Do It. Bryan Lee O'Malley at Giant Robot.

I absolutely loved Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. It's disappointing to see that it probably won't make that much of a dent at the box office (that doesn't mean you shouldn't see it! Because you should!), but I'm sure it'll still amass its own cult following, just as the graphic novels it was based on has.

And speaking of the graphic novel series, don't forget that the latest and last edition in the Scott Pilgrim story was only recently released. If you haven't gotten your hands on it--or any of the others in the series--this Saturday may just be the perfect excuse. The man behind it all, Bryan Lee O'Malley, will be stopping by the Giant Robot shop to do some signing and apparently play the new Scott Pilgrim video game (which too should be awesome..how could it not be?). O'Malley's known to be a super nice guy, and this is supposed to be his only upcoming appearance.

And while you're there at Giant Robot, you may as well check out its current exhibit, which happens to be by Philip Lumbang, aka the Awesome Bears dude. Awesome art and fun abound!

Giant Robot is located at 2062 Sawtelle Blvd. in West L.A. O'Malley will be there this Saturday at 5pm.

-- Chau Tu

Check It. Awesome bear graffiti in Silverlake.

If you've ever spent some time traipsing around the Eastside, you're sure to have come across them: the cartoon bears and other forest animals, smiling and giving you a friendly wave. The 'awesome bears' have appeared in other random, hidden parts of L.A., but here in Silverlake, against a green meadow and blue skies, they seem right at home.

But not for long. As Phil Lumbang has told Public Ad Campaign and Eastsider LA, the mural--which is displayed on the wall of and was commissioned by private property residents Amy Seidenwurm and Russell Bates--will be taken down March 1 for violating the city's restrictions on outdoor advertisements.

As a passionate fan of and advocate for street art, I am truly disappointed by this news. If there is any sort of street art that can be easily defended for its lack of threat to the community, it's this mural here. It's a cartoon bear waving 'Hello!', for goodness sakes! And that's without taking into consideration that this is part of a private property, was commissioned by that property's owners and isn't even an advertisement of any kind...unless you count happiness?

Councilman Eric Garcetti has responded that he'll look into the issue, which hopefully will lead to good things. In the meantime, watch this delightful video below of Lumbang painting the piece, and then make it over to the Eastside and pay your respects: the animals will be happy to see you.


-- Chau Tu

Photo credit: Public Ad Campaign