EARTHLIGHT, an original audio drama will be released by Penguin on July 9.

JMS described it:   "What happens when you put Hunt for Red October, Top Gun and The Right Stuff into a blender?  You get EARTHLIGHT, my new audio drama from Penguin-Random House.  Tons of action and more politically relevant than I initially intended."

Read by a full cast:  Erik Braa, Pete Bradbury, Jonathan Davis, William DeMeritt, Robert Fass, Jeff Gurner, Ryan Haugen, David Lee Huynh, Mars Lipowski, Saskia Maarleveld, Kathleen McInerney, Brandon McInnis, Sean Kenin Elias Reyes, Stefan Rudnicki, Salli Saffioti, Kristen Sieh, Christopher Smith, Marc Thompson, Will Watt, Michael Ann Young, Beka Sikharulidza, Stephanie Walters Montgomery, and Robin Atkin Downes

A ten minute sample can be found at EARTHLIGHT

Message from JMS:
[quote]J. Michael Straczynski - Hang with JMS

We are now exactly 3 months from publication of my new novel THE GLASS BOX. Fun fact: if everyone on this feed pre-ordered a copy, it would debut on the NY Times Best-Seller List. I think that would be lovely. Shall we make some noise?
https://amazon.com/Glass-Box-J-Michael.../dp/B0CCWBG65Z
From the  listing:
THE GLASS BOX is a hard-hitting, fast-paced sci-fi novel about the choices we make and the ramifications we face.
Riley Diaz was born to fight. When she is sent to an American Renewal Center for reeducation, Riley declares a one-woman war against the ARC program's bag of dirty tricks designed to break down dissidents.
Acclaimed creator @becomingsupermanjms takes readers on a mesmerizing journey inspired by pressing contemporary issues, including our right to protest and the threats designed to undermine that right. Told with drama and heart, THE GLASS BOX is a moving story that features a colorful and often eccentric cast of characters readers will fall in love with.
Perfect for fans of "ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST  by Ken Kesey and "DARK MATTERby @blakecrouch1! [/quote]

JMS' new novel, THE GLASS BOX is now available for pre-order in Kindle and Hardcover version at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Glass-Box-J-Michael-Straczynski/dp/B0CCWBG65Z

And audio version:
https://www.audioeditions.com/the-glass-box?sp=491841

Audioeditions.com

Here are some of the items that JMS discussed at San Diego Comic-Con the weekend of July 21 - 23:

 - Babylon 5: The Road Home animated movie will be released on August 15, 2023.The movie was screened at the convention to a positive reaction from fans.

 - Babylon 5: The Complete Series (Blu-ray) with all five seasons plus "The Gathering" will be released on December 5, 2023

 - Earthlight: A Random House Audiobook Original will be released via Audible on May 28, 2024.  Another audio anthology called Far Horizons does not have a release date as yet.

 - The Madness ,a six-issue miniseries, will be released starting in August via AWA Studios.

 -JMS will be taking over the Captain America comic with Marvel with the first issue coming out in September.

 - JMS has made a deal to do creator-owned comics for Dark Horse.  So far no information on the first title or release date. 

JMS posted these tweets today:

JMS has been hinting at a new B5 project that's not the re-imagining/reboot (which is currently on hold pending a possible Writer's strike) that's been in the works for some time and is fully completed.   Originally he expected to be able to announce it at San Diego Comic-Con but as of last week, it appears that the unveiling may come on or about May 3.

This morning, JMS posted this tantalizing image:

News from JMS.  It's not what we'd hoped, but not all bad.----
----------
Today, about an hour ago, Deadline Hollywood announced the slate of pilot scripts being picked up for production by The CW. Babylon 5 was not on that list.

When a pilot script is not picked up to production, 99.999% of the time, that’s the end of the road for the project, the script is dead.

However: shortly before that piece was published, I received a call from Mark Pedowitz, President of The CW. (I should mention that Mark is a great guy and a long-time fan of B5. He worked for Warners when the show was first airing, and always made sure we got him copies of the episodes before they aired because he didn’t want to wait to see what happened next.)

Calling the pilot “a damned fine script,” he said he was taking the highly unusual step of rolling the project and the pilot script into next year, keeping B5 in active development while the dust settles on the sale of the CW.

Here’s the bottom line:
Yesterday, Babylon 5 was in active development at the CW and Warner Bros. for fall 2022.

Today, Babylon 5 is in active development at the CW and Warner Bros. for fall 2023
-------
https://www.patreon.com/posts/62084557B5 CW Newshttps://www.patreon.com/posts/62084557

Several trade publications report a new Babylon 5 series in development.  From Variety:

"Original series creator J. Michael Straczynski is onboard to write the project. He will also executive producer under his Studio JMS banner. Warner Bros. Television, which produced the original series, will produce the reboot.

The new iteration of the sci-fi series is described as a “from-the-ground-up reboot.” In the series, John Sheridan, an Earthforce officer with a mysterious background, is assigned to Babylon 5, a five-mile-long space station in neutral space, a port of call for travelers, smugglers, corporate explorers and alien diplomats at a time of uneasy peace and the constant threat of war. His arrival triggers a destiny beyond anything he could have imagined, as an exploratory Earth company accidentally triggers a conflict with a civilization a million years ahead of us, putting Sheridan and the rest of the B5 crew in the line of fire as the last, best hope for the survival of the human race.

'Babylon 5' Reboot in Development at The CW From Original Creator - Variety

JMS announced on August 12 that he's completed Harlan Ellison's "The Last Dangerous Visions" and it's been sent to the agent who will hopefully take it to auction for publication. JMS wrote:

THE LAST DANGEROUS VISIONS is now finished, 112,000 words by some of the most visionary writers of the last 48 years, right to the present moment. Proud and utterly exhausted from all that went into this.

https://twitter.com/straczynski/status/1425735122075021316

JMS has two books (so far) announced for 2021. First up is:

 Becoming a Writer, Staying a Writer: The Artistry, Joy, and Career of Storytelling 

 Due out on June 1, 2021.



 The second is a mainstream novel which follows twelve characters on a bus trip like no other:

Together We Will Go 

 Due out on July 6, 2021.

Exciting News!!  JMS has opened a Patreon account and we're all invited.  

The idea is for fans to be able to participate in the creative process by their patronage and have a say in new projects JMS might do through his Synthetic Worlds company.  

There are different tiers and perks for each.  Right off, JMS has made available to all patrons the script for his City of Dreams audio drama, "The Damned Are Playing at Godzilla's Tonight".   Another perk was a behind the scenes memo from Sense8 that JMS wrote as though it were an internal memo by a BPO scientist.  Last night was the first chat with JMS on the Discord server.  

Check out:  Patreon: J. Michael Straczynskifor more information.  If enough fans of JMS' work sign on, there could be some really exciting projects done.  

We added a new “Works” page to the JMSNews site that lists the books, comics, television, and movies that JMS has produced over the past 35 years.

Some of his earliest works included “He-Man and the Masters of the Universe”, “Murder, She Wrote”, and “The Twilight Zone” during the 1980’s.

In the 1990’s he created the Emmy and Hugo Award winning television show Babylon 5. In the 2000’s Joe wrote for comics such as “The Amazing Spider-Man” and brought us the feature film “Changeling”.

Check out the Works Page for the full list of projects!

Joe's autobiography “Becoming Superman: My Journey From Poverty to Hollywood” was published today. The book details his humble beginnings in Paterson, NJ and his journey through life, comics, television, and film.

Welcome to the updated JMSNews web site! We hope that you find the new site easy to navigate and explore. 

As always, the entire archive of JMS messages is available to browse and search (click "Archive" tab above or scroll down). The community forums have also been updated to the latest version of VBulletin, so please drop by and check them out.

These changes are part of our ongoing commitment to the JMSNews web site and supporting the great JMS fan community. It's been almost 18 years since the site went live on December 19th 2000. We'd like to thank everyone for visiting the site and contributing to the forums all these years!

JMS has tweeted that although this item only shows the E-book, the harcover will also be released on July 23.

https://www.harpervoyagerbooks.com/book/9780062857859/becoming-superman/

In this dazzling memoir, the acclaimed writer behind Babylon 5, Sense8, Clint Eastwood’s Changeling and Marvel’s Thor reveals how the power of creativity and imagination enabled him to overcome the horrors of his youth and a dysfunctional family haunted by madness, murder and a terrible secret.

