CAFEPRESS & VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCE CUSTOMIZABLE ANIME MERCHANDISE FOR LIFESTYLE BRAND TOSHIN

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 Today, CafePress, Inc. (Nasdaq:PRSS), The World's Customization EngineTM, and VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, is announcing a partnership. The companies have come together to offer fans a curated selection of official and fan-designed merchandise incorporating VIZ Media’s best-loved anime brands for lifestyle brand Toshin.

http://www.cafepress.com/+toshin+gifts

CafePress empowers shoppers to create, buy and sell, customized and personalized products online using the company's proprietary print-on-demand services and e-commerce platform. With this new relationship, CafePress will offer a range of Toshin products that feature characters from VIZ Media’s NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, BLEACH and DEATH NOTE.  VIZ Media currently features these series on VIZAnime.com (awebsite for free anime) and on Neon Alley (a 24/7 anime channel).

The lifestyle brand Toshin, meaning “fighting spirit” in Japanese, will have its most popular warriors prominently featured on a robust line of highly customizable gear, including t-shirts and hoodies, and accessories, such as cell phone and iPad cases. In addition, fans will be able to create unique Toshin products by choosing from a selection of backgrounds that can be combined and integrated with their favorite full-color character artwork. Consumers can access and download a range of artwork to create fan designs directly from each anime brand store:  
“Fan’s of anime and manga have been waiting eagerly for a way to showcase their devotion to the VIZ media anime brands. This partnership gives anime enthusiasts never-before-seen access to original artwork they can use to create truly unique designs,” says Ty Simpson, VP of Business Development for CafePress. “That artistic freedom, combined with the state-of-the art print-on-demand services offered at CafePress, really offers a remarkable degree of flexibility to this devoted fan base.”

“This is an innovative, first-of-its-kind partnership that will allow anime fans a whole new way to create an array of customizable apparel and accessories. We will be working closely with CafePress to develop a complete line of on-demand products featuring a variety of popular characters from several most-loved VIZ Media anime properties,” says Daisuke Aoki, Vice President, Animation Licensing, VIZ Media. “We know anime and manga fans love to demonstrate their passion for their favorite shows and characters and with the Toshin brand. On CafePress, they now have the ability to channel their creativity and enthusiasm in a whole new way.”

For more information on Toshin, please visit https://www.facebook.com/ToshinStyle.

For more information on CafePress, please visit http://www.cafepress.com.


Album Review: "Lemuria" By Gary Samurai

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One thing we love to do at Otakus and Geeks is to showcase geeks who do music. This time I have another album review from a geek who does music. You seen him as a feature for geeks who do music and this time he has his first album "Lemuria." Is it worth checking it out?

 The first thing you will notice about "Lemuria" is the wonderful album concept. The song titles such as Underwater, Mermaid, Ocean Floor and many more tell a story, emotion or theme for the concept the album. The concept is a man going deeper into this world called "Lemuria." With each song the artist goes deeper into a world, telling a story or examining social commentary. It also can be also be a metaphor from Gary Samurai as well, to give the audience a deeper look into his world, life and views.

 "Lemuria" is not just another Hip-Hop album but it's an experience. The production is to thank for that. It does a great job because it actually fits the concept of the album. Almost every beat on "Lemuria" sounds like a soundtrack from the ocean which allows you to visualize the world Gary Samurai is creating with his lyrics. A clear example of this is the third track "Mermaid." The production sounds like a sample from "Final Fantasy VII" song "Lifestream." The beat is laid back, calm like the ocean waves very peaceful and with Gary Samurai's lyrics complementing the beat and his smooth flow made this one of my favorite tracks on the album. The lyrics are great too and carry positive messages or a reflection into Gary's life. That is all you can ask for from a music artist, to be creative and give you the audience an experience. Some of the highlights track are Mermaid, Freedom, The Chosen, Last Day. 

 Mermaid - Is one of my favorite tracks on the album. As stated above it gave me an experience of being underwater trying to woo this mermaid girl who is the object of my affection. The beat is one of my favorites on the album as well since it reminded of "Final Fantasy VII."

 The Chosen - The Chosen is when Gary gets really lyrical and spits many themes such as hope, being a leader and overcoming the odds. It's a great song and shines as one of the best lyrics on the album. The production sounds like a something you would hear in an epic prologue to a final boss. It will have your head bobbing.

