Green Lantern Reaction From A Comic Book Geek

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Before I give my reaction I want to give those who aren’t familiar with the Green Lantern a quick bio of Hal Jordan, Hector Hammond, and Parallax.


Hal Jordan:Harold "Hal" Jordan was born into a military family. His father, Martin Jordan flew in the war and, during Hal's childhood, was occupied as a test pilot for Ferris Aircraft. Hal had an especially close bond with his father, both of them sharing a love of flying (Hal often skipping school to watch his father fly). Martin was killed during a test-flight gone awry, with both Hal and Carol Ferris watching. As a result, his Mother forbade him from frequenting airfields or having anything whatsoever to do with the world of aviation, which had taken her husband. In accordance with this ultimatum, Hal promised not to join the Air Force. At the age of 18, however, Hal ran away and joined, quickly becoming on the AF's top pilots. Hal served as a fighter pilot in the Korean War.

Much later, while testing a flight simulator, an energy field surrounded him and took him to Abin Sur. The simulator landed Hal out in the desert, near a crashed alien ship. The ship was piloted by Abin Sur, a member of the Green Lantern Corp, an intergalactic peace keeping force, who patrolled sector 2814. On the verge of death, Abin Sur, with his power ring, sought out the most worthy successor on Earth. Despite some character flaws, Hal Jordan was given the power ring and it’s power battery.

(Story Line used for the Movie, See Wikapedia for original)

Hector Hammond: He appears in the 2008 Green Lantern: Secret Origins (a re-telling of Hal Jordan's first days as a Green Lantern), where he claims to be Carol Ferris’ Boyfriend. Boyfriend. However in the next issue it is revealed that he is just a private consultant for Ferris Aircraft and that they had gone out to dinner, according to Carol, "on business” While inspecting Abin Sur’s crashed air craft, Hammond is affected by the meteorite fragment in its reactor. This leads to his brain growing bigger, and able to read minds, including Carol Ferris and Hal Jordan who Hammond deduces is the Green Lantern. His mental powers keep Hal from using his ring, and is only stopped when Sinestro encases his head in an energy bubble, cutting off his air supply it is revealed that Hammond wants the power of a god in order to gain revenge on Hal Jordan/Green Lantern.


Parallax: Parallax was devised as the new super villain identity for former Green Lantern protagonist Hal Jordan. After further changes for the Hal Jordan character over the subsequent years (sacrificing his life in order to reignite Earth’s Sun in the 1996 crossover storyline "The Final Night”, and Jordan’s soul subsequently becoming the newest host of the Spectre in the 1999 miniseries Day of Judgment), 2004's Green Lantern Rebirth once again cast Jordan as a heroic Green Lantern and explained Jordan's villainous career as the result of the influence of an alien parasite. Furthermore, with Parallax’s exposure, the Green Lantern Corps vulnerability to the color yellow can be conquered if a given Lantern, particularly a well-trained one, can muster his or her willpower to overcome their fear.

Ok Ladies and gentlemen I want you guys to remember this is just my opinion, (sigh)
The movie isn’t that bad, But not good at the same time. NO!!! It didn’t live up to all the hype we were promised, but it didn’t completely let me down.

Let’s start with the good: The effects of the Constructs (the objects you create from your mind with the rings) were done well; I just wish there were more of them. Most of the scenes The CGI was pretty good. My question is this. Is it really hard to make Parallax look like the one in the picture above? With all this new technology it shouldn't be that hard, to make Parallax look accurate. The story was okay, a lot of origins will make some comic fans cringe, especially a certain villain. I thought Ryan Reynolds did a decent job. Sinestro was the best.

Now the Bad: NOT ENOUGH ACTION!!!! Without spoiling the movie for those who will see it, you get a quick taste of action during his training and the final battle. Although I said the CGI was pretty good, in some parts it was over done. Sinestro should have had a bigger role in movie than what they gave us. He was Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps greatest warrior and enemy. He was treated like a back-up singer.

