Official ‘Avatar’ and ‘Korra’ Merchandise Coming This May

Originally published on The Flickcast.  20 February  2014.


At long last, Avatar: The Last Airbender fans can indulge in collectibles. Dark Horse Comics and Nickelodeon have announced plans for brand new products based on Avatar as well as The Legend of Korra.

Soon you can show off your Water, Earth, Air or Fire Nation pride with an array of merchandise including figurines, drinkware, coasters, magnets, playing cards, lunch boxes (pictured below), pins, plush, and limited-edition statues.

“Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra are some of the finest animated television shows ever created,” David Scroggy, Dark Horse Vice President, Product Development, said. “We feel a strong responsibility to bring forward the creators’ vision as accurately as possible in the style they have established, and we are excited to bring these products to fans.”

Dark Horse and Nickelodeon have already been enjoying a successful partnership with the two series created and produced by Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino. The books and graphic novels based on the shows have become some of Dark Horse’s best sellers.

The new merchandise will debut at the International Toy Fair in New York this month and will be available for purchase in May.

IDW Launches ‘Kill Shakespeare’ Board Game on Kickstarter

Originally published on The Flickcast.  19 February 2014.

Friends, Shakespeareans, gamers, lend me your ears! IDW Games has launched aKickstarter campaign for a Kill Shakespeare board game, based on the graphic novel series.

With a goal of $25,000, Kill Shakespeare is the first joint venture between IDW Games and Pandasaurus Games. The campaign includes perks such as lithographs, posters, custom dice and of course the game itself, at a deeply discounted rate. Stretch goals are also in place to expand game content to include additional characters and quests.

The game itself is a semi-cooperative board game where players are one of Shakespeare’s heroes battling against his villains while completing quests from the Bard himself.



“We’re excited to give fans – both old and new – this early-bird opportunity to check out the board game,” Anthony Del Col, co-creator of the Kill Shakespeare comic series, said. “This is the first game from IDW Games, and we’re blown away by how amazing it’s shaping up to be – they’ve done a fantastic job of adding to our already-expansive world. We’re glad that this Kickstarter campaign will allow audiences to get copies before anyone else, and we look forward to hearing back from everyone throughout the campaign.”

Chief among the backer perks is the option for the first 250 people to get the game itself for $40, a $20 discount from the suggested retail price. Beyond that, backers can still get the game for at least $10 off SRP as well as additional content such as the full Kill Shakespeare comic series on digital download and a 22-page booklet, “The Art of Shakespeare.” A Deluxe version of the board game, packaged to look like a antique Shakespeare book with a leatherette case and gold foil, is also available.

“Kickstarter offers us a platform to truly connect with the fans,” IDW Games Director, Jerry Bennington, said. “We invite backers to take an in-depth look at the game we’re delivering and to comment on what we can do to deliver the best possible tabletop gaming experiences.”

Visit the Kill Shakespeare Kickstarter campaign to check out additional perks and details about the game.

BBC America Reveals Peter Capaldi’s ‘Doctor Who’ Costume

Originally published on The Flickcast.  27 January 2014.

New Doctor means new clothes. The Twelfth Doctor is getting into the Whovian swing of things by choosing an outfit all his own. BBC America has released the first image of Doctor Who actor Peter Capaldi in what will likely be his signature costume.

At first glance, Calpaldi’s look is old school with a bit of modern flair. While there is no bowtie or extra long scarf or Converse shoes to stand out, the clothes do fit the man. As Capaldi said, “He’s woven the future from the cloth of the past. Simple, stark, and back to basics. No frills, no scarf, no messing, just 100 per cent Rebel Time Lord.”

Of course all Whovians know that the Doctor’s outfit usually has a story behind it but fans will have to wait until later this year to learn how and why the Twelfth Doctor picked his costume. The specifics of the outfit, according to BBC America, are: a dark blue Crombie coat with red lining, dark blue trousers, a white shirt and black Doc Marten shoes.

“New Doctor, new era, and of course new clothes,” lead writer and executive producer Steven Moffat added. “Monsters of the universe, the vacation is over – Capaldi is suited and booted and coming to get you!”

