The Muppets and Me at D23, Part 1

Ryan Dosier - Oh, hiya Muppet fans! How long it's been... I see that The British Correspondent reaped his patented havoc upon you all while I was away. Well, I think it was worth it. Let's see if you agree. This past weekend I journeyed out West, and like my pioneer brothers before me, I went in search of talking mice and singing frogs and dancing ducks. Well... maybe not exactly like the pioneers. But who cares about them? I got to go to the Disney D23 Expo 2011 from Friday, August 19th until Sunday, August 21st. While I was in the neighborhood (Anaheim, California, to be specific) I got to visit the Disneyland Resort as well.

And what a time I had, let me tell you! I arrived in Anaheim on Thursday afternoon, the day before the Expo. And what is a young Muppet fan in Anaheim to do with so much time on his hands? Go to Disneyland, of course! So off I went, towards the land of mice and FastPasses, and made my way to Disney California Adventure, home of Muppet*Vision 3-D. You'd think this means loads of Muppet stuff, yes? Well, unfortunately, no. As we've learned from Disney Parks visits in recent years, there is very little new Muppet stuff to buy. They did, however, have the new Muppet Monopoly and Muppet Yahtzee for sale, but other than that it was the same old stuff: old plush dolls, a Kermit mug, a Kermit water bottle, two t-shirts, two hats, and not much else. Slightly disappointing, but not surprising enough to be completely disappointing.

However, over in Downtown Disney, the shopping district adjacent to the Disneyland Resort, they have a store called D-Street where they sell the popular Vinylmation figures, including many exclusives. Some of these exclusives were the four 9" Muppet Vinylmation figures, Muppet*Vision Kermit, Animal, Sam the Eagle, and Gonzo the Great with a 3" Camilla the Chicken. On Thursday I bought Gonzo and Camilla, and by Sunday I bought Sam as well... and I'd rather not talk about how much of a dent that put in my wallet. However, once I got them home and displayed on my shelf with the rest of the Vinylmation figures (see right), I didn't think twice. They're awesome. D-Street still has plenty of each figure and DisneyStore.com has Gonzo and Animal for sale there as well.

But the exciting part of the trip came on Friday when the Expo began. Walking into the Anaheim Convention Center for the D23 Expo is an overwhelming experience. The entire covering of the first floor is flooded with Mickey Mouse, Lightning McQueen, Donald Duck, Stitch, Goofy, and, yes, even Kermit. On the show floor I found Amy Mebberson (artist of Muppet Peter Pan and others) and James Silvani (artist of Muppet King Arthur) working their own booth where they spent the entire weekend drawing Disney for people--including myself! Check out their amazingly beautiful work (Amy on the left, James on the right) that is currently on my wall (see the picture on the right). Yup. That really is Scrooge McDuck arguing intensely with Angus McGonagle. It is heavenly.

Anyway... also on the show floor was the booth for WeLoveFine T-Shirts, a website that we've promoted multiple times on the Mindset. They were handing out, free to everyone, paper Kermit "crowns" for Expo guests to wear on their heads (see right). WeLoveFine was also selling some awesome Muppet t-shirts including Kermit in a tuxedo, Muppets 8-Bit, The Great Muppet Caper, and a women's shirt with Kermit Springsteen. Other than WeLoveFine, a couple other exhibitors were selling Muppet stuff including the upcoming makeup and nail polish lines, a preview of the 2011 Fozzie Bear Christmas ornament from Hallmark, and some new keychains featuring Kermit, Animal, and Beaker.

