CW Arrow's John Diggle (David Ramsey) to Appear at Phoenix Comicon Fan Fest

Phoenix Comicon Fan Fest is excited announce our first guest: actor David Ramsey, currently known for playing John Diggle on the CW superhero series “Arrow.”

David has an extensive film and television career. Some of his appearances include portraying Pastor David Randolph on the UPN sitcom “Good News;” starring as Muhammad Ali in the movie Ali: An American Hero; Brian in “For Your Love;” Rusty on “All of Us;” Don Merritt  on “Hollywood Residential;” Dr. Noah Gleason on “Wildfire;” Anton Briggs on “Dexter;” and Al Druzinsky on “Outlaw.” He has also appeared in “The West Wing,” “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” “Ghost Whisperer,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “The Defenders,” and “Blue Bloods.”  David holds a black belt in jeet kune do and has also studied boxing and tae kwon do.

Phoenix Comicon Fan Fest is a second event brought to you by Phoenix Comicon. Fan Fest focuses on comic books, artists, costuming, kids and actors and will be held at The University of Phoenix Glendale Stadium from December 12 - 14, 2014.

“We believe there is a need for a strong artist and fan focused show during the winter.  We believe Arizonans should have an opportunity to showcase their costumes and not melt in the summer heat,” says Matt Solberg, Phoenix Comicon Director. “We believe in providing our community of artists and fans, geeks and exhibitors, a chance to meet more than once a year at a show that is organized, well attended, affordable, and, we hope, will be a fun winter activity.”

For more information, please visit phoenixcomicon.com.

Toy Tokyo x Funko Pop! DC Universe Red Batmobile with Green Batman Exclusive Review

Toy Tokyo has once again collaborated with Funko to create another amazing DC Universe exclusive Batmobile with Batman. Toy Tokyo first introduced their Blue Batmobile with Batman that paid homage to the vintage Japanese Aoshin tin Batmobile toy. In their second Toy Toyko x Funko Pop! exclusive, they would create the Red Batmobile that would pay homage to the Taiwan Tin Batmobile created by Cien Ge. 

The Toy Tokyo x Funko Pop! Red Batmobile with Green Batman was limited to only 300 pieces. It was sold on July 8th at the Toy Tokyo New York store and online. We were fortunate to score one online once it went up for sale on July 8th. It sold out in just two minutes!! 

 The Red Batmobile would arrive today in the mail and I was super excited to open up the box. There it was with the open box window and the Toy Tokyo Exclusive sticker. 

 We had to capture a few shots of the Red Batmobile along with Green Batman.

 The Batmobile of course pays homage to the original George Barris classic Batmobile from the 1960's television series. 

We were already excited to see the Red Batmobile, but what an added bonus to see a unique colored Batman itself. The Green and Blue Batman is a perfect example of Pop Culture. 

The Toy Tokyo x Funko Pop! DC Universe Red Batmobile and Green Batman are definitely a great duo! Toy Tokyo and Funko could not have done any better to bring this amazing exclusive and to pay homage to the vintage Taiwan Tin Batmobile created by Cien Ge. 

Cartoon Network Celebrates 20 Years at San Diego Comic Con

At this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, Cartoon Network’s amplified Convention Center presence will include a fan-centric booth, buzzing with activity showcasing a life-sized, interactive re-creation of the living room from their hit series Regular Show, where lead characters Mordecai and Rigby spend a majority of their time.  As the network prepares for its 20th Birthday celebration later this year, fans will have an opportunity to be filmed by Cartoon Network cameras in the Regular Show living room or in the Network’s 20th Birthday “confessional room” sharing some of their favorite Cartoon Network memories. Some lucky fans may even be featured on the Network during three upcoming marathon weekends!  For fans and collectors alike, this year’s Comic-Con exclusive giveaways will include five different Regular Show buttons and a sure-to-please Cartoon Network 20^th Birthday mini-poster.  

