Exyle

100 Bullets

I have to say that “100 Bullets” was a comic book series that got me excited about comics again.  And now the last of the trade paperbacks has been released ending the 100 issue series with a bang - no pun intended.  The series is the brainchild of writer Brian Azzarello and artist Eduardo Risso and started back in August of 1999.  It’s a hard-edge crime series that blended noir and pulp genres with dark realism and morality.

Initially the plot of 100 Bullets hinges on the question of what would you do if you could get a chance at revenge with no recourse.  That’s right.  What if you were wronged in a horrible way and were given the chance to get revenge and get away with it?  What would you do?  The mysterious Agent Graves would approach people that have been victimized in terrible ways, and gives them a chance to set things right in the form of a simple attache case that contains an untraceable handgun , 100 untraceable bullets, a photograph of a person, and incontrovertible evidence that the target (in the photograph) presented is primarily and personally responsible for their woes.

Now, of course, it is up to the victim as to whether or not the enact their revenge…some don’t and some do to varying degrees of success and failure.  There is no punishment nor reward for taking up the offer.  Just the personal satisfaction of their actions and the fact that they now know who is responsible for their present state of circumstances.  Eventually, the attaches and Graves’ “game” as it comes to be known are revealed to be only a minor part of a much broader storyline that eventually embraces the sense that everything - and everyone - is connected.

The series won the 2002 Harvey Awards for Best Writer, Best Artist and Best Continuing Series, and the 2003 Harvey Award for Best Artist, as well as the 2001 Eisner Award for Best Serialized Story, and the 2002 and 2004 Eisner Award for Best Continuing Series.

“It’s a funeral,” Azzarello said, “Okay, it’s a wake, maybe.  We did this book for nearly 10 years.  100 issues with the same team - that doesn’t happen very often.”  When it came to the end of their 10 year journey, there was some talk of extending it.  However, in the end it was decided that concluding the story was best and the grand finale unfolded just as he had planned it 10 years earlier.  After reading it this past week, let me tell you that it was fantastic!!!

Next steps, Azzarello doesn’t rule out the possibility of a spinoff series featuring some of the remaining cast - those few that manage to stay alive at series end.  In addition the author exclaims, “Television - there’s an idea!  That all I’ll say.  Television…or maybe something that’s not just TV.”  Now anyone who has HBO knows that their slogan is “It’s not TV.  It’s HBO”  That idea is very exciting.  The comic definitely lends itself well to a television series, and it would definitely have to be an HBO type series.  It would be done a disjustice if a primetime network were to take it on.

“For it’s time, it was probably one of the most mainstream comics out there - nobody flew, no magic, no vampires,” the author explains.  “I’m definitely missing the characters.  I lived for these guys for 10 years.”

Brian, I think we are all going to miss these characters.  They were so rich and intense.  The story engulfed me in ways I was both surprised and excited about.  I want to say thank you for a great 10 years.

Anyone reading this, I would encourage you to check out this series.  It’s a grand and  fantastic crime drama saga!!

The Crow - A Remake?

The Crow is my favorite movie and favorite comic of all time.  I’ll just go on the record and say that right-a-way.  I was just drawn into the world that James O’Barr created about a tortured soul brought back to life by a crow to put the wrong things right.  A brutally violent comic that is at it’s heart is a poetic love story.  A story of how love never dies and the pain of loss.  It is truly powerful and moving.

Back in 1994, Alex Proyas made a movie based on the comic and starred Brandon Lee (the legendary Bruce Lee’s only son).  Lee would portray Eric Draven, a rock musician that is murdered along with his fiance, Shelly on the eve of their wedding (now, this is different then in the comic, but the impact is the same).  One year later, Eric returns from the grave to bring vengence to those cut short the love of two that were meant to be together forever.

Of course, the power of the movie is amplified by a simply amazing and memorable performance by Brandon Lee and the unfortunate fact that it would be his last.  Lee would be killed tragically in the final days of filming (the last day in fact with firearms) by a malfuctioning prop.  Sadly, fact imitates fiction.  Brandon was to wed his fiance upon completion of the film.  A life - much like his father - that was cut short on the eve of greatness.