I’m a fan of the Green Lantern Comic, so for me the movie could have been done much better and stayed closer the comic book origins. For those who don’t follow the comic you might enjoy it more, but not by much.

I’m giving this movie 2 ½ stars and feel it kept me interested enough not to say this is worst than Ang Lee’s version of the HULK. And we can all agree we should have gotten our money and time back from that disaster. 


The Ten Saddest Moments In Dragonball Z

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A while ago I did a list of the top ten deadliest Dragonball Z villains. This time we will take a look at the top ten saddest moments in Dragonball Z. Get those tissues ready, because these are tear jerkers if you love these characters.

#10: Krillin's Tears
Why This Moment? Poor Krillin he broke up with Maron. Nothing is more sadder than tears hiding behind laughter. A very sad moment in DBZ, the music really adds to the emotion. Gohan is the only one who knows Krillin is crying. This is really the first time DBZ focus on the effect of a relationship, heartbreak and dating. Great scene.


#9: The Return Of Goku
Why This Moment? Goku returns from The Other World to spend time with his family and friends. Why is this a sad moment? Simply because he missed Gohan growing up, and Goten early days. Once again Bruce Faulconer does a great job with the score.


#8: The Death Of Future Gohan
Why This Moment? This is a very emotional scene and a great study on Trunks. The only thing that Trunks had left to not feeling alone dies. Now he is alone, no one left but him, that realization and setting makes this a very intense moment in DBZ.


#7: Goodbye Mr. Piccolo
Why This Moment? This is very sad because Piccolo gives up everything to save the one person he considered a friend. It's a tear jerker because we get to see Piccolo slowly transforming into the good guy.


#6: Chiatzu Dies For Nothing
Why This Moment? Chiatzu death is a honorable one, he fought with bravery and gave his life for his friends. His speech will make me you feel sad, however the saddest part is his attack was in vain and a total waste.


#5: Krillin!
Why This Moment? This moment was shocker, nobody saw this coming. When I first saw this I was in shock that they killed Krillin off. This is painful to watch especially when Goku pleads to Frieza, and Krillin's last words are help me.


#4: Vegeta's Revealing
Why This Moment? This is probably one of the most important moments in the DBZ universe. Vegeta reveals the truth about the Saiyan race, his past, his father and the fact that he cries as he approaches death really gets to you. Frieza evil comments makes it that much more emotional. FYI the original dub is way better than the remastered one. Chris Sabat performance was more emotional. I have no idea why they changed it.


#3: A Hero's Farewell
Why This Moment? Nothing is more heartbreaking than to say goodbye to your son and heading towards your death. This is something Goku did and this moment is still in the mind of DBZ fans everywhere.


#2: Until We Meet Again
Why This Moment? Nothing usually packs more emotion than saying goodbye to the characters you love. The last episode of Dragonball GT was bittersweet. Goku says goodbye to all his friends, Piccolo is still in hell and Vegeta is now the strongest. The Japanese version really hits home with the background music and the final song by Field Of View. The clips from Dragonball, Dragonball Z to GT really makes you feel proud to have taken the journey.


#1: Final Atonement
Why Is This #1? No moment in DBZ had you this intense. Whether you loved or hated Vegeta this moment will make you say wow. The sad moment is not when he kills himself, it's when Piccolo tells him the truth of his actions. The fact that he will not get the same reward as Goku, the fact that he has to leave Trunks behind. This is the saddest moment in DBZ. The music just sets that mood of this the end for somebody and it was a great way for Vegeta to go out.


Green Lantern Review

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The most hyped and most anticipated movie of the summer has finally arrive. The Green Lantern finally gets his debut. Is this film burning bright in the day, or does the blackest night engulf it?

Story - A test pilot is granted a mystical green ring that bestows him with otherworldly powers, as well as membership into an intergalactic squadron tasked with keeping peace within the universe. That is the story synopsis.

The story while decent enough, has some major flaws. The Green Lantern suffers from which seems to be a trend in movies today. This trend is called lack of explanation and characterization. The story set up is right on the money. Hal Jordan is chosen to become the new member of the Green Lantern Corp, after the death of his predecessor Abin Sur. Hal then travels to the home of the Green Lantern base Planet OA. Here he meets other Lanterns known as Sinestro (Mark Strong), Kilowog (Michael Clark Duncan) and Tomar-Re (Geoffrey Rush). Hal learns of a new threat that can destroy all of civilization, the entity known as "Parallax" is reeking havoc all across the galaxy. While this is going on back on Earth, the government has discovered the body of Abin Sur. They bring in known scientist Hector Hammond to investigate the body. I won't go into any spoilers, but his observation didn't turn up good.

The story is interesting enough, the problem is it's all setup and no payoff. The story is really rushed and given more duration time, we would've had a better understanding of the Green Lantern universe. There is a severe lack of characterization and establishment of relationship between characters. For example key characters such as Sinestro, Tomar-Re and Kilowog are seriously underdeveloped. Sinestro is suppose to be one of the greatest Lanterns, but instead in here he doesn't do much but debate and complain about things. There is no establishment of Hal and Sinestro relationship, the only thing that was establish was that Sinestro didn't like Hal as a successor for Abin Sur. If you know the comics or see the ending of the film, you know the path Sinestro goes too. This movie doesn't give any true signs of that. Tomar-Re, and Kilowog have no development at all. You have no idea who they are, or where they are from. There is no backstory, no flashback, nothing to give you indication on who these characters are. It's a real disappointment that Hal's greatest allies get no screen time, but a reincarnation of Pieface (see old comics) who doesn't exist in the universe has more development and screen time. Another problem with the story is too much is happening. Countless times the movie will cutback from plot to another. One minute we're on OA, the next minute we're back on earth. It's like the story was saying, this is happening right now, but wait this is also happening. The story direction seem lost and by the climax it feels very rush to place the pieces together. The story has all the pieces together, just poor execution on telling the epic Green Lantern tell. However one thing the story does do well is capturing the theme and symbolism. I love the symbolism of willpower being a human's greatest weapon. I love the theme of fear and how having the willpower to overcome fear you will be able to defeat it. I enjoyed the change of Hal Jordan from cocky to humble. The story has it's strong points and it's weak points, but poor execution will leave you disappointed.

Acting - The acting is what will keep you in the seat. Ryan Reynolds owns Hal Jordan. He brings his usual charm, humor but also brings a character that you can relate too when he becomes afraid of his destiny. Mark Strong if given more screen time would have stole the show as Sinestro. I couldn't think of a better actor to play the tough Lantern. Anytime Sinestro was on screen he demanded your attention. Strong's delivery, mannerism and facial expression will have you asking to see more of him. Black Lively also held her own as Carol Ferris. She shown range of balancing a tough, strong woman, but also showed that soft emotional side when it came to her concern for Hal. This young woman is far from Gossip Girl now. Finally Peter Sarsgaard was good as Hector Hammond. His performance was a little creepy, as the film reaches the climax. He gives off that impression of that lonely guy, who secretly watches you change your clothes without you noticing (see the party scene with Carol). Overall the acting was very well done, the actors make the universe feel real.

Music & Filmmaking - The music wasn't that great. Usually James Newton Howard scores are amazing. This time I think he missed his mark on Green Lantern. The music is not bad, but it's not memorable it does it's job by setting the mood, but it doesn't give you that impact of being immerse in the universe. The best score is when Hal and Tomar-Re start flying around OA. The film looks great in 3D. Planet OA is something you must experience with 3D glasses, there is a little bit of graphic blur I did find in one scene with Sinestro, but that is just nitpicking. The film looks great and the Lantern suits looks awesome. The editing felt a little choppy, sometimes it seem like the scenes were being cut too early. Other than that the locations, the graphics were great.

Final Grade - C+/**1/2 Stars - Green Lantern had everything going for it. The cast was there, the location was there, but the story wasn't fully there. The characters were underdeveloped and the movie could of been longer, to give key characters more screen time. However the acting, the visuals are done very well. The film is disappointing, but no matter what happens with this movie franchise, We Lantern fans will still be there to say the oath. "In Brightest Day, In Blackest Night. No evil shall escape my sight. Let those who worship evil's might, beware of my power. GREEN LANTERN'S LIGHT!"

Green Lantern: Rise Of The Manhunters Review

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Green Lantern finally gets his own videogame. With this game being a tie in for the upcoming movie, one question is on every gamer's mind. Does this title suffer from the videogame movie curse?

Story - Way before the Green Lantern Corp was formed. The Guardians Of The Universe created an android raced to protect the galaxy, known as the Manhunters. The Manhunters became corrupted and were exiled. Now they seek revenge and vow to destroy the Guardians and the Green Lantern Corps. The story does a good job for the most part. It's set in the same universe as the movie. I'm guessing that it takes place during Hal Jordan's time on OA. The story starts off with Hal, Sinestro and Kilowog paying their respects to Abin Sur. Amon Sur (Abin Son) is also attending the event, when the Manhunters strike. You'll take Hal through different locations to find out what the Manhunters are after, who is behind the attacks and why.

Gameplay - The gameplay is far from original. Green Lantern: Rise Of The Manhunters borrows aspect from two games in particular, God Of War and Sin & Punishment. This doesn't mean this game is a knockoff, or badly done. In fact the gameplay is actually enjoyable. Hal has tons of moves, and combos in his arsenal to fight off the Manhunters. Like any standard action game you have your light attacks and strong attacks. Hal's light attacks consists of two swords which he wields with great skill. His strong attacks comes with a heavy hammer. In order to the progress to the next area. Hal will have to clear out the enemies opposing or figure out some puzzles. The puzzles are really easy to figure out, since the game decides to give you hints if it sees you struggling. What makes this game enjoyable is the different combos and constructs you can use. One thing the game did really well, is making you feel like a Green Lantern. Hal has 12 constructs each do a specific job and damage. The game really gets fun when you can use your Blade Whip on an enemy, and then switch to your Gatling Gun right after to inflict more damage. You can arm yourself with 8 constructs at a time using the slots provided. I found this great by simply pressing the L2 or R2 button, the constructs that I selected are right there for me to use. Hal also has a meter which send him into overdrive. When taking damage, or beating enough enemies Hal can summon his willpower for a short time for an unlimited use of construct attacks. When he is in overdrive mode you will feel invincible.

The game is not just beat em ups. The game also allows you to upgrade your attacks, willpower meter, and purchase constructs such as the Mech Suit and Jet Fighter. When your not on land, players will take Hal Jordan into the air and space. The flight levels are a blast to play. The gameplay will quickly remind you of Sin & Punishment. You have to take out as much enemies as you can, unlock doors and even figure out some quick puzzles. The controls for the flight feels a little clunky, but you'll get use to it after a few minutes. The gameplay has a few issues. One major issues is the camera. The camera at times pulls so far away, that you can't keep track of what your doing. This happens often when you have a huge wave of enemies. It would have been nice if you can control the camera or at least have a zoom button. Another flaw is the game gets repetitive quickly. After the first three missions you'll know how to defeat most of the Manhunters. Most of the constructs will defeat most of the enemies, the game does keep it fresh with quick time events, but it still gets repetitive. Finally for those hoping for multiplayer online will be disappointed. The multiplayer is strictly offline, and a friend can just press start and play as Sinestro. Trying out double team attacks with your friend is a blast. Grabbing a Manhunter and pitching them to your friend to swing with the bat is a pleasure.

Gameplay Video


Graphics - The graphics are great to see. The world of OA is beautiful, the environments really come to life. It does a great job capturing the canon of Green Lantern. The backgrounds really come to life in the later levels and it really feels like your on this great space adventure. However to just to nitpick I did see some background hiccups. Due to the camera angles you'll see some texture issues on the right side or left side of the screen.

Sound - The music is composed so well. You really feel like a superhero playing this game. The soundtrack consists of choirs, strings and drums. The opening level music really sets the mood and really wraps you into the experience. The voice acting is also well done. Ryan Reynolds provides the voice of Hal Jordan and he nails it. Hal is strong, witty and compassionate. The only voice I felt wasn't up to par was Sinestro. It wasn't the voice actor, it sounded like they lowered the pitch of his voice a little. Other than that little complaint the sound is awesome. Play this game with surround sounds.

Replay Value - The game doesn't offer any modes besides the story. Its a fun game, but you might only play once unless you are a die hard Green Lantern fan.

Final Grade C+/7.5 - Green Lantern: Rise Of The Manhunters is a fun game. Fans of the hero will enjoy it, casual gamers and even hardcore gamers should at least give this game a glance. It's not perfect but it does a lot of things right. The music, the construct and the graphics are worthy enough mentions to check out this game. At the end of the game you will say the famous oath "In Brightest Day, In Blackest Night. No evil shall escape my sight. Let those who worship evil's might, beware of my power GREEN LANTERN'S LIGHT!"

More Vocaloid

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Hey guys its been a while. I've got some more Vocaloid vids to show you and are probably some of my favs. I should dress as a Vocaloid for Halloween this year. If I do become a Vocaloid, which one should I be? Tell me in the comments section. Thanks guys xoxoxox for everyone. Anime Rules!!!!!!!!!! (None of these are mine they are vids from youtube from the user 'lordxwillie'. Thank you).

















Lol so cute! I think Justin and I are the twins! ^-^



I basically know how the dance works with the beginning sequence. Everything else is a blur. lol

Think GEEK

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Have you guys visited ThinkGeek for any of your geek shopping needs? This place is AWESOME! Especially since I've been on my comfy t-shirt stint.
Look at what they have! ...

These DC hockey jerseys I found while perusing Geek Modern is what led me to all things GEEK over at ThinkGeek.com .... and they have tons for guys AND girls!
Interactive T-Shirt's... You can LITERALLY create your OWN Rock Band & walk up and down the street HA! 
  
Allll the DoctorWho stuffs any Whovian could imagine! 
Yummy Zombie&Bacon stuffs!
Unfortunately, I'd have to report that I'm not that impressed with the Monkeys collection of goods, but they have tons of practical gifts which DEFINITELY makes this site an overall winner ... I already bought keychains (WHILE doing this post)

The next time you wonder what to get the geek in your life who has everything, a nice "to do" from ThinkGeek maybe just the move! ;-D

Until next time!
~je t'adore!
>^.*<

Geeky NEW ERA Fitted Hats

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During my VERY recent tattoo tour, I had a great stay in good ol' Atlanta. Though there's lots of work to be done, there's always time for some play play. Usually, I stop by NEW ERA in Atlanta on the request of one of my good friends, but this time, I went to see what one of my art peers/ co-worker, Paper Frank. After a round in Mortal Kombat, he was kind enough to take us in a tour of the store.


Here are some that caught my eye ...

  
 
  

Fitted's are the way of the world and perfect for ANY style ... even a suit! So be sure to check 'em out!

Atlanta Flagship
117 Luckie Street
404.584.0151

Til Next Time Y'all!
~Je T'adore!
>^.*<

L.A. Noire Achievement/Trophy Tips

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*No spoilers*
Need help finding cars,landmarks or even film canisters?
Don't fret help has arrived!

Achievement/Trophy:
Hollywoodland-Find and inspect all gold film reels



These videos below will guide you.












The Long Arm Of The Law-Complete all street crime cases.
Pull up the map and find the street crimes before they call(Free Roam mode). The unsolved cases will show a red icon. Remember each "Desk" has a limited number of street crimes. It will tell you when you've completed all the street crimes at that desk. If the street crimes aren't showing up on the map just restart Free Roam mode.



Auto Fanatic-Drive every vehicle in the city.

One of the most annoying achievements/trophies in the game. The trick to this is,while playing through the story mode switch cars as much as you can. If you see a parking lot go into every car before you continue with your mission. In free roam the cars are placed randomly so all online faqs telling you this car is here that car is there will only leave you frustrated.

Best advice I can give you is to play the game normally and it will come.


Public Menace-Rack up $47,000 in penalties during a single story case.

Simple...act like your playing GTA.


Roscoe And Friends-Kill at least one bad guy with every gun.

Pick up every gun you see while progressing through the game. The only trick is during Cole's 1st shootout drop your shotgun and use Cole default gun as a "beat cop" because that will be your only access to that gun since its so weak. If you need helping using the last weapon on the last mission "PM" me because I don't want to spoil anything here.


Shamus To The Stars- Complete all story cases with a five star rating.

Three things determine your rating.

1.Clues- Do a thorough search of every scene

2.Questions- If you get a question wrong, you can always reset and start from the last auto save.

3.Damage-To avoid City/Car damage let your partner drive.


Star Map-Discover all landmark locations around the city.

Zoom in on your computer if needed













Is Boba Fett Overrated?

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Boba Fett is one of Star Wars most popular characters. Fans first saw the bounty hunter in "Empire Strikes Back." After watching the entire Star Wars series again. A question popped in my head. That question was, why is Boba Fett so popular? There is always been a division between Fett heads and non Fett heads. Let's take a look at Boba Fett strictly from his two appearances from the Original Star Wars movies, from both fan perspectives.

Non Boba Fett Fans Perspective: To non Boba fans they really don't see a big deal about him. He only appeared in two movies and really didn't do much. His appearance in "Empire Strikes Back" is more like a cameo than a supporting role. He doesn't have that much lines and he just escorts Han Solo to Jabba The Hut. In Return Of The Jedi, Fett finally does get a little action, but he is taken down in a way that takes any creditability he might have had. To the non Fett fan they really don't see a big deal about him. He really didn't make an impact or effect the course of the series in anyway. The non Fett fans do have a point. Fett appearance in "Empire Strikes Back" was short. His death in "Return Of The Jedi" could've been more epic like his father Jango. Non Fett fans do have some valid points. If you watch the two films that Fett appeared in, you might start to question what was the big deal about him.

Fett Fans Perspective: For the Fett fans Boba is one of the best villains in the Star Wars universe. Not only is he a Bounty Hunter, but he is mysterious. We really don't know nothing about Boba Fett background (until Episode 2). Nothing screams excitement than a villain that is surrounded in mystery. Fans fell in love with Fett presence and appearance. Out of all the new characters in "Empire Strikes Back" Boba stood out the most. Maybe it was due to his bad ass attire, the jet-pack or the fact that this guy was driven to finish his job. You can't say anything bad about the Fett. To the Fett fan he plays a huge role in the Star Wars Universe. Fett is the one who capture Han Solo in Cloud City. He's the one that track him down. The line Vader says to him "No disintegration" makes you want to know more about his ruthless tactics. Boba is a smart villain in the eyes of the Fett fans. In Return Of The Jedi, you finally see Boba in action with his gun and jet-pack. Fans rejoiced and cried when he met his end. One thing fans love about him is the mystery behind the helmet. Who is he? What emotions does he feel? Fans love that feeling and his awesome weapons, profession and mannerism is the icing on the cake.

What do you think? Is Boba Fett overrated? Or his cult status well deserved? Let us know in the comment section.