GeekMatic!: August 2016

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

DCU Rebirth: Blue Beetle #1 | Double Beetle

08.31.2016 – The “Blue Beetle” has been a popular character after DC Comics acquired the rights from Charlton Comics, which Ted Kord became well known for the readers. But during the ‘Infinite Crisis’ saga Ted Kord was killed by Maxwell Lord revealed to be the man behind Checkmate.

Jaime Reyes took over the identity of Blue Beetle, who would eventually bonds with the ‘Blue Beetle Scarab’, an alien artifact.

DC Universe Rebirth brings back both characters that made Blue Beetle relevant and explores the relationship between Kord and Reyes who both carried the same identity.

But it was unexpected that the story would still focus on the young Jaime Reyes who still possesses the enigmatic ‘Blue Beetle Scarab’ that excites a billionaire technologist like Ted Kord.

The anticipation for Ted Kord to suit up as the Silver Age Blue Beetle was high in this issue, but it focuses more on Jaime Reyes as would say DC Comics’ version of a young wall crawler from its rival publication.

08.31.2016 – Weekends won’t be the same without some adventure and action from Toonami as September is just a day away you’ll probably be excited for the new animated shows are set to arrive next month.

Are you ready to gear up for action-packed weekends? Surely earth-saving superheroes is on Toonami, the country’s home of epic anime adventures that'll give you the best of both worlds for your Saturday viewing habits giving you an awesome weekend.

Buffy Slaying Monsters on September PREVIEWS!

08.30.2016 – August is almost long gone but if you’re not up to date what’s going to be out in the next few months drop by your nearest comic shop and ask a copy of PREVIEWS magazine as the latest issue is already revealed what to look forward to.

The ‘BER months’ begin with September and probably its high time you save up for the next few months as the latest issue of PREVIEWS has a chock full of neat stuff that’s going be released before the Holidays get to you better be ahead of the pack to get the update what’s going to be released!

APCC Manila 2016 | Eleven Rules Sunday!

08.29.2016 – The last day of AsiaPop Comic Con Manila is like Saturday packed with even more people attending this event. It’s still filled with activities and happenings courtesy of exhibitors who have their own gimmick attracting visitors to their booths.

Though the weekend was winding down there’s still enough happenings to look forward to. There’s still on-stage panel discussions with guest artists. Plus there’s the CAGE finals all set to rock some of the best cosplayers from this county.

APCC Manila 2016 | Interviews Hoult, Dempsie & More!

08.28.2016 – The second day for AsiaPop Comicon was the busiest Saturday as most of the visitors this is their first day. Even though the SMX Convention Centre was fully utilized for this event it is still well occupied by guests and attendees.

This was the biggest event to ever used the entire facility for APCC and if you thought some are already claiming that they’re the biggest event in the Philippines then you better check out the guests for Saturday having Millie Bobby Brown and Nicholas Hoult both are rising starts that already headliners for this years.

08.28.2016 – The “Ultraman” franchise has been around since 1966 and it’s celebrating its 50th year as the series continue to produce new shows based on the character. “Ultraman Ginga S The Movie” is the most recent film adapted.

The SM Family Movie Day, a monthly exclusive offer for the mall’s patrons which encourages families to continue to be a tightly-knit unit by spending weekends together, brings their latest monthly weekend feature for September 10 and 11 – Japan’s sci-fi action movie “Ultraman Ginga S The Movie.”

APCC Manila 2016 | Metals Die Cast

08.27.2016 – If you happen to miss the previous toy-related event then you must not miss Asia Pop Comicon Manila. JADA Toys’ Metals Die Cast will be at this event for the weekend featuring soon-to-be-released on retail figures.

Previously Metals Die Cast made its debut at the recently concluded Toy Kingdom’s Toy Expo 2016 revealing what’s coming to their superhero line of figures from DC and Marvel. Some of the images weren’t revealed featuring all these new characters, but this time here are some of them that you might find them interesting.

