Late this afternoon, Twentieth Century Fox released a hilarious one-minute clip of the highly anticipated film Deadpool, as the studio continues promoting the Feb 12th release by showcasing the film’s unique sense of humor.
The one-minute clip features a girl fight between Brianna Hildebrand’s Negasonic Teenage Warhead and Gina Carano’s Angel Dust! Check it out!
Based upon Marvel Comics’ most original anti-hero, Deadpool tells the origin story of former Special Forces operative turned mercenary Wade Wilson, who after a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers, adopts an alter ego. Armed with his new abilities and a dark, twisted sense of humor, Deadpool hunts down the man who nearly destroyed his life.Ryan Reynolds stars as the title character alongside T.J. Miller as Weasel, Gina Carano as Angel Dust, Brianna Hildebrand as Negasonic Teenage Warhead, Morena Baccarin as Copycat and Ed Skrein as Ajax. The film will also feature the mutant Colossus, voiced by Serbian actor Stefan Kapicic. Stan Lee will make a cameo in the movie. Tim Miller is directing the film from a script by Zombieland writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick. Confirmed to be rated R, Deadpool will release on February 12, 2016.
It’s no myth that collecting comics can become incredibly profitable. CAN being the operative word. Every collector, speculator, or social reader understands the value of protecting your comics and your potential.
Every local comic retailer will have different suggestions, different preferences, especially with bags and boards. From MyLites to ComiCare, it’s easy to get lost in the name-mix. But, from this retailer’s perspective, the options are far more specific.
The first question you want to ask yourself is, what size: Silver Age or Current (also known as New)? Almost every period in comics have their own specific size of bags and boards. But Silver and Current are more common for the books now released. Silver Age bags are a little wider, which can hold some of the specialty “extra-sized” comics. The additional room can allow for less edge bending but it may also permit extra movement when traveling.
Current Sized bags and boards are specifically sized for the current market. Though they can get a little tight with larger issues (usually anything above 48-55 page counts, depending on the publication company) and can cause slight creasing on the edges. But, once again, these bags and boards are made for the issues currently on the racks and are thus the most common types of supplies found in local comic shops.
Personally, I choose Silver Age. I choose Silver Age. Though the books have a tendency to slide, larger books fit more comfortably. I read A LOT of Independent Publisher titles which, especially at the beginning and ending of arcs, can be larger issues. Even more importantly, the paper. Though the “Big 2″ have thinner paper, Independents tend to have thicker stock and Silver Age accommodates those books best. But, as always, this is by preference. Protecting your comics is completely up to you.
Comic Defense System (CDS) bags are the most durable and suggested on the market. The polypropylene ProBags take travel well, are the best bags if you prefer folding in the edge instead of taping and are 2.4-mil in thickness versus the more standard ComiCare or BCW bags which are only 2.0.
Note: On the brief topic of “taping”. Though a resealable adhesive bag (most popularly found on BCW Bags) can be time saving, the cost of the bags themselves are usually much higher and the life expectancy is much shorter. Most polypropylene bags should be replaced, approximately, every 10 years but, as long as they are properly store, can survive up to 15. Bags with the adhesive need a more stable environment and should be replaced more in the 5 – 10 range, even if they are polypropylene.
I DO NOT ever suggest polyethylene. These bags have a tendency to be cheaper but they only last about 5 years. They are prone to discolor and shrink. And, even worse, when they begin to break apart or can become gooey and sticky, which can be detrimental to your comics. Though they have a life expectancy of up to 5 years, if you do decide to try polyethylene, it would be safer to replace them every 3 years.
Does your local comic shop not carry CDS? No problem! Though CDS is, personally, the best in the market, ComiCare product comes in at a very close second. And there is little to no difference in price.
I would like to take a second to talk MyLites… Though they are not usually suggested for introductory collectors, there is something to say on spending the extra cash. Their specialty plastic is meant for permanent storage. They are resistant to discoloring, aging and decomposition. But, they are far more brittle and, if you are the type who moves their books from place to place, these bags could tear and thus are not for you. But, if you want to become the type of collector that reads once and then stores your books in a temperature controlled storage unit* for the remainder of your life (and possibly those of your children), ask your local retailer to order MyLites. (Or… If you are already willing to spend the additional dollar, look on Amazon for Mylar Bags.)
*Temperature controlled rooms should be kept between 72-75o Fahrenheit (22-24o Celsius) with Humidity at 50% or less.
On to picking the perfect backer boards for your growing comics collection. Boards are simple! All you have to do is purchase the corresponding Boards to Bags. Want Current bags? Buy Current boards! Easy as that!
Choosing boxes are almost as easy. CDS boxes are preferable but, at nearly the same cost and almost the same quality, ComiCare boxes are viable options. The bigger concern would be space. Long boxes can usually hold up to 350 Comics, depending on if you use bags and boards, while short boxes hold closer to 200 Issues. Which option is better for you is completely up to personal preference. And storage space!
You have your boards, bags and everything is stored safely in your specific sized boxes. But what if, even as a new collector you have issues you want Graded? To begin, this is not for the faint-of-heart. Grading is for collectors who are looking to protect their best and most important, not valuable, but important issues. Key events, origins and first appearances. But, depending on your issues, the price and time may be worth it.
Understanding the cost and the grading process itself is pivotal. If you get your book signed (AND it is witnessed by a representative) you could spend $50-60 just to get your book sealed and back within a three month time period. (Yes! You do have to send your book away.) The benefit? You will never, EVER have to have them resealed.
The two best grading companies are Certified Guaranty Company (CGC) or Comic Book Certification Services (CBCS). But! A warning: Please remember that the grade is not going to be what you expected. Even if you go to a retailer and ask them to grade your books, always expect a 0.2 – 0.5 less grade than originally anticipated. All grading companies have their own methods and their own calculations. The grading process is long and time-consuming, but almost always fair. What you get is what you get.
When it come to protecting your comics, and how to begin, know that it all comes down to you. Try a few different products, browse through the supplies options on Previews World or speak with your local comics retailers and get their opinions. Have fun collecting, speculate the potential and, most importantly, enjoy your collection!
Cartoon Network announced Justice League Action Friday afternoon, a new series from Warner Bros. Animation with 11-minute episodes following the same format as Teen Titans Go!.
Whether defending the Earth, facing invaders from space, or battling the bizarre forces of magic, the always-rotating team of Justice League heroes, are up to any challenge.
Kevin Conroy will voice Batman, Mark Hamill as the Joker, James Woods as Lex Luthor, and Diedrich Bader as Booster Gold. No word on the voice talent of Superman or Wonder Woman.
The animation style pictured below has put off fans of the Bruce Timm and Batman The Animated Series, Justice League, and Justice League Unlimited.
No date has been established for a premiere of Justice League Action.
Guitarist Paul Kantner of Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship fame has died at 74.
Mr. Kantner suffered a fatal heart attack this week. It has been confirmed by his longtime friend and publicist Cynthia Bowman that he died of organ failure and septic shock. In recent years Kantner had been plagued with multiple heath issues, including a heart attack in March of 2015.
Paul Kantner is survived by three children: daughter China (with Grace Slick) and sons Gareth and Alexander.
He was born Paul Lorin Kantner on March 17, 1942 in San Francisco, California. His father was a traveling and salesman and when his mother passed away he was sent to military school. Mr. Kantner found solace in science fiction books and music as child. Pete Seeger inspired him to become a folk singer. He attended Santa Clara University and San Jose State University before dropping out to pursue music full-time.
LOS ANGELES – NOVEMBER 1: Jefferson Airplane on THE SMOTHERS BROTHERS COMEDY HOUR. From left: Paul Kantner, Jack Casady, Spencer Dryden, Grace Slick, Jorman Kaukonen and Marty Balin. Image dated November 1, 1968. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images)
Kantner was a founding member of the 1960s band Jefferson Airplane. The band was formed in 1965 in San Francisco at a bar, Drinking Goured, when Marty Balin and Paul Kantner met and expressed interest in starting a folk-rock band.
The band quickly gained a strong following and was the first band in their ilk to sign a major record contract. They were a pioneer in rock genre psychedelic rock and were the first band out of the San Francisco scene to achieve international success.
Jefferson Airplane was on the bill of the three most notable American rocks festivals of the 1960s – the Monterey Pop Festival (1967), Woodstock (1969), and the Altamont Speedway Free Festival (1969). They were also the first headlines of the Isle of Wright Festival in 1968.
In 1967 Jefferson Airplane released the album, Surrealistic Pillow, and it known as one of the most pivotal recordings in what is now regarded as the “Summer of Love.” Surrealistic Pillow produced two hit songs, Somebody to Love and White Rabbit – these two songs are on the Rolling StoneMagazine’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
The most familiar line-up of the band was: Marty Balin, Jack Casady, Spencer Dryden, Paul Kantner, Jorma Kaukonen, and Grace Slick. In 1972 Jefferson Airplane disbanded and split into two separate bands – Hot Tuna and Jefferson Starship. Paul Kantner and Jefferson Airplane were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996 and they also received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in January 2016.
2016 has kicked off with one big debut and another equally big announcement. This past Sunday night at the Royal Rumble, social media and wrestling fans everywhere were blown away with the debut of “The Phenomenal One” A.J. Styles made his long awaited WWE debut in the Royal Rumble match.
Further breaking of the internet and blowing of minds happened during this week’s NXT show when it was announced that Shinsuke Nakamura, one of the stars of New Japan Pro Wrestling and the “King Of Strong Style” will be making his NXT debut at NXT Takeover: Dallas.
Both are fantastic talents and here’s a deeper look as they begin their WWE careers.
‘The King Of Strong Style’ Shinsuke Nakamura
photo: NJPW
Professional Debut: 2002
Notable Accomplishments: 3 Time IWGP Heavyweight Champion, 5 Time IWGP Intercontinental Champion, IWGP Tag Team Champion
Since his professional debut in 2002, Nakamura has been a mainstay in New Japan Pro Wrestling. Quickly gaining adulation from the fans and fellow competitors, he earned the nickname ‘Super Rookie’ and at 23 would be the youngest wrestler to date to win the heavyweight title in Japan. Bringing a unique personality and innovative offense, Nakamura will be joining a dynamic NXT roster that has nothing but upside. His matches with Hiroshi Tanahashi and A.J. Styles are recommended viewing, especially his Wrestle Kingdom 10 match against Styles this past January. Any potential NXT matchups can be looked at as ‘dream matches’ for wrestling fans.
‘The Phenomenal One’ A.J. Styles
photo:Impact Wrestling
Professional debut: 1998
Notable Accomplishments: 3 Time NWA World Heavyweight Champion, 4 Time NWA World Tag Team Champion, 6 Time TNA X Division Champion, 2 Time IWGP Heavyweight Champion
Signature Moves: Styles Clash, Pele Kick, Spiral Tap
18 years as a professional wrestler, Styles, until recently, was regarded as the best performer who had never been in the WWE. He spent 15 years as one of the franchise talents in TNA/Impact Wrestling, winning every title in the company and becoming it’s first Grand Slam Champion. Unhappy with the direction that TNA was headed in, his surprise departure in 2013 would shake up the professional wrestling world as he would make his way through Ring Of Honor, CHIKARA, and AAA. A.J. would make his debut with NJPW in 2014 as a member of the Bullet Club, New Japan’s biggest ‘bad guy’ stable. He would soon win the IWGP Heavyweight Champion, and is one of six foreign-born wrestlers to claim that title. His arrival in WWE brings the possibility of any number of matchups that will make fans extremely happy, provided A.J. can stay healthy (has had some ankle and back issues in the past), and the WWE makes full use of his potential.
TVLine has reported that Jada Pinkett Smith has signed on to return as Fish Mooney, an original character from season one. TVLine claims to have confirmation from the studio:
A rep for the Fox drama confirmed Smith’s return but declined to provide details about how the crime boss will resurface.
While the Fox rep didn’t say how Mooney will return, the report does leave a pretty strong hint:
Especially when the folks at Indian Hill are conducting such Strange experiments.
Long time Batman fans will pick up on the Hugo Strange reference. Strange is a long time villain of the Caped Crusader, dating back to 1940. He is one of the few rogues who has been able to deduce the hero’s secret identity as Bruce Wayne.
Comicbook.com had previously reported that actor BD Wong will be playing the mad scientist on the show, starting this season.
Deadpool announced he’s exploring a run for the President of the United States in the 2016 election.
“Many of you have asked Deadpool to run for President. There’s all sorts of reasons this won’t work. He’s Canadian. He kills people. Pretty sure he’ insane,” a spokesperson for Deadpool said in an email.
The email then continued to expand the positives of Deadpool presidential run.
Takes millions from wealthy ‘donors’ to carry out their dirty work both here and abroad. Probably inhaled. A community dis-organizer. Not afraid of elephants or donkeys. Cats maybe. You want to talk about the issues? ‘Cause Deadpool has tons of them. Deadpool ‘gets’ ‘social’ ‘media.’
“So today, Deadpool is official exploring a run for President. In totally unrelated and uncoordinated news, a SuperPac – which is totally unaffiliated with Mr. Pool – has been formed. The SuperPac is called ‘Weapon X-ers for Progress. Deadpool for El Presidente 2016 might actually happen, you morons,” said a spokesperson for Deadpool.
Based upon Marvel Comics’ most original anti-hero, Deadpool tells the origin story of former Special Forces operative turned mercenary Wade Wilson, who after being subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers, adopts the alter ego Deadpool. Armed with his new abilities and a dark, twisted sense of humor, he hunts down the man who nearly destroyed his life.
Deadpool is directed by Tim Miller and stars Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, T.J. Miller, Ed Skrein, Gina Carano, and Brianna Hildebrand.
The Merc with a mouth will be in theaters on February 12.
Getting back to reviewing a truly craft beer after reviewing a seasonal beer from Granville Island Brewing, a subsidiary of Molson-Coors, last week, I am pleased to be able to review an excellent “lagered ale” from Beau’s All Natural Brewing Company based out of Vankleek Hill, Ontario, Lug Tread Lagered Ale. The fine people at Beau’s call this beer a “lagered ale” because calling it either a lager or an ale would be misleading, more on that later. First, let’s have some history of the brewery.
The History
Beau’s All Natural Brewing company was established in 2006 and has since then produced a wide variety of beers with names as eclectic as “The Tom Green Beer,” named for Canada’s notorious talk-show host Tom Green. The brewery’s website describes them as “fiercely independent,” and Beau’s has proven that claim over the years delivering products that epitomize outside-the-box thinking. For instance, Beau’s brews all come in relatively large 600 mL bottles and are generally sold in 4-packs, although sales of 8-packs were recently launched. At 5.2% alc./vol and 600 mL per bottle, this is one beer you’ll probably only need one or two of, excellent as they are.
First Sip
Unibroue’s La Fin Du Monde is fruitier than Beau’s Lug Tread Lagered Ale by far
Talk about the best of both worlds, this beer brings the crispness of a lager while still providing the full flavour of an ale, hence this beer being a “lagered ale.” The first sip of this beer shows off its country-style charm. Its earthy flavour, advertised by its earthy name, comes on strong on my initial sip, its aftertaste having a lingering bitterness that stays long after I’ve completed a bottle. Although the beer is advertised on the brewery’s website as having subtle fruit notes, these are definitely subtle, not having the pronounced fruity taste of a beer like Unibroue’s La Fin du Monde.
Last Sip
Because of the size of each bottle, Beau’s Lug Tread Lagered Ale is a beer you don’t want to finish quickly, but finishing a bottle slowly is its own punishment. No one wants to drink a bunch of warm, flat beer, but if you leave your bottle of Beau’s long enough, that’s exactly what you’ll be doing: its 600 mL size, while a welcome change to those whose fridges are far away, make it a true juggernaut of wounded soldiers. With its long-lasting aftertaste, though, this is a beer you’ll be thinking about having another of long after finishing your four-pack.
Other Comments
The brewery’s website advertises that Lug Tread will go well with chicken, bratwurst, soft cheeses, and other such foods. I think, though, that based on this beer’s easy-drinking quality you could have it with just about anything and still be satisfied.
Terry Zwigoff’s second team-up with Daniel Clowes was poorly received by critics and audiences. It was accused of being misanthropic and obvious in its satire, not to mention side-tracked by a serial killer subplot. But are all those really bad things? Not really. Although it’s not as consistent as Ghost World or Bad Santa, there’s quite a bit to like in Art School Confidential.
The movie is about Jerome, a young man with artistic dreams who gets accepted into art school. Unfortunately, Jerome goes through a series of events that leads him to questioning his future in art, one of which a serial killer on campus who seems to be picking victims at random. Zwigoff casts his movies perfectly, and here Max Minghella gives an excellent performance as Jerome. He’s sweet, vulnerable but he doesn’t back away at all from the character’s flaws, filling the character with humanity. And perhaps this is one of the movie’s biggest failings, all the other characters come off as stereotypes and the movie kind of acknowledge it, but it doesn’t lessen it. Yet, the stereotyping in the movie almost works because for anyone who’s ever set foot on art school, they feel realistic and Zwigoff’s and Clowe’s knack for comedy manages to make it work. But this surely could’ve been a better film with more rounded characters. But also performances from the likes of John Malkovich, Jim Broadbent and Ethan Suplee make the characters stand out better against the way the film presents them.
Yet, everything else in the movie is quite delicious. The movie is never boring, even providing a great twist in the story towards the end. I would have to disagree that the serial killer subplot was unnecessary. Perhaps Zwigoff didn’t need a rather explicit killing scene, but even in a moment like that one, Zwigoff underscores it with classical music, providing a sense of irony that feels appropriate for the movie. And it seems like people don’t quite realize that it’s this subplot that carries the whole film and gives it its pay-off.
Art School Confidential perhaps needed better defined background characters, but for those who love their comedy with a biting, acid taste, this won’t be a big deal. Nevertheless, it’s funny and like all good satire, it rings true, even at its most ridiculous. You can get it on DVD right here.
It’s that time of year. Pilot season is here and networks are starting to assemble production to begin shooting their potential new series. Some of them will be picked up, most of them won’t. For the last few years we’ve been hearing how much television and streaming services have stepped up against film in terms of quality production. But in the last couple of decades there have been lots of memorable pilot/premiere episodes. Here are some of the best, in no particular order.
The Newsroom
Aaron Sorkin’s latest TV baby started off with one of the most genius scenes I’ve ever seen, setting the tone for later episodes, where Will McAvoy (Jeff Daniels) would continue to be ruthless and dig for the raw truth in every interview.
Daniels was nominated for a Golden Globe and won an Emmy for his role in The Newsroom, and rightfully so. The way he conveyed Will’s character from the beginning of the series was very powerful, especially in the pilot and first season of the show, which was the best by far.
Lost
Over 10 years ago, this show made a huge impact when it premiered. There wasn’t anything like it. Lost quickly became an unstoppable phenomenon, presenting mystery after mystery every week until it ended six years later with a series finale airing at the same time in several countries, something that had never been done before with a drama show. It was that important to fans avoiding spoilers.
The pilot, divided in two parts, both directed by J.J. Abrams, starts with a plane crash in the coast of an island. It presents three of the main characters, Jack (Matthew Fox), Kate (Evangeline Lily) and Charlie (Dominic Monaghan), using flashback scenes, a technique that would prominently be used throughout the rest of the series. This first episode broke a record in ratings, earning the attention of 18.6 million viewers.
The Walking Dead
Since this show was presented in 2010, it has been the subject of controversy, but it’s still going strong with plans for a new season later this year.
Based on Robert Kirkman’s graphic novels, The Walking Dead pilot starts with Deputy Sheriff Rick Grimes waking up after having been shot to a world overrun by zombies (which are not called that… and they make sure to let us know). The beginning, contrary to what some might expect is not rushed and it doesn’t have a lot of action. But the emotion and drama is all in the right moments. The series in general might have had its ups and downs, but the pilot is not something to be missed.
Buffy
Buffy the Vampire Slayer has always been one of my favorite TV shows of all time. Many of its season premieres were memorable (remember Dracula?), including the pilot.
Many showrunners choose to re-shoot the premiere episodes of their series once they’ve been picked up by a network. Joss Whedon, creator of Buffy, had the opportunity to do it and also find a replacement for the actress who first portrayed Willow. The addition of Alyson Hannigan to the cast was one of his best decisions as the character would be of vital importance later on.
In the pilot we also saw the first encounter between Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and Angel (David Boreanaz), who would then get his own spin-off show as a private detective of the supernatural.
Sherlock
It’s widely known that BBC’s Sherlock is close to turning out perfect every single time, starting with the pilot. From Sherlock’s first appearance to his immediate impression on Watson (Martin Freeman), this first, very well crafted episode easily catches the viewers’ attention. It’s another one that was re-shot, adding the superimposed text messages, thoughts, clues, etc., a characteristic of this modern version of the classic Sherlock Holmes.
The show that catapulted Benedict Cumberbatch to fame is only 3 episodes long per season, each one having 90 minutes of duration. But its success has made it one of the most anticipated series whenever a new season has been announced (not every year, unfortunately).
