Gandalf & Saruman at SLCC 2013

SALT LAKE CITY — Once scheduled for a smaller venue in the suburbs, the first ever Salt Lake Comic Con filled Utah’s capital city’s largest convention venue and had it bursting at the seams Saturday. For a time the hundreds waiting outside were not allowed to enter except at a 1-out-1-in rate. Word on the dealer’s floor said it was because the fire marshal closed the space but that rumor was never confirmed.

Reports in the media called the event “record setting” for a first-year convention, and that is possibly true, but such stats aren’t readily available. In any case, it was a massive event with celebrities that included William Kircher (Bifur) and Manu Bennett (Azog) and other pop-culture icons like William Shatner and Adam West.

Azog at Weta booth, Salt Lake Comic Con 2013

TheOneRing.net was part of the fun as well, with staffer (and this writer) Larry D. Curtis (MrCere) attending with the show in his (my) hometown. the SLComic Con invited TORn to present a panel about Smaug and serve on other panels as well, with topics including Fantasy Films, all things Tolkien, Geek Culture and film school.

Bennett and Kircher were kind enough to drop by TheOneRing panel that also included author and TORn friend Paul Genesse. He helped moderate the panel and showed incredible enthusiasm for the material.

TheOneRing also managed a booth on the at time very crowded floor supported by incredible friends at Badali Jewelry and Weta Workshop making its first U.S. appearance outside of the San Diego Comic Con. TORn helped back in a small way to staff the Weta booth and send those with questions about where to purchase The One Ring to Badali’s very nearby booth. Artist David Powell was also kind enough to sign posters of his art for fans.

The Salt Palace Convention Center can be expanded and the SLCC will return next year. TheOneRing.net hopes to be part of the show. Thanks to Dan McBride and Blonde Ninja for their support of the TORn booth. Thanks also to the many financial supports at the event and to Salt Lake Comic Con for letting us be a part of the show. If you attended and would like TORn to return, you can use the contact info here to let them know.

If anybody has images of Bennett and Kircher attending the TORn panel, please send them in! We were busy having a panel and didn’t get any photos.

Thanks to Ringer Rud the Spud for the link.

The standard-issue Star Trek Into Darkness Blu-ray comes with a mere seven featurettes in the US. But there’s much more content out there! Buy the movie from iTunes and you get the director’s commentary; buy it from BestBuy (or Sainsburys, in the UK) and you get another selection of exclusive extras; buy it from Target and you get a few more.

If you’re a US completist, in other words, you’re going to need quite a few copies. Here in the UK, it appears that we get six featurettes, and if you want the commentary there’s a code for you to download it free from iTunes. People are riled, and on some level one has to wonder: are the studios intentionally throwing Blu-ray under a bus? Have they given up on the format?

This isn’t the first time this has happened with a major release. Avengers had extra bells and whistles at Bestbuy and Walmart, but those were slightly less essential extras than a commentary (the fact that the UK’s still waiting for Whedon’s commentary on that title is another disgrace).

If you’re a film fan and could only choose one feature, chances are it would be the commentary, so this drive to make that a hard-to-get rarity is – frankly – a terrible one. In a very good recent article on the movie Clue, director Jonathan Lynn mentions that he offered to record a commentary for its Blu-ray release and was turned down by the studio.

[Read More]

Pre-order your copy of the AUJ: EE at Amazon

Out of all the jewellers in the world, Peter Jackson chose The Ringmaker Jens Hansen to make The One Ring™ for our favourite movies. Jens submitted 15 ring prototypes in a variety of weights and finishes, and from this extensive collection, the final Movie Ring design was selected. This design has now become the “World’s Most Famous Ring”.

The Jens Hansen team also created Vilya, the ring worn by Hugo Weaving as Elrond, and last year made a special commission of 12 rings for The Hobbit’s actors who played the dwarfs.

In the workshop in Nelson, New Zealand – the middle of Middle Earth – the Jens Hansen craftsmen make gold and silver The One Ring™ replicas and character rings, along with sought-after distinctive, Scandinavian-inspired jewellery.

