Review: Bloodlines #1

By Reboot

Before DC stops "Batgirling" and starts Rebirthing (Re - Prefix: Definition 1. again 2. back to an original place, condition, etc.) they've decided to send some short series our way. One of which is Amy Chu and Clay Mann's Poison Ivy, which has been an enjoyable look into Poison Ivy as well as Harley Quinn. The latest of these short run series to come out is J. T. Krul and V. Ken Marion's Bloodlines. Its first issue debuted on April 6th.

Bloodlines is arguably one of the most obscure revivals of a title DC has done since the New 52 started (and they did a Sword and Sorcery run!). It was never its own series, but rather a crossover event from 1993. And a really 90's event at that. So 90's. We're talking "aliens that suck out your spinal fluids, but sometimes give you badass 90's superhero powers as a side-effect" 90's. Don't just take my word for it though. Fill yourself in on how 90's it was here.

Review: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #2

Cover Page Courtesy of Boom! Studios

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers from Boom! Studios is two issues in, and I just had to give an update. I probably should have reviewed issue#1 or even the issue #0 but I really wanted to give it a little more time to see how it developed.  I can't wait anymore, so here it is!

In case you couldn't guess, I was always excited by this arrival of this series. I remember going home from school just to see the latest episode of Power Rangers. Yes, I might have been a bit too old to be watching it, but it was fun and entertaining. The show was a basic afternoon kids show though, so it avoided any serious depth in the plot. Mostly, it was a steady march to the fight scene with a moral lesson taught throughout. One of the more interesting ongoing storylines was the battle for the Green Ranger's mind. As I got older, I had wished they had really explored that plot point. Thanks to Boom!, I got my wish.

The series started off with a newly good Green Ranger Tommy dealing with the aftermath of what he had done under Rita's control.  He is haunted by it, as well as Rita Repulsa, who is literally in his mind.  Writer Kyle Higgins does a great job of showing the range of the character's journey that was never explored previously.  And while Tommy is a central figure to the current story, the entire team has been seen and introduced.  In issue 2, Billy gets a great moment with Trini, while giving readers a behind the scenes look of the inner workings of the Dragonzord.  I will tell you this, the best line in issue 2 is in the first panel from Trini.  And she is totally right, Zords are like giant segways.

Page 1 Courtesy of Boom! Studios

The art so far has been top notch.  Hendry Prasetya has done an amazing job capturing a close resemblance to the original actors while still giving the characters their own new and fresh look.  The art style is an americanized manga, which makes since considering the origins of Power Rangers.  However, my favorite art piece is still the cover of issue 2, done by Jamal Campbell.  It's a fantastic shot of the Megazord with a battle pose of Green Ranger and Scorpina.  

Each issue also comes with a continuing short comic of The Ongoing Adventures of Bulk & Skull.  It's almost as if they plucked up the characters subplots from the show and plopped it down on the page.  To be frank, it isn't my favorite part of the issue, and I would be a little happier with an additional two pages to the core story.  Writer Steve Orlando and artist Corin Howell do a fine job with the characters, but with the more developed core story, having the humorous addition at the end seems unneeded.  Still, it's better than trying to weave them into the core story too much.  

If you were a watcher of the '90's show, then Mighty Morphin Power Rangers is hands down a must read.  Boom! has taken a childhood classic and polished it up to be more developed and balanced than the show ever was.  But even with all the changes, when you see the Rangers morph, that theme song will be playing in your head.  

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #2 will be available on April 6th.



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Star Trek: Mission New York Guest Announcements

Star Trek: Mission New York has added a few more people to their guest list. Joining William Shatner will be: 

Terry Farrell - Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Marina Sirtis - Star Trek: The Next Generation

And the man who was on both, Michael Dorn

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New X-Men: Apocalypse Trailer

 The second trailer for X-Men: Apocalypse has arrived, and it looks good. Like many, I have been on the fence about this. Mostly because of Apocalypse looking too much like Ivan Ooze, but also because the story seemed weak. I was excited about Bryan Singer being at the helm, but after seeing the character designs and the direction the plot seemed to go in, I became more skeptical. Let's face it, X-Men: DoFP was a decent movie, but problematic. That said, this trailer is starting to make me believe again. It looks like Mystique is going to be leading the X-Men, which is just weird, and I'm still not buying Magneto as a Horseman, because I can't see him letting anyone have that much control over him, but Storm, Psylocke, and Archangel look believable. The visual effects look solid, the plot seems coherent, and now knowing more about Oscar Isaac as an actor, I'm beginning to hope. Below is the official synopsis:

