The Nebraska Men’s Basketball Team is 3-0 to open conference play. That hasn’t happened since the Big 8 days in 1975-76. I wasn’t even alive then. Think about THAT!
In Episode 19, we talk about this unexpected and unbelievable beginning to the conference slate for Nebrasketball. We also talk about the sad ending to the Nebraska football season in the Music City Bowl. They can’t all be winners. Washington knows that (and I hope Alabama learns the lesson). But Nebraska’s loss to Tennessee had some bright moments.
Also there is some recruitnik talk, as the Huskers received a commitment during Thursday’s Husker basketball win. And this weekend could prove to be a big one on a national stage this weekend.
All the plugs deserving of a 3-0 Nebrasketball team in conference play.
Featured Image: Jan 5, 2017; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers forward Ed Morrow Jr. (30) and guard Glynn Watson Jr. (5) fight for the loose ball against Iowa Hawkeyes forward Cordell Pemsl (35) in the first overtime at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Nebraska won 93-90. (Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports)
After last week’s well-received Very Special Christmas Special, this week’s episode sees the return of Brian after a successful trip back to Lincoln. We talk about menu items for Christmas and New Years (whose toes Brian would lick to avoid eating black eyed peas).
Greg fired a few quick hypothetical situations at Brian. His responses are the things of legend.
And hey, there’s a bowl game today. Nebraska and Tennessee from Nashville, TN and the Music City Bowl (that reminds me…I need to set the DVR).
Also, there’s a lengthy discussion about what we ate over the Christmas weekend.
All the plugs for when you don’t make it to midnight on New Year’s Eve!
As I write this, I do so with the typical sadness we nerds get at the passing of one of our definable figures.
Let’s face it…2016 has been absolutely brutal for celebrity deaths.
We lost David Bowie, Alan Rickman, and Glenn Frey (among others) in January. We should have known.
THE SIGNS WERE THERE!!!
We are more aware of celebrity deaths as we get older because these are names we grew up with.
Prince, Merle Haggard, Doris Roberts, Muhammad Ali, Gordie Howe, Anton Yelchin, Pat Summitt, Kenny “R2-D2” Baker, Gene Wilder, Arnold Palmer, Florence Henderson and countless more. Hell, this month alone has seen the passing of Alan Thicke, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Greg Lake, George Michael, and as we learned today, Carrie Fisher.
We could all use a hug from Han right about now.
Fisher suffered a cardiac arrest on a flight from London to Los Angeles just days ago, but was reported as of this morning to be in stable condition. Sadly, she succumbed to the event earlier today. She was 60 years old.
Known largely for her role of Leia Organa, Fisher has appeared in four main saga movies, from the original trilogy to Episode VII: The Force Awakens. Variety has reported that all of Fisher’s scenes for Episode VIII had been filmed.
But the question remains, and though it may seem callous and uncaring, bare with me: what will come of the Princess Leia character after Episode VIII?
I don’t know the plan for the Leia character. SPOILERS AHEAD!!! We know that in the third act of Episode VII The Force Awakens, Han Solo is killed by Kylo Ren. How does this affect Leia? How does she retaliate in the next chapter of the saga? So many questions.
I pose the following questions to you, and I encourage you to respond in the comments either here or on Facebook.
Should the story be altered in any way (not that we know what the story is) to allow for a graceful departure of Leia’s character?
Based on what we saw in Rogue One and the technological advancements in CGI and the ability to bring characters to life despite their actors being deceased, is that a direction you’d like to see them go with Leia?
I get it…I feel shitty even considering the notion of a Star Wars Universe without Carrie Fisher. But thanks to 2016, that’s the world we live in now.
It’s a completely different format for our First Annual Very Special Christmas Special. Also – there’s no Brian, as he’s with family, leaving Greg all by himself.
BUT GREG HAD AN IDEA!
“Let’s share the load.” And so – the Christmas Wish for Nebraska Athletics was born.
Emails were sent, text messages too. And even a message to a former Husker for his Chronicled contribution (that’s right…I initiated that)!
So we rounded up the willing participants, and they recorded their Christmas Wishes that they’d like to see come true for the betterment of Nebraska Athletics (no mention of turning down the speakers at Memorial Stadium).
It’s an episode without Brian, and we’re all a little poorer for it. But we will push on, because it’s what he would want us to do.
Felicity Jones is Jyn Erso, the key component to the rebellion, before anyone named “Skywalker” comes along.
Well, it finally happened. For the first time since Captain America: Civil War, I made it to the movie theater. Plans were set in motion a couple months ago for my friend RJ and I to take in an opening-weekend viewing of Rogue One. And despite less-than-ideal weather conditions, we made it happen at The Edge in Belleville, IL.
Leather seats that recline. They even bring the food and beverages out to you. It was amazing (the word of the day).
So here is a little chat we had from the cab of my truck. That’s right – it’s another truck episode! But that’s just because everyone was asleep at the house when we got back and I didn’t want to disturb anyone. BECAUSE I’M CONSIDERATE!!!
And as always, this is a spoiler-free podcast without any click-bait titles.
It’s a wonder anyone ever listens to these at all. But if you do, and if you enjoy it, please tell your friends.
Brian and Greg are back in an all-new, informative AND entertaining podcast.
In this episode, they guys are joined by Corn Nation’s volleyball expert Ty Peteranetz, who’s stuck in Springfield, Illinois for the evening. Ty is on his way home from Columbus, Ohio where he witnessed Nebraska volleyball lose to Texas in the semifinal. But as the guys stress, he got some Tim Horton’s…so it all worked out.
Ty breaks down what occurred in the match as well as who Nebraska will look to lose to graduation and who will be back next year.
The guys also touched on the info that was given late this week that the 2016 Music City Bowl would not include Jordan Westerkamp.
So to prove you can’t have a Husker podcast without talking football, this trio spends some time talking about Huskers as they head to the bowl game, the off-season, the combine, AND future Huskers yet to arrive.
As always, the plugs get you where you need to go:
It’s Episode 15 of the Five Heart Podcast and Brian and Greg start off by spending a few minutes talking about the amazing come-from-behind win for the Nebraska women’s volleyball team. We dubbed it Nebraska’s most impressive comeback ever.
We also discuss bowl season, and a very central location that could be utilized for a bowl game (if we needed a 43rd bowl game). We talk about the Music City Bowl featuring the once-overrated Tennessee Volunteers and the once-overrated Nebraska Cornhuskers. That will be fun. Stay tuned for that one on Friday, December 30.
We tried getting out of there without mentioning the loss to Creighton, but sadly were unable to do so…so consider it mentioned.
As always, feedback is welcome. Share with your friends. Etc. Etc.
You know what sucks? Losing to Iowa. I mean…it is the drizzling shits. And you know what? We can’t do anything about it now. We passive observers couldn’t do anything about it last week when it happened.
IOWA CITY, IOWA- SEPTEMBER 10: Running back LeShun Daniels #29 of the Iowa Hawkeyes runs up the field in front of linebacker Dedrick Young #5 and safety Aaron Williams #24 of the Nebraska Huskers during the second quarter, on November 25, 2016 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images
In this episode, Greg and Brian discuss recruiting classes past, present, and future. Who has lived up to the hype, who has not.
And speaking of recruiting, the Husker coaching staff is all over the country taking advantage of the off weekend by doing some coast-to-coast recruiting!
First and foremost – HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!!
The Huskers football team improved to 9-2 after a win over the Maryland Terrapins. But devastation strikes the Husker women’s volleyball team as they endure a five-set loss to #2 Minnesota.
Plus, we talk about #EvilIowa and their failures in recruiting. YES, WE TALK RECRUITING THAT ISN’T EVEN NEBRASKA!
While you’re enjoying the drive home from family, let Brian and Greg keep you company and help you unwind. But if you’re one of those crazy people standing in line for something cheap – we appreciate helping you pass the time, but it makes yuo no less crazy.
Tell your friends. Leave your feedback. If you have a minute, head over to iTunes and leave a review. We really appreciate it.
Let the plugs surround you like a cornucopia of joy!
Brian fights through illness and injury and joins Greg once again for a brand new episode. The Huskers are 8-2 after knocking off Minnesota at Memorial Stadium.
There’s a lot less recruiting talk in this episode, but the guys branch out and talk about more than just the Husker football team. That’s right, the top-ranked volleyball team gets a few minutes at the beginning of the show. This episode was recorded Wednesday evening, a short time after Nebraska defeated #15 Penn State at the Devaney Center.
Also in the episode, Greg reveals his super powers of premonition, centered around this text conversation from Saturday night:
Greg’s text conversation with his friend Josh. You’ll have to ignore (or at least forgive) the poor use of grammar.
And we all know how that ended:
Kieron Williams intercepts the deflected pass (off of Aaron Williams). Credit: David McGee – Corn Nation
A LOT LESS RAGE from Brian in this episode – so that’s a plus.
Tell your friends. Leave your feedback. If you have a minute, head over to iTunes and leave a review. We really appreciate it.
That did NOT go how we anticipated or hoped. 62-3.
Hell, the guys dislike that outcome so much that they barely discuss the Ohio State game at all.
Tommy Armstrong leads the Huskers onto the field against Oregon. It remains to be seen whether or not Armstrong will be in Action Saturday against Minnesota. Credit: David McGee – Corn Nation
Instead, Brian and Greg talk about depth at several positions, but mostly the quarterback position. And speaking of quarterbacks (past, present, and future), the guys delve into legacies of players and what it means to be great.
And Brian doesn’t HATE the $5 Bits of Broken Chair Trophy, it’s just not the trophy he craves the most.
As a side note, Greg recently ordered a couple shirts for my son from Amazon. The name of the store is CornBorn. He bought two 12M shirts, but one was this design that you might enjoy:
Well, losing sucks. It does. And while you’d like to be able to say that a certain third-down play in overtime was the end-all, be-all reason for the Huskers’ first loss of the season, it’s not.
In Episode 10 of the Five Heart Podcast, Brian and Greg talk about missed opportunities. But what’s more important to realize are the opportunities that still lie ahead for our beloved Big Red.
Bednarik Award Finalist Nate Gerry had two fourth-quarter interceptions Saturday against Wisconsin, but the Huskers only came away with three points. (Credit: David McGee – Corn Nation)
Now a “mad” Nebraska team heads to the Horseshoe to face Ohio State. Can the Huskers string together four solid quarters to overcome the odds (two-touchdown underdogs) and shock the nation?
Well, to paraphrase some champions elsewhere…
“AWWWWWWWW HUSKER NATION! DON’T YOU DARE BE SOUR! CLAP FOR YOUR WORLD FAMOUS 5-TIME NATIONAL CHAMPS, AND FEEEEEEL THE
Brian and Greg are back ahead of Nebraska’s trip to Madison this weekend to face the Wisconsin Badgers.
Can the Huskers invade Camp Randall and get a win? Why does the same media that puts Nebraska int he top ten bitch and moan about Nebraska being in the top ten?
“Rallying the Troops,” the Huskers prepare to take the field last Saturday against Purdue. Credit: David McGee – Corn Nation
Despite their flaws, this team just keeps winning. The guys talk about the upcoming opponent and what the ‘Skers can expect.
The dynamic duo (that’s probably copyrighted) branches off and has a lot of other discussion, and a corn-related pro wrestler gets mentioned from the Twitter feed.
I put my son to bed and knocked out a home show before calling it a night. In Episode 70, I start off talking highly about Ghostbusters: Answer the Call.
In fact, I have a lot of positives about many movies that are otherwise crapped upon.
The unfinished product and the comparison everyone drew rather quickly. Admit it…you did it too.
And I bring back the debate of Batman v Superman and Captain America Civil War. Not saying one is better than the other, but rather how there is an overlooked similarity and how one gets a pass. (Hint: “He killed my mom.”)
It’s a good time to be a nerd with some great movies coming out and plenty to watch on TV (I didn’t even address The Walking Dead…dammit). My question to you is this: Are you currently reading any comics? If so, sound off in the comments here or on Facebook. I’d love to know what you’re reading and what you think about it. I’ll even read the comments on the next episode (if I remember).
Thanks for checking out the show and I’d really appreciate if you told your nerdy friends about it. Let’s get this thing growing again!
Well, the Nebraska Cornhuskers survived their first trip to Bloomington in Big Ten play, topping the Indiana Hoosiers 27-22 and ruining Homecoming.
The Huskers jumped out to a 17-0 lead in the first quarter, but were held scoreless until the 4th frame, where they continued to outscore the opposition, this time 10-7.
What stood out in the Week 7 game? Brian and Greg share their thoughts on the game and Number 8 Nebraska’s 6-0 start (bowl eligibility, no doubt about it)!
Photo Credit: David McGee – Corn Nation
Make no mistake…this team is perfect in record only. What needs to improve? Well, getting healthy would help. Big games loom in the near future, but Brian warns not to look past Purdue. 2015 ring a bell anyone?
Enjoy the show, and remember you can get it on iTunes, as well as on Stitcher (that’s new as of this week).
Brian and Greg keep it short and sweet today in the Five Heart Podcast, Episode 7.
File Photo from Corn Nation’s awesome photographer David McGee
Greg is fighting a cough, so forgive him. But, it’s been a long bye week and the boys talk Indiana vs. Nebraska. Why are people worried about this game? We discuss that, as well as Nebraska’s Fourth Quarter ways. Plus, a quick glimpse in the whole advanced stats vs. box scores and whether you should trust one, the other, both, or neither!
AND WE DIDN’T EVEN MENTION THE CANDY STRIPE UNIFORMS FOR THE HOOSIERS!!!
All of those social media plugs so we can keep in touch:
The Nebraska Cornhuskers are 5-0 and debate rages as to whether or not they’re the worst undefeated team. But we have faith that they are right where they need to be.
The Huskers got to be 5-0 after their 31-16 win over Illinois last Saturday. Sure it was a long dry spell without a score, but that second half was a thing of beauty.
Stanley Morgan Jr. reaches the ball forward as his knee hits the ground, extending the play and the drive, which gave the Huskers the lead for good. (Photo Credit: David McGee – Corn Nation)
With a bye week this week, the Huskers have a few players out who need the time off to get healthy. Here’s hoping Tanner Farmer, Alonzo Moore, and a couple others are ready for Indiana, as all indications are that Cethan Carter and Jordan Westerkamp will be out.
Terrell Newby races to the endzone in the fourth quarter against Illinois. (Photo Credit: David McGee – Corn Nation)
AND NEBRASKETBALL PRACTICE HAS BEGUN…without a particular individual who left the program in late June.
And in this episode, I have a litany of reasons why I’ve been slacking, from reading comics to watching comic book-related entertainment materials, to bringing you more award-ignored podcasts.
So here’s what I’ve missed:
Luke Cage
https://youtu.be/snJ-nRgx8o0
“Sweet Christmas!” Am I right?
X-Men Apocalypse
Or did I miss it? I don’t know!
Justice League: The New Frontier
You may remember me writing about this a few months back (back when I wrote blogs). Well, it’s topical again!
This is what I call a truck episode. Meaning I was in my truck on the way to work when I recorded it.
And like I said in the show, I am excited for my upcoming guests. It’s all about scheduling and such now. But we’ll see how it goes.
Greg and Brian are back talking recruiting, recruiting, a little about the road win over Northwestern, recruiting, and I think Illinois is mentioned once or twice.
Seriously…
Recruits gather for a group picture during the Oregon game. Photo Credit: David McGee – Corn Nation
A simple question of “which recruits are visiting Nebraska this week” (paraphrased) turned into a 35-minute breakdown that included commits planning on joining the Huskers in 2017, athletes on the schedule for visits down the road, and yes, who will be in Lincoln for the Homecoming Game.
Other high points of the show were discussing the following:
Tommy Armstrong (Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week)
A difference of opinion on the four defensive linemen who departed during the off-season
Nebraska vs Illinois in the return of a year ago
Greg is interrupted by his dogs, including when his one dog “attacks” him. It’s all saved for posterity.
And Brian sings!
This show is brought to you by A&W Root Beer and the Raising Cane’s Chicken, because that’s what Brian was eating and Greg had himself a root beer float.
Two words…Tommy Armstrong. That kid (he probably qualifies as an adult by now) battled through cramps and dehydration to will the Huskers to victory. It certainly wasn’t the Tommy Armstrong Show, as he had plenty of help from a Terrell Newby and Devine Ozigbo, his reliable receiving corps, and an offensive line that has grown leaps and bounds.
The defense played great against the team speed of Oregon, and this guy had a couple solid plays, one that really contributed to his growing legend.
“It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, etc etc.” (Photo by David McGee – Corn Nation)
Listen in as Brian and Greg talk about the Oregon game, look forward to the game at the Wildcat Jungle in Evanston, and and touch on a few other topics in the newest Five Heart Podcast, available on iTunes.
*Featured Image – The Husker defense celebrates after making the stop that preserves the win for the home team. Photo Credit: David McGee – Corn Nation
*Featured Photo – A University of Nebraska Marching Band Member having a good time during halftime of Saturday’s 52-17 win over the Pokes. Credit David McGee – Corn Nation*
We are back! The censors did not take Brian or myself off the air, so we decided to come back for another round.
Brian and I talk about what we saw in the Fresno game, as well as some recruiting thoughts I coaxed out of the jolly old man himself, as well as the touching tribute to Sam Foltz.
I talked about #runtheballguy and I think, just think, that Brian got a little terse about it. Finally, we discuss the upcoming Wyoming tilt tomorrow and talk about the visit from the Oregon Ducks next week.
