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Listen to Collider's recap of the 2011 Hero Complex film fest

Published

on June 13, 2011

. 0 Comments

I'm putting together today's HyperComboCast #3 as I type this, and while I'm getting that posted, I'm listening to the various audio clips from Collider.com's recap of this year's Hero Complex film festival.

Collider is sort of podcasting without realizing they're podcasting. They've got an intense set of live audio, featuring speakers such as Mike Mignola, Robert Downey Jr., and the Captain America screenwriters. Oh, and Jim Lee and Geoff Johns talk about the DC relaunch. Not too shabby.

Here's some of the audio (everything links directly to the mp3s):

I haven't listened to everything yet, but what I can tell you (based on Collider's descriptions) is that Downey Jr. and Fav talk about the Iron Man movies AND The Avengers movie, Mignola talks briefly about the Hellboy movies and comics, and Lee and Johns are joined by Grant Morrison.

There's also more audio on in the blog post I didn't link to, like Warren Beatty and Richard Donner. So if that's your thing, you should probably pop over to Collider.com and check it out.

Also, I'm eating Crunchy Nut. You'll learn more about that on tomorrow's AudioShocker Podcast #182.

AudioShocker Podcast #180.5 - Mock Turtlenecks

Published

nick marino

on June 1, 2011

in Podcast Episodes

. 0 Comments

AudioShocker Podcast #180.5 [ 5:00 ] Play Now | Download

Since there's no new A Podcast with Ross and Nick today due to our new bi-monthly schedule, I figure I'll post this AudioBoo I recorded yesterday. It's about the DC Comics reboot that was announced yesterday, including Jim Lee's redesigns of the characters sporting hideous mock turtlenecks.

The Top 9 Reasons Why DC Comics is Now DC Entertainment

Published

nick marino

on September 18, 2009

in The Top 9

. 4 Comments

9. Warner Bros. executives were confused by the DC Comics company name, stating, "There's nothing particularly funny about these books..."

8. The name "DC Comics" wasn't dark enough. Gotta keep up with the trends!

7. "Dork Central Entertainment" sounds better than "Dork Central Comics."

6. If you squint your eyes and look at it really fast, "DC Ent." sort of reads like "DeCent." Gotta love subliminal branding!

5. The DC offices were tired of getting calls from travel agents trying to make reservations at Washington D.C.-area comedy clubs.

4. Approximately 99.9% of kids under the age 14 have no idea what a "Comics" is. However, they all enjoy "Entertainment."

3. Paul Levtiz was defeated in a high-stakes poker game by Diane Nelson. After he lost the hand where he bet his job, the only thing he had left was the company name.

2. Disney bought Marvel. Warner Bros. got scared.

1. DC Comics employees were fed up with the constant ridicule from friends and family who learned that the company's name actually stood for "Detective Comics Comics."

More: The Top 9 DC Comics Movies Warner Bros. Should Be Making Right Now!

Why the Top 9? Because 10 is too many and 9 is better. 3 X 3 = Awesome. Now that’s what I call math.

AudioShocker Podcast #95 - Marvelous Kickboxing Basterds

Published

nick marino

on September 1, 2009

in Podcast Episodes

. 1 Comment

AudioShocker Podcast #95 [ 32:31 ] Play Now | Download

NEW AND IMPROVED FORMAT! We give it to you fast and focused as we discuss the big comic book and superhero news: Disney's purchase of Marvel Entertainment. What does it mean for Marvel vs. Capcom? Will there be a Muppets crossover? We switch it up as Neal reviews Inglorious Basterds, giving you the reasons why this new Tarantino flick makes District 9 look like a summer flop. Then Nick discusses the latest installment in his ongoing Jean-Claude Van Damme marathon, Kickboxer. Finally, after the end theme, we debate the post-SNL careers of Rob Schneider and Mike Myers.

Shove the AudioShocker podcast RSS feed into your favorite RSS reader. Review the AudioShocker on iTunes. Call the AudioShocker Comment Line at 412-567-7606 or have our comment line call you.

The Top 9 People Michael Jackson Was Trying to Look Like

Published

nick marino

on July 3, 2009

in The Top 9

. 1 Comment

Let's just be honest about this: regardless of his incredible abilities as a performer, Michael Jackson had a mortifying plastic surgery addiction that was impossible to ignore.

I may not know much about plastic surgery, but I can't imagine it's something you go into casually without an endgame in mind. Mikey must of had some sort image of what he wanted to look like after all that surgery was done.

Unfortunately, we may never know exactly what MJ's goal was with all those disturbing facial modifications, but here are my best nine guesses.

