GeekMatic!: October 2012

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Breaking News: Disney Buys LucasFilm!

It's Halloween and Trick or Treat's on the game, but this isn't a trick either.

According to multiple sources and news sites, Disney has just cemented another milestone in its legacy by buying George Lucas' own LucasFilm!

Following months of teasers and sneak peeks, Rockstar Games has finally announced when Grand Theft Auto V will be released: by Spring 2013!

Komikon 2012: Indie Tiangge & Komiks Kalye!

10.30.2012 – Komikon 2012 expands floor space taking out the conference rooms and almost half of the lobby which used to be the hangouts for regular attendees.

During the Summer Komikon the conference rooms were reserved for special guest artists who would conduct a talk or a particular workshop.

For the annual 8th Komikon they maximize the use of the rooms for “Independent Komiks Tiangge” and "Komiks Kayle".

Komikon 2012: Guest Highlights & Surprises!

10.29.2012 – Komikon 2012 its 8th year has consistently evolved through the years, promoting the best & the brightest artists in the industry. The revival of "Filipino Komiks" has been steadily carried on by the next generation of artists aiming to make it big in the international scene.

The central part of Komikon is the activities on stage: whether it’s a hotdog eating contest or presenting the awards for those who joined the contests but do not forget the artists who are the highlighted guests in this year’s event.

10.29.2012 – Komikon 2012 is bigger on its 8th year taking almost half the space of the lobby and occupying the function rooms for the Independent Komiks Tiangge and Komiks Kalye for special activities featuring Filipino artists making a name in the international scene.

The event is bustling with activity and the main hall is no longer as jam packed as in the previous Summer Komikon last May and the introduction of the Indieket last July. Clearly this shows that there is a market for Filipino creativity through komiks.

Komikon 2012: ZoomBurst "Komiks" Themed Photo Booth!

10.28.2012 – ZoomBurst Photo booth services was at Komikon 2012 where they provided convention visitors a special komiks related souvenir for them to take home. This company is their first appearance for Komikon 2012 which definitely caught some attention also with the artists and cosplayers.

Their presence definitely makes Komikon 2012 a unique experience for everyone and they also have a special promo that can only be found at this event.

10.28.2012 – Before you purchase a ticket to enter at Komikon 2012 there are some sponsors in this year’s event that you might find interesting. Beside the free taste with an attractive woman giving away flyers to promote their product there are three non-komiks related goodies you must have missed.

They are Bird House Bakers, Happy Girl Co., and Penguin Sews which was stationed near the Komikon table where you purchase your ticket and also a quick information area for first-timers of this convention.

Toy Kingdom: Toy Warehouse Sale Year 6!

10.27.2012 – The Toy Kingdom Warehouse Sale has become an annual event for pre-Christmas shoppers who plan ahead before the holiday season. It’s also the day everything that has been on the toy shelves gets cleared off with a marked down price.

It can be from infants to collectible action figures which can be found at Toy Kingdom Warehouse Sale which started back in 2007. It’s also where you can find older toys that were not sold in the previous warehouse sale that could be your second chance in getting it.

PRESS RELEASE: Wreck-It Ralph Level 4 Characters!

10.27.2012 – Wreck-It Ralph is an interesting 3D animated feature as its 52nd Walt Disney Animated Classics Series. Walt Disney Pictures' three-part revelation of “Wreck-It Ralph's” characters comes to its conclusion as we meet the delightful and colorful players that populate Levels 4 – “Sugar Rush.”

Interesting characters live in the realm of the videogame world much like Tron but these are the ones you might be familiar with. There’s going to be plentiful of surprises besides the Paperman opener but this time check out these ones you might catch on film.

Komikon 2012: Komikasi to launch The Flirt Card Game!

10.26.2012 – For the past years of Komikon the event is purely related to comics and art works that have been launched exclusively. Rarely do we see something unrelated to convention even foreigners from all over the world would highly visit to see its launches.

