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Batman: Death Of The Family Recap: What Is The Joker Planning?

Just What The DOC Ordered

“Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner?”

By: Chris “DOC” Bushley

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(Before you read this, beware! Spoilers Dead Ahead!)

The Joker has been cutting a bloody swath through the streets of Gotham and no one is safe! The G.C.P.D., Commissioner Gordon, the entire cast of Haley’s Circus, Barbara Eileen (Batgirl’s mother) and Alfred have all felt the wrath of this demonic character. But it’s not just the families and friends of the “Bat Family” that have been forced to kneel before the “Clown Prince” — it is the heroes as well!

Scott Snyder and the entire cast and crew that make up EVERY aspect of EVERY “Bat” related character, has been creating an extremely dark and twisted tale in the last few issues of there respective series. From Catwoman having to play a horrific version of chess in order to get a pass from the Joker, to Damian Wayne having to fight his “father” in a battle to the death; each and every costumed character that has fought beside the Dark Knight has been put through a veritable nightmare recently. The relentless beatings and horrific mind games that the Joker has created specifically for each character have been leading up to a grand finale of sorts — a banquet of blood and hilarity that can only be devised by the Joker. But what is the main course going to be?

Batman #16, Batgirl #16, Nightwing #16, Teen Titans #16 and Batman and Robin #16 have all had the same style final page to them. Each character groggily awakens in a dark room and the Joker stands before them with a covered dish. (Example: Batgirl #16 final page below)

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The fan pages have been ablaze with speculation as to what could possible be on that tray and we will have to wait until February 13th, when Batman #17 comes out, in order to have our final answer, but let’s speculate as to what it could be, shall we?

The obvious choice would be Alfred’s head! We know that he was abducted by the Joker in Batman#13 and that some appalling things were done to him from the audio tape Bruce found. We also know that the Joker has said that he NEEDS Alfred to SERVE at the party. Whether that’s a play on words or just a statement — only Scott Snyder knows!

Could it be part of Jason Todd’s face? We see in Red Hood and the Outlaws #16 that Joker has done something to Jason’s face and is applying red paint (blood?) to the inside of his helmet before returning it to his face. He then says, “Only a face a mother can love!” as it is reapplied. Now, in Teen Titans #16, we know that the bottom half of his helmet is broken off by Red Robin, but the top is still intact. Could the Joker have disfigured Jason for cheating death oh so long ago? Maybe.

Could it be Commissioner Gordon? We haven’t seen James Gordon Sr. in a few issues but we know that he was the first to be confronted by the Joker. That confrontation has left the Commish reeling, completely taking him out of sorts and shaking the normally strong willed hero. We know his ex-wife has already lost a finger to the Joker’s demented schemes, why not hack away at the Commissioner as well? Plus, we know that deranged killer, James Jr., has already helped the Joker capture his sister, Batgirl, why not make it a family reunion?

Speaking about family reunions, could it be Tim Drake’s parents? We know that Tim Drake left his family in Witness Protection after messing with the Penguin awhile back, but does that mean anything to a man who killed two of Nightwing’s best friends and Jokerized the entire Haley’s Circus? In Teen Titans #16, we saw that he Joker already used a fake “daddy Drake” to mess with Red Robin, but that could have just been a “red herring” for the main event — “daddy dinning!”

Maybe, just maybe, it is a smorgasbord of “Bat” cuisine! Red Robin, Red Hood, Batgirl, Nightwing and Robin were all knocked out prior to them seeing the tray presented. Joker keeps calling Batman “the King,” and he, his “Royal Jester.” Perhaps the “Jester” has created a gift pleasing enough for a “king,” an array of treats brought from all the different “lands” beneath the “king’s” royal gaze. Could the tray be filled with delectable digits from the “Bat-kiddies” that were removed while they slept? You never know with the Joker — anything is possible!

All I truly know, is that the “Death of the Family” storyline has been one of the best tales in years! Appalling, horrendous and completely unnerving, Scott Snyder and crew have made the return of the Joker an amazing ride that will be talked about for years. At the end of it all, whether Alfred is gone or not, the “Bat-family” will forever be changed and I am excited as ever to see where it goes from here!

The “Death of the Family” storyline epically concludes in Batman #17, on sale February 13th, 2013! Get a glimpse of the cover below!

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Blu-Ray Review: Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2

The Return of Robo … er, Batman

A Review of The Dark Knight Returns Part 2

By: Lawrence Napoli

Frank Miller’s seminal work in The Dark Knight Returns continues to take on new life in part 2 of the animated adaptation directed by Jay Olivia. Part 1 certainly set the table with tremendous dedication to the source material in terms of art and tone while giving the viewer an added glimpse in between the panels at some of the action that led to this tale’s most iconic moments. Part 2 follows suit quite nicely as the stakes for Batman go through the roof with Joker on the loose, the Man of Steel to contend with and lest we not forget the whole possibility of global thermo nuclear war with the Soviet Union looming in the background.

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It is on like Donkey Kong!

The art continues to be right on the mark with every character: from the creepy Ronal Reagan-inspired President to the “zombie” Superman surviving a nuclear blast to a one armed Oliver Queen “having one more crack at the boy scout.” Storyboard artists Brendan Clogher, Christie Tseng and Kirk Van Wormer working with animation checker Justin Schultz outdid themselves by mastering an art style that is unmistakable from the original, static form. It isn’t a perfect recreation, mind you. Bruce Wayne’s costume of a bag lady as he stops a convenient store stickup looks a lot like a fat version of Scarecrow from the Batman animated series. Also, the vehicles depicted in every scene continue to bother me in their blocky presentation and movement. In addition, I was not as impressed with the background art as much as the quality animation in the foreground. However, these are all very nitpicky criticisms. Overall, the art is very satisfying to see and extremely nostalgic to experience.

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Batman is an avid rider.

The voice over work, however, is a bit of a disappointment which is lamentable considering the new characters the audience is being presented in part 2. Peter Weller, once again, voices Batman and after giving him a chance in part 1, part 2 confirms that I simply cannot accept anyone not named Kevin Conroy as this character. Weller’s voice hits that one dulcet tone and never, EVER, fluctuates. You’ll remember Michael Emerson from Lost and Person of Interest and he had the opportunity to voice Joker. Although he gives a much more emotive performance than Peter Weller, Emerson clearly isn’t Mark Hamil. How can anyone possibly follow a Mark Hamil Joker? Just about every other male character: Superman (Mark Valley), Commissioner Gordon (David Selby) and Alfred Pennyworth (Michael Jackson) fail to leave any semblance of an impression. Who knew Conan O’Brien did VO work for this project as talk show host David Endocrine? I certainly didn’t because it was a total afterthought. The best vocal work continues to come from Ariel Winter as Carrie Kelley/Robin. Unfortunately, Robin has significantly less involvement in part 2 which means the audience gets less of a very good thing.

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Hi! I’m Conan O’Brien

I highly recommend purchasing the Blu Ray/DVD combo primarily because many retailers are selling them at the exact same price points as the regular DVD this week, but also because the bonus features are very interesting. The first feature is called When Heroes Collide and it features commentary from the likes of Grant Morrison, Denny O’Neil and Bruce Timm speaking on the historic comparisons between Batman and Superman, how they could ever be set against each other and who inevitably would come out on top. The segment I found most interesting was when the professionals were discussing classic comparisons to DC’s flagship characters: Superman = Zeus/Achilles vs. Batman = Prometheus/Odysseus, respectively.

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Clash of the titans!

The second feature called The Joker: Laughing in the Face of Death is a character analysis of his popularity over the course of time and how he not only represents Batman’s greatest adversary, but perhaps the greatest villain ever conceived. The audience will be treated to some fine observations by the man who invented the Joker, Jerry Robinson. He discusses his preference for overpowering his villains to pose a constant threat to the hero and presents his original art work for the character in the form of the infamous Joker playing card featured in just about every manifestation of Batman in entertainment. Also discussed is the perceived symbiosis between Batman and the Joker, specifically how Frank Miller’s work presented it almost like a constant lover’s quarrel. Is Joker really an “omni-sexual being” in The Dark Knight Returns?

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I’m too sexy for these mirrors.

The third feature involves several storyboard walkthroughs with director Jay Olivia. Olivia discusses his theories and philosophies of character and scene integration as they pertain to the scenes in question and the film in general. He comes off as a passionate director who clearly wants to do right by this adaptation and has a dedicated vision to what must stay, what must go and what must be altered from the original comics to be successful on video. This segment is a little longer as his commentary is quite thorough, but I raised an eyebrow when he discussed how he related his thoughts for action sequences by referencing other movies to his artists. Apparently, the scene that shows Commissioner Gordon embracing his wife in front of his burning apartment was inspired by Silent Hill, the movie; not the best choice in films.

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Handsome super beings like me don’t bother with films like “Silent Hill.”

The last little bonus worth mentioning is the sneak preview of the upcoming DC direct to video project called Superman: Unbound. This new project is an adaptation of the limited series created by Geoff Johns called Brainiac which involves the bottled city of Kandor, Supergirl, Superman’s overprotection of his loved ones like Lois Lane and the return of a much more threatening Brainiac. Unlike The Dark Knight Returns, this project will not seek to channel the original art style in ANY way which would be fine under normal circumstances, but I had a specific reservation about one character in particular. Brainiac is going to look almost exactly like Martian Manhunter (right down to the exact shade of green) and I simply do not understand this choice. I found it very interesting how several comments during this feature described how this project was going to “new places” with the source material or going “left of the source.” If this were really true, then why base any of these direct to video projects on existing storylines? Why not give us something new in the first place?

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Something new always puts a smile on my face.

The Dark Knight Returns Part 2 is very entertaining and totally worth buying so long as it is the BluRay/DVD combo and it’s less than $15. I was a bit upset over the fact that this movie comes with a $5 off coupon if purchased in conjunction with part 1. This isn’t so great for someone like me who has already bought part 1, but a fine deal for anyone else. There is a noticeable increase in the action, blood and violence in part 2. Joker’s murder spree and the final fight with Superman are very exciting, but the dramatic bullet points of the comics don’t resonate as well in part 2 as they did in part 1. Perhaps it was Peter Weller’s dull delivery or perhaps it was the greater emphasis on action, but I actually preferred part 1 a little more. Bat fans will find a worthy investment in The Dark Knight Returns, but be warned, this is still not a cartoon to show to the youngsters in any Bat family due to violence and suggestive content (not even Damien).

Comic Book News Marvel

Review: Uncanny X-Force #1

So, one completely amazing run on Uncanny X-Force has ended, and even though the CBN offices were very disheartened after the announcement of Rick Remender leaving this book to pursue other Uncanny works, we were completely blown away by this debut issue!

Stan Humphries and Ron Graney continue to bring that air of nostalgia, first introduced by Remender, into the book but not only that, there is an excitement that emminates from Garney’s art that is astounding. It reminds me of all those days gone by, where these characters meant something to, not only the reader, but to themselves as well. That feeling of camaraderie without animosity, a connection between them that was deeply rooted in their history as opposed to just the next big crossover. That’s what this new creative team brings more that anything, connections, not just from past storylines but connections to the fans as well.

Now led by Storm, who gets her awesome mohawk back in the pages of Wolverine and the X-Men #24, X-Force is a broken group in need of solace. Psylocke and Storm embark on a mission to meet someone that left Storm a mysterious e-mail and the action ensues from there. I am not going to spoil any of this story if you haven’t got a chance to get your hands on a copy yet, because it deserves your dollars. X fans are going to appreciate all the little nuances and plot threads that are laid out before them, a tale steeped in the footprints of long ago. But, new fans will not be lost at all in this story and can appreciate the well planned tale of Humphries and gawk at the breathtaking lines of Garney! There is literally something in this tale for every fan regardless of their X history prowess!

Storm, Psylocke, Puck, Spiral, Fantomex, Cluster, Wolverine and Bishop all make their presence known in this outstanding debut issue. I won’t divulge on which line in the sand they stand, but you are in for one hell of a ride! Plus, if anyone can read the last page of this book and not think “Ewwww!” there is something wrong with you!

As a bonus, here is the incomparable Skottie Young’s variant cover to this issue. Awesome!

