Double The Laughs On Netflix With ‘The Lucas Brothers On Drugs’

April 21, 2017

In a wildly political time, The Lucas Brothers, and their calm, cool, and collected style invite viewers to sit back and chill. The pair of comedy twins plays to a small, intimate crowd before a wall of Richard Nixon faces. The new Netflix special, called Lucas Brothers On Drugs, presents the pair as they flow through a wide range of topics. Want to know what Black Panthers thought about Scream 2 or hear hilariously bad OJ Simpson jokes? The Lucas Brothers have got your back.

The Lucas Brothers are most known for The Lucas Brothers Moving Company, an animated semi-autobiographical series. First aired on Fox back in 2013, the series survived for several years on FXX, completing 18 episodes. The pair also appeared in 22 Jump Street and wrote for several short-lived sitcoms.

Individually, the brothers are Kenny and Keith though they make no mention of this ever during the special. The Lucas Brothers bounce back and forth between each other like one mind talking with itself. They finish each other’s sentences, quickly ponder, ask a question and the other answers. It’s an amusing dance between the two, and they do it with an almost Barry White-smoothness.

The special begins with a big F-U to former U.S. President Richard M. Nixon. The Lucas Brothers are not fans of Nixon, and it’s for one simple reason: the war on drugs. Or as the Lucas Brothers put it, both in the animated series and on stage, “the war on niggas who just want to have fun.” But as potheads, the brothers are quick to remind everyone, “All drugs aren’t created equal. Abraham Lincoln said that shit.”

“A slave wouldn’t say he’s working like a slave. That would be redundant.” – The Lucas Brothers On Drugs

The brothers do everything together, and they talk about it through two tightly woven points of view. They went to law school together, jail, and joined the Black Panthers. The pair doesn’t get overly political at any point though they do twist expected punchlines in on themselves in some clever ways.

A story about hanging with the Black Panthers has the pair bring Scream 2 for a “movie night.” Ten minutes into the flick, when black characters Jada Pinkett-Smith and Omar Epps die, the Panthers want to use it as an example of oppression. But the Lucas Brothers offer a different way to look at it and perhaps, a different way to look at all movies where black characters die early on: “Two black characters die at the start of Scream 2, but like 20 white people die the rest of the way.”

The Lucas Brothers are fun to watch even if the jokes don’t always work. A bit about bad OJ Simpson jokes bogs down the flow for a moment. But like Chappelle, the brothers enjoy moments of laughing at their jokes. Their style is also calm and conversational; it invites viewers to act more like friends watching two funny dudes make everyone laugh.

The comedy of the Lucas Brothers carefully rides a thin line. It’s edgy without being offensive and yet still not family friendly. The pair is raw, yet do it in a way that’s so down-to-earth that it goes down smooth.

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Canadian Comic Book Artist Headed To C2E2 Refused Entry At The U.S. Border

Matthew Sardo

April 21, 2017

UPDATED: ReedPOP is hosting C2E2 this week in Chicago but one creator scheduled to be there will not be attending. Gisele Lagace who has worked with Marvel, IDW, Dynamite, and Archie was stopped at the U.S. / Canadien border. U.S. officials searched her car, performed a body search, and fingerprinted Lagace, according to her Facebook post.

“We are looking into this issue now, but are extremely disappointed to hear that one of our artists has been denied access into this country. C2E2 is a celebration of the comic artist community and a place for different voices and perspectives to be seen and heard. When one of those voices is denied we all feel the impact,” said Lance Fensterman, Global Head of ReedPOP in a statement.

Archie Comics didn’t have a formal comment, but its publicist Alex Segura did offer his opinion.

“Unbelievable a great artist like Gisele Lagace was refused entry into our country for no logical reason. Shameful,” said Segura via Twitter.

Here is Lagace’s account of the incident:

Welp, no C2E2 for me. Was refused entry at the border. They kept pressing about the comics I had and the sketches, and well, I had to be honest and said that I did get paid for commissions but before hand, but since they weren’t complete, it was considered work in the us. Comics-wise, I had maybe $700 in value if I had sold everything. Honestly, it’s not a lot.

