Articles by karl-cramer
Wed May 21, 2008 — by Karl Cramer
Comic Book Cameo: Green Lantern on 'Bones'
Comic book makes a hilarious cameo on TV's hit show 'Bones'
In the season finale episode of Bones, "The Pain in the Heart," an upset Doctor Brennan burst into her FBI partner's bathroom and made a startling discovery. Special Agent Seeley Booth likes to relax in a hot tub with a beer helmet and comic book. In this case, Green Lantern. Booth is played by David Boreanaz, who previously played the brooding vampire Angel in Joss Whedon's celebrated TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer and his solo spin-off series, Angel.
Macho tough guy, and ex-Marine Corps sniper, who would've guessed Booth is a closet geek. But there you have it:
Of course, that wasn't just any comic book he was reading, either. It was Green Lantern #33, a Silver Age comic of Hal Jordan fighting Doctor Light. The issue featured a Gil Kane cover and a story titled "Wizard of the Light-Wave Weapons."
Booth explained the hat by saying, "Cold beer plus hot tub equals warm beer." But no defense was offered for the comic -- or for the unreported crime of exposing that old comic to steam. That's a definite no-no.
Tue May 20, 2008 — by Karl Cramer
'Penny Arcade' Game Prequel Comic Goes Online
Four-page comic sets up the game based on the popular web series
Penny Arcade is well known in the webcomic world for its wickedly funny lampooning of the videogame industry. On May 21st, they're becoming a target themselves by releasing Penny Arcade: On the Rain Slick Precipice of Darkness Episode One. The Penny Arcade videogame will premiere as a digital download for Xbox 360, PC, Mac and Linux systems.
The adventure role-playing game imagines the Penny Arcade cast in a 1920s Lovecraftian setting where Gabe and Tycho are a crime-solving team at the Startling Developments Detective Agency in the city of New Arcadia.
To help readers understand Gabe and Tycho's role in this world, Creators Jerry Holkins and Mike Krahulik have created a four-page prequel webcomic that explains what the characters were up to just before the game starts.
In all honesty, they had us when they showed a steampunk version of Fruit F***er, the kitchen juicer gone bad.
Tue May 20, 2008 — by Karl Cramer
Behind the Scenes With 'The Incredible Hulk' Game
Sega releases a 'making of' video for 'The Incredible Hulk' movie-based game
Sega released a video yesterday with the unwieldy title The Beast Within: The Making of The Incredible Hulk The Official Videogame
Sheesh! What's with the love fest? This is the Incredible Hulk. It's all about rage and anger. But the video did show some neat renders and development footage if you're into that kind of thing. See it for yourself after the jump.
Continue reading Behind the Scenes With 'The Incredible Hulk' Game ›
Sat May 17, 2008 — by Karl Cramer
UDON's Street Fighter Tribute: Nice, But Worth the Price?
UDON's opens up for preorders with $80 pricetag
Remember when we told you that comic publisher UDON was working on a 20th Anniversary art book for the popular Street Fighter franchise? Well, UDON's website is taking preorders on Street Fighter Tribute and gave some details on the book.
By far the most surprising aspect of the title is its $80 price tag. Even though it's a 320-page hardcover, you can expect most fans' jaws to drop at such a steep price. If you don't mind the cost, the rest of the book should be pretty appealing.
Street Fighter Tribute measures 8.25 x 11.25 inches and features work by UDON regulars Arnold Tsang, Alvin Lee, Omar Dgan, Jeff "Chamba" Cruz and Joe Ng, as well as comic celebs like Adam Hughes and J. Scott Campbell.
Even Gabe from Penny-Arcade.com is in there, representing the webcomic side of the industry.
Sample artwork is provided after the jump:
Continue reading UDON's Street Fighter Tribute: Nice, But Worth the Price? ›
Fri May 16, 2008 — by Karl Cramer
'Marvel Universe Online' - Why They Killed It
Microsoft Games Studios VP explains why development of the Marvel MMO hit a wall
That's weird. We were just talking about Marvel Universe Online a few days ago. The massively multiplayer online role-playing game (think World of Warcraft
Basically, Microsoft owned up to the fact they don't do MMOs well.
"We don't have a heritage of MMOs," said Kim. The article went on to list several MMO attempts that Microsoft attempted that failed. "It's a hits-driven business ... it's all about quality, all about hits."
A link to a Gamasutra.com piece shed more light:
Given the rumors of confusion on the dev team about what the game was going to be like at a fundamental level, pulling support from the project seems like a no-brainer. That said, I think MUO’s death highlights Microsoft’s sordid history with Massively Multiplayer games.
I think that the fact that we're still talking about Marvel Universe Online several months after it was officially canceled shows that the concept is still compelling and viable. But there's no arguing that outside of a few MMO hits, the landscape is littered with flops from many different companies. Remember The Matrix Online
I like to imagine, though, that Uatu the Watcher is spying on one of his "What If...?" universes where Marvel Universe Online game out and was more popular then Warcraft. Of course, the game would be populated by a thousand variations of Spider-Man and Wolverine with names like "5piDer-MaN" and "Wolverine Gets High."
