There are so many fun, interesting backstories to how films were made, what they could have been, castings that almost happened and much more. Let’s dive into some of your favorite movies over the years and reveal some iconic details that you may have missed or stories that you never knew!
Read: Did You Know? ‘American Werewolf in London’
So …. Did You Know this about The Crow?
Last year, Tokyo Revengers took the world by storm, becoming one of the most popular anime in the Summer 2021 line-up. While there is so much story left to be told in the anime, sadly, the manga is almost over.
Revealed in the latest issue of Weekly Shonen Jump, there are only five chapters left in the time travel story. The final installment will release in this year’s 51st issue of Weekly Shonen Jump on November 16.
You can find the official announcement here from the official Twitter account:
The first season of the TV anime adaptation of Tokyo Revengers streamed on Crunchyroll, airing from April to September 2021. The next season, based around the Christmas Showdown arc, is scheduled for January 2023.
Crunchyroll describes the series as such:
Takemichi Hanagaki is a freelancer that’s reached the absolute pits of despair in his life. He finds out that the only girlfriend he ever had in his life, whom he dated in middle school, Hinata Tachibana, had been killed by the ruthless Tokyo Manji Gang.
The day after hearing about her death, he’s standing on the station platform and is pushed over onto the tracks by a herd of people. He closes his eyes, thinking he’s about to die, but when he opens his eyes back up, he somehow has gone back in time 12 years. Now that he’s back living the best days of his life, Takemichi decides to get revenge on his life by saving his girlfriend and changing himself from which he’d been running away.
Are you new to the amazing world of comic books? Or maybe you were into comics as a kid and now looking to get back into it?
If so, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed. With so many titles and characters to choose from, we understand that it can seem like a huge barrier to entry into this wonderful hobby.
Read: Comics You’ve Never Heard Of, But Need To!
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here, our friend Bumpkins takes a look at incentive covers.
In the world of variant covers, incentives are a unique and often rare breed. Here’s a great breakdown!
It’s October and that makes for the perfect time to watch some monster-themed TV! This spooky season is “the season of the vampire” and there are five shows currently streaming that are perfect for all types of vampire lovers!
Read: Cellphone, Wallet … Did You Know? ‘American Werewolf in London’
Some are done airing this year and have the full season(s) streaming and others are released weekly so whether you’re a binge-watcher or a weekly watcher there’s some Vampire content for you!
5: Vampire Academy – Peacock
Coming in at number five is Vampire Academy. It’s based on the book of the same name and is the second on-screen adaptation in the last ten years. The first was the 2014 movie which was a box-office failure and is often forgotten.
This show takes a different approach than the movie did and overall is much a better adaptation. It centers around Lissa, a Royal vampire, and her protector and best friend, Rose. The two attend a vampire boarding school named St. Vladimir’s Academy where they not only have to deal with the typical teenage high school experience but also that of a vampire. Imagine something like third-period Ancient History of Magic with extracurriculars like hunting bloodthirsty Strigoi. The complete first season consisting of eight episodes is now streaming on Peacock.
4: Reginald The Vampire- Syfy/Hulu
Number four on the list takes the actor behind Ned Leeds in the MCU’s Spider-Man movies and gives him some fangs and a thirst for blood in “Reginald The Vampire.” Whenever we think of a vampire we imagine this attractive, muscular, athletic man who has incredible speed and strength, right? Well, Jacob Batalon’s character Reginald Baskin is making Vampiral history as the first “fat vampire.”
You see when you become a vampire your body remains the same physique as it was when you turned, so the vampire community has a rule; No fat vampires. Reginald’s turning causes some problems in the vampire community and some powerful vampires want him staked down. However, Reginald starts to realize that becoming a vampire may have just been the best thing to ever happen to him.
He starts to unveil some new abilities, ones other vampires don’t seem to have, and begins to become a better vampire than he was a man. The show is based on the book, “Fat Vampire” by Johnny B. Truant. This is the only show on the list that does not have a previous film adaptation of the same name. It airs Wednesday nights on Syfy and the first two episodes are now streaming on Hulu.
3: What We Do In The Shadows- FX/Hulu
The third show on the list brings together two of America’s favorite things; “The Office” and Vampires. That’s the best way to describe “What we do in the Shadows.” It’s a mockumentary following four vampire roommates (and their human familiar) navigating the modern world in Staten Island. The show is also a second adaptation of the same name.