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Comic Book News

Review: Green Lantern Corps #16

Guy Gardner sits depowered in a prison cell, kicked out of the Green Lantern Corps, and a blight on the brilliant Gardner family name. But it doesn’t matter what has been done to you or how people perceive you, it matters what burns inside you. And what burns inside Guy Gardner is the heart of a hero!

Peter J. Tomasi takes one of the best cosmic team books and boils it down to one man and what it truly means to carry the moniker of “hero.” Tomasi has taken a character that has been seen as a joke, a third rate GL and made him one of my favorite characters by instilling in him a sense of “never say die” attitude. This attitude is what makes any normal man stand up and take charge of a situation where others freeze in fear. This attitude is what makes you a person others can rely on, this attitude makes you a “hero.” And that is exactly what this issue is about.

Faced with the force of the Third Army, Guy must make tough decisions in order to not only save others but his family as well. It is a great character piece that shows that it doesn’t take super powers or cosmic rings in order for you to stand up against insurmountable odds, all it takes is heart. And when new GL Baz shows up with his trainer B’DG, the subtle clash between Guy and Baz makes for some great comedic moments! Plus, John Stewart is still on the trail of the pieces of Mogo and he finally realizes all may not be right on Oa.

All in all, a great look into a broken GL and another link in to the tale of “Rise Of The Third Army.” But remember to read Green Lantern #16 BEFORE you dive into this one! And be sure to prepare yourself for the epic conclusion of “Rise Of The Third Army” in the pages of Green Lantern Corps Annual #1 on sale next week!

Comic Book News

Review: Harbinger #8

Joshua Dysart is a true craftsman when it comes to immersing a reader into the emotional duress of a character. From the first issue, where we were introduced to the most powerful junkie you will ever meet, Peter Stancheck, to this week’s broken and formidable, Torque; Dysart makes these characters compelling from the moment you meet them. He gives them a sense of “normalcy,” a relatable aura that makes a reader want to follow them through their ever more chaotic world. It is the work of a true craftsman that makes this book so rich each and every month, Joshua Dysart is at the top of his craft.

Issue #8 introduces us to another new character, Torque, a backwoods hillbilly that has dreams of smashing badguys and bedding women. Such lofty dreams for one such as Torque may never come to fruition, but I will not spoil Dysart’s compelling tale by telling you why! It is a page turning journey you must take on your own in order to fully appreciate the true depth of Torque. He is an amalgam weakness and power that is reminiscent of a few other comic heroes, but taken to an entirely different level. A level of excitement and duress that may actually change the wishes of this newly “born” hero by books end. And by books end, Peter may be looking for a whole lot more recruits to his cause against Harada, not because he has the room — but because he may need replacements!

As the Renegades continue to gain members, not only have they caught the attention of Toyo Harada, but they have also incurred the wrath of Project Rising Stars. This does not bode well for our ragtag team of “heroes,” for we all know who P.R.S’ little toy is — Bloodshot! This is the stepping stone into the upcoming “Harbinger Wars” storyline and you don’t want to miss a thing!

So, get to your local comic shop and demand a copy of Harbinger #8 — you won’t regret it!

Comic Book News

Review: X-O Manowar #9

When a threat looms in the distance that will ultimately destroy the very fabric of your world, what do you do? Do you accept the inevitable, huddling down with your loved ones in the hopes of a savior? Do you look for solutions, rallying those of the scientific field to somehow slow down the fates? Do you pray for a change of heart in those that threaten you, leaving your future in the hands of the gods?

Or, if you’re Aric of Dacia, wielder of the X-O armor, you call down the threat and stand face to face with them. Never blinking, never questioning your abilities, you just — BRING IT ON!

That fire, that fervor, that blast of emotional rallying is exactly what Robert Venditti and Trevor Hairsine will dredge up in you with the turn of every page! It is a cavalcade of revelations, bringing things that have been brewing since issue #1 to the forefront and laying them on the table. The Vine has been embedding themselves into every aspect of the Valiant Universe and it culminates in this issue. Venditti’s prose anchors you emotionally to the tale, giving you the perfect window into all the aspects that come into play, while Hairsine’s riotous battle sequences will tantalize your senses. Where most “prelude” stories give subtle hints as to what can be expected in the upcoming arc, lulling you in with intrigue and little action; X-O #9 not only “sets the stage” it completely obliterates it!

A mingling of high intrigue and blistering battle sequences, this issue is an all out adrenaline rush that never lets up to take a breath! So, while some other books may give you a “snoozefest,” Valiant continues to amaze and delight once again!

Comic Book News

The “DOC’s” Top Of The Pile — 1/23/2013

The “DOC’s” Top Of The Pile

By: Chris “DOC” Bushley

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( A weekly quick pick of the five titles that should reside at the top of your pull list. IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER! )

I do the research, you reap the reward! Before you head out to your favorite shop today, be sure to add these five titles to your list of goodies! Forget that “apple a day” nonsense, this “DOC’s” prescription to good health starts with these top five books of the week!

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1. The Answer #1(Dark Horse): This debut issue from writer Dennis Hopeless (Avenger’s Arena) will give you everything BUT answers! An amalgam wrapped in an enigma, this tale follows a highly intellectual research librarian as she dodges bullets after she solves a puzzle box she received for a birthday present. But it doesn’t stop there! It also contains an evangelistic proponent for world chaos, mercenaries and a costumed hero! But, what does it all mean? I have know idea, but I NEED to find out!

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2. X-O Manowar #9 (Valiant): This issue is the “Prelude to Death Planet” storyline that promises to bring devastation to the Valiant Universe. But, this isn’t just a “set-up” issue that relaxes and lulls you into safety before the big event. This story sets the stage and the tone for what’s to come, bringing intriguing plot threads and all out action like you’ve never seen before! Plus, the “shock” ending will have you chomping at the bit for next month! Bring it on!

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3. Masks #3 (Dynamite): Who doesn’t love pulp fiction, crime noir tales? That’s right, NOBODY! Well, you need look no further to get your gritty little hands on one of the coolest books around! Why just choose one pulp hero to follow when you can have all the greats in a single title? That’s right, Chris Roberson and, superstar cover artist, Alex Ross have come together with a great tale that brings everyone together. You get The Green Hornet, Kato, The Spider, The Shadow, Zorro and many, many more for just one low price! It’s like the Justice League with cigar stains and fedoras! So, put on your smoking jacket and nestle into your study with a copy of Masks!

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4. Green Lantern #16 (DC): The “Rise Of The Third Army” tale has been slow paced at it’s worst and completely unnerving at it’s best. This week sees GL Baz finally get a little control over his ring with the help of GL B’DG! That’s right, folks, as we wait for the return of Rocket Raccoon, why not hang out with the coolest squirrel in the Universe! All kidding aside, this is a great story that solidifies Baz as a true Green Lantern and answers a lot of questions from previous issues! And you find out why he has a gun! Sweet!

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5. Uncanny X-Force #1 (Marvel): Sadly, Rick Remender’s run on this fantastic book is over. So, what better way to celebrate the fantastic new creative team of Stan Humphries and Ron Garney than with a shiny new number one issue! Even though I cannot stand all the re-numberings, this issue is pitch perfect for all those X fans clamoring for some nostalgia. This new version has Psylocke, Fantomex, Cluster, Spiral, Puck and Storm rocking her ol’ mohawk! Yes, I said mohawk, kids! Like back when she was the leader of the Morlocks?! Oh well, at least Byron Brewer will know what I’m talking about! Anyway, put on your roller skates and crank up some Joan Jett, it’s about to get retro in here! Plus, the final page gives new meaning to the phrase, “You gotta love yourself” — ewwwww!

Movie News Marvel

Matt Fraction Admits Marvel Studios Interferes With The Comic Books

The writer admits that he had MCU guidelines to follow because of the new Thor movie.

Movie News Reviews

Movie Review: Gangster Squad (2013)

Not Quite Noir Enough

A Film Review of Gangster Squad

By: Lawrence Napoli

Who doesn’t like a good crime/cop drama? Most Americans apparently do. The majority of our TV programming revolves around this subject matter whose popularity originates from the grittiness of the American film noir genre that began in the 1940s which was best represented by The Maltese Falcon (1941). Of course, we are well removed from that point in time, but American interest in that era (either on the production or consumer side of the equation) never seems to go away. Perhaps it is the clothing, style, manner of social behavior, the cars or even the guns that draws us back to the box office, but I personally feel the real reason for our intrigue is the unique allure of the anti-hero that showcases quite nicely in film noir. Contemporary America has all but fully embraced the idea of the anti-hero since Vietnam. Our government isn’t to be fully trusted, our political leaders are scumbags, our sports heroes are cheaters and various adult authorities take advantage of children. The anti-hero may not have the moral high ground of the classic hero, but it also gives the finger to convention and “authority.” Such symbolic defiance still identifies as uniquely American around the globe. Perhaps we relish in being the rebels?

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Are we as charming as the Rebel Alliance?

That being said, Gangster Squad is a film that attempts to join the successful rank and file of neo-noir classics such as The Untouchables (1987) and L.A. Confidential (1997) while bringing a new emphasis to the table as its calling card: ACTION! Most crime dramas of any era will feature scenes of suspense, violence and gunplay. Action sequences (however brief) will be required to communicate these ideas on the screen, yet none have been so brazen as Gangster Squad as to put every other element of this kind of story (plot, character and visual style) in the proverbial trunk as the action drives the film forward at all times. I enjoyed the action, the explosions and the somewhat asinine gunplay, but the prominence of these elements weakens character development which leads to less sympathy from the audience which produces inconsequential performances from the cast which dilutes the story overall. As much as this film’s framework as a crime drama and subject matter concerning the Mickey Cohen rackets would classify this film as noir in theory; this film, in practical feel and fact couldn’t have less to do with “hard-boiled” noir. This film is bright, bold and fast. It lights up the screen like Christmas. It’s as if someone contracted Michael Bay to do a Prohibition Era film.

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Morpheus showed me how to shoot this machine gun.

However, Michael Bay did not direct this film. That responsibility was given to Ruben Fleischer whom you’ll remember as directing seminal classics (ahem!) like 30 Minutes or Less (2011) and Zombieland (2009). I applaud Fleischer for developing a higher proficiency with action from behind the camera for Gangster Squad, but his desire to make the action look nothing like the cheese of his previous comedies comes at a cost. His cast has extreme time restrictions to actually do some acting. Being the director, Fleischer’s primary responsibility is for the performances and if he isn’t getting enough from his cast, he needs to get more (somehow) or give more (script alterations to compensate). In this case, Fleischer would have been better off substituting some dialogue scenes for action so the audience could buy into his characters more easily. If the assembly and exploits of an anti-gang team is central to the story, why are there so few scenes depicting chemistry amongst them? We need more campfire scenes! We need to see these characters giving a damn about each other before we can accept anything else in the story. Or the scenes the audience observed simply needed to be better. But this burden doesn’t fall squarely on the director.

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We’re not a team. We’re a time bomb. Or are we just a bomb?

Screenwriter Will Beall is a veteran writer for the TV show Castle, but has no feature film screenwriting credits before this adaptation of the book by Paul Lieberman. If we are to take Gangster Squad as Beall’s approach to team dynamics in an action oriented film, then I have IMMEDIATE concerns for his script of the Justice League movie set for release in 2015. Gangster Squad is a movie that is constantly trying to have its cake (lots of action) and eat it too (while staying true to noir). In many respects, this film follows an often tread plot for crime drama: There’s a marquee criminal organization in town, a team has to be made to fight it and conflict ensues. Simply connecting these bullet points with explosions doesn’t make this kind of movie work. It works even less when an ensemble cast is to be featured rather than 1 or 2 characters. If there’s a team, we need to see their interaction and THAT dynamic needs to be featured above anything else (see Marvel’s The Avengers). Too much action and effects means less plot and dialogue and any film will suffer when these aspects are not in balance. The only character that was rounded out in Gangster Squad was Ryan Gosling’s Jerry Wooters: a charming anti-hero who isn’t technically the main character. That honor was meant to be Josh Brolin’s John O’Mara who was written as a white knight with anger management issues and zero complexity beyond him dealing with the fact that being a tough guy is the only thing he’s really good at.