Was asked if I was the only one doing this as I looked surprised to be refused entry. I said no, many artists from around the world attend these to promote themselves. I don’t think they cared.

My car was searched and is a mess. And to top it off, I was body searched and fingerprinted too (they do that when you get refused entry apparently.) It was an awful experience.

Things then went worse when they searched me throughout and found 2 white pills in my wallet. There was no identification on them and I wasn’t sure what they were. Once I calmed down after being touched all over, I remembered they were generic acetaminophen from the dollar store that I carry around in case Marc gets a headache as it sometimes happen. I forgot they were even in there.

Anyway, I wasn’t turned around for the 2 acetaminophen, as they found those after I was refused entry for the comics in my car and the unfinished sketches but they kept us longer there until they were convinced they weren’t narcotics. I never took drugs in my life!

And to think we drove close to 2 days to get there. For nothing. (No, I didn’t get anything from that body search. Maybe Zii would think it’s a good deal.) Anyway… Driving back home.

Now that I’ve been refused entry in the US for this, it’s on file. Don’t expect to see me at a US con until I can figure out a way to get in and being absolutely certain this won’t happen.

At the time the article was published IDW had not return our request for comment. Stay tuned for more details.

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Mark Millar and Sean Gordon Murphy’s ‘Chrononauts’ Adaptation Finds Its Screenwriter

Eric Morales

April 21, 2017

Mark Millar and Sean Gordon Murphy’s sci-fi graphic novel “Chrononauts” has tapped screenwriter Philip Gawthorne to pen a feature film adaptation, according to Deadline. Gawthorne, a playwright and screenwriter, has previously worked on the upcoming Vin Diesel film Kojak and Lionsgate’s remake of Cube. He is also co-writing STX’s Black Hole and Warner Bros’ World Breaker.

“Chrononauts” follows the tale of scientists Corbin Quinn and Danny Reilly who are chosen as the world’s first time-travelers. From publisher Image Comics, “From MARK MILLAR (Kick-Ass) and SEAN GORDON MURPHY (Punk Rock Jesus) comes a bromance for the ages! Corbin Quinn and Danny Reilly are two buddies who love to have fun. They’re also scientifigeniuses. When their research leads them to a time-traveling adventure, will they use their knowledge for the good of all mankind? Or use the space-time continuum for their own ends? This is the story of man’s first, televised steps through the time-stream and everything going wrong in the process.”

Millar is best known for his work at Marvel Comics, including “Civil War.” His work has been adapted several times to film, including Wanted, ick-Ass, and Kingsman: The Secret Service. Murphy has worked on a number of well-known properties, including Batman and Constantine, though more recently did the art for the Eisner Award winning “The Wake,” and “Tokyo Ghost.”

Chris Morgan of the Fast & Furious franchise is set to produce for Universal Studios.

What are you excited to see in a live-action adaption of “Chrononauts”? Let us know in the comments!

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Boom! Studios Announce New Power Rangers Ongoing

Gary Moloney

April 20, 2017

One of the best super-hero books on the shelves this past year has been Boom! Studios’ take on Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers. The company is well-known for its compelling and refreshing takes on beloved licensed properties, but something about the Rangers resonated with the public. Focusing on a single continuous “Green Ranger: Year One” arc, the series has consistently delivered on presenting the spandex clad teenagers with attitude in a mature, rather than gritty, light. It was Power Rangers with the stakes and scale that we remembered, even if our memories were playing tricks on us. Now, more than a year after its launch, Boom! Studios have announced that another ongoing series will be joining its expanding Power Rangers portfolio.

Saban’s Go Go Power Rangers like its sister-series will be set in the original Mighty Morphin’ era shortly after the events of the first episode: Day of the Dumpster. Whereas the first series focused on Green Ranger:Tommy Oliver’s introduction to the team, this new entry will center around the original five rangers as they learn to balance their school life with their duties as super-heroes. The book will feature the combined talents of writer;Ryan Parrott (Star Trek: Starfleet Academy) and artist; Dan Mora (WWE, Klaus). The stated goal of the series according to Parrott will be to tell “more personal, intimate character stories” than those that would have been featured in the original show. Much like its sister-series, it seems that the creative team are looking to create a book that keeps the spirit of the Power Rangers alive, but reflects modern story-telling sensibilities and present us with the show as we perceived it, rather than the reality in all of its cheesey-glory.

