Remembering Great Things About 2011!

As we approach the end of 2011 and the beginning of a new year, I can't think of anything better or appropriate to describe my wishes for 2012 other than this simple panel from the Batman Adventures Holiday Special issue, featuring a quiet and tender discussion between two old friends of justice, The Dark Knight Batman and Police Commissioner James Gordon.

Seriously though, it's time for an annual list of popculture related things I found memorable within the year, and boy are there a lot to enumerate. Next year still ushers in The Dark Knight Rises, but this year also had big moments for the Caped Crusader, and he'll be featured extensively as I go on. Here goes some of the stuff I found so memorable for 2011.

COMICS: DC The New 52

Yes the big reboot. Call me biased or a sucker for Jim Lee's artistic talents, but I do love it when a plan, or in this case big gamble comes together, and 2011 saw the relaunch of the DC Universe in a somewhat new and unexpected way. Sure, it divided the comic continuity in a way where they weren't sure how taking the undies would make a difference, but it certainly sold numbers by the record, highlighted by the dominance of the publisher's flagship team-up title, Justice League, which is written by Geoff Johns and Jim Lee. Other nods go to Scott Snyder's Batman run, Jeff Lemire and Travel Foreman's Animal Man, and Grant Morrison's take on a younger Superman in Action Comics. Those books fared well. There are titles that have their flaws though, such as ones that treat heroines like sex objects (Starfire in Red Hood and the Outlaws) and books that readers fail to grasp like The Fury of Firestorm, but it's only been 5 months since the relaunch as of this writing, and it would be unfair to lay judgement right away without seeing a full year of this gamble take its course. So yes, 2011 in comics definitely was highlighted by DC The New 52. It was a big year indeed.


GAMES: Batman: Arkham City

Best. Comic. Book. Video. Game. Sequel. Ever. If you thought 2009's Batman: Arkham Asylum was a sophisticated and brilliant piece of work, this will blow you off the edge, much like how Christopher Nolan raised his bar by making The Dark Knight an even better movie sequel to Batman Begins! The Dark Knight reigned supreme in 2011 in terms of comics and games alright. Just wait til 2011 for the epic conclusion to Nolan's Batman universe!




TV SHOW: Game Of Thrones

I'd be lying if I said The Walking Dead Season 2 was my favorite pick of this year. No, that honor goes to HBO's live action TV series adaptation of George R.R Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" novels, using the title of the first book of the series as its name - "Game of Thrones". As the name implies, the series evokes a world where chivalry is all but dead and treachery and conspiracy run rampant, as different factions fight and battle one another for the Iron Throne and the Seven Kingdoms, not knowing what evil is slowly crawling out of the shadows. Martin has been called the "Modern J.R.R Tolkien", so that's saying a lot, plus Sean "Boromir" Bean of The Lord of The Rings fame is here as Lord Eddard Stark of Winterfell... How can you go wrong with epic here?!

MOVIES: X-Men First Class

Frankly, it was a toss between this and Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, but you can't go wrong with a formula that brings a classic Marvel superhero franchise together with an excellent cast and a near flawless script. The fact that this movie begs to be a semi-reboot of the X-Men film series bolds well for the franchise, and James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender outperformed themeselves as Charles Xavier and Magneto, leading to the birth of the "FassAvoy" and "McBender" era of internet memes. Actually, the origin also got accepted and embraced somewhat into mainstream Marvel continuity, so how's that for a domino effect. Definitely, X-Men First Class deserves the top spot for my movie of 2011!

ANIMATED MOVIE: Batman: Year One

Yes. This one takes the cake for perfectly adapting one of the most recognizable and seminal works of DC Comics, not to mention one of the series that returned Batman back to his darker roots. If you haven't watched this DC Animated Movie feature, I implore you to do so!

MUSIC: Maroon 5 - Moves Like Jagger ft. Christina Aguilera

As for BEST SONG, there are too many to count... But honorable mention is THIS:




Maroon 5 - Moves Like Jagger ft. Christina Aguilera

And there you have it... The Best I could pick out for 2011! 2012 is here, so Happy New Year!

The Incredible Hulk Unused Posters!

Via Comic Book Movie, some unused posters from Marvel Studios' 2008 movie "The Incredible Hulk" have surfaced online. One sample here has Edward Norton as Bruce Banner, undergoing the metamorphosis of turning into The Hulk!