And then... it happened. The 2011 Disney Legends Ceremony. Hosted by Tom Bergeron (of America's Funniest Home Videos), the ceremony continues The Walt Disney Company's long-standing tradition of honoring those who contribute greatly to their success. Among this year's honorees were Regis Philbin, Anika Noni Rose (Princess Tiana), Jodi Benson (Ariel), Paige O'Hara (Belle), and, the final induction, someone named Jim Henson. It all started with Lisa Henson coming out to speak about her father, saying that her favorite Muppet had always been Rowlf. Then she introduced her brother, Brian Henson and Leslie Carrara-Rudolph, who would be performing the Jim and Jane Henson classic "I've Grown Accustomed to Your Face." It was extraordinary... and you can see it here:



Then Brian Henson said some nice things about Jim, saying that he could never do anything without making sound effects to go along with his movements. Even miniscule things like handing someone a pen, and Jim would make a goofy sound effect--a sort of "bwoooop," if you will. Then Brian and Lisa accepted the award and took a picture with the walk-around Sweetums from Disneyland, and walked off stage. Soon, the stage curtains opened, and a smaller stage rolled out carrying a piano, lots of foliage, a dog, and a frog.



Kermit the Frog and Rowlf the Dog, Jim Henson's first two superstar characters, coming out to sing and honor their friend, performer, and creator Jim Henson with his most prolific song, "Rainbow Connection." The last time that Kermit and Rowlf shared a duet was in 1979 in The Muppet Movie. It was an incredible experience. Mid-way through the song, Kermit and Rowlf asked us all to sing along with them and I can say here and now that getting a chance to sing a song with Kermit the Frog is something that I wish everyone everywhere could have the chance to do. It was the most magical moment I've experienced. Seeing Kermit and Rowlf together again at last, honoring Jim, and a Disney ceremony, was more than I ever expected. It gave me hope and happiness and everything in between.

Then came Saturday, the day of The Walt Disney Studios presentation where Disney would trot out big stars, directors, and more to show off their upcoming feature films. This included John Lasseter (head of Pixar and Disney animation), Robert Downey, Jr., Sarah Silverman, Jack MacBrayer, Jennifer Garner, Scarlet Johanson, Cobie Smulders, Jeremy Renner, and Jason Segel, Kermit the Frog, and Miss Piggy. It was just as great as you'd expect. Unfortunately, cameras and cell phones were strictly forbidden from the presentation, but the following is a very accurate transcript of what happened from ComingSoon.net and EW.com...

There was a star that was late for their big D23 appearance. When Disney's head of production Sean Bailey introduced Miss Piggy, Kermit the Frog and Jason Segel to talk about The Muppets at D23 this Saturday, the curtain pulled back and revealed Kermit and Segel sitting in director's chairs--but Miss Piggy was nowhere to be seen.

"You've worked on a movie with her," said Kermit when Segel pointed this out, "was she ever on time?"

"I love you, Kermit!" shouted an audience member. "I love you too!" replied Kermit.

Kermit went on to thank his fellow cast members. "Our movie stars the beautiful and talented Amy Adams! ... And the equally talented but less beautiful Jason Segel--no offense."

"I love you, Jason!" shouted another audience member. "I love you too and look forward to meeting you in person someday!" responded Segel.

Segel turned his attention to the clips of the movie they brought, saying there was a problem as they did not include Miss Piggy.

"She'll tear this whole arena apart if she finds out!" said Kermit.

"But she's not here," said Segel.

"Good point," replied Kermit as a motorcycle revved it's engine from backstage. The curtain parted again to reveal a motorcycle with none other than Miss Piggy in the sidecar, soaking in the adoration from all of her fans.

Once Kermit nervously explained that the second clip would feature "...almost all the Muppets." Piggy wasn’t too pleased. "Where’s [chairman of Walt Disney Studios] Rich Ross?" shouted Piggy as she stormed off the stage.

And then we were treated to two clips from the movie. MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD.

Clip #1: Gary (Segel), his girlfriend Mary (Amy Adams), and their Muppet buddy Walter are driving around Bel Air, Calif. at night, trying to locate the home of Kermit. They finally find it: a deserted-looking mansion with a driveway fence that has the faces of Kermit and Miss Piggy painted on it. There’s no doorbell, so Walter asks Gary to throw him over the fence. But Gary fails to toss Walter high enough, and the fence that Walter slams into winds up being electrocuted—clearly Kermit and Piggy have encountered enough stalkers to warrant such an elaborate security system. (NOTE FROM RYAN: The Walter-shocking scene was MUCH shorter than in the trailer maybe two seconds long at most.)

