Saturday, March 31, 2012
Friday, March 30, 2012
The Art Of Pop Culture: Dean Walton (aka MrShabba)
Continuing to showcase artwork by some of my favourite pop culture artists. This time it's the work of Dean Walton.
Dean Walton (aka MrShabba) is an illustrator and graphic designer, and chief designer at T-Shirt store GamerPrint.
For more information, check out his website and you can follow him on Twitter at @MrShabba
More artwork after the jump, click to embiggen.
Dean Walton (aka MrShabba) is an illustrator and graphic designer, and chief designer at T-Shirt store GamerPrint.
For more information, check out his website and you can follow him on Twitter at @MrShabba
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Awesome 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Poster by Ken Taylor
They've done it again! Yet another awesome poster from Mondo will be on sale tomorrow!
Sideshow
and Mondo present Disney's 20,000
LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA by Ken Taylor!
Follow them on Twitter for the on sale announcement. The poster will be available online at a random time on Friday, March 30th, but if you want to bag a copy, be very quick, Mondo posters sell out in minutes!!!!
The Art Of Pop Culture: David O'Daniel
Continuing to showcase artwork by some of my favourite pop culture artists. This time it's the work of David O'Daniel.
David O'Daniel creates hand made screenprinted alternative movie posters for the Castro Theatre in San Francisco.
For more information, check out his blog.
More artwork after the jump, click to embiggen.
David O'Daniel creates hand made screenprinted alternative movie posters for the Castro Theatre in San Francisco.
For more information, check out his blog.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
The Art Of Pop Culture: Dave Perillo
Continuing to showcase artwork by some of my favourite pop culture artists. This time it's the work of Dave Perillo.
Dave Perillo is an illustrator based in Philadelphia and his works are inspired by 1950’s Sci-Fi Movies, Charles Schultz, Jim Flora, Ray Harryhausen, Roy Lichtenstein, Jim Henson, Hanna Barbera, The Twilight Zone, Alfred Hitchcock & Character Advertising Icons.
For more information, check out his blog and his Deviant Art Page.
More artwork after the jump, click to embiggen.
Dave Perillo is an illustrator based in Philadelphia and his works are inspired by 1950’s Sci-Fi Movies, Charles Schultz, Jim Flora, Ray Harryhausen, Roy Lichtenstein, Jim Henson, Hanna Barbera, The Twilight Zone, Alfred Hitchcock & Character Advertising Icons.
For more information, check out his blog and his Deviant Art Page.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Total Recall - The trailer for the trailer
It must be a new trend, releasing a trailer for the trailer of a movie?! Well, here's one for the new version of Total Recall. The full trailer is out on Sunday.
Total Recall is out in cinemas August 3 (US) & August 22 (UK)
Total Recall is out in cinemas August 3 (US) & August 22 (UK)
The Art Of Pop Culture: Daniel Norris
Continuing to showcase artwork by some of my favourite pop culture artists. This time it's the work of Daniel Norris.
Daniel Norris is a freelance graphic designer working in London.
For more information about Daniel Norris, check out his website and his Flickr Photostream.
More artwork after the jump, click to embiggen.
Daniel Norris is a freelance graphic designer working in London.
For more information about Daniel Norris, check out his website and his Flickr Photostream.
Currently Reading: 'Return To Barsoom' by Scott Dutton
The blurb:
It has been over 60 years since we last heard from John Carter, the Warlord of Mars. We now know that Mars is cold, dusty and with an atmosphere so thin water will not liquify. Life as we know it cannot exist on Mars.
So why is Chester Ventura getting in a rocket and plotting a course?
Set in present times, 150 or so years after when the events of the John Carter books are said to be set, and acknowledging what we currently know about Mars, the book charts the story of Chester Ventura, just an ordinary joe who discovers a shuttle space craft sent from John Carter on Barsoom meant for his nephew Edgar, and his unexpected journey and adventures on Mars.
I really enjoyed reading this as I did with the original books. I felt it brought the stories bang up to date, and, as I mentioned, with what we know about Mars today, the desolation and emptiness, it seemed more real. Plus, we see another side to some well known characters. I hope the author decides to write the next book in Chester's Barsoomian adventure.
If you enjoyed the original books by ERB, I would certainly recommend this to you as well.
You can pick up this ebook from Scott's website for free in epub and mobi formats.
Right, I'm off to re-read my hardback version of the original John Carter trilogy.
Where The Wild Things Are as read by Christopher Walken
Christopher Walken reads beloved children's book "Where the Wild Things Are" but has to improvise as it is mostly pictures.
Another John Carter Fan Trailer
Another fan trailer for one of my favourite films of the year so far, John Carter, has popped up on the radar!
As I've mentioned before, it's such a shame that the quality of the fan trailers have been much greater than what was officially released, especially the disappointing extended Superbowl ad.
Negative critics be damned, if you get the chance to see the film, go. You might be pleasantly surprised!
As I've mentioned before, it's such a shame that the quality of the fan trailers have been much greater than what was officially released, especially the disappointing extended Superbowl ad.
Negative critics be damned, if you get the chance to see the film, go. You might be pleasantly surprised!
New TV Spot Trailer for Snow White & The Huntsman
A new 1 minute TV spot has been released for Snow White & The Huntsman. Liking the look of this!
The blurb:
In the epic action-adventure Snow White and the Huntsman, Kristen Stewart (Twilight) plays the only person in the land fairer than the evil queen (Oscar® winner Charlize Theron) who is out to destroy her. But what the wicked ruler never imagined is that the young woman threatening her reign has been training in the art of war with a huntsman (Chris Hemsworth, Thor) who was dispatched to kill her. Sam Claflin (Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides) joins the cast as the prince long enchanted by Snow White’s beauty and power.
