice -- to resemble the front of the Kwik-E-Mart, the convenience store that Homer and other characters frequent in the classic cartoon TV series.

Customers also will be able to buy products inspired by the nearly two-decades-old show, including KrustyO's cereal, Buzz Cola and iced Squishees (the cup says Squishee, but the contents will be Slurpee).

The chain also will use pictures of Simpsons characters to promote 7-Eleven's line of fresh foods, such as placing the face of Homer and his classic "Mmmm . . . sandwich" quip on sandwich wrappers.

Details of 7-Eleven's plans were showed to employees in a booth at a company event at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. It was unclear yesterday which 11 stores of the more than 4,700 nationwide would receive a cartoony facelift or sell inventory of the Simpsons-inspired products.

The movie hits theaters July 27.

JABF06: "Homerazzi"

2007-03-24T16:18:00.000-06:00

Airing tomorrow night (March 25), episode 394:

"After the family photo album is destroyed, Marge decides to restage all of the family’s photographs, and when a celebrity dating scandal is captured in the background of one of their photos, the Simpsons strike tabloid gold. Tasting success and seeing money to be made, Homer takes to the streets as one of the paparazzi."

Guest stars: J.K. Simmons, Peter Wolf, Harry Hamlin, Betty White and Jon Lovitz.

Simpsons Movie at Showest

2007-03-12T14:04:00.000-06:00

Courtesy of Latino Review.

Simpsons Super Spectacular #5

2007-03-05T23:06:00.000-06:00

Bongo Comics for May 2007

2007-02-22T19:07:00.000-06:00

The Simpsons Summer Shindig #1

by DiGerolamo and Yambar

"The world is Bart's playground and we are merely along for the ride, so when Bart hits the fairgrounds this summer amongst the townsfolk of Springfield, he definitely doesn't play fair! Visit the beach with Homer and learn proper surfside etiquette; do time with Bart in summer school; beat the heat with Lisa; and find out how to make the most out of the lazy days of summer with the whole Simpson family!"

Simpsons Comics #130

by Boothby

"Marge is cleaning house and everything must go... on sale on the internet! But as all the Simpsons' worldly possessions and fond memories go out the door, it becomes apparent that only one person is buying the buried treasures... one person who might bring about the end of the Simpson family forever!"

Futurama Comics #31

by Boothby

"Leela takes Nibbler to the veterinarian and gets some shocking news... her cute little Nibblonian has worms -- worms that cause wormholes. Nibbler's disgusting ability to open portals to new worlds at the drop of a... well, you know, is at first considered a blessing, until the two-way wormholes put the DOOP in deep doo-doo!"

See also: The Big Beastly Book of Bart Simpson

Big Beastly Book of Bart Simpson

2007-02-22T14:03:00.000-06:00

Due in May:

"Big Beastly Book of Bart Simpson" TPB

"Bart Simpson gets brutal with a brilliant and brand-new collection of comics and stories brimming with bitter rivalries, baseball gone bionic, bully bonding, and babysitters gone bad. Bart and Homer find themselves up a creek when they go fishing together. Bart tries to elude haunted detention slip with his name on it. Principal Skinner bribes Bart to keep him on his best behavior, while Nelson Muntz hosts a guide to adult nerds. Bart reveals the secrets to staying home sick, and when he makes the cheerleading squad, shows off his unique brand of school spirit. And to top it all off, Maggie and Moe find themselves mulling over a murder mystery. Bart Simpson is here to soothe the savage beast!"

Futurama Comics #30

2007-02-22T13:55:00.000-06:00

Due next month:

Futurama Comics #30

by Wein and Kazaleh

"One of the benefits of living 1,000 years into the future is that all your worthless junk can suddenly become very valuable. Fry starts his own Internet auction business, but is some evil bidder doing the evil bidding of an evil biddy?"

Bart Simpson #34

2007-02-22T13:47:00.000-06:00

Due next week:

Bart Simpson #34

by DiGerolamo & Griffith

"Lisa finds her self in a load of trouble when she tries to do an unsupervised load of laundry. Bart meets a new friend from way out of town. On a lazy day, Bart and Milhouse make a fort out of a refrigerator box. And finally, Uter displays his penchant for physics as he teams up with Bart on the playground."

