My 2015 Favourites (Happy New Year);

Another year comes to an end so here come's another list of My 2015 Favourite's. I hope everyone has a wonderful New Year! And here's to another year of awesome, Comics, Films and everything in between.

My favourite writer of 2015: Jason Aaron

Why? Star Wars is back at Marvel and Jason Aaron was given the responsibility of writing the flagship Star Wars title and what a great job he is doing. Let's not forget his other work Southern Bastards and one of my favourite Marvel titles this year Thor (The Mighty Thor). What more reason do you need?

My favourite artist of 2015: Greg Capullo

Why? The best title this year is Batman by far. The collaboration between Capullo and Snyder is what makes this title as successful as it has been. Greg Capullo has been nailing the art on this book and just as you think his at the top of his game he still manages to take it up another level. I'll be sad to see him leave/take a break from this book from issue 50. But we're promised he will be returning to collaborate with Scott Snyder, plus we also have the anticipation for the announcement of what he will be working on with Mark Millar.

My favourite colorist of 2015: Rico Renzi

Why? One of the break out titles of the year is Spider-Gwen and also Unbeatable Squirrel Girl. Who colours these books Rico Renzi. He is also responsible for the fanastic coloring on Joe Quinnones art for Howard the Duck, which is the best I have seen his art coloured and gave me a new appreciation for the artists style.

My Favourite Publisher of 2015: Marvel (Star Wars)

Why? Star Wars is back at Marvel! And what a great job Marvel are doing with the franchise. I was very upset at first that Dark Horse lost the franchise and I was apprehensive as to what Marvel will do with it. But then they announce the creative teams and prove that they are putting there all into creating exciting, in continuity, stories for the Marvel Universe. What a great job there doing and what a great job Jason Aaron and Kieron Gillen are doing with there respective titles.

My favourite single issue of 2015: Batman #41

Why? This was part of the DCYou promotion and the first introduction and issue containing the status quo change for Batman. What happens when Bruce Wayne is dead/missing who will take on the mantle of Batman. Well none other than James Gordon of course and what an exciting and interesting take on Batman this character and the creative team have given us.

My favourite event of 2015: Vader Down

Why? We live in an age where if you don't have 1 or more events from the big publishers in a year well obviously your doing something wrong right? Even though I have strong feelings about the ever to frequent event strategy from the Big 2, I mean at least complete them in time. I have been pleasantly surprised by the first event to take place in Marvel's Star Wars titles. Vader Down is an exciting take on what happens if the Rebellion knows where Darth Vader is and when Darth Vader is stranded. We're half way through this event so far and the real question here is who is the hunter or hunted?

My favourite cover artist of 2015: Declan Shalvey

Why? For several years now Declan Shalvey has been one of my favourite artists. I remember him on issues of Dark Avengers and then a cover run on Winter Soldier alongside a brilliant arc on Deadpool. His now moved onto his creator owned book, Injection, with partner and colorist extraordinaire Jordie Bellaire and writer supreme Warren Ellis. But he has continued to create covers for Marvel and they do not disappoint as usual, and well I couldn't have a favourite's list without him. 

My favourite on-going title of 2015: Batman

Why? This was a close one. Star Wars being back at Marvel gave me several options however Batman has consistently been the title I look forward to most each month. Snyder and Capullo continue to put Batman into exciting and new storylines. In 'Endgame' and 'Superheavy' we have had to of the most intriguing and exciting Batman storyline's, how they keep managing to do one better than their last storyline is beyond me but I sure am thankful they do.

My favourite new title of 2015: Spider-Gwen

Why? The fact that this character got her own solo title is down to Fan demand and also the incredible creative team behind it in Jason Latour, Robbi Rodriguez and Rico Renzi. I've had to dramatically reduce my monthly pick list and this title still easily makes the cut. Each month I look forward to the next adventure for this character and love that Spider-Gwen will now have some involvement with the 616 universe alongside her own.

My favourite film of 2015: Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens
Why? Well what else would it have been? I've been waiting three years for this film and it didn't dissapoint. The only film I have ever gone to a midnight showing for. I've seen it twice so far and plan on seeing it at least a couple more times before it stops showing in the cinema. Next step is it's home release and I can't wait to get hold of this so I can watch it whenever I want! May the Force Be With You...

My favourite video game of 2015: Fallout 4
Why? E3 2015 was the most exciting E3 in some time for me. Why? Bethesda, for the first time, were going to be giving there first pre-E3 press conference. What for? It couldn't be Fallout, could it? Well yes, yes it was. This was the announcement I had been waiting for, I got a PS4 a year after it's release but still found there wasn't much to play on it and still do. But Fallout 4 has filled that gap. I can play this game for hours, just wandering around the open world, until I run out of stimpaks. Have I completed it yet? No, but it is still by far the best video game I have played this year.