The breathtaking new vision of the legendary tale is from Joe Roth, the producer of Alice in Wonderland, producer Sam Mercer (The Sixth Sense) and acclaimed commercial director and state-of-the-art visualist Rupert Sanders.
The blurb:
In the epic action-adventure Snow White and the Huntsman, Kristen Stewart (Twilight) plays the only person in the land fairer than the evil queen (Oscar® winner Charlize Theron) who is out to destroy her. But what the wicked ruler never imagined is that the young woman threatening her reign has been training in the art of war with a huntsman (Chris Hemsworth, Thor) who was dispatched to kill her. Sam Claflin (Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides) joins the cast as the prince long enchanted by Snow White’s beauty and power.
The breathtaking new vision of the legendary tale is from Joe Roth, the producer of Alice in Wonderland, producer Sam Mercer (The Sixth Sense) and acclaimed commercial director and state-of-the-art visualist Rupert Sanders.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Animated Short: Red by Jorge Jaramillo & Carlo Guillot
Directed by Jorge Jaramillo and Carlo Guillot and with the music by Manuel Borda, Red is an animated short film, which presents a new version of the
classic tale 'Little Red Riding Hood' by Charles Perrault.
(via Live For Films)
(via Live For Films)
Piano Rendition of John Carter Theme by Steven Prabowo
A brilliant piano arrangement of the 'Theme from John Carter' by Steven Prabowo.
You can hear more from Steven on his Youtube channel.
You can hear more from Steven on his Youtube channel.
The Art Of Pop Culture: Daniel Danger
Continuing to showcase artwork by some of my favourite pop culture artists. This time it's the work of Daniel Danger.
Daniel Danger is an illustrator and print-maker and runs Tiny Media Empire, a production and design company based out of Boston, that focuses on fine art screenprints, limited official posters for movies and bands, and video production design. He has also produced posters for Mondo too!
For more information about Daniel Danger, check out his blog.
More art from Daniel Danger after the jump (click to embiggen).
Daniel Danger is an illustrator and print-maker and runs Tiny Media Empire, a production and design company based out of Boston, that focuses on fine art screenprints, limited official posters for movies and bands, and video production design. He has also produced posters for Mondo too!
For more information about Daniel Danger, check out his blog.
Game Of Thrones 'You Win Or You Die' Preview
Series 2 of Game Of Thrones is almost here (April 1 US on HBO / April 2 UK on Sky Atlantic), and if you've missed the first series, HBO have just released a 22-minute video called “Game of Thrones: You Win or You Die,”
which takes a look back at the events from series one, so you can catch up.
The video introduces all the major characters through cast and crew interviews and gives a sneak peek of the upcoming series.
The blurb from HBO:
The four segments of the piece are “Inside the HBO Series,” featuring essential background on the series—introducing viewers to the fantasy kingdom of Westeros and its characters; “Winter Is Coming,” a recap of Season 1 featuring great scenes and performances by main characters; “Fear and Blood,” which lays out the stakes for the Iron Throne in Season 2; and “The War of the Kings,” which takes you on location to the show’s exotic settings and talks more about the twists and surprises in store throughout the new season.
(Via Geeks Of Doom)
The video introduces all the major characters through cast and crew interviews and gives a sneak peek of the upcoming series.
The blurb from HBO:
The four segments of the piece are “Inside the HBO Series,” featuring essential background on the series—introducing viewers to the fantasy kingdom of Westeros and its characters; “Winter Is Coming,” a recap of Season 1 featuring great scenes and performances by main characters; “Fear and Blood,” which lays out the stakes for the Iron Throne in Season 2; and “The War of the Kings,” which takes you on location to the show’s exotic settings and talks more about the twists and surprises in store throughout the new season.
(Via Geeks Of Doom)
Friday, March 23, 2012
The Art Of Pop Culture: Dan Hipp
Continuing to showcase artwork by some of my favourite pop culture artists. This time it's the work of Dan Hipp.
Dan Hipp is comic-book illustrator and has done work with Cartoon Network, DC Comics, Image Comics and more.
For more information about Dan Hipp, check out his blog.
Check out more of his art work, after the jump (Click to embiggen).
Dan Hipp is comic-book illustrator and has done work with Cartoon Network, DC Comics, Image Comics and more.
For more information about Dan Hipp, check out his blog.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
The Art Of Pop Culture: Charles Vess
Continuing to showcase artwork by some of my favourite pop culture artists. This time it's the work of Charles Vess.
Charles Vess is fantasy artist and comic-book illustrator who has specialised in the illustration of myths and fairy tales.
I first discovered his artwork whilst reading Neil Gaiman's The Sandman comic books and Gaiman's Stardust in years gone by, also in some of the covers to the Swamp Thing comic books in the 1990's.
For more information about Charles Vess, check out the official website.
More art after the jump, click to embiggen!
Charles Vess is fantasy artist and comic-book illustrator who has specialised in the illustration of myths and fairy tales.
I first discovered his artwork whilst reading Neil Gaiman's The Sandman comic books and Gaiman's Stardust in years gone by, also in some of the covers to the Swamp Thing comic books in the 1990's.
For more information about Charles Vess, check out the official website.
Short Film: 'Ruin' by Oddball Animation
'Ruin' - an awesome animated short set in a post-apocalyptic universe by Wes Ball and produced by Oddball Animation.
I like the POV camera work and feels very much like Final Fantasy: Advent Children to me, probably down to the bike chase in 'Final Fantasy: Advent Children', all good though!
Video after the jump.
I like the POV camera work and feels very much like Final Fantasy: Advent Children to me, probably down to the bike chase in 'Final Fantasy: Advent Children', all good though!
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
The Art Of Pop Culture: Bob Peak
Continuing to showcase artwork by some of my favourite pop culture artists. This time it's the work of Bob Peak.
