Tag: comedian

Geek of the Week: Actor Courtney Rice aka Comedian Bangrice

by Deidra Kathleen

Where are you from originally?
How would you describe growing up there – how’s it different from out here [in California]?
I am originally from Gulfport, Mississippi. Growing up in Mississippi is very family-oriented and super country.

Used with permission from Comedian Bangrice

What is your Hogwarts house and why?
My Hogwarts house would be Gryffindor. This would be my house because bravery, nerve, and chivalry are all attributes I value and apply to my daily life.

What are some geeky hobbies you partake in? Why do you like them?
I enjoy anime, comic books, shoes, and live streaming. In anime and comic books, I enjoy the characters, storylines, and variety. I have always been a “shoe head” since I began playing basketball as a kid. [And] live streaming is fun! Reaching out and getting to know people.

When did you realize comedy was something you were interested in actually doing?
I realized I was interested in comedy when I was seven years old after hearing Eddie Murphy’s show: Delirious.

Used with permission from Comedian Bangrice

If you could take the place of any fictional character from any book, TV show, comic, or film – who would you choose? And why?
If I could take the place of any character, I would choose Hancock, whom I relate to. [Hancock‘s] a movie with Will Smith. I relate [to him] because he’s a reluctant hero who feels under-appreciated but tries to act like it’s no big deal and once he gets himself together, a woman comes along and messes everything up for him. Oh, also it’s in his DNA to protect people. It’s just who he is. He can’t turn it off, no matter how hard he tries.

Who is someone you look up to and why?
Feel free to name two or three. (Preferably a real person)
I look up to my fourth-grade basketball coach, Haskell. He was a smart man who was very motivated and taught me a lot. I look up to the food vlogger, Mark Wiens. I love his lifestyle: traveling, getting to experience other cultures, and his overall positive attitude. I also look up to comedian, Jo Koy. He is a very down-to-earth and great guy.

Tell me about a time you had to pick yourself back up career-wise. What or who helped you get there?
I have to pick myself up every day. My biggest motivation for all I do is my family.

What are some current projects and/or goals you’re working on?
I am currently working on my own talk show: Get a Life Out of Bang.

Used with permission from Comedian Bangrice

Just because I think it would be funny to read about – what was it like working with me previously? How did we meet each other?
We met at Flappers. It was like meeting [and working with] a cool person at Flappers.

Do you have a favorite inspiring quote (by whom)?
“How you think so shall you become” – Courtney Rice

What is your dream show or project to work on?
My dream show is Saturday Night Live. Ever since I was a kid, I have watched this show and have dreamed about being on that stage.

What is the impact you want to leave on the world?
I want to make the world a better place than when I got here.

What has quarantine been like for you?
How are you keeping yourself occupied?
Quarantine has been good and bad. I have been staying busy writing, editing, and working on my health. It has been bad because not seeing people is difficult and all my shows got canceled.

Used with permission from Comedian Bangrice

Where can people follow you on social media?
Twitter: cbangrice
Instagram: @courtney_bangrice
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQhiUcHmQ0ig3uwKr3eUQrg

Geek of the Week: Kyle Chrise

by Deidra Kathleen

Where are you from originally?
Uniontown, PA via Weehawken, NJ

What is your Hogwarts house and why?
Hufflepuff.  I’m rational [and] down-to-earth.

What are some geeky hobbies you partake in?
Comic books, video games, sci-fi, & horror movies.

Used with permission from Kyle Chrise

When did you realize comedy was something you were interested in actually doing?
[I] always wanted to growing up, watching stand-up – stand-up and SAST on VH1 & Comedy Central. Watching Louis C.K. and Greg Giraldo as an adult.

If you could take the place of any fictional character from any book, TV show, comic, or film – who would you choose? And why?
Spider-man has always been my guy.  Seems like an awesome power set and swinging around New York.  But it’s probably not as fun in real life as it looks, tough on the arms.  But I also feel connected to Charlie Brown, Peter Venkman, Shaggy Doo, and Emmett [“Doc”] Brown.

Who is someone you look up to and why?
Feel free to name two or three.
Obama – the epitome of empathy.  Coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers – no nonsense, no bs, no beating around the bush. 

Tell me about a time you had to pick yourself back up career-wise.
What or who helped you get there?
I feel I’m there right now.  I don’t really have a mentor, but I try to give good advice to others.

What are some current projects and/or goals you’re working on?
Cosplay Comedy is holding a Zoom show on April 25 to benefit Black Cat Comics in Burbank and the MADE museum in Oakland.

Do you have a favorite inspiring quote?
“Love your neighbor as yourself, there is no commandment greater than this” – Jesus

What is your dream show or project to work on?
 The Daily Show

Used with permission from StevenFyWong & Kyle Chrise

Where can people follow you? (Social Media)
 @KyleChrise, @CosplayComedy

https://www.facebook.com/KyleChriseComedy/videos/1165101423700077/

Geekscape Comics: ‘Before Watchmen: Nite Owl #1’ Review

by Shawn Madden

So far the ‘Before Watchmen’ books have been nothing exciting to me. And ‘Nite Owl’ was supposed to be the one that changed that…but sadly didn’t.

