This issue follows Peter as he mourns his lost friend Johnny Storm. For any fan like myself of The Human Torch, this is a must read. The artwork by Nuno Plati in particular is spectacular (no pun intended). The three stories that revolve around Johnny, Spidey and one of the other members of the Fantastic Four are funny and enjoyable. Any fan of Stan Lee’s work in the Silver Age on both Spidey and the Four will love this issue. For Johnny Storm fans like myself it makes you long even more for his return as quick as possible. For the time being though, it is the perfect swan song
However, although it is another strong issue from Slott and co, it is a shame that like the point 1 issue, it has strayed away from the current storyline. Amazing Spider-man is so impressive at the moment that whenever an issue like this comes along, however good, it just makes you wish that the story had moved on instead of what feels like another set back.
Any Johnny Storm fans should pick this issue of Amazing Spider-man up right away. It is a fun, enjoyable visit down memory lane. Yet at the same time, any Spidey fan who has been loving the recent Big Time run will be slightly disappointed to see no real continuation of the plot. A good read.
This episode Scrolls flips over the page to see things from the other side in terms of starting out as a writer. Acting as a companion piece to the Author Interviews
recorded at the SFX Weekender we’ve pulled together three authors who have taken non-traditional approaches to getting their fiction out into the public domain.
Joining Phil and Clover in a virtual round-table discussion of their experiences, and the pros and cons of these alternative avenues are:-
Barry Nugent (Shadowy Godfather of the Geek Syndicate and author of Fallen Heroes, self published through Lulu‘s print-on-demand service) Alex Keller (Author of pre-teen steampunk novels Haywired and Rewired, printed by small-press publisherMogzilla) and Mark Bell (Author of folk horror novel Binder of Bone, Keeper of Corn which he has published exclusively as an e-book).
Here are some additional links to items mentioned in the episode that may be of interest to you:
I’m jealous. I’m SO SO JEALOUS you don’t even know UK people! As you may have heard, this new kid on the con block is shaping up to be a massive success with numerous announcements on panels, Q&A’s, movie screenings etc. And now? They’ve just confirmed a huge a lineup of appearances by some cast members of the best of British TV.
Set to appear:
E4 MISFITS & SKINS – SUN, 10 APRIL: 11.45-12.45: Iwan Rheon (Simon), Lauren Socha (Kelly) and Executive Producer Petra Fried for a World Exclusive Misfits Series 3 announcement. Additionally Skins novelist Jess Brittain, plus actors, Sean Teale (Nick), Jessica Sula (Grace) and Dakota Blue Richards (Franky) will be on hand to answer all your Skins related questions. Plus come to HMV’s Pop-Up shop at Kapow! for an autograph or two.
MERLIN – SAT 9TH APRIL 1.30-2.30:Co-Creator and Producer Johnny Capps along with all the star actors Colin Morgan (Merlin), Bradley James (Arthur), Angel Coulby (Gwen) and Katie McGrath (Morgana) from the show are on hand for this hour long Q&A. Series 4 of this well-loved series is currently filming in Wales. Whose autograph do you want?
FX UK: FALLING SKIES AND THE WALKING DEAD – SUN 10th APRIL 11.45-12.45:Marc Ollington, Director of Communications at FX UK says that they’re thrilled to premiere Steven Spielberg’s Falling Skies since due to scheduling Dexter and True Blood casts can’t make it. Additionally, Andrew Lincoln kindly pre-recorded a video interview about his lead role in The Walking Dead for Kapow! as he has just started filming Season 2 in the US.
BBC THREE: BEING HUMAN: SUN 10TH APRIL 1.00-2.00: Being Human creator Toby Whithouse in an hour-long Q&A on this beloved show. Series 3 is currently available now on DVD, and Series 4 has been commissioned and is in pre-production.
If KAPOW! can keep up this momentum and continue to deliver, it’s set to become one of the UK’s biggest and most popular cons ever – and just may go on my annual con list after San Diego & NY Comic Con’s.
If you only thought Merlin was a hit in the UK and in the US, you thought wrong! Some great news for international fans as production gets underway in Cardiff and France for Series 4.
Hit television fantasy drama Merlin continues to cast its spell around the globe announcing Series 4 broadcast renewals in major territories including, Germany, France, Australia, Norway and Denmark. If you’re in one of these countries, the channels showing Merlin are:
France: Canal Plus
Germany: Super RTL (Series 3 currently airing, Series 4 to air in 2012)
Australia: Network Ten (Series 3 in May 2011, Series 4 to air in 2012)
Norway: TV2
Denmark: DR
The show now airs in a staggering 183 countries worldwide compared to only 50 for Dr. Who, making it one of the UK’s most successful television exports. Additionally in the US, Series 3 of Merlin has surpassed Syfy’s primetime ratings average by 29%. It continues to grow with a season by season increase of 16% – which may surprise a lot of folks as it can be difficult for imports to find the same success as homegrown shows.
And if you didn’t think that was impressive enough? Colin Morgan, who plays the title character, is now being immortalized in wax at Madame Tussauds! Now, the wax figures still creep me out a bit, but I’m sure there are many of you who’d love to get your photo with “Merlin” once it’s completed and in the museum.
Merlin stars Colin Morgan as Merlin, Bradley James as Prince Arthur, Anthony Head as King Uther, Katie McGrath as Morgana, Angel Coulby as Gwen, Richard Wilson as Gaius and John Hurt as the voice of the Great Dragon. Series 3 has seen a host of high-profile guest-stars including: Emilia Fox, Tom Ellis, Miriam Margoyles, Warwick Davies and Pauline Collins.
Tune in to see the premiere of Series 4 on BBC One in the UK this Fall 2011!
Can’t wait to see the new Steven Spielberg alien invasion TV show Falling Skies and are going to the Kapow Comic Con next weekend? then you my friend are in luck. The latest convention to join the UK comic con scene is promising a World Premiere of the Tv show on Sunday 10th April at 11:45am.
As much as I’ve had my fill of V I’ve been liking the look of Falling Skies (though come on Steven where’s Micheal Ironside) so I’m going to try my best to check this out.
Following the BAFTA: Be a part of it Motorstorm Apocalypse developer event I attended earlier this month, BAFTA are hosting another game developer event:
Philip and Andrew Oliver, co-founders of Blitz Games Studios, discuss the making of the unique and much-anticipated ‘movie karaoke’ title Yoostar 2 for Kinect and PS3. Featuring iconic scenes from acclaimed films and TV series – including The Godfather, Rocky, The Wizard Of Oz, Mad Men and Grease – Yoostar 2 allows players to recreate classic performances, acting alongside or replacing Hollywood’s biggest stars.
As Blitz Games Studios reaches the end of its 20th anniversary year, Philip and Andrew share insights on what they’ve learned in their long careers and where they think the industry’s going next. There’ll also be hands-on time with upcoming games from the independent studio creating more launch-year Kinect titles than any other.
Booking Information:
Public | £5 (includes a complimentary post-event drink) – please book tickets via this link
BAFTA Members | Free – please use the “Book Tickets” link below
To celebrate the return of Doctor Who SFX magazine is having a regeneration of it’s own. This was teased at the SFX Weekender 2 in February but not much was told. Well it is nearly here. I am looking forward to this having read the magazine since issue one with the the lovely Tank Girl on the cover.
But that is not all, the already great website will get a refresh and also a new iPhone app will be launched.
Good luck Team SFX and I await my subscriber issue with much eagerness.
Future’s SFX regenerates for the return of ‘Doctor Who’Multi-platform brand continues to expand with new-look magazine next to blast off
29/03/11 – SFX, the world’s number one sci-fi, fantasy and horror magazine, is celebrating the return of ‘Doctor Who’ with a new-look for the magazine, featuring an exclusive cover and a world-first ‘Doctor Who’ sound card – which makes the noise of a TARDIS when readers open the pages.
On sale April 6, SFX has undergone a complete revamp, and is now published in a wider size and printed on better quality paper. New features in the magazine include retro TV celebration ‘20 Things We Love About…’, a monthly peek into readers’ sci-fi memorabilia collections and new columnists like horror industry insider “Penny Dreadful”.
Editor-in-Chief David Bradley says: “SFX has been the market leader for so long by continuing to evolve with the times. The massive popularity of sci-fi and fantasy at the moment means the time is right for the mag to cement its place in fans’ hearts with a brand new look. “All the favourite features are there, but readers will also find new regulars like a monthly quiz, interviews with debut authors and iPhone app reviews. At the same time we’re investing in the production values of the magazine, and in brand extensions like the website and our event the SFX Weekender.”
The overhaul of the magazine marks a period of sustained investment from Future, as part of a move to encourage further engagement with the SFX brand across a number of different platforms.
2011 has seen the SFX brand further cementing its position as market leader. As well as increased circulation and subscriptions for the print magazine, there has been a huge rise in website traffic, with unique users up 100% year-on-year (Sitestat, March 11), and a 31% increase in visitors to the SFX Weekender.
A larger venue for the 2012 SFX Weekender has been confirmed due to phenomenal demand. Now at Pontin’s in Prestatyn, Wales, the annual festival attracts thousands of revellers and big names like Sir Terry Pratchett, John Barrowman and Ashes to Ashes star Keely Hawes.
A full refresh of SFX.co.uk, the premier online portal for sci-fi, fantasy and horror fans, will follow shortly along with the release of a brand-new iPhone app. Blastermind, priced at just 59p, is a fun-packed quiz app which allows readers to test their sci-fi knowledge and share their high scores.
Clair Porteous, Group Publisher for Future’s Film Portfolio, said: “I’m thrilled with the magazine’s new look and excited about the revamped site and app. The multi-platform approach allows SFX’s committed fan-base to interact with each other and celebrate the genre in all its formats. “The popularity of the Blastermind quiz has shown that sci-fi fans are really proud of their knowledge, so producing an app seemed like a natural next step for the brand. 2011 is already proving to be an exciting year for SFX and the improvements we’re making will ensure that SFX remains at the top of its game.”
We at Geek Syndicate are huge fans of Harry Potter (who isn’t?) and wanted to let you know about this great opportunity to see some of the stars from the film series!
Harry Potter: The Exhibition is opening in New York’s Times Square on Tuesday, April 5th and will give guests a chance to get an up close look at props and costumes that appeared throughout the Harry Potter films.
Additionally, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 is being released on DVD and to celebrate – there’ll be a huge red carpet event with members of the cast appearing!
If you’re in the New York City area, the opening night red carpet will include a special area, with risers, where fans can congregate and watch as some of their favorite stars arrive at the event.
The arrivals start at 7:00PM on Monday, April 4th – so get there before then to nab a good spot!
Well did you notice at 36-37 seconds into the video you catch a glimpse of what looks an awful lot like the previous Tardis interior? no? well ok here is a screen grab i just took!
Thats Rory and Amy on the right and those are the Tardis controls on the left and those definitly look like the Pillars from Christopher Eccleston and David Tennent’s Tardis. Also it looks like it’s exploding or something?
here is a snap for comparison!
Could this mean we are getting a multiple doctor story?…….. probably not but let the speculation begin!
Dark Futures is a 20-book exploration of the fears of our futures, an odd sub-genre of Science Fiction that draws in on the society of the time and projects it forward, into uncomfortable visions of the world to be. The idea is the same across many books, the results, very different. After three books in the UK, we finally move onto American fears…
A new teaser has appeared online that shows a conversation between 2 parties discussing Kevin Flynn’s son Sam. Looking at the screen grab below we can see that this is a conversation between EDJ which could be Edward Dillinger Jr (played by Cillian Murphy in Tron: Legacy and MCTRL which is obviously the Master Control Program from the first movie (or a later versions). However! Dillinger Junior calls him “Dad” which would mean this could be Edward Dillinger Senior…… Or is it both?
As we are heading into a year full of great genre movies I thought I would just give you an update on the soundtracks heading your way.
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island. The sequel to 2008’s fun family movie Journey to the Center of the Earth has confirmed that the original film’s composer will return for the sequel. Andrew Lockington also composed the scores for City of Ember and the many episodes of the TV series Sanctuary. The sequel stars the returning Josh Hutcherson and new comers Dwayne Johnson, Vanessa Hudgens and Michael Caine.
Now I am a great fan on fan trailers but I do like this one that is for a Star Wars TV show using the Hawaii Five-0 style. Thanks to those guys at Movies Online for this one.
