Press Release: Marvel will release Official MCU Guide Book

image credit: Marvel
 

At long last, the Marvel Cinematic Universe receives its own guidebook! Beginning this October, go deeper than ever before in the very first GUIDEBOOK TO THE MARVEL CINEMATIC UNIVERSE! In the vein of the classic Official Handbook to the Marvel Universe, take a deep dive into the fan-favorite Marvel Studios films and Marvel Television series and see their genesis in the pages of Marvel Comics!

But this isn’t your daddy’s Official Handbook – the new MCU Guidebooks are completely overhauled. Sleeker, slicker and jam-packed with information about the people, places and things across the entirety of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Chock full of “fast facts,” movie-to-comic comparisons and production stills – these comprehensive compilations are essential reading for hardcore Marvel fans!

Kicking off this October with GUIDEBOOK TO THE MARVEL CINEMATIC UNIVERSE – MARVEL’S IRON MAN – witness the rise of Tony Stark into the Armored Avenger from a new perspective, with an indispensable volume of information on Marvel Studios’ first blockbuster hit! Then, November brings the GUIDEBOOK TO THE MARVEL CINEMATIC UNIVERSE – MARVEL’S INCREDIBLE HULK/MARVEL’S IRON MAN 2. This second issue, in a fantastic flipbook format, shines a spotlight on the Jade Giant’s gamma-fueled feature film along with Iron Man’s second silver-screen outing!

Relive all the big-screen thrills of the Marvel Cinematic Universe this October, and build your library of reference books as the first GUIDEBOOK TO THE MARVEL CINEMATIC UNIVERSE comes to comic shops and digital devices everywhere!

GUIDEBOOK TO THE MARVEL CINEMATIC UNIVERSE – MARVEL’S IRON MAN
Written by MIKE O’SULLIVAN & THE OHOTMU TEAM
Cover by MIKE DEL MUNDO
On-Sale in October!

GUIDEBOOK TO THE MARVEL CINEMATIC UNIVERSE – MARVEL’S INCREDIBLE HULK/MARVEL’S IRON MAN 2
Written by MIKE O’SULLIVAN & THE OHOTMU TEAM
Covers by MIKE DEL MUNDO & PASCAL CAMPION
On-Sale in November!
 

News: New Flash Promo Trailer

Hey O&G fans, Today the CW released a new promo trailer for the upcoming season 2 of the Flash. In the trailer you get the first words from the Atom Smasher and a first look at Jay Garrick (The Golden Age Flash).

Here is a look at the trailer:
 

The Flash Season 2 Promo #3 a preview video for The Flash Season 2 Episode 1 The Man Who Saved Central City in the United States episode S02E01 will air on October on CW channel. The Flash Season 2 is says there are new threats. The Flash created a portal and it is showtime.

The second season of the The Flash premieres October 6 on the CW.
 

FINAL RANMA 1/2 HOME MEDIA INSTALLMENT

The final home media installment of the celebrated gender-bending martial arts action comedy based on the popular manga series created by Rumiko Takahashi as it announces the release of RANMA ½ Set 7.

VIZ Media has released the entire gender-bending martial arts action comedy in its original Japanese series order across seven Limited Edition Blu-ray and Standard Edition DVD Box Sets. RANMA ½ is rated TV-14 and is based on the popular manga series originally created by Rumiko Takahashi.

The RANMA ½ Limited Edition Blu-ray Box Set 7 carries an MSRP of $54.97 U.S. / $63.99 CAN. The final set of the series contains Episodes 139-161 on 3 discs, presented in full 1080p high-definition resolution with the series’ original, uncropped 4:3 aspect ratio. Subtitled and English dubbed dialogue options are available. The Blu-ray edition also contains a full color art card and a 32-page booklet with individual episode summaries.

Blu-ray bonus features include clean openings and endings as well as series trailers and the concluding installment of “We Love Ranma Part 8 - We Love Rumiko Takahasi.” The set comes in a gorgeously illustrated chipboard box with embossed foil stamping.

The RANMA ½ Standard Edition DVD Set 7 also features the final 23 episodes with the original, uncropped 4:3 aspect ratio, with bonus features that include clean openings and endings and trailers. Subtitled and English dubbed dialogue options are available. The Standard Edition DVD set is available with an MSRP of $44.82 U.S. / $51.99 CAN.

