Remembering Great Things About 2010!

Soon, 2010 will be over! There's so much to remember this year for... and I can only name a handful! These are just some of the highlights of Popculture fun and style I can remember that gave me quite a kick this year... and I'm hoping to get more excitement in the year to come as well! Here's the list, and I do hope you guys enjoy it!

Comics: BATMAN INC.

THE BEST NEW COMIC BOOK SERIES FOR 2010. After the startling changes made since Bruce Wayne's return, The Dark Knight's crusade against crime just went global... and he's building an army to help him out~! Technically, it picks up where Batman and Robin left off, and still has the main architect and writer of the series, Grant Morrison on board! It's still on the early stages, but I'm liking what I'm seeing so far, and the fact that there are TWO main Batmen made this such an appealing year for Bat fans! 2011 watch out!

Movies: INCEPTION

DEFINITELY THE MOVIE OF THE YEAR FOR ME. There are other strong contenders like "The Social Network" and "The Fighter", but this really did me in for 2010, and it has become so memorable that I have invested in so much stuff related to this film, including merchandise and the awesome musical score by composer Hans Zimmer. Director Christopher Nolan has really crafted a masterpiece that will be remembered for all time, and I can't believe the all star cast he assembled for this movie. Wild and roaring performances by Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Tom Hardy, and Ellen Page just add so much flare here, and I can't believe we were all taken for a ride inside what is truly the dream movie of 2010.

TV Series: The Walking Dead

BEST TV SERIES OF 2010... WITH ZOMBIES! I was literally salivating over this show when it was first announced, and when it premiered on Halloween this year, boy did it deliver big time! Robert Kirkman's seminal work of the undead has graced television with flying colors, and even with its short six episode run, its success has inspired the powers that be and AMC to green light a second season due next year! Bear in mind, anyone who enjoys zombies will enjoy this tale of desperate human survival in an undead world, and it's developed by legendary film director Frank Darabont to boot! A true must see!

Music: USHER - DJ GOT US FALLIN' IN LOVE

LAST SONG SYNDROME MUSIC OF 2010. It will continue beyond, I'm sure, and the beat is quite catchy. I hear this piece of urban flavor almost everywhere I go, and it's sure to make a buzz come the celebration tonight and more after that! Awesome is the word! Yeah Man!

Games: Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker

Most enjoyable game of 2010. Nothing has kept me going back to my Playstation Portable every chance I got this year other than this game, and it's a pity that I've already finished it! True, there's replay value and plenty of CO-OPs to play with friends, but the novelty has surely worn off at this point, and a lot of us are already expecting the inevitable sequel to be made! It also borrows heavily from the Monster Hunter series, and I hope more collaborations between Konami, Hideo Kojima, and Capcom are made in the future! I look forward to more Snake tales... and hopefully ones that involve multiplayer and being on the go!

Well, there you have it so far on my end... and on a final note, another greeting to come in a bit.XD

A 2010 NBA Highlight To Remember!

I hardly watch Basketball or NBA on television, but after what my brother just shared with me, I'm inclined to believe that anything is possible... and I do mean ANYTHING. The December 29th game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Sacramento Kings proved to be one night to remember, and this post from Yahoo! Sports! and a clip from You Tube proves that it will be a night to remember!



What an AWESOME shot and way to cap 2010! Happy New Year in advance folks, and congrats to Tyreke Evans and the Sacramento Kings!

The New Fantastic Four?

Well, this is shaping up to be a new year surprise for next year...


After the event-shattering Fantastic Four story "Three" concludes, it seems that things will be changing permanently for Marvel's First Family whether they like it or not come March... and they'll be getting new members and a reboot in the process as well. From the cover to the new series "Fantastic Four #1", it seems than Nathan Richards and Doctor Doom will be the possible new members of the team... and it also foreshadows who among the original four will bite the dust. The Human Torch and Invisible Woman, aka Johnny Storm and Susan Storm Richards, are not seen in this picture, so one of them is sure to meet their demise. I don't know who it'll be, but I have my hunch. Stay tuned for more updates as they become available, but for now, visit Marvel.com for more info and a look at the past and present of the Fantastic Four.

Happy Birthday, Stan Lee!

