Remembering 2012~!

Time for another year in review post... This time for the year 2012~! It's been a stellar year for movies, comics, games, and yes even music, and there's a lot I'd like to nominate from the circle of great choices that have made this a memorable time for all things popculture.

Now, before we sign off 2012 and get to the picks, here's a Happy New Year greeting to you all!

COMICS: Batman - Death of the Family

Still ongoing at the moment but promising to spiral down into a story Batfans will never forget, Scott Snyder has followed up on his epic "Court of Owls" run of The New 52 Batman series with the return of The Dark Knight's epic nemesis The Joker in a very sinister and gruesome form. Last seen in the pages of last year's relaunch of Detective Comics #1, the Clown Prince of Crime had his face removed and has finally returned... Targeting Batman and his allies in a way that will change them forever when all is said and done. This is sure to be a classic fans will never forget!

MOVIES: The Avengers and The Dark Knight Rises

This is a tie, certainly because one ushered in the BIGGEST blockbuster superhero team-up movie ever and the FINAL CHAPTER of Christopher Nolan's epic Dark Knight Trilogy! Both movies took in a lot of Box Office Returns for 2012, but The Avengers clearly stood out on top between the two thanks to the sheer number of heroes gathered in the film.

On the other hand, The Dark Knight Rises also wrapped up the trilogy pretty well... A feat rarely accomplished by most superhero movies. The tale of Bruce Wayne's journey was weaved together well by Nolan and his team, and it will certainly go down as one of the best superhero movie adaptations ever based on realism and detail.

ANIMATED MOVIE: Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part I

Long awaited and highly anticipated an animated adaptation, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part I certainly gave comic book fans who remember Frank Miller's seminal work a good treat of finally seeing an aged Batman returning from a 10 year self-imposed retirement to fight crime once more. It's missing some of the dialogue from the books that made it noteworthy but it's still fun as heck, especially with casting legendary Robocop actor Peter Weller as Bruce Wayne/ Batman! January will see Part II out in the market, and if you get a chance to pick this up in home video, do so.

GAMES: The Walkind Dead: The Game

Nominated as "Game of the Year" at this year's Spike TV Video Game Awards, I only recently played and finished the retail edition of The Walking Dead: The Game, and I can totally see why it earned that award hook, line, and sinker. Telltale games has crafted a compelling tale that tests your choices, your humanity, and how you can survive the zombie apocalypse with a band of other survivors and a little girl under your care. It's worth checking out, and very easy to play at that. In fact, the first episode that makes up this 5 episode season is free for the iOS and Xbox Live Marketplace.

TV SERIES: The Walking Dead - Season 3 and Arrow

Still at its mid-season hiatus, The newest season of The Walking Dead has proven that it has comeback strong and hard in presenting an action-packed drama full of zombies and humanity going head-to-head amidst the apocalypse. Rick Grimes and crew face tougher choices this season, and it's sure to be a memorable ride once it returns this February.

Arrow, the CW's newest superhero show based on the DC Comics character Green Arrow, feels a lot like Smallville and Batman Begins meets Lost, with Oliver Queen coming back to his hometown of Starling City and cleaning up crime based on a list his father gave to him. It's also on mid-season break til January, and is chalk full of guest appearances by other DC Characters that make this a good comic book show to check out.

MUSIC: Gangnam Style by PSY


Gangnam Style - PSY
I think it's pretty much self-explanatory why this became the music pick of 2012... PSY has exploded everywhere... A billion hits in YouTube!

And that wraps up what I like about 2012! Happy New Year, and looking forward to 2013!

The Avengers: Team Fight featurette video online

Sure to be remembered as the blockbuster hit that it is and was, The Avengers definitely stands as one of the best (if not THE BEST) movies that have been released this year alone. As we come closer to the end of 2012, a few more extras that fans can glance and get excited over have come online, including this new featurette that spotlights one of the most exciting sequences in the film - The big Team Fight scene.

"Maniac" remake clip online showcasing Elijah Wood as serial killer Frank Zito

Prepare for something else from Elijah Wood, and it isn't looking pretty at all.

