March Fanboy of the Month Rafael made quite a splash in his debut last week! I’m pleased as punch you all approve. Rafael wanted me to make sure I mention the fact that he’s our first Cuban FBOTM. I am thrilled to grant him that title and look forward to more international firsts as we go along. Since starting the site, I’ve been very lucky to meet and interact with a lot of really great guys, both online in the Forum and offline at conventions and photo shoots. The goal of the Fanboy of the Month feature is to profile guys who are not only passionate about their interests, but also fun and accessible as people. Rafael is a great example of that perfect combination of sexy, geeky and fun. And sweet. And smart. And hot. I’m already concocting reasons to get him back for another shoot.
• Get your free desktop calendar, featuring March FBOTM Rafael, on the Downloads page.
• Check out Rafael’s latest photos in the Gallery.
• Read all about Rafael’s secret love for a tiny, plastic Hawkman in the FBOTM Lounge.
• Watch Rafael’s behind-the-scenes video in the FBOTM Lounge or on the FBOTU YouTube page.
I’m catching up on movie trailers today, so I thought I’d share. First up is the new trailer for Robin Hood. Are you having the same reaction I had? Do we need another retelling of Robin Hood? Are people actually suggesting that Kevin Costner’s wasn’t the definitive version? I’m not a big Russell Crowe fan, but I love Cate Blanchett , so I’m torn. Let’s watch:
Hmm, I’m still not getting any sort of new or fresh vibe from this. Seems more sweeping and epic than previous versions. But will modern audiences embrace the Robin Hood philosophy or just brand it as socialism? Next up is Iron Man 2. I was excited to see this, because I wanted to get a glimpse of Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow. Strangely enough, a glimpse is all we get. I’m guessing another trailer will be coming before the May 7 release date that will showcase her a little more.
There appears to be about 100 times more testosterone in this one. Also, I hope they didn’t replace Terrance Howard because of all his long and loving looks at Robert Downey, Jr. in the first film. Don Cheadle had better bring the homoerotic subtext or I’m going to be very disappointed.
Finally, we have Tron Legacy. I saw this before Alice in Wonderland and was pleasantly surprised. I remember almost nothing about the original Tron, so my enthusiasm came purely from the visuals. I was kind of shocked, however, to learn that the movie doesn’t open until December! At least that gives me some time to brush up on my Tron lore.
That totally makes me want a Tron bike and some glowing Tron pants! More than anything, though, I’m dying to see a trailer for Deathly Hallows: Part One. We should be seeing something soon, I think. Can’t wait!
So, what do you think? What movies are you looking forward to this summer?
Greetings from 30,000 feet. Is it obnoxious that I want the Wi-Fi on the plane to be faster? I shouldn’t complain. It’s basic conveniences like this that make me happy to be living in the modern age. And speaking of the modern age...good news, everyone! Last year, news broke that Comedy Central had ordered up new episodes of our beloved Futurama to air “sometime” in 2010. Well, “sometime” is now slightly more specific. Comedy Central just announced that the first 12 episodes of the new series will begin airing in June. June is an odd choice, I think. Why not wait until after Comic-Con in July and do a big promotional push there? Again, I’m not complaining. The return of Fry, Leela, Bender and Hedonismbot thrills me beyond all reason. Thank you, Comedy Central! I’m going to buy you so many lizards!
Last week, a 17-year-old boy in Australia sent a Twitter message to Neil Patrick Harris, asking him for advice. In a series of Tweets, he wrote:
“hey do you have any advice for someone coming out as gay? my family wouldnt understand and im a musician in australia, so theyve been pretty proud of me so far. I’m nearly 18, i know im young i dont know who to go to everyone i seem to know is either fake or full of shit and i admire you so much that i thought i’d ask you.”
That’s some pretty heavy stuff to send off via Twitter to a Hollywood actor who may or may not even respond. Luckily, and to his credit, NPH did respond. He wrote:
“No trouble at all, actually. Those who aren’t understanding have more to learn. Stand tall. Be proud of who you are. Don’t break promises. Want to learn. Represent well. But more than anything, be safe.”
And there you have our Quote of the Week and words to inspire a generation. Well done, Mr. Harris.
I’m very pleased to introduce you all to Rafael, our March 2010 Fanboy of the Month! Rafael is a site member and longtime fan of the FBOTM feature who decided to make the leap into superstardom! I’m very glad he did, and not just because of those eyes and that smile. In addition to being dreamy beyond all reason, Rafael is a hardcore fanboy, gamer and comic book geek.
As if that weren’t enough, Rafael is also witty and charming, which I think you’ll get a sense of throughout the month. At the shoot, Rafael definitely came to play. He arrived at the studio as we were shooting Sam, so he got the benefit of seeing how it’s done (as well as the benefit of seeing Sam posing for his calendar shots). So, when it was Rafael’s turn, he was ready. Now, before you watch the video below...let me explain something. For the videos, we usually have the guys take their shirts off a few times, so we can film from different angles to cut together later. Sounds easy, right? Well, I don’t know if you’re ever taken your shirt off, on cue, over and over again until it becomes a completely forced and unnatural thing to do...but, it happens. And it can be kind of funny. Okay, now you can watch the video.
Rafael was full of good humor and enthusiasm, and I’m thrilled he decided to be our Fanboy of the Month. Please join me in welcoming him to the FBOTM family!
• Get your free desktop calendar, featuring March FBOTM Rafael, on the Downloads page.
• Check out the first of Rafael’s photos in the Gallery.
• Read all about Rafael in his bio in the FBOTM Lounge.
It’s time! Hopefully, you’ve all had a chance to finish our latest FBOTU Book Club selection: The Magician and the Fool by Barth Anderson. If not, keep reading and join us when you can.
The discussion thread in the Books Forum is now open. Just jump right in and let us know what you thought of the book. It’s just that easy!
Something’s in the air. It’s an excitement, intangible, yet physically stirring. Con Season is upon us. And it’s going to be a busy, crazy year. With so many comic book movies coming out, plus Wizard running around buying up all the cons in the country, there’s going to be a major con to attend just about every weekend throughout the spring, summer and fall, including one that yours truly is organizing!
I just added a handy-dandy schedule (or shhhedule for my beloved Brits) in the right column over there, so you (and I) can keep track of my comings and goings. For the first time ever, Fanboys of the Universe will be exhibiting at a couple of shows. What will we be exhibiting exactly? Good question. I’m not sure yet, but I do know there will be buttons. So, please stop by and say hi.
My first con of the year occurred this past weekend. I went to Gallifrey One in Los Angeles. It’s a major Doctor Who con celebrating its 21st year. It’s a three-day event, but I could only fit one day into my shhhedule. I had never been to a Doctor Who con before, so I went in there wide-eyed and virginal. At the end of the day, I was considerably more sullied, but still yearning for more. I’m really not a fan of hotel-based cons, though. I know there are a lot of reasons to do it, but I can never quite shake the vaguely sad feeling I get when I attend them.
They had an unbelievable list of special guests, and I was impressed, despite my obvious lack of Who knowledge. My first panel of the day was on Torchwood. Writer John Fay, who wrote two episodes of the dreadful Children of Earth miniseries was in attendance. For an hour, fans speculated about the future of the series, what the US version might be like, etc. I couldn’t believe no one was instigating a lynch mob. I always carry kindling in case an impromptu sacrificial pyre is needed. But no, I remain the only person in Whoville who still resents what they did to Torchwood.
The second panel I attended was loads more fun. Louise Page, the costume designer for David Tennant’s entire run on the series, presented a slideshow of her work and told stories about the mad production shhhedule, the actors and working with Davies. The highlight was a lovely story about the top-secret wardrobe fittings for Catherine Tate for the “Runaway Bride” episode. Plus lots of stories about Tennant’s involvement in the design of his costume and the unusual sources of the fabric. (The material for his trench coat was sofa fabric.) It was a fascinating presentation, though it could easily have been two hours long.
After perusing the surprisingly small vendor area, I headed into the crossplay panel. Crossplay, of course, is cross-gendered cosplay. Doctor Who and Torchwood apparently inspire more crossplay than any other genre, with the possible exception of anime. The panelists chalked this up to the inclusive nature of the properties, as well as the growing popularity of genre slash fiction among women. One of the women on the panel was dressed as Ianto Jones and she did a lovely job of it. The women on the panel (and in the room) represented a wide range of sexual orientations, and I made a note to step up work on a Fangirls of the Universe spin-off site.
I really wanted to attend the LGBT panel, but it was shhheduled for 10:30 at night! There was no way I was going to leave, then drive back to the LAX Marriott for that. Next year, I’ll just book a hotel room and hang out all weekend.
Next up is WonderCon! This has traditionally been my favorite con of the year, so I’m really looking forward to it. Be sure to let us know which cons you’re attending over in the Meet-Ups & Con News Forum. And feel free to offer suggestions for the FBOTU booth. Besides buttons. We have the buttons.
