Population GO

Closing Your Day: The Year of the Archer

populationgo@gmail.com (Population GO) — Thu, 17 May 2012 23:02:06 -0700

Recap of Pop GO posts published on May 17, 2012.

Opening

Spice and Wolf

News

Reviews

Segments

Official “Avengers” Cinematic Timeline (Click...

populationgo@gmail.com (Population GO) — Thu, 17 May 2012 22:40:00 -0700

Official “Avengers” Cinematic Timeline

(Click through for a larger image)

Marvel unveiled its official timeline of events for its Avengers-related films. It models the timeline after Christianity’s calendar replacing Jesus at the center with Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man. Where as Christian calendars are broken up into B.C and A.D (Before Christ and Anno Domini) this Avengers timeline is broken up into BIM and AIM (Before Iron Man and After Iron Man).

The timeline chronicles all of the events depicted in the six films from starting with the Jotunehim invasion of Midgard/Earth all the way up to when Avengers assemble.

Of note is the exclusion of Aang Lee’s Hulk clarifying for fans whether or not Louis Letterier’s The Incredible Hulk was a direct sequel or not.

[Collider]

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Related: Previous posts on The Avengers
Official film review of The Avengers
Friend Pop GO on Facebook and Twitter

Behind-The-Scenes “Tron: Uprising” Featurette Join...

populationgo@gmail.com (Population GO) — Thu, 17 May 2012 22:21:02 -0700

Behind-The-Scenes “Tron: Uprising” Featurette

Join the voice cast of Tron: Uprising as they discuss the new animated series and all the work that has gone into it. There’s a ton of appreciation going on for the artwork of the series and the animation itself.

For those eager to take in everything from the grid, enjoy!

The first episode, “Beck’s Beginning,” will air Friday, May 18 (9:30 – 10:00 p.m., ET/PT) with an uninterrupted encore on Disney XD on Monday, May 21 (7:00 p.m. ET/PT), followed by the series launch on Thursday, June 7 (9:00 p.m.).

[Collider]

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Related: Previous posts on Tron: Uprising
Read the review of The Legend of Korra
Friend Pop GO on Facebook and Twitter

Comic Review: Daredevil #13

populationgo@gmail.com (Population GO) — Thu, 17 May 2012 21:02:28 -0700

Here it is, ‘devil fans! Daredevil against Megacrime! But it’s not quite what it appears to be. After Matt Murdock’s date was interrupted at the end of last issue, he’s going to have to deal with the crime syndicates after the Omega Drive head on.

Read on for my review.

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This issue continues right off of the conclusion of the previous issue, as Matt is forced to suit up to continue his fight against Megacrime to protect the Omega Drive. This is an exciting episode for those who have been reading along with the series since the beginning, as it introduces the next stage of Matt’s current dilemma.

It’s a pretty simple issue for the most part, just featuring Daredevil going head-to-head with members of all the different crime syndicates who are trying to get the drive from him. However, it’s the twist at the end that really makes this issue interesting. I don’t want to give it away, but it seems the interruption to his date at the end of last issue may not be exactly what it seems, and it also appears that Matt’s about to go up against a certain heavy-hitter in the Marvel Universe. Plus we get some good character work here between Matt and some surprise guests, as well as an awesome fight scene lasting through most of the issue.

Khoi Pham takes over the art for this issue, his second issue on the series after covering #10.1, and he continues to fit in very well with the other artists who have been featured on the book thus far. He’s not quite as good on here as other artists like Paolo Rivera, Marcos Martin, and last issues Chris Samnee, but the inks and colors help for his style to match the others.

Overall, another solid issue of this ongoing series, but it really just leaves me more excited for what’s to come next month as we see Matt face one of the MU’s best baddies.

GO Rating: 4/5

[Image via]

“The Possession” (2012) Debut Trailer The first...

populationgo@gmail.com (Population GO) — Thu, 17 May 2012 20:32:42 -0700

“The Possession” (2012) Debut Trailer

The first trailer for the upcoming horror film The Possession is out.

Now don’t go thinking that this is just another exorcism film, because for once the film isn’t using any Catholic mythos in its story. Instead, the film centers around a young girl who acquires a mysterious box at a yard sale that contains an evil spirit. Separating this from the past exorcism/possession type films like The Last Exorcism, The Devil Inside and The Rite, this film takes a look at the darker side of Jewish folkore.

The Possession hits theaters August 31st.