Proyas should be commended on his determination to complete the film and let the world enjoy both Brandon’s amazing performance as well as the story of The Crow.  I know I for one am thankful, because I don’t think I would have come across the work otherwise.

Now, to the point of this post.  I could go on and on about The Crow…doing a frame by frame of the comic or even the movie, and maybe I will one of these days, but for now I’m going to address a newly circulating rumor.  Early this month there was an announcement that “Blade” director Stephen Norrington was planning a to helm a remake.  WTF??  Now, like I said before, the original movie did take some liberties with the source material, and the comic was by far more violent and intense then the movie, but Lee’s performance was so spot on - intense and moving - that I can’t imagine anyone else even attempting to pull the role off.  I mean, this is not a case of the Joker with Nicholson and Ledger.  Those were two totally different takes on the role, and I’m sure that there will be more in the future, but Lee IS Draven, regardless of Draven being portrayed in different events - comparing the comic to the movie.

Luckily, though, a source claims that “[It's] very different from the original.  A whole new story about a whole new character.”  If this is true, I can rest easy.  Now, the sequals of The Crow unfortunately have not been great.  And of course, these are not really direct sequels - though the second one, “City of Angels” could be said to to be a direct sequel, they haven’t been able to live up to the original.  The concept is ripe for interpretation.  It’s powerful and moving.  So, I’m all about someone visiting the idea of The Crow.  Just don’t do a remake.  Eric Draven’s story has been told.  Leave it be.  Let him rest in peace.

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed - Ultimate Sith Edition

Now, I’ve reviewed Star Wars: The Force Unleashed once before.  I loved it.  It was fantastic and really got me back into the Star Wars Universe again.  Now, What if the Dark Side had won?  What if the rebellion had never come to pass?  Well, LucasArts is going to be releasing a new expanded edition of The Force Unleashed called the Ultimate Sith Edition.  Basically you are going to get the original game as well as all the downloadable content (DLC) and an all-new exclusive bonus level.

Now, apparently this fall a new DLC is going to be released that continues The Force Unleashed storyline in a new “Infinities” story that takes place in an entirely new and alternative universe direction.  It reimagines the Star Wars Universe with the Secret Apprentice killing Darth Vader (rather than letting him live in order to adhere to the Star Wars canon) and taking his place by the Emperor’s side,  becoming the most power Sith Lord in the universe.  This particular Mission Pack is takes place on Tatooine and will include battles with Obi-Wan Kenobi and Bobba Fett.

The Tatooine DLC will also be included in the Ultimate Sith Edition however, there will also be a new exclusive level that won’t be available as DLC that concludes the “Infinities” storyline that will take place on Hoth with the Secret Apprentice taking on Luke Skywalker.  Now that is going to be awesome.  I’m not exactly excited about “re-buying” a game and having to beat it all over again, but it’s going to be hard to say no.  I’m really excited.  No news on a release date yet, and for more information you can go here.  Enjoy some still frames from the new levels below.

Marvel Anime

Now this is a pretty cool concept that I can say I’m pretty excited about.  Marvel characters done by Japanese animation studio Madhouse.  Now, anyone who knows me knows that I love me some anime.  So, you start taking some badass Marvel characters like Iron Man and Wolverine and creating an anime series around them…I’m there.  But hey, I don’t need to sit here and try to talk it up, see the trailers for yourself below.  (More details can be found here.)

The Invincible Iron Man:

Wolverine:

San Diego Comic-Con

So, the San Deigo Comic-Con has been going this week…and will continue through the rest of the weekend.  This is an event that is on my “Before I Die” list of things to do.  I went to MegaCon here in Orlando this year, and it was great, but Comic-Con is where it’s at I’m afraid.

