GeekMatic!: May 2012

Thursday, May 31, 2012

The Adventure in Snow White and The Huntsman.

05.31.2012 – Snow White and The Huntsman had a special press media screening in the Philippines which was welcomed with a positive note. The fantasy film starts Kristen Stewart, Charlize Theron, and Chris Hemsworth.

Of course you’ll never forget Chris Hemsworth fresh from the billion dollar success of The Avengers as well as the upcoming Thor 2. But this time he’s the Hunstman opposite Kristen Stewart’s Snow White in this action adventure that pits them against Charlize Theron’s Queem Ravenna.

G.I. Joe Rise of Cobra: Night Raven

Presenting the G,I. Joe Rise of Cobra Night Raven S3P. Inspired by the Lockheed Skunk-Works SR-71 Blackbird spy-plane that was retired in 1998 (Trivia: only 32 were built, 12 were lost to accidents. None were ever lost to enemy action).

The Cobra Night Raven is actually more than a simple retooling of the original Cobra Night Raven that was released in 1986 which was a bit more angular in comparison with the sleeker image of the modern Cobra Night Raven. Also gone from the modern Cobra Night Raven is the Drone Reconnaissance Scout Pod that piggy-backed on the rear of the Cobra Night Raven.

There was another version of the Night Raven released in 1990 this time on the side of the G.I. Joes - a captured and re-purposed craft from Cobra - which was renamed the Sky Raven and given a metallic Chrome paint-job (Special thanks to Aaron F. West for pointing this out). The modern movie Cobra Night Raven also drops the external drop down missile ports and the twin 20mm cannons. These are replaced by voice activated twin internal rotary IRO-42X Missle launchers.

Lastly, the original Cobra Night Raven had a top speed of Mach 3. The Sky Raven topped at Mach 3.7. The new movie Cobra Night Raven tops in at Mach 6. Both Cobra versions were piloted by a Cobra Strato-Viper.

Summer Komikon 2012 Event Highlights & Full Coverage!

05.28.2012 – Summer Komikon 2012 unveiled its bag of goodies promoting the Filipino Komiks Culture by acknowledging home grown innovation with the launch of Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles at the same time welcoming international artist Mark Millar to his first convention.

There where so much to appreciate about the fourth Summer Komikon and it was definitely one big pot of gold at the end of rainbow. There’s not enough talent rarely seen in the comics industry and only a few revelries that would dare make the trip to see it.

Ultra-Poseable Spider-Man (Movie Series)

Presenting the brand new Ultra-Poseable Spider-Man from the upcoming movie re-boot of the Spider-Man franchise. This particular action-figure from the Movie-toy-line boasts a whopping 20 points of articulation - making it the most flexible and poseable Marvel Universe sized action figure.

It also features Spider-Man's new costume as he will appear in the movie reboot (The Amazing Spider-Man) staring Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone.

What do I think of the costume? Well there's the Filipino joke that basically says that Spider-Man is a "REAL MAN" because he can make a sticky-white fluid appear from his hands. This costume seems to reinforce that idea because it includes an arrow pointing straight to his gonads. I swear if the movie bombs there is going to be a lot of jokes about this costume.

05.27.2012 – Summer Komikon 2012 had a few surprises up its sleeve and one of them was Mark Millar. The Scotsman from Ireland has landed at the Bayanihan Center where the annual Komiks Convention was held.

The Scotsman from Ireland landed at the Bayanihan Center where the annual Komiks Convention was held. It was the first time a well known foreign comic artist visited the Filipino Pop Culture rich in folklores not known to other countries. Millar impressively read a script in “tagalog” in front of the audience.

Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles at Summer Komikon 2012 Revealed!

05.26.2012 – This year’s Summer Komikon has multiple launches of new komiks from up and coming artists.

This is also an event to first time guests most notably celebrities who would star in the comics that ties up to an upcoming movie from GMA Films.

We’re talking about Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles which was introduced at the recently concluded Summer Komikon. The story and character creation was conceptualized by Erik Matti who happens to be the director of the movie with Ronald Stephen “Dondon” Y. Monteverde.

The 4th Annual Summer Komikon 2012 This Saturday!

05.25.2012 – It’s the time once again to show support and appreciation to our home grown talent in the Philippines. Before the school season begins Summer Komikon 2012 is just one day to show appreciation to our local talents.

Originally an annual event that began in 2005 happening every last quarter of the year has spin-off and in its fourth year promoting the Filipino Komiks community.

