We started on Wednesday with a look at the latest episode of AMC's The Walking Dead, showing on FX in the UK. Vatos was written by Robert Kirkman, the creator of The Walking Dead.
On Thursday, Matt Puddy gave us his opinion of the new direction of Grant Morrison's Batman storyline. Stay tuned this week, when Matt takes a look at two other titles from the Bat-family with new beginnings.
We wrapped our second rejuvenated week with another news round up - including news of the Buffy remake travesty and the trailer for the 2010 Doctor Who Christmas special.
A much quieter week this week, but there are a few odd gems that stand out. Here it is, the best in TV, film, gaming and comic book news from across sci-fi, fantasy and more.
A STAKE THROUGH THE HEART
I'm sure you've heard about this already, but for the one person who just got back from Narnia, here it is again. Warner Brothers have decided to reboot Buffy The Vampire Slayer, WITHOUT the character's creator Joss Whedon.
Sadly the rights to Buffy reside with the director of the original 1992 film starring Kirsty Swanson. The studio has optioned the rights from Fran Rubel Kuzui, her husband Kaz Kuzui and Sandollar Productions. The reboot will be produced by Atlas Entertainment from script by Whit Anderson. Anderson is an actress turned screenwriter, so that'll be good (sarcasm mode off).
Kristin Dos Santos from E! Online emailed Joss Whedon for his reaction and received this beautiful (and paraphrased) email:
Kristin, I'm glad you asked for my thoughts on the announcement of Buffy the cinema film. This is a sad, sad reflection on our times, when people must feed off the carcasses of beloved stories from their youths—just because they can't think of an original idea of their own, like I did with my Avengers idea that I made up myself.
I always hoped that Buffy would live on even after my death. But, you know, AFTER. I don't love the idea of my creation in other hands, but I'm also well aware that many more hands than mine went into making that show what it was. And there is no legal grounds for doing anything other than sighing audibly. I can't wish people who are passionate about my little myth ill. I can, however, take this time to announce that I'm making a Batman movie. Because there's a franchise that truly needs updating. So look for The Dark Knight Rises Way Earlier Than That Other One And Also More Cheaply And In Toronto, rebooting into a theater near you.
Just to make you laugh even more, Kirsty Swanson has expressed interest in reprising the role.
Former Buffy and Angel stars documented many of their reactions on Twitter. Eliza Dusku had this to say, "Joss made the "Buffster" & w/out him... I just don't trust the girl. Or the world."
Here, here.
Finally, over on the set of Bones, creator Hart Hanson tweeted this picture of him and David Boreanaz saying, "I just informed DB that they are remaking Buffy."
WHO'S THAT COMING DOWN THE CHIMNEY?
Last Friday saw Children in Need bring us our first glimpse of A Christmas Carol, the festive episode of Doctor Who.
"Amy and Rory are trapped on a crashing space liner, and the only way The Doctor can rescue them is to save the soul of a lonely old miser, in a festive edition of the time-travelling adventure, written by Steven Moffat. But is Kazran Sardick, the richest man in Sardicktown, beyond redemption? And what is lurking in the fogs of Christmas Eve?
Amy Pond is played by Karen Gillan, Rory Williams by Arthur Darvill, The Doctor by Matt Smith and Kazran Sardick by Michael Gambon."
A Christmas Carol will transmit on December 25th, in both the UK and the USA. This will be the first time the Christmas special has been seen on the same day on both sides of the Atlantic. Great news!
JUST WHY?
To being our wrap up for this week, SFX have the first set photos from the filming of Ghost Rider 2 - though I'm struggling to care.
Speaking of Kevin Smith, here's the teaser poster for his new, independent horror film. Something different from the Bluntman. I have high hopes. See you next week.
Ben Fardon hasn't written the word "Snoogans" in years. Thankfully, that is now remedied.
Over the past year it’s fair to say that the Batman franchise has undergone some radical changes. We've had the death of Batman, the Battle for the Cowl, the debut of a new Dynamic Duo and the Return of Bruce Wayne. As the dust settles we are now presented with Bruce’s vision for an international crime fighting organisation.
