Via Newsarama and DC Comics' official blog, The Source, comic book readers can expect a new way of reading about the exploits of the favorite DCU superheros like Superman and Batman, as DC prepares to launch an ongoing wave of graphic novels that are set apart from existing continuity and will introduce a new world in which new stories will be told and contained in a brand new universe in itself. In 2010, DC Comics welcomes you to Earth One, where old heroes get retold in new tales based on a brand new continuity.
Beginning next year, the first two heroes getting this treatment will be none other than the Man Of Steel and The Dark Knight themselves. SUPERMAN: EARTH ONE, written by J. Michael Straczynski with art by Shane Davis, will retell the origins of the Last Son Of Krypton and his evolution into one of the most beloved heroes the world has ever known. From the cover alone, this looks like an interesting read, and with JMS onboard, we can expect some action packed hero writing.
If that sounded awesome, this next one takes the cake. Geoff Johns, the writer of Green Lantern and architect of Blackest Night, will be hitting the strees of Gotham City along with artist Gary Franks, as they introduce readers new and old to the legend of the caped crusader himself in BATMAN: EARTH ONE. Orphaned at a young age due to crime and desperation, Bruce Wayne made a solemn vow to rid his city of the element that took his parents lives. After years of training and studying, he transforms himself into a mighty warrior that stalks the shadows and strikes fear into the hearts and minds of criminals everywhere.
Wow... with all these talents on board, I can't wait to see these next year. Earth One, here we come!
I'm taking the fast trip back to nostalgia lane again, all because I happened to pick this up today, and boy, what a rush this game gives me! It's all coming back!
I've always been a fan of the Ridge Racer series. Despite the realism and fine tuning Sony's Gran Turismo series offers, nothing beats the old arcade feel that Namco's driving simulation series offers, and with that exhilaration comes the thrill of speeding up, overtaking your adversaries, and crossing that finish line to the sound and smell of sweet victory. Since the age of the original Playstation, the 'Racer series has remained strong and prolific, spawning numerous titles and sequels that continue to showcase the great lengths technology will go to make racing games as real (or unreal) a driving experience as they come. However, the one title that sticks to my head like a golden egg is the third installment of this illustrious series that, in my opinion, redefined the Ridge Racer experience altogether - Rage Racer.
Released way back in December 3, 1996 for the Playstation, Rage Racer was in ways the precursor to Gran Turismo in terms of delivering an advanced single player career driving game experience. In that mode, Players could use the money they win from races to buy and customize other cars and rides, which become available for purchase as the game progresses. Courses start off easy at first, but more challenging one ones pop up as they are completed, offering more prize money and better competition to take on. There are a total of 5 Classes the player must breeze through, as well as an Extra Gran Prix mode that, upon completion, brings on Class 6, which is the finale of the game and offers more secret cars to purchase at the shop menu. Car manafacturers were entirely fictional, but most of the vehicle models were patterned after existing ones, even including a Truck and a Mini Cooper in the mix.
Rage Racer Intro
Like the past games, Rage Racer takes on an arcade style of gameplay, relying on speed and drifts to make it past obstacles and sharp turns in a race course. The player can choose between Automatic Transmission and Manual Transmission, with the latter providing a more "realistic" approach to controlling the car. Fundamentally, the game was still Ridge Racer, taking a lot of liberties from the Arcade game "Rave Racer", but adding some console elements and tweaks not present in the other games. Graphics were pretty much a step forward in Rage compared to its predecessors, and aside from the customization and single player options, this game formally introduced the female mascot and face of the series, Ms. Reiko Nagase. She happens to provide the game with some much needed fan service, and is most probably the announcer that speaks as you make waves in the game.
Rage Racer Gameplay
What is probably the big highlight of the game for fans like myself is the outstanding Electronic Music soundtrack produced by Namco's then new sound team. Unlike the other games, the sounds were more jazz and techno based, with tracks like "Hurricane Hub", "Lightning Luge", "Rage Racer", and "Silver Stream" being among the popular choices. The latter song happens to be my favorite track among the bunch, and it's the kind of song that makes for some smooth listening when you're driving fast.
