Raise Lord Vader

Recently Marvel comics got the rights back to publish Star Wars comics.They came out with comics that tell stories from after episode IV : A New Hope and comics focusing on characters from Princess Leia,Lando Calrissian to even a Chewbacca comic,yes there's a Chewbacca comic.The one I like best is Star Wars: Darth Vader written by Keiron Gillen and art by Salvador Larroca .This story picks up as Vader is on a mission to find the pilot who blew up the Death Star and his 1st stop is to Jabba the Hutt and the whole sequence is almost excatly like when Luke Skywalker met Jabba in Return of the Jedi.As the story goes along we get to see the complicated "relationship" between Vader and the Emperor and how Darth Vader is a more than a heavy breather boogie man in a black suit.
Gillen has written a  big movie style story more than just Vader trying to find Luke,we get a "Ocean's 11" type caper and one of my favorite scenes is when Vader figures out Luke is his son.The way Vaders dialogue is written you can't help but hear James Earl Jones voice in your head as you read along.
Larroca's art is so detailed his panels at the beginning of each book is like the start of a Star Wars movie.Even with the mask on you can kinda tell what Darth Vader is thinking by the way he draws him.We meet alot of new characters through out this story my favorites are Triple Zero and BeeTee 2 droids Vader makes,they're evil versions of C3P0 and R2D2.All Triple Zero is interested in is torturing and killing and his dialogue is humorous in a dark kinda way.
I highly recommend you check out this series it's alot more than you may think and you get to see some of what happened between the 1st movie "A New Hope" and "Empire Strikes Back".
Until next time my friends stay geeky and hungry.

The Little Zombie that Could

On March 17th 2015 the CW network debuted a show called I Zombie based on the Vertigo comicbook by Chris Roberson and Michael Allred. The show stars Rose Mclver as Liv Moore,Malcolm Goodwin as Detective Clive Babineaux,Rahul Kohli as Dr.Ravi Charkrab,Robert Buckley as Major Lillywhite and David Anders as Blaine DeBeers.
The story starts out with uptight med student Liv reluctantly going to a party and like most parties a zombie outbreak happens and Liv is killed or so we think.The next morning Liv crawls out of a body bag and slowly figures out she's a zombie.In a short time she discovers that as long as she eats brains she'll appear "normal" and holds off going full zombie mode.Fast forward we see Liv has pushed away her family and fiancee Major Lillywhite yes that's his name and she quit med school and took a job at the police morgue where she has easy access to brains. A side effect of eating brains is that Liv takes on the personality of the person and their memories.She learns to use this to help Det.Clive Babineaux with his cases and explains to him she's pshyic. We later find out that the zombie outbreak was caused by a tainted drug and the dealer Blaine DeBeers is also now a zombie and has gone from dealing drugs to dealing brains to anyone who can afford it and wants to stay looking "normal",while Dr.Charkrab who knows of Liv"s "condition" is working on a cure to help her and others like her and yes there are a good number of zombies living in Seattle
The show is very well written and the chemistry between the actors are great like with Liv and Det. Babineaux and you might find yourself jealous of the "bromance" between Major and Dr.Charkrab who have become best friends and roommates. Each character has developed and we keep learning more about them even "bad guy" Blaine I hope we get to see more of Det. Babineaux's background and private life as the show goes on. This is a totally fresh take on the whole "zombie thing" without being goofy and you don't have to had read the comicbook to know what's going on.
It airs Tuesday night at 9pm on the CW and  it's just started it's 2nd season. Give it a try and you don't have to be into comicbooks or zombies to enjoy this show.
So until next time my friends stay geeky and hungry.

Be careful what you ask Batman....

In the new issue of Justice League 42 written by Geoff Johns and art by Jason Fabok we get part 2 of "The Darkseid War" where the Justice League get caught in a war between "the world killer" Anti-Monitor and Darkseid the worst of the worst bad guys in the DC universe. Like most big events in the DC universe the war ends up on earth so of course our heroes have to jump in.
Geoff Johns has become one of my favorite writers in comics and his work on this book keeps me coming back for more.What makes this issue so special is when the "new god" Metron shows up in his chair.Metron observes what goes on in the universe and his chair has the answers to everything.The Justice League try to get answers from him about Darkseid and the Anti-Monitor but he refuses so Batman being Batman throws him off the chair and jumps on.Batman gains Metron's powers and his 1st question is "Who killed my parents? " the chair tells him Joe Chill who all fanboys and fangirls known already then he ask the ultimate question....."Whats the Joker's true name".
As readers we don't see the answer just Batman's reaction from it...."No! that's not possible!"
So now Geoff Johns has screwed with our minds! What name did the chair say because it seems to be someone Batman knows. So unless Mr Johns and DC comics decide to reveal the answer this just adds to the Joker's "mythology".
Then there's the last page a full page spread of Batman sitting in the chair proclaiming "Im a God now!"....oh oh.
Until next time my friends stay geeky and hungry.

