Monday, August 29, 2011

Last Chance to WIN!!!!

Don't forget, today is the last chance to enter our Lost At The Con giveaway!  This amazing book by Bryan Young can be yours!  Check out our review here.

To enter, like our Facebook page and fill out the entry form. A winner will be selected on TONIGHT, August 29th.  


Make sure to stay tuned, we have planned to fill the next few weeks with giveaways, advice, maps, and other fun-filled NY Comic Con related goodies.




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Sunday, August 28, 2011

Sunday Links for August 28



I'm trapped by the hurricane but in case you are safe, make sure you celebrate International Read Comics in Public Day! I'm hoping that Getsuyobi follows through with number 1....
(via [insertgeekhere])


In anticipation of the premiere of the DC 52, many of the artists have been releasing preview art pieces. I'm in love with the Nightwing piece.
(via Robot 6)


If you are is upset about the DCnU, then imagine a monthly comic team-up of Batman and Iron Man, or Oracle and Forge. Well, it almost happened. Check out this possible alternate universe.
(via Bleeding Cool)


It is always important to treat your local comics dealer with respect. Here are the in's and out's of managing your pull list so everyone is happy.
(via The Weekly Crisis)


Ever give up on a video game? You aren't alone; it turns out that most people never complete any video games.
(via CNN)


Finally, make sure that you enter our Lost At The Con giveaway! It ends tomorrow so go enter now!


Until next week....




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Friday, August 26, 2011

Video Friday! 8/26/11

Forgive the delay but in fighting off the hoards of panicking people who are trying to stock up on supplies for lil ol' Hurricane Irene, I got a little held up. But it will take more than crazed people running in the streets with their arms loaded with canned goods to prevent me from getting Video Friday to you. So here are some fun vids to get you through the night or make your hurricane wait more bearable, at least until the power blows.


This made my night. Who wouldn't want this bird as a pet?





Have you seen the Magneto deleted scene from X-Men First Class yet? One really has to wondered about Professor Xavier. Not only does he seem to be kinda kinky but even then he had a thing for redheads. Thanks Entertainment Weekly!





This is just the cutest thing ever.





And finally, because we are about to get hit by Hurricane Irene (supposedly), I think it's only right to include this:





To the East Coast, please be careful, stay safe and take whatever precautions are advised. To the rest of the country and world, have a great weekend!

Thursday, August 25, 2011

International Read Comics in Public Day


It’s time to take to the streets!  This Sunday August 28, 2011 we celebrate International Read Comics in Public Day!  Show your geek pride and enjoy your favorite comic out in the world with your friends.  This is our day to show that we’re not the stereotypical, introverted social-outcasts that comic readers are commonly portrayed as (or at least in my case, a day to pretend I’m not like that...)


As most international movements do, it all started as a joke between friends.  Editors of the comic blog The Daily Cross Hatch, Brian Heater & Sarah Morean, were tired of the constant snickers and feelings of shame when mentioning their passion for comics in public.  They decided to band together with fellow enthusiasts and stage their form of pride parade.  From there Read Comics in Public Day took off.  Now it’s an international sensation with sponsors around the globe.


So, how are you going to show your pride this Sunday?  You can check the official website here for some planned meet-ups throughout the world.  I know going to the park or the beach with your favorite comic will support the cause, but here at IGH, we feel it’s time to kick it up a notch or eleven.  Below, you can try your hand at some of my picks for the best places to read your comics in public.

Top 10 places to read comics in public:


10. In Traffic
Now, I won’t tell anyone to endanger themselves or others.  I will however vaguely imply that they should on the Internet...  Can you imagine the look on your fellow commuter’s face when they see you stopped at a red light reading Amazing Spider-Man?  Classic!
Having a Sharingan helps to multi-task while driving.

9. At the Gym
This one may be a little more risky than the last.  There’s a high chance you may run into the kind of person who doesn’t take kindly to “nerds” here.  In my opinion, it’s all the more reason to geek out while on the treadmill.  Pick up a copy of the Flash and remind them that us “nerds” rule the world now.
Ladies...

8. At a Sporting Event
Imagine having your image up on the Jumbo-Tron reading the Walking Dead while your local team loses (again).  At least you’ll pick up some practical uses for a baseball bat that way.
Pictured: "Practical" application


7. The Back Seat of a Bicycle For Two
Grab a buddy and head to the park for relaxing ride. Make sure you get the back seat.
That's what she said.