Bob Peak (1927-1992) was dubbed “The Father of Modern Movie Posters,” Peak has also created 20 covers for Time magazine, 39 covers for TV Guide and was Honoured for a lifetime achievement award in 1992 by the Hollywood Report for his contribution to the film industry.
For more information about Bob Peak, check out the official website.
Check out more of his posters after the jump (click to embiggen).
Bob Peak (1927-1992) was dubbed “The Father of Modern Movie Posters,” Peak has also created 20 covers for Time magazine, 39 covers for TV Guide and was Honoured for a lifetime achievement award in 1992 by the Hollywood Report for his contribution to the film industry.
For more information about Bob Peak, check out the official website.
The Duel - Awesome Lego Animation
'The Duel', an awesome stop-motion Lego animated short by Namchild (based on 'Duel' by Lohenhart).
What makes it all the more impressive is that all the effects (incl. motion blur/explosions/wind/wood etc.) are filmed in shot and were happening as the picture is taken. No cgi was used. Photoshop is only used to remove support wires etc.
(via ToplessRobot)
What makes it all the more impressive is that all the effects (incl. motion blur/explosions/wind/wood etc.) are filmed in shot and were happening as the picture is taken. No cgi was used. Photoshop is only used to remove support wires etc.
(via ToplessRobot)
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
The Art Of Pop Culture: Alain Bossuyt
Continuing to showcase artwork by some of my favourite pop culture artists. This time it's the work of Alain Bossuyt.
Alain Bossuyt is a graphic designer and illustrator and his own design studio, based in Lille, called LE PLAN B. They mainly create illustration, Flash animation and graphic design.
I love his alternative take on movie posters, some of them kind of remind me a little bit of Saul Bass too!
To see more of his work and even buy some of them, check here!
More examples after the jump (as always, click to embiggen).
Alain Bossuyt is a graphic designer and illustrator and his own design studio, based in Lille, called LE PLAN B. They mainly create illustration, Flash animation and graphic design.
I love his alternative take on movie posters, some of them kind of remind me a little bit of Saul Bass too!
More examples after the jump (as always, click to embiggen).
Monday, March 19, 2012
The Art Of Pop Culture: Al Williamson
Continuing to showcase artwork by some of my favourite pop culture artists. This time it's the work of Al Williamson.
Al Williamson (1931-2010) was a comic book artist, specialising in Adventure, Science Fiction, Fantasy and Westerns. Best known for his work on Flash Gordon in the 1960's and on the comic-book adaptations and spin offs of the original Star Wars films.
For more examples of his art, check out more after the jump (click to embiggen).
Al Williamson (1931-2010) was a comic book artist, specialising in Adventure, Science Fiction, Fantasy and Westerns. Best known for his work on Flash Gordon in the 1960's and on the comic-book adaptations and spin offs of the original Star Wars films.
New Snow White And The Huntsman Trailer
Looks pretty good. Reminds me of bits from Pan's Labyrinth and Game Of Thrones. all good as far as I'm concerned!
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Currently Reading: John Carter Of Mars
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| Cover art by Michael Whelan |
From Wikipedia:
John Carter of Mars is the eleventh and final book in the Barsoom series by Edgar Rice Burroughs. It is not actually a novel but rather a collection of two John Carter of Mars stories.
The first, "John Carter and the Giant of Mars", is a juvenile story penned by Burrough's son John "Jack" Coleman Burroughs, and claimed to have been revised by Burroughs. It was written for a Whitman Big Little Book, illustrated by Jack Burroughs that was published in 1940 and then republished in Amazing Stories the next year
The second story, "Skeleton Men of Jupiter", was first published in Amazing Stories in 1943. Intended as the first in a series of novelettes to be later collected in book form, in the fashion of Llana of Gathol, it ends with the plot unresolved, and the intended sequels were never written. Several other writers have written pastiche endings for the story.
I enjoyed both of the stories. As mentioned above, you can definitely tell the difference in style between the two stories, but I preferred the 'Skeleton Men' story the best. It just felt more like the rest of series, even if I was imagining shades of Flash Gordon whilst reading it. Shame about the sudden ending, not quite the same cliffhanger endings of the original three books but just feels unfinished, just like the end of each of the stories in 'Llana Of Gathol' which would carry on to the next.
According to Wikipedia, the copyright for this story has expired in Australia, and thus now resides in the public domain there. The text is available via Project Gutenberg Australia. John Carter & The Giant Of Mars & Skeleton Men Of Jupiter
So that's the Barsoom series finished. I can see why there are a lot of fans who love the Edgar Rice Burroughs books. I can now count myself among them. I really loved the first three books (A Princess Of Mars, The Gods Of Mars, Warlord Of Mars), which is why I just HAD to get this illustrated omnibus version of the trilogy. The series on the whole is a very enjoyable read and I would recommend them to anyone who enjoys action adventure with a sci-fi / fantasy twist.
Up next . . . I'm not quite done with the world of Barsoom just yet, and will be checking out Scott Dutton's modern take on John Carter of Mars, with 'Return To Barsoom'.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
BAFTA Game Awards Winners Announced
BAFTA Game Awards Winners
Best Action Game: Batman: Arkham CityBest Artistic Achievement: Rayman Origins
Best Audio Achievement: Battlefield 3
Best Game: Portal 2
Best Debut Game: Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet
Best Design in a Game: Portal 2
Best Family Game: LittleBigPlanet 2
Game Innovation Award: LittleBigPlanet 2
Best Mobile and Handheld Game: Peggle HD
Best Online Browser Game: Monstermind
Best Online Multiplayer: Battlefield 3
Best Original Music: LA Noire
Best Performer: Mark Hamill (Joker)
Best Sports/Fitness Game: Kinect Sports 2
Best Storyline: Portal 2
Best Strategy Game: Total War: Shogun 2
BAFTA Ones to watch: Tick Tock Toys
The GAME Award: Battlefield 3
(via BAFTAs)
Friday, March 16, 2012
Awesome Star Wars Posters
To promote the opening of the new exhibition Star Wars Identities.