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The cops only discover the use of machine guns at the end of the film.

Overall, the cast’s performance was good, but very inconsistent as a result of the aforementioned screen time limitations. Sean Penn brings textbook intensity being the most accomplished member of this cast as Mickey Cohen. He delivers characterization that is stereotypically menacing, but not much beyond that seeing how the story strictly focuses on the cops.

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Ask the paparazzi! Don’t F*CK with Sean Penn!

Josh Brolin seems determined to take roles in films where he is constantly being overshadowed. He is meant to be the leader of the squad, yet whenever Ryan Gosling’s character makes an appearance, Bolin is forgotten. He isn’t a bad actor, nor does he produce an ineffective performance in Gangster Squad, but his character is easily the least interesting. John O’Mara was meant to mirror Eliot Ness in that he’s a family man while leading a small crew against an army of hell. This would be interesting if Brolin actually showed some internal struggle with this situation. Rather, Brolin takes a very flat approach to the tough guy character that is quite matter-of-fact about the situation and fully accepts his limitations as a meat head.

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Why does everyone like you better than me?

So many actors were tragically underused beginning with Emma Stone whose only function in this film is sex appeal. I believe the director was counting on some residual chemistry from Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011) between Stone and Gosling because the three scenes they share don’t come close to producing a decent romance. Anthony Mackie, whom I enjoyed thoroughly in The Adjustment Bureau (2011) and Real Steel (2011), and will be featured in Captain America 2, has a combined screen time of about 10 minutes. Giovanni Ribisi, an excellent actor with a very diverse filmography is an afterthought. Nick Nolte is only present because the cast needed a dirty, old man; so who else you gonna call? The real problem is that none of these characters have a moment to actually shine on screen, which would effectively validate their existence.

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Falcon better not be the token black guy in the Captain America sequel!

Gangster Squad is Ryan Gosling’s film. His character’s profound apathy seems second nature to the man which accounts for just about every effective moment of comic relief for the entire movie. He is the only actor to show an effective arc that justifies and motivates change in his character. Of course, he’s the only actor to have the opportunity to actually do this. The trick is that Gosling makes it look so easy. The audience loves his charisma, cool and collectiveness. However, I feel remiss to praise Gosling too much for the simple fact he plays the best character in the script.

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This is my movie. MINE!

Gangster Squad doesn’t look, sound or feel like a noir/crime drama. This fact is made perfectly clear in the very first scene which reveals some unexpected gore in a very graphic manner. The slow-motion visual effects that run wild towards the end of this film need to stay in The Matrix. Chemistry amongst all characters seems flaccid. The plot is a cookie-cutter mash-up of every mobster related film you’ve seen from the past. Overall, this first film of 2013 fails to impress yours truly. It’s decent fun if you want to see someone punched in the face, but if you’re expecting more, you’ll just get a donkey kick to the groin.

Comic Book News

Review: Archer & Armstrong #6

Everything old is new again! Last month we saw the return of Valiant’s most brutal character, The Eternal Warrior, this week we see the rise of another old favorite — The Geomancer!

As our regular band of misfit heroes take a backseat this week in order to focus on another new arrival, Fred Van Lente manages to create a tale that instantly grabs readers attention and makes you yearn to know more about Kay McHenry.

She is a character that is bold and confrontational, a loaded gun of accusation easily pointed by Elliot Zorn at his competitors. But when the tough questions arise, ones that are directed at who she is and what she stands for, this strong woman is revealed to be just a facade. She is a hardened shell of a woman with no direction of her own. And finally, when she chooses a path — it’s the wrong one!

Van Lente does another fantastic job of taking Valiant characters from the past and breaking them in order to become better, more relevant today. He infuses them with such strong characteristics that they are instantly accepted by the modern reader as fan favorites, at least in my eyes, and we cannot wait for the next installment to see where they go next. He uses such a thin veil between the action, drama and comedic elements — did I mention there is a talking monkey in a dress having a tea party? — that it gently melds into a single amazing tale the captivates you. Nowhere else have I seen this done with such great poise and respect for both the characters and the readers.

No other company this week will have as many elements in a single book that Archer & Armstrong #6 does! From pirates to news correspondents, naval ships to tea drinking monkeys, immortal warriors to talking plants — you want it, they’ve got it!

So get out there and grab something different, grab something — Valiant!

Comic Book News

Review: Bloodshot #7

With the shocking ending to issue #6 foreshadowing events to come, Duane Swierczynsski turns back the hands of time in issue #7 and reveals to us just why Bloodshot is known in some circles as “The Bogeyman!”

Not an origin, more like a blood soaked waltz down implanted memory lane, this issue reveals to us even more of the horrific manipulation Bloodshot has been subjected to. This tale breaks the consciousness of a multi-faceted man into a singularly driven weapon, one that can be pointed anywhere with startling results! As long as he is being told that his daughter is held captive with other children, “Ray” will allow himself to be deployed into the most heinous areas of battle in order to ensure their survival. Unfortunately, him “saving” them is not always what the children want!

Swierczynski and Clark churn out one of the most action packed books month after month and this one is more of the gory same. Intense action, dramatic characterization and shocking intrigue, Bloodshot is a book that will satiate every action junkie’s need while giving enough emotional duress to keep us vested in the characters. And there are plenty of “new” characters in this issue to intrigue us all!

This issue is the one that will pave the way for the biggest crossover the new Valiant Universe has ever seen! Harbinger Wars is on the lips of comics fans everywhere, and this is where the trigger event is that will start it all!

Cast aside all those other crossovers that promise “big” things that never deliver, Harbinger Wars is coming and nothing remains unscathed!

Comic Book News Marvel

Review: Superior Spider-Man #1

Dan Slott has garnered more buzz in the last three issues of his Amazing Spider-Man run than anything in the previous two years on the book. So much so, that fans and celebs, especially Kevin Smith, have taken to all forms of media to talk about the life changing events that occurred to Peter Parker and Doc Ock. While most of the press has been negative, including death threats against Slott, some of us have been intrigued as to how these changes will affect Spidey’s world. Today we find out if Dan Slott’s gamble is worth your hard earned cash!

Slott poses an interesting idea of a highly intelligent villain taking over one of the most beloved characters in all of comicdom. The question has been posed as to whether he will be a hero or a complete menace to those closest to Peter Parker and the general public?

Unfortunately, Slott decides to ride the middle ground on the question almost through the entire issue. There is an almost Jekyll and Hyde scenario at play in the mind of Peter Parker, which ninety percent of the time has the “villain” win over the “hero” trapped in his head. This aspect makes complete sense and is better than a stylized “tug of war” over his actions. But what makes this book falter, is the complete pomposity of the “new” Peter Parker persona. Arrogant, creepy and completely loathsome, this character is an utter diatribe to Spider-Man! And I could live with that, he is Doc Ock underneath after all, but it is the lack of pushing the character over the top that makes it hard to read. If the gloves were off of this character and Slott used it in order to have him do some irreparable damage to the name of Spider-Man, finally destroy the hero that he so desperately wanted to for all these years, it would have made for a better read. Then, when the real Peter Parker eventually returns, there would be a bevy of great stories just waiting for us about the build up of Spider-Man as a hero again.

Instead we received another look at how socially pathetic and obnoxious Doc Ock is via a more chiseled physique!

All the hokey outbursts (“Because I AM PETER FREAKING PARKER!”), snide remarks and eerie, leering looks at M.J. make this a character piece that just annoys readers instead of intrigues us. By the time Slott truly lets Spider-Man show just how inherently “bad” he is, it is abruptly stopped by the “shocking” ending (spoilers). It is one that I wish would have not been revealed so soon in the series, and especially not in issue #1! If you are going to try and build something different – regardless as to what fan reactions may be – then do it! Do not stick a “shock” ending in the first book! Build to it, let the new status quo permeate the senses for awhile before revealing your hand. Let the “new” tale find it’s footing before giving it an easy out scenario.

Some will despise this book, others may enjoy the “jerk” of a hero that Dan Slott has created. Either way, there will be a buzz and Marvel, regardless of the fans, wins again.

Comic Book News

Advanced Review: The Walking Dead #106

Now that we have seen the extent of Neegan’s insanity and his peoples unnerving loyalty in issue #105, it is high time to see the fate of Carl! Well, not quite yet!

Robert Kirkman does what he does best in this latest issue of TWD. He ropes you in, making the storyline surround you and begin to close in. Your fear for the characters and their fates becomes palpable, there is a moment when you are on the fringe, unnerved and clamoring for what comes next. And then he pulls back! He slows the tale down, giving some much needed time to the development of other characters, ones that might not pull on the heartstrings quite as much. And you can breathe again.

This is exactly what transgresses between the pages of #106. We touch upon the fates of Carl and Rick, weaving in a little more uncertainty about the mental state of Neegan, and then we focus on others in the group and how they are dealing with the notion of Rick working with Neegan. It is a much slower pace than some of the last issues, but a much needed one as well. It gives the reader time to delve into the psyches of the second tier characters and how they are dealing with Rick’s lie. Some moments can be perceived as foreshadowing of worse things to come, but what can be worse than the fate awaiting Carl?

That’s where Kirkman truly encompasses the reader. The hints and misdirection, the foreshadowing and the let down, it’s the continual tease of what could happen next that makes this book so enticing! It is the subtle hints that all may not be well that drives you insane in his stories, but that’s the best kind of storytelling, the kind that makes you crave more!

By books end you are coaxed into a sense of comfort, you have made it through another great book with not too much blood on your hands. And then the hits come, the last page turns and the air is squeezed from your lungs. The cliffhanger rings out and you curse the next thirty days for being so long away.

Damn you Kirkman, why did you have to make these characters so good!

Comic Book News

Advanced Review: Shadowman #3

Shadowman must dive into the belly of the beast and survive the hollow coldness of the Deadside. It’s not the battle he must wage there but the decisions he makes that will forever change the course of his life. Can he be content living as just Jack or does he need to become Shadowman in order to truly live?

Justin Jordan and Patrick Zircher meld their wildly imaginative writing talents to bring to you a story of discovery and sacrifice that will solidify Shadowman as one of the best books of 2013! Between the fever pitch action, the soul searching drama and the off the wall circumstances our characters find themselves in, there is something to please every fan no matter what their favorite genre is.

Shadowman is a timeless tale of self discovery where the roads to our future are paved with bricks from our past. But what if the past is unknown to us and our future is strewn with things that are too strange to be real, things that cannot be conceived by the minds of mortal men. Who can take us where we need to be, who can show us who we can become? And, what if the answers to those questions are mired in shadow, where even a flicker of truth is scarier than not knowing at all? These are the questions posed by Jordan and Zircher each month. These are the ideas and plot threads that make Shadowman such a compelling read that never falters to deliver it’s promise of excellence. It is the protagonist’s sheer uncertainty about his actions in the face of horrendous odds that anchors us in our seats, breathlessly awaiting the turn of the next page!

Shadowman may be freezing in the Deadside but things are just heating up in Jordan and Zircher’s tale. This is the issue that will bring everything to a head, creating a scattered front against Mr. Twist and his master. Decisions will be made, friends may fall and the past emerges from the ether. This is a quintessential read for this week! Only one book is worthy of having the moniker “Superior” — Shadowman!

Marvel Movie News

The DOC’s A Year In Review: 2012

“In My Rearview Mirror”

By: Chris “DOC” Bushley

It’s late, my wife and daughter are snuggled up in their beds as visions of super heroes dance in their heads. Well, possibly my daughter’s but my wife is probably having visions of Channing Tatum! I cannot believe another year has passed us by and I ponder all the things that have occurred in one of the most tumultuous years comic fans have ever seen. There were the seething fans from the The Dark Knight Rises vs. The Avengers debate, the uproar over The New 52 Alan Scott’s sexuality, the shock over the brutal death of Glenn in The Walking Dead #100, the return of the Joker, Indie comics creating a big buzz with fans, Second Waves, Third Armies and Kirkman becoming the king of the world! 2012 was truly THE year to be a comic fan and my list is only the tip of the iceberg of all the things that occurred last year. So, take a look. Agree, disagree, it’s all in good fun. And remember, my list only contains things that I have personally seen or read so, if your favorite book or movie doesn’t appear here — make your own list in the comments below to share with us!

