WonderCon | Geekscape

Geekscape 539: Film Threat’s Chris Gore Talks Virtual Cons!

by JonathanApril 16, 2020

With the Corona Virus keeping us quarantined in our homes and Summer just around the corner, there’s no doubt that major geek events like the San Diego Comic Con are going to cancel or postpone until later in the year! That leaves the door open for 2020 becoming the year of the Virtual Comic Convention! Already, several virtual online comic book conventions have started to spring up to give fans their fix… but how do they hope to compare to the real thing? What do they mean to celebrities, exhibitors, fans and indie creators? Luckily, FilmThreat’s Chris Gore guests on a new Geekscape to share his insight on the future of virtual cons! How did last weekend’s virtual WonderCon go? Can SDCC move to later in the year? Can comic book shops, indie exhibitors and publishers survive until then? And how does this change the landscape for film, TV, comics and videogames going forward? It’s all in this episode so enjoy!

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Geekscape 507: Get Personal! Talking WonderCon And More!

by JonathanApril 2, 2019

It’s WonderCon weekend! So why am I not feeling so Wonderful? Is there a new existential crisis in the air? You know it! I take this opportunity to do a little bit of a State of the Union, talk about my experience at WonderCon, tell you that Tim Burton’s ‘Dumbo’ really flies for me and that you should catch up on those old Daredevil comics! On top of that, I discover the true meaning of Geekscape, look forward to Comic Con and receive a message from an unknown Geekscapist that reminds us that what we’re doing is working! Enjoy this special solo cast!

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Geekscape 475: Interviews From WonderCon 2018!

by JonathanMarch 26, 2018

Didn’t make it down to Anaheim for WonderCon 2018? Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered! We walked the floor this year and got a chance to catch up with some of our friends, both new and old! We talk to Carlos Ferro about playing Dominic Santiago in the ‘Gears of War’ series and Leonardo DaVinci in ‘Assassin’s Creed’! Andre Blacknerd nerds out with us all about ‘Power Rangers’ and ‘Pacific Rim: Uprising’ (plus a little ‘Ready Player One’)! Tony Kim returns to the show to catch us up on his Hero Within clothing line! Marc Andreyko has to sit there and take my praise for his comics industry charity book ‘Love Is Love’! And Daniel Corey and Yehudi Mercado and I sit on the floor of WonderCon and discuss the state of the con from a veteran’s perspective! It’s as if you were right there with us!

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Wondercon 2016: Talking Adaptating Games To The Big Screen With ‘Ratchet & Clank’

by Josh JacksonApril 22, 2016

As the first of at least two films scheduled to release based on Playstation’s biggest first party titles, Ratchet & Clank has the potential to change the way we look at video game movies. These big screen adaptations have left gamers burned enough times that the audience is more than a little wary every time Hollywood decides to take one of their beloved universes, and turn it into something that often shares little in common with the source material. But rising from the ashes of such classic game to film moments such as that ridiculous first person scene in Doom, whatever the hell the Super Mario Bros. film was supposed to be, and anything associated with the name Uwe Boll, R&C is aiming to be faithful to the universe it took the developers at Insomniac 14 years to develop while leaving its own mark in the process.

From left to right: Bella Throne, David Kaye, James Arnold Taylor, Brad Foxhoven and Kevin Munroe

During the Wondercon panel covering the film, director, Kevin Munroe, and producer, Brad Foxhoven, discussed at length about how seriously they took the challenge of getting the spirit of the game right in the within the constraints of a 90 minute movie. When the team found out they would be working on a Sony project, they were big fans of the Playstation brand and would have been willing to work on anything they presented them. Sony initially gave the team Ratchet as a test piece before moving forward with an actual commitment to a film, but they ended up doing so well with it, the company ended up deciding to have the team work on expanding that test into the first Playstation film project.

To make sure the project would be led with the level of care it would need to bring such a beloved franchise like Ratchet & Clank to life, members from the team at Insomniac were brought in to oversee the movie’s development. Naturally, we can’t talk about these games without the plethora of weapons that the series has become known for, which is why Munroe and Foxhaven promise a few surprises in this department. Featuring certain favorites like the Buzz Blades, Combustor and Fusion Grenades in a brief clip, finding out what makes the cut is one of the aspects of the movie that we’re looking forward to most.

Despite being based on the duo’s origins from the original PS2 game, one goal that was aimed for was integrating the first chapter of the series with much of the lore introduced in later games, namely the Future line of games that started on the PS3. Because of this, some of the story elements would be changed to reference characters, organizations and events that originally wouldn’t appear until much later. When it comes to the game based on the movie, (that’s based on a game,) that version is based on the film from franchise favorite, Captain Qwark’s perspective, adding an extra layer to this new launching point.. How big these big screen changes will be remains to be seen, but with so much attention going towards creating an authentic adaptation, it’s looking like the final product will be in safe hands. Even still, the biggest focus will be on establishing the relationship between Ratchet and Clank, which has served as the backbone of the franchise since the beginning.

The most obvious change however, comes with the many new characters debuting in the theatrical version. While James Arnold Taylor, David Kaye and Jim Ward reprise their video game roles as Ratchet, Clank and Qwark respectively, the duo’s first nemesis, Chairman Drek, has been cast as Paul Giamatti. In terms of the film exclusive cast, John Goodman plays Grimroth, Ratchet’s father figure, Rosario Dawson as Elaris, the brains behind the Galactic Rangers, Sylvester Stallone as Victor Von Ion, Drek’s robotic bodyguard and antagonist to Clank, and Bella Throne as Cora, a no nonsense member of the Rangers who works alongside Ratchet. For those who might be worried that the Hollywood stars might not be as passionate about the franchise as the longtime fans are, Thorne was part of the panel and proclaimed many times how excited she was to get the role since her brother is a big gamer, while feeling the pressure to help make Cora’s addition a natural fit into this world.

With Ratchet & Clank releasing in theaters soon, what does the future hold for the team? While Sly Cooper is next in line for the big screen treatment, Munroe and Foxhoven are hoping to work on a Jak & Daxter adaptation if they got their choice. From what I’ve seen so far of their first attempt, I’m thinking that would be a project worth getting excited for.

From Gramercy Pictures, Ratchet & Clank will arrive in theaters on April 29th.

Wondercon 2016: ‘Star Fox Guard’ Feels Like A Full Fledged Game!

by Josh JacksonApril 22, 2016

In 2014, Nintendo had two mystery projects on display for the Wii U. Code named Project Giant Robot and Project Guard, both felt like exciting, new ways to use the Wii U Game Pad, but were too thin of an experience to feel like their own games. In fact, we predicted that these two demos would end up as mini games in a larger collection when we previewed the two projects. While Giant Robot has yet to resurface, Project Guard was revived as Star Fox Guard, a Slippy Toad focused pack in included with copies of Star Fox Zero. As a bonus game, Nintendo would have been able to leave the game as is and still would have left little room to complain. After all, how can you complain about a free game? When playing the final build at Wondercon this year however, and it’s immediately clear that the game has gone through a variety of improvements to make it feel more like a complete game in its own right.

