Cool Art: 'The Terminator' by Kilian Eng

'The Terminator' by Kilian Eng will be available at the Mondo Booth (#936) at 9am this Friday at the San Diego Comic-Con. It's a limited edition of 325 copies and costs $50.

Movie Review: 'Pacific Rim'

art by Richard Davies

SPOILER ALERT: I Loved this! This is what your big summer popcorn blockbusters should be all about!

From the trailers you get the simple premise about this film, "as a war between humankind and monstrous sea creatures wages on, a former pilot (Charlie Hunnam) and a trainee (Rinko Kikuchi) are paired up to drive a seemingly obsolete special weapon in a desperate effort to save the world from the apocalypse." Yes, it uses the familiar tropes from various movies ('Independence Day' immediately popped into my head when watching this), and, essentially, what you see is what you get, but don't let that diminish the feeling of fun when watching this film.

I'm sure the so-called 'critics' that have shot down this film, have done so more on the basis of how could a director, that has made 'The Devil's Backbone' or 'Pan's Labyrinth', stoop so low to come up with a movie like this? But this is Guillermo del Toro, and from the vampires of 'Cronos', the ghost story of 'The Devil's Backbone' and to his twisted fairytale 'Pan's Labyrinth', his films come from his passions, and as a loveletter to the Kaiju and mecha films of Japan, 'Pacific Rim' is no different and deserves it's rightful place alongside his other films.

But back to the film, and it really is a simple story, of good old heroism overcoming monstrous adversity and saving the day. The Kaiju and Jaegers are impressive and the fight scenes, although with not quite as much carnage and destruction as 'Man Of Steel', still hit the spot and are the definite highlights of the film. The characters are standard fare for this type of movie; the washed up hero back for redemption, the untested rookie, the stereotypical other pilots, the leader of the crew who used to be one of the pilots (along with the typical inspiring speech before the end), the arrogant pilot who goes up against the hero, the bickering scientists, it's all there and there to be enjoyed.

I loved this film for exactly for what it is, a big dumb rollercoaster blockbuster of a movie, but oh, what a ride it was!

***** out of 5

Cool Art: 'Watch_Dogs' by Alex Ross

Alex Ross will be providing the box art for Ubisoft's new game, 'Watch Dogs'. Ubisoft also announced that if you preorder the game, which will be available November 19, 2013 for the PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, WiiU, and Windows PC, you will receive a free copy of Ross' poster featuring the cover artwork. May be US only as I've not heard anything about this for the UK.

via

Cool Art: 'The Walking Dead S4' by Alex Ross

Alex Ross has created a new poster, exclusively for SDCC, for the 'The Walking Dead' Season 4.

Cool Art: 'Predator' by Ash Thorp

More SDCC prints. These will be released on Thursday July 18 by Mondo. 'Predator' by Ash Thorp regular posters are $50 and the variants are $75.

Regular Edition

Variant Edition

Cool Art: 'Aliens' by Ken Taylor

More SDCC prints. These will be released on Thursday July 18 by Mondo. 'Aliens' by Ken Taylor regular posters are $50 and the variants are $75.

Regular Edition

Variant Edition

Cool Art: 'Ray Harryhausen Tribute' by PJ McQuade

These prints from PJ McQuade are from Bottleneck Gallery's 'Where Is My Mind?' art show. The Ray Harryhausen inspired prints are 13" x 13" Giclees on fine art rag, signed and numbered in a limited edition of 50, and costs $35.

'Firefly Online' RPG Game Trailer

Firefly Online (FFO) is a multi-user, social online role-playing game that will initially be available for smartphones and tablets, including those based on iOS and Android operating systems.

Check out updates and pre-register at www.keepflying.com.

'Battle School Needs You' - 'Ender's Game' Recruitment Video

Do you have what it takes? Take the International Fleet's Battle School Aptitude Test to discover your role in protecting Earth from the next Invasion. Our future depends on it!

'The Amazing Spider-Man 2' Teaser Trailer

And so it begins, the first of no doubt many movie trailers debuting at San Diego Comic Con. Here's the teaser trailer for 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2'.