The madcap days of martial arts mayhem comes to a thrilling conclusion in the final set of RANMA ½! Ranma is challenged by Ryoga to fight yet again, but this time he is completely defeated by Ryoga's new technique, the "Lion's-Roar Blast." It is said that the more miserable the user, the stronger the technique becomes - does Ranma have a chance against the tragic Ryoga?! Then, Ranma must master martial arts cheerleading, but in order to win, he is going to have to cheer up Upperclassman Kuno! Finally, Ranma's mother at last comes to the Tendo Dojo, but why is Genma doing everything he can to stop Ranma from meeting her? Akane feels sorry for Ranma, who barely remembers his own mother, and forms a plan to bring them together. 

Cosplay Boy of The Week #117 (Ned Flanders)

Howdy ho neighborinos this week's Cosplay Boy of The Week is from The Simpsons. The one and only Ned Flanders. I think the cosplayer did a great job of props, make up and even has the body type for Flanders. Great job. Credit pic seen on https://www.facebook.com/pages/Male-Cosplayers/254278791269519. 

Aniplex of America Release Persona3 THE MOVIE 3 Falling Down (IMPORT)

Fans of the cult classic JRPG, Shin Megami Tensei: Persona3 can get ready to fire up their Evokers again! Aniplex of America made an announcement today at their industry panel at Nan Desu Kan (Denver, CO) regarding their plans to distribute the import Blu-rays of Shin Megami Tensei: Persona3 THE MOVIE #3 Falling Down starting January 20th of next year. Pre-orders will begin on their official site (AniplexUSA.com/p3m) on Tuesday September 8 In the third film of this movie franchise, the protagonist, Makoto Yuki, and his teammates of the Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad (SEES) are nearing their final battle against the vicious Shadows and finally bringing an end to the Dark Hour. As they engage in countless battles, each SEES member must face what it is that they all are fighting for. The Shin Megami Tensei: Persona3 THE MOVIE #3 Falling Down (IMPORT) will be distributed in limited quantities and both the collector’s and standard editions will be sold only while supplies last.

TV News: Netflix Daredevil series cast District Attorney Blake Towers

Hey O&G fans, After a great first season on Netflix, Daredevil is getting ready for another action packed season. Actor Stephen Rider has been hired to play New York City District Attorney Blake Tower in the new season. Rider, who co-starred in the award-winning film Lee Daniels' The Butler, will reportedly be a regular for the Marvel/Netflix show's second season, and will be an ally for Matt Murdock.

In comic books, Blake Tower had much the same role. As a NYC D.A., Tower had a good working relationship with Captain America, Daredevil, She-Hulk, and Misty Knight. For a time, the former Blonde Phantom, Louise Mason, worked for Mason as a legal secretary, and even opened the door for She-Hulk to work for him as an attorney for a time.

Daredevil is currently filming its second season, and is expected to air sometime in 2016.

source: newsarama and Deadline

The Transporter: Refueled Review

In the south of France, former special-ops mercenary Frank Martin enters into a game of chess with a femme-fatale and her three sidekicks who are looking for revenge against a sinister Russian kingpin.

Can the Transporter film franchise survive without Jason Statham? Yes it can, only if it in capable hands. The Transporter Refueled is a hit or miss depending on your taste. If you're a person who loves action over story then this is a good film. If you're a person who values story over action then you might be disappointed. The Transporter Refueled is not a bad film. I actually had some fun with it. The film is just a basic action film with the usual cliche of you have your family member hostage. While I did enjoy the dynamic of Frank showing more heart than previous films. The movie became predictable by time the second act hits. Frank is forced into a situation he has to get of. He finds a way and onto the next set piece. The movie did more humanity to the cold heart transporter which fans will love. 

The acting is okay. Ray Stevenson as Frank's Martin father steals every single scene he's in. He is a great comedy relief to the film and a good moral compass for his transporter son. The female leads were enjoyable to watch and to see these anti heroes was refreshing. Ed Skrein replaces Statham and he did a good job. I enjoyed his performance but it's one of those roles that you can't see anyone else in but the original actor. Overall the film gives you exactly you expect from the franchise and that's not a bad thing. The villain could have been better and the story less cliche but it's pretty decent.

The Pros and Cons of a Cinematic Universe

Hollywood is never short of following the mode monkey see monkey do. It's no surprise after the huge success from Marvel/Disney cinematic universe everyone else would follow. These days in Hollywood the focus is no longer about a stand alone film. It's not about a basic trilogy with three films and done. Today is all about expansion; connecting the dots and keeping the story going. This works well in a genre like a comic book films. It's great that Marvel, DC, Valiant, and Dark Horse are getting their just due in film world. These great comic book companies have endless of amount of material and stories to share with the world. We're in the golden age of comic book films at this point in time. Two years from now we're getting a Justice League movie. I never thought in my wildest dreams this would happen.

