Birds of Prey: Endrun

The Birds of Prey return under the stellar guidance of Gail Simone with eye-popping art by Ed Benes!  The first 4-part story Endrun has just concluded, so snatch it up from comic book stands.  Two things I have enjoyed thus far: the additions of Hawk and Dove to the team and the introduction of the White Canary.  The White Canary's identity is a secret for much of the story, but what is very clear from the start is her ability to kick ass.  Black Canary has her hands full as she and Huntress engage this white-garbed assassin in a fight reminiscent of Darth Maul facing Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon in Star Wars: Episode One.  With the Birds of Prey roster rounded out by Oracle and Lady Blackhawk, I expect this series to find its way onto our blog regularly!
 

Crimson Viper Spotlight

And if you need further proof of Crimson Viper's badassery, then check out one of the trailers for the Street Fighter IV game prior to its release.  The perennial lightning-legs diva Chun Li gets all she can handle from this electric new challenger!

Video Games | Street Fighter IV | Chun Li Vs. C. Viper

XBox 360 | Playstation 3 | Nintendo Wii

Street Fighter IV: The Ties That Bind

It's been a while since I've seen a Street Fighter anime, the last one being Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie.  It was a masterpiece with stellar animation, realistic fight choreography, and a Chun Li shower scene!  The SF formula is in full effect here in Street Fighter IV: The Ties That Bind.  (Insert Bad Guy) is out to capture data on the world's top fighters while (Insert Heroes) investigate the unusual events surrounding the fighters' (Deaths/Disappearances), leading to a climactic battle between good and evil.  The animation is impressive with fluid fight scenes and character emotions.  Several SF favorites make appearances in this 45-minute movie and there's no shortage of ladies with veterans Chun Li, Cammy, Sakura, Ken's wife Eliza and newcomer Crimson Viper.  While Chun Li and Sakura are relegated to beating up goons, the real catfight here belongs to Cammy and Crimson Viper.  I hate to give away more than the images already have, but I'll say that C. Viper gets a strong push!  Only bad thing is this anime comes as a bonus disc in the Collector's Edition of Street Fighter IV for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC.
 

Iron Man 2: Dissecting the Black Widow

Iron Man 2 has been out for a while so moviegoers have had a chance to watch it and form their opinions.  I imagine non-comic fans were plenty pleased by Scarlett Johansson and her portrayal of Black Widow.  But what of true comic book fans?  Would they buy Scarlett's portrayal of the Russian super(hero) spy?  I was very happy with it, for the most part.  The costume was an excellent "real world" depiction of the comics, displaying equal parts utility and sex appeal.  There was also one fantastic fight scene where Black Widow engages a dozen henchmen.  Natasha Romanova's knack for espionage is also showcased as she spies on Stark on behalf of S.H.I.E.L.D.  Now you might ask, with all these positives what could possibly have gone wrong?  Well, seeing as I thoroughly enjoyed the movie, my gripes are little more than nitpicking.  For starters I wanted more display of a Russian background apart from Black Widow's name.  I have no problem with Scarlett speaking with a clean American accent - any self-respecting spy would pull that off in real life - but it wouldn't have hurt to throw in line or two spoken in Russian.  At one point Black Widow mentions her ability to speak Latin.  Latin?!  This was a totally wasted opportunity!  My only other gripe is Scarlett's youthful appearance.  When I think of Black Widow I conjure a more mature-looking woman like Olga Kurylenko from Quantum of Solace.  Still, Scarlett's performance did make me a believer that she'd be perfect as the second modern Black Widow Yelena Belova from the comics!
 

Psylocke Polystone Statue (Sideshow Collectibles)

Do you have $264.99 to burn?  Well, here's a great way to spend it: Psylocke!  I've mentioned before how Betsy Braddock is my favorite X-Man (by far), so you can imagine my delight at Sideshow Collectibles making a polystone statue of her.  The statue is gorgeous with great attention to detail from the hair to the katana to the environment and, of course, the costume!  This statue surpasses all others I have seen on the market, including a noteworthy Psylocke effort by Bowen Designs (also sold on the Sideshow Collectibles website).  Is the $265 price tag (not to mention shipping) a bit much?  Definitely.  But for die-hard Psylocke fans who can set aside the green, it is well worth it in my opinion.
 

Black Scorpion Collection

Femme fatales were a big part of my childhood and one of them was Roger Corman's Black Scorpion.  The seductive crimefighter was played by Joan Severance in movies Black Scorpion and Black Scorpion II: Aftershock.  Michelle Lintel donned the mask in Black Scorpion: The Television Series which aired 22 episodes on the then Sci Fi Channel.  It's hard to pick a favorite Black Scorpion, but Joan did go topless in the movies so that may be my tie-breaker!  At the same time, one cannot discount Lintel's martial arts authenticity and equally alluring look.  The movies and TV series featured some mighty fine girl on girl action with the heroine squaring off against female villains.  Sadly, it's getting harder to find this campy crusader on DVD since no more units are being produced.  It should also come as no surprise that the TV series collection is often ridiculously priced!  However, one can find them for free on the Internet (if you look hard enough) or ripped onto DVD at comic book conventions for affordable prices.
 

Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths

DC has been cranking out some nice animated features and the latest one just might be my favorite: Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths.  The story borrows little from Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely's graphic novel JLA: Earth 2 and ultimately manages its original take on the JLA going against their counterparts the Crime Syndicate of Amerika.  The animation is beautiful and the story tight with never a wasted moment.  The voice acting is near perfect with the only weakness (amazingly) being Batman, but even William Baldwin wins me over in the end.  My guilty thrill favorite moment is the battle between Superwoman and Wonder Woman, sensationally voiced by Gina Torres and Vanessa Marshall respectively.  Without reservation, this movie is a must buy for comic book fans!