Better known to all as Frodo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Wood now presents in a more maniacal role quite literally in the remake of the 1980 film "Maniac" (similar to his role as Kevin in Sin City). Playing a disturbed shopkeeper turned serial killer named Frank Zito, the new adaptation of William Lustig's original slasher flick has an unspecified release date, and also stars Nora Arnezeder.

Check out a clip of this disturbing flick based on a cult horror classic, which sees release internationally soon. For more info, visit the source post at Coming Soon.

Amazing Spider-Man #700 makes waves; 2nd Printing Cover revealed

True to form and since its release early this week in time for the holidays, Marvel and writer Dan Slott weren't kidding when they said "Things would change" with the release of the final issue of the long-running webslinging series - The Amazing Spider-Man #700. Since the twist was revealed at issue #698, earth-shattering changes were placed and the seeds were planted for the setup of a new series - namely next month's "The Superior Spider-Man #1". Reactions have spilled online from postive to negative, and seen in such comic book news sites as Newsarama and Superherohype.

What exactly went down with Peter Parker and how did it cause the entire fanbase of the Marvel Universe and beyond to be divided? SPOILERS be present below, and note that is you haven't read issue #700, it's pretty much sold out by now...

Iron Man 3: Marvel releases a "Holiday Greeting" from Tony Stark

In celebration of the holidays and to promote cheer and anticipation for next year's Iron Man 3, Marvel Studios has released this little Holiday Greeting pic featuring Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark, watching the snow fall down on him and fitting the mood of the season!

Happy Holidays indeed from Tony Stark, and look forward to more Iron Man goodness next year! For more info, visit the source post at Marvel.com and Superherohype!

Iron Man 3 soars into theaters on May 3, 2013!

The Dark Knight Rises: "For Your Consideration" iBook App

Warner Bros. is on the trail with the Oscar campaign for Christopher Nolan's final entry in his Dark Knight Trilogy saga, The Dark Knight Rises, by releasing a couple of promotional stuff to promote their chances in next year's Academy Awards. To that end, they've released a new iBook App that shows a couple of info notes on the movie, TV Spots, and a Behind-The-Scenes Trailer video. Apple users can pick it up over at iTunes to check it out, or visit the source post at Batman-News for more details.

The Dark Knight Rises is now available in home media.

Merry Christmas 2012!

"'Tis The Season To Be Jolly" indeed, and it 's another time to be thankful of one's blessings and good moments in life. Gather around with family and loved ones, and enjoy this day of happiness and prosperity!

Have a Merry Christmas everybody!;)

- Timzster, Pop Culture Crusader

Star Trek Into Darkness: New images/ covers from Empire Magazine pop up online

Via Superherohype, new images and the 2 covers for the latest issue of Empire Magazine spotlighting J.J. Abrams upcoming Star Trek sequel "Star Trek Into Darkness" have gone up online, showing more of what to expect in the next adventure of Captain Kirk and his crew of the U.S.S Enterprise.

The Dark Knight Trilogy: Michael Caine talks about Christopher Nolan and Alfred Pennyworth

For almost a decade, Sir Michael Caine has immortalized himself as an iconic presence in Christopher Nolan's Batman film trilogy, playing the invaluable role of Bruce Wayne/ Batman's butler and trusted father figure Alfred Pennyworth in the big screen. Now that the movies have wrapped up, a new video interview has surfaced online courtesy of Warner Bros. UK YouTube channel, with the  legendary British actor giving his thoughts on working with Nolan and talking more about Alfred Pennyworth and his backstory. Check out the video interview clip after the jump!

The Walking Dead: AMC officially greenlights Season 4

Wrapping up the first half of Season 3 early this month and returning next year on February 10, AMC has officially confirmed that their popular zombie drama series "The Walking Dead" will be getting yet another season, which will mean more adaptations and new plot threads based on the comic book series penned by Robert Kirkman!

1960's Batman series will get a Mattel toyline

If the date 12/21/12 held any other significance other than "The End Is Nigh", then is is certainly GOOD NEWS for fans of the classic 1966 Batman show!