Komikon is a work in progress and it’s currently running in its 8th year which ever evolving welcoming new ideas with refreshing concepts. Such as one notable launch that will be unveiled during the event.

10.26.2012 – LEGO® and Shell Services team-up to celebrate 40 years of partnership from the very first licensed tanker set that was produced in 1970.

Over the years the partnership also produced petrol stations and other exclusive LEGO sets that are related to Shell Services.

Yesterday that partnership was officially unveiled at the Mind Museum presenting a life size LEGO® Minifigure and a ride-able Ferrari F1 racing car that was made out of LEGO® bricks.

Komikon 2012: Exclusive Promos at Comic x Hub!

10.25.2012 – Comic X Hub your online pop culture store for your comic book and collectible needs will be present at this year’s Komikon. Fresh from their trip at the recently concluded New York Comic Con (NYCC) they have brought in some exclusive releases that will be available for the convention.

They have been present at the annual Komikon events bringing exclusives from North America that you may only see being sold for this one-day affair.

PRESS RELEASE: The Wolverine Exclusive Chat!

10.25.2012 – The Wolverine is the sequel to X-Men: Origins which follows the story of Logan (Hugh Jackman) and in the past few weeks we have been teased by some images and bits just of anything related to the upcoming film.

Currently filming in Sydney Australia Hugh Jackman has invited fans around the world to tune-in and participate in a live chat that also features director James Mangold from the set.

This extraordinary event will take place on Monday, October 29th at 1:00 pm PT (Los Angeles time) / Tuesday, October 30th at 4:00am (Philippines) on YouTube at: www.youtube.com/thewolverinemovie

Komikon 2012: Freely Abrigo at Indie Komiks Tiangge!

10.24.2012 – Freely Abrigo is back at Komikon 2012 and one of the hardest working artists in the industry will launch not one but two new titles that he’s been cooking up.

The proud artist has been churning up some fresh ideas and he does sketches every day.

We last spoke to Freely during the last day of PICCA (Philippine International Creative Content and Arts) Festival a couple of weeks back who is anticipating this year’s Komikon.

Komikon 2012: Upcoming Launches & New Floor Map!

10.24.2012 – The much awaited Komikon 2012 happens this weekend of October 27, 2012 at the Bayanihan Center in Unilab Complex.

We've previously revealed the floor plan in any case you might get lost. But this time around Komikon has officially released a more detailed layout on who’s who of independent publishers at the Independent Komiks Tiangge.

There’s also a lot of indie komiks going to be launched on this one day event so keep your eyes peeled for some interesting finds and as everyone has reiterated just load up your funds for this weekend as things will be crazy.

Iron Man 3: The Teaser Trailer Revealed!

After a short burst of teasers and unveiling some new photos and the very first official poster, Marvel has finally unleashed the long awaited trailer to "Iron Man 3"!

Directed by Shane Black and bringing back Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Iron Man, the armored avenger must suit up to take on a new threat that's hitting everything he knows and loves... The Mandarin!

Check out the first trailer below, courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures and Marvel Entertainment!

*Originally posted by Timzster in The Crusader's Realm

Iron Man 3 Teaser Poster Revealed & More!

10.23.2012 – If the anticipation in seeing the full trailer of the upcoming film in Iron Man 3 doesn’t excite you probably this teaser poster will. Its seven months of waiting game for those who are anticipating this third instalment of the armored avenger.

There was already some goodies that’s about to come out in print form of the latest issue of Entertainment Weekly which features some never before seen images of Sir Ben Kingsley as the rumoured arch nemesis of Tony Stark in The Mandarin.

Comic Odyssey Robinsons Place moves to Kiosk!

10.22.2012 – Comic Odyssey’s original flagship store at the Robinsons Place Manila in Ermita had a weekend moving out sale that started last Friday of October 19, 2012 and all items are on a 50% off.

As you all know this particular branch has a history which began its life in 1997 at the old location where Fitness First is currently residing.

