Articles by karl-cramer
Wed Apr 16, 2008 — by Karl Cramer
'Voltron' Episodes Go Online
Xbox LIVE adds 'Voltron' to its video lineup... and the first one's free!
Maybe it was the recent interview with Voltron: A Legend Forged writer Josh Blaylock here on ComicMix that got them psyched-up to do it, but Xbox LIVE Video Marketplace has added the first two seasons of Voltron: Defender of the Universe to its list of downloadable videos.
If you already have an Xbox 360, then don't hesitate to get the very first episode, "Space Explorers Captured," because it's free. Other episodes will cost 160 MS Points (roughly $2 in the U.S.).
Travel to Planet Arus and uncover the secret of a weapon from ancient times — Voltron! Keith, Lance, Sven, Hunk and Pidge arrive too late, the planet has already been completely devastated by the evil forces of King Zarkon. They engage in battle with Zarkon's general, Yurak, only to be captured and thrown into the dungeons on Planet Doom.
Like all cartoons from your childhood, they might not hold up to your memories. (Space mice? Really?) But the nostalgia's worth the initial price. After that, you're hooked. Darn animation pushers.
Fri Apr 11, 2008 — by Karl Cramer
Images of New 'Iron Man' Game Armor Revealed
... and every one of 'em is whiskey-stain resistant
One of the staple of comic book videogames is that players can unlock alternate costumes that the characters have had at one time or another. (My favorite is still the Spider-Man costume featuring a paper-bag head, Fantastic Four uniform and "Kick Me" sign pulled from Amazing Spider-Man
Since Iron Man rarely settled on a suit for very long, it's no surprise that Sega decided to include a variety of unlockable costumes in the upcoming Iron Man movie-based game in addition to the three models seen in the film.
To add a dash of "Armor Wars" to the eternal war over which console is the best, there will be exclusive armors for different systems: PlayStation 3 gets Ultimate Iron Man from The Ultimates
A gallery of 360-degree visuals of all the armor is posted after the jump:
Continue reading Images of New 'Iron Man' Game Armor Revealed ›
Thu Apr 10, 2008 — by Karl Cramer
Final Episode of 'Sam & Max: Season Two' Wraps
The comic book detectives are quietly becoming kings of multimedia
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That's a wrap. Steve Purcell's Sam & Max have just finished the second season of their episodic computer game series with the latest chapter, "What's New, Beelzebub?" scheduled for release on Friday, April 11. Not only is it remarkable in its own right as one of the few successful examples of episodic content in videogames, but that Sam & Max has discretely become one of the best quality franchises in the realm of multimedia.
Originally a comic book released under various publishers, the dog and rabbit detectives took on hilarious cases with a unique outlook: Sam used wry observations, Max used psychotic threats of violence. Before long, they became a hit computer game in the DOS days of computers, a television series and an Eisner-nominated webcomic.
The latest bit of multimedia stardom for the franchise has arrived via critically acclaimed episodic content videogames. In this format, smaller chunks of games are sold online and released on a shortened schedule as opposed to a single, standalone game release every few years. In the end, it's like watching a television program season-by-season instead getting the boxed-set DVD. And just like television, episodic videogames have annual seasons that continue the adventures as long as the public wants them. And with storylines that involve assasinating the Lincoln memorial after it comes to life and decides to run for office, how could the public not ask for more?
You can download one of the episodes from the first season of Sam & Max absolutely free. (Psst... There's a wickedly funny Superman joke contained within the game, comics fans.) If the first episode gives you the game bug, you can purchase more episodes or the Season One Collected Edition.
On a related note, Sam & Max producer Telltale Games recently announced that Season One would be coming to the Nintendo Wii system. However, in a little bit of ComicMix exclusive news, Marketing Coordinator Emily Morganti revealed that the rumored Xbox Live Arcade version of the episodic content would not be coming anytime soon, saying, "We'd like to bring Sam & Max to XBLA some day, but right now it's not something we're working on. We had a huge fan response to the idea of Sam and Max on the Wii, so it felt like the right place to start."