Via a report from Superherohype and this month's issue of License! Global magazine, Mattel confirms that the classic 1960's Batman series will be getting the toyline treatment, meaning that star and legendary actor Adam West will FINALLY be getting an action figure! This comes on the eve of reports of 20th Century Fox and Warner Bros. negotiated a deal to finally release the long desired superhero TV show in home media, so it's certainly a good way to tie-in and reintroduce fans to a legendary franchise with a new toyline!

Pain & Gain: International Trailer shows Mark Wahlberg and The Rock team-up

What do you get when you mix the world of bodybuilding with some serious Michael Bay action, explosions, and comedy? PAIN & GAIN of course, and the newly released international trailer shows that stars Mark Wahlberg and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson are going to pump up and take things to the next level... And the trailer shows that their plans may not be the best laid out ones when the law is after them! The film also stars Ed Harris and Tony "Monk" Shalhoub, so this has the makings of a action buddy flick that's literred with all kinds of gains!

The Walking Dead: The Game Ep. 1 is FREE on Apple

If you haven't tried out The Walking Dead: The Game yet, you're clearly missing out on what is one of the best zombie video game experiences out there, not to mention the 2012 "Game of the Year" chosen at this year's Spike TV Video Game Awards! To celebrate the latter achievement, developer Telltale Games has released the first episode, A New Day, ABSOLUTELY FREE on iTunes and the App Store. Be sure to visit the link here to download ASAP.

Hugh Jackman officially returns as Wolverine in X-Men: Days of Future Past

After a buzz of speculation of classic X-appearances would happen in the next X-Men film helmed by Bryan Singer, it's been officially confirmed that Hollywood star Hugh Jackman will be reprising his role once more as Wolverine in the next X-Flick, X-Men: Days of Future Past! Based on the classic 80's storyline by Chris Claremont and John Byrne, the new X-Flick is a sequel to the 2011 hit X-Men: First Class, and sees the mutants time-hopping to a dystopian future featuring their older selves!

Star Trek Into Darkness: First Teaser Trailer officially debuts

After the "Announcement Trailer" was released earlier this month, fans of J.J Abrams' Star Trek films are officially getting their taste of the next adventure with the FULL teaser trailer to "Star Trek Into Darkness". Check out the embedded trailer below, or download it into your computer or mibile devices via Apple Trailers.

Batman #900 a possibility?

An interesting post came up on Bleeding Cool, wherein the possibility of honoring the 900th issue of DC Comics' popular Dark Knight hero Batman popped into question. Given The New 52 changes and the renumbering system that reflected the reboot, chances of it happening were slim... Until this query came into the picture.

A reader and fan named Brian O' Sullivan posed the question to current Co-Publisher and writer Dan DiDio via his own Facebook page, and the man himself has responded so... Albeit in a very unclear and coy way.:) Will we get Batman #900? That still remains to be seen, but April 2013 draws so near...

Thanks goes to Bleeding Cool for pointing this one out. Check out the source post for for the pic, and details.

The Dark Knight Rises: Lego Style Trailer #3

Following up on his impressive LEGO recreation of the second trailer of "The Dark Knight Rises", YouTube user ParanickFilmz has a new one for fans of the wonderful block building toyline and Christopher Nolan's epic Dark Knight trilogy to witness - a LEGO version of the third trailer to TDKR! Thanks goes to Batman-News for scoop, and it's mighty impressive to see this again after the release of The Dark Knight Rises on home media!

The Dark Knight Rises Trailer 3 - LEGO Style
For more Lego inspired works and trailers, check out ParanickFilmz official YouTube page!

The Walking Dead: Seasons 1 and 2 get the B/W treatment

Fans of The Walking Dead who are itching to see more of the zombie survival horror drama series are in for a treat. In an effort to garner new interest and harken back to the days of old school horror flicks, AMC will be re-releasing the entire first season and part of the second season in complete "Black and White" format. This was first attempted with the pilot episode "Days Gone Bye", where former Walking Dead showrunner and legendary director Frank Darabont brought on the idea for a complete "B/W transition" ala George A. Romero's "Night of the Living Dead" - a film that greatly inspired the zombie genre as we know it today.