In what’s essentially a tower defense game, Guard approaches the growing genre in a more unique way. With the TV showing a variety of gun mounted surveillance cameras while the Game Pad shows the map, camera locations and enemy positions, it’s up to Slippy to use each camera to fight off enemies before they reach the core of the map. This isn’t as simple as it sounds, since not only will you have to manage your cameras while trying to look at around nine at a time, but you’ll also need to hold powerful enemies at bay who can inflict status effects such as freezing and static, (most of which have been added since its 2014 reveal). Make too many mistakes, and they can destroy your cameras permanently.

Fortunately, (or maybe less so for the less social readers out there,) Guard has been presented as a multiplayer party game in each of its iterations despite only having one player support. The idea is that spectators in your living room will be able to watch the cameras with you, shouting out which cameras have enemies in sight while the player manages switching and shooting with the Game Pad. Friends will be a lifesaver when it comes to successfully defending your base, especially when the right advice can lead to you spotting waves of enemies you might have overlooked otherwise. Extra support actions like being able to unfreeze one camera by shooting it with another and destroying certain enemies first to avoid being overwhelmed will take more of the player’s attention, making friends even more welcomed.

Of course, you CAN play it by yourself, which presents a surprisingly high level of challenge, especially with later stages. This arcade style of game play where you’re competing for completion and high scores has the potential to become highly addicting, becoming further amplified by stubborn gamers like myself who would rather die a thousand in game deaths than ask for help. If nothing else, it will be the first time Slippy has been strong and independent.

While this might not be enough for a standalone retail release, Star Fox Guard looks like it will serve its purpose well as an awesome extra for fans who have waited so long for the team’s next adventure. Stay tuned for our full impressions of both Guard and Star Fox Zero once they are available for review.

Wondercon 2016: All-Range Mode In ‘Star Fox Zero’ Needs An Overhaul

by Josh JacksonApril 20, 2016

I’ve been lucky enough to try out Star Fox Zero a few times over its development, and my excitement only increased as time went on. With the game finally releasing this week as what could be the Wii U’s last big exclusive, (depending on if you want to believe that the next Zelda will be moved to the NX,) you would think that my hype would have reached its apex. It would have, until I played the Wondercon demo.

A lot is being said about the state of the game’s forced motion controls, which ask you to aim with the Wii U Game Pad’s gyro controls while steering with the left stick and pulling off maneuvers with the right. While I can definitely see why people would have trouble with this set up, which sounds like the gaming equivalent to patting your head and rubbing your stomach at the same time, I personally didn’t take long to adjust. What did become a problem however, is when the game switched to All-Range Mode, which is the term coined in Star Fox 64 for when the game switches from on rails dog fighting to being able to freely move in a 3D space. While I didn’t encounter too much of a problem while taking flight, this feature was something that I hoped would improve in previous demos, since Zero uses these sections as a chance to force first person cockpit view onto the Game Pad, while the TV shifts to a cinematic view that displays the entire battlefield, rather than focusing on what the player is doing. Once my time with the completed build ended though, I was beyond disappointed to learn that it got worse.

Wanting to experience the Landmaster for the first time, I tried out the desert stage, where more than just the control methods changed since the 64 days. Being forced to fly above obstacles while aiming with the game pad and keeping an eye on enemies through the big screen was confusing enough, but became close to second nature by the time the sequence was complete. Once the boss fight started and I had free range of motion however, and I had no idea how much more of a hindrance this would become. But when you take away the speed and mobility of the Arwing and plug in the awkward camera angles into the land stage, what should have been the climax of the stage ended up highlighting everything wrong with forcing your view into first person.

As the boss at the center of the stage bombarded me with smaller enemies and its own attacks while pulling me towards the center, I rarely had any clue as to what was going on. All I knew was my health was sinking, I was getting trounced by attacks, and I had no idea where any of it was coming from. By the time I turned the insanely slow tank around to take aim, I would ram into the boss for more damage because of its quick sand. Avoiding it would have been simple, except the cockpit view made it hard to tell how close I was to the middle. If you’re thinking the TV view will give you some semblance of an idea what was going on, think again! Because every time I looked up at it, the view was panned out with the main monster in the center, capturing every bit of the chaos so well that I had no idea where my tank was. Who thought this was a good idea!? To make it so you can’t see what you’re doing, and have the freedom of changing your view stripped from you for the sake of some stubborn vision of what the game should be?

Maybe all of this is for nothing. Maybe the final game will be better! But all I know is after crashing and burning, I’m finding myself far less excited about Fox McCloud’s long awaited return. Keep an eye out for our full review in the coming days and see if we have a change of heart.

Wondercon 2016: We Go Hands-On With Platinum Games’ ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants In Manhattan’

by Josh JacksonApril 15, 2016

When news hit that Platinum Games was working on a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles game, was anyone surprised when the nerd stratosphere blew up with excitement? After all, Platinum is one of the premiere action game developers today, which was proven the last time they collaborated with Activision by way of Transformers: Devastation. Knowing what the team could do with our favorite turtles, we jumped at the chance to get our hands on the upcoming brawler at Wondercon. If there was any doubt in your mind that they could repeat the magic with another licensed property, rest assured. The game is great so far!

My biggest worry going into the TMNT: Mutants in Manhattan demo was that it wouldn’t be as unique as it could be. After all, regardless of how fun Transformers was, it was essentially a re-skinned Bayonetta. While there are admittedly few games you would rather have serve as the basis behind your game, there were times when the robots in disguise didn’t feel like themselves because of it. This is not the case with the turtles, with mechanics that felt all their own, while playing up to the strengths of the franchise.

Somewhat less reliant on combos compared to Platinum’s other games, Mutants in Manhattan focuses more on teamwork between the four turtles. With the option to switch between Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello and Raphael on the fly, each one has their own set of attacks to unleash on the Foot Clan. To differentiate them even further, each one has their own set of special attacks that range from damage dealing onslaughts to support abilities like replenishing health with a pizza party. Depending on who’s in the fight, you can even unleash double team attacks to send the enemies packing.

As you would expect from the developer, the enemies aren’t exactly pushovers either. While they go down easily enough, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the multiple enemies coming at you at once, each one color coded to signify different attack patterns reminiscent to the Konami games of our youth. The turtles’ health drains quickly, so a handful of mistakes can mean your team might drop in numbers quickly. Perhaps keeping in mind that this game will likely be targeting kids first and foremost, it’s very easy to being fallen comrades back, especially since they’ll revive on their own if you hold out for long enough. Even if you all get defeated, a button mashing pizza eating mini game will revive everyone to the point where they were beaten. This might disappoint the hardcore crowd who enjoy the punishing difficulty Platinum is known for, but knowing them, there could be options to boost the difficulty in the full version.

