I fully admit it, the Lego Batman video game has driven me crazy.
While I was not an avid follower of the monthly comic as a child, I nevertheless was caught up in the Batman fever of 1989 when movie goers were overjoyed to see comedian Michael Keaton duke it out with aged character actor Jack Nicholson in living color. This meant that by and large, the main point of exposure to the dark knight detective came from the excellent Alan Grant/Norm Breyfogle run. Both creators lent a unique sense of style that honored the past of the comic while at the same time modernizing the series for a new audience. Stories like ‘Mudpack’ featuring a team-up of all of the Clayfaces still rank up there as one of the best modern Batman tales. Where, oh where, is a collection of this run, DC Comics?
… none of this has anything to do with Lego Batman, however.
When I purchased the video game for my PSP, I received a Robin key chain in Lego form. I giggled at the absurdity of the thing and thought ‘Well, I’ll have some explaining to do at the gym.’ It only took a few levels of playing Lego Batman, hearing the unforgettable Danny Elfman signature tune and piloting my miniature characters through the collection of tiny Lego studs for my inner fan boy to slather at the mouth and want more.
Lucky me, there is an entire rogue’s gallery of characters in Lego key chain format. If you are lucky enough to live near a Lego store, this is no issue, but the town planning board of Cary neglected to anticipate this need so I am forced to reach out to Singapore to satisfy me need.
You did notice the title of today’s post, n’est pas?
For anyone far saner than myself, I recommend Collector’s Toy Den of NY who carries the entire line.
So, I beg of you… do not do as I do… or at least shop domestically to satisfy your needs… and save on shipping too.
In “Ambush,” the premiere of Lucasfilm Animation’s STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS, episode director David Bullock (“Justice League: The New Frontier”) and writer Steve Melching (“The Batman”) recall the Yoda of The Empire Strikes Back. This first episode of the brand-new, CG-animated series airs at 9 p.m. ET/PT Friday, Oct. 3 on Cartoon Network.
In the episode, Jedi Master Yoda and three clone troopers must face off against Count Dooku’s dreaded assassin Asajj Ventress and her massive droid army to prove the Jedi are strong enough to protect a strategic planet and forge a treaty for the Republic.
“I wanted to bring back some of the impish fun of Yoda from Episode V (The Empire Strikes Back) and instill it into the Clone Wars era as he is leading these three clones in a desperate situation,” Melching says. “Yoda became a very serious character in Episodes I, II and III, and I thought this was a great opportunity to show his clever, fun side as well as his inspirational and warrior side.”
While Melching crafted the words, Bullock and supervising director Dave Filoni focused on elevating Yoda’s action – and ensuring that his diminutive scale alongside the other characters didn’t interfere with his intense battle scenes. Bullock offered kudos to fellow director Rob Coleman, who offered tips on keeping Yoda consistent with his legacy. Coleman served as an animation director on Star Wars Episodes I, II and III, and was responsible for Yoda’s famous lightsaber duel with Count Dooku.
“When I was storyboarding Yoda’s big fight scene in ‘Ambush,’ Rob (Coleman) told me that George (Lucas) liked to flip a switch so that Yoda would go from very reserved to ‘springy,’” Bullock says. “Overall, the episode is a good mix of the impish Yoda of The Empire Strikes Back, some serious, reflective moments, and Rob’s ‘ninja Yoda’ for the action bits. And Yoda kicks some serious butt in this episode.”
The assignment to direct “Ambush” was taken with great reverence by Bullock.
“I’m really proud of the fact that this episode went to me to direct as I knew it was ‘the Yoda episode,’” Bullock says. “It wasn’t even titled ‘Ambush’ until it was in layout – for months it was just called ‘The Yoda Episode.’ Any chance to work with the main Star Wars characters is a thrill because we knew we were adding to their history, but it was also a bit unnerving because we knew that it had to be handled properly or the fans would not buy it.”
Introduced in the Star Wars sequel, The Empire Strikes Back, the Jedi master Yoda at once captured the attention of young movie-goers. A muppet voiced by Frank Oz, the character almost took over Empire and the third Star Wars film Return of the Jedi.
