Castle Geek-Skull: A Pop-Culture Extravaganza!

Three Year Old's Metallica Meltdown

2012-02-02T07:14:00.003-05:00

The demographic of San Francisco's heavy metal darlings Metallica is ever growing. Meet their biggest fan - three year old Dakota:

For Dakota, no other music is acceptable. She doesn't even dare sing along. That would only ruin it. No one is allowed to sing those songs but James "Metallica" Hetfield himself! As Dakota defiantly exclaims...

Only Metallica indeed.

G.I. Joe: Retaliation Premiere Trailer

2011-12-12T21:01:00.004-05:00

Here's Machinima's premiere trailer for G.I. Joe: Retaliation, the upcoming sequel to 2009's so-so at best G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra. The Jon M. Chu (director of Step Up 3D and that Justin Bieber flick...wait, what the?) directed film stars Dwayne Johnson as Roadblock, Channing Tatum as Duke, Adrianna Palicki as Lady Jaye, Ray Stevenson as Firefly, Ray Park as Snake Eyes, Bruce Willis as Joe Colton...and that's just to name a few. If this trailer is anything to go by - the film should be worth checking out. Look for it in theaters June 29th, 2011.

Breaking Bad Inspired Shirt From Teefury

2011-12-12T00:05:00.002-05:00

Teefury's latest $10 t-shirt features Jesse & Mr. White from the amazing Breaking Bad television series done up in a quasi-Calvin and Hobbes style. Neat? Neat.

If you'd like to grab one before it disappears from the site on December 13th, 2011 - Teefury is this-a-way: Teefury - The Limited Edition Cheap T-Shirt, Gone in 24 Hours!

New Metallica Song "Rebel of Babylon" Released

2011-12-11T04:04:00.007-05:00

During Metallica's final 30th Anniversary celebration show at San Francisco's Fillmore, a fourth unused Death Magnetic track was included in the setlist. As you can see by the handy entry title, this one is called "Rebel of Babylon". If you followed 2008's "Mission: Metallica", you may remember this video with a rather enthusiastic James Hetfield headbanging/air guitaring/pianoing to some unreleased material. The music heard there is part of "Rebel." During the gig, MetClub e-mailed members an mp3 of the studio version. Here's a Youtube upload:

Youtube videos of these formerly unreleased Death Magnetic songs are currently being taken down by Warner Music Group, so the video above may not work when you view this.

The Geekskull rundown: This song is, in technical terms, a motherfucker. Furious riffing, brilliant lyrics, delicious vocal deliveries from Hetfield, a solo that actually fits Kirk Hammett's band-given moniker "The Ripper", and, and, and...just, wow. Again, it's puzzling that such an impressive track was left off of Death Magnetic, but the four songs debuted this week are going to make for one hell of a potent EP. Beyond Magnetic anyone?

PS - If you'd like to read the song's lyrics, you can do so here via the official Metallica website: http://www.metallica.com/songs/rebel-of-babylon.asp

New Metallica Song "Just A Bulllet Away" Released

2011-12-08T03:34:00.003-05:00

Metallica's 30th Anniversary celebration at San Francisco's Fillmore continued tonight, December 7th, and yet another unused Death Magnetic song was part of the setlist. This time, it's "Just A Bullet Away" - the full version of a song many thought might be called "Shine" based on the few clips that found their way onto the Mission: Metallica videos from 2008. After the song was played, MetClub e-mailed members the studio version mp3. Youtuber "Dirtcharming" then uploaded it for your streaming pleasure:

Geekskull thoughts? It's a beast of a song. Heavy riffs abound, fantastic vocal phrasing, an absolutely beautiful interlude, and lead work that rivals anything the band has done in many, many years. It's unfathomable that the band decided not to include this on Death Magnetic, but at least we're finally able to enjoy it now.

Assuming the possible Beyond Magnetic EP (which is still unconfirmed officially) is indeed coming our way soon - it's only natural that this song will be the second track. It's known that there were four unused Death Magnetic songs - so will we hear the next two during the final two 30th anniversary shows? We'll keep you posted!

PS: If you missed the first unreleased song "Hate Train" from the December 5th show - check out our coverage of it HERE!