 Last Day - Last Day is the first song on the album and really sets the tone for the album. Once again you see Gary's talent with words his punchlines, metaphors and flow is spot on in this track. It has a nice hook and have some social commentary bars that will have you thinking a little like, "Some of you may might not get this, if someone is good and someone is bad and do the same thing what's the difference?" One of my favorite lines on the album.

 Freedom - This is the best song on the album and one hell of a way to end the album. Gary goes all out lyrically and makes sure to end the album with a bang. This song has references to Star Wars, real life issues and it's one of the most personal songs on the album. Gary is able to give lyrical references to geeks, social issues and still keep the concept of the world Lemuria intact. The production is also the best on the album with a smooth jazz speed up track it still sounds like your underwater. This track is the one you must listen too.

 Final Thoughts - Lemuria is a breath of fresh air. The album is creative, the lyrics are spot on and the production does the concept of the album justice. This album is just not for geeks who will understand the things Gary references, but anyone who is a fan of Hip Hop that wants something different, something creative and something positive. Gary lyrics will bring you into the world of Lemuria and as you get into each track you will go deeper into his mind and the world. The album is only 9 tracks and I wish there was a little bit more songs, but overall this something you sound check out.

 Tracklist & Rating
Last Day (4.5/5)
Underwater (4.0/5)
Mermaid (4.5/5)
Ocean Floor (3.5/5)
Welcome To Acropolis (4.0/5)
The Chosen (4.5/5)
Error! Ft Levi Watson (4.5/5)
Waiting Room (4.0/5)
Freedom (5/5)

 Final Rating - 4.5/5 - AWESOME!!!!

 Listen to Lemuria here
http://garysamurai.bandcamp.com/

 Follow Gary on Twitter
Twitter.com/GarySamurai





THE LITTLE GUY GETS HIS DAY IN ZED: A COSMIC TALE

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Revamped Michel Gagné series collected in January

Image Comics has announced the January publication of ZED: A COSMIC TALE from multi-media artist, Michel Gagné (THE SAGA OF REX). ZED, a cute, silly, yet epic science-fiction series, was self-published over a period of eleven years starting in 2001. The new collection of the series features art and writing that has been revised and reworked by Gagné.

"I fell in love with comics at an early age, and recall wanting to be a comic artist as one of my first childhood dreams", said Gagné. "I later became interested in animation and special effects and pursued a career in that field. Despite this new passion, I never wavered in my love of comics and ultimately couldn't shake the festering desire to create my own series. In early 2001, after finishing up a demanding job as Head of Special Effects at Warner Brothers Feature Animation, I took time off to make that dream come true. This is how ZED was born."

The first issue of ZED was self-published in July 2001 and the series concluded with issue 10, published in January 2012. Unfolding over the issues is the story of a cute young alien whose invention makes him the target of a galactic villain. Facing seemingly insurmountable odds, Zed must find the courage to save his home world from destruction.

Doing a comic series after hours, single-handedly, proved to be a more difficult task than Gagné first anticipated. "I planned to tell my tale over a period of ten issues and felt pretty confident, at the time, that I could have the whole thing wrapped up and published within a couple of years," said Gagné. "Little did I know that it would take me eleven years to finally bring the series to fruition. ZED is, first and foremost, a labor of love which I created at my own pace. The comic series became a way for me to build my graphic novel."

ZED reflects Gagné's deep love for golden age science fiction and oddball cartooning. It is influenced by his favorite books and movies, as well as political news, rock concerts and things he has experienced and witnessed throughout his life. With the series wrapped up, Gagné combined all ten issues into a single graphic novel that reads as one uninterrupted story. Because of the time span it took to get the series done, Gagné felt that the writing and art style needed a second pass to make them more consistent.

"The disparity from one issue to the next was less visible when separated into individual comic books, but all strung together in graphic novel form, the inconsistencies became painfully obvious", said Gagné. "When putting the final book together, I didn't treat it as a straight reprint book. I spend several months reworking the art and writing to make it more cohesive. I consider ZED: A Cosmic Tale published by Image Comics to be the definitive version of the story."

ZED: A COSMIC TALE is a 280-page paperback. It will be in stores on January 30, 2013 and is available for pre-order now from the December issue of Previews.

Find out more about ZED: A COSMIC TALE at www.ZEDcomics.com.

