Roxy Rocket

Roxy Rocket
Roxanne Sutton

There's been a lot of talk about jetpacks and amazing female characters, but there hasn't been much talk about the original rocket riding adventurer. Roxy Rocket is more of a mischievous villain and less of a murderer and thief, since it's all about the thrills. The burgling is again a little foreplay before the adventure begins, since one needs a plot to start the journey. Sadly her character only had two appearances and one focused episode, though due to production errors she came out in print first. Most of us know her from the high flying adventures of Batman and her deadly race with a highly sophisticated rocket for City travel. Since her tale is so short we decided to talk about her appearances and the character in this little editorial about the Crimson Criminal Roxanne Sutton aka Roxy Rocket!

Battling Boy Presents: The Fall of the House of West

When I finished the first volume of this arc I wanted more, I wanted there to be another book within the year or month from the first book, since I didn't know when it was published, though I had to wait a year, then another year, since moving and getting another job. Time has been an interesting concept in this present, though reading has been a pleasure in life. I can never thank those that make life more interesting and fantastic. Again thank you JT Petty  and Paul Pope for writing and David Rubín for your glorious illustrations in this stupendous fictitious tome. Let's dive into The Fall of the House of West (and the jetpacks)!

Battling Boy Presents: The Rise of Aurora West

This is the first volume of the Aurora West Arc, this means that you missed Battling Boy, since we were introduced with the astounding teen and her Father, Haggard West. Yes, this duo of jetpack might and brandishing plasma blasters in this action mystery pulp adventure. If there's anything more that I love it's a good character arc story and pulp fiction, just well written graphic novels. Though don't take my word in this introduction, come join us on this adventure into the favorite in the Battling Boy series written by Paul Pope and JT Petty with Illustrations by David Rubín, so let's dive into this golden pool of mythology and history.

Battling Boy

One thing that hasn't been seen in a lot of modern pulp fiction is a coming of age story. The number one story would be Tom Strong, next would be Tarzan, though the distance between the two is a great split, but like most pulp tales they go between extremes. They're a baby then a man, none of the trails and tribulations between these two points. Spin-offs do show more, but nothing that's official that feature a teen hero battling the world and taking on the challenges that a young adult would encounter that's not in a High School setting. This is something that comes straight out of nowhere, I haven't read a series that focuses on a teenager as an explorer, an adventurer on an alien world, that doesn't slap them into a school environment. It's refreshing and interesting to see where this could lead. This is my introduction to Paul Pope, I kid you not, this is the comic that introduces me to the artist and the talent. Well, my very first interaction was with a nameless artist that showcased his skill and ability for covers and such, though this is the only way I knew it was the same person. The line work and character features and the detailed backgrounds I knew it was the same person, though I wasn't convinced that the book would have a plot I would find interesting. Something about the cover and title didn't hook me, it wasn't pronounced enough (or full of robots). Though as people talk and slip a few pages here and there about the book and what came from the plot, I started to find curiosity. I'm a fan of high fantasy and magic, so no robots, but there's science and magic in this book about a pulp hero from another world, please do go on. And let's go on and dive into this specific piece of fiction, as we dig into the crust of what's to come in the further adventures of Battling Boy by Paul Pope.

Gen13

In the past I was that kid that bought a bunch of comics and didn't know what was inside them, that I just grabbed them because they had neat covers, but I never read them till I was in high school. This was a problem, since I had a ton of comics with awesome art, but nothing that I read for fun I just looked at the pictures. And what fine pictures they were, since it's J. Scott Campbell at the helm and producing a well illustrated story. Jim Lee and Brandon Choi at the writer's chair constructing the team and their adventures as far as the 90's will let them go. Though let me introduce this series originally published by Image Comics, then was published by the DC imprint WildStorm, Gen13. A group of teenagers living in a house together, trying not to be noticed by the government or the shady organizations that want to use them for their own purposes. Each teen has their own power or mutation that makes them very valuable for an assortment of reasons. My favorite member of the team is Grunge, love his tattoo and his powers, though there were other members of the team, but the issues I had never focused that much on their talents. Sadly, I wouldn't find out that Fairchild was smart, strong, and super tall, reflecting my love of She-Hulk till later in life. Then there was the transfer to the DC imprint WildStorm, a lot of different artists and writers have come and gone with the teen team, so why not check out the film that never saw light (well in the United States). We're gonna be diving into the Gen13 movie (without the comic origin nor characters in mind, this will be pure film), that's been screened in America, but hasn't been properly sold, join us as we see the comic's limited series be told in a media translation for about an hour.

shorts SHORT Review: Justice League: Gods and Monsters Chronicles; Big

Justice League: Gods and Monsters Chronicles 
Big

Written by Alan Burnett
Directed by Bruce Timm
Distributed by Warner Brothers Animation and Machinima

Tamara Taylor voiced Bekka
Tahmoh Penikett voiced Steve Trevor
Bruce Thomas voiced the Mysterious Mustached Man, or Kobra.

Take a moment and enjoy the short Big
<--- Also check out the first review of the feature film here
Then there's the first short review of Twisted over here --->

The best of the three, this is the one that I feel was pulp perfected. I love everything about this short, since it's a Spicy story from a dime novel. I'm bias for these types of films especially in animation. This is another short written by Bruce Timm, it's honestly a love letter to Spicy Pulp Fiction. And back in the day anything with the word Spicy on it was like the word Adult in the 90's, though not quite ten cents, but there was a lot of situations that needed two minds that knew what they were doing (or at the very least are told they know what they're doing). Though there was another element that made it Adult or Spicy, it was the Pulp or Action! Yes, tales and observations were detailed in these adventures of those that were of age and could take a licking and keep thrusting their way across exotic and dangerous scenery. That was always a subtle element to a lot of these pulp classics, the nudity. Most of the time implied and some of the time shown, it matters the market and the amount of people that want to read, watch, or see pictures of folks in these escapades into the relative unknown. On this day we jump into the known unknown and take a dip into the adventures of Wonder Woman aka Bekka in this world, since she's never formally introduced as the Trinity associate.

shorts SHORT Review: Science Dog

Science Dog

Written by Robert Kirkman
Illustrated by Cory Walker
Art Director Drew Gill
Published by Skybound
An imprint of Image Comics

There's a beautiful series called Invincible (Written by Robert Kirkman and Illustrated by Cory Walker, also they were the original creators of this series) and our hero Mark Grayson enjoys the adventures of Science Dog, our featured piece of media this week. It was an interesting note that was placed into the series, since we all find our sense of justice in different ways. Spider-Man found his in death, multiple extreme emotional traumas that keep appearing in his life which built up/tore down the hero. Then we look at Ms. Marvel (Kamala Khan) who is a fan of Ms. Marvel (Carol Danvers), she knows everything publicly posted about Captain Marvel (also Carol Danvers). After being exposed to a strange gas that activated hidden genes within her body she decides to take up the mantle of this hero for her hometown, Jersey City. Mark Grayson is similar in idea, that he's the power double of Superman and the emotional state of Spider-Man, so Spider-Boy (if you've ever read Amalgam Comics, you'd know of the Superboy Spider-Man combined hero). Not quite, though he's brought his good nature of growing up in a positive home and the comic book Science Dog, a hero that is a good being and tries continuing to be a good person, even though given no reason to do so for any reason other then the will of the writer. Oh, I should mention that this character in the Invincible world is currently fictional (also female, well I think they mentioned that it was his sister, which is weird, since no sister was ever mentioned) and a Scottish Terrier. Science Dog is a running gag and moral compass that Mark Grayson uses, also the writer pokes a bit of satire at all of comics. My point with this little rant and history lesson is that Science Dog showed Invincible what's right and wrong and the hard moral choices that we all need to make in life, oh and how it's hard to take on a childhood hobby and balance life, especially interplanetary commuting. And as I'll always tell you citizens I love Pulp Fiction and one thing that this series is, it embodies the Silver-age and Pulp heroes like Doc Savage and Adam Strange. With this long introduction let's start from the cover and enjoy the tale it tells us before even a page is turned.

