My view on The Amazing Spider-Man 2

The movie was great... end of story. Kidding! Too much awesomeness for this sequel and I highly recommend to watch especially if you've watched the first movie. So let's start!

I'm a huge fan of Spider-man ever since I was a kid and read a lot of comic books from mainstream up to ultimate universe Spider-man. This movie tried to focus a bit more of the ultimate version but there are some parts that are taken from the mainstream universe ( Earth 616 or the universe the all of us knew in the world of comics). This comic book based movie got into the minds and hearts of non- comic book readers because anyone could relate to Peter Parker and it seems that they have knowledge about the story due to the good sequential of the movie.

It has a darker tone wherein they showed the different day to day problems a normal person could encounter in real life. The movie starts with a flash back from the point of view of Richard Parker ( Peter's Dad) which gave us a glimpse of what really happened before and after the night they left Peter to Uncle Ben. It is one of the important part of the movie because it fills out some of the mysteries in the first film. Then enter the character of Max Dillon/ Electro (Jamie Foxx), a man obsessed to Spider-man. It's quite disappointing that his character quickly shifts from good to bad without any good reason. I'm glad that they didn't use the green and yellow spandex suit for him and his electric form looks awesome. Harry Osborn was also introduced in this movie. They revealed that Norman and Harry have a genetic disease but Norman considered it as a gift for Harry. Harry is desperate man trying to find a cure for himself that led to his change in persona or as we all know the Green goblin in this movie. I'm not digging this armored goblin ever since Sam Raimi's Spider-man. I still preferred the one in the comics and I may also consider the ultimate green goblin. Spider-man is also nerfed in this film. If you will observe it carefully some of his punches seems weak because in the comics his strength level is considered as superhuman as he can lift up 10 to 15 tons but he might be restraining himself.

The middle part shows more on Peter and Gwen's relationship. Damn it! They build up their chemistry and everybody love the way they show their affection towards each other through ups and downs. Everybody can relate to them even if you're single right now you will be hook with their chemistry and to add more Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone are real life couples but sad thing they did what fanboys thought before. It was a neck breaking scene :'( 

The visual effects are superb and you might wish to become Spider-man swinging around the buildings of New York city. Fighting scenes are epic especially the fight between Spider-man and Electro and you know what's nice in this Garfield's Spider-man? He's cracking jokes while fighting crime that gave most of the audience a laughter on their seats. Hello SPARKLES!!!

Watch for some potential EASTER EGGS in the film. They introduced Felicia possibly Felicia Hardy a.k.a. Black Cat an ally/foe/lover of Spider-man in the comics. They also introduced Alistair Smythe who works for Oscorp and he tried to study Electro in the film. In the comics he is known for his menacing "Spider-slayer" so is it possible to see that mini robots on future films? Why not? The shadow figured from the after credits from the first film who questioned Dr. Curt Conners whether he'd told Peter Parker the truth about his father also shows and was named as "Gustav Fiers" or the gentleman. He was asked by Harry to build a team and keep it small. They started with Aleksei Sytsevich by giving a mechanical "Rhino" suit. To sum it up, it teased us for a possible Spider-man vs. Sinister six!

Photo from: comic book resources

In addition, this movie sequel shows the imperfection of life of Peter Parker. You may have the power but you lose the love of your life. I remember one fellow fanboy (Jm Eñola) told me during FCBD 2012, "no matter what happens, Peter's life will be always like that just like a normal people have." There will always be imperfection and it's up to us how you will cope up and try to make it perfect.

That's it true believers. Amazing and touching movie. 9/10 for me and you should watch it, Sparkles!!!

No more season 2 for Attack on Titans?

ANN reports that the staff and production crew of Shingeki No Kyojin aka Attack on Titan has implied that at the moment there is no season 2 for the hit anime series.

During the end of the pre-screening for episode 25 in Japan, the staff stated that at the moment there's still no go signal for a second season.

The good part here is that they don't have to go and create filler episodes or one that doesn't included in the story due to the upcoming spinoff manga "Shingeki no Kyojin Gaiden: Kuinaki Sentaku Prologue". So I think we should sit and wait for the upcoming updates of the series.

Kick-Ass 2

Kick-Ass 2 special edition DVD box cover has been revealed according to the creator and writer of kick-ass, Mark Millar. Kick-Ass 2 is a 2013 British-American superhero action-comedy film based on the comic book of the same name and Hit-Girl, both by Mark Millarand John Romita, Jr., and is the sequel to the 2010 film Kick-Ass, as well as the second installment of the Kick-Ass film series. The film was written and directed by Jeff Wadlow and co-produced by Matthew Vaughn, who directed the first film.