THE LAUNCH OF SOMETHING “SAVAGE”

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SAVAGE SKULLKICKERS #1 Is Another First Issue
This March, Image Comics invites readers to jump on board action and adventure, newly reinvigorated with another very special adjective—THE SAVAGE SKULLKICKERS!

“The response to Uncanny Skullkickers was so tremendous that we knew we couldn't just let something that was working remain unchanged," said Image PR and Marketing Director Jennifer de Guzman. "Relaunching Skullkickers was a total game-changer! For a whole month, it won't be just plain Skullkickers. It'll be Uncanny! And now it's going to be Savage, too? Game. Changer.”

SAVAGE SKULLKICKERS continues the epic SKULLKICKERS storyline and is a perfect jumping-on point for new readers. Even more perfect than last month.

“With over 180 issues released over the past 20 years, Erik Larsen’s Savage Dragon is one of the most compelling and consistent creator-owned comics ever made," said creator Jim Zub. "In order to commemorate Erik’s hard work and strident ‘no relaunching, no renumbering’ approach to his series, we thought we’d relaunch and renumber Skullkickers, stealing his precious ‘Savage’ adjective while we're at it. Thanks, Erik!”

And if you’re a diehard collector of SKULLKICKERS sad that you won’t have a SKULLKICKERS #20 to add to your collection? Don’t worry, we’ve thought of everything. In addition to the regular “Savage” cover by series artist (and, remember, adorable elf-man) Edwin Huang and Zub himself, we’re offering a special “issue #20 variant” B cover by Chris Stevens to make sure your collector streak is unbroken.


It’s new. It’s classic. It’s a modern reinterpretation that gets back to the roots of these timeless characters. SAVAGE SKULLKICKERS #1 is available wherever kick ass comics are sold starting this March.


ComiXology: iTune's #3 Top-Grossing iPad App of 2012

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                              ComiXology: iTunes’ #3 Top Grossing iPad App Of The Year










                         Up 7 Spots From 2011 And The Only App In Top 10 Two Years Running!








With Over 2 Billion Served
December 17, 2012 - New York, NY – ComiXology – the revolutionary digital comics platform available across the iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire, Windows 8 and the Web – announced today that the Comics by comiXology iOS app charted as iTunes’ #3 Top Grossing iPad App of 2012 and is the only app repeated in the top ten in both 2011 and 2012, showing remarkable power in the fickle world of apps by moving from #10 to #3.

ComiXology also revealed today that they have served over 2 billion pages of comics since the inception of the platform just three short years ago.
“We started comiXology because we believe that – with a great digital experience – graphic novels and comic books will be much more widely enjoyed,” said comiXology co-founder and CEO David Steinberger. “Actually climbing the top ten year-over-year – and the only app to do that, no less – speaks volumes to the quality of work both the comiXology team and our amazing publishers and creators have done this year. We’re not anywhere near done yet but we’re clearly off to a good start.”

“This is a spectacular way to end what has been a spectacular year,” said comiXology co-founder John D. Roberts. “It’s clear that people want to buy where they want and read what they want, and only comiXology delivers this amount of amazing content with a consistent shopping and amazing reading experience on every major platform.”
2012 marked a year of records for comiXology, including both the 50 millionth and 100 millionth downloaded comic from comiXology, and many additions to the comiXology store, including many graphic novels and collections, from literary fiction to biographies, science and superheroes. It also marked the addition of Windows 8 to the buy once, read anywhere platform.
ComiXology’s top ranking digital comics platform has over 30,000 comics and graphic novels to read from over 75 of today’s hottest publishers, comiXology offers the widest selection of digital comics anywhere. ComiXology’s availability on the iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire, Windows 8 and the Web makes it the best digital comics platform for newly interested, current and lapsed comic and graphic novel fans.

About comiXology:
Founded in 2007 with the mission of bringing comics to people everywhere, comiXology has revolutionized the comic book and graphic novel world. With the development of the comiXology digital comics platform - with buy-once, read-anywhere availability across across iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire, Windows 8 and the Web— comiXology provides the easiest way worldwide for people to enjoy comics anywhere they happen to be! Regularly ranking as the top grossing iPad app in the entire iTunes App Store, comiXology is one of the leading drivers of the iPad economy. Providing the most digital comics on the most devices, comiXology will not stop until everyone on the face of the planet has been turned into a comic book fan.