For four decades, J. Michael Straczynski has been one of the most successful writers in Hollywood, one of the few to forge multiple careers in movies, television and comics. Yet there’s one story he’s never told before: his own.

Joe's early life nearly defies belief. Raised by damaged adults—a con-man grandfather and a manipulative grandmother, a violent, drunken father and a mother who was repeatedly institutionalized—Joe grew up in abject poverty, living in slums and projects when not on the road, crisscrossing the country in his father’s desperate attempts to escape the consequences of his past.

To survive his abusive environment Joe found refuge in his beloved comics and his dreams, immersing himself in imaginary worlds populated by superheroes whose amazing powers allowed them to overcome any adversity. The deeper he read, the more he came to realize that he, too, had a superpower: the ability to tell stories and make everything come out the way he wanted it. But even as he found success, he could not escape a dark and shocking secret that hung over his family’s past, a violent truth that he uncovered over the course of decades involving mass murder.

Harper Voyager has added the title to it's site with a release date for the e-book shown as July 23, 2019. No blurb or cover art so far:
https://www.harpervoyagerbooks.com/book/9780062857859/becoming-superman/

Harlan Ellison passed away in his sleep earlier today.

“For a brief time I was here, and for a brief time, I mattered.”—HE

My friend is gone. Without Harlan's words and his example, I would never have become a writer. He showed artists of all stripes how to protect the work and how to live with integrity and heart and fierce courage. The world is much smaller for his absence.

Netflix will premier the finale to the series SENSE8 on Friday, June 8. The finale is said to be 2.5 hours long.

As of June 1, Babylon 5 became available as part of membership in Amazon Prime. All five seasons are currently available. "The Gathering"-original edit/music-is available with Season one as 'episode 0'.

Babylon 5's pilot TV movie 'The Gathering' premiered on Feb. 22, 1993. Currently the show is available for free in the US via [url=https://www.go90.com/shows/babylon5]Go90.com[/ur] or on Pick TV in the UK.

Harper Voyager has announced that they will be publishing JMS' autobiography "Saved by Superman" in Spring 2019.

Voyager's editorial director, David Pomerico, long an enthusiast of Straczynski's many projects, notes, 'What surprised me about this memoir was how much I know about the animated shows Joe worked on, which shaped my childhood.' But, beyond fandom, it was the shocking strength of Joe's personal story that convinced the Voyager team to acquire this nonfiction work. 'His childhood was so absolutely beyond anything I could think someone could survive,' Pomerico shares. 'He didn't just come through-he thrived. And it is that story which is going to be an inspiration to artists and loners. It is simply captivating in its own right.'

San Diego Comic-Con begins on July 19 (Preview Night) and schedules and autograph signings have been announced. JMS' appearances are:

- Spotlight on JMS - Friday 7/21 5:30 PM Room 6DE (seats about 884)

- Writing for Television, Film, and Comics - Saturday 7/22 2:00 PM Room 11 ( seats about 504)

- Autograph signing- Saturday 7/22 4:00-5:30 PM Sails Pavilion

In stunning news, Netflix and Lana Wachowski announced today that the cancelled Sense8 will have a 2-hour finale special coming in 2018.
http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/sense8-2-hour-finale-special-netflix-1202483044/

Very sorry to report that Stephen Furst, who played Centauri attache Vir on Babylon 5 has passed away from complications of diabetes. Here's the message from his FB page.


JMS posted

On behalf of everyone who worked on Babylon 5, Stephen Furst will be missed profoundly and everlastingly.

In a press release yesterday, Cindy Holland, VP Netflix original content wrote:

“After 23 episodes, 16 cities and 13 countries, the story of the Sense8 cluster is coming to an end. It is everything we and the fans dreamed it would be: bold, emotional, stunning, kick ass, and outright unforgettable. Never has there been a more truly global show with an equally diverse and international cast and crew, which is only mirrored by the connected community of deeply passionate fans all around the world. We thank Lana, Lilly, Joe and Grant for their vision, and the entire cast and crew for their craftsmanship and commitment."

For the first time since Netflix stopped streaming B5 in 2011, there will be a place to stream Babylon 5 without paying a per-episode or per-season price here in the US. From Variety:

The deal with Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution makes Go90 the exclusive streaming outlet for the series, which also include “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles,” “Almost Human,” “Babylon 5,” “Believe” and “Stalker.”

Netflix announced today that there will be a two-hour Christmas Special Dec. 23 and 10 episodes coming May 5, 2017. From [url]http://deadline.com/2016/12/sense8-christmas-special-season-2-dates-netflix-1201864035/]Deadline.com[/url]

The two-hour Christmas special follows the central characters as they weave in and out of each other’s lives finding deeper connections, learning darker, more desperate secrets about one another and struggling to identify with more than just oneself.

Season two will pick up where season one left off as Capheus (Toby Onwumere), Kala (Tina Desai), Lito (Miguel Angel Silvestre), Nomi (Jamie Clayton), Riley (Tuppence Middleton) , Sun (Donna Bae), Will (Brian J. Smith) and Wolfgang (Max Riemelt) find themselves on the run from Whispers (Terrence Mann), forced to question their very identity. Coming together physically and mentally, they must find a way to live with, understand and protect one another against all odds.

It was announced yesterday, July 28 that Jerry Doyle who played Security Chief Michael Garibaldi was found unresponsive in his Las Vegas home on July 27. No cause of death is known as yet.

In a statement remembering him, B5 Executive Producer said in part:

He was funny, and dangerous, and loyal, and a prankster, and a pain in the ass; he was gentle and cynical and hardened and insightful and sometimes as dense as a picket fence...and his passing is a profound loss to everyone who knew him, especially those of us who fought beside him in the trenches of Babylon 5. It is another loss in a string of losses that I cannot understand. Of the main cast, we have lost Richard Biggs, Michael O'Hare, Andreas Katsulas, Jeff Conaway, and now Jerry Doyle, and I'm goddamned tired of it.

So dear sweet universe, if you are paying attention in the vastness of interstellar space, take a moment from plotting the trajectory of comets and designing new DNA in farflung cosmos, and spare a thought for those who you have plucked so untimely from our ranks...and knock it off for a while.

Because this isn't fair.

And Jerry Doyle would be the first person to tell you that. Right before he put a fist in your face. Which is what I imagine he's doing right now, on the other side of the veil.

J. Michael Straczynski
Executive Producer
Babylon 5

JMS announced at his panel at San Diego Comic-Con Friday July 22, that he's decided that going forward he's out of the comics business (barring a few things already in process) in order to concentrate on writing novels and plays in addition to TV and Film.

Other announcements:
- JMS had cataracts and Fuchs Corneal Dystrophy for several years but after successful surgery, now has better vision than ever
- There's an upcoming project involving three names: Bradbury, Gaiman and JMS.
- Midnight Nation will be becoming a TV series.
- Rising Stars has been optioned for a feature film.
- Re: The B5 movie, JMS is working on building his 'street cred' in order to be able to approach investors for over a hundred million dollars. He thinks after another TV show or two and a couple more feature films, he should have achieved that credibility for Studio JMS.

For the longer report, check out the post on the JMSnews forums:
http://jmsnews.com/forums/showpost.php?p=133478&postcount=46
Video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VN_RJcV64ME (sorry for the shakiness)

ETA: JMS wrote about his leaving comics:
http://www.newsarama.com/30468-why-j-michael-straczynski-is-leaving-comic-books-in-his-own-words.html

EXCLUSIVE: MGM has optioned Rising Stars, the Top Cow comic series created by J. Michael Straczynski. He is set to write the script, and Alex Gartner and Richard Suckle will produce for Atlas Entertainment

http://deadline.com/2016/06/rising-stars-j-michael-straczynski-mgm-top-cow-comics-superhero-1201772516/

Sense8 has been nominated for a GLAAD Award in the category of Outstanding Drama Series.

The GLAAD Media Awards recognize and honor media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and the issues that affect their lives.