And, because Jens Hansen loves us movie fans so much, they are running a competition for us. Click here to like them on Facebook to enter the draw to win your own gold-plated The One Ring replica, in your size choice with engraving or without. And, don’t forget to follow them on Tumblr and Twitter so you can follow all their news. Good luck! [Enter Today]

Vanderstelt Studio, home of the amazing artist Jerry Vanderstelt, have generously added their own pledge to TORn’s fundraising efforts.  Jerry Vanderstelt is a formidable painter who is an ardent fan of sci-fi and fantasy, and particularly of C S Lewis and J R R Tolkien.  His paintings include work inspired by The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Star Wars and Indiana Jones.

Jerry has donated some stunning artwork to TORn’s current auction.  These pieces are exclusive prints, personally signed and with unique sketches by Jerry added to the print.  One auction item is for three Lord of the Rings pieces, and the other is for a wonderful painting of Dwalin the Dwarf.  You can find the auctions items here and here; don’t miss this chance to own some extraordinary pieces of Middle-earth art!

TheOneRing.net would like to formally thank Vanderstelt Studios for their continued support of TheOneRing.net!

[Visit Vandersteltstudio.com] [Pledge Your Support Today]

There are some fabulous, exclusive pieces up for grabs – including some things which, usually, money can’t buy! Time is running out on some of our auctions too, so best check them out now. Here are just a couple that might tickle your fancy:

Legend of Sigurd and Gudrun Tolkien signed by Dwalin & Bifur

PICTURES OF AUTOGRAPHS ADDED

Autographed during 2013 DragonCon in Atlanta, GA by The Hobbit Dwarves Bifur (William Kircher) and Dwalin (Graham McTavish) in generous support of TORn’s Fundraiser. More pictures will be coming.

This is a brand new copy of a recent Tolkien publication, ‘The Legend of Sigurd and Gudrun’, which was edited by Christopher Tolkien and published 2009. The hardback book is in excellent condition; there are some minor scuffs/creases to the paper sleeve, plus a slight sticky mark where it looks like a price label was removed off the back. Otherwise in perfect condition.

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Published: 2009
By JRR Tolkien; edited Christopher Tolkien
ISBN: 978-0-547-27342-6

The winner may have to endure a bit of a delay in this UNIQUE bag’s shipment as it is still at DragonCon with our TORn reps. They still have a long journey home after the Convention.

Legend of Sigurd and Gudrun Tolkien signed by Dwalin & Bifur Auction

Autographed Official DragonCon Contest 1 Cert. by Bifur, Dwalin, Radagast

Autographed by 2 Dwarves and a Wizard; William Kircher (Bifur), Graham McTavish (Dwalin) and Sylvester McCoy (Radagast the Brown). This is a NEW and OFFICIAL 2013 DragonCon “Costume Contest Comedy Category” Winner’s Certificate [First Prize!]. They generously signed this certificate in support of TORn’s Fundraiser. Picture discoloration is due to lighting. Certificate color is off white as seen in picture of contestants on stage.

DragonCon’s Costuming Contest is a fashion show that focuses on the craftsmanship of the costumes created by Con-goers from all over the world. Hundreds of costumes are seen in the hallways, panels, and other competitions throughout DragonCon, but little attention was paid to the efforts taken to make these wearable works of art. For this reason, in 2006 the contest was created to acknowledge those efforts and abilities as opposed to just presentation skills. Each year, a panel of prestigious and professional judges in the costuming business host and judge the contest. One of the most exciting things for contestants is to receive recognition and an award for their own work from these judges.

The winner of this auction may have to endure a bit of a delay of shipment as it is still at DragonCon with our TORn reps. They still have a long journey home after the Convention.

