The W00t Blog

Catwoman makes Batman tap out

2011-09-22T16:36:00.000-04:00

Catwoman returns in week 3 of the New 52 with her very own title! This is the one I've been looking forward to the most. Why? It's freaking Catwoman, man, c'mon! She's everyone's favorite villain who has the ability to make even the Batman see shades of gray, apart from his usual black and white vision. She went from Gotham's most cunning thief, to the protector of East End, to part-time mother, to den mother to Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn. All this while still giving her Bat-man the runaround morally and romantically.

In the New 52, Selina seems to be in the early years of her career (like everyone else, I suppose). Meaning, she's not of the Gotham elite, she's forced to look for jobs, and she's currently in between homes. Oh yeah, and she has no idea who Batman is. This version of Catwoman has a bit of a mean streak as well -- she will literally claw your face up if you get in her way.

With all the differences however, we still see a lot of the same ole Selina: her resourcefulness, her love of felines, her appreciation for tights, and her love of the thrill of a chase. And what's Catwoman anymore without taking on the Bats...in bed?

Now I'm usually in the camp of letting Catwoman entice Batman just enough for him to be completely frustrated with her advances -- it's fun to see him, of all people, squirm. I mean that is what cats do, right? Play with their prey?

Anyway, the end of Catwoman shows a very vulnerable Selina squatting in an empty penthouse. Batman suddenly walks out from the shadows and asks if she's alright. Selina's answer: she pounces him, and they get it on.

Again, I'm usually against female heroines resorting to sex just to get fill the pages, but I'm going to forgive this solely because I couldn't help but recall a hilarious conversation I had years ago about how fighting is comparable to sex. I really want to think Batman was...um...early. Yeah, let's go with that. It's as they say, get two aggressive people in a fight, the match is gonna end short and sweet ;)

Something strange is afoot in New 52

2011-09-08T16:21:00.001-04:00

UPDATE: As it turns out, the mysterious woman is this chick up above as seen in Flashpoint #5. In this section, she talks about how the universe was split into thirds long ago to weaken our world for "their impending arrival." So one question has been answered (sort of), but further opening up a few more can o' worms. Who's is this lady exactly? What impending arrival? The answers may lay with reading The Flash, that is, if you're curious enough.

How much do you want to bet that this is but a stage setting for DC's next summer blockbuster?

Have no fear, readers! I'm alive! And boy, was that was a close one. Wha-ha-happened was...Darkseid shot me with his Omega Beam. But instead of killing me, it sent me through some time rip where I went through all of these goofy, unreadable adventures. Even I couldn't get past the first issue! Anyway, I'm back now, and just in time for DC Comics' new 52 to officially come out! Okay, so technically it was last week with the #1 release of Justice League, but that was one title versus this week's 13.

May I say that I'm liking a lot of these titles. So far my top picks are (in alphabetical order) Action Comics, Animal Man, Batwing, Batgirl, Detective Comics, Justice League, Justice League International, and Swamp Thing. I'm on the fence about the rest of the 14 that have been released so far, but I'll give them another issue or two to make a decision.

But that is not why I'm writing to you all. In reading these new titles, I came across a recurring appearance in every issue. Below is one example from a panel in Swamp Thing #1 (pg. 6, panel 3).

The pinkish visage of a hooded female appears in one random panel in each of the new 52 titles that have come out so far. I first noticed her looking in through a window on page 22, panel 1 in Static Shock. I noticed her again in Green Arrow, and then in Animal Man. I decided to recheck all of the books and found her in every one of them. It became a game of "Where's Waldo..." only easy. You just have to pay attention.

If you don't feel like looking for yourself, I managed to make a list of what pages and panels she appears on. Keep in mind that I'm including ad pages when I'm counting:

Green Arrow - pg 10, panel 1
Justice League - pg 24, panel 2
Animal Man - pg 18, panel 2
Hawk and Dove - pg 27, panel 1
Static Shock - pg 22, panel 1
Swamp Thing - pg 6, panel 3
Detective Comics - pg 20, panel 6
Batwing - pg 25, panel 1
Batgirl - pg 27, panel 5
Action Comics - pg 32, panel 3
Justice League International - pg 10, panel 1
Men of War - pg 23, panel 4
OMAC - pg 7, panel 4
Stormwatch - pg 22, panel 1

So who is this mysterious on-looker, and will we find out any time soon? Send me your thoughts in the comments section below ;)

What does your Commander Shepard look like?