The Hollywood Reporter reports that the B/W reruns of The Walking Dead will start on February 14 next year. For more information, visit the source post at THR and Bleeding Cool.

The Walking Dead returns to AMC with the second half of Season 3 on February 10.

The Wolverine: New poster/ motion poster revealed

Revealed and shown in the film's official Facebook page, 20th Century Fox and Marvel have released this stunning new poster for Hugh Jackman's return as Logan in "The Wolverine". The new one sheet shows the feral mutant kneeling on a Japanese rooftop ledge that overlooks Tokyo, with a Samurai sword in one hand and his Adamantium claws unsheathed in the other.

G.I. Joe: Retaliation: 2013 Theatrical Trailer debuts online

After revealing the new 2013 theatrical poster a few days ago, Paramount Pictures, Hasbro, and Yahoo! Movies have lived up to their promise and released the new theatrical trailer for the new G.I.Joe movie sequel, G.I.Joe: Retaliation! Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, the film's star and lead who plays classic Joe character Roadblock, introduces the new trailer, which can be viewed via the embedded player!

Man Of Steel: Theatrical trailer debuts online

It's 12-12-12 depending where you are, and something SUPER has finally arrived!

Promised to be attached with this week's release of Peter Jackson's LOTR prequel "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey", Warner Bros. has gone ahead and released online via their YouTube account the much-anticipated theatrical trailer to their Superman reboot flick "Man Of Steel"!

Toronto Batman and Toronto Spider-Man are at it again

After squaring off in one of the more popular installments of The Sean Ward Show's Toronto Batman adventures, The Canadian Dark Knight and Toronto Spider-Man take things to a different level and do something that's both awesome and comedic... Go Shopping! See hilarity ensue in this new video... With Beef Jerky and Wise-Cracking Insults galore!XD

Toronto Batman and Toronto Spider-Man Go Shopping

DC Comics The New 52: Gail Simone off Batgirl

In what may be the most shocking comic book news to date, comic book writer and Batgirl scribe Gail Simone is now off Batgirl... And she didn't leave the book of her own accord to boot.

Street Fighter X Megaman announced... and it's Free!

This year marks the 25th anniversary of two franchises I'm proud to have played and enjoyed through my life as a gamer - namely Capcom's own Street Fighter and Megaman franchises! The World Warrior brawling series just capped their hyper fighting game series' celebration by unleashing the greatest fighters from around the world in a "Street Fighter 25th Anniversary" tournament, which recently held its finals yesterday with winners taking home trophies, cash, and big prizes!

To commemorate the occasion and simultaneously acknowledge the Blue Bomber's 25th anniversary, Capcom has announced a new game the pits both franchises together in a set up that carries a retro and old school flavor... STREET FIGHTER X MEGAMAN!

Fantastic Four Reboot gets official release date in 2015

Set to be directed under the guidance of Chronicle helm Josh Trank, Superherohype now reports that the Fantastic Four reboot now has a release date: March 6, 2015. That would put the movie under the same year as The Avengers 2 and Warner Bros' own Justice League movie, so that definitely builds up a good superhero year for comic book fans to look forward to! No other information was given, other than the film will also be released in 3D like the other 20th Century Fox Marvel film, The Wolverine. For more information on the story, visit the source post at SHH!

Fantastic Four reboots with a new film due in theaters on March 6, 2015!

Star Trek Into Darkness: List of IMAX theaters with "Extended Preview" online

Slated to be released and attached with "The Hobbit" when it gets released in theaters on December 14th, the list for the "Extended Preview" of J.J. Abrams Star Trek sequel "Star Trek Into Darkness" has been released, which you can refer to via the official website for the IMAX list, or Enewsi.

Alternatively, the REAL teaser trailer is scheduled to debut on December 17. For more information, visit the official Star Trek movie website.

Catch the exclusive 9-minute "Extended Preview" of Star Trek Into Darkness with The Hobbit on December 14 at IMAX!

Star Trek Into Darkness: First teaser trailer debuts online

Promised to debut online today via Apple Trailers, here is the very first teaser trailer showcasing what to expect from the next Trek adventure by J.J. Abrams, Star Trek Into Darkness!

