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Comics! With Richard and Carter, General

Joe The Barbarian Review (COMICS!)

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Joe

Nothing better then a little escapism!

Hello everyone! I am Richard! The Awkward and Hilarious! Today I present to you a comic review. So sit back, relax, and read on! Anyways, one of the biggest movies that came out this week was Oz the Great and Powerful. As a Sam Raimi fan, I was really pumped to return to that magical dream land. Thankfully, when I saw the movie, I left the theater with a smile on my face. Unlike Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, a film I’m 100% sure this movie will be compared to a lot, Oz is a movie I’m not afraid to say I enjoyed without being made fun of. It wasn’t necessarily Great or Powerful, but it was just a fun time at the movies. Also, after I left the theater, I began thinking of some of my favorite tales with a similar premise. Someone from our world, in need of change, being transported to a brave new land of fantasy and impossibility.

Now, normal people would probably think of more traditional examples. Me, I thought of an awesome 3 year old comic called Joe The Barbarian. The story of Joe is penned by comic book legend, Grant Morrison, and is drawn by a favorite of mine, Sean Murphy. Joe The Barbarian follows a boy named Joe Manson. Joe, a creative and diabetic young lad whom tends to escape the harshness of his real life, fails to receive his daily needed dose of glucose. Once this happens, Joe begins to hallucinate a fantasy world inhabited by mystical monsters, as well as his action figures. Upon arrival, Joe learns he is the prophesied Dying Boy come to destroy King Death, and save the land for all!

In 2010, when this story was being told, I was only reading Batman related series. Later in the year, I began to explore other areas of the comic world. Specifically comics written by people I really love. One of my favorite writers of all time is Grant Morrison. At the time, the only Morrison book I was reading was his amazing Batman and Robin series. One day, I had a conversation with a fellow Morrison fan, chit-chatting about the latest adventure of Batman and Robin, and he told me about this awesome book called Joe the Barbarian.

It was a limited series, written by Morrison, being done over at Vertigo, which is an imprint of DC Comics. Once he gave me a short summary of the story, I became incredibly excited to read it. So, I patiently waited for the hardcover to be released. Once it hit the store shelves, I raced to the nearest shop, grabbed myself a copy, threw about thirty some dollars at the cashier, and raced back home! I didn’t leave my room at all that evening. I was so into what I was reading.

One of the aspects I loved most was the character of Joe. I related to him in so many ways. Minus the diabetes, the kid was basically me. I’ve always been someone who kind of lives inside their own head. Trying to escape reality because it’s too much for them to handle. Admittedly, I related so much that it was kind of hard to read this book. It reminded me of similar struggles I’m going through currently that I’ve tried to avoid through escapism. That being said, It was good to be reminded of those things, strangely. It made me even more invested and sucked into this comic.

Another interesting aspect was the way it was written. While this comic features the usual Grant Morrison writing style, it didn’t feel like a typical comic from him. The story was much more straight forward, and less metaphorical. It’s always nice to see writers challenge themselves and/or try something new. All that being sad, the greatest thing to come out of me reading this comic was discovering Sean Murphy. Murphy’s art work in Joe was so amazing that it became difficult to even turn the page. I’d literally just be sitting on my bed, gazing upon a brilliant castle, witnessing an epic battle, or marveling at the forest lands of this beautifully drawn world.

After I read this book, I fell in love with the work of Sean Murphy. Since then, If I ever find anything sporting his name, I instantly have to purchase it. Even the freaking cover of the hardcover, depicted above, is amazing! Just look at it! It’s all kinds of spectacular! Anyways, if you haven’t been able to tell, I really loved this comic. It’s not my favorite tale from Morrison, but I consider it one of his best!

I give Joe The Barbarian a 5 outta 5!

Comics! With Richard and Carter

Batman #17 Review!! (COMICS!)

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Joker

You ever dance with the Devil by the pale moon light?

