Ladies and Gentlemen, It's The Muppet Show Comic Book

Does this really exist? A comic book based on a TV show that ended production 28 years ago? Did I really go to my local comic book store and find this thing on the "new releases" rack?

Yeah, I guess I did.

The first issue of the new Muppet Show Comic Book was released last Wednesday, and publisher Boom! Studios has reported that they've already sold out and will be doing a second printing. The people have spoken, and they are hungry for Muppets.

Now, it's worth noting that this publication is exactly what it says it is: The Muppet Show Comic Book. It's not about the Muppets having adventures between shows; they're not going to a haunted house or the moon, or becoming superheroes, or anything like that. It's really just an entire, brand-new episode of The Muppet Show in comic book form. That seems like a simple enough idea, but I don't think anybody's ever done it before.

I'll admit I'd read almost nothing by writer/artist Roger Langridge before this, but now I can't imagine anyone else doing a better job. It starts with a Muppet Newsflash, as the Muppet Newsman delivers a few typical gags, then warns us that The Muppet Show is making a comeback as a comic book.

And already we're off to a good start. This is clever stuff, and I can absolutely hear the Newsman doing these jokes. (Although he'd probably say "pants" rather than "trousers." There are a few other turns of phrase that pop up that sound a bit odd, but I'll allow it because Roger Langridge is from New Zealand.)

Turning the page, we get a nearly two-page spread full of Muppets under the Muppet Show logo, so this is clearly the start of the show. Langridge even throws in Nigel, George the Janitor, the "You Are My Sunshine" guy, and J.P. Grosse. This guy's not messing around. (But why does Scooter have teeth?)


Then there's a Statler and Waldorf bit, followed by a backstage scene. The only thing missing is a guest star, but that's not even a problem. I'm sure I'm not the first person to point this out, but in many of these panels, the Muppets are only seen from the waist up, which is, of course, the way we see them on the show. I don't know much of a deliberate choice that was on Langridge's part, but it's a nice touch.

Hey, you know what seems like a terrible idea? A musical number in a printed medium. I mean, it's ridiculous, really... but ridiculous has never stopped the Muppets from doing anything. And so we get this lovely thing:

And this is not just a musical number, it's a musical number about (spoiler alert!) a bunch of Muppets exploding. The timing's good, too. It doesn't get much more Muppet Show than this.

I guess if you were looking for things to complain about, you could say that those toads don't really look like Muppets, and that's true. They look like cartoon toads. And some of the characters in the comic are drawn a little looser and more exaggerated than you might expect. But they're all recongizable, so who cares if Fozzie's nose is a little long, or Robin has eyebrows? When we see these guys on our TV screen, it's the puppeteers' performances that bring out the characters, but in a comic book there're no voices and no puppetry, so Langridge uses the art to let the Muppets express themselves.


I don't want to give too much away here, but I will say that there's a backstage story that runs throughout the issue, and it's about everyone trying to figure out why Kermit is feeling sad. It's all wrapped up satisfyingly by the end, and there are some sweet moments between Robin and Kermit. My biggest critique of the issue would be that Robin sounds unusually mature here... I guess he's always been a little precocious, but at times here he sounds more like Kermit's therapist than his five-year-old nephew.

But it's fun to see Scooter get as many lines in one issue as he's spoken in the last 17 years, and a sketch with the Koozebanians, and an appearance by the Swedish Chef, whose dialogue doesn't make any more sense in word balloon form:

Yep, Muppet-on-Muppet violence. That's a nice balance to the sweetness of the Kermit story, and that kind of balance is one of the hallmarks of the Muppets at their best.

It's tempting for me to just list all the stuff I liked about this comic, but I'm not going to do that because I think you should buy it and discover it for yourself. But the point is, I liked it. Next month's issue will be a Fozzie-centric story, followed by a Gonzo issue, and so on. Starting in late April, Boom! Studios will be also be publishing a four-issue series called Muppet Robin Hood. Which is cool, I guess, but honestly I'd could do with or without the literary adaptations, just as long as we get more Muppet Show comics.