08.27.2016 – The first day of Asia Pop Comicon Manila in the new venue at the SMX Convention Centre has already have crowds lining up early in the morning.

This is probably the first pop culture convention to have rented the entire SMX Convention Centre for the next three days.

From top to bottom all halls used by the organizers have been occupied and if you happen to missed the first day there are some interesting exhibitors to go to this Saturday that you surely not to miss.

Metals Die Cast | Civil War Iron Man (6" Inch Edition)

08.26.2016 – JADA Toys has been known for a company that produce high end Die Cast and Remote Control cars. It’s been their identity that separates them from other brands that produce similar products for the last seventeen years.

This year they entered into a new market where they introduced their Metals Die Cast series beginning with “Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice and followed it up with Marvel’s Captain America: Civil War. Here’s a closer look at Iron Man one of the main characters from their 6” inch series that also includes Captain America.

08.26.2016 – Oliver Queen has gone through a lot with the death of Laurel Lance and Star City recovering from the events from season 4 things are not the same. But now as acting mayor he has a lot on his hands besides just being a politician.

Team Arrow is somewhat no more as revealed during the panel at Comic-Con. Diggle went back being enlisted in the army and his sister shows disinterest holding the fort.

08.26.2016 – Kate Mara has gone to space and once became a superhero, but this time she’s on a mission to save another life in the upcoming sci-fi horror film “Morgan.”

From her rescue mission in “The Martian,” Kate Mara stars anew in the upcoming action thriller where her latest mission brings her to a remote, top-secret location where she is to investigate and evaluate a terrifying accident.

Toy Expo 2016 | Trolls

08.25.2016 – The upcoming Dreamworks Animation’s “Trolls” is also going to have its line of merchandise that features action figures, plush toys, and collectibles. It was sighted in the recently concluded Toy Expo 2016 at the SMX Convention Centre.

One of the iconic brands from the 1980s is making a comeback with its 3D animated feature film having new characters voiced by Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake. Now their characters get too made in toy form as seen on one of the displays at the Toy Expo over the weekend.

08.25.2016 – The Flash season 5 is nearing its air date this is one of the superhero shows highly anticipated when it goes on-air on October 5. Barry is in trouble now that he went back in time to change things namely save his mother.

But everyone already knew about Flashpoint and the changes he’ll encounter in the present. The CW already released a new teaser that its only the last week of August.

08.25.2016 – The Asia Pop Comicon Manila is on its second year. This time the event moves to a bigger venue at SMX Convention Center in Pasay City happening on August 26-28, 2016.

The Media Day introduced some new guests lined up along with familiar faces for this year. The event is hosted by Justin Quirino and it was held at Conrad Hotel’s Lounge area, which are also the residents for APCC Manila 2016. Leveling up the mastery of all things pop and geeky is almost here…

Toy Expo 2016 | The Powerpuff Girls

08.24.2016 – There must be a drought for “Powerpuff Girls” merchandise lately and this is due to the shows time being off air. Recently Cartoon Network resurrected the TV series with a fresh look on the popular characters from Townsville.

With that new series a new wave or merchandise was sighted during the recently concluded Toy Expo 2016, which was organized by Toy Kingdom on its third time being held every other year since 2012. This brings new toys that are either available or soon to be ready for its release and this includes the “Powerpuff Girls!”

APCC 2016 Headlines Roster of Celebrities!

08.23.2016 – It’s going to be a busy weekend once again as Asia Pop Comicon Manila, the original convention that not only headlines the big names but also the ones that will be there to have their booths and exhibits makes up the event.

On its second year Asia Pop Comicon Manila continues to bring quality guests and also spotlight the local scene from animation, comics, music, and anything pop culture is definitely not only the headliner in bringing the celebrities as revealed...

10.02.2016 – The “Trolls” are ready for a big adventure that will bring them to places to save their kind from troll-eating giants.

What’s the worse thing can happen is not defeating the giants, but the adventures that will take them in-between. You’ll never know who they’ll meet and their journey begins here...

