Posted by
Jeff Penner
- Saturday, May 10, 2014
In the season of cancellations, it's time for some new series announcements! The Flash and iZombie have each been greenlit for a full first season. The posters and descriptions below give us a great idea of what to expect from these DC Comics properties.
The Flash is a spinoff from CW's Arrow, a series whose ratings are questionable lately. The two series will run in conjunction and will most likely help support one another. The plan seems to be to build a "Marvel"-like universe, but there is serious doubt that the magic can be duplicated. Here is the official series announcement:
Based upon characters published by DC Comics. Through a freak accident, scientist Barry Allen (Grant Gustin) is given the power of super speed, which transforms him into the Fastest Man Alive.
The DC's speedy superhero series stars Grant Gustin (Glee), Jesse L. Martin (Law & Order), Danielle Panabaker (Shark), Rick Cosnett (The Vampire Diaries), Candice Patton (The Game), Tom Cavanagh (Ed), John Wesley Shipp (The Flash from the '90s), Carlos Valdes, guest star Patrick Sabongui, and recurring star Michelle Harrison (Emily Owens, MD).
I don't know a whole lot about iZombie, having never read the book, but the series was a popular one. In a decade where zombies rule in all mediums, is CW is hoping to duplicate the success of The Walking Dead? This series poster is sure to draw some attention. The lead character, Gwen, is seen eating what can only be inferred as a chopstick load of human brain. Though just discreet enough to pass as noodles or something, I don't know if the eating of human remains is in the advertising "good books." In any case, here are the official details on the show:
A med student-turned-zombie takes a job in the coroner's office to gain access to the brains she must reluctantly eat to maintain her humanity. But with each brain she consumes, she inherits the corpse's memories. With the help of her medical examiner boss and a police detective, she solves homicide cases in order to quiet the disturbing voices in her head. Based on the characters created by Chris Roberson and Michael Allred, and published by DC Comics' Vertigo imprint.
DC's Vertigo comic adaptation executive produced by Rob Thomas stars David Anders (Once Upon a Time), Robert Buckley (One Tree Hill), Rose McIver (Once Upon a Time), Malcolm Goodwin (Breakout Kings), Alexandra Krosney (Last Man Standing), Nora Dunn (Entourage), and Rahul Kohli.
It's nice to have some comic book properties on tv for our regular fix, will you be checking these shows out weekly or wait until they hit Netflix to binge watch in the future?
Posted by
Mike Paden
- Friday, May 9, 2014
Sand & Snow is a Game of Thrones podcast covering all the weekly happenings in the world of Westeros and beyond! Hyle Snow is a film major who exclusively enjoys Game of Thrones through the HBO television series. Jade Sand is a science major who has also read all of the books in George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire. Together they gather to discuss and review the latest episode while also comparing it with the books, with their own brand of insight and speculation.
Beware! This podcast is dark and full of spoilers! This show covers all the content up to and including the titled episode of Game of Thrones. It also discusses the details of the book series A Song of Ice and Fire up to the current part of the story that the show has reached. However, there will be no spoiling of anything in the future of the TV series or story within the books.
:: Season 4, Episode 5 ::
"First of His Name"
This week: the crown is placed on Tommen's head; Sansa enjoys lemon cakes at The Vale; and the Night's Watch throws a housewarming party at Craster's Keep.
- Follow the
Sand & Snow Podcast -
Posted by
Jonathan Jackson
Yesterday saw the release of a new trailer for the upcoming Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, showing in cinemas July 2014.
Set over a decade after the events in Rise of the Planet of the Apes, the human race is on the verge of extinction after a deadly virus and civil unrest have all but wiped out mankind.
Caesar's nation of genetically evolved apes is threatened by a group of human survivors of the devastating virus led by Dreyfus (Gary Oldman). They reach a fragile peace, but it proves short lived, as both sides are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who will emerge as Earth's dominant species.
