Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Doctor Who Series 7 Part II Review

Recovering after losing the Ponds at the end of their journey. The Doctor passes through an early Victorian, London to encounter "The Great Intelligence" who is now in the form of Dr.Simian's body (or existence). Time, and time again the Doctor encounters "The Impossible Girl" someone he lost during an encounter with Dalek's that used humans as vessels. Only to find out she is very much alive in the same time stream that Amy and Rory lived within.

Putting all of his clues together, the Doctor finds out his journeys are at an end with this companion. Unable to determine how she came to be, she becomes his reason for exploring every timeline possible to find out who she truly is. But that doesn't explain how Clara is able to cross time streams, sometimes she remembers who the Doctor is, or doesn't. It becomes a intertwined game of "Cat and Mouse" with the Doctor finding out that this mystery is just as vast as his own lifeline.

With clever writing, and unique storylines Series 7 Part II continues an extraordinary tale that is worthwhile viewing. What makes it unique is that part I&II are told in a backwards / forward type of writing. Meaning the beginning is the end, and the end is the beginning. Including the answer to one of the greatest mysteries "The Name of the Doctor". Every episode in this two disc set has a unique flow, every episode is unique and must be viewed to figure out how things have come to pass. And the Doctor is never alone, he always has his friends.

What's to come? Later this year, Matt Smith and David Tennant (no.10) band together in a huge adventure!
Better yet, this zero episode also celebrates 50 years of the series. 11/11/13

Doctor Who Series 7 - Part Two - Companions Pt II

Of all the timelines journeyed with Matt Smith as Doctor no.11. This singular collective pushes just as many boundaries, including allies of a lizard, bounty hunter, and a ninja (dressed as a posh chambermaid). There are many diverse allies throughout the millennial for 11 but they are most significant. It is truly rare that so many are able to cross time streams to find their true selves, but once they do their journey is far from complete.

With the Ponds, it was a different journey, of both life / death and rebirth until the "Weeping Angels" forced a bad sign upon them. Thankfully their adventures with the Doctor allowed them to find one another, and eventually a better life even in another realm. For Clara, it became more of a rescue / reunion / total mess of memories overlapping one another. Behind that mystery lied clues to the Doctor's truth / lies / identity / and the bending of time and space.

Of the lizard lady Vastra - a bio engineer and scientist, in the past was highly regarded in her field and home planet. The hunter Skraat, a well known soldier across star systems. At first he didn't go by his conscience, but his military prowess. With the Doctor's help, he found out that true capabilities lied elsewhere across the stars. As for the ninja Jenny, her former line of work was set in dangerous territory, upon finding a new line of work it teamed her alongside the lizard scientist.

Throughout time and space, there are allies and there are enemies. These are just a small example of the individuals that Doctor no.11 has worked beside to keep things in the balance.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Doctor Who S7 - Part Two Backup file - Companions Series 7

In part one, the future foretold of a world where Dalek's could take control of anything living or dead. Carla Oswald is one of those such beings, and also gave the good fight once again after. Part two, being his companion is a test of both faith and trust. I give kudos points to Jenna Louise Coleman for playing this role so well, sometimes she even emulates Matt Smith's a bit too solidly. In part, Carla is a diverse twisted mystery, with being imparted in the Tardis's memories, she is not an ordinary companion like the past. Carla is a unique character that impacts the Time Lord's journey's much more so than the Pond's (Note: there are still reflections of Amelia's writings in part of this timeline)

Past companions left an impact with the Doctor with trust, faith, patience, and sometimes emotionally. There is not ally that has ever been identical, or a copycat of another. It is truly unique how some of them actually know of another's family line. But there is never a moment where the storyline isn't impacted by the choices they have made along with the Doctor. Sometimes even changing their own lives, past, present, and future.

But dear Carla is something else, her being has actually been a part of time itself all along. From each journey, even the Doctor finds himself being a bit more chipper, and a bit more happy. (Ever since the loss of the Ponds, it brought him down like never before) Is he more human because of these people? I believe so, throughout Series 4 to 7, Matt Smith's doctor has really gained a unique persona because of the friends & enemies his character's made during the four season trek.