More after the jump, and yep, click to embiggen! ;)
The Art Of Pop Culture: Adam Rabalais
Continuing to showcase artwork by some of my favourite pop culture artists. This time it's the work of Adam Rabalais.
Adam Rabalais is an artist who mostly illustrates alternative movie posters, often being much better than the official studio releases.
Check his Deviant Art page for more quality illustrations and Etsy shop to buy his prints. You can also follow him on twitter @adamrabalais
As always, more art after the jump and click to embiggen.
Adam Rabalais is an artist who mostly illustrates alternative movie posters, often being much better than the official studio releases.
Check his Deviant Art page for more quality illustrations and Etsy shop to buy his prints. You can also follow him on twitter @adamrabalais
New Trailer for Tim Burton's Dark Shadows
Tim Burton back on form? Could be.
The blurb:
In the year 1752, Joshua and Naomi Collins, with young son Barnabas, set sail from Liverpool, England to start a new life in America. But even an ocean was not enough to escape the mysterious curse that has plagued their family. Two decades pass and Barnabas (Johnny Depp) has the world at his feet--or at least the town of Collinsport, Maine. The master of Collinwood Manor, Barnabas is rich, powerful and an inveterate playboy...until he makes the grave mistake of breaking the heart of Angelique Bouchard (Eva Green). A witch, in every sense of the word, Angelique dooms him to a fate worse than death: turning him into a vampire, and then burying him alive. Two centuries later, Barnabas is inadvertently freed from his tomb and emerges into the very changed world of 1972. He returns to Collinwood Manor to find that his once-grand estate has fallen into ruin. The dysfunctional remnants of the Collins family have fared little better, each harboring their own dark secrets. Matriarch Elizabeth Collins Stoddard (Michelle Pfeiffer) has called upon live-in psychiatrist, Dr. Julia Hoffman (Helena Bonham Carter), to help with her family troubles. Also residing in the manor is Elizabeth's ne'er-do-well brother, Roger Collins, (Jonny Lee Miller); her rebellious teenage daughter Carolyn Stoddard (Chloe Moretz); and Roger's precocious 10-year-old son, David Collins (Gulliver McGrath). The mystery extends beyond the family, to caretaker Willie Loomis, played by Jackie Earle Haley, and David's new nanny, Victoria Winters, played by Bella Heathcote.
The blurb:
In the year 1752, Joshua and Naomi Collins, with young son Barnabas, set sail from Liverpool, England to start a new life in America. But even an ocean was not enough to escape the mysterious curse that has plagued their family. Two decades pass and Barnabas (Johnny Depp) has the world at his feet--or at least the town of Collinsport, Maine. The master of Collinwood Manor, Barnabas is rich, powerful and an inveterate playboy...until he makes the grave mistake of breaking the heart of Angelique Bouchard (Eva Green). A witch, in every sense of the word, Angelique dooms him to a fate worse than death: turning him into a vampire, and then burying him alive. Two centuries later, Barnabas is inadvertently freed from his tomb and emerges into the very changed world of 1972. He returns to Collinwood Manor to find that his once-grand estate has fallen into ruin. The dysfunctional remnants of the Collins family have fared little better, each harboring their own dark secrets. Matriarch Elizabeth Collins Stoddard (Michelle Pfeiffer) has called upon live-in psychiatrist, Dr. Julia Hoffman (Helena Bonham Carter), to help with her family troubles. Also residing in the manor is Elizabeth's ne'er-do-well brother, Roger Collins, (Jonny Lee Miller); her rebellious teenage daughter Carolyn Stoddard (Chloe Moretz); and Roger's precocious 10-year-old son, David Collins (Gulliver McGrath). The mystery extends beyond the family, to caretaker Willie Loomis, played by Jackie Earle Haley, and David's new nanny, Victoria Winters, played by Bella Heathcote.
John Carter And The Fans From Jasoom
John Carter, in the world of Barsoom, created by Edgar Rice Burroughs - one of the founding fathers of modern science fiction - the name is a legend, the best swordsman in all of Mars with super human strength and agility. But in the real world, what the inhabitants of Burroughs' world would call our world - Jasoom, his name had almost been forgotten to the mists of time.
First appearing in the pages of pulp magazine The All-Story in February 1912, under the title of 'Under The Moons Of Mars', later to be changed to the now recognised 'A Princess Of Mars' in October 1917 when the serial was published as a novel, the story of a confederate soldier mysteriously transported to a foreign world, finding the love of a princess and rising to become Warlord Of Mars has inspired generations of people, from the likes of George Lucas (Star Wars), James Cameron (Avatar), Jerry Siegel (Superman), Carl Sagan, and of course Andrew Stanton amongst others.
And so, as 2012 is the centenary of the first appearance into popular culture of John Carter, it's so very apt that this year should see his debut, after different studios and many many years of trying, up on the big screen!
In the run up to the release, I've been reading through the 11 books for the very first time (I'm on the last book now, 'John Carter Of Mars') to get a feel for the story and characters, and I've really enjoyed them and had been looking forward to seeing the film and would certainly recommend anyone to pick them up and give them a read. But, the reviews and general buzz eminating out of Hollywood had been less than complimentary about the film.