Autographed Official DragonCon Contest 1 Cert. by Bifur, Dwalin, Radagast Auction

There are some fabulous, exclusive pieces up for grabs – including some things which, usually, money can’t buy! Time is running out on some of our auctions too, so best check them out now. Here are just three that might tickle your fancy:

EXCLUSIVE Dwalin the Dwarf of The Hobbit Artwork by Jerry VanderStelt

This auction offers a stunning canvas print by prominent artist, Jerry VanderStelt. Best known not only for his works inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien, he also captures the worlds of Indiana Jones, Star Wars, and much more in the Fantasy/SciFi genre. Dwalin the Dwarf will be signed and personalized by Jerry VanderStelt and comes with a certificate of authenticity.

Mr.VanderStelt is also offering the winner of this Auction the choice of the frame-ready canvas or to have the canvas Gallery Wrapped. The two images displayed with this Auction shows the raw, canvas form and also how the Gallery Wrap option gives it a mounted, more dimensional look.

The canvas measures 18 x 24 inches, NOT counting the border that is designed to be Gallery Wrapped. Once it is Gallery Wrapped, the canvas will measure 18 x 24 inches. Please allow 2-3 weeks for completion. The work uses the finest materials available of archival inks as well as Breathing Color’s exclusive “Lyve” canvas and “Timeless” protective finish.

Your prize will also be shipped to you directly from the VanderStelt Studio, which is a site you must visit to see his stunning work up close. Jerry VanderStelt’s life-like detail and style of artwork gives each of his subjects a rich depth and beauty that’s impossible to describe.

Dwalin Artwork by Jerry VanderStelt Auction

Exclusive ‘The Nazgul’ Medallion No.1 – Prototype LotR Sideshow

This is one-of-a-kind master prototype of The Nazgûl Medallion by Sideshow used for their final creation. Highly collectible, this is genuinely a Lord of the Rings’ film treasure. Approximate weight 4 lbs; approximately 6″ in circumference.

A signed letter of authentication by a Sideshow representative is available.

Nazgul Medallion Auction

Autographed Official DragonCon Contest 2 Cert. by Bifur, Dwalin, Radagast

Autographed by 2 Dwarves and a Wizard; William Kircher (Bifur), Graham McTavish (Dwalin) and Sylvester McCoy (Radagast the Brown). This is a NEW and OFFICIAL 2013 DragonCon “Costume Contest Comedy Category” Runner Up Winner’s Certificate. They generously signed this certificate in support of TORn’s Fundraiser. Picture discoloration is due to lighting. Certificate color is off white as seen in picture of contestants on stage.

DragonCon’s Costuming Contest is a fashion show that focuses on the craftsmanship of the costumes created by Con-goers from all over the world. Hundreds of costumes are seen in the hallways, panels, and other competitions throughout DragonCon, but little attention was paid to the efforts taken to make these wearable works of art. For this reason, in 2006 the contest was created to acknowledge those efforts and abilities as opposed to just presentation skills. Each year, a panel of prestigious and professional judges in the costuming business host and judge the contest. One of the most exciting things for contestants is to receive recognition and an award for their own work from these judges.

The winner of this auction may have to endure a bit of a delay of shipment as it is still at DragonCon with ourTORn reps. They still have a long journey home after the Convention.

Autographed Official DragonCon Contest 2 Cert. by Bifur, Dwalin, Radagast Auction

Not much that’s new, but it’s certainly more confirmation of divergences from Tolkien’s novel. If you’re trying to remain unaware of these little surprises, don’t read on — here be SPOILERS!

But if you like what you see, you can order your copy of the book from Amazon.

Bilbo’s travels with Thorin and the rest of The Company have taken him far from his home in The Shire. From towering mountains to cavernous depths, the heroes find themselves passing through some truly amazing places.

Beorn’s cabin

When the group are searching for somewhere to rest after their dangerous journey through the Misty Mountains, Gandalf leads them here. But after they are chased by a huge bear, Bilbo thinks that htey might have been safer if they’d stayed up a tree surrounded by Wargs!

However, the Shape-shifter Beorn reveals that he is the bear, and welcomes everyone into his home. They Company are able to rest here in peace before continuing their quest.

