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Wolverine And Ghost Rider Team-Up In Marvel’s New Pull List

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Wolverine and the Ghost Rider are working together in a new series highlighted on the latest Marvel pull list. The berserker X-Man and the Spirit of Vengeance go on an epic quest to settle scores in the only way they know how.

“In this week’s Marvel Comics, Wolverine and Ghost Rider join forces for the start of a FALL OF X crossover epic,” Marvel said in a statement. “Logan’s the best there is at what he does—and what he does as the deadly Wolverine isn’t very nice. When innocent blood is spilled, Johnny Blaze becomes the Ghost Rider, equipped to deal punishment with the power of hellfire! In GHOST RIDER/WOLVERINE: WEAPONS OF VENGEANCE ALPHA (2023) #1, a demonic serial killer is murdering innocent mutants… but what is it about this deadly new villain that forces our two heroes to team up? And what buried secret does he share with Wolverine and Ghost Rider’s never-before-seen very first meeting in the past? Get ready for claws, chains and violence as only Benjamin Percy and Geoff Shaw can bring in this four-part epic!”

Marvel revealed the complete list on their website:

New Comics

  • CHILDREN OF THE VAULT (2023) #1
  • THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (2022) #31
  • AVENGERS (2023) #4
  • IMMORTAL X-MEN (2022) #14
  • MILES MORALES: SPIDER-MAN (2022) #9
  • GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY (2023) #5
  • CAPTAIN MARVEL: DARK TEMPEST (2023) #2
  • GHOST RIDER/WOLVERINE: WEAPONS OF VENGEANCE ALPHA (2023) #1
  • RED GOBLIN (2023) #7
  • SILK (2023) #4
  • SPIDER-MAN ANNUAL (2023) #1
  • STAR WARS (2020) #37
  • STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDI – MAX REBO (2023) #1

New Collections

  • AVENGERS: WAR ACROSS TIME TPB
  • DAREDEVIL EPIC COLLECTION: INTO THE FIRE TPB
  • INVINCIBLE IRON MAN BY GERRY DUGGAN VOL. 1: DEMON IN THE ARMOR TPB

Marvel Unlimited

  • SCARLET WITCH (2023) #5
  • SCARLET WITCH ANNUAL (2023) #1
  • EDGE OF SPIDER-VERSE (2023) #1
  • IMMORTAL X-MEN (2022) #11
  • SPIDER-MAN 2099: DARK GENESIS (2023) #1
  • AVENGERS: WAR ACROSS TIME (2023) #5
  • CULT OF CARNAGE: MISERY (2023) #1
  • DEMON WARS: SCARLET SIN (2023) #1
  • JOE FIXIT (2023) #5
  • MOON KNIGHT (2021) #23
  • SPIDER-MAN (2022) #8
  • STAR WARS (2020) #34
  • STAR WARS: DARTH VADER (2020) #33
  • STAR WARS: DOCTOR APHRA (2020) #31
  • STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDI – LANDO (2023) #1
  • STAR WARS: YODA (2022) #7
  • X-MEN: BEFORE THE FALL – SONS OF X (2023) #1

All of these titles will be available in print or digital formats starting August 9, 2023.

Kelvin Timeline ‘Star Trek’ Figures Coming From Hiya Toys

Remember when Paramount rebooted Star Trek with a series geared toward a much younger generation? Remember how that spiraled into terrible, angsty fan-fiction TV shows featuring Klingon intercourse and political commentary as subtle as a kick to the crotch? Me, too! Now you can relive how it all began with Hiya Toys’ Kelvin Timeline action figures!

For $24.99 each, you can own J. J. Abrams’s versions of Captain James T. Kirk and Doctor Leonard McCoy. The duo measure 3.75″ tall, the same scale as the Judge Dredd figures we’d previously covered.

Although Kirk and Bones are small, they feature similar articulation found in Hasbro’s Star Wars Vintage Collection figures. From my experience with figures from this company, They’re great display pieces but come off as a little too fragile to be taken out of the packaging. Thankfully, their packaging makes them look great on the shelf.

The two Starfleet legends will be released during the first quarter of 2024. They can be pre-ordered directly from Hiya Toys.

HIYA Exquisite Mini Series 1/18 Scale 3.75 Inch STAR TREK 2009 Kirk Action Figure
Photo Credit: Hiya Toys

This brand-new James T. Kirk action figure stands at 105mm tall and faithfully reproduces his appearance from Star Trek 2009. He is dressed in the iconic yellow uniform representing command and strategic personnel. The Starfleet emblem on his clothes, communicator, phaser pistol, and other accessories are all finely detailed, capturing the essence of his character even at the 1/18 scale.