Let us know which you prefer, the original series or the reboot? Or, if you're feeling brave, what did you think of the Tim Burton version?
Posted by
Unknown
- Thursday, May 8, 2014
The Ultimate Universe has survived another near-death experience, which means it is time for line-wide relaunches. Although I found All-New Ultimates 1 to be generally underwhelming, Miles Morales: The Ultimate Spider-Man 1 kick-starts the next chapter of Miles' life and includes two cameos that promise things have only just begun.
The issue starts off at a secret S.H.I.E.L.D holding facility that is being shut down due to S.H.I.E.L.D's inability to prevent the Galactus invasion. Closing S.H.I.E.L.D seems to be all the rage in Marvel Universes outside the main line. This particular prison, however, happens to be the home of a vegetable-state Norman Osborn, who is believed dead by the general public. As plans are made for his transfer, we jump to two factory workers who are attacked by a pair of new characters in matching Spider-Man derivative outfits reminiscent of the 616 Stacy Twin costumes. Following their successful heist, we finally find Miles who is trying to explain to his his girlfriend, Kate Bishop, how he knows his father left him without telling her that it was because he found out Miles is Spider-Man.
The father subplot is a great example of the Ultimate Universe's potential. Major characters in the 616 and their close supporting cast can't often go through such a major change (see the death of Johnny Storm) in fear of making them unrecognizable to new readers. The Ultimate Universe, however, is one where a very real story can be told about a parent who disowns his/her child, and Bendis pulls it off in a way that avoids melodrama. It's a story that grounds Miles, further challenges him emotionally, and you can tell it counts. Elsewhere, Norman Osborn finally breaks free from his captors while his transport is stuck in traffic. We don't linger on the scene long, but you don't really need much to know this will be a game changer.
Later, Miles goes to Ganke's house to do homework and discuss telling Kate he's Spider-Man. Ganke immediately shoots down the idea, but Miles, much like Peter before him, doesn't want to lie to his girlfriend. The scene is reminiscent of Peter's early days but manages to capture the same endearing charm of a young person trying to be a hero without feeling derivative. Miles soon heads to meet Mary Jane, who supports his telling Kate but only if he feels she's really a relationship that will last. It's a tough situation to put a kid of barely 14 in after his father and mother, two people who should have been major players in his life, left or died. Things don't slow down from there, however, as Miles returns home to find Peter Parker standing in his house to finish the issue.
That's right, Peter Parker and The Green Goblin are both back in one issue. It's a lot to process, and although Miles Morales: The Ultimate Spider-Man 1 was a fun read, it left a lot to be considered. It validates my assumptions that it was Peter at the end of Ultimate Spider-Man 200, although the vernacular of the Peter we see here indicates he isn't the same Peter who occupied the series before Miles. Ultimate Spider-Man did have an excellent clone saga that could provide an extra Peter Parker, although my money is on an Ultimate Superior Spider-Man since that title had to end early to fulfill obligations to Sony in time for its movie. It shouldn't be ruled out, however, that those obligations may be enough to fully bring Peter back despite the generally universal praise of Miles.
What did you think of Miles Morales: The Ultimate Spider-Man 1? Are you happy to see Peter and Norman back, or does this simply scream editorial edict to you? Let us know in the comments section below and check back in next month for more Miles Morales: The Ultimate Spider-Man.
Posted by
Jeff Penner
- Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Want to know what happened the past few days in nerd culture? WEEK IN GEEK is your quick fix to catch up with the rest of the Fanboys out there.
MOVIES
The Amazing Spider-Man 2.
My take: Sorry, I was a little late in seeing it, and short of wading through yet another review, I'll give the Cole's Notes version. For the most part, all other reviews are speaking true: the greatest praise of the film is that "it's better than the first one." I think the Spidey suit design is awesome, very basic, just like in the books. I loved seeing it in action. However, the plot has a billion holes that put almost everything in the series into question. For a quick example (not a huge spoiler), if everything centers around genetic manipulation for superpowers, why are all the potential villain's abilities purely through technological items? Does The Rhino have rhino DNA? I sincerely doubt it.
