Wednesday, November 30, 2016

RAT QUEENS RETURNS, DELIVERS MORE SASS AND ADVENTURE


The New York Times bestselling series welcomes a new artist

Image/Shadowline Comics is pleased to announce that the New York Times bestselling, fan-favorite series RAT QUEENS, written and co-created by Kurtis J. Wiebe, will return this March with a new series artist—Owen Gieni (MANIFEST DESTINY).

“Cat Kings and Other Gary’s: Part One” begins a fresh, soft-reboot and the Rat Queens are back in action! Everybody’s favorite butt-kickers—Betty, Violet, Dee, Braga, and Hannah—return in RAT QUEENS, VOL. 2 #1. Palisade is still a rat-infested troll’s ass and everyone still hates Gary. It’s been awhile since the Queens have done a good slaughter, so join them as they get back to the basics of killing monsters and drinking away the profits.

"Owen's style brings a real return to high adventure, insane action and character comedy,” said Wiebe. “He has an amazing talent for crafting a world and when his characters act, they feel genuine and real. Writing scripts for Owen is the most fun I've had on the series in a very long time. Our new start with Rat Queens is getting back to the basics. Four friends who kill monsters for money. Except it's even weirder."

Gieni added: “Having this opportunity to bring these loved characters to life is a dream come true. I've been a fan of Rat Queens since its first issue, so it’s such an awesome experience to play in this massive world. It's the ultimate collaboration, breaking story with Kurtis, laughing the whole time as we create new adventures really comes through in the final product. I can't wait for readers to discover Rat Queens again.”

RAT QUEENS, VOL. 2 #1 will ship with two covers and will hit stores on Wednesday, March 1st.

Post by Vikki
Twitter: ProfessorWhite
Facebook: Fangirl Review

DC SUPER GIRLS SOLVE RIDDLES AND FIGHT DINOSAURS IN NEW ANIMATED SHORT AND DIGITAL FIRST CHAPTER


The teenage Super Heroes are having an action-packed week using their crime-fighting skills to solve both present and “prehistoric” problems…

In an all-new animated short premiering on the DC Super Hero Girls website, Batgirl, Hawkgirl and The Flash must work together to solve a flurry of crime-ridden riddles. Here is the “Riddle of the Heart” episode: 


Also debuting this week, the DC Super Hero Girls Digital First comic book series PAST TIMES AT SUPER HERO HIGH released a new chapter starring Wonder Woman, Harley Quinn Batgirl and more. In this week’s installment, the superheroes try to escape the past before being eaten by angry dinosaurs, but will their actions change the course of history and affect their current lives in future? Check out preview imagery on the DC press blog. Written by Shea Fontana and illustrated by Agnes Garbowska this week’s chapter is now available for download via the DC Comics App, Readdcentertainment.com, iBooks, comiXology.com, Google Play, Kindle Store, Nook Store, and iVerse ComicsPlus

Post by Vikki
Twitter: ProfessorWhite
Facebook: Fangirl Review

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Ranking The Treks by a Star Trek Fan


Star Trek movies have forever walked the tight rope of trying to appeal to a larger audience while still keeping its Trekkie fan base happy. It's not an easy task but despite the hits and misses Star Trek is still alive and well in 2016. In celebration of 50 years of one of sci-fi's premiere franchises I rank the thirteen movies so far in the order that I enjoy them. I created my list based on a few criteria.

One:    Does if feel Trekkish? 
As a fan of the shows, am I going to get those deep, “pop-philosophical” Trek moments that have always made the small screen Star Trek shine?

Two:    Rewatchability.
How likely I am to press play and sit through an entire movie goes a long way into making it a favorite.

Three: Is it a solid film regardless of it being Star Trek or not?
Can a non-Trekkie sit and enjoy the movie as much as someone who knows Kirk's middle name? In short – is it simply a good film?

With that out of the way, let's get started.

13. Star Trek III: The Search for Spock

Of the post-Khan movies (which went in a decidedly different direction than The Motion Picture) I have always had the most trouble getting through this one; it's a very small story for a very big moment – the resurrection of Mr. Spock. The story centers around Klingons trying to get their hands on a device which can birth planets and the discovery that the use of said device has not only brought Spock back from the dead but will destroy the planet which he is on. The Enterprise crew head over to the planet to save their comrade against Starfleet orders.  The plot is pretty thin – and breaks down to a simple rescue mission story very quickly. The positives are that the movie doesn't take long to get going and one character's death has important future repercussions in the franchise. The negative is that The Search for Spock is simply not very memorable nor quotable.

12. Star Trek V: The Final Frontier

There are a handful of classic scenes in this movie which begrudgingly make me sit through it every once in a while and that also nudge it just slightly past The Search for Spock. But these elements are far and few between and really rely on one's knowledge and love for the history of the series three main protagonists (Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock, and Doctor McCoy) to be fully appreciated. What we get surround these few sparks of magic is a story that tries to reach for something big – finding God at the end of the Universe - but ultimately fails. This is a real shame, especially considering the movie's villain, Sybok, a smiling Vulcan, had the potential to be one of Trek's greatest rounded out antagonists.  Some describe this as a big screen version of a TOS episode, but I just see it as a lot of meat, and even some of the right ingredients, but unfortunately the wrong cook. Also, there is no forgiving a sexy Grandma Lt. Uhura scene.

11. Star Trek: The Motion Picture

I had to force myself to stay awake through this movie after many failed attempts at making it past the first thirty minutes. Eventually, for the sake of completion, I armed myself with Coca Cola and plenty of prior sleep and sat down to watch it with my full attention. It turns out that it's not as bad as the bad rap it's given. In fact, by Roddenberry standards, it's probably the most Trekkish of all the films in the franchise, as it's more concerned with “the big questions” and the meaning of everything than action and adventure. If you can accept that there will be arduously long shots of nebulae and spaceships while cast members dressed in what look like pajamas say a bunch of things about a dangerous probe, you'll be presented with a pretty solid and thoughtful Trek movie with a classic sci-fi “gotcha” twist ending. Just keep the caffeine close by to start.

10. Star Trek: Into Darkness

This movie is filmed well, acted well, and presented well, but that can only take one so far if the story is bland and has already been done. There's so much to like about this movie, and it certainly kept me entertained when I went to the premiere. But why redo the Khan story when you've spent a whole other film setting up an alternative universe of limitless opportunities in the first of the rebooted Trek movies? I nudge this film above the last three only for its cinematic scope – J.J. Abrams knows how to set up a shot even if the material is not up to par with his skills. But in the end, despite the good pacing and great action sequences, it is pretty brain dead and completely falls emotionally flat – especially when doing a twist of one of Trek's and cinema's most famous death scenes.

9. Star Trek: Nemesis

This movie usually ends up at the bottom of the list for a lot of Trek fans, but I don't mind it too much. The story is ambitiously trying to overcome the criticism of The Next Generation's cast's earlier film feeling too much like it could have been a season 8 episode. And while I think it does succeed in some areas, it definitely fails in others. The film is at its best during its various action sequences – even including the silly opening sequence in an all terrain buggy. The villain, played by Tom Hardy, is also sneakily diabolical and able to shift between adolescent petulance and outright vengeful madness within a few lines. What hurts the film is that it's more or less the Picard and Data show. Fans of TNG know that their relationship is extremely important, but I never felt it matched the Kirk/Spock duo and it didn't need to because of how deep the TNG cast was. Relegating everyone else to extras was a disservice to the the ensemble in what would become their last voyage. This film has aged well though, and it is worth checking out on a rainy day.

8. Star Trek: Generations

This is far from being a perfect movie, but it has two “wow” moments that make it worth the boring stuff in between. One, the beloved Enterprise D crash lands and two, Captain Picard meets Captain Kirk. Aside from these monumental pieces of Trek big screen magic, the movie lacks direction and pacing. I remember how even while sitting in the theatre, the long sequence where Captain Picard finds himself inside the Nexus (some “timey-wimey” Trek plot device) being greeted by his wife and kids made me cringe. Thank God that now it simply makes me press fast-forward - Jean-Luc and children should simply not ever share the screen. The film's climax is also a let-down, especially a certain death by way of obvious stunt double attached to an exploding bridge. Yet, this was the first TNG film – it came on with a lot of life and wide-eyed wonder. And there is Kirk and Picard! And The Enterprise D does crash land! What more can you say? Watch it, it's still cool after all these year. Watch Now!


7. Star Trek: Beyond

This movie hit the right buttons for me for one important reason – it managed to move “beyond” Star Trek Universe Prime. Even the small nod to the classic cast was done in a quick, delicate, and sophisticated way. But in the end there was no Spock Prime (as Leanord Nimoy had just recently passed), no rehashed villains, and the crew of the Enterprise seemed comfortable in their own skins. The story itself was a bit flimsy, but that was the fault of the villain, whose motivation was not believable. He also never seemed to pose a real threat to the crew, thus making the action sequences wonderful to watch, but lack any real urgency. The best aspect of the movie was the crew itself – everyone had a part to play, and the updated characterizations of these pop culture icons finally felt fleshed out. There was enough breathing room for them to talk and laugh and not feel as if they were trying to fill the shoes of those who had come before. In the end, Beyond needed a better villain to drive its plot, but it gave me hope for a future installment to the franchise which can match the best the Trek series has to offer.

6. Star Trek: Insurrection

Yes, the critics are right - this is basically a Star Trek The Next Generation episode on the big screen -  but a damn good one! I have always been a fan of Jonathan Frakes' handling of Trek; he seemed earnestly concerned with the details and sensibilities which make the franchise stand out amongst the many space dramas out there. This is a humanitarian story about some of Star Trek's biggest themes like: Do the needs of the few outweigh the needs of the many? Is technology really man's greatest achievement or is it his greatest burden?  Is love and faith the true force that binds the universe? As the crew decides to save a colony of people who are at risk of losing their home-world, a very low-key (yet heart-filled) story unfolds that has plenty of big twists and emotional moments for all the crew. If the worst criticism is that this is a TNG season 8 episode, than I can live with it.

5. Star Trek 2009

This movie marks the division line between Trek-movies I enjoy because I am a Trekkie and Trek-movies I enjoy because they are actually great, fun, and imaginative films – and I think that the following movie's popular appeal beyond the core fan-base echo my feelings. That said, a lot of traditional Trek fans really dislike this movie mainly because they felt it focused more on the action than on the “Trek Philosophy.” I disagree with this criticism because although The Next Generation may have been heavy on the talking, the original series (and particularly the original cast films) has its fair share of “Western In The Sky” motifs. What gave the series depth was the interaction between the crew – even if Roddenberry's Utopian vision was used as a backdrop. So to see Kirk, Spock, and company actually run, as opposed to quick jog, towards danger was a thrill. Also seeing Leonard Nimoy give his last great outing as Spock (I am not going to count the few seconds that he is in in Into Darkness) is really a special treat. This is not to say that this movie did in fact lack some of the deeper character sketches and Trek philosophy that make the original cast and movies so great to watch, but the urgency in which the story is presented and that these actors take on these roles makes up for that. Excluding the lens flares and the not so scary villain, Star Trek 2009 stands up pretty well against the other films in the franchise.

4. Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home

It's difficult to forget our first, and this movie was my introduction to Star Trek – it's also a favorite  among non-Trekkies. The story is flimsy (go back in time to bring back a humpback whale so it can talk to a destructive probe) and tongue in cheek, but the film doesn't pretend to be more than the sum of its parts. It's humorous, cynical and manages to preach a big message without being preachy. Another plus is that the movie really allows for the whole cast to shine as they run around Los Angeles looking for both ways to repair their ship so that they can get back to the future and transport two huge humpback whales along with them. Watching the always prepared crew of the Enterprise figure their way through this world, which is both familiar and alien, never gets old, as there are so many great and quotable scenes. There is Scotty breaking a few time travel principles; Chekov, in his thick Russian accent, asking a policeman where he can find nuclear “wessels,”  in the midst of the cold war era ; Dr. McCoy going completely bananas over the primitive medical practices of the 80s; and a whole lot of other classic scenes in between. There is absolutely nothing wrong with Star Trek IV except for, as I stated, the paper thin plot – for the final hard hitters keep reading.

3. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
 
Confession booth time – I was never a huge fan of this movie while growing up – and mostly for the much lauded slow motion submarine style final battle between Khan and Kirk – what happens to Spock as a result was always much more gripping. But as I got older, and experienced a little bit more of life's hardships, I began to appreciate the straight forwardness of this movie. It's a basic revenge and search and destroy story like Jaws or Moby Dick, the latter which is constantly quoted in Star Trek. This movie begins what essentially is a story arch that concludes with the sixth and last film with the complete original cast, and it ignores the occurrences of the slow as molasses first film in the franchise. Although the plot is crisp and moves at neck break speed, the real reason to watch this film is Ricardo Montalbán's Khan. Having been marooned on a planet by Kirk for fifteen years, has given him plenty of time to brood over everything and everyone he has lost. When he sees an opportunity to escape and seek vengeance, he takes it. With the combination of his superior strength and intellect, he nearly succeeds in his plans. It is Spock's unforgettable act of bravery (and probably the most famous scene in any Trek media) which saves the crew. Although Star Trek IV is more enjoyable for me to repeat view, this movie stands a notch above it for its tighter script and powerful performances. It's too bad JJ Abrams thought that it was so good that it needed to be remade.  

2. Star Trek: First Contact

This is The Next Generation crew's finest moment. After literally burying the original series cast, they moved ahead with a story centered on their own most beloved villains – The Borg. This film has the humor and cast chemistry that made the original films glow but the action and special effects that they couldn't afford. Like Star Trek IV, it's a time travel story that has no fear of making fun of itself and gives each crew member of the extremely large cast ample things to do. It also knows hows to hit all the right dramatic buttons. Captain Picard's Ahab analogy and Mr. Data's human flesh experience are notable stand outs, but my favorite is Lt. Worf, after being called a coward by Picard, telling the Captain that he would strike him down where he stood were he any other man and the goosebump inducing apology from Picard later. And of course, what unites my top three movies on this list is that it has of one of Star Trek's finest villains in it, The Borg Queen. She is both mecha-sexy and frighteningly cunning. Her devious plot is so well played that one is left hanging on to the edge of their seats until the final moments. First Contact is always a pleasure to sit through when the mood hits.

1. The Undiscovered Country

I lost count as to how many times I have seen this movie. This is a straight up Cold War allegory that ties in The Next Generation universe, where The Federation and The Klingon Empire are no longer mortal enemies. While trying to broker a peace accord between both intergalactic forces, Kirk is caught in the middle of an assassination of the Klingon chancellor who had been sent to broker a peace deal with the Federation. He and Dr. McCoy are charged with the murder and sent off to a prison planet while Spock and the crew try to discover who truly assassinated the chancellor. The plot revolves around this whodunit motif, and does so very expertly, but what makes the movie really stand out is Christopher Plummer and his portrayal of Shakespeare quoting General Chang. He is captivating and sly but also manages to bring a full dimension to a Klingon antagonist - something that hadn't occurred yet in any of the films. The movie plays with a lot of big themes about ushering in new eras while still holding on to past mistrust and realizing when it's time to let go of the things we love most. There is so much meat in this movie for both Trekkies who love exploring the details of the Trek-universe and the casual viewer who simply enjoy a good Cold War allegory. Most importantly, though, it treated the cast with the respect it deserved as they took their last voyage around “the final frontier.”

Thanks for reading. I hope you liked my list, but I hope you disagree with it plenty so you can tell me what your favorite Trek movies are. Live Long and Prosper.

Post by P. Ray 2016

D23 ANNOUNCES NEW SLATE OF EVENTS TO DELIGHT DISNEY FANS ACROSS THE COUNTRY



From exclusive tours to cinematic surprises, Disney’s official fan club serves up something for fans both young and young-at-heart.

In 2017, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club brings a new roster of events for fans around the country to enjoy.

SCREENINGS ON THE DISNEY STUDIO LOT AND AT WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT: Throughout the year, D23 will once again offer special screenings on both coasts of classic Disney favorites, includingTangled, Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, and more. D23 will also screen The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh exclusively for members in Orlando. Just in time for back-to-school, D23 will celebrate Disney Afternoon favorites such as DuckTales, Gummi Bears, and Chip ’n Dale Rescue Rangers, holding a screening event on the Studio lot with special guests, picture spots, and more surprises. And D23 Members will be invited to the lot for a spook-tacular Halloween screening event that will include a special exhibit from the Walt Disney Archives.

THE OFFICIAL WALT DISNEY STUDIOS TOUR—PRESENTED BY D23: D23 Gold Member-exclusive tours of the historic Studio lot return, including a look inside the Walt Disney Archives and a tour of Walt Disney’s office suite. The 2.5-hour tours offer fans a unique perspective on historic moments from Disney films, television shows, and theme parks.

D23 BEHIND-THE-SCENES EXPERIENCES: In January, D23 will host the first of several behind-the-scenes events at unique Disney locations, featuring special guests and gifts tailored to each experience. Following a year where members explored the Ink & Paint Department on The Walt Disney Studios lot and took an after-hours tour of the Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror at Walt Disney World Resort, there will be more surprises in store for members in 2017.

D23’S LUNCH WITH A DISNEY LEGEND: Beginning in February, D23 brings back these exclusive luncheons with Disney luminaries, where members will meet Disney Legends and hear their fascinating stories. The events return to both Walt Disney World Resort and The Walt Disney Studios, where members have already dined with Legends such as animator Glen Keane, Imagineering Ambassador Marty Sklar, and voice talent Kathryn Beaumont.

ADVANCE SCREENINGS: Members can expect a host of exclusive, advance screenings of what are sure to be some of 2017’s most popular releases from The Walt Disney Studios. This year, D23 Members saw previews of Zootopia, The Jungle Book, and Finding Dory in cities across the county, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Portland, and Seattle. Plus, D23 Members in Los Angeles attended the red carpet premieres of Moana and Pete’s Dragon. For those guests who don’t live in the cities where movies are screened, D23 Gold Members across the country will be selected at random to receive complimentary movie passes, which will be included in issues of Disney twenty-three, D23’s quarterly publication.

D23 DISNEY FANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION—EPCOT 35
: D23 heads to the parks in honor of Epcot’s 35th anniversary. Epcot, originally announced as the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow by Walt Disney in 1966, has continued to grow and evolve over the years. D23 Members can look forward to a treasure trove of video, illustrations, and photographs to complement a host of stories, both new and old, in honor of this landmark. Plus, D23 will hold a special member event at Walt Disney World Resort in honor of the anniversary.

SIGNATURE EVENTS: D23 will bring back foodie favorite Sip & Stroll during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, and members on the West Coast will get to join the fun, as D23 debuts a new event in conjunction with Disneyland Resort’s culinary festivities. And after giving members a look inside the Walt Disney Birthplace in Chicago in 2016, D23 will return to the Windy City next year to see the tremendous progress made on the home’s restoration. Expect special holiday events on both the East and West Coasts to make the season bright.

MEMBER MIXERS AROUND THE COUNTRY: After mixing and mingling at complimentary gatherings in Seattle, Chicago, Bridgewater, N.J., and even at San Diego Comic-Con, D23 will bring more mixers to cities around the country in 2017.

D23 EXPO 2017: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event returns. It’s D23’s biggest event of the year, as all of Disney’s wonderful worlds come together once again July 14–16, 2017, at the Anaheim Convention Center for three magical days of once-in-a-lifetime live performances, star-studded presentations, exclusive collectibles, and more.

Dates, ticketing information, and more D23 events will be announced throughout the year. Full details on D23’s lineup of 2017 special events can be found on the Fan Club’s website at www.D23.com/events. All events and dates are subject to change.

Current event calendar:
  • January 14: The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour — Presented by D23, Burbank, Calif.
  • January: D23 Behind-the-Scenes Experience, TBA
  • February 4: Tangled, Burbank, Calif.
  • February 11: Tangled, Walt Disney World Resort
  • February: Lunch with a Disney Legend: TBA, Walt Disney World Resort
  • April 8: The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour — Presented by D23, Burbank, Calif.
  • April: Lunch with a Disney Legend: TBA, Burbank, Calif.
  • April: D23 Behind-the-Scenes Experience, TBA
  • May 13: Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, Burbank, Calif.
  • May 13: Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, Walt Disney World Resort
  • May: Lunch with a Disney Legend: TBA, Walt Disney World Resort
  • Spring: Behind-the-Scenes Experience, Walt Disney Birthplace, Chicago
  • July 14–16: D23 Expo 2017, Anaheim, Calif.
  • August 19: “Disney Afternoon” on the Lot, Burbank, Calif.
  • August: Lunch with a Disney Legend: TBA, Burbank, Calif.
  • September 9: The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour — Presented by D23, Burbank, Calif.
  • September: D23 Behind-the-Scenes Experience, TBA
  • Fall: D23’s Disney Fanniversary: Celebrating 35 Years of Epcot (more info coming in 2017)
  • Fall: Sip & Stroll, Walt Disney World Resort
  • October 29: Halloween on the Disney Lot, Burbank, Calif.
  • November 18: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Walt Disney World Resort
  • November: Lunch with a Disney Legend: TBA, Burbank, Calif.
  • December: Light Up the Season with D23, Burbank, Calif.
  • December: D23 Holiday Event at Walt Disney World Resort
Post by Vikki
Twitter: ProfessorWhite
Facebook: Fangirl Review

MARVEL REVEALS ALL U.S.AVENGERS #1 STATE VARIANTS


Action, Adventure and Intrigue Draped in the Red, White, and Blue

From coast to coast – Alabama to Wyoming – the U.S.AVENGERS are here to unify our nation and proudly defend all its citizens. For the launch of this all-new series, U.S.AVENGERS, Marvel Comics will produce over 50 unique variants assigning one Avenger to each state which has garnered nationwide press attention from ABC News, Hollywood Reporter, Buzzfeed, and more, today, Marvel is excited to debut the entire lineup for these distinctive State Variant covers with exceptional artwork by Rod Reis.

“We did extensive research through Marvel’s history to be able to align a particular Avenger with each individual State,” says Tom Brevoort, SVP/Executive Editor. “Beginning with places of birth, and expanding outward to key stories featuring the character in that particular location, we were able to hone in on a specific and unique Avengers character with a connection to each of the fifty States—and more!”

“Marvel’s U.S.AVENGERS State Variants are a chance for our fans and retailers to show their home town patriotism paired with some of the biggest Avengers from the Marvel Universe,” says SVP Sales & Marketing for Marvel, David Gabriel. “We knew that a series with the name U.S.AVENGERS would evoke a sense of honor with all of our fans and we really wanted to go that extra step and offer a variant campaign that would allow our readers to show their hometown pride across this great nation.”

In addition to the U.S.AVENGERS State Variants – including Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and Canada, retailers who order each State Variant will receive an ultra-rare “Secret” Variant that is going to be shining gem for this variant collection and is sure to be sought after by all fans across the nation – and globe!

This January, the security of the Marvel Universe is fractured. The world’s first line of defense, S.H.I.E.L.D., can no longer be trusted. The United States no longer has a super-spy agency with its best interests at heart – until now. Prepare for the U.S.AVENGERS!

U.S.AVENGERS #1
Written by AL EWING
Art by PACO MEDINA
State Variant Cover Art by ROD REIS
On-Sale – 1/4/17

Post by Vikki
Twitter: ProfessorWhite
Facebook: Fangirl Review

Monday, November 28, 2016

X1 Customers Will Be Able to Seamlessly Access the Entire Netflix Catalog Via the X1 Voice Remote, Xfinity On Demand or the Netflix App


Comcast and Netflix announced the Netflix service will launch on millions of X1 devices across the country available now. Integrated throughout the platform, X1 customers with Netflix subscriptions will be able to easily browse and access over the internet the extensive online collection of Netflix TV shows and movies alongside the live, on demand, DVR and web programming included with their Xfinity TV subscription.

“We are excited to add Netflix to X1 and give our customers access to all the content they love in a way that has never been done before,” said Neil Smit, Chief Executive Officer, Comcast Cable. “Netflix has been a terrific partner, and our incredible teams of engineers and designers have come together to create an experience that is not only seamless and intuitive, but also lets viewers search and watch tens of thousands of movies, shows, specials and documentaries with the sound of their voice."

Netflix content will be fully integrated into Xfinity On Demand, enabling X1 customers to watch past and current seasons of shows like The Blacklist, How To Get Away With Murder or The Walking Dead; explore popular Netflix original series like House of Cards,Orange Is The New Black and Stranger Things; or catch up on recent classics like Breaking Bad, LOST and Mad Men, all in one place.

“The Netflix integration into the X1 platform means our mutual customers will no longer need to change inputs or juggle remotes,” said Reed Hastings, Netflix Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer. “Now they can seamlessly move between the Netflix app and their cable service, enjoying all the TV shows and movies they love without hassle.”

By combining the TV libraries of Netflix and Xfinity On Demand, X1 customers can:
  • Launch the Netflix app by simply saying “Netflix” into the X1 voice remote.
  • Browse Netflix content alongside other On Demand movies and shows
  • Search for an actor like “Adam Sandler” or “Kevin Spacey” and see everything they are in, across both Xfinity and Netflix.
  • Start from the beginning of long-running shows like The Walking Dead or Scandal -- with all prior seasons from Netflix and the current season from Xfinity -- available in one place.
Current X1 and Netflix customers will be prompted to sign in when accessing the Netflix service on X1 for the first time. New Netflix customers will be able to sign up for a new Netflix membership directly on X1, have the service added to their Comcast bill and begin to immediately explore and enjoy the service on X1 or across devices.

The Emmy-award winning X1 platform will be in 50 percent of Comcast video customer homes by the end of 2016. For more information about X1, interested customers can visit www.xfinity.com/X1. To learn more about Netflix on X1, visit www.xfinity.com/netflix.

Post by Vikki
Twitter: ProfessorWhite
Facebook: Fangirl Review

IMAGE COMICS BRINGS BEOWULF: AN ENDURING EPIC


All-new English translation of García and Rubín’s graphic novel coming to hardcover this December

Santiago García and David Rubín team up to put a fresh—and wholly blood-soaked—spin on the violent and savage tale of BEOWULF in a new English translation of the 1,000-year-old myth. It will be collected in a lush, full-color hardcover this December from Image Comics.

The story of Beowulf has inspired an enduring epic poem, become a foundational piece of English literature, and influenced countless great works of fiction in numerous mediums. Now, it’s getting an entirely unique new graphic treatment—packed to the brim with enough brutality and gore to satisfy even the most Viking of sensibilities.

BEOWULF tells of the tale of a Scandinavian hero in lands that would become what is now Denmark and Sweden. A monster, Grendel, has arrived in the kingdom of the Danes, devouring its men and women for 12 years until Beowulf arrives to save them. García and Rubín faithfully follow the original story for a new version that is neither revisionist nor postmodern, capturing the tone and important details of the poem, translating its potent, epic resonance and melancholy into a contemporary comic that isn’t standard swords and sorcery or heroic fantasy fare—but rather an ancient story with a modern perspective that remains respectful of the source material.

BEOWULF HC (ISBN: 978-1-5343-0120-7) hits comic book stores Wednesday, December 14th and bookstores Tuesday, December 20th, and will be available for $29.99. It is available for preorder on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Indiebound, and Indigo.

Post by Vikki
Twitter: ProfessorWhite
Facebook: Fangirl Review

Friday, November 25, 2016

Collect the entire 'Minecraft: Story Mode' saga on disc!


Complete Your Adventure Today!

Minecraft: Story Mode - The Complete Adventure is now available in stores for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360! It's also out on disc for PC in Europe, and coming to PC later this month in North America.


This special retail release collects all 8 episodes in the saga together on disc for the first time - Episodes 1-5 from the original Season Pass, and Episodes 6-8 from the Adventure Pass add-on series that continues the adventures of Jesse and crew.

Check out the trailer to see what you might have missed!

Post by Vikki
Twitter: ProfessorWhite
Facebook: Fangirl Review

62% Of Mothers And Daughters Say Sharing TV Shows Helps Build A Stronger Relationship


With the return of Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, Netflix is giving mothers and daughters another way to bond. A recent survey revealed more than half of women (53%) wish they spoke to their mother more often. On November 25, fans all over the world can reconnect through the mother of all TV shows...because even reading this release will make you realize how much you want to call your mom.

More than half of mother-daughter duos surveyed (59%) report that post-show discussions are the best part of sharing a show together. In fact, watching together is so important that despite the distance, almost half of moms and daughters (41%) think watching together brings them closer. Even though one third of moms and daughters surveyed live thirty or more minutes apart, over half have gone out of their way to physically watch together on many occasions.

The ultimate mother-daughter pair, Rory and Lorelai, know the benefits of sharing show-inspired inside jokes and witty one-liners. Whether you and mom are die-hard fans or looking for your next binge together, Netflix is letting you send an invite for Date Night with Mom.

No matter what kind of mother-daughter relationship it is, Gilmore has something for you. The survey found that globally, almost equal portions of mother-daughter relationships fall into the following three groups:
  • 39% of respondents say they’re two peas in a pod, and are BFFs like Rory and Lorelai.
  • 31% say they may be polar opposites like Lane and Mrs. Kim, but they just want what’s best for each other.
  • 30% know it can be complicated like Lorelai and Emily, but they can’t imagine life without each other.
About Netflix
Netflix is the world's leading Internet television network with over 86 million members in over 190 countries enjoying more than 125 million hours of TV shows and movies per day, including original series, documentaries and feature films. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on nearly any Internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.

About the Research
The Netflix Mother-Daughter Survey was conducted online by SurveyMonkey Audience on behalf of Netflix from October 28 - November 9, 2016. A sample of 10,143 women aged 18-65 in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Spain, France, Italy and Germany were interviewed. The precision of SurveyMonkey Audience online surveys is measured by a margin of error. The margin of error on these results is +/-1% based on a confidence interval of 95%.

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Thursday, November 24, 2016

NINJAK #23 Sharpens “THE SEVEN BLADES OF MASTER DARQUE” with Kindt & Laming – Coming in January!


Valiant is proud to present your first look inside NINJAK #23 – the FIRST ISSUE of “THE SEVEN BLADES OF MASTER DARQUE” from New York Times best-selling writer Matt Kindt (DIVINITY III: STALINVERSE) and blockbuster artist Marc Laming (Planet Hulk)! Join the adrenaline-fueled adventures of MI-6’s master super-spy here as Colin King - codename: Ninjak – begins an ALL-NEW ARC and ALL-NEW JUMPING-ON POINT with a winner-take-all gambit against the deceitful puppet master behind the world’s most dangerous crime cartel! It’s all led to this… And, soon, Ninjak will meet Master Darque and the Shadow Seven head on in a battle royale that will decide the fate of civilization itself!

Master Darque – the sadistic lord of death and resurrection – wrests to be free once again, but first he must fight for his life. Darque is a target, his powers are weak, and his enemies know it. Now, Darque's own former pupil and Ninjak's ruthless arch-nemesis – the lethal assassin known as Roku – has gathered the Shadow Seven together again for the sole purpose of putting Darque down for good. And the only thing holding their uneasy alliance together is a mysterious benefactor from the shadows... Someone who also goes by the name Darque...

On January 11th, steel meets shadow as Matt Kindt and Marc Laming bring Master Darque roaring back to the forefront of the Valiant Universe for a soul-shattering confrontation with the one and only Ninjak! The blood-stained saga of Valiant’s deadliest intelligence operative ratchets up the tension for a taut and terrifying duel to the death with “THE SEVEN BLADES OF MASTER DARQUE”, only in NINJAK #23 – featuring covers by Ryan Bodenheim (The Dying & The Dead), Ben Oliver (The Multiversity), Felipe Massafera (Shaper), Ryan Lee (Inhuman), Bilquis Evely (Wonder Woman), and Ben Templesmith (30 Days of Night)!

For more information, visit Valiant on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, and ValiantUniverse.com.

For Valiant merchandise and more, visit ValiantStore.com

NINJAK #23 (NEW ARC! “THE SEVEN BLADES OF MASTER DARQUE” – PART 1)
Written by MATT KINDT
Art by MARC LAMING
$3.99 | 32 pgs | T+ | On Sale JANUARY 11

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IMAGE COMICS ANNOUNCES 25¢ ISSUES IN CELEBRATION OF 25TH ANNIVERSARY


Image Comics/Skybound is pleased to announce that THE WALKING DEAD #163 by Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard, INVINCIBLE #133 by Robert Kirkman, Ryan Ottley and Nathan Fairbairn, and OUTCAST BY KIRKMAN & AZACETA #25 by Robert Kirkman, Paul Azaceta, and Elizabeth Breitwieser, will all hit stores this February 2017 with a $0.25 price point in celebration of Image Comics’ 25th anniversary.

THE WALKING DEAD #163 begins an all-new story arc and readers are met with the aftermath of the Whisperer War.

Ryan Ottley returns as artist on INVINCIBLE #133 just as “THE END OF ALL THINGS” begins. This 12-part mega-story will touch every corner of the INVINCIBLE universe, and when it’s over… IT’S OVER. Every single story for the past 13 years has been leading up to this last finale story arc.

OUTCAST BY KIRKMAN & AZACETA #25 begins an all-new story arc as well and provides a major turning point in the series. New characters are introduced and big things are in store for Kyle Barnes as he’s faced with something he never could have prepared for—hope. Everything changes in this 25th issue, for $0.25, in celebration of the 25th anniversary.

THE WALKING DEAD #163 will be available on Wednesday, February 1st. INVINCIBLE #133  will be available on Wednesday, February 15th. OUTCAST BY KIRKMAN & AZACETA #25 will be available on Wednesday, February 22nd. 

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Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Sanrio/Hello Kitty Gift Guide is here!



Check out the debut of product from hello sanrio for some of the cutest gift ideas ever (there’s even something for your guy friends!)…… but also the super chic Melody Eh$hani x My Melody jewelry and accessories collab, Gudetama at Forever 21 and the best stocking stuffers from ColourPop x Hello Kitty.

Hello Kitty and her friends love to give back, too….so don’t forget Pompompurin and Chococat tote bags to benefit the Humane Society of the U.S. (that launch on the National Day of Giving!) AND Hello Kitty and Friends itty bittys at Hallmark to benefit Toys for Tots.

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THE FEW WILL RISE THIS JANUARY


A brand-new limited maxi-series from the writer of SAINTS

Critically lauded writer and playwright Sean Lewis (SAINTS) and red-hot artist Hayden Sherman team up for a brand-new limited dystopian maxi-series, coming this January from Image Comics.

THE FEW combines the action of Mad Max with a Station Eleven sensibility in this sci-fi series for mature readers. In a dystopian future, two survivalist brothers stumble across an unlikely sight: a woman asleep in the woods holding nothing but a gun and a baby wearing a gas mask. Bent on lending her their help, they find that nothing is as it seems: betrayals, secrets, and revelations abound in the fight for what's left of America.

"I couldn't be prouder of this book,” said Lewis. “A strong female lead. Survivalists. Extremists and a recognizable American future. It's a total journey, and Hayden's art is unreal. He's a star in the making."

"This is the kind of story I dream of: strange characters, strange places, strange events, but all grounded in a haunting reality,” said Sherman. “In this book Sean gives just that, and a whole world of characters for me to play with. It's a story well-suited for the times."

THE FEW #1 hits comic book stores Wednesday, January 18th.

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Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Epic Conclusion of Baltimore comes in 2017 by Dark Horse Comics


Legendary "Hellboy" creator Mike Mignola and acclaimed novelist Christopher Golden present the epic conclusion to the "Baltimore" saga from Dark Horse Comics in 2017

In 2017, Mike Mignola, the legendary creator of Hellboy and New York Times bestselling novelist Christopher Golden will reunite for the epic conclusion to Baltimore with Baltimore: The Red Kingdom, a five part comic book series from Dark Horse Comics co-written by Mignola and Golden, with art by award winning children’s book illustrator Peter Bergting, colors by Michelle Madsen and stunning covers by Ben Stenbeck (Frankenstein Underground).

In Baltimore: The Red Kingdom, Lord Baltimore is missing. The Red King—evil incarnate—is taking over the world. Baltimore’s team has been driven apart, with some of them dying on the frontlines, while others are in hiding. Since the day he set out for revenge on the vampire who killed his family, Baltimore’s fight has gotten bigger than he’d ever imagined, but what role will he take as evil finally threatens to consume the world?

“Working on Baltimore has been a gift,” said acclaimed co-writer and novelist Christopher Golden. “From the moment Mike Mignola first called to ask if I wanted to write the novel, and through forty-one issues of the comics series, I’ve felt incredibly fortunate to be able to tell this story, to build this world and these characters alongside an extraordinary group of creators.”

“Drawing the final part of Baltimore’s story is such an honour,” said Peter Bergting. “I was thrilled when I was asked to join the title, already a few years ago now but I could never have imagined how I would grow as an artist as well. The feedback from my editors, and working with Mike and Chris, has been a learning experience like no other. It’s really a masterclass in storytelling and now that we are approaching the end I don’t even read the entire script before I start pencilling. I read and draw one page at a time. I’m as big a fan of the series as anyone reading it and I turn the pages in the script dreading what’s to come next for our heroes”.

“Baltimore is a grim story about vengeance and duty, but I’ve always seen it as having a dark beauty in so many ways,” continued Golden. “Crafting the story with Mike, honing it with Scott Allie and the editorial team at Dark Horse, and especially working with Ben Stenbeck and Peter Bergting on art, and with Dave Stewart and Michelle Madsen on colors, we’ve been able to show readers the dark beauty of Baltimore the way we see it. We’re hurtling toward the end now and the final arc is going to seriously mess with reader expectations. I can’t wait till this thing hits stores!”

The first issue of Baltimore: The Red Kingdom goes on sale from Dark Horse Comics on February 1, 2017.

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NEW! Star Wars Waffle Makers


From a galaxy far far away comes the Star Wars Force Awakens BB8 Waffle Maker! Equipped to make your breakfast way more fun than it currently is! That's right folks, this little machine makes waffles shaped like the cute little droid we all love. Who knew breakfast could be so exciting? And that's even before you start topping it off with butter, syrup, whipped cream, strawberries, powdered sugar... mmm...Get Yours »


Fangirl Thoughts: I need the BB8 in my life! OMG! These look amazing! I will make waffles everyday if I had it I swear! Maybe I will start a Go Fund Me account so someone can buy this for me! Will you be picking one up?

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NIOBE: SHE IS THE LIFE | Exclusive Comic Book Covers



The fourth and final NIOBE: SHE IS LIFE comic book is out now. Please find the retail cover as well as a contest-winning fan cover that will also sell.

Guided by president Sebastian A. Jones, Stranger Comics develops and produces nationally distributed fantasy comics with a conscious effort to produce interesting worlds that target underserved audiences through diverse and multi-cultural characters. One of its most popular series is the Niobe comic books. Niobe was co-created by Stranger Comics President Sebastian Jones and actor and activist Amandla Stenberg (The Hunger Games), Niobe is the first black female nationally distributed main comic book character.

Niobe: Fourth and final issue for NIOBE: She is Life (Retail)
The Issue hits stores on November 9.
Authors: Sebastian A. Jones (I Am Mixed, Dusu) and Amandla Stenberg (Hunger Games)
Artists: Ashley A. Woods (Black) and Darrell May (Dusu)
Cover Art by: Ashley A. Woods

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Monday, November 21, 2016

Sanrio Launches Premier hello sanrio Collection


Partners with Loot Crate, Girl Skateboards, Lakai & McDonald’s and others on
Product and Promotions to hit retail mid-November

Sanrio, the global lifestyle brand best known for beloved pop icon, Hello Kitty, announces the launch of the first hello sanrio product collection just in time for the holidays! The colorful pop capsule collection includes fashion apparel, lifestyle accessories and signature Sanrio items and will launch November 18 at select Sanrio stores nationwide; followed by the rollout of additional hello sanrio products at BoxLunch, Zumiez, JapanLA and sanrio.com through the Holiday season. Pieces from the supercute collection will also be available globally at select Sanrio stores.

Lively graphics & patterns highlight the hello sanrio collection, featuring character rich prints that bring the world of hello sanrio to life. Hello Kitty, Keroppi, Chococat, Badtz-Maru, My Melody, Pompompurin, Gudetama, Little Twin Stars, and Pochacco join together on patterns and prints in this initial capsule with additional Sanrio characters slated to join the world of hello sanrio in the future. 


L.A. based artist and Youtube phenom That Poppy is the face of the new hello sanrio collection. In the vibrant digital look book, Poppy showcases the colorful capsule collection alongside the hello sanrio characters. Poppy will be making appearances at launch events for the new brand; dates and times to be announced soon. Sanrio has also collaborated with UK-based design duo TADO to create digital shorts that showcase the characters and explore the colorful hello sanrio world. The look book and digital shorts will be featured on the hello sanrio microsite and shared across Sanrio’s social media channels.
The hello sanrio collection features t-shirts, key rings, notebooks, clip-on plush and cushions, along with cobranded items from partners including:

Loot Crate – the first Loot Crate + Sanrio “small gift” mystery gift crate subscription is now available. The first of the boxes is themed around hello sanrio featuring exclusive apparel & collectibles shipped directly to fans in a ‘small gift’ gift box. Available now at lootcrate.com; orders must be placed by November 30 to arrive before Christmas.

McDonald’s – the hello sanrio Happy Meal promotion launches at participating McDonald’s locations in the U.S. and Canada on November 22 and will run through December 19 or while supplies last. The collection includes 8 different hello sanrio characters each with their very own themed environment.
Lakai Footwear – long known for their footwear designed for skaters of all ages, Lakai has created a collection of lace-up men’s skate shoes and apparel. Available at Zumiez stores starting November 18; as well as at sanrio.com and select Sanrio stores in early December.

Girl Skateboards – the Torrance-based skate brand has designed a series of four collectible hello sanrio skate decks, tees and hoodies. Available at Zumiez stores starting November 18; and at sanrio.com and select Sanrio stores in early December.

JapanLA – the pop-culture retailer has designed a capsule collection of contemporary sportswear including a superchic bomber jacket, sweaters and leggings. Available at the JapanLA store on Melrose Ave. in Los Angeles; as well as at sanrio.com and select Sanrio stores.


Jujube – a limited edition offering of signature Jujube bags is the perfect addition to the Jujube for Sanrio collection; designed to be the chicest set of diaper bags around. Available at ju-ju-be.com.

Loungefly – this offering includes some of the cutest accessories including bags in multiple shapes & sizes, wallets and coin bags. Available at sanrio.com and select Sanrio stores in early December.

BoxLunch Events:
Starting December 10, hello sanrio will make its debut at BoxLunch retail stores throughout the U.S. The specialty store features a curated collection of pop culture-themed apparel, accessories, home & gift items and will carry select items within the hello sanrio collection. To celebrate the launch, Sanrio & BoxLunch will host an in-store event at the Powell Street pop-up store in San Francisco, on Friday, December 9 and Saturday, December 10. The event will include a first look at the ‘kawaii’ collection, as well as photo opps with a Sanrio character. A designer from Sanrio’s Tokyo headquarters will also be on site to hand draw personalized character artwork for customers with purchases over $150. A second in-store event will take place on Saturday, December 17, at BoxLunch at Irvine Spectrum Center, in Irvine, CA.

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'BATMAN - The Telltale Series' Episode 4: Guardian of Gotham Trailer!


All-new launch trailer and the release date for BATMAN - The Telltale Series Episode 4: 'Guardian of Gotham'.

The fourth of five episodes in the season, Episode 4: 'Guardian of Gotham' will be available digitally worldwide starting Tuesday November 22nd on PC from the Telltale Online Store, Steam, and other digital distribution services, on the Xbox Games Store for Xbox One® and Xbox 360®, and on the PlayStation®Network for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3. The episode will be available the same day for compatible iOS devices via the App Store, and for compatible Android-based devices via Google Play.

Special note for Episode 4: Players will leave this episode in very different places depending on where they choose to go in the third act, and this will greatly affect their story rolling into the season finale as well.


In Episode 4, Penguin has taken control of Wayne Enterprises, and the Elizabeth Arkham Asylum for the Criminally Insane has a new guest - you - Bruce Wayne. With the Batman removed from the streets of Gotham City, Harvey Dent's forces and the Children of Arkham are at war, with innocent citizens caught in the crossfire. To escape the 'comforts' of your padded cell, you must choose allies to aid in your escape, even if they aren't the sort to put a smile on your face. How far are you willing to go for justice? For vengeance? What now, Dark Knight?
The series is also available to purchase at retailers in North America and Europe as a special Season Pass Disc, which includes the first of five episodes in the season, and grants access to the subsequent four episodes as they become available for download via online updates.

Rendered to look like a living, breathing comic book, Telltale's vision of Batman features an award-winning cast of talent, including Troy Baker in the role of Bruce Wayne,Travis Willingham as Harvey Dent, Erin Yvette as Vicki Vale, Enn Reitel as Alfred Pennyworth, Murphy Guyer as Lieutenant James Gordon, Richard McGonagle as Carmine Falcone, Jason Spisak as Oswald Cobblepot, Dave Fennoy as Lucius Fox, Anthony Ingruber as John Doe, andLaura Bailey as Selina Kyle.

BATMAN - The Telltale Series Episode 4: Guardian of Gotham is rated M (Mature) for Violence, Blood and Gore, Language, and Use of Drugs by the ESRB. Future content in the season is yet to be rated by the ESRB. The series is published by Telltale Games in partnership with Warner Bros.

For more information on Telltale Games, and more news surrounding the series, visit the official website, Facebook, and follow Telltale Games on Twitter @TelltaleGames.

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NHN’s GUARDIAN HUNTER: SUPER BRAWL RPG Adds Valiant’s Characters



NHN’s GUARDIAN HUNTER: SUPER BRAWL RPG Adds Valiant’s X-O Manowar, Shadowman, and Eternal Warrior – Available Now on iOS and Android!


Award-winning comic book publisher Valiant Entertainment is proud to announce a new partnership with game developer and publisher NHN Entertainment to introduce three of Valiant’s most iconic heroes – X-O Manowar, Shadowman, and the Eternal Warrior – as fully playable new additions to GUARDIAN HUNTER: SUPER BRAWL RPG, the massively popular 3-D RPG for iOS and Android with millions of users worldwide!

The action begins today as the alien-armored hero called X-O Manowar becomes the first comic book powerhouse to battle through the mystic realm of Bellia! Gather your allies and fight against the thousands of monsters with X-O Manowar’s signature lightning sword and “Sonic Boom” ability! With Valiant’s X-O Manowar on your side, you’ll stand a better chance than ever at leveling your Hunter and fighting against the Invaders from the Underworld to achieve peace in Bellia!

Then, in the wake of X-O Manowar’s sword-wielding debut, look for new Valiant characters to be added to the best-selling GUARDIAN HUNTER: SUPER BRAWL RPG throughout November! Next week, the supernatural guardian known as Shadowman strikes with his patented “Deadside Unleashed” ability on Thursday, November 17th! Then, Earth’s immortal Fist and Steel crashes into Bellia when the Eternal Warrior joins the fight with his “Pistols at Dawn” ability on Thursday, November 25th!

“NHN have done a phenomenal job bringing three of Valiant’s most enduring and beloved characters into three dimensions with beautiful graphics and action-packed gameplay,” said Russell A. Brown, Valiant’s President of Consumer Products, Promotions & Ad Sales. “X-O Manowar and Shadowman have a long history in gaming, and GUARDIAN HUNTER: SUPER BRAWL RPG is a fantastic collaboration that is capturing Valiant’s characters in a way that they’ve never been seen before and delivering them to a passionate new audience.”

Fight new enemies, summon charming new Guardians, and turn your hero into a super-powerful knight, mage, or archer as you explore the realm of Bellia in the awesome and improved GUARDIAN HUNTER: SUPER BRAWL RPG for iOS and Android – now featuring Valiant’s legendary comic book heroes: X-O Manowar, Shadowman, and the Eternal Warrior!


X-O MANOWAR
Born into battle, Aric of Dacia – heir to the throne of the Visigoth Empire – never knew peace. Raised under the oppressive thumb of the Roman Empire in fifth-century Europe, Aric’s entire existence was spent fighting a never-ending insurgency against history’s most brutal empire…until a far more terrifying enemy revealed itself and changed his destiny forever. Abducted by a brutal race of extraterrestrials known as the Vine, Aric was forced into slavery on an alien world. Torn from his family, his people and his nation, he spent years plotting his escape…until the day came that he was able to seize a weapon of incalculable destruction – a sentient suit of alien armor – and become X-O Manowar!



SHADOWMAN
There are a million dreams in the Big Easy. But now its worst nightmare is about to come true. As the forces of darkness prepare to claim New Orleans as their own, Jack Boniface must embrace the legacy he was born to uphold. As Shadowman, Jack is about to become the only thing that stands between his city and an army of unspeakable monstrosities from beyond the night. But is the mantle of Shadowman a blessing or a curse? And what is the true cost of his otherworldly power?




ETERNAL WARRIOR
Across ten millennia and a thousand battlefields, Gilad Anni-Padda has shaped history at the end of his sword. He’s razed empires, toppled civilizations, and broken armies as an immortal soldier in service to the Earth. A master of countless weapons and long forgotten martial arts, no one in the Valiant Universe is more dangerous or more experienced in the art of war than the unrelenting Eternal Warrior.

Download GUARDIAN HUNTER: SUPER BRAWL RPG now for iOS and Android and watch in awe as Valiant’s own X-O Manowar charges into a three-dimensional roleplaying battle like no other!

For more information, visit Valiant on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, and ValiantUniverse.com.

For Valiant merchandise and more, visit ValiantStore.com

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OFFICER DOWNE CAN’T BE KEPT DOWN


A new trade paperback edition, bursting with extras, coming this January


Powerhouse creative team Joe Casey (SEX, Butcher Baker) and Chris Burnham (NAMELESS, Batman, Inc.) will release a new edition of their hardcore, hard-hitting, crime-fighting series OFFICER DOWNE from Image Comics and Man of Action Entertainment this January.

Terrence Downe is the committed LA cop who’ll keep coming back for more...even from beyond the grave. Experience the Badass with a Badge like never before, with all-new bonus features for this edition, including the complete screenplay of the feature film and an insane amount of on-set/behind-the-scenes photos, giving you an inside glimpse of the making of the film—in theaters and on video-on-demand November 18th!

"We always knew that we could unleash another edition of Officer Downe onto the unsuspecting masses,” said Casey. “It was just a question of when. Now that the film is about to be unleashed, this was the perfect opportunity. For those who've never read this twisted tale of mayhem and madness and law enforcement, get ready for the ride of your miserable lives. For any longtime Downe fans out there, it's never enough, is it?"

“Joe and I set out to make the most violent comic of all time, and six years later, I think our record still holds,” said Burnham. “Do NOT strap yourselves in, 'cuz the only way off this ride is straight through the windshield!”

OFFICER DOWNE TP (ISBN: 978-1-5343-0119-1) hits comic book stores Wednesday, January 18th and bookstores Tuesday, January 24th. It can be ordered for preorder on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Indiebound, and Indigo.

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Friday, November 18, 2016

Valiant’s Stalinverse Curses DIVINITY III: SHADOWMAN AND THE BATTLE OF NEW STALINGRAD #1 – Coming in February!


This winter, freedom fights from the shadows…

Valiant is proud to announce DIVINITY III: SHADOWMAN & THE BATTLE OF NEW STALINGRAD #1 – an essential standalone tale from the Stalinverse from rising star Scott Bryan Wilson (Batman Annual) and Valiant-exclusive superstar Robert Gill (BOOK OF DEATH)!

The year is 2017…and, in the Communist-occupied streets of New York City, oppression and violence lurk in every shadow. But when the global Soviet Union targets the Statue of Liberty for destruction, there will be Hell to pay...and Jack Boniface has come to collect. As Shadowman, Jack will resurrect the sacred power of his people…and raise an army of the dead to meet the Russians where they stand. But even Shadowman’s revenant freedom force will find something to fear when the brutal Komandar Bloodshot and unstoppable Aric, Son of the Revolution arrive to crush liberty’s last sparks of life...and put down the dead forever!

“This is the story of New York City actively resisting the Soviets... In the opening pages of the issue, the Soviets make a huge symbolic gesture that Shadowman and the rest of the population of New York don’t take too kindly to, which is what kicks the story off,” writer Scott Bryan Wilson told Multiversity Comics. “It’s here where we explore some of Shadowman’s backstory in the Stalinverse, including what got him out of New Orleans and what got him in New York.”

To save the devastated and oppressed island of New York, Jack Boniface might just have to annihilate it first – by leading an army of Deadside-spawned monstrosities onto the streets to fight the Soviets’ super-powered shock troops wherever they stand. But freedom fighters like the one they call Shadowman seldom get the happy ending they deserve…

On February 8th, darkness falls over America’s last bastion of freedom! Out of the shadows, a new kind of hero will rise as Scott Bryan Wilson and Robert Gill summon the Deadside in DIVINITY III: SHADOWMAN & THE BATTLE OF NEW STALINGRAD #1 – featuring covers from Clayton Crain(4001 A.D.), Marco Rudy (Uncanny X-Men), Diego Bernard (NINJAK), Trevor Hairsine (DIVINITY II) and Kano (Daredevil)!

But first: It all begins on December 21st as the Iron Curtain rises over a once-free world in DIVINITY III: STALINVERSE #1 (of 4) – the FIRST ISSUE of the winter’s major comics event from the visionary creative team of New York Times best-selling writer Matt Kindt (4001 A.D.), blockbuster artist Trevor Hairsine (X-Men: Deadly Genesis), Harvey Award-nominated inker Ryan Winn (X-O MANOWAR) and master colorist David Baron (BLOODSHOT REBORN, Planetary)!

At the height of the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union were racing to the stars. But, while America was aiming for the moon, Russia had its eyes on the cosmos. In secret, they launched a three-man mission into the far reaches of space. In the depths, they discovered something Unknown. Something that…changed them. Imbued with god-like powers, the long-lost cosmonauts returned home…only to discover that their old ideology, communism, lost the war to western capitalism in the decades since their journey first began. But now they have the power to change it all…

Earth has a new god. The world you know is gone. Welcome to the Stalinverse, comrade.

Then: The Stalinverse’s subversive spread continues with the first of four essential one-shots torn directly from the pages of DIVINITY III: STALINVERSE #1 (of 4) on December 28th as New York Times best-selling writer Jeff Lemire (BLOODSHOT REBORN, Death of X) and superstar artist Clayton Crain (4001 A.D.) re-assign the KGB’s deadliest covert operative from Mother Russia to the mountains of Colorado in DIVINITY III: KOMANDAR BLOODSHOT #1!

Next, on January 18th, join the cause of Soviet righteousness as Valiant’s leading legend – the unstoppable X-O Manowar – becomes the supreme fighting force of the CCCP in DIVINITY III: ARIC, SON OF THE REVOLUTION #1 from acclaimed writer Joe Harris (Snowfall, The X-Files: Season 10) and Valiant-exclusive superstar David Lafuente (Ultimate Spider-Man)!

Look for more top-secret DIVINITY III one-shots detailing the redacted history of the Soviet Union’s most notorious patriots, agitators, and outcasts as the Stalinverse rewrites the Valiant Universe all winter long!

For more information, visit Valiant on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, and ValiantUniverse.com.

For Valiant merchandise and more, visit ValiantStore.com

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Survey Shows Parents Don’t Have Enough Time to Play with Their Kids


Mario Party Star Rush for Nintendo 3DS Can Help, With Instant, Fast-Paced Multiplayer Fun for Everyone

Trying to balance work and home life can be difficult, and many parents say they don’t have enough time to spend with their kids. According to a survey conducted by Wakefield Research for Nintendo*, parents tell their children they are too busy to play with them an average of eight times a week, with almost half of parents (48 percent) saying they spend more time commuting to work than playing with their kids. But simple things like playing a quick video game as a family, which tops the list of activities that kids enjoy most (33 percent), can be easy and fun.

“Between busy school and work lives, quality family time is becoming more and more limited,” said Meredith Sinclair, a lifestyle expert in play and family time. “What’s so great about Mario Party Star Rush is its ability to bring families together to play something that everyone will enjoy. Families will be making an effort to schedule more game nights and to find time to play together.”Now families can play as iconic characters like Mario, Luigi and Peach in Mario Party Star Rush, a fast-paced, portable multiplayer game that is now available for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems. Mario Party Star Rushoffers something for everyone and can be played for as long or as little as families have time for. The engaging and colorful game launched on the same day as seven new amiibo figures in the Super Mario series, which are sold separately and can be used to expand the fun.

More than half of parents (52 percent) frequently avoid playing family games because it’s too stressful to find one game that everyone wants to play. Other challenges include kids getting too bored (36 percent) or arguing whose turn it is (31 percent). All of these pitfalls can potentially be avoided when playing Mario Party Star Rush. In Mario Party Star Rush, players take turns simultaneously, blazing through mini-games, roaming game boards, rolling dice and teaming up with Mario, Peach and other fan-favorite characters to face down bosses. There’s no time to be bored! Mario Party Star Rush is packed with seven different fun modes, so everyone, regardless of their gaming skills and interests, will have a blast.

Kids and their parents who have fond memories of Nintendo characters will love the new Super Mario series amiibo figures that launched on the same day as the game and are sold separately. These figures include the debut of Daisy, Waluigi and Boo (who actually glows in the dark!), as well as new poses for Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Rosalina and Wario. By tapping a compatible amiibo to the New Nintendo 3DS XL system (or to a Nintendo 2DS, Nintendo 3DS or Nintendo 3DS XL system using the Nintendo 3DS NFC Reader/Writer accessory), players can gain teammates, gain items or enjoy other features while playing in different modes.

When only one person owns that game, up to three other players can connect to try out a limited number of multiplayer modes. Additionally, anyone who doesn’t yet own the game can download the free Mario Party Star Rush – Party Guest Edition software available exclusively in Nintendo eShop. Up to three players can then connect with a player that owns the full game so all four players can participate in the full multiplayer experience together. That makes playing together as a family easier than ever!

Mario Party Star Rush is now available in stores, in Nintendo eShop and on Nintendo’s online holiday gift guide at a suggested retail price of $39.99. The new Super Mario amiibo figures are also available in stores at a suggested retail price of $12.99 each.

For more information about Mario Party Star Rush, visit http://marioparty.nintendo.com/. For more survey results covering family dynamics relating to video games, travel and free time, among others, please contact Michelle Mandara at 212-373-6051 or mmandara@golin.com.

Remember that Nintendo 3DS features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about other features, visit http://www.nintendo.com/3ds.

*The survey was conducted by Wakefield Research among 1,000 U.S. parents of children ages 4-12, between Oct. 21 and Oct. 25, using an email invitation and an online survey. The margin of error is +/- 3.1.

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