                                                                                            


                                                        

Man Of Steel Trailer #2

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The new Man Of Steel trailer is finally out and wow is the only words I can think of. I was skeptical about a more realistic Superman but this Nolan take on the character looks awesome. Zack Synder at the helm looks really epic so far. The story is more emotional and grounded Superman. Check out the new trailer. 





Want to get a free copy of Metro 2033

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It's pretty simple to do and legal. From now till December 16 you can get a copy on Steam for free and all you have to do is like their facebook page in order to get it.
It will be in limited numbers so you better pick it up as fast as you can. The downside is that its only on PC and you need a stream account but Steam is free. if you dont know anything about Metro 2033 here is some gameplay of the free PC one that you can pick up



Link:  FaceBook

Caligula: Heart of Rome.

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While many are pointing at 12/21/12, some people interpret the Mayan calendar to predict this Wednesday, 12/12/12, to spell the end of the world as we know it. But, David Lapham feels fine.
The Eisner Award-winning author has three of his own personal series hitting comic shops this Wednesday, all published by Avatar Press. In addition to the debut of Caligula: Heart of Rome - the sequel to his supernatural horror tale set in ancient Rome - Wednesday will also premiere the trade collection of his original Ferals werewolf crime/horror comic series, and the most recent issue of his gonzo detective series, Dan The Unharmable #8.

Having been in the comic industry for over twenty years, Lapham has worked with Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, Valiant, Wildstorm and many other publishers as both a writer and an artist. He won the Eisner Award for his creator-owned series Stray Bullets, as Best Writer/Artist in 1996. It is with Avatar Press he has found a home, allowing him to publish stories near and dear to his heart.

This Wednesday’s Caligula: Heart of Rome #1 allows Lapham to revisit his 2011 hit series set during the horrors of ancient Rome. “The time period is so twisted all on its own,” explained Lapham. “In a matter of years, we go from one of the most depraved and insane men who ever lived in Caligula, to the next most insane and depraved man who ever lived in Nero. The stories kind of just suggest themselves.  Introduce a demon into the mix and everything just fits in like a perfect puzzle.”

Writing a period piece like Caligula can be challenging and rewarding at the same time. “The research has been fun,” Lapham added.  “It's amazing how much is known and unknown about that time period.  It's just separated enough from the line that leads to us that there's an alien sensibility about it.  The real challenge though comes in the details.”

And what gory details they are. Having been known for his over-the-top horror in Crossed (Family Values and Psychopath, for example), the first Caligula did not disappoint. Will Caligula: Heart of Rome deliver?
“It's very disturbing visually,” Lapham admitted. “It all fits. Even better here than in Crossed.  I feel, while Caligula might be more visually graphic, it's also more purposeful.  Again, there's a theme of depravity.  But the heart of the story is that one man is trying to retain his honor and dignity in the face of that.”
Staying in the same vein, Lapham’s on-going series, Ferals, is collected for the first time this Wednesday. Ferals takes a much more sophisticated approach to the werewolf mythos.

“The idea was to do Werewolves differently,” Lapham explained. “In that I had a certain tone and landscape I saw for a setting. The snow, the mountains. Small town America. Simple people. Dale Chesnutt suggested himself. He's the detective from Mayberry on the wrong side of the tracks. He's really turned into a very dynamic character and very natural to write. For my part, I do think of it like the what if the Andy Griffith Show were invaded by booze and werewolves... and David Koresh.”

“I think one of the most successful aspects of Ferals is that we really created a credible secret society within our own,” Lapham continued. “The Ferals are out there and they want to be left alone, but if we're not going to leave them alone then we're going to die. Nobody puts the Ferals in a corner.”
Ferals Volume One collects Lapaham’s complete first story arc and is available as a soft cover, hard cover and limited signed hard cover in stores everywhere. 
Also arriving this Wednesday is Lapham detective series, Dan The Unharmable #8, taking him back to his crime roots. “I wanted to do more traditional crime, and going back to Stray Bullet's Amy Racecar and Sadie Dawkins from Young Liars,” compared Lapham. Fans who want to get caught up on the misadventures of Dan can expect to see the first trade paperback in January.
With all three of Lapham’s personal projects arriving the same day, this Wednesday, it may just be the end of the world. David Lapham isn’t phased, though. “I ain't scared of nothin'.”

