Archives September 2020

Disciples of the polyhedron! Attend carefully to my words, for today we will learn much from the book of Die, chapter 13, verses 1-32!

This is the scripture according to Kieron Gillen. (Awesome name, right?!)
As envisioned by Stephanie Hans. (Wicked covers!!)

The official plot:

““THE GREAT GAME,” Part Three “War isn’t a game” seems obvious. Let one of DIE’s most aggressive masters explain: i) why that isn’t true ii) that war being a game only makes it worse. Can our heroes save the world? Can they save anything?”

Image Comics

Ugh…no one cares about “saving” the world of Die! We want to know how people from the real world were sucked into it! Why did they change? Where did the magic dice come from? (If you pay attention…some of that is in this issue!)

My Impressions:

• On H.G. Wells and war games: Unless they are building him up to play a bigger role down the line, this was pointless.
• The revelation about Die: A machine world that is going to combine with our world…in 2020 no less! Oh hell yeah!
• The self-fulfilling prophecy/time-loop: Well of course it is!

Notable Appearances/Events:

• Ash the Dictator
• Chuck the Fool
• Matt the Grief Knight
• Angela the Neo
• Isabelle the Godbinder
• Sol the Grandmaster
• H.G. Wells

Bottom Line: 3 Stars!

I’m not going to sugarcoat it, this comic ALWAYS comes with a few head scratching moments. (Like…why did they split the party?) However, that doesn’t detract from the story as a whole, and who doesn’t like a little mystery? This particular issue finally answers some of the questions we’ve had since issue #1, and the wait does seem worth it.

IT IS RARE FOR ME TO SEE A MOVIE WHEN IT’S STILL IN THEATERS BUT THANKS TO WARNER BROS I WAS ABLE TO CATCH UP ON THOSE I MISSED!

Recently the fine folks at Warner Bros (their home page is here) had sent me a code to one of the movies I missed so that I could share my thoughts on it with you. Part One discussed Teen Titans Go To The Movies, The Nun and The Meg. Part Two was discussing A Star is Born and Part Three focused on Creed 2, Aquaman and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Crimes of Grindlewald. Part Four talked about Imax Pandas, Lego Movie 2 and The Mule. Part Five discussed A Star is Born Encore Edition, Shazam, The Curse of La Llorona and Pokemon Detective Pikachu. Part Six discussed The Sun is Also a Star, Annabelle Comes Home, Gremlins Anniversary Edition  and Godzilla King of the Monsters. With Part Seven we talked about The Goldfinch, Blinded by the Light, IT Chapters One & Two, Joker, Doctor Sleep and The Kitchen. Part Eight discussed Motherless Brooklyn, Just Mercy and Richard Jewel. For the first part of this series here at Nerd Cult Online (and overall Part 9) we are talking about Scoob, Birds of Prey, The Way Back, Goonies 4K, Beetlejuice 4K, Full Metal Jacket, Sherlock Holmes 4K and Sherlock Holmes A Game of Shadows 4K! 

Scoob

Starting with the first meeting between Shaggy and Scooby the film shows how they join Mystery Inc to later become separated and chased by none other than Dick Dastardly. Dastardly is looking for a way to bring back his lost friend from some hellscape. Believing Scooby to be the descendant of some great dog Dastardly spends most of the movie collecting mystical skulls and attempting to capture the dog. Animation for the film was fantastic and writing was rather solid for an animated movie. My only real complaint was that Shaggy’s voice was just plain wrong. Will Forte is great in several films but his voice just does not work as a replacement for Casey Kasem. 

Birds of Prey

Before I will discuss my thoughts on this film I gotta say the name was utterly ridiculous. Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) is just too long winded. They should have left it as either Birds of Prey or Harley Quinn. Now as far as the film goes I am very conflicted. While watching I thought it was trying too hard to be it’s own thing but the character just couldn’t carry the film. At the same time though I still enjoyed it.

The Way Back

I used to think Ben Affleck would never amount to much as an actor but these last few years had proven me wrong on many occasions. His character must battle his addictions and issues with his father in order to come back a better person and try to lead his team to victory. A bit formulaic but Affleck’s performance saves this film.

Goonies 4K

Goonies never say die and neither will this film. I watch it as often as I can and OF COURSE I just had to get the 4K version of it. I was worried that the age of the film would not respond well to the 4k quality but after seeing this version I can honestly say it was like seeing it for the first time. The age of the film holds up quite well.

Beetlejuice 4K

Growing up this was a defining movie for me and thanks to Lego Dimensions my son was curious about watching it. I immediately purchased it on Vudu and we watched it together. The 4k release is the exact film we know and love but in crystal clear 4k definition.

Sherlock Holmes 4K

Start to finish this is a fantastic movie in every regard. Brilliant acting, directing and visually. Robert Downie Jr and Jude Law (Holmes and Watson) must stop Lord Blackwood as he’s come back from the dead to use magic to take over all of England. As those that have seen the film may recall there is of course no magic and only sciences that are used creatively. It was a joy watching this film again.

Sherlock Holmes A Game of Shadows 4K

Holmes and Watson return to try to take down Professor Moriarty and his attempt to start a world war. I honestly thought they wouldn’t have been able to top the original but they knocked this film out of the park out of the damn park. On top of it, the film has never looked better than in 4k.

Full Metal Jacket 4K

This is the classic film by Stanley Kubert. Surprisingly I had never seen this film before the 4K release. My father in law warned that this is essentially two films, the lead up to the Vietnam War and then the war itself. He was right, each half of the film was fantastic and looks better than I would have expected in 4k.

Starting next time we will be listing only the coverage we have done as part of the Nerd Cult when it comes to Warner Bros. SO WHICH WARNER BROS FILMS DID YOU SEE? WHICH DID YOU ENJOY?

Warm! and who probably has a good personality… NFL Week 3 Football Card Trading Update!

Howdy Jacksters! We are two weeks into the NFL season and with Week 3 upon us there a lot of questions new and unanswered from the “pre-season” that have not been solved.

Lets look at the best bet as far as collecting for Week 3. Cant miss players that will vary in cost to own. With varying levels of return potential.

CAN’T MISS LIST

Clyde Edwards-Helaire – Hyphens are hot right now… This Kansas City Chief Running Back landed in the best spot you can imagine as a rookie. His competition opted out. Edwards-Helaire was drafted in the first round, that means my mans did get paid! CEH is playing with arguably the best QB in the game, Patrick Mahomes. This super-star in the making has stepped into an offense under Andy Reid. Which has developed and enless list of offensive weapons, Russia has hacked him.

What does this mean as far as card value? In currently sales data, CEH is arguably 2nd behind first overall pick Joe Burrow. You want this guy in your collection? You are going to have to crack that wallet a little wider then you may want. I think it will be worth it.
I give him a Cost rating of 4-$$$$
Value and possible return rating of 5-$$$$$
Buyer Beware – He is a RB in the NFL. Like most NFL RB’s he will get Hurt… it does not mean you cant ride him for a few years and get that maximum return.

Chase Claypool – Go Stillers! Yinz guys didn’t see him make that 85 yd Touchdown catch and run? I saw some offensive pass interference and some payment notifications saying that my Claypool AUTOS had sold. When CC continues to be at least half decent the Steeler fans will pump the card value up! Guaranteed! Pittsburgh is starved for that next great WR. Since AB left the Steelers have had suspect WR play, at best…

Here is the plan. Get all you can of this rookie while prices are justified. He has no pressure to play and if Big Ben stays on the field this manimal will get 700+ yds and 10+ touchdowns. I think any fan of the black and gold would love to have it and can see him doing it already in this small portion of the season.
I give him a Cost Rating of 2-$$
Value and possible return rating of 4-$$$$

Buyer Beware- We all remember duck hodges and mason rudolph last year… its what Steelers nation has to look forward too. On the bright side the old new back up the rocket scientist Dobbs is back. Charlie Villanueva Anyone??

James Robinson – Who?? Excactly! Ole Jack gives ya the fire! Here is what I know about James Robinson. They released Leonard Fournette in Jacksonville (Sorry Ke’Shawn Vaugh) signed by the Bucs. He was undrafted and only has a few rookie cards. Panini Prizm Draft Picks (Autos only). Playoff Contender Draft Picks (Autos only) Score (Base and Auto).

This may be the only scenario where it’s okay to come back home with that box of 2020 Score. Your wife will be laughing at you while on the phone with her Mother who is saying to her simultaneously that she had always known you were a loser. Then you pull that Robinson /10 Serial Numbered Rookie AUTO, so you retort “You are as dumb as your mother! But less attractive…” Snap back to reality… you didnt pull a base and now you got a handful of worthless 2020 scores.

I just had checked my 2020 Scores and found one James Robinson. Possibly getting it sent to be graded. Just an FYI.
I give him a Cost Rating of 2-$$ (Right now, Pre-Thursday night game)
Value and possible return – $$$$
Buyer Beware- See Clyde Edwards Helaire. The emerging star known as Laviska Shenualt JR. He might steal a lot of touches and opportunities and make James Robinson a James White of sorts value wise.

HEATING UP!

Sterling Shepard – Saquon is done for the year. Slayton is down in injury. Here is what i see… Jones actually throws to SS. Evan Engram and Golden Tate are his other options and with options like that it makes SS look even better. The New York Giants signed a new RB this week due to the back up RB’s being hot garbage. His cards are trending up! Keep an eye out for him.

Joshua Kelly – He is this years Eckler. If you are reading this post I would have to assume you know what that means. Good receiver out of the backfield. With Herbert coming out as the starter after paying the medical staff to puncture the lung of Tyrod Taylor (speculation). JKell is going to get a lot of looks as folks keeping their attention on Herbert. Expect a boost in sales and value.

Laviska Shenault Jr – I had to put this dreaded any position monster on the list. Fact: I currently have no Laviska Shenault Jrs anymore. A collector on facebook traded me Zions and Ja’s and a bunch of football cards for him before the season had even started. I had 2 graded and 2 raw autos and over 20 additional base and parallels. I knew he would be good. Now you know!

COVID-2020 (Stay Away)

Saquon Barkley – My man got injured again… Just don’t overpay on Barkley’s rookie cards unless your a hapless GMEN collector. If that is the case I wish Good Luck to you!

Dede Westbrook – Yeah Unload him if you can. Literally came in as a 1st round pick and cant even make it on the field.

Ronald Jones II – Hey lets face it. It’s only a matter of time before Fournette takes over (At least I hope, as Leonard is on my fantasy team). Any major value increase is unlikely based on all the mouths to feed. If gronk cant get looks, you think Jones is ranking high on that list?

Any subjects you want tackled by ole Jack send me a comment, shout out or some love and let me know what you all want some insight on!

Thank you for checking me and Week 3 out! I appreciate the support and keep collecting y’all!

Sure other games have brought various hellscapes to the science fiction genre but Hellpoint does it a bit differently.

Tell me if you’ve heard this one before. A corporation bent (might even say hell-bent) on evil shenanigans ruin the world by bringing a new form of hell to Earth. This time literally bringing hell to the Irid Novo space colony. Hellpoint aims to do just that. Before we jump in fully here are a few notable hellscape/scifi titles to consider playing as well- Dead Space 1-3 and Doom franchise. To begin with as far as similar titles go this is some amazing company to keep, but how did Cradle Games‘ Hellpoint fare?

To say this is on par with the previously mentioned franchises would be a gross overstatement but also an oversimplification. Doom revolutionized the First Person Shooter genre where Dead Space did the same for the Third Person Shooter. The world looks and feels very similar to that of Dead Space complete with stunning visuals and creepy ambiance. Instead of just managing your weapon and suit loadouts Hellpoint has you manage so much more. For starters I only ever encountered melee weapons where Dead Space focuses more on ranged weapons.

Players take control of their demon-like creature carving your way through Irid Novo. Along the way you pick up weapons, items and armor, all in the hopes of making your character strong enough to take on the gods themselves. Here are the main highlights and downsides to the game:

• The visuals are stunning and horrifying.

• Controls are solid and easy to master.

• Abilities come off dynamic and work well with the environment.

• The story is practically nonexistent after the into cinematic finishes for the first couple hours of the game.

In summary the game feels and looks like the unholy offspring of Dark Souls and Dead Space. The lack of story elements at the start of the game are a bit troubling and hard to engage with. If you’re looking for a straight up hack and slash title this game is for you but if story is your thing from start to finish this will be a hard pass.

Players take the role of their favorite Hogwarts heroes in the Hogwarts Battle Cooperative Deck Building Game from USAopoly!

In Hogwarts Battle players work together fighting against increasing odds but with the help of your expanding decks of spells you will be able to fight and eventually defeat them. The fine folks at USAopoly supplies us with our review copy of this game (along with others) and we let our son choose which we played first. So one thing became apparent early on in the game- the more players you have the easier the fight will be. Makes sense because anytime you have a set number of enemies and increase the number of people fighting them you usually will have an easier time of it.

We went around the table adding cards to our individual pools of magic spells in order to quickly get an upper hand against Draco Malfoy, Crabbe & Goyle and eventually Professor Quirrell.

I’m notorious for misreading rules the first few times I go over them so to save time I asked my wife to give them a quick read and we were able to jump right into the game within only a couple minutes. The rule book is full color and well written and you’d have to be a fool to misunderstand them. Somehow I did and she straightened it out quickly.

The first stage of the game took about forty five minutes total, including multiple readings of the rules and even a check of them again later on. In our house the toughest critics are the kids and after completing the first stage Merrick immediately asked if we could do the second stage tomorrow. This game is a definite keeper and I think this image says all you need to know about whether or not you should get this for the Harry Potter fan in your life.

Brothers and sisters! Pay heed to the actions of the Joker for he will cause madness in Gotham! They will drink and stagger and go mad because of the poison that he has sent among them! So sayeth the book of Batman, chapter 98, verses 1-32!

This is the scripture according to the prolific James Tynion IV.
As envisioned by the not-as-prolific Jorge Jimenez

The official plot:

““The Joker War” part four of six! Batman is at his most vulnerable following a massive dose of an experimental new Joker toxin. With the Dark Knight haunted by demons and visions, it’s up to Harley Quinn to protect him while he recovers-because Punchline is on her way!”

DC Comics

This one should have had “Harley Quinn” graffitied over Batman in the title. The Harley/Punchline rematch is where all the action is. Batman spends the majority of the issue stuck in his own head, talking to Alfred.

My Impressions:

• Harley/Punchline: I dug it…more than just punches and insults, there’s some real girl talk during the fight.
• Alfred dealing out some tough love! (Even if he is a figment of Bruce’s drugged mind.)
• I’m Batman: Nice presentation, but not quite as powerful as intended. Sorry, you’re not going to shake the meme with this one.

Notable Appearances/Events:

• Batman (Bruce Wayne)
• Harley Quinn (Harleen Frances Quinzel)
• Punchline (Alexis Kayne)
• Alfred Pennyworth
• Catwoman (Selina Kyle)
• Penguin (Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot)
• Riddler (Edward Nigma)
• Scarecrow (Jonathan Crane)
• Joker
• Killer Croc (Waylon Jones)
• Mad Hatter (Jervis Tetch)
• Professor Pyg (Lazlo Valentin)

Bottom Line: 3 Stars!

Harley and Punchline steal the show in this one. It wasn’t quite as campy as I thought it would be. As for Batman…can we PLEASE move on from pining after Alfred now? I think that’s the set-up here…but I’m sure we haven’t seen the last of our favorite butler.

On that day, I saw the Beast and the Kings of the earth and I KNEW things were coming to an end. Hear the story of our hero John Constantine from his book of Hellblazer, chapter 9, verses 1-32!

This is the gospel according to Simon Spurrier. Who is FINALLY doing Hellblazer the right way. (It only took him six issues to figure it out!)
As envisioned by “not a lot of mainstream experience,” Matias Bergara

The official plot:

“The British royal family has always had an interest in breeding the world’s finest racehorses. When one disgraced royal cooks up a scheme to re-create the most magical of all horses, it’s up to John Constantine to stop him from unleashing a bloodthirsty horror!”

DC Black Label

Fortunately for us, Mr. Constantine fails to stop the arrival of said “bloodthirsty horror.” (Disclosure: Only one horse was harmed in the writing of this comic. Sadly, the same cannot be said for the barely legal virgins.)

My Impressions:

• What is good: This is the second story arc in a row that does a really good job of living up to the Sandman Universe umbrella. I was just about to give up…but my hope has been renewed!
• But how did it look?: Dark, grainy, and artistic. Just like all of the other Black Label titles.
• The not so good: There are only three issues left for John Constantine: Hellblazer. Spurrier himself says the title “wasn’t renewed” but we all know that DC is cutting the bottom 25%. Coincidence? Who knows?

Notable Appearances/Events:

• John Constantine
• Tommy Willow-Tree (Tommy)
• ‘Olde Man Constantine’
• Bita Ghul
• Nat (Hellblazer)

Bottom Line: 3 Stars!

I had high hopes this would be a great title, and when it started it was bad. Unfortunately, I’m a true collector, so I was in it until the end…which is now nigh. Maybe knowing the end is near is what boosted the quality of the writing. In the end…I’m both happy and not happy to see John hit the bricks.

Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned! Listen and learn from the mistakes of the Summer’s brothers in Hellions, chapter 3, verses 1-32! “Nothing People”

The, not inexperienced at writing X-titles, styling of Zeb Wells
As boldly envisioned by Stephen Segovia

The official plot:

“MAD AS HELL! Krakoa’s resident rabble are up against the grand dame of the damned – the Goblin Queen, Madelyne Pryor! Talk about a return that could raise some havoc!”

Marvel Comics

Pretty spot on! We even get a little history thrown in, just for flavor. I may really hate the individual mutants that make up this team, but Madelyn’s mental state did NOT disappoint.

My Impressions:

• The Good: The Goblin Queen herself, insane and in charge! I dig it!
• The Not-so-Good: Everyone else. (I suppose we can give Psylocke a pass.)
• Eye Candy: One of the better looking books I’ve read this week. Great balance of heavy and light ink work. [Editor’s note: I completely agree!]
• Crossover dependency: None, while Hellions fits into the greater X-men mega story, it also stands alone quite well.

Notable Appearances/Events:

• Havok (Alex Summers)
• Psylocke (Kwanon)
• Wild Child (Kyle Gibney)
• Nanny
• Orphan Maker (Peter)
• Scalphunter (John Greycrow)
• Empath (Manuel Alfonso Rodrigo de la Rocha)
• Goblin Queen (Madelyn Pryor)
• Harpoon (Kodiak Noatak)
• Blockbuster (Michael Baer)
• Riptide (Janos Questad)
• Scrambler (Kim Il Sung)
• Arclight (Philippa Sontag)

Bottom Line: 4 Stars!

I quit collecting X-titles years ago, for the single reason that Marvel saw fit to wind the full story through a dozen titles. It just feels like abuse. Given the approaching 22 issue crossover event, X of Swords, I am looking to drop the mutants again. That being said, if the characters, stories and art hit this level consistently, I may stick around. I’m keeping my eye on Hellions.

Woe to he that walks too close to a storm drain in Gotham City! Listen carefully to our discussion of Detective Comics, chapter 1026, verses 1-32! “Monsters of Men”

The word, though not as good as other issues of Detective Comics, according to Peter J. Tomasi
As envisioned by the, trying to hard, Kenneth Rocafort

The official plot:

“As “The Joker War” rages on, the casualties are mounting, and the underground residents of Gotham City must deal with the devastating effects of the Joker toxin that’s been pumped into the old city’s tunnel system. Batman must risk everything to guide them to safety, but a familiar face has mobilized these forgotten souls to rise up in anger…and Killer Croc takes no prisoners!”

DC Comics

Not exactly. It’s less guiding them “to safety” and more incapacitating and imprisoning them. As to Killer Croc taking no prisoners…slight fib, they are willing participants.

My Impressions:

• The Good: … He’s Batman? I guess…
• The Not-so-Good: Definite filler issue that feels very quickly thrown together.
• Contemporary Artwork: Bleck! Everything is too skinny, squashed or otherwise malformed. This was not a joy to behold.
• Palette: Can we lose the brown please? The whole issue just looks dirty.

Notable Appearances/Events:

• Batman (Bruce Wayne)
• Killer Croc (Waylon Jones)
• Ratty Riz (1st appearance)
• Hardback (1st appearance)
• Gup (1st appearance)
• Ally (1st appearance)
• Garter (1st appearance)
• Bandit (1st appearance)
• Joker War Tie -In

Bottom Line: 1 Star!

This issue is for fanboys and dedicated collectors only! Detective Comics was in my top 4, unfortunately this issue really damaged our relationship! I honestly feel like this story has been sitting in a drawer for ages. A small dialogue change to incorporate the otherwise missing Joker War and BAM! deadline met. Come on DC, you can do better!

Brothers and Sisters! Behold Mojo and understand the perils of those that have walked too long in the world of video entertainment! Bear witness to the book of X-Factor, chapter 2, verses 1-32!

This is the word according to the “somewhat experienced” Leah Williams. As envisioned by “Mr Angry Birds” David Baldeon.

The official plot:

“DANCE OF DEATH! The team gets their first case – investigating the disappearance of a mutant dancer at a prestigious ballet academy…in the Mojoverse!”

Marvel Comics

Actually it’s the second case. The first was proving the death of teammate Aurora. Duh! Also, it’s more like Major League Ballet…there are corporate sponsors and everything.

My Impressions:

• What is good: Quirky and fun…as Mojo world almost always is!
• Another good thing: Character development. There is some. I mean, I never thought anyone could get me to not dislike Daken.
• But how did it look?: Is there a westernized version of Anime? Cause this is a westernized version of Anime.
• Crossover Dependency: None. Queue the celebration!

Notable Appearances/Events:

• Northstar (Jean-Paul Beaubier)
• Prodigy (David Alleyne)
• Polaris (Lorna Dane)
• Daken (Akihiro)
• Prestige (Rachel Summers)
• Eye-Boy (Trevor Hawkins)
• Aurora (Jeanne-Marie Beaubier)

Bottom Line: 3 Stars!

With absolutely NONE of my favorite heroes, X-Factor managed to get me to care about it just a little bit. Enough that I’ll be back for the next couple rounds. Maybe it was just the Mojo world visit…but this one was fun and I love the premise of an X-team investigating instead of fighting. Even if it doesn’t end-up that way. [Editor’s Note: When this series launched I was hoping for a return to Peter David’s style of storytelling with X-Factor Investigations. This book is nowhere close to that even though it is an X-Factor Investigations story- misses on quality of the original but as Odiumar mentions the Mojo-world story line will be bringing me back at least for a few more issues.]