Quantcast
Channel: Forces of Geek
Viewing all 17882 articles
Browse latest View live

‘Zombiology: Enjoy Yourself Tonight’ (review)

0
0

Produced by Angus Chan, Clement Cheng
Written by Nick Cheuk,
Nero Ng, Chi Hoi Pang
Directed by Alan Lo
Starring Michael Ning, Louis Cheung,
Carrie Ng, Alex Man, Cherry Ngan,
Venus Wong, Angie Shum

 

Lung and Chi-Yeung are geeky friends who fancy themselves heroes in their own minds, strongly identifying with the protagonists of their favorite anime.

In reality, neither has been able to win over their respective dream girls, Lung’s dad just got out of jail and Lung wants nothing to do with him, Lung’s Auntie is constantly depressed and things just seem to work out like they do in their favorite superhero stories.

Inexplicably, the main villain from the anime – a giant, chicken-like monster – appears in their city and begins spreading a virus which causes people to turn into zombies.

With friends and family and their own lives in danger, Lung and Chi-Yeung decide that, despite their fear and inadequacies, they must step up to save the people they care about and perhaps become heroes in the process.

Taking a cue from the male fantasy premise of Shaun of The Dead – the man-child proving his worth to friends and family by rescuing them from rampant zombies – Zombiology: Enjoy Yourself Tonight, for most of its running time, and despite a few original quirks (that chicken creature, for one), feels fairly routine.

The opening half hour or so felt very slow to me, as I wasn’t exactly sucked into these guys’ world.

Typically combining goofy slapstick with heartfelt pathos, this is another eclectic yet overall rote HK genre flick.

That being said, Zombiology: Enjoy Yourself Tonight  did eventually grow on me. If I hadn’t had to review it, I likely would have turned it off around the 45 minute mark, but I’m glad to have stuck it out. The guys – and their family and love interests – become more interesting and develop more rooting interest as the film goes on, and there are some oddball moments that stick out (the chicken-creature’s weapon of choice: toxic eggs).

The effects are mostly quite good, the performances appealing, the action unspectacular but adequate. The film never really rises above the usual zombie fare to the heights of Shaun of The Dead or Happiness of The Katakuris, but it still has its qualities.

The ending, while unsuccessful in my view, does get points for ambition and aiming for a philosophical as opposed to logical explanation. Call it a cop-out if you will, but I applaud the effort to bring the theme full-circle, even if it doesn’t quite work.

Tired as the zombie sub-genre may be, there seems to always be a movie that finds its own voice (The Girl With All The Gifts being a sterling recent example). Zombiology: Enjoy Yourself Tonight, alas, doesn’t transcend the sub-genre with aplomb, but it does a decent job of trying to be at least a little bit different.

 

Zombiology: Enjoy Yourself Tonight is now available On Demand.

 


Boston Cinegeeks! We’ve Got Passes For ‘Gringo’

0
0

An exhilarating mix of dark comedy, white-knuckle action and dramatic intrigue, Gringo joyrides into Mexico, where mild-mannered businessman Harold Soyinka (David Oyelowo) finds himself at the mercy of back-stabbing business colleagues back home, local drug lords and a morally conflicted black-ops mercenary. Crossing the line from law-abiding citizen to wanted criminal, Harold battles to survive his increasingly dangerous situation in ways that raise the question: Is he out of his depth — or two steps ahead?

For your chance to win passes to the advance screening of GRINGO on
Wednesday, March 7th at 7:00 PM at the AMC Boston Common, click HERE.

Remember seating is first come, first served and not guaranteed so arrive early!

 

 

DTLA: Sightseeing in The City of Angels

0
0

After a 23 year stint in New York City, I’m now an inevitable resident of Los Angeles.

It’s always been inevitable that I’d move here. Like so many others, I’ve been obsessed with movies since I was a kid. After film-school it was either NYC or LA, and the former called first.

Though I’ve had the opportunity to move a few times before, the timing always sucked.  So, this relocation to La La Land has been a long time coming.

Business trips out West sometimes afforded time to take in the still-ongoing romantic celebration with Hollywood’s past—dinner at Dan Tana’s, screenings at the New Beverly, record bin diving at Amoeba Music in the shadow of the iconic Capitol Records building, among other musts. But now I live here, and have a car, so I’m thrilled to be able to explore on a way geekier level: seeking out past filming locations of my personal faves.

Having moved Downtown (or DTLA as its now rebranded), my first exploration came by accident. On my list of places to check out, just two blocks from my apartment, is the glorious Bradbury Building, which was most notably the home of J. F. Sebastian’s in Blade Runner.

Named not for the sci-fi author, ironically, but rather the late-18th century millionaire Lewis Bradbury, the building hardly stands out on the fairly old-school corner of 3rd and Broadway. Its exterior hasn’t really changed since opening in 1893. Now an ever-increasing destination for tourists and hipsters, that particular section of Broadway is more known for its late-night bar scene and early-morning hangover remedy, Eggslut.

So, the Bradbury goes commonly unnoticed, even by those paying $4 for a coffee in its lobby’s pour-over obsessed Blue Bottle location, or the customers grabbing a combo meal in the Subway in the lobby’s other side.

That’s a shame, as the real treat of this classic office building (which still operates as such) is its interior. A through-the-door trip back 120 years is your initial reaction to the five-story lobby/court. The skylight floods natural lighting that causes periodic, changing shadows amongst its many winding staircases and iron and oak railings. Bird-cage elevators take you up to the fifth floor if you’re lucky enough to have an office here.

The building, during operating hours, allows tourists to enter the spectacular lobby/court, but go no higher than a staircase on the second floor. It’s still worth it, especially to marvel at the winding staircases that lead to the rooftop sequence at the end of Blade Runner. Once you get past the smell of fresh bread baking in the Subway at its Broadway side entrance, you can see Deckard chasing Roy, albeit much sunnier and less-dystopian.

Blade Runner / Image via Warner Bros.

In fact, the building has appeared in a ton of noir films that inspired Ridley Scott’s post-modern classic, including D.O.A. (1949), I, The Jury (1953), M (1951) and Shockproof (1949). It can also be seen in The Night Strangler (1972), Chinatown (1974), Murphy’s Law (1986), Pay It Forward (2000), (500) Days of Summer (2009), The Artist (2011). The interior also features in the Pointer Sisters’ “He’s So Shy” music video, Janet Jackson’s extended film Rhythm Nation 1814, and most recently Justin Timberlake’s “Say Something.” In genre fiction, the Bradbury is often a location, including headquarters for Marvel’s The Order and DC’s Human Target.

A more planned bucket-list filming-location pilgrimage took me high into the Hollywood Hills, just near Griffith Park. The Ennis House, built in 1924, is a stylized Aztec inspired residential that stands out from the more conservatively designed homes its stretch. Approaching the location from below, sort-of mimics the opening title sequence of its most famous fictional counterpart—the titular House on Haunted Hill.

Upon reaching the destination, the creepy gated entrance is way less roomy than it appears on film. It’s still striking though, and worth the winding trip up a narrow, mind-bogglingly two-way street. Incidentally, the exterior of the house, designed by the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright, was also used for Blade Runner as Deckard’s home. His dark interior living conditions were created on a soundstage.

The iconic interlocking concrete blocks of the structure have seen better days, though it is considered a historic landmark. It suffered damage in the 1994 earthquake, but was repaired prior to its sale of a current private owner, billionaire Ronald Burkle.

Other iconic fictional locations for the Ennis include the Buffy the Vampire Slayer series (it was Angelus, Spike and Drusilla’s Mansion), The Karate Kid Part II, Black Rain, Rush Hour, and The Replacement Killers.  Parts of the house have inspired recreated soundstage sets for Predator 2, Star Trek: The Next Generation and The Rocketeer. Tile casts from the block relief ornamentation were part of the Club SIlencio doorframe in Mulholland Drive and the show-within-the-show Invitation to Love from Twin Peaks was shot inside the house.

I will say, it was all-the-more cool to see the Ennis in person, having recently visited the Wright exhibit at MOMA, where one of those concrete blocks sits on display with the house’s blueprint.

There will be more trips to other filming locations in the future, and I plan on documenting here on Forces of Geek.

 

Comic News Alert!!!: Dynamite Gets Premier Status, Marvel Reboots (Again), Whedon Heads Back to Sunnydale & More!

0
0

Big news for Dynamite Entertainment as they head to the front of the Diamond catalog.  Plus, lots of interesting news from Dark Horse, IDW, Titan, DC, Valiant, Archie and Lion Forge.

Oh yeah, Marvel reboots again.

Here’s the latest in the Comic News Alert!!!

 

Dynamite Entertainment

Dynamite Entertainment Advances To Premier Vendor Status Through Diamond Comic Distributors

Status Begins with April Previews for June In-Store Titles

Diamond Comic Distributors and Dynamite Entertainment announce today that Dynamite has attained the “Premier” classification, which constitutes Dynamite’s moving to the “Premiere” section of Diamond Previews. The move recognizes the company’s standing as a leading comic book and graphic novel publisher and expands their marketing and sales initiatives to the comic book specialty and bookstore markets.

“This change recognizes the growth and importance of Dynamite Entertainment to our business and the comics industry as a whole,” said Diamond VP-Purchasing, Tim Lenaghan. “We look forward to working with Dynamite for many years to come to help nurture and grow the comic book specialty market.”

“It’s a supreme honor to advance to Premier Vendor status, and truly a reflection of the dedication of everyone at Dynamite, the strength and success of our partnerships with creators and licensors, and the comics we bring to our retail supporters and fans. Everyone involved, especially the comic shops and readers, deserves our utmost respect and gratitude for their support,” says Nick Barrucci, CEO and Publisher of Dynamite Entertainment. “We work shoulder-to-shoulder with amazing people, and this achievement gives greater visibility to the monumental work that they do. With our new position and reach, we’ll be able to better coordinate with Diamond on many new ways to serve the retail community and further diversify our categories of product.”

Beginning in April (and corresponding to June shipping), Dynamite will feature in the exclusive “Premier Comics” sections of Diamond’s PREVIEWS catalog and PREVIEWSworld.com website, highlighting their new offerings to comic shop retailers and customers on a monthly basis. Dynamite’s move will place them in the forefront of the catalog with other Premier-status publishers including Image Comics, Dark Horse Comics, and IDW Publishing. In addition to their published offerings, Dynamite’s full range of merchandise – including statues, trading cards, and more – will move into the Premier section of Previews.

 

Marvel Comics

New creative teams. New series. New directions. New beginnings.

“Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll be rolling out new beginnings for a few of our key franchises—new creative teams, new starting points, new storylines—all the big stuff that we’ve been building towards since LEGACY began,” says SVP and Executive Editor Tom Brevoort. “This isn’t a clearing of the slate—while these new starts will kick off with new #1s, we’ll be maintaining the classic LEGACY issue counts as dual numbering on these titles as well. Oh, and don’t read anything into not seeing a character on the Jim Cheung piece…we can only squeeze so many characters onto there without killing poor Jim!”

Avengers #1

Thor Odinson. Steve Rogers. Tony Stark. The Big Three of the Avengers are reunited at last! And just in time to save the world from total annihilation at the hands of their most powerful enemies yet: the 2000-foot-tall space gods known as Celestials.

Behold the coming of the Final Host.

Who will answer the call to assemble for a wild new era of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes? Hint: one of them has a flaming skull for a head. And what strange, world-shaking connection exists between the Final Host and Odin’s ancient band of Prehistoric Avengers?

AVENGERS #1
Written by JASON AARON
Art and Cover by ED MCGUINNESS
On Sale 5/2/18

 

Black Panther #1

A bold new direction for the Black Panther! For years, T’Challa has fought off invaders from his homeland, protecting Wakanda from everything from meddling governments to long-lost gods. Now, he will discover that Wakanda is much bigger than he ever dreamed…

Across the vast Multiverse lies an empire founded in T’Challa’s name. Readers caught a glimpse of it in MARVEL LEGACY #1. Now find out the truth behind the Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda!

Ta-Nehisi Coates welcomes aboard fan-favorite artist Daniel Acuña for a Black Panther story unlike any other!

BLACK PANTHER #1
Written by TA-NEHISI COATES
Art and Cover by DANIEL ACUNA
On Sale 5/23/18

 

Venom #1

In the wake of S.H.I.E.L.D.’s collapse, an ancient and primordial evil has been awakened beneath the streets of New York, and with it, something equally evil has awakened in that most Wicked of Webslingers – VENOM!

Still a Lethal Protector of the innocents in New York, this never-before-seen threat could force Venom to relinquish everything it holds dear – including Eddie Brock! Join two of the hottest creators in comics today, Donny Cates and Ryan Stegman, for a VENOM adventure a thousand years in the making!

VENOM #1
Written by DONNY CATES
Art and Cover by RYAN STEGMAN
On Sale 5/9/18

 

 

Free Comic Book Day

Free Comic Book Day 2018 is your perfect chance to dive into the Marvel Universe – and Marvel is excited to reveal your first look at the cover of FCBD AVENGERS #1!

With a story from Jason Aaron and art by Sara Pichelli, each FCBD title debuting this May features stories that set the stage for an epic new direction in the Marvel Universe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DC Comics

Nightwing Gets a New Creative Team; Writer Benjamin Percy and Artist Christopher Mooneyham

Blüdhaven’s Protector Faces Off Against High-Tech Mystery Villain in Issue #44

“The best way to approach NIGHTWING is as a high-octane, adrenaline-fueled mystery and adventure,” says Benjamin Percy on his new assignment writing the famous BATMAN sidekick. “I’m going to crank up the volume on that world, dose it full of steroids and poison, and dream up a digital nightmare that will ultimately impact the entire DCU.”

Beginning this May, writer Benjamin Percy will pen new stories for DC’s ongoing NIGHTWING monthly comic book series. After making his DC debut with DETECTIVE COMICS, Percy then jumped into GREEN ARROW, and has spent the last two years “happily inhabiting the disturbed mind of Damian Wayne for TEEN TITANS.”

Percy’s NIGHTWING, beginning with issue #44 on May 2, launches with a big, bold, game-changing storyline, “The Bleeding Edge,” that will lay the groundwork for a centrally important threat to the DCU. And, says Percy, “it is ironically Nightwing’s off-the-radar status that makes him the ideal detective for the case.

“Consider how Gotham and Blüdhaven are shadow-soaked, crime-ridden environments,” explains Percy. “One of the things I love about Nightwing is his irrepressible optimism. This joy—a love of the game, a showman’s theatricality—is tonally essential to my approach. I see it as a necessary counterweight to material that might otherwise feel oppressively grim. In this way, Grayson really captures the hopeful maxim that has defined the Rebirth era.”

In this arc, change is on the horizon when a new technologist sets his sights on Blüdhaven, creating a holographic, interconnected city where everyone is an individual and part of a larger network. It’s the internet made physical. Gentrification on gigabyte-laced steroids. But when this new utopia encroaches on his turf, Nightwing starts to uncover a sinister plot based not on revenge…but on a reckoning.

Joining Percy in May will be artist Christopher Mooneyham. “He’s got a tight line, cinematic vision, and can ground one moment in emotional realism and elevate the next to eye-popping levels of super-heroic awesomeness,” shared Percy.

