E3 2017: Predictions, Speculation, and Anticipation!

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May 25, 2017

With E3 2017 right around the corner, I’ve decided to compile my predictions into an article filled with speculation, educated guesses, and anticipation. It should be noted that I’ve only chose to discuss developers that I am educated on or interested in. Apologies if your favorite dev isn’t on here, but feel free to talk about them in the comments section.

Microsoft

With Xbox launching Project Scorpio this year, I’m very interested to see what they show off. Considering that E3’s best moments come from game announcements, will Phil Spencer take note and put the emphasis on graphically intense multiplatform titles and exclusives, or will Scorpio steal the show?

To put it simply, both. I think Xbox will take too much time with Scorpio, however, the games will get spotlight as well. I expect focus to be on Sea of Thieves, Forza, Middle Earth: Shadow of War, and other 3rd party titles. With this said, though, I wouldn’t be surprised if Spencer surprises fans with an exclusive new IP. Oh, and can we finally get a release date for Cuphead? That’s not a game you’d want to show off alongside Scorpio, but it has been in the works for years and fans are losing interest…fast.

Nintendo

2017 is Nintendo’s year to shine at E3. The Switch is off to a hot start, the games are on their way, and the future is bright, However, what games will actually be shown off?

Mario Odyssey will be the focal point of their show, with Splatoon 2, Xenoblade 2, and Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle also getting some attention.

In terms of 3rd party announcements, I fully expect COD: WW2, this year’s Assassin’s Creed game, and some other sports titles to be announced for the system.

Now comes the fun discussion – what games will Nintendo reveal at E3? There are five franchise candidates, in my eyes, and I believe two or three of them will receive announcements: Pokemon, Animal Crossing, Pikmin, Metroid, Super Smash Bros. A deluxe version of SSB4 is a given at this point, but Metroid and Animal Crossing would also make a splash in the current gaming market.

Lastly on the Nintendo side of things, Virtual Console will be detailed, along with the company’s online service. I expect these features to be released at some point in July, to complement Splatoon 2.

Sony

Sony is gearing up for an extremely important E3. The company is winning the “console war” right now, but both competitors are making moves. Sony must keep the focus on games, and not Virtual Reality. If they do this, E3 2017 will be a success for them; however, if the mistake of talking too much about VR is made, this could be a blunder.

Games I expect to see shown off and playable include, but are not limited to, God of War, Days Gone, Spider-Man, and The Last of Us Part 2. Additionally, Death Stranding and Final Fantasy 7’s remake will be shown, but not playable or detailed.

An important aspect of Sony’s 2017 E3 is release dates. The Playstation 4 has a stacked lineup of games that have no release date, and this is the company’s chance to change that.

EA

Sports games, sports games, and more sports games. Fifa, NBA Live, and Madden will all get their annual installments. However, alongside these sports titles will be the titan known as Star Wars Battlefront 2, which is sure to be a controversial topic among gamers at E3.

Rockstar

With Rockstar’s recent delay of Red Dead Redemption 2, I am genuinely confused as to what their E3 plans are. Obviously the game will be there, but what other titles could we see? Only time will tell.

Activision

Activision is all about Destiny 2 this year, and for good reason. The game was announced recently and made a splash on the web almost immediately. The company seemingly fixed mistakes from the first game, ensuring that Destiny’s sequel will be sought out and anticipated among gamers that felt burned by the first title.

Ubisoft

Ubisoft’s show this year will have an emphasis on supporting Switch. The company has stated they want to be the lead 3rd party publisher on the hybrid console, and this will show through their E3 announcements. They’ll likely talk more about Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle, but South Park, Assassin’s Creed, and Far Cry 5 will get attention too. Additionally, I have a feeling that the Beyond Good and Evil 2 rumor is true, and will be confirmed at this year’s show.

And the winner is…

This year’s E3 will likely go down as one of the best in years. With all three major companies bringing a slew of announcements, hardware, and other features to the table, who will come out as the winner? Ultimately, I think it’s between Nintendo and Sony. If both companies stick to their software and don’t waste time on other features, it will be a coin flip as to who “won”. However, given Nintendo’s marketing strategy over the last year, I feel that they understand their audience better and will deliver a better performance in 2017.

What predictions do you have for this year’s E3? Be sure to sound off in the comments section below.

E3 2017 takes place at the Los Angeles Convention Center from June 12-15.

