Comic Book Review: Forged From Metal (Ashcan Edition)

DC Comics' new age of heroes will be forged from metal, and the publishing giant has an all-star line-up of great artists and writers to bring the whole epic event to fruition.The talent includes Jim Lee (Justice League), Andy Kubert (Dark Knight III: The Master Race), Kenneth Rocafort (Superman), Greg Capullo (Batman), John Romita Jr. (All-Star Batman), and Tony S. Daniel (Detective Comics). These are guys who have proven themselves to be the foundation of the modern DC Universe.

Metal: The New Age of Heroes (Ashcan Edition) introduces the new DC Universe Dark Matter titles. First comes DARK DAYS, which gives way to the DARK NIGHTS, which gives birth to the DARK MATTER. Welcome to the new age of DC Super Heroes.

Forged from Metal: The New Age of Heroes (Ashcan Edition) gives fans an insider's look at what we can expect from this new unfolding saga. As if Greg Capullo's stunning promotional art for the event isn't enough to catch your attention, we've now been provided an appetizer in the form of a 8-page mini-comic that shows off the concept ideas and character sketches of characters we'll come to know and fear. There are artist notes, pencils, and even full color drawings of the Immortal Men, The Silencer, Damage, Sideways, and many more.

I'm most excited for Andy Kubert's updating of the classic supergroup Challengers of the Unknown. Ever since being introduced to them by DC Universe Secret Origins a few years back, I've been fascinated by the first and original Fantastic Four. I'm intrigued to see what directions Kubert will take this new team of adventurers.

You can check out Forged from Metal: The New Age of Heroes (Ashcan Edition) online for free. I'm positive that what you see will get you excited for what is shaping up to be an astounding turning point for the DC Universe and all of its denizens, old and new. Get yourself prepared for new myths to be envisioned.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟

Comic Book Review: Forged From Metal (Ashcan Edition)

DC Comics' new age of heroes will be forged from metal, and the publishing giant has an all-star line-up of great artists and writers to bring the whole epic event to fruition.The talent includes Jim Lee (Justice League), Andy Kubert (Dark Knight III: The Master Race), Kenneth Rocafort (Superman), Greg Capullo (Batman), John Romita Jr. (All-Star Batman), and Tony S. Daniel (Detective Comics). These are guys who have proven themselves to be the foundation of the modern DC Universe.

Sophie Simmons Goes Dark in New Thriller Short Film Grave

As they say, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. KISS frontman and bassist Gene Simmons and Model and Actress Shannon Tweed have raised two very bright and talented children. Each one is coming out from under their shadows to carve out their own niches in the world. Nick Simmons is already an accomplished writer and musician at the age of 28. His work is published through the Huffington Post and he's also provide vocals and co-wrote a song for former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick's album BK3.

Sophie Simmons has kept very busy as well. At 24 years old, she's already a singer, actress, and model who's appeared in fashion shows and movies and films like Republic of Doyle and Country Crush. Her latest project, a short film entitled Grave, sees Sophie's talents broadening even further. In the 7-minute thriller, it doesn't take long for Ms. Simmons to move from one emotion to the next. She goes from anger and resent to cold and (possibly?) empathetic in 420 seconds flat.

Grave is described by Anagram Films as "a place where a broken piece of machinery or other discarded object lies." They go on to say it's "Twilight Zone inspired" and "Alfred Hitchcock influenced". Grave manages to keep your heart pounding for the entirety of its short running time. If I took anything away from the film, it's the idea that you shouldn't screw people over and take advantage of them. Let's just leave things at that.

Grave was directed by James Kimball (Thor, NCIS: Los Angeles). It stars Kimball, Sophie Simmons, and Jerod Meaghor (Colony, Banshee). Although Grave isn't rated, it contains profanity, brief nudity (you see the side of a guy's butt), and frightening and intense scenes. You can check out the short film below.


For more information about Grave, you can go to their official website right here.

Sophie Simmons Goes Dark in New Thriller Short Film Grave

As they say, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. KISS frontman and bassist Gene Simmons and Model and Actress Shannon Tweed have raised two very bright and talented children. Each one is coming out from under their shadows to carve out their own niches in the world. Nick Simmons is already an accomplished writer and musician at the age of 28. His work is published through the Huffington Post and he's also provide vocals and co-wrote a song for former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick's album BK3.