Woah, True Belivers! December 28 just so happened to be the birthday of one of the living legends of popculture and comics, and it's only right to send him a happy and heartfelt greeting!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY STAN LEE! Here's to more Excelsior moments to come!

Natalie Portman - Engaged and Pregnant!

News travelled through the grapevine fast, as People reports that actress Natalie Poetman is engaged and expecting her first child next year! The girl who's iconic Hollywood resume includes playing the roles of Padme Amidala in the Star Wars Prequel Trilogy and Evey in V for Vendetta, is now expected to tie the knot with chreographer Benjamin Millepied, and the couple is also expecting their first child next year. Portman met her soon to be husband during production of her latest flick in theaters, Black Swan. The full story can be read at People Mobile, so be sure to check it out.

Holiday Hiatus!

Well, this was to be expected! I may or may not be clocking in for updates, as I'll be off for a few days to spend the holidays right and well! If ever, I hope to sign back in just before the new year ends! Until then, belated Merry Christmas to you all, and hope you have a wonderful time wherever you may be! Happy Holidays!

New Soul Calibur Is On The Way!

Hot on the heels of that new Tekken Tag Tournament 2 trailer comes another announcement from the guys over at Bandai Namco that fighting game fans are sure to be talking over! It seems that producer Katsuhiro Harada has just confirmed that a new Soul Calibur game is in the works, which was also confirmed by the new installment's director, Daishi Odashima! There are no details about the game at this point, save for the lone teaser image that accompanied the tweet of Daishi from his official Twitter page! It's good to know that a new installment is on the way, and that makes for more fighting in the stage of history! For more on the story, visit the source post over at Daishi's Twitter and Kotaku!

Tekken Tag Tournament 2 Update: New Trailer! New Character! New... Heihachi?!

Yep, you didn't hear that wrong! As teased and finally unveiled via his Twitter and reported via Kotaku, Tekken series director Katsuhiro Harada has given fans another glimpse at his next blockbuster 3D fighter by Bandai Namco, Tekken Tag Tournament 2, featuring a younger Heihachi Mishima... with a full brush of hair! He still sports his regular Karate gi, but now the ruthless head of the Mishima Zaibatsu is faster and more vital than ever! This change was only natural, considering the fact that it was teased in the last TTT2 trailer, and the fact that Heihachi's original voice actor/ seiyuu, Daisuke Gori, tragically passed away January early this year. Hopefully this makeover pays him tribute and does the character's legacy justice! Check out the new Tekken Tag Tournament Trailer below... with a surprise reveal at the middle of it!

Tekken Tag Tournament 2 Trailer 2

Egads! Is that a jab to one of Street Fighter IV's new characters I see? Oh Harada-San!XD Looks like this is the best Christmas tease for Tekken fans this year!

Merry Christmas Everybody!

The day is finally here! I do hope everyone is enjoying the holiday spirit and looking forward to spending time with family, friends, and loved ones around some nice food and presents! It's also a good time to give, share, and do something nice for a change! However you spend it folks, I still want to greet you all before settling down and relaxing. So without further delays, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everybody! I'll leave you all with one song that always warm's my heart whenever I listen to it!

Let It Snow - Boyz II Men

Learn How To Survive Zombies During The Holidays!

It's Christmas Eve, and the holiday spirit is up in the air! However, if a zombie attack ever happens, you may want to check out this pretty informative video I found via i09, which teaches one to survive a zombie apocalypse during the holidays! Give it a watch and learn the essentials!XD

Happy Holidays everybody! Watch out for zombies!XD

Spider-Man Reboot Update: Emma Stone gives an update on her role as Gwen Stacy

Anyone familiar with the Spider-Man mythos knows Gwen Stacy. She was Peter Parker's first true love, and because of the relationship she shared with him, she was destined to be put in harm's way, eventually ending up dead during a battle between Spider-Man and his archnemesis, The Green Goblin (aka Norman Osborn). The character was taken out and supplanted by Mary Jane Watson in the first two Sam Raimi films (only for her to be introduced in the third film), but the new reboot to be helmed by Marc Webb puts the blondie back in the spotlight as the main love interest, with actress Emma Stone playing the coveted role opposite Andrew Garfield's Peter Parker. However, the big question in most fans minds was this: Would Gwen's tragic tale of death be told in the first film? SPOILERS AHEAD after the pic:

The answer is a simple NO. Via a post in io9 and during an interview in The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Stone says during a conversation that she may be sticking around in the long run for a few more Spidey films, suggesting that there are more tales to be told before a possible "death" story ever gets considered. That's probably a good thing, considering that Mary Jane has gotten more exposure as Spidey's love interest and one time wife. It's still a long way til 2012 for the reboot gives viewers a chance to check out Stone's performance as Gwen, but here's hoping we see something good and promising when the time comes. For more info, check out the source post over at io9!

