Links will take you to more resources for each location. Click the images embiggen and enjoy!
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Incredible walk-through maps of DnD modules!
Wizards of the Coast has been posting these for a few months, but if you haven't seen them, they're astounding. Artist Jason Thompson has rendered in fantastic detail, each encounter as it might play out along multiple adventure paths (so...spoilers!). Below are the maps posted to date.
Links will take you to more resources for each location. Click the images embiggen and enjoy!
Links will take you to more resources for each location. Click the images embiggen and enjoy!
Rocket Raccoon in the flesh!!
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
VIDEO: Forging Thor's hammer
The fellas at Man At Arms are at it again! First they made He-Man's power sword, now they're crafting Mjolnir, the magic warhammer of our favorite avenging thunder god as it's depicted in the movies!
Friday, October 25, 2013
Captain America: Winter Soldier trailer!!
I loved the Thor and Captain America flicks that Marvel put out in the last two years--so much so that I opted not to read spoilers on any site when it came to their respective follow-ups. I wanted to try and go into the sequels with only what I would see in trailers. If Cap's sequel is even half as cool as it looks in the newly released trailer, I'll be pleased.
Here's the UK version showing before Thor (the Norse god's own sequel opens next week--November 1--- here in the States). Enjoy!
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Superman Celebrates 75 Years
Wish Supes a happy anniversary with this awesome montage of him through the ages, plus some fan-made fare!
Wonder Woman Short Fan Film (2013)
THIS. IS. HOW. YOU. MAKE. A. WONDER. WOMAN. MOVIE.
Modern and mythic qualities perfectly blended. Seriously Warner Bros. get it together!
Batman: Dead End Short Fan Film (2003)
Sandy Corolla's take on Bats is 10 years old already and it's still a breath of fresh air in the Batman mythos. Some might say that it takes the genre-crossover a bit too far or the dialog isn't fully baked, but its fun take on the Joker is infectious. Plus, you couldn't do better than this for a "year one" type look for the Dark Knight himself.
P.S. Word is that Superman Vs. Batman starts filming this weekend. Seems so soon, especially when you consider the glacial pace at which WB has been weaving together their Justice League Plans!
Also posted over at Exonauts
Wonder Woman Short Fan Film (2013)
THIS. IS. HOW. YOU. MAKE. A. WONDER. WOMAN. MOVIE.
Modern and mythic qualities perfectly blended. Seriously Warner Bros. get it together!
Batman: Dead End Short Fan Film (2003)
Sandy Corolla's take on Bats is 10 years old already and it's still a breath of fresh air in the Batman mythos. Some might say that it takes the genre-crossover a bit too far or the dialog isn't fully baked, but its fun take on the Joker is infectious. Plus, you couldn't do better than this for a "year one" type look for the Dark Knight himself.
P.S. Word is that Superman Vs. Batman starts filming this weekend. Seems so soon, especially when you consider the glacial pace at which WB has been weaving together their Justice League Plans!
Also posted over at Exonauts
Friday, October 11, 2013
Kickstart this: Infinite Crypt dungeon terrain system
I know there are molds out there, but frankly, that's a lot more work than I've currently got time to pursue. Luckily, there's now this awesome laser-cut dungeon terrain system on Kickstarter, called Infinite Crypts!
The sets come flat-packed, like Ikea furniture. They're precut and you just pop 'em out and build. The system is modular so you can arrange as desired. But don't take my word for it...
It's in the UK and the dollars-to-pounds conversion stings, but you do get quite a bit for the money, regardless.
Dungeon terrain systems are a bit of an investment. I've looked at Dungeon Forge sets and the like, but I've always come back to just having a few key pieces on the table: furniture, rocky outcroppings, pillars, and stalagmites (you get the picture). Enough to help with tactics but not over crowd the table too much. But damn, this looks enticing.
I can see more than a few pieces I'd like to have. What about you?
- Infinite Crypt website
- Images: Infinite Crypts
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Ant-Man film finally in the works!
Potential spoilers to follow...
Looks like the Ant Man movie is still in the works! Director Edgar Wright recently tweeted this image:
So who's wearing the suit? Likely a stunt double, but a commentor on io9, suggested Breaking Bad's Aaron Paul would make a great Hank Pym, and I 100% endorse that suggestion! Especially since it seems like Ant-Man is going to be more of it's own thing, and not deeply integrated into the Disney Marvelverse (see links below). I personally think that's a mistake, but at least they picked a good director.
