The Glamis and Imperial Sand Dunes are some of the most magnificent rolling hills of straight up sand in the world-and double as a low budget alternatives to filming in Ksar Hadada, Ghoumrassen where many of the Star Wars Tatooine desert scenes took place . Located 40 miles outside of the Imperial Valley (which I happen to live at-not that it’s a huge accomplishment) the Glamis Dunes are a hot spot during cooler months. People from all over the states haul their RV’s, dirt bikes, quads, and dune buggies out to participate in one of the most dangerous past times ever…because why not? To be honest, it makes trips to the grocery store super annoying, because there’s no beer, band aids, or ice packs anywhere. It not only attracts adrenaline junkies, but Star Wars junkies as well. The Imperial Dunes are lesser known for the sports action, and more known for the nerd action.
Last year, the Imperial County Film Commission hosted a tour of the Buttercup Ranger Station in the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area, where much of the exterior shots of Tatooine where filmed for Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, including those of the exterior of Jabba’s Palace (photos from construction below).
The tour ended with an showing of Return of the Jedi at dusk, and it was pretty lit. The entire day was family friendly, and people showed up in some really badass cosplay costumes-and general Halloween costumes (below)
Not only did actual filming by an actual studio happen here, but tons of fans of the franchise have filmed fan films as well. Some of them are pretty good, especially when you consider the lack of interesting scenery.
Kara, directed by Joe Sill, features a former X-Wing pilot transporting a young girl with strange powers. The story line-while short-is well developed, and special effects are of quality that I did not expect.
Desert Duty is a shorter, more light hearted fan film. It features Cooper the Storm Trooper (LOVE) transporting a thief, and the ending is pretty hilarious, as his thief escapes, Cooper just decides, “well, we should cancel that.” It was directed and posted to YouTube in 2016, by a more locally sourced director Ruben Najera.
Surprisingly, the desert has more than a deep rooted fear of rattlesnakes, but also a love for Star Wars. As far as I’m concerned when you take into account the venomous animals, sweltering heat, and lack of a Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s, the only good thing that ever came out of this place is Star Wars related-and me.
FX has released three new teaser trailers for the upcoming third season of its Fargo TV series. A few weeks ago we got a first look at one of Ewan McGregor’s two roles (he is playing twins). We also saw his co-stars, Carrie Coon and Mary Elizabeth Winstead.
McGregor will be playing brothers Emmit and Ray Stussy. Ray, seen in the first teaser, is an overweight parole officer who has issues with his more successful brother, who is known as the ‘Parking Lot King of Minnesota’. It is Emmit who is the subject of one of the three new trailers. The other two clips feature Carrie Coon’s character Gloria Burgle. You can watch the three teasers below.
It seems that distinct Fargo tone is still very prevalent.
Fargo’s first two seasons were excellent, and well received by critics and viewers. I have no doubt this will be another hit for showrunner Noah Hawley(Legion), who has been one of the best producers on network TV lately.
The third season of Fargo premieres on FX on April 19th.
What do you guys think? Comment and discuss below.
I’ve had little experience with Gwenpool. I read the Merry Mix-Up special and that’s it. Why I call this my first time reading Gwenpool is simple, I’ve never touched the series. I grabbed first book Believe It from my local library and decided to give it a go. All I saw was a generic Deadpool clone merged with Gwen Stacy. This character appeared about the same time as Gwen O’Mania happened with Spider-Gwen. I was sold on Spider-Gwen but not as much on this Deadpool styled interpretation of Gwen. Yet that was before I read the first collection of her adventure. Now I find myself surprised by the fact that you know what, Gwenpool is pretty darned okay. I’ll tell you why as I give you the tale of My Great Gwenpool Adventure.
Seriously it’s Gwenpool, I’m as surprised as anyone else how much I found myself getting into this craziness.
This is also the cover to the trade paperback, so it works either way.
If you’re relatively unfamiliar with Deadpool like I am, here’s the information on her. She’s Gwen Poole from the Real World and the Marvel Universe are nothing but comic book characters to her. It’s a weird concept at first, the initial Howard the Duck backup stories were straight up Deadpool times infinity. Not exactly the easiest selling point for her. Best way to describe her in my mindset is Marvel’s Superboy Prime, except she’s not evil. She’s a normal human, normal abilities, but she feels it’s not real so she’s having the time of her life. It’s strangely fitting that she was initially paired with Howard the Duck as he’s from another world too. The ultimate question though is how do you make this character someone to follow into an ongoing series? It works better than you’d think it would.
