Where’s D&D Going? (Newbie DM) – A compelling look at why 4th Edition may be on the way out in favor of something like an “Ultimate Dungeons & Dragons” for the iconic fantasy brand’s upcoming 2014 40th anniversary. Then there’s this from the D&D lead designer at Wizards of the Coast, Mike Mearls — read into it what you will, and discuss at length. Roll for initiative!

I’ve only just started collecting the newer “D&D Essentials” line, mostly thanks to the store-closing sales at Borders. So maybe I’m part of the problem. (Here I looked at WotC parent company Hasbro’s declining sales and other signs of trouble, such as the cancellation of the D&D Miniatures line and the rise of Paizo’s D&D 3.5 clone Pathfinder.)

Here are some other interesting reads from around the tubes:

• As ‘Fear Itself’ rolls out, mayhem and mystery abound (AP) – The fuse it lit for the Marvel Universe’s next big event.
• When coconut trees attack . . . other trees (io9)
• ‘The Last Ringbearer’: New ‘Lord of the Rings’ Sequel Makes Mordor the Good Guys (Cinematical)
• You Have Never Seen the Sun So Close (Gizmodo)