Happy Holidays!

by Michael Cho (How perfect is this?)

No matter what you celebrate (or don't), all of us at [insertgeekhere] want to wish you happy holidays. Thank you for spending time with us. We love having you and want you to keep coming back for more. May the holidays bring you love, happiness, prosperity, good family and friends!

Have a very Merry Christmas Eve!

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was sober, not even a mouse.  The glasses were filled on the bar with care, in hopes that Santa would bring more to share.

I could continue but I would rather share this much funnier video from the guys at Drunk History!  Have a Merry Christmas Eve!

Drunk History Christmas with Ryan Gosling, Jim Carrey and Eva Mendes from Ryan Gosling

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Streaming Wars: Amazon Prime

By Teacup

Streaming movies and television online is the next step in entertainment, so it's not surprising that many websites are now offering paid subscriptions to streaming content. Netflix, until recently, was on top of that throne, but their recent decision to split their previously combined lending and streaming service lead to the collapse of their monopoly on mainstream streaming content. They still may be on top, but their lead is nowhere near what it once was. Coming in closely behind are websites such as Hulu and Youtube, but a curious new contender has shown itself in the past year. Amazon.com, international shopping behemoth, added a video streaming service to the list of features for users with an Amazon Prime account.

After receiving so many emails in my inbox about this new service, I finally caved and purchased myself a Prime account. But I let it sit for a good couple of months, because I had a thesis to finish and a pile of school books to read, which took precedence. Finally, thesis turned in and pile of books demolished, I started at the beginning of the content Amazon had acquired and went all the way through to the end.

Geeky Christmas Trees

Christmas is right around the corner and you know what that means - last minute brawls to get the present you forgot, fruitcake, and Christmas trees. Here a few geektastic trees.

Preview Conan #1 from Dark Horse Comics!

A long, long time ago in October, Dark Horse Comics announced Brian Wood and Becky Cloonan as the new team for the classic hero, Conan.  As you all may remember, I got the awesome chance to interview them after this announcement.  That is why I am so excited to check out the preview pages Dark Horse sent along!

These aren't quite what I imagined but I am hooked.  The story starts off so quickly, and leaves you wanting more!  On top of that, the art is visually stunning, especially that last panel.  I have no idea how I'm going to wait until February when it's released to find out what happens next!  Take a look for yourselves and let us know what you think!

Happy Hanukkah!

It's Hanukkah aka The Festival of Lights, and what better way for a geek to celebrate than with your very own geeky menorah! Here are some great ones.

Happy Hanukkah! Eat some latkes for us!

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The Dark Knight Rises First Official Trailer is Out!

Look what hit the internet!





I don't know about you, but I just went from excited to jumping up and down giddy! I can't wait for next summer. Are you as excited as me?

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Sunday Links for Dec. 18th

We lost two great comic contributors.  We just want to thank Joe Simon and Eduardo Barreto for their amazing contributions over the years.  Our thoughts and prayers are with their families at this time.
(via The Comics Beat and Comics Alliance)

CBLDF is defending the rights of middle schoolers in Maine to read about middle school. Just wow, really?
(via The Comics Beat)

Apparently Frank Cho is a dirty mind. He also loves Georgia O'Keefe and vaginas. I'm so not kidding.
(via The Mary Sue)

Not really geeky but definitely interesting: Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger, yeah that Rudy, was charged with securities fraud! He seemed so honest and moral in the movie. I guess Sean Astin shined through there.
(via Reuters Entertainment)

Until next week....



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Video Awesomeness!!!

Hi-Diddly-Di! One of the best things I love about this holiday season is all the great videos that are popping up. I thought about doing one specifically for the holidays but then some great trailers premiered and then there were Jedi Ninja battles so I'm just going to give up a mish-mosh of all of them! (Yea, I said that.) Let's start with those Jedi Ninjas.





(via youtube)





(via Geeks Are Sexy)





(via Huffington Post)


WARNING! NSFW!



(via youtube)


Finally, we'd like to dedicate this last video to Roy, one of our more active FB page members. He mentioned Calvin & Hobbes snowmen and we found this video inspired by Calvin, the "greatest snowman mass murderer of our time."





(via Nerd Approved)


Enjoy everyone!

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Today is Wear Star Wars, Share Star Wars Day!

Today is a day for everyone to declare their heart exists only for lightsabers and Millennium Falcons.  Today is Wear Star Wars, Share Star Wars Day!