Previously:
They're really are making Ant-Man!
Looks like the Ant Man movie is still in the works! Director Edgar Wright recently tweeted this image:
Now I'm back in LA, it's high time to finish a little something I've been working on... pic.twitter.com/ko3u1q45C4That suit may look familiar, it's from the leaked test footage that appeared and was quickly scrubbed from the interwebs. You can still find videos of people watching it online (snooze!).
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) October 2, 2013
So who's wearing the suit? Likely a stunt double, but a commentor on io9, suggested Breaking Bad's Aaron Paul would make a great Hank Pym, and I 100% endorse that suggestion! Especially since it seems like Ant-Man is going to be more of it's own thing, and not deeply integrated into the Disney Marvelverse (see links below). I personally think that's a mistake, but at least they picked a good director.
 |
| "YEAH BITCH!" |
Meanwhile, in Avengers sequel news
Geek news outlets are reporting that Elizabeth Olsen (yes, related to the Olsen twins) is signed to play Scarlet Witch in Avengers: Age of Ultron. Aaron Taylor-Johnson (the guy who played Kick-Ass) is on-board for Quicksilver. Both seem like capable actors, so I'm excited to see what develops (hopefully NOT that awful Ultimates storyline, yeesh!). My dream would be to see my favorite superhero finally make it to the silver screen: the Vision!Previously:
- Edgar Wright confirms we'll meet Hank Pym in Ant-Man, via io9
- We've likely already seen what Ultron looks like in Iron Man 3, Joss Whedon has teased as much, via io9
- Fan made trailer on YouTube puts Adrien Brody in the ant helmet, but looks far too serious for Wright's directing style
- 'Ant-Man' Movie Wouldn't Just Be For 'Avengers' Experts, Director Says, via MTV
VIDEO: Dragon Strike board game VHS
I was visiting my FLGS, the Source earlier today and saw an old copy of Dragon Strike on the shelf. A quick perusal of the box reminded me that this was one of (sadly) many games in the 90s that came with VHS tapes.
I've never played the game, but I've acquired several pieces, from second hand shops including these little dudes. In any case, the game's video cassette looks absolutely hilarious by today's standards--in all it's dripping-with-90s-angst-sarcastic glory. And what's with the "floating head" narrator in the turtle neck? Looks like this would make for a fun Saturday night game!
Here now for your enjoyment, is the video:
I've never played the game, but I've acquired several pieces, from second hand shops including these little dudes. In any case, the game's video cassette looks absolutely hilarious by today's standards--in all it's dripping-with-90s-angst-sarcastic glory. And what's with the "floating head" narrator in the turtle neck? Looks like this would make for a fun Saturday night game!
Here now for your enjoyment, is the video:
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Superheroes don't get their due
It should come as a shock to no one that I'm a huge fan of superheroes. In fact, I've often thought about retooling this blog to be more of a "spells and superheroes" blog (having already covered the cape-clad set in several posts).
I'm also a toy/action figure nut. And since I've frequented many a toy aisle over the years, I've come to the realization that there hasn't really been a decent representation of the main supers in quite some time...at least not until recently.
When it came to toys, I had a charmed childhood. I could get a Batman, Superman, or Spider-man easily if I'd cracked open my piggy bank. In the last few years though, it's been tough to find the basic/regular 'ol costume for these guys--not to mention a lot of other high-profile heroes. I had ample opportunity to lay mitts on everything from the larger MEGO figures to the later, Star-Wars-sized Super Power (DC) and Marvel figures.
Justice League (Unlimited) has been off the air for several years now, and the ever-popular 50s-ish, Bruce Timm designs that graced shelves are only to be found on secondary sites. Before the Avengers film last year--and the Marvel movies leading up to it--it was near impossible to get Captain America or Thor, if you were a kid.
These days I've got a nephew (officially) and several other nieces/nephews (unofficially) interested in superheroes. Not to mention, we just had our own little one this summer. It's been surprisingly challenging this year to find some of the more mainline heroes in their basic costumes--something strange for such a super-saturated superhero culture.
Thankfully, as of this writing, Hasbro (Marvel) and Mattel (DC) are probably doing the best they've done in years to help kids learn about the heroes. Sure, there's been plenty for adult collectors. But not much for kids, in particular.
On the DC side, you've got Batman...and everyone else. Even Superman is second banana to Bruce. Who's rogues gallery is more prominent? Bats. Who has the most costume variations? Bats. And that's exactly where the problem starts--it's actually really tough to find Batman in his default costume.