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BEST MOVIE: The Avengers: This summer blockbuster was so full of those classic, fun comic moments that you just couldn’t catch your breath. It was everything that Marvel had been painstakingly building up to for years — and it completely blew me away! The original Superman may have made us believe a man could fly, but The Avengers made me believe that gods live among us!

WORST MOVIE: Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance: Everyone forgot about this Valentine’s Day weekend blockbuster, didn’t they? Apparently, Ghost Rider did so well that they NEEDED to make this steaming pile of a sequel for the six fans that enjoyed it! I will sum this movie up in two words: Flame Urine! ’nuff said!

BEST “NON COMIC” SUPER HERO MOVIE: Chronicle: This “found” video film about teenagers that acquire super abilities had amazing scope and even better special effects. Though, by the final battle scene, I was finding it hard not to scream out, “Tetsuo!” at the top of my lungs!

BEST MOVIE CAMEO: Sam J. Jones a.k.a. Flash Gordon, Ted: When I first saw this movie, I nearly went into convulsions as “Flash” appeared on camera! Flash Gordon is one of my favorite childhood movies and all those scenes in Ted hit me with a wave of nostalgia. Fantastic!

THE MOVIE WTF!? MOMENT OF THE YEAR: John Blake knowing Bruce Wayne is Batman in five seconds: The Dark Knight Rises was a good movie, but it was riddled with WTF!? moments that I just couldn’t shake off. After three movies, Commissioner Gordon can’t figure out who Batman is but an orphan turned cop can the first time he meets Bruce Wayne as a adult? Crazy!

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BEST “NEW” COMIC COMPANY: Valiant Entertainment: The nineties are alive and well again and you can thank Valiant for that! But these aren’t your daddy’s comics anymore, each series has been laced with some of the industry’s top talents and are making a race for a top spot on your pull list each week! Smart and engaging, each book has it’s own niche in the grand scheme of the Valiant Universe, and if you didn’t get caught up in the “Summer of Valiant,” you still have a chance to catch up with the newly released $10 trades before the Harbinger War begins! Great stuff!

BEST ONGOING COMIC SERIES: Batman: Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo have taken the character of the Batman and completely remade him for a new generation without losing any of the nostalgia that older fans love so much. Not only have they perfected Bats himself, but the entire supporting cast and the rogues gallery as well. Not to mention, creating new villains such as the Court of Owls and their assassin Talons to further cement their names in the Batman mythos for all time. Oh yeah, and they created the scariest version of the Joker I have ever seen!

BEST NEW COMIC SERIES: Archer & Armstrong: Well, if you want to get technical, A&A was around in the 90’s but this “new”version surpasses it’s predecessor by leaps and bounds! Andy Diggle has created an amalgam of Lethal Weapon, National Treasure and part Animal House that will keep you enthralled and amused! There is nothing better than a drunk immortal and a virgin ninja fighting off assassin nuns!

BEST “NON SUPER HERO” COMIC SERIES: Mind MGMT: Matt Kindt stunned fans with his espionage, secret society, psychic warfare book! It is eloquent and atmospheric, creating a world that may or may not be reality but hooks you just the same. Don’t wait for the trades on this one, folks, Kindt has said that the single issues hold clues that WILL NOT be in trade form! GET IT NOW!

BOOK MOST IN NEED OF A MEPHISTO DEAL: Amazing Spider-Man #700: Okay, so everyone has been complaining about this book enough already so I’ll make it short and sweet. How can a villain who has wanted to kill you since issue #3 suddenly change his mind in the last five pages of issue #700 because he saw your memories? Yeah, I thought so!

WORST CROSSOVER: Avengers Vs. X-Men: With another shameless money grab by Marvel, the fans lapped up this horrible series that promised everything and gave nothing! Well, Professor X died, but besides that everything else went back to the same ‘ol same ‘ol. The Avengers are the world’s favorite again and mutants are hated more than ever! Too bad it cost fans almost forty dollars to get right back to where they started from!

BEST COMIC WRITER: Scott Snyder: Between Batman, Swamp Thing, American Vampire, American Vampire: Lord of Nightmares and Severed, Scott Snyder has created some of the most disturbing and fascinating books in 2012. Every issue is done with a true passion for the characters and an eye for detail that is missing in a lot of books today. He may not be Rob Liefeld’s first choice, but he’s alright by me.

BEST INTERIOR ARTIST: Esad Ribic: Some of the most stunning images have come from the hands of Esad Ribic. Whether it be variant covers for various Marvel books or the interior pages of Uncanny X-Force and Thor: God Of Thunder, Ribic is at the top of the art field. Quiet and reserved, this man let’s his images speak for him!

RETURN OF THE PRODIGAL ARTIST: Mike Mignola: Although Mr. Mignola has never stopped writing both B.P.R.D. and Hellboy, he hasn’t drawn any in quite some time. So, with one month left in the year, Mike Mignola sent the comic world into a frenzy when he returned to art chores on Hellboy: In Hell #1 in December 2012. It was utterly outstanding and made all our Christmas wishes come true!

BEST COVER ARTIST: Joao Ruas, Fables: Joao Ruas creates the most haunting and visually stunning covers you will see on the racks today. Mired in folklore and whimsy, these somewhat disturbing images are the perfect match to the stories found inside his astonishing covers. They are true works of art that everyone should behold.

FAVORITE VARIANT COVERS: Scottie Young’s “baby” covers: Scottie Young, the artist on Marvel’s OZ books, has been churning out very rare “baby”covers for all the Marvel Now! books and they are amazing! Well, maybe I’m biased because my daughter and I have read the OZ books and have a few of Scottie’s posters, but they are very cool collector covers. So, make sure you ask your local retailer if they get any in, you won’t regret it!

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BEST COMIC CHARACTER: The Joker: Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo have created the most sadistic, cunning and scary Joker character I have ever read! They have taken a character that has sometimes been used as a veritable joke in the DCU and made him someone that they should all be afraid of, especially since he seems to be always two steps ahead of everyone! Completely creepy!

TOUGHEST CHARACTER TO FOLLOW: Superboy: So, he has his own comic, he has been in Legion Lost, he has been in Teen Titans and he has been in The Ravagers. He is supposedly on the Teen Titans and the Ravagers teams but he is only there for an issue or two and then he vanishes! No explanation is given, he is just gone and no one knows where the hell he goes! Here’s a tip: put him on one team or none, but please make a decision! It is beyond annoying and he’s not that great a character to begin with — so just decide already!

MOST BRUTAL COMIC DEATH: Glenn, The Walking Dead (Image): TWD #100 was one of the most horrific books I have ever read. The utter disregard for human life that Neegan portrays is alarming and what he does to one of the most beloved characters in the TWD universe — completely sadistic. Kirkman knows how to pull on the ‘ol heart strings and that’s why The Walking Dead is no longer the little book that could, but a money making machine!

MOST POINTLESS COMIC CAMEO: Nova, Avengers Vs. X-Men: Okay, so he crashes to earth, mumbles and then falls into a coma. Twelve issues later, he flies out of nowhere punches a Phoenix charged Cyclops and then gets beaten to a pulp. Then Thor asks him is if he wants to join the Avengers? So, if I put on a football helmet, jump off the roof and fall into a coma — I could possibly become an Avenger too? Why didn’t anyone tell me it was so simple?!

THE COMIC WTF!? MOMENT OF THE YEAR: Peter Poctopus/Dr. Octavpider-Man: Oh, you know what I mean!

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WORST TOY OF THE YEAR: DC two packs of Squinkies: Okay, I know Squinkies have been around for years, but 2012 had some exclusive stocking stuffer two packs hit the shelves at local retailers. Now, can anyone tell me what these squishy miniature versions of The New 52 heroes are good for? They can’t fit as a pencil topper, they’re too light to use as a paper weight. Mostly, I scream Shazam at the top of my lungs and throw them at my intern, D-ROX’s head! If anyone has a better idea, let me know!

COOLEST TOY OF THE YEAR: The Walking Dead Minimates: Now we all know Minimates are AWESOME, but 2012 saw them become even better! With the launch of TWD Minimates, you can now control the fates of little versions of Rick, Glenn and Shane against a horde of four zombies! My desk has never looked better than strewn with “Lego-style” zombie parts!

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BEST TELEVISION SERIES: The Walking Dead(AMC): This series has been top notch since it’s inception and, as a fan on the comic as well, I couldn’t ask for anything more! Human drama mixed with a zombie backdrop, TWD has taken the world by storm and it goes to prove that comics are not just for “geeks” anymore! Plus, any show I can watch with my wife that doesn’t contain a judge’s chambers or cheating senators is a definite win!

BEST REALITY TELEVISION SERIES: SyFy’s Face Off: One of the most creative shows I have ever seen, Face Off, brings make-up and visual effects artists from around the country to compete against each other in a series of challenges. I am astonished by how creative the artist get with minimal time and equipment. Plus, there is always a bevy of quest stars to help judge their work, such as, Kevin Smith and LeVar Burton!

BEST CARTOON SERIES: Ultimate Spider-Man: This series is what I wish the Spider-Man cartoons of my day would have been like! Spidey’s witty banter, great looking art and friends that couldn’t negate each other’s powers! Now, I know Sam Alexander Nova is in there and that might not sit well with some of you, but it really is a great show! And anything I can watch with my daughter is well worth a fake bucket head any day!

BIGGEST MISSED OPPORTUNITY: Cartoon Network’s DC Nation: DC Nation is actually my favorite block of comic cartoon gold, but since Cartoon Network pulled both Green Lantern and Young Justice(my personal favorite cartoon) for no definitive reason, fans couldn’t enjoy their favorite shows! So, without there being any DC cartoons on Saturday, we all moved onto Marvel ones on Sunday, hence my pick for Spider-Man over Young Justice! Horrible idea by Cartoon Network!

MAN OF THE YEAR: Richard Corben: This living legend artist has churned out more books in 2012 than most of the “hot” young talent that the “Big Two” clamor over and he’s 72 years old! Well known for his work in the horror genre, Mr. Corben has seen quite a demand for his talents lately, especially from Dark Horse. He has worked with Mike Mignola on Hellboy, Jan Strnad on Ragemoor and has translated Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Conqueror Worm” into comic form. Mr. Croben was also inducted into the Will Eisner Award Hall of Fame in 2012 for his continued artistic prowess over the years!

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THE MOMENT THAT SET THE WORLD ON FIRE: Disney buys Star Wars: This was one of those events that takes you by surprise and you’re not actually sure if it’s true or not! I remember continually telling EIC Matt McGloin to, “Shut up!,” on the phone because I was so floored! Though fan reaction has been mixed, I personally cannot wait to see what will eventually come of this. At least it can’t be any worse than the “prequels” right?

If you made it this far — Thank You! I hope you all had a great year and we hope to see your ideas in the comments! Now, I have to go find my Squinkies for Monday morning — SHAZAM!

Comic Book News Marvel

Review: New Avengers #1

The shuffling of creative teams and the renumbering of almost all of their books, has been very profitable for Marvel. Where once they had been taking a beating by DC in the sales department, now, they have regained the top spots and harnessed a new found energy in the comics community with their Marvel NOW! line of books. There has been an overall sense of nostalgia melded with a new found excitement in these books, so when Marvel announced it’s first “big” Marvel NOW! book of the new year would be New Avengers by Jonathan Hickman, fans sat with anticipation for the new series. Unfortunately, New Avengers is but a shadow of the other Marvel NOW! titles.

Jonathan Hickman gives us a good book that warrants attention but it pales in comparison with all the other Marvel NOW! releases of the past year. Hickman delves into a tale that is heavily formulated around the concept of the sacrifices the present must make in order to preserve it’s future. A feeling that hits home in such a trying economic and political climate that we see ourselves in currently. It shows how one man must put aside his own personal feelings and reservations about others in order to find a way to save everything else he holds dear. It is an enlightening segue into a broader story awaiting us on the horizon, but it is merely not enough to captivate you with with a sense of awe we were all expecting.

