Home Blog Page 57

Meta’s Threads Gained More Than 75 Million Users This Week

0

Elon may finally face some competition. As Twitter stumbles around in 2023, Mark Zuckerberg is desperately trying something to revitalize Meta’s platforms. Will the Zuck’s “not quite” Twitter knock-off succeed? Early numbers are looking positive!

Meta’s Twitter rival started gaining traction pretty quickly, with 10 million users signing up by July 6th. According to Bloomberg, that number more than doubled by the 7th. Before midnight on the same day, WBRC 6 reported that the number had topped 75 million.

Threads can be linked to your existing Instagram account. It’s unclear if Facebook users will be able to link or post to the new social media platform directly, but I would not doubt that’s in the works. The Threads app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

The app has a favorable rating so far on both platforms. The storefronts don’t tell you a whole lot about the app aside from the following:

Threads is where communities come together to discuss everything from the topics you care about today to what’ll be trending tomorrow. Whatever it is you’re interested in, you can follow and connect directly with your favorite creators and others who love the same things — or build a loyal following of your own to share your ideas, opinions and creativity with the world.

Signup is pretty simple if you have an existing Instagram account. Threads will import your current data, including your avatar. The layout is similar to Twitter but uses Instagram iconography for buttons. You can choose to like, repost, quote-post, or forward Threads from other users.

Surprisingly, most people I follow on Instagram already use Threads. Even people I rarely see use the other Meta platforms were posting quite often. The overarching theme I see from users is that they are tired of the toxicity of Twitter.

Me? I love to post all sorts of crap over on Elon’s site. It’s a mess as far as the user base goes. Some people take Twittering way too seriously. How long until the terrible Tumblrites make their way onto Threads and turn it into another garbage heap?

[Source: Tampa Bay 10] [Source: Bloomberg] [Source: WBRC 6]

The ‘Spider Baby’ Remake Is Happening, Filming Wrapped!

0

A remake of Jack Hill’s Spider Baby (or The Maddest Story Ever Told) has been kicked around for years. I heard about the rumors in my Dread Central days in the mid-2000s. However, we learned today that it is happening.

Dustin Ferguson, whose directorial credits include 100+ low-budget horror flicks, has finished directing the remake. According to a press release we received this week, principal photography wrapped in Los Angeles.

The 1967 original, starring Lon Chaney, Jr. and featuring Sid Haig (Captain Spalding), focused on a family of murderous mentally ill children, their caretaker, and some sinister relatives looking to cash in on the family’s estate.

According to the press release, the plot is still the same, but now the cast will be comprised of a returning star and new additions: Beverly Washburn, Brinke Stevens, Robert Mukes, Ron Chaney, Peter Stickles, Traci Burr, Jennifer Moriarty, and Vida Ghaffari.

Thankfully, Jack Hill is acting as Spider Baby’s executive producer. So, I have some faith that this thing could be as fun as the original.

Dustin Ferguson had the following to say regarding the film, “We’ve reached an exhilarating milestone with the completion of the ‘Spider Baby’ remake, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have worked with an extraordinary ensemble of genre stars such as Robert Mukes, Beverly Washburn, Brinke Stevens, and Ron Chaney. Their immense talent and commitment have breathed new life into this iconic story, infusing it with a fresh and captivating energy. I can hardly wait for audiences to experience the chilling world we’ve created when ‘Spider Baby’ premieres.

My only genuine concern is the music. Will Spider Baby have a new take on the iconic theme song?

Spider Baby’s story was pretty simple. Chaney’s sympathetic character and the overall wackiness of the Merrye children kept the whole thing together. It will be interesting to see what becomes of this.

[Source: The Write Way]

Sneak Peek Released for Anime Adaption of the Manga ‘A Sign of Affection’

0

The manga series created by Suu Morishita will be getting an anime adaption, which is due to premiere in January 2024. A sneak peek of A Sign of Affection was recently shared online.