My favourite TV programme of 2015: Star Wars Rebels
Why? The only TV programme I have kept up with weekly for quite some time. I make sure I catch every episode. Blending great visuals, influenced by the original concept art from Ralph McQuarrie, and the feel of the original trilogy. Star Wars Rebels continues to put the heroic band of Rebels into impossible situations, not to mention the return of fan favourite characters, Ahsoka Tano and Captain Rex. It's currently on its mid-season break but I can not wait for its return in January.



My Favourite on-demand TV programme of 2015: Daredevil

Why? Daredevil, what do you think of. Ben Affleck? Jennifer Garner? Not anymore! Marvel finally released their Daredevil Netflix earlier in the year. Was it what I expected? No. It was far better than I expected, a nitty gritty street level programme showing one mans fight against injustice. And that fight scene in the hallway, one of the best choreographed scenes on TV this year. Bring on Daredevil Season 2.

All-New All-Different Marvel... Breathe easy Spider-Gwen will be back and with the same creative team...

We are now averaging a couple of reveals a day. I'm also a couple of days behind now.

But this is an announcement I had been hoping for since it went missing on the monthly solicitations.

Spider-Gwen will return, from the same creative team of Jason Latour, Robbie Rodriguez and Rico Renzi. Her adventures will return to the Universe we have seen her in the first 5 issues with the opportunity to hop in and out of the All-New All-Different Marvel Universe.

I suppose by keeping Spider-Gwen where she was leaves room for the current Spider-Woman. But most importantly no matter which Universe she is in this Fall we will be getting more Spider-Gwen and hopefully soon we will have a more cemented date to mark on our calendars.

That only leaves a few titles that I am still hoping for. So far so good... lets hope for the next few soon.

All-New All-Different Marvel... Doctor Strange goes solo...

Free Comic Book Day revealed a new Avengers line up for post Secret Wars. More recently Marvel revealed the flagship title of All-New All-Different Marvel in Invincible Iron Man. The weekend just gone we found out about Spider-Man, Miles Morales that is, and his new on-going title. Well now it is time for Doctor Strange to take centre stage and Entertainment Weekly had the exclusive news. To be fair this was inevitable considering the feature film that will be arriving next year.

However this has a stellar creative team in Jason Aaron on writing duties and Chris Bachalo on art. Both creators whose work I am a huge fan of. I find myself reading most books by Jason Aaron nowadays and Chris Bachalo's art is a great fit for the Sorcerer Supreme. Also it isn't the first time these two have collaborated, previously collaborating on the critically acclaimed Wolverine And The X-Men.

The one common theme from the interviews regarding new titles is the length of stints they have signed up for and Jason Aaron is no different. If the article is to be believed he has plans for Doctor Strange for the next year or longer and in Jason Aaron I trust? Was this the creative line up you expected for Doctor Strange. I can't wait for that first issue, but like the others we will probably have to wait until October. But until then I expect we may learn more at SDCC.

For the full article check out the link below and also check out the character sketches by Chris Bachalo.


http://www.ew.com/article/2015/06/22/marvel-announces-doctor-strange-comic?hootPostID=107f519b766667b9baf61db1cbe351c2

When I was beginning to lose faith in Video Games... E3 2015 comes along...

So just as I was beginning to give up on video games and next gen consoles E3 2015 comes around. I have always been a big fan of video games but since the release of the next gen consoles in PS4 and Xbox One there have been very few games to take advantage of the next gen consoles power also many games have been riddle with delays and worst of all launch errors. Some unforgivable. Keeping this all in mind however the one game that I have consistently been playing is Destiny. I constantly talk to people about how repetitive the game is however I always find myself going back, anyway I'm going off point.

E3 finally has announced several games that I just can not wait to get my hands on. There are only two games in this world that I will buy without question. Both of those receiving announcements and further announcements at this years convention.

First of all, and quite frankly most important, Fallout 4 has been announced! Yes Fallout 4, the game we have all been wishing for since the announcement of the next gen consoles, the game we have all been waiting for news on since the original release of Fallout 3, with New Vegas managing to quell the angst for a short time. Well now we know it exists and not just this we also know when it will be released. 10/11/2015 sees Fallout 4 hit the shelves, well I have already booked time off work and also after some deliberating have ordered the Pip-Boy Edition, but more on that later.

Fallout 4 sees a return to the fan favourite series featuring a new location, in Boston, a new protagonist, who for the first time is voiced, featuring both gameplay pre nuclear war and post nuclear apocalypse. Not much was given away regarding the story line and for way more info than I can type you can check out the video above which features the Fallout 4 E3 showcase!

What I will type more about is the Pip-Boy edition! This is Fallout 4's collectors edition and is just absolutely perfect. It took me two days after the announcement to decide I wanted one, and I'm glad it didn't take me any longer, as these are now sold out. What is contained in the Pip-Boy Edition you ask? Well check out the image below;

Your eyes do not deceive you that is a wearable pip boy which houses your phone to be used as a fully functional Pip-Boy by downloading an app for your phone which allows you use this as a second screen experience. But I guess we will find out more once it finally comes around which seems to be so so far away right now!

