Kevin Smith is Pulling Back the Curtain at DC!

Seriously though, don't you love behind the scenes looks?  Well, it is even better when you're going behind the scenes at DC Collectibles.  And if you can't be there in person, at least super geek Kevin Smith will totally ask the right questions.   Check out the details below. 

Walking Dead Season 2 Midseason Finale

I am suffering from nerd rage. I kept hoping it would go away but it hasn’t. I know shows that are adapted from other source material tend to be different. I'm okay with that. I expect it. BUT when a creator says he's going to stick to the basic framework of the source material, I expect them to keep their word. That's right. folks. I’m raging about the midseason finale of The Walking Dead.

If you haven’t watched the finale or read the comics...


STOP NOW!!! Spoilers a-plenty!

NYCC '11: The Walking Dead & Season Premiere

The Dead have returned and Grateful they are not.  In the wake of New York Comic Con we also have a brand new season of AMC’s The Walking Dead to celebrate.  This weekend I got to see the cast, writers and effects artists all talk about the new season, and also got to watch the premiere last night along with the rest of America.  I’ll give you the rundown of what went on at the panel, including some insight into the future of the series, then we’ll also take a look at the first episode of season two.

The panel started out with show & book writer Robert Kirkman and producer Gale Anne Hurd.  They talked a bit about how well the first season was received by fans both new and old, and Robert talked about how writing for the series has opened up some opportunities for more or different development of the characters and story.  One thing that was said last year before the series aired was that the main story from the book would be followed very closely and be used as a roadmap for the series, but some of Mr. Kirkman’s comments this weekend sounded as if he was distancing himself from those comments.  It’s clear that they are still loosely following the book’s plot, but he did comment on how much fun it has been to rethink situations and how the group would react.

The panel also included the show's makeup and zombie effect wizard Greg Nicotero who talked about his process for creating the zombies for the show.  He talked about how they have a group of actors that they reuse as zombies and just use the prosthetics and makeup to make them different for each episode.  He also described how he sees people in his day to day life who would make great zombies and he has to resist the urge to say it out loud.  Kirkman and Hurd both gave high praise to the effects for the new season and from what we’ve already seen the show may be well on their way to their second effects Emmy.

The cast, writer, producer and effects artist of The Walking Dead at NYCC 2011

Next they brought the cast on stage.  In attendance was Jon Bernthal (Shane Walsh), Laurie Holden (Andrea), Steven Yeun (Glenn), Lauren Cohan (Maggie), Chandler Riggs (Carl Grimes) & Norman Reedus (Daryl Dixon).  There was a lot of talk about how it’s been to work together and what is coming for their characters, but by far the person who stole the show was 12 year old Chandler Riggs.  Chandler talked about how much he’d learned during the first season and how he looked forward to playing a much more active role in the second season.  He talked about how this season will see Carl transition from a scared young boy, to someone who is trying to find their place in the terrifying new world they live in.  He was also very complimentary of his fellow cast-mates; he was regularly thanking them and saying how great they were to work with.  While every answer he gave was met with “oohs” and “awws” from the crowd, he also would respond to that with more heartfelt sincerity.  The panel moderator, Chris Hardwick, noted that Chandler was also probably the most eloquent of the speakers there.  It was also fun to note that throughout the panel while other cast members were talking, Chandler and Norman (Daryl) were talking and taking pictures with their phones.  It was a very funny interaction to see and showed a real companionship between the two.

The only real companionship you can have with a 12 year old.

The other news that came from the cast was the introduction of new cast member Lauren Cohan, who will be playing Maggie.  Without giving too many spoilers, it has already been said that the second season will focus on “The Farm”, which is where we’ll meet Maggie.  It was also hinted that this season would be a very exciting one for Glenn, fans of the book gave lots of hollers at this.  She said that joining the cast has been like “jumping into a tornado”, but has been a great experience.

Lauren Cohan: She's really excited to be on the show, or...
practicing her zombie face.

So, we got to hear lots about the new season and all of that got me real psyched up for the premiere last Sunday.  Episode 201 was a special 90 minute premiere that picked up pretty much right after last season.  Now I won’t give any spoilers, but I will give my impressions as a fan.  This episode rocked!  It had everything that was promised and then some.  The thing about the book that was always the most appealing was that it wasn’t about zombies, but about people living in a dangerous world where society has collapsed.  This episode was strongly focusing on each member of the group’s ability to cope and survive.

