Michael Biehn, "Rogue One's Princess Leia Visit Dallas, TX Fans

Madness Games and Comics in Plano, TX is becoming well known as not only a great comic book and pop culture collectible store, but as the place to go to meet celebrities from different movies and TV shows. A few months back, they hosted some of the cast and crew from "Star Wars: Clone Wars," "Star Wars Rebels," and "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," as well as a few of the original "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" actors. Galactic Productions are the ones putting together these mini comic-cons and they didn't fail to impress at their latest event.

(Above left to right) Jerome Blake, Invild Deila, and Cliff Alliston.

Celebrity guests who appeared at Madness Games and Comics for Saturday's "Star Wars" gaming day spread across many of the movies in the "Star Wars" franchise and included "Terminator," "Aliens," and "The Abyss" actor Michael Biehn. Invild Deila was the body double and CGI face model for Princess Leia in "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story." Jerome Blake has played many different characters across the Prequel trilogy including Mas Ameeda, Oppo Rancisis, Rune Haako, Mik Regrap, Horox Ryyder, and Orn Free Taa. Cliff Alliston was one of the Rebel fighters on Endor during the big battle.

Invild Deila was the actor I was most interested in meeting and I was not disappointed. Looking at her, you can totally see why she was chosen to stand in for a young Carrie Fisher. Aside from her curly blond hair, the Norwegian resembled her almost to a "T." Deila was very cordial and seemed genuinely excited to answer any and all questions fired at her about her part in a Galaxy Far, Far Away. I had a few questions for her myself about the process of playing Princess Leia.

When asked about her time on the set of "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," Deila said she was nervous about doing the character of Princess Leia justice. Carrie Fisher was said to have seen the footage before she passed away and approved of her performance. Deila was very worried about what Fisher would think about her portrayal and wanted to do right by her. Hearing that Fisher liked what she saw made her very happy. Unfortunately, Deila told me she never got to meet Fisher and hear that in person.

Deila shared with me a few interesting aspects of filming the scene in "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story." The Leia buns were her actual hair (obviously dyed brown) with a little extra puff added to them. The blue dots used for motion capture and facial CGI are an actual type of washable pen that is put on by a makeup person. She said the dots would reflect strangely and be a bit distracting. Deila said working with Director Gareth Edwards a great experience.

Michael Biehn was also in attendance meeting and greeting fans. He's probably best known as Kyle Reese in "The Terminator" and as Corporal Dwayne Hicks in "Aliens." Biehn has also directed a couple of films and produced many more.  

To find out about future Galactic Productions celebrity appearances at Madness Games and Comics, you can follow them on Facebook here and here.

Michael Biehn, "Rogue One's Princess Leia Visit Dallas, TX Fans

Madness Games and Comics in Plano, TX is becoming well known as not only a great comic book and pop culture collectible store, but as the place to go to meet celebrities from different movies and TV shows. A few months back, they hosted some of the cast and crew from "Star Wars: Clone Wars," "Star Wars Rebels," and "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," as well as a few of the original "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" actors. Galactic Productions are the ones putting together these mini comic-cons and they didn't fail to impress at their latest event.

(Above left to right) Jerome Blake, Invild Deila, and Cliff Alliston.

Celebrity guests who appeared at Madness Games and Comics for Saturday's "Star Wars" gaming day spread across many of the movies in the "Star Wars" franchise and included "Terminator," "Aliens," and "The Abyss" actor Michael Biehn. Invild Deila was the body double and CGI face model for Princess Leia in "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story." Jerome Blake has played many different characters across the Prequel trilogy including Mas Ameeda, Oppo Rancisis, Rune Haako, Mik Regrap, Horox Ryyder, and Orn Free Taa. Cliff Alliston was one of the Rebel fighters on Endor during the big battle.

