Unboxing January’s Loot Crate- Icons

Just when I thought I was out, they pulled me back in! With the quality of their crates declining and all of the business issues Loot Crate has been having the last couple of years, I canceled my regular subscription long ago. Since being taken over by NECA, Loot Crate has attempted to catch up on crates owed to subscribers. Unfortunately, many customers are getting junk boxes comprised of old LC items from previous crates and Loot Wearables they didn’t order (sometimes in the wrong size). So I told myself, until they’ve righted the ship, I was gonna hold off. That is until the 50% off code came in the email.

The crate came a couple of months late, but it arrived nonetheless. Even though I ended up not being a huge fan of all of the contents, I have to admit that it was a quality crate. It reminded me how good Loot Crate used to be. The theme was “Icons” and boasted a pretty solid lineup of Batman, Doctor Who, and PAC-MAN. The box was long and had some weight to it, so I was eager to open it up as soon as I got it from the mail box.

First up was a replica of the Batmobile from Batman Begins. My initial thought was, “Cool! Batmobile!” But when I pulled it out of the crate and got a closer look, I realized it was the Nolan Batmobile and was disappointed. I was never a fan of that version, but the replica comes in a nice case depicting the Batmobile on a rooftop. This was one of several Batman vehicles randomly inserted into the crate.

Next up was a nice, high quality Batman notebook. This is one of the types you can find on the Sideshow website or at most retailers that sell this type of thing. They usually fall in the $10-12 range. This one was, like the Batmobile, one of several available themes.

The third item in the box was a Loot Crate exclusive edition comic of the Thirteenth Doctor. It features a cover with the new Doctor, as well as Matt Smith and David Tennant's Doctors. As a big Who fan, this was a welcome surprise.

This crate’s pin, an “eye-con” pin was a bit of a let-down. It would’ve been nice to have something representing a character. For me, Loot Crate’s pins have always been hit or miss. When they’re original designs, for the most part, I usually give them away. This one will definitely be finding a new home.

Last but not least was a PAC-MAN T-shirt. Now this is what I’m here for! This is a nice, high quality tee that I would probably buy at my local GameStop. I love the design and the color choice. For the price of the crate, this was worth it to me. It’s not enough to sway me to continue my subscription, but I’m definitely going to keep my eye on how they’re improving their business. If they can get back on track, I’ll be happy to become a monthly subscriber again.

Inside January’s “Icon” crate:

-Batman Begins Batmobile
-Batman Notebook
-Icons Themed Pin
-Loot Crate Exclusive Doctor Who Comic
-PAC-MAN T-Shirt

Robert Downey Jr. Stars with an All-Star Cast of Hilarious Animal Friends in Dolittle

Own the movie all the animals are talking about and go an epic journey with a hilarious always cold bear, an anxious gorilla, a lovable giraffe, a ferocious tiger, and more! The adventurous tale is brought to life with an all-star cast that includes the voice talents of Academy® Award winner Emma Thompson (Last Christmas, Late Night), Academy® Award winner Rami Malek (Bohemian Rhapsody, “Mr. Robot”), Selena Gomez (“Wizards of Waverly Place”), John Cena (“WWE”), and Tom Holland (Spider-Man: Homecoming) and more. The film is directed by Stephen Gaghan (Syriana) and produced by Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey.      

Robert Downey Jr. electrifies as the man who could talk to animals: DOLITTLE. After losing his wife, he hermits himself away behind the high wall of his manor but is forced to set sail on an epic adventure when the queen falls gravely ill. Helping Dolittle in search of a rare cure are his rambunctious animal friends—including Chee-Chee (Malek), an anxious, self-conscious gorilla; Dab-Dab (Octavia Spencer, The Help), an enthusiastic but bird-brained duck; the bickering duo of cynical, neurotic ostrich Plimpton (Kumail Nanjiani, The Big Sick, “Silicon Valley”) and chilly-but-chill polar bear Yoshi (Cena); as well as a headstrong parrot named Polynesia (Thompson). Catch incredible bonus content that you can only see on the 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™, DVD, and Digital release showcasing the making of the film and insight to all the cast.

 

Sleepover Sirens Designer Collectible Toy by Unruly Industries Pre-order

New Sleepover Sirens Designer Collectible from Unruly Industries now available for pre-order at Sideshow for $260 and starts shipping August 2020.

via Sideshow: 

While the Bat’s away, the villains play! Enjoy the late night antics of Gotham’s most famous girls in the limited edition Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, and Catwoman: Sleepover Sirens Designer Collectible Toy Set by artist Cameron Scott Davis.   

Gotham’s very own Maid of Mischief, Harleen Quinzel, is puddin’ on the ritz as she gives herself a makeover- looking sharp! Meanwhile, Pamela Isley has planted herself down for a cozy night inside, testing out a new perfume that is absolutely di-vine. Finally, Selina Kyle is packed with purrsonality from head to toe beans as she files down her claws in a figure that is simply the cat’s pajamas.

