Tag: Venom

Geek of the Week: Victoria Whitlow LouAllen

by Deidra Kathleen

Where are you from?
Alabama

What started your passion for makeup?
Was there a particular moment you realized that this was what you wanted to do creatively?
I’ve always been really into art. I started out as a portrait artist, but I was always looking for new creative outlets. I began my makeup career almost by accident, I had several friends ask me for Halloween makeup ideas and how to accomplish that kind of look. I decided to upload a few looks that I created to my Instagram and was noticed by Anastasia Beverly Hills and it all took off from there.

Venom, Used with permission from Victoria Whitlow LouAllen

What are your geeky hobbies?
Video games, Dungeons and Dragons, reading, and writing short stories and poems are a few of my favorites! I find that they are a way for me to de-stress and/or express myself creatively.

Who are a couple to a few artists you would absolutely LOVE to work with – as in do makeup together or do their makeup?
There are so many artists that I look up to but a couple that I would absolutely love to work with would have to be: Claudia Soare (Norvina) and Jaclyn Hill.

Used with permission from Victoria Whitlow LouAllen

You’re due for a lil’ geek of your own here soon – do you have a name picked out? How’d you come up with it?
Yes, in just a few short weeks we will be welcoming our first child into the world. We decided on the name, Michael Artorias LouAllen. We plan to call him, Artorias or Art for short. His first name comes from my husband’s father and the name Artorias is from one of our favorite video games, Dark Souls. We have also named our pup, Sif after Artorias’s great wolf.

Was there ever a time you got dismayed about your goals but then something happened to turn life around? If so – what happened?
Putting yourself out there on social media always has its downsides, there are always going to be people who respond to you negatively and it can be extremely difficult to brush off those comments. I try to stay true to myself and my passion for what I do. Someone once told me that when a person lashes out at you in such a hateful way, especially to someone they don’t know, it says more about them than it does about you. That has really stuck with me and has helped me get through a lot of the negativity.

What is your Hogwarts house and why?
I was sorted into Slytherin House when I took the test on Pottermore but I’ve always had a strong feeling that’s where I would be placed. I am very ambitious and push myself to achieve any goals that I may have.

Since I obviously know you’re a huge Potterhead too, I’ll ask – which character is your favorite out of either the books or movies? Why?
That’s a hard one! There are several characters that I found myself drawn to throughout the series. I don’t think I have a particular favorite, but Hermione is one of them. She is driven and self-confident even when others look down on her.

Used with permission from Victoria Whitlow LouAllen

So, I think there was a time you were considering being a tattoo artist.
Are you still considering this?
There was a time that I wanted to become a tattoo artist but I was able to spend some time actually practicing with the equipment and quickly realized that it just wasn’t for me.

I know you were thinking of bringing your artistry to YouTube alongside of your Instagram work – is this still a plan?
Yes! I didn’t realize just how much went into creating videos, so it has been a longer journey than I originally expected. I’m trying to learn all the ins and outs of the equipment and editing software.

Do you have any advice for fellow makeup artists just starting out?
It’s easy to get consumed by the amount of likes and followers, especially in the beginning. Try not to focus on the numbers and continue to post what you are passionate about.

Where can people find you on social media?
My Instagram page is @VictoriaWhitlow.



The Geekscape ‘Spider-Man: Into The Spider-verse’ Special With Ian Kerner!

by Jonathan

On the heels of the blockbuster success of ‘Venom’, Sony is back with another entry in the Spider-Man universe… this time going in a completely different direction (or a few)! With the fully animated ‘Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse’, movie audiences are introduced to Miles Morales, the younger Spider-Man originally introduced in the Ultimate Spider-Man comics… but very quickly he meets up with Spider-characters from various universes as the Kingpin pursues a plan to access them all or destroy them all! Is the hype about this film real? Is this the greatest Spider-Man film of all time? What works? What doesn’t? What characters and creators were done justice and just how insane an idea for a movie is this? And did Sony pull it off!?! Ian and I go FULL SPOILERS on this one so only listen to it if you’ve already seen the film! Excelsior!