So, from all the twitter feeds over the last couple days, it’s been a crazy time with lots of announcements and what not from the panels.  Here are just some noteworthy ones:

1. According to Gary Oldman, Batman 3 should start shooting next year.  Sadly, no more details than that, but I hope Nolan is behind the script and camera again.
2. Disney’s Head of Production, Oren Aviv, says that the next installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean will start filming early next year.  I’m excited to see the direction they go with the franchise now.  Jack Sparrow is a great character.
3. The sequel to Tron is finally coming to a theater near you.  Jeff Bridges is in it, and it’s going to be badass.  So pumped!!
4. I have to say that I’m starting to get really excited to see Where the Wild Things Are.  I recently came across the book again, and though there isn’t much too it, it definitely leaves an impression on you.  The trailer for the movie is incredible, and all the talk around the movie is nothing but great.  Here’s to hoping the Spike Jonze really nailed it.
5. I’m just going to say that I’ve really come to enjoy the remakes that Michael Bay’s Platinum Dunes has been doing.  I think they’ve done a great job of updating and reimagining the horror movies I grew up watching.  Obviously, they aren’t perfect, but I enjoy them nonetheless.  I say that because, the Nightmare on Elmstreet series has always been one of my favorites.  Yes, I picked Freddy to open a can on Jason in the Versus movie, but hey, you knew how it was going to end going into it anyways.  Anyways, Platinum Dunes just wrapped filming the new A Nightmare on Elmstreet and none other than Watchman’s Rorschach - played by the memorable Jackie Earle Haley - takes on the glove from series originator Robert Englund as Freddy Kruger.  I’m excited.  This movie has a lot of potential.
6. I’ve always had a small fascination with Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass.  And now the one and only Tim Burton is going to be sharing with the world his take on the classic story.  Burton’s Alice in Wonderland is going to be INCREDIBLE!!! I’m so stoked and once you’ve seen the trailer, I’m sure you’ll agree.
7. James Cameron’s Avatar.  Now I don’t even know where to begin on this one.  There have been a lot of speculation and rumors surrounding Cameron’s return to the director’s chair.  Will it be as “revolutionary” as we’ve been told?  Will it redefine cinema and movie-making as we see it today?  Only time will tell.  I for one am excited to see just what all the fuss is about.  And apparently, on August 21st…I’ll get my chance.  You can  see the panel at Comic-Con with Cameron himself here and here and get an idea of the just what the film is all about here.
8. Wanted 2 is going to start filming in 8 weeks.  James McAvoy and apparently Angelina Jolie are going to be back in front of the camera with Timur behind the camera again.  The first movie kicked ass, but was a far a comic book adaptation.  It’ll be interesting to see what direction the script goes.  Either way, it’ll be one hell of ride again.
9. The Resident Evil franchise looks to be returning to theaters with Resident Evil: Afterlife.  Milla Jovovich and even Paul W.S. Anderson - who wrote all the movies, but only directed the first - will be returning behind the camera.  Anderson says that the film will be shot with the cameras used to shoot Avatar.  That definitely sparks my interests.  It’s supposedly an entirely new kickoff to the series, so I guess we’ll see how it goes.  The games have been getting better and better, hopefully the movies can follow suit.
10. Ninja Assassin!!  Honestly, the entire movie is summed up in the title.  Directed by James McTeigue (V for Vendatta) and produced by Joel Silver and the Wachowski Brothers (Matrix Triology) and I think you get a very good idea of what’s in store for you when watching the movie.
11. District 9 - all I can say is WOW!!!  It’s an ambitious concept and idea, the trailer is badass, and from all the remarks about the movie so far, it delivers on everything and then some.  Also, apparently all the alien scenes were CGI, and it was shocking how incredibly real they were.  You can hear thoughts on the film here.  The director Neill Blomkamp definitely has made his mark.
12. Iron Man 2.  Not much can be said except for the following because the panel literally just finished, but based on the reaction, it’s going to be badass!!!  Excitement is in the air.

• “Iron man 2 footage was freakin awesome! Incredbile! Everything we want it to be!” - Geek Tyrant
• “Footage again. ScarJo looks kickass in action. Whiplash advancing on injured Stark on race track, whipping his electric tendrils” - CHUD
• “Holy Fuck Iron Man 2 was bananas!!!! WAR MACHINE LOOKS BAD FUCKING ASS.” - Latino Review
• “Its safe to say that IRON MAN 2 was by far the best shit at Comic Con 2009.” - Latino Review

Well, that’s about all I’ve got to write about really.   Exciting times ahead.  But, yes, one of these years, I will be on of the 200,000+ people attending “The Con”, and I’m going to enjoy every minute of it!!!

