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Gotham Series Premiere Review! (COMICS!)

gotham.0_cinema_1200.0

If you know me, you know I’m obsessed with Batman. I don’t really remember when it started. I just know I am. It feels like it’s been this way since I was born. When I was younger, It was all about the movies and the cartoons. The comics didn’t really come into the picture until I was a teenager. Once that happened, my obsession grew to unimaginable heights. When I was a kid, the obsession was Batman centric. When I got older, and read the comics, it was everything. Batman AND his world became incredibly fascinating to me. I began to fall in love with characters like Commissioner Gordon, Dick Grayson, Selina Kyle, Alfred Pennyworth, The Joker, The Penguin, The Riddler, and the rest of these colorful and dark people.

However, what I really grew to love was Gotham City itself. Such a dilapidated, scum filled, mysterious, rotten to the core city. A place, a hell on earth, that truly needed someone like Batman to save it. So, when DC Comics announced they were making a television show about how Gotham became the city we know, I was ecstatic. A show that explores the beginnings of one of the best fictional places ever? Who wouldn’t be excited?! Finally, after a long wait, Gotham has premiere on FOX. So, this first episode starts right at the beginning. A young boy and his parents walking down a dark alleyway after a great time at the movies. Suddenly ambushed by a mugger, a man of the night, eager to snag their valuables. To end this encounter, the mugger shoots and kills the young boys beloved parents. This boy, as you should know, is Bruce Wayne.

Moments later, Detectives James Gordon, our main character, and his partner Harvey Bullock arrive on the scene. While Bullock ponders ways to avoid being involved with this case, Gordon makes a promise to the young Wayne. He will find and capture the man who killed Bruce Wayne’s parents. Afterwards, we travel to some of the blackest pits of Gotham as Jim and Harvey try to solve the Wayne murder case. This is episode one in a nutshell. Once the credits played, I was sporting a big grin on my nerdy face. This was really a wonderful pilot. There were a few points where I felt the show needed work, but I was satisfied non the less.

First of all, I gotta say how much I love the look of this show. Honestly, I haven’t loved the look of Gotham City this much since the Tim Burton Batman film from ’89. Not that I didn’t like, say, the Nolan Gotham City, but I’ve always been a fan of the more art deco/gothic style. I would say this Gotham is a perfect marriage of Burton and Nolan’s Gotham Cities. A bit more Burton than Nolan, but it’s a nice mixture. I also loved just how dark and brutal the city was. A first episode is mainly about showcasing what to expect tonally and stylistically from the rest of the series. I feel this pilot did that incredibly well. A true portrayal of how Gotham should be. Nothing like how R Kelly described it! Yea! I’m calling you out, man! I hope you’re still trapped in that closet, you jerk!

Anyway…Gotham also showcased some stellar performances. I really loved Donal Logue and Jada Pinkett Smith the most. Logue is the perfect Bullock. His look, charm, and attitude works so well for Bullock. Pinkett Smith plays a brand new character named Fish Mooney, a character I quickly loved. I can’t really think of many female crime bosses, so it’s nice to see one for a change. A really awesome one. I can’t wait to see more of her. As far as the rest of the cast, everyone was pretty solid. Ben McKenzie was quite good as a young Gordon. Not as humble as I’d like him to be, but still a man with a heart of gold. Fun fact! This isn’t McKenzie’s first time in Gotham. He actually voiced Batman in the animated Batman: Year One. While he was decent as a Young Bruce Wayne, I like him more as a young Gordon.

Speaking of Young Bruce Wayne, David Mazouz was spectacular as Bruce Wayne. He did a great job capturing the fear and intensity of Bruce. The most emotional bits in the pilot where because of Mazouz’s wonderful portrayal. Now, while I really enjoyed this episode, it wasn’t without flaws. For example, the episode was a bit predictable. Mainly because we’ve seen Batman’s origin story a lot. I mean, everyone knows how Batman became Batman. We’ve seen it and read it a million times. So, it was hard to really be surprised. Thankfully, the pilot took a few nice turns to make things less familiar. Along with predictability, This first episode was a bit cheesy. I don’t mind cheese, but it was a tad much at times.

Also, I wish we got more of Selina Kyle. She doesn’t really do much expect sneak around in the background. However, episode two is called “Selina Kyle” so I suspect she will be getting a bit more screen time soon. One little nitpick I have is the character Ivy Pepper. Ivy Pepper is supposed to be a young Poison Ivy. Now, this might be too early to say since I don’t know their plans, but that is not Posion Ivy! Why couldn’t she be named Pamela Isley? I hope this is just temporary, and the character gets a name change or something down the road. Ultimately, though, I really dug this episode. I remember hearing some Batfans complaining this show would suck simply because Batman isn’t in it. Well, can a Batman related show work without having Batman in it? Yes. I think it can.