Andrea and Shane were probably the two people most affected by the events of the first season and they’ve already started to make some major decisions based on what they’ve been through.  There’s a lot to look forward to this season, with new characters and more tales of survival.  Considering how the story has continued to branch out from the book, even I can’t be sure what will happen next.  I’ll be right there along with the rest of the fans wondering who will be the next to go and when the next zombie will attack.  


I’ll leave you with one last comment from the panel, it’s actually a question I’ve heard at every Walking Dead panel I’ve been to.  When will we see Michone?  Well, fans of the book ought to know that staying in continuity would mean we still have a ways to go, but Robert Kirkman did hint that we may at least hear something from her later this season.  Keep your swords sharp and make sure your zombie escape plans are ready, it’s going to be another wild ride.

The Walking Dead airs Sunday nights at 10pm ET on AMC.





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Sunday Links for September 4

Happy Labor Day! I hope you are all getting a nice rest and enjoying the last weekend of summer!


The big news this week was the beginning of the DCnU, with the release of Justice League #1. I know what I thought, how about you? Let us know in the comments!
(via [insertgeekhere])



For those of you still upset about the DCnU, it's time to move on. Read this touching goodbye from Oracle herself.
(via Has Boobs, Reads Comics)



The Library of Congress is trying to expand their collection of small press comics. They are working on a project with the Small Press Expo, archiving items from the convention along with nominees for the Ignatz Awards.
(via Robot 6)



New pics of Cavill's Superman were released this week, with mixed results. Check out this look back at past Supermans and compare.
(via Agent of S.T.Y.L.E)



AMC has greenlit Kevin Smith's new reality show about comic shop life, set in his NJ store Hopefully they don't invite that other NJ reality show over....
(via MTV Geek)



Finally, congrats to John S., the winner of our Lost In The Con giveaway! Stay tuned, there are more giveaways yet to come!


Until next week....

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The Walking Dead Marathon and Review!!!

The Walking Dead is one of the biggest shows of the year, which can been seen in the slew of nominations it has been receiving. AMC is even doing a marathon of Season One on January 18-19. In honor of that, we are *finally* posting our reviews of the series.

@Wysefyre's review

I became interested in The Walking Dead comics shortly after this year's San Diego Comic Con. The buzz around the show was so great, I had to see what everyone was talking about. I still feel a little silly for not knowing about this amazing series. I devoured the TPBs and then, when I finished getting caught up, trepidation sunk in because I didn't know if the television series would live up to the comics. Needless to say, my fears were unfounded.

In six episodes, I fell in love with The Walking Dead all over again. I love how true to the comics the show was, while also veering off the story's original path to add new twists to the mythology. I really liked a lot of the new characters, such as Merle and Daryl, I liked keeping Shane around a little longer, and I liked the trip to the CDC. I think the small break for the survivors was needed. They needed to remember what having luxuries such as hot water was like, that way when it's taken away from them, it hurts all the more (yeah, I like them being tortured. It's part of the fun.)

That said there were a few things I didn't like, starting with Shane. As I said in my midseason post, I was worried about how they were going to deal with Shane. I like the idea of keeping him around for a little bit because in the comics, you don't get to really care about him, but at the same time, I really want this particular storyline finished. I want them to move on to the next arc because I want all the great character development that comes with it.

The inclusion of the CDC was smart of the writers. The survivors were in Atlanta, so why wouldn't they go to the CDC? What I didn't like about it was Jenner telling the group that it was a worldwide occurrence. I had naturally assumed that, but by outright saying it, it kills potential storylines because it killed hope. They now know there's no way to gain answers, not that we really want those answers anyway, but watching them struggle to find them would have been interesting.

I'm also opposed to the end of Jacqui's story. I get why she did what she did, but she was a poorly developed character, and it felt like the only reason they resolved her story like that was to simply get rid of her. It reminded me of Grey's Anatomy a little bit. Grey's had too many characters so they had someone enter the hospital and kill a bunch of people. What's the point? There would have been more emotional resonance if it had been T-Dog, another new poorly developed character, but he was developed better than Jacqui. Seriously, what did she do other than know how to get to the sewers?