We appreciate each one of you as we get this podcast going.
Subscribe to the show on iTunes and receive each new episode downloaded automatically each week.
We all know the importance of being a 3-, 4-, or 5-star recruit. But it’s the 5-heart recruits that make us feel that something special.
Greg and Brian put the band back together in an all-new podcast.
In the debut episode, the guys talk about recent happenings in Husker football (dating all the way back to 2014), the game that Minnesota tried to give away, and a look ahead to the new season.
Somewhere in this mess is the equipment I paid money to own to record into my laptop.
You’ve seen the posts. You’ve read the blog. NOW listen to the show where I talk about moving. Because that’s important and nerd-related. But seriously, I hate moving. So this podcast is a little bit of me bitching and moaning and a little bit recapping some of the goodies we took away from the San Diego Comic Con.
Also, piece of advice – do with it what you want:
When it comes to moving…pay someone else to do it and sleep easy!
I’m facing a great dilemma. I have two versions of Justice League: The New Frontier.
There’s the deluxe version of the trade paperback (it’s deluxe, so it’s the hard cover) and the bluray version. Both are still in their protective plastic. I purchased the book from Twilight Comics, my local brick and mortar in Swansea, IL. I got the bluray from Amazon (Prime…two day free shipping…BOO YAH!)
Anyway, the dilemma is this: Do I read the book first or so I watch the movie?
Here’s the reality of the situation…I love to read, but my schedule recently has not allowed the time to read as much as I’d like. BUT – I do realize that reading the story is usually better than watching it.
Watchmen the book > Watchmen the movie
The DaVinci Code book > The DaVinci Code book
The Green Mile book = The Green Mile movie
Now I say that and acknowledge that I haven’t read some of the most popular works that have been converted to the big or smaller screens, like Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, and even The Walking Dead.
I have, however, read every Percy Jackson book, and found that particularly The Lightning Thief was superior to the movie version. I’d say the same about Sea of Monsters, but I read that one over an 8-hour period non-stop during a power outage and I don’t remember as much about the book itself.
I have recently purchased the Kindle version of A Song of Ice and Fire: A Game of Thrones with all the intention of reading that, but first I want to finish reading The Man in the High Castle, which I’m also currently watching on Amazon Streaming Video. But I’ve heard that Game of Thrones is awfully wordy, and I found that to be the case in the prologue. It took a long time to read the prologue whereas it was about three minutes or so of TV time (I’m watching GoT again because it was fun to watch Bran walk and climb stuff in the first episode and a half).
So while I want to take some time and read Justice League: The New Frontier, there’s a very good chance I’ll end up watching the animated feature first.
I have wanted to watch the movie for a long time, but never took the initiative to get after it. Ever since Darwyn Cooke’s recent passing, I’ve made it my personal goal to get out there and read his award-winning story. There it sat on the shelf behind the counter at Twilight. All by itself…no other copies. We met like this several times…me looking at the book from a small distance. Then recently I finally made the purchase and added this classic to my collection.
Now the question stands…read first or watch?
I’m leaning “read.” But again, time may not allow it. So now I’ll likely watch it sometime this weekend.
But anyway – pick it up yourself. Here’s the trailer for your viewing pleasure.
I love that classic look, and Cooke’s style works hand-in-hand with Bruce Timm’s.
So I’m about to share something with you that I’ve never told anyone ever.
I’m probably not alone in this. Many of you probably hid this secret away like a certain magazine under your matress…yes, Car & Driver.
I, Greg Mehochko, used to watch (*gulp*) Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. (I just felt 12-year-old me get a wedgie that rattled the time stream.)
I didn’t watch the following Power Rangers series:
Mighty Morphin Alien Rangers
Power Rangers Zeo
Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie
I didn’t watch the MMPR movie either, now that I think about it
Power Rangers Turbo
Power Rangers in Space (isn’t that Voltron, anyway?)
Power Rangers Lost Galaxy
Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue
I’m already worn out…but let’s continue the list:
Power Rangers Time Force
Power Rangers Wild Force
Power Rangers Speed Force – The Flash Crossover (KIDDING!!!)
Power Rangers Ninja Storm
Power Rangers Dino Thunder (how am I only up to 2004???)
Power Rangers SPD
Power Rangers Mystic Force
Power Rangers Operation Overdrive
Power Rangers Jungle Fury
Power Rangers RPM
Power Rangers Samurai and Super Samurai
Power Rangers Megaforce
Power Rangers Dino Charge and Dino Super Charge
Power Rangers Ninja Steel (coming in 2017)
Like I said…I didn’t watch any of that. But as a youngster – I was 11 when the show debuted – I too fell victim to the colorful costumes, the horrible action, the cheap effects, and “five overbearing and over-emotional humans.” Seriously, that’s how Zordon described teenagers to Alpha 5.
But let’s talk about the hear and now. Now we’re on the cusps of a new Mighty Morphin Power Rangers movie…a reboot or remake, depending on your perspective. I’m old and set in my ways, so I say that this doesn’t particularly need to happen, again, since there is an ongoing series already on TV. And unlike the DC bashers, I’ve heard no clamoring for the cinematic universe of the Power Rangers tying in to the television universe.
Look everybody, it’s the Iron Legion…plus Blue Beetle?
Now I don’t know what you think about “them” (the Hollywood them) bringing back an updated, edgier Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. I like the fact that some legitimate Hollywood names have been added, like the recently-announced Bryan Cranston as Zordon and Elizabeth Banks as Rita Repulsa.
This is not the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers I remember, and as I’m learning with many things in life, I – a 34-year-old male – am not in their target demographic.
I hope this movie is good. I hope Ivan Ooze makes an appearance and looks just like Apocalypse from the beloved 1990s X-Men cartoon (Shut up! That’s funny!). I hope this franchise goes on to make a billion dollars.
But unless they introduce a Green Ranger who has a mystical dagger flute that beckons a Dragonzord, I’m not interested.
Holy hell, I just thought how much money I’d pay if that actually were to occur.
If you are a huge Disney fan, or have children who love the wildly popular animated hit Frozen, you may be aware that a new ride/attraction opened up today at Epcot Center in Orlando.
Frozen Ever After opened in Epcot Center. Now it was a soft opening, and the ride did experience a few setbacks, which resulted in the ride being shut down briefly a couple of times (I’m getting all of this from the Internet just like most of you). So that might have been cause for the delay. But still, the wait time for Frozen Ever After was five hours.
Just for fun, here is a list of a few things I can do in five hours that don’t include standing in the hot Florida weather:
Drive to Chicago, Nashville, Indianapolis, Louisville, Kansas City (and have time left over)
Get caught up on the growing stack of Green Lantern comics
Three Hour Tour of the SS Minnow
An extra-innings Major League Baseball game
Eighteen holes of golf with my dad (found that out on Sunday)
Watch one and a half of the Hobbit movies
Almost make it through all of Avatar
I’m sure there are more. But to quote an all-too-overused Internet meme, when it comes to standing in line five hours to ride a single ride:
PREACH IT!
Now, perusing Facebook comments (which…I mean, comment sections in general are pretty horrible. Mine here is a relatively barren wasteland, save for a few), many people are very upset that a movie-themed ride was in Epcot Center to begin with – thinking the royal Arendelle sisters are better suited for the Magic Kingdom. After all, I remember going to Epcot as a kid. It was educational. WHAT WERE WE EVEN DOING THERE?!?
Others are mad that the new ride, set in the Norway Pavilion of the Epcot Center World Showcase, replaces the beloved (??) ride Maelstrom – A High Seas Norwegian Adventure. Maelstrom opened in 1988 and had some dated technology. Frozen Ever After, as you would guess, features the latest in Disney Imagineering.
Was Disney well within their rights to change the ride? Absolutely. Was a Frozen-themed ride a good choice? It was the logical one. And since I don’t fully understand the concept of a FastPass, would you ever see me waiting in line for five hours to ride this ride?
Let me tell you – I’ve cut dates before the five hour mark even when I thought there’d be a ride at the end. I have no problem skipping this one.
Besides, I’ve essentially been on the ride. And if you click to play this video, you can say you were in the same boat (that’s punny, because it’s a water ride).
It all boils down to this: Would you wait five hours (or 300 minutes, for the Disney Theme Park Goer who doesn’t like math) to ride this or any other ride? Sound off in the comments or on Facebook/Twitter.
So I’m going to start this post by commenting on the curious circumstances of Anton Yelchin’s (Star Trek, Charlie Bartlett, Odd Thomas) tragic death yesterday.
The man died pinned between his vehicle and the brick mailbox post/security gate. It appears he went to put the vehicle in Park, only to miss the notch, getting out of the vehicle and going to the mailbox/gate area. The vehicle (a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee) rolled down the steep incline, pinning Yelchin, and ultimately killing him via blunt traumatic asphyxia.
Outside of drowning and being burned alive, I can’t imagine a death that could be much more suffering than that, anything where you’re in pain and gasping for breath.
I don’t put the circumstances of his death on the backburner to minimize them. This was a tragedy. A tragedy for his family and friends who feel his loss the most. A tragedy for his fans, who may not have known him personally, but had respect and admiration for the man’s work.
I am in that latter category. I am a fan of Anton Yelchin.
While he may best be known for his role as Pavel Andreievich Chekov (or just Chekov, for short) in the rebooted Star Trek franchise – the third film, Star Trek Beyond, of which will be released later this year – Yelchin had an impressive resume and worked alongside some of Hollywood’s best and brightest. In fact, dare I say, he was among the underrated elite.
I think I first ran across Yelchin when he played a too-smart-for-his-own-good high school student in 2009’s Charlie Bartlett. This was three years after Iron Man and, quite frankly, I was interested in seeing Robert Downey Jr. outside of the suit. If you haven’t watched it, I really can’t recommend it enough. This “kid” turned in a dynamite performance as a high schooler who has spent enough time in therapy that he starts holding therapy sessions for his classmates – and prescribing them medication. Like I said – he’s too smart for his own good. Plenty of laughs and plenty of heart that helps encompass that teenage zeitgeist of rebelling against authority.
With an IMDb list of credits that dates back to a 2000 appearance on ER, The Practice, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Criminal Minds, as well as big screen projects like Alpha Dog, Terminator Salvation, and The Smurfs, Yelchin was a versatile and capable talent.
I STRONGLY (how’s that for emphasis) recommend you seek out Odd Thomas.
Based on the novel by Dean Koontz, the movie is available on Netflix. It’s absolutely worth a watch. And Anton is spectacular in the movie. A relatively light-hearted guy who can foresee the arrival of evil, violent death.
As it sits, we don’t know all of the exact details about the death of Anton Yelchin. Unless he has surveillance set up at his home, we possibly never will. But I do know that the future of Hollywood is a little less bright with his passing.
Anton Yelchin, dead at the young age of 27. Rest in Peace.
Some of the names listed above are great dads in comics and geek culture. Some are not great fathers. Others left lasting impressions on the children in their care in lives that were cut tragically short. Although, it goes without saying that without their sacrifices or untimely deaths, the heroes-to-be would not have materialized.
As I celebrate my first Father’s Day this year, I reflect more on the man I call “dad,” but it is fun to look at some of these genre dads and how they shaped some of the most important figures in pop culture.
I won’t go into detail on each name provided above (sorry Reed and Henry). But I did want to explore some of the father-son relationships.
From The Adventures of Superman #500 – Life After Death
The Martha’s (Wayne and Kent, respectively…also something fans had a major issue with in the final act of Batman V Superman) are touted as being so instrumental in the lives of their sons, and rightly so. But I think if you overlook the importance of Jonathon “Pa” Kent, you’re doing a disservice to the writers who gave him life and the actors who gave him breath. While I was initially thrilled about Kevin Costner’s casting, I didn’t care for the writing of Pa Kent in Man of Steel. But every other likeness has been far truer to the character (looking at you, John Schnieder) and enriched the mythos of Jonathon Kent as a morally strong man who believes his son is destined for great things. When Superman stood for “Truth, Justice, and the American Way,” you could hear those words being said by Pa Kent into a young Clark. “Live your life better than we have. Be better.” It’s why Superman is beloved as a figure in his fictional world and how he has stood the test of time as one of the most popular characters in culture for the last 77 years.
Norman Osborn and Uncle Ben Parker. The environments they create for their “children” makes all the difference when we see how Harry Osborn differs from Peter Parker. Even though Ben is Peter’s uncle, he serves as Pete’s guardian, and his final words will forever be linked to greatness, memed before memes were memes. “With great power comes great responsibility.” Six words that will echo into eternity. And because of the love and support Ben gave to young Peter, Peter, even though he wasn’t particularly popular, had the confidence to forge for himself a heroic life. Harry, poisoned by his father’s demons, would eventually don the glider as well.
Darth Vader’s revelation of his fatherhood to Luke Skywalker in Empire Strikes Back could go down in history as one of the biggest “OMG” moments in cinema history. And while their relationship was fleshed out a bit more in Return of the Jedi, it was Luke who sensed the good in Anakin and was able to bring him back from the Dark Side, as Vader tosses Emperor Palpatine into the pit, and thus bringing balance to the Force. I mean, you know all that already. Vader – not the best dad. But did get better.
One of the most interesting father-son relationships in comics to me has always been Thomas and Bruce Wayne. Tale as old as time – parents murdered in Crime Alley in front of young son. Son grows up to become Batman, vowing to clean up Gotham City. It was the loss he experienced that, in my opinion, made him want to ensure no other child of Gotham felt the pain he felt. What’s interesting is that in DC’s Flashpoint (Flashpoint Paradox, if you want the animated version), we see that Batman is Thomas Wayne, taking out his pain and anger in a much more brutal way (including guns). Also, in the Flashpoint story, Martha Wayne becomes the Joker, but who cares about that. Watch the end of the Flashpoint Paradox, after Barry runs back in time and corrects the timeline, and see the impact a father can have on a son.
You have an adult Bruce receiving a letter from his deceased father, a father who is writing a letter to his deceased son. And the man who walks runs between both worlds.
Me and the Old Man, when we were both much younger.
I’m grateful for my father. I’m thrilled I get to spend some time with him today and go golfing. I know many don’t have that opportunity. And my wife gets to spend some time with her dad. And before and after the golfing, I get to spend time with my son.
He’s almost six months old. We have a lot of time ahead of us, and I don’t want any of it to go to waste. If you’re wondering why I haven’t had a new episode of the podcast in almost two months…well, my boy’s getting bigger. He’s making sounds and sitting up and smiling and so happy. And I get to be here for all of that. Please don’t begrudge me for being away. I’m also in the process of moving.
But I promise I will be back. I am working on guests right now. I have some in mind, and need to reach out to a few more. And I do have thoughts I want to share. Kevin over at My 1-2-3 Cents blogs every day, runs every day, has a new episode of My 1-2-3 Cents the Podcast every week, and has three kids. (Also, Kevin told me his blog entries are between 300-500 words, and this is almost 1,000. I must learn to condense). So there’s some hope for me. I’ll find my groove again.
Nerds United Episode 67: Michael Valentine of "Comix"[ 1:22:36 | 113.45 MB ]Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (1008)
Where can you find Stan Lee, Frank Miller, Neal Adams, Mark Waid, and Marc Silvestri in one place?
Comix: Beyond the Comic Book Pages is a twelve-year “labor of love” of Michael Valentine. Valentine relocated to sunny southern California with thoughts of being a musician, but instead started on a journey that would lead him to conversations with some of the comic book industry’s Who’s Who.
Valentine with the Incredible Hulk, Lou Ferrigno
In Episode 67, hear stories that surround the overall narrative of the film. Anecdotes from the likes of Stan Lee, Neal Adams, Frank Miller, and more.
Once again,w e’re out to promote the screening of Comix: Beyond the Comic Book Pages in Queens, NY. If you’re in the New York area, you have a chance to take in this awesome event. It’s not just the movie. Organizer Hansi Oppenheimer (see Episode 65) is planning an event complete with free comics from Top Cow, cosplay, and more.
And be looking for the DVD release this Summer, which we talk about. Complete with the dvd? Among other things, an original comic book!
Check out Comix in Queens. But make sure you go to Tugg.com and get your ticket reserved by May 1. That’s the cut-off date to secure the screening.
This past weekend was the annual Cape Comic Con in Cape Girardeau, MO. You know this event. This is the comic con I attend each year (this being my third trip in a row). I even took my wife and son.
He is four months old and has no concept of who or what R2D2 is…but he likes lights.
One of my highlights the last couple years has been the panel discussions/Q&A’s. This year I was able to record two panels. You can catch the panel with WWE Hall of Famers Terry Funk and “Cowboy” Bob Orton over on My 1-2-3 Cents.
The second panel was that of comic book artist Lorenzo Lizana.
Lorenzo is Art Director for Lion Forge Comics in St. Louis, MO. He is a staple at the Cape Con, and talks about his life and career in art as well as original characters and his role at Lion Forge.
I had an opportunity to visit with Lorenzo later in the afternoon. He showed us (me and my wife) his sketch book for his upcoming comic, Scarab. Lorenzo talked with such enthusiasm about this story to be told that I can’t wait for him to join me for an actual conversation in a few months. Be looking and listening this summer for more Lorenzo on Nerds United as he prepares to release the first issue in August.
The annual Cape Comic Con was held this past weekend in Cape Girardeau, MO. Two of the featured guests were WWE Hall of Famers Terry Funk and “Cowboy” Bob Orton.