In 1999 George Lucas attempted to capture lightning in a bottle a second time with his ‘prequel’ The Phantom Menace. It was only obvious that Yoda would make an appearance in the film as a slightly younger version of the sagely swamp creature. However, the muppet looked out of place and quite odd (was it the Asimov-like sideburns?). Even Frank Oz recognized that the progress in CGI rendering made his puppeteer skills superfluous in the movie. The Jedi master returned in the second prequel Attack of the Clones as a completely computer generated character.
‘Blasphemy!’ cried the fans. But the approach worked, allowing the animators to depict a wide range of emotions in their character for the first time.
More importantly, it got a younger audience unfamiliar with Empire Strikes Back to adore the fighting monk-like Yoda. The subsequent animated films have fleshed out Yoda even more. Whereas fans were at one time resistant to a CGI-rendered Yoda, they are now anxious to witness his newest adventures.
The newest Clone Wars series premieres this Friday night on the Cartoon Network, so the wait is not a long one!
Viewed as the maestro of the comic book medium, Alan Moore came from somewhat inauspicious beginnings on 2000 AD strips. In fact, were it not for DC Comics tapping him to revamp their Swamp Thing series, the writer may have never gained such acclaim as he has today. Alan Moore has been referred to as the best artist of our generation in any medium… which Moore himself would certainly question. His taste in jewelry may be remarkable and his collaboration with David J of Love and Rockets interesting, but I have yet to see him dance or sculpt.
It is of course his career-making Watchmen series that made him the super star of the 4-color world, which makes this video that much more interesting. The first major post-modern comic book series that placed super heroes in the unflattering light of critical examination, the world is just months away from seeing a feature film version. But in this 1985 appearance, Alan Moore is still awaiting the release of his maxi-series in monthly form and more interested in sharing his mammoth scripts.
So take a break from your busy Sunday and visit with the once humble and unknown Alan Moore, funny book writer.
The makers of the terribly collectible and cute Mighty Muggs have released blank models for customization. This has caused the toy customization world to snap to, resulting in a flurry of unique one-offs that will get collectors and fans alike slathering for more…
Jedi Master Yoda wreaks havoc on an army of battle droids in “Ambush,” the series premiere of STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS, which debuts at 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, on Cartoon Network.
In the first episode, “Ambush,” Jedi Master Yoda and three clone troopers must face off against Count Dooku’s dreaded assassin Asajj Ventress and the massive Separatist droid army to prove the Jedi are strong enough to protect a strategic planet and forge a treaty for the Republic.
The episode is directed by David Bullock (“Justice League: The New Frontier”) from a script by Steve Melching (“The Batman”). Dave Filoni is supervising director, George Lucas is the series’ creator and serves as executive producer, and Catherine Winder is producer.
Using the skills of several key animation gurus from the excellent The Batman and DC Animated New Frontier film may be just the thing the Star Wars animated franchise needs. We’ve seen much of this type of story before, but I’m hoping that with the assistance of Bullock and Melching, there will be some new innovations.
The new Clone Wars series premiers next week on Cartoon Network.
Lego Batman is finally out and has garnered somewhat lukewarm reviews from the likes of IGN and Gamespot, but raving accolades from gamers.
A Lego video game that allows you to play through all of Gotham as Batman, Robin and the entire rogue’s gallery of villains (including Hush!) that makes it one of the most appealing games since… Star Wars: Force Unleashed.
My own 2 cents after I get a chance to play it myself.
UPDATE:
This game is incredibly addictive and very well designed to boot! Separating the flow of the game into separate levels on the trail of each super villain first as Batman and then as one of the Dark Knight’s foes is a wonderfully ingenious way to get the most out of the game’s level design.
But the unique upgrades to the tried and true Lego game design doesn’t end there. Batman and Robin can switch into custom suits at special access ports at key locations in the game. Anything from a magnet suit allowing Robin to walk up walls to the demolition suit granting Batman the ability to blow up certain obstacles.