The Spider-Man reboot spins its way to theaters on July 3, 2012.

Marvel Officially Announces "Fear Itself"

At their recent Press Conference in Midtown Comics and via a post by Newsarama, Marvel has officially announced their next big event come April next year - "Fear Itself"! While details of the plot still remain sketchy and mysterious, several teaser posters were already shown and released by The House Of Ideas in the previous week, and the tale is going to be helmed by the creative duo team of writer Matt Fraction and artist Stuart Immonen! To tease, Marvel has served up the trailer via their official website! You can also check it out below!

Fear Itself Trailer

Not quite enough? You can check out more details via Marvel.com's post, which has more videos of the Press Con and a special message from the writer of the upcoming mini-series himself, Matt Fraction!

The "Fear Itself" event begins on April, 2011!

Last Marvel "Fear" Teaser Poster and A Big Announcement Coming Later!

Here it is... The last "Fear" poster released by Marvel Comics! The tagline, begging the question "Do You Fear... The Legacy You'll Leave Behind?", shows a squadron of Iron Men charging to battle, with the giant mugshot of Iron Man looming on the background. Obviously, this is interpreted as the legacy of Tony Stark and Iron Man falling into the hands of God knows who... and his technology gets replicated to become another weapon for the highest bidder. Whether this and the rest of the teasers becoming a reality or not is still not for certain, but Marvel is holding a press conference soon to make a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT on what this new project for April 2011 really is. Right now, stay tuned for more updates, and check out more details via the source post over at comic blogsite Newsarama!

On a side note, Marvel's own editor Joe Quesada just posted a link of this drawing on his Twitter, showing a nifty colored sketch of Ol' Shellhead in action, which is part of a cover to be revealed on said press conference! What could it be? We'll just have to wait and see!

Looking Ahead To The Walking Dead Season 2!

Couldn't get enough of AMC's The Walking Dead? Neither could I and the rest of the fans around the world after only 6 episodes, and it will be a long agonizing wait until the 13 episode filled Season 2 shows up. Fortunately, the creators of what is arguably the "Best New TV Series of 2010" have posted a "Sneak Peek" video of what viewers can expect next year, as the story of Rick Grimes and his fellow survivors continues in a world now populated by the living dead! Check out the video!

A Look Ahead To The Walking Dead Season 2

There you have it, straight from the mouths of director Frank Darabont, writer/ creator Robert Kirkman, and the rest of the makers and the stars of the TV series themselves! It's a long wait, and The Walking Dead won't be around until sometime October 2011 next year! Look forward to it and more zombies! In the meantime, read the comics, and visit the official website for more info and goodies!

BlazBlue: Continuum Shift II Heading To PSP Soon!

Siliconera reports that Arc System Works is bringing their recently updated fighter, Blazblue: Continuum Shift II, to the PSP! The game was just released in arcades early this month, and because of the game's sheer and undeniable popularity, it's now making its way to Sony's little portable device just like its predecessor before it, BlazBlue Portable. No release date has been given, but the game will support four players in multiplayer mode (two fight, two watch), and new scenarios and an "Abyss" mode will be incorporated into the game as well. Stay tuned for more updates on the game when news becomes available. For more info, visit the source post at Siliconera, and thanks goes to fighting game pal it_burns for the update!

Tomb Raider Collection Coming To PS3 On 2011!

Looks like Lara Croft's recent adventures will be getting the High Definition treatment, as Kotaku reports that three of Crystal Dynamics' past Tomb Raider titles will be rereleased as one "Tomb Raider Trilogy" collection come March next year! The rerelease will be rendered in HD of course, and the games will also support trophies, an essential and definite reason for fans of the series to replay these games just before the new Tomb Raider adventure hits! For more on the story, check out the source post at Kotaku!

More Marvel "Fear" Teasers Pop In...