Orton (left) and Funk with Jittery Monkey Network co-founder Greg Mehochko
These two legends held a Q&A discussion, taking questions from the audience. Favorite matches, Cowboy Bob Orton’s Wrestlemania I experience, their favorite ribs, the evolution of the business, and sharing their love of the industry with their family.
Then they took pictures with the fans in the panel before returning to their booth. They held another meet & greet before the Wrestling at the Arena later Saturday evening.
Don’t forget to follow @my123cents on Twitter and Facebook. Like the Facebook page, read the blog and subscribe on YouTube as new things are happening there. Also show our friends some love on social media:
@jitterymunkey (yes it’s spelled with a u) on Twitter
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Film Week continues on Nerds United as I talk with filmmaker Hansi Oppenheimer.
Hansi Oppenheimer shown here at the Tribeca Film Festival. (Credit Facebook)
Hansi is a kickass fangirl who has filmed the ultimate Fangirl Project: Squee!
So we talk about her background in film, including her father’s job at [Spoiler] and the fact that Hansi has been around and immersed in the culture for years. Punk rock, Doctor Who, The Walking Dead – it all gets covered in this near hour-long discussion.
Hansi is big on fandom, and she’s very supportive of other filmmakers. That’s why she is hosting a screening of Comix: Beyond the Comic Book Pages next month in Queens (which is not Brooklyn…this country boy found out).
What can you do if you want to help make this screening happen? Follow the links above, RSVP on the Tugg site, and help guarantee the showing of Comix. And check out other independent films that might be in your area.
Thanks again for hitting that download button. I have one more episode for you for Film Week. Look for that one Saturday morning.
Speaking of Saturday, I’ll be at the Cape Comic Con where I just learned this week that Butch Patrick (aka Eddie Munster) will be appearing.
After eighteen months, I can officially say that I have seen Four Color Eulogy, and it is good!
Actual movie poster advertising Four Color Eulogy.
Here’s the same poster next to another comic book movie with which you may be familiar:
This touching independent film features a cast and crew from St. Louis, MO and was shot in the Gateway City. So in Episode 64, I welcome Jason Contini back to the Nerd Dome.
Contini shown with co-star Amy Loui, who plays Chris’ mother.
Jason co-wrote Four Color Eulogy and served as a co-producer. Sit back and enjoy the show as Greg tries not to cry while talking about Four Color Eulogy. The movie had a red carpet premier at Ronnie’s 20 Cine in St. Louis Friday night and was sold out! In fact, they sold out the smaller auditorium and then sold out the larger auditorium.
Four Color Eulogy is playing at least through Thursday (Apr. 14) at Ronnie’s on S. Lindbergh in St. Louis. Two shows a day (2pm and 7:30) with at least one cast/crew member on hand to visit with fans and viewers and answer any questions.
I cannot stress enough how much I encourage anyone to go out and watch this movie. As I stated to Jason, this is a movie that hits you in the feels and one you can (and will want to) watch over and over.
To everyone who worked on this film, from cast and crew to art contributors to local publishers like Stache Publishing who provided comic books for the comic book store scenes, to everyone who had a hand in this project no matter how finite, you have my utmost gratitude.
Kevin and Chad returned to WrestleMania after taking a year off. They share thoughts on the big show as well as NXT: Takeover and The Hall of Fame ceremony.
Nerds United Episode 63: Comic Con and Wrestling Return to Cape Girardeau[ 27:51 | 38.25 MB ]Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (877)
It’s Wrestlemania Sunday and that means we’re only two weeks away from the Cape Comic Con.
Time to visit with my friend Ken Murphy, organizer of the annual event. We talk about the new additions to the event, like Wrestling at the Arena, Trivia Night, a Steampunk Panel, Tea Duel, and more. The Costume Contest, all-day gaming, art show, and Acting Out are all back for another great year.
Ken and I when we talked at the 2014 Cape Con. I need a shave again.
I’m looking forward to returning to the event and this year, I’m taking the whole family. As I say at the end of the chat, if you’re in Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, or Arkansas…or you don’t mind a little travel for a great weekend, head out to the Eleventh Annual Cape Con. It really is a great time filled with wonderful people. You won’t regret it.
Per usual, I took in the new comic book character movie on the early night, saving money and minimizing headache.
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.
It didn’t disappoint me. Okay, I admit that I stuck around hoping that there would be a post-credit scene. There’s not. I’ve typically gone against the grain in the realm of agreeing with “court of public opinion” ie Internet film critics. Rotten Tomatoes is pretty useless to me. And from Ben Affleck’s own mouth (paraphrasing), they didn’t make the movie for critics. They made it for fans. As a fan, I have zero problem with this.
The Man of Steel had a lot to answer for after Man of Steel.
At the end of the day, if you take nothing else away from this movie, you get a fantastic Wonder Woman, a glimpse at the Justice League (with lighter characters, maybe you’ll see some of that comic relief that you all love in the Marvel movies…#UNDEROOS), and another piece of framework for the very young DC Cinematic Universe.
And you get it all with a little bit of naked (yet tastefully covered) Amy Adams (oops…spoiler alert).
For years we heard “give Spider-Man back to Marvel.” Let’s face the facts...we hear the same for Fantastic Four, especially after last summer’s gamble that did not pay out. But as respected as comics’ first family is, Spidey is the most recognizable (or at least profitable) superhero in the world.Captain America: Civil War is where Spider-Man will make his Marvel movie debut after five Sony pictures that have been met with mixed reactions.
And we all know you can’t have Civil War without Peter Parker.
See? I told you. (A pivotal scene from Civil War #2)
Here’s the thing – there’s no way they’ll be telling this portion of the story in Captain America III. It has nothing to do with Spider-Man being an established in the Marvel Universe. It revolves primarily around the story Marvel wants to tell in Civil War.
The trailer (shown below) opens with Steve Rogers speaking over some images of the Winter Soldier. Cap is talking about the hazards of the job. Then you see news footage or damage assessment from the events of The Avengers, Captain America: Winter Soldier, and Avengers 2. The events lead the bureaucrat to exclaim that “People are afraid.”
Enter Tony Stark, who as he does in the comic book, is a champion for regulation and oversight. “We need to be put in check.”
So there you have it…#TeamCap vs #TeamIronMan.
Now we don’t know how Spider-Man enters into the movie, exactly. We know how he enters this scene:
But is there a scene before this where Tony Stark goes and recruits Peter Parker to the cause? I imagine there would have to be. Or as Ricky Ricardo would say “Lucy, you got some ‘splaining to do.” They’d be retconning the crap out of that. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m certain the characters in the MCU are aware of Spider-Man. They might wonder where he was during “the event” in New York City a few years prior. But you catch my drift.
I get the feeling based on what little we’ve seen that perhaps Spider-Man is a “diamond in the rough” type of discovery by Tony Stark. That’s a stark (pun intended) contrast to the comic, where of course Spider-Man was a long-time character whom everyone knew. In the events leading up to Civil War, and in the story itself, Peter Parker/Spider-Man works for Tony Stark/Iron Man. Stark rewards Peter with the Iron Spider suit.
Not even close.
(Artist: Guile Michael Turner)
I always perceived that Peter Parker as sort of a pawn in Stark’s agenda. Cooperate and you get to keep the shiny toy.
Something always struck me odd about that pairing. I always felt that Peter was no longer an autonomous hero who does things his way, but someone who had to answer to a higher authority. In short, a microcosm for the entire Civil War story-line. The role of the government and the registration act is played by Tony Stark. The hero community is being portrayed by our favorite wall crawler. When they out themselves, adhere to the law, bad things happen.
In other words, Captain America was right.
Okay, back to Spidey, because I’ve been working on this post off and on since about 11am, and I really just need to wrap it up.
We were told Spider-Man would have a “classic look.” This Spidey suit has Steve Ditko written all over it.
Re-watch the trailer and you’ll see Spidey can be expressive with his eyes again. It’s not just head and neck movements and hand gestures. The eye black gets thicker and thinner as necessary. It’s the same technology that they used with Deadpool’s mask. Totally not worried. Also, that’s a small black spider on the front and a large red spider on the back, much like the one drawn above.
So yes, Spider-Man has arrived in the MCU. But that’s not all we got in the new trailer. We also saw a bulletproof Black Panther, Winter Soldier appear to be locked away deep in the heart of a frozen bunker (which is odd, since the last time we saw him he was pinned to a table with Cap and Falcon), and we saw this this, which I’m officially labeling the Marvel Azkaban.
I know what it is. It’s a prison for super beings. But what I don’t know is a) who funded it and 2) when it was built. Seems like a pretty massive undertaking since the end of Age of Ultron…a year ago.
But I digress.
Here’s the trailer. This movie looks great, and it will have the longest run time of any Marvel Cinematic Universe movie. So maybe people will stop complaining that Batman v Superman Dawn of Justice will be too long at 2.5 hours.
What are your thoughts? Share them in the comments section here or on Facebook. Also Twitter, email, smoke signals, or text messages (if you have the Nerds United hotline number).
Nerds United Episode 61: Magicians Must Die, But Will They?[ 34:06 | 46.84 MB ]Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (973)
A record-breaking third appearance for comic artist Jay Peteranetz, artist of the Magicians Must Die series.
The box art for Magicians Must Die #5
Join us as we discuss the very successful Kickstarter campaign for Magicians Must Die #5, the finale of the world’s only comic book printed on playing cards. We also talk about the reception of this innovative medium of storytelling.
Learn what helps make a successful Kickstarter campaign, find out where Jay will be this Comic Con season, and learn a bit more about the mastermind behind Magicians Must Die, De’Vo (what we’re at liberty to discuss, anyway).
Magicians Must Die #1, opened up and displayed on my kitchen table.
Magicians Must Die has already reached its goal on Kickstarter, but you have two weeks to help them attain their stretch goals, and we’ll learn from Jay what those entail.
It’s 2016, but we recorded at my house, so naturally it sounds like the 1950’s. If you can overlook that, you will really enjoy this new episode with three-time guest and my friend, Jay Peteranetz.
Nerds United Episode 60 - Can't Think of a Deadpool-Worthy Title[ 24:46 | 0.01 MB ]Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (854)
Well it finally arrived – one of the most anticipated movies in recent memory (somewhere between Captain America Civil War and Star Wars the Force Awakens…you think I’m kidding. I’m not kidding).
This idiotic/brilliant billboard is why I’m all in on the DEADPOOL movie. I’m an easy lay. pic.twitter.com/jSRorPvaCp
I caught a Thursday evening showing and as you’ll hear in the show, the movie does not disappoint. The hard R rating is well-earned for several reasons. this is not a movie to take your kids to. Kung Fu Panda 3 is also in theaters. Take them there.
Deadpool is crass, vulgar, violent, and sexual. So obviously, it is banned in China and beloved everywhere else.
This movie is certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. Betty White gives it four Golden Girls.
To quote some Kevin Smith writing, “If the buzz is any indicator, that movie’s gonna make some huge bank.”
This movie is better than a gigantic stack of pancakes.
And that’s saying a lot…because I love pancakes.
Thanks for tuning in. Thanks to my anonymous friend for being a part of the show. Thanks preemptively for sharing it with your friends.
And if you subscribe and review it on iTunes, I’ll love you long time.
Welcome to a brand new episode of Nerds United. In Episode 59, I’m talking with Irish filmmaker and writer James Mulholland.
Lettering done by Episode 58 guest Micah Myers.
James’ path to comic book writing is unconventional. Despite writing his whole life, it was just a recent introduction to comics and their characters through the films of Hollywood that sparked an interest in comic books.
Hear James’ story from his “small town” (only 40,000 people, making my town of 7,500 a “village” or worse) to film school. Learn about some common themes in his writing, and the very personal stories from which they are derived.
“High Noon Rising” – a free comic available online.
Be sure to Like James on Facebook and check out his work on Comic Fury. (Definitely check out “Minority.” Great art with a gripping story that I’ve only just begun.)
And if you’re in the social media mood, follow James on Twitter.
Might as well Follow me on Twitter as well. Yes…I tweet.
I also Periscope on occasion, but I’m pretty bad at that. I’ll share that when I have more confidence.
After a January off, I’m back with the first interview of 2016.
This episode, I’m talking with Micah Myers, a letterer and occasional writer. We learn about lettering, and we’re all on board that letterers deserve more recognition.
We also talk about The Disasters #1, an original comic that Micah wrote as well as lettered. Listen to the episode to hear about that story, and support it on Kickstarter here:
You have just under three weeks left to support this campaign. And as I always do, I highly encourage you to support it. But I’m also biased and want to know more about this guy.
His name is Snow Globe. And his head is a snow globe.
I feel like there’s a lot of story left to be told and I’m excited to bring it to you.
So kick back and enjoy the show. Leave a comment here or possibly even a review on iTunes. You are the vehicle by which this podcast drives towards success.
I’m here at the hospital in St Louis (I explain in the episode) so I wanted to get you a new show.
I’m talking about heroes…the fictional kind as well as the unsuspecting heroes in real life. They’re in your neighborhood, maybe at your place of business or worship. They may be complete strangers. But they live incredibly noble lives.
Oh, and I mention the fact that I’m reading “The Man in the High Castle,” so here is a trailer of the show, available now on Amazon Prime.
Once more, wishing you a Happy New Year.
Thank you for the ongoing support, and remember you can win FREE STUFF just by sending a “Comics for Beginners” question to nerdsunitedpodcast@gmail.com
Nerds United Episode 56: The Force Shan't Be Spoiled Tonight[ 15:51 | 21.79 MB ]Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (851)
OH WHAT A MOVIE!!!
I had my tickets ordered when they first went on sale. I had this date marked on the calendar for a very long time.
And then it arrived. And it was SO GOOD!
Partially because I had so much anticipation built up for this movie. But also because I saw no less than a dozen people at the theater that I hadn’t seen in a very long time, so that was awesome. We’ll always have Star Wars.
My buddy Rob said “the lightsaber has been passed.” Rob is smart.
This movie was phenomenal. And in the fifteen or so minutes, I really think I avoided any spoilers. And that’s what it is all about.
My 1-2-3 Cents/Nerds United Episode 55 - Jittery Monkey Crossover Episode[ 1:04:40 | 0.01 MB ]Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (1080)
The moment finally happened when Kevin Hunsperger’s My 1-2-3 Cents the Podcast met the same episode number as network founder Greg Mehochko’s Nerds United.
So the lads had themselves a crossover episode, discussing everything from wrestling to Star Wars to rassle-roos and under roos.
More importantly, it is a celebration of sorts. Nerds United has long been the banner carrier for the network, and while it remains the oldest show still in production (give or take), I think it’s safe to say that we have a new flagship podcast.
A tip of the cap to Kevin for his year of success and best of luck to him and Greg as they continue to bring you fresh, relevant content.
Yes – that means Greg will have to step up his game.
I won’t lie – #TCT13 is less about the normal Tough Call Tuesday where a present A vs B and make a selection.
This Tough Call Tuesday is essentially a rant.
“Only look if you want to know.” “…surfaces.”
Look, I get it. We’re on the cusp of 2016. We all carry the internet with us in our pockets.
But enough is enough.
There was a time when I would try to find out early what I was getting for Christmas. Yes, as a child, I searched closets and looked under beds for any idea of what I would receive. I learned two things from those experiences.
My mom was a lot better at hiding these items from us than I could ever know (I secretly think she just stashed them at my grandparents’ house until just before Christmas).
IF I was lucky enough to find something early, faking surprise and excitement was always more difficult than genuine surprise.
We are nine days away from Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens. we are two months away from Deadpool. We are about three and a half months away from Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. And we are roughly five months away from Captain America: Civil War.
Look, I get it. In an effort to further interest in these films, as well as X-Men: Apocalypse (late May, 2016), studios or actors release certain information. Typically it’s intentional by the studios and accidental when done by an actor. Or an actor gives a response without thinking, and may give away too much, aka a [Spoiler].
Look, Hollywood, you’re going to get my money. We all know you’re going to get the money of millions, if not billions, of others globally.
What I would like seen changed is less information. One of the biggest critiques to the Suicide Squad movie is that there seemed to be new “leaked footage” or footage from on the set every other day. If you want to stand on the set and watch a movie be filmed, great. But there should be some decorum about how to act when given that privilege. And one way to show your gratitude for the opportunity to watch a movie be made is to help keep what is being done in front of you a secret.
Now these examples listed about do give people a choice on if they want to participate in having details of an upcoming movie spoiled for them. “Only click if you want to know.” I choose to not know. And I hid many of these posts. Some titles do not give newsfeed scrollers that option, or a “vague” title gets paired with a picture that gives you the answer.
I will be in the theater Thursday, December 17 at 7pm to watch The Force Awakens. The speed with which I watch the 2016 movies will very likely change after my child is born. I may not make it to an opening night showing of Batman v Superman or Captain America: Civil War. Things happen, and I will have to work extra hard to not have movies spoiled for me.
But those movies will have been released, so I expect a friend or someone to say “OMG I can’t believe _______.” And I will try to cut them off and say “whoa, I haven’t had a chance to see that yet.”
That’s something that happens after a movie comes out.
It’s not something we should have to combat before a movie is in theaters.
Join the #NoSpoilers team, and be surprised for a change when you head to the theaters.
Or just jump on the comments and call me a crotchety old man. Either way.
Have a suggestion for a future #ToughCallTuesday? Drop it in the comments here on on Facebook.
