Heroes Season 3 review pt. 1 (episodes 1-7)

HEROES SEASON 3

Okay, I’m going to say this now…I love super heroes and comics. Well When Heroes first started I latched on because it was just like the comic Rising Stars (very closely, so closely I might’ve sued if I was the writer of the comic). It had normal people finding out they have abilities and the revelation that others out there had them too. That premise was so chock full of potential that I was in. The first season was good, it was new and thrilling. Then the second season came on and it took me forever to drudge through them on my DVR. The already slow pacing got even worse. Sylar was still alive and was riding around killing stupid characters here and there. I hated the new characters, they all kinda sucked…except Kristen Bell’s character. The season ended and I didn’t really care. I find that once Heroes is over I never think about it again, I watch it for the super powered stuff. I don’t watch it for the acting, because we all know that no one in that show is a exceptionally talented actor…it’s the reason why they were available to do a “experiemential” television serial. Well I banked about six episodes of Heroes and with the seventh coming on Monday, my oldest friend John(who had gotten into the show when it started to come out on DVD) and I(been there since the very first episode) watched a bunch of episodes back to back, with the Heroes fest ending with the new episode. I have to say, I rolled my eyes A LOT during the episodes. To me, Heroes has finally decided to go full soap opera. It feels like the only thing that seperates it from something like ‘Guiding Light’ is the quality of camera work. I’m also tired of Sylar, the fact that he’s still around is annoyning and kinda takes the drama out of any fight he’s involved in. Actually the entire show isn’t that thrilling anymore, since they fail to actually kill any of the main characters. Think about this… They “killed” Nathan twice, Peter seems to die every two episodes, Nikki buys the farm but there’s another girl out there that looks just like her(triplets anybody), and the H.R.G can’t stay gone. From a storytelling standpoint the fact that characters don’t stay dead kind of takes the wanted thrills from fights or whatever. Anytime Heroes goes to commercial with a character covered in blood there’s a good chance they’ll be right back.

CHARLES’ GRADE: C (for the season so far Episodes 1-7)

PROS: Hiro…

CONS:THE SHOW TURNING INTO THE SYLAR SHOW, THE WHOLE FAMILY SOAP OPERA CRAP, THE STRANGE OUT OF CHARACTER CHOICES

SPIDER-MAN: WEB OF SHADOWS review

The funny thing about this game was that I didn’t even know it was coming out. I remember the empty feeling I had when the awful Spider-Man: Friend or Foe came out, which was right after I was punched in the gut with the awful Spider-Man 3 movie and video game. I was soured on Spider-Man out of the comics(then Marvel kinda ruined him for me in the comics too) and didn’t want another video game or movie. Then a friend of mine(Joe) told me about a trailer for a new Spider-Man game. I remember watching it and not really being too excited, but I have to admit I did like the idea of joining sides with Captain America and Luke Cage and I got excited. Well I picked up the game last Saturday and popped it in. Well I have to say I didn’t make it too far into the game, because it’s not good. There’s some thing I just take for granted when I’m playing a Spider-Man game. I expect to be able to stick to walls with the touch of a button, countless times I found Spider-Man sliding down a wall instead of sticking to it. I also have to say I don’t like the purple/black suit. The story is pretty bland and the voice acting is akin to something from the SEGA CD days. The combat is okay, but for some reason I couldn’t grab bad guys with a string of web while in the red suit, only in the black. Then I had to have Luke Cage teach me how to fight…like Spider-Man. Really? Luke Cage, the guy who is invunerable is teaching me how to swing around and use my webs to fight bad guys. What in the world? I would have been able to accept Captain America teaching me some new moves, but not a guy who just punches things.

CHARLES’ GRADE: D

PROS: Graphics, fun swinging around the city

CONS: Crazy camera, shotty mundane Spidey abilities, using purple instead of black for the symbiote in the daylight, awful voice acting

WHAT I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO: Comics for 10/29/08

DC

FINAL CRISIS: RAGE OF THE RED LANTERNS

Written by Geoff Johns; Art and covers by Shane Davis and Sandra Hope

The prelude to “The Blackest Night” begins here! They come from a place of great anger and hatred. They are
the Red Lanterns and they will have their revenge against the greatest Green Lantern – Sinestro. That is, unless the Guardians have theirs first.
DC Universe | 40pg. | Color | $3.99 US

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #26

Written by Dwayne McDuffie; Art and Cover by Ed Benes

The JLA stands helpless against the power of Anansi, the African spider god who has warped their histories. Vixen makes her final stand, brokering a deal with the powerful villain. But will she be forced to sacrifice the JLA and Animal Man? Or does her last-ditch effort mean something far wor
DC Universe | 32pg. | Color | $2.99 US

THE LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #47

Written by Jim Shooter; Cover by Francis Manapul and Livesay; Art by Rick Leonardi and Dan Green

While war looms and a traitor plots against the Legion, Brainiac 5, whose dreams are haunted by the ghost of Dream Girl, seeks help from a spiritualist. It all leads to supernatural possession, savage action and…a marriage proposal! Introducing the marvelous Meander, mistress of the mysterious!
DC Universe | 32pg. | Color | $2.99 US

RANN/THANAGAR: HOLY WAR #6 (OF

Written by Jim Starlin; Art by Ron Lim, Jim Starlin and Rob Hunter; Cover by Jim Starlin and Rob Hunter

The opposing forces of Lady Styx and Synnar threaten to tear Rann apart as Styx’s fleet enters the planet’s airspace and Synnar establishes his basecamp on the surface. Is there anything that Adam Strange can do to stop the tides of war from engulfing his adopted home planet? Or is it too late for him and his galactic allies to win the day?
DC Universe | 32pg. | Color | $3.50 US

SUPERMAN #681

Written by James Robinson; Art by Renato Guedes and Jose Magalháes; Cover by Alex Ross; Variant cover by Bernard Chang

“New Krypton” Part 2! Picking up directly from SUPERMAN: NEW KRYPTON SPECIAL #1, 100,000 Kryptonians have descended on Earth. But their introduction to the world follows a bumpy road, and humans and Kryptonians alike are wary of one another. Meanwhile, Clark must say goodbye to a long-standing member of his supporting cast while the threat behind Atlas makes his next move against the Man of Steel!

Featuring the first third of a cover triptych by Alex Ross that will continue next month in SUPERGIRL and ACTION COMICS!

SUPERMAN/BATMAN #53

Written by Michael Green and Mike Johnson; Art by Rags Morales and John Dell; Cover by Kevin Nowlan

Superman’s powers leap into the body of The Dark Knight! Now Batman contains the incredible abilities of a Kryptonian while the Man of Steel stands powerless. How will they adjust physically and psychologically to these bizarre changes? Part 1 of the 4-part “Super/Bat,” featuring art by Rags Morales (IDENTITY CRISIS).
DC Universe | 32pg. | Color | $2.99 US

TEEN TITANS #64

Written by Sean McKeever; Art and cover by Eddy Barrows and Ruy Jose

The Teen Titans uncover the mystery and motivation behind Bombshell’s origin, and no one is more surprised at the answers than Bombshell herself! Meanwhile, Wonder Girl is confronted with the figure behind her recent misfortunes and discovers why family reunions can be absolute hell.
DC Universe | 32pg. | Color | $2.99 US

TRINITY #22

Written by Kurt Busiek and Fabian Nicieza; Art by Mark Bagley and Art Thibert, Scott McDaniel and Andy Owens, Mike Norton and Karl Kesel and Tom Derenick and Wayne Faucher

Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman no more! The heroic Trinity have met their fates at the hands of their villainous counterparts in the Troika. Now the Earth trembles helplessly in the hands of the villainous group while Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman’s accomplishments are being forgotten!
DC Universe | 32pg. | Color | $2.99 US

MARVEL

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN # 575

The Story: As the Mayoral election ramps up, gang activity is at an all time high…and Mr. Negative’s newest enforcer, HAMMERHEAD, works to bring all the gangs under one banner…or else. With some of the kids from Aunt May’s F.E.A.S.T. center caught in the crossfire, Spidey stands up to his old foe…but Hammerhead’s got some new tricks and even Spider-Man can’t stop him this time as Joe Kelly (Deadpool) and Chris Bachalo (Uncanny X-Men) bring you FAMILY TIES!
Rated A …$2.99

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN ANNUAL # 1

The Story: Finally! One of the biggest mysteries of BRAND NEW DAY is revealed!
Who is the mysterious Jackpot? For months, merry Marvelites have pondered this question? Who is she? What is her dark and mysterious secret? And how does Walter Declun (Wolverine: Civil War) play a part in it? We’re not telling, but Marc Guggenheim and Mike McKone are! Don’t miss it, Tiger!
Rated A …$3.99

MARVEL 1985 # 6

The Story: At last—the heroes are here! The biggest, most powerful Marvel Super Heroes throw down in final conflict against the cruelest, most evil Marvel Super-Villains, with the fate of the real world in their hands. For young Toby Goodman, will this be a chance to see his comic book dreams come true? Or will he arrive too late to save his father? And—who is Clyde Wyncham…and more importantly, who does he become, and what role will he come to play in the Marvel Universe of today? Answers arrive at last in the breathtaking conclusion to Mark Millar and Tommy Lee Edwards’ super hero epic!
Rated T+ …$3.99

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN ANNUAL # 3

The Story: The relationship between Peter Parker and Mary Jane is one of the most iconic and popular romances in all of comics — and in this very special issue by series writer Brian Michael Bendis (SECRET INVASION), and red-hot artist David Lafuente [HELLCAT], that relationship delves into an area never before seen in any Spider-Man comic! Destined to be one of the most controversial issues of the year!
Rated A …$3.99

AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE # 18

The Story: SECRET INVASION TIE-IN!
THE EXPLOSIVE FINALE STARTS HERE!
Now that the KILL KREW knows Skrullowjacket’s master plan, can they stop the TRUE purpose of the Fifty State Initiative? Plus: It’s THOR GIRL vs. ULTRA GIRL! One is more than she appears to be… and the other’s a Skrull. And, after fourteen issues, are we REALLY going to unmask MUTANT ZERO?!
Rated T+ …$2.99

CAPTAIN AMERICA THEATER OF WAR: OPERATION ZERO-POINT # 1
The Story: The first in a series of specials covering the length and breadth of the larger-than-life legend of Captain America, as told by the industry’s leading experts in the field! First up, it’s 1944, and wouldn’t you know it? Them sneaky Nazis have managed to crack the secrets of electro-magnetic physics…yeah, that’s right: apples may fall down in the free world, but schnitzels are falling up in the skies over a mysterious lab in a Polish forest, thanks to a little help from a nearby forced-labor camp. Sure, we could send in the Marines, but why bother when we’ve got Captain America?! But even Cap may be meeting his match against the lab’s sadistic cybernetic commandant. Because everyone knows, the only thing worse than a Nazi is a Robot Nazi!
Rated T+ …$3.99

NOVA # 18
The Story: A SECRET INVASION TIE-IN!
The Skrulls are assaulting Project Pegasus, and only Nova – and a roster of unexpected allies – stands in their way. But whatever happens, Richard Rider’s life will be changed forever! Human Rocket fans must not miss this essential issue, in which you’ll find out why Wizard says “Abnett and Lanning make space the final frontier of awesomeness!”
Rated T+ …$2.99

IMMORTAL IRON FIST # 19
The Story: Danny races to discover why all the previous Iron Fists except Orson Randall have died at age 33. But Danny’s just turned 33 himself, and a mysterious man with abilities too weird to fathom has shown up out of nowhere to kill him. So, yeah, that might have something to do with it. What killed every other Iron Fist, this one guy? Nah, couldn’t be. Unless…is this ultra-powerful man more than just a man? And how did the last Iron Fist, Orson Randall, dodge the inescapable fate that apparently killed all 65 of his predecessors? Don’t miss this blood-chilling chapter in the ever-growing mythos of THE IMMORTAL IRON FIST!
Rated T+ …$2.99

PICK OF THE WEEK: Comics for 10/22/08

PICK OF THE WEEK

SUPERMAN:NEW KRYPTON SPECIAL #1

This was kind of a no brainer. This special was so good, it destroyed everything else out this week. I’m on record loving the Geoff Johns ACTION COMICS, and not liking the first arc of James Robinson on SUPERMAN. But this issue makes up for that awful Atlas storyline. October is my birth month and it also seems to be the month that SUPERMAN has taken back his top spot in the DC comic book realm. This issue deals with the funeral for Pa Kent(loved the implied BATMAN cameo at the funeral). The stuff with Clark dealing with such a huge loss was done so well it got to me. The scene where Clark finds his fathers prized possession box killed me. Superman goes to the newly resized City of Kandor and he’s happy, but understandbly worried about having about ten thousand super powered Kryptonian citizens on Earth. I like the fact that Superman isn’t naive enough to think that Earth is just going to accept these new people with all the powers of SUPERMAN on earth. This book does what DC specials for big events usually do, make me froth at the mouth for more. The ending actually shocked me because of the effects it’s going to have on Superman and mostly Lois Lane.

CHARLES’ GRADE: A+

Pick of the week Runner-Up

FINAL CRISIS #4

This is what I want from a event, it feels epic. It feels like the actions characters make in this book are actually important. I loved the scene with Green Arrow, because since the big guns are out he’s the guy who’d step up and sacrifice himself. The Barry and Wally stuff was great. Now I’m too young to know much about Barry first hand, all the knowledge I have of Barry Allen is from the IMPULSE book and the Wally West FLASH books. I’m glad he’s back because he’s considered to be the best and most serious FLASH.

POO-POO of the week

SECRET INVASION #7

I never thought a giant fight issue could be boring, but I’ve been proven wrong. I don’t feel like there’s any real stakes in this story, and that’s what this story has been trying to do but it just doesn’t work. The Skrulls are lame, simple as that. I usually like Linel Yu’s work, but I’m starting to hate it. His sketchy style doesn’t really work when there’s so many people on panel, it gets out of hand. I couldn’t tell what was happening in a lot of panels. Just get it over with already, because it’s still dragging.

CHARLES’ GRADE:D

COVER OF THE WEEK

NICK AND NORAH INFINITE PLAYLIST review

So I finally got to see this movie. And it was worth the wait. I’m a big fan of weird romantic comedies; WHEN HARRY MET SALLY, 300 CIGARETTES, LOVE ACTUALLY. The one thing those movies have in common is either a great ensamble cast or for two of the three New York. When I saw the first trailer for this movie it was like a laundry list of my favorite young actors: Michael Cera, Kat Dennings, Aaron Yoo, John Choo, and Jay Baruchel. I was super excited, so sitting in the movie theater I was treated to a sweet romantic comedy. It’s the kids in this movie that draw you in. Now I’ve been a huge fan of Cera for a long time, but I am getting a little nervous about him getting typecasted in these type of roles. Even if that does happen, he’s perfect for these roles. Now Kat is a little bit different, I loved her in 40 YEAR OLD VIRGIN and hated CHARLIE BARTLET and didn’t even bother with HOUSE BUNNY. I know shes a good actress, but some of her choices leave something to be desired. This movie is all about them, if you don’t believe that they’d be into each other the fabric of the movie unravels. Good for the movie that you believe it as soon as they lay eyes on each other. The funny thing about this movie is that as soon as I left the movie I started to think about my high school and post high school years. Then I imagine what they would have been like in a entity like New York and I start to relive the adventures of Nick, Norah, and company.

CHARLES’ GRADE: A

PROS: GREAT YOUNG CAST, GREAT CHEMISTRY

CONS: THE BEGINNING ALMOST TEETERED ON THE OVERALLY LONG

He didn't like the beginning so much, but we got an 'A'

SNOW ANGELS review

I watched this movie mostly because of the writer-director, David Gordon Green. I knew he made this movie and with my new love for him after Pineapple Express, I watched it. Well it kinda ruined my weekend. This movie is pretty depressing at times and makes me wonder what Green was going through or thinking while making it. The movie is the usual depressing indie movie. The movie switches focus between Arthur(Michael Angarano) and Annie(Kate Beckinsale). Arthur is the usual nerd and the new girl, Lila(Olivia Thirlby)  obviously has a crush on him. Annie, who used to babysit Arthur, is trying to move on after a failed marriage to the creepingly unlucky Glenn(Sam Rockwell). Now the stuff with Arthur and Lila is great, I just wish the whole movie would have featured them more. Eventhough we follow Arthur a good bit, it seems the movie is building up to the breaking of Genn’s fragile state. Sam Rockwell is a great actor and he plays Glenn as a sad loser with perfect pitch. It’s when the ex-couple’s daughter dies where the movie totally gives in to the dark side. The performance Rockwell put into the psychotic break was very unnerving, mostly because the hurt his character was feeling came through quite clearly. This movie is good, but heartbreaking. I wish Green would have included a commentary on the dvd so that I could understand why he didn’t focus more on the blooming relationship between Arthur and Lila, in favor of the tragically unraveling of Annie and Glenn.

CHARLES’ GRADE: B

PROS: Great cast and performances

CONS: Very depressing, not a movie for multiple viewings

why couldn't I get more of this....

Instead of this

MGS4 to 360?

According to a Tokyo Game Show report from Japanese investment research firm Morningstar, Metal Gear Solid 4 may find its way to the Xbox 360 after all. Morningstar published a general article covering multiplatform trends that features a quote from a Konami public relations representative that should fuel rumors for months to come. The rep is quoted as saying, regarding MGS4, “We’re actively looking into a release for the Xbox 360.” While this isn’t a confirmation of it coming, it does lend hope to those Xbox 360 owners who haven’t plunked down money on a PS3.

However, this little quote doesn’t clear the major hurdle Metal Gear creator Hideo Kojima has listed for the title coming to Xbox 360. He has been quoted in several interviews saying a port was likely impossible due to the game being optimized for the PS3 hardware, specifically Blu-ray discs.

IGN has contacted Konami’s US representatives for a comment and is awaiting a response.

-ign.com

Akroyd says Atari publishing Ghostbusters Game

A few months ago, millions of nerds suffered the ultimate blow — Activision announced that it would not be publishing Ghostbusters, a title the company came to own after taking over Sierra. However, a ray of light has broken through the clouds this morning thanks to Ray Stantz.

Dan Aykroyd says Atari will be publishing Ghostbusters: The Video Game.

Apparently, Aykroyd lets the beans spill today during an appearance on Live 105.3 KLLI, a Dallas-based radio station. Although Aykroyd’s appearance on the station hasn’t been posted on the channel’s official Web site, reports of the conversation — in which Aykroyd said the game is a year away — are cropping up all over the Internet.

Terminal Reality, the developer behind the Ghostbusters game, offered IGN a no comment this afternoon, and a message with Atari was not immediately returned. When we have more information, this story will be updated, so be sure to check back.

-IGN.COM

DONNER SAYS TO GET GEOFF JOHNS FOR NEXT SUPERMAN FILM

“I’d like to see Geoff Johns take a crack at the Superman,” Richard Donner said yesterday in an interview with the Los Angeles Times’ Hero Complex. “I think he would be startling. Did you read his comics? There it is. It’s there on paper.”

Before becoming one of superhero comics’ most popular writers, Johns — who presently scripts the adventures of Superman in DC Comics’ “Action Comics” — began his career working for Richard Donner, himself one of the Man of Steel’s most defining authors, having directed 1978’s lauded “Superman: The Movie.” Johns would later team up with his former mentor to write several issues of “Action” (that have since been collected as “Superman: Last Son” and “Superman: Escape From Bizarro World”) and integrate much of Donner’s Superman film mythology into DC’s Superman line, including the iconic crystal-based Kryptonian aesthetics and the death of Superman’s adoptive father, Jonathan Kent, by heart attack. Additionally, “Action Comics” series artists Gary Frank and John Sibal depict Lois Lane and Superman with the likenesses of “Superman: The Movie” stars Margot Kidder and Christopher Reeve, respectively.

Although Donner enjoyed director Bryan Singer’s 2006 effort “Superman Returns” — itself a project heavily indebted to Donner’s Superman movie — the venerable filmmaker behind other classics like “Lethal Weapon” and “The Omen” is eager to see his protégé’s live-action take on the classic hero. “The studio hasn’t gone to [Geoff Johns] and said, ‘Give us a screenplay.’ That would be the smart thing to do,” Donner told Hero Complex’s Geoff Boucher. “But that’s show biz. Right? Show biz, that’s our life.”

Though a very far cry from the sort of project Donner has in mind, Johns has completed work on at least one Superman-related live-action project: the writer contributed to a forthcoming episode of The CW’s “Smallville” that will introduce a version of the Legion of Super-Heroes to television audiences.

-CBR.COM

"Hey Geoff? Could you write my movie, I'm feeling kinda vunerable."

"If they ask me, I'll be gentle."

MY TWO CENTS:

GEOFF JOHNS IS THE BEST WRITER IN MAINSTREAM COMICS AND HIS SUPERMAN HAS REVITALIZED THE CHARACTER SO IT’S A NO BRAINER. HELL THE GUY IS EXCLUSIVE TO DC COMICS(WHO’S OWNED BY THE SAME PEOPLE WHO OWN WARNER BROS.)

Final Countdown to Little Big Planet