Comic Years |
- Video Game Cheat Codes Survey – Study Shows Most Used Codes
- Miami NFT Week 2022 – Three Days of Innovation
- Flash Test Screening Leaks – New DC Movie Debuts For First Audiences
- Doctor Strange 2 Runtime – Multiverse Of Madness Tickets On Sale Soon
- DC Pride Funko 2022: DC Comics And Funko Unite For Special Pops!
- Who Is Guardian – A Look At The Characters On The Canadian Super Team Series, Alpha Flight
- Bill Skarsgård is The Crow in Reboot
- Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands Length – Level Cap and How Long to Beat
- Morbius Movie Reaction – A Fun Film That’s Not Sure What It Wants To Be
| Video Game Cheat Codes Survey – Study Shows Most Used Codes Posted: 03 Apr 2022 07:05 AM PDT AT&T recently conducted a video game cheat codes survey to see which are the most popular in the United States. They did it with the help of Google trends and Pollfish. The study had a 1,000-people sample and was aimed at finding out which states have the most cheat code users, the most used codes and the opinion of US users about cheat codes according to their generation. The research yielded results of the games divided by state, with GTA 5 being the game where most cheats are used, with 14 States. Another conclusion was that 46% of Americans believe that using cheat codes is not cheating since the developers introduce them to test the games in the first place. When did Game Cheating Start?The first known game cheat code is the famous Konami Code: Up-Up-Down-Down-Down-Left-Right-Left-Right-B-A. If you were born in the 80s, you probably have this code engraved in your memory. First used in 1986, the code has appeared in over 100 video games. It has been referenced in TV shows and as an Easter egg in unexpected places. In short, the Konami code has become more than a cheat code. It’s part of pop culture. And that is because this code worked in many Nintendo Entertainment System games, and in later game updates, the code still worked. Whether this was a programming accident or on purpose is still a matter of debate. It is also unclear if gamers discovered the code through trial and error or if it was through a leak from Nintendo. What is certain is that this was the precursor code of what today is known as cheat codes. These have evolved to permeate the most popular video games today. We will now take a look at the most popular ones. Study Shows the Most Popular Games to CheatOf course, the most popular is the Konami code. However, contemporary video games have taken this system to another level. According to a study conducted by AT&T last March, the most popular games to cheat are: GTA 5 – The Most Searched Cheat CodesThis popular open-world game is the most used by Americans for Game Cheating. GTA V tops the list with 14 states. Since being open-world opens endless possibilities, the cheats are extremely fun. Some options include being immortal, getting special vehicles, and exploding cars with just one touch.  Image via Rockstar Games
Invincibility for 5 minutes (God Mode) is a lot of fun. One of the features of this game is that when you break the rules, such as killing people or crashing vehicles, the police chase you. As you accumulate levels, the police force’s level also increases, even chasing you with helicopters and fighter jets. Being immune to this kind of attack is very tempting. Wanted level (Up and down). One of the most exciting features of this game is to be chased by the forces of order; however, to achieve this, you have to create absolute chaos and to get away, you have to flee. With this cheat, you can increase and decrease this wanted level at will, becoming the most wanted of the city or not being chased by anyone in seconds. Fortnite Game – The Open World ControversyFortnite is also an open-world game, at least in its Save the World mode. One of the most popular cheats is wallhack, allowing players to see their enemies anywhere. This cheat is causing controversy as it is an online game, and obviously, those who use it get a notable advantage over the rest of the players. Ever since Chapter 2, Season 8 started, many players have been accusing the massive participation of cheaters who are getting away with it. While honest players invest 8 hours a day for weeks to reach a reasonable level, others use cheat hacks to become invisible, see through walls, or move around the map in flying cars. Valheim – 32 Cheat Codes to Pick FromThis brutal survival game has gained a lot of relevance nowadays, exploring the Viking culture. One of the most famous cheats in this game is the God Mode, which makes your character invincible and allows you to finish your opponents with a single blow.  Image Via Coffee Stain Studios Another famous cheat of this game is the ghost mode, which allows you to become invisible to the eyes of the other players until you attack them. The healing ability is another of the most used cheats in this game, and it allows players to recover the total of their life. Among Us – Find the Cheating ImpostorsIn this game, players go on a spaceship and must discover who are the impostors within the crew before they sabotage the ship and kill them. There are many cheat codes in this game, from allowing you always to be the impostor to versions where the entire game is unlocked. There is a function where you can zoom out and see the entire map, which gives you a notable advantage over the rest of the players. Resident Evil Village – Boosting your AbilitiesThis new adventure is the ninth installment of this popular first-person horror video game. Unlike the rest of the games, you must first beat the initial campaign at least once to unlock the cheats here. You can use the cheats once you have done so, mostly about getting infinite ammo.  Image Via Capcom Other cheats increase your speed in the game, eliminating the need to reload your weapon, the recoil in the shots, or boosting the shooting speed. The Witcher 3 – Switching CharactersThere aren’t many video game cheat codes in this popular action fantasy game centered on a bounty hunter, but from what we saw in the survey, people like to use them. The cheats range from an invincibility mode, leveling up and adding accessories to the inventory. There is also another very striking feature which is to change players using a cheat code. You can switch between Ciri and Gerald in seconds.  Image via Screenshot Animal Crossing – Time Travelling AdventuresIn this game, you live in a village full of anthropomorphic animals, where you can perform many different actions. The most used cheats in Animal Crossing are the time travel cheat, which allows you to speed up the game to overcome a tricky part. Another popular cheat is to make indestructible weapons. Gamers can change the clock switches to move forward or backward in time. This hack allows manipulation of many of the game’s mechanics. The concept of altering the clock is easy and accessible to any player. That opens a debate between those who advocate the cheat and those who denounce it as an unfair practice. However, the developers are not doing anything about time travelers, apart from minimal changes, so it seems that it is an acceptable practice so far.