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‘Deadly Class’ Continues Getting Better And Better

By

Brandon J. Griffin

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May 25, 2017

You know that anxious feeling you get when you send an important text message or email? As you anxiously await a response, whether it be the one you wanted or bad news, your stomach slowly becomes the inside of a washing machine on spin cycle. Your chest gets tighter the longer you sit and assume the worst is on its way back to you.

Then all of a sudden, a response is waiting in your inbox. You’re so happy you got it that you don’t even want to open it right away. Waiting a little prolongs the wave of relief you feel that your time waiting is now over. No matter what you’re about to open, at least the wait is over, you can absorb it’s contents and carry it with you as you move forward in life.

That pretty much sums up the experience that takes place in between issues of Deadly Class. It’s so goddamned good.

***SPOILERS LIE AHEAD***

Writer Rick Remender puts readers through an emotional adventure that continues to pay off the deeper into the series you get. Deadly Class #28 is a monumental payoff for fans with any semblance of a soul. Killing off the main cast almost entirely and replacing them with a new crop of freshman was bold, initially striking a harsher blow to readers than a well executed katana strike by Saya.

This dynamic creative duo shares the long-term chemistry that Marvel and DC are desperate for in the age of revolving creative teams.

This series started off simple enough, but the concept sucks you in right out of the gate and doesn’t let go. By the end of the first arc, Remender has readers eating out of the palm of his hand. Every relationship feels real, every conversation felt familiar, every action scene burned into your brain like a gruesome horror movie sequence you’ll never forget.

Artist Wes Craig deserves just as much credit, he breathes life into these characters. Even if you didn’t grow up in the 80s, these books serve as memories of your youth in an era you’ve only experienced through movies and stories from older folk. Taking the fondest years of your life and drenching them in glorious teenage assassin chaos. Every expression, environment, and movement in these panels deserves another moment of admiration before turning the page.

This dynamic creative duo shares the long-term chemistry that Marvel and DC are desperate for in the age of revolving creative teams. Deadly Class is a comic like no other, yet somehow feels like home from the very first issue. Not because we’ve been here before, but because this is an amalgamation of everything you want in an ongoing comic book.

In Deadly Class #28, we catch up with our favorite assassin couple that we long thought dead. Marcus and Maria are alive and well on a beach far from the school. Saya saved them, but finds herself in a deadly situation. She’s been betrayed and now finds herself held captive by her power hungry brother in Tokyo. Meanwhile at Kings Dominion, Shabnam and Grogda (our least favorite assassin couple) are meeting some resistance within the student council. Shab and Grog put the two “asses” in “assassin”.

Marcus is the most relatable teenage punk to ever grace the world of comic books for any reader who grew up in a tough spot. Remender made us think we had lost him, then once we’re all settled in to this new crop of kids he throws Marcus and Maria back into the mix. That’s a big pile of positivity and a healthy serving of joyous relief. Things are about to get complicated, the pulse of this book is picking back up in a hurry.

Willie also makes a comeback appearance as Marcus is apparently seeing him in his head. Another layer of juicy complexity wrapped around this already intricate character. Remender has also managed to completely redeem Saya, who was previously the ultimate betrayer.

This cast of characters is so well crafted that any and all growth they experience cannot simply be analyzed only during one’s time reading the issue. Dramatic narrative shifts warrant excessive diagnosis that takes place after having closed the issue.

Even the moment where Remender is clearly taking a shot at Marvel earns a reader smile and nod and not an eye roll. The man can do no wrong, it’s news to no one that he is one of the most brilliant writers in modern comic books.

Deadly Class is the kind of book that we all deserve, you just need to do yourself a favor and dive in. This creative team (Jordan Boyd’s colors as well) is firing on all cylinders in every issue.

Everything you could want in a series is present and so much more. As the series approaches 30 issues, let’s hope there’s no end in sight. Keep this book alive and share it with your friends. The comic book community deserves it.

Are you reading Deadly Class? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

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‘Optimus Prime’ #7 Deals With Aftermath

By

Anthony Wendel

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With the Junkion invasion resolved peacefully, Optimus Prime takes a moment to plan the Autobots’ next move on Earth.