[Yahoo! Movies]

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Related: Watch more trailers
Official film review of Dark Shadows starring Johnny Depp
Friend Pop GO on Facebook and Twitter

“The Boondocks” Return For Season Four After a...

populationgo@gmail.com (Population GO) — Thu, 17 May 2012 20:01:00 -0700

“The Boondocks” Return For Season Four

After a two-year wait from season three, it looks like the world can get ready to see Huey, Riley and Granddad again.

Adult Swim placed the above image on their site today, revealing that season four of The Boondocks is coming. A date hasn’t been revealed yet.

[Adult Swim]

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Related: #ToonamiisBackBitches
Read the review of The Legend of Korra
Friend Pop GO on Facebook and Twitter

Top 5 Thursday: Tools of Shoujo Manga

populationgo@gmail.com (Population GO) — Thu, 17 May 2012 18:01:10 -0700

[via]

We’ve all found ourselves in a place where we are happily enjoying the wonderful fluff of our favorite shoujo series and we suddenly choke on our nearly consumed sour patch kid as an extremely unwelcome and annoying character intrudes on our experience (okay, maybe the sour patch kid is just me). Introducing the shoujo manga tool: that dude who always seems to ruin all of your well laid out plans and makes you want to throw your computer against the wall.

Some of the guys on this list may be a bit obscure, but they all have one thing in common: they make me want to scream in anger and throw stuff. I hope you enjoy some heavy tool-bashing!

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[via]

5. Akira (Dengeki Daisy): Akira is a fairly mysterious character who is first introduced as a boy who looks quite a bit like Teru’s brother and steals her first kiss without asking. He lands at number five not only because he is a huge tool, but also because he creeps the heck out of me. The guy has just about the scariest smile I have ever seen and some really freaky behaviors.

Akira is quite a tool because other than the generally evil things he does to Teru most of the time, he is also conceited about his abilities. What makes things worse is that he thinks he can beat Daisy easily, yet as soon as he is confronted by Daisy himself (and his physical strength) he runs away scared. If he was so tough he wouldn’t need to hide behind a hostage Teru so often would he?

[via]

4. Yahiro Saiga (Special A): No matter how many times Yahiro helped out the group or was nice to Megumi, I wasn’t ready to revoke his tool status. Maybe if he had actually officially gotten over Akira or dated Megumi I would have been a bit more forgiving — me being a sucker for everyone getting together — but he did neither and landed himself at number four.

Yahiro is a pretty standard tool. He gets in the way of everyone’s plans for his own entertainment and shows the girl he loves his affection by making sure she has no other friends. It’s no wonder that Akira never wants to talk to this guy again seeing as the only way he knows how to interact with others is with manipulation. He may have used his tricks for good at times, but I wasn’t ready to let Yahiro escape tooldom because of his few better actions.

[via]

3. Han Si Hoo (Orange Marmalade): I was introduced to Si Hoo fairly recently and he easily made it to number three on the shoujo tool list. I instantly disliked him simply because he was blocking Ma Ri and Jae Min’s relationship as her fiancé, but he added a lot of more annoying traits that boosted him up on the tool list.

We find out soon enough the Si Hoo is responsible for the news report on vampires that made Ma Ri’s life miserable and that he hates humans. All of this is compounded by his arrogant personality and his blatant surprise over Ma Ri’s dislike of him despite his good looks. He also makes some really creepy moves on Jae Min because of his delicious smelling blood which weirded me out. He has just the right amount of ignorance and arrogance to make him the perfect shoujo manga tool.

[via]

2. Tora Igarashi (Kaichou Wa Maid-sama): President Igarashi is the worst kind of tool; the kind that pretends to be a gentleman to get you to move to his school and be his personal sex-maid. Igarashi is particularly troublesome because he is super rich and has an obsessive personality. He does whatever he can to mess with Misaki and Usui, and seems to have some sort of information about Usui’s past that he uses to fuel his obsession with the two.

Igarashi is very tool-like in his acts of manipulation, including tricking Misaki into wearing a maid uniform so he could throw money at her and trying to get Usui and Misaki to break up by messing with her emotions and saying he loves her at Usui’s birthday party. His inability to believe that Misaki can beat his money and charm is his last tool characteristic, because his overconfidence makes a fool out of him quite often. That’s what he gets for messing with Seika High’s Student Counsel Prez!

