CREED: THE NEXT ROUND #1 – A Fighter Never Stops Battling

NI Staff

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June 28, 2023

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CREED: THE NEXT ROUND #1 – A Fighter Never Stops Battling

CREED: THE NEXT ROUND #1 by BOOM! STUDIOS

CREATIVE TEAM: LaToya Morgan (Dark Blood, AMC’s Walking Dead) and Jai Jamison (Superman & Lois), Wilton Santos (Break Out), DJ Chavis (Lunar Room), and executive producer Elizabeth Raposo, associate producer Christina Raquel of Outlier Society and Chartoff-Winkler (Creative Director: Michael B. Jordan)

Welcome to a new installment of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH podcast on Nerd Initiative!

For this entry, we’re checking out the latest addition to a movie franchise via a brand new comic series from BOOM! Studios. Since its’ debut in 2015 with “Creed”, the spin-off story of Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) ahs been winning over fans with two very successful sequels, “Creed II” (2018) and “Creed III” (2023). Hitting comic shops this week is the continuation of the saga with Outlier Society (Michael B. Jordan’s production company) and Chartoff-Winkler bringing the franchise to the world of comics.

CREED: THE NEXT ROUND #1 by LaToya Morgan (Dark Blood, AMC’s Walking Dead) and Jai Jamison (Superman & Lois), Wilton Santos (Break Out), DJ Chavis (Lunar Room), and executive producer Elizabeth Raposo, associate producer Christina Raquel of Outlier Society and Chartoff-Winkler (Creative Director: Michael B. Jordan)jumps the story ahead from where fans last saw Creed and his family. Let’s take a closer look and see how things are shaping up now, shall we?

More From BOOM! STUDIOS?

* POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING *

The events of this story take place a decade after the conclusion of “Creed III”. Quoting directly from the opening page: “AMARA CREED WAS BORN DEAF AND HER MOTHER, BIANCA CREED, HAS COMPLETELY LOST HER HEARING BEFORE THE EVENTS OF THIS STORY. THE CREED FAMILY USES A MIX OF BASL (BLACK AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE) AND LIPREADING TO COMMUNICATE WITH EACH OTHER.”

Ring The Bell

The first image readers see is Amara walking to a ring, clad in a boxing robe. With her father in her corner, Amara prepares for a boxing bout. Amara is facing Rebecca Gonzalez with a record of 5-3-0. Readers see the process of how Amara breaks down the fight. Her father waives a red towel, which Amara refers to “stop messing around and utilize your jab.” Amara complies and sets up to finish the fight with a win!

After the fight, Amara, Bianca and Adonis talk about the fight. Left with conflicting views, Amara looks at the trophy case and flashes back to when she first started. Readers see that since Adonis has retired, something has changed about his behavior in Amara’s eyes.

DON’T MISS GHOSTLORE!

The next day, Amara is back in the gym, training with her dad. Amara is looking for tougher competition but her dad thinks otherwise. Meanwhile, someone is in the gym not showing the respect to Amara.

When she arrives at school, her friend Mel points out that there is an underground fight meeting happening later. With her parents away on business, Amara makes plans to go. What happens when she arrives at the fight club? Readers don’t wait too long to see Amara bring the action. The fallout sends her on an unexpected course that no one will see coming. No one ever said the road to becoming a champion was easy as the final moments show this story isn’t going to the judges for decision.

Story Review

Morgan and Jamison recreate the magic of the films with a story that carries a big Hollywood feel. Amara’s journey into becoming a champion mirrors some of the same youthful confidence personas conflicting with the elder experienced trainer. The writers play heavy into Adonis’ conflict post-retirement. Trying to balance being a father to being a trainer make for some strong character moments.

The family dynamic is another big element of this issue. Seeing Bianca and Adonis try to figure out a way to let Amara find her own path (to a degree) spotlight what makes these movies so special.

The characters are easily relatable and readers can’t help but to root for them to win. The final moments throw a solid curve into the mix and concludes a great first issue.

CHECK OUT ROGUE SUN!

Artwork Overview

Santos and Chavis come out of the gates swinging with fast paced panels. The initial fight sets a solid pace for where things head into the story. The full page “Victory” panel closes the fight and transitions smoothly into the next phase of Amara’s path.

These panels are followed up well with Amara looking into the trophy case and thinking of where she’s been and where she’s going.

The close-ups of Adonis and Bianca trying to figure things out breaks form the action to give readers a better connection with the characters. The training sessions with Amara mimicking Adonis play out perfectly to show how she’s growing as a fighter and slowly breaking form his shadow. The fight club panels push forward the emotions of fighting while adding more layer to Amara’s overall character. Great final sequence of panels to mix in the surprise ending and send readers into the next round with a loud visual statement.