Not that this story is bad in any way, it is unfortunately — mediocre. And mediocrity is not a word synonymous with Jonathan Hickman. The suspense, shock, drama and overall fascination that we are usually treated to in a Hickman tale, is just not there in this issue. There is no emotional pull for the reader to feel vested in the tale, and even with the inclusion of the Illuminati as it’s sales driver, it still falls short as a “must read” book.

With issue two looming just two weeks away, I can only hope that the story can overcome it’s lackluster debut issue any bring a tale that can excite and tantalize the readers as much as the rest of the Marvel NOW! books have. With Hickman at the reigns, I have no doubt that this series can become something worthy of your four dollars!

Movie News Reviews

Film Review of Les Misérables

Do You Hear the Oscars Sing?

A Film Review of Les Misérables

By: Lawrence Napoli

I remember having read the original novel by Victor Hugo in high school and despite viewing class as a complete and utter task, this was a story I genuinely enjoyed. I remember having been treated to a Broadway performance of the show in NYC starring Colm Wilkinson as Valjean and being blown away by the featured performances of several “Valjeans” from around the world performing One Day More in their native tongues after the finale. I remember being incredibly impressed by Les Misérables in Concert filmed at the Royal Albert Hall in London back in 1995. I remember being somewhat disappointed by Liam Neeson’s dramatic adaptation of the character in a star studded Hollywood film directed by Bille August in 1998. I am a Les Mis super fan. Needless to say, when I saw the Anne Hathaway trailer and Hugh Jackman mini documentary at my local Regal Cinemas, I just about lost my mind with voracious anticipation.

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One more day to fight. One more day to live.

But wait! The 2012 adaptation of the musical masterpiece of Les Misérables is not a perfect film despite every legitimate production element being worthy of Oscar nomination if not gold. Weakness #1 must be the scene transitions. Like any play, Les Mis has plenty of awkward shifts in geography and time as the plot progresses, but the format of this entertainment spares the audience uneasiness due to the orchestra’s transition overtures, on-the-fly stage transformation and strategic implementation of the curtain. A movie has no such need for any of these tools as time and space is far more easily manipulated. Unfortunately, 2012’s Les Mis has several moments where a change in song is as blunt as hitting the skip track button on a stereo. Director Tom Hooper clearly wanted an authentic representation of the musical on film, but I don’t believe being a slave to the music was the way to go. Adding short lines of dialogue or exposition could have easily reconciled these jarring transitions and would not have adversely affected the end product.

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Am I to be a slave of the original score?

Weakness #2 is that not every actor in this film is an accomplished singer. You’ve probably heard it by now, but everyone has designated Russell Crowe as the weakest link, and I truly hate to kick him while he’s down, but it’s all true. Yet, I feel compelled to defend Crowe because he is still a great film actor and some very raw emotion gets conveyed by the man’s face as the antagonist Javert. However, the sound that protrudes from his mouth is the furthest from menacing, demonstrative and anything matching the proficiency of anyone else in the cast. Tom Hooper could have helped his actor out in a couple of ways. First, consider dropping Javert’s lyrics down an octave to more comfortably match Crowe’s speaking voice. Two, immediately addressed Crowe’s legato delivery which is completely out of character for Javert who is meant to be staccato; further enhancing his domineering persona. Three, consider recasting all together. Russell Crowe is one of the greatest film actors of all time, but even his legacy will be bumped and bruised as a result of his efforts here. I just hope whoever produces the upcoming Academy Awards show does not make fun of Crowe’s Javert because that man will show up specifically to knock someone out on live television – Romper Stomper style.

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Not one word! Or else someone gets a fist in the face!

Those issues aside, Les Mis uses other Hollywood tools to their maximum potential which infuses layers of pristine production value to the overall experience. The camera’s ability to get right up close into each and every actor’s face is one thing the stage will never be able to duplicate. Danny Cohen’s cinematography allows the audience to absorb every ounce of sorrow and happiness from an extremely accomplished cast that is equal to the task. It also allows the actors to use the freedom of live singing as the cameras roll to put more of their characters into their songs. The costume design by Paco Delgado reflects classic depictions of each character, but is no less proficient than any production that came before. The combined efforts of production designer Eve Stewart and supervising art director Grant Armstrong deliver the kind of set pieces that give early 1800s France an epic scale never before depicted by this musical.

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Set design: BANG!

The biggest surprise of this film was the performance of Amanda Seyfried as young adult Cosette. She’s already shown that she could sing for the silver screen with her performance in Mamma Mia (2008), but those tracks were recorded in a studio and dubbed in post production. Ms. Seyfried reveals quite the lovely soprano voice for her live recording and although I was expecting a professional acting performance, I was not expecting such an exquisite voice. I totally bought into her chemistry with Eddie Redmayne’s Marius which was no small challenge thanks to both of their characters’ limited screen time.

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The blonde beauty of Seyfried

For the record, the biggest disappointment is technically Russell Crowe’s Javert, but he wasn’t the only one. Thénardier and his Mrs. played by Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter respectively were amusing playing the comic relief of this production, but neither was hysterical and I felt their acting and singing seemed to be holding something back, muffled in projection, diminished in capacity. I respect that Borat was the only member of the cast to attempt a French accent whilst singing his tunes, but a man that has made a career out of shock, despicable and disgust should have been able to produce a more repulsively delicious rendition of Thénardier. Granted, both Cohen and Carter have very limited screen time, but anyone playing a character not named Valjean or Javert has to deal with that reality and others did so with greater success.

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Lazy, mailed-in, or something else? You decide.

Speaking of which, Anne Hathaway’s portrayal of Fantine was inspired, so much so that I must begin to reevaluate my general disdain for her as a result of her work in Les Mis. Her performance of I Dreamed a Dream is easily one of the most emotional moments in the entire film as any viewer can tell that Hathaway is digging deep into her own soul to produce the face of despair and desperation. Now, I could never claim to have tasted the kind of real world horrors like homelessness, disease and physical abuse, but I can certainly identify with the endless toiling of mind-numbing work where the only reward is keeping the bill collectors at bay. However one identifies with Fantine, it is Hathaway that compels us to sympathize. Even Victor Freeze would be hard pressed to hold back the tears.

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Is the dream truly dead?

The Co-MVPs of this production are an obvious choice and an unexpected one. Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean/24061 was just about the biggest no-brainer of the decade in Hollywood Land. The man’s experience in musical theater, his physical stature, his experience in films in addition to the wide variance of his roles makes him the perfect actor for the perfect role. Jackman buys into his role heart, body and soul as is frighteningly obvious as Valjean, the prisoner is almost Machinist skinny in the beginning of the film and I have never seen Hugh in any kind of physical condition other than prime. Jackman puts the entire spectrum of human emotion on display and maintains a high level of intensity as only the best leading men of Hollywood have done. It will be a stretch for Wolverine to triumph over Abraham Lincoln for this year’s best actor in a leading role, but it is very possible and quite deserving. Also, his chemistry with Valjean Legend Colm Wilkinson, who plays the bishop in this film adaptation, is remarkable for its brevity and a proper homage to the history of this musical’s significance.

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Machinist Valjean

The other MVP happens to be Eddie Redmayne as Marius. I was misty eyed for most of the film, but when he sang Empty Chairs at Empty Tables, it was all over and the waterworks began to flow. This moment is the emotional climax of the film and with only 50% of the film’s overall screen time to work with; Redmayne steals just about every scene late in the game because the intense sincerity in his eye is second only to Jackman. Best known for his recent role in My Week with Marilyn (2011), Redmayne is coming up on the Hollywood power charts and I certainly expect his name to be nominated for best actor in a supporting role for his excellent work in Les Mis.

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Red: the color of the carpet. Black: the color of my tux.

Even the most casual fan of Les Misérables, the musical will be stunned by the vibrant life this film breathes back into the tale. For those unfamiliar with the play or the novel, expect to see a powerful tale of the downtrodden attempting to rise above poverty, greed, hunger and hate to find a higher cause in life for themselves and others. It is a story that reminds us that life will always throw danger, complication and hostility in our direction, but even a simple act of kindness given by or to us can give us the strength to carry on. Those familiar with the story will be very forgiving of the transition gaps so viewer beware. You may have to simply accept the plot jumps on faith alone, but also know this. If you are willing to suspend that disbelief and open your heart you will bear witness to one of the best dramas that expose the essence of humanity: the dichotomy of grace and disgrace.

Comic Book News

Advanced Review: X-O Manowar #8

There has been a tense truce made between two completely different warriors. One has the guile and skill of the world’s top assassin, the other is a brash, brutal, headstrong warrior that barges into battle with a cry on his lips and a sword in his hand. Together they must put their animosity aside in order to do something no one else can — save the world!

Robert Venditti continues to steer Valiant’s flagship title to new heights of amazement! Issue eight is a tense, testosterone fueled cornucopia of mass destruction that will make you giddy with excitement. Secret government agents, disguised aliens, the British air force, lasers, throwing stars, a flying Visigoth, spin kicks and two sword wielding warriors! What doesn’t this book have? In a word — NOTHING! This issue is an absolute insane trip of action at it’s best and it will only get better from here! But, don’t think it is just all about devastation and mayhem either.

Venditti has sown in some very interesting plot twists amidst the chaos of battle as well. The status quo of the Valiant Universe will begin to shift due to the actions taken in this issue. Characters are evolved past their “supporting cast” roles and it will make for some very interesting plotlines in the upcoming issues. We will begin to see things develop that have been hinted at since issue one, but Aric may not be ready for the subtlety it will take to dwell in this modern world. It is about to become a much darker place in the Valiant Universe and this issue is the one that will eventually lead to the widely anticipated “Planet Death” storyline coming in 2013!

If you are ready for an action packed issue that will completely blow you away — wait no longer! Storm your local comic shop and demand for it by name! X-O Manowar! The best flagship title you can get your grubby little hands on!

Comic Book News

Advanced Review: Harbinger #7

A trio runs from near death at the hands of Toyo Harada, two of them are psiots while the third — a mere mortal. But it is this mortal’s cunning that has been keeping the trio alive. Her sheer will to live has given them time to escape, time to heal their wounds and most importantly — time to plan. This trio is done with being chased into hiding, they are finished with being hunted, it is time to recruit others to their cause of justice. It is time to prepare for war!

Harbinger #7 is an in depth look at the newest recruit in the war against Harada — Flamingo! It is a harrowing look at how a young woman, Charlene Dupre, has gone from a small town ‘bad girl” to a used and abused denizen of backwoods hell. Her tale is one all to often seen in reality, making the reader instantly connect with her on an emotional level. We may not agree with her choices or lifestyle, but we can empathize with her inner turmoil and outward pain. It is tough to “watch” her tale as we are led down memory lane from her perspective, but it is these kind of stories that make this book continually a “must buy” every month! The sheer amount of depth given to this character in but a single issue is astonishing!

Joshua Dysart is a maestro at creating powerful characters. Not just with their outward psiot abilities, but with the fractured beings underneath all that power, the “human” aspect that gives great range and duality to the character. Each character is completely multifaceted, creating a world that the reader is emotionally tethered to despite all of the “super powered” things going on in it. It is the “grounding” of the characters in an insane world that makes this book completely unique in the genre and it has captured the hearts of a new generation of Valiant readers!

Sultry, stunning and completely sensational, Harbinger #7 is the pinnacle of character driven stories! So, don’t miss the debut of the next amazing character in the Valiant universe — Flamingo! Believe me, she’s totally “hot!”

Comic Book News Marvel

Review: Avengers Arena #1

Let’s not pull any punches about this book. This series is Marvel’s answer to all the tween hype given to The Hunger Games, and the much more brutal, Battle Royale. They even mention – as a rather funny quote from Arcade – that the inspiration for the entire event came from “a couple kids’ books!” Mimicry is NOT always the highest compliment, but in the case of Avengers Arena, it’s not truly mimicry either. This book is much more than copying the motions of another tale, it has a heart all its own, and for me, is Marvel’s best book of the week!