Star Wars: Storyboards.
My take: Any art geek worth his salt should be crapping his pants right now. The Star Wars Storyboards: the Original Trilogy is the release of 1,200 storyboards from those films. We all know the movies so well that going over these sketches will be like entering a wonderland of imagination that ultimately made those films a reality.
The Power Rangers Are Back.
My take: I'm not as big a fan as Chris but I understand this has made some certain people in the world giggle with joy. All I know is that I thought the pink ranger was cute when I was a kid. I'm pretty sure I was right. If this movie does well in the North American market, expect to see A) more Godzilla and B) an Ultraman Movie at least be talked about in Hollywood.
The Hobbit Title Announced.
My take: The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies just makes me think "Man, I hope so." I would love to see some action from this series that has almost put me to sleep twice. Peter Jackson's reputation is sadly tarnished a little by expanding this story into three films. This could have easily been a 4-hour movie that made over a billion dollars and everyone would have been happy.
TELEVISION
Gotham TV Series Trailer.
My take: I'm not a fan of the idea of this show. Although I don't consider myself a devout "purist," I still see myself scoffing "What? How's that supposed to work?" every time something happens that throws canon out the window. I was originally quite interested in seeing the story of a young Jim Gordon, but I'm not so interested in seeing a brooding 10-year-old Bruce Wayne in the mix. Time will tell and, overall, the trailer was kind of good (aside from the overused, dramatic BRARRRRMMMMMMM noise).
Star Wars Rebels Trailer.
My take: As mentioned, the familiar ships, closed-quarter action, and fun just might be returning to Star Wars for the first time in a while. I completely skipped The Clone Wars but will definitely be checking out Rebels.
Star Wars' Working Title.
My take: Let's just remember "Blue Harvest," people. This is early, and the names might come flying at us like crazy until the official one is announced. The only reason for anything right now will be to get press, therefore, I shouldn't pander to them and should stop typing immediately!
COMIC BOOKS
Original Sin Takes Off.
My take: All murder mysteries will start slow and hopefully end with a bang. I'm personally putting a lot of expectations on this story because I gave up on Marvel events after the ill-conceived Fear Itself wasted months of my time and money. This story has great potential, bringing up dirt from everyone's past that is sure to put them all at odds. This could be an end point of Marvel's "Heroic Age."
Star-Lord / Rocket Raccoon & Groot Books.
My take: Marvel's confidence in the Guardians of the Galaxy movie is growing. To put a random movie like this out is risky enough, but to have Peter Quill have his own book for the first time in decades? Then give Rocket Raccoon and Groot a book that is, essentially, a sci-fi sitcom? I give them credit for going ahead and hope these books take off, I love the characters (and Scottie Young!).
DC Launches Future's End.
My take: I rag on DC a lot, and this series is a great example of why. After launching The New 52 just a few years ago under the guise of bringing in new readers, why would DC introduce a story that thrives on questions and confusion? The elements already thrown into this book only raise the eyebrows of longtime readers who see possible connections based on decades of familiarity with these characters. DC should listen to their fans, who are still unsure of exactly who's who now, and focus on telling modern stories without multiple universes and time travel. These stories serve only to introduce alternate versions of characters their readers don't even know. If they end up liking Superman of Earth-14 better than your own Earth-1 (our) Superman, you're in trouble.
GAMES
Titanfall a Huge Sales Giant.
My take: Physical copies only hit almost a million sold in just three weeks. Of an Xbox One game. This shows one of two things: A) Xbox One is really popular and is the next big thing or B) Xbox One owners have seriously been waiting for an actually good game to play. Even though Gears of War was a hit, and Xbox's key game, the console didn't rely on its sales. Xbox One is hit-or-miss in popularity and long-term game sales will ultimately tell us how well they're really doing.