Beach Blanket Bongo

2007-02-22T13:36:00.000-06:00

Due next week:

Simpsons Comics Vol 15 "Beach Blanket Bongo" TPB

"Catch a wave of good humor and hang ten with the Simpsons in their newest, gnarliest comic collection. Homer, Lenny, and Carl think they will be living the sweet life when they all opt for Mr. Burns' early retirement plan, but their former boss' tropical island retirement community turns out to be for the birds -- literally! Bart meets a reclusive B-movie director who announces that his collection of horror, science fiction, and Radioactive Man memorabilia is up for grabs, and every geek, nerd, and dweeb in town sets out on a quest to get their sweaty little hands on it. Krusty the Clown becomes Springfield's newest doctor, and it's not long before he has the town in stitches while delivering big laughs. Principal Skinner takes you into the inner sanctum of Springfield Elementary to reveal untold tales of the Permanent Record File! Bart's arch nemesis, a now surgically altered Sideshow Bob, is released from prison, and Bart must figure out which newly arrived citizen is really Bob in disguise. Then, not to be outdone, Sideshow Bob's brother Cecil arrives on the scene with revenge on his mind and a grudge against Lisa Simpson. So sit down by the seashore and slather on the right amount of SPF to prevent you from being over done by the fun."

Simpsons Comics #127

2007-02-21T22:57:00.000-06:00

In comic shops today:

Simpsons Comics #127: "Simpson Family Robinson Crusoe"

"A three-hour tour turns into a long-lost adventure, stranding the whole Simpson family on a deserted island in a classically illustrated tale of survival."

Mary Trainor: Script
John Costanza: Pencils
Phyllis Novin: Inks
Art Villanueva: Colors
Karen Bates: Letters
Bill Morrison: Editor

Click image to enlarge.

"The Italian Bob" Wins WGA Award

2007-02-13T11:59:00.000-06:00

The Writers Guild of America has announced the winners for "outstanding achievement in television and radio writing during the 2006 season," and John Frink won in the Animation category for "The Italian Bob."

Three other episodes of The Simpsons were among the nominees for WGA Awards: Dan Castellaneta and Deb Lacusta for "Kiss Kiss Bang Bangalore," Don Payne for "Simpsons Christmas Stories" and Matt Selman for "Girls Just Want To Have Sums."

25 Hours and 24 Minutes

2007-02-12T20:19:00.000-06:00

"24 Minutes" is set to become the landmark 400th episode of The Simpsons on May 20, 2007. Featuring 24's Jack Bauer and Chloe O'Brian (guest-voiced by Kiefer Sutherland and Mary Lynn Rajskub) it will tell the story of Springfield Elementary's CTU (Counter Truancy Unit), presumably in real time.

Before that, however, the March issue of Simpsons Comics will contain a 24 parody of its own:

Simpsons Comics #128

by Boothby & Ortiz

"It's the longest day of Homer Simpson's life! With the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant set to self-destruct and the lives of everyone in town at stake, only one man can set things right and save the world in the next 25 hours. If only he would put his pants back on!"

Manga-Style Simpsons Comic from Bongo

2007-02-10T13:30:00.000-06:00

Last month spacecoyote announced on her deviantART Journal that she'd been hired by Bongo Comics to do the pencils on a manga-style Simpsons comic book. To the left is her rendition of Lisa Simpson in the style that she'll be using in the comic.

She also mentions that she's been contacted by 20th Century Fox about working on mechandising art for Futurama, in conjunction with the upcoming relaunch of the television series.

These job offers came, of course, as a result of the massive popularity of the manga-style Simpsons and Futurama cast pictures she posted on deviantART:

The Simpsonzu

Futurama: Super Happy Fun Show

For more updates, you can read her LiveJournal. Also, check out space coyote dot com.

Battlesimpsons Galactica

2007-02-10T13:00:00.001-06:00

Back in May 2006, artist Dylan Meconis started posting his Simpsonized caricatures of the main characters from Battlestar Galactica on his LiveJournal blog.

I just noticed that he's added a few from Season 3, including this one of Lucy Lawless as D'anna Biers.

Click the link above to check out the rest.

