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Review: ATTACK ON TITAN: Episode 47

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After the intense battle in the previous episode of Attack On Titan, this one decides to take the time to look at the mysterious Kenny and his relationship to Levi. Is more human drama a good thing or will this be the last straw which will make fans stop watching the show?

Summary

Heavily injured, Kenny reflects on his life and the impact he had on Levi.

SPOILER ALERT

Review

A lot of mysteries and information has unfolded in this season’s Attack On Titan. The information about the Royal Family, Eren’s father, and how everything is so tightly connected. Here, as Kenny lies dying against the tree, his story, and how he met Levi unfolds. The most interesting aspect comes from the Ackerman family themselves. They were a disgraced line of the royal family which means they can’t be mind controlled. This has left them with no choice but to live in shame and poverty. Truly a sad state of affairs.

Attack On Titan

Despite how much of an immoral human being Kenny is presented as, this episode tries its best to generate the proverbial “sympathy for the devil.” By showcasing all the hardships Kenny has undergone and the fact he actually did have something he believed in he comes off as scoundrel. Unfortunately, instead of connecting with Levi as they start to grow, Kenny decided to walk away. Maybe if the Kenny had just put down his weapons and raised Levi like a son, the two would have had better life. Of course if this scenario did play out, Levi wouldn’t become the insane Titan killing soldier everyone knows him as. Probably is better Kenny became a selfish individual and walked away from Levi.

The episodes ends with a cliffhanger for what fans can expect to come next. By the look of it, they can expect a lot of brutal Titan action to come in the future. Which is a good thing because despite how good this episode is, there is only so much intense drama resulting from a flashback which expands on the secrets behind this series the audience can take. Wait…what did the episode preview just say? Another episode which does exactly what was just described? Damn it!

Attack On Titan is streaming on Crunchyroll and VRV.

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Review: Bendis And Derington’s BATMAN Is A Classic Detective Story

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Batman Giant #3 is in Walmarts this weekend, featuring the debut of Brian Michael Bendis and Nick Derington’s 12-part story.

After attempting to foil a Riddler robbery, Batman realizes there is more than meets the eye, and a classic detective story is underway. The story is written by Bendis, drawn by Derington, colored by Dave Stewart, and lettered by Josh Reed.

Right off the bat (ha! no pun intended, promise), Bendis and Derington do something really cool and put you in Batman’s point of view for the first few pages. It’s a great way to immediately immerse the reader and change things up a bit. The scene also plays homage to the late Adam West by having the Caped Crusader scale up the side of a building. Add in some witty repartee with Alfred, and we have a truly fun opening that sets the tone for this story.

batman walmart bendis

That really is the best way to describe this story – classic fun. Bendis sets up a mystery for the World’s Greatest Detective to solve, and it just feels like “Batman Universe” is going to be an old school, enjoyable story for all ages. It has humor, intrigue, badass action, etc. It’s a story that’ll keep you coming back month after month (or however these Walmart Giants are being released).

Derington’s art has a retro, cartoony vibe to it that sets the tone perfectly. The fight scenes are full of energy and movement (just look at the top image on this page), and the faces evoke such strong emotion. There’s one closeup on Batman’s eyes that I personally have not been able to stop looking at. Bendis’ name might draw people to this book, but Derington is the one that’s going to keep them there. The intensity in his work is palpable.

Dave Stewart also gets a ton of credit for that intensity. Stewart is one of the greatest colorists of all time. It doesn’t even need to be said, but I said it anyway. He uses bright, bold colors here that both add to the old school tone and also deliver a hard punch during fight scenes. And the way he plays with light…there are no words. As someone with no artistic ability myself, it astounds me how someone can create such vivid light and shadow on the page.

The lettering caps off the strong visuals on display in “Batman Universe”. Josh Reed’s charming sound effects matches the retro vibe of the book and throws in some added flair to the art. As mentioned, the whole comic is fun, but there’s something particularly fun about reading Batman’s grapple gun go “fsshhhooo” and then “clang.” Derington also gets in on the lettering action, working sound effects into the fight scenes, and this is always a treat. It ingrains the sound into the art and cements the immersive experience.

The Bottom Line

“Batman Universe” starts off on the right foot. It’s a simple, interesting premise that will attract readers young and old, and the art is just the best.

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STAR WARS NEWS WEEKLY SPIEL: Chewie SOLO Spoof, New Comics, And Anime Trailer Of A New Hope

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BREAKING DOWN STAR WARS NEWS FROM WEEK 3, September 2018. BECAUSE IN A GALAXY FAR, FAR, AWAY — THERE’S NEVER A DULL MOMENT.

Week 3 of Star Wars news proved to be eventful and interesting. While there weren’t any Kevin Smith theories this week on Ahsoka, General Hux managed to make it into the spotlight. In what seems like a wild rumor, Hux is supposedly a mole in Episode IX.

Tagging along on the rumor train is the return of Snoke. Andy Serkis canceled a con appearance last minute due to a scheduling conflict. Theorist immediately jumped on the train, assuming it’s for Episode IX shoots. If Snoke is to return, it’ll likely be in flashback form. And yet, there’s always the possibility of a Force ghost too.

Chewbacca Spoof Clip From Solo

Solo: A Star Wars Story released digitally, and with it, we have a new spoof clip featuring Chewie via Star Wars.

Marvel’s Age Of Star Wars Comics

Teased during SDCC, Marvel Comics provided fans with a teaser poster of the Age of Star Wars comics this week. The new series will contain a total of 30 issues. More details are expected this coming week at NYCC, but we do know the comics will focus on characters and stories from the three “ages” featured in the movie trilogies.

Star Wars: A New Hope Anime Trailer

A fan-made anime version of A New Hope trailer hit the inter-web this week, and we want more. Created by Dmitry “Ahriman” Grozov, the trailer is spreading like wildfire. While it’s not official Star Wars news, this trailer is worth watching. Support for Dmitry and his future projects can be found on his Patreon page.

Additional Star Wars News

Bob Iger rocked the fandom world this week, announcing news about the new Disney service. Along with announcing several MCU series for the service, he also mentioned Disney is slowing down with Star Wars film productions.

General Hux might have been making front page Star Wars news this week, but so did his actor Domhnall Gleeson. Afraid of pulling a Tom Holland, Gleeson talks about his fears regarding letting spoilers slip in his sleep via Radio Times.

Stay current on all Star Wars news related items with The Weekly Spiel, and throughout the week here on Monkeys Fighting Robots. Let us know in the comments what Star Wars news excited you the most this week. And what might have let you down? Until next time, “May the Force be with you, always.”

Sources: Radio Times, Star Wars, Dmitry “Ahriman” Grozov, and Bryon Young

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‘MY HERO ACADEMIA’ Episode 62 Review: “A Season of Encounters”

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As MY HERO ACADEMIA starts wrapping up the season, they introduce a lot of new elements. There are new characters, new objectives, and new sides to characters we know. The episode is essentially split it two – which, considering the focus on Twice, isn’t surprising. “A Season of Encounters” isn’t the strongest episode, but there are some interesting developments introduced in fun ways. At the very least, the episode seems to promise many more encounters in season four.

The part of the episode that focus on U.A. is the most conventional. Midoriya is put at a disadvantage with schoolwork because of his house arrest. But now Midoriya has a new goal with getting a “hero work study,” which will certainly lead to more action. There’s also his peculiar encounter with one of the “Big Three” students. It’s unclear how sweet or sinister these Big Three are, but either way, their interactions with the younger students will probably be exciting as well. MY HERO ACADEMIA has a solid half-episode with its protagonist students, preparing for the next level.

My Hero Academia

The other half of the episode is more peculiar. This episode spends a lot of time on Twice, a League of Villains member. It’s weird to spend time with a villain we’ve only seen as part of the larger organization. That said, Twice’s backstory and motivations are definitely interesting. Not only do we meet a potentially bigger villain in Overhaul, but we see a whole new side of a usually goofy villain. Spending this much time with a previously sidelined character means Twice will definitely become a bigger MY HERO ACADEMIA presence.

As far as build-up episodes go, MY HERO ACADEMIA has a good track record. This episode is confusing, mostly because of its construction. We see Twice and Overhaul’s introduction before we see any of the heroes. It would be more understandable if we knew what to expect from Twice. Not knowing is interesting, but spending so much time with Twice is kind of disorienting. The spotlight on Twice would be easier to buy if it was more clear where he would go from here. That said, while it’s confusing, it’s still an interesting story, and not so distracting that it ruins the episode. Even with a split episode, MY HERO ACADEMIA tells solid stories.

CHECK OUT LAST WEEK’S REVIEW HERE

MY HERO ACADEMIA is getting a lot of elements ready for season four. It’s an interesting episode, mostly because of what it sets up for the future. This isn’t a filler episode, but it’s mostly focused on setting the table. Even the title “A Season of Encounters” makes this seem like a season four prologue. However, MY HERO ACADEMIA has always found ways to keep build-up episodes engaging, and this is no exception.

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Review: THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY Returns In HOTEL OBLIVION #1

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Gerard Way and Gabriel Ba return to their classic Dark Horse Comics title UMBRELLA ACADEMY with the first issue of the third volume: HOTEL OBLIVION. Umbrella Academy

Umbrella Academy: Hotel Oblivion #1
Part One: Evil
Written by: Gerard Way
Art by: Gabriel Ba
Colors by: Nick Falardi
Letters: Nate Piekos (for Blambot)

Faced with an increasing number of lunatics with superpowers eager to face off with his own wunderkind brood, Sir Reginald Hargreeves developed the ultimate solution. Now, just a few years after Hargreeves’s death, his Umbrella Academy is scattered. Number Five is a hired gun, Kraken is stalking big game, Rumor is dealing with the wreckage of her marriage, a rotund Spaceboy runs around the streets of Tokyo, Vanya continues her physical therapy after being shot in the head–and no one wants to even mention Seance until issue #2.

Writing

Umbrella Academy has always been a series that hits the ground running, tossing ideas over its shoulder’s left and right. That’s just how Gerard Way writes. It’s fucking great and Hotel Oblivion is no different, as the story opens in medias res, albeit in the past. This brief flashback excellently establishes the primary concept (so far at least) of the series; the Hotel Oblivion, a prison/rehab center of sorts for villains. What’s great about this whole intro is we also get to see Sir Hargreeves again, and as has been hinted in the past, not everything is what it seems with the mysterious old man (just check out the title of the issue). And just who and what is the Scientific Man? (great name!)

Way also does a great job of catching us up with the UA kids once the story jumps to the present. We can see the siblings are all spread out, still from the events of volume 2, Dallas. 

It’s not all set up though, as we get a few great, kinetic action scenes with Number Five, Kraken and fan-favorite Space Boy (who has put on some pounds!).

Art

Gabriel Ba is a fantastic artist and Umbrella Academy never fails to be a showcase for his talents. When you add Nick Faraldi’s colors into the mix, you get comic book art that has it’s own distinct style, while at the same time evoking everything from classic animation, manga, Euro comics, Kirby, Mignola, the list can go on. UA is a story deeply rooted in the medium that embraces all the tools the art form provides.Umbrella Academy

Nate Piekos also does excellent lettering work. There are multiple fonts and dynamic world balloon shapes. Great work.

Conclusion

Umbrella Academy is already a classic series, and Hotel Oblivion is already on it’s way to joining the previous volumes. A Way and Ba collaboration is always a cause for celebration, so you definitely need to check into the Hotel Oblivion.

 

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TRAILER: TYREL Is An Intense, Racially Charged Drama

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Tyrel is a new drama that is getting a lot of comparisons to Get Out even though the similarities are only skin deep (quite literally). The trailer unveils a slow, tense build, slowly getting more wild and unruly as the characters in the film. The film comes from director Sebastian Silva and is set for release on December 7th, 2018 from Magnolia Pictures.

Tyrel-film-trailer

About Tyrel

Official Description: Tyrel, a sole black man, attends an otherwise all-white weekend of drunken bro debauchery on a birthday trip to a cabin in the Catskills.

Jason Mitchell is Tyrel here, and he might be familiar to viewers. Mitchell played Easy-E in Straight Out of Compton, and also starred in the blockbuster Kong: Skull Island. Early reviews peg his performance in this film as yet another spectacular turn. If the trailer is any indication, Mitchell will get to test his range as an actor, going from seemingly happy-go-lucky to terrified survivalist. In the thriller mix are Michael Cera and Christopher Abbot who will also be in this year’s First Man.

Tyrel features a cast that includes …

Jason Mitchell as Tyler
Christopher Abbott as Johnny
Michael Cera as Alan
Caleb Landry Jones as Pete
Roddy Bottum as Dylan
Ann Dowd as a neighboring woman
Phillip Ettinger as Charles
Michael Zegen as Eli

The Tyrel trailer begins with some mention of Trump, and there’s plenty of moments throughout where the great orange leader of the U.S. Appears, mostly as a piñata. Early on, we learn that Tyrel isn’t Mitchell’s character’s name, it’s Tyler. It’ll be interesting to see how that plays into the movie and its racial themes.

Racial themes seem to be at the heart of what’s happening here and is one of two reasons this movie is compared to Get Out. The other reason being that Tyrel looks to be leaning towards thriller or even horror. However, it doesn’t look like there’s going to be a Twilight Zone-like ending or any science fiction angle at all. Director Silva and reviews from Sundance affirm this movie stays grounded and that may make Tyrel even more terrifying than Get Out.

tyrel-movie-trailer-trump

Did this trailer get you excited for Tyrel?
Leave your comments below!

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Why A She-Hulk Series Would Be Great For The Disney Streaming Service

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As Marvel-Disney has another great year, fans are reeling from the shock of Marvel’s plans for new streaming shows. Instead of Netflix, this will closely tie in with the films. With news of these series, it brings hope we may see more diversity in the MCU. Especially when it comes to female superheroes. What better hero to star on a series like She-Hulk?

She-Hulk Avengers

As we now know, Allan Heinberg is working on a new show with ABC about “lesser known heroes.” While details are scarce, it stands to reason that She-Hulk has a chance of making her MCU debut.

The film rights to Hulk are a famous example of legal headaches. While Marvel Studios owns the character rights, Universal Pictures retains the distribution of any solo Hulk movies. In other words, Marvel could make a Hulk film if they sought to do so, but Universal would have the distribution rights. Furthermore, solo Hulk films do not seem to be big moneymakers like Iron Man and Captain America. However, Kevin Feige has come up with a way for Hulk to be in the MCU by appearing in Avengers and other movies.

The show would be split between She-Hulk and her human alter ego Jennifer Walters. As the cousin of Bruce Banner, Jennifer already has a connection to the Hulk. Upon needing a blood transfusion, she receives a donation from Bruce, who passes on his gamma radiated-cells to her. This results in Jennifer becoming the mighty She-Hulk. Initially, while Bruce reverts to and from Hulk form, Jennifer is stuck in She-Hulk mode. Later, she would gain the ability to switch back and forth at will.

She Hulk

As a lawyer, Walters represents a number of clients in the Marvel Universe. During the Civil War era, she did serve as Peter Parker’s attorney when the Daily Bugle was suing him. In the World War Hulk storyline, Jennifer tried to sue Tony Stark for stealing her powers (which she would regain).

She-Hulk would make for an interesting dynamic with Walters. That way, you would have a superhero who is also a high-powered lawyer. The only question is how much of the hypothetical show would be about Jennifer, as well as She-Hulk?

What do you think? Could She-Hulk carry a show? Share your thoughts!

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Review: MY HERO ACADEMIA: TWO HEROES Will Put A Smile On Your Face

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The first My Hero Academia movie, My Hero Academia: Two Heroes will hit theaters on September 25th in America thanks to Funimation. How do the students of U.A. Class 1-A fair on their first outing on the big screen? Best to just dive in and find out.

Summary

Izuka Midoriya is invited by All Might to “I Island” a man made island set up for the science surrounding Quirks. It’s no light vacation though as Midoriya soon finds himself and his classmates tasked with stopping a terrorist attack.

My Hero Academia

Story

It’s probably easier to get the bad parts of this film pointed out as there is a lot to gush over. First off the Godzilla based hero, Godzillo has like five seconds of screen time. The studio used this as a way to tease the fans and get them hyped up for the film. Kind of a bummer he’s only shown once.

Second, the convenient way the rest of Midoriya’s class are able to make it to the island. It’s expressed Midoriya is there thanks only to a high class invite by All Might but then the entire class finds a way to make it to the island. Even then, not all of them contribute anything to the film overall. Some like Tokoyami and Shoji are shown in blink and miss it cameos. It’s understandable wanting to give time to each character so the audience can see their favorites but concessions will have to be made moving forward in future films to guarantee more time is given to the overall story.

On to the good. Just about everything else in My Hero Academia: Two Heroes delivers. Just as it seems you kind find criticism, the film makes it a point to resolve the complaints. “There isn’t enough action.” An instant later a fight scene erupts. “The villains seem paper thin” but their lack of backstory is actually part of the plot itself. “The film doesn’t generate the importance associated with a cinematic adventure” but wouldn’t you know it, there is an epic colossal final battle which is gorgeous to behold and presented in a way only a film budget would allow. This review will have no spoilers but know it showcases a battle which will have fans giddy with excitement as it unfolds. Though the film isn’t a life changing experience, it does offer some monumental moments which wraps up nicely by the end.

My Hero Academia

Animation

The action scenes may steal the show but the character designs and outfits are also worth noting. All Might is his younger days and the Class of A-1 in new formal and casual wear will definitely be a delight to fans. The movie exclusive characters like Cow Lady and Godzillo are also very captivating despite their brief appearances. Also as its bears mentioning, the ending fight is a bomb to the senses and will have your heart pounding when the credits start to roll.

Soundtrack

While it’s a good song and appropriate for the ending. “Long Hope Philia” by Masaki Suda has already been featured as one of the ending themes in season three of the show. While it does fit in the scenes of the ending perfectly, it would have been nice for a new exclusive track for the film. It’s the show’s first outing on the big screen, go big or go home.

My Hero Academia

Conclusion

While My Hero Academia: Two Heroes isn’t a flawless masterpiece, it’s just the kind of film fans of the show want. An enjoyable experience watching some beloved characters have an outstanding adventure. When it’s all said and done, the audience will leave the theater with fists pumping in the air, smiles on their faces, and chanting triumphantly, “Go Beyond! Plus Ultra!”

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DC Comics Exclusive Preview: THE SILENCER #9

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The Silencer #9 hits your local comic book store on September 26th, but thanks to DC Comics, Monkeys Fighting Robots has a five-page exclusive preview for you to check out.

The series debuted as part of DC’s “New Age of Heroes” back in January. It’s the story of Honor Guest, a wife and mother living a normal life in the suburbs, and who just happens to be an ex-assassin for Talia Al Ghul. Silencer was created by John Romita Jr and Dan Abnett, though Romita exited the series after three issues.

This issue is drawn by Patch Zircher, written by Dan Abnett, colored by Mike Spicer, and lettered by Tom Napolitano. Viktor Bogdanovic, Jonathan Glapion, and FCO Plascencia did the cover.

About the issue:
Is there anything worse than a family vacation? Your spouse grouses, the kids complain, rest-stop food is gross—to make things worse, Silencer finds not one, but TWO deadly assassins on her tail! Talia al Ghul is in desperate need of a Lazarus Pit bath, and to get one she needs her top assassin Wishbone to throw Silencer off the trail! Problem is, Silencer isn’t the only one on the hunt. Her rival Quietus needs Talia out of the picture, and the whole thing devolves into a mind-bending shootout at the amusement park, where Silencer’s hubby and kiddie get caught in the crossfire. That’s it—next year it’s a “staycation”!

The series is full of action, but the added family drama allows it to resonate with the reader and gives it a deeper emotional core.

Check out the full five-page preview:

the silencer #9 dc comics preview

the silencer #9 dc comics preview

the silencer #9 dc comics previewthe silencer #9 dc comics preview

the silencer #9 dc comics preview


Are you reading The Silencer? Comment below with your thoughts!

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Review: Cyborg Superman Strikes in GREEN LANTERNS #55

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While having great moments of action, the climax to this Green Lanterns arc is lacking.

Simon Baz has messed up, and the Green Lanterns will suffer for it. Throughout the arc, a voice has been controlling the rings of the Corps. While most of the Green Lanterns went to face off against an alien group called the Ravagers, Simon is sent back to Earth. He goes to the Fortress of Solitude, where he unintentionally releases Cyborg Superman. The cyborg reveals that he has hacked into the central power battery and has been messing with the rings. He has also revealed that Simon has been in possession of the Phantom Ring, a ring that connects to the whole emotional spectrum. Cyborg Superman takes the Phantom Ring, leaving Baz beaten down. How will the Green Lanterns take on this already dangerous being now that he has the most powerful ring?

Green Lanterns 55 cover

**Some Spoilers Below**

Story:

After getting the Phantom Ring, Cyborg Superman heads to meet with the Ravagers. The invaders bow to their new leader as he explains he has a plan. Meanwhile, the Green Lanterns reconvene on Mogo to figure out their plan. The Guardians reveal to their champions that it is Cyborg Superman leading the Ravagers and that he is in possession of the Phantom Ring. Before they can process this, however, the Ravagers attack Mogo. The Green Lanterns go to face the invaders, facing down Eon. Unbeknownst to them, Cyborg Superman has snuck past them to face the Guardians themselves.

Green Lanterns 55 p1

This issue is supposed to be the climax of this story. Unfortunately, it’s the kind of climax that is around ninety percent action. It’s good action, but considering what happened last issue, I was hoping for more character. Last issue, we saw Baz regret his decision to listen to a ring over his instincts. He decides to pick up a gun as his back up weapon, something he hasn’t had in over 30 issues. This is a significant character development, but we don’t see Baz at all. This is a missed opportunity as this was the penultimate issue of this Green Lanterns arc. Hopefully next issue, we’ll get something more impactful, both action and character wise.

Art:

Just like the story, this issue’s art left me unsatisfied. The Green Lanterns fighting the Ravagers looks cool, but then we have the talking moments. We get close-ups on characters faces, and they are clearly off. Whether it be a strange expression or an off-centered face, the art really pulls readers out of the story. The biggest problem is that this style might work for a darker comic, like Batman. The weird expressions could give a sense of dread, which would be perfect for a Batman horror story. For Green Lanterns, however, it feels incredibly misplaced.

green lanterns 55 p2

Conclusion:

Despite the cool action, there isn’t really much to this Green Lanterns comic. It lacks any real character development and the art for the characters feels off. We have one last issue, but truth be told, I’m not excited about it.

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