Writing

In the wake of an multi-issue storyline, it’s important to utilize a cool down issue. What’s a cool down issue you may be asking yourself? A cool down issue is when there isn’t much actions but instead there is a lot of drama as characters deal with recent events. Considering the last few issues had a global invasion, this is the perfect type of story to have here.

The issue shows how tension is high and a lot will be happening in the future. It’s nice to see Optimus Prime talking with the president of the United States in a calm and civil manner. There is a great chemistry as the two talk and comparing their pasts. Frankly, there has been too much of him having to act as a warrior instead a diplomat working towards peace. The entire purpose of this new series should be focusing more on Optimus and his new role with trying to keep the peace between the worlds and having actual meetings with leaders. It hasn’t happened in a few issues so it’s good to see them come back to this ideal. John Barber, the writer for the series, seems to have a plan and is preparing for what’s to come in the next arc.

Artwork

The artwork by Priscilla Tramontano is perfect in this issue. She has a very crisp style compared to previous issues which seems to help increase the relatively calm atmosphere which is taking place. This is the style of story she is ideal to work on. Though, not the ideal candidate for an action heavy issue, when the book calls for emotion and style, look Tramontano is the perfect article to call upon.

Conclusion

This is a good issue but the tease for the next one looks to top it. Jazz is set to address the world in a live interview and answer questions regarding how his actions resulted in the death of a cop. It could be very emotional comic and set how humans will view Transformers for years to come. Good luck Jazz, you’ll need it.

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Debate: Who Is The Next Female Action Star? – Episode 123

By

Matthew Sardo

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May 24, 2017

The excitement for ‘Wonder Woman’ is building and our dynamic duo wants to get you pumped as well. Matt and EJ accomplish this with a passionate discussion of the female-led action genre as they look back to the past and the possibilities of the future.

What is your favorite action film with a female lead?

Strap yourself in buckaroos! Episode 123 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.

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’s 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.

Places you can find the show:
iTunes
Blog Talk Radio
Stitcher

Reviews are greatly appreciated – How to Rate and Review a Podcast in iTunes

Thank you for listening!

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Hydra Supreme Leader Addresses Media in ‘Captain America: Steve Rogers’ #17

By

Brandon J. Griffin

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May 24, 2017

Writer Nick Spencer’s Secret Empire has been making waves in the comic book world. The book that started it all, Captain America: Steve Rogers, continues the major narrative in between issues of Secret Empire. Hydra’s supreme leader addresses the media in issue #17 this week.

***SPOILERS LIE AHEAD***

The U.S. has been aggressively taken over by Hydra. Their supreme leader, Steve Rogers, has volunteered to do an interview and address the regime change.

He shares Hydra’s position on Inhuman camps, the sovereign Mutant territory, altering historical events, and the means by which this power was obtained. The only topic off the table is the crater he recently turned Las Vegas into.

This is exactly the tie-in issue that Secret Empire needed. Now that the concept has settled in and internet fools are up in arms, we get into the details of this event. Readers explore both what Steve shares to the public, and what actually happened.

Hydra Steve is most enjoyable the more he waves his Hydra flag. In the main event book, he’s showed some remorse and reluctance about what’s happening. In this issue, he’s all-in on Hydra propaganda and it’s highly entertaining.

The further Nick Spencer takes Steve Rogers away from his Captain America ideals, the more fun this event is. Despite misguided internet fan anger, Spencer should turn the Hydra knob to eleven and let his story reach its maximum potential.

Captain America: Steve Rogers #17 is a dark issue. Spencer gives readers a better look at what a Hydra takeover looks like, and it’s grim. On the surface, somehow Rogers has supposedly won over the public and people are more than willing to hail Hydra. Is this accurate or a symptom of Steve’s delirium?

How the world, and its superhuman champions, react to this new power will continue to be the driving force. We finally get to see how the mutants fit into this mess. The scene between Steve and Magneto is a powerful one.

Effectively taking mutants off the board and asking Magneto to stay in hiding is bold. Appointing Xorn as the mutant overseer isn’t going to sit well with the master of magnetism. One would imagine the mutant nation of New Tia won’t be silent forever.

Bringing in the reporter who previously humiliated Cap to conduct this interview pays off in a big way by issues end. Not only does Steve show how ruthless he can be, but also that he’s a bit petty as this was clearly a trap.

This characterization of supreme leader Rogers needs to be the standard for all Secret Empire books. The further committed to the concept, the more effective this experience will be in the end.

