Custom TMNT Nintendo Is Crazy Awesome

It's also crazy expensive! That's right this custom Nintendo is up for sale on eBay and is currently sitting at $1,275 bucks... yeah. It must be nice to throw around money like that. I just think it's cool and will appreciate it from afar.

Starbomb's Luigi's Ballad Animated Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jfU7pw76ZE Our friend of the site Justin Wood actually pointed me in the direction of Starbomb on the day of their album release, but I'm just now getting around to posting something about it. It's a funny album, but I doubt you'll find yourself listening to it more than once. This video is fun though!

Review: R.I.P.D.

Ryan Reynolds will go down in the film history book for “playing the most comic book characters on screen.” This achievement will be listed first only so that he’s second achievement of “ruining the most comic book characters on screen” will have context. The strange thing is that Reynolds basically spends the entire movie not being… well Reynolds. He mostly succeeds in this, but the character that comes from it is something worse… average and worse, not very believable. Screenshot (233)

Sure he’s sarcastic in the film, but he’s also angry which cancels out the humor of the sarcasm. In fact he plays the movie angry the entire time or at least when he’s allowed to talk. Jeff Bridges actually takes on the bulk of the exposition and seemingly never shuts up. This isn’t that bad considering Bridges performance is the most tolerable in the film. The problem with his character is that like my friends dad once said, “He’s just playing Rooster Cogburn.” That is the most spot on description of his performance and while it’s enjoyable it definitely adds to the movies “haven’t I already seen this before” vibe.

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That’s what the entire movie suffers from, unoriginality. At first glance of the trailers it screams Men in Black, which is accurate considering the comic book that the film is based on released when the first film was buzzing. Instead of men in black suits from different government branches, we have dead cops that have a different look to those of us that are alive. Instead of aliens, it’s Deado’s or essentially dead people that didn’t move on to the afterlife and not rot into monsters.

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The story isn’t terrible and they actually fix some problems that I had with the comic book, but it suffers from what all comic book movies suffer from as it has a terrible case of end-of-the-world-itis. While the ending of the comic book wasn’t amaze-balls, it also wasn’t so over the top that you didn’t care or believe that anything would actually change. The gist is that the “Deado’s” are putting together the Staff of Jericho. If put together is reverses the flow of the giant fan that sucks up dead souls for judgement. Go ahead and soak that in for a moment… giant fan… convenient item that for some reason reverses the fan… living dead inherit the earth… giant fan?

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Another big difference from the comic book is Nick’s (played by Reynolds) relationship with his wife. In the comic he was always working so really there wasn’t much attachment and he seemed more concerned with finding out why he was dead then say checking in on his family. Also in the comic he doesn’t show up the day after he’s died if I remember correctly, but two years after. His wife has already moved on and really you don’t give a shit about either of them. In the film version Nick is up and running by the time of his funeral and so neither he nor the wife have moved on. In his new form of an old Asian man (played by the legendary James Hong) he continues to try and contact her. Though this was 100% by the book it still strangely works because actress Stephanie Szostak is a very convincing widow. Aside from Bridges, Szostak is the best part of the film. Reynolds is no slouch to the romantic lead either so they share a good chemistry though you’ll be left wondering why the movie is spending so much time on it when it’s all convenient to the plot and nothing more. In that way it’s like two genres fighting for screen time and neither one wins.

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The once great Kevin Bacon is also in the film. If you haven’t figured it out just from me telling you he’s in the movie and not the lead then I will spell out the fact that he’s the bad guy for you. Literally the minute he talks and interacts with Reynolds it’s painfully obvious that he’s a dirty cop… and then they spend the rest of the movie hitting you over the head with the fact. Bacon is Bacon. He’s reached that point in his career where he’s basically playing himself (or at least the film version of himself) and while he gives a good performance it’s really nothing to get excited for.

