Pop Culture Network Master List

Video Game Losers #5: Favorite Rented Game!

killen — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:53 -0600

Join DiRT and Killen as they discuss this weeks latest video game news and releases. After that they discuss your fan questions including, their mosted rented video game of the past.

This weeks news stories:

http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/dragons-dogma-out-in-may-includes-access-to-resident-evil-6-de/
http://ps3.ign.com/articles/121/1217809p1.html
http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/nasa-totally-makes-ios-and-facebook-games-now/
http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/mortal-kombat-arcade-kollection-is-a-real-thing-on-pc-on-steam/
http://games.ign.com/articles/121/1217747p1.html
http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/go-buy-more-skylanders-toys-now/
http://xboxlive.ign.com/articles/121/1217744p1.html
http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/eyeasteroids-is-an-arcade-cabinet-you-play-with-your-eyes/

Also congrats to forum member THEBURGERGENERAL on winning this weeks tshirt!

Video Game Losers #5: Favorite Rented Game!

killen — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 23:22:48 -0600

Join DiRT and Killen as they discuss this weeks latest video game news and releases. After that they discuss your fan questions including, their mosted rented video game of the past.

This weeks news stories:

Also congrats to forum member THEBURGERGENERAL on winning this weeks tshirt!

The Comics Corner - Week of 02/01/2011

DiRT — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 20:02:08 -0600

Welcome to the Comics Corner! This week the Corner is spreading the love as each of the five comics reviewed are from five different publishers! There’s BOOM! Studio’s exciting conclusion to Betrayal of the Planet of the Apes, Vertigo’s Sweet Tooth and courtesy of Image its Invincible! And from the big two, some smaller titles with Justice League International and Venom! It’s a Comics Corner featuring a little bit of everything so come inside and discover the dangers that lie in wait at the Top of the Stack!

Click Here To Buy This Issue

Sweet Tooth #30

5 Stars

“…and everything turns upside down.”

After far too long, Sweet Tooth back at the Top of the Stack here inside the Comics Corner!

To say that the series has lost its way would be horribly inaccurate but certainly it’s fair to say that the series had been wandering. In no way was this temporary shift in focus a bad thing as the dramatic three part history lesson was terrific and will no doubt prove essential as Gus, Jepperd and company continue their journey.

But this story, the aptly titled ‘Unnatural Habitats’ has completely reignited the series and set it back on its dramatic, breakneck pace. It’s clear when reading this series that creator Jeff Lemire enjoys torturing his readers. Just when you think that these characters have been through enough and that they’ve finally hit rock bottom, it gets worse. Just when you start to hope that the situation they’re in is really as great as it seems – the world goes to hell.

After thirty issues there is absolutely no reason for any reader, myself included, to think that any situation, or the series as a whole, is going to end well. But Gus and Jepperd have been through and survived so much already you want to root for them regardless of what common sense tells you. There is something about these characters that Lemire has created that makes you want to see them finally have happiness. It’s a remarkable paradox that Lemire has created. He spends thirty issues beating these characters down, taking the readers along for the ride, only to have both the characters and the readers keep coming back for more.

The group’s trek north to Alaska was sure to full of peril and disaster but I’m not sure I was prepared for this. The entire group is fragmented and separated – and I don’t simply mean that geographically. The group dynamic has begun to crumble as alliances and betrayals have become common place. When Jepperd repeatedly tells Gus “We’d be better off on our own” you start to believe him. But you also believe Gus when he tells Jepperd that they need their friends to survive. Another Lemire paradox.

You simply cannot let your guard down for even a moment in this series. Once you set the issue aside, and have finally resumed breathing, it only gets worse as your imagination goes wild with the possibility of what might happen next.

Every character is this series is currently in extreme danger – or so Lemire would have us believe by issue’s end – and despite the fear of what is to come I simply cannot wait to read it. Even knowing that it may very well tear me up inside I eagerly await the next issue.

Comic Reviews are sponsored by
The Pop Culture Network Store!
Click on any cover to go to the store and buy that issue!

Click Here To Buy This Issue

Betrayal of the Planet of the Apes #4 (of 4)

5 Stars

“We have much to talk about.”

There’s something about the concept of Planet of the Apes that just works, plain and simple. It taps into something very natural and primal and works as entertainment on a variety of levels. Betrayal of the Planet of the Apes is a perfect example of the potential that exists in this world dominated by apes.