For more information and to see the other unused posters, visit the source post at CBM! -

Unseen Footage from The Dark Knight!

Tweeted by famed comic book writer Kevin Smith, some unseen footage from 2008's blockbuster Christopher Nolan Batman movie sequel The Dark Knight appeared on You Tube, and the story was also posted in Slash Film! Check out the embedded video below, and check out some stuff you previously saw in trailers of the film and behind the scenes!


Unseen Footage from The Dark Knight!

For more scoops, visit the source post at Slash Film and Kevin Smith's Twitter Page! Be sure to catch the sequel, The Dark Knight Rises, next year on July 20!

Ghost Rider: Spirit Of Vengeance Official Website Launched!

Columbia Pictures has officially launched the official website to their upcoming new Ghost Rider film, Ghost Rider: Spirit Of Vengeance! Once again starring Nicholas Cage as Johnny Blaze/ Ghost Rider, the film opens early next year, and the website gives viewers a taste of things to come with some downloadable treats and a sneak peek of the official soundtrack for the movie! Check out more via www.thespiritofvengeance.com, and the source posts at Enewsi and Superherohype for more info!

Ghost Rider: Spirit Of Vengeance rides into theaters on February 17, 2012!

Behind-The-Scenes TDKR pic with Christopher Nolan!

Warner Bros. has officially released this awesome snapshot of director Christopher Nolan, busy behind the scenes directing his final Batman film, The Dark Knight Rises. Making the rounds at Comic Book Movie and Cinema Blend, this pic shows Nolan putting his game face on as he sets to work filming scenes with an IMAX camera, a practice he helped pioneer with the success of 2008's The Dark Knight and now The Dark Knight Rises on 2012. "Trust Nolan" is the phrase, and the director hasn't proven himself wrong with his string of hits yet, including last year's Inception! For more details on the story and pic, visit the source post at CBM and Cinema Blend!

The Dark Knight Rises jumps into theaters on July 20, 2012!

The Top 15 Biggest Box Office Flops of 2011

Via The Hollywood Reporter, a list compiling the Top 15 Biggest  Movie Flops of 2011  has gone online, and among them are a few big name films that just didn't deliver to the expectations of many this year. There are no surprises here, and the story's running on the popculture network sites like Comic Book Movie and Bleeding Cool.

Here's The list via Comic Book Movie.

Mars Needs Moms - Budget: $150M; Global Gross: $39M 
Sucker Punch - Budget: $82M; Global Gross: $89.8M 
Arthur - Budget: $40M; Global Gross: $45.7M 
Green Lantern - Budget: $200M; Global Gross: $219.9M 
Cowboys & Aliens - Budget: $163M; Global Gross: $178.8M 
Glee: The 3D Concert Movie - Budget: $9M; Global Gross: $18.7M 
Conan the Barbarian - Budget: $90M; Global Gross: $48.8M 
I Don't Know How She Does It - Budget: $24M; Global Gross: $30.5M 
The Thing - Budget: $38M; Global Gross: $27.4M 
The Big Year - Budget: $41M; Global Gross: $7.4M 
The Rum Diary - Budget: $45M; Global Gross: $21.6M 
Anonymous - Budget: $30M; Global Gross: $14.8M 
Tower Heist - Budget: $75M; Global Gross: $126.3M 
Happy Feet Two - Budget: $135M; Global Gross: $115M 
New Year's Eve - Budget: $56M; Global Gross: $54.9M

I've seen most of the movies up in this list, and frankly it's hard to argue with the disappointing numbers put up here. Conan The Barbarian and New Year's Eve I understand, but Sucker Punch, Green Lantern, and Cowboys & Aliens in particular were marketed as big blockbusters, and they didn't fare so well after getting released in theaters. Hopefully next year's tally of flicks get better results. For more info on the story, visit the source posts at CBM, Bleeding Cool, or THR!

Danny Trejo is the Epic Beard Man... aka "Bad Ass"!

Remember the internet sensation in 2010 of the " Epic Beard Man" beating up a bunch of hooligans picking on him in a bus?


