Transformers 4 Announced!

Image by ComingSoon.net

First off, let me apologize for not posting last week to those of you who read my blog weekly. But Thanksgiving plans sort of got in the way of all that. But as you can see I didn't stray for very long, here I am. I'm Back! Now on to this week's topic.

Another Transformers Movie has been announced. Not only that, but due to some awesome Geek reporting by my long time friend and fellow geek Silas Lesnick at ComingSoon.net a poster has been revealed. Not only that but an addition to the cast has been announced as well.

It's rumored Mark Whalberg will be joining the Transformers cast. Now whether this means he's the new lead and Shia is stepping down or not has yet to be determined. A lot of fans seem to be excited over this though and are starting to jump the gun already saying he's going to be amazing.
I wouldn't hold my breath on this. Whalberg is indeed an amazing award winning actor but there are many factors to consider.

1.) Adding new people means writers might be running out of ideas here. In my opinion it kind of disrupts the flow because we've had the same people for the last three movies and we've been used to that. Even when Shia had this new love interest to me it just didn't seem the same in the third movie.

2.) wasn't 3 supposed to be the last one? I could have sworn Michael Bay was calling it quits on the Transformers franchise to start concentrating on wrecking another child love of mine. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Oh excuse me...ALIEN turtles. Bay even went on record to say he HATED the transformers. Blasphemy!

3.) What's left? Megatron has been the main threat in all three movies, he's been stopped all three times. What's left? According to the above poster he looks to be the main threat again. What's going to be different this time? Fans are wanting to see the Dinobots and so am I but if I know bay, hes not going to really give a crap because you can't model a GMC Truck after a Dinobot. He's looking for big time money sponsors here.

These Movies have gotten progressively worse. First one was awesome, second was a joke, and the third one was way too drawn out. I lost interest the last hour of the movie. I shudder to think what 4 will be like. So Whalberg will either be the saving grace for the franchise or the nail in the coffin.

As a dedicated Transformers fan I can only hope for the best. And hope for Dinobots! Just don't give me a robotic version of Jurassic Park!

What are your thoughts on a 4th movie being made? What do you think of Mark Whalberg's involvement? And what do you think the new movie poster signifies? Let me know your thoughts in a comment below or tweet me @PSiege1 

Also Don't forget to visit my friend Silas' Twitter @silaslesnick, he's always got the scoop on all your Geek News needs and is an excellent Journalist.

As always, thanks for reading, until next time this has been a Geek Critique from yours truly.

-Paul

Avengers: Earth's mightiest Heroes...Ends?!

If you are as big of a superhero geek as I am, than you are equally as upset as I am that Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes is no more! What started out as only a season finale quickly became the last we will see of these favored heroes. But why is this?

Bad ratings? Actually no. Far from it. Now that Marvel is owned by Disney, they seem to think it's right to yank a successful series from the airwaves simply because they want a single production company under their employment to be responsible for all Marvel related series. A new series already being thought up would come from the same people who created the Ultimate Spider Man cartoon series.

I wanted to love ultimate spider man, I really did. I gave it a chance. But the fact is this has nothing to do with the ultimate universe in the comics it's just about training spidey to be the best spider-man he can be while he's still a youngin' in high school and teaming him with other teenagers who are lesser known heroes. The plots are terrible, all its good for is a good laugh. But comic book heroes, even spidey, shouldn't be comedy 24/7.

The fact they are ending Avengers just to start another one under these guys is ridiculous. I doubt the next series will be any good if these are the people writing and producing it. Earth's mightiest heroes was cut down it its prime moments. So what happened during Avengers final hour?

In past episodes we've seen a variety of heroes pop up. Yellow-jacket, the fantastic 4, wolverine, spider-man etc. Everyone basically is contacted and reunited for what looks to be the end of the world. The cause? Galactus! Devourer of Worlds. Galactus brings several heralds to earth who all plan on helping him destroy the planet. Everyone splits into teams. But they all learn these heralds don't actually exist therefore cannot be harmed.