Announced via Variety yesterday:

Spike has made a big move into scripted programming, giving “Red Mars” a straight-to-series order with 10-episodes, Variety has learned exclusively. The hourlong drama marks the cabler’s first original scripted series in nine years.

“Sense8” co-creator J. Michael Straczynski will serve as writer, exec producer and showrunner on “Red Mars.” He will exec produce with “Game of Thrones” co-exec producer Vince Gerardis, who first brought the project to Spike, plus David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Marcy Ross of Skydance Television, which is the studio on the series.

Superman: Earth One Volume 3 is now available in comic shops and will be arriving in bookstores February 10. This third volume reveals the story behind the destruction of Krypton and the consequences of some of the young Superman's actions.

Preview pages can be found here.

Deadline announced that JMS will be writing "Red Mars" for Spike TV based on the series of books by Kim Stanley Robinson.

The TV series adaptation, named after the first book in the trilogy, has been on fast-track development at Spike since the network took in the project in October with HBO’s Game Of Thrones co-executive producer Vince Gerardis as producer and Robinson as consultant.

At the recent San Diego Comic-Con, JMS announced that his Studio JMS is enjoying a lot of success with 'Sense8' in production for Netflix, another one or two TV shows coming up and some other feature films in the works. JMS said:

Here’s the plan: We’re going to have, through Studio JMS, at least two, maybe three TV series on the air next year. We’re going to have at least one or two movies going ahead. And we’ll use that to parlay serious investment in the studio. I’m not talking Kickstarter, I’m talking about one hundred million dollars, two hundred million dollars; we already have people who are lined up and interested in doing that.

So in 2015 I will write a Babylon 5 screenplay. I’ll be giving Warner Bros. the opportunity – if they want to step up, “Help yourself”. If they don’t, 2016: We make it. I’m not going to wait around for more of our cast members to die.

Here are the B5-related panels at San Diego Comic-Con July 24-28:

#FreeBabylon5: A Fan Campaign - Thursday July 24, 2014 10:00am - 11:00am Room 29A
Jan Schroeder (freebabylon5.com) and Jon Del Arroz (flyingsparkscomic.com) discuss a growing fan campaign that sprang up after J. Michael Straczynski tweeted the hashtag #FreeBabylon5 and urged fans to "get organized and loud" if Babylon 5 fandom is to grow. See what has been accomplished so far and help brainstorm what can be done in the future to promote this seminal science fiction show and bring it to new viewers.

The Art of Babylon 5 - Friday July 25, 2014 12:00pm - 1:00pm Room 23ABC
Members of the iconic show's art department, under production designer John Iacovelli, with art director Mark-Louis Walters, art director Roland Rosenkranz, graphic artist Alan Kobayashi, and concept artist and set designer Timothy Earls, reunite to discuss how they were able to design 110 episodes over five years and six TV movies while keeping the sets fresh, exciting and, well, out of this world.

Spotlight on J. Michael Straczynski - Saturday July 26, 2014 5:30pm - 6:30pm Room 7AB
Get the latest news on secret upcoming projects, a sneak peek into the production of Sense8, and other surprises.

The upcoming Netflix series Sense8 began shooting in San Francisco this past week. More information on the international cast and crew including Naveen Andrews, Darryl Hannah, Doona Bae and several others was reported by Deadline Hollywood.

Here is the first detailed description of Sense8, courtesy of Straczynski, who serves as co-showrunner of the series alongside Lana and Andy Wachowski. “The series follows eight characters around the world who, in the aftermath of a tragic death, find themselves linked to each other mentally and emotionally,” he told Deadline. “They can not only see and talk to each other as though they were in the same place, they have access to each other’s deepest secrets. Not only must they figure out what happened and why and what it means for the future of humanity, they must do so netflix-logowhile being hunted by an organization out to capture, kill or vivisect them.”

Here's a piece of genuine genre history up for auction. In JMS' words:

I have written literally thousands of pages of material at this desk, starting with several seasons worth of Babylon 5, then Crusade, Jeremiah (for Showtime); the movies Changeling, Thor, Underworld Awakening, Ninja Assassin and World War Z; and over 200 published comic books. It was also at this desk that I co-wrote the first batch of scripts for Sense8, the new TV series about to go into production for Netflix.

Deadline Hollywood posted an article about JMS optioning the Harlan Ellison short story in order to make it a feature film. The script is already written and approved by Ellison.

http://www.deadline.com/2014/02/j-michael-straczynski-options-harlan-ellisons-repent-harlequin-for-feature/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook

The story is about Everett C. Marm, an ordinary man who disguises himself as the anarchical Harlequin and engages in whimsical rebellion against the Ticktockman. The trouble is that if he is found out, the government could stop his heart at long distance if they learn who he is. Straczynski sees the cautionary tale as especially relevant in a post-Arab Spring and Occupy Wall Street environment, or even Edward Snowden, in a story of a man who goes against the system and must pay the price for his actions. Now that the script is done, Straczynski will look for production partners and a director, and the first parties he will approach will be Peter Jackson and Guillermo del Toro. Ellison’s story won the 1966 Hugo Award and the 1965 Nebula Award, among others.

JMS posted the official announcement about the WATCH channel airing all of Babylon 5 and they even mentioned the #FreeBabylon5 campaign! Thanks, Watch!

http://watch.uktv.co.uk/babylon-5/article/about-babylon-5/

Babylon 5 fans have been campaigning for the show to return to TV with a 'Free Babylon 5' movement which has spread globally on Twitter and Facebook and even featured special events and auctions.

Watch has listened and now we've acted. From 4th November, you'll be able to watch every single episode of the ’90s sci-fi classic from the very beginning, only on Watch.

When first talking about getting Babylon 5 back on the air in reruns, JMS said that fans need to 'get loud and get organized' and so the #FreeBabylon5 campaign was born. Here's great opportunity to get loud!

Nominations are open for the People's Choice Awards and one category is 'FAVORITE SERIES WE MISS MOST'. Let's get Babylon 5 on the ballot by writing in Babylon 5 and voting many times and getting all of our friends, family, acquaintances, co-workers and random people on the street to vote, too! From the site:

Vote often through October 31st to make sure your favorites become Official People's Choice Awards 2014 nominees.
Voting for the winners begins on November 5th.

JMS was given an Icon Award at his spotlight panel at San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday:

Straczynski is the eighth person to receive the Comic-Con Icon Award. He joins previous Icon Award winners Frank Miller (2006), Neil Gaiman (2007), George Lucas (2008), Stan Lee (2009), Ray Bradbury (2010), June Foray (2011), and Matt Groening (2012).

JMS posted today:

I wanted to extend my thanks here to the good folks at SDCC who this weekend honored me with the International Icon Award. I had no idea it was coming, so I was clueless as to what they were going on about when I arrived for my spotlight to find folks waiting for me on stage. By the time I figured out it was an award, let alone an Icon award, it was time to step up onto the stage to receive it, so I don't know how coherent I was in my acceptance.

So I wanted to use this space to extend my thanks to everyone at the convention for this amazing recognition, an award that's only been given eight times or so in the long history of SDCC (to folks like George Lucas, Neil Gaiman, Ray Bradbury, Matt Groening and Stan Lee). It's an absolutely stunning honor, and I am infinitely appreciative.

At the Image Expo today, JMS announced that he'll be bringing back "The Book of Lost Souls" with art by Colleen Doran and "Dream Police" with art by Sid Kotian. These two titles had previously been published by Marvel's Icon line. Also announced is a new title, "Alone".

At the recent Phoenix Comicon convention (May 23-26) JMS requested a special panel that he asked all fans to attend. In this panel, he paid tribute to Rick Biggs, Andreas Katsulas, Jeff Conaway and Michael O'Hare. In particular, JMS kept a promise he'd made to Michael O'Hare to tell the true reason why Michael left the show after the first season. Here's a link to that panel (chosen for sound quality rather than shooting angle):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yjOsaa7XL4
It was an amazing tribute and an important moment in Babylon 5 history.