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Trailer.
My take: Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare features Kevin Spacey not just as a voice actor, but also his likeness. That's a new twist for actors doing voice work. This also heightens Spacey's "cool" factor and will probably bump Netflix's House of Cards ratings up a little. It's all connected whether you think so or not, people. The game is likely going to be huge, with reality bending to ultimate levels as players get advanced abilities for the first time in this game series. I haven't bought a Call of Duty for years but will probably check this one out.
CELEBRITIES:
Bill Gates Set to Be a Trillionaire.
My take: Based on investment and income projections, Bill is set to be the world's first trillionaire. Generally, I'd be so jealous as to never applaud anyone so wealthy. However, if you follow Bill Gates' money history, the guy gives so much money to so many worthy causes, his growing wealth only helps us all. There a lot of rich a-holes out there; Bill may not the coolest cat out there but he's one of the best.
Watch out for this segment each and every Wednesday. We'll see you next week!
Did we miss something? What are your thoughts on these topics?
Leave us a comment below!
Posted by
Anthony Mango
- Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Now that we know several of the cast members of the upcoming Star Wars film, the next piece of the puzzle had to be either the title or the names of the characters that those actors would portray. For people like myself who are waiting on some kind of confirmation that Domhnall Gleeson is Ben Skywalker, we'll have to wait a little bit longer.
However, there may be some news about the former of those two mysteries. Ain't It Cool News is reporting that the working title for Episode 7 is THE ANCIENT FEAR and that it is referring to Max Von Sydow's character, who is a villain "who makes Pazuzu look like a pussy."
There are several things of interest about this news, if it indeed turns out to be true.
First, it would confirm what pretty much everyone speculated about from the beginning—that Max Von Sydow is playing an important villain. Just looking at the guy would make that obvious, but then again, you can never be sure about these things.
Second, it would follow in the footsteps of the regular formatting for titles in the franchise. The third film's titles have reflected each other, with Revenge of the Sith and Return of the Jedi. The second films refer to an action of war from a faction. What does the empire do? They strike back. Who attacks? The clones do. The first film has a recognizable pattern as well, with three words that speak of a particular person. A New Hope and The Phantom Menace and The Ancient Fear of Max Von Sydow. Makes sense, right?
That being said, I hope this is not the title and we get something else. I don't like the idea that Max Von Sydow is a villain who has existed beforehand, as that kind of undercuts the importance of Darth Sidious being the end-all-be-all of evil. Then again, maybe he's not supposed to be. I'm open to being convinced otherwise. On top of this, I feel like the title is too bland. It reminds me of the laundry list of title suggestions that I've been reading for years from fans that are really weak. There may be better ones out there, but I've been throwing a particular name out for a while that I like: "A Rising Force." To me, The Ancient Fear plays itself to the common folk too much and dumbs itself down just to make it easier for people to know what's going on.
But hey, at least it's no "Divisions of the Quagmire"...
What do you think of this rumored title?
Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!
Posted by
Anonymous
- Monday, May 5, 2014
Fox has released the first official trailer for the upcoming Gotham television show—a prequel series building up to the Batman mythos that we all know and love.
It will be centered around rookie cop James Gordon (Ben Mackenzie) long before he is able to rise to the rank of commissioner.
Other cast members include Donal Logue as Harvey Bullock, Jada Pinkett Smith as underworld criminal boss Fish Mooney, David Mazouz as a young Bruce Wayne, Robin Lord Taylor as Oswald Cobblepot aka The Penguin, Camren Bicondova as the future Catwoman Selina Kyle, Eric Richards as Barbara Kean, Sean Pertwee as Alfred Pennyworth, and Zabryna Guevara as Captain Essen.
There have been rumors of an older Bruce Wayne being cast, so does that mean we will eventually see The Batman himself on this show?
Check out the trailer below and tell us what you think about it in the comments!
Update: An extended second trailer has been uploaded below:
