Skinners (Marcus Pelegrimas)

5 HELL YEAH's out of 5

"Skinners" is a series of books with a unique take on the vampire/werewolf mythos, and the humans who fight them.

The Skinner is a human who is part of a larger group that tracks, observes, and kills vampires and werewolves. Using ancient techniques and semi-mystical weapons passed down from skinner to skinner for hundreds of years they are truly a force to be reckoned with. Loosely organized and limited in numbers Skinners are committed to their purpose, of keeping the normal people safe from what lurks in the darkness.

The Vampires or Nymar as they are called, are pretty true to classical stereotype, except that the "vampire" part of a nymar is actually a parasitic host that attached itself to it's host's heart. This results in a a dramatic physical changes externally and internally. Marked and identified by what looks like black tattoos these marking are actually tendrils from the parasite that get darker and more pronounced as the Nymar get older (and stronger). Often grouped together but internally fractured the Nymar try to take over institutions such as brothels and other underground type "establishments". Always at odds with the Skinners, the Nymar want nothing more than to kill them all. However, disorganization keeps them in check, and maintaining a healthy dose of respect and fear for the Skinners.

Werewolves and shape shifters are also prevalent in this series.  Werewolves or "Full Bloods" are the absolute top of the food chain. Unimaginably fast, super strong, near invulnerable, and mean as hell, these guys are generally loners, and for good reason. When a Full blood attacks a human that human either dies or is turned into a "Half Breed". The later is done on purpose to create a pack. Half Breeds are gnarled looking beasts that posses both speed and strength, but limited intelligence. Where as Full Bloods can be highly intelligent. Full Bloods hate everything and everyone..Nymar, humans, shape shifters, half breeds, even other full bloods....EVERYONE!

Shape Shifters on the other had a small cousins of a Full Blood. They can be a feline, snake, ground dwelling creatures that can burrow. Unlike a full blood, which can change size and shape significantly, shape shifters are the approximate same size as the human form.

As a series Skinners is a very good read, part horror part action adventure. The characters are created very well, and you feel like you can connect with them. Nymar, Full Blood, and Human alike. What I really liked about these books is Marcus' constant push forward. He doesn't dwell on the minuscule details, that often bog down a good story. The time and action flows very nicely and you can't stop reading. There are a total of 6 books (5 published so far) in this series. Each book ends in such a way that it's hard to wait for the next one.
Another thing I like about Marcus' style is how he ends his chapters with a witty remark. It's this sarcasm that is very appealing in books like this.

These books are all about change and uncovering new information a mysteries. As time goes on and new adventure are had, all of the characters evolve for better or worse. One of my favorite scenes is in the first book where Cole is running from an unknown creature in the Alaskan wilderness. The imagery written is very "Stephen King" and scary intense.

To learn more about these books and Marcus Pelegrimas visit his website:
http://www.marcuspelegrimas.com/

ThunderCats (Cartoon Network)

5 HELL YEAH's out of 5

Thunder thunder thunder THUNDERCATS HOOOOO!!!!  LOL. Well they did it. They brought back ThunderCats. One of my favorite cartoons from the 80's. I had the toys and swords and yelled out the ThunderCat call more times than I can count. Good times.

The new or revamped series that has premiered on cartoon network is how the 80's redeux should be done. VOLTRON could take some lessons. The same old cast of characters are present. Lion-o, Tigra, Cheetara, Wylie Kit and Kat, Panthro, and Snarf. Fortunately Snarf isn't annoying this time around. The voice actors are superb, and the art direction is excellent. What I liked about this new version the most so far is the look and feel and the level of maturity of the story. Too often (again Voltron) they try to gear the 80's classics to the younger audience. That's fine but know who your audience really will be. ThunderCats moderates this very well.

The King of the ThunderCats is voice acted by the original Lion-o from back in the day. It was very nostalgic and VERY cool to hear him give the call. I got the chills a little bit. Mumra is back as well. I always thought Mumra was a bit of a pussy in the original...all bark no bite. It seems that this version he packs a bit more bite. They give him an "emperor" from Star Wars feel, very nice.

This first 2 parter see's Lion-o needing to grow up and take responsibility, while at the same time "Thundara" has been over run by the lizards...We are introduced to Slithe. The end of the show doesn't have the full team together yet but as Lion-o says...this is just the beginning.  Fridays @ 7:30 Central...I'm looking forward to this nostalgic guilty pleasure.

Alphas (SyFy)

3 1/2 HELL YEAH's out of 5

Alphas is the most current "mutant" or superhuman TV concept. Most of these types of shows are all the same; a "Group" of special people who can do amazing things, often led by a paternal doctor figure. There is also usually some sort of opposing force of equally special individuals intent of taking over the world. That being said Alphas is the best since the first season of Heroes.  Another show that this series reminds me of is "Pain Killer Jane".

The cast of characters is pretty interesting, "Mr. Nigel Murry" from Bones plays an autistic who can see all electromagnetic bandwidths. Some other powers include the power of persuasion, adrenalin rush strength, and super senses. The plot is basically as described above a Dr. figure wants to help the little group which has worked with the FBI periodically. After the second episode we find out that there is a group that wants to do bad and they are persuaded to help the FBI on a more permanent basis.

What I like about this show even with it's cliche' plot and characters is that it's done pretty well. The look and feel of how they handle the powers is pretty grounded. So far they haven't jumped the shark, where most shows like this after the second or third episode, pretty much blow their wad.

Given the less than unique offering here I can't say this is a must watch but it does show up on demand. I find that this is a very nice diversion in the evening or weekends when there is nothing else on.

Captain America (2011)

4 HELL YEAH's out of 5

Captain America, MARVEL's newest comic book movie, is one of it's best. Definitely it's best this year.  Almost a period piece (1940's) the movie's style feels like it's been ripped out of a 1940's military recruitment film. It's safe to say that the style captured on film is perfect for the introduction of a 70 year old WWII comic book hero. Chris Evens plays a pretty good Capt. America, he has the look and demeanor for the character. Some of the Critics have been giving Evens a hard time due to his "B" List celebrity status, and vowing that all Comic lead actors should be Robert Downy Level actors...let's not forget that RDJ...was at rock bottom a film or 2 before Iron Man. Anyway...The acting was VERY GOOD in the film. Stanley Tucci was amazing in his role, then again he always is. Hugo Weaving IS THE RED SKULL!!! Like Mark Strong in Green Lantern, Weaving NAILED this character and was PERFECT. The CGI was phenomenal, and so was the Makeup. I don't know if the Red Skull was prosthetic or CGI but it was EXCELLENT.

Like most MARVEL movies there is a little hokiness, and perhaps it's a bit cartoony. Thor has this quality and fell a bit short as the "comic" elements didn't mesh well with the suspension of disbelief that the director was going for. Instead Capt. America embraces the cartoony, by styling the film so perfectly. LARGE walls of '40's computer mainframes, the absurdity of a woman running off to war in full make up, dressed to the 9's and looking fashionable....vs. fatigues. Then there is the whole, 1 man entering the enemy base with a giant american flag shield strapped to his back and no one seeing him. Add to this the contrast of regular vs "scifi" weaponry and technology, and it's the best of all worlds.  These things were on purpose and embraced the absurdity and it worked.

There really wasn't a point in the film that could have ruined it if it's too far fetched. They did come close with some of the dialogue but pulled back just in time. If we are keeping track DC vs. MARVEL this year so far...Marvel takes it with volume...GL was better than THOR but CA was better then GL (although I prefer GL....most will like CA more.) it's not really comparing apples to apples but it's what we have. NOW when Batman come out next year or so...Then we'll see how it should be done ALWAYS. For now, the formula of a little campy, a little gritty, and a lot fun is the best thing going today. Gotta Love It.

Spoiler:
After the credits roll...there is an AVENGERS MOVIE TRAILER...not the best ending gem...but not too back. THOR is sleevless and a bit pale...I wasn't a fan. I liked the armor sleeves.

Green Lantern (Emerald Knights)

5 HELL YEAH's out of 5

Emerald Knights is the second animated movie from DC featuring Green Lantern. This film isn't as much about Hal Jordan as it is about some other lanterns. Told continuously in six sub stories, this is by far one of the best comic/animated films to date by either Marvel or DC.

The art direction was great, the voice acting was superb, and the story was entertaining...this is what should have hit the theater...or something like it. We learn about the first Lantern, Kilowag, Abin Sur, Mogo, and others as the stories unfold seamlessly. These are the type of comic movies, or even TV series that could be watched forever.

Touted as "like Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight", which was pretty awesome in it's own right. The only flaw, if you want to call it that, is that the difference in art styles was tough to see. Supposedly, each story arch had different artists and genres, but other than slight differences they all looked the same. That being said they all looked great. IF you saw Batman: LDK then you know what they mean by different art styles, or perhaps HALO: Legends, or the Animatrix. Those were all shorts and each being distinctively different...where Emerald Knights is a continuous story. I suppose they couldn't go too far off the reservation with the art.

At every turn where the Live Action movie failed this anime succeeded brilliantly!!! I can't wait for more GL properties to me animated. The series is coming out this fall, but I'd really like to see a series of Darkest Night Stories.