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The Hell In A Cell concept and match has been ruined

Julian Cannon Leave a Comment

There used to be a time where the Hell in a Cell match actually meant something. A Hell in a Cell marked the climax of a big story, a match where big scores needed to be settled once and for all. A match where it was guaranteed something ‘big’ will happen, a lot of blood will be spilled and (in kayfabe) potentially a career would end in front of our very own eyes. Just the mere mention of ‘Hell in a Cell’ brought fear.

We all know the events of King of the Ring 1998, and whenever the match is mentioned, it’s that match that springs to mind, the match which could easily have killed Mick Foley. The match that made Mick Foley famous. Mick Foley now advocates two women to perform in that match, and does so with a smile on his face… Where in the blue hell is the story-telling? Have they completely eradicated his past? It’s simply unacceptable.Another Hell in a Cell that springs to mind is the ‘Armageddon Hell in a Cell’. Now, to most, this match is famous for Rikishi plummeting down from the top of the cell, and although that is famous for a good reason, to me, the match reminds me of the build-up, where Vince McMahon would plead with every competitor not to go through with the match as he was worried sick they wouldn’t be able to return to action after it. This was a brilliant piece of story-telling, and really put over how dangerous this match was.


I’m not going to go through each match and it’s great build-up, most of you know full well how big it was. Lesnar/Taker’s 2002 build-up was great, Triple H’s matches with Nash and Michaels were great, repeated brawls ending with Bischoff’s screaming of “HELLL IN A CELLLL!!” was brilliant. Randy Orton fearing for his life in the build-up to his Cell encounter with Taker. Even a few years ago we had Triple H and Undertaker (as well as HBK) really putting over the effects of HIAC in the build-up to Mania 28. I could go on and on and on.


Lately, the match is build-up like a normal steel cage match, just with a roof on top. It’s awful, and totally unacceptable. It began way back with the likes of Cena and Orton treating it like any other ordinary match and this continued with the likes of Punk, Del Rio, Bryan, Sheamus etc. but lately it’s ten times worse. This year’s build-up has been nothing short of rubbish. Rollins and Owens’ rivalry has had nearly no mention of the Hell in a Cell structure, and more so on Jericho’s trunks – Rollins and Owens should be concentrating on their own careers’ rather than promoting comedy. Sasha Banks takes the biscuit, though, she SMILES and on the verge of tears with HAPPINESS when talking about being inside Hell in a Cell… The likes of Undertaker and Kane had an tad bit of fear about stepping inside there and here we have Sasha Banks doing the complete opposite.


All the fear this match has brought is all gone. It’s a sham, and should be left alone. They should just replace ‘Hell in a Cell’ with ‘Steel Cage’, because that’s how it’s built up as.

follow me on twitter @julianexcalibur 

WWE 2K17 Review

Julian Cannon Leave a Comment

After playing the game for about 5 days, I can honestly say I’ve played enough of this game to give some final thoughts on it. I doubt anyone personally cares what I think, but I decided “hey it’s the internet so ill post it because I can”. I’ve divided everything up into a few sections so can individually go over everything with some detail. prepare to read huge walls of text as i begin my review.

MY CAREER MODE

Out of everything that was hyped for 2K17, My Career Mode took the cake. The addition of Promos and the Paul heyman guy challenge shown in the trailers seemed to show us that the game was heading in the right direction. Upon actually playing the mode, however, you find out that its just as bland and grindy as the last two games. The lack of progression feels so awful when your fighting the same people every week, putting on the best matches you can with the likes of Fandango and Bo Dallas, attempting to create 5 star watches with jobbers just so you can move up the ranks. My career mode feels like a crappy version of Universe Mode where you have to grind until the end of time to increase stats, attributes or even to buy a decent finishing move pack. Overall, it’s a huge disappointment.


GAMEPLAY

Throughout all the wrestling games ever made, the last 3 have had the best gameplay by far. The addition of Roll outs, a better ladder setup system, new mini-game for ladder matches and the new OMG moments, have all created a very realistic feel to the game that is much needed. Many glitches do occur here and there and the overall pacing of the matches still seems a little too fast for my taste, none the less it’s the best gameplay we’ve had thus far.


