Massive rumor: Valve's E3 "surprise" is Half-Life 2 centric [UPDATE]

Update: The plot thickens. Check out this post from back in March on the TF2 blog. Look at the comic cover.

Now go look at this. (thanks, Rob)

Original: The E3 2010 rumor mill is thicker with muck than we've seen it in years, but that won't stop us from posting stuff just in case it's real.

Case in point: The Half-Life related June 14 promotional image shown above that we've converted into negative format for your consideration.

Notice anything special about it? Freeman? As in Gordon Freeman?

If Half-Life 2: Episode 3 is the "special" reason that Valve canceled its press plans with Portal 2 - well, then, all is forgiven.

If not, that Python-esque mail it sent out will just be a bit, well, silly.

However, as Ripten points out, the photo posted up top that's making its way around the net could easily have been faked.

Still, there it is for your consideration, just so in the off chance it is NOT a fake, we won't be accused of not keeping you informed.

With that, we would like to make a request: no more E3 rumors internet.

Just the facts, ma'am. Please. For the love of Christ.