Spring Cleaning and Random Questions!

As spring approaches, I've been doing some cleaning.  Yeah, I'm going all traditional with the spring cleaning around my apartment. Don't die of shock.  Since this is extremely boring, my mind has been wandering with some random questions that I just can't answer.  So I shout them out to the great void, in hopes that some unknown force can answer them, or more likely, we can all argue about them.

Review: Jack the Giant Slayer

This past Wednesday, Mister Jackal from InnerCity Geeks and I got a chance to see Jack the Giant Slayer before it hit theaters.  The film, based on the classic fairy-tale stars Nicholas Hoult, Eleanor Tomlinson, Ewan McGregor, and Stanley Tucci.

See what we thought of the latest fairytale story.

Giveaway Alert: Bag o' Toys from Toy Fair 2013

The best part of Toy Fair is the toys.  I know that seems obvious but it really is that awesome.  While we were wandering the floor, we got some freebies.  Like awesome freebies.  So we have two great prizes for you to try and win. 

Grand Prize is a Big ol'Bag of Toys!

Smaller Grand Prize is a Lunchbox of Fun!

I wanna take a moment to thank the booths that willing gave us cool stuff just to give you geeks toys*:

ThinkGeek

Tokidoki

Kidrobot

StacheTATS

Mezco Toyz

Ninja Cards

A Crowded Coop

Dark Horse Comics

Go check them out, give them love and (if you can) money.  They are awesome.

So enter, right here and right now!!!!  Giveaway ends March 8th.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Not everyone listed is represented in both bags.  Both are still cool though.

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Toy Fair 2013: Join the 'Verse with Gale Force Nine Games

Despite only 13 episodes, Browncoats keep doing the impossible. We've got a movie, we've got a number of comic runs and now we've got a board game. That's right, Gale Force Nine announced this past Sunday that they are coming out with a Firefly game. I got a chance to speak briefly with a staffer about the game while at Toy Fair.

I can honestly say that this isn't a basic game with Firefly stamped in the center.  After meeting the company president, I know he is a Browncoat.  The team at GF9 put a lot of time researching the show and having the storyline of the show match the game. Each player will play as a ship (Yes, only one of you can be Serenity. Take turns.) You spend your gameplay hiring crew, take jobs, and filling your hold.  How well you do depends on how well you manage your resources.  But unlike other games, you aren't forced to deal with obstacles. Don't wanna face Reavers? Stay away from them. Don't wanna break the law? Don't have to. However, the advertising encourages you to "aim to misbehave." It's all in how you chose to shape the game.

This game looks to be a great time for every Firefly fan. For you lucky Gencon attendees, it will be premiering there, then the rest of us get a crack at it.  Shiny!



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Toy Fair 2013: Timmy's got a bag of toys from Thinkgeek!

While at Toy Fair, we had a chance to meet with Steve, the Undersecretary for the Ministry of Misinformation at Thinkgeek.  He gave us the opportunity to check out the latest products to come out of TG, plus the chance to rub elbows with the infamous monkey behind it all.

Toy Fair 2013: Mattel's got a Super Secret!

It's a crappy pic but it really is
the Superman Costume

Yesterday at Toy Fair, I got a chance to see Mattel's new movie masters line of Man of Steel Action Figures.    There were four figures on display, plus one in the packaging.  Sadly, we weren't able to take any pictures, but I'm gonna try to describe them for ya.

Review: Side Effects

Last week, Mister Jackal of InnerCity Geeks and I got a chance to attend an early screening of Side Effects. No wait, not an early screening, it was the frelling NYC premiere! Any night where the movie gets a live introduction from Steven Soderbergh is pretty awesome.

Here are our takes on Side Effects.

What do you call the new Spider-Man?

At this point, everyone knows the big surprise behind the final issue of Amazing Spider-Man that sets up the new series, Superior Spider-Man. If you don't, then get the hell out of my house (that's all the SPOILER ALERT you get). The new identity of our hero leaves one question unanswered for the legions of spider-fans out there; just what do we call this new entity that is Spider-Man?

[spoiler]

Review: Warm Bodies

We lucked out and were able to see the newest zombie flick a few weeks early. Warm Bodies is being portrayed as a funny teen love story, but does it hold up to the hype?

The Man of Steel is Elderly and Jewish

I know you are kinda wondering what I'm getting at.  Well, this past Sunday I attended a 75th Birthday Party for Superman at the Center for Jewish History.  That's right, the very first issue of Action Comics came out in June of 1938.  Wowza.

A New Superhero from Dark Horse

Are you burnt out on the same old superheroes from the same old comic companies?   Yeah, me too.  Well, here is a preview of the new hero from our friends at Dark Horse Comics!  Coming January 23rd from the brains of Dennis Hopeless and Mike Norton, get ready for The Answer!

From Dark Horse Comics:

Devin McKenzie is an insomniac librarian with a knack for solving puzzles. The Answer! is a masked crime fighter with a giant exclamation point on his face. Aside from a penchant for late nights, they share nothing in common . . . until both become embroiled in a deadly mystery surrounding a sinister motivational speaker!

