Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull gets honest trailer


Today, I was reading at Comic Book Movies when I came across this posting for an honest Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull trailer.

I'm sure many walked out of the theater disappointed.  If only advertising could be this truthful.

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Batman comic answers how villains attain costumes



DeviantArt user TerminAitor recently put pen to paper, providing us with his unique spin on how Batman's villains get their varied and unique costumes.

The well-drawn and fun to read fan-comic takes on a good question considering life has to be much harder for a Two-Face or Joker.


BestofHulu: Community


Do you like great writing, hilarious hijinks, and a plethora of pop culture references?  Then Community is definitely for you.

The sitcom centers around what begins as a Spanish study group at the fictional Greendale Community College.  Joel McHale, well known as host of The Soup, plays a disbarred lawyer who becomes leader of the group.   The cast also features Gillian Jacobs as a liberal activist, Yvette Nicole Brown as a dedicated mother/divorcee/Christian, Allison Brie as the young overachiever, and comedic veteran Chevy Chase as a bored millionaire.  However, my favorite duo in the show is easily Troy and Abed, played by Donald Glover and Danny Pudi, who bring more true laughs with their geeky demeanor than anything envisioned in The Big Bang Theory.  The cast is rounded out by Jim Rash, who plays the overly enthusiastic campus Dean, and Ken Jeong, an insane Spanish teacher who eventually hopes to become part of the group.


Since its 2009 debut the show has been plagued with low, but very dedicated viewership.  My initial viewing of the pilot back then left a lot to be desired.  However, I picked the show up on Hulu Plus after the urging of a friend, and in the two months since my viewership began, it will easily be hailed as one of the best shows I've ever seen.  Also, one of the few shows I've watched from start to finish.

Despite Dan Harmon leaving after the conclusion of the third season, fans are hopeful to see it return beyond the upcoming fourth season, which has a debut of February 7 at 8 p.m. EST on NBC.  Watch it, love it, and remain hopeful that there will be six seasons and a movie.


Saturday, January 19, 2013

Schwarzenegger's film return flops


From what I'm reading, Arnie's return to the movie industry, "The Last Stand" has completely tanked in the United States.

Jee-woon Kim's American debut and Schwarzenegger's millionth mindless action flick took in a measly $1.9 million on Friday.  The four day weekend total is expected to be somewhere around the $6.6 million mark.  That rates it at number nine in this week's box office reports.

Maybe he can get a lead role in The Expendables 3.

I just waved down the limo to say congrats!

In order for my eventual wedding day to be a success, this must happen.

Friday, January 18, 2013

IDW does it right in regards to the Ghostbusters

Image from the "New" Ghostbusters


In my absence from reading comics, a new company was started.  I know literally nothing about them at this point other than that IDW Publishing seem to create comics from any number of licensed properties.  My introduction is through their Ghostbusters title.

Despite them doing a Doctor Who comic, anything Ghostbusters I'm going to gravitate toward first.  After reading the first three issues, I'm feeling no disappointment.

Let me throw a little bit of the story out there.  Gozer has returned.  That says enough right there.  Of course I don't want to spoil it too much, but so far the story is revolving around a third traveler, a potential lawsuit by the Stay Puft marshmallow company, the return of Walter Peck, and a kidnapped Ray Stanz.



When I was younger, most licensed comics were quite obviously done for children.  The characters are drawn in a cartoonish way, but the ghosts are truly magnificent.  It is also good to see that these books are done for what is an obvious adult demographic.  Most children don't even know who the Ghostbusters are at this point, right?



After reading through these issues, I'm going after the "New" Ghostbusters.  As I've said before, I know nothing of the story, but if I enjoy it half as much as I have seeing the further adventures of Peter, Ray, Egon, and Winston there won't be much disappointment.

DC's "New 52" freshens up the comics industry


Once upon a time, back in the 1990s, comic books played a large part in my life.  It actually began in 1988, when Tim Burton's Batman hit the screen.  Being eight or nine years old and living in a small Louisiana town, one didn't have access to a newsstand or comic book store.

A few years later was when the world of comics opened up.  Although none were local, there were several options for intermittent comics in the surrounding areas that my mom frequented due to visiting family, doctor's appointments, or shopping.  Other opportunities were presented in the form of my mother and father's love of flea markets.

Within months, the names Jim Lee and Todd McFarlane became just as important in my life as George Lucas and Stephen King.  The stories of Bruce Wayne and Peter Parker became my new Indiana Jones and Luke Skywalker.



The trend continued for several more years.  Image Comics began after seemingly everyone's favorite artists wanted more control over their work.  The addiction grew.

Eventually, my interest wavered.  Going out with friends became the norm, and of course Magic: The Gathering received some interest.

Sure, I'd  read a few comics in the meantime.  The magic was just gone...until recently.

I happened upon some random article on Reddit regarding 52 new titles for DC Comics.  It was a move in the right direction.



My readings began with "Night of the Owls" in Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's new Batman series.  The art and story were both fantastic.  Francis Manapul's work on The Flash is truly captivating.    There's still a long way to go, and a lot of titles I want to try out, but I'm looking forward to it for the first time in a good long while.  I'll keep everyone updated on what I'm reading, especially since I'm looking forward to Batman's "Death of the Family."



Strangely enough, despite my early love of Marvel Comics, I have no interest in the books they're putting out.  Everybody says to try out DeadPool, but I'm just not sure.  I already have plenty to read.