With hit animated comedy series Regular Show and Adventure Time taking center stage at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, events will include star-studded panels and signings along with other featured Cartoon Network series Ben 10:Omniverse, Annoying Orange, Dreamworks Dragons: Riders of Berk,  Level Up, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, MAD and many more!

Can’t make it the Con? No problem! “Cartoon Network’s Big Fan Weekend” will invite viewers from across the country to tune-in Saturday, July 14 and Sunday, July 15 for a first look at new series, sneak peeks of returning series and on-the-scene Comic-Con exclusives.

Below is a schedule of Cartoon Network series panels, fan events and signings at 2012 Comic-Con International in San Diego, Calif., Thursday, July 12 - Sunday, July 15, 2012.  All times, dates and locations subject to change. 

Thursday, July 12

CARTOON NETWORK: Dreamworks Dragons: Riders of Berk

Picking up where the critically-acclaimed feature film, How to Train Your Dragon, left off, this weekly animated series follows the continuing adventures of master dragon trainer Hiccup, his faithful dragon Toothless and his friends on the island of Berk.  Dragon training reaches new heights as our heroes unlock secrets about their dragons, explore wild frontiers and discover new dragon species, all while battling against fierce enemies they never dreamed existed.  Come get a first look at the series, which premieres this fall on Cartoon Network, and hear from some of the talented dragon trainers who helped bring it to life. Room 6A

WB: MAD Screening and Q&A

It’s a MAD world, we just laugh in it. The magazine you tried to hide from your parents is now an animated series on Cartoon Network! Currently in its third season, this Warner Bros. Animation series is inspired by the country’s best-selling humor magazine, MAD, and features animated parodies, crazy commercials, pretend promos and classic gags. Take a peek behind the MAD curtain and learn what goes in to bringing the funny to your television every week. Back to bring more laughs this year will be series producers Kevin Shinick (Crank Yankers) and Mark Marek (Robot Chicken) along with Peter Girardi, Senior Vice President of Series and Alternative Animation at Warner Bros. Animation. Room 6DE 

Friday, July 13

CARTOON NETWORK: Annoying Orange

Boasting more than 1 billion YouTube views to date, Annoying Orange is the Web sensation transformed into a new Cartoon Network television series that follows Orange and his buddies as they go on a wide range of adventures taking them from the fruit stand to parts unknown and everything in between. Join series creator Dane Boedigheimer (Orange), Toby Turner (Nerville) and others for a delightfully annoying time. Room 6A

CARTOON NETWORK: Regular Show

Yeaaauuhhh! It’s Regular Show at Comic-Con 2012! Join series creator JG Quintel (Mordecai, High Five Ghost), Bill Salyers (Rigby), Sam Marin (Benson, Pops, Muscle Man) and others for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the comedy, drama and tomfoolery that make this Regular Show so jolly good.  Come for the merrymaking, stay for songs, sneaks and surprises! Room 6A

Saturday, July 14

CARTOON NETWORK: Adventure Time

Not just any ol’ panel, this is Adventure Time! Join series creator Pendleton Ward (Lumpy Space Princess), Jeremy Shada (Finn), Tom Kenny (Ice King) and others as you experience the all out good time that is Cartoon Network’s Adventure Time! There will be singing, live readings, lots of exclusive clips and other mathematical surprises! Room 6A

LUCAS PANEL: Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Onto Season Five

The aftermath of Season Four has left the Star Wars galaxy a very dangerous place: Darth Maul is alive, Asajj Ventress is a bounty hunter, and the Mandalorian Death Watch is deadlier than ever. How will these threads continue in Season Five of Star Wars: The Clone Wars? Find out in this behind-the-scenes panel, which will feature new clips, new insights and more. Join the discussion with Supervising Director Dave Filoni and head writer Matt Michnovetz (who wrote Season Four’s powerful Umbara arc). Moderated by Star Wars author Pablo Hidalgo. Room 6DE