Helmed by the renowned Grant Morrison, both the one-shot (Batman: The Return) and Incorporated flow seamlessly from his previous story arcs. This is both a blessing and a curse. Morrison’s obviously seen the bigger picture - he's in a unique position to support the franchise - using his history with the Dark Knight to support the new titles having already re-invigorated the Batman title and established Batman & Robin. The link through these titles works very well, but without the one-shot in the middle, Batman Incorporated could come across as a new beginning to the casual reader. Again, perhaps that's part of the publishing strategy.
Batman: The Return is a fantastic little one-shot in more than a few ways. For me it was an immediate treat from the feel of it, even before having a proper look at David Finch’s cover image. That - together with the actual production of the issue - are smooth in conception and touch. In fact the artwork throughout is both gritty and deep; further enhanced by Batt’s inking. A lovely touch is the extra behind-the-scenes material which will further your understanding and appreciation of what a good team can provide an eager reader.
The story itself is a progression from Morrison's exit on Batman & Robin #16. It begins with an iconic but self indulgent opening, that I personally found pleasing. The piece itself builds from a typical Batman rescue - done in Bruce's own distinct style - into an interesting plot complete with new landscapes, a new adversary and a new opposing organisation. Interestingly as well it explores the dynamics of Batman and Robin - or rather the lack of rapport between Bruce and Damien. This underlines Bruce's plans to create a crime fighting corporation. A nice touch when you consider the amount of writers who are accused of creating explanatory storylines to fill plots holes. The forethought is appreciated.
Batman Incorporated, whilst still a Morrison, has a completely different feel to it. When trying to read it straight after The Return I honestly struggled with the artwork. The style, whilst not bad, is a completely contrasting affair with an almost cartoony feel to it. There are a few little touches that were nice though, such as the glossy cover which instils a new and shiny feel to it all. Sadly after the weight and feel of The Return it still left me feeling a little underwhelmed.
Reading through it, I felt more of an understanding for the story but didn't become immersed in the way a good comic should. Morrison’s ideas developed well - thanks in part to the assistance of the premise provided by the one shot - but the way in which it was presented through the pencils and ink was overwhelming camp and theatrical. For me all that was missing was the flashes of BAM! or THWOCK! and the occasional cackling of Ceasar Romero and I would have been transported to Adam West’s Batman; not the harder black and white Dark Knight I’ve come to appreciate. Even the final page was reminiscent of the old TV show. It could almost have been, “Same Bat-time, Same Bat-channel.”
I’m not saying I don’t like it, but as an opener I felt I needed a bigger hook to keep me wanting more. I want the opening issue of a new title to really provide this, despite using such established characters. Mark Millar has a gift for giving us new creative approaches to old protagonists, but here Morrison's new direction doesn't excite me yet. I have to say that I want to see more, partly from morbid curiosity and also partly from intrigue. Either way I feel that this title will become a labour of love, unless it proves itself in the next few issues.
Matt Puddy has never been caught by anyone growling "I'm Batman" in front of the mirror. Doesn't mean he doesn't though...
This review is for episode four of The Walking Dead, which doesn't air in the UK till Friday 26th November.
Consider this your only warning!
AMC's The Walking Dead has been an absolute triumph so far.
Great cast, beautiful direction and scripts that - despite the post-apocalyptic setting - sparkle when appropriate and then break your heart. It has been everything I hoped and proves what I have been saying for a long time - TV is a medium that deserves more intelligent drama. Film is still considered the zenith of audio-visual storytelling, but a television series can truly develop characters and plotlines, whereas films are often left just documenting a snapshot of the characters' stories. When TV does this right, it can be incredibly sophisticated and emotionally engaging.
Episode four is the ante penultimate instalment of the first series and the first one written by the comic series creator, Robert Kirkman. By the end of the hour-long, I could see why this is his episode.
In and of itself the episode has some beautiful symmetry, bookended by the two sisters Andrea and Amy. Sometimes, foreshadowing can seem ham-fisted and trite. Here, it just served to emphasise the deeply upsetting events at the end.
The other triumph in this episode is Merle. Michael Rooker's incredible performances in the last two episodes means that he can basically sit this one out; yet Merle still looms large over proceedings. I can't help but believe that the horror at the camp at the end was wrought by Merle in a twisted act of revenge. I guess we'll have to wait and see.
