Hailed as “The most frightening book Stephen King has ever written,” Pet Sematary remains to this day the one novel that still scares the author himself. It’s also the book King never wanted to publish. In 1989 it was adapted into a feature film that stuck very close to the story arch but lacked the intensity of the source material. I grew up watching the original movie and it’s subpar sequel from 1992, but always wanted to read the book for myself to get the full experience.

Louis Creed moves his family from Chicago to Ludlow, Maine to start a new a new job at the local university, with his wife Rachel, their daughter Ellie, her cat Church, and their son Gage. Shortly after arriving the family is warned about the dangers of the major roadway in front of their home by their new neighbor Judd Crandall and his wife Norma, a couple who have lived in Ludlow all their lives. One afternoon, Judd takes the family up an old trail into the thick woods behind the Creed home that leads to the Pet Sematary. Created by children over the last hundred years, it’s a place built out of love and loss with an undercurrent of something other worldly beyond it’s makeshift gates.

Broken into three sections, the novel takes its time establishing the Creed family, their new life and the sins of the past. Nothing is quite what it seems and soon strange events begin to unfold. After the death of a student at the university, Louis finds himself slipping over the edge of sanity in a very real and frightening way. Is something out to get the Creed’s? Or is it a case of the Creed’s bringing about their own misery? As each chapter progresses we learn about how each character deals with, connects to, or simply denies death.

Unlike the film, which held true to the novel’s tone but lost many of the finer details that hinted at the true nature of the mysterious Micmac Indian burial ground, the book creeps under your skin and hooks deep. As the story progresses there is a palpable sense of dread that grows to a feverish pitch. Something is lurking in the darkness, a power at work and secrets to be revealed that I will leave to you as a reader to discover.

You may already be familiar with the story thanks to the film, but I promise you there are many new things to be uncovered by reading the novel. Some aspects were altered slightly, but many were changed out right and were not nearly as effective. The film plays these elements out for simple scares and visual gags, while the book delves deep into the characters to horrifying effect. Rachel’s family history is far more disturbing, and provides a more satisfying explanation for how she carries herself and why she still has nightmares. Judd’s history with the Pet Sematary and the Micmac burial ground are also more interesting on the page, culminating in a very different exchange that I did not see coming.

King wrote a new forward for a reprint in the early 2000's, stating that this was book that hit closest to home, part of the reason he didn’t want to publish it. (Another reason being he thought it was simply too dark, without hope.) As he began work on the project, he had rented a home while teaching with his wife and young children, living on a busy road with an actual Pet Sematary just off the beaten path. His daughter’s cat was killed on the road and his son had a close call running out toward the road as a truck came speeding by.

In the end, Pet Sematary makes for a better book than a film. With a pending remake of the movie on the horizon, hopefully more elements from the original story will make there way onto the screen. This has turned out to be one of my all time favorite books despite how dark and twisted it is, and the events and images described in the final fifty pages will forever stay with me. There are many important lessons to learn from this story about honesty, loss, love, strength, desire, and temptation, but despite your best intentions,

“Sometimes dead is better….”

This week, I’m reviewing Dark Horse’s new magical girl team comic, Zodiac Starforce, written by Kevin Panetta and drawn by Paulina Ganucheau. Zodiac Starforce is about a group of teenage girls in high school dealing with boyfriends, biology tests, mean girls, and the occasional monster or two. These girls have been gifted with magical powers that they use to fight off evil entities that threaten their world. The cool part of this comic is that it’s not an origin story. The girls have been fighting off evil forces for a while and when we come in, the group is actually disbanded. The leader, Emma, thinks it’s all over until a new force threatens her life and brings the group back together.

Ever since I heard of it’s initial release I was dying to get my hands on it. Zodiac Starforce reminds me of my childhood obsessions... Sailor Moon, Powerpuff Girls, Cardcaptor Sakura... anything that involved girls with powers, I LOVED. It just so happens that I love this too. The art is colorful and fun with characters that are diverse and relatable. I can see this taking off and becoming something really big. The costumes the girls wear would be awesome for cosplaying. So check it out! I’ll be here twiddling my thumbs, patiently awaiting the second issue.

War, nuclear destruction, crazy ass children, the end is here! Snake seems to have gained an upper hand, but can he take on two armies at once and still manage to escape? Let’s dig into issue number four and find out!

As always, some spoilers may follow.

The twins are ready to take on the United States Police force. With an army behind them, and nuclear weapons up their sleeves, they finally make their push to take over America, but the illusion of their “powers” has finally slipped away. As a massive battle erupts for control of Florida, the twins plans backfire and Plissken uses his skills against them.

The biggest highlight of this issue has got to be the destruction of Florida. The landscape is left permanently changed by the detonation of dozens of nuclear warheads. The universe of Escape is ultimately a broken one. Thanks to World War III actually happening, America is a country alien to the one we actually live in. Manhattan is gone, now Florida, so I’m left to wonder once again what the remainder of the country looks like. Unfortunately, that will just have to wait, as the end of this issue shifts the story to a whole new place.

As Snake manages to change the tide of war, I find some of his actions/comments still overly cold. We are never given a clear picture from the original film as to what Snake is really seeking. Is it peace? To remain an outlaw? Perhaps to simply be alone? Snake does after all have friends, see the original deleted opening of the first film for more on that, and he does care about Cabbie, Maggie and to a lesser extent Brain. I suppose what I’m wondering is, why he is pushing the world away. This comic has given us the perfect realm to expand on Snake as a character, but seems to shy away from this in order to keep the action up.

The artwork remains solid and colorful, the battles clear and gory at times. The characters are interesting, but without enough time to really let them breath. Each time we are introduced to someone, there either dead or simply vanish after a few pages, an issue at most. Why not let the story unfold a bit more first? Why not left Snake have a chance at developing a connection with others? (Curtis is about the only real exception to this, but still shrugged off.) The story remains interesting, but the questions are mounting.

Score: 3 Nuclear Weapons Out of 5

Suzie and Jon have a bit of a secret... Let me start from the beginning. Suzie works at the library. Sad thing is, the bank is shutting it down. Jon happens to work at the bank and he happens to absolutely hate it. Jon, meet, Suzie. They hit it off immediately... for more reasons than one. Turns out, they share the same secret. Whenever either of them have sex, they freeze time and go to a place Suzie likes to call “The Quiet.” So what do they do with all that frozen time? Rob banks, of course. Hailed as the “Best New Series” by USA Today and Time Magazine’s Comic of the Year 2013, Sex Criminals does not disappoint.

This book is absolutely laugh-out-loud hilarious. If you have a dirty sense of humor, like me, you’ll love this. Matt Fraction and Chip Zdarsky completely knocked this one out of the park with their writing. It’s not all just dirty jokes though, it’s even pretty insightful about love, life and all the struggles of growing up and coming into your own. The authors even have a sex tip book, called “Just The Tips” with articles and stories curated from the letter section of Sex Criminals. (Also hilarious) Everyone who asks me what comic I recommend, I always say Sex Criminals. It’s actually in the works to become a TV show! So read up now, ladies and gentlemen, so you’ll be able to say you knew about it before it was on TV. You get extra hipster points for that. All jokes aside, you should really really reaaaallllly pick up Sex Criminals by Matt Fraction and Chip Zdarsky, I promise you won’t regret it.

Ever feel like you’re crazy? That people around you just don’t get it? Are the voices in your head too loud? Do your parents push you aside or consider you a burden?

Meet Syd. She’s been hearing voices in her head her whole life. No amount of therapy, medication or help from professionals can silence them. After a failed suicide attempt, a mysterious man named The Voice checks her out of the hospital and brings her to his home. There, she meets the others: Fagen, Wire, Runt, Blurgirl, Moon, Misery Kid, Maisie, and Gruff. Syd finds out that she’s not crazy at all. In fact, she’s a telepath. Now, she’s among people just like her. People who have been made to feel insane, but in actuality they’re gifted... they’re special. They’ve built up a life for themselves with The Voice as their leader and mentor. But, the way they’ve done it is not exactly moral. They don’t use their abilities for good, they prey on the innocent, and they want Syd to be one of them.

“They’re Not Like Us: Black Holes for the Young” from Image comics is original and fresh. A real page turner. I expected this to be good when I picked it up, as Image has put out most of my favorites. I wasn’t disappointed. The story really hooks you in right from the beginning and it just keeps on getting better from there. It’s dark and gritty but at the same time manages to have a lot of heart. The art in “They’re Not Like Us” is really beautiful. Aside from the story being great, it’s just pretty to look at. The coloring is what really got me, it brings the whole story to life. The writing is smart and unpredictable. I highly recommend picking this one up. If you’re looking for a story that’ll leave you wanting more, definitely check out volume one of “They’re Not Like Us: Black Holes for the Young” by Eric Stephenson, Simon Gane and Jordie Bellaire!

So it’s been a while since I’ve written to you peeps for a while, and there’ve been a few reasons for that. First, I wanted to talk about E3, but I was a bit disappointed at what Nintendo brought to the table and wasn’t entirely sure how to phrase it well. Then I saw Jurassic World, but Mike already reviewed it, and a short paragraph from me definitely would not do it justice. And most recently, Satoru Iwata, President and CEO of Nintendo, passed away at the way too young age of 55. Even then, I don’t feel comfortable writing on his legacy because I don’t know enough about it. In all honesty, only in the last two or three years have I become interested in the politics and business side of video games; I also still have not played Earthbound, of which Iwata was a main programmer. But there’s somebody else in the video game industry whom I have respected for many years: 小島 秀夫. That’s um, that says Kojima Hideo. Or, you know, as English speakers would refer to him, Hideo Kojima. On to the stuff!

A few weeks ago, I watched a group of my favorite let’s-players go through the original Metal Gear (1987) game, and that prompted me to seriously figure out how I could get myself into the series, too, specifically with Metal Gear Solid. In one word, it is fantastic (adj. – 1. imaginative or fanciful, remote from reality; extraordinarily good or attractive). It does everything the original does, only better. The way to go through each area, aside from strategically and stealthily sneaking one’s way, is based on the use of specific items to overcome certain obstacles and puzzles.

The same goes for the bosses. Now, at this point, I realize it kinda sounds like a Zelda game. And I’ll admit the original NES games of the two series share some similarities in the ways of progression, but the major difference I’d say between the Zelda series and at least Metal Gear Solid (its sequels may be different) is that the different items found can generally be used throughout the game and different areas, not specifically to the location in which they’re found to beat one specific boss.

Definitely one of the things that has me floored is the fact that this was released back in 1998. Of course, I’m not trying to say great games weren’t made until recently (in fact, many would argue that the majority of the best games are older; that or it’s just nostalgia-goggles). I’m just floored by the well done voice acting for each character with multiple lines of dialogue, the music and overall sound design, the graphics, the gameplay that is both fun and challenging, and the fact that there are a plethora cutscenes which usually last at least four or five minutes; however, many go longer than that, too. And yet there are plenty of games that come out now-a-days that are published by big studios but are still flawed and broken as hell (see Sonic Boom: The Rise of Lyric).

Metal Gear Solid does, however, struggle with a major aspect of gameplay: explanation of how to proceed. The game constantly breaks the fourth wall by having characters tell the player, currently assuming the role as Solid Snake, what to do to overcome a certain obstacle. For me it just doesn’t work well. I find that this constantly reminds me that I am definitely playing a video game rather than being Solid Snake in the world, which is our own but based slightly in the future in each iteration, that Kojima has set up. I hate to use the cliché term immersion, but it really does ruin whatever immersion the game attempts to establish. And while I’m complaining, I might as well throw in that Snake controls like a person who can only move in eight directions, and needs to think about changing the direction before doing it, especially when crawling. Things are clunky, but for a first game in the modern Metal Gear series, I can deal with it.

Other than that, though, I really like it. I’m impressed by it. It’s fun and rewarding to make it through areas unseen by enemies and makes you feel badass when you manage to take down bosses that ordinary humans just would not be able to contend with. The game came out approximately seventeen years ago, and I would highly recommend it to anybody who has also waited until now to finally dive into it and the series as a whole. Metal Gear Solid is rad as heck.

PS – Fuck you, Konami. You’re shooting yourselves in the foot (at least in the eye of the western world) by neglecting your video games, dissolving Kojima Productions, canceling Silent Hills, and removing Hideo Kojima’s name from the upcoming Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. I miss the old you. Here’s to hoping Nintendo or someone else buys your IPs!

With Snake in the clutches of the Free Republic of Florida once again, we find him in a military camp with an explosive neck brace. With the nukes armed and the twins ready to go to war with the United States, will Snake be able to escape in time while also giving Florida a second chance?

As always, some spoilers may follow.

The highlights of issue three remain within the wacky characters and settings of the story. The artwork remains fun and colorful, moving along at a brisk pace. Much like the original film, Snake is almost always in motion, but it’s a move that could back fire in the long run if the writers aren’t careful.

A remaining issue is that the twins are never really that convincing to me. Later in the issue, there’s a fun moment when we get to see where and how the twins live. Their mansion is like something out of, “Blank Check”, (too old a reference? Google it!) Now, they supposedly fooled the public into thinking they have some kind of mental powers, but at no point is it ever elaborated on. Besides the fact that they have guns and a very determined bodyguard, they’re not at all intimidating. In the mansion itself they have adults captive in silly costumes, as their servants. It’s a funny idea, very “Twilight Zone”, but why these people don’t just slip a knife into these kids necks I’ll never understand.

Obviously Snake is going to do something about all this, but why must it be him? It would seem that the rest of the people could find a way to band together and overthrow a pair of thirteen year olds. WHy did they follow them in the first place? They may be armed and dangerous, but in this universe, Plissken is the only one left who seems to fight for his beliefs.

In the end, I’m still left hoping to better understand the universe at large in this series. It’s not bad or uninteresting by any means, but remains too vague. The other major question is about Snake himself. A true anti hero, his actions are close to the original film, but he seems to care even less about others this time around. I hope at some point we can get into his head a little and get a clearer picture of his thought process.

Overall, this Escape series remains an interesting read and I would recommend it for fans of the original film, but it’s still coming up a little short for my taste. With the tension building to what could be an explosive conclusion in the next issue, we’ll just have to hold on and see where this ride takes us.

Score: 3 Tyrannical Twins Out of 5

Following the events of Secret Wars, Captain Marvel and the Carol Corps defend all that remains... Battleworld, ruled by Victor Von Doom. After being visited by the Thors, Captain Marvel and the Carol Corps get sent out on a kill strike mission for who they think is Ultron. Things are not always as they seem, though...

Woo! It sure is great to see an all female military team being represented in comics. But, sadly, this one didn’t thrill me. I picked this one up after hearing great things about Kelly Sue DeConnnick’s first run with Captain Marvel. Maybe I set my hopes too high. I’m not that familiar with the title character, but what really drew me in were the Carol Corps. I’m hoping we get more backstory with them in future issues. The book itself is written well and has that classic comic feel to it. I definitely think this run will get progressively better, as it shows promise with an interesting storyline. If you’re into badass ladies on the front field, give this one a look. Captain Marvel and The Carol Corps #1 written by Kelly Sue DeConnick and Kelly Thompson and illustrated by David Lopez, on stands now!

It’s been about two weeks since I’ve logged onto IGN yet with Comic-Con starting this week I just can’t stay away anymore! But, what’s kept me away for this long?