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The Geekscape ‘Venom’ Special With Ian Kerner!

by Jonathan

Finally! Hollywood had its way and successfully released the stand-alone ‘Venom’ movie that they’ve been trying to make for years! But… is it really a success? What can be argued against an $80 Million opening weekend? Well… a lot. This movie isn’t exactly a critical darling. From the script to the fx to the acting to the entire point of making a stand-alone Venom movie in the first place, there’s a lot that doesn’t work. So why did we still have fun watching it? Did it have anything to do with the movie? Well, it’s time to answer your questions. Does any of it work? How is there a Venom separate from the Spider-Man story? Are the action scenes exciting? Did they nail the Venom and Eddie Brock relationship? How does the villain stack up? Does anything in this movie make sense? It’s all here in this episode… so better you listen to this than watch the movie.

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‘Venom’ Solo Film: Tom Hardy Is Venom & Ruben Fleischer Will Direct.

by The_acz

Let’s end this week with some juicy movie news.

The Hollywood Reporter broke the scoop that Tom Hardy has signed on to play Venom himself in the upcoming Venom solo movie, and that Zombieland director Ruben Fleischer will direct. Don’t get too excited, though, as there are some asterisks next to this announcement. First thing to realize right off the bat is that this is a separate Spider-Man universe film not at all related to Spider-Man Homecoming or the MCU. Once again, Sony is trying to restart their half of the failed Spider-Man universe. Another problem is that while it’s exciting to see the director of Zombieland take the reigns of this project, he has also done some not-as-good films such as Gangster Squad and 30 Minutes or Less. Will Venom overcome the odds and be a decent film? Only time will tell. Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

The Venom Spinoff Film Just Got A New Writer!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: It was all the way back in 2013 when Sony announced an expanded Spider-Man universe, which was set to include Venom and Sinister Six spinoff films.

Well, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 sucked, Sony shuttered the expanded universe (along with The Amazing Spider-Man franchise), and fans everywhere were also pretty convinced that this (or a) Venom film wouldn’t see the light of day.

Until just now, that is, as THR has just revealed that a Sony has just hired Dante Harper to write the script.

Harper did some rewrites on the fantastic Edge of Tomorrow, and also co-wrote the Jamie Foxx/Dermot Mulroney flick Sleepless Nights. 

It’ll certainly be interesting to see where this one goes, and just how it’ll tie in with the upcoming Marvel-produced Tom Holland Spider-Man reboot. Could we one day see our MCU heroes face off against the symbiote?

In any case, there are a ton of incredible Venom storylines for Harper to draw from. Which ones would you like to see on screen? Who would you like to see play Eddie Brock? Sound out below!

Topher

Geekscape 316: Ian Kerner Talks ‘The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug’!

by Jonathan

Every time Ian Kerner guests on a new Geekscape episode, it’s like a major event… just like the release of ‘The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug’! Ian and I sit down, break down Peter Jackson’s second film in The Hobbit trilogy and how it just feels good to be back among old (and new friends) in Middle Earth! Spoilers abound, obviously, as we get right to the thick of it, just like journeying into the wilds of Mirkwood! Also, we get Ian’s take on Sony’s announcement of ‘Venom’ and ‘Sinister Six’ films and we also talk about the Wachowski’s ‘Jupiter Ascending’ and Tom Cruise in ‘Edge of Tomorrow’!

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 58:19 — 33.4MB)

Sony Announces ‘Venom’, ‘Sinister Six’ Spinoff Films!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: It was just last month that we learned of Sony’ planning to expand the Spider-Man universe with even more sequels and spin-offs, and the studio has just announced the first information for two of those spinoff films.

A five person team of Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci, Jeff Pinkner, Ed Solomon, and Drew Goddard have formed a “brain trust” to continue the franchise with a consistent tone (and connections between each film). According to the press release, “Kurtzman & Orci & Pinkner are writing the screenplay for The Amazing Spider-Man 3, which the studio hopes Webb will return to direct; the film will go into production next fall for release on June 10, 2016. In addition, the team will build on the cinematic foundation laid by Webb, Arad, and Tolmach in the first two movies. They will expand the franchise as Kurtzman & Orci & Solomon will write the screenplay for Venom, which Kurtzman will direct; also, Goddard will write, with an eye to direct, The Sinister Six, focusing on the villains in the franchise.”

