Batman #34 Review

Batman-selfie-variantBatman #34 | Writer: Gerry Duggan, Scott Snyder | Artist: Matteo Scalera | Colorist: Lee Loughridge | Publisher: DC Comics | Price: $3.99 | From my column at Forces of Geek.com

The first issue in a post in a post-Zero Year world brings self-contained tale without Greg Capullo and only a dash of Scott Snyder. I know, I know, I did the same, “aww man, gosh darn it, and that’s whack” when I heard the news as well. However, it turns out that absence of elite talent brings about the inclusion of some great creativity. Continue reading “Batman #34 Review”

The Battle of WWE’s Institutional Racism

 

 

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     Article written for Gerweck.net

The accusation of racism in WWE has once again reared its ugly head. It is an issue that has been brought up over the years, but never thoroughly investigated because only a handful of wrestlers have spoken out on the matter. Also, because professional wrestling is dismissed more often than revered as an entertainment genre, the issue is often swept under the rug and never taken seriously. The Atlantic’s article on racism in professional wrestling sparked the first real conversation on the matter, and the recent firing of Alberto Del Rio has raised concern and awareness on the issue to an increasingly unprecedented degree. Continue reading “The Battle of WWE’s Institutional Racism”

Hey Yo, I’m Not Watching Raw Tonight

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Millions of wrestling fans across the nation will be watching Monday Night Raw this evening. However, I won’t be one of them. It should be a fun episode considering it’s not only the go home show for Summer Slam, but it’s Hulk Hogan’s Birthday and a big celebration is planned with surprise guests including an nWo reunion. I’m a huge mark for the black and white clad stable, but I just don’t have it in me to watch a classless buffoon receive a thunderous applause from an arena full of people while getting a payday to boot. The jackass I’m referring to is Scott Hall. Continue reading “Hey Yo, I’m Not Watching Raw Tonight”

Phil Baroni vs. Karo Parisyan: A Link To The Past

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Phil Baroni and Karo Parisyan recently clashed in a welterweight bout, at Bellator 122, that instantly brought me back to the infancy of my MMA mega fandom. In 2003, Baroni took the UFC by storm with his “New York Bad Ass” persona and brutal knockout power, and Parisyan made his UFC debut with an impressive display of Judo that shook the welterweight division. I was surprised I hadn’t heard about this fight until the morning of the event. Baroni and Parisyan are nowhere near the top ten today, but they are recognizable names from an era that ushered in the sport’s boom period. Continue reading “Phil Baroni vs. Karo Parisyan: A Link To The Past”

Evil Empire #3 Review

 

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Evil Empire #3 | Writer: Max Bemis | Artist: Ransom Getty, Andrea Mutti | Colorist: Chris Blythe | Letters: Ed Dukeshire | Publisher: BOOM! Studios | Price: $3.99 \ From my column at Forces of Geek.com

Max Bemis’ work on his debut series Polarity was trip down the rabbit hole of depression with a superhero spin to it. His writing spoke to me on so many levels because I felt the authenticity in his words which stems from his battle with bipolar disorder. Bemis brings the same genuineness to Evil Empire as he touches on our society’s state as a whole and the perceived BS that seemingly holds it all together. Continue reading “Evil Empire #3 Review”

UFC’s Calendar Craze

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It’s funny how sometimes you can set out to do one thing, and then completely turn around and do something else. I’m of the opinion that the UFC is putting on way too many shows. The interest varies across the board due to some cards boasting big-name stars on the marquee while others simply have nameless faces posing as feature attractions.

 

With approximately forty-five events scheduled for 2014, the UFC runs the risk of over-saturating the market which will lead to customer fatigue. However, what if every event was must-see TV? As I was writing an article for the Camel Clutch Blog, my analysis of the situation has changed my position on the matter. There is a method to the Zuffa onslaught of shows that could pay huge dividends going forward.

 

Check out my newest article titled “Too Many UFC Shows Could Be a Good Thing” up now at the Camel Clutch Blog.com

 

Why Can’t Brock Lesnar Be WWE Champion?

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The main event for Summer Slam is set. Brock Lesnar will challenge John Cena for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Some are predicting a Lesnar victory while most feel he has no business being champion. However, it is business that is driving the decision to possibly make him the king of the mountain.

Continue reading “Why Can’t Brock Lesnar Be WWE Champion?”

Gustafsson Out, Cormier in against Jones at UFC 178

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Extra, extra, read all about it. Alexander Gustafsson is out of his title fight rematch against Jon Jones, and Daniel Cormier will step in as his replacement on September 27th in Las Vegas. It’s a shame that Gustafsson is injured and will miss out on his opportunity for the time being. However, this new match up presents a plethora of possibilities. Continue reading “Gustafsson Out, Cormier in against Jones at UFC 178”

Stephanie McMahon Stole The Show on Raw

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Credit WWE.com

The corrupt authority figure is an exhausted crutch in the storytelling that is a part of professional wrestling. While many have assumed the position, few have flourished in the role. Vince McMahon was the best in this situation because not only does he really own WWE, but more importantly, he is not afraid to show his ass…sometimes literally. I have to give props to Stephanie McMahon for her performance as of late. Triple H never shows weakness or vulnerability, so his character is easy to tune out. Stephanie, on the other hand, is doing things differently. Continue reading “Stephanie McMahon Stole The Show on Raw”

Hackivist HC Review

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Hacktivist HC | Creator: Alyssa Milano | Writers: Jackson Lanzing & Collin Kelly | Artist: Marcus To | Colorist: Ian Herring | Letters: Deron Bennett | Publisher: Archaia/Boom! Studios| Price: $24.99 | From my column @ Forces of Geek.com

Hacker stories are a dime a dozen, but Alyssa Milano, yes, that Alyssa Milano, has presented a fresh premise that is engaging and ties into all of the concerns we have about social media.

Our story follows Ed Hiccox and Nate Graft, who, by day, are brilliant young co-founders of YouLife social networking company. Continue reading “Hackivist HC Review”