Superman: Earth One, Volume 3 Review

Superman is more than a comic book character who saves the day by leaping into action in a single bound.

He is an ideal that we all strive for every single day. At least, that is what most people would have told you several years ago.

In 2015, the general consensus was that he’s too powerful, and therefore, he’s boring and unrelatable.

When you peel back all the layers of contempt that didn’t exist a generation ago, the answer is more intuitive than a super-powered skill set. The affluence of Superman’s deeds still causes us to look inward, but instead of finding inspiration, we see an underlying arrogance in the ease of his endeavors.

That is how much of an imprint The Man of Steel has on our culture: that we look beyond the obvious nature of truth and justice only to see a pronounced representation of what we can’t do. Continue reading “Superman: Earth One, Volume 3 Review” →

Finn Bálor and Adrian Neville Set The Stage For NXT Takeover

– WWE NXT Results – 2/4/15 | Fail Sail University, Winter Park, FL | Commentators: Corey Graves, Rich Brennan, and Alex Riley

NXT kicks off in SWAFT fashion as Enzo Amore and Big Cass get the crowd going. They introduce Carmella who tells the crowd that Blue Pants (who defeated Carmella on 1/1/15) went back to the clearance rack. Emma comes out next with her usual bubble entrance and dance number.

– Emma vs. Carmella

The crowd loves Emma and they’re happy to see her back at Full Sail. Carmella doesn’t care and goes right in for the attack but Emma catches her with some forearms. Carmella is able to out power Emma to take control of the match. Emma bounces back with a two clotheslines. Emma looks to have things well in hand until Carmella delivers a drop toe hold and applies a leg scissors choke, forcing Emma to tap out.

The SWAFT crew celebrates in the ring while Emma looks dejected. Emma was a little more intense this time around and it was mentioned that Emma is back in NXT to jump start her career and she might be a little sour as a result. Carmella compliments Cass and Enzo’s act but she isn’t as over with the crowd, yet. Enzo has charisma for days and “you can’t teach that!”

Winner: Carmella via submission Continue reading “Finn Bálor and Adrian Neville Set The Stage For NXT Takeover” →

Calling The Shots: Anderson Silva vs. Nick Diaz

Anderson Silva vs. Nick Diaz main event at UFC 183 is a fight that was never supposed to be made. A middleweight that walks around at 220 lbs. and a thinly framed welterweight doesn’t make sense in the combative sphere of the MMA. However, a gruesome injury, along with the eclectic desire to only vie for a high valued prize, suddenly made this bout go from impractical to something that makes complete sense.

Silva is coming off a thirteen-month layoff after recovering from a broken leg he suffered in his bout with Chris Weidman. Diaz emerges from a 22-month retirement where a seven-figure payday in a loss to Georges St. Pierre made him very selective on who he does business with inside the confines of the Octagon. Continue reading “Calling The Shots: Anderson Silva vs. Nick Diaz” →

The Resurrection Of Jake The Snake

When you think of those who epitomize professional wrestling in the mid 80’s to early 90’s, the three most prominent names are Hulk Hogan, Ultimate Warrior, and Macho Man Randy Savage. The electricity of the Warrior, the fever of The Madness, and the power of Hulkamania have left an indelible imprint on pop culture and resonate with the most novice spectator.

Jake “the Snake” Roberts fits into a pantheon of his own, and rides on an advanced placement level of performance that has not only captivated a worldwide audience but his skill has earned him the utmost respect of his colleagues.

Even if you never watched a single episode of WWF television, chances are you know Roberts by two distinct characteristics: his signature maneuver, the DDT, and a giant python named Damien in a big green bag hoisted over his shoulder.

I recently watched a documentary that chronicles Roberts’ road to recovery titled The Resurrection Of Jake The Snake which just made it’s world premiere at the Slam Dance Film Festival. You can check out my review of the movie right now at Forces Of Geek.com

Rocket Raccoon #7 Review

The creativity of Skottie Young and the hijinks of Rocket Raccoon are a perfect match that can’t be denied.

The diversity of this series is produced like a variety show that has something for everyone. In this particular outing,

Rocket and Groot and stranded on the dreaded Winter Planet. Groot is angry at Rocket for breaking off a piece of his body to use as firewood.

