Ghost Rider Spirit of Vengeance Trailer 2

Enjoy the second trailer for the upcoming Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance movie.

Avengers v. X-Men 0 Preview

UPDATE: Read our review of Avengers vs. X-Men #0 here

As anticipation builds up for the battle of the year, Marvel has unveiled promo images for Avenger vs. X-Men 0. Pencilled by Frank Cho, check out the Scarlet Witch taking on M.O.D.O.K.! Avengers vs. X-Men 0 is expected to go on sale March 28.

Images courtesy Marvel Comics.

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New 52 Collected Editions

If you missed any of the first few issues of the New 52 series by DC Comics, worry not as the initial issues will be collected in paperback editions this year.  Most of the collections will premiere in May such as Justice League, Animal Man, Green Lantern and more.  Further sets of the collections will launch each consecutive month after that.  You can expect bonus goodies such as variant covers and more with included premiere story arc in each collection.  The Justice League collection will be a hardcover. Further details via DC Comics.

LEGO Lord of The Rings Minifigs

Here's a sneak peek at upcoming LEGO Lord of The Rings sets and accompanying minifigs collection.  The individual sets will debut sometime this summer 2012 as noted on the LEGO website.  We expect the individual playsets to be as massive as other collections, in terms of detail and depth as the Star Wars and Harry Potter collections. I can't wait for the Helm's Deep playset should they release it!

LEGO Gandalf the Grey

LEGO Frodo Baggins

Images courtesy LEGO H/T Gizmodo 

AT&T Smartphone Data Plans

AT&T has revised their wireless data plans for their smartphones.  The 2GB monthly plan is no longer available to new customers but existing users are able to continue using it.  With the changes, the lowest priced option is 300MB for $20 and $30 for 3GB of service replaces the previous 2GB selection offered. We suspect that if you're still on the 2GB plan and purchase a new smartphone, you might get placed into the new 3GB option.  If you use the AT&T app like we do, you can track your data usage and update your plans and services with ease.

Download the AT&T App:

REVIEW: Justice League #5

After an epic setup last month, Geoff Johns and Jim Lee's Justice League #5 doesn't quite meet expectations.

Justice League New 52 Action Figures Officially Announced

Concepts were shown at conventions all last year, but it looks like DC has finally unveiled an official image of DC Direct's upcoming New 52 Justice League line. Click the image to see release dates for each figure.

Sadly, we have to wait a WHOLE YEAR for Superman. :(

Image courtesy of TNI

The New 52: Batman The Dark Knight Issue 5 Review

The highly anticipated showdown between the Scarecrow and Batman, revealed at the end of the previous issue, is finally here! Will the Dark Knight succumb to the Scarecrow's toxins' effects? Batman The Dark Knight issue number 5 will not disappoint you!

Review: Soul Calibur for iPhone

The last time I played Soul Calibur was on the Dream Cast gaming console, so you might say its been awhile. You can imagine my surprise, when the game suddenly appears on the app store. Joining the already crowded field of fighting games like Street fighter, Infinity Blade and even Fight Night Champion on the iPhone and other iOS devices, Soul Calibur is a welcome treat for nostalgic reasons.

Review: X-Men: Days of Futures Past

There's a few X-Men stories that stand out for me during the Chris Claremont/John Byrne period.  My first choice would be the Days of Future Past saga.  The future of superheroes and mutants alike hang in the balance in one the greatest storylines ever, involving the X-Men.  If our heroes fail to protect Senator Robert Kelly, the Mutant Control Act would be enacted enabling the government to utilize Sentinels to hunt down and terminate them.  It was actually released during Claremont and Byrne's final run and the first instance that Claremont would incorporate time travel within the X-Men storylines.

In Days of Futures Past, the future is quite bleak for mutants and heroes.  A majority of them are captured or deceased or interred in camps with Sentinels standing guard. A plan is devised within the remaining mutants and heroes of the future timeline, to telepathically send back the adult Kitty Pryde to 1980.  Upon arriving in our current time, Kitty must convince the X-Men to stop the Brotherhood of Mutants from killing Senator Kelly, who is also a presidential candidate, to prevent the disastrous future that awaits.  Will they succeed in changing the future? Only time will tell.