Video Game Cheat Codes Continue to Make an ImpactAlthough cheat codes emerged as a way for developers to test and take shortcuts in games, they seem to stay. They have even taken hold in pop culture. We all got excited when Neo hacked the code in The Matrix movie, stopping bullets and flying like he was Superman. The effect here is similar, and it seems that cheat codes are here to stay. The fact that they continue to exist in the most popular contemporary games is proof. For some reason, many gamers like to use this type of shortcut, and this video game cheat codes survey shows it. Do you think it’s okay to use cheat codes or do you prefer to beat the levels without help? Tell us in the comments. Feature Image Via Arvin61r58 / openclipart Video Game Cheat Codes Survey – Study Shows Most Used Codes |
| Miami NFT Week 2022 – Three Days of Innovation Posted: 03 Apr 2022 01:00 AM PDT If you are interested in the NFT world, one of the most significant events in the world is currently taking place in Miami. Miami NFT Week 2022 is underway, starting yesterday, April 1st, and ending tomorrow, April 3rd. It is three days full of networking opportunities and workshops to help different players in the sector to take their careers or business to the next level. The event includes top-level personalities such as entrepreneur and investor Mark Cuban, technology business expert Grant Cardone and Angela Antony, founder of the first game-based hiring platform. The exceptional host is Francis Suarez, mayor of Miami, a vast cryptocurrency and blockchain technology enthusiast.  Image via Comic Years Agenda for the Three-Day ConferenceMiami is the perfect place to host an event like this. Each day is full of workshops, roundtables, conferences, and opportunities to make high-level contacts in this industry. In addition, Miami NFT Week is also holding cultural activities such as concerts and parties to provide a more relaxed atmosphere for attendees to share experiences. Day 1 – Main Stage ActivitiesThe first day of the event began with Opening Welcome & Introductions. A Voyage Through Vayner NFT was the first conference on the main stage with the presence of Avery Akkineni and Erik LaPaglia. They addressed the company’s characteristics and how the vision of the NFT should be long-term. Another exciting presentation on the Main stage was Fireside Chat presented by TradeStation Crypto. Tillman Holloway, Tanya Sam, and James Putra were in charge of this seminar.
The Secret to NFT Utility with Dr. Amanda Kavner, Dogewood Captain, Peg Samuel, and Gareb Shamus showed people how valuable NFTs can be outside the virtual world. But undoubtedly, the presence of the Mayor of Miami and President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors Francis X. Suarez stood out. Suarez emphasized the importance of promoting technology, made a brief analysis of achievements, and discussed the promising prospects for the future of this industry. Day 2 – Conferences ContinueDay two began with a welcome on the main stage, followed by the Founding Fathers of Miami NFT Week 2022 conference. Ted Lucas, Erik LaPaglia, and Gianni D’Alerta were in charge of this lecture. Their presentation was followed by Wax onchain Wax offchain, led by WAX co-founder William E. Quigley. The question Would you buy a home in the Metaverse? was also posed by Alvaro Nunez Alfaro and Daniel de la Vega.  Image via Comic Years Then, the highly acclaimed Finding Your Mission in the Metaverse featured Mark Cuban, Angela Antony, and Erik LaPaglia. Meanwhile, on the Community Stage, after the welcome, topics such as The Dank Bank Welcome & Engagement, How to market an NFT Project & your Brand presented by Shiba Doge, and When NFTs & Real Estate Meet presented by Flip, Nicolle Lafosse, and Tim Tello were discussed. Day 3 – Closing Miami NFT Week 2022For the final day of keynotes, Carmen Pelaez, Gabriel Guerra Bianchini, Gianni D’Alerta, Jose Trajtenberg, and Laura Rodriguez will be presenting LATAM Building Value for your Community. Allyson Downey, Erick Pinos, and Francesca de Quesada Covey will teach Don’t Fall for the FOMO on the main stage. On the other hand, on the community stage, we will see talks such as Historic NFT, NFT Adoption: Why companies are crossing over, and How To Discover New Art & NFTs presented by Ebisus.  Image via Comic Years Miami NFT Week is one of the most important events this week in Florida. It has more than 200 speakers belonging to companies with projects around blockchain and NFTs. Currently, the city of Miami is already positioned as the capital of cryptocurrencies in the United States. It seeks to become a reference in the innovation and development of digital assets. This conference series is one of the most critical events for cryptocurrency and blockchain enthusiasts. It involves a community of people interested in knowing more about the non-fungible tokens ecosystem. Are you attending Miami NFT Week this year? Tell us your first impressions in the comment section. Featured Image via Comic Years |
| Flash Test Screening Leaks – New DC Movie Debuts For First Audiences Posted: 02 Apr 2022 09:03 PM PDT Part of the filmmaking process for studio movies are test screenings, where a mostly complete movie is shown to audiences for their reaction. Well, according to the rumor mill online, The Flash movie had a test screening and leaks from that DC film are filtering out into the world. The general consensus, it seems, is that audiences liked the movie, which makes big changes to the DCEU as we know it. Of course, some fans of Zack Snyder's movies are upset because the rumor that The Flash movie erases the DCEU still persists. However, if the leaks from the test screening are true, The Flash movie does change things for the DC film universe, but everything exists and is canon. There are also reports of how Michael Keaton's Batman fits into the film. Lastly, there is allegedly an ending that suggests this may not be Ben Affleck's final performance as Batman. Now, there