HIYA Exquisite Mini Series 1/18 Scale 3.75 Inch STAR TREK 2009 McCoy Action Figure
Photo Credit: Hiya Toys

This brand-new Dr. McCoy action figure stands at 105mm tall and faithfully reproduces his appearance from Star Trek 2009. He is dressed in the iconic blue uniform representing medical and science personnel. The Starfleet emblem on his clothes, the meticulously crafted two medicine bottles, and medical equipment accessories are all finely detailed, capturing the essence of his character even at the 1/18 scale.

Kirk will have the following accessories:

  • Phaser
  • Communicator
  • Star Trek logo base
  • (2) interchangeable hands

Likewise, Bones comes with character-specific parts:

  • (2) medicine bottles
  • Interchangeable hands
  • Medical pouch
  • Medical Tricorder
  • Star Trek logo base

Honestly, I don’t have an issue with how either of these characters was portrayed in the trilogy. The stories they were thrust into sucked, not to mention the whitewashing / total character overhaul of Khan Noonien Singh.

What did you think of the Kelvin Timeline movies? Let us know below.

[Source: Hiya Toys]

‘Goblin Slayer’ Season 2 Drops A Gory Anime Trailer

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The dark fantasy anime ‘Goblin Slayer’ is returning to television in both Japan and the United States. The Japanese animation studio White Fox is taking over production for its second season, tapping Misato Takada as director and Hideyuki Kurata as scriptwriter. They released a teaser that shows the protagonist and his allies taking out more goblins in a gory fashion.

Crunchyroll said on their website, “Goblins, watch out, because we now have a premiere month for the second season of the GOBLIN SLAYER anime, based on the dark fantasy light novel series written by Kumo Kagyu and illustrated by Noboru Kannatsuki. Goblin Slayer Season 2 is officially set to premiere in October 2023, and a goblin and carnage-filled first full trailer is here along with the news.”

You can watch the trailer below:

The Tokyo-based publisher SB Creative began releasing the light novels in 2016. Square Enix has been serializing a manga edition in their ‘Monthly Big Gangan’ magazine as well as several spin-offs including the prequel ‘Goblin Slayer Side Story: Year One’ and ‘Goblin Slayer: Brand New Day.’ Yen Press releases English versions of the light novels and manga in the United States.

Wikipedia describes the synopsis as follows,

“In a world of fantasy, adventurers come from far and wide to join the Guild. They complete contracts to earn gold and glory. An inexperienced priestess joins her first adventuring party, but comes into danger after her first contract involving goblins goes wrong. As the rest of her party is either wiped out or taken out of commission, she is saved by a man known as Goblin Slayer, an adventurer whose only purpose is the eradication of goblins with extreme prejudice.”

The first season was produced by LidenFilms, directed by Takaharu Ozaki, and written by Yōsuke Kuroda in 2018. They also released the film spin-off ‘Goblin Slayer: Goblin’s Crown’ in 2020.

Netflix To Stream Anime ‘Good Night World’

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After securing the streaming license for several anime including ‘Vinland Saga’ and ‘Zom 100,’ Netflix continues nabbing several more Japanese animated series including the upcoming show ‘Good Night World.’

The anime is based on the 2015 manga created by Uru Okabe and published by the Tokyo-based publisher Shogakukan for their ‘Ura Sunday’ and on their online service ‘MangaONE.’ It follows a dysfunctional family who find new connections within an online game.

Netflix plans on releasing the show on October 12, 2023. It is directed by Katsuya Kikuchi and produced by the Japanese animation NAZ with Michiko Yokote handling the scripts. Rena Okuyama is handling the character designs while Takatsugu Wakabayashi is composing the music for the show.

You can watch the trailer below:

The series stars:

  • Ichi/Taichiro Arima: Daisuke Hirose (Shoot! Goal to the Future)
  • AAAAA/Asuma Arima: Nobunaga Shimazaki (SD Gundam Sangokuden Brave Battle Warriors)
  • Shiro/Kojiro Arima: Akio Otsuka (Lupin the 3rd: Napoleon’s Dictionary)
  • May/Miyabi Arima: Aya Endo (The Girl Who Leapt Through Space)
  • Pico: Aoi Yuki (Horizon in the Middle of Nowhere)
  • Leon: Ryohei Kimura (Boruto: Naruto Next Generations)
  • Sasumata: Hiroki Nanami (Pretty Boy Detective Club)
  • Shigatera: Kenjiro Tsuda (KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on this Wonderful World!)
  • Hana Kamuro: Rie Takahashi (A Good Librarian Like a Good Shepherd)
  • Aya Arima: Inori Minase (Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?)