I’ll give Gotham “Pilot” Episode an 8.5 out of 10.

The Dark Knight Rises Blu-Ray Review! (COMICS!)

IT’S HERE! IT’S HERE! IT’S HERE!

Hello y’all! It’s your dark vigilante of the night, Richard, here! This week was a heavily anticipated one for me. Why? Six words…The Dark Knight Rises on Blu-Ray! Wait…is Blu-Ray one word or two? Nah, I’m not going to get into that. Anyways, Oh my Gandalf have I been pumped for this movie’s home video release! Right after I saw the film in theaters, I knew I had to own it! I know it’s not everyone’s favorite, and I hear all the time about the great number of plot holes, and miss steps, and blah blah blah. Yes, the plot wasn’t as strong as Begins or Dark Knight. It’s not the best in the trilogy. In fact, it’s the worst in the trilogy.

All that being said, It’s still amazing, to me. It’s the best film of the summer BY FAR! Yea…I said it. It’s THE BEST OF THE SUMMER! It’s better then Avengers, and The Amazing Spider-Man, in my opinion! It’s grand, epic, character driven, funny, engaging, emotional, bittersweet, beautiful, action packed, and ballsy as hell! I think I covered everything this movie is. I mean, with that many adjectives, I’d assume I did. Anyways, I loved The Dark Knight Rises, and am glad to add it to my Blu-Ray collection! Now, to celebrate the release, I decided to make the newest episode of COMICS! a review of the Blu-Ray! Also, in the video, I checkout some of the Batmobiles from the films and the 60s TV show! To watch the video, as usual, click on the picture above! Also, if you’d like, please subscribe to Channel23hahaha for future videos and episodes of COMICS!

New York Comic Con: The Court of Owls (Day 1)


Don’t stare directly into his eyes!

HEY, HI, and HELLO EVERYONE! It’s your comic book reading friend, Richard here coming to you STRAIGHT…from the New York Comic Con! So, Day Uno of the convention has come to an end, and what a first day it was! However, as most stories begin, I figured I should start this article with a little colorful exposition. So, Thursday morning. 9:30 in the AM. Myself, my friend Joe (whose snoring sounds like a fan on low hitting a plastic card as I type this), and my father leave my home state of Ohio. The trunk is packed with luggage, the backseat holds our road snacks and beverages. For the first few hours, I’m half asleep listening to my father and Joe chit-chat about my snoring and guns.

This wasn’t the road trip you see in the movies. We don’t lose the car on a bet. Nor do we meet a gang of serial killers that end up accepting us. It was a straight A-Z type deal. Only a few gas and resting stops were made. After 8 hours of tiring travels, we finally arrive at the Howard Johnson Hotel I booked. The Hotel is…okay? It’s not terrible at all, but It’s FAR FAR FAR FAR from perfect. The desk my laptop is on right now is covered in scratch marks, but the Bacon served during breakfast was amazing. So, again, not terrible…but far from perfect.

Anywhozzles, I know that’s not a word, we arrived at the HoJo at about 5, and began settling into our hotel room. After an hour of rest from the road, we decided to hit the Javits Center to pick up my press pass. Also, I had plans to attend an 8 pm Bat-Chat with my friend, Dr. Travis Langley, and a few others whom were all AWESOME! Speaking of which, Dr. Langley wrote an amazing book on Batman, and his Psychology, that he signed for me! I love the Big Bang Theory reference made! The chat was a blast, and brought up several interesting points, good and bad, about The Dark Knight. Around 10 0’clock, my group of travelers scurried back to the HoJo to rest and prepare for a big day!

That is the end of the exposition, and I hope you enjoyed it.  ha-ha. SO! Day one of New York Comic Con started off very stressful! It took us a little while to find the ferries to NYC, but thankfully we found them. The trip across was cool. Met a beautiful, and fun woman out there. She was telling me about her movie review show she did, and I told her about COMICS! Sadly, I didn’t see her again the rest of the day, but It was a nice way to start off day one. Now, Most of day one was spent exploring the show floor, filming as much as I possibly could. However, to my surprise, I actually took way more pictures then filmed. I guess, It’s something that happens when you take the Nikon with you to Comic-Con. Also, It’s nice to have a camera handy when you see beautiful cosplayers roaming around! 

The biggest highlights of day one was seeing a handful of my biggest influences surrounding the building! In less then 2 hours I saw Grant Morrison, Guillermo Del Toro, Jim Lee, and the biggest of them all…Scott Snyder! Wait…I hope you’re not asking who that is! If you are…then I guess someone hasn’t been watching my show, huh? Well, for those of you left in the dark, Scott Snyder is probably the most popular, and acclaimed, comic writer these days. His works, from his original stuff like American Vampire to his takes on Batman, have been amazing to say the least. Every new issue of a Scott Snyder penned comic tends to just rock my comic nerd world! His use of characters, subtle horror, and plot threads is incredible! If you have yet to experience the magic of a Snyder comic.,.DO IT NOW!

