tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53210387143790771312024-02-20T19:01:57.552-08:00A Bit Too Old For Comics?A view of the comic world seen through the eyes of an adult.Rob McIntyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01466923275666700463noreply@blogger.comBlogger154125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321038714379077131.post-54422282037277349482021-02-07T04:52:00.000-08:002021-02-07T04:52:19.633-08:00Doctor Who Comics Issues 1 to 3<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg12HokCXcZk3XBpwIEeYOUsKhk6gtgCWMWPl_1CeVwSon0QLg6gWrqqxuhP8pud6rUaJrXinF8RlASyltn_pBxHJWYugOKGMa0wH6d1IKOX6bX9XNH3IkBbU7Xr1C9dpwBQNfWdgdHUQG/s2048/Doctor_Who_Comic_2020_1A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1350" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg12HokCXcZk3XBpwIEeYOUsKhk6gtgCWMWPl_1CeVwSon0QLg6gWrqqxuhP8pud6rUaJrXinF8RlASyltn_pBxHJWYugOKGMa0wH6d1IKOX6bX9XNH3IkBbU7Xr1C9dpwBQNfWdgdHUQG/w264-h400/Doctor_Who_Comic_2020_1A.jpg" width="264" /></a></div><p>It would seem that the 10th & 13th Doctor cannot stop bumping into each other, fresh from their encounter with the Weeping Angels and Autons in 60's London and their brief encounter during the Time Lord Victorious comic. They are once again thrown together as they both arrive in modern day London, but unfortunately for them its a war torn London overran by Sea Devils that has Rose Tyler as the head of the resistance.</p><p>As with all things not everything is as it seems and the Sea Devils are not the biggest threat they are just the hired mussel to keep humans in check, the Skithra from the TV episode Tesla's Night of Terror are the real power bent on world domination. while the 13th Doctor is figuring all this out the 10th Doctor is meeting Rose again who has no idea who he is, despite this they both team up to try and put the worlds to right although the Doctor is not a fan of the rather large gun Rose now has.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOatFaRdpw95O52pUpBLUpjobC35tZHiVwyrQinjG0xmNg4QUS47hBIjyjHEcj1b8CKKbSunsEU8pmZc5M-e7tKGlqcO5eaXsXRQKW27vsew9UIDh7gJqA6_qPrTlgYPxnMHA2UH7STcij/s2000/DW_1_C_CHRISTOPHER-JONES.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1318" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOatFaRdpw95O52pUpBLUpjobC35tZHiVwyrQinjG0xmNg4QUS47hBIjyjHEcj1b8CKKbSunsEU8pmZc5M-e7tKGlqcO5eaXsXRQKW27vsew9UIDh7gJqA6_qPrTlgYPxnMHA2UH7STcij/s320/DW_1_C_CHRISTOPHER-JONES.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><p>It seems that the change the world is linked to the TV episode and the lack of the Doctor being there so both Doctors decide to travel back to that time to sort things out and put time back on track, which is not as easy as it may seem as you will know if you have seen Back to the Future part 2. </p><p>TARDIS issues, mistaken identity and a trip to 1903 New York all make issue 3 an enjoyable read, add in two Doctors, Sea Devils and various companions and you have a cracking issue in your hands.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKF5TodiLuyRjs2j6_jBUJITjA8LH6_81AoarEJ2_tOdpcJsEfN_Zy7L38F8a9QCrfK8kF_IAX0WevT8S7w-9B2oTiJAalMd112KPAYJ25uelqi9ienhmpGgoBmYebX-w_8NzJlNG0oThG/s1024/Doctor-Who-_Page_4-scaled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="675" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKF5TodiLuyRjs2j6_jBUJITjA8LH6_81AoarEJ2_tOdpcJsEfN_Zy7L38F8a9QCrfK8kF_IAX0WevT8S7w-9B2oTiJAalMd112KPAYJ25uelqi9ienhmpGgoBmYebX-w_8NzJlNG0oThG/s320/Doctor-Who-_Page_4-scaled.jpg" /></a></div><p style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">The inclusion of the Sea Devils from classic Doctor Who is an inspired decision and makes me want to see them return to New Who, </span><a href="https://www.robertaingranata.com/" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Roberta Ingranata</a><span style="text-align: left;"> artwork is great with the likeness of the characters being very consistent throughout the issue something that inst always the case. <a href="https://tardis.fandom.com/wiki/Jody_Houser" target="_blank">Jody Houser</a> is really hitt her stride with the 13th Doctor storys, I did think I would become tiered of the 10th & 13th Doctor hook ups but she has crafted some wonderful story lines and long may it continue. </span></p>Rob McIntyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01466923275666700463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321038714379077131.post-18981024064568189422021-02-06T16:27:00.000-08:002021-02-06T16:27:35.457-08:00Future State: The Next Batman<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWcMunZU4R43NGgVPVaA8v2ajfdvMGCRbO_Z-SUbvOgehQNlyxukE9qsNOyY9Es-Kf5fsC96fiwKNLCnOvz_N2wjf7D3wvCaPdriPkYVWOw8XPf8P2rAoxsCjyZM1Yy2ciYx1tf3pDn20i/s1070/TNB-1-Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1070" data-original-width="696" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWcMunZU4R43NGgVPVaA8v2ajfdvMGCRbO_Z-SUbvOgehQNlyxukE9qsNOyY9Es-Kf5fsC96fiwKNLCnOvz_N2wjf7D3wvCaPdriPkYVWOw8XPf8P2rAoxsCjyZM1Yy2ciYx1tf3pDn20i/w260-h400/TNB-1-Cover.jpg" width="260" /></a></div><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The DC Timeline has been shattered, and the pieces of a dark possible Future State are reflected!</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Well that's the blurb from DC out of the way which gives a quick if not
detailed explanation as to why we now have a New or Next Batman, which is a problem as
this story and others under the Future State banner have branched out of the
end of the Dark Knights Death Metal story line. Which if like me you
haven't read it you do wonder whats going on and why is the future like
this, but in the end I decided to just go with the flow.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3nxT4ZfW2FYvRPrtnWnrP760fj7t0Z6nJWmahDrUwwYSLoTA0SY3O_G6eM9yu47oe0auawYjM3OK4Pb04GaKMYWMGvelqhgz9ATQqO6ue_n6rSo6GmIVgpmaopGKSpDzHeL37NM19xrD9/s2048/batman-dans-l-etat-futur-dc-revele-l-identite-du-nouveau-chevalier-noir-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1332" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3nxT4ZfW2FYvRPrtnWnrP760fj7t0Z6nJWmahDrUwwYSLoTA0SY3O_G6eM9yu47oe0auawYjM3OK4Pb04GaKMYWMGvelqhgz9ATQqO6ue_n6rSo6GmIVgpmaopGKSpDzHeL37NM19xrD9/s320/batman-dans-l-etat-futur-dc-revele-l-identite-du-nouveau-chevalier-noir-1.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Gotham is now a police state controlled by the Magistrate and his or her army of foot soldiers, capes and masks aren't welcome in Gotham and theres a shoot to kill policy for any that are seen. Bruce Wayne is missing presumed dead (read Dark Detective for an answer on that one), so Luke Fox has stepped into the void and taken on the mantle of the Bat. As you would expect this first issue spends time world building bit its a testament to writer John Ridley that it doesn't slow down the pace of the book, and for a first issue that's setting a tone for what is essentially a 4 issue mini series its surprisingly good. I particularly enjoyed reading a Batman stripped of all his back-up, no friendly commissioner or sidekicks to help him out which to be honest makes for a refreshing change, and gives the book a Batman Year One feel to it. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">There are two backup storys featuring the Outsiders and the Arkham Knights the latter being the more fun read, just because it has Two-Face and the serial killer Mister Zszsz working for the good guys, well sort of.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGc-ousB4KBd2gmSOwuHTCOvvft3HNS_dYi4mYbI-rPXN_o3bOF5Ihe7JiARimom_CrupYigWdzBUgQDzpOeRD7Q7icnySoTy27b88RoAiz32QEL7P6KgxTSeYXfzQEKRIgAGA-taTVUP4/s966/future-state-arkam-knights-signal-1255221.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="966" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGc-ousB4KBd2gmSOwuHTCOvvft3HNS_dYi4mYbI-rPXN_o3bOF5Ihe7JiARimom_CrupYigWdzBUgQDzpOeRD7Q7icnySoTy27b88RoAiz32QEL7P6KgxTSeYXfzQEKRIgAGA-taTVUP4/s320/future-state-arkam-knights-signal-1255221.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />All in all its a book thats worth the cost of admission and your investment in characters that will probably be disappearing in around 3 months when the DC Universe reverts back to normal, or will they?<br /></span></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Rob McIntyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01466923275666700463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321038714379077131.post-77372036068312689552017-09-24T14:17:00.001-07:002017-09-24T14:21:47.973-07:00Meet the Writer:<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Bobby Nash</u></span></h2>
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<a href="http://ben-books.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"><img alt="BEN Books" height="46" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtmFAMsMdz8uaVF7WhxriTkFRGy9F18JbSyO60eiHuQNIfTr17fWbbRpS1FymkrbMvnL5eUn-o_soWE3QMo1H1yT7hPGSNzUiCauBCXWckS8U1PJ9KY76Rn2PFy1_3Oxsmm1tacxS7sLIi/s200/BEN+Books+logo+WEBSITE+2017.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The first time I came across the author Booby Nash was while listening to a podcast called Earth Station One, Bobby was one of the co-hosts of the weekly show where he was introduced as writer Bobby Nash. After several weeks of listening my curiosity got the better of me and I checked out his work on Amazon, where I purchased one of his books Deadly Games to read on my Kindle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">At that point in my life I was doing a lot of traveling so reading while sat on a train or in a hotel was how I wiled away the hours, it was while quickly scanning through Deadly Games I noted that it tied into another of Bobby's books called Evil Ways, not sure which one to read first I thought I would take a punt and sent Bobby a message via Facebook asking that very question. To my surprise he came back almost immediately with the answer, that they both sit in the same world so although one was written before the other it didn't matter which one you read. Adding that he thought it was a good question so could he use it on his blog quoting me if he needed too, I was blown away by the fact he had not only come back to me but had asked my permission to use my question on his blog. It was the first ever interaction I had with Bobby and it was one that has always stuck with me, I would however discover over the following years communication with his fans is something that Bobby excels at.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Over the years I had many more online, text and email conversations with Bobby which included an interview on this blog about him, his work and how he gets his ideas. In 2015 I was lucky enough to visit a convention in Atlanta and meet up with Bobby, I was a little nervous but my nerves soon went when we met as I found Booby to be the same wonderful friendly, warm human-being he was during or online conversations. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now i know that it takes more than being a nice person to be a good writer and to sell books, which is where Bobby excels because he is both. And that is just not my opinion because Bobby is an award wining writer on more than one occasion, and you do not get to be award winning unless your good at what you do. </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.subscribepage.com/NashNews" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIDcHHa5_KuitLtsFh5-xldyu6fEAMoXtWJX2C7P1isxheAYv_OkaPcYWZ-Rk3byMjRb3rWhAkIPqO97uaLeKgVlYVxDzVObzcx4aM46CfQOhi0qJppnpb-6K9K9jouy15EAk7Dx18a7I/s400/NN+logo.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I could list all the books and comics that Bobby has written, but I think its more fun clicking on to his links to see his work and believe me there is a vast plethora of work to view. Check his <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="http://ben-books.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">web page</span></a>,</span></b> his <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=sr_pg_2?rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Abobby+nash&page=2&keywords=bobby+nash&ie=UTF8&qid=1506270339" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">Amazon page</span></b></a> and subscribe to his newsletter <a href="http://www.subscribepage.com/NashNews" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;"><b>Nash News</b> </span></a>for all the latest news, and if you like what you see try one of his books if you see something that you like. I once encouraged a work colleague to buy one of Bobby's books saying if she didn't enjoy it I would give her her money back, she has never asked me for a penny</span>.<br />