After watching and really enjoying the film (twice), I really cannot understand the vitriol from some of the critics. It's as if they were maybe watching the 2009 direct to DVD version instead! In my review, I said that Andrew Stanton's 2012 version reminded me of the classic pulp action adventure films I used to love like the Sinbad films, and maybe even Raiders of The Lost Ark. I go to the movies to be entertained and John Carter did exactly that for me and I think that some of the reviewers have totally missed the point and were more focused on the large budget and the poor marketing campaign than on the actual film itself, hoping for a big budget failure from Disney and Andrew Stanton, one of Pixar's Alumni before it was even released. It would seem that Hollywood does enjoy a bit of schadenfraude and the fall of the popular and successful! Since when does a $100m opening weekend global box office constitute a failure?! The Hollywood press may have forgotten that the international markets can make up to more that 70% of total box office gross. And as a result, I have lost a lot of respect and trust for some of these so-called top critics.
But all is not lost. There is a Facebook group started up by ardent followers of the books and lovers of the film - Take me back to Barsoom! I want John Carter to have a sequel asking Disney to commission a sequel. Urging people to go back and enjoy the film in the cinemas again and spread the word about how good it is (it really is in my opinion, looks much better than the trailers and gets better each time I've seen it) and pick up and read the original books and the current comic books too. Heck, if the Transformers films can get sequels why not John Carter! The group has grown to well over 3500 members in under a few days! I'm not saying that it will work - every little bit helps and I really hope it does - but as John Carter used to say in the books, "I still live!"
I think John Carter could perhaps be another Blade Runner or, more recently a Scott Pilgrim vs The World. Savaged by the critics on cinematic release and with a relatively poor box office but becoming a cult classic and best seller on home video/DVD. The film is also currently rated 51% by the critics, but a very creditable 71% by the audience (where it matters to be honest and please put up a review yourself if you've seen it!) on the Rotten Tomatoes website. So if you're on the fence about going to see it, I would recommend getting off it and down to the cinema! Hey, you might just enjoy it! "Och Ohem, Och Tay, Wyees Barsoom!"
Update: Added fan trailer
And so, as 2012 is the centenary of the first appearance into popular culture of John Carter, it's so very apt that this year should see his debut, after different studios and many many years of trying, up on the big screen!
In the run up to the release, I've been reading through the 11 books for the very first time (I'm on the last book now, 'John Carter Of Mars') to get a feel for the story and characters, and I've really enjoyed them and had been looking forward to seeing the film and would certainly recommend anyone to pick them up and give them a read. But, the reviews and general buzz eminating out of Hollywood had been less than complimentary about the film.
But all is not lost. There is a Facebook group started up by ardent followers of the books and lovers of the film - Take me back to Barsoom! I want John Carter to have a sequel asking Disney to commission a sequel. Urging people to go back and enjoy the film in the cinemas again and spread the word about how good it is (it really is in my opinion, looks much better than the trailers and gets better each time I've seen it) and pick up and read the original books and the current comic books too. Heck, if the Transformers films can get sequels why not John Carter! The group has grown to well over 3500 members in under a few days! I'm not saying that it will work - every little bit helps and I really hope it does - but as John Carter used to say in the books, "I still live!"
I think John Carter could perhaps be another Blade Runner or, more recently a Scott Pilgrim vs The World. Savaged by the critics on cinematic release and with a relatively poor box office but becoming a cult classic and best seller on home video/DVD. The film is also currently rated 51% by the critics, but a very creditable 71% by the audience (where it matters to be honest and please put up a review yourself if you've seen it!) on the Rotten Tomatoes website. So if you're on the fence about going to see it, I would recommend getting off it and down to the cinema! Hey, you might just enjoy it! "Och Ohem, Och Tay, Wyees Barsoom!"
Update: Added fan trailer
Thursday, March 15, 2012
The Art Of Pop Culture: Adam Hughes
Continuing to showcase artwork by some of my favourite pop culture artists. This time it's the work of Adam Hughes.
Adam Hughes is an American comic book artist who has illustrated for the likes of DC Comics, Marvel Comics, Dark Horse Comics, Lucasfilm, Playboy magazine, and is best known for his renderings of female characters in pinup-style, and his cover work on titles such as Wonder Woman and Catwoman.
Check his official website for more quality illustrations.
As always, more art after the jump and click to embiggen.
Adam Hughes is an American comic book artist who has illustrated for the likes of DC Comics, Marvel Comics, Dark Horse Comics, Lucasfilm, Playboy magazine, and is best known for his renderings of female characters in pinup-style, and his cover work on titles such as Wonder Woman and Catwoman.
Check his official website for more quality illustrations.
As always, more art after the jump and click to embiggen.
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| Fairest #1 |
Japanese TV Spot Trailer for the Total Recall Remake
Could be interesting.
Total Recall will be released in cinemas August 3 2012 (US) and August 22 2012 (UK)
Total Recall will be released in cinemas August 3 2012 (US) and August 22 2012 (UK)
New Snow White & The Huntsman Featurette
After seeing the previous trailers, looking forward to seeing this once it's released in cinemas June 1 2012.
The blurb:
Snow White is the only person in the land fairer than the evil queen. Unable to tolerate the insult to her vanity, the evil queen decides that Snow White must die. The queen sends a huntsman to kill Snow White. However the huntsman finds himself unable to murder the innocent you woman, and instead ends up training her to become a warrior capable of threatening the queen’s reign.
Official Trailer
The blurb:
Snow White is the only person in the land fairer than the evil queen. Unable to tolerate the insult to her vanity, the evil queen decides that Snow White must die. The queen sends a huntsman to kill Snow White. However the huntsman finds himself unable to murder the innocent you woman, and instead ends up training her to become a warrior capable of threatening the queen’s reign.
Official Trailer
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
The Art of Pop Culture: Aaron Horkey
Although some might consider poster artwork a dying art, and considering some of the artwork for recent movie posters like X-Men: First Class and (even although I loved the film) John Carter, they may have point.