Netflix describes the synopsis as follows,

“A shut-in older brother. A high-achieving younger brother. A father who is not respected by his own children.A mother who neglects her own household. This is a broken family, and none of its members know that they are all players in an online game.”

Okabe began writing a prequel manga series ‘Good Night World End’ that was launched in the online magazine ‘MangaONE’ on August 1st, 2023.

As of the writing of this article, there is no dub cast announced.

$75 Monthly ISP FCC Subsidies Coming To Low Income Areas

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The FCC is expanding the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) to provide $75 monthly subsidies to low-income areas. The money is designed to provide internet access for those who could not otherwise afford it.

Thanks to Ars Technica, we learned about the new benefits that are being added to the two-year-old program. Initially, the ACP provided “eligible” households with $30 stipends and $75 to “households on qualifying Tribal lands.

The FCC adopted the update on August 3rd, wherein the order will do the following:

  • Adopts rules to implement the up-to-$75 monthly ACP benefit in high-cost areas, as defined by NTIA and as required by the Infrastructure Act.
  • Defines “particularized economic hardship” and establishes the showing that ACP providers must make to demonstrate they are experiencing a particularized economic hardship in a high-cost area.
  • Sets the processes for reviewing and making determinations on providers’ economic hardship submissions, and appealing those determinations.
  • Creates a requirement for providers that are approved to offer the high-cost area benefit to annually resubmit an economic hardship showing to continue offering the high-cost area benefit.
  • Outlines the steps providers must take to provide advance notice and a transition path for ACP consumers if the provider no longer qualifies to offer the high-cost area benefit.

Currently, the ACP’s original prerequisite does not appear to have changed. To be eligible for the monthly discount, households not on Tribal lands will need to meet the following criteria:

  • Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;
  • Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income internet program;
  • Participates in one of these assistance programs:
    • Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools.
    • SNAP
    • Medicaid
    • Federal Housing Assistance, including:
      • Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (Section 8 Vouchers)
      • Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA)/Section 202/ Section 811
      • Public Housing
      • Affordable Housing Programs for American Indians, Alaska Natives or Native Hawaiians
    • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
    • WIC
    • Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits
    • or Lifeline
[Source: Ars Technica]

Cortana Is Being Shut Down By Microsoft

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We knew Cortana’s days were numbered as soon as Microsoft announced that ChatGPT was being incorporated into Bing. Then again, did anyone remember that the virtual assistant was built into the last two generations of the Windows operating systems?

News that Microsoft did not widely publicize Cortana’s impending doom. Even the assistant’s official webpage doesn’t tell users the news. No, her fate is hidden away on a support page.

August marks the end of Cortana as far as a standalone application. However, the productivity assistant will still live on, for now, in Microsoft Teams and the mobile version of Outlook.

Microsoft isn’t leaving users out in the cold, though:

We know that this change may affect some of the ways you work in Windows, so we want to help you transition smoothly to the new options. Instead of clicking the Cortana icon and launching the app to begin using voice, now you can use voice and satisfy your productivity needs through different tools.

The alternatives Microsoft suggests you use in Cortana’s absence are Voice Access, AI-powered Bing, and 365 Copilot. Weird that MS would ditch the virtual assistant and ask users to use multiple programs.

If you have never used Cortana (which wouldn’t surprise me), here are some of the tasks she could do for you:

  • Manage your calendar and keep your schedule up to date
  • Join a meeting in Microsoft Teams or find out who your next meeting is with
  • Create and manage lists
  • Set reminders and alarms
  • Find facts, definitions, and info
  • Open apps on your computer

I honestly cannot recall ever meeting anyone who used these tools. Had MS gone all out and given the app an on-screen presence like the Halo counterpart, it would have gone a long way. Well, it would have at least been a novelty like all those desktop assistants from the 1990s. Oh, how we miss Bonzi Buddy.

[Source: Microsoft]

Review: G.I. Joe Classified Series Shipwreck

Although Hasbro has announced that windowed packaging will be returning sometime within the next year, it’s too late to save some of the G.I. Joe Classified Series figures from the windowless fate. One such figure is Shipwreck, which we found in the wild this week.

So, is Hasbro hiding cost-cutting measures from customers who can’t view the figures before buying them? Let’s take a look at G.I. Joe Classified Series Shipwreck and see.