Invild Deila was the actor I was most interested in meeting and I was not disappointed. Looking at her, you can totally see why she was chosen to stand in for a young Carrie Fisher. Aside from her curly blond hair, the Norwegian resembled her almost to a "T." Deila was very cordial and seemed genuinely excited to answer any and all questions fired at her about her part in a Galaxy Far, Far Away. I had a few questions for her myself about the process of playing Princess Leia.

When asked about her time on the set of "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," Deila said she was nervous about doing the character of Princess Leia justice. Carrie Fisher was said to have seen the footage before she passed away and approved of her performance. Deila was very worried about what Fisher would think about her portrayal and wanted to do right by her. Hearing that Fisher liked what she saw made her very happy. Unfortunately, Deila told me she never got to meet Fisher and hear that in person.

Deila shared with me a few interesting aspects of filming the scene in "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story." The Leia buns were her actual hair (obviously dyed brown) with a little extra puff added to them. The blue dots used for motion capture and facial CGI are an actual type of washable pen that is put on by a makeup person. She said the dots would reflect strangely and be a bit distracting. Deila said working with Director Gareth Edwards a great experience.

Michael Biehn was also in attendance meeting and greeting fans. He's probably best known as Kyle Reese in "The Terminator" and as Corporal Dwayne Hicks in "Aliens." Biehn has also directed a couple of films and produced many more.  

To find out about future Galactic Productions celebrity appearances at Madness Games and Comics, you can follow them on Facebook here and here.

Exciting "Star Wars Rebels: Season Three" Expands the Universe

"Star Wars Rebels: Complete Season Three" drastically ups the ante when it comes to tying together the events of "Rogue One" and the Prequels to the original trilogy. It also threw expanded universe fans a bone by introducing Grand Admiral Thrawn to the new canon of a Galaxy Far, Far Away. Blend all those bits and pieces with solid storytelling and an impressive development of the "Star Wars" mythology and you have a volatile mix of drama, excitement, and intrigue.

Having established a secret base on Atollon, the Ghost crew, now led by a more powerful Ezra, strengthens the Rebel fleet by acquiring new resources and recruits eager to stand against the Empire. However, the Imperial efforts to eliminate the Rebellion are now being led by the coldly analytical Grand Admiral Thrawn, whose strategic, tactical and cultural insights make him a threat unlike any they have faced before. Ezra and Sabine must take on new roles and challenges as the Rebels prepare for their biggest mission yet – a direct assault on the Empire in "Star Wars Rebels: Complete Season Three."

I had a few issues with Season Three of "Star Wars Rebels." Some characters I expected more from, while others were exactly what I envisioned. A certain showdown was less than I wanted, even if it "technically" made sense. Also, is there really not ONE Stormtrooper who can shoot straight? I know it's an ongoing joke, but REALLY? You can't complain too much when we're getting new "Star Wars" every week, though.

For a Disney XD show, subject matter gets a bit deep for kids sometimes on "Star Wars Rebels." You might find them tuning out when Ezra or Kanan start talking the Force with the Bendu or when the "politics" of the war between the Rebels and the Empire get a bit long in the tooth. However, Be sure there's always another exciting conflict or moment of humor featuring Chopper, Zeb, or Sabine right around the corner.

"Star Wars Rebels: Complete Season Three" is rated TV-Y7-FV for fantasy violence. If you're kids have seen any of the "Star Wars" movies, then this is appropriate for them. There's your standard laser battles and lightsaber duels, but nothing out of the ordinary. There are moments where things get a bit darker here and there, so younger children might get afraid.

Bonus material for the "Star Wars Rebels: Complete Season Three" Blu-ray will definitely thrill fans of the show. We get five behind-the-scenes featurettes including "Return to Mandalore," Thrawn: A Legend Reborn," "Apprentices to Outcasts: Kenobi and Maul," "The Original Rebel: Saw Gerrera Returns - Extended," and "A Rebel Alliance." Five audio commentaries are provided by Dave Filoni (Executive Producer), Justin Ridge (Supervising Director), Killian Plunkett (Art Director), Keith Kellogg (CG Supervisor), and Joel Aron (Lighting and FX Supervisor). Lastly, 19 "Rebel Recons" dig deeper into featured episodes with interviews with the cast and crew of the series.