New Thundercats: Lion-O! (4" Inch Scale Series)

05.24.2012 – The Thundercats is one of original animated series that has been revived for the current generation. The classic 1980s Saturday morning cartoon tells us the story and adventures of Lion-O lord of the Thundercats and his team after crashing to Third Earth.

The latest series produced by Studio 4C in early 2011 brought back fan interest to long time fans as well as introducing the characters to the younger audience.

The series debut in Cartoon Network and the toys was manufactured by Japanese company Bandai.

Presenting the Marvel Avengers Quinjet from the Avengers movie. I'm sure everyone here has seen the movie so there's no point in giving spoiler warnings. In a nut-shell this is the main means of transportation not of the Avengers, but of S.H.I.E.L.D.. It even uses a lot of the hover-lift technology that the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier uses - even the ability to transform. It's only associated with the Avengers because they stole one which got totaled in the movie.

We should take the time to note though that this Avengers Quinjet is roughly three times smaller than it should be. In the movie it was able to fit at least two in the forward cockpit, had a viewing window roughly at the center akin to the design of old B-17 Bombers, and could fit at least a squad of soldiers in the back. It also lacks the nose mounted fold-out mini-gun that was used in the movie.

This Quinjet is also sleeker than the movie Quinjet AND - most glaringly - this Quinjet bears Iron Man's gold trimming replacing the plain gun-metal gray of the actual movie Quinjet.

G.I. Joe Retaliation delayed until 2013 due to 3D Conversion

Those who were looking forward to sounding the battle cry "YO JOE!" with G.I. Joe: Retaliation this year will have to wait, as the movie has been pushed back to almost a year due to 3D conversion!

According to a report by Deadline and subsequently posted by Comic Book Movie, the Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Bruce Willis starrer will be pushed from June 29th, 2012 to March 29th 2013, due to Paramount Pictures deciding to have the film post-converted to 3D. As a studio exec told Deadline:

“We’re going to do a conscientious 3D job because we’ve seen how it can better box office internationally. Jim Cameron did all of Titanic‘s 3D in post – and look how well that movie turned out.”

After seeing a multitude of posters debut, The marketing to Christopher Nolan's final Batman film steps up and continues, as Warner Bros. has released a new TV Spot for The Dark Knight Rises! There's new footage to be found in this mini trailer, so SPOILERS abound and view at your own risk!

The Dark Knight Rises: Six New Character Posters!

After yesterday's reveal of a brand new theatrical poster that received some mixed reactions from the fanbase, Warner Bros. has released a slew of awesome new character posters for Christopher Nolan's final chapter in his Batman film saga, The Dark Knight Rises! There are six of these posters, two of each featuring Batman (Christian Bale), Bane (Tom Hardy), and Catwoman (Anne Hathaway)!

The Dark Knight Rises: "A Fire Will Rise" Poster

Warner Bros. has released a brand new poster for Christopher Nolan's final entry into his Batman film saga, The Dark Knight Rises. With the tagline "A Fire Will Rise", the poster shows a determined looking Batman (Christian Bale), as he stands in front of a city of falling debris with a Bat-shaped logo, which was the same background seen in the first teaser poster. Released via the official Facebook page of the movie, check out more details there.

Bond returns as Skyfall teaser trailer debuts!

Eon Productions, MGM, Columbia Pictures, and Sony Entertainment Pictures has released the long awaited teaser trailer to the next installment in the James Bond film series, Skyfall. The twenty-third film based on Ian Fleming's British Secret Service agent creation, Daniel Craig returns at Agent 007, and this adventure puts his loyalty to his boss M (played by Judi Dench) in question, as well as a daring new adventure for him to overcome when MI6 is attacked.

05.21.2012 – If the first day was an overwhelming experience then you might surprise for the second and last day of the show. The sunny San Jose Convention Center is bustling with new senses to be inspired and what a way to start the day right?

We enter the halls to give you some of the notable ones we find interesting for us to share to our Philippine readers as well as those who just pass by and browse over our little but unknown site. Our adventures where quite a boredom for some but for those who ever want to visit Big Wow in the future we hope to give you glimpses on what to expect.

Legendary Action Star Jackie Chan retires from action movies

UPDATE: The initial reports were clarified by the stunt master himself via Facebook and Den of Geek. Jackie Chan will NOT be retiring from action cinema at all. Check out the source links above for more on the story.

