Ultraman is one of the most iconic figures to come from Japan. First appearing in 1966’s “The Birth of Ultraman,” the character has gone on to appear in live-action, animated, manga, and comic book form, even crossing over with properties like Kamen Rider.
In a press release, Netflix announced a partnership with Tsuburaya Productions to create a new CGI animated film based on Ultraman.
According to the official synopsis, “Baseball superstar Ken Sato returns to his home country of Japan to pick up the mantle of Earth-defending superhero Ultraman, but quickly finds more than he bargained for when he’s forced to raise the offspring of his greatest foe, a newborn Kaiju. Struggling to balance the roles of teammate and new father, Ken must confront his own ego, his estranged father, and the conniving Kaiju Defense Force to rise up and discover what it truly means to be Ultraman.”
This will be the second Ultraman iteration Netflix has produced following the second season of the anime-style television show.
Film director Shannon Tindle said, “Making this film is a dream come true. What began as an original story inspired by my love for Eiji Tsuburaya’s Ultraman somehow became an actual Ultraman film thanks to the incredible trust of the team at Tsuburaya Productions, and the support of the folks at Netflix Animation. We’ve assembled an all-star team and I can’t wait to share our unique take on Ultraman with the rest of the world.”
Tsuburaya Productions CEO Takayuki Tsukagoshi added, “Ultraman was born in Japan 55 years ago. This partnership with Netflix will be the first full-scale endeavor to reach the global market for Tsuburaya Productions. Ultraman, since it was created, has charmed many people around the world. And Shannon Tindle is one of those people. He was greatly influenced by Ultraman as a child, and he grew up to become a creator himself. I am delighted that families around the world will be able to watch Shannon and his team’s vision for Ultraman on Netflix and foster feelings of courage, hope and kindness.”
As stated earlier, the character appeared in the 1996 self-titled show where Japanese Earth defender Shin Hayata, played by Susumu Kurobe, would transform into Ultraman, played by Bin Furuya, to defend Japan against kaiju.
Ultraman was an alien from another planet who merged with Hayata in order to protect the Earth before he was recalled and replaced with a second Ultraman.
Netflix Announces ‘Ultraman’ CGI Animated Film
Rumor: Valve Producing A Portable Steam Console?
Handheld PCs running Valve’s Steam are nothing new. There are some on the market right now. Several crowdfunding campaigns have surfaced, too. A lot of those were quite unreliable and outright fishy. “Our Console has a crystal quality.” If you know that Kickstarter video, you know which vaporware portable gaming PC I’m talking about.
What would be great is if a portable console was coming out directly from Valve. Something that wasn’t tied to shady foreign businessmen. Well, a device called ‘SteamPal’ may be on the way. Maybe. It’s … iffy.
Arstechnica reports on some interesting wording that Steam DataBase creator Pavel Djundik found in the most recent Steam client beta. Check it out below:
This update also added a "quick access menu" and a "power menu"
I have a feeling all these strings related to "Neptune": https://t.co/Ih0K2y4E5A
Is Valve making a handheld Steam console?
— Pavel Djundik (@thexpaw) May 25, 2021
Arstechnica claims that the device is in the prototype stages, but images of the thing haven’t been released. Take what is being reported here with a massive grain of salt.
Handhelds mirroring Nintendo’s Switch are not too uncommon. Various versions have already hit the market or will very soon, but having the Steam/Valve branding behind it could be a game-changer.
As we’ve seen from the outdated hardware on the Switch, it is possible to run newer games, but at the cost of resolution, texture quality, and FPS. Imagine a newer chip with newer hardware running Steam and allowing you access to your entire library of games.
That’s some blue sky thinking, but it is possible. Sure, you’d probably not get your 4K experience as you do on a desktop, but all that portable convenience! Then again, this thing could turn out to be a streaming machine like a portable Stadia. I hope not.
If what is being proposed is your Steam library via a handheld, which games will be compatible? If you play retro titles, you’ve seen how fidgety older ’90s and even ’00s games can be to get running. Will Stream curate a list of titles optimized for the rumored platform?
What are your thoughts on a mobile Steam machine straight from Valve? Yay or nay? Let us know in the comments.
[Source: Arstechnica]
Break Out Your Corpo Credit Cards For This Cyberpunk 2077 Spiderbot
OK, I totally forgot that Cyberpunk 2077 was a thing. Usually, things of notoriety are kept alive via memes, but RPG feels like it just faded from memory once everyone got their refunds.
I still play the game. It’s a bit of an addictive mess. There are some excellent ideas hidden under the bugs and Keanu Reeves’s bland line delivery. Those ideas are usually in the form of aesthetic choices and some key pieces of tech.