[via]

1. Sho Fuwa (Skip Beat!): Sho has to be my ultimate shoujo tool. This guy pisses me off every time he speaks or even shows up in a panel. He may have created the Kyoko I love and he may increase the drama, but it isn’t worth it because he is so damn annoying. If there was a king of tools it would be Sho, the guy who took a girl to Tokyo to be his maid and threw her aside like a pair of old socks.

Sho’s ego is as big as Mount Everest and he is made much worse because he has the nerve to want Kyoko back after what he did to her. His desire to be with Kyoko again could have been a redeeming point for Sho if he didn’t express his feelings by saying he rightfully owns her and wants her to hate only him and think of no one else. Sho believes he is the best Japanese star, but his insecurity comes out when it comes to the extremely popular Ren Tsuruga. He shows his tool-like nature when he desperately tries to beat the unreachable Ren and when he thinks he still has a chance with Kyoko. This guy had to be my number one because no one makes me want to slam my head into the wall repeatedly more than Sho and his sparkly outfits.

Anime Review: Zetman - 7

populationgo@gmail.com (Population GO) — Thu, 17 May 2012 16:01:13 -0700

The moment we’ve all been waiting for!

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So, it finally happened, despite the possibility seemingly just out of reach. With Jin now at full power, a team-up just didn’t seem very likely. I mean, why would he need Kouga if he’s over ~~9000~~ 200%. Plus, Kouga seemed to be getting his ass handed to him, so I was about ready to count him out. The unexpected happens and Jin loses full power, and Kouga steps up all the way. For a moment there, I thought the crab dude was going to monologue for the rest of the episode.

We have some more info now, such as Kouga’s suit being powered by his will to fight. What the hell kind of system is that? That means that if he doubts himself, at all, he’ll get destroyed in combat. Considering that he’s been doubting himself since… well, the beginning of the series, this seems like a crap idea. I’d power that sucker via his doubts, making it grow stronger the more he doubts himself. The kid would be invincible, am I right?

We also now know that Jin can more than likely switch back and forth at will without losing any power. I mean, that’s what I got from this, which may or may not be wrong. If this is true, we can finally do away with the lengthy transformation process as he’ll just be able to go ~~Super Saiyan~~ Zet instantly… or so I hope. I don’t think we’ll be seeing Red Zet again, at least not until much later. It’s a shame, he honestly didn’t seem to exhibit any more power than he had before. Hell, he seemed a lot stronger when he first unleashed his power as a kid… at least in my mind.

Things are going to get pretty interesting fairly quickly, as Seiji is now interested in Kouga, and Mitsugai now knows who Alphas is. I don’t think his parents will find out about this, but I’m pretty sure this means Alphas is going to get some more backing. Hopefully Konoha is OK, though I don’t think any of the main characters are in any danger at this point. I’m rather pleased with this episode, and I still feel Zetman is on the right track.

GO Rating: 4/5

DJ Flula Interviews Cast Of “The Dictator” Screen...

populationgo@gmail.com (Population GO) — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:40:36 -0700

DJ Flula Interviews Cast Of “The Dictator”

Screen Junkies posted this video of someone named DJ Flula interviewing the cast of The Dictator, so to get you primed for the film (or my review of it) this weekend, watch this hapless young man get decimated by the cast of the film.

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Related: Read previous posts on The Dictator
Official film review of Dark Shadows starring Johnny Depp
Friend Pop GO on Facebook and Twitter

"Iron Man 3" Gets A Badge Of Approval

populationgo@gmail.com (Population GO) — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:31:06 -0700

With production for Iron Man 3 set to begin within the month, casting for the last few major roles in the movie, including what appears to be another villain, are being wrapped up.

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James Dale Badge is set to play the character of Eric Savin, who comic fans of Iron Man will know as the cyborg Coldblood-7. Joining a cast that includes Sir Ben Kingsley as the title villain—presumably The Mandarin—it’s interesting to note that the film may be adding another villain much like the duo of Justin Hammer and Whiplash in Iron Man 2.

With the plot of the film being based on Warren Ellis’ “Extremis” story where two scientists (played by Guy Pearce and Rebecca Hall) develop a nanotech virus transforming people into cyborgs, it seems fitting to throw in Coldblood-7 into the mix of villains for Iron Man 3.