2011-04-04T00:38:00.001-04:00

First of all, sorry for the pixilated look. I took a picture of the TV. I'm not smart enough to take actual screen caps. Anyway, this is my main Commander Shepard, the one I've had since day one. And like my D&D character (Chali, a rogue Eladrin/Dhampyre), I've grown quite attached to this one. I took this picture on my second play-through (Hardcore) of Mass Effect 2. I plan to make her more of a Renegade than Paragon this time around, as well as stay with her bo, Kaiden Alenko, instead of Thane.

Who's your version of Commander Shepard? Send me pic and/or a description to nerd_aler.w00t@yahoo.com and title the email COMMANDER SHEPARD.

Sucker Punch Soundtrack

2011-03-26T21:06:00.003-04:00

I really like this movie. You know what else I really like? The soundtrack. Sucker Punch, in a way, is like one big, rockin' out montage of ass kicking, gun shooting, and things blowing up. Music holds a very prominent role in the movie, and the reason why is a little understated. Upon entering the asylum, Dr. Vera Gorski (Carla Gugino) uses music as part of the patients' psychological therapy. She tells the girls to close their eyes and imagine a world that only they have the ability to control. This mantra sticks with Babydoll throughout the film as she uses music to escape to various worlds. One can even say that it's a really long music video, but with better production.

The music choice is very reminiscent of some other soundtracks we've heard in the past, such as Kick-Ass, Snyder's last superhero flick, Watchmen, and any number of Quentin Tarantino's movies. A few of the actors in the movie even get to sing. Carla Gugino, in a full-on, albiet bad, Polish accent, and Oscar Isaac (Blue Jones) sing "Love is a Drug" by Roxy Music. Emily Browning (Babydoll) brings her vocal chords to the fold in renditions of "Asleep" by The Smiths and "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" by Eurythmics. Emily definitely brings a sweeter yet eerie tone to both songs, especially when singing "Sweet Dreams." It definitely has the makings for a creepy intro cinematic to a survival horror game like Fatal Frame.

One of the best songs, or at least my own favorite, is "Army of Me" by Bjork. The soundtrack version is about two minutes longer than the original, and it features Skunk Anansie (who also sings "Search and Destroy" on the album) screaming in the background. In the movie, this song is played when Babydoll enters her first dream world, a huge Japanese temple. In the middle, the song enters into an extra score for the "Babydoll versus three giant samurai golems" fight sequence. Then it kicks back in gear as soon as Baby topples the last baddie, reminding you of a victory anthem.

Overall the soundtrack is pretty darn catchy. The music compliments the movie pretty well, and has a way of pulling your ear to scream "Listen to me, dammit!" If the album is anything like the girls in Sucker Punch (because I'm assuming it is), I'd do what it says.

Below is a complete sampler. The full album is available now in stores, iTunes, and Amazon!

Sucker Punch Review

2011-03-24T17:29:00.001-04:00

Zack Snyder's Sucker Punch is a, "epic action fantasy that takes us into the vivid imagination of a young girl whose dream world provides the ultimate escape from her darker reality. Unrestrained by the boundaries of time and place, she is free to go where her mind takes her, but her incredible adventures blur the lines between what’s real and what is imaginary…with potentially tragic consequences."

When you get a movie titled "Sucker Punch," you definitely expect a high-octane action movie with guns, fighting, and at least one hot chick running around in short shorts and a tight shirt. Well, this movie has five hot chicks laying some of the best beat downs I've ever seen, and with a much better wardrobe. This is Snyder's third film after 300. By now, the ambitious director has definitely established himself as a very personal, stylized visionary. Sucker Punch is no exception to his track record, and is by far the most exciting. Joining the young woman's (Babydoll) quest for freedom are fellow inmates Sweat Pea, her sister Rocket, Blondie, and Amber.

The story begins with Babydoll and her sister mourning the sudden death her their mother. Their stepfather, whom we immediately figure is a scumbag, discovers that the girls are left with the entire estate, and he nothing. This sends him into a drunken rage and he sets out for the sisters respectively. In self-defense, Babydoll pulls out a gun and tries to shoot her stepfather. Tragically, she misses and kills her sister instead. In a state of grief, Babydoll gives up and lets the authorities take her. She's taken to Lennox House for the Mentally Insane where her stepfather arranges to have her lobotomized. From there you are immediately dropped off from the insane asylum to a brothel where the girls are not crazy inmates, but courtesans/dancers. In this scenario, Babydoll is an orphan who is being dropped off by a priest. The owner of the brothel arranges to sell Babydoll off to "The Highroller" in five days. After a short introduction to all of the girls, Babydoll is taken to a dance room where everyone practices their signature dance moves. But don't expect any pole dancing. In fact, don't expect any dancing at all. Because when Baby closes her eyes, you're immediately transported to another world where danger is practically standing right beside you.