Hello! This is your fellow inmate of Arkham Asylum, Richard, here! Today…I present to you a one take review of the conclusion to one of the best Joker tale’s I’ve read since The Killing Joke: Death of the Family! Death of the Family was a big Joker event that took place in all the main Bat books from DC Comics, recently. While the event itself has faced some severe criticism from fans and critics alike, the main story line in Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s Batman run has received anything but. Especially from me! I’ve been loving the story, but does the conclusion continue the level of genius featured in the previous issues? Well…to find out what I thought, click on the picture above. It will take you directly to my review! Also, if you wanna see more videos, subscribe to Channel23hahaha on Youtube! I’d really appreciate it! Enjoy the video! 🙂

Comics! With Richard and Carter, General

Django Unchained #1 Review (COMICS!)

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“What’s yer name?” “…Django. D-J-A-N-G-O….The D is silent.”

Howdy, folks! This is your bounty hunter from another mother, Richard, here! Today, I present to you a comic book review! However, this is not just some regular comic review where I chit chat about Batman’s latest adventure in Gotham City. No…This is a review of a comic book adaptation of a Quentin Tarantino film script! Specifically, his original script for his latest film: Django Unchained! OH MY GOD! That is freaking awesome, peeps! This is not something you usually see in comics. Also, what’s really exciting about this is the comic series will be a straight adaptation of the ENTIRE script.

This means that if there is something in the script that didn’t make it to film, it’s probably in the comic! The first issue was released today, and I’m loving it, in case you can’t tell. I will say this, if you don’t want to be spoiled in anyway…AVOID THIS COMIC! Once again, It’s a direct adaptation of the script. So, avoid it, or wait until the film comes out to pick up issue one.

Anyways, Issue one starts off with a group of slaves being escorted to possibly another location to continue their unfortunate slavery. During their journey, The slaves and slavers meet a dentist named Dr. King Schultz. They also meet his horse, Fritz. Schultz is looking for a particular slave that he believes is among the group. As expected, that very slave is among the group, and his name is…Django. Schultz attempts to acquire the slave by politely purchasing him, but the slavers won’t budge. Instead, Schultz is forced to aggressively purchase Django. Schultz and Django then ride to the nearest town to chat about why this has all happened. Apparently, Schultz is actually a bounty hunter looking for some people Django might know. So, he enlists Django to help find these people, and kill them.

First off, I’m so glad this is a direct adaptation of Tarantino’s script. I don’t think there is a single writer out there who could have done a Tarantino script justice. Especially in the dialog. Tarantino dialog is always rough, witty, and fun all at the same time. That’s probably why I hate most film adapted comics. The writers can never really capture the voice of the story or the screenwriter. I will say, the dialog does get a bit wordy at times. Even more so when Schultz is speaking, which is most of the time. That being said, if it were bad dialog, then it would be an issue. Thankfully, the dialog is amazing, and totally fun to read.

But! This is something I expect from Tarantino! I know he is going to wow me when it comes to writing. The real thing to look at is the artwork. The artist on this comic is R.M. Guera. The art in the comic is very rugged, tough, dark and stylized. It’s a style that nicely fits the story. I wouldn’t say it’s perfect, though. Some of the faces are a bit weird at times. Other then that, I really dig the artwork. It very much looks like a western comic. Overall, I’m very happy with the way this first issue turned out. Also, it was nice to get kind of an early peek at the first few moments in the film!

I give Django Unchained #1 4.5 gun shots outta 5! I realize half a gun shot is odd, but that’s my rating!

If you would like me to review the rest of the series as it comes out, tell me in the comments! Also, please subscribe to Channel23hahaha on Youtube! I’d really appreciate it!

Comics! With Richard and Carter

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

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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!

Comics! With Richard and Carter

Dark Country Graphic Novel Review (COMICS!)

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Man, I love reading new comics! Especially horror/thrillers for Halloween!