Sure, the furry Guardian didn’t ask permission, but that’s ok, they need to stay warm. Ice giants looking to clobber the two outlanders halts the humorous banter.

Fun action turns into a grave situation for Groot. Young seamlessly tears away Rocket’s tough exterior as bravado is replaced with gut-wrenching concern for his best friend.

“I don’t need no stupid ice ninja’s help” is a spit in the face of adversity when the locals try to convince Rocket that Groot will not survive.

Filipe Andrade’s artwork is fun to examine and works extremely well with the stories multi toned approach due to his expressive style. This is a pivotal stop on Rocket’s journey towards a redemption of sorts.

The thought of losing the one constant in his life after discovering he is the last of his kind drives him to new heroic heights.

Score: 3.5 out of 5

Braving The Storm For Bret Hart

My neck of the woods here in Massachusetts is in for a historic blizzard where a statewide travel ban has been issued and heavy power outages are expected. WWE announced that this evening’s episode of Raw and tomorrows Smackdown taping in Boston have been postponed.

I can’t remember the last time that WWE had to cancel a TV show due to the weather. The pending storm is bringing back memories of the time where I foolishly braved the elements to watch a particular wrestling match.

It was my sophomore year of high school and the April Fools Storm of 1997 was in full swing. I was counting down the minutes with baited breath until Monday Night Raw came on the air. The reason I was so excited is because The Rock, known at the time as rookie upstart Rocky Maivia, was defending the Intercontinental Championship against Bret “Hitman” Hart. Continue reading “Braving The Storm For Bret Hart” →

Looking Back At The First Royal Rumble Match

This Sunday will mark the 28^th installment of the Royal Rumble. The Rumble itself is arguably the year’s most anticipated match. Between the wrestlers’ order of entry and that element of surprise when the unexpected occurs, there are many nuances that make this match so exciting.

Going back to the inaugural Royal Rumble in 1988, it is clear that this initially was not some grand concept that would serve as a cornerstone of WWE programming. Quite a few things occurred that go against the grain of what we have been conditioned to expect today.

Continue reading →

Trophies In Pro Wrestling

In professional wrestling, championship belts are the benchmark for success. Those who wear fifteen pounds of gold and leather around their waist are either considered the best in the world, or at worst, the top two out of three.

Trophies in wrestling also award athletic achievement and recognize merit of a particular accomplishment such as winning a battle royal or tournament. Declaring an honor such as “best wrestling match” or “coolest finishing maneuver” also earns with the winning nominee a trophy.

In 2013, Prince Devitt (Finn Balor) won the Best of the Super Juniors tournament for the second time. BOSJ is held annually by New Japan Pro Wrestling and is a round robin style tournament featuring 18 wrestlers divided into two blocks. Devitt defeated Alex Shelly in the finals to take home the trophy deeming him the best junior heavyweight in the world.

My latest article at What Culture.com reviews some of the trophies in professional wrestling that either played an important part in a particular match or a wrestlers career. Click here to check out 10 Wrestling Trophies You Need To Know About.

Star Wars #1 Review

I was barely five years old when my father came home with a VHS tape that said Star Wars on the cover.

This unfamiliar title sparked a resounding sense of curiosity because there was no explanation or synopsis as to what I about to witness or how it would change my life.

Five minutes before my bedtime, I was told to sit down, stare at the TV, press play and prepare to be transported into a galaxy far, far away. Continue reading “Star Wars #1 Review” →

Somebody Get Me A Condominium On The Moon: Randy Savage Makes The Hall Of Fame

After all this time, it’s finally official. Macho Man Randy Savage will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame the night before WrestleMania 31. Regardless of what anyone thinks of the HOF’s legitimacy, Savage’s induction is long past due.

To me, Randy Savage will always represent the moment professional wrestling became a lifelong passion of mine. While channel surfing on a hot summer night in 1988, I stumbled upon a Mega Powers promo and was immediately drawn in as they vowed to bankrupt the Mega Bucks at Summer Slam 88.

Continue reading “Somebody Get Me A Condominium On The Moon: Randy Savage Makes The Hall Of Fame” →