This store relocated to the current location back in 2005 which is now about to be relocated to a smaller kiosk.

First-Look: Iron Man 3 Preview Trailer Now Live!

10.22.2012 – Get ready to power your arc reactors as Marvel has announced a 17 second sneak peek of the upcoming Iron Man 3 trailer. But this is just a quick one as the first full trailer gets to be launched on October 23, 2012 exclusively on Apple Trailers website.

The movie stars Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce, Rebecca Hall, Stephanie Szostak, James Badge Dale with Jon Favreau and Ben Kingsley. Iron Man 3 is directed by Shane Black from a screenplay by Drew Pearce and Shane Black.

If you haven’t been following the details about the upcoming films here’s something to check it out…

PBA on AKTV for Android to be Launched Today!

10.21.2012 – The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is one of the oldest basketball leagues in Asia and some might consider it as the North American counterpart in the National Basketball Association (NBA) in terms being the country’s national past time.

Basketball geeks support their favourite teams like the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel or the Alaska Aces to name a few who has established its identity thanks in part to broadcast games via AKTV. But sometimes you might not be able to catch them in action live and there are few alternatives...

10.21.2012 – These are Unstable Mutations from the creations of Rai Cruz. Where the complicated seems a figment of someone’s imagination that dare to be unique with it’s out of the box ideas that challenge even the simple minds.

But these are not made in simpler art created with a context of complexity. It’s something you don’t see in any contemporary art that screams the difference. Rai Cruz pushes the boundaries of imagination with such passion to his craft that brings the best of his work.

Geekology101 by Jay Tablante Finally Launched!

10.20.2012 – Geekology101 photo book launch was received with great praise and for Jay Tablante is a dream come true that began some two years ago. The members of Philippine X-Men Cosplay Team were present to show their support to what Jay Tablante has contributed to the community.

The launch was also graced by Alodia Gosiengfiao and Barbie Forteza as both girls where Jay’s models in the book. Also present are his photographer friends in Aly Reyes who happens to dress up as Indiana Jones and Winston Baltasar as Professor Xavier.

MattyCollector.com Reveals Castle Grayskull® Scale!

10.20.2012 – MattyCollector.com previously announced the pre-order of the All-New Castle Grayskull® that was first seen during a panel in the recently concluded New York Comic Con (NYCC) which was one of the news from that event.

Currently only few images where revealed during the panel at NYCC and some photos could not justify the scale of this playset that is made for the MOTU Classic toy line. The photo that has been going around online is the same ones that were shown during the panel by Mattel.

Komikon 2012: Floor Layout & Indie Komiks Tiangge!

10.19.2012 – The much anticipated Komikon: The Komiks Convention is next Saturday! Besides the guest highlights there’s going to be the Independent Komiks Tiangge your one-stop shop for all true Filipino komiks by passionate artists in the industry!

Plus! Komikon Inc has finally revealed the floor plan for this year’s one true Comics Convention! If you’re thinking of getting lost inside the Bayanihan Center well look no further as the map for you to hunt down your favourite indie publication is here!

SM Cinema Confirms Rurouni Kenshin Screen Date!

10.18.2012 – After a month of speculations and a bit of controversy who would have the film’s license finally SM Cinema has posted the official announcement of when Rurouni Kenshin live action film will be shown in the Philippines.

It has been quite a pressure for the local distributors too having the abuse by some rabid fans pleading to have this film distributed in the country. Now it’s finally a done deal as the released date has been confirmed via SM Cinema's Facebook Fan Page.

Pre-Order Castle Grayskull® at MattyCollector.com!

10.17.2012 – Long before the G.I. Joe Flagg is the biggest boy’s toy playset there was He-Man and the Masters of the Universe to come out with their set of their own and that was Castle Grayskull®. Though not as big the as anyone expected it had its own story.

