Legendary actor Christopher Lee passed away

Sad news for movie fan everywhere, Sir Christopher Lee died at the age of 93. He was one of the last horror icon from the Hammer films. Thank you for many outstanding movie moments. You will not be forgotten.

Watch Kung Fury!

This has to be one of the funniest movies I have seen in a while. Produced by Laser Unicorn, backed by kickstarter user, the short film was released this past weekend for free on YouTube. If you are a child of the 80's you'll enjoy and appreciate the incredible attention to detail this movie has (the music is fantastic). And is 30 minutes long. Seriously, check it out. Be sure to also watch David Hasselhoff's music video True Survivor!

Legendary actor Christopher Lee turns 93!

Taken from Wikipedia

One of cinema's greatest actors, Sir Christopher Lee, celebrates his 93rd birthday. Known for his roles in iconic series such as James Bond, Dracula, Frankenstein, the Mummy, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings and Gremlins to name a few. He is amazing in the original Wicker Man (seriously, watch that movie! He is also a singer (the heavy metal kind). Happy Birthday Sir Christopher Lee!

Did you know the are references to him in Vampire Hunter D and Castlevania? Yep, he's that awesome!

Fun with Photoshop: Fighting Street for the Sega Genesis

 More fake game boxes, this time it's Fighting Street turn. Only released for the Turbo Duo, this game could have made it to the Sega console if it wasn't so forgettable (Capcom arcades such as Strider were among the first titles for the Genesis). Luckily it's sequel Street Fighter II appeared in almost every console since the 90's. Unlike SFII, this game is not that good. Because of this, it's a perfect candidate for a remake, but Capcom would have to update the game mechanics (a lot).

Awesome Green Lantern figure!

Square Enix has made various poseable figures based on characters (from movies, video games and comics)  as part of the Play Arts Kai line, including Green Lantern. Even thou I would have preferred Kyle Rayner or Guy Gardner, this is a sweet Hal Jordan figure. The armor look fits Green Lantern really well since it's supposed to be a combat uniform more than spandex costume. How cool it would be if Square-Enix redesigns Kyle, Guy, Sinestro, Kilowog and Parallax! It would also be nice is DC decides to use these designs for a comic series (similar to Injustice).

Doctor Fate turns 75!

One of the most powerful characters in comics is three quarters of a century old,  Doctor Fate, the wearer of the helmet of Nabu. The sorcerer first appeared in More Fun Comics in May 1940 and has been featured in the DC Universe since then, in comics and TV as a guest character. There have been several versions of the character. The first one was Kent Nelson but most of the other versions are visually similar (except for the 90’s Fate, but he wasn’t a doctor either)

Doctor Fate has been kind of a mess since Crisis of Infinite Earths (30 years ago). DC can’t focus on one version of the character. Right now they’re about to launch a new series featuring yet another reimagining of the character (the 8 page preview was awesome by the way).

Here’s to 75 more years! Since DC didn’t make an anniversary logo or even variant covers in honor of the character, I made a logo with somewhat the similar to the official ones for Superman and Batman.

Fun with Photoshop: Star Wars Dark Empire for the Sega Genesis

Happy May the Fourth! For this entry, we have the fake cover for a Star Wars game (based on a classic graphic novel!) for the legendary Sega console. There were no Star Wars games for the Genesis, so it felt appropriate to make an entry in this section. I like to think that the gameplay would be like the Super Star Wars series for the SNES. Enjoy!

Happy Batman Day!

 May 1st celebrates the release of Detective Comics #27, the first appearance of Batman. Let's give the Caped Crusader a day off to enjoy his favorite couch.

New Dragon Ball animated series

Almost 20 years after the disaster that was Dragon Ball GT, Goku and friends return to TV once more. The series titled Dragon Ball Super will take place after the battle with Buu. Luckily, Akira Toriyama (the series creator) will be involved in the project. I hope this series has more humor (like the original Dragon Ball) and sense of adventure than 3 episodes of characters powering up. Since it looks like Dragon Ball Super is not based on a comic book, there will be no need to stretch the fights in order to keep more or less in pace with the manga; and Toriyama is a comedic master (check the 3 Manga Theater volumes if you don't believe me).

Let's hope Mr. Satan returns!

Fun with Photoshop: My take on the new Joker

 

An image that seems to be the design for the Joker in the Suicide Squad movie was released last Friday and fans don't seem very happy.I don't mind the body tattoos but I don't think someone like the Joker would have them in his face. While it looks more like a henchman than Mr. J, the design could work. Let's remember one thing from the Grant Morrison's Batman run, the Joker reinvents himself each time (like David Bowie). The biggest flaw (in my opinion) is the lack of his iconic smile (he is the Joker after all). So, here it its, no face tattoos, more eyebrows and his classic grin. Enjoy!

X-men Apocalypse Nightcrawler!

First image of the teleporting mutant and while he doesn't have the comic book classic look, it reminds me of his X-men Evolution incarnation (in his civies clothes). Interestingly, he has claws now. Sadly we have to wait 1 year for this movie.