"Star Wars Rebels: Complete Season Three" comes out on Blu-ray and DVD on August 29th, 2017. The voice cast includes Freddie Prinze Jr, Vanessa Marshall, Taylor Gray, Tiya Sircar, Steve Blum, Tom Baker, and Lars Mikkelsen. The running time is 485 minutes.

"Star Wars Rebels: Complete Season Three" is available on Blu-ray and DVD.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Exciting "Star Wars Rebels: Season Three" Expands the Universe

"Star Wars Rebels: Complete Season Three" drastically ups the ante when it comes to tying together the events of "Rogue One" and the Prequels to the original trilogy. It also threw expanded universe fans a bone by introducing Grand Admiral Thrawn to the new canon of a Galaxy Far, Far Away. Blend all those bits and pieces with solid storytelling and an impressive development of the "Star Wars" mythology and you have a volatile mix of drama, excitement, and intrigue.

Having established a secret base on Atollon, the Ghost crew, now led by a more powerful Ezra, strengthens the Rebel fleet by acquiring new resources and recruits eager to stand against the Empire. However, the Imperial efforts to eliminate the Rebellion are now being led by the coldly analytical Grand Admiral Thrawn, whose strategic, tactical and cultural insights make him a threat unlike any they have faced before. Ezra and Sabine must take on new roles and challenges as the Rebels prepare for their biggest mission yet – a direct assault on the Empire in "Star Wars Rebels: Complete Season Three."

I had a few issues with Season Three of "Star Wars Rebels." Some characters I expected more from, while others were exactly what I envisioned. A certain showdown was less than I wanted, even if it "technically" made sense. Also, is there really not ONE Stormtrooper who can shoot straight? I know it's an ongoing joke, but REALLY? You can't complain too much when we're getting new "Star Wars" every week, though.

For a Disney XD show, subject matter gets a bit deep for kids sometimes on "Star Wars Rebels." You might find them tuning out when Ezra or Kanan start talking the Force with the Bendu or when the "politics" of the war between the Rebels and the Empire get a bit long in the tooth. However, Be sure there's always another exciting conflict or moment of humor featuring Chopper, Zeb, or Sabine right around the corner.

"Star Wars Rebels: Complete Season Three" is rated TV-Y7-FV for fantasy violence. If you're kids have seen any of the "Star Wars" movies, then this is appropriate for them. There's your standard laser battles and lightsaber duels, but nothing out of the ordinary. There are moments where things get a bit darker here and there, so younger children might get afraid.

Bonus material for the "Star Wars Rebels: Complete Season Three" Blu-ray will definitely thrill fans of the show. We get five behind-the-scenes featurettes including "Return to Mandalore," Thrawn: A Legend Reborn," "Apprentices to Outcasts: Kenobi and Maul," "The Original Rebel: Saw Gerrera Returns - Extended," and "A Rebel Alliance." Five audio commentaries are provided by Dave Filoni (Executive Producer), Justin Ridge (Supervising Director), Killian Plunkett (Art Director), Keith Kellogg (CG Supervisor), and Joel Aron (Lighting and FX Supervisor). Lastly, 19 "Rebel Recons" dig deeper into featured episodes with interviews with the cast and crew of the series.

"Star Wars Rebels: Complete Season Three" comes out on Blu-ray and DVD on August 29th, 2017. The voice cast includes Freddie Prinze Jr, Vanessa Marshall, Taylor Gray, Tiya Sircar, Steve Blum, Tom Baker, and Lars Mikkelsen. The running time is 485 minutes.

"Star Wars Rebels: Complete Season Three" is available on Blu-ray and DVD.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Jack Kirby's The Sandman Haunts New DC Tribute Special

DC Comics continues its tribute to the late great Jack Kirby with The Sandman Special #1. The two main stories in the issue are wonderful homages to the work of the iconic writer / artist and his creation. Both of them contain adventure, drama, and thrills that will leave readers wanting to read more of The Sandman's exciting tales from days gone by.