On June 26, 2015 the United States made the historic decision to legalize same-sex marriage and social media exploded with fabulous rainbows. Friends, family, complete strangers, corporations (including IGN) changed their profile picture to include a rainbow filter to show their support. I’m not gay but even I was overwhelmed with the excitement at the support our nation seemed to be showing. That is, until I started reading the comments under the IGN profile picture.

For privacy I won’t broadcast names but the following are just some of the comments I read on IGN’s Facebook/Instagram:

 You gotta be shitting me (1660 Likes)

This is too much...I can't even get on my gaming website without politics getting shoved down my throat. (239 Likes)

Gays mess everything up (46 Likes)

Great. You guys too with this garbage? You couldn't just stick to talking about games? You had to shove a phucking political agenda up our a.ss too? (226 Likes)

IGN just post game stuff, not gay shit

Im unlinking da page because of this BS propaganda. (24 Likes)

wtf, this place is supposed to be about games, not ass sex. (36 Likes)

Negative comment after negative comment I was no longer overwhelmed with excitement. What’s sad is as a gamer I’ve had my own experiences with members of the gaming community putting me down, simply because I’m a female, so at this point nothing should surprise me. Yet my mind was blown when I read the reactions from the IGN community.

They changed their profile picture. That’s it. They didn’t blast their site with political statements, or propaganda, or host videos to tell us what we should believe in. They didn’t stop posting game updates, reviews, or stop Beyond! or other Podcasts from recording. They simply showed support for gay members within it's community.

Wait.. Gay people play video games?! Yes. Yes they do.

Three days later, on June 29, IGN changed their picture back to the traditional logo. And the gaming community responded again:

Finally took down the other one.

As it should be

Oh now I can take you seriously again

cool, that fruit loop logo was enraging me

I just couldn’t understand how a profile picture that is aimed to support members of the gaming community could be so offensive to anyone. For a community that is already on the chopping block by outsiders, how we can turn against our own?  While I support same-sex marriage I accept that other gamers may not, but why ostracize other members of your own gaming community because of what their sexual preference is? I love being a part of this community but sometimes it takes a few bad eggs to ruin it.

Now with all of that said we can’t ignore those people from the IGN community who supported the court’s decision, IGN’s profile picture, and tried to set a good example in the comments section. Luckily, it’s THOSE people who restore my faith in the IGN community:

Thanks IGN.com for your support of your LGBT readers!! We love you guys lots!!!    

 IGN is never political.... This is a monumental and historical moment! Happy to see IGN is on the right side of this. -Proud to be a fan! Thanks IGN.

 Hell yeah IGN. Hell yeah.

Good for you guys! I'm sure your employees and the thousands and thousands of readers that support this appreciate it. And to every one asking "Oh video games are political now?" you should probably play a video game...they've had political/social issue stories for a long ass time.

I’m white. I’m straight. I’m a female. But most importantly, I’m a gamer. At the end of the day, despite those few bad eggs, I'm proud to be a part of the gaming community.  It is filled with such incredible, brilliant, and exceptional people... who I look forward to destroying in Mario Kart...even if you're super gay.

Groot and Rocket Raccoon are hitchhiking through the galaxy in Groot #1 written by Jeff Loveness and Brian Kesinger. After their ship blows up, Groot and Rocket are stranded in space. Much to Rocket’s dislike, all Groot is trying to do is get back to Earth. Rocket, always loyal to his friends, figures that might be better than being stranded. So, they do what anyone would do...start hitchhiking. But wherever they go, trouble seems to follow close behind.

I never really knew about Groot until I saw Guardians of the Galaxy on the big screen. He became my favorite in an instant. He’s just got a way with words. I enjoyed this book, it was definitely amusing and had a charm to it. The art is colorful and fun. Space gives a great backdrop to the unique characters they run into. Groot, always one to keep a positive attitude, plays well on the page with the tough and sarcastic Rocket. Surprisingly, the dialogue is funny and clever, even when all the main character says is “I am Groot.” Brian Kessinger does a great job with Groot’s facial expressions and body language. They’re a clear giveaway to what he’s feeling. Pick this one up if you’re looking for a fun story with lots of laughs. Groot #1 is available on comic shelves now!

The stage has been set for a great battle in Little China! Big Trouble number eight is here and I’m excited to get to the action! Wang and Jack, now backed by an unlikely group, are heading back to the den of the evil Lo Pan in hopes of banishing him once again, to the hell of those killed by idiots. Who will prevail this time around? Does Jack have enough dumb luck left to get them through the fight?!

There are as always possible spoilers ahead!

I want to first point out the positive. The artwork continues to be colorful and fun to look at. The characters have remained true to their film counterparts and I’ve really enjoyed getting to continue to the adventure with them. Also, the dialogue has has been silly/half serious in true Big Trouble fashion.

Now to my concerns. Although I find this issue a bit of a retread, of itself and also of the film, it is by no means bad. This issue also took a turn toward the end I did not see coming. Don’t get the impression that I’m starting to hate the comic by any means, but I do have a few issues. The missing characters from the original film still nag at me, despite getting an explanation for the whereabouts of one of them.

Usually I would be more critical of the story itself, but overall, the universe presented here is so silly and fun, it tends to distract me. I will say though, that I am a bit disappointed with the return of the three storms most of all. Although none of them said much during the film, they were a big presence and to keep them in the background this time around seems like an odd choice. I am all for introducing new characters to fill the void, but not much of that has really happened either. Another example would be the evil Qiang Wu. I’ve enjoyed what I’ve seen, but he quickly becomes a background character, just another servant to Lo Pan.

Sorry, but this paragraph is SPOILER HEAVY!

I’m also sorry if this is a bit of a nit pick, but I can’t wrap my head around it. At the end of the film, Lo Pan’s evil empire is crushed and the building he owned falls apart at the seams and bursts into green flame. Yet, in this issue, during the epic battle, Lo Pan is holding his ceremony in the SAME PLACE. When/how did they find the time to reconstruct? Was it ancient Chinese magic? If so, why not show us the rebuild? This seems like a bit of a screw up in my opinion.

Regardless of where the Pork Chop Express is going, I’m in it for the long haul. Each issue still makes me laugh out loud and the most important thing is I’m still having fun reading it. With the twist at the end of this issue, I’m excited to see where the story will take me next!

Score: 4 Burning Blades Out of 5

HHEEEEEEEYYYYYYYYY EVERYBODYYY! It’s your favorite undead rocker extraordinaire, Teddy “Spaghetti” Lawrence! Lead singer/song writer for “The Deadites”, I’m sure you’ve heard out hit single, “Burnin’ Love”.....

Anyway, my favorite band of all time, besides my own of course, is the legendary “Dokken”. I figured since I got nothing better to do in the afterlife, I would write up some reviews of their albums! Fronted by Don Dokken, with Guitarist George Lynch, hard hitting drummer Mick Brown and bassist Jeff Pilson, Dokken was known for great live shows and monster ballads.

The band’s first LP, and first single, “Breaking the Chains” was released in 1983. The title track is catchy as shit with a strong backbone provided by Brown. Coupled with the video with heavy rotation on MTV, the song helped to successfully drive up sales.

Songs like, “Nightrider” and, “Seven Thunders” are strong slow burns, with catchy hooks and energetic solos. “In the Middle” is another strong, slower song that thumps along nicely but feels misplaced in the track order. “Live to Rock (Rock to Live)” and “Young Girls” are strong rock numbers that ultimately aren’t anything too special, but remain fun and enjoyable. “Felony” isn’t a bad song overall, but feels a bit stale (except for the solo). Perhaps it would have been better not to carry it over from 1979’s EP, “Back in the Streets”.

The highlight of the album is certainly, “Paris is Burning”. Recorded live in Berlin in December 82’, this track is simply on FIRE. Lynch is playing like a mad man, producing an energy unmatched by anything else on the album. It’s a good thing it’s the last track, cause it will make you wish the ENTIRE THING was live. (It’s also a great preview of things to come!)

It’s an ambitious first record at ten tracks. No matter my love for the band, there are unfortunately a few songs that don’t live up to the capabilities of the band. Tracks like “I Can’t See You” and “Stick to Your Guns” are the weakest of the ten and could have been left as B-sides.

One aspect of this had been addressed by hiring new bassist Jeff Pilson, but he didn’t come in until after the record was recorded. Dokken finally gaining a stable lineup helped the band drastically with their next record the following year. Most acts of the day weren’t necessarily talented, but could play well enough and look good on stage. Dokken was however, the real deal. Live, the band was FAN-DAMN-TASTIC, and their writing on the follow up as a group is proof of that.

Verdict:

Although “Breaking the Chains” may be a bit of a mixed bag, it’s still worth a listen. After all, it’s their first LP! SO, Break the chains and have some fun!

3 Super Mullets Outta 5

With summer upon us, I wanted to take a trip back to those long, hot days when the music I would listen to became burned into my brain. Whether it was hiking in the woods or riding my bike, I found myself listening to this one album on repeat, perfectly capturing the mood and time in my life. Now that I’m older, I find myself still reaching for this one, year after year, with that feeling only more cemented.

What’s the album you ask? Polaris: The Music from “The Adventures of Pete & Pete”.

Technically not a real band, Polaris was comprised of members from the New Haven indie rock band, ‘Miracle Legion’. The twelve tracks created by the band were used for all three seasons of Pete & Pete, not only defining the show itself, but also my childhood. The band even appeared on the show in the episode "Hard Day's Pete”. Young Pete stumbles across them playing the song “Summer Baby” in an old garage. Inspired, Pete decides to form his own band in order to remember the song. The whole episode is a crazy childish adventure, one that reminds the viewer of the magic of childhood and how just about anything seemed possible.

I also remember during the shows run, there was a tape of all the songs from the show you could send away for. One of the offers was even on a cereal box! The music created for that show still strikes me the same today as it did when I was a kid watching Nickelodeon. When I hear the opening of “She is Staggering” or “Waiting for October”, I’m back on the ball field with childhood friends, riding bikes in the summer, or trying to eat all my ice cream before it melted.

It’s incredible to me what feelings this record still brings up, not to mention that as an album, it still holds up incredibly well. No matter how old I grow, when I hop on my bike and put this music on, I’m instantly brought back to a simpler time in my life.

For me, this is not only the soundtrack of the summer, but the entire summer itself.

Favorite Tracks: "She Is Staggering", "Coronado II", "Recently" & "Summerbaby"

Black Canary is back and this time she’s left super heroics behind for a new world of rock and roll. Now known as D.D and the lead singer of the band Black Canary, (Kind of dangerous, with that voice, don’t ya think?) trouble follows her everywhere. Dinah just wants to escape her past, but it keeps catching up with her. To the dismay of her bandmates, their shows usually end with a literal bang. As in, Dinah banging someone's head in at the end of practically every performance. So much so that they have been dubbed “The Most Dangerous Band In America.” So who is coming after D.D, and why? Or maybe it’s not her they’re after...

Of course, I loved this book. Music and comics are pretty much my two favorite things, so combine them and it’s even better. The art in this book is gritty and gorgeous. Annie Wu was a perfect fit for this story, giving it an edgy look and feel. I’m in love with her art style. The story itself is pretty interesting and it’s cool to see a character such as Dinah Lance in a different scenario. Brenden Fletcher does a good job of keeping her true to the Black Canary we all know and love. The girl with the killer (literally) voice in a band? Now that’s a show I’d like to see. This is just the start for D.D and Black Canary. The series seems pretty promising and I’m excited to pick up the next one! Black Canary #1 by Brenden Fletcher and Annie Wu are available on comic shelves now!

I recently got my hands on a copy of Volume 1 of "Ms. Marvel: No Normal" written by G. Willow Wilson and drawn by Adrian Alphona. And I gotta say, it sure lives up to the hype. Ms. Marvel is the first Marvel comic to feature a Muslim super-heroine. Since her comic first debuted in 2014, she's easily become one of Marvel's most popular superheroes. Kamala Khan is just a regular 16-year-old Pakistani girl. She's a junior in high school and she's obsessed with the Avengers and writes fan fiction in her spare time. She lives with her strict but loving parents and her very religious brother in Jersey City. One night, after getting enveloped in a fog that blasts the whole city, she has a vision of her idol, Carol Danvers (the previous Ms. Marvel, now known as Captain Marvel). She wakes and discovers that she has the ability to shape-shift, shrink and enlarge her body. She takes up the mantle of Ms. Marvel and sets her sights on protecting Jersey City from a new villain called "The Inventor."

Right off the bat, the writing and her characterization reminds me of Peter Parker's. She's young, geeky, just finding out she has powers and is struggling to juggle them with all of her other responsibilities. She's also got that sarcastic and witty humor that we know and love Peter Parker for. So if you're a fan of Spidey, check this out! The book, all in all, was a joy to read. It's colorful, diverse, refreshing and new. It's awesome seeing a female fronted comic about a person of color being so popular in the Marvel universe. I absolutely love how Kamala's faith and culture are highlighted in the story. Her family and home life are a big part of who she is. She's balancing between her religious duties and struggling with disobeying her parents so she can be the hero she wants to be. The story itself is just so genuine. Between the gorgeous art and the hilarious and insightful writing, I gotta give this one five stars. Go ahead and pick this up, I guarantee you'll love it.

It’s a yearly tradition of mine to stream the live E3 press conferences, and inevitably get up from my seat, start pacing back and forth, my eyes wild with excitement as they’re glued to the screen, hands waving in the air, and shouting something to the effect of “Holy f*cking shit!” This year was no different. Between Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo there were some memorable moments to be had all around.  While I can’t possibly cover it all in one weekly update I do want to share my favorite “Holy f*cking shit!” moments. 

Microsoft revealed that the Xbox One will be backwards compatible to support Xbox 360 games. Admittedly I lean more towards Playstation than Xbox but heck, Playstation isn’t even backwards compatible yet so I can imagine the sheer joy on fanboy’s faces when they heard this news. Currently Xbox Preview members are able to utilize the Xbox One backwards compatibility and by this holiday season everyone will gain access to hundreds of titles. Holy f*cking shit!

Then there was Nintendo’s press conference. Microsoft and Sony consistently blow our minds every E3, so Nintendo generally has to bring it. But like most years they just weren’t able to compete. It’s interesting to note however, my general attitude towards the Wii U has changed significantly since it’s initial debut. I vowed I would never even own one and now I probably play it more than my PlayStation. Despite the overall lackluster forum, there were some titles that are worth noting. In fact, many of the titles are for the 3DS, which never interested me…until now. Hyrule Warriors Legends, Metroid Prime Federation Force, and Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam to name a few. And as far as the Wii U goes there was Super Mario Maker, Yoshi’s Woolly World, and Star Fox Zero had some interesting new game play. Star Fox utilizes the control pad so you can now fly around using the pad as your cockpit while the TV screen shows your surroundings.  Though I’ve never got into the Star Fox, I can get behind this new wave of gameplay. Holy f*cking shit!

Now is when my arms start flailing around as I grow giddy with excitement. My most “Holy f*cking shit!” moments came out of the Sony Playstation press conference.  Since 2007 we’ve all been waiting for the release of The Last Guardian. Delay after delay turned into E3 after E3 of teasing us that this game will eventually make its debut. At this point it’s become the running joke that THIS is the year The Last Guardian comes out. Well jokes over my friends. Sony started their press conference with the mic drop heard round the world.  When I heard Shawn Layden, (President and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment America) announce, “Our first game tonight has long been anticipated by the gaming community,”  I was like, “Wait..no..no he doesn’t mean…” He continued, “it is conceived as a poetic story of adventure and friendship, heroism and companionship,” … “Does he mean what I think he means?” I thought.  And then cue the trailer… with the words The Last Guardian appearing before my very eyes. Mind. Blown. While no exact date has been given we can FINALLY expect to see the game in 2016. Holy f*cking shit!