Secondly the Destiny Taken King expansion has been officially announced, after Red Bull giving away the title name. This will be released on the 15/09/2015, just over a year after the original release last year. This will also be the largest expansion released yet after The Dark Below and The House of Wolves. This will see a new sub-class be introduced, alongside more weapons, armour and of course another story plot to follow. The Taken King sees the Guardians taking on Oryx, the father of Crota who the Guardians previously killed in The Dark Below. So we have a pissed of father coming to avenge his son. Well there is still plenty more to be announced but alongside the confirmation of the title of the expansion and its release date a development video has been released along side a trailer and of course a collectors edition.

What do you think of the collectors edition. There is plenty for any hardcore Destiny fan to look forward to. Including a physical copy of those pesky Strange Coins you have to obtain to buy anything for Xur of a weekend. Along with the physical items there are several digital bonuses including early access to weapons packs, along with Exotic items. Is this something you will look to be buying? My main bug bear is that most versions that are up for pre-order include the original game and past two expansions. Well I already have all of these so why am I paying a whole loada money just to buy what I have again. Will I be picking up this collectors edition? No, I won't for the reason I just made and also it has to be something incredibly special for me to consider purchasing, like the Pip-Boy Edition for Fallout 4. However I will be looking forward to new missions to head of with my Guardian.

Finally, and by no means least. Star Wars Battlefront finally revealed game play for both Multiplayer and Single Player offline/ Co-Op offline or what seem to be called 'Missions'. I have been waiting for this game since its announcement when both the partnership between Disney/ Lucasfilm and EA was revealed. What do you think of the gameplay trailers and are you excited for this when it is finally released. I hear nothing but good things about it coming from various sites who have had exclusive access to behind close doors viewings. I've lost count how many times I have watched the gameplay trailers and I won't write much more and just let the trailers themselves do the talking. What I will say is this is one game I hope for some sort of Star Wars themed collectors edition, I can dream right? Lets just hope my ability at playing any sort of first person shooter improves before this games release.

Oh right yes, there is just one final trailer I needed to post, and I hope to post more about it later along side hopefully many more details. But as many of my friends know and also as you should be able to tell from my About section a new trailer and release period were announced for the next gen Mass Effect, I for one can not wait for more details on this and will be looking forward to Holiday 2016. What caught your eye at E3?

All-New, All-Different Marvel... Miles Morales is Spider-Man this Fall...

Spider-Man #1 Cover by Sara Pichelli

So it appears to be official. Miles Morales will be the new Marvel Universe Spider-Man post Secret Wars this fall when the All-New, All-Different Marvel Universe hits our shelves. The most exciting part of this announcement for me is, Brian Michael Bendis will be staying on as the characters writer and super star artist Sara Pichelli will be returning to illustrate the adventures of Miles Morales.

Now the article states that Miles Morales will be the Spider-Man of the Marvel Universe. What does this mean for Peter Parker? Well the article announcing the new Spider-Man series states that Peter Parker will be present as a mentor figure for Miles. Does this mean Peter Parker is heading for a temporary retirement? We will know more as July 1st approaches with the release of the free magazine which will feature the new titles coming this Fall.

For the time being lets just be pleased that Sara Pichelli's art will be returning to our shelves. Alongside my favourite character from the Ultimate Universe in Miles Morales. Right I just need to enjoy the remaining issues of Secret Wars before delving into this new Marvel Universe that looks to be coming our way.

Want to check out the exclusive article announcing the news check out the link below.

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/marvel-inclusion-biracial-spider-man-article-1.2265591

All-New, All-Different Marvel... The post Secret Wars Universe...

It has been quite a while since I have written a post on here. To long in my opinion but life has been busy among other things, but this news had me immediately wanting to post something. As you may have already noticed, through the majority of my previous posts, it is safe to say that I am a Marvel fan. So with the recent teasers for the post Secret Wars Marvel Universe there is suddenly a lot to talk about and a lot to speculate. As any avid comic fan would know in the past few weeks Marvel released two new teaser images featuring characters that will obviously have some role in the the All-New, All-Different Marvel Universe that will come to fruition in the Fall this year, probably around September/ October time. It has been confirmed that all titles will be re-starting from #1, 8 months after the events of Secret Wars, it has also been made abundantly clear that this is not a Re-Boot but just a Refresh of the Marvel Universe all previous character continuity is still intact.