Most surprising at all however, is what happens between fights. The city stage that I played had the turtles traversing New York in a more open ended way than we would expect from a beat em up such as this. While not completely free roam thanks to clearly defined boundaries, players will move from objective to objective in a non-linear way thanks to the city offering multiple paths. Going off course and searching a little closer can even lead to hidden items, so it’ll be worth it to explore every corner you can.

If I didn’t have enough reason to be excited about TMNT: Mutants in Manhattan, my time with the game made sure to leave me with plenty. Its co-op focused battle system, (whether you’re playing with someone else or not,) is intriguing while the addition of exploration was a welcomed surprise. The toned down difficulty might concern the Platinum Games faithful, but so far, their unique take on the turtles more than makes up for it.

Check back for our full impressions when Mutants in Manhattan releases on May 24th.

WonderCon 2016: Demoing Cryptozoic’s Ghostbusters: The Board Game II

by Natalie KipperMarch 30, 2016

I was fortunate enough to be invited by Cryptozoic Entertainment to visit their WonderCon booth and try out a prototype build of their upcoming project, Ghostbusters: The Board Game II. The roleplaying game will launch as a Kickstarter campaign on April 11.

Before we dive into the playthrough, let’s start with some background information. The original Ghostbusters: The Board Game also began as a Kickstarter and met its funding goal many, many times over. The fanbase was active and vocal during the development process and Cryptozoic took their feedback into consideration when creating the game.

One thing you will notice right away is that the art and monsters are all licensed. Sony Entertainment gave the team free reign with their licenses, including TV shows, toys, and comics. Each ghost and spirit is taken from that already-developed universe. The creators of IDW Publishing’s Ghostbusters comics provided the art used as a base for the squad’s character designs as well as wrote up the plots featured on the scenario cards.

Let’s talk about these scenario cards for a moment. One side features a little backstory write-up and the other shows a map describing how to layout the playing field at the start of the story. This is particularly interesting as it negates the need for a Game Master. It also allows you play to a single-player campaign (controlling all four Ghostbusters).

After arranging the game board to match what is shown on our chosen scenario card, we all selected our characters. I played as Winston Zeddemore. Depending on which of the Ghostbusters you choose, you have different skills based on your level (which increases as you gain experience). Working together and utilizing characters’ skills effectively is the key to victory.

Notice how my character’s art is black and white? The card is actually two-sided, with a full-color illustration on the other. There are two different sides to designate your weapon’s attachment: a Slime Blower or a Proton Pack. The difference between the two comes into play when handling obstacles on the map. One is mostly used to remove ooze on the field while the other mainly is used to deal damage to ghosts. You are free to switch between the two on your turn but it will cost you one of your two precious maneuvers per turn.

There were several different ghosts in the scenario I played, one of which was the Street Creeper. The card explaining how the ghost will behave was a great example of the game being its own GM. Even the “random” element mentioned on the card is dealt with by way of a numbered directional board and a simple roll of the D8. Again, I can’t stress how awesome it was that licensed art was used for this game. It made the whole experience feel more authentic.

I was told that campaigns can last from one to four hours, depending on how many rounds you decide to play. I played just shy of an hour at WonderCon and I am sold. This is one Kickstarter campaign that I will definitely keep my eye on.

Geekscape 404: Indecent Proposals With The 6 Degrees Of Feature Film Ladies!

by JonathanMarch 30, 2016

This weekend was all about WonderCon and ‘Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice’! To help us piece through everything, Brianne and Stacey from the ‘6 Degrees of Feature Film’ podcast! Stacey and I give our Spoiler-Free thoughts on ‘Batman V Superman’ while Brianne helps us breakdown the goings on at WonderCon… including receiving an indecent proposal! We discuss Arseface being revealed in AMC’s ‘Preacher’ series, ‘Voltron: Legendary Defender’ and the promise of DC Comics’ big event ‘Rebirth’! So yeah… it’s a pretty packed episode! Banana for scale!

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WonderCon 2016: Here’s A Look At Kotobukiya’s Displays!

by Natalie KipperMarch 29, 2016

Kotobukiya’s booth at this year’s WonderCon was swarmed with fans taking pictures but that is to be expected. Cons are when Kotobukiya showcases prototypes of upcoming items along with announcements of figures in development. And this time was no different.

First is the next entry in Kotobukiya’s Bishoujo figure line, Kill Bill‘s The Bride. This figure is so new, they didn’t even have a prototype yet. Instead, they displayed its concept art.

Also part of their Bishoujo line was Lucky Chloe from Tekken Tag Tournament. This figure is currently available for pre-order online. It is scheduled to release in August.

From the ArtFX+ line is Halo‘s Spartan Athlon. You can pre-order this figure online with an expected May release.

The Alien Warrior Drone ArtFX+ was more than a little unsettling. It ships in April but you can still pre-order it here. Note: the tiny Alien dudes aren’t part of the package.

An item that garnered a lot of attention was the prototype of the upcoming Kylo Ren ArtFX+ figure. It is always neat to see this portion of the design process. The finished product is available to pre-order online with an expected July release.

Building on the popularity of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Kotobukiya will also be releasing a set of ArtFX+ figures starring C-3PO, R2-D2, and BB-8. This item, while still listed on Kotobukiya’s online store, is currently sold out.

Positioned beside the Kylo Ren prototype were the Captain Phasma and First Order Stormtrooper ArtFX+ figures. I thought it was a nice touch that you could choose between a single First Order Stormtrooper or a two-pack.

And thus ends my list of highlights from Kotobukiya’s booth. Did I miss something? Let me know in the comments!

Geekscape Toys: BeeFy and Co.’s Totopoo ‘Smile’ Edition To Debut At WonderCon!

by Natalie KipperMarch 2, 2016

WonderCon is set to take place in Los Angeles this month and many of us are still wondering what we should expect to spend our remaining money on. BeeFy & Co. (and its creator, Menh Voong) over at the exhibit hall’s booth #1331 delivered some of that news today! WonderCon will mark the release of the plush Totopoo – “Smile” Edition. For those unfamiliar, BeeFy & Co. is a brand that spans toys (both plush and vinyl as well as other mediums), fashion, and art prints. The majority of the plushes are from the “Adventures of Ryupoo” Collection, featuring stylized stuffed critters, some of which come with accessories.

The “Smile” Edition of Totopoo, modeled after My Neighbor Totoro, has a wide grin across his face. Like the other plushes, Totopoo stands 10 inches tall and will cost $25. He comes with a large fabric leaf embedded with a magnet so it can stick to his articulated head. Note that while this variant will debut at WonderCon, it is not exclusive to the event.

If you prefer your Totopoo to be the stoic type, a regular (not grinning) edition will be released at the Chicago Comic And Entertainment Expo (a.k.a. C2E2) and Silicon Valley Comic Con.

Are you heading to WonderCon? Let us know in the comments!

Tickets Are Now Available For WonderCon 2016 In Los Angeles!

by Natalie KipperDecember 14, 2015

For attendees of geeky conventions, March often means migrating to Anaheim, California for WonderCon. However, this year the venue for the convention has moved North a little bit to Los Angeles. WonderCon 2016 will take in place in the Los Angeles Convention Center on March 25 through 27.