Suddenly, Kermit appears on the driveway behind Gary, Mary, and Walter. As Kermit walks toward the trio, he’s silhouetted by an enormously bright white light and we hear an angelic choir singing. It’s as if God himself were approaching. But seconds later, we see the source of that blinding light and Messianic music: On the street, a bus carrying members of the Good Shepard Church Choir just happened to be driving by. Walter immediately faints.

Next, we’re inside Kermit’s home with Gary, Mary, and Walter. It’s clear that Kermit has been living in the past. During the middle of a conversation, a robot butler enters the room with a tray of outdated sodas such as New Coke and Tab. Kermit asks the robot, whom he simply calls "80s robot," to please leave and the clip ends.

Clip #2: Kermit, Rowlf, and Fozzie break off the chain around the door to the Muppet Theater. Kermit walks in slowly, nostalgically, hearing echoes of himself (Jim Henson) introducing "very special guest star, Bob Hope!!" and the announcer (Jerry Nelson) shouting "PIIIIIGS IIIIIIN SPAAAACE!" Most of the Muppets gang, plus Gary, Mary, and Walter, enter. Fozzie Bear insists that there's no way to rehearse with the theater in that condition, as Floyd Pepper remarks, "Who fired the maid service?" With offers to help from Gary, Mary, and Walter, the Muppets start cleaning. Smash cut to... Scooter sweeping. Very slowly. Cut to the Muppets gang watching as Kermit remarks, "Well this is boring." Walter looks at the group and says, "Don't you guys remember? You're the Muppets! You're supposed to do things like this with... with music!" Dr. Teeth pulls out a boom-box, presses play, and thus begins a montage set to Starship’s 1985 hit "We Built This City."

As the group cleans, Kermit starts going through his old Rolodex, calling various celebrities with the hope that they may take part in a telethon (to presumably save the Muppet Theater from being demolished by an oil tycoon). Again, Kermit is a bit behind the times. We see him cross off Molly Ringwald’s name, and he doesn’t get very far in trying locate President Jimmy Carter.

Meanwhile, the Muppets are cleaning. We see Fozzie uses Walter tied to  a pole with a sponge on his back to clean higher places--Walter is elated. Rowlf hammers away at something. Floyd removes the tarp from Animal's drum set, and Animal goes berserk. Chickens feather-dust the seats. Mary changes a lightbulb while Marvin Suggs sits in the audience sits banging away on Muppaphones. Fozzie pulls out an old picture and shows it to Link Hogthrob and Gonzo and says, "Look at this goofy 80's haircut I had back then!" the picture is revealed to be exactly the same Fozzie we see today. Rats skate across the soapy floor on old toothbrushes. The Swedish Chef incinerates some moldy talking food in a refrigerator. Scooter opens a closet and there's Beauregard sweeping away, Scooter shouts, "Beauregard!" Beau just looks up and says, "Oh, Scooter, there you are! Where has everybody been?"

The clip ends with the camera circling around the large group of Muppets (as seen in the trailer). Cut to Kermit, still in his office, looking completely exasperated and somewhat distraught. Cut back to Dr. Teeth as he stops the tape and the gang surveys the now spotless theater.

That's all we can fit in for D23 coverage in this post! Check back tomorrow for even more coverage including two Muppet performers, a Muppet fan-site operator, and much, much more!

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, ryguy102390@gmail.com

Muppet Comic Mondays: Muppet Sherlock Holmes #4

Muppet Sherlock Holmes #4

"Musgrove Ritual"

Written by Patrick Storck

Illustrated by Amy Mebberson

James Gannon - And so we come to the end of the Muppet Sherlock Holmes with Issue 4, "Musgrove Ritual." Now, I’m doing things a bit different. Rather than a brief rundown of a plot, I’m just going to go right into the opinion part, referring to certain plot points. First off, I STILL didn’t manage to read any Sherlocks in the past four months (I can’t find my old library card), but I am looking up important plot points so I can point a few things out. I did see that new PBS series, though.