is no way to verify the authenticity of these leaks, short of attending a test screening of The Flash movie ourselves. Still, with previous rumors, some common sense, and a sense of how Warner Bros. wants to handle things going forward, we can make some educated guesses. For those who wish to remain fully unspoiled about what happens, just know that the consensus seems to be that audiences enjoyed the movie. Keaton's Batman is highlighted for his excellent performance in and out of the suit. Also, the movie will set up the future of the DCEU for the next few years. Still, there is 15 months from the time of this writing until the film's release, so anything could change with reshoots. The Flash Movie Test Screening Leaks – No Plot Points Image via Warner Bros. First, let's talk about the general vibe we're hearing about this new movie. While star Ezra Miller may be in a spot of trouble at the moment, their Barry Allen continues his run through DC fans' hearts. The reports on their performance as the Flash appears to be mixed. Some rumor traffickers said that audiences were split amongst "best" Flash performance and "worst." The thing that will excite fans of the Snyderverse, however, is that this movie apparently treats Zack Snyder's Justice League as the canon version of the film in the universe. Characters in the movie make references to things that happened in that cut of the film that were totally absent from the theatrical version. In the DC FanDome trailer for this movie, we see that Barry Allen goes to what appears to be his family home. In both versions of Justice League, Henry Allen is incarcerated for the murder of Barry's mother. Taking from the comic series Flashpoint, the trailer implies that Barry goes to save his mom and multiversal hell breaks loose. Still, the general consensus seems to be that this movie is fun, not overly dark, and it establishes the near future of the DCEU. There are characters from previous films who return from across the Snyderverse and current DCEU. New characters are introduced, such as Sasha Calle's Supergirl, who are expected to appear in a number of future projects. Lastly – though some may count this as a spoiler – because this is a DC multiverse film, nothing is "erased." We'll explain more as we get to the plot-specific leaks from The Flash movie test screening. Warning – potential spoilers for The Flash movie from test screening leaks ahead. Carry on at your own risk. The Flash Movie Test Screening Leaks – Plot Points Image via Warner Bros. Once more for the cheap data plans: all of these details are rumors and may or may not be totally fiction. Still, since this is a story about a guy who runs so fast, he can break time, we'll share what we know and you decide for yourself. The Flash movie plot leaks are not all from the test screening, some have been circulating for awhile now. The most recent is that Sasha Calle's Supergirl will "replace" Henry Cavill's Superman. This feels like a half-truth, and the new info we have supports that theory. The rumor suggests that in this timeline, Kal-El was killed by Zod in the events depicted in the opening of Man of Steel. Yet, his cousin, Kara Zor-El escapes to Earth, becoming the Kryptonian hero of Earth. This character will be Warner Bros. go-to Kryptonian hero in the shared universe in the near future. This makes sense, especially since Calle's per-movie rate is certainly cheaper than Cavill's. However, the Snyderverse as we know it becomes a corner of the multiverse that can be tapped into whenever the studio wants. Similarly, Ben Affleck's Batman does not die in the movie, and the ending tag of the film seems to suggest he (and others) will return for a Crisis On Infinite Earths movie event. Jason Momoa, Gal Gadot, and Zachary Levi also reportedly appear as their DCEU characters. Also, Michael Shannon and Antje Traue return as Zod and Faora. The villain of the film is played by Ezra Miller, this time as a Barry Allen who breaks bad. We saw two Barrys in the trailer, so we know there are multiple versions of this character. (Also, Grant Gustin's Flash is rumored to appear, though may not have been in the test screening.) How Barry Allen's Adventures Will Change the DCEU Going Forward (Maybe) Image via Warner Bros. So, what does this all mean for the future of DC Films at Warner Bros.? If The Flash movie plot leaks from the test screening are true, it aligns with what we've speculated is the case all along. This film silos the Snyderverse-that-was into its own "Earth," that can appear in future projects. We also know that WB is find with standalone films like The Batman or the Superman film JJ Abrams is reportedly working on with Ta-Nehisi Coates. Effectively, they are going to have their shared universe, but it won't determine the continuity for every DC Comics movie. For our money, that feels like the best of both worlds (literally, in a sense). Also, we wouldn't write off Henry Cavill coming back as Superman just yet. The actor still wants to play the role, and there are perennial rumors that he's in talks to return. We know that Dwayne Johnson wants his Black Adam to face off against Cavill's Superman. He also may be in The Flash movie, but to prevent leaks his presence was cut from the test screening. Just like with Ben Affleck, the state of the DCEU after The Flash seems to leave the door open for a return but nothing definitive. Also, after the unmitigated success of the Arrowverse's Crisis On Infinite Earths event, DC Films may want to do their own Avengers: Endgame or Spider-Man: No Way Home thing with multiple versions of different characters in a series of films. With Keaton back in the bat-suit, we comic fans should remember that anything is possible.  Image via Warner Bros. Ultimately, the future of live-action DC Comics adaptations is bright. With the series on TV, the HBO Max originals, and the movie universe(s), there are plenty of opportunities for fans to see their favorite characters and actors again and again. The Flash releases on July 23, 2023.What do you think? Do you believe the test screening leaks about The Flash movie? Does the idea that the Snyderverse is not erased but just put off to the side make you happy or angry? Share your thoughts, reactions, and theories about the future of DC Films in the comments below. h/t to DCEU Leaks subreddit Flash Test Screening Leaks – New DC Movie Debuts For First Audiences |