And don’t forget that the Comics For Beginners vol. 2 is set for January. Ask a question, receive a prize. Leave that in the comments or email (I never get any email) nerdsunitedpodcast@gmail.com.
This was a thought I had over the extended Thanksgiving weekend.
Two “classic” sci-fi movies that have yet to be touched by modern day Hollywood. The Last Starfighter and Flight of the Navigator. I use quotes around the word classic because I think they are only “classic” in the sense that they were made in the mid-1980s. In fact, until I mentioned them, did you even remember their names?
Let me ask another question – were you even aware of their existence?
How about some movie poster art? You know…to jog the memory…
A quick synopsis of both movies for the uninitiated (taken from memory, not from IMDb – so you know it’s shaky at best):
The Last Starfighter is about a trailer park maintenance man (Alex) who spends his evenings ignoring his girlfriend in hopes of achieving high score on an arcade game – Starfighter. When he finally achieves the highest of the high scores, he is visited by an alien that looks like The Music Man (He’s a what? He’s a what? He’s an a-li-en). Centauri recruits Alex to join the intergalactic war raging between the Starfighters and the bad guys (I looked this one up – it’s the Ko-Dan Armada). The base is destroyed, leaving Alex and an alien named Grig, who serves as navigator and mentor. Hence, Alex is THE LAST STARFIGHTER.
Meanwhile, while Alex is in space, fake robot Alex is on Earth in his place. But fake robot Alex is a poor man’s Alex. He almost ruins things with Maggie the girlfriend. However, fake robot Alex does take a bullet, an assassination attempt.
Long story short – Alex succeeds in fending off the Armada, returning home safely to a confused Maggie and family. They leave to return to the Starfighter Corps (why not) and the galaxy is saved.
Flight of the Navigator starts in 1978. I don’t remember every detail, but here we go nonetheless. David is playing with his little brother. David falls down a hillside and hits his head. Here’s where it gets fuzzy. I almost think that David wakes up in 1986, and while the world around him has aged and progressed, he is still a kid. And his younger brother is, essentially, now older than he is. He is taken to some government (NASA, I believe) facility, because there was some connection to a spaceship.
Like I said, some parts are fuzzy.
David gets some help from future Hollywood A-lister (in her best performance ever) Sarah Jessica Parker and escapes captivity in the spaceship version of Evil T-1000.
He and the ship (we’ll call it Mack, because that’s its name – and also voiced by Pee Wee Herman) escape authorities and travel back in time to when he fell down the hill and disappeared. Either that, or David wakes up only to realize he had the weirdest #*$@%& dream of all time.
Here’s where I’m at with these two movies. Flight of the Navigator is a Disney movie, and therefore COULD be remade. Let’s just all admit that we’re marks for what Disney is doing and move on. The animated stuff is solid (both standalone Disney Animation and the coop with Pixar). And maybe you were unaware that Disney owns Marvel and Star Wars. T+So they have that going for them. Disney is doing well. They don’t need to try to resurrect largely-forgotten titles from thirty years ago.
That’s why I say that The Last Starfighter should be remade. It has a decent story (I didn’t really do it justice). Plus, and I think this is the biggest reason – those special effects.
I mean, there’s charming and then there’s painful. Give a modern director, and more importantly a modern visual effects team, an opportunity to tell the tale with the cutting edge technology they have at their fingertips.
Hollywood has remade a slew of movies that didn’t need to be remade (looking at you, glaringly, Red Dawn). Let them have some fun with a flick that deserves a remake.
#REMAKESTARFIGHTER
If you want to submit a topic for my next #ToughCallTuesday, just leave it in the comments or email nerdsunitedpodcast@gmail.com.
And remember that the Comics for Beginners II episode is being recorded in January. Submit your questions (same as above) and win a prize! Seriously. It’s that simple!
Let me just start this off right away by saying this:
I finally read comics. I mean in my hand, picked up booklets of paper, and READ THEM!
Much of my reading has been on my iPad, and truth be told, I haven’t read much lately. I blame the Fall TV schedule. The Flash, Arrow, Supergirl, Gotham, The Walking Dead, Doctor Who, football…it’s crazy. And when I’m not watching tv, I’m awakening my long-dormant video game skills.
So reading was nice. I honestly need to do it more often (this moment of common sense brought to you by Staples.)
It had probably been September when I last strolled into my “local” comic book store. I use air quotes because the comic book shop I patronize with my money is just over an hour from my house. It’s why I have a pull folder. By the time I get there every eight weeks, I have missed some issues. Brian, Tim, and the crew at Twilight Comics (Swansea, IL) take care of me and my pull folder is always stuffed with my selected titles.
And it looks like I’m adding to it from here on out. This week’s #ToughCallTuesday:
Grant Morrison and Dan Mora’s “Klaus” (Boom! Studios) versus Mark Millar and Rafael Albuquerque’s “Huck” (Image Comics).
Now I don’t pretend to know much, but I thought I had a pretty reasonable handle on the Santa Claus origin story. I mean, I’ve seen Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.
The idea struck Morrison when he was working on All Star Superman. Let’s face it – worldwide, there’s only one hero bigger than Superman. As he told Comic Book Resources:
I suddenly thought, “How come no one’s told the ‘Year One’ of Santa Claus?” It seems so obvious. Basically, this is my “All-Star Santa Claus.” [Laughs] “Santa Claus Year Zero.” It’s kind of neat approaching that character as if he was the world’s greatest superhero, and we’ve never learned the origin.
The book starts out pretty standard. A traveler, a “Wild Man,” enters a Scandinavian town that he has visited before. He has furs and meats and such to trade. He has been welcomed to the town before, but is met now with armored guards. Also, when he visits the tavern, he finds that the ale is watered down. That would make me fighting mad, too!
The traveler sees children playing with a rock, and apparently that’s forbidden. Basically, the kids aren’t allowed to have any fun. Period.
A side story revolves around the rulers of the town and their seeming disinterest in keeping their citizens happy. The ruling class child is a spoiled brat who burns down the model village the people were likely forced to build him. He wants more more more.
Meantime, our traveler Klaus has been chased out of the town and returns to the woods. He and his wolf kill a deer, and then things get weird.
Look! He’s painting with the colors of the wind!
In a trance, Klaus creates a sleigh-full of toys for the children of the village. And I bet you know what happens in Issue #2.
Mark Millar is through with superheroes.
Well, let me start over. Mark Millar, in his own words, was disappointed in the ending of Man of Steel. **SPOILER ALERT** You remember that, right? That was when Superman snapped the neck of General Zod, preventing Zod from using his heat vision to make a family extra crispy?
Three people very content with Kal-El’s decision.
Mark goes on to say that (and I’m paraphrasing here) in our darkest times, we sometimes need an uplifting hero.
Both myself and artist Rafael Albuquerque have created something we haven’t seen in a very long time with our new book and that’s a lovely, sweet, Jimmy Stewart/ Tom Hanks/ Steven Spielberg kinda good guy. It’s out this week and we called this thing HUCK.
Look – I read Huck #1 and I loved it for its sheer simplicity. A simple man from a small town. To town natives, he is special. To outsiders or new neighbors, he is “slow.” But at the heart of it, he is a good man – better than we know in this world. Huck doesn’t say much in his first issue. More a man of action, his deeds range from diving to the bottom of a watery trash site to recover a lost piece of jewelry to taking out the trash for everyone in town to rescuing the 200 school girls captured by Boko Haram.
Huck is just a good guy in a world with too few good people. And the folks in his town protect his secret. So what do you think happens to Huck at the end of the first issue? Of course, someone tries to cash in on the town secret. I don’t mind spoiling that because, while it is a significant event in Huck’s life, I hope it is a drawing point to potential readers.
By that I mean, if I said “Huck is a story about a small town guy who does good deeds on every level, from helping his neighbors to saving hostages in a politically charged climate. Everyone in his town knows his secret. No one ever tells.” Well that’s boring.
But if I say “Huck is a story about a small town guy who does good deeds on every level, from helping his neighbors to saving hostages in a politically charged climate. Everyone in his town knows his secret. No one ever tells…until someone does.” Well that has my interest. I want to know what happens to Huck when he has been exposed.
Now, much like some of Millar’s recent work like Wanted, Marvel’s Civil War, Kingsman, and Kick Ass, Huck has already been picked up by a studio to be adapted for the big screen. In fact, Studio 8 grabbed the rights for Huck over a month before the first issue hit store shelves.
These are two books that I really enjoyed, that is why this week’s #ToughCallTuesday is so easy.
Pick up both Klaus and Huck.
Here’s why – both series just started in November. Both series are written by two of the top names in the industry, plus the art is great. Dan Mora has done such a good job on Klaus and I’m really enjoying Rafael Albuquerque’s work on Huck.
I’m a mark for Christmas. I don’t know why, really. But a re-imagining of the Santa Claus origin story is something I didn’t even know I wanted. As for Huck, I mean, what’s not to like about this character? He is simply a good guy with abilities (unknown at this point) who just wants people to be happy.
We could all learn from these two characters. Do good. Be nice. It’s not that hard.
These two stories began with #1 in November. These are designed to be short stories, with both having six-issue runs. It’s worth it to check them out, and I think you’ll be glad that you did.
Do what I did – go to your local comic book store. Strike up a conversation. I grabbed Klaus out of curiosity. I bought Huck based on a recommendation from Brian, the owner. I’m glad he mentioned it. I’ll buy the remainder of the run.
So go talk to the friendly people at your local comic book store. You won’t regret it.
This week’s #ToughCallTuesday is a very special article, as I reached out to a past guest (something I look forward to doing more in the future…or you’ll get a lot of “Flintstones vs Jetsons” posts in the future).
Ten days into a month-long Kickstarter campaign, I sought out newlywed and soon-to-be father Kino Beeler (my guest in Episode 48) to tell us all about Grand Arc Designs’ “Memories of Aeldaria.”
On the day that massive mega-hit Fallout 4 was released, I implore you to consider Memories of Aeldaria as a David in an industry controlled by Goliaths.
– GM
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Like any story worth telling this one is full of passion, adventure, trials, & hope. Memories of Aeldaria is a 3D, third person, action-adventure / role-playing game being developed by our staff here at Grand Arc Designs.
All of what exists today was merely a dream two and a half years ago. Countless hours were spent pouring over statistics, building conceptual designs, developing our first Game Design Document, and searching for the right talent to join our ranks. After months planning we established Grand Arc with a goal to create games we love based on solid standards and fair principals to be a force for good in this industry.
If there is one word that could describe our project, it would be ambitious. We have lofty dreams for Aeldaria and have put a lot of time into developing our partnerships to try and set us apart from an increasingly saturated Indie market. Too far from the path have a lot of companies strayed led by greed and sacrificing meaningful content for a bottom line. At least, that’s how we perceive the state of things. We truly care about making a quality product and delivering what we promise when we promise it. We will distinguish ourselves not just by the stories we tell and the worlds that we create, but also leading by example, delivering a completely realized product at fair market prices.
Trust is missing between many consumers with the publishers they once followed to what they swore would be the end and it is a shame how many of those loyal consumers are now treated. Die-hard gamers feel betrayed investing so much of their hard-earned cash into often disappointing and unrealized potential. This has to stop and both developers and publishers really need to focus on what their consumers want, and the answer is not having to spend often nearly $100 USD for a game, a season pass, possibly unreasonably long delays with little interaction between fans and developers, far less content than promised, broken or unplayable elements on day 1, and often much more.
When we see this problem and can really open our eyes to it, hopefully then understanding why change needs to happen is so important. And this is where we come in!
The Game:
We are developing potentially a 30~50+ hour experience with familiar elements from classic titles that are simply meant to be polished. While we want to introduce some new ideas to the mix we feel there are enough companies trying to find new ways to re-invent the wheel. We think the wheel works just fine and we understand how the wheel works. Instead the most unique part of Aeldaria is how we intend to bring these elements together.
The Story:
The player will journey as a young heroine who has temporarily lost her memory upon being thrust through space and time to crash land in the mysterious and surreal land of Aeldaria. The world and its mysteries will unfold to the player just as it unravels to her; allowing a touching glance at the once mighty Kingdom of Aeldaria as both learn together. Powerful allies and terrifying foes will be lying in wait as decisions you make alter the intricate strings of the web, ultimately leading to your chosen fate.
Why should you care?
If all of this simply isn’t enough to convince you, let’s take a look at some awesome facts about the project, about us, and about what we can accomplish together:
We will be building a game with tons of content that you can essentially pre-order today for only $25.00
Your contributions via liking, sharing, and donating to our campaign will increase our visibility and our chances of being funded. No matter how large or small your contribution is; we will be truly grateful.
Your contribution will support not just this project becoming a reality, but you will also be helping to create jobs for nearly 20 individuals and their families.
We have worked for the last year and a half diligently on a working budget of $0.00. While development will continue to churn, it will do so at a much slower pace if we cannot obtain necessary funding to enter a full production schedule.
We are dedicated to our goals and will continue moving forward with strong resolve despite learning curves or hurdles we may encounter.
Perhaps you have heard of Daniel Fleetwood. Daniel was a man with a terminal illness, cancer known as spindle cell sarcoma. It attacked his lungs with such ferocity that he recently had just 10% lung functionality. In other words, tumors covered the other 90% of his lungs.
On September 1, 2015, Daniel was told by his doctors that he had two months to live.
Being a lifelong Star Wars fan, Daniel’s dying wish was to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens before he passed. This led to an enormous amount of support on social media in the #ForceforDaniel campaign. Fans around the world, media, and even some Star Wars alum got on board to see Daniel’s final wish granted.
J. J. Abrams, Lucasfilm, and Disney made that happen last week. Today is November 10. It was on this day we learned that Daniel Fleetwood passed away. He was 32.
Now whether you have heard of the #ForceforDaniel movement or not, I truly believe Daniel’s story holds a greater purpose than just him being able to watch a movie a few weeks ahead of release. Daniel Fleetwood and his wife Ashley are, or should be, reminders that we all have it inside of us to rise up and do great things. Their story inspired a movement comprised of family, friends, and largely strangers coming together out of love.
Love is many things, and being a Catholic, I think of Saint Thomas Aquinas who said “Love is to know, to will, and to do the good of another.”
Daniel worked as a counselor to the mentally impaired. Ashley teaches the visually impaired. Both had to take significant time off of work during the progressive and late stages of Daniel’s battle. These two lived a life of love not just for each other, but for the countless families they assisted.
As their story gained worldwide attention, they taught each of us touched by their story, those of us who were cheering for them to have Daniel’s wish fulfilled, how to love.
See, friends, you don’t need some grandstanding display of love. You don’t have to record some elaborately choreographed marriage proposal.
Love can be as simple as sharing a stranger’s dying wish to see a beloved movie. Love is someone meeting with more than 500 children in the Make A Wish Foundation system (looking at you, John Cena). Love is donating time or money (or both, as long as it comes from the right place) to a community food pantry, soup kitchen, homeless shelter, animal shelter – the list goes on and on.
There are countless ways to love one another. The Fleetwoods gave us a small opportunity to lift them up in love, and when Disney, J.J. Abrams, and the extended Star Wars family took notice and granted Daniel this special screening, we all cheered in exuberance.
When you’re invited into something like this, you truly cheer with the highs and mourn at the lows. One of the last Facebook posts Ashley made before her post about Daniel’s passing, she described hearing his discomfort. I have “borrowed without permission” from her Facebook page enough, but it is heart-wrenching to hear what they had to endure in his final hours. Ashley, if you’re reading this, I’m sorry for the pain you and Daniel had to endure. And I completely agree with your sentiments. “Screw cancer. F it in the a-hole.”
#ForceForDaniel glad you got to see the movie more importantly that you slept in peace. God bless you man x x you inspire me xx — John Boyega (@JohnBoyega) November 10, 2015
If you have the means, please visit the Fleetwood’s GoFundMe page.
Friends, this isn’t a pitch to get you to spend money. More than anything, I want your take-away from this post to be about love. Smile more often (I say these words in my head as I type them, and my wife will appreciate that I just pronounced the “t” in often, something I bemoan). Greet strangers with warmth and kindness.
We’re coming up on a time of year where we’re supposed to be cheerful. The Christmas season wants you to smile and be friendly. Maybe I’m old, but I think Daniel’s life should remind us that we can be kindhearted all year round. We don’t need commercials and stores to tell us to be friendly. We’re the human race. We have proven time and time again that we have the power within ourselves to be decent to one another.
Make it a part of your everyday routine to be kind. Then you won’t have to try. As Jedi Master Yoda said, “Do or do not. There is no ‘try.'” Let love flow through you like The Force. Yoda also says:
For my ally is the Force, and a powerful ally it is. Life creates it, makes it grow. Its energy surrounds us and binds us. Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter. You must feel the Force around you; here, between you, me, the tree, the rock, everywhere, yes. Even between the land and the ship.
Rest in peace, Daniel. And May the Force be with You.
This week’s show is a home show and I explain all of that in the early minutes of the episode.
I’m talking Star Wars, Gotham, The Flash, Arrow, The Walking Dead, Man of Steel, and Supergirl.
I also talk about Grant Morrison’s 18 Days (see featured image), another regrettable heroes, and a passionate plea to DC Comics!
And though I forgot to mention it in the episode, PLEASE head over to Kickstarter and help my friends from Grand Arc Designs find their independent video game, Memories of Aeldaria.
Last week’s #ToughCallTuesday had such a response that I thought I’d revisit another pair of families from the realm of classic television.
That’s right! Flintsones versus Jetsons.