In case you never knew this day existed, here is the background. Last year, the interwebs learned about Katie. Katie is a first grader who loved Star Wars so much that she carried her Star Wars water bottle to school. The boys in her class made a point of teasing her that "Star Wars was only for boys." Katie's mom blogged about this incident and the larger issue of bullying. Soon after, geeks from all around the world were siding with Katie, letting her know she was not alone in her love of Star Wars.

So that brings us to today. Today you should celebrate by wearing some Star Wars to show your love and donate a Star Wars toy to a toy drive, making sure to specify that the toy is for a boy or girl.

Ultimately, today is about acceptance and equality for all. Even if you don't like Star Wars, you should still find meaning in that. Still, everything is better with a Wookie.

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Random Gift Idea: CBLDF Membership

Hitting the wall for gift ideas?  Stuck with shopper's block?  Well, we are here to help with some random gift ideas for every boy and girl.  Every once and while, we will post one item that will probably fit one person on your list.  Plus, we will personally approve all of the gifts we suggest!  These are [IGH approved], so have no fear!

For the comic geek that has read everything, get them the opportunity to keep reading by defending their rights. The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund has been protecting the rights of comic readers and creators since 1986. You can buy them a gift membership, which comes with an amazingly beautiful card designed each year by a comic artist. I'm just excited to say I'm a card-carrying geek!

If your comic geek is already a member, then you can take a look in the CBLDF store at all of the amazing goodies they have. Just remember, CBLDF is a non-profit, so every dollar you spend is helping.


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Review: Star Wars: Agent of the Empire

When Dark Horse sent me the preview copy for Star Wars: Agent of the Empire #1, the thought of seeing inside the Empire really grabbed me. To be honest, I haven't read Star Wars comics. I was happy with the original trilogy and had made my peace with the prequels, but I liked the idea of reading about the Empire's inner workings. Agent of the Empire does just that and so much more.

Cover by Stéphane Roux
Courtesy of Dark Horse Comics

For timeline's sake, Star Wars: Agent of the Empire takes place three years before Luke blows up the first Death Star. We jump into the story aptly titled Iron Eclipse following Jahan Cross, the James Bond of the Empire. How James Bond-like is he? Well, he even has his own Q building all sorts of gadgets for him. His boss is even a little similar to M. It's the spy game though, and our fav has to head off to see how the Corporate Sector got their hands on stolen droid technology. Without giving away spoilers, I can tell you that the first issue builds up a very exciting cliffhanger. I will spoil you on the two very familiar faces on the cover will show up in the first issue!

The art, by Stéphane Roux, is really wonderful.  Seeing the Empire drawn is exciting and does remind me of the films.  The Imperial City is just downright beautiful.  I can't wait to see what Roux comes up with next!

As for inner workings for the Empire, we get to see some of the everyday guys that run things. Clones don't do everything, and most of them seem to be normal people making a living. One thing that stood out though was a lot of racial tension. I never knew that the Empire is human-centric. That was always one thing that I felt Lucas kept out of the films.

That aside, I really enjoyed this first issue. I definitely plan to keep reading. I liked it so much, I even interviewed the writer John Ostrander! He gives a bit more detail but not much more, even with begging for spoilers! Star Wars: Agent of the Empire is out today, so grab yourself a copy now!

Star Wars: Agent of the Empire #1

Writer: John Ostrander
Penciller: Stéphane Roux
Inker: Julien Hugonnard-Bert
Cover Artist: Stéphane Roux



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Hunger Games - Katniss' Fire Dress

The release of The Hunger Games is only about three months away, so naturally excitement is building. I'm trying to keep on top of the info that's coming out, because I love the books (currently on my fifth rereading of the trilogy), and I came across this article on InStyle magazine's website depicting several big name designers vision of the infamous fire dress. This is the outfit that introduces Katniss as "The Girl on Fire" and is one of the more highly anticipated moments of the movie. I'm a traditionalist when it comes to big moments in adapted works and I want them "as is" when on the screen. Some of the designs are not that at all but they are beautiful, and a few I would love to see on the runways. Here's a peek.

This is my favorite avant-garde design. It's by The Blonds and as you can see, they certainly capture the "on fire" aspect of the outfit. Aside for the book calling for something simpler, my biggest reason for why this isn't the right design for the movie is by making it so extreme now, it would make it very difficult to top this when part 2 comes out and Katniss is outfitted in something far more extravagant that the first fire outfit.