| Doctor Strange 2 Runtime – Multiverse Of Madness Tickets On Sale Soon Posted: 02 Apr 2022 12:56 PM PDT If Spider-Man: No Way Home, or if Disney+’s Loki didn't give viewers enough of the multiverse, tickets for all two hours and six minutes of Doctor Strange 2: Multiverse of Madness' runtime go on sale April 6. On Saturday, Marvel released a new trailer to celebrate this auspicious news, as well as confirmation of the 126-minute runtime. One month after you grab those tickets, the film will be released. On May 6, Doctor Strange finally gets a own sequel to his 2016 debut. Doctor Strange 2: Multiverse of Madness stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Benedict Wong, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, and Bruce Campbell. It also features the big screen debut of The Baby Sitters Club's Xochitl Gomez. Most intriguingly, Patrick Stewart, also plays a part — presumably his role as Professor X in the formerly mostly separate X-Men universe. The 28th movie in the Marvel saga gives us Doctor Stephen Strange, Scarlet Witch/Wanda Maximoff, Wong, and alternate versions of these characters. Doctor Strange himself is set to have two other versions, possibly villainous, in Strange Supreme and Defender Strange. Some rumors suggest that an alt Strange is the big bad, and not a new version of the more recently dark Scarlet Witch. (After all, she was almost a bad guy in WandaVision already). What Is Wrong With the Multiverse in Doctor Strange 2?We know a little more about the plot than Doctor Strange does about the multiverse —which as one trailer for Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness says, is "frighteningly little." And since Doctor Strange 2 has a more than two-hour runtime, that means there are a lot of movie left to surprise us. After the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home and Loki, every universe is in peril. To counter this, Doctor Strange requests help from Wanda Maximoff and her magical powers. Presumably, part of the threat involves Xochitl Gomez's America Chavez, a teenager who can break through the barriers between worlds.  Image via Marvel Studios In a world where trailers overshare, the big question now is just what international treasure Patrick Stewart is doing in Doctor Strange 2. The rights to Marvel characters are still somewhat divided between Disney and Fox. Scarlet Witch's brother Quicksilver was the only character who managed to bridge the gap, as played by both Aaron Taylor-Johnson in Avengers: Age of Ultron (RIP) and Evan Peters in various X-Men and WandaVision. Subsequently, Peters' interactions with Elizabeth Olsen in WandaVision became a hilarious metajoke. The nice thing about copyright disputes between Fox and Disney breaking down is that they will not endanger us all. More Marvel Movies and Shows to Follow Multiverse of MadnessThe 2022 Marvel list will not end at Doctor Strange 2: Multiverse of Madness on May 6. We also have Disney+'s Ms. Marvel TV show on June 8, and the fourth Thor movie, Thor: Love and Thunder on July 8. The fall will bring even more fun releases in Marvel's fourth wave., including a new Black Panther Whether the walls of the multiverse continue to crumble may depend on Doctor Strange and Scarlett Witch’s success in Doctor Strange 2 (and how many tickets it sells). And maybe just what Professor X can do to help! (Or hurt. What if he’s evil alt Professor X?) Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness debuts in theaters on May 4, 2022So, will you be waiting in line for tickets on Wednesday to be the first to see Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness? Do you enjoy the recent Marvel focus on the multiverse, or do you prefer something different? What Marvel movie or show are you looking forward to most? Doctor Strange 2 Runtime – Multiverse Of Madness Tickets On Sale Soon |
| DC Pride Funko 2022: DC Comics And Funko Unite For Special Pops! Posted: 02 Apr 2022 09:19 AM PDT Funko is no stranger to philanthropic endeavors. Whether it’s their partnership with The Breast Cancer Research Foundation or their work with Make-A-Wish, the toy manufacturer brings awareness to special causes. They continue in that tradition with DC Pride Funko Pops in 2022. Pride Collection 2022 is the initiative that Funko recently announced. This newest line of Funko Pops! features several LGBTQ+ DC characters. Rainbow paint and packaging adorns said figures. Funko’s goal is to use the brand recognition of some of the most prolific fictional characters to make the general public aware of the very real plight of an underserved community. Funko Continues Their Charitable Efforts Image via Funko Pops Firstly, Funko’s Meridia Clark said this about DC Pride Funko 2022; “To show our support of the LGBTQ+ community we’re continuing the Pride collection through our Pops! With Purpose initiative. Introduced in 2021, Pops! With Purpose ties some of the world’s most beloved characters in Funko Pop! aesthetic with philanthropic causes that are important to our company, community, and fans. Our Pops! With Purpose Pride collection is a celebration of inclusivity and acceptance. Funko fully supports the LGBTQ+ community and rejects intolerance and discrimination. At Funko, fun is for everyone! In celebration of Pride, a donation has been made to the It Gets Better Project, an organization that uplifts, empowers, and connects LGBTQ+ youth around the globe, in coordination with this program.” Claudia Becker and Mike Becker founded Funko founded in 1998. In spite of an early bankruptcy scare, they made quite