My Favorite Sumer Pastime

Yes summer is back around time to put away the sweaters,jackets and boots and put on your shorts and flip flops. This time of year everyone has their favorite thing to do like boating, hitting the beach or pool,family bbqs or hanging out at a ballpark watching a baseball game. I like those things too but my all time favorite past time is sitting outside reading comics having a drink maybe a cigar and listening to podcast.
Yes on a nice summer day you'll usually find me under a tree or on porch with a small stack of comics or a trade paper back some type of adult beverage enjoying the latest adventures of my favorite costumed  and non costumed heroes and anti-heroes.I know when most people read they like complete quiet,not me I love to listen to podcast about comics,scifi movies,tv shows etc especially if the topic is a book I'm reading or thinking about reading or a movie or tv show I like or even dislike. I have a few regular podcast I listen to but every now and then I get sent a link to a new one I'll add a list of a few of my favorite ones for you to check out .For me it's a great way to relax on a nice summer day and they say geeks don't know how to enjoy the outdoors.
Until next time my friends stay geeky and hungry.

Crazy Breakfast Ideas

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day which may be true but who says it has to be boring.Working a swing shift one week on days then one week on nights my body gets confused sometimes on what to eat when im done with work. Because of that I sometimes come up with some crazy stuff in the mornings and I'll share 2 examples,these aren't the healthiest of meals so you might want to consult your doctor before you try any of them.
The 1st one came about one night at work craving a smoked sausage once I got home I felt like having breakfast too so "Bam!", Smoked sausage wrapped in bacon and topped with a fried egg. I wrapped a smoked sausage with 2 thick slices of bacon and placed it in the broiler  on low as that was cooking I fried a egg for just a few minutes sunny side up.When the " bacon sausage" was done I placed it in a warm bun and laid the egg on top,as far as condiments you can use whatever you like. I know it sounds weird but it was so good.
Another night I was in the mood for a grill cheese sandwich and then thought about french toast so of course I combined the two.I mixed 2 eggs with a little milk,soaked 2 slices of bread in it then placed them on a hot skillet with melted butter until both sides were golden brown. Next I put a few slices of cheese on one slice of french toast then put the other slice of french toast on top and smashed it down,flipped it over and smashed it down again. Once the cheese had melted I put the "French Toast Grill Cheese" on a plate and covered it with a little butter,cinnamon and syrup,Mmmmm it was good!
Trust me either one of these will make you sleep like a baby.So next time you're going to make breakfast think outside the box you might come up with something fun and delicious.
Until next time my friends stay geeky and hungry.

75 years of the Clown Prince

April 25th 1940 in the issue of Batman 1 debuted the Joker created by Bill Finger and Jerry Robinson.75 years later the Joker is one of the most famous comicbook characters known world wide from his appearance in comics,television,movies and even video games.
The next few weeks I'll "celebrate" the anniversary by posting things like his infamous moments to what might be his origin and maybe ending.
Until next time my friends stay geeky and hungry.

Broken Arrow

On October 10th the show Arrow 1st aired based on the comicbook Green Arrow and I instantly became a fan. It wasn't an exact adaptation of the comic but each episode was so well done the storyline, fight scenes and great actors like the lead Stephen Amell and costars like David Ramsey, Emily Bett Rickards, Paul Blackthorne and John Barrowman. One of my favorite things about the show was the " easter eggs " would pop up every episode that would give a nod to the comics.
Arrow took a more grounded look at the world of super heroes and super villains and it worked.I don't know what happened but the last 2 seasons the show has changed one thing is the writers started to force Laurel an unpopular character on the fans as the new Black Canery it's nothing personal against the actress Katie Cassidy playing her it's just how the character was written rubs fans the wrong way.John Diggle started out as the Arrow's right hand man and conscience but lately he's been reduced to a back ground character driving the " heroes " around in a van. . . think about that for a minute.
I'll do my best to stick around to see if it gets better like I did for Agents of SHIELD which has become a great show to watch but the producers and writers are making it tough for me to stick around. I can't remember the last time I've seen  "easter eggs " in a episode. I was excited to that my favorite DC villain Ra's al Ghul would be the new " big bad " on the show, then they changed him from being a centuries year old bad ass to the name just being a title handed down every so often.. . really ?
With shows like Flash out there that spun off from Arrow I don't see why I should waste my time on a show that for what ever reason has declined in my and alot of people's eyes. Don't get me wrong I love Arrow and I'm hoping for the best it's just becoming frustrating to watch some times so let's see how this plays out and if they turn it around to a great show again.
Until next time my friends stay geeky and hungry .