Here is the first trailer:

Here is a summary of A Sign of Affection (Yubisaki to Renren):

Yuki Itose is a hearing-impaired university student whose world has been shrouded with silence since birth. She has lived in the same place her whole life, and rarely interacts with others save for her best friend, Rin Fujishiro. During her commute one day, she meets the silver-haired and multilingual Itsuomi Nagi, a mutual friend of Rin. Unlike most, Itsuomi is unwavering when he learns of Yuki’s impairment; this, along with his experiences abroad, fascinates and touches her. After they part, her fondness of him starts to grow. A new world begins to open for both Yuki and Itsuomi as they learn about each other’s different lives.

Yubisaki to Renren is a lighthearted, romantic comedy that illustrates the silent life of a university student and how one man sharing his world starts to change her own.

Here are the character profile pictures of the two main leads:

Yuki Itose

 

Itsuomi Nagi

To celebrate the announcement of the new anime series, Morishita drew an illustration:

According to Morishita Suu’s Twitter page, the A Sign of Affection anime has, so far, been in the works for three years. This is the first time her work has been adapted into anime form. In 2021, A Sign of Affection inspired a musical stage play adaption.

An almost 8 minute compilation clip of the musical stage play:

A Sign of Affection currently has 6 manga volumes published, with a 7th volume coming out October 24th, with publishing rights in Kodansha Dessert in Japan and distribution rights with Kodansha USA.

Morishita Suu has previously created other manga works. Some of which includes Like A Butterfly, Short Cake Cake, and Wakemen: The Mineral Boys.

What do you think about the new anime series coming out? Are you interested? Let us know in the comments below!

Interview: Brad Jones Talks About His First Book “Class of ’86”

0

Brad Jones, also known as The Cinema Snob, has written his first book! His introductory novel combines 1980s high school horror pictures and post-apocalyptic action movies. Jones is using his expansive knowledge of cinema’s sinful past by meshing tropes and genres together to create something that will hopefully be entertaining: Class of ’86.

We invited Brad Jones to the show this week to talk about his inspiration for Class of ’86 and his experience writing his debut literary work.

Class of ’86 will be available in ebook and physical formats on July 7th. You can pre-order it directly from Amazon.

Be sure to check out Brad Jones’s other videos on his YouTube Channel, Stoned Gremlin Productions. If you like his work, you could always join his Patron.

Check out our previous interview with Brad and other members of Channel Awesome here.

Synopsis:

“Six friends are ready to graduate high school; only they are down to the wire on finishing a research paper for their chemistry class. Their plan is to steal an idea from Fletcher, the smartest kid in school. When their cheating doesn’t pay off, they retaliate with a prank that may lead to deadly consequences. As the years go by, and political tensions cause a post-apocalyptic wasteland, they must take shelter in the one place they will have to confront their past and survive by any means necessary.

As we pointed out in the interview, writing a book is not an easy task. Getting your thoughts onto the page can seem overwhelming if it’s your first time. If you’re struggling, I’d suggest checking out this article from MasterClass.

Thanks to companies like Amazon, publishing your work is now easier than ever. However, if you want to get your writing out there in a more traditional sense, Penguin Random House has created a guide to help you.

Anime Rom-Com ‘The Dreaming Boy is a Realist’ Arriving To HiDive

0

‘The Dreaming Boy Is a Realist’ is a romantic comedy light novel series by the author known as Okemaru, illustrated by Saba Mizore, and published by Hobby Japan since 2020. Its popularity led to the Japanese entertainment companies Studio Gokumi and AXsiZ developing an anime adaption released in July 2023.

Sentai Filmworks announced that they had acquired the license to release the anime in the United States and would debut it on the HiDive streaming service.

“Don’t miss The Dreaming Boy Is a Realist’ on HiDive this July,” HiDive said on their website. “There comes a time when most people reflect on the full ramifications of their past actions with crystal clarity. For some people, this is a life-changing moment where they change for the better. Of course, there’s always a danger of misinterpreting everything and arriving at a completely wrong conclusion! (Don’t worry, we’ve all been there.)”

Directed by Kazuomi Koga, Michiko Yokote writes the scripts, Masaru Koseki is doing character designs, and the music is composed by Ryōhei Sataka.

You can watch the trailer below:

The series stars Naoya Miyase as the protagonist Wataru Sajō and Akiho Suzumoto as the heroine Aika Natsukawa.

