Valiant Comics: Tie-In to the Harbinger Wars

     I have been raving about the return of Valiant comics since their arrival back on the scene.  I thoroughly enjoy X-O Manowar and Harbinger, and as for Bloodshot, that is consistently in my top 2 each issues every month.  Once again, they've gone and done something just wonderful- 

      In a remarkable feat, they have now announced an 8-bit tie-in with the 4 issue crossover event "Harbinger Wars" coming out this summer.  It'll be available for both iOS and Android devices.  Interestingly- as the crossover event progresses more levels and characters will be able to be downloaded.  This is a brilliant marketing touch- reaching out to the gaming side of their readers.
     Honestly, Valiant has been repeatedly knocking things out of the park, and are becoming a great force in the comics industry again.  I must applaud their efforts- it is quite fun and amazingly impressive. 
     Thank you Valiant, you are making comics great again.

     Here's the official link-  http://valiantuniverse.com/2013/03/08/valiant-goes-8-bit-for-harbinger-wars-battle-for-las-vegas-coming-soon-to-ios-and-android/

Borderlands 2: SXSW New Character Teaser

"Deep beneath Pandora an experiment has escaped."

"A new Vault Hunter is coming."

     The only information I've currently found released by Gearbox at the South by Southwest show is a 30 second teaser trailer for a new playable character.  It's really short and they are currently just a swift and hulking silhouette.  Just from the short clip it appears we may be getting a brawler type melee focussed person.  Quck and brutal attacks, a couple cables attatched to them, and fairly large.  Not much to speculate on. 
     I am quite curious to see what this character is.  Especially with all of Hyperion's experiments like the various "Rat" characters running around.

     Of course, there is no time frame listed but I did find this quote:

"DLC is announced on a very tight schedule, and I don't think you'll have to wait long until you see that character."-Matt Armstrong

     So with Gearbox's previous information releases I would guess more will be released within the next week and a half. 

Jiro Dreams of Sushi

     At the behest of a couple friends I Netflix-ed this film and I have to say- this movie is a must watch.  It's about a man named Jiro Ono and his journey with the art of making sushi.  The movie as a whole is just as concise and beautiful as the sushi Jiro prepares.

His sushi is staggeringly simple in it's beauty. 

     According to Jiro's practices to make sushi properly there is an exhaustive learning curve.  As he spent a lifetime honing his skills, he forces the people under him to take the time to really learn.  I mean really, REALLY LEARN to do things- the learning that extreme repetition and familiarity brings.  Hours upon hours of training.  The people he works with must spend weeks learning to first properly handle a towel.  Just that.  Methodical towel folding.  Later w find he has some of the chefs massaging octopi for 45minutes to bring out the proper consistency and flavor.  Which is something he found after years of doing it himself.  Another chef almost cried after making an egg bread because after hundreds of them he had a single one that Jiro said, "THAT is how it should be made!"  That one small achievement is a great pride to be had.

     Someone mentions that there needs to be a balance in the fishing for the right stock while leaving enough for the future generations.  Jiro does this well.  He uses only the best ingredients, each now sought by specialists(a tuna buyer, and octopi buyer, etc) after a medical emergency years ago.  Limit what he buys to strictly the most worthy stock.  No mass producing at the cost of quality.  Only the most quality ingredients and only the best sushi makers are acceptable for Jiro.  These combined with the limited 10 seat store- he has slimmed the necessities down to the bare essentials. 
     The sushi is sold at a high cost, but the sheer amount of detail Jiro has, even down to the placement of sushi on the plate for right or left handed visitors, is unbelievable.  The details are where Jiro really gets it right.  Nothing is overlooked.  Consideration must be given to each and every step.  It is a rarity to see this much effort given to anything anywhere.  Jiro is a wonderful example to follow.  Eating at his restaurant is a simple and elegant experience. 

An apt screenshot-  One can always be better.

     The fact we never see his wife, home, or hobbies lends itself to the fact of his obsession.  Does he do anything else?  We don't know- and that drives home the point- it doesn't matter to Jiro.  Sushi, however, does matter.  And that is it, he found what he wanted to do and focused his life on that goal.  Jiro has an unmatched dedication to the continual perfecting of his sushi, and it is utterly amazing that even after receiving a 3 star Michelin review(the highest rating), he still believes there's room for improvement.  He is the first chef to recieve the award, and he honestly believes he can always do more, make things just a little bit better.  It's a lesson we could all learn, to strive to be just a little bit better in even the smallest details.