A real treat for Batman comic book fans, each map is so intricately designed that you’ll find yourself walking in the Bat Cave in a dream-like state of wish fulfillment (well, I totally dug it in any case).
The humor (which some say is hit and miss in these games) is spot on. In cut scenes Clayface plays the buffoon, often twirling around in office chairs rather than listen to the Riddler’s scheme or making his own playhouse out of stolen loot.
The most innovative Lego game to date and definitely the most fun Batman video game I’ve ever played, I cannot recommend this game enough!
Tune into your favorite Saturday Morning Heroes of yesteryear, headlined by the 1970s’ Shazam! comics revival and TV show – including interviews with television Captain Marvels Jackson Bostwick and John Davey, and a look at Elliot S! Maggin and Alex Saviuk’s lost sequel to the 1974 Superman/’Captain Thunder’ battle! Also, Space Ghost interviews with the legendary Gary Owens (the voice of Space Ghost) and artist Steve Rude; Marv Wolfman’s guest editorial about the Ruby-Spears Superman cartoon series; Super Friends in comics and on television; the unproduced fourth wave of Super Powers action figures; ElectraWoman and DynaGirl; Astro Boy; and the latest chapter in Bob Rozakis’ fantasy history of AA Comics! Plus, Adam Hughes pays tribute to the Rocketeer’s Dave Stevens! With art by C.C. Beck, Dave Cockrum, Gil Kane, Ken Steacy, Alex Toth, and an all-new cover painting of Jackson Bostwick as Captain Marvel by Alex Ross!
I’m showing my age here, but the Saturday morning TV programing in the 70’s was just insanely varied. Not restricted to Japanese cartoons (we had Force Five all week long for that!), Saturday morning was a battle between all three networks for the attention of children nation-wide. From Super-Friends to Wheelie and the Chopper Bunch, almost every idea was tried out… even live action super heroes.
Shazam (or Captain Marvel) is a genuinely inspired and amazing concept of a boy inheriting the power of an entire pantheon of Gods in order to fight evil. It was such a great idea that DC Comics took publisher Fawcett to court to put the kibosh on it and save their golden child Superman. It’s true that modern comic writers aren’t always sure what to do with this character (including the very dubious John August movie script rumors making the rounds), but if you look at the initial stories and the 1940’s serial you can see the simplicity and innocence of the concept at play in all of its grandeur.
Sure, the 1970’s TV show looks incredibly dated and seems to be conceived by a genius unaware of the limitations of television, but Shazam! was a program like no other. Full-blooded super heroes flying around in the real world was still so new that they could do absolutely nothing and still keep kids watching.
This week a special issue of TwoMorrow’s Back Issue focuses on this era with interviews aplenty. So if you are old enough to remember any of this, it’s a prime opportunity to squeeze into those feetie pajamas and revisit the nostalgic era of the 70’s.
If you’re not old enough… all of this is incredibly bizarre and silly looking. But whadda you know, with yer iPods and yer Saw movies… phooie!
Written by GREG PAK Pencils by CARLO PAGULAYAN & TBD Cover by RON GARNEY As Skaar and Omaka make their way towards Prophet Rock, frightened refugees tell terrifying tales of unbounded power that could rock the very foundations of Planet Sakaar. Get ready for revelations galore in this one-shot about characters new and old, shocking developments regarding Skaar himself, and maybe even the biggest, angriest, and greenest guest star the planet’s ever seen. 64 PGS./Parental Advisory …$3.99
Skaar Son of Hulk has been one of the most violent comics I have seen published in the past few years, but I don’t mean that in a bad way. Unlike super hero’s popping off villain’s heads or splitting them in half like fresh bread over a crowd of onlookers, Skaar is evocative of the old pulp sensibility of violence. In much the same way that young men gasped in horror at the battles in old Conan or Kull stories, Skarr rips through his enemies like a force of nature more to be feared than admired.