I wondered how Snyder was going to tie in four fantastic universes into this film, and dancing seems to be our portal. I wasn't too keen on using the same technique every time; it's too easy. I will say this, however, you do get a sense of bitter satisfaction later on.

The girls have to collect four items to help them along their prison break: a map, fire, a knife, and a key. In procuring these items, you're taken to a number of dystopian worlds: a WWI battle zone with gas mask wearing zombies, a medieval kingdom under siege by orcs, and another planet ruled by robots. Each world is like moving up to the next level in a video game; the challenges get harder, and the enemies get stronger. I dare say, everything about these scenes are so stylized and unique. It is literally eye candy. And the fight scenes. It's been a long time since I've seen a woman, let alone five of them, kick so much ass in one movie. Rocket (Jenna Malone) and Sweat Pea (Abbie Cornish) are the baddest ass chicks you'll ever not want to meet connecting a butt of a gun to your face.

I have to be honest. As I was sitting through this movie, I was beginning to get a little worried. Would this be another action movie with a plot for the sake of having a plot just so you can have another excuse to kick the next dude's ass? Is this just another dream without a point? Is Snyder just adding quiet scenes where you think you're getting a character moment, but it ends up being some empty conversation between two girls? Thankfully, no. With all the slow-motion violence and over-the-top action sequences, Snyder sprinkles in some emotional weight and characterization to our heroines. That soon pays off in the end. He puts them in scenes that'll have you snickering, and some where you start to feel anxious, perturbed, or just short of uneasy. They're aren't as in-depth to call those moments pieces of drama, more like melodrama. But it's just the right amount to plug yourself in and become emotionally invested. And I did.

The movie's not perfect, but it comes close for a high-octane action/fantasy. No, that's not correct. For what it is, you get a lot of high-quality action (more than The Expendables), and just enough character development, and strong young women who can actually team up and fight. It's damn good. And as a woman who gets a little offended by the skimpy clothing movies make girls wear in these sort of films, I did not mind the wardrobe. They weren't even slutty, just the appropriate amount of sexy where you can still move around and break in some orc's face. Granted, Babydoll does dress up as a tease for pedo-freaks, right down to the make-up and dainty pigtails. But her ability to fend off said freaks has an underlying warning.

Snyder has come up with one hell of a ride into how we perceive reality in the darkest of times. And once you see it, you too will understand why it's called "Sucker Punch." I will definitely see this movie again.

Sucker Punch - Animated Shorts

2011-03-23T12:32:00.000-04:00

Guess what, folks! Sucker Punch is finally coming to theaters this weekend, aaaaannnnndddd....more importantly I'M BACK. I return baring gifts: three animated shorts connected to the three worlds that Babydoll (Emily Browning) and Co. fall into. Each one serves as a small back story to each world before the girls arrive.

Presenting animated shorts inspired by Zack Snyder's new film, Sucker Punch. Director Zack Snyder and animator Ben Hibon collaborated with Comflix Studios to further explore the fantasy worlds in the film. The animated shorts provide a distinct glimpse into those surreal places, allowing people to experience the worlds in a very unique way. "It made sense to me to not only approach the worlds from an original direction in terms of story and focus," says Snyder, "but also to really push the visual style in a different direction as well. Having seen his contribution to the latest Harry Potter film and looking at some of his other recent work, Ben's talent was obvious and his aesthetic felt like a perfect fit. His work is graphic and visually arresting." Hibon relished an opportunity to expand upon Snyder's unique vision. "Zack is one of the most exciting and original directors working in Hollywood today. Sucker Punch is nothing short of pure visual madness."

THE TRENCHES: In Sucker Punch, the girls face off against an army of mechanized WWI soldiers. Through the use of clockwork and steam technology, human soldiers who die in battle are reanimated and sent back to the front lines. Although seemingly indistinguishable and soulless, the zombie army is not just made of gears and steam, but also of human flesh, bone, and memory. In "The Trenches" there is a tragic tale behind each lifeless mask.