Surprisingly I was shocked to discover there was no Silver Surfer anywhere to be found. He had never even showed up in the series at all in fact. Kind of disappointing because this would have been the right moment to bring him in.

After about 25 minutes of fighting all over the globe getting them nowhere, the brains of the avengers save the day. Reed Richards & Tony devise a way to open a portal to the negative zone which would suck Galactus in, never to return. They are successful almost effortlessly with the help of Thor who pushes Galactus completely through the portal.

The Avengers victory is celebrated by all of Earth and thus ends n amazing series. You can definitely see there is still room to carry on, it didn't seem like a permanent ending at all, but we'll never see it again now will we? A real shame.

The new series will have a lot to live up to, but considering the minds behind ultimate spider-man and the fact all future marvel projects things do not look well at all for the future of marvel cartoons. I hope I'm proven wrong, I really do. But considering the fact Avengers was cancelled based on a greedy move and ultimate spider man was ordered for another season, I'm not getting my hopes up just yet.

Though I just recently discovered THIS GUY seems to disagree and says its all based hearsay that Avengers has been cancelled. I guess only time will tell, I'm not putting too much faith in these guys, I think they just want the heat off of them until a press release comes out.

What do you think? Is having all marvel cartoons under the same people a good move? Was it worth canceling a successful series? Tell me your thoughts on all of this.

Playing a Role in the Marvel Universe

Core Book Cover

This week I'm going to touch on the topic of Roleplaying games. For those of you who may not know what a Roleplaying game is: You get character sheets, roll dice and add skill or ability points and act out your character in an improv like manner. One person is the game master who throws challenges at the players, you roll the dice, and that combined with your acting skills either lets you succeed or fail.

If you've ever heard of Dungeons & Dragons all roleplaying games are similar to that. Before the days of World of Warcraft on your computer screen we used our imaginations. There are lots of different characters and Universes to choose from. Dungeons & Dragons to Robotech. 

The game I want to highlight today is a game by Marvel Comics called "Marvel Heroic Roleplaying" There is a Core Book / Players Guide with a basic adventure and a handful of characters to choose from. There is the option to create your own character but its strongly suggested to choose one of the character pre-designed in the book. 

You don't have to worry about starting at the bottom as a superhero and can get right in the thick of things causing as much damage as the bad guys. You can be Spider-Man if you wanted to and have all his abilities right off the bat. You can think of what you'd want to do if you were Peter Parker and change whats written in the comics. 

This is currently a game I'm playing with a handful of good friends and thus why I wanted to highlight this specific game. I think more should know about how fantastic it really is. The dice system and stats aren't too hard to grasp, though can be easily confused on occasion, your character is never really seen as weak and success is easier than it is in other tabletop games. 

You can come from all sorts of different backgrounds and create original partnerships and teams. Some characters stats even improve when they aren't alone. So having fun with others is encouraged. Every few months another book has been planned to follow the core book with more characters and more adventures.

Civil War Book Cover

Recently "Civil War" was just released. A huge event that took place in the Marvel Universe where it was Team Captain America vs Team Iron Man on if a new Mutant Registration Act should be passed. Iron Man was FOR and Captain America was AGAINST. This divided the Marvel Universe and it was Heroes vs Heroes. Even some Villains were on the sides of Heroes. With this book you can relive the political drama and make a story that could be happier...or not. It all depends on how you play it out. instead of Iron Man or Captain America setting the stage it's whoever you choose to be, you are the star. 

Other such important stories that took place in the comics are highlighted and based your actions can be changed. In a few months the next book set to be released I believe is the "Secret Invasion"If you are a true Marvel Geek you know what that's about. 

We have just begun launching the Civil War Campaign in my group. My Character is "Thing" from Fantastic 4. My other group members? Ms. Marvel, Iron Fist, and we just added on Dr. Strange and Rogue from the X-Men. 