Mirkwood

When Gandalf heads south on a quest of his own, The Company are faced with travelling through this weird wood on their own. Blanketed in shadows and filled with decay and evil, Mirkwood has claimed the lives of many an unwary traveller. If the deadly waters of its dark rivers don’t claim you, then one of the horrible creatures lurking in the shadows surely will…

The Hall of the Elvenking

The fortress of Thranduil, the King of the Wood Elves. Thranduil sees Mirkwood as his private realm and has little patience for those who enter it without his premission — especially if they happen to be Dwarves. Built over the swift river that leads to the Long Lake, it is here Thorin and his companions are taken when they are captured by the Elves. Luckily for them, Bilbo has a trick or two up his sleeve.

If you enjoy the work we do here at TheOneRing.net, and would like to see your Tolkien community keep on growing and growing, please consider making a Pledge. Time is fast running out to join the Tale of Honour — there’s only a day or so left on our Pledge Drive!

There are some fabulous, exclusive pieces up for grabs – including some things which, usually, money can’t buy! Time is running out on some of our auctions too, so best check them out now. Here are just three that might tickle your fancy:

Elijah Wood PERSONALLY AUTOGRAPHED 8×10 photograph

In EXCELLENT condition, this is an 8 x 10 inch photograph personally signed by Elijah Wood for one of our TORn staffers at ORC 2004 (One Ring Celebration Convention). This is not a pre-stamped signature. It’s the real thing!

For several years, TheOneRing.net would host an ORC Convention in Pasadena, California. At each 3-day Convention, the Hobbits (Billy Boyd, Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, and Dom Monaghan) would attend our festivities along with many of the LotR cast, artists, production crew, calligrapher Daniel Reeve (and more), as well as Tolkien artists, authors… you get the picture!

It was during the 2004 Convention that Elijah Wood autographed this photograph for our TORn staffer. There are no snapshots of this happy moment… just the fond memory of its recipient.

Elijah Wood Autographed Photo Auction

TORn’s ‘Road to DragonCon!’ Faux Mirkwood Orc Arrow

Since leaving Los Angeles, California last Monday, TORn’s most Worthy Warriors have taken to the Road on a Quest to DragonCon in Atlanta, Georgia. They will arrive at the mighty Con this Labor Day Weekend (August 30 – September 1). The journey has been fraught with danger, travelling through unknown lands, and braving endless cups of questionable coffee.

Now you can own a piece of the ‘Road to DragonCon’. During their trip while at 4-corners USA, they came upon what they have dubbed a ‘Mirkwood Orc Arrow’. Now, we all know that the chance of Orcs being found in Southwest America is pretty slim, but that makes this item all the more unique. Okay… it’s really not from Mirkwood, or Orcish, but what if it was!?”

Because this treasure is on the Road, the exact dimensions and materials of this weaponry are unknown for now… making it all the more mysterious. Let’s make a guess and say the arrow is 16-18 inches long with a wooden shaft and a green stone or plastic arrowhead. Admit it. You’re intrigued! Take a chance and defy reason… make a bid!

Watch for more captivating trinkets as our Rugged Road Warriors find plunder along the way there and back again. Own a piece of the ‘Road to DragonCon’.

And there’s more! Because our Travellers are not at home, there may be a delay of a week or so before your auction Fundraising item can be shipped to you. Thank you for your interest, understanding and bravery!

Faux Mirkwood Orc Arrow Auction

 Bilbo Baggins long-sleeve t-shirt Hobbit

Item is a high quality standard Size Large official New Line Productions long-sleeved T-shirt. New with tags –100% cotton – never worn, never washed (may shrink). It is a light tan color, and the image has been photo-silk screened (it is not a transfer).  Measurements: Across Chest 21.5 inches, Sleeve Length (from sleeve seam at shoulder to wrist) is 23.5 inches, Overall Length (from shoulder to hem) is 31 inches.”

Bilbo Baggins Long-sleeve T-shirt Auction

Or click here to check out all our auctions!

Justin took the crystal slab, streaming the knowledge of Middle-Earth to those who wanted it most, while Doug and Ryan fled into the dark, cold, gaming cave. Where they played Cryptozoic’s table-play The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey with all manner of persons. Jovial were the games when people learned the power of working as a team, as one unit, and the company never faltered once.