If I have any criticisms, I have to say I am unsettled by the slightly cheesy idea that Jim has prophetic dreams. Still, I happy to see how this unfolds as dreaming has a fine tradition in good horror stories.
In fact, my main criticism is of the sub-plot about the gang defending the old folks' home. I actually liked it, but it seemed a little out of place and I would understand if others found it somewhat ridiculous. The idea of these guys defending the elderly makes complete sense to me, especially when you consider the cultural background these people come from, but the early tough guy stand off is at odds with their later, friendlier attitude. Again, I can understand them wanting to show teeth and make the other side back down, but threatening to toss Glenn off the top of the building seems brutally cavalier considering they are basically decent people.
Thankfully, the cast have already gelled enough to sell me this whole incident. Lincoln and co. make a compelling little unit. Jon Bernthal has also brought a compelling Shane to our screens - breathing multiple dimensions into a character I almost instantly loathed in the comics.
Even though I knew some of the characters were likely to have only a limited run on the show, I was surprised how much I have warmed to most of them (not you Ed, you creepy wife-beater - don't think I didn't miss the implication that you have other sick tastes too, good riddance). So when Kirkman began his now legendary brand of zombie justice, I genuinely felt stunned. Not even Joss Whedon is that brutal.
And Greg Nicotero's zombie effects get better and better. Wow.
Episode four. One hell of an ending.
Ben Fardon has renewed hopes the HBO decides to make a Preacher TV series. And if they don't, maybe AMC would like a sister show for The Walking Dead...
Slowly, like a belligerent teenager who is just starting to grasp the realities of life, Prowling The Savannah is pulling its socks up. The Proud Lion blog is aiming to produce more new content to a regular schedule each week.
Here's what you might have missed last week:
The Watcher - Skyline Wednesday saw one of our new features debut with a double hitter. The Watcher will review the best of current superhero, science fiction, fantasy and horror TV, films and more. Last week new contributor Phil Davies took a look at Skyline...
New Beginnings - Teen Titans #88 On Thursday New Beginnings returned, spotlighting the best new comics around. Whether it be an issue one, or a new jump-on point for an existing title, this weekly column will give you an honest review of any hot new issues clamouring for your attention. This week, new contributor Matt Puddy had a read of Teen Titans #88, which saw the introduction of Damian to the team.
FACT x IMPORTANCE = NEWS Finally on Friday, another new column. My weekly look at the biggest news from comics, gaming, TV and films. Amongst other things this week, we had trailers for Green Lantern and Cowboys And Aliens.
Right, you're all caught up on our first new week of content. There's more to come this week, with new columns hoping to join the party.
Gamers rejoice, Big Game Hunting will be returning soon too, with a look at new board games and RPG or feature articles on classics or trends.
And at weekends we're hoping to launch showcase some strong opinions. Watch this space!
OK, time for the new (and hopefully weekly) Friday genre news round up. The best in TV, film, gaming and comic book news from across sci-fi, fantasy and more.
LUKE... I KNOW WHAT YOUR GETTING FOR CHRISTMAS, LUKE... I'VE FELT YOUR PRESENTS...
They always say, start with a joke. So here's the trailer for Family Guy's Return Of The Jedi spoof. Hopefully this will be funnier than the last one. I saw some of it at the New York Comic Con and it was really good. Check out who is playing Admiral Ackbar...
YOU DO TOO MUCH; YOU'RE NOT SUPERMAN, YOU KNOW
And so to the biggest news from Marvel this week. They are (yawn) killing off a character. Aren't we all sick of the revolving door of death in comics? Well, the small silver lining to the cloud is that it's Ultimate Spider-Man; since the recent to re-energise the Ultimate universe, they are taking bigger risks with all the characters - so I'll certainly give this a look. Marvel.com have the full story here.
RING IN THE CHANGES
DC have a few big things going on this week. First up, you surely can't have failed to see this...
Staying with Green Lantern, DC released this teaser image this week:
Details of Jon Favreau's new film are started to appear this week. First the poster and now the trailer:
It's a superb trailer and a great cast. I didn't much care for the comic it was based on - mainly because the art work was really flat. Favs seems to have found the heart of the concept and really made something quite fun. Cowboys And Aliens is out next year.