G.I.Joe: Retaliation: New movie poster revealed

Yahoo! Movies has revealed a brand new poster for Paramount Pictures upcoming G.I. Joe sequel for next year, G.I. Joe: Retaliation! The new one-sheet adds all the mainstays, including Channing Tatum returning to the forefront as Conrad "Duke" Hauser. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson looms overhead as Roadblock, and Bruce Willis is front and center as General Joseph "Joe" Colton!

Post TDKR: Anne Hathaway on Catwoman Spin-Off and Christopher Nolan discusses "Man Of Steel"

Following the release of The Dark Knight Rises on Blu-Ray, DVD, and Digital Download, a lot of buzz has begun circulating again on the people behind the film, specifically director Christopher Nolan and star Anne Hathaway, who played Selina Kyle/ Catwoman in the final chapter of The Dark Knight Trilogy.

Man Of Steel: New poster unveiled

To coincide with the release of The Dark Knight Rises on Home Media, Warner Bros. put up an "Exclusive Reward" for those following the TDKR release promos that was related to Zack Snyder's upcoming Superman reboot flick, Man Of Steel! Now via Superherohype, that surprise was finally unveiled... In the form of a brand new one sheet poster that shows the Man Of Steel  himself(played by Henry Cavill) in cuffs and escorted by armed personnel somewhere!

Star Trek Into Darkness Teaser Poster

Slated to come to theaters, 3D, and IMAX at warp speed next year, Paramount Pictures and Bad Robot Productions have released the very first teaser poster to J.J. Abrams' Star Trek movie sequel - Star Trek Into Darkness. Via Slash Film, here's the one sheet in all it's destructive glory.

Die Hard 5: New promotional video hits online

A new promotional video has hit online for Bruce Willis' next Die Hard action sequel "A Good Day To Die Hard", featuring John McClane and his son Jack and what the latter does for a living. Via Coming Soon and Bleeding Cool, here's a  promotional video giving a good look at Father and Son doing some bonding time.

The Dark Knight Legend L.A Exhibit

If you happen to be one of the lucky people living in or visiting Los Angeles, then maybe you should take a trip down to L.A Live's Event Deck to visit Warner Bros. FREE EXHIBIT based on Christopher Nolan's epic Batman saga - The Dark Knight Legend L.A Exhbit! To celebrate the release of The Dark Knight Rises on home media, WB is showcasing everything used in the Nolan movies, as well as the numerous Batmobiles used in the various Batman shows and films over the years.

Iron Man 3: 4 new photos released

Marvel.com has released four new photos from their upcoming new armored avenger sequel next year, "Iron Man 3". The Shane Black directed film sees Robert Downey Jr. returning as Tony Stark/ Iron Man, as he faces a new threat in the form of The Mandarin (played by Ben Kingsley). The new shots released focus on the Iron Patriot, confirmed to be the new codename for the War Machine armor worn by Tony's bestfriend Col. James "Rhodey" Rhodes, and a first look at Rebecca Hall's character in the movie, who's also said to take part in the Extremis project that'll enhance Tony's abilities in the movie! For a look at the other three pics, visit the source posts at Marvel.com and Slash Film!

Iron Man 3 soars into theaters on May 3, 2013!

Christopher Nolan weighs in on The Dark Knight Trilogy

A brilliant article featured in Film Comment highlights the "Cinematic Faith" British Director Christopher Nolan had when he adapted his vision of Batman to the big screen with three movies that eventually made up the highly acclaimed "Dark Knight Trilogy" of films. During a presentation of his first film "The Following" which was restored using 35mm footage, Nolan answered a Q&A session that was happily transcribed and posted by Film Comment, as well as featured by Batman-News. It's certainly worth reading if you're a big fan of the Nolan Batman universe, as he digs deep into his inspiration and shares it with the rest of the world, including insights on the ending of The Dark Knight Rises!  Check out the links above for an interesting look at the man behind Bruce Wayne's epic journey as a hero in modern cinema.

