I seriously doubt that anyone that can afford to buy Haganai luggage would A) be traveling and B) actually use it. People that buy this are more likely to put other Haganai merchandise inside of it than actually take it out in public. If you did take it to the airport I can guarantee your bag is getting checked by security. They're only $300 bucks or so each. Also is there some reason the youngest character on the show needed to be flashing her underwear? Gross. Source
Simpson Couch Gag Does MusicVille
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fG3VoX52nmk If you appreciate animation, then you will appreciate this opening. Great stuff and yet another reason why I don't need to watch the show and just the openings which are becoming mini-episodes.
From The Gutters: Episode 8 - Ming Doyle
Well the first season of From the Gutters is nearly wrapped with one more episode to go. But first Jamie sits down with Ming Doyle (Mara, Quantum and Woody) so check that out. Jamie also writes about his favorite comic work from each creator and you can check that out here. Part 1:
http://youtu.be/r9dh447cksM
Part 2:
http://youtu.be/hg8Bpdy_aUI
Xavier Fires Jubilee... Missed Oppurtunity
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mt7Jj05EaXk As I've stated I'm a fan of Pete Holmes and these X-Men firings have been pretty decent. Wolverine was great, Gambit not so much; but then Angel was funny again. Jubilee's firing should have been magical, hilarious and finally spoken the truth about how much the character sucks... instead it's a dubstep joke.
Teaser For Upcoming Fan Film "Attack on Railgun" Featuring Two Popular Animes!
I don't actually know what A Certain Scientific Railgun is, but I do know Attack on Titan whose English translation is still ass backwards. Apparently a Taiwanese video production workshop called Akira Workshop are combining the two properties for a fan film. For something that's basically being done on a budget of zero to negative money spent, it looks pretty good. Here's the teaser video, but the full thing will be out on Monday. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJtA5j4yIX8
Review: Adventure Time #22
Ryan North is closing in on his twenty-fifth issue milestone with this book. That may be why things have seemed to slow down the last couple months. This arc so far just doesn’t have the momentum of the ones prior. And I’m not trying to be negative; I really think that a lot of time and effort is going into the next arc. I think that this bubblegum monster has been fun to look at overall, but there is something missing. The huge bubblegum monster is taking over the minds of everyone in its path. Our heroes are still trying to escape from its clutches while trying to figure out a way to stop it. The only problem is that it moves too fast for any real defense to organized in time. Finn and Jake have finally made it to Princess Bubblegum and Marceline, but have they made it in time? No one seems to be on their side anymore. Their friends are all falling victim to the mind-controlling power of this seemingly unstoppable creature of monumental size.
Shelli Paroline and Braden Lamb are still doing a great job of keeping the characters consistent and keeping their likeness as close to the show as possible. There is one particular panel that really stands out this month, and it is on the last page. I almost feel like this page could have been an advertisement for this issue. It would have made me leave the house and pick it up. I’m not a big fan of the color pink, but the bubblegum really looks about as cool as a big pink blob can look in a fairly masculine book. Well, I think it’s masculine. I mean, two dudes running around on adventures, saving the day? Rescuing princesses? I could always use more of that myself.
As for the writing, I’m didn’t feel the uncontrollable urge to laugh at Finn and Jake’s dialogue. It just doesn’t seem that funny this time. I kind of get a sense of urgency that I’m not used to feeling. Obviously I love dramatic writing, but I just don’t think that it has as much use in this series.
With as much as this series has going for it, the lack of just one of these things can bring the entire book tumbling to the ground. And this issue is definitely missing something. I urge you to give it a read and get back to me. There is definitely a discussion here. As for my final opinion, it won’t be as positive as I was expecting it to be.