Hey Y’all! It’s your zombified, vampirized, monster hunter named Richard, here! Now, do I have an interesting comic for you to check out! Now, 3 years ago, actor Thomas Jane I.E. the greatest on-screen version of The Punisher ever, directed his first film called Dark Country. It was more of an independent film that was based on a short story by the film’s screenwriter, Tab Murphy. The story followed a newlywed Vegas couple on the way to their honeymoon! However, things don’t really go as planned when they run into a man whose face is all but gone. They decide to help out this mysterious and faceless individual by taking him to get help. However, it turns out that not only is this man’s face disturbing, but so is the man himself! This leads to one hell of a horrifying and shocking night in the Nevada desert!

Sadly, I didn’t get the chance to view the film Jane directed yet, but I did find out that Jane, Tim Bradstreet, another guy who put his lovely stamp on the Marvel anti-hero, Tab Murphy, and artist Thomas Ott adapted the short story into a beautiful digital graphic novel! Which you can purchase on the comiXology app right now! Now, this graphic novel just floored me when I was reading it! Hell, it floored me when I was skimming through it! Ott’s artwork is simply beautiful! It’s artists like Ott whom have the ability to tell a story without a single word written on the page. Which is EXACTLY how this comic plays out!

I love silent issues of comic series, but It’s a tough thing to deliver, for sure. You need an artist capable enough to deliver what you’ve brought to the table. Ott, as mentioned, is without a single solitary doubt one of those very artists skillful enough to deliver a silent comic. His scratch board art style is so well used, and perfectly fits the tone of the story being told. It’s hard to compare it to other artists, mainly because no one else really does art like Ott!

Now, this graphic novel not only features Ott’s art, but it also has a few other goodies for you! First of all, the book is filled to the top with behind the scenes looks at the making of Thomas Jane’s film. From storyboards, make up work, call sheets, and so much more. You name it, it’s probably in there! Second, the Graphic Novel also comes with Tab Murphy’s original short story, WHICH I LOVED!

I really really enjoyed Murphy’s short because of the way he wrote it. He wrote it as if YOU are the main character. It’s not a story style you see everyday. It’s a style that almost help’s the imagination picture the story more. Especially since you are the main character. So, when the story’s finale delivers the final punch, you truly feel it! For sure, worth reading when your done drooling over Ott’s artwork!

In conclusion witches and werewolves, I do truly recommend this comic to all of you reading this article now! Again, you can find the comic on the comiXology app for an amazing $9.99 price tag. That’s WAY cheaper then the usual graphic novels you find at the book store or your local comic shop. Also, if you’d like to know more about the comic, the film, the short story, and RAW Studios which is a company founded by Jane and Bradstreet, click on the picture above. This leads directly to their main website! Also, if you want more COMICS! please subscribe to Channel23hahaha on Youtube! Have a Happy Halloween everyone!!!

General

Evil Dead (2013) Trailer Review!

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Wait….This has nothing to do with comic books? Why am I writing this?

So, when folks hear the word remake these days, the words “not again” is groaned in reply. It’s true that we’ve had an insane amount of remakes these past few years, and we’ve got more to come. Plus, the majority of these remakes released are based upon some of the biggest horror films ever made. You name it, it’s probably been remade. Friday the 13th, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Halloween, Dracula, Frankenstein, Last House on the Left, Psycho, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, the list goes on and on. Now, we have a new horror classic to add to the remake list: Evil Dead.

However, the horror remake list is slightly divided. Some horror remakes are actually not that bad. While others do nothing but give the middle finger to the original film and it’s many fans. I’m looking at you, Halloween! Yes…I’m looking straight at you, fother mucker! So, all that being said, where will Evil Dead end up? Well, based on this trailer, the film might actually end up on the good list! Yes, I actually liked this trailer a lot! I’m surprised as all hell that I liked it, but I did! I mean, It’s got the feel of Evil Dead, and It has the look of Evil Dead. Also, the original film makers (Sam Raimi, Bruce Campbell, and Robert Tapert) are heavily involved in this new movie! So, That makes me very excited!