Michael Jackson

Today, Michael Jackson, is going to be buried.  All day today, at the Staples Center, there was a special public viewing and goodbye (Memorial Service) by family, friends and fans for the undisputed King of Pop.  MJ’s contribution to society and music is virtually unmeasurable and he will truly be missed.  He broke cultural barriers and transformed music videos into an art form.  He lead the way for modern pop in this country with numerous influences in hip hop, pop and R&B.  He was characterized as “an unstoppable juggernaut, possessing all of the tools to dominate the charts seemingly at will:  an instant identifiable voice, eye-popping dance moves, stunning musical versatility and loads of shear star power.” (Michael Jackson - Biography)  I personally remember see the Dangerous Tour on HBO when I was growing up and I remember people passing out before the show even started.  To me, that is incredible.

Michael, you will truly be missed, and I thank you for everything you’ve given to the world.  Thank you.

Now, lately there’s been all this talk of his numerous accomplishments:

1. Numerous Guinness World Records
2. 13 Grammy Awards
3. 13 No. 1 Singles in his solo career
4. Over 750 million records sold worldwide
5. Lifetime earnings and royalties estimated at $500 million
6. Etc.

I just want to bring up the fact that Michael Jackson was Captain EO!!!!  Yes, Captain EO.  Now, I’ve been going to Disney World for as long as I can remember, and at EPCOT Center at the Imagination Pavilion, there has always been a 3-D show.  Right now, it’s “Honey, I Shrunk the Audience”, but before that it was Captain EO.  I have to say, I missed it.  I was able to find it on YouTube and for your viewing please I have put them below, but what’s also pretty cool is that Francis Ford Coppola (director of The Godfather films) and produced and written by George Lucas (Star Wars).  That was an incredible bonus, because it definitely has a Star Wars feel.  Anyways, I hope you enjoy.  Again, Michael, thank you for showing us your gifts and talent.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

Taking place two years after the first movie, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, simply put - is a bigger and louder version than its predecessor. The Autobots and humans have joined forces to create a secret military group called NEST whose sole purpose is to destroy any remaining Decepticons on Earth (A task that has been going on since the conclusion of the first movie). By the time we join our heroes in the movie, there are still more questions then answers concerning the Decepticon sightings and tensions are beginning to build between the human leaders and NEST. We also find Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) heading of to his first year in college leaving behind his girlfriend Mikaela Banes (Megan Fox) as they start the beginning stages of a long distance relationship.

To start, I don’t care what any critic out there is saying. This movie ROCKED!!! That’s not to say that they didn’t have a good argument, or even that their accusations are false, but I feel that critics these days have seriously forgotten the point of movies: TO BE ENTERTAINED!!! Heck, why do you think the Academy Awards aren’t being watched anymore? Because no one but the critics care about the movies being nominated. Now, that’s not to say they aren’t good and they don’t have a story to say, but let’s face it…on a scale of 1 to 10, honestly…how entertained are you when you watch them?

I loved every minute of this movie! And I can say that for all three times I’ve seen it so far (2 on IMAX and 1 regular)! Now, I’m obviously a bit bias because I’m a huge Transformers fan, and I’ll be the first to say that this movie was nowhere near perfect, but it was sure as hell fun and entertaining to watch. Were there plot issues? A few. Did some characters come and go with no reason? Yes. Could they have done a better job with The Fallen and Devastator? Absolutely. Did Megan Fox’s character, Mikaela, even need to be in the movie? Sadly, no (though that’s more the writer’s fault than anyone else). Did any of this really take away from the story or the entertainment value of the movie? No. These issues, though they are undeniably there, do not affect this movies like they might others because this movie is about entertaining the audience. It’s not out there to make awards (at least by the Academy’s standards). It’s goal is to transport you into an alternate reality with talking, transforming, alien robots. And if you believe it, then people behind the movie succeeded.

