Batman: the Killing Joke animated review and fathom Events

Hey O&G fans, Thanks to Fathom Events we got a chance to check out Batman: The Killing Joke on the big Screen. For those who have never read the 1988 one shot classic, here isa quick synopsis of the comic book story:

Written by Alan Moore, illustrated by Brian Bolland, and published by DC Comics. Set in the fictional U.S. city of Gotham, Batman: The Killing Joke provides an origin story for the supervillain the Joker, loosely adapted from the 1951 story arc "The Man Behind the Red Hood!". Taking place over two timelines, The Killing Joke depicts the Joker attempting to drive Jim Gordon insane and Batman's desperate attempt to stop him.

Otakus and Geeks went to the July 25th screening of Batman: The Killing Joke.

REVIEW

Most Fans know the story behind the Killing Joke, the Joker shoots Barbara Gordon (Bat Girl) paralyzes her and attempts to drive her father Jim Gordon insane. Making the animated movie about just that story would have been 1. short and 2. predictable. So the movies tries to expand on the story by adding a back story about Batgirl and Batman. Producer Bruce Timm told empire:

"We thought if we were going to expand this to feature length, we didn’t want to just pad out the original story... So we took that opportunity to basically tell a Batgirl story, which we don’t often get a chance to do these days. And it was great, because we could spend more time with her as a character and get to understand what she’s all about and how she’s similar to Batman in some ways, and really different in others. .... The good side of that is we get to spend more time with her and learn that she’s an interesting character. The bad side of that is that we get to like her so much that when The Killing Joke part of the story happens, it’s, like, “Oh, no!”, because we really like her".

The added Batgirls story really gave fans a reason to be invested in her character though-out the movie. The animation keeps true to the dark and violent story of the one-off comic book. The one thing about this movie that will be odd to fans is the.... one time sexual encounter between Batman and Batgirl. Considering that he is older and her love interest was usuallyDick Grayson (the first robin) in the comics and animated series.

Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill, the iconic voices of Batman and The Joker really bring this movie to life and takes you back to Batman TAS and answers my question from my teenage years as to what an adult Batman animation would look like. Tara Strong is so talented is no wonder she plays so many voices in the DC animated universe and I think she's found a new character for future films.

Overall I think the film was awesome, the BatGirl back story was a good touch ( the short intimate scene has fans a bit confused) This is a film for Batman fans. I give the animated movie 3 1/2 stars.

Suicide Squad: Special Ops Review

In this official Suicide Squad film game, you have been selected to lead a special task force comprised of highly dangerous incarcerated Super Villains. It is up to you and your Squad of antiheroes to defeat the horde of enemies that try to stop you. Fight as Harley Quinn with her signature baseball bat, or as Deadshot with his rifle or as Diablo with fire.

Lenni Reviews: "Elixir: A Changeling P.I. Novel" by Ruth Vincent

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Mabily Jones is an intern for a private eye after being tricked into human form by the Fairy Queen. Obadiah Savage sells bootleg Elixir to humans looking to get high. Thrown together when they are accused of a crime they didn't commit, the pair must travel to the Fairy realm to clear their names.

This book was pretty fun. Mab is as capable as she can be as a human with no powers against fairies. The romance between her and Obadiah is predicable but the way the story plays out between Mabily and the Fairy Queen was creative and unexpected. Mabily is a relatable character and while I enjoyed her, the while book seemed very light and simple. If you're looking for fantasy with fairies that doesn't get too dark, this is a good example of it. This felt more like a YA novel; teasing at the darkness but playing it safe. As I'm used to darker fantasy, it left me wanting but the story is fun and interesting; leaving me wanting to know what could happen next. 3.7 out of 5.

For more of Lenni's reviews, check out Haunting Hypatia.

Re: ZERO -Starting Life In Another World- (Ep 1 -13)

"This is bad. . . Very Bad"

"Subaru-Kun, Is something wrong?"

This review is something I've been waiting to do for quite some time, as I wanted to wait until I was an supple amount of episodes in. "Re: Zero -Starting Life In Another World-" Is an ongoing anime series that takes place in an mythical world. The anime begins in an eerie way, as you hear the sounds of someone struggling to get the words from his mouth. Simply stating it is bad; then cuts to a scene of a modern day world where our heroic protagonist Subaru is seen exiting out of a convenience store. Only for seconds later his eyes to blur, and he literally appears in a new world.

Being the shut in that he was, this was not an alarming experience but one full of thrill and excitement. As he thought himself to be the protagonist, and his life was now beginning and he would be off on an heroic journey-- whatever that may have been. That would be a sore mistake as he would quickly learn, as he would end up almost getting robbed. . Until he is saved by a mysterious woman with white hair. . This-- is when the story begin to take off.

I will not state any more then what I have, but it is safe to say that this show will take you by surprise. As it has a very MMORPG feel from the beginning, the tones and situations that it touches up on will eventually start to take you on an emotional adventure that would have you begin to question 'Why would he do this?' or even more-so 'Would I have done anything different?'

I will begin my review by going with the animation quality. From the very first episode you could tell the distinct style that this anime portrayed in the 40 minutes long special. The ambience and beauty that came from the scene of Episode 1A, to the gruesome details that is foretold in episode 1B. The quality of animation in this series never seems to falter or sway. In fact as the episodes progress, it seems to only increase in the quality.  Thus, in my eyes this anime does a very good job at the tones it uses. Utilizing color schemes and shifts in shading to portray the mood of the scenes.

Which brings me to the bulk of this show-- the characters. I will not spoil anything, but I will say that this anime has quite the depth in character development. Subaru shifts extremely from Episode 1 to Episode 13 in such a masterful way, watching the character grow, make mistakes, grow, grow confidence, get cocky, get completely destroyed, grow. Watching Subaru learning to adapt, is one of the reasons this anime is great. And it isn't only Subaru, the characters revolving around the character gets fine development as well. People you think you will never see again pops up when the time is right, and everything seems to have significance.

I could go on and on, but so far (As of 7/11/16) this anime is only up to episode 15. And I must say this may be the best anime of 2016 in my eyes, one of the best I have seen in a long while. The writing of it is superb, each episode will have you wanting another as the cliff hangers are laid out in tasteful ways. It is addicting, it is thrilling, it is unexpected and most of all. . It plays with your thoughts. It is an experience in it's own respect, and because of that. .

I reward this anime, a 5/5.

Gonna Be The Twin-Tail!! (Review)

Soji Mitsuka is an ordinary high schooler with an extraordinary obsession. Twin tails are his fire, his air, his will to live! But when a mysterious woman from another world enlists his help to fight hideous monsters with various moe fetishes, Soji much transform into a powerful pigtailed…girl? With the help of his childhood friend, the class president, and his endless devotion to pigtails, Soji and his crew form a twin-tailed threesome to take on the monsters who feed on the “attribute power” of humans. But Soji’s new pigtailed powers come with a price; his surging popularity as the new heroin in town makes the twin-tailed trend explode, giving the monsters ample attribute powers to feed upon!

Lenni Reviews: "Don't Be Cruel" vol 1 by Yonezou Nekota

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Facing the possibility of losing his scholarship, Takashi Negugasa cracks under the pressure and cheats during a test. Unfortunately for him, school delinquent and known playboy, Kideyuki Maya, catches him in the act. In exchange for keeping it secret, Maya blackmails Negugasa into sleeping with him.

As this is a 2 in 1 volume, we see Maya's interfering cousin, Akira, and the obvious feelings Maya has for Negugasa despite Negugasa's obliviousness. It's that "I really like you but I can't say it" scenario. Once I got passed the coercion (yeah, it's a little close to straight up non-con) the pair to make a cute couple. As soon as they get out of their own way, that is.

This may be a typical sort of boys love story but its well drawn and the main characters are likable enough to endure the will they/won't they back and forth (which thankfully doesn't last all that long). I found it a little odd for Maya to turn around and say Negugasa was manipulating him when Maya was doing the blackmailing in the first place (what an odd character flip...) but hey, at first neither man would admit any feelings at all and I'm a  mush. I'll admit I like the happy ending. 4.5 out of 5 and I would love to read the next one!

Like Lenni's writing? This review and more are also posted at literaryloon.com

MHz Choice (Streaming Service) Review

MHz Choice is a streaming service that offers something that Netflix, Hulu and Amazon do not. This streaming services offers shows and movies from the international perspective. While other streaming services only have a few sprinkles of international content. MHZ Choice is purely focus on the international audience. There is variety of countries and shows to choose from that should wet your appetite. The streaming service is at a standard price of 7.99 and offers a pretty cool library. Check out the video below for a more detail look. 

Lenni Reviews: "Twisted Dreams: Dreamlands #4) by Felicitas Ivey

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After the craziness of Unquiet Dreams, Keno is now a 'guest' of the wizard Kheper in the Egyptian lands and was forced to give in to the violent nature of his ancestor in order to save Mason's life and his own. As the unknown Darkness spreads through the Dreamlands, Samojirou takes Mason, Wolf, and Tholf to rescue Keno while Keno and Kheper investigate the Darkness. But will Keno want to be rescued after taking a life?

Keno's internal struggle about having to kill is the major part of his character development in this book. His ancestor was discussed in such hushed, ominous tones, Keno never wanted to be anything like him. There isn't time to dwell or escape his pain for long as he works with Kheper; who turns out to be a pretty cool magician and a man of honor - not at all as creepy as he seemed in the previous book. 

With two teams coming at the Darkness from two different directions, we get some really detailed and rich writing. You get a sense of realness to a very unreal world. But darnit, if it doesn't end on a cliffhanger! Man, do I wanna see the Dreamlands come together to beat the Darkness. I'm sure other cultures along with the Japanese and Egyptians will come into play. More of the Vikings would be cool! It would be such an epic showdown. 4.5 out of 5.

Lenni Reviews: "Uneasy Dreams: Dreamlands #3" by Felicitas Ivey

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The siege on Nippon continues as the Trust has allied with the Egyptians and the lords of Nippon must band together to take back their lands. With the conflict intensifying, Mason tries to find a place under Tamazusa's protection and Keno struggles against the brutal nature of his ancestor as battle brings it seeping to the surface.

In this book, Keno and Samojiro are headed into "annoying couple" territory. This is a personal pet peeve of mine and I'm sure people won't agree with me; I have read many a series where the couple you've wanted to get together for the entire time keep sending the narrative to a screeching halt so they can bone as much as possible. This is not to say it ruins the book but I found myself skipping over their love scenes to get back to the war going on.

Other than that, I love how this book is not perfectly wrapped up for the next installment. As I received this series in a 4 book bundle (and reviewed one at a time so it didn't take forever to get these books reviewed for you guys), I was wondering if each book would have a self-contained antagonist or an overarching one. All these little threads of manipulation carry through all three books and their effects don't just disappear. Out of the three, this one is the most tense and ends with characters injured, separated, and floundering as to what to do next. The writing level and style carry through seamlessly and seeing all these different cultures in the Dreamlands is very cool! Very interesting overall. 4.5 out of 5.