Here's the original article posted:

Many of you may know him as Drunken Master or the cop Lee from the Rush Hour movies, but regardless of how you've heard of him, Hong Kong action star Jackie Chan is a legend and icon. However, the man known for blending his martial arts prowess with his stuntman training and comedic antics has finally decided to put down the fighting gloves for good, announcing his retirement to the world during the Cannes Film Festival. His last film that he also directed, "Chinese Zodiac", will be the final film where he will be billed as an action star. Chan hopes to work on his acting muscles instead, and the 58-year old actor looks forward to taking it easy and resting well from the action and fighting spotlight.

05.20.2012 – The first day of Big Wow Comic Fest has a lot of highlights and notable artists from all over the world converged into one event. But we’re not looking at the big picture but the little things that relates to the Philippine Comics Scene.

The event was bannered by our Philippine Contingent of artists in Alex Nino, Rudy Nebres and Danny Bulandi. If these names are not familiar to you then you’re not really reading comics. These guys poured their hearts out in their passionate way in appreciating for the arts and paving the way for current generation of Filipino illustrators to make it big in the international scene.

Michael Golden visits Treasure Island Comics!

05.19.2012 – Michael Golden best know for his works in Micronauts and The Nam for Marvel Comics was Treasure Island Comics’ special guest and he be will at the upcoming Big Wow Comic Con 2012 all weekend.

Our good friend who is based in San Francisco USA shared his time meeting up with Mr. Golden. Actually our correspondent won a special puzzle that Treasure Island Comics had thrown in which he got a special print of Michael Golden’s work.

The staff at the store was thrilled that our correspondent was the first to solve the puzzle and he got one of Mr. Golden’s original prints as the prize.

05.19.2012 – Big Wow Comic Fest is back in San Joe California happening on May 19-20, 2012 at the San Jose Convention Center in Hall 2. There are plenty of reasons why you should not miss this year’s Big Wow Comic Fest!

The event brings two great days of popular culture from Comic Book, Art, Anime, Sci- Fi, Fantasy, Gaming and Cosplay!

It’s going to be a definite treat from everyone based in San Jose this weekend.

Ernie Chan Remembered (1940- 2012).

Photo by Atomic Romance at the Portland Comic Con 2008.

05.18.2012 – Comic Book Legend Ernie Chan passed away and another great will be missed after Tony DeZuniga who recently died last May 11, 2012. There are no specific details about his death only news where his wake is going to be held. The news came from Whilce Portacio and Mark Torres on separate updates via Facebook.

Ernesto “Ernie” Chan is known for his work on Marvel Comics version of Conan The Barbarian and also worked with DC Comics in the Batman books (Batman and Detective Comics) as wells as doing computer designs, TV, and movie animation.

Presenting Boba Fett from the Star Wars Empire Strikes Back Vintage Edition toy line.

I've long been a fan of Boba Fett. You've gotta admire someone who - from the tragic death of his father, eked out his own survival and established himself as an even greater Bounty Hunter than his father. At one time he was even able to fight Darth Vader to a debatable draw. Later her actually saved and sided with Darth Vader when Vader was being hunted down by Bounty Hunters. This earned Fett Darth Vader's respect if not his admiration.

Years later Fett survives being inside a Sarlaac not once, but twice (He was regurgitated the second time around). Fett would go on to becoming the Mandalore uniting his people against the Yuuzhan Vong and siding with the Galactic Empire. At this time though his health was failing due to the fact that, as a clone of Jango Fett, his aging was accelerated. Boba had already lived far beyond what he was designed to. With the help of his granddaughter he was able to find a cure, but his granddaughter ended up dead at the hands of Darth Caedus (Jacen Solo) who then used her DNA to release a technovirus that would prevent Boba Fett from ever returning to Mandalore.

Boba would later rescue Chief of State Daala (Former Imperial and not head of the Galactic Alliance) from the Jedi Council who was holding her prisoner for war crimes against the Jedi. She promised him a cure for the technovirus.

SKYFALL First Official Movie Poster Revealed!

05.18.2012 – 007.com just recently unveiled the very first official SKYFALL movie poster that is currently getting a huge attention. Every James Bond fan is anticipating the return of Daniel Craig that propelled him to the international scene.

It’s been a ling time coming for James Bond to kick ass and take some names. But it won’t happen anytime soon as the movie won’t be out until Fall 2012. For now this is going to be a tease which is a definite treat to everyone…

DC The New 52: Geoff Johns and Jim Lee discuss JL, Pandora, and the Trinity War

After teasing things to come next year via the one-shot Free Comic Book Day issue of "DC The New 52 FCBD Edition", DC Comics' own Geoff Johns and Jim Lee discuss more about their upcoming crossover event next year "Trinity War", as well as Pandora, the mysterious woman who was a key figure at the end of Flashpoint and the beginning of The New 52 era of comics. MTV Geek has conducted a couple of interviews with Johns and Lee, who go on to discuss more about Volume 2 of Justice League, as well as who Pandora and the Trinity of Sin are. SPOILERS abound with these interviews, so view at your own risk!

The Diablo III Epic Philippine Press Launch!

Via Geekmatic correspondent Timzster's own blog, here is an account of what transpired during the Diablo III press launch!

Today will forever be a day of infamy for gamers worldwide... For Diablo III has finally arrived, and adventure begins anew!

Held today, May 15, at the National Sports Grill in Greenbelt 3, bloggers and press alike covered the official Philippine press launch of the much anticipated role playing game "Diablo III"! IP E-Games, together with Blizzard Entertainment Inc., team up and bring together gamers, journalists, and enthusiasts alike as the stage is set for a gaming experience like no other!

Now that marketing for the film is swinging into full gear, Sony Pictures and Marvel have released a 4-minute exclusive preview of their upcoming Spider-Man reboot flick, The Amazing Spider-Man! SPOILERS abound in the clip of course, so if you don't want to see anything until July, skip this! Otherwise, hit the play button below to see Andrew Garfield suit up as Peter Parker... The Amazing Spider-Man!

Comic Odyssey Store Preview & FCBD 2012 at Fully Booked!

05.13.2012 – Last night we checked Fully Booked with the progress on how things are shaping up with the fourth branch of Comic Odyssey opening up in less than 7 days. It’s located at the 4th level of the flagship store in Bonifacio High Street. This is a great timing for Fully Booked to celebrate their Free Comic Book Day in 2012.

Fully Booked has been celebrating FCBD since 2008 every third Saturday of the month of May.

It has become their own tradition to promote not only this event but to let you know that the biggest bookstore appreciates the support as a way of thanking the fans.

Presenting Wonder Woman from DC Infinite Crisis Toy Series 2. We originally mentioned this particular Wonder Woman when we featured Wonder Woman from the DC Direct Wonder Woman Toy Series 1 where I took a swipe at how bad this particular figure is.

Rather than just leave it at that, I thought I'd take the time to actually show the figure so that it could never be said that I wasn't fair.

Infinite Crisis Wonder Woman was sculpted by veteran toy-sculptor Sam Greenwell - known for his work in DC Direct, Marvel Select, Blizzard, and Diamond Select - and is based upon the artwork of Comic-book artist Phil Jimenez - who's best known for his portrayal of muscular yet feminine superheroines - think Xena, but taller versus Xena's stocky appearance - including Power Girl, Marvel Girl and of course, Wonder Woman as you can see in the image on the right.

The Amazing Spider-Man: New viral marketing spotlights Curt Connors

*UPDATED with new Lizard featurette!

Sony Pictures and Marvel continue their campaign to promote their upcoming reboot of the Spider-Man film series "The Amazing Spider-Man" with two new features that center on one Dr. Curt Connors... aka The Lizard!

Jonah Hex Creator Tony DeZuniga Passed Away Today.

05.11.2012 – News and current status on Filipino Comic Book Legend Tony DeZuniga has been confirmed that he passed away early this morning at 1:30AM.

The famed Filipino artist is the co-creator of DC Comics’ Jonah Hex the disfigured anti-hero and Black Orchid which made him well known in the late 1960s and early 1970’s.

He has inspired a lot of Filipino artists who pursued their dreams to be like Tony DeZuniga and he will surely be missed for being such a nice guy.

The Amazing Spider-Man: Oscorp Industries viral website launches

Sony Pictures and Marvel are picking up the pace with their viral marketing campaign for The Amazing Spider-Man! Marc Webb's reboot film of the Spider-Man film series is hitting theaters in July, and the studios are busy gearing up promotions by releasing several new clues and teasers, which includes this new viral website for Oscorp Industries! Those familiar with the mythos of the webslinger will know that Oscorp Industries, or Oscorp for short, is a weapons manufacturing company owned and handled by the Osborn familu, particularly one Norman Osborn... aka Spider-Man's greatest nemesis The Green Goblin!

It still remains to be seen whether or not Norman will play a pivotal role in The Amazing Spider-Man, but Curt Connors (played by Rhys Ifans) is a scientist working with the company, and he's a mentor to Peter Parker's love interest, Gwen Stacy! What secrets and role do the company have to the creation of Spider-Man and The Lizard? We just have to wait and see when The Amazing Spider-Man hits theaters! For more info, visit the Oscorp Industries website and the source post at Comic Book Movie!