If you read through this first volume you will have a rough time with the backup stories. The backup stories are a tough read, to be polite. I feel like Christopher Hastings was finding his footing in making Gwenpool work as a character rather than as a gimmick. The backup stories operate in the realm of trying to find the right balance between comedy, action, and actual characterization. There were cute moments in the backup stories but that’s about it. Trying to get Gwenpool out of a jam with Black Cat mixed in with these Deadpool-esque moments and it’s strange to read. It was a little too on the nose fourth wall breaking to the next level. I had to take a slight break after reading these. Definitely a weird ride to say the least.
At this point, I have to say it does turn around but seriously those backups were a tough haul.
As we get into the Holiday Special, that’s when Hastings starts to win me over with Gwenpool. You get more of an idea of what Gwen Poole is about. You get more of the idea that she’s a normal person in the Marvel Universe who’s having to learn everything herself. It’s interesting to see how this character starts to grow more than just here’s Gwen not Stacy as Deadpool and become more than that. All this development starts to hit in the midst of a simple story involving Gwenpool battling a snake monster. My personal favorite bit in all this is her having to figure out how to use a sword via YouTube videos, that’s priceless. Even better is realizing her only major ability so far is her skill to use explosives, she’s heroic luck personified.
I think what else helps the series is the art switch. Danilo Beyruth and Tamra Bonvillain have a way of showing how serious this is with Gwen Poole. It’s beautiful art as Beyruth has a great art style that’s adept at showing expressions and killer action, with Bonvillain’s colors illuminating the scenes. It adds realism to the initial system shock of Gwen’s manic ramblings and such. Yet where the series and the character comes to life is with Gurihiru. That’s about when the more exaggerated expressions, manic energy, and sensitivity of the character came to life. It’s where Gwenpool started to click more with me. Nothing against the initial art team but Gurihiru is where I felt it started to click more. Christopher Hastings had a tone he was going for and Gurihiru nails it.
Yes I did like the initial art team for Gwenpool but Gurihiru is more my jam for this series. Personal taste here.
As the ongoing series begins, this is where Gwenpool starts to come to life. I like the clever way of handling the editorial notes as instead of the editor, it’s Gwen giving you notes. It’s these little touches that help to differentiate Gwenpool from Deadpool. Yet it changes dramatically in the last part of the book. It’s a strange story that goes in a thousand different directions in one collection. It goes from the backup stories with Howard, then breaking up a bank robbery, then she ends up working for M.O.D.O.K., and that’s in one book. I think it’s why I had to put it down a couple times to absorb the multiple story changes. By the time we get to M.O.D.O.K, that’s when the story settles down and becomes a lot of fun.
When we get to M.O.D.O.K. is also when we get a consistent supporting cast. One thing to note, M.O.D.O.K. is one of my favorite Marvel characters so already I’m in. There’s another cool bonus point though, Batroc is a regular too and let’s add another note to this, he’s a favorite of mine too and I like how he’s handled here. I’m trying to keep it spoiler light but a lot of craziness goes down, especially revolving around the fact that Gwenpool is a normal human. Note this, Gwen Poole is a normal human who’s had a costume made and she relies on pure luck and comic book knowledge, that’s nuts. By the end though, it strangely works and through other events you learn she’s in for a crazier time to come.
I cannot believe Gwenpool finally won me over, yet here we are my friends, here we are.
Now here is the ultimate thing, yes I liked it but it took me time to get into the character. The way Christopher Hastings paced this and also how it is collected is a strange adventure. Once it settled down though and found a direction, that’s when I found myself liking Gwenpool. It became from Gwen not Stacy to yes this is Gwen Poole who is a lot of fun as the character Gwenpool. I never imagined digging this as much as I do but goes to show you, I am open to anything at this point.
I still say your mileage will vary with Gwenpool. She’s that sort of character similar to Deadpool. Let me add this though, give Gwenpool a chance. Check out Believe It via your local library or if you find you want to grab it, get it at your local comic store or other fine retailer. I think you’ll find as you read it you’ll come to realize that she’s a lot of fun and well worth giving a chance.