Borderlands 2: SXSW Interactive This Weekend

     Gearbox will be presenting some stuff at SXSW this weekend: http://www.gearboxsoftware.com/community/articles/1010/gearbox-at-sxsw-2013

Here's a bunch of stuff you'll never actually get!

     That they're doing this itself isn't a surprise, but I am quite curious to see what gets announced this weekend.  Mostly because Gearbox and Mr. Pitchford have been extremely quiet since the massive Aliens: Colonial Marines fiasco.  Personally I believe there is still plenty of hope, despite repeated letdowns from over-hyped Borderlands DLCs and Aliens.  Not much hope left for Aliens to get the fixes it desperately needs, but for them to focus on Borderlands is what'll probably happen.  Take the spotlight off their shame.  Borderlands is their money making work horse, so much so it is hurting their other games.  While I enjoyed the DLC's and Aliens, they were NOTHING like what was advertised. 
     *cough cough*  ...Duke Nukem Forever...  *COUGH!*

     Gearbox- this weekend you will have a chance at redemption.  Surprise us, make us be enthusiastic about Borderlands again.  Tell us what is in store for our beloved Borderlands franchise.  Don't tell us about all the magical fluffy stuff that we want to hear, then not deliver.  We faithful Gearbox gamers want to know that you will make good on the promises made first and then what's to come for the series.  Notably the much larger bank space and the "Massive Expansion" of General Knoxx caliber size and quality.  We want to hear about the new characters and what's coming of the raise in level cap, but ONLY if it's actually going to happen. 

     Because of Gearbox's predictability here's what'll probably be announced:

1)  The alleged 4th "Massive Expansion" DLC is coming.  Possibly before the once stated "July" time.  No real time frame given- most likely to be listed as "soon," but I wouldn't be surprised if they push it off a while.

2)  An additional season pass with 4 more DLC's. 

3)  The 6th character that has been in the works for a while.

4)  Gearbox will be joining the micro-transaction bandwagon for skins, heads, and guns.

5)  Probable addition of 3rd Ultimate Badass playthrough.

6)  Level cap increase.  Or rather, no level cap raise because of [insert excuse here].

7)  Future of the Borderlands-  An announcement of Borderlands 3 or Borderworlds for the next gen systems.

     So with Gearbox's typical vague and over-hyped news, those are the types of things I think we'll get.  Not real answers, just things that a majority of die-hards have already speculated.
     I wouldn't be too off put by these things.  Just getting more DLC's would be nice.  New characters will hopefully keep it interesting enough.  New DLC's will, more than likely, be short, because they can make tons of money for less substance.  None of the 3 released were even remotely as large or good as Knoxx.  Sure there were a lot of backtracking, but the truth is, Knoxx's DLC had like 40+ missions, 2 new vehicles, and an epic Invincible with a TON of new weapons. 
     A note about the guns and loot.  Gearbox- increase the parts types.  I am sick of finding the same exact guns repeatedly.  Sure they may have minuscule differences in ammo capacity or damage, but they are close enough to be the same damn gun.  You can't say there are 87 bazillion guns if 75 bazillion of them are duplicates.  We want actual legendaries that feel NOTHING like the other things we get.  We want guns that have a wide variety of playstyles.  Maybe add a new rarity to introduce the new weapon types.  More differentiation.

     One big item for the hardcore Borderlands-ers is knowing that they planned additional levels for characters (as the Achievement/Trophy states- "For now") then were, as yet, unable to complete the job is crap.  Shouldn't it have been planned WHILE the other 3 trees were being made?  That simple foresight would've been helpful, hearing that the extra levels could be gamebreaking is not. 
     So Gearbox- give us concrete news, not a bedazzled turd.  Gold plated shit is still shit, and all of your supporters know it.  All we ask is honesty.  Don't repeat the mistake of Aliens.

Comixology: SUBMIT: A Huge Opportunity

     This.

https://submit.comixology.com

     This single new option should've been done a long while ago.  With the modern options for self publishing and E-publishing, this is something that should've happened already.  Something that one of the larger companies should have implemented long ago.  What makes this so appealing is the "advertising."  You now have the potential to be seen by a wide audience of comic loving peers.       

     Honestly, it is an unbelievable new option for all of us that are struggling writers/artists that continually get overlooked for work in the field of comic books.  Granted- this doesn't guarantee anything.  It doesn't mean we will gain fame or notoriety.  There is no sure fire way to be seen.  No sure way to be read or appreciated.  BUT, the sheer potential is amazing.  Just amazing.  This is an opportunity unlike most aspiring comics creators have ever had. 

     I feel like a wonderful future is on the horizon, despite the problem of being inundated with material in the comic book market- which WILL happen.  People will be forced to sift through a monstrous load of competition to get to whatever you/we/I produce.  But that won't really matter.  What does matter is that this will hopefully fuel a creative competition in the field to make the absolute, BEST possible creations, and that means something.  It means we now should look forward to, what I hope will be, a sort of comics Renaissance.
 
     This new option has renewed my hope and love of comics for the future.  My interest has been waning lately with all the lackluster titles and general apathy of the big creators.  I'm sick of all the predictable storylines.  Sick of the same stupid shit happening over and over.  The industry has become tired.  Where's all the access to indie greats?  It's here and now.  This could very well be a moment to give the big 2, Marvel and DC, a run for their money.  Image has done well, and Valiant is knocking it out of the park recently (I love Bloodshot and XO Manowar!)- but now, NOW- Comixology's "Submit" could change the field in a massive way.

     And you know what- we need this renewal.  New blood and fresh ideas to reinvigorate a sluggish market.  By sluggish I mean the market is over saturated with poor quality productions.  Stories and art that has lost it's appeal.  Does Wolverine have to be in 15 titles every month?  And as much as I love Batman, he may need a break.  Too much is bogging down the system.  It seems like some creators aren't even trying to produce better work.  It feels like they're just producing to make money, without the love behind it.  What happened to the excitement from years ago?  Storylines and cross overs that made me WANT to read and share and talk about.
     This is a great chance for bold new creations.  A chance for subtle beauty and creative freedoms to be restored.  A new avenue for imagination without the limitations of possible publishers that "might" consider your work.  I, for one, am looking forward to both creating and finding many new comics and creators.

     It's ridiculously hard to break into this field and I wish all of you well with this new road into the comics business. 

     Comixology's "Submit" is an opportunity.

     This is the time to act on all those dreams and aspirations. 

      This is our chance.

TMNT: Out of the Shadows

My original post draft from Oct. 2012-
     With the new TMNT show out and doing quite well- why hasn't this show been put into works for a video game?  Make it a 3rd person action beat-em-up.  The levels could be open world- free to go where ever you pleased.  Also- 4 player online multiplayer potential would be a given. 
     In addition, make more than the 4 usual selectable Turtles as playable characters.  Maybe I want to play as Casey Jones, April O'Neil, or Master Splinter.  Heck, make some oddball characters available, maybe exclusives for future DLC?  Fugitoid, Ray Fillet or Mutagen Man?  I want to see these old action figures come to life in the new style.  That added to a massive, open world video game and this has HUGE potential.  Think of the Lego Lord of the Rings game- a very large map world with replayable story levels embedded in it.  Something like that could do well using the vast TMNT universe.

New updated post because of articles and a trailer I just saw-
     Well, I should've seen this coming.  The trailer was released for Activision and Nickelodeon's team up with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise.  True to form, it is a 3rd person brawler/beat-em-up.  And there is going to be 4 player online multiplayer(presumably as co-op). 
     This would be the first of 3 rumored games in the works, and is set to be released this summer on XBOX live, PSN, and PC.
     My only real critique is- why are the Ninja Turtles so creepy looking instead of being ACTUALLY based on the new Nickelodeon show???  I swear I read a couple weeks ago that Activision was going to make games BASED on the new show.  While this doesn't appear to be connected to the show- I wonder why they are going this particular route.  What happened here?  The show is extremely popular and would draw in buyers solely because of that fact.  I know it's still pretty early, there isn't much in the way of screen shots and video, and there supposedly are 2 more games in the works- so, you know, things may change.  Is this a small hint at what Michael Bay is having in store for the TMNT?  I hope not, keep him away.