JMS will be appearing at the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo in Chicago this weekend, April 26-28. He's posted his schedule:

- Friday: 5:45 Room W474 Joe's Comics panel with JMS, Ben Templesmith, Pat Tallman and Tom Mandrake
- Saturday: 3:15 spotlight Room W474
- Saturday: 4:30 Me and Ben signing at the Joe's Comics table where we'll be giving away one copy of Ten Grand per family for the first 500 folks in line.
- Sunday: 12:30 autograph session VIP lounge Room W375C

Netflix signs up The Matrix, Babylon 5 creators to develop a new sci-fi series: Sense8

The 10 episode season one of Sense8 marks the first foray into television by the Wachowskis, the creative geniuses behind Bound, The Matrix, The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions, V for Vendetta, Speed Racer and Cloud Atlas, and is the latest project from veteran show runner J. Michael Straczynski, creator of the Hugo Award-winning Babylon 5 TV series and whose film credits include Changeling, Thor and Underworld Awakening,

"Andy and Lana Wachowski and Joe Straczynski are among the most imaginative writers and gifted visual storytellers of our time," said Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos. "Their incredible creations are favorites of Netflix members globally and we can't wait to bring Sense8 to life."

JMS posted a link to a trailer for the first issue up the upcoming TEN GRAND comic. On the back of the first issue will be a QR Code which will link to an audio recording of the book. Here's a taste of what you can look forward to. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yPWLH3sW_o&feature=youtu.be

TEN GRAND, the first offering from the revived Joe's Comics imprint will be coming May 1 with art by Ben Templesmith. JMS will debut the first issue at the C2E2 convention in late April. TEN GRAND is described as:

The premise: Joe Fitzgerald was a mob enforcer until the day he met Laura, who convinced him to leave that world behind. Before quitting, Joe agrees to one last job, little realizing that the man he's been sent to kill was deeply involved in demonlogy. He survives Joe's attempt and comes after him, fatally wounding Joe and killing Laura. As he lies dying, an angelic force promises that if Joel agrees to work for them as a different kind of enforcer, they will bring him to life and keep on bringing him to life every time he is killed in a righteous cause. The reward: for those five minutes of death, he will be with Laura again. Would you endure an eternity of pain and death, dying over and over, to be with the woman you love for just five minutes each time you died? Most people might say no. But Joe Fitzgerald isn't most people.

From Deadline.com:

Valiant Entertainment and The Mummy producer Sean Daniel are teaming up to turn the Valiant Comic Shadowman into a live action feature. They've made a deal with J. Michael Straczynski to write the script.

"Shadowman is a character who lives in a unique world that mixes the modern world with that which is most ancient within us," Straczynski. "The New Orleans vibe and history, and the struggle to find a balance with the personality within him, is a perfect dramatic vehicle. We've already finished the outline and there's a lot of action, much of it unique to what Shadowman can do.but at the core of it, there's a strong character, world and mythology that can be explored across multiple subsequent films. This is gonna be fun."

From [URL-http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118060175]Variety.com today[/url]:

Hyphenates Andy and Lana Wachowski are venturing into TV for the first time, pacting with Georgeville Television for a series now being shopped to a range of outlets.

Concept for the hourlong skein dubbed "Sense8" is a closely guarded secret. The Wachowskis have been developing the idea for some time together with "Babylon 5" creator J. Michael Straczynski, who will serve as showrunner. The Wachowskis are expected to direct at least some episodes of the show, which is looking to land a multi-episode order.

A message from JMS:

I regret that I must convey the sad news that Michael O'Hare passed away today. He suffered a heart attack on Sunday and was in a coma until his passing this afternoon. This is a terrible loss for all B5 fans and everyone involved with the show wishes to convey their condolences to the O'Hare family. He was an amazing man.

JMS has posted that he and Pat Tallman won't be able to attend the Australia and New Zealand conventions due to the pressures of work commitments:
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=475866705781531&id=139652459402959

From Variety:

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118058274?refCatId=14

ABC has inked a deal with indie production company Georgeville TV and Overbrook Entertainment for a pandemic thriller project from "Babylon 5" creator J. Michael Straczynski.
Project is designed to secure a straight-to-series order, meaning that if ABC likes the script it will forgo a pilot in favor of a multiple episode order.

Details on the project are sketchy but it's described as a blend of procedural and serialized elements. James Lassiter and Jada Pinkett Smith are exec producing for Overbrook with Straczynski.

20 years ago today, the very first frame of film was shot for the Babylon 5 pilot, "The Gathering". Great thanks go to everyone who contributed to this show, from JMS to actors to all the creative people who brought their skills in bringing the show to life. B5 has brought many, many people hours of entertainment, helped form communities and even encouraged some good things to happen in the real world.

Cover and preview pages for Before Watchmen: Night Owl #2 coming out Aug 1:

http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/JoshWildingNewsAndReviews/news/?a=64819

The full video of JMS' Comic-Con spotlight where he announces the formation of STUDIO JMS run by himself and Patricia Tallman can be found:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeqhQD5F2_c
Watch for dancing zombies!

The two videos shown at the spotlight are here:
http://vimeo.com/user12513191

The Studio JMS Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/#!/StudioJms

Studio JMS Twitter Account:
https://twitter.com/Studio_JMS

There have been several press releases and news of new JMS projects in the last couple of days.

First came the news of "Vlad Dracula", a new series that JMS is developing for STARZ.
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/starz-development-spartacus-thor-348044

Next came the announcement of Studio JMS, a multi-media mini-studio to bring all of his projects under one roof. Included in that announcement was the news of the return of "Joe's Comics" and four new titles.
http://www.deadline.com/2012/07/comic-con-j-michael-straczynski-hatches-multi-platform-studio-jms/

Yesterday's news was of another comic series, this one for a comic series called "The Majestic files" for Legendary Comics:
http://www.shocktillyoudrop.com/news/168601-comic-con-2012-j-michael-straczynski-announces-new-project

From Facebook:

I've never done this before. Never convened a meeting of the clans before. But this is important.

If you've ever enjoyed the work I've done in comics: the bulk of my run on The Amazing Spider-Man, or Thor, or Silver Surfer: Requiem or Supreme Power or Rising Stars or Midnight Nation or Superman: Earth One -

If you've ever been entertained by the work I've done in television, going all the way ...back to He-Man to The Real Ghostbusters, Twilight Zone, Babylon 5, Crusade or Jeremiah -

If you've followed the work I've done in movies, from Changeling to Thor or Underworld Awakening -

If the work I've done has moved you or touched you or made you think about a few things in new ways...and if you're going to be at San Diego Comic Con on Saturday or you know someone who will...then I'm inviting you to come to my spotlight at 2:00 in room 7AB, where something extraordinary will be launched into the world.

I can guarantee that you will see at least one thing that you have never seen before.

And how many times in life does that happen?

jms

JMS has posted his schedule for Saturday July 14 along with these tantalizing hints:

My Saturday schedule at San Diego Comic Con: 11:15 DC graphic novel panel; 12:45 Before Watchmen; 2:00 spotlight; 3:30 signing. If all goes as planned, expect some really massive news at the spotlight. (Not necessarily B5 related.)

Of all the spotlights I've done, this may be the single most important...something I've been working toward for over a year now. For the folks attending SDCC, spread the word, because this is one you're NOT going to want to miss.

"Echoes of All Our Conversations" Volume 4 is now available. The Debut Discount price of $49 is good until June 19 and will never be discounted again.

This volume is personally signed by Mira Furlan and has a bonus postcard and bookmark with quotes from Delenn. http://www.cafepress.com/b5books

Volume 3 of the "Echoes of All Our Conversations" series is now available at the Debut Discount price. This volume is personally autographed by Claudia Christian and comes with a bookmark and postcard featuring two quotes chosen by Claudia herself. An interview CD is also included of a round-table interview with the cast.

Find out who'll be signing volumes 5 and 6, too!
http://www.cafepress.com/b5books

Deadline Hollywood has announced that JMS will write, and Martin Campbell will direct "The Dive", the true, tragic love story of freediver Francisco "Pipin" Ferraras and his wife Audrey Mestre. James Cameron will be producing the film.

JMS has announced his appearance at the Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo April 13-15. Current schedule is for an autograph session on Friday, 'Before Watchmen' panel on Saturday and Spotlight panel on Sunday.