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2012: The Year of.....

Borrowed from cloudtimes.org

Another year at its end, 2012 brought us a lot of stuff that we celebrated or cried over as the year went on...Disney buying Star Wars, The Hobbit, Marvel Now, and another failed apocalypse. However, some of the best moments came from one persons mind. Yes, you have probably guessed who I am talking about.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

What's Better than Monster Hunter?

By ladyvader99 

I was 19 and I saw it from across the room. It took my breath away.

In this past six months, I have gotten a tattoo on my inner right forearm of a Monster Hunter “forbidden hunter” seal. In the manga, a monster hunter is given this mark to allow them to hunt the most dangerous and the rarest of beasts. Seeing as I have over 3000 hours logged into the Monster Hunter franchise, I deemed myself worthy. There are a total of 10 entries in the Monster Hunter series, spanning over a variety of platforms, with only 4 released here in the United States. The most current installment, Monster Hunter Portable 3, is currently Capcom’s fastest selling game ever.

I was 19 (maybe 20…the years blend!) when I came across Monster Hunter for PlayStation 2. The game play was simple; you are a wandering young person who undertakes the task of relieving a small village of the monsters that plague it in exchange for room and board. These range from small, docile herbivores to HUGE dragons. The game forces you to use every bit of cunning and strategy you possess and the sense of accomplishment when you take down that first Rathalos is immensely satisfying. Every creature you take down allows you to carve material off of it to make superior armor and weaponry, thereby making you stronger and able to withstand attacks from stronger, more hostile and intelligent creatures. There is no “end” to the game, so you can literally play forever.

I got the most fun out of Monster Hunter when my now husband, two best friends and I bought Monster Hunter Freedom for PSP. A Saturday did not pass where we four were not huddled around our PSPs for hours of marathon gaming, A/C adaptors plugged into the wall so our PSPs wouldn’t die mid-quest. Monsters are typically more intelligent and the quest objectives for each are harder when you play online with someone via ad hoc or alone so they represented a bigger challenge. I love the creature design, the landscapes are PHENOMENAL, and it’s truly incredible how they always keep you guessing, even after you think you’ve got a creature’s movement pattern down.

Because Monster Hunter is my favorite game of ALL TIME, whenever I attend a convention, I zoom around the dealer’s room, searching for a statuette, a key chain, or plush of SOMETHING. Japan gets amazing Monster Hunter merchandise and I long to own everything I can! So far, I’ve been able to accumulate a Felyne statue (a cat that assists you in quests and hunter “duties”), plush of a Gigi whelp (white tadpole looking thing with teeth…adorable!), some posters, and a tiny Felyne key chain.

Monster Hunter is definitely not a game for those who want to hack and slash their way through it. This kind of approach will frustrate you since you will die very quickly and quite a lot. Monster Hunter is like the girl you want to take home to your mom. Approach with love, trust and commitment because before you know it, you’ll be 10 hours in and that’s it. You’re in love.

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Review: City in the Desert: The Monster Problem

Out this past week is City in the Desert: The Monster Problem, the debut graphic novel from Moro Rogers. Published by Archaia Entertainment, The Monster Problem is the first volume for the ongoing series.


This is a cute story following a rogue-type, monster hunter Irro and his young companion/assistant Hari.    They are happily killing monsters that are hurting their village until a new religious group comes to town with a permanent monster solution.  Irro and Hari have to discover if the clerics are for real and if they are out of a job!  Irro reminded me of Indiana Jones with more magic.  He has his light-hearted moments, but is all business.  Hari, possibly part monster herself, is a warrior whose past is definitely in question.  Still, her dedication to Irro is unquestioned.

Best High School Movie Trailer Ever!

Why is it the best high school movie ever? Just because it includes clips from so many others. That, Batman and the fact there is a thought process involved.

Wouldn't you want to see Gotham City High? Check it out!

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Finding YOUR Villian

By ladyvader99 

I thought this kind of informative writing would be a door opener to fellow nerds. If you haven’t branched out and “met” a villain you loved to hate, maybe this will help! I first embraced villains as a young, messy haired girl of four. Speed Racer and Sailor Moon were watched almost 24/7 and let me tell you, Snake Oiler and Queen Beryl ruled my dreams. I don’t know if it was the kickass clothing or the devious way they held themselves that made them memorable.

Let’s start by defining what a “villain” is. Aw, who are we kiddin’, it’s the bad guy (or in the better story lines, IS it?)! I’ll begin with Marvel villains and I’ll dedicate this post to the lesser known Ultron and Apocalypse. My cohorts and I may post more of our faves so keep a lookout and let’s dive into the metal insanity that is Ultron.

NYCC '12: Day 4 Highlights

Well,  as soon as NY Comic Con starts, it ends.  I admit, part of me is glad because I am just so tired.  Still, I love all the time I spend hanging on the floor.  As usual, we all split up at the con, running off into different directions.