IS THE END OF TIMES ALSO THE END OF... THEM?

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THE END TIMES OF BRAM AND BEN starts in January

Nobody ever figured Bram Carlson for the Rapture-worthy type. All in all, he's pretty much a total bastard. But when the Apocalypse comes, he disappears from the mortal plane along with the blessed—due to a heavenly clerical error. Heaven (somewhat) promptly sends him back.

Now, in THE END TIMES OF BRAM AND BEN, Bram's the only person on Earth who has glimpsed Heaven, and he intends to use his experience for the good of Bramkind. It's up to his morally conflicted roommate Ben to rein in Bram's ambition, but for a guy who has never striven for anything important in his life, Bram's going after his dream like—well, like it's the end of the world. But will it be the end of a friendship as well?

In his first creator-owned series, writer James Asmus (THIEF OF THIEVES, Gambit) teams up with Jim Festante (writer/comedian, Comedy Central, MTV), and newcomer to the American comics scene, European artist Rem Broo, to tell a tale of the un-Raptured, shot through with humor and absurdity that make THE END TIMES the perfect new series for fans of CHEW to sink their teeth into.

"Despite the giant, colorful, violent elements of the Biblical apocalypse—this isn't a 'religious story," said Asmus, who was raised Catholic. "The real story Jim and I were excited to tell is one that shows a bunch of people reacting to one earth-shaking question: What do you do when you discover that reality isn't what you thought—and you're about to be punished for getting it wrong?"

Festante looks at THE END TIMES as a way of addressing the big questions as well. "Why does religion paint morality as black and white? Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people? If you're doing what Satan wants, why would he torture you for eternity?" he said. "Um, we're not sure, but End Times is a nice break from pondering deep theological thoughts."

To Broo, the END TIMES is the comic he always wanted to read—and gets to draw as well! "I think I was the first true fan of this comic," he said. "I have never asked James and Jim what's going to happened in the script of the next issue. So, for almost two years now I lived of the story as intensely as the comic characters I was drawing."

The new mini-series has also garnered praise from some of comics' top creators:

THE END TIMES OF BRAM AND BEN is a four-issue miniseries. It was announced at New York Comic Con, where Asmus and Festante spoke to Comic Book Resources.

The first issue will be in stores on January 9, 32 pages of full-color story with a cover by Jim Mahfood for only $2.99. Order it now from the November issue of Previews! And each issue of the mini-series will have a cover by a different comic book rock star — Juan Doe (Legion of Monsters), Ben Templesmith (FELL, 30 Days of Night), and fine art sensation J.A.W. Cooper (LA Weekly).

After Earth Trailer

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"After Earth" is the new Will Smith movie with his son Jaden Smith and it's directed by M. Night Shyamalan. The trailer didn't really scream out must see for me, however it does have some interesting set pieces and with Shyamalan at the helm there is bound to be a twist at the end. Check out the trailer for yourself. 

 One thousand years after cataclysmic events forced humanity's escape from Earth, Nova Prime has become mankind's new home. Legendary General Cypher Raige returns from an extended tour of duty to his estranged family, ready to be a father to his 13-year-old son, Kitai. When an asteroid storm damages Cypher and Kitai's craft, they crash-land on a now unfamiliar and dangerous Earth. As his father lies dying in the cockpit, Kitai must trek across the hostile terrain to recover their rescue beacon. His whole life, Kitai has wanted nothing more than to be a soldier like his father. 


New Contest: Win TDKR Blu Ray & Free Game Of Your Choice

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It's that time again for another contest. We like to keep up tradition. Each year as we approach a new year we like to give away a good prize. This time you will have the chance to win The Dark Knight Rises on Blu-Ray and a game of your choice.

Prize
TDKR Blu-Ray/DVD combo
Free Videogame of your choice (PS3, Wii U, 3DS, PS Vita, Xbox 360) Game must not exceed over 75 bucks.

Rules:
1. Only 1 entry per person.

2. You must either be a Twitter follower or liked us on Facebook to enter. That is a prerequisite.
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/OtakusandGeeks
Like us On FB - Facebook.com/OtakusandGeeksBlog

3. Answer the multiple choice trivia about TDKR and the O & G staff to the best of your ability. The first person to get a score of 100 will win. If nobody gets a 100 the first person to the closets score will win. You have until December 15th.