Planning on going? You can purchase your badge now but be aware that you must have a Comic-Con member ID (you can register for free today). It will say Comic-Con on the header because the events are run by the same company.

What do you think of the switch in locations? Are you attending WonderCon this year? Tell us in the comments!

We Slay Monsters And Stomp Goombas In ‘Puzzle And Dragons Z/Super Mario Edition’

by Josh JacksonMay 18, 2015

Nintendo had a large presence at this year’s Wondercon, with numerous games on display. Some of which had yet to be released, offering gamers their first chance to try out these upcoming titles. One such game was Puzzle and Dragons, the mobile game turned 3DS crossover, featuring both an original game mode, and a Super Mario Bros. themed campaign that trades mystical monsters for Goombas and Koopa Troopas. We tried out both modes to get the scoop on whether or not the Big N’s latest collaboration is worth checking out, and so far, we see reason to be excited.

Starting off by jumping into what I’m familiar with, the Super Mario Bros. mode was fairly straightforward. In both versions, the player must create a party that consists of different elements, then tackle dungeons while trying to line up matching colored gems to trigger attacks. If you have a teammate who’s color matches the gems, then they fire off an attack. Fail to finish off your opponent, and they get a chance to drain your ally’s HP. The key to success was to trigger combos, that caused falling gems to line up after your move, helping multiply your damage while allowing multiple party members to attack at once! It was a sight to see classic Mario enemies get taken down with a swarm of magic, but I rarely felt like I was in control. I couldn’t see what gems were above my stack, so these combos often felt completely random, taking away from any skill involved.

Surprisingly, the Mario mode felt pretty plain. With the demo consisting of nothing but selecting a level, (based on classic Mario stages,) beating the enemies and eventually winning, it felt like nothing more than a bonus mode. The standard mode however, felt much more fleshed out. Treated as a full RPG, complete with towns to explore, NPC’s to bother, and dungeons to crawl through, I felt myself wanting to discover more about this world. Replacing the familiar Mushroom Kingdom enemies with more mythical based creatures breathed new life into the exploration aspect, leaving me with a need to get deeper into the story, and witness how this puzzle turned RPG experience would turn out.

But alas, it wasn’t to be. It was a demo, after all! Needless to say, while I wish I felt like I had more control over the outcome of my battles, I’m excited about what the final product will offer. Thinking about picking up Puzzle and Dragons Z/Super Mario Edition on May 22nd? Let us know in the comments!

Geekscape Interviews: Art Brown and Doug Sloan-Executive Producers of ‘Dragons: Race to the Edge’

by Kari LaneApril 19, 2015

Fans of the How to Train Your Dragon films and the subsequent series will be excited to learn that there is a brand new 13 episode show, Dragons: Race to the Edge, coming to Netflix June 26th! At WonderCon, Art Brown and Doug Sloan, executive producers of Dragons: Race to the Edge, were special guests at the Sunday-morning panel DreamWorks: Dragons, Dinos & More. Attendees were treated to a special first look at the series which looked awesome! The series takes place a year and a half before the second film and fills us in on what happened during the gap in time between the two films. Sloan told the audience that there will be “tons of new dragons”. In one of the clips, Hiccup finds a mysterious ship where he discovers the Dragon’s Eye which “is a game-changer, both for Hiccup and for all of the Dragon Riders,” Brown said.

After the panel, I was able to speak with Art Brown and Doug Sloan. Read on to learn what it is like making an animated show for Netflix, what kind of dragon they would choose, how they got involved with the dragon world and more!

DreamWorks Dragons:Race To The Edge ©2015 DreamWorksAnimation LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Q: With the current success of live action shows on Netflix, what is it like doing an animated show? Is it any different for Netflix versus regular television?

Art Brown: I think it is exciting for Netflix. They’re constantly breaking new ground. I think that is one of the cool things about them and there is potential for our show and big international shows to have some effect internationally. So, I think those two things combined are pretty cool.

Doug Sloan: I think our show hopefully will span a wide demographic. They’ll be able to show it – adults will watch it, kids will watch it, and I don’t know if they expect that, but we are hoping that that’s what happens. I think that will be great, but it’s going to be awesome.

Brown: You have the kids that were the fans of the first movie who have grown up and you’ve got the next group who have watched the show and you have the new ones coming in, so it has potential to be pretty wide.

Sloan: Yeah. It’ll be cool and Netflix is really good about letting us do the show. They don’t… they are not as hands on as normal networks, so they know that we know what we are doing. They know that we know how to do it, so they pretty much let us do what we do and it works out great.

Brown: Yeah.

Q: What kind of dragon would you like to have?

Sloan: Oh my gosh. Wow! That has never been asked to us.

Brown: Yeah.

Sloan: That’s awesome.

Brown: Right!… You know I think the relationship of Toothless, obviously. I think the sense of humor of Hookfang…

Sloan: Yeah.

Brown: You know Hookfang loves to mess with Snotlout. I mean, I enjoy that…

Sloan: Toothless is, for me, if I really were to have a dragon, I think I would probably want a real huge one that I wasn’t going to fall off of because Toothless seems like he would be a little small for me. I’d probably fall off. He does some crazy stuff which I am not that into.

Brown: Right. He might be better for me.

Sloan: He might be better for you, yeah. I think a big… like a Hookfang or something like that…

Brown: A Monstrous Nightmare

Sloan: Something where I have a lot of room…

Brown: Like a Titan Wing Monstrous Nightmare…

Sloan: Yeah, there you go. Now we’re talking. Absolutely.

(both laugh)

Q: How did you get involved with this dragon world?

Brown: We had just done a movie for Nickelodeon and got approached when they were initially doing the first couple of seasons of the show. We hadn’t even seen the movie. Our representation sent it to us and we watched it at his house and we were like “Oh my God!”

Sloan: It blew us away. We were like, “You’ve got to be kidding, this is brilliant!” We really really wanted to work on the show. We didn’t care in what capacity – writing, producing, show running, whatever. So, we started off on the show as writers, just writers, and, as time went on, we ended up running the show, but we would not have taken that job, I don’t think, had it not been for how great the first movie was. We probably would have said “Nah, it’s not…”

Brown: And for a couple execs at Dreamworks who we really enjoy working with – Gregg Taylor, Ann Daly, and people like that who we really… It was a combination. We loved the movie and wanted to be involved with it and we love the people there, so we…

Sloan: And when you get a chance to work with Jeffrey Katzenberg, I mean you take it.

Brown: Yeah.

Sloan: This property is so important to them that he does peek in every once in a while and to learn from him and Ann and those guys is… I mean, when do you get that chance? It’s amazing.

Brown: Yeah, you don’t get a lot of chances to work on great great shows, shows that are both huge hits and quality, so you kind of go “I want to stick around for awhile.”

Sloan: Yeah! Yeah, you’ll have to drag me out kicking and screaming.

Brown: Drag you out?