JMS will be appearing at WonderCon in Anaheim, CA the weekend of March 16-18. His panel schedule has been posted at: [url=http://www.comic-con.org/wc/?wc_prog.php[/url]

From the Hollywood Reporter:

In what will surely be a controversial move, DC Entertainment is returning to the universe of Watchmen, the acclaimed 1986 graphic novel by writer Alan Moore and artist Dave Gibbons.

This summer, the company will publish seven prequel comic book mini-series called Before Watchmen, each week unleashing a new title focusing on the characters' lives and adventures in the years before the original story.

JMS and MTV Geek announced at NY Comic-Con this past weekend that a new webcomic "The Adventures of Apocalypse Al" will debut next spring to be followed by an all new live-action web series in the fall. The series will follow Allison Carter who's followed in her father's footsteps in the job of preventing the end of the world.

PLEASURE THRESHOLDS Pat Tallman's Babylon 5 Memoir is now available for pre-order at www.B5Pat.com.

Included with the book of Pat's personal photos and memories of her experiences while filming Babylon 5 will be a CD including:
- 9 video clips featuring Pat,
- an interview of Pat by JMS and
- a 'renegade', non-censored all-new commentary of the episode "Secrets of the Soul"
- All books are also autographed by both Pat Tallman and J. Michael Straczynski.
- A special postcard with Lyta's most famous quote is included as well.

www.B5Pat.com

"For the first time ever, six of Harlan Ellison's teleplays are presented in one 440 page book, reproduced from the author's own file copies. See the scripts as Ellison originally typed them on his Olympia manual typewriter. All his handwritten deletions and emendations are included, illustrating the writing process."

This very special limited edition includes an introduction by J. Michael Straczynski and material that Harlan wrote for Babylon 5 in his capacity as Conceptual Consultant. In addition, this very limited edition is signed by both Harlan and JMS. http://www.Harlanbooks.com

"Brain Movies" is available for $20 off through Sunday, July 31 only. Future editions of this special book will not include the Babylon 5 material.

JMS will be attending San Diego Comic-Con this year and has posted this schedule:

- Superman panel, Friday at 3 in 6DE;
- Spotlight Saturday at 2 in 7AB, and
- autographing right after at AA1 at 3:00

Also Pat Tallman will be there and she tweeted that she'll be signing on Friday from 10-2 and Saturday (perhaps with JMS) from 3-4.

Jeff Conaway, known to Babylon 5 fans as the actor who portrayed Zack Allan, has passed away after fighting pneumonia and blood sepsis. He had been admitted to the hospital on May 11 after being found unconscious at his home. He never regained consciousness and life support measures were withdrawn on Thursday afternoon, May 26. He passed away on Friday morning, May 27.

In addition to his Babylon 5 role, Jeff was famous for playing Kenickie in the musical "Grease" both on film and on Broadway and for playing the part of Bobby Wheeler on the TV series "Taxi".

In 1997, Jeff told interviewer Joe Nazzaro:

I feel very fortunate about the work I've been able to do, and hopefully the next 20 or 30 years of my career, now that the beast inside is staying there, I'll be lucky enough to grab onto a couple more big projects. Most people are never in a hit, let alone something that will run forever. I'm going to be Kenickie and Bobby Wheeler and Zack Allen for the rest of my life, and it's kind of fun now when people start calling me Zack!'

Just released today, Crusade: Other Voices - Vol. 2 features *three* never-before-published Crusade scripts:
- Value Judgments
- Tried and True
- War Story
And much more!

$10 off through Tues., May 24.

Found on JMS' Facebook page:
Fans of J. Michael Straczynski:
So I'm putting together a spec animated project (non-B5) from my own script and I need to find a solid animation guy or gal who's good at character, can create a noir environment, but with somewhat comic material. It can be 2D, doesn't need to be 3D. I'm doing this out of pocket so I can't afford to pay a lot, but it's a good opportunity for somebody new and talented with the artistic chops.

Fans of J. Michael Straczynski:
It could be a perfect break for someone who's just graduated, but has the needed skill set. Again, it's not a lot of money, but for someone looking to break in there may be some resume value in working on a "jms project." They can email me at jmsatb5@aol.com

JMS posted some updates on his current projects:

JMS: Just turned in what one hopes will be the last revision on Shattered Union for Bruckheimer, and moving on to start writing on Vanishing Point, also for Bruckheimer (these are intended as big tent-pole summer movies)...got word that the B5 r...elated stuff is still proceeding along, just can't say anything yet...artwork on Superman Earth One volume 2 is coming along swimmingly, looks great, with lots of funny stuff, personal stuff and cool action with a redesigned Big Bad familiar to Superman fans...have accepted an invite to talk at the Lake Arrowhead Writers Guild Conference in June (only open to WGA members)...the Houdini screenplay for Dreamworks is being budgeted and sent to directors...I just did a short piece for the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund's yearly Liberty Comic...and I'll be going out to the networks to pitch a couple of projects to develop for next year. Otherwise it's pretty quiet.

JMS: Re: the B5 thing...I'm not being coy, it's just that over the years, it's like B5 has been the football, the fans (and I to a degree) have been Charlie Brown, and the studios/networks have dutifully executed their role as Lucy. Consequently, I'm not saying anyTHING to anyONE for any REASON until I know for a stone cold fact that there's ink on contracts and we're moving ahead on something of substance.

Crusade: Other Voices Volume 1 is now available! Featuring two of Fiona Avery's scripts (two drafts each) and a never-before-seen unproduced script by Peter Woodward (AKA Galen the Techno-mage) which was scheduled to be a season two episode if Crusade had continued. In addition, concept art, script analyses and the 'Joe Cuts' script-to-DVD differences are included in this look at the making of Crusade.

$10 off the cover price for the first week. http://www.cafepress.com/b5books

I'm excited to announced that JMSNews now has an official Facebook page! Check it out at JMSNews Facebook Page.

The page will provide a place to read announcements, stay connected with the JMSNews community, and help new people discover the site. We encourage you to check out the page and press the "Like" button above to help spread the news.

The announcement was made today that DreamWorks has bought the JMS spec script "Voices from the Dead" which creates a fictional account of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle teaming up with Harry Houdini to solve a set of murders in 1920's New York. JMS will also Executive Produce the project. Per JMS' Facebook page:

The search is on now for a director and stars, and the hope is to get this in front of the camera asap.

After the news began to leak online, JMS confirmed yesterday that he's optioned Harlan Ellison's
"Repent, Harlequin!" Said the Ticktockman and adapted it into a screenplay. It's been out to producers, studios and directors.

Superman: Earth One sold out at Amazon, comic stores and bookstores as soon as it came out and was immediately scheduled for a second, and possibly third printing. The second graphic novel in this series has been fast-tracked and JMS will be stepping back from writing monthly comics for at least a year to concentrate on graphic novels and miniseries. The arcs for Superman and Wonder Woman will be completed from JMS' notes by Chris Roberson and Phil Hester, respectively.

Just in time to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the B5 books project,
"Artifacts from Beyond the Rim" includes JMS' handwritten notes (with
transcription!), never-before-seen Peter Ledger concept art and *much* more.

$10 discount good through Oct. 26,2010. This is a limited edition book that
will only be available for sale until Jan. 20, 2011.

Recently returned from being on exhibit at the Science Fiction museum in Seattle, legendary writer Harlan Ellison has placed his first typewriter up for sale. This Remington portable typewriter that Harlan used to write his first stories and the "Dimensions" fanzine was a gift from his mother and still works (as shown in the photos). As a bonus, Harlan will type a half page of something on the typewriter before it's shipped. More details here.

JMS has announced that he'll be appearing at the New York Comic-Con Oct 8 thru 10 as one of their guests of honor. Other guests include Bruce Campbell and Stan Lee.

"Crusade: What the Hell Happened?" Volume 1 is now available for sale at $10 off the cover price.

JMS's introduction and episode commentaries, previously unreleased promo scripts, analyses of script changes, concept art, storyboards and more are all included in this series that's been so eagerly awaited by the fans.

Discount is good through Aug. 31 only.

Good News! Volume One of "Crusade: What The Hell Happened?" will be released on Wed., Aug. 25. For more information, go to B5Books.com.

