The TRON-Sector main page announcement about Issue #5 was bumped rather quickly with the usual standard, substandard April Fool gag story.

April Fool's Day has come and gone, but TRON: Ghost in the Machine Issue #5 is still available at comic book stores in a neighborhood near you - and that's no joke.

There are some interesting views being expressed by TRON-Sector members in the Issue #5 thread. Pick up your copy and have at it. Then let us know what you think in the I/O forums.

Also be sure to check out the seven page preview of issue #5 in our forum.

For anyone who doesn't know, the first two issues can also be purchased at Amazon.com, and all four earlier issues at SLG's online store: TRON #1, TRON #2, TRON #3, and TRON #4.

The United Digital News website, has confirmed reports of ''a man suing the fictional character of TRON from the 1982 cult classic film of the same name''. The tech news website, popular among nerd and geek communities, has been able to authenticate rumors that a man has indeed filed a lawsuit against TRON himself, the security program portrayed in our favorite film by actor Bruce Boxleitner.

Just to clarify, Bruce Boxleitner, who played TRON in the film, is not being sued. As was said in the opening statement: TRON, the fictional character in the film, is listed as the defendant on the legal papers filed last week in Seattle Washington.

Rodger S. Muller, proprietor of a small citrus fruit drying business, field suit against ‘'TRON'' because he feels unable to keep up with the growing demands of today's digital threats. Mr. Muller basically asserts that if TRON had done his job, then the ‘'grid bugs'' (what most people might refer to as viruses or malware) would stop causing trouble on his computer.

‘'Every other time I go to balance the books or order supplies for my business, my computer slows down and eventually crashes. I'm no idiot - I know what's going on in there. My programs are under constant attack from grid bugs. TRON should have either done his job better or just let the MCP run the system. Since TRON derezzed the MCP and failed to secure the system [himself], those gosh darn grid bugs are costing me time and money...'' -- Rodger S. Muller

There are several rambling quotes from the angry plaintiff available on the UDN website - many of which sound like an extreme TRON fanatic gone wrong or maybe someone who just needs a nice long, relaxing vacation under close supervision. Some of his quotes are fairly humorous, including a reference to the digitized orange in the film and how ''...drying orange slices isn't as simple as deconstructing them with a laser and storing them as data inside a computer...'' What?? LOL

Because there is no law against filing suit against fictitious people, or in this case fictitious security programs, there is a good chance the lawsuit will actually go before a live jury and we'll all get to hear about it in the news. Shortly after the suit was filed, judge Amelia Swensing ordered a full psychiatric evaluation of Mr. Muller before any court proceedings take place.

I don't know what to say, folks. Will this be good publicity for our beloved film TRON, or will the jokes start flying about how TRON fans have dried citrus fruit for brains? Either way, I suggest giving the article a good read when you have some time. It is a long article, and slightly disturbing at times, but worth a look:

http://www.uniteddigitalnews.com/news/funny/08/03/icbifya.aspx

That acronym (icbifya) stands for I Can't Believe I Fooled You Again! :-P

TRON: The Ghost in the Machine #5 is now available in comic stores! Grab your copy today!

The first two issues can also be purchased at Amazon.com, and all four earlier issues at SLG's online store: TRON #1, TRON #2, TRON #3, and TRON #4.

Just thought I'd report on a few web items I've found or been emailed about recently:

Would you like to see the Tron trailer in 3D?

Every wanted a Flynn's arcade shirt? You can get one Here.

It's been in the making for more than a year now, but the TRON 2.0: KILLER APP Mod is finally wrapped up and ready for distribution. I had the pleasure of being one of a handful of beta testers, and I can tell you first hand that this baby is a mighty sweet addition to the game!

You can download the TRON 2.0: KILLER APP Mod by following this link.

Download the Mod here

Most of the enhancements and new features are in the online Multiplayer game. The Disc Arena, Derez (Deathmatch), and Light Cycle games have been injected with some digital sweetness that is sure to bring a smile to any fan of the game, and maybe make some new fans as well. As the name suggests, many of the options and characters only available in the Xbox port of the game have been painstakingly recreated, jazzed up even more, and added to TRON 2.0. The final result is a nicely polished presentation that puts the Xbox version to shame, and gives TRON 2.0 fans an impressive set of new options: from new playable characters and weapons, to an amazing rainbow of color schemes.

The updated Light Cycles shine with a polish so spectacular, you'll practically see your mind's own reflection of wonder while you enjoy high speed, fast-paced action on the game grid. The new color scheme options have been styled after such themes as ''Iron Man'' and ''Blacklight'' and even ''dIrK's'' Gold Trophy. The Light Cycle's jet wall even glows brightly from the rear cycle wheel, much like in the film. You can pit I-No against Sark in the Disc Arena. Play as an MCP Guard (TRON film style) or the Progress Bar DJ. Experiment with all the cool color options that the new playable characters have to offer. The new variations are as endless as one of my long-winded posts or reoccurring rants. LOL.

