Beer, glorious beer {thanks, The Baltimore Sun}

1. Baltimore Beer Week
Even if every week is beer week for you, this is still special. The schedule includes beer dinners and sipping events (sounds kinda respectable, huh?) at area joints, as well as the Brewers Association of Maryland’s Oktoberfest in Timonium on Saturday. Beer Week starts Thursday and runs through Oct. 18. baltimorebeerweek.com. ADAM SAPIRO, B

2. Baltimore Comic-con turns 10
Help the convention celebrate its tenth year in the city. Bonus: b’s own Jordan Bartel will be a guest judge for the costume contest at 4 p.m. Sunday. Starts at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Baltimore Convention Center. $15. comicon.com/baltimore ALISIA KRASTEL, B

Read the rest of this entry »

{thanks, Benn Ray}

Welcome to Week Three of “Said What?: Overheards,” an illustration each week of a scene overheard in and around Baltimore — whether it be funny or ridiculous, sad or sublime. “Said What?” comes to us by way of Benn Ray, of Atomic Books, Mobtown Shank and Hampdenfest fame, and talented local artists.

Read the rest of this entry »

Wine (and jazz) time in Canton {thanks, AP}

Canton Wine and Jazz Festival
Get your sniffers and taste buds ready. Canton Wine and Jazz Festival makes its debut Saturday in Canton’s O’Donnell Square. Tastings allow you to find a wine you like enough to splurge on a bottle for home. But you can’t take any of the jazz bands homes. Sorry. 1-7 p.m. $25 in advance, $30 day of. cantonwinefestival.com Alisia Krastel, b

Read the rest of this entry »

Autumn leaves are a’comin’ {thanks, stock.xchng}

Fall’s Top 5’s: Our favorite events, sports and concerts this season

FESTIVALS/EVENTS
Baltimore Book Festival
Take a look, because this year’s annual ode to tome love features celebri-authors such as Buzz Aldrin, Ralph Nader and Maureen McCormick (Marcia Brady!). Plus, there are loads of local authors, book sales and readings on topics ranging from cooking to hip-hop. Noon-8 p.m. Sept. 25 and 26, noon-7 p.m. Sept. 27 // Mount Vernon Place, 600 block of North Charles Street // Free // baltimorebookfestival.org

Read the rest of this entry »

Channing Tatum as G.I. Joe: Back in black {thanks, Paramount}

On Friday, “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra” opens and fanboys have reason to be nervous.

Though Aint-It-Cool News’ Harry Knowles gave it a good review, Paramount hasn’t exactly embraced devotees of the toys and ’80s cartoon. Notably, Paramount didn’t bring the movie to Comic-Con International, even though there was a panel for Hasbro’s new toy line based on the movie.

All hope isn’t lost for old school G.I. Joe fans, however. The studio hired as a consultant a man who’s very familiar to them: Larry Hama, the writer of the comic books that originated the “Real American Hero” revival of the brand in the 1980s.

Read the rest of this entry »

Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark in a new image from 2010’s “Iron Man 2″ {thanks, Marvel}

Le geek was c’est chic at this year’s ever-popular Comic-Con, which wrapped up Sunday in San Diego. A round-up of some of the first-look movie and TV goodies that elicited buzz:

‘iron man 2’: Director Jon Favreau showed a clip featuring an eye-patched Samuel L. Jackson, who plays Nick Fury; Mickey Rourke as villain Ivan Vanko, who becomes Whiplash; and a redheaded Scarlett Johansson kicking ass as martial-arts master Black Widow, AP reports. Lucky fans also got quick glimpses of War Machine’s weapon-filled suit. “Iron Man 2” hits theaters in May 2010.

Read the rest of this entry »

The essence of this year’s hottest properties at Comic-Con can be found deep in the past, or far into the future.

“Twilight” proved to be the most rabid fan-feeding frenzy at last year’s Comic-Con, and its sequel, “New Moon,” stands out among the savory offerings beginning Thursday at the San Diego Convention Center.

Other highlights include Tim Burton’s take on “Alice in Wonderland” and an early look at “Iron Man 2.” James Cameron will also preview “Avatar,” a futuristic adventure that promises a new level of 3-D based on technology the “Titanic” director helped develop.

Read the rest of this entry »

“Watchmen” fight back on DVD {thanks, Warner Bros.}

1. ‘Watchmen’ on DVD
In theaters, Watchmen introduced many, and brought a lot of fanboys back to, a dark and yet colorful imagining of America in the 1980s — with superheroes of course. Take the experience home Tuesday. TIM WONG, B

2. Exboyfriendjewelry.com
You know after you’ve broken up with someone and you have a ton of mementos from your now tarnished relationship that you just want to get rid of at all costs? Why not make a little money off of it? This is a great way to sell all the things you can’t stand the sight of anymore while shopping for (mostly) cheap jewelry. MARISSA RICHARDSON, B

3. BBQ Across America Tour
… Aka the maturation of emo. Ace Enders and Person L’s Kenny Vasoli have been playing (and progressing) their brands of pop-punk for years now. Check out their sets (and more) at Sonar Friday. And about that title? They’re grilling with fans before the show, so get there early (just bring the food). $12 in advance, $15 day of. 407 E. Saratoga St. WESLEY CASE, B

Read the rest of this entry »

Ryan Reynolds will soon suit up as the Green Lantern {thanks, DC Comics}

Ryan Reynolds is super, thanks for asking.

Reynolds, hot off current box-office hit “The Proposal,” will suit up as the titular DC Comics superhero in Warner Brothers’ “The Green Lantern,” the New York Daily News reports.

It will be the third comic-book based hero role for the 32-year-old Reynolds, who previously starred as Hannibal King in 2004’s Marvel comic adaptation “Blade: Trinity” and has signed on to reprise his role as Marvel Comics’* Deadpool in a spin-off of “X-Men Origins: Wolverine.” Reynolds has also been in talks for the lead role of another DC Comics superhero movie adaptation, “The Flash.”

Read the rest of this entry »

Ben Stein says it loud and proud {thanks, Rampant Films}

From today’s b, the paper

‘Beer Wars’ local screenings
The documentary goes behind the scenes of the beer industry. Sounds good, but the best part is a simulcast of a live discussion with Ben Stein (love me some Ben Stein) and beer experts. Hits theaters around Baltimore Thursday. beerwarsmovie.com. ALISIA KRASTEL, B

MammoJam
The MammoJam Music Festival at the 8×10 in Federal Hill supports local breast cancer prevention and treatment programs for low-income women. Featured acts include Trombone Shorty, The Grilled Lincolns and Nelly’s Echo. 6:30 p.m. Saturday, 10 E. Cross St. mammojammusicfestival.org. BRIAN KRISTA, B

Read the rest of this entry »