While the young dwarves looked after the horses, the streaming Company were making their way to panels moderated by Mr. Cere on the Tolkien track. Drunken hobbit songs brought in a rowdy audience. More tales from Middle-earth with Graham McTavish (Dwalin) and William Kircher (Bifur).

The Company reconvened as a complete group once more to dine, then set out in search of a party, and find a party they did. All the cracks in time and space had opened for one night at the annual masquerade, and a host of beings from every plane poured into the lobbies of the four hotels. Spilling into the halls ,and rooms of conference, splashing the air with the sounds of their fevered happiness. It was a gathering of which the likes have never been seen, or may never be seen again.

All good things must conclude , so check out tomorrow’s installment of “Cryptozoic’s Lost Tales” when the company once again hits the road. They’ve completed the “There”, now it is time for the “Back Again” in Cryptozoic’s Road to Dragon Con!

Doug Brochu.

There are some fabulous, exclusive pieces up for grabs – including some things which, usually, money can’t buy! Time is running out on some of our auctions too, so best check them out now. Here are just three that might tickle your fancy:

EXCLUSIVE 3-piece set of Lord of the Rings Art by Jerry VanderStelt

This auction offers a beautiful 3-piece set of The Lord of the Rings Collector Edition Lithographs by prominent artist, Jerry VanderStelt. Best known not only for his works inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien, he also captures the worlds of Indiana Jones, Star Wars, and much more in the Fantasy/SciFi genre.

Each Lithograph of the 3-piece set has a unique Remarque or sketch drawn on the bottom left corner, signed separately from the normal signature and a certification of authenticity.

The collage of iconic images, moments from The Lord of the Rings includes:

Set 1: The Fellowship of the Ring
Set 2: The Two Towers
Set 3: The Return of the King

These Lithographs are printed on a Heidelberg press using 200 line screen for superior reproduction quality, as well as utilizing “100 year” archival inks, and an aqueous coating for a protective finish. Each litho is made with heavy 100 pound paper and measure at 24 x 30 inches each. If you purchase the 3-piece set through BUY IT NOW, Mr. Vanderstelt has offered to personalize each Lithograph. Your prize will also be shipped to you directly from the Vanderstelt Studio, which is a site you must visit to see his stunning work up close. Jerry VanderStelt’s life-like detail and style of artwork gives each of his subjects a rich depth and beauty that’s impossible to describe.

Lord of the Rings Art Auction

TORn Collector’s Ed. Hobbit Magazine signed by Dwalin, Bifur and more

This copy has found itself travelling to DragonCon 2013 where it has been signed by two of The Hobbit’s Dwarves — Dwalin; Graham McTavish and Bifur; William Kircher — for TORn’s Fundraiser! It also has two of the articles signed by their authors. A collaborative effort between Topix Media Lab and your friends here at TheOneRing.net, this tribute to The Hobbit covers everything you need to know about The Hobbit movies from a fan perspective.

Side-bars and feature articles, contributed by our own volunteer staff, include interviews, a feature on book vs. the movie, articles on games and collectibles, a Middle-earth timeline, and much more! The high-quality, glossy paper used for this magazine is also packed with colorful pictures of cast and crew members, locations, collectibles, gorgeous fan art and a few exclusives! One thing that makes this truly a collector’s edition is that there are only two ads in the entire 82-page magazine.

Signed Hobbit Magazine Auction

Paperback The Hobbit signed by Graham McTavish and William Kircher

This is a NEW paperback copy of The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien with a movie tie-in picture from The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey film released in December, 2012.  This copy has travelled to DragonCon 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia and has found itself autographed by 2 Dwarves (William Kircher and Graham McTavish) for TORn’s Fundraiser Auction.

Signed copy of The Hobbit Book Auction

Or click here to check out all our auctions!

