Newcastle Comic-Con: The first Great Geek event in the North-East

This weekend saw Comic Con arrive in Newcastle at The Metro Arena with tickets from as little as £8 per day, per adult. The North-East of England is slowly growing it's dominance in terms of Geek Culture, however up until now, event wise, it was pretty poor. Although the city holds two impressive comic/popular culture stores, Forbidden Planet and Travelling Man, this comic-con was the first to really offer something to the popular culture table: And take it from me it was epic!

Fiends, Jedi's, Hero's and villains all made their way to the stadium. I, however, chose to go for a more subtle look, a power ranger, pre-morphed... I thought that was a nice enough little quirk for losing my Comic-Con virginity...

The Flash Extended trailer has 'zoomed' to our screens - and its awesome!

The arrow spinoff show The Flash, (portrayed by the painfully attractive Grant Gustin) has been teased at us for months now, with characters from The Flash appearing in Arrow over the course of the last two months of the second season , and having the marketing materials slowly drip fed to us. The powers that be at The CW have gave us an extended trailer. Portraying what is to come in the pilot episode and the overall season, and showing us what to expect from Barry Allen: The Flash.

The trailer implies that the night Barry Allen got his powers, he may not have been the only one. The teaser shows us his team and a mysterious man whom seeks to  recruit Barry and his team from, Star Lab, in order to search for other 'Meta-Humans' like himself. We see the death of his mother and the a first glimpse at The Flash's arch nemesis Zoom aka 'The Reverse Flash', who just happened to be the one who murdered Barry's mother. Honestly, theres just so much in this trailer (probably due to the five minute length)- but seriously, if you didn't want Arrow give this a watch and you'll be right up to 'speed'. And if you did, give it a watch anyway! It's worth it!

Oh and he casually woke up with a six pack... Now that's just not fair.

The Flash is set to air this fall on The CW.

'The Night Gwen Stacy Died' A Novel By Sarah Bruni

I will openly say that this book was nothing like I anticipated. When I first ordered the book I though it would be a novelisation of the comic book arc of the aforementioned name. I presumed that the novel would span over the 24 hour period of the loveable Gwen Satcy, the first love of Peter Parker (Spider-Man) and her inevitable death. This was not the case. This book focused on a young woman working in a gas station who meets a boy who identifies himself as Peter Parker and run away together. This novel was so much more than I expected, it surpassed my hopes and has actually become one of my favourite books of all time. With a deep and dark psychological background, hilarious characters and strong allegory to issues of The Amazing Spider-Man. This book was a wonderful roller coaster of emotions.

Charlie Cox is Daredevil in Netflix Original

Just recently it has been revealed that the actor Charlie Cox (Stardust) has been cast as Daredevil in the upcoming Netflix original season of the same name. The season is set to run for thirteen episodes with hopes of further seasons after the pilot season's run.

The show will focus around Matt Murdock (Daredevil) who loses his vision which empowers his remaining senses. This show intends to explore the masked heroes lineage and history from the event that causes him to become Daredevil. We are expecting great things from this show and without a water shed we're expecting a darker take on Daredevil as a character and a darker setting of the iconic Hell's Kitchen. 

The most recent portrayal of Daredevil was played by Ben Affleck, so we're wondering if Cox can outshine him. Very little has been confirmed about the show however we now have a cast Daredevil and I think we can expect to see iconic Marvel heroes and villains stepping foot into Hell's Kitchen. I'm defiantly hoping to see a darker version of Elektra and a new portrayal of the relation between the two characters. I have a sneaky feeling we will get both of these elements along with an array of diverse and complex characters from the Marvel universe.

Netflix have upped their game in the past few years and are establishing themselves as a great television network in their own right, and I'm pretty sure with a project like Daredevil this status will only be increased! Having seen the success of Arrow and the excitement growing over Fox's upcoming Gotham it makes complete sense that Netflix would jump on the band wagon! And we're so happy they have!

What do you guys think? Better than Affleck? Excited for the show? Which masked heroes or villains are you hoping for? Feel free to comment below! 

X-Men: Days of Future Past: A review

X-Men the famous franchise of Marvel's superhero world where evolution has allowed certain individuals with an X- gene to wield incredible gifts. Their mutations. Having based the original trilogy on comic book arcs the fans of the franchise were disappointed in how it ended. Due to this Brian Singer (X-Men and X2 director) took over as director for the Days of Future Past (DOFP) film in order to correct the issues and wrong doings made (especially with X-Men: The Last Stand), within the 'timeline' and to the X-Men franchise.