This is not the first time that Boom! Studios have sought to delve deeper into the Power Rangers toy-box. Last year also saw the release of Pink, a mini-series featuring Kimberly Hart: the original Pink Ranger, coming out of retirement to save an isolated French village from the clutches of the evil Goldar. Just last month, the publisher also launched Power Rangers: Aftershock, a standalone, sequel/tie-in to the series’ live-action film incarnation which Parrot also worked on. While it may be disappointing that Boom! Studios did not dig a little deeper into the series long history, the idea of a true “Year One” arc for the original team is sure to entice both new and returning fans. It’s safe to say “It’s Morphin’ Time”.

Saban’s Go Go Power Rangers will debut in July 2017.

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‘King Kong’ To Get TV Series

Anthony Wendel

April 20, 2017

Fans of giant monsters rejoice. It looks as if there will be more of everyone’s favorite Eighth Wonder of the World in the future. Not only will King Kong face Godzilla in 2020, but he is also getting an appearance on the smaller screen. You read it right. King Kong is getting his own TV series. Though there have been several animated series featuring Kong, this will be the first one to be live action.

This sounds like a decent idea but there is danger ahead. The series is set to team up Stacy Title and Jonathan Penner whose previous collaboration gave us The Bye Bye Man, which unfortunately wasn’t received well by two of our film critics. Hopefully they have learned their lesson and will work towards improving as they move forward.

Though a live action series based on a giant monster film could be bit iffy with the announced creators, there still is a bit of hope. The comic series, Kong of Skull Island by Boom Studios has been a very well crafted series which was the perfect companion piece to get the fans ready for the new film, Kong: Skull Island. Also, the article describes them diving into the origins of Skull Island, which is the main purpose of the continuing comic series. Theoretically as long as the team tells stories which are of a similar nature and actually help to build the mythology behind this new shared Kaiju universe with King Kong and Godzilla, then this may actually be a pleasant development in the future. For now, all giant monster fans can do is cross theirs fingers and hope to be pleasantly surprised.

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‘Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3’ To Feature Fan-Favorite Adam Warlock

Manuel Gomez

April 20, 2017

Die-hard Marvel Comics fans definitely caught the Adam Warlock easter egg in the first Guardians of The Galaxy film. And many of us speculated as to what that could have led too.

Well, it seems like there is a plan there after all. In speaking to SlashFilm.com the film’s very vocal director, James Gunn, had this to say:

I love Adam Warlock. He’s one of my favorite characters. In all truth, I wrote an early treatment where I had Adam Warlock as a part…this is your big scoop, because I don’t think I’ve told anybody this… It was Adam Warlock. He was a big part of the screenplay and I realized it was one character too many. And I adored the character. I adored what we had done with him. I think we did something really creative and unique with Adam Warlock. But it was one character too many and I didn’t want to lose Mantis and Mantis was more organically part of the movie anyway. So I decided to save him for later

Now take into consideration what Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige had to say:

HE’S NOT IN INFINITY WAR. BUT HE WILL BE A PART OF THE FUTURE MARVEL COSMIC UNIVERSE AND A PRETTY IMPORTANT PART OF THAT

And, as already revealed, since Gunn has signed on for a third Guardians film it is not a stretch to conclude that is where will eventually see the character.

What do you guys think? Adam Warlock is a classic character! Are you excited to see him in the MCU? Comment and discuss below.

Set to the backdrop of ‘Awesome Mixtape #2,’ Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the team’s adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos. The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mysteries of Peter Quill’s true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes’ aid as the Marvel cinematic universe continues to expand.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is written and directed by James Gunn. The film stars Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Elizabeth Debicki, Chris Sullivan, Sean Gunn, Sylvester Stallone and Kurt Russell.

