GeekMatic!: December 2012

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Playmobil Figures Series 2: Skater Boy!

12.30.2012 – Playmobil is a construction toy though not similar as LEGO what they are known for is the interchangeable body parts of the ‘PlayPeople’ or their version of the minifigure which is 1:24 in scale that was first introduced in 1975 by Hans Beck.

The toy brand used to be popular in the Philippines in the 1980s, but fell off the retail stores until specialty stores Build City and Hobbes & Landes started bringing them backing the late 2000s. Recently Playmobil also introduced their blind bag figures.

Ultimate Battle Pack: MOBAT!

12.27.2012 – The MOBAT short for ‘Motorized Battle Tank’ is one of the iconic vehicles in G.I. Joe that it’s the most familiar tank to ever appear the very first issue of the Marvel published comic book series.

It was originally released in 1982 that was packed with a straight arm version of Steeler and it was re-released again that retooled the same figure with a swivel-arm battle grip the following year. It is reissued several times and the last version in 2008.

Sights & Highlights: End of the World Doodle!

12.22.2012 – Maf Shareen aka Wanton Doodle best known for random creations who held a talk at Vinyl on Vinyl last night invited local doodlers to have a special collaboration which was dubbed the “art jam” of doodle of random coolness.

Doodling is a random art form of drawings that set WeeWillDoodle as wells other local doodlers that you might see their works in the streets or in some ad by a corporate company. His stay in Manila was extended due to another artists and this is his first trip to the country.

Toy Review: Hero's Duty Ralph!

12.21.2012 – Wreck-It Ralph has smashed through the box office and the height of the animated feature also produced merchandise not to mention action figures! When the toys first came out nobody took interest until there were empty shelves of soft plush versions of Ralph & one lonely Fix-It Felix Jr. the film.

Thinking Toy the same manufacturer for bringing authentic Toy Story figures based from the actual animated feature film was also behind the release of Wreck-It Ralph action figures.

PRESS RELEASE: The Hobbit Tops Box Office!

12.18.2012 – The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey was a definite thrill to catch in cinemas either in traditional 2D or HFR 3D (High Frame Rate) which opened last December 13, 2012 nationwide. The film brings back of the casts who portrayed pivotal characters from the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.

Director Peter Jackson was present during its red carpet screening a couple weeks back admitting that he can’t deny the interest in helming this film which is a reunion of sorts from the actors who collaborated with him almost nine years ago.

12.18.2012 – Hello Kitty has become an iconic brand all over the world, and many young girls from the time she first appeared have also inspired other generations to start collecting her merchandise as one of its interesting hobby.

From plush toys to home appliances there’s every Hello Kitty theme that has been released but what about cars? There are fans that make it happen and the recent events happening at SM City North Edsa featured an exhibit that has have Hello Kitty themed cars on display.

Sights & Highlights: TK Christmas Sale at SM North!

12.17.2012 – Christmas is fast approaching and the yuletide is season about a week away. For those who are in the rush to buy gifts for their family and friends don’t worry missing the Christmas Toy Sale at Skydome in SM City North Edsa this past weekend.

The next one happens this coming weekend at the SM Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall. We got a good view of the last day when we passed by to check out what went down during this event and seemed everyone is high spirits as they wind down this recent Sunday.

12.17.2012 – Warner Bros. gives you something to look forward to in the coming year as they have announced a line-up of geek-related movies that will surely excite you in the next few months.

There's a slew of flicks that will keep you standing in line when you go see them in the big screen.

Just like this year’s impressive run of films next year will be bigger and bolder than ever!

Nerd Docs at Midnight Market in Cubao X!

12.16.2012 – Nerd Docs takes the geek culture promoting original designs based from pop culture inspirations. They first appeared in the recent BLTXXX where they started selling their flagship Darth Vader doctor shirt that also brought a slew of slogans for you to wear.

They are also the same company behind Dark Bulb comics’ Shatter Space which first debut in the recent Komikon 2012. Nerd Docs continue to come re-invent their designs featuring the famous Vader Doctors that definitely caught a lot of attention on their first launch.

The Hobbit: An Eventful Journey Reviewed!

12.15.2012 – The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey made its initial run of exclusive by invite screenings the past couple of days prior to the December 13, 2012 opening.

The last special screening was for the press media we get the chance to see the film as Warner Bros. last premiere for 2012.

The event features the Tolkien Society group as well as foreign visitors representing the New Zealand Embassy.