Epic Beard Man (Guile Theme Style)

Well, now that's been turned into a movie... and Danny "Machete" Trejo is playing the role of the man infamously nicknamed "Bad Ass", Frank Vega! This 50 second trailer should give you the gist of what's going to happen... and in my action movie book, this deserves as much attention as The Expendables 2 next year! Check it out!




Bad Ass Trailer
Bad Ass indeed! Check out more info on the movie via the source post at Slash Film and the official Bad Ass Facebook Page!

Be sure to catch Danny Trejo being "Bad Ass" in theaters on April 2012! Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Season's greetings from The Crusader's Realm! It's a time for cheer and to huddle around those you love and cherish in life. Time to put the breaks on adventure and fun, and share some food, gifts, blessings, and memories with everyone! We're at the tail end of 2011, and I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy and Merriful Christmas wherever you are! No doubt the year has had its ups and downs, but be thankful for your blessings, pick yourselves up, and put a smile on your faces!

And as for the Batman, I found this somewhat sad and poetic message on the web that conveys a strong message...

Yes indeed, be thankful for your blessings! Have a grand Merry Christmas wherever you are!

The Dark Knight Rises: Spoofs/ Parodies of the theatrical trailer

Since it was released officially online earlier this week, the latest trailer of The Dark Knight Rises has been getting some pretty crafty spoofs and parodies.

Here's the "sweded" version, which is from Bryan Harley and friends... the same guys who made the sweded Avengers movie trailer spoof!


The Dark Knight Rises "sweded" trailer
Now, courtesy of Trailer Cats, comes the "Purrfect Parody" of the TDKR trailer!

  The Dark Knight Rises Purrfect Parody
Hilarious spoofs! Be sure to check the source uploads at Bryan Harley and Trailer Cats at You Tube!

Be sure to watch the actual TDKR movie next year on July 20!

Ridley Scott's "Promethues" teaser trailer

Just like that, another teaser trailer for another much anticipated 2012 film has arrived, and it comes from the legendary director of the "Alien" and "Blade Runner".

Via Screen Rant and iTunes, the first official trailer of Ridley Scott's "Prometheus" has finally made its way online! Chronicling a sci-fi adventure where a team of explorers seek the origins of mankind, the film takes on an "Alien" like premise when they discover a threat unlike no other, which brings humanity into a battle for their very survival. Click on the embedded video below to view the trailer!





Ridley Scott's Prometheus teaser trailer

Oh yeah, it's going to be a wild and fantastic outer space adventure ride, as only Ridley Scott can deliver! For more details on the film, visit the source post at Screen Rant and iTunes!

Prometheus will reveal itself to audiences on June 8, 2012.

Screen Rant's Batman Costume Infograph!

An interesting nod to the variations of Batman's costume came online via Screen Rant, as this infograph containing every significant Batsuit known through the years has come up, detailing all The Dark Knight's wearings since his debut in 1939! Take a look and enjoy browsing through some nostalgia and coolness.

Yes, The Bat (and his successors) has more suits than you can possibly imagine! Check out more info and details on this lovely story from the source post at Screen Rant and poster Ben Moore's Twitter!

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Trailer and Poster

Via Collider,  iTunes and Comic Book Movie, the first trailer and poster for Peter Jackson's The Lord of The Rings prequel movie The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey has finally hit the web. The film, based on J.R.R Tolkien's novel, chronicles the story of Frodo Baggins' beloved uncle Bilbo Baggins in his early years, as he is thrown into a quest alongside Gandalf The Grey and thirteen dwarves to reclaim the Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the dragon Smaug. Check out the trailer below to see the returning stars and actors from LOTR, as well as the new adventure coming next year!



The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Trailer

The Hobbit marches into theaters on December 14, 2012!

The Dark Knight Rises: Official Theatrical Trailer now online!

Finally making it's way online officially courtesy of Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures, here is the new theatrical and second trailer to Christopher Nolan's epic and final Batman film, The Dark Knight Rises! Starring Christian Bale, Gary Oldman, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Tom Hardy, Marion Cotillard, Joseph-Gordon Levitt, and Anne Hathaway, this final adventure of the saga of Bruce Wayne and his alter ego culminates with the ultimate battle against evil in the form of Bane, who will put The Dark Knight and Gotham City to the ultimate test. Check out the trailer below in all its High Definition glory.