Update: Simpsons Video Game Accessories

2007-02-10T11:09:00.000-06:00

I thought it was odd yesterday when I couldn't find a web presence for Solutions 2 GO, Inc., the company that will soon be releasing Simpsons-themed video game accessories.

As it turns out, their website is http://www.simpsonsats2g.com/. You can see pictures of some of their stuff on the left, which they promise will include "products for all platforms including Playstation 2, Playstation 3, PSP, Nintendo Wii, Gameboy SP, DS Lite and Xbox 360."

(As always, click the image for a better look).

New Simpsons Video Games & Accessories

2007-02-09T20:01:00.000-06:00

There hadn't been any news on The Simpsons video game front for over a year. Back in November 2005, EA announced that they had signed a deal to develop multiple games based on the series, and then never mentioned it again. Until yesterday, that is, when they announced that they would be releasing a game based on the Simpsons Movie. Woo-hoo!

Another company, the Canadian-based Solutions 2 GO, Inc., will be releasing a line of Simpsons video game accessories, including "gaming controllers, carrying cases, accessory bundles and much more, covering all the major consoles, including next generation and hand-held gaming systems." The company is set to show off the new accessory line at next week's American International Toy Fair in New York (Feb. 11-14), so hopefully we'll have some pictures soon. (Even sooner than I thought: Here's the UPDATE).

Homer's Oscar Picks

2007-02-07T13:18:00.000-06:00

Click image to enlarge, but be warned! There are spoilers for "Little Miss Sunshine" and "The Departed."

"Infinite Annihilation of the Heroes"

2007-02-06T10:57:00.000-06:00

Yes, DC Comics fans, The Simpsons comics are making fun of you.

In a thread on the DC Comics Message Boards -- titled "What should the next Crisis be called?" -- user "dcurep" articulately suggests that some of the entries in the "Events" section of the Super Simpsons Handbook (such as the Infinitely Secret Crossover Crisis, parts I and II) might be poking fun at recurring events in the DC Universe.

So, just for you, I'm posting a couple of pages from Simpsons Super Spectacular #4, released last week, in which Martin Prince describes the plot of "Infinite Annihilation of the Heroes" to Wendell. (Click the images to enlarge).

Simpsons Super Spectacular #4

2007-02-05T01:42:00.000-06:00

Bongo Comics released Simpsons Super Spectacular #4 last week. Edited by the inimitable Bill Morrison, the new issue contains three stories:

Bartman in "Shadow Apocalypse of the Sciencester!"
Tom Peyer: Script
Ty Templeton: Pencils
Mike Rote: Inks
Nathan Hamill: Colors
Karen Bates: Letters
"Bartman meets his newest and perhaps least effective nemesis, the sinister genius known as The Sciencester! (Yeah, that's the best we could come up with)."

Bartman vs. Screamapillar in "Scream a Little Scream..."
Nathan Hamill & Jason Ho: Script
Jason Ho: Pencils
Mike Rote: Inks
Nathan Hamill: Colors
Karen Bates: Letters

"The Day Radioactive Man Quit!"
Batton Lash: Script & Pencils
George Broderick: Inks
Art Villanueva: Colors
Karen Bates: Letters
"Radioactive Man becomes aware of the fallout from his nuclear powers and decides to give up super-heroing forever!"

Batton Lash posted this message about his Radioactive Man story in the Supernatural Law blog:

Radioactive Man a la Shelly

Batton here: I've been writing the exploits of Bart Simpson's favorite comic book hero, Radioactive Man, for some time now, and many talented artists have illustrated my scripts. The current issue of Simpsons Super Spectacular (No.4, published by Bongo Comics), however, has the rare Radioactive Man story written and drawn by yours truly. It's a pastiche of a late 50's Batman story, done in the manner of "Bob Kane" (but really Bill Finger and Shelly Moldoff!). The story was inked by George Broderick, Jr (doing his best Charles Paris!). it was fun to do and I hope you will have fun reading it. Headlining the issue are a couple of new Bartman stories, brought to you by Tom Peyer, Ty Templeton, Mike Rote, Nathan Hamill and Jason Ho. So what are you waiting for? Simpsons Super Spectacular No.4 should be available at your local comics store now!

