Wednesday, December 29, 2010

The Punisher ~ the Official Marvel Universe Handbook Entry

Handbook

Handbook 2

Punisher Noir

NoirGreetings readers, I hope you had a wonderful Christmas holiday season!  I have to admit, I had a really good Christmas this year.  One of the things I received from my beautiful fiancee' was the graphic novel, Punisher Noir.  For those of you who do not know, the Punisher is one of my favorite comic characters in the world.  Anyway, I was pleased when I first opened the book.
The story takes place in the '30's and the Punisher is doing what he does best, killing gangsters.  The writer and illustrators did a great job capturing what a '30's era Punisher would look like as well as kick ass versions of the Russian, Barracuda, and my favorite, Jigsaw.  The story stayed the course and was a very good read.  I couldn't put it down!  Definitely pick up this title for your collection!  I give this book a strong 8 out of 10.  Enjoy!

Saturday, December 25, 2010

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
I will be taking the weekend off of posting to spend the holiday with friends and family.
I will leave you with this treasure done by the wonderful artist, Adam Hughes.

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Oh, and guys, as a Christmas present to you, my readers, I want to let you know that I am working on interviews with three talented men that bring fantasy to life with their art.  I would love to tell you more than that, but it would ruin the surprise.  Until next time, keep reading and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Friday, December 24, 2010

Merry Christmas from Giorgia

Another beautiful cosplayer happened to share some photos with me on Deviantart.  I want to thank Giorgia for sharing these wonderful images so that I may share them with you. 

 You can see her work at http://giorgiacosplay.deviantart.com/.

Merry Christmas!

Gio set 1

gio set 2 b

Gio set 3 b

Merry Christmas from Harley Quinn

The lovely Harley Quinn shared this pic with me on Deviantart, and I thought it was only fair to make it her Christmas post.  Merry Christmas everyone!

Harley Quinn

Sunday, December 19, 2010

10 questions with Spazzy

Fan GirlTime for another interview with a very beautiful cosplayer.  This time, I have the pleasure of introducing you to the always beautiful and talented, Spazzy.

1. What is your name and where are you from?

My name is Lisa, but I normally go by Spazzy or ComixBookGurl. I am from the Lone Star State! (Texas)

2. How did you discover cosplay?

I discovered it several years ago, but just recently got into it.

3. What character(s) have you cosplayed in the past?

I have cosplayed as Fujiko from Holly G!’s comic School bites, Jim Balent’s Character Mommy Cat from 3 Kittens, Purrfect Weapons, Jim Balents Gohst Nurse from Tarot, and Jim Balents take on Little Red Riding Hood, Zatanna, funky looking Batgirl/Barbra Gordon and just plain Little Red Riding Hood.

Red4. What characters are you interested in cosplaying in the future?

You want the whole list? Haha There are so many. Lets see, most of the Catwoman costumes, Batwoman, Batman The Animated Series Batgirl, Alice in Wonderland, Black Canary, Black Cat, Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, Mary Jane, Gwen Stacey, Oracle, and Ms. Marvel. Just to name a few ;)

5. Do you read comics? If so, what are your favorites?

I could feel a book with the mass amounts of comics I read. I read well over 200+ titles I am sure. I am a huge nerd. So I will give you a list of some of my favorites at the moment. Anything Batman, Tarot Witch of the Black Rose, School Bites, Fathom, Witchblade, Secret Six, Green Lantern, Hack/Slash, Fables, House of Mystery, Sweet Tooth, The Walking Dead, Gotham City Sirens, Zatanna, Justice League Generation Lost, Batgirl, and Artifacts.. JUST to name a few ;)

6. Who is your favorite character to cosplay?
Uh Oh its Majic

Since I haven’t really been in the game so far, I can’t really say. I know I am going to LOVE being Catwoman when the time comes.

7. Are you a gamer, if so what is your favorite game and on what system?

I have ALL the gaming systems.. I am not joking. I love most games. Some of my favorites are Kingdom Hearts series, Halo 3, Tetris, Final Fantasy games, Bioshock, Mario games, Kirby games, most first person shooters.