Comic Book Review: KISS #7

I don't really know what more I can say to get people hyped to read Dynamite's KISS comic series. We're seven issues in now and every time we move forward, the stakes get higher and higher. Now that we know the truth of where the city of Blackwell really is, KISS #7 feels as if it's kicking off a new story-arc which will take us into a mysterious and perilous second act of an epic tale. It's a musical sci-fi odyssey with rock gods KISS holding the keys to mankind's survival.

The residents of Blackwell face the music as they navigate a new and uncertain world. With the Elders no longer in power, a new generation takes charge. But they quickly discover that the universe is a big place as they attempt to find their way back to Earth in KISS #7.

KISS #7 is rated T+ for Teen Plus. It contains frightening and intense scenes and some mild violence. There's really nothing offensive or graphic to be found in the issue at all.

Amy Chu penned KISS #7. Kewber Baal provided the art for the issue. Issue 7 was released on April 26th through Dynamite Entertainment. The book is 32 pages long.

KISS #7 is available now in print and digital editions.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟 and a half stars.

Comic Book Review: KISS #7

I don't really know what more I can say to get people hyped to read Dynamite's KISS comic series. We're seven issues in now and every time we move forward, the stakes get higher and higher. Now that we know the truth of where the city of Blackwell really is, KISS #7 feels as if it's kicking off a new story-arc which will take us into a mysterious and perilous second act of an epic tale. It's a musical sci-fi odyssey with rock gods KISS holding the keys to mankind's survival.

Sleight Trailer Gives Us a Peek at the Magic of the Movie

Now here is a movie that looks interesting and exciting. Blumhouse Productions and WWE Films brings us Sleight and I can only describe it as a sort of superhero sci-fi thriller blended together with an urban drama. Think Menace II Society meets Chronicle and you might have a good idea of what to expect from this movie. It's too bad the film is rated R, because I think it has the potential to reach a much larger crowd and help broaden the superhero genre. You can check out the trailer after the jump.


A young street magician (Jacob Latimore) is left to care for his little sister after their parents passing and turns to illegal activities to keep a roof over their heads. When he gets in too deep, his sister is kidnapped and he is forced to use his magic and brilliant mind to save her. Sleight stars Jacob Latimore, Seychelle Gabriel, Dulé Hill, Sasheer Zamata, and Storm Reid.

A new legend begins on April 28th.

Sleight Trailer Gives Us a Peek at the Magic of the Movie

Now here is a movie that looks interesting and exciting. Blumhouse Productions and WWE Films brings us Sleight and I can only describe it as a sort of superhero sci-fi thriller blended together with an urban drama. Think Menace II Society meets Chronicle and you might have a good idea of what to expect from this movie. It's too bad the film is rated R, because I think it has the potential to reach a much larger crowd and help broaden the superhero genre. You can check out the trailer after the jump.

DVD Review: Tangled: Before Ever After

An intriguing art style and a strong female lead character headline Tangled: Before Ever After, which serves as a sequel to Disney's hit. Legendary composer Alan Menken (Tangled, Beauty and the Beast) combines memorable lyrics and his musical expertise to some new tunes that girls of all ages will no doubt be belting out very soon. The story feels like it's leading to something bigger, which makes sense if you take into consideration that this is the pilot for a new television series for the Disney Channel.

After all those years stuck in a tower, everyone's favorite "barefoot princess" (Mandy Moore) yearns to make up for lost time in Tangled: Before Ever After. With the help of her true love Eugene (Zachary Levi), pals Pascal and Maximus (Dee Bradley Baker) and daring new friend Cassandra (Eden Espinosa), Rapunzel postpones her wedding and royal duties to defy danger and boldly explore life beyond Corona's walls.

The DVD of Tangled: Before Ever After comes with a few bonus items to enjoy. Four "short cuts" are included entitled "Checkmate", "Prison Bake", "Make Me Smile", and "Hare Peace".

Tangled: Before Ever After hit DVD on April 11th, 2017. It was directed by Tom Caulfield and Stephen Sandoval (Rick and Morty, Gravity Falls). The cast includes Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, Clancy Brown, Eden Espinosa, Julie Bowen, and Jeffrey Tambor. The running time is 56 minutes.

