New Scoop on BATMAN: ARKHAM CITY - 5 Times Bigger than Original & Possible Co-Op Play (Minor Spoilers)

Thank goodness for small favors. Like a any addict, I need my fix and thankfully the "Official PlayStation Magazine" and Comics Alliance gives us die hard Arkham fans some news on the plot, abilities, co-op mode, etc.

According to VG247's coverage:

The fenced-off area is five times the size of Arkham Asylum. Batman, obviously, doesn't like it: "He's been monitoring this place," said director Sefton Hill. "He's worried. He thinks it's a time-bomb waiting to explode into the streets of Gotham."

I am very excited to hear that Batman has a new gadget called a Grapple Boot, which pulls him up and launches him into the air, and can be combined with a new dive which pulls into high-speed, street level flight. Essentially, the Dark Knight can fly whcih is pretty sweet.

According to Chris Sims of Comics Alliance, Batman will also has a second zip line, "which he can shoot out while using the first: think classic Spider Man." Now that will make "zipping" around Arkham fun as hell.

The tidbit that will have Arkham fans and video gamers as a whole excited is the hint that there might be co-op play in the form of Catwoman. If you recall one of the previews, Batman rescues her from Two-Face, as depicted on the "GameInformer" cover from a few weeks back. -- and when asked if the fact that she uses her whip much the same way as Batman's grappling hook meant she'd be playable, Sefton Hill's response, "I'm not allowed to comment on that."

As far as other gameplay news, Hill revealed that there will be optional side-quests in the form of crimes that can be solved detective-style, by examining multiple pieces of evidence. It's a nice touch to show Batman as the World's Greatest Detective and not just a dude who kicks criminals in the face, and it seems like it could add more to the game than just wandering around hunting for Riddler trophies in between boss fights.

Batman will also have new moves in "Arkham City", including "beatdown" attacks and all-new takedowns: including hanging takedown where Batman throttles a man from above with his legs, and the ability to punch through panels to get to enemies on the other side.

So wipe the drool from your chin, take a deep breath and keep telling yourself it will be here soon.  That's all we can do until we can get our hands on this future game of the year.

Fantastic New ‘Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows’ Part 1 Trailer Released

Warner Bros. has released a brand new wonderful trailer for David Yates’ Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I. Surprisingly and to the credit of Warner Brothers, if you’re a fan of the franchise, the new trailer makes it seem like the two part finale might be the best yet, as it’s loaded with action and the footage looks epic.

Warner Brothers has done a wonderful job of marketing this film. To think this is the seventh movie in a now eight part saga and the buzz is still awesome. Most movies do not produce three good films for a trilogy let alone eight.

The film stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Ralph Fiennes, Alan Rickman, Rhys Ifans, Bill Nighy, and lots of other esteemed British thespians. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I opens November 19th.

Aquaman's Advice to Michael Phelps About Marijuana

 

"Now pay attention dumb ass.  Notice how Aquaman hits this without any cameras around us.  Also, a secret that very few people know is that if you smoke enough you can actually talk to the fish"

Picture Source: evAnimal

Maybe Wonder Woman's New Costume Should Just Be Body Paint

If you are an avid reader of gfest, then you probably don't care much for Wonder Woman's new costume, even if it was designed by the legendary Jim Lee. 

Designing new costumes is tricky business.  Its somewhat rare for a new costume to be universally loved upon introduction.  Some have become popular over time, but many eventually vanish and are never seen from again.  We suspect that will eventually be the case with the new Wonder Woman pantsuit. 

Having said all that, gfest is willing to stake its reputation that the above body paint costume would be universally loved and adored the day it was unveiled. 

Are we wrong?

McDonalds Releases New Masturbating Batman Toy in Happy Meals

Every guy in the world ends up playing with his little buddy every now and again.  But what about the superheroes and villians of the DC Universe?  Are they any different than the rest of us?

Does Aquaman flog his dolphin?  Does Scarface beat the dummy?  Does Lex Luthor make the bald guy puke?  Does the Music Meister play the skin flute?  Do the members of the Shadowpact spank their monkey?  Sure they do.  They all do.  Hell, I'll even bet that Silver Age Flash still polishes his helmet every now and again. 

But what about Batman?  Bruce Wayne just goes and grabs himself a couple of Gothams loosest women when he gets the urges.  But what about when he's Batman?  Well, McDonald's seems to have answered that question for us with this new happy meal toy:

Star Wars Art - "Tatooine Tone" Clever, Funny and Beautiful

Otis Frampton created this beautiful and funny Star Wars picture entitled, "Tatooine Tone."  The inspiration for the ad is the old Coppertone baby ad.  Looks like Yoda is pondering taking a look under the old loin cloth. It's a wonderful concept with a good amount of pop culture injected into it.  Great Job Otis!