shorts SHORT Review: Rocket and Groot, Stranded on Planet Strip Mall

Rocket and Groot:
Stranded on Planet Strip Mall

Written and Illustrated by Tom Angleberger
Special Illustration by John Rocco
Designed by Megan Youngquist Parent
Published by Marvel Press, an Imprint of Disney Book Group

I'm excited about this book, sorry I'm getting ahead of myself, okay so the first time I was introduced to Rocket Raccoon was a bunch of times. Like most people when they encounter something they enjoy that thing and find more about it, and this starts their obsession. With me, I need to naturally find something that comes into my life three times, not sure that many times, but if I find something multiple (three) times it feel like it's something I need to look into. Most of the time it's true, that this is something that will be influential or has been influential (subconsciously speaking) in my life, and Rocket Raccoon is one of those characters. First was when thumbing through a Guardians of the Galaxy comic, the character stood out and seemed interesting. Second time was while looking up work of Mike Mignola, back in the day Marvel was trying to expand their Universe and bring in more characters that were one time use, so the four part series was fun and something worth a look. Third time was (like most people) in the Guardians of the Galaxy movie, I loved this interpretation. Though the problem about this is my only interaction with Rocket Raccoon and Groot was through the movie, like I said they were mentioned to me through points in my life, but not fully introduced. Now I'm fully trying to interact with the little Space Bandit and the Walking Tree as they surf through media and fling themselves through the universe.

Sukeban Boy

Manga Mecha Movie

With a lot of these posts it's about the memories that I have of the past within reliving this past for the completion of the run time on the focused media. Though there are features that I haven't seen, media that I want to share the experience with Cartoon Cyborg Cinema citizens. So if there's something exciting or if something is weird or it just doesn't make sense, I'm there right with you all through the thick of things. If you've read the long point for point reviews, then you know that I'm gonna give you every moment and thought. When its media that I've experienced before it's a different trip, you get a glimpse into the person from years before. This sadly is only a look into the type of creators that I engulf my imagination in and desire for more from these creative souls.

shorts SHORT Review: Batman of Shanghi

Manga Mecha Movie
Batman of Shanghi

Produced by Ben Jones and Sandi Yi-Trimble
Production by Warner Brothers Animation
Co-Production by Wolf Smoke Animation Studio
Distributed by Cartoon Network
Character Designer and Storyboard Art by Jin Roh
Designed by Clover Xie

Cast:
Catwoman played by Stephanie Sheh
Batman & Bane played by Kirk Thornton

Though this is a character who's origin is of American descent, he's still a worldly known being that's treated as more than a guest in the respected countries that take on creating wonderful homages and interpretations of Batman. That's the spirit of Manga Mecha Movie, that we journey all over Asia and celebrate its culture and the creative individuals, studios, and media that comes from a place different than where we at Cartoon Cyborg Cinema are stationed. There's plenty within our culture, but it never hurts to go beyond the borderlines and search deeper into interests that envelope characters that we've grown up with and share a history that's personal and different than each other. Now we get to share this personal journey with another culture and with an alternate media than what we first discovered the adventures of Bruce Wayne. Join us as we travel to China in 1930's Shanghi as we focus for about one minute and fifteen seconds on a thief, a muscle bound rickshaw venom abuser, and a man made of shadows and mysteries.

Shaman King Part 01

Manga Mecha Movie
Shaman King Part 01 of 04
-- Shaman King 1-9 --

by Hiroyuki Takei
Published by Shueisha
Translated and Distributed by VIZ Media

This is a show from my childhood, a series that I've sadly never seen the end of, though I have read the complete manga. So I want to relate my joy and passion for the series. I was a big fan, since Toonami got me into a lot of anime in my youth, so FoxKids was trying to do that to their audience, though that was after the success of WBKids and their hit show Yu-Gi-Oh. So those that watched FoxKids (later the FoxBox) got Fighting Foodons (In Japan it was called Kakutō Ryōri Densetsu Bisutoro Reshipi created by Naoto Tsushima) and Shaman King, there were other shows, but these are the one's that really brought me into the genre, well on Saturday mornings. Shaman King was that series that broke out from being one of those shows that was heavy and fun, it felt right for kids to enjoy, though it was a strong enough plot for someone that's older to get behind the dramatics. Here's the thing that really pulled me in, the tournament. I love anime with tournaments, two characters that should rightfully be the main character and here they are battling the worst of the worst and the best of the best, some of these fighters will become friends and others will suffer horrible punishments that we'll never see. That's what excited me, DragonBall was doing it, Yu Yu Hakusho was doing it, DragonBall Z, Yu-Gi-Oh was an endless tournament, it was prefect, since there was a lot of character building moments that built up the scenes of the characters, so when they lost it was a big deal, they died it was a big deal, they were killed it was a big deal, and the actors (both American and Japanese) brought that to the table and showed just how emotional this tournament was, how big the stakes were for there to be a Shaman King. Anyhow, let's focus on the first 9 volumes of the series and talk about the growth of our core cast.

short SHORT Review: Robot Girls Z Plus

Manga Mecha MovieRobot Girls Z+

Directed by Hiroshi Ikehata
Written by Kazuho Hyodo
Production Studio by Toei Animation

One thing I love is Anime from the 1970's, well Animation in general from the 70's, since it was a time of expression and very weird thoughts, though that's the infatuation. Mazinger Z is one of those Anime that will never stop, there will always be another version or a new movie or a series. It's something that I love about the people celebrating the past and rebooting the odd ideas of others. That spirit is great to have, since it fits the current motif of this decade. A little weird, but a ton of fun, then you have those that weave from great to poor. And Robot Girls Z Plus is in entirety this represented from beginning to end, the spirit and idea of enjoyment and fun, though it's directions lose its path, well it lost it's power. I think it would have been stronger if it was like its predecessor and stayed with the three episode system, since they knew the right amount of comedy and drama to add in each episode. Though with change so comes problems, but let's take a look at the good and the bad.

Yatterman

Manga Mecha Movie

With the rise to Manga Mecha Movie there hasn't been many articles on the genre, media(?), letting out one's desire to embraced another's culture through their films and books on Cartoon Cyborg Cinema. So I've decided to jump into the past as the present enjoys to do and engage your thoughts and mind on a favorite of mine, Yatterman.

shorts SHORT Review: Zombie in Love 2 +1

**** Hey (2018) Cartoon Cyborg Cinema citizens, it's Mister Forte here with an EDIT, that's right, I wanna rework the blog a little, make it more of a positive effort to cinema and books than something that's gonna discredit and harm the passionate project that people have put time and effort into making. I'll be putting small changing into these posts, just making them flow a little better, or correct grammar or spelling errors, but mainly I want you to seek out these features in your own life and enjoy them to the fullest. I'll still critique them on issues and embellish other points, though I feel more can be done then feed negativity. The main goal of this is to bring positivity to reviewing and conversation to topics that don't always get the same amount of love back (more on this topic over here). Thank you for the privilege of your time and enjoy this review. **********


Zombie in Love 2 +1
by Kelly DiPucchio and Scott Campbell
Book Design by Sonia Chaghatzbanian
Published by Atheneum Books For Young Readers
An imprint of Simon and Schuster

If there's one thing I can say about my entertainment this year, it's that I enjoy the mind of Kelly DiPucchio. I like to wander around my local library (or book store) and find books that sound interesting or have themes that seem stimulating. One book I've been eyeing since it came out was Zombie in Love (2011), though I didn't realize that it was the second book (2014, it seems my watch stopped), but at the time I thought it was the third book. This is the sequel to the first book (Review over here if you missed it), though if you do the math on the title it equals 3, it bothers me, though at the same time I understand its implication, so it's cute… still bothers me, I don't like the number 3. That's a personal issue that I'll be struggling with when I'm in my thirties, especially 33… Anyhow the cover is very fun and shows our main cast and their emotions toward each other. That's something I love about Children's Illustrated Novels, they're a bit more straight forward on the cover. They give you expectations of what to come, rather than a minimalist's interpretation of what's the most important thing in the book. It's refreshing to have a cover that implied the interior and has a bit of the plot ready for you before you've even got a thumb between the pages.