Other memorable titles to come out of the Sony conference was No Man’s Sky, an open world exploration and survival game.  This was seen at last year’s E3 but what was cool this time around was that they showed live gameplay.  A massive screen was filled with small bright lights, each representing a sun. Each sun has it’s own solar system for you to explore. And while pulling back and falling deeper and deeper into the galaxy you realize there’s no way one person could ever visit it all.  In fact they noted there are some planets that may never be discovered in the game because of its expansiveness.  Holy f*cking shit!

Even more titles include Uncharted 4: A Theif’s End, Dreams (seriously the concept and gameplay for this is so sick), Tearaway, Unravel  … FINAL FANTASY VII! When I heard that familiar opening song and saw that yellow spikey hair my heart wanted to explode. Holy f*cking shit!

And my final “Holy f*cking shit!” moment to come out of E3 is the overwhelming amount of girl power. This is the first time, in ever really, that so many games are to be released with playable female protagonists.  In addition to the OG of badass video game chicks herself, Lara Croft, we will see some new seriously badass chicks in ReCore, Mirror's Edge Catalyst, Horizon: Zero Dawn, Nier, Beyond Eyes, Dishonored 2, and Assassin’s Creed Syndicate.  I couldn’t be more stoked to see the gaming community begin to introduce more heroines to their games and open the door to what’s been known for a very long time as the boy’s club. Holy f*cking shit!

For complete E3 coverage check out: http://www.e3expo.com/takeover

What were your “Holy f*cking shit!” moments from this year’s E3 conference? Let us know in the comments below! 

Issue number two is here and I can’t wait to see where the story will lead! So why are we wasting time?! Grab your weapons, and let’s head back to the corrupt United States of America!

Some spoilers may follow, but are at a minimum as usual!

Issue number two finds Snake in the grips of two deranged children who are in charge of the Free Republic of Florida. Looking for someone to lead their army against the rest of the United States of America, they spare his life. What exactly has Snake gotten himself into? And more importantly, will he be able to escape this new city before the big one hits?

‘Escape’ continues to keep the pace up, opting to introduce a lot of new characters in each issue. With only a small few carrying over from issue one, the outside world seems to whiz by. Although I’m enjoying seeing what’s happened to another state, I’m left wondering what the United States Police Force is up to. We get a few tidbits around the middle of the issue, but I would love to see for example Charles Cyphers Secretary of State character plotting to capture Plissken.

It’s an interesting choice not to carry over any of the governmental figures from the film. Two issues in and there is hardly any mention of them. I understand where Snake is physically, which makes it hard for anyone outside of Florida to get there hands on him, but it leaves me wondering. Hopefully in the next few issues, we get to see some more behind the scenes of the United States Police Force, but as of right now, they don’t seem to be too powerful at all.

There is some solid action throughout the entire comic and even a really cool prison. I don’t want to give away where it’s located or what it is exactly, but it’s certainly a pretty clever idea from two 13 year olds. We’re also treated to some of Snake’s tactical training, leading to a very interesting firefight at one point. There’s also a group of survivors trying to make a stand of there own, hopefully we’ll get to see more of them.

Still, one of my biggest questions moving forward is, how exactly does everyone know who Snake Plissken is? And also, how did they all, hear he was dead? I understand these are lines pulled from the film and worked into the series as an ongoing joke, but I would love to see a hint at what this is referring to. I would assume it’s because he was a decorated war hero turned bad, but why not hint at Snake’s past? A back story of sorts might not work on film, but it may work better in comic form. I also think it might be cool to see Snake get involved in some sort of heist, similar to the one he was caught while trying to complete, which landed him in the New York prison. I already know and love the character, but I want to see, not just hear about, why he is the United States greatest outlaw.

One small gripe I still have going, is with Snakes leg. In this issue, we see him briefly getting some medical treatment, but he still doesn’t seem to be slowed down at all by it. His pants also don’t have a hole or blood stain where he was shot (he’s supposed to be wearing the same outfit, imagine the smell!). Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a big deal, but the little things can add up sometimes.

Overall Escape number two is a good read, that slowly starts to paint a picture of this fractured and war driven United States. The artwork is solid and vibrant, with interesting characters and settings. Now that things are starting to heat up, I can’t wait to see where the story will build from here.

Score: 3 ½ Eye Patches Out of 5

Fourteen years after the awful ‘Jurassic Park III’, ‘Jurassic World’ is finally here. This is not a movie I’ve been looking forward to in particular, but it has been bouncing around in the back of my head for awhile. The trailer promises dino action up the wazoo, and a much more interesting plot this time around. So how does it hold up you may ask? Let’s head back to Isla Nublar and find out!

As always, there will be some minor spoilers from here on out!

Basically erasing the slate with this new film, we’re treated to a direct sequel to the original ‘Jurassic Park’. The island has been open without any major issues for ten years. Over time, more and more new dinosaurs have been introduced to the park and it has grown accordingly. Now the public wants something “bigger, with more teeth.” After creating a hybrid dinosaur, management soon finds themselves in a world of hurt when they’re new creation breaks loose.

So let’s start with the positive! Some of the biggest highlights come in the form of recycled scenes from the two books, ‘Jurassic Park’ & ‘The Lost World’ by Michael Crichton. The Pterodactyl’s and their glass cage for example are right out of the first book. A chase, as seen in the trailer, with Chris Pratt on a motorcycle surrounded by raptors in the woods, is reminiscent of a chase from the second book. There’s another sequence involving the new Indominus Rex, instead of the T-Rex, that is a reworked scene from the first book. I don’t want to give this one away since it’s not in any trailer, but it works pretty well. (There are a few other bits and pieces throughout the rest of the film)

The worst part about ‘The Lost World’ film is that it ignores about 75% of the book written by Crichton, unlike the original ‘Jurassic Park’ that was based heavily on the book. This left a lot of unused ideas on the floor, so it’s nice to see some bits get reused in some way in this new film. However it’s not enough to save the overall very lame writing. The script almost comes off as not finished. The first act is pretty solid, but raises a lot of questions that are swept under the carpet by the second act. Everything presented is pretty good overall, but nothing ever really feels fleshed out.

As for the dinosaurs themselves, the fact that many of them are not scientifically accurate doesn’t bother me as much as it does some people, mostly Paleontologists. These are after all, not real Dinosaurs, they were created in a lab by InGen. Dr. Wu even makes a comment about this in the film at one point early on. It almost makes sense that many of them would be bigger or flashier in some way since they seem to be at the public, and their shareholders mercey.

The cast is well picked from the top down, but only certain characters really have something to do, everyone else just shows up when needed. Still, no performance in the film is bad. It almost feels like if it was another 20-30 minutes longer, we would get a much better and deeper understanding of both the characters and the Island itself. (There isn’t much back story to learn here and if you’re like me, you’ll have a few questions as to how this all came to be) There are however some great callbacks to the original sprinkled throughout the entire movie. At first these moments are a lot of fun, and cleverly placed into the story, but by the end, things begin to get overwhelmingly cheesy.

BIG SPOILERS FROM HERE ON OUT! (Except the last Paragraph!)

There is a moment when the T-Rex is brought out, and it is one of the single worst shots in the entire film. The T-Rex is turned into a major hero. (And some reason doesn’t eat the survivors at the end despite the fact that it tried to eat them just minutes before) There is even a moment when the T-Rex and a raptor work together. At first, it isn’t quite teamwork and more of just a bombardment which is pretty believable and well done, but then quickly devolves into them sharing a moment once the baddie is defeated. The two actually sharing a moment, staring at each other and then both turning and walking away. For some reason, the T-Rex which has been locked up and never had a chance to hunt, doesn’t try and eat the small dino at it’s feet OR the survivors at hand. MAKES ZERO SENSE.

Despite a few other issues I take with the story and the heavy CGI in the film, I must say that my biggest single gripe, is that there is not one moment remotely as memorable as the first film. From the dions themselves, to the vehicles, one liners or even the characters. (What happened to classic lines like, “Hold on to your butts”) The only moment that comes close to this is when an old jeep from the original films shows up, but it ultimately just made me want to watch the original. (The gyrosphere is cool looking, but makes ZERO SENSE on an island filled with Dinosaurs, especially once you see what happens to it. AND it’s nothing compared to the Ford trucks from original)

Overall, ‘Jurassic World’ is not a bad film, but it’s really no better than the mixed bag that was ‘The Lost World: Jurassic Park’. It has high moments, and some seriously dreadful ones, but still remains a fun time at the movies. It’s not often we get to see dinosaurs so life like on the big screen and I have fond memories of seeing the original, ‘The Lost World’ and now ‘Jurassic World’. The action is certainly a lot of fun, the characters are likeable and the park itself is pretty awesome. This one is certainly worth a viewing or two, but I would still love to see an extended cut of some kind. Oh! And remember, ‘if something chases you…. run…”

Score: 3 Genetically Altered Dinos Out of 5

The evil forces on Jack and Wang’s tails may just get the revenge they so desperately seek in this issue of Big Trouble in Little China! Can Jack’s odd, dumb luck manage to hold out a little longer? Or will he finally get what’s coming to him? The stress and humor of this issue have me cracking at the seams! So let’s get into it, and find out what Jack and Wang will do next!

Spoilers you fools! There are possible spoilers!

Issue number seven takes a dark turn early. Egg Shen and Miao Yin have been discovered on the Midnight Road and ratted out to the seven headed widow. Meanwhile, Jack and Wang find themselves completely surrounded by the Wing Kong, poised for attack somewhere in the south. Things aren’t looking good and then get even creepier when the southern police show up. I don’t want to give away the bit that takes place, but it contains the single funniest line I’ve read in this comic yet! I was at the airport when I read this issue, and I’m sure I looked like a craziest fool laughing uncontrollably in the corner.

I love the use of comedy this particular time around. The silliness of this universe is a great deal of fun and something I’m glad to see translated so well onto the page. (We can only hope the remake of the film with “The Rock” remembers this.) Wang had a great bit with trying to fit in with the southerners that I loved, and Jack was up to his usual antics, one in particular that is just fantastic.

The two mystery men in suits from the last issue are nowhere to be seen after their run in with the alien farmer. It was a rather strange moment for the series I have to say. It didn’t seem to jell as well with the . It’s possible they may just be bounty hunters for Lo Pan since everyone in Little China and on the Midnight Road seems to know who Lo Pan is after. (There’s a crazy huge muscle dude, with a pink mohawk that resembles Bebop from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and there’s a really funny bit about peas.)

By the end of this issue, the stage has been set for a big show down. Although I’m really enjoying the ride of Big Trouble, I’m beginning to wonder where it may be going long term. How many times can we see someone kidnapped and then rescued to just have someone else kidnapped? I’m very interested to see where things will go over the next few issues.

Big Trouble in Little China remains a really fun ride and has managed to keep me hooked. I honestly look forward to each issue and have a lot of fun with where this sequel has gone. As always, you can find them all at BOOM-Studios.com, so check them out for yourself today!

Score: 4 Lords of Death Out of 5

Snake Plissken is back! From BOOM Studios, the people that brought us the great ‘Big Trouble in Little China’ series, comes another Carpenter inspired comic. Just like the former, this new comic acts as a direct sequel to the original 1981 film of the same name. While Big Trouble is notable for it’s action/comedy, Escape is notable for its action/drama. I went into this first issue with some high expectations, no matter how much I tried to quell them, and the results? Let’s head back to New York Maximum Security Penitentiary and find out!

And yes my friends, there will be spoilers!

Picking up exactly where the film ends, with Snake destroying the tape (which contained information on Nuclear fusion) the President was set to present at the Hartford summit, Snake is immediately public enemy number one yet again. Now humiliated by the man who saved him, the President wants Plissken’s head, but Snake quickly escapes via helicopter, but soon crashes into the Pine Barrens of New Jersey. (Where the United States Police Force is quickly forgotten about)

From the film itself, we learn very little about the outside world. We do know that Plissken was a former Lt. in the special forces and a decorated war hero during some kind of Cold War battle/WWIII against the Soviet Union and China. At some point, he turned against his country, which has grown to resemble little of the free world we know and love. With the crime rate rising four hundred percent by 1988, the United States Police Force is formed in 1991 to regain control, bringing about a kind of police state. The world of Escape is set in this future world of 1997, where things have only gotten worse.

Snake hitches a ride with a group in an RV who are they’re on there way to Florida in search of freedom. Six years earlier, Florida seeded from the union. They buried nukes, which they acquired from Cuba, along the entire border with the rest of the U.S. Calling themselves the Free Republic of Florida, the country is run by the two thirteen year old twins who are supposed to have some kind of telepathy. It’s a wild idea that fits well with the themes of social collapse.

The artwork is solid overall and fits well to the tone of the original film. Snake had a slightly less Kurt Russell resemblance when compared to the Big Trouble comic, but still looks very much like the Snake we know and love. Coloring is also interesting, colorful but with a washed out look at times. The action is pretty smooth and there is plenty of it!

Unfortunately, I do have a few issues with the comic thus far. Through the entire first issue, Snake seems to run and jump as if he wasn’t just shot in the thigh with an arrow less than 24 hours ago. In the film, he has a purple scarf tied to his thigh and it remains there for the duration, as does a noticeable limp. Why not keep this going and show him kicking butt despite this injury?

One of the other issues is the lack of pursuit by the United States Police Force. If they are indeed still after Plissken, then why do they give up so quickly? Snake seems to drive down the entire coast without any issues, no roadblocks, no police presence of any kind. According to the film, and hinted at in the comic itself, is that crime has become such a problem that the United States has become a police state. There is little to no indication of this presented here and I hope it’s better addressed in future issues. I’m curious to see what the rest of the U.S. looks like.

Overall Escape from New York number one is pretty good, but not great. I can’t wait to sink my teeth into the rest of the series to see where this story will go and how much it will expand the universe at hand. The information given to us in the films is very limited and Escape from L.A. ignored all opportunities to expand on the outside world in favor of just making the same movie again; so the comic is already ahead of the game. Head on over to BOOM-Studios.com and pick up issue number one today, It’s certainly worth a read!

Score: 3 ½ Snake Skins Out of 5

Big Trouble number six is here and I couldn’t be more pumped! This issue did not disappoint and kept me chuckling the whole way through. With half the story in the netherworld of the Midnight Road, and the other half moving out of Little China and into the southern United States, no one feels safe from the growing power of the evil forces. So let’s get right into it!

There will be some minor spoilers starting……….. NOW!

We find Wang and Jack on the road trying to escape Lo Pan’s forces, where they end up in a bar surrounded by some not so nice bikers. (There’s a great little nod to Escape from New York if you pay close attention!) Also hot on their trail, are two men in black suits and sunglasses working for Lo Pan. We’re not given any other information about them, besides the fact that they are able to take out an entire room of guys without breaking a sweat. Wang and Jack certainly have their work cut out for them!

Meanwhile, Egg and Miao Yin hide out on the Midnight Road. After all that has happened, Yin is now determined to fight back, refusing to be a victim yet again. I love seeing her take charge of her fate. Earlier in the series we saw Wang himself kidnapped, instead of Miao Yin, switching up the roles of the young couple and keeping things fresh. Hopefully we’ll get to see Yin use some of her fighting skills against some of the main baddies soon!