Fri May 16, 2008 — by Karl Cramer
'Hellboy: The Science of Evil' Gameplay Footage Released
Konami releases the first official gameplay footage for the original Hellboy game
What, you didn't get to play the Hellboy: The Science of Evil demo at New York Comic Con? I'm so sorry. Your tears taste so sweet.
*Ahem* Sorry...
Well if you're curious how the game looks in motion, Konami has released the first official gameplay footage. Hellboy faces off against goblins, werewolves, Japanese demons and weird stuff that could only be imagined by Mike Mignola. As you can see for yourself it takes cues from God of War and Ninja Gaiden type games: crazy, over the top beat 'em ups with big boss battles.
Opening up the videogame console war debate once again, there were slight differences in the game from system to system. The graphics on the PlayStation 3 version were crisper, while the Xbox 360 version played smoother. The PSP version was less detailed, but the difference was barely noticeable on the portable's smaller screen. All three versions played the same graveyard level where Hellboy fought a host of goblins. The lock-on system was not easy or natural, but I did enjoy ripping a goblin's head off to use as a grenade.
Continue reading 'Hellboy: The Science of Evil' Gameplay Footage Released ›
Tue May 13, 2008 — by Karl Cramer
'DC Universe Online' Needs Senior Artist
Craigslist shows a Sony Online Entertainment job ad for the DC MMO
Comic book and videogame fans' cyberspace dreams were crushed when Microsoft confirmed that the Marvel Universe Online videogame was canceled last year. The superhero-themed massively multiplayer online game, playable between computers and Xbox 360 consoles, could've been a serious contender to World of Warcraft. However, the developer is carrying on with that effort, sans Marvel license.
But don't give up hope yet, fanboys. Evidence shows that Sony is still going forward with their planned DC Comics Universe Online MMO. This week, Rich Johnston noticed in his Lying in the Gutters column a Craigslist ad from Sony Online Entertainment looking for Senior Levels Artists to work on the game. Before you start assembling your resume so that you can work with game consultant Jim Lee, be aware that the position has some steep requirements:
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent development experience.
• 5+ years experience in game development using Maya and the Unreal Engine.
• Must have shipped at least two titles with heavy 3D content as a senior Artist with management responsibilities.
DC Comics Universe Online has been long in development with very few details released. It was announced for computers and the PlayStation 3 but it's unknown if cross-platform play will be allowed. It's not likely to come out any time soon, either, since no mention of the game was made at Sony's recent 2008 media event in London last week.
Tue May 13, 2008 — by Karl Cramer
'The Incredible Hulk' Smashes Other Movie Standees
This life-like Hulk movie promo literally dwarfs the competition
Theater lobbies littered with cardboard standees promoting Indiana Jones, Dark Knight, Hellboy II and other movies may be a familiar sight these days, but to paraphrase the Hulk, they're just "puny banners!"
Selected theaters across the country recently received life-size maquettes to promote the release of The Incredible Hulk on June 13. And when we say "life-size," we mean it!
Measuring over 8-feet tall and as wide as a truck, simply standing next to one of the maquettes is enough to understand why that anonymous soldier in the classic Stan Lee/Jack Kirby origin issue called him a "hulking monster."
You have to wonder which movie theater employee gets to take this home.
Sun May 11, 2008 — by Karl Cramer
'Star Wars: The Clone Wars' Trailer Now Online
The first trailer for the Star Wars CGI movie debuts
I don't know what's more weird: Seeing the Warner Bros. "WB" shield instead of the 20th Century Fox spotlight logo on a Star Wars film or seeing a Star Wars movie done in the style of the TMNT movie from last year. But the fact remains, the Star Wars: The Clone Wars is real and it's coming this summer, August 15, 2008!
We all knew that the Star Wars animated movie would take take place between Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones
To see the trailer for yourself, go on over to Yahoo's exclusive preview.
Fri May 9, 2008 — by Karl Cramer
'Trick My Truck' Customizes Iron Man Rig
CMT's 'Trick My Truck' makes one trucker's Iron Man dreams come true
If Stark Industies made tractor trailers, they might look something like this. Country Music Television's Trick My Truck is the country version of MTV's Pimp My Ride
Fri May 9, 2008 — by Karl Cramer
Red Hulk in 'The Incredible Hulk' Game a GameStop Exclusive
A retail exclusive character is announced for 'The Incredible Hulk' movie game
At the New York Comicon, Sega's BJ Enriquez was elusive when asked about downloadable characters for the upcoming videogame based on The Incredible Hulk movie. Now we know why. Retailer Gamestop announced that Red Hulk, the mysterious enemy seen in current Hulk comics, would be a exclusive, playable character for customers who pre-order the Xbox 360 version from them.