JMS has created a Fans of J. Michael Straczynski Facebook page and has posted several updates recently:

- Quick note of apologies to our friends north of the border...I've had to cancel out my appearance at the Fan Expo in Toronto later this month (which was always contingent on work) due to the press of work here. Between having been down with bronchitis and then SDCC, I've fallen behind on scripts for DC and elsewhere, and need to catch up, so with regrets and apologies to our Canadian friends, I have to bow out.

Re: The final issues of "The Twelve":
- Just to let folks know that the book will be coming out. Chris and I have circled different deadlines and schedules...sometimes I was on and he w...as off doing Book of Eli, then he was on and I was off...but sonuvagun, it's going to get done. And here's the proof for those who've scoffed.

Sales numbers for his first full issue of Wonder Woman:
- We've gotten the sales figures on my first full Wonder Woman issue, and DC is very, very happy. Everyone was wondering how the first regular book would do, and we came in at 38. The regular book in the four months prior to the anniversary issue had come in at 71, 85, 78 and 82, respecitively, so we've jumped 47 from ...the lowest point, or nearly halfway up top 100 rankings. We're off to a great start.

The New York Times unveiled a new look for Wonder Woman beginning with JMS' taking up the writing for Wonder Woman in issue #600.

According to reports, this issue is going to a second printing.

JMS's preview segment is also available for iPad or iPod download.

Superman #700 is now on sale and features a preview of JMS' first story arc, "Grounded". As part of the introduction, JMS and DC are inviting fans to write an essay to say why Superman should walk through their town or city. Full details can be found here. Nine winners will be chosen.

JMS has announced that he'll be appearing at the San Diego Comic-con July 22-25 and is tentatively scheduled to appear at FanExpo Toronto August 27-29. Find out his plans for Superman and Wonder Woman as he takes over writing for these two iconic characters.

JMS will be appearing at an Orange County Screenwriters Association event on May 22. The event is open to the public with a panel discussion at 10:00 AM and JMS coming on at 11:00 AM. More information can be found here.

JMS has been nominated for an Eisner Award in the category Best Single Issue (or One-Shot) for Brave and the Bold #28 "Blackhawk and the Flash: Firing Line". Full list of nominations can be found here.

The Source announced today that starting with the July anniversary issues for both titles. No information yet as to what artists will be pairing with JMS.

An essay from JMS on what it means to him to take over these titles can be found here.

Crusade: Behind the Scenes is now available to order at B5Books.com. These as-it-happened interviews with Actors, Designers, Directors, Producers and Writers details the creation (and destruction) of the Babylon 5 spin-off series.

This compilation of interviews conducted by Joe Nazzaro are in chronological order with notes about what was happening at that stage of production. About 70% of this material has never been published before. Includes many candid photos and samples of concept art.

Available at $10 off through Wednesday, February 24.

DC Universe has announced two new Original Graphic Novels to come out in 2010. Superman: Earth One will be penned by JMS and drawn by Shane Davis. Batman: Earth One will be written by Geoff Johns and drawn by Gary Frank.

Comic Book Resources has an interview with JMS where he talks about his plans for the Man of Steel.

The first 128-page OGN is due out in September 2010.

Asked & Answered Part 5 is now available at the Debut Discount price of $29.99 This final volume covers seasons 2 through the TV movies and answers such questions as:

- What recurring dream JMS had became part of Londo's story.
- Who won the sixth game of the 2259 World Series.
- What the Minbari symbols on Vir's coat of welcoming really said.
- Why Franklin's Underground Railroad file was named "Harriet"

...and much, much more in this final book of the Asked & Answered series. The Debut Discount is available through Nov. 17 and they'll never be discounted again.

JMS will be appearing at the Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention on Nov. 8 at 2:00 PM with an autograph session following. Premium ticket holders will receive a full size NINJA ASSASSIN movie poster courtesy of Warner Bros.

Part 4 of the Asked & Answered series is now available. The $10 discount is available through Tuesday, Oct. 20. In this volume are JMS' real-time reactions to the day-to-day requirements of creating the B5 universe for "The Gathering" and the beginning of the episodes. There are sections for each episode from "Midnight on the Firing Line" through "Chrysalis". Check out http://www.cafepress.com/b5books

Asked & Answered Part 3 is now availalbe at B5Books.com. The $10 Debut Discount is good through Tuesday, Aug. 18 only. Some of the topics covered in this volume are:

Sex
Rants
Special Effects
Species
Writing Babylon 5

JMS has confirmed that he'll be appearing at FanExpo Canada August 28-30.

Asked & Answered: J. Michael Straczynski Answers 5,296 Fan Questions About Babylon 5 & Beyond Part Two is now available. The $10 debut discount runs through July 22. Some of the categories in this volume include:

Fan Interaction
Fun with JMS
Last Days and Legacy of B5
Places and Planets
Production of Babylon 5

Click here to see sample pages

JMS will be the featured speaker at the 2nd annual Julius Schwartz Lecture at MIT on May 22 at 7:00 PM. Brought to you by the Comparative Media Studies program, the evening is scheduled to feature a talk by JMS followed by a Q&A with the head of the program Henry Jenkins III and questions from the audience. Tickets are available online or from local comic stores.

Asked & Answered: J. Michael Straczynski Answers 5,296 Fan Questions About Babylon 5 & Beyond is the new series from the Babylon 5 Scripts Team. A five-volume series, Part One went on sale May 13. For the first week, there is a $10 discount.

Asked & Answered brings you the 18-year (and counting) conversation between JMS and fans in a way never seen before. Go to B5Books.com to see the topics covered and 12 sample pages of this new series!

JMS has been nominated for 3 Eisner Awards:

Best Ongoing Series - Thor
Best Limited Series - The Twelve
Best Writer - JMS

The awards ceremony will be held July 24 at San Diego Comic-Con

In 1999, J. Michael Straczynski allowed his original notes on Babylon 5 to be released via his Last Word column in the Babylon 5 Magazine (Vol. 2, Issue 9). These notes were the first written record of Babylon 5, made moments after he had his inspiration for the series while taking a shower.

Though the magazine is long gone, on this, the 10th anniversary of this column's publication, he wanted to share the origins of Babylon 5 again. While many fans saw them when they were originally published, he realizes that many more have not.

The Birth of the Babylon 5 Story

"Changeling" has been nominated for six Saturn Awards by The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror films:

Best Action/Adventure/Thriller film
Best Actress
Best Director
Best Writing
Best Music
Best Costume

The awards ceremony will take place on June 25 at a site to be announced.

The Scripts of J. Michael Straczynski - The TV Movies is now available at Babylon5scripts.com. This book contains the following scripts:

Thirdspace
The River of Souls
The Legend of the Rangers
The Lost Tales

...along with more photos and goodies from Joe's Vault. The Debut Discount of $10 off is good through Thursday, Feb. 5 and the book will only be available until the end of April.

The "Changeling" screenplay has been nominated for a BAFTA award by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts. Altogether, "Changeling" has been nominated for 8 BAFTA awards:

Best Original Screenplay
Best Director
Best Actress
Cinematography, Editing, Production Design, Costume Design and Sound.

The BAFTAs will be awarded on Feb. 8.

Daily Variety reports that Marc Forster (Quantum of Solace) is going to direct "World War Z", the movie based on the novel by Max Brooks with a script written by JMS.

The Hollywood Reporter reports that JMS is writing an update of sci-fi classic "Forbidden Planet" for Warner Bros. Joel Silver is producing via Silver Pictures.

"But In Purple...I'm Stunning" Quotations of Babylon 5 is now available at babylon5scripts.com. With sections on themed quotes and Character quotes, this book features the favorite quotes from Babylon 5 as chosen by the fans. Discounted price of $24.99 is good through Wed. Oct. 15 only.

The limited edition run of Babylon 5 Scripts: Other Voices ends on September 30, 2008. These three books include all of the non-JMS scripts from Babylon 5 with original introductions/commentaries by the writers. These books will never be offered for sale again so don't miss this chance to get them. www.B5otherVoices.com

The movie trailer for Changeling, written by J. Michael Straczynski, directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Angelina Jolie is now available online. Changeling is slated to have a limited release on Oct. 24 with nationwide release October 31, 2008.