[Screen Rant]

The Hero's Log - Skyrim (Part 9)

populationgo@gmail.com (Population GO) — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:02:29 -0700

28th of Last Seed 4E 201

The return to Riverwood was, fortunately, without interruption. We immediately made way for The Sleeping Giant to reunite Esbern and her, the last of the Blades. Once inside Delphine’s hidden room, Esbern informed us that we needed to locate Alduin’s Wall as it could give us clues on how to defeat Alduin. This wall chornicles all the knowledge that the Blades have in regards to this fearsome dragon, and without Esbern’s help we would never be able to find it. The wall is located within Sky Haven Temple which served as a refuge for the Blades here in Skyrim long ago.

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The temple is hidden deep within the crags of Karthspire within the Reach, and getting there will prove difficult, especially now that the area has been overtaken by the Forsworn. The Forsworn oppose everyone, and want The Reach to become a nation unto its own. With the temple right in the heart of the home of these fanatics, it’s no surprise no one else has found the place. We gathered up what we needed while Delphine informed Orgnar that she’d not be returning and that the Inn was now his.

Our journey, this time, would take us through Falkreath Hold just south of Lake Ilinalta with a stop in Rorikstead before braving the Reach. Forsworn weren’t the only dangers we could be facing with assassins out to kill me, Thalmor out to kill Esbern and Delphine, and dragons wishing to kill all of us. While I hoped we’d need not encounter any of them, I knew that there would be battles ahead. There is a time for fighting, and now did not seem the time, especially with what was at stake.

Just past the Half-Moon Mill we heard a roar that was all too familiar; a dragon was near. We readied our weapons and set off in that direction, catching glimpse of its wings through the trees. As if it could sense our approach, the dragon rose above the foliage before swooping to the ground before us, ready for a fight. With the aid of both Delphine and Esbern, the dragon stood not a chance. Soon it was nothing but bones, and I had gained the strength of its soul.

Not far from this point we saw yet another dragon, though this one far more dangerous than the one we had just defeated. Though only a silhouette against the blue of the noon sky ahead, we knew it to be Alduin. We readied our weapons and rushed to the site, hoping to thwart the resurrection of yet another dragon to aid his cause. We arrived just in time for the dragon to awaken, Alduin leaving us to fight it. The battle was fiercer than that of the last, but still no match for our combined force. It too fell, and I joined its soul with those gained before.

After this we went to Frost Fruit Inn, not far from the site of the Dragon Mound, to leave behind what we would not need. While fighting dragons was a fierce undertaking, we could very well be taking on a horde of Forsworn and the majority of our belongings would only serve to slow us down. After a quick meal we steeled ourselves against the storm and made way for Karthspire. We decided, at this point, to split up with Delphine and Esbern taking a frontal assault while Lydia and myself would cut through the hills and approach from the other side.

Our plan proved to be beneficial as the place that Esbern had marked on my map was indeed the home of several Forsworn. To reach the temple, we’d need fight our way through. We waited for Esbern’s signal atop a bluff over looking the compound, watching the movements of the Forsworn below.

It was night before we saw Esbern’s Flame Atronach blaze into existence, the signal we had waited for. We drew our weapons and took one of the near by forsworn by surprise, leaving her to bleed out as we descended into the fray. The battle was over almost as quickly as it had begun and we then made our way into Karthspire. Just inside there were more Forsworn, but their numbers were too few to have maybe much of a difference. They fought bravely, but fell all the same.

Just beyond this small cave lay the entrance to the temple. To reach it, however, we had to first solve a puzzle in the form of three small pillars. With the pillars turned so that their symbols matched, a stone drawbridge let us continue. The small tunnel led us to another puzzle, this one consisting of pressure plates on the floor. I recognized the symbols on the floor to be identical to those on the pillars. The symbol that had made the drawbridge come down created a pathway and I had the others wait behind whilst I slowly made my way to a chain I hoped would undo the trap. After pulling it, I tentatively stepped upon one of the tiles I dared not touch before. Luckily, the chain had done as I suspected and we were then able to press on.

Once through we came open the door way to the temple, its shape in that of a face-carved in stone. To open it, according to Esbern, we’d need to break the Blood Seal. The only blood capable of breaking this seal was mine, as I was the Dragonborn. had anyone else been able to find this place before us, they’d not have been able to enter.