And yet, as much as I dug this comic, I should point out that I do not want to see a new television series called The Muppet Show that takes place in the Muppet Theater. Whenever I hear fans or semi-fans say, "They should bring back The Muppet Show!", my response is, Well, no, they shouldn't. I'm all for the Muppets returning to series TV, but to attempt an exact duplicate of the series that was the apex of Jim Henson's career... That's just not a good idea, and it would only invite unfavorable comparisons: Scooter doesn't sound like Scooter! The Miss Piggy puppet's not as pretty! The new "Veterinarian's Hospital" sucks without the original performers! And so on.

But with this comic book, none of that matters. As I read Scooter's word balloons on the page, he sounded exactly like Scooter in my head. Roger Langridge's cartoon version of Miss Piggy looks like a cartoon version of Miss Piggy, so I wasn't thinking for a second about whether the puppet's wig was too short or too long or too curly or too flat. If they tried to produce this issue's script as an episode of a new TV series, I don't think it would work as well. But for 20-odd pages, we have the chance to enjoy a new Muppet Show, and that's good news for Muppet fans.

Click here to talk about exploding toads on the Tough Pigs forum!

ToughPigsRyan@yahoo.com

Doozers Make Their Triumphant TV Comeback

Are you a big fan of Fraggle Rock, but you've always felt like it had too darn many Fraggles? Well, the Jim Henson Company has just the show for you.

Kidscreen and various other websites are reporting the announcement of a new animated Doozers TV series, which will follow the adventures of three young Doozers named Baxter, Puzzlebea, and Daze. I guess it'll be sort of like Scrubs, but with apprentice Doozers instead of medical interns, and probably fewer sex jokes.

Of course, the Doozers were way ahead of their time in the area of green construction. All their buildings on Fraggle Rock were made of material that was completely biodegradable, and heck, edible. So it doesn't seem like too much of a stretch when the press releases say this new show will focus on "ecological concepts." As long as Captain Planet doesn't show up at the end of every episode to deliver a sermon about the week's environmental message, they should be fine.

The show will be animated, so that apparently means no puppetry. I'm okay with that, especially because the Doozer in that picture up there looks just like a Doozer from Fraggle Rock, albeit with more hair and a touch of huge-headedness.

We've been talking about this announcement on the Tough Pigs forum, and we have lots of questions: Will there be any Fraggles, Gorgs, or humans? Will there be any kind of tie-in to the upcoming Fraggle Rock movie? Why aren't these three characters named after tools like all the other Doozers? Will we see any familiar Doozer characters (e.g. Cotterpin) on the new show? And will there be songs?

With any luck, we'll get answers in the months to come. This new show is an unexpected move from the Henson Company, but there were some pretty good Doozer-focused episodes of Fraggle Rock, and if they're going to make a spinoff based on any of the supporting characters, the Doozers make the most sense by far... A Doc & Sprocket show wouldn't have the young kid appeal, a Gorg show wouldn't work because as far as we know there are only three Gorgs, and... I don't know, who else is there? The Trash Heap? She never moves from her spot in the garden.

So anyway, it'll be interesting to see what they come up with. And who knows? This just might be the perfect time for a television series about tiny naked green people who are obsessed with engineering.

Click here to talk about Doozers on the Tough Pigs forum!

ToughPigsRyan@yahoo.com

New Muppet Movie Script Review!

Hey, did you see that awesome Fraggle Rock Movie script review from the other day? It was totally neat! And legible!

For my next trick, I’ll be reviewing Jason Segel and Nick Stoller’s Muppet movie script, tentatively titled “The Greatest Muppet Movie of All Time.” That’s quite a claim, seeing as we’ve got at least three movies that have already laid claim to that moniker. But will the upcoming film put itself in the running to earn its own title? Probably not, but it will probably come a lot closer than anything else from the last couple decades.