The Flathead Spiderbot makes its debut early in the game during one of the more visually fascinating scenes in the game. Sadly, Flathead isn’t something you get to whip out at a moment’s notice to use like the spiderbots we see in Watch Dogs. Nevertheless, it looks cool.
Dark Horse Direct and CD Projekt Red are proud to present the Cyberpunk 2077: Militech Spiderbot “Flathead” Statue! Based on the state-of-the-art Militech model MT0D12 “Flathead”, this premier replica statue is at the ready for stealth and recon.
This highly detailed replica has working light-emitting diodes (LED’s), including both green environment and red activation indicator lights. Poised over Maelstrom tagged concrete from the streets of Night City, the Spiderbot “Flathead” stands to attention at 10.76” wide by 10” tall. This piece looks as if it could come to life right off your shelf and is primed for its next mission!
What’s in the box?
- Cyberpunk 2077: Militech Spiderbot “Flathead” Statue
- Base is 10.76” wide x 11.6” deep, total statue height at 10” tall.
- Working Red and Green colored LED’s.
- 3 (three) LR44 Coin Cell Batteries Included
- Certificate of Authenticity
Only 1,000 of these bad boys are being made. So, head on over to Dark Horse Direct and pre-order yours.
[Source: Dark Horse Direct]
Trailer: Resident Evil Event Coming To ‘Dead By Daylight’ In June
Sometimes the most fun can be had in a video game with a simple premise. Ya know, like chasing after a couple of people and skewering them on a meat hook. The good old fashion kind of fun.
Or maybe sometimes you just wanna release a deadly bioweapon on an unsuspecting city. Maybe run a couple of experiments on humans and dogs to see if they can be turned into savage killing machines. Ah, the good old days before social media. Now all kids want to do is label each other with made-up words and murder grammar in cold blood with pronouns.
At least there are games like Dead By Daylight to help us suppress our rage for a day or two.
Thanks to Nintendo Life for showing off the newly released trailer for the Resident Evil event. Rather than a cemetery or abandoned building, this event plops you on the streets of Racoon City. The T-Virus has zombified the citizens, and Nemesis is on your trail. He is very determined to see S.T.A.R.S.
The art style and character designs align with the newer versions of Resident Evil 2 and 3. Don’t go into this expecting the classic Nemesis, Leon, or Jill.
From the ravaged streets of Raccoon City to the black Fog of the Entity’s Realm. The hunt is on… The Resident Evil Chapter is coming to Dead by Daylight on June 15th. It includes a Killer, The Nemesis; two Survivors, Leon S. Kennedy and Jill Valentine; and a new map of the iconic Raccoon City police station
Dead By Daylight is a haven for horror fans, especially horror film fans. DLC for the game includes Freddy Krueger, Leatherface, and Michael Myers, to name a few. Yep. It’s a murder and torture simulator with your favorite video nasty icons!
Dead By Daylight is available on Steam, XBOX, and Playstation.
[Source: Nintendo Life]
Marvel Comics ‘Alien’ Writer Discusses The Franchise After Disney Acquisition
Since Disney acquired 20th Century Fox, many of the latter’s properties has been in a state of flux. One of the franchises in question is ‘Alien,’ which started with the 1979 science fiction horror film directed by Ridley Scott and its 1986 sequel ‘Aliens’ helmed by James Cameron.
While no new film projects have been seriously discussed, Marvel Comics begin releasing an ‘Alien’ comic book series starting in 2021.
Head writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson sat down with Discussing Film where he talked about the franchise following its acquisition by Disney.
“It was a huge vote of confidence on the part of Marvel and 20th Century Studios, which I was super grateful for, but honestly, an even bigger thrill for me personally,” he said. “Probably the most exciting part of it is that, with Marvel and 20th Century being part of the same company now, and the upcoming TV show being produced, we’re all adding to the same tapestry, collaborating to grow the Alien universe together in a way that feels super cohesive and consistent.”
When asked what helps inspire the story of the comic book, he explained, “The films are by far the biggest inspiration, but I also refer back to a lot of other Alien media, most notably the original Alien score by Jerry Goldsmith (the LP of which I sometimes listen to as I write) and Aliens: Salvation by Dave Gibbons and Mike Mignola.”
Johnson continued, “Aliens: Labyrinth is another one I come back to, to remind me how deeply upsetting an Alien story can and should be. Alien: Isolation is easily my favorite of the games.”
When asked if ‘Alien: Resurrection’ would play a role in the story, Johnson reacted negatively.
“There’s a specific image in Issue #1 that might make fans think of Alien: Resurrection, but generally that’s the one main-series movie I don’t give much thought, or even regard as “canon” in my heart of hearts,” Johnson said. “So no, there won’t be much Resurrection in the Marvel comic series. But I am a big fan of the prequel films, and Ridley Scott’s involvement quickly resolves any question of legitimacy.”