Tangled: Before Ever After is available now on DVD and Digital HD.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟

DVD Review: Tangled: Before Ever After

An intriguing art style and a strong female lead character headline Tangled: Before Ever After, which serves as a sequel to Disney's hit. Legendary composer Alan Menken (Tangled, Beauty and the Beast) combines memorable lyrics and his musical expertise to some new tunes that girls of all ages will no doubt be belting out very soon. The story feels like it's leading to something bigger, which makes sense if you take into consideration that this is the pilot for a new television series for the Disney Channel.

Comic Book Review: Batman #21

For what feels like an eternity, we've been teased by DC Comics about the addition of Watchmen into the continuity of the same universe shared by Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and the rest of the Justice League folks. In issue #21 of Batman, we get more hints and panels filled with that bloody smiley-face pin that is quickly becoming the bane of my comic book reading existence.

The Dark Knight and The Fastest Man Alive, the two greatest detectives on any world, unite to explore the mystery behind a certain blood-stained smiley button embedded in the Batcave wall. What starts as a simple investigation turns deadly when the secrets of the button prove irresistible to an unwelcome third party—and it’s not who anyone suspects! It’s a mystery woven through time, and the ticking clock starts here in Batman #21.

I appreciate all the excellent action and mayhem we're being served, but show me Dr. Manhattan, Silk Spectre, Ozymandias (outside of the Mr. Oz persona), or Rorschach before my head explodes in frustrated anticipation. I want to see some promises being paid off soon! The first part of "The Button" story arc looks to kick off what should be the journey to getting some of the treasure that was dangled in front of me so many months back.

Batman #21 is rated T for Teen. It contains violence and gore and frightening and intense scenes. The gore I'm speaking of is a burned body.

Tom King wrote Batman #21. Jason Fabok is the artist of the issue. Issue #21 was released on April 19th through DC Comics. The book is 32 pages long.

Batman #21 is available now in print and digital editions.

Comic Book Review: Batman #21

For what feels like an eternity, we've been teased by DC Comics about the addition of Watchmen into the continuity of the same universe shared by Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and the rest of the Justice League folks. In issue #21 of Batman, we get more hints and panels filled with that bloody smiley-face pin that is quickly becoming the bane of my comic book reading existence.

Marvel's Romantic Superhero TV Series Cloak & Dagger Gets a Trailer

Marvel's superhero team Cloak & Dagger are getting their very own television series on Freeform, which used to be ABC Family. Honestly, it looks like what would happen if Stephenie Meyer (Twilight books) or Sara Shephard (Pretty Little Liars books) started writing a comic book series. There's an awful lot of teen angst and youthful drama pulsing through the first trailer for the show. It looks like it'll have some unnecessary teen sensuality going on as well. You can check out the trailer and a description of what to expect from the show after the jump.


Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger is the story of Tandy Bowen (Olivia Holt) and Tyrone Johnson (Aubrey Joseph) – two teenagers from very different backgrounds, who find themselves burdened and awakened to newly acquired superpowers which are mysteriously linked to one another. Tandy can emit light daggers and Tyrone has the ability to engulf others in darkness. They quickly learn they are better together than apart, but their feelings for each other make their already complicated world even more challenging.

Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger stars Olivia Holt, Aubrey Joseph, Andrea Roth, Gloria Reuben, Miles Mussenden, Carl Lundstedt, James Saito and J.D. Evermore. The series is co-produced by Marvel Television and ABC Signature Studios. Joe Pokaski (Underground, Heroes) serves as showrunner and executive producer; Jeph Loeb (Marvel’s The Punisher, Marvel’s The Defenders), Marvel’s head of Television, and Jim Chory (Marvel’s The Punisher, Marvel’s The Defenders) also serve as executive producers. Gina Prince-Bythewood (Love & Basketball) directed the first episode.

Freeform has ordered ten one-hour episodes of Cloak & Dagger slated to debut in early 2018.

Marvel's Romantic Superhero TV Series Cloak & Dagger Gets a Trailer

Marvel's superhero team Cloak & Dagger are getting their very own television series on Freeform, which used to be ABC Family. Honestly, it looks like what would happen if Stephenie Meyer (Twilight books) or Sara Shephard (Pretty Little Liars books) started writing a comic book series. There's an awful lot of teen angst and youthful drama pulsing through the first trailer for the show. It looks like it'll have some unnecessary teen sensuality going on as well. You can check out the trailer and a description of what to expect from the show after the jump.