NIGHTWING #44 arrives in stores May 2nd. Attached is a first-look at Declan Shalvey’s cover for the issue. Fans can also expect variant covers by Yasmine Putri.

 

Dark Horse Comics

Joss Whedon and Christos Gage Bring a Reckoning
For Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Dark Horse is proud to announce the return of Joss Whedon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Serenity) and Christos Gage (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel & Faith, Amazing Spider-Man, Daredevil, Avengers Academy) to unite the Buffyverse for a battle-filled four-issue series Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 12: The Reckoning this June! Buffyverse alumnus artist Georges Jeanty (Serenity, Buffy the Vampire Slayer) also returns to lend his illustrative skills to the next installment.

Following the world-altering finale of Season 11, Buffy and the Scoobies have had a laid-back year in the saving-the-world department. But as they’ve learned over their years of fighting the forces of darkness and thwarting many an apocalypse, nothing stays quiet for long. When Dawn and Xander’s housewarming party is crashed by some familiar faces with news of an amassing force that must be reckoned with—Wolfram & Hart, a legion of demons, and Harth, a vampire from the future—Buffy finds herself in a time warp that could alter the fate of the world and could spell the end for Buffy, her friends, and the Slayers, forever.

This action-packed miniseries reunites the Buffyverse with the return of Angel, Faith, Illyria, and Fray, the Slayer from the future!

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 12: The Reckoning #1 (of four) goes on sale June 20, 2018, and boasts three beautiful variant covers by Stephanie Hans, Georges Jeanty with Karl Story and Dan Jackson, and Karl Moline. The first issue will be available for preorder at your local comic shop in March.

 

Dark Horse Heads To Antarctica With Lara Croft

Artist Phillip Sevy Returns to Join Writers Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly for “Tomb Raider: Inferno”

Everyone’s favorite adventurer Lara Croft is back for a brand-new adventure in Tomb Raider: Inferno. Dark Horse and Crystal Dynamics are thrilled to welcome back veteran Tomb Raider artist Phillip Sevy for another globe-trotting adventure!

Sevy joins Tomb Raider: Survivor’s Crusade writers Jackson Lanzing (Gotham City Garage, Joyride, Hacktivist, Grayson) and Collin Kelly (Gotham City Garage, Joyride, Hacktivist, Grayson) as they continue Lara’s quest to uncover the secrets of an enigmatic criminal organization known as Trinity, even if it means following them to the ends of the earth. With Lara hot on their trail, Trinity is on high alert and armed with a new command officer, who is ready for any surprises Lara may have in store for them. It’s time for Lara Croft to come face to face with a side of Trinity she has never seen before.

Dark Horse’s Tomb Raider comics continue the story from the Rise of the Tomb Raider games from Crystal Dynamics. Tomb Raider: Inferno is designed to be a perfect jumping-on point for new readers.

Tomb Raider: Inferno #1 (of 4) goes on sale June 13, 2018.

 

Titan Comics

Titan Celebrates Mickey Spillane’s 100th Anniversary With An All-New Mike Hammer Comic Book Series!

To celebrate the centenary year of Mickey Spillane, Titan Comics is excited to announce Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer, a brand-new Hard Case Crime comic book series, based on a story originally written by Mickey Spillane and adapted by Max Allan Collins (Road To Perdition, Quarry’s War) – coming in June 2018.

Following his debut novel, I, The Jury in 1947, Mickey Spillane became one of the best-selling novelists of all-time, with more than 225 million copies of his books sold internationally. Famed, yet controversial for the depictions of sex and violence in his novels, Spillane created Mike Hammer, one of the most famous of all fictional detectives, and even starred as Hammer in one of the many movies made from his books.

Mickey Spillane’s tough-talking, brawling, skirt-chasing private detective Mike Hammer returns to comics in Titan’s new Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer series. When a chance encounter with a captivating femme fatale leads to a violent mob retaliation, hard-boiled detective Mike Hammer finds himself dodging both bullets and broads as he undertakes the most dangerous case of his career.

Entitled “The Night I Died,” Titan’s new comic series is based on an unproduced 1950s Spillane screenplay. Now, with this new comic book series, readers can experience an authentic yet brand-new take on the bestselling writer’s much-loved detective – written by Collins with art by rising star Marcelo Salaza and colorist Marcio Freire.

“Spillane’s contributions to the genre are without parallel,” said Titan Comics editor Tom Williams. “What better addition to the Hard Case Crime comics family than his signature character, Mike Hammer? Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer is sure to become a hard-boiled classic.”

Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer is part of Titan Publishing’s wider year-long celebration of Spillane’s work and legacy which includes the Titan Books publication of Killing Town,  the very first Mike Hammer novel, begun by Spillane around 1945 and recently completed by Collins. Killing Town had been set aside by Spillane to write his and Hammer’s famous 1947 debut, I, The Jury; and Hard Case Crime publication The Last Stand — Spillane’s never-before-published final novel — was completed by Spillane just before his death in 2006.

“I am thrilled to join Marcelo and Marcio in bringing Mickey Spillane to the comic book form — particularly since Mickey was a top Golden Age comic book writer himself,” said series writer Max Allan Collins. “His Mike Hammer — probably the most influential private eye of all — was initially created with comics in mind. ”

“It’s a privilege to work with Max Allan Collins, Mickey’s hand-picked successor and fellow Mystery Writers of America Grand Master, to celebrate the Spillane Centenary,” said Hard Case Crime editor Charles Ardai, “No one could be a better choice to shepherd Mickey’s legendary detective, Mike Hammer, onto the comic book page than the author behind Road to PerditionDick Tracy, Wild Dog and Ms. Tree.

Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer is part of Titan’s new Hard Case Crime comics imprint, which has seen recent publications including Quarry’s War written by novel series creator Max Allan Collins, Triggerman by visionary director Walter Hill (The Warriors), Peepland, by crime author Christa Faust and Gary Phillips, a new adaptation of Stieg Larsson’s The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo – Millennium, Normandy Gold by crime authors Megan Abbott and Alison Gaylin, and Babylon Berlin – a graphic novel adaptation of the book that inspired the new TV show currently showing on Netflix.

Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer Issue #1 is available to order from the April edition of Diamond Previews.

 

Titan Comics Announce Tank Girl 30th Anniversary Plans
Celebrating The Original Hit-Girl With The ‘Year of Tank Girl’!

It’s been 30 years since the dynamic partnership of Alan Martin and Jamie Hewlett (Gorillaz) unleashed Tank Girl upon the world! To celebrate Tank Girl’s 30th Anniversary, Titan Comics is launching the ‘Year of Tank Girl’ in 2018 – a year-long celebration with new comics, graphic novels and special events, including a global Tank Girl Day event on Saturday, October 20.

Originally published in 1988 as a black and white comic strip in UK magazine Deadline, Tank Girl has gone on to become a cult icon in the 30 years since her first appearance, with numerous comics and graphic novels, and even her own feature film in 1995, which boasted an all-star cast including Lori Petty, Naomi Watts, Malcolm McDowell, Ice-T, and Iggy Pop, and directed by Doctor Who’s Rachel Talalay.

Set in a futuristic Australia and drawing heavily on contemporary British pop culture and punk visual art, Tank Girl follows the bizarre, psychedelic and anarchic adventures of the titular outlaw who lives in a tank with her mutant kangaroo boyfriend, Booga.

Since Hewlett’s departure as regular artist in 1998 (going on to create ground-breaking music band Gorillaz with Blur’s Damon Albarn), the comic series has continued to attract top artistic talent, including Philip Bond (Kill Your Boyfriend, Vimanarama), Ashley Wood (Spawn, Zombies vs. Robots), Jim Mahfood (Clerks, Spectacular Spider-Man), Mike McMahon (Judge Dredd), Glyn Dillon (film storyboard and concept artist, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Rogue One), Rufus Dayglo (Judge Dredd), and current fan-favorite series artist, Brett Parson (New Romancer).

As Tank Girl prepares to celebrate 30 riotous years in 2018, Titan Comics is proud to announce its ‘Year of Tank Girl’ campaign.

Celebrations kick off in April 2018 with Tank Girl: Full Color Classics 1988-1989 – the first of six prestige editions presenting those original seminal strips from Deadline in glorious color, just as Hewlett and Martin envisaged them three decades ago. Colored by Tracy Bailey (Fighting American) and Sofie Dodgson (Tank Girl: Bad Wind Rising), this is a new take on the classic strips. Plus, it includes rare and unseen artwork, as well as photos from the early days of the Martin and Hewlett partnership.

April 2018 also sees the release of The Way Of Tank Girl, a fantastic hardcover gift book full of Tank Girl’s most personal and bonkers brainwaves, musings, and secret weaponry. Original creators Alan Martin and Jamie Hewlett, with artists Brett Parson and Ashley Wood, bring together a collection of strips, poems, covers, and extracts from Tank Girl’s 30-year career. It’s Tank Girl’s philosophy on life, distilled from her filthiest, dirtiest, stupidest best

Tank Girl also leaves her mark on Free Comic Book Day on Saturday May 5, with a special Tank Girl FCBD edition. Entitled ‘A Brief History of Tank Girl’, this special comic features tales from Tank Girl’s past that illustrate how she became the loveable, unhinged rogue she is today! Plus, it features a cover by Jamie Hewlett! Fans can pick up this free comic at their local comic store on May 5.

A brand-new comic series starts in June 2018 with Tank Girl All Stars, which sees fan-favorite Tank Girl artists from her wild history return! Featuring Brett Parson, Chris Wahl, Ashley Wood, Philip Bond, Jim Mahfood, and Mick McMahon!

June 2018 also sees the critically-acclaimed 2017 series The Wonderful World Of Tank Girl hit stores in collection format. It features four stand-alone stories starring Tank Girl and her supporting cast, including: ‘Tank Girl Strikes Again’, The Man from Tank Girl’, ‘The Importance of Being Tank Girl’ and ‘Tank Girl Takes a Trip’.

In August 2018, The Legend Of Tank Girl – an all-new, bumper collection – hits stores. This highly-anticipated edition features the madcap adventures of Alan Martin and Brett Parson’s best-selling, 2017 graphic novel trilogy; ‘Two Girls One Tank’, ‘Tank Girl Gold’, and ‘World War Tank Girl.’ Packed with dozens of guest artist covers, previously unseen artwork, and character and vehicle sketches, this is the trilogy as you’ve never seen it before!

October 2018 – the actual 30th Anniversary of Tank Girl – is set to be a packed month of events, signings, comics, variant covers, and book releases. October 9 sees the release of a fun Tank Girl Coloring Book – where fans can make their own pages and pin-ups of their favorite anarchist as colorful as her language! The Tank Girl All Stars hardcover collection hits bookstores on October 16, and the following day, October 17, sees the launch of a brand-new Tank Girl comic series from Alan Martin! This busy month culminates on Saturday October 20, as Titan Comics launches Tank Girl Day – a global event celebrating everything Tank Girl! The event will see new comics and collections, variant covers, signings, and events across the world at comic shops, bookstores, retail chains, libraries, and digital platforms.

 

Valiant Comics

Valiant Presents the HARBINGER WARS COMPENDIUM – A 750+ Page Behemoth Collecting the Groundbreaking Comics Event!

Valiant is proud to announce the HARBINGER WARS COMPENDIUMA MASSIVE, 750+ PAGE COLLECTION representing the march toward the original groundbreaking crossover event that collided the opposing factions of the Valiant Universe together for the very first time in an extra-sized, softcover format!

Collecting the entire first years of both HARBINGER (#1-14) and BLOODSHOT (#1-13) alongside the HARBINGER WARS event series (#1-4) in complete chronological order for the first time between two covers, get the whole story behind the definitive Valiant crossover event – just as HARBINGER WARS 2 gears up for an all-out assault on Valiant’s most formidable heroes in May!

Featuring critically renowned runs by Eisner Award winner Joshua Dysart (IMPERIUM, Unknown Soldier) and acclaimed writer Duane Swierczynski (Black Widow) alongside a truly all-star cast of artistic firepower – including Clayton Crain (Carnage), Khari Evans (Carbon Grey), Manuel Garcia (Black Panther), Trevor Hairsine (DIVINITY), Clayton Henry (ARCHER & ARMSTRONG), Barry Kitson (Justice League: Year One), Pere Pérez (FAITH), Mico Suayan (BLOODSHOT REBORN), and more – retrace the footsteps of the dueling series that brought Bloodshot, the Harbinger Renegades, and Toyo Harada together for the first time amid the wreckage-strewn fallout of the Las Vegas Strip right here with the oversized and essential HARBINGER WARS COMPENDIUM!

When an untrained and undisciplined team of super-powered test subjects escape from Project Rising Spirit and onto the Vegas Strip, Bloodshot and the Harbinger Renegades will find themselves locked in battle against a deadly succession of opponents – and each other. As the combined forces of the H.A.R.D. Corps, Generation Zero, and omega-level telekinetic Toyo Harada all descend on Las Vegas to vie for the control of Rising Spirit’s deadliest assets, the world is about to discover the shocking price of an all-out superhuman conflict…and no one will escape unscathed. Who will survive the Harbinger Wars?

Featuring the first modern appearances of Bloodshot, Faith, Generation Zero, Toyo Harada, Livewire, Peter Stanchek, and dozens more, the HARBINGER WARS COMPENDIUM is the ultimate entry point into the most celebrated superhero universe anywhere on the stands today! Arriving just in time for the fifth anniversary of HARBINGER WARS’ initial impact, get both the renowned runs of HARBINGER and BLOODSHOT, plus the complete HARBINGER WARS saga, together in one deluxe package on May 2nd!

 

Lion Forge Comics

Lion Forge To Publish The Continuation of Four Time
Eisner-Winner Gene Ha’s Mae

Lion Forge Announces All-New Edition of the Kickstarter Turned Comic Shop Sensation in Mid 2018

At the annual ComicsPRO meeting in Portland, the St. Louis based publisher of “comics for everyone” announces the publication of Gene Ha’s Mae.

The book made its debut on Kickstarter in 2015, where the project surpassed its initial goal by over $50,000! Mae saw a second life serialized at Dark Horse, and will now be collected in an all-new edition in July!

“I’m so proud for Mae to join Lion Forge, and to add editor Andrea Colvin to the Mae creative team” says Gene Ha. “I’ve always meant Mae to reach both comic shops and book stores, and no company is better suited than Lion Forge to get our books to all of those readers. Stay tuned, we have so many more amazing stories to share!”

“I’ve been a Gene Ha fan for years,” said Andrea, Lion Forge Vice President–Executive Editor, “and so of course I was thrilled at the chance to bring his creator-owned series over to Lion Forge. Mae is a page-turning high-fantasy adventure in the best comics tradition, and its focus on not just one but three strong female characters makes this exactly the kind of story I’m looking to publish at Lion Forge.”

Mae’s sister Abbie has been missing for seven years. So when she just shows up in a bar one night, Mae is more than a little shocked. Even more shocking is where Abbie has been–a parallel world in which she was queen of a cat army and battled monsters of seemingly infinite variety.

And this is just our story’s beginning. When monsters and other impossible creatures start making their way to our world, and abduct the girls’ father, Mae joins Abbie in a strange and fantastical universe in which everything they thought they knew–about themselves, their family, their world–is challenged.