The Dark Knight Rises Official Movie Trailer

This trailer was originally attached to Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, and now we have the real deal here. Anyone notice a certain easter egg with the "Rogues" sign boards? I'll leave it to you to find out.;) For more information, as well as juicy screen captures, visit the source post at Comic Book Movie!

The Dark Knight Rises brings an end to the legend of The Dark Knight on July 20, 2012!

The Avengers: New footage surfaces with German trailer!

Just like the title says. A new German trailer has appeared for Disney and Marvel's The Avengers, with new footage to boot! It's in German of course, but check it out anyway for the new scenes!


The Avengers German International Trailer The Avengers assemble on theaters on May 4, 2012!

Fanmade Awesomeness: Airsoft GI's Left 4 Dead - Impulse 76 Fan Film

Remember that Left 4 Dead fan made trailer post a few weeks back? Well, the final product and fan made movie itself has finally been released! Here's Left 4 Dead - Impulse 76, produced by Airsoft GI and Northern Five Entertainment! Be sure to look out for surprises, and no, I'm not talking about the zombies either !




Airsoft GI - Left 4 Dead - Impulse 76 Fan Film

Be sure to check out more via Airsoft GI's official You Tube page!

A first look at Ultimate Marvel Vs Capcom 3's Heroes vs Herald Mode!

Anyone a fan of Ultimate Marvel Vs Capcom 3? Prepare to receive a new update that will add more gameplay madness to the fighting game craziness!

Coming out as new DLC next week for the PS3 and Xbox 360 (and PS Vita), a new mode will be available called "Heroes and Heralds", a team-based singleplayer and multiplayer mode that gives players new abilities based on cards they earn, which allows them to upgrade and customize their characters as they see fit. Choosing between two factions, players compete with one another, either as a Hero or as a Herald of Galactus, adding a new layer of gameplay for UMVC3 players to enjoy! Via You Tube, Machinima has uploaded this preview video of the mode, showing how the mode works and how card system comes into play. Check out the characters from the Capcom and Marvel sides who have joined the fray as cards! For more info, check out the source post at Event Hubs!


Heroes and Heralds - an Early Preview by jmoonies (Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3)

Christian "Batman" Bale involved in real life police chase in China!

If you thought movies and Batman were all there is to Academy Award winner and British actor Christian Bale, think again.

Via a report by CNN and posted in websites like Comic Book Movie, Bale was involved in a clash with Chinese authorities and chased for about 30 minutes when he attempted to meet human rights activist Chen Guangcheng while he was in China for the premiere of his latest flick "The Flowers of War". Check out what happened in the embedded video below, coming from Mediate.



Christian "Batman" Bale involved in real life police chase in China!

Known for getting in rough situations now and then (including the infamous Terminator Salvation set mixup), Christian Bale still is my top pick as an actor to portray The Dark Knight. Catch him again when he wears the cape and cowl when The Dark Knight Rises arrives in theaters on July 20, 2012.

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance and The Expendables 2 Trailers!

Popping out of the woodwork yesterday and today are a couple of trailers for next year's line up of movies via Yahoo! and YouTube!

First up is this short but sweet 1:00 trailer for The Expendables 2!



The Expendable 2 Trailer

Next up, the theatrical trailer for Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance!

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance Theatrical Trailer

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance rides into theaters February 17, while The Expendables 2 arrives on August 17, 2012!

R.I.P Joe Simon. A Legend and Star Spangled Avenger of comics.

Another legendary icon in the comic book industry passes away, and now that's two stars who have gone to a better place.

By way of Comic Book Movie, famed comic book writer, artist, editor and publisher Joe Simon, best known as the co-creator of the iconic Marvel Comics' character Captain America, passed away this December 14 at the age of 98. This is sad news to bear, especially after last week's news on the passing of Jerry Robinson, creator of The Joker and another legend in the comic industry.

As a legend in the industry, Simon is well known for his time in Timely Comics (which would become the future Marvel Comics), where he became the company's first editor. He teamed up with the late great Jack Kirby, and went on to create some of the best stories and characters known in comics, among them being the patriotic hero and star-spangled avenger himself, Captain America. Joe also teamed up with Kirby during their tenure on DC Comics, where they would go on to do work on Sandman and co-create the Newsboy Legion. They were pioneers in the field of romance and horror comics, and Joe would also found the satirical magazine series "Sick", which began in the 1960's and last until the 1980's, which was well after his departure from the magazine in the 1970's. His death comes a week after Robinson's, and this is really sad news for fans of his works. However, it's fortunate he was able to see the character he helped co-create get the newest big screen live action film treatment, with this past July's release of Captain America: The First Avenger.