So what have I done as "The Thing" so far? I've traveled through dimensions, traveled to the Savage Land, and claimed Thor's Hammer. Can you imagine Thing with that giant hammer? If he wasn't dangerous before he sure is now. 

"Thing" Character Sheet, Taken from Core Book 

Originally Ben Grimm wasn't even part of Civil War, he got up and left the country. Which is perfect. I, as the player get to write the "What If" story if Ben Grimm had stayed and played a role, or even if he took center stage during the conflict. Next session both sides will start to persuade heroes and villains alike to join their side. Thing is currently FOR The Registration Act. Why? He doesn't want anyone innocent hurt and for heroes to be trained and responsible. However his views could still change at any time based on what happens, other players influences, etc. 

So I ask you to leave a comment. Is Ben Grimm doing the right thing? (no pun intended) Should he abandon the cause? or stick with it? When he begins to scout, which heroes or villains should he ask to stand by his side in the war? Who can he trust? Your suggestions are appreciated on which hero/villain should be approached. Don't forget to tell me WHY they are a good idea, every character has to have some usefulness in the long run. 

In short, This game is fun, not too hard to learn, gives the player a lot of power and ability to change the universe around them. This game is an A+ in my book. I highly suggest trying it. 

Look forward to your recruitment suggestions, post them here or tweet them to me @PSiege1

Until next time, this has been a Geek Critique :)  

A review of Ghost Rider 2

Yes, I realize I'm a little late on the whole watching of ghost rider. OK, A LOT! But if you are me you either don't have the finances for $10.50 a ticket when blockbusters come out, can't see 3D movies, or don't have the travel means to see a movie and get to watch everyone enjoy themselves while you are stuck at home wishing you could go.

With that explanation out of the way, here's what I thought. The movie itself looked like a completely different one from start to finish. I read somewhere this was supposed to be their way of doing a reboot since the first didn't go over so well. Personally I loved the first one so I don't understand people's complaints. I guess that's why I felt somewhat confused from the beginning of the film.

***Spoilers Don't read if you haven't seen Ghost Rider 2***

Totally disliked the Danny Ketch tie in. Making him half demon instead of a potential new rider in the third film pretty much ruins the end of Johnny Blaze if there ever is to be one in the future. Would be nice if he was given rider powers instead because he made a similar deal that Johnny did. I realize things will be different because this is a movie but it still makes more sense than what they did.

What was strange and creepy at first, but eventually grew on me, was the scare factor in this film. There  definitely was more of a horror aspect in this film which I thought was good. Ghost Rider should always keep everyone on their toes. Plus seeing Cage flip out every two seconds trying to control the rider from unleashing was pretty amusing.

Didn't really like the look of the Rider this time around, although more realistic in many ways I thought the skull looked oddly pointy, and I miss the shiny black jacket with spikes. This one looked old and crusty with not enough flash to it.

Very saddened by how the penance stare was played off this time around. He looks into their eyes and they explode? Liked the old way when they just appeared as a soul-less body.

Miss the flashy bike too. This one looked old and rickety. What can I say, I guess I'm a fan of flashy when it comes to being a biker, in my opinion that's what makes an awesome biker.

One improvement that I applaud is they included more of Cage's voice when he actually was Ghost Rider. So I give them credit for attempting more realism of the character this time around.

As far as supporting characters, none of them really impressed me, until I saw Christopher Lambert as one of the Monks. That was amazing.

Overall I'd say the movie was alright, there were parts I loved, like when Ghost Rider turned a whole Machine into a fiery blaze as if it was one giant bike. But there were a lot of parts where it lagged too and the main villain (especially the actor) was not peaking my interest as much as the first movie villain.

So it didn't quite live up to expectations after all this waiting. But it did surprise me in many ways and introduced me to looking at the character differently which is always good. Still I'll always be a bigger fan of the first movie and I hope there is a third film to cap it off.

Turtles, Twitter, Trivia and Teases

This week in "Geek Critique" we'll be looking at action figures!

