Wondercon 2016 | Geekscape

Geekscape Reviews: ‘Justice League vs. Teen Titans’

by jake108March 30, 2016

If you’re just joining DC Universe’s Animated Movie Universe, then you’ll have a lot of catching up to do. Depending on who you ask, catching up on DC’s Animated Movie Universe can be a chore or it can be a great way to pass the time in between episodes of The Flash. Now, if you’re all caught up, then next up on the list is the highly anticipated Justice League vs. Teen Titans.

Fresh off the anomaly that is Batman v Superman, DC fans may be looking to what’s next. Among some of the past DC animated movies, I have to say that Justice League vs. Teen Titans has one of the strong openings. The movie starts with the Legion of Doom launching a full fledged attack on the Hall of Justice. The action is about what you’d expect from a DC animated movie and it does not disappoint. In fact, it reminded me of some of the Justice League animated series episodes. The nostalgia for someone who experienced nearly every iteration of DC animated movies or shows will indeed pop up from time to time during this movie in particular. For example, those who watched shows like Young Justice and the Teen Titans show from the early 2000’s may see some familiar faces.

The roster for the Titans has been shaken up a bit to include Blue Beetle and Starfire as the team’s mentor. While it does feel like the Titans of old, it was a welcomed experience seeing this revised Titan group interacting with characters from past movies in this DC Animated Movie continuity. The blend of characters DC is setting up in the world is great and it keeps moving forward. The roster of Titans include Beast Boy, Blue Beetle, Raven, and Robin. However, it’s important to note that Robin is indeed Damian Wayne, who was introduced in Son of Batman (2014).

The title of this movie is a little misleading. There really isn’t a “war” that goes on between the Titans and the League, but there are skirmishes here and there. The actual plot of the movie is hidden well, and the title makes no reference to what the plot is actually about. While I’m not looking to spoil you, I will say that this movie in particular is very much a Teen Titans movie, rather than just another Justice League Story. Another thing this movie does right is wasting no time in telling us how the Titans were formed or how exactly they factor in with the League.

Ultimately, this movie acts as a sort of springboard for future Titan releases going forward. Their introduction into this universe in no way feels shoehorned or convenient. Instead, while moving the plot and character development forward, this movie also features some resolutions to character arcs that were started in Son of Batman and other movies from the same continuity. While it doesn’t replace Young Justice, or any of the other animated shows, this is the close as we’re going to get.

Aside from that, there are a couple of very suggestive scenes involving Starfire. These two scenes may make you uncomfortable if you’re watching with kids. Other than that, this movie’s action and story should satisfy kids and adults alike.

Overall, this animated movie could have been better, but it definitely wasn’t the worst among the bunch. Perhaps my favorite thing about these string of movies is that they’re not all one-shots, and are instead part of a much larger story. At no point in these movies do I feel we as an audience are taking a step back to explain a Leaguer’s origin, or go over something for the 100th time. It’s a solid buy for any die-hard DC fan and a fun adventure for anyone looking to get into some of the DC lore.

For those of you wondering, here is the chronological order in which the DC Animated Movies were released:

Flashpoint Paradox post credit scene

Justice League War

Son of Batman

Justice League: Throne of Atlantis

Batman vs. Robin

Batman: Bad Blood

Justice League vs. Teen Titans

During the panel Q and A that took place after the screening, creators remarked that Teen Titan centric movies may be in the pipeline. This would mean that we would have separate stories involving the League and the Titans, but still existing in the same universe. This would also mean potential team-ups in the future and major crossover events.

Justice League vs. Teen Titans is available now via digital download and available on Blu-Ray/DVD on April 12th!

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.

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!

Daniel Corey’s ‘Moriarty: Endgame’ Goes VR At Wondercon!

by Derek KraneveldtMarch 19, 2016

Briefly: The idea of virtual reality comic books has never even crossed my mind, but it sounds like an incredible idea.

Wondercon attendees will be among the lucky first to experience “one of the first —if not THE first—Virtual Reality comic book experiences” with Moriarty: Endgame.

The Image Comics book, written by Daniel Corey with cover and art by Anthony Diecidue and letters by Dave Lanphear, was first released digitally in February 2015, and “imagined a possible future that saw the Professor battling Sherlock Holmes across a tech-laden, post- apocalyptic landscape.”

It’s an absolutely insane idea, and one that I’m beyond excited to experience myself. I’ve been a big fan of nearly every VR experience that I’ve been able to take part in thus far, and the opportunity to add another level of depth an immersion to one of my favourite forms of media (comic books, duh), is beyond exciting.

The Moriarty: Endgame VR experience has been built by Sydney-based Transmedia Entertainment, who will also be showing off their new Drop In VR technology at the convention. Transmedia Managing Director Joseph Narai notes that “We are thrilled to be working with Daniel to create this demonstration of what Drop In VR can do for storytelling in general, and comic books in particular. This first demo is just a simple example of what we can do with the Drop In VR Platform, and we are looking forward to exploring the possibilities of this new storytelling medium.”

You can take a look at some Moriarty: Endgame screenshots below, and if you’re headed to Wondercon, you can check it out for yourself at DangerKatt Small Press SP-016.