It’s interesting to see Drew Goddard’s name on that list, as the talented writer/director was recently tapped to write (and maybe direct) the Daredevil series for Netflix. In any case, it certainly raises my hopes for a film about six villains that haven’t been introduced yet.

You can take a look at the full press release here. Are you excited at the prospect of these films? Or is Sony simply making promises that they can’t keep? Is the Spider-Man franchise growing too quickly (remember Venom in Spider-Man 3? Sound out below!

Geekscape Comics: All-New ‘Thunderbolts’ From Daniel Way And Steve Dillon!

by Shawn Madden

So, remember when Marvel released that teaser for Daniel Way and Steve Dillon’s Marvel NOW! title a week ago? And I jokingly said “Hey, what if it’s a Thunderbolts book with The Punisher and Deadpool on the team?” Well, I guess it turns out that it IS a Thunderbolts book starring The Punisher, Deadpool, Red Hulk, Venom and Elektra. After seeing this line-up you’re sold, I’m sold and we’re all adding this to our pull lists. Check out Steve Dillon’s cover for issue number one of Thunderbolts! Just shut up and take my money Marvel!

Editor Jordan White speaking to Newsarama about the title:

“The idea for this team of Thunderbolts actually came from a Marvel retreat, where ideas are flying fast and furiously. The question of how to shake-up Thunderbolts and take it in a new direction came up, and the idea of a Red Hulk-led team got the room excited. From there, the question became who he would tap for his team, and everyone agreed the main roster you see here (Punisher, Venom, Elektra, and Deadpool) would be an awesome team book. Looking for the right fit for this book as far as writers go, Dan Way was at the top of the list — and once we brought the idea to him, he leapt in with both feet, with tons of ideas of his own to add to the mix. He quickly shaped what was a rough idea for a team into a book with a specific idea and direction behind it… and added in a few more characters to the team, who shall be revealed over the first few issues.

Unlike the most recent Thunderbolts, this group is not working for any government program — this is Red Hulk’s team, to do with as he sees fit. In case you forgot, big red’s secret ID is that of General “Thunderbolt” Ross, a well-respected military official who the world thinks was KIA. Well, just because he can’t be part of the American Armed Forces doesn’t mean he can’t put together an armed force of his own (in fact, as a side note, I’d considered suggesting we call the book “Thunderbolt’s” with a possessive, but decided I would be laughed out of editorial if I mentioned it). And again, if you look at the crew ol’ T-Bolt has put together, you can get a sense of the kind of things he might be looking to do with them. They’re a team of loners, but all highly trained and highly skilled as either mercenaries or soldiers. This is a black ops dream team… or perhaps red ops, as the case may be. They’re all characters with their own very particular morality, who do the things they do because they believe in them. They believe they are doing right, even if the world around them might not. Now that they’re working together, they can set their sights even higher… and the world had better look out, because they won’t take no for an answer.”

 

Geekscape Comics: Starting With ‘Venom #23’ A New Creative Team Takes Over

by Shawn Madden

Starting with issue #23 of Venom we will see Cullen Bunn take over for Rick Remender on writing duties as well as Thony Silas taking over on art duties with an all-new storyline.

Marvel is proud to present your first look at Venom #23, brought to you by all-new creative team of writer Cullen Bunn and artist Thony Silas! Now that Venom is a card carrying Secret Avenger, Earth’s Mightiest task Venom with bringing in the demonic menace Damion Hellstrom! Except in order to do that, Flash Thompson finds himself face to fist with the Monsters of Evil! But what could they want with Venom? An all-new era of symbiote-super heroics begins in Venom #23, hitting comic shops everywhere, the Marvel Comics app, and Marvel Digital Comic Shop this August.