Wysefyre fought against the hoards of people to get into the Javits Center in time to catch the Sesame Street show on the Varient Stage featuring Elmo and Gordon (Roscoe Orman). There were more adults at the show than kids, and everyone had fun. Then she met up with a friend, and wandered the floor for a few hours. Wysefyre also spoke with Ryan Sohmer and Lar DeSouza, and the nice people over at the CBDLF. Also, she saw a guy dressed as Zangief from Street Fighter 4 give an exceptionally long hug to another person and ate some Hi-Chew and Nerds.

Today I jumped onto the floor first thing to go swag hunting.  I scored a lot of good items and can't wait to sort through it all.  After that, I got a chance to sit down with animation king Bill Plympton to discuss his new and upcoming projects.

Then I spent the afternoon celebrating Spider-Man's 50th Birthday at the Marvel booth!  Yeah, I know, who would have thunk it that Spidey is 50!  One way that Marvel was celebrating is by trying to set a new world record for the most greetings on a card.  I had a chance to chat with the Guinness World Record representative about the process to make a world record.  I am happy to say that Marvel made it!

Then I went over to Artist's Alley, met up with Wysefyre, listened to Dan Slott talk, then spoke with Peter David, David Marquez and Jamal Igle.  Wysefyre made her 7th or 8th trek across the Javitz, then we finally got some food.

We had a great time this year at NY Comic Con!!!  This was such a great time to see old friends and meet new people.  We are also so thankful for all the people that gave us some of their time.  For now, we will be working hard to share all the great details we gained over the past few days.  Make sure you stay tuned!  Until next year!

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NYCC '12 Day Three Highlights

Day three started in the best way possible - meeting with Bruce Timm and Andrea Romano for roundtable interviews about The Dark Knight Returns Part 2. From there I raced into the The Dark Knight panel and the audience was treated to a fantastic Q & A. We were shown clips from TDKR Pt. 2 and a new movie slated to come out next spring. I tried to go up to the floor, but could barely move around. The crowd was insane, so I said hi to a friend who was working at a booth and ran back downstairs. 

I jumped into the King of Nerds panel featuring the stars of Revenge of the Nerds franchise, Curtis Armstrong (Booger) and Robert Carradine (Lewis). There were nerd debates and jeopardy, and they gave away fun prizes. 

Next, came the Fables 10th Anniversary panel. What a treat! While we were waiting for it to begin, Bill Willingham was telling awful, corny jokes and keeping us entertained. Prizes were given, questions were answered, and laughs were had by all. 

After that, I wandered around for a bit, met up with some other friends, and finally started to explore Artist's Alley, where I got to talk to Sanford Greene. There I met up with Wilderowens, and we went to the Geek Girls Network Geek Out, where we hung out with old friends, met some new ones, and had a fantastic time.

Wilderowens finally had a mellow day, wandering the floor for a bit. She hung out with Cully Hamner and Josh Fialkov at the DC booth. While she didn't get her interview with Joel Hodgson of MST3K, (but will via email!!!) she did get to chat with Fred Chao, the creator of Johnny Hiro!!

NYCC '12: Day Two Highlights

Day two kicked off with a little bit of stress and a whole lot of awesome. 

Wilderowens went to a crowdsourcing panel at Kickstarter HQ with Craig Engler of Syfy, and Brad "Cheeks" Bell and Jane Espenson of Husbands. After she came back to the Javits, she spent the day interviewing a whole slew of people: Mike Richardson, President of Dark Horse Comics, Liam Sharp of Madefire, Pierre Leroux, Producer of Marvel Avengers: Battle for Earth, Warren Spector, Creative Director for Epic Mickey 2. She met with RedBubble PR, Matt Inman from the Oatmeal, got autographs from DC's Ricardo Sanchez, Dark Horse's Brian Wood and ate a pop tart. She and Getsuyobi also got interviewed by a French radio station about geek culture and comic con. 

After a rough start to the day, I spent the day mostly in panels. I missed out on the Christopher Lloyd Q & A, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Instead of leaving that panel to grab lunch and then fighting to get back into the room for Sean Astin, I grabbed some lunch went in to to MTV Geek panel. I didn't even know MTV had comics. It was a great panel and featured people such as Joshua Hale, David Tischman, Sanford Greene, and Val Staples. 

Then the Sean Astin panel started, and it quickly became my favorite panel of the day, and possibly the entire con. He was funny, interesting, engaging, and extremely genuine. He was shocked at how full the room was. He was full of fantastic stories including one about his audition for Lord of the Rings. It turns out he had never even heard of The Hobbit and LoTR before he got the call for the audition. We were also treated to a surprise guest,  Terry Pratchett.

After that, I wandered the floor for a little bit, chatted with people, ran into a few friends, and finished the day by going to the Webcomics panel with Ryan Sohmer and Lar DeSouza. I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but this turned out to be extremely informative. Sohmer and DeSouza did the panel Q & A style, and talked about what it takes to be a successful web creator, and it was also one of the filthiest panels I have ever been too. The dirty jokes came hard and fast. ;-) It was a great panel, and the perfect way to end the day.

I can't wait for day three! That's when the crazy really kicks in. 

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