The book picks up around where the last book leaves off. It's natural for two people to wanna make a family, though this was maybe the most interesting way of having one. It feels like the classic story, the stork came and dropped off your kid, then books it out of there before you can ever change your mind. Though there he is, in a crate outside their house -- tomb, as they happily greet the infant into their lives with open arms. Literally they had no problem with the baby being in a crate, in afternoon Sun, and on their doorstep. Mind you to them it was the middle of the night. After they bring the baby inside their home, they bring the new born into their lives, creating a horde (or family). It's your cliche 'Parents that have never been around kids and now have a kid' story. Kid sneezes, they see a Doctor, kid doesn't sleep, nor do the parents, though they are Zombies after all (except for the baby, that's human), it's a simple action reaction plot. This is a retelling, but in a fun new perspective that allows in-jokes for adults to play out and jokes for kids to understand or reflect on in their lives. The theme of this book is love, and love that has no bias. It's a happiness that not many face, but when it's within your life and family, or those you deem to be your family, it's something that has no value, but is valued more than the rarest metal or item in the world. I'm not saying that having a baby is something that will bring love, but a child brings purity, they have no knowledge of lies, no thought of good, they are neutrality. Till pleasure and pain are introduced into their lives, then there is one's motivator. They all show this love to each other, they don't tell it, since none of the main cast talk (though it is implied that they do communicate in some way), they show affection and loyalty to one another.

I love the new design of the main characters, yes they're a bit trimmer, though I think this comes more with the artist being comfortable with the characters than they were overweight. Still with a relationship sometimes getting fit is easier with someone else. It doesn't have to be your spouse, though a person that you get along with and be able to enjoy their company is a plus while at the gym or jogging around town. In general this was a wonderful telling of how an unexpected and unorthodox family brought up a child.

Tea Steeping with a box full of nuts,

mostly filled with her best friend and neighbor Oona Kulte,

her Uncle Professor Steeping,

and the mischievous imagination of Gom.

The color palette is primarily cool colors, blue and green, though with the addition of red to pop and hold shapes. Extreme closeups are again my favorite thing, again the joke is having their toothless faces taking up a whole page, even the baby gets in on the gag. The visual gags have increased and become an unforgettable piece to the book, beautifully funny and wonderfully incorporated into the Children's Illustrated Novel. Though the best part is the final spread with the extreme closeup of the whole family, it's sweet and wonderfully depicted, also the framed picture after it on the table got me in the heart too.

If you like books that take on the contemporary idea of family and illustrations that compliment the book, cover to cover. Then you've met a fun Children's Illustrated Novel that will be on your shelf, and with hope this series will continue. Kelly Dipucchio has a fantastic talent for writing dark comedy romance and Scott Campbell has charm and skill on each hand. This is a great team, I hope to see more in the future from both creative parties.

I trust you enjoyed the inspection, thank you for reading.
Support the creator, check out your local library and peruse the book.
If you want to stay up to date on my reviews, subscribe to this page.
Keep well and Stay well.

My Dead Girlfriend

My Dead Girlfriend
by Eric Wight
Editor Julie Taylor
Art Director Anne Marie Horne
Published by Tokyopop

There's certain things combined that don't mix, though one thing at first glance that wouldn't couple well together, is Horror and Romance. Though that's where you'd be wrong, horror films, books, and art have a bit of intimacy. Horror is where we take what's safe and make it horrible, stressful, and have us second guess mundane tasks. Romance is very similar, it's a task that's not something one should feel pressure, though there's an internal fear while preforming with the shared event. Then you add in a little high school and now there's nothing, but stress over everything because literally everything is changing and the world around you will take you from your hometown and send you off on a new path. Though that's what Eric Wight wants you to feel, the struggle of being with family, the horrors of having your first love, the emptiness of losing that person, and the impending reaper following you, waiting for that next trip up to collect on your misfortune. Something important to remember in life is that things change from person to person, life to life, generation to generation, but that's what living does. We take paths that are different for each of us, either because of race, birth, or location. Though this is why I enjoy this graphic novel. It's from a place that doesn't exist and the characters involved can't be recreated, also the events that take place are impossible, but everything is parallel to reality. This today is all common place with paranormal romance being a genre and taking on all forms of mythology that were to keep youth safe. Fraying from the blazed trail and out of these polluted waters this is an interesting take on the supernatural and a glance into relationships that want to bring positive emotions and ideas to the dating pools. Join us as we take a dip into the world of the macabre and into the olden time as we relive moments from the past and engage the plot of the present.

shorts SHORT Review: Everyone Loves Bacon

Written by Kelly DiPucchio
Illustrated by Eric Wight
Published by Farrar Straus Books for Young Readers
Parent publisher Macmillan

Collectively we all love Bacon, you, me, pork, turkey, soy, duck, bacon is amazing. It's cured meat that makes the start of a day worth living. Though that's my way of living, a little hemp milk and a little belly fat burning in a frying pan, perfuming the kitchen with a beautiful wakeup call from pieces of a beast. Anyhow while on the subject of living things, let's talk about anthropomorphic beings, specifically located in a 24-hour diner. In this Children's Illustrated Novel food has gained life and Bacon has elevated to it's rightful place. This isn't the first time we've reviewed a series by Kelly DiPucchio (Zombie in Love review), though this is the life and times of Bacon, let's take this pilgrimage, so grab your own candied fare nub and enjoy!

Frankie Pickle

Written and Illustrated by Eric Wight
Published by Simon & Schuster books for Young Readers
Cover Design by Eric Wight and Lizzy Bromley

In my long history of comics and cartoons, animation and film, illustrations and illustrators I've only just heard of Eric Wight in 2016, though I've grown up with his designs and influence since 1999. In 2010 Eric Wight put out an amazing series called Frankie Pickle a children's series of mixed media writing. It's like when a film puts live action and animation within the same flick, though this is illustration, writing, and comics all combined in a casserole of delicious wit. As you can tell I've become a fan of Eric Wight and his work through the years, I've also found out that he's an alumni of SVA (School of Visual Arts) too. I'm not bias based on his history, I'm bias on his skill and style. Eric Wight is a talented storyteller and an accomplished cartoonist, so join us on this adventure into his work and mind. First on this journey is Frankie Pickle, a young boy with an amazing family.