Lyndon Gregorio's Trek & The City!

12.14.2012 – Star Trek resurgence has been steadily coming alive again due to the release of the first teaser trailer went online a few days ago. For those newbie Trekkies who has picked the interest of the movie since its film reboot in 2009 they won’t be familiar with this local group that was founded 10 years ago.

There’s a local community of Star trek fans who has been around for 10 years and still active today. One of the members in the group is none other than Lyndon Gregorio the creator of Beerkada comics appearing on Philippine Star.

Battle of the Giants in Pacific Rim!

12.14.2012 – Pacific Rim takes gigantic robots and monsters to the next level which was inspired by previous animation and movies. From acclaimed filmmaker Guillermo del Toro produced by Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures.

The film first got its first teaser with the poster being given away during the San Diego Comic Con International (SDCC) last July and the release of this trailer definitely caught a lot of attention due to the action that was quite a tease!

PRESS RELEASE: The Wolverine International Poster!

12.13.2012 – The Wolverine is coming to the big screen in 2013 and the release of the official one-sheet promotional poster will definitely build up the excitement as they have unveiled it today!

20th Century Fox releases the brand new international poster of “The Wolverine” displaying Hugh Jackman in an arched position seemingly ready for intense action!

12.13.2012 – Last night was the Press Media screening of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey directed by Peter Jackson (Lord of the Rings Trilogy) and the Philippine Tolkien Society was present to help promote the special viewing of the film.

The event was held at the IMAX Theater in SM Mall of Asia where celebrities and personalities was exclusively invited to see the world of Middle-Earth that Tolkien has created. The anticipated film was screening in HFR 3D (High Frame Rate).

Man Of Steel: Theatrical Trailer Debuts!

It's 12-12-12 depending where you are, and something SUPER has finally arrived!

Promised to be attached with this week's release of Peter Jackson's LOTR prequel "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey", Warner Bros. has gone ahead and released online via their YouTube account the much-anticipated theatrical trailer to their Superman reboot flick "Man Of Steel"!

Iron Man 3: Japanese Trailer with New Footage!

12.10.2012 – Recent updated from Iron Man 3 has given unanswered questions with the release of the teaser poster and some sneak peek clips leaves the anticipation at all-time high.

What’s good with international trailers is they give more questions and more excitement which won’t happen until five months from now.

BLTXXX: Dark Bulb Introduces NERD DOCS!

12.09.2012 – Dark Bulb Design & Illustrations second public appearance is at the recently concluded BLTXXX (Better Living Through Xeroxography) which not only continue to promote and have the chance to get your copy of the Shatter Space #1 comic book but also see the latest in NERD DOCS!

Of course the creative tandem of Nelz and Karen Yumul has a new spin off in clothing line which is the prescription wear for the inner nerd in you and that is the NERD DOCS shirts featuring some captions you might find interesting and humorous.

12.09.2012 – Last night Panel By Panel guest Lim Cheng Tju and Otto Fong creator of Sir Fong’s Adventures dropped Comic Odyssey. Together with them is Otto’s friend Han looking very much overwhelmed with the indie komiks in one shelf.

Lim Cheng Tju the country editor for Singapore’s International Journal of Comic Art and co-editor for Liquid City 2 that was published by Image Comics was fascinated about the growth of Philippine comics that he bought most of the titles that stood out in his sight.

Sights & Highlights: BLTXXX Event Coverage!

12.08.2012 – BLTXXX (Better Living Through Xeroxography) on its third semi-annual event was held at Illyong’s Restaurant Bar somewhere in Cubao. The small press of indie komiks where present and the crowd did came in droves to support this one day mini expo.

It features some prominent artists who have been present during the Komikon events led by Michael David (Kubori Kikiam), Aj Bernardo & Noel Pascual (Crime Fighting Call Center Agents), and Renaissance Man Rommel Estanislao (Bruho Barbero).

12.08.2012 – Christmas is just around the corner and looking to find affordable gifts for the young ones is not that easy nowadays. Toy Kingdom the Amazing toy store in the Philippines just might have something for you this Holidays season.

The event opened its doors yesterday at the SMX Convention Centre in SM Mall of Asia which occupies Hall 4 beginning December 7th which runs up to Sunday on the 9th of 2012. If you’re looking for gifts for kids and the kid at heart this might be the place for you!

Panel By Panel with Otto Fong & Lim Cheng Tju!