     I can only imagine that Michael Bay will be to the Ninja Turtles what Joel Schumacher was to Batman.

     Regardless, I grew up with these 4 in the 80's and am pretty excited to see them making a wonderful comeback. 

Blog-vertisements for Friends!

     Hello readers- breaking from my mass posts for video games, comics, movies, and what-not to plug a couple sites of friends. 

     First up- My best friend's blog- http://nicholasstraight.blogspot.com/ Nick's recently been posting again and I would recommend people swing by and check it out.  Good stuff from his sketchbooks and more to come.

     Second- a person Nick and I know, Kate, has a wealth of wonderfully awkward stories and has started a blog, due to our constant harassment, so more readers can be witness to the ridiculous things that go on in her life.  http://madbadgrownup.blogspot.com/ 

Lego Batman: Mr. Freeze

     Last weekend I was out at Target and saw that there is a new Mr. Freeze Lego figure out.  It comes with an Artic Batman and an Aquaman in a set.  Anyways- as Mr. Freeze is my favorite character, I have to say that the new one is quite a nice improvement on the old Lego version.  The helmet is a vast upgrade for sure- more reminiscent of the Arkham City video game Mr. Freeze.  

     There's a pretty decent chance I'll pick up the new set just to get this sweet new version for my Mr. Freeze collection.  There's also a high probability that I will switch out the heads.  The angry grimacing goggle-less face might not cut it on the designated shelf of Freeze.

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance: Ridiculous, But Fun

     I started playing Metal Gear Rising: Redonk-u-litis last night.  This game is all about looking good and flexing absurdly large cybernetic muscles in a heavily anime influenced manner.  I can only describe it as Metal Gear Manga.  All the cinematics are brightly colored and super dynamic.  Everything is over-the-top to an almost silly degree. 
     Honestly, this is a beautiful game, and an absolute blast to play, but somehow it doesn't retain the feel of a Metal Gear title.  It feels like more akin to Dynasty Warriors on Zan-Datsu derived steroids.  And you know what, I have no real complaints.  It's all in good fun.

     I love that we finally get Raiden and his sword fighting.  I mean we've been waiting for it since Metal Gear Solid 2 way back in 2001, and it was definitely worth the wait.  This game is unmatched with the sword fighting- the new "Sword Mode" slow motion mechanic is a wonder to use.  I found myself searching for random items in the environment to practice my technique on just for fun.  Trees, fences, and some guy's couch all fell into sliver sized pieces while I laughed maniacally.  Absolutely NO complaints here. 

     As I mentioned earlier- this doesn't feel like a Metal Gear game.  It is completely different style, but in a good way and I would recommend people give it a try if they are a fan of action oriented games like Platinum Games' previous release- Bayonetta.  

     I do wonder what may have come of this if Hideo Kojima kept the game with "Gray Fox" Frank Jaeger as the main protagonist as he originally intended?  He is a great character and could be used to great effect.  Granted, the story would be limited in time periods to earlier Metal Gear lore.  Deaths put quite a hindrance on when things can occur in storytelling.  I also kind of wish that when using the Gray Fox suit in game, we weren't the overly bulky Raiden re-skinned.  I want a slim and swift ninja, not a thick body builder.  If most of the cyborgs are built with robotic components, they don't have to be "muscle" looking.  It would make more sense to be slender and strong, robotic parts don't require bulk.
     Perhaps the sword mechanic may be ported into a future Metal Gear game and we can actually play as Jaeger in all his glory... I would love to see Metal Gear Solid 1, updated with the modern graphics, and have a cloaked Jaeger as a stealthy, sword swinging playable character. 

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag is Coming

    Looky what Ubisoft posted over on Facebook-

     What looks to be an official release, with maybe a trailer or gameplay perhaps (although it may be just screenshots or game information), to be shown next Monday- I wonder if it'll be released for on the PS3 or if they're holding out for the Holiday season later in the year for PS4 to boost the initial system sales.  There looks to be a pirate themed adventure in our future.