4. To enter click on the green envelop where it says social profiles and send us your answers like:
1. Blue
2. Etc.

Note - We won't check any entries till December 15th so we won't know if you won until that day. Please do not hit us on Twitter or Facebook asking did you win. That will get you disqualified. Also USA only!

*Hint* Google, search the site, Podcast and our Twitter and Facebook pages for answers.

Contest:

1. Tom Hardy Bane's voice was inspired by who?

A. Bartley Gorman
B. Christopher Nolan
C. Jason Mason
D. Sean Connery

2. The song played in the Bane's revolutionary speech at Blackgate Prison is entitled?

A. Gotham's Reckoning
B. Despair
C. Rise
D. The Fire Rises

3. Justin interviewed this WWE Superstar?

A. C.M. Punk
B. John Cena
C. Booker T
D. R. Truth

4. Justin's last words to Clementine was?

A. I'll Miss You
B. Don't Be Afraid

5. Warner Brothers originally wanted this actor to play this villain in The Dark Knight Rises? Who was he?

1. Johnny Depp (The Mad Hatter)
2. Cillian Murphy (Scarecrow)
3. Leonardo Dicaprio (The Riddler)
4. Philip C. Hoffman (Penguin)

6. The first Otakus & Geeks Manga and Anime review was?

A. Black Cat (Anime) & Apollo Song (Manga)
B. SkyHigh (Manga) & Neon Genesis You're Not Alone (Anime)
C. Elfen Lied (Anime) & Stone Cold (Manga)
D. Venus Wars (Anime) & School Days (Manga)

7. True or False our book reviewer Lenni is also an author herself?

A. True
B. False

8. The last speech Jim Gordan gives in The Dark Knight Rises is actually an excerpt from what book?

A. A  Tale Of Two Cities
B. Great Expectations
C. Hard Times For These Times
D. Our Mutal Friend

9. Relena Peacecraft Birthday is when?

A. December 8th 180 A.C.
B. April 7rh 180 A.C.
C. June 7th 180 A.C.
D. May 9th 180 A.C.

10. Ashley recently finished reading what manga? *Hint* Our Facebook Page.

A. Cheshire Waltz
B. Stone Cold
C. Eureka Seven A,O.
D. Soul Eater NOT




International Superheroes (Australia)

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It's time to travel the world with us again and see superheroes from around the globe. This time we travel to Australia to see what superheroes they have to offer up, and it's really some pretty interesting stuff.

 The Wraith





















The Wraith is created by Frank Dirscherl for Trinity Comics. It tells the story of former cop Michael Reeve a detective in Metro City. He is one of the few cops that believes of a tale of a vigilante called The Wraith. The Wraith defend the city from evil for a while. Then one day fate enters Michael life and he is force to take up the mantle. He fakes his death and takes the identity of the predecessor to become Paul Sanderson. The Wraith can emit energy which light up his eyes, this gives damage to his enemies to feel the same pain they gave their victims. He also a great detective, physically fit and good with science.

Death





















 Death is from a comic called Winter City. It tells the story of Sam Winters who has had a very horrible childhood, from abuse to psychological issues. However Sam is out for one thing and that is vengeance after losing a life he built for himself. He is relentless, and can be more of an anti-hero vigilante  He is very skilled in combat.

 Natasha X





















 Natasha lost her parents at the hands of the evil Professor Tango. She wears a time belt to travel back in time to fight crime. She has a sidekick Doggy X who helps her in missions sometimes. She tends to be a little narcissistic when it comes to her abilities.

 Helm




















Erik Neptune has always wanted to live up to his father's memory and take on the mantle of the superhero Helm. When his technology based powers begin to return he believes he will finally have that chance. Until Shard Industries is attacked by the Data Pirates, the Everyman Council make their move and the Fluctuations Electric set an even bigger game in motion















Nightwing: The Series Teaser Trailer (Fan Made)

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I saw this while watching some other videos on Youtube and I thought it was pretty damn good trailer for fan made. Here are the official details. The series centers around Batman's first sidekick, Dick Grayson aka Robin. After a huge falling out Dick heads to a new city on his own under the alter-ego of "Nightwing". That's where our adventure begins! The series will be three parts and feature appearances by many other popular characters from the DC Universe!!! You can check out their Kickstarter for the project here http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/451006238/nightwing-the-series


Interview With Christy Karacas & Steve Warbrick (Creators Of Adult Swim's Superjail)

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We had a chat with Christy Karacas and Steve Warbrick the creators of the Adult Swim show "Superjail." We chat about how the show came to be, the challenges of Season 3 and more. The season finale of "Superjail" airs on December 9th on Adult Swim.

