They say styles make fights in Mixed Martial Arts. I like to think that stories make fights, too. Last night, Dan Henderson and Mauricio “Shogun” Rua engaged in a rematch from their 2011 War of Attrition, which is considered one of the greatest fights of all time. This time, instead of a wild brawl, we were treated to a tactical affair that produced a different type of excitement that kept fans on the edge of their seat.
Continue reading “H-Bomb Saves Dan Henderson in Brazil”
The Shadow/Green Hornet: Dark Knights Vol 1 | Writer: Michael Uslan | Artist: Keith Burns | Colorist: Tony Avina | Cover: Alex Ross | Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
Team-ups in comics are nothing new. However, the way Michael Uslan does it brings style and guile to a great premise featuring two classic pulp heroes.
The Shadow and Green Hornet are no strangers to deep-rooted conspiracies and it’s their similar personality that makes them a perfect combination to foil a history altering plot.
Speaking of history, actual events tied into the main plot serves the story in dynamic fashion. What might have been weaved with what could have been paints the antagonist, Shiwan Khan, in a treacherous light.
As the reader, we know the outcome of events like World War II, but the thought that there was such a potent influence behind it all makes the stakes that much higher.
Keith Burns produces some masterful layouts throughout the book. The flair exhibited when an alligator breaks through walls and chews up folks, only for Kato to take it out with some Karate chopping action is a guilty pleasure worth experiencing.
Come to think of it, I might make it my screen saver. Dark Knights is a fantastic read that works because of how the adventure unfolds. The volume one in the title of the book makes me up this isn’t the last we’ve seen of this intriguing pairing.
Score 8/10
Weirdly, we live in a world where Georges St. Pierre isn’t the UFC welterweight champion. Personal issues outside of the octagon altered the one constant that seemed like a sure thing. Robbie Lawler and Johnny Hendricks will go to war for the vacated title, and a victory for both fighters would make a remarkable story. A win for Hendricks gives him what many feel is rightfully his, while a Lawler victory would be the perfect bookend to a bitter-sweet journey.
Bouts that promise a slugfest to fail to live up to the billing. I believe UFC 171 will deliver everything a fight fan can ask for. I can’t even begin to tell you how excited I’m about this fight. However, you can read about it at Camel Clutch Blog.com
Breath of Bones: A Tale of the Golem HC | Writer: Steve Niles & Matt Santoro | Artist: Dave Wachter| Publisher: Dark Horse Comics | Release Date: February 26, 2014
When it comes to horror in comics, Steve Niles is truly in a league of his own. The way he brings fear to the forefront without blood and guts is simply remarkable. Breath of Bones tells the tale of a British pilot who crashes in a Jewish village which prompts a Nazi invasion.
Seeing the villagers’ heart and compassion before and as they aid the pilot gives the reader a certain anxiety when plight and slaughter become a possibility, which shows the real horror of the story.
Of course, a giant supernatural clay monster conjured up to destroy invading bigotry kind of makes you wish it would happen more often. Fear is used as a way to instill terror in a person or situation. However, using it as a catalyst to inspire courage in these characters proves to be just as thrilling as its actual intent.
Dave Wachter’s detailed visuals are a privilege to examine, and they truly inject life into the pages. Reading the four single issues was great, but enjoying this as one collected work serves the story even better because you’re not waiting a month or longer between releases.
As a result, you will appreciate and feel the emotional punch even more. A monster fighting monsters make Breath of Bones a wonderful example of why comic books are a preferred medium used to escape reality.
Score 9/10
I hated Legos growing up because my creativity laid dormant at the sight of those colorful interlocking bricks. Those around me could build wondrous worlds in the blink of an eye. I hid behind the notion that He-Man and Transformers were much cooler, which helped to justify my disdain. I recently watched a movie starring these same toys, and while I didn’t expect much, I took away so much from this movie. Continue reading “Everything is Awesome with The Lego Movie”
I stayed up late to watch the Guardians of the Galaxy trailer on Jimmy Kimmel Live, and I’m not sure if I like what I saw? I’ve watched it seven more times since I just can’t get a lock on how I feel about it. Visually, it looks amazing, but I question if the subject matter has the juice to a sustainable film franchise. Continue reading “Thoughts on the Guardians of the Galaxy Trailer”
The Mocking Dead Volume 1 | Writer: Fred Van Lente | Artist: Max Dunbar | Colorist: Aikau Oliva | Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment | Release Date: February 12, 2014 | Price: $17.99 | From my column @ Forces of Geek.com
I have watched many a role playing game in my day.
Notice that I said “watched” and not “played”.
I’m the guy at the table with his head buried in the rule book, delaying the game while highlighting my apparent lack of skill.
Continue reading “Review: The Mocking Dead Volume 1”
It seemed like only yesterday when Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi was the definitive dream fight being wished-for among die-hard MMA fans. However, fate had other ideas. Within a three-week time span, an out-of-shape Mousasi lost the Strikeforce light heavyweight title to King Mo, and Machida had the UFC light heavyweight title unconsciously taken from him by Shogun Rua. A new weight class and four years later, we have the combative chess match we’ve been waiting for. Continue reading “Calling the Shots of Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi”
I respect Jon Jones, the talented athlete, and extraordinary fighter but I have a hard time liking Jon Jones the personality. His apparent lack of humility rubs people the wrong way. Jones will tell you he’s not cocky, just extremely confident. The fine line between the two, however, makes it difficult to tell if Jones’ self-critique is fact or fiction. As a result, he gets little benefit of any doubt when he voices his opinion. Continue reading “I Agree with Jon Jones”
Snowpiercer Volume 1: The Escape | Writer: Jacques Lob | Artist: Jean-Marc Rochette Lettering: Gabriela Houston | Publisher: Titan Comics | Price: $19.99 | Release Date: January 29, 2014 | From my column at Forces of Geek.com
Snow and deadly subzero temperatures have blanketed the globe, killing off most life on the planet. What remains, lives aboard a train in perpetual motion. Continue reading “Review – Snowpiercer Volume 1: The Escape”
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