We first noticed the lackluster paint application on Shipwreck’s clothing. There’s zero paint in the areas where his biceps meet his shirt sleeves, leaving the shirt itself flesh-colored. When rotating the bicep swivel, more of the flesh-tone plastic is visible. There are also noticeable paint chips on his other sleeve.

For whatever reason, Hasbro didn’t bother to put a dull coat on Shipwreck’s shirt, so it’s gleaming. I had to move the lights in my studio because the plastic was coming off too reflective in the pictures. Compare that to Destro’s clothing. The only parts on him that are shiny are those bits that are meant to be metallic. Even the Tiger Force Bazooka, with his white jersey, isn’t as reflective.

As we mentioned in the D-Rezzed Podcast, Hasbro is cutting corners and hiding behind the “plastic-free” packaging veil. Oh, and they want you to know that these boxes are light on plastic because the proclamation is printed in giant letters on the front of the packaging. That’s what I want to see when displaying this thing with my other G.I. Joe Classified figures.

Another cheap move is including swappable hair rather than multiple heads. On paper, this sounds like an OK idea, but in execution, it’s terrible. Both the hat and hairpiece are not snuggly plugged into Shipwreck’s head. This results in him losing his wig every time he is moved. Said engineering inadequacy could result in losing the critical accessory quite quickly.

The best aspects of Shipwreck are its accessories. Polly may need a little fine-tuning regarding paint application, but the parrot does plug into Shipwreck’s wrist. However, the sailor’s pet cannot sit on his should unless you use the rope bandolier.

His sidearms are also nicely detailed, with his smaller black pistol showing an intricate rope and anchor design that I’d suggest painting silver so it shows up better. Or, if you don’t want to mess around with paint, use a welder’s pencil.

The grappling hook is a bit too soft and pliable for my liking. It can be easily warped and was originally somewhat flattened when I took it out of the footlocker.

An unintended accessory comes from paper ties used to secure the figure inside the packaging. The ties’ width and length are perfect for the grappling hook.

It’s sad when the best aspects of a $20+ action figure are a few small accessories. I cannot recommend that G.I. Joe Classified Series collectors spend money on this figure until Hasbro fixes the quality control issues and bring back display-friendly packaging.

If you’re a fan of Shipwreck and want to pick the figure up regardless of Hasbro’s dubious quality, he’s currently $21.88 if ordered from Walmart.

Elon Musk Wants Fight With Mark Zuckerberg To Stream On X

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The often talked about, but not yet official, cage match between social media giants Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg may happen, but where can we see it? If you believe Musk, it will be streamed on X, with the proceeds going to charity. However, the guy behind the boomer catnip website Facebook has a different idea.

According to the Associated Press (via Orlando Sentinel), In response to Musk’s desire to stream the bout on the platformer formerly known as Twitter, Zuckerberg said, “Shouldn’t we use a more reliable platform that can actually raise money for charity?” Ironically, the Meta CEO allegedly posted this on Threads, a website that saw more than 50% of its user base vanish since launching in July.

Regardless of which platform the less-than-likely duel airs, it would be interesting to watch a man who needs $14M a year in personal security get smacked around by Musk. Even then, what will this prove in the end?

Neither man is known for their physical prowess and in-ring fighting skill. Zuckerberg may be trained in jiu-jitsu, but that hardly makes you a capable fighter when pitted against another opponent.

Would this match be that popular? Regarding general audiences who watch celebrity boxing matches, Musk and Zuckerberg are pretty niche. It would be like someone telling me about the William Haynes vs. Chris Ray Gun bout. Most people out there would probably respond with, “Who?

Come to think of it; the whole celebrity boxing genre has been replaced with somewhat forgettable YouTubers having (often) less-than-thrilling tapfests with each other. What I’d like to see is Logan Paul have to fight someone who lost their money on his CryptoZoo fiasco. That would be an event.

Which famous people would you like to see beat each other up in the ring? Let us know below.

[Source: Orlando Sentinel via the Associated Press]

Take Home The Great Mighty Poo From ‘Conker’s Bad Fur Day’

Well, I’ve always wondered when this day would come. Finally, a company has taken up the task of creating a statue of The Great Mighty Poo from Conker’s Bad Fur Day. If you have a spare $500+, you, too, can own a 14″ tall statue representing the game’s sentient pile of feces.

In typical First4Figures fashion, The Great Mighty Poo is available in three flavors … err, scents … I mean versions. Each variation of the chunky glob adds something new along with an increased price tag.