It reminds me of when I made a crappy short called Specter Quest. Eventually, I made a better version that captured my original vision perfectly! That seems to be the reason Raimi and company, along with director and co-writer of this remake, Fede Alvarez, want to make this version. Well, that’s what Bruce Campbell said when He told me, and a few other press peeps, about the remake during the New York Comic Con. When they made the original, Raimi and Campbell looked to make a scary film. However, It ended up being more comedic and cheesy because of the low budget effects, and “melodramatic dialog delivered by bad actors” as Bruce Campbell said. ha-ha!

Fun fact, by the way, I’d never seen the original Evil Dead film until after I did the press round table for the remake. When I arrived back in Ohio, I immediately drove to Best Buy, purchased the original on Blu-Ray, and loved every second of it. It was such a fun film, but I didn’t really find it funny. It was pretty bloody, and cheesy, but I didn’t really find it all that funny. I mean, how can you find raping trees funny? I guess this world is full of sick sick people.

Anyways, so even though I liked the trailer, there were some stuff that bugged me. First of all, and this might just be me, but I loved the fact the original film didn’t feature crazy bad language. Not a single f-bomb was dropped. A few hells and damns sure, but no ships or trucks at all. This new film has an f-bomb dropped in the trailer! I just hope it’s not over used, like most horror remakes.

Second, the original’s crazy violence was fun because of the low budget effects. With this new version and it’s bigger budget, I fear the violence might come off as torture porn. Bruce Campbell spoke a bit on torture porn at NYCC, and how he felt it was just bad film making. I couldn’t agree with him more. I’ve always been incredibly against torture porn because it is just bad film making. He also said this new film doesn’t feature a single frame of torture porn in it.

Which would imply that the film cares about the story, and the violence is just icing on the cake. So, I hope that is the case with this version of Evil Dead. In the end, I was rather impressed with this trailer, and I am excited to see the final product. I just hope that I’m as impressed with the actual film when it’s released next year. If you haven’t seen the trailer yet, click on the picture above! I should warn you, though…It’s not for the faint of heart!

Comics! With Richard and Carter

Iron Man 3 Trailer Review!!! (COMICS!)

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Fun Fact: I’m writing this article in the middle of class! Total dedication to The Director’s Cut Radio Team!

Hey Hey Hey! This is FAT RICHARD, here! Today, I bring you a quick video review of a highly anticipated trailer for the first film in Phase 2 of the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe): Iron Man 3! When I say highly anticipated…I mean HIGHLY ANTICIPATED! It was so highly anticipated, they had a trailer for the trailer! Actually, I’m not even kidding you on that. Marvel Studios actually released a trailer teasing this very trailer. I don’t know whether that is genius or moronic. Also, I don’t know if this trailer reached the level of anticipation the trailer of the trailer placed it at. I’m starting to confuse myself. So, lets move on now! As usual, to watch my review, click on the pretty picture up top! Also, if you have yet to view the trailer, It’s linked in the description of the episode! Also Also, don’t forget to subscribe to Channel23hahaha to get more awesome COMICS! goodness!

Comics! With Richard and Carter, Daily

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

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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!

Comics! With Richard and Carter

Dredd 3D Review! (COMICS!)

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Hi everyone! It’s your enforcer of the law, Judge Richard here! So, normally I’m not really excited for the fall movie season. Most of them just seem like filler until the winter award winning flicks arrive. 2012 has changed that a lot for me! There are so many movies coming out this fall that I am gushing with excitement for! One of those movies was the latest adaptation of the British created comic character, Judge Dredd. I wasn’t much of a fan of the original movie, but not because it ruined the comic.

Believe it or not, I’ve never actually read the original comic work. I just thought the original was just a bad movie. However, I can’t even come close to saying that for Dredd 3D. Along with my short, but sweet, review of Dredd, Carter and I also discuss the new Kick-Ass movie with Jim Carrey, Marvel NOW!, and an amazing indie comic series called Saga! To see the latest episode of COMICS!, click on the photo up top! Also, to keep up with us when we release a new video, subscribe to Channel23hahaha on Youtube! Enjoy the video!