Darth Vader & The Lost Command Hardcover Collection (Comic Review)

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Title: Darth Vader & The Lost Command
Author: Haden Blackman
Illustrator: Rick Leonardi
Pages: 128

Story - Still haunted by the death of Anakin Skywalker's beloved Padmé in Revenge of the Sith, Darth Vader is tasked with a mission to locate a lost Imperial expeditionary force--led by the son of Vader's rising nemesis, Moff Tarkin. But the perils of Vader's journey into the unexplored Ghost Nebula are compounded by traitors among his crew and the presence of the system's religious leader, Lady Saro.

The story is really an interesting read. The highlight of the story is definitely Vader. We see another side of Vader in this story, we see Vader questioning whether he made the right decision or not, with joining the Emperor. His dreams of Padme and family that he could of had, really makes you emphasize with Vader. However that really makes this story more enjoyable, as you see Vader take on his mission and unleash his rage and brutal ways, it makes you really think whether he has fully turn to the Darkside, or is he taking out his anger from his decision. It's a great read for fans of Star Wars. Haden Blackman gives an more interesting glance at the mind of Vader and fans will pleased, with the what if sequences that Vader thinks ups once he is alone. The story has conflict, turmoil and some cool action scenes as well.

Art - The art is not what I expected, but that isn't a bad thing. The art is very detail and some pictures look like color sketches which looks wonderful, during Vader's dream sequence. The details and battles look great and the emotion on Vader's eyes is greatly shown. Some might be thrown off by the art style, but it fits the story and universe.

Final Grade B-/8.0 - Darth Vader & The Lost Command is fun, dark and sad when you the layers of Vader is paid off. It's a nice look at Vader ruthless ways, but you can still see the good in him.

The PS Vita Is Confusing

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I was reading on Joystiq and they found out some games will need you to have internal memory, not a bad thing but only some games allow that, but the thing that is being said full is that if the game does save to the system it would only save there, even if you have a memory card, which is priority micro-SD cards which means it matters where you get the SD card, if its not made by Sony or someone else that Sony allows, you cant use a micro-SD care you got somewhere else.
So now it looks like its not optional to get the cheaper model and just a few memory cards. It looks like now you need to get the memory cards for the model with the internal HDD no matter what. This is not looking so good from the Vita at all when compared to the Nintendo 3DS. Look at the 3DS for a second and compare them, the 3DS doesn’t have a priority memory card you can use any micro-SD card you like, while the PSV you have to pick between different models that come in different sizes and it would all need memory cards, no matter which one you pick the game will have DLC but it was said that it might be downloaded to the cartridges, MIGHT DOWLOAD TO THE CARTRIDGES.

As of right now there are too many what if's with this system and whenever I hear something new my joy from hearing it from E3 this year, has been doing nothing but going down faster and faster. I still think this could have promise but the one thing that is making me even worry was how it is meant to be mainly a download system, that's a system that pretty much just has downloads on it. While there are going to be cartridges there is still the fact that am thinking I would still need to have a phone company on my system to get the most out of it. That is the one thing I don’t want to hear next, but with how it is going, I think the next thing we will hear would be that we need to have AT&T, which is the only phone company that will give the PSV a data plan. Really, I don’t have high hopes for the PSV but I will keep my eye opens on it. For now I will get stuck with my PSP and wait on getting my 3DS, which is in my plans for now.

Now for those that might be confused (like me) you can get the bundle and it does what I think it does. The bundle only comes with the most expensive PSV (3G and WI-FI inside the system so to use it fully you will need a data plan from AT&T), a 4GB memory card(which might be worth nothing, because of the fact that we don't know how big the games are and how its really pushing downloads beyond anything else or how big the download might be), a case for the PSV(I have no problems with that) and a copy of Little Deviants(its a collection of mini games to show off the PSV tech). All and all, this is pretty weak of Sony. They are pretty much forcing the 3G model down people's throats cause it comes with everything you would need, that being mainly the memory card. Everything else I would have to say is up to the person, however I still see very little value in that bundle and I would suggest everyone to wait and see how they clear things up.

I am just confused on how you need a memory card at all if the system got memory on the inside to begin with.




LINKS:

PlayStation Vita First Edition Bundle: be an earlier adopter on Feb. 15

Little Deviants

AMALA’S BLADE COMES TO DARK HORSE PRESENTS IN FEBRUARY 2012!

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AMALA’S BLADE COMES TO DARK HORSE PRESENTS IN FEBRUARY 2012!

November 1st, MILWAUKIE, OR – Dark Horse Comics is proud to announce a brand new three-part story from Steve Horton (DC Holiday Special, Superman 80-Page Giant) and Michael Dialynas (Popgun, Trinkets) appearing in Dark Horse Presents #9 – Amala’s Blade.

Amala was once chosen as a child to be the spiritual leader for her country, to unite the Purifiers and Modifiers and prevent war. She fled into the night. Twenty years of war later, she makes a living as an assassin, but her past is ever ready to catch up to her. Aboard a massive pirate ship, Amala stalks the fearsome pirate captain Cha'Kooh ... but the voices in her head, manifesting as ghosts, keep getting in the way!

Amala’s Blade will be featured in issues #9, #10 & #11 of Dark Horse Presents.

"Amala’s Blade is the steam punk-with-swords epic that I've been dying to tell," says Steve Horton, writer and letterer. "Thanks to the extraordinary and talented artist Michael Dialynas, we've brought Amala to life. Thanks to Dark Horse Comics, we've found an amazing and supportive publisher for our three-issue run in Dark Horse Presents. This story has heart, sword fighting, sarcasm, revenge, pirates, technologically modified villains, a girl steam punk heroine, and a robotic pirate monkey. What more do you need?" says Horton.

Dark Horse Presents #9 is out February 22nd, 2012!




DARK HORSE ANNOUNCES 2012 STAR WARS INCENTIVE PROGRAM!

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DARK HORSE ANNOUNCES 2012 STAR WARS INCENTIVE PROGRAM!

November 1st, MILWAUKIE, OR—Dark Horse is excited to offer retailers a special stock-up incentive tied to five great new Star Wars series in 2012!

Retailers who order fifteen copies of any of the following titles will receive 5 percent off of their initial orders for that title: Knights of the Old Republic: War, Dawn of the Jedi, Knight Errant III, Darth Vader and the Ghost Prison, Blood Ties: Boba Fett Is Dead.

Darth Vader and the Ghost Prison—Ghost Prison takes place a year after Revenge of the Sith and will showcase Darth Vader’s impact on the galaxy in ways fans have never seen. Darth Vader will serve the Emperor to the best of his abilities. After all, Darth Vader makes no mistakes.

Knights of the Old Republic: War—The Knights of the Old Republic video games and comics chronicle one of the most popular eras in Star Wars, making Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic—War the perfect entry point into the Star Wars galaxy!

Dawn of the Jedi—Here’s your first look at the Star Wars of 25,000 years ago—before there were lightsabers, when the ties to the Force were new, and before the Jedi spread out into the galaxy. It began with the mysterious pyramid ships—the Tho Yor—scattered to the eight corners of the galaxy, and ended with the establishment of an order that would change the universe forever.

Blood Ties: Boba Fett Is Dead—Boba Fett is dead. The most infamous hunter in the galaxy has been hunted. He’s lying, broken, on the desert floor. He’s more blaster holes than man. It’s the ultimate ending. However, this is just the start of our story. With the fall of Fett broadcast across the galaxy, someone rises to avenge him.

Knight Errant III—Jedi Knight Kerra Holt continues her one-woman crusade against the Sith from behind enemy lines on her most dangerous mission yet!

Look for Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic–War #1 in this month’s issue of the Diamond Previews catalog!




Dragonball Z Ultimate Tenkaichi Review

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Dragonball Z is back with another Tenkaichi installment. DBZ Ultimate Tenkaichi introduces some new mechanics and modes, but is it enough for fans and gamers a like?

Story - The story follows the same story from every Dragonball Z game in existence. You follow the Z warriors as they battle and stop threats from the Saiyans, Freiza, Androids and Buu. Also you get a few stories from the movies. If you're familiar with the Anime, then you already know everything.

Gameplay - Dragonball Z Ultimate Tenkaichi has five main modes, Story Mode, Hero Mode, Online Mode, Battle Mode and World Tournament. Story Mode follows the story of the series from the Saiyan Saga to the Buu Saga. It is not a fully accurate story mode as they're missing a couple of key stories like Garlic Jr, and more. However it does stick to the main core of the story for the most part. Hero Mode is a new addition to the series. For the first time ever players can create their own Saiyan, as he hunts for the 7 Dragonballs to restore the world. The problem with Hero Mode is that you don't have much to do in creation department. Most of your characters will look very close to the Z fighters, and the option not to be a female Saiyan is disappointing for female gamers. The mode is the best in the game, with RPG like elements. You will take your Saiyan and train with various characters to gain attacks, stats and aura for your Saiyan to choose from. The story is pretty interesting and it has some cool battles for you. The other modes are pretty basic, online works smoothly depending on the other players connection. The game has enough content to keep you playing, but how it plays is a whole different ball game.

The gameplay is not bad, but it's a little too easy and too repetitive. The gameplay is simple, you have your main attack button, which leads into a choice of quicktime events. This is basically a game of chance if your facing the CPU. You will have a choice of the melee attack, or the teleporting attacks, if you and CPU select the same thing, the CPU will counter. It's a game of chance and it can get very tiring very quickly, another disappointing thing is Super Attacks take too long to build up. Gone is the combinations, or build up to the attacks. It's melee until your meter is full, powering up your KI doesn't help towards your Super Attacks or Ultimate Attack, it just boost your melee. Players will get two Super Attacks and one Ultimate Attacks. Besides the Super Attacks, Fighting Stances, KI Aura and Ultimate Attack, every single character fights the exact same way. The same melee sequences happen, the counters are only three choices, intercept, evade and guard. Sometimes you can't even counter, you have to just take the attack. Another annoying part is, sometimes you can be dominating an enemy and they somehow have energy for a full blast.

The gameplay does capture to feel of the series, but the fact that each fighter feels the same and you basically don't do any real playing, the constant quicktime events might turn off some players. There is no real strategy on winning, it's basically on a game of chance and who has at higher power level. It will get very stale, really quickly.

Gameplay Video


Graphics - The game looks amazing, this really took a page from Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm 2. This is actually the best graphics in the series, the environment, lighting effects and presentation nail the show down the middle. The characters look great and their bodies look very detail, the facial expressions and the best part, the planet exploding. Also real cutscenes from the Dragonball Kai series makes the story mode worth playing.

Sound - The sound has some issues in the voice acting department. It's not the voice acting, both English and Japanese did a good job. It's the annoying two English voice actors for one character that feel really weird. For example in sometimes you will hear the original voice actress who play Frieza in one dialogue, then the next dialogue you'll hear the Kai actor. It switches from original DBZ to Kai and it gets annoying. Gohan also has this problem. The music is generic, but has some pretty cool tracks. It allows custom soundtracks, but however you can't import them into the game, you just have to play it from your music playlist. Overall the sound is decent, and the music will be awesome if you put the soundtrack on your systems.

Replay Value - Regardless of it's shortcomings, this game has some replay value, mainly in Hero Mode and World Tournament. Hero Mode leveling up and RPG elements will keep players on the grind, especially since you can fight online with your Saiyan.

Final Grade D+/6.5 - Dragonball Z Ultimate Tenkaichi isn't a bad game, but it isn't a good one. Heck you hardly play at all, but it still enjoyable thanks to Hero Mode and some online fun. The custom soundtracks is a nice addition, but the two voice actors at once is annoying. The game captures the feel of DBZ, but I just wish they let you actually be part of it. Final Grade D+/6.5.




Geeks Who Do Music #2 (Jowin)

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So I got a tidbit of yumminess on the Tweetline yesterday, just as I was putting together a post for ... Yesterday! I thought this was way more yummy and amusing and scrapped my other share STAT!

 These videos, Cosplay Girl :: Parts1 & 2 are the lyrical masterpieces of artist, Jowin, a hip-hop producer/lyricist hailing from Macon, GA. His underground viral music video, Cosplay Girl spawned a sequel, nearly a year later, properly titled, Cosplay Girl Part 2.

 Be sure to check out his third self-released album "The Wallflower Project" as well as past projects. I PROMISE disappointment is not in your future with this goodness!

 But for now interweb stalk him HERE and be sure to follow him on twitter ... PEEP GAME! 
~je t'adoore!

Super Mario Land 3D Event In NYC On November 12th

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New Yorkers our good friends at Nintendo are throwing a Super Mario Land 3D Event, you can read the official details below. We will be there, hope to see you too.

WHAT: To celebrate the launch of the Super Mario 3D Land™ game for the Nintendo 3DS™ hand-held system, Nintendo is giving fans in New York City a rare opportunity to experience how 3D significantly enhances and reinvents the beloved Mario gaming experience. Anyone who visits Times Square on Nov. 12 will be invited to play inside Mario’s 3D world with life size warp pipes, trampoline coin jumps and a flag pole finale! Consumers will also have a special opportunity to play Super Mario 3D Land in advance of its official Nov.13 release date.
Among Mario’s World 3D game-play experience, attendees will also be able to enjoy:· A performance from a mass group of Nintendo characters at the start of the event· A set of exclusive Tanooki ears and tails as featured in the original franchise, rewarded to fans onsite throughout the event (available while supplies last). · A “Mushroom Kingdom” Pizza truck nearby offering free mushroom pizza slices to the first 1,000 consumers onsite that tweet using the #SuperMario3D hashtag.· Additionally, in advance of its official Nov. 13 release date, Nintendo is rewarding its biggest fans in attendance with an exclusive limited early sale of the game at Toys “R” Us located in Times Square on Nov. 12.
Super Mario 3D Land is the first Mario™ game created for Nintendo 3DS. The platform utilizes 3D visuals to deliver classic Mario action with enhanced depth, distance and speed, all without the need for special glasses. To date, more than 262 million Super Mario games have been sold around the globe, making it one of the world’s most widely enjoyed video game series.

WHO: Mario costume characters, kids, adults, teens, parents, and video game fans will be in attendance

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 12. 10 a.m to 4pm

WHERE: Military Island at Times SquareBroadway and 7th Avenue between 43rd and 44th StreetsNew York, NY 10036

VISUALS:· A large group of Nintendo characters performing and participating in activities throughout the event.· A multi-sensory environment constructed from the ground-up to depict Mario’s World in the middle of Times Square.· Inside Mario’s world fans will be jumping for coins, going into a warp pipe and sliding down the iconic flagpole.· Hundreds of fans wearing their Tanooki ears and tails as Mario does in the game· Super Mario 3D Land game footage featured on the Jumbotron that fans and passersby can watch.


Fairy Tail At Comic Con

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Hey everyone. It is now time to tell you about Fairy Tail from Comic Con. It was amazing!!!!!!!! I met the cast of Fairy Tail twice, and they are all so wonderful. As some may know, I gave one of my poems "Life of Innocence" to Todd Haberkorn who plays Natsu in Fairy Tail. I also gave Cheremi Leigh and Colleen Clinkenbeard poems as well. I got some autographs and a hug from Todd. Also the three episodes that i saw was amazing! I can't wait for you all to see it. All in all, it was a great weekend.
By the way you all need to get Fairy Tail which is going to be on sale Nov 22, same day as Hetalia: Paint it White is coming out!!! WOOOOOOOOT!!!!!! I will go into detail about what Fairy Tale is about in a different post. Until then, Fairy Tail rules!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BRANDON GRAHAM’S “THE SPEAKER” DEBUTS IN DARK HORSE PRESENTS #7

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BRANDON GRAHAM’S “THE SPEAKER”

DEBUTS IN DARK HORSE PRESENTS #7


October 27, MILWAUKIE, OR—Brandon Graham, creator of King City and Multiple Warheads and writer of Prophet, one of the series in the heavily NYCC-hyped Extreme Studios relaunch, will be making his Dark Horse Presents debut in issue #7!

“A man loses his voice—his voice goes off to see the world. Years later the man dies and the voice that walks like a man hears the news and returns home. The Voice has to deal with all the personifications of the man’s doubts, secrets, and ideas that are left behind.

“It’s got doubts using tuning forks like guns and ideas that smash the light bulbs over their heads like they were bottles in a bar fight,” says Graham.

Graham’s work is widely known and followed through his blog, http://royalboiler.wordpress.com/.

Stay tuned for more about original stories premiering in Dark Horse Presents!

Dark Horse Presents #7 is on sale December 21, 2011, and also contains brand-new Age of Reptiles, Skeleton Key, and Hellboy stories.

About Dark Horse Comics

Since 1986, Dark Horse Comics has proven to be a solid example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and establish a small, homegrown company as an industry giant. The company is known for the progressive and creator-friendly atmosphere it provides for writers and artists. In addition to publishing comics from top talent like Frank Miller, Mike Mignola, Neil Gaiman, Gerard Way, and comics legend Will Eisner, Dark Horse has developed such successful characters as the Mask, Timecop, and SpyBoy. Additionally, its highly successful line of comics and products based on popular properties includes Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan, Emily the Strange, Tim Burton, Trigun, Serenity, and Domo. Today Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic-book publisher in the US and is recognized as one of the world’s leading publishers of licensed comics material.





USAGI YOJIMBO REACHES 200TH ISSUE!

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Hey Otakus and Geeks fans, Sean ( The Comic Guy ) today I have some news from the guys at Dark Horse Comics. So I'll keep reviewing and you keep reading enjoy!!


USAGI YOJIMBO REACHES 200TH ISSUE!

STAN SAKAI HONORED WITH YEAR OF THE RABBIT EXHIBIT!

October 25, MILWAUKIE, OR—Earlier this year, Usagi Yojimbo creator Stan Sakai was named the 2011 Cultural Ambassador by the Japanese American National Museum. Shortly thereafter, the JANM opened their Year of the Rabbit exhibit—the most comprehensive collection of Sakai’s work to date.

Stan Sakai has won several Eisner Awards and has received over twenty Eisner Award nominations. Prior to Dark Horse’s long run on the series, there were thirty-eight Fantagraphics issues, sixteen Mirage issues, a summer special, and four color specials. Dark Horse’s Usagi Yojimbo #141 marks the landmark two hundredth overall issue of master storyteller Stan Sakai’s beloved series, and the rabbit ronin celebrates with a special story perfect for new readers, “200 Buddhas”! With a ruthless gang terrorizing his small town, a humble stonecutter receives a vision and sets out to carve two hundred stone figures. Just as he has finished the 199th, a long-eared stranger comes to his door seeking shelter from the rain!

“In a perfect world, everyone would read Usagi Yojimbo.”

—Greg McElhatton, Comic Book Resources

The Japanese American National Museum is the largest museum in the United States dedicated to sharing the experience of Americans of Japanese ancestry. The founding of the museum is a story of high hopes, remarkable achievements, frustration, and, ultimately, success. The JANM is located in Los Angeles, and the Year of the Rabbit exhibit closes its doors October 30, 2011 - http://www.janm.org/exhibits/stansakai/





Game Jam NYC

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New York City Game Development community is continually growing and trying new ways to get noticed.
Game Jam an annual event held in Manhattan which pits a couple of development teams against each other to make a entire video game in 48 hours...yes 2 days.
Those who follow the site know I'm also in the game development field so I was planning on participating but I had too many prior arrangements.None the less Justin & I made the trip to the east side of the city to check it out.
Great event! We wanted to take more pictures and video but we decided against it to protect some of the unprotected material.

Interview With Matthew Senreich (Co Creator Of Robot Chicken)

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At New York Comic Con 2011 we were included in the Robot Chicken press conference with co-creator Matthew Senreich. Check out all the questions from other sites and I ask my question around the 24 Min mark. Enjoy the audio. Duration 60 mins




Win Arkham City Collector's Toy

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Okay time for the giveaway. All you have to do is read the instructions below. USA Only!

Instructions

1. The contest is simple, study the picture below and name every member of the Bat family, starting from left to right. The first to get a 100 or close to it will win the collector's toy. Contest ends Wednesday October 26th.

2. Use the About Us Tab to submit your answers using the Contact Us, one entry per constant.

The Bat Family


The Prize

David Lapham Returns To Roots With “FERALS”, SUPERNATURAL CRIME NOIR From Avatar Press

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Hey Otakus and Geeks fans, Sean ( The Comic Guy ). Today I have some news from the guys at
Avatar Press.





Comic book and graphic novel publisher Avatar Press proudly announces the latest addition to its expanding line of horror fiction with the ongoing monthly FERALS series, written by genre legend David Lapham (Stray Bullets, Crossed 3D). Featuring the full-color artwork of Gabriel Andrade (Lady Death), FERALS is the carnage-filled tale of an idyllic town besieged by a new breed of werewolves. The debut #1 issue is solicited through Diamond Comic Distributor’s November Previews catalog for release at comic retail shops in early January 2012.

FERALS #1 introduces Officer Dale Chesnutt, a lawman with a big, bloody problem. Slaughtered civilians are turning up in the sleepy town of Cypress, and the burden falls on him to end the slaughter. But no sooner does he begin his investigation, then he finds himself violently drawn to a sexy, mysterious woman… and a vicious creature strikes again, this time at Dale's own family.

With its noir feel and small town domestic setting, FERALS brings writer David Lapham to his roots as the creator of the critically acclaimed Stray Bullets series. “It starts with small town people with their own little Peyton Place dynamic and a small town cop named Dale Chesnutt, who is a charmer, a womanizer, a screw-up,” says Lapham. “He suddenly is hit by the ‘stray bullets’ and finds himself in a whole new world that’s plenty dark and twisted.”

With popular supernatural dramas like True Blood and American Horror Story updating horror concepts like vampires and ghosts, FERALS will bring the legendary werewolf mythos into a modern context, but with a radical new slant. According to Lapham, “This isn’t a take on the mystical werewolf, full moon and all that. The classic werewolf is about a monster, a monster story. FERALS is a drama and a noir where being feral is a very real thing. This is about a different kind of person. A person who is feral could be your neighbor and you wouldn’t know it; he doesn’t change when he’s pissed or when the moon is full. Ferals are real and have their own culture, their own thoughts, history, and plans.”

For the past two years, Avatar Press has happily been the home to David Lapham’s horror tales, including the supernatural Caligula series and his contributions to the runaway success franchise Crossed (including miniseries Crossed: Family Values and Crossed: Psychopath, plus the record-setting bestseller Crossed 3D), wherein the world is overrun by madmen. While his reputation for twisted storytelling was cemented with Avatar’s fans, Crossed devotees especially should expect a completely different feel from FERALS. “That's the real trick – not just make Crossed with fur. FERALS ongoing and we’re following certain characters that we’ll come to know and see evolve through the series. It’s about what happens when you stick your nose into other people’s business. This is about live and let live ...or else, die horribly.”






FERALS #1 Regular Cover Edition








FERALS #1 “Gore” Cover Edition













FERALS #1 “Slashed” Cover Edition

















FERALS #1 Wraparound Cover Edition






Avatar Press is a groundbreaking independent publishing company which produces a wide variety of cutting-edge comic books, graphic novels, and original web content. Their high-quality publications include the work of such industry luminaries as Garth Ennis (Crossed, Chronicles of Wormwood), Warren Ellis (Freakangels), David Lapham (Caligula, Crossed: Psychopath), and Alan Moore (Neonomicon). They also produce a diverse range of licensed projects including the classic zombie epic Night of the Living Dead and George RR Martin’s Fevre Dream. Their Boundless Comics imprint publishes Brian Pulido’s original Lady Death and Mike Wolfer’s reimagining of the classic femme fatales Pandora, Hellina, and Widow in the series War Goddess. For more information about Avatar Press, their publications, and creators, please visit www.avatarpress.com.

The Littlest B! at NYCC

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Who woudn't LOVE a "not for children children's book"? ... Ummm as the creator of such a title as The MISS-Adventures of Indian Pussy, I couldn't help but be excited about such a GREAT title being available at NYCC.


"Money can't buy happiness, my friends, but it can buy the next best thing... other people's unhappiness."

This yummy piece of goodness is already in its second printing and the creators are also digging into Tales of Hot Rod Horror 2 ... so stay tuned!
Be sure to check out (& LIKE) The Littlest B's Facebook page, peep the kid's Biography, or follow along on Twitter.

Enjoy! & as always ...
~je t'adore!

Interview With The Team Behind 100,000 Strong For Bringing Back Mega Man Legends 3

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Hey people this is Jeff here and I present to you my first interview with the crew of "Get Me Off the Moon" AKA 100,000 Strong For Bringing Back Mega Man Legends 3. This interview I spoke with Dashe Troxon (DT), Jake Hans(JH), Canticleer Blues(CB), Armand Rodriguez(AR), Jes Diamant(JD), and Jared C(JC) to understand why they are fighting so hard to bring the blue bomber back from the unknown, and I don't mean the moon.

Before we get into the interview, I wanted to give a little history per-say of the chain of events that lead to the group forming. It all started with Capcom teasing the release of a new Mega Man Legends on the Nintendo 3DS, after ten years with nothing but cameo appearances (Tron Bonne in Marvel VS Capcom 2 and 3 and Mega Man Volnutt in Tatsunoko vs. Capcom on the Wii) and one spin off game(The Misadventures of Tron Bonne) and then creating the Capcom devroom. The Devroom was created to allow people that signed up to Capcoms Forums, Capcom Unity(Click HERE it if you wish to check out their forums). What happens next is that Keiji Inafune(the grandfather of Mega Man) leaves Capcom(read about it HERE link is from Joystiq, that story in itself will take a lot of time to cover and even explain). When he left, people in the devroom were reassured that nothing was going to stop Mega Man Legends 3 from disappearing with him.

Then there was going to be a release of a Mega Man Legends 3 Demo/prequel game staring a brand new character "Barrett" and it was going to be called Mega Man Legends 3 Prototype version and was going to be a paid download similar to Dead Rising 2: case Zero. It was going to be a paid demo to test out how eager people were for a new Mega Man Legends game and meant to be released at the same time as Nintendo Eshop went online, However it didn't reach that dead-line and then never came out because it was later cancelled. When that happened out of the blue the group came alive and has been fighting for robot ever since.


OtakusandGeeks.com: What was the major reason/final straw that created GetMeOffTheMoon/100,000 Strong for Bringing Back Mega Man Legends 3?

JH: What started the Legends fan movement know as GetMeOffTheMoon was Capcom’s year-long teasing of the return of a childhood hero to many, then the abrupt cancellation that brought up more questions then answers. Why did Capcom let the creator, Keiji Inafune, finish the game at Comcept/Intercept if there was even a chance that the game would be cancelled at Capcom? Why was the Prototype, which was completed and promised to be released as a gauge of the completed product's sales potential also cancelled? In a recently released interview, respected gaming journalist Chris Hoffman claimed that not only was the prototype good, it felt like a labor of love.

What Cacom failed to realize was that the Mega Man Legends fanbase is comprised mostly of college students and working professionals. We never cared about developing the game in their Devroom on Capcom Unity. We just wanted to see a childhood story that we held close to our hearts for 10 years completed.

DT: As for me, I've been running the community at the Mega Man Legends Station for a bit over five years now. I'm not looking for a conclusive ending so much as grounds for a new beginning--a new chance for kids around the same age we were when we got into the series to get the opportunity to experience the game--a game so great it kept us waiting over half our lives for another installment! I really think it was ahead of its time, and that there are a ton of younger kids out there who'd really get into Legends if they only had the chance to play it.

JH: Our hero is stuck on the moon. This movement has never really been about a video game. It is a statement that our childhood memories matter. We’ll save our hero at any cost, and the decision makers in Capcom Japan should realize this now after our efforts at NYCC. If they don’t have the stones to finish a game they already completed a prototype for, they should let Keiji Inafune finish the game.

JC: There was NO way they could get rid of Legends 3, not after making us wait 10 years, putting so much time, effort, money, and raising the hopes and expectations of the fans, including getting them completely involved. The game was pretty much promised to us, and then was unceremoniously taken away with little to no valid reason, coupled with lies and excuses and broken promises. We were told the sales of the Prototype Version would ultimately determine the fate of the game. We weren't even given the Prototype to sate our longing for a Mega Man game.

Given Inafune's speaking out regarding the state of the Japanese game market, and publicly stating Capcom is also not immune to this stale form of business (perhaps wrong to do, even if it's true), it honestly seems as though Capcom cancelled a much anticipated game out of spite. This is a plight everyone can see, and everyone can relate to. It's a story of promises and dreams, and having them wrongfully taken away. It's only natural a movement like GetMeOffTheMoon would spring up seemingly overnight and with such thunderous fervor.

OtakusandGeeks.com: How would (each of) you personally feel if someone else from Capcom took the initiative to make and finish Legends 3 without Keiji Inafune?

CB: If we're talking about the same group from Capcom who made the Prototype Version after Inafune's departure, then I'd be okay with it, seeing as many of them had worked on Legends in the past and were hand-picked by Inafune to work on Mega Man Legends 3 after he left. From what we've heard, this consisted of a large amount of internal developers (as those who worked on the Legends games went on to work on Lost Planet and Monster Hunter), so even if Mega Man Legends 3 were handed to a slightly different team, there'd still probably be overlap from the initial group.

DT: As long as the story stuck with the original intended vision for the game, and the team Capcom picked had the same kind of genuine love for the series as the teams that did work on it and worked to respect and honor their vision, I'd be okay with it. Even if they outsourced to a company like CyberConnect2, who'd expressed interest in tackling Legends 3 themselves, I'd be okay with it.

JD: I, personally, would be alright if Keiji was not involved in finishing Mega Man Legends 3. I just would like to see the original team that he had put together to make this installment of the series. If it were made by some different people but with the same foundation from the Devroom I'm sure I'd be alright with that as well.

AR: Considering that the game was already moving forward in production after Inafune’s departure, I would feel confident having that team finish the project. What better team members to bring out the best in a Mega Man Legends game than those hand-picked by Keiji Inafune himself! (Besides, of course, Keiji Inafune!)

JC: I have never doubted Inafune's judgment. As seen with smash hits like Dead Rising and Lost Planet, Inafune's judgment has so far yielded wonderful results, as much as Capcom may seem to not want to admit it. Why they are picking on Mega Man seems to be a more personal issue than they want to admit, but I have no "proof" to back that up. Both of those games were hotly debated as being useless and bad games by Capcom, but Inafune powered on through, perhaps against the wishes of Capcom, but lo and behold, the end result was a set of games Capcom is to this day still milking for all they are worth despite their nay saying. If he was right about those games being successful, why should I doubt that a game built by a team he has assembled would not be as good?

OtakusandGeeks.com: Speaking of Keiji Inafune, he recently made a comment on his personal blog about this group's struggle, and I was wondering...have you or anyone talked with him directly, or has it all been indirect? What would the group say to him about all this that has happened?

DT: Everything's been indirect as far as I know. From what I recall, he found the Japanese GetMeOffTheMoon blog over the weekend. I'd certainly like to have the opportunity to correspond with him and tell him how big of an impression his work's made on me.

JD: I personally would probably thank him for creating something so heartwarming and wonderful. I would also want to tell him that the times are not what limits a good game. It's the thought and heart behind it that make it thrive. I'd also want to congratulate him on finally having his own company as well as starting work on his 3DS title.

AR: Inafune's influence on the gaming industry will remain forever, and I woud love to thank him for giving us such fond memories. I would also like to thank him for being such a vocal member of the industry, especially amongst most Eastern developers who choose to keep to themselves. Wherever his decisions take him and his work, I will be supportive of them 100%!

JH: I'd tell Inafune that we appreciate his support and that he is very popular in the States. If he were to work on any project in support of GetMeOffTheMoon, it could easily push our movement to new heights.

JC: I met Keiji Infaune at the New York Comic Con 2010. I told him I had been waiting years to tell him just one thing. And that was "Thank you." I thanked him for HIS work, and knowing that I can look back and say I had a memorable, and happy childhood, and his games have helped shape me into the good person I am today. I have not spoken to him since then, but if I were to speak to him again, my words would undoubtably be the same. Inafune has always been a genuinely good man. He cares for his fans. I myself am studying to become a game developer, and I can find no better role model than him. Outspoken perhaps at times, but his words ring true. I am overjoyed that he has put his support behind us. I am proud to be considered one of his "juniors," and I know now that with him behind us, we are not just 100,000 Strong, we're 100,000 and 1 stronger.

OtakusandGeeks.com: We spoke a little about our general love of Mega Man and the series as a whole, and you said how you'd wished for there to at least be an ending for Mega Man Legends and for Mega Man ZX. What shocked me a little was how you knew about ZX as well. I didn't even think about that one. It got me wondering...what was the first game that got you into the Mega Man franchise?

AR: My first Mega Man game was Mega Man 2, and it remains my favorite title in the series to date. It was my first experience with a truly difficult game, but nailing those perfect jumps and collecting all the different weapons became really addicting. It also has one of my favorite video game songs of all time, which is the Metal Man stage theme.

JD: The first MegaMan game the got me into the series were both Mega Man 2 and Mega Man Legends. I Recently got into the fandom and at the time, Jared here actually suggested I play 1-3. I also played Legends. I played through 2 first only because I loved the music so much. Then I was playing Legends 1 around the same time. It was great! Legends is possibly the only game I've recently played that I can legitimately say has made me feel like I was six years old again. No other games make me feel that anymore.

CB: My first Mega Man game was actually Mega Man Legends, though I later acquired Mega Man 8 and Mega Man Anniversary Collection around the same time. Interestingly, it was Mega Man Legends that got me to look up Mega Man on the internet (before then I'd only heard of the game Mega Man and Bass in a gaming magazine), and I ended up getting into both the Classic and Legends series at the same time. In fact, the internet ended up being a large part of why I got into the games; seeing how the many fans before me had taken the characters and made them their own through art or stories or other mediums really left the impression that this was a video game series that not only the creators but also the fans actually cared about, and that made it special on a different level than I'd encountered up 'til that point. I played later series and even enjoyed them, but they never struck me quite as much as those two did.

DT: Mine was Mega Man Legends. I'd run into the Ruby-Spears cartoon earlier on in my life, but I didn't like it very much. It just wasn't my style. I fell in love with Legends though, and was actually pretty disappointed when I found out that there really weren't many other games that ever lived up to the kind of heart and charm it had, including the other Mega Man brands. Then again, I'm not much of a gamer. I'm really more into musicals. Legends appealed to me anyway. I think it just has that effect on people. It remains to date the only game I really like enough to want to come back for more, so even though it wasn't Capcom's intent, the cancellation felt like a personal blow to me.

JC: I would have to say that would be MegaMan X1. Actually, to be more accurate, it would be the Ruby Spears MegaMan cartoon I used to catch at 6am before school. I loved video games, and loved super heroes. Batman was awesome, but too dark. Mario was a video game, but too childish. Sonic had more attitude, but he didnt have the morals I was subconsciously looking for. But then one day the words "PLASMA POWER" rang out from my TV screen, and I met my favorite super hero ever. I wanted to be a hero. Someone who fought for good, without being a cookie cutter boyscout like Superman. MegaMan just got it right for me. Shortly after my mom saw a game and recognized the words "MegaMan" and knew I liked that cartoon show. She didnt know what the difference between "Classic" and "X series" was, so sure enough, my first MegaMan game was X1. Finally, I got to play my own favorite super hero, and got the true feeling I was saving the day.

OtakusandGeeks.com: If the heads of Capcom (US, EUR, and JP) wanted to meet and talk to the group, what would you all say to them? How would you talk to them about all that has happened?

DT: I'd be sure to dress up slick and sharp, and make sure the entire team presents themselves as professionally as possible. Since we've already spoken with CoA in person, so what I'd really want to do is confront CoJ, assuming there were a reliable translator on-hand. I'd want them to know that by not releasing Legends 3, they have lost a lot of face with people who have been buying and faithfully following their products for years. There's a lot of money to be made off of the Mega Man Legends series if they'd take the time to put some effort into advertising it well to younger gamers. I truly believe this title was ahead of its time. Even though it seems like a financial risk to release Legends games now, they cannot afford this blow to their reputation. The only way they can make amends to this fanbase is by showing the Mega Man Legends series some serious love, because it deserves to have a chance to shine. If they do this, we will do everything in our power to help ensure that it is a financial success.

JD: Well, since we actually met with Seth Killian from COA at NYCC, I feel that we've already reached out to them and made our requests. All I would really want from them is to keep supporting us and be the loudspeakers for our voices. We want to be heard by Capcom Japan since they're the head honchos. Now if we got into contact with COJ I'd be enthralled. What I would personally say to Capcom Japan is to think of their fanbase. Maybe you won't make the MOST money but think of all the money you just threw away by cancelling that game. It's hard to understand why you'd put all the effort into getting 30% done on a project and then throw it away.

JC: Inafune was on to something when he first named his games "Mega Man Universe" and "Mega Man Legends 3 Project" and not "Rockman Universe" or "Rockman DASH 3 Project." Western audiences still love and adore Mega Man. There are a LOT of us out there, and they are shooting themselves in the foot by turning a deaf ear to our eager voices. It seems like Capcom just doesn't care about him anymore unless he does well in his homeland. Ultimately, that will cripple them in the industry if they do not listen to their fans. More than just cancelling Legends 3, Capcom has been beating up the MegaMan franchise very badly, and making a lot of their fans mad in favor of their Resident Evil Fans, Street Fighter Fans, etc. What they fail to realize is that many of those fans are ALSO Mega Man Fans! The fans are demanding Mega Man Legends 3. They don't care how many Street Fighter spinoffs or Resident Evils you make. If Capcom does not supply what the fans demand, they will simply dig themselves into a grave they cannot get out of.

AR: Times have changed since Legends 1 and 2 were released. Localization and marketing issues that were present 11 years ago will not be a problem now. Clearly, you have seen that there is a dedicated fan base that would love to see the revival of this project! Release the Prototype on the 3DS eShop, and use it to gauge customer interest and receive player feedback, as was the original plan. Or release MML 1 and 2 and introduce these games to a new audience. What’s the point of paying homage to the series in your other games if players can’t experience their origins? Make it happen; your fans will appreciate this second chance at success and you will not be disappointed by the results.

CB: I would mainly try to convey the experiences I've had with fans and talk about their reactions to the news, how they've felt about the whole situation, from when the game was announced to when it was cancelled. I'd also probably bring up the massive amounts of interest the game is getting not only from the fans, but also from gaming publications--many of whom were eagerly following the progression of this game's development--and among game developers themselves; not only was the team making it passionate about Mega Man Legends 3, at least two other companies have now offered to work with Capcom and make the game for them. Clearly there is an interest in this game that far surpasses that of an average cancelled game.

OtakusandGeeks.com: Bonus Question (Responses to the live action Mega Man movie)

JC: Actually, my friend Pali and I were at NYCC 2010 and had just met Inafune himself. Shortly after, two gentlemen approached us and asked if Inafune was still doing signings. We regrettably told them he had just left for the day, which he did (but later returned and signed a bunch of posters and handed them out! What a guy!) My friend noticed they had the live action MegaMan movie on DVD. The convo that ensued went like this:

"Where did you get that?"
"Oh, they're handing them out at (insert NYCC booth here.)"
"Sweet! Where can we get one? Do they have any more?"
"Yeah! Right here!"
"Wow! Awesome!"
"Have you seen it yet?"
"Actually, some friends and I all watched it on Skype together and recorded our own commentary, kinda like Mystery Science Theatre 3000. We haven't finished it yet though, we're about half way through. Have you guys seen it yet?"
"Yes. I'm the director."

Honestly, we DO think it's a good movie!! If the crew who made it is reading this out there, I hope you're not still mad at us!! We love your stuff!!
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Be sure to check out their links below to talk to them and join the cause, I don't know if it is a losing battle myself but I will say this, These guys are true fans. I thought I was one of the few out there that remember fondly of Mega Man Legends and how much of a departure it was from the norm and it worked. There were a few issues, sure that happens with the first game of any new idea/I.P. nothing is going to be prefect but Legends had and has promise. I am making this personal but I am rooting for you guys, hell I want to play Mega Man Legends 3... BAD.

LINKS:
100,000 Strong For Bring Back Mega Man Legends 3 FaceBook and Blog

Cosplay, CosPlaY, COSPLAY!

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Raise your hands if you love cosplay!!!!! While there's good and bad cosplay, beginners & elitests, and ideas that should probably remain as such ... Cosplay is just downright entertaining.

We got a chance to catch one of the daily Cosplay contests that took place on the Kids Habsbro Stage. The contests were short, but I PROMISE at the end of the 15 minutes, they had a winner! And truthfully, with Uncle Yo being our gracious emcee, it was that much more entertaing.

Let's CosPlay ... shall we?


... And the winner is ... 
Idris, Dr. Who's wife ... and boy did she embody EVERYTHING about the character. 
I think she may have set my personal bar for future cosplay. ;-)

*Q: What type of dress does Idris wear in The Doctor's Wife & why; who wrote this episode; what number doctor?*