DRAGON: In Sucker Punch, the girls drop into a castle courtyard and find themselves in the middle of a chaotic battle between a hoard of gruesome Orcs and an army of Black Knights. The original cause of the massive conflict is hopelessly lost amidst the death and destruction. "Dragon" is a tale of religious persecution exploring the origin of this conflict. Who is the righteous and who is the heathen?

DISTANT PLANET: In Sucker Punch, the girls find themselves on another planet battling a robot militia on a hijacked train. In "Distant Planet" events unfold from the perspective of the robot hijackers leading up to the girls' arrival. Sometimes those with less have more to fight for...

Blast from the Past

2011-01-19T23:07:00.000-05:00

I was looking around in my old LiveJournal account and happened upon this little nugget. I don't remember why, but I had scribbled down some hero and villain names. Have a look-see:

Heroes

Capt. Mal – Super Strength
Ragdoll – Super Contortionist and Acrobat
Hotspur – Speedster
Miss Kitty Fantastico – Feline abilities
Shriek – Super Sonic Scream
H2O Gal – Controls Water
Emo – Ability to control others’ emotions
Sky Guy – Ability to fly
Zephyr – Wind Control
Zen – Martial Arts Master
Rainy Day – Weather Control
Busta Groove – Dancer/Fighter

Villains

Evil Lennon – Evil Mastermind, Terrorist
Oni Yoko – Terrorist, Evil Lennon’s wife
The Gentlemen – 7 Silent Assassins who take hearts for trophies
The Insiders – Several individuals who provide inside help, number unknown
The Pallid Ones – 6 Gothic Vampire Wannabes
Dr. Dreadful – Mad Scientist
Megadeath – Killer Robot
Harmony – Controls targets with her harmonica
Santo Niño – Serial Killer
Grace – Unknown

Oh the Wonders of Magnet Poetry...

2011-01-04T01:13:00.000-05:00

A few years ago, in my Creative Writing class, my teacher handed us a printout of random words from a magnetic poetry set. The assignment was to create a poem using just those words. I surprised myself by making a passable poem (poetry isn't exactly my strong suit). It was actually good enough to get published in the school's literary magazine. Yay me! Of course, I've edited it a few more times before then. Here's the final product:

Golden sun gathers sweet lust,

Crimson moon sells dark love.

Lush night will be most vile

Like dark, sinuous frays gathering below.

Their bodies clasp,

He seals her fate.

Her amber glow dims and falls

While the frigid snow takes its hold.

The desire.

The need for her warmth.

An awful smile;

How depraved, how spiteful!

He cuts into her with utmost precision,

Her bloody chest still soft.

Drink up, you vile criminal, you pathetic monster!

Your time is nigh. It's the century's turn.

Stay here no more,

Cold it will be soon.

Begone! Bold be illumination

To take away the shadows of the wicked.

Two pence shall recompense.

Now away with you, go thither,

For you be Jack the Ripper!

Supernatural Gets Animated

2010-12-21T12:12:00.000-05:00

On the CW's Supernatural, Sam and Dean Winchester are a hot brother duo who hunt supernatural beings all over a Route 66-esque type of America. Since the premier of it's first episode in 2005, Supernatural has created a dedicated fanbase and become an overall cultural phenomenon. Who'da thought that the show's popularity would transcend into Japanese anime? Season one will consist of the first two seasons of the original series scrunched up into 22 episodes, including an expansion on Sam and Dean's childhood, as well as a closer look into secondary characters. Supernatural: The Animation is produced by Madhouse, a company that brought us Metropolis, Perfect Blue, Millennium Actress, Tokyo Godfathers, and Paranoia Agent. Episodes will start releasing in Japan only on Blu-ray and DVD on January 12 (eps 1-2), February 2 (eps 3-12), and April 6 (eps 13-22).

Honestly, I don't know what to think of this news. I used to watch anime...a lot, but sort of dedicated my focus to American cartoons and live-action shows after a while. Same can be said for my transfer from manga (Japanese comics) to Marvel, DC, and Image. I definitely check it out, though. And I'm sure there will be some Supernatural fans waiting for the fansubs as well. In the meantime, here are a couple trailers and an interview below:

Video Game Awards 2010: Reveal Trailers

2010-12-12T14:29:00.003-05:00

Not a year goes by that I somehow miss the Video Game Awards on SpikeTV because of another engagement. Last night's VGA was no exception. Anyway, if you missed the series of world premier trailers like I did, do not fret! Youtube has them online now, and I have them all lined up for you in one easy spot ;)

Psst, hey, guess what I'm most excited about?