AND after six issues, we finally get some info on the whereabouts of the one and only Gracie Law! (Somewhere in Tibet campaigning for the ethical treatment of livestock) Although it is only a cameo, and one I feel should have happened much earlier in the series, it’s nice to see Gracie again. As for Margo and Eddie Lee, the world may never know. With Gracie written out of the story, I can understand that her partner in crime Margo isn’t around. However, Eddie Lee was Wang’s friend, so it does feel weird to have him absent, especially during the wedding back at the beginning of the series.

Now don’t get me wrong, it’s not that crucial to the story they are creating here, but considering that basically every other character has reemerged, it seems like an odd choice. However, there’s so much going on in the series, and so many new characters to fill the void, that it has yet to negatively impact the story. Overall, Big Trouble number six continues to build the story and keep the laughs coming! So head on over to BOOM Studios.com and check it out for yourself!

Score: 4 Miao Yins Out of 5

In Early 2014, Kung Fury was brought to us on Kickstarter.  It’s goal was simple.  Raise $200,000, and create a short, action-packed, 80’s cop movie. The people spoke, and the movie raised over $600,000.  Now, this did tragically fall short of their goal of a cool million to make a full feature-length film, but alas…

Kung Fury was recently released.  Find it on Youtube.  Find it on Steam.  Find it wherever you can, because this short film was INCREDIBLY Entertaining.

Despite it’s bizarre premise, Kung Fury manages to keep you engaged for the full 30 minutes, which is a real feat, considering what you are being subjected to.  A cop who tragically lost his partner to a Kung Fu Master was struck by lightning and bitten by a cobra at the same time, fulfilling the prophecy of a man who would master a new, unstoppable form of Kung Fu, and became KUNG FURY..  Now a street cop who doesn’t play by the rules has to travel back in time to stop the worst criminal of all time:  Adolf Hitler. 

With help from his new partner, Triceracop (I shit you not, a British half-man, half-Triceratops), his friend and master computer hacker, Hackerman, The Viking Babes, and others, Kung Fury takes the fight to Nazi Germany to put a stop to Hitler once and for all.

Here are a few things to keep in mind about this movie.  While the premise is ridiculous, it so well embodies movies of this type (well, kind of this type) of the 80’s.  From the poor VHS tracking at the beginning and end of the tape, the police precinct, computer hacking, the fast cars, the over-the-top ridiculous violence...it’s all there.  Fast paced, no filler, good comedy, good action, and a desire to create something so loved, which shines through every frame. 

But it get’s better.  Kung Fury: Street Rage.  The video game to go along with the movie.  Two buttons, a cool visual style, and a simple premise make it incredibly fun, despite how simple it really is.  It’s available on Steam for low cost.  

Not satisfied yet?  How about David Hasselhoff singing the theme song, True Survivor?  With 11 million+ views on youtube, the video for this track is so delightfully riddled with the tropes of the day, splicing in scenes from the film, and of course, the Hoff’s ability to do a split while falling out of a vehicle.  

Bottom line:  For 30 minutes, it will keep you well entertained, especially if you have a fondness for action comedy.  Check out the film, check out the game, check out the music video, and get Kung Furious!!

Get the cigars ready because the fat lady hasn’t finished singing! This week film director Dean Devlin posted a photo of him with another familiar face on the set of Independence Day 2.  With the overwhelming number of reboots and trilogy series churning out of Hollywood lately this is one sequel we are genuinely stoked about! And what better way to express our excitement than a Top 10 list counting down the reasons we need this sequel:

10. When ID2 debuts it will have been 20 years since the first film was released! Kids these days probably haven’t even seen the first one. It’s time to introduce this generation to one of the greatest action/alien/pro-American films of our time and teach them to choose their Will Smith and Randy Quaid.

9. TECHNOLOGY! Graphics are a bajillion times better nowadays.  Can you imagine seeing this in IMAX 3D?!  Alien guts spewed all over the screen and practically in your face.  It’ll be so real you may catch the virus this time.

8. ID2 is scheduled to premiere June, 24 2015… the same day as Transformers 5, which I’m fairly certain there wasn’t even a Transformers 4 so we’ll have ID2 to look forward to that weekend.   

7. A female president, people! WHAAAT?! We couldn’t have a female lead in Olympus Has Fallen, White House Down, G.I. Joe: Retaliation, and certainly not in real life. I mean if a woman is leading our nation who is in the kitchen making the sandwiches? According to IMDB, Sela Ward will play President Lanford. Not familiar? Do a quick Google search and you’ll say “Oh, that lady!” She certainly looks the part so we’re down with it.

6. A Hemsworth! Liam Hemsworth to be exact. The final film in the Hunger Games series comes out this year and without any Avengers or Thor movies in 2016 we’re going to need at least one of the Hemsworths to get us through the summer. Liam will be playing Jake Morrison but not much is known about his character yet… and does it matter really?

5.5 Alright I figure the guys were less excited about #6 than myself so while I drool over Liam you boys can get excited for Vivica A. Fox! She’s back and this time she’s off the pole and working as a hospital administrator. Is it too much to ask for a naughty nurse uniform? (cough IMAX 3D cough).

5. We’ve got good news and bad news here. The good news is Randy Quaid actually never stopped playing his role as Russell Casse.  The bad news is he won’t be reprising it for the sequel and proceeds from movie sales will not go towards his inevitable bail bond.

4. This is the first time since the last MIB film that we can talk about Will Smith and he’s not even in it! While Smith focuses on the real aliens, Xenu and the Galactic Confederacy, he has given his blessing to let newcomer Jesse Usher play a similar role as Smith’s son in the film.  

3. Oh my God! Bill Pullman’s still alive?! He will be reprising his role as (former) President Whitmore. Can we look forward to another inspirational speech that we can quote every Fourth of July?

2. Jeff Goldblum is reprising his role from the Apartments.com ads as David Levinson! In the words of Levinson we are uh, um, uh, we are uh, VERY excited, yes, VERY excited about this.

And the final reason we’re excited for Independence Day 2…

1. Because, AMERICA! What better way to celebrate our independence than with an explosive, shoot ‘em up, rally the troops and repel an alien invasion sequel! Grab the family and kids and make a weekend out of it.

“We will not go quietly into the night!’ ‘We will not vanish without a fight!’ ‘We’re going to live on!’ ‘We’re going to survive!’ Today we celebrate our Independence Day!”

– President Whitmore

Big Trouble in Little China number five is here and boy is it crazy good! Where the first four issues build into what could almost be seen as a conclusion on the verge of completion (I was tricked!), issue five switches gears to push the story in a new direction. There turned out to be a ton of really fun surprises along the way and the inclusion of an interesting new element to the story. So what are we waiting for? Let’s drive right in!

As always kids, I’ll try to keep out some of the major stuff, but there will indeed be some spoilers!

Choosing to open up on the Midnight Road, we see the familiar face of David Lo Pan in ‘the hell of those killed by idiots’. In this hell, a small group sits in a circle of chairs. Behind them are two freakish broots with giant sticks. Each time one of the group reveals how they were killed by a fool, one of the broots hits them in the back of the head with said stick. It’s oddly funny and an interesting idea.

This comic has a lot of fun building the universe of Little China. The Midnight Road, which I thought might be behind us at this point, instead winds on endlessly. The vast space is filled with the many different hells, including ‘the hell or razor blades and fire’ and ‘the hell of those hung up by their thumbs and eaten from the toes up by flesh eating slugs’. The creatures that inhabit this mysterious place are dangerous, but intriguing, with strong personalities.

With the return of Lo Pan, Jack has lost his monster friend ‘Pete’. Outnumbered, and now facing two evil masters of the dark arts, the group escapes to form a new plan. Back at Egg Shen’s the stage is set for the next several issues, with Jack and Miao Yin taking off in the Pork Chop Express to make a break for it.

The comedy remains a main focus as this issue sets up things to come. This is the only comic I’ve ever read that every single issue has made me burst out laughing. There were a few changes in this issue however, the most noticeable, no former love story from Burton. At first I was almost a little disappointed, but the point had been made already in the first four issues.

Now both Lo Pan and his servant Qiang Wu remain a looming threat, but I do wish that the ghostly three storms had a bit more life to them as they did in the film. Not that they spoke all that much, but they’re definitely in the background at this point. With how things are being set up, I hope to see them come back to life a bit.

Overall, Carpenter, Powell & Churilla have continued to create a very funny, and visually interesting comic. I have said this in each review, and I’ll continue to say it, if you’re a fan of this movie, pick up the comic! Each issue really has been proven to be a great new story. You’ve waited long enough! Head on over to BOOM Studios

and get involved in the BIG TROUBLE in little China!

Score: 4 ½ Lo Pans Out of 5

Greetings! I’ve returned from Pittsburgh! After nine great but completely exhausting days volunteering for the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), it’s nice to be home. This year marked my seventh fair. I can’t believe how quickly the time has gone!

This year, an estimated $4 million (US) was awarded to the record 1,700 participating high school students. The fair is funded by both Intel and the Intel Foundation with additional awards and support from dozens of other corporate, academic, governmental and science-focused organizations.

This years three big winners included Nicole Ticea and Raymond Wang of Vancouver, Canada and Karan Jerath of Friendswood, Texas! So what do the winners of the INTEL ISEF actually do to earn the top spot?

Well, this years top winner, Raymond Wang (17), received $75,000 and took home the Gordon E. Moore award, ISEF’s top prize. His project used sophisticated software to study the rerouting of airflow in aircraft cabins, which could help to reduce the transmission of diseases.

Nicole Ticea (16) developed a low-cost technique, testing small amounts of blood to reveal early signs of infection from HIV. It’s a process that can aid in early detection and treatment, with test results available in roughly an hour.

Karan Jerath (18) invented a device that can collect oil and gas spewing from broken wells on the seafloor, helping to better contain undersea spills. The device itself weighs 350 tons, loaded with sensors to measure temperature, pressure and density of gases and fluids coming from a leak. It can then calculate what needs to be adjusted so that the gas and oil can be collected efficiently.

The second and third place winners received $50,000 each. Beyond just the top three winners, nineteen other students were offered college scholarships, (from Drexel University, Florida Institute of Technology and West Virginia University to name a few) with a value of up to $150,000 (US)!

I can not believe I have had the privilege to be apart of this immensely important fair for the last seven years. Between the exciting cities I’ve had a chance to visit and the incredible people I’ve gotten to meet and work with from across the globe, the INTEL ISEF has left a profound impact on my life. I can not even begin to thank the fantastic people at Society for Science and the Public for not only putting on the fair and inviting me to be a part of it year after year, but most importantly for their friendship. I know full well by now how much work is involved (I walked 25 miles in the first two days alone inside the convention center) but knowing that I get to work with such fun and dedicated people has kept me, and continues to keep me hooked.

Although my feet hurt already at the thought, I can not wait to do it all over again in Phoenix next year! A HUGE thank you to every volunteer, to the people at SSP, my ISEF friends, and to all the students for being bold enough to dream something up and create it.

You can learn more about the INTEL ISEF HERE!: https://www.societyforscience.org

Over thirty years ago, Elwood Blues declared that the music known as the blues would only be found in your local library, tucked away and forgotten. It’s a declaration that thankfully has only partly come true. The business of music has tried for decades to squeeze the life out of my artists, and created pre recorded, so called “musicians”. Despite their best efforts to clone something that works simply for profit, the undercurrent of genuine talent and ambition has always found a way to push back through to the surface. Nirvana helped to break the mold in the early nineties, Jack White, with every band he’s had, in the 2000’s, The Blues Brothers in the late seventies, Johnny Cash before them, and so on.

With the death of the great B.B. King we lose yet another true artist who grew over time and never relented to the numb bullshit of the music business. Artists like him have helped to keep the craft of musicianship alive in the age of disco, hair metal, boy bands, and auto tune.

Music has always been a huge part of my life, despite being best known for my love of film. As a kid, I grew up on The Blues Brothers film, which blew open the door to some many incredible artists. Although not featured in the film, B.B. King was one I discovered as a result. The more music I uncovered, the more I came to appreciate true bluesman and the like, practicing and honing their craft. The combination of a traditional rock n’ roll quartet with a large horn section, true life stories told through music and between songs; I have never grown tired of, nor do I think I ever will. That’s why to me, it’s so sad to lose another incredibly rich and wonderful musician as legendary as King.

If you have never heard his music before, it’s easier than ever to get started. I can understand that it may not be for everyone, but for myself, finding a genre that speaks to my soul, there is just nothing better. Rest in peace sir, you’ve earned your place in the stars.

This week two trailers I’ve long been waiting for were finally released; Jem and Supergirl!

Tuesday brought the first wave of excitement. Based on the 1985 animated series, the new live action film, Jem, features that familiar pink hair we always wished we had, that terribly awesome pop music, and well, that’s pretty much it. Jem, aka Jerrica Benton (Aubrey Peeples) and her sister Kimber are both teenagers who live with their Aunt (Molly Ringwald) and her two step children. In this version Jerrica is a misunderstood brooding teenager who has a natural talent for singing and songwriting. With the unwanted help from her sister she rises to stardom and finds herself in over her head. While watching the trailer I couldn’t help but think that the Jem I remember was an adult. The Jem I remember battled with the rival band The Misfits, not against her own band. The Jem I remember was a product of the holographic computer Synergy, not a viral YouTube video sensation. The Jem I remember had bigger hair! … This trailer is outrageous. Truly, truly, truly outrageous. In hindsight I’m not sure what I was expecting with a live action version of a cartoon from my childhood. Perhaps for a grittier reboot version Jem will be backstage snorting coke off the stomach of one of the Holograms. Now that’s something I’d go see on the RPX.

Wednesday was a brand new day where CBS dropped a six-minute Supergirl trailer. Personally the timing couldn’t be better after having binged on the Daredevil series on Netflix this past weekend (not to be confused with the Ben Afleck version); so I’m on a superhero kick right now. I eagerly loaded the video, made it full screen, cranked up the volume, and pressed play. Suddenly a loud BOOM “My name is...Kara Zor-El.” Immediately my heart started racing with excitement. Kara’s origin was flashing before my eyes, a promise from her mother that she will do extraordinary things on Earth, glimpses from her childhood memories and then cut to black. Fade in to a blond girl with glasses and a ponytail nearly dropping her coffee and accidentally running into people on the street as campy pop music provided the ambiance. If you saw the SNL Black Widow Parody from a couple weeks ago then you’ve already seen the Supergirl trailer. She’s nervous around men, isn’t sure who she is or what she wants to do with her life, and spends just shy of minute trying on different outfits for her superhero costume… Because if there’s one way to get women interested in tuning in for a superhero show it is to replicate your typical romcom formula but add a cape. I’m sure girls who aren’t comic fanatics would be into this but I’m dying to know what men think when they see this trailer. “Dude bro, you see Supergirl this week? I can’t believe she almost spilt her boss’s latte everywhere! What a klutz right?”

On Thursday another Supergirl trailer was released. It’s unclear if this was one created and released by CBS as it was quickly taken down from YouTube. However several gaming and comic news websites were eager to release the video earlier in the day. The two minute action packed version is void of pop music scoring and genuinely feels badass…well as badass as CBS can get. This time she’s throwing punches, crashing through brick walls, and even uses her heat vision. As she walks away from a truck explosion we hear her say, “Earth doesn’t have just one hero anymore!” Now THIS is the trailer they should have released in the first place. However I can’t unsee the first sneak peak. My hope is CBS listened to the overnight criticism and quickly released a version that amped up the action and provided more reassurance to comic book fans that this will work… Gosh I hope this isn’t going to result in a crossover with Two Broke Girls.