The first was a 2014 movie written, directed, and starring Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement. This adaptation is also written by, executive produced by, and occasionally cameos Waititi but the main group of characters is portrayed by a completely different cast and while the story is relatively similar there are some major and minor differences from the 2014 film. When the show releases weekly it’s on FX but the fourth season just finished last month and you can stream it all on Hulu.
2: Let the Right One In- Showtime
Runner up is a Showtime original called “Let The Right One In.” The show also has not one but two predecessor films, the 2008 “Let The Right One In” and the 2013 film “Let Me In” all of which are based on the 2004 novel “Let The Right One In.” This show follows Mark and his twelve-year-old daughter Eleanor.
However, Eleanor has been twelve for the last ten years as she is a vampire. Her father Mark does everything he can to protect her and provide her with the blood she needs to survive. When Mark and Eleanor move back to the town they lived in when Eleanor was turned, things start to unravel quickly and other subplots come into play. Mark has to face the difficult decision to let his daughter live somewhat of a normal life or continue to keep her completely safe and sheltered. This show has two episodes available now on Showtime with new episodes streaming every Friday.
1: Interview With The Vampire- AMC+
Number one on the list is AMC’s “Interview With The Vampire.” A new adaption of the 1994 cult classic film of the same name, both based on the novel by Anne Rice. While there are some major changes in the show from what we see in the novel and film, the show still follows the same characters and the same relative story.
A modern take that could bring in new audiences, this series centers around the vampire Louis de Pointe du Lac who lives in Dubai as he tells the story of his afterlife as a vampire to journalist Daniel Molloy. Beginning in early 20th-century New Orleans, Louis’ story follows his intense relationship with his maker Lestat du Lioncourt and everything he has had to face between then and now. The first four episodes are now streaming on AMC+ and a new one airs every Sunday.
SPOILER WARNING! One storyline in My Hero Academia that has warmed our hearts is the relationship between Toga Himiko and Jin Bubaigawara. Although villains, it’s hard not to root for them, right? Well, Bones added something to the ending of My Hero Academia that will tear your heart to shreds, but before getting to that, let’s add some context.
It’s the showdown you’ve known would come but wish would never happen. Hawks vs. Twice, but this isn’t your average hero villain faceoff. Since season 5, we’ve seen Twice, and Hawks grow close. You could even say Hawks was on the same level as how Bubaigawara considers the members of the former league of villains. A friend, but more importantly, family.
However, it makes Hawks’ betrayal hurt even more because, for Twice, this is the second time he’s brought someone into the fold that, in the end, put’s his friends and those he loves in danger. The first is Overhaul, Kai Chisaki.
Interestingly enough, Hawks feels the same way. He doesn’t want to betray Bubaigawara so much that Hawks mentions that after everything is said and done, he wants to help Jin start a new life. As we can all see, Jin Bubaigawara truly isn’t a villain. He only strides to protect those he cares about now that he has them in his life, which is the theme for everything in this episode.
Remembering Big Sis Mag’s death and Compress losing an arm, Bubaigawara can’t stand to see his friends hurt again, so he decides his fate. Despite Hawks’ desires, Twice, against all odds, fights back the only way he knows how. Double over and over again. Despite his slightly villainous ways, it’s a moment that warms your heart after his mental breakthrough in season 5.
Unfortunately, it’s not enough. Hawks cut Bubaigawara down without breaking a sweat, injuring him enough to keep him alive. Hawks, who’s secretly been a spy, understands now that on both sides of the fence, the only way this war can truly end is if one side can go the extra step — Kill the other.
Going for the killing blow, Hawks is stopped by none other than Dabi, who blasts hawks with his signature blue flames. Of course, the speedy winged hero dodges, but something to note is that Hawks saves Bubaigawara’s life. Without Hawks assistance, Jin would have been caught in the crossfire. Once again, this showcases the care Hawks truly has for his criminal friend.
There are many times in Dabi and Hawks’ fight where Hawks seems down and out. This is especially so when Dabi blats Hawks out of the window. So here we get a sense of who the League of Villains is.
