The Shaolin Cowboy: Who Will Stop The Reign? Written and drawn by: Geoff Darrow Colored by: Dave Stewart Published by: Dark Horse Comics “The day after yesterday and a week before tomorrow.” So began the original first issue of Geof Darrow’s comic Shaolin Cowboy. That first series, published by the Wachowski siblings’ imprint Burlyman, was a gorgeously illustrated piece of pure comics storytelling. It was a mash-up mix of westerns, kung-fu, sci-fi, post-apocalyptic fiction; told with a sense of humor that had its tongue pressed firmly against its cheek. Dark Horse is now publishing a new chapter, Shaolin Cowboy: Who Will Stop The Reign?, and it’s great to see that Darrow hasn’t lost any of the creative drive that makes this concept work. Read on for 11 reasons that Shaolin Cowboy: Who Will Stop The Reign? is a mash-up masterpiece.
The Shaolin Cowboy: Who Will Stop The Reign?
The absolutely gorgeous art. There really is not many artists like Darrow out there.
Dave Stewart’s brilliant coloring.
The unbridled myth like story-telling.
How Darrow places real world objects in this world. It’s a nice touch that works as both a joke and social commentary.
The effortless mix of genres that feels so natural you hardly notice. It could easily be jarring but it’s not
“You got a lot of Buddist hutzpah”
The Trump radiation symbol on page 12. Funny and kinda frightening.
Talking vultures as both a greek chorus, a source of exposition and humor.
How Darrow balances pointed humor and actual pathos.
The use of actual martial art techniques and philosophies.
Darrow’s ability to capture violence. It’s gory yet beautiful.
The Shaolin Cowboy: Who Will Stop The Reign?
There you have it, folks. Pick this up when it hits stands for something different but fantastic. You won’t be disappointed by this beautiful book.
2017 is a fantastic year to be a Stephen King fan. Not only is he releasing two new books. One of his most divisive movies “The Mist” is coming to the small screen. “Geralds Game” will be getting the Netflix treatment. If this wasn’t enough two of his biggest books are getting the cinematic treatment. “The Dark Tower” and “IT” will both be getting released this year and as Stephen Kings second biggest fan I cannot wait.
Respect The Past
This is not the first time that “IT” has been given the celluloid treatment. In 1990, viewers were treated to a terrifying performance from Tim Curry as the child-eating clown Pennywise. Whilst remembered fondly by most, the “IT” mini-series was not without problems. For fans of the book, it deviated from the source material and downplayed the true horrors of Pennywise. The second half is also regarded as weaker due to the special effects and slightly rushed ending.
https://youtu.be/PqqBpAqnGKg
The original series took place over two feature-length episodes. The first part focusing on the “Losers Club” in the 1950’s. The second taking place 27 years later where the remaining members of the club must face their fears a second time. The child actors who stole the spotlight truly captured the characters they were portraying. With Seth Green and Emily Perkins going on to make names for themselves within the horror genre and beyond.
However, it was Tim Curry who shone the brightest with his truly terrifying performance of Pennywise The Clown. Naturally, when news broke that a remake was in the works, it was greeted with trepidation. It was felt by the majority that nobody could top his performance.
Tim Curry as Pennywise
Embracing The Future
On September 8th, 2017 the new movie will be released. Anyone who has followed the film over social media has seen the pictures of Bill Skarsgård as the new Pennywise. As a fan of the book, I’m over the moon at how creepy they’ve gone with the look. Tim Curry’s Pennywise was iconic and it was a good decision to move away from the bright colors.
Not only will this help audiences separate the two versions but it allows the new Pennywise looks like a clown from your worst nightmares. Although the trailer doesn’t give away much about the movie, it has been stated that the first part will only focus on the children’s encounter with “IT”. Leaving all the focus on the adults to a second film. This will allow the movie to work on building the characters and allow the audience to bond with them fully. This was a smart move, “IT” is such a large tale that trying to fit the two timelines would bog down a single movie. This freedom allows for a deeper connection to the original encounter.
The New Losers Club
“We All Float Down Here”
Director Andres Muschietti has promised that the movie will be a lot closer to the book than that 1990 mini-series. Many believe the decision to move the setting from the 1950’s to the late 1980’s won’t allow them to stick closely to the source material. In the book, the setting of the 50’s played largely into the childhood fears with monsters such as “The Mummy” and “I Was A Teenage Werewolf”.
However, after the success of Stranger Things, the 80’s are a lot more accessible to a modern audience than the 1950’s are. Finn Wolfhard, who many saw in 80’s extravaganza “Stranger Things” will be also be joining the cast as Richie Tozier. He is the only cast member to have stayed with the movie after original director Carl Fukunaga’s left. Having already enamored himself to audiences in the Netflix hit it feels that his presence on the movie will be a high point.
“Promise You’ll Come Back”
There is no denying that the 90’s version of IT is a milestone in horror for a lot of people. Tim Curry’s performance of Pennywise was so frightening that even the majority of cast and crew avoided him during filming. The clown shoe’s he left to fill are big ones. However judging from the popularity of the teaser people are ready for a new nightmare. Bill Skarsgård is no stranger to the horror genre after appearing in Hemlock Grove. Despite barely appearing in the record-breaking trailer (197 million views in 24 hours globally!) this new version of Pennywise will be haunting many nightmares.
Bill Skarsgard as Pennywise
“It’s Back”
I first read the novel “IT” when I was 13 years old. I’ve been a fan of the book for a number of years. The mini-series is one of my favorite King adaptations. I’ve followed this movie closely for years over social media. I was originally dubious of the need for a remake it’s become my most anticipated movies of 2017. Ultimately Stephen King himself has branded the movie a “wonderful job”. If he’s happy with it, then I cannot wait for opening night!
Choosing What To Watch On 420 Is Hard, Here’s A Cheat Sheet!
The worldwide stoner holiday known as 420 or April 20th is upon us.
Trying to define the difference of a movie about marijuana and something stoners could enjoy while stoned isn’t as simple as you’d think. ‘Requiem For A Dream‘ starts out with two guys selling some dope but the insanity would surely harsh your mellow. For anyone who partakes or enjoys good flicks, here’s a list of the films you must-see while stoned!
Honorable Mentions:
‘Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle’
‘Inception’
10. ‘Cheech and Chong: Up In Smoke’
– These two men started it all. If it wasn’t for Cheech and Chong making stoner movies like ‘Up In Smoke‘, 420 would be a very boring holiday. I debated putting the more modern ‘Harold and Kumar‘ or ‘Pineapple Express‘ in this place but the throwback feel will make any stoned person happy.
9. ‘Shaun of the Dead’
– Edgar Wright must have smoked something wonderful when creating this. ‘Shaun of the Dead‘ is a hilariously horror-filled buddy movie that shouldn’t work but works on every level. It parodies without becoming a mockery; you can enjoy this for the giggles but can also find a wonderful story if you pay attention.
8. ‘Across The Universe’
– In short, ‘Across The Universe‘ is a spectacle. The critically underrated film works on multiple levels. While a musical feels like an odd pick for 420, it could easily brighten up any day. You will be sucked in with the trippy visuals but stay for the love story. Also, if you happen to smoke and love The Beatles…you’d be in paradise.
7. ‘Fritz The Cat’
– Cartoons don’t get more stoner-perfect than this. ‘Fritz The Cat‘ is a 1972 animated film that pioneered the way for ‘South Park‘ and ‘Family Guy‘. It’s offensive, hilarious, and has some of the most progressive visuals for the time. This might be one of the few that stoners love at first until it takes the bizarre dark turn.
6. ‘Inherent Vice’
– Even stoners want a serious movie from time to time. ‘Inherent Vice‘ blends gritty filmmaking with a perfect stoner mentality. Upon first viewing, viewers know Joaquin Phoenix as Larry “Doc” Sportello would be joining the legendary film stoners. Director Paul Thomas Anderson usually includes drugs in his work but nothing this stoner-friendly.
5. ‘Friday’
– F. Gary Gray had no idea the culturally phenomena he was creating with ‘Friday‘. This was reaching an entirely different stoner by grabbing the urban demographic. No longer was it the stereotypical stoners of the 70’s and 80’s, Ice Cube and Chris Tucker encapsulate a more realistic pothead. 420 wouldn’t be with same without this.
4. ‘Space Jam’
– Looking back, ‘Space Jam‘ is honestly not a great movie. Any 90’s kid will tell you otherwise but it’s horribly dated. Spark one up, watch this stoned, and it’s a totally different experience. Seeing the live-action world filled with NBA players and the Looney Tunes mix suddenly makes more sense. Not sure if it can help with Michael Jordan’s acting.
3. ‘Pink Floyd: The Wall’
– An entire generation of stoners got to enjoy ‘Pink Floyd: The Wall‘. This brings together a lot of what makes this other movies so great. The music is great, the visuals are surreal, and the film is very well-made. ‘The Wall‘ will take care of any stoners needs to listen to some tunes and relax but actually provides a fun story.
2. ‘2001: Space Odyssey’
– Stanley Kubrick’s stunning masterwork is just a mind-bending experience. Not only does it push a progressive narrative but the visuals will suck you in. For decades, stoners on 420 have journeyed into space with this. ‘2001: Space Odyssey‘ is a classic film for stoners and cinema lovers. Want space but something less surreal? ‘Star Wars IV: A New Hope’!
1. ‘The Big Lewbowski’
– Sometimes the obvious choice is the best choice. Not only is this a great film with the use of marijuana in it but it’s just a great film. ‘The Big Lewbowski‘ is early Coen Brothers, so that says it all. Expect bizarre plot with distinct characters and some genius humor. This movie works for any kind of stoner: the wiseman or the burnout.
The first incarnation of the Doctor is set to return for the 2017 Christmas Special. According to the Mirror, David Bradley (Argus Filch in the Harry Potter series) will play William Hartnell’s original Doctor, a role he first portrayed in 2013’s An Adventure in Time and Space, a docu-drama about the creation of the celebrated sci-fi series.
Only this time, Bradley is the first Doctor in the Christmas Special, as opposed to the actor playing the actor playing the Doctor.
David Bradley is most known for playing Argus Filch, Hogwart’s caretaker in the Harry Potter series. Fans would also recognize Bradley as Walder Frey in Game of Thrones (the world’s best wedding planner). He also plays Abraham Setrakian in The Strain. In 2012, he played Solomon in the Doctor Who episode, ‘Dinosaurs on a Spaceship.’
“David was convincing as Hartnell, it’s exciting he’s back,” an insider told the Mirror.
The rumored plot of the Christmas Special may have some spoilers. Read more if you want to know how Bradley/Hartnell’s Doctor will interact with Capaldi’s.
Another long weekend over, and another Monday to face. And, while you contemplate how and why you got out of bed today, you may be looking forward to the end of the workday so that you can go home and enjoy a tasty post-Monday brew. I find that APAs, IPAs, stouts, and porters are too heavy for a Monday. Instead, the beginning of the week, especially following a long weekend, is when I enjoy beers that tend toward the lighter side. As such, I picked up a tall can of Outlaw Brew Company’s 21 Lagered Ale. I previously reviewed Outlaw’s Southern Lass, a wheat beer, so I’m happy to be back reviewing their take on a lagered ale this time.
Outlaw Brew Company: 21 Lagered Ale – First Sip
21 Lagered Ale pours a transparent gold colour. The foam that forms as I pour it dissipates quickly leaving a bubbly film at the top of my pint glass. I smell a sweet, grainy aroma as I take my first sip and enjoy 21’s smooth, crisp flavour. Like most lagers and lagered ales, this one doesn’t overpower my taste-buds: it packs just enough punch to set off each sip, but not enough to be overwhelming. Despite the lack of head, this is quite a fizzy brew. 21 Lagered Ale’s active bubbles provide a crisp, clean mouthfeel with little aftertaste.
Outlaw Brew Company: 21 Lagered Ale – Last Sip
21 Lagered Ale is a smooth-drinking beer, but the high level of carbonation made it difficult for me to drink this brew. In an unprecedented move, I recommend enjoying this craft brew from the can. Its aroma doesn’t have much to offer, and, unlike a pint glass, the mouth of the can will regulate some of 21’s fizziness. At 4.8% ABV with a smooth-drinking quality, this is a good beer to drink a few of while watching one of the many sporting events on TV or as a companion to binge-watching the Netflix series of your choice.
James Gunn just confirmed that he will be returning to write and direct the third Guardians of the Galaxy movie via his Facebook page.
“So, after many months of ruminations and discussions, I know the answer. I could save this answer for the first, random interviewer to ask me during the press junket but instead I thought I’d share it with the most important people in the Guardiansverse – you, the fans, who have been so incredibly supportive and enthusiastic over the past five years, it has moved me to tears on a regular basis.
So, yes, I’m returning to write and direct Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
In the end, my love for Rocket, Groot, Gamora, Star-Lord, Yondu, Mantis, Drax, and Nebula – and some of the other forthcoming heroes – goes deeper than you guys can possibly imagine, and I feel they have more adventures to go on and things to learn about themselves and the wonderful and sometimes terrifying universe we all inhabit. And, like in both Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, we will work on creating the story that goes beyond what you expect.”
Knowing Gunn’s love for the characters and relationship with Marvel Studios, this is not surprising.
This announcement comes less than a month before the second installment in the franchise hits theaters.
“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.”
GotG Vol. 2 stars Chris Pratt as Star-Lord/Peter Quill, Zoe Saldana as Gamora, Bradley Cooper as the voice of Rocket Raccoon, Vin Diesel as the voice of Groot, Michael Rooker as Yondu, Kurt Russel as Ego The Living Planet, Karen Gillian as Nebula, Dave Bautista as Drax, Pom Klementieff as Mantis, Sean Gunn as Kraglin, and Sylvester Stallone in a currently unknown role.
Star Wars Celebration is over with little fanfare as not much was announced or revealed, but if you were lucky enough to attend the Star Wars REBELS press conference you witnessed an epic speech from Executive Producer Dave Filoni.
If you were not there, watch the video above.
Filoni received loud applause from the cast, press, and fans in attendance. If you watch the video closely the director ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ gets a little emotional towards the end, and his passion comes through. Read the transcript below:
“The Force is the core of Star Wars and you have to be careful if you answer too many questions about it. Belief in the Force itself is part of what drives it. Not everybody in the Star Wars universe believes in it, which is interesting, because its actions and abilities are on display quite often so you think “why doesn’t everybody believe in it?” What so hard about Han Solo that he doesn’t believe in the Force when the Jedi Knights weren’t so long ago as we find out in the prequels. Because it takes discipline and training and crafting and commitment and faith to believe in this thing. That it gives you power, that it flows through you, it’s in all of you, you all have it to some degree. Some people, like Anakin, are more gifted and that’s great but also dangerous.
And I think what we’ll explore in season four is we get to the depth of Kanan’s commitment and Ezra’s commitment to the Force, is that ultimate choice. Do you become more dangerous and fall to wickedness? Or do you, in the face of fear, turn to good? Fear is the root of all evil, fear destroys everything, fear makes you make decisions you would not make, fear makes you think you’re making good decisions when they’re poor decisions because you’re afraid. And if you take nothing else away from Star Wars you should make no decision out of fear. When the Emporer stands before you and has destroyed your father and ruined your life and you’re powerless and he made you hate your father almost, and you throw him down. You must remember, at that critical point, to say “I’m going to throw my weapon away because I love the person next to me, I love my father, I love my mother, and nothing you do can destroy that. Nothing.” And you stand on your commitment, and then that inspires Anakin to help, that is what inspires the love, which is something evil does not understand. That’s the core of Star Wars and that is the power that you can’t possibly imagine if you’re evil that Obi-Wan speaks of, so maybe we’ll get to that.” said Filoni.
‘Star Wars REBELS’ returns this fall for its fourth and final season.
Destinies are revealed
What did you think of Filoni’s speech? Comment below.
Hot off of Sundance, Netflix secured the rights to distribute The Discovery, a film about life, death, and the possibility of something else. The film features an all-star cast in a premise that serves as a great foundation for a thought-provoking film. Does it work? Read on to make that discovery.
The Discovery begins with Robert Redford playing Thomas Harbor in an interview about his “discovery.” Harbor proved the existence of an afterlife. As a result, suicide rates are drastically rising. The interviewer (Mary Steenburgen) asks a natural question: Does Harbor feel guilty for all the people now willing to die? Harbor answers no. The integrity of that reply is tested when a crew member kills himself on camera.
It’s one hell of a first scene for a film. The squeamish might not go further, but The Discovery isn’t about shock value. The film, directed by Charlie McDowell (The One I Love), features Jason Segel as Will Harbor, Thomas’ disapproving son. Will arrives at his father’s secluded mansion to find a strange, almost cult-like existence. Will’s brother, Toby, tries to rationalize life on the mansion despite the people there wearing different colored jumpsuits as if there was a cultish hierarchy.
The Discovery’s central conceit is about life after death. Naturally, it’s a dark subject under the weight of suicide and mental illness. The Discovery presents a Pro-Choice/Pro-Life debate wrapped in a romantic science-fiction thriller. It’s an odd combination that at first feels like it’s working.
The film’s suicidal start sets the stage for a moody movie that keeps viewers caught somewhere in between a dream and a nightmare. Muted colors provide a dream-like quality at times. However, it’s only during brief instances where this happens. Often, The Discovery is a by-the-numbers thriller with not a lot of thrills.
The film’s relationship grows inorganically in an attempt to tell some sort of compelling character narrative.
Creating a film is a long, complicated process that involves a lot of different people. The premise of The Discovery is one that could produce a thought-provoking piece of fiction. Just about every culture wonders “what happens next” after our existence is powered down for good. For a species that lives a short, but sweet, sensory-rich life, it’s a hard concept for humans to consider. For this reason, though, the concept is ripe for films like this. Somewhere along the line, what seemed to start out as a smarter update of Flatliners turns into a wannabe Eternal Sunshine.
At the core of The Discovery is a romance between Segel’s Will and Mara’s Isla. Individually, both actors have a host of noteworthy roles on their resumes. Segel, who so often plays a lovable oaf is a more cerebral and somber character as Will. Isla is a girl who believes in the afterlife and wants to get there soon. And everything hinges on their dynamic.
The Discovery doesn’t do a great job of making viewers care about Will or Isla. The film’s relationship grows inorganically in an attempt to tell some sort of compelling character narrative. On a larger scale, the effect the film’s key revelation has on the world isn’t explored much either. In the end, the film finds the afterlife but dies before making it an interesting place to explore for the rest of us.
In an interview with The Wrap, Martin Starr talked about his role in Spider-Man: Homecoming, and gave some detail on the film’s story and themes.
On his character:
“I’m the academic decathlon coach and one of the teachers at the school so I have a bit of a thing in it.”
On the plot:
“It’s capitalizing on popularity and a story that’s very rich and dense, so there’s a lot left to tell. And this isn’t a familiar take on it — this is a unique kind of take of a younger Spider-Man trying to figure out life again. The story has a lot of action and fun in it, but it’s also a sweet, coming-of-age story of a kid.”
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.
“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.”
“The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown.” H.P Lovecraft
H.P Lovecraft is a name that many horror fan’s know. Born in 1890 Howard Phillips Lovecraft did not live to see the praise or popularity his works gained. Regarded by many as the true master of horror, the effects of Lovecraft and his vision of terror can be felt in many scary movies and books to this day.
“The Void” has recently been released to high levels of praise. The movie has drawn many comparisons to Lovecraft’s tales of other worlds and monsters beyond our comprehension. For those that aren’t certain the term Lovecraftian can be defined as follows; “Lovecraftian (adjective) Frighteningly monstrous and otherworldly.” If you’re looking for a movie with horrifying creatures from beyond after watching “The Void” these are the ones for you.
The Thing (1982)
“The Thing” is often hailed as a Lovecraftian masterpiece and it’s easy to see why. John Carpenter creates a high tension movie set in the antarctic. As a virus works through a team of scientists at an Antarctic research base turning them into monstrous creatures the tension and paranoia build to a terrifying conclusion. “The Thing” has it all, tentacle monsters, isolated location and creatures that push the limits of sanity. Kurt Russel excels as R.J Macready and the movie boasts impressive special FX, makeup and a chilling soundtrack.
Although it was classed as a critical failure upon release the movie has since become a cult classic. Carpenter classes this as the first in his Apocalypse Trilogy. “The Prince of Darkness” and “In The Mouth Of Madness” also draw heavily from Lovecraftian lore and sit comfortably in the series.
From Beyond (1986)
Based on a seven-page short story by H.P Lovecraft “From Beyond” is a firm fan favorite. After creating a machine to stimulate the pineal gland and enhance the senses a group of scientists unwitting open a door to another world. This movie has all the trademark Lovecraft markers. Characters are pushed beyond the limits of Sanity? Check. Monsters from beyond? Check. Punishment for pushing the boundaries of science? Check. The cast of the movie might look familiar to horror fans as they had all previously starred in another Lovecraft movie “The Re-Animator”
. The Mist (2007)
One of the more divisive films this list. People either love the movie for its bold choices or hate it due to the bleak tones. Based on a 200-page novella by Stephen King “The Mist” follows the nightmarish journey of a group of people trapped in a grocery store trying to survive creatures who live in “The Mist”. The origins of the monsters are never explained and whilst it’s easy to view them as the villains, it’s actually the other humans who pose a larger threat. With a TV show on the way to further expand on the tale, this is certainly worth a re-watch.
Banshee Chapter (2013)
https://youtu.be/lhrYDiaSo_s
When Anna’s friend goes missing she embarks on a nightmarish journey into government drug trials, disfigured entities in the night and mysterious radio transmissions. Katia Winter shines in this low-budget horror. Through clever camera work and a script that builds tension until the final moments nothing is what it seems. “Banshee Chapter” is a must for any fan of Lovecraft’s works.
Dagon (2001)
Based on the H.P Lovecraft story “The Shadow Over Innsmouth”, this 2001 flick is one of the closest representations of Lovecraft’s work. Paul Marsh and his girlfriend Barbra must search for help after a boating accident. Upon arriving in a small decrepit fishing village they come face to face with evil as they attempt to survive the horrors in the waters. Much like the others on the list, it is a low-budget affair relying on special effects instead of CGI. “Dagon” shows the audience the true depth of horrors that fan of H.P Lovecraft can expect.
This is only a small sample of Lovecraft related movies available. Is your favorite on the list? Let us know in the comments below.
“The day after yesterday and a week before tomorrow.” So began the original first issue of Geof Darrow’s comic Shaolin Cowboy. That first series, published by the Wachowski siblings’ imprint Burlyman, was a gorgeously illustrated piece of pure comics storytelling. It was a mash-up mix of westerns, kung-fu, sci-fi, post-apocalyptic fiction; told with a sense of humor that had its tongue pressed firmly against its cheek. Dark Horse is now publishing a new chapter, Shaolin Cowboy: Who Will Stop The Reign?, and it’s great to see that Darrow hasn’t lost any of the creative drive that makes this concept work. Read on for 11 reasons that Shaolin Cowboy: Who Will Stop The Reign? is a mash-up masterpiece.