Beyond Time and Space: The Chronologies of Babylon 5 is now available to pre-order here. Featuring two complete chronologies, these documents were compiled from all B5 and Crusade episodes (even some unproduced scripts), movies, novels and short stories and have been updated to include "The Lost Tales". Shipping is expected around Sept. 8 but the $10 off debut discount is available now.

Volume 3 of the Babylon 5 Other Voices series is now available with $10 off the $39.99 price through Monday, July 21. Scripts by Scott Frost, Peter David, Larry DiTillio and Neil Gaiman are in this final volume of the 3-book series. Included in this volume is a 47 page Guide to the League of Non-Alligned worlds with information about their physiology, religions, social structure and more.

The Other Voices series will only be available through September 30.

I'd like to call your attention to this press release about a group of Babylon 5 fans (including many of our own here!) who came together to preserve a piece of Babylon 5 history and make it available to the public. This is a great example of how the fan community can make a difference and I'm very proud of their work.

In Variety's tenth edition of "10 Screenwriters to Watch," J. Michael Straczynski is recognized as "a writer possessed," writing 10 hours a day. "I just enjoy the hell out of it." says JMS. Of his feature debut screenplay "Changeling," Clint Eastwood says, "I didn't change it at all. If someone has done something really well, I say leave it alone. He's a really good writer, and he has a nice sensibility: intelligent, and he made it with a dramatic soul." The complete list can be found here.

Volume 2 of the Babylon 5: Other Voices is now available for sale. This volume features six scripts by Larry DiTillio, Kathryn M. Drennan and D.C. Fontana. The $10 debut discount is available through June 19.

In the newsletter announcing the sale, the Scripts Team verified that all 18 of the Other Voices scripts will be published in this three-book series. The books are coming out monthly and will be available only until September 30, 2008.

Reminder: the Babylon 5 Scripts of J. Michael Straczynski will only be available through June 30 after which they'll be gone forever.

Babylon 5: Other Voices Volume One is now available to order. This volume, first of three planed, features scripts by Larry DiTillio, D.C. Fontana, David Gerrold, Christy Marx and Marc Scott Zicree. As with the 14-volume series, the Babylon 5: Other Voices volumes are discounted $10 off the $39.99 price for the first week. Discount is valid through May 21.

Variety reports that "Changeling", written by J. Michael Straczynski, directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Angelina Jolie will be one of the films competing at this prestigious film festival.

Congratulations to JMS and all those who made the movie.

Volume 14 of The Babylon 5 Scripts of J. Michael Straczynski is now available to order. Read the entire page before ordering so you don't miss any of the important information about:

-- The Proof of Purchase for Volume 15
-- When the volume will ship
-- What the 'Signing Bunker' is and what's happening there
-- The cool extras that have been added.

As always, the Debut Discount of $10 off the $39.99 price will be in effect for the first week so get your order in by April 3!

I'd like to announce that a new drawing is available at the "Contest" tab above. This month we're giving away a rare San Diego Comic-Con Mini-Comic that is signed by JMS! Entry in the drawing is free so don't miss your chance at this very rare item.

JMS had several announcements to make during his spotlight panel at WonderCon on February 23:

* He'll be doing some writing for DC Comics - no word as to what title or titles as yet.

* A deal has been signed for him to write two creator-owned titles for Image, one called "Justice" and the other called "Ten Grand".

* There are two new miniseries planned for Marvel: one Submariner and one Captain America.

* Now that the writer's strike is over, he's got seven more feature films in the works, two of them in the SF genre.

* JMS is starting his own production company named "And the Horse You Rode In On Productions".

The Scripts Team has begun the process of ensuring that every fan who buys the 14 volume Script Book series will get their free Volume 15. Go to http://www.babylon5scripts.com/proof/ for complete instructions once you have your Volume 13. Volume 15 will be shipping with Volume 14 so you need to complete your Proof of Purchase *before* ordering Volume 14.

Volume 13 of the Babylon 5 Scripts of J. Michael Straczynski is now available. The discounted price of $29.99 is available only until 10:00 PM PST on January 29, 2008.

Volume 13 of The Babylon 5 Scripts of J. Michael Straczynski will be available for sale on January 23 at 10:00 AM PST. With seven scripts from Season 5, this is the penultimate book in the 14 volume series.

"These books are the closest I will come to going to everyone's house, one at a time, and saying 'this is what happened, once upon a time." - J. Michael Straczynski

A grassroots effort has begun for fans to support the writers in their fight for a fair contract. fans4writers.com has grown out of a group of fans at whedonesque.com to deliver pizzas to the striking writers. It's now encompassing any and all fandoms because we have a unique opportunity to let the world know that when the writers went on strike, so did we fans.

What can you do? Organize food drops to the striking writers if you can. Send a postcard or letter to the AMPTP to let them know how you feel. Don't forget to let the advertisers of your favorite shows know that you support the writers. Sign the petition in support of the WGA. The fans4writers.com folks are accepting donations with plans to a) continue food drops, b) place ads in the 'trades' showing our support and c) contribute to the WGA fund to help support the striking writers.

JMSNews.com salutes these efforts and encourages all fans to get involved.

In a newsletter from the Scripts Team today, it was announced that Volume 13 of The Babylon 5 Scripts of J. Michael Straczynski will be released in January 2008.

You can now show the world your patriotism and political savvy with the new Election Gear. Let the world know that you want the Londo/G'Kar ticket (or vice versa) or make your stand for a balanced budget by electing Zathras and Zathras (and Zathras and Zathras and...)

An all new Quote Calendar and the Concept Art Calendar for 2008 is now available.

For one week only, you can get a print of JMS's message "Never Surrender Dreams" that he'll personally inscribe to the name (or names) that you designate and autograph as well.

Go to http://NeverSurrenderDreams.com for information on the print and to see a short video of JMS telling what that saying means to him.

Volume 12 of the Babylon 5 Scripts of J. Michael Straczynski is now available to order. Books will ship on September 18 and the debut discount also runs until September 18.

It's been announced that Volume 12 of the Babylon 5 Scripts of J. Michael Straczynski will be available for sale on August 31st. "Vacation Amnesty" is available for those who might be unable to order during the 7-day discount period by emailing help@babylon5scripts.com and putting Vacation Amnesty in the subject line. You will then be added to a list of people who will still be able to purchase the book at the debut discount upon your return.

B5: TLT is now the # 1 SF&F title on Amazon.com and # 6 in overall DVD sales.

Only available for pre-order for a few days, the Lost Tales has reached #564 at Amazon.co.uk

JMS has confirmed that he's written and turned in a script featuring Marvel's Silver Surfer for Fox Studios. The film is currently slated for a 2008 release date.

In addition, JMS is writing the screenplay for They Marched Into Sunlight based on the book by Pulitzer Prize winning author David Maraniss to be directed by Paul Greengrass and distributed by Universal Pictures. "They Marched Into Sunlight" was a nominated finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in History in 2004.

Check out www.babylon5.com for the new Babylon 5: The Lost Tales: Voices in the Dark trailer and some of the Video Diaries.

Babylon 5: The Lost Tales DVD will debut on July 31, 2007 and is available for pre-order now.

--Babylon 5: The Lost Tales is now available for pre-order. The Region 1 release is slated for July 31, 2007 and is available for pre-order at Amazon.com and other outlets.

--Region 2 is scheduled for a Sept. 3, 2007 release and is available for pre-order at Play.com and other outlets.

--Volume 11 of the Scripts of J. Michael Straczynski is now available. With the longest introduction to date, this volume covers the tumultuous events surrounding the eventual confirmation of the fifth season of Babylon 5. Also included are the scripts for "The Deconstruction of Falling Stars", "Sleeping in Light" and "No Compromises" as well as four other fourth and fifth season scripts.

This is a bit off-topic, but I thought I'd let you know about a new site I created at weeklyreleases.com. The purpose of the site is to make it easy to view new DVD, CD, Books, and game releases each week. One of my goals was to display lots of products with large images on one page. This results in the site being very bandwidth hungry, however if you have a fast internet connection all is good. Please check it out if that sounds interesting.

Variety.com reports that JMS's "The Changeling" remains fast-tracked and is attracting such names as Clint Eastwood to direct and Angelina Jolie to star.