Yes, this is a tale of teenage, and one not so teenage, heroes thrown together in a battle to the death. It has been done before and most certainly will be done again, but it is the tale that lies beneath the broader strokes that compels you to push through this tale of brutality to it’s destructive finale. It is the connections that are made, the loves threatened and the ravings of a girl who never truly enjoyed living until her own life was at stake, that draws you emotionally into the tale. Dennis Hopeless has crafted something that far exceeds the parameters this style of story was based on, and has given us a deeply compelling look into the hearts and minds of some exceptional characters that never truly got the chance to shine on their own. Ironically, this tale will also be the final chance we get to see of these characters, at least we got to know them better in their final days!

Not only does Dennis Hopeless give us an emotionally charged, action packed tale of mortality, but he also gives us a different look at one of the oldest X-Men villains. Arcade has taken center stage as the “big bad” in this series, but most fans will not recognize him in his fresh incarnation. He has become a veritable “god” in this tale, one who is near omnipotent in power and cunning and is not afraid to get his hands dirty. He has evolved far beyond the sneering, freckle faced heckler that let his mechanical murder machines do all the work. Hopeless has built him up as a truly terrifying rogue that not only demands respect but obedience as well, pushing him to the top of the list of most intriguing characters to watch. It is the character of Arcade that brings a sense of intrigue to a tale rife with action, diversifying it even more so than the emotional duress we receive from our “heroes.” It is these factors that lift this tale above the mere some of it’s parts, making it a wondrous read from cover to cover.

Dennis Hopeless and the amazingly talented Kev Walker have crafted a book that may be misconstrued as a mere money grab by Marvel -a blank check to capture the tween readership – and I truly hope it does bring them in. This is the book that will get new readership talking about how amazing comics can be regardless of movie tie-ins and big budget marketing. This is the book that will draw readers in with an idea they all ready know and will blow them away with how rich and emotionally charged the comics genre is.

This is the book that all fans, new or old, should be reading. Don’t let the concept fool you, you will be underestimating how great this book really is!

Comic Book News

Advanced Review: Batman #15

There are times when a book or storyline will hit you so hard visually that it immediately takes your breath away. There are times when a writer can move you with as little as a single word, captivating you in their world which then transcends everything around you. Then there are times that you get the perfect combination of both aspects and you marvel at how few times this caliber of greatness actually occurs. Batman #15 is such an instance, revel in what great comics look like!

I used the first page of the issue as my teaser image, a bit unorthodox, but I wanted everyone to see just how captivating a single page can be when done to perfection. You are drawn in immediately, first by Capullo’s completely unnerving rendering of the Joker. The image dredges up such deep rooted emotions in the reader in a single second. It appalls, and yet hypnotizes you with the sheer horror of the image. An unsettling visage that seems to stare through your eyes and directly into your soul. As you gaze away, it lingers there deep in the recesses of your mind, turning and forever grinning that Cheshire smile. It is an image that will become as iconic as the the first time he appeared 73 years ago!

Secondly, as you peel your eyes away from the toothy leer, Snyder ensnares you with the written word. He taunts you stating, “Look into his eyes and tell yourself he’s just a man.” He breaks you with but a single phrase, cracking the fourth wall and sending you back for another look at the diabolical creatures face glaring at you. You read on, realizing that it is Batman talking, but not to you. He is speaking to himself, trying to rationalize the creature in front of him exactly as you do the same. Just as you feel safe again with the notion that someone else is here, standing beside you, giving you hope that the lights may soon come on and the thing in the dark isn’t truly as scary as it seems — the hero blinks. He maybe here but he is unnerved as well and your hope slides out of you as chill laces it’s fingers around your heart.

Dwell on this outstanding page and then realize it occurs another thirty times throughout the book, each page an emotional whiplash of revelation, speculation, fissures and breakdowns. It is a breathtaking whirlwind that solidifies itself as some of the best storytelling in the Batman mythos! Fall into this book and pray that you will have the strength to pull the light switch on by books end. If you can’t — you never will again!

Comic Book News

Advanced Review: The Walking Dead #105

The Walking Dead is virtually everywhere you turn these days! TV, video games, lunch boxes, t-shirts, posters, action figures, magazines, novels — you name it, it is emblazoned with it’s logo! But nothing, and I MEAN NOTHING, can compare to the original concept that is brought to fans monthly in The Walking Dead comic book! Case in point, The Walking Dead #105, just when you thought it was safe to assume the path Kirkman was going to venture down, everything changes in the blink of an eye.

This issue is a wild ride into the inner sanctum of Neegan and his followers. But it is not just the surroundings or even the complete and utter subjugation of the people who live there that disturbs you, it is the utterly twisted mind of Neegan himself that keeps your heart pounding after every page. By no means is it pounding out of excitement, but rather the all encompassing fear of what terrible fate may befall Carl at any given moment! Kirkman has created absolutely no filter for his Neegan character, creating an issue that flips between whimsy and absolute devastation at a moments notice. It is unnerving to say the least and by the time you are finished with the final page, it is as if you were caught in an emotional tornado and thrown violently to the ground.

There are instances in The Walking Dead #105 that will disturb you, there are things that will be shown that we have not seen before in Kirkman’s world and you will feel pity for a small boy that has been thrown into an adult world. This story will bore it’s way under your skin, making every thought uncomfortable, every turn of the page unbearable and your mind will twist in the breeze with a barrage of possibilities that are just out of reach and will never come. It is a torturous feeling of uncertainty for our beloved Carl, and I would not have it any other way. If a story makes you feel this unnerved over a two dimensional character, you know it is amazing!

I will not give spoilers for this book but I will tease you with one thought. You will see Carl do something fans have not seen him do for a very long time — shed a tear!

Now — GO GET THIS BOOK!

Comic Book News

Advanced Review: Bloodshot #6

For all of the Bloodshot fans out there, we all know that there are BIG changes coming for our abused “anti-hero.” But what exactly are those changes going to be? By the final page you will know and you will be completely blown away!

This issue sees Bloodshot continue to storm Project Rising Spirit in search of his “stolen” memories, but what awaits him is a bevy of grotesque assassins known collectively as — CHAINSAW!

Riddled with bullets, blood and mayhem, Bloodshot #6 is an action packed barrage to the senses that won’t let up until you are gasping for breath! It is a rigorous journey alongside a character that is not just a one dimensional killing machine, but rather, a complex “anti-hero” that strives to retain the humanity he once had in the face of horrors that never stop. At its core, it is an expose’ about the human condition and how all we truly need in life to be happy is to matter to someone. To be excepted and loved for who we are and how bitterly we will fight to get back that sense of “home” once it has been stripped away from us. It is an idea that is sometimes lost under the layers of blood and discord that is ever present in the pages of this book, but it is always there driving this series ever forward.

But, don’t get me wrong — there is plenty of action, surprises and revelations in this issue to more than whet your appetite for all things that go boom! Would the series really be called Bloodshot if Duane Swierczynski wasn’t going to continually assault your senses with more action than a “summer blockbuster” movie? I think not!

So, lace up your boots, check your supplies and put on a poncho — this one’s going to be messy! The battle against Project Rising Spirit and their horrific creations named CHAINSAW, has begun. The fight for one man’s humanity continues, but he just might lose what little he had left in order to get there. After this — everything changes!

Comic Book News

Advanced Review: Archer & Armstrong #5

Are you ready for the explosive debut of The Eternal Warrior to the all-new Valiant Universe? Even if you think you are ready, believe me, you are NOT!

Continuing immediately after the events of Archer & Armstrong #4, our oddly paired heroes are on the run after the death of a Geomancer, which in turn, unleashes the wrath of The Eternal Warrior! Chaos ensues as Armstrong must try to slow his brother down so his ally can escape. But can even Armstrong’s sheer brute strength be enough to stop a being purely fueled by rage with an immortality to rival his own? It’s a possibility that issue six may only have one moniker in the title!

Steeped in flashback sequences, issue five gives us a look at the past history between Armstrong and The Eternal Warrior. It is a brutal and tense relationship, one that focuses on how completely different the brothers are — mimicking the relationship between Archer and Armstrong in the present. It is a pitch perfect tale, giving the reader a sense of direction and information about such a powerful character without making it feel forced or losing the feel of the story running concurrently with the flashbacks. It is a good juxtaposition between the past and present of the Valiant Universe, making the future storylines even more rich for doing so.

Fred Van Lente has created a series that is at the pinnacle of perfection and is a crowning jewel in the Valiant Universe! Every issue is filled to the brim with enthralling action sequences, compelling characterization and a sense of wonderment that can only be rivaled by the heaping amounts of fun you will enjoy while reading it again and again! There is no telling how far he will take us on this wild ride but I for one, have become a fan for life!

Be bold, be daring, be — Valiant!

Comic Book News

Review: Shadowman #2

The second book under the “Shadowman” moniker is actually a first real look at the rest of the cast of the book. While Jack Boniface takes a backseat this issue, we get to understand the “hows” and “whys” of almost all the other characters — including the nefarious Mr. Twist!

Beginning with one of the best first pages I have read in a long time, Justin Jordan and Patrick Zircher have created a slow-burn issue that answers some gnawing questions while dredging up even more. It is a focus on the history of the characters that will direct and “misdirect’ the actions of Jack Boniface for the future. A well thought out character piece that not only furthers the initial story revealed in issue one, but also helps to solidify the “world” of Shadowman for the readers. The cast of characters are so intrinsic to each other that it only makes sense to delve into their motivations at such an early start to the series and this writing duo does it flawlessly!

While the story may burst with action and intrigue, Patrick Zircher’s true contribution to this book is his gorgeous art! From squirming demon slugs to a “little person” with a firearm, Zircher makes this book absolutely come alive on the page. It is thoroughly en”gross”ing and utterly entrancing to gaze upon the images on every page, he is a true talent no matter which hat he may be wearing at the time! Just check out this interior panel to understand exactly what I mean:

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Shadowman #2 is a shining star in an already brilliant Valiant Universe! It is no matter if you were a fan of the previous incarnations, with but a single issue of Jordan and Zircher’s collaboration — you will become one now!

Movie News Reviews

Spike TV 2012 VGA Fallout: The Good & The Bad

2012 Spike TV VGA Fallout

By: Lawrence Napoli

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, what did Spike TV do now?

[[wysiwyg_imageupload:4553:]]Last year, my underlings at Cosmic Book News and I discussed several failings regarding the 2011 VGA’s and the kind of improvements that were needed to make this televised event simply better. This year, we prefaced December 7^th with a 3 part podcast that raised several concerns regarding the games that were represented, the categories themselves and which games we thought should be recognized as the best.

After watching last night’s show I was left befuddled, in the middle of the arid wasteland, alone with my thoughts, completely convinced that I was living in another world in the year 2012 where I played video games that no one else apparently played and experienced things that no one else did.

Then I had my moment of clarity and realized that once again, the Spike TV VGA award show reaffirmed its static role in the videogame industry as a dedicated marketing tool and nothing more. As such, the following truths reveal themselves to be self evident and unwavering:

1) The show is barely an awards show and merely a lengthy, cross promotional commercial.

2) The show does not provide an adequate venue for the industry professionals that make games.

3) The show is more interested in looking ahead than appreciating the present.

4) The winners determined have less to do with quality and more to do with economic power plays that fabricate trends and enhance already popular ones.

[[wysiwyg_imageupload:4557:]]The Host

Samuel L. Jackson’s return as the host of Spike TV’s VGA award show is most welcome in light of past curiosities such as Zach Levi and Doogie Howser, er . . . Neil Patrick Harris. The man conveys equal parts confidence and eccentricity and this show needs his type of energy. I enjoyed his frequent cursing (would have loved to actually hear it). I enjoyed the fun a 64 year old man clearly demonstrated in being the temporary focal point for an industry he may or may not have genuine interest in. Either way, he’s an excellent actor and an exceptional host. Kudos, Samuel L! The audio clips of your most iconic dialogue in films set the tone for a very entertaining evening and those in attendance were truly privileged.