Mod enhancements in the Single Player adventure are a little more subtle, but still a well done and welcome correction to many problems and errors left in the original game by BVG. Jet is now fully animated when playing using the 3rd-person view code. Missing (deleted) help files and objective points important to the missions have been restored. Continuity errors have been corrected. Even one of the cheat codes have been fixed to work as they were meant to. They're all fun to experiment with and offer new experiences in the game.

The mod isn't perfect - some options can only be manipulated outside the game (as opposed to an in-game menu), but there's a cool and fun to use Mod Manager to help with that.

For a complete listing of mod enhancements, additions, corrections, and coolness, check the help file that comes with the mod.

Installing the mod is very easy. It comes with an installer that will back up the original TRON 2.0 game files, and take care of putting all the mod files where they need to be, so that you don't need to bother with that. It works without a hitch. There's even an uninstaller for the mod, should you choose to remove it. As for me, I'm ONLY playing the game with the mod active and running from now on. I like the fixes in the single player adventure and can't wait to spend some quality time on the game grid in my brand spanking shiny new Light Cycle! I may still slam in to the walls head first, but I'll look a whole lot cooler when I do now! LOL.

I almost forgot to mention - there is a cool Single Player expansion called User Error. Explore and survive 16 action packed custom designed levels. You play as new character: Jeremy Powers, who decides getting digitized (that is where all the fun is, right?) in order to retrieve all the fragments of an important program file, just might put an end to his financial woes. You can read more about this awesome Single Player adventure expansion at the following link.

Read more about User Error here

Mucho, mucho thanks to the talented programs of the Living Dead System Operators clan (LDSO) who spent countless hours and poured a lot of hard work in to these mods. Be sure to show them some love in the I/O forums with your comments on the mods.

The LDSO members and other contributors are (in alphabetical order):
Don ''Mor.Evil-1'' Babcock
Daniel ''9VoltChicken'' Bronson
Paul ''Load''*'',8,1'' Hottinger
Brent ''Kain-Xavier'' Krische
Pete ''Win3K'' Massey
Michael ''Raven'' Paquin
Rod ''TronFAQ'' Rehn
Sean ''zook_one'' Zook

Awesome work, guys!

I'll see you on the game grid, programs!

TRON: The Ghost in the Machine #5 will be available in comic book stores on Wednesday, March 26th!

Also don't forget that the first two issues can be purchased at Amazon.com, and all four earlier issues at SLG's online store: TRON #1, TRON #2, TRON #3, and TRON #4.


UPDATE: TronFAQ, 8:20PM 03/19/2008

Diamond Comics' upcoming releases list was in error, and TRON #5 was not released today (March 19th). After checking the list again, it's now scheduled for next week. Apologies for the error, but this is the first time I've ever seen Diamond make a mistake on the release date of a title.

The original Tron arcade game will be released as one title on Xbox Live for 400pts this Wednesday. There will apparently also be a 2 player mode!!!

Official Home Page

Official Xbox Live Tron Forums


UPDATE: TronFAQ, 9:00PM 02/09/2008

Discs of Tron is being released this upcoming Wednesday, February the 13th!

It's a new year here at TRON-Sector (and for the rest of the world for that matter) and we hope that everyone had a great time while 2007 rezzed in to 2008!

What will 2008 offer us in the world of TRON? A few things we can count on and a few things are uncertain.

We can count on Issues #5 and #6 of the TRON comic coming out in 2008. Issue #5 didn't quite make it for a December 2007 release, but it should be available soon.

We can also count on the impressive looking TRON 2.0 KILLER APP Mod that is being brought to us by the good folks of the LDSO. It should be ready for release in just a few weeks (give or take).

Something that we've gotten word about a couple of times over the past few years is a potential new TRON film. Most recently, a TRON sequel has been mentioned. It might include actor Jeff Bridges returning to play the role of Kevin Flynn several years after the events of the original TRON film. There is a lot of speculation in the TRON fan community about whether or not this will ever actually become a reality or not, but we might learn more about it one way or the other as 2008 progresses.

These are just a few of many things that TRON fans will no doubt be discussing in 2008. Even without any new (official) TRON from the license holders of the franchise, the TRON fan community always has much to discuss and share with each other. Last week, TRON-Sector member Ed Keefe shared with us his beautifully illustrated TRON fan comic written by TRON-Sector staff member Martin Fisher (TronProgram).

Here's to a TRON fan energized 2008. We've got some cool new bits-o-TRON coming our way this year and many more creative fan contributions. As always - if anyone has some cool TRON moments or creative fan work to share, please do so in our I/O Forums.

END OF LINE (well, for 2007 anyway)

The site Tom's Games (part of Tom's Hardware) has an interview with TRON Director Steven Lisberger, discussing his upcoming film Soul Code. It also touches upon the possibility of production commencing, on the TRON sequel that was announced a few months ago.

It's definitely a worthwhile read. Though it's a bit saddening, to hear Lisberger a little downbeat about the possibility of a sequel being made. But I completely understand where he's coming from: considering that plans for a sequel have materialized and then fizzled again, many times over. Disney just doesn't get TRON, and they have no clue what to do with it. It's been frustrating for Steven, and TRON fans, alike.

