The Walking Dead: "This Sorrowful Life" Review

Well, that was heart broken.  Before I go any further with this week's review, I need point out that the show needs to stop having the trends of killing off characters that just had tremendous character moments.  First T-Dog, then Axel and now... yeah...

The Walking Dead: "Prey" Review

For those of you who have been reading my reviews, you know my dislike of Andrea.  You would be surprise to hear that for the first time ever, I'm actually rooting for Andrea.  

Comics Reviews 3-13-2013

This week I will review comics from DC, Marvel and Image's The Walking Dead.  First off, cover of the week:

The perfect cover to show the loneliness of Batman in Batman And Robin.  I mean, can you get any sadder than having only Batman on a series titled Batman And Robin?  Anyway, onward with the reviews:

The Walking Dead- Bloody Black & White Michonne and Pet Walkers Three-Pack

McFarlane Toys is releasing Bloody Black and White Michonne and Pet Walkers pack by the end of this month.

The Walking Dead: "Arrow on the Doorpost" Reviews

For a episode that doesn't have a lot going on, "Arrow on the Doorpost" is an intense episode.  We finally have the meeting between Rick and The Governor, and it was one that sets tons of things to come.

The Walking Dead: "Clear" Reviews

"Clear" is a simple episode.  With the fewest cast members appear in an episode (only 4), "Clear" is very similar to "18 Miles Out" from the previous season.  And like "18 Miles Out," this is one of the strongest episode of the season.

Morgan makes a return in this episode.  He might not be an important character, but he's one of the most remarkable character in the series, being the first person Rick encountered in the zombie world and the person Rick promises to go back to.  It's sad to see that Morgan is broken down and essentially a psychopath from Dead Rising.  I read the comic series, and knew that Morgan joins the group.  So when I first learn that Morgan is going to make an appearance in season 3, I was hoping that Rick will ask Morgan to join his group as well.  That idea soon died away when I see how fuck-up Morgan became in the TV series  and I pray to god that Rick never ask him to come with him.  If anything, thank god Morgan has enough senses left to say no.  Damn, it would be a whole kind of different adventure if Morgan really comes along with the group.  While one man lost everything, the other only lost so little compare to it.  It's very sad how Duane died in the TV series, and it was nothing like this in the comic.  To see your own son being eaten by your zombie wife is understandable why Morgan turn out the way he did.

If anything, Rick's entire encounter with Morgan should be enough of a wake-up call for him.  Morgan is what Rick will become if Rick continues to dwell in sorrow, and Rick knows it.  This seems like the end of Rick's crazy, and hopefully it stays that way.  It's a great touch having Michonne telling Rick that she's been seeing her dead boyfriend as well.  Not only it helps Rick with his problem, it also brings the classic Michonne from the comic to the series.

Michonne is once again wonderful in this episode.  If anything, she's getting better and closer to her awesome comic book counterpart as episodes progress.  There are many moments in this episodes I just love about Michonne.  She's eating Morgan's food and makes that little comment about "Welcome" on the mat.  She desperately wants to help Carl just shows how much she cares, and how she's a character full of heart.  Finally, that little moment where she picks up that strange looking cat thing and calls it "gorgeous."  Carl's "are you serious " face was priceless as well.  With the way the writers have been writing about Michonne, she is pretty much the same lovable character from the comic series already.  For that, I thank you writers.

Carl is the hero of the episode.  The whole time his agenda to bring pictures of their mother to his baby sister is just touching.  He's no longer that old Carl who gets everyone in trouble, but a warrior who can stand his own ground.  While he does have the problem of doing things by himself, I think he learns the lesson in this episode that it's okay to ask people for help every once in a while.  I especially enjoy the scene where he basically apologizes to Morgan for shooting him, and Morgan tells him don't be sorry.  For a moment there I though Morgan was going to slap Carl... Anyway, I really like Carl and I'm glad to see him turning into such a wonderful character.  Best child character in TV!