Any kid in the multiverse ought to be able to go into a major retailer and--for a reasonable price*-- pick up these characters off a peg:
Hasbro has actually done a decent job with their Marvel lines, thanks to the Cap, Thor, Iron Man and Avengers films--not to mention their regular Marvel Universe figures. Though it wasn't until Avengers that all the main heroes were easy to get. Plus they were not kid-priced.
But in tracking down some of the DC characters I began to realize it was near impossible to find marquee superheroes in their original/regular duds. Until recently, if you wanted to snap up a Batman figure in his regular outfit, it was likely $15-$20 PER FIGURE. Even Amazon isn't giving you much of a price break.
Behold! My prayers are answered!
Mattel, who holds the license for DC characters, recently put out a line of JLA action figures in the square-jawed style of the Batman: Brave and the Bold TV series line that ended a while back.
FWIW, I really like the new figs (and not everyone does) mainly because it puts well-known heroes in kids hands for a really reasonable price--one they can even afford without mom and dad.
What the figures lack in articulation, is made up for in having them in their familiar duds (no Polar Power Missle Batman, thanks). Some fanboys may whine about the "New 52" look of some (Supes sans red outer-undies) but these do nicely. They're solid-looking interpretations. I'm sold.
Likewise, Hasbro has a similar strategy for getting superheroes into pint-sized mitts by offering up their most-popular character, Spiderman, for about $5. That's the magic price point right there.
But they've also made a 10" version (again with limited articulation) for $10, along with Iron Man and soon-to-hit shelves-Wolverine. Hasbro, in my mind, is the winner here, offering both the standard action figure size, and the more hand-swooshable mega-sized figures at a sensibly-scaled cost. Hopefully they'll offer more A-list heroes this way.
Poor, Maligned Wonder Woman
Sorry girls, if you're into superheroes, there's not much. Batgirl and Supergirl are always folded into their male counterparts' lines. So no separate series, despite a popular and reocurring TV short.
If you buy this $50 JLA pack that also comes with Aquaman and Cyborg (both exclusive to the set). Yeah, WW isn't getting nearly enough attention when it comes to putting her plastic visage in kid hands--boys or girls.
This actually bothered me enough that I contacted Mattel via email and phone (knowing that they won't do anything, but it still helps to make the opinion known). I asked if there were plans to bring the likes of Supergirl or Batgirl into the fold. You already know the answer to that one.
Target recently released a JLA-themed summer line (yard and pool games, crafts, beach towels, etc.) While Batman and Superman got to keep their colors for their products. Wondy had to endure the pastel-if-ication of her identity (pink and lavender). Worse though, she's either identified as just "Justice League of America" or no name at all!
No Marvel Superheroines
Marvel actually has a bigger problem in that there are no A-list women. Yes, She Hulk, Invisible Woman, Captain Marvel, Black Widow, Storm of X-men--all great suggestions. Zero of them even begin to approach Wonder Woman status. (Something that Marvel is currently desperate to remedy these days with two new comics, but that's another story.) The dearth is noticeable.
So what's the ultimate goal here?
Well, for one thing consistency. Both DC and Marvel have fairly spotty records when it comes to introducing kids to their characters. DC in particular starts a series and then cancels once it picks up steam. And that's just on some characters--others are totally ignored (again, Wonder Woman, et al.). Hasbro is doing better with their TV presence thanks to a first, and now encore Avengers series. But there are no figures based on either. But Spider-man's TV drives a lot of his current toyline. Huh?
So here's a proposal, a minimal 3-tiered approach for characters.
1. Comic/childrens book presence - It all starts here. Kid-friendly, well-rendered, in their "regular 'ol" duds.
2. TV presence - Same strategy as comics, support the main characters, with plenty of opportunity for bad guys and B-squad heroes.
3. Toys - Action figures to be precise, in their basic uniforms (preferably matching the comic and TV incarnations)
Currently, there's a lot of disparity between these three tines. Throw movies into the mix and you've got yourself into a huge mess. Marvel sells figures for PG-13 movies (sorry 7-year-old nephew, your parent say "no"!). DC sells Dark Knight figures which are super cool, but those films are largely not appropriate for younger kids (if not the subject matter than the approach to the characters in general).
*$10 per figure might be "reasonable" for an adult, but if you're a kid, putting together the main members of the Justice League should't cost you a year's worth of allowance. So let's say "reasonable" is less than that. How much less? Depends.