Joe Dempsie of GoT is at APCC 2016!

08.22.2016 – “Game of Thrones” has been bigger every new episode is aired and only a few who have not seen the television series heading to its seventh season. The multi-awarded fantasy drama series from HBO is popular globally.

If you’ve been under the rock you won’t be familiar with the actors and their characters. But if you’re a casual fun or just plain religious seeing the series you’ll probably aware that Joe Dempsie is making the trip to Asia Pop Comicon in Manila.

08.22.2016 – This year’s Toy Expo focus on the latest brand that’s either about to be available at Toy Kingdom or its already out you just don’t have any idea since you missed passing by this event. But kidding aside this was weekend event for everyone.

One of the exhibitors for this year is JADA Toys best known for high quality die cast and remote control cars. But this is their first to enter the figure line featuring license properties from DC, Marvel, Ghostbusters, TMNT, and a lot more as they also introduced new figures for young adult collectors.

08.22.2016 – When you talk about menacing giant monsters few to come to that description. The revival of the Godzilla franchise is one of them when the American release brought back the most popular kaiju and Toho Ltd is following suit.

The upcoming “Godzilla Resurgence” is a reboot of the franchise in Japan that has been greeted with enthusiasm. The Japanese production certainly put their kaiju back in the map where Godzilla was born to stompt its way all over Asia and its heading to the big screen in the Philippines this month!

08.22.2016 – Yesterday was the last day of Toy Kingdom’s ‘Toy Expo 2016’, which is their third major event since it was introduced in 2012 as this is held alternately every year. The last day was filled to the brim with parents and with kids in tow.

This is the event not only for the kids but also for those are kids at hear. Playmobil was also at the event with their new displays and range of themes that is also now available at Toy Kingdom, where they added the Knights and Pirates sets that is definitely the newest themes to het it now…

APCC 2016 | ‘Hall M’ First-Ever Marvel Showcase in Asia

08.21.2016 – You’ve probably not heard of C.B. Cebulski, but if you’ve been reading comicbooks its possible you know him working behind the scenes in discovering talents for Marvel’s publishing.

If you’re an aspiring artist who wants to get into the industry this must be place at this year’s Asia Pop Comicon Manila.

For the first time in Asia, C.B. Cebulski is bringing special footage for Marvel to reveal at “Hall M” that would certainly inspire the artists in you…

Happy Meal Spotlight | The Secret Life of Pets

08.20.2016 – “The Secret Life of Pets” is the latest Happy Meal toys for this month in promoting the 3D animated feature film. This is also from the same producers who brought you Despicable ME and the Minions.

In selected parts of Asia the pets are figurines that feature gimmicks from wind ups, push button, and sound bites. It’s definitely going to be another Happy Meal filled with new characters. McDonald’s is celebrating the fun. If you haven’t seen these toys find out who’s your favorite character as they released eight for you to collect.

GoT's Rose Leslie in "Morgan!"

08.19.2016 – “Morgan” is an upcoming science fiction thriller about a human experiment that features an ensemble cast led by Kate Mara, Anya Taylor-Joy, Toby Jones, Boyd Holbrook, Michelle Yeoh, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Paul Giamatti.

One of the actors is also included in this film and she’s Rose Leslie best known for her roles in “Game of Thrones” as Ygritte. The Scottish actress joins the cast portraying Dr. Amy Menser and here’s more about her charact...

LEGO® Minifigure | Toy Story Alien

08.18.2016 – The LEGO® Minifigure Series is a popular line of blind pack among collectors, which features various iterations of minifigures. On its fifteenth series the regular minifigures continue its tradition expanding LEGO® characters.

This expands further with two Simpsons blind backs featuring selected characters from the animated series. It’s now released the first series collaboration with Disney from their various animated feature films. The sixteen figure collection features two characters from Toys Story that have Buzz Lightyear and the Alien!