Mae Volume 1 will be released in comic shops on June 20, 2018, and will continue in an all-new series launching the same day.

 

Archie Comics

Archie’s SuperTeens Return in a Super Fun New Crossover Event!

The superpowered team-up 50 years in the making is finally here! Riverdale’s most unlikely heroes, the SuperTeens, will meet Archie Comics’ flagship hero team, The Mighty Crusaders, in a two-issue crossover event flying to comic shops this summer.

Created by a super-team of Archie Comics veterans — writers Ian Flynn, David Williams, and Gary Martin, and artists Kelsey Shannon, Williams, Martin, and Jack Morelli — the madcap action launches with ARCHIE SUPERTEENS VS. CRUSADERS #1 on June 20.

“It’s been a while since we’ve seen the SuperTeens,” Ian said, “so it’s fantastic to see them jumping back into action. And folks will likely still be hungry for more Mighty Crusaders goodness. The meeting of these two super-teams has been a long-time coming and it’s got all the fun and excitement you could expect from a collision of these two properties!”

Longtime Archie fans have been thrilling to the alternate universe adventures of Riverdale’s heroes since Archie’s alter ego, Pureheart the Powerful, stumbled onto his powers in 1965’s LIFE WITH ARCHIE #42, by Frank Doyle and Bill Vagoda. The rest of the gang suited up over the following years, including Super Teen (Betty Cooper), Evilheart (Reggie Mantle), Captain Hero (Jughead Jones), and Miss Vanity (Veronica Lodge).

This new limited series event will see Archie and the gang encountering Archie Comics’ more traditional heroes in a caper packed with more hamburgers than any other superhero comic on the stands. It’ll take the two most powerful superhero teams in the world to save Riverdale – but can they work together to get things done? Either way, it’ll be fun for all of us to read and find out for ourselves!

 

IDW Publishing

Transformers Original Graphic Novel Starring Bumblebee Arrives Fall 2018

IDW Publishing is thrilled to announce that in 2018 Bumblebee from the TRANSFORMERS franchise will star in his very own original graphic novel! The perfect jumping on point for the next generation of TRANSFORMERS fans, Transformers: Bumblebee – Win If You Dare gives readers the opportunity to join in the fan-favorite character’s adventures. Life can feel rough when you aren’t the fastest or the tallest Autobot, but Bumblebee is up to the task!

When his best friend is hurt, Bumblebee takes it upon himself to finish the mission—and prove his worth to his fellow Autobots along the way. Things get tense as Bumblebee and a new human friend infiltrate a series of incredible races, hunting down dangerous foes and a devastating secret. It’s an exciting new, action-packed ’80s adventure! X-Men ’92 co-writers Chad Bowers and Chris Sims along with artist Marcelo Ferreira (Back to the Future, Transformers: Windblade) have crafted a nostalgia-tinged, yet equally fresh standalone story.

“The exciting thing about this book is that it really hits all the highs of TRANSFORMERS for fans new and old,” said IDW Associate Editor, David Mariotte. “It has action, adventure, racing and robots, but it also has a lot of heart and humor that comes through in this simultaneously retro and very modern package.”

“This story is just a ton of fun,” said Michael Kelly, head of publishing at Hasbro. “Bumblebee is the ultimate underdog, and everyone loves an underdog. IDW has done a fantastic job bringing this iconic character to life for a new generation of fans.”

This new OGN will be available in comic shops and book stores September 11, 2018 for $9.99. It is available for pre-order now using ISBN: 978-1-68405-227-1.

 

BOOM! Studios

Fraggle Rock Returns at BOOM! Studios

Discover Your Favorite Fraggles, Doozers, Gorgs, Silly Creatures & More in May 2018

BOOM! Studios and The Jim Henson Company are excited to announce FRAGGLE ROCK #1, an all-new four-issue limited series arriving in comic shops May 2018. In honor of the 35th Anniversary of Fraggle Rock, the Fraggles are back in all-new stand-alone adventures, each by distinct creative voices and presented in an 8″ x 8″  format perfect for longtime fans to share with the next generation. It all begins with a story written and illustrated in beautiful watercolor by Jared Cullum (Jim Henson’s Labyrinth 2017 Special), as Mokey Fraggle is losing her love for creating her art and needs her friends’ help to rediscover her inspiration.

FRAGGLE ROCK #1 features a cover by Jared Cullum, along with a connecting subscription cover by Jake Myler (Fraggle Rock: Journey to the Everspring). Each issue of FRAGGLE ROCK will have a connecting subscription cover featuring a different Fraggle. Retailers who order all four subscription covers will unlock an orderable additional fifth connecting cover that will be shipped with Issue #4.

Fraggle Rock was an exceptionally unique show where the characters were never 2-dimensional. They have authentic feelings, character flaws, and learned, as we do in life, through stumbling to the right decision in a very immersive and connective way,” said Jared Cullum. “It will always resonate with our hearts.”

FRAGGLE ROCK is the latest release from BOOM! Studios’ ambitious Archaia imprint, home to graphic novels such as Mouse Guard by David Petersen; Rust by Royden Lepp; Bolivar by Sean Rubin; Jane by Aline Brosh McKenna and Ramón K. Pérez; and licensed series like Jim Henson’s The Power of the Dark Crystal and Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: Coronation.

“We’re proud to celebrate 35 years of Fraggle Rock with all-new stories from an eclectic group of creators,” said Cameron Chittock, Editor, BOOM! Studios. “Each issue captures the spirit of the series in an exciting way, honoring the tradition Jim Henson established of telling stories with genuine heart and a confident belief that what we share outweighs our differences.”

 

Lumberjanes Celebrates 50 Issues of Friendship!

Discover The Historic 50th Issue of The Worldwide Phenomenon in May 2018

BOOM! Studios is proud to announce LUMBERJANES #50, the historic anniversary issue of the landmark original series that’s sold nearly a million copies worldwide. This oversized issue pays tribute to Mal, Ripley, Molly, April, Jo, and the many adventures at Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet’s camp for hardcore lady-types that’s brought countless new fans to comics.

Launched in 2014 under BOOM! Studios’ YA-focused BOOM! Box imprint by series co-creators Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, Brooklyn Allen, and Noelle Stevenson, Lumberjanes was originally solicited as a limited series, but the overwhelming response from fans transformed it into an ongoing series that has become a New York Times best-seller, been nominated for prestigious awards including the GLAAD Media Award and the Eisner Awards (for which it has won twice), and have even crossed over with heroes from the DC Comics Universe (in Lumberjanes/Gotham Academy). The Lumberjanes have expanded to middle-grade novels at Abrams Books, a diverse array of merchandise from pins to patches, and a feature film in development at 20th Century Fox.

In LUMBERJANES #50, from writers Shannon Watters & Kat Leyh and artists Dozerdraws & Brooklyn Allen, join April, Mal and Ripley as they make several very cool and also pretty gross discoveries deep in the tunnels beneath the Mess Hall. Up above in the civilized world, Jo and Molly join Emily, Diane, and the Zodiac cabin for a fun and totally chill game of total world conquest! This issue also contains a special short story illustrated by Brooklyn Allen.

“It remains stunning that the series has made it this far. I’m humbled every day by the chance that we’ve been given because readers embraced and loved this series and these characters. What a gift, what a journey,” said Shannon Watters. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

LUMBERJANES #50,  featuring a main cover by Kat Leyh (Roadkill Witch), connecting variants by Veronica Fish (SLAM!) and a special wraparound foil cover connecting both Veronica Fish variants, is the latest release from BOOM! Studios’ award-winning BOOM! Box imprint, home to groundbreaking original series such as Giant Days by John Allison, Lissa Treiman, and Max Sarin; Misfit City by Kiwi Smith, Kurt Lustgarten and Naomi Franquiz; Fence by C.S. Pacat and Johanna The Mad; and Goldie Vance by Hope Larson and Brittney Williams.

“We would not have been able to make it to fifty issues of Lumberjanes if it wasn’t for the readers that have found, read, and supported the book. This comic is a labor of love comic born of love – for best friends, for making memories and, most importantly, for who you are inside,” said Dafna Pleban, Editor, BOOM! Studios. “We’re celebrating 50 issues of friendship in the way that only Mal, Ripley, Molly, April and Jo can…which means LUMBERJANES #50 is gonna be unlike any anniversary comic you’ve ever read.”

 

Over The Garden Wall Returns From BOOM! Studios & Cartoon Network

Discover The Secrets of The Unknown in An All-New Original Graphic Novel in November 2018

BOOM! Studios, in partnership with Cartoon Network, is proud to announce OVER THE GARDEN WALL: DISTILLATORIA OGN, an all new original graphic novel set in the Emmy Award-winning Cartoon Network mini-series arriving in stores November 2018. While exploring the Unknown, Greg and Wirt suddenly find themselves back home—only it looks like they brought Beatrice back with them?! Now, it’s up to them to help Beatrice return safely to the Unknown before anyone realizes she can talk. But it looks like something sinister might be happening in the shadows and everything might not be as it seems. It’s a mad dash filled with friendship, love, Sara, and learning that home might be a lot further away than you think.

Eisner Award-winning writer Jonathan Case (Dear Creature) and Eisner Award-winning Over the Garden Wall artist Jim Campbell present an all-new story perfect for long time fans and new readers alike in OVER THE GARDEN WALL:  DISTILLATORIA OGN.

“As a borderline-scary fan of Over the Garden Wall, I’m excited to find myself at the helm of a new adventure for Wirt, Greg, and Beatrice. Really, really excited, you guys,” said Jonathan Case. “With Distillatoria, we’ll revisit some familiar and beloved bits: the Unknown, the Wirt-poems, the rock facts…but we’ll also explore new and (I hope) surprising territory. I dearly hope this new book is a good time for all my fellow old souls and romantic weirdos. And of course, all the lovers of Greg.”

“At this point drawing Over the Garden Wall feels like home to me,” said Jim Campbell. “I love this world. I’m really excited about exploring a lot of the new, weird, and creepy imagery Jonathan has conjured up for this story. But it’s also got some of my favorite settings and characters from the show we haven’t seen in the comics yet. This is going to be a good one.”

OVER THE GARDEN WALL: DISTILLATORIA OGN is the latest release from BOOM! Studios’ critically acclaimed KaBOOM! imprint, publisher of world-class licensed series such as Adventure Time, Steven Universe, Peanuts, and Garfield, along with original series like Brave Chef Brianna by Sam Sykes and Selina Espiritu, and The Deep by Tom Taylor and James Brouwer.

OVER THE GARDEN WALL: DISTILLATORIA is a fun filled adventure with Wirt and Greg having to deal with some strange twists and turns as they find themselves suddenly home after being trapped in the Unknown,” said Whitney Leopard, Editor, BOOM! Studios. “Jonathan and Jim have made an insanely talented team and this is definitely going to be a story that you don’t want to miss.”

 

 

 

Win a Disney-Pixar ‘Coco’ Blu-ray Combo Pack!

0
0

Disney•Pixar’s “Coco” —the story of a 12-year-old aspiring musician’s extraordinary journey to the magical land of his ancestors—won a 2018 Golden Globe Award for Best Animated Motion Picture, topped the domestic box office Thanksgiving holiday weekend, became the highest grossing film of all time in Mexico, broke records in China and earned widespread praise, receiving 96 percent from critics and 97 percent from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. Now this vibrant tale filled with love and laughter arrives home Digitally in HD and 4K Ultra HD and on Movies Anywhere on Feb. 13, and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD and On-Demand on Feb. 27.

Through fresh and fascinating bonus material, adventurers of all ages will tag along with filmmakers as they soak in Día de los Muertos in Mexico; explore the essential role of music in “Coco;” and learn how the cast and crew personally connect with the film’s message. They’ll step behind the scenes to discover the inspiration behind the film’s creative costuming; Miguel’s beautifully complicated family; Dante the loyal Xolo dog; and the stunning worlds of both the dead and the living. Features also include deleted scenes, insightful filmmaker commentary, the music of Coco and more.

“Coco” is packaged several ways to ensure viewers get the most out of their in-home viewing experience. The Multi-screen Edition (formerly the Blu-ray Combo Pack) includes Blu-ray, DVD and a Digital copy, giving viewers the flexibility to watch the film on different devices. Those with 4K Ultra HD capability may opt for Digital 4K Ultra HD or the 4K UHD Combo Pack, which includes 4K UHD, Blu-ray and a Digital copy. 4K Ultra HD provides four times the resolution of HD, bringing the rich color, textures and sounds to life and immersing viewers in two fantastically animated worlds. Dolby Atmos audio heightens the memorable score created by Oscar-winning composer Michael Giacchino and his 83-piece orchestra, as well as original songs like “Remember Me” by the Oscar-winning team behind “Frozen,” Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez.

And we’re giving away three Blu-ray Combo Packs!

To enter, send an email with the subject header “COCO Blu” to geekcontest @ gmail dot com and answer the following question:

Although Coco director Lee Unkrich has co-directed several Pixar films, this is
only the second that he’s directed by himself.  What was the first?

Please include your name, and address (U.S. only. You must be 18 years old).

Only one entry per person and a winner will be chosen at random.

Contest ends at 11:59 PM EST on March 11th, 2018.

 

Black Panther: Things Fall Into Place

0
0

Guest post by Dr. Michael Sawyer

Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart examines the devastating effect British Colonialism had on Nigerian societal order. Achebe’s text forces us to consider the legacy of colonialism and having done so begin to imagine the post-colonial moment. What Achebe accomplishes through literature, Frantz Fanon addresses through his exploration of the revolutionary moment in his Wretched of the Earth.

Marvel Studio’s Black Panther endeavors to propose a Afro-Futurist vision of a post-colonial moment that absorbs the long intellectual genealogy of black radical politics; necessarily taking stock of Achebe and Fanon, and displaying the possibility of alternative modes of being.

This film is the latest addition to the Marvel Universe that has experienced a type of box office success that was not predictable from the decline of the comic book industry during the late 20th century.

The box office numbers are staggering. The Marvel film properties as late as November 2017 have earned a total of $11,899,572,300 in domestic box office receipts adjusted for ticket price inflation.

Over the next three years the enterprise has no fewer than 30 films scheduled for release and none of these films has been more anticipated than Black Panther.  The film features a virtually all black cast and the script was written by Ryan Coogler and Joe Robert Cole, and is also directed by Coogler.  The “blackness” of the acting, writing, and direction is meant to mirror the cultural relevance of this uniquely nationalist and sovereign storyline.

As a practical matter, there is a way in which Marvel’s rival comic book company DC Comics, and their Wonder Woman franchise, at least the interior storyline with respect to the profound isolation of the Amazons from patriarchal societal order, can be understood as the gender and sexuality based corollary to the racial isolation of Wakanda.  With that being said, and having both experienced the film and the lightning fast critique from all quarters that has attended it, I have become preoccupied with the simple question: What is this movie about?

Before getting to that central question there is a bit of context that is in order.

I have always believed that essays that can be understood as something like critique require context and some of that needs to be the identification of the presuppositions of the author.