The Musical Performances

There was a lot to talk about in regards to the music of the 2012 VGA’s. It all starts with the orchestra that was featured multiple times (as well as that hot, blonde 1^st violinist in the leather dress) that played a musical homage to all of the game of the year nominees. They even had the girl who sang the vocals for the Dishonored theme, which was a neat add-on. Then there was DJ Wolfgang Gartner who kept the tech, pop, beats pumping throughout the show which was very acceptable, but by no means exceptional. I enjoyed Gustavo Santaolalla’s live performance presenting another introductory trailer for The Last of Us which is set to be released May 7^th 2013. I also got into Linkin Park’s performance of Castle of Glass, the theme for Medal of Honor: Warfighter. I honestly don’t care if Linkin Park isn’t what they used to be as a band, but their performance was solid. Finally, Tenacious D gave the show a nice bookend with their signature 80s rock sound. I’ve never been the biggest Jack Black fan in the world, but he’s a decent showman.

[[wysiwyg_imageupload:4563:]]The Celebrities

Right off the bat we are all greeted by 3 cast members of The Walking Dead TV show: Steven Yeunn (Glenn), Norman Reedus (Daryl) and Danai Gurira (Michonne) make the presentation for the Best Shooter Category. I didn’t care for Zach Levi and his weird haircut making some color commentary (and promoting his nerd website) with Alison Haislip. Zach needs to stay away from this show. Jessica Alba presenting the world premier of Dark Souls 2 was funny due to every male in attendance achieving simultaneous erections, but odd because it had no connection to her little intro story concerning her “love” of Super Mario Bros. Marlon Wayans shows up to shamelessly promote his dumber than Scary Movie, scary movie who simply presents (Rasta) Snoop Dogg who talks about how much he loves Tekken Tag Tournament and then introduces Assassin’s Creed 3’s Tyranny of King Washington expansion. Before Tenacious D got to playing music, they presented the first ever Game of the Decade recipient which I completely disagreed with, but we’ll get into that later. Yet another curious celebrity cameo was Zoe Saldana (Star Trek Into Darkness) presenting Game of the Year (which I also disagreed with) who claimed it took some extra effort for her to be at the awards, but wouldn’t miss it for the world. Overall, the celebrities seemed out of place and for the awkwardness to end, they’d be better off staying home in the future.

[[wysiwyg_imageupload:4556:]]The Good

The best thing I saw all night was the world premier of The Phantom Pain by Moby Dick Studios, a Swedish company that no one has apparently ever heard of before. It featured a haunting trailer of a man attempting to escape a hospital that was besieged by murderous soldiers as well as some supernatural force which had many speculating as to what this game could be. The internet has recently provided a possible explanation via conspiratorial links to Hideo Kojima and Konami in order to shroud what this game may really be: Metal Gear Solid 5.

Possible link #1) Later in the show, cameras cut to Kojima’s table, making note of the 25^th anniversary of the Metal Gear franchise. Link #2) Moby Dick’s CEO is listed as Joakim Mogren. “Joakim” is an anagram for “Kojima.” Link #3) “Mogren” contains the word “ogre” as in Kojima’s secret “Project Ogre” which Kojima himself refutes having anything to do with Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes, further suggesting that Project Ogre is, in fact, Metal Gear Solid 5. Link #4) The main character bears a striking resemblance to Solid/Old Snake or Naked Snake/Big Boss. Link #5) Several on the internet suggest the man on fire shown in the hallway is Colonel Volgin from MGS3 and Psycho Mantis from MGS1 is seen briefly towards the end of the trailer. Whatever the rumor and speculation concerning The Phantom Pain suggests, the trailer looked amazing, mysterious, suspenseful and everything gamers want to see in new projects.

Other show highlights involved the video skits that put Samuel L. Jackson’s likeness in various video game videos. They were all quite funny featuring Sam’s affinity for the F-word, but my favorite was the digital composite of Sammy in The Walking Dead: The Game graphics. I also enjoyed the overall flow and format of the show despite the fact they make precious few “award presentations.” I also want to make note of the really cool commercial for the game Metro: Last Light which presented it in a very dramatic fashion, but almost zero game footage to prove it.

[[wysiwyg_imageupload:4558:]]The Bad

Here’s the short list:

1) Anything that continues to make South Park into a game, 2) Zach Levi’s hair, 3) the world premier of Castlevania Lords of Shadow 2 — Castlevania in the world of today? 4) Marlon Wayans, 5) too many Playstation All Stars commercials, 6) the “new” voice of Lara Croft making an appearance without much of an English accent despite her claiming to be very British, and 7) Ken Levine pushing the release of BioShock Infinite (which looks AMAZING!) further into 2013.

The Ugly

The results, ‘nuff said! And now we roll up the sleeves:

Best Shooter: Borderlands 2?– I never agreed with this game being in this category in the first place. If Borderlands 2 was subjected to Goldeneye’s award system, it would win the “Where’s the hit detection” award every time it is turned on. Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoyed Borderlands 2 and it is worthy of winning Best Multiplayer, but come on! Shooting needs more precision than that.

Character of the Year: Claptrap?– Ok so I guess this was a bit of a fan favorite and Claptrap is hysterical, but I bring this result up to make a further point regarding Borderlands 2 as a production. What does it say about your game when none of your main characters get considered for this category and the annoying comic relief gets the victory representing all characters for the year of 2012?

Best Individual Sports Game: SSX?– Do we even need stupid categories like this?

Best PS3 and Xbox Games: Journey and Halo 4? – The biggest “no duh” moments of the evening and totally worth mentioning only in passing.

Best PC Game: XCOM: Enemy Unknown? – I’m pretty sure Guild Wars 2 is amazing and XCOM is just pretty fun. I have no explanation for this.

Studio of the Year: TellTale Games?– No.

[[wysiwyg_imageupload:4559:]]Game of the Decade: Half-Life 2?– Entertainment Weekly compiled a list of 10 games since 2002 which were deemed worthy of the title “Game of the Decade.” Unfortunately we don’t exactly know what this means because it clearly doesn’t mean “the best.” Such a title implies the best incorporation of all elements of a video game that creates a truly seminal work of art. Wii Sports (2006) was on this list because it sold a hell of a lot of copies considering its simplicity both as individual software and with every Wii bundle that is currently collecting dust in your grandmother’s basement. Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (2002) was considered because someone really fell in love with cell-shading Link (FYI, I didn’t). World of Warcraft (2004) was considered because it is the biggest money making juggernaut (from a purely software perspective) of all time. Shadow of the Colossus (2005) was on the list for its “alternative art” status. BioShock (2007) was considered because of its twisted take on art design, its kick-ass gameplay and giving shooters more intelligence. Batman: Arkham City (2011) was considered for being the best video game adaptation of all time. Red Dead Redemption (2010) was here simply for being the best offering Rockstar could muster up. Portal (2007) was here to fill out another “different type of game” slot. Mass Effect 2 (2010) SHOULD have won because its combination of graphics, gameplay, narrative, characters and scale redefine what it means to be a videogame and is on the short-short list of best games ever.

But, Half-Life 2 won because a lot of nerds out there sleep next to a blow up doll of Gordon Freeman.

[[wysiwyg_imageupload:4560:]]Game of the Year: The Walking Dead: The Game?– Thank you Robert Kirkman.; AMC and TellTale Games have relevance thanks to adapting your comic book. And make no mistake! 2012 is the year of TWD; good or bad, right or wrong and it is that shear fact alone that explains how this game took home the title of Game of the Year for 2012. If you require an explanation, I refer you to my review of TWD’s final chapter and thoughts concerning the game overall right here. Despite the insane ridicule suffered by Mass Effect 3, it is a superior game in EVERY respect. Of course, I could say the exact same for Assassin’s Creed III and Dishonored (both of which I am enjoying very much right now). The only Game of the Year contender I haven’t experienced is Journey, but simple games like that are lucky to have been made, let alone win for GOTY. This was simply the wrong choice and I loved The Walking Dead: The Game. But it is an extremely flawed game and to a large extent, doesn’t fully qualify as a game in the first place.

So who were the losers of the 2012 VGA’s?

Assassin’s Creed III and Ubisoft got absolutely zero love from Spike TV this year. This is quite stunning considering the quality of the game and the dedication of the company, but I somehow feel this is backlash for producing annual titles for a series that I affectionately refer to as suffering “The Madden Effect.” Madden comes out every year, they charge $60 bucks for it and how much of a “new game” are you really getting for your money? The Madden Effect has already taken a hold of Call of Duty. Apparently Assassin’s Creed needs to go into hibernation for a while to get back some respect.

[[wysiwyg_imageupload:4562:]]Who were the “winners” of the 2012 VGA’s?

The Walking Dead and TellTale Games are the obvious choices besides winning Game and Studio of the Year they also took home Best Adapted Game, Best Downloadable Game and Best Performance by a Human Female (Melissa Hutchinson as Clementine). The real winner, however, is Robert Kirkman because his children’s children can easily afford to eat as well as he clearly does without concern for health risks because they are now (or will soon be) super rich thanks to The Walking Dead. I’m happy for Kirkman because the success of the comic book is warranted.; however, I give one warning to heed in regards to selling his license out as shamelessly as the local hooker. TWD: The Game is already showing a lesser polish to its product and the more hands that are stretched out, begging for a piece of TWD, the greater the chance for dilution pissing the brand away. I realize Kirkman’s comic series is soon coming to a close, so I guess it’s cool to take whatever money he can grab now and run, but that doesn’t mean TWD will be truly dead. If someone pays Kirkman more than enough money, you bet your ass he’d come up with more TWD stories. The fans love TWD specifically because its tone is the polar opposite of the concept of “selling out.” Please don’t break our hearts Robert. It’s ok if you feel the need to kill off Carl.

Movie News Reviews

Video Game Review: The Walking Dead: No Time Left (Episode 5)

A Video Game Review of The Walking Dead: No Time Left

By: Lawrence Napoli

Chapter 5 of TellTale Games’ The Walking Dead is a proper, although not so very surprising, end to this adaptation of Robert Kirkman’s signature IP. Originally, I was intrigued by the concept of an episodic game being presented over the course of time because A New Day showed so much dramatic promise, compelling characters and yet another zombie themed game I could get into. As new chapters were released, new mechanics (like shooting) were integrated and I wondered how this game could grow on the player when the “game play” aspect was simply not consistent. The execution of every chapter has left much to be desired and not just because the “timed release” aspect of this project seemed more like “whenever TellTale wanted.” Lee Everett moves like a tank, even when he’s running. Action is sparse. Scene transitions frequently freeze up or glitch out. Voices blink out of sync. Oh, and lest I forget the whole “illusion of choice” phantom mechanic at work which merely presents the player with multiple ways to reach the SAME exact plot twists. Say what you will about the Mass Effect series and its morality mechanic; at least it delivers variance in the journey and at the end of the game (we will pay no attention to the end of ME3 for the time being).

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It doesn’t matter how many you shoot in the head!

So here we are: you, me and a copy of this episodic game which may or may not be installed on your hard drive at this very instant. But before you wipe your HDD in disgust or purchase it hastily let me tell you my feelings regarding the value TWD: The Game. DO NOT pay more than $20 if you are thinking of making a purchase. Season passes on Xbox Live and PSN had every episode in your hands for $19.99 while Steam featured sales for much less than even that. When I heard that TellTale was releasing physical copies the game this upcoming December 11^th and charging $29.99 for them, I was flabbergasted. No one will ever convince me that TellTale’s offering equates to a 50% value of the average AAA game when they (as formulaic as they have become) deliver so much more than TWD such as multiplayer, larger environments, smoother mechanics, polished single player campaigns (for the most part), better graphics, better sound AND equivalent VO performances & enthralling stories. All of these standard AAA elements may not be interesting to the player by themselves, but their collective presence provides entertainment options of which TWD has only one in comparison: drama.

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To be avoided at the $29.99 (or more) price point.

Drama is TellTale’s saving grace amidst what might seem like a scathing review thus far. This software produces one of the best narrative stories I have ever experienced in the presentation of a video game. Writers Sean Vanaman, Mark Darin and Mark Whitta outdid themselves in carving out a perfect niche of Krikman’s zombie apocalypse by maintaining perfect tonal synergy with the fiction fans of the comics and TV show are familiar with. If the player enjoys audio/visual entertainment and does not have a heart of stone, this story will make you feel sympathy and suspense; hurt and happy. The common man character type, which TWD as a franchise has made its very own, carries over in full effect for the game. No one is spectacular which means everyone is relatable. The fact that zombies are littered all over the place is merely a zesty garnish to give the plot some edge. Every chapter of TWD brings A-game drama to the plate and as much as this is its biggest strength, it could also be its fatal flaw. The determining factor will forever be if the player accepts the presentation of this drama as entertainment enough. If the concept of “a really good drama without much action” turns the player off, then this game never gets turned on.