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Actually those last seven words sum up the entire movie, “it’s really nothing to get excited for.” It didn’t bore me and overall it wasn’t that terrible, but it wasn’t exciting either. In terms of the story its average, the acting maybe even above average and the graphics are definitely average for the age we live in. I didn’t stop watching it like I thought I would, but I could have also screwed around on my phone while watching it and not feel as if I was missing out on anything important. Sadly the next chapter of this universe will never reach the big screen due to how terribly this film performed at the box office and it’s a shame because it would have limited Reynolds to a cameo and prevented Bridges from being Cogburn the entire movie. Oh well, that’s why I like comic books because even an average comic can get a sequel.

Score: 3/5

Director: Robert Schwentke Writers: Phil Hay & Matt Manfredi Based on the Comic by: Peter M. Lenkov Studio: Universal

Dual Review: Deceivers #1

In this dual review two writers (in this case Dustin and Kimberly) will take a look at the issue and give a score of: Buy, Borrow or Pass. Before we begin here’s what the issue is about from Boom Studios: Lincoln McCord and Prince Adony Zaruka are two American con men living abroad in Europe, posing as an oil magnate and the descendant of long-lost royalty to live the high life by leeching off the European elite. But when an international thief begins wreaking havoc on their marks, the deceivers are enlisted by a rogue CIA agent to help entrap him.

Kimberly: PASS

I gotta say the whole infatuation with an American cowboy has been way over done; I’m just waiting for the John Wayne movie adaptation. The story follows a character that is portrayed as this suave cowboy in Europe that ends up working with the CIA. There is a lot of going on that doesn’t really help the reader understand the plot; however, this issue sets up to reveal secret identities for later in the series which may improve the story but so far I’m not sold.

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Dustin: PASS

I kid you not one of the first things I did was make sure this wasn’t a 3 Guns spinoff because he has the exact same formula. Steven Grant has a formula for sure. Two con men, similar but slightly different that embody what James calls a “too cool” attitude. Grant has figured out how to add a new element to the formula which is the “smarter than you” female character.

Lincoln McCord is a bad-ass. Everything he does is bad-ass. He treats everyone with respect and calls them by their first name. He doesn’t live life with a plan and he’s a con man that’s invited everywhere because he’s such a blast to be around. It’s by the numbers.

The story was boring and frankly nothing McCord really did was that cool. The “cons” were obvious and the convenient story hoops that the plot jumped through were unimaginative. The art is okay. Jose Holder cannot draw action. Every time someone had a gun or did anything other than walking it was awkward. Much like 2 Guns and 3 Guns there are also panels missing. They’re not really missing, but the writer and editors have picked what we see and that leaves terrible gaps in the visual narrative. It’s annoying because it’s like watching a movie that’s nothing but jump cuts. It makes for a terrible read in a comic book and shows that writer has zero faith in the art telling the story and so we’re bogged down with exposition and jump cuts. If you actually liked 2 Guns the movie then you’ll probably still be disappointed with this comic.

Score: PASS!

Writer: Steven Grant Artist: Jose Holder Publisher: Boom Studios Price: $3.99 Release Date: 12/24/13

Group Review: Forever Evil #4

Each of the participating writers/reviews of Comic Bastards will give the issue a score of: Buy, Borrow or Pass along with a short reason for the score. Here’s a blurb about the issue from DC before we begin: Its all-out chaos as the DC Universe continues its march through darkness! War erupts across the Earth between the villains! Allegiances are formed! Rivals are murdered! And at center stage its Lex Luthor versus Batman—and their fight couldn’t come at a worse time as Deathstroke’s Hunting Party closes in on the world’s only hope against the Crime Syndicate!

Carl: BORROW

Although I have been enjoying the series, this issue is a lull in the action.  As a bridge issue, Forever Evil #4 sees Batman and Catwoman plotting to take down the Syndicate using secret means meant to undo the Justice League.  Yes, it does sound a lot like the “Tower of Babel” storyline.  Meanwhile, Lex Luthor revives Black Adam so that he and his group, including Bizarro, can follow a course similar to Batman’s.  Also from this issue we see that Ultraman feeds off Kryptonite while avoiding sunlight.  The episode concludes with a three-way battle that will begin in the next issue.