12.07.2012 – Southeast Asian Comics invades Ateneo de Manila University this Monday December 10, 2012 featuring two of Singapore’s home grown talents!

Dubbed “Panel By Panel” will feature Otto Fong the creator of Sir Fong’s Adventures series and Lim Cheng Tju editor of Liquid City 2! Both gentlemen will be having a special talk to students and expect to see their works on display too!

Return to Middle-Earth: The Hobbit Special!

12.07.2012 – The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is less than a week before it gets released but for those who are the fans of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy can’t wait to see the film. The excitement is building up for those who have passionately read Tolkien’s books.

The Return to Middle-Earth in the big screen has been talked about in the past years since its development. Get to see the 13 minute special where the cast and crew takes you to the behind the scenes of the making of this film!

Teaser Trailer: Star Trek Into Darkness!

12.06.2012 – A few days after J.J. Abrams has revealed the teaser poster for the next Star Trek Sequel the teaser has been released on iTunes earlier today. The clip reveals a different villain as assumed by many as Khan but revealed to be Benedict Cumberbatch’s unspecified villain.

The details of the film’s plot and premise was unofficially deciphered on Bleeding Cool that reveals a possibility that Benedict Cumberbatch’s character might be Lt. Cmdr. Gary Mitchell from the Original Series episode “Where No Man Has Gone Before.”

Happy Meal Spotlight: Rise of the Guardians!

12.05.2012 – The Happy Meal for December 2012 revealed the promotion featuring Rise of the Guardians the film shown for the Holidays based from William Joyce’s The Guardians of Childhood book series and The Man in the Moon short film with ReelFX.

The toys consist of six characters based from the animated feature though it would be great if Santa Claus was not trapped inside a Snow Globe. The promotion started late November where the interest has not picked up yet.

PRESS RELEASE: Toy Kingdom Holiday Toy Sale!

12.04.2012 – The holiday season is just a few weeks away buying presents to friends and family comes to mind. Sometimes to avoid the hassle of the Christmas bum rush and the difficulty finding the right gift for the right budget can be a challenge.

This Yuletide season, find the perfect gift for kids (and kids at heart) at Toy Kingdom Great Holiday Toy Sale! Shop and enjoy up to 70% off on selected toys during this 3-day sale!

In anticipation of two of the biggest films next year, new posters have been revealed each for the second J.J Abrams Star Trek film "Star Trek Into Darkness" and Zack Snyder's Superman reboot flick "Man Of Steel"!

K.I.T.T. Explains GE's Brilliant Machines!

12.03.2013 – Knight Rider has been one of the iconic shows in the 1980s that propel David Hasselhoff’s career into the pop culture mainstream. The show is not entirely focused on his character Michael Knight but rather his talking car named K.I.T.T.

William Daniels originally gave the character the voice of K.I.T.T that has become popularly known and after 30 years he does reprise the famous black Trans Am in the new GE TV commercial that talks about… GE’s Brilliant Locomotive.

ICCON 2012: The Pop Culture Event in Iloilo City!

12.02.2012 – The FIRST Iloilo Comic Con was a success featuring the best artists from Manila and based in this region which was held earlier today at the Robinsons Place Iloilo.

The special guest featured comic book artists based in Manila with Gerry Alanguilan, Manix Abrera, Carlo Vergara, Heuber Khan Michael, Aaron Felizmenio, Carlo Pagulayan, Wilson Tortosa, Stephen Segovia and Danny Acuna. Black Pearl Philippines was also present for the cosplay judging and more!

12.02.2012 – Iloilo Comic Con is a one day event and THE first Pop Culture in Western Visayas featuring prominent guests based in Manila as well as the local artists. The anticipation for this event has been brewing for months since the event’s announcement sometime in June.

The set up early in the morning at the Robinsons Place Iloilo started last night after the special press media event gathering some of the guests from Manila at the University of Iloilo. ICCON won’t start until the opening of the mall hours.

ICCON 2012: Iloilo Comic Con Preview!

12.01.2012 – This weekend the Philippine Komiks community the Western Visayas very first Iloilo Comic Con happening this Sunday December 2, 2012 in the activity center of the Robinsons Place opening mall hours where you’ll see some of the country’s top home grown talents.

If your passion is reading comics and looking to see how established is the Philippine Komiks industry all you need is drop by the event and meet the talented artists. There is no entrance fee and some of the best known artists based in Manila will be present.