Truthfully I will check out both Jem and Supergirl when they’re released; If only to see if they prove to be better than the trailers that were released. Comment below and lets us know what you think about the Jem and Supergirl trailers!

Jem trailer!

6 Minute Supergirl Preview!

Second Supergirl trailer!

SNL Black Widow Parody!

Hello everyone! Have we met before? I’m Katie McIntire! Long Island Mother of two, Author of ‘Sugar Plumes & Deer Drops’ and ‘Living with Ghost Dad!’ I’m also the host of the popular show ‘Dead People! So Scary!: Tales from the Other Side’, and now I have my own blog!

For my first topic, I wanted to talk about the controversial Deflategate. Now, as a woman, I just love that Tom Brady! He’s so handsome and alluring, but(!), he may just be the devil. That sly smile and haunting gaze, trying to win over America; shame on you Tom Brady! I, Katie McIntire, am no fool! As a psychic medium and author of a book all about the other side, I know a demon when I see one!

When my dear husband Ruby passed on, God bless his soul, I just knew it wasn’t the end. Not, three days went by before I saw him again. (Want the whole story? Order my book on Amazon for the low, low price of $24.95!) Ever since then, I have been in touch with the spooky world of the other side. (There are more spooky demons out there then you might think and most of them aren’t politicians, they’re just owned by them!)

When Tommy boy first came out to discuss Deflategate, he had these bumps on his forehead that only I, Katie McIntire, could see. As the press conference carried on, they began to move and grow. By the end, fire had engulfed the wall behind him, his eyes red with rage. I was screaming at my television, but no one was picking up the signs! During the next one, he was wearing a hat to try and cover them up, but he couldn’t hide from me! Don’t be fooled America! Suspending him for a few games just isn’t enough. That sly grin of his will be back soon enough to corrupt us all!!

(Pictured Below: Katie McIntire. Learn more about her on the 'Who We Are' page!)

Now, because I think (and hope) this will help you all in obviously important ways, let me tell you whats been getting me kind of annoyed on the internet. Bad Memes. No, I don't mean like "that wasn't funny" memes. I mean rugged memes that look like they've seen some shit. where, what looks like, Dr. Frankenstein himself takes a picture he found from wherever and adds a name or "when __ does __" on top of it, (and I don't mean on top of the picture, as in placed over, I mean literally above the picture.) makes the picture quality look like it was uploaded from an Etch A Sketch, adds a "…be like" on the bottom of the picture, then adds their Twitter or Instagram handle next to a laughing/crying emoji. You've seen this. I know you have. They're the only pictures on Instagram that have the same quality as the worksheets your 3rd grade teacher got out from the copy machine. They bother me so much. Mostly because…how? so hey, if you're meme-ing, don't fax it to the internet. thats my only advice here.

I specifically get annoyed at video memes that are made by people who don't know the proper joke structure of a video meme. I know what you're thinking "Theres a structure?!" yes. The internet's version of the one liner comes from the same pocket of thought as the now-almost-painful-to-use "thats what she said" joke. Allow me to explain. Lets say I'm a plumber, and I'm working on a job where I say "I'm going to have to lube this pipe up." (because obviously I've never been a plumber.) I'm reacting to my plumbing reality. My statement and my reaction is addressing the dry pipe (I guess? because thats a common issue? I don't know.) but taken word for word out of context, it can also be used as something "she said" and having it address a completely different scenario. Video memes are the same. You take a scene from a movie for example, a clip where a woman is swimming desperately towards a boat and away from a shark screaming "oh shit, oh fuckkk, JULIA GET ME BACK UPPP!!" where clearly the woman is reacting to her shark reality, and then all you do is put words around it to clearly change its context. For example "when dudes try to grind on you when you get down from dancing on the bar." 'oh shit, oh fuckkk, JULIA GET ME BACK UPPP!!" boom. Meme structure. you're welcome. now here is what pisses me off… I see movie clips (lets use this shark scene again for sake of me wasting away my creativity) like the shark scene that get used in these shit memes and this is what they do… ready? okay here it goes

**we see a clip where a woman is desperately swimming towards a boat, splashing hard with a panicked look on her face. a fin arrises behind her. getting closer and closer. she yells "oh shit, oh fuckk, JULIA GET ME BACK UPP!!"**

(written around the clip) -'When you're swimming back to the boat and a shark comes LOL!'-

Seriously, if you're doing this. you're an idiot. What, are you introducing a 15 second clip? or are you a fuckin TV guide? (or the "info" buttons for you millennials) why are you making me read about the clip I'm already watching? just post up the same clip of Bad Boys 2 that you wrote all over and just say "haha this is funny". its the same thing. you're completely missing the point. its about the joke structure, people! If you haven't noticed by this now i'll tell you. I have horrible punctuation skills and I take funny seriously. So now that you've read this, you've learned proper structure, and that I've told you my domesticated peeves, (word play) you may now go out into the world (via Tumblr) and Meme away my little readers, Meme away.

It’s been a while since I’ve put pen to paper… er fingers to keys.  Being left-handed pen to paper usually results in a lot of smudging. Regardless, I've been itching to write for quite some time, but I keep coming up with excuses.  For one thing there’s my six hour daily work commute, on top of a ten hour work day and getting a “restful” four - five hours of sleep a night.  And while all of that is true and is as exhausting as it sounds, there's another reason that I've been unable to get out a review of a comic, commentary about a movie, or report on the latest video game announcement.  No, it’s not because I’ve been spending my free time earning three stars in every level of Mario Kart 8.  It’s actually this thought that's been lingering in the back of my mind. This kind of nagging voice that I hear every time I feel motivated to express my thoughts. The idea that I know isn’t true, but inevitably give into and think to myself, “Yeah, you’re probably right, I just shouldn’t.”  That voice that convinces me that my opinion, whatever it may be, is wrong.

Well now you might be saying, “Mackenzie that's ridiculous! Everyone is entitled to their opinion.” And you would be correct! But not without cost.  Well ok, for $9.99 you technically could buy a domain name, start a WordPress and blog about whatever opinions you have on any given topic.  In all seriousness, what I really mean is that being a female who is interested in all things nerdy can often attract negative attention.  The fact that I’m a girl who is obsessed with nerd culture lends itself to trolls wondering, “Why is this girl writing about this? What could she possibly know?”, “Oh, she must be a feminist”, or the flip side, “How could she ever say such things, she's a woman and should be representing us better!” That seems like an awful lot of pressure for someone who just wants to blog about nerdy news during her commute home from work.

But really, in the great scheme of things concerning the news in our world, my interests in superheroes and graphic novels pale in comparison.  At the same time though, my interests are important to me, and important to this wonderful nerdy community (at least some of them, I think) that I am a part of.  So really, what do I have to worry about? If we take a look at what just some of the women within the community have faced this past year you might begin to understand where some of my hesitations stem from.

This past summer an online movement that became known as Gamergate shook the gaming and Twitter community.  I won’t address every detail about what Gamergate stands for (or doesn’t) in this post because it can be incredibly convoluted.  However, I would like to bring attention to just some of the instances brought on by some members of Gamergate that has motivated me to begin writing again.  

Let’s start with Zoe Quinn; a video game developer, who had already been facing some criticism with her game Depression Quest, then became a target of online harassment. Initially her ex Eron Gjoni created a blog post accusing Quinn of cheating on him with several men who also work in gaming world (thezoepost.wordpress.com). This spread like wildfire over the interwebs and some members of the gaming community deduced she slept with men for positive reviews of her games. Shortly thereafter a group of “activists” decided to make it their mission to destroy Quinn’s life, literally.  And I know nowadays when someone says literally they don’t actually mean literally, but this is one of those instances where I mean some gamers wanted to LITERALLY destroy Quinn’s life.  You can take a peak for yourself in chat logs that were released that prove the threats against Quinn were a planned attack (http://archive.today/Ler4O).  Some of the gems from the chat log includes:

Aug 21 17.48.51 <OtherGentleman> She can't even into

depression. What makes you think she has the balls to

kill herself?

Aug 21 17.48.57 <Opfag> I kind of want to just make her

life irrepairably horrible

Aug 21 17.49.16 <NASA_Agent> but what if she suicides

Aug 21 17.49.24 <Opfag> Good.

Aug 21 17.49.29 <Opfag> Then we get to troll #Rememberzoe

Quinn’s address, number, and private photos were circulated around the internet and the harassment was so bad she was forced to leave her home, fearing someone would follow through on their threats.   The attacks on Quinn were an integral part of what sparked the Gamergate movement.  While a percentage of the Gamergate activists insist they stand for proper ethics in gaming journalism, another percentage have made their focus on harassing women like Quinn within the community.  So here’s the thing; cheating on your boyfriend, NOT cool. But does that warrant someone to be harassed to the point that they have to leave their home, risk being pushed out of their career, and fear for their safety? If the tables were turned and an ex-girlfriend created a blog about her ex-game developer-boyfriend cheating on her would we see the same results?  And why should what someone does on their own time be called into question, particularly when we’re talking gaming? I just care about playing the game I don’t care who the developer slept with (unless he’s a Nathan Drake look-a-like, then I want some deets).

The logistics of the Gamergate controversy aside, it didn’t stop with Zoe Quinn.  Anita Sarkeesian who hosts the vlog Feminist Frequency identifies as a nerd herself enjoying comics, video games, and the like.  She explores the roles that female characters play in video games with her “Tropes vs. Women” series, essentially calling for a dialogue that female characters should be diversified.  That doesn’t sound so terrible, does it? Well to some it’s going too far and they’ve taken to harassing her to the point where she too was driven from her home.  She even had to cancel a speaking engagement at Utah State University after someone threatened a mass shooting if she attended.  And that is a threat you simply can’t take lightly nowadays.  And for what? Because she critiques the portrayal of female characters in video games?  I’m not confident that warrants a mass shooting threat. Wouldn’t it be easier to just not watch her videos if you didn’t like her message?

Then there’s Brianna Wu; another female game developer driven from her home during the onslaught of the Gamergate scandal.  Her offense?  She dared to post a meme on her Twitter account poking fun at the “Oppressed Gamergater”(https://twitter.com/spacekatgal/status/520282355567964160) and the threats came pouring in. “I’ve got a K-Bar and I’m coming to your house so I can shove it up your ugly feminist cunt,” declared one Tweeter.  The audacity of Wu, right?  According to an interview with The Guardian in October of last year, Briana is quoted as saying:

“Right now, the result of #gamergate is this: Every woman I know in the industry is scared. Many have thought about quitting.”  She later went on to say “The most terrifying outcome from this would be if this becomes the new normal for women in this industry.”

Wu continues to face harassment and there are even those who think she’s made the whole thing up and that she in fact sent the threats to herself.  I can’t say for certain that she did or did not send herself threats but I can say that I don’t know any woman who would go out of their way to set themselves, and the women in this community that they represent, back so many steps by doing that. And even if she did make it up…why does it make all the other threats against her ok?

Now Quinn, Sarkeesian, and Wu have made a name for themselves and are in the public eye so one could argue that they subject themselves to such cruelties because it simply comes with the territory of their work.  But what about me, someone who's just starting out?  Between what I've seen happen to some of the women within the community and what I conjure up in my wildly dramatic imagination, I’ve prepped myself for the worst. Even some of my personal experiences have cued the hesitations I’ve felt.  Quite frankly, using a headset while gaming is like a box of chocolates…you never know what you’re going to get. For me it usually entails adolescent males crying that girls don't play video games, even though I, a girl, am playing right beside them, thus proving them wrong. Then there are times when gamers mistake my higher pitched voice for that of a prepubescent male (burn). Once they realize I am in fact a girl it usually goes one of two ways. "Oh cool.  So wanna do a mission?" Or… it goes from 0 - Rapey real quick.  

Just one example from a player in the winter of 2013, after realizing I was 1) a girl and 2) not really feeling his verbal harassment wrote me several threatening private messages. One of them stated, “u know what kiss my mothetfucking hairy swetty shity stinky ass and suck my mothetfucking hairy swetty juicy cock u goddame sluty ass bitch fuck u...” As inviting as that all sounds I chose to not accept his offer. What I'm driving at is this is what happens when I simply use my voice to say “Hey guys” in an online video game. So what happens when I start getting into writing?  

Well hopefully nothing happens outside of people enjoying what I cover.  Wu said she’s concerned that women within the gaming community have thought about quitting.  Even I’ve thought about quitting before I’ve even started.  Now if I applied that same behavior to a game where I’m stuck on that one boss I can’t beat I’d never know what happens next (I’m looking at you Ninth Colossus!).  My purpose for this post is to get this all out of the way now, so that I can feel free to write without worrying about if my opinion will set someone off or if a feminist group will critique me. This is simply a personal piece to bring attention to my thoughts about being a female in nerdy subculture. This is not the piece where I call for action, provide solutions, or go in depth about why women are harassed in gaming, comic shops, cosplay, etc. Harassment towards women within the gaming community doesn’t happen all the time, and it’s not every gamer out there perpetuating it…but it’s happened enough for me to have felt the need to be cautious. Regardless, I love gaming. I love comics. I love superhero flicks. I love all things nerdy! And because of that I’ve decided I’m not ready to let a few bad eggs ruin this for me. I’m not going to be concerned if my opinion of a game is wrong, or if someone doesn’t agree with my review of a film.  At the end of the day I just love nerdy things, and I want to feel free to share that with everyone through my writing.  That’s all.

There are spoilers here, but nothing that will ruin your experience of the main story arch or the many fun surprises along the way. Enjoy!

Allow me to start by saying that Alien: Isolation is the game I have been dreaming of since I was nine years old. (Yes, that’s when I first saw Alien & Aliens) The people over at Creative Assembly have done a fantastic job crafting an experience that looks and feels like the original film. For decades, the trend has always been to follow the action heavy sequel Aliens. This is not in and of itself a horrible idea, but has certainly cheapened the creature we have come to know and love. By stripping back the use of machine guns and hundreds of Aliens, they have managed to make the xenomorph scary again. This game has not only managed to break the mold, but obliterate it.

Picking up fifteen years after the events of Alien, we follow Amanda Ripley on a quest to find her long lost mother. Her journey brings her to Sevastopol, a free port space station orbiting a gas giant reminiscent of Jupiter. Unbeknownst to Amanda and the crew of the Torrens, the courier ship she hitched a ride on, the station has an Alien loose on board. Once on the station, Amanda seeks answers and tries to survive against a whole host of enemies.

The first hour or so of the game I was both exhilarated and terrified. I stayed crouched most of the time, jumping at noises in the vents above and below me. After some exploring, some cut scenes, and a few small heart attacks, the Alien arrived and literally changed the game. Once this things comes into play, all bets are off and as anyone who has played it will tell you, you will die A LOT. Running won’t save you and neither will your weapons for that matter. Just like in the film, moving as quietly and quickly as you can is your best bet. Over the course of the game, I must have died upwards of 200 times, many of which were simply trying to get from one room to the next. Easily could have been more, I lost count.

The Alien is adaptable. No matter how many times you may replay the same level, it will never act quite the same. There is a general pattern to how it will hunt you, but let’s say for example you throw a flare hoping to distract it. The creature may indeed be briefly intrigued, but then it will hunt for the source of the flare. If you had just stayed hidden, then perhaps it would have just gone back in the vents. I can’t say I have ever played against anything quite like it. It can smell you, hear you, and sometimes will try to trick you out of hiding. It is ruthless.