9. Superman. Okay, so MJ missed the mark if he was going for a Clark Kent vibe. But you have to admit that the chin implant is very superhero-esque. And when I think of superheroes with a strong chin line, first and foremost I think of Supes. Still, like I said, Michael Jackson wasn't THAT reminiscent of the Man of Steel. If he was going for a DC Comics hero, he was probably aiming more towards...

8. Wonder Woman. This super Amazon is far more in line with MJ's final appearance than the guardian of Metropolis. Jacko was obviously going for a feminine look, so maybe he took some cues from Diana of Themyscira (though, upon further scrutiny, MJ looked more like an old school Jack Kirby drawing than any DC superheroine). At the end of the day, whether aiming for Wonder Woman or not, Michael Jackson ended up looking like a...

7. Nightmare. Literally. We all know that Michael Jackson preferred Marvel Comics. And who better to take inspiration from than one of the greats: Steve Ditko. When my friend said MJ looked like a nightmare, I automatically added a capital N on the front. BTW, do me a favor and remember this entry for later on in the list, okay? Anyway, back to the current section of the countdown. MJ, after all was said and done, was far too put together to be going for a Nightmare look. In fact, I would say his desires were more along the lines of...

6. Betty Page. Seriously. With those lips and that silky black hair, MJ was totally going for a high-contrast pinup lady look. Ms. Page was, of course, the most notorious of the black and white pinups. Who better to emulate, right? Well, if Mikey was trying to look like Betty Page, unfortunately he ended up more like...

5. Elizabeth Taylor. Anyone else out there ever find it ironic that Michael Jackson was not only close friends with Elizabeth Taylor but also slowly turning into her? For what it's worth, I thought about this even as a kid. And while this classic Hollywood starlet certainly inspired millions, I think it's safe to say that Micheal's eventual appearance seemed to be inspired a bit more by...

4. Cher. And I'm not talking 1970s Cher. I'm talking modern Cher, like Cher from the Believe video. Even if MJ was trying to look like Cher, he was aiming for the next octave up with his voice. Take that, Cher! When it came to looking like women, you two were tied. But when it came to sounding like women, well, Mikey had you beat there. But don't fret Cher - at the end of the day, Mike wasn't your doppelganger. He always reminded me more of...

3. Elvira. You know, the original sexy goth chick. We'll never know if MJ really wanted to look like Elvira, but visual evidence certainly points in this direction. Hell, maybe he was just jealous and wanted to get the Tom Jones treatment too. But while Elvira always rocked a feathered fashion mullet, Michael appeared to prefer flowing black locks a bit closer to those of...

2. Snow White. The pale skin. The jet black hair. The big red lips. That whole song about talking to a mirror. His love for poisoned apples. Okay, that last one I made up. But the first three all are bonafide facts! Snow White is a pretty huge icon, just like Mike. Maybe he was trying to take the whole iconic thing to the next level. If that's what his aim was, he was a bit off. Instead of capturing the pale countenance of Snow White, Michael Jackson ended up with the same complexion as...

1. Morbius, the Living Vampire. Not only did MJ have the complexion, he also had the miniature nose and the same exaggerated facial shape as Marvel's resident anti-hero vampire. Remember when I told you to remember #7? Here's the payoff: when I told my friend about the Nightmare reference, he agreed but felt that MJ resembled Morbius to a greater degree. And he's right. The whole Michael Jackson look was very "Living Vampire." And here's some visual evidence:

Michael Jackson, the Living Morbius

More: The Top 9 Least Intimidating Supervillains

Why the Top 9? Because 10 is too many and 9 is better. 3 X 3 = Awesome. Now that’s what I call math.

After Wolverine... What's Next?

Published

nick marino

on April 30, 2009

in Movies

. 0 Comments

There's no doubt in my mind that X-Men Origins: Wolverine will be the biggest thing going in movie theaters this weekend, if not this entire spring (hell, let's go for the whole summer while we're at it).

Even though your brain is steeped in six claws and mutton chops right now, try and remember back to the Watchmen movie. It's hard, right? Believe it or not, that movie only came out two months ago (though it feels more like two years).

Around the time of the film's debut, DC Comics attempted an "After Watchmen... What's Next?" program to steer potential readers to like-minded material. I've decided that's just what Wolvie needs to coincide with his silver screen solo outing. Thusly, I present to you:

AFTER WOLVERINE... WHAT'S NEXT?

Books That Reinforce Stereotypes About the Modern Superhero

When everyone thinks about superheroes nowadays, they think about The Dark Knight, Spider-Man's evil black suit, and Superman being a deadbeat dad. (And, oh yeah, what was it called? HMMM... oh right! That Watchmen thing.)

It's true: superheroes are emo right now. "Dark" is hot. "Dead" is even hotter.

So if you like your heroes dark or dead, then you'll love these current comics:

Batman: Battle for the Cowl. Batman's dead (sorta) and a bunch of supporting characters are fighting for the right to wear his tight blue undies.
Captain America. Cap got killed and the shit kept rolling. He's been replaced by his once-dead teen sidekick that used to be a KGB assassin. Meanwhile, an evil scientist made Cap's girlfriend miscarry his baby.
Dark Avengers. Marvel's premier Dark Reign title wherein the Avengers have been replaced by replica supervillains... but Johnny Q. Public doesn't know it!
X-Force. Cyclops decides to create a black ops team of mutants who wear all black as they travel around the world and act like terrorists (or is it anti-terrorists?).

More Books With Wolverine

This one sounds deceptively easy, doesn't it? Well it's a bit trickier than it may seem. See, the Wolverine you know from the movie isn't the Wolverine who's starring in the monthly Wolverine comic book right now.

To find the Wolverine you enjoyed from the movie, you've got to look for him in:

Wolverine: Weapon X. A brand new comic book made to (sort of) coincide with the release of X-Men Origins: Wolverine. It's so new that I don't even know what to expect... except for six claws and mutton chops.
New Avengers. From what I hear, Logan is still hanging around with Luke Cage and whining a lot. But I could be wrong about this.

Books That Push The Boundaries of Anti-Hero Fiction

He's a killer. He's a hero. No... he's a killer AND a hero.

If you enjoy the walking contradiction that is Wolverine, then you may also enjoy the exploits of these other famous anti-heroes:

Lobo. I have no idea if Lobo has any comics coming out right now. He's like a cosmic Wolverine with a bad complexion and a twisted sense of humor.
The Punisher. Already a movie star in his own right, Frank Castle straddles the line between hero and villain even more than Logan. He's got two ongoing comics on the racks right now.

Best-Selling Books From Best-Selling Authors

Riiiiiiiiiiight. We're just going to skip this one.

Books For Immature Readers

Surely, the idea of a man who backs up his irrational anger with knives that come out of his hands isn't the most mature-minded notion out there. While the "dark" trend sweeping comics right now tends to be overly emotional, some books out there still know how to have fun and not worry about it.

Here are a few current comics that delight in the more visceral elements of sequential storytelling:

Street Fighter comics by UDON Entertainment. Street Fighter II Turbo and Street Fighter IV spend most of their time on kickass tournament fight scenes with huge SFX and bright colors that slap you in the face. Shiny pages! Big fights! AWESOME!
Skrull Kill Krew. Evil aliens never stop trying to take over the Earth, so Riot and the Skrull Kill Krew never stop trying to kill them. Get it?

As a fitting end to this post, I should note that this upcoming Saturday is Free Comic Book Day. If you don't buy comics on the regular, why not at least stop down to your local shop and get some for free? (There's even one about Wolverine!)

The Top 9 DC Comics Movies Warner Bros. Should Be Making Right Now

Published

nick marino

on April 17, 2009

in The Top 9

. 8 Comments

For some reason, Neal was under the impression that this Top 9 list would be about Texas. He was wrong! This is a WAKE UP CALL for Warner Bros. and some REEL TALK (get it? "reel"???) for the film producers behind any future DC Comics properties.

9. Green Arrow. Supermax, eh? What a fucking stupid idea. Why would you introduce Green Arrow to the film audience through a prison breakout movie? Play this one close to the vest and tell the tale of a spoiled rich kid that turns into a modern Robin Hood. It's that easy. Get some imaginative director to envision fun archery antics (including a slo-mo Matrix style arrow shot, of course) and you've got another superhero blockbuster on your hands, Warner Bros.

8. Metropolis. This is an unusual suggestion that could work out unusually well - take the highly successful Smallville TV series and spin it off into a blockbuster film where everything we know about the TV show changes. Let Clark Kent grow up and make the transition that we knew he was always going to make. Bring back familiar cast members - Lex, Lana, and more - while solidifying Clark's status in the big city. Show Kal-El taking hold of the Superman mantle and growing into his infamous role.

7. Arkham Asylum. A horror movie where the spotlight is on the Batman's rogues gallery. People already know the cast of characters well... so now give them a freaky thriller where every villain gets the same sort of hyper-serious treatment that Heath Ledger and company gave to the Joker. The story could focus on one frightening night when the prisoners of Arkham get loose inside the building and attempt to escape from the asylum. Tell the story from the viewpoint of a psychiatrist working there. People would love this.

6. Green Lantern. Supposedly, this movie is going to get made soon. But Warner Bros., you're like the "the film studio that cried wolf" when it comes to superhero movies. I'll believe that you're actually making this when I see some production stills or photos from the set. And it's probably best to go with the John Stewart version of the character - that's who the public is mostly familiar nowadays. Plus, the DCU film universe could use a bit of diversity.

5. The Daily Planet. A film about the most famous fictional newspaper in the world. Redefine Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, and Perry White for the masses. Show what it's like to cover news in a world where the unbelievable happens on a regular basis. On the whole, this should be largely devoid of Superman (maybe just a little foreshadowing). However, this movie must be developed with the notion that relaunching the Superman franchise as a sequel is a given. As a tease, have the final scene feature a young Clark Kent being introduced to Lois Lane for the very first time.

4. Flash. The character is truly iconic. That's what he has in spades over most other superheroes. His name alone gives you everything you need to know: it's all about speed. Plus, the Flash logo makes for incredible merchandising. The marketing potential for this property is tremendous. To top it off, this legacy character has more than one classic iteration. Therefore, you can kill off Barry in the second film (for unparalleled dramatic superhero tension) and have Wally rise to the challenge.

3. Aquaman. As a huge Aquaman fan, I may be a bit biased. But this character is known across the world and beloved by many who grew up on Super Friends. Those two things alone make it the perfect time for an Aquaman movie, which would be a lavish underwater epic. Still need more proof that this should get made? Entourage has already done the viral promotion for the film! Warner Bros., if you wait too damn long then you'll never be able to capitalize on that free publicity!!!

2. Superman Begins. Yeah, we already have five modern Superman movies, not to mention countless hours of animated film and TV shows, and then there's Smallville... and a WHOLE LOT MORE. But the Superman film franchise is in the crapper right now. Warner Bros., just admit that Superman Returns didn't turn out like you expected and relaunch the whole franchise from the beginning. Keep it simple and go with the "Begins" motif that worked wonders for your Batman franchise.

1. Wonder Woman. Seriously, why is there no Wonder Woman movie yet? I know the story blah blah blah Whedon blah blah blah wrote a script blah blah. WHO CARES!?! Just make the damn movie already!!! This is one of the most famous superheroes in the world and all she has right now is a dated (albeit awesome) 70s TV series and a (LAME!) direct-to-DVD animated film. Stop making excuses, Warner Bros., and make a goddamn Wonder Woman movie!

More: The Top 9 WORST Actors in Live-Action Superhero Films.

Why the Top 9? Because 10 is too many and 9 is better. 3 X 3 = Awesome. Now that’s what I call math.

Vote for Doctor Doom!!! AND DO IT FAST!!!

Published

nick marino

on March 31, 2009

in Comics

. 3 Comments

I command you heathens to VOTE FOR DOOM!

Vote for Doom! He's in a heated battle against Batman in the DC/Marvel March Madness Tournament over at Comics Should Be Good!.

C'mon, AudioShocker readers!!! Don't let Victor von Doom lose to a pretty boy punk like Bruce Wayne. Lay the smackdown with your votes!

And remember folks... the concept behind choosing the winner in the CSBG! March Madness Tournament isn't "Who would beat who in a fight?" but rather "Who is the best character?" (Which, obviously, is Doctor Doom.)

[Note: The image attached to this post? You'll be seeing more of it soon in an upcoming Hyper Combo Wallpaper!]

Profile in Comics Reading: Jeremy Canceko

Published

nick marino

on March 19, 2009

in Comics

. 1 Comment

I'm gonna try something new today: a comic book reader bio, spotlighting reading tastes and habits. If you like it, let me know and we can make this a regular thing.

First up is my former classmate and fellow cartoonist, Jeremy Canceko (by "fellow cartoonist" I mean "cartoonist that is WAY better than I am"!!! HA!). Jer is a professional graphic designer (by "professional" I mean he gets paid to design stuff) and he's chosen to pimp Shelfworthy.com, an exclusive startup that helps people share their refined tastes in books, movies, and games (by "exclusive" I mean it's invite only).

Here's what I asked Jer:

What comics have you been reading lately? Are you a store every Wednesday guy or just whenever?

And here's what he had to say:

I consider myself a Wednesday guy for the most part. I have subscriptions and try to go at least once a month to pick 'em up.

In general, I've been cutting back on a bunch of titles that I used to read to just focus on particular writers. I read a lot of titles from Brian K. Vaughan, Brian Bendis, Mark Millar, and Robert Kirkman. And then I've been keeping up with some Ed Brubaker, Geoff Johns, and Grant Morrison runs. That pretty much covers most of my Marvel and DC stuff, though there are some other gems in there, such as Captain Britain, Patsy Walker, and Ambush Bug, that I dig.

I'm also a Buffy fan, so I keep up with Season 8 and Angel. I try and read as much indie stuff as possible. I'm a huge AdHouse Books and Oni Press fan. I do read a lot of anthologies like Flight, SPX, and Mome when I have the time.

Now I'm just rambling, haha. But I guess I should just list a few more things: A Top 10 [Editor's note: somebody tell this guy we do Top 9's around here… not 10's!!! – Nick] list of comics I do not miss no matter what (fanboys love lists, don't they ;)

(In no particular order…)

1. Ultimate Spider-Man
2. Scott Pilgrim (The most recent volume is great. It got me inspired to go back and read all the other volumes again!)
3. Invincible
4. The Umbrella Academy (This was a title that I was really looking forward to before it came out and it totally exceeded my expectations.)
5. Fables + Jack of Fables
6. Buffy Season 8
7. Wonderful World of Oz (Marvel's refreshing adaptation. I love Skottie Young's art. I'm a big cartoony art kinda guy, haha!)
8. Green Lantern
9. Ex Machina
10. Runaways (Though it's been a while, original creators BKV and Adrian Alphona are sorely missed.)

Hmm, that's all I got off the top of my head!

P.S. Not sure if you keep up with animated shows, but The Spectacular Spider-Man is definitely one of the best comic book cartoons out there. Greg Weisman (of Gargoyles fame) is one of main showrunners and that's some quality storytelling right there. I also really liked the Wonder Woman animated DVD that came out recently.

Do you have a Profile in Comics Reading you want to share with the world? Shoot me a line at nick@audioshocker.com and I'll let you know what I think!

The Top 9 Superheroes Who Don't Have a Solo Series Right Now (But Should Have One!)

Published

nick marino

on February 20, 2009

in The Top 9

. 5 Comments

9. Luke Cage. New Avengers may feature Carl Lucas in the lead, but the big name heroes in the book limit his face time. I want a Cage solo series wherein our invulnerable heavy hitter from Harlem handles business on his downtime.

8. Havok. He's getting a big profile bump soon in the War of Kings event, so this would be the perfect time to spin him out into his own series again. Alex Summers has already carried Mutant X on his own and he headlined X-Factor for years. Just get him back in his classic duds before he launches his new solo book!

7. Zatanna. The Bat-books need some magic. Even with Bruce Wayne MIA right now, this classic JLA hero could interact in Gotham City in interesting ways. The Arkham Asylum crowd are used to fists and gadgets. But what if they had to fight spells instead?

6. Falcon. I had an awesome idea today -- a new Marvel Two-in-One or Marvel Team Up book featuring Falcon as the reoccurring hero. Sam Wilson can fly and talk to birds, but he needs a power upgrade to handle major threats. Solution? Use his Rolodex to boost his brawn on the battlefield.

5. Sasquatch. Marvel's Canadian heavy hitter needs a new lease on stardom. Put him in his own series where he's fighting the horror creatures of the Marvel Universe. His lighthearted attitude and love for science will contrast well with fantasy themed horror elements.

4. Psylocke. Betsy Braddock needs a new modus operandi. My suggestion? A classic kung fu street series. Have her hang with Iron Fist, fight alongside Shang-Chi, and buddy up with the Daughters of the Dragon. Bring in the X-Men now and then to boost sales.

3. Joker. A supervillain (or "super villain," as DC Comics would say) series is always a tricky thing. But the Joker is a tricky kind of guy, so it just might work. With Heath Ledger's star performance as the Clown Price of Crime, Joker's profile is higher than ever -- now just put him in his own comic book full of funny and twisted tales.

2. Storm. Lucky for me, she just finished up a mini series. But I would like to see another mini lined up, or better yet, an ongoing book for this mutant weather goddess. Give Chris Claremont the writing assignment and put Aaron Lopresti on art duties.

1. Aquaman. Plain and simple. The classic DC Comics water hero, Arthur Curry. He's one of the big guns and he needs to get his own title, even if it's just a mini series! Ride that seahorse, baby, ride!!!

More: The Top 9 Marvel Universe Characters That Have Stepped Up Since Civil War!

Why the Top 9? Because 10 is too many and 9 is better. 3 X 3 = Awesome. Now that’s what I call math.