Marvel 's Scariest Wolverine Cover Ever

Admittedly,  I do not read Wolverine all that often.  Not that I don't like him as a character, but mainly because there are just too many titles.  As a novice Wolverine reader I am confused when it comes to the continuity of this character and his relationship with the X-Men and the Marvel Universe.  Similar to what DC is doing with Batman.

"What If? Wolverine: Father" cover by Leinil Francis Yuonly only adds to my confusion.  Not that the art isn't wonderful but my Lord this makes this character even more confusing for a non-die-hard fan. 

Could that kid be anymore scary?  Freakin kid is like something out of a John Carpenter or Wes Craven movie. I thought "Child's Play" was scary, but Chucky's a light-weight compared to this thing.

Mike Mitchell's "NES Boy" Artwork is Nintendoreffic

We've featured artist Mike Mitchell numerous times on gblog.  His artwork is beautiful, very creative and usually pretty damn funny.  His most recent piece of art is entitled, "1985" (or as it it has also been called "NES Boy") is no exception.

Mike claims on his website, "that this particular piece of art is a quasi self portrait of my formative years."

I think this picture speaks volumes to million so of us out there that spent our youth just like Mike.  Gfest loves it!

Will We See Blake Lively As Star Sapphire in Green Lantern Movie?

Blake Lively chatted with MTV and was asked about playing Carol Ferris in Green Lantern following her role in The Town.

"To get to do a role like this that is so dark and so different and so broken and then to go be in a superhero movie opposite such amazing actors and an incredible director, and not just be the damsel in distress, be a fighter pilot, be his boss at the company, to play women with strengths are the characters I'm most attracted to," Lively said.

Carol ultimately becomes the villain Star Sapphire in the comics, but will there be any signs of that in the first film?  "No, not yet," Lively added. "Well, I mean, there are always winks and homages to certain things in the comics for the fans, but I don't think you know yet how evil she turns."

The Martin Campbell-directed Green Lantern is scheduled to hit theaters on June 17.

Source:  Superherohype

First Look at the Comic Book Version of Chloe Sullivan

In a move that has been long awaited by fans of the Smallville TV show, DC Comics is finally letting the character of Chloe Sullivan appear somewhere outside the Smallville universe.   Chloe will be appearing in the pages of the JIMMY OLSEN co-feature in ACTION COMICS by writer Nick Spencer and artist R.B. Silva, starting next week.  But is she the same Chloe Sullivan Smallville viewers have grown to love (or hate)?

The transition to comics comes as Allison Mack's character makes her exit from the TV show (she'll only be on a handful of episodes this season).  But Chloe Sullivan will also have to update her bio, as her character history will be re-written for the DC Comics Universe.

In the Smallville TV Show, Chloe Sullivan has morphed into a super tech and computer expert.  The problem in the DC Universe is that Barbara Gordon's Oracle already fills that role.  So instead, Chloe Sullivan will become a reporter, because the DC Universe apparently doesn't have enough reporters currently. 

In an interview with TV Guide, Spencer said "It's a pretty different continuity, which I think has always been the challenging part of bringing Chloe into the DC Comics Universe," Spencer says. "She's never existed in the comics before, so in order to make a part of Clark's life when he was a teenager in Smallville, you'd have to do it somewhat retroactively, and it would age Chloe as a character a lot, since Superman is well past that part of his life in the books."

Chloe will mainly appear with Jimmy Olsen, who she married in the Smallville TV show.  While they won't be married in the comic book, Spencer says that "she and Jimmy have a previous relationship and that causes him to embark on a huge adventure that takes him across space and alternate realities to prove something to himself and her."

Good lord that sounds horrible, but we are admitted Chloe Sullivan haters.  For you Chloe lovers out there, is this what you were hoping for when you first heard she was headed to the comic book world?  

DC Ends WildStorm Comics, Kills ZUDA & Pledges Enhanced Digital Publishing

Today has been a very busy day for DC comics and Warner Brothers. As reportedly earlier, DC Entertainment will move it's offices from New York to Burbank, California. Now, DC is reporting that the WildStorm Comics will end in December 2010 and Zuda Comics will cease to exist.

WildStorm, published American comic books. Originally an independent company established by Jim Lee and further expanded upon in subsequent years by other creators, WildStorm became a publishing imprint of DC Comics in 1999. The WildStorm imprint remains editorially separate from its DC parent, with its main studio located on the West Coast. The imprint takes its name from the combining the titles of the Jim Lee comic series WildC.A.T.S. and Stormwatch.

"After taking the comics scene by storm nearly 20 years ago, the WildStorm Universe titles will end this December. In this soft marketplace, these characters need a break to regroup and redefine what made them once unique and cutting edge. While these will be the final issues published under the WildStorm imprint, it will not be the last we will see of many of these heroes. We, along with Geoff Johns, have a lot of exciting plans for these amazing characters, so stay tuned. Going forward, WildStorm’s licensed titles and kids comics will now be published under the DC banner."

 

Zuda Comics was DC Comics' webcomics imprint from 2007 until 2010. It featured comics for Flash player instead of in a web page. Announced in a press release on July 9, 2007 and the first ongoing series and competing comic entries went live October 30, 2007. Zuda comics series have won awards and nominations from comic industry's Glyph Comics Awards and Harvey Awards. Bayou, Volume 1 was also named one of the 2010 Great Graphic Novels for Teens by the American Library Association.

"After this week, we will cease to publish new material under the ZUDA banner. The material that was to have been published as part of ZUDA this year will now be published under the DC banner. The official closing of ZUDA ends one chapter of DC’s digital history, but we will continue to find new ways to innovate with digital, incorporating much of the experience and knowledge that ZUDA brought into DC. "

"We could not be more excited by the successful launch of our Digital Publishing products in June, which exceeded all sales forecasts and will be building on our early success with new applications for DC material on all major formats and hardware, partnering with Warner Bros Digital Distribution"

It's been a very busy day in DC Comic and Warner Brothers land.  What do you think of all these moves and decisions that were announced today?  Do you think it poised DC and Warner Brothers to continue to be a dominate player in the entertainment industry?  Can DC keep-up with Marvel or even surpass them?  Let us know!

Zuda Image via Rich Lovatt

BEST T-SHIRT OF THE DAY - "Dawn of Toons that Where at Some Pointed Canceled"

T-shirts don't get much better than the one by RedRobotRabbit.  Can you name all these toons that were at one time or another canceled by clueless entertainment executives?  You can purchase this sweet t-shirt by clicking here. I love the fact that Bender has confiscated Ned Flander's head.

The "Anatomy of Mario" Sculpture

Jason Freeny created this wonderful sculpture entitled, the "Anatomy of Mario."  You can view this sculpture and many more fantastic and creative pieces of art at his website or at his deviantART page.

Here's hoping he gets to the DC, Marvel and Star Wars lines soon.  
 

DC Comics/Entertainment Moving to West Coast

Holy Sh*t Batman!  DC Comics is moving to the West Coast... Some of it, at any rate. The publisher is moving a significant portion of its staff to Burbank, California (home of Warner Bros. Entertainment) while keeping its core comics publishing unit in New York.

From an announcement released this morning, DC will "relocate its business functions related to and supporting multi-media and digital content production." That is later clarified to encompass all of DC Entertainment's work in film, television, videogames, digital media, consumer products as well as administrative functions. The move is expected to be completed by the end of 2011.

"These organizational changes reinforce the strengths of DC's greatest legacies – most importantly its people and its creative talent – and offer greater opportunity for maximum growth, success and efficiency in the future," said Diane Nelson, President of DC Entertainment (DCE). "Our two offices will stretch and build their respective areas of focus, while prioritizing and aggressively striving to connect and cooperate more strongly than ever before between them and with their colleagues at Warner Bros." 

I know this is not a BIG surprise it has been rumored to happen since the formation of the DCE entity last year.   Diane Nelson, DCE Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns, DC Comics Co-Publisher Jim Lee and DCE Executive VP of Sales, Marketing and Business Development John Rood are all based out West, so some shift to California seem likely.

I like this move and hope it boosters (gold) DC's entertainment arm.  We will hopefully continue to see more DC character movies, animation, video games and other entertainment projects in future. 

Lastly, the farther away any portion od DC can get from Dan Didio the better. 

What do you think?

Batman image courtesy of Jerahu

The Avengers Discuss Their New Health Care Plan [NSFW Video]

First it was the Tea Party, Sarah Palin and Republicans members of Congress and now it's the Avengers - government run health care (or Obama Care as it is known in some circles) touches everyone, even earth's mightiest superheroes.

You will laugh through "Avengers Assemble! Episode 1: Healthcare," in which a group of cosplaying comedians imagine how Earth's Mightiest Heroes might respond to today's hot-button issue.

The sketch sees Tony Stark addressing the team's new health plan, with each Avenger inadvertently revealing their health care needs as they inquire about how reform impacts their lives. Scarlet Witch is worried about her artificial domestic partner and imaginary children, Hawkeye's worried about STD's and unwanted pregnancies, Thor feels marginalized as a god from another realm and Wolverine is just happy to be Canadian.