6. Marching in a Parade
Combine your geek pride with whatever other pride parade is going on!
Or, combine your geek pride with your nerd pride.


5. In a Movie Theater
Did your significant other drag you to see some awful romantic comedy?  Pass the time with an X-men graphic novel for some real relationship drama.
"Yes honey, Ryan Reynolds is sooo funny."


4. At a Renaissance Fair
Old school meets new!  Get medieval on their behinds with the latest copy of Irredeemable.
Pretty sure you don't have to worry about feeling like a nerd with this crowd.


3. In a Fancy Restaurant
There’s nothing more romantic than getting all dressed to the nines and reading Transmetropolitan by candlelight with your sweetie.
"I love you Spider Jerusalem."
"... who?"
"I mean Beth.  I love you Beth..."


2. On a Roller Coaster
The trick is timing it so you get the photo.  Put it on a T-shirt and wear it to the party in your honor that will surely ensue.
What's really creepy is that they're actually not making a sound.


1. In a Hurricane
The extreme weather shows your extreme commitment.  Now if only we knew where a hurricane was?
Come on Irene ~ 
BTW, my goal is to have a picture of myself completing the above list by next years IRCiP Day.  If you beat me to it send us the pics and I’ll officially declare you King-Fan.
Good Luck and Enjoy!


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Wednesday, August 24, 2011

What is a Geek Anyways?

There has be a lot of commenting on people's "geek cred" and if they are a "true geek" or just pandering for attention.  There has even been people challenging other about whether they are a geek in public forums.  This really got me thinking about the geek dilemma.  We throw that word around but what does geek really mean?


From the awesome Ibrahim Evsan 


Now, as geek is currently used by the general public, it refers to those awesome people who enjoy an aspect of pop culture. This area of pop culture is comprised of sci-fi, fantasy, horror, magic, wands, swords of metal or light, space, the final frontier, wii elbow, lands that are far, far away, heroes - super or gritty, villains - evil and likable, and cupcakes. This is not a complete list but should cover the general public's view of the term in question.


So I did the nerdiest thing I could do: I looked Geek up in the dictionary. Then I looked up Money Laundering, just for kicks.


Definition of GEEK
(copied and pasted directly from Webster's Dictionary Online)


1: a carnival performer often billed as a wild man whose act usually includes biting the head off a live chicken or snake
2: a person often of an intellectual bent who is disliked
3: an enthusiast or expert especially in a technological field or activity <computer geek>




So let's look at our options. Number 1 is definitely the oldest meaning of the word. I'm going to use my knowledge to make some educated guesses about assuming that we all aren't secretly wishing to bite off chicken/snake heads (if you are, huzzah for you), but that knocks one down.


As for number 2, it kinda fits the general public's image of geeks. Except....apparently it is cool now to be into "geeky things" so maybe this is another out of date. Don't get me wrong, it can apply but if this is how a person defines themself, it is kind of sad.


And now, it's time for number 3. In case you didn't guess, this is the big finish! So number 3 says an enthusiast or expert especially in a technological field or activity is a geek. Well, we already knew that from our general public description. There is one thing that sticks out though. Technology field is an example of a type of geek, not the definition of one. So we could replace technology with just about anything. Like [insert hobby here] geek. Finance, needlepoint, chicken heads, disney channel, history....the list can go on and on.


So, in the end, anyone that is an enthusiast or expert can be a geek. If someone challenges you, on creds or terminology, then send them to me. Unless, of course they want you to bite the head off a chicken.  Then you're on your own.





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Monday, August 22, 2011

Win a Copy of Lost at the Con!

Welcome to [insertgeekhere]’s New York Comic Con countdown!

With NYCC a mere two months away, we felt now would be the time to start whipping up everyone into a con frenzy as we get ready for our main event of the year. To kick things off, we are giving away a copy of Lost at the Con.

Written by award winning filmmaker, columnist, author, editor (is there anything he does not do?) Bryan Young, Lost at the Con tells the story of Cobb, an alcoholic political journalist, who is forced to take an assignment at the sci-fi/fantasy convention, Griffin*Con.

With references to Star Trek, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and many more, anyone reading this will have a great time figuring out what or who Cobb is talking about as he dives into the world of geekdom.

From cosplay to slash fiction to paying exorbitant amounts of money for autographs and pictures, Cobb spends his time trying to figure out what makes the attendees tick while he is also going through some intense personal issues and questioning his own life.