He added, “They’re part of the canon, no question. And although I have no immediate plans to do so, I do think there are some pretty cool ways in which we could tie those movies into the comics, and would certainly be game to do that.”
Disney announced on Twitter that an ‘Alien television show is in the works.
“Alien is currently in development at FX Networks,” they wrote. “The first TV series based on the classic film series is helmed by Fargo and Legion’s Noah Hawley. Expect a scary thrill ride set not too far in the future here on Earth.”
Despite Allegations, Film Producer Brushes Off Kevin Spacey Controversy
Kevin Spacey has not been in any major role since he was edited out of Ridley Scott’s 2017 biopic “All the Money in the World” following allegations of sexual misconduct by fifteen accusers including ‘Star Trek Discovery’ actor Anthony Rapp. Spacey was also fired from his role in the Netflix political drama “House of Cards.”
That is why it came as a shock that he was cast in an Italian film “L’uomo Che Disegnò Dio” (The Man Who Drew God). The casting drew sharp criticism online with speculation that he would play a sex crime detective looking into a case of someone who is innocent.
Film producer Louis Nero sat down with Entertainment Weekly, where he brushed aside the controversy and praised Spacey’s acting ability.
“In Italy, we don’t know details on everything, so we don’t speak about what we don’t know about,” he said. “I cannot speak about these things. I only know that Kevin is a great actor. That was my concern, and no more than that.”
Nero continued, “We don’t want to go into the private matter. He’s still a great actor.”
He also denied that the movie has anything to do with inappropriate behavior, but is a biopic about a blind artist named Emanuele who could paint portraits based on the sound of their voice. The artist takes a female apprentice.
Though he admits Spacey will play a detective with a connection to the artist, he denied there was nothing to the online rumors about the movie’s content.
“It does not involve pedophilia, as I’ve read in the media,” he insisted. “This is wrong.”
“I hope the same attention that has been given to the start of the project continues throughout so we will be able to show it around the world,” Nero added. “I think that would be great.”
New Spawn Toys Coming Soon says Todd McFarlane
Even if you don’t follow the Spawn comics, there’s something universally cool about the character’s design. He makes for great art and toys. If I’d never picked up an issue of the comic in the ’90s, I would have still picked up the figures because they make such great display pieces.
When I logged into Facebook this morning, I wasn’t expecting to see that the toyline was still going strong but was also bringing back the classic Clown along with a Wild West Spawn! Forgive me for not knowing the details of this version of Spawn, but damn, that looks sweet!
Straight from Todd McFarlane’s Facebook, he announced four new Spawn figures and teased that pre-orders would be coming soon.
If you’re new to McFarlane’s toys, they’re detail-heavy action figures that cover several properties. Of course, Todd’s creation Spawn is what first comes to mind, but the company also produces DC characters, Warhammer, and more.
McFarlane Toys has been around since 1994. I remember his first series of Spawn action figures. They were basic, but this was also the time of alternative comic book publishers giving the big two some real competition. Spawn was dark, bloody, and awesome. So, getting an official figure with his massive cape led to a toy line spanned many years.
You can check out the history of the company and all the toys here. Man, that’s one hell of a trip down memory lane.
I recently picked up one of McFarlane’s Ultramarines from Warhammer 40k. It was surprising at just how much articulation that thing had. These marines are bulky guys with huge torsos and massive shoulder armor. Regardless, I got him into the pose I wanted, and he now has a permanent home on the studio’s display shelf.
Hordak Joins Mondo’s Masters of the Universe Line!
Hordak! Proper Hordak! Not that weirdo Hordak from She-Ra and the Princesses of Power garbage. This is the leader of the Evil Horde we all know and love. The guy who throws Skeletor’s sass right back in his boney face!
Like with other Mondo releases, this 12″ figure has added details not typically seen in previous Masters of the Universe toys. Hordak, as he is seen here, is more in line with the 200X version that appeared in the King Grayskull story.
His color scheme is still in line with the classic Mattel toy, except for his head. This one keeps the chalky white, as seen in the Filmation cartoon. However, Hordak does not come with an interchangeable cannon arm. He does get a staff, crossbow, and a few extra hands.
The leader of the Evil Horde, and former master of Skeletor, Hordak is one of Eternia’s most infamous adversaries. Betrayed by his former pupil, Skeletor, Hordak was locked away in a different dimension only to soon escape and plot his revenge on Skeletor and all of Eternia. Returning with his army called the Evil Horde, Hordak vowed to destroy Skeletor and take down He-Man and Castle Grayskull in the process!
After many years, Hordak has finally arrived in Mondo’s Masters of the Universe 1:6 Scale figure line. Featuring an awesome updated looked to his amor and weapons, this figure is covered in rich detail. Hordak also comes with a removable cape, staff, crossbow and 4 pairs of swappable hands.