Mass Effect 3

Prototype 2

Mortal Kombat

Batman: Arkham City

SSX: Deadly Descents

Insane

Forza Motorsport 4

Quickie: Young Justice

2010-11-26T16:59:00.000-05:00

Young Justice premieres on Cartoon Network (for those of you who actually have it) tonight, Friday, Nov. 26, at 7 p.m.

I'm Back! And I brought a little trailer with me :)

2010-11-18T02:14:00.000-05:00

First of all, sorry I've been inactive, folks. I got a bit lazy. That and I've been juggling work with comics and games. Recently, my obsession is the Mass Effect series. Oh, Kaidan Alenko!!

Ahem...But that is not what brings me here today...err, tonight. This morning?

I just came across the official trailer for DC's newest hero movie starring Ryan Reynolds. That's right, nerds (whom I heart so much -- all three of you), the countdown for the Green Lantern movie has begun. Check it out and tell me what you think:

Personally, I still don't know what to think about all of this. I don't doubt that Reynolds is going to make this a fun watch, but the way they're making the whole alien side of the movie look reminds me of Dragonball: Evolution. Namely Abin Sur (the dying alien giving Hal Jordan his ring). I hope it all translates well on-screen.

What are your impressions?

Podcastic Funstastic

2010-10-13T23:07:00.002-04:00

I've recently joined in some fun conversations which also happened to be part of a new podcast series called Shauncastic. My good friend Shaun has started up a podcast where we pretty much talk about anything and everything. The first episode I guest star in is the "Wussification of America, Part 1."

New episodes come out every Wednesday. It's the ultimate geek conversation you've always wanted to have ;)

Wussification of America, Part 1

In this episode we discuss the Wussification of America; a misunderstanding about the word cleavage; some thoughts on Thundarr the Barbarian and why Drew Barrymore should never have an editor’s eye towards ET. The “Cast” this week is Christina and Jeff. And remember to email us your thoughts, suggestions for upcoming episodes and questions at stuff@shauncastic.com! Enjoy!
PS: Stay tuned after the show for some outtakes.

UPDATE: Shauncastic just got approved for iTunes!

Young Justice

2010-10-10T19:18:00.000-04:00

Yay! The countdown begins with a little over a month left before the hour-long premiere of DC's newest youngster-friendly cartoon series, Young Justice.

I'm excited for this project. Young Justice, back in its comic book hay day, was a big fan favorite. Of course, as the story goes with a lot of fan favorites, the title was short-lived.

In a nutshell, Young Justice focuses on the teenage superheroes looking to carve out their own place in the super community. As of right now, there are a total of six official members: Robin (Dick Grayson), Kid Flash (Wally West), Superboy, Aqualad, Artemis, and Miss Martian. The show doesn't take place in the same universe as the DC Animated Universe (DCAU) that we've all come to be familiar with through the years. Instead, it takes place on Earth-16.

My guess is that DC is slipping in the idea that there are multiverses so they can finally animate the Crisis event. Who knows, that's just my idea.

There are some stark differences to the TV series than the comics, and I'm not just talking about the line-up. For one, Robin and Kid Flash are not Tim Drake and Bart Allen respectively. Creators of the show Greg Weissman and Brandon Vietti said that since they're essentially rebooting the team on a new Earth, why not use the originals, Grayson and West? Another noticeable difference is the appearance of Artemis. Nothing is revealed about this character except for the fact that she's "not Speedy, not Wonder Girl, not from Apokolips, but she IS a character from the DCU." Um, yeah! How about she's an Amazon from Paradise Island? Aqualad is another newish member of the line-up. Also, he's leader of the pack, not Robin. Frankly, The Boy Wonder needs to be knocked down a few pegs anyway XD

From what I gather, this will have the same charm and tone that the comic books have. It also looks to be more mature than Teen Titans. Thank goodness. I didn't hate Teen Titans, it just became hard for me to watch a second time.

Yesterday, Weissman and Vietti attended a panel at the New York Comic-Con. Newsrama was there to take the minutes:

NYCC 2010: Young Justice Video Presentation & Q&A

(10/09/2010)

Saturday October 9, 2010