There are some fabulous, exclusive pieces up for grabs – including some things which, usually, money can’t buy! Time is running out on some of our auctions too, so best check them out now. Here are just three that might tickle your fancy:

Tauriel Poster signed by its artist David Powell / Rosie the Riveter

Autographed by David Powell, Senior Designer of Badali Jewelry and lifelong Tolkien fan.  Powell is the designer and original artist of this new Hobbit-inspired poster of Elf Warrior Tauriel.  Her pose resembles the WWII American propaganda poster Rosie the Riveter reflecting the power of the female worker at war time.  Measures at 18×24 inches.

Tauriel Poster signed by David Powell Auction

Hobbit Canvas Tote Swag Book Bag SIGNED BY Dwalin & Bifur

PICTURES OF AUTOGRAPHS ADDED

This canvas book bag/tote/swag bag is signed in purple sharpie by Dwarves Dwalin (Graham McTavish) and Bifur (William Kircher) at 2013 DragonCon for TORn’s Fundraiser. This NEW autographed tote sports the picture of the Misty Mountains drawn by JRR Tolkien for the 1937 cover of his (then) new book, The Hobbit.

Made by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt publishers, the bag is durable, measures at 14″ high x 12″ wide, and is not available at stores.

The winner may have to endure a bit of a delay in this UNIQUE bag’s shipment as it is still at DragonCon in Atlanta, GA with our TORn reps. They still have a long journey home after the Convention.

Signed Hobbit Tote Bag Auction

Children of Hurin Bookmarks signed by Dwalin

PICTURE OF AUTOGRAPH ADDED Discoloration is from the lighting when picture was taken.

Unavailable for sale, this limited special-edition Bookmark accompanied the 500 1st editions of JRR Tolkien’s The Children of Hurin at the special 2007 release in NYC. These 500 editions contained a bookplate with the signatures of Christopher Tolkien (editor) and Alan Lee (artist). This auction is only for one of those unique Bookmarks (NOT for the book).

This Bookmark is even MORE special now with an autograph by Graham McTavish (Dwalin) for TORn’s Fundraiser while at 2013 DragonCon.

The winner may have to endure a bit of a delay in shipment as it is still at DragonCon with our TORn reps. They still have a long journey home after the Convention.

Signed Children of Hurin Bookmark Auction

Or click here to check out all our auctions!

There are some fabulous, exclusive pieces up for grabs – including some things which, usually, money can’t buy! Time is running out on some of our auctions too, so best check them out now. Here are just three that might tickle your fancy:

Two Towers poster of Sam and Frodo in Osgiliath Excellent Condition

This is a moment in The Lord of the Ring: The Two Towers that captures the heart and will of Sam Gamgee as he comes to realize his purpose in the Quest of the Fellowship. After Frodo and Sam are weary from struggling, Sam’s famous words turn the tide for them. Printed on the poster:

“Those were the stories that stayed with you. That meant something, even if you were too small to understand why. But I think, Mr. Frodo, I do understand. I know now. Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back only they didn’t. They kept going because they were holding on to something.’
‘What are we holding on to Sam?’
‘There’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo. And it’s worth fighting for.’”

NEW — Quality of picture is because of camera flash and lighting — Size is 27″ x40″

Two Towers Poster Auction

The Hill: Hobbiton-across-the-Water – Bag End-Hobbit poster

NEW in tube! Take out just to get picture. Measures 17x 24 inches.

In 1937, J.R.R. Tolkien came to his publisher with five watercolours to accompany his story, The Hobbit. This poster is a reproduction of one of those five sketches, “The Hill: Hobbiton-across-the-Water”. It was part of the Bodleian Library, University of Oxford, Tolkien exhibition ‘Tolkien Life and Legend’ in 1987 for The Hobbit’s 50thAnniversary.

Hobbiton-across-the-Water Poster Auction

NIB Exclusive LOTR PEZ gift set by Walmart featuring the Eye of Sauron

This limited-edition Lord of the Rings Pez Gift Set comes with eight themed dispensers and 12 rolls of candy.The dispensers are Bilbo Baggins, Frodo Baggins, Samwise Gamgee, Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Gollum.

LOTR PEZ Gift Set Auction

Or click here to check out all our auctions!