GRAPHICS

This one seems to be a very debatable issue as certain aspects of the game look great, while others seem to fall very flat. I noticed pretty quickly that certain characters had more attention to detail then others, as if they just couldn’t afford a budget for other characters. The likes of Brock Lesnar, Goldberg, Finn Balor and some others have amazing lighting, attention to detail and overall great textures/models. Other characters, however, have gotten the “PS2 Graphics” treatment where they look like they were made in the character creation tool but look far worse. I’m not entirely impressed with the graphics nor am i really that disappointed in them as these most sports games have meh visuals.


UNIVERSE MODE

Out of everything that is wrong with 2k17, Universe mode seems to be what saves this game from being put in the bargain bin. Universe mode provides endless customization, playability, and overall player control. Where Career Mode seems to have its faults, Universe seems to provide the fix for them along with providing loads of content.


INTERFACE

Usually, this is something I could really care less about in most games, however, this interface is just awful. Universe mode specifically seems to be harder to navigate through, not to mention that once you start a show, you can’t go back to change any universe settings, check the calendar or reach basic universe functions like who holds the current title.

FINAL THOUGHTS AND VERDICT

WWE 2K17 provides more content then the previous game and delivers gameplay that certainty out matches any of the previous games. However, i don’t think this should be something 2k should be praised for. Many of the “New additions” aren’t even new at all. Backstage brawling and crowd fighting were done long ago with even more content included with it and in much more detail. The creation suite has loads of content to deck your character out with, however, past games have had a pretty fair amount of customization until 2k15 came out with its new gameplay engine. The honest truth is that a wrestling game like SVR 2007 and 2008 had loads more content then the current games do and even delivered massively in the My Career mode with full-voiced characters, customizing locker rooms and the ability to go through a full-blown story with a created character or current WWE Star. WWE 2k17 is playing a long game of catch up with older games and that’s disappointing. The only area 2k17 seems to evolve and capitalize on is its realistic gameplay, even then though it has trouble keeping it afloat. I will give this game an final score of 6/10

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31 days of Halloween: Walker Stalker Con

Julian Cannon Leave a Comment

We got the chance to Cover Walker Stalker Con and it was an great experience. The Show Featured an A 30 minute full-throttle immersive attraction that drops you straight into the chaotic and terrifying world of the Walking Dead. Experienced in small (7 person) audience groups, Chapter 1 sends you on an adventure through the edge of a small town on the night the outbreak hit – the night zombies began their rampage and the social order began to unravel. This is called The Walking Dead Experience.

Also during the show, there were many attendees that were dressed up as either the Television Show/Comic characters, or Zombies and i even took an picture of me doing the Negan’s Lineup as it was seen on the season 6 finale of The Walking Dead


The Actors were also there to sign autographs, take pictures, and talk in panels. The Panels we went to had featured Chad Colemam, Iron E. Singleton, and Laurie Holden. I was also lucky to snap an picture of Austin Amellio (Dwight from The Walking Dead).

Overall, it was an great show and i would gladly cover it again

Follow me on Instagram and Twitter @julianexcalibur for more content. Contact me at julian@alternativemindz.com

Batgirl Makes Her Way Home to Burnside With a New Artist!

Rob Leave a Comment

​Batgirl Makes Her Way Home to Burnside With a New Artist!

Christian Wildgoose announced as new artist on the Batgirl ongoing series 

 

This January, Batgirl is headed home— with a new artist and new villain to kick off the next arc! Artist Christian Wildgoose (GOTHAM ACADEMY) will take over art duties once Rafael Albuquerque’s run concludes with BATGIRL #6. Wildgoose joins writer Hope Larson upon Batgirl’s return home in “Son of Penguin.” Since the launch of Rebirth, Barbara Gordon has left Burnside and Gotham behind for some well-earned time off. Traveling to Japan, Singapore and more she’s been on a quest to train with the most elite masters of the East— as well as taking a break from her everyday crimefighting life. But where she goes, danger always follows. 