Regardless of how you feel about Cap ditching the stars & stripes, his villainy in Secret Empire is classic comic book entertainment. Nothing sticks forever, especially with knowing that Legacy is right around the corner. This is a story to be enjoyed while it lasts. Comic books are supposed to be fun after all, right?

This tie-in issue was mostly dialogue between seated characters. It’s a two-sided news report, filling us in on the details of a hostile takeover. It also wasn’t a boring read despite that. This was more exciting than any issue of Bendis’ Civil War II.

Nick Spencer may not be the best at handling scrutiny on Twitter, but he’s delivering a worthwhile Marvel event.

Where do you stand on Secret Empire? Let us know in the comments below!

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The Great War is Here: New Game of Thrones Trailer Drops

By

Mikey Curalli

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May 24, 2017

HOLY SPIT, THIS GAME OF THRONES TRAILER IS LIT!!!

HBO released the latest trailer for season 7 of the smash hit ‘Game of Thrones’ Wednesday afternoon, and who knew you could fit so much in 1:48!

The Battle lines are clearly drawn, we may know the players, but do they really know how epic the game will be?

Cersei furthers our understanding that the vibe in Kings Landing is that of “us versus the world” with a great monolog. While up North, Little Finger is stirring the pot as only Lord Baelish can.

Not to mention, we finally get a good look at a full-sized Drogan, who seems primed to do some serious damage to anyone who crosses “The Mother of Dragons” and her contingency.

Needless to say… Is it July yet?

The ‘Game of Thrones’ season premiere will air July 16, 2017, on HBO.

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Hasan Minhaj Delivers A Rockstar Performance In ‘Homecoming King’

By

Ruben Diaz

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May 24, 2017

The Daily Show is a staple of news satire that’s been around for nearly 20 years. Many great comedians got their start along that road of political humor. Steve Carrell, John Oliver, Steven Colbert, and more broke through to stardom on the Comedy Central series. Hasan Minhaj is a current correspondent who’s making quite a name for himself. Hasan’s bits on The Daily Show lead to him headlining the White House Correspondents’ Dinner this year. Now, Minaj is the star of his first Netflix Comedy Special called Homecoming King.

Hasan takes viewers on a wild ride through his life.

From start to finish, Minaj is telling stories. The comic’s electric stage presence comes through with every word. Like a movie, the special has a running plot through it of the girl who could be called Hasan’s first love. It was in high school, and the girl was going to be Hasan’s “secret” prom date. The special night a secret to two influential people — Hasan’s parents.

Hasan takes viewers on a wild ride through his life. The prom date punctuates different parts with a new lesson for the comedian. Along the way, Hasan uses tweets and graphs on a giant screen behind him as visual aids. Sometimes, social becomes a brilliant punchline, like when Minhaj learns that his one-time prom date, now an adult, is dating another brown Muslim guy.

Perhaps nothing provides such power to this comedy special than Minhaj’s religion. As a Muslim, the comedian repeatedly reminds us of what that life is like, both good and bad. The special is a brilliant guide through a Muslim-American family life littered with many of the same tropes as most families. But the parts alien to non-Muslims are made real by Hasan’s performance.

**One word best describes Homecoming King: spellbinding.**

Homecoming King is a comedy special that could just as easily be called a one-man play. Hasan is not afraid to let the set becomes deeply emotional, like raw drama. Hasan tells heartbreaking moments of racism and failure. But also finishing stories with a happy ending provided by becoming a better person.

Director Christopher Storer stands out here as well which is rare for a comedy special. But his work accentuates the words of Hasan every step of the way. Sometimes it’s subtle, a close up of Hasan who carries the moment by looking right into the camera. But quick wide shots play as exclamation points to Hasan’s physical antics.

One word best describes Homecoming King: spellbinding. Hasan takes the reigns, and the ride is a vibrant journey through the comedian’s life. The trip includes Hasan’s audition for The Daily Show which was a near disaster.

Hasan is an American who happens to be Muslim who happens to be a nerd who happens to be on a television show. Hasan is also an insightful human who just delivered a comedy special that ranks as one of the best of the year and perhaps even the last few years.

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Two New ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ Posters Released

By

Aric Sweeny

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May 24, 2017

Two new Spider-Man: Homecoming posters have been released alongside the trailer. The first is a domestic poster, with the second being international. See them both below.