Before Xmas week ushers in, here are some updates on Marvel's "Fear" poster campaign that teases some big things to come this April 2011.

Last Thursday, this poster came in showing a regretful Hulk kneeling before a wrecked battlefield filled with the mangled bodies of Earth's Mightiest Heroes, The Avengers. The tagline reads "Do You Fear... Losing Control?", and seeing how unstable and unpredictable Bruce Banner's alter ego can be, you never know if this outcome is a plausible one in the coming months ahead.

This latest poster, showing Thor at the mercy of his own father Odin, was released last Friday and has the tagline question "Do You Fear... Family Secrets?" written on it. How this plays on the God Of Thunder's latest adventures is beyond me, but it could spell foreshadow the return of ol' one-eye Odin himself, who chose not to be reincarnated along with the rest of Asgard after modern times. We'll just have to see if this also means there's dirty laundry amiss in the House of Odin.

Movie Review: The Fighter

Movie: The Fighter

Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams

Directed By: David O. Russell

Before I dig into the hype and nostalgia that goes with TRON: Legacy, I'd like to distance myself first and talk about the other movie around the corner... the one that's bound to be the "underdog hit" of 2010. I say this not because a lot of people are talking about it; I say it because I literally enjoyed the heck out of this movie, and it wasn't just the action and presentation. Oh no, David O. Russell's "The Fighter" was a dramatic tale that was both brilliant and satisfying, based on a true story that follows two brothers' sworn dedication to boxing and the ring that takes them on an unprecedented journey of courage, sacrifice, and determination to overcome all odds and emerge victorious in the end. Naturally, it is that kind of setting that you see in every dramatization of a story inspired by real life events, but this one has heart and emotion all over it - the kind that is well meaning and supplemented by brilliant acting courtesy of A-List talent that cannot be underestimated by the audience.

See Leia, Han, and Chewie Buy The Farm In Star Wars: the Force Unleashed II!

Sadly, I kid you not. A couple of videos were released by IGN and featured in websites io9 and Slash Film that were UNTHINKABLE in the original movie trilogy, but are entirely possible now in the game universe of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2. In the expansion pack "Battle For Endor", your character (choosing the path of the Dark Side) will have the opportunity to fight AND kill Han, Chewbacca, and Leia - 3/4 of the main cast! Check out the videos and see for yourselves! SPOILERS though!

SW: The Force Unleashed 2 - Han and Chewie Death

Now it's Leia's turn... and she's not going out without a fight... armed with a yellow lightsaber!

SW: The Force Unleashed 2 - Leia Death
Well, that's it... How gruesome!

Marvel Vs Capcom 3 Update: Episode III Trailer!

Right out of nowhere and just like that, Capcom has released the latest "Episode Trailer" that features the characters and bits of story teases for their next signature brawling series with Marvel to be released next year, Marvel Vs Capcom 3: Fate Of Two Worlds! The trailer has made it to You Tube, and it features the new characters revealed in the past few months, such as Magneto, X-23, Modok, Arthur, and Albert Wesker, and lots of other stuff that's sure to make the fans speculate and go crazy! Go check out "Episode III" now!

Marvel Vs Capcom 3 Episode III Trailer

Marvel Vs Capcom 3 unleashes fighting mayhem on February 15, 2011!

Marvel Teases Images That Promote Fear...

For the past few days, Marvel has been releasing a series of images that tease big changes, dire consequences, and/ or catastrophic events that MAY or MAY NOT happen this April in the Marvel Universe. Comic blogsite Newsarama has also featured these in their recent posts.

The latest image, showcasing Steve Rogers clothed in his old Captain America uniform, shows him battle-damaged and despondent, as he kneels before his once indestructible and now broken shield.

A loss of faith for Cap? It won't be the first time for the super soldier, but what prompts it will be interesting to see if it happens...

A previous image promoted a possible X-event. Cyclops is clad in Magneto's uniform, and this is not too far from how the leader of the X-men has acted over the past couple of X-stories. Will he become something more... sinister? We'll just have to see if April leads him to the path of the dark side...

Finally, the first image released of this series shows Spider-Man witnessing several social issues plaguing the world as it. How the hero confronts it is a problem he has to tackle a day at a time... but can his determination carry on as it becomes serious each day?