Having seen the films countless times and having played many of the different Alien games over the years, I was surprised to find myself scared silly for the duration of the game. The immersive experience that has been created here truly pulled me onto Sevastopol. No matter how many times I heard the creature drop from the vents, my heart would pound endlessly. The fact that you can not simply kill it, let alone save your game often or even safely at times, forces you to think on your feet and make every move count.

The game itself looks beautiful. All of the different environments of the space station are heavily inspired by the first film. Some of the technology is updated, but still feels cohesive. The station feels endless and there are plenty of areas to explore. In case danger is close, hiding places are not scarce, but some are better than others. The game also features a crafting system that allows you to build MacGyver esque weapons in order to distract or defeat certain enemies. Hiding under tables, in cabinets or vents, is a great way to craft the weapons you need out of sight. Still you must always be careful of your surroundings because loud bangs, the sound of the motion tracker or even simply breathing can give you away.

Now other than the Alien, you’ll also face groups of scarred survivors throughout the station. Having lost contact with the outside world, they’ve become paranoid, sometimes shooting first and asking questions later. You’ll also have to face the working Joe’s, the droids of Sevastopol. With bald heads, pale white rubber skin and glowing eyes, they easily stick out amongst the humans. Each of whom present there own host of problems when trying to take down or just evade.

The different sections of the ship will give you access to the many computer terminals of Sevastopol. Not only will they allow you to turn on or off different systems and power grids, they will also help to paint a picture of the events before your arrival. Some have complained that the story is a bit dull and uninteresting, but I disagree. Sure it’s familiar, but that seems to be more of a function of how people respond to this immensely stressful experience.

Besides the main campaign, there have been several DLC missions added as well. The first two feature the crew of the Nostromo in ‘Crew Expendable’ and ‘Last Survivor.’ The first features most of the original cast of the film dealing with creature on board, and let me tell you, there is nothing quite like Veronica Cartwright screaming in your ear while you’re trapped in the vents with the Alien. The second plays out just the end of the film, with Ripley setting the self destruct and desperately trying to escape in time. Both of these play almost as demos for the main game. They are definitely not the strongest, but for fans, it is indeed a thrill to get to play the movie.

The other DLC missions expand upon the main campaign. New maps and characters will give you the chance to experience Sevastopol both before and during the main events of the story. The latest pack for example, ‘Safe Haven’ features ten different challenges with only one life. You’re rewarded for your efforts after each mission, but only if you can complete the objective and return to the safe room alive.

Despite all of the things Creative Assembly got right, I do have a few criticisms. Now keep in mind that my thoughts are based on the Hard version of the game which is the recommended difficulty. The first is that the Alien is almost a  little too smart. There are times when you’re hiding, watching the motion tracker only to find the creature is just moving back and forth in the area you need to go. Sometimes it will eventually pop back into the vents, while other times it never leaves. This may not be too bad if you have a weapon of some kind, but items can be very scarce, leaving you without anything to defend yourself. In other sections of the game, items can be too abundant, forcing you to leave things behind. Now, this may seem a little nit picky, after all the game is certainly meant to be a challenge, but despite the realism of the environment, after hours of gameplay it can become annoying.

One general complaint I agreed with was with the length of the main story. For the first seventy five percent or so, I felt the game was progressing nicely, but once it reached this mark, it began to drag its heels. For me personally, I really love the universe of Alien and still enjoyed the rest of story, but the repetitiveness of gameplay really began to show.

Overall, I really enjoyed the experience of Alien: Isolation. The game is well crafted, plain and simple. Unlike so many of the sub par games that came before it, this one finally allows you to live the movie. If the sequel incorporates some kind of hologram or virtual reality into the game play, I will seriously have a heart attack or stroke from fear. It may not be the perfect game, but honestly, what is? All I can say, is that it was a ride well worth the price of admission.

Score: 4 Out of 5

Developer: The Creative Assembly

Publisher: SEGA

Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360

Genre: Survival Horror/Stealth

This is it! I’ve reached the last issue of IDW’s Dawn of the Dead comic adaptation. Thus far, I have found myself underwhelmed by this short series. With the action heavy finale looming, I honestly found myself almost dreading this issue. Will my expectations of massive cuts ring true? Or will I be proven wrong and find myself treated to one hell of a conclusion? Let’s find out!

Unlike issue two, which picks up where issue one left off, the story jumps around a bit. This is not all too surprising considering the montage and time jump in the film. Although again, I find myself looking for more. Why not take this opportunity to explore the world at large or explore the lives of our hero’s in a way the film did not? Instead, we get the highlights with a few updated panels showing life in the mall.

After Roger turns, the writers choose to ignore his burial and the awkward romantic dinner Steven and Fran share. It really is a shame to leave these moments out. The failed marriage proposal really is a fantastic moment. It does make you wonder how people would react in this apocalyptic world. On AMC’s The Walking Dead we are treated to the complete opposite. Exploring the inner workings of the mind and how it reacts to this kind of stress is honestly the most interesting part, so it seems odd to completely drop it.

Then the biker gang breaks into the mall. Most of this plays out the same, but it’s shortened and any sense of fun from the perspective of the bikers is lost. They quickly enter and leave with only one or two getting torn open. The artwork and gore are certainly fun, but there are so many iconic images that are either changed or missing, it hardly seems worth the time. As Peter and Fran head for chopper on the roof and set off for an uncertain future, we are treated to the same ending line about the low fuel. Then, there’s the odd choice to push it a little further with Fran telling Petter she felt the baby kick. What’s the point of adding this? It literally adds nothing and feels cheesy.

Overall, it isn’t so much bad, as it is uninspired. The Dawn of the Dead film certainly has a very comic book style, one that does transfer pretty well, but without a solid story to back it up, it falls flat. I said it early in my reviews for this series, but this comic had a great opportunity to explore the world and characters further. Why not give us a few more issues and show us where Peter and Fran head to next. Why not show us the challenges and fears of childbirth in this uncertain landscape?  This entire review would have turned out very different had the comic come first and then the film expand upon that, but going the other way around, why bother?

Score: 3 Undead Friends Out of 5

Alright everyone, time to check out issue two of IDW’s Dawn of the Dead comic. This time around I was really hoping that they wouldn’t skimp on moments from the film. Picking up where we left off, our heros are just entering the mall, looking to take a breather. Many familiar zombies such as the nurse and the monk can be spotted, along with plenty of new faces. So, the burning question is, does it fare better than issue one?

The artwork is once again really fun and colorful, but still seems wasted by cutting out for example, the mall clean up scene. Now it’s not like we don’t see anything, but at only three panels, I couldn’t help but feel let down. The film presents the challenges of trying to lock down such a huge space full of hungry dead people. There are great moments fumbling for keys, hot wiring cars, and of course Fran coming into her own a bit. All of this is lost on the comic. We get a moment of them spotting a truck, driving fast and shooting, and then it’s done. The action is over before it ever begins. With artwork as colorful and bloody as what’s on display here, it feels like a missed opportunity.

A running them at this point is the loss of a strong female lead. On film, Fran is a much stronger character than Barbara from Night of the Living Dead. Fran grows as the film progresses, learns from situations, and stands up for herself. Learning to shoot, fly the helicopter, and refusing to just sit back and panic, she shows that women can be just as strong as men. With that said, the comic does the opposite and makes little effort to showcase such growth. It reads as a highlight reel from the film, showing off famous moments and leaving much to be desired.

The comic has also lost the undercurrent of humor that the character of Steven brings. He is a clumsy fool, who manages to shape up for a bit before making a grave mistake late in the story. When he first heads down into the mall, Steven fumbles to load a gun in a claustrophobic maze of pipes. The minimal lighting carries a lot of tension as a lone zombie stumbles after him. It reaches a point on screen of being almost comedic, since this man just simply can’t seem to save himself. The scenes counterpart however, is shortened, and changed to a well lit room. Steven manages to save himself almost instantly, shooting the zombie in the head, and leaving an entirely different impression on the reader.

My biggest question of all is, why not make a three or four issue sequel series to the movie? I’ve always been interested in seeing where Peter and Fran might wind up. They had little fuel, but a lot of supplies and less people on board. That story is already far more appealing than simply rehashing the original and cutting it up. Why not have Romero take a crack at a follow up story? Perhaps he was too busy working on Land of the Dead at the time.

Once again I find myself disappointed. I also fear the cuts that may be coming in the third and final issue. So far, there simply isn’t anything about this comic that makes it a must read. Without working in something fresh and removing many pieces of the action, the whole affair just feels like a waste of time. It’s a shame to say that, given how good it looks, but I can not recommend it thus far.

Score: 3 Lost Limbs Out of 5

Let’s take a trip back to 2004, (insert squiggly lines and bright flash here). Zombies were just starting to come back to the public eye. Dawn of the Dead, which is still widely considered the best zombie film of all time, was being remade. The original film being re-released as a four disc box set, and included in that set was the first issue of a comic book based on the movie. With a cover featuring the famous machete zombie, how could this possibly be a bad thing? Well let’s sink our teeth into it and find out! Oh, and as always, I warn you now, good people of the internet, there will be tons of spoilers!

Released by IDW, the comic follows the plot of the original film and it’s four main characters. Now, you would think creating a comic based on a film that is basically a comic book come to life would be a slam dunk. Instead we’re treated to a lackluster retelling. At no moment reading this issue did I ever feel the same kind of dread or suspense of the film. One of the biggest reasons for this is the lack of the iconic score by Goblin.

Reading through panels, that are for the most part reproductions of shots from the film, they lack any sense of urgency. Both stories open the same way, Fran jolting awake to a world that has engulfed in fear, except on the page, it comes across flat. Although the artwork and coloring look great and the gore is ramped up, that’s not enough to save it.

Now it is certainly possible that some of these changes were made to condense the story for the three issue arc, but if that’s the case, why bother retelling the same story? Why not shake up more of it and incorporate some new ideas? The main story, setting, and dialogue were taken directly from the original film. The intention to stay as faithful as possible was certainly made, but with key portions of the story missing.

One of the first changes that impacted a character arch was one with Fran at the TV station. In the film, she uses a studio mic during a live broadcast to get the attention of her station manager. Fighting for what she thinks is right, to keep closed rescue stations from being broadcast on the air. It shows the strength of the character and only enhances her growth later on in the story. Here, we are treated to a sub par rendition, with Fran confronting her boss in a doorway for one panel.

Another sequence altered involves a young SWAT team member choosing to commit suicide after a struggle with several zombies. He does not get bitten, but still decides that he would rather die than face what the world is becoming. On the screen, it almost feels justified. In the comic book counterpart, it is nothing more than two quick panels with brains on the wall.

Overall it’s a lackluster start to what could have been a really fun comic. There are positive elements here, but dropping sequences like when Peter is attacked by and kills two undead children really is a shame. It’s a horrific moment, but one that demonstrates the guts you’ll need to survive this new world. For now, we’ll just have to wait and see if issue two kicks it up a few notches.

Score: 3 Dead Heads Out of 5

Not gonna lie, I was a bit worried at the start of issue number four. Worried, because I had read that this would be the last installment of a really fun story. Instead, I’m very happy to report, that information was incorrect. I now believe it may actually be six. Given where the story ends in this issue, I can not wait to see how good ol’ Jack Burton continues or concludes his quest to save Wang and Chinatown.

As always, some spoilers follow!

We pick up with Jack, Egg and Pete finally returning from the Midnight Road. Back at Egg’s, they plot with the Chang Sing and Miao Yin to rescue Wang. Meanwhile, the evil Qiang Wu waits with the Wing Kong for delivery of the jars containing the souls of the three storms. When the two groups finally meet, there is a fantastic moment where Qiang Wu turns Jack’s own humor against him. I wasn’t expecting this moment, but I must say it was so funny I had to put the comic down for a minute. I can not say I have read a ton of comics, but I can say I’ve never read a series where each issue has made me burst out laughing.

With the mystery of the Midnight road behind us, this issue is less about adventure and more about moving the story forward. Now you may think that’s code for, this is issue sucks, but I promise you it doesn’t. There is plenty of humor and great artwork to keep the reader engaged as the plot is setup. If there really are only two more, I can see how we’ve reached the beginning of the end, but I’m not sure how I’ll be able to let the world of Big Trouble go again.

So let’s just not think about that.

As with the previous installments, we are presented with another tale of a former Mrs. Burton. This time however, we’re introduced to Jack’s true love. It’s a rather tender flashback, one that shines some light on just why Burton will do whatever it takes to save and reunite Wang with his new bride. It’s also nice to see Miao Yin take a more active role in this story, despite the fact that she does not really have much to do. Now I know I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, still missing Eddie, Margo and Gracie Law. Just saying.

The biggest surprise comes at the end of the issue with the …. even I don’t want to ruin that one! You’ll just have to read it for yourself! You’ve waited long enough, head on over to your local comic shop or order online, but get your hands on the first four issues! BOOM Studios, with some help from John Carpenter have created a great ride in the Pork Chop Express, and your number is up!

Score: 4 ½ Qiang Wus Out of 5

I hate the word “tolerance.” Your body tolerates a certain amount of alcohol. You tolerate the heat if you are working outside on a summer day. A parent tolerates their screaming child, as they throw a tantrum in public. You don’t tolerate someone because of their cultural background...you don’t tolerate someone because of the color of their skin. YOU ACCEPT IT. The world is vast...far too big for everyone to be EXACTLY the same. So why am I musing about this? Why am I reminding you, good people, the importance of this issue, and that acceptance is the key to coexistence? I saw a video recently that was the most concerning thing I have seen in a long time. There is a war going on in Ukraine, there is a war going on in Gaza, and air strikes have been ordered and will be “delivered” to Iraq...and a single video put all of that horrible news to shame.

Here is the set-up: A small group of kids go into an inner city area to “prank” the locals by acting carelessly, entitled, and disrespectful. The idea is that they want to summon violence, get attacked, inform their “prank victim” that what they are doing is merely a joke, reveal the cameraman, and everyone goes on their merry way. Seems harmless, right? Wrong. Questions like, “Hey man, do you wanna buy a gun real quick,” (with two water guns tucked in your back pocket out of sight) is a great way to get yourself into trouble. Other acts of disrespect included walking up to a person who was minding their own business, waiting at the bus stop, or just getting some fresh air outside their job...and a kid will walk up and flatulate on this innocent person. These young men are fully aware of the consequences of their actions...they wouldn’t be doing these “pranks” otherwise. All the locations that they chose were in urban areas, or “the hood,” as the title puts it.

What’s concerning to me is that the racial demographic of the people they chose to “prank” were nearly all minorities. The kids conducting the “prank,” from what can be seen, is a group of young men with different racial and cultural backgrounds. But, “the people being pranked are at fault, too. They shouldn’t act like violent animals (actual words from an anonymous Redditor) when faced with a situation that is meant to be harmless.” Yeah, because they have that option, right? This isn’t just about possible cultural tendencies...this is about the fact that, statistically speaking, the location chosen to film is DANGEROUS. In some cases, the victims of this careless behavior don’t have the luxury of reacting in a non-violent manner. In this case, it appears that local society has hardened these individuals into people that react irrationally in certain situations. In the video, many punches are thrown and successfully make contact, knives are pulled and ready for action, and someone even pulls a gun out. It was a disturbing and frightening video, NOT a funny one.
 