Hanna-Barbera was living right, dominating the world of animated entertainment for decades. Many of the cartoons I watched as a child were Hanna-Barbera creations. Think back. I bet you can say the same. It’s okay, I’ll wait.
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See? I was right!
These two families were two of HB’s more popular characters.
The Flintstones consisted of your every-man Fred, his wife Wilma, little girl Pebbles, and pets Dino and Baby Puss. I include Baby Puss because one of my favorite parts of the cartoon was always the ending credits when the sabretooth cat hops back in the house and puts Fred out for the night.
The Jetsons featured George as the patriarch, Jane as the mother, Judy, the firstborn, and Elroy, the inquisitive and somewhat brainy younger son. (The other way to introduce them is “Meet George Jetson. His Boy Elroy. Daughter Judy. Jane, his wife.”) The Jetsons also had a pet, a dog named Astro. And they had an in-home robot maid, Rosie.
Fred Flintstone was a quarryman, working construction. His time-rock got punched twice a day, and then he would head home to his family. Fred’s best pal, Barney Rubble, also worked at the quarry. The two were bowling buddies and members of the Loyal Order of Water Buffaloes. Barney had a wife, Betty, and an adopted son, Bamm-Bamm.
George Jetson worked at Spacely (Space) Sprockets, where he got blamed for a lot! His at-work companion was R.U.D.I., is a computer with a human personality. And while I recall an episode where some bad programming meant some unfortunate things for George, R.U.D.I. was primarily a human-friendly computer, unlike this program…
Outside of work, George didn’t have much of a life, except for the time he spent zooming around trying to keep his family safe. It just seemed that Fred had a bit more downtime to enjoy some of the finer things in life.
In all actuality, maybe these two shows were inadvertent metaphors for life with and without technology. The Flintstones seemed to have more fun, and even though they faced their share of challenges, they each had time for hobbies. The Jetsons were seemingly always getting into trouble, and George was fired from his job in an unfair amount of episodes.
In a way, I empathize with George a bit more than Fred. George seems like a tough-luck loner. Fred at least had Barney. George didn’t really have anywhere to turn when he needed to vent his frustrations.
And let’s not forget the very real fact that these two families met once.
Before I render a verdict, I do want to include quite possibly the best result of either of these two storied franchises.
You’re damn right I’m talking about sugary cereals. And ever since I was a kid, that particular commercial has stuck with me. I can practically recite it word for word, playing all three roles.
This week’s decision really comes down to a topic I mentioned above – technology and the speed of the world with it and without it.
I have essentially been raised with technology. I had a Nintendo Entertainment System and an MS-DOS computer (only one of those I’d take back). I have had many types of cell phones over the years. That’s not to brag. In fact, I have had the same phone for several years (thank you Otter Box). But for the last fifteen years, I’ve had cell phones and other mobile devices, desktop computers, laptops, etc.
I’m connected. Often, I think I’m too connected.
That’s why I’m calling this week’s #ToughCallTuesday for the Flintstones, and it’s a direct result of my own personal longing to be just a little less plugged in. It’s a difficult task, certainly, because my job requires me to maintain the business Facebook page, I have my own business page as a sales consultant, plus there’s the Jittery Monkey Podcasts and Nerds UnitedFacebook pages and Twitter accounts.
And I’ll always have that, especially if I’m ever a business owner myself (Nerds United – The Store…it’s happening…someday).
Here’s my only question though…
We’ve seen two live action Flintstone movies. Where’s our Jetsons movie? Sci-fi is at an all-time high. And these are some iconic characters due for a big screen moment. I mean, everything else from our childhood has its own movie now, so what’s the worst that could happen?
Agree? Disagree? You know what to do. Sound off in the comments. What’s your preference? Flintstones or Jetsons? And do we deserve a Jetsons movie?
Also – your topics for #ToughCallTuesday…I WANT ‘EM!
It’s Halloween week, so why not bring a little light-hearted spookiness to Nerds United?
This week’s #ToughCallTuesday comes our way from longtime supporter Josh, who said this week’s column should be:
The Munsters versus The Addams Family.*
(Note – To prevent any unnecessary arguments, we’re only talking about the classic television shows. This discussion does not include the movies of the 1990’s.)
The Munsters a group of monsters who are either oblivious to their differences or hope the rest of the community overlooks them as well. They just seem to want to fit in. The Addams Family is relatively normal from a genetic standpoint (no Frankenstein’s monster, vampire, or wolf boy) who are just…odd.
John Astin (previously mentioned in #ToughCallTuesday 4 – Batman ’66 Villains) played a witty, if not charming, Gomez Addams. There was something cool about Gomez. Maybe it was the cigars. But I always thought Astin’s Gomez was smooth, yet comical.
Morticia Addams kept it simple with that slinky black dress and minimal jewelry. Carolyn Jones made a better Morticia than her big-screen counterpart Anjelica Huston (purely opinion). I mean, if you look past her obsession with cyanide and other components used for “flavoring,” she seemed almost normal.
Wednesday and Pugsley were far more innocent and well-meaning in the show than they were in the cinematic version. Wednesday just wanted to raise her pet black widow (you can have all my “NOPE’s” right there) and decapitating dolls. Pugsley was an intelligent lad who at times even tried to “fit in.” He spent time engineering an abundance of gadgets and machines, bonded with dear old dad, and had a pet octopus.
Uncle Fester was an oddball. He likes to blow stuff up and can illuminate a light bulb just by putting it in his mouth. My clearest memories of Uncle Fester are the bed of nails and the head in a vice. Lurch was the butler and could easily be summoned when Gomez or Morticia yanked on the noose (seriously…a noose. I just learned that. I always thought it was just a fancy rope). Lurch’s famous words “You rang” are still echoed through the halls of the Casa de Mehochko, and have been for several years. And then there’s Thing – the helpful hand around the house. A longtime companion of Gomez, Thing’s skill set includes getting the mail, answering the phone, lighting cigars, and…I’m guessing other tasks one does with their hands.
As for the Munsters – a smaller troupe, but unique in their own way.
Herman Munster was a blue-collar worker and the sole bread winner for his 1960’s family. He went out and tried to have a normal, suburban life. Before all that, he traversed Europe, where he met and eventually married Lily. Then he moved with Lily and her father to America, joining the US Army and fighting in World War II.
Lily (nee Dracula) is a vampire, hence the maiden name. This was one of the first shows that featured a strong matriarch and a somewhat bumbling male figure who gets “the look” from his wife. OH MAN! This might have been the show that originated “the look.” Lily also keeps an eye on her son Eddie, and pities her niece Marilyn because she was “hideous” in her normality. And being the smart woman she is, when Herman and Grandpa are fighting, she typically sits it out.
Eddie was a young werewolf boy who attended grade school, had friends, fangs, a wicked widow’s peak, pointy ears, and the worst outfit ever. But he had a sweet little stuffed werewolf. Young Eddie was quite proud of his father, even if he embellished some of Herman’s heroics.
Marilyn was the normal member of the family…which meant she was ostracized be her loved ones. Lily’s niece had nothing “wrong” with her, loved her family, and thought they were the normal ones. It was said that her father was a werewolf, but it was never confirmed what her mother was.
Grandpa “Sam Dracula” was an in-home geriatric (or beyond, seeing as he was hundreds of years old). Unlike vampires of today, there was no sparkling. Grandpa could change into a bat or a werewolf. He spent a lot of time in his cellar-based laboratory. And he often worked some schemes with Herman…to varying degrees of success. But he had a sweet car:
DRAG-U-LA
These shows also had incredibly memorable and lasting theme songs (*snap snap*). While I think The Addams Family theme stands out a bit more, when researching for this column, I listened to both, and I was shocked with just how memorable The Munsters’ theme song is. I mean, it absolutely fits the mid-1960’s. It is a little dated, but still, having not heard it for years, I was surprised with how quickly I jumped back in and knew the melody in my head.
The verdict:
There are reasons to love both of these shows. They are iconic and while one has been transferred to the big screen and the other had an attempted reboot for today’s television audience, these are two franchises who hit their high marks with their original content. It is for that reason that I choose……
The Munsters.
It was, by many accounts, the first show that showed a more dim-witted, oafish husband/father-figure. But Herman was that inept and still scored a gorgeous vampiress. It doesn’t take Gomez much effort to exude confidence and bring about that well-polished exterior. I just like to think that Herman had to work a little harder for it. PLUS, Herman was a WWII vet.
Furthermore, The Munsters were cancelled in 1966 and replaced with Batman the Series. And I don’t have to explain to you all of the benefits of that particular show.
What do you think? Agree? Disagree? Sound off in the comments, and if you have a topic idea like Josh did, let me know.
I mean, that’s the entire point of this series of blogs. It’s named a “tough call” for a reason.
Last night, the new Star Wars Episode VII The Force Awakens trailer debuted on Monday Night Football and the Internet reacted in fine fashion. Here’s the trailer in case you missed it (so I could say you were possibly entertained by at least one thing on this post):
So that happened. And tomorrow is the day that Marty McFly visits “the future” from 1985.
Now I know what you’re thinking. “There have been 816 days in the last decade where Marty McFly was “supposed to arrive.” You saw them on social media going back to the MySpace days. But I assure you – tomorrow is the day:
So that brings me to this week’s debate: Which is better, Back to the Future II or Back to the Future III?
Back to the Future II has:
A presented time period, in fact the ONLY time period, we were able to experience. Let’s face it, unless someone has a working temporal displacement device, no one here is going back to the Old West.
Alternate timelines – and let’s face it, we all love a good dystopian future. Mad Max: Fury Road, The Hunger Games, Idiocracy (which, sadly, we’re already closer to that future than we are to the 2015 presented to us in BTTF2).
Lea Thompson’s ginormous additions!
Seriously! If you look close enough, you can see a heart pendent.
Hoverboards. I don’t care if they don’t work over water. I thought they were the coolest part of that movie when I was a kid watching it for the first time.
More classic cars from the 1950s. Think about it, In BTTF2, Marty travels from 1985 to 2015 to alternate timeline 1985 back to 1955. And the climactic scene with Marty and Biff, the convertible, the hoverboard, and the sports almanac – well that’s just some great storytelling.
A basic understanding of time travel.
“Great Scott! Jennifer could conceivably encounter her future self! The consequences of that could be disastrous! The encounter could create a time paradox, the results of which could cause a chain reaction that would unravel the very fabric of the space time continuum, and destroy the entire universe! Granted, that’s a worse case scenario. The destruction might in fact be very localized, limited to merely our own galaxy.”
Here are the offerings of Back to the Future III:
Clint Eastwood. Well…sort of. Remember that was the alias Marty gave to Buford “Mad Dog” Tannen when he was asked.
Clint Ea-…Marty had to wrangle (no pun intended) some Western duds in a time period where, how do I put this gently…they didn’t give a crap about historical accuracy.
It just doesn’t pass the sniff test.
No George McFly incarnation. I mean – where was Crispin Glover? Why was Michael J Fox his own ancestor?
Lorraine’s gigantic knockers – What can I say? They are both fascinating and hauntingly inaccurate. That is…unless the goal was to make them not at all resemble actual breasts. Lea Thompson is a far underrated actress in my opinion. She’s a doll. I enjoy her work in just about everything I have seen. And if you’re a fan, I encourage you to listen to her conversation with Chris Hardwick on the Nerdist Podcast.
The time machine locomotive – that beautiful piece of wonder looked like it was taken right out of a novel by Jules Verne. And oddly enough, that was the name Doc Brown and Clara chose for their two sons.
The final resolution – Back to the Future III was the finale of a tremendous trilogy that didn’t need to be a trilogy. If Back to the Future ends with Marty and Jennifer going out to the lake as planned, and now with the Doc racing in at the last minute and whisking them away to the future, it’s still a wonderful movie that is likely treasured for the ages. But it didn’t, he did, and we got two more movies of time-jumping and everything else that I’ve stated above. And that’s fine. But when the train comes through and obliterates the DeLorean, that’s it. No more time travel. Well, I mean, aside from the aforementioned locomotive. But that’s too bulky for every day use. The future is set right based on the destruction of the DeLorean and Marty not giving in to Needles’ challenge.
Both of these movies have their pros and their cons. For example, Back to the Future III relied on the same (yet still hilarious) gag about Biff/Buford being driven into a wagon of manure. Still hilarious. But it is also low hanging fruit.
Meanwhile, Back to the Future II had the Chicago Cubs win the World Series. And as a St. Louis Cardinals fan, that is very difficult to ignore. It is magnified by the fact that the Cubs eliminated my beloved Cardinals from post-season play last week. However, the movie was written, filmed, and released before Major League Baseball altered the playoff structure to include the Division League Series. So while the movie Cubs win the World Series on October 20, 2015, the real life Cubs trail the New York Mets 2-0 heading into tonight’s Game 3. And I think it’s just unfair to give Cubs fans false hope like that.
Also, where are the auto-fitting jackets and auto-securing shoes? It’s true that Nike was working on the shoes, but they aren’t produced or priced to be available to mass audiences…just yet.
The verdict – as it were:
I’m going with Back to the Future II. Despite the Cubs prediction and Jaws 19, there is just a ton of story packed into this movie. And its ending is so incredible. Marty sees a floating DeLorean with Doc Brown struck by lightning. The DeLorean vanishes. A minute later, a Western Union representative delivers a letter. And, well…good times occur.
“He’s in the Old West, but he’s ALIVE!”
Plus, it gets a moment in a Family Guy parody.
Now where’s my affordable hoverboard, dammit?
As always, if there’s a topic you want me to discuss in a future feature, let me know in the comments.
Kevin reconnects with the former executive producer and promoter for All American Pro Wrestling Chris Hagstrom. The two discuss their time in AAPW and the chances for a reunion show.
Well, for about fifteen-and-a-half minutes, the sound quality was what I wanted it to be. And then – right into the tank. Damn. Sorry everyone.
So in Episode 53, I talk about some recommended Doctor Strange reading, Neil Gaiman’s Sandman, and Marvel 1602. And I continue my series of Regrettable Superheroes.
I also discuss some of the television shows and movies going on, like the Flash, Arrow, and Thor: Ragnarok.
Also – i just picked up the following book and am really looking forward to having time to read it.
I admit as I write this that I don’t know which direction this post will take. But it’s Tuesday, and I’ll be dipped if I don’t bring you a new Tough Call post.
The problem is that even now, I don’t think this one is a tough call at all.
I did something this past weekend that I can’t remember doing in recent memory. I intentionally skipped a televised game of my favorite college football team. Now, I’ve missed games in the past. And I’ve recorded them and watched them later. And I did that as well this past Saturday.
The difference between this game and all of those previously is that it was completely my choice how I spent my Saturday afternoon. At other times, I had commitments that I had agreed to before I knew of the starting time. This time, I was asked to go golfing – with my dad. And I readily and enthusiastically agreed.
Here’s the thing. My dad isn’t old. I anticipate (as well as hope and pray) that I get another thirty or so years with him. I hope he gets to see his grandchildren for many years, and if fate is kind, his grandchildren’s children.
So why does nine holes of golf seem so important?
Long story short? I didn’t spend as much time with him as I could or should have growing up. Am I playing catch-up, or trying to make up for lost time? Probably.
I’m not going to say I was a perfect kid. I wasn’t. I was a smart ass. Some days, I was a dumb ass. And I was lazy. I would rather sit on the couch and watch movies or play video games than pretty much anything. I could have learned so much, but I was too busy doing nothing at all.
So when my dad asked if I wanted to go golfing, there was only one answer for me. Nothing beat nine holes with him, drinking a few beers, smoking a cigar, talking about the current events in sports, family, etc. It was something I never knew I was missing until I took advantage of the opportunity to be a participant. It’s not that we didn’t have anything in common, it’s that I didn’t really know how to talk to him when I was younger, a teen. He was always the authoritative figure. Having grown, I am now able to see him on more equal terms (not completely, the man is still my hero and everything I aspire to be in a father).
As the day draws closer to my being a father, well, I don’t think I have a better role model than my own dad. He let me make my own choices as far as hobbies and interests. He was my coach as well as my dad. And I got to play catch with him, shoot hoops, etc.
I don’t write any of this to brag. I know not everyone had similar experiences. Rather, I write this as a reminder to myself to be that same kind of father to my children.
I will let my child(ren) choose between Marvel and DC, between Star Wars and Star Trek. Even let them choose their own favorite Doctor. But I hope they learn from the mistakes I made as a youngster.
I hope they choose to spend some time with their old man.
So this week’s #ToughCallTuesday isn’t tough at all.
I’ll always choose family. I’ll always put my kids first. They won’t always get everything they want. But they will never be in need. And “like my father before me,” they’ll get a dad who comes home from work and says “let’s play catch” or “let’s read a book.”
If you don’t know who Daniel Eads is you will after today’s show. Eads is an up-and-comer on the independent wrestling scene who will no doubt find a place on the national stage in the next few years. He’s billed as The Man of Tomorrow because of his resemblance to Superman and he’s able to do some super things in the ring.
This post is not to choose between Doctors Who. Rather (and probably easier), this week’s post is about Doctor Strange versus Doctor Fate.
Doctor Steven Strange, one-time renowned neurosurgeon, now the Supreme Sorcerer. He serves as Earth’s protector against threats both magical and mystical. Created in 1963 by legendary artist Steve Ditko, Doctor Strange was a member of the Avengers, the Order, the Defenders, and the Midnight Sons. He was trained in the mystical arts by the Ancient One, and harnessesing the powers of numerous artifacts, most recognizably being the Eye of Agamotto, the Cloak of Levitation, and the Book of Vishanti. Doctor Strange has been called the most powerful “humanoid” by the Marvel Universe. Literally. “Eternity,” the sentience of the Marvel Universe said so.
