First Look: Heroes Reborn

Image Credit: NBC
 

Hey O&G fans, here is a look at the Heroes Reborn trailer.  The trailer features shots from around the world where the phrase "Where are the heroes?" on walls, flags, and other public places. Take a look:

In a desperate future, the world awaits its heroes. Don't miss the premiere of Heroes Reborn, Thursday, September 24 at 8/7c on NBC. " Subscribe for more!: http://bit.ly/HeroesRebornNBC " Heroes Reborn Premieres Thursday September 24 8/7c on NBC!

Heroes Reborn is scheduled to premiere on September 24 at 8 p.m. EST on NBC.
 

Artist Applause #1: William Miron Marinho

Welcome to our new monthly featured entitled Artist Applause. Artist Applause is where we interview and spotlight artist that do amazing works of art, whether it's fan art, original work, portraits, drawing, painting, etc. Our first round of applause goes to an artist all the way from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The artist this month is William Miron Marinho.

When I saw William's portfolio I knew that I wanted to feature him. His technique, style and his interpretation of your favorite superheroes is purely amazing. Check out our interview with William and look at his amazing work.

Otakus & Geeks: Let's start from the beginning. When did you fall in love with drawing, painting and overall the arts?

William Miron Marinho: That is a difficult question to answer, because honestly I don't remember when the love started. I believe that this has always been part of me and has grown and evolved with me.

Batman by William Miron Marinho

Otakus & Geeks: As an artist do you have any artist that you consider to be an inspiration to your drawings?

William Miron Marinho: I have several artist in fact that inspired me. Boris Vallejo, Alex Ross, Soft takara, Rafael Grampa. Each one influenced differently, both in the painting as well in drawing. There are so many talented artist it's hard to name just one.

Otakus & Geeks: You have drawn some great fan art of superheroes from Marvel and DC. Who is your favorite superhero to draw and why?

William Miron Marinho: I love to draw Batman, Magneto and Wolverine, but the one most special to me is the Spider-man because it's the comic that I read the most since I was a teenager.

Spider-Man by William Miron Marinho

 Otakus & Geeks: How long does it take you to complete an artwork?

William Miron Marinho: To draw a picture it usually takes me one hour when I'm using markers and ink. However, with paintings and all the precession, it may take me three weeks or more than a month. Depending the work maturation time.

Otakus & Geeks: How do you decide what style you will do for an art piece? How do you know whether it will be a drawing, painting etc?

William Miron Marinho: The choice of technique varies depending on the atmosphere I want to create or message I would like to convey. For example, in my Iron Man illustration I wanted a bright costume so I used Ecoline that would give me a bright and strong colors of metal. As in the case of "Peruvian India" I painted, I found the most suitable monochromatic style and more sober colors.

 Otakus & Geeks: Your website http://wmironportifolio.blogspot.com.br/ has a very impressive portfolio. Which artwork was the most challenging to complete?

 William Miron Marinho: Maybe it was "Diana, goddess of the hunt" it was painted in three planes and used three different sketch to give a sense of depth, also had to take the precession of the painting that required many details and time.

 Otakus & Geeks: Do you have a favorite piece that you have done?

 William Miron Marinho: One that I like is the " X23 " made n watercolor, not only because it was a comic book I read several times but also because it was a work exhibited and commented on by the public also a former teacher used as a reference in his classes.

X-23 by William Miron Marinho

Otakus & Geeks: How can people reach you if they would like to follow you on Social Media or have commission Inquiry?

William Miron Marinho: People can follow me by my tumblr ( https://www.tumblr.com/blog/willmiron ) or instagram ( https://instagram.com/mironw2m/ ) are my accounts that I  personally take care and I go check them three times a week.

Otakus & Geeks: Finally is there any new work that you are currently working on?

William Miron Marinho: In addition to continuing doing illustrations, I am developing research for a future animation on Brazilian legends.

Interview with Annie Golden

 We had a chat with actress Annie Golden who plays Norma Romano on Orange is the New Black. Annie talks about her acting beginnings, Orange is the New Black and more. Season 3 of Orange is the New Black is now available on Netflix.

1. Let's start all the way from the beginning. When did you fall in love the art of acting and can you remember your first acting gig?

Do I remember my first acting gig? I certainly do! I was discovered fronting a band playing at CBGB's by Academy Award winning Director, Milos Forman, who as a girl I had watched from my living room Win his Oscar for ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST on my family's TV! Milos cast me as Jeannie in his film version of The American Tribal Rock Musical HAIR! I sang those songs I danced for Twyla Tharp, choreographer... It was a thrilling opportunity and I learned sooo much! I owe Milos Forman my livelihood today... That was 1978 and I am delighted to know that I am still crazy after all these years and enjoying every blessing bestowed upon me: Broadway, film, television, concerts, cabaret I am one lucky lady!

2. From the stage, television or big screen. As an actress which style do you find the most challenging stage, television or the movies?

Of all those emotional outlets and showcases for an actor which do I find the most challenging stage, television or film?

They are individually powerful unique and different mediums and require different skill sets: stage needs stamina the biggest acting job a Broadway musical actor does, is they make the performing look  "Easy" like anyone could pull it off and accomplish it! Film, however, is a slow, tedious, meticulous, "takes a village" collaboration so to keep focused and ever ready when the cameras roll to give a subtle, nuanced, profound performance it is a determination of another kind and Television although it seems like a cliché to say it but when you are on a long-running television show it is like a well-oiled machine: team work brings it into your living room every week! Like a family for sure!

3. You have a recurring role on the Netflix show Orange is the New Black. You play the character of Norma Romano. What attracted you the character who usually is a mute?

Nothing attracted me to Norma... She was a gift given to me by Jenji Kohan our brilliant ORANGE creator! I auditioned for Jen Euston as Sister Ingalls (Beth Fowler's role) Norma Romano was not listed in the breakdowns and there were no sides but not because the nature of Norma but because she was the brainchild of Jenji's inmate Romano was offered to me because she was the best kept secret of the pilot episode and the rest is ORANGE history.. Who knew I would learn special skills like shaving Red's legs, peeling and mashing potatoes, dying Red's roots all silently!

4. How did you land the role of Norma?

Award winning casting director, Jen Euston!

I had just come home from THE BLACK SUITS for Joe Iconis up at Barrington Stage and so because I was out of town for the summer I had nothing lined up and was so very available and hopeful to audition for a cable television series about women in prison (I don't do glamour as the fans may have noticed) the role of Norma Romano did not even have sides (for reasons that are now obvious) my character was never even listed on any breakdowns,

As I have said I went in for Sister Ingalls which ultimately went to the brilliant Beth Fowler!

5. One thing about Norma character is that she is very loyal. Especially to Red when it's shown they have been friends. How would you describe Norma's relationship with Red?

Well in our flashback meeting in the kitchen years before Healey introduces us and there was an immediate connection between these new inmates and in other remembrances it shows all that they have been thru together as friends, allies and protectors!

6. Is it more easier to act with a character that has dialogue or without it. We can imagine it might be harder without dialogue?

To be silent in a world full of chatterboxes and overcrowded, cramped, community of captives is a challenge and a gift!

That I get to react to all that is happening around me, these wonderful actresses to telegraph to our audience what they should be feeling about the outcome or the consequences of what may be unfolding with our women...is a sacred trust and a big responsibility that I am honored to have thanks to the writers and the one whose brainchild Norma Romano is: Jenji Kohan...

7. Season 3 premieres on June 12th on Netflix. What can you tell us about this season?

Absolutely nothing! If I did I'd have to kill you and then I would never get out of Litchfield!

8. Will we get more flashbacks or a backstory on Norma's character and find out why she is in prison?

The brilliant way Jenji and the other writers have structured the flashbacks is extremely clever and quite genius from a suspenseful point of view: They tell you an inmates' and even the authority gate keeping figures' history with details about their past but not necessarily answering specific questions about why they landed were we find them! Terrific!

 9. As a veteran actor who has done theater, television and film. The landscapes of the way we get entertainment is changing. Netflix being the perfect of example of not needing a TV Network or Cable Network to host shows. Where do you see the future of television?

I cannot say but in my lifetime I have heard that movie studios were threatened by television being in peoples' homes and so now I never would have imagined that token booths and telephone booths would disappear from our urban landscape...but they have...so look out ABC, NBC, CBS...we are coming for you, yo!

10. What other projects are you working on and where and when can fans see it? Also any acting advice for those students trying to break in?

I did a day on a Molly Shannon movie called, MILES, and I am working on updating my cabaret act: VELVET PRISON II (no hope of parole) which 54 Below is very interested in booking..I have done it at Joe's Puband also ARS NOVA...so the title of the cabaret is a song I wrote way before I got Norma Romano, yo! serendipitous?

I have been workshopping a new musical written for me by

Joe Iconis called ANNIE GOLDEN, BOUNTY HUNTER, YO! and just last night when I sat in with castmates Jackie Cruz and Taryn Manning promoting Season Three and fundraising for Women's Prison Association and promoting

Pensatucky and Flaca's CD releases...a fan asked when is YOUR album coming out, Norma! supply and demand, yo!

If I record it...will anyone buy it? listen to it?

Annie Golden and Myself 

Justin vs Justin Episode 3: TMNT In Time Re-Shelled

In episode 3 of Justin vs Justin. Justin Mendez is in the lead of the series with 2- 1. This time the Justin's do a time jump with Turtles in Time Re-Shelled. The winner with the most lives and most points after the first two levels win. Can Justin W make a comeback and even up the series?

Five Things We Want to See From Final Fantasy VII Remake

Yesterday on June 16th 2015 at Sony's E3 press conference. Sony revealed that Final Fantasy VII remake will be happening. A trailer was shown and the gaming community went nuts. Now that it's finally happening its time for me to list things we here at O & G want to see.

1. Crisis Core & Advent Children: While Final Fantasy VII is an epic story in its self. The prequel and sequel are both worthy to be included in this remake release. I would like to see the remake, start off from Crisis Core to show where Cloud beginnings began. Since Cloud is the protagonist it will be great for newcomers to see how he became the Cloud we know from Final Fantasy VII. Crisis Core also gives great backstory on Aerith, Zack, Sephiroth and introduced a Final Fantasy baddie Genesis. Crisis Core is an important to the Final Fantasy VII lore because it shows the rise of Shrina, the fall of Sephiroth and the story of the Buster Sword.

Also adding the Advent Children movie with it will make the full story feel complete. Advent Children shows how Cloud deals with the events after Final Fantasy VII and Crisis Core. It ties up loose ends and gives closure for the character. I would love to have the movie playable in the remake. However if the film is just included with the game I will be satisfied.

2.  Full Orchestrated Soundtrack: I know this is most likely will happen. However I want this game to be fully orchestrated by the Distant Worlds team. Final Fantasy is known for three things, story, gameplay and music by Nobuo Uematsu. A cinematic soundtrack will not only add to the tone of the game, but really bring players into that world.

3. Crisis Core Gameplay and Original Gameplay: I don't think Square Enix will have the turned based gameplay for the remake. I would like to see the gameplay style of Final Fantasy VII Crisis Core implemented for the remake. While I love the original gameplay. I think a more action rpg approach like Crisis Core would do the remake justice. Square Enix should give us the option for those who like the new way of playing Final Fantasy games and the old style for purist. 

4. Full Voice Acting Cast: Final Fantasy VII  is beloved by many people. As much as I enjoyed the cast of Advent Children. I think it's time for a recast. I would like to voice actors like Troy Baker, Matt Mercer, Laura Bailey and many more in the roles for the remake.

5. Dirge of Cerberus DLC: While the game had its problems it's still part of the Final Fantasy VII lore. After Advent Children Final Fantasy VII character Vincent had his own story. The game explored greatly on Vincent character and reintroduced Genesis. The gameplay should be revamp to reflect today's modern day shooters. This will be a nice 20 bucks DLC for those who want the complete Final Fantasy VII experience.

What would you like to see in Final Fantasy VII remake? Leave a comment below.

Wrestlefest Episode 3: Takeover

In this episode of Wrestlefest Justin and Justin talk about the latest NXT Pay Per View, whether the Intercontinental Champisonship is even relevant.  Chyna twerking and Sunny might do porn. 

V-MODA Crossfade M-100 Review

Today I will be reviewing the V-MODA Crossfade M-100 over ear noise isolating metal headphones. Plus the boom pro gaming Headset attachment, which basically turns your normal pair of any V-MODA headphones (or any headphones that the attachment can fit on) into a gaming headset. So let's get into it.

When talking about any pair of headphones the most important part is the audio quality. Which is nothing short of amazing when it comes to the V-MODA M-100. The base is super punchy and on the loud side a good bit louder than the midrange and treble, which usually is not what I look for in headphones but V-MODA pulled it off. These headphones are made to complement the music that's popular today, so if you into Hip-Hop, R&B, Rock, Techno, House and especially Dubstep right off the back these are the headphones for you. Basically these headphones are for any music that has a real large emphasis on base and nowadays days that's everything. While not going to far off and ending up like various musicians supported headphones that are just base and nothing else. I feel like even your hardcore audiophile can enjoy these for what they are.

When talking about the Crossfade M-100 you have to talk about the design and tech that went into making these. They are pushing 50mm drivers which are the biggest drivers I have personally used and built like a tank. All the housing, the band and hinges are made of metal which is something you can't say about every pair of headphones. I think it's safe to say that these are really well-built pair of headphones. Despite being large they're very compact and fold up very easily when trying to put away. Although these headphones are on the heavier side they sit on your head quite nicely and the cushioning for the ear pads are the right mixture of soft but firm. On the design side I only have two minor complaints. First is that these headphones do you sit quite snug on your head maybe a bit too snug which I only really noticed while wearing for extended periods of time. The other thing is because these headphones are made of metal I noticed some of the screws and edges are kind of sharp, but as far as complaints go that's it. The last notable thing design wise on these headphones is the removable wire which you can also plug into either left or right ear, which brings us to the next topic accessories.

The V-MODA comes with a fair amount of accessories which include, a quarter inch adapter, a hard shell carrying case, a 1-button speak easy Mic cable and a shareplay cable. It allows you to let somebody else listen to your music with you. However the cool thing about these wires is that they are a woven Kevlar reinforced cable. That basically means they are super durable and built to last. The same goes for the boom pro gaming accessory which is sold separately that turns any normal headphones with removable wires into a gaming headset. (so yes that's beats and any other headphones of the sort) With a great quality mic, mute switch and volume adjuster if you are a gamer and you want to turn your expensive headphones into a headset I highly suggest you pick the V-mods Boom Pro gaming. That is all the accessories that I have with my V-MODA Crossfade M-100. 

Another thing you can avoid while talking about these headphones is the price. Priced at $300 they are pricey, yet still get a better bang for your buck compared to various other similarly priced headphones.

The V-MODA Crossfade M-100 are a sleek really well-built great sounding pair of headphones that if you have $300 to spend on a pair of headphones I highly suggest you take a look at these you won't regret it!

Altantic City Boardwalk Con Review

Altantic City Boardwalk Con took place on May 14 to May 17th at Altantic City Convention Center.  Overall the con had a good turn out for its first year, but did suffered a little bit from the common first con blues. 

Location: As stated above the con took place at the Altantic City Convention Center. This is actually a very nice spacious setting to hold the con. With three floors available a lot of halls like Hall D, B etc. I can see the con expanding to more floors and the entire convention center in the future. There is plenty of breathing room on the main floor, which I consider important for any con. Everything was separated greatly.

The autographed section was kept far from the vendors, panel sections. Artist alley and indie artist were all gracious to chat about their work. Vendors and booth were also setup nicely. I love how they had all featured cosplayers in one section. Miracole and Chris Burns were on hand as Rogue and Hawkeye (will catch you guys next time, sorry I missed ya.) Having all the featured cosplayers in one area made it convenient. It gets tiresome going booth to booth looking for your favorite cosplayers. Having them in one section was great and hope to see other cons follow suit.

The location is right in the heart of Atlantic City as well. After the con we had a great time to go sightseeing. The team visit various casinos such as Caesars Palace, Taj Mahal and more. We even enjoy a calm stroll on the boardwalk.

Hail Justin!

Guests: The con had a good billed such as The Flash cast, Stan Lee. Unfortunately first con blues struck and the stars had to cancel. However that didn't really hurt the con much. Stars like William Shatner, Adam West were still on deck. As any con it gets better with age and I see this being the con the be for our friends in New Jersey.

Showroom Floor: The showroom floor had a lot of cool things to see. Three things I found fantastic was the Batmobile display which was amazing. The Batmobile from major Batman live action adaptations were on hand. Adam West Batmobile, Batman Forever, The Tumbler and The Batpod. I truly wanted to drive the Batpod. More cars were on display as well as the Ecto 1 from Ghostbusters, signed by the GB Cast themselves.

Finally the suit display in the middle of the convention was great. I went full geek when I saw the Space Ghost suit on display. As a kid who stayed up late watching the original Space Ghost on Cartoon Network. I can appreciate the suit on display.

Final Words: Altantic City Boardwalk Con was pretty good for its first yea. Like any con it has some kinks to workout. Overall the staff had a blast, which you can see in our outtakes with 8Bit drum below. ACBC is off to great start, once it finds its niche it will be the definitive con in Jersey.