Now, Unlike the other’s mentioned, Scott was the only creator I actually got to meet. We have met before, but never in person. Scott and I have had several chats online, and over the phone before, but never face to face. It was awesome to finally get the chance to meet the guy, and shake his hand. Maybe some of his genius got on me. Fingers crossed! A few other highlights, speaking of Mr. Snyder, was I finally purchased his amazing horror graphic novel, Severed. The story follows a young boy whom is stalked by an evil Cannibal with a taste for children. The story is kind of realistic, and more creepy, version of Little Red Riding Hood. Highly recommended!

Also, not speaking of Mr. Snyder, I finally found The Dark Knight Rises Catwoman figure I’ve been searching for like a mad man. However, I didn’t purchase this gem. Why, you ask? Well, the price of figures at conventions are INSANE! I don’t think that figure was worth $34.95, honestly. I’d spend that much on a comic. Not an action figure…unless it was totally freaking awesome. So, that being said, I might get that Cat after all.  So, In conclusion, Day one was a successful, and fun time. It ended with dinner at the Hard Rock, and a late night explore of Time Square. Oh, and a drunk woman came up to me, handed me her broken iPhone, and asked if I could take a picture of her and her buds. That’s how you know your in New York!

The Dark Knight Rises Review!!!! (COMICS!)

A fire will rise, A legend will end, and Christopher Nolan will deliver an amazing ending to his Dark Knight Trilogy! All of those….are facts!

Hey, hi, and hello everyone! It’s Richard here, and I’m incredibly, undeniably, and powerfully in love with The Dark Knight Rises! Christopher Nolan’s much anticipated conclusion has finally hit the theaters for all to see, and It’s my favorite movie of the summer! Now, before you read on, and click the picture to see Carter and I’s full review of the film, I just want to send my best wishes out to all those who suffered during the movie theater shooting in Colorado. We make a brief statement on this in the video, but I wanted to say something here as well. Add more of my thoughts on the matter then whats mentioned in the video.

You know, I don’t think I’ll ever forget when I first heard about it. I had just gotten out of my midnight showing. I was overwhelmed, excited, and incredibly satisfied with how the filmed played out. I did have some minor gripes, but nothing that could ruin the movie for me. Before we left, My friend’s buddy whom tagged along, sort of, lost his keys. We spent probably a good half hour asking around, trying to locate where the keys could have ended up. We never found them. So, after a quick trip to the Wal-Mart next door for a potty break, My friend’s buddy came back and hitched a ride home. Leaving his car in the movie theater parking lot.

I got back to my house, and texted Carter nonstop! We both seemed to really enjoy what was on screen. Though, I think I enjoyed it a bit more then he did. I went to bed, waiting to wake up and see the movie again. However, I was woken up earlier then expect, with news from my mother. “You’re not going to believe what just happened” She’d say to me. Instantly, I went from feeling excited…to not caring. The film just didn’t seem that important anymore. I still loved it as much as I did, but still.

Its crazy how life can change so fast. One minute, you could be celebrating your wedding day, and the next day could be a funeral. Its one of the scariest thoughts we can have, and to witness it happening is even scarier, especially when it happens to a loved one. However, We shouldn’t let things like this hinder us 100% from going to the movies, or even just going out. The sad truth is, anything like this can happen anytime, anywhere. We gotta stay positive, be safe, and be brave for ourselves and everyone around us.

So, once again, I want to send my best wishes to those in Colorado right now. I hope they all can get through this painful time successfully. Click the picture above, and you can checkout Carter and I’s full spoiler free review! Also, Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to Channel23hahaha for more comic book goodness! Again, be safe, stay positive, be brave, and have the best day you can. Thanks for watching and reading!

Batman: Earth One Review (COMICS!)

As everyone should know, the absolute best way to celebrate July 4th is by reading awesome comic books!

So, in case you aren’t aware, I am incredibly obsessed with Batman. I’ve been that way for a very long time. I honestly can’t remember a time when I wasn’t running around in a cape and cowl. Hell, I’d do it right now if I wasn’t writing this post! When I was younger, I would run around my house trying to save anything that was in any sort of danger. When I say anything, I seriously mean anything! I think I raised a few eyebrows when the neighbors saw me trying to save a picnic table. You know, Batman was…is my hero! However, believe it or not, It wasn’t the comic books that made me obsessed with Batman. In fact, I never read a full comic book until I was a teenager.

