Bakshi On March 28, 2015 TheOneRing.net livestreamed an interview with animation pioneer Ralph Bakshi to discuss the first-ever “The Lord of the Rings” film (1978), and to parse the differences between homage and rip-off (and the not-so-nebulous chains of inspiration from one artist to another).

Bakshi revealed to us that his Studio’s “LOTR” character designs and artwork were sent down to Three Foot Six in New Zealand; elevating the conversation of his impact on the live-action epic.

The subversive director has lived through numerous controversies, yet remains undervalued by Ringer fans and feels personally slighted by Jackson. He carries on vigorously at 77 years old with a new crowdfunded animated work, “The Last Days of Coney Island” and his intent to direct a “Wizards 2” follow-up to his 1977 cult hit. Continue reading “The Bakshi Interview: Uncloaking a Legacy”

leonard-nimoy-300x400 Leonard Nimoy has died, aged 83. The actor had been suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease for some time.

He was a poet, a photographer, a singer, an artist, and, of course, an actor. For Tolkien fandom he’ll be recalled for the delightfully kitsch Ballad of Bildo Baggins but his key legacy to pop culture and the world will forever be his role as Mr Spock on Star Trek. Continue reading “Leonard Nimoy dies aged 83”