As mentioned, this chapter gives a whole lot of explanation and very little action.  This is terrible pacing, and this is also where I give Infinity a lot of credit.  It seems that Infinity balanced the action and explication so that each issue had a great fight along with some good twists.  Forever Evil seems to be building up to a great battle; I hope that it’s not something we witness in the last issue, though.

Dustin: PASS

(Say this like you're at a high school pep rally!) Re-re-re-recycled, re-re-re-recycled, re-re-re-recycled! Hey Geoff Johns, Mark Waid wants his storyline back. That was my first thought when Batman busted out individual cases with contingency plans for his team mates and what exactly was the point of him pointing out that he has more than one Krpytonite ring? I get that that’s a cool fucking idea, but this universe is only two years old. Isn’t Bats a little young to be busting out a plan like that? Also this storyline puts DC’s biggest reboot fuck up under the microscope. Not only does it remind us that Batman has been at this shit forever compared to the rest of the JL, but it also reminds us that the Sinestro Corps War still happened. When? See DC this is why you guys fucking suck at reboots. Don’t fucking do continuum because you fucking can’t do it! Am I to believe that in the year that the JL was created in the New 52 that we had the Sinestro War and Blackest Night, while Batman was building a rogue’s gallery and losing Robins left and right? Fuck that shit.

The only part of this issue I liked was Sinestro showing up at the end and only because he’s a bad ass. Too bad Finch decided to make his face look like a prune with a mustache. Also unless DC decided to do something original, which this entire series has been anything but, than bring on the Anti-Monitor already because we all know that’s what the Crime Syndicate is running from. FUCK! I hate to go all fanboy on this shit, but when you toot your own horn about a shared continuity and getting it right this time then fucking it up so obviously because you didn’t want to risk certain books taking a hit in sales then I have to. Comic readers don’t care anymore about continuity until you hinge everything upon it. Well done DC, that’s what you’ve done and now we have this shitty fucking story that doesn’t fit in with the way the rest of the universe has been working and yet you want me to give a shit that Lex Luthor is sharing a moment with Bizarro? Fuck that shit.

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Steve: PASS

I keep hoping Forever Evil will turn a corner somewhere; that, suddenly, this so-far disastrous DC doppelgänger disco will develop into something of actual substance. Unfortunately, however, issue four just continues its plodding, luke-warm plot and unpolished visual direction in a story that increasingly feels pointless.

This book’s propensity for talking a whole lot without saying much continues here in a glut of misused dialogue that makes its characters feel diluted (Batman’s candor, Luthor’s compassion). Meanwhile, Johns injects some surprisingly ham-fisted “evil” chatter and grandstanding that he awkwardly pile-drives into place (Deathstorm’s “For Satan’s sake...” line), making it all feel like he’s trying way too hard.

The only real reason to read this issue is to learn its hurried jumble of reveals (somebody’s preggers!) and get to its spotfest of an ending. Its biggest moment at the issue’s conclusion - the return of my favorite DC villain - was unfortunately muted and visually doughy. Because of that, what should have been a resounding moment, which many of us have been looking forward to, rang completely hollow here.

Finch’s artwork is, as usual, hit-or-miss, with an emphasis this issue on the latter. Given time to focus and a less-fettered page on which to landscape, he is a clearly capable artist, but his figure work here is stiff and feels lost in a muddle, especially when confined to smaller spaces. Also, what’s with the alignment of the insignia on the Sinestro Corps ring? Its position rolls all over the place! Did Batman mod his sheezy with a spinner plate or something?

For the first time, I have to give an issue in this event a definitive pass for an uneventful story that suffers uneven pacing and art in an overall event that circles ever more dully around itself to get nowhere.