X-Men: Days of Future Past sees the return of Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen

Announced in his official Twitter page and then reported by Marvel.com, Bryan Singer is bringing back legendary actors Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen to play their signature roles of Professor X and Magneto in 20th Century Fox's upcoming sequel to X-Men: First Class - X-Men: Days of Future Past. Their younger selves in the successful 2011 X-Flick played by James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender will also be returning, as well as Jennifer Lawrence (The Hunger Games) and Nicholas Hoult, who will reprise their roles as Mystique and Beast respectively.

Justice League: The Man of Steel connection and JGL (SPOILERS)

Several news bits have dropped for Warner Bros. planned superhero team initiative that is their planned "Justice League" film for 2015, and the latest seems to play connect the dots with two of their movie franchises, one that recently wrapped up and the other starting next year. SPOILERS below after the jump, so read it at your own risk!

The Dark Knight Rises: Where's the Trigger?!" Extended Version

With a few days left until it reaches home video in international territories and next week in the US, a pretty awesome user created this hilarious extension of a pivotal fight scene from "The Dark Knight Rises"!

The Dark Knight Rises: "Where's The Trigger?! Extended Scene
Via YouTube, HomeTrailers managed to create an "extended version" of the infamous "Where's The Trigger?!" scene from the final battle in the film. SPOILERS of course, so view this spoof at your own risk! Poor Bane here has to take blows from Batman literally and verbally, lol.

The Dark Knight Rises sees release on Blu-Ray, DVD, and Digital format this November 28th internationally and December 4th in the US!

Marvel releases info on the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One Collection!

Those who have seen the films that make up the Marvel Cinematic Universe know just how awesome the films chugged up by Marvel Studios have become, and everything that has led up to the Avengers made up what is known as the "Phase One" initiative. Fans who are itching to collect or have yet to be exposed to these movies are in for a treat, as Marvel officially unveils the "Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One Collection".

Due for release on April 2, 2013, the Phase One Collection will sport 10-discs worth of marvelous content. Featuring Blu-Ray 3D and Blu-Ray versions of "Marvel's The Avengers", "Captain America: The First Avenger" and "Thor", as well as Blu-Ray versions of "Iron Man", "Iron Man 2", and "The Incredible Hulk", as well as a Bonus Disc containing extra content, featurettes, and so much more. Plus, everything comes packed with secret files and memorabilia in a steel attache case that houses a glowing replica of the Teseract! For more info and details, visit the source post at Marvel.com and avengersassembled.com!

The Dark Knight Rises: Sneak peek on Home Release Special Features

With the release of the DVD and Blu-Ray on the horizon for the holiday season, Warner Bros. has amped up the promotions for their home video release of The Dark Knight Rises. Due for release on international territories on November 28 and the US on December 4th, Christopher Nolan's final installment on his epic Dark Knight Trilogy will feature a number of interesting special features that will be included on the home release.

Marvel releases preview of The Amazing Spider-Man #700

Marvel and Newsarama have released a special and SPOILER-FILLED preview of next month's FINAL ISSUE for what may be the finest chapter in Spider-Man's career with "The Amazing Spider-Man #700". Written by Dan Slott and drawn by Humberto Ramos, with additional material by various other artists, this mega-sized final issue marks the end of an era in Marvel's long running book for its flagship character, and signals the beginning of new things starting with Superior Spider-Man coming out this January. Check out the preview via Newsarama!

The Amazing Spider-Man #700 swings into comic book shops for the final time when it gets released on December!

Happy Thanksgiving Bat-Day!

Today is a day we give thanks for our countless blessings and gifts, and I'd like to extend my gratitude and warm form of appreciation via this gathering of Batman figs I took with Instagram, wishing everyone a "Happy Thankgiving" the Batman way! It's truly been a year of exciting things and interesting stuff, and we can only look forward to more as we count down to Christmas and the New Year!

Also, treat yourself to more Batman awesome this Thanksgiving by grabbing yourself a copy of the last Christopher Nolan flick, The Dark Knight Rises... Or the ENTIRE "The Dark Knight Trilogy" set! It arrives in stores on November 28th in The Philippines, and December 4th in the US!  For Philippine buyers, find out details via Astroplus' Facebook page!

Happy Thanksgiving people, and God Bless! - Timzster, PopCulture Crusader