Following the critically acclaimed global smash hit X-Men: Days of Future Past, director Bryan Singer returns with X-MEN: APOCALYPSE. Since the dawn of civilization, he was worshipped as a god. Apocalypse, the first and most powerful mutant from Marvel’s X-Men universe, amassed the powers of many other mutants, becoming immortal and invincible. Upon awakening after thousands of years, he is disillusioned with the world as he finds it and recruits a team of powerful mutants, including a disheartened Magneto (Michael Fassbender), to cleanse mankind and create a new world order, over which he will reign. As the fate of the Earth hangs in the balance, Raven (Jennifer Lawrence) with the help of Professor X (James McAvoy) must lead a team of young X-Men to stop their greatest nemesis and save mankind from complete destruction.

 X-Men: Apocalypse arrives in theaters May 27, 2016

Does this new trailer make you want to see the movie? How do you think the movie is going to do?

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Keep Young Justice Alive!

You read that right.  There has been a big call on the web to binge Young Justice on Netflix in order to entice the execs to bring it back for a third season.  The actors, producers, directors, creative staffers, and fans all want this to happen!

Game Review: Firefly Fluxx

Out this week is Firefly Fluxx from Looney Labs in partnership with Gale Force Nine. I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy at Toy Fair this year. Actually, I saw the Firefly art from the distance, made a beeline for the booth, and then questioned them incessantly so they gave me a copy to shut me up. Looney Labs are awesome people.

This is a licensed version of the Fluxx game. Looney Labs has created a number of Fluxx versions including Batman, Uglydoll, and Cartoon Network but also Holiday, Pirate, Nature and Zombie!

Marvel's Captain America: Civil War Trailer Gives Us Spider-Man

The new trailer for Marvel's Captain America: Civil War has finally arrived, and it packs a wallop! Not only do we get a better sense of how the story is going to unfold, but we also get a glimpse at how Spider-Man is going to fit into everything. Check it out below.

I'm excited to see Spidey, but I'm not sure how I feel about his suit. It leans a little too much towards the comic books. Normally, I'd be happy to see more comic book elements in the movies, but in this case, Spider-Man's vibrant red suit looks out of place. I hope it's just one awkward shot, and he looks fine for the rest of his appearance. But other than that, this trailer is making me wish May 6th would get here quickly. 

The official synopsis for the movie is "Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” finds Steve Rogers leading the newly formed team of Avengers in their continued efforts to safeguard humanity. But after another incident involving the Avengers results in collateral damage, political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability, headed by a governing body to oversee and direct the team. The new status quo fractures the Avengers, resulting in two camps—one led by Steve Rogers and his desire  for the Avengers to remain free to defend humanity without government interference, and the other following Tony Stark’s surprising decision to support government oversight and accountability." 

What do you think about Spider-Man's appearance? And does this trailer make you more or less excited to see the movie? 

Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” opens in U.S. theaters on May 6, 2016

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Lumberjanes Are Roadtripping to Gotham Academy!

Cover Art Courtesy of Boom! Box

In the best news of 2016 so far, Boom! Box announced today that the Lumberjanes (aka an amazing series that you should be reading) is going to crossover with DC Comics' Gotham Academy.  So that math works out to some word that hasn't been invented yet to describe how good this will be. 

I admit I am curious to how the two groups will meet up.   Will the Gotham Academy kids head out of the city for fresh air or are our favorite campers bound for the wilds of Gotham?  Or better yet, are both groups destined for parts unknown?  Sadly, we have to wait until June to actually see this happen.  Damn, I don't think I can make it. 

The six-issue series will be written by Chynna Clugston-Flores (Blue Monday) and illustrated by Rosemary Valero-O'Connell (Lumberjanes). The main cover seen above is illustrated by Mingjue Chen (Gotham Academy).

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A Night at Star Trek: The Ultimate Voyage

It's been the 50th anniversary celebration for Star Trek for two months now, and I haven't really done much to celebrate so far. Shame on me! But now, that's all behind me. Fellow [IGH] contributor Reboot and I attended Star Trek: The Ultimate Voyage at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in NYC.

This concert, produced by CineConcerts, is a musical look back at the past 50 years of Star Trek.  Performed by the Czech National Symphony Orchestra, the concert includes over 30 pieces of music from the five television shows, eight of the movies and the video game Starfleet Academy.  