According to IGN, Kick-Ass, Hit Girl and Red Mist return for the follow-up to 2010’s irreverent global hit: ‘Kick-Ass 2.’ After Kick-Ass’ (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) insane bravery inspires a new wave of self-made masked crusaders, led by the badass Colonel Stars and Stripes (Jim Carrey), our hero joins them on patrol. When these amateur superheroes are hunted down by Red Mist (Christopher Mintz-Plasse)—reborn as The Mother F%&*^r—only the blade-wielding Hit Girl (Chloë Grace Moretz) can prevent their annihilation. When we last saw junior assassin Hit Girl and young vigilante Kick-Ass, they were trying to live as normal teenagers Mindy and Dave. With graduation looming and uncertain what to do, Dave decides to start the world’s first superhero team with Mindy.

Unfortunately, when Mindy is busted for sneaking out as Hit Girl, she’s forced to retire—leaving her to navigate the terrifying world of high-school mean girls on her own. With no one left to turn to, Dave joins forces with Justice Forever, run by a born-again ex-mobster named Colonel Stars and Stripes. Just as they start to make a real difference on the streets, the world’s first super villain, The Mother F%&*^r, assembles his own evil league and puts a plan in motion to make Kick-Ass and Hit Girl pay for what they did to his dad. But there’s only one problem with his scheme: If you mess with one member of Justice Forever, you mess with them all.

Mega Charizard X

As the release of the Pokemon X and Y go nearer, Finally, we have the artwork for Mega Charizard X and confirmation that it is a Fire/Dragon-type Pokémon with a new ability called Tough Claws. Now you have seen it completely, what do you think? 

It might be late but it is good to finally see a fire/dragon-type Charizard. The appearance looks good for me but they should retain the orange colored pokemon coz it looks like a literally burned pokemon. The amazing thing about this is the flame that he now possessed. It's a blue flame and it looks awesome for me.

New Robocop

Making its way to theaters on February next year, Columbia Pictures and MGM begin their promotional campaigns for the new look and reimagined  cybernetic pop culture cop and hero, Robocop. Robocop was one of my favorite movie and hero when I was a kid. I once scream when I saw one action figure of the icon. Kinda weird but that's how I idolized the character.

Just like the 1987 film, the new Robocop film stars Joel Kinnaman as Alex Murphy, a police from Detroit and family man who is severely injured and then outfitted with robotic technology by OmniCorp to save his life. Now both part man and machine, Alex uses his newfound abilities to fight the crime, while struggling with rediscovering himself and keeping his humanity at the same time.

Here is the trailer for the new robocop.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ymMNEPfcO5M

Robocop hits conventional, 3D, and IMAX 3D theaters on February 7, 2014.

The Basketball which Kuroko plays!

One of my favorite on going manga today is "Kuroko's Basketball", also known as Kuroko No Basuke ( The Basketball which Kuroko plays) in Japan. It's a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Tadatoshi Fujimaki. It began serialization in Weekly Shōnen Jump in December 2008. Kuroko no Basuke tells the story of a high school basketball team trying to make it to the national tournament. To give you a short preview about the series, Once upon a time, a team of basketball prodigies rose to the top by demolishing all competition. This team became known as the Generation of Miracles, as they are all in the same year group and they were considered children of miracle.

After junior high school ended, these five stars went to different high schools with top basketball teams. However, a fact few people know is that there was another player accompanying the Generation of Miracles, a Phantom Sixth Man. This mysterious player is now a freshman at Seirin High, a new school with a powerful, yet little-known, team. Now, Tetsuya Kuroko, the sixth man formerly with the Generation of Miracles, and Taiga Kagami, a naturally talented player who spent most of junior high school in America, are aiming to bring Seirin to the top of Japan, taking on Kuroko's old teammates one by one.

One thing that I like about this series is they show a different perspective of basketball. It might be an exaggerated one but I love to see things in a different manner. Imagine a player that can shoot anywhere or a player that can't be noticed, isn't that amazing? Another is the manga comes in anime' and season two is coming this October and many fan boys are excited to see things in motion style. So play basketball just like kuroko :)

Manga!

MANGAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

Aside from reading comic books from western countries, I also read "Manga". Manga are comics created in Japan, or by Japanese creators in the Japanese language, conforming to a style developed in Japan in the late 19th century. In Japan, most of the people from all ages read mangas. Unlike comic books in western countries, mangas offered a wide variety of genres: action-adventure, romance, sports and games, historical drama, comedy, science fiction and fantasy, mystery, suspense, detective, horror, sexuality, and business/commerce, among others. Since then, manga became a part of Japan's culture. Another difference between westernize comics and mangas is that mangas are read from right to left.

Basically, Mangas are typically drawn and printed in black and white but there are also some colored mangas. Also in Japan, mangas are usually serialized in large manga magazines, often containing many stories, each presented in a single episode to be continued in the next issue. If the series is successful, collected chapters may be republished in trade paperback books called tankōbon. A manga artist (mangaka in Japanese) typically works with a few assistants in a small studio and is associated with a creative editor from a commercial publishing company. If a manga series is popular enough, it may be animated after or even during its run which is good and can sometimes boost more popularity for the series. Sometimes manga are drawn centering on previously existing live-action or animated films. Aside from being animated, some mangas are also translated into live action films. 

Some of my favorite mangas are One Piece, Naruto, Katekyo Hitman Reborn, Kuroko No Basuke, Shingeki No Kyojin, Ratman, Slam Dunk and many more. Since in our country mangas are not sold in singles, I can only see trade paperback books. In order to keep up with the manga series I used the internet to read mangas that are scanned by random people and the post it on different websites. I highly recommend to read mangas because it can help you be a good person ( I'm a living proof HAHAHA )

Wolverine is the best there is!

Wolverine is my favorite superhero from Marvel and since I was a kid I follow his comics, animated show, movies and other stuff. He first appeared on the last panel of Incredible Hulk #180 and his first full appearance was on Incredible Hulk #181 (cover-dated Nov. 1974). He was created by writer Len Wein and Marvel art director John Romita, Sr., who designed the character, and was first drawn for publication by Herb Trimpe. Then years after, Wolverine joins the X-men wherein writer Chris Claremont and artist-writer John Byrne would play significant roles in the character's development in the future. Frank Miller also helped Claremont to develop more the character of Wolverine by collaborating in a four part limited series wherein the famous Wolverine's catchphrase, "I'm the best there is at what I do, but what I do best isn't very nice," debuted.

Art by Dave Wilkins

His main power is his healing factor that makes him near invulnerable and can heal from any types of injuries and his famous retractable bone claws that can slash anything ( I guess so) due to Weapon X program that laced Adamantium in his bones (Yikes). I don't know why but his costume always catches my attention. He looks like two Batman hahaha but that costume give angst and excitement in my veins whenever I see it. One thing that I like about this character was his attitude. He's not the typical hero that you can see in the comics. He's more on being an anti-hero and that characteristics paved its way and then he earns the title, most favorite X-men. He's a master of all forms of martial arts and is experienced in virtually every fighting style on Earth. I like it when he go berserk ( chillin and killin). He is also knowledgeable about many things due to his increased life span wherein he traveled around the world and learned different things in each place. Wolverine is frequently depicted as a gruff loner, often taking leave from the X-Men to deal with personal issues or problems. He is often irreverent and rebellious towards authority figures, though he is a reliable ally and capable leader ( Wolverine and the X-men).

So to give you more info., I would to share this infograph from comixology.com

One Love, Jah Love! Franco

I love music especially hardcore and rock genres but today's music seems to be boring and most artists used auto tunes and I find it stupid. One day my friend shared a link about a particular band and as I listen to their music I can say that there is still hope for music. The band that I am referring to is "Franco".

Franco was a pinoy super band with  members from different Filipino band. The original line up was consists of Franco Reyes (of InYo) on vocals and guitar, Gabby Alipe (of Urbandub) on guitar, Paolo "8" Toleran (of Queso) on guitar, Buwi Meneses (of Parokya ni Edgar) on bass guitar, and JanJan Mendoza (of Urbandub) on drums.

In 2010, they released their self-titled full-length album under MCA Music. Music videos for “Cast Away” and “This Gathering” were aired on Filipino music channel MYX. Franco also dominated the 2010 NU Rock Awards by winning four awards—Artist of the Year, Song of the Year for “This Gathering”, Album of the Year for their self-titled album, and the Listeners' Choice Award. Their music is very unique and have some combined mix of reggae and metal which I find amazing. Most of their songs were originally written by Franco Reyes with Frank! and InYo, but they gave it more heavier than the previous bands of Reyes. One more interesting thing in their music is that some of their songs have Rastafarian messages such as the spiritual use of marijuana and the belief in Jah, the almighty god of the Rastafarian faith.