Despite his injuries, Dabi encourages the Twice to go wild and fight. At first glance, this could be seen as Dabi taking advantage of Jin’s emotions and his want to protect his friends. However, when Hawks reappears and is about to cut Bubaigawara down, we get a complete understanding of the bond the league shares. Dabi cries out Keigo Takami, Hawks’ real name, which is top secret, distracting Hawks. Dabi’s reveal allows Jin to make his escape marked by a high give between him and the blue-flamed villain.
The League of Villains has truly and always has been misunderstood. But, as Jin said when he was a feather point, heroes always abandon the down and out, which encompasses the common trend in the league. So despite their differences, the League of Villains truly has a bond that can’t be broken.
History keeps repeating itself for the man born without luck. Now outside, Jin can see the consequences of his actions, Heroes destroying the Paranormal Liberation Front, and Toga and Compress captured by a hero. With blood pouring down his chest Bubaigawara declares he will not allow his friends to pay for his actions again. With nothing left, Twice creates one more double, but rising out of the scorching blue flames behind him, Hawks delivers one final strike.
Cue the emotional music. Bubaigawara appears behind the hero who captured Toga and Compress and stabs him to death. Time is of the essence as Himiko and Compress move to make their way underground. Unfortunately, Twice can’t follow them. A villain passing away is something I never thought would break me, but this broke me.
Jin, whose double is melting away, takes accountability for the situation unfolding and apologizes. Bubaigawara reminisces on all his pitfalls, those he has lost, and his mistakes, while the real Jin lies in his own blood.
However, despite everything, Jin feels that he couldn’t have asked for a better life and is blessed to have the friends he has. Hawks may have wanted Jin to start over, but Bubaigawara was already given his second chance at life.
Sadly, with any connection made in life, some are left behind when someone passes away. In the ending of My Hero Academia, there are two added shots. One, calling back to the moment Toga gave Jin. The other shows the aftermath of this episode. Himiko hunched over after Bubaigawara’s passing.
Need more anime to watch? We have tons of recommendations for you on Anime Onlies!
There are so many fun, interesting backstories to how films were made, what they could have been, castings that almost happened and much more. Let’s dive into some of your favorite movies over the years and reveal some iconic details that you may have missed or stories that you never knew!
Read: Did You Know? Office Space (1999)
So …. Did You Know?
Let’s get into a segment we like to call Character 101 with Thorstorian.
One of the most knowledgable and passionate comic fans is here to help you break down characters and what you need to know heading into new franchises, big announcements and first cinematic appearances.
Read: Who’s That Comic Character?
So, let’s break down Skaar, Hulk’s son from the comics and now in the MCU!
It’s that time of the year for ghosts and ghouls, and all things Halloween!
Pooja is back with her picks heading into the holiday week!
Read: Pooja’s Movie Picks for September and October
We chatted with the founders of RSVLTS at New York Comic Con to find out how they got started, that moment that they went viral and so much more!
Watch More: John Caglione Jr. – His Iconic Career in Cinema From Dick Tracy to The Dark Knight
Thank you Aaron Judge!
Here’s the full interview below:
Earth has been destroyed and humanity is no more. There are, however, a select group on non-human survivors from the planet’s destruction. And they feel guilty for not being able to protect their friends, the humans themselves.
Written by McKay Wadsworth with artwork from Kristin Tingey, Buttercup: Remembrance takes place some time after the Earth’s destruction. The story follows our main character, Buttercup of the Plague, one of Earth’s last survivors. She is what’s known as a “Relic Hunter”, tasked with seeking out and retrieving lost artifacts and relics from their home planet.
Over on my podcast (Crossover Comics Podcast) we got a chance to have an hour long interview with Wadsworth himself. Discussing a number of topics from how he became a comic book fan himself, how he teamed up with the artists, to the inspiration and long term plans for the series and company as a whole.
McKay is not only the writer of the Buttercup series, he is also a co-owner/ founder of Kirin Comics, the independent publishing company he and his team created. It was an amazing conversation with a genuinely nice and sincere individual, who just want his teams creation to get the attention it so clearly deserves. Make sure to check out the full interview video above!
Here at Nerd Initiative, as well as my own podcast show Crossover Comics Podcast, we are always looking to talk to independent artists and creators. So if you would like to try and set up an interview or appearance for either the Nerd Initiative network of creators or the Crossover Comics Podcast, feel free to reach out!
Until next time everybody remember to be safe, be kind, and take it easy!
