Animated Punisher Fan Film Makes My Day
The Internet does it again and randomly delivers a fan-animated adaptation of Garth Ennis’ Do Not Fall in New York City.
Apparently this came out a few months ago, but I haven’t heard about it until now. Ain’t that how it always is? The film is a brilliant piece of Ennis brutality. It could have used some music, but otherwise it’s quite moody, and perfectly Punisher. See Hollywood, it’s not hard at all to get the Punisher right. This was made by animator Luis Pelayo Junquera.
Review: X-Factor #249
Talk about a full 180! I hated last issue for it’s weak character work and utterly generic plot. But Peter David completely turns things around with a fun, character-rich comic that has X-Factor facing off in true superhero fashion against an army of demons. I can’t remember the last time this team was so on the ball. Multiple Man, especially, steps up in a big way.
X-Factor #249
And you know that any issue where my favorite superhero kicks ass is going to be a good issue.
Comic rating: 4/5: Good!
I’m still not entirely thrilled with the prospect of this Hell on Earth War, but I’m serious when I say that Peter David really brings out his A-game with the character work in this issue. And he does so in the middle of an epic battle, which isn’t usually the case for X-Factor. Usually, Peter David writes some crummy action issues and then some stellar talking issues. X-Factor #249 is a combination of the two, with a dash of epic mixed in for good measure. So maybe I’m going to start getting my hopes up for the Hell on Earth War.
This issue serves as a prologue to the whole event, and in that case, it sort of fails. Because we learn absolutely nothing new about the War or what it’s going to entail. Demons, I guess? Hell? Hellfire? More demons? I dunno. That’s one failing of this issue, that the villains are absolutely nobodies. Vera returns, and I guess something can be said about the fact that she’s the sister of a demon we met in the past, but that older demon wasn’t much of a character either. And beyond ‘Vera’, none of the bad guys in this issue get names or motivations. They’re just randomly evil demons.
And X-Factor kick their asses!
Join me after the jump for a full synopsis and more review.
My Childhood Recaptured in Stop Motion
And by ‘my childhood’, I of course mean the X-Men cartoon from the 90s, recreated in loving detail.
Glorious! The action figure work is to die for. The video was made by Kyle Roberts and Reckless Abandonment Pictures. Top notch work. Apparently they took over 4,000 individual pictures to make that video, along with special effects and background animation. Truly impressive. My friends and I in college once made a stop motion video in the hallway. It was good, and I wish I still had a copy of it somewhere.
I don’t know about you, but the X-Men cartoon in the 90s defined my childhood. I was watching that cartoon before I even really got into comic books, and no doubt it helped spur me along to my eventual obsession. So kudos to these people for winning the Internet this week.
An Unexpected Rap: There and Back Again
Frog Island brings us this Hobbit-themed rap video. It’ll do until Dan Bull makes one of his own.
6 Most Badass Elves in Pop Culture
Christmas is right around the corner (and Hannukah just ended), so what better time to talk about elves? I mean, what time of the year do you most talk about elves? That’s what I thought. There are many kinds of elves in pop culture. You have your Christmas elves, your high elves, your house elves, your night elves, your dark elves, your cookie elves, your wood elves, your cereal elves; all manner of elf in every shape, size and dainty color. But don’t let their delicate features or diminutive size fool you. Elves can be quite badass.
He did win Salesman of the Year that one time
So for Christmas this year, let’s take a look at the 6 most badass elves in pop culture! And I hope everybody has a Merry Christmas!