Just like my Fraggle script review, I’m going to keep this one as spoiler-free as possible. If spoilers are your thing, Ain’t It Cool News scooped me on their script review, and they loaded it with lots of stuff which, if you read it, it’ll totally ruin your movie-going experience. I’ll be focusing more on what us Muppet fans will think of the script rather than specific details. Ok, enough of the boring stuff, let’s get to the meat!

Our story starts with Gary (to be played by Jason Segel) and his not-quite-a-Muppet, Walter. Walter is a Muppet fanatic (sound like anyone you know?), almost to a disturbing degree. He’s a little hard to read; depending on the performance, he can have that “new Muppet smell,” or he can be the Jar-Jar Binks of the Muppet world. Walter comes fully-stocked with his own catchphrases and that patented mixture of silliness and heart, but without knowing who’s performing him, I can only speculate. And sadly, the script doesn’t help my opinion. As we all know, the best characters come from the puppeteers themselves, and I’d be wary of any character written to be “one of the gang”.

Gary (and his girlfriend, Mary) appear a little two-dimensional in the script, but I’m more willing to ignore it for now. Segel is known for ad-libbing in his films, and as long as he’s given that opportunity in this movie, he might go down in history as one of our favorite human Muppet movie stars (after Charles Grodin, of course). I think it’d be a mistake to not let them ad-lib anyhow, because not only do Segel and friends shine under those circumstances, but the Muppet performers do as well. And the script leaves enough room for improvisation for some great potential (not to mention some terrific DVD extras). Segel also wrote himself some scenes that reek of his fanaticism, like flirting with Piggy, singing a song on the Muppet Show stage, and having a hand in getting the Muppet gang back together. It’s not a bad thing; I would probably put myself in the same roles if I were writing the script.

Almost ten minutes into the movie, we see our first Muppets. Statler and Waldorf have their standard cameo to introduce the main conflict (and to break the fourth wall), and then disappear until the credits. Gary, Mary, and Walter push the plot forward for another five minutes until we find Kermit, whose intro (if done well) is a hilarious parody of a familiar family film. Fifteen minutes until we see the Muppets is a bit long to wait, and as important as the plot is, I’d think about cutting that down. Especially because these family films tend to run on the short side, and we’re going to want as many Muppet sightings as possible.

As Kermit tries to get the gang back together (which is thankfully done in the first act, rather than being the purpose of the entire movie), we’re treated to our first batch of cameos, parodies, and fast-paced cut scenes. There’s a few of these in the film, which help keep the visuals exciting, but might sell out the film to the pop culture references that plague the Shrek franchise. The cameos are almost all A- and B-list celebrities, which is a little high to reach, even for Jason Segel. He does have a lot of famous friends, and I would love to see most of them agree to be in this film, but I can’t help but wonder if Segel and Stoller are setting themselves up for the C- and D-listers that they’ll be able to schedule and afford. Still, every big name mentioned in the script would be a real honor to add to the Muppet Wiki.

Segel also has his favorite characters, which get a lot more screen time than previously. Kermit and Fozzie thankfully stay the most visible, but characters like Janice, Rowlf, and Sam the Eagle have several spotlights of their own. He also knows how the Muppets’ comedy works, avoiding obvious puns and giving us clever and fast-paced jokes to keep us on the edge of our seats. He also makes a point of saying that every effect will be done with puppets as opposed to CGI. One of the climactic scenes is labeled with, “In our one or maybe two CGI shots in the entire film, we see a wide shot of Los Angeles…” but perhaps I’ve said too much.

There are also several specific throwbacks to the previous Muppet movies, including cameos, props, and entire songs. Segel has said in interviews that he is trying to make a Muppet movie that goes “back to their roots”. What better way to do that than to cut-and-paste from those movies he’s trying to emulate? Thankfully, it’s done in a believable way, keeping it fresh for audiences not as familiar with the original films, yet easily recognizable for everyone else.