Sunday, July 15

CARTOON NETWORK: Level Up

Huzzah! The Level Up gang is leaving Daventry Hills and heading to San Diego! Fans of Cartoon Network’s hit series about high school friends who battle their online foes IRL won’t want to miss this action packed panel! Peter Murrieta (executive producer) leads the stars of Level Up, Gaelan Connell (Wyatt), Connor del Rio (Dante), Jessie T. Usher (Lyle), Aimee Carrero (Angie) and Lonny Ross (Max Ross) along with executive producers David Schneiderman and Derek Guiley in a lively discussion on the upcoming adventures awaiting the Neverfail clan.  The panel will answer fan questions and offer a sneak peak from a never-before-seen episode of Level Up!  Room 6A

WB PANEL: DC Nation Screening and Q&A

The Nation is coming to San Diego! DC Nation — Cartoon Network’s one-hour action and comedy programming block starring some of the most beloved and legendary heroes of the DC Universe — will make its first-ever Comic-Con appearance. In addition to exclusive video content for fan-favorite series Green Lantern: The Animated Series and Young Justice, the panel will also present sneak peeks at two highly anticipated upcoming DC Nation series: Beware The Batman and Teen Titans Go! The panel of super hero goodness will feature top animation producers Glen Murakami (Teen Titans), Mitch Watson (Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated), Michael Jelenic (ThunderCats), Aaron Horvath (MAD) and Jeff Prezenkowski, director of series and shorts at Warner Bros. Animation. Room 6BCF

CARTOON NETWORK: Ben 10: Omniverse

It’s hero time in San Diego! You don’t want to miss this chance to see the world premiere exclusive sneak peek of Ben 10: Omniverse.  In the brand-new animated series premiering this fall, Ben has a new look, new aliens, a new sidekick and, of course, new bad guys to battle. Yuri Lowenthal (Ben) hosts a panel featuring stars and producers who will give an inside-look at the creation and direction of Ben 10: Omniverse, and you’ll be the first to see animation from this exciting new series! Room 6DE

CARTOON NETWORK BIRTHDAY BOOTH

Friday, July 13 – Sunday, July 15 at 2 p.m.

If you are a big fan, Cartoon Network wants to meet you. Come tell us all those Cartoon Network memories in our 20^th Birthday Booth (#3735). You may even be featured on TV during our BIG FAN WEEKEND. All ages welcome.

REGULAR SHOW EXPERIENCE

Friday, July 13 – Sunday, July 15 at 4 p.m.

Do you look like a Racoon? A Blue Jay? No? Come to Cartoon Network’s Regular Show experience anyway, located at the Cartoon Network Booth (#3735) dressed as your favorite Regular Show character. Or just bring your Muscle Man Physique. Either way, we’ll possibly put you on TV. All ages welcome.

DC Entertainment Launches New Websites

DC Entertainment, a Warner Bros. Entertainment company and home to iconic brands DC Comics, Vertigo and MAD, launched today a portfolio of comprehensive and interactive new websites. The DCComics.com site, currently in beta status, offers fans exclusive new content, integrated community and social media features, and in-depth character franchise pages built around iconic characters including Superman, Batman and Green Lantern. The site, along with VertigoComics.com and MADMagazine.com, feature a broad range of publishing information and content, but also goes one step further with key navigation areas for movies, TV, games, shopping and community – creating a robust online destination for all things DC Entertainment.
                                                  
Timed to the new website launch, DCComics.com debuted an exclusive BEFORE WATCHMEN image illustrated by Lee Bermejo. The site exclusive is the first group image of the BEFORE WATCHMEN characters.

“The new sites are a true representation of DC Entertainment, and the depth and scope of our characters and brands across all media,” stated Jason James, vice president of interactive marketing for DC Entertainment. “Our goal is to be the one-stop destination for all fans looking for the latest news on comics, TV, games and movies, and a place where fans can engage with us and each other about all things DC Entertainment. Fans should visit DCComics.com daily – we have a lot of surprises in store for them over the next week and beyond.”

