GeekMatic!: June 2012

Saturday, June 30, 2012

Jollibee Kids Meal 2012: Spectacular Spider-Man Collection!

06.30.2012 – This month’s Jollibee Kids Meal toys are based from the live action movie of The Amazing Spider-Man now showing in Philippine cinemas. These kids’ meal toys have been out since June 27, 2012. Jollibee has other promotions too like the exclusive tumbler and the Chicken Joy bucket meal.

They may night be as cool as Carl’s Jr. promotions in North America these toys might be exclusive only in the Philippines as there’s no other fast food competitor promoting the same product unlike when Speed Racer came out in 2008.

Officially showing in international territories including The Philippines, The Amazing Spider-Man is currently swinging into theaters now. Below is a review and analysis of said movie, centering on its modern take as well as making comparisons to the Sam Raimi Spider-Man films. SPOILERS are here, so be warned and read at your own risk.

The Amazing Spider-Man swings into theaters on June 29 and July 3rd.

06.30.2012 – The Amazing Spider-Man finally debuts in Philippine cinemas on June 29, 2012 and every theater in Manila has reserved its seating up to the last full show booked. The film stars Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Sally, and Martin Sheen and directed by Marc Webb from the script written by James Vanderbilt.

If you have not seen the movie please do turn away from this review as potential spoilers might ruin the anticipation in seeing this film. But if you are looking to spoil yourself then go forward and read on for some interesting tidbits regarding the movie.

Event: The 7 Chronicles of Madness!

06.29.2012 – This Saturday at Vinyl on Vinyl feast your senses and open your minds to the visuals of two talented artists in Froilan Calayag and Ramon Dela Cruz-Gaston team-up to bring you The 7 Chronicles of Madness featuring prophetic circle of doom and turned it into a labyrinthine carnival of mind boggling naïf creatures, esoteric symbols, inside jokes, personal memories, snatches of everyday conversations and meditations of the future.

Prepare to be enthralled into the visual creations of Calayag and Dela Cruz-Gaston for you to witness the show's 7'x7' centerpiece titled "Mad Calendar" collaboration in the truest word. Both painted together pushing their individual boundaries to greater heights.

Take this news with a grain of salt or not, but website Latino Review reports that Marvel Studios' next mysterious film come 2014 will be none other than the "Guardians of the Galaxy"! Besides the fact that Iron Man 3 and Thor 2 will be out come 2013, the following year will bring Captain America 2 and another film, which was thought to be either Guardians or a film adaptation of the Black Panther. Now that the proverbial "cat is out of the bag" supposedly, how will this fit in to the Marvel Cinematic Universe?

06.29.2012 – Who is Ronnie del Carmen? The name sounded very Filipino which he is indeed from the Philippines. There are only a few people who have heard about his works in the comics industry dating back from almost a decade ago.

What we know is he has a hand in the animation storyboard being an artist, and designer for some of Disney Pixar’s animation namely Finding Nemo (Story Supervisor), One Man Band (Production Design), Ratatouille (Story), WALL-E (Story/Character Design), UP (Story Supervisor), Dug's Special Mission (Director/writer), and the untitled Pixar Movie That Takes You Inside the Mind which we’ll see in 2015 (Co-director),

Born Ronaldo del Carmen who graduated in the oldest college in the Philippines at the University of Santo Tomas. There are only bits and pieces of what we really know about his works but definitely got our interest when one fan made a shout out about his work on Aliens Mondo Heat published by Dark Horse Comics in 1996.

Promising to have about 30 minutes worth of additional footage not seen in the theatrical release, Walt Disney Pictures and Marvel Studios are set to give fans the ultimate treat by releasing "The Avengers" on Blu-Ray and DVD this September 25th! For the announcement, Yahoo! Movies has released this new trailer featuring clips from the superhero team-up film, promoting the release of the home edition and building up to something spectacular!

Saving Sally New Trailer Revealed!