FINAL POINT: 8.5 OUT OF 10

The next chapter in the Creed saga doesn’t lose the opening round as readers are treated to an excellent first issue. Morgan, Jamison, Santos and the entire team repackage the magic of the movies and deliver it to the comic shop with superb writing and energetic art. You won’t want to miss picking this up on New Comic Book Day.

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of Creed: The Next Round #1. Thanks for reading Parlay points on Nerd Initiative!

Check Out More Content From ODPH HERE

LOCAL MAN #5 – Secrets and Lies Haunt a Hero

NI Staff

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June 28, 2023

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LOCAL MAN #5 – Secrets and Lies Haunt a Hero

LOCAL MAN #5 – IMAGE COMICS

CREATIVE TEAM: Tony Fleecs, Tim Seeley, Brad Simpson and Felipe Sobrerio

Welcome to an all-new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog for the ODPH Podcast on Nerd Initiative!

For this entry, one of the underrated series on the shelves brings its’ next chapter to readers with another can’t miss issue. LOCAL MAN #5 by Tony Fleecs, Tim Seeley, Brad Simpson and Felipe Sobrerio from Image Comics has taken readers on a trip thrrough the up and down of Jack Xaver aka CROSSJACK as he adjusts to his life as a former superhero.

The series has paid a great homage to the classic superheroes themes of Image while mixing in a modern mystery. Last issue raised the stakes and revealed Xaver’s problems are only getting worse. Let’s not delay and jump into issue #5 & see how the drama unfolds, shall we?

LOOKING FOR MORE IMAGE COMICS?

* POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING *

Previously…

Jack Xaver aka CROSSJACK had a very public fall from grace when he was released from Third-Gen. Now forcefully retired from being a super hero, Xaver has returned home to Farmington, Wisconsin. The welcome hasn’t been warm. The residents (including his family) are not so favorable to his return. Xaver tries settling in but his super hero past still haunts him.

After an encounter with a former rival, the body count starts rising around Xaver. Former foes like Hodag and Frightside are mysteriously killed, with Xaver being a suspect. Xaver breaks the rules and starts to investigate. This brings the attention of his former team and one member with a HUGE grudge against him: Camo Crusader!

DON’T MISS BATTLE CHASERS!

Jack infiltrates a secret base which might lead to some answers, but is interrupted by Crusader. A fight ensues and Xaver kills Crusader when he tries killing Chief Bucholz to frame Jack and protect his secrets. With Bucholz ready to clear Xaver’s name, he is attacked by a teleportating assailant, looking to finish what Crusader stated!

This issue picks up with Xaver waiting at the Fourth-Gen Community Center (former base). Xaver has no idea the chief is bleeding out and Third-Gen is in fast pursuit of the truth about Crusader’s fate. Xaver starts to get curious and starts to make his way through the old base of operations. The memories start coming back to Jack as seeing old pictures of the past hit a certain way. When thinking of what Camo Crusader’s plan was trying to do, readers can easily connect with the moments’ impact on Xaver.

Unfortunately, the trip down memory lane is short lived as the mystery assailant is finally revealed! Readers will not be ready for the reveal as the attack begins on Xaver! The battle lives up to the built as Xaver is given a heavy weight to carry as the motivations come to light.

HERE COMES THE ACTION!

The action picks up the pace until an unexpected conclusion brings that event to an end. Even with that moment being a huge one, it is overshadowed by the fallout from Xaver’s latest challenge. Another figure sparks a conversation that isn’t without weight. Heading into the final act, answers that fans have been questions surface, leading Xaver into a new direction. The final pages prove without a shadow of a doubt this series is only getting started.

The bonus story gives more clarity to Camo Crusader’s involvement with 4th Gen, putting a great bookend to putting a finish to one avenue of the ever-engaging series.

NOCTERRA FIRING ON ALL CYLINDERS

BREAKDOWN: Fleecs and Seeley pull out all the stops for an unforgettable issue. Jack Xaver is a complex character to put it mildly. Losing the spotlight in such a public fashion only to be forced to re-live the past with murders piling up isn’t an easy task. The writers have portrayed him as someone trying to do good, but slipping up more times than not.

There is an excellent throw-in line referencing the classic Image books. Seeing the effects of his action as it ties in with the assailant is a great twist to the basic set-up for good guy vs. bad guy.

As great as that sequence is, the one readers will have the stronger reaction to is the conversation with Xaver and who he speaks with in the fallout. It brings up feeling of sadness and disappointment as what Xaver thought was his dream was nothing more in reality.