QUOTH THE RAVEN, `NEVERMORE.'
Finally, A Game Of Thrones fans finally got their first look at the forthcoming HBO TV series this week. EW.com had ten photos on their website, with more and a set report if you pick up the latest issue.
Ben Fardon used to hate Westerns. That changed almost ten years ago now. Damn you Joss Whedon.
This month we have a new jump on point for Teen Titans. Now if honest, this isn’t a title I have followed in the past opting more for Marvel’s Young Avengers (stifle the groans please). Even so I have an understanding of the premise and dynamics the comic has always held or steered towards from watching it on TV a few years ago.
From the start Teen Titans #88 hits you with a bright, colourful cover which screams forward movement. It’s dynamic looking and almost bursting out of the page, if it was 3D then you would be receiving a body part in the face, which makes it an appealing title to pick up even on a whim.
The story opens with a nice ambiguous narrator which unfolds nicely towards the end of the issue without having a direct impact on the Titans. The main story is used to explore who the different Titans are and how they fit without offering a deluge of their history.
Instead it focuses on the personal dilemmas of some of the more major characters. There’s an interesting moment of weakness in Superboy when Cassie leaves an open statement about their relationship. Highlighting the destructive Ravager on the team – contrary to what the Teen Titans stand for – is also a nice touch.
Yes, knowing all of the background would help to a degree but it isn’t completely essential - the story gives enough information for anyone who wants to know to find out. The running lines then pan out far enough to tempt and tease, leaving you wanting to read more.
Looking back at the cover it gives a second insight in to the new direction. The iconic Robin figure has been missing and the honour now falls to Damien, who swaggers in with his usual juvenile arrogance. My only criticism would be that this feels inconsistent with the rest of the DC universe. Personally as I’ve not seen this yet in Batman and Robin, I felt that this was misplaced. We are still awaiting the new Batman Inc. and already they are shipping Robin into another title before the Batman bombshell has fully gone off and given a full picture.
From a visual point of view I would have to say that my other minor disappointment would be the artwork. For me, Nicola Scott’s pencil work feels a little uneven and inconsistent when portraying the characters - Superboy’s muscle and body size for example. In other parts, her work seems bland and lacking detail.
It left me feeling that Doug Hazlewood’s colouring saved it on more than one occasion, creating more depth than was actually there. However, I also have to echo my thoughts on the cover which was Scott’s work too and in doing so I’ll leave this parting shot. Read the issue, take it in and then look again at the cover. Consider what is shown and also what it not. I hope you see it too.
Matt Puddy hails from a fairly normal life. He likes TV, games, playing sport and has within the last few years found a new love for reading comics. Always happy to try something new and is a open minded person. His new found love for American comics have come more from finding Proud Lion and starting to read more DC, Marvel and Top Cow comics (to name a few); Matt has always had a fascination with Manga, Anime (such as Naruto, Bleach and One Piece) and general Japanese culture. Jack of many trades, master of none, happy with that. He would be more apathetic but can't bothered...
Freak hail, powers, murder and a mouthy Irish kid. (SAVE ME BARRY!) Oh and did I mention murder?
If you haven’t watched the first series then STOP reading this and go watch it!
We start series two of Misfits with the return of the infamous ‘super hoodie’, some scenes of love and an amazing paper airplane flight! We are also introduced to our Misfits new probation worker - Shaun, who it would seem is a little more care free than what they are used to so far.
As per usual the group is put to a menial task, at which point we are shown someone that seems to recognize Simon - a very creepy looking girl. Her name is Lucy and she seems to have a past with Simon as well a slight obsession.
Lucy gets creepier after being insulted and shunned by the gang. Well, mainly by a newly returned Nathan (whose return to the world of the living fits the character perfectly) and then we’re shown what secrets Lucy’s been hiding - her power is displayed with simple and brilliant effect that is certain to make you shudder.
She decides to take revenge by pulling some pranks on the group which involve their feelings and relationships, during which time her past is revealed, along with something which Simon has tried to keep under wraps since the last series.
The pace of the episode really starts to quicken now as our Misfits are chasing a common enemy; in addition, Simon is made to feel like he is officially part of something and actually has proper friends.