One problem a lot of the fans have is that it’s another “We have to put on a show to save the Muppets!” plot. Well, that’s true. But it works. The movie isn’t epic in the sense that the Muppets are saving the world or discovering the meaning of life, but they’re doing what they do best, and I’d argue that it’s the kind of movie they need to make to reestablish the property and give us more original storylines. Still, the show they put on is only a portion of the script. There’s a lot of action and mystery throughout the rest of the story that will keep it far from predictable.

One awkward scene is a big announcement regarding the future of the Muppets. Sure, we’d love to see a new Muppet Show, but it doesn’t seem like it’s the right place to make a declaration like this. It reads more like wishful thinking on Segel’s part, and I would be surprised if the plans set during the production of the film are still in tact by its release. And because we’ve been teased and burned before, I’m sure we’ll all stay wary, even after hearing the big news.

All in all, the script gives me hope that we might actually get another good Muppet movie one of these days, even if it isn’t the Greatest of All Time. Segel’s got a good idea of how this movie should be, and he understands how we fanatics think. My hopes and expectations are high, or at least as high as they could possibly be in a post-Jim universe, and that might be the very best Jason Segel and Nick Stoller can expect from us.
Just like for the Fraggle Rock movie script, I will be answering non-spoiler questions on the ToughPigs forum and via e-mail, so feel free to contact me either way.

Click here to discuss the Greatest Review of All Time on the ToughPigs forum!

joe.toughpigs@gmail.com

Fraggle Rock Movie Script Review!

You may have heard, there’s Fraggles on the horizon. In movie form.

Recently, I was given the rare opportunity to take a peek at the script to the upcoming Fraggle Rock movie. Although writer/director Cory Edwards seems pretty optimistic about the film on his blog (naturally), I fell on the cautious side of that, assuming that the movie will be “good,” with the possibility of “not good enough” right around the corner.

Thankfully after reading the script, most of my fears were diminished. The script could definitely lend itself to a classic family film if done right. For the purposes of this review, I’ll be ignoring the fact that the original cast might not be coming back. Jerry Nelson is, for all purposes, retired, and I'm doubtful that Steve Whitmire, Kathy Mullen, and Dave Goelz would return to the Rock. Karen Prell, on the other hand, is the biggest Fraggle Rock fan on either side of the Mississippi, so I’d be surprised if she refused Red’s revival.

I will be doing my best to keep this review spoiler-free. Releasing spoilers is no fun for the movie-going public, and it’s really not my place to reveal specific details. I will however be answering what questions I can on the ToughPigs forum and via e-mail, so feel free to contact me either way. Just don’t be insulted if I refuse to answer your question for spoiler-related reasons.

To start with, I should say that the movie doesn’t fit in with the timeline of the Fraggle Rock series. The movie isn’t a reimagining or a reboot, but it will be fruitless to try and nitpick on the continuity. The mythology of “Fraggle holes” that was revealed toward the end of the series doesn’t factor into it, nor does the relationships between species. But everything is recognizable, from the characters to the traditions to the postcards. I suppose that’s what happens when you try to make a movie based off of a 25-year-old TV show.

The movie, tentatively called Fraggle Rock: The Movie (clever, no?) is about the Fraggle Five (along with special guest Cotterpin Doozer) searching for Uncle Traveling Matt in Outer Space. It begins with a scene of Doc and Sprocket, just like every episode of the TV show. After a quick intro, we’re sucked into Fraggle Rock ala the opening credits, and newer viewers (read: your nephew) gets a great introduction to what Fraggles are and how their culture works. So far, so good.

