At the end of the 1980s, U2 makes the decision to “go away and dream it up again.”
In 1991, this came true with their seventh album Achtung Baby, which turns 25 years old today. During the early 1990s, U2 went in the alternative direction and chose to embrace rock stardom.
Instead of post-punk and anthem rock, U2 embraces the alternative and industrial rock genres. The sound is that of “Four men chopping down The Joshua Tree”, as Bono describes it. On “Zoo Station”, the song opens with guitar distortion and processing on the vocals. The effect feels as if one is listening to a broken stereo system, which is the intention of the band. Indeed, this new sound marks the birth of a new U2.
Bono in U2’s Zoo TV era. Shades of Lou Reed.
Achtung Baby is an album of dark and introspective themes. Whereas U2 once sang of pacifism, the group focuses on temptation, inadequacy, and loneliness. They also look at human weakness and personal contradictions. Here, the mood is dark, edgy yet playful.
Bono praises women on tracks like “Mysterious Ways” and questions relationships in “Love Is Blindness.” “Mysterious Ways” is a funk-type number that examines the way men put females on a pedestal. Special merit should be given to Adam Clayton’s solid bass line.
U2 does return to religious themes in a few of the songs. “Until The End Of The World” examines temptation and human nature. Bono writes the song from Judas Iscariot’s point of view. Such examples include Biblical imagery; “We ate the food / We drank the wine / Everybody having a good time / Except you / You were talking about the end of the world.”
“Even Better Than The Real Thing” focuses on how people opt for instant gratification rather than the truth, all the while set to the industrial sounds of Larry Mullen Jr.’s drumming. “One” is not about two people falling in love, because the lyrics detail a messy breakup. For some reason, fans choose to play it at their weddings.
U2 delves into alternative dance with “The Fly”, which Bono describes as a crank call from Hell. The track consists of hip-hop beats, guitar delay effects and an industrial feel. This would lay the groundwork for the band’s 1997 album Pop.
Achtung Baby‘s weak points are few and in between. “Who’s Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses” has a nice rhythm, but it feels incomplete and needs more fine tuning. “Trying To Throw Your Arms Around The World” is little more than an experimental track of a drunken night on the town. Look no further than the following lines: “A woman needs a man/Like a fish needs a bicycle.”
The songs that deserve another look are the ballads. “One” has a solid structure and beautiful melody. “So Cruel” proves to be a unique track of failed love, because it written from the male point of view. Bono’s anguished delivery of lyrics is poignant and moving to listen to.
Larry Mullen Jr probably feels glad they went in a new direction
“Acrobat” is a lost gem for its raw lyrics focusing on alienation and personal weakness. Despite getting praise from critics, the song has never been performed for an audience, because the group feels they cannot do a good live version.
Finally, “Love Is Blindness” is a melancholic, cathartic song that closes the album. Producer Brian Eno plays an organ-type sound on the keyboards, and Edge’s guitar work on this track is one of his finest performances. As the song builds to a climax, one can hear his strings breaking in the concluding solo.
Twenty-five years on, Achtung Baby stands the test of time as a great album. The songs are impressive to listen to, and it does not feel dated or cliche. By embracing new influences, U2 succeeds in musically reinventing themselves as a band. Through the rest of the decade, they had varying degrees of success with their new sounds. Since then, they tend to go back to their 1980s anthemic sound. One can hope they will dream up another reinvention.
I don’t think I’m reaching when I say that the Disney Empire is well-known. Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar and a whole lot more properties make up the media giant whole. However, back in 1928, Walt Disney was merely the leader of a small band of cohorts at Disney Brothers Studio who wanted to entertain the world in any way they could imagine. That imagination gave birth to Steamboat Willie, a cartoon short with a familiar mouse, a steamboat, and now classic Disney animated fun.
Steamboat Willie is Mickey Mouse’s real name before the mouse was charged with multiple murders and had to change identities. In honor of Steamboat Willie turning 88 years old, here are seven great animated shorts from Disney’s earliest days.
The Barnyard Battle – 1929
An epic starring Mickey as a soldier, seemingly inspired by the American Civil War, fighting off an invading force of cats. The cats wear helmets eerily similar to those of World War 1 Germans. The battle is hilariously brutal, featuring cannon fire and machine gun pistols.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXNuhsdkPmo
The Haunted House – 1929
Poor, Mickey. On a stormy night he takes refuge in the first place he finds, and it’s a creepy, old house. The Grim Reaper wants Mickey to tickle the keys on a piano so the undead can have a party.
The Chain Gang – 1930
One of the first animated shorts Disney made without Ub Iwerks. The animation clearly suffers without Iwerks, but the story and antics are no less Disney. The music is spectacular as always. Mickey is in prison for reasons unknown, but I suspect it’s for the multiple murders I mentioned before.
The Castaway – 1931
Mickey uses his underwear as a sail to get across an ocean of harassment to reach a small island. There, Mickey encounters the locals, including a gorilla, lion, monkeys, and more. Using his piano, Mickey gets them all to dance except for the lion who wants to eat everyone.
Giantland – 1933
The first of many times in which Disney and company tackled familiar and famous fairytales. In this version, Mickey plays Jack from Jack and the Magic Beanstalk.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wtz2OcyCPm0&t=78s
Mickey’s Mechanical Man – 1933
An intelligent, boxing gorilla named Kongo, fights against a mechanical man built by Mickey Mouse. The mechanical man goes a little nuts for a while before heading into the ring against Kongo.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULZGE93U0yE
The Dognapper – 1934
The first adventure story to feature Mickey and Donald Duck. The Dognapper was also the first and only time Clarance Nash (aka Donald Duck) voiced Mickey.
‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’ hits theaters this week, and EJ and Matt truly wanted to review the film for you, but it turned out to be uninspiring and we wanted to give you an epic 100th episode, so we went on a tangent. We instead discuss our ‘Top 5 Films Involving Magic.’
Matt gets stuck in the 80s rabbit hole of sorcery, and EJ panders to his inner 90s teenage witch.
Strap yourself in buckaroos! Episode 100 of the Monkeys Fighting Robots podcast is here.
Do you want to be our SUPER-FAN of the week? All you have to do is comment on this podcast to be eligible.
Do you have a question that you would like answered during the show?
Email your questions to matt@popaxiom.com.
If you are looking to sponsor the podcast email matt@popaxiom.com as well.
About the Monkeys Fighting Robots Podcast:
A Gen Xer and a Millennial debate the latest topics in pop culture. One guy is a filmmaker and the other is a journalist, but both are nerds. We make your slowest days at work better. Hosts, Matthew Sardo and EJ Moreno.
Never heard of Matt Sardo? For starters, he made the Kessel Run in less than 11 parsecs. Prior to that, he gave Doc Brown the idea for the flux capacitor and led the Resistance to victory over SkyNet – all while sipping a finely crafted IPA. As a radio host, he’s interviewed celebrities, athletes and everyone in between. He’s covered everything from the Super Bowl to Comic-Con.
Who is EJ Moreno? Is he a trained physician? No. Is he a former Miss Universe contestant? Possibly. But what we know for sure is he’s a writer, filmmaker, and pop culture enthusiast. Since film school, EJ has written & directed several short films. He’s used his passion of filmmaking to become a movie critic for MonkeysFightingRobots.com.
Whoever had the idea to bring back a comic using the art of Batman: The Animated Series deserves a raise. The first issue of Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures, published jointly by DC Comics and IDW Publishing, is a nostalgic mash-up that must be read.
This limited series, “The Face of Two Worlds,” brings the animated worlds of Bruce Timm’s Batman and Nickelodeon’s CGI Turtles together. The story pits these heroes against the other’s villains.
Issue #1 sets everything up. A “Kraang Portal” opens up in Gotham City, allowing Two-Face, The Joker, Harley Quinn, Clayface, and a plethora of other psychos to escape Arkham Asylum. Bats investigates Two-Face’s cell and finds a triangle etched on the wall. A sample reveals an energy residue unlike any available on Earth. Batman tells Alfred to summon Robin before investigating further.
Meanwhile, the Turtles have discovered the presence of new Kraang Portals. They track the energy to an especially seedy pocket of the sewers. Once there, they battle a particularly pissed-off Clayface. Michelangelo dubs him “Mudbutt.” Glorious. Trouble is boiling; the Turtles just don’t know what it is. Yet.
The issue ends on a teaser. A team of Foot Soldiers find the sparking, dismantled remains of their comrades in an alleyway. And just who do you suppose decimated them? The Joker and Harley Quinn.
Writer (and fellow SVA alum) Matthew K. Manning captures the fun of the Turtles and, more importantly (to me, at least), the tone, humor, and brilliance of B:TAS. I’d even go so far as to say he captures the spirit of the cartoon’s comic book counterpart, The Batman Adventures, written by Kelley Puckett and pencilled by the late, great Mike Parobeck.
Manning understands the animated Batman. I could hear Kevin Conroy, Efrem Zimbalist, Jr., Richard Moll, Ron Perlman, and Mark Hamill reading Manning’s words. And that’s no easy task when the shadow of Paul Dini looms so heavily over this beloved property. The best exchange occurs between Batman and Alfred, though. The butler’s wit is just as good, if not better, than anything from the cartoon.
The art by Sommariva is astounding. He seamlessly alternates between two very different animated designs. While I can’t comment on the accuracy of Sommariva’s Turtles’ surroundings (I haven’t seen an episode of this version), I can happily say he gets everything right about the animated Batman.
Arkham is an exact mirror of its cartoon design, right down to the blood-red sky. As are the Batcave and Batmobile. Sommariva even sprinkles the Gotham skyline with GCPD blimps!
Two particular panels stand out. These panels prove that Sommariva is the most-qualified artist for this series outside of Bruce Timm himself. Check out the panels at the bottom of page five. Notice Batman’s cape. It’s shorter in the left panel and longer on the right.
Exactly in-step with Timm’s “cape theory” design sheet. Timm’s rule was the cape could be “cheated” longer than it actually was to achieve a more dramatic effect for Batman. Not a huge detail, but it’s one aspect that sets Timm’s Batman out from the rest. Sommariva is a fan of the details.
This crossover is destined to be a classic. Buy it monthly or buy the trade paperback when it’s released. Just buy it! Some of the best four bucks and change you’ll ever spend.
Hopefully this mini-series is so successful that it prompts DC Comics to relaunch The Batman Adventures monthly comic book. Only if Manning and Sommariva are available, though. Hell, let them bring their whole team: inker Sean Parsons, colorist Leonardo Ito, letterer Shawn Lee, and editor Bobby Curnow.
The comic book wouldn’t be half as good without them.
‘The Walking Dead’ on AMC is in its seventh season and there is enough comic book material available to take the series to season ten and beyond. It appears that a film version of Robert Kirkman’s zombie epic is a possibility and the conversation is in the early stages.
‘Walking Dead’ producer Scott M. Gimple spoke on the subject of a potential film and even joked about the casting.
“That question comes up every now and again,” Gimple said to comicbook. “I’m sure one way or another, one day, it’ll happen. I think it would be cool.”
“William Shatner as Rick. We’ll get Edward James Olmos as Daryl. Hit all the big shows! Matthew Fox as the Governor!” said Gimple.
It will be a long-shot if a film gets made in the next 15 years, but you could envision AMC producing a film to close out the series.
If Hollywood did reboot the series on the big screen, who would you cast as Rick? Comment below.
You can find ‘The Walking Dead’ Sunday night at 9 p.m. ET on AMC.
Just in time for our 100th episode, The Monkeys Fighting Robots Podcast was picked up by BlogTalkRadio to join its Prime Network.
“Joining BlogTalkRadio is a great reward as a podcaster. That’s the power of the medium, you never know who’s listening,” said Matthew Sardo, co-founder of Monkeys Fighting Robots. “We look forward to using the tools that BlogTalkRadio offers to take our podcast to the next level and expand our reach.”
Since its inception in April of 2015, the MFR podcast has entrenched itself in all aspects of the world of pop culture, from social commentary of the best and worst of humanity, to passionate and personal celebrity interviews. The show is hosted by Matthew Sardo and movie critic EJ Moreno.
About BlogTalkRadio
Founded in 2006, BlogTalkRadio helps podcasters thrive and profit from their content. The platform is a unified toolkit that helps podcasters record, stream live, publish on-demand, syndicate, measure and monetize conversational format podcasts. Hosts can capture interviews with guests from any geographic location using nothing more than a laptop, a microphone, and a broadband internet connection.
About The Monkeys Fighting Robots Podcast
A Gen Xer and a Millennial debate the latest topics in pop culture. One guy is a filmmaker and the other is a journalist, but both are nerds. We make your slowest days at work better.
Never heard of Matt Sardo? For starters, he made the Kessel Run in less than 11 parsecs. Prior to that, he gave Doc Brown the idea for the flux capacitor and led the Resistance to victory over SkyNet – all while sipping a finely crafted IPA. He’s covered everything from the Super Bowl to Comic-Con.
Who is EJ Moreno? Is he a trained physician? No. Is he a former Miss Universe contestant? Possibly. But what we know for sure is he’s a writer, filmmaker, and pop culture enthusiast. Since film school, EJ has written & directed several short films. He’s used his passion for filmmaking to become a movie critic for MonkeysFightingRobots.com.
THE BLACK HOOD SEASON 2, #3
“The Nobody Murders, Part 3”: Where The Nobody goes, death follows! But Greg Hettinger, a.k.a. The Black Hood, has no choice but to trail the psychotic assassin all the way across the United States, hoping to stop him before the body count climbs any higher. Greg steels himself for the worst—but nothing can prepare him for the shock waiting for him back in Philadelphia…
I know what you’re thinking. This is the third issue in a four-part arc. Meh, right? WRONG. This is the issue Black Hood fans are going to be talking about for a long time. Don’t miss it!
Script: Duane Swierczynski
Art: Greg Scott, Rachel Deering, Kelly Fitzpatrick
Cover: Greg Smallwood
Variant Cover: Michael Walsh
On Sale Date: 2/15
32-page, full color comic
$3.99 U.S.
NEW RIVERDALE / ARCHIE HORROR
ARCHIE #17
Cheryl Blossom’s unleashed on Riverdale, creating chaos and tumult at her whim! Only Veronica can stop her—but how will she get back from her Swiss boarding school in time to save her friends?
Script: Mark Waid
Art: Joe Eisma, Andre Szymanowicz, Jack Morelli
Cover: Joe Eisma
Variant Cover: Aaron Lopresti, Tula Lotay
On Sale Date: 2/15
32-page, full color comic
$3.99 U.S.
JOSIE AND THE PUSSYCATS #4
The Pussycats’ careers really start to take off as they head off to Rome for glitz and glamour! But what happens when a gang of diamond thieves bursts onto the scene? And will Josie and Alan M’s dynamic sparkle under the heat and pressure of life on the road? Or will Josie’s hard-as-diamonds ambition CUT THEM ALL TO RIBBONS?! Find out in Issue 4, “THREE CATS BY A FOUNTAIN.”
Script: Marguerite Bennett, Cameron DeOrdio
Art: Audrey Mok, Kelly Fitzpatrick, Jack Morelli
Cover: Audrey Mok
Variant Covers: Sanya Anwar, Michael Walsh
On Sale Date: 2/1
32-page, full color comic
$3.99 U.S.
JUGHEAD #13
Reggie has won KING FOR A DAY! And it turns out his first act as King is to demand… that everyone else to form a band with him? Okay that’s actually not so bad; I was expecting way worse from Reggie. Wait, never mind, I’m getting word that DESPITE this very enjoyable and conflict-free premise, when Jughead plays around with the new music video for “The Reggies” and accidentally uploads an altered and embarrassing clip to the internet, everyone becomes enraged at our favorite crown-wearing hamburger-loving pal! Even Betty, and she’s the greatest! She doesn’t get mad unless it’s really important! ANYWAY: Jughead will face CONSEQUENCES, but at least they’ll be interesting AND HILARIOUS to read about!
Script: Ryan North
Art: Derek Charm, Jack Morelli
Cover: Derek Charm
Variant Covers: Ben Caldwell, Ryan Jampole
On Sale Date: 2/22
32-page, full color comic
$3.99 U.S.
JUGHEAD VOL. 2 (TR)
In the grand tradition of comic book reboots like ARCHIE VOL. 1, Archie Comics
proudly presents… JUGHEAD VOL. 2—from the super team of Chip Zdarsky
(HOWARD THE DUCK), Ryan North (THE UNBEATABLE SQUIRREL GIRL) and Derek Charm (REGULAR SHOW)! JUGHEAD VOL. 2 features bears, witches and pranks—oh my! You won’t want to miss a minute of the hilarious action!
Script: Chip Zdarsky, Ryan North
Art: Derek Charm & Jack Morelli
Cover: Derek Charm
978-1-68255-998-7
$14.99/$16.99CAN
6 5/8 x 10 3/16”
TR
104 pp, Full Color
Direct Market On-Sale Date: 2/22
REGGIE AND ME #3
In the third installment of this five-issue miniseries, everyone thinks they know Big Moose. They’re wrong. Determined to rid himself of both Moose and Archie, Reggie exploits his new “friendship” with the big guy to learn, “The Secret Life Of Moose Mason!” Reggie uncovers surprising truths about Moose’s family and his troubled past. He discovers the real reason why Midge is so devoted to Moose. He exposes the big guy’s hopes, dreams and fears. Teemed with his beloved dog Vader, Reggie begins to plant the seeds that will eventually lead to Moose and Archie’s expulsion from Riverdale High.
Script: Tom DeFalco
Art: Sandy Jarrell, Kelly Fitzpatrick, Jack Morelli
Cover: Sandy Jarrell, Kelly Fitzpatrick
Variant Covers: Howard Chaykin, Thomas Pitilli
On Sale Date: 2/22
32-page, full color comic
$3.99 U.S.
RIVERDALE #1 (ONE-SHOT) Cover by Alitha Martinez with Steve Downer On Sale 2/1/17
RIVERDALE #1
From Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and the writers of the new CW series Riverdale comes the first issue of the MUST-READ, brand new, ongoing comic series. Set in the universe of the TV series, the Riverdale comic offers a bold, subversive take on Archie, Betty, Veronica, Josie & the Pussycats and their friends, exploring small-town life and the darkness and weirdness bubbling beneath Riverdale’s wholesome facade. Features interior art by up-and-coming artist Alitha Martinez (Black Panther).
Script: Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa & Various
Art: Alitha Martinez
Cover: Alitha Martinez
Variant Covers: Elliott Fernandez, Francesco Francavilla, Peter Krause, Djibril Morissette-Phan, Ron Salas
On Sale Date: 2/15
32-page, full color comic
$3.99 U.S.
ARCHIE CLASSIC
ARCHIE COMICS SUPER SPECIAL #8
Get in on the ground floor with the quarterly Archie Super Special! Join in on the fun and adventure in the town of Riverdale! Follow the hilarious antics of the lovable goofball, Archie Andrews, and the rest of his pals and gals! This magazine features the greatest stories from the Archie vault, plus creator spotlights, the latest news and much, much more!
Script: Various
Art: Various
Cover: Dan Parent
On Sale Date: 2/8
128-page, full color comic
$9.99 U.S.
ARCHIE JUMBO COMICS DIGEST #276
Get ready for DOUBLE the laughs and DOUBLE the fun in this newest installment of Archie JUMBO comics digest featuring an ALL NEW LEAD STORY! In “Dear Fake Diary,” Archie creates a fake diary just to see if Veronica to would read it. As he plants outrageously fake stories, he watches Veronica struggle to maintain her composure!
Script: Dan Parent
Art: Dan Parent
Cover: Dan Parent
On Sale Date: 2/1
256-page, full color comic
$6.99 U.S.
ARCHIE 1000 PAGE COMICS COMPENDIUM (TR)
Get ready for the biggest collection EVER of the best and brightest stories Archie Comics has to offer! In this edition of the ARCHIE 1000 PAGE COMICS series, get ready unending fun, laughter and entertainment with Archie & his pals ‘n’ gals! You’ll enjoy this compendium of classic comics! Everything’s Archie in the largest Archie collection series EVER—offered at an incredible value price!
Script: Various
Art: Various
Cover: Various
978-1-68255-995-6
$14.99/$16.99CAN
TR
1000 pp, Full Color
Direct Market On-Sale Date: 2/8
ARCHIE’S COLORING BOOK #1
Get creative with Archie and his pals ‘n’ gals! Now you have the chance to color all of your favorite Archie characters! You can give Archie’s jalopy a paint job or personally style Betty and Veronica’s outfits. Plus, each image has an intricate background pattern to add to your color experience. The possibilities are endless and the fun never stops!
Script: Various
Art: Various
Cover: Dan DeCarlo, Rosario “Tito” Peña
On Sale Date: 2/15
128-page, full color comic
$9.99 U.S.
ARCHIE’S 75th ANNIVERSARY DIGEST #6
Celebrate Archie’s 75th anniversary in a special way with this commemorative digest! In this jam-packed issue, Jughead and Archie take the spotlight! Get ready for a whole lot of hilarious stories as well as bonus art pages and fun intros from writers, artists and fans alike. Each anniversary digest is a special collector’s item for every Archie fan!
Script: Various
Art: Various
Cover: Various
On Sale Date: 2/1
224-page, full color comic
$6.99 U.S.
BETTY & VERONICA COMICS DOUBLE DIGEST #251
Join the world-famous Betty & Veronica for some fabulous fun and fantastic fashion in this comics double digest featuring an ALL NEW LEAD STORY! In “Give My Regards to Brigitte,” songstress Brigitte Reilly makes her Broadway debut—but a rude Veronica in the audience creates a scene that will be tough for Brigitte to overcome!
Script: Dan Parent
Art: Dan Parent
Cover: Dan Parent
On Sale Date: 2/15
160-page, full color comic
$4.99 U.S.
JOSIE AND THE PUSSYCATS 80-PAGE GIANT COMIC #1
This GIANT-SIZED collection features some of the best, classic stories with the musical mavens themselves, Josie and the Pussycats, headlining! Starting with their first appearances and going in chronological order, it’s a perfect introduction to the characters for fans who enjoy the new Josie and the Pussycats comic series as well as the girls’ on the CW’s Riverdale as well as an ideal collection for classic Archie fans.
Script: Various
Art: Various
Cover: Dan DeCarlo
On Sale Date: 2/8
80-page, full color comic
$4.99 U.S.
JUGHEAD AND ARCHIE JUMBO COMICS DIGEST #25
Archie and America’s favorite couch potato, Jughead, are here to bring you hours of entertainment in this JUMBO-sized comics digest, featuring a BRAND NEW LEAD STORY you won’t want to miss! In “Child’s Play,” Archie and Jughead get a gig playing music on a local kids’ show. Unfortunately, two lovely assistants on the show distract Archie, showing kids that triangles are not just for geometry!
Script: Dan Parent
Art: Dan Parent Cover: Dan Parent
On Sale Date: 2/22
256-page, full color comic
$6.99 U.S.
WORLD OF ARCHIE WINTER ANNUAL #66
There’s a whole world of Archie comics out there, and you can find some of the best and most hilarious winter-themed stories right here! Check out OVER 190 pages of fun, with a BRAND NEW LEAD STORY! In “Me, Myself and I,” Reggie decides to write his memoir and enlists Betty to help him. When he realizes he doesn’t have much to write about, he gets creative…very creative…
Script: Dan Parent
Art: Dan Parent
Cover: Dan Parent
On Sale Date: 2/8
192-page, full color comic
$5.99 U.S.
ARCHIE ACTION
SONIC SUPER SPECIAL MAGAZINE #14
The SONIC SUPER SPECIAL MAGAZINE is back and here to give you the world of Sonic the Hedgehog comics as you’ve never seen it before! Collecting the best in comic stories, special features and exclusive articles on the latest and greatest in the world of the Blue Blur! This is a title no true blue Sonic fan should be without!
Script: Various
Art: Various
Cover: SEGA
On Sale Date: 2/22
128-page, full color comic
$9.99 U.S.
SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #292
EVERYTHING CHANGES when SONIC and friends go down their “Branching Paths”: The Shattered World Crisis is behind us, and the 25th Anniversary was well celebrated! So what’s next for Sonic and his friends? That’s up to them to decide! Sonic is racing around Westside Island on a mission—but for whom? And while Sonic’s away, each of his friends make decisions that will plot the course of their lives. Don’t miss out on the beginning of a whole new era of Sonic stories! Featuring cover art by Sonic comics veteran Tracy Yardley and a “Epic Movie Poster” variant by T. Rex!
Script: Ian Flynn
Art: Tracy Yardley, Terry Austin, Gabriel Cassata and John Workman
Cover: Tracy Yardley & Elaina Unger
Variant Cover: T. Rex
On Sale Date: 2/22
32-page, full color comic
$3.99 U.S.
SONIC UNIVERSE #95
It’s SONIC’s SUPER TEAM, the “FREEDOM FIGHTERS”: They’ve been Sonic’s closest friends in the comics for years! Now it’s their time to shine! Antoine takes the stage, traveling to his homeland to find some closure to his past. But he and Sonic find a new foe in the empty halls of Castle D’Coolette, and the beginning of a mystical new adventure! Featuring cover art by jammin’ Jamal Peppers and a “Team Blast” variant by Lamar Wells!
Script: Ian Flynn
Art: Adam Bryce Thomas, Jim Amash, Matt Herms and Jack Morelli
Cover: Jamal Peppers, Jim Amash & Matt Herms
Variant Cover: Lamar Wells, Jim Amash & Matt Herms
On Sale Date: 2/8
32-page, full color comic
$3.99 U.S.
The Legion of Doom will make their presence known in the Winter Finale of Legends of Tomorrow! Heroic Hollywood revealed the CW’s description for the Winter Finale, and it sounds like things are going to heat up now. The title of the episode is “The Chicago Way” and John Barrowman makes his return as Malcolm Merlyn in the episode. Now the Legends of Tomorrow have a group of villains ready to test their mettle. I’ll post the description below so you all can see for yourselves just how crazy this finale sounds. All I can say is our team is going to be in for a battle and a half.
‘Legends of Tomorrow’ is going to have a powerful Winter Finale!
“The Chicago Way” — (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET) (Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
LEGION OF DOOM — When a new Time Aberration is discovered by the Legends, they find themselves headed to 1927 Chicago. The Legends quickly realize that they have been set up by Eobard Thawne (guest star Matt Letscher), Damien Darhk (guest star Neal McDonough) and the newest member of the Legion of Doom, Malcolm Merlyn (guest star John Barrowman). While everyone is trying to help fix what they think is the mission, Jax (Franz Drameh) encourages a reluctant Stein (Victor Garber) to share his secret with the other Legends. Stein is taken captive and Sara (Caity Lotz) must make the tough choice of either stopping the Legion of Doom or saving Stein. Meanwhile, Rory (Dominic Purcell) gets an unexpected visitor and is not sure how to handle it. Brandon Routh, Nick Zano and Maisie Richardson-Sellers also star. Ralph Hemecker directed the episode written by Sarah Nicole Jones & Ray Utarnachitt (#208). Original airdate 12/8/2016.”
Check out this cool photo from the set from Matt Letscher’s Instagram, looks like the Legion of Doom is having fun.
Full admission here, I’m a fan of Legends of Tomorrow and I’m excited. This is what we’ve been waiting for with this series. Ever since the start of the season we’ve been hearing about the Legion of Doom and soon they will be here. Note this as well, Rory will be getting a surprise visitor, does that mean Captain Cold? Soon all shall be revealed and we’re going to have a lot of fun with the episode either way.
So what do you all think of this Winter Finale description? How have you all enjoyed the series in general? Let me know in the comment section below and we’ll have a nice chat about it.
Legends of Tomorrow airs on the CW on Thursdays at 8 pm EST.
For the second day in a row, Lucasfilm unveils more promotional material for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. After yesterday’s featurette and double-shot of TV spot releases, another bit for television has surfaced. This time concentrating on the evil Empire. It’s filled with ominous and terrifying images. You can check out the new TV spot below.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story stars Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Mads Mikkelsen, Ben Mendelsohn, Alan Tudyk, Donny Yen, Valene Kane, Riz Ahmed, Genevieve O’Reilly, Jimmy Smits, James Earl Jones, and Forrest Whitaker. It tells the story of the rag-tag team who steal the famed plans for the first Death Star, an act that allows for its destruction by the rebels in Star Wars: A New Hope. The film is directed by Gareth Edwards, from a screenplay written by Chris Weitz and Tony Gilroy
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story will hit theaters on December 16, 2016.
In Rotation, a listicle for music lovers, and seekers of new and different things to listen to. So, if you’re looking for new music, something different, or maybe music to suit your mood this week, here is the place to get a diverse offering each week. In Rotation this week, will have some leftover horror from Halloween, some Mexican Surf rock, new music, and an interesting Christian band.
So, without further ado, lets dive into this week’s albums In Rotation.
In Rotation‘s first, is a fantastic California horrorbilly/psychobilly band Rezurex. California is where many of the genre’s finest stars hail from. The singer has his own unique sound in a music genre full of copies, and takes them a little further away from punk than a group such as Nekromantix. Their album Beyond the Grave shows their Mexican flavor, seasoned in a few areas, with one being the opening track “Dia De Los Muertos.” This happens to be one of two of this writer’s favorite songs of the same title (The other being from a hellbilly band Ghoultown).
If you love a blend of Gothic, ’50s rockalbilly, and horror, then you’ve found a new album for your collection.
AFI, or A Fire Inside (formerly Anthem For Insubordinates), is on the cusp of producing another album.The Gothic Punk act, that has gone through a few other additional genres through their long history, is set to put out an album that blends their releases Decemberunderground and Sing the Sorrow, much to the delight of disaffected fans who loathed their second to last album Crash Love.
The song “Snow Cats” and “White Offerings” offer up an exciting return to form for the AFI, but the preview disc leaves one unsure.
Ryan Gosling had a Gothic, Indie, Folk, Horror, rock band. I repeat…Ryan Gosling.
Well, in any case, that is the same Hollywood heartthrob Gosling that you were assuming it was. Consequently, the album is fantastic. It is full of atmosphere, gloom, melancholy, and Gothic romanticism. Believe it or not, Gosling is highly fond of horror and the macabre. As stated, there are around 6 or so songs (Including a cover) that didn’t make the self-titled release, but may have been meant for the follow-up Witch Stories. Though, that album never materialized. Oh, it is important to highlight the creepy children’s choir that vocally accompanies the band, as it has already off put someone this album was recommended to.
If it sounds appealing, or a simple curio, than you need to check this album. Right now.
Surf rock, as a genre, is certainly not new. Also, by Surf rock, we are not speaking about The Beach Boys (Not that there is anything wrong with Barbara Ann). Surf rock allows many artists to add their own flare, and Lost Acapulco adds a Mexican flavor, and slightly more solid, punk rock chords, but are also heavy on the ’50s melody as well. They have much more expansive albums, but this just happened to be In Rotation this week.
Further inspection and study is necessary, as this is a new band to this writer, but if you’re a Surf rock fan to, there is nothing stopping you from checking out this album.
Christian bands tend to get a bad rap in the greater music scene, but even the coolest and hippest ones, tend to be known for their Screamo or Hardcore music. Enter The Deadlines, in the late ’90s, and this Christian band managed to attach themselves to another genre…Horror Punk. The Deadlines second album, though their first is a punkier, synth-less demo version of the second, is chock full of horror lyrics with Christian metaphors abound.
Dark Wave/Electronica music has a wider swath of artists today than you might think. Drift branches off from another Dark Wave band, but leaves the majority of the band behind. The band is Nathalia Bruno, formerly of the Dark Wave/Shoegaze band Phosphor and the Dream pop/Shoegaze band Leave The Planet, and her band Drift is in a similar vein. Shoegazing, dissonant vocals with minimalist synth that appears to always meander around the higher notes, and occasionally a slight dance-like feeling exudes from the albums short track list. Dark and beautiful, but certainly a departure from what you may be used to.
You would be wise to check it out because, if you don’t, you may never know if it is your cup of tea. Also, it is some tasty tea.
Thank you for taking a short journey into a vast collection of various genres that hopefully will give you something new to listen to this week.
Steamboat Willie is Mickey Mouse’s real name before the mouse was charged with multiple murders and had to change identities. In honor of Steamboat Willie turning 88 years old, here are seven 
Issue #1 sets everything up. A “Kraang Portal” opens up in Gotham City, allowing Two-Face, The Joker, Harley Quinn, Clayface, and a plethora of other psychos to escape Arkham Asylum. Bats investigates Two-Face’s cell and finds a triangle etched on the wall. A sample reveals an energy residue unlike any available on Earth. Batman tells Alfred to summon Robin before investigating further.
Full admission here, I’m a fan of Legends of Tomorrow and I’m excited. This is what we’ve been waiting for with this series. Ever since the start of the season we’ve been hearing about the Legion of Doom and soon they will be here. Note this as well, Rory will be getting a surprise visitor, does that mean Captain Cold? Soon all shall be revealed and we’re going to have a lot of fun with the episode either way.