Once inside Esbern lost track of our goal, taken in by the Akaviri architecture that made up the walls that lined the stair way leading into the main hall. Deklphine was quick to snap him out of it, and he then made his way to Alduin’s wall at the back of the room. The wall told of how the dragon cult, once in reverence of Alduin, turned against him. The center piece to the wall shows Alduin’s defeat, though it did not specify exactly how it was done. The only clue we have is that a shout was used, one that could knock a dragon from the sky. Delphine asked me if I had heard of such, as I had met the Greybeards. I told her I had not, but that I would seek them out and ask their council on the matter. If anyone was to know of this shout, it would be them. Delphine agreed, though her contempt for their order showed through in her tone and words. Delphine and Esbern would remain within Sky Haven, fixing it up as best they could.

While Esbern continued to marvel at Alduin’s wall, I decided to look about before leaving. I came upon a small room that held within it a table with weapons laid across its top. One of the weapons, a sword, caught my eye and I decided to take it as my own, the Akaviri blade feeling as though it belonged in my hand. A chest just to the left of this table held within it a full suit of Blades armor, which I substituted for my own. Once ready, we made our way back to Rorikstead to collect our things before making our way back to High Hrothgar. We arrived back at Frost Fruit just before the sun had risen ad decided to rest for a few hours before continuing.

“Maniac” (2012) Cannes Film Festival Teaser Trailer...

populationgo@gmail.com (Population GO) — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:41:10 -0700

“Maniac” (2012) Cannes Film Festival Teaser Trailer (NSFW)

Here is the teaser trailer for the upcoming remake of the 1980 horror film of the same name.

Starring Elijah Wood, the film centers around a psychotic mannequin shop owner with a history of child abuse who gets back at his mother by killing women and scalping their heads.

The film is making its rounds at the Cannes Film Festival and should it be picked up for distribution in the states, it should hit theatres later this fall.

[YouTube]

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Related: Watch more trailers
Official film review of Dark Shadows starring Johnny Depp
Friend Pop GO on Facebook and Twitter

Press Release For "Sin City 2" Confirms Release Date & 3D

populationgo@gmail.com (Population GO) — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:20:35 -0700

[via]

Dimension Films has released a press statement for the film that confirms a couple of details.

Hit the break to find out when it’s going to be released!

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Here’s a short break down of the key points in Dimeson Film’s press release:

Sin City: A Dame to Kill is tentatively set to open up on October 4th, 2013, so mark that date off your calendars.
It is set to be released in 3D. This will be the second 3D film for Rodriguez after last year’s Spy Kids: All the Time in the World.
Production is set to begin later this summer after Machete Kills wraps up and will primarily take place in Rodriguez’ Troublemaker Studios in Austin, Texas.
The press release confirms that both Mickey Rourke and Jessica Alba will be reprising their roles in the upcoming sequel.

The full press release can be read below:

FRANK MILLER’S SIN CITY: A DAME TO KILL FOR IN THEATERS NATIONWIDE ON OCTOBER 4, 2013

ORIGINAL CAST MEMBERS MICKEY ROURKE AND JESSICA ALBA RETURN FOR THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED SEQUEL

New York, NY (14 May 2012) — Dimension Films announced today that the highly anticipated sequel FRANK MILLER’S SIN CITY: A DAME TO KILL FOR will open nationwide on October 4, 2013. Casting is underway, with original cast members returning to work with directors Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller, from their script co-written by Academy Award® winner William Monahan . Academy Award® nominee Mickey Rourke and Jessica Alba are already confirmed to return.

The script and details of the film’s story are being kept tightly under wraps. The remaining cast will be announced shortly with some huge names expected to fill the roles of Sin Ciy’s newest characters yet to be seen on the big screen.

The original SIN CITY broke new ground with its iconic stylish look and grossed over $160 million worldwide. FRANK MILLER’S SIN CITY: A DAME TO KILL FOR will not only bring fans back to the world that Rodriguez and Miller created, but will also add a new dimension by bringing their unique visual style to life in 3D.

The film will be released by Dimension Films in the US and Canada, and produced by Quick Draw Productions, AR Films, Miramax and Solipsist.

Aldamisa International’s C.O.O. Jere Hausfater and President of International Sales and Distribution Nadine de Barros and will oversee international sales for this project at the Cannes Film Festival.

The film is expected to begin production this summer at Robert Rodriguez’s Troublemaker Studios in Austin, Texas.

[Collider]

“Skyfall” Teaser Poster Revealed The first poster...

populationgo@gmail.com (Population GO) — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:01:26 -0700

“Skyfall” Teaser Poster Revealed

The first poster for the 23rd Bond film, Skyfall, has hit the net. In this third go around for Daniel Craig as the famed spy, his loyalties as agent 007 are tested when events from M’s past come back to haunt her as MI6 comes under assault. Bond must track down and eliminate the threat no matter the personal cost to himself.

Skyfall is being directed by Sam Mendes and also stars Demian Bichir, Berenice Marlohe, Naomie Harris & Ola Rapace. It hits theatres November 9th.

[007]

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Related: View more film posters
Official film review of Dark Shadows starring Johnny Depp
Friend Pop GO on Facebook and Twitter

First Images Of Liam Neeson In “Taken 2” Back in...

populationgo@gmail.com (Population GO) — Thu, 17 May 2012 12:35:39 -0700

First Images Of Liam Neeson In “Taken 2”

Back in early 2009 a surprise hit by the name of Taken starring all around bad ass Liam Neeson was released. Jump three years later and we have the first images for the 2012 follow-up to the surprise hit.

Liam Neeson is back for the sequel which sees him and his “set of skills” being tested once again, as both he and his former wife—played by Famke Janssen—are tracked down and kidnapped by associates of the former film’s villains. This time Neeson is going to need help from his daughter—played by Maggie Grace—in rescuing himself and Janssen.

Neeson expands more on the film in his interview with Entertainment Weekly here.

[EW]

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Related: Casting and plot details for Taken 2
Official film review of Dark Shadows starring Johnny Depp
Friend Pop GO on Facebook and Twitter

"Borderlands 2" Limited Editions Ready To Be Looted

populationgo@gmail.com (Population GO) — Thu, 17 May 2012 12:00:01 -0700

Gearbox officially announced the complete contents of their Borderlands 2 “Ultimate Loot Chest” Limited Edition and the “Deluxe Vault Hunters” Collectors Edition. Priced at $149.99 and $99.99 respectively, they come packed with loot for fans of the series.

Full lists of the content after the break.

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First up is the $149.99 Ultimate Loot Chest limited edition that includes:

a replica loot chest
Marcus bobblehead with storage case
steelbook for the game
notes about the monsters of Pandora
art book
postcards
stickers
a cloth map
comic book download voucher
a copy of the game (of course)
a certificate of authenticity

The Deluxe Vault Hunter’ Collectors Edition includes a little less but keeps the bobble head, art book, stickers, comic download and a copy of the game.

Pre-ordering now will also ensure that players get the Mecromancer character class and extra loot at some select retailers.

Borderlands 2 will be available on September 21, 2012, for PS3, Xbox 360 and PC.

[Borderlands2.com]

“Arrow” - ‘Just Beginning’ Clip Hot on...

populationgo@gmail.com (Population GO) — Thu, 17 May 2012 11:45:00 -0700

“Arrow” - ‘Just Beginning’ Clip

Hot on the heels of the scheduling news for Arrow, this first clip has hit the web for the CW series based on the DC character of Green Arrow.

The clip is essentially a short origin and training montage and for what it is, it does impress me on the physicality of the up-and-coming hero.

[YouTube]

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Related: Previous posts on Arrow
Read comic book reviews on Green Arrow
Friend Pop GO on Facebook and Twitter

Anime Review: Mobile Suit Gundam AGE - 31

populationgo@gmail.com (Population GO) — Thu, 17 May 2012 11:01:00 -0700

Yes, we are passing through the former United States East Coast and there is a desert.

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Episode thirty-one moves along and with it we’re thrown some more Gundam tropes: from an older mentor pilot to a trio of ace pilots with a special attack to a desert battle that introduces a new surface-based specialized weapon. More on those later, but first up is the growing presence of Shanalua, one of Seric Abis’ mobile suit team. In an act of an elder sibling, she takes Kio under her wing in instructing him on mobile suit combat beyond what Flit has drilled into him. With her character, I’m getting the first actual sense of a person who truly understands what war is and the cost of it no matter what the justification to fighting is. There was a bit of that in Grodek, but he chose to ignore it in the face of getting revenge for his family.

As stated earlier, a new trio of ace pilots make their debut in this current mini-arc. With their specialized mobile suits, they prove more than formidable enough against the Diva and its compliment of Mobile Suits. As characters themselves, they’re just there as plot devices to keep the story going and develop Kio’s skill as a pilot so when one of them dies at the end of the episode, you don’t really feel much for him. Along with this battle, we get the debut of the new Gundam AGE Fortress, which bears a strong resemblance to Gundam Seravee of Gundam 00’s second season. Like it, it is a mobile suit designed with a compliment of four beam cannons although seemingly designed exclusively for land combat with high mobility. It’s a powerful suit, but hopefully it doesn’t wind up being under utilized much like the brute force Titus from the first arc.

There’s also a minor sub-plot in this episode concerning the relationship between Kio and Dique’s grandson Woobit, as there is complete animosity on Woobit’s part. It feels so unneeded and is resolved rather quickly to the point that it just felt pointless to include in the series at all. Also, there are a couple of things shown in this episode about Shanalua that has me speculating about her character. Twice she’s shown punching in something into a mobile device and her attitude to the war by contrast to the others really separates her from the rest. With it known that Vagans had infiltrated many levels of the Earth Federation, I wouldn’t be surprised down the line to have it revealed that she is also a Vagan spy putting Kio at odds with his current beliefs as he’s gotten to know her. Should that be the case, it will most likely be the turning point for this series in its attitude of the Asuno family’s goals in ending this war. Overall though, this episode is just slightly above average thanks to the focus given on Shanalua.

GO Rating: 3.5/5

Talk about Serave… err Fortress, definite overkill.

“Arrow” Shooting Your Way This Fall The CW has...

populationgo@gmail.com (Population GO) — Thu, 17 May 2012 10:31:00 -0700

“Arrow” Shooting Your Way This Fall

The CW has officially announced that Arrow, the new superhero TV show focusing on the adventures of Oliver Queen, will be airing this Fall and coming your way at 8PM on Wednesday nights. It will be followed by Supernatural, which has been renewed for an eighth season.

[G reenArrowTV.Com]

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Related: Previous posts on Arrow
Read comic book reviews on Green Arrow
Friend Pop GO on Facebook and Twitter

The Weekly Pull List: 05/16/12

populationgo@gmail.com (Population GO) — Thu, 17 May 2012 08:31:00 -0700

Ok, this is my first time doing this, so bear with me and welcome to The Weekly Pull List!

As usual, I have teamed up with fellow comics contributors Sam (sjhawkins) and Ryley (ryley-stbatman), as we each highlight our personal five picks from our Pull Lists from this week’s comic releases.

This week sees “Night of the Owls” continue over in the Batman books, some more “Ends of the Earth” madness for Spider-Man, and the next instalment of “Avengers Vs. X-Men”!

Read on to see what we’ve picked this week!

CHRIS’ PICKS

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN: ENDS OF THE EARTH #1

It seems that Doctor Octopus wasn’t alone when he decided to burn the world to ashes. Good thing Spidey isn’t alone either! Putting out a call across the world for any superheroes that believe him, Spidey asks them to do their best to defeat Ock’s plans and stop him launching his satellites into orbit. Featuring Sabra, Union Jack, and Big Hero Six, this special one-shot shows who succeeds, and who fails…

AVENGERS ACADEMY #30

Sebastian Shaw is loose at the Avengers Academy, and it’s up to the Academy kids to stop him (and the other X-Men) from leaving. But what if they decide that the X-Men have the right idea? And what will happen if Hercules decides to take all his clothes off again?

BLUE BEETLE #9

Heading to New York in search of a superhero mentor sounded like a good idea, but Jaime didn’t expect to run into Kyle Rayner, as well as Bleez and Glomulus. Unfortunately, the scarab’s creators, the Reach, are mortal enemies with the Green Lantern Corps, and…well, you can guess what happens next.

THUNDERBOLTS #174

Fixer is dead, killed by Fixer. Don’tcha hate time travel? Working with the past! Thunderbolts, the present! Thunderbolts attempt to rectify the problem before the timeline collapses around them - and someone makes a decision that will affect the entire destiny of the team. With this final issue, the Thunderbolts will be changed forever, and we actually mean it!

VENOM #18

Crime Master! Jack O’Lantern! Toxin! Human Fly! Death Adder! Megatak! The Savage Six are coming, and they will stop at nothing to destroy everything Venom has worked to create. First in their sights? Betty Brant! Venom’s going to need all the help he can get, but there’s a type of help he’ll never see coming heading right towards him!

CHRIS IS ALSO PICKING UP…

- NIGHTWING #9

- AVENGERS VS. X-MEN #4

- NEW MUTANTS #42

- UNCANNY X-MEN #12

- X-FACTOR #236

- CATWOMAN VOL. 1: THE GAME TPB

- GREEN LANTERN VOL. 1: SINESTRO HC

- GENERATION HOPE: THE END OF A GENERATION TPB

- NEW AVENGERS BY BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS VOL. 3 HC

RYLEY’S PICKS

DAREDEVIL #13

All the pieces are in place and it’s Daredevil against Megacrime! I can’t help but to always be excited about this series whenever it ships, but this issue just has me on the edge of my seat because we finally get to see the showdown that the series has been leading up to.