I'm also a toy/action figure nut. And since I've frequented many a toy aisle over the years, I've come to the realization that there hasn't really been a decent representation of the main supers in quite some time...at least not until recently.
When it came to toys, I had a charmed childhood. I could get a Batman, Superman, or Spider-man easily if I'd cracked open my piggy bank. In the last few years though, it's been tough to find the basic/regular 'ol costume for these guys--not to mention a lot of other high-profile heroes. I had ample opportunity to lay mitts on everything from the larger MEGO figures to the later, Star-Wars-sized Super Power (DC) and Marvel figures.
Justice League (Unlimited) has been off the air for several years now, and the ever-popular 50s-ish, Bruce Timm designs that graced shelves are only to be found on secondary sites. Before the Avengers film last year--and the Marvel movies leading up to it--it was near impossible to get Captain America or Thor, if you were a kid.
These days I've got a nephew (officially) and several other nieces/nephews (unofficially) interested in superheroes. Not to mention, we just had our own little one this summer. It's been surprisingly challenging this year to find some of the more mainline heroes in their basic costumes--something strange for such a super-saturated superhero culture.
Thankfully, as of this writing, Hasbro (Marvel) and Mattel (DC) are probably doing the best they've done in years to help kids learn about the heroes. Sure, there's been plenty for adult collectors. But not much for kids, in particular.
On the DC side, you've got Batman...and everyone else. Even Superman is second banana to Bruce. Who's rogues gallery is more prominent? Bats. Who has the most costume variations? Bats. And that's exactly where the problem starts--it's actually really tough to find Batman in his default costume.
Any kid in the multiverse ought to be able to go into a major retailer and--for a reasonable price*-- pick up these characters off a peg:
- Superman
- Batman
- Wonder Woman
- Spider-man
- Captain America
- Hulk
- Iron Man
- Thor
- Aquaman
- Flash
- Green Lantern
Hasbro has actually done a decent job with their Marvel lines, thanks to the Cap, Thor, Iron Man and Avengers films--not to mention their regular Marvel Universe figures. Though it wasn't until Avengers that all the main heroes were easy to get. Plus they were not kid-priced.
But in tracking down some of the DC characters I began to realize it was near impossible to find marquee superheroes in their original/regular duds. Until recently, if you wanted to snap up a Batman figure in his regular outfit, it was likely $15-$20 PER FIGURE. Even Amazon isn't giving you much of a price break.
Behold! My prayers are answered!
Mattel, who holds the license for DC characters, recently put out a line of JLA action figures in the square-jawed style of the Batman: Brave and the Bold TV series line that ended a while back.
FWIW, I really like the new figs (and not everyone does) mainly because it puts well-known heroes in kids hands for a really reasonable price--one they can even afford without mom and dad.
What the figures lack in articulation, is made up for in having them in their familiar duds (no Polar Power Missle Batman, thanks). Some fanboys may whine about the "New 52" look of some (Supes sans red outer-undies) but these do nicely. They're solid-looking interpretations. I'm sold.
Likewise, Hasbro has a similar strategy for getting superheroes into pint-sized mitts by offering up their most-popular character, Spiderman, for about $5. That's the magic price point right there.
But they've also made a 10" version (again with limited articulation) for $10, along with Iron Man and soon-to-hit shelves-Wolverine. Hasbro, in my mind, is the winner here, offering both the standard action figure size, and the more hand-swooshable mega-sized figures at a sensibly-scaled cost. Hopefully they'll offer more A-list heroes this way.
Poor, Maligned Wonder Woman
Sorry girls, if you're into superheroes, there's not much. Batgirl and Supergirl are always folded into their male counterparts' lines. So no separate series, despite a popular and reocurring TV short.
If you buy this $50 JLA pack that also comes with Aquaman and Cyborg (both exclusive to the set). Yeah, WW isn't getting nearly enough attention when it comes to putting her plastic visage in kid hands--boys or girls.
This actually bothered me enough that I contacted Mattel via email and phone (knowing that they won't do anything, but it still helps to make the opinion known). I asked if there were plans to bring the likes of Supergirl or Batgirl into the fold. You already know the answer to that one.
Target recently released a JLA-themed summer line (yard and pool games, crafts, beach towels, etc.) While Batman and Superman got to keep their colors for their products. Wondy had to endure the pastel-if-ication of her identity (pink and lavender). Worse though, she's either identified as just "Justice League of America" or no name at all!
