Muppets Most Wanted – Official Teaser Trailer

Tags

Blogger, IFTTT

via Blogger http://geekguardian.blogspot.com/2013/09/muppets-most-wanted-official-teaser.html

Kaori Kobayashi Airflow

Tags

Blogger, IFTTT

Kaori Kobayashi – is a Japanese jazz saxophonist and flautist . We love jazz and we love her.

via Blogger http://geekguardian.blogspot.com/2013/09/kaori-kobayashiairflow.html

Power-Con Returns September 14-15 in Torrance, CA

Tags

Blogger, IFTTT

Last year we saw the Power-Con fan convention DOUBLE in attendance from its first outing and we expect this year to be even bigger with the addition of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to the fun that He-Man, She-Ra, and ThunderCats were already having!

You don’t want to miss what is being called one of the ultimate, most intimate fan experiences! Now in our third year, Power-Con will be presented at the Torrance Marriott South Bay on Saturday, September 14th and Sunday, September 15th. Discount ticket rates are available online for a limited time. Tickets will also be sold at the door.

With a guest list spanning well over 60 guests, Power-Con is delivering the creators and talent that brought Ninja Turtles, He-Man, She-Ra, and ThunderCats to life. Guests like voice actors Greg Cipes, Cam Clarke, Townsend Coleman, Brian Dobson, Larry Kenney, Christian Lanz, Lynne Lipton, and Alan Oppenheimer will be participating in an extensive panel and programming line-up that was created to cater directly to the fans of these magical properties.

Our Exhibitor Hall is completely sold-out and jam-packed with artists, toy and animation vendors, and property giants Mattel Toys and Playmates are bringing displays and action figure reveals for the attendees. Power-Con also focuses on enterprising, fan-favorite properties from multiple studios, such as the Power Lords from the Four Horsemen.

For attendees seeking exclusives, be sure to check out items like Mattel’s Masters of the Universe Classics traveling convention figure Strobo and Action Figure Xpress’ limited edition He-Man mouse pad. Visit each vendor to see what goodies they have specifically for Power-Con convention goers.

On Saturday, Power-Con also features a charity auction where 50% of the proceeds help benefit the Keep A Child Alive foundation which is dedicated to providing life-saving HIV treatment, care, nutritious food, support services and love to children and families affected by HIV. And if you can’t make it to the show to bid in person, we encourage everyone to participate online thanks to Big Toy Auction. Please help support a worthy cause.

And fans won’t want to miss Saturday’s cosplay contest with cash prizes totally almost $1000.00.

To stay up to date with all the Power-Con 2013 news, view the guest list and programming, and to purchase tickets, visit the official website often at:
 http://www.thepower-con.com/

“Like” the convention on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/ThePowerCon

via Blogger http://geekguardian.blogspot.com/2013/09/power-con-returns-september-14-15-in.html

Chris Hardwick to Moderate Futurama Finale Pre and Post-Show Chats!

Tags

Blogger, IFTTT

The series finale of Futurama airs next Wednesday, but you won’t have to say goodbye alone. The episode will be preceded and followed by Futurama Live!, a pair of live-streamed video chats featuring creators Matt Groening and David X. Cohen, cast members Billy West, Maurice LaMarche, Phil LaMarr and Lauren Tom, writer Patric M. Verrone and animator Pete Avanzino.

The pre-show kicks off at 9:30/8:30c and the post-show starts at 10:30/9:30c. Both installments of Futurama Live! will be moderated by Chris Hardwick and will stream on the Futurama site and the Nerdist YouTube Channel.

via Blogger http://geekguardian.blogspot.com/2013/09/chris-hardwick-to-moderate-futurama.html

Haikasoru Debuts Sci-Fi Author Catherynne M. Valente’s Melancholy of Mechagirl

Tags

Blogger, IFTTT

Haikasoru publishes some of the most compelling contemporary Japanese science fiction and fantasy stories for English-speaking audiences, and is the first imprint based in the U.S. dedicated to Japanese science fiction and fantasy in translation.

Now they are delivering an exciting collection of stories and poems by New York Times best-selling fantasy and science fiction author, Catherynne M. Valente, as it announces the release of MELANCHOLY OF MECHAGIRL. 

A woman who dreams of machines; a paper lantern that falls in love; the most compelling video game that you’ve never played – and that nobody can ever play twice. This collection of Catherynne M. Valente’s stories and poems with Japanese themes includes the celebrated novella, “Silently And Very Fast,” the award-nominated, “13 Ways of Looking at Space/Time,” and “Ghosts of Gunkankima,” which originally appeared in a tiny book smaller than a human palm and was published in a limited edition of only 24.

“MELANCHOLY OF MECHAGIRL is Haikasoru’s first release by a non-Japanese author, but Catherynne Valente’s vivid prose and Japanese inspirations make this collection ideally suited to our publishing mission,” says Nick Mamatas, Haikasoru’s editor. “The collection of inventive short stories and poems also features some of Valente’s most admired stories, including the Hugo Award-nominated novella, ‘Silently and Very Fast’ and the Locus Award finalist ’13 Ways of Looking at Space/Time,’ along with a pair of brand-new stories to anchor the collection: the semi-autobiographical, meta-fictional, and utterly magical, “Ink, Water, Milk,” and the cinematic, demon-haunted, “Story No. 6.”

Catherynne M. Valente has been lauded by many as one of the best writers to emerge in the science fiction/fantasy genre in the last decade. A New York Times bestseller for The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making (#8, May 2011), she has also been a Hugo Award nominee in multiple categories, including Best Novel, Best Novella, Short Form Editor, and Best Fan Cast. She has been a Hugo Award winner for Best Fan Cast, a two-time World Fantasy Award nominee, three-time Locus Award winner (in the same year in three categories), and an Andre Norton Award winner.

via Blogger http://geekguardian.blogspot.com/2013/08/haikasoru-debuts-sci-fi-author.html

The Magic of Skylanders SWAP Force Makes Its Way to Nintendo 3DS This Fall

Tags

Blogger, IFTTT

The Nintendo 3DS version of Skylanders SWAP Force offers gamers a unique adventure complete with its very own story, levels and special starter pack characters. A truly complementary experience to the console version,Skylanders SWAP Force on Nintendo 3DS will hit retail destinations worldwide with three new characters – Rattle Shake, Volcanic Eruptor, and Free Ranger – which are not found in any other Skylanders Starter Pack. So if fans buy both a console version and the Nintendo 3DS version of Skylanders SWAP Force, then they will end up with four SWAP Force Skylanders, giving them 16 different combinations.

The story of Skylanders SWAP Force on Nintendo 3DS begins in Boomtown, home of Skylands’ favorite pilot, Flynn. As the town is celebrating Flynn as their hometown hero, a new villain known as Count Moneybone sneaks his way into Boomtown to kidnap Cali, long-time friend to Flynn and the Skylanders. Now it’s up to Portal Masters everywhere to assemble the Skylanders and SWAP Force to save Cali and defeat the evil Count Moneybone.

Skylanders SWAP Force gives kids an unprecedented level of choice by allowing them to swap the top and bottom halves of the toys to transform 16 SWAP Force characters into more than 250 unique combinations³. Skylanders SWAP Force on Nintendo 3DS is compatible with all of the toys fromSkylanders Spyro’s Adventure and Skylanders Giants; additionally, all of the characters’ abilities, levels and customization will carry forward to Skylanders SWAP Force. Like the game’s console version, the level cap for all characters has been raised from 15 to 20, enabling players to continue building the skills and experience of their favorite Skylanders.

via Blogger http://geekguardian.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-magic-of-skylanders-swap-force.html

Ben Affleck Revealed as Batman in Warner Bros. Pictures’ New Super Hero Feature Film, Now Slated to Open July 17, 2015

Tags

Blogger, IFTTT

Ending weeks of speculation, Ben Affleck has been set to star as Batman, a.k.a. Bruce Wayne. Affleck and filmmaker Zack Snyder will create an entirely new incarnation of the character in Snyder’s as-yet-untitled project—bringing Batman and Superman together for the first time on the big screen and continuing the director’s vision of their universe, which he established in “Man of Steel.” The announcement was made yesterday by Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production, and Sue Kroll, President, Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

The studio has slated the film to open worldwide on July 17, 2015.

Last month’s surprise announcement of the new movie featuring both Superman and Batman created a wave of excitement and immediately fueled discussion and debate—among fans as well as in the media—about who would put on the cape and cowl of Bruce Wayne’s alter ego.

Snyder successfully re-imagined the origin of Clark Kent/Superman in the worldwide blockbuster “Man of Steel,” which has earned more than $650 million worldwide to date, and climbing. The director will now create an original vision of Batman and his world for the film that brings the two DC Comics icons together.

Affleck will star opposite Henry Cavill, who will reprise the role of Superman/Clark Kent. The film will also reunite “Man of Steel” stars Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne and Diane Lane.

In the announcement, Silverman stated, “We knew we needed an extraordinary actor to take on one of DC Comics’ most enduringly popular Super Heroes, and Ben Affleck certainly fits that bill, and then some. His outstanding career is a testament to his talent and we know he and Zack will bring new dimension to the duality of this character.”

Snyder also expressed his excitement about the casting of Affleck, noting, “Ben provides an interesting counter-balance to Henry’s Superman. 

He has the acting chops to create a layered portrayal of a man who is older and wiser than Clark Kent and bears the scars of a seasoned crime fighter, but retain the charm that the world sees in billionaire Bruce Wayne. I can’t wait to work with him.”

Kroll added, “We are so thrilled that Ben is continuing Warner Bros.’ remarkable legacy with the character of Batman. He is a tremendously gifted actor who will make this role his own in this already much-anticipated pairing of these two beloved heroes.”

Affleck recently starred in the Academy Award-winning Best Picture “Argo,” which he also directed and produced, earning acclaim and a BAFTA Award nomination for his performance in the film, as well as a number of directing honors.

 In 2010, he starred in and directed the hit crime thriller “The Town.” His recent acting work also includes “The Company Men,” “State of Play,” and “Hollywoodland,” for which he received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor. Earlier in his career, Affleck starred in and co-wrote (with Matt Damon) “Good Will Hunting,” for which he won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.

The new Super Hero film is being scripted by David S. Goyer from a story he co-created with Zack Snyder. Charles Roven and Deborah Snyder are producing, with Benjamin Melniker, Michael E. Uslan and Wesley Coller serving as executive producers.

Production is expected to begin in 2014.

via Blogger http://geekguardian.blogspot.com/2013/08/ben-affleck-revealed-as-batman-in.html

Fight to the Finish in AquaPazza – 2D Fighting Game from ATLUS, AquaPlus, and Examu

Tags

Blogger, IFTTT

AquaPazza is a dream matchup that puts the characters from developer AQUAPLUS‘ previous titles, including Tears to Tiara, ToHeart and Utawarerumono, in a no-holds-barred fighting game. With a cast of 13 playable characters and 13 partners to choose from, and an additional hidden character, AquaPazza uses flashy combos, partner attacks, and deadly chains to keep competitive. Moreover, the Japanese voice track will be left completely intact. 

For the first time in North America, AquaPazza will be available in English, with the localization and publishing done by ATLUS. The North American version of the game will feature all the content through the current Japanese arcade spec of AquaPazza (ver. 2.01), which includes several new characters and improvements for tournament-grade action.

AquaPazza features include:

• Eclectic cast of characters: The combatants in AquaPazza are a diverse bunch – from the studious bookworm Manaka who — no kidding — attacks with a bookshelf to the lance-wielding, shield-carrying Sasara.
• Partner system: Players select from one of the thirteen partners to accompany them. Partners assist players as one of three classes with one of four different actions. Players get rewarded for aggressive play styles and the partners add an additional skill element to help break defensive play.
• Tournament-level competition: Developed by Examu and AQUAPLUS, AquaPazza has a strong backbone of fighting game mechanics with twitch response times and super attacks. 
• Variety of gameplay modes: Each character has a storyline of their own, which unlocks the “another story” mode and an alternate ending. There’s also a time-attack mode, training mode, and a gallery mode. 
• Online play: Take to the internet to challenge players in ranked, unranked, and friends-only matches.

Available exclusively on the PlayStation 3, AquaPazza will be available beginning this holiday season. 

via Blogger http://geekguardian.blogspot.com/2013/08/fight-to-finish-in-aquapazza-2d.html

May’n new single “ViViD” available on iTunes

Tags

Blogger, IFTTT

FlyingDog announced the release of May’n songs including new single “ViViD” on iTunes. Most notably these songs are now available in U.S., Europe, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

May’n is pretty popular not only in Japan but also U.S., Europe and of course Asia, and her world live tour 2012 achieved great success.

Asian fans have anticipated May’n songs for years, and this time her singles and albums were extensively released on iTunes of the said Asian territories as well. Her vocals -from hit anime theme singles to artistic albums- will attract listeners globally

via Blogger http://geekguardian.blogspot.com/2013/08/mayn-new-single-vivid-available-on.html

Diablo III: Reaper of Souls Unveiled

Tags

Blogger, IFTTT

The defeat of Diablo, Lord of Terror, should have given rise to an age of hope. Instead, it has drawn out a shadowy being of immense power, whose malevolent purpose is yet to be revealed. Announced today at gamescom, Diablo III: Reaper of Souls, the upcoming expansion to Diablo III, opens a dark and terrifying new chapter in the ongoing conflict over the mortal realm of Sanctuary.

Malthael, the fallen Archangel of Wisdom, vanished after the events depicted at the end of Diablo II: Lord of Destruction. In Reaper of Souls, he returns as the Angel of Death and seizes the Black Soulstone, which contains the essence of the Prime Evil. It now falls to the players to track down Malthael and stop him before he unleashes irreversible havoc on the world.

Fortunately, a new hero is ready to join the cause and bring Malthael to justice—the Crusader. Driven by a centuries-long quest to cleanse the corruption blighting their beloved Zakarum faith, Crusaders are warriors of righteousness who have been hardened through relentless, brutal combat with the foul evils plaguing eastern Sanctuary. In addition to wearing immensely heavy armor and wielding a wide range of cruel and punishing weapons, this new playable class in Reaper of Souls uses battle magic to strengthen allies and weaken foes. A natural walking tank, the Crusader adds power and versatility to any party of adventurers.

“From the beginning, Diablo has always been about the struggle between good and evil, and Reaper of Souls explores the darker notes of that conflict,” said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. “This expansion also represents a big milestone in the ongoing evolution of Diablo III, with key enhancements to the core gameplay, along with a new act to experience, a powerful new character class, tons of new loot, and even more end-game options. We think players will love playing Reaper of Souls, and we can’t wait to get it into their hands.”

In addition to taking the story of Diablo III from the legendary city of Westmarch to the unhallowed halls of the Pandemonium Fortress in Act V and introducing the incorruptible Crusader class, Diablo III: Reaper of Souls increases the game’s level cap to 70. Players continuing on with their existing Barbarian, Witch Doctor, Demon Hunter, Wizard, and Monk characters will benefit from an array of fearsome new spells and abilities as they advance in level.

The expansion also accentuates the key features of the Diablo franchise, with a greater emphasis on randomized environments to explore; epic new quests;horrific new monsters to defeat; and substantial updates to the loot experience, enabling players to further customize their characters with new and improved multilevel Legendary items, new Blacksmith and Jeweler item-crafting options, and more.

Diablo III’s Paragon progression system is also being majorly upgraded for the expansion, adding even more end-game character advancement and replayability. Two new game modes—Loot Runs and Nephalem Trials—are being added as well, providing fun and rewarding challenges for players to tackle when they’re not busy saving the world.

via Blogger http://geekguardian.blogspot.com/2013/08/diablo-iii-reaper-of-souls-unveiled.html