Cory Edwards is definitely a fan of the show, as he shows us by giving the one-off lines that would normally be credited to “Fraggle #5” to characters we’d recognize, giving them cameos only the real fans would appreciate. The Storyteller, Tosh, Morris, Rumple, Marlon, and Large Marvin all make appearances, though there are some missing characters I’d expect to see, like the World’s Oldest Fraggle, who will hopefully make an appearance in the final version.

The Fraggles’ misunderstanding of our culture is done in a humorous way, highlighted mostly by their discovery of a cell phone, which Wembley mistakes for a pet. Hilarity, as you can imagine, ensues.

Any ill feelings I had about the script fell away once Marjory the Trash Heap, with Philo and Gunge, made her appearance. She’s written perfectly, giving the Fraggles the advice they think they need (though not exactly what she tried to say). Sadly, they’re in just one scene, but it’s a fun and familiar one.

Once in Outer Space, Doc and Sprocket play a supporting role to Doc’s adult-aged grandson, Randy. Randy becomes our guide through the real world as Doc and Sprocket sleep in the workshop or sit on park benches while the adventures pass them by. Though it’ll be sad to lose the dynamic of Doc and Sprocket, if Edwards can get Gerry Parkes to reprise his role, it would be well worth it just to see him on screen again. I’m a little torn on how I feel about Randy though. If he’s performed well, he could be tolerable, but there’s a lot of potential for corniness and irritation. He also sings a couple songs with the Fraggles throughout the movie, so it will be a challenge to portray that without looking ridiculous.

Once outside, the Fraggles really start to show their faded colors. By that, I mean they lose a bit of the characterization that once made them great. Each of the Fraggles is inherently faulty, but those traits become somewhat muted in the film. Gobo is a strong leader but not quite as cocky, Red is tough but not as competitive, Wembley is silly but doesn’t wemble, etc. One interesting addition, however, is Cotterpin Doozer, who tags along for the adventure. Cotterpin has suddenly become a mechanical whiz, getting the Fraggles out of a jam or two in their time of need. I always liked Cotterpin, and it was nice to see her show up the Fraggles when they got blindingly confused about things (as they are wont to do).

Unfortunately, Cory Edwards got into the same trouble as the cover artists for the Fraggle Rock DVDs, and that is not being able to find a proper place for Mokey. Mokey is left without much of a role, even stepping out entirely during a side-quest. I understand that she’s a hard character to write for, but it will be unfortunate to see her with a diminished role compared to her Fraggle brethren. I can only assume that the Mokey merchandise will suffer the most.

Once we find Uncle Traveling Matt, he is as aloof and hilarious as ever. In fact, my favorite parts of the script involve Matt as he acts oblivious to the increasing danger around him. Edwards definitely got his voice down pat, and he’ll hopefully be a highlight for everyone once he’s on screen.

Most of the stunts and special effects written into the script were obviously made to work to the strengths of the Muppet Workshop. It seems that Edwards will be true to his word regarding few, if any, computer animated effects. One scene in particular tickled my fancy. Picture the scene from Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure with the historical celebrities wreaking havoc in the mall. Now picture it with Fraggles instead of dead celebs, and you’ve got comedy gold.

Edwards also kept true to his word regarding pop culture references, of which the script is completely devoid. In fact, aside from the cell phone, the whole movie could take place in 1987. Only two specific celebrity cameos are in the film (two celebs in one scene), and they made me laugh audibly, so I give them my stamp of approval.

One very large missing element that you may have noticed is the Gorgs, which do not appear in the script at all. Understandably, the Gorgs wouldn’t fit in with this storyline, but it’s a shame that such an important part of the series is completely omitted. Then again, that's why Thomas Edison invented the sequel.

In all, the script was very enjoyable, and audiences unfamiliar with Fraggle Rock will probably get a lot out of it. But if you’re looking to nitpick the mythology and the voices (as I’m sure I will too), I think there will be a lot of cracks in the framework. But maybe that’s the best we can hope for if Henson and Cory Edwards want to attempt to revive the franchise.