Then there is this design from Tadashi Shoji. I fell in love with this dress. It's gorgeous. I want to wear it. It's just not what the book describes. Not even close. However, I believe this dress should be made. I think it would be popular.


So did any of these designers come close? Any of them capture the feel of the book while creating a piece that could translate well to the screen? There were three designers I think came close - Christian Siriano, Christian Cota, and Charlotte Ronson. The Christians designs were wonderful. They kept it simple, true to the color scheme (black) and made it look good, but ultimately, I think it is this by Ronson that wins my vote.

Katniss does not really wear a dress in the book. She wears a simple black unitard with lace up boots and a cape that's lit on fire. This interpretation is true to the book but is altered just enough that it would look incredible on screen. It would make the splash it's supposed.


What do you think, gentle readers? Do you like these or do you have a different preference? Does this make you more excited for the movie? To see the other designs, check out the article here, and let us know what you think.

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Interview with Star Wars writer John Ostrander

Cover by Stéphane Roux
Courtesy of Dark Horse Comics

Through the awesomeness of Dark Horse Comics, I got the opportunity to read an advance copy of Star Wars: Agent of the Empire.  This introductory issue gives us a view of the day-to-day workings inside the Empire.  I have never read Star Wars before, so this was a great learning experience.  So when Dark Horse gave a chance to interview the writer John Ostrander, I jumped at it!

I just want to say a big thanks to Mr. Ostrander and Dark Horse Comics for making this happen.

If you keep reading, you will be exposed to very MINOR SPOILERS for Star Wars: Agent of the Empire #1!

Sunday Links for December 11th

We lost a piece of living comic history this week with the passing of Jerry Robinson. I had the honor of meeting Mr. Robinson at MoCCA last year. He was a very nice gentleman who told us what it was like to create all of the iconic characters we love and the behind the scenes juicy gossip. I am so glad that I got that chance, and I will cherish the experience for the rest of my life.
(via Comic Book Resources)

Marvel just asked for geek girl wrath this week when Tom Brevoort put his foot in his mouth about the lack of female Marvel characters.
(via The Mary Sue)

If the Teletubbies weren't bad enough, Fox News has confirmed the The Muppets are anti-corporations. I heard that they are investigating the Scooby gang for socialism.
(via Zap 2 It)

Diamond Comics released the full list of Free Comic Book Day titles this week. I am especially excited for the Buffy/Guild flipbook and the DC 52 book. I'm disappointed that Marvel is reprinting a bad Avengers comic.
(via [insertgeekhere])

Until next week....


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Random Gift Idea: The Homeland Directive

Hitting the wall for gift ideas?  Stuck with shopper's block?  Well, we are here to help with some random gift ideas for every boy and girl.  Every once and while, we will post one item that will probably fit one person on your list.  Plus, we will personally approve all of the gifts we suggest!  These are [IGH approved], so have no fear!

Looking for a comic gift? Then check out The Homeland Directive by Robert Vendetti and Mike Huddleston. The story follows Dr. Laura Regan as she tries to find out why the U.S. government is trying to kill her.  She is helped by a trio of rogue federal agents as they try to unravel this mystery before they get caught.  Conspriacies run throughout the book as you see just a glimpse of secret government dealings. The suspense had me on the edge of my seat.

Whether you are surprised by the ending or see it coming, the realism will definitely terrify you. After reading The Homeland Directive, you will never look at a news report the same way again.  This book is a great gift for your conspiracy theorist friend or your politically-minded parent!  You can find it at your local comic shop or at Top Shelf Productions.

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Free Comic Book Titles Have Been Released!

Can't Wait For This!!!!
Courtesy of Diamond Comic Distributors

This morning, Diamond Comics released the full list of Free Comic Book Day titles.  Now we have five whole months to sit and dream about the wonder of that magical day!  I can't wait for May 5, 2012!

In case you don't know about Free Comic Book Day, it is a day of Free Comic Books.  I know, right? It's awesome!  It was started by the industry to encourage new and lapsed readers to give comics a chance.  This is a great day to take that friend, sibling or random stranger from the bus stop and go to your local participating comic shop to try some comics!

Just a word of warning though: Your local comic shop doesn't participate for free.  They purchase these books at a reduced rate.  So, don't forget to say please and thank you when you get your free books, and it doesn't hurt to buy something neither...  It's up to us to keep our local businesses thriving!

As you go through this list, if any titles are a must read, please let your LCS know now!  They are ordering these books very soon, so if you wait, you will miss out!