The book focuses on Daniel Dreiberg and how he became the second Nite Owl. And that’s where the problems begin. We don’t learn much about his past and while Straczynski does touch on his abusive father it feels rushed. Actually as a whole the book feels rushed in order to cram too much in. Being that this was an origin story you wouldn’t expect him to be suited up until MAYBE at the end but two thirds into the book he has already become the second Nite Owl and is teamed up with Rorschach. And there starts issue number two with me. Their relationship just seemed like a joke and there for laughs. Every situation in the story seems to span one or maybe two pages rather than actually fleshing anything out.

I really did enjoy Andy Kubert’s art even though he seemed to just recycle some scenes from the original Watchmen series without adding much to them. But the overall art is great and Joe Kubert’s inking really gives the book a classic feel that works well due to the 1960’s setting.

Overall while the art in the book is good…the story lacks. I wanted to like this book. I really did. It just feels like a rushed book and I can’t see why. It’s a four issue series and we are done with origin story two thirds into the first issue. Did I like it better than the other books? Sure. Is that saying much? No.

I’ll say pick up the issue if you’re on the fence about it and make your own opinion but if you have zero interest at all? Leave this one on the shelves. I’m really hoping Ozymandias and Rorschach aren’t going to leave me with this same unsatisfied feeling I have had so far with the rest of the titles.

Geekscape Comic Reviews: ‘Before Watchmen: Comedian #1’

by Scott Alminiana

Before Watchmen: Comedian is the third mini-series in the Before Watchmen line to be released and was a title that I wasn’t too interested in reading. Sure, it had the killer combo of Brian Azzarello writing with J.G. Jones on art, but the Comedian is just a character that I could give two shits about. Well I’m glad to report that my skepticism so far seems to have been for nothing. Issue one is the first one of these series that actually feels like a true companion piece to Watchmen.

This isn’t the same Comedian that we first met at the start of Watchmen, sure he’s still an arrogant son of a bitch and , but he actually seems like a man who believes in something. I don’t want to say what that ‘something’ is because it is an integral part of this first issue. Azzarello has crafted an entertaining story and while issue one is a good read it is just the tip of the iceberg and I’m sure it will only get better from here. I’m doing my best here to not give away any spoilers so I’ll keep the story recap short and oh so sweet. Issue one finds Eddie Blake in the 1960’s as he serves his country as a cape and it focuses on his close friendship with an old service buddy of his. By issues end we start to see the change in the Comedian that will eventually lead him to the man we all know and hate.

Brian Azzarello isn’t the only person who deserves praise for his on this issue. J.G. Jones delivers some truly great art here, but is that really a shocker? I’ve been a fan of his since I first read Wanted, but his delivering a book on schedule has been an issue in the past (Final Crisis *hint hint*) and that was my main concern when it was announced that he would be drawing this mini-series. The quality of his work was never in question and so far it still isn’t. Alex Sinclair does a great job coloring Jones’ art. He helps further establish the tone and feeling of the book, bathing characters in shadows when it’s called for, but never overdoing it. Sinclair compliments Jones nicely and both men help Azzarello deliver a book that’s far better than it possibly has any right to be. Who would have thought a mini-series about the Comedian could actually be worth a damn? Not this guy, that’s for damn sure.

Yes, I was very skeptical of this title when I picked it up, but after a solid first issue I am now looking forward to the next one. They have done a fine job of peaking my interest in this pseudo-origin tale of the Comedian. If the rest of the series is as good as this issue then I think we are all in for a treat. Check this book out, I don’t think you will be disappointed.

Score: 4/5

Artist J.G. Jones even manages to make two characters talking look cool

Geekscape Comics: The First Five Pages Of ‘Before Watchmen: Minutemen’!

by Shawn Madden

Worried that with E3 going on you won’t get any comic news? Worry not! Courtesy of USA TODAY we have the cover and first five pages of Darwyn Cooke’s ‘Before Watchmen: Minutemen’ for you. This six-issue series will focuse on ‘The Minutemen’ who were were the premier group of superheroes throughout the 1940s. They were founded in 1939, largely through the actions of Nelson Gardner (Captain Metropolis), Sally Jupiter (the first Silk Spectre) and Sally Jupiter’s agent Laurence Schexnayder. Schexnayder also provided the group’s publicity. After several public controversies, the group finally disbanded in 1949.

Jim Gaffigan plans to debut new hour long comedy special online for $5

by Shane O'Hare

Announced today on his Tumblr, comedian Jim Gaffigan is going to release his new hour long comedy special, for $5 and will donate $1 of each sale to The Bob Woodruff foundation, a charity for Veterans.

Gaffigan writes:

I am confident that the low price of my new comedy special and the fact that 20% of each $5 download will be donated to this very noble cause will prevent people from stealing it. Maybe I’m being naïve, but I trust you guys. Besides who would want the karma of stealing money from wounded Veterans? Come on you guys. How dare you even think about it?

 

What do you think about this new distribution method? With Louis C.K.’s moderate success and great publicity, can we soon see a change to the old method of content release? Talk about it below or head on over to our forums to chat it up.