According to GameStop:
Players who buy this version will be able to play with the Red Huk character immediately, something that other players will not be able to experience, as he does not exist in any other version of the game!
There are no indications if this is an exclusive scenario or if other retailers could have their own unique playable characters. Perhaps, "World War Hulk" for PlayStation 3 at Best Buy or "Maestro Hulk" for the Wii at Target? All we know for sure is which version Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuiness will buy.
Thu May 8, 2008 — by Karl Cramer
Marvel Super Hero Squad Game Announced
Game to be published based on Marvel super-cute action figure line
Gamers, get your insulin shots ready. THQ has signed a deal to make videogames based on the too-cute Marvel Super Hero Squad toy line. You know the ones we're talking about: The two-inch, superdeformed action figures where even the grimiest anti-hero and baddest bad guy look incredibly happy. Even the Punisher is smiling.
Like the toys themselves, the game is aimed at a younger audience, but should prove popular with adult comic book fans. The first game is scheduled to come out in 2009 for multiple systems. Will one of the missions include turning Doctor Doom's frown upside down? we'll see.
Also noted in the press release linked above was that Marvel will be launching a multimedia campaign for the Marvel Super Hero Squad toy line in 2009 with a dedicated animated series and comic books to come.
Oh, and you heard it here first: I predict a crossover in 2010 with Disney, where characters from the two properties will fight, but then realize that the real enemy was cavities. Okay, maybe not... but you never know.
Thu May 8, 2008 — by Karl Cramer
Gotham's Most Wanted: Dark Knight Joker Action Figure
Heath Ledger's Joker action figure sells out everywhere
It isn't often that mainstream media picks up on toy collector news, but various news sources couldn't help notice a mania for Dark Knight action figures based on Heath Ledger's Joker.
The New York Post reported that people lined up the day they went on sale. Within minutes, the stock was sold out. The craze for the figure isn't isolated to this side of the pond, either, with similar reports coming in from the U.K.
Collectors are believed to be buying up stock, convinced the figure is a collector's item, since Ledger passed away before the film was released. The $9.99 toy is ranging from $15-50 on eBay now. As hype builds up for the movie and the buzz builds, it's anybody's guess as to how the value of the figure will be affected.
Wed May 7, 2008 — by Karl Cramer
And the MTV Movie Award for Comic Books Goes To...
Which comics are represented in the 2008 MTV Movie Awards?
The annual MTV Movie Awards are pretty much the exact opposite of the Academy Awards. They're funny and irreverant, the music's decent and the voters are the public instead of an exclusive club of insiders. The categories change from year to year, and most importantly, comic book films actually manage to win on occasion.
So, when MTV announced the nominees for this year, I scanned the list for our four-color friends and called them out here. Some of the entries, though, were a bit surprising. After reading the nominees, be sure to go to the official site and cast your vote.
BEST FIGHT:
Alien vs Predator (Alien vs Predator: Requiem). Comic fans can claim this one since the two characters first crossed over in comics. I was impressed with Predator's stirring emotional performance but it felt like Alien was playing it for the Academy.
Tobey Maguire vs James Franco (Spider-Man 3). I was so rooting for the Peter Parker vs. Mary Jane dance-off getting nominated, but Parker's fight with Harry Osborn/New Goblin was pretty cool, too.
BEST SUMMER MOVIE SO FAR:
Iron Man. This is an interesting category since most of the entries haven't come out yet. But if we're going to be true to the "so far" part, then yes, Iron Man wins. It's a no-brainer at this point, really.
BEST VILLAIN:
Topher Grace (Spider-Man 3). This just makes me sad that the movie didn't feature Spider-Man nemesis Venom a bit more instead of forcing him to share the spotlight with Sandman, a bad guy whose big exit involved crying and floating away.
Fri May 2, 2008 — by Karl Cramer
'Smallville' Says Goodbye to Lex, Hello to Doomsday
Clark gets surprising replacement villains for Season Eight
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Fans of The CW's television series Smallville knew that this season was going to be the final one for actor Michael Rosenbaum, who plays Lex Luthor in the popular reinterpretation of Superman's angsty youth. His portrayal of Lex's descent into evil has been as fascinating to viewers as Tom Welling's portrayal of Clark Kent learning what it means to be a hero.
IGN broke the news recently that the next season will introduce two new villains. One they can't talk about yet, but the other is Doomsday (pictured at right in his original comic appearance).
Doomsday is best known for his fight to the death with the Man of Steel in Superman
The IGN story also stated that there would be a new female villain that would be familiar to comic book fans. Her story, according to executive producers:
Intelligent, brilliantly manipulative, and dangerously sinister, our gorgeous new villain has one more weapon in her arsenal: Her mutual attraction with Clark may prove to be as deadly as kryptonite for him.
Hmmm. Who could that be?