Joe Simon Co-Creator of Captain America Interview: Captain America Poster

Here is one of the last interviews done with the legendary comic guru himself, where he talks about a Captain America poster, as uploaded by joesimonstudios in You Tube. For more on the story, visit the source post at CBM.

And here's a quote straight from the man himself about Cap:

"Back then we had the Nazis coming after us for what we did to their Fuhrer, but the world is an even more dangerous place today, with the weapons out there and the threat of terrorism. So Cap is more important than ever, and the readers need him more than ever. They need a hero they can count on to do the right thing." -Joe Simon (1913 - 2011)

R.I.P Joe Simon, and know that you have blessed uswith some of the most inspiring creations the world and comics has ever known.

The Avengers: New banner posters revealed

Via IGN and Enewsi, Marvel and Disney have released two new banner posters for their 2012 superhero team flick, The Avengers! Similar to the ones they've posted before, this new set features new poses for Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), and a few others, which can be viewed below.

Pretty much the same thing going here, but it's more action pose oriented now, and definitely looks cooler than the first assortment. For more info and details, visit the source post at IGN and Enewsi.

 The Avengers assemble next year on May 4, 2012!

The Dark Knight Rises: Second Theatrical Trailer leaks online

In a manner similar to the first teaser trailer (and recently the TDKR Prologue as well), the new theatrical trailer for Christopher Nolan's next and final Batman film, The Dark Knight Rises, has been camcorded leaked online. Originally posted in Comic Book Movie, this is very bad and shaky camcord quality and it's not favorable to view, but if you still want to see it, here's the embedded video, as posted in You Tube.


The Dark Knight Rises Theatrical Trailer

*UPDATE: You Tube video has been taken down.

Honestly, it's better to wait for the real deal from Warner Bros. itself, but nevertheless, view at your own risk here. For more information, visit the source post at CBM.

 The Dark Knight Rises shines over theaters worldwide on July 20, 2012!

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance: New Poster and early reviews!

Via  Comic Book Movie, Colombia Pictures has released a new poster of Nicholas Cage's new Ghost Rider film, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance. Once again reprising his role as the cursed motorcyclist Johnny Blaze, he must once again ride into adventure as his hell spawn alter ego, protecting the lives of a mother and child while facing a new dark threat bent on destroying them. Check out the poster itself, featuring the rider riding and dishing out some hellfire justice.

The film recently premiered at Harry Knowles annual "Butt-Numb-A-Thon" over at the states, and early reviews were generally unfavorable. It won't be until next year still anyway, but that's not a good sign at all. Also, I just recently found out that this IS NOT a sequel to the 2007 Ghost Rider, and as the wikipedia states, a whole new origin sequence will be filmed. For more info, visit the source post at CBM!

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance rides into theaters on February 17, 2012!

A Masked Kane returns to WWE!

It's been a while since I've posted anything on WWE, but today is a good day as any, as a well known and beloved superstar makes his long awaited return!

In last night's episode of WWE Monday Night Raw (December 12, 2011), Kane, the Big Red Machine himself, made his  comeback during the highlight match of the night between John Cena and Mark Henry. The latter wrestler and WWE Smackdown's reigning World Heavyweight Champion put The Undertaker's brother out for five months, and since then nobody has heard from the Big Red Monster... until now. Check out the clip, as aired in WWE Raw and uploaded in You Tube.


Kane returns with a mask in WWE Raw 12/12/11!

New Mask(s), New Costume, and New Theme Song. Kane has returned, and he'll be wrecking havoc to Cena, Henry, and the rest of WWE! For more info, read the rest of the story at WWE.com!

G.I.Joe: Retaliation Trailer!

Via Machinima.com, the official G.I. Joe Facebook page and a post by Comic Book Movie, The Great One himself, Dwayne "The Rock"Johnson, has released the first official trailer for next year's upcoming G.I. Joe movie sequel, G.I. Joe: Retaliation!