Unfortunately, the original lineup of the super group disbanded on mid 2012. It was announced on twitter that four of the members parted ways from the band (Alipe, Toleran, Meneses and Mendoza) in mid-2012 to focus on other projects and their respective bands. Franco Reyes decided to go on solo and collaborate with some former band mates during studio sessions while recording the second album. The band now has a new lineup which consists of front man Franco Reyes and session musicians Paul "Poldo" Cañada on guitars, Dave Delfin on bass and Victor Guison on drums. Franco has released a second album, entitled "Soul Adventurer" last March 2013.

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Turtles in a half shell, Turtle Power!

As I have said on my previous post, I love to read comics and I'm very critical in choosing what to read because I'm looking on the art first. Right now there's a comic book that I'm currently following and I admit the book is fool of awesomeness. Wanna know what it is? Ninjas! Shell Power! and Cowabunga! It's the IDW's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle!

Beginning in August 2011, it is the first new comic version of the turtles to debut since the franchise was sold to Nickelodeon in October 2009. The initial creative team consisted of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles co-creator Kevin Eastman, who collaborated on the plot and the page layouts; Tom Waltz, who scripted the series; and artist Dan Duncan. Honestly speaking, I love how Dan Duncan do his work here. Strokes are fine and simple yet every page of the book gives a thrill and excitement.

There's a slight changes from the original story. In this book, Splinter and the turtles are the incarnations of their past life. Oroku Saki killed them and they were reborn in different bodies. They also introduced a new character, Old Hob. They also change the origin of April, Krang and Casey Jones. Notably, the series, like the original Mirage version, initially gives all four Turtles red eye masks until issue #5, where Splinter gives Leonardo, Donatello and Michelangelo their well-known blue, purple and orange masks, after Raphael was found.

The comic book series is still on going and currently have 23 issues as of June 2013. Personally I've been a fan of these turtles since childhood. From the classic cartoons, live action movies, animated series and comics, these turtles never get tired to give jam packed actions that are truly one of my interest. I recommend you guys to read this and have some taste of new turtles in action.

Talking pictures

At this moment I really don't know what to post regarding my interest/ hobby or so what ever you may call it. Again and again I browse, scroll down, type, search and TADAAA! Still nothing happens. As I have mention before some artist tend to be bored and just like me sometimes I can even think very fast. What did I do? I check my surroundings and try to think of an idea that is related to me and my interest. After some time while I am typing this I remember one picture that I saw last week. There are some art that gives us message and I find it cool. Here's the picture that I am talking about.

Splendid quote! I remember way back then my friends teased me for me being a negative hence the so called negamind. Basically in arts there are times that you think that is your limit and you can't do anything about it. But the art speaks up and tell us to stand up and pull yourself together. 

Another examples

Art can also be a medium for the message to be delivered in the mind's of the viewer. Not all kind of art are made just for entertainment but their are some art that can be an eye opener or message for everyone. Just like this picture at the left, it shows that if you're not struggling it simply means that you are not giving your best shot.

There are also some arts that seems to be talking to viewer or at some point breaking the fourth wall. Art is just so amazing and full of varieties. Maybe one day you'll be reading or viewing an art made by yours truly. Remember Be an Optimist Prime!

T-shirt art!

As they say, Art is everywhere. But where is everywhere? All of us have different perspective regarding art. Me? I tend to go deeper on art related in comic book heroes. So how can I say art is everywhere? The answer is... the T-shirts! To the left, to the right, back and front, I can see people wearing shirts with super hero insignia at the center. I find it hard to accept the reality because people wear shirts without realizing what's the meaning of it. Aside from that I can also comic book cover art that are printed on shirts like this one.

Amazing Fantasy 15
1st app. of Spider-man. I have this shirt :)

Marvel's Civil war

There are also shirts that have different style and most people prefer this kind of design because of the good creativity.

My latest haul today :) It looks like a sketch in a canvass
but actually it's a shirt

Photoshop!

As our technology continues to move forward, artists find their way to increase their creativity and talent. With the help of computers, it's very easy to add some spice on your work of art. What am I talking about? It's the Adobe Photoshop! See I'm a marketing student but I use this kind of software that before I think this will not help me grow as a marketing student. I used Photoshop when I was 4th year high school and as the years passed by my skills continue to grow. I would like to feature in this post what are my works that I've done with the help of Photoshop.

My first ever work in photo shop :)

1st time to put colors 

My cover art for my supposed to be comic book

There are many ways to utilize the use of photoshop. As I have said at first I used it just for my hobby but as the years passed I've learned that I can use it in marketing. I used it for advertising like posters, prototype of billboards, buses and etc. I hope I can fully learn this software and someday I can teach you and be like me also in the future. I'll share some other my other works :)

Geometric Art

Way back when I was a child, every time me and my parents go to the church I always look at the glass windows. Why? Church mirror are quite bit artistic. They used geometric art that is one of my favorite kind of art. Geometric abstraction is a form of abstract art based on the use of geometric forms sometimes, though not always, placed in non-illusionistic space and combined into non-objective (non-representational) compositions. 