--Spoiler warning: [url=http://features.cgsociety.org/story_custom.php?story_id=3971CGSociety.org[\url] features an article on the effects of the upcoming Babylon 5: The Lost Tales with set photos and comments from JMS, concept artist Tim Earls and others.

--At New York Comic Con JMS confirmed that he's writing an adaptation of the novel "World War Z" by Max Brooks for Paramount and Brad Pitt's Plan B Productions. The book is a series of interviews with survivors of the zombie wars and JMS has invented an interviewer for the adaptation but intends to remain as faithful as possible to the book.

Volume 10 of the Babylon 5 Scripts of J. Michael Straczynski will be available as of 10:00 AM (Pacific time) February 28, 2007. As always, there will be a $10 discount for the first week the book is available. Go to Babylon5Scripts.com for details.

Also, for a sneak peek at the new Babylon 5 logo and a CGI sample, check out http://www.babylon5scripts.com/TLT-JMS-Photos.html

Volume 9 of the Babylon 5 Scripts of J. Michael Straczynski is now available! With seven (count 'em) scripts from the fourth season, the Shadow War ends and the march toward Earth begins! Also included in this volume are photos from JMS's own archives as well as an outline for one of the Babylon 5 novels and a peek at what might have been in store for the DC comics. $10 discount period is good through 10:00 PM Thursday, October 5.

Babylon 5: The Lost Tales - JMS announced at San Diego Comic Con recently that Warner Bros. has greenlit a new Babylon 5 project-Babylon 5: The Lost Tales. Currently planned to go direct to DVD (though there's a chance of broadcast, too), JMS described the the project as "An anthology show set in the Babylon 5 universe." "...stories I had for the series but never had a chance to actually put into gear-a bunch of different stories I never had time to produce."

JMS is slated to write, produce and direct the segments, about 30 minutes each. As of SDCC, the plan is to shoot the first of them in September, do post-production the last quarter of 2006 and the first DVD should come out in the second quarter of 2007.

Volume 8 of the Babylon 5 Scripts of J. Michael Straczynski is now available with $10 off through Tuesday, June 27. For this volume, JMS has rediscovered all of the original concept art by Peter Ledger much of it never seen before. A full-color sample is on the back cover of the book and there are an additional 15 pages of black and white pages inside. All that and seven Third and Fourth season scripts!

Volume 7 of the Script Books is now available. This book is the midway point in the regular volumes and to commemorate the occasion a special gift will be included with orders through Aug. 31. Be sure to check out the new items in the Quote Store as well.

<a href="http://www.babylon5scripts.com/vol06.html" target="_blank">Volume #6 </a> of The Babylon 5 Scripts of J. Michael Straczynski is now available with JMS's deeply personal tribute to Andreas Katsulas as well as the scripts for three of the most important episodes in the series -- &quot;Messages from Earth&quot;, &quot;Point of No Return&quot; and &quot;Severed Dreams&quot;. $10 discount good through April 24 at 10 PM Pacific Time.

It's big...It's really big! At 482 pages, <a href="http://www.babylon5scripts.com/vol05.html" target="_blank">Volume 5 of The Babylon 5 Scripts of J. Michael Straczynski </a> is the biggest yet! Why so big, you ask? Because the original draft of 'Matters of Honor' is included which has <i>an entirely different 'A' story</i>. This original draft of the Season 3 opener brings this volume up to 8 scripts. The $10 discount is through March 16.

Volume 4 of The Scripts of J. Michael Straczynski is now available at <a href="http://www.babylon5scripts.com/vol04.html" target="_blank">http://www.babylon5scripts.com/vol04.html</a> This volume includes an 18 page partial First Season script entitled &quot;Festival&quot; and &quot;another of Straczynski's long-winded, self-indulgent, overblown introductions and episodic commentaries.&quot; where we'll be introduced to the production team responsible for creating the show. Discount of $10 through Feb. 17.

Volume 3 of The Scripts of J. Michael Straczynski is now available at <a target="_blank" style="color: #22229C" href="http://www.babylon5scripts.com/vol03.html"> http://www.babylon5scripts.com/vol03.html</a>. Of this volume, JMS writes, &quot;The funniest, most personal, and most revealing volume yet...the book that was so big we had to push the photos to volume 4 just to fit everything in!&quot;. The discount of $10. ends on January 8.<br>
<br>
In the Quotes section of the Joe Store (

<a target="_blank" style="color: #22229C" href="http://www.cafepress.com/thejoestore">http://www.cafepress.com/thejoestore</a>), new items are available in women's styles and items with the &quot;I am Grey&quot; quote have been added. Several items are going to be retired as of January 31.

JMSNews would like to wish you a safe and happy holidays! May 2006 bring
you health, happiness, and lots of great science fiction!

Two big announcements:&nbsp;1) &nbsp;At the suggestion of fans hungry
for&nbsp;New Babylon 5 Stuff, the Joe Store is now up and running on Cafe
Press.&nbsp; There you'll find clothing, totes, mugs magnets&nbsp;and many other
items with some of JMS's (and the fans) favorite quotes.&nbsp; Need&nbsp;to let
the world know that "In Purple, I'm Stunning" or that you're "...paying off
karma at a vastly accelerated rate"?&nbsp;Then check out <A
href="http://www.cafepress.com/thejoestore">http://www.cafepress.com/thejoestore</A></DIV>
<br>
2) The Scripts of J. Michael Straczynski, Volume # 2 is up for sale at a
discounted rate through December 2, 2005.&nbsp; READ seven first season scripts
that take you to the season-ender, Chrysalis.&nbsp; DISCOVER how real life
influenced JMS in his writing and UNCOVER the story behind the famous
"fasten/zip" scene.&nbsp; CHECK OUT <A
href="http://www.babylon5scripts.com/Vol02.htm">http://www.babylon5scriptscom/Vol02.htm</A>&nbsp;for
more information.

I'm happy to report that the first volume of the official Babylon 5 scripts is available at <a href="http://www.babylon5scripts.com">www.babylon5scripts.com</A>. Besides the 5 scripts (including the pilot) this volume also includes a 53 page introduction from JMS, 30 pages of memos written during the creation of the pilot episode, and behind the scenes photos. It all looks very interesting and I can't wait to take a look.

Congratulations to Javier Heredia who is the winner of the signed Fantastic Four #527! Details of the next drawing will be posted on the contest page soon.

Check out the Contest page for a chance at winning a <b>signed</b> copy of <b>Fantastic Four #527</b>. This issue features an exclusive cover variant that was only given to people who pre-registered for the Wizard World Philadelphia convention. Special thanks goes out to Jan for donating this item.

The JMSNews forums are back on-line. I upgraded the site to vBulletin 3.0 so please let me know if you encounter any problems. Thanks for your patience over the last week while I restored the site.

Restoring the JMSNews forums has taken longer than expected. The good news is that the forums are almost ready to go live. I have updated to vBulletin version 3.0 which required porting the database to the new system. This unfortunately did not go as smooth as hoped but I have worked out most of the issues. I expect the forums to be available Sunday morning. Thanks for your patience.

Update: My goal is to have the JMSNews Forums up and running late Thursday. Thank you for your patience.

The extended server outage over the past couple days was due to a malicious user gaining access to the server. Unfortunately this required the machine to be reformatted and re-installed from scratch. I'm still investigating the source of the security breach and am only bring services back that I'm sure are secure. Unfortunately this means the JMSNews Forums will be down for at least another day while I evaluate its security. The mail server is also offline. If required I can be contacted <a href="mailto:dougo@nwlink.com">here</a>. I apologize for the inconvenience.

I'd like to wish everyone happy holidays and a wonderful new year! Here's looking forward to a safe and enjoyable 2005!

Congratulations to Brian Ross who is the winner of the signed Sleeping in Light script! Details of the next drawing will be posted on the contest page soon.

I'd like to thank everyone who showed up today for the Forums birthday party. A lot of visitors dropped in and we had a good time.

I've put up a new drawing on the "Contest" page. This one is for a signed copy of the <b>Sleeping in Light</b> script. This script of the Babylon 5 series finale contains a number of special items including deleted dialog and an alternate ending. A definite collector's item!