Anyway, Sherlock must solve the mysterious disappearance of a butler with an old cryptic message as the only clue. Unlike the last two issues, this story focuses almost exclusively on actual detective work and jokes therein. And I feel that’s what made this issue, as well as the first, strong. Issue 2 fell into infiltration gags fast and long, and issue 3 spent more time mocking interoffice politics than real crime solving, but managed to get the job done near the end anyway. Also, we see Kermit’s Inspector LeStrade character batting cleanup for Sherlock, pointing to very obvious clues in a portrait and generally reacting negatively to Sherlock’s eccentricity. Again, something that was explored in the first issue that sort of petered out in the second and third. Kermit almost seemed like a third wheel in those issues, going with Sherlock’s plans, and by no means reluctantly. And there are some clever character related gags in this issue, like Fozzie’s confusion about how it’s a period piece. It really seems this issue is what the last two SHOULD have been.

I don’t know if I’d call this a spoiler, but... well, this issue FINALLY introduces the character of Moriarty (Uncle Deadly) whom they were foreshadowing at the end of the first issue. Apparently the events of the first three issues were all part of his massive conspiracy. His appearance as the head of the Red Headed League is revealed to be an alias. Unfortunately, this issue is also a mash up of two Sherlock Holmes stories, the second one being “The Adventures of the Final Problem” where in... well, Moriarty makes his final appearance. So basically, he reveals himself at the very end of the series, just before everything’s over. It’s a shame Moriarty didn’t reveal himself sooner, giving this last issue a sharper edge for a cliff hanger.

All things considered, this was a pretty good mini-series, but so much kept it from being great. I’d say quite the opposite happened with Muppet Robin Hood than with this series. In that comic, it almost seems like it was played straight, and the jokes and Muppety bits were awkwardly added in, only to finally become solid in the last issue. Here, the action took a back seat to jokes. And if some of them were omitted, there would have been a better balance between comedy and action. I did really enjoy Sherlock being both oblivious AND competent, and wish that was played out a little more. After all, a parody demands a klutzy version of the character they’re parodying. That said, it’s not that this series seemed rushed as it needed a little more time to gestate, and it’s not so much a blown opportunity as it could have had a LOT more in it. Patrick Storck did a very good job trying to get this series away from the stereotyped Basil Rathbone movie portrayal, and not once in four issues did Gonzo say, “Elementary, my dear Watson.” (Although, that was a staple joke in The Muppet Show Comic Book issue #6) It really seems this should have had a second writer, though, someone to punch stuff up and remind everyone how important the plot was. Muppet King Arthur and Muppet Snow White had multiple writers, and they were the strongest of the Muppet Classics line.

That said, this time I really, REALLY wish this series wasn’t over, or at least that it could be revisited. There was a lot of potential that just didn’t fit into the format chosen. Though I still think the one case per issue format worked. The cases picked seemed to be the weirder, less popular Holmes cases that fit in with the Muppets well, but maybe a more popular case would have been great down the line. I’d love for them to continue this series, but the ending isn’t left all that open. Plus, we have no news on if the Muppet Classics line is continuing or not. That would be a shame, especially since the future of The Muppet Show Comic Book is in limbo.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier

Muppet Comic Mondays: Muppet Sherlock Holmes #3

Muppet Sherlock Holmes #3

"The Read Headed League"

Written by Patrick Storck

Illustrated by Amy Mebberson

James Gannon - I’m out of clever introductions this week.  On to Muppet Sherlock Holmes 3, The Red Headed League.

Jabez Wilson (Pepe the King Prawn) is the manager of an unsuccessful Prawn shop… that’s right… Prawn Shop, and had to take a job as a member of the Red Headed League. He asks for Sherlock’s expertise, not so much because he knows they’re up to something, but for the simple fact he doesn’t know what he even does. So, in the grand tradition of last issue, Holmes, Watson, and LeStrade go undercover, working at the Red Headed Leagu'es office. Their boss? Duncan Ross (Uncle Deadly in a red wig), who seems to be buddy buddy with Pepe’s small business assistant, Spaulding (Bean Bunny with NO red hair). Oh, and a slew of cameos by every red headed Muppet imaginable. And not to give too much of the ending away, but Sherlock actually COMEPTENTLY solves the case this time. To be fair, last issue wasn’t so much a mystery as to foil an extortionist.