Young’s writing is direct and keeps a quick pace. The book is funny and smart and thought provoking. That is why it is the perfect book for geeks and non-geeks alike. So follow Cobb on his wild ride and enter now!

To enter, like our Facebook page and fill out the entry form. A winner will be selected on August 29th.

Expect the next 8 weeks to be filled with giveaways, advice, maps, and other fun-filled con related goodies.



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Sunday, August 21, 2011

Sunday Links for August 21




Baltimore Comic-Con is this weekend, and last night was the Harvey Awards. Congrats to all of the winners!
(via The Beat)

Need a bit more horror in your life? Then check out this trailer for American Horror Story. The trailer isn't too creepy but this is a phenomenal cast, so I will definitely give it a shot.
(via TVLine)

Bryan Young got to be one of the lucky few that made it into the first round of beta testers for the elusive and secretive Pottermore. I admit, I wasn't excited until I read this sneak peek.
(via Huffington Post)

A new teaser image from Marvel came out....any guesses about "Who are the Forgiven?"
(via iFanboy)

Finally, are you going to SXSW 2012? Well, if you are, then here is your chance to pick your panels. Go check put the panel potentials and submit your votes!  If you have a potential panel on the list, let us know in the comments below!
(via SXSW)


Until next week....


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Friday, August 19, 2011

Video Friday! 8/19/11

Happy Friday!!! Here's what's been floating around the web.

This has to be one of my all time favorite "celebrities doing awesomely funny things on tv" moments. Not only does Anne Hathaway prove she can rap but her "I can't believe I just did that" expression and blush makes the whole thing even better.



All I can say about this is WANT!



via Geeks Are Sexy

Dark Horse Comics posted this on their Facebook page and it was too good to resist. Who knew Ewoks could move?



This one raises a very good point. If they had the ability to go back in time, why not use it? Why leave it to a child to save the world? Just sayin'



via Dorkly

Finally, this shows us what people are really thinking when dealing with others in the game of office politics. Is it exaggerated? Of course, but it is also pretty true and that's what makes it great.



via The Awesomer

Have a fantabulous weekend!

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Review: X-Men #15.1

It's been a while since my last Point One review! I missed a couple issues that I will go back and review, but I am back on task! This past week, we got a Point One taste of X-Men. 


This post is SPOILER-FILLED so if you are allergic to spoilers,
go read another tasty article on [insertgeekhere].


In this issue, the X-Men are stopped in a small village to fulfill the last wish of an old woman. She wanted to be sealed away by magic before her death, and the X-Men's Dani Moonstar wanted to help her friend. The old woman, Awanata, had protected her village by trapping demons within her soul. Since Gambit and Cyclops were both unsure of this plan, they raised doubts. As the conversation continues, Ghost Rider appears. He says he was summoned by a sin in the village and of course the moment he says it, the demons escape. Make sure you pick it up for the big finish!

First off, I am really disappointed with the cover art. The cover just looks so messy and crude. If I felt that the art matched the story, I could forgive it but it just feels out of place. The story art is wonderfully done in comparison. The panels work well with the story and include a lot of detail work. Some of the fight scenes seem a bit busy but overall, the art worked really well.

This story was an easy-to-read one-shot. It gave a good glimpse of the characters in the book, while featuring heavily on Dani. My only complaint is that they went with a story that feels very removed from the current arc. In the end, this serves as a X-Men morality tale, not a traditional X-Men battle.

I'll admit, I'm not reading X-Men, but the appearance of Ghost Rider really surprised me. I just don't think of those characters or worlds mixing.  However, that is what makes it an interesting story. For lapsed or new readers, they know they are getting a special guest to add to the story. This is definitely great for lapsed readers but may confuse new readers who want more time spent on the core team.

This is a good story for lapsed or early X-Men readers because it gives them a small taste of what they have been missing. It may be a so-so choice for complete n00bs since it's not the standard storyline for X-Men.

X-Men #15.1
Story by Victor Gischler
Art by Will Conrad
Colors by Brian Reber
Letters by Joe Caramagna
Cover by Jason Pearson

My Point One Journey so far: 
* Review: Daken
* Review: Alpha Flight
* Point One Update
* Review: Secret Avengers
* Review: The Avengers
* Review: Uncanny X-Men
* Review: Thor
* Review:
Captain America
* Review:
Uncanny X-Force
* Review: Hulk
* Review: Deadpool

 
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Sunday, August 14, 2011

Sunday Links for August 14



This past week, Nancy Wake passed away. She was one of the top resistance fighters in WWII and a true hero. Nancy Wake was a strong and proud woman that we all aspire to be. Make sure you read about her amazing heroics.
(via Bust)
Marvel is halting production on some graphic novel titles. See the list for the ones you may want to pick up asap.  I'm thinking it may be time for me to finally read Runaways.  Are you getting any?
(via Bleeding Cool)

It's time to start getting ready for the fall premieres! TVLine has a handy dandy calendar of the September premieres.  Start planning your fall!  What show are you looking forward to the most?
(via TVLine)

In reboot news, there is a chance of a Munsters reboot. Bryan Fuller, of Dead Like Me and Pushing Daisies fame, is trying to bring a darker, edgier version to our TVs. I'm not sure how I feel about this, but if it's anything like Fuller's other work, it will be critically acclaimed and canceled way too soon.
(via Cinema Blend)

Finally, iFanboy's Mike Romo muses on how the world would really handle having a Superhero. My guess: not well.
(via iFanboy)


Until next week......


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Friday, August 12, 2011

Video Friday! 8/12/11

Happy Friday one and all! Here are some great videos that popped up this week.


This remake of the classic Pinball Number 12 brought back some nice memories. It's one of the few old timey bits they still play on Sesame Street.





Cuddle like a pro with Uncle Jesse himself with the help of a very special friend.





I have been pretty vocal about my feelings on Google+, but I think this sums it up better.





via Geeks Are Sexy


I admit my love of Game of Thrones is starting to become a little consuming, but dagnabit, this is funny! Also NSFW!





via CollegeHumor


And finally, it's the games of old dealing with the new games, Godfather style.





via The Awesomer


Til next time!


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Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Why Kickstarter is Awesome

Kickstarter is awesome. In case you didn't know, Kickstarter provides anyone with a dream a chance to make it come true. They can apply to Kickstarter and when approved, post their idea for the world to see. Anyone who is a fan can pledge some $$$$$ in support of seeing that project come to life. What's the catch? If the project doesn't meet their goal, they don't get funded.


I am happy to say that [insertgeekhere] has been a 
strong supporter of Kickstarter projects and every single one 
that we have supported has succeeded.


Now one of the benefits of Kickstarter is the rewards. Yes, it may be a little greedy to get a reward for helping out a person but I'm only human. And you know you like presents too. I love presents and this present for helping his campaign succeed is just too awesome. So thanks Kickstarter for connecting us with Tom Lenk!




You can check out the details of his Kickstarter campaign here.


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Monday, August 8, 2011

Midtown Comics Book Club: Planet Hulk with Greg Pak and Mark Paniccia


It’s time for another visit with some of your favorite creators. This time, writer Greg Pak and editor Mark Paniccia stopped by to talk about Planet Hulk.

For those not familiar with the story, it is a tale of the Hulk getting betrayed by his “friends” on Earth and shipped off planet, supposedly to one filled with no intelligent lifeforms. Unfortunately, he does not end up at his intended destination and instead, lands on one of the most violent places imaginable.

The club was kicked off with introductions and our moderator, Thor Parker, deciding to take us back in time to a simpler time when Civil War was getting ready to happen. Joe Quesada felt it was important to keep the Hulk out of Civil War, seeing as how he could tip the scales being the strongest there is, and getting Hulk off planet helped with another story, Peace on Earth, that was already in the works and would give the Hulk a chance to completely cut loose. Paniccia told us how all the pieces fell into place and everything worked out perfectly.

Pak went on to explain how he went to a meeting with Axel Alonso, Quesada, and Paniccia, and told,” Hulk, alien planet, gladiators, monsters, battle axe.” To which he promptly replied, “Yes!”

Other highlights include:

Pak spoke of how he had always wanted to work on the Hulk, so he would casually drop hints whenever possible.

Thor asked if they felt a lot of pressure regarding the book even though it was not a part of Civil War. Pak replied that for every book there is pressure because these are “legendary characters, created by geniuses, and there are hundreds of people out in the world, who know more about these characters than any writer does.” Then he spoke about one of the challenges with the characters is figuring out what their “thing” is and taking them to a new place while still respecting what the character is about.

We found out that Chris Sotomayor, the colorist, came up with the idea of having only Hulk be in green for the first issue. Then through out the run, more green would be added as Hulk influenced his surroundings more. The only exception being Caiera, whose eyes were green as a little tip off she might be a being of importance to the Hulk.

Originally, the run was only supposed to be seven issues, but when it proved to be popular, they were given an additional seven issues. This allowed them to put back elements they had originally taken out.

