R.I.P. Andre Braugher 1962-2023

Andre Braugher died Monday, December 11, due to lung cancer, a battle he chose to not make public. One of the unsung heroes of the acting world might be most famous to many as Captain Holt on Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Frank Pembleton in Homicide: Life on the Streets which lead to his first Emmy win. His second was for his role in the mini-series Thief. His career began in 1989 in series of Kojak films and role in Glory (1989). While he did continue to work in movies such as City of Angels, Primal Fear, and more he is perhaps best known for is many roles on television such as the last season of The Good Fight, Last Resort, Men of a Certain Age, Gideon's Crossing and more. He elevated every project he was in.

From NBC, “Andre Braugher was the actor that others in the profession would always aspire to be. He infused Det. Frank Pembleton on ‘Homicide: Life on the Street’ with both righteous ferocity and quiet dignity. In addition to his prowess as a dramatic actor, his comedy chops were also on full display as the determined and passionate Capt. Holt in ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine.’ His performances will continue to inspire future generations and we will miss him tremendously.”

From Fox, "Everyone at Fox is devastated by the sudden loss of our friend and colleague, the incredibly talented Andre Braugher. He will most certainly be remembered for his iconic comedic and dramatic roles across both film and television, but he will be remembered mostly for his big heart, kindness and the lasting impact he made on his friends, family and fans everywhere. Andre was the heart and soul of the Nine-Nine and will forever be our Captain. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Andre’s family and loved ones at this time.”

You can read further comments from those he acted with here, here, here, and here. An acting legend has died and the arts are poorer for it. Condolances to his family and friends on their loss.

Live Action Avatar: The Last Airbender Teaser Trailer

Here it is, the first teaser for the live action version of Avatar: The Last Airbender. Looks like they nailed the scope, sound and look of the show. Get a chance to find out on February 22 if nailed all of it. If have not watched the original cartoon series, highly recommend it. Also its sequel series The Legend of Korra. Believe both are on Netflix.

R.I.P. Keith Giffen, Comics Book Legend, 1952-2023

The comic book industry lost a giant as comic book writer and artist Keith Giffen died at the age of 70 due to a stroke. The news was announced on his Facebook page per his instructions "I told them I was sick…Anything not to go to New York Comic Con, Thankx, Bwah ha ha ha ha.” If your a fan of Guardians of the Galaxy movies, you have him to partially thank for that as co-creator of Rocket Raccoon with Bill Mantlo in 1976, his first year in the comics industry. His other influenctual co-creations in the years that followed included Lobo, Ambush Bug, Jaime Reyes' Blue Beetle, Maxwell Lord and the humorous Justice League International. 

He worked basically for all the comic companies including DC (Legion of Super-Heroes, Doctor Fate, 52, Countdown to Final Crisis), Marvel (Annihilation, Drax The Destroyer, The Defenders), Dark Horse (Division 13, Agents of Law, and Valient Comics (X-O Manowar, Magnus, Solar). He even took a break from comics to storyboard for TV which including working on The Real Ghostbusters, Static Shock, Batman Beyond, and Spider-Man Unlimited). 

What I listed is just a fraction of his writing and artistic output. His influence on the comic world is basically everywhere as many current artists and writers drew inspiration from his work, Marvel movies, DC movies, and more. A true legend has died. Condolences to his family on their loss. 

 Keith was one of the most brilliantly creative humans I’ve ever known. A curmudgeon with a heart of gold. A generous collaborator. An old, dear friend. And, as my wife observed, “He was like a character out of a Keith Giffen story.” Safe travels, Keith. You will be missed. - J.M. DeMatteis

I adored Keith Giffen. Spending half an hour with him meant hearing so many original ideas it made you dizzy. Everyone told me he could be crabby, instead, he was lovely and generous to me every time we talked. I will always be a fan and carry awe for that man. - Gail Simone

Gutted to hear the passing of the legendary comic book creator Keith Giffen. He personified creativity to me in everything he did. Whether it was writing, plotting, drawing, kibitzing or creating—Keith did it like no other in the modern age. - Jim Lee

When it comes to sheer creative talent and the ability to come up with great ideas, one after another, no one did it better than Keith Giffen. Working with him was one of those fun, creative roller coaster types of experiences that made any project more fun. R.I.P, my friend. - Dan Jurgens