BOOM! Studios Announces Retailer Support Services Program Including Full Returnability Through June 2020

BOOM! Studios has announced the BOOM! Retailer Support Services Program, a comprehensive set of initiatives effective immediately to aid comic book shops worldwide affected by the current health crisis.  

-The BOOM! Retailer Support Services Program will initially deliver the following benefits to qualifying accounts pending details being finalized with Diamond Comic Distributors:

-Full Returnability Through June: BOOM! Studios will extend the industry’s best returnability program, the BOOM! Guarantee, by making all items that ship between March 18th through June 24th fully returnable via affidavit in order to allow retailers to order with confidence.

-#BoostYourLCS Paid Promotion: BOOM! Studios will increase targeted advertising and promotion around comic shops, and specifically spotlight stores offering Safe Services (like curbside and mail order options), using the #BoostYourLCS hashtag to reach over 360,000 fans worldwide. A full list of BOOM! Guarantee and Safe Service retailers (with regular updates) can be found right here.

-Rare Variant Cover Gift Set: BOOM! Studios will offer retailers a direct cash infusion by providing previously released rare and popular variant covers for free to qualifying Diamond accounts in April. These gifts will create an opportunity for retailers to generate additional revenue and promotion at no cost. For retailers who do not normally sell variant covers at an increased price, these can be used to reward loyal pull-box subscribers or used to further incentivize customer engagement as prizes or purchasing rewards.

-Monthly 1-Per Store Variant Covers: BOOM! Studios will provide new, previously unannounced 1-per-store variant every month through December 2020 free to qualifying Diamond accounts. This program will begin with a new 1-per store variant for Faithless II #1 in April, followed by Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #51 in May, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Willow #1 in June.

-Diamond Summit Variant: BOOM! Studios will deliver our promised free Diamond Summit retailer variant cover for Faithless II #1 to all qualifying stores in April so that retailers don’t miss out on this hotly anticipated issue.

-Exclusive Convention Variant Opportunities: BOOM! Studios will offer select variant covers and other items previously planned for 2020 conventions direct to retailers through Diamond, as long as supplies last. Since fans can’t go to conventions, we’re bringing the conventions to the fans!

This program includes BOOM! Studios’ support and participation in future industry-wide, coordinated joint initiatives with Diamond Comic Distributors and other participating publishers to benefit and support comic book stores.  

“We are deeply committed to working together hand-in-hand with our retail partners through this period of disruption. BOOM! Studios is proud to take both immediate and long term steps to support those on the front lines of our industry,” said Filip Sablik, President of Publishing & Marketing, BOOM! Studios. “The BOOM! Retailer Support Services Program we’ve outlined today is just the start of our efforts, which will evolve as we receive more feedback from retailers. We believe publishers should earn their space on our retail partners’ shelves and at no time has that belief been more important than now. We invite retailers to participate and share ideas to enhance our efforts together.”  

Diamond Comic Distributors and BOOM! Studios will be sharing more information directly with retailers as soon as it is finalized to clearly outline how to receive benefits from the BOOM! Retailer Support Services Program.

The Doctor Broadcasts an 'Emergency Transmission'

With the whole world on lock down due to the COVID-19 virus, we could all use a Doctor right about now. That's why this Whovian was comforted by the Doctor's 'emergency transmission' last week. The current Doctor, played by Jodie Whittaker, shared a message for fans with five tips for getting through the coronavirus pandemic.

1. Remember, you will get through this.

2. Tell jokes.

3. Be kind.

4. Listen to science, listen to doctors.

5. Stay strong, stay positive.

Future of the Time Force Revealed in New Original Graphic Novel POWER RANGERS: SINS OF THE FUTURE

BOOM! Studios, under license by Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS), today announced an original graphic novel POWER RANGERS: SINS OF THE FUTURE, with story by Trey Moore (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers), written by Matthew Erman (Bonding), illustrated by Giuseppe Cafaro (Saban’s Power Rangers: Soul of The Dragon), and lettered by Ed Dukeshire. This all-new graphic novel, available in October 2020, features two of the most popular Rangers of all time and what happens to them after the events of the hit Power Rangers: Time Force television series!  

After defeating the villainous Ransik alongside their allies in the time-traveling Time Force, Pink Ranger Jen Scotts and Red Ranger Wes Collins want to try for a real relationship. But without sacrificing their commitments to the Silver Guardians and Time Force, can the two actually make the ultimate long-distance relationship work?   

When Jen returns from the future, she and Wes are attacked by a mysterious stranger who has dire news - if these two stay together, they’ll disrupt the timeline and change the destiny of humanity! The shocking identity of their accuser sets them on a collision course with an enemy they never expected.   

Matthew Erman is a comics writer from Columbus, Ohio. Alongside Lisa Sterle, he co-created the critically acclaimed comic horror series, Long Lost, which was optioned for Film/TV by Producer Jenny Klein (The Witcher, Daisy Jones and The Six). Since then, he's worked with IDW on a new Care Bears: Unlock the Magic series as well as Vault Comics on his upcoming original graphic novel Bonding, with artist and co-creator Emily Pearson. His short work can be found in anthologies such as Corpus (2018), Dead Beats (2019), and Everything is Going Wrong (2019).   

"I was once six years old eating malted milk-balls in my pj’s, glued to the television, exclusively watching Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers. 25 years later, I'm actually writing Power Rangers, and it is bonkers: a literal dream come true. POWER RANGERS: SINS OF THE FUTURE is the story that my six year old self would have wanted to write,” said writer Matthew Erman. “Jen Scotts of Power Rangers Time Force takes center stage in this story, and she's such a deep, interesting character with so much to pull from that writing her and other characters from Time Force has been a real gift. It's been so wild to play in this sandbox and easy to see why it's regarded by fans as some of the best the franchise has to offer. I can't wait for everyone to read this!"  

Giuseppe Cafaro is an Italian comic book artist who has worked in the industry since 2010 to great acclaim. Cafaro has been the artist for titles such as Catwoman, Suicide Squad, and Superman/Wonder Woman for DC Comics, Fathom and Soulfire for Aspen Comics, and Power Rangers: The Psycho Path,  Power Rangers: Soul of the Dragon and Firefly: Bad Company for BOOM! Studios.   

“I'm extremely honored to be the artist for a new Power Rangers graphic novel,” said artist Giuseppe Cafaro. “BOOM! Studios is doing a huge and amazing job on every single book of the Power Rangers and I'm sure SINS OF THE FUTURE will be even more fun and intense than ever before!”  

Currently, Power Rangers is celebrating 26 continuous years on the air, making it one of the longest running kids’ live-action series in television history with nearly 900 episodes aired to date. Created by Haim Saban and launched in 1993 with Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, the franchise celebrates its milestone anniversary year with the 26th season, “Power Rangers Beast Morphers” currently airing on Saturdays at 8 a.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon in the U.S.   

“POWER RANGERS: SINS OF THE FUTURE reunites two fan favorites in a love that crosses all of time and space while threatening the very fabric of the universe. For the first time ever, fans will find out what happened to Jen and Wes in this new original graphic novel ” said Dafna Pleban, Senior Editor, BOOM! Studios. “And just when you think the Rangers will find their happily ever after, a new threat arises that could end not only their romance but also their realities. It doesn’t get more epic than this!”  

Print copies of POWER RANGERS: SINS OF THE FUTURE will be available in October 2020 at local comic book shops (use comicshoplocator.com to find the one nearest you), or at the BOOM! Studios webstore. Digital copies can be purchased from content providers like comiXology, iBooks, Google Play, and Madefire.   

Softcover collections of MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS,  and other Power Rangers releases from BOOM! Studios are available now, everywhere books are sold.

Candyman- Synopsis and Official Trailer

Don’t say his name.

This summer, Oscar® winner Jordan Peele unleashes a fresh take on the blood-chilling urban legend that your friend’s older sibling probably told you about at a sleepover: Candyman. Rising filmmaker Nia DaCosta (Little Woods) directs this contemporary incarnation of the cult classic. 

For as long as residents can remember, the housing projects of Chicago’s Cabrini Green neighborhood were terrorized by a word-of-mouth ghost story about a supernatural killer with a hook for a hand, easily summoned by those daring to repeat his name five times into a mirror. In present day, a decade after the last of the Cabrini towers were torn down, visual artist Anthony McCoy (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II; HBO’s Watchmen, Us) and his girlfriend, gallery director Brianna Cartwright (Teyonah Parris; If Beale Street Could Talk, The Photograph), move into a luxury loft condo in Cabrini, now gentrified beyond recognition and inhabited by upwardly mobile millennials. 

With Anthony’s painting career on the brink of stalling, a chance encounter with a Cabrini Green old-timer (Colman Domingo; HBO’s Euphoria, Assassination Nation) exposes Anthony to the tragically horrific nature of the true story behind Candyman. Anxious to maintain his status in the Chicago art world, Anthony begins to explore these macabre details in his studio as fresh grist for paintings, unknowingly opening a door to a complex past that unravels his own sanity and unleashes a terrifyingly viral wave of violence that puts him on a collision course with destiny.

Universal Pictures presents, from Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures and Jordan Peele and Win Rosenfeld’s Monkeypaw Productions, in association with BRON Creative, Candyman. Candyman is directed by DaCosta, and is produced by Ian Cooper (Us), Rosenfeld and Peele. The screenplay is by Peele & Rosenfeld and DaCosta. The film is based on the 1992 film Candyman, written by Bernard Rose, and the short story “The Forbidden” by Clive Barker. The film’s executive producers are David Kern, Aaron L. Gilbert and Jason Cloth.