Paniccia spoke of how Pak’s love for the Hulk came through in every issue and that helped make the story flourish. Then he went on to speak about how both he and Pak feel Hulk and Banner are the same person, which is different from what many writers have done in the past. He also talked about the great scene between Caiera and Hulk, when she says she wants to see all of him, Banner included.

Thor asked how Pak dealt with the Hulk being the character that probably spoke the fewest words in the entire book. Pak told a fun story he had heard about Clint Eastwood, in one of his westerns, crossed out many of his lines, saying someone else could do them because he was not about to deliver any expository dialogue. The less he said the more powerful his character was and that was the similar approach Pak wanted to take with Hulk. He was also inspired by his high school soccer coach, who would just stare at him, not speaking, whenever he had to speak to him about anything like needing to leave to do another activity.  Hulk is a man of action, not words.

Quesada was very supportive of the book and offered guidance whenever possible including helping make the Hulk look less “handsome,” as he appeared in early sketches, and more like the monster he is.

The most challenging part of the book for Pak was that this was his first on-going series, so he was not used to writing out of sequence. Paniccia said the scheduling was the most difficult. They really wanted to make sure everything shipped out on time and the fans would know the book would be out like clockwork, but there were some times when it was a challenge. They both spoke of how great the rest of the creative team was to help make sure this happened.

An audience member asked if, towards the end, Pak had considered asking Quesada for another few issues because the world had been such a great creation. Pak said he knew he would revisit it with Sakaar and as he put it, “you don’t want to stay until the last bit of applause has finished.” Paniccia also said it felt like the right amount of time and they did not need to stay there any longer.

Another member congratulated Pak on Planet Hulk arriving in Korea. Then she spoke of how the Hulk is called so many different names and wondered if there was a deliberate plan for the names. Pak replied that it was not intentional but names mean different things to different people and how names need to be earned. He pointed out that “Holku” was something a Korean grandmother might call him, so it made sense that Caiera was the one to call him that.

Wilderowens closed the meeting, asking about what goes into dealing with the duel personalities of Banner and Hulk. Are they separate or interconnected? Pak said they are different aspects of the same person. They are both responsible for what the other one does. Paniccia said the “What If?” really helps highlight this. He went on to say that since they are the same person, Banner was able to recognize that the planet was too dangerous for him so he let Hulk take over but he also let Hulk borrow some of his “smarts,” so Hulk could strategize and think better.

On that note, the book club ended, and we got to have our books signed.

As someone who has tried repeatedly to get into the Hulk books and failed, this is probably the best storyline I’ve read that has made me excited to see what happened next. If you haven’t read it or you are looking for a way into the books, pick up Planet Hulk. You will not regret it.

The August graphic novel will be Beasts of Burden with writer Evan Dorkin. Hope to see you there!

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Sunday, August 7, 2011

Sunday Links for August 7


Another hot and humid summer week with some fun news updates....

Shockingly this week, there were mean people on message boards. This time, they were bitching about the new Ultimate Spider-Man, because he is not white. *gasp* Really people?! I would love to just say "grow up idiots" really loudly, but Elliott Serano says it much classier.

Despite only releasing a single, though critically acclaimed issue, NonPlayer has been optioned by Warner Bros. I would love to see how they bring that vibrant and beautiful world to life.

MoCCA announced their 2012 dates....which are the extact same weekend of Stumptown. Indie comics will be covering each coast but the indie creators will suffer having to pick only one show to attend.
(via The Beat)

Some moron tried to steal a cop car by telling the cop it was part of The Dark Knight Rises. I just don't understand how someone could be that stupid.
(via Robot 6)

Until next week...


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Friday, August 5, 2011

Video Friday! 7/5/11

It's time for.... VIDEOS AROUND THE WEB!!! (echo.. echo.. echo..)


It's the Saved By the Bell/Final Destination mash up you never knew you wanted!





I need to start running because I think I'm going to have to do this next year if it's around.





via Nerd Approved


Special Effects are awesome!





via Warming Glow


This is kind of old but I just discovered it and it's beautiful.





via Buzzfeed


Finally, because now I'm in the mood to dance, here are your favorite Mario Brothers performing at the 2011 National Jitterbug Championships. If this doesn't make you want to get your geek dance on, nothing will!





via The Daily What


That's it for this week. As always, if you find something fun and interesting you think we should put up, email us at insertgeekhere@gmail.com



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