In just a few panels, the writers cemented Xaver is a likeable loser with any wins swiftly taken away. If things look dire now, the closing moments bring more intrigue

The art displayed the brutal face-off with Xaver and his assailant superbly. The panels carry a steady pace with only slowing down to give readers moments of story.

MORE COMIC REVIEWS? YOU GOT IT!

This adds more gravity to the moments unfolding as it sinks in to Jack what has been happening. There’s a few panels that shift Jack to an earlier time, displaying how he is seeing himself in this fight.

The emotional points hit with readers, especially when Jack finally has a talk with a person of interest after the fight. Reading the body language of the conversation, there is no way to dodge the sense of self-loss matching the words. Solid final sequence to set-up the next stage in Jack’s post-superhero life.

FINAL POINT: 9.5 OUT OF 10

Local Man #5 gives readers a very satisfying conclusion to the initial mystery of the book while planting seeds to for what is next. Jack Xaver’s life is anything but normal with the complex losses he keeps taking. Fleecs and Seeley have raised the stakes with excellent writing and art painting the picture of a broken hero. You need to add this series into your comic collection.

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of Local Man #5. Thanks for reading Parlay points On Nerd Initiative.

Check Out More Content From ODPH HERE

Asteroid City Has Some Heart But Is One Big Cloud Away From Shining

Movies

Pooja Chand

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June 27, 2023

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Asteroid City Has Some Heart But Is One Big Cloud Away From Shining

With his brand new film, Asteroid City, Wes Anderson returns and along with him is a stacked cast with notable names throughout Hollywood. The film is not quite what it seems as it follows Augie Steenbeck (Jason Schwartzman) and his four children who visit Asteroid City for a Junior Stargazer event that one of the children competes in. When an inexplicable incident occurs during the festivities, the entire town is placed into quarantine as everyone’s perspective on life begins to change.

(L to R) Jake Ryan, Jason Schwartzman and Tom Hanks in director Wes Anderson’s ASTEROID CITY, a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Pop. 87 Productions/Focus Features

Wes Anderson is known for his quirky films, pastel tones, panned shots, and comforting aesthetics. Asteroid City is no different from any title on his filmography, and continues his use of unique visual storytelling in order to convey underlying themes and messages throughout the film. If there is anything to admire most from this film, it’s exactly that: the visuals. Asteroid City doesn’t start off in the way we’d assume, given what we know from trailers and marketing.

In fact, there’s a whole different setting presented to us and it’s then we realize what kind of story is being told as it alters between what can only be described as the stage and backstage. Transitions are used in a manner that has been used before but in a way that makes you feel like you’re watching two things at once, or perhaps one story with added commentary. The main downfall to the transitions is that it can often feel disconnected, with some scenes feeling empty as if they’re inserted without explanation or reason.

(L to R) Jake Ryan, Ella Faris, and Willan Faris in director Wes Anderson’s ASTEROID CITY, a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Pop. 87 Productions/Focus Features

Thematically, Asteroid City is a bit all over the place but ultimately centers upon grief and our perspective of life. While it’s very easy to assume there is a right and wrong way to go about handling life as we grieve, the film attempts to shake us out of this mentality. At some point, we’ve all grieved before whether we realized it or not, and each in our own way. Rather than staying stuck and constantly considering if we’re doing anything right, all we can do is keep doing what we’re doing and keep moving forward. It’s a beautiful sentiment that is expressed briefly in the film through an interaction between characters portrayed by Jason Schwartzman and Adrien Brody that can be easily missed or brushed off as an insignificant moment.

(L to R) Jason Schwartzman and Tom Hanks in director Wes Anderson’s ASTEROID CITY, a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Pop. 87 Productions/Focus Features

But with that said, there are moments intended to be comedic or heartfelt that are pulled off well. The film is guaranteed to get the audience to smile or get us to nod our head in agreement in small moments of wisdom. However, there are moments that feel flat and absent of any value or punchline. Asteroid City attempts the “story within a story” formula in true Wes Anderson style but it often feels like overstuffed layers of meaningless moments to bury the intended message of the film. It gets to the point where instead of gradually peeling back the layers to allow the audience to fully understand the film’s purpose, we become lost in a convoluted story that somehow involves an alien that causes a shift in the tone of the film that feels off-center.

