On April 25, 1939, DC Comics (known then as National Allied Publications), published Detective Comics #27. The event was significant because it introduced the world to one of the greatest characters of all time: Batman. Today, 72 years later, April 25 proves to be a significant day in the history of comics once again: The Avengers are assembling.

Yesterday, Joss Whedon - the man directing The Avengers - published an open letter on the Whedonesque fansite announcing that principal photography for the blockbuster superhero film begins today, Monday April 25, 2011. In true Whedon fashion the letter is actually really funny, poking fun at Marvel Lawyers who apparently spend a great deal of time messing with people's pillows (not a euphemism). At the very least it should make you excited knowing that somewhere in this country Iron Man, Thor, Hulk and Captain America are joining forces. Check out the full letter below.

Film Greatness. On the Eve of Our Endeavor, I celebrate an american classic -- or possibly all of them.

Hi Pumpkins, joss here.

Tomorrow we start shooting (I THINK I'm legally permitted to say that). Day one. That's right. We'll be shooting the pivotal death/betrayal/product placement/setting up the sequel/coming out scene, at the following address:

[Marvel Lawyers rush in, take Joss's keyboard, blowtorch a picture of his family like in "Stormy Monday", drink his milkshake, leave the seat up, fluff his pillows, violently unfluff his pillows, leave]

Went too far. My bad. Anyhoo, it should be a fun day, followed by the eighty thousand other fun days it will take to finish this. I'll be checking in from time to time, if there's news or I crave attention (i.e. am awake) . None of it will be Avengers news -- I have some very denty pillows to remind of that -- but I may have tidbits. (They're not about Firefly. I should say that up front, if only to protect Sis Mo from the HATORZ.)

Some of you may be saying, Joss! Why this link, here, now, why, huh, howcum? My friend Allyx turned me on to these guys, and I'll tell you, they've gotten me through this intensely pressurized, preply time. I strongly recommend checking out their other vids -- I've watched them many many times, and I have a very special place for "Teamwork" in my heart. These guys are the guys. And IS there a better movie title than "Eagles Are Turning People Into Horses"? I thought not.

So wish me luck. DO IT! LUCK! NOW! I'm off to finish some Buffy pages, and then figure out what the movie is about already. I'm pretty sure it's about the Justice League [Marvel Lawyers re-enter, unspeakability occurs] or possibly something else. I'll get it. I've been looking forward to this. For about 46 years.

Catchphrase!

-j.