Wikipedia describes the synopsis as follows,

“Wataru Sajō has been approaching Aika Natsukawa, a beautiful girl in his class, and getting turned down, but one day he realizes that he is not worthy of her and begins to distance himself from her. However, Aika mistakenly thought that he disliked her, and she started to get involved with him.”

The Japanese publisher Kadokawa Shoten releases a manga version of ‘The Dreaming Boy is a Realist’ illustrated by Popuri Yoshikita since 2021. It is serialized in their ‘Shōnen Ace Plus’ magazine.

Okemaru first released the series as a web novel on the online publisher Shōsetsuka ni Narō.

New Sonic, Street Fighter Alpha 2, & Ghosts N’ Goblins Wall Art By Pixel Frames

Pixel Frames has announced three new classic gaming scenes have been captured in 9X9 form. The retro artwork turns 2D screenshots into multi-layered shadowbox displays.

The latest games to join the series include Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Street Fighter Alpha 2, and Ghosts ‘n Goblins. Each frame measures 9″x9″. The art is officially licensed and can be pre-ordered for $29.99 each. They’re expected to ship out during the 4th quarter of this year.

Sonic’s Pixel Frame is based on the bonus stage in Sonic The Hedgehog 2.

Photo Credit: Pixel Frames
Photo Credit: Pixel Frames
Photo Credit: Pixel Frames

Collect those rings and unlock the powerful Chaos Emeralds! Sonic and Tails speed down the half-pipes, where we get to see a whole new side of our favorite heroes.

Photo Credit: Pixel Frames
Photo Credit: Pixel Frames
Photo Credit: Pixel Frames

In Dramatic Battle mode, you and a partner are pitted against some of the strongest opponents. You and a friend will surely go through many Continues to get through this challenge.

 

Photo Credit: Pixel Frames
Photo Credit: Pixel Frames
Photo Credit: Pixel Frames

The demonic species of Red Arremers are one of the many monsters that terrorize Arthur during his long quest to save. Long mistaken to be a stage boss, this sky-diving creature will dive at you from side to side mercilessly.

Pixel Frames has a number of other 9X9 frames that are readily available at the Big Bad Toy Store. These include Castlevania, Castlevania 2, Shinobi, Sonic Mania, Street Fighter III, Streets of Rage, and Symphony of the Night.

If you want to make your own 2D framed pixel art, it’s pretty easy and relatively inexpensive. Check out the video below from Dream Workshop. You’ll need a printer, sticker paper, card stock, acrylic paint, and patience.

Click here for news on Sonic’s upcoming 32nd-anniversary content.

[Source: Big Bad Toy Store] [Source: Big Bad Toy Store] [Source: Big Bad Toy Store]

What’s Better Than A Darkstalkers Felicia Statue? Three Felicia Statues!

Ah, I remember when I was first introduced to Darkstalkers during my teenage years. A horror-themed fighting game that doesn’t shy away from sex appeal. I can’t tell you one thing about the game’s storylines, but I can tell you that I usually picked Felicia. Something about a nearly naked cat lady makes you glad to be alive.

Now I can make all my employees feel uncomfortable coming into my office by proudly displaying a 16″ tall resin replica of what I consider the perfect woman. Of course, I have to give them paychecks so I can afford the statue. I’m sure they’ll understand.

Yes, First4Figures is up to their old tricks and made three versions of the Felicia statue. The base collectible is barebones and gets the job done, while the other two add LED lighting and additional accessories.

Check out the details and pictures below. Don’t worry. I won’t judge you if you stare at them for too long. OK, I’m already judging you just because you clicked on this story.

DARKSTALKERS FELICIA
Photo Credit: First4Figures

The standard edition comes with the following:

  • Premium painted resin statue
  • Highly detailed base inspired by Darkstalkers’ art style
  • Limited edition numbering
  • Authentication card
DARKSTALKERS FELICIA
Photo Credit: First4Figures

Felicia’s Exclusive Edition statue is packed with:

  • Premium painted resin statue
  • Highly detailed base inspired by Darkstalkers’ art style
  • Limited edition numbering
  • Authentication card
  • Light up pillar
DARKSTALKERS FELICIA
Photo Credit: First4Figures

The best of the three (Definitive Edition) comes with lots of extras:

  • Premium painted resin statue
  • Highly detailed base inspired by Darkstalkers’ art style
  • Limited edition numbering
  • Authentication card
  • Light up pillar
  • Bigger base
  • Extra cat and child (Alto)
  • Extra interchangeable arm with rat
DARKSTALKERS FELICIA
Photo Credit: First4Figures
DARKSTALKERS FELICIA
Photo Credit: First4Figures
DARKSTALKERS FELICIA
Photo Credit: First4Figures
DARKSTALKERS FELICIA
Photo Credit: First4Figures
DARKSTALKERS FELICIA
Photo Credit: First4Figures
DARKSTALKERS FELICIA
Photo Credit: First4Figures

Felicia fans should also check out the Bishoujo statue that was released a couple of years ago.

[Source: First4Figures] [Source: First4Figures] [Source: First4Figures]

Trailer Dropped For ‘The Great Cleric’ Anime Adaption

0

Based on the light novel series by Broccoli Lion, the Japanese animation studios Yokohama Animation Laboratory and Cloud Heart are debuting an anime adaption of the slice-of-life isekai fantasy ‘The Great Cleric’ in July 2023.  Fans in the United States will be able to enjoy it on the Crunchyroll app. Directed by Masato Tamagawa, the producers dropped a teaser trailer for the upcoming show.

You can watch the trailer below:

The anime stars Reiji Kawashima (Shadow House, Sugar Apple Fairy Tale) as the protagonist Luciel. It also stars Akio Otsuka, Tomoaki Maeno, Daisuke Ono, Rika Kinugawa, Hina Tachibana, Manaka Iwami, Mikoi Sasaki, and Showtaro Morikubo.

The light novel series is illustrated by the artist known as Sime and published by Micro Magazine since 2016. J-Novel Club releases it in the United States.

J-Novel Club describes the synopsis as follows,

“One moment, a certain salaryman is on cloud nine, that promotion finally within his grasp, and the next, he’s keeled over pain, and that was all she wrote. Luckily for him, fate had a bit more to say. A world of magic, monsters, and other such life-shortening entities await his newly reincarnated self for a second shot at life. With nothing but his past-life experiences and sharp business skills to guide him in the foreign lands of Galdardia, he takes up the name Luciel and vows that his (next) demise will be from naught but old age. And what better way to avoid a(nother) gruesome death, than by taking up a nice, cushy job as a healer? But getting by in another world doesn’t come easy, or cheap. It’ll take a lot of blood, sweat, and tears to hone the skills he needs to make his way. But make it he will…or die (again) trying!”

The Tokyo-based publisher Kodansha releases a manga version that is released in the United States by Vertical.

DC Universe Infinite Announces Huge Library Expansion

0

Warner Bros. Discovery announced that their online comic book library DC Universe Infinite would be expanding. Throughout July 2023, fan-favorite titles from the past, as well as some new entries, will be added to the online app.

They revealed the list as follows:

Week of July 3

  • The Flash (1959-1985) #218
  • Green Arrow (1988-1998) #32
  • Warlord (1975-1988) #5
  • DC Challenge (1985-1986) #5
  • Blue Beetle (1967)  #3
  • Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent (2023)        #4
  • Batman (2016-) #136
  • Dark Knights of Steel (2021-) #11
  • New Talent Showcase: The Milestone Initiative #1
  • Peacemaker Tries Hard! (2023) #2
  • Poison Ivy (2022-) #13
  • Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? (2010-) #122
  • Shazam! (2023-) #2
  • Steelworks (2023)   #1
  • The Flash (2016-) #800
  • The Joker: The Man Who Stopped Laughing (2022-) #9
  • The Joker: Uncovered #1
  • Batman: Fortress     1
  • Fann Club: Batman Squad
  • History of the DC Universe
  • Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons

Week of July 10

  • Multiversity: Harley Screws Up The DCU #6
  • Shazam! (1973-1978) #7
  • The Brave and the Bold (1955-1983)      #69
  • Warlord (1975-1988) #6
  • DC Challenge (1985-1986) #6
  • The Flash (1959-1985) #219
  • Superboy: The Man Of Tomorrow #4
  • Batman Incorporated (2022-) #9
  • Green Lantern (2023-) #2
  • MAD Magazine (2018-) #32
  • Spirit World (2023) #2
  • Static Team-Up: Anansi #1
  • Superman: Lost (2023-) #4
  • The Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries #9
  • The Sandman Universe: Nightmare Country – The Glass House #3
  • Waller vs. Wildstorm (2023-) #2
  • WildC.A.T.s (2022-) #8
  • Batman: Beyond the White Knight
  • Dark Crisis: Young Justice