Who You Gonna Call? Official Ghostbusters Trailer (2016) Has Arrived!

Finally! Finally! Finally! After all the waiting, the Ghostbusters trailer premiered on the Ellen Degeneres Show and it looks good.

I'll admit I've been concerned about this reboot. Not because of the all-female cast, but because I didn't think we needed it, and given how Hollywood has been treating reboots/remakes, I was worried what kind of story they would tell. I'm still not 100% sold, but this trailer goes a long way to making me feel better. Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones are all good comedic actresses, and it looks like the story might be worthy of them. Also, I'm digging the proton packs. I'm cautiously optimistic. 

What do you think of the trailer? Does it make you more or less excited to see Ghostbusters? And can you spot all the easter eggs in the trailer? 

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Star Trek Meets Hamilton in Incredible Mashup

YouTuber Jackson Lanzing has created the mashup we never knew we needed until now. He has squished together Star Trek and Hamilton. For those who are unfamiliar with Hamilton, it is the Pulitzer Prize winning musical brain-child of Lin-Manuel Miranda, about the life of founding father, Alexander Hamilton, and blends traditional musical theater with rap and hip hop, and is one of the most incredible musicals ever created. 

Little Neil Gaiman Can Come Home with You!

Out for today and tomorrow only, you can get your mitts on this amazing Neil Gaiman print!!!

Created by artist Sean Von Gorman, this print features a child Neil and one of Neil Gaiman's quotes. It was inspired by the idea that even Neil Gaiman has an origin story.  This isn't the first print that Sean Von Gorman has done for The Neverwear shop (remember that awesome art he did for All Hallow's Read?) and hopefully it won't be the last!

Just remember, this print ceases to be available when February ends, so don't wait!!!



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Star Trek: Mission New York Announces its First Guest!

Star Trek: Mission New York has announced its first guest and let's be honest, there's only one man it could be - William Shatner!

Captain James T. Kirk will only be appearing on Sunday. We're not going to find out about any panels until much later, but he will definitely be signing autographs, so make sure to plan accordingly, because we all know he draws a crowd. 

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Toy Fair '16 Star Trek Toys

One of the things I love about Toy Fair is seeing the same licenses interpreted by different companies. In this case, I'm talking about Star Trek. 

First up is Mega Bloks Kubros. The design is 8-bit and you can build all kinds of different pop culture figures. Think of them as buildable Funko POPs! but cooler.

Look, it's Worf!

Captain Picard is about to attack the Alien

Mezco Toyz Being Amazing at Toy Fair 2016!

It has been a crazy amazing time at Toy Fair 2016!  We have seen soooooooo much and honestly, I'm a bit overwhelmed by the amount of amazing!

One of my favorite lines is the One:12 Collective from Mezco Toyz.  Every time they add a new character, it just gets better and better.  We made sure to talk about the future of this line with Pierre from Mezco Toyz.

Review: King's Road #1

By Reboot

Something I complain about in comics is that there aren't enough fantasy comics being published as floppies or graphic novels by big publishers. Webcomics do overcompensate for this, but it would still be nice to get my fix in a physical copy. I imagine part of the problem is that drawing horses are hard. Or so I hear.

As a result of this fantasy deficit at the big publishers, when I saw King's Road #1 written by Peter Hogan and illustrated by Phil Winslade and Staz Johnson come out through Dark Horse Comics, I wanted to read it. I wanted to read it so much that I read it. Which lead to me having opinions. Opinions I will share with you.

McFarlane Toys to Release Construction Sets Based on Smash-Hit Horror Series Five Nights at Freddy's

Comic book icon and toy creator Todd McFarlane recently announced that McFarlane Toys has teamed with video game maker Scott Cawthon to produce a line of highly collectible construction sets based on his runaway success, Five Night’s at Freddy’s. The series has become a verified cultural phenomenon over the last two years allowing Cawthorn to release three sequels. It’s been reported that there are over 2000 daily installs of the mobile game. In part, a large part of the game’s success was due to influential YouTube stars recording their terrified reactions while playing the game.  With all four Five Nights at Freddy’s games in the series firmly nestled into the top 100 paid app lists on mobile devices, the franchise has thus proven its longevity and consumer appeal.   

Toy Fair '16 Wood Expressions, Inc. Releases Star Trek Tridimensional Chess Set

This is something I know Trekkies have been waiting for. Wood Expressions, Inc. is going to be releasing an official 50th Anniversary Star Trek Tridimensional Chess Set at Toy Fair. 

