GeekMatic!: November 2013

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Toy Sightings: Adventure Time!

11.30.2013 – Just in time for the holiday season The Adventure Time toys by Jazwares was sighted on display in toy stores in Manila. The much awaited official merchandise that inspired the hit animation on Cartoon Network is finally here.

Previously you can only find these at specialty stores, that would be retailed twice the actual price. The merchandise consists of plush toys and the action figures.

The series of merchandise features Finn and Jake the Dog finally make on retail after a huge demand due to the popularity of the show.

11.30.2013 – Whenever there’s a comic book that has major impact in the story it becomes significant. No matter how good or bad its represented it becomes part of history which is something rare nowadays.

The Uncanny Avengers #14 put some serious history that definitely unexpected. It might have shaken a lot of regular readers to the core on what went down. Rick Remember the chief architect who wrote this book gave this a major turning point…

Arrow Mid-Season Episode Delayed!

11.29.2013 – Arrow’s second season looks promising now heading to episode eight. But it’s already in the news that they have delayed the episode for another week. It must be a strategic marketing ploy or they just want to hold on for another week.

Even Stephen Amell the star of the show is mum about that reason aside that some guy named Barry Allen appears…

11.29.2013 – You’ve seen the trailer and probably continuously follow the spinoff on television in Dragons Riders of Berk. There’s little update for the upcoming How to train Your Dragon 2 but this one is quite a teaser.

Hiccup and the gang are back on this new journey that everyone is waiting to see. Dreamworks Animation and 20th Century Fox has previously announced they will expand the franchise with this one coming out next year…

Where Bold Stars Go To Die!

11.28.2013 – When you talk about “Where Bold Stars Go to Die” it sounded less of a porn related to title and more of a world that you want to know where they went. This was Gerry Alanguilan’s next independent comic book project after Elmer.

From talking chickens to bold stars and when you hear those words nudity comes to mind. Because back then old Filipino komiks have adult related titles, but this one is not cheap and definitely for adults only that address the subject matter seriously with respect.

Lumpen Culturati: Mike Atienza on "Sink" by Isabel Yap!

11.28.2013 – Lumpen Culturati is a popular culture and personal bog by Carljoe Javier the writer behind the books “And the Geek Shall Inherit the Earth”, “Geek Tragedies”, “The Kobayashi Maru of Love” and “The Pop Criticultural Infindibulator.”

He also writes reviews for movies, television, and all other things related to popular culture that you might find it interesting and unique. He’s also a professor at one of the Philippines’ well-known Universities and has recent fond interest for Blue Bustamante…

Jollibee Sing & Dance Doll!

11.27.2013 – Jollibee is a well-known fast food restaurant in the Philippines, which already have stores all over the world. Founded thirty five years ago and has become part of the Philippine popular culture.

The face of their brand is the iconic happy bee named after the company. Similar to other competing restaurants having their own signature mascots, Jollibee has become known in some parts of the world and in celebrating its anniversary they have released this doll…

11.27.2013 – The Garbage Pail Kids is an iconic collectible trading card series produced by Topps Company in 1985. It was a parody of the Cabbage Patch Kids that stir some controversy, which also became a popular hobby in collecting the trading cards.

For some who won’t remember Adam Bomb, Handy Randy, Leary Lindsay, Slobby Robby, and the rest of the characters that would probably be familiar for some due its distinct artwork. Recently current artist Joe Simko is leading a project in making the Garbage Pail Kids Documentary to celebrate its 30th anniversary.

11.27.2013 – Clasificado is a sampler/preview for the second book for The Dark Colony by Bow Guerrero, JB Tapia and Budjette Tan. The brilliant marketing for the much awaited continuation from that graphic novel released last Summer Komikon 2013.

It was announced the mysterious folder surrounding the secrets revealing The Order of St. Michael would be limited to 60 pieces. Originally Bow mentioned it was only good for 50 but everyone went on to message him to produce 10 more…

11.27.2013 – The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug won’t be without Thorin Oakenshield, which was one of the central characters in “The Unexpected Journey. “ The Dwarf Prince was as impressive as the actor Richard Armitage portraying the role.

