Alan Rapp

Voltron #1

voltron-1-coverSave me from re-imagined versions of classic characters. I don’t know what exactly I was hoping from Dynamite Entertainment’s new Voltron, but I guess having it make sense, have at least an once of joy, and not screw up the franchise was simply too much to ask.

In the original cartoon five pilots each fly a giant robot lion. The cartoon is set in undetermined future around the planet Arus which must be defended by evil King Zarkon (from planet Doom). When in dire straits the five lions could be joined to form the universe’s greatest weapon – Voltron.

The new version turns the plucky team into commandos (lacking any of the goofy humor from the cartoon), places them on Earth, in the year 2124, makes Zarkov an Earth scientist who may (or may not) have been involved in the creation of Voltron, and allows Voltron to fight the giant monster of the week without any of the team members actually being inside the robot.

Although Voltron looks pretty cool, the rest of the art by Ariel Padilla is mostly forgettable. The entire project comes off like bad fan fiction with way too much money behind it. Pass.

[Dynamite Entertainment, $3.99]

Voltron #1 Read More »

Hawaii Five-0 – Alaheo Pau’ole

  • Title: Hawaii Five-0 – Alaheo Pau’ole
  • tv.com: link

“You’ve been hanging with McGarrett too long.”

hawaii-five-0-alaheo-pauole

While the team makes final preparations for Chin’s (Daniel Dae Kim) wedding they’re called in to investigate the discovery by neighborhood kids of a comatose victim in an underground bunker. Things get a little more complicated when their investigation intersects with Captain Fryer’s (Tom Sizemore) case.

…

Hawaii Five-0 – Alaheo Pau’ole Read More »

Coming Soon

  • Title: Men in Black III
  • IMDB: link

Okay, I have zero interest in the revival of the Men in Black franchise but this trailer does end with an inspired bit of casting for a young Agent K that makes it worth sharing with you. Will Smith and return as Agents J and K in a plot which not only involves aliens this time, but time travel as well. Alice Eve, Emma Thompson, Bill Hader, Nicole Scherzinger and Rip Torn also star. Men in Black III hits theaters May 25th.

Coming Soon Read More »

Moon Knight #8

moon-knight-8-coverWith Count Nefaria now exposed as the kingpin of Los Angeles, and Snapdragon now in police custody, Moon Knight and Echo continue their partnership by attacking several of Nefaria’s illegal ventures and businesses.

Moon Knight’s team becomes a little more realized here as Echo meets Buck and signs up for more action, and Moon Knight enlists the help of a reluctant Los Angeles police detective who is stymied by his captain when he offers up evidence of Nefaria’s illegal activities on a silver platter.

Moon Knight and Echo’s dialogue is the highlight of the issue, but there are some other moments worth mention including Marc Spector’s surreal conversation with his assistant why the werewolves in his TV-show can’t look more real, and Detective Hall’s immediate reluctance to help a vigilante. Best of the week.

[Marvel, $3.99]

Moon Knight #8 Read More »

The Planet of the Apes Rise on DVD

  • Title: Rise of the Planet of the Apes
  • IMDB: link

rise-of-the-planet-of-the-apes-dvdForget Marky Mark and Tim Burton’s attempt to breathe new life into the Planet of the Apes franchise. The new film from director Rupert Wyatt is centered on the beginnings of the Planet of the Apes by focusing on a single scientist (James Franco) and his obsession with stopping the advancement of Alzheimer’s in his father (John Lithgow).

Will Rodman’s (Franco) experiments lead him into genetic manipulation of chimpanzees, but a violent outburst in a single subject in front of investors leads to the entire project being shelved. Unwilling to let his work die, Will saves a single chimp and continues his work privately.

Caesar (Andy Serkis) quickly shows the treatments are working by displaying enhanced intellect and cognitive abilities, but an angry outburst with a neighbor separates him from Will and Caroline (Freida Pinto), and Caesar must learn to adapt in a world of caged apes. Here he becomes the leader of a monkey rebellion. (Trust me, its not as ridiculous as it sounds.)

…

The Planet of the Apes Rise on DVD Read More »