More images are still expected to be released by Marvel. For more info, visit Marvel.com and Newsarama!

Iron Man 3 Update: Jon Favreau won't be returning as director...

This news is just as disappointing to hear as any recasting and reboot issues Marvel films have had in the past. Having viewed the rumors this morning and now getting wind of confirmed reports via Comic Book Resources, it seems that Jon Favreau, the director of the Iron Man films, WILL NOT return to direct Iron Man 3.

This is pretty sad news to hear, considering Favreau is one of the few and rare directors with the passion and understanding for comic books and characters such as ol' shellhead. Were it not for his contributions and vision, Iron Man wouldn't have turned into the blockbuster franchise that it is today, and given the success of said franchise, the director has moved up the Hollywood ladder and is now going on to direct other sweet projects such as the upcoming "Cowboys & Aliens" and Disney's forthcoming "Magical Kingdom". Admittedly, "Iron Man 2" did not share the same quality of enjoyment as the first film, but Jon Fav had a tight 2 year schedule to work around with, and the final product was still enjoyable despite the pacing issues. Still, Favreau's recent tweet confirmed a rumored report by Vulture that he won't be returning to direct the next sequel, which is a bummer in every sense. Robert Downey Jr. is still contractually obliged to return as Tony Stark/ Iron Man, but we won't be getting the heart and soul behind the franchise... unless he returns to star as Happy Hogan, which Jon has done in the past two films as well. Still, this change in creative control issue is far depressing for this Iron Man fan, and who knows what the future will bring for the franchise come 2013. For more details on the story, visit the post over at CBR.

Iron Man 3 soars into theaters on May 3, 2013

Fast Five Teaser Trailer Rides Online!

What do you get when you mix Paul Walker, Vin Diesel, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, and a lot of smooth looking powerful cars? Lots of high tension and excitement that's what, as Universal Pictures debuts the first trailer to the latest installment in The Fast and The Furious series, Fast Five! Movie news site Slash Film featured the teaser in one of their latest posts, and now viewers can get a glimpse of what to expect in the next movie, which takes place right after the last one, with ex-cop Brian O' Conner (Walker) and Dominic Toretto (Diesel) on the run from crime and the law. The Rock plays Agent Luke Hobbs, a federal agent looking to capture both Brian and Dom and put them back behind bars. Check out the trailer to see the action!

Fast Five Teaser Trailer

Fast Five rides high into theaters on April 29, 2011!

Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Official Trailer Debuts Online!

Come May next year, it's time to hoist the colours and set sail once again with Johnny Depp, as he once again returns to his savvy and infamous pirate role as Captain Jack Sparrow in the fourth installment of the Pirates Of The Caribbean franchise - Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides! Walt Disney Pictures has officially released the first trailer of the film,showing Captain Jack setting forth in a new adventure as he seeks out the legendary Fountain Of Youth. He will once again butt heads with Hector Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush), and come face to face with the legendary pirate BlackBeard (Ian McShane), who also seek the fountain for its power. Sparrow will also have to contend with an old love interest named Angelica (Penelope Cruz), who just so happens to be the daughter of BlackBeard. To see the swashbuckling action you can expect next year, check out the trailer!

Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Trailer
Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides sets a course for theaters on May 20, 2011!

X-men Arcade Debuts on PSN and Xbox Live This Week!

I featured this a couple of months ago, but this week is the time it comes out for PSN and Xbox Live, and I'm excited for it!

X-men Arcade CO-OP Playthrough

Come December 14 and 15, Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 owners will want to log in and purchase this classic! It's the online debut of the classic X-men arcade game by Konami, so go and relive this 1992 old school beat 'em up game! Visit Marvel.com for more info!

2010 Spike TV VGA Highlights: Batman Arkham City, Uncharted 3, and Kratos goes to MK!

There's a lot to be said about video games, and it's a glorious feeling whenever there's news and trailers showcasing some things that definitely look exciting to play in the coming months ahead! Such was the case with this year's Spike TV Video Game Awards, and all of the announcements made there were enough to send gamers around the world in a frenzy! Take for instance the case of the upcoming new Mortal Kombat game by NetherRealm Studios. It began as a rumor a few days ago, but now it's very OFFICIAL that Kratos, the one and only protagonist of the God Of War series, is now an exclusive Kombatant in the PS3 version of the new MK game! Yes, the Ghost of Sparta makes another jump to the fighting game plane after his last appearance in Soul Calibur: Broken Destiny for the PSP! Check out the trailer and see for yourselves how he adjusts to his new surroundings!