The deeper I go down the Star Trek hole, the more excited I get for things like this. Here's what they have to say:

WE GAMES RELEASES OFFICIAL 50^TH ANNIVERSARY STAR TREK^TMTRIDIMENSIONAL CHESS SET AT TOY FAIR 2016

 Chess Set Is First and Only Authorized Re-Creation Based on the TV Show

 Los Angeles, CA - February 10, 2016 - Wood Expressions, Inc., maker of WE Games brand of quality board games, is pleased to announce the debut of the first and only authorized re-creation of the Star Trek Tridimensional chess set.  The collectible chess set, from the Franklin Mint and under license by CBS Consumer Products, is being released in honor of the 50th anniversary of Star Trek.

 The chess set is based upon the one seen on board the starship U.S.S. Enterprise.  It was first introduced by Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock in the classic episode “Where No Man Has Gone Before.”  It will be on display at Toy Fair 2016 in New York, being held at The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. WE Games is also promoting several re-styled games with updated packaging that target a new generation of gamers with a more modern appeal. Newly released items include: backgammon sets, domino sets, chess sets and chess pieces, all packaged in the updated, eye-catching WE Games packaging.  Also being showcased this year is WE Games highly popular ‘Made In The USA’ line of games, which debuted at Toy Fair 2014. “We are excited to be able to offer our customers a one-of-a-kind Star Trek chess set in honor of the 50^th anniversary of the popular TV show,”  said WE Games President Ron Reyes. “There is a huge fan base that will enjoy this collectible set which includes three large playing boards and pieces that are precision cast and coated in sterling silver or 24 karat gold.” 

UPDATE: We have seen it. And it is beautiful. If you love Star Trek, love chess, love collectibles, or just love things that look like they can pass as something artistic, then you are going to want to get this. 

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McFarlane Toys Teams with Video Game Giant TITANFALL

Tempe, Ariz. – February 10, 2016– –Comic book icon and toy creator Todd McFarlane announced today that his company, McFarlane Toys has partnered with the video game powerhouse Respawn Entertainment to produce a line of action figures based on the upcoming game, Titanfall 2. The first Titanfall was announced in 2013 and was immediately heralded as a game changer for the first-person-shooter genre of video games. During its reveal at E3 that year, it won over 60 awards including six E3 Critic’s awards: Best in Show, Best Action Game, Best Original Game, Best Console Game, Best PC Game and Best Online Multiplayer. To date, the game has had over 11 million unique players.

McFarlane Toys is well known for delivering top quality figures for the gaming genre including: Halo, Assassin’s Creed and Metal Gear franchises. The upcoming Titanfall figures will be a part of McFarlane’s bold new 2016 Collector Box Program. Each figure will stand seven inches tall, have an average of fifteen points of articulation for incredible poses and play action and feature screen accurate accessories and weapons. The figures will boast the same meticulous level of detail that McFarlane has become known for over the last two decades.

“This is a perfect fit. McFarlane [Toys] was created so I could make cool stuff just like this,” said Todd McFarlane, Owner and CEO of McFarlane Toys. “Without saying too much about the new game… You’re not going to believe where we can take this.”

The McFarlane Toys action figures will be released in conjunction with the highly anticipated launch of Titanfall 2! Fans can visit mcfarlane.com and the McFarlane Toys social media channels for all the latest toy news and visit respawn.com for all the latest upcoming game announcements.

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Diamond Select Toys Licenses New Ghostbusters Film in 2016

Since 2009, Diamond Select Toys has been releasing quality collectibles based on the classic 1984 film Ghostbusters, as well as its live-action and animated sequels and spinoffs. Now, the Maryland-based company is happy to announce that, under license from Sony Pictures Consumer Products,  they will continue that tradition with the new 2016 Ghostbusters film, producing Minimates mini-figures, vehicles, vinyl banks, kitchenware and glassware based on the new film.

Starting around the release of the film, Diamond Select will have a full assortment of Minimates mini-figures, including all four Ghostbusters, supporting cast of characters  and also ghosts. Each Minimates mini-figure will measure approximately 2 inches tall, with up to 14 points of articulation and fully interchangeable parts. A series of vinyl banks based on the main characters will start up shortly afterwards.

“Ghostbusters is one of our favorite film franchises here at DST,” says Diamond Select Toys President Chuck Terceira. “So we’re excited to be part of the first new film in decades, and we look forward to adding a new cast of characters to our previous Ghostbusters product lines, as well as continuing to release products based on the classic films.”