With so much Homecoming promotion being thrown on the internet today, it will be interesting to see how the marketing ramps up as we get closer to July. I hope that Marvel has learned their lesson and doesn’t release another trailer, but only time will tell.

“A young Peter Parker/Spider-Man (Tom Holland), who made his sensational debut in Captain America: Civil War, begins to navigate his newfound identity as the web-slinging super hero in Spider-Man: Homecoming. Thrilled by his experience with the Avengers, Peter returns home, where he lives with his Aunt May (Marisa Tomei), under the watchful eye of his new mentor Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.). Peter tries to fall back into his normal daily routine – distracted by thoughts of proving himself to be more than just your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man – but when the Vulture (Michael Keaton) emerges as a new villain, everything that Peter holds most important will be threatened.”

Spider-Man: Homecoming features Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Donald Glover, Zendaya, Marisa Tomei, Robert Downey Jr., Jon Favreau, Tyne Daly, Tony Revolori, Bokeem Woodbine, and Hannibal Buress.

The film hits theaters on July 7.

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Marvel Drops New ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ Trailer

By

Aric Sweeny

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May 24, 2017

Marvel Entertainment has dropped the third, and likely last, full length Spider-Man: Homecoming trailer. This new footage shows off how advanced Peter’s new suit is.

“A young Peter Parker/Spider-Man (Tom Holland), who made his sensational debut in Captain America: Civil War, begins to navigate his newfound identity as the web-slinging super hero in Spider-Man: Homecoming. Thrilled by his experience with the Avengers, Peter returns home, where he lives with his Aunt May (Marisa Tomei), under the watchful eye of his new mentor Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.). Peter tries to fall back into his normal daily routine – distracted by thoughts of proving himself to be more than just your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man – but when the Vulture (Michael Keaton) emerges as a new villain, everything that Peter holds most important will be threatened.”

Spider-Man: Homecoming features Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Donald Glover, Zendaya, Marisa Tomei, Robert Downey Jr., Jon Favreau, Tyne Daly, Tony Revolori, Bokeem Woodbine, and Hannibal Buress.

The film hits theaters on July 7.

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Review: 11 Reasons To Spoil Yourself And Pick Up ‘Detective Comics’ #957

By

Manuel Gomez

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Stephanie Brown, aka The Spoiler, targets a new villainous threat to Gotham City. Relying on her own code, skills, and attitude, Stephanie takes on the armored menace known as Wrath in front of live television cameras broadcasting across the city. But as is the case with The Spoiler, not all is what it seems. And in the end, she ends up attracting the attention of one of Gotham’s most infamous masks (and, no, it’s no one Bat-related!)

Detective Comics #957
“The Wrath of Spoiler”
Written by: James Tynion IV & Christopher Sebela
Art by: Carmen Carnero
Inks by: Karl Story, Richard Friend & Carmen Carnero
Colors by: Javier Mena
Letters by: Sal Cipriano

Published by: DC Comics

Having been a Spoiler fan for some time, I immediately grabbed this issue when I saw she was the focus of the story. I’m glad I did because it’s one of the most fleshed out and best takes on Stephanie Brown I have read. The whole thing makes me long for a Spoiler solo series, which I think could work if she’s written like she is here. Read on for 11 reasons to spoil yourself and pick up Detective Comics #957!

Ladies and Gentlemen, Detective Harvey Bullock (eating donuts).
Spoiler’s great, almost hard-boiled style narration. Tynion and Sebela give her a great voice.
The bit at the beginning involving the Bat-signal.
The intensity of the story (think Die Hard).
The layouts and panels by Carmen Carnero that set the narrative’s pacing.
Javier Mena’s gorgeous, vibrant and lush colors. So much great work with shadows.
Spoiler’s use of a specific “aspect” of Batman’s training.
The design and visuals of the villain Wrath and his minions.
Bullock’s and Spoiler’s great back and forth exchanges.
“So why’m I gonna take your word for anything” – Bullock. “There’s a donut in it for you” –Spoiler. “You owe me eight. Lock her up.” –Bullock.
The GREAT reveal at the end. A fan-favorite, cult, Bat-family character!

Don’t let the attention the other Batman titles are getting make you overlook Detective Comics (the original DC Comic folks!). This is issue is a great chapter to sample what this title offers, and if you didn’t love The Spoiler before, you will love her now.

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