(L to R) Grace Edwards and Scarlet Johansson in director Wes Anderson’s ASTEROID CITY, a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Pop. 87 Productions/Focus Features

Outside of the visuals, the highlight of Asteroid City goes to the performances of the cast, particularly Jason Schwartzman and Scarlet Johansson, whose on-screen chemistry is incredibly odd and yet works well given the tone of the film. There’s also no forgetting Jake Ryan as Woodrow Steenbeck who perfectly nails being an adolescent teen trying to discover who they are and what they ultimately believe in. And with a cast that contains big names such Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Tom Hanks, and Tilda Swinton, it’s hard to ignore the variety and range of performances included throughout the film. Each serves their purpose to elevate the narrative as best as they can and try to fill in some of the gaping holes of the story and the themes it attempts to convey.

Asteroid City is ultimately a film that had potential but just barely missed the mark while focusing too hard to say so much yet so little under the guise of an alien story. Some say it’s Anderson’s version of NOPE which came out last year from Jordan Peele. Some say the film is a parallel to the quarantines people experienced at the height of the pandemic three years ago. However, I firmly believe Asteroid City is a film that discusses our life perception and how we accept the things that happen or don’t happen. But I also believe that it doesn’t require cloudy layers to speak your truth and intended message into the world. And as colorful and aesthetically pleasing Asteroid City is to the eyes, it is still one big cloud away from shining.

Samosa Rating:

Asteroid City receives 3 out of 5 Samosas.

Asteroid City is now playing in theaters.
Runtime: 1h 45m

If you want even more film discussions, reviews, or just some good old recommendations, be sure to follow @samosasandpopcorn on TikTok!

3 Ways DC Studios Can Win Back Their Audience!

Derek Hoskins

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June 27, 2023

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3 Ways DC Studios Can Win Back Their Audience!

With The Flash in it’s second week at the box office and with all signs pointing toward another financial disappointment for WB/Discovery, here are some ways that DC Studios can bounce back and find their audience at last!

The Cold Hard Numbers!

Over the last three years, DC has had a hard time connecting with an audience both critically and financially.

Title	Release Date	Budget	Box Office Total
Wonder Woman 1984	12/25/2020	200 Million	169.6 Million
The Suicide Squad	08/06/2021	185 Million	168.7 Million
Black Adam	10/21/2022	220 Million	393.2 Million
SHAZAM: Fury of the Gods	03/17/2023	125 Million	133.7 Million
The Flash	06/16/2023	200 Million	210.9 Million(Currently)

While Black Adam and SHAZAM: Fury of the Gods grossed more than their recorded budget, when marketing is added in to the total cost of the films they still fall short of profitability.

The DCEU still has two more films dropping before it gives way to the new universe being shepherded by James Gunn and Peter Safran, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom and Blue Beetle. While the first Aquaman was, far and away, the most successful DC film in recent years, being the only one to cross the $1 Billion mark, the sequel will likely fall well short of that success. Blue Beetle, on the other hand, is a much less well known character that has ambiguous ties to both the previous DCEU and the upcoming rebooted universe with James Gunn saying “the first DCU character, for sure, is Blue Beetle” while Superman: Legacy is “the first DCU movie.”

So with all signs pointing toward another rough year for DC films, what can the new heads of DC Studios do to find a new audience and win back the ones who have walked away?

Number 1 – Establish the “BIG THREE”

This is one that DC Studios seems to be moving in the right direction. Gunn’s Superman Legacy will be kicking off the new slate of films and The Flash director Andy Muschietti has been tapped to direct Batman: The Brave and The Bold. While there has been no word on a Wonder Woman recasting, Gal Gadot has implied that she is done with the character.

This universe needs to start off on the right foot, with characters that will become the backbone of any over arching stories that the creators want to tell. They need to establish the Holy Trinity of DC Comics early and use them to drive the universe forward.

James Gunn has proven with The Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad that he can take, mostly, unknown characters and make them enjoyable and entertaining to watch. With Guardians, he was even able to make them profitable. However, with DC trying to rebuild a reputation of excellence with the fanbase, I truly feel that the studio needs to focus on characters that a general audience can recognize and get behind quickly.

Number 2 – Don’t Show Fear!

One of the many reasons the DCEU struggled is they made too many decisions based on fear. Green Lantern flopped, NO MORE GREEN LANTERN! Batman v Superman underperformed, NO MORE HENRY CAVILL! The studio’s fear even led to the creation of Joss Weadon’s Justice League.

In both of those movies, the lead actors were not the problem and the characters of Superman and Green Lantern were not the problem. People want to see their favorite characters on screen, they want to love their films. The DCEU was so led by fear, they may has well have been wearing a yellow Sinestro Corps ring.