Writer Greg Pak has created a unique new book in the Marvel Comics pantheon that at first may seem to be a forgettable spin-off but I’m happy to announce that is instead a full-blooded adventure comic. With the appetite for such comics whetted after Planet Hulk (featuring the stranded Hulk battling an entire planet of horrors ending with an ascension to the throne), this book is a real landmark. Stellar art from Ron Graney (Captain America, Spider-Man, Wolverine, JLA/CSA), this series is a must buy and this week a King Size special will serve to pull in new readers.
The last actor to play the role of the Doctor on television in the 1980’s, Sylvester McCoy, is returning to type in the melodrama The Doctors. McCoy’s character is a failed actor who played the title role in a children’s program following the adventures of an eccentric alien time traveler called the Lollipop Man (street-crossing guard in the US).
This has to be one of the weirdest bits of Doctor Who news I’ve read in ages. A mixture of children’s entertainer (TisWas), stage actor (he played opposite Sir Ian McKellen in King Lear) and absurd physical comedian (just rent Monty Python’s Secret Policeman’s Ball), McCoy remains the last gasp of inspired casting decisions in Doctor Who.
Before you McCoy-haters pelt me with tomatoes, let me back this up.
Before taking the part of the Doctor, William Hartnell was known as a tough sergeant-type. His successor, Patrick Troughton was a reknowned character actor and Jon Pertwee was a song and dance man more at home in vaudeville than a serious science fiction program.
It’s this type of well-rounded performer background that really impresses me when it comes to McCoy. An elusively mischievous personality that hid a darker brooding nature, it’s McCoy’s portrayal of the character that yanked the program from the spin cycle that it had been stuck in since Tom Baker decided to start sleeping through his stories. The main character had simply stopped being interesting. It was McCoy’s oddball behavior and scruffy genius affections that brought a new angle to the character, making the series seem very new again.
Many of these character traits may sound familiar since current Doctor David Tennant is plumbing the depths of this Doctor’s character for his sloppy waltzing buffon in the New Series.
That said, Sylvester McCoy’s Doctor is not without faults. He could never portray anger very well, and his ’serious/dark’ stories (such as Curse of Fenric and Ghostlight) aren’t nearly as interesting as the absurd and strange ones (like Happiness Patrol and Greatest Show in the Galaxy) but if anything his brief run in the program certainly had lots of variety!
Hi there. You may have heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and paradoxically no one eats it. As a fellow bachelor, I totally understand. There’s just no time! But I have recently (with the help of my butler) found a quick and easy solution that I’d like to pass on to you. Now, this does involve some food shopping, but once you’ve got all these things in your cupboard, you’ll find that you have the key ingredients to a super breakfast smoothie that will last all week long.
Note- this is a slightly altered version of a recipe found in the Abs Diet book that belongs on every single crime fighter’s bookshelf.
Required:
Flax seed (if you live near a Whole Foods, it’s in the bulk aisle)
Large tub of Plain yogurt (mine is imported from France but the store brand is fine)
2% Milk
Whey powder- vanilla flavored (you can get this at GNC or Star Labs)
Bananas
Frozen blueberries
Orange Juice
Ice cubes (possibly include: Whole raw almonds, peanut butter)
1. Take a couple of handfuls of flax seed, three-four ice cubes I (and almonds if you like) and throw them into the blender for a few minutes of crush setting (if pulverize is not available)
2. Throw in a banana (skinned), two tablespoons of yogurt and two heaping tablespoons of whey powder, a handful of frozen strawberries (and two tablespoons of peanut butter if you want).
3. Pour a full cup of milk over this and a ’splash’ of OJ
4. Blend the whole thing for a few minutes
5. Pour into large pint glass, keep the remainder in a thermos and keep in clipped to your utility belt for a quick energy boost later on.
The ingredients are key here. The bananas have potassium and can give you lots of energy. The whey powder is very nutritious and fills you up. The blueberries are a good cancer-fighter and the milk and OJ contain just the right nutrients to keep you in full fighting form.
I have found that this concoction helps me in my war on crime while also holding at bay the horrific images of the death of my parents… whom I must avenge.
Anyhoo, it’s easy and nutritious way to keep the most important meal of the day in your radar without taking up too much time.