As much as I love the cinematic universe for my comic book films. I'm starting to see other genres take notice and trying to create cinematic universes, crossovers for films that don't need it. There were rumors of two Ghostbusters movies: one with the all female cast and one with all male cast and they will share the same universe. You can argue for plot it makes sense that the Ghostbusters expanded their business. However, do the Ghostbusters need their own cinematic universe? Did Paranormal Activity need the Marked Ones and try to connect it to the original? There are pros and cons for the cinematic universe and I'm going to share with you my take on it.

Pros of The Cinematic Universe

1. Crossovers: One of the great things that we get from a cinematic universe is crossovers that we only dreamed about. Marvel and DC are putting all their heroes on the big screen together. We've seen The Avengers, and soon we will see the Justice League. The fact that Batman and Superman are coming together is a big deal. It's something most of us thought would never happen. For my Otakus think what would happen if Jump did a cinematic universe. Imagine the possibility of Luffy, Goku, Naruto and Yusuke all in one movie. It will be the most epic thing for us. Crossovers mean interaction, big stories, epic battles, and hilarious moments you wouldn't get in a stand alone. Instead of Easter eggs, or a small cameo we have characters together for a whole two hours.

2. A Universe Is Much Bigger Than A Trilogy

From a business standpoint and longevity standpoint, a universe is infinite. In a cinematic universe there is no end game. New characters can be introduced, new situations, new location and more. A trilogy is one complete story and it's over. There is no revisiting the world again, there is no next chapter for the series. A successful universe is a money train that keeps ranking in the cash. If you need a proper example see below the map of Marvel's Cinematic Universe for the next couple of years.

As you can see Marvel has everything mapped out and plan from TV series to movies all the way to 2019. From a business stand point if each film at least gross worldwide 400 million and cost was around 150 million Marvel and Disney have some decent returns. Notice in Marvel Phase 3 the only two heroes returning in stand alone films are Captain America and Thor. Iron Man 4 is not happening as of right now. Marvel is keeping the universe alive and fresh by introducing new characters like Doctor Strange, Spider-Man, Inhumans, and Black Panther. This gives audiences a break from Iron Man, Thor and Capt. With infinite stories and possibilities a cinematic universe is more open to crossovers and bigger chances for constant money returns.

3. Beneficial For Everyone

One thing I'm loving about the cinematic universe is that talented actors, directors, screenwriters are getting a chance to shine. Anthony Mackie is really making a name for himself now after Winter Solider. His role of Falcon is becoming one of my favorites and I would love to see a stand alone film for his character. Robert Downey Jr. resurrected his career thanks to Iron Man. Henry Cavill received a huge leading man status off of Man of Steel. Now he is leading roles like The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Chris Evans made his directorial debut based off the money he made working as Captain America. If used right everyone wins in the cinematic universe. Actors of course get paid and get exposure for other projects. Directors and screenwriters get more work from the studios on other projects. The studios make their money and we the viewers have a great time watching the finished product.

The cinematic universe opens infinite ways on how to approach a franchise now. It's enables crossovers, big box office returns, epic battles, endless storylines and for us a a good time. However what comes good also comes with some bad and it's time to list the cons of the cinematic universe.

Cons of The Cinematic Universe

1. Story Limitations & Barriers

One major con of the cinematic universe is the story limitations and barriers within that universe. Everything story wise has to connect or reference to the overall big picture. This leaves some movies feeling more like a  set up film than feeling like a meaningful plot device for the big picture. If your story is not connected into the overall plot of the universe then it doesn't make the cut. This limitation can be hurtful because you can miss out on key characters, key story-lines, or overall great ideas because it doesn't connect or reference your universe. This is a major problem Marvel is having right now. They're having a hard time keeping directors or writers because of the barrier. Everything has to connect, this film is a set up film while this film is more important this one. If you take away creative freedom from an artist that artist is not going to want to do it. Edgar Wright left Ant-Man due to creative differences. He had his vision and Marvel had theirs and at the end the studios wins. If Ant-Man was just a trilogy without any universe tie in I bet Edgar Wright could do what he wanted. A cinematic universe can suffer greatly when you have to worry about how to connect and co-exist with another film. It's like five authors, five editors and five proofreaders are trying to write one book. While in a trilogy it's one story, one author, no worry about expansion just a self contain area and you work in that area. 