The movies featuring Michael Keaton, and the 90’s animated series, were the sources of my obsession. I will never forget when I saw that first Batman flick. The look on my face when I saw the beauty and fierce nature of Gotham City, The fear I felt when I first glanced at The Joker, and how amazed I was seeing Batman kick some criminal booty! I never thought I’d experience something like this again. Granted, I’d end up seeing a lot of flicks I’d fallen in love with later in life, but non of them ever gave me the same viewing experience as that first Batman movie. That is, until 2005’s Batman Begins was released. Man, was that movie excellent. Not only did it give me the same experience as Batman did, but It enhanced it! I couldn’t believe what I was seeing on that silver screen! This was how Batman should be done!

Now, why am I telling you this story? What is the point of it? Well, today I had a similar experience. Not 100% similar, but still similar. When I first read the classic comic Batman: Year One, I had experienced magic in it’s purest form. The book did an incredible job of telling a modern day version of Batman’s origin story. Not ever, not even in my wildest dreams, did I think anyone would be able to come close to as good as Year one when telling Batman’s origin story. Today…I, once again, stand corrected and flabbergasted.

About 2 and a half years ago, DC Comics announced that they would be releasing a new line of original graphic novels called DC: Earth One. In the same fashion as Marvel’s Ultimate line, DC: Earth One was a way of taking big DC characters, and telling their tales for a modern audience without the struggle of keeping within the main DC continuity. The first book in this line was Superman: Earth One. I wasn’t a big fan of the book, honestly. It kind of gave me a bad taste in my mouth with the whole Earth One deal. The next book from DC: Earth One was going to be a new take on the beginnings of Batman, obviously. However, because of Superman: Earth One I was kind of worried Batman would have the same fate with me. I became even more worried when it took forever for DC to release the damn thing even though it was already supposed to be out. Comic series usually die because of delays like that. People just forget they even knew about them.

Thankfully, The book is finally out, and It’s a freaking good read! Written by DC superstar Geoff Johns, and drawn by the brilliant Gary Frank, Batman: Earth One does a terrific Job of giving us a fresh take on Batman’s origin story. However, the best thing the book does is humanize Batman. The opening of the book shows Batman chasing after a criminal on the rooftops, as usual. But instead of capturing the bastard, Batman has a gadget malfunction and falls to the ground. This is a great example of how well Johns and Frank humanize Batman, but not the best. The best example is something most probably won’t even notice. The best example is…seeing Batman’s eyes.

Normally, Batman has those white lenses over his eyes. Without the lenses, You see both the Bat and the Man. It’s always weird that such a subtle change can be that powerful, but it’s true. Also, I really loved the new takes Johns gives to familiar characters. They all feel the same at their cores, but they’ve changed significantly. I, Especially, love his take on Alfred. Alfred is just a beast with a cane, man! I don’t think I’ve ever seen Alfred kick Bruce’s ass like he did in this book! Actually, I don’t think I’ve ever seen Alfred kick Bruce’s ass…ever. At least, not in a physical way. As much as I loved Geoff Johns’s story, I loved the artwork even more! Gary Frank has such a great attention to detail. Frank usually blows me away, but this is some top notch work! I really love that he gave the book such a cinematic look. I felt like I was watching a movie the entire time!

The only real flaw I found in the book was the pacing. At times, The book feels a bit rushed. Like they were trying to fit a lot of material into the comic, but had to cut even more out. However, in the big picture of it all, The book is still fantastic! That flaw, for me, is just a minor nitpick. It’s not a persistent flaw, but it’s in there. Overall, even though it took 2 some years to release, Batman: Earth One is a fresh, modern, and damn good re-telling of Batman’s beginnings. I don’t think it’s Year One good, but I think Bat-fans will still dig it!

4.5/5

New Dark Knight Rises Trailer Attached to The Avengers!!! (COMICS!)

With The Avengers coming to theaters literally a week from today, how could life get any sweeter? Well, what about if a new Dark Knight Rises trailer was attached to the film?

Yes! This is indeed true! Warner Bros. announced earlier last week that a new trailer for The Dark Knight Rises will be attached to The Avengers, and that is awesome! When I heard this news, my mind exploded and a mushroom cloud of brain goop covered the skies. The cloud then transformed into a likeness of my head and screamed “AWESOME!!!!!” at the top of its non existent lungs. Yes, I am aware I have an over active imagination, you don’t need to tell me. Anyways, In the latest episode of COMICS! I discuss this very topic! Also, Carter and I review some of the latest and greatest coming out from the indie world of comic books! Click the picture to watch the latest episode, and don’t forget to subscribe to Channel23hahaha on Youtube to see the latest episodes of COMICS! Enjoy!

Movie in a Minute-Monday 01/24/11

Click for the latest post.

Today we share the rumors about Anne Hathaway in the next Batman movie, also new developments found on the IMDB pro Star and Movie meter, plus an abused story from the web.  Join Dan and Brian from the Directors Cut Radio show. Today is Monday January 24, 2011 this is a another fresh movie in a minute.

Follow movie developments and review the archives at thedirectorscutradio.com