It’s March 14th, and it’s also National Pi Day in the U.S., so let’s talk about beer and the only type of pie that matters…pizza pie. While, this article is obviously not mathematically focused in any way, shape, or form, there’s nothing like a good excuse to talk about pizza. Whether you’re a hardcore carnivore, a veggie lover, vegan, or just like cheese (because…hello…duh), there’s a pizza for you. Now, you’ve got a chance to step your game up with the perfect pairing of beer to go with. So grab a pint, and get ready to stuff your face, because National Pi Day just got a little more delicious…and drunk.
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Somewhere between transcendent, legendary filmmakers and reliable, interesting directors, lies the career of Danny Boyle. While Boyle has never been consistently listed among the titans of the craft – Kubrick, Kurosawa, Scorsese, etc. – his work has changed the face of cinema a time or two. And he’s made a handful of great work over the years.
And, like most directors, he’s made some stinkers. It happens. T2 Trainspotting, the first sequel of his career (he was a producer on 28 Weeks Later) and his twelfth feature film, is out this week in wide release. And judging from the trailers and UK buzz, it has the potential to give the original a run for its money.
Let’s take a look at Danny Boyle’s work over the last twenty plus years, and see how they stack up against one another.
128 Days Later…
Boyle’s zombie film could not have hit at a better, more somber, more unsettling time in human history. Following the events of 9/11, a movie about a zombie outbreak that (allegedly) wipes out humanity was full of shots of a decimated, empty London, and heaps of dead bodies and abandoned automobiles, struck an exposed nerve. Aside from the timeliness of the film, Boyle’s zombies reinvented the entire genre. These were fast, scary monsters, not the moaning, lumbering undead we were familiar with to that point in pop culture. Everything about 28 Days Later is pitch perfect, and it remains one of the greatest modern horror films.
“I know I’ve got another 40 years of making these movies, no, it was cool. It was really awesome. And I thought it was beautifully done. And just really great to see these stories that we’re seeing told a lot, actually, just taken somewhere incredibly different.”
What are your thoughts on Logan? Did you enjoy Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart’s last outing as Wolverine and Professor X? Comment below!
“In the near future, a weary Logan cares for an ailing Professor X in a hide out on the Mexican border. But Logan’s attempts to hide from the world and his legacy are up-ended when a young mutant arrives, being pursued by dark forces.”
Logan stars Hugh Jackman as Wolverine/ Logan, Patrick Stewart as Charles Xavier, Dafnee Keen as Laura Kinney/X-23, Boyd Holbrook as Donald Pierce, Doris Morgado as Maria, Richard E. Grant as Dr. Zander Rice, Stephen Merchant as Caliban, Elizabeth Rodriguez as Gabriela, and others. See it in theaters now.
DC Comics dominated another month of comic book sales to no one’s surprise. Although they didn’t have the top selling book of the month, it’s pretty clear who the #1 “Big Dog” is right now. After reviewing Comichron’s sales estimates for February 2017, a few titles caught my eye as criminally under sold. Here are five comics outside of February’s Top 100 that deserve more attention.
New Super-Man (131 in Units, 160 in Dollars)
Writer Gene Luen Yang has tapped into something spectacular. His series has achieved so much already in less than ten issues. Kenan Kong, and the Justice League Of China, have quickly established themselves as heroes to pay attention to. New Super-Man is an underrated gem, one of the best DC Rebirth comic book series thus far. It’s a fun, action-packed, emotional joy ride. Yang is taking Kenan through an alternate route to becoming a “Superman”, get on board now.
U.S.Avengers (111 in Units, 111 in Dollars)
The current state of Marvel Comics isn’t one that everybody is celebrating. Their sales numbers reflect a confused fan base, struggling to sort through this messy line of comic books. U.S.Avengersis a team of lesser-known heroes, assembled against the more ridiculous forces of evil. So far, writer Al Ewing has delivered a solid, over the top superhero team that patriotically protects and serves. The first arc was a lighthearted, and rather hilarious, introduction to the characters led by Roberto Da Costa. If you’ve ever wondered how entertaining a G.I. JOE-style Avengers team would be, this book is your answer.
Black Science (185 in Units, 179 in Dollars)
Rick Remender’s science fiction epic for Image Comics is about to reach it’s 29th issue. We’re well past the honeymoon phase, this is one of the best comics currently being published. This may be one of those books you usually “wait for the trade”, but you should reconsider that. Black Science is a triumph in both story and art, a masterpiece of comic book entertainment. Remender and Matteo Scalera combine to deliver a seemingly unlimited amount of worlds, characters, creatures, and concepts for readers to explore.