Filming for Capaldi’s debut season, which will include returning companion Clara (Jenna Coleman), is currently underway in Cardiff.

Fifth Annual VidCon is June 26-28 in Anaheim, CA

Originally published on The Flickcast.  14 January 2014.

More than 18,000 online video fans and creators are expected to flood the Anaheim Convention Center for the fifth annual VidCon June 26-28, 2014. YouTube will once again be the title sponsor of the event.

“VidCon is simply about and for people who love online video,” said Hank Green, creator and cofounder of VidCon. “The media landscape is rapidly changing, as is the way we communicate with one another, and we have created a single event that brings together everything and everybody connected to online video.”

Many of online video’s most recognizable personalities have already been confirmed for VidCon 2014 including: Charles & Alli Trippy, Charlie McDonnell, Freddie Wong, Grace Helbig, Hank & John Green, Hannah Hart, iJustine, Philip DeFranco, Toby Turner, Ze Frank, Jack & Finn Harries, Tyler Oakley, The Gregory Brothers, Wheezy Waiter, Dane Boedigheimer (The Annoying Orange), The Fine Brothers, Rhett & Link, Shay Carl, Zoella, Tanya Burr, Jim Chapman, Marcus Butler, Caspar Lee and Troye Sivan.

As has become the expectation of the convention, VidCon will include programming for fans and industry professionals such as Q&As, signing, performances, keynotes, panel sessions and roundtable discussions. Attendees may purchase a community or industry pass for the event. While the community pass offers attendees full access to gatherings, performances, concerts, signings, the expo hall and more, the industry pass includes all of these plus creator-specific content. Special limited time only early bird pricing makes the community pass $150 and the industry pass $550 at www.VidCon.com.

Recent data from digital measurement and analytics research company comScore, shows that close to 200 million Americans are watching approximately 50 billion online videos every month. Data like this makes the growing popularity of VidCon, the largest industry and fan conference for online video in the world, even more apparent.

Started in 2010 by online video personalities and brothers Hank and John Green, VidCon has grown exponentially and is now attended by more than 18,000 industry professionals, content creators and fans. More information is available at www.VidCon.com.

TV RECAP: ‘Once Upon a Time’ Ep. 308: ‘Think Lovely Thoughts’

Originally published on The Flickcast.  18 November 2013.

In an incredibly surprising turn of events, there is once again forward momentum on Once Upon a Time! Henry’s family even finds the kid and we get a nice bit of background for my beloved Rumplestiltskin. Sadly, “Think Lovely Thoughts” is also so packed with contrivances it dulls the otherwise tasty plot developments.

Everything from Pan’s origin story (especially the source of his name) to Henry’s inexplicable stupidity made me cringe, dear Oncers. But still we carry on, so let’s begin with a flashback, shall we?

A card hustler gets beaten up and robbed after swindling one too many customers. His son tries to intervene with the help of his adorable eyes and precious Scottish accent but it’s no use. Dad is a deadbeat for poor baby Rumple.

In Neverland, Pan reminds Henry that saving magic will save Wendy and everyone else. Henry, clearly being driven by hormones and a childish fantasy to be the hero like in his fairytale book, says he’s ready to do his duty.

Thankfully two members of his family still have some sense. Regina and Rumple make their way toward Pan’s camp. The Queen pays her master a compliment, saying, “You know despite our differences I can always count on you to get things done. Which is more than I can say for them.” She means the Charmings of course and dang is she right. Ten minutes with Rumple and they had an artifact to take down Pan.

Seven weeks (for us) with the Charmings and all they got was a very convoluted plan. But back to their conversation. Regina brings up Neal, which Rumple doesn’t want to talk about. Good choice really because once she finds out you rescued her son and then let him get recaptured, your little alliance will be fireballed to hell.

We flashback again to see Rumple’s dad dropping him off with two spinner ladies. The boy doesn’t want to leave his Papa so to cheer him up, Dad gives him the going-to-be-important later-on wicker doll. Then Papa runs out of the cottage before he son’s even given the doll a name.