The Standard Edition ($499.99):

  • Conker’s Bad Fur Day – The Great Mighty Poo resin painted statue
  • Pose inspired by the boss battle in Conker’s Bad Fur Day
  • Limited Edition Numbering
  • Authentication Card
CONKER'S BAD FUR DAY - THE GREAT MIGHTY POO
Photo Credit: First4Figures

The Exclusive Edition ($529.99):

  • Conker’s Bad Fur Day – The Great Mighty Poo resin painted statue
  • Pose inspired by the boss battle in Conker’s Bad Fur Day
  • Limited Edition Numbering
  • Authentication Card
  • Interchangeable right arm holding a sweet corn
  • Interchangeable left arm holding a P.O.S.
  • Additional sweet corn that can be moved from hand to mouth
CONKER'S BAD FUR DAY - THE GREAT MIGHTY POO (EXCLUSIVE EDITION)
Photo Credit: First4Figures

The Definitive Edition ($629.99):

  • Conker’s Bad Fur Day – The Great Mighty Poo resin painted statue
  • Pose inspired by the boss battle in Conker’s Bad Fur Day
  • Limited Edition Numbering
  • Authentication Card
  • Sound function inside to play Mighty Poo song
  • Interchangeable right arm holding a sweet corn
  • Interchangeable left arm holding a P.O.S.
  • Additional sweet corn that can be moved from hand to mouth
  • Additional sweet corn with no mouth
  • Extra Conker with different pose and expression
  • (One) 1 separate mini standing base for Conker
  • (Two) 2 interchangeable uvulas (with/without toilet paper)
  • (Two) 2 speech bubbles that can be displayed on base or on stand
CONKER'S BAD FUR DAY - THE GREAT MIGHTY POO (DEFINITIVE EDITION)
Photo Credit: First4Figures

I sure do miss when game developers would say “f-it” and create something as outlandish as this.

Will you pay all that money to own a Great Mighty Poo statue? Let us know below.

[Source: First4Figures]

Streamer Kai Cenat Arrested After Chaotic Giveaway in NYC

Social media influencers can attract a large crowd when they announce a fan meetup, for better or worse. The notoriety of content creators and streamers has grown exponentially in recent years, allowing some creators to garner the attention of thousands of people. Often when they host fan meetups in various locations, their followers can crowd up an area just to catch a glimpse of their favorite creator. And sometimes, things can go very wrong for everyone involved, especially if they handled everything poorly.

Popular Twitch streamer Kai Cenat was arrested at the start of the weekend on Friday after a game console giveaway and meet-up with his fans went horribly wrong. The streamer made a post on his social media accounts to his nearly 6.5 million followers to meet at Union Square Park in New York City. Kai told his followers he planned a big giveaway to those who showed up, including items like a PlayStation and other expensive tech accessories. While things started off fairly calm when people began to gather in the park around 3 pm EST, but eventually everything gradually went off the rails.

Kai was taken into custody as the giveaway turned chaotic, with people in the area beginning to fight and commit acts of violence towards police officers in the streets. The crowd became incredibly violent and went as far as to break into a nearby construction site and began picking up items to use as weapons. Eventually, NYPD police were able to remove Kai Cenat from the area, citing safety concerns, and activate a Level 4 response, which is one of the highest disaster responses for the department in the event of a disaster.

NYPD Chief Jeffrey Maddrey spoke during two conferences on Friday with the media after the event. “We went from 300 kids to a couple of thousands of kids in minutes… individuals in the park began to commit acts of violence towards the police and the public…You had people walking around with shovels, axes, and other tools from the construction. Individuals were also lighting fireworks, throwing them toward the police, they were throwing them toward each other… Young people destroyed our vehicles. My car is destroyed. They destroyed food carts. They destroyed stores…”

According to reports shared with various media outlets from the NYPD, three officers were injured in the event. At the same time, over 60 people were arrested, with 30 being juveniles according to the New York City Police Department. Due to the severity of everything, Kai Cenat is being charged with unlawful assembly and two counts of inciting a riot.

Other charges are also said to possibly be brought up against Kai as well. The streamer could be facing multiple years in jail if found guilty. A representative for Kai Cenat from AMP Group put out a statement to CNN regarding the situation. “Members of AMP hoped to create a positive experience for fans and give back as a show of appreciation for their support… We’ve hosted fan meet-ups and video shoots in the past, but we’ve never experienced anything at the scale of what took place yesterday.”

What do you think of the situation with Kai Cenat? Was his planned giveaway in NYC handled irresponsibly? Who should be held responsible for what happened in Union Square? Share your thoughts about everything in the comments below!

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