I really love some of the posters by the people at Mondo. Some of the posters they produce for the films at the Alamo Drafthouse in San Francisco are superb and definitely standout from the official studio posters. When the limited edition prints are put up on sale at their website, they unsurprisingly sell out within minutes!
Thanks to Mondo, I've discovered some really good art by some really good artists. And I'll be showcasing some of my favourite pop culture artists on this blog, starting with Aaron Horkey.
Aaron Horkey produces hand-drawn art with superb detail. He doesn’t have a website right now, but a quick online search reveals some super stylish illustration, mostly gig and movie posters. Enjoy some of them below and after the jump (click to embiggen).
I really love some of the posters by the people at Mondo. Some of the posters they produce for the films at the Alamo Drafthouse in San Francisco are superb and definitely standout from the official studio posters. When the limited edition prints are put up on sale at their website, they unsurprisingly sell out within minutes!
Thanks to Mondo, I've discovered some really good art by some really good artists. And I'll be showcasing some of my favourite pop culture artists on this blog, starting with Aaron Horkey.
Aaron Horkey produces hand-drawn art with superb detail. He doesn’t have a website right now, but a quick online search reveals some super stylish illustration, mostly gig and movie posters. Enjoy some of them below and after the jump (click to embiggen).
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| Jurassic Park |
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Sherlock - The Animated Series
This is a fan video using the audio from the Sherlock TV series, with the soundtrack from Batman: The Brave & The Bold. It does remind me of Cowboy Bebop or The Castle Of Cagliostro. All good in my book, someone make this happen!
(via The Uniblogger)
(via The Uniblogger)
Monday, March 12, 2012
Sunday, March 11, 2012
RIP Jean Giraud (aka Moebius) (1939-2012)
After the passing of Ralph McQuarrie, sad to hear that another great artist has died, Jean Giraud, or more famously known by his Moebius psudenom, he was 73.
Mostly known in his native France for “Les Aventures de Blueberry,” the Old West saga that debuted in 1963, and his work on the magazine Heavy Metal in the late 1970's.
He was also brought in as a concept artist on films like Alien, Tron, Willow, The Abyss and The Fifth Element.
For more information on Jean Giraud, click here.
More artwork after the jump (click to embiggen).
Mostly known in his native France for “Les Aventures de Blueberry,” the Old West saga that debuted in 1963, and his work on the magazine Heavy Metal in the late 1970's.
He was also brought in as a concept artist on films like Alien, Tron, Willow, The Abyss and The Fifth Element.
For more information on Jean Giraud, click here.
More artwork after the jump (click to embiggen).
Friday, March 09, 2012
Movie Review: John Carter
Well, that day has at last arrived! John Carter is finally on the big screen, and I have to say, I loved it!
From when we first see Barsoom and the aerial battle of the Zodangan and Heliumite airships, it really reminded me of the old swashbuckling movies and overall, director Andrew Stanton seems to have recaptured that old pulp action adventure spirit.
Yes, I wasn't expecting a true book-to-film adaptation, things were missing or changed from the book, but then again, it's always to be expected. Not everything will translate well from the page and your imagination to screen, not forgetting that the original source material in 100 years old too.
I thought the leads played their parts pretty well, impressed with Lynn Collins' Dejah Thoris (I think I'm in love!) and James Purefoy's Kantos Kan, even if his role was pretty brief! I also liked the way the movie was bookended with the Edgar Rice Burroughs (Daryl Sabara) scenes and the quip at the end saying that "John Carter Of Mars sounds better". Indeed it does!
I really do hope it does well and we get to see the next film. Forget the terrible promotion, it's much better than it looks, and if you like a good old fun swashbuckling pulp action adventure, like the Sinbad films of old (or even Raiders Of The Lost Ark perhaps), you should give this a watch! Recommended!
Currently Reading: Llana Of Gathol by Edgar Rice Burroughs
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| Art by Michael Whelan |
From Wikipedia:
Llana of Gathol is an Edgar Rice Burroughs a collection of four stories that were originally published in Amazing Stories in 1941 - "The Ancient Dead", originally "The City of Mummies", "The Black Pirates of Barsoom", originally "Black Pirates of Barsoom", "Escape on Mars", originally "Yellow Men of Mars" and "Invisible Men of Mars".
The first collected edition of Llana of Gathol was published in 1948. It is the penultimate book in the Barsoom series and the last to be published during Burroughs's lifetime.
Almost finished this and I have really enjoyed it. Broken down into the four short stories, charting John Carter's travels across Barsoom, after rescuing his granddaughter, Llana of Gathol, in Horz in the first story. As I've read the previous nine books in the series, this one feels back on form and is of a similar feel to the first books. It also feels like a bit of a primer to the series, as if you haven't read any of the books before, Burroughs does describe events and details that have previously happened in the series. Definitely worth picking up if you enjoy good old pulp action adventure stories.
And according to Wikipedia the copyright for this story has expired in Australia, and thus now resides in the public domain there. The text is available via Project Gutenberg Australia.
Just one more book to go after finishing this one - 'John Carter Of Mars', a collection of two stories. The first is 'John Carter And The Giant Of Mars' and the second is 'Skeleton Men Of Jupiter'. Will be interesting to see how the series ends.
March 9th is here at last!
Whilst not expecting a true adaptation of the book, after all some things will obviously work better on the page and in your imagination than on the screen, I'm hoping that it's at least a tribute to the books. With the film in the hands of Andrew Stanton, if his previous directoral efforts are anything to go by - Finding Nemo and Wall-E and with him being a fan of the books too, then it will at least have a decent character-driven story filled with action and emotion!
Looking forward to some good old pulp action adventure with a sci-fi twist, just like the books.
