The (incredibly) long-awaited fifth book in George RR Martin's Song of Ice and Fire series hits the streets on July 12, and for those of us who still like to own physical copies of books we love, Powell's is hosting a midnight release at their Cedar Hills store. Books go on sale at 12:01 Tuesday morning; it's not a release party per se, I'm told, but there will be costume & trivia contests for the diehards.

Between the book series and the fantastic HBO series, Merc HQ is nerding out in a big way over Martin right now. (If Ezra tells me one more time that "the seed is strong," I WILL be filing a sexual harassment suit.) Once the first season of the show ends, I bet even more people will be jumping on board—which is why I feel comfortable sharing this direwolf shrinky dink I made the other night.

His nose is red with Lannister blood. And allergies. Theyre so bad this year!
  • His nose is red with Lannister blood. And allergies. They're so bad this year!