8. What are your future plans in terms of cosplay?

To do it a lot more, and do it well.

9. Where have you displayed your cosplay?

In the back of several comic books! And at Halloween! Like I said, I am not extremely hardcore yet, but I plan on it!

Bat Corset10. What other hobbies do you have besides cosplay?

I love to work out, collect original artwork, play games, read, wearing corsets, and study public health! I am on several podcasts and love talking about geeky things!

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LINKS:







Banner

Happy Holidays

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Another favorite from the blog Kirby Vision.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Hostess Ads

Remember back in the late 70's and early 80's when the comics used to have hostess ads in them?  It was not only an ad, but a mini-story starring your favorite heroes or villains.  Well, I used to read mine over and over.  There was just something about them that made them entertaining.  Well, thanks to blogs like Branded in the 80's and other cool sites, I have found some really good ads that I want to share.  So, I am going to try to display an add once a week or every two weeks from now on so that you, my readers, can enjoy this treasures in the world of comic advertising.  I haven't figured out the title for this section yet. Maybe you can help with that. Anyway, enjoy the ads, I know I will! :)

Thor


Oh yeah, Happy Thorsday!

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Wonder Woman Sketch

I felt like sharing one of my sketches today and since it is still technically Wednesday,
 I figured I would share a Wonder Woman sketch I did last year.

Wonder Woman

Hey, Look at my Toys! Shout-out to Derf's Domain

Check out the shout-out I received from Reis over at Hey, Look at my Toys! 
He is devoting the whole week to Derf.
I think that is totally awesome! 
If you haven't already, check out his blog today! 
You will be glad you did. :)

Vera Vanguard as Draculina

Vera allowed me to use a lot of her pics for her interview. 
In fact, I have photos left over that I will post from time to time. 
So, without further hesitation, I present Vera as Draculina.

Draculina Hump

Oh, and have a Wonderful Hump Day!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Ultimate Captain America

Marvel released some preview art for the new Ultimate series, Ultimate Captain America. 
Maybe it's just me, but Cap with a gun doesn't look right. 
Oh well, it is kick ass art though.  Kudos to the artist!

Ultimate Cap

Saturday, December 11, 2010

10 questions with Vera VanGuard

ProfileI decided to treat my followers with a second interview today.  This one is one of my personal favorites because I have been a fan of hers for a long time now.  It is time for you to meet everyone's favorite Goth Girl, Vera VanGuard.  Enjoy!

1. What is your name and where are you from?

Vera VanGuard, born in Moscow, Russia, raised in New York F#@kin' City, currently living it up in Los Angeles.

2. How did you discover cosplay?

I was playing the old classic Tomb Raider PS1 games and there was a comic book convention coming up (I'd never been to one before and had no idea people dressed up) so I thought that I could dress up as Lara Croft. It's still my signature costume till this day. When I showed up and got photographed and wound up in magazines, I was like "holy crap!" This kicks ass.

3. What character(s) have you cosplayed in the past?

Lara Croft in various game costumes. This year, I did Steam Punk Lara at the San Diego Comicon. Other more minor (but not less work intensive) costumes are Witchblade, Heavenly Sword's Nariko, BloodRayne, Mara Jade and Black Widow

Draculina4. What characters are you interested in cosplaying in the future?

Oh boy! If I was to do a comic book movie, I'd be any one of those characters. I'm just gonna stick to the few good ones I already have otherwise.

5. Do you read comics? If so, what are your favorites?

I am the world's biggest fan of LOBO. I have every single issue.

Rayne








6. How does it feel to be recognized for your characters like Bloodrayne in public?

Out of costume, I'm totally surprised when fans recognize me. The Bloodrayne Fan Film (www.bloodraynefanfilm.com) is huge all over the world. I also have two very popular comedy web series and I'm getting recognized as "Goth Girl" more and more www.watchgothgirl.com and then there's the supernatural award winning "The Building of Good and Evil" www.watchthebuilding.com which makes fun of Hollywood. Funny story about Goth Girl, the director got stopped by a cop for having out of state license plates. For some reason, the cop asked what he did to which he replied "I'm the director of a show called Goth Girl". The cop looked stunned and then said "you mean the show with the crazy girl with the multi-colored dreads?", "yes", "My daughter loves that show". And thus the director was released without a ticket after signing an autograph for the cop's daughter. I love that story. Fame has its' privileges.

Lara 27. Are you a gamer, if so what is your favorite game and on what system?

Yes I'm a gamer. I love adventure games like Tomb Raider, Prince of Persia, BloodRayne, Spiro, Heavenly Sword - any game with a cinematic game-play. I happen to still be in love with my chipped PS1, mainly I've broken and replaced 3 PS2's and now am discovering the coolness (but the lack of super cool games) on PS3 Move. However, I don't discriminate. Whatever game system is in front of me usually gets fondled. I'm also a huge fan of dance games and at one point I was a DDR Max super crazy choreographed routines and everything dancer. I still have my metal arcade dance pad.

8. What are your future plans in terms of cosplay?

To continue to look good in the spandex and go to as many comic book conventions as will have me. Remember, spandex is a privilege and not a right. It you're gonna wear something like that, do some sit-ups or something. I do about 500 daily.



Witchblade bite9. Where have you displayed your cosplay?

When I was super nuts about going to conventions, I used to go to about 17 per year and cosplay at every one of them. Now, I think I go to about 2-3 a year. I'm slowing down in my old age LOL.

10. What other hobbies do you have besides cosplay?

I'm a film maker/writer/producer/makeup artist and, if you believe it, child sized hand model (I have the hands of a ten year old boy). That is what I do to pay the bills while dreaming of getting on a TV series as an actress LOL. I have a feature film coming out next year that I co-wrote and produced which is so far out of my usual comedy realm, I think it might get some interest. Safe House www.safehousemovie.us if you want to check it out. I'm not gonna give it away - is it a drama? a horror movie? a documentary? You'll have to watch it to find out :)

LINKS:


Rayne Layout

Thor Trailer



2011 Teaser


Looks Very Promising!

The Spirit of '76

I cannot remember where I found this gem on the web, I think it might have been Comic Art Community. 
Anyway, check out the Justice League circa 1976 courtesy of a DC Comics Calendar.

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You just have to love the styles of Adams and Giordano!

Watch out boys...

she'll chew you up!

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She's a maneater.

I just love this look for Jessica Rabbit by Lea Cramer.

10 questions with Tazzy

PhotobucketTime for another interview with a talented and beautiful cosplayer.  Today's focus is on the one and only Tazzy.  So sit back, relax, and enjoy the interview.

1. What is your name and where are you from?

Tasli, but my friends or anonymous riffraff on the internet call me Tazzy. Or Taz.

2. How did you discover cosplay?

My sister and best friend drove 5 hours to visit an anime convention when we were 16, and it was there I saw cosplay for the first time. I never had any idea this madness existed until then. This was not a fated moment when suddenly a beam of light shone down and a booming voice told me that I should start cosplaying ... I actually took no interest in it until many years later, and for what reason I do not recall. My life is very vague. Not many poignant moments, at least when it comes to cosplay.


Photobucket3. What characters have you cosplayed in the past?

This and that. Earlier on, I made awkward choices for my body type and demeanor. Now, i'm more in-tune with which character would "fit" my overall person better. Its odd, but this came with practice.

I'm very motivated by strong female characters, but make no mistake, design makes a HUGE impact on me. I wouldn't be surprised if I willed myself to like a character, just because I liked her costume.

4. What sites have you worked with?

None. I ain't no big shot! Y'hear?

5. Who is your favorite character to cosplay?

Scarlet Witch. She has always been my favorite female member of the Avengers, and her rather turbulent relationship with Vision rubs me the right way. Not to mention, her hair is huge and awesome.

Photobucket6. Do you read comics? If so, what are your favorites?

I am all over the place in that regard. I've never been strict with my comics, nor have I ever sought out the newest issue (I dislike the thought of having long box after long box full of comics I only read once). I collect TPB's of all sorts; Avengers, Batman, Birds of Prey, Tarot:Witch of the Blackrose, most notably. I've got a stack of Grimm Fairy Tales, Fables, Lady Death, and lots of other one-shots and random things. I am eagerly awaiting the new Vampirella series, and really enjoying Avengers Childrens Crusade so far. I'm all over the place! For the most part, my comics center around women. Really hot women.

7. Are you a gamer, if so what is your favorite game and on what system?

Nope, not a gamer. However, make no mistake, I love to play. DDR used to keep me up (and my mother, thanks to all the stomping coming from the TV room) until the wee hours of the morning, and the rivalries between my sister and I when it comes to SuperSmashBros. Melee is glowing hot. It feels unnecessary to mention, but Pokemon (Red! All the way!) is always a favorite.

Photobucket8. What are your future plans in terms of cosplay?

Keep on struggling to make ends meet and the costumes coming!

9. Where do you like to show off your costumes the most?

Online. Lame, I know. The expense of going to a convention is usually to great, especially when you consider that my spare money went into making the damn costume!

10. What would you say is your favorite genre to cosplay?

Any character with a little pizazz in the personality department, and a bangin' costume to match.

LINKS:


Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Cosplay of the Day *BONUS*

The lovely J as Yuna from Final Fantasy.

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10 questions with J

PhotobucketTime for another interview with a beautiful and talented cosplayer.  I hope you enjoy this interview with the lovely J.

1. What is your name and where are you from?

My real name is Jessica, but I prefer the nickname J. I was born & raised on a small farm in rural Utah surrounded by horses, goats, dogs, cats and chickens. Today I reside in downtown Salt Lake, with my red-headed Amazon parrot, Ruby. Though I've traveled across the United States, I find Utah's landscape most comfortable. All four seasons, and all types of scenery - great for cosplay shoots!

2. How did you discover cosplay?

Cosplay just came naturally to me... I was doing it before I even knew what it was. As a child, I was always running around in one costume or another. My parents had a great deal of difficulty getting me to wear regular clothing. I guess you could say my first official cosplay was Link from Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. A friend of the family made it for me as a Halloween costume and I wore it until the tunic and hat fell to pieces. I was ten at the time and have been in costumes ever since.

Photobucket3. What characters have you cosplayed in the past?

That is a very long list, my friend ^,^' I will try to name them all for you... In chronological order:
Link - Legend of Zelda, Yuffie Kisaragi - FFVII, Rinoa Heartilly - FFVIII, Mika Asagi - Gungrave, Tifa Lockheart - FFVII , Pink - Dragon Pink, Tifa Lockheart – Advent Children, Gerudo Guard - Legend of Zelda, Cammy White - Street Fighter II, Maria Sunderland - Silent Hill 2, Gunner Yuna - FFX2, Squall Leonheart - FFVIII, Prom Sphere Yuna - FFX Original, Taiga Aisaka - ToraDora!. Summoner Yuna - FFX, Rei Ayanami Plugsuit - Evangelion, Gijinka Vulpix - Pokemon, Elika - Prince of Persia, Princess Garnet - FFIX, Female Squall - FFVIII original, Seras Victoria - Hellsing Ultimate, Horo - Spice & Wolf, Masterchick - Haloid...I think that is all so far? Many of my older costumes have been tossed out, sold or are in the process of being remade. Others can be viewed on my websites  (Links Section at End)
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4. What sites have you worked with?

I am exclusively a Cosplay Deviant model. I find CosDev the most tasteful among their competitors.

5. Who is your favorite character to cosplay?

I have yet to find a character that truly calls out to me or a favorite costume, but I am best known for my Yuna cosplay from Final Fantasy X and X-2. Regardless of what new costume I am wearing or where I am attending a convention, I can always count on at least one person to call me "Yuna!" Admittedly, I am pound to be remembered as such an infamous character & beam when fans compliment my Nirvana Summoner's Staff. My Gunner Yuna outfit has also earned a great deal of compliments, my favorite of which was received via Facebook: "You make a better Yuna then Yuna!"

6. Do you read comics? If so, what are your favorites?

BATMAN - all the way! It all started with the premier of Batman: The animated series on Foxkids. I used to watch it every day after school; never missed an episode. Batman stands as a perpetual symbol for my wonderful childhood. I never could get into The Hulk, Superman or Spiderman... I guess the aspect of superpowers just doesn't interest me. Especially if they allow the protagonist to be near invincible. For Bruce Wayne, death is a real possibility. He can't deflect bullets, run at light speed or fly. He operates purely on human skill...Batman constantly has to think, fight and strategize better then his enemy. Doesn't that make him amazing!?

Photobucket7. Are you a gamer, if so what is your favorite game and on what system?

Most certainly! I love RPG oldies like Final Fantasy VII, Lunar, Chrono Cross and Legend of Dragoon; however, if a timeless RPG isn't available I favor the next best thing: horror games! Fatal Frame, Silent Hill, Resident Evil - All awesome. Between my brother and I we have an Xbox 360, Playstation 2, Nintendo 64, and a much neglected Xbox at our disposal. I am a lucky LUCKY gamer-girl.

8. What are your future plans in terms of cosplay?

It's time for bigger and better things! Lately, I find myself drawn to incredibly complex & beautiful costumes. Currently, I'm working on a green version of Samus Aran's armor as portrayed in Smash Bros Meelee. Making armor has been a fantastic learning experience. It's a real monster of a project involving cardboard, hot glue, wiring, fiberglass, bondo and heavy duty sanding! Let me tell you, if you can make a Metroid suit - you can make anything.


 
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9. Where do you like to show off your costumes the most?

On Stage! I love to dance! and frequently enter cosplay Masquerades and contests. I have never entered with the intention of winning, only entertaining. A few of my performances can be seen on Youtube. My group's name is Triple J Cosplay (Formally Toxic Cosplay) and we are best known for a Caramelldansen routine performed at Anime Expo 2009. It created a lot of controversy in the cosplay community. You can read the comments listed on our Caramell videos for the dirt!

10. What would you say is your favorite genre to cosplay?

RPG characters - definitely!

Characters portrayed in RPGs tend to mean much more to me then those in comic books, manga or anime. After finishing a lengthy RPG I feel that I truly understand the individual's fears, values & motivation because we have shared an experience; a journey. The deeper my understanding and affection for a character, the better I am able to 'become' them while in costume.

 Links:
 





Cosplay Deviants http://cosplaydeviants.com/ 
 
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Wonder Woman Wednesday

To all my Wonder Woman fans, which costume is your favorite?  I will let this picture tell you how I feel. :)

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Thank You Al Rio!  I couldn't have said it better myself, LOL.

Star Wars: Death Troopers

Cover    Do you love Zombies?  Do you love Star Wars? Well, I have the novel for you!  The novel is called
Star Wars: Death Troopers by Joe Schreiber.  All I can say that it kicks ass!  I have actually owned the novel since it was first released on October 13, 2009 but I never read it until last Friday.  I have a habit of buying the Star Wars novels as they come out and due to my booked schedule, I do not get to read them right away.  Anyway, I had time and I picked it up and I could not put it down.  Before you know it I was reading chapter 18, pg. 95 When you get a surprise of two major players in the Star Wars universe.
Fan Art   The story starts of on a prison escort ship, the Purge,  that comes across a Star Destroyer. A crew goes to the Ghost Ship to see what they can salvage and they notice that it is entirely abandoned.  Well, something doesn't feel right to the boarding party and they leave and retrun to their ship.  It is here they start to get ill.  The doctor of the vessel, Zahara, and her 2-1B droid, Waste, where trying to figure out what was going on.  Inmates and guards alike were dying at an enormous rate.  Well, to make a long story short when all is said and done there are only 6 people still alive according to scans. But there is also something very odd, all the dead bodies have disappeared.  Later we find out that the same virus that killed them has brought them back to life and they need to feed!
   This book is a great read and is a must for any fan!  I give the book a strong 8.5 out of 10.  I would give it a higher score, but there are some things towards the ending that I did not agree with and would have possibly changed.  All in all it is a great book!  GO GET YOUR COPY TODAY!