Key features of the new sites include:

·         Integrated social media – Social media features include comments powered by Facebook integrated throughout the site and real-time Twitter feeds from fans and comic talent. Additionally, the new “Fans” section lists upcoming events and links to all DC Entertainment social media pages and feeds, making it easy for fans to follow, like, see trending topics and join the conversation.

·         Breaking news and exclusive content – The sites will strive to be a document of record by regularly featuring exclusive content, focused on comics and beyond.  And blogs for DC Comics, Vertigo and MAD will continue on the new sites offering breaking news and updated information.

·         In-depth character experiences – The “Characters” section offers a relational database giving fans extensive search options to gather information and research comics featuring their favorite characters and talent. Franchise pages have been created for iconic characters such as Batman, Superman and Sandman, so fans can get the latest comics, movies, TV, games and merchandise information in one convenient location.

·         One-stop shopping – The new sites include many shopping options for comic books (both in print and digital), as well as real-time buying options for fans to easily purchase movies, TV shows and games based on their favorite characters, or find out where to buy offline.

·         Intuitive navigation and branding – New architecture on each site makes it easy to navigate and find a broad range of information and characters making it accessible to both hard-core and casual fans. DC Entertainment’s new brand identity is also incorporated throughout the sites.

James continued, “We’re excited to rollout these new sites that have been rebuilt from the ground up – and this is only the beginning of DC Entertainment’s new presence in the digital space. You will continue to see bold strides from us online and in social media, just as we continue to make bold moves in our publishing business.”

For more information or to view the new site, visit DCComics.com, VertigoComics.com or MADMagazine.com.
 

Hot Toys and Sideshow Collectibles Tribute to Superman (Christopher Reeve)

Sideshow Collectibles and Hot Toys have done it again with another incredible masterpiece from the DC Comics Universe. We just received the Hot Toys/Sideshow Collectibles Exclusive 1/6th Scale Superman, which pays great tribute to Christopher Reeve. This interpretation of my favorite Superman films is near perfect in the head sculpt of Christopher Reeve. 

The Hot Toys and Sideshow Collectibles Exclusive 12-inch Superman comes with all the accessories as the regular version, plus a Kryptonite neck chain. Just as we mentioned in our Hot Toys 12-inch Batman-Bruce Wayne (Batsuit Begins) review, we were hesitant to open this one because of how I have always been with my toys. I am realizing now though, there are things I miss in not opening a great piece like this. 

Cosplay at the Tucson Parks and Recreation Family Fun Festival

Yesterday was a lot of fun if you were able to attend the Tucson Parks and Recreation Family Fun Festival at Reid Park, especially if you are a comic book, Star Wars or pop culture fan. We were lucky enough to hang out with the 501st Dune Sea Garrison, Justice League Arizona, Arizona Avengers and Arizona Ghostbusters members that attended this great event for all ages.  

Stormtroopers do care and welcome everyone to the festivities!

Who you gonna call?? GHOSTBUSTERS!!!

DC Comics New 52 Batman #3

Batman #3 from the DC Comics New 52 will be out in stores Wednesday, November 16th with a price of $2.99. The series has been terrific and what a great way to start the new Batman series, especially when it has nearly just begun. It is written by Scott Snyder and the art is by non other than Greg Capullo. 

Batman #3 Cover

 Preview Pages in Batman #3

 

DC Nation Is Coming to Cartoon Network in 2012

Cartoon Network is bringing the DC Nation in 2012. Some of the cartoons will include Green Lantern: The Animated Series, which premiered last Friday night, Young Justice, DC Nation Shorts, DC Nation News and DC Fans! 

Are you Ready for the Invasion in Los Angeles? Comikaze Expo Is Coming!