Check out the Super Simpsons Handbook for 3 new entries: The Sciencester, Kid Queasy, and the Cane Gang!

Manimals!

2007-02-04T18:34:00.000-06:00

McFarlane Toys is releasing a boxed set based on "The Island of Dr. Hibbert" from "Treehouse of Horror XIII." It's got a release date of August 2007. There are more pictures at Spawn.com.

You can watch "The Island of Dr. Hibbert" below, thanks to the wonders of YouTube.

Also, I added a Manimals entry in the Super Simpsons Handbook today.

"Little Big Girl"

2007-02-01T14:06:00.000-06:00

Episode JABF04: As a reward for a heroic act, Bart is granted a driver's license, and in an attempt to escape endless family errands and chauffeuring, he flees to a faraway town where he is romanced by Darcy (guest voice Natalie Portman), an older teenage girl whose expectations may prove to be too much for Bart.

Also, when Lisa struggles to find excitement and intrigue in her family heritage for a school presentation, she decides to take creative license in crafting her heritage as a Native American, since it's only for a school project. What begins as an innocent embellishment quickly turns into a web of lies when Lisa is chosen to represent the school, and "her people," at City Hall, and then as a keynote speaker for the National Native American Tribal Council.

"Little Big Girl" airs February 11.

"Springfield Up"

2007-02-01T01:10:00.000-06:00

Episode JABF07: Famous documentarian Declan Desmond (guest voice Eric Idle) walks us through the lives of Springfield's most prominent inhabitants, from childhood to the present. Those profiled include Marge, Moe, and of course Homer, who attempts to convince Declan and his crew that he is a millionaire.

"Springfield Up" airs February 28.

"Yokel Chords"

2007-01-31T23:51:00.000-06:00

In the March 4 episode, guest voices will include Andy Dick and James Patterson as themselves, Meg Ryan as Dr. Swanson, Stephen Sondheim as himself and Peter Bogdanovich as a psychologist. In a parody of The Sound of Music, Cletus the Slack-Jawed Yokel's children become a singing group on the Krusty the Clown Show.

Other upcoming episodes include:

"Little Big Girl" (airing February 11)

"Springfield Up" (airing February 28)

"Bartman Begins" Update

2007-01-31T23:33:00.000-06:00

The Super Simpsons Handbook is now updated with the characters and events of "Bartman Begins," including Crimson Cockatoo, The Diddler, Mr. Mole, Poison Lenny, Serpent, Sugar & Spice, and The Toker. This marks Snake and Patty & Selma's first appearances in the Handbook.

Homersapien 2

2007-01-30T19:47:00.000-06:00

I keep noticing that some people are finding this blog while searching for "Homersapien," and landing on this post. Since I'm guessing they're actually looking for the monstrosity above, I thought I'd go ahead and post a picture of it.

According to this article, toy robotics company WowWee launched a Homer Simpson version of the Robosapien recently at the Toy Fair in London. The Homersapien, which is being released in conjunction with The Simpsons Movie, is supposed to come with "a unique Simpsons accessory" and say "D'oh!"

King Homer Returns

2007-01-30T13:28:00.000-06:00

King Homer, not seen on The Simpsons since "Treehouse of Horror III," made an appearance back in September in the couch gag of the "Jazzy and the Pussycats" episode (the one with a special appearance by the White Stripes):

My favorite part, besides Homer's trademark scream at the end when the biplanes open fire, is how he he deftly transfers Marge from his hand to his foot while climbing the Empire State Building -- an obvious homage to Peter Jackson's King Kong movie, in which the giant ape tossed Ann Darrow around like a ragdoll so often that she should have suffered whiplash.

Anyway, I've updated the King Homer entry in the Super Simpsons Handbook with screencaps from the above clip.

"Bartman Begins"

2007-01-28T22:13:00.000-06:00

Tonight's episode of The Simpsons (JABF05, "Revenge Is A Dish Best Served Three Times") added a whole new set of supervillains to Bartman's Rogues Gallery.

Combined with the fact that Simpsons Super Spectacular #4 ships this week, that means I really need to update the Super Simpsons Handbook.