The Amazing Spider-Man swings into theaters on July 3rd!

*Originally posted by Timzster in The Crusader's Realm

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

The Amazing Spider-Man: New photo of the Parker family revealed and Trailer #3

Posted on the official website and making waves online, Sony Pictures and Marvel have uploaded a new photo for The Amazing Spider-Man, featuring a young Peter Parker and his parents enjoying a picnic shot at the park.

The Avengers scores big in the US box office and 30 minutes of deleted scenes in Blu-Ray!

After opening last May 4 in the United States, Walt Disney Pictures and Marvel Studios superhero team up movie The Avengers has literally assembled legions of fans and movie goers in a manner like no other, and has nabbed a resounding $200.3 Million on its first opening weekend run, shattering the record once held by Warner Bros. by last year's final Harry Potter movie, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II! The movie also opened in international theaters on April 25th, and in over 12 days of release, the film has grossed more than $641.8 Million internationally! As a result, the film has had the biggest opening in countries such as Russia, Mexico, New Zealand, Hong Kong and the Philippines! It's one of the biggest movies to enjoy a huge opening weekend ever, so check Marvel.com for more news on the excelsior filled scoop!

Free Comic Book Day 2012 is this Saturday!

Here's a gentle reminder for comic fans... Don't forget to visit your local comic book shop and take part of FREE COMIC BOOK DAY 2012!

Cobra: Cobra Commander Mail Away at Toys R' Us Philippines

Presenting the G.I. Joe Rise of Cobra, Cobra Commander Mail Away. One of the only G.I. Joe Action Figures that actually comes in COBRA Packaging.

I've actually had my eye on this figure for quite some time but it wasn't being sold for a reasonable price on the black-market. Then a week ago, an entire stack of them suddenly became available at retail price in Toys R' Us here in Robinsons Galleria in the Philippines and I just had to grab it.

Especially since it wasn't being sold for US$ 34.98 to US4 41.85 like it was being sold in Amazon (Roughly PhP 1,500 to PhP 1,800 plus shipping). It was being sold for only PhP 999.75 or roughly US$ 23.25.

This is the infamous Cobra Commander that comes with the movie-edition skull-mass, crimson armor and a robot-drone miniature HISS Tank that's quite reminiscent of the G.I. Joe PAC RATs.

It practically screams "Modern Megalomaniac"

Teased, hyped, and just about ready to kick some ass when it debuts in theaters later this year, IGN and Sylvester Stallone breaks the silence and offers fans of action and awesome a look at the new trailer to The Expendables 2! Testosterone action just came back... WITH LOADS OF OLD SCHOOL ACTION HEROES!

Life-Size Macross Valkyrie Unveiled for the 30th Anniversary!

05.03.2012 – It’s been thirty years since we first saw Hikaru Ichijo (Rick Hunter in the North American version of Robotech) take flight in his VF-1J Valkyrie in the original Macross series shown in Japan which also had other Asian countries started airing this beloved anime.

In celebration of its 30th Anniversary of the famed anime franchise there was news going around surrounding a Macross-themed exhibition in the Shibuya but rumors died down without any confirmation if it would push through.

05.03.2012 – The Visual Music Carnival is not only about music performances by an ensemble of Filipino talents. The event also has skilled skater boarders and a group of people who masquerade as their favorite characters known in the pop culture community.

The VMC was organized to promote to raise funds and awareness for cause that would break the barriers of speech for the deaf. We’re talking about a break through tool is set to integrate modern technology in helping the hearing-impaired live their already challenged lives with less difficulty.

SPOILER: Second post-credits scene for Marvel's The Avengers revealed

Long rumored and now very much confirmed to be attached for US screenings of Marvel's The Avengers this May 4th is a SECOND post credits scene for the movie.

What that is however is not what many expect, and thanks to tweets and a post at Comic Book Movie, the details of the very scene in question has been revealed. Anyone looking to find out what that is be warned that it's still a SPOILER, so look at your own risk what it is below.

You have been warned.

05.02.2012 – Chloe Grace Moretz has emerged as one of the film industry’s most sought-after young actresses. Last year, she starred in the award-winning fantasy adventure “Hugo,” directed by Martin Scorsese, winning a People’s Choice Award in the category of Favorite Movie Actress Under 25.

In addition, the National Association of Theatre Owners just named her the Female Star of Tomorrow Award, presented at the 2012 CinemaCon.