Cool Art: 'Red Sonja' by Donato Giancola

Check out this 'Red Sonja' art from Donato Giancola. A bit different from the usual Red Sonja art you see. Not the chain-mail bikini clad version from the comics, but a strong, weathered, muscled warrior - a swords master who you wouldn't want to meet on the battlefield - much like she appears in 'Shadow Of The Vulture' (a decent read by the way), the short story by 'Conan The Barbarian' creator Robert E Howard, that introduces the character of Red Sonya of Rogatino, who later became the inspiration for the Red Sonja we know of today,

If you're at SDCC this weekend, Donato will be at booth #4503.

via

'Red Sonja' by Donato Giancola

'A Lover's Quarrel' by Donato Giancola

'Water Sports' by Donato Giancola

Cool Art: 'Great Houses Of The Klingon Empire' by Juan Ortiz

These postcards, depicting four of the Great Houses of the Klingon Empire: Mogh, Kor, Duras and Martok, created by Juan Ortiz will be available at Comic-Con in San Diego from StarTrek.com.

The Great Houses were a feudalistic social organization that ruled the Klingon Empire, with each house incorporating various holdings and properties, as well as commanding military forces. The houses were named after ruling families and most often led by that family's eldest male. The Klingon High Council was made up of the two dozen leaders of the most powerful Great Houses.

Follow @StarTrek on Twitter for the availability and whereabouts of the postcards. They will also be able to purchase as larger prints through the StarTrek.com Shop. And be sure to visit the CBS Interactive booth (#4245) to bag an exclusive mini-poster featuring all four designs.

via

New 'Godzilla' Teaser Poster

An epic rebirth to Toho’s iconic Godzilla, this spectacular adventure pits the world’s most famous monster against malevolent creatures who, bolstered by humanity’s scientific arrogance, threaten our very existence.

Something to look forward to next summer!
via

Cool Art: Second 'Sharknado' Print by Anthony Petrie

This is Anthony Petrie's second 'Sharknado' print, and Gallery1988 will have this and the other official 'Sharknado' prints by Anthony Petrie and Glen Brogan at their booth (#1117) at SDCC this weekend.

'GI Joe: Retaliation' As An 8 Bit Video Game

8-bit Cinema "gamifies" your favourite Hollywood Blockbusters into 80's arcade and NES inspired action!

This week: 'GI Joe: Retaliation' in the form of an 8 bit video game!

Cool Art: 'The World's End' by Matt Ferguson

'The World's End' by Matt Ferguson, this is part of a fan art project by Shortlist Magazine.
Go here to check out the rest of the fan art.

Cool Art: 'Ghostbusters' by Vlad Rodriguez

'Ghostbusters' by Vlad Rodriguez is available as a 18" x 24", hand numbered digital print, and is limited to just 50 copies and costs $35.

Go here to buy the print.
via

Cool Art: 'The Sandman: Overture' #1 Variant Cover by Dave McKean

Vertigo Comics has unveiled the variant cover by Dave McKean, the only artist to create covers for the original series' full 75-issue run, and the first page of interior art from Neil Gaiman's 'The Sandman: Overture' by artist JH Williams III.

Neil Gaiman, JH Williams III, Dave McKean plus original 'Sandman' artist Sam Keith will all be at Comic-Con International in San Diego as part of Saturday's panel (3:15pm in Room 6DE) celebrating the 25th anniversary of the legendary comic.

via

Variant Cover by Dave McKean

1st page interior art by JH Williams III

Blade Runner In 60 Seconds

Subscribe to 1A4Studio's YouTube channel for more videos.

Short Film: 'First Impressions' by Leo Kei Angeleos

A 'Wonder Woman' fan film by Leo Kei Angeleos, starring Hailey Bright as Diana, Chester See as The Date and Doug Jones (yes, THAT Doug Jones) as The Suited Man.


via

Cool Art: FREE 'Doctor Who' Print by Tim Doyle

This 'Doctor Who' print by Tim Doyle, will be given away FREE with the next 300 orders at Nakatomi. Each 2-colour hand-printed print measures 9" × 24", and is signed and numbered by Tim Doyle in editions of 150 each. There is also a gold metallic variant edition of only 20 of each, which will also be randomly inserted in orders.