Convergence: Green Lantern / Parallax #1

 This issue is part of the Zero Hour tie-ins group. It takes us back to a really controversial time in the history of DC; the fall of Hal Jordan and the rise of Kyle Rayner. At couple of weeks (or days) after Kyle received the ring, he went to Metropolis. Suddenly the dome covers the city and finds himself trapped inside and his ring without power. Jordan was also in Metropolis and once he losses his power, his feelings of guild comes crawling back.

Convergence: Nightwing and Oracle #1

 At some point Dick Grayson stopped being Batman and returned to his Nightwing persona. He kept fighting crime in Gotham when suddenly the city was encased in a strange dome. One year later, Nightwing still fight criminals with the assistance of Oracle when the events of Convergence begin.

Batman V Superman trailer is here!

Looks great! I'm interested to know how Superman's powers are corrupting him or if it's just a voice over for the trailer. Some parts have an Injustice (the game) like-vibe (soldiers kneeling before Zod... I mean Superman and having a statue of him in Metropolis). .I love the DKR Bat-Armor! Sadly, the movie is one year away.

Fun with Photoshop: Spider-Man 2099 for the Sega Genesis

New week, new console. We move into 16Bit territory (that doesn't mean we're done with the NES). Here's Spider-Man 2099, a character that for me, screams Blast Processing. There was a Spidey game for the Genesis but the 2099 version appeared for the first time as an alternate costume on the classic PlayStation game.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens trailer

Impressive. Most impressive. Shows a lot and spoils nothing at the same time. December can't get any sooner.

A Ninja Gaiden Game that never happened

 I was browsing YouTube the other day and found this. Apparently there were plans to revive the classic franchise on the Game Boy Advance. Sadly it never saw the light of day but it looks really impressive. Luckily Ninja Gaiden received a revival on the original XBox some 10 years ago.

Convergence: Speed Force #1

 Classic Wally West is back, and he brought his kids for his latest (hopefully not last) adventure in this Convergence tie-in issue. In the story, Wally and the kids go to Gotham to investigate a strange energy signature. Suddenly, they are trapped in a dome and loose their powers. One year passes and Wally keeps trying to free the people trapped and return to his wife Linda when the events of Convergence begin.

Fun with Photoshop: La Force laundry detergent

Fun with Photoshop is back! This time with a fake magazine ad inspired by the cover of the second issue of the current Darth Vader comic book series published by Marvel. The illustration features the Dark Lord of the Sith striking a pose I have never imagine he would do while walking in front of his subordinates. Using a few Pantene ads as reference and we have the best detergent republic credits can buy!

Epic Batman figure!

DC, make a Digital First comic series featuring this guy!

Square Enix made one Hell of a Batman figure! Wild West Batman is part of a the Timeless Batman series of action figures featuring versions of the Dark Knight Detective from different eras. DC has released various stories featuring a cowboy Batman but this design is the best, by far! If you have the space and $120 you can preorder this baby.

For more info and picture, visit comicbookresources.com.

Post-Convergence Thoughts

DC released their June solicits and lots of things are changing. We have new titles (Dr. Fate), returning on-goings (Grayson doesn’t seem to change much), “missing” characters or worse (Kyle Rayner!) and redesigned costumes for most of the iconic heroes (but they appear in their New52 costumes in the JL titles for some reason):

Clark, it's like you're not even trying.

Superman: Don’t like it. He looks more like Pre-52 Superboy than Superman (plus he got a new costume like five minutes ago). The New 52 Action Comics design was good because it was he starting out as a hero, he didn’t have the uniform yet but at least he looked like Supes. While I like the new S shield, the rest is weak (seriously, not even the red cape!).

Super Robot Wars here I come!

Batman (or BatLabor): Seriously, it looks like one of the mechs from the Patlabor anime series from the 80’s. This All New Batman may not be Bruce Wayne since it appears to be a cop or at least working closely with the police. It would be extra awesome if it were Alfred or Jean-Paul Valley. Looks like a good design for a one time Bat-Suit.

For Themyscira bub!

Wonder Woman: I like it! Could loose the Azrael-like blades but never the less it’s an awesome suit.

Pre-52 Wally would be proud!

Flash and Green Arrow: They seem to resemble their TV versions. Flash suit, while it looks a little busy, it's the best of the bunch. Green Arrow could change the gloves, baggy pants and boots.

The Emerald Lantern

Green Lantern: Hal goes renegade and wearing a cloak or a hoodie (Scarlet-Spider anyone?). I’m interested in the new direction for the character, but if he really wears a hoodie in space, then that would be laughable.









Not very interested in these changes and with the current economy, this will be a relief to my pocket since April and May will leave me broke with so many Convergence tie-ins (Speed-Force, New Teen Titans, Parallax and Shadow of the Bat!). Will pick up Grayson on print, while I might pick up others like Dr. Fate and Earth 2 Society (New Batman over there, might be Dick Grayson) on digital format once the price drops, to give them a chance.

The "New X-Men"return

As part of Marvel's Secret Wars event, Morrison era X-Men return in E is for Extinction book.  It seems to feature Xorn's (actually Magneto, but not really...?)Special Class. Sadly, Grant Morrison won't write it but we get his frequent collaborator Chris Burnham. Looks interesting, might pick it up (between this and DC's Convergence I'll be broke by the summer).

Fun with Photoshop: The New Teen Titans for the NES

It's been a while since the last Fun with Photoshop entry. I would have loved a "beat em' up"Teen Titans game and Konami always did one hell of a job with that genre (Simpsons, TMNT and X-Men). Here is what the cover would have looked like.

From now on, this section will change a bit. Since it's been a lot of 8th bit NES game boxes, I think it's time to add a bit of blast processing. Take care.

Leonard Nimoy passed away

Taken from wikipedia

Sad news today,  Leonard Nimoy died from a pulmonary disease. A man of many talents, he will always be remembered for playing the iconic Mr. Spock in the classic Star Trek TV show and for singing the Ballad of Bilbo Baggings. He will be missed.

Ducktales will return to TV

Good news for animation fan everywhere, Disney XD is planning to reboot Ducktales. Once again, it will follow the adventures of Scrooge McDuck, Huey,  Dewey and Louis, and even Donald Duck. The other supporting characters and villains will return (Launchpad and Gizmo Duck FTW!). It would be really cool if they manage to add Darkwing Duck (as a guest character in some episodes). The classic series was extremely popular in the 80's and 90's and still holds up today with it's balance of action, adventure and humor. It seems the series will premiere in 2017  and is unclear if it will be 2D or 3D animation.

Source

It's official: Spidey is heading to the Marvel Cinematic Universe!!!

This was one of the most popular rumors that surfaced during the Sony hack last year. After Amazing Spider-Man 2 didn't perform as expected, the Web Crawler is heading home. Sony will still have control over the character but let's hope Marvel can give the hero their creative input. Spider-Man will appear ina future Marvel movie (Captain America 3 maybe).
Marvel and Sony, please, NO MORE ORIGIN STORY. If you want to give the viewers the most classic version of the character, have him working as a photographer at the Daily Bugle, struggling with money, love and helping his aunt as best as he can.

Source

Superman gets a new costume and Super Power!

SHINE SPAAAARRRKKKK!!!

DC announced that in Superman #38 of the current volume, the Man of Steel will unveil a new ability, the Super Flare!!! It’s interesting since Superman is a solar battery and it seems he can released all the charge at once. From the images that have been released online, it looks very anime inspired (lots are saying it looks like Dragon Ball Z). He also gets a new costume (to help him control this new power… maybe) but it’s not very different from his New 52 outfit.
The image was taken from ign.

Fantastic Four trailer

 The first teaser trailer of one of the most talked about movies of the summer (and not in a positive way). It doesn't seem to be based on the classic FF comics (maybe is based on the Ultimate Universe incarnation) Good? Bad? You decide!

Secret Wars and the future of the Marvel Universe

 It's been a while and I'm kind of late for this but on January 20th, Marvel held a special event related to the Secret Wars mini series that will be published this summer. And the announcement was big. Spoilers may follow.

Marvel Studios trailer double feature

 A new trailer for Avengers: Age of Ultron appeared on YouTube yesterday. Surprisingly, it's shorter than the one released last year but we get to see some new scenes with the Ultron drones and Ironman's Hulk-Buster Armor. Can't wait to see it!

 The Ant man trailer was released last week. Judging from the trailer, it feels like a serious movie (even if it's about a guy who shrinks). Maybe the tone of the movie is different. The suit looks amazing! I am a big fan of Edgar Wright (Spaced, anyone?) and I hate that he departed the movie, but still, I'll give it a shot.

Awesome Ghostbusters animation

Nacho Punch has a series of animated shorts where they take a popular movie and turns it into an 80's anime. Their latest release is Ghostbusters. Looks really cool!

Fun with Photoshop: Batman V. Superman for the NES

 Another entry in the fake NES cover series, today we have Batman V. Superman, a game based on a movie that hasn't been released yet. To make it feel more retro, I used the style that was common in the early years of the 8-bit console. The Batman sprite comes from the classic Batman game. Superman was edited from a Sunman sprite. The Sunman game was made by Sunsoft but never released. It was originally a Superman game but it seems they lost the license and change the characters' sprites to avoid lawsuits..

Fun with Photoshop: SilverHawks for the NES

 Another fake game based on a 80's cartoon. I rarely saw SilverHawks but a friend from school loved them and always talk about them. Nevertheless they are a beloved franchise but seriously where is SilverHawks - Gatchaman crossover.

Hey, meet 2015!

May this year be better than the one before. Full of joy, kindness, peace and excellent movies, books, comics and more! Let us be spared of war, conflicts, hunger, diseases, alien invasions, zombie outbreaks, robot uprisings, reality TV and other types of Apocalypse. Best of wishes for this new year!!!