Days of Future past combines cast from the prequel movie X-Men: First Class along with the future/present time cast in order to restore the fractured lineage of The X-Men. This film managed to do this.

*If you do not wish to read spoilers I advise you to read no further and/or do not click read more.

The Gwen Stacy Syndrome

Throughout comic book literature we have seen many women (usually lovers of male superheroes) pay the ultimate price in order for the protagonist to feel pain. This has been apparent through many films, books and other media platforms however most people do not know where this originated from. Cue Gwen Stacy.

Originally within The Amazing Spider-Man comics (and the Amazing Spider-Man 2 film adaptation) Gwen Stacy is the first love of Peter Parker (The Amazing Spider-Man) who falls victim to The Green Goblin- her murderer. The comic books killed off Gwen by The Green Goblin throwing her of the Brookyln Bridge in the very first portrayal of The Night Gwen Stacy Died (or the George Washington Bridge depending on which comic book series was followed) whereas the film adaptation had her fall from the heights of the Clock Tower. Either way within The Amazing Spider-Man and Marvel universe this is a milestone where multiple theories of feminism through comic book mediums were born. And no matter which series or adaptation that you follow it always leads to the same outcome on the same night: The Night Gwen Stacy Died.

Support LEGO and 'ideas' of The X-Mansion

This morning a LEGO representative came upto me on campus to fill in a short questionnaire on the new Adult Range of LEGO Watches. Who knew LEGO were branching out in that direction? I defiantly didn't. So it got me thinking: What else do LEGO do? And that's when I found LEGO 'ideas'.

Romance, Death & Rising Heroes - Arrow Season 2 Finale

With the entire second season of Arrow leading up to the climatic finale tonight, I think it's fair to wonder what is actually going to go down in Starling City.

The Arrow's once ally, turned super powered enemy due to a mysterious empowering serum; The Mirikuru, Slade Wilson (Deathstroke) now has an army of similarly empowered beings ravaging Starling City, along with a twisted (and again super powered) Isabel Rochev. With all of his moves leading to this Starling City has become his chess board with all of our beloved heroes simply playing the role of pawns.

With Amanda Waller (Head of A.R.G.U.S) now involved and threatening to level the city, for the sake of innocent civillians all over the globe, it seems that the Arrow and his allies really can't win this one, can they?

With that in mind I will address the main things we're expecting- or hoping for (Olicity fans) in tonights finale.

Channing Tatum Cast as Gambit

After many months of gossip and rumours of Channing Tatum (Magic Mike, Step Up) playing Gambit in an original X-Men Gambit movie, the rumours have finally been confirmed. CHANNING TATUM HAS BEEN CAST AS GAMBIT.

For those of you who don't know the character Gambit, he is a mutant and member of the X-Men who charges playing cards and a long metal staff with kinetic energy. Within the comic book universe he is the lover of Rogue (a fellow X-Men member). We're hoping this is explored in the film. However all we know for sure at this moment in time; is that Channing Tatum will be Gambit!

NBC release Constantine Extended Promo- and it's AWESOME

Just recently NBC released this extended promo for the upcoming TV show Constantine. Based on DC Comics Hellblazer the show has critics and fans alike going crazy already! With the extended promo over three minutes long it gives us a good look at what to expect!

With a Supernatural like feel along with some pretty creepy scenes we're sure this show is going to smash it this fall! With a mix of cool complicated characters, strong religious themes and border line terrifying beings popping up I think this show has a lot to offer us- and I'm sure will be around for a considerable amount of seasons.

What do you guys think? Excited for Constantine yet? Check out the chilling trailer above.

New Promo Images released for CW's 'The Flash'

Having been verified and picked up by The CW the DC comics spinoff show The Flash is coming to us this autumn. Having build quite the buzz around the show through Arrow excitement and popularity keep increasing for the new show. And The CW have released this new image to continue creating that 'buzz' around the show.

Arrow has already given us glimpses into what to expect from the show from Barry Allen's awakening from his coma, to the Star Labs employees who are destined for great things on either side of the law; Justice League's Vibe and the seemingly innocent woman who is to become 'Ice Queen' herself...Killer Frost.

Personally I'm truly excited for the show due to two main reasons; The amazingly talented Grant Gustin and the second being Killer Frost. It's about time she had the screen time she's worth.

What do you guys think? Excited for the new show? Do you think any another heroes or villains are likely to crop up? We do know the Revers Flash is going to pop up and he is linked to Barry's mothers death, but will he be alone? Surely not! Feel free to comment, I would love to hear your thoughts on The Flash. And don't forget to subscribe!