Thanks to Cyberwolven for the news!

ModDB is holding their annual Mod of the Year contest for 2007 and this year, TRON 2.0 is being represented. The TRON 2.0 KILLER APP Mod is currently being wrapped up by the LDSO team who have been hard at work on it for quite some time now.

Please take a moment to show some love in the form of your vote for this mod. This is our chance to get TRON and TRON 2.0 some attention. Follow this link to vote for the mod. Scroll down about a screen or so and then click the large gray button that says ''VOTE FOR THIS MOD''. If you don't mind, pass this link along to your friends and ask them nicely for their support in this. After all, your friends are also TRON fans too, aren't they?

With enough votes, the TRON 2.0 KILLER APP Mod may get bumped up far enough in the ratings to get some much deserved attention on the many sites that will showcase the top 100 mods. Imagine the online multiplayer game servers lighting up again with life the way it did when TRON 2.0 first came out. Imagine my fingers hurting with all the standard, substandard greetings I'd have to type for all the new members that find their way to this website as a result of the increased attention. Come on, programs - let's light this baby up and have some fun!

Curious about this soon to be released mod? Follow this link to TronFAQ's TRON 2.0 news site to read about the mod and see some of its features in the video. I've seen the video along with a bunch of awesome looking screenshots. I think this mod will be more than worthy of much attention in the TRON community and hopefully gamers/modders of all walks and interests.

Special thanks to the LDSO team for devoting their time and hard work on this, what looks to be an amazing mod! The team (in alphabetical order): 9VoltChicken, Kain-Xavier, Load ''*'',8,1, Mor.Evil-1, Raven, TronFAQ, WhiteRabbit, Win3K, and Zook_One.

I, for one, can't wait to unleash the power of TRON 2.0 KILLER APP Mod and get digitized all over again!

An article posted over at Collider.com has even Jeff considering the idea. From the article:

“But the reasons to do it and the reason I did that one (The original Tron) was because it was so innovative and I understand that they’ve got a whole new batch of stuff like that… innovations that they want to use on this so that could be kind of fun.”

Now all we need is an Apple /// terminal for him and we're back in business.

Read The Article Here.

Mike Bonifer, TRON's publicist, posted an interesting retrospect of his experience working on the film on his website GameChangers.com. You can read his article titled ''TRON Story'' here.

In the article, Mike shares his interesting and unique experience during his role in the making of TRON.

''So what was it like to work on TRON? It was intense. It was focused. It was chaotic. It was tremendous fun, and terribly difficult, and wildly energetic. And ultimately, it was like the greatest improvised performance ever.'' -- Mike Bonifer

There is also the reoccurring theme of TRON being such a tremendous influence on many of today's filmmakers and creative professionals. This notion never surprises me and I am always pleased learn about how TRON has influenced and inspired artists who work in the industry as well as so many of us who just dabble in creative art as a hobby.

Please leave your comments about his article in the thread started here.

Thank you, Mr. Bonifer, for sharing your memories of working on our favorite film.

For those of you who dressed up like or will be dressing up like a character from the world of TRON, please post your photos in the forums. We've been treated to at least one home made TRON costume already this year and I'm hoping we get to see some more. Post 'em if you got 'em! Not a TRON-Sector member yet? I can't think of a better reason to join then to share your cool TRON costume photos with your fellow TRON fans.

Special thanks to our own resident pixel pusher, Sketch for the awesome custom TRON Halloween artwork!

Happy Halloween, from all of us at TRON-Sector - be safe, have a great time, and try not to rot your teeth out all at once!

According to the Hollywood Reporter, newcomer director Joseph Kosinski is in final negotiations to direct a new TRON sequel for Disney. (Newcomer, in the sense that until now he has mainly done television commercials.) Sean Bailey and Steven Lisberger are producing. Lost writers Eddie Kitsis and Adam Horowitz are writing the story.

Since I'm not familiar with the work of anyone on this project other than Lisberger, I can't make a judgment call at this time. But I will say that I am glad Disney has apparently decided to give up its plans for a remake, and is interested in a sequel instead. I imagine that when fans met the news of a remake a couple of years ago with much derision, that Disney quickly realized it was not a good idea to pursue that route.

Special thanks to TRON-Sector members Avi and User Hastin for the news!

Please use this I/O forum thread to discuss the news. All other threads on the subject will be locked..

GEEK Monthly magazine has an article about Tron. Our own Sector member DaveTron, Dave Arnspiger, supplied Tron imagery for the article.

This is a must have for every Tron collector, not just because Tron is it in, but because the section it is in...

1982 A tribute to the greatest Geek Movie Year Ever.

Movies mentioned:
Star Trek II
Blade Runner
Poltergeist
Tron
Cat People
The Dark Crystal
E.T.
Conan the Barbarian
The Road Warrior
The Thing
Creepshow
The Sword and the Sorcerer
Parasite
Megaforce
Firefox
Swamp Thing
Forbidden World
Airplane 2: The Sequal
Battletruck
Liquid Sky

Tron article scan here.