Also, it’s worth mentioning that Edwards is still rewriting the script, so there might be big changes in the final product. So feel free to assume that anything I said in the above article is hogwash. Hogwash, I say!

Stop by later this week when I’ll review Jason Segel’s upcoming Muppet movie script!
Click here to discuss this article on the ToughPigs forum!

joe.toughpigs@gmail.com

News and Goings-on 3/22

Here are some noteworthy links and news items to make you laugh and cry, gasp and salivate, trip and fall down the stairs...

Muppet Show Comic Book Preview
Comic Book Resources has an 11-page preview of issue #1 of Boom! Studios' new Muppet Show comic book. It looks a lot like an episode of The Muppet Show, except there's no guest star. Eleven pages seems like a pretty big chunk of the issue to be giving away for free on the internet, but I'll admit it piqued my interest. What was in that letter Kermit received, anyway?

Muppets Are Still in Orlando!
If you live anywhere near Orlando, don't forget the Muppets, Music and Magic exhibit at the Orange County Regional History Center, now through May 3. A complete schedule of screenings accompanying the exhibit is available on their website.

An Article About Muppet People Talking
Dave Goelz, writer Craig Shemin, and Heather Henson appeared at a special event in Orlando last week to show clips and talk about various Muppet productions. Gonzo showed up too. Of note is the paragraph that mentions an allusion to a possible upcoming Muppet Halloween special.

Elmo spars with Ricky Gervais
The British comic appears with Elmo in a very funny video clip that's making the rounds. It was shot on the set of Sesame Street during Gervais' upcoming appearance on the show. When Elmo improvises, everyone wins.

Sesame Workshop layoffs
In less amusing news... As you may have heard, Sesame Workshop recently made the tough decision to cut 67 employees. Working for Sesame would be a dream job for just about anybody, so it must be excruciating for those affected, and I'm sure Sesame Street fans everywhere will join me in extending sympathy and well-wishes.

Piggy on Podcast
Miss Piggy appeared on the Sound of Young America podcast recently to talk about her new book, The Diva Code.


Thanks to various people on the Tough Pigs forum for sharing news links.

Click here to talk about Muppet stuff on the Tough Pigs forum!

ToughPigsRyan@yahoo.com

Muppet Fashion: A Hot Mess

As you know, Tough Pigs has been the internet's #1 source of fashion news since 1923. Continuing in that tradition, we'd like to draw your attention to the following photograph, taken at a fashion show in Paris last week and stolen from somewhere on the internet:


This was part of a series of outfits designed by Jean Charles de Castelbajac. Now, when you see this picture, you probably have one of three reactions:

1. "Sweet merciful crap, she KILLED all those Kermits!!!"
2. "Dude... She's totally topless under the frogs."
3. "Ooh, are those the 2003 Sababa Kermit dolls?"

But either way, the real question is, Why would somebody do this? Even a Muppet fan wouldn't wear this thing, unless he was a real weirdo, and to be a weirdo on top of being a Muppet fan is to exist in a very special echelon of strangeness.

But wait, there's more.


I was about to say, "Man, Animal looks pissed to have his hollowed-out skull used as a miniskirt!" But then I realized the model isn't smiling either. So Animal's just playing along. He's a model too.


Here's Kermit practicing for his role in Hamlet while standing in a crosswalk. This outfit's not so bad, actually... As some folks on the Tough Pigs forum have pointed out, the pearls seem to be a nod to Miss Piggy, which is a nice touch. But I really have to wonder how this chick can keep a straight face when she has Kermit the Frog's head on top of her head.


It's nice to see Animal in a better mood. Hey, have you noticed that all these women are wearing gray and white wigs? I'm sure the designer would be able to tell us how the whole thing represents the fact that we are all puppets our entire lives, manipulated by forces beyond our control until we grow old and our hair turns gray. Or maybe he got drunk one night and bought a bunch of Muppet stuff on eBay and didn't know how else to get rid of it.