Batman Prequel 'Gotham' gets a Trailer

Fox has finally released a trailer for their upcoming Batman prequel series 'Gotham' and we're so excited!

The series will focus on a young Commissioner Gordon and will include many heroes and villains from The Batman and DC Universe such as The Riddler, Catwoman and The Penguin, just to name a few. The show is said to lead all the up to Batman 'putting on the cape-'-so a pretty long run is presumed if everything goes to plan. We're hoping for a dark, gothic 'Smallville' like show (except way, way better). I've got high hopes with this show!

What do you guys think? Pretty awesome! This will be worth waiting for! Gotham is due to air this Autumn. 

What do you guys think? Pretty awesome! This will be worth the wait! The series is due to air this Autumn.

The Evolution of Fox's Jean Grey

Mutation. Due to evolutionary advances within homosapiens people have adapted abilities through the X gene. Passed on through the paternal bloodline some individuals have mutated, and this has given them extraordinary gifts. Jean Grey is one of these 'mutants'.

Originally shown as Marvel Girl, Jean Grey is a natural at both telekinesis and telepathy. Fox's adaptation is closely linked to the original Jean Grey. A doctor of psychology and teacher at Xaviers Institute for Gifted Youngsters, Dr Jean Grey would seem to have her life mapped out. However these are not the elements that have made the character a cultural icon. Jean Grey represents the inner turmoil innately in all of us - human or mutant alike, of whether we are naturally good or evil. Jean Grey is a tragic victim to the Phoenix Force. Originally a separate entity Fox decided to create a more dimensional and tragic character by making the Phoenix force the alter ego of herself, her subconscious. With a lust for pain, death and power, unaware of this Jean Grey is ultimately doomed by herself with no knowledge of the beast that grows inside of her.

X-Men (the first in the original trilogy) introduces us to Dr Jean Grey. A political figure for the defence of the mutant community, a teacher at Xaviers institute and an active health practioner for the ever ailing X-Men. The title of Dr allows the audience to see Jean Grey as an educated, caring member of society who uses her knowledge to help and educate others. This allows us to view Jean Grey as a moral, kind and pious person. Along with her relationship with Scott Summers - aka Cyclops - we get the overall impression that she is an innocent person with a bright future ahead. A glowing career and a partner to begin a family with. This allows the impact of her tragic death at the end of X-Men 2 more tragic and devastating. As with all the characters we have met within Fox's X-Men universe Jean Grey was an innocent and tragic loss to not only the X-Men but society as a whole. 

Throughout X-Men 2 we see her natural abilities developing at an
alarming rate. The first time we see her within the film she is shown to have gained the ability of precognition - knowing what will happen, explaining the issue occurring with Pyro and Ice-Man along with a feeling that something bad is going to happen. Scott then goes on to explain that when she experiences bad dreams the whole bedroom shakes. This shows the huge contrast in her powers when during the first X-Men film she had to concentrate to "float a pencil". This allows us to see the growth of power within Jean Grey- without any conscious effort. This suggests from the earliest point in the film that Jean Grey is becoming more powerful subconsciously- our first hint that the Phoenix Force is growing and breaking through Jeans consciousness. When disassembling missiles fired at the X Jet, her eyes glow fiery red, obviously showing The Phoenic Forces presence.This allows her death to be viewed as not only heroic but tragic. As she is aware of the power she posseses, she utilises this to save her fellow X-Men whilst giving up her own life in the process. However not aware that her power is that great that it could suspend her in a cocoon of psychic energy. And at this period in time neither did we. Until The Phoenic Force is seen through the waters of Alkali Lake. 

Alive due to the psychic cocoon it is explained that Proffessor Charles Xaviers was aware of Jean's raw  power and that due to this she is classified as a level 5 mutant (5 being the highest on the scale). We are then shown Jean's history within Fox's universe. As a child she possessed alarming power,  meaning that Xavier created mental barriers within Jeans mind to minimise her power. This is a different spin on the original concept of The Phoenix Saga and The Dark Phoenix Sage. As within the comic universe The Phoenix Force used Jean as a conduit for its power, whereas Fox allowed The Phoenix Force to be the subconscious of Jean Grey herself. This alter ego is ruthless, powerful and almost 'non-human' possibly a theme that her mutation is that great that she has transcended humanity. Due to this and the destruction she left in her path (such as the death of Scott and Xavier) the X-Men had no other option but to kill Jean, The Phoenix. 