Mattel came out with playsets for the MOTU toy line after Castle Grayskull® there was the Snake Mountain and King Randor’s Castle in Eternia complete with a working monorail. Toy playset in the 1980s where huge and to some toy manufacturers a costly product.

APE 2012: Sergio Aragones & Jim Woodring at Day 1!

10.14.2012 – This year’s APE, the Alternative Press Expo was bustling with independent and original works at the Concourse Convention Center. When you open the doors it’s not exactly a mad house as compared to SDCC 2012 but good enough to walk the aisle to check out some interesting finds.

Last year’s APE attracted some 5000 visitors to some of the finest works of art you’ll see holding court but of course for this year there’s always a first. Sergio Aragonés was present for his first appearance at APE 2012.

10.14.2012 – APE, the Alternative Press Expo has finally opened its doors to visitors from all over San Francisco USA at the Concourse Exhibition Center where the event has been held since 2003.

It’s not big as other conventions but good enough to see independent works from various medium of popular culture genre.

The first day was not as crowded as expected and prior to heading to the venue you can now purchase your one or two-day pass online and talk about convenience without the need to stand in line.

Gear 4 Launch Feat. Angry Birds Speakers!

10.12.2012 – Gear 4 recently had an official launch which features a wide variety of products owned and managed by UK-based Disruptive Limited.

The company was established in 2004, Disruptive Limited was one of the first companies in the world to launch a dedicated brand of iPod accessories under the Podgear label.

Since the rebrand to Gear4 in 2006, its’ products can now be found in many of the leading UK retailers.

PRESS RELEASE: Paperman in Wreck-It Ralph!

10.11.2012 – Traditional hand-drawn technique is a lost art now with the dominance of computer-generated animation. But with a marriage of two concepts can bring out something new and fresh that Introduces groundbreaking hybrid approach that seamlessly merges computer-generated and hand-drawn animation techniques.

First-time director John Kahrs takes the art of animation in a bold new direction with “Paperman,” a new short from Walt Disney Animation Studios that debuts this November with the Disney feature “Wreck-It Ralph.”

Those looking for a reason to get on board Warner Bros. newest TV series "Arrow" can rest easy... It's DAMN GOOD so far as the Pilot episode is concerned! Following in the footsteps of Superman in "Smallville", this is latest superhero to get the small screen adaptation. If you needed a little insight on things, here's a mini-review for the first episode, which brings this heroic Battling Bowman to primetime television.

PRESS RELEASE: APE EXPO 2012 Program Schedule!

10.11.2012 – APE, the Alternative Press Expo is happening this weekend at the Concourse Exhibition Center in San Francisco USA. There are lots of scheduled events happening on October 13 to 14, 2012 which will also have talks and workshops.

The guest highlights have been announced as previously reported who will be gracing the event led by Sergio Aragonés, The Hernandez Brothers, Jim Woodring, Ben Kachor, Eric Drooker and Miriam Libicki. Its time for the independent medium to get a spotlight in this year’s APE Expo…

Book Launch: Geekology 101 by Jay Tablante!

10.11.2012 – Jay Tablante broke into the scene with his unique way of promoting photography by making well known personalities pose into superheroes which earned him a cult following for this kind of interest.

A self-confessed geek that most of his portfolio pays homage to the superheroes from his childhood hence they become part of his subject in his works. He has been present to conventions most often seen with the models who he had a shoot with for a project.

EPIC: DC Comics Epic Cosplay Video 2012

Remember Dean Cain posing with a ton of DC Comics cosplayers at Dragon Con 2012? Well, if you haven't google it... And here's the video of that gathering by one Distractotron. It just became more AWESOME to watch.

PRESS RELEASE: APE Returns to San Francisco!

10.10.2012 – The Alternative Press Expo (APE) returns to San Francisco USA this weekend on October 13 and 14 at the Concourse Exhibition Center, 635 8th Street. The event had a successful one in 2011 having a bigger exhibit hall. APE is one of the must-attend comic book related event of the year.