YOU MUST ORDER A POSTER to get one of these, with prints limited to ONE per order. They cannot ship this in a bag with a t-shirt, or an envelope with postcards or stickers.
via

Cool Art: 'Sharknado' by Glen Brogan

Here's Glen Brogan's SDCC 'Sharknado' print.

Gallery1988 will have official 'Sharknado' prints at their booth (#1117) at SDCC this weekend.

Cool Art: 'Sharknado' by Anthony Petrie

As he said via his twitter "BECAUSE IT'S SHARKS IN A FUCKING TORNADO. THAT'S WHY." Can't really argue with that!

Gallery1988 will have official 'Sharknado' prints at their booth (#1117) at SDCC this weekend.

Cool Art: 'The World's End' by Tommy Lee Edwards

If you're heading to San Diego for Comic Con International, look out for this exclusive SDCC poster of 'The World's End' by Tommy Lee Edwards.

Spider-Man - "Web Shooters" - Sweded

This week, the guys from Homemade Movies take on the 'Spider-Man' (2002) scene where Peter Parker learns to use his web shooters.

As always you can check out the side by side comparison and the behind the scenes.

How 'Man Of Steel' Should've Ended

The solution to stopping Zod isn't just a "snap"... it's also a cinch.

Stop Motion: Man Of Steel vs Predator!

Subscribe to John Huang's Youtube channel and follow him on Facebook for more stop motion antics!

Cool Art: 'How To Train Your Dragon 2' by Drew Struzan

Actually more of a sneak peek really. Director Dean DeBlois shows off the Drew Struzan poster for 'How To Train your Dragon 2'.

Cool Art: 'Akira' by Ash Thorp

What with it being the 25th anniversary of the release of the film in Japan, here's some art inspired by the film by Ash Thorp.

Tetsuo by Ash Thorp

Kaneda by Ash Thorp

Clownface (Rough Colour Comp) by Ash Thorp

Cool Art: 'Metropolis' by Kevin Tong

This limited edition 'Metropolis' poster by Kevin Tong will be released at a random day and time at his booth (#631) at this weekend's San Diego Comic Con and will be signed by Kevin too. Click here for some closeups. Follow Kevin on Twitter @tragicsunshine and his Facebook page for when they will be on sale.

Cool Art: 'Godzilla' by Phantom City Creative

Stay tuned to this years' San Diego Comic Con for a big reveal for director Gareth Edwards' 'Godzilla. In the mean time, here's a new poster from Phantom City Creative, and will be available at Mondo's booth (#936) at San Diego Comic Con this Friday, July 19th.

It'll be available in both regular and variant flavours and are both 24" x 36" with the regular edition limited to 250 copies, costing $45 and the variant edition limited to 75 copies and costs $70.

Be sure to follow @MondoNews and keep an eye on their blog for an up-to-date release schedule.

Regular Edition

Variant Edition

Cool Art: 'Pacific Rim' by Todd Slater

The last print in Odd City and Legendary Pictures' 'Pacific Rim' run of exclusive alternative posters is from Todd Slater.

These posters are 24" x 36", hand signed and numbered. The regular edition is limited to 175 copies, the foil variant is limited to 75 copies.

These posters will be on sale Tuesday July 16 at a random time via the Odd City web store. Follow them on Twitter @OddCityNews for updates on release times to purchase this limited edition print.
via

Regular Edition

Variant Edition

Mass Effect - Series 2: Episode 21 'Treason' & Episode 22 'Sins Of The Father'

Continuing with the serialisation of Matt Beaudette's TV show style edit of the Mass Effect trilogy with another double episode of the second chapter of the Mass Effect saga. (If you've not played the games, there be spoilers ahead!)

Episode 21: "Treason"
Tali receives troubling news from the Migrant Fleet; she has been charged with treason. The Normandy must travel to the Fleet's current location in order for her to stand trial.



