Lenni Reviews: "Apex" by Aer-ki Jyr

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Humans have long since gone extinct and any remaining scrap of their civilization is heavily prized and ruthlessly hunted. Even the slightest scrap could change the course of a planet's role in the galaxy. So when courier for hire Jalia happens upon a group smuggling a very secret and very valuable bit of cargo, she's even willing to abandon her crew at a space station to take the job. But the cargo isn't just a bit of scrap and now every available ship and gun in the known galaxy is after her.

First off, this is a really cool space opera. I don't usually pick these up but when I do, I am rarely impressed and Aer-Ki Jyr impressed me. The levels of detail in the technology, weaponry, and abilities of each species are carefully thought out, fully described, and very interesting. The story stalls for those descriptions sometimes but it gets right back on track. I had vivid memories of the first time I saw Titan A.E., which is good and bad.

The good: It's just awesome. Aliens, spaceships, fun new technology, and space battles with intelligent, fun characters you enjoy interacting with. The book is tense, hilarious, heartwarming, and smart. I loved reading it.

The bad: I got a serious "Humans are the best evar!11!" vibe. Before going extinct, humans had the best tech, were self-healing, psychic super beings who could just fix all the things. Our only weakness seemed to be what ever cataclysm destroyed us. Granted this is thousands of years worth of inventions, evolution, and general progress to get there, but the fact we were just so darn perfect didn't sit that well. Nitpicky I know but it rubbed me the wrong way.

But this is not to say you shouldn't read it. If you like long space operas with cool aliens and battles, you'll love this book.

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Avengers : Age of Ultron Review

When Tony Stark tries to jumpstart a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and it is up to the Avengers to stop the villainous Ultron from enacting his terrible plans.

The most anticipated movie of the summer is finally here. The stakes couldn't be higher for the mighty Avengers. However while the stakes are raised higher, the feel of intensity is not there. Avengers: Age of Ultron is a filmed made well done, but taste medium rare. Does Age of Ultron live up to expectations? Yes it does. Does Joss Whedon deliver on the action, story and direction? Yes and no. 

As stated in the synopsis above. Tony Stark (Iron Man) has created a peacekeeping program, to ensure better protection of the planet. When the program becomes aware of its existence, it revolts and Ultron begins to plot his own plans for peace. However not without a price, which is human extinction.

Joss Whedon nails the overall story arc for the film. The film has the classic "Frankenstein" feel to it. The feeling of I have created a monster weighs heavy on Tony Stark. When this dynamic is front and center the film is amazing. The relationship between Ultron and Tony is a rocky one and explored in depth. Since Ultron is Tony's creation, his actions are a reflection of Tony's true feelings. What I love most is how the Avengers questions Tony's motives, especially Captain America. Who gave Tony the authority to take such an action? Why does he feel compelled to be the policeman of the world? This causes a rift in the relationship between Cap and Tony, which is a nice set up for Civil War.

If the movie kept this momentum I would have enjoyed it more. Unfortunately the film releases the tension in order to keep with the tone of the overall cinematic universe. What started as a great character arc for Stark gets toned down to focus on Black Widow's rushed, underdeveloped relationship with The Hulk. The love story would've been better if it had built up to it like how she flirted with Captain America in “Winter Solider.” Nothing was truly hinted in previous films that they would be together. This leaves the relationship coming off as random. It takes away from the high stakes established by Ultron. That feeling of intensity I had was lost when the film had to focus on individual story arcs. This is the biggest problem with Marvel Cinematic universe. It tends to focus on the later than the now, which makes the films feel like a setup than an actual complete story.  The film had to play the role of sequel and origin story for some characters such as The Vision, Black Widow, Ultron and Quicksilver. Whedon does the best he could, giving us a sequel for established characters, while balancing enough time for us to connect to the new ones. It was nice to learn more about Hawkeye who finally get his shine. Jeremey Renner shows us a Hawkeye that is more than an archer for hire. Exploring his life was refreshing but it could have easily been a one shot deal. 

Overall Age of Ultron is a fun ride. The action delivers on what you expect. However, with no real intensity, you get the feeling the Avengers will all make it out. The tone constantly shuffling from dark to family friendly gives a feeling that Marvel is trying to play it safe. 

Final Rating

Elektra or Bullseye: Who should be the Nemesis for Daredevil season 2

Elektra                                                                                                                                            Bullseye

Hey O&G fans, with the success of Daredevil season 1 on Netflix and the series being green lit for a season 2, who would you like to see the devil of Hells kitchen face off against next? Elektra or Bullseye? Both are one of Daredevils greatest foes at one time ( Elektra eventually becoming an Ally and Lover).  Both are extremely popular with DD fans.

For those who aren't familiar with the characters here is a quick bio:

Elektra

Elektra Natchios, the daughter of a Greek ambassador, studied the martial arts as an adolescent. While in the US with her father, she began studies in political science at New York's Columbia University. There she met another student, Matthew Murdock, who would later become Daredevil. Murdock revealed to her that he had superhuman senses that compensated for his blindness, and they fell in love. A year later, Elektra and her father were held hostage by terrorists in a building on campus. Wearing a scarf as a mask, Murdock with Elektra's help defeated the terrorists. However, a policeman mistook Elektra's father for one of the terrorists and shot him dead. Emotionally shattered, Elektra decided she no longer believed in the law and wanted to withdraw from the world. She left America and Murdock.

She eventually studied martial arts with a sensei in Japan. She left to join the secret organization of martial artists headed by Stick, who was also Murdock's sensei. She spent a year in Stick's order and greatly developed her martial arts skills. But, Stick asked her to leave the group because she was still filled with pain over her father's death and hatred for the world she blamed for it. Elektra spent years as a bounty hunter and assassin for hire

Elektra was hired by Wilson Fisk, the alleged Kingpin-of-Crime, as his chief assassin. In this role she fought Daredevil and was ordered to kill Matt's best friend and law partner, Franklin "Foggy" Nelson. However, she could not go through with the assassination when Foggy recognized her as "Matt's girl, Elektra." Soon afterward, she fought and was killed byBullseye who sought to reclaim his former position with the Kingpin. Elektra died in Matt Murdock's arms, seemingly lost forever.

Bullseye

A mercenary of mystery, nothing is really known about the man called Bullseye.

Bullseye battles (and defeats) Daredevil at a circus in order to establish his reputation as an extortionist. Shortly after, Daredevil by chance overhears him in the midst of an extortion attempt and captures him. Bullseye is later hired by Maxwell Glenn to kill Matt Murdock and Foggy Nelson, and Daredevil interferes. Although Bullseye defeats him again, Daredevil escapes with his life, and Bullseye's professional reputation is damaged as a result. Seeking to regain his credibility, he challenges Daredevil on live television, but is soundly defeated.

*(Side Note) During one of his many fights with Daredevil, Bullseye was drop off a Multi-Story Building and broke all his bones which paralyzed him. Japanese scientist Lord Dark Wind had Bullseye brought to Japan, where he laces his bones with adamantium, thus restoring his mobility.

So now that you know a little history on each character, Who would be a a good  Nemesis in Daredevil season 2. Charlie Cox gave his opinion to IGN “I love Stilt-Man. I love Owlsley. I think in our show we’re more likely to see the likes of Bullseye, The Punisher and Elektra. I don’t know if any of those characters will appear, and also I don’t know what’s going to happen with Wilson Fisk. He’s certainly not out of the picture. Hopefully he’ll come back.”

ELEKTRA would be a front runner to appear in season 2. With Rosario Dawson's (Night Nurse) taking a break from Matt Murdock for a bit, having Elektra come in as his new love interest who later turns into a deadly assassin works great for the series. You could also tie in her training with Sticks and her involvement with his mysterious clan. You could also keep the kingpin's presence  in season 2 to by having him hire Elektra to assassinate Daredevil.

Bullseye is one of Daredevil’s greatest foes, on par with Wilson Fisk. He is a lethal assassin who can make any object into a deadly projectile. Season 2 might showcase some epic battles between Bullseye and Daredevil. Having him as the antagonist also gives the writers the opportunity to have Elektra in the season (Since he kills her in the comic book series). Plus I think fans would love to see Bullseye use various things as a weapon!

So who would you choose? Will it be the sexy assassin or the Precision throwing psychopath? Either way if season 2 of Daredevil is anything like season 1 it will be awesome!

By Sean Tucker

The Walking Dead Hardcover Ruled Journals

Based on AMC’s hit original series, The Walking Dead ruled journals embody the thrills and excitement of The Walking Dead. Each journal is themed around a popular character, including Rick Grimes, Daryl Dixon and Michonne, and the Walkers who threaten the survivors’ existence. Along with debossed covers, the journal interiors also feature full-color photography from The Walking Dead. 

Along time ago before people put their thoughts on social media. There was something we did in the 90's and and years before that. We used something that is rarely used today and that's journals. Insight Editions is bringing back the journals in a big way with The Walking Dead. The cover and material is amazing in great detail. I got the Darryl Dixon journal which comes with pics of the character and  great design of his signature logo on his vest. The journal has a pages to make you're own story book. At a fair price of 18.00 dollars this is a great gift for kids, family and friends. Great things you can do with a journal. Practice creative writing, put your innermost thoughts instead on social media, even use as a data entry log. With The Walking Dead you can even think of making your own fan fiction. This is a great journal to pick up. 

X-Men Days of Future Past ( Mobile Game ) Review

 Reviewed by Anthony Negrino 

X-Men Days of Future Past, the mobile game follows the plot of the popular comic book. Not the plot of the film starring Hugh Jackman. This game returns to classic beat em up gameplay that we love from the 90's.

Story- The world around you is in ruins. Sentinel robots have enslaved most of the United States and are set to stage a global war. The X-Men have failed; the few who survived this nightmarish future are imprisoned in Mutant Internment camps. But all is not lost, the battle for the future can be fought in the past. With one chance to re-write history, the X-Men must stop this war by preventing the assassination of Senator Kelly.

The story is told through gameplay and text cutscenes. It does a good job of highlighting the main points of the comic. It's great to actually see Wolverine interacting with Kitty as they battle the Sentinels. The way the story is told does the book justice. However don't expect some deep characterization from this.

Gameplay - The gameplay is focus on a 2.5 D side scroller. Players will utilize the touch screen controls to control your favorite mutant. Just like any classic beat em up, you have your attack button, special button and jump button. As you make your way through each area, enemies become more of a challenge till you meet the stage boss.  The game features RPG elements, which allows to upgrade your characters attacks, increase health and even acquire new outfits. The more the story progress the more X-Men you will be available to use. Honestly the best person to use is Wolverine, due to his attacks being the best with any situation. Cyclops is THE WORST CHARACTER TO USE. The problem with Cyclops is his standard attack is his blast. However he needs time to recharge it. This leaves you vulnerable to open attacks. The enemy a.i. is easy to difficult as the game goes on. The boss battles are fun but nothing truly epic. However for nostalgic feel this is a beat em up you might want to check.

Graphics:  The graphics are 2.5D with great use of 3d textures for the background. The use of color and design gives the player a comic book feel.

Music - The music is pretty decent. Nothing really that will have you hoping for a OST release. 

Final Grade B-/8.0: Good graphics, old school gameplay and justice to the comic. For the price of a comic book its time for you to go into the past. 

Lenni Reviews: Kiss of the Rose Princes vol 2 by Aya Shouoto

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If you recall my last review, I mentioned this manga is pretty standard shojo fare unless there's a curve ball thrown in later volumes. Boy, were my words ever prophetic...

This volume begins with Anise still searching for her lost choker. She orders her knights to locate it but can only let them look for so long as their magic is powered by her blood. But things get interesting when a new transfer student, Haruto Kisugi, is added to the mix, Anise's father sends her a message that he's coming home, and a seal holding in a demon is cracking, which will require a sacrifice to repair.

By the end of this volume, I was shocked and had a new respect for Anise. Most shojo heroines are plucky by design and want to change the sad fate presented in the plot. But (as a mild spoiler) when Anise says "Bring on my punishment" (referencing the punishment for losing the choker) I found that pretty ballsy. Things went so bad so quickly and Anise really showed her bravery. She went right on without hesitation. And she's brave and strong without being overbearing or too cliche. And I have read a LOT of shojo manga. Of course that could change but we shall see in volume three!

I can't give much more detail without spoiling all of the plot twists in this volume but to sum up, things get real and it was awesome.

Lenni Reviews: Kiss of the Rose Princess Vol. 1 by Aya Shouoto

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High school girl Anise Yamamoto gets chased through the school gates every morning. But not by rabid suitors or aliens, but by the dress code enforcer who takes issue with a rose choker Anise wears every day without fail. She is willing to endure this daily nonsense because her father told her when she was little if Anise were to ever remove the choker, a terrifying punishment will befall her. In true magical girl fashion, a small magical creature manages to knock it off and suddenly, Anise is the new owner of four magical cards she can use to summon attractive knights with a kiss.

This volume is a good start to what I can see being a very cute series. I was left wondering if the terrible fate that befalls Anise is to have the hottest bodyguards around (can we all share that "horrible fate," please?) but by the end of this volume it does seem like something is brewing behind the scenes.

However, if you've read any other magical girl, high school manga, you get the rhythm of everything. Hot guys, magical charms and kisses, wacky high school hi-jinks, and a cute, mischievous talking animal. Just another normal day in manga-land. Don't get me wrong, I like it, but unless some sort of curve ball comes in later volumes, shojo fans will know exactly what to expect here. The art is lovely and all the characters are interesting so far. I look forward to seeing what happens next.

Frozen: The Poster Collection Review

The heartwarming story of two sisters who save their kingdom through their love for each other, Frozen has gained unparalleled popularity and acclaim worldwide. Based on the award-winning animated film, Insight Editions in collaboration with Walt Disney Animation Studios proudly presents Frozen: The Poster Collection (Insight Editions / $24.99 /2015).

Fans of Frozen this is a great collectible for you. Frozen: Poster Collection is a collection of movie posters, character posters and key scenes from the movie. The book contains 40 pages of removable posters filled with epic scenes, characters and artwork. My favorite one has to be the original poster with the three main leads in the front. The poster size are 12 x 16 which is great if you want to frame it for the house or office. With 40 posters to choose from you can definitely get enough for the price of $24.99. This is a great deal for Frozen fans and people who want good artwork.  Check out some of the posters below.

Frozen: The Poster Collection

Reprinted from Frozen: The Poster Collection published by Insight Editions. Copyright © 2015 Disney Publishing Worldwide. All rights reserved.

Final Grade A-/9.5

Requiem of the Rose (Vol 1) King Review

I am a theatre nerd (hence being an English and Theater major) and when it comes to Shakespeare, I am all in especially with different adaptations of his classic works. I am not a big fan of Shakespeare's historical plays, however, Requiem of the Rose makes me want to re-read Henry IV and read Richard III. An added bonus is that Aya Kanno also wrote one of my favorite manga series Otomen. I could not wait to start reading this and it met all of my expectations. Without further ado here is the review for Requiem of the Rose. 

Synopsis

In medieval England, during the age of the War of the Roses, a fierce battle rages between the House of York and the House of Lancaster. Young Richard of the House of York is determined that his family will ascend  the throne...but he's hiding a secret that could destroy everything he desires. 

I remember reading Richard III just recently last semester and I may have read Henry IV as well. If one has no idea about the original plays or read some and not all, it is not a problem. Aya Kanno makes the story original and engaging enough to sit and read, hungry for more volumes. The secret that Richard of Lancaster has, will spin the story in such a way that I did not see it coming nor did I that as part of the original story. It differs from the play but one could understand the premise and love the story. For veterans of the plays, it gives a whole new twist and it may peak your interest on how Aya Kanno takes the series even further. Also the artwork is amazing and it reminds me a lot of Otomen. This manga is a little more serious than Otomen however there were funny moments. 

Rating

I give this a rating of 9/10. Overall the story, characters, and artwork are amazing and I can't wait to read more from Aya Kanno. Manga Rules!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lenni Reviews: Tides of Maritinia by Warren Hammond

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In this surprising space adventure, Jakob Bryce is sent on a covert mission to infiltrate and dismantle the power of the newly freed Maritinia; a planet on the far reaches of The Empire that rules the system. Despite the small size of this world and the limited role of their single export - kelp - to the economy, the Empire is stretched thin defending their control. If one small planet can successfully rebel, it may inspire others and it's Jakob's job to make sure that doesn't happen.

Jakob is a newbie to this job so his loyalty is truly tested as he's thrown into this odd mix of idealists and madmen and forced to maintain a cover with some really shoddy intel. For an all powerful Empire, they send this guy on his first mission not knowing a great deal; like who is the father of the woman his target is in a relationship with. In this reader's opinion, I was already losing faith in the Empire way before Jakob did. To keep Jakob in line, there is an artificial intelligence implanted in his brain named Pol, who keeps Jakob from being able to deviate from the mission. This poses a problem because Jakob's loyalties are tested, emotions are toyed with, and he has to decide if the will of the Empire is worth the cost of the people of Maritinia.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. At first I was confused by the typo filled journal entries at the beginning of each chapter but the why's and how's of that are revealed later in the book. The world building is detailed and exacting. You really feel like you're in a waterlogged boat the whole ride. As the story progresses, Jakob's character gets better and better. You will be cheering for him by the end of it. While this can easily be a standalone novel, I do hope we hear more of Maritinia from Warren Hammond. It's a cool spy adventure in space that will leave you wanting more.

(For more of Lenni's writing, click here)

Lenni Reviews - "Lisa Simpson's Guide to Geek Chic"

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These adorable little books are kinda hard to review. They're not a full story or anything but they make good collectibles or coffee table books for an avid Simpsons enthusiast. There are pullouts, quizzes, and some amusing geek facts as told by our favorite geek girl, Lisa Simpson. There's even a little pocket in the back so you can write your future geek self a letter and see how far you've come with your geek lessons and compare them to your past self. 

If you're like me and are super scared to so much as scratch a page in a book with your fingernail much less write all over it, this book is still a worthwhile purchase if you love Lisa. It even includes vegetarian recipes you can try. It seems a little pricey to me for such a small book at $24.99, but I'm sure if you're a fan, it's worth every cent.

(For more of Lenni's writing, click here)