We have already had our first little look at the future of the Marvel Universe in Free Comic Book Day's All-New, All-Different Avengers where we were shown a team of Iron Man, Captain America (FalCap), Vision, Thor (Avengers NOW! Thor), Ms Marvel (Kamala Khan), Miles Morales and Nova (Sam Alexander). This was out first glimpse at the future Avengers team. Several of these characters featured in the first All New, All Different Marvel Teaser below, so lets take a look;

Okay, so in this teaser image starting from left to right we have, Agent Coulson, Spider-Gwen, Spider-Woman, Black Panther, Spider-Man, Captain America (FalCap), Steve Rogers, Iron Man, Ant-Man, Thor, Vision, Ms Marvel, Mile Morales and Red Wolf. What does this all mean? Well 5 of the cast in this image are already confirmed to be within the Avengers team post Secret Wars. Many of these characters do not come as a surprise other than Red Wolf who I must admit I do not know much about. Many of the characters in the above image are integral to Marvel's current cinematic and television Universe. Ant-Man having his feature film released this July and Black Panther making his first appearance in next years Civil War alongside a possible cameo appearance of the new Marvel Cinematic Spider-Man.

Another thing to take from this image is the 4 Spider-Folk, Spider-Gwen, Spider-Woman, Spider-Man and Mile Morales. That's a lot of Spider-Folk for one Universe, isn't it? Well Spider-Gwen has been incredibly successful since her first appearance during Spider-Verse, the newly designed Spider-Woman post Spider-Verse has been a very rewarding book, I have hear I must admit I haven't been reading it. Spider-Man, (Amazing), will always be a main stay in the Marvel Universe however there are those talking about this not actually being Peter Parker Spider-Man, but then again many didn't think that it would be Tony Stark in the Iron Man suit which we found out this weekend it would be, so I suppose we will just have to wait and see. Finally we have Miles Morales who in all honesty has been the only really success of the Ultimate Universe in recent years, who looks as though he will be making the jump to the new Marvel Universe, whether it will still be called 616 I have no idea.

Alongside this teaser Axel Alonso, Marvel Editor in Chief, confirmed that there will be a new Hulk and new Wolverine in the new Marvel Universe. Hulk has been teased to have ramifications at the same level of when they announced the new Thor from Jason Aaron and Russell Dauterman.

If this teaser peaked you interest then the second will have sent your mind into over-drive, lets take a look;

Again starting from left to right we have; Doctor Spectrum (From Hickman's recent run on Avengers), Citizen V (Formerly the moniker held by the leader of the Thunderbolts), Rocket Raccoon, The Thing, Karnak (Yep street level returned from the dead Karnak), Hyperion, Inferno, Iron Man, Medusa, Daredevil, Wolverine (X-23), Star Lord, Doctor Strange and Old Man Logan.

What can we take from this image. Well I will start with the obvious, judging by Thing's new get up he will be joining the Guardians of the Galaxy post Secret Wars. The new Wolverine will be none other than X-23, alongside Old Man Logan, whether the two will have a relationship of sorts is yet to be seen. Doctor Strange is looking both younger and now wielding an axe, with his feature film being released next year it was inevitable he would become a character Marvel would be looking to push promotionally. Daredevil has got a new costume, many saying reminiscent to his Shadowland costume, personally I think this will be taking Daredevil in a new direction and also tying in closer to the nitty, gritty street level feeling of the Daredevil TV Series. So what have I missed, well there are three Inhumans in the image, Medusa, Inferno (A New Inhuman since Black Bolt released the Terrigen Mists, and Karnak yes previously deceased Karnak who has a new look, Iron Fist like in appearance. Then there are two characters from Jonathan Hickman's Avengers run still present in the image, Doctor Spectrum and Hyperion, what they will involved in in the post Secret Wars Universe is beyond my own speculation as I am not really familiar with the characters.Finally there is Citizen V, who after doing some research of my own, turns out to have been the persona that Baron Zemo took while leader of the original Thunderbolts so what does this mean for the Thunderbolts moving forward. Overall this image certainly holds more questions and excitement than the first.

The good news is, many questions will be answered come July 1st this year when Marvel will be releasing a free magazine in comic stores featuring the new titles and creative teams coming this October! If you had been keeping an eye on the news out of Special NYC the other week you will know that one title and creative team has been announced, and it is a star studded team. Invincible Iron Man will be brought to you by Brian Michael Bendis, David Marquez and Justin Ponsor, the fantastic team from the recent Miles Morales comic. Bendis is one of my favourite writers, I am two issues away from having a complete Bendis Avengers run along with Marquez who has long been one of my favourite artists since his Fanastic Four Season One OGN with Marvel. This looks to be the flagship title for post Secret Wars Universe. What else do you hope will be announced and who are your dream teams for your favourite characters? The post Secret Wars Universe sure seems to be shaping up to be very exciting...

Fallout 4!!

My picks of the July Solicitations 2015...

Another month another list of upcoming comics this time for July. So without further ado here's my picks;

DC: Batgirl Annual #3

Writer: Cameron Stewart & Brendan Fletcher

Artist: Bengal

Bengal is back illustrating Batgirl so what other reason do you need to pick this up. Well Grayson is showing up for one, plus Batgirl visits Gotham Academy and in those few lines I am sold. I mean look at that cover it's just beautiful. I can't get enough Bengal art.