Neverland. Charmings and Co head towards Pan’s camp and Snow confesses to Emma that she’ll stay on the island with her hubby. Emma is skeptical about how easily Mom gave up on finding a solution to this problem. She fails to mention or even think that her newfound magic powers could be helpful but Emma says she’s giving up. But that’s what we have Regina and Rumple for and luckily the duo stumble upon everyone else.

Neal ruins this happy reunion by spilling the beans about the prophecy. Everyone takes a dramatic step back from Rumple and draws their weapons. The Dark One looks exasperated while different members of his complicated family accuse him of trying to kill the kid. Everyone including Hook is ready to defend Henry. Rumple (and I) rolls his eyes at their stupidity. Commercial.

TV RECAP: ‘Once Upon a Time’ Ep. 307: ‘Dark Hollow’

Originally published on The Flickcast.  11 November 2013.

An incredible thing happened in “Dark Hollow” on this week’s Once Upon a Time. There was actual progress toward the goal of finding Henry. Things literally happened instead of just more stagnant set up. The plan to get off the island after rescuing Henry is set, Emma makes a choice between her suitors, Ariel proves surprisingly useful and much more fun than in her titular episode, and we learn who Pan is keeping locked up in a wooden cage. Also, Belle and Storybrooke remain awesome and far more interesting than the Neverland lot. So let’s swoop in to “Dark Hollow…”

Just five days ago in the Once universe, Belle said goodbye to her true love. This scene it’s just as touching as the first time. I miss this pairing so much. While she tearfully watches the Jolly Roger disappear, the rest of the town runs up to celebrate having been saved. Belle shuts them up by saying Greg and Tamara took Henry and producing the cloaking spell for the Blue Fairy to examine.

On the road to Storybrooke, a red convertible carrying some Hipsters approaches. (Seriously, that’s not the beginning of a joke.)

The Storybrooke crew reminds us all why we love them by being both sweetly naïve (Archie) and git er’ done (Grumpy). To wit, as they head into the mines to get some fairy dust for the spell, Grumpy says to his brothers, “No time for whistling boys. Let’s get swinging.” With some dust freed up, Belle pours the vial Rumple gave her and a magical dome begins covering the town. The convertible speeds up to beat the closing barrier and they do, leaving their bumper behind.

In Neverland, Rumple draws a map to Storybrooke and enchants a sand dollar for Ariel to give to Belle. This way he doesn’t have to say their plan out loud and risk Pan hearing them. Finally, we’re using our clever brain, Mr. Gold! The mermaid just wants Eric but Regina is teaching her the value of patience and bargaining so she’ll have to wait.

Pan’s camp. The little stinker can feel that someone is leaving the island. Felix is all concerned about it but Pan just tells him to contact their men in Storybrooke. Also acting super laidback for no reason is Neal. In the Camp of the Twisted Family Tree, he says his big mysterious way to leave the island is hitching a ride with Pan’s shadow and Neal knows just where to catch the evil spirit.

At the Storybrooke beach, the dwarves speak for all of us when they agree that though the love Snow and Charming, “it’s kind of nice not having them around.” They’re of course referring to the lack of killings, wars or beasties since the couple has been gone. I’m referring to the aggravating lovey-dovey idiocy of the duo. Anyway, Grumpy doesn’t like the dissenting talk amongst his comrades, saying everything will be “normal” when the Prince and Snow come back. Grumpy’s brand of normal suddenly appears out in the water as Ariel puts on her magical bracelet and walks onto the beach. She’s looking for Belle but someone else is looking for her. Yes, the Evil (British) Hipsters are spying on her and they’ve received word from the home office to make sure she never leaves Storybrooke. Commercial.

Comikaze 2013: Stan Lee Introduces ‘Superhero Ball Wars’

Originally published on The Flickcast.  5 November 2013.

At Comikaze 2013 Stan “The Man” Lee was on hand to announce on of his newest ventures: Stan Lee’s Superhero Ball Wars. The series of apps, set to release starting in 2014, will be available first for iPhone and iPad and later for Android devices.

The game centers on the characters from the planet Ballo whose citizens are, as Lee says, “well-rounded.” But the Inflators are the superheroes of planet and they are the ones who must fight off an invasion by the evil Deflators. Earthlings are called to help in the battle by collecting heroes and deflecting villains.

The augmented reality aspect of Superhero Ball Wars allows you to hold up your device while the app is running and actually locate Ballo in the sky. You can also lock the game to play without moving your phone or tablet around above you. Once you have Ballo in your sights, characters and objects start flying towards you. Each of the 15 missions requires you to collect a specific character, including Professor Ballkenstan (Lee in Ballo form), while deflecting or avoid other objects and characters.

Superhero Ball Wars is a relatively simple game and is certainly marketed more as a kid’s game. Producer Jeff Edell said on the HotTopic mainstage at Comikaze, “Your kids will love this and maybe adults too.” A virtual vault keeps track of every character you collect, allowing you to learn more about them and trade with your friends. Physical Ballo character cards let players continue their missions even when they’re not plugged into the app.

Look for the first of Stan Lee’s Superhero Ball Wars apps to be available in the App Store next year. For now, check out the trailer for the game below.

TV RECAP: ‘Once Upon a Time’ Ep. 306: ‘Ariel’

Originally published on The Flickcast.  5 November 2013.

I have to tell you Oncers, I’m starting to worry about our magical show. We spend yet another episode in Neverland and seem to get very little accomplished once again toward the goal of rescuing Henry (who doesn’t even appear in “Ariel” though that might be an improvement really). We do however get confirmation yet again that Regina is the best character (and actress) on Once and that Rumple hasn’t completely lost his ability to put together a deal or a plan. Oh and of course, there’s Ariel, whose flashback story is really somewhat pointless until the plot at then end calls for her.

So we start in the old Enchanted Forest where Snow White is running away from Regina’s guards.  She skids to a halt at a cliff overlooking the ocean but then takes a daring leap into the waters where she is recued by a red-headed mermaid, Ariel.

In Neverland, Regina is pushing Emma to concentrate to use her magic. Ms. Savior doesn’t want to use her anger as a trigger, which makes sense since she was about to use love every other time but she apparently doesn’t remember that. See, Rumple, this is why they need you. The Queen is disgusted with Emma’s reluctance, saying, “You’re such a pathetic waste of ability.” This fires up Emma’s temper and the campfire she was trying to magic.

Regina is pleased while Emma’s parents are trying not to be too mortified. They get a nice bit of distraction from Hook who, in a show of surprising honesty, tells them about Neal. While the men agree that not telling Emma until they’re sure about Neal’s alive or dead state, Snow feels uncomfortable lying to her daughter. Personally, I think she should embrace this opportunity to make up for missed chances to lie to her kid about things like Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny.

Back in the Enchanted Forest, Ariel and Snow gab about boys. Seems the mermaid fell in love at first sight with land-Prince Eric when she saved him from a shipwreck a year ago. She also reveals that she’s got plans for a night on two legs by lifts her fins onto the land where they transform. Apparently, the sea witch Ursula grants mermaids the ability to have legs for 12 hours every high tide and this one coincides with Ursula’s Ball, which Eric will attend.

Neverland. The Charmings and Hook are trying to make a getaway from the camp but their poor planning makes Emma suspicious. So Snow just blurts it out: Neal’s alive.

After commercial, we get some quality time with Rumple, who is struggling to see into future. Then Pan pops up to offer him some breakfast and inform the dealmaker that he can’t see the future in a place where time stands still. Duh. He tells Rumple to just leave the island because even if he saved Neal and Henry no one will forgive him for all the evil he’s done. Go back to Belle and make a new start, Pan advises.

While Rumple contemplates his cowardice, the company is arguing about looking for Neal. Regina, once again speaking for the audience, says, “This is a waste of time.” Snow tells Emma that she owes it to Henry and herself to find out if Neal’s alive but the Queen is fed up with making no progress on finding their son. She goes off on her own while everyone else heads off to find Neal. They better hurry too because as Pan and Felix watch them from afar, it’s decided to move the captive Neal to the Echo Cave.