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Geekflix – Top ‘Netflix’ Picks For May 2017

Anthony Wendel

April 20, 2017

Another month comes and goes in 2017. With May flowers, its also time for the new releases coming to Netflix. Strap yourselves in and find out what geeky shows and movies you should be watching this month.

10Doctor Strange (May 30th)

Didn’t get enough Benedict Cumberbatch after watching those new Sherlock episodes? No worries. He’s back as Stephen Strange, a surgeon who must find a new path in life after a horrible accident. This path just so happens to lead him to a world of magic he didn’t even know about existed. Also, it’s more of the Marvel Cinematic Universe goodness, so what’s not to love?

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Which new arrival are you looking forward to watch on Netflix in May? Leave a comment below and let us know.

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Anime Recommendations: Top 5 For Spring 2017

David Harada

April 20, 2017

With the first few weeks Spring over, Spring anime has also bloomed as well. By now each series has released at least one to two episodes, leaving the question, “Which ones will pique my interest?” Having now watched a good majority I am left with my top 5 series to watch for the spring. Long running titles such as One Piece and Gintama will not be on the list, but titles with less than 100 episodes still have a chance.

Disclaimer: Shingeki no Kyoujin will not be on my top 5 for a simple reason. The reasoning is that it’s adaptation to anime has been poorly done. When I first watched Shingeki no Kyoujin I too thought it had promise. Where it gets lost though, is in both its conversations and overdramatization. The reasoning behind this is that the release of the series was simply too early. With not enough manga content to continuously create episodes, an anime tries to stall time for the manga to catch up. However, even with the elongated conversations and extended dramatic sequences, it wasn’t able to save enough time. Now after an almost four-year hiatus the anime returns, without enough content to last a full 24 episodes the pacing has become slow. With only gore and well-animated scenes to keep you entertained, this isn’t my cup of tea.

5. Tsuki ga Kirei

So I have a soft spot for romance anime. Tsuki ga Kirei seems to epitomize this as it shows that two people with completely different mindsets can eventually meet. LINE, the number 1 message app in Japan is the main standard of communication between the two. Starting out slow, you are able to understand the troubles they go through and feel their emotions. The only downside I can see is that they are in their third-year of middle school. It may be a bit of a turn off to some, but I find it to be humbling in a sense.

4. Yowamushi Pedal

With the continuation of Yowamushi Pedal into the spring I still do consider it a spring anime. While not new, Yowamushi Pedal’s first season was incredibly enjoyable. You always want to cheer on Sakamichi through his struggles and can identify with him as an otaku. While a bit long for some, it is an entertaining sports anime that deserves some recognition.

3. Uchouten Kazoku 2

Yet another second season anime has appeared! Uchouten Kazoku is an interesting series combining both Japanese folklore with modern-day dynamics. The first season being relatively short is a bit more enticing, but you will find yourself drawn in either way. While it did a premiere in 2013, it was a title I instantly recognized when I saw it again.

2. Natsume Yuujinchou 6

Natsume and Nyanko-sensei are back again with Natsume Yuujinchou 6. Yet another spirit related anime, there is a reason why this series keeps on coming back. When I saw the first Natsume Yuujinchou I was still in High School. Even now, I find myself coming back to it though. While not action packed, its smooth storytelling and calming music will always be a hit in my book.

1. Fukumenkei Noise

Both Tsuki ga Kirei and Fukumenkei Noise are the only true new releases from spring. Fukumenkei Noise however, had that “It” factor for me. It drew me in, wanting me to ask for more as I find myself still yearning. A music based anime (K-on club/Light music) as well as romance based, it does well at showing both aspects. Will it maintain the balance and be a true masterpiece or become bias to one-side, sinking the ship? Either way, I will continue to watch and enjoy the ride while I can.

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Sony To Produce A ‘Wheel of Time’ TV Series

Kieran Freemantle

April 20, 2017

Spanning 14 novels written by Robert Jordan and completed by Brandon Sanderson The Wheel of Time is a popular fantasy series, selling 80 million copies worldwide and has a devoted fanbase. Sony Pictures Television has been developing a TV series and Variety has now exclusively reported they are moving forward with the show.