New Metallica Song "Hate Train" Released:

2011-12-06T13:13:00.006-05:00

Metallica is currently celebrating their 30th Anniversary with a series of shows at San Francisco's Fillmore. December 5th was the first of the four gigs, and among the many surprises on the setlist was the unreleased Death Magnetic song "Hate Train". After the show, MetClub e-mailed it's members an mp3 of the studio version from the 2008 recording sessions. As you might expect, the song is now available for everyone via Youtube:

Keep in mind, this is a rough cut of a technically unfinished song. That considered, this particular CGS contributor found "Hate Train" quite a fun listen! The arrangement comes across as a little...over ambitious in spots with a jarring transition or two, but there's a lot to love in those 6 minutes. The vocals and lead guitar in particular are some of the strongest we've heard from the Death Magnetic sessions. There's an absolutely demented bit of lead work 5 minutes and 30 seconds that left a giant smile on my face, especially when it was immediately followed by an absolutely classic line delivery from James Hetfield, complete with the obligatory "-AH!!!" at the end. Damn.

Even better? The mp3 lists an associated album title - Beyond Magnetic - complete with the "album art" heading this entry. Perhaps the other three unreleased Death Magnetic songs are on their way as well! A nice surprise indeed. Almost makes up for that Lulu nonsense!

New Expendables 2 Cast Poster

2011-11-19T05:51:00.003-05:00

Joblo.com has brought us this new poster featuring the cast of the upcoming film The Expendables 2, the sequel to 2010's biggest action fest starring Stallone, Statham, Li, Lundgren, Roberts, and...dear lord, it goes on and on. Like the first, the sequel's cast is jam packed with action movie legends (as you see from the poster, even Van Damme is in this time!) and the excitement for seeing all these guys together remains in full force. Admittedly, this particular CGS contributor feels a bit meh about Chuck Norris - but damned if that or anything else short of the apocalypse will keep me from seeing the movie when it finally hits theaters on August 12, 2012.

S.H. Figuarts Dragon Ball Z Trunks Image

2011-11-17T00:02:00.000-05:00

Yeah. S.H. Figuarts Dragon Ball Z Trunks from Bandai. If you're into that show - and into that toyline - you have every reason to be happy right now. We'll add purchase/release info as soon as we have it.

Batman: Arkham City Big Head Mode!

2011-11-16T14:57:00.000-05:00

Thanks to a discovery by SuperSwiftyOne of the Youtubes, fans and players of Batman: Arkham City can now engage in Big Head Mode, wherein Batman and all other character models take on a fun super-deformed look. To activate this mode, just hold down the left and right triggers while rotating the left analog counter clockwise - and the right clockwise. Good times!

ThunderCats 6 Inch Tygra and Cheetara Images

2011-11-16T14:52:00.000-05:00

Oh look, the Bandai ThunderCats toyline is going to include 6 inch versions of the new Tygra and Cheetara after all. Gaze upon them. Want them. Love them.

Enjoy.

KREMLINS!

2011-11-09T00:11:00.000-05:00

Today's $10 t-shirt from the fine folks at Teefury brings us a rather fun spin on the Gremlins franchise. Nice! The design will only be available November 9, 2011. If you want to pick one up, head on over to Teefury here: Teefury - The Limited Edition Cheap T-Shirt, Gone in 24 Hours!

ThunderCats Picked Up for 52 Episodes

2011-11-06T23:58:00.001-05:00

From the ThunderCatsNOW Twitter: The Art Director for the new ThunderCats cartoon, Dan Norton, has confirmed that the show has been confirmed for a 52 episode run. Episode 10 aired this past Friday, so we've got at least 42 more episodes to enjoy! Great news!

ThunderCats, HO!

PS: If you missed it, ThunderCats Season 1 Book 1 is now available on DVD!

TFAW Black Days of November Sale - Save 50 to 80 Percent

2011-11-06T15:48:00.002-05:00

Things From Another World's Black Days of November Sale is a progressive sale starting November 7th, 2011. The discounts begin at 50 percent off and will increase 10 percent each week. By November 25th, many items will be discounted as much as 80 percent!

However, if you follow TFAW on Facebook and Twitter now - once they hit 4,500 "Likes" and Followers on each site, they'll bring out the 60 percent discounts early.

If you're interested in taking advantage of some savings on comics and toys, be sure to check out TFAW.com starting November 7th. Enjoy!

Mad Hatter and Jack Sparrow Mickey Mouse Toys from Medicom

2011-11-06T15:10:00.001-05:00

From the fine folks at Medicom, here comes Mad Hatter Mickey Mouse and Jack Sparrow Mickey Mouse! Is our favorite mouse a Johnny Depp fan? These crazy cute 5.5 inch figures are set to ship in the spring of 2012 - and are already available for pre-order from Sideshow Collectibles. If you're into these, you can check out the product pages via the links below:

Transformers Prime Deluxe Starscream Gallery

2011-11-06T15:02:00.001-05:00

The Transformers Galaxy facebook page has given us this gallery of Transformers Prime deluxe Starscream, showing off some of the fun to be had with the figure. Quite a devious looking fellow! The odd "high heel" feet design and overall slender build have been controversial for some - but this CGS contributor can't wait to grab one!