Sandman, Brute and Glob battle an onslaught of dreams so powerful that they are invading the dreams of other people! Then, a grown-up Jed Walker returns to his childhood home, only to find himself haunted by dreams from the past in The Sandman Special #1.

The Sandman Special #1 is rated T for Teen. It contains violence and frightening and intense scenes. The content is basically just your usual comic book violence and such. There's really nothing out of the ordinary to be found.

Steve Orlando and Dan Jurgens wrote The Sandman Special #1. Artwork was provided by Rick Leonardi and Jon Bogdanove. It was released on August 16th through DC Comics. The book is 48 pages long.

The Sandman Special #1 is available now in print and digital editions.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟 and a half.

Jack Kirby's The Sandman Haunts New DC Tribute Special

DC Comics continues its tribute to the late great Jack Kirby with The Sandman Special #1. The two main stories in the issue are wonderful homages to the work of the iconic writer / artist and his creation. Both of them contain adventure, drama, and thrills that will leave readers wanting to read more of The Sandman's exciting tales from days gone by.

Sandman, Brute and Glob battle an onslaught of dreams so powerful that they are invading the dreams of other people! Then, a grown-up Jed Walker returns to his childhood home, only to find himself haunted by dreams from the past in The Sandman Special #1.

The Sandman Special #1 is rated T for Teen. It contains violence and frightening and intense scenes. The content is basically just your usual comic book violence and such. There's really nothing out of the ordinary to be found.

Steve Orlando and Dan Jurgens wrote The Sandman Special #1. Artwork was provided by Rick Leonardi and Jon Bogdanove. It was released on August 16th through DC Comics. The book is 48 pages long.

The Sandman Special #1 is available now in print and digital editions.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟 and a half.

Whose Making a Joker Origin Movie... and Why?

When I first read the headline that Martin Scorsese was producing a stand-alone Joker movie, I was extremely excited. Was WB and DC Entertainment going to use stand-alone films to try and steer their cinematic universe in a different direction? Possibly throw some stuff up against the wall and see what sticks and go from there?

How could you go wrong with a crime thriller set in the 1980s headed up by the guy who is considered by many to be the king of gangster movies? Well, it all depends on just how involved he's going to be, if at all. Sources for THR have already said that Scorsese might not be involved for sure.

What we're left with are two names that don't necessarily drum up a whole lot of excitement or confidence when it comes to crime thrillers or comic book movies. Todd Phillips and Scott Silver have both been reported to be co-writing the Joker project. Do I trust two guys who gave us "The Hangover" series, "Old School," and "The Mod Squad" to deliver a serious and quality Joker movie well-blended with some black comedy and complex characters?

Granted both Phillips and Silver, have helped create some more serious fare in the past like "The Finest Hour," "The Fighter," and even "War Dogs." However, Phillips in particular is known for his screwball comedies and it makes me nervous that he might also be directing the film and give it the wrong tone.

I for one welcome different takes on the DC super heroes. Especially since I'm really not too fond of where they've taken the cinematic universe thus far. Maybe these two guys will surprise me and produce something that captures the true essence of these comic book characters that have been completely disrespected and defamed through both "Man of Steel" and "Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice." I'll still feel a whole lot better if Martin Scorsese hops on board this project and is officially attached.

Whose Making a Joker Origin Movie... and Why?

When I first read the headline that Martin Scorsese was producing a stand-alone Joker movie, I was extremely excited. Was WB and DC Entertainment going to use stand-alone films to try and steer their cinematic universe in a different direction? Possibly throw some stuff up against the wall and see what sticks and go from there?

How could you go wrong with a crime thriller set in the 1980s headed up by the guy who is considered by many to be the king of gangster movies? Well, it all depends on just how involved he's going to be, if at all. Sources for THR have already said that Scorsese might not be involved for sure.