The event is organized by the same company that brought you Wondercon and Comic Con International. APE is geared as an event for self-publishers, independent publishers and alternative cartoonists to showcase their books.

Looper - Movie Review!

For F*** Magazine, Singapore

LOOPER

Director:	Rian Johnson
Cast:	Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis, Emily Blunt
Genre:	Action, Thriller
Run Time:	118 mins
Opens:	11 October 2012

There’s no doubt about it: time travel has been something that’s fascinated the public consciousness for quite a while now. From H.G. Wells’ The Time Machine to Back to the Future to The Time-Traveller’s Wife, it seems authors and filmmakers have tapped into mankind’s almost primal desire to transcend the boundaries of time. It could be compared to mankind’s almost primal desire to fly. But while we’ve kinda achieved flight by way of heavier-than-air flying machines, time travel is still something that is quite elusive, to say the least.

Writer-director Rian Johnson’s film Looper offers an interesting twist on things: the ‘Loopers’ of the title are specialised assassins who take care of the trash of the future, by executing those sent back in time by criminal syndicates for a clean, untraceable disposal. Joe (Gordon-Levitt) is one such Looper, living the high life working his fairly uncomplicated job. However, every Looper must eventually ‘close the loop’ – i.e. kill the future version of themselves sent back in time, effectively tying up any loose ends for the crime syndicates. However, Joe’s future self (Willis) won’t go out without a fight, and evades execution. The younger Joe seeks refuge at a farm owned by redneck single mother Sara (Blunt), and just as he figures out how to deal with future-Joe, future-Joe sees the opportunity to right a few wrongs now that he’s in the past, and both must confront each other - even if it means tearing apart the fabric of time itself.

If you haven't caught it yet in theaters, Taken 2 proves without a shadow of a doubt that Liam Neeson is a badass, and he's a Box Office pull with a serious mean streak to boot. Almost a week since its release, it holds its own in numbers and figures. Here's a review if you need some thoughts on how this action-flick sequel performs, and special thanks again goes to 20th Century Fox and Ayala Cinemas for the screening!

*Review originally posted by Timzster in his blog

Marvel Entertainment and Sony Pictures Entertainment have announced that Iron Man will be returning to anime form, in a new animated movie called "Iron Man: Rise of Technovore"!

10.09.2012 – Halloween is fast approaching and every year it has become an annual tradition to dress up in your scariest costume. The tradition for some never outgrows them as they still go on a trick or treat but this year it would become interesting as Halloween and Comics team up for the first ever Halloween Comic Fest 2012!

It’s the same organizers behind the Free Comic Book Day that happens every first Saturday of May who are bringing this tradition and one comic book shop in the Philippines has already shown interest.

Secret Spy Factory by Sonny Liew!

10.08.2012 – Sonny Liew the Eisner-nominated artist who created the world of Malinky Robot also known for his works on My Faith Frankie, Wonderland, Sense and Sensibility to name a few has been consistently adding up his long list of works and his passion for drawing is quite inspiring.

During STGCC 2012 he also has his other works on display and as a gift from the rising artist he gave us the chance to see his other works in the art book “Secret Robot Spy Factory” which was originally published in 2008 which took the name after his blog.

Toy Photography Feat. on ABS-CBN Davao Goes Regional!

10.08.2012 – Last week ABS-CBN Davao interviewed some of the representatives of the regional Toy Photography based from the south. It was recorded to be aired this Tuesday (October 9, 2012) in “Maayong Buntag Mindanao” (Good Morning Mindanao).

Toy Photography has become everyone’s form of expression in small scale photography using toys as their primary subject. It has become popular that gave toy collectors a new passion from just collecting into getting also into the hobby of photography.

Lan Medina Minimum Carnage Alpha Signing at Comic Odyssey!

10.07.2012 – Lan Medina had a special signing featuring the Minimum Carnage Alpha comic book that featured his work. The audience inside The Forum beside Comic Odyssey inside the flagship store of Fully Booked looks like a calming storm of happy fans waiting for the raffle.