Free Comic Book Day Titles

Gold Comic Books
• Archaia Entertainment: Mouse Guard, Labyrinth & Other Stories HC
• Archie Comics: Mega Man: Let The Games Begin
• Bongo Comics: Bongo Comics Free-For-All/SpongeBob Freestyle Funnies Flip Book
• BOOM! Studios: Peanuts/Adventure Time Flip Book
• Dark Horse Comics: Star Wars/Serenity Flip Book
• DC Comics: DC Comics-The New 52 #1
• IDW Publishing: Transformers #80.5
• Image Comics: Image Comics: 20 Anthology
• Marvel Comics: The Avengers #12.1
• Oni Press: Yo Gabba Gabba! Free Comic Book Time!

Silver Comic Books
• Antarctic Press: Diary of a Zombie Kid
• Arcana Studios: Arcana Presents: The Intrinsic #1
• Archie Comics: Sonic The Hedgehog: Two Steps Back…Special Edition
• Aspen MLT: Worlds of Aspen 2012
• Boundless Comics: Lady Death: The Beginning
• Bluewater Productions: Burt Ward, Boy Wonder #1
• BOOM! Studios: Dune: Origins #1
• Capstone: The Incredible Rockhead & Zinc Alloy 2-For-None
• Caption Box: Muqtatafaht: A Middle East Comics Anthology
• CBLDF: The Censored Howard Cruse
• Dark Horse Comics: Buffy The Vampire Slayer/The Guild Flip Book
• DC Comics: DC Nation Super Sampler/Superman Family Adventures Flip Book
• Drawn & Quarterly: Marble Season Preview
• Drawn & Quarterly: Moomin Color Special
• Fantagraphics Books: Walt Disney’s Donald Duck Family Comics
• Fantagraphics Books: Crockett Johnson’s Barnaby Sampler
• Gemstone Publishing: Overstreet’s Comic Book Marketplace 2012
• Hermes Press: My Favorite Martian Special Edition
• Image Comics: Witchblade: Unbalanced Pieces
• Liquid Comics: FCDB 2012 Dinosaurs Versus Aliens
• Liquid Comics: Graphic Elvis Preview
• Marvel Comics: Spider-Man: Season One
• Oni Press: Bad Medicine #1
• Papercutz/NBM Publishing: The Smurfs/Disney Fairies Featuring Tinker Bell Flip Book
• Radical Publishing: Under The Faerie Moon
• Rebellion: 2000AD Judge Dredd Special
• Red 5 Comics: Atomic Robo & Friends 2012
• Th3rd World Studios: Finding Gossamyr & The Stuff of Legend IV
• Top Shelf Comics: Top Shelf Kids Club 2012
• 12-Gauge Comics: Anti #1 Preview
• Valiant Entertainment: Valiant Comics 2012 Preview
• VIZ Media: Voltron Force: Shelter from the Storm
• Yen Press: The Infernal Devices: Clockwork Angel
• Zenescope Entertainment: Jurassic Strikeforce 5 Preview
• Zenescope Entertainment: Animal Planet Presents: The World Most Dangerous Animals 2012

Additional Promotional Items
• HeroClix: Marvel Avengers Thor Figure
• FCBD: FCBD 2012 Commemorative Artist T-Shirt: Jim Lee (Blue, White, Black)
• FCBD: FCBD 2012 Generic Logo T-Shirt

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X-Men Minimalist Posters.... Must Have!

Are you an X-Men fan? Have a friend or family member who's one? Looking for a neat gift to give? Look no more! Check out these amazing minimalist prints by designer Harshness.

(via Forever Geek)

My favorite is Nightcrawler and Wolverine. There are a few other prints not shown. If you'd like to see them and more, head over to Harshness' Etsy Shop. These are going for $19 and a spectacular poster with all 8 prints is going for $110.

Whether it's for you or someone you know, these look like a great buy. I'd say they were [IGH approved], but I don't have one yet. If anyone wants to me have one... ;-)

My Time at the Brooklyn Comics and Graphics Festival

This year, I vowed to spend more time delving into independent comics. So, I jumped on the opportunity to go to the Brooklyn Comics and Graphics Festival (BCGF). Filled with (almost) every indie publisher under the sun, it's a great opportunity to try some new comics that aren't always accessible. And with a $0 admission fee, I definitely had a few bucks in my pocket to do just that. This festival wraps up the year in a fun comics bow, plus gives people a chance to get some prezzie shopping done. Here are a few of my favorite things from BCGF....

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!