What's to come this winter will be the most diverse and insane idea ever. Bringing two timelines together and another unforgettable journey. It just feels weird that Matt is walking away from the role so soon. But he is a talented fellow, and the world is his Tardis after all. I have yet to watch the 2nd disc of Part II. With Clara it is rare that such a companion could change everything in such a big way. (and it doesn't hurt that she's amazingly beautiful) +

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Darkness, and an Amazon takes the lead

Two graphic novel reviews for you fellow readers this weekend.
Up first: Justice League Dark (New 52)

Written by: Peter Milligan / Art by: Mikel Janin
Leader: Madame Xanadu
Zatanna, Constantine, Deadman, Shade, Mindwarp, and Dove

From the underworld, there are untold horrors that could twist reality and imagination. With Madame Xanadu, capable of understanding these visions, or nightmares calls upon those who are capable of putting these creatures away. When some heroes fall, others will arise, taking the lead that many others wouldn't dare challenge.

Although this new team may not get along, they push their wits, psyche, and strength to overcome what few could comprehend. Enchantress, and ancient mystic crosses two realms, splitting literally in half. Finds a new identity in another woman's identity, finds aid in those she finds comfort. Differences aside, this supernatural tale takes on different mediums in storytelling, very few series are capable of pushing in so many directions.

Note: there is some aggressive artwork within this series! Out of the New 52, it is a bit more daring in the character direction department, I have rarely seen some of the team members like this before. Ever since Brightest Day and Darkest Night, the entire DCU has changed entirely. Especially Deadman, who is now capable of fusing with the living at a whim, and witnessing visions through someone else's eyes (wait till you find out who).

Overall, definitely a series worth following, and it constantly evolves with each issue. A must buy!

Wonder Woman Collection 2: Guts (New 52)
Written by: Brian Azzarello / Art by: Cliff Chiang & Tony Akins

After the great odyssey that Diana found herself taking (along with some new allies). Every thing she thought she knew turns out to be a bold faced lie. Upon catching up with Eros (on Earth as a bounty hunter wielding two guns), re-connects with the maker of her Lasso of Truth (Hephaestus). Forging out a new truth, those that were once "sons" of Amazons are very much alive, just left behind making weapons for battle.

Forward, on a quest to bring back Zola from the clutches of Hades (yes folks, its time to visit the underworld). Oddly enough things are not what they seem, as the tides turn, trust is founded in those Diana has entrusted her faith towards. It becomes a rescue mission of two women, with one bound to wed the ruler of the other spectrum.

For a second volume, this is a very diverse, dark, yet interesting chapter in Diana's new adventures. In the past it relied more on readers knowing the origin of the Grecian gods. Within this new series, it seems to take on a whole new format, making them take on human characteristics (which are unique for each one). Including Cliff Chiang's art style and Brian Azzarello's creative writing style, constantly evolving with everyone we as readers interact with. It is truly becoming a unique series design of its own accord that is rare with DCU.







Thursday, June 6, 2013

Community S3 - The Rebirth

Community S3
NBC / Universal
Harmon / the wacky crew
2011-2012

The 3rd -
With rejuvenation, the study group pushes onward to gain knowledge of what they must know. However there are many paths they must take. Not including: time travel, unwrapping mysteries of the universe, changing timelines, fixing the school, and becoming video game characters!

Phew that's a lot, and its all packed together in 22 lovely episodes. Every one has matured! The world cries happily! And then it needs a kleenex (there are some serious tender heart moments this time around) We finally learn why Abed is Abed (in a Doctor Who style) . Oh and Yahtzee is actually a portal to different alternate dimensions where anything, and will happen because of the roll of the die. And the two part documentary "Blankets vs Pillows" it is an epic episode that will change your life forever.