This new studio cannot afford to be reactionary. Just because a movie underperforms doesn’t mean that character or actor were the problem. Assess the situation and move forward, don’t have a knee jerk reaction and scrap your entire plan. Which leads me to my final point.

Number 3 – Make A Plan And Stick To It!

One of the major problems with the DCEU was the lack of planning and, when a plan was in place, not sticking to the plan through rough patches.

When Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice was critically and financially disapointing, Warner Brothers scrapped the planned slate of films and changed their entire formula for making movies.

This was their track record, something didn’t immediately pay off, get rid of everything and try something else. They never allowed the universe to grow and find it’s footing. Instead, trends and instant gratification were their goals.

As we’ve seen in the last two years, DC movies are not something that people flock to anymore. The audience have been disappointed one too many times and they just don’t trust that these films will be worth their time or hard earned money.

The new DC can fix this by sticking with the plan they set forth. Don’t be reactionary, give the plan time to work. The new leadership has to understand that they are not going to be an overnight success. Superman Legacy will, likely, not blow up the box office. They need to watch fan and critic reaction and not chase big box office numbers at the start. Hope for the best, expect the worst and keep moving toward a single goal of winning back the respect that these characters and this universe deserves!

The good news here is that DC Studios has two very talented people piloting the ship. James Gunn and Peter Safran are veteran filmmakers with talent sets that put them in the position to do something great. As long as they stay the course and take their time, I think we are in for a real treat and a new Golden Age of DC films. Our part is to remain open minded and give them the opportunity to dazzle us without bringing the baggage of the former DCEU along with us to the movie theater.

The Avengers #2 – Kang the Conqueror to the Rescue?

Derek Hoskins

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June 26, 2023

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The Avengers #2 – Kang the Conqueror to the Rescue?

The Avengers take a big risk on information from one of their oldest foes, Kang the Conqueror!

The Story:

After the cliffhanger ending of issue #1, Captain Marvel is faced with a choice. Trust Kang and save 1000 people or leave him in Null-Time to die. Kang implores Carol to listen to him as he warns her of an incoming threat. This sends The Avengers around the world to stop catastrophic events, proving Kang’s information to be true. With Kang gravely wounded and unconscious, Captain Marvel can only wait for him to wake up and finish telling his story.

Captain Marvel carries a dying Kang the Conqueror. The Avengers #2

The Writing:

Jed MacKay is still firing on all cylanders with this issue. His use of jumping back and forth between past and present, as well as, between each Avenger solving their own crisis makes this book a nonstop thrill to read. I absolutley loved how each character’s choices on how to stop the threats they faced seemed so very individual to them. MacKay doesn’t do cookie cutter team members in this story. Thor feels like Thor, Black Panther feels like Black Panther, and so on. It seems like MacKay is cooking up something special and I’m happy to follow along on this journey with him!

Thor stops a runaway train in The Avengers #2

The Art:

C.F. Villa’s art continues to be beautiful! The art in this book has such great sense of movement and a cinematic quality that almost inspires a gasp as you turn each page. The final full page shot of Captain America walking with a truck driver away from a bag of pills on the ground was so touching and really sold what is so great about Sam Wilson’s time with the shield.

The Verdict:

With only two issues of this book on shelves, now is a great time to get into The Avengers. This story is shaping up to be a great one, but also one that is a great jumping on point for new, and returning, fans. Don’t make the mistake of letting this one go without reading it.

The Iron Patriot Armor – Norman Osborn’s Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing!

Derek Hoskins

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June 26, 2023

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The Iron Patriot Armor – Norman Osborn’s Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing!

Welcome to Paperweight Entertainment’s Hall of Armor: Reforged! New intro, new armors, new multiversal Tony Starks, same great content! We’re still digging into Iron Man’s bag of tricks, each week you’re going to get to take a look at a new armor or version of Iron Man from across comics, film, and TV!

This week we take a look at a dark time in the Marvel Universe. The Skrull’s Secret Invasion is over, S.H.I.E.L.D. is gone, the Avengers have disbanded, and Norman Osborn is in control of his very own Iron Man armor… The Iron Patriot!

Who Is The Fearless Mondo Gecko from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles?

Mickey Smith

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June 26, 2023

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Who Is The Fearless Mondo Gecko from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles?

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem Character Profile

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is releasing in theaters everywhere August 2nd, 2023. With this new, younger, iteration of the Turtles comes a huge cast of classic mutant adversaries! Most are familiar or even popular, but why not revisit their histories and get a refresher on who they are! Now let’s get a breakdown for the raddest dude on 4 wheels, Mondo Gecko!

1987 ORIGINS

There are several origins for the character of Mondo Gecko, and all pretty much revolve around a human, metal head, skateboarding enthusiast that mutates after contact with mutagen and a lizard. However in the 1987 animated series, Mondo Gecko, voiced by John Mariano, was once a gecko that was exposed to the same mutagen that transformed the turtles. He was found and picked up by a mysterious criminal known as Mr. X, who raised him to become a professional thief. Michelangelo would have had dreams remembering the existence of Mondo investigates. When he meets Mondo Gecko, he learns he is being used by Mr. X and convinces him to ditch the life of crime and fight for good!

2012 NICKELODEON SERIES

In the 2012 Nickelodeon series, Mondo, voiced by Robbie Rist, is introduced as Jason, a teenage skateboarding star who was skating home one night when a vial of mutagen fell on his head. As he placed his pet leopard gecko, Lars, on his shoulder, he mutates and is abandoned by his parents to the streets, where he is taken in as an errand boy by the criminal Fishface. Mondo meets Michelangelo and Casey Jones, and eventually sees the true colors of his boss. He later befriends Muckman and is recruited as a transportation specialist for the Mighty Mutanimals!

IDW COMICS

In the more recent IDW comic series, Mondo Gecko is created by Old Hob, along with Herbert the Hermit Crab, as a soldier for his mutant army to sieze control of the New York city streets, using a sample of Splinter’s mutated blood and mutagen stolen from Stockgen. Mondo eventually meets Splinter and the Turtles and immediately bonds with Michelangelo. After a deal goes bad in an alley between Old Hob, Bepop and Rocksteady, and the Turtles, Mondo realizes he’s on the wrong side.

MUTANT MAYHEM: PERFECT CASTING

Not much is known about the plot of Mutant Mayhem, but just from the trailer it seems that Mondo’s story will probably be along the same lines as the IDW comics story: A mutant army is created for sinister purposes, but under the guise of a noble creed, which is to protect mutants against humans. Mondo Gecko will be voiced by the hilarious and always chill Paul Rudd. With a couple on animated features already under his belt, Monsters Vs. Aliens and Sausage Party, Rudd has the experience in the booth and on the screen to bring Mondo Gecko to life in an authentic and hilarious way. It feels like a match made in mutagen!

Pocus Hocus Series Recap Part 2- Time Running Out To Back ‘Horus In Hell’

Comic Books

Jeremy Bowersock

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June 25, 2023

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Pocus Hocus Series Recap Part 2

Welcome to part 2 of our Pocus Hocus Series Recap!

The second issue of Pocus Hocus opens up with the demon confessing to Pocus that he has a gambling problem. He explains that he lost a poker game with other demons and tried to fleece them with fake winnings, which got out of hand.

By out of hand, I mean he killed all the other demons at the table.

Now the demon is in debt, but he has a plan to sort this out. Using Pocus, the demon plans to trick volunteers from Pocus’ shows into signing a waiver that gives ownership of their souls to the demon.

While Pocus is initially reluctant to agree to the plan, he eventually changes his mind after realizing that the demon’s destruction would also mean his own demise. Which means he really doesn’t have a choice in the matter at this point.

The issue closes out with his assistant Emily, confronting Pocus about a contract she found while attempting to find is spell book. It’s the contract he made with the demon for his soul, and Emily is NOT impressed one bit.

Want To Pick Up Some Copies Of ‘Pocus Hocus’? Click HERE

@nerdinitiative
It’s time for part 3 of the Pocus Hocus series recap! Time is running out to back Horus In Hell on Kickstarter, and this is the series he came from! #TopHatStudios #CreateWithoutFear #Nerdinitiative #HorusInHell #comicbooks #IndieComics #horrorcomics #kickstarter #horrorcomedy #PocusHocus New horror comedy comic book series. horror comics. comic books. indie comics. indie comic books. comic book series recaps. Pocus Hocus. Horus In Hell. Top Hat Studios.
♬ original sound – Nerd Initiative

Creative Team On Pocus Hocus

The Pocus Hocus series was created by Allen Dunford, Will Radford, and Brian Bolando with lettering by Dave Lentz. Currently 5 issues in, it has become a true indie hit among horror and comedy fans alike in the comic book community.

For the upcoming Horus in Hell, Allen and Will have teamed up with Kit Wallis for this upcoming release, which is currently on Kickstarter.

Fans of the Pocus Hocus series will be excited for this new horror comedy series in the works. This new series is a spin-off of “Pocus Hocus” and will focus on the world surrounding Hell’s greatest warrior. The little pink rabbit that has accidentally pledged himself to Pocus for all eternity.

While details about the plot of “Horus in Hell” are scarce at the moment, fans can rest assured that they will be in for a wild ride.

Check Out More About ‘Horus In Hell’ HERE

Back ‘Horus In Hell’ On Kickstarter HERE

‘Elemental’ Nails the Experience of Children of Immigrants Within a Love Story

Movies

Pooja Chand

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June 23, 2023

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‘Elemental’ Nails the Experience of Children of Immigrants Within a Love Story

The latest emotional film from Pixar, Elemental, is a romantic-comedy story that takes place in Element City where elements of all shapes and sizes reside and share space with one another. When an expecting Fire couple, Bernie and Cinder Lumen move into the big city, they are forced to create their own district called Firetown and raise their daughter Ember. Ember’s intent is to eventually take over her family’s shop and allow her parents to live a relaxing life. However, everything changes when Ember meets Wade Ripple, a water element who helps her begin to reflect on what she truly wants in life as the two begin to fall in love.

(l-r) Leah Lewis and Mamoudou Athie voice Ember Lumen and Wade Ripple in Pixar’s “ELEMENTAL”. All Rights Reserved by Pixar Animation Studios.

It’s no surprise at all that Elemental is a story about love. But it is also a story that explores other themes that hit close to home. Through the characters of Ember and Wade, there is a discussion about accepting and processing our emotions, and learning to be confident in how we feel, no matter what. But through Ember and her parents, there is a deeper conversation regarding immigrating to someplace new, facing xenophobia, and the experience of being a child of immigrant parents.

While it’s incredibly easy to look at the overall story and assume it would be difficult to relate to, that is simply not the case. Within the film, Fire people like Ember and her parents are inspired by the Korean-American experiences of the director, Peter Sohn, who poured his heart and soul into the film. However, their culture comes across as a mixture of various cultures we’re familiar with, especially South Asian and Middle Eastern. We see this in even the smallest things, such as the text we see animated across numerous buildings or the unique sounds used within the energizing score composed by Thomas Newman as well as the catchy original song, “Steal the Show” performed by Lauv.

(l-r) Ronnie del Carmen, Leah Lewis, and Shila Ommi voice Bernie Lumen, Ember Lumen, and Cinder Lumen in Pixar’s “ELEMENTAL”. All Rights Reserved by Pixar Animation Studios.

But even beyond the cultural additions to film, the primary themes regarding emotion and expectations apply to all of us in some way or another. We’ve all snapped and lost our temper or even just burst out crying at some point, all without realizing why we feel a certain way. In such a simple and unexpected way, Elemental talks about how we all experience emotion on a physical level and how it can be a way of alerting us to internal conflicts that we need to handle.

And despite the heavy themes regarding immigrant parents and the relationship they have with their children, it’s safe to say we’ve mostly all felt some sort of pressure to fulfill the expectations of our parents. Whether it’s because we understand the struggles and sacrifices our parents made for us by moving to someplace new, or because we simply don’t want to disappoint our parents, we do what we do for them primarily out of love.

(l-r) *Mamoudou Athie* and Leah Lewis voice *Wade Ripple* and Ember Lumen in Pixar’s “ELEMENTAL”. All Rights Reserved by Pixar Animation Studios.

The best part that supports all the thematic elements, character choices, and music is the animation. The world building of the film amongst the main four elements is spectacular and full of color. It’s clear what district we’re in or what part of the city we’re in based primarily on building design. In addition, we get to see the citizens of the city, and the absolutely beautiful things they can do and create. There are several moments where elements mix and come together which can either be simplistic or absolutely breathtaking. And in pure Pixar style, a single facial expression can represent so many emotions at one time. Confusion, hurt, longing, love, happiness.

Tying it up in a neat little bow are the voice actors that bring every character to life along with their hopes and dreams. Leah Lewis and Mamoudou Athie are perfect as Ember and Wade as they offer opposite energies that attract and mesh well together. Meanwhile, Ronnie del Carmen and Shila Ommi as Ember’s parents are hilarious and lovable, as well as reminiscent of any immigrant parent.

Leah Lewis voices Ember Lumen in Pixar’s “ELEMENTAL”. All Rights Reserved by Pixar Animation Studios.

Allowing a film like Elemental to marinate and grow on you is essential. On the surface, it’s an adorable love story similar to any film with an iconic Disney Princess that we all grew up with, and children are sure to enjoy this side of the story. But if we dig a little deeper, it’s a story of embracing how we are feeling, addressing our internal conflicts, and learning to pursue our own goals while also having unlimited amounts of love for our parents. It is ultimately a story for those who are afraid they won’t be able to satisfy expectations, but will do anything we can to make others’ sacrifices worthwhile. But it is also a film that others can watch, despite knowing exactly who this story was created for, and walk away with an appreciation that stories like Elemental are now being made for us.