What we're left with are two names that don't necessarily drum up a whole lot of excitement or confidence when it comes to crime thrillers or comic book movies. Todd Phillips and Scott Silver have both been reported to be co-writing the Joker project. Do I trust two guys who gave us "The Hangover" series, "Old School," and "The Mod Squad" to deliver a serious and quality Joker movie well-blended with some black comedy and complex characters?

Granted both Phillips and Silver, have helped create some more serious fare in the past like "The Finest Hour," "The Fighter," and even "War Dogs." However, Phillips in particular is known for his screwball comedies and it makes me nervous that he might also be directing the film and give it the wrong tone.

I for one welcome different takes on the DC super heroes. Especially since I'm really not too fond of where they've taken the cinematic universe thus far. Maybe these two guys will surprise me and produce something that captures the true essence of these comic book characters that have been completely disrespected and defamed through both "Man of Steel" and "Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice." I'll still feel a whole lot better if Martin Scorsese hops on board this project and is officially attached.

I Already Hate "The Last Jedi's" Porgs

My feelings of disgust and hatred for the Ewoks might have just been trumped by the newest cute critters from the "Star Wars" universe. The porgs are creatures that look like a mix between a hamster and a penguin. Their big dopey eyes add a Beanie Baby cuteness to them that will either melt your heart or, in my case, make you throw up in your mouth a little. They were inspired by a real animal found in Skellig, Ireland called puffins. Rian Johnson shares how they came about.

"If you go to Skellig at the right time of year, it’s just covered in puffins, and they’re the most adorable things in the world. So when I was first scouting there, I saw these guys, and I was like, oh, these are part of the island. And so the Porgs are in that realm,” he told EW.

I totally understand from a business standpoint that you need something cute and doughy-eyed to market and sell to the kids. The porgs definitely fit that description every disgusting way possible. However, that doesn't mean I have to like it. I'm going to have to buy one of these things for my daughter and listen to it's obnoxious screeches for hours on end.

If these little rats end up somehow defeating the First Order as they come to Ahch-To to capture Luke Skywalker and Rey, I'll just absolutely lose it and probably have to be carried out of the theater. Maybe they'll just chirp at them and they'll decide to leave the planet on their own from the annoyance. You can check out their maddeningly irritating sounds in the video below.

If you think they're cute and already can't get enough of them, the "Star Wars" YouTube channel posted a "Star Wars Blips" showing us what sort of mischievous antics we can expect from these things. Check it out below.

I Already Hate "The Last Jedi's" Porgs

My feelings of disgust and hatred for the Ewoks might have just been trumped by the newest cute critters from the "Star Wars" universe. The porgs are creatures that look like a mix between a hamster and a penguin. Their big dopey eyes add a Beanie Baby cuteness to them that will either melt your heart or, in my case, make you throw up in your mouth a little. They were inspired by a real animal found in Skellig, Ireland called puffins. Rian Johnson shares how they came about.

"If you go to Skellig at the right time of year, it’s just covered in puffins, and they’re the most adorable things in the world. So when I was first scouting there, I saw these guys, and I was like, oh, these are part of the island. And so the Porgs are in that realm,” he told EW.

I totally understand from a business standpoint that you need something cute and doughy-eyed to market and sell to the kids. The porgs definitely fit that description every disgusting way possible. However, that doesn't mean I have to like it. I'm going to have to buy one of these things for my daughter and listen to it's obnoxious screeches for hours on end.

If these little rats end up somehow defeating the First Order as they come to Ahch-To to capture Luke Skywalker and Rey, I'll just absolutely lose it and probably have to be carried out of the theater. Maybe they'll just chirp at them and they'll decide to leave the planet on their own from the annoyance. You can check out their maddeningly irritating sounds in the video below.

If you think they're cute and already can't get enough of them, the "Star Wars" YouTube channel posted a "Star Wars Blips" showing us what sort of mischievous antics we can expect from these things. Check it out below.