Sloan: Dragon…

Both: Ooooh… (laughing)

Sloan: Bad. Really bad, I’m so sorry.

Brown: It’s late in the day.

Sloan: Yeah, it is.

Q: Yeah, I think the clips that you showed and the teaser trailer look really good because it often happens, I feel, when you go from a movie to a show or movie to sequels, the secondary product just doesn’t look right. The colors are wrong. Something is off.

Sloan: Yeah, it’s just that to make a movie costs an enormous amount of money – animated movie or live action – and we make our TV shows for what half a minute of a movie costs so it really really does take all of our thinking and planning and all of that to make the show look good, but our goal is to make it look somewhat close to the movie.

Brown: And we’re able to… these seasons, we were able to… You know, we are lighting it differently. The first two we had to just sort of do what we could afford and it is more dynamic, more filmic now.

Sloan: People think we spend millions and millions of dollars on the show and that is absolutely not the case. I mean, we are the same as any other show, it is just the people who work on our show are really smart and they really have figured out ways to make our show look brilliant without breaking the…

Brown: And they care!

Sloan: Yeah, the really do care which is good. Caring is sharing… Or, sharing is caring. One of those two.

Brown: One of the two.

Q: I definitely think you can tell when creators and people involved with the project actually love the material versus when they are just trying to turn out something to make money.

Sloan: If you go through our office, every single desk is decorated with dragon stuff. There are little dragon toys on all the desks and everybody has a picture of a dragon and they just love the show which is awesome.

Q: Anything else that you would like to tell the fans?

Sloan: Just thank you for watching and thank you for being so into the show. We really… we make the show for them, we make the show to take them on a ride, to make them happy and make them excited about the adventures. We really want to thank them for being there and supporting us and being interested in it.

Brown: And for knowing the show better than we do in many instances which keeps us on our toes.

Sloan: Yep. It’s awesome.

Q: Cool. Thank you very much.

Both: Thank you.

Check out the awesome teaser trailer here!

Make sure to check out Dragons: Race to the Edge on Netflix June 26th.

WonderCon 2015: Wayward Pines Panel

by Kari LaneApril 8, 2015

A new show coming to TV will be the creepy and mysterious, Wayward Pines, which is based on the international bestselling book series by Blake Crouch. Executive producer, Donald De Line, explained how the show was conceived after he read the book and loved it; he said he could not put it down. De Line felt the material was “better served over a longer period of time” because there is too much for just a movie. The other big force behind this show is M. Night Shyamalan who liked the books even more because he could not guess the twist.

Reed Diamond, who plays Harold Balinger, chimed in that he read the book in one sitting. He also explained that early on you find out what is going on and the complexities just expand instead of a long build up only to deflate. After watching the pilot during the panel, the show is definitely intriguing and it is nice to hear that you get some clarification early on instead of being strung along blindly. Tim Griffin, who plays Adam Hassler, added that the show is “very generous on exposing secrets early on.”

They started to make the show after the first book came out and you learn the truth of what is going on around episode 5, but episode 10 will be just as exciting. It is great to hear that they plan to keep the audience engaged while still satisfying curiosities. For those who are wondering about how closely the show follows the book, the “overall truth is similar to the book” according to Donald De Line. This is a show where they have already outlined where the final episode would go and planned in advance instead of just writing as they went.

When you are basing a show or movie on a book there is an easy way to find out what most likely will happen. Reed Diamond joked that he felt like the only actor who read the book. He also commented on hearing interviews with cast members from Game of Thrones who have said they do not know what will happen to their character. Which surprised him because “you can find out!” Diamond also added that what the characters think and say are different and that is fun for an actor – lot of subtext to play with. Tim Griffin mentioned another talented actor on the show, Terrence Howard, did not want to know anything about his character. Griffin said he started out the same but then he got desperate and cornered Shyamalan to find out what happens to his character. All of the directors on the show were helpful to the actors by pointing them in the right direction without being too obvious and ruining the surprise.

This show was a first, in a way, for its creators because Donald De Line had never produced and M. Night Shyamalan had never done television. Shyamalan wanted to do something that was not like what was already on television. So why now? Donald De Line said it is because the show has a “fantastic story” and with a good show, it is all about the story. Reed Diamond agreed saying it is a “high quality show” and what better way to tell a great story than with A-list talent who want to bring the story to life.

Asked to sum up the story, De Line said it is a “great suspense thriller where nothing is what it seems to be but everything reveals itself…in a scientific way.” It does have the vibe of Twin Peaks meets The X-Files. On that alone, I am sold plus the pilot was pretty awesome so I will check it out for sure!

Wayward Pines premieres on May 14th on FOX.

Geekscape Games Previews ‘Kirby Triple Deluxe’

by Josh JacksonMay 1, 2014

While walking through the halls of Wondercon, there were two thoughts on my mind: where the hell could I find a new Huntress book to add to my collection and where were all the games? Thankfully, Nintendo had half of that problem solved, displaying many of their most anticipated games for the public to experience before their release. One such title was Kirby Triple Deluxe, the 3DS debut of the pink puffball. But with so many games under his belt, could Kirby still have that platforming magic? If my brief time with the demo was any indication, it’s looking like he’s got a few tricks left in his cooking pot.

As you’d expect from a Kirby game, Triple Deluxe has players floating through bright stages while inhaling and absorbing powers from enemies. New to this title are a larger variety of attacks that can be pulled off with each power, so even classic abilities like the sword or beam forms have new ways they can be used. Even the stages themselves feature a foreground and background, making the most of the 3D feature of the handheld. Even old bosses like Whispy Woods make their return, complete with updated boss battles that have just enough nostalgia to bring back old memories while still feeling new.

Most importantly, Kirby’s new ability to inhale entire screens of enemies was definitely the highlight of my playthrough. We focus on Kirby’s copy ability so much that it’s easy to forget that all he could do is inhale once upon a time, so it’s nice to see his original move get its own spotlight. Solving puzzles by pulling blocks, creating mass havoc for helpless enemies and an impressive destructive effect all make this ability one to look out for.

With the promise of a ton of replay value thanks to Streetpass, collectable keychains and a full on versus mode, Triple Deluxe is looking like a worth successor to the Kirby line. Of course, the biggest flaw with the series has always been with its lack of difficulty, but let’s hope the expanded abilities have brushed off on the enemies as well. Nonetheless, it’s safe to say that this one should be on your radar when it releases tomorrow, May 2nd, so be sure to keep an eye out for our review in the coming days!

WonderCon 2014: ‘The Secret Service’

by Kari LaneApril 23, 2014

One of the awesome benefits of attending a convention is getting a sneak peak/extended look at upcoming projects. One such project that was announced at WonderCon was The Secret Service starring Colin Firth and Samuel L. Jackson (as the bad guy!). A nearly finished (rough cut) fight scene was screened along with a short trailer. The scene consisted of Firth talking to a young man in a bar when they are rudely interrupted by a group of troublemakers. Firth gets up but instead of leaving he takes on the entire gang by himself! It was AWESOME! Academy Awarding winning Firth is not known for action films so this scene was a big surprise.