Overall, I love the show. I look forward to see what other twists they throw at us, and I want to know how long before we get to meet Michonne. It wouldn't be TWD without her, so she needs to get introduced soon. Can season two get here already?

@Wilderowens Review

Unlike the other members of [insertgeekhere], I have only read the first issue of The Walking Dead. Now, before you stone me, I will tell you why. Zombies terrify me and this show didn't help that at all. I mean, I was hallucinating zombies walking down the street! It was bad and I really wish I was kidding.

Despite my fears, I did enjoy the show. I even watched it twice. The story really pulled me in and kept me simultaneously terrified and excited. Towards the end, I did feel like the plot was a little rushed. This could be due to the short six episode season. I am still excited to see where they head from here. With the whole world available to you, yet deadly at every turn, where would you head toward?

I especially enjoyed the character interactions. Each actor really embraced their character role in a way that made me connect with them. Shane had this down, with his alpha role in the group and his girl. He really showed how power-hungry he was when the one person who always outshines him showed up. When Jacqui stayed behind with Dr. Jenner in the CDC, I could understand her wanting to end the struggle. I am curious if we will see any of the characters that left the show but may still be alive.

All in all, I enjoyed the show and will recommend it to all. I even promise to finally read it and try to get over my fears. *runs and hides

The Walking Dead on AMC: Midseason Thoughts

We’re now halfway through the first season, so I decided to revisit the comics and see what the show was doing differently and how they were staying the true to the comics. 

The biggest difference is the addition of people. In the comics, the original camp group was much smaller. I like how they incorporated the new people into the show, such as lines that Rick might have said in the comic are now designated to one of the newbies. The additional people also add a heightened sense of drama. In the comics, other than some petty issues, everyone seemed to get along, while in the show, there are more diverse personalities, which leads to more tension among the survivors. Yeah, I’m referring to Merle.

Speaking of Merle, I can’t wait to see what the writers have planned for him. He’s a loon but you can’t deny how disturbingly mesmerizing he is. Unless he dies really soon, he’s a character who’s going to go off the deep end, but will wreck a lot of havoc before he goes. Hell, even if he dies soon, he’s going to cause trouble. It would be a shame if he didn’t. But I am hoping he sticks around for a little while.

Right now, the show is in the thick of the first trade paperback. Rick’s made his way to Atlanta, and joined up with the others. I’m not sure how much longer the show can keep them at their current location, but I can see it going on for a few more episodes if they wanted to, and that leads me to my biggest complaint about the show diverging from the comic: Shane’s relationship with Lori.

Here’s where it gets a little spoilery, folks. This is the one storyline that has me concerned. In the comic, Lori seeks comfort with Shane for ONE night. ONE. Later on, she says it was a big mistake. In the show, it appears as though the relationship is ongoing. She might have still been doing it for comfort but damn! Girlfriend was enjoying the hell out of it. This was more than just comfort. This was a full on affair, complete with sneaking around, ending only because Rick came along. Since there’s speculation as to whether Shane’s fate will be the same as in the comics, I worry this affair could lead to something a little too soap opera-ish. Sometimes, nipping a problem like this in the bud frees up the characters, so they can develop in new ways. That’s my hope. I hope we don’t have to deal with this for more than a few more episodes, and we can move on to all the other developments that occur in the story.

Courtesy of AMC

My other concern is Shane, himself. I’m all for switching things up and keeping him around for a while, but if the writers don’t stick with his original story, I’m going to be so pissed. Shane’s arc is such a defining event and so important to the development of other characters, that it would be a disservice to the fans to alter it too much.

Now, if I may geek out for a minute and say, “Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god! I love this show!” I can barely watch horror movies anymore because my overactive imagination gets the best of me, but not only am I watching this (during the daylight hours), I’m re-watching it. I am so stoked about it getting a second season pick up. If the show can maintain the level of quality it’s established for itself, it will go on for a long, long time.

What are your thoughts on the show so far? What do you think of Shane and Lori? Do you like the changes or hate them? Who wants more Merle?

Halloween Premiere Weekend: Werewolves and Zombies and Internet Sensations, Oh My!

