Roman Dirge's Lenore #8

My first ever comic was from Roman Dirge and his series of Lenore. A friend of mine at the time, introduced me to it and I have been hooked ever since. I've been reading Lenore basically since it began about 15 years in 1998. It was really the only comic I read because comics just weren't my medium at the time. So to have the opportunity to review Lenore #8 with Titan Comics, is an amazing honor. I love his Lenore series and have his art book as well which I got signed with a doodle from Dirge when he was in NY a couple years ago.

By the way, even though he's been writing Lenore continuously since 1998, the numbers of these comics are "new" as he became part of the Titan Comics family. Before this, Dirge was with Slave Labor Graphics and his numbered issues were much higher, but there was a bad falling out with SLG that I won't go into. I'm so glad Dirge is with Titan now though, as they seem to promote him much more than SLG did and he deserves the attention.

For those that haven't read any Lenore comics, I'd say go get them now. They are available as hardcover and softcover trades labeled Noogies, Wedgies, Swirlies and Cooties. Yes, this is the humor folks, it's funny. Roman is awesome and deserves your money! Hehe (I am not being paid to say that, the man truly is hilarious and maybe you'll agree if you pick up those books). They are available as signed hardcopies for $29.95 USD/each on Roman's site, Spookyland. But of course you can check your local comic shop or the ever-present Amazon for non-signed softcovers.

Ok enough background, onto the actual review...

The first story in Lenore #8 is very Indian Jones-y. But with Dirge's comedic-gory, dark and yet somewhat slapstick-y humor. This particular story doesn't involve any of his usual characters. It's about excavating an old Egyptian tomb and ending up unleashing Hell. Very Dirge-like subject, unleashing Hell. hahah  It almost had a serious tone to parts of it though, like what the mummy stood for and how he went about trying to set things right and about getting revenge when he's reawakened. Sounds good in concept but I felt this story lacked a real ending. Or maybe the joke was too blatent for the ending it was given. At least for Dirge. His stories usually end much better. Though I will say, there is one panel that is just beautifully done, right before a big battle happens. Very much reminiscent of Dirge's other artwork that doesn't involve Lenore.

The main story up next is "Some Things Are Best Unseen." It's a parody on the Ghost Hunters type of show. I am actually a fan of the Ghost Hunters so I did find this story funny. This one was more Dirge in humor and journey of the story. I liked the comedy between Lenore, Ragamuffin and Pooty. The three of them are always pretty funny together. Basically Pooty comes up with the idea that they should become ghosts so that they can scare these ghost hunters out and never have them come back. It kind of backfires on them but in the meantime they meet real ghosts of themselves from another dimension and comedy ensues. And as usual, Dirge has basically inserted himself into the comic as Taxidermy, he does this every so often... To which Taxidermy does some horrible things to the characters without any dialogue - just pictures. It's pretty brilliant. Lenore is hilarious as a ghost, especially with her other-dimension-ghost counterpart. Those scenes with the two of them really made me giggle and really were the best part! The last joke was a little off from the storyline but otherwise I really loved this one. True to Dirge's form.

Comicbookresources.com has some preview pages:

I love the cover art for each one and you'll be able to have your choice of covers when it's out in comic shops this week, July 31st!

Personally, I always buy both, so I have more Dirge artwork and he gets more of my money! 

Thank you to Titan Comics for letting me preview the issue and the opportunity to review it before the newsstand date. All opinions are my own.

Snikt! Wolverine Arrives!

Got to see a pre-screening of Wolverine, thanks to AMC and their fan event. Hugh Jackman was there to walk the "red" carpet and take pics and autographs with fans before the movie screenings. Love! <3

I stupidly didn't ask for a photo due to what I thought was a time constraint but people after me on the sidelines did it, as well as my friends who were also there but in a different area. But I got Hugh's autograph!

Hard to see but Hugh Jackman's autograph is on his stomach.

All the swag! tee, foam claws!!!, lanyard and my printout that I got autographed.

Back of the lanyard is awesome. Bub

 As part of the $25 screening fee, you got free concessions (popcorn, soda/water, candy) and the chance to win some Blu-ray's autographed by Hugh. I didn't win the raffles for the blu-ray's but being in the presence of Hugh was lovely enough!

After the hoopla we got to see the Wolverine movie.

And let me tell you, it was amazing. Other than the plot about taking away Wolverine's powers, it was pretty much what I expect from a Wolverine movie to be - action-packed, kickss women, some heart/romance, and full of Hugh Jackman who commands the role of Wolverine. The U.S. trailers skew what the story is really about. So I was happy that I liked the film and my true expectations were filled.

The U.S. trailers show you the action-packed hero movie that it isn't. Whereas Japanese trailers give them a sense of the Asian culture, the love story, the heart behind Wolverine and some action. Very different views. Wolverine is set in Japan so it makes sense that Japan would show a different side of the story. The real story. Not just Hugh without his shirt on and losing his powers. (More on that in a moment). Japan shows what the movie truly is about, tradition and honor. Something every Asian I know, including myself, understands and is born with, even if you never lived in an Asian country.

And yes, this movie is titled Wolverine, but we find out more about the other characters than we do about Wolverine in this film. But it works. The women are so bad-ass. At first one of the main characters seems to be meek, Mariko, played by Tao Okamoto. But living in a house with Japanese warriors, we soon see that she is not the weak or meek woman we thought she would be. She knows martial arts and how to use it. Yes, she gets tripped up a little here and there and still needs to be "rescued" by Logan but ok fine, small plot hole. The fact that she can temporarily hold her own, is fantastic.

The main woman character, Yukio, played by Rila Fukushima, plays her part beautifully. She's a warrior, a sister, a humanitarian full of honor and devotion. And of course, can kick butt! She's trained in the martial arts and can take care of herself. She even saves Logan a few times.

Wolverine losing his powers, is in itself, a falsity. It's explained that his powers get suppressed not taken away completely, which the trailers make you believe. This I can believe a little more than the cop-out of taking away his powers completely. Tho I still don't totally agree with the notion in the first place... And there are reasons for taking his power away or wanting to, again, the trailers give you a false sense of that. There's no reason in the trailers -- they make it seem like well, Wolvie is sick of not dying so here's my offer. But the movie is so much more than that and gives so much more reasoning behind trying to take his powers away. It's not a selfish thing for Wolverine. He's just the puppet.

The scientist, Viper played by Svetlana Khodchenkov, in the movie reminds me too much of Uma Thurman and her version of Poison Ivy. I don't think it fit well here. Even her outfits were very much reminiscent of Poison Ivy. Wrong universe! But I digress. I know the character of Viper played a decent role in the comics though I'm not sure to what extent as I never read those.

The one thing that really bugged me, was Jean Grey. Her "ghost" kept coming back and it was just annoying after awhile. I get the metaphors but I don't think it was really necessary or that much of her presence was necessary.

The traditions, honor and respect come into play a lot having been set in Japan. As an Asian person, I appreciated the film that much more for keeping that as part of the story and history. A few lines were more metaphoric but others were more literal. An example (non-spoilery), Logan puts his chopsticks standing straight up in his bowl of rice. He is immediately reprimanded for doing so because in any Asian culture (not just Japanese), it is bad luck or a bad omen as explained in the movie. It is what we do for funerals and shrines - it looks like the incense we burn to honor our ancestors. There is a metaphor that Mariko explains to Logan within the context of the story,  but it is a tradition and respect to not make this gesture.

The respect the women have for the men in the movie is rich and deep as well. Not subservient perse, you must understand there is a difference. And the women do stand up for themselves from the men once in awhile. Respect for the family and the traditions of the country are steeped in the film. The respect they have for the land and its people is seen throughout the film, in a funeral scene, in the martial arts and choreography, the wardrobe, the interior sets... It's all there.

In the the film, it's almost as if Wolverine is secondary in the film. Yes, he is the main character of course, but it's between him, Mariko and Yukio that the plot really unravels and Logan becomes a side character almost. Again, it works though. You'll have to trust me on that... But it's a great mystery for a plot. I enjoyed the ride.

The bullet train fight scene is so different I loved it. You think it will just be another top-of-the-train-fight-scene but it's not. Because it's a bullet train going 200 miles an hour, the choreography of it, s stunning and brilliant!

I think other than the minor plot hole of trying to take away Wolverine's power, the movie really was great. It really help up with all the action, the love stories, the strong females, the twists and turns of the plot... I definitely give this three claws up!

Vinyl Doctor Who Soundtrack Releases

According to BlogterWho, Doctor Who will be getting series 7 soundtrack released in this Fall.

Courtesy of Blogter Who - series 7 soundtrack album cover

But on August 19th, Doctor Who series 1 & 2 soundtracks will be released on vinyl! It will have a double LP gatefold and it's limited edition of 500. The CD was already released back in 2006.

Courtesy of Blogter Who - vinyl set for series 1 & 2

The site does not give any price points.But I want this vinyl set if it's affordable!!!

(via Blogter Who)

Veronica Mars First Look Movie Trailer

During San Diego Comic Con, Veronica Mars held a panel for its upcoming movie that was funded entirely by fans and Kickstarter. Here is the official trailer (and a few behind the scenes) for those loyal fans or "marshmallows" as they are called.

Having marathoned the original three seasons, I am now pretty excited for this movie. I didn't watch the show when it originally aired. But I am interested in seeing how the cast plays out, what they're set up doing now, what the timeframe is, etc. Looks good. And there are supposed to be novels out at the same time as the movie is released, that takes place where the movie leaves off. Interesting!

Doctor Who Merchandise From Titan

So. Much. Doctor. Who. Merch. I. Want.

Yeah Titan is one of the official licensees for Doctor Who merchandise. Upon looking at their website, which is just for browsing and retail establishments, there is so much I want and wish that American retailers would carry!

Here's some of the many things I want!

Adipose Industries tee

Van Gogh Exploding Tardis wallet/travel pass

High Council of the Time Lords wallet/travel pass

(Note: There are so many different travel passes that I want - UNIT, Cybermen, Magpie Electricals, etc.) I have the Adipose Enterprises travel pass from the time I went to Forbidden Planet London and/or from the Doctor Who Experience when it was still in London.

8th Doctor tee (they have one for all the original Doctors up til 8 that all look similar to this) I love them all but Paul McGann is pretty special since we all know he got duped a series.

So much more on the Titan's site. I really wish more retailers in America could get more of these items. Awesome stuff!

They also have Marvel license too. And I know here in America we don't use those travel passes much, but I love them all. I want the SHIELD travel pass wallet. I really wish we had those in retailers here. My friend has the Captain America Super Soldier travel pass, also from a London trip.

Loki Crashes Hall H

So, this happened. I am not at San Diego Comic Con, so this is not my video. But it's grand!
 
Loki has come with glorious purpose to Hall H at SDCC!

This is another video from USAToday site. It's a bit better.

http://www.usatoday.com/videos/life/movies/2013/07/21/2572467/

And here's a video from MTV with Tom Hiddleston telling us what it was like to crash the panel as Loki.
http://www.mtv.com/videos/interview/938823/tom-hiddleston-brings-loki-to-comic-con.jhtml#id=1709970

Fourth Doctor's Time Capsule

BBC just released info about the "Terror Of The Zygons" DVD collector's set. 

So much stuff I want!!! According to BBCShop.com tho, it is on preorder for 62.99 GBP (British pounds). Which is roughly $94 USD currently.

With a limited run of 5,000 units, The Fourth Doctor Time Capsule also includes:

• An exclusive post-regenerative Fourth Doctor action figure, wearing Jon Pertwee’s trademark frill-fronted shirt
• A Fourth Doctor sonic screwdriver
• An audio version of classic Tom Baker story “Genesis Of The Daleks”
• The novel “Tomb Of Valdemar” by Simon Messingham, set during the Fourth Doctor’s search for the Key to Time.
• Art cards of all the Fourth Doctor’s companions.
• A letter from Tom Baker himself.

The Fourth Doctor Time Capsule will be released on 29 July.

Oh man, I love the "box" it comes in and just all the swag that comes with it!! Wishlist!

Walking Dead Her Universe Apparel Announced!

Fans of Her Universe and The Walking Dead, look no further to be the best dressed when the zombie apocalypse happens!

Her Universe just announced these amazing Walking Dead tees, hoodie, dresses and more!

...featuring images, characters and phrases from “The Walking Dead” series on fashion tops, leggings, hoodies and dresses, will be available online at HerUniverse.com, San Diego Comic-Con and select retail outlets beginning this summer.

“There is certainly an expanding fan base of women who faithfully watch ‘The Walking Dead’ and this collection of unique apparel and merchandise is targeted just for them,” said Her Universe founder, Ashley Eckstein. “I am a huge fan of ‘The Walking Dead’ and I was thrilled with the opportunity to design Zombie fashion for fangirls. The story lines on this show are very emotional, compelling and addicting! As a fan, I am excited to have more apparel options made for women.”

Photo credits: – Kelsey Edwards Photography-http://www.kelseyedwardsphoto.com/

 Fans of Rick will appreciate this tee:

 

Everyone's favorite lady in a tank form:

  This perfect hoodie from the first episode!

And for all the Daryl followers!

Run to get these before the zombies do!

Giant Robots, Kaiju and Humans. Oh My!

Giant robots and Kaiju!

Let me tell you, I went into this movie thinking it was going to be another Cloverfield. Not that that movie was terrible or anything but it's not my kind of movie. I'm not into alien takeover movies or apocalyptic movies where humans are the ones to suffer and ultimately die.

I hadn't watched many trailers - maybe none even save a few that were on my tv while watching other programs, to which I still ignored anyway. So I totally and completely did not know or chose not to know, that Guillermo Del Toro directed the film and co-wrote it with Travis Beacham. Had I known, I would have gone in with a completely different attitude. But as it was, I'm kind of glad I went in not knowing that. I had far more surprises and added suspense thanks to my ignorance.

Actors Del Toro always uses, show up in the film which is fantastic! And I cheered when I saw one person in particular! (You can probably guess who, he does show up in trailers tho again, I'm ignorant to that fact). And he's just as brilliant as ever without much makeup or prosthetics wooo! He played his role perfectly.

The reality of the movie is really good. The first 10-15 minutes of the film is basically a recap of what's been happening to the world at large with these kaiju. So you don't spend an hour of the film bored or saying "when is the action going to happen?" or "when does this movie really start?" You get into the nitty-gritty very early on and characters are established early on. So it makes a cohesive storyline mixed with enough action, sci-fi and adventure in the entire movie. It really is a continuous, easy to follow film with tons of excellent special effects and visually stunning scenes.

My companion that night said whenever she looked over at me, I was pretty wide-eyed and mouth agape at the scenes! HA! Which is pretty accurate. I really was amazed at the visuals Del Toro put out there.

His characters and their choices made sense. His story telling is always pretty brilliant. And he fulfills that void that most movies these days lack. He has every element of a good film in one film. 

And he does NOT make this into a love story either. I was very proud that Del Toro took the characters and made them individuals who become a team. But not in any sexual way and no fulfillment of sexual tension or even one kiss scene! I was surprised but praise Del Toro for that. He made this a humanitarian movie without needing a sex object. The main female lead Mako, played by Rinko Kikuchi is her own person. With her own baggage and emotions. Yes, she seems to fancy the male lead Raleigh Becket za bit, played by Charlie Hunnam but Del Toro never plays her as the sex object. They are partners and can be friends without a nude scene, without a kissing scene, without a gratuitous undressing scene (looking at you Star Trek!) She truly is an intelligent human being who happens to have a male partner and works well with him on an intelligent level. A few times I found she looked kind of pouty though. That would be my only gripe about either the actress or the character.

I will say his kaiju do look a lot like the hellhounds did in Hellboy. Very much that same muddy grey, four-legged squishy buddha beasts with lots of eyes and same screechy roars. Del Toro likes the same creatures. Tho there are some variations in the heads of these kaiju but I can't tell you why without spoiling the plot.

And I will say that one of the scientist characters, played by Charlie Day, just kept feeling like a smarter Rick Moranis in Ghostbusters. Are you the keymaster? I've never seen this actor before so I can't say anything about his acting but my companion said this was his role - that this is the kind of eccentric, spastic roles he tends to play. I didn't like his character much I guess. But ok then! One of his scenes didn't make much sense or wasn't really followed up on. But I think that's more Del Toro then the actor/acting.

Idris Elba is fantastic. I never really watched any of his movies either, tho he is a hot commodity these days. The only thing I can recall him in was Thor as Heimdall which isn't a big role. But he was pretty good in this movie. The military guy in charge with some baggage that unfolds later in the film.

Del Toro made all the right choices in this film. From the story, to the visuals, to the effects, to the casting, to the non-love-love story. I loved it! I am glad I actually got to go to two screenings of this! I would gladly pay money to see it again though! It definitely holds up even after two viewings.

Oh and stay til mid-credits as there is something there. Nothing at the end though. Teehee!

Christmas in July!

It's that time again! Hallmark will unveil the Christmas ornaments for 2013 holiday season, this weekend, July 13 and 14th at your local Hallmark stores! So many awesome ornaments!!

A few that I'm looking forward to:

1) Jabba's Palace: Squee!

 

The first dress Cinderella gets thanks to the lil mice and bird friends! I loved this dress as a little girl! Moreso than the ballgown she eventually gets from the Fairy Godmother. ($19.95)

 

Lego Yoda!!! ($14.95)

Leia rescuing Han Solo in carbonite at Jabba's Palace (left) : ($14.95)

Jack Skellington on a sleigh: ($19.95)

Wicket and Teebo!! ($17.95)

Iron Patriot: ($14.95)

So look for them at your local Hallmark store, starting this weekend! Happy shopping!