“I’m still in shock to be working on Batgirl, probably more so than the readers, so I’m feeling a mixture of excitement and nerves as I take on one of my favorite characters,” says Wildgoose. “Despite any nerves, I know I’m in safe hands working with Hope. She’s doing an awesome job with her current run and I’m looking forward to teaming up with her.  After Rafael’s run, I know I have some pretty big yellow boots to fill. Hope and Rafael’s amazing work makes Batgirl larger than life and I hope to keep their fire and energy burning. Most of all, I’m going to have fun. I think that’s something even Batgirl would approve of.” 


In BATGIRL #7, the Batgirl we know and love returns to Burnside to find an entirely different city than the one she left behind. Due to a boom in tech start-up companies, Burnside is now trendier than ever, leaving Babs to feel out of place in her newly gentrified neighborhood. But it’s not all a loss. She’ll soon meet a dashing and handsome techie named Ethan, only to find out that her striking beau has a familiar last name—Cobblepot! Will her new found romance bring her more trouble than she was ready for? You’ll have to find out. 

 

“I’m thrilled to be working with Christian on this next arc, which will bring Batgirl back to her familiar stomping grounds in Burnside,” says writer Hope Larson. “You can never really go home again, and a lot has changed since she left, both in her friends’ lives and in Burnside, which is rapidly becoming even more gentrified. Most interestingly of all, there’s a new player on the scene: charming, handsome, tech-savvy, and possibly evil Ethan Cobblepot, the Penguin’s son. Christian’s art is fresh, charming, and delightful, and he’s the perfect artist to bring this story to life.”

 

Check out these beautiful promo pieces from Christian Wildgoose here! The new arc “Son of Penguin” debuts January 25th in BATGIRL #7. 

Josie and the Pussycats #1 Exclusive Cover

Rob Leave a Comment

Friday, September 16 at 9am MDT
Josie and the Pussycats #1 Exclusive Cover

J. Scott Campbell announces his exclusive variant cover for Josie and the Pussycats #1 featuring an editorial layout inspired by Rolling Stone magazine.


Pre-Order Schedule
Starting at 9am on September 16, 2016 (MDT Mountain Time)
Available exclusively on JScottCampbell.com online store.

Walker Stalker Con is only two weeks away and we will cover it

Julian Cannon Leave a Comment

WALKER STALKER CON BRINGING THE WALKING DEAD TO PHILADELPHIAStars From Popular Shows Anchor Interactive Convention and Fan Meet-Up Oct. 1-2


FRANKLIN, Tenn. — Zombie enthusiasts and fans of the number-one show on television, The Walking Dead, will have the opportunity to meet their favorite stars at the upcoming Walker Stalker Con at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks, October 1-2.

Walker Stalker Con has become an incredibly popular convention, offering something for everyone from the diehard fan to families to those with a growing interest in the genre. More than 30 of the most popular actors from shows such as The Walking Dead, Bates Motel, Gotham and more will speak to the audience, meet fans, pose for photos and sign autographs.
Attendees can also participate in a range of engaging and unique activities, including:

  • Free panel sessions led by stars from some of television’s most popular shows. 
  • The Walking Dead Experience, is an immersive theatrical attraction in which small audience groups are placed in the middle of the action as either “walkers” or “survivors” and moved through a story by performers.
  • Zombies and cosplayers roam the convention floor, making for interactive experiences attendees will never forget.
  • Bringing the Dead to Life with Tate Steinsiek, a two-hour demonstration showcasing intermediate and advanced zombie special effects. This is a chance to get up close and personal with one of the stars of Face Off as he explains and demonstrates his incredible craft. There will also be a “Custom Convention Make Up Session” with Tate.
  • Vendors who deal in the comic, entertainment, zombie and other genres and industries.

There are even a number of opportunities to volunteer at the event, which can be found on the Walker Stalker Con website.
One of the most popular elements of the convention is the chance to meet and hear from stars from popular shows. In Philadelphia, attendees will be treated to sessions with:

The Walking Dead: David Morrissey (“The Governor”), Chandler Riggs (“Carl”), Emily Kinney (“Beth”), Laurie Holden (“Andrea”), Michael Cudlitz (“Abraham”), Josh McDermitt (“Eugene”), Christian Serratos (“Rosita”), Lennie James (“Morgan”), IronE Singleton (“T-Dog”) — in all, there will be 26 actors from the show in attendance.

Robin Lord Taylor (“Oswald”) and Drew Powell (“Butch”) from Gotham

Max Thieriot from Bates Motel 

Actors from Night of the Living Dead and Face Off, among others
The full lists of guests is on the Walker Stalker Con Philadelphia website.

About Walker Stalker Con

Walker Stalker Con is a convention for fans of zombies, horror, and sci-fi produced by Fan Fest. Fan Fest is the leading convention and entertainment news brand in North America, with shows in more than 15 cities worldwide, and an audience in the hundreds of millions. With exclusive guest appearances at Walker Stalker Con and Heroes and Villains Fan Fest, and behind-the-scenes access to the stars of The Walking Dead, Once Upon A Time, Arrow, and the DC Cinematic Universe at FanFest.com, Fan Fest gives their audience a truly one-of-a-kind fan experience. 

more info via this link : http://walkerstalkercon.com/philadelphia/

Follow me on Twitter @julianexcalibur 

Super 7 and Mattel form MOTU partnership

Rob Leave a Comment

Mattel Expands Masters of the Universe® Partnership with Super7


80s mega-brand is a perfect fit for west coast vintage collectibles company to take over MattyCollector.com
SAN DIEGO, July 20, 2016/PRNewswire/ –Leading into San Diego Comic-Con, Mattel today announced plans for an expanded partnership with Super7 noting they will be developing and distributing an all new range of Masters of the Universe® collectibles beginning in 2017. As a result of the expanded partnership, Mattel will be closing the current MOTU homeMattyCollector.com at the end of 2016.

This week, the two companies will release an all new Masters of the Universe animated short – The Curse of the Three Terrors. This is the first time since 1985 that new MOTU footage has been created in the classic Filmation style. The film follows the original characters on an all new adventure in Eternia® and features voice actor Alan Oppenheimer, reprising his signature role as Skeletor®.

“It is a dream come true for us to be involved so intimately with the Masters of the Universe franchise,” said Brian Flynn of Super7. “We have jumped head first into the MOTU world, with retro 3.75″ figures, M.U.S.C.L.E. figures, the new animation and several other secret projects which we will be revealing soon. I think MOTU fans are going to have everything they could possibly dream of —and more!”

“He-Man, Skeletor and the inhabitants of Eternia could not be in better hands,” said Joe Lawandus, SVP of Mattel Marketing & Design. “Brian and team possess an encyclopedic knowledge of the franchise and an attention to detail that is off the charts. While closing MattyCollector.com was a difficult decision, we’re excited about the expanded partnership with Super7 and where will take the brand in the coming years.”

Check out all of the great MOTU collectibles in person at the Skeletor’s Lair pop-up shop inSan Diego. For more information on location, limited edition product and the premiere of The Curse of the Three Terrors, visit Super7HQ.com.

About Super7

Founded in 2001 as a magazine focused on the minutia of collecting vintage toys, Super7 has since grown into one of the most influential and sought after toy brands in the market today. By infusing their deep knowledge of toys as collectors combined with their detailed attention to manufacturing and design, Super7 creates unique and inspiring toys, apparel, events and experiences not typically seen from other manufacturers. Based in San Francisco, you can find them online at http://www.super7HQ.com orhttp://www.super7store.com as well as their retail stores in both San Francisco and San Diego.
About Mattel
The Mattel family of companies MAT is a worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of toys and family products. Mattel’s portfolio of best-selling brands includes Barbie®, the most popular fashion doll ever produced, Hot Wheels®, Monster High®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends®, Fisher-Price® brands and MEGA® Brands, as well as a wide array of entertainment-inspired toy lines. In 2014, Mattel was named one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” by Ethisphere Magazine and in 2014 ranked No. 5 on Corporate Responsibility Magazine’s “100 Best Corporate Citizens” list. With worldwide headquarters in El Segundo, Calif., Mattel’s companies employ approximately 31,000 people in 40 countries and territories and sell products in more than 150 nations. Visit us at www.mattel.com,www.facebook.com/Mattel or www.twitter.com/mattel.