With a brand new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series developed you had to expect there would be a whole new line of toys to go with it. I was lucky enough to get my hands on one. But you can bet it won't be played with anytime soon.

Why you may ask?  It's a very good story I want to share with all of you.

About a week or two ago, during the 4th episode of the new TMNT Nickelodeon held a Twitter exclusive episode trivia contest. You basically were tossed the occasional tweet from TMNT's "Turtle Master" aka the guy with all the prizes a triva question associated with both uncommon knowledge as well as obvious things you would have learned throughout the current episode being broadcasted.

So about 15 mins into the program, a tweet gets blasted, I'm hovering over my ipad stalking every message I see associated with this prize pack giveaway because it was announced at the top of the show that's what was taking place. I think to myself "I never win anything, but it could be fun."

The tweet is "Michaelangelo's new friend sounds familiar, but who is he? This same voice actor was also a character on spongebob squarepants, name the character he played for a mystery prize pack."

Didn't take but two seconds to come up with that answer. Little did the twitterverse know I have a keen memory for audio and a fascination as well as deep knowledge for voice actors. I know what actor did what voices and in what shows. Even if I didn't see the credits I know the voice no matter how altered. This actor was None other than Clancy Brown. That wasn't the question, but I know it because I hear his voice all the time in just about everything these days. I don't even watch Spongebob but could tell you the answer to that question right away. He played "Mr. Krabs"

So I reply in a heartbeat, some time passes. No response. I thought to myself. "I knew it someone responded first, not easy for a kid to answer, but it was too easy for me to be true" Then I get a tweet from the great TMNT Master saying "You got it, send your address and I'll send you a prize pack!" I literally jumped for joy! It was like I was 10 again, thrilled about my newest TMNT Merchandise. Ah memories.

So I send my address and think, "OK if I won, watch it be some promotional crap." Any contest I've ever won has always ended in some useless stuff I can never use and a T-Shirt two sizes two small. I'm thinking this might be no different so I tell the guy "here's my shirt size if that's what you are sending me." He follows me back on Twitter and says "It's a surprise." So part overjoyed, partly already disappointed, but still wanted the big mystery answered.

A week later a huge TMNT Box at my door. Feels almost too light. I'm thinking I already got ripped off. Pry open the box only to find a huge sewer capsule. OK, less disappointed now, anticipation building....

I open it and framed inside it still in box a brand new Raphael figure! Not only that, but its an old school design, looks just like the one I had as a kid! I was totally thrilled! Not only about the figure itself but it looked like how it used to back in the day instead of the new sculpts they've been using in recent.  This was a totally epic moment! I also noticed they added more functionality to the figure based on what was written on the box.

Then I stopped for a moment as I was reading it, took a closer look on the front. IT WAS SIGNED! But who autographed it? I looked at the detail on the signature and was able to make it out, it was a little on the faint side to begin with. It was none other than the newest voice actor to take on Raph. SEAN ASTIN!

If you don't know who he is by now, we're talking Rudy here, the nerdy kid from Encino Man, and Sam from Lord of the Rings! This was no mere voice actor, but a STAR! I thought to myself, no way in HELL I'm ruining this, its staying mint in box FOREVER! Once that autograph and figure is worth $$$$$ time to retire early lol. I mean, that will probably never happen, but one can hope.

All I know is this is not  a toy for me, its valued deeply both as a prize, and part of my childhood, there is a deep, meaningful and emotional connection here. Not letting it out of my sight.

So I took some pictures right away, here they are below for you to take a look for yourself.

My only one complaint during all this, that I didn't get a Donatello. He 's my favorite! Always has been. But I find nothing wrong with Raph, I like him too. And also lets face it, Rob Paulsen autograph vs Sean Astin who wins? Sean Astin! I got the better deal here in a way.

Though who knows, maybe TMNT Master is reading this right now, if you are, I'd love a Donatello as he was my childhood idol. He represents what a kid should aspire to be. Intelligent, loyal, and wise. He made me who I am today. So I do applaud Robert Paulsen for taking on the role.