Bottomline, if you enjoyed the first movie, you’ll enjoy Revenge of the Fallen. In addition, the same can be said in reverse; if you hated the first, you’ll hate the sequel. It’s more of the same, just amplified. My issues with the first movie were resolved, however, more were created. Trust me, this movie - from a plot standpoint - had such amazing potential. The mythology of the Transformers is awesome and there’s so much to work with. I’ll be the first to say that it is a shame that the movie didn’t deliver on that front. They were really cheap when discussing the original Primes and the Fallen’s relationship with the Decepticons. It’s an unfortunate missed opportunity to really expand on the Transformers movie universe. They short changed it. Now, I’m sure the writer’s strike had something to do with it, but I still feel that the strike cannot take full blame for the movie’s shortcomings.

On the action side however, props to Bay and ILM for delivering some amazing stuff!! Optimus Prime and Bumblebee really had a chance to shine and it was GLORIOUS!!! I’m sorry, but the scenes they are in alone - for me at least - are worth the price of admission (however many times I see the movie). They are truly awe-inspiring to me.

Take this look at the movie as you will. I think perhaps some new blood from a writing standpoint would do the series some good, but Michael Bay is the director of this franchise. He was made for these movies, and no one else can truly bring the Transformers to life on the proper scale like Bay. If you liked the first film, go and see Revenge of the Fallen. You won’t be disappointed.

Star Wars: The Old Republic

Now, I’ll be the first to say that playing an MMORPG (”Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game”) is a bit intimidating to me.  I look at World of Warcraft (”WOW”) and Everquest, and people are just addicted to the games.  Don’t get me wrong, I love the idea.  Meeting fellow players online and going on quests together.  Working on a team for a common purpose.  The genius behind it cannot be overlooked.  But, playing a game that has no end is just scary to me.  It’s like once your hooked, it’s impossible to quite.  Heck, my brother got to the point with WOW that he literally uninstalled the game and threw the install discs and everything he had associated with the game down the trash shoot.  He simply couldn’t stop playing it and it had become distruptive to everything else in his life.  Personally, I have taken the approach of stopping even before I start.

This, however, brings me to  Star Wars - The Old Republic.  Incredible!!!  Now, if you’ve read this blog since the beginning, you know that I absolutely loved playing Star Wars - The Force Unleashed.  Now, at heart, I’m definitely a Star Wars fan.  I’m not a hardcore fanatic, but definitely a fan of George Lucas’s universe.  And after watching the trailer for the new Star Wars MMORPG, I’d be lying if I wasn’t at least a little bit tempted to take the plunge.  The game is being developed by BioWare and it is there first attempt at a MMORPG.  If the trailer is any indication of what’s to come, there’s a good chance I’m sold.  See for yourself below and enjoy!!!

Housewarming/Engagement Party

Back at the end of May - I apologize that it has taken over a month to write this post - we had a Housewarming/Engagment Party.  We really hadn’t had anyone over to the new house to celebrate us buying it nor had be done any celebration for our engagement, so we decided to just have a dual-function party.  Our great friends Nichole, Navid & Nina, as well as my brother Matt, put together the hole party, while we simply provided the location.  They did a fantastic job and we are so thankful to them.  There was food and games and lots of laughs!! Navid put together a little “How Well Do You Know Him/Her?” game.  He had Ashley answer a questionare about me, and vice versa, and then everyone else - guys vs girls - if we had answered the questions correctly.  That was a pretty fun game.  Though the guys won, Ashley had answered more questions correct than I had.  I guess I have a lot more I need to “remember”.  The rest of the evening, though, would have gone a little differently if the Orlando Magic and Detriot Red Wings hadn’t been playing playoff games.  Once the games started, everyone’s attention was focus on there.  You can’t really complain - both teams won!!

Definitely want to thank everyone who attended and for the gifts.  And a special thanks to Nichole, Navid, Nina and Matt for putting everything together.  You guys a blessing and Ashley and I really appreciated it.  Below are some pictures from the party:

Alarm - Animated Short

I came across this really cool animated short called “Alarm”.  In watching it, I’m sure everyone can relate!!