Re:tro Re:view - Mythica: A Quest For Heroes!

The Kickstarter campaign for the latest Mythica film has concluded on December 9th so it is time to go back to the beginning with Mythica: A Quest For Heroes (2014)! This is a fine fantasy movie series that will continue with Mythica: Stormbound. It is directed by Anne K. Black who also directed the Arrowstorm film, Dawn of the Dragonslayer (2011). Black is also the co-writer along with Jason Faller and Kynan Griffin, the duo went on to create The Outpost show. The movie is currently streaming on Amazon Prime through FreeVee with ads. We immediately pan into a cave with sunlight streaming on one spot, the bearded priest (Jay Beacham) finds a stone that he gives to Caeryn (Natalie Devine Riskas). Outside is chaos, a raid. He tells her to run and she tries to find her sister Teela (Nicola Posener) who runs along with her. Posener currently stars in the Amazon Prime horror series, Age of the Living Dead. 

The priest is met by the raiders dressed in black. Their leader with yellow eyes, Kishkumen (Ryan Palmer) draws out the Temple Elder’s memories and kills him. The sisters run out of the burning cave to find raiders and giant troll so they return to the cave! The troll strikes down Teela and Caeryn wants her to get help. We see at an apothecary, the clubfoot of a woman who shuffles as she collects ingredients to grind and mash in a bowl. This is Marek played by Melanie Stone who previously was in fantasy film, The Christmas Dragon (2014) with co-stars Jake Stormoen and Adam Johnson. Marek is dedicated and innocent in this the story. Entering the room is a young man, Egan (Sebastian Michael Barr), and she hands him a bowl. He nervously makes the potion and it sends out a smoke like a snake at Marek before exploding! This angers their master, Vagamal (Michael Flynn). The actor played General Calkussar in The Outpost. Egan tries to clear the table as Marek blocks the doorway with a basket of clothes. 

The angry Vagamal lashes at Marek and throws a package to Egan to get money from the wizard. Marek takes the package even though Egan is worried that she won’t be able to get back before the guards mark her as a runaway. She hobbles into the snow with her crutch leaving the village for crowded city streets. The wizard in question, Gojun Pye (Kevin Sorbo) is at work at his table. Sorbo, controversial now, is known for Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. Marek enters and says she used his Vision spell. She wants to learn more spells and he gives a parchment page for a Displacement spell. The magic feels very like the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game (RPG). He says he has to leave since he may have raised suspicions about himself. Marek wants to go with him and Gojun Pye mentions an inn and to ask for Hammerhead. He gives her coins for the Hog’s Root and says it is getting late. 

There is a cheering crowd and Marek finds from a passing child that it is because of dragon eggs brought by adventurers! The sun is setting and Marek scrambles with her crutch running into three men, one man with a fur coat paws her, and she hits him. A large, drunken man (Johnson) in armor and shield stops the bully. He later introduces himself as Thane. Johnson starred in The Outpost as Munt. He throws his sword killing one soldier. Thane duels with a soldier while Marek is able to slip away from the leader. Marek sees more soldiers and slips into a wagon of hay. She finds there a half-elf man (Stormoen) next to her. The Outpost’s Captain Garret Spears was played by Stormoen. Here, he plays Dagen. A guard checks the wagon and Dagen covers Marek’s mouth while dodging sword strikes. The guard allows the wagon to pass. The clever man leaves, Marek finds her coins missing, and the guards chase after Dagen. 

Then, she is grabbed by a soldier! Night, the guard rides into the village with Marek tossed across his horse like a blanket. He calls out Vagamal who throws a pouch to the guard. Marek is dropped in the snow. She confesses that she was robbed and Vagamal starts to thrash her with a belt. Egan hears the punishment inside the apothecary. Suddenly, Marek’s face magically turns blue and she takes hold of the belt. Her hand draws out Vagamal’s life force like the priest. Then, the cruel man is sent hurtling back! Egan tells her that her magic didn’t use powders or words. The angry townspeople are gathering. Marek tells him that she has to leave and he takes out a makeshift leg brace for her. She leaves before the mob can find her. Marek attaches Egan’s brace on her leg. Her handicap is unique for a fantasy character, a physical flaw that she more than makes up with her resolve. Later, she finds Thane in a cage, it is the drunken man who helped her. Then, Marek finds her way to Hammerhead’s inn. 

A fight is ended by a thrown blade of the Dwarf owner, Hammerhead (Christopher Robin Miller). An interesting veteran Dwarf, still deadly, but more interested in organizing adventurers. She makes her way to the bar to Hammerhead. Marek asks for a bounty and says she knows magic. He takes Marek to be thrown out. Teela enters the inn in the name of her goddess, Ana-Sett, and wants to see Oren Tuck. Hammerhead says that was his old name. She says her temple was raided and the people were taken away. Marek hears this underneath a table. Hammerhead announces to the room about her quest, but they all laugh. Teela leaves and Marek says to Hammerhead she will take the bounty. She is thrown out of the inn again! Marek catches up with Teela and says she has a team. Teela touches her brow and sees visions of Marek. She returns to the cage and says she will free Thane if he helps with the bounty. 

He recognizes her from the alley and says he has worked for the Vitalion Empire. There is hints of world building here that is expanded on with later films. She starts to say magic words that draw the attention of two guards. Suddenly, the cage’s lock ignites, and Thane takes care of his former guards. Afterwards, Marek says they need a thief and Thane knows one busy with a commander’s wife. They reach the home and find Dagen, of course, throwing down his clothes and leaping down. I sense a little Madmartigan in him. Thane punches Dagen and steps on his neck while Marek has her foot on his hand. Dagen kicks both of them and they run off before the guards arrive. In the morning, the trio meet with Teela on a hill. She explains that they have to travel 10 leagues to find her sister, a prisoner at an Orc camp. The group, not entirely working together yet, is formed and the adventure begins! Mythica: A Quest for Heroes has fun characters, RPG adventure, all within a budget, but just a fun, fantasy adventure driven by the conviction of the filmmakers! 

Four out of Five! 

#MythicaThe QuestForHeroes, #AnneKBlack, #MelanieStone, #JakeStormoen, #AdamJohnson, #NicolaPosener, #KevinSorbo, #NatalieDevineRiskas, #ChristopherRobinMiller  

Willow, “The High Aldwyn”, Review!

The Willow series continues with a look into the past and the future and either of them are hopeful! Last episode, we found that the supernatural Gales have stolen Prince Airk.  The group led by Kit Tanthalos has reached Willow Ufgood and he reveals the girl called Dove is really Elora Danan! “The High Aldwyn” features a screenplay by Bob Dolman who wrote the screenplay of the original 1988 movie. We return to the book of Willow on the title page is a faint illustration of a tree. We see the gate towers of Tir Asleen appear and walking in is a young Willow, bearded with a cap, and bag strapped to his shoulder. I imagine they used CGi to de-age him. Queen Sorsha, also de-aged, hugs him. At a dinner table before the throne, Willow says that he returned to train Elora. She is the only one who is stop their “true enemy.” He worries that if he doesn’t train her, the magic will go away, but Sorsha doesn’t want to trouble her. 

Willow tells her the Barrier cannot protect Eloa. Sorsha tells him she discovered with “ancient scrolls” about the Kymerian Cuirass. It is explained later, but a cuirass is the breastplate and backplate of armor. Sorsha confides with Willow that Madmartigan was sent to find it nine months ago. It is unclear what is this particular time. She fears that he is dead, but Willow says that Mads can’t be stopped by death, it would only delay him from returning to Sorsha, a line similar to Princess Bride (1987) about true love. He says that only Elora can defeat the Crone. Sorsha admits that Raziel and Cherlindrea are “gone”, dead? Willow wants to train Elora since he is now High Aldwyn. Sorsha says Willow has the “truest heart”, but says he is not a “great sorcerer.” This is unusual since when Willow was about to leave Tir Asleen with Sorsha also present, Raziel gave him a book of magic and says he would be a great sorcerer.  Willow takes his pack and walks away. 

Cherlindrea’s Wand, prop at the Lucasfilm pavilion, D23 Expo, author’s photo. 

In the present, Elora is listening to discussions about her, Graydon asks her if she is Elora Danan. Kit doesn’t believe it. Willow and the guard, Silas, lead them to their home in the caves. He is met by his daughter, Mims (Annabelle Davis), Dawn Downing played the character in the movie, but Davis’ real life daughter plays her in this episode! Mims is stunned to see Elora Danan and says she found Elora as a “beautiful, giant baby.” Elora says Mims is beautiful, favorite part of this episode the reunion of these two characters. Jade checks on Kit who wants to leave to find Airk. They were defeated by The Gales and taken to a place no one has ever traveled, yet she is desperate to go? Foolish. Nelwyns give Elora a floral crown. Silas gets everyone ready for The High Aldwyn’s speech. Willow is brought in on a litter with a chair by four porters, two of them complain about carrying him. He tries to warm up the audience with a joke, funny to me, and then announces the return of Elora Danan.  

He has Elora scouch her chair over and consults the bones similar to High Aldwyn Junn (Billy Barty) in the movie. They have a moment looking at each other which is nice. Willow tells about the balance including sweet and spicy, funny! Soon, the crowd starts to ask for the Finger Test. Willow tries to whisper, “Yours”, but Elora picks Willow’s finger disappointing the crowd. Past misty trees, we find The Lich in a cave contacting his Teacher about the child, Elora. Queen Sorsha is told that Elora has left the castle by the servant Prunella (Eileen Davies) who was a confidant of Dove in the castle. Sorsha sees Commander Ballantine off to find Elora. He was wounded by The Lich’s staff.  Ballantine says it is just a scratch, another Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) nod. Sorsha explains that she is fond of the kitchen maid. Prunella wonders if he knows Elora’s true identity. We see red veins on Ballantine’s exposed hand. The Crone doesn’t want Elora Danan to reach the Immemorial City and The Lich says he has sent his disciple!  

In the Nelwyn caves, there is a celebration, and Boorman, named after director John Boorman?, brings up the route. Silas says they should avoid the Nockmaar Badlands and his wife, Libby (Sarah Bennett) agrees. Kit and Elora are ready to leave, but Willow wants her to stay to learn the Art. He says she’s the “Last Blood of Kymeria”, is this like Valyria in House of the Dragon? Elora is set on leaving to save Airk. In his workshop, Willow is seen by Mims and he thought she was aware of everything, but Mims says she fell in love. Willow sees flashes of his dream about waking in a night battlefield with a grey beard. Mims says he has to go with the group to protect Elora. Willow tries to use being High Aldwyn as an excuse to stay with his people. Mims takes out the chest that holds the Wand of Cherlindrea. They are told that Elora is missing. Kit heads for her horse impatient about Elora’s training, but Jade is respectful of Elora Danan. Kit is acting like a spoiled princess charging into a dangerous situation. 

The costume of Dove, Elora Danan, at the D23 Expo, photo by the author. 

Graydon says to Boorman, Kit, and Jade that the girl is Elora. Willow yells at them that Elora is missing. Jade says Kit should do whatever she wants as the others head out in search parties. Willow thinks back to remembering finding Elora Danan with his family. Elora is looking at a river and drops her crown to drift in it. She is not confident and wants Willow who joins her to help rescue Airk.  In exchange, she has to promise to train with him, as teacher and student. Later, the Nelwyns see the heroes off, Willow has his armor and Mims fusses over him. Unspoken is her missing mother, Kiaya, and brother, Ranon, but it could be assumed that the Crone destroyed them and the village. Willow leaves on a wagon with Silas and Elora as the others ride ahead. Ballantine finds their two day old campfire and Merrick (Sifiso Maziuko) says they should rest themselves and horses. The commander has transformed with red-veined eyes and deathly pallor.  He is swiftly runs and kills Merrick! 

Boorman catches up with Kit walking her horse. He says he is not a thief, but “an obtainer of rare artifacts”, a variation of the description given to Indy in Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981). He brings up the legend of the Kymerian Cuirass he had heard when he was Kit’s age. Kit doesn’t belive in it. Boorman tells her that Madmartigan had looked five years for the armor and he was his squire. He walks ahead of Kit saying that her father found the armor. In the wagon, Willow is about to start the lesson, but Elora says the wagon is making her queasy. He brings up the High Aldwyn’s saying, “Forget all you know or think you know.” A great line. Willow says he wanted to train her as a child and that there is something special inside of her. Then, Elora spews on Willow’s shoulder, which is a usual occurance for the series. We see the setting sun with the two moons of the Mother World. At the campfire, Willow explains magic and this is listened to by Jade, written down by Graydon, and Boorman. He gives Elora a handful of Eckleberry seed to magically grow and gives her the magic words. Elora is no natural at repeating the words, but will learn to trust herself. “The High Aldwyn” ep of Willow fills in important back stories including the last time Willow saw young Elora (Alayna Jacobs) and puts her on a dangerous path!    

Five Bracelets out of Five!

#Willow, #WarwickDavis, #EllieBamber, #JoanneWhalley, #GrahamHughes, #AnnabelleDavis, #TonyRevolori, #AmarChadhaPatel, #RubyCruz, #ErinKellyman, #AlaynaJacobs, #RalphIneson, #SifisoMazibuko

Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio Review!

 Carlo Collodi’s wooden puppet is given new life in Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio which is one of del Toro’s finest and most beautiful films! There has been countless versions of the story of Adventures of Pinocchio (1883) from the 1940 Disney animated movie to the 2019 movie starring Roberto Benighi. The challenge of adaptations is what the storyteller brings to the tale.  In this case, del Toro is familiar with previous versions, but has brought themes and his own sensibilities to Pinocchio. Mark Gustafson, the animation director of Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009), shares directing credit with del Toro. Pinocchio’s screen story is by del Toro and Matthew Robbins who also wrote Crimson Peak (2015). The screenplay of the film is by del Toro and Patrick McHale known for writing Adventure Time. Pinocchio had a limited release on November 9th and streams on Netflix on December 9th. Del Toro has said that Netflix enabled the movie to get made. 

The stop motion animation by ShadowMachine that works on Robot Chicken. A perfect art form that captured some fairy tales on film and has a herky-jerky motion that is perfect for the puppets. There is a lone pinecone hanging from a tree as we are told by the narrator, Ewan McGregor, that the story begins in Italy during 1916. McGregor’s last fairy tale movie was Beauty and the Beast (2017). We are formerly introduced to the narrator’s character later, but he says the story he tells you don’t know. This sets expectations and he notes that the woodcarver has lost one son. A somber beginning with the melancholy music turns lively courtesy of Alexandre Desplat’s score, he  worked with del Toro on The Shape of Water (2017). Then, we see the toymaker, Geppetto (David Bradley), he is not named, just identified as Papa. Bradley voiced Merlin in the animated series created by del Toro, Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia (2017-2018). Geppetto here is a well defined having only his son as family, so this brings up the theme of grief and how to overcome it.

He reads his son, Carlo (Gregory Mann) a book, Libro di Storia, about fairy tales. A nice nod to the book’s author. This is the first leading part for Mann who played William Monmouth in the historical mini-series, Victoria (2019). The point of the story is of course not to lie or your nose will grow. Carlo has his papa sing momma’s song while playing an accordion. We get moments of their lives together, Carlo finds a pine cone (which are female), but Geppetto tells him it is not perfect with a missing scale. We pick with a day where Carlo shows his papa a perfect pine cone. Geppetto is working at the town’s church on a statue of Jesus. The religious element is a touch that is missing from del Toro’s film and I see this as a maturation of del Toro’s storytelling. He carves wooden shoes for Carlo. While Geppetto is painting the statue, Carlo shows him the perfect pine cone, then they leave the church. The night is stormy and Geppetto sees the bombers in the sky. 

The night is stormy and Geppetto sees the bombers in the sky. Carlo runs back to the church for his pine cone and the bombs fall. The narrator explains that it could have been that the bombers dropped their payload to keep the ballast light for their return flight. Geppetto plants the pine cone behind Carlo’s grave. It has  an angelic, wooden memorial that contains his photo placed on a hill. The statue is unfinished with a missing left arm, but Geppetto just stays by the grave marker and drinks. A pine tree grows to tower over the grave. Now we have the narrator introduce himself, Sebastian J. Cricket, as a writer who has traveled the world. The character is just called Talking Cricket so a formal name with the “J” middle name(!) is fun. The writer part (also the songs) makes me think of MacGregor’s character in Moulin Rouge! (2001). Sebastian’s design is blue, with mandibles like the bushy mustache of a British officer, similar to Tik Tok in Return to Oz (1985), and long, curly antennae. He is a gentleman (gentle cricket?), but gets into hapless accidents!  

He brings the tree to his home to make it into a puppet and above his work table is a photo of Carlo. Geppetto is drunk, but great woodcarving skill. Within the tree is Sebastian who is able to get free. Geppetto works feverishly, driven like Victor Frankenstein (another del Toro inspiration) on his creation! The design of the puppet from the pine tree has short, wild “hair”, spindly limbs, and a crack on his body. The crack ends with the hollow in his chest, his “heart”, where Sebastian has made his home.  He falls asleep and Sebastian sees in the forest, the wandering spirits, glowing eye balls covered in ghostly flames. The spirits enter Geppetto’s house and Sebastian tries to chase them away. They form into a blue, sphinx-like creature, unidentified in the movie, but known as the Wood Sprite (Tilda Swinton). She also voices her sister counterpart, Death. A strange, beautiful del Toro creation, with four wings that are spotted with eye-like shapes. Swinton voiced Oracle in the stop motion movie, Isle of Dogs (2018). She sees Geppetto’s loss of his son and grants Pinocchio life because it contains Carlo’s soul. Then, the Wood Sprite appoints Sebastian to watch over him since he lives in the puppet’s “heart.” This is a clever way to make Sebastian his “conscious” and instead a guide. 

Geppetto wakes up and finds Pinocchio (also voiced by Mann) is gone, he hears a giggle, and picks up an axe. In the darkness, Pinocchio appears with limbs splayed out like a spider, and Geppetto is about to use the axe, but Sebastian defends Pinocchio. To this newly born innocent, he doesn’t know things, but loves them. This is the focus of Pinocchio’s character, captured by Gregory Mann, who says, “Everything is new to me.” He insists he is Geppetto’s son, but the woodcarver rejects him and sends him into a closet. Geppetto heads to the church and the church goers are shocked at Pinocchio’s appearance.  The Priest voiced by Burn Gorman asks him, “Who controls you?” Gorman starred in Pacific Rim (2013) as the scientist Gottlieb. Pinocchio says he is a real boy and his nose grows like a branch. Later, Geppetto trims Pinocchio’s nose, his workshop is a resource to help Pinocchio.The Priest is visited by the fascist officer, Podesta (Ron Perlman). The fascism seems to represent the harshness and conformity of the real world for del Toro. It is part of his personal works like the Spain of Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) and Devil’s Backbone (2001). Perlman has been in most of del Toro’s movies including Hellboy (2004).  

They visit Geppetto along with Podesta’s son, Candlewick (Finn Wolfhard). The actor is of course known for the Netflix horror series, Stranger Things. Candlewick is very much a bully at the beginning. He convinces Pinocchio to warm his feet close to the fireplace and this causes his wooden feet to burn. Still, Pinocchio is cheerful, but his weakness is his love of hot chocolate. Still, Podesta becomes interested in Pinocchio as the perfect soldier. The next day, Pinocchio is testing his new legs and they see posters placed by a white monkey, Spazzatura (Cate Blanchett). The actress starred in del Toro’s Nightmare Alley (2021). Spazzatura reports about the living puppet to the owner of the run-down carnival, Count Volpe (Christoph Waltz). The actor appeared as Blofeld in No Time to Die (2021). He wants Pinocchio as his showpiece representing the corruption of entertainment. Podesta and Count Volpe are the two forces trying to corrupt Pinocchio, trying to control him. Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio has some important themes of fatherhood, growing up, grief, a misunderstood outcast, child-like wonder, religion, and fascism that still maintains the fun of the tale, very charming songs like “Ciao Papa” sung by Mann, and beautiful character designs and environments. A stand out in Guillermo del Toro’s filmography!  

Five+ Pine Cones out of Five! 

#GuillermoDelTorosPinocchio, #GuillermoDelToro, #MarkGustafson, #GregoryMann, #EwanMcGregor, #DavidBradley, #TildaSwinton, #FinnWolfhard, #CateBlanchett, #ChrstophWaltz, #RonPerlman, #BurnGorman 

Re:tro Re:view - Star Wars: The High Republic #2!

Star Wars: The High Republic #2 finds two Jedi on Jedha during the High Republic and dropped into a mystery! The Kiffar boy, Vildar Mac, who became a Jedi Knight is assigned to Jedha, in the days of the High Republic. The bearded Vildar Mac visually makes me think of Karl Urban. He meets his apprentice, the Twi’lek Matty, there and Vildar has to chase after the thief Tey Sirrek. He ends up between the tensions of the different Jedha groups.  This is separated by the powers of a representative that snaps Vildar’s Dark Sider memory.  Matty calms him down explaining that it is Adept Tarna Miak from the Sorcerers of Tund. Miak wants to bring this up to Representative Leebon, but Matty says Vildar’s action may due to hyperlag. She adds, “May The Unity dwell in your heart”, the term for The Force. They enter the Shrine of Saarav to find Sister V’kara who saw the lost Screen of the Second Sight. She says that religious artifacts have been stolen all over the city. Vildar has spotted the seeker-like droid that was at the marketplace. 

Vildar finds Tey Sirrek over a body of a woman. He swings his lightsaber, but the Sephi thief dodges them! Tey says he learned Force abilities including Morichro,”the touch of death”, that was an ability of Jedi Master Yaddle. The thief shoots a projectile from his crossbow pistol. Then, he touches Vildar’s heart, Temple of Doom-style! The eyes of Vildar Mac stares lifelessly! A dart that causes paralysis? Tey puts on his hood and runs with the droid trailing him. The cover for issue #2 is by interior artist, Ario Andindito, Matty has lightsaber in a tilted pose, the thief Tey Sirrek holding a mini-crossbow blaster, and Vildar is at their back with his green lightsaber in the darkness as spear points surround them! The second chapter of Balance of the Force, “Tey Sirrek”, is written by Cavan Scott with art by Anindito.  It picks up with the memory of young Vildar leaping towards the Dark Sider on Kiffar. Apprentice Matthea Cathley, Matty, checks on his body. 

She tries to contact Master Leebon, when Vildar suddenly wakes up.  He immediately moves to find Tey, but is still weak. He is resolved to find the thief with the death of the cat-like Sarravi woman. Vildar pulls away the dart with a scrap of his cloak from the wall.  He touches the wall, using the Kiffar psychometry ability, like the Jedi Quinlan Vos. This allows him to see though contact with an object past images. He sees a sun symbol, a hooded figure, and an insect-like humanoid face. The visualization of psychometry is interesting with dreamy colors by Frank William. Vildar tells Matty what he has seen as she says it is Enlightenment, the name of a bar, owned by Kradon Minst. Matty’s usefullness is her knowledge of Jedha City. She does have a past with the bar so Master Leebon banned her from returning, but Vildar asks for her help. They see a Quermian, an alien with a long neck and small head, speaking to a group about The Path of the Open Hand.

She later explains to Vildar that the Jedi are just one of many groups on Jedha.  They reach the double red doors of The Enlightenment and enter. Two, burly Gloovan guards, intimidating in a splash page, the species first appeared in Star Wars Adventures #17 (2017). I really like the groups on Jedha at its prime and the various aliens! The bar owner, Kradon, is a wacky, insectoid Villarandi notes that the Twinkle Sisters(!) are the “best bouncers.” Vildar sees the droid and Tey Sirrak and throws the dart pinning his hood. He is slammed down by a Twinkle Sister, tries to explain that Tey is a Dark Sider, but the whole bar laughs!  Tey shows the hologram from his droid that he was trying to help the woman when he found her dead. His supposed Morichro was a trick by his species’ pheromones! Action and pacing by Scott and Anindito make this a lively story through all of the corners of Jedha! The mystery continues involving a Condluran, species was introduced in Obi-Wan Kenobi with a star-nose mole snout.  A smuggler named Briff. Star Wars: The High Republic #2 unfolds a mystery that involves a theft, death, and the tensions of Jedha!  

Five Lightsabers out of Five! 

#StarWarsTheHighEmpire, #BalanceOfTheForce, #TeySirrek, #CavanScott, #ArioAnindito, #VildarMac, #MattheaCathley, #MasterLeebon, #TheEnlightenment, #KradonMinst, #TwinkleSisters, #Briff 

L.A. Comic Con - First & Last Day 2022!

The Los Angeles Convention Center held the last of the three day Los Angeles Comic Con!  The banner for the con featured the mascot, an orange octopus with a sci-fi dome head holding its brain?  The majority of the convention was located in South Hall with the main stage, Artist’s Alley, and many vendors. The first dealer that I visited was Animation Legends, I bought several animation cels from their website: https://animationlegends.com, and it was great to see them at a con. I found their selection and prices incredible, usually priced at the pass level, but here were cels from Saturday morning animated shows and anime. I saw cels of X-Men: The Animated Series, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, and Star Wars: Ewoks. 

The crowds outside of L.A. Comic Con, author’s photo. 

The first artist I saw was Creees Lee who is currently working on Tiger Division for Marvel Comics. Review here: http://geektruth.blogspot.com/2022/11/tiger-division-1-review.html. He mentioned re-designing the Taegukgi character. I also happened to meet Tone Rodriguez who worked on all of the Hero Initative 100 Project books. The group’s slogan is “Helping Comic Creators in Need”, we have seen especially this year, that the health of comic creators is very important. Buying anything from their site is so important: https://www.heroinitiative.org. If you value the people who bring your favorite comic books which in turn form the Marvel Cinematic Universe, DC films, and more, check them out. I mentioned to Tone about bringing the 100 Project books to cons and getting them signed by many of artists. They are great to meet. This has led me to looking for their comic books. 

The artist has worked on many comics including Violent Messiahs for Image and OMG A Horror Anthology for Aequitas Comics. Another independent comic book that caught my eye was The Mask of Haliya from Kwento Comics. Their slogan is “The First All Asian, All Women Comic Book Company.”  At the table was producer, Waverley Lim, and writer, Kaitlyn Fajilan. The comic features teen girl, Marisol Reyes, caught in supernatural adventures. The first two issues and more info is available at their site: https://kwentocomics.com. My usual con visit is at the Edgar Rice Burroughs table, not only to chat about Tarzan on film, but also John Carter (2012), books and comic books.  The latest novel is Victory Harben: Fires of Halos by Christopher Paul Carey. It is the conclusion to the Swords of Eternity storyline that has moved through various novels and comic books. Carey is the ERB Universe creative director. 

Tarzan and the Lost Secrets of the Edgar Rice Burroughs Universe panel, author’s photo. 

You can find info of one of the most creative, world building author, and order books and other merch at: https://www.edgarriceburroughs.com. On the Tarzan and the Lost Secrets of the Edgar Rice Burroughs Universe panel was artist, Mike Dubisch, who drew the online comic that was collected into a hardcover graphic novel, I Am A Barbarian. This deals with Britanicus who is tied to the Roman emperor Caligula. Carey on the panel noted that many secrets were tied to what Burroughs called “angles.” This was from his writing, The Ghostly Script, included with the Victory Harben novel. At the panel, James Sullos, the president of ERB, Inc., revealed that there will be Tarzan in live action in 3 to 4 years. John Carter of Mars will be back on television and animation. 

Other properties include Carson of Venus and Beyond the Farthest Star. Streaming shows could make these fantastic IPs possible.  An interesting cosplayer is Joanie Brosas who was on the Asian Representation in Comics and Media panel. Brosas started out cosplaying and then related, “I started catering the character to me and making it my own.” The panel also featured actress, Leilani Shiu, was in The Mandalorian and played the Jawa, Teeka, in Obi-Wan Kenobi.  “They get to see me without my mask. Usually I wear my outfit and don’t see my face. For the Asians they get all excited and go, I didn’t know you were Asian. Then, it opens doors that you can be yourself.” Also at the panel was artist, Don Aguillo, who has worked on King Spawn for Image Comics. There were many subjects discussed about art and film.  L.A. Comic Con has great opportunities to meet artists, creators, and buy comics and other collectibles. 

#LAComicCon, #AnimationLegends, #CreeesLee, #TigerDivision, #ToneRodriguez, #KwentoComics, #ChristopherPaulCarey, #VictoryHarbenFiresOfHalos, #MikeDubisch,#JoanieBrosas, #LeilaniShiu 

Update: Icons of Darkness and Madame Tussaud’s!

Hollywood has many attractions besides the El Capitan Theatre, across the street is the TCL Chinese Theatres with the Forecourt of the Stars featuring hand and footprints in the cement, and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Hollywood. Across the street from the El Cap is Icons of Darkness at the Hollywood and Highland complex. I did visit there in May, http://geektruth.blogspot.com/2022/05/tour-through-icons-of-darkness.html, there is so much to take in, that a return visit is necessary. I just walked in to see if there was a tour available and after a little chat, it was in just four minutes. So if you are in the area and have time, stop by to see the props and costumes out of your favorite movies! I was told that the owner was giving the tour. I did not get a chance to look at the window display, but I did move through the new queues that do a great job of directing you to the costumes.  

T-Rex at Icons of Darkness, yes, she’s about to chomp on a Sleestak and an Uruk-hai!, author’s photo. 

What is exceptional for Icons of Darkness is that the costumes have sculpted heads that look like the characters/actors. This is instead of the blank mannequin heads in every other costume exhibit from studios to museums. An additional expense, but you get more of the idea of seeing the character step out of a movie rather than a store with unusual outfits. Another part is the dramatic lighting, this makes your photos come out great, blues and reds, you want the Velciraptors appearing out of the jungle. The last point, ask questions, the guides hear them all the time and have answers, very knowledgeable. The first part has sci fi and superheroes. Batmen, his villains; Catwoman and Penguin, and the new prop in a case, Mjolnir from Thor: The Dark World (2013).  The extensive Star Wars collection made of molds and actual costumes. I think new was the figure of Logray, the Ewok chieftain from Return of the Jedi (1983).  

There is the group of The Matrix characters and then a menagerie of dinos from the Jurassic Park movies. The exhibit has so many interesting characters and creatures, it is like my head is on a shivel, don’t worry, it is worth it for a return trip.  They just added Pterandon puppets from Jurassic Park III (2001). On the other side is the costumes of Selene from Underworld Evolution (2006) worn by Kate Beckinsale and the Hunger Games outfit.  Past Gremlins and Terminators, aliens from Independence Day (1996), and Mr. Spock, there is the horror section with the Faun from Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) peeking from the corner. You can see a display of the screen used Hannibal Lector and Anthony Hopkins’ life cast from Silence of the Lambs (1991). This leads to the corridor with rooms holding Pinhead from Hellraiser (1987), Pennywise’s costume worn b Bill Skarsgard from It (2017), and other horrors. Also not that for most of the tour, there are jump scares, things leap at you and other surprises. 

                                                                            Alien Xenomorph costume slithering from Aliens (1986), photo by the author. 

There is a host of Aliens including the Alien Queen, Facehuggers, and Predators. The guide told us that all of the actors were seven feet tall. I asked about the actor in the new Prey movie, he is Dane DiLiegro, and I was told he showed up there to see the Predator costumes. Next, a toy shelf of Chuckies and new was the Freddie Kreuger “Chest of Souls” from A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987). I also saw two of the Ghost-face masks used in Scream 2 (1997). It was great to walk through Icons of Darkness and expect to return more times to see familiar and new items from the collection! A part of Hollywood is the Walk of Fame stars. Do note that it is a public walkway, so a few are dirty and cracked from wear and tear. I think the city maintains their upkeep. Right next to the TCL Chinese Theatre is Madam Tussaud’s Wax Museum. I think it has been some time since I visited, 2014?, eight years ago. 

The wax figure of Don Corleone, you can sit next to The Godfather, Madame Tussaud’s Hollywood, author’s photo. 

There are wax figures outside of the building, this is within the entrance, there is a Zac Efron from Baywatch (2017), a Danny Trejo figure, I was told that he visited the wax museum to see it.  Also, a figure of Kobe Bryant, he was in the sports section where you can try to dunk on him with a hoop next to him. You pass Betty White, smiling, in her pink pajamas. Then, you ride the elevator to the third floor, I think other visitors went to the second floor and wandered up the stairs. There is Morgan Freeman, next to him is Dwayne Johnson, and on the stage is Demi Lovato. On the other side is Ariana Grande and opposite her is Zoe Saldana. Jimmy Kimmel introduces you to the next room, a recreation of his chat show that overlooks Hollywood Boulevard.  In the other direction, you can see the wax figure of Angela Bassett in a fancy, red outfit, and Charlize Theron. Down the stars is classic Hollywood with Charlie Chaplin, Judy Garland as Dorothy in Wizard of Oz (1939), and at the other room is Marilyn Monroe and Elvis. 

Illusions of Horror has the classic Bela Legosi Dracula and other monsters. Hollywood scenes in the othe rooms are Danny Zuko (John Travolta) with Greased Lightning, no Sandy (Olivia Newton-John)?  Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks) on a bench with his box of chocolates. Also, Ben Braddock (Dustin Hoffman) from The Graduate (1967). Don Vito Corleone played by Marlon Brando sits behind a desk. Also, Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen complete with bow at Sound Stage 5.  New is a photo op of King Kong with his hand extended to hold hapless visitors. The 90’s Are Here features Snoop Dog, Britney Spears about to record “Crazy”, and Selena is the latest wax figure.  The lower level has Marvel figures; Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Nick Fury (Samuel Jackson), and Captain America (Chris Evans). Tony Stark played by Robert Downey, Jr. has his arms outstretched. This leads to the Marvel Universe 4D theater.  I had already seen it and had to head over to see Willow, so left through the gift shop.  There of course a number of Hollywood attractions at Hollywood so check them out!  

#IconsOfDarkness, #Mjolnir, #ThorTheDarkWorld, #Logray, #ReturnOfTheJedi, #ChestOfSouls, #NightmareOnElmStreetDreamWarriors, #MadameTussaudsHollywood, #DannyTrejo, #JimmyKimmel, #KingKong, #Selena 

Willow, “The Gales” - Part Two, Review!

The story of Willow continues with the Disney+ series with royal twins, Kit and Airk, and their mother, Queen Sorsha in the kingdom of Tir Asleen. Their father, Madmartigan, has left them some time ago. Kit has a close friend, Jade, who is about to train as a knight. Airk has fallen for the kitchen maid, Dove, and ends up giving her a bracelet instead of a ring. Kit is arranged to marry Prince Graydon and ally with his kingdom of Galladoorn. Instead, she embarrasses him at a banquet.  Sorsha confides with a prisoner, Thraxus Boorman, but is troubled by a warning she hears from Willow. Then, the supernatural Gales appear in the hills across from the castle!  Kit is about to leave, Jade talks to her, then she notices the unusual fog. A guard on the ramparts is attacked by the giant hawk form of a shapeshifter! Jade and Kit see the body of the guard fall before them and then another.  They draw their swords. Spoilers ahead! 

Through the fog, Sorsha hears the howls of the Death Dogs, and she draws her sword. The massive, brutal shape of The Scourge (Joonas Suotamo) drops down in front of Kit and Jade.  He is shirtless, pale skin, chains wrapped around his forearm and a spiked cage like a Cenobite from Hellraiser (1987)! He easily bashes aside a guard. Airk hears the attack and swings his sword Madmartigan-style as Dove tells him to be careful. The Lich (Vitas Le Bas), dark robe with a staff, and raises the castle gate with his sorcery to let in the Death Dogs. Jade and Kit try to take on The Scourage, Commander Ballantine saves Jade, and wants the princess to go to safety. She watches as another one of The Gales, The Doom (Daniel Naprous) appears.  He hears a dark cloak with a metal mask hiding his eyes, but not his nasty teeth! He looks like the Mouth of Sauron in Return of the King (2003). The Doom swings two, spiked whips! 

The chains of Boorman are dropped and he is freed by Queen Sorsha who tells him about the siege. He thinks it is Bone Reavers, she says it is worse, Boorman asks for his cleaver.  Ballantine sees that the Lich seems to vanish from the guards’ swords and reappear, teleporting! He seems to have a melted face and his staff glows red at the end. The veteran soldier, Kade, is in front of Airk, and Kade cuts down a Death Dog. Kit is just able to defend herself against The Doom’s whips! She is saved by the appearance of Sorsha! Mother and daughter go back to back. The shapeshifter, The Dag (Claudia Hughes) transforms into her vicious, pale humanoid form. She crawls on all fours and Airk swings his sword at her!  This is seen by Graydon in the window above the courtyard. The Dag growls at Airk. Sorsha and Kit are driving off The Doom. He catches Sorsha with a whip and throws her aside. 

                                                Queen Sorsha’s costume display with sword below her, Lucasfilm exhibit, D23 Expo, photo by the author. 

Ballantine fights with The Lich, but is knocked down and he drives his staff burning into Ballantine’s shoulder!  The Scourge battles Jade and holds her against a wall by the neck!  Then, his arm is severed by the massive cleaver of Boorman!  The Doom yells out something in the fog. The Lich removes his staff from Ballantine. The Doom rides away as the other Gales retreat. Kit calls for someone to help her mother. Dove walks out looking for Airk. Graydon explains that Airk was taken away, the purpose of the siege. In the morning, he explains that he was just watching and hearing Pnakotic being spoken. He not only knows what was spoken, but may know the culture. Graydon also saw The Dag fly him away in her hawk shape. Dove overhears the conversation and wants to help. Boorman is brought in by guards trying to steal a horse. Kit volunteers to rescue her brother. Queen Sorsha agrees with her decision. 

Ballantine offers to join her, but he is still wounded and in charge of the castle’s defense. Instead, Kade offers to rescue the boy he watched over since he was born. Sorsha makes him leader. Jade says she will be part of the quest. King Hastur volunteers Graydon to go and whispers in his ear when he is reluctant to go. Graydon walks to the group. Sorsha calls over Boorman, she says he will be the guide, for a pardon. She says he will do so for a “debt with an old friend”, Madmartigan! Boorman says he can’t track a flying creature, um, The Gale did have a horse. She says the group needs a sorcerer, the last one, a Nelwyn. Willow! Later, Kit is by her mother’s bedside as she explains that Willow knew what would happen. Also, that Elora Danan disapperance and a rule against magic would protect Tir Asleen. Willow had told her that evil would return and magic could save them. Then, she confides to Kit that the spirit of Bavmorda in herself and her children lives on. 

It would destroy Tir Asleen and Sorsha saw this in her vision. Sorsha warns her about enemies everywhere. Kit draws her mother’s sword. Ballantine gives Jade her sword. Later, Queen Sorsha says to Jade that she must watch over Kit’s impulsiveness. The group leaves the courtyard and rides into the countryside. They are headed to the Barrier and Kase says it will take a day to reach the Mothers Gate.  The group can resupply with the Rangers that guard it, Jade suspects that they are being followed, but this is brushed off by Boorman. They move to the woods to catch their pursuers. Boorman goes to a white horse and pulls down a rider, Dove dressed in green! Kit wants to send her back asking her if she’s been in a fight. Dove instead says she can cook for them. Towards evening, Graydon plays a flute, Boorman warns them about the world that doesn’t care about their parents. Dove offers possum stew to Boorman who loves it. Later, she asks about the Barrier and Jade explains that it was made by Cherlindrea and Raziel to protect the land. 

                                         The costume and sword of Kit Tanthalos, costume design by Sarah Young, at the Lucasfilm exhibit, D23 Expo, author’s photo. 

Jade says her family was going to Mothers’ Gate, they were attacked (by Bone Reavers most likely), and she was the only survivor. Kase says the Barrier was made for Elora Danan. Dove asks about her and Kit says she was taken away by Madmartigan who stayed with her. Boorman asks Kit if this is just her belief. In the morning, Jade wakes to find her hand almost touching Kit’s hand, she finds that Boorman standing watch gives her a knowing look. Funny, but also that he can keep secrets. He says that Dove has left them. Dove has reached a gorge with a tree across it. The others ride to the tall, wrench-like pillars underneath the shimmering, bluish Barrier. It looks like something out of WandaVision. They find no Rangers in the outpost. Kit points out a wall with red writing on it. Graydon translates it. Something about The Eternal One. The ground starts to rumble. This affects Dove trying to cross on the tree, she leaps across, as the tree falls! She walks up to the Barrier and manages to walk through it. You know there is something special about her now!

Kit is surprised to see Dove walking. Kase warns them, but an arrow strikes him and he falls! Boorman sees the Bone Reavers, bandits in masks, riding for them! They loose arrows at them, Jade tosses a throwing star at a Bone Reaver, one recognizes Boorman, but he is slashed by Boorman’s cleaver! He starts saying, “Hsu-gala!” to his horse as he charges towards the edge of a cliff. They others shout, “Hsu-gala!”, as they fall into the water below.   The group lead their horses to land and Boorman explains that “Hsu-gala” is Angorian for “stop”, funny. Still, horses falling that distance would break their legs unless they fall into deep water. As they walk on, Kit apologizes to Graydon for her act at the banquet. Graydon agrees that love should be a part of marriage, Boorman huffs at his remark, great reaction by this mysterious character. They reach the edge of a village, tie off their horses, and meet a Nelwyn. He says he is Willow and now retired. 

Kit introduces herself, tells him about her mother, Sorsha, and their quest.  Then, we have the appearance of the true Willow (Warwick Davis)! He walks up with green vest around his blue shirt from the film and carries a staff. Willow says Kit reminds him or Sorsha and knows that Airk was taken by the Withered Crone across the Shattered Sea. Boorman can’t believe he said they have travel past the Shattered Sea, the end of all maps!  Willow says that they will have to go “beyond the edge of our world”! His words stumble as he looks at Dove. Willow walks up to her showing her arm and touches it using his magic. This reveals her mark as Elora Danan, the “future Empress” that can save them all!  A surprise and brilliant ending! There was a hint when she crossed the Barrier, but I like Elora Danan’s full titles and destiny. This does bring up questions. How did The Gales get through the Barrier? It is maintained by Raziel and Cherlindrea, where are they, and if they are around, why did they not sense Elora passing the Barrier? “The Gales”, pilot of Willow, introduces to interesting characters in an almost familiar world with Sorsha and then finally Willow himself!    

 

Five Bracelets out of Five! 

#Willow, #TheGales, #WarwickDavis, #RubyCruz, #ErinKellyman, #AmarChadhaPatel, #TonyRevolori, #SimonArmstrong, #JoanneWhalley, #ClaudiaHughes, #VitasLeBas, #JoonasSuotamo, #DanielNaprous