G.I.Joe: Retaliation Trailer

Yes! Snake-Eyes and co. are back to kick Cobra ass, and The Rock is Roadblock! Also, yes, that is Bruce Willis you see, and he's going to play General Joseph Colton, a character known to Joe fans as the first G.I. Joe! For more information, check out the source posts at The official G.I. Joe Facebook Page, The Rock's Twitter, and CBM!

G.I. Joe: Retaliation blasts into theaters on June 29, 2012!

Men In Black III Trailer!

As the title suggests, the first trailer for Columbia Pictures' next MIB adventure of Agents K and J has arrived online and on You Tube! Check it out and judge for yourselves what to expect when it hits conventional and 3D theaters!


Men In Black III Trailer

The Men in Black return for MIB III on May 25, 2012!

The Dark Knight Rises: "The Legend Ends..." Teaser Poster

December is a big month for fans of Christopher Nolan and Batman. It heralds the release of the much anticipated prologue of "The Dark Knight Rises" with IMAX screenings of Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol. It also saw the rise of the viral marketing campaign for the movie by Warner Bros, plotting down clues and various interactive material for fans to decipher in order to learn information related to the movie (and in the case of Operation: Early Bird, the locations of early screenings of the prologue).

Now, as mentioned months before and to probably usher in the debut of the new trailer sometime this month, Warner Bros. has released the newest poster for The Dark Knight Rises, and it signals the coming of Bane (played by Tom Hardy), and the end of an era that started in 2005 and skyrocketed with an awesome sequel in 2008. Take a look at the one sheet!

Very nice, and it echoes the promise of Bane "breaking the bat" ala the classic Batman storyline "Knightfall", where The Dark Knight's spine was broken by the brute. It follows the style of the past Nolan Batman movie posters, and is quite epic-looking indeed. For more info, check out the source post at SuperHeroHype!

The Dark Knight Rises and legends end on July 20, 2012!

Spike VGA 2011 results: Big winners and announcements rocked the show!

As with all Video Game related events, the Spike Video Game Awards 2011 went big and fast. In addition to the nominations and awardees of the most epic and absolute video games out this year, gamers got a taste of things to come with announcements, trailers, and the like! Read some highlights I found awesome from the event after the jump!

The Dark Knight Rises: Operation Early Bird is a go...

Operation: Early Bird is a go...

And it's simply relaying coordinates via a broadcast system found in www.thedarkknightrises.com that shows the locations of IMAX theaters around the world.

Yes, this particular viral marketing campaign event launched by Warner Bros. is simply giving off locations worldwide where viewers can catch the 6 minute prologue of "The Dark Knight Rises". The countdown at www.operationearlybird.com has expired, and in its place is a map ala google maps that you can use in conjunction with the numbers broadcasted at www.thedarkknightrises.com to find out locations of said IMAX theaters near your area (at random though).

This is kind of a letdown as I was expecting a new theatrical trailer of TDKR instead, but I hear that one wil be premiering soon enough, and it's clocked in at the 2:06 mark. Stay tuned for more updates, and visit the sites above for more on the Viral Marketing Campaign.

The Dark Knight Rises premieres in theaters worldwide on July 20, 2012! Be sure to catch the TDKR prologue itself next week as it airs properly in 70mm IMAX screenings of Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol!

TDKR Viral Marketing Campaign: Operation: Early Bird

Straight out of the Twitter feed @thefirerises, a new clue for "The Dark Knight Rises" was unveiled, teasing something called "Operation: Early Bird" which starts at 10am PST and ties in to the previous two viral marketing files released by Wired and Empire.

What this means is, again, anybody's guess, but be sure to follow @thefirerises on Twitter for updates, as well as visiting the site operationearlybird.com, which has gone live online. For more info on the story, visit the source post at Superherohype!

The Dark Knight Rises scrambles into theaters next year on July 20!

Fan Made Awesomeness: Left 4 Dead Fan Film Teaser

If anybody has played and loved Valve's epic First Person Shooter zombie series "Left 4 Dead", then you owe it to yourselves to see this great fan made video by Airsoft GI, who practically stay true to the game's look and feel! Check it out!


