Overview: Transformers Prime

Transformers Prime. The new animated Computer Generated series based on Hasbro's infamous toy franchise. If there's one thing to be said about this series, I never expected it to be THAT GOOD, and the plot consistency of each episode coupled with so much kick ass action deserves the praise and love it gets from its viewers. The show, produced by Transformers movie writers Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, obviously takes a cue from the movie franchise with its dark look and alien robot tone, but it also draws inspiration from several other TF shows, namely Transformers Animated and Beast Wars, with this new toon also bearing similarities to latter, which was also a dark themed CG animated series that took some time for me to get used to. I'll admit, I grew up with the tried and true "Generation 1" era of Transformers, and nothing has stood the test of time or surpassed the fandom that series has amassed to this day. However, there have been several exceptions with the other TF related shows over the years, and I'd like to include this one on that list.

Transformers Prime Launch Trailer

So what's great about the new show? Plenty I must say. Five episodes have aired since its November 29th premiere, and it can be called one heck of a season premiere at that. The story is not so much a part of the movie continuity, but it takes heavy inspiration from that timeline, so you can call this show a "spiritual successor" of sorts. The Autobots remain the minority and continue to safeguard humanity from the evil Decepticons, who are bent on conquering the everything to achieve total domination in the universe. Old favorites return of course, andOptimus Prime and Bumblebee in particular look like their movie counterparts, so as not to alienate the new kids who appreciate the film franchise. Also, legendary Prime voice actor Peter Cullen returns to the role that defined his career, so that's gotta give plus points to this show that old school TF fans like myself will enjoy watching once we hear that familiar heroic voice boom in our TV sets. To add icing in the cake, another familiar name returns as well - namely Frank Welker, who once again assumes the role of Optimus' greatest nemesis, Megatron! That's two voice acting legends back in the Transformers universe, so how can you not be curious about Transformers Prime?

There's a lot of familiar names in Prime to get the fans excited for this show. Arcee and Ratchet from the old guard return with new personalities that will definitely intrigue viewers. Anyone who enjoyed Animated will be glad to see that Bulkhead made the cut too. Fortunately, he's not as dumb as he was in that show, so rest easy with the major comedy relief thoughts. Humor is still in this show, but there's a huge layer of dark storytelling present as well, and the Decepticons are not adversaries to be taken lightly. Heck, this may be a SPOILER to some, but Cliffjumper, one of the most recognizable names in Transformers history, is killed off early on in the first episode, and he was voiced by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson no less! The 'cons don't mess around, and Megatron, Starscream, Soundwave and the gang have as much dark intentions as they have superior numbers to overwhelm the Autobots in a bot fight. Fortunately, our heroes don't go down that easy, and they have new human allies to count on as well. While I don't really care for the latter group, they do ground the storytelling and make the Autobots more involved with earthly affairs.

Since five episodes just premiered, it's too early to tell how they fair in the grand scheme of things. Right now, one thing is certain - Transformers Prime has impressed me so far, and I can't wait to see the rest of the show in its 26 episode season run!

A New Venom Will Appear In Amazing Spider-Man #654.1...

Via Marvel.com and Comic Book Resources, the cover to Amazing Spider-Man #645.1 has been revealed, showing Spider-Man on the run from a new and menacing looking Venom, as illustrated by Paulo Siqueira. Apparently, the Black Symbiote will choose a new host when the issue hits shelves and retailers this coming February, and it will separate from its current one, Mac Gargan, who I assume will go on back to his former and most well known identity, The Scorpion. Honestly, a new Venom will never replace the original, Eddie Brock, who has gone on to become the Anti-Venom (seriously). It's anybody's guess now who the new guy is, so stay tuned for more on this story. In the meantime, check out more info from CBR's post.

Spider-Man Reboot Update: First Look at Emma Stone's Blonde 'do for her Gwen Stacy!

Coming Soon and Superherohype have pics of Emma Stone with her new Blonde hairstyle, which the actress will use as she portrays Gwen Stacy, Peter Parker's love interest in Marc Webb's Spider-Man reboot movie!

Personally, Ms. Stone is looking mighty fine and fabulous with that hairdo, and she'll make a fine Gwen Stacy! She stars opposite Andrew Garfield, who is Peter Parker/ Spider-Man in the film, and shooting starts this month for a 2012 release! For more info, check out the source post at Superherohype!

The Dark Knight Rises Update: No Harvey Two-Face returning

This is pretty much a known fact, but if you watched the end of 2008's "The Dark Knight" carefully, you know that Harvey "Two-Face" Dent, portrayed by Aaron Eckhart, died after Batman lunged at him to save Commissioner Gordon's son, resulting in Dent hurling to his death on the ground. Still, that didn't stop fans from speculating whether Dent did die or just lay unconscious, ready to return for a sequel should it happen.

Well, MTV News finally had a chance to meet and ask Aaron Eckhart again, who himself was quite curious about whether or not Two-Face was indeed coming back for 2012's "The Dark Knight Rises". He met up with director Christopher Nolan and asked about his role, and this is what he had to say about that meeting in this interview with MTV:

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

There you have it. Heartbreaking as it is for us and Aaron, the movie timeline still has to move forward. For more info, check out the source post over at MTV.

The Dark Knight Rises is still scheduled for release on July 20, 2012.

UDON teases a MEGA reveal next week!

Via Capcom-Unity, UDON Comics is prepping up to reveal something big with a MEGA announcement on Wednesday next week. The publisher responsible for bringing some of Capcom's legendary franchises such as Street Fighter and Darkstalkers to the comic book and artbook scene are apparently going to add another entry to their impressive lineup... and what that is anybody's guess based from this image featuring Megaman from Megaman Legends. Stay tuned for more updates come next week. For more info, visit the source post at Capcom-Unity!

Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition Update: Oni Akuma and Evil Ryu Revealed!

It appears that Capcom hasn't been pulling any punches in regards to adding new content for their impending arcade release of Super Street Fighter IV! Their official site has released a new trailer, and it showcases not only the previously announced Yun and Yang, but a tease of two new fighters who are no strangers to long time fans of the series - Oni Akuma (or Shin Akuma) and Evil Ryu! This big update has also been posted on Event Hubs, so check out the trailer and see for yourselves! The game will be released sometime this month at arcades in Japan!

Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition New Trailer

The Dark Knight Rises Update: Christopher Nolan DENIES Joker cameo rumor

Well, that didn't take long to debunk, so anyone holding their breath for the return of a certain Clown Prince of Crime, you'd better stop now.

Just a day or so ago, rumors were spilling in the web that The Joker would return in a cameo sequence somewhere in "The Dark Knight Rises", Christopher Nolan's next and FINAL Batman movie due in July 2012. The rumor stated that Nolan and his crew would incorporate unused footage of Batman's archenemesis, portrayed by the late Heath Ledger, and combine it with CG sequences to make a short scene where the clown would show up again, albeit in a smaller and brief capacity.

Well, as it turns out, that rumor is FALSE. According to a report by The Hollywood Reporter which was also posted in Newsarama, Chris Nolan and his wife have denied the rumor, stating that Ledger's performance will remain in "The Dark Knight", and the script for Rises hasn't even been finished yet. So there you go, and I feel it is better this way. Even with a cameo incorporated to the next film, it will remain nothing more than a cameo, and it won't do justice to the act Heath gave to the world as The Joker the first time around.

The Dark Knight Rises launches itself into theaters on July 20, 2012.