The Stonecutter

Years ago I read a book called The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff it basically shows how the way of Winnie the Pooh is similar to the way of Chinese Taoism.There is a short Chinese story in the book called the Stonecutter,it really moved me and I go back to it every now and then. I figured I'd share it with you and I hope you get the same from it as I did.
There was once a stonecutter,who was dissatisfied with himself and his position in life.
One day he passed a wealthy merchant's house and through the open gateway,saw many fine possessions and important visitors. "How powerful that merchant must be!" thought the stonecutter. He became very envious and wished that he could be like the merchant, then he would no longer have to live the life of a mere stonecutter.
To his great surprise he suddenly became the merchant,enjoying more luxuries and power than he had ever dreamed of,envied and detested by those less wealthy than himself.But soon a high official passed by carried by soldiers beating gongs. Everyone no matter how wealthy had to bow low before the procession. "How powerful that official is!" he thought. "I wish that I could be a high official!" Then he became the high official,carries everywhere in his sedan chair feared and hated by the people all around,who had to bow down before him as he passed.It was a hot summer day and the official felt uncomfortable in the sticky sedan chair. He looked up at the sun it shone proudly in the sky unaffected by his presence. "How powerful the sun is!"  "I wish that I could be the sun!"
Then he became the sun shining fiercely down on everyone,scorching fields,cursed by farmers and laborers.But a huge black cloud moved between him and the earth so his light could no longer shine. "How powerful that storm cloud is!" "I wish that I could be a cloud!" Then he became the cloud,flooding fields and villages,shouted at by everyone. But soon he found he was being pushed away by a great force and realized it was the wind. "How powerful it is!" "I wish I could be the wind!" Then he became the wind,blowing tiles off roofs,uprooting trees,hated and feared by all below him. But after a while he ran up against something that would not move a huge towering stone. "How powerful that stone is!" "I wish I could be a stone!"
Then he became the stone, more powerful than anything else on earth.But as he stood there he heard a hammer pounding aa chisel into the solid rock,and felt himself being changed.  "What could be more powerful than me I,the stone?"
He looked down and saw far below him the figure of a stonecutter.
Until next time my friends stay geeky and hungry.

The Merc with the Mouth....

Recently photos from the set of the upcoming movie Deadpool starring Ryan Reynolds  were "leaked" to the public.Well fanboys and fangirls looks like they're getting the character right,Unlike what they did to him in the 1st Wolverine movie,sewing his moth shut,blades coming out his arms what a bunch of.....don't get me started.
Well from what I've seen and the announcement of an "R" rating I'm feeling good about this movie.If you remember Ryan Reynolds performance in Blade: Trinity he's perfect to play "The Merc with the Mouth ".He was perfect as Deadpool in the 1st half of the Wolverine movie constantly talking and cracking jokes but then the producers and writers decided to throw away what makes Deadpool fun for the 2nd half of the movie which made no sense!...wait I'm going on a rant so just check out these photos from the set and stay tuned for more news as I get it.
Until next time my friends stay geeky and hungry.

Hiro is back!!!

Masi Oka the actor who played Hiro in the tv series "Heroes" will return to play the well loved character again in the upcoming mini series "Heroes Reborn"

Cosplay from Con Nooga 15

Here are a few of the Cosplayers I saw at Con Nooga 15 I list them in no particular order
1. Lady Gambit- X-Men
2.Shiro - Deadman Wonderland Land
3.Storm- X-Men
4.Penquin- Batman 66
5. Starlord and baby Groot
6. Mini Doctor Who's 10 and 11
7. Mad Hatter also the father of mini 10th Doctor Who
8. Missy aka The Master from Doctor Who
9. Mandalorian Mercs from Star Wars
10. King Julian from Madagascar

Connooga 2015

Every year during the last weekend in February here in Chattanooga Tn. there's a Scfi convention called Con Nooga. Todd Patton started the convention back in 2008 and since then it keeps getting bigger every year.Writers,artist,actors and vendors from around the country came to attend this year's Con Nooga.This being my  1st time attending I wasn't sure what to expect especially after going to bigger Cons like Motor City-Con in Detroit or Dragoncon in Atlanta but I was pleasantly surprised.

It's held in the Chattanooga Convention center in the heart of downtown with nearby hotels and within walking distance of bars and restaurants for when you need to take a break. Some of the benefits it being a "smaller" Con are,price only $60 for the weekend or $30 for 1 day pass.You don't have to line up an hour or more to get into a panel even though some did get packed quick like the Attack on Titan panel and the Star Wars vs Star Trek debate which was a more somber event with the death of Leonard Nimoy the day before.One young lady almost broke down in tears talking to me about the panel and Mr Nimoy,yeah it was a little awkward considering I didn't know her. That's what's so great about Cons they bring together people who are passionate about scfi,comics, gaming and cosplay there was even a Brony panel,a Brony is a guy who's into "My Little Pony "yes it's a thing don't judge.
A few highlights from my weekend at Con Nooga were sitting in the "66" Batmobile with the Penguin,peeking inside the TARDIS and yes it is bigger on the inside and of course meeting some cool people and geeking out with them.
I had so much fun I can't wait for next February and Con Nooga 16.
Until next time my friends stay geeky and hungry.

Breaking Age of Ultron news...

Announced today actor  Anthony Mackie who played the Falcon in Captain America : Winter Soldier will be playing the character again in the upcoming movie Avengers:Age of Ultron in May.
Also Marvel release the poster for the movie showing the team with Quicksliver and Scarlett Witch in the corner and floating above them looks like the Vision a android created by Ultron the main bad guy in the movie...spoilers!
Until next time my friends stay geeky and hungry.

DC release 1st picture of Aquaman

We finally get to see actor Jason Momoa mostly known for his role in the epic series Game of Thrones  will be playing Aquaman in the upcoming movie BatmanvSuperman: Dawn of Justice.
Looks like this version of Aquaman will totally change people's opinion of the character take a look for yourself....

Age of Ultron breaking news!

It's been confirmed that actor Andy Serkis who's last seen playing Gollum in the Lord of the Rings movies will be playing Klaw in Avengers: Age of Ultron dew out in May.
Klaw is Black Panther's arch enemy,maybe there will be a Black Panther sighting in the movie too?.....stay tuned for more spoilers before May lol.
Until next time my friends stay geeky and hungry.

Goodbye Santa,Hello Stan Lee

Whatever holiday you celebrate at the end of the year by now you should have put away all your decorations unless you're one of those people who keeps em up all year round,yeah there are folks who do that. Well the holiday season is over and it's time to prepare for Con season!!! By "Con" im referring to comicbook/scifi conventions.
There are Cons in every major city and even small towns and there's conventions for every taste.Most Cons cover everything but there are ones dedicated to one thing like Star Wars,Star Trek and believe it or not even a con just for My Little Pony. Conventions start as early as this month all the way to November just Google your city I'm sure you'll find one either in your town or near by.If you feel like visiting one of the major cons like San Diego ComicCon,Dragoncon or one of the Wizard World cons you need to get moving because alot of hotels for those are selling out already.The best way to experience a con is with a group of friends you can split hotel cost and plan out the weekend with panels and partys.All cons are not the same some are big "corporate" types and some are more relaxed and laid-back but I can say I haven't had a bad experience yet.What makes cons so fun is the fact that you'll be surrounded by people who share your interest I've ran into total strangers at conventions and had a great time with them.Seeing all the cosplayers,creators,artist and such is cool but the best part is just hanging with like minded people talking comics,movies,etc.is so much fun. You should budget for the Con you attend cause between the hotel,food,drinks and paying for art work and souvenirs it can get expensive.
So if you've never been to a con what are you waiting for see if there's one near you and check it out or get with friends you'll have a fun time and might meet your favorite artist,writer or actor like Stan Lee.Trust me it's something you won't forget so between now and November give atleast one con a try.
Until next time my friends stay geeky and hungry.