Cowbell Brewing Company: Absent Landlord Country Kolsch – A Present Review

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Cowbell Brewing Company is very new to the craft brewing scene: their website shows a 2017 copyright date and advertises the brewery’s grand opening this summer. Cowbell Brewing Co. calls the small town of Blyth, founded in 1877, home. I mention Blyth’s founding because Cowbell’s Absent Landlord Country Kolsch’s name pays homage to Blyth’s founder Henry Blyth, Esq. As cans of Absent Landlord note, Mr. Blyth, a landowner from Berkshire, England, never once visited the town he founded in Canada, hence the brew’s name.

For those not familiar with the term “kolsch,” check out my review of Kilannan Brewing Company’s take on this German favourite. But now, let’s get rural …

Cowbell Brewing Co.: Absent Landlord Country Kolsch – First Sip

Since I had so much success with my Han Solo stange last time, I decided to keep the Star Wars kolsch-drinking tradition alive by pouring this brew into a Princess-Leia-themed stange (check out this tribute to Carrie Fisher if you’re also feeling sentimental). Absent Landlord pours a transparent golden colour with about a half-inch of head that quickly diffuses into a thin layer at the top of my Leia stange.

I pick up a subtle whiff of grains as I take my first sip. Its grainy aroma complements its sweet, grainy flavour, finishing with a hint of bitterness. With very active bubbles, Absent Landlord has a fizzy mouthfeel, similar to soda water.

Cowbell Brewing Co.: Absent Landlord Country Kolsch – Last Sip

This brew, as the description on Cowbell’s website states, will pair very well with soft cheeses. Its fizzy mouthfeel and unique flavour, almost doughnut-y at times, also make this a great beer to enjoy with, you guessed it, doughnuts or any other sweet pastry. Based on its clear colour and smooth-drinking quality, I’m surprised that this brew weighs in at 5.3% ABV. So, I suggest you make sure you’ve finished milking the cows and slopping the hogs before you sit down with a couple of these kolsches.

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UPDATE: Watch The First Trailer For SyFy’s Superman Prequel ‘Krypton’

By

Kieran McLean

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April 18, 2017

Update: According to Syfy, the trailer below is not official.

SyFy has released the first official teaser trailer for the Superman prequel series, Krypton. The teaser gives us a first look at the series, and it certainly appears like the show will tie into the DC Extended Universe and Henry Cavill’s interpretation of Superman. The symbol of the house of El is the same as the symbol seen in Man of Steel and Batman v Superman. Krypton is also visually similar to what we saw in Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel. It is of course, entirely possible that instead of being directly connected to the DCEU, the show is simply taking visual inspiration from the movies.

Syfy’s Krypton, the much-anticipated Superman prequel set two generations before the destruction of the legendary Man of Steel’s home planet, will follow Superman’s grandfather — whose House of El was ostracized and shamed — as he fights to redeem his family’s honor and save his beloved world from chaos.

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REVIEW: 11 Reasons To Dive Into The Heavy Noir Of ‘The Black Hood’ #4

By

Manuel Gomez

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Greg Hettinger, formerly known as the Black Hood, was living as a vagrant in California after giving up his life of turmoil as a masked vigilante in Philly. He just wanted trouble to stop following him wherever he went, but even living on the fringes of society couldn’t prevent that. His need to help others and stop to stay hot on his trail. The Nobody’s been scouring the country to find Greg, leaving a trail of bodies in his wake. He’s dead-set on undoing Greg’s heroic work, creating a higher body count everywhere that Greg has stepped foot. Now Greg Hettinger has traveled thousands of miles to end up back in Philadelphia, where his nightmare began—and where his adversaries are waiting, as well as another man wearing a black hood, who claims that Greg stole his life…

The Black Hood Season 2 #4
“The Nobody Murders Pt. 4”
Written by: Duane Swierczynski
Art by: Greg Scott
Colors by: Kelly Fitzpatrick
Lettering by: Rachel Deering
Published by Dark Circle Comics, an imprint of Archie Comics

The Black Hood Season 2#4 finally builds up to a moment we have been waiting for some time now, Black Hood vs. Black Hood. It’s been a slow burn, but the encounter was worth the wait. Read on for 11 reasons The Black Hood Season 2#4 is a solid chapter in what is leading up to be a solid entry in noir/crime comics.

The atmosphere. Greg Scott and Kelly Fitzpatrick create some classic noir visuals.
Duane Swiecrczynki’s ability to craft a tense, well-paced narrative.
Black Hood vs. Black Hood! ‘Nuff said.
Rachel Deering’s subtle, yet excellent lettering work. It’s the perfect use of font as sound effects. Used when needed, only adding to the intensity of the moment.
How main character Hettinger is a true noir hero. He’s more than a little flawed, he is damaged goods. Yet still, he draws sympathy and understanding from the reader.
The deceptively simple page layouts that give the story it’s excellent pacing.
The very cool backup story reprinting the bronze-age Black Hood stories.
Greg Scott’s detail in drawing emotion on faces.
How Mr. Nobody’s back story is slowly doled out, creating a truly enigmatic and scary villain.
The way the story circles back to include the events in ‘Season One’.
Yet another great cliffhanger (looks like season’s end is coming soon!)

This book can stand alongside the Brubaker/Phillips books as hard-hitting crime comics. Pick it up for something different, dark and disturbing.

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‘The Leftovers’ is The Best Show on TV Right Now

By

Larry Taylor - Managing Editor

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April 18, 2017

Right now, there is no more compelling, no more unnerving, no more mysterious hour of television every week than The Leftovers on HBO.

This past Sunday, the first episode of the third and final season debuted, and it only enforced the notion that Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta’s drama is the most consistently engrossing bit of storytelling on any network. The Leftovers has pulled off what only a handful of series have been able to accomplish, it has taken a premise, based on a book (from Perrotta) and from there has evolved into its own thing. Typically these gimmick shows surrounding a single idea can fade as time moves on. The Leftovers has only grown stronger and weirder.

For anyone who is tragically unaware of the story, here is the bare-bones setup: in October one year, two percent of the world’s population disappeared without a trace, without a clue, leaving the rest of the world in a collective state of unbearable anxiety. The first season introduced us to Kevin Garvey (Justing Theroux), a police officer in a small upstate New York town. The second season found Kevin and his family moving to a small Texas town, the only place in the world where nobody departed. From that second season and into the early moments of this third, The Leftovers has spread its wings, tackling a seemingly endless array of storylines and events all connected by a mixture of mystery and fear.

What sets the show apart from others, aside from basically everything in the story itself, is the anxiety it mines from its characters and pushes onto the audience. This is not just a simple hour of TV you can watch while scanning your phone on the couch. It requires attention, it will test your mental resolve, and it will challenge you to identify with the way these people must be feeling in the wake of so much tragedy and despair.

That may not sound like a lot of fun, but believe me it is. Each and every episode teases the viewer with another mystery, clues as to where we may be headed, and it shows us what has happened, allowing the storytelling prowess of its creators to tell us what has happened since we last left our characters. Theroux’s Kevin is the heart and soul of the story and, as we found out in S3E1 this past Sunday (mild spoiler here………….) he may be some sort of new messiah. This will be the catalyst for the entire season, all the while the characters in Kevin’s life endure their own set of trials.

The Leftovers takes an event like the disappearance, and shows how humanity might handle such an unexplained tragedy/phenomenon. Notions of religion pepper each and every scene, and beneath all the tension lies the anxiety of the afterlife. Some believe fully, others have twisted their dogma to fit such a tragedy, and even others – like Kevin – are simply trying to make sense of the day they’re in.

There is no more energizing series on television this spring. On one hand, it’s too bad The Leftovers is closing up shop after this third season. On the other hand, it may be ending at just the right time.

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Get a New Look At Spidey’s Homemade Costume From ‘Homecoming’

By

Aric Sweeny

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April 18, 2017

Courtesy of a promotional photo from Marvel Collector Corps, a new look at Spider-Man’s homemade costume from Homecoming has been unveiled.

How much of this suit will he actually wear in the movie? Speculate in the comments below.

“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, Hannibal Buress, and Martin Starr.

The film hits theaters on July 7.

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‘Batman’ and ‘The Last Jedi’ Mashup Poster Grabs Mark Hamill’s Attention

By

Jen Schiller

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April 18, 2017

Mark Hamill saw two of his worlds collide yesterday when he found a mashup between the latest poster from The Last Jedi and Batman: The Animated Series, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Hamill took it upon himself to create a hashtag for the mashup: #Thelastjoker. Hamill posted the parody after spending the weekend at Star Wars Celebration, where he shared lots of behind the scenes info about the Star Wars movies, fond memories of the late Carrie Fisher, and spent time meeting fans in his now infamous hideous leaf cardigan.

Of course, once Hamill shared the poster, it invited many of his followers to share their own favorite parodies. Click through the gallery below to see some of our favorites.

The Last Jedi is the eighth installment in the Star Wars saga. Starring Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Issac, Kelly Marie Tran, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher, the cast also includes Adam Driver, Anthony Daniels, Gwendolyn Christie, Lupita Nyong’o, Benicio Del Toro, Domnhall Gleeson and Andy Serkis. The film is set to release Christmas, 2017.

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1. The Classic

A throwback to the original Star Wars poster circa 1977. This classic parody was shared by twitter user “@Hamillicious”

2. Toying Around

Here’s an adorable parody of toy-sized characters with full-sized ambitions! Thanks to twitter user “@Hamsterhashtags” for the share.

3. The “Where’s The Rest of the Cast?”

Twitter user “@daisysridly” felt more characters should be on the poster, in favor of the clear villain.

4. The “Make Finn a Jedi” Edit

And finally, Tumblr user “ReyDay” did something many of us were thinking and put John Boyega’s Finn nice and big on the poster. Ever since Finn picked up the lightsaber and successfully wielded it in The Force Awakens, fans have been rallying for confirmation that he will be trained alongside Rey in the ways of the force. Here’s hoping that The Last Jedi will take Finn under his raggedy cloak alongside his daughter (???).

Next ‘Star Wars’ Spinoff Film To Be Announced This Summer?

By

Aric Sweeny

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April 18, 2017

Speaking to MTV, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy discussed when we’ll know what the next Star Wars spinoff movie is.

“I think we’re getting close. My hope would be sometime around the summer. I never want to predict the creative process because it is its own thing, so we’re in the midst of those discussions right now.”

What could the next one-off film in the Star Wars universe be? Fans have been absolutely clamoring for an Obi-Wan led story, although Ewan McGregor has hinted that there are no plans for it at the moment.

Are there any particular stories you want to see? Sound off in the comments below!

Star Wars: The Last Jedi Producer Kathleen Kennedy on Rey's P…

Star Wars: The Last Jedi producer Kathleen Kennedy talks about the very real possibility of an Obi-Wan spinoff movie.

Posted by MTV on Monday, April 17, 2017

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Bendis And Pichelli Reunite This July For ‘SPIDER-MEN II’

By

Manuel Gomez

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April 18, 2017

New York, NY—April 18^th, 2017 — The wait is finally over! The sensational sequel to this spectacular spider saga has arrived! And the mystery hanging on the lips of comic fans the world over will finally be revealed! Who is the Miles Morales of the Marvel Universe?! It’s all happening this July as superstar creators Brian Michael Bendis & Sara Pichelli reunite to bring you their blockbuster follow-up in SPIDER-MEN II #1!

Following the shocking cliffhanger of the of the original Spider-Men, the question will finally be answered – who is the other Miles Morales?! Though the Miles you know and love now lives comfortably in the Marvel Universe, he’s not the only one! What is the secret of the Miles Morales who existed before him? The answers will shock you! And that’s just the tip of the iceberg as Peter Parker and Miles Morales collide for another heart-stopping adventure!

In speaking Marvel.com, writer Brian Michael Bendis had this to say:

It’s exciting just because this series is the one I’m asked the most about,’When are you gonna follow up on this?’ and there just wasn’t a good time to do it until now, and all the stuff that’s happened since then has made the story that much more potent.

Missed the first Spider-Men? Don’t worry! To celebrate the announcement and upcoming release of Spider-Men II, read the first issue of the modern classic absolutely FREE. SPIDER-MEN #1 is free through the Marvel App and Marvel Digital Comics Store right now! What are you waiting for? Offer valid until Thursday, April 27^th at 9:59 AM EST on one (1) digital copy of Spider-Men #1 only. Marvel user account and internet connection required.

SPIDER-MEN II #1

Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Art & Cover by SARA PICHELLI & JUSTIN PONSOR
On Sale This July!

To find a comic shop near you, visit www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook.

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Taika Waititi has cast himself as Korg in ‘Thor: Ragnarok’

By

Emma Nicholson

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April 18, 2017

The news we’ve all been waiting for is that director, Taika Waititi, will play the mountain creature Korg in Marvel’s Thor: Ragnarok, via JoBlo. The kiwi filmmaker who shot to fame with his indie flick Hunt for the Wilderpeople, has had important roles in all of his movies, so this news comes as no surprise.

Speaking at a press event, Waititi explained the decision to cast himself as the Planet Hulk character:

“Obviously, being made of rocks, we wanted somebody like The Rock to play him, but there wasn’t enough chicken or salmon in Australia to sustain he and Chris. I never thought I’d be playing the most lovable character in the film.”

He is clearly a man and an actor with exquisite comic timing, so his contribution to Thor: Ragnarok in rock form is sure to provide even more hilarity in a movie that is shaping up to be the funniest yet.

Korg is a member of the Kronan race, a creature of huge scale and very tough exterior. Thor, played by Chris Hemsworth, destroyed another of his race in one smash in Thor: The Dark World in 2013, so that provides some context and an idea of the imagery to expect (see featured image). Waititi’s Korg will be an ally to the God of Thunder in Thor: Ragnarok, and the director explained the importance of his character:

“We wanted to change the idea of what a hulking guy made of rocks could be. He’s huge and heavy, but with a light soul. We wanted to make him funny and a entry point into this world. And Thor needs friends.”

Thor: Ragnarok hits theaters November 3^rd, 2017. Taika Waititi directs and stars, with Chris Hemsworth returning as the God of Thunder. They are joined by Cate Blanchett, Tessa Thompson, Jaimie Alexander, Tom Hiddleston, Benedict Cumberbatch, Karl Urban, Idris Elba, Anthony Hopkins, Jeff Goldblum, Mark Ruffalo, Ray Stevenson and Sam Neill.

What are you expecting Taika Waititi to bring to Thor: Ragnarok? Let us know in the comments.

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‘American Assassin’ Trailer: Michael Keaton Trains a Wannabe Killer

By

Larry Taylor - Managing Editor

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April 18, 2017

The trailer for American Assassin looks like a lot of the same, a mashup of The Accountant, The Recruit, and countless other spy/assassin genre pics. But it does have Michael Keaton playing the badass this time around, so it has that going for it.

Check out the trailer:

Black ops recruit Mitch Rapp (Dylan O’Brien) is reeling from the death of his fiancée in a terrorist attack when he is assigned to shadowy CIA figure Stan Hurley (Michael Keaton) to receive special training in tracking terrorists. Rapp and Hurley are then dispatched to join a Turkish agent on a mission to stop a mysterious operative from unleashing chaos of international proportions.

Yes, it all looks very run-of-the-mill, and the mid-September release date isn’t that promising. But, like I said, Michael Keaton is playing the seasoned killer! It can’t be all bad, even if it is pretty much all bad in the end. Don’t hold out hope for this one, but it looks to be worth your time if you’re way into generic thrillers.

American Assassin (blah title, named after the Vince Flynn novel) also stars Dylan O’Brien, Taylor Kitsch, and Scott Adkins, and is directed by Michael Cuesta (Kill the Messenger). It opens September 15.

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