Since even the PC version is basically just pointing and clicking, we can hardly disagree that the Nintendo Wiimote is ideal for this kind of game. Just make sure the strap is on your wrist, because you might laugh enough to drop the controller.
Tue Apr 8, 2008 — by Karl Cramer
New Footage From 'Iron Man' Now Online
Apple.com debuts exclusive 'Run Before You Can Walk' clip
Dear Paramount,
Please stop teasing us with Iron Man movie stuff. It's getting to the point where the anticipation is actually causing physical pain. You've sold us. We're there on opening day.
Thanks.
Apple.com's movie trailer section scored an exclusive clip of Robert Downey, Jr. as Tony Stark, taking flight for the first time in his Iron Man armor. Check out the site to see the clip in more formats than you ever knew were possible.
Fri Apr 4, 2008 — by Karl Cramer
'Legend of Zelda' Manga Coming to America
Online retailers confirm U.S. version of 'Zelda'
Put down your Wiimotes, folks. A variety of online retailers, including Amazon and RightStuf, have started accepting orders for The Legend of Zelda
This is great news for fans of the popular Nintendo character. For several years, the series has only been in Japan and acclaimed for keeping faithful to the games while explaining some of the back story of the fantasy franchise's universe.
Link, the elf boy from Hyrule, is perhaps Nintendo's second biggest character, only eclipsed by Mario. There is no indication which storyline the series will start with, but it's presumed to be published in the same order as Japan, so that means it would chronicle the events from the The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Finally, the good news: Volume One will have 200 pages by Akira Himekawa and retail for just $7.99. And the bad news: It doesn't come out until October 7th.
Don't be sad. It could be worse. They could've revived the old Zelda comic published by Valiant.
Wed Apr 2, 2008 — by Karl Cramer
'The Dark Knight' Viral Marketing Prizes Revealed
'Attack of the Show' reveals what lucky 'Dark Knight' fans found
Yesterday's news about the latest viral marketing campaign for The Dark Knight had fans running to mysterious locations. For what? Money? A party? Adam West trying to fit in the Batsuit?
We guessed it had something to do with bowling from the clues in the message, and it turns out we were right. We should get a cookie... or a batsuit. Nevertheless, the lucky people who figured that out first and arrived at the locations teased in the campaign received something even better: a bowling bag. Inside the bag was a Joker-themed bowling ball with a number on it, and an evidence bag with a cell phone inside it. When winners called the number, a creepy voice let them know "we know who you are now." *shiver*
G4TV's Attack of the Show managed to get one of the prizes and made a video about it. See for yourself what you would've gotten if you had pressed "turbo" on the Batmobile a little earlier.
Oh, and ComicMix reader Russ Rodgers alerted us to another viral marketing website for The Dark Knight, Acme Security Systems. Sure, it looks pretty legit -- but they protect against Fear Toxin?
Tue Apr 1, 2008 — by Karl Cramer
'The Dark Knight' Viral Marketing Strikes Again!
'Clown Travel Agency' lists locations for Batman movie mystery prizes...
Alternate Reality Games are the "it" thing in web marketing, especially for the upcoming The Dark Knight movie. Take, for instance, all of the activity we've reported on in the past surrounding the Harvey Dent campaign site. Well, they're at it again.
For April Fool's Day, a website launched for the Clown Travel Agency. A click on the envelope reveals a list of international locations and the message:
READY TO HAVE A BALL?
A SPECIAL BAG OF FUN AWAITS THE FIRST TO CLAIM IT, BUT YOU'D BETTER STRIKE FAST, THERE'S NO TIME TO SPARE!
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Sounds like there's a bowling theme at play here. If any Dark Knight detectives track the prize down, let us know!
Mon Mar 31, 2008 — by Karl Cramer
'Ctrl-Alt-Del' Webcomic Goes 'Choose Your Own Adventure'
Choose-Your-Own-Adventure storyline and second season of animated series announced
Ctrl+Alt+Del webcomic creator Tim Buckley recently dropped two pieces of news of interest to readers on his website.