By the way, what's up with those GIANT rats Carl uses to lure walkers away.  Shit, are all rodents in the south that big?  That's the most disgusting I've seen in this show, and I seen a fat walker broken apart in a well before.

And how about that poor hitchhiker?  I understand that it's not the safe thing to do anymore to invite strangers into your group, but poor guy.  While it might be cold blooded, the guy was kind of annoying with his persistence.  It's the end of the world, for god's sake, no one is entitled to help anyone in this world.  The final scene where the guy is completely devoured and our heroes picking up his backpack is kind of cool, I'm not gonna lie.  I mean, why wasting completely good supplies?

Another strong episode for the wonderful series.  It's episode like this that shows how Walking Dead is not a show about killing and blood, but people and character.

Score: 9.5/10  

The Walking Dead: "I Ain't a Judas" Reviews

So the episode title is about Andrea, huh?  Well, once that becomes clear, the episode isn't so interesting.  I always like Andrea in comic- she's useful, smart, confident and nothing like her TV counterpart.  Enough to say, this episode is one of the most frustrated one to watch ever.

Andrea decides to sneak away from Woodburry, so she can find out what her prison friends have become.  After our main characters have told her that The Governor shoot first, killing Axel and sent out Merle to kill Michonne, I don't understand how Andrea can still believe The Governor is a good person.  Especially seeing that he had fish tanks of walker heads as collection.  But hey, she's Andrea, not the sharpest tool.

It's still good to see Andrea reunite with our main character.  It's like almost a year since these characters last seen each others, so the emotional reunion is necessary.  It's interesting to note that Shane is the first character Andrea asks for due to their relationship.  They boned.  For a moment there I'm really wishing Andrea can just wake the fuck up and start buying her ticket back to our main characters like Merle is doing.   One thing I don't like is how Andrea jumps between characters, talking to them briefly and the scene moves on.  The one between Andrea and Michonne is the one that just happens too quick, and ends too quick.  The two share more time together than Andrea did with everyone else.

It's bizarre how Carol tells Andrea to use her vagina first, then kill The Governor.  Is it because she wants Andrea to have The Governor's guard down?  If that's the case, why not just have her make out with him or something.  Or is it because Carol really wants The Governor to have a good time before his death for good measurement.  I guess we will never find out due to he pussy-out.  And good job telling The Governor Merle and Michonne are both in the prison  Andrea!  I don't know what I expect more from you anymore.

Tyreese's group is back this week, but they end up in Woodburry   I guess rumors that Tyreese was going to be a Woodburry citizen is half-true now.  It's sad that Rick's group has to loose such wonderful reinforcement, but it's not like anyone can really blame those people for helping out Woodburry.  If I was chase out of a place by a gun-wielding crazy asshole, I wouldn't want to help them either.  I can really express how annoying this is for me, because I'm such a big fan of Tyreese in comic and I'm really hoping he can be a great help for Rick's group.

Another big story is Merle's stay in the prison.  While I'm not a big fan of Merle, he's starting to warm-up to me.  I'm always a big fan of Rick's group as a big family, so after the recent lost of Axel, Oscar, T-Dog, Lori... etc, we can really have some new blood to increase this family again.  Beside, we need more muscle to fight off The Governor anyway.  It's cute to see how much Merle tries to change for his place in the group, so it would be really fuck up if it turns out he's secretly working for The Governor or something.  Also, this is really not fair for Glenn- it would be pretty fuck up to have Shane live with them after he tried to kill Rick.

So this is just an okay episode.  It is kind of fun to see how the pet walkers are created though.  Anyway, I'm not a big fan of this Andrea, and hopefully next week will be better.

Oh, and Beth, I really love you and all, but if you don't stop singing you will for sure be the next one to go.

7/10      

The Walking Dead "Home" Reviews

While the episode might start off slow, it sure picks up towards the end.  Man, was that a good episode or what?

Rick is going to dark places.  His actions only put himself and others into more dangers- leaving the gate open cause he's hallucinating his dead wife is not the best thing to do while walkers are around.  At least he comes clean with Hershel, a little bit of hope left in this character.  I hope.

It's good that Hershel continues to be the wise ole man character where the group goes to for advice.  A character like this is well needed in a chaotic world where people's morale are questioned.  Glenn's coming up as the one in charge is awesome, while it might be temporary.  Good to see that Michonne is starting to live up to her reputation from her comic counterpart.  Not only she slashes and dices some walkers up, she also (for the first time) speaks up and chips in to help the group.  And with what she did at the end of the episode?  She certainly bought her ticket to stay with the group.

There's nothing big happening in Woodburry this week.  The only thing interesting is that The Governor might not trust Andrea as much as he's showing her.  While the Governor claims that Andrea is in charge, it turns out just a tactic for him to keep her around.  And Andrea is right to worry that The Governor is missing.  We'll talk more about that later.

A big story this episode is the relationship between the Dixon brothers.  Believe it or not, this is the first time these two characters sharing scenes ever, apart from the time Daryl hallucinates his brother.  We learn how much Daryl has grown since his brother last seen him.  Sometimes Merle doesn't even recognize Daryl anymore because he had turned into such a compassionate character.  And while Daryl knows that it's the right thing to be with his brother, but he can't help it but to leave him again.  He's not the same character that his brother used to know, and he can't stand his brother's asshole and selfishness.  Even though he's walking way, but it's Merle who's leaving again.  Classic!

A little side note on that Spanish peaking family the Dixon brothers rescued.  Shit, can that family be anymore ungrateful?  I know you shouldn't trust strangers when you're in a world like this, but damn!  A little thank you wouldn't hurt at all.  And like Daryl said, speak English!  This is a world where misunderstanding is not allowed at all, and it really wouldn't hurt to learn the universal language.

Axel might be cheesy in this episode, but it's cute to see him working his charms on Carol.  I like Carol and Daryl combination, but it would be cute to see Axel and Carol together.  Just when I'm thinking about this, Axel took a bullet in the head.  He died the same way his comic counterpart did- an unexpected death.  The Governor is attacking the prison!  I know this retaliation is coming, but I have no idea that it will come this soon.  This is why season 3 is awesome, because they don't hold back plots at all.  It's brutal that Axel is shot multiple times after his death, but it saves Carol's life.  The walker bomb concept is the coolest thing in the show so far.  A truck drives into the prison, and dozens of walkers walk out of it?  Man, that's genius!  I will sure to remember that the next when I want to bring down a prison full of survives in a zombie Apocalypse.

So The Governor attacked and left the prison a mess, and hopefully this will be a wake-up call for Rick.  Also, while I'm not a big fan of Merle, it would be nice if he can have a change of heart and helps out around prison.  With T-Dog and now Axel gone, we can really use more muscle around the prison.  Mentioning muscle, I hope we get to see Tyreese and his group again soon.  Where can they be?

Score: 8.8/10  

Comics Reviews 2-13-2013

I review comic books every week!  This week I review comic books from DC, Marvel and Image. In alphabetical order.

Avengers Arena issue 4

The series continues its familiar format of flashbacks of a characters that allows readers to understand who these characters are.  However, just like I stated before, the story is progressing too slow.  We learn who Chase is this issue, and that's it?  The story hardly move forward at all.  And for a story about teenagers killing each others, not a lot of death.  Reptil is severely damaged by an unknown attacker, but he's not dead.  This story really needs to move forward fast, otherwise I'm going to be very disappointed with it.  Thank god this month there are going to be another issue, maybe things will catch up a bit by then.

The biggest mystery in this issue is what the heck happened to Dark Hawk, and why is Chase turning into Dark Hawk?  Also, to much shame, can someone tell me what this cover is parody after?

7 move-forward-story/10

Batgirl issue 17

This is the first issue that isn't written by Gail Simone, and the story goes down hill instantly.  The aftermath of Death of The Family bring Batgirl face-to-face with her brother, but it's a disappointed one.  I've been looking forward to see the psychotic James Gordon Jr. ever since his first appearance in the New 52, but so far he doesn't do much.  Sure he kills some thugs, but it justified his behaviors at all.  The narration of the story is annoying as well.  It's really hard to read a comic when the narration is from the third person's point of you, and it isn't until the end of the story we learn that the narrator is James Jr.  I really can't wait for Gail Simon to return, and hopefully the story will pick up by then.

6 I-miss-Gail-Simone-already/10

Batman issue 17

Well, this is it!  The final issue of Death of The Family event.  I got to say, even though the ending is nothing like I predicted, it is still a terrific ending that has me craving for more.  As for what's inside the silver platter? Man, that really has me pissing my pants when they have the big reveal.  Joker's reasons for cutting off his face is answered as well.  While it might not big a strong reason in my opinion, it's still justified.  The climate of the issue comes when Batman chases The Joker to the edge of the cliff and reveals that he knows The Joker's name all this time as well.  But when Batman is about to tell the name to him, Joker chooses to jump off the cliff before he can hear it.  God damn it!  It just shows that Joker doesn't really care about "ture identity" at all.  As it shows by the end of the issues, when Bruce visits Joker at the asylum.  Even though Joker uses Batman Family's true identity as a threat, but he can hardly give a damn.  This really throws off the classic Batman/Joker dynamic where fans always say that Batman and Joker are one coin two sides, on hiding behind a mask, the other hiding behind nothing.  Now maybe both of them are always hiding behind certain masks, while Batman accepts what's under the mask, Joker couldn't.  So as the result of this event, the entire Bat Family is now "dead".  No one trust Bruce anymore, and Jason Todd won't even bother with them.  So what exactly did Joker say to these kids to cause them this quiet?  Hopefully we can find out in near future.  And The Joker really has the last laugh, he gets what he wants and know the family is dead.

Hope to see the Joker again in the near future.

9.9 I'm-a-little-bitter-I didn't-get-it-right/10

Batman And Robin issue 17

A cute one-shot issue.  There's not a lot to say about this issue, but it's a very cute and peaceful one.  Ever since the annual issue from few weeks back, I'm really loving this new approach for the series.  Back in the day when Grant Morrison runs the series, it's full of fun little jokes as well, so I'm glad they're returning to its roots.

Damian's character really comes a long way since its first introduction to the DC world.  Now the bond between Batman and Robin is more solid than ever, it becomes harder for fans to see the possible fatality to Damian.  There're many rumors that Gran Morrison is going to end Damian soon.  Well, only time can tell, right?

8.5 Batman-and-Robin/10

Batman: Li'l Gotham issue 5

This really is a very cute series.  Joker accidentally spills Poison Ivy's potions all over himself, and causes all the woman in Gotham City to chase him.  We get to see villains and heroes alike just want a piece of Joker, and at the end is Batman who has to rescue The Joker out of this awkward situation.  It's really weird to see The Joker in a light situation instead of a series like how he is in every other situations.  Hey, maybe it's nice that Gotham can be cute like this.  Why can we all be friends?

9 fun-story/10

Injustice: Gods Among Us issue 5

This is a bizarre issue with a story between Green Arrow and Harley Quinn.  The story takes us away from Superman and Joker and to Green Arrow trying to hide Harley Quinn away from harm.  The story shows that Harley Quinn has a humane side, just like many of her counterparts.  The entire conversations between Green Arrow and Harley Quinn is just hilarious.  But the funnies moment in the issue is when Harley points out that Arrow Cave doesn't make sense, and suggests The Quiver.  The ending where Harley Quinn wants Green Arrow to laugh mirrors when The Joker just wants Batman to laugh.  While two individuals have similar wishes, the reasons behind them are completely different.  One is a psycho maniac, while the other just purely want to cheer up.

The final page of the issue states that this is the end.  So no more Injustice before the actual game release date?

8.5 happy-ending/10      

Suicide Squad issue 17

The new team is awesome.  I always like team comics and this is shaping up to be a pretty awesome one.  However, this issue really bugs me with all the Asian stereotypes.  Yes, all Asian female assassins dress like little school girls, and every single fucking Asians have two syllables names.  John Chang, Cho Chang, Jeff Chang and fucking Ni Ho!  No, fuck you!  My name is Nicholas and that's already two syllables more without my last name.  Seriously!  What the heck world!  

Yo-yo and Red Orchid's origin have something to do with Brainiac attacking Metropolis in Action Comics is a good touch.  It really allows the reader to feel like the DC comics are connected.  

7.5/10       

Uncanny X-Men issue 1

The first issue of the brand-new Uncanny X-Men is finally here!  Sadly, the story doesn't deliver the much impact I expected it would like All New X-Men.  The story shows that Magneto is the traitor of the group, and he really wants Cyclops to be taken down.  The story is a straight forward one, but I do not understand the art choices of Magneto- why is he bald?  In fact, I have problems with the art in general.  The story is already not a very solid one, and the art just comes as lazy.  It makes me don't care about the story at all, and I have to take breaks between reading.  If it wasn't for the horrible and lazy art, the issue might still be tolerable.

Anyway, while this issue might not be a solid one, I'm still intrigue on what's happening next.  Hopefully the art picks up in the next issue.

8 X-Men-is-back-bitches/10    

The Walking Dead issue 107

Well, that was anti-climatic.  Last issue we have Negan telling Rick that he did something to Carl, but this issue we find out that it was all a lie.  Not only he didn't do anything with Carl, but he's coming off as a "pretty decent" guy!  I was disappointed to find that nothing has happened to Carl- it's not like I really want him to die, mind you.  But I just don't like it when writers don't have the balls on making bold decisions.  Especially after all the hype on Carl's possible death.  Now it's just a gimmick to sell more copies.  All appointments aside, this is still a decent issue.  I only hope that next month when Ezekiel appears it won't be a disappointment once again.

7.5 disappointment/10   

The Walking Dead: "The Suicide King" Reviews

The Walking Dead is back!  And only after two months of absent!  I don't know about you, but to me that's a very short wait unlike Breaking Bad.  Anyway, for a mid-season opener, The Suicide King isn't a very strong episode.  However, it's a decent enough episode to bring back my passion for the series.

The cliffhanger from mid-season finale resolves quickly in this episode.  A little too quick in my opinion.  Rick and his group just enter the arena, throws some smoke grenades and ready to go?  Yeah, cause things just work out that easily.  A few causalities, including Haley who I though was the TV counterpart of Lily.  Well, that was short lived.  When Andrea begins to wonder about where her friends are, for a moment there, I was rooting for Andrea's returning to her original group.  A part of me hoping that if Andrea returns to her old group, she would be smarter.  But nope, that's not going to happen anytime soon.  Andrea has to stay in Woodburry and continues to be her stupid self.  But more on that later.

Michonne is starting to be Andrea #2 now.  Can she please just speak up?  Even her comic book counterpart isn't this quite.  The writers better have a legit reason for her shut-in attitude, otherwise her actions are never going to justified.  The scene where Rick says goodbye with Daryl is awesome.  We can see the emotional struggles Daryl has- he knows it's not safe to bring his brother back to the prison, and he also knows how important he is to the prison.  But at the end, the guilt he has that he already gave up his brother once comes to him and he decides to leave with Merle.  Carol is really sad about this too, but don't worry girl, I'm SURE Daryl will be back soon.

Steven Yeun is becoming a better and better actor with episodes.  He really shows Glenn's anger and I really grow to like him as an actor and character.  Not to mention now that Daryl is gone, Glenn really has to step up as Rick's second in command.

Back in prison, Tyreese and Sasha are quickly becoming fan favorite characters with their sincere actions and understandings.  Meanwhile, I can't wait for Allen and Ben to die.  To bad though, cause Allen is one character I really like in comic series.  The final moment in the common room where Rick freaks out is an intense one.  Mainly because the writers make Tyreese such a lovable character that the fans just want Rick to give in already and let Tyreese's group to stay with them.  Like Hershel says, they can really use the muscles.  Not to mention that Rick is in worst shape than ever, and maybe they can have a more sympathetic leader who're willing to do what's right.

And Woodburry.  Man, that place is dumb.  The way those residents reacts after a night of intruders, and walkers stumble into the town is just annoying.  The thing should be a bigger deal, but it's almost like no one gives a damn what happened.  Oh no, someone got bitten.  Let's just all ask each others to do something about it, but no one actually does it.  And Andrea?  She's pissed at that The Governor for not telling her that her friends are in town, but she decides to stay behind and takes care of the panicking residents anyway.  It seems like while The Governor is losing control of the town, Andrea is slowing talking it over.  If that's the case, it would be interesting to watch.

Rick's losing his mind with Lori's ghost haunting him, and The Governor is plotting to revenge.  Can the show goes more intense than this?

My favorite moment:  When Sasha though that the baby is Beth's.  Damn!

Score: 8/10                     

The Walking Dead TV series 3 Action Figures

McFarlane Toys is releasing the 3rd wave of their Walking Dead figures based on the TV series.  This wave is set to release sometime in March and it will have five figures includes Michonne's Pets.

The set has Michonne, Merle Dixon, The Autopsy Zombie that Rick and Daryl cut open during season two to check if it has eaten Sophia or not.  The figure apparently also comes with a knife and removable shirt to reveal exposed stomach.  The Pets comes with removable backpacks, neck chain leash, arms and jaws.

Walking Dead Survival Instinct Release Date Announced

Update 2-07-2013: Gamestop announced their pre-order bonuses.  Pre-ordering from the store, and you get exclusive Herd Mode Challenge, and a Walker Ear Keychain like the one Daryl wears in the show!

***

AMC finally announced the release date for the TV show based The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct to be March 26 in North America, and March 29 in Europe.  The game is also going to be release on Wii U as well.

Survival Instinct takes place at the beginning of the walker outbreak, before Merle and Daryl Dixon meet up with our main survival group.  Both Michael Rocker and Norman Reedus will reprise their roles for this video game.

Also, AMC confirms that this game will be canon to the TV show.  This will definitely allow us to understand these characters better.

Now a video for us to understand this game better.  Enjoy

Walking Dead Michonne Statue

McFarlane Toys is releasing the very limited edition Michonne statue with her appearance from the comic series.  It has Michonne fighting two zombie with high details and blood spatters.  The base of the statue can rotate, and allows the collectors to fully enjoy it.  The limited statue will come with Robert Kirkman's signature, and unique serial numbers.  There will only be 1500 limited statues in the world, so don't forget to grab one before it's too late.

The statue will stand 1.45 inches tall, and will cost $295.  The pre-order begins February 11th, and it will ship out in March.

 

   

The Walking Dead Comic Series 2 Action Figures Announced!

McFarlane Toys just announced series 2 of their Walking Dead comic figures.  It has been a while since Mcfarlane last release figures from the comic series, so I'm super excited about this.

The series comes with Glenn with his riot gear outfit, The Governor, Michonne's Pet Zombie (Mike) and Penny, The Governor's zombie daughter. The bucket and fish tank trophy collection are also part of Penny's set.  One of the heads from the fish tank can be replace with Michonne's pet zombie to create Mike's best friend- Terry.  

The series also comes with a bloody black and white pack of The Governor and his zombie daughter.  

The set will be release this June.     

Walking Dead POP! Second wave!!!

Funko is releasing the second wave Walking Dead POP! series figure this coming April. This series is going to include Glenn, Michonne, her two pets, and the infamous Tank Zombie, also known as Tommy Wiseau.
They also announced the three figures Michionne and her pets set. Those are going to be awesome.
Personally, I think they should release a T-Dog figure. He was my favorite character.

Comics Reviews 1-09-2013

I review comic books every week!  This week I review comics from DC, Marvel and Image.  In alphabetical order: