GeekMatic!: September 2013

Monday, September 30, 2013

Welcome to Kapow! Universe the Marvel Store!

09.30.2013 – Kapow! Universe is the latest concept store to open at the Glorietta 5 in Ayala. It’s the first ever Marvel store in the Philippines owned by the same people from Collecticons Inc. who brought you back Filbar’s last July.

It’s the first ever license store that features brands from Funko Pop and Mindstyle having never before seen Marvel products from perfume to clothing apparel. It’s like stepping inside the S.H.I.E.L.D. facility that features artifacts and elements from “The House of Ideas” that was built for every fan who grew up reading their comic books!

09.30.2013 – If you have seen what happened with Flint Lockwood’s food making machine in the original animated film then you’ll know the repercussions that it can do to the upcoming 2009 sequel that everyone craved to watch it over again.

Now Sony Pictures Animation is all geared up for the follow-up sequel in Cloudy with the Chance of Meatballs 2 bringing back almost the entire voice cast and a new soundtrack that would define the music that would be known for this sequel.

Marvel Universe: The Punisher!

09.29.2013 – The Punisher Marvel’s antihero is the only character who doesn’t have superpowers but definitely has a wide range of weaponry at his disposal.

Appearing on the Amazing Spider-Man #129 (Vol.1 February 1974) he takes his war on crimes VERY seriously to the point of killing his enemies.

There were several incarnations of the character and had some mainstream success recently mostly written by Garth Ennis.

09.29.2013 – Comic Odyssey held another comic book signing but this time it’s at their Robinsons Galleria branch a bit smaller than the one located at the third floor of Fully Booked at Bonifacio High Street.

Last Saturday Harvey Tolibao & Romulo Fajardo Jr. had a signing event to promote Danger Girl published by IDW at The Fort branch. This is the third Saturday for Comic Odyssey to hold it in the month of September. The first one was last September 15th with Carlo Pagulayan for Iron Man who is currently on a US tour.

Gerry Alanguilan & Lenil Yu Signing Event at Comic Odyssey!

09.28.2013 – If you missed Gerry Alanguilan and Leinil Yu signing your copy of Indestructible Hulk #1 then this might be another chance to see both artists at Comic Odyssey later this afternoon at the their Robinsons Galleria branch.

If you haven’t followed Gerry’s blog after the signing event he will be gone for the next two weeks traveling to Europe with a speaking engagement and a convention appearance for the reason he’s selling some of the of his inked pages of Indestructible Hulk.

09.28.2013 – Disney’s “Frozen” recent revealed its theatrical teaser poster a few days ago. Now they have unveiled the main trailer revealing the characters aside from the humorous snowman named Olaf.

The animated feature is loosely based from Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale The Snow Queen which expands Disney’s “Frozen” as its 53rd Walt Disney Animated Classic Series.

Agents of SHIELD Review: Season1 EP1!

09.27.2013 – Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. premiered on ABC television Tuesday (Wednesday in Asia) but won’t be picked up for international viewing until season 1 episodes possibly shown halfway.

Clark Gregg reprises his roles as Phil Coulson after his apparent death in Marvel’s The Avengers in 2012. There was no explanation on how he was resurrected but he’s back assembled a team to find out about a group called “Rising Tide” in the pilot episode that was first screened last July during the San Diego Comic Convention.

PRESS RELEASE: BTS in The Dark World!

09.27.2013 – Thor is facing a greater enemy even before Odin and Asgards time. There will be new challenges and quest that would push him to his limits. After the battle of New York everyone has changed and this time things gets worse closer to home.

For every anticipation coming close to the screen date “Thor: The Dark World" reveals not only the final product but also behind the scenes. Get to know the fun trivia surrounding the making of Marvel’s “Thor: The Dark World” from director Alan Taylor (TV's “Game of Thrones”) and starring Chris Hemsworth as the god of Thunder.

Jimmy Fallon, The Roots & Sesame Street!

09.26.2013 – Everyone grew watching Sesame Street and currently promoting its 44th season in North America. These lovable muppets and inhabitants of Sesame Street have become imbedded in the American pop culture and the world.

Children’s Television Workshop produced the show and it’s still going strong for the young audiences even those who grew up seeing the show can still associated them to the characters.

09.26.2013 – If you can’t get enough of the digital food spectacle that was seen in the Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs then you must be craving for the sequel which has a tropical vibe on the soundtrack and even greater visuals that you might want to see.

But without the original animated feature’s cast there won’t be a sequel to anticipate. The original main voice cast, led by Bill Hader, Anna Faris, James Caan and Neil Patrick Harris returns!

Happy Meal 2013: My Little Pony & TF Prime!

09.25.2013 – If you haven’t been to McDonald’s recently and no idea about the latest promotional toys is for the month of September 2013. You've heard that they brought back the Happy Meal box but you don’t know what the toys just came out.

It was released early this year in the US and finally it has made it to Asia which consists of countries in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia. The toys are from My Little Pony and Transformers Prime. There’s plenty more promotion for these toys besides the Philippines bringing back the iconic red box to local consumers.

Dark Bulb's Kulot Preview Figure!

09.24.2013 – Kulot is a doodle character created by Nelz Yumul which would be considered his very own signature whenever he and his colleagues at WeeWillDoodle.com doing live art at events. You won’t miss Kulot (Curly in English) as he appears whenever Nelz do a live doodle.

The character has evolved and there were already plans for Kulot to become a designer toy which has been the concept since last year. There have been concept art version of Kulot but this one is on its stages of becoming a limited edition release.

Sights & Highlights: Movement 69 at Secret Fresh!

09.23.2013 – Secret Fresh has the winning streak of events happening since the opened GALLERY 1 featuring Mark Orozco Justiniani’s Rotator exclusive designer toy. This also featured the new look for Gallery 1 now at the ground floor of the store.

A couple of weeks later they launched the Black Series that featured works from Kiko Escora, Archie "CHICHI MONSTER" Geotina, Noli "13LuckyMonkey" Coronado, Ali Alejandro and Steve Tirona.

PRESS RELEASE: Cloudy 2's Revenge of the Leftovers!

09.23.2013 – Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs was a fun movie for its first go-around. So much fanfare that it earned have a sequel which would be quite a surprise for those who have seen them ride the sunset.

But things get a little crazier what if there’s those leftover creatures that exist in a remote place that needs to be cleaned up? There’s something’s up and get the preview on this…

Converse + Komiks: Punk Your Chucks!

09.22.2013 – Converse is an iconic brand which was founded for more than a hundred years and its resurgence in the new century signifies its identity as an Urban Lifestyle shoe tapping professionals in the skateboard community as its brand ambassadors.

Chuck Taylor All-Star became their iconic product and basketball shoes which were named after a well-known athlete who would possibly be the first to have his name on those sneakers. It was popularized by Converse and its the face of the brand.

09.22.2013 – There are musicals that succeeds in live plays and then there are those that are not entirely does not translate the way that it was only made in that particular medium. But for Walt Disney its one challenge that won’t be seen until it’s made.

This fairytale live action fantasy film might have it all based from the stories by the various Grimm fables which teaches lessons from the characters ranging from Little Red Riding Hood to Cinderella.

Sights & Highlights: Iron Man 3 Invasion!

09.21.2013 – Magna Vision is the local distributor of home media for latest movies being released in Blu-ray and DVD formats organized the release of Iron Man 3 and also the collected four seasons the Mighty Avengers which was aired in the US in Disney XD.

But the major release is for Iron Man 3 which hit the screens sometime in mid-April 2013. The two-day event is to celebrate for the local release of the Region 3 DVD for Iron Man 3 which features interactive activities at the Trinoma Activity Center.

09.21.2013 – Frozen is one of the latest Walt Disney animated films that is currently playing the trailers. It’s interesting the teaser has a positive impression on the viewers who have only get a preview.

Walt Disney Pictures has revealed a new poster for its upcoming animated adventure, “Frozen,” which you can check it out below! What's more, they've announced that the film's full trailer will be online September 26, 2013.

DFA Promotes PH Comics & Animation!

09.20.2013 – The Philippine Animation industry and the Comics community is a thriving culture in the country. Both share struggles to provide jobs for aspiring artists and it’s also a difficult challenge how to stay competitive with other regional countries in Asia.

The Department of Foreign Affairs held a special seminar last week inviting representatives from Animation and Comics to talk about concerning issues and what the government can offer to expand their reach that would bring back interest.

09.20.2013 – STGCC 2013 has a lot of new stuff coming out despite the obvious theme for this year is more into promoting “Iron Man 3” with Action City & Hot Toys teaming up to bring the Hall of Armors while Play Imaginative having their own armor area.

But there’s more to seeing all forty two versions of the Iron Man armor there are also other unrelated like the 501st Singapore’s interesting “Easter egg” laced diorama where you can spot some unusual things in the “Battle of Endor.” But there’s more to be excited what else to see the “Biggest Pop Culture Event in Asia!”

09.20.2013 – Conan O’Brien returns once again for another segment of “The Clueless Gamer” where he a non-console gamer plays the games for the first time. This time around Coco takes a look at the much awaited Grand Theft Auto V.

This game that has been talked about a few months back regarding the details has been highly anticipated. The gameplay itself is entirely new feat three new characters by Rockstar Games.

09.20.2013 – 2 Guns an upcoming action film that was original based in a comic book miniseries is set to be shown in the Philippines next Wednesday which stars Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg.

The film also features Paula Patton who previously appeared in Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol. If you haven’t heard about Robin Thicke asking permission to his wife to do the music video of “Blurred Lines” which containing nudity then the same could have happen to Paula Patten.

Did you win Toonami’s Ultimate Writing Contest?

09.19.2013 – Toonami Asia launched in late 2012 is a spin off cable channel from Cartoon Network which caters more to young adults having content featuring super hero related shows enough action packed non-stop animated adventures.

Sometime in March Toonami Asia also launched the Toonami Inception 2013 at the Eastwood which is an open event. In the same year Toonami launched their “Tell the story of NAMI” writing contest which chose one winner.

09.19.2013 – Earlier this morning McDonald’s Philippines officially released the return of the Happy Meal box which was unveiled yesterday in a private media launch. For those who have not seen the Happy Meal box in the Philippines it was discontinued in 2001.

Everyone who has seen a Happy Meal box can closely associated that without it that particular product is "not happy at all” as being the identity as part of the McDonald’s brand. This was previously mentioned when the US released Despicable Me 2 Minions was reviewed including the box.

09.19.2013 – Marvel television is pushing up the promotions in the upcoming series in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D as the behind the scenes production is revealed and the cast talked about how the team will come together.

This will be a first for Marvel and with ABC to bring their first show set to air a few weeks as the countdown closely winds down to the day the first episode airs on American television.

09.19.2013 – The Nine Realms plays a bigger role in the upcoming Thor: The Dark World as its huge backdrop where the adventure begins. In the previous film it focuses on Thor and his realization to accepting humility as an individual.

For the sequel Thor journeys to the Nine Realms and he’s not going alone with this quest. He will be joined by Lady Sif and the Warriors Three who previously appeared in the original film. There’s a lot of places to explore in this world that Thor will ever see in the Nine Realms…

Machete Kills Red Band Trailer Released!

09.18.2013 – Danny Trejo reprises his role as the ex-federate known as Machete Cortez and the character he made famous is set to once again kick some ass in Machete Kills a direct sequel to the 2010 blockbuster film.

Just like in Machete this features an ensemble cast with Jessica Alba, Tom Savini and Michelle Rodriguez also reprising their roles. As outrageous and exaggerated the concept for “Machete Kills” one must surely appreciate the artistic gore that makes this movie quite entertaining now that the man with the huge knife is back.

Ben Affleck Breaks Silence on Batman Role.

09.17.2013 – After almost a month being announced to take the role of Batman in the upcoming sequel to the Man of Steel, Ben Affleck was at the Late Night with Jimmy Fallon to promote his movie “RUNNER RUNNER” opposite Justin Timberlake.

Ben Affleck the director for the Academy Award winning movie in Argo had received somewhat mixed to negative reaction.

09.17.2013 – Derrick Rose was recently in town to promote his #drosetour in Asia which started with his arrival in last Saturday night’s adidas Originals event surprising visitors that he has finally returned to the Philippines.

Then adidas held the 3on3 Grand Finals which Derrick Rose graced the event with local personalities. By Sunday he held a press conference at the Marriott Hotel in the morning and for his last schedule for the tour culminated with the Gaming Challenge a videogame tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Atrium.

PRESS RELEASE: Mark Wahlberg in 2 Guns!

09.16.2013 – Before you see Mark Wahlberg in Age of Extinction catch him in 2 Guns based from the graphic novel of the same name. He’s familiar with previous movies that were based in videogames as well as serious roles like The Fighter.

Mark Wahlberg outguns his rivals in TriStar Pictures’ “2 Guns,” in which he stars as Navy Petty Officer Michael “Stig” Stigman, a fast-talking sharpshooter who is as awkwardly charming as he is cunning.

Zhang Ziyi as Sophie in My Lucky Star!

09.15.2013 – Zhang Ziyi most often roles are on martial arts and in the height of the Chinese empire of the past. A few days ago her latest movie “My Lucky Star” had a special premiere at the Marina Bay Sands.

“My Lucky Star” supposed to be a prequel to the 2009 film “Sophie’s Revenge” which tells the story of a comic book illustrator and at the same time works in advertisement firm as her day job. Sound surprising enough for you to know that she’s a geek in this film...

Secret Fresh: The Eraserheads Vinyl Toy Launch!

09.14.2013 – The secret is out and it has been counting down to the launch of the first ever designer vinyl toy based on the iconic Philippine alternative rock band in the Eraserheads that was exclusive on to Secret Fresh designed by Coolrain Studios.

For everyone who witnessed their rise to fame they are the Beatles of the Philippines. Every fan that grew up to their songs like Toyang, Pare Ko, Drive and countless hits that became the part of the Filipino pop culture will never forget the name.

09.14.2013 – The new Robocop trailer was revealed and people had mixed reactions ever since they started the viral marketing. Definitely it’s going to be a challenge to have everyone looking at this new movie as something different from the original.

Of course when you talk about Robocop the actor who portrayed Alex Murphy would always be closely associated with actor Peter Weller. But then again give the new Detroit police officer a chance to bust some criminals in this upcoming film. There’s something new that director Jose Padilha have that may convince longtime fans.

Sights & Highlights: Rush Movie Premiere!

Rivals. Chris Hemsworth as the English playboy James Hunt and Daniel Bruhl as the Austrian Perfectionist Niki Lauda.

Last September 6, 2013 we were invited to an advanced screening of Rush at Rockwell. I really didn't think much of it and I just thought that it was your regular racing movie but looking deeper in the movie I realized just how wrong I was.

Power Rangers 20 Ultimate DVD Collection!

09.12.2013 – In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Power Rangers they will release a special commemorative DVD edition collecting 767 episodes of the previous series that will be compiled into 98 discs.

What’s so cool about this collection it will be housed in an exclusive helmet-shaped package which will be limited to 2,000 individually numbered copies and this will includes a 100-page book...

09.12.2013 – 2Guns is based from the graphic novel of the same name and the current sequel to the movie is currently available in comic book shops known as 3Guns.

Its kind of cliché when you see the sequel could possibly be adapted into a live action film.

But let’s not get ourselves ahead of what’s happening as the movie gets up in gear for to be shown in a matter of weeks. There are surprising news about 2Guns and mostly the actors who portray them in the films.

PRESS RELEASE: The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Announced!

09.11.2013 – The Man from U.N.C.L.E is a classic television show from the 1960s following two secret agents who work for a fictitious secret international espionage and law-enforcement agency called U.N.C.L.E. named after a gun that Megatron from the original Transformers cartoon scanned as his alternate form.

Now the classic TV show last four seasons and it was previously rumored to be planned as a featured film and surprisingly the announcement also have Henry Cavill as one of the secret agents…

STGCC 2013: Play Imaginative's Super Alloy Series!

09.10.2013 – There was so many surprises during the first day of STGCC 2013 but out of the pack special launches tops them all. One of these brands made a definite attention to convention visitors and that is Play Imaginative.

For this year they have expanded the Super Alloy Series not only for the DC characters but also acquiring the rights for Marvel as well in producing a new line of Iron Man action figures which was also makes this year’s STGCC deferred to having this sort of main theme for this year and that’s really screams at you when they opened those doors.

09.10.2013 – Fresh from the successful launch of his "Soft & Nasty" plush doll at the recently concluded STGCC (Singapore Toy Game and Comic Convention) Anjo Bolarda gets a spotlight at the Vinyl on Vinyl art gallery for his first ever solo show featuring new works and some exclusive prints.

The launch happened last Saturday at the VoV to friends, colleagues, and walk-in visitors who have heard of his works by word of mouth. Quite a festive night as new works where on exhibit and it will run for the next two weeks.

PRESS RELEASE: STGCC 2013 Breaks Record in Attendance!

09.09.2013 – Truly a remarkable and memorable event in STGCC 2013 that definitely put Singapore in the map for annual multi-genre events since its first in 2008 that defined them as the “Pop Culture Event of the Year!” and every convention brings something new to its ever growing fun experience.

It’s basically an event that balance in bringing the guest and also having retailers the chance to bring something different in each year since its very first STGCC and that is a feat unmatched by the quality of what is a true convention.

09.09.2013 – The Power Rangers has become part of the American culture and for the past 20 years they continue to bring new shows every year based from the Japanese Super Sentai shows that has become a global brand for Bandai when it comes to merchandise.

This year celebrates 20 years of Power Rangers and to bring in the anniversary they have released the latest series in Megaforce known in Japan as Tensou Sentai Goseiger. The toys have already been sighted in the Philippines and also have some of the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers action figures.

STGCC 2013: The 501st SG Diorama!

09.09.2013 – The Singapore Toy, Game, and Comic Convention is a multi-genre event that highlights the best and brightest but also promoting the local scene that appreciate every aspect of pop culture and urban lifestyle.

There are participating retailers as well as organization that promotes charities and one group that has been present since STGCC in 2008 is the The 501st Legion based in Singapore which every year organize a theme they represent in the annual event.

09.08.2013 – It’s the first ever All-Filipino publication event that features writers, poets, and even graphic artists of the comic book medium.

There were book launches, panel discussions, seminars and special guests organized by Visprint Inc.

There are also participating publishers Milflores, UST Publishing House, DLSU Publishing House, Adarna, Flipside Publishing, UP Press, The UP Institute of Creative Writing, and many more surprises revealed during the event.

Dead or alive, You're coming with me! -- Robocop Trailer Has Landed!

While news of remakes and adaptations are nothing new and is rather commonplace in both movies and television this particular remake really hits home since I remember watching the original TV series as a kid - I think it was on ABC 5 if I'm not mistaken.

There is always that thrill when a movie is based on a true story but that thrill can be multiplied exponentially when the movie is about Formula 1 racing.

STGCC 2013: Hall of Armors by Hot Toys!

09.06.2013 – Last weekend Singapore, Toy, Game and Comic Convention (STGCC) opened its doors for the sixth time since it was introduced in 2008. The multi genre convention dubbed “The Biggest Pop Culture Event in Asia” has more to be excited about this year’s theme.

Marvel and Disney returns to STGCC promoting upcoming TV shows, cartoon and the future for the company that has been churning out movies left and right. But at the center of it was Iron Man 3 and Action City together with Hot Toys brought the Hall of Armor!

09.06.2013 – It’s been anticipated what the new Robocop was all about but previous reports reveal viral marketing about OMINICORP and its fictionalized technology that they innovate as an R & D corporation.

Of course their top of the line model is obviously from Robocop. Not the one from the original 1987 film that had Peter Weller as the lead who recently appeared in last summer’s Star Trek Into Darkness.

Movie Review: Elysium.

09.05.2013 – “Elysium” a science fiction film which stars Matt Damon, Jodie Foster and Sharlto Copley taking place in the year 2154 which reflects what is society is depicted in reality where there two social factions: The rich and those who are deemed unworthy.

This sums up the premise and the theme of the film that touches what society has dictated since the time where civilization has begun. If you haven’t seen the film please thread carefully as there might be unwanted spoilers but for the curious ones move forward after the jump…

Rurouni Kenshin Casting news: Misao Makimachi cast!

With all the Rurouni Kenshin casting news here and there and the excitement brought forth as a result of which, a lot of fans may have been wondering - I know I have - Who will be playing Misao?

PRESS RELEASE: Elysium see it on IMAX!

09.03.2013 – If space is the final frontier then the future is a safe haven to Elysium. The upcoming science fiction film starring Matt Damon, Jodie Foster and Sharlto Copley is going to be shown in IMAX and definitely there’s so much more than just a big screen.

This is where the dark future where discrimination is still part of the social issues and it delves more than just huge explosions and state of the art technology. The story might have been told in previous movies but this might find it more interesting.