Shakespeare Adventure!!!

Justin and I decided to do a 'Choose Your Own Adventure' book called To Be or Not To Be. This is part one of the adventure because there are so many paths and endings to have. Stay tuned next week because its going to be an interesting one...

Survival Horror game from Deck 13 The Other 99 Gets major update and new trailer

Deck 13 and games development studio Burning Arrow announced today the availability of a brand-new update for ‘The Other 99’ that brings multiple improvements to its game currently downloadable through Steam Early Access. Based on the feedback received from players engaged in previous versions of the action-horror title, Burning Arrow released this update to fix many of the concerns that were expressed while also making it much more challenging to survive the island. A list of corrections and enhancements developed and implemented in this new version can be found below: - New Starting Area. - Massively reworked Balancing. - Better interaction for survival with the world (e.g. now you can drink water from rivers, etc..). - Rework of the Survival Guide (Hunger & Thirst related). - Overhauled the island with new props populating the environment. - Rework of the combat. “It’s great being able to bring such an important update to The Other 99. We’ve taken a lot of the feedback we received on the early builds of our title and worked hard to improve the game in those areas with a focus on the game’s difficulty. With the new AI system that we have completed, it is no longer easy to avoid and bypass enemies, as fights are now much more challenging.” says NAME, co-founder of Burning Arrow. Burning Arrow also released a frightening new trailer to celebrate the release of the update. It shows the intensity that occurs when exploring the dark and unnerving island, and it captures some of the fierce combat and menacing locations featured throughout the game.

The Other 99 Game Description & Current Features The Other 99 is a single player, first-person, action-survival game. Ripped from their ordinary life, players awaken on a desolate hebridian island with nothing but a single note that reads: “The only way off the island is through the The Other 99”. Described as a British Battle Royal, Lost meets Fight Club and a digital Lord of the flies, The Other 99 is a game of mystery, exploration, brutal combat, stealthing mechanics and problem solving. But be careful: permadeath is included.

Ø One objective. Alternate playing styles. Getting off the island is your main objective. § Survival of the fittest: Do what it takes to get off the island. Follow the cryptic note and butcher your way to freedom. Only thing is.. many of the other 99 have the same idea. § Mind over matter: Keep focus and lurk amongst the bushes, tactically sabotaging camps and assassinating by the dead of night. § Discovery: Let animals be animals. Watch from a distance and decipher the mysteries of the island. Maybe there is more to the island than meets the eye.

Ø Dynamic AI system § Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not happening. Simulations are hard at work in the background determining how AI’s move, kill and survive. This effects the world you play in and provides unique situations every time. Campfires are lit because AI have actually visited them and bodies are there because they have died, the world lives around you.

Ø Large open world environment to explore § Pick up a lit torch and discover the lore and extensive backstory of the island through rock engravings, notes and environmental story telling. § Go where you please! Nothing is stopping you from walking to the other side of the playable area. Well.. Potentially 99 psychologically damaged murderous people. Ø Dynamic day-night cycle and ever changing weather system § Keep track of day and night cycles as this will change visibility on both you and the other 99. Lighting fires at night or running through open fields during the day are decisions you must make. § Weather can be unforgiving, rain blocking out the sound of footsteps and thunder illuminating the path ahead are elements you can use to your tactical advantage.

Ø Hunger and thirst § Maintaining hunger and thirst doesn’t just keep you alive, it ensures you are strong for every encounter you face. § Explore more efficiently by keeping well hydrated. § Kill more efficiently by maintaining your nutrition.

Ø Puzzle and problem solving § Solve perspective puzzles, collect components and decipher notes. These will lead to greater rewards and bring you closer to understanding what is happening on the island.

Nickelodeon's 'The Fairly Odd Phantom' Features Butch Hartman¹s Characters All Together for the First Time

Worlds and characters collide in The Fairly Odd Phantom, an original animated short featuring an ensemble cast of characters from the Nickelodeon animated series created by Butch Hartman: The Fairly OddParents, Danny Phantom, T.U.F.F Puppy and the brand-new Bunsen is a Beast. The short, which marks the first-time these popular characters have ever been featured together, is now available across Nick.com, Facebook, and Nick’s YouTube page. Hartman’s latest series, Bunsen is a Beast, premieres today, Feb. 21, at 5:30p.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon, telling the story of Bunsen and Mikey--two new friends who embark on endless fun and adventures in their town of Muckledunk.