He returns in the second chapter of The Hobbit” portraying the dwarf prince, Thorin Oakenshield who leads a band of dwarves in attempt to reclaim their lost land in this epic chapter from director Peter Jackson.

The Bent Bullet Mutant Conspiracy Goes Viral!

11.26.2013 – When you talk about viral marketing there are countless promotions that pushes the realism. Remember before the sequel for Batman Begins was still in post-production where they made believable news about the Joker?

X-Men Days Future Past has that sort of vibe with Magneto and tying it up to the 50th death anniversary remembering the assassination of JFK in The Bent Bullet…

11.26.2013 – Who have thought that an adorable snowman like Olaf would be the anchor for the light moments that’s going to happen in Frozen? Walt Disney Studios 53rd animated classic dating back to Snow White has fair share of supporting casts.

There’s Genie, Timon, and Pumba to name a few characters that played second fiddle to the main characters from Disney’s previous animated films. Now they bring a new character in Olaf that snowman who loves experience summer…

Secret Fresh: WOLO Art Launch!

11.25.2013 – “We Only Live Once” (WOLO) is the latest solo show from Christian Tamondong at Secret Fresh last night. The art gallery launched his latest art toy and his latest works inspired from his childhood.

The latest works consists of five art pieces and one limited edition art toy in “Wobbit”, that appears to be a pink bunny in a suit. But don’t let this brilliant creative creature fool you. After collaboration with Huck Gee for PUCHAA he’s back with new works too…

11.25.2013 – Frozen is an adventure filled with fun characters and interesting trivia that caters for the whole family. In fact it’s one of the best animated feature Walt Disney Animated Classics has created recently.

The upcoming film won’t be out in a few days, but here’s another spotlight featuring the Snow Queen herself which inspired from the original by Hans Christian Andersen…

Sights & Highlights at Art with Heart!

11.24.2013 – Art with Heart has pulled an impressive collection of talented individuals from the Philippine comic community and Urban Lifestyle (group of visual, street and graphic artists) doing one goal help raise funds from the victims of Typhoon Haiyan.

The Philippines have great talented individuals and when it comes to the “Bayanihan” spirit everyone pulled together to mount an effort to help. The event organized by Fully Booked with Comic Odyssey and Vinyl on Vinyl made it happen on a Saturday.

11.24.2013 – Whenever there’s an exhibit launch at Vinyl on Vinyl that features group or a solo artist it’s always refreshing to see art. Not just the usual works in the comic books but also through contemporary art rarely seen in the mainstream.

There’s always new discovery in this unexplored realm this side in the urban lifestyle. The latest solo show featuring Iyan De Jesus first ever exhibit holds whole new perspective when it comes to contemporary art in “Mechanical Romanticism.”

Five USB Storage Devices You Want to Own!

11.23.2013 – These days when you talk about storage devices the USB thumb drive is the modern “diskette”, that you carry for important documents or an assignment from school. These little things have become reliable over the years replacing writable CD-ROMs.

In age of fast moving digital storage at the palm of your hands the USB thumb drive not just your reliable storage device that carry your music, documents or school presentation. It also became part of your accessory that incorporates themes…

PRESS RELEASE: Muppets Most Wanted!

11.23.2013 – The Muppets are back with their outrageous antics with a brand new adventure that seems to make you out of whack!

Following the group of dynamic characters will take them to another hilarious misadventures led by Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy with the rest of the gang that will pit them against someone connected with one of their own…

Kids Meal Spotlight: Pokemon BW Battle Gear!

11.22.2013 – Jollibee rarely release interesting toys for their Kids Meal that competes with the iconic Happy Meal.

In past they have released some interesting promotions for Justice League Animated, Power Rangers, and that Asian exclusive Voltron.

For those who live and grew up in North America, Jollibee is a fast food restaurant that was established in the mid-1970s founded in the Philippines...

11.22.2013 – The Midde-Earth is a vast realm where The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug takes place. For the Tolkien fans this is the place they want to see, even though in reality that place was shot in New Zealand and other locations.

The digital age has produced interactive games that would give you that experience.

It’s a challenge to experience in having a journey through Middle-Earth and more…

11.22.2013 – Almost Human is a new science fiction/crime drama which stars Karl Urban as detective John Kennex and Michael Ealy as Dorian an android capable of emotion. The series is set in the year 2048 where science and technology evolve at an uncontrollable pace.

The TV series premiered with a special preview Sunday, November 17 before moving to its regular time slot starting on Monday, November 18.

PRESS RELEASE: Desolation of Smaug By The Numbers!

11.22.2013 – The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is the second of a three-part film by Peter Jackson. Originally The Hobbit would only consist of two films, but due to its epic story this prequel it has to be shown in three films.

Desolation of Smaug is less than a month away and previous trailers have already been shown in cinemas. But here’s a nice trivia about the film and it’s all by the numbers…

Elbert Or's Manosaur!

11.21.2013 – Manosaur is an experimental comic book from Elbert Or the creator of the series Bakemono High which appears on the monthly K-Zone Magazine. Now on its second issue Manosaur has more dinosaur friends appearing in the series.

The first issue was released during Summer Komikon and it was originally targeted for very young audience for its kid-friendly humor. Manosaur is a combination of two words in Man and Dinosaur which getting a cult following after Komikon 2013.

11.21.2013 – Who would have forgotten about the Amazing Spider-Man 2 by Marc Webb? With Marvel’s dominance in the films there are more characters that are getting the spotlight, and Spider-Man is already set for another spin in the sequel.

But the cast and crew of the film not just about making great sequels based from the comic book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. They are also about helping people and promoting advocacy that would inspire others, that makes them amazing too.

11.21.2013 – Tron: Legacy is a science fiction film that was show in 2010, and it’s the direct sequel to the classic 1982 movie. Of course during its upcoming film there was a huge promotion marketed around the sequel and there will always merchandise tie-ups.

Spin Master had the chance to get the rights in manufacturing a toyline based on Tron: Legacy that has action figures and vehicles based on the film. They released the toys but some of them where not mass produced like the last wave.

11.21.2013 – Walt Disney has been captivating audiences with their classic animation. It has become part of their DNA in bringing high quality entertainment.

It’s been years since Hans Christian Andersen’s “Snow Queen” have been planned to be animated. Finally Disney has got it right this time with Frozen which won’t be in cinemas until Thanks Giving in the US.

PRESS RELEASE: Need For Speed New Trailer!

11.20.2013 – Need for Speed has become one of the popular racing franchises. Previously it was announced to bring it into a live action film, which revealed some never before seen images and a teaser trailer.

The reception has been mixed with curiosity, since there has been a previous film that has something to do with street racing. There are questions what Need for Speed can bring to the realm of street racing and cars and maybe this latest trailer can answer that.

11.20.2013 – It’s been seven years since the first compilation of KULAS comic strips was compiled in one volume that introduced more readers to the character. The simple one liner jokes and silent humor gives KULAS a personality created by Freely Abrigo.

Now after a long wait KULAS 2 the latest compilation of comic strips originally appeared in Manila Bulletin was released in the recent Komikon 2013. The dialogue is in Filipino and for any particular reader who followed the daily strips would appreciate this more…

11.20.2013 – Cartoon Network has been known for being the channel bringing cool animated shows. It’s the number one kids’ channel in the Asia Pacific region, offers the best in original animated entertainment while drawing from the world’s most iconic cartoon library of Warner Bros., MGM and Hanna-Barbera titles.

Now CN expands its reach through other platforms like games based from the animated shows...

11.20.2013 – Blue Force is a character appearing in the fictional Japanese television show Force Five, which exist in the world of Blue Bustamante. In that particular realm Blue Force is portrayed by a stunt double in a suit named George Bustamante.

George an engineer who works as an OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) lost his job. But found an alternate employment as a suit actor thanks to his friend Roger Grace. Blue Bustamante a successful indie film in the Philippines released an action figure.

Secret Fresh: Crystal Head Vodka!

11.19.2013 – Last Sunday Secret Fresh unveiled the Crystal Head Vodka to the Philippines. It was launched with a collection of visual and street artists customizing the clear crystal bottle that has certain local personalities present in the event.

The Crystal Head Vodka was founded by Dan Akroyd and John Alexander who designed the clear bottle. Originally launch on September 2008 in four states it is additive-free vodka manufactured by Globefill Inc. and has become popular with the bottle...

11.19.2013 – Art with Heart: Silent Auction and Live Art happening this Saturday is presented by Comic Odyssey, Fully Booked and Vinyl on Vinyl. The event gathers a collection of talents from visual, street and comic artist.

This is not the first time all three have teamed up to raise funds. They have done this back in 2011 for Vinyl + Splash to raise funds for another charitable institution.

Poptastik Pinoy 2013: Mini-Komikon!

11.18.2013 – Poptastik Pinoy host a mini-Komikon at the Glorietta Activity Center last Sunday featuring some of the independent komiks publishers who were at the recent concluded Komikon 2013. This is the first time local komiks featured in a mall event.

There was also a program on stage that has special signings with local celebrities from GMA Network. Poptastik Pinoy is the Philippine International Literature Festival on its fourth year that started last Friday of November 15, 2013.

11.18.2013 – Catch the cast and crew of the movie Blue Bustamante on late night talk show WASAK in the Philippines this Tuesday.

The show is hosted by Lourd de Veyra and Jun Sabayton who also stars in the movie along with Joem Bascon.

If you've seen Blue Bustamante, then catch the crazy antics of the crew on Philippine television…

11.18.2013 – Another upcoming episode from Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. which has been reported previously that connects to Thor: The Dark World. It has been in the news that it’s connected to the film.

There’s no Thor or in this episode but explores the repercussions that happened after the film. The eighth episode titled “The Well” will be directed by Jonathan Frakes (Aka Cmr. Riker on Star Trek: TNG).

11.18.2013 – Disney’s Frozen will be shown in Philippine cinemas in a few short days. It was inspired from the “Snow Queen” which has an interesting trivia how this movie was made. You got leading men in this film that’s part of Disney’s Animated Classics.

You also got two sisters that is the focus of this animated film, that definitely something of a new twist. And here’s Anna the girl you should probably root for who is voiced by Kristen Bell the voice behind this new Disney character…

Why You Should Get Trese Book of Murders!

11.17.2013 – Trese: Book of Murders collects all thirteen chapters from the first three volumes of the series. It’s the collected hardcover edition that was launch in the recent Trese Night Gallery that featured Kajo Baldisimo’s works.

The collected edition was produced by Visprint Inc., and it was limited to 2000 copies which is also available at Filbar’s.

The same book was also released at the recently concluded Komikon 2013 since the sixth book didn’t make it.

11.17.2013 – The 9th annual Kimikon was a mixed bag of excitement and a whole lot of fun. If you missed last Saturday’s festivities you should try going to the event next year since it’s going to be their tenth year.

But before you jump to 2014 check out what you missed out last Saturday. You might be there but didn’t get the chance to see each exhibitor who were selling good deals or missed the highlights of the stage program. You could have been busy digging up back issues or just hanging out with friends outside the hall.

Komikon 2013: First Look-- CFCCA #4 Preview!

11.16.2013 – Hot off the press brings you an exclusive preview of the much awaited Crime Fighting Call Center Agents from creators Noel Pascual and AJ Bernardo. This was revealed during the “Komiks Kwentuhan” talk at Poptastik Pinoy event.

AJ Bernardo arrived late to join the panel featuring Mervin Malonzo (Tabi Po), Carljoe Javier, Manix Abrera (Kiko Machine), Karen Francisco (Naermyth), and Noel Pascual. This was towards the end of the panel when he showed the preview.

11.16.2013 – If you haven’t seen Blue Bustamante during its run at the Cinema One Originals Festival 2013, then you must be living a cave and missing the opportunity to watch this cool film directed by Miko Livelo.

What makes the film interesting is that it was marketed the way Hollywood films are made. There where Filipino-made television shows or movies that has merchandise. But Blue Bustamante takes it to a whole new level with quality and great admiration.

PRESS RELEASE: LEGO® Poster Art Released!

11.15.2013 – If you haven’t gotten second wind of The LEGO® Movie trailer you might have blinked not seeing it. The animated feature film was the directed by the same people behind Cloudy with the Chance of Meatballs.

This could probably a first for LEGO® to bring their brick building toys to life that might tie-up everything they have in their property. It’s led by virtually an unknown character that you might call an unsung hero for the next generation.

11.15.2013 – Blue Bustamante was a mixed bag of nostalgia, and a character driven story based from Miko Livelo’s Epic 5 short film that won him a scholarship when he joined the Red Horse Muziklaban. This took him to film school where he landed the director’s chair.

Miko Livelo was at the Eraserheads vinyl toy launch in late September when he mentioned about this film that he’s developing. It was a story of an engineer working in Japan, loses his job not telling his wife and son about the misfortune…

Adventure Time's BMO Speaker!

11.12.2013 – BMO is the computer ally of Jake and Finn in the world of Adventure Time. This little computer sounded robotic with a child’s voice. It’s one of the unusual characters you’ll come across on the show aired on Cartoon Network.

This BMO speaker is not a license product, but the maker of this has put dedication and impressive craftsmanship that pass up as an original. It’s also one of a kind that you’ll never see an identical twin, since it was made with great inspiration.

Maleficent: The Evil of All Teaser Trailers is Here!

11.14.2013 – Maleficent, the Queen of all evil is not only the thorn in the story about Sleeping Beauty. But what if there is something more than to that wicked horn? Hot off the press after the theatrical poster and Disney pulls out the teaser trailer.

Angelina Jolie is a remarkable choice for this role and she does fit in like a glove. Maleficent won’t be out anytime soon but it’s an interesting premise telling her side of the story as well as her origin…

Komikon 2013: Give a heart to Puso Negro II!

11.13.2013 – Puso Negro is a slice of life comic book story created by JP Palabon for his Section Six Comics publication. An interesting character named Puso is a misunderstood individual that gives you the wrong kind of signals.

The comic book has a tag line “Teaching Good Values through Bad Conduct.” It seems a good example some people would not read. But there’s something more to JP’s inconceivable character than meets the eye and he urges you pick it up at Komikon 2013.

11.13.2013 – If you’ve seen Sleeping Beauty which was an original Walt Disney Animated Classic.

You must be familiar with Maleficent who has been more popular among the cast of evil characters in Disney’s animated films.

The self-proclaimed “Mistress of All Evil” takes center stage in this upcoming live action film, where the film conveys the story from the perspective of the antagonist. Looks like an interesting twist which is a remake and a prequel film altogether.

11.13.2013 – The much awaited and most anticipated independent film has finally arrived!

Blue Bustamante is one of the Cinema One Originals that stand out at this year’s film festival. Some say it lacks promotions but a lot will disagree.

Last night was Miko Livelo’s journey as a first time film director. Some didn’t expect what to see in this film, but the Punch Kick production made this and gave a rousing applause.

11.13.2013 – There are heroes and you can say Prince Charming is not one of them. In this generation where the woman stands out now and kicks ass, there are still a few good men that can still be considered every girl’s hero.

In the upcoming movie Frozen you see a story abouttwo sisters. Then some interesting trivia how the movie came about, that it was inspired from the Snow Queen. This time Disney lets you in on some few good men in this movie…

Blue Bustamante Action Teaser!

11.12.2013 – Blue Bustamante the much talked about independent film in the past few weeks has already cultivated a cult following. This is for a movie no one has ever seen until it gets premiered tonight at the Glorietta 4 Cinema.

Earlier today Miko Livelo, the director of the film shared a scene of Blue Force fighting hordes of bad guys. Now people might think this is part of the movie, and yes it is in the world of George’s only son who loves the Force Five show…

11.12.2013 – “Winter’s Tale” is a supernatural film based on the 1983 novel by Mark Helprin.

Its set in 1916 and the present-day Manhattan, and the film were given a green light since 2011.

Warner Bros. Pictures has just shared the teaser trailer for its upcoming romantic fantasy written, and directed by Oscar®-winning screenwriter Akiva Goldsman.