2. Quantity over Quality

I will be the first to say I'm happy with that we are getting all these films from Marvel and DC. However to be honest I'm a man that likes quality over quantity. The cinematic universe seems to be more quantity over quality. If we only got one Marvel and DC movie a year I wouldn't complain. At least that tells me that the studio is taking their time with each solo project and move. We're getting a lot of superhero movies next year from different universes. We got Deadpool and X-Men Apocalypse for the X-Men Universe by Fox. We got Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice and Suicide Squad from DC Universe by Warner Bros. Finally Captain America: Civil War and Doctor Strange from Marvel Universe by Disney. That is a total six superhero films next year alone. That is a flooded market of heroes next year. It's possible that all these films will be a knockout. But when sequels are being announced before you even see how your film is received you're caring about quantity more than quality. If it took three years for another Marvel film I wouldn't be mad. I want the best product out there. Take your time there is no rush. You don't always have to strike when the iron is hot.  There is a flaw with overexposure and flooding the market. People get use to the formula and eventually get bored. Everything comes full circle and the age of comic book films will be at an end soon. I believe that quantity over quality will be one of the shots that kills it.

3. The Studio System

This one is not really related to us the viewer but for the people in the industry. One thing the cinematic universe does to an actor, director or writer is lock you down. Some of these contracts resemble the old studio system. The old studio system  is where an actor, director signed for a certain amount of films with a studio. Then that studio has the power to tell the actor or director he or she has to do a certain film regardless. The actor can't say no because they signed the contract and are now obligated to that ink. Sebastain Stan who plays Winter Solider signed a 9 picture deal with Marvel. We don't know what's in his contract, but 9 pictures is a very long time in the movie world. Hugo Weaving signed a contract with the studio and voiced his pleasure not to return. However if they need Red Skull, they can force him because he signed a contract.  This contract can affect you doing other projects, time off to reset the mind and more. It can become a career killer as well leaving some people pigeonhole in a role or genre. Many studios are following suit by locking down their talent to multi picture deals. While the exposure, money and pay off might be beneficial the end game can be a risk on artistic freedom and control. 

One thing is for sure that the cinematic universe will be here at least till 2020. However will the pros outweigh the cons? Or will the cons outweigh the pros? As a film buff I'm excited to see how this new vehicle rides out. 

Check out John Diggle's new costume on Arrow!

The first look at John Diggle’s (David Ramsey) new costume on Arrow.  He will be donning this gear in the premiere episode of “Arrow” on Wednesday, October 7 at 8 pm ET.

Lenni Reviews: A Demon Inside by Rick R. Reed

                                                                   (Image Source)

In this novel by Reed, Hunter Beaumont finds himself alone in the world after the death of his grandmother. After his parent's mysterious deaths when he was only five years old, his grandmother kept him sheltered and with his only family gone, Hunter is the last of the Beaumont line. They were a well off family so a huge estate aptly named the Beaumont house is part of this inheritance, yet on her deathbed, his grandmother begs him to destroy it. Curious, naive, and frightened of being alone in the world, Hunter doesn't heed his grandmother's warning and makes this infamous estate his home. And the house is not happy about it.

As a character, Hunter can be a little whiny but as a sheltered person, I had to give him a little leeway. After all, he did lose his parents in a gruesome murder he blocked out as a kid. But it leaves him vulnerable to plain old horrible people before he even gets to being haunted. But when he finally makes the decision to move, things get really creepy really quickly. You get the feel of a standard horror movie where you're yelling at the book for the guy to get the message and get the hell out of poltergeist house; which is where some readers will get frustrated with Hunter. He swings from wide eyed innocent to obstinate brat to such a degree, it's to his detriment; putting him in danger. Reed did a great job showing how Hunter's poor experiences with people led to less than logical determination to battle a ghost who is trying to kill him where he may have once ran away. The book ends before we get to really see if Hunter finds a balance between being too innocent and too brave.

Again, like Clashing Tempest, the male/male romance is secondary to the horror story. The horror isn't bad but experienced horror fans may find it formulaic; more tense than outright scary. But I had fun reading it and I enjoy discovering LGBT books with real plots instead of bubblegum nonsense. Sugar has it's place, but Reed gives us more meat with our meal. I enjoyed it.