The Secret Service is based on Mark Miller’s (writer of Kick-Ass) comic book of the same name. The film will be directed by Matthew Vaughn who directed Kick-Ass and X-Men: First Class. I would say the film is in some good hands. Firth is a veteran agent who brings in a young man, in whom he sees great potential.

The style of fighting does have that over-the-top Kick-Ass vibe. Parts were in slow motion which gave you a cool perspective and contributed to the comic book style. Did I mention Firth also fought the gang using an umbrella? Yep. This reminded me of the film Gothic & Lolita Psycho (2010) where the female protagonist uses an umbrella as a weapon as well (though I doubt many people saw this film). The film also reminded me of The Avengers; no, not that one. I am referring to the 1960s TV show and 1998 film.

All that being said, I was blown away by the footage. I had heard nothing about the film before WonderCon and now I am excited to see it! Unfortunately, a trailer has not been released yet, but be on the look out. The film is scheduled to be released in late October this year.

A ‘Farscape’ Movie Is In The Scripting Stage!

by Derek KraneveldtApril 21, 2014

Briefly: This is news that we’ve been waiting for forever.

At WonderCon this weekend, Revolution showrunner and Farscape creator Rockne S. O’Bannon let slip that a new Farscape movie is early in development.

“We are, in fact, in the script stage of a Farscape feature,” O’Bannon announced to a full house. “[We’re] still in early, early stages.”

Farscape originally ran on Syfy from 1999 to 2004. It’s also how Geekscape got its name, so you know that we’re damned excited. What would you like to see from a Farscape film?

Source: CBR

Geekscape 326: Nerdist’s Brian Walton Returns For A Visit!

by JonathanApril 16, 2014

Brian Walton is the current Editor in Chief of Nerdist.com and Nerdist News… but more importantly, Brian is a beloved Geekscape alumnus! Not since he left Geekscape all those years ago for greener pastures has Brian been a Geekscape guest and now he returns to talk WonderCon, Coachella and the April Fool’s Nerdist acquisition of Geekscape! But that’s not all. We have an incredibly candid heart to heart that helps make this Geekscape episode one of my personal favorites of all time. Oh, and we discuss horse fucking. Really. And when horses fuck… they fuck to kill.

Subscribe to the Geekscape podcast on iTunes!

Subscribe to Geekscape TV on YouTube!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:20:14 — 45.9MB)

Headed To WonderCon This Weekend? Here’s Our Schedule!

by Derek KraneveldtApril 16, 2014

Briefly: WonderCon’s coming up (just two more days away, yes!) and we couldn’t be more excited to partake in the convention yet again.

As always, Geekscape’s got its own booth (#208 this year), so please, please, come hang out, say hello, pick up a t-shirt, give is your best Hail Hydra, or at least take a look at Shane’s Rarity cosplay (it’ll be there in full force).

We have a few sweet, sweet guests stopping by for signings, like Ben 10‘s Yuri Lowenthal and his wife (and again, Ben 10 star) Tara Platt on Friday from 1-2 PM, and The Death of Superman Lives: What Happened? director Jon Schnepp on Saturday from 2-5.

Also Friday from 1-2PM, Jonathan can be found at the Lion Forge Comics booth (#801), signing Miami Vice posters with artist Carl Reed. Speaking of Lion Forge comics, Jonathan’s also a part of the Lion Forge panel on Saturday from 11AM-12PM in room 210A. These panels are always fantastic, and Saved By The Bell‘s Dennis Haskins will host!

We’re looking forward to the weekend, and we’re looking forward to seeing you! Take a look at the video below to learn more of what we’ll be up to at the convention!

Geekscape 284: Talking Evil Dead, Roger Ebert and LucasArts With Grae Drake!

by JonathanApril 5, 2013

Rotten Tomatoes radio host Grae Drake joins me this week to wrap up WonderCon and talk about the brand new ‘Evil Dead’ remake! Does it do justice to the original? Is it too much fan service? Is the tree rape scene necessary? Also, a heavy hearted goodbye to Roger Ebert and a farewell to LucasArts! Is Eli Roth’s ‘Hemlock Grove’ worth watching and will my French Bulldog kill me in my sleep? And what’s the consensus on The Walking Dead’s Season 3 finale? Plus! Sorry, Shane, but ‘Ingress’ is a disappointment!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:05:28 — 26.3MB)

WonderCon 2013 In Pictures: Day Three Cosplay

by GeekscapeStaffMarch 31, 2013

Another year, another WonderCon. 2013’s convention was an amazing one, full of new and old friends, incredible news and panels, and plenty of memories.

To all that visited, we thank you, and we hope to see you again next year (if not sooner!). Check out the highlights from day three below, and let us know what you think! We’ve also got huge cosplay galleries from day one and two of WonderCon 2013. Let us know which cosplay was your favourite!

A fitting evening for some 'Game of Thrones' cosplay. — A fitting evening for some ‘Game of Thrones’ cosplay.

And a zombie cosplay that's 100x better than tonight's 'The Walking Dead' finale! — And a zombie cosplay that’s 100x better than tonight’s ‘The Walking Dead’ finale!

And here’s a gallery filled with plenty of other amazing cosplays! Click an image for a larger version!

WonderCon 2013 In Pictures: Day Two Cosplay

by GeekscapeStaffMarch 31, 2013

Day two of WonderCon 2013 has come to a close, and was of course an amazing experience. Our tireless team again combed every facet of the show floor (and some incredible panels, including Pacific Rim and Evil Dead), so keep your eyes peeled for a plethora of WonderCon content in the next few days.

Today, we hosted Heroine Legends and Nobility signings, arm wrestled with Batman for prizes, and of course, caught up with some old friends, made some new ones (here’s to you, Asian Blade), and had an absolute blast. Check out the highlights from day two below (and day one here), and don’t forget to come visit booth #953 tomorrow!

AsianBlade 2 — Asian Blade is the shit (no really, that’s what he called himself).

Just a few of the folks involved with 'Heroine Legends' — Just a few of the folks involved with ‘Heroine Legends’

And here’s a gallery featuring plenty of other amazing cosplay! Click an image for a larger version!

WonderCon 2013 In Pictures: Day One Cosplay

by GeekscapeStaffMarch 29, 2013

We’re a third of the way through WonderCon 2013, and what an absolutely fantastic first day we’ve had! Jonathan, Kari, Shawn, Molly, and Eric spent hours scouring both the show floor and a multitude of panels, so look for plenty of WonderCon content in the coming days.

Thanks to all the cosplayers and fans that visited the booth, and if you didn’t get a chance, come tomorrow! Again, you’ll find us at booth #953. Come say hello, get something signed, and take some photos! Check out the highlights of Day One below, and let us know what you think!

Paul London signing for fans at the Geekscape booth.

Streetpassin' like a ganster at the Geekscape booth. — Streetpassin’ like a ganster at the Geekscape booth.