Week of July 17

  • The Brave and the Bold (1955-1983) #70
  • Warlord (1975-1988) #7
  • DC Challenge (1985-1986) #7
  • Blue Beetle (1967)  #4
  • Batgirls (2021-) #19
  • Batman/Superman: World’s Finest (2022-) #16
  • Batman: White Knight Presents: Generation Joker #2
  • Black Adam (2022-) #12
  • Catwoman (2018-) #56
  • Cyborg (2023) #2
  • Nightwing (2016-) #105
  • Superman (2023-)   #5
  • The Vigil (2023) #2
  • Titans (2023-) #2
  • Wonder Woman (2016-) #800
  • Batman – One Bad Day: The Riddler

Week of July 24

  • Tales of the Teen Titans (1984-1988) #76
  • The Brave and the Bold (1955-1983) #71
  • Warlord (1975-1988) #8
  • DC Challenge (1985-1986) #8
  • The Flash (1959-1985) #220
  • Action Comics (2016-) #1056
  • Batman: The Adventures Continue Season Three #6
  • Batman: The Brave and the Bold (2023-) #2
  • City Boy (2023) #2
  • DC/RWBY #5
  • Detective Comics (2016-) #1073
  • Fables #159
  • Green Arrow (2023) #3
  • Harley Quinn (2021-) #31
  • The Riddler: Year One (2022-) #5
  • Tim Drake: Robin (2022-) #10
  • Unstoppable Doom Patrol (2023) #4
  • Dark Crisis On Infinite Earths
  • Dark Crisis: Worlds Without A Justice League
  • Nightwing Vol. 3: The Battle for Blüdhaven’s Heart
  • Tales from Dark Crisis
  • The Flash Vol. 18: The Search For Barry Allen

DC Universe Infinite also announced a “public list” feature where members can display the comics they are reading on social media.

Wolverine Returns to Mezco’s One:12 Collective

Wolverine has finally returned to Mezco’s One:12 Collective. This time, Logan is sporting his early 1990s Uncanny X-MEN uniform and a more attractive price tag!

Wolverine will ship out following this year’s San Diego Comic-Con. As of publishing, the One:12 Collective figure is still available for pre-order. He’s listed at $85 and is limited to two per person.

Uncanny X-MEN’s Wolverine comes with the following:

  • Four (4) head portraits
  • Hand painted authentic detailing
  • Approximately 16cm tall
  • Twelve (12) interchangeable hands
    • One (1) pair of fists (L&R)
    • One (1) pair of clawed fists (L&R)
    • One (1) pair of clawed posing hands (L&R)
    • One (1) pair of holding hands (L&R)
    • Two (2) pairs of posing hands (L&R)
  • X-Men team suit
  • Wrist gauntlets
  • Combat gloves
  • Belt with X-Men insignia
  • Knee-high boots
  • Five (5) slash FX (fits onto claw hands)
    • One (1) small slash FX
    • One (1) small strike slash FX
    • One (1) medium strike slash FX
    • One (1) long slash FX
    • One (1) “X” slash FX
  • One (1) One:12 Collective display base with logo
  • One (1) One:12 Collective adjustable display post

This yellow and blue uniform came about during Jim Lee’s time working on Uncanny X-MEN. Most of Xavier’s mutants wore these similar duds for a while before going back to being more individualistic.

In fact, one of the best early Toy Biz Wolverine action figures was based on this look. While it worked for Logan, it wasn’t all that great for Gambit and Psylocke.

The previously released Deluxe Steel Box Edition Wolverine can still be picked up from the Big Bad Toy Store. That one is $155 but is packed with loads of accessories and eight interchangeable head portraits.

What is your favorite Wolverine costume from the mutant’s past 49 years? Let us know in the comments section below.

[Source: Mezco]
Close Subscribe Card