OtakusandGeeks.com: Let’s start from the very beginning. How did the concept of Superjail come up? 

Christy Karacas: We made a short film called “barfight” that adult swim saw and liked—it was a three minute ‘bar fight’ without any main characters or story-which you need for a TV series—so we came up with the idea of a show in a jail because you would always have an excuse for riots and violence and fighting. And then we added rainbows and all kinds of cutesy stuff on top because we love Dr. Suess and all that jazz.

OtakusandGeeks.com: Which was harder to create the storyline or the characters?

Steve Warbrick: The characters seem to be the harder of the two. In an 11 minute show it’s difficult to have characters that have more to them than just what you see.

Christy Karacas: For me I think the characters. I mean they’re super fun to draw but figuring out what makes them tick can be tough. I usually just have fun drawing them and THEN figure out what makes them tick.

 OtakusandGeeks.com: Out of all the characters which one was one the biggest challenge to develop?

 Christy Karacas: The Warden. It’s his show but in the beginning we weren't sure if he was really insane, or a genius or both. I think of him as a super selfish spoiled megalomaniac man child with A.D.D. and control issues.

 Steve Warbrick: I think the Warden was the most difficult. He definitely took the longest to flush out. Partly because he is not so concrete. Pegging him down would have pigeon holed the show a bit.

                                              The Warden

OtakusandGeeks.com:  Can you tell us on your decision on the final animation style for the show? Was there any previous styles or concepts for the show, how did you decide on this one?

Christy Karacas: Mostly it’s how I draw, but at the same time there are some things you consider when designing for animation—like how much detail in the drawing—things like that. Also we wanted a hand drawn non-computery look, like something a kid would scribble in his notebook when they really should be studying. 

OtakusandGeeks.com:  Was there any cartoons that help influence you to create the show?

Christy Karacas: Looney Toons! Dr. Suess! Old cartoons on Seasame Street! Vince Collins! 


OtakusandGeeks.com: The show is now in its 3rd season what were some the challenges of this season compare to the previous seasons?

Steve Warbrick: I think the real challenge of this season was combining the first 2 seasons.  Finding the right balance between storyline and action. I think this season succeeded from that point of view.

Christy Karacas: This season was kind of the smoothest to be honest. I think first season we were figuring out how to translate the feel of “barfight” into a show with a stream of conscious cam moves/feel and also lots of gags and violence. In the second season we really focused on better ‘character driven’ stories and I think in the third it really came together with a good balance of both. Season three we balanced the yin yang in Superjail.

OtakusandGeeks.com:  As the series progresses we are seeing more development into The Warden character. Each season he seems to even get more crazy and mad. How has The Warden changed or progress from previous seasons into season 3?

Steve Warbrick: I think this season you really get a feel that running Superjail really is a massive task…even if you are whimsical and slightly magical.

Christy Karacas: Well, like I said before I think a lot of it was figuring out who he was and what makes him tick, you know? I think season 3 it really came together well. 

OtakusandGeeks.com: Christy you also play a few characters on the show. You play Alice the hulked up security guard and Jacknife. How did you pick which voice you would use for each character?

Christy Karacas: Originally we didn't want talking in the show but the network said no-so we were like –ok-how about just the openings-like this criminal is so dumb and crude he can’t even talk-he’s like this lizard brained criminal with the most primal desires-sex-money-booze-food-etc. They control his behavior and emotions. I also always loved that Italian cartoon ‘la linea’ with this little guy who was one line but he just screamed and yelled-he mostly screamed and freaked out-that was kind of what I got the idea for Jack Knife from. For Alice, I just tried to be a big gruff guy sounding like a girl—but not really succeeding at it but also not knowing it—kind of like a sexy Marilyn Monroe crossed  with a teenage girl and a big dumb ox. 
                                                
                                               Alice
OtakusandGeeks.com: Superjail is truly unique and it’s unlike anything on television right now. As a comedy show, do you find any pressure on staying consistent with the jokes, puns or references that the audience will connect with?