Mortal Kombat - Kratos Reveal Trailer

Heh, as if things weren't crazy in the Mortal Kombat universe already!

Next up, we got the new trailer for the much anticipated and long awaited sequel to Batman: Arkham Asylum - Batman: Arkham City! Here's the new trailer showing some more bits of the new game's story, plus the appearance of another sinister Batman rogue and villain - Dr. Hugo Strange!

Batman: Arkham City VGA Trailer

And finally, here's the trailer to another much anticipated sequel - Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception!

Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception VGA 2010 Trailer

Oh yeah, another Indiana Jones/ Die Hard styled adventure game to look forward to! This PS3 exclusive is coming November 1, 2011 next year! For more Spike TV VGA scoops, as well as news on other games such as Elder Scrolls V, Mass Effect 3, and Prototype 2, visit Kotaku!

Thor Update: The First Official Trailer!

Midgar shined earlier this week with the unveiling of the first Thor movie poster. Now, Marvel Studios and Paramount Pictures have debuted the first official trailer online, giving true believers around the world a glimpse of the Thunder God's adventure next year in theaters as he battles to protect Asgard and Earth from evil forces that would do harm! Directed by Kenneth Branagh and starring Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins and Natalie Portman, this is one Marvel adventure you don't want to miss! Check it out!

Thor Movie Trailer

Thor unleashes his might and Mjolnir on May 6, 2011!

Marvel Vs Capcom 3 Update: Storm and C. Viper are in!

The list just gets bigger and bigger for Marvel Vs Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds, and now via news from Event Hubs, an old favorite and a new fighter join the ranks of what could possibly be the biggest crossover game of the 2011!

X-men mainstay and the queen of Wakanda Storm joins the ranks of the Marvel community, as she lends her mutant powers over weather and the elements to once again battle her foes! Check out the reveal video to see her in action!

MvC 3 Storm Reveal Video

Having just made her debut in 2009's Street Fighter IV and previously hinted months ago via a silhouette image, it can now be confirmed that C. Viper has been chosen to represent the new guard in the Capcom side, showcasing her skills and knowledge in the field of espionage! Here's another video that shows off her moves!

MvC 3 C.Viper Reveal Video

Oh, and a new artwork/ poster was revealed today by Capcom Europe, drawn by Marvel hotshot German artist Marko Djurdjević!

Marvel Vs Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds unleashes itself on February 15, 2011!

Look forward to some "Real Steel"!

Wanna see Hugh "Wolverine" Jackman in a movie where robots fight in the ring and he trains one to get one last shot at a comeback? I do too, and this trailer just made me all the more curious and excited for a movie which is like "Rocky" and "Fight Club" meets "Transformers". Check out the trailer to "Real Steel"!

Hell, I gotta say I was pretty surprised by the impact and hype I feel surrounding this movie, and I'm definitely going to check it out once it arrives in theaters October next year. For more info and background on the movie, check out the source post over at Slash Film!

Transformers: Dark Of The Moon Trailer has hit online!

I still think the title feels incomplete somehow, but here it is. Paramount Pictures and Michael Bay have released the long awaited first trailer of Transformers: Dark Of The Moon. Check it out in the player below.

Transformers: Dark Of The Moon Trailer

Transformers: Dark Of The Moon unleashes its invasion on theaters July 1, 2011.

Batman Arkham City Update: New Mini Teaser Debuts

Kotaku has posted up an MSN video that is a mini teaser trailer to the new Batman game Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and Rocksteady Studios are working on - Batman: Arkham City! The sequel to 2009's smash hit "Batman: Arkham Asylum" is expected to hit on fall 2011, and fans around the world are awaiting new footage from the game, which is expected to debut in this weekend's Spike TV Video Game Awards. It's still a couple of days wait, but here's the MSN video where Batman is being hunted by a couple of experts... and their attempt to do so does not bode well at all.

Batman Arkham Asylum Mini Trailer
Batman: Arkham City is due for the Playstation 3, Xbox 360, and Microsoft Windows on late 2011. For more on the story, visit Kotaku's post!

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.