VENOM #23
Written by Cullen Bunn
Pencils by Thony Silas
Cover by Patch Zircher

Marvel Heroes To Be Featured On Disney’s ‘Phineas And Ferb’

by Scott Alminiana

It was only a matter of time before Disney started using Marvel characters on their shows. I’m actually amazed it took them this long. According to the Hero Complex, a slew of Marvel heroes and villians will be featured in a special episode of Disney XD’s Phineas and Ferb.

Announced at Comic-Con, “Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel” will have Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor and Hulk drop into Danville but they’re not happy to be there — a scheme by Dr. Doofenshmirtz has robbed the mighty quartet of their powers.  The marooned heroes will have a fight on their hands with four super villains — the Red Skull, Whiplash, Venom and M.O.D.O.K. — who are working together with Dr. Doofenshmirtz.

Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel wont hit TV until the summer of 2013 but fear not fans, here’s a teaser to hold you over.

I have a 6 year old niece so I am well-versed in the greatness that is Phineas and Ferb. Anyone who’s worried that the Marvel characters will be poorly handled needn’t worry. I fully support this move on Disney and Marvel’s part. It’s a smart move and I’m sure it’s just the first of many to come.

Geekscape Comics: First Look At ‘Venom #21’

by Shawn Madden

• Toxin vs. Venom! Flash Thompson’s Last Stand! The Crime-Master Triumphant! – It’s the Savage Six Finale the comics world will be talking about!
• CRIME MASTER’S IDENTITY IS REVEALED – and Flash Thompson and Betty Brant’s lives will never be the same!

VENOM #21
Written by Cullen Bunn, Rick Remender
Pencils by Lan Medina
Cover by Tony Moore

Geekscape Comics: Marvel Reveals Details For ‘Minimum Carnage’

by Shawn Madden

Marvel teased this event at Wondercon earlier this year but has kept pretty damn quiet about it up until yesterdays The Amazing Spider-Man panel at Comic-Con. This upcoming event will kick off with Minimum Carnage: Alpha this October and then run through Venom and Scarlet Spider. The story will see Carnage escape into the Micro-verse, as the two heroes pursue him. Cullen Bunn and Chris Yost will handle writing duties in the prologue before the story moves into the two titles.

“Carnage is the worst case scenario for both Venom and Scarlet Spider,” Bunn said. “For Kane, it’s all about how terrible a killer can be. And for Venom, it’s how terrible a symbiote can be. This is a situation for various reasons that only Venom and Scarlet Spider can deal with Carnage…it isn’t a thing where Peter Parker can swing in and save them.”

If you haven’t been reading Venom or Scarlet Spider you should be. These are both awesome titles and I am really looking forward to see where they go with this crossover event.

Geekscape Comics: Five Spidey Stories You Should Read

by Shawn Madden

In celebration of the release of ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ and Spideys upcoming 50th Anniversary I decided to compile a list of five Spider-Man stories I think you should all check out if you haven’t already.

5. Revenge Of The Sinister Six

Spider-Man #18-23

One of my all time favorite Spidey story-arcs is ‘Revenge Of The Sinister Six’. The story saw the group reunited once more in a bid to take over the world with alien weaponry. The line-up consisted of Doctor Octopus, Electro, Gog, Hobgoblin, Mysterio, Vulture. Sandman’s foster family was hit with a bomb and Sandman (believing Octopus had attacked his foster family as punishment for betraying him) joined the other members of the Sinister Six in a plan to take revenge upon Doctor Octopus.

Written and drawn by Erik Larsen, this story had it all. I mean, you had Spidey getting his ass kicked by the best of the best of his villains and even calling upon some of the coolest characters of the 90’s to back him up. We had the Hulk (in his Professor identity), the Fantastic Four, Sleepwalker, Deathlok, Nova, Solo, Cyborg X, and Ghost Rider all teaming up with Spider-Man to take on the Sinister Six. This was the six in their prime. They pulled out all the stops on this one. I mean they even fucking had Gog on their squad. Gog aka a gigantic reptilian humanoid from The Savage Land. I’ve actually gone back and re-read this story many times because it holds up. And I still love seeing the ending where a broken glass Sandman nearly shreds Doc Ock to death. If you can find a trade of it. Get it. If you can find the issues. Get them. You won’t be disappointed.