First, one can be as big a fan of the Black Panther as I am but you can’t be a bigger fan. That is the personal. From the perspective of the professional, as a person who can credibly “claim” to be a scholar of post-colonial thought and Black Radical Political Philosophy, I would submit that in relation to thinking radical forms of blackness as it relates to the normative categories of white supremacy, patriarchy, and capital, there is no perfect text.  What I mean by the impossibility of the perfection of the text in this context is that all authors, readers, viewers, critiques, etc. are not, in this specific instance, “Wakandans” so we are all working from a perspective of Western ways of knowing and expressing that are infected with the very problems that we are attempting to dismantle.  That being said, getting between a scholar’s send button and the possibility of criticizing popular media requires similar agility to running with the bulls in Pamplona.  I intended to resist but can’t help myself so I saw the movie twice over the period of 4 days to give myself time to reflect and insure that what I thought I saw was really in the film.

So what is this film about?

The short answer is it is about Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan) and not because the Black Panther isn’t the star of the film but because the villain in this case becomes the Alice to Wakanda’s Wonderland.  What I mean by that is there is a way in which science fiction only becomes legible to us in that the alterations of what we understand is normative is measured against the presence of the common.

So Erik Killmonger represents the canary in the coalmine that is a world that is not “post-colonial” but was allowed to develop outside of the context of life under the terms and conditions of slavery, empire, Emancipation, Jim Crow, Segregation, the Civil Rights Movement, Black Power, and the Obama Administration.

That being said, and read no further if you haven’t seen the film; Pause: The canary, the Alice in the Wonderland of Wakanda, Erik Killmonger, cannot survive.  This fact seems to be the central preoccupation of some of the trenchant criticism of the film and therefore buttresses my argument that the film is about Killmonger and his relationship to his forced separation from his blood right in Africa.

‘LEGO DC Super Hero Girls: Super-Villain High’ Available on DVD 5/15; Digital 5/1

0
0

Everyone’s favorite female Super Heroes are left to deal with a new rival when a mysterious high school pops up in the all-new animated film, LEGO DC Super Hero Girls: Super-Villain High. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, DC Entertainment and The LEGO Group, the film – a continuation in the worldwide DC Super Hero Girls franchise phenomenon – will be distributed by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) May 1, 2018 on Digital ($19.99 SRP), and on May 15, 2018 on DVD ($19.98 SRP).

After a mysterious school opens across the street, the students of Super Hero High find themselves up against a new threat. Now, Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Batgirl and the rest of the DC Super Hero Girls not only have to worry about the well-being of their grades, but the safety and security of friends, family and the rest of civilization. The girls must figure out how to put a stop to this evil, new cross-town rival and save the world once again!

The LEGO DC Super Hero Girls voice cast returns its core cast with Grey Griffin (Wonder Woman), Tara Strong (Harley Quinn/Poison Ivy), Anais Fairweather (Supergirl), Teala Dunn (Bumblebee), Stephanie Sheh (Katana), and Ashlyn Selich (Batgirl). The cast also includes Yvette Nicole Brown (Amanda Waller), Greg Cipes (Beast Boy), Romi Dames (Lena Luthor), John DiMaggio (Gorilla Grodd, Wildcat), Josh Keaton (The Flash), Khary Payton (Cyborg) and Meredith Salenger (Lashina).

Elsa Garagarza (Star Wars: Forces of Destiny) directs LEGO DC Super Hero Girls: Super-Villain High from a script by Jeremy Adams (Justice League Action, LEGO Scooby-Doo!). Rick Morales (LEGO Scooby-Doo! Haunted Hollywood) serves as producer, with Sam Register (Teen Titans Go!), Jill Wilfert (The LEGO Movie, The LEGO Batman Movie) and Robert Fewkes (LEGO Frozen Northern Lights) serving as executive producers.

From Warner Bros. Consumer Products and DC Entertainment, the DC Super Hero Girls universe encourages young girls and kids to explore their own powers and strengths through original content, including all-new films, webisodes and TV specials. The franchise offers young fans inspiration and encourages teamwork, friendship and empowerment. DC Super Hero Girls: Super-Villain High will connect with fans throughout the world through the brand’s vast digital content networks, including LEGO.com, DCSuperHeroGirls.com, the DCSHG App, YouTube Channel and Instagram, as well as a global licensing and merchandising program.

“We’re thrilled to release a second LEGO DC Super Hero Girls film that’s fun for young girls to view and enjoy,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Vice President, Family & Animation Marketing. “LEGO toys rank #1 amongst Children ages 6-11, allowing these films to resonate with children.”

SPECIAL FEATURES

  • Six Animated Shorts

o   Crazed and Confused

o   Need for Speed

o   Showdown

o   Trading Places

o   Wonder Waitress

o   Bodybuilding

 

Graphic Breakdown: Kick-Ass and Hit-Girl Return, Jeff Lemire and Robert Kirkman Launch New Titles, Veronica Bites & More!

0
0

Welcome back to Graphic Breakdown the Monday edition!

Here are some books to get your week going!

 

Kaleidoscope City
Written and Illustrated by Marcellus Hall
Published by Bittersweet Editions

It’s hard to review a book like Kaleidoscope City.

The book has a very thin framework that the story operates out of. But that’s kind of the point. Instead of giving us traditional story beats, Hall paces his story differently. It gives the reader an emotional and spiritual journey through the four different seasons.

Our lone man who the story is about goes through the streets of the Kaleidoscope City. He has his sketchbook on him and he goes around seeing different places. These places give him inspiration to draw.

He also sees a mysterious girl.

Who is she?

Will he encounter her or will he just have glimpses of her?

This is a wonderfully unique book. Each picture is like a postcard with text from this city. It’s a mood book for sure but each frame has strong emotions running through them. It’s a book of deep and powerful resonance.

The artwork is like something from an earlier time. It also has bits of Peter Kuper to it as it goes from real and grounded to surreal and impressionistic. I loved this book and it’s understandable why people like Adrian Tomine and Bob Odenkirk do too. It’s something I haven’t seen or felt in a piece of art before. I haven’t stopped thinking about it since finishing reading it. This is a nice and refreshing change of pace for comics and a great book for early spring.

RATING: A

 

Infidel #1
Written by Pornsak Pichetshote
Illustrated by Aaron Campbell
Published by Image Comics

I saw a little bit of this comic book last year while at the New York Comic Convention. I sat with the writer, Pornsak Pichetshote, and he talked about the series.

It was intriguing.

So how does the first issue fare?

Well, it’s not bad.

The first issue does feel a little cliched however. The story is one of those old haunted house stories. The twist is that the main characters are very diversified.

The house feeds off xenophobia from it’s victims.

The writing on the first issue doesn’t grab the reader as much as I hoped it would.

The art by Aaron Campbell is the best part. He really sells it for me. Campbell has been around for years and he is very talented. He can really switch up genres too as he embarks on a horror comic. He pulls it off effortlessly.

This first issue isn’t horrible. It just needs more to grab onto. Give it a look for the art and hope to yourself it picks up a bit.

RATING: B-

 

Invasion From Planet Wrestletopia #1
Written by Ed Kuehnel and Matt Entin
Illustrated by Dan Schkade
Published by Suspicious Behavior Productions

When I received this comic book my first reaction was, “what the blue bloody hell is this?”

Then I saw it was drawn by Dan Schkade who I just loved on The Spirit comic book recently. So I gave it a shot.

It’s a kind of goofy read. A mad wrestler declares himself the “Galactic Champion of The Universe.”

So the Earth is invaded as a result of this! They see it as an act of war!

And that’s about as deep as the plot gets. It’s silly for sure. The story made me smile a few times but it was not enough for me to invest in.

The art is the best part of this. If you need a slight distraction pick it up. It’s fun, but ultimately forgettable.

RATING: C+

 

Gideon Falls #1
Written by Jeff Lemire
Illustrated by Andrea Sorrentino
Published by Image Comics

Man, that Jeff Lemire is a machine.

He not only writes a bunch of books, he also draws a monthly. The thing is though, he keeps the quality high.

This new number one is one of the most anticipated of the year reuniting Lemire with frequent collaborator Andrea Sorrentino.

This first issue introduces us to a man obsessed with finding a conspiracy in the city’s trash and a washed up priest coming into town with a bunch of dark secrets.

They decide to unravel the mystery of the Black Barn.

The Barn appears out of nowhere throughout history and leaves death and madness in its wake.

The story is great. Lemire really knows how to set up an interesting premise and make you pay attention. The art is nothing short of brilliant too. The colors by Dave Stewart deserve a mention as they are top notch.

Pick this up. This is a book that delivers the goods in one of the best openings ever in a comic. After that, it doesn’t let you go.

RATING: A

 

Betrothed #1
Written by Sean Lewis
Illustrated by Steve Uy
Published by Aftershock Comics

Aftershock has been making quite a name for itself in the independent comic book world.

Joe Pruett’s line of comics are interested in producing unique stories. This new debut series was not my usual cup of tea, but I was entertained nonetheless.

Kieron and Tamara are both seniors at the same high school. They are both orphans. They have never really noticed each other. But on their eighteenth birthdays, they find out they are from another dimension.

In this dimension they are both leaders in a war against each other! It’s time to fight to the death!

Sean Lewis takes the premise and runs with it. It’s a good time. The art is simpler than I usually like, but it’s still good.

Give this a shot! It’s really a decent debut!

RATING: B

 

Oblivion Song #1
Written by Robert Kirkman
Illustrated by Lorenzo De Felici
Published by Image Comics

There’s a lot of attention on this book for sure.

Kirkman’s last two books both got television shows. So this is his newest venture in writing comics.

So the question is, is it any good?

Well, it’s certainly different. The story is about how a decade ago, 300000 citizens of Philadelphia were suddenly lost in Oblivion.

Everyone has given up on finding them. Except Nathan Cole.

He makes daily trips trying to track down anyone still there. But is he going back for other purposes?

The story is intriguing enough. I’m glad Kirkman still loves and writes for comics. I will have to see where it goes story wise. it did grab me. The art is cool too.

I’m interested to read more. And that’s good for a debut comic.

RATING: B+

 

Prism Stalker #1
Written and Illustrated by Sloane Leong
Published by Image Comics

A mind bending science fiction book?

Sounds right up my alley.

Yet, for some reason, I couldn’t get into Prism Stalker. It was a slog to get through for me and unless it picks up I may have a hard time reading more.

Vep is a woman who is raised away from her home planet. Her home planet was devastated and now she’s a servant for a colony. She works hard with no end in sight.

But she may have an opportunity now to escape.

But can she?

This whole thing felt flat to me. The art isn’t half bad but the writing is dull.

Maybe this book is going somewhere great. Right now, I just don’t see it.

RATING: C

 

Punks Not Dead #1
Written by David Barnett
Illustrated by Martin Simmonds
Published by IDW Publishing

This was a good time. Sometimes a book you weren’t expecting to be good comes out of nowhere and surprises you.

Such is the case of this fine book right here. It’s really cool.

Fergie Ferguson is a bullied 15 year old teen who suddenly sees the ghost of a punk rocker named Sid.

Sid’s Spirit was trapped in London’s Heathrow Airport until he met Fergie.

Now, Fergie has a sidekick he can’t rid of as well as his daily problems.

The story is a good time. Barnett knows how to keep the reader engaged and interested. The art is fitting for this book and works very well.

Pick this up. I’m intrigued to see where it goes.

RATING: B+

 

Vampironica #1
Written by Meg and Greg Smallwood
Illustrated by Greg Smallwood
Published by Archie Comics

I’m just going to go ahead and give this an A.

I just love what the Archie line of comics has done these past few years.

Veronica as a vampire?

I was sold from the title alone.

This new ongoing series has Veronica bitten by a vampire. Then, she starts turning the town of Riverdale into a place for the undead.

Can she control it?

Or is everything going to go to hell?

The story is great. The art is by Greg Smallwood so you know it’s just fantastic. Pick this up. I love this book and would recommend it to anyone and everyone.

RATING: A

 

Kick-Ass #1
Written by Mark Millar
Illustrated by John Romita Jr.
Published by Image Comics

Mark Millar and John Romita Jr. are back on Kick-Ass!

But it’s not the Kick-Ass we all know and love.

So the question becomes: Is this book something that people are going to want to read each month?

Well, after reading the first issue, the answer is a resounding “yes.”

There is a new person filling the Kick-Ass role here. If I go too much into it, I would be ruining the fun for most readers.  Suffice to say, the new Kick-Ass is a woman and her motivations differ from the original Kick-Ass of Dave Lizewski.

Oh, that and it’s damn stunning. The art by Romita is awesome.

This is a reboot by the original creative team that works and functions at a high level.

Pick it up. It’s freaking great.

RATING: A

 

Hit-Girl #1
Written by Mark Millar
Illustrated by Ricardo Lopez Ortiz
Published by Image Comics

The new Kick-Ass series started off great and now we get a new Hit-Girl book!

It’s really a great time overall!

Millar gets this book off to a rocking start and it’s something that will be the top of my list each month!

She’s back! Mindy has decided to travel the world to fight crime!

Her first stop? Colombia!

She decides to take a case of a mother who wants revenge for her murdered child! She takes it on but she has her eyes on a bigger fish out there!  Also, Mindy is lonely and decides she wants a sidekick. It’s amazing who she chooses and why.

The writing is sharp and fast like most of Millar’s output. The art is wonderful and it moves the story along wonderfully. I can’t wait to see where this goes. It’s a strong first issue!

RATING: A

 


Andy Warhol and His Artistic Influence

0
0

A seamless vector pattern with colourful umbrellas / Source: Shutterstock

In order to sell any product or service, it’s important to attract customers. Whether you’re building a website to reach out to a certain market or you’re making a comic book you want people to buy and read, it’s crucial that you find a way to engage, inspire and retain clients.

Pop art, which uses kitschy images from popular and mass culture, is one eye-catching design approach that’s really worked for designers over the years. We’re going to take a look at what pop art is and how it’s influenced art and design.

 

Early beginnings: how pop art emerged

A pop art image of a man pointing / Source: Shutterstock

Pop art and design emerged in the 1950s out of the shadow of the Second World War. At the time, abstract expressionism dominated the world of fine art, but it had limited appeal beyond a narrow circle of critics. Art had never really come close to connecting with a mainstream audience.

That all changed with pop art. Developed alongside growing prosperity in the US, pop art gained a widespread commercial platform during the subsequent era of mass production, the boom in the fashion industry, and the arrival of the colour TV – when, arguably, style was more appreciated than ever.

A pop art-style image of a man using a phone / Source: Shutterstock

Neo-Dadaism was pop art’s predecessor and focused predominantly on deconstruction.

In contrast, pop artists were obsessed with mass culture, and it became both inspiring and a key way of creating pieces of art. That’s why many of pop art’s creators – including its leading figure, Andy Warhol – had considerable experience of the advertising industry. This meant they were able to create standout pieces of work using commercial screen-printing techniques that allowed them to produce pieces in vast quantities.

Strong colours (often yellow, blue and red) and thick outlines characterised printing and it was this that became the hallmark of pop art. Furthermore, in order to achieve a response and cut-through with their work, pop artists utilised their day-to-day lives to create a visual language. For example, the Ben-Day dots – made popular by pulp comic books of the era – created secondary colours and shades that were instantly relatable to the general public.