Instead of posting an official trailer by Disney (which to be honest haven't really been all that good), here's a fan-made trailer from one of the blogs I've been following - The John Carter Files - which does a much better job of explaining the story and the Science Fiction legacy of Edgar Rice Burroughs. I'll post up my review later!
And second reason for more Sci-Fi geekiness on March 9th (at least in Europe, as it was released in the US on March 6) is Mass Effect 3. Although thanks to pre-ordering via Tesco, got it the day before European release, and I'm already 5 hours into the game! Squee!
I like my games with an engaging story and good gameplay, something more substantial than just running from point A to point B, blasting the crap out of everything. I really loved Mass Effect 2 which is right up there in my favourite all-time games on the PS3, and is currently the only game I've played again right after finishing it first time round. It's just a shame that ME1 was PC & Xbox only. Boo!
Still, following the promotion campaign for ME3, from the debut trailer at E3 through to the Launch trailer (below), it looks like the game will be even better than ever. And as it's the end of Commander Shepherd's story, the choices I made from the previous game should tie things up nicely.
Well, that's my weekend sorted. A veritable Sci-Fi geekgasm! Can't wait!
Thursday, March 08, 2012
The Art Of Barsoom: Fan Art
After 100 years in the making, John Carter (of Mars) will at last hit the big screen, and I for one, can't wait to see it!
The reviews have been generally positive, but the promotional campaign from Disney has been somewhat lacklustre. From changing the name to plain ol' John Carter, the posters and the trailers not really doing a job of selling the film to the non-Barsoom fans!
To the rescue are the fans of the original books, willing the movie to be a success! From blogs like The John Carter Files, Barsoomia.org, JComreader and to the fan art and fan made trailers.
Below is a selection of fan posters, art and trailers, all are much more impressive than the official releases by Disney!
More after the jump (click to embiggen).
The reviews have been generally positive, but the promotional campaign from Disney has been somewhat lacklustre. From changing the name to plain ol' John Carter, the posters and the trailers not really doing a job of selling the film to the non-Barsoom fans!
To the rescue are the fans of the original books, willing the movie to be a success! From blogs like The John Carter Files, Barsoomia.org, JComreader and to the fan art and fan made trailers.
Below is a selection of fan posters, art and trailers, all are much more impressive than the official releases by Disney!
More after the jump (click to embiggen).
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| John Carter 100 by a13xander |
Wednesday, March 07, 2012
The Art Of Barsoom: Marvel Comics (1970's Covers)
Continuing my look at the various artists inspired by Edgar Rice Burroughs' Barsoom / John Carter series.
This time, it's a look at the cover art of the John Carter - Warlord Of Mars Marvel Comics series that ran from 1977-1979, winning the Eagle Award for 'Favourite New Title' in 1978.
Andrew Stanton, director of the John Carter movie, is often quoted as being a fan of the comic book series, which in turn inspired him to seek out and read the original Edgar Rice Burroughs books.
The whole series was collected into a trade paperback by Dark Horse Comics in 2011.
This time, it's a look at the cover art of the John Carter - Warlord Of Mars Marvel Comics series that ran from 1977-1979, winning the Eagle Award for 'Favourite New Title' in 1978.
Andrew Stanton, director of the John Carter movie, is often quoted as being a fan of the comic book series, which in turn inspired him to seek out and read the original Edgar Rice Burroughs books.
The whole series was collected into a trade paperback by Dark Horse Comics in 2011.
Tuesday, March 06, 2012
Mass Effect 3: Take Back Earth Femshep Trailer
The Mass Effect 3 'Take Back Earth' cinematic trailer, but this time featuring FemShep instead of BroShep!
Short Film: Divers by Paris Mavroidis
A stunning short animated film by Paris Mavroidis, 'Divers'. Synchronised, kaleidoscopic sky diving with women in red swimsuits! Nice!
The Art Of Mass Effect 3
I love concept art, from the movies to video games, as you can probably guess from some of my previous posts here.And so, whilst I'll be counting down to the European release of Mass Effect 3 on Friday - those lucky gits in the US get it today! Boo! - here is some of the concept art and fan art from Mass Effect 3 that has been floating around the internets, and will no doubt end up in this collection.
Enjoy after the jump. (click to embiggen)
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| Break the Cycle poster by arki |
Monday, March 05, 2012
Japanese Trailer and Poster for Pixar's Brave
Beautiful looking Japanese poster and a new trailer (with English subtitles) have popped up online. The trailer seems to detail the story a bit more than previous trailers too. Either way, it's a film to look forward to this summer!
The film is released on June 22nd 2012 (USA) and on August 17th 2012 (UK)
(Via Bleeding Cool)
The film is released on June 22nd 2012 (USA) and on August 17th 2012 (UK)
(Via Bleeding Cool)
The Art Of Barsoom: Marvel Comics (2012 Covers)
Continuing my look at the various artists inspired by Edgar Rice Burroughs' Barsoom / John Carter series.
This time, it's a look at the cover art of the recent Marvel Comics adaptations and the 'World Of Mars' prequel to the Disney John Carter Movie.
This time, it's a look at the cover art of the recent Marvel Comics adaptations and the 'World Of Mars' prequel to the Disney John Carter Movie.
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| A Princess Of Mars #1 by Skottie Young |
Sunday, March 04, 2012
John Carter 10 minute clip
Here's an exclusive 10 minute clip from the beginning of John Carter that's hit the internets! No spoilers though.
Looking forward to Friday!
Looking forward to Friday!
The Art Of Barsoom: Joe Jusko
Continuing my look at the various artists inspired by Edgar Rice Burroughs' Barsoom / John Carter series.
This time, it's a look at the art of Joe Jusko, best known for his highly detailed painted covers for the Warlord Of Mars and Dejah Thoris comic books by Dynamite Entertainment and the 1995 Art Of Edgar Rice Burroughs trading cards.