Strange’s powers include, but are not limited to energy projection and manipulation, matter transformation, animation of inanimate objects, teleportation, illusion-casting, mesmerism, thought projection (DEEP BREATH), astral projection, dimensional travel, time travel and mental possession.
Doctor Strange has appeared in several cartoons and video games, like the 1990’s Spider-Man and X-Men cartoons. He was in the Marvel: Ultimate Alliance video game. He had a straight to video animated movie made about him. There was a movie in 1978…
And, of course, we will see Benedict Cumberbatch star in a Marvel Studios production of Doctor Strange in November 2016. They are set to begin production next month.
Doctor Fate has been around longer. Created in 1940 by Gardner Fox, Doctor Fate would eventually join several other Fox creations in the Justice Society of America. Fox also created or co-created the Jay Garrick Flash, Hawkman, Starman, and Sandman (Wesley Dodds). Fate draws his power from the Amulet of Anubis, the Cloak of Destiny, and the Helm of Fate, naturally.
Many have claimed the name of Doctor Fate since 1940. The powers of Doctor Fate lie primarily in the Helm of Nabu, which contains the soul of the Lord of Order, bonding it to the wearer and taking over the body. The benefit of powers being relatively transitive is that as stories, times, or characters change, others can take up the mantle. Long before there was a female Thor, there was a female Doctor Fate. There have been other diverse characters to don the Helmet of Fate, including Khalid Ben-Hassin and Khalid Nassour.
Fate’s powers include spellcasting,flight,super-strength, invulnerability, telekinesis, telepathy, fire manipulation and lightning manipulation. A downside to Doctor Fate’s abilities are that he is unable to counteract a spell against him once it has been cast.
Doctor Fate has also been seen on television, in animation, and video games. He is a playable character in DC Universe Online and Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham. And he makes a cameo in Injustice: Gods Among Us. There were a few episodes of Justice League and Justice League Unlimited that required the talents of Nabu. Doctor Fate was also on the Young Justice series, as well as a two-part episode of Smallville, titled “Absolute Justice.”
There was even a glimpse at the Helmet of Fate in the pilot episode of NBC’s short-lived Constantine series.
This is certainly another Tough Call. But I think there are a few points that tilt the decision towards our winner this week, which is:
Doctor Strange is one man who was trained to protect the Earth and beyond. He was not merely bestowed with magical artifacts. He conditioned himself into a living weapon, the Supreme Sorcerer. From his home at 177A Bleecker St in Greenwich Village (the Sanctum Sanctorum), Strange continues to use his gifts to defend the world from unbelievable, if not outright impossible, evils.
Of course, maybe the greatest of the all is Doctor StrangeFate…
But that’s a story for another day.
**I apologize for the delay in not getting this published yesterday. As always, if you agree or disagree, sound off in the comments. And if there’s a tough call you want me to tackle, let me know in the comments as well.
No guest this week. But plenty of insight on TNA, Chikara, Ring of Honor, other indies and WWE. Be sure to share the show with other wrestling fans and let us know who you’d like to hear from on future episodes.
Batman ’66…the colorful, campy version that pre-dated the Dark Knight.
Batman was on twice a week when it aired originally, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Now I won’t pretend that I watched it when it aired originally. Obviously, I wasn’t even born yet. But I did watch a lot of this show in syndication years later.
The Bill Dozier/Adam West Batman was my first introduction to Batman, as I’m certain it was for many in my generation. I didn’t actually watch the 1989 Michael Keaton Batman movie until a few years later, watching it at my friend Andy’s house on video cassette (kids, you can learn more about the ancient technology known as the VHS here).
There are a few things I remember vividly about the show. First and foremost, I think, is the legendary Batmobile.
Second is the bust of William Shakespeare that, when you pop the top and push the red button, you Bat Cave. It was something that the designers of the last Rocksteady installment of the Batman series, “Arkham Knight,” borrowed for their own purposes.
There was the plethora of Bat-gadgets. My favorite was the ever-popular Bat-Shark-Repellent.
But there were villains. SO MANY VILLAINS! In 120 episodes, there were 34 different villains. Villains who were smart, cunning, or alluring. And villains who were goofy and wouldn’t be taken seriously in today’s hyper-realistic, overly serious television programming. And yet, these villains were portrayed by some of the biggest names of the day. Vincent Price as Egghead, Milton Berle as Louie the Lilac, Art Carney (of The Honeymooners fame) as the Archer, and Zsa Zsa Gabor as Minerva. Also, and this is true…you can tell people that Liberace was a Batman villain.
But for the sake of time, let’s just stick with some of the more familiar characters.
The Joker – Cesar Romero was already well-known in Hollywood when producer Bill Dozier called him to the studio to play the Crown Prince of Crime. The Joker debuted and was as riotous as always, with his boisterous laugh, his gag weapons, and his dim-witted henchmen.
Romero’s Joker only appeared in nineteen of the 120 episodes of the series.
Burgess Meredith was the infamous villain known as The Penguin, a tuxedo he donned just nineteen times himself. The long-stemmed cigarette, the top hat. The Penguin had the iconic look. While this was a decade before Rocky, Burgess had been an actor since the mid-1930s, just another testament to the fearless aspirations of Dozier and Co. They weren’t going after small potatoes to fill roles on some goofy television show for kids. They took this seriously. Well, as seriously as they could for the late 1960s.
Catwoman was played by three actresses. Julie Newmar suited up the most times, playing the feline twelve times. Eartha Kitt portrayed Catwoman three times, and Lee Meriwether twice. In fact, finding the number of times Meriwether appeared as Catwoman meant a lot of scrolling down on the IMDb page, with the total cast of 630. Yvonne Craig, who played Batgirl/Barbara Gordon, was my first tv crush before I knew what that even meant. But right behind her was the lovely Newmar, who exuded appeal. Eartha Kitt brought a whole new element to the character, as I believe she was the only one of the three to actually purr. I’d never be so bold as to tell Eartha Kitt to do something different. She rocked it as Catwoman, though Newmar is still my preferred Catwoman.
Frank Gorshin’s Riddler character only appeared in ten episodes, but left an indelible mark on my memory. He had that “smarter-than-you” cackle and over-animated jumping and kicking. Plus, the way he chose to attack Batman’s brain power rather than his physical strength meant that The Riddler could have been anyone, not necessarily someone in top physical shape. In fact, in Season 2, The Riddler was played by Gomez Addams, John Astin. But Gorshin’s my guy.
Of course, I guess that could be said about any of Batman’s rogue gallery mentioned here.
Then again, it was the 60’s, and in a time when Batman’s own physique wasn’t well-defined, and Robin wore hot pants, anything was possible. It truly was the golden age of television.
But this is called #ToughCallTuesday for a reason, meaning I have to play favorites. And wouldn’t you know – it is perhaps my toughest call to date. All have their merits, and they were all played by actors or actresses who seemed to thoroughly enjoy their time on this hero show.
Kevin and Chad are looking ahead to the upcoming Hell in a Cell pay per view. (Chad will be there in the crowd) The two talk about past shows and the one match that’s been signed so far, The Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar. The conversation takes plenty of twists and turns as it usually does and covers things going on in TNA and Chikara as well.
I don’t even know what that means. But I laughed. It may be the medication.
It’s Episode 52 and I’m joined by a comic book fan, creator, follower of all things nerdy, and Moderator of /r/comicbookcollabs, Ryan Burst.
Ryan and I talk about his gig as reddit moderator, writer on Stache Publishing’s Aporkalypse Anthology (see video), father, movie connoisseur, and all-around nerd.
What a great chat with a new guest who WILL be back.
Quite the brazen title, if I do say so myself. And it’s my blog, so I do say so.
This week’s #ToughCallTuesday in the Nerd Dome explores the Jedi Masters we have seen (or will see) on the big screen as mentors for up-and-coming Jedi in training.
Choose wisely, young padawan.
These are the five candidates chosen for these proceedings. Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, Yoda, and Luke Skywalker. Let’s begin.
Qui-Gon Jinn was seen in Episode 1: The Phantom Menace. It really is unfortunate that we got him for only one movie yet we got Jar Jar Binks for three (and possibly a fourth, for the wily-eyed viewer). Qui-Gon was knowledgeable and patient, a well-trained swordsman and user of the Force. He was trained by Count Dooku, who enraged a captive Obi-Wan Kenobi when he stated that Qui-Gon would have allied himself with Dooku and his crusade against the Galactic Republic. Obi-Wan, faithful to the memory of his Master, naturally fired back “Qui–Gon would never join you.”
Qui-Gon lost his life on Naboo in one of the premier moments of the prequel trilogy, the lightsaber dual with Darth Maul. He had returned to Naboo after taking on a second padawan. Already training Kenobi, Jinn thought he had found the “balance” to the Force in Anakin Skywalker. But he would not survive long enough to see if his gamble would pay off.
Qui-Gon Jinn also taught Yoda the ways of preserving ones consciousness even after death. It was a skill Yoda passed on to others – the skill we commonly refer to as the Force Ghost.
Jinn had an enormous impact on the Jedi Order. He was and would remain a stalwart Jedi Master, even if he was at times contentious with the Jedi Council.
Jedi Master Yoda is perhaps the most revered of all the widely known Jedi. A member of the Jedi Council and one of the few survivors of Order 66, Yoda sought refuge on Dagobah. Isolated in his self-imposed exile of survival, Yoda would later come across a young Jedi in training by the name of Luke Skywalker. But Skywalker was the last Jedi to receive training from Yoda in the diminutive Master’s life. Dooku, Mace Windu, Ki-Adi-Mundi, Kit Fisto, and even played a part in the training of Obi-Wan.
Due to Yoda’s species having an extremely long lifespan, it could be said that he has used the Force longer than any others. And even at an advanced age, he was able to go toe-to-toe with both Darth Tyranus and Darth Sidious during the Clone Wars. In his final years, he met Luke and continued his training. Skywalker was not an easy pupil, often impatient and reckless. But when you’ve trained Jedi for eight hundred years, you’ve likely seen and done it all. And aside from his impressive lightsaber skills, it was Yoda’s understanding of the Force, and his calm demeanor in presenting it, that made younglings, padawans, and Jedi Knights alike respect him.
“For my ally is the Force, and a powerful ally it is. Life creates it, makes it grow. Its energy surrounds us and binds us. Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter. You must feel the Force around you; here, between you, me, the tree, the rock, everywhere, yes. Even between the land and the ship.” – Yoda (Episode V, The Empire Strikes Back)
Anakin Skywalker had a very brief career as the Jedi Master to a padawan, with Ahsoka Tano as his lone on-screen apprentice. Wookiepedia tells us that he had several Dark Jedi and secret Sith apprentices, but since I’m basing this solely on the acts, deeds, and works we see on screen. And in Anakin’s case, that is limited to Star Wars The Clone Wars movie and series.
Anakin challenged Ahsoka from her first day under his tutelage. While doing so, he aimed to protect her, occasionally keeping her away from combat. But like her Master, Ahsoka was stubborn, and often found a way to bend the rules without breaking them. She was headstrong, which made her a logical apprentice for Skywalker. The two even had competitions to see who could take down more droids during the battle.
Tano survived Order 66, partially based on her own merits as a Jedi, but also because she was framed for the bombing of the Jedi Temple. Only after a confession was she acquitted, however she refused the invitation to re-join the Jedi Order. And of course, we all know what happened to Anakin Skywalker.
Obi-Wan Kenobi was the first Jedi Master we encountered, way back on Tattoine when he talked about the Sand People.
“The Sand People are easily startled, but they will soon be back, and in greater numbers.“
Obi-Wan was the person who taught not just Luke, but all of us about the Force, about the Jedi Order, and about the Clone Wars. Not as old as Yoda, Kenobi had seen plenty of turmoil in his life. Losing his mentor and then losing his apprentice, it would seem impossible for him to find peace. It was on the dry, sandy planet that Obi-Wan kept an eye on Luke Skywalker before Skywalker went to find him in the cliffs. Obi-Wan had to train Luke, just as he took on the responsibility of training Anakin.
Training the”Chosen One” was no simple task, and Kenobi must have felt like he failed Anakin when he saw his former padawan be taken by the Dark Side. Luke was older when he met Obi-Wan, but he was still ignorant to the ways of the Force (not to mention a little whiny). And while it seemed initially that Luke may be too old to start his Jedi training, seeing the death of his mentor at the hands of Darth Vader was really the catalyst for him to take his training seriously.
We saw Obi-Wan travel the galaxy over four live-action movies, one animated film, and an animated series, constantly putting others before himself, the real hallmark of a Jedi Master.
Luke Skywalker is the one Jedi in consideration who hasn’t taken on that mentoring role in any of the films we have seen. So you have to go by what we saw in the original trilogy plus what we have seen in the trailers for Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens. And because we haven’t seen his training method, we don’t know what type of Jedi Master he would be.
But I’ll say this about Luke Skywalker: The future of the Force and the Jedi Order rested on his shoulders after Master Yoda phased out of the Living Force, joining Obi-Wan as a Force Spirit (YES…A FORCE GHOST). Expanded Universe canon had Luke starting a new Jedi Academy. I do not know if this will be included in the new movie, but it does seem likely that Luke will have to take on the role of Master to a new Jedi.
Let’s have a drum roll please for this week’s selection……
Luke Skywalker is yet unproven as a trainer of new Jedi. Which means you have to be wondering why I went with him. In a way, he received bits and pieces of each of the other Jedi listed above him. Through both direct and indirect training, Luke was able to learn from Yoda, Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Qui-Gon. The passing down of wisdom and knowledge from the Jedi that came before all manifested in Luke Skywalker.
Plus, though he didn’t have the rituals, traditions, and trials of Jedi who were trained before the great purge, one could say his training was more difficult. He didn’t have a great community of Jedi from whom he could pull knowledge. There was no Jedi Council he could go to. He was, for all intents and purposes, on his own. His training consisted of a few exercises shred by younglings of generations past, but moreso it was a hodge podge of what was available. In other cinematic realms, Luke’s training would be like Sylvester Stallone in Rocky IV where other Jedi would be training like Ivan Drago.
Mastering the Force took a great amount of skill, and the wisdom of those who came before. That is why I would want Jedi Master Luke Skywalker as my mentor.
Night of Champions is in the books, but before the big event Kevin had a conversation with Jake Sharpless from Rukkus. Jake has done his homework on the history of some of the WWE’s top champions and created an amazing infographic to tell the story. Jake and Kevin discuss former and current champs and share their thoughts on Sting, Sheamus and John Cena.
NO! This is not an article about the DC character formerly known as Captain Marvel.
This is about the Captain Marvel that makes the most headlines these days – the Captain Marvel casting that will lead to a prominent part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Rumors continue to swirl and will not cease until Marvel Studios officially casts the role. It seems like there’s a new front-runner to play Carol Danvers almost every week.
An early fan favorite included Battlestar Galactica alum Katee Sackhoff, who has enough geek cred to shut down the Internet. And honestly, if she was selected, I think the Internet would wet its pants. I never watched Battlestar Galactica. It aired from 2004-2009. I lived in three different states over that stretch of my twenties, raising all sorts of hell. Sackhoff continues to get work, occasionally making cameo appearances as herself, like on The Big Bang Theory, so she still holds that popularity. But will the popular choice be the right choice?
Speaking of popular, there may not be an individual on the planet more red hot than our next contestant.
Various images of Ronda Rousey, fan art shared via her Instagram.
She has made waves on in sports, certainly, and entertainment, as well as hype videos that have gone viral, elevating her status even further. “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey recently added her name to the list of possibilities for the role of Captain Marvel. And she did it like she does everything, with unspeakable power. Her IMDb page is smaller than…well, it’s small. But credits do include a role in Expendables 3 (the only Expendables I haven’t seen) and it was recently announced that she would be cast in a remake of the 1989 classic Road House, where she would play the role of Dalton. but let’s face it, Dalton wasn’t even the biggest badass in that movie. That would be Wade Garrett, played by Sam Elliott. Because when Dalton needed help, he went to Wade.
Wait, I got off on a tangent.
Here’s what I like about Rousey – she looks like she wants this part, like she is dying to play Carol Danvers. I think she has the look. And you won’t find a badder female on the planet. Marvel Studios has the tendency, with the right script and the proper direction, to take even the most unlearned thespians and have them drop dynamite performances (looking at you, Robert Redford…KIDDING, I’m talking about Dave Bautista) but I’m not yet sold on the notion of Rousey stepping into this role. However, based on the fact that we’re probably a year from principle shooting beginning, and Rousey’s stating that she has no intention of fighting in her thirties (she is currently 28, with her 29th birthday in February), it is plausible that she could take on a multi-film role, one that Captain Marvel would demand.
Let’s keep looking.
Charlize Theron is no stranger to action movies, having just kicked some serious butt as the Furiosa in Mad Max: Fury Road.
A phenomenal movie, by the way.
My first memory of her on the big screen was in The Devil’s Advocate, opposite Keanu Reeves and Al Pacino. She has spent her career not being pigeon-holed into any one particular role. With sequels coming from the Mad Max film as well as 2012’s Snow White and the Huntsman, four other projects in development, and two more announced, Theron’s schedule may not allow her to take on the role of Captain Marvel. And let’s face it – that’s a good problem to have. Charlize doesn’t need this role. She may not even want this role. However, I think if the stars aligned, she would thrive in this role.