Comic Book Review: KISS: The Demon #4

KISS: The Demon #4 brings the limited series to a revealing close. We're given answers to questions readers of both this book and the main KISS title have been asking all along. How did the city of Blackwell begin? Where did the Guardians come from?

Sam Blackwell battles his own demon while taking over the world. Milo and Kimi try to figure out how to save it in KISS: The Demon #4.

I am awed at how brilliantly KISS was tied to a bigger story without being the main focus of it all. They were just one element used to tell a tale. I applaud the bravery of the writers to step outside the box and not just write another superhero book.

KISS: The Demon #4 is rated T+ for Teen Plus. It contains frightening and intense scenes. Aside from a character pulling a gun on someone, there's really no violence or other questionable material.

Amy Chu and Erik Burnham wrote KISS: The Demon #4. Eman Casallos is the artist of the issue. Issue 4 was released on March 19th through Dynamite Entertainment. The book is 32 pages long.

KISS: The Demon #4 is available now in print and digital editions.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟 and a half stars.

Comic Book Review: KISS: The Demon #4

KISS: The Demon #4 brings the limited series to a revealing close. We're given answers to questions readers of both this book and the main KISS title have been asking all along. How did the city of Blackwell begin? Where did the Guardians come from?

The Tomb of The Mummy is Open in New TV Spot

Universal makes another attempt at rebooting their Classic Monster Universe with The Mummy. They've got Tom Cruise doing his very capable best at bringing an action hero vibe to the film, and it does look like fun. The concept of a female Mummy is a fresh take on the subject matter. Unfortunately, I don't think this is going to have any more luck at kickstarting a new shared universe franchise than Dracula Untold did. Why won't Universal just make an old-fashioned horror movie and be done with it? We already have Stephen Sommers' Mummy trilogy and Van Helsing. Just give classic monster fans what they want already! After the jump, you can check out the new TV spot for The Mummy.

She’s unlike anything we’ve ever faced. #TheMummy - in theaters June 9. pic.twitter.com/BqmoVpBZrG

— #TheMummy (@themummy) April 17, 2017

Thought safely entombed in a tomb deep beneath the unforgiving desert, an ancient princess (Sofia Boutella of Kingsman: The Secret Service and Star Trek Beyond) whose destiny was unjustly taken from her is awakened in our current day, bringing with her malevolence grown over millennia and terrors that defy human comprehension.

From the sweeping sands of the Middle East through hidden labyrinths under modern-day London, The Mummy brings a surprising intensity and balance of wonder and thrills in an imaginative new take that ushers in a new world of gods and monsters.

The Mummy is reborn on June 9, 2017.

The Tomb of The Mummy is Open in New TV Spot

Universal makes another attempt at rebooting their Classic Monster Universe with The Mummy. They've got Tom Cruise doing his very capable best at bringing an action hero vibe to the film, and it does look like fun. The concept of a female Mummy is a fresh take on the subject matter. Unfortunately, I don't think this is going to have any more luck at kickstarting a new shared universe franchise than Dracula Untold did. Why won't Universal just make an old-fashioned horror movie and be done with it? We already have Stephen Sommers' Mummy trilogy and Van Helsing. Just give classic monster fans what they want already! After the jump, you can check out the new TV spot for The Mummy.

Blu-ray Review: Teen Titans: The Judas Contract

After a couple of misfires (in my opinion), Teen Titans: The Judas Contract gets the DC Animated Universe back on track. We're given two compelling stories that run parallel to each other and then collide on an epic battleground in the end. It has drama and action blended together almost perfectly.

Led by Starfire (Kari Wahlgren), the Teen Titans – Beast Boy (Brandon Soo Hoo), Raven (Taissa Farmiga), Blue Beetle (Jake T. Austin), Robin (Stuart Allan) and the just-returned Nightwing (Sean Maher) – have built a cohesive team in their never-ending battle against evil but their newest teammate, the mysterious, and powerful, Terra (Christina Ricci), may be altering that dynamic. Meanwhile, an ancient evil – Brother Blood (Gregg Henry) – has awakened, and familiar foe Deathstroke (Miguel Ferrer) is lurking in the shadows, both waiting to pounce. Ultimately, the super group will need to battle their enemies and their own internal doubts to come together and overcome the malicious forces around them in Teen Titans: The Judas Contract.