- Approximately 12 inches (30.48cm)
- Made of plastic and fabric
- Over 30 points of articulation
- Wide selection of accessories
- Sculpted by Matt black
- Hordak figure
- 4 Pairs of hands
- Staff
- Crossbow
- Cape
- Stand
To preorder your leader of the Evil Horde, head on over to the Big Bad Toy Store. You can also place an order directly through Mondo here. Hordak will run you $230 and will ship this August.
Who should be next in Mondo’s line? The Sorceress? Ram Man? Mekaneck? Orko? Let us know in the comments.
Elizabeth Banks’s ‘Red Queen’ Series Picked Up By Peacock
Red Queen, a young adult fantasy novel written by Victoria Aveyard, has been a project Elizabeth Banks has been after for a few years. It had stalled in the past but is going full steam ahead. This turn of events is thanks to the NBCUniversal streaming service Peacock.
Banks will, of course, write, direct, produce, and play a “major” supporting role in the series. Arrow writer/producer Beth Schwartz co-wrote the pilot with Aveyard. This is a good sign, as some of her Arrow episodes were quite enjoyable. Then again … some were not.
The plot description of the series given by Variety is succinct enough, “…set in an alternate near-future America where democracy is replaced by a monarchy led by a group of humans with superpowers who rule with an iron fist over those without powers. Mare, a fiery young woman born to poverty without powers, is doing the best she can to survive and protect her family when she discovers the unthinkable: She somehow has powers too. This shocking discovery turns our world upside down and catapults our unlikely hero to become the face of a revolution for the oppressed while searching for the truth behind the greatest mystery of all…how she became so powerful in the first place.”
Not overly original, but it’s nice to see a project with superpowers that isn’t clothed in DC or Marvel spandex. There is an underlying worry that crept up while reading that, though.
If the plot of this series feels like it has the potential to be politically charged, that’s up Elizabeth Banks’s alley. She is no stranger to pushing activism in her work to disastrous effect. Anyone who saw the Charlie’s Angels reboot could agree. Banks may not have had input into the pilot script, but what will be her input afterward?
Her adversarial view of men may not go over well when she tries to market a new project to the masses. Do men watch strong women on TV? This was her preemptive statement before Angels flopped, “If this movie doesn’t make money it reinforces a stereotype in Hollywood that men don’t go see women do action movies.”
I’ll give most things in the entertainment industry a chance. If the writing sucks, I leave. If the characters are boring, I turn it off. If the plot has the consistency of a rural back road in Florida, I’ll pass.
I’m all for an underdog story. Taking out the powers that be by using their own strengths against them? Yes, please. Load it up with dialog and talking points that are as subtle as a sledgehammer to the testes? No, thank you. If I wanted that, I’d go back on Twitter.
What are your thoughts on Banks adapting this young adult novel? Let us know in the comments.
[Source: Variety]
Funimation Announces English Dub Cast For ‘Kemono Jihen’
‘Kemono Jihen’ is a popular dark fantasy Shonen manga released through ‘Jump Square’ magazine since 2016. A twelve-episode anime adaption was announced at the Jump Festa ’20, the Japanese studio Ajia-do Animation Works developing the series.
Funimation recently announced on their blog that they have acquired the license to produce an English along with a cast list of who will portray the characters.
“If you haven’t experienced the supernatural shounen series Kemono Jihen just yet, there’s never been a more perfect time,” they write. “Why? Well, we’re excited to announce that the Kemono Jihen English dub is officially on its way.”
The includes Madeleine Morris (Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation) as Kabane, a 13-year-old ghoul-human hanyo or hybrid who was raised by his abusive aunt. He discovers his parents went on a journey to find the “Life Calculus” and cure him. He sets off on an adventure to find them. Patrick Seitz (My Hero Academia) will portay Inugami, a detective who solves mysteries regarding ghouls and takes care of Kabane.
The rest of the cast includes A.J. Beckles as Shiki; Cassie Ewulu (Horimiya) as Akira, Kristen McGuire (Dr. STONE) as Inari.
Brittany Lauda will serve as ADR Director with Jessica Cavanagh as Scriptwriter and Tyler Walker as Script Supervisor.
The first two episodes will debut on the Funimation NOW streaming service on May 23. In Japan, the series was directed by Masaya Fujimori with Nozomi Tachibana designing the characters.
Check out the trailer:
Written and illustrated by Shō Aimoto, the official synopsis for ‘Kemono Jihen’ explains, “Special detective Kohachi Inugami is sent to investigate a grisly phenomenon involving animal corpses near a remote mountain village. But after meeting a strange boy who agrees to help, he discovers cursed supernatural forces at work. Little by little, Inugami uncovers the truth behind the killings and the boy who may not even be human.”