Monkeyslut is blown! Murder occurs once again and the tooled up, new and improved, ‘super hoodie’ saves the day for one misfit. Where does he get those wonderful toys?! In proper bunny-boiler style Lucy singles Simon out so she can have him all to herself. I was wonderfully surprised by the skill shown by Iwan Rheon whilst playing multi-faceted sides of Simon.
A quick break for Cornettos (surely a reference to Simon Pegg and co?), then the group commences a very clumsy removal of Simon’s secret. Kudos to Tom Green for his direction and camera work as things are portrayed brilliantly.
This series manages to perfectly balance drama/comedy throughout – one minute you are laughing to the point of tears at something Nathan’s said, the next you realise he really has honest feelings for Kelly.
I also love this episodes music, the songs of which have been listed on the official site - http://www.e4.com/misfits/series2/ep1-music.html. I hope they do this every week as it makes me want to go back through the first series and re-listen just to see what I have missed!
Stefan Harkins is also known as Harry Stamper. Amongst other things.
Now, call me a fan boy, but I’m a huge Cloverfield fan. Be it the pace and intrigue of these strange attacks in NYC, or the shaky realism of the film’s look; things were just done well. OK, the story has its problems, and once you see the creature the whole film feels a little deflated, but it worked. To say Skyline took more than a few pages from that formula would be a lie. They took the lot!
Skyline is the latest outing from The Brothers Strause. Set in modern day LA, strange alien blue lights land around the city, luring out most of the human population like moths to a flame. A glace into the light will provides a hypnotic zombified attraction, with plenty of skin deformation to boot. The lights act as some kind of navigation tool, for the huge ‘Matrix-esque mother ships’ to soon arrive around our planets major cities airspace. The movie begins with the arrival of the strange craft right from the get go. Fortunately, we instantly head back half a day in the next scene, before the carnage to meet our lead characters.
Again, another 'Cloverfieldism' if you will- we see lead characters Jarrod and Elaine arrive at the less than humble abode of lifelong friend Terry. I truly found this the strongest point of the film. It was good to see the characters build up some relationship with the viewer, even though you were constantly aware of the impending doom and the unshakable feeling that Terry (Donald Faison) looks strange - all buffed out and not in doctor’s green scrubs. Lots of drinks, money, and a small domestic later, time catches up to the film’s introduction and the arrival of the less than friendly E.Ts.
But from here on in, the film falls into every apocalyptic alien invasion movie pitfall there ever was. There’s just nothing to it. I won’t give the story away, people run and scream and things get smashed up. Pan shots of major cities around the world in ruin get broadcast to string-heavy, depressive music. Unjustified and rather idiotic decisions are made by all the main characters, costing lives and taxing a viewer’s patience.
Yeah, it looks pretty. CG alien warships and dogfights look just as good as any other Hollywood blockbuster, but it just lacks heart. It’s the sort of movie you use in a TV store on a massive set, with a 7.1 surround sound system to see how cool HD can look. Or to raise the bar of Independence Day into the next decade.
There really is nothing to it. I can’t even justify it being just ‘one to watch’ because there’s so many other films on at the moment, which can bring much, much more to the table. Oh, and the ending? Worst ending in the world. FACT.
God, don’t you just love a sequel setup?
Phil Davies emerged from the harsh ghetto streets of Swansea City, aged 7. His life took him on a path to the (Gloucester)shire, where thick local accents and many ciders seemed to fuel a burning desire for videogames, cinema, music and pretty much anything else seen within 'geek' culture. He also writes for www.7outof10.co.ukwww.alternativevision.co.uk, and www.efestivals.co.uk.
Our Christmas window display went in this week, there's no denying the season is nearly upon us once more.
This year Proud Lion has a bunch of fun ideas for stocking fillers or Secret Santa gifts that I want to share with you.
Doctor Who fans should consider the simple TARDIS mug - blue and white with the Police Telephone sign on one side and the recently restored St John's Ambulance logo on the other. Unlike the square TARDIS mugs that I personally would struggle to drink out of, this is a straightforward round mug. Priced at £6.00.
We also have some awesome Doctor Who wallets priced a £12.50 each. These are plain black wallets with a retro Doctor Who logo on the front, but open them up and get a glorious technicolour montage of the Fourth Doctor, the TARDIS, K-9, a Dalek and a Cyberman.