Age barriers are crossed quite well in Teen Titans: The Judas Contract. There are plenty of bits of teen humor, culture references, and angst to appeal to that demographic. At the same time, a complex plot and awesome face-offs between familiar heroes and villains will please older viewers.

Teen Titans: The Judas Contract is rated PG-13 for language, some violence, sensuality, thematic elements and brief drug use. There are some unnecessary sexual innuendos tossed around between the team members. Once again, all the questionable content could have easily been jettisoned without comprising the storyline or quality of the movie. If anything, it would have made it more accessible to a broader audience.

The blu-ray edition of Teen Titans: The Judas Contract contains some impressive bonus material. They include the featurettes Titanic Minds: Reuniting Wolfman and Perez and Villain Rising: Deathstroke. There are also two bonus cartoons and a sneak peek of the DC Universe's next animated movie, Batman and Harley Quinn.

Teen Titans: The Judas Contract hit Blu-ray on April 18th, 2017. It was directed by Sam Liu (Batman: Year One, Batman: The Killing Joke). The cast includes Kari Wahlgren, Christina Ricci, Miguel Ferrer, Jake T. Austin, Brandon Soo Hoo, and Sean Maher. The running time is 84 minutes.

Teen Titans: The Judas Contract is available now Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟

Blu-ray Review: Teen Titans: The Judas Contract

After a couple of misfires (in my opinion), Teen Titans: The Judas Contract gets the DC Animated Universe back on track. We're given two compelling stories that run parallel to each other and then collide on an epic battleground in the end. It has drama and action blended together almost perfectly.

Comic Book Review: The Lost Boys #4, #5, and #6

I'm very surprised at the avenues Warner Brothers allowed Vertigo to take with their The Lost Boys limited series. Everything we thought happened in the original film is turned on its head as we're re-introduced to brothers Sam and Michael Emerson, the vampire-hunting Frog Brothers, and a slew of other old faces we never thought we'd see again. There's so much more to the story and writer Tim Seeley proves to be the perfect choice to expand the universe Joel Schumacher brought to life in 1987. The last three issues of the series are full of exciting reveals and an admirable attempt at capturing the chemistry, wit, and humor the cast of the movie awarded its audience.

Star has rejoined the vampires, the Frog Brothers are M.I.A. and David’s kidnapped Michael to appease the Blood Belles in issue #4 of The Lost Boys. It looks like it’s up to Sam and the mysterious musical muscleman known as the Believer to save the day.

Issue #5 of The Lost Boys, the Blood Belles reveal their true reason for coming to Santa Carla. They plan on unleashing a vampire threat unlike anything the world has ever seen.

Things have gone from bad to worse as the true plot of the Blood Belles has been revealed. Stakes are high, but they’ll need to be brought low if Sam, Michael and the Frog Brothers want to get out of this predicament in The Lost Boys #6.

The last three issues of The Lost Boys are all for mature readers and with good reason. Even though it isn't meant to be sensual in any way, there is some vampire nudity in issue 4 within one panel. It also contains violence and gore, profanity, and frightening and intense scenes.

I really feel it's noteworthy to include a little background history on The Lost Boys franchise and how everything has come full-circle to an extent. Director Joel Schumacher's original concept for a sequel to The Lost Boys was entitled The Lost Girls. The subtitle for Vertigo and Tim Seeley's comic series is "The Lost Girl". I doubt any of Schumacher's ideas are included in Seeley's script, but think it's awesome that the tile is given some recognition.

Tim Seeley wrote The Lost Boys #4, #5, and #6. Scott Godlewski is the artist of the issues. Tony Harris's eye-catching artwork for issue 6 features a brilliant depiction of Edgar Frog (looking very much like Corey Feldman here) as he is fighting off a bloodsucker. Issue 6 was released on March 8th through Vertigo Comics. The book is 32 pages long.

The Lost Boys #6 is available now in print and digital editions. The entire comic series is available here.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟 and a half stars.