Cleopatra in Space: Part One

This is a serial that will feature two volumes from the Cleopatra in Space series as will the proceeding.

by Mike Maihack
Phil Falco; Book Design
David Saylor; Creative Director
Cassandra Pelham; Editor
Published by Scholastic, Graphix

One of the most fun comics I've read for awhile, it's pacing and story are better than most stories and graphic novels. That's it, I'm flat out saying it, the story and art are amazing and fluid, structured with the skill of a seasoned professional with the charm and passion of a webcomic. The book it's self is the best and most interesting pleasing designs and reading experience I've had in awhile. Cleopatra in Space floats between the Epic Adventure (Lord of the Rings),  and a Space Opera (Flash Gordon, Star Wars), but has the feeling of a Saturday Morning cartoon (Captain Simian and the Space Monkeys). Though you'll have to read this series yourself to feel the enjoyment that I have, though experiences do change, so here's my impressions of the first two volumes of the series.

shorts SHORT Review: Robot Girls Z

Manga Mecha Movie
Robot Girls Z

Directed by Hiroshi Ikehata
Written by Kazuho Hyodo
Production Studio by Toei Animation
English | Japanese

If there was one thing that this blog is known for it's its obsession with robots. The only thing that rivals that obsession is anthropomorphic beings. Japan has created something that has been tailored to this blog. Robot Girls Z is about anthropomorphic versions of the Mazinger Z giant robots as magical girls or like a Super Sentai team. There was another series like this called Mazinger Angels, it was an alternate history (or reality) that the female pilots of the series donned their giant robots against the forces of evil. It was an interesting take on the series, since it was always centered around Koji Kabuto, though Sayaka Yumi (pilot of Aphrodite A) did play a major part, it was great to see her in a more direct role. Anyhow, if you're unfamiliar with Mazinger Z it was an amazingly popular giant robot TV series in Japan during the 1970's by the awesomely talented Go Nagai (Kiyoshi Nagai). You might know him better for his characters Devilman, Cutie Honey, Getter Robo, or Kekko Kamen. I've been personally interested with his life and his stories, since most of these tales involve comedy and cyborgs or giants robots or magic in someway or form. This has been reflected into the three episodes that make up Robot Girls Z, so grab your stylish hat with a tiny aircraft and put on your rocket fists, you're in for a keen trip.

shorts SHORT Review: Justice League: Gods and Monsters Chronicles; Twisted

Justice League: Gods and Monsters Chronicles
Twisted

Written by Alan Burnett
Directed by Bruce Timm
Distributed by Warner Brothers Animation and Machinima

Hyperlink to the short Twisted
<--- Also check out the first review of the feature film here
Then there's the second short review of Big over here --->


This (to me) feels like the first of the three, if you were to watch these shorts "Twisted" would be a way to ease into the micro-series. Everything about this feels like a Batman animation, the mood and the setting, it's like Bruce Timm never left, though this was penned by Alan Burnett long time contributor to both Batman series (Batman: the Animated Series and Batman Beyond).

Like in Batman Beyond (Rebirth part 1) it opens with a factory at night with a Batman flying to deter villains. We see the City that all know, Gotham a place of darkness and disheveled life. A Batman soaring about them all, as Bruce he's a rich man, riches beyond anyone's dream, as Kirk he fits right into the night. Another face in the crowd, though this throng keeps more than skeletons in the closet. Speaking of, Batman is on a case to find (at the very least) the bodies, based off of whispers through the night (and the Police Department). They really know how to set a mood in this animation, there's been no conversation between anyone, the victims, the heroes, not even an inner monologue. It really makes you feel like you're within this warehouse with the dark knight, groping for anything that could be a clue to find the missing people.

Then we stop for a Bat-Snack, as we always do, remember kids, there's always time for nutrition.

Though what we find is the macabre in the fridge of this slaughter house, body parts of all different types of people frozen, also a nice treat for ice cubes. You take an ice tray and pour your favorite soda in it and bingo you have yourself a nice little treat or a tasty ice cube for a glass of water or booze. Batman has no time for the habits of others and closes the door moving into a darker part of the warehouse. In this room he finds boxes, jack-in-the-boxs to be more specific, one's a toy, the other is half a man, limply bouncing on a spring. Seeing no joy in this practice Kirk moves on, without a word. Another box moves and, with the same easy, Kirk not thinking that there's anything of danger that could spring from the next box, opens the moving cube. Inside a woman persists that she needs help through her eyes since she is tied up, Kirk removes the gag. The woman's warning is too late, but Batman isn't bested by a sledgehammer, but the corpes-in-the-box is knocked over.

Oona Kulte, friend of Tea and local.
Dressed in her harlequin outfit.

Harley looks a bit different in this world, I think it's a tongue-in-cheek joke about how she looks in the video game. She's very dressed down and has a belly ring, a diamond tattoo, and red and black dyed hair. It's an interesting take on the original, also it's something that the original wanted, a family, well at least that's through the assumption on the direction that's been consistent through a lot of Bruce Timm's interpretations of Harley (well these are my assumptions of Harley based off of the media I've seen). Harley wants a family, a gang, a group that she can love. It's been seen in Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker and Batman: Mad Love (Comic and Animation), she's always had a motherly appeal (and sex appeal) it's an interesting dichotomy for this Batman Femme Fatale, which is why she's a wonderful villain. This Harley has taken the Baby Doll (as seen in Batman: The Animated Series, episode of the same name, season 3 episode 4) route for family, well the darker path.

The woman runs off, though Harley is even more annoyed at the B-Man, then her "Sis" getting away. Again the tone for this short is spectacular (I really mean it, it's haunting). Harley doesn't pull punches, nor does Batman as he releases his cling to the ceiling, but that only sets up his ribs for Harley's hammer. Though with a second swing the Bat stops her and punches the ghastly greasepaint grinning girl through a pane of looking-glass into a family room. Four individuals (assuming Harley propped them up, you never know, maybe they died that way) each with a haunting and stunning smile. A Mother, Father, little brother, and Grandmother, all dead, waiting with an open seat for big Sis.

With this being absorbed into Kirk's mind, Harley comes out again, though this time with something a little more dangerous than a Hammer. A Chainsaw, toothed and ready to add a Bat-Butler in the family room. Wagging the saw around the room Harley buzzes into many of her "loved ones", till she grabs a wrong spin into a wall and busts the chain, slicing her side open.

Gom dressed in his best Batman outfit,

grabbing hold of his next pursuit of justice and meal.

Kirk jumps down from the rafters, holding Harley's wrists. She gives into defeat and allows Batman his duty as Justice to take her away. This amuses our darker Knight, as he produces his fangs and takes a bite into his meal. Leaving only the sounds of pain and shock that this Harley's victims know so well.

I trust you enjoyed the inspection, thank you for reading.
Support the creator, check out the links and watch the movie.
If you want to stay up to date on my reviews, subscribe to this page.
Keep well and Stay well.

Generation X

Here's a little history, I saw the commercials and billboards for this film back in the day and I was super excited. It was something that I was waiting to see, since it was characters that I really wanted to view in action away from comics. In the 90's I only knew X-Men from the 1992 Cartoon and Action Figures. It was a new experience to see them in live-action form. At the time there was Spawn (that didn't come out till a year later, 1997) and Batman Returns (that I was too young to really love, but still love to this day, it was a great rainy afternoon). These were the films in my life, though there were flicks like Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers, The Shadow, The Mask, Tank Girl, and The Phantom that rounded out my pulp and punk heart (click the linked titles for the review). Though I can go on further, but you'll see in future reviews where I've been in the decade of the 90's for films and media. Today we'll be entering a land of TV movies, a land that's not well budgeted, though has a cast of folks you'll be surprised to find in a feature such as this, on a channel that didn't play the movie more than twice (to my knowledge). Join me on this journey into the past, for a movie that needed to wait another four years (maybe 7) to get the full cast of characters to reflect their comic counter-parts.

shorts SHORT Review: Captain Raptor and the Space Pirates

Captain Raptor and the Space Pirates

Written by Kevin O'Malley & Patrick O'Brien
Illustrated and Book Design by Patrick O'Brien
Published by Walker Publishing Company, Inc.

As the universe cooled and the dust fell, the celestial bodies conferee and created the planet that we now search for in this vast nebula. Yes, a planet, a whole planet of treasure, no not the mouse one, no the one with the pulp hero that's a Raptor who scours the solar system protecting the Dino planet. Yeah, this is the part two that got me into the Captain Raptor series, nothing more amazing than pulp heroes and pirates. I'm bias when it comes to all things pulp, now there's pirates, also everyone is a dinosaur or a mutant/cyborg, yeah this Children's Illustrated Novel is tailored to me. Join us on this escapade atop the hype rocket, though I'd hope it was a Galaxy Train, but here's the exciting second part of the Captain Raptor series.