No Marvel Superheroines
Marvel actually has a bigger problem in that there are no A-list women. Yes, She Hulk, Invisible Woman, Captain Marvel, Black Widow, Storm of X-men--all great suggestions. Zero of them even begin to approach Wonder Woman status. (Something that Marvel is currently desperate to remedy these days with two new comics, but that's another story.) The dearth is noticeable.
So what's the ultimate goal here?
Well, for one thing consistency. Both DC and Marvel have fairly spotty records when it comes to introducing kids to their characters. DC in particular starts a series and then cancels once it picks up steam. And that's just on some characters--others are totally ignored (again, Wonder Woman, et al.). Hasbro is doing better with their TV presence thanks to a first, and now encore Avengers series. But there are no figures based on either. But Spider-man's TV drives a lot of his current toyline. Huh?
So here's a proposal, a minimal 3-tiered approach for characters.
1. Comic/childrens book presence - It all starts here. Kid-friendly, well-rendered, in their "regular 'ol" duds.
2. TV presence - Same strategy as comics, support the main characters, with plenty of opportunity for bad guys and B-squad heroes.
3. Toys - Action figures to be precise, in their basic uniforms (preferably matching the comic and TV incarnations)
Currently, there's a lot of disparity between these three tines. Throw movies into the mix and you've got yourself into a huge mess. Marvel sells figures for PG-13 movies (sorry 7-year-old nephew, your parent say "no"!). DC sells Dark Knight figures which are super cool, but those films are largely not appropriate for younger kids (if not the subject matter than the approach to the characters in general).
*$10 per figure might be "reasonable" for an adult, but if you're a kid, putting together the main members of the Justice League should't cost you a year's worth of allowance. So let's say "reasonable" is less than that. How much less? Depends.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Final chapter of Clandestinauts web comic comes to a close...
Clandestinauts is about as wild, wooly, weird, and bawdy as it gets when it comes to killing monsters and taking their stuff. It began as a tale of made-up adventures using the PCs from his circle of friends' D&D group.
I've crossed paths with Tim over the last several years and picked up the print copies when available. Tim's truly a great guy and one of the most original young illustrators working in indie comics today. I'm excited for him to be finishing an epic adventure that's run since 2010.
I'm also looking forward to his upcoming project (which I can't recall if he's made widely public yet, but you likely could figure it out if you visit his website). It's been another labor of love, years in the making and all I can say is bring it on Tim!
Stop by his site and get caught up for the big finale which is coming this Thursday!
Post also posted to Exonauts.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
D&D White Box to be reprinted!!!!!!!
The OSR is new again! Coming in November, a wood box and all three original Dungeons & Dragons booklets and four supplements. From Wizards official announcement:
This deluxe, premium reprint of the original "White Box" features new packaging and includes the following seven booklets (plus, reference sheets):If you look carefully there are EIGHT (not seven) booklets. What could the "new" one be? Price is set at $150 US / $172 Canadian - start saving your pennies kids!
- Volume 1: Men & Magic
- Volume 2: Monsters & Treasure
- Volume 3: Underworld & Wilderness Adventures
- Supplement I: Greyhawk
- Supplement II: Blackmoor
- Supplement III: Eldritch Wizardry
Each booklet features new cover art but is otherwise a faithful reproduction of the original, including original interior art.
- Supplement IV: Gods, Demi-Gods & Heroes
Hat tip to Geekdad
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Wizards: TONS of classic D&D adventures & books now online
IT FINALLY HAPPENED! Wizards of the Coast has re-released PDF versions of classic Dungeons & Dragons adventures at their new site www.dndclassics.com.
The even BETTER news is that the purchase system is run by DriveThruRPG. Which means for those of us who already have an account, we don't need to go makin' a new one. Starting today, more than 80 files are for sale, inlcuding the '81 Basic Game (the one that came in the red box). Prices are supposedly start at $5, which is quite nice, considering this is all out-of-print material.
Word is, these are fresh scans folks--and searchable too!
Big 'ol hat tip to Geekdad over at Wired.com
Images: Wizards via Wired
UPDATE: The site seems to be overloaded, I'm sure due to the announcement this morning. This is surprising since DriveThru is usually pretty reliable. So looks like patience is in order. If anything, it's a great sign that so many people want to play OSR-style D&D!
They've posted an announcement to watch their Facebook and Twitter channels for updates.
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