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Batman: Arkham Origins Review + More!!! (COMICS!)

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HELLO EVERYONE!!! Man, it feel’s like it’s been forever since I posted something! How have you all been? Good? Bad? Hopefully the former and not the latter. ANYWAY, I am back and I’m ready to rock! For today, I have a video game review…and a Movie review and a Blu-Ray review.

That’s right, folks. I review three big geeky things in my latest video. First up, I take a look at the blu-ray release for the most loved and hated superhero movie of 2013: Man of Steel. If you don’t remember, I actually enjoyed the film a lot, especially after a few more viewings, but how is the blu-ray? Watch the video and find out!

Also, I take a look at Thor: The Dark World, which is the latest film released in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I was incredibly excited to see this movie. I mean, who wouldn’t be? You have a Game of Thrones director tackling Thor! Who wouldn’t be pumped! All that being said, was it all worth it in the end? Again, watch the video and find out! Finally, I review the latest Batman game to hit the shelves: Arkham Origins.

This item takes top billing this week, mainly because I felt this would grab more attention than the other two things. Either way, all of this stuff is reviewed! It’s pretty exciting, right? Anyway, as usual, if you want to watch the videos, click on the pretty picture above! Also, if you like what you see, go ahead and subscribe to my YouTube channel: Channel23hahaha!

Comics! With Richard and Carter, General

Pacific Rim: Tales From Yero Zero Review (COMICS!)

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Kaiju

Giant Monsters vs. Giant Mechs? What more could you want?

Guess what, everyone? SUMMER IS HERE, Y’ALL! WOOOO! P-A-R-T-WHY? BECAUSE IT’S SUMMER TIME! Seriously? Who doesn’t love summer? Its the most fun time of the year! Now, for most, summer fun is represented by beach parties, time away from school, girls wearing less clothing, guys wearing less clothing (if you’re into that), vacations, swimming pools, frozen treats, and the list goes on. For me? summer fun is all about going to the movies! Also, girls wearing less clothes is kind of nice, and I love frozen treats.

Anyway, I love the summer movie season! All the best movies come out during the summer. Well…not all, but most of the best movies come out during summer. This year, we’ve had a few flicks come out already, but the summer season has only just begun! So far, I’d probably say Man of Steel is my favorite summer flick released. I know EVERYONE would disagree with that, but I loved that movie. GO MAN OF STEEL! However, while that is the case now, I have a feeling another movie might take MoS’s place on the top of my list. That movie….is Pacific Rim!

Pacific Rim, the latest film from Guillermo Del Toro, is a movie about giant monsters and giant robots duking it out! That simple summary ALONE should get you pumped to see it! I’m truly excited to see this movie. Hell, anything by Guillermo Del Toro gets me excited! I’m so excited, that my anticipation for the movie has left me very impatient. I want this movie out now! I can’t wait any longer! Thankfully, for people like me, Legendary Pictures comics division has released a prequel graphic novel to tide us over until July 12th. That prequel comic is called Pacific Rim: Tales From Year Zero.

So, this prequel comic tells the story of this reporter, named Naomi Sokolov, whom interviews key characters from the film. Each character proceeds to give their take on specific events that lead to the story in the film. Events like K-Day, the day when humanity first encountered the giant beasts known as the Kaiju, or events like when the humans invented the Giant Jaeger Mechs to fight and destroy the Kaiju threat. The main purpose of this comic seems to be, not just to give some back story, but to build up the world of Pacific Rim.

So, when it comes to comics based on movies, they aren’t always as great as movies based on a comics. There are some exceptions to this notion. One of those being the Django Unchained comic based on Tarantino’s last flick. Another good example, and I’m happy to say this, is Pacific Rim: Tales From Year Zero. First off, I love the artwork in this book. I really really do. It’s not the most dynamic or stylized art ever, It’s no Rafael Albuquerque or Jock, but It’s very good. One thing I was REALLY worried about was the fact that this comic has five different artists, but the way they used each artist worked really well.

Basically, they had one artist do the present day stuff, and the others tackled the flashbacks. Also, it was nice that the artwork didn’t clash. I’ve read comics in the past that used artists in a similar fashion, but they didn’t pick artists who could compliment each other. Pacific Rim: TFYZ was smart enough to pick artists whom could blend and work together to produce a great looking book. I will say, there was this one moment, mid-flashback sequence, when the art seemed to randomly shift from one artist to another. It was slightly jarring, but it didn’t ruin anything for me.

The writing was what really made this comic worth while. Travis Beacham, the writer of the movie’s story and co-writer of the screenplay, did a tremendous job on this book. I love the character work the most. Each story being told in the flashbacks was so moving and exciting because of the characters. It really showed that this story wasn’t just about giant mechs and monsters, but it’s also about relationships and coming together. You really felt for the characters when they lost someone or sacrificed something. All for the sake of saving the human race from the Kaiju.

Speaking of the Kaiju, while I don’t think they show them all, I love the Kaiju they showed off in this comic. The designs Del Toro and company came up with are BAD ASS! I’m serious, these monsters are going to be so cool in the movie! My favorite might be the Karloff. You’ll see why they named it that, if they show it in the movie. WHICH THEY SHOULD, DAMMIT! All in all, I’m glad I picked up this comic. It’s a nice way to feed your anticipation for the feature film, while also giving you some cool insight into the world of the feature film. If you’re someone like me, and you can’t wait a second longer for Pacific Rim, take my advice. BUY! THIS! GRAPHIC! NOVEL!

Pacific Rim: Tales From Year Zero gets a 4.5/5!

Side note: Click on the cool Alex Ross picture above. You won’t regret it!

Comics! With Richard and Carter, General

Joe The Barbarian Review (COMICS!)

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Joe

Nothing better then a little escapism!

Hello everyone! I am Richard! The Awkward and Hilarious! Today I present to you a comic review. So sit back, relax, and read on! Anyways, one of the biggest movies that came out this week was Oz the Great and Powerful. As a Sam Raimi fan, I was really pumped to return to that magical dream land. Thankfully, when I saw the movie, I left the theater with a smile on my face. Unlike Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, a film I’m 100% sure this movie will be compared to a lot, Oz is a movie I’m not afraid to say I enjoyed without being made fun of. It wasn’t necessarily Great or Powerful, but it was just a fun time at the movies. Also, after I left the theater, I began thinking of some of my favorite tales with a similar premise. Someone from our world, in need of change, being transported to a brave new land of fantasy and impossibility.

Now, normal people would probably think of more traditional examples. Me, I thought of an awesome 3 year old comic called Joe The Barbarian. The story of Joe is penned by comic book legend, Grant Morrison, and is drawn by a favorite of mine, Sean Murphy. Joe The Barbarian follows a boy named Joe Manson. Joe, a creative and diabetic young lad whom tends to escape the harshness of his real life, fails to receive his daily needed dose of glucose. Once this happens, Joe begins to hallucinate a fantasy world inhabited by mystical monsters, as well as his action figures. Upon arrival, Joe learns he is the prophesied Dying Boy come to destroy King Death, and save the land for all!

In 2010, when this story was being told, I was only reading Batman related series. Later in the year, I began to explore other areas of the comic world. Specifically comics written by people I really love. One of my favorite writers of all time is Grant Morrison. At the time, the only Morrison book I was reading was his amazing Batman and Robin series. One day, I had a conversation with a fellow Morrison fan, chit-chatting about the latest adventure of Batman and Robin, and he told me about this awesome book called Joe the Barbarian.

It was a limited series, written by Morrison, being done over at Vertigo, which is an imprint of DC Comics. Once he gave me a short summary of the story, I became incredibly excited to read it. So, I patiently waited for the hardcover to be released. Once it hit the store shelves, I raced to the nearest shop, grabbed myself a copy, threw about thirty some dollars at the cashier, and raced back home! I didn’t leave my room at all that evening. I was so into what I was reading.

One of the aspects I loved most was the character of Joe. I related to him in so many ways. Minus the diabetes, the kid was basically me. I’ve always been someone who kind of lives inside their own head. Trying to escape reality because it’s too much for them to handle. Admittedly, I related so much that it was kind of hard to read this book. It reminded me of similar struggles I’m going through currently that I’ve tried to avoid through escapism. That being said, It was good to be reminded of those things, strangely. It made me even more invested and sucked into this comic.

Another interesting aspect was the way it was written. While this comic features the usual Grant Morrison writing style, it didn’t feel like a typical comic from him. The story was much more straight forward, and less metaphorical. It’s always nice to see writers challenge themselves and/or try something new. All that being sad, the greatest thing to come out of me reading this comic was discovering Sean Murphy. Murphy’s art work in Joe was so amazing that it became difficult to even turn the page. I’d literally just be sitting on my bed, gazing upon a brilliant castle, witnessing an epic battle, or marveling at the forest lands of this beautifully drawn world.

After I read this book, I fell in love with the work of Sean Murphy. Since then, If I ever find anything sporting his name, I instantly have to purchase it. Even the freaking cover of the hardcover, depicted above, is amazing! Just look at it! It’s all kinds of spectacular! Anyways, if you haven’t been able to tell, I really loved this comic. It’s not my favorite tale from Morrison, but I consider it one of his best!

I give Joe The Barbarian a 5 outta 5!

Podcast

DCRS Vs. Oz The Great and Powerful

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This week Dan and Kristin review “Oz The Great and Powerful” Plus! they discuss whether or not a remake of Dorothy and Oz would work. Also, a countdown of the Top Ten prequels. Russell Pinkston calls in to chat about “Dead Man Down” & “Oz They Great and Powerful.

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Comics! With Richard and Carter, General

Before Watchmen So Far… (COMICS!)

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Before Watchmen has finally arrived! Now…is it any good so far? LETS FIND OUT!

Hello everyone! Its your friendly neighborhood nerd, Richard, here! A while ago, DC Comics announced they would be releasing a prequel comic book event titled: Before Watchmen. Each series under the Before Watchmen banner would follow the characters from the original graphic novel, and what they were up to…Before Watchmen…yea. ANYWAYS! As an avid fan of the original comic, and the film adaptation, I was very excited about these books. I even expressed my excitement, much to Dan’s surprise, on an episode of The Director’s Cut. I can admit, I didn’t think a prequel, as usual, was a good idea. I mean, Watchmen is a classic in the world of comics! To many, Its the Citizen Kane of the comic book world! To create a prequel should be considered a slight against the comic book gods! However, When DC announced whom they hired to bring this event to life…I knew they weren’t playing around. It didn’t seem, to me, that they were just attempting to milk an old cash cow. When you drop names like Brian Azzarello, Darwyn Cooke, Adam Hughes, Len Wein, Amanda Conner, and Andy Kubert you can’t help but expect quality work. As of today, 4 of the 7 series have started: Minutemen, Silk Spectre, Comedian, and Nite Owl. And this is what I thought of them. ENJOY!

Minutemen #1

Written and Drawn by: Darwyn Cooke

So, Minutemen tells the tale of the Watchmen before the Watchmen. The golden age of the Watchmen world, if you will. The first issue introduces each member of Minutemen, and how the team came to be. This was one of the titles I was most excited for. Darwyn Cooke has always been known for his classic, retro style comic books. The best examples of this is his Justice League story, New Frontier, and his run on The Spirit. As expected, his work on Minutemen doesn’t disappoint at all! This is a beautiful comic, and the perfect example of what this entire event should be. Cooke’s artwork is more then a perfect fit for this series. The retro style, the color scheme, everything is perfect. I also really dug the tale being told here. I loved the way Cooke used the Under the Hood book Hollis Mason authored to introduce each character. Admittedly, It does get a bit wordy at times, but It doesn’t take away from the books magic.

5/5

Silk Spectre #1

Written by: Darwyn Cooke and Amanda Conner

Drawn by: Amanda Conner

One of the key aspects of the story of Silk Spectre II, Laurie Juspeczyk, is her estranged relationship with her mother, the first Silk Spectre, Sally Jupiter. That story is on full display in this first issue. The story plays out like an R-rated Teen High School chick flick. It’s not the strongest story, and it’s kind of predictable, but it’s a nice fit for Laurie, regardless. However, the best aspect of this book is the artwork. OMG! Amanda Conner is an amazing artist! I found her artwork to be very faithful to the original comic, but with a nice addition of her own style and flare. Overall, I’m interested to see what happens next, but I didn’t find it the strongest title from Before Watchmen so far.

4/5

Comedian #1

Written by: Brian Azzarello

Drawn by: J.G. Jones

The Comedian is one of the most despicable, vile, hateful, and messed up characters ever created in comics! And I couldn’t have been more excited to see how Brian Azzarello was going to write him! That being said, I was kind of disappointed by this issue. The story being told wasn’t bad, but…I wasn’t reading about The Comedian. More like his innocent twin brother. The majority of the time, we see Eddie Blake, The Comedian, playing ball and chit chatting with The Kennedy family. Then he gets verbally man handled by Jackie Kennedy! This is not the Comedian I know! However, There has always been a hidden heart to the character. A kinder side that’s never really been brought to the surface 100%. So, I can’t help but be equally intrigued by this issue. The best aspect is the artwork, again! J.G. Jones does a fantastic Job bringing the book to life. Especially during the action scene towards the end. I’ll still read more, but not really from excitement anymore. Mainly just from curiosity.

3/5

Nite Owl #1

Written by: J. Michael Straczynski

Drawn by: Andy Kubert

When I mentioned earlier that I was excited for Before Watchmen because of the creative teams DC hired, This series was the exception…sort of. Nite Owl has always been a favorite character of mine. When I first heard about Before Watchmen, I instantly wanted to know who would be tackling Dan Dreibergs’s story. When I saw Andy Kubert was doing the art, I got very excited! He has always been like a modern day Neal Adams, and I could totally see his style doing Dan justice! However, When I saw JMS was writing…I cried on the inside. And, sadly as expected, Nite Owl #1 was the weakest of all the books so far. The story isn’t exciting, nor is it terrible. Its just…there. It doesn’t feel like it needs to exist. The comic just speeds through Dan’s transformation into Nite Owl. It basically read like a rushed re-telling of the origin of Tim Drake, the 3rd Robin. Because of this, The art had no room to shine. Though, there are some amazing bits of artwork on display. However, Its not often those bits show up. I really hope this series proves me wrong come issue two, but Its exactly was I expected it to be…a big summer bummer.

2/5

Anyways,This is what I thought of Before Watchmen so far. Its not great, but its not terrible either. Each comic features amazing artwork, but the stories are a mixed bag. I’m still excited for the rest of the issues, and Can’t wait for them to come out! In the comments below, What are your thoughts on Before Watchmen so far? TELL ME NOW!! Anyways, Stay tuned for my thoughts on the next batch of Before Watchmen Books, coming soon, and don’t forget to visit www.youtube.com/channel23hahaha to checkout new videos and episodes of my awesome show: COMICS!

Comics! With Richard and Carter

Before Watchmen: Minutemen #1 Review (COMICS!)

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It has finally arrived!!!!

So, DC Comics announced a while back that they would be releasing prequel stories to the companies famed Graphic Novel: Watchmen. I even appeared on the show one day, and talked of my feelings towards it. I might have shocked Dan when I said I was excited! At first, I wasn’t pissed off, or excited, I was just neutral on the idea. However, when I saw the creative teams involved, I instantly became excited! Now, the first issue in the line has arrived, but is it any good? Click the photo, and find out for yourself! Enjoy the episode!