Score: 2 Passes and a Borrow

Writer: Geoff Johns Artist: David Finch Publisher: DC Comics Price: $3.99 Release Date: 12/24/13

Group Review: Origin II #1

Each of the participating writers/reviews of Comic Bastards will give the issue a score of: Buy, Borrow or Pass along with a short reason for the score. Here’s a blurb about the issue from Marvel before we begin: Part 1 of 5! A few years after the events of ORIGIN finds James Howlett running with the wolves…until something unexpected brings him back into the world of Follow the first "X-Man" as he finds his way back to civilization and falls afoul of someone Sinister, who's just discovering mutantkind and the horrors he can visit on them. Plus, discover the secret behind James' greatest enemy! At some point, the mutant who will become The Wolverine must choose: is he man or is he beast? An all-new chapter in the secret origin of one of Marvel's most mysterious characters is revealed starting this November, by superstars Kieron Gillen (YOUNG AVENGERS, IRON MAN) and Adam Kubert (AVENGERS, UNCANNY X-MEN, WOLVERINE)!

Steve: BUY

Not having read the original Origins, nor giving two shits about Wolverine as a character, I wasn’t expecting much out of Origin II, other than perhaps the recognition of its impressive creative team in Gillen and Kubert ... which sounds like a local law firm.

A third of the way into this book, I was ready to call it quits. As little as I care for Wolverine, I enjoy him even less when he acts out his inner Jungle Book like he does here, shacking up with a pack of wolves. But then, like so many other times in my life, a polar bear showed up ... and changed everything.

Kubert’s art in the beginning, along with Gillen’s fairly formulaic writing, doesn’t inspire as much as either of their work has in the past, but when the crux of this book’s conflict occurs - flooded as it is in a wash of red on white - it becomes simultaneously stark, savage, gorgeous and terrible, completely turning everything around for me. Gillen’s employed quiet against Kubert’s brutal backdrop is snow-muffled murder, and if nothing else, this book should be experienced for its last 10 pages alone.

Half of this issue - and all of its protagonist - is a solid metaphor and setup for a pretty big, very pale and equally polarizing X-Men villain, and it should be interesting to see that story played out. However, while I give this issue a buy (for its last raspy gasps), I doubt I’ll follow the series until it’s collected in trade format.

Dustin: BORROW

This is actually a very good issue. I liked the story. I liked that there was zero dialogue and that visuals told the entire story while the narrative… well it stated the obvious. My problem is that after I finished reading it I was left with the burning question of “what was it all for?” This is a five-part story after all and so this issue ties into the larger narrative of the series, but I don’t know how or why outside of the fact that Mr. Sinister is involved. Even with that said, it’s not as if Sinister was seeking out Logan to begin with; and if he is then you just rewrote the entirety of X-Men history with a bear. That’s what I didn’t like about this issue is that it didn’t add anything to Wolverine’s lore and it potentially damages the X-Men’s history; a history that Marvel can’t seem to leave alone because they don’t know what to do with the once mighty mutants.

If this was a stand-alone issue then I think I would have been more impressed, but it’s not. It’s the start of a series, but I didn’t really get that impression from it. Don’t get me wrong I liked the story, but was it a story worth picking up after the original Origins series? So far, no. It’s worth a read, but only if you can borrow someone else’s copy because the $4.99 price tag definitely isn’t worth it.

Origins II #1 Variant Cover 1

Carl: BUY

The story takes a page from Jack London to bring a snowy tale of Wolverine in his early days exploring his feral side.  No, this isn’t a speedball express or “Bub” spouting Wolverine; instead, we get a man dealing with his mutant side and coming to peace with nature.  James Howlett has found sanctuary with a pack of wolves in the Canadian forests.  An imposing bear stalks the same woods, and the inevitability of Howlett and the bear clashing seethes through the subtle foreshadowing in the story.

Kieron Gillen creates an engrossing story that helps explain the nature of Logan’s bad attitude and the source of his ferocious fighting style.  Adam Kubert’s illustrations drop you in a snowy setting that makes you feel as if the hot breath from your mouth creates steam as you breath heavy from the thrill of the hunt.  Although this is not an X-Men version of Wolverine, it is still one hell of an interesting story.