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Rob McIntyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01466923275666700463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321038714379077131.post-29859293328764814212017-06-13T13:30:00.001-07:002017-06-13T13:34:48.843-07:00Day 1 Rome<p dir="ltr">Not the perfect start we were hoping for, our hotel says it has a problem so we cannot stay there tonight. I suspect they have overbooked and don't want to tell us, we have been moved into a hotel across the road which is of a very good standard. We have to stay there for one night before being moved back to our original hotel, we have been assured that all our bags will be moved for us and we will be upgraded for our troubles. It's not a major inconvenience but it does mean we cannot unpack until tomorrow, which is a bit of a pain. We are currently in the Domus Romana, and as I said it's an hotel as good as the one we should be in.<br>
On the plus side we visited the Trevi Fountain, had our first pizza and gelato, walked miles and had a few beers not a bad first day.</p>
Rob McIntyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01466923275666700463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321038714379077131.post-90359638126701930692017-05-17T05:32:00.000-07:002017-05-17T09:14:09.544-07:00Back at last<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
To anyone who read my blog or even looked forward to reading it, (that last sentence may be a stretch) I apologise for my absence over the last seven months.<br />
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There has been varying reasons for my absence but in truth the biggest one is I just needed to get my shit together, yes I have had a few health issues but I needed to get myself out of a rut and get back to doing stuff I love again. Not that I haven't been doing stuff I love I just haven't been sharing and shouting about like I used too, well that changes from today and over the coming weeks, months and year I am going to be talking (writing) about all the geeky things I love again.<br />
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So hold on to your hats as I share with you the comics you should be reading, TV & films you should be watching and podcasts you should be listening too. Along with any other odd item I decide to throw in, so to anyone that has been waiting with bated breath for my next post (again a stretch) thank you and as Austin Powers once said.<br />
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Rob McIntyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01466923275666700463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321038714379077131.post-83454824465263133942016-09-26T08:41:00.001-07:002016-09-26T09:49:10.003-07:00Flintlock #1 An Adventure in the 18th Century (Time Bomb Comics)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Flintlock is the creation of writer and driving force behind Time Bomb comics Steve Tanner, and was brought to life in a Kickstarter campaign earlier this year. Since then Steve has been tirelessly promoting Flitlock around the convention circuit, and having a high degree of success doing so from what I read. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Flintlock is an anthology book featuring there independent original story's, that are set within the same time period and presumably the same universe.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Lady Flintlock:</b> art from Anthony Summey, is the first of the strong female characters that dominate this book. The story perfectly highlights the hypocrisy of the rich aristocracy, as their motives to capture the highwayman that has become a thorn in their side. Is shown to be motivated by personal greed rather than public justice, while the highwayman's motives are implied but not fully revealed in this first issue.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>Shanti, Pirate Queen:</b></i></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">art by</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Lorenzo </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Nicoletta</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> gives us the second heroine of the book, who literally runs a tight ship and is not a lady to be messed with or challenged. As she clearly shows as she takes on a slave trader although her motives are not as benevolent as first may seem, and the ending of the story shows she is defiantly not someone who you would want to disappoint</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">Clockwork Cavalier</span><b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </b><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">art by Ed Machiavello</span><b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">takes the book in a steampunk direction as the cavalier fights his way through the criminal element of the day, in a story told through the eyes of two young kids who are at the crossroads of their life.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Although the story's are totally different regarding there environment and characters, the tone and feel that this is one universe has been brilliantly crafted by writer Steve Tanner. The black & white art throughout the book is also a plus as I feel that adding colour, would only dilute the grim and gritty period feel you get from each story. Which brings me to the art work which is excellent across all 3 story's, you can see that a great deal of research has been done to ensure that the time period is depicted as accurately as possible. The different art styles blend together really well, and are not jarring as they sometimes can be in anthology books. Which is as much as a credit the the artists themselves, as it is to the creative team who hired them and put them together</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was a big fan of Stevens work before Flintlock came out having meet him and his wonderful family at a convention a few years back, his work was good then but Flintlock takes his work to a whole new level of excellence. And I dont regret for one minute supporting his kickstarter when it was announced, and I am now eagerly awaiting the release of the next book in the series.</span></span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Copies of Flintlock and other books are available from the <a href="http://www.timebombcomics.com/" sl-processed="1">Time Bomb Comics website</a></span></strong></div>
Rob McIntyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01466923275666700463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321038714379077131.post-23665858167804810682016-08-04T04:35:00.002-07:002016-08-04T23:16:00.911-07:00Aquaman 3 <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Aquaman continues his quest to build trust between the people of the land, (us then) and the people of the sea the Atlanteans. Unfortunately for Aquaman this is not an easy task given that Atlantis attacked several city's drowning thousands of people, in the Throne of Atlantis story line that featured in the early days of DC's new 52 (what ever happened to that bright new dawn for DC).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">However undeterred by mistrust on both side Aquaman has built an Atlantean embassy to help build bridges, unfortunately last issue it was destroyed by Black Manta leaving his dreams seemingly in tatters.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Despite this Aquaman is determined to rebuild his embassy and his dream of peaceful coexistence, a dream that is given a blow when he is told his embassy status has been revoked and he no longer has access to his embasy. So it a trip to Washington to speak with the president to try and resolve the situation, but not before he has had a chance to say a proper good morning to his future wife Mera (her words not mine).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;">So its off to Washington where they both turn up at the White House and ask to speak to the President, now if I had known you could get into the Whitehouse by tuning up in costume I would have given it a go when we visited. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A tense meeting at the Whitehouse between Aquaman, Mera and the <span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;">Chief of Staf</span><span style="color: red;">f</span> goes</span> from bad to worse, when Aquaman becomes the focal point of blame when an Atlantean splinter group sinks a US ship at sea. This leads to a final panel that seems a little out of sorts for me, given Aquaman is a Justice League member and a visiting king with his queen would he really be treated this way?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Interspersed in the Aquman story is Black Mantas prison van breakout by a new character (to me anyway) of Black Jack, now she looks an interesting character but given she's dressed in black leather and has an electronic eye. I'm guessing she is someone who cannot be fully trusted, a feeling that Black Manta apparently shares with me as he tries to fight his way through her henchmen. Before doing what all villains and heroes do eventually and actually listen to what the other person to say, and given that they both have a common interest an alliance of sorts is agreed for now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Aquaman book suffered a little during its new 52 run but its had a solid start so far during Rebirth, but for me this is the weakest issue of the rebirth run so far. Having said that its still not a bad read, and writer <span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Dan Abnett</span> <span style="color: black;">is doing a good job writing a more thoughtful and diplomatic Aquaman. Philippe Briones has the artwork duty on this issue and it is simply gorgeous and worth the price of the book alone, his attention to detail is exceptional and the book is well worth several look troughs just for the artwork alone.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As I wrote earlier Aquaman Rebirth has been a solid read and is certainly a step up from its run in the new 52, it hasn't reached the heights of Geoff Johns run yet but given time it looks like it could get there.</span><br />