Check out the video below (beware language may not be appropriate for work). via comicbook alliance

Marvel Announces Next Chapter in Stephen King's Dark Tower Series

Marvel Comics has announced that the next installment of the Dark Tower series kicks off in December. Dark Tower: The Gunslinger – The Little Sisters of Eluria will be written by Robin Furth and Peter David, with art by Luke Ross.

Synopsis from Marvel is as follows:

Roland’s journey has been long and treacherous and now there is nothing he can do to fend off the Little Sisters and whatever they have in store for him. Will the Gunslinger live to see the light of day? Find out in Dark Tower: The Gunslinger – The Little Sisters Of Eluria #1!

I am a huge fan of the Dark Tower Series.  I enjoy having this comic in my rotation on a monthly basis. I am extremely excited that Marvel and Stephen King has agreed to keep this series going on a regular basis.  Robin Furth does a wonderful job of exploring and expanding the Dark Tower world. 

Eminem Lobbying to Play The Riddler in Next Batman Movie?

There hasn't really been that much information released about the next Batman film, but that doesn't mean that there hasn't been a mountain of rumors flying around about who will be playing The Riddler.  The latest casting rumor:  Eminem wants the role of the wacky villain.

Reports from The Daily Express out of England claim that Eminem is going to whatever he can to land the infamous role of the Riddler once played by Jim Carrey.  To get Director Christopher Nolan's attention, the rapper has gone as far as to pen some dope batman related lyrics: "When it comes to business, you know I ain't no fiddler; You tell them Batman biggies, I wanna play The Riddler!" 

I hope he has more of an audition planned than that.

Eminem's people apparently confirmed that he has spoken to the producers of the new Batman film about the Riddler role, but he will be facing stiff competition from actual actors like Johnny Depp and Joseph Gorden-Levitt who are allegedly on Nolan's list.

Depp's involvement in the film was debunked over a year ago, but he has expressed interest in playing the character.  Gorden-Levitt on the other hand was said to be on a Warner Bros 'casting grid' for their next film and has been listed as "interested".

Gfest isn't anti-Eminem, but casting him as the Riddler?  That's not a good fit at all.  We're ready to throw this rumor in the junk pile.  We just can't see this one eventually being true.

The Batmobile Reported Stolen in Michigan

The Daily Telegram newspaper in Michigan is reporting that a 1994 Pontiac Grand Am that has been retrofitted to resemble the Batmobile from the Batman movies was reported stolen Thursday from an outbuilding in the 13000 block of Camburn Highway.

The vehicle was last seen about six weeks ago, according to information released Friday by the Michigan State Police.

The car, which the victim said he bought just before it went missing, is dark gray and has a bat insignia painted on the roof.

Anyone with information about the reported theft can call the state police or light the bat signal in the skies above Michigan. 

The cars value is stated as $200, which is clearly sloppy reporting.  Sure this is one of the shittier looking Batmobiles I've ever seen, but the mere act of slapping the Batman logo on the car makes it worth more than $200.  

The Biggest Green Guy of Them All Set to Return In Green Lantern #61

Green Lantern #61 will his stands in December and will feature the return of one of the DC Universe's biggest bad asses - The Spectre. 

In the official solicit for issue #61 from DC Comics they declare that:

BRIGHTEST DAY continues with the revelation of the identity of the cloaked figure that’s been collecting the Emotional Spectrum Entities! But how does its end goal involve the Butcher, the personification of rage? Plus, another being seeks the red entity – The Spectre! And he has no patience with his former host Hal Jordan, who happens to be in the way.

In the Blackest Night storyline, the Powers of the Spectre sparked the interest of the Red Lantern Corps leader Atrocitus, as he sensed the Spectre's real nature despite being influenced by the black ring at the time of their meeting.  He knew the Spectre was an embodiment of rage and vengeance.

Atrocitus wanted to harness the spirit's power for his Corps and his own vengeance against the Guardians of the Universe.  Parallax tore into the Black Lantern Spectre's body, freeing the real Spectre.  Atrocitus then attempted to turn the Spectre into his own rage entity, only to fail.  The Spectre then told him of the true rage entity, and warned him not to trifle with it.

Gfest thinks that the interaction between The Spectre, Hal Jordan, the rage entity and Atrocitus is nothing but interesting, and we can't wait for this issue.  Plus, we really love that cover.

Megan Fox Wannabe Shows Off Her X-Men Panties

I think we can all agree that Megan Fox should be considered a gift to humanity.  Yet while we've spent years seeing little Britney Spears clones running around, and more recently Lady Gaga clones, the desire for girls to emulate Megan Fox just hasn't seem to have caught on.  Until Now.  Let's hope this trend continues.