I thought I was ill-informed on the next actress, but a visit to her IMDb page indicates that I’ve seen more of her movies than I thought. Looper, Dan in Real Life, Sunshine Cleaning, Into the Woods, and very recently, Edge of Tomorrow. Right there, in five titles, you have her as a bit part in one indie film (Dan in Real Life), co-starring in another small budget film, two action pictures, and a wildly popular musical. Now I doubt Carol Danvers breaks into song, but it is Marvel, owned by Disney. So it’s best to leave nothing to chance. I actually just watched Edge of Tomorrow this past weekend. She’s a believable badass in the movie, casting an intimidating presence over the uninitiated Tom Cruise.
Blunt has already has already been asked about the Captain Marvel role.
“It’s crazy,” she said. “I’ve not had a phone call about it. Not one whisper of Captain Marvel has come my way. Promise.”
Promise promise?
“Promise promise. I don’t even know who Captain Marvel is!”
But here’s the thing. That’s a song already sung by someone who denied having a role in a Marvel Studios picture, only to end up with that starring role.
Now perhaps some other words of Blunt’s will be heard by Hollywood brass. Blunt has stated that more actresses need to be considered for action roles.
“‘I think it’s because the list is very short, because we don’t see women in these kind of roles…So I think as soon as you do a role like that, like Charlize did or I did, or Rebecca’s done — there’s like four of us or something. And Jen Lawrence. So I feel like us four, we get talked about — and Angie, Angelina. So it’s a list of like, four women who are going to be considered for those kind of roles. So I think that’s why the rumors happen, because they’re like, ‘who else? Surely not another girl can wield a gun,’ you know what I mean? ‘A woman doing push-ups? There’s only one who can do that.'”
The Rebecca mentioned is Rebecca Ferguson, the latest name added to the list of potential Captain Marvels. Ferguson also starred recently opposite Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation. She was also in Hercules. the one that starred Dwayne Johnson. The one that some people actually saw. So she’s a rising star, much like Rousey.
In a Forbes.com article written last week by Scott Mendelson, the author claims that the reason there are so many names mentioned for the role of Captain Marvel is because it’s the only game left in town. And there’s a ton of truth to that. DC has its Wonder Woman. Marvel already has an established Black Widow. While there is hope of a Spider-Gwen movie down the road, there are limited options when it comes to female superheroes not part of an assembled team. Fantastic Four, X-Men, The Inhumans are all ensemble teams with standout females, but unlikely that the females will get their solo films. By that I mean, there will be no Susan Storm standalone film. Sorry…no Jean Grey either.
The role of Captain Marvel should attract many, as it is going to be a multi-picture deal with Marvel Studios.
So who do I want to see wear the colors of Captain Marvel? Well that’s why we’re here, isn’t it?
Given the options above, any that I missed, and any more names yet to be announced, I’m going to go with…
Emily Blunt!
Who do you think should get the nod as Captain Marvel? Sound off in the comments. And while you’re at it, let me know what topic I should attack for next week’s #ToughCallTuesday!
My 1-2-3 Cents Episode 42: Oh Snap! A PPV Periscope Preview[ 35:03 | 0.01 MB ]Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (710)
In Episode 42 Kevin is trying something different. The show is completely generated by your questions via Periscope, Twitter and SnapChat. The talk revolves around Kurt Angle and his future and the upcoming Night of Champions event. Thanks for listening and sharing.
So I came across this tidbit of information this weekend. One of my favorite characters of my youth has finally hit it big:
Masters of the Universe. I was such a He-Man fan as a kid growing up in the 1980s. The first birthday I actually remember was when I turned 4, and I had a little He-Man cake. This would be a great time to pull out the picture of me with the cake from 1986…but I don’t know where it is, and I’m not about to call my mom and ask for it just to post it here. She thinks I’m weird enough.
Speaking of my mom, I owe some of my love of He-Man to her. When I was that age, mom was a night-shift nurse working in the ICU. I didn’t have daycare because mom was home during the days. And after lunch, when she would make me a microwave s’more (it was a marshmallow between two graham crackers…I loved it), we would often sit on the family room floor and she would join me for some action figure goodness. I didn’t have Castle Grayskull, but I did have Snake Mountain, several figures, and even the Battle Ram, complete with missiles and a functioning cannon. So I always attempted to known the bad guys off of Snake Mountain (to mixed success).
Skeletor and his minions were no match for the Battle Ram and a 5-year-old.
But back to the movie. It came out a month after I turned five years old. Needless to say, I didn’t see it right away. In fact, I didn’t see it for several years after that, because there was no internet telling me I had to see it. But I finally did watch it one day. I don’t remember the specifics. It was either on television or I watched it with some friends. I remember being so excited to see my favorite childhood character in a movie that I may have overlooked the quality of the movie itself. And not only that, but a few other points as well:
Let’s start with the most obvious of all. Lovable Orco was replaced by Gwildor. At best, Gwildor can be seen as a mix between two Lord of the Rings characters, Gandalf and Gimli. But there was nothing fun or entertaining about Gwildor. And not even that Gwildor was that bad, but how do you ignore Orco and rip him from the movie? Now anyone who watched the cartoon would tell you that Orco was annoying. He was clumsy and always got into trouble. He was the C3PO of Eternia. But his his missteps always ended in a lesson from the other characters, some little moral of the story.
Frank Langella, arguably the greatest actor in this movie, was stuck behind a mask. The costuming left no chance for Frank Langella to do anything besides relay the awkward dialogue he was given. It was a waste of Langella’s talents, it is a stain on his IMDb page, and I feel sorry for the guy. But then I watch this clip of Langella speaking about Skeletor and the role in the movie, and more importantly, the reason he took the role. And I get it. His reason for taking on this roll is simply astounding.
Dolph Lundren – If Dolph Lundgren didn’t have to talk in this movie, if He-Man would have been cursed with the inability to speak, this movie would have been exponentially better. I mean, let’s face it, Dolph has had the look. Tall, well-built, topped with a golden mullet. How could it possibly have gone wrong? Well, I’m guessing Dolph had a line added into his contract stating he could use firearms. My He-Man doesn’t have guns. He had the Power Sword. Man-at-Arms and Teela both used blasters. He-Man never needed them.
Eternia vs Earth – He-Man is the Prince of Eternia. Okay, “Prince Adam,” if you want to get technical. But there is very little of Eternia in this movie. Instead, you have an invasion story about the forces of evil trying to conquer Earth. Sounds like a job for the Avengers, not the Eternians. Yet here we are, dealing with Courtney Cox, her boyfriend, and the Cosmic Key. This was ten years after Star Wars. There didn’t have to be an earthly tie-in. George Lucas showed to world that you could have a successful movie if it didn’t take place on Earth.
Rumors state that we will get a new Masters of the Universe movie in the near future. Christopher Yost, who co-wrote Thor: Ragnarok for Marvel Studios, was tapped to write this new adaptation. It’s stated that the movie will be dark and serious and will not be an origin film. I’m actually okay with it not being an origin film, because we all know the origin thanks to the 130 episodes of the cartoon from the mid-1980s.
May the Sorceress bless you, Filmation. Rest in peace!
I think that a He-Man and the Masters of the Universe film can be successful a variety of ways. I’ve waited most of my life for a better He-Man movie. But it’s not here yet. So I’m left with what I have.
The kid in me wants to go back and watch this 1987 movie day after day. However, the adult in me who remembers this movie being the Batman & Robin of its time knows that I can watch it once and then remove it from my Netflix queue.
That means this decision is the first in my new weekly bit called #ToughCallTuesday!
Watch it and keep it on “My List” for future viewings?
OR
Watch it and drop it like?
I have made my decision, and based it on my genuine love of the character from an early age, the quality of the film that was made, and the knowledge that a new imagining of the character, the mythos, the “universe” if you will is heading our way.
It really boils down to this simple question. Is bad He-Man better than no He-Man at all? Would you rather sit through Batman & Robin or no Batman at all? Star Wars: Attack of the Clones or no Star Wars?
Okay, two lousy example.
Let’s face it – I saw that movie appear on my Netflix. And it was big. Big meat. It was the featured option. I popped. Despite its flaws, this one will be a “Watch and keep.”
And since my parents were kind enough to keep my He-Man toys in a box in the attic all these years, I’m excited to be able to share them with my son in the future. That, and the He-Man cartoons I have acquired on DVD.
That’s it for this week’s #ToughCallTuesday. What topics do you want to see featured in the future? Let me know in the comments.
PS – HOW COULD YOU NOT INCLUDE KRINGER/BATTLE CAT IN YOUR MOVIE?!?
Chikara Pro’s 2015 King of Trios is in the books, and Chad was there for all three nights of action. He explains to Kevin how the tournament works and shares some of his favorite memories from the event. There was plenty of action Friday, Saturday and Sunday that saw not just the best from Chikara in the ring, but also around the world. Plus there were a handful of blasts from the past.
In this episode Kevin talks with Chikara Pro star Max Smashmaster. He’s one half of the reigning los Campeones de Parejas (tag team champions). He and his partners Blaster McMassive and Flex Rumblecrunch are also the defending King of Trios champions. They will step back into the ring Sept. 4-6 for the annual tournament. Prepare to step back to 1987 and have some fun with this interview.
SummerSlam 2015 is in the books. Kevin and Chad talk about this year’s event and what the fallout will be. The dynamic duo also discusses the big NXT Takeover event from Brooklyn.
Episode 51 and I’m back talking with my friend Jay Peteranetz (that’s his Twitter name in the title…so follow him if you don’t already).
Jay has been busy. He’s taking up a second job as an art teacher at another school in Colorado. But he has been to Seattle for the Emerald City Con. he was the featured artist at this year’s Denver Comic Con (his badges were pretty sweet). So we talk about Captain Colorado, Magicians Must Die (fifth issue expected in early 2016), car brakes, and beer. Because it’s a Sunday afternoon, that’s why!
We also jump into the new segment exploring some regrettable heroes. And our first one: The Bouncer.
Seen here, about to bounce. Because that’s all he does.
And we also touch on some serious topics affecting us both…Jay and his wife finalizing an adoption, and me and my wife announcing news of our own:
Plus there’s a giveaway for the autographed set of Issues 1-4 of Magicians Must Die, autographed by Jay. Listen to the show to learn how to win. And here’s a shortcut to the site.
So follow Jay on Twitter (@jpeteranetz), rate this show on iTunes (Love it or hate it – at least let me know how I’m doing), and share this masterpiece with your friends and fellow nerds!
Comic book connoisseur and host of Nerds United, Greg Mehocko shares some insight on “The Green Arrow” Stephen Amell as he prepares for his wrestling debut at SummerSlam. Amell teams with Neville against Stardust and King Barrett at the summer classic.
Kevin and Greg discuss the match and take a closer look at the development of the Arrow character and what his role will likely be during this contest.
Kevin and Chad talk about the current SummerSlam line up and the potential matches for the 2015 event. The two also discuss some of their favorite memories from years past.
Well I did it. I went and saw the new Fantastic Four movie.
Directory Josh Trank (Chronicles) did the movie no favors on Thursday when he tweeted, and later deleted, the following (caught via screen grab for your benefit):
The appropriate response to this can only be:
Capt. Jean-Luc Xavier is exhausted by all of this.
Why would you distance yourself from the movie unless you want to come off as a bitter, petulant child? It’s sour grapes, in my opinion. But maybe that’s how Hollyweird works…try to wash the hands of a negatively-perceived project in hopes of saving face. I just don’t know.
Furthermore, from Trank’s own mouth in a recent episode of Kevin Smith’s Fatman on Batman, he said he didn’t follow all of the hype around Chronicle as it neared its release. He even had to be told that his movie was Number 1 at the box office.
Now Chronicle and Fantastic Four are two very different beasts. One is an original title. It’s exactly the same in the comic book world. If Trank had written (with Max Landis, btw) Chronicle for Image Comics or IDW, Dark Horse, etc, it falls under the Creator Controlled parameters, and he can do with it as he pleased.
But Fantastic Four is not Chronicle. Fantastic Four is a Marvel-owned entity whose cinematic rights belong to 20th Century Fox. And while a script was submitted and either approved or altered, that script has to meet the overall vision of the studio, much like a comic book has to stay within the guidelines of the publisher’s direction.
I say all of that because there were reports out Friday that indicated Fox made one or several moves, ranging from pre-production cuts of three tent-pole action sequences to keeping Trank away from post-production as the film’s third act was being edited.
So were Trank’s accusations accurate? Possibly. Was this a PR nightmare for a film already struggling to gain ground in a saturated comic book movie world, after two lackluster (not blockbuster) movies set around the same characters? Absolutely.
And here’s the biggest problem – the movie isn’t horrible. Confidence-inspiring, aren’t I? Look, I know it has a lower Rotten Tomatoes score than Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance. But this is how I would describe most of the Rotten Tomatoes users, if Bat-ffleck didn’t already beat me to it (around the 20-second mark):
Yeah – I went there. Look – if you’re going to rely on someone from the internet to tell you what to think about movies, you probably don’t listen to my show. I don’t think you’ll ever find me telling you NOT to go watch or read something (well, if you can avoid Twilight…I still recommend doing that).
**POSSIBLE SPOILERS BELOW – READ AT YOUR OWN RISK**
I thought the movie was well-cast. I thought there was some good chemistry there. And my only concern with the timeline of the movie was that Sue Storm didn’t really know Ben Grimm much at all before the transformation. Victor von Doom was still an angry genius, not a blogger. The Storm family made sense, and you got a bit of feeling of Johnny’s unwillingness to participate. He felt that because he wasn’t a science nerd like Sue, that he didn’t have as much attention as his adoptive sister. So, like many teenagers, he acted out.
I admit I was not put off by the ages of the main characters…the “youth movement” per se. Reed Richards and Ben Grimm being friends since the third grade made plenty of sense. I do wish that there was something for Jamie Bell’s Ben Grimm to do at the Baxter Institute, as I felt maybe his presence in the building of the device may have created some bond between him and Kate Mara’s Sue Storm.
Much like the first Fantastic Four movie in 2005, they can’t complete the project without Doom. But the aspects of the movie and the transformation of the characters are a direct result of Toby Kebbell’s character’s hubris and the curious nature of exploration.
It is the third act that has largely been targeted as a reason for the movie’s negative reviews. I don’t know what changes were made from Trank’s “fantastic version.” I will say that the third act and the climactic battle did seem a bit rushed. It’s odd, as the film is only 100 minutes, and many superhero movies are going two hours and beyond. I felt like there could have been a bit more in that third act. But I digress.
Now – was the movie perfect? No. Was it great? No. Was it better than most of the reviews you’ll see? I think so. Am I an eternal optimist always looking at the sunniest side? Not usually. But I think that this movie has had an uphill battle since it was announced, so I’m not surprised that the reviews coming back have been negative.
If you can save a few bucks by taking in a matinee showing, I say that’s the way to go. And don’t forget that I have a Fantastic Four movie contest going on. If you go to the show, post a picture of your ticket or ticket stubs or e-ticket to the Nerds United Facebook Page and you’ll be entered in a drawing to win one of two prizes. First Prize is an autographed copy of the first volume of Saga. Second place is the first four “issues” of Magicians Must Die autographed by my friend, artist, and Episode 37 guest Jay Peteranetz.
Call them consolation prizes if you want – a little something for sitting through Fantastic Four. But if you have spent time reading all of the other FF reviews, I hope you made it through this one. Thanks for reading. Comment below or on Facebook. Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or Pod Directory. And I’ll see you next time in the Nerd Dome.
You hear “Supreme” in reference to comics books. And if you’re like me…you think of “The Supreme Sorcerer,” Doctor Strange.
But we’re going in a different direction. Meet Seth Ferranti, writer of The Supreme Team. He has been working with Stache Publishing’s Anthony Mathenia to transform his book into a graphic novel.
Hear Seth’s own gripping tale about his life and how he came to learn the stories he shares in his writing.
You can help Seth, Anthony, and artist Joe Wills’ work to reach fruition by supporting the Kickstarter, going on all through the month of August.
Also – as promised, details about a brand new contest. AND…a new logo by Joe Dodd! WOW! I am thrilled with his work.
Seriously…that’s LEGIT!
So enjoy the 50th Episode of Nerds United. Thanks for tuning in, subscribing on iTunes or Stitcher or Pod Directory.
This week’s show is in memory of “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. Hot Rod died July 31, 2015 at the age of 61. Kevin, Chad and My 1-2-3 Cents newcomer Rick share their memories of the wrestling icon and the impact he had on each of them, the world of wrestling and pop culture.
Growing up, I was a Bugs Bunny kid more than I was a Mickey Mouse kid. Call it “accessibility.” Bugs was just more prevalent. Tiny Toons came out in 1990 (I was 8) and featured an abundance of the Looney Toons characters. Merrie Melodies/Looney Toons enjoyed a long airing on TNT. Bugs and the gang tore the house down with the greatest basketball player of all time in Space Jam. And then there was the apparel. SO MUCH APPAREL!
Admit it – at least three kids in your class had this design on a shirt.
Mickey is cool. But to watch most Disney stuff, especially after Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color went off the air. I remember having the Disney Channel as a youngster and then going years without it. Bugs was always there whereas the Mouse wasn’t. I guess at some point, Disney was taken off of the cable package my parents had selected. But TNT was there to stay.