Today, many aspects of pop art, including borrowing from old adverts, thick, primary coloured stylisation, and the production process, remain distinct in the world of art.

 

Warhol’s success

A set of coloured martini cocktails / Source: Shutterstock

Andy Warhol was at the forefront of the pop art movement. After initial paintings of shoes, he rose to prominence in 1962 with his now-famous Campbell’s Soup Cans. After that he focused on creating pop art images of well-known celebrities, such as Marilyn Monroe. His work was so popular that he sold all the paintings he displayed in his first show in New York.

What was unique about Warhol was his silk-screen method of painting. The screenprinting process is a simple form of stencilling, in which a stencil is placed on top of a sheet of paper, then ink is pushed through the stencil to create an image. Silkscreening has evolved from Warhol’s days in terms of the type of paper and ink used.

 

Pop art’s place in history 

A comic book template in a pop art style / Source: Shutterstock

From the very beginning, design and pop art have gone hand in hand. While pop art found its art audience in the 1960s, it was in the 70s when it really began to influence commercial design.

For many pop artists, the subject of their work was industrially-produced goods, often depicted ironically. This was groundbreaking at the time, when capitalism was generally viewed sceptically – if not, with outright hostility – by creative people. Today, it’s clear to see that this was a key time when art and business met to produce commercially success visual work. It led to the creative industries becoming key to business success in all sorts of industries.

Take fashion, for example. Warhol began to print his designs on paper dresses, which soon became a novelty, capturing the essence of the consumerist lifestyle and the disposable nature of consumer goods. It grew into a craze that continues to inspire contemporary fashion designers. It didn’t take long for pop art furniture to come along, either. It relied on a similar set of unusual designs, bright colours, plastic and rigid geometric shapes.

Even today’s website designs, which came so much later than the pop art revolution, have given a nod back to this iconic time and design to create something standout for customers. For example, check out the online bingo site, which emulates this fun, vibrant art movement.

Wink Bingo’s cover image / Source: Shutterstock

This isn’t just because it’s an entertaining, engaging design, but because it helps relax a viewer and also provides an air of familiarity that instantly puts them at ease. This is the same with comics, too. Rather than deviating from the traditional design and creating something outlandish, they offer readers a nostalgic touch that keeps them coming back for more.

Other areas you’ll find pop art include package designs on contemporary products, photography and decorative pieces.

 

Looking ahead: pop art in the 21st century

A pop art image of a purple-haired girl / Source: Shutterstock

The popularity of pop art dipped slightly in the 1970s, before coming back into fruition during the 80s. This is why it’s often known as ‘neo-pop art’, but many suggest that it should simply be deemed a natural evolution of the art form. Pop art never stopped existing and the ideas at the heart of it never changed.

Despite the heart of pop art being based on the 1950s and commercial printing techniques, it continues to thrive to this day. Its clear depiction of objects and symbols, strong colours and sharp lines can be found in a vast array of graphic and industrial designs.

However, despite it boasting a nostalgic twist for the viewer, it isn’t solely about this sentimental element. Rather, it’s about standing out. Pop art literally ‘pops’ out at you and with the growth of social media networks and a million and one digital distractions, standing out is all important.

That’s why we’ll continue to see comic designs, website designs, adverts, fashion and much, much more embracing the pop art culture.

 

Win ‘Brotherhood of Blades II’ on Blu-ray!

0
0

An imperial guard searches for the truth behind a conspiracy that framed him and his partners. The proof of his innocence lies with a wanted woman named Bei Zhai… but will she reveal what she knows?  In this intense prequel to BROTHERHOOD OF BLADES, the only thing he can truly trust is his sword.

And we’re giving away three copies!

To enter, send an email with the subject header “BROTHERHOOD OF BLADES II” to geekcontest @ gmail dot com and answer the following question:

Who is your favorite Asian actor who deserves more attention in the United States?

Please include your name, and address (U.S. only. You must be 18 years old).

Only one entry per person and a winner will be chosen at random.

Contest ends at 11:59 PM EST on March 11th, 2018.

Stream On: What’s New for Hulu in March 2018

0
0

This spring, Hulu offers a little something extra to the new spring menu of full seasons, classic movies, no commercials and bonus add-ons that include subscriptions to HBO, Showtime and Cinemax: Live TV.

Now the streaming service’s 12 million or so subscribers can enjoy creating their own bundles of television joy that can include Game of Thrones AND live games as well as access to the SyFy channel, TNT, the History Net and more. Live TV Beta starts at $39.99 a month with $7.99 for each add on.

As for the traditional streaming service, the spring season begins on a high note with dozen of Seasons, classic movies and heaps of celluloid nostalgia. Starting on March 1, subscribers are treated to modern classics Chaplin, Chicago, Dirty Dancing and more Bond pics than you can shake a fist at.

Series premieres for the month include the newly-revamped American Idol on March 1, NBC’s Champions on March 9, ABC’s For the People and NBC’s Rise on March 14, and ABC’s Alex, Inc. on March 20, to name a few.

On March 28, the service will begin streaming the Roseanne revival, featuring the original cast in the roles that once cast them as America’s First Blue Collar Family.

Now with the ability to stream live TV and the joy of ordering cable premiums without being forced to get a landline, Hulu is carving out a place for itself in the streaming landscape. And with the upcoming Disney/Fox deal giving the Mouse full reign over the Fox catalog, the future of Hulu will only get brighter as Disney cut in Hulu’s stake grows from 30% to 60%.

Stay tune to keep tabs on the evergrown green giant.

 

MARCH 1

  • Ask This Old House: Seasons 11 -12 (PBS)
  • This Old House: Seasons 30 & 38 (PBS)
  • Veni Vidi Vici: Season 1
  • 1984 (1985)
  • A Feast at Midnight (1997)
  • A Guy Thing (2003)
  • A Mermaid’s Tale (2016)
  • A Stork’s Journey (2017)
  • A View to Kill (1985)
  • All the Wild Horses (2017)
  • Antitrust (2001)
  • Bad Influence (1990)
  • Bad News Bears (2005)
  • Billy the Kid (2013)
  • Body of Evidence (1993)
  • Boots on the Ground (2017)
  • Boulevard (2014)
  • Branded (2010)
  • Breakdown (1997)
  • Captivity (2007)
  • Carriers (2009)
  • Chaplin (1992)
  • Chicago (2002)
  • Criminal Law (1989)
  • Die Another Day (2002)
  • Dirty Dancing (1987)
  • Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights (2004)
  • Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988)
  • Dream House Nightmare (2017)
  • Earth Girls are Easy (1988)
  • F/X (1986)
  • F/X 2 (1991)
  • Fatal Instinct (1993)
  • Finder’s Fee (2003)
  • Fire with Fire (2012)
  • Fluke (1995)
  • For Your Eyes Only (1981)
  • Forces of Nature (1999)
  • GoldenEye (1995)
  • Gordy (1995)
  • Hackers (1995)
  • Hanoi Hilton (1987)
  • Happythankyoumoreplease (2010)
  • Hart’s War (2002)
  • Hesher (2010)
  • High School (2010)
  • Home of the Brave (2006)
  • I’m Gonna Git You Sucka (1988)
  • I’m So Excited! (2013)
  • Ill Manors (2012)
  • Imagine That (2009)
  • Jack Goes Boating (2010)
  • Jeff Who Lives at Home (2012)
  • Jennifer 8 (1992)
  • Kingpin (1996)
  • Leonard Cohen: I’m Your Man (2005)
  • License to Kill (1989)
  • Love Crimes (1992)
  • Moonraker (1979)
  • Majesty (1974)
  • National Lampoon’s Dirty Movie (2011)
  • National Lampoon’s Dorm Daze 2: College @ Sea (2006)
  • On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969)
  • Pudsey the Dog: The Movie (2014)
  • Regarding Henry (1991)
  • Southie (1998)
  • Sprung (1997)
  • Stuart Little (1999)
  • Stuart Little 2 (2002)
  • Tales of the Grim Sleeper (2014)
  • The Accused (1988)
  • The Devil Inside (2012)
  • The Doors (1991)
  • The Glass Shield (1994)
  • The Living Daylights (1987)
  • The Million Dollar Hotel (2001)
  • The Music Never Stopped (2011)
  • The Secret of N.I.M.H. (1982)
  • The Square (2017)
  • The World is Not Enough (1999)
  • Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)
  • Twenty Twenty Four (2017)
  • We Blew It (2017)
  • Where the Skin Lies (2017)
  • Who Killed Nancy? (2008)
  • XXX (2002)
  • XXX: State of the Union (2005)
  • Young Adult (2011)

 

MARCH 2

  • Showtime at the Apollo: Season 1 Premiere (FOX)

 

MARCH 3

  • MasterChef Junior: Season 6 Premiere (FOX)

 

MARCH 4

  • C. Undercover: Season 3 (Disney XD)
  • Traitor (2008)

 

MARCH 5

  • Amazing World of Gumball: Season 5 (Cartoon Network)
  • The 90th Oscars®: Special (ABC)
  • The 90th Oscars®: Live From the Red Carpet: Special (ABC)
  • The Real Housewives of New York City: Season 9 (Bravo)
  • Everything Beautiful is Far Away (2017)
  • The New Radical (2017)

 

MARCH 6

  • Crash (2005)
  • Fantasia 2000 (2000)

 

MARCH 7

  • Hard Sun: Season 1 Premiere (Hulu Original)
  • Living Soul (2016)

 

MARCH 8

  • Aftermath (2017)
  • Knock Knock (2015)

 

MARCH 9

  • Champions: Series Premiere (NBC)
  • Power Rangers (2017)

 

MARCH 10

  • Angie Tribeca: Season 3 (TBS)

 

MARCH 12

  • American Idol: Series Premiere (ABC)
  • American Ninja Warrior: Season 9 Premiere (NBC)
  • Deception: Series Premiere (ABC)
  • Timeless: Season 2 Premiere (NBC)
  • Force Majeure (2014)
  • Wolf Warrior 2 (2017)

 

MARCH 13

  • Food Wars!: Season 2 Dubs (Sentai Filmworks)
  • Bitter Harvest (2017)

 

MARCH 14

  • For the People: Series Premiere (ABC)
  • Rise: Series Premiere (NBC)
  • Tommy’s Honour (2017)

 

MARCH 15

  • The Bridge: Season 4 (ZDF Enterprises)
  • The Son: Season 1 (AMC)
  • 4 Lovers (2012)
  • Blade of the Immortal (2017)
  • Four Rooms (1995)
  • Hello I Must Be Going (2012)
  • LOL (2012)
  • October Country (2009)
  • River of Grass (1994)
  • The Englishman Who Went Up A Hill But Came Down A Mountain (1995)
  • The Fog (2005)
  • The Forgotten (2004)
  • The Kill Team (2013)

 

MARCH 16

  • John Q (2002)

 

MARCH 18

  • Almost Friends (2017)

 

MARCH 19

  • Genius Jr.: Series Premiere (NBC)
  • Little Big Shots:Season 3 Premiere (NBC)
  • Life Itself (2014)
  • Love and Saucers (2017)

 

MARCH 23

  • Station 19: Series Premiere (ABC)
  • March of the Penguins 2: The Next Step (2017) (Hulu Original)

 

MARCH 24

  • Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)

 

MARCH 27

  • The Little Hours (2017)

 

MARCH 28

  • Roseanne: Series Premiere (ABC)
  • Splitting Up Together: Series Premiere (ABC)

 

MARCH 30

  • Alex, Inc: Series Premiere (ABC)
  • Shadowhunters: Season 3 Premiere (Freeform)
  • Siren: Series Premiere (Freeform)

 

MARCH 31

  • Closing Gambit (2018)
  • EuroTrump (2017)
  • The Ghoul (2016)
  • Habit (2017)
  • Project Eden (2017)

 

‘Bloom County: Real, Classy, & Compleat: 1980-1989’ (review)

0
0

Bloom County: Real, Classy, & Compleat: 1980-1989
Written and Illustrated by Berkeley Breathed
Published by IDW Publishing
ISBN-13: 978-1631409769
Released 10/31/17 / $99.99

 

What can one say about the phenomenon that is cartoonist Berkeley Breathed’s Bloom County?

When it first hit daily newspapers nationwide back at the end of 1980, it seemed just another comic strip. The art was a little messy, sort of a combination of Doonesbury’s Gary Trudeau and Herman’s Jim Unger.

The characters, at least for the first few days, were mostly a bunch of senior citizens.

Then, on December 11th, 1980, we met young Milo Bloom.

On that date, he’s used as nothing more than exposition, telling a newcomer to Ma Bloom’s boarding house about the other residents.

Presumably, those other residents were intended to fuel the strip’s plots and gags going forward but soon enough, they’d fade deep into the background.

Within a month, not only was Milo carrying the strip but he was dealing with things comic strips didn’t usually deal with…like puberty.

Oh, and did I mention Milo had a dog that talked? A harbinger of things to come.

A Mr. Limekiller shows up as early as March. Although mostly forgotten today, he becomes a major player as the strip continues to carve out its own path, moving further and further away from the overtly political Doonesbury it resembled.

A month later, Ms. Bobbi Harlow, Milo’s new feminist schoolteacher, hits town for a long stay. Her arrival gives us a chance to focus on some of the other students, too, including Binkley, who becomes Milo’s best friend and sidekick. We also meet one of her dates, a “new young lawyer in town,” misogynist supreme, Steve Dallas.

A color Sunday strip starts up in late Spring! In late June, we meet Binkley’s macho father when his son brings home a dog…which turns out to be a penguin. In what has to be one of the most surreal instances of a secondary character taking over a strip, that Penguin, named Opus, finally heads Breathed in the direction he’s been searching for all along.

Still to come were memorable characters such as the wheelchair-bound Cutter John, the disgusting but lovable Bill the Cat, Rosebud the Basselope, and young African-American super nerd Oliver Wendell Jones (and his IBM 6000).

Breathed developed a deft knack for tugging at the reader’s heartstrings while poking his or her brain and at the same tickling the funnybone. Many of the old-time cartoonists could do it and it’s what separates good strips from classic ones. In just a few years, Bloom County had become a classic.

A tentative book collection was released and soon enough there were more, all of which could be found atop the bestseller lists. There was even a one-off Opus animated Christmas special!

In 1987, Breathed won a Pulitzer Prize for editorial cartooning for the strip, in spite of the fact that it was never presented as editorial cartooning. In a way, it WAS, though, as Bloom County regularly skewered both political and sociological targets on all sides of the spectrums.

After nearly nine years, though, Berke Breathed bid farewell to Bloom County, abandoning his by now iconic characters to present Outland, a new strip starring a little African-American girl named Ronald Ann, who was introduced in the last few Bloom County strips. But that’s another story.

What IDW has done is to give us, in two thick volumes, Bloom County—all of it, in all its original glory.

I knew some folks back in the ‘80s who never “got” Bloom County. They aren’t likely to grok it now either. But for the rest of us, the fans who enjoyed the feels, the laughs and the deeper meaning behind it all, for those of us who watched it slowly find its way and stand out from the rest of the Funnies, for those of us who appreciated the artist’s capriciousness, these collections are pure gold.

But wait, there’s more!

After Outland came a Sunday strip starring Opus but then it all ended for good…or so we all thought! A couple of years back, Mr. Breathed once again just had to be different and actually revived the original Bloom County as a state of the art webcomic!

Judiciously using digital tricks that would be impossible in newspapers, Opus, Milo, Steve Dallas, Binkley, and yes, even Bill the Cat, have returned! Unlike many similar attempts at revivals, this one actually works! There’s no question that Breathed is now a much better artist and his creative use of color and digital effects has been impressive, as has his skewering of modern day socio-political issues. And not content to just coast, he’s even presented us with a number of downright amazing and endearing all-new characters. These include the tiny, philosophical ballerina Abby, the sickly but strong little boy, “Sam the Lion,” and, perhaps best of all, Frank the janitor, a surprising figure of hope, calm, and wisdom at a time when we can all use it.

As they have with the classic strip, IDW is collecting the new Bloom County strips, with the latest volume, Brand Spankin’ New Day, recently out. Old fans should just naturally adore it and it has brought the artist many new fans as well.

 

Booksteve can’t recommend highly enough!

 

Predicting Oscar
 2018

0
0

The annual Oscar parade is underway, floating a roster of nominees that run the gamut from safe and predictable to utterly shocking—both for the films and artists included and for those overlooked.

For the first time since the Academy expanded the Best Picture ballot from five spots to a possible ten, I’ve managed to screen every film up for the top Oscar in advance of the ceremony (thanks, MoviePass!).

Here are my reflections and predictions for the big awards and the more geek-friendly technical prizes, with the caveat that I recuse myself from weighing in on the short subject, foreign film, and documentary categories.

Not because film geeks don’t like those categories, but because this particular film geek has not viewed enough of them.

 

BEST PICTURE

From culturally relevant films of various genres and tone that speak to today’s social and political ills, to superbly mounted and acted WWII dramas, to a pair of poignant coming-of-age tales, plus one watery interspecies romance, all nine nominees are worthy of their accolades, even if some of the films do not aspire to reinvent or subvert the language of cinema in the same manner as previous contenders and winners.

The inclusion of Get Out in the Best Picture contest is an eye-opener, but a bigger surprise is the lack of a tenth nominee. Since widening the Best Picture contest in 2010 to a potential ten titles, the Academy has only twice filled out the expanded roster.

Why not make the race more interesting and encompassing and let ten pictures duke it out every year?

If the voting needs to extend to a tie-breaker then so be it, but the Academy sends an inadvertent message that they didn’t feel any other movie in 2017 is worthy of the tenth spot on the ballot.

I can name two game-changing studio pictures off the cuff that few would argue deserve the reward of having simply been nominated—Blade Runner 2049 and Logan—but a number of smaller critically lauded audience-pleasers such as The Florida Project, The Big Sick, Wonder and I, Tonya could very well have filled in that vacant tenth slot.

So here are the nine nominees for Best Picture, along with my take on why eight of them will not get the gold.

 

Call Me by Your Name

Call this one a longshot: the Academy just last year gave its highest honor to a gay-hued coming-of-age drama (Moonlight); careful or folks will suspect there may be homosexuals in the ranks. Seriously though, more pointed is a growing backlash against the film, perceived by some to condone pedophilia. Even far removed from our current political climate (i.e., “Time’s up,” “Me too,” and “Burn ’em at the stake!”) and despite the fact that the characters in question are beyond the age of consent, Oscar just won’t go there. Instead, a Best Adapted Screenplay statue for James Ivory is a stronger likelihood.

 

Darkest Hour

Another longshot: Gary Oldman’s stellar prosthetics-laden turn as Winston Churchill is expected to win the thespian his first Oscar, but his Best Actor trophy—along with a shoo-in statue for Best Makeup—will be deemed sufficient gold for a film many agree is rather simplistic and plays it too safe.

 

Dunkirk

Christopher Nolan’s taut WWII film is a visceral cinematic experience of sight and sound, technically marvelous but lacking the emotional heft evident in many of the other films nominated in this category. Too many viewers find the overlapping non-liner editing confusing, which speaks volumes about the vapidity of the multiplex crowd, but what will ultimately impede the film’s chances of scoring the top Oscar is the narrative’s lack of a central character.

 

Get Out

A surprise nominee on multiple levels, primarily because the movie was released nearly a year ago (the Academy typically has a short-term memory and tends to heap their praises on late holiday releases), but also because the film is a genre-bender not easily shoe-horned into a single comfy category (it’s a disturbing horror tale, a twisted comedy, and a rail against social and racial prejudice). The closest benchmark for comparison here is The Silence of the Lambs, similarly released very early in its Oscar season and likewise a terrifying thriller.

Even so, it’s doubtful the Academy will pick Get Out as the defining film of 2017; Jordan Peele winning the gold for Best Original Screenplay is a more probable scenario.

 

Lady Bird

Greta Gerwig’s bittersweet coming-of-age tale is refreshing for its female perspective and the film is wonderfully acted, but it’s also light as a feather—perhaps too light. Compared to the other heavy-hitter nominees in this year’s Best Picture pool, it’s the odd title on the list that feels least likely to be remembered years from now.

 

Phantom Thread

Exquisitely mounted but as emotionally cold as its prickly, impenetrable central character. The film’s greatest chance for Oscar glory is in the Best Actor category.

 

The Shape of Water

Last year’s awkward lesson on La La Land versus Moonlight is but one of several examples that disprove the theory that the picture with the most nominations is automatically assured Oscar glory, so even though Guillermo del Toro’s aquatic fable leads the pack this year with 13 nominations, that’s not necessarily why it will win.

Here’s why: Hollywood loves to make timely political statements, and even though politics do not figure prominently in The Shape of Water, what better way for the Academy to extend a stiff middle finger to the detested Donald Trump than to honor the work of a filmmaker from Mexico?

 

The Post

A safe nomination for its topical political beats and undercurrents of gender inequity, but the lack of a Best Director nomination for Steven Spielberg is proof the Academy doesn’t rank the picture among the filmmaker’s most important and indelible works.

 

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Defying simple encapsulation, Martin McDonagh’s haunting film is a biting black comedy of manners and a sobering indictment of police brutality and institutional racism. The heart-wrenching tale of a grieving mother seeking justice for her daughter’s unsolved murder holds up a mirror for us to view some uncomfortable human truths, but it’s a reflection that is perhaps too strong for some to stomach.

Frances McDormand is poised to collect her second Best Actress Oscar, Sam Rockwell is the odds-on favorite for Best Supporting Actor, and a win for Best Original Screenplay would be well-deserved, but the top prize for Best Picture will go elsewhere.

 

The nominees in other categories are as follows, with my predictions in bold type.

 

BEST DIRECTING

  • Christopher Nolan – Dunkirk
  • Jordan Peele – Get Out
  • Greta Gerwig – Lady Bird
  • 
Paul Thomas Anderson – Phantom Thread
  • Guillermo del Toro – The Shape of Water

Here is where the Academy’s newfangled attitude of broadening diversity is resplendent—both Jordan Peele and Greta Gerwig are dually nominated in the Original Screenplay and Best Director categories, putting them in the rarified company of a mere handful of Oscar-nominated African American and female writer/directors, respectively.

Mexican filmmaker Guillermo del Toro is likewise in the mix with his second nomination for Best Director, and if the shower of love for his fluid fairy tale The Shape of Water is any indication, del Toro will be joining his Academy Award-winning Mexican director contemporaries Alfonso Cuarón (Gravity) and Alejandro G. Iñárritu (back-to-back winner for Birdman and The Revenant) in the Oscar annals.

The exclusion of Martin McDonagh and Steven Spielberg from the Best Director contest is a bit of a head-shaker—both of their films (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and The Post) are nominated in multiple categories, including the top award for Best Picture. It’s a crusty old joke, but no less applicable this season: apparently these two ambitious films directed themselves.

 

BEST ACTOR

  • Timothée Chalamet – Call Me By Your Name
  • Daniel Day Lewis – Phantom Thread
  • Daniel Kaluuya – Get Out
  • Gary Oldman – Darkest Hour
  • Denzel Washington – Roman J. Israel, Esq.

Daniel Day Lewis already has three Best Actor Oscars to his credit, but despite his reported retirement and the temptation for the Academy to bestow upon him a fourth statue for his final performance as a token going away prize, everybody expects the Oscar to go to Gary Oldman for his portrayal of Winston Churchill.

Denzel? Not a chance, as roughly twenty people saw the film for which he’s nominated. Daniel Kaluuya? A surprising nominee to be sure, but his performance is hardly the stuff of Hollywood legend.

If the Academy neglects to finally honor Gary Oldman, expect an upset in favor of young Timothée Chalamet, the heart and soul of Call Me by Your Name.

 

BEST ACTRESS

  • Sally Hawkins – The Shape of Water
  • Frances McDormand – Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
  • Margot Robbie – I, Tonya
  • Saoirse Ronan – Lady Bird
  • Meryl Streep – The Post

The nomination of Meryl Streep was a no-brainer—she must have a contractual stipulation that assures her a spot on the ballot every year—but her presence in The Post is relatively restrained compared to her myriad previously nominated roles. Margot Robbie is phenomenal as the title character of I, Tonya, but residual distaste for the real-life disgraced Olympic figure skater could seep into the voting, no matter how unfair that is to consider. Saoirse Ronan’s quirky turn in Lady Bird could eke out a win, but only if the Academy cannot choose between Sally Hawkins and odds-on favorite Frances McDormand.

 

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

  • Willem Dafoe – The Florida Project
  • Woody Harrelson – Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
  • Richard Jenkins – The Shape of Water
  • Christopher Plummer – All the Money in the World
  • Sam Rockwell – Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Sam Rockwell is the favorite here, having already won several awards including the Golden Globe. However, should fans of Three Billboards split their votes between Rockwell and Woody Harrelson, expect the always terrific Richard Jenkins to edge them both out and finally receive some Oscar gold.

 

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

  • 
Mary J. Blige – Mudbound
  • Allison Janney – I, Tonya
  • 
Lesley Manville – Phantom Thread
  • Laurie Metcalf – Lady Bird
  • Octavia Spencer – The Shape of Water

If we cross off Octavia Spencer because she recently won in this category for The Help, and further concede the first-time nominations for Mary J. Blige and Lesley Manville are sufficient reward, then the contest is truly among a pair of seasoned actresses portraying fierce no-B.S. mothers—Allison Janney and Laurie Metcalf.

An Oscar tie isn’t unheard of—the 1968 slate saw Barbra Streisand share the Best Actress award with Katharine Hepburn—but I’ll wager the Oscar goes to Allison Janney, whose profane performance in I, Tonya is far more incendiary.

 

CINEMATOGRAPHY

  • Roger Deakins – Blade Runner 2049
  • Bruno Delbonnel – Darkest Hour
  • Dan Laustsen – The Shape of Water
  • Rachel Morrison – Mudbound
  • Hoyte van Hoytema – Dunkirk

All five films are exceptionally lit and photographed, and the nomination for Mudbound is historic for recognizing for the first time a female cinematographer—even if it’s for a Netflix movie most viewers will stream on a small screen—but if Roger Deakins doesn’t finally win some Oscar gold for Blade Runner 2049’s mesmerizing lighting and shadow play (this is his 14th nomination) the Academy ought to be ashamed of themselves.

 

FILM EDITING

  • Paul Machliss, Jonathan Amos – Baby Driver
  • Lee Smith – Dunkirk
  • Tatiana S. Riegel – I, Tonya
  • John Gregory – Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
  • 
Sidney Wolinsky – The Shape of Water

There have been only five occasions during the past four decades when the editing Oscar has gone to a film not nominated for Best Picture; more often than not the award goes either to the eventual Best Picture winner or to one of the runners up for the top prize. This track record would seem to narrow the race down to the three editing nominees also up for Best Picture—Dunkirk, The Shape of Water, and Three Billboards.

Among these three, Dunkirk is the clear standout with its tricky editorial rhythms the keep frantic pace with concurrent events unfolding in shifting time frames on land, on sea, and in the air. Yes, the criss-cross editing challenged some audiences, but serious film scholars know cutting edge when they see it. Even so, if Baby Driver happened to score an upset here, a Best Film Editing Oscar for the Edgar Wright-directed picture would be a well-deserved surprise.

 

ORIGINAL SCORE

  • Alexandre Desplat – The Shape of Water
  • Jonny Greenwood – Phantom Thread
  • Carter Burwell – Three Billboard Outside Ebbing, Missouri
  • John Williams – Star Wars: The Last Jedi
  • Hans Zimmer – Dunkirk

Carter Burwell’s subtle theme for Three Billboards is overshadowed by the sampling of twangy country tunes. Jonny Greenwood’s piano-and-strings Phantom Thread motif pales in comparison to his previous works for director Paul Thomas Anderson. Hans Zimmer’s soundtrack for Dunkirk has a propulsive percussive drive but it isn’t particularly melodic; moreover, Zimmer should have been nominated alongside collaborator Benjamin Wallfisch for the evocative score for Blade Runner 2049. John Williams’ nod is a token gesture marking the maestro’s 51st nomination, but given with little regard for how derivative his latest Star Wars music is.

The clear standout is Alexandre Desplat’s lovely symphony for The Shape of Water.

 

PRODUCTION DESIGN

  • Blade Runner 2049
  • Darkest Hour
  • Dunkirk
  • The Shape of Water
  • Beauty and the Beast

Either film on the list is deserving of the award, but I’m going with my sentimental favorite here, Blade Runner 2049, with its dense and sprawling urban hellscape of futuristic California, its massive practical sets, and its many plausible and well-worn props.

 

COSTUME DESIGN

  • Beauty and the Beast
  • Darkest Hour
  • Phantom Thread
  • The Shape of Water
  • Victoria and Abdul

It would seem apropos for Phantom Thread—a story of an obsessive couturier—to win the trophy in this category, but don’t count out the live-action Beauty and the Beast—its shimmering and vibrant wardrobe is one of the film’s strongest assets and reasons for being.

 

VISUAL EFFECTS

  • Blade Runner 2049
  • Guardians Of The Galaxy, Vol. 2
  • Kong: Skull Island
  • Star Wars: The Last Jedi
  • War for the Planet of the Apes

Crossing off four of the five nominees is a cinch because we’ve seen most of the nominated eye candy before, only this time more photo-realistic, colorful, and densely pixelated.

Though spiffy through and through, none of the flashy visual effects in Guardians, Kong, Last Jedi, or War for the Planet of the Apes breaks new ground as boldly as the moment in Blade Runner 2049 when a Replicant clone of Rachel steps out of the shadows for her close-up—the digital model of a de-aged Sean Young is the most flawless CGI facelift yet concocted for the big screen. One glance at young Leia at the end of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story—nominated in this category last year—and it was painfully obvious that she was a digital model; try as I might, and fully aware of the computer-aided trickery at hand, I still cannot detect the “seams” in Blade Runner 2049, and CGI Rachel is on screen a lot longer than Leia.

You’ll swear Sean Young stepped out of a time machine.