Any other Donatello fans out there? I'm sure there are plenty of Raph lovers out there, I can name a few. What do you think of the new figures? Good or bad? And would you take yours out of the box if it was signed?

In closing, thank you Nickelodeon, TMNT Master, and Sean Astin for making one die hard fan of 20 years one very happy person! I cannot express how much it means to me!

Follow @TMNTMaster and tweet me @PSiege1 on Twitter

Leave a comment here on the blog too!

See you next week for another "Geek Critique"

-Paul

DC Nation ushers in a new season of Green Lantern TAS

If you haven't been watching Cartoon Network lately, you wouldn't know there have been two new episodes of Green Lantern the animated series

With the Red Lanterns now soundly defeated, Hal Jordan picks up right where he left off only to have his life further dramatically changed. His long time love Carol has dumped him, not because she doesn't love him anymore, but because she knows their life together would never stand the test of time with his pressures of being a Green Lantern. With that being said, she also fires Hal knowing full well he cannot be both a Lantern and Full time test pilot. Poor Hal, Fired and Dumped in one day.

Guy from GL TAS 

With Hal on the brink of quitting the lanterns to go back to his old life we finally get introduced to another main character of the Green Lantern Corps. None other than Guy Gardner! While Hal was off playing in space with Killawog and Razor, Guy was named the new Guardian of Earth. Sorry Hal Earth has a new protector. Geeze, fired twice in one day and dumped.  Then to our surprise, Hal gets promoted to honor guard. He now patrols all of space. No pay raise though lol. And still no Carol....For now at least

Tohmar-rae makes a reappearance and now surely to be around for awhile. He as well is part of the honor guard and has taken a liking to Hal. Enter the newest threat. The Manhunters. Surely to be the main threat of this season. Killawog and their sidekick ship Aiya rejoin Hal and Tomahr for another jetset journey to destroy all remaining Manhunters, only to discover the person in charge of this fiendish plot. I'll leave it there. No big spoilers for everyone.

Thoughts on this season so far? Love the way they have introduced Guy. He has a great portrayal in the series and is very classic "Guy" in a lot of ways. I loved the "Frienemy" type chemistry he and Hal had with one another. Dietrich Bader was a perfect casting choice for Guy as well. I hope we get to see more of guy later on, I'd like to say hes my favorite so far but in all honesty there is something I've come to love about each lantern. Usually I pick one character to stick by but it just goes to show what good casting, stories, and scripts can do for a character.

Is that a Green Lantern Limited Edition PKE Meter? 

Tomar's portrayal reminded me that of an alien Egon Spengler from Ghostbusters with repeated phrases such as "I'm detecting a low energy ion pulse" Are we busting ghosts or Manhunters? I mean, just look at this picture of him, its a GL version of a PKE meter!

Chip can't talk, but he can still kick Hal Jordan's butt any day of the week.

We also get to see "Chip" our squirrely little lantern kick Hal's butt then help him out later. Most likely not the last time we've seen him either as him and Hal became fast friends. 

I keep looking forward to the next episode of this series every week because something has always come out of left field to surprise you in the best way possible. 

Not once did I think "I can miss one episode" or "That episode was boring" anything and will more than likely be answered later, a good tease for the time being. 

If you haven't seen the series yet, watch it from the beginning, it won't seem like much at first but there is superb growth throughout the storyline and the poor CGI is forgivable with all the other things it has going for it.  

Here's a video showing you the opening title sequence to the show.

If you HAVE seen the series, what do you think of the new season so far? And anything you are hoping to see?

As always I ask you to leave a comment, or Tweet me on what you thought of this week's critique topic. Tweet me  @PSiege1

Until next time, remember....

"Sometimes its better to ask for forgiveness later, than to ask permission first"

- Hal Jordan, Green Lantern Season 2 Episode 2

Arrow takes Aim; The Turtles still have the Power!