Star-Lord(149 in Units, 150 in Dollars)
Guardians Of The Galaxy fans haven’t been getting too many worthwhile comics recently. The film’s success has had a negative impact on the comic books for some time. That isn’t the case for Chip Zdarksy’s Star-Lord. Although still a young series in number, Zdarksy has already delivered the best interpretation of Peter Quill since 2014. Still operating within the Chris Pratt-inspired guidelines, this series manages to be a hilariously-entertaining struggle for the cosmic-hero trying to find his place while stranded on Earth.
Nova (115 in Units, 113 in Dollars)
Rich Rider has finally returned to split his Nova duties with fellow Corps member, Sam Alexander. Writer Jeff Loveness has been brilliantly balancing the two heroes within each issue. Nova jumps from Sam’s awkward high school dilemmas, to Rich’s troubling adjustment returning to the land of the living; all with plenty of Nova Corps action in between.
Which comics do you think deserve more attention? Which Top 100 books do you think are overrated? Have you been enjoying these five books listed above? Let us know in the comments below!
New York, NY—March 13, 2017 — The most fearsome villain in the entire galaxy returns for an all-new series! Today, Marvel Entertainment and Lucasfilm Ltd. are pleased to announce a new beginning for one of the most popular Star Wars™ comic book series! This June, prepare for DARTH VADER #1 – the all-new ongoing series coming to a comic shop near you! Superstar writer Charles Soule (Poe Dameron, Astonishing X-Men) will team with chart-busting artist Giuseppe Camuncoli (Amazing Spider-Man) to chronicle the epic rise of one of the greatest villains in all of fiction!
Series editor Jordan D. White has this to say:
I’m so excited that we get to tell more stories about the best villain of all time…and this time, we get to show his very first steps into the Dark Side. I was blown away by some of the stuff we plan to show in this series…and I think readers will be, too—from hardcore Star Wars fanatics to those who want to see more of that deadly threat from the end of Rogue One. Charles has an evil streak in him that readers might have seen whenever he’s written Palpatine in the past. Now, that comes front and center.
When Anakin Skywalker fell, both to the pull of the dark side and to the blade of Obi-Wan Kenobi, he rose back up, more machine than man. Having lost everything that he once held dear, the one who was prophesized to bring balance to the Force instead chose a darker path. Now, in a story set directly after the events of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, he must take his first steps into a darker world as…Darth Vader, Dark Lord of the Sith!
Witness iconic moments in the Star Wars galaxy through the lens of one of its most famous characters! The construction of Vader’s red lightsaber, the fallout of Order 66, the beginnings of the Inquisitor program, and the rise of an Empire. Join Vader as he learns a new way. The way of Darth Sidious…the way of the dark side.
This June, the Marvel’s smash-hit Star Wars comics venture to a new era of a galaxy far, far away! Take a walk on the dark side as Soule & Camuncoli bring you the must-read DARTH VADER #1 – available wherever comics are sold this June!
DARTH VADER #1
Written by CHARLES SOULE
Art by GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI
Cover by JIM CHEUNG
On Sale in June!
It’s hard to talk about this episode without going into Spoiler territory. It takes a twist at the end which many probably didn’t see coming.
Room for Ruby episode opens with return of Navy. She was one of the rogue rubies which came to find Jasper. From there though the episode takes a very interesting bit of turns until cheery disposition Navy ends up betraying the team. It’s a moment which really catches you off by surprise. It seemed for most of the episode like Peridot and Lapis were about ready to get a new roommate at the barn.
This will have many repercussions for story from here on. The lose of the spaceship which means there will no more travel to distant worlds like with Greg’s rescue a few episodes ago. This is a shame because more adventures in space would have been awesome and could have shown more Gem installations in the solar system.
Navy is more than likely going to gather her team who are drifting in space. From there, there are two major possibilities. First they could return and try and to defeat the crystal gems on their own. This would result in a more comical episode as they would probably get defeated easily. Second they report to Homeworld what happened and get reinforcements. This would probably be the more likely scenario as it will finally let Homeworld know the danger of the Crystal Gems.
A funny episode which could have simply been a bit of comedy turned out to have ramifications for the team and for the series from here on. It might make Steven think twice before trusting another gem who shows up out of nowhere from home world. Of course he probably will anyways as he’s such a trusting young soul.
DARTH VADER #1