Airsoft GI - Left 4 Dead Fan Film Teaser

Yes, that's Zoey, Luis, and Francis you see in the trailer, and not to spoil anything about the plot of L4D or its sequel Left 4 Dead 2, fans will know where this picks up from. A full movie is on the way soon, so be sure to check out Airsoft GI's official You Tube page time and again for updates!

R.I.P Jerry Robinson, creator of The Joker

Sad news just hit today, and for those who love all things Batman and everything related to his greatest arch-nemesis, The Joker, it's time to pause for a moment and remember a true legend in the world of comics.

Jerry Robinson, the man who is credited for the creation of The Clown Prince of Crime, passed away in his sleep at the age of 89 this Thursday, December 8. Blogsite NYC Graphic Novelists was the first to break the story, and soon many other comic book websites, including Newsarama and Comic Book Resources, followed with reports soon after.

The Dark Knight Rises Viral Marketing Begins

Back in 2007, months before "The Dark Knight" was released in theaters on July 2008, Warner Bros. and Christopher Nolan took teasing and fan interaction to the next level by introducing various "viral marketing campaigns". Every one of them, while fictional, purposely served as a cryptic clues and lead ons to the actual movie, ranging from mini online games to actual puzzles and scavenger hunts that sent fans on a solving frenzy, rewarding them in return with scribbles and downright amusing stuff (one reward in particular being the first official image of the late Heath Ledger as The Joker). Now, the legacy continues, as Nolan's next and final Batman film preps up to do the same!

As of today, "The Dark Knight Rises" has now officially started its viral marketing campaign, beginning with a CIA Bulletin that was posted on Wired and features the profile of one Dr. Leonid Pavel (played by Alon Abutbul), and then another on Empire featuring a document that has a transcript of a conversation between a Militia man and a mysterious CIA Staff member.

What these mean and how it relates to the overall plot of TDKR is anybody's guess. More clues are surely on the way... so let the speculation begin for now. In the meantime, look forward to the 6 minute prologue that's going to be attached with IMAX screenings of Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol next week, as well as the new trailer coming before the year ends! For more information on the viral marketing campaign pics you see here, visi the source posts at Wired, Empire, and Superherohype!

The Dark Knight Rises glides into theaters worldwide on July 20, 2012!

Marvel reveals Avengers Vs X-Men for 2012!

Next April, two of the greatest teams in the history of Marvel Comics will duke it out!

Announced in Marvel.com, what was teased as the Phoenix Force and the resurrection of Jean Grey has now been revealed as "Avengers vs X-Men", a 12-issue miniseries that will encompass the entire Marvel Universe! The Phoenix Force is returning to earth, and it will choose a new host that will have Earth's Mightiest Heroes clashing with The Uncanny Mutants. With the writing team of Brian Michael Bendis, Jason Aaron, Jonathan Hickman, Ed Brubaker, and Matt Fraction, as well as the artistic talents of John Romita Jr., Olivier Coipel, and Adam Kubert, this is a sure hit series that will get true believers talking for some time to come upon its release next year! What's more, with the recent split between the X-Men and certain mutants among the Avengers' ranks, the stakes are gonna be high here! For more information on the story, visit the source post at Marvel.com!

 Avengers vs X-Men comes out on April 2012!

Persona 4: The Ultimate in Mayonaka Arena test footage and movelist revealed!

Announced last August by Famitsu, Atlus and Arc System Works are releasing a joint fighting game project called "Persona 4: The Ultimate in Mayonaka Arena", based on Atlus' successful PS2 RPG "Persona 4". Japanese Anime and Drama website Crunchyroll reports that location test footage from Tokyo has been uploaded online, showing more gameplay action of the upcoming 2012 brawler. As seen in You Tube, here is one of the said footage below:


Persona 4: The Ultimate in Mayonaka Arena Loketest Gameplay 1

Also featured were the images and instructions on how to play the game, as well as the movelists for characters appearing in the fighter. Here's a look at some of them:

That's just a taste of the good stuff. Check out the rest of the other characters' movelist at the source post at Crunchyroll. If you haven't seen the trailer to P4: The Ultimate yet, here it is again reposted.


Persona 4: The Ultimate in Mayonaka Arena Trailer

Persona 4: The Ultimate in Mayonaka Arena is slated for release in Summer 2012 for the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360.