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Not exactly a high wire, but certainly high tension.

This brings me to Chapter 5: No Time Left in particular as confirming the determination (or stubbornness) of TellTale’s same-old/same-old approach to every chapter. The one thing that jumped out as different for me was the implementation of dynamic camera angles as the player’s avatar navigated certain scenes. Otherwise, No Time Left had the exact same quick time controls and wretched environmental navigation as always. Combining these elements with one of the most obvious endings in the history of fiction leaves a bitter taste in the player’s mouth by the end. It was during the final credit scroll that I realized that I barely needed to be present while playing this game as the choices I made throughout ultimately impacted nothing. Characters that were meant to die were dispatched and those meant to live would do so. I didn’t care so much about using a tazer or a sickle to take out a cannibal from a previous chapter. I didn’t care about exploring one room over another, taking one tool instead of another, chastising one member of the group over another. Why should choice matter when it doesn’t change the character, the journey or the outcome?

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Hopefully you don’t feel like doing this after playing.

TWD by TellTale Games is a lazy interactive drama that requires the most pedestrian of hand-eye coordination to complete. To a very large extent I question TellTale’s need to present this story in the form of a game in the first place. An animated feature would have been a much more satisfying experience because it would have deleted EVERY negative aspect of this production: the game play. TellTale would be good to remember the effort made by the good folks at Quantic Dream who invented the term “interactive drama” with one of the most unique and successful games of all time: Heavy Rain. The game play mechanics at work in both games are similar, but not the same. The main reason it worked for Heavy Rain (without getting too much into it) was because the quick time controls were more organic to better reflect the action on the screen (of which there was plenty).

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Drama yes; action no.

I can only recommend TWD by TellTale to the rabid followers of all things TWD. The average gamer more interested in shooting digital people will get very little out of this entire series. TellTale will release a second season to continue the story with the characters that survive. It is only a matter of time. However, if TellTale thinks it can pull the exact same gags on THIS gamer/reviewer then it has another thing coming. It needs to improve on every programming element to this game short of graphics. The action needs to pick up, transitions need to be polished and either mature the choice tree options or be done with them all together. TellTale gets 1 chapter of season 2 to change my mind, otherwise it will get the worst press imaginable: no press.

Comic Book News

Advanced Review: The Legend of Luther Strode #1

It has been five years since Luther Strode decided to read “The Hercules Method” and his world was torn completely apart. His mother and his best friend were brutally murdered and by the final page, he is left utterly alone to dwell with what he has become.

But now, Justin Jordan and Tradd Moore have brought there “bogeyman” for evildoers back into the spotlight — creating a morbidly solemn character that transcends the moniker of hero, for that of Legend! Uttering not a single word throughout the book, Luther fits his new moniker well. He is only seen in glimpses and shadow, dishing out devastating punishment with the swiftness of Mercury, leaving no one left to oppose the hand of justice! But as the criminal element of the tri-state area converge to deal with Luther, a single person might just hold the key to his downfall!

Continuing from the fan-favorite mini-series, The Strange Talent of Luther Strode, The Legend of Luther Strode #1 brings more of the gory glory that you have come to expect! But as with the first series, this one does not just rely on the utterly ridiculous violence to capture your attention. There is a heart and soul to this tale that completely engrosses the reader into Luther’s horrific world and, most importantly, into the broken man that is Luther himself. He literally has nothing! He is a man with a single room, a bucket to wash off the residue of shattered criminals from his large frame and a wall to remember those he has destroyed. His scarred body is a reflection of his even more scarred psyche, creating the question for the reader, “Why does he even do this anymore?” after seeing his solemnity. But does anyone ever ask the hero why do they stand up to those who do wrong? No, those questions are always asked of the villains! But, in this series, the villains thought process is clearly explained. They want to see if the “Legend” is true, does the bogeyman REALLY exist? Apparently, no one ever told them not to poke a beehive with a stick, it will only result in you getting stung!

This issue is even more over the top than the first series! A gory, slaughterfest of amazing art and story that will enthrall you with it’s quick pace and utter insanity! A bevy of brutality that is held up by the understructure of fantastic characterization! Tradd Moore’s volatile art will overwhelm the senses, but it is Jordan’s glimpse of humanity beneath it all that will keep you enthralled for the next installment! Bring a mop and a raincoat, folks, this one’s going to be messy!

Comic Book News Marvel

Advanced Review: All-New X-Men #2

The world has been torn asunder after the Phoenix Force merged with Scott Summers. Cities are destroyed, mutant hate is at its peak and the man whose dream brought all the X-Men together — lies dead at the hands of his first student. Things couldn’t be worse for the mutant race, especially since there are new mutants manifesting powers every day and a revolution has begun! All looks bleak, but for one specific X-Man, it is even worse. Dr. Henry McCoy is dying from another genetic mutation, but before he dies he will try to correct the present by visiting the past!

Brian Michael Bendis has crafted a thoroughly engaging tale, rife with nostalgia, that any X fan will not only appreciate — but hold most dear. It is a tale of desperation and longing for a time when things didn’t seem so complex. A tale of time travel and fantasy that feels so natural and well executed that the mere thought of time/space conundrums — is not given a second thought at all! It is so far fetched that it completely makes sense, not becoming an overall burden to the reader or the story.

It is quirky and fun and devastatingly real, bringing a microscope down on all the things that have gone awry over the years and the loss of faith in Xavier’s dream. This tale is as fresh and exciting as the fundamentals the original five X-Men had the first time they suited up. A juxtaposition of a far too dark present and a vibrant, albeit slightly naive, past. The characterization of the “little X-Men” is pitch perfect! Bendis has found their true essence and has treated it reverently, giving no qualms in his ability to scribe the “Merry Mutants” in this fans eyes!

All X fans will be clamoring for this new series, it is the shot of adrenaline the X books have been so desperately in need of! Bendis fan or not, this book will sway you towards being an X fan all over again!

Movie News Reviews

Movie Review: Lincoln (2012)

The Legend of Lincoln

A Film Review of Lincoln

By: Lawrence Napoli

To quote fictional President Andrew Sheperd, “America isn’t easy. America is advanced citizenship. You gotta want it bad.” Of course, the most common perception of “citizenship” in today’s America is layered with apathy, entitlement, conspiracy, cynicism and a general opinion of “my vote doesn’t count.” It’s easy to presume that this zeitgeist has always existed through the course of American history, but if we are to presume any historical accuracy of a film such as Lincoln (and the impressive list of institutions at the end of the credit scroll certainly suggests it), I would have to disagree with that statement. One key difference between the Civil War era and today was the existence of bold and true leadership in the past. Few American politicians are recognized in a positive light for any reason and fewer still are noted as such in the course of their active civil service. This film, however, is clear about identifying the genuine love and respect for Abraham Lincoln within the remaining union by his constituents and opponents respectively. Make no mistake, politicians of yesteryear are portrayed as no less agenda-affiliated, arrogant and underhanded as they clearly are today, but there was and will never be “another” Abraham Lincoln as this individual’s resolve, intelligence, charisma and presence places him above and beyond the eternal rat race that is American politics.

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The man, the myth, the legend.

Lincoln’s script was penned by Tony Kushner which is partly based on the novel Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln written by Doris Kearns Goodwin. The story is a biopic period piece that centers on the presidency of Abraham Lincoln during the time preceding the passage of the 13^th Amendment to the American constitution and the formal end of the Civil War. Although the story does center on Lincoln, the president – Lincoln, the man; it is also happens to be a very thorough observation of the day to day operations of the federal government at the time. As much as Lincoln has been historically identified with emancipation, this film acknowledges the efforts of several others to help make that a political reality. This film is an exquisitely executed dialogue driven drama, but viewer beware. This film severely lacks action so those who can’t lock into a 2.5 hour session of verbal sparring may be turned off, yet this fact really doesn’t hurt this film due to the strong performances by the entire cast. The most powerful element of this story is the portrayal of Lincoln himself. His history and legend is undeniable, but his portrayal as a grounded human being, humble and grandfatherly infuses Lincoln’s legacy with the essence of real world heroism that turns him into one of the truly super human beings in the history of humanity. As horrible as this point in American history was, this film showed it wasn’t completely devoid of merit.

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Troubling times to say the least.

Director Steven Spielberg once again showcases his knack for dramatizing American history in a way that is interesting, relatable and entertaining, but the one element that sells all of his films beyond the special/visual effects, costumes, sets and production value, is the performance. Spielberg gets maximum effort from his actors and you can point directly towards his ability to communicate and empower even those who may have bit parts to produce signature performances. Even the most arrogant, ignorant and clueless graduate of UCLA film school could direct Daniel Day-Lewis in his or her sleep, but very few seasoned professionals could get something special out of Sally Field, whom I initially thought was a complete miscast for the role of Mrs. Mary Todd Lincoln. Spielberg shows his passion for the subjects he researches and it reflects in his casts’ performances which impacts the outcome of the final cut of his films. His work proves that there is a significant difference between directors and auteurs.

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True blue Union soldiers.

The cast of Lincoln demonstrates what a roster of seasoned veterans can do when they are all focused on the task at hand. I must begin with Sally Field as Mrs. Lincoln who hasn’t wowed me in anything since her performance in Forest Gump back in 1994. Her rendition of Mary tip-toed around her historic turbulent relationship with Abraham by consistently maintaining the character’s maternal passion for her children as well as her intellectual confidence by holding her own with her husband’s coworkers amidst the business of government. David Stratharin is one of my favorite actors and his portrayal of Secretary of State William Seward was that of a true brother in arms with Lincoln equally devoted to his ideals and the effort required in reunifying the United States. James Spader delivers another smarmy yet poignant performance as the obscure lobbyist WN Bilbo. You’ll remember Jackie Earle Haley as Freddy Krueger and Rorschach, but he delivers a very dignified performance as Alexander Stephens, the Vice President of the Confederacy (P.S. Jackie bears a frightening facial resemblance to this man). And of course, who can ever forget to mention Tommy Lee Jones in any production let alone his performance as Radical Republican Thaddeus Stevens in Lincoln. I am happy to report that his flaccid performance in MIB III is not repeated here as his ability to shift status as Lincoln’s antagonist and uneasy ally proves that he’s still very much engaged in the Hollywood acting game.

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I am NOT over the hill!

The Academy can give Daniel Day-Lewis the Oscar for best actor in a leading role right now. As much as I eagerly anticipate Les Misérables and earmark it as the best film of the year before having seen 1 second of it, no one will approach this man’s performance as Abraham Lincoln. Sometimes the Oscar is given to a great actor. Sometimes it’s given for the performance of a great role. However, the combination of a great actor producing a great performance in an iconic role would be downright criminal to be recognized as anything less than the best. Abraham Lincoln may have always been known as a great man, but Daniel Day-Lewis reminds us of his humanity, intelligence and humility (and NOT his fictional abilities as a vampire hunter). For one brief instant in time the audience is given an intimate window of the past and Abraham Lincoln is as real as he has ever been portrayed on film. Daniel Day-Lewis may not be as marketable as the likes of Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise, but his ability as a thespian makes him a clear cut above the rest.

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Give him the Oscar; NOW, NOW, NOW!

Lincoln is one of the best films of 2012. History junkies may find themselves in fantasyland while watching this film. Most Americans will be moved by an exceptional recreation of one of the most dramatic and dangerous moments in American history. Some who still identify with Confederate culture may be incensed by this film’s existence, but should not feel disrespected by how the Confederacy is portrayed. Anyone interested in experiencing a cinematic period piece will be satiated by fine writing, directing, acting, historical accuracy and production value. Lincoln is the furthest thing from the concept of a “popcorn film,” but it is very fulfilling and fully solidified Abraham Lincoln in my mind as the greatest American, ever.

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Trust me, this is not the scene you think it is.

Cosmic Book News

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