Action Comics #961 | Doomsday Protocol

08.16.2016 – The “Path of Doom” featuring Doomsday’s return when Superman, the one who died in the landmark 1992 series “Death of Superman” was about to settle in the new DC Universe after Rebirth is trying to balance life and being a true hero.

This is the fifth instalment of the story arc written by Dan Jurgens with three rotating artists and this is Stephen Segovia’s debut since DC Comics brought back the original numbering for Action Comics starting with issue number 957.

In this issue Dommsday continue his rampage all over Metropolis being protected by Lex Luthor proclaiming himself as this city’s ‘Superman” powered by the Mother Box alien technology, but was assisted by the Pre-Flashpoint Superman. Confused?

Just to make it short and brief for those who didn’t caught up with rebirth. The Superman from New 52 had died “in the last days of Superman” and this Clark Kent is from the world where ‘he died’ when DC Comics killed him through the appearance of Doomsday that was drawn by Dan Jurgens in 1992.

A Samsung Noteworthy Launch!

08.16.2016 – The grand ballroom of Shangri-La at The Fort is filled to the brim with its clients, friends, and the media waits for the unveiling of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7. This was also a celebration for the company’s achievement.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 boasts new features never before seen in their previous mobile phones or even the previous Galaxy Note models. Its grand promotion to build excitement for ‘the next best’ thing is certainly a “Noteworthy Affair!”

Conversations With | Stephen Segovia

08.15.2016 – Stephen Segovia has been in the comicbook industry and has garnered acclaimed for his works with DC Comics and Marvel. Based in the Philippines Stephen is like any average fan who is in to reading comics.

He joins his fellow artists Carlo Pagulayan and Michael Jason Paz last Saturday for a special DC Comics signing which launched the titles Deathstroke and Segovia’s debut in Action Comics #961 as one of the three rotating artists assigned at the flash ship Superman book that returned to its original numbering after New 52.

Sights & Highlights | Komikero Komiks Museum

08.14.2016 – The “Komikero Komiks Museum” was one of Gerry Alanguilan’s dreams in putting up a place, where people would remind everyone how the komiks culture in the Philippines has flourished in the past decades.

In this generation of social media only a few old enough to remember reading Filipino komiks and most now is only aware of the foreign comicbooks. If you want to see Filipino komiks roots a road trip to San Pablo City would be the best way to see it. The komiks museum Gerry dreamed is now a reality and it opened yesterday…

SM Cinema Exclusive | Sammy's Escape from Paradise

08.13.2016 – Originally titled in international markets as “A Turtle’s Tale 2: Sammy’s Escape from Paradise” is headed to Philippine cinemas known as "Sammy 2: Escape from Paradise." The sequel to the popular “A Turtle’s Tale”, which features the heroic turtle named Sammy, is set for another adventure with his good friend Ray.

Based on an original story by Ben Stassen and Domonic Paris, “Sammy 2: Escape from Paradise” sees Sammy and Rey, leatherback turtles and friends forever, enjoying the water and sand, shepherding new hatchlings Ricky and Ella out to sea. Suddenly, a poacher swoops in and ships them off to be part of a spectacular aquarium show for tourists in Dubai.

Trapped in The Tank, an underwater aquarium, they must hatch a plan to escape and reunite with their grandkids, Ricky and Ella, and protect them from the dangers of the ocean. But they’ll have to get past Big D and his dopey thugs first. With the help of some unlikely friends, Sammy and Ray fin that when you work together, anything is possible!

War Boy, Nicholas Hoult at APCC 2016!

08.13.2016 – About a boy named Nicholas Hoult, The Giant Killer who would be a Beast for the X-Men and a rebellious Nux a War Boy that battled Mad Max on Fury Road is headed to the Philippines on his very first Asia Pop Comicon.

It was officially announced but last year this would be a not-so coincidence that Hoult, the English actor known for his breakout performance as a young actor in Intimate Relations has been kind of teased the Beast statue that was on exhibit in 2015.

