I'm not known for consistency when it comes to the ToB blog but that's not to say I'm not always getting ideas for new blog posts. Its finding the time to actually write them that's difficult. So that means today is a red letter day. Not only is this a new blog post, its the first entry in an ongoing series of blog posts. My 5 Thoughts (working title) are meant to give me a way to get what I'm thinking on paper in an quick and easy format. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it and I'm excited to get more of these out there.
1. Son of Batman Trailer
Based off the much acclaimed comic arc by Grant Morrison called Batman and Son (why didn't they just call it that?) we get the trailer for the next DC animated film. And as odd as it is to get the trailer so early, its not unwelcome. A thing I noticed from the trailer; it appears to have the same look and feel as the previous few DC animated adventures, which has grown on me. I also noticed some consistency in voice casting. Apart from the Dark Knight animated adaptation they’ve cast Jason O’Mara as Batman few times now. Though he’s no Kevin Conroy he is ALSO starting to grow on me. As far the story is concerned I’m not too worried. Batman and Son is one of the best Batman stories I’ve read from Morrison and with the resume WB Animation has put together with their adaptations in the past this story is in good hands. Cant wait.
2. Batman vs. Superman Delay
This really isn't a big deal, 2015 was getting a little crowded anyway (besides, we still have Avengers 2 and Star Wars to look forward to right? That being said, the idea of a "Super Summer" (pardon the pun) in movies had a certain appeal. Who didn't want to see the big 3 from DC facing off against the big hitters at Marvel. Interestingly enough though, this move puts BvS on the same day as an unannounced Marvel Phase 3 project (Dr Strange or Black Panther perhaps?). Its unlikely it will stay that way though, as I'm sure Marvel will more than likely move their unannounced title. It doesn't help either companies to split the box office in that way and I'm sure Marvel understands that.
On the other hand, this is probably a good thing. It gives Snyder and Goyer more time to iron out all the kinks. (Not to mention giving more time for Ms. Gadot to put on a bit of weight) But if I'm truly being honest with myself, its just a bummer having to wait another year for my most anticipated film. (selfish right?)
3. Community's Return
We've talked about this on the podcast but I just wanted to make sure I mentioned it here. I love that Community is back. It was such a wonderful surprise when I started watching and I was hooked right away. (I probably watched the first 4 seasons in less than a week) With Dan Harmon back at the controls the first few episodes have been great, I’m excited to see what’s around the corner for the Greendale Seven. Speaking of which, it seems like that seven is quickly becoming a five. With Pierce gone and with Troy’s departure imminent (this week in fact) its going to be interesting to see where the show goes from here. #SixSeasonsAndaMovie
4. Game of thrones Trailer
Speaking of shows returning, HBO premiered the first trailer for season 4 of their hit drama. (they also renewed Newsroom for its third and final season!) Us here at the Tower of Babble are particularly excited for the return of GoT in the spring, as we have yet to do a full season of our GoT breakdown podcasts. As for the trailer itself, nothing quite tickles my GoT fancy like some solid Little Finger dialog. (also… Dragons?!) It looks like the action has really ramped up this season (I feel like I say that every year) and things really start to get moving. Which will be nice but this shows strength has always been in the dialog and character work. (WOO! CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT!)
5. DCUO Has My MMO V-Card
This may be the last time you hear from me for awhile, I've started an MMO and if the rumors are true it'll be awhile before I emerge from my monitor-lit cavern. I've started DC Universe Online and it has yet to REALLY hook me, so maybe it won't be that long after all. I'm giving it a chance though because I know the real fun of an MMO is in the long game (or so i hear) and the setting is interesting to me. I have to admit that it helps that this is a free-to-play game. I can honestly say I would probably never spend $60 for this from a store, let alone pay a monthly fee. So if I take anything away from this I have much more faith in free-to-play as a legitimate business model.
It would be remiss of me to not mention that I’m playing this on my PS4 and with little else to do on the system as of yet DCUO has actually provided a few entertaining hours of gaming. Something I did find odd however is that after tediously creating my character and picking his colour schemes and outfits, as soon as you start actually playing you earn new gear and before you know it your character looks nothing like the one you designed. I made my hero, named Secret Sentry, look like a Sinestro Corps Batman so its particularly disappointing to me.
As I play more I find some of the combat and visuals to be somewhat lacking. No worse than I've seen in any other MMO but as more of a traditional adventure gamer and especially just coming off Batman: Arkham Origins its a bit tougher to deal with.
As I said, I’m in this for a while yet so I’m willing to give it some slack. If anything I’m more excited to keep you guys updated as I form more impressions on this foray into the unknown.