06.28.2012 – Saving Sally is an independent film with an original Filipino concept with one half animations and the other is live action featuring the visually fresh innovation which stars local actors in Rhian Ramos and Enzo Marcos. It tells a typical love story between a boy, a girl and some bunch of monsters.

The animated feature is directed by the talented Avid Liongoren. Originally the project was conceived 7 years ago based on the description by Liongoren in his Tumblr site. It’s been 2 years since the project took off and finally he’s almost finished and ready for this anticipated live action/animated film to be shown in Philippine theaters.

Rurouni Kenshin Live Action Film Red Carpet Premiere!

06.28.2012 – Rurouni Kenshin known as Samurai X outside Japan has been followed by millions of Otaku worldwide based from the Manga series first appeared on Shueisha's Weekly Shōnen Jump and the famous anime series from the mid-1990s.

Last night the live action film produced by Warner Bros. Japan and collaboration with Studio Swan had a red carpet premiere featuring the cast which features Takeru Satoh as Kenshin, Munetaka Aoki as Sanosuke Sagara and Emi Takei as Kaoru. The film is directed by Keishi Ōtomo.

The Amazing Spider-Man Swings in Philippine Cinemas on 3D!

06.28.2012 – Counting down to one more day before The Amazing Spider-Man is shown in the Philippine cinemas in 3D! Columbia Pictures' new action-adventure is already getting rave review from those who had the opportunity to see the film on an earlier screen date. The movie was shot in 3D, and for the filmmakers, it is a key choice.

The mind boggling spectacle and its sheer delight to see your friendly neighborhood webhead in 3D on the big screen will be much talked about in the coming days. The Philippines is one of the first countries to have this shown in cinemas and definitely based from the trailers and TV spots we got ourselves a fresh look!

06.28.2012 – By now everyone is talking about Dexter Soy a local comic book artist in the Philippines who gained national media attention after one his artworks got re-tweeted on Twitter and Marvel.

Immediately they took notice of his ever evolving talent where CB Cebulski offered him a job that would lead Dexter Soy to breaking in the comic book industry.

This is not the first time Dexter was featured but was already garnered immediate attention in other local blogs and has his worked been reposted in social media sites like Facebook.

Beauty is in the Eye of the Tiger Art Unveiling!

06.27.2012 – Nemo Aguila known for his odd worldly creatures mashing up with Filipino popular culture had his very second public solo exhibit last night at The Crucible located at the fourth level of the building A in SM Megamall.

There was a turn out from friends, family, and mall passersby just to look at the six masterful works of Nemo Aguila. Each of the portraits conveyed a mixed of thoughts and other worldly creatures. You’ll never miss his signature creations and the three-eyed Manster being sort of eater egg in some of his paintings.

Via MTV and Cinema Blend, Sony Pictures and Marvel have released a new poster for fans looking forward to the IMAX midnight screening of The Amazing Spider-Man! The new one sheet depicts Spider-Man in full costume, swinging into action as a huge shadowy figure of The Lizard looms in the background! Also, the clock and date for the Midnight Showing in IMAX stateside is set, with 12:01 AM and the date 07.03.12 locked on! For more information and details on the post, visit Cinema Blend and MTV!

The Amazing Spider-Man swings into theaters on June 29th internationally and July 4th in the US!

*Originally posted by Timzster in The Crusader's Realm

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Up Tempo Adventures with Maskarado!

06.26.2012 – Maskarado an original creation of Reno Manaquis published in the newspaper tabloid “Tempo” back on February 20, 1992 during the height of the international comic book scene which paved the way for a group of artist to form Image Comics. Back in the Philippines the Filipino Komiks was almost forgotten until Manaquis was inspired to create his character.

Only a few who would remember the time Maskarado has stirred interest in the second to the last page of the newspaper tabloid. The dialogue is in Filipino native language of Tagalog and very much true to its heritage.

Presenting the Blue Box International (BBI) Elite Force Chenowth Desert Patrol Vehicle (DPV) re-purposed for G.I. Joe use.