Doctor Who Whovian Shirt from Teefury

2011-11-06T00:14:00.000-04:00

Today's $10 t-shirt from Teefury turns the term "Whovian" (a name used by some to describe Doctor Who fans) into a work of art. The design will only be available November 6, 2011, so act fast if you want to grab one! If you're interested, head on over to Teefury here: Teefury - The Limited Edition Cheap T-Shirt, Gone in 24 Hours!

Transformers IGear Spray and Rager Nearly Finished

2011-11-05T17:17:00.000-04:00

This image of IGear Spray and Rager, third party Transformer toys updating Generation 1 Seaspray and Huffer, comes to us from the IGear facebook. These are the final plastic colors, giving a good idea of what the final product will look like. The only remaining step - paint! They're set for release soon, so be on the look out.

The Kool-Aid Man Discovers Coffee

2011-11-05T00:11:00.000-04:00

Teefury's latest $10 t-shirt shows us what might happen if the Kool-Aid Man were to discover coffee! Scary? Maybe. Awesome? Yes!

This design will only be available for the duration of November 5, 2011. If you want to grab on, just check out Teefury here: Teefury - The Limited Edition Cheap T-Shirt, Gone in 24 Hours!

Mario and Pac-Man Mashup Shirt from Teefury

2011-11-04T00:06:00.002-04:00

Teefury's newest $10 t-shirt is another awesome mashup, this time teaming Mario with Pac-Man! If you ever wondered what might happen if those two gaming icons got together - here you go! Cool stuff.

This design is only for sale on November 4, 2011. If you want to pick one up, just check out the Teefury homepage via the following link: Teefury - The Limited Edition Cheap T-Shirt, Gone in 24 Hours!

Mario & Jurassic Park Mashup Shirt from Teefury

2011-11-02T00:06:00.000-04:00

Yes, you guessed it, Teefury's $10 t-shirt of the day is a geeky mashup wherein the Super Mario universe meets Jurassic Park! All new levels of win have officially been reached!

This design will only be available November 2, 2011. If you'd like to pick one up, check out the Teefury homepage via the following link: Teefury - The Limited Edition Cheap T-Shirt, Gone in 24 Hours!

Zelda Inspired Shirt from Teefury

2011-11-01T00:24:00.001-04:00

Teefury's latest $10 t-shirt should be a real treat for the Zelda fans out there. This design will only be available today - November 1, 2011. If you want to grab one, just check out the Teefury homepage via the following link: Teefury - The Limited Edition Cheap T-Shirt, Gone in 24 Hours!

Life-Size Batman Bust from Sideshow Collectibles

2011-10-31T16:56:00.000-04:00

Check out this Life-Size Batman bust from Sideshow Collectibles. Dat sculpt. Dat paint. Dat grumpy face. Damn! This particular CGS contributor might not have the 600 bucks required to grab one - so I'll have to live vicariously through some of you. If you can afford one (or just want to have a look around) you can find the Sideshow product page here:

Alien Facehugger "Free Hugs" Shirt from Teefury

2011-10-31T01:14:00.000-04:00

Teefury's new shirt brings us some Alien franchise love for the second day in a row! This rather clever design, featuring an alien facehugger egg offering up "free hugs", will only be available today - October 31, 2011. If you want in on the fun, you can check out the Teefury homepage via the following link: Teefury - The Limited Edition Cheap T-Shirt, Gone in 24 Hours!

Happy Halloween!

Bishop Wrinkle Cream Shirt from Teefury

2011-10-30T00:09:00.001-04:00

Today's Teefury shirt is Bishop Wrinkle Cream, as seen above. Yes, it's Fringe meets Aliens - one hell of a geeky mashup! As expected, this design will only be available today - October 30, 2011. If you'd like to grab one, check out the Teefury homepage: Teefury - The Limited Edition Cheap T-Shirt, Gone in 24 Hours!

Cthuluchador Shirt from Teefury

2011-10-29T00:36:00.000-04:00

Here's today's Teefury shirt: Cthuluchador. H.P. Lovecraft meets Lucha libre...somehow, it just feels so right. As always, this shirt design will only be available today - October 29, 2011. If you're interested in grabbing one, you can hurricanrana your way over to the Teefury site here: Teefury - The Limited Edition Cheap T-Shirt, Gone in 24 Hours!