Now, I read some of the other reviews and I can safely say, I guess I’m liking this more than anyone else, but I do see the flaws in the series. I actually felt the first issue was pretty strong--the characters basically sent up every mystery cliché there is, Gonzo even accusing the butler randomly. The last two issues have been infiltration and jokes thereof, with the mystery part playing second fiddle. Sure, I’m liking a few concepts; Piggy’s character of Irene Adler somehow becomes Miss Hudson (Sherlock’s landlady/housekeeper... i.e. the woman in “this could use a woman’s touch”), all the while not doing ANY housework and helping the boys with their disguises. Gonzo’s ride through mail tubes in the mail room was a nice touch, as was the fact he was completely out of place in a routine work environment (though I think it should have gone deeper, as Sherlock’s character is that eccentric that normality would fry his mind, like Gonzo’s was).

What it comes down to is plot. When they have a story, it works. But I really think the endless gags and puns should have been cooled off a bit (they ran rampant in last issue, which seemed to have no plot at all). Muppet King Arthur had a similar format, but it worked much better there. There isn’t a true balance between shortening the story loosely and running away with it, and that might be due to the format of a new (often disconnected) story every issue. Seems like if this was a longer run (like, 8 issues or something) and every two issues was a single story, establishing something at the end of the series, it would be much stronger. It’s almost as if there’s a lost opportunity for adventure that takes a back seat to wackiness and non-stop jokery.

All the while, I’m liking Gonzo’s Sherlock, Fozzie’s Watson is okay (though, almost like his Muppet Babies personality), and Piggy has been pretty good the last two issues. The problem is with Kermit’s LeStrade. He comes off as a a third wheel, and not quite the stuffed shirt in the books. While he was refreshingly reluctant in the first issue, he seems all too much like the third Amigo instead of the “I don’t know how you did it, but you did it” type. Doesn’t even question them this issue. Sam Eagle really would have made a more apropos LeStrade, but I guess they needed Kermit somewhere in the story. Plus, I wanna see Moriarty.  They should have at least had him scheming, building up to something great in the finale through the series.

But still, much, MUCH more readable than Muppet Robin Hood--just not as strong as Muppet Snow White or Muppet King Arthur. And Amy Mebberson’s Pepe has dramatically improved this issue. She really hit that stride over the more childlike, almost Muppet Babies version of him in Muppet Peter Pan. That said, I found something interesting at a comic store yesterday, and I might just talk about it when we don’t have a review that Monday.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier

Muppet Comic Mondays: Muppet Sherlock Holmes #2

Muppet Sherlock Holmes #2

"A Scandal in Bohemia"

Written by Patrick Storck

Illustrated by Amy Mebberson

James Gannon - Y’know how I was gonna well verse myself in Sherlock Holmes media by the time the second issue came out?  Uh… I saw the 1959 Peter Cushing “Hound of the Baskervilles” movie.

But we’re talking about Muppet Sherlock Holmes issue number 2, “A Scandal in Bohemia.” Enter this month’s victim, Link Hogthrob, playing Duke Wilhelm Ornstein (wait till you see how Sherlock deduces that one). His addiction to gambling and even the games themselves have been noticed by one Miss Irene Adler (Miss Piggy), who has been using them as blackmail. The mission: to expose Miss Adler and retrieve all of her blackmail photos before the Duke has to buy the rest of them up.  

This leads to perhaps the oddest stake out (which is even taken literally) I’ve seen in comic form. Sherlock, Watson and LeStrade hide behind various implements, create a very anachronistic bugging device out of more time appropriate implements (let’s just say, mics made out of cans), and finally infiltrating a high society event at Miss Adler’s house.  Sherlock dons the guise of the inventor Eddie San Telsa to slip into the party. Gonzo does his best Rodney Dangerfield here, insulting all the guests to stall for time, while LeStrade and Watson employ what’s at hand to find any evidence. And in trying to find her hiding places, the story almost becomes Muppet Pink Panther with jokes enough to make it Muppet Naked Gun.