It is truly hard to define what this show is: A) pure joy, B)madness, C)inspirational, D)awesome-sauce, E)it may rock your face

Season 4 just wrapped, and Season 5 is a go! Become a part of the Community revolution #sixseasonsandamovie https://twitter.com/search?q=%23sixseasonsandamovie&src=hash

Monday, June 3, 2013

Birds or Prey Vol.2 and Logan & Gambit - Victims

Welcome to another issue of graphic novel reviews. This time around two entrees', first up BoP Vol.2 (Swiercynski & Foreman) + Wolverine & Gambit - Victims (Loeb & Sale)

Birds of Prey Vol.2 - Your Kiss Might Kill
Written by Duane Swiercynski
Art by Travel Foreman + Variant covers by Stanley "Artgerm" Lau

Black Canary only wanted the best for her crew, but with so many issues among the members things get dicey. From outsiders looking in their investigation, to the Owls sending a Talon, and Poison Ivy of all people becoming the evil that they feared (but in a good / bad way that no one could see coming)

Although it is a small collection of issues, it covers plenty of back story and includes issue #0 (a prelude). However the main story is about the trust between the team. Ivy is also a prime focus in what her true intentions were all along being brought into the crew.Whatever challenges the ladies face, they work at all odds to stay alive, even in the worst circumstances.


Wolverine & Gambit - Victims
Written by Jeph Loeb
Art by Tim Sale

Two of Marvel's leading X-men buddies team up to solve a crime case involving mystery, intrigue, and murders in London. But like all stories involving these two, they have issues only they can solve (even without violence). I find it interesting that most of the time that they interact, which is rare in recent tales. Although there are a few bouts in the story, they are rare but connected for a reason. But the main connection is their love lives, the women they've met and connected their hearts with. Until a new "Jack the Ripper" rears its ugly head, and harms many unsuspecting victims.

**Note: This is definitely not a book for young readers, it takes on a more darker, sinister spin with these two formidable heroes. I honestly that there were more books like this that focused on what makes characters like these protect those that many couldn't without the strength to do so. Maybe there's a hidden message somewhere, but it is worthwhile reading.

Saturday, June 1, 2013

Evil Toasters, Days of Summer, and Supes Unbound

A trio or reviews for your weekend!

Caprica 1.0 - A SyFy team Production (contains Cylons, please use respectively)
Before the Cylons took over, they had a beginning. Two families fighting for their destinies, Graystone and Adama (yup that Adama). Their introduction unfolds in the ever evolving city of Caprica. But not only in the real world, but the digital one that is interconnected with all technology. Until a horrible event occurs, their world is shaken finding truths in mysteries, and it could be start of something even worse.
(*this us a two part release, with 1.5 continuing after the heart wrenching conclusion)

Ice Age - Continental Drift (family filck)
The last movie in the fun family comedy continues. With the gang back for a new adventure, fighting mother nature and learning what it takes to be a family. (and fight a band of pirates unlike any quest they've taken before!) Definitely fun for the whole family.

500 Days of Summer - Comedy
With Joseph Gordon Levitt playing a heartstrung fellow in search of Zooey Deschanel's love. Except its not an ordinary love story, boy meets girl, girl changes boys life forever. Oh, and it even has back and forth storytelling to keep you going. But it wraps up nicely with a twist.

Superman - Unbound  (a DC Comics film)
(*Based on the graphic novel "Superman VS Brainiac" **a prelude to New Kyrpton storyline, before "The New 52" relaunch.) Starring Matt Bomer (Clark, Kal-El), Stana Katic (Lois), and Molly Quinn (Supergirl) and many more!

This dark and gritty tale takes the superhero to new heights. Taking up the mantle watching over his cousin Kara, has taken Clark to a new destiny. No longer alone as a Kryptonian, their fates unite in challenging a familiar foe from their past / present / and future. Everything is on the line with danger across the galaxy. Brainiac in his true form wields unknown capabilities that the two heroes can barely take upon. Will they be able to save a part of their past?