 Steve Warbrick: As a rule-we never have pop cultural references in the show.  I feel like we try to take familiar situations and see how crazy we can make it.  But who knows? I could be wrong and maybe a Miley Cyrus joke will stand the test of time.

Christy Karacas: I think the biggest pressure is keeping the ‘gags’ fresh and trying to not repeat what we've done. We've done so many gags like ‘head cut off-follow it to this’ etc. Coming up with clever little twists is what makes the gags funny, like ‘eyes pop out of head, land on frying pan and are fried like eggs.’ That’s what makes the violence funny for me—that contrast of super violent and gross and ridiculous and funny at the same time.

OtakusandGeeks.com: As season 3 is coming to a close. What can we expect in the future for Superjail?

Christy Karacas: I hope season 4! I hope toys and video games. I hope a live action movie starring David Wain!!!!!!!! 

Steve Warbrick: Hopefully a season 4…and some toys!


OtakusandGeeks.com:  Here are some questions from the fans of the show? Jaime asked:  Christy is there any bloopers that you had recording Alice for season 3?

Christy Karacas: Bloopers? Well, not really. Alice is a woman of few words so it’s kind of hard to mess up her lines.

OtakusandGeeks.com: John asked: Will there be a Superjail game in the future, maybe for a mobile phone or videogame systems?

Steve Warbrick: Ya…when you finish making it.

Christy Karacas: I wish but don’t know of any.
OtakusandGeeks.com:  Nancy asked: Which characters are you mostly like in terms of humor or personality 

Steve Warbrick: I would say a bit of Alice and a bit of Jared and a bit of the Doctor.

Christy Karacas: I’m probably the most like The Warden. I have huge A.D.D., I’m impulsive, irresponsible, have a bad memory and am creative.

OtakusandGeeks.com:  Finally how can the fans keep in touch with the show?

Steve Warbrick: Follow it on the Adult Swim website.

Christy Karacas: They can follow www.adultswim.com, http://adultswimcentral.com/, www.twitter.com/ChristyKaracas, http://christykaracas.tumblr.com/  http://dasnewsnetwork.tumblr.com/ http://superjail.tv/



NEIL GAIMAN Falls In Love With Dark Horse Comic's HUSBANDS

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NEIL GAIMAN FALLS IN LOVE WITH
DARK HORSE’S HUSBANDS!

A “smart and loving romp through genre,” says Gaiman in his introduction to the hard-copy collection of Husbands, a gay-marriage sitcom turned Dark Horse comic series.

DECEMBER 5, MILWAUKIE, OR—Amidst glowing reviews and a growing fan base, Dark Horse Comics is thrilled to announce that the digital comic series Husbands has found a fan in literary legend Neil Gaiman, who penned an introduction for the Husbands hardcover collection.

Written by Husbands creators Jane Espenson (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Once Upon a Time) and Brad Bell (VH1’s Pop Up Video), Dark Horse’s Husbands is a comic-book continuation of the sitcom phenom, which tells the story of accidental gay newlyweds Brady and Cheeks. In the comic, the couple receive a mystical wedding gift that launches them on an epic adventure—a tongue-in-cheek journey through iconic genre realms—filled with obstacles that threaten to tear them apart: a superhero showdown, a fairy-tale fantasy, a Holmesian mystery, an epic galactic battle, a madcap high-school romp, and a saucy secret-spy thrill ride.

“As a huge fan of Neil Gaiman, I am thrilled to discover he is a fan of Husbands. Brad Bell and I wrote the show that we wanted to watch. Now, to find that people we idolize are also watching? That is beyond gratifying,” exclaims Jane Espenson.

Brad Bell further explains that “switching mediums can be tricky. We didn’t want to just extend the sitcom. We wanted to reinvent what was possible for this story and make a kick-ass comic. I think there could be no better indication that we’ve done so than receiving Neil’s wonderful praise! It’s also such an honor to have Husbands recognized by an icon like Neil Gaiman.”

ET Online/The Insider praises Husbands by calling it “one of the smartest, most unique and powerful pieces of entertainment this year.”

In addition to Gaiman’s introduction, the print collection will include exclusive first-draft scripts, conceptual character sketches, notes between the authors, and an all-new cover by artist Ron Chan.

Husbands, the complete collection, arrives on March 27, 2013, and is available for preorder now through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, TFAW.com, and of course at your local comic shop!