More art after the jump (click to embiggen).
This time, it's a look at the art of Joe Jusko, best known for his highly detailed painted covers for the Warlord Of Mars and Dejah Thoris comic books by Dynamite Entertainment and the 1995 Art Of Edgar Rice Burroughs trading cards.
More art after the jump (click to embiggen).
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| Warlord Of Mars #1 |
RIP Ralph McQuarrie (1929-2012)
Very sad to hear that Ralph McQuarrie has died at the age of 82. He was a concept artist who worked with many films that shaped our childhood and, of course, was most well known for his concept art for the original Star Wars trilogy.
Check out the Ralph McQuarrie website for more of his artwork.
Here is some of his concept artwork from the original Star Wars trilogy and the original 1978 Battlestar Galactica pilot.
UPDATE:
Added Battlestar Galactica images too.
Check out the Ralph McQuarrie website for more of his artwork.
Here is some of his concept artwork from the original Star Wars trilogy and the original 1978 Battlestar Galactica pilot.
UPDATE:
Added Battlestar Galactica images too.
Saturday, March 03, 2012
Two quality short films
Two quality short films that have been doing the rounds on the internets.
The first one is 'Archetype' by Aaron Sims.
RL7 is an eight-foot tall combat robot that goes on the run after malfunctioning with vivid memories of once being human. As its creators and the military close in, RL7 battles its way to uncovering the shocking truth behind its mysterious visions and past.
The second short film is 'The Chase' by Tomás Vergara.
A simple hitman job. Things don't go as expected.
The first one is 'Archetype' by Aaron Sims.
RL7 is an eight-foot tall combat robot that goes on the run after malfunctioning with vivid memories of once being human. As its creators and the military close in, RL7 battles its way to uncovering the shocking truth behind its mysterious visions and past.
The second short film is 'The Chase' by Tomás Vergara.
A simple hitman job. Things don't go as expected.
New fan trailer for John Carter
A new fan trailer for John Carter has hit the web. Made by the guys at The John Carter Files, this one celebrates Edgar Rice Burroughs and his lasting impact on science fiction!
Now why couldn't Disney release trailers like these!
(Via Jcomreader)
Now why couldn't Disney release trailers like these!
(Via Jcomreader)
Friday, March 02, 2012
New trailer for Paranorman
Here's a new trailer for another film that I'm looking forward to. Paranorman. From the same studio that made Coraline (one of my favourite films from the last few years).
Enjoy.
Paranorman is in cinemas August 17 (US) & September 14 (UK)
Enjoy.
Paranorman is in cinemas August 17 (US) & September 14 (UK)
The Art Of Barsoom: Francesco Francavilla & Matt Rhodes
Continuing my look at the various artists inspired by Edgar Rice Burroughs' Barsoom / John Carter series.
This time, it's a look at the art of Francesco Francavilla and Matt Rhodes. I really love the retro look to the artwork of Francavilla, something a bit different from the usual painted cover artwork you see today. And I like the detailed concept/comic book art look from Matt Rhodes too!
More art after the jump (click to embiggen).
This time, it's a look at the art of Francesco Francavilla and Matt Rhodes. I really love the retro look to the artwork of Francavilla, something a bit different from the usual painted cover artwork you see today. And I like the detailed concept/comic book art look from Matt Rhodes too!
More art after the jump (click to embiggen).
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| John Carter Of Mars by Francesco Francavilla |
Thursday, March 01, 2012
New Production Diary Video for The Hobbit
The first production diary video of 2012 has been released for The Hobbit, and features Peter Jackson with cast and crew going behind-the-scenes with the on-location work they've been up to, and, stating-the-blindingly-obvious, how beautiful New Zealand looks.
2012 Eagle Awards Nominations
Voting is open through April 2 for the 2012 Eagle Awards, the UK-based fan awards recognizing UK and US creators and works.
Fans can vote online for their favorites in 29 categories,
The winners will be announced May 25 in conjunction with the London MCM Expo.
Full list of nominees are after the jump.
Tim Burton's 'Frankenweenie'
Here's the first official trailer for Tim Burton's 'Frankenweenie'
The Blurb:
After unexpectedly losing his beloved dog Sparky, young Victor harnesses the power of science to bring his best friend back to life -- with just a few minor adjustments. He tries to hide his home-sewn creation, but when Sparky gets out, Victor's fellow students, teachers and the entire town all learn that getting a new "leash on life" can be monstrous.
The Blurb:
After unexpectedly losing his beloved dog Sparky, young Victor harnesses the power of science to bring his best friend back to life -- with just a few minor adjustments. He tries to hide his home-sewn creation, but when Sparky gets out, Victor's fellow students, teachers and the entire town all learn that getting a new "leash on life" can be monstrous.
Mondo Goes Back To The Future
As always, Mondo posters sell out within minutes (seconds?), so follow them on twitter at @MondoNews for when they are up for sale.
Individual larger versions of the posters after the jump.
The Art Of Barsoom
Continuing my look at the various artists inspired by Edgar Rice Burroughs' Barsoom / John Carter series.
This time, it's a look at the art of a few artists; Frank Schoonover (who did the covers for the original A Princess Of Mars and the Gods Of Mars books), Roy Krenkel, Robert Abbett, Rudolph Belarski, Boris Vallejo and Julie Bell.
More art after the jump (click to embiggen).
This time, it's a look at the art of a few artists; Frank Schoonover (who did the covers for the original A Princess Of Mars and the Gods Of Mars books), Roy Krenkel, Robert Abbett, Rudolph Belarski, Boris Vallejo and Julie Bell.
More art after the jump (click to embiggen).
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| A Princess Of Mars by Frank E Schoonover |
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