Samosa Rating:

Pixar’s Elemental receives 4.5 out of 5 Samosas.

Elemental is now playing in theaters.
Runtime: 1h 42m

If you want even more film discussions, reviews, or just some good old recommendations, be sure to follow @samosasandpopcorn on TikTok!

Pocus Hocus Series Recap – All Roads Lead To ‘Horus In Hell’ Part 1

Comic Books

Jeremy Bowersock

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June 23, 2023

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Pocus Hocus Series Recap – All Roads Lead To ‘Horus In Hell’ Part 1

Horus in Hell is a new horror comedy comic book series. It is being spun directly from the recent hit indie series Pocus Hocus. Coming from the team over at Top Hat Studios, this new series has a lot pf promise. To help viewers get caught up with the world surrounding Hell’s most decorated war hero, let’s recap the series that got us to this point. This is our Pocus Hocus series recap, part 1!

Top Hat Studios
Pocus Hocus Series Recap — ***© Top Hat Studios & Source Point Press***

Check Out More About ‘Horus In Hell’ HERE

Pocus Hocus Series Recap Part 1

Pocus Hocus #1 opens with our protagonist, a magician named Pocus Hocus, sitting at a bar discussing his backstory with a fellow patron. He details that in order to impress his famous father, he conducts a ritual in order to trade his soul real magical powers. Though the contract signing is a bit informal, he gets what he wanted. Ultimate magic power, fame, and fortune.

However, right before his first big public show, his father passes away. He never gets to see his son’s new powers. Now, Pocus is a bit bored and wants his soul back. But in order to do that, he has to guess the name of the demon who he sold his soul to.

@nerdinitiative
Horus In Hell is available now on Kickstarter…but where did this little pink menace come from? What story inspired this spin off? That would be Pocus Hocus from Top Hat Studios! Here is part 1 of our Pocus Hocus recap series! #comicbooks #horrorcomedy #horrorcomics #TopHatStudios #indiecomicbooks #PocusHocus #HorusInHell #kickstarter #seriesrecap New indie horror comic books. comic book reviews. comic book series recaps. Pocus Hocus. Horus In Hell. Top Hat Studios.
♬ original sound – Nerd Initiative

Video Recap of ‘Pocus Hocus #1’

One night soon after his father’s death, Pocus Hocus heads home and tries to get some sleep when he hears a loud knock on the front door. To his surprise, it’s actually the demon who gave him his powers, and he says they need to talk.

Part 2 of our Pocus Hocus series recap is coming soon.

Creative Team On Pocus Hocus

The Pocus Hocus series was created by Allen Dunford, Will Radford, and Brian Bolando with lettering by Dave Lentz. Currently 5 issues in, it has become a true indie hit among horror and comedy fans alike in the comic book community.

For the upcoming Horus In Hell, Allen and Will have teamed up with Kit Wallis for this upcoming release, which is currently on Kickstarter.

Fans of the Pocus Hocus series will be excited for this new horror comedy series in the works. This new series is a spin-off of “Pocus Hocus” and will focus on the world surrounding Hell’s greatest warrior. The little pink rabbit that has accidentally pledged himself to Pocus for all eternity.

While details about the plot of “Horus in Hell” are scarce at the moment, fans can rest assured that they will be in for a wild ride.

NERD INITIATIVE

CREED: THE NEXT ROUND #1 by BOOM! STUDIOS

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Ring The Bell

Story Review

Artwork Overview

FINAL POINT: 8.5 OUT OF 10

LOCAL MAN #5 – IMAGE COMICS

CREATIVE TEAM: Tony Fleecs, Tim Seeley, Brad Simpson and Felipe Sobrerio

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Previously…

HERE COMES THE ACTION!

FINAL POINT: 9.5 OUT OF 10

The Cold Hard Numbers!

Number 1 – Establish the “BIG THREE”

Number 2 – Don’t Show Fear!

Number 3 – Make A Plan And Stick To It!

The Story:

The Writing:

The Art:

The Verdict:

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem Character Profile

1987 ORIGINS

2012 NICKELODEON SERIES

IDW COMICS

MUTANT MAYHEM: PERFECT CASTING

Pocus Hocus Series Recap Part 2

Creative Team On Pocus Hocus

Pocus Hocus Series Recap Part 1

Creative Team On Pocus Hocus

Horus In Hell Covers

* POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING *

* POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING *