Nerd Notes (5/30/23)

Posted on 05/30/2023 by Pop-Culture Spectrum

A super long and in some cases outdated but still important edition of Nerd Notes!

Very good friend of P-CS’s Pollo Del Mar aka Paul Pratt has put together an OFFICIAL magazine for the current incarnation of the National Wrestling Alliance. Designed to look like the sister magazine to pst PWI’s it is an excellent read for wrestling fans all over.

A recent episode of the D23 Podcast brought on the Electric Mayhem and I feel the show, and this podcast has plenty standing time to be enjoyed.

Tour footage of Sabrina Carpenter.

New AC game trailer with gameplay.

ICV2 did a long interview with Bud Plant, one of the earliest comic book store owners still going today. It is in written form and also in three videos. Really worth watching and reading.

Every Ashnikko video is magical.

This 12 minute video makes truly wish I had a PS5 but if I did I’d just spend all day playing this and doing nothing else.

Good music and visuals.

This long description of an experience known as the Belmond British Pullman Murder Mystery seems like a dream vacation indeed.

 

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PW U.S. Book Show Day 3: Adult & Children’s YA

Posted on 05/30/2023 by Pop-Culture Spectrum

This second in person day at U.S. Book Show was much more hectic but still as fun and exciting. With sessions and galleys on two different floors and each track featuring writers and talents of interest to PCS there was a lot of running back and forth between various rooms to learn and capture what I could and get as full a show as possible while knowing some sessions would get partially or fully missed along the way.

The offerings of galleys in the Adult track was intense. Here is just the table set-up followed by what I procured in both the Adult and Children’s/YA galleys. Some books presented in panel, others not and some books presented in panel but did not have an ARC available at show time.

My first panel of the day was best selling author Meg Wolizter talking with Lauren Grofff.

The main focus of the discussion was The Vaster Wilds (September 2023, Penguin Random House). They went over inspiration, research and much of the plot doing a great job of promoting for a book that should be truly a compelling read.

From there I went upstairs to the Children’s/YA panel of Big Books of Next Season for a short time.

The story of how Peter H. Reynolds  newest (coming soon) “All We Need Is Love and a Big Soft Pillow” (September 2023, Orchard/Scholastic) cocreated with his at the time 10 year old son adds so much to it and has me loving it so much more. Repeating it exact would be difficult so get a U.S. Book Show virtual pass to truly appreciate. The jist is that it built from the simpleness of a father and son sharing perfect quiet moments together and knowing all they need is each other, but the son saying ” and a…” and it going from there.

The other books on display here but which no ARC or promotional was provided were a new series from Melissa De La Cruz [The (Super Secret) Octagon Valley Society (September 2023, Disney Hyperion)], the final chapter of Karen M. McManus’ One of Us (this one is titled One of Us Is Back <July 2023, Delacorte>) and Salt The Walter by Candice Iloh [October 2023, Dutton Books for Young Readers] Candice is a strong black queer/LGBTQ+ voice when more are truly needed.

Next up at Adult was Big Books of Next Season.

The portion of the panel I mainly caught had Mitch Albom relay the anecdote of Duke Ellington being dropped from his label and finding out it was because he wasn’t selling, with Duke reacing “I make the music, it’s your to sell it!”. This was in relation to the fact that this also not really being true in music and definitely in being an author. Appaerances, marketing, etc. is as much the part of the job as writing the novel itself.

The books featured on the panel were as follows: Elizabeth Acevedo – Family Lore (August, Ecco), Mitch Albom Little Liar (November 2023, Harper), Alice McDermott – Absolution (November 2023, Farrar, Straus and Giroux), Kiley Reid – Come and Get It (Jan 2024, G.P. Putnam’s Sons)

Up next was Glory Edim, founder of Well-Read Black Girl in discussion with Sarah Jessica Parker (and the show to promote her imprint SLG Lit and only it) and the second author published by the imprint Kim Coleman Foote. Coleman’s book Coleman Hill (September 2023, SLG Lit). A very spirited conversation detailing the importance of the book and how the book came to be as well as SLG’s fight to get to publish it.

After this a long break was taken and needed. While it may seem like a lot, the working gears to get to the show in time and arrange and organize everything, especially as Press has lots of varying levels of excitement. Having a chance to just breath is very important.

Once time to get back to the show I knew that P-CS would be spending a fair share of time over at Children’s as their were sessions one after the other of personal interest as well as one definite Pop-Culture interest.

That pop-culture interest was a session with Kenny Curtis and Jillian Hughes of the Greeking Out podcast. They were there to speak about the book Greeking Out: Epic Retellings of Classic Greek Myths (September, National Geographic Kids) based on the podcast which is a full circle as the podcast is based on a podcast.

Next was Ryan La Sala in a discussion with writer and editor David Levithan. I absolutely loved Ryan’s The Honeys and I am equally excited to read this horror book BEHOLDER (October 2023, Scholastic).

Next up on stage was Vichet Chum, a playwright to discuss his debut novel Kween (October 2023, Quill Tree Books). What I find very fascinated by is that Kween will soon also be workshopped as a play.

I had to head back down to the Adult track to hear Tess Gerritsen tells stories. While she was there to speak The Spy Coast (October 2023, Thomas & Mercer), she also just told wonderful stories about Maine and the community that inspired the novel. The inspiraration for the novel itself sounds almost like a better story, a community full of retired CIA agents. The novel has already been optioned for Amazon Studios, so many a show can combine the books ideas and the inspiration.

From there it was off to meet Matthew Gray Gubler before his non-moderated, power point presentation. Gubler dressed up was the most amazing thing. He’s a pure true joy. You seen it in his previous book but to see him be this infectious and so different than any role he’s known for other than slightly his documentary work and talk show appearances.

The powerpoint to promote his Little Kid with the Big Green Hand (September 2023, Amulet) was a wonderful hilarious affair. One of the presentations that honestly I feel the energy did not translate from in person to video, but I also was there live so it is hard for me to make a proper comparison.

At a point in all the running around I had also gotten to hear former TV writer Patty Lin talking about her memoir End Credits (September 2023, Zibby Books). Her story especially now in the midst of the 2023 WGA Strike seems very important even as it is personal to her experience.

Finally to close out the In-person sessions at the entirety of the 2023 U.S. Book Show were Keegan Michael Key and Elle Key to present their book The History of Sketch Comedy (Octobve

Based on their podcast of the same name  the book is memoir, education, and comedy all rolled in one. In my short time with an ARC I learned stuff, agreed with stuff and more. We are currently reading a book on BOOM Chicago which is part of the book as well and look forward to getting the BOOM book to read about it from their end.

As a whole the U.S. Book Show offered an experience completely original to itself. A small focused program open to the public if they chose to be involved with a smattering of both major celebrities and literary ones. For it to be bigger it would be a different show and could only happen with the backing of the publishing houses and a proper venue and a way for it to be finacially viable as well. For now I hope the U.S. Book Show continues as it really is a great opportunity for folks in New York, librarians, fans, readers and industry to get together outside of ALA.

ADDENDUM: The official number of  registrants for the U.S. Book Show including virtual and in-person was 4,210. In terms of virtual this is way lower than it deserved to be, the Virtual experience offers opportunites itself in exclusive computer arcs, contact with publicity and industry people and a chance to even meet fellow fans in a hub built and designed around the love of books. As I hope the in-person show continues I equally see the promise that a virtual show allows and can continue to allow into the future.

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PW U.S. Book Show Day 2: Comics & Graphic Novels

Posted on 05/27/2023 by Pop-Culture Spectrum

The second and third of the hybrid Virtual/In-Person 4 day U.S. Book Show were lively in person sessions with amazing galleys to score, intimate but well attended sessions promoting the books, and authors who were open to meeting and greeting fans, librarians, industry and press alike. While there were no booths, it easy to engage with guests and if desired get your galleys signed. Many of my galleys were sitting in a press room so I could sit comfortably but I did get my copy of OCCULTED signed as well as the Dracula Motherfucker. I’ve known Ryan Estrada via online for 24 years and it was a pleasure to finally meet him in person. There were other nice surprises of industry folks I did not know would be in attendance in advance, so that added to the enjoyment.

The first session of the day was Roz Chast discussing her up coming “I Must Be Dreaming” from Bloomsbury (scheduled for October 2023) with fellow cartoonist Emily Flake. In a fun and spirited discussion they spoke of dreams themselves and the most common that have afflicted them such as teeth, high school nightmares and even murder, including of their own children. It sounds horrific but it was hilarious and you should get yourself the VOD of the show to hear it yourself while you.

Next up activist and librarian Stephanie Anderson moderated a chat promoting what are considered the Big Books of Next Season. A very diverse selection of amazing stories. It was also a diverse conversation speaking of different viewpoints, differernt storytelling, processes, and backgrounds. All four books truly worth your time, money and energy to invest and discover more.

Ryan Estrada and Jeongmin Lee bring Amy Rose’s harrowing story of forced cult lifestyle as a youth in the very strong, powerful story OCCULTED (out June 2023 from Iron Circus Books in conjuction with Consortium). One that left me with wanting more.  Luckily there  is this little short story by Amy and Ryan on of all places the official Star Trek website that illuminates more facts but yet still lets me know there’s even MORE story to be had.

Pedro Martin’s MEXIKID (August 2023, Dial Books, a PRH Imprint) is a stunning and fun memoir. The art is quirky and cute, but also has parts which action packed comic art and sections with heavily detailed backgrounds. There’s even a recipe and a photo family album at the end.

I do not have an ARC of Curlfriends (October 2023, Little, Brown) to truly get a feel for the interiors, but Sharee Miller has been making amazing and important Children’s books for years. To know there is a graphic novel feautring a diverse group of black female teenagers that will not just speak to those teenagers but show others the diversity of personalties that exist is so important and wonderful.

I have been a fan of George O’Connor‘s Olypians series since its inception. It entertains while it educates on classic myth. As much as I like Greek myth (I’m queer, was a theater major and studied The Illiad in college), I LOVE Norse mythology so seeing George tackling Asgaridans, and first with Odin is just wonderful. ASGARDIANS: Odin is out November 2023 from First Second.

The third session of the day was Chuck D. in discussion with noted journalist Kelefa Sanneh. They discussed his June release STEWDIO: The Naphic Grovel ARTrilogy from Akashic Boos. Chuck is a unsurprisingly great at promoting himself and his work and Kelefa was an amazing moderator/interviewer.

During the interview Chuck made a big point of promoting Kelefa as well.  So I reccomend checking out his New Yorker articles but also his book Major Labels. During the session, Chuck’s long time performance partner Flavor Flav also showed up and there was no way I was passing up the chance to get a selfie with two members of the legendary hiphop group Public Enemy.

After this there was break with catered food and plenty drinks. It also allowed a  chance to stretch and for me to get this view which I got lost in.

This rest was much needed and meant missing two panels but which I would be remiss to mention as like with all these sessions you can still watch via VOD.

Aidyn Arroyal, aka Snailords, in conversation with Bobbie Chase about the collected Freaking Romance (Webtoon Unscrolled, September)

Stephen Graham Jones in Conversation with Alex Segura about Earthdivers, Vol. 1 (IDW, September)

I came back in time for the Adult Big Books session, actually seeing Mattie Lubchansky as they headed towards the elevator from the 9th floor where the press room was down to where the Comics sessions were being held.

This was another very spirited session. In discussion as per the books themselves were identity, process, book banning, development and more. Unfortunately other than issue #1 of James Tynion’s W0rldTr33 was available as material but hearing about each of these books made me want to read them and add them to my library and trust me, so do you.

Boys Weekend by the afore mentioned Mattie Lubchansky is an unusual horror during a bachelor party in which the transexual lead works with their fellow friends to discover some mystery. It sounds like a perfect platform to discuss multiple subjects.

WORM (November 2023, Metropolitan books) is the debut graphic novel from long time and noted painter and illustrator Edel Rodriguez. A memoir detailing his early youth in Cuba and travel to America through troubled turbulent politically fueled times. He was told by his family that the book would probably mean he’ll never get to return to Cuba in the future. A great side note, Edel’s teenage child was at the show and doing amazing ink drawings and he also had his own cameraman so hopefully that’ll make a great little documentary.

ROAMING (September 2023, Drawn & Quarterly) is the latest from Jillian Tamaki. This book is a little different than prior ones. While her cousin Mariko helped co-write it, this one is definitely more a Jillian solo creation devised from ideas and dreams during the pandemic. She had a plan to visit NY for reference but instead it became built on memory and the internet and this fascinates me cause from the pages we saw on the panel showed this is going to be a visual feast as well a great read.

W0rldTr33 (Collected edition November 2023, Image) is currently being published monthly. It is the latest from James Tynion IV who as stated by him is also now a different writer than he has been after a full identiy discovery and acceptance of himself. I feel artist Fernando Blanco’s statement from his Twitter profile page (as of this writing) about W0rldTr33 says a lot. “After a long and satisfying career, finally I’m drawing the kind of book always wanted to make: W0rldtr33”

Next up was a short session on The Prophet: A Graphic Novel Adaptation. (June 2023, Graphic Mundi)

While not the first time Kahil Gibran’s novel has been adapted in graphic novel form, Lewis’ version seems to tackle the material in new and intriguing ways and Justin Rentería’s art gives it a very special feel. The way A. David Lewis  spoke about the book on the panel made me really curious to see it all laid out in front of my eyes.

The last panel before the closing keynote was noted and accomplished editor behind some of the greatest comics ever Joan Hilty in discussion with writer/director Alex De Campi on her upcoming Parasocial (October 2023, Image).  Featuring art from her Dracula Motherfucker co-creator Erica Henderson this books promises to be awesome. Also to quote comics David López per the panel “Wow, @joanhilty and @alexdecampi together??? That’s too much badassery.”

Finally to close out the festivities of Day 2  we had Heidi Macdonald of The Beat interviewing Jeff Smith and Tillie Walden.

Jeff Smith spoke not only of his upcoming Bone: More Tall Tales (September 2023, Scholastic) but his self-published book TUKI, and the history Bone. As well as Heidi’s history with Bone having been with Disney Adventures magazine when Bone was first printed in color and went from little indie to a property known by millions.While Tille Walden presented upon the second volume of the very popular Clementine ( October 2023, Skybound/Image). Based upon and continuing the story told in the video game series of The Walking Dead originally developed by by Telltale and now published by Skybound Games. Tillie is working on Vol 3 BUT she also is developing another important project of her first child which she happily mentioned during the panel.

Before the panel ended Heidi made sure we saw this amazing sketch Ryan Estrada had done earlier combining BONE and his very popular BANNED BOOK CLUB. Amazingly BONE is one of the most banned books there are.

The second day ended with an amazing reception sponsored by Astra Books for Young Readers, Scholastic, Skybound, and Viz. It was open bar (wine and IPA beer) and hors’d voures. Unfortunately P-CS had to leave early because of extreme high sensitivty to shell fish but it was definitely a lively affair and a welcome addition to the show and proper ending to the panels and day 2 of the show.

 

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U.S. Book Show 2023: Ads and quick notes from day 1

Posted on 05/22/2023 by Pop-Culture Spectrum

The upcoming line of original non-continuity DC books looks amazing. Do not miss out on books like Clark & Lex or Young Alfred.

Learning about Banned Books and the efforts from librarians, advocates and activists to combat against this horrible, wasteful and damaging current trend that only seems to be growing was interesting indeed.

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Cyan makes Mind-Bending Games (now and forever)

Posted on 05/22/2023 by Pop-Culture Spectrum

FIRMAMENT, currently out on Steam and GOG is as beautiful as it is difficult. Which is to say… a lot. I had the game for a week before it came out (DISCLAIMER), tried to beat on my own… failed. Read the walkthrough and got some confused that I decided that someone with a clearer head than mine would truly tackle it. The puzzles are not illogical, they aren’t a chore, they’re well thought out and clever, just like previous CYAN games. They’re just truly puzzles designed for the puzzle mind. Sometimes we are that and other times we stare at the screen confused even with the solution.  Look at the game though, it is beautiful.

(this screen shot from the devs, the two below made by playthrough)

While this review seems short and basic, the story itself at first seems so too, but the more you hear the voice of your guide in the game, the deeper it feels. It makes you want to propel to the end to get all the answers… even if it can be a struggle.

I reccomend it if you have patience, or even if you want to just zen out at the imagery even while completely lost and confused, it’s THAT pretty.

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THQ Nordic and AEW Announce Release Date for AEW: Fight Forever

Posted on 05/22/2023 by Pop-Culture Spectrum

AEW’s Highly Anticipated Console Video Game will Enter the Ring on June 29

Vienna, Austria, Jacksonville, FL and Tokyo, Japan, May 22nd, 2023: Arcade wrestling game fans rejoice – it’s almost time to climb the ladder and make yourself famous! THQ Nordic GmbH and All Elite Wrestling (AEW) today confirmed that they will bring developer YUKE’s highly anticipated arcade wrestling creation AEW: Fight Forever to PS4™, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Nintendo® Switch on Thursday, June 29, 2023.

“When I first signed with AEW, Tony Khan gave me the opportunity to assemble the best gaming team that understands and respects professional wrestling, to make the best wrestling games ever,” said Kenny Omega, Executive Vice President and former AEW World Champion and World Tag Team Champion at AEW. “Thanks to our incredible collaboration with Geta, YUKE’s and THQ Nordic, a new era of professional wrestling gaming is quickly approaching. AEW: Fight Forever has exceeded my highest expectations, and I’m confident that June 29 will be a momentous day for wrestling fans and gamers alike.”

“Since our initial announcement, fans worldwide have shown unbridled passion around the launch of Fight Forever, and AEW has proven through our exciting storylines and hard-hitting wrestling action that good things come to those who wait,” said Tony Khan, CEO, GM and Head of Creative of AEW. “With Fight Forever, Kenny and our world-class team have delivered an authentic, nostalgic feel of wrestling games past, along with the unmatched creativity that AEW brings to the table. It’s going to be cool to see our fans finally getting a fresh and much-needed alternative next-gen console wrestling game on June 29. AEW has the greatest fans on the planet, and I’m excited for them to experience this new way to engage with our stars.”

Recognized for its retro approach to design including hand-crafted animations and nostalgic arcade feel, AEW: Fight Forever presents wrestling fans with their first chance to pull off wrestling moves only seen on the wildly popular AEW programming. Online co-op wrestling is going completely next level with Tag-Team matches that feature sequences of team maneuvers performed with simple commands. A long roster of the most popular AEW wrestlers, career mode, wrestler customization, signature AEW arenas, multiple match types and even some good ol’ fashioned unsanctioned fun await!

Developed by YUKE’s Co. Ltd, AEW: Fight Forever is the arcade wrestler that harkens back to the Golden Age of wrestling games. Players can look forward to pulling off the most current wrestling moves seen on wildly popular AEW programming. This, in addition to innovative tandem offensive moves. Online co-op wrestling is going completely next level with Tag-Team matches that feature sequences of team maneuvers performed with simple commands. A long roster of the most popular AEW wrestlers, deep career mode, wrestler customization, signature AEW arenas, multiple match types and even some good ol’ fashioned, unsanctioned fun await!

AEW: Fight Forever is coming to PS4™, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Nintendo® Switch on June 29th, 2023 at an SRP of € 59.99 / $ 59.99 / £ 49.99. Follow @aewgames for news and updates!

For more info visit: https://aew.thqnordic.com/
Visit AEW on Twitch: http://twitch.tv/aewgames
Follow AEW on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AEWGames

Play button

 

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BOOM! Studios Celebrates POWER RANGERS with the MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS 30th ANNIVERSARY COMIC SPECIAL

Posted on 05/20/2023 by Pop-Culture Spectrum

An All-Star Studded Creative Team including the original Mighty Morphin Pink Ranger!

Los Angeles, CA (May 18, 2023) — To continue the 30-year legacy of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, BOOM! Studios, under license by global leader in play Hasbro, Inc., has put together the MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS 30TH ANNIVERSARY COMIC SPECIAL–a landmark celebratory anthology issue featuring five brand new stories paying homage to the legacy of the Rangers, written by Ryan Parrott (Rogue Sun), Mat Groom (Inferno Girl Red), the original Mighty Morphin Pink Ranger Amy Jo Johnson and Matt Hotson (Titans), and young adult author Maria Ingrande Mora (Fragile Remedy), along with current Mighty Morphin Power Rangers superstar scribe Melissa Flores! Joining the celebration are returning fan-favorite Power Rangers artists including Hendry Prasetya (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers), Eleonora Carlini (Go Go Power Rangers), Marco Renna (Mighty Morphin), and Power Rangers newcomer Jo Mi-Gyeong (Eve).

Between a spotlight on Ernie in Angel Grove, Alpha 5’s struggle to find his true purpose, a mind-bending “What If?” story about Tommy’s powers which introduces an all-new alternate universe, an additional tale about his marriage to Kat, and a deeper look at the Ranger Academy, this anniversary issue is truly packed full of content worthy of the 30-year legacy.

MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS 30TH ANNIVERSARY COMIC SPECIAL features a main cover by Dan Mora (Once & Future) and variants by Rian Gonzales (Batgirls), Jamal Campbell (Nightwing), Bon Bernardo (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers), Miguel Mercado (Go Go Power Rangers), and Goñi Montes (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers). Along with 40 pages of brand new action-packed material, and an additional 24 pages of classic material that fans new and old will be delighted to experience!

“This is without a doubt an oversized celebration of Power Rangers for fans, writers and artists who are true fans themselves,” said editor Allyson Gronowitz. “It is an enormous cross-section of Power Rangers storytelling with amazing brand new stories, and a couple of fan-favorite older ones. If you grew up with any season of Power Rangers, this is our gift to you!”

Currently, Power Rangers is celebrating 30 continuous years on the air, making it one of the longest-running kids’ live-action series in television history, with over 900 episodes aired to date. Created by Haim Saban and launched in 1993 with Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, the series celebrates its 30th year with Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always, an anniversary special exclusively available on Netflix now. The 30th overall season of Power Rangers, “Power Rangers: Cosmic Fury,” will premiere this Fall 2023 also exclusively on Netflix.

“For three decades and over 900 episodes, fans have been immersed in the adventurous and thrilling world of Power Rangers. That kind of longevity is rare, and it’s all thanks to our loyal fans. This comic special is our way of celebrating them,” said Michael Kelly, Vice President of Global Publishing at Hasbro.

MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS 30TH ANNIVERSARY COMIC SPECIAL is the newest release from BOOM! Studios’ eponymous imprint, home to critically acclaimed original series, including BRZRKR by Keanu Reeves, Matt Kindt, and Ron Garney; Something is Killing the Children by James Tynion IV and Werther Dell’Edera; Once & Future by Kieron Gillen and Dan Mora; Wynd by James Tynion IV and Michael Dialynas; Grim by Stephanie Phillips and Flaviano; Briar by Christopher Cantwell and Germán García; Stuff of Nightmares by R.L. Stine and A.L. Kaplan; The Approach by Jeremy Haun, Jason A. Hurley, and Jesus Hervas; Damn Them All by Simon Spurrier and Charlie Adlard; Behold, Behemoth by Tate Brombal and Nick Robles; Once Upon a Time at the End of the World by Jason Aaron, Alexandre Tefenkgi, Leila del Duca, and Nick Dragotta; Know Your Station by Sarah Gailey and Liana Kangas; A Vicious Circle by Mattson Tomlin and Lee Bermejo; Mosely by Rob Guillory and Sam Lotfi; Harrower by Justin Jordan and Brahm Revel; The Neighbors by Jude Ellison S. Doyle and Letizia Cadonici; The Seasons Have Teeth by Dan Watters and Sebastián Cabrol; and the upcoming Sirens of the City by Joanne Starer and Khary Randolph. The imprint also publishes popular licensed properties, including Dune: House Harkonnen from Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson, and Michael Shelfer; Mighty Morphin Power Rangers from Melissa Flores and Simona Di Gianfelice; Magic from Jed McKay, Rich Douek, and Ig Guara; and The Expanse: Dragon Tooth by Andy Diggle and Rubine.

MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS 30TH ANNIVERSARY COMIC SPECIAL will be available in comic shops August 30, 2023. Digital copies can be purchased from content providers, including comiXology, iBooks, Google Play, and Kindle.

For continuing news on MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS comic books and more from BOOM! Studios, stay tuned to boom-studios.com and follow @boomstudios on Twitter.

For more on Power Rangers, please visit www.powerrangers.com and follow Power Rangers on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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Nerd Notes (5/20/23)

Posted on 05/20/2023 by Pop-Culture Spectrum

BLUR reunite after 8 years for new musics.

My 1st cousin on my mother’s side via her brother (my Uncle) husband write this fascinating work over the last 30 years chronicling a trip around the world he took back in the early 90s.

Ron English has new gallery show tonight. For those of you who will miss there is a walkthrough available.

Posted in Art & Streetart, Books, Music, Nerd Notes | Comments Off on Nerd Notes (5/20/23)

New York Comic Con 2023 begins guest announcements

Posted on 05/18/2023 by Pop-Culture Spectrum

NYCC 23 Guests

Click over to NYCC’s official website for further information on guests (including current dates schedules and their level of participation) currently announced.

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[UDON] Action! Comedy! Giant Pompadours!🤯 RandomVeus is coming!

Posted on 05/16/2023 by Pop-Culture Spectrum

ACTION, JOKES,
A GIANT POMPADOUR

Get ready for RandomVeus: One Dimensional Couriers
An All-New Original Graphic Novel!

May 10, 2023: Today UDON Entertainment is proud to announce the Fall 2023 publication of RandomVeus: One Dimensional Couriers, an all-new original graphic novel and original IP by Jeffrey “Chamba” Cruz! This self-contained, new-reader-friendly graphic novel is a sequel to 2011’s RandomVeus, and, like that book, it will be released as a gorgeous, oversized, full color hardcover graphic novel! 

Jeffrey Cruz, aka “Chamba”, is best known to comic fans for his lasting contribution to UDON’s Street Fighter comics and graphic novels, most recently contributing to the smash-hit Street Fighter 6 series, and for his work on Marvel’s Avengers: Tech-On! But he’s also a prolific illustrator and commission artist, splashing his incredible and stylish art across the internet! In RandomVeus: One Dimensional Couriers Chamba marries his style and his storytelling with an all-new original world, populates it with cool characters, and runs them through the wringer of hilarious situations. Fans of great anime take note: This is the graphic novel for you!

“RandomVeus reminds me a lot of anime like Gurren Lagann and Red Line,” said UDON Chief Erik Ko. “It’s totally its own thing though. Chamba’s art is really bold, with really gorgeous colors and detailed character designs, and it’s very funny. I think if you like anime that mix sci-fi and sort of goofy/funny characters, you will really like RandomVeus.”

RandomVeus: One Dimensional Couriers is a 184-page original hardcover graphic novel, printed in full colour, arriving in book and comic stores everywhere in November 2023. It is now available for pre-order from select retailers.

KEEP READING FOR A 12 PAGE PREVIEW!

RANDOMVEUS: ONE DIMENSIONAL COURIERS
By Jeffrey “Chamba” Cruz, with Leonard Bermingham
$39.99, 184 Pages, 8.25” x 11.25”, FC, HC
ISBN: 978-1-77294-223-1
COMING NOVEMBER 2023

The Veuniverse is a strange location full of daft and dangerous denizens. This place isn’t always the friendliest, so it takes a particular type of brave buffoon to be a courier, especially when there are equally rash rival couriers competing for the same jobs! Join the pompadour-styled Raimundo and his witty cohorts Bloob & Melody (the One Dimensional Couriers) in a race against time to deliver what could be the biggest package of their careers– all in service of a quizzically questionable client! If you’re a fan of dynamic, action-based anime and random humor from down under, you can’t go wrong with RANDOMVEUS.

Available for pre-order at
Amazon – Barnes & Noble – Rightstuf
or A Comic Shop Near You

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Posted in Comics | Comments Off on [UDON] Action! Comedy! Giant Pompadours!🤯 RandomVeus is coming!