Did ‘Attack on Titan’ Season Two Waste Eren Yeager?

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July 13, 2017

Attack on Titan is an anime with a huge fan following. The series follows Eren Yeager, a soldier fighting against the horrifying creatures known as Titans. After nearly four years, the second season recently aired. The new season came with some great action, and astonishing twists. But one element of the season was noticeably lacking – the presence of Eren Yeager. While the season is strong, there wasn’t nearly enough of the show’s lead character.

Season two shifts a lot of focus away from Eren. The majority of the plot revolves around side characters, like Ymir or Conny. Eren has very little to do with the season’s progression. There are many interesting plot points explored in the new season. However, the focus on the backstory means that Eren is sidelined. He doesn’t get much to do throughout the season. The majority of the action and reveals happen with other characters. The progression of season two leaves Eren out of the real action.

Eren functions primarily as a hostage, rather than a hero. He gets one cool fight with the Armored Titan, which is extended over two episodes. But until that fight happens, Eren is barely visible. From that point on, Eren watches helplessly as Ymir talks with the other undercover Titans. It’s interesting to explore how other soldiers can also turn into Titans. Especially coming off of Annie becoming a Titan in S1, it’s a solid plot point. But Eren’s only role in this arc is to listen as other people argue. It makes Eren feel like an unnecessary character, not a protagonist.

Eren has a clear plot set up in the season. His anger with Reiner and Bertholdt is explored in a couple episodes. The reveal of Eren’s status as “The Coordinate” is also an astonishing twist. But in a 12-episode season, these storylines are only explored in a few. There are many plot points where Eren could have prominence throughout the season. But for some reason, Eren is sidelined in favor of side characters, most notably with Ymir. As cool as Ymir is, she shouldn’t take precedence over Eren. Eren’s arc is incredibly weak this season, as all the interesting storylines are given to other characters.

Eren isn’t the only character wasted this season. Mikasa and Armin, Eren’s best friends, vanish along with him. The two characters are so wrapped up in Eren’s life, they don’t get much action without Eren. Because Eren is getting less screen time, his two friends get even less. Levi and Hange, other prominent S1 characters, are also barely visible. Even with Hange’s new research on Annie and the Wall, she gets minimal screen time. All the central characters

Focusing on side characters isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Ymir and Krista certainly have interesting pasts. Reiner and Bertholdt being the Armored & Colossal Titans is quite the twist. The problem with these storylines is they overpower the characters that should be front and center. There are ways to explore all of these stories and still keep a clear focus on Eren. It’s not as if there’s no way to incorporate Eren into Ymir protecting Krista, or Reiner’s crisis of faith. The side characters are given too much credence this season, and it dilutes the interesting characters of the show.

Consider how other side characters were explored in this season. Conny and Sasha are two side characters who got their own specific storylines. The reason they worked well is because they weren’t given an overabundance of screen time. Sasha was given a singular episode to flesh out her backstory and character development. Conny was given a side plot that mostly serves as a building block for next season. Their stories are true side stories, told without distracting the audience too much.

As interesting as some of the season is, there isn’t enough focus on Eren Yeager. The protagonist should always be the driving force of action in a show. Eren is supposed to be our hero, and as such, we want to see him be heroic. Attack on Titan’s second season had Eren do almost nothing at all. For the show to feel properly centered, it needs to re-establish who its main character is. Eren Yeager needs to be better utilized for Attack on Titan to become as strong as it could be.

Feel free to read our reviews of the second season, starting here! Let us know in the comments whether you agree or disagree that Eren was wasted!

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Matt Reeves Confirms ‘The Batman’ Is Ditching All Of Ben Affleck’s Script

By

Aric Sweeny

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July 13, 2017

In a recent podcast appearance, The Batman director Matt Reeves has confirmed that he has scrapped all that was completed of the original script.

When asked if he’d be going off of Ben Affleck and Geoff Johns’ script, Reeves replied:

“No. It’s a new story. It’s just starting again. I’m excited about it. I think it’s going to be really cool.”

All the talk we heard of Joe Manganiello playing Deathstroke and Arkham Asylum being a prominent setting is now down the drain, unless Reeves decides to bring it back in some way.

How do you feel about Reeves directing The Batman? Sound off in the comments below.

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‘Spider-Men II’ Is Crucial For Miles Morales And Marvel

By

Brandon J. Griffin

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July 13, 2017

Writer Brian Michael Bendis’ highly anticipated sequel to Spider-Men began this week. Issue one sees the two 616 web-slingers teamed up again for a story that promises to answer a five year old question. Who is the other Miles Morales? Beyond that, Spider-Men II may also provide a much needed course correction for the younger Spider-Man.

***SOME SPOILERS LIE AHEAD***

Spider-Men II issue one reunites the two most important Spider people (now that there are 1,000 of them) as they’re thrust into dangerous mystery involving (Ultimate?) Taskmaster, a door into another world, a girl catching Miles’ eye, and of course the other Miles. This is a fast paced and fun first chapter that doesn’t give much away but definitely draws interest in reading the next installment.

This book is a chance for Bendis to reel in Miles fans again. His solo series, Spider-Man, has had trouble finding its footing since the character has joined the 616 universe. When the Morales family found itself in the main Marvel continuity, it did so by erasing all the compelling drama that made Ultimate Spider-Man such a compelling read. Even with the character’s creator (Bendis) still writing the character, the series has felt stale and uninspired.

The first issue of Spider-Men II provides an immediately noticeable change in Miles. Right out of the gate, he feels a bit more like himself and not the angry and dull teen we’ve been dealing with the last few months. Hopefully Bendis recognizes when his character needs a shake-up and this story will be able to provide just that.
Having Peter Parker involved certainly helps and Bendis reminds readers right away that he has the voice for Pete down. From the Lethal Weapon style opening, to the two heroes recapping the events of Spider-Men, this book has the potential for major fun by tapping into the dynamic Peter and Miles provide together.

Spider-Men II may also be the unexpected clarification Marvel fans are clamoring for concerning the Ultimate universe. Earth-1610 no longer exists following Secret Wars, with Miles being the main leftover. In recent months, various Ultimate universe characters have been showing up (read X-Men: Blue), only creating more questions. Even this very issue we see Taskmaster appearing way more like the 1610 version than the 616.

There’s a lot of potential weight to Spider-Men II, for both the characters and universe. For Brian Michael Bendis, there’s also some added pressure in getting his beloved Miles back on track. Whether the book lives up to the hype and expectation of its predecessor, the first issue is a promising sign.

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Here Are The Worst Movies of 2017 …… So Far

By

Dewey Singleton - Film Critic

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July 13, 2017

As we approach the home stretch of the summer movie season, it’s time we take a step back and examine the worst movies of 2017… so far.

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1. Bye Bye Man

An utterly bewildering horror film that left audiences wondering in disbelief (and not in a good way). How is it possible that they could get so much wrong in one film? A terrible storyline, haphazard casting, and a monster that elicits more snickers than screams. Some might feel that Transformers deserves the top spot but at least their casting kind of made sense. Here’s my review. Check out the trailer

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Tsuki ga Kirei was Spring’s Big Hit

By

David Harada

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July 13, 2017

2017 Spring had a lot of big name titles making their return. Whether it was Jump bringing in the second season of Boku no Hero Academia or Boruto Next Generation. Possibly Shingeki no Kyojin’s would take the cake with its fated comeback. Beyond all the hype that was stored up however, Tsuki ga Kirei took first place in my book.

Tsuki ga Hontou ni Kirei/The Moon Truly is Beautiful

I am sure the immediate question is why it placed above the aforementioned titles. When I address the best title for Spring, I look at what I received during this time. Boku no Hero still has another 12/13 episodes before it finishes. Boruto is just starting and I have already addressed my position on Shingeki no Kyojin. Tsuki ga Kirei instead delivers a full one season long story that fulfills you by the end. While it differs immensely from the Shonen titles mentioned, the romance behind it is great. With the use of LINE (the top messaging App in Japan), it shows how two worlds can be connected despite being divided. Whether this divide is social groups or distance, it makes you feel that the two characters are closer than ever.

Romance Might be Making its Comeback

It is a bit early to say, but Tsuki ga Kirei was a legitimate romance title without the comedic interfaces that may keep it from shining. With Koi to Uso having begun with summer’s anime cycle, romance feels as if it is picking up. It may need a few more seasons of solid titles being produced. Despite this, Tsuki ga Kirei may have been the catalyst needed.

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Punk From ‘Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home’ Has A Cameo In ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’

By

Manuel Gomez

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July 12, 2017

If you are a Star Trek fan, then you’ve probably seen Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. And if you have seen that beloved classic, then you probably remember this:

Well, it seems that infamous punk, Kirk Thatcher, has returned to movie screens. However, it’s in a different city and different franchise. In speaking with StarTrek.com, the actor (who also co-wrote the punk song above, ‘I Hate You’) and former Leonard Nimoy assistant/co-producer revealed he has a small cameo role in Spider-Man: Homecoming.

I was having a meeting with the guys at Marvel and Kevin Feige had to leave early to catch a plane to New York for the last few days of shooting and wrap on Homecoming. I mentioned that I was going to New York too, only two days later. He got excited and asked if I would be interested in doing a cameo as a punk in Spider-Man? I, of course, said, ‘Sure!’ He said the producers would get in contact with me and I changed my flight from a Friday morning flight to a Thursday red-eye. I arrived in Manhattan at around 1:30 in the morning and my call time was 4:30 a.m. the same day… So I grabbed a couple hours sleep, took a taxi to the set and had brought my own wardrobe. They made me look a little grungier, and the whole thing was done by 11:30 that morning! So, it was really only about 48 hours from Wednesday afternoon when he asked if I was interested to Friday lunch time when we had finished shooting the scene

See him below, credited as ‘Punk on Street.’

What do you guys think? It’s a fun little cameo in a movie already filled with a lot of those!

Spider-Man: Homecoming is in theaters now.

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Intense, Creepy and Exciting – Watch The First ‘Mr. Mercedes’ Trailer

By

Jamesey Lefebure

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July 12, 2017

After teasing us with new cast photo’s, AT&T Audience Network has released the creepy trailer for ‘Mr. Mercedes.’ Based on the Stephen King book of the same name, the ten episode detective/horror show starts on August 9th.

With a stellar cast and only a short teaser to go on, it’s been a long wait for an official trailer. But what a trailer it is! Intense, creepy and exciting it captures the cat and mouse act of the novel perfectly.

‘Mr. Mercedes’ follows demented killer Brady Hartsfield (Treadaway), who taunts a retired police detective Bill Hodges (Gleeson) with a series of lurid letters and emails. Determined to catch the one that got away, Hodges begins a dark crusade to bring the killer to justice before it’s too late.

If the trailer is any indication of the pace of the show it’s going to be an intense ten weeks. The world created by King in the 2014 novel of the same is reminiscent of the 30’s paperback detective novels. Something that has translated well to the trailer. Gleeson is the perfect casting for Hodges to play against Treadaway’s Brady.

‘Mr. Mercedes isn’t the only Stephen King adaptation to be gracing the screen. Spike TV’s The Mist is going strong on its first season. The Dark Tower has also released a trailer ahead of its August 8th cinema release. Nightmare inducing “IT” has been rumored to be dropping a second trailer this month ahead of its September 8th release. While J.J. Abraham’s “Castle Rock” has finally revealed its cast and the return of Sissy Spacek to the Stephen King Universe.

What did you think of the new trailer? Does it live up to your expectations if you’ve read the book? Are you just as excited as us at the growing Stephen King TV universe? Let us know in the comments below.

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Preacher Feature: Viktor

By

Joshua Versalle

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July 12, 2017

Preacher Feature is a weekly analysis of the AMC show Preacher based on the comic book of the same name by Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon. In this column, we will give a breakdown of the events from the previous night’s show, including how they relate to the comics, and speculate as to what’s going on and what might be coming up. This is to say that there will be spoilers, both actual and potential. If you have not yet watched the episode in question or are watching the show without reading the comics and don’t want to have any foreknowledge of what might happen to Jesse and company, then you would do well to stop reading this now.

There is a House in New Orleans

…and in this house, we finally catch a glimpse of the mysterious Viktor (Paul Ben-Victor), whom Tulip was so keen on avoiding in episode two. What could be so terrible about Viktor that would have the usually stalwart Tulip sitting in his office looking like a chastised student waiting for the principal? Well, you’ll have to wait until the end of this recap to find out for sure (unless you know how the scroll function works on your browser, in which case I can’t stop you from looking). One thing we know is he has a torturer named Pet (Sean Boyd) on staff, which is something of a red flag, personality-wise. Now, Tulip may be known more for her toughness than her charm, but everyone in the house seems to have taken a real disliking to her. Most of the staff won’t talk to her and Viktor’s daughter spits in her face.

The Ruin of Many a Poor Boy

Eugene is still stuck in Hell. Nice boy that he is, he interrupts Tyler (Justin Prentice) from bullying another inmate and draws the bully’s ire. Eugene is rescued by Hitler (Noah Taylor), but students of history won’t be fooled by one decent act, this Hitler fellow is not the nice guy he may seem to be.

Eugene and Hitler — Possible set photo from Stranger Things season two?

Eugene’s Hell cell needs some repairs and while they are being done he is told he is “sweet, kind, caring, loyal”: pretty good qualities if you’re trying to score brownie points, but this is Hell and that sort of behavior is frowned upon. Trying to appear more of a “bad boy”, Eugene joins in when the rest of the Hellions start beating up Hitler. Which brings up an interesting ethical question: is kicking the shit out of Hitler ever a bad thing?

Fake God is a Local Actor

Now, if my math is right, Jesse visited 50 jazz bars his first night in New Orleans, which is about 49 more than I could tolerate. He and Cassidy watch a hilarious commercial starring Frankie Muniz and notice the man who impersonated God (Mark Harelik in the role he was born to play: Mark Harelik) in Jesse’s church way back in season one. They set off to locate the actor and find Teddy Gunth (James Hiroyuki Liao, who really stole the scene). Gunth is clearly one of power players in the New Orleans acting scene. He says he can’t find Harelik, but he does have a copy of the tape from Harelik’s last audition before he went missing. In the tape, he’s auditioning for the role of God and when he accepts it, he is killed (acting is way tougher than most people think), presumably because he needs to be in actual Heaven in order to impersonate The Lord.

To the Viktor Goes…Something of an Ass-Kicking, Actually

Cassidy, concerned that he hasn’t heard back from Tulip since she went out for smokes the previous night, eventually tells Jesse. Now Jesse isn’t the type of guy who takes kindly to people abducting his friends, and accordingly he goes to find her. Too angry to consider the ramifications of using Genesis (you know, giving away his location to the murderous Saint of Killers), Jesse tears through Viktor’s house, ordering several of Viktor’s croonies to let him through. This tactic works until Pet blindsides him and puts in some earbuds to torture Jesse. Who doesn’t like to listen to some Billy Joel while they work? What follows is one of the best action sequences in a show full of great action sequences, and probably an even better use of Uptown Girl than The Simpsons. After finally dispatching Pet, Jesse finds Viktor and Tulip. He starts choking the former while being told to stop by the latter. Why would Tulip want this man left alive? Well, it turns out he’s her husband. Jesse, like most of the audience, is taken aback by this news, but we’ll all have to wait until next episode to find out more.

Questions and Theories

Of course the biggest questions all relate to how/why Tulip got married to Viktor. From the previews of next week’s episode, it looks like it happened after the failed bank heist from season one that separated Jesse and Tulip in the first place, but beyond that is anyone’s guess.

Will we be seeing more of Teddy Gunth? Plot-wise, there’s little reason the crew would be headed back to a small talent agency, but I hope the writers find a way to work him back in somehow.

Best Line

“I used to go to prostitutes. Now I am one” – actor in Katrina commercial

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‘The Archies’ Hit The Open Road In A New Ongoing Series From Segura, Rosenberg, And Eisma

By

Manuel Gomez

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July 12, 2017

The all-star team of co-writers Alex Segura and Matt Rosenberg (ARCHIE MEETS RAMONES) and artist Joe Eisma (ARCHIE, RIVERDALE) reunite the teenage rockers known as THE ARCHIES this October for a new ongoing series spinning out of the fan-favorite THE ARCHIES ONE-SHOT!

After successfully playing their first real show together as a band, Archie, Jughead, Betty & Veronica, and Reggie leave Riverdale as they begin their first tour across the country – and meet real-life bands along the way!

Segura & Rosenberg, the writing team behind hit one-shots ARCHIE MEETS RAMONES and THE ARCHIES, are no strangers to mixing the real-life world of music with the colorful fantasies of Archie Comics.

Segura had this to say:

When we jammed on THE ARCHIES ONE-SHOT, it was always in the hopes of having the book become an ongoing, so it was great to see the positive response that made it possible. Adding real bands in the mix gives the series a must-read twist and opens the door for Matt, Joe and I to get our favorite bands into Riverdale.

Matt Rosenberg added:

We’re taking The Archies out of Riverdale and sending them on tour across the country to experience everything a touring band goes through. So whether you grew up with Archie or you’ve never read a comic, here’s a great chance to hop in the van with these 5 old friends and experience something totally new.

Artist Joe Eisma also added:

What Alex and Matt have cooked up pretty much defines the ultimate comic for me. I can’t wait for readers to see the great stuff we have in store!”

The new series debuts in comic shops and on digital platforms just in time for New York Comic Con on October 4^th, 2017 and features covers by Joe Eisma, Matthew Dow Smith, Sandy Jarrell with Kelly Fitzpatrick, and Thomas Pitilli.

A new rock and roll adventure with The Archies is about to begin – are you ready to sing along?

THE ARCHIES #1

What’s next for the teenage rockers The Archies? When someone makes a decision that leaves the rest of the band scrambling, can the group keep it together? It’s friendship vs. fame in this must-read #1 issue to the new, ongoing THE ARCHIES series!

Script: Alex Segura and Matt Rosenberg
Art: Joe Eisma, Matt Herms, Jack Morelli
Cover: Joe Eisma

Visit the official Archie Comics website for more information, follow them on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news and updates, and download the Archie App for iOS and Android to read all your favorite Archie Comics!

I think this is great news, and have long thought an ongoing ‘The Archies’ book is a no-brainer! What do you guy think? What bands do you want to see cross paths with our favorite Riverdale rockers? What kind of road trip hijinks do you think will ensue? Comment and discuss below!

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Joe Pesci Boards ‘The Irishman’ After Months Of Negotiation

By

Aric Sweeny

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July 12, 2017

Joe Pesci has finally joined Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman, Deadline reports. After months of talk between the two parties, a decision has been made.

Pesci will be co-starring alongside other all-time great actors such as Harvey Keitel and Robert De Niro; Al Pacino is currently in negotiations to star in the movie, too.

The Irishman is being funded and distributed by Netflix, but will receive a small theatrical release to qualify for the Oscars. Currently, the release date is not set, although 2019 is likely.

Are you excited about how the cast of The Irishman is taking shape? Let us know in the comments below.

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