Sony is set to produce the show with Red Eagle Entertainment and Radar Pictures and Rafe Judkins is set to write and executive produce. Judkins has worked a writer and producer on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Netflix’s Hemlock Grove and wrote for Chuck and My Own Worst Enemy.

The Wheel of Time is a set in a Tolkienesque fantasy world where the good and evil are locked in an eternal battle and the reincarnation of a figure known as the Dragon is prophesized to defeat the Dark One. Three young men from the village of Two Rivers end up targeted by the Dark One’s forces, fearing that one of them will be The Dragon.

The novels were renounced for their complex world building and vivid descriptions; there are numerous factions ranging an order of magical women, the Aes Sedai, the anti-magic militants The Children of the Light, False Dragons and many people followers of the Dark Lord plague the world. It is so detailed that a TV series would be the only way to do the novels justice.

A Wheel of Time series would fill a large Lord of the Rings shaped hole in the fantasy genre as well joining the bandwagon that Game of Thrones started. Due to the scale of the novels which has big fights and battle scenes and magical elements that require a lot of special effects The Wheel of Time series would have to be a big budget show. Game of Thrones, Vikings and The Walking Dead would serve as examples of the type of production values The Wheel of Time would need.

In February 2015, FXX broadcasted a pilot for their own adaptation of The Wheel of Time. It was broadcast at 1:30 am, hated by fans and even led to Jordan’s widow, Harriet McDougal, being sued by Red Eagle for slander. The lawsuit was later dismissed.

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DC to Launch New Artist-Driven ‘Dark Matter’ Banner This September

Eric Morales

April 20, 2017

DC Comics announced five new titles under the “Dark Matter” banner during the Diamond Retailer Summit on Thursday, according to Entertainment Weekly. The previously announced “Dark Nights: Metal” by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo will be included under this banner, along with five other books:

“The Silencer”

Written by Dan Abnett with art by John Romita, the book “will focus on Honor Guest, the former world’s deadliest assassin now trying for a quiet life in the suburbs until (surprise!) her former life comes back to haunt her, and she must become The Silencer to protect her family.” Debuts in September.

“Sideways”

Written by Dan DiDio and Justin Jordan with art by Kenneth Rocafort, the book follows a “teleporting teenager changed by the events of [“Dark Nights: Metal”]. Debuts in September.

“Immortal Men”

Written by James Tynion IV with art by Jim Lee, “a story about five immortal siblings who operate from the shadows, recruiting the elite against the foes who seek to bring about Armageddon.” Debuts in October.

“Damage”

Written by Robert Venditti with art by Tony S. Daniel, the story focuses on “army recruit Ethan Avery [who] is granted the power ‘to unleash an unstoppable monster for one hour at a time.'” Debuts in October.

“New Challengers”

Written by Scott Snyder with art by Andy Kubert, “it is a reboot of Challengers of the Unknown, but with ‘a new cast’ and ‘new mission.'” Debuts in December.

The announcement of this new banner came with a focus on the importance the artists. DC Co-Publisher Dan DiDio emphasized this, “What excites me most is that this series of books takes full advantage of the talent and vision of the creative team. Comics are a visual medium and with these titles, the artists are working hand in hand with the writers in shaping the look and direction of their characters. In reaffirming the craft of making comics, we’ve brought together a master class of talent, led by Greg Capullo, Andy Kubert, Jim Lee and John Romita Jr., to help set the style, tone and visual direction for these books. With these four industry giants taking the lead, I feel we can bring the power and energy expected from superhero storytelling back to the page.”

Co-Publisher Jim Lee confirmed this focus, saying, “‘Dark Matter’ is a return to bringing both the writer and artist to the fore to unlock their full potential. At the talent summit we discussed what was missing in comics and how we could create something that’s new for this generation of fans. The result was ‘Dark Matter.’ You’ll see bombastic action scenes and a visual narrative driven by the artist. This approach has energized the creators involved, myself included, and we’re going to have a lot of fun with these books.”

Look for “Dark Matter” books out this fall.

What did you think of the “Dark Matter” announcement? What books are you excited for? Let us know in the comments!

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