This was the first book in the series that got me attracted and devoted in wanting to read the amazing adventures of this Cretaceous Space Aviator Enforcer!

Initial response, the cover for this adventure of CAPTAIN RAPTOR is of him and his team defending the Dino-world against Space Pirates. It's interesting that this will be a book about a pulp adventurer in space clashing wits and blades or better yet talons and razor sharp-teeth, in the void that separates us all between the worlds we call our solar system. Yeah, a fall into madness on the swashbuckling inky seas of the cloudy infinite void, yep this is the direction that makes sense (behind the scenes Patrick O'Brien has been making a career on his talent as a nautical portrait artist, he has a stupendous portfolio and glorious gallery that displays his work, check out his site if you get a chance)

Tea Steeping isn't too shaken by things, but she knows a missing part could mean

soaring through the sky and landing or bouncing. Only one of these you walk away from...

The cover again (like the first volume of the series) is an example of what a good cover, sorry of a great cover. It's flat out enough information within the cover that one doesn't need to tell anymore of the plot. It shows our heroes and villains all of the cast on the cover, also lasers and a few planets. Now unlike the first cover this one is a little all over, in the sense that it's direct focus at the center of the cover. It's not bad, but it's the directional angles that point the vision left and right, though it bleeds off to the side that feels like a band, wrapped around the book cutting the title and credits on the cover. Again wonderfully illustrated and beautifully detailed. One last thing, there's not only dinosaurs on the cover, so there seems to be some evolution in this world.

As always in this series the first page is an amazing rendering of space, a representation of what space looks like in this imaginative part of the universe.

The following page holds the title and introduces the main crew of pirates. It's interesting to see all the different animals that comprise the pirate crew, since they're not all dinosaurs or they're animals that are from an earlier age then the present. I really like this pin-up more than the cover, since the title pops, and it's gigantic, screaming CAPTAIN RAPTOR in all capital letters then below "and the Space Pirates" that leads the eyes down to the focal point which are the cast of marauders that visually point to the credited contributors who created the Captain and the adventures that unfold. After the "second" cover we have the planet Jurassica (again) under attack (it really is this time), a shadowy force that came down from the sky (a beautiful arraignment of colors, purple and green with hints of brown to give it an ominous feeling).

The cannons fire on the crowd and land in the clearing.

"Misshapen Mutants and Reptilian Cyborgs" rage and start panic while raiding the people of their treasures and valuables. Then just as sudden blast off into the sky, the President exclaims their need for CAPTAIN RAPTOR! It's a great single full page pin-up of the Cap'n with his crew (and the Megatooth in the background).

They load up the Megatooth (their Rocketship) and introduce the crew: Professor Angleopterous, Sergeant Brickthorous, and Lieutnant Threetoe. In the last book they introduced the crew, but I didn't really like it, since it seemed to want the crew to be more ragtag, in this book they seem very professional. If I was an interplanetary space-pirate mutant cyborg I know I'd have brown pants by the thought of the Megatooth within the stratosphere of the planet that I'm at port in, though I'd know I wouldn't have time to preform any misdeeds with Captain Raptor not far away from the vessel. The rocket blasts into the sky, the Megatooth flying through the inky haze that is the dust of space, sinking deeper into the eerie colored galaxy. Then they catch up to the pirates, a wonderful spread though a horrible out come for our heroes. The blast sends them to the near by planet, hitting the ground hard, skidding through the mud. The rocket stops and the crew leave the ship to assess the damage done by the raiders.

 Professor Steeping is a little changed by the events of this tale.

He's changed Gom to fit his costume, our little automaton is always game for cosplay.

While on the planet they find a one-armed man, (well mutant mammal) Scalawag. He claims to be able to fix the ship so they can all leave the planet. Captain Raptor takes this misplaced creature, they all board the Megatooth and send off into the nebula. Scalawag suggesting a dangerous way, Captain Raptor doesn't like the idea, but concedes and follows the direction that will bring them fastest to Jurassica.

They are met with problems in the form of Robokron!
"The Giant Robotic Space Beast"
Yeah it's a great spread of the monster attacking the Megatooth.

Captain Raptor needs to take down this monstrosity and save his crew. With heroic thoughts and a space suit, the good captain plunges into the cold darkness and attacks a panel on the robotic beast, shutting down Robokron. Their race is not over, since they still need to chase down the horde of pirates that will be returning to Jurassica. Like the last review of Captain Raptor (and the Moon Mystery) I'm going to have you all enjoy what happens next. Find out how the good Cap'n reclaimed peace on the planet that he protects.

In short, this is a series that I would want to see explored more, even if there was another creative team, though given the blessing of the original team. If this was a book series or they continued the Children's Illustrated Novel with more parts, I will suggest nothing better than this serial. It couldn't be more exciting and pleasing to the eyes and stimulating to the mind. Make time, even if you don't like pulp dinosaurs fighting mutant cyborg pirates the illustrations will sway you as did the concept and execution did to me.

I trust you enjoyed the inspection, thank you for reading.
Support the creator, check out you're local library and read the books.
If you want to stay up to date on my reviews, subscribe to this page.
Keep well and Stay well.

Justice League: Gods and Monsters

A little forward thinking one should set things up in advance to get more done in less time. I sometimes write these when I can and since I'm assuming before diving into this movie that it's going to be another origin story (about the characters we know better than our family) I decided to have some wine. It's an Adult beverage that I enjoy, in retrospect I should not have. Remember the words of Ernest Hemingway "Write Drunk, Edit Sober", though if it's an analytical piece this mantra might not work out so well. Also I don't think the phrase was to be taken literally, though this is the mess we've been giving, it's color commentary, I'll try to explain myself the best I can with the words I wrote. With this little bit about me, and my writing methods, let's dive into this feature film finely focused forefront on this terrific trinity that gives homage to heroic heroes.

Into The West

When thinking of the emerald isle I always think of Tír na nÓg a magical land in Ireland. Different stories make it a kind of world, another realm, then there's this movie, where it's a horse. It's a magic horse, though still not a land of fey and honey (though the White Knight might have something to say about hives on a horse). In general this is a film about family and a bit of Irish culture, also a beautiful white horse. We'll be taking you on a step for step journey through the film, if this is your first time seeing it, then you're in for the same ride as us, if you've enjoyed this movie, then take a second venture into this week's feature.

shorts SHORT Review: Captain Raptor and the Moon Mystery

Captain Raptor and the Moon Mystery

Written by Kevin O'Malley
Illustrated and Book Design by Patrick O'Brien
Published by Walker Publishing Company, Inc.

I've never been this impressed by a Children's Illustrated Novel, nor a Comic, nor a Production book. Think of an adventurer, then put that pulp hero in space, then turn them into a dinosaur. Yeah, that's what we're talking about this week. Dinosaurs from a far away planet and their heroic pulp hero as he rockets through space to defend the galaxy and the planet he calls home. This is my type of story, it's straight forward, it has the hero into a position that let's him seem infallible, though solve problems that are out of his hand (talons). It's a great endeavor that's fun to see well paced, crammed into thirty two pages of nebula soaring adventures.