Score: 3/5
Writer: Ryan North Artists: Shelli Paroline and Braden Lamb Publisher: Boom Studios Price: $3.99 Release Date: 11/20/13
My Top Rack: Harley Quinn
When writing this article, I began to think back to my youth during a time when cigarette companies actually used to have full-page ads in magazines. One of those ads was for a cigarette geared for the ladies called Virginia Slims. Long story short, the catchphrase for Virginia Slims was… “You’ve come a long way baby!” That is as about a fitting a line to describe the lady who inspired this article. Today, I write this Top Rack article for the one and only, Dr. Harleen Frances Quinzel, M.D. Or maybe you know her by her other name, Harley Quinn. She’s a psycho. She’s a killer. She’s a psycho killer, and she has for the better part of her history been known as being the Joker’s girlfriend and partner in crime, which is a travesty, as she is so much more than that. In the early days of her introduction on the Batman Animated Series television show, this version of Harley Quinn made a cute sidekick to the madness and evil that was the Joker. She stayed to the side and left smart remarks and was more of an annoyance than anything, albeit a dangerous one. There was that voice. Oh what a voice, as strong as a Brooklyn accent as you could get. She was a mess, but something about that look, that voice and that character begged for more. She needed to evolve. Shoot, she needed to be in the actual comic series rather than the television show.
It would eventually happen and in 1994, just a couple of years after her introduction, Quinn would receive high praise for the “Mad Love” origin story issue. This would begin the rise to fame for one of my all-time favorite bad girls of the comics world. “Mad Love” won The Harvey and Eisner Awards for Best Single Issue Comic for that year.
Quinn eventually entered the DC comic universe in full force during the 90s and has had many ups and downs. She actually had a series for a brief period in the 00s where she broke from the Joker, died, rose, and turned herself in to Arkham Asylum in the end. She has partnered with some other baddies (notably Poison Ivy and Catwoman in the Gotham City Sirens series), and has always been around the periphery of super stardom, adding more and more valuable pieces to her character puzzle.
With the DC New 52, Quinn dropped the old school jester look for a much skimpier and formidable look. She entered the realm of “Evil Vixen” as a well as a truly formidable foe beginning an evolutionary process that has us where we are today. With the “Suicide Squad” title from DC, Quinn has left that sidekick and secondary character status truly coming into her own as not only a tough and powerful criminal, but as a straight up bad ass. She doesn’t play.
Harley Quinn has now been introduced to launch a new individual series that debuted on November 20, 2013 with issue #0. Just the build-up to the issue has had its share of “real world” controversy as groups protested DC’s contest to be the next artist by drawing Harley in several suicide poses. I think Quinn herself would not have been more pleased with herself for the trouble caused by the contest. A very nice touch, even though that probably wasn’t what the creators of the contest had in mind.
Well Ms. Quinn has gone full circle as the emphasis of Issue #0 involves Harley being drawn by several artists in which she interacts directly with them trying to pick which one will do her title. The issue is hilarious and light-hearted bringing a nice fresh infusion of life to the more dark tone that DC has been taking recently in many of its titles. This is how Ms. Q would like it and yes, she does deserve it. My heavy praise goes to Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti for creating such an idea for the story begin. And. My hats off to all the artists…Amanda Conner, Becky Cloonan, Tony S. Daniel, Sandu Florea, Stephanie Roux, Dan Panosian, Walter Simonson, Jim Lee, Scott Williams, Bruce Timm, Charlie Adlard, Adam Hughes, Art Baltazar, Tradd Moore, Dave Johnson, Jeremy Roberts, Sam Kieth, Darwyn Cooke, and Chad Hardin (Whew) for showing Ms. Q in about every artistic style as could be imagined. What a damn fun ride on a damn fine character. Oh yeah, Paul Mounts did a cover with Amanda Conner (Think that’s all of them). What an amazing tribute to a bad lady starting fresh in her new series. Can’t wait to see where it goes. Keep our girl fresh and funky.
Review: Tune – Vol. 2: Still Life
One of my biggest flubs of last year was forgetting to review the first volume of this series. It’s a book that has stuck in my mind since reading it and even more after finishing the second volume. If you’re unfamiliar with the story let me recap you some since I don’t have a review to direct you towards. Andy Go dropped out of art school to take on the world and found that the world is a harsh, harsh mistress. He didn’t land his dream job of being a professional illustrator, nor did he land any of his back up jobs. He instead ends up signing up to be an attraction at a zoo… in a parallel dimension. The first volume was brilliant as it set up Andy’s first day in the zoo, but since he didn’t believe it was real nor did he read his contract… he’s confused why aliens are watching him pee from a half recreated model of his parents’ house. The rest of the first volume sets up Andy’s life prior to the zoo and establishes his friends, family and Yumi… the girl he has a crush on.
The second volume brilliantly picks up with Andy finishing his wiz in the toilet. He zips his fly and runs back to his room only to discover that the wall is completely gone still and the aliens can still see him. He freaks out as he didn’t realize until just now what he’s gotten himself into. Unfortunately for Andy he’s still not grasping the entire picture. He hears the familiar voice of the woman the recruited him (later known to us as “Dash”) as she leans into his “habitat” from a window that he didn’t notice in the wall. She walks him through the basics of the habitat and when the feeding times are as she gives him breakfast. It’s a tray containing all of his favorites which he consumes in full gluttony mode. From there he gets accustomed to the “habitat” and even begins to put on a show for the crowd. He takes to one little boy that he works to impress rather than loose his attention to another exhibit.
Andy’s thoughts also drift back to Yumi. Before signing up for the zoo he had just discovered that she had mutual feelings for him. He decides that once the zoo closes that he’s going to find some way to call her and this one event ties largely into the fine print of Andy’s contract… that he didn’t read.
The story is fantastic. The zoo element is very interesting and obviously a bit humorous on its own. Sure on the outside never having to work again, being feed your favorite foods and being taken care of 24/7 seems great… but captivity is still captivity. Andy’s range of emotions and attitude as the story goes on is very relatable and believable. His burst of joy when thinking about Yumi, the anger he feels towards his predicament and his pride in being a human are all very real feeling.
I’ll admit that I saw where the plot was going in the last volume as you were probably supposed to, but I knew that the journey was going to be incredible. It didn’t let me down. This volume actually only covers a few days of Andy’s time in the zoo, but the pacing gives you the impression of him being there for a while. Again, its captivity and being locked in one area all day is sure to mess with your sense of time. The dialogue and plot progression was fantastic; I just wish that there was more to read in this volume.
Something that I noticed with both volumes was the page set-up. Very often a page will only have four panels and they rarely appear in the same layout. It’s as if they’re floating around the page. There’s something about this that gives the book a unique feel and structure. Especially with the black background and white specs representing stars; I don’t know if this is supposed to represent something in the story, but I hope that it does. If not it’s still very cool and a different layout for a comic/graphic novel.
Otherwise the art is incredible. How could it not be? It’s about an art student that drops out to become a famous illustrator so you know that the art will be good. One aspect I really enjoy is seeing Andy’s art inside of the story. It has the same basic style due to the story construction, but there are a lot of aspects that are different. It shows the talent and range of Les McClaine. McClaine is actually new to the series as writer/creator Derek Kirk Kim handled everything on the first volume. This definitely explains why the series was able to release the second volume so quickly. McClaine does a great job of mimicking Kim’s style, but after comparing the two volumes there are slight differences. I wouldn’t go as far as to say that one volume is better than the other, just that McClaine adds his own flair to the story and that it works without being distracting.
This is one of those ideas that you wish you had thought of. It’s simple in its premise, but then the execution makes it great. The story of a human in a zoo run by a parallel dimension has won me over. I’m very hopefully for a third volume next year. Hell I’d take a third volume tomorrow if I could, it’s that good. New pages are updated three times a week on First Seconds’ site if you’re interested. I know that I sing a lot of praises for First Seconds line of books, but let me assure you that they deserve your attention and money.
Score: 5/5
Writer: Derek Kirk Kim Artist: Les McClaine Publisher: First Second Books Price: $16.99 Release Date: 11/20/13
Review: Buzzkill #3 (of 4)
I’m just filling in for Adam this month for the review on this series, but damn did I get a good issue to fill in on. I was actually behind on this series so I had the pleasure of reading all three issues back-to-back. Though I thoroughly enjoyed this issue I almost wished that I had waited because it’s going to be a long month until that last issue. If you were wondering what all the hub-bub about this series was, let me tell you through the art of interpretive dance this review.
Our yet un-named hero Brutal Juice aka “Ruben” is going through the twelve-step program. His sponsor is a crazy ass Doctor Strange esque dude by the name of Doctor Blaqk. Our story picks up with “Ruben” as he’s apologizing to his former team-mates and admitting that he’s an addict. He finishes and Discharge raises his hand for a question. After a humorous interaction about why he’s not calling him Discharge; “Ruben” attempts to sit down in what was once his chair, but High Guard tells him he’s not allowed. An exchange of heated words erupts between the two men and results in High Guard slamming “Ruben” up against their space station glass. He tells him under his breath that he’s a coward just like his father. Hello red flag that raised, this is the first we’re hearing about “Ruben’s” dad. “Ruben’s” next trip is to his ex-girlfriend’s apartment to apologize, but he’s not happy about it. Here we learn “Ruben’s” real name and well… a lot is revealed or in my case my suspicions were confirmed.
To talk about over half of this issue would spoil so much of it for you, but it’s one of those issues you want to talk about with someone from beginning to end. Aside from the overall plot and concept being very good, there’s the humor. You’ll win me over quickly if you’re book can make me laugh and this book gave me more than one RFOL. When “Ruben’s” ex calls Doctor Blaqk “the bad guy from Aladdin” I let out the biggest snort. This story is funny in the way that life is just funny. The character interactions are very real and believable and that’s where the humor comes from. Otherwise this is a very human story. Sure it has a superhero element to it, but at its core it’s still a story about addiction and the sins of the father passed onto the son. I don’t think I’ll be laughing nearly as much with the last issue, but I’m okay with that because I think the character moments will be incredible.
The art is extremely stylized. Geoff Shaw doesn’t attempt to deliver a basic superhero style. It has elements, but he owns this genre. The close-ups on the character faces were probably one of my favorite things. The extra lines don’t feel extra, but rather Shaw’s way of shadowing without blackening the page needlessly. Each one of those lines were chosen and placed with purpose which highlights Shaw’s skills. His style was an absolute treat to discover for the first time and won me over as a fan.
I’ll be upfront when I say that usually when a story has anything to do with drinking or drugs I tune out quickly. There are very few stories about addiction that I find interesting since they only end one of two ways. This story surprised me and kept my attention while still making me care about “Ruben’s” addiction problems. I mean would you break your drinking or drug habit if it gave you super powers?
Score: 5/5
Writer: Donny Cates Artist: Geoff Shaw Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Price: $3.99 Release Date: 11/20/13
Review: Regular Show #6
Just a quick disclaimer before we get into the meat and potatoes. Mordecai and Rigby were not the main focus of the story this month. That right there made me a little uncertain from the beginning. That’s why I picked up this book in the first place; I love these guys. So here’s what I think of what Boom Studios decided to focus on this month. Thomas is left in charge when the rest of the park staff is spending a relaxing day at the beach. Doesn’t sound too terrible, right? The only problem is that Park Avenue decides to pay the park grounds a little visit now that he’s been released from jail. He still holds Benson responsible for ending up behind bars in the first place, so he decides to do a little redecorating. That can’t be good considering that Park Avenue is a giant spray-paint can. Will Thomas be able to fend off Park Avenue and his legion of street artists before Benson gets home?
Jeremy Lawson did the script and the illustrations for Regular Show this month. It reads and looks pretty good; he really does the characters justice. I still feel like I’m watching an episode of the show every time that I read an issue of this book.
I continue to enjoy this series, but I would like it better if it followed in the footsteps of a more classic series. Every issue is a one-shot. I wouldn’t mind a three or four issue arc from time to time. Or I think that the issues should be longer. I just feel like Boom has the ability to pack a little more content in these stories. I realize that the back-ups are always there (and they’re always funny), but I’m finding myself to be more interested in the main stories.
Score: 3/5
Writer/Artist: Jeremy Lawson Publisher: Boom Studios Price: $3.99 Release Date: 11/20/13
Trailer Time: Here's The Red-Band Metal Gear Solid 5 Trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NL4ZxDWLwpM#t=23 Damn. Metal Gear is a bit like GTA, you know that you like the series, but how different can they really make it? Yet each time the come back they surprise you. This shit looks good.
Thanks to Justin Wood for the news tip.
Here's Two Muppet Most Wanted Trailers
The first Muppets reboot movie was okay. It had plenty of problems, but at least it tried to keep the vibe of the old films while ushering the franchise into a new era. This looks like a step in the wrong direction, but that could just be me. I'll still see it because I love the Muppets, but I'm definitely less excited about it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FV5x6QMuYjg#t=99
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGEf7P_DXK4
Conan Takes Clueless Gamer To BlizzCon '13... To Play World of Warcraft
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdzE4ks3lHo Here's a little window inside of my world... today sucked. But when I say that there was a new Clueless Gamer, I knew that everything was going to be alright. Hilarious as usual.
Artistic! Chris Panda's X-Ray Series of Cartoon and Comic Characters
A lot of these look like something out of kids coloring book. Thick outlines, but great details that capture the core of the character, but then Chris Panda added their skeleton and made it a creepy anatomy lesson. A cool creepy anatomy lesson. Check it.
WTF: Batman Themed Hotel Room That Costs $50 Bucks... For Three Hours
Yeah... $50 bucks. I'm pretty sure this is one of them sexy hotel rooms which basically means you don't want to spend the night in this room because there is spunk all over the place. Also I know it looks kind of cool... no it doesn't. In fact it looks lazy. There's a mixture of Batman related things from different movie and eras, it's just a goddamn bat mess is what it is. I forgot to mention it's in Taiwan... just so the reason of the $50 dollars is a little clearer. Here's what it looks like!
Here's Another Doctor Who Minisode "The Last Day"
Trailer Time: New RoboCop Trailer Ruins The "Dead or Alive" Line From The Original
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JTS9BQUgJs#t=83 It's no secret that most of us around here are not excited or looking forward to this movie in any capacity, but so far the movie hasn't really offended me... until now. Listening to this new asshole say the "Dead or alive you're coming with me" line was terrible. It offended my ears and made me want to flip my desk. I think this might be the very last post about the new RoboCop you'll see on the site. R.I.P. Murphy, R.I.P.
Romance Novel Variant For Wonder Woman/Superman #3
Is this book out yet? I think I want to read it. Also how rare is it for a superhero couple to have on the same amount of clothing? And when you're in Space is it still considered morning wood? I know DC is against marriage (because none of theirs work out!), but what's their stance on babies... I bet their kid is ugly since they're both attractive. Okay just one more... what the fuck is up with Wonder Woman's legs?
Stop What You're Doing And Watch This Short Animation
The animation you're about to watch is kind of a flip book animation from a Japanese comedian named Tekken. It's to commemorate 140 years of the Shinano Mainichi Shimbun paper. There is no dialog, nor is there a translation, but there doesn't need to be. There are universal emotions on display in this short. It's very moving and some of you may even need a facial tissue handed towards the end. I have more to say, but I'm going to put it after the video so that you'll know what I'm talking about. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPDUZg9fFiA#t=109
Aside from the touching message of finding your own path in life, the actual tribute to the paper is awesome. In our modern age saving something like a newspaper seems ridiculous, but then when you consider how significant that really is and how it can map out a life-time of achievements it's actually incredible. It makes print relevant if for no other reason than it's like touching that moment in time once more. I hope you enjoyed the animation.
Can The X-Box One See Your Number One? Yup... That's A Dick Joke
I'm going to be honest... I'm not sure this is real so take it how you want. I will point out that whoever fact checked the video didn't update their X-Box One stats and gave old info about it needed to constantly be connected to the internet because we know how poorly that turned out for Microsoft. So the question remains... can the Kincet two see your number one? So here's the video and some dong jokes. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaOlUa57BWs
How's it hanging? To the right.
"You can see several details like Kareem's hoodie and that mini squash he's packing."
"In all his 3-D glory... I mean I wouldn't call that glory, but you've got it call it something, am I right guys? Guys?"
Also I hate to make fun of the guys name, but it looks like there's a little Kareem in his pants... that's terrible.
"I mean I don't even want to play video games unless you can see my dick, right Kareem?"