Are you ready for the invasion in L.A.? Comikaze Expo is coming next month, 

November 5th and 6th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. This will be the first of its kind and the Pop Culture Zealots will be there to provide you with updates! The Angry Koala Gear crew is getting in gear and we are very excited knowing we are less than a month away. We had the great opportunity of being invited to the Big SDCC Party hosted by Comikaze Expo, Stan Lee's POW! Entertainment, Geekscape, and Ghost Ship and we had a blast with great surprises of guests that included The Guild cast members, Doug Jones, Ray Wise, Rick Fox, many more guest, and of course, Stan Lee! 

The Comikaze Expo will have everything that all pop culture fans will crave for including comics, anime, gaming, sci-fi, movies, toys, and even Tattoo artists. The list of guests is still continuing to grow and there are some great guests, which include the guests of honor, Stan Lee and Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. 

Comikaze Expo will be a very special event for Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. This will actually be her final convention appearance. This is a special treat for being the first annual Comikaze Expo.

Comikaze Expo is the convention you will not want to miss! Another great treat will be the Nickelodeon's All That first ever cast reunion. The All That members will include Kel Mitchell, Alisa Reyes, Katrina Johnson, Lisa Foiles, and more. Comikaze Expo of course does not get its name without including comics. This past September was a huge time in the comic world, which included the relaunch of the DC Comics universe. There will be many artists and creators who were part of the DC New 52, which include Philip Tan, Eric Wallace, J.T. Krul, Brian Buccellato, Joshua Hale Fialkov, and many more! Pop culture fan favorites will include Team Unicorn, Bonnie Burton, Awkward Embraces cast members, and so much more. What is a pop culture convention without actors/actresses from all genres from sci-fi to horror? There will be many actors from Star Trek, The Munsters, Halloween, Battlestar Galactica, Police Academy, and YES, Eric Estrada!!

This is just a teaser of what is to come at the Comikaze Expo. There are so many more guests and surprises. A big announcement and surprise was mentioned today on their website and it includes Daniel Radcliffe! Now we are not sure if he will be attending, but there will be a panel and promotion for his new film, The Woman in Black.

Tickets are available and they are at a very good price for a huge event! $12 per day, or $20 for the whole event. You really can not beat the price of admission for this event. There is also a very special VIP pass for $60, which includes both days, 2 cut in line passes, VIP gift bag, and access to their Comikaze VIP Party which will be a blast! Just click here for your tickets. 

The DC Comics New 52 Continues with #2's Tomorrow

As many of you may know, the DC Comics New 52 #1's have all now been released and the first week in October now brings us #2's. Tomorrow will be a release of many #2's as listed in the picture, but you will be in luck if you missed out on some #1's with second prints. They will be sure to fly off the shelves as the first prints went. What were some of your favorites in the DC New 52? Will the New 52 continue to be as hot as they were with the #1's? We look forward to finding out tomorrow. 

Batman and Superman Join Kotobukiya with Ice Cube Trays

Kotobukiya is known for their incredible Bishoujo line, Star Wars Artfx and statues, and other statues and mini busts from various lines. They have created some very fun lines that not only you can collect, but also use as everyday kitchen supplies. We love their ever popular Star Wars Lightsaber chopsticks and now they recently released the Star Wars R2-D2 and Han Solo in Carbonite silicon trays. What a great way to eat your favorite noodle dishes or sushi and enjoying a great glass of your favorite beverage with decorative ice cubes!! 

Kotobukiya is now increasing their collectible line of making food fun with the new DC Comics Batman and Superman Silicon Trays. What a better way to make ice cubes or chocolate bars with the amazing symbols of Batman and Superman. Both are available for pre-order through the Kotobukiya store with a price of $9.99 and will be released next April 2012.