Tom & Jerry: Spy Quest

If there was one thing to know about me my film choices you should take a look at ever pulp hero and see if there's a film or an homage to these types of heroes, since I've either seen it or I'm hunting it down. Jonny Quest is a classic, it's Hanna-Barbera's kid version of pulp adventurers, though it's still the most amazing limited animated series created. This was their first action series in 1964 on Prime-time, though like Tom & Jerry and Yogi Bear the name Jonny Quest became household. Then the years start passing and new generations come and go, then new prime-time series need to be produced. Lucky for people like me there's adventurous folks out there that want to see more of the Quest Family. In 2015 they completed and shipped out this amazing (about a hour long) feature starring Tom & Jerry with guests (and driving plot) Jonny Quest, Haji, Race, and Dr. Benton Quest with Bandit, of course. Enough history, let's swing into action and adventure in this Warner Bros. Animation that gives great respect for the series and a bright future for the characters.

shorts SHORT Review: John Henry

John Henry

Disney Short
Directed by Mark Henn
Written by Broose Johnson, Tim Hodge, Shirtley Pierce
Art Direction by Robert Ty Stanton (not to be confused with Bob Stanton)
Music by Stephen James Taylor, Gary Hines and Billy Steele, Performance by Sounds of Blackness

I initially saw clips of this short from Tumblr, it was exciting to see that Disney made a new traditionally animated short in 2015, weird that it was late in the year. Then I was disappointed that I was wrong, this new Disney Animation was more then Ten Years Old. Though I did a little more research and found that the animation was made in 1999 that's seventeen years (well 16 from 2015) and it took another three years to come to the public's eye. From my knowledge the short wasn't exposed till the 2002 Direct-to-DVD that pretty much was hidden away in the Disney Vault. One day I'd love to raid that vault for it's hidden secrets. I'm the worst thief since I don't try to make a buck off the pilfered treasures, I just want to swim in the multitudes of media that haven't seen the light of day for decades. Anyhow, I'll work on my personal exploits later, for now let's enjoy this hidden short from the Mouse coffer.

Golden Child

I have a lot to say about this film, since it's one I grew up with and one that brought me over to the Sci-Fi side of media. This was one of three films that were always on TV, the first was Terminator 2: Judgement Day. Though this was a popular time for Eddie Murphy, he was a comedy star in the 80's into the 90's, but slowly he was falling from grace, staring in films that weren't reflective of his humor. Despite his ups and downs in media he's been a figure of talent and comedic competence throughout his career, inspiring other comedians and parody. So let's jump into the film that got me interested in the actor and the genre that gives me joy.

Deadpool Rating

There's a lot of controversy over the Deadpool movie's rating, now this isn't a new thing. We're gonna cut into a bit of history. In the year, 2002-2004 it's about this time, since it was on the Deadpool open forums that Ryan Renolds was interested in the character and was open to the idea of being Wade Wilson. Back in the day he wanted to be in the film and fought for some good scripts, everyone was in agreement that it had to be a R film, but that's not happen to Superhero movies at this point (especially with the big two). A friend of mine brought up the topic of distribution would be more limited, since R movies are hard to pitch,  new franchises are a gamble. Though this was more than Ten years ago, where there wasn't many Image Comic creations in feature films (which Rob Lifield was a founding member). It was too weird to have a "kid's film" with adult themes, superheroes (even fifteen years ago) weren't adult films, even though Tales From the Crypt, Dark Knight Returns, and The Mask comics were incredible dark, though their films being without the very adult themes. Since like most adaptions things need to be stated and certain things need to be focused on for the entertainment of the audience. The focus has to be generated to the overarching idea, like Batman regaining the City of Gotham, the silliness of The Mask's punishment toward villains (or those he sees as villains), and the violent stories that the Keeper of the Crypt tells without much moral contemplation.
Though Blade came out in 1998 with a R rating, but was marketed as being a horror film, not superhero movie, even though Blade's source material is comics. My first meeting with the vampire hunter was on the Spider-Man Animated Series, but they still targeted the audience of the movie toward an older age group. Here's a total surprise, The Mask film was a complete left turn, it's not even close to the comic, it's like they made a movie based on a simple description of the character. Though the film came out well and the Animated series was wonderful, but nothing like the comic series other than the cartoon antics and green mask. It was a PG-13 movie, meaning it glazed over the heavier conversations and just focused on the comedy, it was one of the worst adaptions I've seen, though I'm still trying to finish the Fantastic Four movie, yeah the 1994 flick. Still the cinematic version of The Mask is one of my favorite movies, but Guardians of the Galaxy is the best not to character good movie. What I'm getting at is, the movie doesn't always have to be pure source material, since it's encompassing years of material. Though it does have to take on the spirit of the source material for it to be acceptable not only to fans, but to new fans, so the source material can be purchasable and not disappointing.

One of the major problems is with the Deadpool marketing, yes it's immature, though that's the point of the character. It's your classic early 90's action flick with some late 70's comedy, this kind of insanity is gonna make this movie amazing. Though this is why it's so tempting for those that are teens (and pre-teens), since this was me during my years as a young adult. Nothing screams "Watch me!" louder than a parody character that's canon. One who can literally do anything within the world that they were created in and no one bats an eye. This is a Writer's dream character (or Cartoonist's) since this is a ton of freedom. Censorship is a topic for another day, though implications are high in most Deadpool comics (whether it happens or not, it's hard to say even the character doesn't know). This is great since comedy in literary media have different timing and needs, film is a visual media that has a broader audience, so the amount that one can show in film is limited with certain ratings. So a titular character running around with deadly weapons that are within our reality that are applied and executed in the most effective way, especially with the more modern version of the Merc with a Mouth. Yeah it's not gonna be anything less than a mature rating, for all of Wade's media appearances.

Enough with my opinions, what I'm grasping at is people crying for the Deadpool movie being PG don't know the core being. Wade Wilson was originally a Villain, a hired knock around flavor of the week that entertained fans enough that he made multiple returns. My favorite run of his was the first mini-series where Mister Tolliver died and left a weapon that would be the ultimate conflict disputer. This was the best way to show Wade's moral differences in his character, so after the second mini-series and a few more cameos in and out of X-books he finally became an Anti-Hero. They did this a lot with villains in the 80's and 90's, Venom and the Flash's Rogues, they needed to make them more all-ages applicable to audiences. For Deadpool it stuck well, with Venom it flip flops too often, the Rogues it's hard to say which ones and what generation, though it never held. And fans have talked about this bizarre thought of making the Deadpool movie's rating lower, even to the point of making relevance through memes.

Unicorns are keys to a lot of different worlds and symbols of joy defined by diverse minds.

 Watch the Deadpool Movie (February 12, 2016) and see what Unicorns represent to Wade Wilson.

(Yes, this is a Disney joke, you should watch Star Vs. the Forces of Evil.)

Speaking of, I love this one meme that's going around saying "Have you even read Deadpool?" the first appearance has him being chopped up and sent back to his employer in a box. In his first series he kills a lot of people, even throws Black Tom Cassidy off a plane as the Juggernaut swan dives after him. Then there's the weird, somewhat abusive relationship between him and Copycat, it's mutual abuse, but still it's pretty bad, something a PG film won't get. And finally in the longest Deadpool series, from the 90's (it's the fourth issue and) he's impaled himself and the Hulk. Even if you don't read there was the film Hulk Vs... series that stared Wolverine which had Deadpool in it (I've reviewed earlier, here). He gets his arm lobbed up by said Canadian pal and tries to put them back together, after shooting said friend in the face. In general the weapons he uses make the film PG, till discharged, then it becomes PG-13, if people die there's an amount before it's R, same with bad language.