Also, and you can directly credit 1990’s advertising for this. From my childhood home in the St. Louis area, Six Flags was a day trip. Get up, drive there in just over an hour, spend all day at the park, and drive home. (I am now roughly equidistant between Six Flags St. Louis and Holiday World in Santa Claus, IN.) I have been to Disney World. I had a blast, from what I can remember. I was eight at the time. I can’t tell you how many times I have visited Six Flags. And Six Flags has (or had…I don’t keep up with all the news) a partnership with Warner Brothers. Warner Brothers owns the Looney Toons characters. I think you see where I’m going with this. But it helps explain my slight bias towards Bugs Bunny.
In recent years, we have seen the 75th birthday/anniversary of Superman and Batman. We’re only two years away from the 75th anniversary celebration of Spider-Man.
As I look at a more recent timeline and attempt to imagine what fictional characters will stand the test of time as well as Bugs Bunny and his ilk, Mickey and the Disney crew, Supes, Bats, and Spidey, I fear the list isn’t as long as many would hope. Stepping outside of comic books, the characters that jump out to me are Doctor Who, Darth Vader, Yoda, and a select few other Star Wars characters, The Simpsons, GI Joe, Barbie, etc.
It pains me to say, but I doubt He-Man will ever catch lightning in a bottle again like they did in the 1980’s. And yes, I realize that was all just a way to sell action figures.
What characters do you know of in the last 20-30 years do you think will celebrate 75th anniversaries? Let me know in the comments or on Facebook.
My 1-2-3 Cents Episode 35: Hulk hogan and the Wrestling Widow[ 23:51 | 16.39 MB ]Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (645)
It’s important to note that the name of this episode is for two distinct segments of the show. They are unrelated.
In this episode Kevin spends a little time sharing his thoughts on the current situation between Hulk Hogan and WWE. The second half of the show, meet Kevin’s better half, his wife Lisa. She talks about life as a “wrestling widow.”
Double J Jeff Jarrett has returned to the show. He gives us all an update on the upcoming TV taping for Global Force Wrestling’s new show Amped. Four titles will be up for grabs as tournaments start on Friday, July 24 at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas. You can learn more at their website: globalforcewrestling.com
Marvel’s Ant-Man opening night. My friend Mike (go back to Episode 9 for a refresher) and I went to check out Marvel Studio’s latest big screen adventure featuring its smallest hero. And then we decided to talk about it afterwards. That conversation was going so great, I halted it mid-thought and said “let’s record this for the podcast.”
Did we think Ant-Man was deserving of at least one Thumbs Up?
So here we are, talking about Ant-Man and more nerdy topics at 11pm on a Friday night while I’m driving through Southern Illinois. Tons of laughs and just a great conversation with a longtime friend about nerdy stuff.
It’s a new feature on the My 1-2-3 Cents podcast. Kevin and Chad randomly pull the names of three Superstars or Divas from the coveted Wrestlemania 30 cup and book them in a storyline. The first name out of the cup, Neville. Find out what the guys have planned for “The Man That Gravity Forgot” as well as two other WWE Superstars.
Another Chikara Pro wrestler joins Kevin on this episode of My 1-2-3 Cents.
Chikara pro star Dasher Hatfield, the Ol’ Timey King of Swing, chats with Kevin in an all-new episode. Hatfield is one half of the tag team The Throwbacks, as well as the team captain of Dasher’s Dugout in the Challenge of the Immortals. Hatfield talks about his time in the ring, his friendships and rivalries and the upcoming King of Trios tournament.
If you enjoy the show, leave a comment, tell a friend, or simply share it on Facebook or Twitter. Subscribe on iTunes, stitcher, and Poddirectory.com.
The special guest this week is Alexander “Kino” Beeler. Kino is the Founder of Grand Arc Designs, an independent video gaming developer working on Memories of Aeldaria, an epic fantasy game.
We visit about Kino’s life, including a brief period spent in the United States military.
And we spend a lot of time talking about Memories of Aeldaria, which is expected to have a Kickstarter later this year. This episode includes exclusive audio from the game – audio you won’t hear anywhere else until the Kickstarter begins.
Head over to Square Enix Collective and vote for Memories of Aeldaria to help them get some much-needed exposure.
Also I take way too long in my intro talking about Hellboy 3, Suicide Squad, Grant Morrison, Ghostbusters, Jon Bernthal, stan Lee, and Spider-Man.
Kevin and Farmer Billy Hills in an archived photo from the AAPW days.
Grab your overalls and cowboy hat: we’re heading down to the farm! The guest this week is Farmer Billy Hills. He has made a name for himself on the Indy scene in the Midwest and Midsouth areas. Farmer has a big benefit show set for July 26 in Harrisburg, Illinois. Look up Farmer Billy Hills on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Meet your new wall-crawling, web-slinging friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.
Say hello to Tom Holland. “Hello Tom Holland.”
Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures have announced the new Spider-Man, as well as the director and even confirmed the release date for the stand-alone Spider-Man movie.
Mark your calendars, as July 28, 2017 has just been selected for the release of the third Spider-Man franchise kickstarter.
2017 currently has seven movies set for theaters based on Marvel or DC characters. That could actually increase before it’s all said and done. Just remember how quickly the ball got rolling on a Deadpool movie.
Spider-Man will be released after The Wolverine 3, Guardians of the Galaxy 2, Wonder Woman, and Fantastic Four. After a few months to cleanse the palates, November has in store for movie goers Thor: Ragnarok and The Justice League.
I’m exhausted (and already a little broke) just typing all of that out. And that follows a 2016 that already has seven more movies based on the Big Two scheduled for mass consumption.
Okay, I got off on a little tangent there. Sorry about that.
Back to the new Peter Parker.
Tom Holland is a relative unknown, at least to me. In fact, a quick view of his IMDb page indicates he has just ten credited roles, one being the announced Spider-Man gig. I think that’s good. I like the idea of bringing in an unknown, because you already have so many stars/heavy hitters in the MCU.
Now I don’t know if it’s a coincidence that Sony + Marvel made the announcement days after videos like this hit the internet, but I’m sure showing off the skills didn’t hurt Holland.
It is unknown at this time whether or not Holland/Spider-Man will have a role in Captain America: Civil War. I would love for Spidey to make an appearance in the movie, because he is a pivotal character in the comics. However, if it makes the story too convoluted to include him, I say withhold him at this time. If there is no logical way to include him – if you can’t add him in without making it flow seamlessly and make sense, then I say “don’t add him.”
They are already shooting Civil War. Unless they had Spider-Man in the script and saved his scenes for last, don’t force him into the story, rushing production and compromising the picture.
I for one am looking forward to the return to Marvel of one of its biggest stars. And with Spider-Man topping the list of most profitable superheroes, this will hopefully launch the web crawler into the stratosphere as far as movies go.
I liked the original Tobey Maguire Spider-Man movie. Then the Sam Raimi-led franchise started to tumble down the hill PDQ. By the end of Spider-Man 3, they were like the Jamaican bobsled team, zooming down the ice chute at blazing speeds and then wrecking in grand fashion.
Again, I enjoyed the Andrew Garfield/Emma Stone Amazing Spider-Man. It had the things that I wanted to see, like one bad guy. It stayed true to the comics with the [SPOILER ALERT] death of Captain Stacy. It also had a Peter Parker who stayed long and lanky, and didn’t become a guy who looked like he spent some time at the gym.
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 brought me one of the saddest movie moments in recent memory: the death of Gwen Stacy TNA-style over-booking. Rhino at the beginning. Electro and Green Goblin in much of the middle, with Rhino inexplicably returning towards the end. And yes, I popped when you saw the Oscorp stash of Sinister Six enhancements.
But one of the traps to which Hollywood can sometimes fall victim is over-stimulation. Give me a good story with one solid villain instead of a shoddy story with multiple antagonists.
Wow…another tangent.
I wish Tom Holland good luck as he dons the familiar red and blue Spider-Man costume. Unfortunately, the success or failure of the new Spidey franchise will undoubtedly be placed on his shoulders, much like Garfield took heat for Amazing Spider-Man 2.
But let’s face it – I’m going to go see all of these movies anyway. I can’t seem to stop myself.
Also, Marvel and Sony announced that Jon Watts will be directing the 2017 Spider-Man movie.
And let me just say…IF Spider-Man (or Peter Parker, for that matter) does appear in Civil War, I’d really like to find that out when I see it in theaters.
Kevin’s guest this week comes from the jungles of Uganda. Kamala is one of the all-time greats having wrestled all over the world for decades. He battled greats like Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant and Dusty Rhodes. Kamala has had a series of health problems that have sidelined him, but his spirits remain high. In his new book “Kamala Speaks” he shares stories from the road with the help of former manager Kenny Casanova. Both Kamala and Kenny talk more about the book and some of their favorite memories during this week’s show. Enjoy.
Steve Higgins (right) and the Ink & Drink gang during Wizard World St. Louis.
One of the individuals I had the good fortune to meet at the Cape Comic Con was fan, creator, publisher, educator Steve Higgins.
Steve and I had a lot to chat about, like incorporating comic books into the classroom. We also get into Ink & Drink Comics, a publishing company based in St. Louis. They like to theme their anthologies after drinking terms. For example:
Steve also started the Tumblr – Kitties with Pottymouths. Yes – it is exactly what it sounds like:
Enjoy the show. And if you do, tell your friends. That’s how we help get the word out. You tell a friend, they tell a friend. Etc. Thank you!
Check out “On the House,” a collection of stories from Ink & Drink Comics
that cover several genres. Available on Amazon:
The wrestling world suffered a major loss last week with the death of “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes. Kevin and Chad dedicate this week’s show to one of the most iconic men in the world of professional wrestling. They share their favorite moments and thoughts about the Dream’s legacy. Thanks for listening. Rest in Peace Dusty!
Money in the Bank is right around the corner. Kevin talks more about the show and shares his picks as well as a recap on what’s been going on in the world of professional wrestling over the past week.
You’ve seen his amazing creations in works of pancake art. Now learn about the man behind all that pancake batter: Dan Drake.
Learn about Dan’s beginning and how one pancake design changed his life. Hear about how his first pancake design brightened a stranger’s day. Dan has also been on The Today Show and has taken his talents around the country and across the globe.
A photo posted by Dr. Dan The Pancake Man (@drdancake) on
So enjoy the show, tell your friends about it, and if this is your first time and you enjoyed yourself, go back and listen to some of the other shows. And remember: Dr. Dan did all this with pancake batter. It’s beautiful and delicious!
You will definitely have a nice day after listening to Episode 27. The guest is none other than WWE Hall of Famer and Hardcore Legend Mick Foley. He shares a few of his memories from the ring and who he would have liked to have stepped in the ring against. Mick is taking part in the #FiftyYearsOfFoley Tour right now, which includes a stop at Four Winds Field in South Bend, Indiana on Father’s Day. Follow Mick on social media @realmickfoley on Twitter and facebook.com/realmickfoley
My 1-2-3 Cents Episode 26: Hello Joe, What Do You Know?[ 52:09 | 35.82 MB ]Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (660)
Samoa Joe has finally showed up on a WWE show. The Samoan Submission Machine interrupted NXT champion Kevin Owens as he attacked Sammie Zayn at Unstoppable. What impact will Joe have on NXT? Kevin and Chad talk more about that as well as the NXT product overall. Plus the two rundown the upcoming Elimination Chamber event.
Michael B Jordan wrote an enlightening letter to the Internet, particularly those who disagree with his being cast as Johnny Storm in this summer’s Fantastic Four.
Michael B Jordan as Johnny Storm (Photo Courtesy EW.com)
I can’t sit here and say I had been completely on board with this since Day One. I believe I said I’d judge after watching the performance. The problem with that plan was that early on, I wasn’t even sure I’d watch the movie. I, like many, judged based purely on a cast…a cast that, from top to bottom, I was either unfamiliar with or underwhelmed by. Going in, Kate Mara was really the only name I knew. And it was “We Are Marshall” and “Shooter,” two drastically different tones of movie, in which I had seen her previously. I also understand she’s quite good on Netflix’ “House of Cards,” but that is not a show I have taken the time to sit down and watch.
So I took the “wait and see” approach.
And I’m glad I did, because what I have seen was far better than what I envisioned (which is why I’m over here typing on a computer and Josh Trank makes movies). The trailer restored some enthusiasm. This movie will not be like the previous Fantastic Four movies. In fact, many of the claims out there are that this version is less a comic book adaptation and more of a sci-fi flick.
Back to the topic at hand, that of the decision to cast Jordan (a black man) as Johnny Storm (traditionally a blond haired, blue eyed, white man). Funny thing about fanboys…they we take this stuff very seriously. And in doing so, they used the power of the Internet (and in many cases, anonymity) to unleash their collective disappointment rage to create controversy out of a non-issue.
Think of it this way. Chris Evans (now beloved Captain America) was once The Human Torch.
WHAT? NO BLONDE HAIR?!?
Granted…that was in 2005. It was the early days of social media. And Internet tough guys…(no, I’m keeping that) Internet tough guys maybe weren’t so tough.
So it was surprising when Michael B Jordan answered his critics earlier this week with a letter he penned, accompanying the newly released image of himself as The Human Torch. It was surprising because it’s not done. Many times, I think, the status quo is to “let the performance speak for itself.” It’s not Hollywood’s nature to respond to fan backlash. But I think this was the right move.
Here’s are two excerpts from Jordan’s letter:
“This is a family movie about four friends—two of whom are myself and Kate Mara as my adopted sister—who are brought together by a series of unfortunate events to create unity and a team. That’s the message of the movie, if people can just allow themselves to see it.”
“To the trolls on the Internet, I want to say: Get your head out of the computer. Go outside and walk around. Look at the people walking next to you. Look at your friends’ friends and who they’re interacting with. And just understand this is the world we live in. It’s okay to like it.”
Hear that, trolls? You have been called out by name! It’s time to put away the petty differences and embrace this world in which we live. I am slowly doing this myself as I open my mind and heart to new things.
Fish Mooney sports a new look and a younger entourage in the Gotham season 1 finale.
Episode 45 has some spoilers in case you haven’t seen the season finales of Gotham and The Flash (and to a lesser extent, Arrow).
Promotional art for the Flash season finale.
Also – it’s a great time to be a nerd. more than ten (and probably closer to 15 when it’s all said and done) “nerd” movies set for the big screen between now and the end of 2016. Take, for instance, Ant-Man.
And two things I love meet up again as I learned that one of the greatest running backs of all time for the university of Nebraska Cornhuskers will add an acting credit to his resume from Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.
Episode 25 is a big one! The guest on this week’s show is the legendary “Double J” Jeff Jarrett. He’s got more than 25 years of experience in the ring and is now on the verge of launching a new wrestling company. TV tapings for Global Force Wrestling start this summer. Jeff talks about the future of the company and what role he’ll have with it. Thanks for downloading and as always don’t forget to visit our sponsors at Amazon and DraftKings.
We’re not talking about Star Wars or Jedis in this episode of the show. Kevin and Chad tackle the newly announced roster for Global Force Wrestling. TV tapings are planned for July, August and October. What does this company need to do to stand out in the competitive world of professional wrestling? Plus, there’s a surprise announcement about a big name guest for episode 25.
My guest for Episode 44 is a musical legend and a member of the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame. And while we talk a little hip hop, my chat with Darryl McDaniels focuses more on comics, as he is both a lifelong fan and a creator.
Growing up in New York (Hollis, Queens – but you knew that already), Darryl lived in the same city as Spider-Man and so many other icons of the comic book pages. It all played a part in a boy’s early love of comics that he would carry with him for the rest of his life.
In 2014, DMC (Darryl Makes Comics) published DMC #1 and debuted it at New York Comic Con.
In Episode 44, learn about how the comics inspired the man…and how the man inspires the comic. It’s win-win!
McDaniels shopping his book on AMC’s Comic Book Men. You can get yours through your local comic book shop! I know – that’s where mine came from!
Enjoy Episode 44 and leave some feedback. Also – check out some previous episodes if this is your first time through. Find it on iTunes as well as Stitcher just by searching “Nerds United.” Like the show on Facebook and follow on Twitter.
And since D (yeah…we’re on a first initial basis) is a Marvel guy – let me drop a link to a book I think he would like – one that is in my own collection:
In this episode Kevin talks with the owner of the website Missouri Wrestling Revival, Brian Kelley. The online publication covers more than a dozen promotions around Missouri, Kansas and Illinois.
Brian also shares his experiences visiting the Cauliflower Alley Club reunion for the first time. Thanks for listening and don’t forget to check out My 1-2-3 Cents.
For more on Missouri Wrestling Revival, head to their site or look for them on Facebook or Twitter.
Greg Land autographed this variant to Nerds United…obviously!
This is it – the finale of the Tenth Annual Cape Comic Con coverage. This is pretty much a recap of my weekend at the Con and does include some audio with Marvel artist Greg Land.
Also – I went and saw Avengers: Age of Ultron last night and have a quick review of the movie.
And stick around for the post-credits clip. Because, just like in the Marvel cinematic universe, it foretells my guest for Episode 44.
I’d type more, but as I prepare this, it’s almost 2am and this is technically FREE COMIC BOOK DAY! And I’m getting up early to go for a run.
Corn Nation's Five Heart Podcast Episode 19 [ 41:50 | 0.01 MB ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (1389)
![#ToughCallTuesday 13 – [Spoilers]](https://jitterymonkey.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/spoilers.jpg)