Videos like this gain overnight popularity from websites like WorldStarHipHop and LiveLeak...even Reddit can’t play the innocent card, as that is where I saw the video. Once a video reaches viewing popularity, it moves to Youtube, then Facebook. These are websites made to share content...the websites are merely doing what they were created to do. The more views, the more the user who posted the content gets paid (trickle from advertisements.) That is why I am not sharing this video with you, folks. It will only give these young men more views and more money.

The web has always provided users with lewd and disturbing content, but lately, it’s been getting out of control. This isn’t some punk kids pretending to trip and fall in a grocery store, taking out a huge display in their plotted plummet, as they also hurl a gallon of milk to maximize the mess factor. This isn’t someone playing the “knockout game,” intentionally hurting an unsuspecting stranger, in an effort to knock them unconscious with one swift blow. This isn’t the “burn challenge,” where someone douses his/herself in rubbing alcohol near a water source, lights a match, and hopes for the best. No. This is much worse. This is a true setback.

So what do you, good readers, think about all of this. Is it just another “internet fad” that will fizzle out and be forgotten about...or is this the beginning of something much worse. Thank you for reading and SOUND OFF in the comments section below.
 

Hey internet, the new Big Trouble in Little China is finally here! The last issue left us wondering what strange new beasts Jack, Egg and good old Pete would run into next. It also left us wondering if any of them would make it back alive to save their friend. Not sure who that friend is? Not sure who Pete is? Sounds like you need to catch up on issues one and two, because as always, there will be spoilers!

The midnight road has lead our hero’s to the home of the seven headed widow, and Jack’s reaction to the widow herself, and to the strange world around him, doesn’t disappoint. At first I was almost nervous for the group. Her power to see and know all (past, present & future) had me wondering how Jack might finally meet his demise. Upon revealing his future however, I couldn't believe I had any trepidation. In fact, I laughed so hard I had to put the comic down. Burton is one of those characters that somehow manages to hit everything at just the right time, proving to be the embodiment of what he so often says, "It's all in the reflexes."

As with the first two issues, we’re treated to crazy story about another former Mrs. Burton. The things this man has managed to get himself into, and the dumb luck that’s managed to keep him alive, are just Fantastic. Always clueless, shameless, and stubborn, but his heart’s in the right place. Jack Burton is a man seemingly destined for something. I’m not exactly sure that it’s greatness, but the universe clearly has something in mind for our favorite truck driver.

Now, it would seem moving forward into issues four and five, we’ll probably be heading heading back to Little China. This could allow for the reintroduction of some other characters from original film. Of course it is also possible they may never appear in this story, but I would certainly enjoy the return of Gracie Law, Eddie Lee and Margo. Perhaps they were just viewed as only important to the original story, but I feel they could be just as usefull now. I'm also still wondering if and or when the police will get involved in this whole mess. Issue four can’t come soon enough!

Overall, Big Trouble in Little China continues to deliver the goods and hints at even more epic things to come. The artwork remains wonderfully colorful and a real joy to look at. It's a comic that seems to be a perfect storm, raising the stakes and scope of the world as any good sequel should. If you haven't had a chance, or you've been putting it off, hop back in the Old Pork Chop Express and get the first three issues now.

You'll be glad you did.

Score: 4 ½ Ancient Demons Out of 5

The San Diego Comic-Con has come and gone while the Boston Comic-Con wrapped things up this weekend.  Yet, I can't help but wonder... That's it?

Each year I count down the days to The Con, eagerly awaiting to read the headlines, see the cosplay photos, receive an outpour of texts and tweets from my nerdy friends, and tune into Live internet shows that bring news straight from the floor to me.  This year however, I feel like unless you were actually there, you didn’t hear too much about what went down.  It certainly lacked the usual major studio surprises and shocking comic plot twists, but there were some things worth nerdgasming over.  From District 13 all the way to another Galaxy there was just enough to wet our nerdbud pallets (that is an actual thing).  Here are our top 5 favorite announcements to come out of this year’s Comic-Con.

5.  Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

Listen… I know most of us are not getting our hopes up on this one.  I was on board when they first announced this film, and I was even on board when they announced Ben Affleck as Batman.  It wasn’t until I heard Jesse Eisenberg was casted as Lex Luthor that my faith in the film began to deteriorate.  Eisenberg is great as a brooding, fast-talking, eye darting, character. But as the bad and bold Lex Luthor…? I have my doubts.  I was really hoping the Batman v Superman panel would bring it at Comic-Con but again felt let down.  Aside from the new take on Wonder Woman’s traditional costume, now reminiscent of Xena Warrior Princess, there wasn’t any major news announcements.  It wasn’t until one brave soul captured the teaser trailer that my faith was restored…at least a little bit.

If you’re familiar with the panels at Comic-Con you know it’s a huge no-no to take your phone out during the presentation of trailers.  Security trolls the aisles to make sure no footage is leaked that the studio doesn’t want out there yet.  But here we can see our first glimpse at the film.  (http://movies.cosmicbooknews.com/content/watch-batman-vs-superman-comic-con-trailer-1).  The coolest part of this footage is Batman’s suit looks very similar to Frank Miller’s comic version in The Dark Knight Returns.  Does this mean we can we expect to see Batman as the 55 year old crime fighter?  The movie is still two years away from hitting the theaters (the date recently was moved up) so it’s too soon to really know what to make of the film…Maybe next year’s Comic-Con can deliver what we’re all waiting for.

4.  The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1

Jennifer Lawrence is back as Katniss Everdeen to take on the Capitol in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1.  The trailer was released (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InN36T7VmFE) and shows the late Philip Seymour Hoffman as Plutarch convincing District 13’s President played by Julianne Moore, that Katniss is the symbol for the rebellion.  Based on the trailer, director Francis Lawrence captures the look and feel of the final book in the Hunger Games trilogy.  Katniss was reluctant to become the symbol and it’s written all over her face as she tries to convince not only herself, but the injured soldiers that she is ready to lead them and fight by their side.  From the teasers we know Peeta and Johanna are by President Snow’s side…so it will be interesting to see where the director split the book in half.  Will we see Peeta reunited with Katniss in the first installment of the Mockingjay?       

3.  Air

Robert Kirkman, the brains behind The Walking Dead, finally debuted his trailer for Air.  The sci-fi thriller stars Norman Reedus from AMC’s The Walking Dead alongside two-time Oscar nominated actor Djimon Hounsou. The two play custodial workers in an underground facility that houses a cryogenically frozen society.  In typical Kirkman fashion, the setting is in a post apocalyptic world; Earth’s atmosphere is destroyed and Hounsou and Reedus are the only hope of restoring humanity; however their struggle with sanity puts risk to ever restoring life on Earth.  

Check out the chilling trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb2fuFUwbRg 

2.  The Walking Dead

Speaking of Kirkman and Reedus, the trailer for The Walking Dead Season 5 was released and we pick up right where we left off…trapped in a train car with a really…REALLY pissed off Rick Grimes.  If you thought last season brought it, this season looks like it is going to be even bigger and better. From the trailer it appears Rick makes a deal with the devil, the leader of Terminus, in order to save his life and the lives of the members of his group.  Their mission: Work together to get Eugene to Washington, D.C. to cure whatever is causing the zombie apocalypse and give the world back to the living.  For anyone who has questioned Rick’s ability to lead in the past I do believe he will prove you wrong in this upcoming season.  Check out the trailer here and make sure you watch until the end…Remember Beth?  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4GAs9TJVjM

1.  Guardians of the Galaxy 2

First of all, if you haven’t seen the first Guardians of the Galaxy do yourself a favor and see it immediately.  I recommend the IMAX 3D experience, but go with whatever your heart tells you.  We can usually count on Marvel to make some sort of mind-blowing announcement at Comic-Con. This year however they played their hand differently.  There was no big announcement like who will play Dr. Strange or if Hulk is getting his own movie but they did reveal that there will be a sequel to Guardians of the Galaxy.  Even before seeing the film we knew this had to be the case.  Marvel has so many films in the pipeline, why stop now, especially with a film like Guardians of the Galaxy.  Marvel didn’t reveal much but we do know James Gunn will also direct the sequel, set to premiere on July 28, 2017.  At the end of the first film we know Nebula is somewhere on the loose, Drax still yearns to seek revenge against Thanos, Yondu knows who Starlord’s father is, and what is up with The Collector and his need for the Infinity Stones?  There is also a rumor that the exploded cocoon seen at the end in The Collectors destroyed facility actually contained Adam Warlock…which leaves fans to believe he may make an appearance in the second film.  Inevitably I think this will play out but Marvel has yet to confirm any of this.

So, what was your favorite piece news or teaser trailer to come out? Are you hoping to see any big surprises later this year at the New York Comic-Con?  Leave your thoughts below in the comment section!

At this very moment, I am unsure of what to do with myself. Last night, while arriving at a friends house, I was told Robin Williams had died of an apparent suicide. My reaction was simply to scream, "WHAT?!" at the top of my lungs and demand proof. We all then immediately started watching Hook to try and forget.

I am simply heart broken. There has been so many other celebrity deaths that haven't affected me anywhere near this level. This was Genie, Mrs. Doubtfire, Peter Pan, Patch Adams, Jack, Mork and countless other wonderful characters. Robin Williams was a man who could make you laugh one minute and cry the next in his films. There was always something so genuine about him and I wish I had the pleasure of meeting him.

Like so many others, I grew up on his films and TV appearances, but it wasn't until I got a little older that I started to really appreciate him as a comedian. Robin Williams was such an amazing talent and the most fitting tribute I can think of is to include his Stand Up Special from 1978 at the Roxy. I first taped this off of TV in the late 90's and quickly showed it to every one of my friends.

I don't think there is anyone that doesn't feel the weight of this loss, and to be honest, I don't know what else to say. So take a moment to remember one of the funniest men in the business and a true talent.

Rest In Peace Robin Williams.

It’s not too late to get on board this summer’s controversial anti-blockbuster!  Snowpiercer, directed by Joon-ho Bong (The Host, Mother), shows no signs of slowing down despite its initial limited North American release.  The sci-fi film, based off the French graphic novel Le Transperceneige (written by Jacques Lob and art by Jean-Marc Rochette), is not your typical feel good summer flick, but it sticks with you for days and leaves you wanting more.

The film takes place just 17 years in the future and the world as we know it has been consumed in a white subzero wasteland due to a failed attempt to solve global warming.  At 1,001 carriages long and powered by a revolutionary engine, the remaining members of society live aboard the colossal train named the Snowpiercer.  Separated by class, the elite live at the head of the train with every luxury they could possibly desire at their fingertips.  Salons, tailors, steam rooms, dance club, fine dining, and plenty of alcohol and drugs (known as Kronol, or in the book Chronole) to keep them entertained on their never ending voyage around the frozen planet.  The lower class, however, are confined to tight quarters at the end of the train.  Packed in like cattle they receive limited rationings of what they call, protein bars, and lack even the simplest luxuries including the absence of a window.  Imprisoned to perpetual darkness and a claustrophobic life the main character Curtis, played by Chris Evans, is selected as his people’s leader to rise against their oppressors and take over the train’s engine.  Guided by his mentor Gilliam (played by John Hurt), Curtis must fight his way toward the front of the train on a journey to start a revolution and inevitably learn who he is and what he is meant to be. 

The journey through the train carriages is reminiscent of your classic video game format.  As Curtis moves through each carriage (or level) he is met with new challenges while his ultimate goal is to reach the final boss, who in this case is Wilfred, the creator of Snowpiercer.  I won’t give away too much of the film but the action scenes are completely mind blowing.  The confined space of the train versus the break away shots of the vast snow filled covered landscapes cause you to feel the tension of the train’s tight spaces.  The desire to break free is clear and they are prepared to fight the good fight. 

Director Joon-ho Bong first became interested in the story of Snowpiercer back in 2005 when he stumbled across the book on the shelves of a comic book shop in Seoul.  He became engulfed in the pages and quickly read the entire story right there.  Once he finished he knew he had to bring the story to life. Despite the fact it was written 30 years ago the classic theme of “the haves” and “the have nots” is always relevant and is the catalyst for both the book and movie. While the story Bong presents us is different from the original Snowpiercer it certainly has parallels reminiscent of the graphic novel.  Both Curtis and the main characters in Snowpiercer 1: The Escape (Proloff) and Snowpiercer 2: The Explorers (Puig) struggle with trying to get to the front of the train. Once they arrive however, a wrench is thrown in disrupting the original plan.  Curtis, Proloff, and Puig each struggle with the idea of becoming a leader as they have been put into the position, and not by choice.  Additionally both the main character in the film and graphic novels hold a dark past…While the book only hints at the dark side, the details Curtis divulges in the movie sends chills down your spine and makes you question how he’s made it this far.

There’s no denying that Bong also borrowed visual elements from the graphic novel to help bring the story to life on the big screen.

Now, with a cast including Chris Evans, Ed Harris, John Hurt, Tilda Swinton, Jamie Bell, and Octavia Spencer you might be asking yourself why you haven’t heard of this film sooner.  Long story short, The Weinstein Co. had bought the rights to film back in 2012.   However Bong and Harvey Weinstein clashed when it came to the creative direction of the film.  Weinstein wanted 20 minutes cut out and a voice over narrative, while Bong stuck to his guns insisting the movie would suffer with those edits.  In the end Bong won…sort of.  While Weinstein let Bong keep the movie intact he put the breaks on a wide release for the film.  Only eight theaters were originally slated to show the movie.  The film had already been released internationally last year and did quite well earning $80.2 million.

Despite Weinstein trying to freeze out Snowpiercer it has expanded to at least 150 theaters and is even available on VOD, and is currently number two on iTunes.  The film earned $3 million in the first week in the US with an additional $2 million through VOD.  Granted it’s not the numbers we see with big movie premiers such as The Avengers but not bad for a movie that had minimal advertising and only word of mouth behind it.  And with all the chatter concerning the movie’s controversy with Weinstein as well as the graphic novel’s reputation, more and more people are heading out to their local art house theaters or downloading it to see what the buzz is about.  Weinsten could not have predicted this turn of events.  The simultaneous release of the film in both theaters and VOD has the film industry buzzing about how we will watch movies in the years to come.  We could possibly see more and more films released this way if they prove to financially be a success.  It used to be a bad sign if a film was only in theaters for a couple weeks and then straight to digital.  But with the success of Snowpiercer it could be the tipping point as to how we think about distributing new releases.Snowpiercer has all the ingredients of what makes up an incredible blockbuster minus the flashy marketing campaign and the overused 3D IMAX experience.  This film is visually stimulating, packed with action, adventure, drama, and will leave you with a heavy heart.  Check your local listings to see Snowpiercer in theaters, or for an express viewing curl up on the couch and download it off of iTunes or Amazon Instant Video.

Holy crap! Where do I start? After reading just the first page alone of issue number two, produced by the fantastic people at BOOM! Studios, I was already bent over with laughter. Not only do the laughs keep coming, but as does the action! The real treat of the universe setup here is the blend of both. Now that we’re getting more into the story, there isn’t too much I can say without getting into spoiler territory. You’ve been warned internet!

With Wang kidnapped by the evil Qiang Wu, Jack is left with Egg and his new demon buddy, “Pete”. In order to save their friend, Jack must travel the midnight road to find the souls of the three storms, in hopes to trade them for Wang. The action moves quickly from the wedding party, to a dark alley where Egg opens a door to another world. Jack, of course, can not make sense of anything happening around him, but his wit is as sharp as ever. Once on the Midnight Road, things really start to heat up and the boys soon find themselves in a hellish landscape where, “Pete” seems very much at home.