Marvel: Lando #1

Writer: Charles Soule

Artist: Alex Maleev

It's safe to say that Marvel are taking there Star Wars line very very seriously and so they should. They have been given the opportunity to work on in-continuity stories, alongside the Lucasfilm Story Group, building on the background and mythos of a beloved franchise. Well we don't need to be worried, as with there other titles, Marvel have announced a stellar line up for their next solo series which will focus on Lando Calrissian. Lando #1 will be brought to us by the creative team of, the main who seems to be writing many many books, Charles Soule and fan favourite artist Alex Maleev. Lando #1 hits shelves this July and I'll be looking forward to giving this a look.

Image Comics: Wolf #1

Writer: Ales Kot

Artist: Matt Taylor

Colorist: Lee Loughridge

I have read a few books by Ales Kot and enjoyed them all but its the description of this one that has really caught my interest, plus of course the remaining team members on this title. "The crime noir thrills and characters reminiscent of True Detective meet with mythical stakes worthy of Neil Gaiman's Sandman in this original fantasy/horror/crime saga for mature readers." and with art from Matt Taylor and colours by colorist Lee Loughridge you know this is going to be a very pretty book. With 58 pages of story with no ads we are certainly going to get a decent introduction to this new series.

BOOM!: Spire #1 (1 of 8)

Writer: Simon Spurrier

Artist: Jeff Stokely

I'll admit it, I missed out and I am still to read Six Gun Gorilla. But through following Jeff Stokely on twitter I know I am certainly a fan of his art. A new limited series from the same creative team, Spire #1. Described as being a series fans of both East of West and Dark Crystal will enjoy, I look forward to seeing what this series will be about and being introduced to a new character in Sha. BOOM! are publishing some very exciting books at the moment and this certainly looks like it will be another to add to the list.

KABOOM!: Power Up #1 (1 of 6)

Author: Kate Leth

Artist: Matt Cummings

Another BOOM! book from there sister print name KABOOM! Power Up #1 from the creative team of fan favourite writer/artist Kate Leth teams up with Matt Cummings to bring us a story of four nobles who have incredible strength, which they receive through a cosmic aligning of planets. This is yet another original series from KABOOM! that is both exciting in content and also in potential. I'm a fan of Kate Leth and I look forward to seeing what she and Matt Cummings have created.

The Orbiting Pods in 2015...

We are practically a quarter of the way through the year and its about time I talk about a couple of my favourite pods which have had a little upgrade since the new year.

Art above by the mentioned Ryan Jenkyns

First off The Orbiting Pod is back. With an update and brilliant head shots from Orbital Comics member of staff Ryan Jenkyns. This has given a new life to the episode covers, if covers is the right word. Robin, Adam, Michael and Owen return with there great discussions of recent titles, keeping me entertained during my commutes to and from work. Are you a lover of comics or looking for the right title to start your collection and want a pod that gives you a great insight to what has been out. Then this is the pod you should be listening to. Click on the image below to subscribe via iTunes.

Also Pop Culture Hound has now become Orbital in Conversation. Chris has re-named his pod to link in with the store more bringing his entertaining and informative interview style with comic creators under the Orbital banner. He has also got a great portrait illustration by the fantastic Michael Dialynas for his banner. The format stays the same and there are even new episodes with different formats. There are many great episodes to catch up on pre Orbital Conversation and many since, the Dave Gibbons episode a must listen. I am certain there will be many more good episodes to come from Chris. To subscribe via iTunes click on the image below.

My Picks of the June Solicitations...

If only I posted everything I type up as a draft and everything I note on my phones notepad I would be looking at 10 times more posts a week. Anyway, here are my picks of the solicits for June which have been sitting on my phones notes for the past four weeks... hopefully I will get July's out before August's are revealed.

Marvel: Runaways #1

Writer: Noelle Stephenson

Artist: Sanford Greene

I need to catch up with the old Runaways series, its a series I had always meant to read but never found the time too. But with the upcoming Secret Wars event Marvel have paired the exciting creative team of Noelle Stevenson and Sanford Greene to bring a new Runaways line-up and tales to Marvel. I can't wait to pick this up and give it a read.

DC: Gotham Academy #7

Writer: Becky Cloonan/ Brendan Fletcher

Artist: Karl Kerschl

Damian Wayne comes to Gotham Academy. The first arc ended this month, I finally caught up recently, and teased the arrival of Damian to Gotham Academy. Olive has been causing quite a lot of mischief and it seems that Batman, Bruce Wayne, has decided the easiest way to keep this in check is to let his son attend the school. I am a huge Damian Wayne fan, I was lost after that last issue of Batman Inc. I look forward to reading one of my favourite DC characters in one of my favourite DC books.

Image Comics: Nonplayer #2

Writer: Nate Simpson

Artist: Nate Simpson

I never quite realised the fan fair regarding this comic. I purchased the first issue, then when the second didn't arrive just assumed it was a one-shot. But I really enjoyed the first issue which I will now need to dig out of one of my comic boxes to re-read in preparation for the upcoming second issue. I'm excited to see another issue come out.

Boom: The Fiction #1

Writer: Curt Pires

Artist: David Rubin

Curt Pires is the writer of one of my favourite Monkey Brain comics series, Theremin, and he has recently worked with Dark Horse on his book POP. Pires is now teaming up with BOOM! comics, one of my current favourite publishers, with his new title The Fiction. The solicitation for this sounds intriguing and I hope to find out more once this comic hits the shelves.

April has been a brilliant month to be a fan of Marvel and Star Wars...

As sporadic as always this was meant to posted at the beginning of the month. April seems to be a great month for pop culture. Especially if you are a fan of Marvel and Star Wars. This month sees the release of the highly anticipated Daredevil TV Series and the even more anticipated Avengers: Age of Ultron. Along with announcements expected to be made at C2E2, Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo. Finally we have the Star Wars Celebration to look forward to, which is now the end of this week again more on that later.

Right first up. April 10th saw the release of the Daredevil Netflix series. And it is fantastic!! I have used every spare hour, or even not spare, to watch this series. I finished it the Sunday evening after its release and very much plan on re-watching it. I had high hopes for this series and it has been on my radar since its announcement however long ago. The casting is perfect, Charlie Cox plays Matt Murdock brilliantly alongside Elden Henson who really brings Foggy Nelson to life. The fight scenes in this series are incredible. I don't want to write to much just now as I don't want to give away any spoilers but if you haven't watched it yet. What are you doing? Get on Netflix now and give it a watch!

Next Avengers: Age of Ultron is out now and I already seen it twice! This is another great instalment into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Not quite as bigger game changer as some of the other films, but lets not forget we have Civil War approaching next year. I was not disappointed by the portrayal and appearance of two of my favourite Marvel characters Vision and Scarlet Witch, as played by Paul Bettany and Elizabeth Olsen. There was no need for my concern that there would be to many characters for the film they all played off each other really well. The major disappointment was the lack of a Star Wars Teaser Trailer before the film.

Star Wars Celebration ran from the 16/04/2015 till the 19/04/2015. 4 days of Star Wars madness. If only it wasn't in America and so far away I would have definitely tried to go. But without attending there was still plenty to take in, with there very impressive live stream feed from the event. The convention opened with a panel that had both Writer and Director of Force Awakens J.J. Abrams and producer Kathleen Kennedy in attendance. The new cast members, John Boyega, Daisy Ridley and Oscar Isaacs took to the stage, followed by a familiar droid and the new fully functioning, not CGI, BB8, how the hell does that thing work? Finally original cast members took to the stage, Anthony Daniels, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill and Peter Mayhew. This was a panel not be missed and althoug not being there I got to watch the whole thing live at home. Now rumours stated a new trailer would be released, which was true, and that this may contain original cast members which was also true. I've lost count of how many times I've watched it but the fact that this has been viewed 88 million times within 24 hours of release says it all. The new teaser trailer creates far more questions than answers, which obviously is its purpose, all I now know is I want it to be the 18/12/2015 more than ever. Check out the trailer below.

As if the panel and trailer for the upcoming film weren't enough another trailer made its debut in the form of EA Games Star Wars: Battlefront. This unfortunately did not contain any gameplay footage, but did display game engine footage. However the press and people who got to see a scripted demo of the game have confirmed the gameplay graphics are just as impressive as the in engine visuals. I've had my copy pre-ordered for sometime but the news of the free downloadable content on the 01/12/2015, The Battle of Jakku, linking directly into Force Awakens is another reason worth pre-ordering this for. Here's still to hoping a collectors edition will be announced. See what you think of the in engine footage below.

Now there are a couple more things I am really excited about, Saturday saw the Star Wars Rebels panel take place. This included new details and footage from Season 2, unfortunately there was no news on the home release of Season 1 on Blu-Ray or DVD. Season 2 looks to be as good or even better than the first, with fan favourite Clone Wars characters making their first appearances. Rebels was a huge success as far as I am concerned and I look forward to seeing the crew of The Ghost become part of a larger Rebellion. For the Season 2 trailer check it out below.

Finally also on Saturday there was the Star Wars Marvel Comics panel, this saw the announcement of not one but two new titles to come from the publisher, although these were announced prior to the panel. As expected one of these is be part of the Journey To The Force Awakens publishing initiative, called Shattered Empire coming from writer Greg Rucka and artist Marco Checchetto. Along with the announcement of Lando #1 a limited series from Charles Soule and Alex Maleev, so that will certainly be a limited series worth checking out.

Cover Versions when Music & Comics Collide! An exhibition @ Orbital Comics London opening tonight, 01/05/2015!

Since I have been aware of Orbital Comics, they have hosted many great events, signings and exhibitions. This year alone they have had some very exciting events, and there are plenty more to come from the sounds of things.

One that has particularly caught my eye for several reasons is the up and coming Cover Versions exhibition which opens tonight, Friday, 01/05/2015, and will run until the 14/05/2015.

The opening night party with live music kicks off at 7:30pm tonight, I would have loved to make it but unfortunately plans since have made it unlikely I'll be able to. But I will definitely be checking it out when I go to collect my comics next week.

The 3 reasons this is gonna be great and a must see;

1. The exhibition has been put together and curated by host of the Orbiting Pod, of which I am a big fan, Robin Harman. For more on why the exhibition has been put together I strongly recommend you check out the website and read about the 'Behind the Music'. I've added a link just here ----> https://cvrvrsns.wordpress.com/behind-the-music/

2. The list of talent involved is incredibly good, with a couple of my favourite artists involved. Mark Laming, Declan Shalvey & Christian Ward being the stand outs for me, mainly as there work I am most familiar with, I am also definitely excited to see the work of other artists who I am less familiar with. https://cvrvrsns.wordpress.com/discography/

3. The cause, this has the potential to be a great exhibition but at the end of it you have the opportunity to purchase a copy of the various artworks with a limited print run, at 12" vinyl cover size, with proceeds going to Brain Tumor Research.

So if like me this exhibition has you excited I recommend checking it out as soon as you can.

Cover Versions: When Music & Comics Collide @ Orbital Comics, Leicester Square, from 01/05/2015 to 14/05/2015.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens... "Chewie, we're home"...

That's right Star Wars Celebration has begun, and what better way to kick it off than to start with a Force Awakens panel. Most importantly we get another teaser for the film. Anyone else super psyched for when we finally get a feature length trailer? But these teasers are definitely doing their job. I'm sure you have already seen it but check out the teaser below, I'll add the original first one for good measure too. Enjoy!!

All-New, All-Different Avengers... 2 more revealed...

So from my predictions so far, 1 right, 1 wrong. Vision joints the cast along with Nova. I was sure it would be Doctor Strange not Vision. But I am happy to see Vision there none the less, and not surprising to see him in the line up considering his coming appearance in Age of Ultron. I expect Doctor Strange to pop up somewhere post Secret Wars, even to get his own Secret Wars title which I don't think I have yet seen released. I imagine another two will be revealed tomorrow with the final reveal on Friday before Axel Alonso's usual Comic Book Resources interview.

Secret Wars heralds the end of the Marvel 616 Universe as we know it...

So it may have made more sense to post this before the All-New, All-Different Avengers post but I am still dealing with a bit of a drafts backlog. Anyway in the middle of last week Marvel's David Gabriel, their SVP of Sales and Marketing, announced 33 Marvel titles that will be coming to an end during Secret Wars. Now that is a lot of titles and considering they do not want this to be seen as a re-vamp creates more questions than it does answers. The full list of titles that see themselves coming to an end during Secret Wars can be found below.

Now looking at the below titles several of these had already been coming to a conclusion and are no surprises. The question I have is will some of the below titles Secret Wars replacements, for example "Guardians of Nowhere", "Thors", "A-Force", be there on-going replacements for the foreseeable future or will we see whoever survives Secret Wars and Battleworld getting their own titles come its conclusion, so lets say September, because right now Bleeding Cool's previous post highlighting "All-New Marvel" on the Diamond Distributors Retailer Calendar. We're already being teased of a possible Avengers line up that will be around post Secret Wars in the Free Comic Book Day issue.

Which of the below titles are you sad to see end and which do you think will most certainly be back come the conclusion of the Secret Wars event and whatever Marvel Universe is left in its place? For more check out the link below;

http://comicbook.com/2015/03/18/marvels-david-gabriel-clarifies-secret-wars-plans-hints-at-what-/

All-New Captain America
All-New Ghost Rider
All-New X-Men
Amazing Spider-Man
Amazing X-Men
Angela: Asgard’s 
AssassinAvengers
Avengers World
Captain Marvel
Cyclops
Deadpool
Elektra
Fantastic Four
Guardians 3000
Guardians of the Galaxy
Hulk
Inhuman
Iron Fist: The Living Weapon
Legendary Star-Lord
Miles Morales: Ultimate Spider-Man
New Avengers
Nightcrawler
Nova
Rocket Raccoon
Secret Avengers
Spider-Man & The X-Men
Spider-Man 2099
Storm
Superior Iron Man
Thor
Uncanny X-Men
Wolverines
X-Men

The All-New, All-Different Avengers... Let the teasers begin...

Today Marvel has released an image for there Free Comic Book Day offering, "All-New, All-Different Avengers, revealing two members of this new Avengers team. Ms. Marvel and current Thor, so there are two things to take out of this image. This is reportedly a peak at what is to come in the post Secret Wars Marvel Universe. If this is true then we have confirmation that both Ms. Marvel, Kamala Khan, and Thor will survive whatever happens and will be heading to become on of the World's Greatest Heroes. Now for the Rest of the images in the cover that have been blacked out into Silhouettes here's my best guess as to who they may be. Front and centre, this looks like a Spider-Man pose, but I strongly believe this will be Miles Morales, I also really hope it is. To finish the front row, bottom right I imagine will be Nova, Sam Alexander. Moving to the middle row and beginning from the left, taking into consideration current story lines going on running into Secret Wars I will say the armour clad silhouette may be Rescue, Pepper Potts. The middle figure looks clearly to be Sam wilson a.k.a Captain America. Finally the far right, this one has me a little stumped and after some time thinking about this I have come to the conclusion that this must be Doctor Strange, his profile needs to be raised with the film in coming, what better way to do this than put him into the new Avengers team. Whether I am right or wrong with any of these, I really am looking forward to the team being released through the week or weeks.

Marvel Avengers Age of Ultron Trailer 3... How did I forget to post this?

Well it has just dawned on me that in the excitement of all the recent trailers, comic news and film news that I have been a little slacking in getting the trailers posted online, and the most recent Age of Ultron one was awesome so anyway enough waffle check it out below, I've also added the recent TV spot role call trailer;

 

Let's take a journey, A Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens...

I'm catching up on Star Wars announcement galore it would seem. Along with the gaming and film announcements. Disney and LucasFilm have announced a rather rigorous publishing initiative during the approach to Star Wars: The Force Awakens. This will see more than twenty print and digital items being released.

There will be novels for young adults, comics, along with encyclopaedias, sticker books among many others. The few that really caught my eye, are the trilogy of books to be released bridging the gap between Episode VI: Return of the Jedi and the upcoming Episode VII: The Force Awakens. With the first book title announced, "Star Wars: Aftermath", written by Chuck Wendig. Also Marvel will have another comic title being released linking into this intiative with no more announced than the title "Star Wars: Journey to The Force Awakens.

I'm sure more will be released regarding this in the coming weeks and months with Episode VII fast approaching. For more information and the other titles that will be coming out click the link below;

Click me and take come on a journey to... okay just click me

Well since initially having this as a draft more info has been released for the two titles that mainly caught my eyes from the news above.

Star Wars: Aftermath by Chuck Wendig will be released in September by Del Rey books. This will take place after the destruction of the second Death Star. Not much has been given away but I will add a quote with a little snippet of what we could expect;

"Obviously I wish I could tell you more about the story, but I can’t just yet. What I can reveal is that you will be introduced to a sweeping new cast of characters, along with a fan favorite from the films. And who knows what other familiar faces will pop up along the way? And once you’ve seen The Force Awakens in movie theaters, you may find that certain names and places in Aftermath have a relevance you never knew — so keep your eyes wide open!"

So we can expect to meet new characters who may or may not be in the coming film along with possible new locations. I'll be looking to get this when it comes out, I aim to be as clued up as possible before the next Star Wars film, plus I do like a good Star Wars novel. I just hope they may release this as paperback at the same time as hard back but they may well be just a dream.

There is quite a lot more info on the official announcement if you want to check this out click on the link below;

Yes another link

Again arriving in September a little more has been announced regarding the upcoming Marvel comic. The title has received a little extension and is now, Shattered Empire #1. According to the post on the Star Wars website the image to the left, beautifully illustrated by Phil Noto, is in fact the cover to the first issue. However no further information regarding creative team has been announced, I expect we will get further details at either several upcoming comic and Star Wars events, so I'll be keeping my eyes peeled for any news coming out of C2E2, Star Wars Celebration, San Diego Comic Con and Special Edition NYC.

For what little more they may have said in there official announcement click on the link below;

Click Me

Oh and I forgot to mention above that when re-reading the original announcement for their publishing programme I noticed that Marvel will be releasing a C3-PO comic, I could have read this wrong, anyway would this be the comic your looking for? If I see anything more I'll try and post as soon as possible or maybe a little sporadically.

Star Wars: Rogue One & Star Wars: Episode VIII director and release date...

So as always I am a little late at getting this one on-line although it was all over my twitter feed the day it was announced. So Disney have announced the title of the first solo, stand-alone, not an episode Star Wars film and it is Star Wars: Rogue One, let the rumours and theories commence. As previously announced the director is Gareth Edwards and the first actress to be announced for the film is Felicity Jones, recently nominated for an Academy award for her role in The Theory of Everything. No further information was announced regarding plot but this is due for release December next year and looking to begin filming in London in the summer of this year.

The other surprise announcement is the Director for Star Wars: Episode VIII, considering VII isn't even out yet. It has been confirmed Rian Johnson, the critically acclaimed director of Looper, will both write and direct Episode VIII. J.J. Abrams will stay on as an executive producer. If that wasn't surprise enough they also announced the films release date as 26th May 2017, 40 years and a day after the release of the original film, Star Wars: A New Hope in 1977. With very little plot info released for Episode VII it is as difficult as it is easy to get excited for Episode VIII, but I can only imagine my excitement will multiply once Episode VII finally hits cinema screens this December and I will be wanting May 2017 to come around as quickly as I have December 2015, it will be here before we know it.

For more check out the official announcement at starwars.com or click on the link below;

Yep, that's me I'm the link