 

SOUND MIXING and SOUND EDITING

  • Baby Driver
  • Blade Runner 2049
  • Dunkirk
  • The Shape of Water
  • Star Wars: The Last Jedi

A pair of categories indistinguishable to most average viewers, it doesn’t help the logic of the Academy maintaining two separate awards when they’ve gone ahead and nominated the exact same group of five films in both contests. Nevertheless, the most deserving of both Oscars is Blade Runner 2049, boasting the richest and most immersive soundscape heard in any film last year.

 

MAKEUP AND HAIR

  • Darkest Hour
  • Victoria and Abdul
  • Wonder

Rarely is a movie made without the contributions of makeup designers and hair stylists, yet the Academy never seems to nominate more than a mere three qualifying films. That said, the Oscar will go to Darkest Hour for Gary Oldman’s astonishing physical transformation.

 

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

  • Guillermo del Toro, Vanessa Taylor – The Shape of Water
  • Greta Gerwig – Lady Bird
  • Emily V. Gordon, Kumail Nanjani – The Big Sick
  • Martin McDonagh – Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
  • Jordan Peele – Get Out

 

ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

  • James Ivory – Call Me by Your Name
  • Scott Neustadter, Michael H. Weber – The Disaster Artist
  • Aaron Sorkin – Molly’s Game
  • Scott Frank & James Mangold and Michael Green – Logan
  • Virgil Williams and Dee Rees – Mudbound

 

ANIMATED FEATURE FILM

  • The Breadwinner
  • Coco
  • The Boss Baby
  • Loving Vincent
  • Ferdinand

Pixar’s vibrant Day of the Dead folk tale should handily take home the Best Animated Film trophy. Still, the year’s most egregious Oscar snub is in this very category: where, oh where, is The Lego Batman Movie?

 

The annual Oscar telecast will begin Sunday, March 4…and will most probably conclude sometime during the early hours of the 5th.

 

Win ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ Digital Download!

0
0

Marvel Studios’ “Thor: Ragnarok,” the God of Thunder’s third installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, electrified both audiences and critics alike reaching over $845M at the global box office. Now the colorful cosmic adventure, loaded with action, humor, drama and spectacle, bursts into homes Digitally in HD and 4K Ultra HD, and Movies Anywhere, on Feb. 20 and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD and On-Demand on March 6.

Fans who bring home the Ultimate Cinematic Universe Edition (4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital) of “Thor: Ragnarok” will experience all the thunderous action and lightning-fast wit in stunning 4K Ultra HD with next-generation high dynamic range (HDR) visuals and Dolby Atmos immersive audio. Exclusive, never-before-seen bonus features include deleted scenes; hilarious outtakes; an exclusive short: part three of the mockumentary “Team Thor,” retitled “Team Darryl” and featuring an eccentric new roommate; the evolution of MCU’s heroes culminating in “Avengers: Infinity War;” numerous making-of featurettes which explore the unique vision of director Taika Waititi; the story’s unstoppable women; the effortlessly charismatic Korg; the tyrannical leader of Sakaar, the Grandmaster; and the film’s comic-book origins; audio commentary by Waititi; and more.

And we’re giving away five digital downloads!

To enter, send an email with the subject header “THOR HD” to geekcontest @ gmail dot com and answer the following question:

Which Asgardian warrior, who appeared in the other Thor films, did not appear in Ragnarok?

Please include your name, and address (U.S. only. You must be 18 years old).

Only one entry per person and a winner will be chosen at random.

Contest ends at 11:59 PM EST on March 11th, 2018.

 

‘Neat: The Story of Bourbon’ (review)

0
0
Produced by AJ Hochhalter
Written by David M. Altrogge,
A.J. Hochhalter
Directed by David Altrogge
Featuring Steve Zahn, Freddie Johnson,
Marianne Barnes, Jimmy Russell,
Denny Potter, Brent Elliot, Chester Zoeller

 

Uniquely American. It’s a term that is bandied about a lot. More these days and for most of the wrong reasons, but Neat: The Story of Bourbon is a love story.

It’s a love story about bourbon, family and America, not necessarily in that order. Bourbon is uniquely American and Neat tells us why.

The film takes you though the process of making the bourbon and the make up of the mash.  It explains in detail the importance of the soil, the corn and the other ingredients.

If you enjoy understanding how things are made this will be extremely interesting.  Additionally they give you a detailed tutorial about how the barrels are made. I found this amazingly cool because the charred white oak becomes extremely important to the flavor profile for the bourbon. There is one shot where the viewer is shown how deeply into the wood the bourbon seeps over the years and therefore how much of the wood flavor enters the bourbon. It’s really fascinating.

Every now and again the film cuts to Steve Zahn sitting in a large leather backed chair and he talks about bourbon for a couple of minutes before the transition to the next segment. Steve Zahn is funny. His humor comes so easily and he seems so genuinely amused most of the time it’s really hard not to like him. I am not sure how he wound up in Neat, but he is a little bonus treat.

There is an important lesson in Neat.

Bourbon (and I would say all drinks) are meant to be enjoyed how you like them. There is a lot of arrogance over what the “right” way to imbibe is and frankly, it’s irritating. “You use ICE?? CHARLATAN!!” “You don’t like smokey flavors??? LIGHTWEIGHT!!” If Neat teaches us anything it’s there’s no right way and no wrong way to enjoy a drink, as long as you are enjoying it. The judgmental drinkers can stuff it.

Neat: The Story of Bourbon has a nice narrative. It takes the viewer through the history of bourbon, including a bourbon archaeological dig going on in Kentucky.  We meet a young whiskey maker who is re-opening a long closed distillery. We meet an old whiskey maker who gives us some Yoda like insights about the drinking of bourbon.  That brings us to the central message of the documentary and the reason I called it a love story earlier.

Bourbon is about connection. It’s about the connection between the farmers and the land, the distillers and the ingredients and those who enjoy the results. Bourbon is meant to be enjoyed slowly, with friends over smiles, stories, laughs and tears.

If you are blessed with a fine bottle of bourbon and you open it with friends, don’t save some for the next time. You don’t know what tomorrow will bring, so enjoy the moment today and be present with your friends and loved ones. They may never pass this way again.

It seems an odd catalyst for connection. However, the heartfelt earnestness of the message from the old distiller is clear and the emotion behind it is real.

3.5 out of 5 stars

 

Neat: The Story of Bourbon is now available On Demand and Digital HD.

 

 


‘Best F(r)iends’ Tommy Wiseau and Greg Sestero Reunite Onscreen This Spring for the First Time Since ‘The Room’

0
0

Best F(r)iends,” starring cult-movie heroes Tommy Wiseau and Greg Sestero (“The Room”), debuts in movie theaters nationwide this spring. The new Wiseau-Sestero dark comedy thriller is written by Sestero, the New York Times best-selling author of “The Disaster Artist,” which was adapted into an Oscar nominated Hollywood film. Inspired by a road trip made by Sestero and Wiseau after the production of “The Room” in April 2003, “Best F(r)iends” will be released in two volumes, for two nights each. “Best F(r)iends” comes to cinemas nationwide on Friday, March 30 and Monday, April 2, with “Best F(r)iends: Volume Two” following on Friday, June 1 and Monday, June 4, all at 8:00 p.m. local time. In addition to viewing the feature content, attendees will also see exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and outtakes.

Tickets for “Best F(r)iends” can be purchased online by visiting www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in nearly 600 select movie theaters. A complete list of theater locations is available on the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

When a drifter (Sestero) is taken in by a peculiar mortician (Wiseau), the two hatch an underground enterprise off the back of the mortician’s old habits. But greed, hatred and jealousy soon come in turn, and their efforts unravel, causing the drifter to run off with the spoils and leaving the mortician adrift. An expedition across the Southwest introduces wild and crazy characters through a series of twisted and dark foibles as both men learn a valuable lesson about friendship and loyalty.

“When we unveiled the ‘Best F(r)iends’ trailer at our cinema screenings of ‘Tommy Wiseau’s The Room’ in January, fan response was overwhelming,” said Fathom Events VP of Programming Kymberli Frueh. “This spring, we are excited to bring this reunion of friends to fans of Wiseau and ‘The Room’ everywhere.”

Best F(r)iends” also stars Paul Scheer (“the League,” “Human Giant,” “Veep”) and features a musical score created by Daniel Platzman of Imagine Dragons.

 

‘Ghostbusters Series 6’ Kicks Off the Firehouse Diorama Build-A-Playset!

0
0

This week, Ghostbusters Select Series 6 ships to comic and specialty stores, and it marks a new era of Ghostbusters products from Diamond Select Toys. After completing the rooftop diorama with Series 1-5, all of which were based on the original film, Series 6 is based on Ghostbusters 2, and includes the first pieces of the firehouse doors!

“We’re Back” Ray Stanz, Geared Up Louis Tully and Vigo the Carpathian launch the Ghostbusters 2 line, with exclusive diorama pieces in Select packaging at comic shops and specialty stores. Non-diorama versions are at Toys”R”Us in thinner packaging, and both include accessories and interchangeable parts.

Ray and Louis each come with a proton pack, walkie talkie, ghost trap, alternate hands and proton stream. Ray, in his grey jumpsuit, comes with additional gloved hands and a removable Santa hat, as seen in Ghostbusters 2. The Select versions of Ray and Louis each come with a front door of the firehouse, while the Select version of Vigo the Carpathian comes with the sign from Ghostbusters 2, as well as a corner segment of the building.

Pre-orders are open for Series 7, with “We’re Back” Egon Spengler in grey, Slime Blower Winston Zeddemore and museum employee Janosz Poha. Janosz will be exclusively available at comic shops and specialty stores, in Select packaging, with Oscar, a lenticular disappearing Vigo painting, and a pair of baby-holding hands for Vigo. Instead of Janosz, Toys”R”Us will get a translucent Terror Dog with two sets of horns. They should ship this summer.

Series 8 just opened for pre-orders with “We’re Back” Peter Venkman, “We’re Back” Winston and Slime Blower Ray, all of whom should arrive this fall.

Just unveiled at the New York Toy Fair, Series 9 and 10 of the Ghostbusters line will feature the Real Ghostbusters, from the 1980s cartoon of the same name. Egon, Winston and Slimer star in Series 9, with all new heads and gear for Egon and Winston, and new faces (and a bus driver hat) for Slimer. Series 10 will feature Peter, Ray and a fully articulated 9-inch Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man.

Each will come with a piece of the firehouse diorama at comic shops and specialty stores, and they will be solicited for pre-orders later this year, for a winter release.

Track down Series 1-6 at your local comic shop, or order from your favorite online retailer!

 

Find a store at comicshoplocator.com!

‘Paddington 2’ Arrives on Blu-ray Combo Pack DVD on 4/24; Digital on 3/27!

0
0

Following the worldwide hit “Paddington,” one of the most successful family films of all time, this much-anticipated sequel finds Paddington (Ben Whishaw) happily settled with the Brown family in London, where he has become a popular member of the local community, spreading joy and marmalade wherever he goes.

While searching for the perfect present for his beloved Aunt Lucy’s hundredth birthday, Paddington sees a unique pop-up book in Mr. Gruber’s antique shop, and embarks upon a series of odd jobs to buy it. Hilarity and adventure ensue when the book is stolen and Paddington and the Browns must unmask the thief.

Reuniting many of the original film’s cast while welcoming those in new roles, “Paddington 2” stars Golden Globe nominee Hugh Bonneville (“Downton Abbey”), Oscar nominee Sally Hawkins (“Blue Jasmine”), three-time Golden Globe nominee Brendan Gleeson (“The Guard,” “Into the Storm,” “In Bruges”), Oscar nominee Julie Walters (“Billy Elliot,” “Educating Rita”), Oscar winner Jim Broadbent (“Iris”), and Oscar winner Peter Capaldi (short, “Franz Kafka’s It’s a Wonderful Life”), with Golden Globe and BAFTA Award winner Hugh Grant (“Four Weddings and a Funeral”), and BAFTA winner Ben Whishaw (“The Hollow Crown”) as the voice of Paddington.  The starring ensemble also includes Madeleine Harris, Samuel Joslin, and Oscar nominee Imelda Staunton (“Vera Drake”) as the voice of Aunt Lucy.

The film was produced by multiple award-winning producer David Heyman (the “Harry Potter” films, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” Oscar nominee for “Gravity”). Serving as executive producers were Rosie Alison, Jeffrey Clifford, Alexandra Ferguson Derbyshire, Ron Halpern, and Didier Lupiter.

Paddington’s return to the big screen was again helmed by BAFTA-nominated director Paul King (“Paddington,” “Come Fly with Me,” “The Mighty Boosh”) from a script written by King and Simon Farnaby (Sky TV’s “Yonderland,” “Mindhorn”), based on the best-selling and internationally adored books by Michael Bond, creator of Paddington Bear.

A Warner Bros. Pictures and StudioCanal presentation, a Heyday Films Production in association with Anton Capital Entertainment S.C.A., “Paddington 2” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company

Paddington 2” will be available on Blu-ray Combo Pack for $35.99 and DVD for $28.98. The Blu-ray Combo Pack features a Blu-ray disc with the film in high definition and the special features in high definition, a DVD with the film in standard definition, and a Digital version of the movie.

Paddington 2” will also be available on Movies Anywhere. Using the free Movies Anywhere app and website, consumers can access all their eligible movies by connecting their Movies Anywhere account with their participating digital retailer accounts.

Fans can also own “Paddington 2 via purchase from digital retailers beginning March 27.

BLU-RAY AND DVD ELEMENTS

Paddington 2 Blu-ray Combo Pack contain the following special features:

  • Paddington: The Bear Truth
  • How to Make A Marmalade Sandwich
  • Music Video with Phoenix Buchanan
  • The Magical Mystery of Paddington’s Pop-Up Book
  • The Browns and Paddington: The Special Bond
  • Knuckles: A Fistful of Marmalade
  • The (Once) Famous Faces of Phoenix Buchanan
  • Audio Commentary by Director/Co-Writer Paul King

 Paddington 2 Standard Definition DVD contain the following special features:

  • Paddington: The Bear Truth

 

For more details visit Facebook.com/PaddingtonMovieUS

 

Stream On: What’s New to Netflix for March 2018

0
0

The month of March brings forth a bunch of returning favorites as the streaming service giants restocks its virtual shelves with a bevy of long-awaited second seasons and tons of fan favorite flicks.

In the realm of feature films, franchises such as Ghostbusters, Cruel Intentions and The Descent climb their way out of the archives this spring.

Also on deck is Martin Scorsese’s classic Casino, family friendly mutt Benji, full frontal Forgetting Sarah Marshall, the brilliant Moon, and the comedy that launched a thousand Netflix specials: Wet Hot American Summer.

And before Marvel Studios’ completely cuts ties with Netflix to open up its own streaming service with it’s rodent overlord, we have the second season of Jessica Jones to keep us happy. Now with Killgrave behind (or rather, under) her, Jessica can finally get to the business of her detective agency, but the trauma of her past will probably keep her from reaching her full, snarky potential.

Yay.

Also this month is the Netflix limited series Collateral, starring Carey Mulligan in a conspiracy thriller whodunit set over four days in London.

Santa Clarita Diet also returns for a second season, and the awful, awful folks of Love return for a third and final pull at the heartstrings.