It gives us some kind of hypnotic spell whenever you look at them. Some says that it might function as a solution to problems concerning the need for modernist painting to reject the illusionistic practices of the past while addressing the inherently two dimensional nature of the picture plane as well as the canvas functioning as its support.

Tho I'm not that familiar with the theories and concept regarding geometric art, I would like to share some examples of geometric art that captures my attention

Art by Eric Dufresne

I haven't done this kind of work but I would be happy if ever I manage to do this kind of awesome art. Why don't you try and share it to us :)

(source: wikipedia.com)

Minimizing is beautiful

There are times that putting so much detail in an art can sometimes make the work more less beautiful. Why not make it the opposite? Why don't you try to lessen the details and see what happens? Basically what I'm talking about is an another form of art called "Minimalism". Minimalism is any design or style in which the simplest and fewest elements are used to create the maximum effect.

Art by: Belhoula Amir/Cosmosnail

As a specific movement in the arts it is identified with developments in post–World War II Western Art, most strongly with American visual arts in the 1960s and early 1970s. Prominent artists associated with this movement include Donald Judd, John McCracken, Agnes Martin, Dan Flavin, Robert Morris, Anne Truitt, and Frank Stella. It is rooted in the reductive aspects of Modernism, and is often interpreted as a reaction against Abstract expressionism and a bridge to Postminimal art practices.

The terms have expanded to encompass a movement in music which features repetition and iteration, as in the compositions of La Monte Young, Terry Riley, Steve Reich, Philip Glass, and John Adams. Minimalist compositions are sometimes known as systems music. The term "Minimalist" is often applied colloquially to designate anything that is spare or stripped to its essentials. It has also been used to describe the plays and novels of Samuel Beckett, the films of Robert Bresson, the stories of Raymond Carver, and even the automobile designs of Colin Chapman. The word was first used in English in the early 20th century to describe the Mensheviks. ( Source: wikipedia.com)

Here are some example of minimalist art that captures my attention

By Malaysian based artist Marcus

Wolverine or two Batman?
source: http://arnumdrusk.deviantart.com/

Art by Luiz Arthus

I even tried to do this kind of art as a teaser for my supposed to be comic book

Comics!!!

Did you know the words “KABOOM”, “KAPOW”, “ZOOOOOOOM!”, “SHAZAM!”, “FLY!”, “UP UP AND AWAY WEB” or the lines like “it’s a bird it’s a plane no it’s SUPERMAN!” or “with great power comes with great responsibility.”? All of this famous line comes from small pieces of paper called “Comic book”. So what is a comic book? A book with Illustrations? Panels? Speech Bubbles? I guess not. Comics are seen differently in everyone’s eyes and it’s up to us how we personalize it. 

Today's generation of people tend to spend their time looking and touching their own smart phones. I even saw kids have their own touch screen apparatus. For me I find it odd but I have to face it that "change is inevitable". Way back from my childhood days, every time I'm free I always read comics. So what am I pointing out? I'm proud to say that I have an awesome childhood. Growing up with my favorite comic book super heroes like Wolverine, Spider-man , Captain America and etc. I remember my mom used to buy me comics whenever she go to malls and tears of joy comes out from my eyes way back then hahaha

Going back to the purpose of this blog which is about art uhmmm YES! Comic book is an art, an art that transport in other world. One of the most important thing comic has done for me is it is my own way how I relieve my stress. Most probably reading comic book is my withdrawal reaction whenever I’m experiencing stress. Comics provide it each week with many titles to choose from. From ten to twenty minutes I am transported into a fantasy world dealing with its own problem and how the protagonist of the story solves the problem by the next issue or the end of the issue. Comic book are consider to be a literature but not as much like Shakespeare or even today’s must read novel like Harry potter or Twilight. And lastly Comic book inspires me that in every problem there is a solution. The crisis in our life might not end today but maybe if we pursue it will end the other day. Just like in comic book there is always the word to be continued or the end. It taught me how to hope, not to a super hero but to hope and trust to myself and to God the true hero.

I know I am no super hero. I’m just an average teenager, comic book guy, but I still do my part to make my life worth living. Comic books are my form of escape from a real harsh life that I face every day and get the greatest joy from reading it. So grab your own comic book read it and you will know what I feel whenever I'm reading it.