First Look at Sam Heughan as Jaime Fraser in ‘Outlander’

Originally published on The Flickcast.  30 October 2013.

Attention fans of Diana Gabaldon’s best-selling book series! Here’s your first look at actor Sam Heughan playing the charming Scottish warrior Jaime Fraser in Starz’s adaptation of popular novels.

For those of you not versed in the Outlander series, Jaime woos the married Claire Randell (Caitriona Balfe), who has suddenly jumped back in time to 1743. She is originally from 1943 where she’s  a combat nurse.

Starz’s Outlander is an adaptation of Gabaldon’s best-selling book series of the same name (the first book is re-titled as Cross Stitch in the UK). Equal parts romance, historical, and fantasy, the series began with Outlander in 1991 and  continues with Written in My Own Heart’s Blood

The the first of Outlander‘s 16 episodes will air starting in 2014.

TV RECAP: ‘Once Upon a Time’ – Ep. 305: ‘Good Form’

Originally published on The Flickcast.  28 October 2013.

So Oncers it’s time for our weekly journey in Neverland. But this time we get a little spice in our bland Once soup with the story of Killain Jones, a good sailor gone pirate. Just like everyone, his heart was broken with grief and guilt so he went to the Dark (and roguishly handsome) Side. But a certain Savior might be melting his cold, buccaneer heart after all, as evidence by that hot and way over publicized kiss. Oh also, Henry is still with the Lost Boys and Neal is, well…

Neal is in an even worse state than when we ended last week. He gets chucked into a wooden cage by the Lost Boys and is promptly forgotten for the rest of the episode.

Back in Camp Pan, a boy literally pokes Henry with a stick to make him fight back with a conveniently available wooden sword. Pan steps in to prompt Henry to believe he’s holding a real sword and TA-DA! It works! Then Henry gets carried away and cuts the Lost Boy’s cheek but don’t worry. The best thing about being a Lost Boy is you never have to apologize.

As Henry enjoys applause for his use of violence, his family is still in Neal’s cave looking for the key to his secret star map. Emma sees that Neal stopped counting his days on the island not because he left but because he lost hope. Even Hook gravelly-voiced reassurances don’t quell her concerns for Henry. She says it’s time they “take a page from Pan and start being clever.” Why wasn’t this Plan A?

Having seen Hook putting the moves on Emma with his sensitive side, Charming goes into protective dad mode and tells the scallywag to lay off. Emma will never like him because he’s a pirate.

Whoa, hold there Charming. Just-a-pirate Hook used to be a leftenant in the British navy who didn’t tolerate bad form on his ship. Rather, his Captain/brother’s ship. They and the crew are heading out under secret orders, a “mission of [their] dreams” that will bring glory to the Jones family.

TV RECAP: ‘Once Upon a Time’ – Ep. 304: ‘Nasty Habits’

Originally published on The Flickcast.  22 October 2013.

Oh Oncers, we’re back again for some Neverland adventures and general stupidity by all adults present.

We start with the recently captured Bae being led through the forest by Felix. “You were a Lost Boy,” Felix says. Bae isn’t interested in reminiscing so Felix continues. “You may have grown up Baelfire but it appears you have grown up stupid.” Seriously, right? Bae proves us all wrong (for once) by slipping out of his hand ties and knocking out Felix.

Flashback to Papa Dark One and baby Bae who is definitely looking like teenage Bae. Daddy gives his son a nice little knife but Bae doesn’t want anything that his dad took from someone else as payment. He wants to leave their little house and play with some friends. Rumple counters that he could build them a castle but Bae doesn’t want that either. At a loss, Rumple says he’s just concerned that his enemies will hurt Bae if the boy leaves.

“I don’t know what I’d do if I ever lost you,” he says. Go a little crazy and use your magic to weave an elaborate plan to get him back probably.