Click an image below for a larger version!

Geekscape 283: The WonderCon Preview, GI Joe, Luigi’s Mansion and More!

by JonathanMarch 29, 2013

I go a bit nuts on the show this time around, letting everyone know who is Number 1 or will be very soon! Geekscape has an agenda and we’re going to play it to the end! WonderCon is this weekend and you know we’ll be representing on the floor at Booth 953! I talk comics books and what DC books you can afford to drop from your pull lists! ‘Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon’ on the 3DS brings me tons of ghostly fun! Shawn Madden drops by to say that ‘GI Joe: Retaliation’ is Triple A Plus Plus! My wife calls up to calm me down and Linder, our new British listener, calls in to talk gardening… and I roll with it! Because gardening rules! PLUS! It’s horn-blowing time!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 55:55 — 22.4MB)

DC Animated Releases ‘Superman: Unbound’ Trailer

by Shawn MaddenJanuary 31, 2013

Check out the trailer for the latest DC Animated film, Superman: Unbound. The upcoming animated feature is an adaptation of the comic storyline Superman: Brainiac by Geoff Johns and Gary Frank. The film will debut this March in Anaheim at Wondercon. Check out the trailer below.

Superman Unbound, based on Geoff Johns’ 2008 Action Comics story arc, finds the Man of Steel squaring off against the planet-destroying alien machine, Brainiac, while balancing his responsibilities to Lois Lane and cousin Kara (Supergirl). The voice cast includes White Collar’s Matt Bomer as Superman, Fringe’s John Noble as Brainiac and Castle’s Stana Katic and Molly Quinn as Lois and Kara, respectively.

Source: Nerdist

Geekscape’s 13 Things To Look Forward To In 2013!

by GeekscapeStaffJanuary 3, 2013

So, while everyone is busy looking back at 2012 (it’s in the past guys!), here at Geekscape we’re looking forward to the future! While we may not yet have hoverboards or robot butlers, there are still plenty of good things coming this year.

13. Geekscape Goes Live!

Starting this week Geekscape goes live. Yep, you heard (read) that right. Now, not only do you get a weekly podcast but from here on out you’ll get a live show where you can call in and talk to us. We’ve got plenty of awesome guests coming next year so stay tuned to this site to see just who will be on the show. Oh, and don’t worry, Jonathan won’t be the only one on air.

12. Big Doc Of The Dead Announcements

We can’t tell you what they are yet. But we’ve got some big Doc Of The Dead announcements coming your way. Seriously, we can’t tell you yet.

11. Ni no Kuni’s Western Release

This one might be flying under most of your radars but we here at Geekscape are such big fans of both Level-5 (the Professor Layton series) and Studio Ghibli (Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, etc.) that it has become hard for us to contain our excitement. Both the Nintendo DS and PS3 versions of the game have sold well in Japan, and when the PS3 version finally hits later this month we’ll be rushing to play this RPG version of a Hayao Miyazaki film. There’s no word on the DS version leaving to Japan but here’s to hoping that we’ll also see it soon.

10. The Superior Spider-Man

Already one of the most controversial stories from Marvel, this new era of Spider-Man shows quite a bit of promise and we’re pretty damn excited to see where writer Dan Slott takes it. The first issue of Superior Spider-Man hits shelves next week and it’s definitely going to be at the top of our stacks. Well, most of us at least. Writer Shawn Madden already has three of the variant covers on hold.

9. The Conclusion Of “Death Of The Family”

One of the year’s biggest and best stories won’t conclude until February and we are on the edge of our seats wondering what’s going to happen next. Who is going to live? Who is going to die? Did Batgirl get her mothers finger on ice quick enough? How else will The Joker torture the Bat-family? While some of the New 52 may be disappointing the hell out of us, Scott Snyder has not failed to deliver and we can’t wait to see just how this story ends. Just…don’t kill Damian’s dog.

8. The Last Of Us

Want to get excited for a new IP? Watch this, watch this, and now you can’t wait. Not a PS3 owner? Buy one; Naughty Dog’s new game will be worth it.

The game was announced at the 2011 Spike VGA’s, and since that day (December 10th, 2011 to be exact), it’s been right at the top of my radar. It’s still tough for me to believe that The Last of Us is a current generation title. The game hits shelves (and my PS3) on May 7th, 2013.

7. Wondercon

Wondercon returns to Anaheim this year and Geekscape couldn’t be more excited. We’ll have surprise guests and announcements at the Geekscape booth and if last year is any indication, Wondercon in Southern California is shaping up to be the next big thing. Yes, it’s just a warm up to San Diego, but for people looking for something more manageable with more accessibility to creators and exclusives, Wondercon fits the bill. Plus, it’s still very, very much about comic books… and San Diego can’t really say that anymore.

6. The Walking Dead

After a strong end to a generally underwhelming second season, we really didn’t know what to expect when AMC’s The Walking Dead returned in the latter half of 2012. We certainly didn’t think we’d see 8 phenomenal episodes in a row, that’s for sure. Now that 2013 is upon us, we’re eagerly awaiting the second half of the season (beginning February 10th). Shit is about to hit the fan, and we couldn’t be more excited!

Not that those 8 episodes is all that The Walking Dead will be bringing us this year. A fourth season of the show was recently confirmed, a first person shooter is on its way via Activision, and let’s not forget 12 new issues of the phenomenal monthly comic by Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard.

It’s going to be a great year for zombie fans. We just hope that we hear something from Telltale before 2013 is up!

5. Marvel & ABC’s S.H.I.E.L.D.

If you say you’re not excited for Marvel bringing their cinematic universe to television, then we have to say that you’re out of your mind. With the return of Clark Gregg as Agent Coulson teamed up with Joss Whedon writing the pilot mixed with the endless possibilities of expanding the Marvel Cinematic Universe even further every week, this may just be the television series we’re most looking forward to.

4. GTA V

Whoever said you can’t go home again obviously never lived in San Andreas, because GTA V is coming this spring (we’re betting the same Rockstar Games release window of late April) and with it comes the return of the greatest locale in any GTA game. We can’t wait to meet the crew, pull some heists, run over bystanders (who should know better by now), off-road it through the backwoods, para-glide, swim with sharks, pilot a sub and explore the world of GTA V. If there’s a game we’re looking forward to the most this year, this is it.

3. A Year Full Of Geektastic Movies

If you thought this year was a good year at the movies then you obviously haven’t been paying attention to next year’s line-up. We could easily make a list alone based on the releases that are coming to theaters with films such as Man Of Steel, Star Trek Into Darkness, The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug, The Wolverine, Pacific Rim, GI Joe: Retaliation, Thor: The Dark World, Evil Dead and many more. Oh, how many more there are.