If this image doesn’t convince you that APCC have enough for them ‘holding back’ for more surprises. For the now this is already out of the bag for you to get excited to meet the man who breathe life to the characters you’ve seen in the movies he's in.

“What a Lovely Day” and a “Beastly” good time it is for movie and pop fans around the region as AsiaPOP Comicon Manila 2016 (APCC Manila) confirmed Hollywood actor Nicholas Hoult as the latest celebrity headliner to hit the stage of the biggest pop culture convention slated on August 26 to 28 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

08.12.2016 – Fresh from the sizzle reel that was revealed in the recent Star Wars Celebration in Europe, Rogue One sets up more scenes in the newest trailer.

The first Star Wars Anthology shows more than just explosions and familiar places in a galaxy from far away it also gives you intense conflicts.

Morgan | The Next Step in Human Evolution

08.11.2016 – There have been several sci-fi related films that challenges the human condition. But when you talk about putting experiments in a human being to become beyond the ‘norm’ is a recipe for a great narrative.

From producer Ridley Scott and director Luke Scott, “Morgan” offers a thrilling, visceral and intense movie-going experience starring Kate Mara, Anya Taylor-Joy, Michelle Yeoh, Paul Giamatti, Leslie Rose and Toby Jones, “Morgan” introduces an artificial yet organic being that represents the future in human evolution.

Netflix Release Marvel's Luke Cage Trailer

08.10.2016 – Netflix just released the latest trailer for Marvel’s Luke Cage, which is the third series to be introduced after Jessica Jones. In the latest trailer Luke Cage’s origin is explored how he got his powers.

The story of course is prominently set in Harlem in New York, where the character operates. Mike Colter portrays him in the upcoming series that also appeared in Jessica Jones series last year. But this time it’s all Luke Cage ready for action.

5 Tips on How to be an ‘American Ninja Warrior!’

08.09.2016 – American Ninja Warrior is a popular sports entertainment competition television series. It’s now making it in Asia as aired through Warner TV Asia where you can re-live the action.

The challenges are real and the competitors certainly have to go through the obstacle course to make as one of the regional finalists and wild card competitors competed on a nearly identical Mount Midoriyama course in Las Vegas, Nevada, rather than travelling to Japan to compete on Sasuke.

Underground | Smalls

08.08.2016 – “Smalls” is a group show featuring twenty eight visual artists with their unique perspective of how to put together the tiniest and impressive art installation in one room.

The Underground Gallery’s limited space hosted a community of the minds. There are colors and dark tones, but set up well balanced with the crowed that captured their attention. Each work stands out for you to think and appreciate every contour of shapes that defies the logic in which they are defined the few.

Sights & Highlights | Indieket 2016

08.07.2016 – On its fifth year promoting self-published works Komikon Indieket continue to cultivate the grassroots for its original creativity at the same time give the featured artists as main guest as the spotlight for this show.

This is Komikon Inc’s second event of the year that would culminate on the main event that closes the calendar year in contributing to the growth of the local komiks scene in the Philippines. For Indieket this the guest spotlight features Edgar Tadeo, Melvin Calingo, Aaron Felizmenio and Freely Abrigo as part of Komiks Kalye.

08.07.2016 – “Godzilla Resurgence” (Shin Godzilla in Japan) produced by Toho Ltd is the first produced film since Godzilla: Final Wars (2004). The 29th in the franchise a reboot since the American production.

This is co-directed by Hideaki Anno (Neon Genesis Evangelion) and Shinji Higuchi (Attack on Titan: End of the World). Japan’s Toho Ltd take their original creation from 1954 this year that has been highly anticipated.

Marvel Tsum Tsum #1 | Here They Come!

08.06.2016 – “Tsum Tsum” is a stuff toy collectible first introduced in 2013, which features Disney characters that also includes Disney-owned Marvel and Star Wars franchises. They where first released in Japan as a tie up to the Tsum Tsum arcade and mobile games developed by Konami and Line Corporation.

It’s a popular collectible item which Disney has sold 1.8 million “Tsum Tsum” toys. Marvel adapted and produced a comicbook series based on the “Tsum Tsum” toy brand. The name is derived from the Japanese verb tsumu meaning "to stack", because the toys are designed to stack on top of each other, forming a pyramid shape.

Besides stuff toys they have expanded into collectible figurines and die cast cars that you can stack them. In the comicbook written by Jacob Chabot with art by David Baldeon, the “Tsum Tsum” are alien creatures who where smuggled by an alien in the sector where the Guardians of the Galaxy patrols.

The freighter pilot went through a blockade when the Guardians encountered another alien race looking for trouble.

The Stranger Things Experience in 3D!

08.05.2016 – The Netflix Original series “Stranger Things” has captivated the world with its 1980s inspirations from Stephen King to Steven Spielberg genre films. It’s the best television horror drama series that people won’t stop talking about.

It’s the series that brings the nostalgia to older fans that grew up in this era. A story about the missing Will Byers and a stranger who have powers in-between this is the monster that was set loose now the cast re-live it in Virtual Reality HD!

Funko POP! Marvel | Howard the Duck

08.04.2016 – Funko’s POP! line of vinyl figurines continue to expand with its license properties from animation, movies, videogames, and even those created for visual artist with their original creations that capture everyone’s attention.

It is a lucrative and popular brand for Funko that also have the rights to produce characters for Marvel, but the difference from the standard vinyl figurine they have their version do the ‘bobble’ and one of them is the famous Howard the Duck.

The Best Capsule Toys at Toy Kingdom

08.03.2016 – Gashapons are an addicting hobby that has been popular in Japan and has become known is some parts of the world. They have been considered also as a blind trade-in-box where some are available in sets besides found in vendo machines.

In the Philippines this hobby has not only attracted kids, but also their parents and adult collectors. You can find these capsule type machines at flagship stores like in Toy Kingdom.

Marvel & Netflix Reveal Series Sizzle Reels!

08.02.2016 – Marvel and Netflix was the first to reveal something to look forward to with their partnership after the success of Daredevil and Jessica Jones. They are ready to bring in Luke Cage next month and a teaser for Iron Fist too.

If you’re knee deep into watching episodes of Marvel shows the past months here’s more with the upcoming shows as wells as a teaser to the culmination of all of the series that will tie up to the Defenders in 2017…

DCU Rebirth: Batgirl #1 | Beyond Burnside

08.01.2016 –Batgirl travels the world in her Rebirth issue debut battling bad guys in Japan and in search of someone named Fruit Bat aka Chiyo Yamashiro. Hope Larson writes the story with art provided by Rafael Albuquerque. The direction of Barbara Gordon travelling the world is not the first story concept ever written.

But for those Batgirl readers and fan of the character would be interested with her new adventures away from Gotham or even Burnside. The artwork is breaking out of the usual style. Rafael Albuquerque definitely hit it with the right strokes in making every page as moving even though not in action.

This also breaks away from the previous ‘hipster’ idea about Batgirl’s portrayal as a superhero. In this issue mainly her adventures feature her not in costume but in search of a legendary vigilante who has been a hero in Japan. This also explores the relationship with Barbara’s childhood friend Kai who she meets in her dorm.

But the best part was when Barbara finally meets the 104 year old Chiro Yamashiro. Unfortunately in the middle of their pleasantries her friend Kai got attacked by ‘Sailor Clown’ when she tackled with the unknown assailant as Batgirl.

08.01.2016 – The Dark Knight Returns which propelled Frank Miller’s career in the comicbook industry is celebrating thirty years. It has been an inspiration and some elements where adapted on animation and film that it was acclaimed globally.

With all that Diamond Comics Distributions and Funko collaborate in producing exclusive vinyl figure under the Pop line. These exclusive Batman versions from TDK is set to be released in very soon to find more about it read more here…