In Neverland Rumple paints his face as Belle appears to him again. She quips that he always liked a mask. He tells her that he needs the mask to make himself the monster necessary to save Henry. When she reminds him that Henry will be his undoing, Rumple says he has nothing to live for anyway. “What about me?” she and all the Rumbellers reply. “You’re not real, just a vision.” Hmmm, fair point but still. Rumple accepts that when he and his True Love parted in Storybrooke it was forever and even if he came back she’d eventually leave him. Because she knows the real him, the ugly, monster him. So he has to redeem himself by sacrificing himself to save Henry.

Also looking to save Henry and taking a different, less successful route is Emma and Co. They’re getting ready to depart based on Tinker Bell’s info on Pan. Tink says they still have to deal with the Lost Boys. “I think we can handle a few children with pointy sticks,” says Regina. Heh.

Au contraire, Tink says. The Lost Boys did quite a number on Tamara and Owen. Which brings her to her next question. What is the exit strategy? Oh that’s easy enough: they don’t have one. Charming remembers that Hook got off the island before but the pirate confesses it was by making a deal with Pan. Only Neal has made it off the island on his own.

Rumple takes care of a couple of Lost Boys with a burst of magic. He picks up one of the poisoned spears and aims it at the intruder running toward him from the forest but stops short. It’s Bae.

D23 Expo 2013: Reviewing New Thor and Captain America Footage

Originally published on TheFlickcast.com.  12 August 2013.

This could be the end for Jane Foster. Exclusive footage from Thor: The Dark World shown at the D23 Expo revealed Thor’s lady love is infected with a mystical disease that leaves even the Asgardians baffled. In addition to replaying the trailers and first looks from San Diego Comic-Con last month, Marvel unveiled new clips from both the upcoming Thor sequel and Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Neither scenes are available online yet so here is what you missed.

Jane Foster’s (Natalie Portman) fate remains uncertain as a team of Asgardian healers examined her. Knowing that Earth’s doctors would be unable to help her, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) brought Jane to his home world. But his father, Odin (Anthony Hopkins), does not like having the human in Asgard so he sends guards to remove her.

Jane’s infection is not going to go lightly though and it pulses out a wave of energy that knocks the guards back. What could the infection be? Thor and Odin are as clueless and we are.

Check Out Corey Vidal and Shay Carl’s ‘Vlogumentary’

Originally published on TheFlickcast.com.  9 August 2013.

Only five days after hitting the web, the Vlogumentary trailer is approaching 800,000 views. The documentary about video blogging is directed by Corey Vidal, and executive produced by Shay Carl. The two veteran vloggers released the trailer during a main stage presentation at last week’s VidCon 2013 to thunderous applause and plenty of tears.

Vlogumentary, which was previously titled I’m Vlogging Here, looks to be a poignant and honest portrayal of the impact of web video. The film explores the beginnings of many of the most popular YouTube channels as well as the art of vlogging.

Prominent YouTubers such as John and Hank Green (Vlogbrothers), Grace Helbig (Daily Grace), Toby Turner (Tobuscus) and many more are featured alongside dozens of lesser-known vloggers. Vlogumentary is set to release later this year.

Loot Crate: Reviewing the July Crate

Originally published on TheFlickcast.com.  6 August 2013.

I recently wrote about Loot Crate, the company that is supplying geeks and gamers with a box of swag every month. To find out first hand whether the subscription service lives up to the hype, I got the July crate to review.

Part of the fun of the crate is definitely the mystery. I was nearly giddy with excitement when opening it, like a kid on Christmas morning. The first thing I saw upon unboxing was Star Wars earbuds. Immediately I knew I was in for a good haul. Next came a Thor Pez dispenser and then a Sonic the Hedgehog air freshener, which has a pleasing floral scent to it.

As I progressed, the crate’s theme became clear. Whether to coincide with Geek Week on YouTube (August 4-11) or VidCon 2013 (August 1-3) or because popular web series Video Game High School (VGHS) began its second season on July 26th, this crate was perfectly themed around VGHS. Included was the entire first season of the show on DVD and a set of buttons portraying the different schools (e.g. Adventure and Discovery or Speed and Control).