Score: 2 Buys and a Borrow

Writer: Kieron Gillen Artist: Adam Kubert Publisher: Marvel Comics Price: $4.99 Release Date: 12/24/13

$1,000 Dollar Tim Burton Looking Levi Doll From "Attack on Titan" Sells Out In 30 Minutes

Now that's a fucking headline! I'm sure you have a lot of questions. First off it's probably just me that thinks that this Levi doll looks like Tim Burton's Corpse Bride so that's where that bit came from. Yes it sold out in about 30 minutes, maybe less or maybe a little more, but around thirty minutes. Third... it actually costs $1,180 dollars. Okay even crazier, this was for pre-orders only! They basically shut down the system because they were selling them too quickly and so I don't even know how many they sold and this all happened on Christmas day! The doll comes with a bunch of accessories and stands 60cm tall in case you wondered. I have to say that Attack on Titan is interesting; I like the concept and world, but the characters are so typical that they're hard for me to like. I get why Levi is so well liked, but it's still a bit ridiculous to me. Here's some pics of the doll that you'll never get without maxing out your credit card.

Do Want: Ryuko Mataoi "Kill la Kill" Statue

We post a lot of "Do Wants" on the site and the truth is we want them more than we need them or have space for them so we usually don't buy them. That being said, I'm actually going to buy this one. I think the statue is awesome and I'm digging the cartoon a lot! It's on pre-order for about $84 bucks and doesn't release until June.

Fan Film: Croft

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnQTW9V61jo#t=147 Did you play the new Tomb Raider reboot? Well the guys and gals over at CanCinema did and they made a fan film about it!

A woman will risk everything to save a young girl held hostage in the mountains by a group of mercenaries. Inspired by the Tomb Raider video games among others along with some of the great action movies from the 80's.

It's got some good spots in it and definitely work a peek! So watch it!

Telltale's The Wolf Among Us: Faith is Free On XBL

So yeah. I don't know what else to tell you about Telltale's The Wolf Among Us: Faith being free other than this is an amazing deal for Xbox Live users. So be you a Silver or Gold member take this opportunity to see if this game is for you. If you DO find yourself loving it, then you'll be happy to know that you can also cop the season pass at a discount! It runs for $14.99 but act now and you can get it for $10.04. Hurray video games!

Happy F**king Holidays From Comic Bastards

Look at that awesomeness!!! That was drawn by our good friend of the site and contributor Justin Wood (Twitter - @LinesToThePaper) and as much as it was a gift to us it is one we share with all of you as well. It's been a hell of a year and though it's not quite over... it basically is. We've had an awesome year full of great comic book moments and of course shitty comic book moments, but to all of you out there that have stuck with us or just joined us... thank you! THANK YOU!! Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all. See you in 2014 and don't forget... Believe In The Comic Bastards! -Dustin Cabeal on behalf of Comic Bastards

Picture from right to left:

Samantha, Eric B., Carl, Kevin, Dustin, Erin, Steve, Jordan

2013 Comic Book Round-Up: The Best – Part 4

Welcome to Comic Bastards' yearly "Best of" list. We have so many contributors on the site now that we actually had to break the list up into parts this year. This is part one which will cover "Best issue of the Year" and "What Are You Looking Forward to From 2014?" You can find Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 by clicking on the previous links. Also be sure to check out this week's podcast to hear Kevin and Dustin read and have fun with everyone's list! Thanks for reading! (Hey Creators and Publishers! If you want a champ belt graphic contact us on Twitter or through the site and we'll make you one!)

What Will 2013 Be Remembered For?

11 - What Will 2013 Be Remembered For

James - Year of the Woman

Not only were there more women writing and drawing, their original material rocked. Diversity, I believe is finally here and the ladies have proven they can create some seriously good comics.

Jeff – Year of the Woman

Have to agree with James, 2013 featured a real unified front of pro-women

Dustin - Diversity in Comics

Okay so I should probably change it to the discussion of diversity in comics. It's always a subject in the industry, but this year I think it really picked up. If it was DC actually giving effort to hire female writers, it was the discussion of minority characters at the big two in general. Also how can anyone forget the discussion of how women are treated in the industry in general; and sexual harassment that several brave women refused to stay silent about it.

Adam - Indie Books

I feel like indie companies have really had a ton of great books out, which makes doing reviews a lot easier and more fun.  Specifically of course Image, and Dark Horse probably both had the most books I enjoyed this year, with a good amount of new material every so often (especially Image on that one).  Kudos to some super indie companies like Monkey Brain, Action Lab: Danger Zone, and Fried Comics for killing it with great new series as well.  As a fan of the underdogs, it's great to see indie companies doing some great stuff.