This is not to be confused with the more mass-market Freedom Ops Officially Authorized Navy Seals Desert Patrol Light Strike Vehicle nor with the Hasbro G.I. Joe Desert Light Strike Vehicle that was released for the much larger 1/6 sized figures. This is from BBI and if memory serves me right, he was released with a driver which I probably threw into a box somewhere since all I wanted was the vehicle. Strangely, this Elite Force vehicle does NOT appear in the BBI website nor can I find much about it on Google.

Back to Back Art Tuesdays with Tigers & Imagi:NATIVES!

06.25.2012 – Two artistic events happening Tuesday night and we can’t get enough of great art from these people who make it happen. First up is Nemo Aguila’s first solo exhibit "The Beauty is the Eye of the Tiger" at The Crucible in SM Megamall.

You got to be mystified by a three-eyed Manster sipping a Zesto juice drink. Nemo Aguila’s signature character definitely has friends too as they take center stage at The Crucible Gallery located at 4th level of Megamall’s building A.

Rhys Ifans Slithers as The Lizard in Amazing Spider-Man!

06.25.2012 – The Amazing Spider-Man is a few days away from being shown in the Philippines which is June 29, 2012 and still some casual fans who followed the movie doesn’t know the new villain Peter Parker is going to face in this new movie.

For sure long time comic book fans have been actively following the new movie’s developments since Sony Pictures re-booted its origin story. New viewers would be anticipating this since its announcement of the cast and crew back in 2010. The trailers and magazine features have been out already.

ToyCon 2012: Day One Recap

Mid-June saw pop culture and hobbyists in the Philippines converge, as the 11th installment of the Philippine Toys, Hobbies, And Collectibles Convention ushered in a long weekend of fun and excitement. The event officially opened to the public last June 15, and focused solely on a special "Retailer's Day" for collectors and buyers to take advantage of. It was also the first day to get a glimpse of almost everything the event had to offer, including a school of toy displays and Warner Bros. official booth promoting "The Dark Knight Rises", with the original Batsuit worn by Batman actor Christian Bale on display! Check out the video of Day One Recap to see what happened, as I took a tour with toys, friends, and Batman around me!

06.24.2012 – Last night Whoop a local street artist unveiled his second Solo Exhibit at the 2nd level of the Secret Fresh store with his Kooklooklan exclusive toy. This time the theme for his exhibit is “Emotional Landscape” which features some of his fresh and colorful creations.

This also features his artwork in The Floater, The Crawler and The Sinker currently on display at the Secret Fresh Gallery where his huge sculpture in “Melted Dreams” as its centerpiece that you might be interested in owning.

Nickelodeon's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles trailer

Announced sometime last year and finally coming to fruition, the newest series' incarnation of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is almost upon us. With that, Nickelodeon has released a new trailer to promote their upcoming new show based on the 80's Heroes-In-A-Half-Shell franchise. However, does it remain consistent with the original show's roots, or does it take a new spin at things? Find out in the trailer below!

Amazing Spider-Man: Reptile Blast Lizard (Movie Series)

06.22.2012 – The Amazing Spider-Man is a few days away and the toys including other merchandise related to the franchise has been consistently coming out from fast food joints to cereal boxes.

Spidey is an iconic character that propelled Marvel Comics to the medium of animation, movies, and videogames.

We have previously reviewed its sought after action figure courtesy of our resident geek Dark Lord Dungeon where he made detailed photos as well as personal feedback about the quality of the toy.

Taken 2 International Trailer

First they took his daughter... Now the bad guys want a piece of Bryan Mills.

As the poster shows, Liam Neeson is back to kick ass and take names in 20th Century Fox's sequel to their 2008 action flick Taken, "Taken 2". The new international trailer shows the sequel picking up a year after the first film's events, where Mills' wife is kidnapped and his daughter is on the run, forcing the ex-CIA agent to take matters into his own hands once more to make sure his family is safe. Thanks goes to Bleeding Cool for the scoop!