The Phoenix Saga seemed to have ended there. As had the trilogy. However due to the expansion of the universe and resurrection of X-Men as Fox's franchise, the film Wolverine again gave us a glimpse of  Jean Grey as a haunting presence returning to Wolverine. However, many people believe this is Wolverines mind projecting Jean to him and there is an interesting contrasting theory stemming form the comic book literature. That Jean Grey is now the The Phoenix of The White Crown. Locked in the 'hot white room'. This is a possibility as when we see Jean she is indeed in a white room and portrayed in white light and clothing. Has Jean transcended The Phoenix and became The Phoenix of The White Crown? I suppose we will have to wait and see if X-Men Days of Future Past addresses this? Or corrects the time line to save Jean's life? Luckily the film hits cinemas at the end of this month so hopefully we will find out. However I'm sure such a poignant character as Dr Jean Grey isn't finished evolving in Fox's universe, just as she wasn't in the comic books...

Harley Quinn to come to Starling City?

‘Suicide Squad’, the latest episode of Arrow encapsulated many well known DC comic book villains through A.R.G.U.S and their recruitment of the ‘Suicide Squad’ itself, ran by The Arrow’s trusted sidekick John ‘Diggle’. But more importantly for fans of DC and their comics and/or adaptations we were given one of the best easter eggs so far in the show (OR IN ANY SHOW!).

The voice of HARLEY QUINN! Coming from behind a cell door yelling in her famous Brooklyn accent, “Do you cuties need some counselling? I’m a trained therapist.” Only that one line, and seeing a woman’s BLONDE hair through the window panel has given us avid fans more than enough to go crazy over!

Harley Quinn, is (in comic book terms) royalty in the DC universe, being originally known as Dr Harleen Quinzel, working in Arkham Asylum, until she fell ‘madly’ in love her patient -Gotham City’s super villain The Joker.

Although, always having a background in psychology, the adaptations have ranged for Harley Quinn, from Doctor, to stranger, to apparently now being “Trained in counselling”, which could suggest she is a Doctor, or at least has an extensive knowledge within psychology. The CW seemed to have kept two of the most iconic traits of Harley Quinn; her background in the study of the human mind and behaviour, and of course, her Brooklyn accent. The CW however, have full reign on every other element of the loveable and relatable villainess!- Her story. How has she ended up in A.R.G.U.S,? What are her plans? And most of all has she even met The Joker yet?Just about anything could go!

One thing is for sure, that’s not the last we will see of Harley Quinn in Arrow, (or maybe even in its spinoff series ‘The Flash’). Either way Harley Quinn is there (all be it, in a cell), but there is a very strong chance we have just caught a glimpse of season 3′s villain…

But where’s her ‘puddin’?

‘Batman: Mad Love and Other Stories’ Review

“Mad Love is the best Batman story of the decade” – Frank Miller

Keeping with the theme of Batman this week with his 75th anniversary here, this week’s review is the award winning graphic novel that first introduced us to the character that is Harley Quinn. Now a symbol for a female psychopath, or dark sexual icon it should be know that this was not always the same woman: originally she was Dr Harleen Quinzel. An ambitious graduate, with an interest in the human psyche, especially that of Gotham City’s Joker. But even she couldn’t help but fall for his tricks.

It should be noted that there are a few more comic’s in the book, in order to fill it out such as short stories on Poision Ivy, Talia Al Ghul, Catwoman, Roxy and Batgirl. This book is graphic novel is said to be of the dames and demons of Gotham City. However the focus of both the graphic novel and the review are on Mad Love.

In the form of a graphic novel this medium allows us to view the story of Harley Quinn’s lure to the other side of the law,; by use of detailed images, speech and internal monologues. This helps the reader when trying to justify why such a ‘go-getter’ girl like Harleen would risk everything for The Joker. Because for her, it’s simple. It’s love. Mad love.

The origin story begins with a flash back from modern times to Harleen Quinzel’s first day at Arkham Asylum. This is how the origin story is fed to the reader from henceforth, small snippets and flashbacks of her time at Arkham City’s infamous mental asylum (along with a few statements and speech from the current timeline, referring to those days).

The story itself is simple yet so encapsulating that it is a perfect first read for many of you out there who haven’t tried a graphic novel, as of yet. As the story is basically a short tragedy in the form of a comic book, it is very accessible whilst also holds the story on a deeper level with relatable themes of love, anger, confusion and regret. Not only is this a face value comic book, but it is also the first time Harley Quinn is viewed as something other than the crazy lover of The Joker, but as one of his many tragic victims.

Although as a graphic novel, this may put many people off my advice would be to simply give it a try. I believe that the story is worth it if you have an interest in Batman, DC comics, the character of Harley Quinn or even psychology in general. Thus the reason that I have rated this graphic novel a strong 8/10. A simple medium, but highly effective.