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Rob McIntyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01466923275666700463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321038714379077131.post-5402476551325444312016-04-05T09:20:00.002-07:002016-04-05T09:20:18.744-07:00Batman vs Superman, My Thoughts.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">As far as films go this one seems to be one of the most divisive comic book film in recent year, it seems that comic fans and film fans either love it or hate it. Even before the film began shooting fans were voicing their opinions on the casting of Ben Affleck as Batman, Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman and Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor. So it was not a big surprise to me that when the film was released, it was meet by a stream of hate and seemingly glee that the film could be a flop. </span><span style="font-size: large;">However as with most things I decided not to believe all that I read and make up my own mind, so last Saturday my wife and I paid our money sat in the cinema with the hope of been entertained and entertained we were.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I absolutely loved this film it was everything I had hoped it would be but as a DC fan I'm an easy sell, my wife who isn't a comic fan </span><span style="font-size: large;">and doesn't have any preconceived notions on how things should or shouldn't be also loved it. On reflection and after talking things through with my wife there are area the film could have been tightened up, but as a first film in what will hopefully be an on-going franchise it was a great start.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ben Affleck nailed it for me as both Batman and Bruce Wayne, in fact I would go as far to say he is the best Bruce Wayne we have seen on the big screen. This is a Batman who has been worn down by years of fighting crime, he has suffered losses and has little faith left in people and the world. He is even secretive with his butler Alfred the man he should trust implicitly, this isn't Adam Wests Batman its not even Tim Burtons this is Frank Millar's Dark Knight, and its played superbly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Henry Cavill was once again great as Superman and gave a better performance in this film than he did in Man of Steel, his portrayal of a Superman who is still finding his place in the world and who makes mistakes is a joy to watch. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Gal Gadot is also fantastic as Wonder Woman and while people are complaining she is underused, I think she is used just right her entrance in costume at the climax of the film had this geek nearly jumping out of his seat cheering. It was a perfect set up for her much anticipated and long overdue film, which is due out around July 2017 and cannot come out soon enough for me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jesse Eisenberg's Lex Luthor is as far removed from the Lex Luthor of previous films and TV shows as you can get, while I wasn't totally sold on this interpretation of Lex his performance of what seemed to be an hyperactive genius was excellent. And to be fair to Jesse if he had played him like previous versions of Lex then he would still have been slated, a case of dammed if you do dammed if you don't.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Other pluses for me were Jeremy Irons as Alfred the inclusion although briefly of Aquaman, Flash and Cyborg all of which were perfect setups for the forthcoming Justice League film. If I had one niggle it was the inclusion of Doomsday, I thought this was maybe one character too many. I would have preferred to have seen Luthor in his powered armour take on the heroes but that's the fan in me, I understand given the ending on why Doomsday was included I just wasn't a fan of how he was shoehorned in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Since the arrival of the Marvel films that ultimately led into the Avengers, fans have been asking why DC cannot build towards a Justice League film. Well we now know Man of Steel and this film are building towards what the fans have been asking for, is it perfect no it isn't but then again not all the Marvel films were but that tends to be overlooked. So while the haters some of whom openly say they haven't seen the film and don't intend to, continue to revel in the poor reviews and fall in 2nd week attendances. I will continue to tell people to go see the film and make up their own minds, because I loved it and I want to see more of my DC heroes on the big screen.</span><br />
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Rob McIntyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01466923275666700463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321038714379077131.post-8519154960655856692016-01-26T12:55:00.001-08:002016-01-27T13:17:40.149-08:002015 My Geekiest of Years.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">As is usual for this time of year I like to look back on the things that geeked me out in the previous year, looking back there were lots of things in 2015 that just blew me away here are some of the most memorable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Our first USA Convention.</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As I posted back in June we visited our first State side convention last year and had the time of our life, we were total over-welled by the friendship and love that was shown to both of us by what had up to that point been friends we had meet on social medium. I was a little nervous meeting them at first but my nerves were unfounded, as I went to shake the hand of Mike Faber the host of the <a href="http://esopodcast.com/" target="_blank">ESO Podcast</a> and he said ''no sir you get a hug'' and at that point all nerves disappeared. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Later meetings with Howdy Mike Gordon, Jennifer Hartshorn, Phantom Troublemaker and Nikki Rau-Baker all went the same way I have never felt so at ease with people I have just met </span><span style="font-size: large;">it was like meeting old friends again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Bobby & myself</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Author <a href="http://bobby-nash-news.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Bobby Nash</a> was at the convention and as a fan of his work it was great to meet him at last, he joined us at our table on the first night and sat and talked with us for around an hour. I was sat there thinking don't be a fan boy, don't be a fan boy but I totally was, Bobby also introduced me to his friend and fellow author <a href="http://jamespalmerbooks.com/" target="_blank">James Palmer</a>. James is not only talented but very friendly and great to talk to, I was also lucky enough to do an interview with James on my blog a few months after the convention. I would encourage any one to check out the work of both Bobby and James on their webpages, as it seems like Atlanta is full of very talented writers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> James & myself</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The fan boy kicked in again when I meet artist <a href="http://maddoxplanet.com/" target="_blank">Mark Maddox</a> but I managed to contain myself sort of, and I had several great conversations with Mark over the weekend as well as purchasing some great </span><span style="font-size: large;">Doctor Who</span><span style="font-size: large;"> artwork off him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The whole weekend just flew by however it did end with us being invited to the Earth Station One meal, where I sat, ate, talked and laughed with the guys I had listened to and talked on the internet with for years. And if that wasn't enough </span><span style="font-size: large;">on the way back to the hotel </span><span style="font-size: large;">they took us to the Book Nook, which is local comic book shop and it was the perfect end to a wonderful weekend with awesome people, I was left feeling one of the luckiest people on earth. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was also at Timegate that I had the pleasure of meeting Katy Manning who played Joe the 3rd Doctors companion, and the present incarnation of the Master Missy played by the wonderful Michelle Gomez. Both were wonderful although Michelle seemed a little nervous as this was her first ever convention, however she seemed to grow in confidence as the day went on and gave two wonderful talks about her time on Doctor Who. To my wife's delight Michelle waved to her as she was leaving the convention, we were sat in the lobby relaxing with a coffee as she came walking past us. As she went past she turned, waved and said ''goodbye England'' we both waved back feeling a little bit geeky inside. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> Katey on the other hand was delightfully scatty and spoke and hugged everyone she meet wherever she meet them, on more than one occasion during the convention she came up to me talking in a Northern accent saying ''hey up cocker how are ya''. It makes me smile every time I think about it, such </span><span style="font-size: large;">a wonderful and warm hearted lady.</span><br />
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<b style="font-size: x-large;"><u>UK Convention:</u></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I was also lucky enough to meet the 6th Doctor (Colin Baker) his companion Peri (</span><span style="font-size: large;">Nicola Bryant</span><span style="font-size: large;">) and the wonderful Sargent Benton (John Levine), </span><span style="font-size: large;">at the Sheffield Film and Si-Fi convention at the Moterpoint Arena. This was our second year visiting this show and as the previous year we had a great time, the show is well organised everyone is friendly and there to have a good time. Some of the costumes that people wear are outstanding the 6th Doctor and the Frankenstein monster are just two of the many that come to mind. Colin and Nicola were very friendly and great with the fans, but they were total eclipsed by John Levene who was one of the most warm and friendly guest I have ever meet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I could have sat and talked for hours with that man and to be honest he probably would have let me, I made a point of going up to him on the Sunday as we were leaving to tell him how wonderful he had been. He shook my hand vigorously and said ''bless you for that'' adding ''I do love to meet the fans, its a real privilege after all these years to still meet and talk with them'' . As I said wonderful man and I encourage anyone who is at a convention John is at to go and talk with him, other guests at Sheffield included Freddie Kruger himself Robert Enguld and Michael Bean of Terminator, Aliens and Tombstone fame. Both had very full and active lines to their respective tables, and I heard nothing but good things about them from the fans who met them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Films:</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Film wise there is only one no its not Highlander its Star Wars, now I know it wasn't a perfect film but neither were the originals. It was however as good as the originals in every way, Star Wars was back and it transported me back to my childhood well my teenhood if there is such a word.. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2015 seemed to be a great year for crossovers, Star Trek- Planet of the Apes was fantastic, honestly who could fail to geek out at seeing Kirk and Taylor cross paths. Star Trek- Green Lantern was also a great story, putting the new Star Trek crew into the Lantern universe well sort off.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you thought those two were odd comic crossovers Archie vs Predator is the craziest one of the lot, but as ,odd as a comic this first seems it is really very good. It was a 4 issue mini series that is now available in trade, and well worth checking out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Batman continued to be my number one comic with Scott Snyder creating some wonderful story lines, when I first heard he was going to make Jim Gordon Batman and put him in a merchandised Batman suit. I hated the idea and the new Batman look I even thought it would make me drop the book, how wrong I was. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Doctor Who continued to improve as a show with Peter Capaldi really excelling in his role as the Doctor, he was very good in his first season but I felt he was let down with some poor storys. This season the storys have been excellent with only one bad episode in the entire run, even the Christmas special went against tradition and was very good (not a fan of the Christmas specials).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Arrow was back on form once again after an average season as was The Waking Dead, however new show The Flash was one of the best shows of its type in 2015. I say one as for me </span><span style="font-size: large;">Daredevil </span><span style="font-size: large;">was the outstanding show on TV last year, Daredevil stands head and shoulders above all the others and is essential viewing if your a fan of the Marvel film and TV Universe. Netflix other hero show Jessica Jones came out at the end of last year, and while it was an great show it didn't quite match the excellence of Daredevil. It is worth watching for the titanic performances from David Tennant as Kilgrave, Krysten Ritter as Jessica Jones, and Mike Colter as Luke Cage.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">2015 was a busy but fantastic year and I'm looking forward to seeing what 2016 has to offer?</span>
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Rob McIntyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01466923275666700463noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321038714379077131.post-14058287354481289632016-01-15T05:49:00.004-08:002016-01-15T09:40:45.733-08:00Earth Station One Hits 300<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Last weekend The Earth Station One podcast reached the mile stone episode of 300 episodes, host Mike Faber and co-host Mike Gordon were joined by friends of the station award-winning author Bobby Nash, Anthony Taylor, Doctor Q, Talloolah Love, Gary Mitchel, Jessa Phillips, John Strangeway, Dan Carroll, Kirby-Bartlett Sloan, Peter Cutler, J.R. Mounts and many more.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mike and Mike celebrated their 5 years of podcasting by ranting and raving about the long and strange journey the show has taken them on. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The show was recorded live at Titans Comics and Games in Smyrna Georgia, and is now up on there website for all to enjoy, hit the link to take you to their website </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://esopodcast.com/" target="_blank">The ESO Network</a></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Earth Station One is the founder podcast of the Earth Station One Network which has an ever expanding roster of shows, which cover just about every aspect of geek culture you can think of so there's something on there for everyone.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">On a personal note I would like to congratulate everyone who has ever been connected with the Earth Station One podcast, for producing 5 years of quality and informative entertainment. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To Mike Faber the driving force behind the Earth Station One Network I raise a glass to you sir, your innovation, commitment and dedication to the network and its shows is an inspiration for everyone to follow.</span><br>
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Rob McIntyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01466923275666700463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321038714379077131.post-49643345168624412852015-12-02T12:23:00.002-08:002015-12-02T12:23:45.026-08:00Earth Station Who episode 118, my first podcast experience.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="http://esopodcast.com/category/earth-station-who/" target="_blank">Earth Station Who</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For anyone who has read this blog you will know I am a avid listener to quite a few podcasts on the ESO Network, mainly because they talk about subjects that interest me but more importantly because they are so much fun to listen too. Earlier this year we went to the Timegate convention where I was lucky enough to meet some of the guys from the network, and see the live recording of the Doctor Who podcast Earth Station Who. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I remember sitting in the audience thinking it doesn't get much better than this, well I was wrong because as good as that experience was sat watching a live episode this Sundays episode topped it. Why I can hear you all ask or maybe not, either way it was because I had been invited to be on the latest episode of Earth Station Who. I had received a message from Mike Faber asking if I wanted to be on the show it was an offer I didn't even have to think about, the guys were recording early around 3pm US time so even with the 5 hour time difference the time was perfect for me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">After letting Mike know I was happy to join them it was a quick update on my Skype account as I hadn't used it in over a year, then find my headphones and microphone and I was set for my first ever podcast.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now to say I was nervous is an understatement but the guys quickly put me at ease as we talked for around 10 minutes before the show started, the Mike said are we all ready then it was 3,2, 1 and the show started.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now I'm not given anything away as you should go to the website and download the show, which is also available on iTunes and Stitcher Radio. What I will say is I had a fantastic time and the geek in me was doing somersaults with happiness, I also had to push myself to be more involved as the fan in me was content to listen to the show as I normally do. There are also other lessons I learned from my first time, like don't touch my headphones, breath away from the microphone and buy a better quality microphone. Because after been on this podcast I have been bitten by the podcast bug and I would like to become more involved, whether that means hopefully guesting on podcasts or dipping my toe into the podcast pool I'm not sure on yet. But I now have an itch, and one thing I have learned about itches is if you don't scratch them they never go away.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">On a final note I wish to thank Mike Faber for thinking of me for the show, and Mike Gordon, Jennifer Hartshorn and Mary Ogle for making my first podcast experience a memorable one. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://esopodcast.com/category/earth-station-who/" target="_blank">Earth Station Who</a></span></div>
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Rob McIntyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01466923275666700463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321038714379077131.post-26513011038548890692015-11-29T22:33:00.001-08:002015-11-29T22:34:02.158-08:00Earth Station Who Podcaste<p dir="ltr">I made a guest appearance on the Earth Station Who podcast yesterday, and had a great time talking about this weekend's Doctor Who episode Heaven Sent. When the episode is up I will let everyone know.</p>
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<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">Help support this wonderful campaign that will feature art from the talented and award wining artist Rob Moran.</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Beyond Lovecraft</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Beyond Lovecraft is a portmanteau horror story that draws directly on the works of H. P Lovecraft. Drawn by<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> award winning artist Rob Moran and written by award winning writer Jasper Bark, it's a 96 page graphic novel featuring four stand alone tales and one on going story that links them all together. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">This is a grim and cosmic love letter to the </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">mythos that means so much to the creators.</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Hit the link below to go to the campaign website </span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><h1 class="campaignHeader-title ng-binding"><a href="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/beyond-lovecraft#/" target="_blank">Beyond Lovecraft</a></h1>
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Rob McIntyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01466923275666700463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321038714379077131.post-87789825543281483542015-11-09T05:21:00.003-08:002015-11-09T09:46:49.776-08:00Movember week 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Well its been a week and I'm at the itchy stage but the moustache is coming on nicely, I have already been told by a few people at work that it makes me look old (which is nice). </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But its all for a good cause and I will be young looking again in 3 weeks time, well sort off.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you want to help my support of Prostate Cancer you can donate at the link below, every little helps.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">http://mobro.co/robertmcintyre142</span><br />
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Rob McIntyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01466923275666700463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321038714379077131.post-80114522596635103472015-11-02T09:47:00.002-08:002015-11-02T09:47:11.745-08:00Movember 2015<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #141823;">This month I will once again be taking part in the
Movember campaign, to try to raise some money but as importantly raise
awareness of prostate cancer. Because unfortunately we (men) are a bit rubbish
in getting or asking for help, subsequently too many men die because they leave
it too late to get help. Last year I grew a Frank Zappa style moustache, this
year I'm going for more of a Magnum Pi one. I will post updates on my endeavours over the coming month, but please if you have any suspicion that something
doesn't feel right or you have concerns. Please get it checked out don't wait
for it to go away, it is more than likely nothing but it's better to be safe
than your family to be sorry.</span></span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Rob McIntyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01466923275666700463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321038714379077131.post-55812944299971482582015-09-29T06:37:00.002-07:002015-09-29T21:46:45.493-07:00Edgar Rice Burroughs At The Earth's Core, by Bobby Nash and Jamie Chase<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">At the Earth's Core was one of my favourite films growing up so going into this book I thought I knew the story, surprisingly I was way off the mark as the book packs so much more into it's pages than the film ever did. For instance I want aware that Edgar Rice Burrough's appeared in the story, or that it started in the Sahara desert<span style="color: red;"> </span>with the books hero David Innes telling his story to Edgar Rice Burrough's.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For anyone who isn't familiar with this story mining business man David Innes joins forces with a crazy inventor called Abner Perry, Perry has invented a manned drilling machine called the mole that he believes will make both him and Innes a fortune. Unfortunately things don't go to plan and our duo end up at the earth core, but instead of molten rock they find themselves in the wonderful but dangerous world of Pellucidar. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A world that is filled with strange people and creatures most of whom are not friendly, a place where if you don't have your wits about you a grizzly death isn't far away. Throw into the mix a love interest for David as he falls for the charms of Dian the Beautiful, and a dominant species of mind controlling carnivore pterodactyls and you have a real boys own action and adventure story.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The book is written by Bobby Nash a writer I am well aware of and I have to admit I am a fan of his work, I was also lucky enough to interview him a few years ago. As a fan of Bobby's work I always thought I was going to enjoy this book, what I wasn't prepared for was how blown away I was with this book it is simply stunning. And that is not an exaggeration as the story telling and pacing throughout the book is absolutely perfect, from the opening page to the very last one. But were Bobby really shines is in his ability to make David Innes a believable and likeable character, Innes is an ordinary man dealing with extraordinary circumstances while still maintaining his personal sense of honour. As with all adventure story's you always know the hero is going to win out in the end, but even knowing this Bobby has still managed to build a real sense of danger with every turn of the page, and if the chips were down David Innes is someone you would want standing next to you.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The painted artwork by Jamie Chase is also spectacular and helps set the mood and tone of the book perfectly, from spectacular landscapes to terrifying creatures Jamie's art bring the whole world of Pellucidar to life. As someone who cannot draw beyond stick men ( I kid you not) I can only imagine and marvel at the hours and patience it must take to create artwork of this standard.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As I said at the start of this blog as a child I had watched the film adaptation of At the Earth's Core, and as all films of this type it was one of my instant favourites. So I went into this book thinking I already knew the story, how wrong I was the differences between the film and this book is like night and day. Each has their own merit but if I were to chose between watching the film again or reading the book, the book would win every-time and if you haven't read the book because you've seen the film. Do yourself a favour and pick up the book, I guarantee you will be highly delighted you did so.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">On a final note I recently found out that there are several books written about Pellucidar, so I am hoping that Bobby and Jamie get the recognition they deserve for this book. So they can go on to produce the rest of them, and i</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">f they do so they can have my money now.</span><br>
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Rob McIntyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01466923275666700463noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321038714379077131.post-7731079246080712702015-09-06T22:51:00.003-07:002015-09-06T22:51:44.852-07:00Justice League of America #3<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Justice league is fractured Wonder Woman is trapped alone in a destroyed Olympus with only a Oraculum for company and answers, unfortunately for Wonder Woman none of its answers are good or of any help to her. Flash and Green Lantern have been transported to Krypton a few thousand years before it was destroyed, then just as you thought it couldn't get any worse Flash disappears again leaving Hal alone and lost in time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Back on earth the so called Krypton God Rao is still putting the world to rights, the sick are been healed, criminals are turning over a new leaf and the starving in Africa are been feed. Not content with that Rao </span><span style="font-size: large;">is turning Africa's barren lands fertile, and</span><span style="font-size: large;"> dealing with the warlords to ensure peace and stability throughout the region. While all this looks and sound good the UN council are not too sure, and believe the changes been made are coming too fast and possibly at too high a price. Something that is hinted at when Rao after appearing at a UN council meeting, tells the council he will not stop and when challenged he tells them he will be more forceful in his persuasion..</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Meanwhile Batman been the sceptic that he is (shocker right) also believes Rao has alternative motives, and that behind his apparent benevolence lies a bigger sinister plan. He goes as far as to accuse Superman of handing the planet on a plate to Rao, whle having nothing but faith that he is really the long fabled Kryptonian god.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There is some great dialogue between all the characters in the book, Flash and Lantern most notably between Superman and Batman as they debate Rao. Bruce asks Clarke to show him he is wrong and show him he can believe, when asked ''In Rao'' Batman replies ''In you''. Its dialogue that sums up the relationship and respect the big two have for each other, and something so many writers get in other books they are featured in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Writer Brian Hitch is doing a stunning job crafting a story where you know the so called saviour of earth is bad, but he is doing everything right to get the people of the planet on his side by performing miracles throughout the world. There is a real sense of a world changing event happening with the overhanging feel of foreboding menace just around the corner, the real strength of any JLA book is the members of the team and even though in this story they are split across time and space. You never loose the sense that these are the top players of the DC Universe that can overcome any threat they encounter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It should also be noted that Hitch is not only writing but also doing the artwork for this book a feat I can only applaud, as his standard of artwork which in my opinion is always excellent doesn't seem compromised by doing both. His attention to detail not only on characters but also in background work is one of his strengths, again this is only my opinion but I know what I like and I like Brian's work.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">JLA has fast become one of my must read monthly books and for me is one of the best books been put out by DC at the moment, which is a surprise as it doesn't sit within present DC continuity or the events going on within any of the teams other books. Bruce is still Batman, Superman still has his powers and Hal isn't the lone wolf he is in his book at the moment. I cannot comment on Flash and Wonder Woman as I don't read their books, but I would be surprised if this book tied in to any of those two titles.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Were only at issue 3 so back issues shouldn't be hard to find, so do yourself a favour get down to your local comic shop and pick them up. </span></div>
Rob McIntyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01466923275666700463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321038714379077131.post-67697554403636854162015-08-31T11:43:00.001-07:002015-08-31T11:43:52.241-07:004 Doctors #1 <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of the great joys of Doctor Who is that at some point (usually fixed - Doctor Who fans will get that) you eventually get a multi-Doctor story, so its no surprise that Titan who took over the comic licence and have been producing some great 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th Doctor story's. Have produced a weekly multi story featuring 4 Doctors, what is a surprising is just as in the TV show the 9th Doctor isn't coming to the party. So its the War Doctor who makes up the numbers instead, I'm a little disappointed as I would have liked to has seen Eccleston's Doctor interact with his future selves. But the War Doctor is a rich seam of untapped story lines so my disappointment was tempered slightly, the multi covers 19 in all for issue 1 also grabbed my attention as some of them are stunning.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Its with the War Doctor we start at some point in the Time War where we see him and his allies take down a Dalek ship, the Daleks were about to do something bad to the planet and the Doctors allies. Now I know that's a bit of a vague description of the Dalek plan but it isn't pivotal to the story, and Daleks don't turn up to sing songs and hold hands or plungers round a camp fire so we know their intentions was not good. Unfortunately the War Doctors time in the book is fleeting 3 pages to be exact, which is a shame as I would like to see this Doctor explored a bit more. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The story switches to the 12th Doctor where we see via flashbacks that Clara has learned, that if the Doctors all meet each other it will start a chain of events that will end of the universe. So naturally while the Doctor is asleep she takes the TARDIS to Paris in 1923, where coincidently the other two Doctors are both happily walking around Paris totally oblivious that there other self is there. Clara's plan is to meet the Doctors former companions and convince them to keep their Doctor away from the other Doctors, now what could possibly go wrong with that plan I hear you cry. Well everything if the meeting place is not only a Paris cafe but a fixed point in time, (now you get it) where the Doctors are supposed to meet. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Apart from the flimsy premise of getting the Doctors to meet each other, the story is actually very good with Paul Cornnell capturing the voices of all 3 Doctors perfectly. I can actually hear the voices of Tennent, Smith and Capaldi in my head when I'm reading the book, then again my head can be a scary place to be or so the voices in it tell me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">The artwork on the whole is very good although I found the </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">likenesses of the Doctors to be a bit hit and miss, which proved for me at least to be a slight distraction from the story in places. <span style="font-size: large;">The other issue I think that may hurt the book </span><span style="font-size: large;">is apart </span>from Capaldi's Doctor, the other two Doctors are with companions who haven't been in the show. I know they have been used in the comic but a casual fan who may pick up the book due to the crossover could be confused or put off, there is an explanation as to who they are at the beginning of the comic but that may not be enough we shall have to wait and see.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This first issue is a set-up issue but there is enough of a hook to keep me interested, I look forward to seeing how the story develops over the coming issues and hope for a little more War Doctor. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Issue 1 comes with a total of 19 different covers some of which are quite imaginative, so far I have 4 of them and will hunt the rest down over timey wimey.</span><br />
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Rob McIntyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01466923275666700463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321038714379077131.post-8461043434824817402015-08-23T11:29:00.000-07:002015-08-23T11:29:11.898-07:00The Sheffield Film and Comic Convention 2015<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">After last years first ever and successful Film and Comic Convention to be held in Sheffield, it was always going to be difficult to please everyone in its second year as the first year was so successful. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Complaints of the guest list not been as good this year are to me a little harsh and subjective, as some guests may be top of one persons list and not even make another persons. For instance Game of Thrones had a big presence last year which did nothing for me or my wife, as we have never watched the show (I know there will be some gasps at this revelation). However this year both John Levene and Peter Purves were there as guests and as a Doctor Who fan I was over the moon, throw into the mix a Doctor in Colin Baker and Nicola Bryant his companion Peri and the con was a winner for me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What really makes or breaks a convention for me is how well it is organised and the friendliness of the staff, and straight off the bat I have to say both were exceptional with some of the staff going that extra mile for us as we had an issues with our tickets. We had pre-ordered our tickets for both days and some photo shoots but unfortunately, one of the photo shoot tickets was missing and one of the Sunday tickets was for a child. Both these issues were sorted out in no time at all the Sunday ticket at the box office before the event started, and the photo shoot by the staff at Showmasters once we got into the event. I have to say a big thank you to the staff that allowed us to gain early entry, as the time for the missing photo shoot ticket was very close to our standard entry time of 11:00. This enabled us to sort things out and get to my photo shoot on time, I do after add here that I did nearly miss my photo with Nicola but that was my fault as I was wondering round the convention floor instead of keeping track of the time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As with all conventions the cosplayers were out in force with a wide range and variety of costumes, some of which were out of this world and some not so much. I will however jump to the defense of anyone who goes to a convention in costume, as they are braver then me and secondly they are celebrating their love of a character or franchise and that should never be discouraged. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As I said at the start of this post there has been some complaint about the quality of guests, and while I think it unfortunate that Billy Dee Williams pulled out of the show. The inclusion of Michael Biehn and Robert Englund more than made up for his absence, and the ques to both those gentleman's table never seemed to go down. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For me it was the Doctor Who guests that had my interest and I wasn't disappointed in any of them, as the fan boy in me excitedly talked to each of them as soon as I meet with them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Nicola Bryant </b>was very happy to talk as she signed my Peri figure and I almost missed my photo with her. As they had changed the area photos are taken from last year and I stupidly hadn't checked, but I made it in time truth be told I was the last one there but it all worked out in the end.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Colin Baker was unfairly treated during his time as the Doctor in my humble opinion, it was a time when the BBC wanted to end Doctor Who and put no money into the show at all. So it is to his credit that he has been and still is a fantastic ambassador for the show, we talked about his work on the Doctor Who audio adventures (Big Finish) and his Big Finish regeneration story that was coming out on the Monday after the con. We also talked about Timegate a convention in Atlanta that Colin attended a few years back and one I was lucky enough to go to this year, he was full of praise for the people of Timegate and the fans he met there saying that its a great convention to visit, a sentiment I agree with. Colin signed my figure of himself and happily shook my hand as I left his table, I later had a photo with Colin (on time this time) and it was great to see he was still interacting with the fans making each persons experience with him personal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Peter Purves</b> played Steven when William Hartnell was the Doctor and his love of the show still shines through today when he talks about the show, we spoke about the Time Meddler story I had recently watched, and his Big Finish story Secret History where Steven meets the 5th Doctor. Peter signed a photo of himself and the 1st Doctor shook my hand and also kissed my wife Helen's hand.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">John Levene played Sargent Benton opposite two Doctors the 2nd and 3rd in his time on the show, John was an absolute pleasure to meet he talked to everyone regardless if they wanted an autograph or not. Sgt Benton was a stand out character to me and the little boy I was would never have believed he would one day meet him, a fact I told John who gripped my hand with both his and said bless your heart (I did get a little misty). John made the convention for me and when I met him for his photo shoot he immediately reconsidered me, and to be honest the photo i have of myself with John is one of the best guest photos I have ever had taken. So bless your heart John it was not only a pleasure to meet you, but a honor as well you sir a a true gentleman.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Sheffield Film and Comic con has a lot to offer fans of a wide variety of shows and is very well organised, there are plenty of merchandising to spend your money on and to be honest I did as did my wife on things for me. I can only see the event going from strength to strength as its first two years have been outstanding, if you can make the event in 2016 you should come and check it out I don't believe you will be disappointed.</span></div>
Rob McIntyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01466923275666700463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321038714379077131.post-46462696781512803672015-08-08T11:28:00.000-07:002015-08-08T11:28:05.722-07:00Random 10 No 4: The James Palmer Interview.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVTeBpXEdABq25DvjZBO0td4dr18UkEvbK945qKFfQZP_e2A2HginoaZdMpfa5cpFvG__YZFwXkrW6GOQ6_MBx-qT7CwHtsYt-yKCQOAZgGpL3hAIMPPkSlPHHrXVsnGObThzuU0Bp_Pm/s1600/cropped-jpalmerbookswpheaderwithtext-copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="85" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVTeBpXEdABq25DvjZBO0td4dr18UkEvbK945qKFfQZP_e2A2HginoaZdMpfa5cpFvG__YZFwXkrW6GOQ6_MBx-qT7CwHtsYt-yKCQOAZgGpL3hAIMPPkSlPHHrXVsnGObThzuU0Bp_Pm/s400/cropped-jpalmerbookswpheaderwithtext-copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-be0916fd-0e29-a1d0-e782-00b93e252f1a"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hi Robert. Thanks for the interview. I am an award-nominated author, editor and publisher best known for the alternate history giant monster anthology series Monster Earth. I write science fiction and pulp adventure, and my work has been published by Airship 27, Pro Se Productions, White Rocket Books, and Moonstone. For more info on me and my stuff, visit </span><a href="http://www.jamespalmerbooks.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">www.jamespalmerbooks.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and </span><a href="http://www.mechanoidpress.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">www.mechanoidpress.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How did you first get into writing?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’ve always wanted to be a writer, even before I knew what a writer was and did. I’ve been writing with an eye toward doing it professionally since I was in high school.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Who or what were your early influences?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The comic books and science fiction I read as a kid, with a smattering of Saturday morning cartoons. Starting with guys like Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, then moving on to SF writers like Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury and Harlan Ellison. Modern writers like Robert J. Sawyer, Cory Doctorow and Charles Stross continue to amaze me with their intelligent futurism and wild imaginations.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Where do you draw your ideas for stories from?</span></div>
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I get ideas from all sorts of places. Old comic books or cartoons, a science article, a snippet of a television show. Anything. Sometimes ideas just pop into my head full formed, others I have to work at them, often combining two ideas before I get a sense of what the story is about. The other day a visual popped into my head of a group of mercenaries and a woman breaking into a mountain crypt, and I wrote the story to figure out why. Two nights ago I finished it. Ideas are weird like that.</div>
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Not all ideas will never make it to the page<br />
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<b>What is your least favorite part of the writing process?</b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.295;">I love all aspects of the writing process, but I hate what comes after, like editing and the production aspects that go along with writing in this new world of indie publishing, like cover design and formatting.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you could write a story using any character which one would you choose?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">That’s a tough one, because there are so many. I’d love to write a Godzilla novel or comic. A pulp character like The Shadow or The Spider would also be fun. I’d probably want to team up multiple characters against some big huge menace.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Your books have some wonderfully designed covers, who designs them and what’s the process on getting the cover you want?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thanks! I’ve had different people help me over the years. An artist from Singapore named Karl Comendador has done a lot of covers for me, and writer and tattoo artist James R. Tuck has done some of the cover design. I recently got Mark Maddox to start work on a cover for a book that I didn’t write, but am publishing, so I’m very excited about that, and I can’t wait to see it. I’ve just been very fortunate to be able to network with so many super talented artists and cover designers I’ve met at conventions and online on Facebook. I think the process for getting the cover you want just comes down to communicating it to the artist. I’m not an artist, but I know what I like when I see it, and I usually have a vague idea that a good artist can make even better than it was in my head. I think another good point is to not do it yourself unless you know what you’re doing. I don’t, so I try and find others who can do it for me.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You use twitter, conventions and other social media to connect to fans. Do you </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">consider this to be an important part of your work?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Absolutely. Writing is very solitary, and it helps to get out and meet with other like minded creators and fans, even if only online. It’s also great for networking and learning about different publishing opportunities, finding cover artists, that kind of thing, as well as marketing yourself and your books.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do you have any upcoming books or projects you wish to talk about?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have several in the immediate pipeline. I just published a short novel called ARCHER OF VENUS (http://www.amazon.com/Archer-Venus-Planetary-Trilogy-Book-ebook/dp/B0118LI0U6/), which is kind of a John Carter of Mars type tale with time travel. It’s the first of a planned trilogy. I have stories coming in a few anthologies, including LEGENDS OF NEW PULP, featuring a new female character I created. It’s coming from Airship 27, and proceeds benefit fellow pulp creator and publisher Tommy Hancock, who is dealing with some medical issues.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1LvSj8KNH7XXR91xwg1nz7jjpbabJnyX_IaEH6LV7MlO-CO3y5Q0Nx-25A_yg6rsnx_nH1mSdSRPrZYLiZQICEI_D-jNDshdt8kFFyRXrpU5cXLRBrPDnbnl0p7WLSZ-UO6taj_n9bBvM/s1600/ArcherofVenus-209x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1LvSj8KNH7XXR91xwg1nz7jjpbabJnyX_IaEH6LV7MlO-CO3y5Q0Nx-25A_yg6rsnx_nH1mSdSRPrZYLiZQICEI_D-jNDshdt8kFFyRXrpU5cXLRBrPDnbnl0p7WLSZ-UO6taj_n9bBvM/s1600/ArcherofVenus-209x300.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My story “Slow Djinn” will appear in another benefit anthology that White Rocket Books is doing. I don’t have the title yet. I also have a story in THE AMAZING HARRY HOUDINI, coming soon from Airship 27, and a story in THE BLACK BAT RETURNS from Moonstone. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3zJYjTmtUyTM7GINL1YQaoad6zv82u3fLNbJ12sDu6io-1djRFtUFGhJ1Pm2MPey66GzJuqOD8l9a-xxcc1cTfahaFiRdu3d4_Wt5cY5F8BdBRZ6mHvqCuLqYLl5L5coANU3kWcOySBVd/s1600/blackbatreturns-200x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3zJYjTmtUyTM7GINL1YQaoad6zv82u3fLNbJ12sDu6io-1djRFtUFGhJ1Pm2MPey66GzJuqOD8l9a-xxcc1cTfahaFiRdu3d4_Wt5cY5F8BdBRZ6mHvqCuLqYLl5L5coANU3kWcOySBVd/s1600/blackbatreturns-200x300.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As if that wasn’t enough, I’m working on the sequel to ARCHER OF VENUS, called SWORDS OF MARS, and getting some original stories together for a new quarterly project I’m creating called MASKED ADVENTURE DIGEST, which will feature several of my stories and one complete novel, and will be available for print and e-book. I hope to have the first issue out by the end of September. Fingers crossed. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHHne1irA0Wu6Q45Jgs7aHQCkfGdsmEGuJSDuVbHLT0f9GjWSGA_J8rOgeFB1QxJai5X_Sb1EHQGOMAla8Jx9HhcjZuMkWTe938YXoMN-uiLsasOa7H_T5NnXlimnAgRuCHKWs3jXCD10/s1600/Monster+Earth+Cover+JPEG+-+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHHne1irA0Wu6Q45Jgs7aHQCkfGdsmEGuJSDuVbHLT0f9GjWSGA_J8rOgeFB1QxJai5X_Sb1EHQGOMAla8Jx9HhcjZuMkWTe938YXoMN-uiLsasOa7H_T5NnXlimnAgRuCHKWs3jXCD10/s320/Monster+Earth+Cover+JPEG+-+final.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How do you like to relax when you’re not writing?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I like to read, spend time with my family. I like watching Godzilla movies with my daughter, who loves them as much as I do. And of course working my way through Daredevil on Netflix.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Where can you be found for anyone who wants to check either you, or</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">your past and present work?</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m on Facebook and Twitter (</span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/palmerwriter" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">www.twitter.com/palmerwriter</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">). And my websites are </span><a href="http://www.jamespalmerbooks.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">www.jamespalmerbooks.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and </span><a href="http://www.mechanoidpress.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">www.mechanoidpress.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. And for news of my upcoming releases, they can visit either site and sign up for my newsletter. It’s free, and they’ll get a free e-book.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Footnote:</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I had the pleasure of meeting James on a resent visit to a convention in the states, James is not only a wonderful writer he is also a great person to meet and talk too. I would encourage anyone who is at a convention that James is attending, to go up and talk with him. I would also like to thank James for taking time from his busy schedule to do this interview, and I wish him well in all his future endeavors. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>On a final note I am currently reading Archer of Venus and its a fantastic story.</b></span></div>
Rob McIntyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01466923275666700463noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321038714379077131.post-68801255426076748382015-08-02T13:56:00.001-07:002015-08-02T13:56:04.785-07:00Sons of Fire # Vol 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">30 years ago Jacob Crowe started a fire which nearly destroyed the town of Black Rock, it was a fire that resulted in the deaths of several Black Rock residents. Jacob is now in prison serving time for his actions when he is asked to tell his side of the story, by a young would be reporter who has been digging into the history of the fire. As part of a school essay that he is writing, the young kid believes there is more to the story than was originally made public. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">Jacobs story is told in a series of flashbacks where we see glimpses of his troubled home and social life, all of which play a part in turning him into the arsonist we know he becomes. (I'm trying not to give too much away)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">Its during the flashbacks that we see the death of his farther and brother who die in a fire he may or may not have started, before been shipped off to stay with his mother who walked out on her family a few years previously. We also get to meet Andrew Danner the local collage star quarterback, and his girlfriend Sarah Nickles. Andrew is a young man with secrets of his own, and for reasons he only knows seems to have made it his mission to protect Jacob when he needs him the most. <span style="text-align: right;">Most of the characters we meet in Jacobs flashbacks all seem to have their own agenda and secrets, all of which start to intertwine into the main story arc. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As a reader you could </span></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: right;">very </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: right;">easily </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: right;">become </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: right;">lost </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Apart from the cover the story is printed in black and white, however as the Walking Dead comic has proved you don't always need colour to show great visuals. As artist Heidi Black proves throughout this book, I really </span></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">enjoyed </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Heidi's</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">Sons of Fire is a dark tale with superhero elements inserted throughout the book, although personally I wouldn't class it as a superhero book. For me Sons of Fire is a coming of age story, where choices made by a young man are looked back on with regret in his later life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">At the end of the book I was keen to read more which I think is a fair indication of how good a book is, and I look forward to Sons of Fire volume 2 which I believe is planned for later this year (please).</span></div>
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Rob McIntyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01466923275666700463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321038714379077131.post-12481324513683665562015-07-12T11:55:00.000-07:002015-07-12T11:55:59.965-07:00Batman Beyond #1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have loved the Batman Beyond concept since I first saw the animated series in the late 90's, so when DC began printing further adventures of Terry McGinnis the future Batman I was all over the book. As the years past the Batman Beyond book evolved as more future versions of established DC characters were introduced, along with the original but now older Superman leading the new Justice League. Unfortunately all that came to an end as DC launched their weekly book Futures End which brought Terry into the DCU proper although 5 years into the future from the then current story lines (not confused yet), after given the book a few issues I decided it wasn't for me and stopped buying it. Jump forward around a year and Batman Beyond is again on the shelf much to my delight, but unfortunately for me Futures End has dramatically changed everything about the book I loved.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There is a new Batman Beyond fighting crime in Neo-Gotham and his name is Tim Drake, now I don't know if its the present universe Tim Drake or the 5 years later Futures End Tim Drake?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now it looks as if I will have to do some research to do if I am going to find out, what exactly happened to Terry but as you read the book you do find out he died fighting Brother in Eye </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Futures End </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">(gutted).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As we start the issue Batman is fighting a gang of Jokez who are trying to take down a shield that is protecting Neo-Gotham from the all seeing Brother Eye, or the not so all seeing Brother Eye if it cant find a city the size of Neo-Gotham shield or no shield. After sorting out the Jokez Tim is off to visit Terry's younger brother Matt, who seems more than a little miffed that Tim has the Bat suit and not him. His annoyance only covers a few panels but its something I'm betting will play out in the months to come, After his visit Tim,s on his way to a Brother Eye prison camp known as The Lodge, the prison has been built on the ruins of New York city (why is it always New York). Tim's reason for going to the Lodge is to try to find some of Terry's friends, who are rumored to be held there as Brother Eye interrogates them for information. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">While checking out the prison Tim has an encounter with a Brother Eye converted Superman that damages his suit beyond repair (for now), so we see a de-powered Tim join a line of new prisoners and once inside he encounters a familiar face from his past (spoilers).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now I am torn over this book because Dan Jurgens pens a good opening issue and Bernard Chang does a great job on the artwork, its just that this Batman Beyond insn't my Batman Beyond, I also like the character of Tim Drake but not in his current role. Also this isn't the same time-line as the one I read and watched on TV, Futures End seems to have changed that time line and the grumpy old man in me just inst happy about it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Having said that I will see out the first story arc to see where it goes before deciding if I will stay with the book or not, the completest in me say you have to stay but my head may rule the collector in me on this one.</span></div>
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Rob McIntyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01466923275666700463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321038714379077131.post-40818015576885283412015-07-08T08:51:00.004-07:002015-07-08T09:37:46.145-07:00Orlando 2015<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">After our hectic weekend at the Timegate convention in Atlanta <a href="http://www.needlessthingssite.com/2015/06/timegate-convention-we-will-never.html" target="_blank">(see post on the Needless Things website</a>), it was off too Florida for a relaxing 10 days in Orlando (as relaxing as Orlando can get). So after a quick flight one hour and 15 minute flight from Atlanta we arrived in sunny and very hot Florida, I have to add at this point that my dear wife Helen slept the entire journey. She cannot remember seeing us pull off the gate as we prepared for take-off, she only woke up when we landed and asked the question ''are we taking off''?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My answer is not for the sensitive eyes of anyone reading this, but needless to say this wasn't the first time my wonderful wife has done this. Helen has the knack of been able to sleep on a plane even before it takes off, while I don't so guess who can </span><span style="font-size: large;">occasionally </span><span style="font-size: large;">get irritated when we fly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So after breezing through the airport it was on to I-drive and within an hour we were booked into our hotel, unpacked and sat in the Buffalo Wings bar enjoying happy hour which we enjoyed just a little too much if I am honest. Happy hour was a scenario that was to repeat its self over the course of the next 10 days, be it either in the afternoon or on a night as happy hour ran from 14:00 to 16:00 and 22:00 to midnight so we always managed to make one of them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When we wasn't enjoying happy hour (this sound bad) we were visiting the parks be it water or theme, or just walking around the shops trying to raise the America economy. Below is a breakdown on my thoughts on each of the parks, I will add here that we didn't visit Disney not because we don't enjoy the Disney parks it was purely down to time and cost, mainly cost of a Disney ticket.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This was our first visit to this water park and probably our last as Universal have announced they are to close it in 2016, however after reading a few negative reviews we were pleasantly surprised on how much we enjoyed our day there. The park is big there seemed to be something for everyone be it a little child or a large one, there was plenty of room to lay down and relax and the wave pool was a lot of fun if you didn't fall over (long story). The food was basic but edible which is always a plus, and it wasn't over priced especially if you shared a drink (were from Yorkshire). If asked I would recommend Wet & Wild as worth a visit, especially if you were staying on I-drive and didn't have a car.</span><br />
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Universal has moved on quite a lot since our last visit in 2012 and as much as we enjoyed the Universal parks, apart from Harry Potter world they were starting to look a bit old and stale. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well all that has changed as a vast amount of investment has been put into the parks since we last visited, Harry Potter is now stretched across both parks Universal & Island of Adventure. In Universal they have added Kings Cross Station along with the Hogwarts Express that takes people from one park to the other, but the star of the park is Diagon Alley which is simply out of this world. The work that has gone into making Diagon Alley look authentic is utterly breathtaking, every little detail has been thought of and you can spend hours just waling around taking it all in. All the shops you would expect to find are there, along with an actual fire breathing dragon on top of the wizards bank Gringotts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There has also been a few new rides added to the parks with the Escape from Gringotts ride which is good, but not as good as the Forbidden Journey ride in Hogwarts in my humble opinion. We went on it twice and on both occasions they had technical issues with the ride, which changed our 30 minute wait into a 70 minute one so maybe my judgement is slightly coloured. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A transformers ride has also been added to the park which if you have seen the films may make some sort of sense, we haven't so although we found the ride good and interactive the storyline was totally lost on us. What was very good was the Transformer that was stood outside the ride interacting with the crowd, I know there was a man in there somewhere but it did look very convincing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The addition of Krusty Land which has been built around the Simpson ride is also fun, and adds a little bit more the the park as you walk around.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We also noticed (you could not miss it) the contruction that was going on between Jurassic Park and Toon Lagoon, I am led to believe that this will be a King Kong interactive experience set to open in 2016. It looked very impressive even in its part built state, and its an attraction I am looking forward to seeing when we visit again.</span><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Sea World</span></u></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now I know Sea World has taken some flack in resent times after the documentary Black Fish, it is however a park that we enjoy and love to visit. Antarctica Empire of the Penguin has been added since our last visit, and although the ride is nothing to shout home about it is worth going on it to see the penguins at the end. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We also booked a back lot tour on one of the days there which only cost $50 for the both of us, we were shown the conservation that takes place within the park and surrounding areas. How Sea World care and look after injured or abandoned animals in the park, before releasing them back to their natural habitat once healthy. </span><span style="font-size: large;">We were given the chance to stroke a shark which is not as dangerous as it sounds, as this species of shark was only around 12 inches long. Much to the disappointment of one young boy on the tour, who thought he was going to see and touch a great white shark. </span><span style="font-size: large;">The highlight of the tour was the chance to see a penguin up close and Helen was lucky enough to be able to touch one, as Helen loves penguins it was probably the highlights of the holiday for her.</span><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Food</span></u></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGsG-R1sYzo_YC_BJG16HVjJpSj_WwQA4q98-1eD5CTEUu_cASfHt2dGhrcb3vj39-U4KZBP7aALLm-aalE8CjnLMuP0407vsP74ZuCE8xlPneEb0IGXgiZCcBjbTxaNicoRBF84ikQS5/s1600/20150603_220305%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGsG-R1sYzo_YC_BJG16HVjJpSj_WwQA4q98-1eD5CTEUu_cASfHt2dGhrcb3vj39-U4KZBP7aALLm-aalE8CjnLMuP0407vsP74ZuCE8xlPneEb0IGXgiZCcBjbTxaNicoRBF84ikQS5/s200/20150603_220305%255B1%255D.jpg" width="112" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">We ate out most nights and in all honesty didn't have a bad meal while we were there, Chilli's do a fantastic set menu with drinks for $28 which is mad when you take into account their portion sizes and quality of the food. Buffalo Wings bar has a large selection of food that are all worth sampling, the 3 cheese pizzas and Big Jack Daddy burgers are especially welcoming.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was our 36th wedding anniversary while we were away and we had our anniversary meal at the Olive Garden, the meal, drinks and whole feel of the place is just perfect for a special meal well worth a visit. Add to that Bennigans American Faye and the pizza takeaway across the road from our hotel, and we were never going to go hungry on this trip.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Wrap up</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Its been a while since we had visited Orlando and I think the time away was a good thing, as we enjoyed the parks more with all the changes that had been made. It may be a few years before we go back again but its a place we enjoy visiting and love, I would encourage anyone who reads this blog that hasn't been to go at least once to see for yourself how wonderful Orlando can be.</span><br />
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Rob McIntyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01466923275666700463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321038714379077131.post-492288646522992242015-06-22T22:55:00.000-07:002015-06-22T22:55:45.400-07:00TimeGate a convention we will never forget.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have a guest post on the Needless Things blog site, talking about our experiences at our first State side convention Timegate. My thanks to the Phantom Troublemaker for putting the post up on his site, t</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">he links below will take you to the </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Needless Things </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">blog and to the Needless Things Facebook page.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And after reading my post check out the wonderful blog that is Needless Things and the equally awesome </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Needless Things</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> podcast.</span><br />
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<img alt="Needless Things" src="https://fbcdn-profile-a.akamaihd.net/hprofile-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-1/p160x160/10351165_878925382137579_7684059022780951469_n.png?oh=d1488fbfc2478f970bf7cf3e52f61b36&oe=55ED4AE9&__gda__=1444957314_c1057036e08d83a54331fea6b283c370" /> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Needless-Things/497939220236199?fref=ts" target="_blank">Needless-Things Facebook page</a><br />
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<img alt="Needless Things" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin5XjMeyqz5u2a5fus3c3K4cpVt14hwS0LctPYO7bhWHHIIyHzUdlaRXQyzPl4ns4QZwVxeYFtb4heOOjQQ43doWCKnYeC1oBfzmjXZHf2Kag-mgVLxcUukUOFsHxKBk8NCUqdJ-T5J6hr/s320/Maddox+Header+2.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://www.needlessthingssite.com/2015/06/timegate-convention-we-will-never.html?m=0" target="_blank"> Needless Things Blog</a><br />
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Rob McIntyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01466923275666700463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5321038714379077131.post-33975779206473180142015-04-04T10:52:00.001-07:002015-04-04T10:52:28.462-07:00Star Trek / Planet of The Apes: The Primate Directive #3<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Writers Scott and David Tippton bring us yet another unlikely but enjoyable franchise crossover, having already written a Matt Smith Doctor Who / Star Trek Next Generation story, they have now turned their talent to produce an original series Star Trek / Planet of The Apes crossover.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The crossover is explained by way of an advanced portal that has allowed the Klingons to enter the apes alternative time line so they can expand their empire without Federation interference, of course Kirk and and his crew love nothing better than a little interference when it comes to the Klingon Empire so they have followed them through the portal to see what they are up to.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">At the start of the issue we find Dr Zaius in deep thought as he ponders potential food shortages, the general unrest among the ape population, and the increasingly uncontrollable gorilla army who seem intent on invading the forbidden lands. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Elsewhere the Klingons are fueling a potential apes civil war by providing the gorilla army with advanced weaponry, while Kirk and his crew are having trouble not only from the apes they encounter but from Taylor the stranded earth astronaut from the first two ape films. Taylor is upset that Kirk has decided to invoke the Federations Prime Directive, and ordered his crew not to interfere with the evolution of the planet apart from putting an end to the plans of the Klingons. Having managed to beam on to the enterprise Taylor is giving Kirk and his crew the run-around as he looks for weapons that will put an end to ape dominance over mankind, the inevitable fight between Taylor and Kirk finally takes place with Kirk literally loosing his part of his shirt before the two men agree on a compromise.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The story as Spock would say is fascinating and the Tippton brothers have successfully merged two worlds that I didn't think possible to merge, the story is a plausible one as far as space opera and talking apes can be and the story doesn't feel forced (see Star Trek / X-Men).</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXn1Xuu1w_PL5PmPZFp4EUty4UgQrlWgnooCMGXkAoGSPelt6j98XuefbrtyDZwalriSL6rfCzu3BoLNEs5Y6mz9xjknPLqQMPaUdqY5p_GPWNL5yMHtRXJmu6u_jPLHm3GahhPDsOcgz/s1600/ST-APES02-coverSUB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXn1Xuu1w_PL5PmPZFp4EUty4UgQrlWgnooCMGXkAoGSPelt6j98XuefbrtyDZwalriSL6rfCzu3BoLNEs5Y6mz9xjknPLqQMPaUdqY5p_GPWNL5yMHtRXJmu6u_jPLHm3GahhPDsOcgz/s1600/ST-APES02-coverSUB.jpg" height="320" width="209" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Rachael Scott's art is fantastic and her character likeness of the Enterprise crew is uncanny, something that's not always easy to do when your dealing with such well known and established characters. Personally I enjoyed seeing the old series Klingons again, who I much prefer to the film and Next Generation style ones (sorry Worf). </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As strange a concept this book seemed when I first heard about it, it is a cracking read with great artwork and as they say in movie land well worth the price of admission.</span></div>
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Rob McIntyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01466923275666700463noreply@blogger.com0