"Kill Gil: Vols. 1 & 2"

2006-12-04T14:35:00.000-06:00

Airing December 17: "During a holiday ice skating show starring guest voice Elvis Stojko (see below), Homer jumps into a chaotic brawl involving the other ice skaters. In order to escape the chaos, Marge decides to take the family holiday shopping. Gil, dressed as Santa Claus, unknowingly gives Lisa a sold-out Malibu Stacy doll that belongs to his boss' daughter. When Gil loses his job, the Simpsons invite him over for Christmas dinner, which becomes a huge mistake as Gil moves in uninvited and mooches off the Simpsons. Out of guilt, Marge continually allows Gil to prolong his stay, but when her patience wears thin, she's forced to overcome her fear and finally say no."
(Click images to enlarge).

'Tis the Season...

2006-12-04T14:30:00.000-06:00

Family Christmas photos of the Simpsons. (Click to enlarge). For more Simpsons Christmas images, click here.

Pieman & Cupcake Kid Figures!

2006-12-03T16:28:00.000-06:00

Simpsons Series 1 from McFarlane Toys is due in March 2007, and will include the Simple Simpson figures pictured above. Also included in Series 1 is Kamp Krusty with Bart Simpson confronting Krusty the Clown at "The Krustiest Place on Earth," In the Belly of the Boss from Treehouse of Horror XV (see below), Why You...with Homer and Bart in their classic pose, and Spay Anything, an Itchy & Scratchy boxed set. Be sure to check out all of the different pictures of that last one, because apparently the Itchy figure will be able to dismember the Scratchy figure, and playsets don't get any better than that.

If anyone needs me, I'll be building new shelves in my room.

Happy Thanksgiving

2006-11-23T09:58:00.000-06:00

Enjoy your genetically-modified turkey!

Anyone watching the parades? Reminds me of last year's Turkey Day post.

Mr. Burns Now Even Richer

2006-11-21T10:18:00.000-06:00

Last year C. Montgomery Burns ranked No. 5 on the Forbes Fictional 15 list. This year he lands at No. 2, with an estimated net worth of 16.8 billion dollars. Click the link to read Forbes' amusing analysis of Mr. Burns' fortune.

New Simpsons Safety Poster

2006-11-19T20:55:00.000-06:00

To see more Official Simpsons Safety posters, click here.

"Moe'N'A Lisa"

2006-11-13T13:21:00.000-06:00

Last November I posted the article "Tom Wolfe Is Screaming" that describes the recording session with Michael Chabon, Tom Wolfe and Gore Vidal for the "Moe'N'A Lisa" episode of The Simpsons. The article was accompanied by a preliminary sketch of Tom Wolfe, and you can now see the finished promo card above. The episode is scheduled to air Sunday, November 19. Here's the synopsis.

"After Homer forgets Moe's birthday, Moe's anger inspires Lisa to write about him for her school report. She finds a poetic side to Moe and helps him get published in American Poetry Perspectives. However, when Moe is featured at a literary conference -- where he encounters celebrated authors Gore Vidal, Michael Chabon, Tom Wolfe and Jonathan Franzen, all guest-voicing as themselves -- he takes all the credit despite Lisa's feelings."

Simpsons Season 9 DVD

2006-10-21T11:31:00.000-06:00

The box art for the ninth season features Lisa Simpson. For a list of episodes and extras, check out TVShowsOnDVD.com.

Treehouse Of Horror XVII

2006-10-14T22:30:00.000-06:00

From TV.com: "The Day the Earth Looked Stupid" - in the late 1930s, Kang and Kodos land in Springfield as part of an alien invasion, but the town, completely taken in by The War of the Worlds, doesn't pay much attention.

More info at Wikipedia.

"G.I. D'oh!"

2006-10-14T22:23:00.000-06:00

Kiefer Sutherland guest-stars on the November 12 episode of "The Simpsons."

After Bart gets out of a commitment to join the Army at 18, Homer falls prey to a couple of Army recruiters and lands himself in basic training. Homer, of course, treats this like summer camp and infuriates his hard-nosed colonel (Sutherland) when he is unfazed by the constant hazing and humiliation.

The White Stripes

2006-08-19T18:37:00.000-06:00

"Jazzy And The Pussycats" will be the second episode of the new season, set to air September 17th.

"After Bart's arm is mangled by a tiger that Lisa rescued from the local pound, Bart organizes a benefit concert to raise money for an operation to repair his drumming arm."

As previously mentioned, the episode will guest star The White Stripes.

The 18th Season Premiere

2006-08-11T22:52:00.000-06:00

"The Mook, The Chef, The Wife and His Homer," featuring Metallica (above), is scheduled to air on Sept. 10.

Synopsis: After Lisa befriends Michael, the son of Fat Tony (J oe Mantegna, reprising his role as Springfield's infamous mob boss), Fat Tony invites the Simpsons over for dinner as a sign of gratitude. Shockingly, Fat Tony is shot by a rival family moments after Michael admits he would rather be a chef than take over the family business. Fat Tony's main thugs, Dante and Dante Jr. (guest voices Joe Pantoliano and Michael Imperioli), want Michael to be the new kingpin, but when he declines, Homer steps up and leads the family on a major mob spree.

Sounds like Homer might finally be living up to those Scarface and Sopranos parody T-shirts:

But... Dante and Dante Jr. are Fat Tony's main thugs now? What happened to Louie and Legs? (Something violent, no doubt).

Bongo Comics: October 2006

2006-08-03T19:47:00.000-06:00

SIMPSONS COMICS #123

by Boothby and Ortiz

Someone's out to kill Bart Simpson, but Sideshow Bob is nowhere to be seen... unless of course you tune into to his new prison reality show. Who can Bart turn to when it seems like everyone is out to get him? And will Sideshow Bob ever learn to speak Cantonese? It's a comic classic to kill for this October!

SIMPSONS CLASSICS #10

The city of Springfield becomes ground zero for newly-appointed Fitness Ambassador Rainier Wolfcastle's Battle of the Bulge. But with an entire town on a diet, inspired by the presidential promise of a community water park, only one very fat man stands in the way...Homer Simpson! Then witness the miracle of Springfield, when the statue of Jebediah Springfield starts crying real tears and true believers from all over begin a pilgrimage to the holy site. But does one spiky-haired prankster have a hand (or a hose) in Springfield's newest attraction? (Collects Simpsons Comics #18-19)

BART SIMPSON #32

by McCann, Trainor and Lloyd

Bart loses control with his new Krusty Clone at Home Kit; Maggie battles Mr. Burns for a mysterious and cursed artifact; and Ralph gets mistaken for a prized pig at the Springfield county fair.

Season Eight: Regular Packaging

2006-05-23T20:19:00.000-06:00

Click here for more info.

Simpsons Bust-Ups: Treehouse of Horror 2006

2006-05-23T19:57:00.000-06:00

Simpsons Bust-Ups: Treehouse of Horror 2006 includes:

Killer Krusty Doll, Werewolf Bart, Homer as Death, and Dracula Hibbert and Grampa Gorilla.

Available in October from Gentle Giant. (Click image above to enlarge).

Bongo Comics for August

2006-05-23T19:01:00.000-06:00

SIMPSONS COMICS #121
Ian Boothby and Phil Ortiz
Does anybody really know what time it is? Not if you ask anyone in Springfield. Homer takes his beef with Daylight Savings Time to Mayor Quimby. The mayor promptly rescinds the order but accidentally creates a loophole that allows everyone in town to set their own random time schedule. Be it Eastern, Central or Pacific Standard Time, chaos ensues.

BART SIMPSON COMICS #31
DiGerolamo, Dorkin and Lloyd
Bart wins a shopping spree at Krusty's Land of Misfit Toys, but it doesn't take long before all his friends and family members are asking him to score them some free toys. Then Maggie and Moe take a trip to Wall E. Weasel's, stumble into a plot of international intrigue, and come face-to-face with another crime-solving duo -- Gerald, the one-eyebrowed baby and Titania.

The Complete Eighth Season

2006-05-11T22:31:00.000-06:00

Due out August 15, 2006. Click here for a list of episodes and extras.

HOMERSAPIEN

2006-05-05T19:20:00.000-06:00

Above is the promo card for the upcoming "Monkey Suit" episode of the The Simpsons. Click the image for a larger version. You can read the episode synopsis here.

Season 17 Finale

2006-05-05T11:18:00.000-06:00

"Marge and Homer Turn a Couple Play" - May 21, 2006

In the 17th season finale, Mandy Moore and Stacy Keach guest-voice. After a passionate kiss between Marge and Homer airs on the Isotope Jumbotron, struggling second baseman Buck Mitchell turns to the couple for marital advice. The Simpsons are able to get Buck and his sexy singing wife, Fiona (guest-voice Moore), on track, and the Isotopes' season turns for the better. Things seem to be coming up aces for the Simpsons until Buck catches Homer giving Fiona a post-show neck massage, which results in both couples separating.

Bernie Wrightson Autograph

2006-05-02T17:25:00.000-06:00

I got to meet my favorite horror artist at the Dallas Comic Con on Saturday... the master, Bernie Wrightson. He signed my copy of Bart Simpson's Treehouse of Horror #11, which contains "Squish Thing," the story he did with Swamp Thing co-creator Len Wein.

Ultimate Pop Culture Repository

2006-05-02T16:18:00.000-06:00

This weekend I went to the Dallas Comic Con, and brought along my 1992 San Diego Comic Con book bag to stuff with swag. On the way to the con, my friend Vic mentioned that our sons, who are watching The Simpsons season by season as they are released on DVD, will already know the story of every major movie released in the last few decades before they ever see them, because they've all been parodied on the show. I pulled out my book bag when we arrived, spurring the following conversation:

Ryan: Who's that?
Me: That's Lobo.
Ryan: Lobo? You mean Sherriff Lobo?
Me (after a lot of laughter): No, not Sherriff Lobo. Wait a minute, how do you know who Sherriff Lobo is?
Ryan: The Simpsons.

So there you have it. The Simpsons is indeed the ultimate pop culture repository. Want to know what was going on in the collective unconscious at any point in the last twenty years? Just watch that season of The Simpsons. It's in there.

Side note: It warms my heart to know that DC's Lobo, one of the lamest comics characters of all time, has sunken deeper into obscurity than Sherriff Lobo, who's been off prime time television a lot longer than Lobo's been off the new comics rack.

Last 3 Episodes of Season 17

2006-05-01T08:08:00.000-06:00

Synopses courtesy of Comics Continuum:

"Regarding Margie" on May 7

After a spring-cleaning frenzy and inhaling too many fumes, Marge suffers from retrograde amnesia. In an effort to bring back her memory, Homer takes Marge around town to re-familiarize her with her surroundings. She still has no recollection of who Homer is and puts herself back on the singles market. Will Marge ever remember her beloved Homey?

"The Monkey Suit" on May 14

Larry Hagman and Melanie Griffith guest-voice. After visiting an evolution exhibit narrated by guest voice Griffith, Flanders pushes Mayor Quimby to appoint Reverend Lovejoy as a "Morality Czar" in charge of spreading the theory of creationism. Darwin's theories are quickly outlawed, and Lisa finds herself as the only supporter of the scientific theory. After holding secret evolution classes, Lisa is arrested and retains Southern lawyer Wallace Brady (guest-voice Hagman) to help defend her beliefs in front of a judge. While Flanders is on the stand in court, Homer's antics cause him to crack under pressure and he calls Homer an ape, which leads the judge to believe Homer resembles the missing link putting a monkey wrench in the prosecutors' case.

"Homer and Marge Turn a Couple Play" on May 21

In the 17th season finale, Mandy Moore and Stacy Keach guest-voice. After a passionate kiss between Marge and Homer airs on the Isotope Jumbotron, struggling second baseman Buck Mitchell turns to the couple for marital advice. The Simpsons are able to get Buck and his sexy singing wife, Fiona (guest-voice Moore), on track, and the Isotopes' season turns for the better. Things seem to be coming up aces for the Simpsons until Buck catches Homer giving Fiona a post-show neck massage, which results in both couples separating.

The Onion AV Club Interviews Matt Groening

2006-04-26T19:29:00.000-06:00

http://www.avclub.com/content/node/47771

Bongo Comics for July 2006

2006-04-26T18:46:00.000-06:00

The new Diamond Previews hit comic shops today, so here we go:

Simpsons Comics #120

by Bates & Delaney

It begins with the pursuit of a home run ball and ends with the downfall of America's greatest pastime. One man will rock the very institution of Baseball down to its foundation in pursuit of the American dream... and lots and lots of money.

Simpsons Classics #9

Patty & Selma lose their jobs at the DMV, and the Simpsons end up with two more cigarette-smoking mouths to feed. Things begin to look up for Marge's twin sisters when they take new jobs as flight attendants, but the skies above Springfield will never be safe again. Then, don't touch that dial! Bart & Lisa turn a local cable access station into a big broadcasting concern. Check you local listings to see if they have the maverick manner to outmaneuver Murdoch. Collects Simpsons Comics #16 & 17.

Futurama Comics #26

by Boothby & Kazaleh

After a freak accident with Professor Farnsworth's Time Rifle, Leela is blown to past, present, and future bits, dividing her into her toddler, teen, and elderly selves. Any way you look at it, there's a whole lot of Leela going on.

Futurama Volume 3: Time Bender TPB

by Boothby, Lloyd, & Delaney

The four-part trilogy returns in an all-new trade paperback collection. Fry, Leela, Bender, and Professor Farnsworth's clone/ward Cubert take an intergalactic trip, and when they return to Earth, they find the planet uninhabited. First, our merry band of messengers must fight off alien invaders bent on claiming the planet as their own. Then they must go in search of their missing colleagues as well as billions of citizens from Planet Earth. And before long the intrepid crew quite literally goes to Hell and back again. Will the world ever get back to normal, or is everyone totally boned?

The Dumbest Audience Ever Polled

2006-04-25T10:47:00.000-06:00

Sunday night I watched the new episode of The Simpsons, "The Wettest Stories Ever Told," twice. The first time with my 11-year-old son, the second with a group of thirtysomething friends. Both times, everyone involved laughed their asses off, because this episode is hilarious. The '70s references in the Poseidon Adventure parody alone make the whole thing worthwhile. (And the commercial for the remake, Poseidon, was icing on the cake).

Afterwards, out of perverse curiousity, I checked one of the message boards run by Simpsons "fans" to read their reactions, and naturally they were almost universally panning it as one of the worst episodes ever. Here is an actual quote from one of the posts:

Not a lot of people are familiar with the Mayflower, the Mutiny on the Bounty or the Poseiden Adventure, so it's hard for people to relate or understand the plot. The previous historical trilogies picked much more well known stories.

Wow. Just... wow. Assuming this had been posted by a nine-year-old, who might deserve to be cut some slack, I checked the person's profile. He (or she) is 20. I'm starting to understand the bandwagon that claims that The Simpsons hasn't been funny for years. The show hasn't jumped the shark, the audience has. At least the vocal internet one.

They don't seem to be able to grasp the idea that if they are some combination of too clueless, young, uneducated or unhip to get the humor in a Simpsons episode, they aren't the target audience. And that, my friends, is comedy gold.

Isn't It Ironic?

2006-04-19T20:20:00.000-06:00

Ironic Punishment 2
Originally uploaded by roadkillbuddha.

My Ironic Punishment Deluxe Boxed Set arrived at Paper Heroes today in the new comics shipment. This is especially cool considering that the local Suncoast and Toys 'R' Overpriced stores don't have them yet, and comic shops tend to be the last places to receive this kind of action figure. Ironically, however, Diamond Comic Distributors still managed to screw me by not shipping us our copies of Simpsons Comics #117.

"Girls Just Want to Have Sums"

2006-04-15T20:00:00.000-06:00

(Click promo card to enlarge)

The April 30, 2006 episode of The Simpsons:

Springfield is in an uproar after Principal Skinner makes a sexist comment at the end of an Itchy and Scratchy musical. Principal Skinner is replaced by Melanie Upfoot, a women's educational expert, who decides to divide the school in two: one for boys, and one for girls. Studious Lisa soon becomes frustrated when she isn't learning anything from girls' school.

When the Principal refuses to allow her to take math at the boys' school, Lisa decides to dress up as a boy. While Bart teaches her the ropes of boyhood, Lisa wins the math award at the Student Achievement Awards and learns what it's really like to be a part of the boys' club.

Frances McDormand guest-stars as Principal Melanie Upfoot.