In ‘Animosity: The Rise’ Animals Revolt And Attack…With Attitude.

The animals thought, spoke, and took revenge. The dust has settled and the blood has dried, but a new force is rising in the West, ready to help Animal-kind seize power in the dark new world to come…

Spinning out from Marguerite Bennett’s hit new series ANIMOSITY witness the devastating effects of “The Wake” and how it affected other parts of the world on that terrifying day!

Animosity: The Rise #1
Written by: Marguerite Bennett
Art by: Juan Doe
Lettered by: Marhsall Dillion

Published by AfterShock Comics

Writing

Truthfully, this was my first exposure to the Animosity concept. But as it is a one-shot, I thought it would be a great way to be introduced to the world being built in those pages, and I was right. The set up is simple enough; animals have gotten REALLY smart and have turned against us humans. It’s a call back to those great 70s animal attack movies, but with a distinct and modern, almost punk rock attitude and humor. That writer Marguerite Bennett tells this one-shot from the perspective of the animals is a great plus, and that aspect is what feeds and creates much of the humor in the book. Scenes with normally “cute” animals graphically murdering humans (and other animals) is quite a bit of fun. It walks dangerously near silly territory, but it never goes off the rails. The writing is tight enough to create a decent narrative that is very well paced. There is also an obvious larger story unfolding; something this one-shot offers only a glimpse of. It is not a perfect “done in one” but it’s a pretty good one.

Art

Juan Doe does a good job of matching the pacing of the writing. He also draws some really good animals. His panel layout also flows very well. He also is able to convey a decent amount of emotion with deceptively simple, almost cartoonish, humans. It’s all pretty sleek too. If there is one thing lacking a bit, it’s in the background details and settings. It seems like most of them are nondescript and nothing in the background stands out much. It doesn’t exactly take away from the story, but specifics there would have added a lot for me. There is a nice “design” feeling to the book, though. It looks and feels modern, with some really good use of coloring without going overboard on the digital gloss.

Conclusion

AfterShock Comics is offering some unique comics, and Animosity: The Rise is a great example. It is not a perfect comic book, but it is original, has personality and most of all is a fun, quick, well-paced read. Check out for something that’s a bit off the beaten path.

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5 Actors Who Could Play Doc Ock In Marvel Studios’ Spider-Man

Roger Riddell

February 1, 2017

Marvel Studios is set to give its wall-crawling flagship character a proper reboot in July’s ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming,’ and Tom Holland looks poised to deliver the best big-screen interpretation of Peter Parker yet. And that’s no offense intended to Andrew Garfield, whose turn as the webbed wonder was great but suffered from a questionable sequel. (Tobey Maguire, however, just never seemed like the kind of guy who could crack wise in the face of death.)

Speaking of the original big-screen Spidey, one villain we haven’t seen since the Sam Raimi trilogy is one of the biggest threats in the hero’s rogue gallery: Dr. Otto Octavius, AKA Dr. Octopus. While Alfred Molina’s portrayal of Otto in ‘Spider-Man 2’ was certainly memorable, it also left something wanting. Establishing a personal relationship with Peter before his villainous turn seemed a bit unnecessary, though not as unnecessary as shoe-horning Sandman in as Uncle Ben’s real killer in ‘Spider-Man 3.’ And just how menacing can a guy be after you’ve seen him extolling his appreciation of love poems to a college student?

So one thing, if nothing else, is clear: The next time Doc Ock shows up, he needs to be truly sinister. And these five guys could pull that off.

1Christoph Waltz

Maybe you’re scratching your head right now, but why not have a guy with a name like Otto Octavius be played by a German actor? We’re imagining an insane scientist with a bit of that devilish Hans Landa cruelty and scheming, making Waltz easily our top pick for the role — as long as Marvel Studios doesn’t try to tie the character back to Hydra.

Who do you think should play the next Doc Ock? Comment below.

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What We Learned On Raw After The Royal Rumble

Gerardo Gonzalez

February 1, 2017

With one RKO and one swing of Roman Reigns’ body over the top rope at The 2017 Royal Rumble, Randy Orton officially kicked WrestleMania season into motion.

And while the 2017 Royal Rumble was good, it left the WWE Universe wondering what would unfold on Monday Night Raw.

After all, it was a Smackdown Live superstar that won the Rumble and is going on to headline WrestleMania 33.

We still have one Raw PPV to go (WWE Fastlane) before WrestleMania and unlike previous WrestleMania seasons, it doesn’t seem like FastLane and Elimination Chamber will be throw-away PPV’s.

SAY IT AIN’T SO, JOE!

UPDATE: According to Joe Satin of Pro Wrestling Sheet, Seth Rollins was legitimately hurt this past Monday on Raw. The knee injury occurred during his attack by Samoa Joe. The severity of the injury is unknown at this time but there is a possibility Rollins vs Triple H at WrestleMania 33 doesn’t happen.

Wish I could say it was just a bad dream. pic.twitter.com/mr5vu1MEVp

— Seth Rollins (@WWERollins) February 1, 2017

Original thoughts on Rollins, Joe, and Triple H below.

The big surprise entrant in The 2017 Royal Rumble never happened.

The WWE Universe wanted a guy like Samoa Joe at #30.

They got Roman Reigns instead.

Hindsight is certainly 20/20.

While that pop would have been deafening, it would have been an anti-climatic debut after an inevitable elimination.

Anti-climactic was the opposite of what we witnessed on Raw when Samoa Joe attacked Seth Rollins.

With Joe attacking Rollins, it likely sets up what should be a fantastic matchup at FastLane.

It also allows WWE to fill the gap between now and WrestleMania.

With Triple H being a part-timer, Samoa Joe can do his dirty work as they build to a Rollins-Triple H matchup in Orlando.

Rumors will swirl as to who Samoa Joe will face at WrestleMania but at least we know he is finally on the main roster.

The Kevin Owens Show Season Finale?

I’m not sure how fans will look back at Kevin Owens’ reign as Universal Champion but he needs to get another run down the road.

The WWE Universe was robbed of a great championship heel run by KO even though his program with Chris Jericho has been entertaining.

Go back to NXT and see how great a heel he was.

With that said, his run as WWE Universal Champion seems like it will be coming to an end and his friendship with Y2J is likely to follow.

Expect a Kevin Owens vs Chris Jericho matchup at WrestleMania.

Kevin Owens was on his way to losing the Universal Title on Raw to Braun Strowman before Roman Reigns interjected (shocker) and attacked Strowman a night after Braun cost Reigns the title.

Is a triple threat match on the horizon?

Or will Strowman and Reigns break off and have their own program?

That would serve as a stopgap for Reigns who looks likely to face The Undertaker at Mania.

If that happens, who does Owens defend the belt against at Fast Lane?

GOLDBERG. GOLDBERG. GOLDBERG.

It’s been short but man has it been fun to watch.

The way Goldberg has dominated Brock Lesnar at Survivor Series and The Royal Rumble has been nothing short of brilliant.

Both instances have built Goldberg up nicely.

Both instances gave Brock Lesnar a layer of vulnerability.

That layer will ultimately help build him back up as the Beast Incarnate.

Lesnar (via Paul Heyman) threw the challenge down to Goldberg for a showdown at the showcase of the immortals.

Goldberg is likely to accept but will he have championship gold around his waist to defend come Mania?

The coming weeks will surely give us a better picture of what’s to come.

And when it all unfolds, it could reveal one of the more memorable WrestleMania cards in recent history.

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The Best and Worst Movies To Watch On Valentine’s Day

EJ Moreno

February 1, 2017

Play These Films If You Want Swoon Or Scare Your Valentine!

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to cuddle up and watch a movie. Picking what to watch is usually stressful for any couple. With everyone having different movie tastes and so many streaming services, the choices can seem endless.

Use this as a guide for what to watch and what to avoid! Each pick has something related to love/romance or the holiday itself. There’s also something from every genre and spanning several decades. All together, this collection of films is meant for you to easily select something for your upcoming Valentine “Netflix and Chill” session!

Comment below and let me know your favorite or least favorite Valentine’s Day movie!

Honorable Mentions-
Best: ‘My Bloody Valentine’, ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’, ‘Harold and Maude’
Worst: ‘Blue Valentine’, ‘Kramer Vs Kramer’, ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf’

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1. Worst: A Love Story (1970)

This film teaches us “love means never having to say sorry” but I’m sorry if you watch this movie on Valentine’s Day. Seeing the beautiful relationship Ryan O’Neal and Ali McGraw doesn’t make up for the sadness that follows. This feels like a precursor to sappy dramas like ‘The Notebook‘ and ‘Walk to Remember‘. ‘A Love Story‘ is the ultimate tearjerker and guaranteed to leave everyone crying on Valentine’s Day.

Available on: Google Play – iTunes

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A Black History Month Tribute To 10 Of The Greatest African-American Actors

Ruben Diaz

February 1, 2017

It’s Black History Month, and as fans of film, television, and all things entertainment, there’s no better time for Monkeys Fighting Robots to celebrate the work of actors of African descent. All of these actors are fulfilling dreams that their ancestors couldn’t even imagine were possible. Each actor, possessed by a need to create and entertain, are poised, talented, hard-working, and have an extensive filmography of varied roles that look into the soul of humanity. These 10 actors are pioneers with passion, focus, and skills they’ve used to entertain millions. They are not only heroes to future generations of artists but serve as an inspiration to people all over the world.

Celebrating Black History Month With
A Tribute To African-American Actors!

11Honorable Mention: Hattie McDaniel

A Black History Month tribute to actors would not get very far without Hattie McDaniel. In 1940, Hattie became the first African-American actor to win an Academy Award for her role in Gone With The Wind. But, Hattie, like the actors above, was a renaissance woman. Hattie has TWO stars on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. One is for her contributions to film. The other is for radio, where Hattie broke barriers by becoming the first female, African-American singer ever on US radio broadcasts.

What To Watch:
Judge Priest – 1934
China Seas – 1935
Saratoga – 1937
The Mad Miss Manton – 1938
Mickey – 1948

Our Black History Month celebration continues next week
with the best African-American filmmakers of all-time!

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Best Picture Oscar Winners From the 1980s, Ranked

Larry Taylor - Managing Editor

February 1, 2017

As groundbreaking and classic as just about every Best Picture Oscar winner from the 70s may have been, the decade that followed was much more of a mixed bag. Grand epics and small intimate films shared the stage all throughout the 1980s; some were great, others have soured significantly.

Now let’s arbitrarily rank them…

1Amadeus (1984)

Milos Forman’s biopic (a term loosely applied here) of Mozart, the child savant who soon became the greatest composer of all time, touches that three-hour length depending on which version you see. But never has a three-hour picture breezed along with such energy and verve as this. Amadeus is the best film of the 80s, and one of the most captivating and electrifying epics of all time. Tom Hulce and F. Murray Abraham deliver impassioned performances as the genius and his adversary, a man consumed with jealous rage.

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VALIANT: X-O MANOWAR FCBD SPECIAL Debuts Two Essential New Stories for Free Comic Book Day 2017!

Manuel Gomez

February 1, 2017

Valiant is proud to present your first look inside the VALIANT: X-O MANOWAR FCBD SPECIAL – Valiant’s gold-level offering for Free Comic Book Day 2017! On Saturday, May 6th, the road toward 2017’s biggest new series – X-O MANOWAR and BLOODSHOT SALVATION – starts here with two all-new, never-before-seen stories from a top-tier cast of writers and artists, including Matt Kindt, Jeff Lemire, CAFU, Juan Jose Ryp, and many more!

First: Valiant’s most explosive Free Comic Book Day yet begins as New York Times best-selling writer Matt Kindt (Divinity, Ninjak, Mind MGMT) and rising star CAFU (Rai) present a brand-new prelude introducing the world of X-O MANOWAR #1 – the EPIC NEW ONGOING SERIES from Kindt and a rotating cast of blockbuster interior artists including Tomas Giorello (4001 A.D.: War Mother, Bloodshot Reborn), Doug Braithwaite (Armor Hunters, Bloodshot U.S.A.), Clayton Crain (Rai, Carnage), Ryan Bodenheim (The Dying & The Dead), and Mico Suayan (Bloodshot Reborn)!

Then: FCBD 2017 escalates even further as New York Times best-selling writer Jeff Lemire (Bloodshot Reborn, Inhumans Vs. X-Men) and incendiary artist Juan Jose Ryp (Britannia) present a shocking look ahead at what awaits in BLOODSHOT SALVATION – a top-secret new ongoing series debuting in 2017 — with THE FIRST APPEARANCE of a MAJOR NEW CHARACTER that will have major ramifications for the violent world and troubled life of Ray Garrison…

Plus: FAITH… HARBINGER RENEGADE… NINJAK… PSI-LORDS… ARCHER & ARMSTRONG… SECRET WEAPONS… RAI… SHADOWMAN… WAR MOTHER… And surprise revelations for HARBINGER WARS 2! On May 6th, don’t miss the all-star lineup of Valiant’s biggest heroes as Matt Kindt, CAFU, Jeff Lemire, Juan Jose Ryp, and special surprise guests present the biggest moments that the Valiant Universe has to offer – only in the VALIANT: X-O MANOWAR FCBD SPECIAL, featuring a cover by Valiant-exclusive rising star Tomas Giorello!

But first: A stunning new beginning for Valiant’s most enduring icon begins on March 22nd in X-O MANOWAR #1, part one of “SOLDIER” – a punishing, three-issue introduction that will push Aric of Dacia beyond the farthest limits of our galaxy…and into the brutal opening salvo of the ultimate X-O Manowar tale ever told!

“Ultimately, I wanted to tear Aric back down to basics. I wanted to really explore Aric and his original culture and his mindset, and portray where his head would be at after going through everything he’s seen,” series writer Matt Kindt told the official Free Comic Book Day website. “In my run, he’s definitely going to have a contentious love/hate relationship with the armor and what it’s capable of. That’s where a lot of the drama will come from. I’m also dropping him on a completely alien planet that’s rich with very foreign ideas and cultures. He’s not going to have an easy time of it under my watch.”

Born under the oppressive thumb of the Roman Empire, Aric of Dacia learned warfare at an early age. It was amid such violence that he was abducted by an alien race. Forced into slavery, he survived where others perished. His escape would come from bonding with a weapon of immeasurable power: the X-O Manowar armor. With it, he returned to Earth…only to find himself stranded in the modern day.

But that was a lifetime ago.

Now, far from home on a strange and primitive new world, Aric has begun a new life. Liberated from his past, he tends to his crops. Free from war. Free from violence. Free from the armor.

But the machinery of death marches his way once again. Conscripted into an alien army and thrown into an unforgiving conflict, the fury inside him finds voice as he is forced to embrace the armor once more. With it, he will decimate armies, topple empires and incite interplanetary warfare as he rises from SOLDIER to GENERAL to EMPEROR to VISIGOTH. They wanted a weapon. He will give them war!

In the wake of “SOLDIER”’s staggering assault in issues #1-3, X-O MANOWAR then continues in 2017 and beyond as a superstar cast of Valiant’s most acclaimed artistic talents – including Tomas Giorello, Doug Braithwaite, Clayton Crain, Ryan Bodenheim, and Mico Suayan – chart Aric’s path from SOLDIER to GENERAL to EMPEROR to VISIGOTH for a vicious, year-long journey of bone and bloodshed born from the battlefields of a herculean alien empire:

For more information, visit Valiant on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, and ValiantUniverse.com.For Valiant merchandise and more, visit ValiantStore.com

VALIANT: X-O MANOWAR FCBD SPECIAL – Cover by Tomas Giorello

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4. VALIANT: X-O MANOWAR FCBD SPECIAL – Interior Art by Juan Jose Ryp

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Denis Villeneuve Will Direct the ‘Dune’ Remake

Larry Taylor - Managing Editor

February 1, 2017

Denis Villeneuve is arguably the hottest filmmaker in Hollywood right now, especially when it comes to science fiction and sci-fi remakes. Because now, Villeneuve will direct the long-gestating Dune remake.

The news came from Brian Herbert, son of Dune author Frank Herbert, via his Twitter feed:

It's official — Legendary Pictures has signed the very talented Denis Villeneuve to direct the exciting new DUNE series film project.

— Brian Herbert (@DuneAuthor) February 1, 2017

And it looks like Dune will be a “film series” as well. Denis Villeneuve recently got his first (probably of many) Oscar nominations for Arrival, and he has Blade Runner 2049 coming up this year. He’s the new go to for sci-fi, apparently.

David Lynch’s 1984 film adaptation of the celebrated novel, starring Lynch regular Kyle MacLachlan and Sting, was a notorious misfire. The budget spiraled out of control and the box office did very little to pay the tab. These days, it’s somewhat of a cult classic for fans of the novel and Lynch.

The pairing of Lynch and Dune didn’t make a ton of sense, and it still doesnt, but Villeneuve and the subject matter feels like a more effective pairing. We shall see.

There’s no word as far as shooting times or release date or cast as of yet. We will keep you up to date when that news comes down.

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‘Batman’ #16 Disturbingly Raises The Level of Bane As A Villain

Manuel Gomez

The Psycho-Pirate sits in Arkham Asylum, both imprisoned and protected by Batman. But as The Dark Knight anticipates a move by Bane to kidnap the jailed villain for his own needs, Bruce manipulates his friends and families in order to face the danger alone and hopefully also save Gotham Girl. It is a move that may prove to be a fatal mistake, and not necessarily for the Batman.

Batman #16

“I Am Bane part 1”
Publisher: DC Comics
Written by Tom King
Penciled and Inked by: David Finch
Colored by: Jordie Bellaire

Writing

So we begin a new storyline, and it starts with a bang. A venom infused guard makes an attempt to break out the Psycho-Pirate but is stopped by Batman and Bronze Tiger. Tom King lets us know right away that this new arc is moving into a more action vibe with this scene. It’s a change from the last two part Catwoman story, but it’s still very much well within the overall arc that has been going on since “I Am Gotham”. I’m actually starting to see many connective tissues and I realize that King is building a very complex multi-part tale.

This issue also had a lot of humor, which was a welcome surprise. As much as I have loved what King was doing so far in Batman, it was all extremely dour and serious. Sequences like the one with Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson, Jason Todd and Damian Wayne having lunch in a Batman themed burger joint (Batburger! I would TOTALLY go) showcase what a multi-faceted writer he is. It sounds silly, but the writing is so tight that the jokes not only make you laugh but also expands on the characters as well. I seriously think this scene was one of the best things I’ve read in a Batman comic, and the dynamic of the “Bat Family” is strongly felt. Even Alfred, who isn’t there, is mentioned in a great bit of a joke.

But it’s the ending of this first chapter that I really can’t get out of my head. Revealing it would spoil the impact, and I suspect there is more, but it’s a jarring and graphic image that really delivers. It makes Bane’s infamous breaking of Batman’s back the second worse thing the villain has done to him. And immediately sets up how personal and serious Bane is. King is going a long way toward turning a already classic villain into something truly scary and disturbing.

Art

David Finch is no stranger to Batman, having both drawn and written the chacater. The familiarity shows in the great execution and ease he has in laying out the action and quite scenes. Finch’s art is deceptive though. At a glance it seems like much more traditional comic book art, with its square jawed heroes and and clean lines; but when you focus on the details a bit, you notice great touches like subtle facial expressons, a smooth senses of movement that almost feel like animation, and a truly great attention to details in backgrounds and foregrounds. I really am enjoying how each arc of Batman has a different but equally talented artist holding the pen. It’s a concept that allows for a perfect pairing depending on story tone.

I must mention Jordie Bellaire’s colors. The opening scene in Arkham is a perfect example of color-setting mood. And when you juxtapose that with the “lighter” scenes, it just emphasis how crucial it is to have a good colorist in your team.

Conclusion

Batman continues to be at an all-time high for me. There is a lot being set up in this title, and although of some of it ties into the Rebirth going on in the DCU, it still feels like a very intimate and personal Batman story being told. Dark Knight fans, you have to be reading what Tom King is writing.

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Image Comics Turns 25: Celebrating The Company’s 25 Best Titles (Part Three)

Anthony Wendel

February 1, 2017

We’re celebrating Image Comics‘ 25th anniversary all this week by breaking down the company’s all-time best 25 series. With so much diversity in its catalog, Image truly has comics for everyone. Check them out for yourself! Leave some of your own favorites in the comments, and come back to Monkeys Fighting Robots tomorrow for Part 4 and 5 more titles!

Make sure to check out:
Part One & Part Two

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1. Youngblood

A series which was artist Rob Liefeld’s answer to the X-Men. At one time, it was one of the the most sought after comics on the shelves. Sure the critics weren’t pleased with the story, and the series suffered thanks to production delays. Still, Liefeld and his work became a staple of what many comic fans remember about this era in comic publishing. Youngblood, encapsulating the ’90s all under one title.

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1Christoph Waltz

SAY IT AIN’T SO, JOE!

The Kevin Owens Show Season Finale?

GOLDBERG. GOLDBERG. GOLDBERG.

Play These Films If You Want Swoon Or Scare Your Valentine!

1. Worst: A Love Story (1970)

Celebrating Black History Month With A Tribute To African-American Actors!

11Honorable Mention: Hattie McDaniel

1Amadeus (1984)

4. VALIANT: X-O MANOWAR FCBD SPECIAL – Interior Art by Juan Jose Ryp

Writing

Art

Conclusion

1. Youngblood

Celebrating Black History Month With
A Tribute To African-American Actors!