Marvel’s mutants head into a bold new direction in the upcoming historic Uncanny X-Men #500. Not only is this the start to a super story, it also comes in 4 variant covers: a 50/50 wraparound by Alex Ross, a 50/50 wraparound by Greg Land, one by the late Michael Turner and one by Terry Dodson. Each artist is amazing in their own unique way and their artwork will stand out on the shelves when they go on sale July 23. Be sure to pick them up and enjoy. (The Sentinels are in it too!)

Here is some great news for fans of the Doctor Who shows:

More fun news for the San Diego Comic-Con, Underground Toys (booth 3949) will be offering exclusive 5″ action figures, which you’ll also find at the BBC Shop (booth 3635). The exclusives figures are a) Time Crash Twin Pack which includes the 5th (Peter Davison) and 10th Doctor (David Tennant) and b) 9th Doctor exclusive variant. Each figure has been specially commissioned in limited numbers (3,000?) for SDCC and each is individually numbered.

All figures are expected to sell out quickly, so be sure to not miss out! I’m really interested in the twin pack of Doctors and not so much with the Christopher Eccleston figure. Plus popular science-fiction television writer Russell T Davis and actor John Barrowman (Jack Harkness) will be at the show, making fans jump for joy.

Don’t forget that Anime Expo 2008 is coming up next week in LA (July 3rd to 6th)! I’ve never been to AX before, but it I’m looking forward to a lot of fun! I imagine it’ll be a sort of cosplay paradise of sorts. I’ll take lots of pictures and report back on the show for those of you who couldn’t make it. It’d be cool if I can find some One Piece and Dragon Ball stuff. (Not that I’ve got much room to put it all). I’ll see you there!

Happy days are here again this August 22 with another Crazy 4 Cult art show at Gallery 1988 in LA. It’ll be hosted again by filmmakers Kevin Smith and Scott Mosier. This time around they’re holding a contest at Aint It Cool News, giving a chance to cinema-loving artists everywhere to participate in one of the most talked about annual art shows worldwide. So if you’re interested in creating an art piece for this hip and happening show, be sure to submit your unique entry by August 3 of your favorite scene, character or cult movie. Good luck!

I almost forgot that Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift is released today in the U.S. I know I mentioned it before, but I’ve been so busy prepping for all the upcoming cons I nearly forgot. This will be one great game to play with it’s increased replay value. I mean, you get up to 400 available quests which allows you to immerse yourself completely into a multi-faceted storyline. I’m pretty excited about this game and I expect it will keep me and my Nintendo DS happy for weeks to come! If you get this game, let me know how you like it and we can compare notes.

MyLifeInaCube.com - If you’re one of the millions of lucky cube dwellers, like me, you might appreciate this comical little web comic. First Shane Johnson goes to work, then he draws little pictures about it. (Usually on scrap paper or napkins.) His doodles are lighthearted and silly. Perhaps you’ll enjoy his comics while you are in your very own cubicle farm. Now get back to work and finish that TPS report!

Join the swinging world of music. Wouldn’t you like to be really popular at parties - playing the music everybody wants to hear? Picture the thrill of leading your friends in a wild hoot-and-holler folk-sing! Now you can play the piano, accordion, guitar or any instrument you want! Be like dozens of kids your age and make it big overnight! If you like music, it’s a good sign that you may have a secret talent waiting to be discovered. Only a few pennies a day for each lesson and you too can become a star!

Swinging beach parties, rocking jam sessions, they’re all waiting for you in this exciting new home study course meant for active people who want to play fast. Reap yourself some happiness and astonish your friends playing your favorite instrument. Start your own three-piece band and play night-clubs around town. Just imagine your friend Geraldine on her trombone, your buddy Haywood with his mandolin and you on your very own accordion, rocking the night away! Your friends and family will be amazed at your talent and all the extra money you make. So, what do you like? Vio-ma-lin? Tuba-ma-ba? Oboe-mo-boe? Saxo-ma-phone?

When is the last time you went to a hootenanny or shindy? What are you waiting for? Be a big music star today!

Be sure to check out the amazingly cool collection of San Diego Comic-Con Exclusives for 2008. I know I mentioned this before, but now they’ve expanded the list of exclusives and also included some great pictures! You better pre-order now or be first in line when you arrive at the show because a lot of these are on very limited production runs! I mean just look at this super neat Vampire Toast Plush that comes with his very own red and black cape. Dan Goodsell has some really swell ideas.

I don’t know if you’ve caught the new Hellboy II trailer/commercial on TV yet, but it looks sweet! The official production site for Hellboy II: The Golden Army has updated with a fourth TV spot for the July 11 movie release. The first movie was great and Ron Perlman does a super Hellboy! I can’t wait to see this one and I bet it’ll be better than the first. What do you think and will you be going to watch the movie?

This cute, little monster is one of many sculpted beastlies by Leslie Levings. She sells these creative critters on her an Etsty shop. Each handmade, detailed creature is one of a kind and looking for a new home. You better get yours quick, because they’re getting bought up fast! Don’t they look humorously ferocious?

Tricks are for kids. This little guy thinks your cursor is a carrot and wants to grab it. Enjoy this little interactive Flash game by Andrius Kirvela: Crazy Rabbit.

From the latest TMNT news from NECAonline - Here’s another reason why going to the San Diego Comic-Con this year will be so awesome: The SDCC Exclusive Edition Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Black & White Box Set. As a special bonus, the set will feature a 4″ x 6″ certificate hand-signed by Peter Laird. Plus co-creator Kevin Eastman will personally be at the NECA booth to sign them. Be sure to get yours early because this exclusive edition will be limited to 500 pieces.

It’s better than getting a Happy Meal all to yourself! The first series of the McDonald’s McDonaldland action figures will be released at the San Diego Comic Con in July, with nationwide release to follow in August. Grimace, Hamburglar, Mayor McCheese, Captain Crook and Ronald McDonald action figures in all their classic glory. You can thank Huckleberry Toys for that.

Huckleberry Toys is pleased to announce that it will be bringing the classic McDonaldland characters to life in the form of six to eight inch retro action figures. Inspired by the initial line of action figures made by Remco 30 years ago, each figure has been updated and detailed to bring these well loved, timeless characters to life.

The exclusive blister carded variant figures will be as hot as a burger right off the grill! So what if Mayor McCheese was a ripoff of H.R. Pufnstuf. The SDCC is only a little more than a month away, I can’t wait and I’m excited! Robble, robble, robble.

Manifold - This game has a bit of a learning curve, but is quite captivating after you get the hang of it. Use the arrow keys or A, W, and D to move your character to the finish. Retrieve anomalies by placing your mouse over them and pressing the space bar. To avoid obstacles or get over high walls, create an anomaly to help you. Click and hold the mouse where you want to fire and then drag the mouse in the direction you want gravity to flow. (You probably need to use the R key too - it restarts the current level.) Good luck!

Bend gravity to your will. Dizzying heights and insurmountable slopes are no problem with the Gravitational Manifold Anomaly Device.

Note: You can also play a similar game called Fold, by the same guy. You only get a few lives, but it keeps your score.

Are you a big fan of Fallout? Want you’re very own Pip-Boy? Have you seen a press release from Bethesda Softworks announcing the Fallout 3 Survival Edition, available only through Amazon.com. It’ll include a life-size replica of the Pip-Boy 3000! Think how cool it’d be strutting around town sporting your very own Pip-Boy! The game will be released on October 7, 2008 and I can’t wait.