Now, I won’t give away where exactly they’re going, or whom they run into along the way. Afterall, it’s the journey that matters most isn’t it? Of course it is!

As with the first issue, we’re once again treated to another story from Jack’s past. This time talking about his third wife and her obsession with beauty. I’m not gonna give this one away either, you just need to read it for yourself. What I will say, is that it has Jack Burton written all over it. His actions are PRICELESS.

The artwork and coloring remain a lot of fun to look at. From the “people”, we’ll call them, of the Midnight Road, to our New Villain and the landscapes themselves. The colors are bold, and the panels flow naturally into one another. Hell, just pick it up and look at it!

There is SO much I want to say here, but I really would love to see this comic continue. They only way that happens is if it’s supported! (*wink*wink) There is so much fun to be had with this, it looks great and is full of laughs! So go grab yourself a copy, hop in the Pork Chop Express and join the adventure!

Score: 4 ½ Pork Chops Out of 5

I am not sure how I can possibly ever thank the people over at BOOM Studios for resurrecting one of my favorite characters of all time: Jack Burton. John Carpenter’s cult classic from 1986, Big Trouble in Little China, has such a vivid world of black magic and zany action. It’s a western in a blender with chucks of comedy, romance, and a dozen other things mixed in. The original film follows Jack Burton and his friend Wang Chi as they attempt to rescue Chi’s fiance from the clutches of the immortal gangster, David Lo Pan.

The new comic book, with a story by John Carpenter & Erk Powell, features the return of many familiar characters, including Egg Shen, the giant ugly demon from Lo Pan’s lair and of course, the Pork Chop Express herself. BUT, no story would be complete without it’s villain and we’re introduced to a new threat in place of the defeated gangster. I don’t want to give away too much, but I do want to talk about a few things, so let’s say the next section is full of spoilers!

With the noticeable absence of Gracy Law, Margo, Eddie Lee and the rest of the Chang Sing, I’m left wondering where they are. The main arc of the first issue is Wang Chi’s wedding after all and it just seems to me that they would be there. The new villain seems to fit in just fine as an angry old student of Lo Pan’s. Similar sure, but good enough for me to keep on reading. AND! How can I not mention the biggest twist yet, that the monster is now attached to Burton’s soul? Crazy! But his reaction is CLASSIC, and I found myself laughing out loud, as Jack complains to a confused Wang, who says, “Jack, don’t you know it’s bad luck to bring a demon to a wedding?”

The instant I started reading this, all I heard was the character’s voices and the music from the film. It’s too bad another film was never made, but this comic series finally brings us something more from the world of Little China. The artwork by Brian Churilla and coloring by Michael Garland are very much on par with the style of Carpenter’s film, but it’s the change in medium that affords us to see this world in a new way. For the first time it’s partly up to the reader to film in the action of jump kicks through the air. The whole comic is filled with lots of vivid colors, a Burton flash back like no other, and some really fun action sequences.

Overall, there’s a nice pace to whole thing and I’m excited to read issue number two. For someone who is a fan of Big Trouble, or even just a fan of fun and adventurous comic books, I can not recommend this enough. The story itself is fun, doesn’t take itself too seriously, and at only a couple bucks, it’s more than worth the cover price. It has the right tone, the right look, a fun story, and great familiar characters; what’s not to like?! Plus, I have always wanted to know if the law ever caught up to old Jack Burton...

Check it out for yourself at BOOM-STUDIOS.com

Score: 4 ½ Egg Shens Out of 5

I can rattle off a myriad of lost crime and action gems from the late sixties to the early eighties. Interestingly enough, though, most action films within that decade and a half weren’t necessarily full-on action films, but more so crime films grounded in a much more plausible reality, with the addition of brilliant, effective action beats implemented within the story. Films like Point Blank, Bullitt, Dirty Harry, The Seven-Ups, The French Connection I and II, The Outfit, and Thief come to mind, and that’s only a few. It wasn’t until the approach of the mid eighties when we started to see some of the more extravagant, over-blown, Stallone/Schwarzenegger/Lundgren/Norris/Van Damme high-end cinematic carnage, not to mention the even more excessive, yet wonderfully choreographed bullet-ridden mayhem John Woo introduced to us, and even he’s a director who’s been heavily influenced by the nuances of much grittier, intricate plot structures that directors like Jean-Pierre Melville created in his films, like Le Samourai from 1967 and Le Cercle Rouge from 1970, to name a couple.

I’m babbling a bit, but consider it a preface to future reviews of films in similar genres.  To get back to the original point; one of these lost gems is Don Siegel’s 1973 crime/action/thriller, Charley Varrick, starring Walter Matthau as the title character.  Now, Matthau has continuously and adeptly made a mark in comedy, drama, and crime/action, providing compelling characters in each genre. In Charley Varrick, he works part time as a crop duster, but his true skills pin him as a quick-witted career criminal; he encompasses such an engaging level of intelligence and diligence.  These attributes allow him to heist money from a small-town bank with commanding authority, and, as the story progresses, evade the mob, particularly one of their top enforcers, Molly (played by the harrowing Joe Don Baker), by concocting an elaborate plan to clear his name so he’s never found or heard of again, as it turns out it was the mob’s money he realized he had stolen during the film’s opening robbery sequence.

Now, if someone suggested I check out this movie, and described it as Walter Matthau vs. the Mob, then I’d be sold on that mini synopsis alone. I’ve always found it enthralling to follow films that involve intelligent criminals, whether it be them robbing a bank, conning corrupt, high-powered individuals, or whether it be a prisoner escaping a prison using carefully detailed precision; anything that requires a character to work their unique knowledge into some complex scheme.  And with Walter Matthau at the helm of such a plan, I can’t help but surrender additional enjoyment for Charley Varrick, though that’s not to say the film wouldn’t work as well with another actor, even an unknown one; it’s just a sold movie all together regardless.  I point that out only because it continually grates me that audiences are only, or even mostly drawn to films that star A-list, well-known celebrities, especially when there’s a slew of unknowns with equal, or even better talent.  Unfortunately, people don’t trust an interesting story on its own merits.  Though, I find this to be more of an issue today.  That being said, Walter Matthau nonetheless is such a pleasing presence on screen.

Charley Varrick is Siegel’s follow-up to his gritty, no-nonsense Dirty Harry, so he fits right at place here, delivering another hard-boiled story from the seventies.  What works here so well for Matthau’s character is his ability to think on the spot, and this propels the story at almost a breakneck pace, but not in the action-packed sense of the way, except for the first fifteen to twenty minutes, where we’re treated with a heist sequence, a car chase, and a fun, though-out escape plan, all done with gripping fashion.

However, once Varrick realizes he stole the mob’s money, every following scene, for the most part, is a new step in his plan to remedy this issue he knew would never cease to exist if he didn’t take matters into his own hands.  It’s intriguing to see how each of these steps leads to his ultimate getaway, and it’s these unfolding plot elements that create this sort of breakneck pace to the story; that’s always how I looked at it.  I won’t spoil how Varrick pulls it all off, but looking at it cinematically, it’s quite brilliant and engaging.  I say cinematically because there’s one question that will surely arise in anyone’s mind while watching the film:  As smart as he was, would Varrick’s scheme really work as seamlessly as it ended up doing so?  Truthfully, it probably wouldn’t.  Usually in caper films, within these complicated scenes, something goes wrong either halfway through, or more towards the end.  The way this is structured, though, the overall conflict presents itself before the half-hour mark, and the rest of the movie is Walter Matthau with the upper hand.  Even when mob boss, Maynard Boyle, played by John Vernon, dispatches Molly, he never really becomes a true foil for Varrick, even with his violent, unrelenting nature; Matthau’s character is always one step ahead, which someone could potentially find detrimental to the realism of the film, but his plan is so involving that I feel it works well here.

I haven’t talked too much about the supporting characters, aside from snippets about Joe Don Baker and John Vernon (who plays a similarly sleazy role in John Boorman’s Point Blank), but the main star here really is Matthau, and that’s not to say the others don’t deserve their merits; I can’t forget about Andrew Robinson, too, who played the Scorpio killer in Dirty Harry; in this film, he plays Harman Sullivan, one of Varrick’s partners during the opening heist sequence, and when Varrick explains to Sullivan that it would be foolish to spend any of that money knowing the mob will stop at nothing to find them, he still confidently resists Varrick’s reasoning.  Simply put, he’s careless, irrational, and dense about the whole situation, and it’s those unremitting traits that help Varrick trigger the direction he intends to take with his overall scheme.  And this further exemplifies his astuteness, as he seems to have an endgame to his plan a short while after he realizes he needs a plan.  It’s that astuteness that makes for such a compelling film to watch; Varrick’s not picking up a bazooka and blowing the whole mob into pieces; he isn’t riddling them with thousands of bullets; he’s using a calm and confident intellect to best them.  (Although, I can’t say I don’t enjoy my fair share of some bulletry turmoil…from time to time).

With action films today reaching budgets of $150-$250 million, audiences are bombarded with digitally rendered explosions, backgrounds, and characters.  Don’t get me wrong, there is a place for films like that, if handled with narrative care, a strong script, and solid acting.  They do exist, and there are plenty of them I enjoy immensely, but films like Charley Varrick, and the others I mentioned above, have greatly diminished over the decades.  We still get some directors who acknowledge the effective impact of the more subtle action/crime stories; William Friedkin’s underrated The Hunted, Olivier Marchal’s 36th Precinct, and Nicolas Winding Refn’s Drive come to mind, but no time period in film covers the crafty mold of the action/crime genre in which films like Charley Varrick materialized from.

Telltale Games has made a name for itself in two ways: successful adventure game sequels based on classic adventure/comedy computer games (Sam & Max, Tales on Monkey Island, Wallace & Gromit and Homestar Runner) and successful games based on movies or TV shows (CSI, Back to the Future, Jurassic Park and Law & Order).The Walking Dead is based on the comic book series of the same name and the series itself achieved mainstream popularity with the TV series. Released via Xbox Live Arcade, TWD will be released in five downloadable episodes. Each episode will be priced at $5 and are around 2-3 hours of gameplay.

Players control a new character named Lee Everett, who is thrown into the zombie apocalypse while traveling home. He'll meet plenty of characters, both alive and undead, including a little girl named Clementine, who takes seconds stage with Lee. Right off the bat, all of the characters Everett meets have their own histories and agendas. Clashing personalities and arguments were pretty key in TWD, which added to the drama.

Gameplay is a combination of adventure and action. Standard adventure gameplay fare include inventory/item management and interacting with characters. The former gets a gameplay twist where you may have a time limit to make decisions. The latter will affect the game's dialog and plot lines depending on who you talk to or who/how you help them. There's a lot of dialog and Lee's responses are given with four choices. TWD emphasises the idea of choices and consequences. Characters will remember what you said to them or specific actions you have done.Many zombie games usually are shooters so thankfully, TWD has its own spin on action set pieces and its gameplay. While you do your fair-share of beating up zombies (complete with brutal violence), some of the great action moments are done via conversations. During some dialog, Lee's responses are timed (reminded me of Alpha Protocol) so some major decisions have to be done with just seconds to spare. That really made your decisions worthwhile.

Presentation-wise, TWD is top-notch with its gritty visuals, appropriately-setting environments, excellent voice acting and soothing music. As stated, there's a lot of dialog, so you'll be staring at quite a few faces. Thanks to the game's graphics engine, lip synch is on-point and little nuances like facial expressions, smiles and nods extenuate scenes. You'll be meeting a wide-range of people from different parts of the U.S., so things like voice-acting and the quality of the writing made a huge difference. It's worthwhile to listen to all of the dialog -- future consequences and good writing.One minor gripe is the camera. When playing on the Xbox 360, during some set pieces, trying to pan the camera around sometimes took too long or was annoying to navigate with. But many areas are appropriately sized so many areas are compact.

Overall, TWD is a great Xbox Arcade game. Combining excellent voice acting, writing, set pieces and game choices, TWD is a recommendation of anyone who likes TWD (comics, TV series), zombie-stuff, adventure games or story-driven action games.

Score: 4.5 Wing-wangs out of 5

Developer: Telltale Games

Publisher: Telltale Games

Platforms: Windows, Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network, Mac, iOS

Genre: Action/Adventure

Games about superheroes have always been a hard narrative to properly achieve and portray. A lot of past superhero games tanked because they failed to properly connect a fun experience with a good storyline and gameplay. Sure, you can play Superman and beat 10,000 enemies but that will get tiring after a while.

On the flip side, who would want to play a superhero with no powers!

With that said, Batman Arkham City finally achieved the mecca of pure video gaming bliss. Top notchpresentation, excellent voice acting, an engaging story, precise yet not difficult gameplay and an itemcollectible system that definitely rivals its predecessor. Right off the bat though, once you immediately get into Arkham City, the game is definitely going to assume you have played Arkham Asylum. With that said, a lot of established gameplay mechanics are carried over to the sequel with little explanation.

In the DC Universe, it’s claimed that Batman is the best pure martial artist. In Arkham City, unleashing his fury on foes and enemies alike comes so natural, thanks to the game's signature combo/counter melee combat system. Expanded in the sequel were the number of animations and fighting moves available to the Dark Knight. Even after submitting 25+ hours into the game and destroying countless foes, I still see a new takedown, face punch of a body thrown into a wall that makes me smile.

New combat additions include multiple/simultaneous counters, the ability to counter thrown objects and improved usage of gadgets during combat. One addition I really liked was the very powerful multi-strike beat-downs. It was an unlockable perk, which earning a combat multiplayer, you can pull-off an insanemulti-strike combo that would instantly incapacitate an enemy; very useful for taking out that tricky foe, compared to Arkham Asylum, Arkham City is around five times larger. You'll be traversing through a vast number of areas, many of which were designed to reflect the different gangs whom inhabit them -- thus creating new challenges to the player.

What's Batman without his gadgets? Players familiar with the first game will know that the deliberate passing of Arkham Asylum was necessary for the game's presentation. But in the sequel, you're given several gadgets right off the bat, including the batarangs, explosive gel and the hacking sequencer. Thanks to some good gameplay design, every time you're given a new gadget, there will be immediate gameplay areas to try them out on. The only gadget I had trouble fumbling with was the remote control Batarang; I must have thrown at least 10 of them before finally hitting my mark.

There are a wide number of classic villains and supporting characters from the vast Batman universe. All of your favorite major players are showcased in Arkham City, complete with awesome voice acting, excellent animations, stunning cinematics and great story telling. Every time a new villain appeared on screen, I was smiling. Lastly, many villains are incorporated within the game's number of side missions.

I have to say that The Mad Hatter's appearance was VERY memorable and pretty unexpected. Unfortunately while all of the featured characters were very cool to see on-screen, I feel that as a whole, there wasn't one character that stood out and was totally awesome, like the Scarecrow from the first game.

I would give Arkham City my game of the year. It's not overly difficult, yet there are a lot of challenges and extra gameplay modes to satisfy your hunger. At the same time, if you're not into completing all of the extra things or collecting every last trophy, there is still over 30 hours of gameplay for the game.

Arkham Asylum was a rare gem in the world of gaming. Arkham City successfully adhered to all of the reasons why Arkham Asylum was great and added plenty of its own. Not only is Arkham City a wonderful sequel in itself, it's also a fantastic and fabulous game; rivaling films or books.

Score: 5 Wing-wangs out of 5

Developer: Rocksteady Studios

Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Platforms: Windows, Xbox, PlayStation, Wii U, OS X
Genre: Action/Adventure