INCREDIBLE HULK#7.1

The Avengers movie really gave a lot of great focus to Hulk’s character so in the past few weeks we’ve seen a lot of new Hulk fans popping up all over the place, and I have to say that this is the perfect issue for new fans to jump onto the current ongoing series. I’m loving what Jason Aaron’s been doing so far, and I can’t wait to see where he goes from this point forth.

THUNDERBOLTS #174

It’s the end of the T-Bolts as we know them! Seriously, though, it’s the final issue of the series before it gets renamed to “Dark Avengers”, and it’s sure to be a great finale as the Thunderbolts take their last step on this journey through time they’ve been on for the last year or so. How will their adventures in the past affect the present?

VENOM #18

Last issue brought a bit of prologue to the “Savage Six” event, so this issue is where it officially begins, and it’s sure to start with a bang. With the recent news revealed that this would be the final arc of Remender’s run on the series, it just makes me that much more excited to see how this story will conclude.

WONDER WOMAN #9

I’m always looking forward to Azzarello and Chiang’s Wonder Woman each month is comes out, but this month’s issue excited me a bit more than usual as it seems we’re moving into some pretty crazy territory story-wise. Diana is in hell, and she’s just been shot by Hades… with Cupid’s gun? Well, that can’t end well.

RYLEY IS ALSO PICKING UP…

- BATWOMAN #9

- FANTASTIC FOUR #605.1

- INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #517

- NEW MUTANTS #42

- UNCANNY X-MEN #12

- WINTER SOLDIER #5

- SAGA #3

- SAUCER COUNTRY #3

- SCALPED #58

SAM’S PICKS

BLUE BEETLE #9

Jaime’s visit to find a superhero mentor in New York really hasn’t gone to plan. From destroying a home for runaways to tangling with Stopwatch, Jaime has now come across a bona fide hero in Green Lantern Kyle Rayner – just a shame that Green Lantern’s are the arch enemies of the Reach, whose bugsuit Jaime is wearing! I’m mostly interested into how this ties into Green Lantern: New Guardians #9 however, with the Reach launching a nice little invasion of Odym, homeworld of the Blue Lanterns!

DAREDEVIL #13

You may have expected the fun around the Omega Drive to have ended with “The Omega Effect”, but in truth, it’s only just beginning! Megacrime however is still as intent as ever on claiming the Drive, and the threats to Matt and his friends have already started. Will Matt’s fresh outlook on life finally be shattered by the strain of battling Megacrime? Only one way to find out – by picking up this issue!

GREEN LANTERN CORPS #9

“Alpha War” starts here! John Stewart’s secret from the opening story arc has been discovered by the Alpha Lanterns, and they aren’t too happy about, seeking to put him on trial for the murder of a fellow Lantern. And no Lantern escapes the Alpha Lanterns!

WINTER SOLDIER #5

Things are really starting to heat up, with Lucia Von Bardas’s plan to ignite all-out war between America and Latveria edging ever closer to completion, with her obtaining the codes to launch Latveria’s nuclear weapons. Bucky and the Black Widow are fighting a desperate mission to avert war, and all they have to do is defeat the very sleeper agents Bucky trained, possibly the machine-gun wielding Gorilla, and shut down the missile solos. Simple right?

WONDER WOMAN #9

This series has developed shocks each month, and if you hadn’t read ahead on the solicits, then the ending for #8 would have shocked you for sure. With Diana now seemingly at the mercy of Hades, can she survive the fate he has planned for her? Oh, and just what are Apollo and Ares planning? One of the best comics coming out of the New 52, this is another issue you must pick up – if not, then at least grab make sure you grab the collected editions!

SAM IS ALSO PICKING UP…

- 2000 AD PROG 1783

- AVENGERS VS. X-MEN #4

- BATWOMAN #9

- FANTASTIC FOUR #605.1

- JUSTICE LEAGUE #9

- UNCANNY X-MEN #12

So those are our picks for this week!

Are there any great comics out there which we are missing out on? If so, then be sure to tell us below in the comments section.

So until next week, take care and enjoy your comics!

[Images via Marvel, DC Comics, DWKA, and CBR]