4. The Death Of Spider-Man

Ultimate Spider-Man #156-160, Ultimate Comics Avengers vs New Ultimates #1-6, Ultimate Fallout #1-6

This is one powerful story right here. Bendis really delivered a blow with the story-arc that really hits you once you’re done with it. Unlike some of the other stories I am going to to avoid talking too much about this one because it really is a story to be read from start to end. And if Peter Parker’s final words in issue #160 don’t hit you…I don’t know what will. This story not only does its death right but also does right by its death unlike many comic book “death stories”. Bendis is at top of his game here and Bagley’s artwork is phenomenal to go with it. You can most likely still find this available in trade or possibly even singular issues at your local shop.

3. Venom

Amazing Spider-Man #300, 315-317

Spider-Man had never fought a villain like Venom before. Regarded by some as Spideys best villain since The Green Goblin he had all of his same powers, was stronger and didn’t set off his spider sense. While some of Tom DeFalco’s dialogue is a bit weak in the issues you ignore it looking at Todd MacFarlane’s fantastic art work. If you’ve ever been a fan of Eddie Brock…this story is a must read.

2. Kraven’s Last Hunt

Amazing Spider-Man #293-294, Spectacular Spider-Man #131-132, Web Of Spider-Man #32-33

Kraven The Hunter was a villain that many people took as a joke until this story arc hit. This is one of the best read’s you can find. Kraven has hunted every other prey on earth but there is one that has eluded him. He decides to hunt down Spider-Man and buries him alive and then begins posing as him. J. M. DeMatteis and artist Mike Zeck craft an ultimate tale of revenge here with a very memorable ending.

1. The Night Gwen Stacy Died

Amazing Spider-Man #121-122

This right here is one of the most important Spider-Man stories ever written. If you sat and wondered why they were establishing the Gwen and Peter relationship in ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ you definitely need to read this. he death of Gwen Stacy shocked the American comic book community. Previously, it had been unthinkable to kill off such an important character and this event was so revolutionary and important that it is one of the markers of the end of the Silver Age of comics. This two issue story-arc also included the death of Norman Osborn aka The Green Goblin and makes this already epic story even better.

For years people debated on how exactly she died. The original comic features a “snap” sound effect next to Gwen Stacy’s head in the panel in which Spider-Man’s webbing catches her, however some later reprints remove the effect. Many people believe that the whiplash from Peter grabbing her with his webbing caused it. Had he not webbed her though she would have fallen to her death regardless. In the end there was no way he could have saved her. Gwen is one of the few comic characters to die and stay dead. This arc gets my number one spot due I consider it to be quite possibly the most important Spider-Man story for everyone to read.

Other recommendations:

The Clone Saga, Spider-Island, The Death Of Jean DeWolff, Spider-Man: Reign, Shed, Return Of The Goblin

 

‘Venom’ Movie Moving Forward. Will It Tie-In To ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’?

by Shawn Madden

With recent rumors of Josh Trank (‘Chronicle’) being attached to direct it seems Sony is moving forward with the solo movie for Eddie Brock. There had been a script in development ever since ‘Spider-Man 3’ but worry not about it having any form of ties to that movie at all. With the reboot of Peter Parker’s story they will apparently be doing the same with Brock. TheHollywood recently spoke with Avi Arad and Matthew Tolmach about the project.

“It’s an Eddie Brock story,” said Arad. “We want to be as close to the comics as possible. Especially in Eddie Brock’s story. But again, pseudo-science is becoming science. All these tidbits about webs, artificial webs, is a huge industry now. Spiderwebs have unique qualities that will be huge for communications, fibers, and so forth. So we have taken the approach that we want to make the huge amazing movie about Eddie.” Tolmach adds, “He was a journalist. He had the wrong story, he got in trouble for it, he got fired. The whole essence to us for the Marvel characters. Stay close to the bible, stay close to the emotional story, and the rest is fun.”

And while this will be a standalone movie (cue fanboys crying about how we can’t have this without Spidey wearing the symbiote first) it will apparently have some ties to ‘The Amazing Spider-man’. Tolmach said “Look for the worlds to make sense with one another.”