DC Comics New 52 Is a Huge Success Attached with Some Controversy

 Tomorrow will be the final week in the release in the DC Comics relaunch of the new 52. DC Comics announced today that all 52 have sold out and are all receiving a second printing. The numbers have been incredible for DC Comics and I am sure the comic shops are loving this resurgence because it has brought in many new readers. I will be honest, it has helped us to pick up a few new comics that we had not read before to crave our curiousity and I am sure glad that we chose to do so. 

We made sure to suscribe for the more popular titles such as Batman, Superman, Green Lantern, Action Comics, Wonder Woman, and a few more of the big ones, but when we walked into our local shop I needed more. What was with the New 52 on those DC covers that made them more attractive? I have definitely enjoyed most of the books we have picked up so far in the new 52 and DC Comics has sold me to now add a few more issues to my monthly subscription. The stories have been well written and the art has been amazing. They have chosen great teams to work together. 

Relaunching the DC Universe is somewhat amazing and unbelievable, but it was done right and at a perfect time. The success is always great, but there are a few problems that may sometimes arise. Out of 52 titles, there had to be a little controversy right? Is it possible to never run into one problem with this many new titles out there? Maybe so, but unfortunately, we need excitement and we need to stir up news as humans. Last week actually released 2 titles in the New 52 that stirred up the most controversy in the whole DC relaunch. 

 Catwoman #1 and Redhood and the Outlaws #1 were both released last week and Catwoman was being talked about a little while before its release already. The cover of Catwoman in itself may explain the reasons why it created a buzz. Catwoman has always been a mysterious, seductive character and her outfit fits this personality well in this new series, which may be why it has caused some controversy or a buzz in the comic world. Redhood and the Outlaws #1 on the other hand has created big controversy for DC Comics with plenty of articles and posts all because of Starfire. Starfire has always worn a lighter outfit, right? Well I guess what makes her unique in this issue is that she did have a few lines that would be very controversial, especially for DC Comics. This is a relaunch and this sometimes requires some new changes. Some may feel this is not good, but many more may feel that this is good to tie in more modern times. Either way, the success of the relaunch has been incredible and this controversy may boost it even more! We will have to wait and see what DC does with this one. 

What do you think? Will they apologize and do a few changes to Starfire? Should the readers adjust to this new change and should Red Hood and the Outlaws focus on more mature readers?

Batman #1 Review from the DC Comics Relaunch

How many times can a superhero be recreated? They can be recreated as many times as possible as long as it is done right. Is it possible for a whole universe to be relaunched and will it work? This has been the question for a few months now, once DC Comics announced their relaunch. The DC Comics relaunch is nearly complete with the new 52 with one more week to go. It has been an incredible run so far with it  nearly being impossible to find the new issues unless you were waiting at your comic shop when the doors opened on the new release Wednesdays.

This week welcomed 12 new titles to the list, which included one of the most anticipated releases for one of the most popular characters in the DC Universe and in the comic universe period, Batman!!

Scott Snyder (American Vampire, Swamp Thing) and Greg Capullo (Spawn) will be taking the role of creating the Batman relaunch. Batman is an icon and who does not know who he is. He is a character of mystery with great power with his costume and cowl on and with his costume off as Bruce Wayne.

There may be some spoilers at this time....

Halimaw! Sculptures

Have you heard of Halimaw! Sculptures? Once you see what they are creating, I am very sure you will definitely want to know a lot more about them. Halimaw Sculptures creates amazing statues from your favorite comic book to movie characters. What makes Halimaw Sculptures special is that it consists of a team of comic book and movie fans who create masterpieces of characters they truly love. Reminds me of why we created our website because we share information of some of the things we love such as comics, toys, and movies. They have created many great statues from Marvel Comics, DC Comics, and Streetfighter. 

These statues are amazing! You can also follow Halimaw! Sculptures  on Twitter @halimawsculpts and on facebook, Halimaw! Sculptures has added many updates of statues they are working on. 

Their work is very impressive and we have become fans of Halimaw! Sculptures and we look forward to seeing their growth in the industry. We do love the fact that they are fans themselves, which impresses us most.