The political thriller/murder mystery story was four straight issues of jam-packed entertainment and it’s a shame to see it end. The characters were terrific, both the heroes and villains. And there were some characters that until the very end we didn’t know which side they were on. Betrayal delivered on every level.

In the very first issue of the series I suggested the fact that the Dr. Zaius we were introduced to was very different from the Dr. Zaius we knew from the original film. I speculated that this would be the story that would turn him into the ape fans love to hate from the landmark science fiction film. On the surface it may not seem like this series belongs to Dr. Zaius but given the journey he takes in these four issues, setting up his character for the movie, it was certainly one of my favorite aspect of this multi-layered miniseries. It doesn’t just set up the character of Dr. Zaius but actually transforms the entire political and social landscape of the world that Charlton Heston’s character will soon be discovering.

The reveal of a follow up, entitled Exile of the Planet of the Apes, is terrific news. However the announcement that Gabriel Hardman, who co-wrote and illustrated this series, will not be doing the artwork for Exile is upsetting. Hardman’s unique style was a perfect match for this series, creating a unique and vibrant tone that flawlessly captured the spirit of the original film and its sequels. Hardman will be returning as co-writer, along with Corinna Bechko, for Exile of the Planet of the Apes – which can’t get here soon enough.

Click Here To Buy This Issue

Invincible #88

4 Stars

“Allen, I’m fine.”

Talk. Fight. Repeat.

That might seem like a simple enough concept but when those ingredients are done right the result is a terrific superhero comic book.

This series is all over the place, jumping from one topic/story to the next but maintains a terrific flow and pace that keeps it from becoming confusing or disjointed.

Invincible has become obsessed with find new and unconventional methods for protecting the planet. He believes his efforts to this point have not done enough and if can think outside the box (like releasing and then working with former super villains) that he can do more, that he can do all that he’s capable of. But when the leader of the Coalition comes to Earth to destroy a race of aliens currently living in exile on the planet, Invincible rushes out into space to stop him. More than words are exchanged as Invincible, and an unexpected ally, try to prevent the extermination of an alien race that would also eliminate the human population on Earth.

There are plenty of exciting moments throughout the issue, including an incredible cliffhanger that re-emphasizes the quality of creator Robert Kirkman’s ever-expanding superhero series.

Click Here To Buy This Issue

Justice League International #6

3.5 Stars

“Superman and company don’t get this kind of reception.”

This was the best issue of Justice League International since the first. Primarily a filler issue and a chance for the series to reset following a lackluster debut story arc, but the issue does deliver a tremendous amount of potential.

The issue takes time to re-introduce all of the characters and heroes that make up the Justice League International allowing some growth and reveals for each member of the team. This allows readers to get to know the characters better and will provide more interest the next time they all charge off into battle. I’m sure that there was editorial pressure to hit the ground running but this would have made a terrific first issue, rather than a sixth. With a few quick mentions of the events of the first four issues any new readers of this series will be quickly brought up to speed.

I would say that this issue wraps up the first story nicely and paves the way for the future of the series but it actually almost completely ignores the first story and moves into the future almost by way of starting over.

If this is DC asking for a second chance, I’ll give to them. I like these characters too much walk away now and if the renewed focus on the characters remains intact this series will be just fine.

Click Here To Buy This Issue

Venom #13

4 Stars

“I’m a General, you’re a Corporal.”

Venom, as a series – and as a character for that matter – has defied all odds. Nothing about this concept should work and yet, everything does. So writer Rick Remender has decided to push his luck and invite some the other red-headed stepchildren of the Marvel Universe to come join Venom on a multi-issue event.

For the next several issues I think they should consider re-naming this series to Venom’s Home for Wayward and Underappreciated Marvel Characters. All of the characters in this Hell-on-Earth story are characters looking for/in need of redemption, some more literally than others. Red Hulk, X-23 and the new Ghost Rider, with Johnny Blaze in tow, all converge on Las Vegas with Venom and are soon caught in Blackheart’s plot to unleash Hell on Earth – literally.

Even from that brief synopsis you can see that the villain and story are both lacking but the combination of this freakish foursome is more than worth the price of admission. The middle four issues will feature each member of this new group and will be written by the writer most recently associated with that character with Remender and artist Terry Moore returning for the story’s final issue, an interesting real-world concept added to this wacky story. Moving forward the dynamic of this random and unpredictable team should solidify their roles as fun and underappreciated characters that certainly belong in the same universe and Captain America and Spider-Man.

Agree? Disagree? Discuss this in our forum!

If you click on the issue to buy it and no copies are found, we are sold out. If you would like us to order an additional copy for you, please e-mail us at comicbookorders@popculturenetwork.com

The Comics Corner - Week of 02/01/2011

DiRT — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 20:00:28 -0600

Click Here To Buy This Issue

Sweet Tooth #30

5 Stars

“…and everything turns upside down.”

After far too long, Sweet Tooth back at the Top of the Stack here inside the Comics Corner!

Comic Reviews are sponsored by
The Pop Culture Network Store!
Click on any cover to go to the store and buy that issue!

Click Here To Buy This Issue

Betrayal of the Planet of the Apes #4 (of 4)

5 Stars

“We have much to talk about.”

Click Here To Buy This Issue

Invincible #88

4 Stars

“Allen, I’m fine.”

Talk. Fight. Repeat.

That might seem like a simple enough concept but when those ingredients are done right the result is a terrific superhero comic book.

This series is all over the place, jumping from one topic/story to the next but maintains a terrific flow and pace that keeps it from becoming confusing or disjointed.

There are plenty of exciting moments throughout the issue, including an incredible cliffhanger that re-emphasizes the quality of creator Robert Kirkman’s ever-expanding superhero series.

Click Here To Buy This Issue

Justice League International #6

3.5 Stars

“Superman and company don’t get this kind of reception.”

If this is DC asking for a second chance, I’ll give to them. I like these characters too much walk away now and if the renewed focus on the characters remains intact this series will be just fine.

Click Here To Buy This Issue

Venom #13

4 Stars

“I’m a General, you’re a Corporal.”

Agree? Disagree? Discuss this in our forum!

If you click on the issue to buy it and no copies are found, we are sold out. If you would like us to order an additional copy for you, please e-mail us at comicbookorders@popculturenetwork.com

The Comics Corner - Week of 02/01/2011

DiRT — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 20:00:28 -0600

Click Here To Buy This Issue

Sweet Tooth #30

5 Stars

“…and everything turns upside down.”

After far too long, Sweet Tooth back at the Top of the Stack here inside the Comics Corner!

Comic Reviews are sponsored by
The Pop Culture Network Store!
Click on any cover to go to the store and buy that issue!

Click Here To Buy This Issue

Betrayal of the Planet of the Apes #4 (of 4)

5 Stars

“We have much to talk about.”

Click Here To Buy This Issue

Invincible #88

4 Stars

“Allen, I’m fine.”

Talk. Fight. Repeat.

That might seem like a simple enough concept but when those ingredients are done right the result is a terrific superhero comic book.

This series is all over the place, jumping from one topic/story to the next but maintains a terrific flow and pace that keeps it from becoming confusing or disjointed.

There are plenty of exciting moments throughout the issue, including an incredible cliffhanger that re-emphasizes the quality of creator Robert Kirkman’s ever-expanding superhero series.

Click Here To Buy This Issue

Justice League International #6

3.5 Stars

“Superman and company don’t get this kind of reception.”

If this is DC asking for a second chance, I’ll give to them. I like these characters too much walk away now and if the renewed focus on the characters remains intact this series will be just fine.

Click Here To Buy This Issue

Venom #13

4 Stars

“I’m a General, you’re a Corporal.”

Agree? Disagree? Discuss this in our forum!

If you click on the issue to buy it and no copies are found, we are sold out. If you would like us to order an additional copy for you, please e-mail us at comicbookorders@popculturenetwork.com

Scrolls of Eternia: MYP He-Man Cartoon Changes #01

Pixel Dan — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 08:49:48 -0600

The 2002 He-Man cartoon by Mike Young Productions was a great show. But when the show was released on DVD, there were some changes made from original Cartoon Network-airings. Join your host Jukka on Scrolls of Eternia as he takes a look at some of the changes!

Follow updates at www.facebook.com/scrollsofeterniavideos or follow via Twitter @ToonJukka.

Scrolls of Eternia: MYP He-Man Cartoon Changes #01

Pixel Dan — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 08:45:53 -0600

Follow updates at www.facebook.com/scrollsofeterniavideos or follow via Twitter @ToonJukka.

Masters of the Universe Chronicles: Episode #38 - The MOTU Classics figures of 2011

Pixel Dan — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 08:00:52 -0600

Welcome once again to another discussion on the Masters of the Universe Chronicles.

In this episode, Chris is again joined by the terrific two-some of Ryan Porter and Mike Lacey as the 3 guys sit down and go over the figures that were released by Mattel in 2011. What were our highlights? Were there any figures that didn't meet our expectations? Was Ryan disappointed that there was no Ram-Man? All these questions except the last one will be answered. The guys briefly go over their wants and I don't wants from the upcoming 2012 schedule and there seems to be a bit of a pattern as well. This was recorded in December before the altered schedule was released!

What were your favourite figures of 2011? Agree with what the guys say or disagree strongly? Head over to the PopCultureNetwork forums and post there and let your voice be heard!

Check out Ryan's great work on the Comics Corner which is part of the PopCultureNetwork and you can get there by clicking - http://popculturenetwork.com/index.php?topic=vgl_comicrev

Mike and Chris will be back soon with another Q&A discussion so stay tuned to PopCultureNetwork and Masters of the Universe Chronicles Itunes feed.

Follow this podcast on Twitter by following @MOTUChronicles and there is a FaceBook page -www.facebook.com/mastersoftheuniversechronicles.

Podcast Powered By Podbean

Click the logo above to download the mp3

Masters of the Universe Chronicles: Episode #38 - The MOTU Classics figures of 2011

Pixel Dan — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 08:00:34 -0600

Welcome once again to another discussion on the Masters of the Universe Chronicles.

What were your favourite figures of 2011? Agree with what the guys say or disagree strongly? Head over to the PopCultureNetwork forums and post there and let your voice be heard!

Check out Ryan's great work on the Comics Corner which is part of the PopCultureNetwork and you can get there by clicking - http://popculturenetwork.com/index.php?topic=vgl_comicrev

Mike and Chris will be back soon with another Q&A discussion so stay tuned to PopCultureNetwork and Masters of the Universe Chronicles Itunes feed.

Follow this podcast on Twitter by following @MOTUChronicles and there is a FaceBook page -www.facebook.com/mastersoftheuniversechronicles.

Podcast Powered By Podbean

Click the logo above to download the mp3

Alice In Wonderland #2 Review by Charles Suffel

DiRT — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 15:31:36 -0600

Grimm Fairy Tales: Alice In Wonderland #2
on the stands February 15, 2012
Wonderland created by Raven Gregory,
Joe Brusha, Ralph Tedesco
Written By Raven Gregory
Pencils by Robert Gill
Colors by Jason Embury
Letters by Jim Campbell
Edited by Ralph Tedesco

Click here to read the Alice In Wonderland #2 Review by Charles Suffel

Okay we've all seen Grimm's Fairy Tales titles on the shelf at the comic shop, the cover art tends to be very adult which always led me to believe that this book was fairy tale porn (not that there's anything wrong with that!). I'll admit that being the father of a five year old daughter this probably wasn't going to be a book she'd see me buy. Now that I'm reviewing comics there are some that land in front of me that I probably wouldn't have picked up otherwise, good thing or I would've missed out on this book.

True every woman in the book is overly endowed and scantily clad but let's move past that for a moment and focus on the story. Alice in Wonderland is a very old book, written in 1865 by Charles Lutwidge Dodgson under the pseudonym Lewis Carrol, (though I believe this comic is based on the 1872 novel Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There) it's the story of the girl Alice who falls down a rabbit hole and has adventures with anthropomorphic creatures. It has been covered, parodied, retold, and re-imagined by countless authors, directors, artists and in countless mediums. So why would you read this one?

It's pretty damn scary and really well done! Alice has just escaped from the clutches of The Jabberwocky, who is wonderfully freaky looking, and is continuing her journey through wonderland. But wonderland isn't an easy place to travel, she immediately falls afoul of some of it's denizens and is forced to fight for her life! In the meantime we see that there are forces at work trying to guide Alice's journey, though the reasons have yet to be revealed!

All in all this book has strong characters which are beautifully, frighteningly, rendered. While the takes on the characters aren't totally new, we've seen evil in wonderland before, they do have their own horrible twists. Two of my favorite Wonderlandians (that is SO totally a word!) in this version are The White Rabbit with his sick little red eyes and mottled fur and a very very sick evil looking Cheshire Cat.

My only knock has to be Alice's outfit, it just doesn't seem necessary to be wearing what amounts to the "Sexy Alice" costume you see every Halloween at Party City. As I read the issue I kept trying to figure out why she was wearing so little? Was there a costume orgy like thing going on where she found the rabbit hole? Does the Jabberwocky have some kinky wardrobe closet he was making her dress from? Maybe issue one explains it... Yea maybe I'll go back and read issue one. Just for the sake of research of course....