The first is that Season Two of the Ctrl+Alt+Del Animated Series begins today. Like the property it was based on, animated CAD will premiere online first. Fans can buy individual episodes, the first of which will cost an introductory $0.99, or they can subscribe for the entire season in advance. This gives you access to the entirety of Season One, Season Two episodes as they become available and a discount on the DVDs. Subscribers get the whole package for $24.95 if they sign up today.
The second piece of news concerns the webcomic. Buckley admits that he was a fan of the Choose Your Own Adventure book series growing up. Before the webcomic gets too tied up with a wedding/pregnancy storyline, he wants to experiment with "Ethan MacManus: Space Archaeologist," a storyline where the CAD characters are reimagined in a cross between Star Wars and Indiana Jones. But here's the best part: readers will be able to vote on the choices the pop-culture obsessed Ethan must make.
So if it's not funny, you only have yourself to blame.
Sun Mar 30, 2008 — by Karl Cramer
Trailer For 'Incredible Hulk' Videogame Debuts
Sega releases in-game footage from upcoming 'Hulk' game
Sega has released the first trailer for the videogame based on the upcoming Incredible Hulk film. The footage gives us a good indication of what we can expect.
The Hulk jumping great distances? Check. Hulk wrecking New York City? Check. The army and robots, Hulk's favorite fodder, getting smashed? Check and check.
Also the "Coming Soon" message on the game's official website has been replaced with all-new info, images and what may be the music from the movie. The Incredible Hulk game will be released in June 2008 for the Nintendo DS, PlayStation 3, Wii, Xbox 360 and Windows PCs.
Thu Mar 27, 2008 — by Karl Cramer
Which Comic is Getting a New 4-Player Arcade Game?
Arcade developer teases finished superhero game but won't name the license...
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Who says comic book fans are antisocial? I grew up hanging out at pizza parlors and movie theaters with my friends, playing arcade games like Captain America and the Avengers, Spider-Man, TMNT and X-Men.
Well, cue a flashback to the '90s, because arcade developer Signature Devices announced in a press release that they've finished work on a four-player arcade game that featuring "several well known comic book and television superheroes."
The game will feature a four-player arcade style co-operative play. Players can play solo or as a team against the plot, which takes place in three separate locations on earth and other planets. Signature Devices has developed the game to allow players to control the powers and abilities of
earth's mightiest heroes [Ed. Note: emphasis ours] in an action packed fight for justice against some of the greatest comic book villains. The Company has developed the game to truly come to life using the co-operative methods best utilized with two to four players at a time.
But they didn't say which comic book heroes, probably because that's the responsibility of the arcade game publisher. Meanwhile we're left to speculate which superheroes it could be. It helps that they say they've been on television. Candidates include Justice League, X-Men, Spider-Man, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or maybe even NBC's Heroes, among others. One interesting phrase we highlighted in the quote is "earth's mightiest heroes," a term commonly used by The Avengers, who had a brief cartoon run.
We'll admit we'd be excited to grab a few beers and play this with friends at Dave & Buster's. ComicMix readers, any ideas what you think this might be... or, of course, which characters you want this to be?
Wed Mar 26, 2008 — by Karl Cramer
Play and Win: Classic 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' Game
Verizon sponsors 'Play and Win' event for classic TMNT arcade game
Can you hear me now?
Oh, Verizon. Not only do you sponsor some of our favorite shows with your funny ads starring the quality assurance tech, but you're buying our love by sponsoring a contest featuring three of our favorite things - comics, games, and '80s nostalgia.
Starting today, gamers who play the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1989 Classic Arcade Xbox 360 game online after registering at the Verizon Family Game Night Play and Win Sweepstakes website are automatically entered for a chance to win an Xbox 360 120GB Hard Drive and Xbox 360 Universal Remote. The TMNT portion of the contest ends March 31st, so hurry up and kick some shell.
(ComicMix apologizes for not telling you about last week's Spider-Man: Friend or Foe portion of the Play and Win contest. How'd we miss that?)
Tue Mar 25, 2008 — by Karl Cramer
'Hellboy: The Science of Evil' Screenshots Debut
Konami releases new screenshots for their upcoming Hellboy game
Sure, Hellboy rebelled against Satan's plan to conquer the world, but he's doing just fine on his own these days.
Mike Mignola's character debuted in comic books, but has gone on to be a hit in novels, toys, movies and animation. Now, Konami has released new screenshots from their upcoming Hellboy: The Science of Evil videogame.
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The game will allow fans to take on the roles of Hellboy, Abe Sapien, Liz Sherman and Johann Kraus against the evil Nazi Herman von Klempt. Although the game's continuity is independent of the movies, it features the voice talent of actors from the original film, as well as the upcoming Hellboy II: The Golden Army, including Ron Perlman, Selma Blair and Doug Jones.
The game will support online and offline multiplayer co-op for up to four players. Hellboy: The Science of Evil is scheduled for a summer 2008 release on PlayStation 3, PSP and Xbox 360.
Tue Mar 25, 2008 — by Karl Cramer
Press 'Ctrl Alt Del' For New Cover
Reprint of sold-out 'Ctrl Alt Del' webcomic collection features new cover art
Good news for fans of Ctrl+Alt+Del webcomic. The out-of-print, first-volume collection of the series, Ctrl+Alt+Del Volume 1: Insert Coin, will be reprinted with a brand new cover. It will also be offered in a signed hardcover format limited to 500 copies. Previous editions of the hardcovers sold out quickly, so creator Tim Buckley recently gave his fans the heads up on his website that they will be available soon.
Ctrl+Alt+Del chronicles the insanely funny adventures of roommates Ethan and Lucas. The pop-culture- and videogame-obsessed Ethan is barely held in check by his level-headed friend and a cast of characters including girlfriend Lilah and Zeke, a game console brought to life so that Ethan would always have somebody to play with. Besides being one of the most popular webcomics on the 'Net, Ctrl+Alt+Del has been brought to life as an animated series online and on DVD.
Also shown on Buckley's website was the cover to the second issue of Analog and D+Pad, the spinoff comic book that reimagines the cast of CAD as superheroes. Both books will be available in the CAD online store.
Tue Mar 25, 2008 — by Karl Cramer
Confirmed Iron Man Cameo in 'The Incredible Hulk'
Robert Downey Jr. will appear as Tony Stark in 'Incredible Hulk' crossover
One of the things made Marvel Comics stand out from other publishers back in the Silver Age was the concept of a shared universe. Other publishers would have guest stars every now and then, but Stan Lee reasoned that if all these costumed types were all running around New York City, they should be bumping into each other left and right. And fans loved it.
Marvel Studios is taking a cue from its comics roots and is having Iron Man star Robert Downey Jr. cameo as inventor Tony Stark in this summer's other Marvel superhero movie The Incredible Hulk.
Downey confirmed the rumor in an interview on MTV Movies Blog.
“It happens to be a scene where I basically approach [William Hurt’s character, General Ross], and we may be considering going into some sort of limited partnership together,” Downey stated.
Downey also teased that another unnamed star would appear in the Iron Man credits. Maybe the Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury rumor buzz we've been hearing? Hmm. We'll be sure to stay in our seats until the end for both movies this summer.
Sat Mar 22, 2008 — by Karl Cramer
Marvel Zombies: The Movie?
Fan-made trailer teases potential adaptation...
Audiences love superhero movies. They also love zombie movies. What if... What if Marvel Studios decided to greenlight Marvel Zombies: The Movie?
Sadly, this is not reality. But Ojala Productions created a fan made, not-for-profit trailer for the popular comic book that gives us a peak and what could be. Similar to Batman: Dead End, the famous internet short where the Dark Knight squared off against Joker, an Alien and a Predator, Marvel Zombies was filmed as a calling card to show studios Ojala Productions' capabilities.
Click here to see the trailer. Warning: graphic portrayals of violence and gore