The issue is a non-stop laugh fest. Too bad there’s not much of a plot to get in the way. Make no mistake, this is a fun read. It seems, however, the issue basically sets out to establish Irene Adler’s character. Quite basically her spying techniques fascinate Holmes, gaining his respect (and in Gonzo’s case, absolute love), even though she is slightly his rival. And apparently she was a singer who was a prima donna (Piggy to the letter, perfectly cast). I hope if she makes a return appearance, they manage to go deeper into her character.

Other than a few great scenes and some great references (a reference to a certain 80’s British TV show killed me), the jokes seem a little overkill and the party sequence seemed a might longer than it needed to be. And while Gonzo is at his best as Sherlock,  Fozzie seems to be playing the character, rather than being the character. Though, Kermit’s LeStrade is much more understanding of Sherlock’s eccentricities, even going along with his wild plan in this issue (he even has his own little alias at the party).

So, not as strong as issue 1, but still a good read. Hopefully next issue will have more action balanced perfectly with the gags. That said, I picked up a truly rancid vintage comic adaption of an outside media source that made me further appreciate the amazing work BOOM!’s crew has been doing. Especially Amy’s wonderfully classical cover for the issue. Muppet Sherlock Holmes #2 is safely ensconced in the Mylar protective sheath. That other comic is now at the bottom of my dust bin. And it was one of my favorite cartoons too.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier

Muppet Comic Mondays: Muppet Sherlock Holmes #1

Muppet Sherlock Holmes #1

Written by Patrick Storck

Illustrated by Amy Mebberson

James Gannon - Before I start this review, I have to come clean. I have never actually sat down to read ANY of the Sherlock Holmes books, nor the opportunity to see any of the movies, star they Basil Rathbone or Robert Downey Jr. I did however see multiple episodes of the brilliant Japanese/European co-production Sherlock Hound. And I don’t count Disney's The Great Mouse Detective. But I do know a lot about the characters, the premise, and the detecting skills that made the character great. Rest assured that if a Sherlock novel was in front of me right now, I’d read it voraciously.

That out of the way, the Muppets (as with the other Muppet Classic arcs) have briefly done Sherlock before. Rowlf was in a Sherlock-esque sketch in The Muppet Show, Muppet Babies versions of Bunsen and Beaker played them, while Kermit and Fozzie were seen in the Muppet Babies comic version. And that’s not even counting the recurring satire of the character from Sesame Street. This time, Gonzo is in the role of the famous detective, and an ever-flustered Fozzie pulls duty as Dr. John Watson. This would be the second time Kermit would not play the title role, the other being Muppet Snow White (and I don’t think we’d feel right seeing Kermit in drag to get that role). Instead, he is cast as Inspector LeStrade, who doesn’t seem to tolerate Sherlock’s eccentricity. Casting Gonzo in the lead is a much more fitting role, as we’re dealing with Holmes’s real personality of being unconventional and shockingly untidy for such an organized mind.

Unlike the other Muppet Classics, this series is more episodic, each issue dealing with an actual Sherlock Holmes case. Issue #1 is all about The Case of the Speckled Band. Not wasting a second, we’re introduced to Dr. Watson and Sherlock within the first couple of pages. LeStrade arrives at 221B Baker Street with Miss Helen (Janice) who’s sister, Julia (Wanda) has been stricken by a very mysterious illness. As soon as they enter, we see Sherlock’s “Look-i-fication” in action, establishing his ability to find conclusions based on very minor details. Breaking tradition of other Muppet Classics titles, we get a flashback in the style of Veterinarian’s hospital to see Julia’s diagnosis, with her mysteriously repeating “speckled band.”  