the comeback as they got the license to make bobbleheads for the Austin Powers franchise. The Beckers sold the company in 2005 and ownership changed hands a few times. Although they’ve made several popular toy lines, nearly nothing compares to their very first wave of Funko Pops!. Announced at San Diego Comic-Con 2010 and fully revealed at the 2011 New York Toy Fair, Funko Pops! took the world by storm. In the decade-plus since then, the company released lines based on everything from Doctor Who to Dragon Ball and from Ghostbusters to Harry Potter. They currently have over 1,100 licenses with a multitude of companies. DC and Funko Pops Join Forces For Pride 2022 Image via Funko Pops Journalist Dan Savage and his husband, Terry Miller created the It Gets Better Project in 2010 as a suicide prevention program to help LGBTQ+ youth see that things will improve. Equally important is the fact that their partnership with Funko began last year, featuring Pride-themed Disney and Star Wars characters. Funko and DC Entertainment now bring us the first wave of LGBTQ+ Pops!; not only will we see the power couple of Harley Quinn & Poison Ivy, will be joined by a Robin Pride Funko Pop! for Tim Drake. There will likely be many more to come. Seeing that Funko has so many interesting characters to choose from for later waves, there are dozens of potential figures for down the road. They could release anyone from Golden Age Green Lantern, Alan Scott to the second person to take up the mantle of the Question, Renee Montoya, and even the Future State Superman, Jon Kent. Furthermore, if they ever release Aqualad (Jackson Hyde), Batwoman, Negative Man, Thunder (Anissa Pierce), or John Constantine, they’re as good as purchased by me. By and large, this is an exciting time for Funko Pops! and for the charitable causes that they work with. The First Wave of DC Funko Pride Pops! will be released in June 2022What say you? What other characters need the DC Pride Funko Pop! treatment? Sound off in the comments below. DC Pride Funko 2022: DC Comics And Funko Unite For Special Pops! |
| Who Is Guardian – A Look At The Characters On The Canadian Super Team Series, Alpha Flight Posted: 02 Apr 2022 07:11 AM PDT Canada is having a moment in today's current pop culture scene. Canadian actor Elliot Page said his character on The Umbrella Academy will also be trans, Ryan Reynolds is everyone's favorite potty-mouthed action hero, Deadpool, and Domee Shi's critically acclaimed Turning Red is a homage to Toronto and Canadian life. There's another one we can add to the list: Alpha Flight, the Canadian version of the Avengers! Who?? Alpha Flight appeared in April of 1979 and was first introduced in Marvel's The Uncanny X-Men #120. They were originally created to serve as part of the X-Men plotlines and were woven into Wolverine’s backstory. Marvel later published an Alpha Flight comic book series from 1983 to 1994. The characters that make up this Canadian super team are not so well known, but that should change. So, let’s tell you who Guardian is and his history with Alpha Flight, eh? First Off, Who Are the Canadian Super Team, Alpha Flight? Image via Marvel Comics Alpha Flight was created by Canadian writer and artist John Byrne and as mentioned before, first appeared in The Uncanny X-Men #120. The issue had a second part (aptly called The Uncanny X-Men #121), where the superteam made another appearance. Funnily enough, Byrne actually never intended for Alpha Flight to go further than those two issues, saying that he created them only to "merely to survive a fight with the X-Men” for the purposes of that story. However, Bryne's popularity was growing, and Marvel wanted to capitalize on this, so they convinced him to feature them in their own Alpha Flight series. Byrne wrote and penciled the first 28 issues and then left, saying that he didn't find their stories or backgrounds compelling enough to continue. Despite not having Byrne on board anymore, the series continued, lasting a total of 130 issues along with annuals and miniseries. There were also three short-lived revivals, the most recent one being an eight-issue limited series from 2011 to 2012, after the resurrection of the team in the comic Chaos War: Alpha Flight. Diversity and representation matter and for Alpha Flight, most team members have distinctly Canadian attributes, which is awesome! There are characters who have Inuit/First Nations heritage and others that have French heritage, both major communities within the territories of Canada. The team works for Department H, a fictional branch of Canada’s Department of National Defence that deals with super-powered villains. Their first mission was to follow up on Guardian’s task of retrieving Wolverine from the X-Men. Who Is Guardian and What Are His Powers? Image via Marvel Comics Guardian (alias: James MacDonald Hudson) is a scientist from London, Ontario. He earned a Ph.D. in engineering. Throughout his history, he’s gone by many names like Weapon Alpha, then Vindicator, and then Guardian. He wears a suit of battle armor, which allows him to fly thanks to beams of light that are directed at the ground, propelling the wearer forward at up to Mach 1. The original suit was created by Hudson for drilling and tunneling, but his design evolved to become cybernetically controlled and incorporated a high-resolution navigation system. Guardian could use the battle suit to trigger and release gravitons, which cancel the Earth’s rotation and propel him westward at up to about 1000 miles per hour. This effect would suspend his positioning relative to the Earth’s electromagnetic field while the planet rotated, allowing him to travel at high speeds. Later, the alien Q`wrrlln converted Hudson into a cyborg by incorporating much of his battle suit into his actual body, greatly enhancing his powers, such as strength and durability. Hudson’s cyborg brain was half his original brain and half mechanical. He could control his mechanical systems by mental command, though he was vulnerable to being controlled by the Q`wrrlln through the mechanical portion of his brain. Guardian is the team’s first leader (a Captain America-esque role) and wears a stylized Canadian maple leaf flag on his costume. Byrne said that Guardian was a "fan character" meaning that he was created before Byrne worked in comics professionally. A History of Guardian Image via Marvel Comics Guardian was created by Chris Claremont and John Byrne. His history is intimately tied with Wolverine, hence the connection to the X-Men. Before becoming Guardian, Hudson was a leading engineer and scientist working on a powered exoskeleton suit for the Am-Can Corporation. When he learns that his works will be used for American military purposes, he steals his suit back; however, instead of being arrested, Hudson's girlfriend convinces Am-Can Corporation not to charge him with crimes, and instead Department H is formed. Feeling inspired by the Fantastic Four, Hudson decides to form a superhero team within Department H. His first team is called the Flight and features none other than Wolverine himself as a member. Later, he forms Alpha Flight, whose first mission is to take Wolverine back from the X-Men. Guardian has made an appearance on the X-Men animated television series in the episode "Repo Man," where he was known under the code name Vindicator. He's also appeared as a playable character in a few video games such as Marvel Superhero Squad Online and Marvel Contest of Champions and had an action figure released by Hasbro in 2008. Do you feel like you have a better sense of who is Guardian? Is there anything else in the history of Guardian I missed out on? Let me know in the comments below! Who Is Guardian – A Look At The Characters On The Canadian Super Team Series, Alpha Flight |
| Bill Skarsgård is The Crow in Reboot Posted: 02 Apr 2022 03:31 AM PDT Picture it: The 1990s. Specifically, 1994. You go to the movies, because that’s the only way to see a movie when it first comes out. You go to see The Crow, which is a superhero movie, a comic book movie. But that doesn’t mean much in 1994. There probably aren’t a lot of people who are familiar with the source material. If they know the movie at all, then it’s likely because of its tragic production. Still, though, the movie is a hit. It ranks at number 26 for the year. That might not sound that impressive, but it’s a pretty good showing for a year that included The Lion King, Forrest Gump, Pulp Fiction, and Speed, among many other giants. Accordingly, they’ve tried to reboot The Crow since then, but have been unsuccessful so far. That is, until now, because we’re getting Bill SkarsgĂ„rd as the Crow. Crow Reboot Originally Planned with Jason MomoaIf news of a Crow reboot sounds familiar, then there’s a good reason why. First of all, we know how much Hollywood loves to remake, reboot, repackage, recycle everything. So if something is even a smidge of a hit, then chances are, it’s already in preproduction. (Not that hit status has any effect on whether a studio remakes something.)  Brandon Lee as the only Crow I recognize so far, image via Miramax Before that, though, there are often sequels. This movie has three of them. I’ve seen none of them, but I don’t think I’m missing much. For the three, the highest Rotten Tomatoes score is 20% (for The Crow: Salvation). Yikes. Also, there was apparently a TV adaptation, The Crow: Stairway to Heaven, which aired on the Sci-Fi (now Syfy) channel. Sure. Anyway, with all that, it’s unsurprising that there have been multiple attempts to reboot the franchise. Before 2017, for example, there were a couple of attempts, including one that would star Luke Evans. The closest anyone’s come, though, was in 2017, when Corin Hardy launched an effort to remake it with Jason Momoa. However, due to money issues, that project fell apart a year later. Momoa, whose Justice League costar lately thinks the sun comes up just to hear them crow–no pun intended–announced his exit on his Instagram. Among other things, he said, “I can't play anything but what this film deserves and it needs love.” And Now Bill SkarsgĂ„rd is The CrowIt looks like a Crow remake is finally moving forward. The Hollywood Reporter announced in an exclusive that Bill SkarsgĂ„rd will star in The Crow: Caw Again. (I made that up; I don’t know what the official title will be.) FKA Twigs is also appearing. There is no word yet, though, on how closely the story will hew to the original film or James O’Barr’s comic series, which inspired the franchise. It’s likely, though, that it’ll keep the same bones. If you haven’t seen any of the films (or read the series), then all you need to know is that it’s a story about vengeance. In the book series and in the original film, it follows Eric. After a group of goons murder him and his fiancĂ©e Shelly, Eric comes back to life thanks to the intervention of a presumably magic crow. Revenge is the chief force animating him, though, and he seeks it, while trying to come to terms with Shelly’s death. O’Barr himself began the series to work through his own feelings after a drunk driver killed his fiancĂ©e. Sadly, though, more tragedy followed in the wake of the film’s production. Due to a number of factors, including the failure to check and clear the gun, star Brandon Lee was shot and killed while filming a scene. They were able to finish the movie, though, since Lee had shot most of his scenes. Other scenes used his stunt double Chad Stehelski as a stand-in.  image via Netflix They expect to start production on the Bill SkarsgĂ„rd Crow this June in Prague and Munich. Zach Baylin (King Richard) wrote the script, while Rupert Sanders is directing. You might know him from his films Snow White and the Huntsman and Ghost in the Shell. Last year, he also directed an episode of Foundation, that Apple TV+ show that stars Jared Harris and Eyebrow Heartthrob Lee Pace. SkarsgĂ„rd was recently unrecognizable as Kro, haha, in The Eternals. He’s got several projects in postproduction, though, including Stahelski’s John Wick 4 and the upcoming Netflix series Clark, which will depict Clark Olofsson, whose crimes inspired the invention of the phrase “Stockholm Syndrome.” We’ll keep you updated on any Crow-related news. In the meantime, let us know what you think by commenting here or on our social media. featured image of SkarsgĂ„rd in The Devil All the Time via Netflix |
| Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands Length – Level Cap and How Long to Beat Posted: 02 Apr 2022 03:25 AM PDT As with any Borderlands game, completing the campaign is hardly the only goal. Side quests mean that you have ample room to try and expand your story. Additionally, games like this offer a level cap that you can attempt to reach, which also unlocks other game options. While I’m not the type to try and find every gun in these games, there is a great endgame here to explore. In fact, I’d argue that Tiny Tina’s does a great job enticing you to stick around after the Dragon Lord is good and defeated. Fully enjoying Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands isn’t about how long it takes to beat, but also hitting that peak level cap and unlocking so much more. Here’s what you should know about Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands length and what might even wait beyond the launch edition of the game. How Long Does It Take to Beat Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands Image Credit: 2K According to How Long to Beat, the average length of Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands campaign is about 12 hours. That fits in line with my time spent finishing the game, which with some of the side quests sat around 15 hours. I certainly didn’t dive into everything there is, which HLTB argues might take you closer to 18 hours. So, if you actually dive into everything the game offers on your quest to defeat the Dragon Lord, you can get nearly 20 hours out of the game. Like any Borderlands game, however, that’s not the whole picture. When you look at the goal of a game like this, it’s not just about the campaign. Gearbox really encourages the player to try and find everything they can in the game. I can’t tell you how many loot boxes in the game I ended up finding once I revisited a few levels I wanted to play again. That alone means that you probably have more to explore if you go back after you beat the campaign. That said, there’s even more that awaits you in the endgame. Here’s how. Overall, the goal in Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands is to defeat the Dragon Lord. The character, voiced by Will Arnett, is a fun villain that fits into the D&D-inspired fantasy world of the game. As you work through the campaign, you find that the Dragon Lord is a bit elusive. Hordes and enemies and plenty of loot to discover keeps you busy, but you’re not just trying to defeat the masses. You want the big guy. So, when you do finally beat him, the game’s main campaign wraps up. If you want to end things there, then yes, the length of Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands is just under 15 hours. Side quests add some more content, but there’s even more awaiting you after the game. Side Quests and a Level Cap Offer Even More for Players Image Credit: 2K Side quests and the level cap offer you more room to explore the Wonderlands on top of the campaign. Overall, the highest level you can reach right now is 40, but that unlocks the Myth Rank. Here’s how Gearbox explains the Myth Rank, a fun take on the endgame approach to a campaign-based adventure:
On top of side quests in the campaign, there’s also the invigorating Chaos Chamber. This essentially bumps you up to the highest difficulty of the game. It also lets you run sections of the game back again. This also unlocks Chaos Tier weapons and loot, so it’s well worth another look! Even though Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands technically takes 15-20 hours to beat, you’ll have plenty of more fun. Tackling everything, including mastering the level cap, Myth Rank, and Chaos Chamber is a heavy task. Not to mention, there will be DLC in the future and a potential level cap increase, which you might have already unlocked depending on the Tiny Tina's Wonderlands edition you purchased. There’s so much to continue diving into with this game. All in all, we’ll have more Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands content coming in the future, including a potential level cap increase! You can find the game now in stores and online! Thanks for reading Comic Years for all things gaming, comics, and pop culture. Thanks to 2K for the review code! Featured Image Credit: 2K Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands Length – Level Cap and How Long to Beat |
| Morbius Movie Reaction – A Fun Film That’s Not Sure What It Wants To Be Posted: 01 Apr 2022 06:10 PM PDT Upon seeing the Morbius trailer the first time, a typical reaction was it looks like a movie released too late. Not because the movie ended up delayed seven times, but because Morbius feels like a film that belongs in the early 2000s era of superhero cinema. During that time, the films were haphazard, because some studios and filmmakers still hadn't cracked the formula for adapting these kinds of stories. From this perspective, the Morbius movie is quite good. Yet, if you go by Rotten Tomatoes, the movie is a flop. While Morbius likely won't be the hit that Sony Pictures wants it to be, the reputation this film already has is undeserved. There is also the question of what happened during the delays. As one of the stars, British actor Matt Smith, said, they made it "yonks ago," and that left time for tinkering. Star Jared Leto said in January of 2021 that the film would undergo some reshoots to adjust script issues. In December, Batman and Vulture actor Michael Keaton revealed he was shooting more "Vulture stuff," presumably for this film. Many shots from the first trailers for Morbius are not in the movie. There comes a time in the storytelling process when you just have to let the thing be what it is. Some of the hiccups in this movie smack of that kind of over-thinking. Lastly, this is a PG-13 film that really should be R-rated. Vampires are synonymous with human blood and there is very little of that. The action sequences have a kind of scary power to them, yet the CG visual effects added, while dynamic and fun to look at, muddy the action. Let's get into the specifics of the good and bad reaction to the Morbius movie. Spoilers to follow. The Morbius Movie Forgot the Comic Book Formula that WorksMuch is made of the MCU formula for origin movies, but there is no denying that this story structure works. It's not unoriginal nor is it a sign that the movies are factory-made not-cinema garbage. Many movies have formulas from horror to the romcom. Some elements are there, specifically that Morbius ends up facing a "darker" version of himself in the film. This character, Milo, was my favorite in the film based solely on Matt Smith's performance. The 11th Doctor went for it and was the only character in the movie to have that scene where he’s just psyched to have superpowers.  Image via Sony Pictures Also, the relationship between Milo and Morbius is the emotional heart of the film. One element that didn't work for me was the relationship between Morbius and Dr. Martine Bancroft, played by Adria Arjona of Good Omens fame. While it's okay to have same-sex characters be friends, this movie would have worked better if Milo and Morbius were a couple or at least interested in each other that way. Of course, this isn't the case because studios are still afraid of gay leads for mainstream films. Also, without Martine, there would be no woman character in every act of the film. While the visual effects are pretty to look at, what this movie misses the mark on is the emotional stakes. The fights are fun, but we have to care about the characters. And in the final act, I found myself rooting for Milo more than Morbius. While the hero of the movie, we don't get a moment from Morbius in the movie where he has the reaction or revelatory moment where he realizes with great power comes, well, a sense of duty to do more than just clean up your own mess. Sony Pictures Should Embrace The B-Movie Qualities That Make The Morbius Film Fun Image via Sony Pictures Hands down, Matt Smith is the best part of the movie. He looks like the only actor have fun while playing the role. He embraces his over-the-top villainy. Milo's motivations aren't always clear, but his story is the one I related to most. He wants to live, enjoys his powers, and doesn't feel any guilt about harming or killing people while doing it. Part of the reason the reaction to the Morbius movie is so harsh is that this is a B-movie with a blockbuster budget. If you like your superhero sci-fi to have a plot that makes logical and 'scientific' sense, this is not it. There are moments of meta-awareness, such as when Morbius walks into a counterfeiting operation to steal their lab. "Is this the part of the movie where the mysterious guy in the hoodie kicks everyone's asses?" he asks. It wasn't because he just intimidated the main baddie, and the rest run off. Yet, it's not as meta as say Deadpool, and thus it furthers that sense this is a movie that doesn't know what it wants to be. The other great moments were the parts that leaned into the horror elements. Yet, with a PG-13 rating, this Marvel vampire movie pales in comparison to something like the original Blade. Lastly, as fun as Tyrese Gibson and Al Madrigal's FBI Agents Stroud and Rodriguez, they are superfluous to the film. We spend time with them as they investigate the antics of Morbius in the movie, but they are only there to provide a reaction from the 'real world' to this sci-fi business. It's honestly a waste of great performances on characters who are, at best, tangential to the story. Also, shoutout to Jared Harris who does what he does, which is deliver an emotional performance and then die. Will the Reaction to Morbius Kill Another Sony Pictures Movie Franchise? Image via Sony Pictures As one of the films impacted by the pandemic, Morbius may be forgiven for a lackluster critical performance. The Thursday previews box office was about $6 million, around what the first Shazam did. The David F. Sandberg DC film had a budget of $100 million compared to Morbius's $75 million. If it opens at the near $40 million it's expected to, it could end up (at least) breaking even, with no real competition save for Sonic 2 and Fantastic Beasts: Secrets of Dumbledore. Actually, that’s some stiff competition. Still, I explained the Morbius post-credits scenes as clearly evidence that Sony Pictures wants this character to live on past this movie. While it will almost certainly not be a success on the level of Venom, Sony Pictures may want another bite at the neck apple. Whether or not Morbius returns as part of a team project or a second solo movie, however, may depend on the reaction. Not from critics, of course, but from the audience. There are many films that get dogged by critics that the audiences-at-large enjoy a lot more. We critics like to analyze the product, look for meaning, and so on. Which is fine and good (though I may be biased). That said, the real test of the film will be how many people enjoy Morbius in the theater, especially more than once. Yet, if it fails, Sony Pictures (and David Espinosa, Jared Leto, and others) may be unhappy, but there is still a deep well of Marvel characters that they can pull from. Morbius is currently playing in theaters.What do you think? Tell us your reaction to the Morbius movie and let us know if you think it is going to get the franchise treatment or be relegated to the Marvel dustbin in the comments below. Featured image via Sony Pictures Morbius Movie Reaction – A Fun Film That's Not Sure What It Wants To Be |
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