In The Fairly Odd Phantom, Danny Phantom and friends capture escaped ghosts in their lab, Fenton Works, but their mission quickly goes awry when secret agent Dudley Puppy messes with the control panel. Soon after, Wanda, Cosmo and Timmy end up in the lab instead of Fairy World, where they are all met by a very different newcomer, Bunsen.

For over 18 years, Hartman has created hit series for Nickelodeon, including The Fairly OddParents, Danny Phantom and T.U.F.F. Puppy, with his brand-new series, Bunsen is a Beast debuting today. As part of Nickelodeon’s continued celebration of its rich animation history, Hartman combined his pantheon of iconic characters into one comedic short.

On Feb. 24, Danny Phantom voice cast members, David Kaufman, Grey Griffin, Rickey D’Shon Collins, and Colleen O’Shaughnessy, will appear on a brand-new episode of the toon-talking Nickelodeon Animation Podcast, which gives voice to the creators and talent who bring to life some of the most innovative, hilarious, and heart-tugging animation in the history of television. Episodes are available on iTunes, YouTube, SoundCloud and nickanimationpodcast.com.

The Fairly OddParents (10 seasons), which debuted in 2001, follows Cosmo and Wanda, husband-and-wife fairies, as they wreak havoc and help their godson Timmy overcome typical kid obstacles by granting him wishes.

Danny Phantom (3 seasons), which bowed in 2004, charts the adventures of 14-year-old Danny Fenton, who becomes half-ghost, “Danny Phantom.” Now with paranormal powers, he’s responsible for capturing the ghosts and monsters that roam the Earth.

T.U.F.F. Puppy (3 seasons) debuted in October 2010 and showcases a gung-ho, dim-witted dog named Dudley Puppy who finds himself accidentally thrust into the role of secret agent.

Visit Nick.com, Facebook, Instagram and the Nick App to learn more about Bunsen is a Beast.  Full-length episodes are currently available on Nick.com, Nick On Demand, and the Nick App, available for download on iOS, Apple TV, Roku, Android, and Android TV. 

Hartman began his animation career as an assistant animator on An American Tail.  He created his own shorts for What a Cartoon!, and also wrote and directed episodes of Dexter’s Laboratory, Cow & Chicken and Johnny Bravo.  Bunsen is a Beast marks Hartman’s fourth animated series for Nickelodeon. Hartman joined Nickelodeon in 1998 where he created and produced several cartoon shorts for the Oh Yeah! Cartoons series, including The Fairly OddParents.  Commemorating the 10th anniversary of the animated series, Hartman brought the series to life in the 2010 live-action/CG animated hit TV movie, A Fairly Odd Movie: Grow Up, Timmy Turner!  The series came to life once again in the original TV movie, A Fairly Odd Christmas in 2012 and A Fairly Odd Summer in 2014. Hartman is also the creator of Nickelodeon’s animated series Danny Phantom and T.U.F.F. Puppy. 

Transformers: The Last Knight’ Cast & Crew Visit NY Toyfair 2017

Transformers: The Last Knight stars Mark Wahlberg, Josh Duhamel, Isabela Moner, Laura Haddock, director Michael Bay and producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura joined Hasbro’s Entertainment Preview Event on Monday, February 20, 2017 during New York Toy Fair!They were able to get a sneak peek of all the new movie-themed figures which are set to release later this year. Transformers: The Last Knight is coming out in theaters on June 23, 2017.

New York Toy Fair 2017 Recap: Yes Anime!

Written and Video Recorded by Justin D Williams 

I stopped by the Yes Anime booth to check out their plushies and amazing 3D Posters. For more information and products visit YesAnime.com

Cosmunity Connects Geeks around the World Through Newly Launched Social Marketplace

For iOS and Android, Cosmunity gives fans of anime, gaming, comics, ckosplay and more a place to show off their inner geek and buy/sell pop culture-related goods and services Dallas, TX – February 21, 2017 – Cosmunity, the first social marketplace for your inner geek, today announced the public launch of its mobile application, providing geek and pop culture lovers a dedicated community and onestop-shop to enhance their fandom. Cosmunity is free to download on the Google Play and Apple App Store. Fans love engaging with like-minded individuals in the geek culture community – both on a social level, as well as through transactions with their favorite vendors and peers. Cosmunity uses innovative app technology to aggregate and connect fans of anime, cosplay, comics, and gaming by enhancing and facilitating real world interactions. Social.

Cosmunity provides a comic-style feed of photos, video, events and items for sale, easily accessed through the app. Users can discuss the latest video games and movies, discover and follow favorite cosplayers, celebrities and friends, or grow a dedicated following of their own within this exclusively geek platform. “Let’s face it – we all have an inner geek and are fanatical fans of something. So why isn’t there a place where the community can all connect with like-minded individuals? After attending several Comic Con events, we realized there was a major missing piece to the puzzle,” said Cole Egger, Cosmunity co-founder and CEO.

“When the convention ended and the dust had settled, we heard grumblings of what many called ‘Post-Con Depression.’ Everyone was bummed that they had to leave their community until the next event. We created Cosmunity to solve that.” Cosmunity is the go-to-geek app for anime, cosplay, comic and gaming fans that allows users to explore and connect with others who share their passions. As a lifetime geek and advisor to Cosmunity, Ming Chen of AMC’s Comic Book Men enthusiastically agrees, “Cosmunity is unlike any other app on the market for the geek community. I can go to Cosmunity and find everything I need; friends, event info, discover new content and find my favorite convention retailers all in one place.”

Marketplace:  The wide variety of items available on the Cosmunity platform today range from $5 to $38,000. Partnerships with individual craftsmen, artists and retailers offer fans a unique digital peer-to-peer shopping experience where geeks can find and purchase one-of-akind items they wouldn’t have found otherwise. Cosmunity provides an outstanding opportunity for industry vendors to easily list items for sale on the platform via their desktop uploader. Currently available for purchase on Cosmunity are props, apparel, jewelry, collectible items, full cosplay costumes, prints, comic books, artwork and more. Cosmunity integrates PayPal and AfterShip to ensure all transactions are tracked and handled securely, giving users confidence that their coveted item will arrive without compromise. One Cosmunity partner and well-known comic book dealer, Metropolis Comics, currently owns the most expensive vintage comic book ever sold, the 1938 copy of Action Comics #1, graded CGC 9.0. It also recently listed a copy of Amazing Fantasy #15 — which marks the first appearance of Spiderman — for sale on Cosmunity.

“We love Cosmunity because it’s easy to use and provides a terrific marketplace for us to list our collectibles for sale,” said Brandon Pierce Peck, Internet Sales Director, Metropolis Comics. “But more importantly, we love the community they have created. There’s no other place where fans can gather online to interact, trade collectibles, and pretty much just geek out. It’s basically Comic Con in the palm of your hand.”

Events: For most geeks, the highlight of their fandom is attending their favorite convention, event or show - most notably Comic Con, Anime Expo and E3. Cosmunity has a separate Events tab where users can find local events, and chat with other attendees before, during and after the event, helping geeks make meaningful connections. Cosmunity will also have an active presence at industry events across the United States, including its sponsorship of Steve Wozniak’s Silicon Valley Comic Con taking place April 21-23, 2017 in San Jose, California. Cosmunity is currently sponsoring a contest for users to win $1,000 and two free tickets to a convention of their choice. To enter the sweepstakes, users simply need to share a Cosmunity post on a second social network using the #cosmunity hashtag for a chance to win. To download Cosmunity for iOS, please click here. To download Cosmunity for Android, please click here.

About Cosmunity Cosmunity is the first and only network to bring together photo & video sharing, event discovery, social connections and a marketplace devoted solely to the unique universe of geek culture fans. Now cosplayers, gamers and anime fans can connect, share and do business in a central, friendly place designed specifically for them. Cosmunity’s business model is centered around the idea of emotional e-commerce, bringing users the opportunities to share, discover, engage and transact. Cosmunity is currently available for download for both the Google Play and Apple App Store. For more information on Cosmunity, please visit Cosmunity.com.

Lenni Reviews: "Sweet Lullaby" 1-4 by Al Scherkenback and J. Briscoe Allison

(Image Source)

*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

Lullaby is an assassin working for an organization run by her father. To get to their targets, they go deep undercover; calling the operations 'dreams.' Lullaby is swift and precise but also in love. She wonders if a normal life is even possible and is torn between her loyalty to her father and the possibility of a civilian life.

The story is told by jumping back and forth between Lullaby's childhood and her present day assignments. We get to see why she decided to become a killer, how she works, and what her usual targets are like. The entire organization uses sleep terms as monikers (Catnap, Z, Forty Winks, and the like), which I'm still on the fence about if that's clever or silly. But it wasn't enough to be distracting to the story. As for the art style, it kinda reminded me of Gen 13 in style and the lines, color, and lettering are well done and fun to look at.

The way the narrative is structured, I found it hard to really sink into the story. The moment I felt engaged, the timeline switched again. Not to say the story is bad at all. Interesting if a bit scattered; I give this a 3.5 out of 5.

Dolphins and Sharks (Review)

Written By Justin D Williams

Last night I attended a play by Labyrinth Theater Company entitled “Dolphins and Sharks.” The play stars Tina Fabrique, Flor De Liz Perez, Ceasar J. Rosado, Chinaza Uche and Pernell Walker. The played is directed by Charlotte Brathwaite.

Story -  Yusuf studies philosophy. Xiomara is ambitious. Isabel keeps it real. These are the employees of Harlem Office, a neighborhood copy shop, where promotions are rare and raises are even rarer. But when one employee is given the chance to move up, friendships are tested and loyalty turns out to be less valuable than cold hard cash. Soon cutbacks and office politics have everyone fighting to keep their jobs and their sanity in this searing new play about clocking in, clocking out and rising up.

After leaving Dolphins and Sharks I was honestly amazed on how good and realistic the story is. The story follows a very simple premise of four co-workers Xiomara Yepez played by Flor De Liz Perez, Danilo Martinez played by Ceasar J. Rosado, Yusuf Nwachukwu by Chinaza Uche and Isabel Peters by Pernell Walker. Each co-worker has their own situations in life to deal with. Xiomara is trying to move up the corporate ladder at Harlem Office and become a manager. Danilo is trying to find a better job to provide better for his wife and incoming newborn baby. Yusuf is a recent college graduate but can’t find work in his field. Finally there is Isabel who is just  trying to stay above water. She is a character that is doing what she must to provide for her three kids and help her husband. The great thing about having such a small ensemble cast is there is plenty of room for character development. Dolphins and Sharks story does well in this department. Each character gets enough time for the audience to connect with their backstory and really invest in their situations. For the sake of spoilers I won’t go deeper into the plot or backstories. Dolphins and Sharks tackles a lot of issues many of us face today such as, working at job that pays you less than your worth. Dealing with stereotypes, dealing with a friend becoming more successful than you. However one of the underlining themes I took from this play is survival. When you look at each character and how they make their decisions it’s not based on any ill will towards each other. The decisions made by the characters are purely based on survival. Each circumstance that the characters face will have them choosing what is best for them over the relationship and loyalty of a co-worker. This premise left an engaging dynamic as I try to figure out which character was truly in the wrong or were their actions justify. This dynamic is mostly shown with Xiomara as she is put in position where it’s business over friendship. Xiomara is driven and is not going to let anyone or anything stop her from reaching her goals. Sometimes Xiomara has to make tough decisions that is not the most popular even if it means losing relationships. I love how Dolphins and Sharks paints the picture of confliction. I have to do this to survive but on the other side of the spectrum my decision effects everyone. The narrative is well done and by the end of the show you feel a touch of realism and critical thinking to the situations which every single person can relate too. The story has some very deep moments especially during the transitions where the character Amenze Amen played Tina Fabrique gives some really powerful dialogue and songs. My favorite transition scene was the rendition of a very underrated song from Nas. I won’t spoil it but when I heard those lyrics I couldn’t help but smile. Overall the story is solid and very grounded that anyone can relate to at least one of these characters. There is a meaning for the title of the play and you have to listen to Amenze dialogue to really get the deeper meaning of Dolphins and Sharks. It’s a story worth seeing.

Acting -  No play will ever succeed without the chemistry of the actors. The actors are  amazing and they all have great chemistry with each other. The way the characters interact with each other is so genuine you really do get immersed with the story. Xiomara and Isabel have a great relationship when we’re introduce to them. Flor De Liz Perez and Pernell Walker are awesome together as they play off each other very well. You really get this sense of sisterhood between their respective characters. Chinaza Uche as Yusuf was awesome to see. He played the by the book employee we all know so well. Watching Yusuf I couldn’t help just shake my head because of how by the book he was. That really put me more into the story is because how well the actors presented their characters.  Ceasar J. Rosado and Tina Fabrique also light up the stage with Danilo and Amenze. Amenze I like to think as the moral compass of the play as she tries to instill wisdom into the young folks working at Harlem Office. Ceasar’s Danilo had the audience laughing when he came on. His character is very witty and when the time came for him to get serious you really felt his passion when the conflict came with Xiomara. This is one talented cast who have great chemistry together and you can see the bond through their performances.

Final Thoughts: Dolphins and Sharks is a beautiful play with some terrific acting, great stage and production. The story has a very realistic tone tackling social issues without beating you over the head with one main perspective.  If you’re in NYC this is a play you need to check out. 

Dolphins and Sharks is running at the Bank Theater from February 9th to March 19th. For more information visit http://labtheater.org/events/dolphins-and-sharks/