Well the results are in. TMNT was number was the number one cartoon to watch during it's Saturday premiere. Not only that, but Nickelodeon has already called for 26 more episodes after this season ends.  This is according to the writers at Comingsoon.net / Superherohype.com Seems Nickelodeon is confident the Turtles still have the power. And so far, they have proven that. 

I can't say I was all that impressed with episode 2 but was glad they highlighted Raph's attitude issues. Not to mention, I was psyched about the guest voice appearance. Kid's wouldn't know it, but if you have a keen sense for voice identification like myself you'd notice the human Raph was having arguments with the entire show was none other than Comedian Lewis Black. Who better to piss off Raph than the King of Attitude himself. Nice casting job Nickelodeon, gotta give you props for that one.

Speaking of premieres Wednesday premiered the long awaited Green Arrow Live Action Series on CW. To clear things up, the Answer is No! This is not a Smallville Spin-off. It's a complete reboot, different actor and it takes place in Star City. Where Green Arrow is actually from in the comics. This is  along the same time period though, about a young Oliver Queen. Here's a peek at the show's trailer.

So after watching the premiere what are my thoughts? I can honestly say, the acting is great and the actor choice for Oliver was fantastic. I even liked how they showed him on the island and after 5 years appearing as the Oliver we know now. Full blonde hair, and goatee. A nod to the current look was fun to see in case he were to ever go for that look in the future.

As much as I was pleased with things that had continuity, things that differed bothered me very much. I'm not one to judge slight changes or implementing new stories with this being a different Universe and all but some things shouldn't be changed or blended together.

Biggest complaint, Oliver has a sister who he calls speedy. Without even seeing the next episode I'm already upset about this. Speedy (both male and female versions) are some of my favorite DC Characters. Taking aspects of both characters and putting them together as one ruins a lot of potential story. Not to mention Oliver was never related to either of them. So in terms of the sister character the show is already a complete turn off to me.

Second biggest gripe, they are rushing the introduction of Black Canary. As far as I know she never knew Oliver or had any issues with him. Unless I'm missing something from the Comics which I very well could be. But honestly I'd rather they not know each other and meet somewhere down the line as heroes. Why must everyone know everyone or be related to someone in this show? You can't just cross paths? Seems a little forced to me.

But enough about my gripes, here's more of what I like about the show. Merlin is in the show, you gotta have one of the biggest enemies or the show is no good. We could even see Ras Al Ghoul in the future (fingers crossed) that would be amazing!

Then theres the huge mystery of seeing Deathstroke's mask at the very beginning of the show. If you didn't catch it, it was on a pole by the fire that Oliver had set off. True Deathstroke was never a key character in the Green Arrow stories but I'm perfectly content on seeing him show up if he does. He's an awesome villain to battle. I just hope they don't screw him up too much like they are with the Speedy character.

Finally, I'm glad they are coming up with creative uses for the Arrows in true Green Arrow fashion. I need an arrow that can transfer money into my bank account too lol.

I believe there is potential for the show. Especially when I hear the Royal Flush Gang showing up is around the corner. Again, a favorite group of Villains so I hope they don't screw them up too. I'd say thats what I'm looking forward to most at the moment though.

There are always going to be some things about this show that will irk me, but I just need to keep reminding myself its a different Universe. I can still love things how I like in other ways such as animated show versions. Even the Smallville version wasn't too bad.

Speaking of Green Arrow, they announced yesterday Oliver will be on the main roster for the new DC Comics Videogame set to release April 1st 2013. If you haven't heard of it it's called Injustice: Gods Among Us with the likes of such characters as Superman, Flash, Wonder Woman, Harley Quinn, Solomon Grundy, Robin, and more. Since Green Arrow only has skills not powers I'm excited to see how creative they will get on making his moves that much more epic! Here's a preview to show you how he's going to look in the game.

That's all for this entry, don't forget to leave a comment with your thoughts. You too can be a Geek and Critique! You can also Follow me on Twitter @PSiege1 Until next time :-)