Jordan - The Year of Announcements

It’s not what we got this year so much as what was announced. Huge projects have been announced back to back to back as far as comic stuff on the silver and small screen including but not limited to: Supes vs Batman, Ultron for the Avengers, an X-men movie with Apocalypse, the Casting of Wonder Woman, Marvel’s Netflix series. I could go on and on.

Erik - TMNT: City Fall     

This whole arc was extremely emotional. As much as I loved the story that was told in these issues, I am even more excited for what is to come. That is why I feel so strongly that people will remember 2013 for this. You won't be able to read a single issue of TMNT from now on without thinking of "City Fall".

Samantha - TMNT: City Fall

Leo joining Shredder to take down his brothers is about the most interesting concept for the Turtles right now and years to come.

Steve – Marvel NOW! (Marvel Comics)

I know it started in late 2012, but 2013 is when a bunch of these titles really picked up traction, and when its first "event," Infinity, changed the event scene. Altogether, this has been a pretty big game-changer in the Big Two.

Carl - Crossovers

The big event crossovers didn't suck!

What Are You Looking Forward to From 2014?

12 - What Are You Looking Forward To In 2014

Steve – EVERYTHING (Everything)

Is that too vague? I dunno, there are too many really interesting books to name, plus all of the Marvel movies like Guardians of the Galaxy, which I can't WAIT to check out!

Kevin - Monkey Brain Comics and Action Lab's Danger Zone (Monkey Brain and Danger Zone)

These two prints have release some very awesome stuff this year and I'm really going to keep an eye on them in the New Year. Good stuff!

Carl - Word on the Justice League Dark Movie (WB)

I want confirmation that Guillermo Del Toro is moving ahead with the film that brings together Swamp Thing, Constantine, and the other supernatural antiheroes of the DC Universe.

Samantha - The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (Sony)

I can't help but look forward to this. Maybe it will suck, but the obsessive spidey fan has to come out.

Erik - Monster & Madman (IDW Publishing)

I had first said that I was most excited for ASM 2 next year, but come on, we all saw that trailer. I've decided that Monster & Madman from Steve Niles and Damien Worm is the new black. If you've read the synopsis at all, you'll know that this is something that can't be missed. A master of the horror genre is tackling a horror story that just bleeds originality.

Jordan - Guardians of the Galaxy Movie (Marvel Studios)

This film is going to take comic book movie goers somewhere that they haven`t been before in terms of tone and setting. I`m pumped!

James - Guardians of the Galaxy Movie (Marvel Studios)

A truly ballsy move by Marvel to hit their less "mainstream" characters. I'm psyched.

Adam - Discovering New Books (New Books)

It's always exciting for me going through the different books we get to review and finding a new series that I can support.  Most of the time, I wouldn't have known about some of the books I follow if I didn't write for this site.  Definitely looking forward to what 2014 has in store.

Jeff - Cartoons, TV and Movies! (Everything)

New 'Bee and Puppycat' , 'VGHS' Season 3, Marvel's two chances with 'Captain America 2' and 'Guardians of the Galaxy' to make franchises other than 'Iron Man' that have a shelf life, Shinichiro Watanabe's 'Space Dandy'

Dustin - The Next Battle (Meta)

For years now we’ve been hearing about print vs. digital, marvel vs. dc and I think that those days are past us. The events are already in place and it’s clear that the battles are over and things are what they are. Print isn’t going anywhere for the foreseeable future, digital is continuing its path. Marvel is doing its thing and DC is doing what they do. These battles may continue in some small degree, but I think there are new battles brewing. I think the small publishers are seeing what they have to do to run with the bigger dogs and things might get interesting in the next year. There’s something big brewing out there and while I don’t know exactly what it is, I can feel it in my bones that it’s coming. That’s what I’m looking forward to, the coming war. -- Keep going with our "Best of 2013" list by checking out Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3! Thanks for reading and please leave us a comment below!