Episode 22: "Sins Of The Father"
With his terminal illness progressing further each day, Thane has decided to reveal to Shepard that he has a son. Thane fears his son may be falling in with criminals and asks Shepard to help track him down.

Trailer For Sci Fi / Fantasy Short Film: 'Dust' by Mike Grier

The trailer for this short looks pretty awesome, wish I'd found out about the kickstarter. 'Dust' by Mike Grier was filmed in remote areas of Shikoku, Japan over just 11 days, and was funded on Kickstarter last year.

A deadly new plague linked to a mysterious dust is devastating the countryside around Kabé - the world's oldest city.

Irezúmi is a disgraced Tracker living in the abandoned outskirts of Kabé. Hired by a Merchant of the city's underground medicine trade, he has yet to find a cure to the mysterious Dust that has begun falling on the city. 

Little is known about the Dust or the unusual sickness it causes but as it continues to consume the countryside, Kabé is preparing to shut its gates—denying refuge to anyone outside the walls.

With the city verging on lock-down, Irezúmi unwillingly returns to the countryside he abandoned years ago in search of the source.

 For more, visit their website or Facebook.


via

'Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag' Character Art & Screenshots Leaked

There are a few gameplay screens, and renders showing playable characters from the 'Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag' multiplayer component that have appeared online.

'Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag' tells the story of Edward Kenway, a young British man with a thirst for danger and adventure, and who soon finds himself embroiled in the ancient war between Assassins and Templars. Set at the dawn of the 18th Century, the game features some of the most infamous pirates in history, such as Blackbeard and Charles Vane, and takes players on a journey throughout the West Indies during a turbulent and violent period of time later to become known as the Golden Age of Pirates.

Check out the art below.  'Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag' is out in October.
via

Cool Art: 'The Steampunk Print' by J Scott Campbell & Nei Ruffino

'The Steampunk Print' by J Scott Campbell & Nei Ruffino will be debuting at next week's Comic-Con International in San Diego, at Booth 4601, for those that are going, and then later at www.jscottcampbellstore.com.

Cool Art: 'The Last Of Us' by Alexander Iaccarino

These posters by Alexander Iaccarino, were commissioned by Sony Playstation & Naughty Dog Studios to promote the Playstation 3 exclusive video game 'The Last of Us'.

The are now both available as 11" x 17" limited edition digital prints, and the Infected print is also available as a 20" x 30" Giclee that includes the 11" x 17" PAX print for free! You can buy them at his store.

'The Last Of Us' PAX Print by Alexander Iaccarino

'The Last Of Us' Infected Print by Alexander Iaccarino

Cool Art: 'Akaneiro' by Shu Yan

These comic book covers by Shu Yan, are for 'Akaneiro', a three issue comic book mini series from Dark Horse Comics, based on the new game by American McGee’s Spicy Horse Games - 'Akaneiro: Demon Hunters' - a re-envisioning of the Red Riding Hood tale set in the wondrous world of Japanese folklore! Kani a young woman torn between two cultures on an epic adventure battling devious yokai for the fate of her world!

Check out the cover art for the three issues below.

#1

Movie Poster Art: 'Pacific Rim' (2013)

With Guillermo del Toro's epic robots vs monsters 'Pacific Rim' now out in cinemas. Here's a look at the official posters, concept art and the fan art inspired by the movie. Click to embiggen.

'The World Of Elysium' Featurette

A look at the world of Elysium.

In the year 2154, two classes of people exist: the very wealthy, who live on a pristine man-made space station called Elysium, and the rest, who live on an overpopulated, ruined planet. The people of Earth are desperate to escape the crime and poverty that is now rampant throughout the land. The only man with the chance to bring equality to these worlds is Max (Matt Damon), an ordinary guy in desperate need to get to Elysium. With his life hanging in the balance, he reluctantly takes on a dangerous mission -- one that pits him against Elysium's Secretary Delacourt (Jodie Foster) and her hard-line forces -- but if he succeeds, he could save not only his own life, but millions of people on Earth as well.

'Elysium' is in cinemas August 9 (US) and August 21 (UK).

First Teaser Trailer For 'How To Train Your Dragon 2'

The thrilling second chapter of the epic How To Train Your Dragon trilogy brings back the fantastical world of Hiccup and Toothless five years later. While Astrid, Snoutlout and the rest of the gang are challenging each other to dragon races (the island’s new favorite contact sport), the now inseparable pair journey through the skies, charting unmapped territories and exploring new worlds. When one of their adventures leads to the discovery of a secret ice cave that is home to hundreds of new wild dragons and the mysterious Dragon Rider, the two friends find themselves at the center of a battle to protect the peace.

'How To Train Your Dragon 2' is out in cinemas June 20 (US) and July 4 (UK)

'Bee And PuppyCat' Part 1 by Natasha Allegri

I'm loving this! Very quirky and funny, just my thing. I'll be keeping tabs on this!

Bee, a reluctant hero, becomes entangled in the adventures of a puppy (...or is he a cat?) as they travel between reality and the void of Fishbowl Space. Created by Natasha Allegri, character designer and storyboard artist for Adventure Time. We can neither confirm nor deny the autobiographical nature of Bee & Puppycat.

'Bee and PuppyCat' Part 2 airs August 7th. Subscribe to Cartoon Hangover to stay tuned!


via

Cool Art: 'Pacific Rim' by Yoji Shinkawa

This 'Pacific Rim' poster by Yoji Shinkawa ('Metal Gear Solid' and 'Zone of the Enders') will be offered to anyone attending opening night screenings of RealD 3D at Regal Cinemas (US) while supplies last!

Cool Art: '2013 Comic-Con International Souvenir Book Cover' by Dave McKean

One day I will make it to the Comic Con International at San Diego, and the cover to the official souvenir book makes me sad I'm not there this year!

The 2013 edition of the Comic-Con International Souvenir Book will be given out to all attendees (while supplies last) at this year’s event, July 18-21 at the San Diego Convention Center.

This year’s cover was created exclusively for Comic-Con by special guest Dave McKean, and celebrates the 25th anniversary of Neil Gaiman’s The Sandman series. Besides Gaiman, one other constant throughout the series was cover artist Dave McKean, who created beautiful, ethereal images through painting, collage, and construction that set the tone for the story inside. Dave’s style of cover art was unseen in the world of comics up to that point.

This 224-page, full-colour trade paperback, given out free to those who attend Comic con 2013, also presents bios and photos of all of this year’s special guests, and a look back at the past year in award winners and—sadly—appreciations for those we’ve lost.

via

'Sharknado' - Film Of The Year?

Hmmmm?!

When a freak hurricane swamps Los Angeles, nature's deadliest killer rules sea, land, and air as thousands of sharks terrorize the waterlogged populace. Starring Tara Reid, Ian Ziering, John Heard, Cassie Scerbo, and Jaason Simmons.

Cool Art: 'Marilyn Vuitton' by Charmaine Olivia

'Marilyn Vuitton' is a new print by Charmaine Olivia for the 'For The “I <3 LV', a group show dedicated to Louis Vuitton, and featuring work by Greg Gossel, Apex, Ferris Plock, Word to Mother, Helen Bayly, Lauren Napolitano, Chad Hasegawa, Casey Gray, Charmaine Olivia, Nick Flatt, Benjamin Clarke, Sergio Garcia and Niels Shoe Meulman, that runs from July 6 until August 10 at Shooting Gallery SF. Details of print will be seen on the drop date. The print goes on sale Thursday, July 11th.

via

Cool Art: 'Oldboy' by Doaly

'Oldboy' by Doaly

I wanted to take a little extra time and actually have a count for each one of the days over the 20 year period that was spent in that one room cell. so we should have a total of 7,300 strikes if my math has served me correctly.

Spike Lee's remake of 'Oldboy' starring Josh Brolin is out in cinemas October 25 (US) and December 6 (UK). You can see the Red Band trailer here.

Cool Art: Mondo's SDCC Poster Lineup

With the San Diego Comic Con only days away, starts on July 18, Mondo have announced what limited edition prints they will have at the con.