If you like your entertainment a little less family, chance are you enjoyed Kick Ass. In which case, we also have some wonderfully offensive Kick Ass mugs priced at £8.00 each. Be warned some of these are probably Not Safe For Work! In addition, the In Your Pocket keychain range has added a Kick Ass one, with six phrases from the movie. The keychains are priced at £10.00 each.
Star Wars has always had some of the coolest merchandise in the world and this year is no exception. We have two new sets of Lightsaber Chopsticks in stock, each priced at £20.00. Both include some awesome red Darth Maul chopsticks that clip together! One set features purple Mace Windu chopsticks, the other features Luke's green Return Of The Jedi lightsaber.
Possibly even more exciting is the Star Wars Science Mini Lightsaber Tech Lab. This allows you to build a 20cm replica of Anakin's lightsaber - choosing either a red crystal or blue crystal plus the choice of light-up blade or one of two focusing lenses. An enclosed science leaflet is designed to teach younger fans about light and optics - making this one of the best edutainment toys I've ever seen. At £12.50, this is a great little present for a Star Wars fan - even if it is based on the CGI CLone Wars animated cartoon.
Beyond these lovely little gifts, there are also Hellboy keyrings (three different designs at £3.00 each); Watchmen badges (packs of four at £2.50 per pack); mini figure and book sets for Snoopy & Woodstock or Spy Vs Spy (£7.00 each); a Family Guy Freaking Sweet Crapola set filled with Drunken Clam beer coasters, drinks stirrers, Brian's martini guide, a Peter Vs Giant Chicken poster and a drink can snug (£13.00); Scott Pilgrim Vs The World plush toys of Scott or Ramona, based on Bryan Lee O'Malley's artwork (£15.00 each); Batman Cosbaby mini figures (£9.00 each); World Of Warcraft leather wallets for Alliance or Horde (£25.00 each); and Nightmare Before Christmas Kubrick twin packs (£18.00 each).
Don't forget we can order any graphic novel that is in print and have it with you within a week. The final cut off for graphic novel orders for Christmas is Monday 20th December, but I would recommend you don't leave it till the last minute!
We've had some eagerly awaited and very shiny new things arrive in store today.
First up is the new Serenity graphic novel, A Shepherd's Tale. You can finally find out the back story of the enigmatic preacher who was once part of the crew of a certain Firefly-class starship. This is sold out to pre-order, but we hope to have more next week. If you have pre-ordered one, please pop in promptly, as Proud Lion will only hold this order till the end of the month. Demand will be high on this one.
Next up is the second Batman And Robin graphic novel by Grant Morrison. Batman Vs Robin continues the tales of Dick Grayson and Damian Wayne as the new Dynamic Duo. This week also sees the release of Grant's final issue of the single issue Batman & Robin comic, as he departs to the new Batman, Inc. title. Proud Lion favourite Paul Cornell will be taking over for the subsequent three issues. Comic Book Resources catch up with the British writer about these upcoming issues here.
Star Trek fans will want to check out the latest addition to the Haynes Manual series as this one looks at the various starships to bear the name Enterprise. From the NX-01 to the NCC-1701-E, this book continues the wonderful tradition of books such as Mr Scott's Guide To The Enterprise and the Star Trek The Next Generation Technical Manual. Well worth a look and purists, rejoice! This book ignores the recent film.
Warping way from the final frontier and over to a galaxy, far, far away (I know, I'm sorry, it's been a long day), we have the tie-in novel for Star Wars The Force Unleashed 2. Once again written by the guy who wrote the game's plot, Haden Blackman, this second volume of Starkiller's adventures features art from Omar Francia (Mas Effect, Star Wars Legacy).
Webcomics are everywhere these days and one of my favourites is xkcd. A volume zero collection of some of his best work has just been released and includes various bonus extras. This is published by a company that give the majority of the profit to the creator, then donate the rest to charity, so if you have every derived even a small amount of pleasure from the xkcd comics - this is a great way to give a little back to the man responsible.
Finally, we have softcover trade paperbacks of Siege, Battle For The Cowl and Green Lantern Agent Orange. Do pop in, our Christmas giftware range is starting to roll in too, including some freaking sweet Family Guy swag.