Rage Racer OST - Silver Stream
Back in it's day, Rage Racer was phenomenal for a racing game in the PS1. Before Gran Turismo changed and defined the genre as we know it, this was the best driving experience players could enjoy and zip themselves into. Namco always delivered some quality products, and their Ridge Racer series, despite having some bumps and skids on the road, always came up as solid presentations in the end. I'm glad to have run into this classic again, and it's sweet to pop it in the ol' PS1 and enjoy it despite its age.
Sad news came off the wrestling community, as professional wrestler Eddie Fatu, better known as the Samoan Bulldozer "Umaga", passed away after suffering a heart attack. Also known as Ekmo and Jamal of 3-Minute Warning, he is the real life cousin of wrestlers Rosey and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. WWE confirmed the unfortunate news on an article their official website, and it's a sudden loss to take in for fans and peers alike. Fatu, 36, was released from the company last June, and since then he has been performing in other road shows, like the recent Hulkamania Tour in Australia.
After only a few days of seeing a new poster with Iron Man and War Machine side by side, Empire magazine and Marvel Studios have debuted a new international one sheet that shows Tony Stark wearing his entire armor sans helmet. Check it out below:
Woah. Robert Downey Jr. plays a serious face here, and that look is just bad ass! I really can't wait for May 7, 2010 now.
During the mid 90's, I never expected to own a Sony Plystation. I always thought I'd be sticking with one of the two big names during that period, which were Nintendo and Sega. In fact, The former was supposed to have a partnership with Sony that would bare a CD-Rom based system, but that fell through, and the latter company went solo and created the system that eventually became its own household name and a new gaming force to be reckoned with. That was how the Playstation was born, and I got my first taste of it in '96 with three games that changed my opinion about the console - Ridge Racer, Street Fighter Alpha, and Resident Evil. After playing those games, I craved for some PS Goodness, and eventually I got my own system, which serves me until this very day despite having two successors to its name. Owning all three consoles and a portable gaming handheld has been nothing short of fun and sweet, and I look forward to more exciting possibilities with the system as the years go by. With that said, it's time to celebrate and commemorate... Happy 15 Years, Playstation!
Since revealing itself to the hundreds of thousands of millions of people on the web yesterday, the new poster of Iron Man 2 has drawn lots of praise, as well as many questions, as to what fans can expect on the next movie starring the armored avenger. The most obvious draw seen on the image is Tony Stark/ Iron Man standing side by side with his comrade in arms, James Rhodes/ War Machine. Like many guys out there, it's a kick ass inclusion by Jon Favreau considering the fact that in the first movie, there was a scene where Rhodey (played then by Terrence Howard) mused about putting on a spare Mk II suit... until deciding against it, but giving an awesome quip that made fans hopeful for the sequel - "Next Time, Baby". That next time moment will be seen in theaters on May 7 next year, but it won't be Mr. Howard putting on the silver and grey armor, being replaced by fellow actor Don Cheadle instead due to a much publicized contract dispute.
More info on the casting issue can be read via this article from Yahoo Movies, but the big poster reveal also came with some details regarding the plot of the next movie in regards to how Rhodey got the suit and all. This is pretty much a SPOILER (so look away now if you don't want to know), but according to the post, the Silver Mk. II armor is taken by Rhodes and given to Tony's new business rival, Justin Hammer, for enhancements. The latter is another IM foe from the books who's had a long history of creating various tech wear for armored foes of the golden avenger, and supplying Rhodes with the upgrades and firepower makes for an interesting debate - is War Machine Friend or Foe in Iron Man 2? In the comics, War Machine has fought Iron Man several times due to uneasy personal issues that have strained their friendship, so will something that drives a wedge between the two be the catalyst for an armor vs armor showdown? We'll just have to wait and see.
Iron Man 2 hits theaters on May 7, 2010, don't forget!
I wake up to a clear day with some GREAT news for comic and movie fans! Yahoo Movies and Marvel Studios have just revealed the first poster of Iron Man 2! Check it out!
Alright! If you're all thinking "Is that who I think it is?", then yes, your eyes don't deceive you friends... it's War Machine, aka Colonel James "Rhodey" Rhodes, standing side by side with his best friend and ally, Tony Stark... The Invincible Iron Man! Man, Jon Favreau really knows how to tease 'em! This Poster looks so hot now, I'm already craving for the sequel already!
Iron man 2 launches on May 7, 2010... Superior Tech!