The prints feature art from legendary artists Drew Struzan (The Dark Tower), Martin Ansin (Conan The Barbarian) and Olly Moss (Spirited Away & Howl's Moving Castle), who will all be at the convention signing their new posters. Each is being sold as a pre-order ONLY, so unfortunately you won't be able to just turn up and bag one.

They are also releasing four new prints for 'Pacific Rim', by Kevin Tong, Vania Zouravliov and two from Ash Thorp.

Follow Mondo on Twitter and the Mondo Blog for details on preordering these prints.

You can check out all these prints and their limited edition details below.

via

'The Dark Tower' by Drew Struzan
24" × 36" Limited Edition of 450, $275

Cool Art: 'Pacific Rim' by Graham Erwin

This print by Graham Erwin is the latest limited edition poster from Odd City and Legendary Pictures for 'Pacific Rim', which opens in cinemas this week.

The print is 12" x 36", hand numbered and limited to only 175 copies. Head to the Odd City website to bag one, and follow them on Twitter for when it goes on sale.
via

Short Film: 'The Flying Man' by Marcus Alqueres

'The Flying Man' is a short film envisioned, financed, produced, directed, edited and co-written by Marcus Alqueres. The short depicts the first appearances of a super powered vigilante, his impact in a modern society and its ethical discussion. 

Marcus made 'The Flying Man' in order to demonstrate his vision as he currently outlines a feature version of the script. Marcus believes that releasing it online ahead of festivals could help accessing a potential audience and measure its reception.

http://malqueres.com/The-Flying-Man

Cool Art: 'Fables #134' Cover Art by Mark Buckingham

'Fables' #134 by Mark Buckingham.

This interlude issue takes place in Bigby Wolf’s favourite hunting forest, which is the Platonic ideal of the deep dark woods. In fact, it’s so perfect in every detail, it can’t possibly exist in real life. Rather, what we should have said is, it can’t possibly exist in this life. But it would fit nicely as a heaven for wolves in the afterlife. And so it is.

'Fables' #134 is out October 16.

The Making Of 'Beyond: Two Souls'

The latest game by Quantic Dream for Playstation 3. It is the story of Jodie Holmes, a girl with mysterious powers who is on the run from the law.

via

'Grand Theft Auto V' Gameplay Trailer

'nuff said!

'Grand Theft Auto V' is out on September 17.

Book Review: 'The Ocean At The End Of The Lane' by Neil Gaiman

I really enjoyed this. I usually just plod my way through a book, a chapter or two at a time, but not this one. Once I got sucked into the story - a middle aged man who has returned to his old hometown for a funeral, is drawn back to the farm at the end of the lane and as he sits by the pond there he remembers the past of what happened there when he was 7 - I was away and finished the book in just over a weekend (which is very quick for me!).

To me, it's typically Gaiman. Very haunting, sometimes creepy but also very compelling and interesting enough to get lost in the story. It felt more akin to 'The Graveyard Book' than say, 'American Gods' - a young protagonist mixed up in a magical world - and the fact that it started out as a short story that was expanded to novel size (181 pages), could probably partly explain the feeling of it feeling a bit too short too. But the best stories don't always have to be complex or very long, and to me 'Ocean' proves it. It's definitely well worth a read!

**** out of 5

Cool Art: 2013 'Into The Pixel' Collection Revealed

The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS) and the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has announced the 16 winning pieces of the world-renowned 2013 Into the Pixel (ITP) collection, now in its tenth year.

Martin Rae, President of the Academy of Interactive Arts & Science, said, “Our industry continues to expand with the emergence of compelling content from independent, mobile and free-to-play developers, and the 2013 collection really reflects the incredibly diverse landscape of the interactive community as a whole. These pieces run the stylistic gamut, showcasing the varied inspirations of their truly talented creators. Many congratulations to this year’s artists and to the tenth anniversary of Into the Pixel!”

Check out the 16 winning pieces below, and you'll want to click to embiggen on these for the hi-res close up look at these gorgeous beauties!
via

Freljord Tower (inspired by League of Legends) by James Paick

Cool Art: 'The Legend Of Zelda' by Michael Oeming

'The Legend Of Zelda' by Michael Oeming.