Last weekend was a great time for some geek-tastic TV premieres.  The Syfy channel premiered Red: Werewolf Hunter and AMC finally premiered the Walking Dead series.  Any card-carrying nerd can tell you why these two premieres have been hotly anticipated since their initial announcements, but if you have been under a rock or failed your official Nerd-License Exam (keep trying, you can do it!), I'll tell you why.  First, Felicia Day.  The Guild writer and star has been on fire over the past few years, with her own show and prominent guest spots on hit shows like Fox's House and Lie to Me.  Second, The Walking F'ing Dead.  The multi-Eisner award winning comic series by Robert Kirkman being made into a live-action series by the station that brought us Breaking Bad & Mad Men?  No brainer.  So, lets get down to the details.  How did each of these shows live up to the hype?  Read on...

Red: Werewolf Hunter

All of the camp, none of the guilt!

Couresty of SyFy

This is a Syfy Original Film...

Normally that'd be enough to end any credible review, but in this case we have a unique exception.  Sure, Syfy has a long-standing reputation of quality films like Sharktopus & Mega Shark Versus Giant Octopus, but we won't let their record (and apparent sea-creature fetish) taint our judgment. The main attraction for this gem is its red-headed star, Felicia Day.  As I've mentioned, Felicia has recently been putting out an impressive collection of work, but this film is different for a few reasons.  First, it's a leap into the world of science-fiction action, which is not necessarily new to her, but definitely out of her niche of awkward comedy.  Second, she's taking the lead in a full length (for TV) feature.  Her most note-worthy roles are in web-based short episodes, and I mentioned her guest spot on House; however, we all know that all the sick person ever gets to do is fall over, then convulse after a wrong-guess diagnosis.

The plot of the film is a spin on the Red Riding Hood tale, and promises to be the first in a line of fairy-tale exploitation films from Syfy.  It starts with Red (Day) introducing her fiance to her family and eventually their family tradition of hunting werewolves.  What starts out as a fun weekend with the folks turns hairy (sorry) when Red's man gets himself snacked on by a werewolf and begins to manifest his own transformation.  From there it becomes a Romeo & Juliet tale of love versus family loyalty.

Any movie that starts with "Syfy Original" is going to have some issues with writing, but despite that, the cast was able to deliver some decent performances and some memorable moments.  I particularly enjoyed Rosemary Dunsmore's performance as the rifle packing Grandmother.  All-in-all the movie lived up to the hype by delivering a fun experience.  The IGH crew actually had a lot of fun playing our own little Riff-Trax session while watching.  Let's face it, we all watch the awful Syfy channel movies anyway, at least this time we can say it was to support Felicia (my love!).  So in closing, I'd give Red: Werewolf Hunter an IGH rating of 7 lycanthropes.

The Walking Dead

In a perfect world all apocalypses would look like this.

Courtesy of AMC

To start, I'm a huge fan of the Walking Dead comic series.  I first picked it up when they were around issue #50 and I've been a steady reader ever since.  If you haven't looked at it yet you owe it to yourself to pick up the first trade.  Robert Kirkman's epic "horror movie that never ends" has set the new standard in horror/suspense books and garnered an immense fan following as a result.

The story begins with our protagonist, Sheriff Rick, waking from a gunshot-induced coma in an abandoned hospital.  Confusion turns to cold-blooded panic when he finds he's not alone in the world, but instead there are hordes of walking undead dying to invite him to dinner (I really can't help it!  Sorry!). After meeting some warm bodies, Rick sets off to search for his missing family, and from here the series will lead us through the story of Rick and the many survivors he meets along the way.

The series is being directed by Frank Darabont, who also brought us classics like The Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile.  It's obvious from the first episode that he has studied the source material and has a deep respect for Robert Kirkman's original vision.  So many scenes were ripped right from the book and the direction and acting made it seem completely natural.  I was fortunate enough to be at the Walking Dead AMC panel at San Diego Comic Con and got a first-hand account of how Robert and Frank have been working together.  The collaboration has clearly paid off big time.  We all know the pitfalls of comic book adaptation, especially to a TV series, but what the Walking Dead has pulled off is nothing short of perfection.  I personally cannot wait to see how the rest of the series plays out, and how far they'll get this season.

When it comes to living up to hype, this show not only lives up to, but surpasses expectations.  I would, with confidence, give AMC's The Walking Dead the patented IGH rating of 18.9 head shots.

I hope you've enjoyed these shows as much as I did.  I also hope you enjoy my review.  Let us know what you thought on the comments, or send a tweet our way @IGHInsider.

Mata atode aimashou!