Honestly, this Deadpool movie should be NC-17 and 3 hours, but I'm a fan, even of the multiple personality yellow boxes, I want to see everything that the character does. Though I know there's a limit to a good time, where it's over stayed it's welcome. Sometimes over saturation isn't great. Marvel is trying to start a novel for every superhero they have, it's a good idea, since a lot more can be said and imagined within a mass market paperback. Here's a counterpoint, have you read "Paws"? I feel like the writer is rambling and not really trying to create the character in the literary world, it might be good, but I couldn't get past the first few pages of him talking about nothing. No jokes, no thoughts about what he's doing or how he can save himself from the fall, and I'm not even going to say that's Deadpool's thought process, since it's obvious that the writer was told the character just talks non-stop. There's puppies, but it wasn't the Deadpool I knew, not even in the spirit of the character. It felt like this was the first time the writer saw Deadpool let alone read any of the comics beyond Mark Brooks' run. Personally I like Fabian Nicieza, he created the character (I know who else had part in it, I'll give Rob Lifield credit for my favorite character, but I'm making a writing point, not design) and knew the direction he wanted this funny man to go. Wade Wilson is a beautiful monster, a fella that has more than a two dimensional personality. Some people try to write him as a kid's show joker, some write him as a violent loony, if the writer knows anything about different type of comedy Deadpool is Black Humor, Dark Jokes. Though in recent interpretations he's gone a little more toward the immature, but this isn't out of the spirit of the character. That's the fun of things since Wade would switch between a serious note here and there, but jump back into a gag to lighten the mood.

In short, the character to the public is a fried taco joke, a bro of the comic world, just a walking meme looking for attention that will never be found. To people that have read the source material he's a person that has a lot of problems from the past (even in the reboot), not a brooding grim avenger, though still a man trying to leave the horrors of his mind and dive into the present, that's his escape. Escapism comes in many forms, some need to keep running, keep moving, not linger too long in thought, throwing their focus on the next adventure to stay away from the one pain that doesn't always heal right, the past. This is why the Deadpool movie needs a rating that fits the person that they're writing about. I hope that Tim Miller (Director), Jay Oliva (Storyboard), Rhett Reese (Co-Screenwriter), and Paul Wernick (Co-Screenwriter) do a great job, since this movie is one I've been waiting a decade for it's creation.

I trust you enjoyed the inspection, thank you for reading.
Support the creator, check out more from your local Library and watch the movie.
If you want to stay up to date on our reviews, subscribe to this page.
Keep well and Stay well.


This was written before I saw the film, though edited after watching the movie.
Spoiler: they totally did an amazing job, just saw it on Friday at 1:30pm, beautiful, it had humor, visuals, and pacing that showed a lot of passion for the character and the ever growing franchise. :Spoiler

shorts SHORT Review: Thunder and Lightning

DC Nation: Thunder and Lightning

Character Designed, Written, and Directed by Lynell Forestall
Executive Produced by Sam Register
Produced by DC Entertainment
Production Company and Distributed by Warner Bros. Animation

Detective Comics saw that their animations were popular and finally decided to give the creative people of the animation world a chance. It was a great way for Warner Brothers to see what short got people interested in and if they should make more superhero shows. There's been a rising increase in superhero shows in production since the end of the DC Nation shorts. This has lead to successes and failures, though the majority of the media has been flourishing and exposing fans to more heroes.

Black Lightning goes way back with me, all the way to the Super Friends, Hannah-Barbera made a lasting impression on me and the characters in this series. Now he wasn't apart of the series till The All-New Super Friends Hour and even then he was a guest, but by the 80's he became a core member of the team as Black Vulcan. Black Vulcan was Black Lightning's name in the show, though it was confusing to why they renamed the character at the time. With a little research it seems there were disputes between the creator of the character (Tony Isabella) and DC, this is something that happens. New characters are made for Superhero shows if they don't match up with what is needed for the series. It was a great selection for the roaster, since he's proven himself as a hero and a protector of justice.

Ever since I saw Electro (Spider-Man Rogue) I wanted a Hero version of that character, then Static Shock came around. An awesome show about an electricity powered hero, I saw him in a different outfit and different media first. It was in a crossover that showed me Rocket and Superboy teaming up (in his leather jacket). That's the time that I started to look up more heroes and learn more about the DCU. DC Animation has always been a favorite of mine, so seeing Black Lighting in motion was an exciting venture into nostalgia, but also excitement in seeing the family adventures of the first DC African American Superhero.

Black Lightning has two daughters in this series, I know Thunder from the Outsiders comic, she was an interesting character that could change her density. She was a strong character though she mostly had her strength in her personality. A confident and take charge type of person, unfazed by the weird world of Superheroes. Anissa was the metaphorical glue of the Ousiders' team, keeping them together and strong, her Dad even popped in to see her at her best. Also she was an amazing "death from above" bomber, dropping her body's full weight on an aggressor. Lighting on the other hand I'm unfamiliar with, though I know her design well from Kingdom Come, she seems to have her Father's electricity manipulation power, though it's unclear if she has his Force Field generating ability.



In the Clothes Make the Hero, we see a cutout standee of the Black Vulcan, showing off the old attire of the Hannah-Barbera, though this wasn't the original costume, just the one that he's most known for having because of the 70's cartoon. Black Lightning's costume has always been a favorite of mine, it's a wonderful design and it's strong appearance make it powerful in the eyes of the wearer and his opponents, even the 1977 version.

The short is about 1 minute long, though is a wonderfully designed and animated feature. The daughters are different from their comic counterparts, though I do enjoy their take on the two siblings and single Dad. Thunder was defiantly close to the strong woman that becomes a core member of the Outsiders. The ending of the short shows how strong the hero is and how tough of a character he can be, though superman like throwing around his weight and less attacks with his powers, but still showing how effective he is as a hero against a heavy hitter like Doctor Polaris.

Lauren Montgomery was the storyboard artist for this short.
(She has a Blogspot and DeviantArt that's defunct)


In Under the Weather we see that the youngest daughter is feeling a bit sick. It's a classic single parent deal, since he needs to work, he gives his oldest daughter the role of parent. A great show of skill and strength from the Father as he delegates between his working life (battling the scum of the neighborhood) and family life. Showing that he's a force in the Superhero world and a caring Dad to his daughters. As our hero is flinged back to his home his littlest daughter sneezes a blast of lightning taking out the robotic threat. Jefferson Pierce smiles to the camera congratulating his daughter's winning battle.

Michael Goguen was the storyboard artist for this short.
(Can't find any social media connected to him, though if you can, post in the comments)

Tea Steeping is trying to relax after a hard day of keep Gom entertained.

The little automaton is (literally) full of energy when it comes to Supers.

I don't know Blair Underwood, that's a shame, since he was able to give a wonderful performance within 1 minute. I believed enough that he was Black Lightning, since his strong voice and heroic approach to this character was spot on. I hope that I see more from him and his work in the future.

Masasa Moyo, again is an actress that I don't know her body of work, though I've thumbed through her credits and I've been exposed to most of her employment. She preformed an excellent little sister and kept great energy for the 1 minute shorts. I'll keep a finer eye on her in the future, since I enjoy a lot of Canadian actors.

Then there's Cree Summer, I know this woman's voice in every form, since I've been following her career for awhile. She's been in just about every cartoon or TV show I've seen growing up. From Susie Carmichael to Freddie Brooks to Queen Kida to Foxxy Love to Numbuh 5, and that's just her diversity as an actor, she's a wonderful singer too. Within the shorts her performance and experience shows, embodying the role and showing great skill in her emotional range while keeping her voice confident as the oldest sister.

In short if you like fluid and beautifully designed animation, then this is for you, if you like strong characters, this is for you, if you like super short toons that are crafted as if they could become something longer than a minute and change, then you'll be watching these over and over.

Black History Month is an important time, not only for the past, but for the future. Celebrating and honoring those that should be remembered for their accomplishments and their achievements. Here at Cartoon Cyborg Cinema we give respect to this month and to everyone that's apart of Black history and Black Culture. This is a blog for Science Fiction, Fantasy, and the Weird, we'll be reviewing media of influential figures, fictional and real.

I trust you enjoyed the inspection, thank you for reading.
Support the creator, check out more from your local Library and watch the shorts.
If you want to stay up to date on our reviews, subscribe to this page.
Keep well and Stay well.

Hancock

Superheroes in movies from the past have flipped and flopped, it's hard to figure out if it will be good based on its material or if it's a parody of their genre (I'm looking at you Puma-Man!). With the recent production of films centralizing in the Superhero genre, it's not really a genre, though it's labeled as such because of the influx of hero flicks. Superhero films aren't new, the label is new, there's been fantastic heroes taking on eerie villains since the 30's with film serials. These features were fantastic, though made with children in mind, they were low budget and created with passion. There was a boom in the contemporary market with Superman 1978 and Batman 1989, then incursion of comics selling well. The 90's created a huge development and generation that wanted to see heroes and be super, be better, have a life greater than one's own. Though that's where it loses its heart, in the years to come and still coming strong, there will be superhero movies that don't have a voice or a need or a fanbase to have it made into a motion picture. This is one of those films that were generated and people hoped that it would be strong enough to stand on it's two feet. Will Smith is a great actor and an action comedy legend, this was a no brainer for anyone who's followed his career, though I think it's more the role's fault, since it felt like even the poster is unfinished.

Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers: the Motion Picture

Shotaro Ishinomori will always have this last week of January, his birth (25th) and death (28th) three days apart, I hope he knows just how much he's changed my life and everyone he's inspired or given joy to, rest well.

(Power Rangers or Super Sentai)

shorts SHORT Review: Wild

Wild

by Emily Hughes
Published by Flying Eye Books,
an imprint of Nobrow Ltd.

Welcome to shorts SHORT Review this month we've been focusing on space and for the second half I wanted to focus on adventure, our more wild side. That's what I love about Space Adventures, since space is another form of nature, it's natural and potentially infinite. Though when I enter a forest it feels the same, but virtually infinite. All the plants and lives that are whispered into the wilderness is impressive and otherworldly or abnormal, alien to my person and my mind. This is why I enjoyed reading Wild by Emily Hughes, who captured the feeling of the world and the forest perfectly from the point of view of someone that would feel it's large embrace.

The first thing that everyone sees is the cover of a book, it's the number one thing to get a person to pick it up and want to live in that world. For me I wanted to know the story of our moss-haired protagonist. My initial response to the cover "front to back this is an amazing book for Illustrators and Cartoonist"! Everything about this is filled with detail and texture, the palette used ample amounts of natural colors, which is prefect for this book and all of the attributes in it.

Not even the first page and I already know that I like this book, it's interesting, it's title page with the main character (who was on the cover) is our introduction to the book as a whole. Anyhow the true first page opens to a field of flowers with a stump, tree, crow, fox, and bear, also a little baby human. A lot is drawn to my eyes, the page's use of texture, the way the pencil and pen lines blend into fur and the tree bark reaches for the Sun. It's this skillful design work and well thought out placement of the characters interacting with the page and each other that make this book amazing. The Baby grows up, well to a toddle, but grows and her hair reflect her surrounding, it's a mess of moss and leaves and tangled vines. Nothing about it says a comb had anything to do with it's current design. Like Tarzan we see that she is learning from the animals, speaking and living as if one of them, without harm or fear.

Tea Steeping pondering her chores, deciding if they're so bad after all.

Till one day hunters snagged her hair in a bear trap, the interesting part about that is, Bear traps are outlawed. Now why this is interesting is that the time of this piece. It's a recently made book, though I think it's a period piece, set in the 1900, personally closer toward 1940 or 1950, since the attire of the characters feel like they're boarding the 1960's. This is the touch of a skilled illustrator, this is how one makes a picture pop, the characters and focal points all are cleaned and properly colored, giving a sentence on one side of the page and the other, through the drawing its self. Truly defining what the words mean and how much detail is in one part of the story.

The story starts off with a little girl that is brought up and born in nature, then is taken back to humanity and is out of place, confused and frustrated she fights her way out and dives back into the peace of nature, the wild and lives happily with those that treat her well and with the love she desires and comprehend. There's a classic question in this story "Nature V. Nurture", does one think that the little girl could have stayed with the Doctor and wife or was she always fated to live in the forest? I can talk about how I enjoy this style of illustrations and dissect each page with giddy glee, though I'll leave it all to your eyes. If you love wonderfully detail terrariums, then you will get this book and never put it down.

I trust you enjoyed the inspection, thank you for reading.
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Keep well and Stay well.

The Flintstones & WWE: Stone Age Smackdown!

Wrestling and Cartoons, honestly these two need to team-up more often, though the year of 2015 seemed to have Hanna-Barbera connect and make many specials. One special that was a fantastic choice, but a strange way to bring back a series was with this film, was one of the first Animated Television Series, the Flintstones. The last feature or special from the Flintstones franchise was the Live-Action film The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas (2000) or the hard to find made-for-TV special The Flintstones: On the Rocks (2001). This is more than a decade from the last appearance, unless one counts The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy episode (Modern Primitives, 2006) still the series hasn't see much interaction, even being as world renown and iconic. I'm glad that one of the most famous and celebrated cartoons that Hanna-Barbera created is getting a few more eyes on it's newest animation (especially since I love the way guests are designed on the Flintstones).

shorts SHORT Review: Romie-O and Julie-8

(Runaway Robots! Romie-O and Julie-8) 1979

Directed by Clive A. Smith
Adapted from William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet
Screenplay by Kan Sobol and Elaine Pope
Produced by Michael Hirsh and Patrick Loubert
Production Studio Nelvana Limited
Distributor CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation)
Home Movie Distributor Warner Home Video

If there's one thing that you, my readers, my wonderful kith should know is my obsession with robots and cyborg beings. This might be the reason you're here too, you like automatons and animation. Then you're my type of people, but I knew that already, that's why we're friends. Though we gotta talk about another kind of relationship, or at the least a different type of mindset. Love, is an abstraction that's prayed for, created, and related into our culture and minds. A person's understanding changes from definition to definition, though through most people respect and loyalty are a basic necessity. The most famous version of love (or at the least the definition I gave) is in the work of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Star-crossed lovers, yeah lustful teens seem more appropriate, since they never have enough time to get to know one another, but this isn't a fair analysis for the play. During the 1597 there wasn't much time for courting (dating) especially our modern version of it, also one's life was about mid-20's, 30 was old age, 70 was a wizard. Anyhow, androids don't have emotions (nor a clear age limit), unless programed into them, they don't even have a gender, unless installed. This Canadian made TV special breaths interesting life into the 1597 play, at times it feels playful and charming at other times it feel like a short from Heavy Metal. Though let's look a little deeper, let's cut into the thick of this piece and see the nuts and bolts of what makes it a fine cartoon.

Top Cat: The Movie

One thing in my life that I appreciate is the past, what I love about the past is Hanna-Barbera cartoons, also both Joseph "Joe" Barbara and William "Bill" Hanna. This studio and all of their cartoons have been a major influence to my life and my taste in animation and cinema (also Fleischer Studios, Jay Ward, Rankin/Bass Productions, UPA [United Production of America] and Ruby-Spears). At this point in the past I expected all my cartoons to have animals that can talk and an article of clothing, this is when limited animation won my heart. With that I got caught up in the Mystery clones, but there were many gems in the sundry of cartoons created by the powerhouse duo. One of my favorite being Top Cat, a series about a clever cat (with vest and hat) and his gang of alley cats who live in New York City. Simply it's them outwitting the people of the City, a cute and improbable group of rogues dashing around with waggish banter and an undying need to become rich. Top Cat's popularity was huge in Hispanic countries, specifically Argentina and Mexico, also it had a personally better title Don Gato. Enough that in 2011 they made a feature film in theaters and when it was brought to the United States everything was redubbed. Let me give you my opinions on the translation.