Just like the previous signing event in August with Mico Suayan everyone was just waiting to be settled and ready for the raffle. There was no signing event in September since everyone was still reeling from the fun that brought everyone to STGCC 2012.

10.07.2012 – The Philippine International Creative Content and Arts (PICCA) celebrate the last day with event highlights from featured trade and showcase from the komiks industry as well as a gallery of art works from the local and international scene.

There was also workshops, Drawing contests for kids, Caricature sessions, and to round up the closing of PICCA Festival the event has partnered with GTMACCON, where a collection of passionate cosplayers dress up as their favourite Filipino characters based from indie komiks.

Manila Art 2: Lynyrd Paras + Secret Fresh "Piyukherts!"

10.06.2012 – Secret Fresh has been present at the prestigious art fair in Manila Art since its first.

For this year a collaboration between Lynyrd Paras that launched its latest designer toy in “Piyukherts” that is on display since its gala night on October 2, 2012.

Piyukherts is a creation by Lynyrd Paras that featured a girl who has a crystal gem in hand while described having dazzling facets can be as deceivingly deadly.

10.06.2012 – The Jeepney is an iconic king of the Philippine roads made from army surplus from WW II and until today it is the mode of transportation to Filipino commuters. These “mini” buses is not just your run on the mill four wheel machine it has become part of the Philippine pop culture.

The colourful jeepneys have become a canvass of art work thus it is appropriate to celebrate its contribution to the Philippine community. Not just the vehicle that brings you to point A to B but to inspire just like the recently concluded Jeepney Arts Festival.

NBA 2K13 Official Launch in the Philippines!

10.05.2012 – The most anticipated basketball game simulation from 2K Sports in cooperation of X-Play Online Games, Inc. (subsidiary of IP e-Games) which brings you the top-selling and top-rated NBA video game in NBA 2K13.

It’s now being launched in all platforms from Microsoft’s Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system, PSP (PlayStation Portable) system, and Windows PC.

The game will be released also on Wii U and the upcoming Wii U game consoles.

10.05.2012 – PICCA (Philippine International Creative Content & Arts) Festival opens its event with Animation Jam featuring 45 contestants of professionals and students grouped into 5 as a team.

The completion commence the first day of PICCA Festival 2012 at the University of Makati.

Honoured guests witness the completion that is also composed of digital and traditional type of animation that would end the following day.

GI Joe Retaliation | Trooper

Presenting the GI Joe Retaliation Trooper.

Today is the 11th Anniversary of the 9-11 tragedy so I thought it would be nice to review such an iconic figure today.

The GI Joe Retaliation Trooper is the current chase figure thanks to it's troop building value - and the fact that, if rumors are true - there's only one GI Joe Trooper in each of the currently dispatched Hasbro Boxes.

I'm personally not sure if he's rarer than the Red Ninja... Just occurred to me that I have a Red Ninja somewhere and I've totally forgotten about him... anyway, personal experience indicates to me that he is rarer than the Retaliation Cobra Red Ninja.

I actually found this particular GI Joe Trooper in - of all places - a bookstore.

Seth MacFarlane announced as host for 85th Academy Awards

Just like an episode of Family Guy, this was totally unexpected!

Announced online by newssites like Entertainment Weekly and creating a buzz like never before in his career, Family Guy and American Dad creator Seth MacFarlane was revealed to be the chosen host for the 85th installment of the Academy Awards, also known as The Oscars.

Graham Norton Show: Battle of the Action Figures!

10.01.2012 – Graham Norton Show is popular in the UK and North America with his humor and some geeky related topics that feature some of the popular actors and personalities from movies and television and early this year one episode would definitely caught your attention.

The show might not be shown in the Philippines or in selected parts of Asia but surely a segment gets syndicated via You Tube. The Philippines very own comic book artist Gerry Alanguilan was a subject matter for one particular segment with his “Hey Baby!” viral popularity.