I guess this is Fozzie, although it's possible it's an Ewok.

So there you go. The Muppets take the fashion world by storm. If you click around the web, you can probably find a few more of these pictures. And if you're wondering where to buy these outfits so you can wear them to your next fondue party, I have no doubt that all of them will soon be sold off the rack at every Wal-Mart in the country.

Click here to strut your stuff on the catwalk at the Tough Pigs forum!

ToughPigsRyan@yahoo.com

C is for Crap, I've Been Laid Off!

As you may have heard, Sesame Workshop was recently forced to let 20% of their workforce go. It seems that not even Hooper’s store is safe from this economic downturn. While we sit back and hope that Elmo’s coworkers can all get back to work real soon, let’s do what we do best: Make fun of a situation we have no control over.

It seems to me that Sesame Workshop’s woes would all be fixed if only they had a bit more dough, more clams, more bread, more kumquats. And they’ve got a workshop full of puppets just lying around on pegs and in drawers. It’s past time they all get off their furry bums and earn a buckaroo or two for Sesame! Here’s a few ideas I’ve had that can totally work, for realz.
It’s almost April, and if the Sesame Street Muppets are anything like me, they haven’t done their taxes yet. So let the Count do them. That vamp knows his way around a calculator, and he’s bound to get a whopper of a refund, mostly because he knows that cookies are tax deductible.
Ernie pulls the greatest scam ever, in which he releases Twiddlebugs into people’s homes, and then gets hired to exterminate for a nominal fee. Man, that idea is so good, I might do it myself.
Let Telly Monster enlist with medical research to test anxiety pills.
Start finding new sponsors for each episode. Maybe part of Sesame’s money problems lie with the funders: the letters and numbers. I’ll bet the umlaut or the ampersand has a marketing budget, and I’m sure they’d love the opportunity to be read aloud by Trash Gordon.
The Two-Headed Monster can get a job translating at the United Nations. Hey, if Nicole Kidman can do it…
Two words: Group baths. Then again, the money they’d save on the water bill would have to be spent on superhuge bathtubs.
Have Grover donate some of the money he’s made in his 97 different jobs. According to the Muppet Wiki, he’s been an actor, baker, bus driver, camp counselor, clerk, concession monster, chauffeur, conductor, construction worker, dancer, furniture deliveryman, doctor, daredevil, detective, dog walker, elevator operator, farmer, fast food worker, flight attendant… you know what? Just read the Wiki article. Grover lives with his mommy, so you know he’s living rent-free. And he doesn’t have to pay for clothes, so where’s all those paychecks he’s been saving?
Start selling real estate in Elmo’s World. The only downside is that Elmo would have to be your landlord, and I have a feeling he doesn’t know his way around a broken toilet.
Oscar doesn’t need money; he lives in a trash can.

Meanwhile, we at ToughPigs will keep on writing about Sesame Street in any capacity, helping to give the show more viewers and letting them know about the great merch that’s out there, which will hopefully keep money going to the Street we all love, and help to get some of those lost jobs back.

Wondering how else you can help? Donate to Sesame Workshop by clicking here!
Click here to give us your Muppety money-making ideas on the ToughPigs forum.

joe.toughpigs@gmail.com

Redesign That Bird: RESULTS!

Back in this post, I showed you the cover of the new 25th anniversary DVD release of Follow That Bird, and pointed out the sneaky move of putting Elmo on the cover when doesn't have any kind of significant role in the movie. Then I asked you to come up with your own Follow That Bird covers.

I got some great responses, so how about we look at them now? Do yourself a favor, and click on these to make them bigger!

Scott H:


Jarrod F:


Paul B:


Joe H #1:


Michal R:


Mike C:


Phil R:


Joe H #2:


Mo W:


Frank:


Joe H #3:

I tell ya, if Sesame Workshop would just put any of these designs on the real cover, they'd sell... well, they probably wouldn't sell many copies. But Tough Pigs readers sure are a creative bunch. Big thanks to everyone who submitted a cover, and don't forget to look for the new Follow That Bird DVD on March 24th!

Click here to follow that DVD on the Tough Pigs forum!

ToughPigsRyan@yahoo.com

Whatnots or Whatever

Did you buy a Muppet Whatnot from FAO Schwarz? Did you get a chance to see it get made? Or did you buy it online, leaving the production process left to the imagination? Well fear not, loyal puppet aficionados, we did the dirty work for you and took footage of ToughPigs' own Ryan getting his Whatnot customized, glued, and brought to life. And thanks to the magic of YouTube, we're bringing the Schwarz to you! So enough of this "reading" stuff, let's get to the motion pictures!


Click here to put hot glue on your face on the ToughPigs forum!

joe.toughpigs@gmail.com

Wikitrivia!

When was the last time you checked out the Muppet Wiki? You can learn a lot just by clicking around randomly for a few hours... There's really a ton of information there that you never knew, even if you're a huge geek, which, let's face it, you are.

So let's play a little game I'm calling Wikitrivia. Below are a bunch of trivia questions about stuff that's on the wiki. Maybe you already know all this stuff, but if not, click on the answer links for the answers to the questions and craploads of further info.

And yes, I know you could just hover your mouse over the links to see the answers without reading the articles, but come on, man. That's no fun.

1. What is the name of Elmo's large-headed father?
Click here for the answer!

2. Which Muppet performer played Scred in the Land of Gorch sketches on the first season of Saturday Night Live?
Click here for the answer!

3. Which Muppet Show guest star appeared in the film Cabaret alongside considerably more famous fellow Muppet Show guest stars Joel Grey and Liza Minelli?
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4. Which episode of The Muppet Show included a writing credit for "The Hatrack?"
Click here for the answer!

5. In Emmet Otter's Jugband Christmas, which member of the Riverbottom Nightmare Band was performed by Richard Hunt?
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6. In 1981, the Muppets appeared in commercials for what camera company?
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7. What direct-to-video Muppet production featured Caroll Spinney's own puppet creations, Picklepuss and Pop?
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8. What 1974 Muppet TV special includes the "Froggy Went A-courtin'" sequence with Kermit riding a bicycle... five whole years before The Muppet Movie?
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9. The name "Rgllmzaxpoops" was briefly considered for which group of Fraggle Rock characters?
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10. Who was the guitarist for The Jim Henson Hour's house band Solid Foam?
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11. Which Frank Oz character sang the instant classic song "Accidents Happen" with Elmo in the 2007 Sesame Street home video release Elmo's Potty Time?
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12. What future teen drama star appeared in an episode of the Henson sitcom Aliens in the Family, in which he was eaten by the family pet?
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13. What's the name of the Egyptian prince who befriends Big Bird and Snuffy in the Sesame Street special Don't Eat the Pictures?
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14. What's the name of the restaurant -- well, it's more of a supper club -- where Kermit and Piggy dance and Lady Holiday's necklace is stolen in The Great Muppet Caper?
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15. What actor appeared with the Southern Colonel Muppet in the "Change Your Face" sketch on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1969?
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Click here to talk about incredibly interesting/obscure Muppet facts on the Tough Pigs forum!

ToughPigsRyan@yahoo.com

ToughPigs Art: Myth Piggy

The uber-talented Peter Savieri has been hard at work behind the scenes, creating a new series of his Muppet art. This time, he's drawn pictures of Miss Piggy, and transcended her to the stories of myth and godhood that she's always deserved. Take a peek at the Myth Piggy series!

MermaidMedusaLady of the LakeBansheeCyclopsGeniePixieGaia
BONUS: Janice and Robin (not a Myth)

Click here to worship from afar on the ToughPigs forum!

joe.toughpigs@gmail.com