 

MARCH 1

  • 300
  • 21 Thunder (Season 1): “In the cutthroat world of pro soccer, a club lives and dies by the stars on its under-21 team. They are the future and lifeblood of any franchise, but most will never make it. 21 THUNDER is the story of the Montreal Thunder U21 team, following the team’s star players on and off the field.” – Official site
  • 2307: Winter’s Dream
  • Adel Karam: Live from Beirut
  • Adventureland
  • Algo Muy Gordo
  • Alpha and Omega
  • Battle Drone
  • Beerfest
  • Casino
  • Cruel Intentions
  • Cruel Intentions 2
  • Cruel Intentions 3
  • Deathgrip
  • Forgetting Sarah Marshall
  • Ghostbusters
  • Ghostbusters II
  • Gridiron Gang
  • Guess Who
  • Hostage
  • I Am Number Four
  • I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry
  • Jackass: Number Two
  • Land Gold Women
  • Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (Season 18)
  • Martian Child
  • Moon
  • People Like Us
  • Revolutionary Road
  • Stuart Little 3: Call of the Wild
  • The Brothers Grimm
  • The Bucket List
  • The Descent
  • The Descent: Part 2
  • The Experiment
  • The Fifth Estate
  • The Gift
  • The Lazarus Project
  • True to the Game
  • Untraceable
  • Up in the Air
  • Wet Hot American Summer
  • Women at War 1939-1945

 

MARCH 2

  • B: The Beginning (Season 1; Original Netflix Series): “In this anime series, scientists hope “new humans” will create universal peace, but they’re kidnapped by an evil group with very different plans.”
  • Flint Town (Season 1; Netflix Original): “Over a two-year period, filmmakers embedded with cops in Flint, Michigan, reveal a department grappling with volatile issues in untenable conditions.”
  • Girls Incarcerated (Season 1; Netflix Original Series): “Fights, friendships, dating, rules. Teenage life is full of drama. But behind bars, the stakes are so much higher.”
  • Les Affamés
  • Malena Pichot: Estupidez Compleja
  • Natalia Valdebenito: El Especial
  • Voltron: Legendary Defender (Season 5; Netflix Original Series): “In an all-new series, five unlikely heroes and their flying robot lions unite to form the megapowerful Voltron and defend the universe from evil.”

 

MARCH 4

  • Expedition China
  • The Joel McHale Show With Joel McHale (Netflix Original Series): “Joel McHale’s new weekly talk show will take a fun look at news and pop culture, and he’s eager to show off his brand-new set.”

 

MARCH 5

  • F The Prom
  • The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes (Season 1; Netflix Original Series): “Award-winning architect Piers Taylor and actress/property enthusiast Caroline Quentin travel the world to tour unconventional homes in extreme places”

 

MARCH 6

  • Benji
  • Borderliner (Season 1; Netflix Original Series): “A team of inept border agents tackles immigration issues at the fictional Northend Airport in this improvised mockumentary series.”
  • For the Love of Benji
  • Gad Elmaleh: American Dream (Netflix Original Special): “Gad Elmaleh is living the American Dream in his brand new stand-up special, coming to Netflix 6 March.”

 

MARCH 7

  • Aftershock

 

MARCH 8

  • Bad Guys: Vile City (Season 1; Netflix Series): “Reinstated to eradicate the worst crimes in the city, a detective requests the release of three convicts to enlist their help in catching the felons.”
  • Ladies First
  • Marvel’s Jessica Jones (Season 2; Netflix Original Series): “Haunted by a traumatic past, Jessica Jones uses her gifts as a private eye to find her tormentor before he can harm anyone else in Hell’s Kitchen.”

 

MARCH 9

  • A.I.C.O. Incarnation (Season 1; Netflix Original Series): “Everything Aiko knew was a lie. Now she’s joining a team of Divers to reach the place where the Burst began to stop it for good and save her family.”
  • Collateral (Netflix Limited Series): Carey Mulligan stars in this conspiracy thriller whodunit set over four days in London.
  • Love (Season 3; Original Netflix Series): “Rebellious Mickey and good-natured Gus navigate the thrills and agonies of modern relationships in this bold comedy co-created by Judd Apatow.”
  • My Next Guest Needs No Introduction With David Letterman: Malala Yousafzai: “TV legend David Letterman teams up with fascinating global figures for in-depth interviews and curiosity-fueled excursions in this monthly talk show.”
  • Nailed It (Season 1; Netflix Original Series): “Home bakers with a terrible track record take a crack at re-creating edible masterpieces for a $10000 prize. It’s part reality contest, part hot mess.”
  • The Outsider
  • Trolls: The Beat Goes On! (Season 2; Netflix Original Series): “As Queen Poppy welcomes a new time of peace in Troll Village with parties, sports and holiday celebrations, Branch tries to be more fun-loving.”

 

MARCH 10

  • Septiembre, un Llanto en Silencio

 

MARCH 12

  • Kygo: Live at the Hollywood Bowl
  • Troy: The Odyssey

 

MARCH 13

  • Children of the Whales (Season 1; Netflix Series): “As a magic wielder, young archivist Chakuro knows his time is short, but everything changes when a girl from the outside appears on his island.”
  • Ricky Gervais: Humanity (Netflix Original Special): “Ricky Gervais returns to the stage in London with a scathing special that touches on aging, becoming spoiled, his perspective on having kids and more.”
  • Stretch Armstrong: The Breakout (Netflix Original Series): “Jake Armstrong and his best friends are unexpectedly transformed into superheroes who learn to reach far beyond the limits of any ordinary teenager”
  • Terrace House: Opening New Doors: Part 1 (Netflix Series): “A group of young people — including a chef, a snowboarder and an ice hockey player — gather in the Karuizawa woods while pursuing their dreams.”

 

MARCH 15

  • Jackass 3.5: The Unrated Movie
  • Power Rangers Ninja Steel (Season 1; Netflix Original Series): “A new generation of teen heroes uses superhuman ninja powers to battle the intergalactic villain Galvanax and save Earth from destruction.”
  • Tabula Rasa (Season 1; Netflix Series)
  • The Hollywood Masters (Season 2; Netflix Original Series): “Top Hollywood stars and directors open up about their dreams, struggles and lifelong obsessions in interviews filmed in front of a live audience”

 

MARCH 16

  • Benji
  • Edha (Season 1; Netflix Original Series): “Revenge, passion and dark secrets push a successful fashion designer and single mother to her limits when she meets a handsome and mysterious man.”
  • On My Block (Season 1; Netflix Original Series): “This comedy series follows a diverse group of teenage friends as they confront the challenges of growing up in gritty inner-city Los Angeles. “
  • Spirit Riding Free (Season 4; Netflix Original Series): “In a small Western town, spunky ex-city girl Lucky forms a tight bond with wild horse Spirit while having adventures with best pals Pru and Abigail.”
  • Take Your Pills
  • The Legacy of a Whitetail Deer Hunter
  • Wild Wild Country (Season 1; Netflix Original Docuseries): “When a controversial cult leader builds a utopian city in the Oregon desert, conflict with the locals escalates into a national scandal. “

 

MARCH 19

  • In Search of Fellini

 

MARCH 20

  • 100 Years: One Woman’s Fight for Justice
  • The Standups (Season 2; Netflix Original Series): “Comedy’s freshest voices take the stage in LA for half-hour specials packed with sly jokes, hilarious anecdotes and awkward confessions.”

 

MARCH 21

  • Conor McGregor: Notorious

 

MARCH 23

  • Alexa & Katie (Season 1; Netflix Original Series)
  • Dinotrux Supercharged (Season 2; Netflix Original Series): “Amped up with powers that make them faster, stronger and more agile than ever, the Dinotrux are back to face new challenges and meet new friends.”
  • Game Over, Man!
  • Layla M.
  • Requiem (Season 1)
  • Roxanne Roxanne
  • Santa Clarita Diet (Season 2; Netflix Original Series): “They’re ordinary husband and wife realtors until she undergoes a dramatic change that sends them down a road of death and destruction. In a good way.”
  • SWORD GAI The Animation: Part 1 (Netflix Original Series): “After harnessing a demon sword to replace his missing arm, a young man named Gai fuses with the weapon to fight his enemies in this action fantasy.”
  • The Mechanism (Season 1; Netflix Original Series): “This fictional drama series is loosely inspired by an investigation of alleged corruption in private and state oil and construction companies in Brazil.”

 

MARCH 24

  • Red Trees

 

MARCH 27

  • Men on a Mission: 2018

 

MARCH 28

  • 50 First Dates
  • Little Women
  • Never Back Down 2: The Beatdown
  • The Art of War

 

MARCH 30

  • A Series of Unfortunate Events (Season 2; Netflix Original Series): “The extraordinary Baudelaire orphans face trials, tribulations and the evil Count Olaf in their fateful quest to unlock long-held family secrets.”
  • First Match
  • Happy Anniversary
  • Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir (Season 2, Part 1)
  • Rapture (Season 1; Netflix Original Series): “Featuring an impressive collection of artists who have found worldwide success, this documentary series showcases hip-hop’s impact on global culture.”
  • Reboot: The Guardian Code (Season 1)
  • Sofía Niño de Rivera: Selección Natural
  • The Titan
  • Trailer Park Boys (Season 12): “Follow the booze-fueled misadventures of three longtime pals and petty serial criminals who run scams from their Nova Scotia trailer park.”
  • Trump: An American Dream (Season 1)

 

MARCH 31

  • Let Me In

 

The Ultimate ‘Game Of Thrones’ Guide For Those That Missed The Hype

0
0

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past 7 years, it’s likely that you’ve heard of HBO’s hit series Game Of Thrones.

Full of love, deceit, violence and so much more, this show has shaken up TV as we know it and has caused fans from across the globe to declare that ‘winter is coming’ any time things get a little chilly.

The series has also won several awards, including the AFI TV Award not once or twice, but seven times! For those that managed to somehow miss the hype, however, all of this fan talk and weird quoting can seem completely out of place in our very modern and very not-Westeros-like world. That’s where we come in. To save you from ever pulling a blank face and being told ‘you know nothing, Jon Snow’ by an avid fan again, we’ve put together this quick guide to help you through the confusing maze that is Game of Thrones!

Don’t worry; we’ll keep it as spoiler free as possible.

Houses

Image via HBO

The first stop on our Game of Thrones tour is the houses. This is the most important thing to understand – and by all means not the most straightforward. With a multitude of long names, nicknames, banners and lands to memorise, you’ll be forgiven for slipping up. Fortunately for all of us, popular culture has taken it upon itself to lend us a helping hand.

The show has been mentioned in scores of other TV appearances, whether in passing or a subject debated on. The plethora of online games themed around Game of Thrones elements have certainly not gone amiss, nor has the merchandise available online and in physical stores been ignored.

A veritable cult has grown around the most important names in the show (some expressions have even made it into everyday lingo!), but while you may know the names Baratheon, Lannister, Stark and Targaryen, can you truly claim to know which is which?

  • Stark: Home of the ‘winter is coming’ phrase, the Starks are one of the biggest families in the show. In fact, it practically revolves around them, at least in the first series. Based in Winterfell, the family consists of Eddard Stark and Catelyn Stark/Tully, who have children Rob Stark, Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, Bran Stark and Rickon Stark and Jon Snow, Eddard Stark’s bastard son.
  • Lannister: The Lannisters always pay their debts, or so one of their mottos claim. We say one of their mottos, because their true house motto is actually ‘hear me roar’. The Lannister’s are based in Casterly Rock mainly, but as Cersei Lannister is married to Robert Baratheon, they also have holdings in King’s Landing. The Lannister’s that we see consist of Tywin Lannister, his children Cersei Lannister, Jaimie Lannister and Tyrion Lannister, as well as Cersei’s three children Joffrey, Myrcella and Tommen.
  • Targaryen: The Targaryen family are originally based in Dragonstone; however in the series we see the remaining family, Viserys and Daenerys Targaryen in Essos. Their family isn’t mentioned in great detail beyond ‘the mad king’ – and you’ll have to watch the show to find this out. Their house motto is ‘Fire and Blood’ – an homage to the dragons that the family once had an abundance of.
  • Baratheon:The Baratheon family are based in Storm’s End, but due to Robert Baratheon’s place on the throne, they are also based in King’s Landing. The family consists of the three brothers Robert, Stannis and Renly, and Robert’s children Joffrey, Myrcella and Tommen. There is also Shireen Baratheon, daughter to Stannis and his wide Selyse Florent. Their motto is “Ours Is The Fury.”

There are many other houses to note, including the Greyjoys, the Martells and many more, however for the basics, these four should do. With countless power couples and ongoing feuds, keeping up with who’s who and who’s where can be a struggle, but with this basic knowledge, you’ll have a much needed leg-up.

Locations

There are countless locations worth noting when it comes to understanding Game of Thrones, but luckily there are some script and crowd favourites that are frequently featured in order to give you a place to start. From the capital of King’s Landing, to the ice cold Wall, following the map alone can still leave you feeling lost.

To give you an extra boost, here is our list of the top locations and what you need to know:

  • Kings Landing: The largest city in all of the Seven Kingdoms, King’s Landing is the capital and often home to the royal family. It is the site of the Iron Throne (essentially a throne made of iron swords!) and plays host to much of the show. After all, it wouldn’t be a game of thrones without – you guessed it – a throne! King’s Landing is often the butt of countless jokes from outsiders due to its reputation and status as the capital, and is said to smell like human faeces – yes, really.
  • Winterfell:  Home to the ruler of the North, Winterfell is the ancestral abode of House Stark. It’s essentially a very large castle, and even has its own Godswood. Despite its location so far into the north, a little fact that even the most avid of fans aren’t always aware of is that there are hot springs under the castle that keep it warm, even in the harshest of winters!
  • The Wall: The Wall is home to the Night’s Watch, a group of men who have sworn an oath to protect the ‘south’ from the wildlings and any other attacks from the North. The wall is fairly easy to spot – it’s a giant wall made completely of ice, and is often inhabited by purely men wearing heavy capes and leather to keep them warm.
  • Beyond The Wall:  Beyond The Wall is, well, beyond the wall! It’s an area north of wall that is home to the wildlings, also known as the Free Folk.  This area isn’t part of ‘the realm’ and is easy to spot by it’s harsh, constantly snowy conditions. If you’re not at the wall or in Winterfell, you’re probably north of the wall!

The Fans

Chances are you’ve already come across an avid Game of Thrones fan, and we can hardly blame them for their love. Game of Thrones is such a complex story worth the watch, that the explosion of fan-related content is hardly something we can ignore.

From live orchestral performances of some of the best moments of the show, to an array of in depth and highly detailed costumes for all your Halloween needs, there’s no limit to what the fan base can conjure up. In short, if you’re ever stuck when it comes to this show, just ask a fan – chances are they already have a million theories, enough information to rewrite the show themselves, and all the merchandise that money can buy!

There is so much to know about this amazing show, and a truly ultimate guide would unfortunately involve spoilers that we’re pretty sure you don’t want to hear.

Whatever the case, believe us when we say it’s worth at least catching up on the first series to work out whether it’s truly something that takes your fancy. There’s something for everyone in this show, so why not give it a try?

 

Viewing all 17882 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images