REVIEW: Batman #5

Holy crap. Did my Batman comic book just turn upside down?! The best book of DC's New 52 continues!

The New 52: Wonder Woman Issue No. 5 Review

Wonder Woman, Zola and Hermes return to London to ponder things, especially after the events of last issue, where Hera turned Diana's mother Hippolyta into stone. Once in London, things get even more raucous as a man named Lennox gives them details about Zeus and his disappearance and possible ramifications for other gods. That these other gods may want to take over Zeus' top spot on the food chain. For whatever reason, Poseidon has showed up in the London area as well and wants to claim the heavens for himself. However, before he can continue with his plans, Diana informs him that someone else wants the throne for HERSELF too. Who could that be?

Issue number 5 was another lowkey story revealing a bit more about how the other deities feel about Zeus and his departure. Apparently, Diana has swiftly recovered from seeing her mother turned to stone as writer Brian Azzarello didn't focus on that aspect in this issue. The other Gods are able to follow wherever Wonder Woman and crew are.  Hard to keep secrets or even hide out from them as even Hera knows what's going on in London.

Review: Justice League International Volume 1

When the late 1980s incarnation of the original Justice League disbanded, there wasn't anything left of the team.  Led by the Martian Manhunter, members such as Steel and Vibe were killed off.  The post-Crisis on Infinite Earths world of the DC Universe needed another group of superheroes to once join together against evil.  It wasn't until the Legends miniseries when the call was finally heard and a new Justice League was born. However, the new series would debut in a different tone and manner, adding a more fun and looser vibe to the team's adventures, despite Batman being a part of the roster.

Writers J.M. DeMatteis and Keith Giffen retooled the lineup of the Justice League, with new heroes of the day and mixing them with past members as well.  Characters from the DC Comics, purchase of Charlton Comics such as Captain Atom and Blue Beetle were now part of the squad.  Old-timers such as Batman, Martian Manhunter, Captain Marvel, Black Canary, Mister Miracle, Guy Gardner, Dr. Fate and even obscure heroes such as a female version of Dr. Light and a Rocket Red would also join and leave the team as well.  Booster Gold, a new character altogether, rounded out the lineup.  Starting out as the Justice League, their global (and later galactic) adventures would lead the team to a more appealing name with Justice League International.  

OSX Lion: Mission Control

While we miss Spaces, the desktop/workspace management feature from Apple's OSX Snow Leopard operating system, the new Mission Control feature is greatly appreciated. Spaces was one of the features of Snow Leopard that was probably greatly underused unless you needed to multitask.  Have a number of apps open in your main work window was cumbersome if you need to switch to other apps more efficiently.  Spaces provided an easier to switch and devote an entire desktop screen or "space" for your own specific app.  With the OSX Lion operating system update, Spaces was replaced by Mission Control. 

What's great about Mission Control is that you can actually use a different desktop background for each "space".  Sure it may not be a giant leap from Spaces but it does users a different look and feel to their individual desktop views, without having the change the entire setting for all "spaces".  Simply change the settings in System Preferences for your own individual choosing. 

REVIEW: Superman/Batman: Supergirl

Veteran comic book readers know that the original Supergirl was killed in DC Comics's now legendary Crisis on Infinite Earths in 1985.

Fast forward to 2004. Nearly 20 years later in DC's Superman/Batman series, the character of Kara Zor-El, better known as Supergirl, is reintroduced back into the present day DC Universe. Written by Jeph Loeb with art by the late Michael Turner, the collected issues are available in one trade paperback titled Superman/Batman: Supergirl. The book is a great introduction for those unfamiliar with the iconic character, and for veteran readers a nice welcome back for the Girl of Steel. Although DC's New 52 initiative "undoes" this origin, it's very much still a worthy read.

Review: Sandman: Dream Country

Deviating from the usual long story arcs in the Sandman series, Dream Country is a collection of four short stories. It provides a "breather" and a fresh starting point for new fans to jump on board, despite Dream playing only a minor role in most of them.  Death also makes a cameo in one of the stories. Dream Country reprints Sandman issues 17-20 which take place after the Doll's House storyline.

The following stories are collected in Dream Country: 

In "Calliope", a struggling writer discovers a way to relive his current state of "writer's block" by imprisoning the muse Calliope in his home. Calliope is actually passed on to him by another writer, who placed her in the same fate years before.  Within time, Calliope provides the writer with ideas to the point where he is successful.  She pleads to Morpheus for help and he in turn, gives him ideas beyond what his own mind and body can handle.

In "Dream of a Thousand Cats", a cat is told of a possibility of a different world where the humans are subservient to cats instead. In that world, cats are the dominant species while the humans are as tiny and helpless to their feline masters.  To make this world a reality, all the cat has to do is dream it.

In the award-winning "A Midsummer Night's Dream", William Shakespeare, unbeknownst to him, performs his play in front of the actual spirits and fairies that are depicted (Oberon, Titania, puck, etc.).  Morpheus is also in attendance during the performance.

With "Facade" closing out the collection. Death makes her cameo appearance helping out the former superhero Element Girl, who distraught by her appearance, has given up on life and wants to end her own.  Unfortunately, her immortality powers kept preventing anything from killing her.  Death hears her plea and offers a suggestion.

 Original cover art for Calliope and Midsummer Night's Dream

Overall, readers will enjoy the depth of these short stories.  They certainly provide a break and differ from the generally long story arcs written by Gaiman.  We only wish there were more!

Covers courtesy DC Wikia

Dial H for Hero

DC Comics has announced that a new take on the classic Dial H for Hero series will premiere in May 2012.  Acclaimed writer China Miéville will explore the "psychological effects on an everyman who accidentally gains powers to become a hero". Handling the art chores will be Mateus Santoluoco. Brian Bolland is the cover artist for issue number one shown above and hopefully for the rest of the series.

Via DC Comics

Transformers Generations Cybertronian Soundwave

As part of their Transformers Generations collection of retro toys, Hasbro has released a Cybertronian version of the Decepticon, Soundwave. This figure does not transform into the well-known 1980s boom-box Earth disguise, but rather as a Cybertron vehicle.  Transforming him into his Cybertronian disguise was relatively easy with the instructions provided. His weapon and microphone can be placed into his chest.  Definitely hang on to that sheet for reference because it's a chore if you lose it!

Review: Doom Patrol: Musclebound

Who knew that a minor character from a Grant Morrison storyline would prove popular enough to have his own miniseries? That's what happened with Flex Mentallo, the "Sensational Character Find of 1991" alluding to the Simon Bisley cover artwork showcasing his origin, who along with Robotman, still has some lasting connections to Morrison's run on Doom Patrol.  Doom Patrol: Musclebound collects Doom Patrol issues 42 to 50 showcasing the Flex Mentallo/Men from N.O.W.H.E.R.E storyline. Overall, readers will enjoy a wide glimpse of the amazing and strange stories from Morrison's run on Doom Patrol.

Flex Mentallo was first featured as a minor character living out his now-mundane life on the sentient being known as Danny The Street.  Danny The Street was an actual living street who could teleport anywhere and blend inside urban dwelling.  Mentallo was originally known as "Mr. Elbows On The Table", a quiet figure living out his remaining days challenging anyone to arm wrestle him.  Subdued by the Men from N.O.W.H.E.R.E, Mentallo has no memory of his past life. It's only during a battle with the Doom Patrol and the Men from N.O.W.H.E.R.E., that his memories come gushing back.

Review: Preacher: War In The Sun

Perhaps the most defining moments in Garth Ennis' run on Preacher was the War in the Sun saga, that he put Jesse Custer through. This miniseries within a series was the start of many profound changes for the characters ahead in the series. Just as we thought our heroes had survived whatever Starr had pummeled at them, Ennis throws in a twist at the end. The emotional toll on Tulip was simply too much as once again, Jesse is separated from her.

The Preacher: War in the Sun paperback collects issues 34 through 40 of the original Preacher Series. Also included is the Preacher Special: One Man's War. This one-shot special edition focused on Starr and look at his past. The great thing about this collection is that is that readers could start off or pick up from where they left off within the series, without missing much from the previous issues. In fact this collection doesn't feature any minor characters from previous storylines.

DC Comics: The New 52 December 2011 Run Down

AQUAMAN #4 - "The Trench" arc concludes here in issue #4. Another superb issue by Geoff Johns. I know it's crazy but he just knows exactly what we fan boys want to see, and continues to show just how awesome the Aquaman character really is. Aquaman is a perfect example of the purpose of the entire New 52 reboot. Unfortunately it did feel a tad rushed towards the end, and I almost felt like it could have been another issue long, but its a minor set back. Great art by Ivan Reis.

NIGHTWING #4 - This was a fun issue and is what Batgirl #3 should have been! I just eat up members of the Bat-family working together, and Barbara Gordon with Dick Grayson are as epic of a duo as you can get. Since issue #1, Kyle Higgins has shown why Dick Grayson was meant to be Nightwing. Trevor McCarthy took over on pencils for this issue, and as much as I loved Eddy Barrows's art it's a welcome change. Unfortunately story-wise this issue was pretty much filler. But welcome filler.

GREEN LANTERN #4 - First off, pick up the variant cover for this issue if you can! Great issue and we see more of Sinestro's abilities and just how great of a Green Lantern he was/still is. I've said it before, but the love-hate dynamic between Hal and Sinestro makes for a fun read. However, the current story is starting to drag just a little, and I want things to move on. As usual excellent artwork by Doug Mahnke. Can't wait for issue #5, but I seriously hopefully the whole "Let's save Korugar" arc ends too.

LEGO Batman 2 officially confirmed

Hurray! Warner Brothers and The Lego Group have officially confirmed LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes for a summer 2012 release! Superman, Wonder Woman, and Green Lantern have all been confirmed as playable characters, while the Joker and Lex Luthor will be the game's primary villains. Crossing my fingers for the Flash or Aquaman!!

LEGO Batman Gotham City Games

LEGO Gotham City Games is the perfect companion for LEGO Batman despite not truly being an actual LEGO-based game. Instead the game is comprised of a series of challenges with a tie-in to the Dark Knight's villains.  It's great for both young and even adult players. The app is divided into a Story Mode and a Free Play Mode.  There's a Batarang toss game, in which you have to hurl them at the Joker's minions, a Bane boxing/punching bag challenge, that tests your memory skills and a Scarecrow aerial shooter game and as well as many others.

Are you brave enough to take on the villains' challenges?

Players looking for unique challenges with a LEGO Batman twist, will enjoy this app for it's multitudes of fun and even sometimes frustratingly hard, series of mini games.   Once you master and finish certain levels of challenges in the Story Mode, you can unlock bonus content such as wallpaper and more levels.  The Free Play section allows you to practice your skills. The game is is available for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.

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The New 52: Animal Man Issue No. 5 Review

 
Will Animal Man's family survive an attack from The Rot? Can Maxine's new powers help them too?

Review: Teen Titans: The Judas Contract

Writer Marv Wolfman and George Perez proved why Teen Titans was one of the top-tier titles of the 1980s with well-crafted stories like the Judas Contract miniseries within a series. The groundbreaking saga proved to be icing on the cake on a very popular run on the title for both. The memorable tale of betrayal stood out from most titles published at the time. Even today, no other stories come close or have continuing ties to the masterpiece that Wolfman and Perez delivered decades ago. It's one thing to kill off superheroes and resurrect them, it's another to come with creative tales like this.

Besides the X-Men, the Teen Titans were one of the more popular comics to emerge out of the 1980s. The comic focused on younger superheroes formally associated with more popular mentor such as Batman, Wonder Woman and even Aquaman. The 1980s revival of the Teen Titans by Marv Wolfman and George Perez, also brought intergalactic characters (Starfire) and supernatural ones (Raven) for the young group to partner with against evil and injustice. Eventually, the team would bring on a new team member, Tara Markov aka Terra. Tara would be the centerpiece for this miniseries.

The New 52: The Flash No. 4 Review

Manuel Lago's past is finally revealed and you won't believe how his clones, Mob Rule, came to life! Furthermore, just how did Barry Allen survive the bullet from last issue?