The suspects suddenly start to line up. Julia, the jealous sister, the fiancé (Wayne), the step father of the two girls and sock salesman Dr. Roylott (Rizzo), and the butler (Nigel the Bandleader). Not to mention Bunsen and Beaker, two suspicious scientists for Moriarty Masonry (as in jars), who are found making very suspicious preserves and jams. We even get a “secret passageway” gag in there too. All the stereotypes of mystery novels are present and mocked openly. All that can be said for the ending is that it takes such an incredibly bizarre turn that only a Muppet comic book could pull it off. (Like I’m going to blow the ending of a mystery. That’s bush-league.) All the while the story foreshadows the omnipresence of a strange window washer.

Amy is once again the artist for this series, making it her third arc (after Muppet Peter Pan and Family Reunion). The art manages to keep both the storybook look of Muppet Peter Pan while keeping the cartoony flowing movements of Family Reunion. Her Rowlf has never looked better. As for the story itself, it keeps a very upbeat comedic pulse throughout. The characters are really spot on, and Gonzo’s Holmes is a perfect combination of wacky, overly competent and almost defective. Defective, being a very important trait in a parody version of a character. And I especially like the touch that Gonzo NEVER says “Elementary, my dear Watson,” as the character never actually said that in book form. He does manage to say the more accurate “elemental.”  

Now, I’m sure there are little references to other Holmes stories that seem lost on me at the moment, but a lot of great background gags are present that require no prior knowledge. You don’t even need to be a strict Sherlock Holmes fan to enjoy this one. My only deal is that we’re not seeing alternate covers this time, presumably because an alternate alternate cover had to be made for the last issue of Muppet Snow White due to a change in the story. Plus, I guess it’s more cost effective that way. Oh… and I don’t really get what Angus McGonagle was doing there other than a cameo. Seemed out of left field to me. Unless that was a reference. Hmmm… Now, if you’ll excuse me, I gotta find some access to the actual stories for next time.

Images courtesy of our friends at Comic Book Resources.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier

Muppet Comic Mondays: Muppet Sherlock Holmes #1 Preview

Our good friends over at Comic Book Resources have a 14-page preview of the upcoming Muppet Sherlock Holmes #1, which is released this Wednesday, September 15th. There's already an incredible, eclectic cast of Muppets assembled just in these first 14 pages, including...

• The Great Gonzo as Sherlock Holmes
• Fozzie Bear as Watson
• Kermit the Frog as Inspector LeStrade
• Rizzo the Rat
• Wayne
• Janice
• Nurse Janice
• Nurse Piggy
• Dr. Bob
• Nigel the Conductor
• Dr. Bunsen Honeydew
• Beaker
• Angus McGonagle the Gargling Argyle Gargoyle

All of which are beautifully drawn by friend of the blog Amy Mebberson! Be sure to check out the preview and pick up Muppet Sherlock Holmes #1 when it is released by BOOM! Studios on September 15th!

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier

News Update: August 20, 2010

NEWS UPDATE: August 20, 2010

BOOM! Studios confirmed yesterday that the latest series in the Muppet Classics line of comic books, Muppet Sherlock Holmes, will be released on September 15th. Muppet Sherlock Holmes is being written by Patrick Storck (Muppet Snow White, Muppet King Arthur) and illustrated by friend of the blog Amy Mebberson (Muppet Peter Pan, Family Reunion). With folks like that working on this book, it's bound to be epic! Don't believe me? Then check out Newsarama's preview pages and interview with Patrick Storck and see for yourself!

There are also rumors circulating that The Muppet Show Comic Book #9 and Muppet Snow White #4 will be released next Wednesday, August 25th. If these rumors are indeed true, look for our good friends at ToughPigs to have a five-page preview of both issues before Wednesday!

Speaking of those burly swine, remember a few weeks ago when ToughPigs and The MuppetCast hosted a Muppet fan meet-up event, The Muppet Vault? Well, as it turns out, ToughPigs' own Ryan and Joe have turned The Muppet Vault into a monthly event. That's right, every month in NYC, there will be a new opportunity for Muppet fans to view Muppet rarities on screen! This month's event, The Muppet Vault: Fairy Tales, is being held on September 12 at 2:00pm, once again at The Knitting Factory in Brooklyn, NY and only costs $5.00. Be sure to check out ToughPigs' official post for more info and visit the official Muppet Vault Facebook page for even more fun!

In Muppet Mindset news, remember that the last day to submit birthday wishes for The Muppet Mindset's one year anniversary is on Tuesday, August 24th. If you want to join us in celebrating our one year anniversary, submit answers to these three questions (or one, or two)...

What was your favorite memory of The Muppet Mindset's first year?

What would you like to see from The Muppet Mindset in its second year?

What is your birthday wish for The Muppet Mindset?

...to Ryan Dosier at ryguy102390@gmail.com. Your answers will be posted right here on The Muppet Mindset on Wednesday, August 25th to add to our celebration of one whole year of talking about doll wiggling! We really hope for your contribution--because without you, the fans, we would be nowhere, so it only seems right that you celebrate with us!

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier

Muppet Comic Mondays: News Update

The great folks over at Archaia Comics made the announcement official on Thursday that the Fraggle Rock Comic Book series will be continuing with a second series. The second installment will be sticking with the same format as the first three issues--one long story and two shorter stories in one book, along with activity pages such as "Draw Your Own Fraggle." Click the link above to read a great interview Comic Book Resources conducted with Archaia's Editor-in-Chief Stephen Christy about the Fraggles.

Comic Book Resources also has coverage of the Muppets and Roger Langridge spotlight panel at Comic Con. Langridge talks about his beginnings with The Muppet Show Comic Book and Disney Adventure Magazine and sheds some light onto his creative process and what is to come from The Muppet Show Comic Book in the future. (And the article writer misspells Fozzie... but that's another story.)

In other comic news, friend of the blog Amy Mebberson, "Muppet Peter Pan" and "The Muppet Show: Family Reunion" artist, has some awesome pictures on her blog, My Blue Sky, from her time at Comic-Con--including she and Roger Langridge with homemade Kermit and Gonzo puppets!











The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier

News Update: July 29, 2010

NEWS UPDATE: July 29, 2010

Yesterday it was confirmed that Miss Piggy and Pepe will be appearing on the Desperate Housewives: The Complete Sixth Season - The All-Mighty Edition (that's really the name) DVD set, available September 21. Surely we'll see Miss Piggy reeking havoc on Wisteria Lane and Pepe ogling quite a bit (and with housewives that desperate, maybe he won't get shut down), unfortunately we'll have to buy the DVD set to see this. Oh, well, new Muppet stuff is good stuff. Now where's The Muppet Show Season 4 on DVD?

Just a reminder that this Tuesday, August 3rd, Lionsgate will be releasing Henson's Place, the 1984 Jim Henson documentary on DVD. Be sure to pick up your copy of this sure-to-be fantastic DVD of an incredibly rare television special!

This past weekend, ComicCon was held in San Diego, California and the Muppets were represented quite well throughout the Con. Check out some of the highlights below...

• Amy Mebberson, Roger Langridge, James Silvani, and others were present for a Muppet Comics panel and comic drawing/signing. Mebberson drew Miss Piggy as Lady Gaga for a fan. Langridge drew numerous sketches as well.
• Karen Prell and Red Fraggle also appeared live at ComicCon, leading an audience in a sing-along and performing a few times. Red was also interviewed by SFX.
• Hallmark announced their next Muppet ornament for Christmas 2011: Beaker singing his hit "Ode to Joy."
• The Jim Henson Company announced that Cartoon Network will be airing shorts starring Henson puppets called Hot Dog TV, beginning with "Fiendish Footlong" on August 2 and 6:58 PM.
• Archaia Comics and The Jim Henson Company announced that they will be producing "A Tale of Sand," an unproduced script by Jim Henson, into a comic book.
• eFX Collectibles had the Kermit and Rizzo photo-puppet prototypes on display. Still no word on when, or if, these will be released.
• A Muppet fan made a "Dearth Nadir" (Gonzo as Darth Vader) puppet and brought it to ComicCon.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier