Star Wars Rebels: Meet Jedi Kanan

Not every guardian of peace and justice was lost to the tragedy of Order 66. Introducing Kanan, a survivor of the Emperor’s Jedi purge and one of the main characters of Star Wars Rebels. (http://starwars.com/) Kanan, voiced by Freddie Prinze, Jr., is a less traditional Force-wielder than fans are used to seeing. He carries a blaster, is a little sarcastic, and keeps his past a secret. “I like to call Kanan ‘the cowboy Jedi,’” says executive producer Dave Filoni. As shown in this video, his Jedi robes are long gone, replaced with armor and a holster, though a samurai-like ponytail hints at his Jedi Knight origins. 

In Star Wars Rebels, set between Episode III and IV, Kanan has been underground for years, evading the Empire. If the Imperials become aware of his existence “he’s going to get killed,” says art director Kilian Plunkett. He still has his lightsaber, but no longer uses it for fear of revealing his true identity -- and has ultimately forsaken the ways of the Jedi Order. Star Wars Rebels will show Kanan’s journey as he rediscovers himself, just as a rebellion begins to form against the Empire. According to Filoni, “He’s a gunslinger that needs to put the gun away and pick up the sword again, and fight for noble causes and selfless causes.” But what will happen when he chooses to reignite his Jedi weapon, fighting once again for a greater purpose?

Concept Art

First Look At Secret Avengers #1

This March, run the mission, don’t get seen, save the world. The covert branch of Earth’s Mightiest is back with a new mission, new enemies, and even deadlier threats. Today, Marvel is pleased to present your first look at SECRET AVENGERS #1 from the critically acclaimed creative team of Ales Kot and Michael Walsh! The Earth is in danger. And only the world’s most effective secret squad can save it. Too bad that’s NOT the Secret Avengers! Three missions kick off at the same time: one in the air, one on the ground, and one in…space?! And no one is ready for what comes next – except the attackers! Now, Fury, Coulson, Hawkeye, Black Widow, Spider-Woman, Maria Hill, and even the villainous M.O.D.O.K. must work together if they hope to achieve the impossible. But first, they’ll have to survive!

Quantum Mechanix and WBCP team for DC Comics Q-Pop Figures

Quantum Mechanix Inc. (QMx) announced today that it has signed a deal with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, on behalf ofDC Entertainment, to bring the heroes and villains of the DC Comics universe to its roster of Q-Pop® figures. The newly minted deal lets QMx take the decidedly lighthearted style of Q-Pops and apply them to such beloved DC Comics Super Heroes as Batman, Superman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman and other members of the DC Comics universe. Q-Pops are a line of high-quality PVC figures that put a whimsical spin on pop culture’s favorite characters.

The Q-Pop® style is reminiscent of Japanese chibi characters, but injected with a distinctly American flair. Each figure is approx. 3.5” tall and will include a themed base and word balloon with a whiteboard surface that will allow collectors to write in quotes or verbalize sound effects with an included dry-erase marker. The DC ComicsQ-Pop® line will be priced between $19.95 and $29.95, providing fans with an accessible line of figures to collect without breaking the bank. “Q-Pops® are each character's inner child come to life,” said Mohammad Haque, Design Director for QMx. “Part of their unique fun comes from filling in a silly phrase or quip in the word bubbles. It's fun to have them do the talking for you!” “Each DC Comics Q-Pop® should evoke the pure joy of cracking open a comic book for the first time,” adds QMx CEO Andy Gore. "QMx hopes to capture the glee from our childhoods spent pretending to be Super Heroes and box it up with each Q-Pop®.” “We’re excited to partner with QMx to add the fan-favorite DC Comics Super Heroes to their roster of Warner Bros. properties and beloved characters,” said Karen McTier, Executive Vice President of Domestic Licensing and Worldwide Marketing for Warner Bros. Consumer Products. QMx plans to release the first DC Comics Q-Pops® summer 2014 at QMx-authorized comic, collector and specialty retail outlets around the country. They’ll also be available for purchase directly through the QMx website at www.qmxonline.com.

Ghost In The Shell Arise: Ghost Whispers Review

Freed of her responsibilities with the 501 Organization, Motoko Kusanagi must now learn how to take orders from Aramaki. Someone hacks the Logicomas, and Batou enlists the help of former army intelligence officer Ishikawa and former air artillery expert Borma. Kusanagi also seeks to enlist ace sniper Saito and undercover cop Paz into the new Public Security Section 9. The two groups rival each other in a case involving a man who receives false memories of a refugee transport operation.

Accel World Review

In 2046, people can access a virtual network known as the Neurolinker via their cellphone terminals. A perpetual victim of bullying, middle school student Haruyuki spends his time absorbed in games in a corner of his local network. One day he is approached by the most famous girl in his school, Kuroyukihime (Black Snow Princess). She gives him a strange program called Brain Burst that has the power to "accelerate the world."

DVD & BLU-RAY RELEASE OF NARUTO BLOOD PRISON ANIME FEATURE ON FEB. 18th

The Blu-ray/DVD release of NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BLOOD PRISON on February 18th. The new release is rated ‘TV-14’ and will carry a DVD MSRP of $19.98 U.S. / $24.98 CAN and Blu-ray MSRP of $24.98 U.S. / $27.50 CAN. Each version also features a special full-color variant O-card that will have different artwork than what is featured on the actual Amaray cases. A host of special bonus material for the DVD and Blu-ray editions includes an animated short film, Chunin Exam on Fire! Naruto vs. Konohamaru!, as well as a production art gallery and the original Japanese theatrical trailers.

The Blu-ray edition additionally contains a personal message from NARUTO creator Masashi Kishimoto and an interview with Junko Takeuchi, the Japanese voice of Naruto Uzumaki. In the film, Naruto is convicted of a serious crime he didn’t commit and is sent to the inescapable prison, Hozuki Castle. The warden, Mui, quickly seals away Naruto’s chakra to prevent him from rebelling. Refusing to give up, Naruto plans his escape while also befriending his fellow inmates Ryuzetsu and Maroi. But he can't help but wonder what their ulterior motives are... “In BLOOD PRISON, Naruto is behind bars in a shinobi Alcatraz, accused of murder and attempted assassination, and the storyline and action that ensue makes this the most exciting NARUTO SHIPPUDEN feature film yet,” says Charlene Ingram, Senior Manager, Animation Marketing. “Audiences are in for a wild ride as Naruto tries to prove his innocence and also help his new friends uncover the secrets surrounding the mysterious Box of Paradise, and their ties to what it contains. Catch all the action on DVD and Blu-ray!”

Ted Mobsy's Most Romantic Moments

Since it is Valentine's Day week here at Otakus & Geeks and most of us are in the spirit of commericalized love. I can't think of no better way to celebrate this week than with one man's epic journey to find the one. A man who has had his up's and downs in the relationship world. A man who journey has taken nine seasons (nine years) to find the love his life. That man is no other then "How I Met Your Mother" Ted Mosby. Here is some Ted's most memorable romantic moments.

1. Stealing The Blue Horn For Robin

Nothing will make a girl say aww than taking an item she had her eye on at a restuarant. To prove how serious he felt about Robin, Ted did just that for Robin. The classic gesture was not only romantic but made Ted stand out above the rest of the pack.

2. Roses and Violin Quartet In Robin's Apartment
Red Roses symbolizes love for many people and Ted was no different. In the final episode of season 1. Ted surprises Robin with a violin classical band that he promises pizza too which they never recieved. He places tons of roses all the living room to showcase his affection and gives a nice speech. However this only made Robin push back from Ted due to her fear of relationship.

3. Ted's First Meeting With Victoria
Recently in the 9th season of "How I Met Your Mother" Robin named Victoria as Ted's best girlfriend. Go back and watch season 1 and you will why Victoria is number 1. Ted's first encounter with Victoria was magic. The first date they agreed to not know each other's names, no kissing and don't get attach. However it prove to be very hard for Ted and Victoria because they had so much chemisty. The date consists of slow dancing, Ted playing the piano and great conversation. This was not only Ted's best dates but one of his most romantic moments.

4. Ted Speed Date With Stella

What do you do when the object of your affection is constantly on the clock? You adjust the clock and speed it up a little to match the schedule. Ted did just that with Stella. Since Ted couldn't get a date with Stella in standard dating time. He decide to do something clever and pack a full date into less than two minutes. This was not only romantic but very slick of Ted to pull this off.



5. Make It Rain For You

Regardless of how ridiculous Ted looked or whether he believes he actually made it rain that night. You can't deny that Ted love for Robin was deep. Ted went to a rooftop and did a rain dance in hopes that the weather will stop Robin from going on a business trip. This showed that Ted will go to any length to make the woman he loves smile.

Honorable Mention: 45 Days

Probably the most heartfelt moment in the series and one of Josh Radnor (Ted) favorite moments. The epic speeech Ted gave to the mother in his time travel episode was powerful.

Ted has had many romantic moments but there is not enough time to list them all. Tell us your favorite romantic Ted moment in the comment section.

　

Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster Valentine's Day Trailer

Square Enix today released a new Valentine’s Day-themed trailer for its upcoming remastered compilation, FINAL FANTASY® X/X-2 HD Remaster. As two of the most prominent characters in the FINAL FANTASY franchises, Tidus and Yuna come to life once again to live out their dynamic and romantic relationship. In addition to the trailer, Square Enix also announced its pre-order incentive for the PlayStation®Vita system version of the game. Fans who pre-order the title on the handheld system will receive three limited edition colorfully illustrated art cards.

Transformers Universe

2014 is the launch year for Transformers Universe and the start of an epic journey as you #testyourmetal. A Massively Online Tactical Action game (MOTA), Transformers Universe offers fast-paced, battle-centric, tactical action with game modes for core gamers, casual gamers and Transformers enthusiasts alike. As Commander of a new squad of bots, you will recruit, maintain and battle others with a unique collection of Transformers warriors created in collaboration with Hasbro. Check out the trailer and screenshots below. Transformers Universe is set to launch this summer, you can sign-up for the BETA now at www.transformersuniverse.com

Lenni Reviews: Another by Yukito Ayatsuki

(Image Source)

I picked up this manga from the bookstore randomly and in yet another sweet twist of fate, it was a freaking awesome idea. Another is a creepy, beautiful read.

The story is set in 1998, when Koichi Sakakibara transfers to a new school and as all we manga fans know, is cause for shenanigans. The legend of this class is there was once a student named Misaki who died in an accident. The class was so devastated, they pretended she was still there. A nice coping mechanism if you can keep it up but at the end of the year, the dead student appeared in the class photo. From then on, there always seemed to be an "extra" in the class a student who didn't exist before and cease to exist after. Horrible tragedies would befall the class til this "extra was found." If they don't know who the extra is, the students and the teacher create one, selecting one student in the class to completely ignore as if he or she was not there. This year's selection is Mei Misaki.

Not properly warned, Koichi is determined to make friends with Mei despite the vague mentions from his classmates. When accidents start happening, Koichi is determined to find whoever may be the "extra" causing the deaths around him before he falls victim himself.

At first I was a little annoyed the kids around Koichi didn't just flat out tell him what the deal was but when you think about it, you really just can out and out tell the new kid "Hey there! Nice to meet you! By the way, our class is cursed." so we can let that slide. The manga has a slow, creepy build I can appreciate rather than the in-your-face sort of scares from more gory horror. It is genuinely sad and scary to watch the kids and adults crack and break under the stress of finding the "extra" person and ending the disasters. 

The art may seem initially like standard manga fair but Kiyohara does a masterful job of integrating both cuteness, drama, and fear into what you're seeing on the page. The story is just complex enough to keep you interested with very few side tracks to distract you. By the end, you are left with a very satisfying ending and a wonderful example of how complete Japanese horror manga can be. Now, I picked up the omnibus edition from Yen Press for $29.99, which was a bit of an ouchie for my wallet but I can see myself reading this more than once. I enjoyed this manga and I recommend it to any fan of a good slice of creepy/cute goodness from Japan. If you give this one a chance, friends, you won't be disappointed.

Blue Exorcist TV Series to Premiere on Toonami Feb. 22nd

The popular animated TV Series Blue Exorcist will be making its U.S. network television debut on Adult Swim’s TOONAMI™ on February 22nd. Aniplex of America originally made the announcement of the premiere on their Live Show this past November. Specific premiere time on Feb. 22nd will be announced on a later date. The Blue Exorcist TV Series is based on Kazue Kato’s hit manga published in Jump Square (by SHUEISHA) and it saw a multi-stream simulcast on websites such as Hulu, Crunchyroll (subtitled version), and as well as on Neon Alley (English dub version). In response to its worldwide popularity, the series was also adapted into a film and theatrically released across North America this past August. Produced by the highly-acclaimed studio A-1 Pictures, (Sword Art Online, Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic, Oreimo 2) the Blue Exorcist TV Series has gained popularity among its fans for its unique storyline and characters. Aniplex of America has released the Blue Exorcist TV Series on home video earlier this year featuring both the original Japanese and English dub which features many popular voice actors such as Bryce Papenbrook (as Rin Okumura), Johnny Yong Bosch (as Yukio Okumura), and Christine Marie Cabanos (as Shiemi Moriyama).

First Look At Magneto #1

Magneto is not the man he once was. And the world is a different, more dangerous place for mutants. Once a member of Cyclops’ team of renegade X-Men, it’s time for him to strike out and defend mutantkind on his own terms. It’s time to wage a new kind of war. One that will not only ensure mutant survival, but restore the Master of Magnetism to his former glory! He’s not afraid to get his hands bloody to do it…and he’ll prove once and for all why you should tremble at the sound of his name.

Light Apprentice Interactiv​e Comic Coming To iOS / Android In March

300 years, Nate has been sleeping. The Great War has ravished his land of Ethenia, leaving this once-beautiful world barren and on the brink of darkness. Only Nate can save Ethenia from total destruction... but how? That's up to you. Light Apprentice is an interactive comic gamebook by Igor Noronha: you choose Nate's path and what kind of hero he becomes. With an epic story told through gorgeous comic illustrations and lite RPG gameplay that influences characters and plot, Light Apprentice will put Ethenia's fate in your hands when the first issue debuts for iPhone, iPad, and Android in March.

You can play the browser demo here http://www.lightapprentice.com

Check out some screenshots below:

Zashiki Onna (Manga Review)

Title - Zashiki Onna
Author -Mochizuki Minetaro
Illustrator -Mochizuki Minetaro
Chapters - 11

Story - One night, mild-mannered college student, Hiroshi Mori, bumps into a woman visiting his next-door neighbor. A large, creepy woman, she has long hair, wears a coat and carries shopping bags in both hands. He had never seen her before. But then, without warning, the woman starts stalking Hiroshi, shifting her attention from his next-door neighbor whom she had been visiting to Hiroshi himself. Who is she and what is she after?

If I can describe Zashiki Onna in one word it would be suspenseful. Right from the first page this manga screams creepy. The main protagonist Hiroshi runs into a mysterious who is stalking his next door neighbor. Once she finds out that the neighbor has left she swifts her attention to him. The build up and realism of Hiroshi situation is what makes this manga scary. The fact that this can happen to anybody adds more sense of fear to the reader. The mysterious woman is truly the highlight of the manga. As you read the manga you get invested on wanting to know her backstory. Why is she after Hiroshi? Where did she come from in the first place? Mochizuki Minetaro has cleverly written a manga where you care about the characters. I found to the most interesting part is Hiroshi psychological breakdown as the stalking goes from mild to severe. Hiroshi starts off strong but as the woman mind games, and stalking his friends and family persist Hiroshi strength begins to waver. Mochizuki does a great job of showing the effects of someone in a stalking situation from both sides. Mochiziuki shows the psychological breakdown of the one doing the stalking, and the one who is being stalked. It was great to see how Hiroshi refusing to acknowledge the woman was effecting her. The more Hiroshi pushed away the more she got angry and possessive. This was truly the most scariest moment of the manga as the mysterious woman is very unpredictable. The unpredictablity of not knowing what she would do next makes this a must read.

Art - Mochizuki Minetaro has great illustration in this manga. The best highlight would be the facial expressions of the woman. She is drawn very creepy and if you seen this woman walking the streets you might not take a second look. She is a personfication of what I would call a stalker. I loved the way she looks and her face when she is angry. Overall the art is great from start to finish.

 

 

Final Grade 8.5/B+: If you're a fan of horror and like a good suspenseful story "Zashiki Onna" is the one for you. This is one creepy manga that will hit home if you've ever been in a stalking situation. Great pacing, great art and characters you care about it. Check it out.

Madoka Magica Rebellion Set For Blu-Ray Release This April

Aniplex of America has just announced that the third Puella Magi Madoka Magica movie -Rebellion- will be available on Blu-ray starting on April 8th. Since its U.S. Premiere at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood last December, -Rebellion- has played in theaters in 47 cities across the US and 35 cities in Canada. The demand for the -Rebellion- movie continues to grow as fans continue to ask for more show times throughout the country. The third movie from the Madoka Magica franchise was directed by Akiyuki Shimbou and features a brand new story written by Gen Urobuchi (Nitroplus). The Puella Magi Madoka Magica -Rebellion- Blu-ray is a Puella Magi Madoka Magica The Movie -Rebellion- will be imported from Japan and released in North America in both Collector’s and Standard Edition Blu-rays. Both the Collector’s and Standard Edition will include the -Rebellion- movie, the theatrical trailer and textless opening.

Bonus extras in the Collector’s Edition Blu-ray include exclusive new cover art on both the Rigid Box and Digipak, a deluxe booklet and an original soundtrack CD. Customers who purchase the Collector’s Edition through Aniplex of America’s official retailers will receive a translation booklet for the deluxe booklet. In addition, for those who purchase the Collector’s Edition through MadokaMagicaUSA.com, Aniplex of America will also include 3 exclusive clear files featuring the theatrical poster images while supplies last. Pre-orders for both editions begin today.

SpongeBob SquarePant​s Interactiv​e Experience to Debut at Madame Tussauds New York, Feb. 11

Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants wax figure at Madame Tussauds New York in Times Square will feature a new, enhanced environment beginning Tuesday, Feb. 11. This custom, fully interactive experience is designed to replicate the sights and sounds of one of SpongeBob’s favorite hangouts, Jellyfish Fields. New features include a one-or two-player interactive gestural wall game that allows visitors to use their own body movements to virtually interact with the jellyfish and bubbles of Jellyfish Fields. Guests hone their virtual skills by popping bubbles and once they've mastered that, they can try their hand at moving jellyfish to their virtual net. However, they need to be careful as some of the jellyfish will "sting" them, causing the screen to flash and release all of the netted jellies back into the wild, starting the gameplay all over again. Some of Bikini Bottom's most familiar faces also make an appearance. In celebration of the brand-new interactive space, Madame Tussauds New York is offering kids 12 and under FREE admission through President’s Day, Feb. 17, if their family comes to the attraction dressed in yellow.* SpongeBob SquarePants is the first animated character to receive a figure made entirely of wax by Madame Tussauds. The wax figure was unveiled July 15, 2009. *Valid two free children per full paying adult. Cannot be purchased in advance or combined with other offers.

Lenni Reviews: Will O’ the Wisp by Tom Hammock and Megan Hutchison

I have been devouring horror manga and comics like a nut so I was glad to have Will O' The Wisp by Tom Hammock and Megan Hutchison come across my... Ok, not my desk but my tablet. Same thing, right?

Will O' the Wisp tells the story of 12 year old Aurora who's parents have recently died and she is put into the care of her grandfather. The moment she is even invited to the bayou that is his home, the magic begins, as she is told to only arrive at a certain moon phase and hour. Then as bodies start to turn up, the local hoodoo woman Mama Noonie's magic and traditions surround her as Aurora tries to unravel why people are turning up dead, why the isle is cursed, and the secret behind the strange blue lights appearing in front of her.

I was intrigued by this book. The art is very fitting for a true bayou magical mystery; haunting and sharp. There were some very abrupt skips in the story in some places but the low hum - not unlike a bass playing -  of the story pulls you right back in. I found the entire experience to be a lot like a dark coming of age story as the past meets the present and magic runs amok.

If some of the transitions were smoother, the book would be a perfect creepy read. Once you get passed that, there is a wonderfully drawn gothic story of a smart girl and her plucky raccoon sidekick moving in a darkly magical world.

That Awkward Moment Review

"That Akward Moment" is a romantic comedy with some serious dramatic tones starring Zac Efron, Michael B. Jordan and Miles Teller. The film is directed and written by Tom Gormican. Unlike many romantic comedies "That Akward Moment" examines the view of relationship from the perspective of three young men. Is this the movie worth the price of admission?

Story - "That Akward Moment" is about three best friends who find themselves where we've all been- at that confusing "moment" in every dating relationship when you have to decide "So...where is this going?" As previous stated before "That Awkard Moment" examines the view of relationship from the perspective of young men. The characters Jason played by Zac Efron, Mikey played by Michael B Jordan and Daniel played by Miles Teller all have different situations and ways of handling them. Jason is the ladies man and unofficial ringleader of the group. He can be describe as a womanizer who tends to leave anything potential chance of a serious relationship when the woman ask where is this going. Mikey is the one who actually is the moral compass of the three. After finding out his wife has been cheating and wanting a divorce he has to deal with a new found single life and adjust getting back into the dating game. Finally Daniel who is the funny one and the most blunt out of the group. Daniel is denying his feeling for a close friend of the group Chelsea played by Mackenzie Davis. What really makes the story good is the relationship between the three guys who play off each other very well. Once Mikey founds out his marriage is over it's up to Jason and Daniel to help him get back on his feet. The fellas make a pact that they will all remain single no matter what. However things don't work out as plan as Jason and Daniel meet women who can threaten the pact. For the sake of spoilers I won't go any deeper into the plot. I will say that the story does suffers from some typical cliches that plagues most romantic comedies. Some cliches like a couple breaking up and getting back together, random death to bring the couple together, the big I love you speech and you don't realize what you have till it's gone. Other than the standard cliches this movie was entertaining. The film lives up to the title of That Awkard Moment. It's has some serious awkard moments that will have you laughing. One awkard moment involves viagara and another involves a costume party with Zac Efron character. While the film has some funny moments it's when the film reaches some dramatic tones is where it shines. Watching Mikey trying to save his marriage was probably the most interesting story arc out of the three guys. Mikey's character had more heart and more to loose in terms of story and watching him go through depression and trying to hold onto to something that is no longer there was great. Overall the story has it's funny moments but it suffers from the typical cliches. It's not a deal breaker by any means it's still enjoyable film to watch.



Acting - The acting is well done from everyone in the cast. Efron, Jordan and Teller have great chemistry with each other. I would love to see these three in another movie together. The chemistry between the guys and the female counterparts are great as well. Imogen Poots is great as Ellie and she has great chemistry with Efron when they're on screen. Jessica Lucas does a great job as Vera. Her character didn't get too much screen time but her scenes with Jordan we're a pleasure to watch. She was the character that you would love to hate. Finallly Mackenzie Davis is great as Chelsea. Chelsea can come off as a tomboy but she's has her layers and sweet side and Davis displayed that well.

Music - The soundtrack is pleasure to the ears. While it doesn't rely to heavy on an orchestrated composition, instead it uses insert songs from various artist to set the tone. Artist such as Night Drive, Elliphant, Vogel and many more. The film has a wide selection of songs that is worthy of an original soundtrack.

Final Thoughts - "That Awkward Moment" is an entertaining romantic comedy. The cast is great and shows great chemistry all around. The story is good but it does suffer from the typical cliches that you see in romantic films and the female characters could of had their backstories flush out a little more. Efron and Teller are great but the show stealer is Michael B Jordan and Imogen Poots with their performances. The film is fun, has some good looks from the male prespective of relationships and offers a few laughs. It's a good date film to take your significant other.