Metal Gear Solid 5 Confirmed by Hideo Kojima & Using Fox Engine

Despite saying the opposite and stating that the story of Solid Snake is finished, Hideo Kojima apparently isn't done with the legendary soldier yet, and has confirmed in an interview with Eurogamer that Metal Gear Solid 5 is in the works!

Premiering during G4's "Attack of the Show", the first trailer for "Dredd", featuring Karl Urban as Judge Dredd, has made its way online and YouTube. Thanks goes to Bleeding Cool for the heads up!

The Dark Knight Rises: QuickTek Venom Menace Bane

Presenting the QuickTek Venom Menace Bane from the Batman Dark Knight Rises toy series.

I have to admit that I had no intention of buying this particular toy as it's what I consider "cannon fodder" promotional items for the movie that wouldn't reflect the essence of the movie nor provide sufficient "nourishment" for collectors. In fact a part of me kept wondering if this was a re-released toy from the 2nd movie or - worse - from all the way back from the disastrous nipple suit Clooney movie "Batman and Robin".

But I was entertained by the packaging - I'm easily entertained - you could actually move the figure up and down and execute the "QuickTek" transformation. It was cool. You can even make it appear that there's no figure inside by moving the figure into the "QuickTek" chamber - which I have to admit I did to some of the figures on display. It was fun.

But I truly appreciated this packaging because it gives buyers a complete idiot's guide explanation as to what "QuickTek" is without buyers having to resort to reading the back - else it just looks like a toy with a Batman prison poised above his head. Simply grasp the "Try Me" buttons and move the figure up to his holding cell. Pull him down, and the "Venom Menace" cannons are gone. Repeat the process and the cannons reappear on Bane's shoulders.

Turning up the excitement for fans eagerly anticipating the movie next month, Warner Bros. has partnered up with Nokia to present a brand new exclusive trailer for "The Dark Knight Rises"! With brand new footage, scenes, and dialogue that may just be more SPOILERS than fans may want to see, view this one with discretion and at your own risk!

Pop Culture Personalities at STGCC 2012!

06.19.2012 – The Biggest Pop Culture event in Asia which is the Singapore Toys Games and Comics Convention won’t be well known by its moniker for making their guest known and acknowledged. It’s one of the main highlights for the upcoming event for this year.

The Cosplay or known as Costume Play has been a major draw in conventions around the world and people dressing up or masquerading into their favorite characters from known pop culture media of TV series, animation, comics and movies.

Robotars 2 Custom Toy Show This July 2012!

06.19.2012 – Catch JoMike Tejido in his Live Art collaboration with Anjo Bolarda and Quiccs Maiquez in the sequel last year’s Custom Toy Show for Robotars! This time it’s a three way live art featuring the original Filipino creation by JoMike Tejido known for his innovative creation on Foldabots!

Robotars are resin made figure which started as a paper craft toy in 2008. During its toy launch he collaborated with 10 visual artists who customized their own Robotars who shown their various styles in the field of illustration design and painting.

Do The "Sid Shuffle" on Ice Age 4: Continental Drift!

06.18.2012 – Ice Age 4: Continental Drift brings back our four prehistoric friends in Manny, Diego, Scrat, and the crazy Sid in their daring adventure yet! The Earth is changing due Scrat the ever obsessive "Saber-toothed squirrel" who is too much attached to his acorn sets a chain of disaster.

They have to get back to their families if they have to go through islands splitting, mountains breaking up or fighting of prehistoric pirates who want to make them as their own slaves.

06.18.2012 – Angry Woebots who’s based in Hawaii has come back to Manila. He’s back to do a special Art Talk on Vinyl on Vinyl’s “Art Tuesdays. Known as Aaron Woes Martin have previously had an exhibit alongside Dee Jae Pa’Este last year who also travels the world being around New York to Japan and now the Philippines.

Both illustrators have successfully had their works on exhibit at Vinyl on Vinyl located at The Collective in Malugay Street, Makati City. The talented and humble Angry Woebots shares his passion for the life in food, art & just being the average guy in the neighborhood.

Marvel Universe Black Widow (Comic Series) with Light up Collector's Base

Presenting Black Widow with light-up collector's base from the Marvel Universe Comic Series Collection.

In a nutshell this is a repaint of the original Marvel Universe Black Widow - from silver utility belt and Widow Bites to gold (Which is more in-keeping with the modern Black Widow since she only used silver when she was going around in gray as can be seen in this Marvel Legends Black Widow) - with Jean Grey's head from her Red-Pheonix outfit from the Cyclops/Dark Pheonix Greatest Battles Comic-Book pack.

This is the one time where I feel a salvaged and re-purposed body-part is worth it because the original head was just so.... dead. And she comes with a special "S.H.I.E.L.D." light-up base that combines with five other bases to make a cool collection.

ToyCon 2012: Friday Retailer & Saturday Event Highlights!

06.16.2012 – The Philippine Toys, Hobbies, and Collectibles Convention (Toy Con) which is the biggest local sellers show in the country opened its doors to the public for the highlight show which featured band performances, celebrities and cosplay.

There where selected major highlights on this event besides the appearance of Alodia and Ashley Gosiengfiao who have been present annually to grace the biggest retailer's event in the country.

The added surprises for this year are mostly from the local cosplay scene which has been part of the event since they adapted this as an attraction in 2003.

ToyCon 2012: The Dark Knight Rises Batsuit on display at the Warner Bros. booth!

On this year's installment of The Philippine Toys, Hobbies, and Collectibles Convention, Warner Bros., DC Comics, and ToyCon PH have teamed up to present fans of all things Batman with a special treat - the official replica of the batsuit worn by actor Christian Bale in The Dark Knight/ The Dark Knight Rises! Starting today June 15, the suit will be on display to the general public, located in the TDKR booth provided by Warner Bros. Philippines! Anyone looking forward to Christopher Nolan's epic final chapter to The Dark Knight legend will surely want to check this out, and I myself have had the opportunity to see it personally, as pictured below!

06.15.2012 – The Dark Knight which was written by Paul Jenkins and art by David Finch who we spoke last March during his Philippine visit shares us issues of #6 and 7 where they re-introduced Bane to the New 52.

The character is based from the fictional Caribbean Republic of Santa Prisca who first appeared in the Vengeance of Bane #1 back in 1993. Bane better known as the man who broke The Bat in the Knightfall saga has became one of the major villains Batman has faced over the years appearing in animation and the last Batman movie before Begins.

Star Wars: Darth Maul - Vintage Collection

Presenting Darth Maul from the Star Wars Phantom Menace Vintage Collection.

Darth Maul is a Dathomirian Zabrak from the planet of Iridonia - meaning that he's not a pure Zabrak but a hybrid between a Human and a Zabrak (Though the term Dathomiri is used loosely so for all I know he could be pure Zabrak. You can also call him an Iridonian as the Engineer from Knights of the Old Republic II, Bao-Dur was commonly referred to.

The interesting thing about Darth Maul is that he's technically not dead yet. Lucas hasn't decided how Maul should officially die yet.

He did not die in Phantom Menace as was commonly believed. He survived, got himself a robotic torso and went on a psychotic rampage till the Dathomiri Nightsisters restored his sanity and he went on a crusade after Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Side-by-side with his fellow Zabrak Savage Opress, Maul fought both Kenobi and Asajj Ventress till both retreated from the battle with Maul vowing revenge.

Experience Your Summer at the Universal Studios Hollywood!

06.13.2012 – If you’re based in the United States or plans to have a summer vacation you might include the Universal Studios Hollywood in California on your to do list at they recently opened the newest ride in Transformers The Ride 3D as well as some cool stuff available at the Transformers Supply Vault for your collectible and merchandise needs.

The original Universal Studios which opened in 1964 has been catering to visitors young and old.

The theme park has expanded to three more places located in Orlando Florida, Japan and the newest attraction in Singapore.

Presenting Captain America's Stark Tech Assault Armor from the Avengers Movie Toyline.

You gotta love a good exoskeleton - yes, this is technically not Armor, this is a Powered Exoskeleton. While both Armor and an Exoskeleton may protect the wearer, enhance their natural abilities and increase mobility and firepower, an Exoskeleton has a more "vehiclular" feel to it than simply armor and has more akin to the APUs of the Matrix Movie, the Exosquad E-Frames, the G.I. Joe Steel Marauder, and the Avatar AMP Suit.

But unfortunately Marvel doesn't see the difference.

Anyway this is one of two Stark Tech Assault Armor released into the market. The two are virtually identical and vary only in color. This is Captain America's, the other one belongs to Iron Man and has that garish super pretentious gold and red paint-job. both came with action figures, this one came with Captain America.

The Captain America Stark Tech Assault Armor came with spring-loaded weapons, but I think it looks better without the missiles jutting out, and such will be the case for the majority of this review.

I've often wondered if this was meant to be the movie version of the S.H.I.E.L.D. Mandroid Power Armor.

Simpsons Short on Ice Age 4: Continental Drift!

06.12.2012 – The Ice Age series is one of the longest successful animated features in film franchise history continuous in “Ice Age: Continental Drift” which tells us the adventure of Diego, Manny, Sid, with Scrat the ever obsessive "Saber-toothed squirrel" who is too much attached to his acorn.

This obsession also sets a chain of disaster – and suddenly a mountain is torn apart and the earth itself opens up, separating land masses into the seven continents. Scrat hurtles toward the earth’s core, triggering massive earthquakes, which in turn isolates Manny, Diego and Sid from the rest of the herd.

06.12.2012 – Filipino Illustrator Arnold Arre best known for his graphic novels Mythology Class, Trip to Tagaytay, After Eden, Ang Mundo ni Andong Agimat and Martial Law Babies pays tribute to the 114th Independence Day of the Philippines.

Earlier Arnold posted a video animation of the country’s National Anthem “Lupang Hinirang” music performed by Radio Active Sago Project.

Disney Resorts Opens WonderGround Gallery!

06.11.2012 – Last Saturday our good friend and US correspondent from the Bay Area shares his adventures at the Disney Resorts earlier today.

This past weekend Disney Resorts opened its doors to the WonderGround Gallery featuring a collective of illustrators and artists who showcased their creations.

The grand opening happened last Saturday at the new gallery will also pay tribute to the Vinylmation 95 plaform featuring Lightning McQueen and six artists commissioned to create one-of-a-kind pieces utilizing the new platform.

DC The New 52 "0" Month confirmed

This coming September, DC Comics will be celebrating the first year anniversary of launching their "NEW 52" initiative of comics. As part of the celebration and to introduce new titles into the fold, the publisher has officially announced the recently rumored "0" Month, wherein all DC Comics The New 52 issues will be numbered at zero starting this September (much like the 90's Zero Hour era). All titles, like Justice League, Batman, Batman Inc., Superman, and Wonder Woman will be given a #0 issue that month, and each will either tell an origin story or back-up tale that fills the gaps between running storylines.

06.10.2012 – Today while the fight of Philippine boxer Manny Pacquiao against American Timothy Bradley was happening a few weeks ago Secret Fresh just had their latest Manny Pacquiao “7 inch in blue and white trunks.

It’s the same figure that came out back in 2010 in red trunks along with Mickey Mouse as his opponent. The basic figure with standard articulation is manufactured by Mindstyle makers of other licensed vinyl figures based from the NBA, Looney Tunes, Disney and many more that specialize global branding of other lifestyle products.

06.10.2012 – The Beast Brothers will be one of the honorary guests in this year’s Singapore Toys, Games and Comics Convention which will be held in the new venue at the Sands Expo 1 in Marina Bay Sands on September 1 and 2, 2012.

The Mexican native brothers have made a name for themselves in the urban vinyl community and has collaborated works with well known artists like Huck Gee for their Skullendario Azteca series.

The siblings Carlos & Ernesto East have gone to make great illustrations, paintings and sculptures in their home in Mexico City.