2. San Diego Comic-Con

No matter how many awesome movies and videogames come out in May and June, our summers are always anchored by Geekscape’s yearly trip to SDCC in July and hanging at the Geekscape booth. And 2013 promises to be the best year yet, with the return of the Geekscape booth, tons of geek meetups, awesome exclusives to buy and breaking news about pretty much EVERYTHING. It’s Spring Break for Geeks and Geekscape is king of the beach. Specific Geekscape things that we’re looking forward to are the return of Shawn Madden’s Trivia contests for prizes, Shane O’Hare’s Brony Cosplay and making another year’s worth of friends!

1. Iron Man 3/The Start Of Marvel Studios “Phase Two”

Sure, we already covered the movies that would be hitting theaters. But when Marvel’s The Avengers (aka the biggest movie of 2012) ended, we all wanted more. So, there’s no question as to why Shane Black’s Iron Man 3 got it’s own position at the top of our list. Lets be honest here and admit that we can’t wait to see Robert Downey Jr. suit back up again and begin Marvel Studios “Phase Two”. With Shane Black, the man behind Lethal Weapon and The Last Boy Scout, in the directing chair and an all-star cast that includes Ben Kingsley as Iron Man’s arch-nemesis The Mandarin, this promises to not only be Tony Stark’s best cinematic outing but quite possibly Marvel Studios best as well.

Did we miss something that’s on your list? Do you think things should be in a different order? What do you mean you still haven’t read Amazing Spider-Man #700?! Sound off in the box below! As big a year as 2012 was, it looks like for us geeks, 2013 is set to be even bigger!

Fandom Planet #41: Back to Wondercon! (aka Part 2)

by SaxCarrMarch 30, 2012

Part 2 of our incredible coverage of the 2012 WONDERCON in Anahiem, CA. Sax returns next episode while his amazing interviews are edited with the care and respect they deserve. In this episode, Tim interviews the following great guests:

Cindy Morgan: “Yuri” from the original TRON and “Lacey Underalls” from CADDYSHACK http://www.cindy-morgan.com/

Bruce Scivally: Author of the new book “Billion Dollar Batman,” a behind the scenes history of the the various media incarnations of Batman, from radio to internet! http://brucescivally.com/

Keith Knight: Syndicated cartoonist from “The K Chronicles” and “The Knight Life.” http://www.kchronicles.com/

Carrie Smith and Stephanie Lantry: Writer and artist, respectively, for the new, self-published graphic novel “To The Power Against” — a Sci-Fi look at chaos. http://conjoinedcomics.com/

Audrey Soffa: Independent Cartoonist responsible for “The Bunny System” and a single panel slice of lunacy called “Sauce!” http://splash.thebunnysystem.com/

Join us next time for more goodies from Sax Carr and that other guy!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 44:27 — 20.3MB)

The Ultimate WonderCon 2012 Cosplay Round-Up!

by GeekscapeStaffMarch 19, 2012

We had an awesome time at WonderCon 2012! But now it’s all over and reality has set back in.

Luckily, we still have our fond memories of the past weekend… and all of these amazing photos of the cosplayers we met at the Geekscape booth! From uncanny X-Men to beautiful Wonder Women, this year’s WonderCon cosplayers really went all out, creating every costume that a geek could ever want to see!

Our youngest (and most awesome) cosplayer!

Check out our amazing gallery below and see if you recognize a few!

The Wondercon 2012 Video Game Wrap-Up!

by jake108March 18, 2012

As Wondercon draws to a close, it’s time to look back at the best of what Wondercon had to offer in the realm of videogames!

Capcom

Operation Raccoon City – Xbox 360, Playstation 3

Release Date: Tuesday, March 20th

Operation Raccoon City is another installment in the Resident Evil franchise. While Resident Evil fans are used to the 3rd-person survival horror formula, both old fans and new fans will be able to further explore Resident Evil lore with this new squad-based shooter.

Raccoon City offers up fluid gameplay, the necessity of squad-based tactics, and most of all: fun. During my ten minutes of gameplay, I had no outstanding gripes about the gameplay. The game plays how it looks. It’s definitely a new take on squad-based zombie survival. Raccoon City’s biggest rival is of course the Left 4 Dead series, but I don’t see any reason why someone should start Raccoon City vs Left 4 Dead threads on the internets.

Raccoon City employs a certain strategy you’ll have to abide by if you want to succeed. The game allows you to pick classes, weapons, and power-ups before the rounds begin. From what I could gather from watching others play, and playing myself, gamers will like to know that you CANNOT get left behind. If you don’t work together or leave others to die, you’re squad will easily be overwhelmed. In fact, in the event that you start to bleed, zombies will take notice and swarm you to the best of their abilities. I found these features made Operation: Raccoon City a pretty horrifying and exhilarating experience!

Capcom Digital Collection – Xbox 360 – March 27th

Eight games, one disc. Capcom’s attempt to re-release old classics comes to light next Tuesday, and includes:

1942: Joint Strike

Bionic Commando: Rearmed 2

Final Fight: Double Impact (includes Final Fight and Magic Sword)

Flock!

Rocketmen: Axis of Evil including Rocketmen: It Came From Uranus Expansion

Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix

Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix

Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando

Capcom’s digital collection was easy to navigate as soon as the collection was booted up. There aren’t extended load times when selecting a game and gamers are able to switch through games by exiting your current session.

I was able to play 1942 Joint Strike and was thoroughly pleased with it. I’m sure anyone who spent an untold amount of quarters in their time will be happy with it.

Capcom Digital Collection will retail for $39.99 and should be a definite buy for anyone looking for some good ol’ nostalgia.

Spirit Camera: The Cursed Memoir

This Fatal Frame spin-off is set to release April 13th on the Nintendo 3DS. Spirit Camera fantastically utilizes the use of the Nintendo 3DS’ AR cameras, and of course, 3D.

Certain parts of the game require that you physically turn your 3DS in order to look at your surroundings in-game. The game’s alternate reality feature allows you to see both your in-game friends and real friends standing next to each other.

Other portions require that you look at the memoir that comes packaged with the game. The memoir serves as a plot device in which you point your 3DS camera at the empty pages and watch as words or pictures appear (or disappear in some creepy cases).

Combat in-game requires that you line up the camera over a moving spirit for a set amount of time in order to “trap them” and build up your own attack. After chasing the ghost around enough, they will turn and attack you. Once your reticule glows red, you must then press either L or R to take a picture, thus hurting your enemy. The longer you’ve managed to keep them in frame, the more damage you deliver. Counters also exist during combat situations, which shakes up the standard point and… click.

Many gamers, who are living on the edge, may prefer to play the inventive Spirit Camera: The Cursed Memoir in the dark to preserve its intensely creepy atmosphere. Our editor Jonathan played through the demo and found himself yelling at the screen throughout as he chased spirits around corners and was wowed by mysteries revealing themselves in the memoir through the AR scanner. Fellow gamers didn’t know what was creepier: him or the game!

All in all, Spirit Camera: The Cursed Memoir is one to watch. 3DS owners should pick this one up, even if you’re not acquainted with the Fatal Frame series. We found it to be an inventive and refreshing use of the 3DS’ AR functions. Spirit Camera: The Cursed Memoir is set to release April 13th.