Spiderman 4 Officially Dead

Yep, Spidey 4 is now officially out, here's the press release from the Columbia Pictures and Marvel Studios:

Columbia Pictures and Marvel Studios announced today they are moving forward with a film based on a script by James Vanderbilt that focuses on a teenager grappling with both contemporary human problems and amazing super-human crises.


The new chapter in the Spider-Man franchise produced by Columbia, Marvel Studios and Avi Arad and Laura Ziskin, will have a new cast and filmmaking team. Spider-Man 4 was to have been released in 2011, but had not yet gone into production.

“A decade ago we set out on this journey with Sam Raimi and Tobey Maguire and together we made three Spider-Man films that set a new bar for the genre. When we began, no one ever imagined that we would make history at the box-office and now we have a rare opportunity to make history once again with this franchise. Peter Parker as an ordinary young adult grappling with extraordinary powers has always been the foundation that has made this character so timeless and compelling for generations of fans. We’re very excited about the creative possibilities that come from returning to Peter's roots and we look forward to working once again with Marvel Studios, Avi Arad and Laura Ziskin on this new beginning,” said Amy Pascal, co-chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment.

“Working on the Spider-Man movies was the experience of a lifetime for me. While we were looking forward to doing a fourth one together, the studio and Marvel have a unique opportunity to take the franchise in a new direction, and I know they will do a terrific job,” said Sam Raimi.

“We have had a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration and friendship with Sam and Tobey and they have given us their best for the better part of the last decade. This is a bittersweet moment for us because while it is hard to imagine Spider-Man in anyone else’s hands, I know that this was a day that was inevitable,” said Matt Tolmach, president of Columbia Pictures, who has served as the studio’s chief production executive since the beginning of the franchise. “Now everything begins anew, and that’s got us all tremendously excited about what comes next. Under the continuing supervision of Avi and Laura, we have a clear vision for the future of Spider-Man and can’t wait to share this exciting new direction with audiences in 2012.”

"Spider-Man will always be an important franchise for Sony Pictures and a fresh start like this is a responsibility that we all take very seriously," said Michael Lynton, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures. "We have always believed that story comes first and story guides the direction of these films and as we move onto the next chapter, we will stay true to that principle and will do so with the highest respect for the source material and the fans and moviegoers who deserve nothing but the best when it comes to bringing these stories and characters to life on the big screen."

Great. We have on our hands another reboot. The first Spiderman film tackled the origin story masterfully and I wouldn't want to see another hour of how Peter Parker got his powers. That being said, Spiderman as a highschool student could be a pretty good direction to take given that they don't go all "tween" on our beloved webhead. Maybe they'll take the Ultimate Spiderman version this time which I have to admit I'm a fan of. Another bright side to this news would be that now Marvel Studios have a second shot of doing Venom justice and portray him faithfully to the comics. Well, let's just cross our fingers and hope this all goes out okay for Spidey, these reboots  take a two way street from completely awesome (Batman Begins) to utter crap (Punisher: Warzone). Oh, Punisher... what have they done to you?

Live action Cowboy Bebop film in trouble?

MTV interviewed Keanu Reeves for his upcoming film "The Private Lives of Pippa Lee" which is due out this year. The live action movie adaptation of Cowboy Bebop came up and this is what Keanu said:


"There's a draft of the script, but the writer did such a great job...in order to make the movie you would need half a billion dollars. The studio kinda just went: 'This script is fantastic - and it would cost half a billion dollars!"


Apparently there would have to be some retooling of the script to cut cost for it to be greenlit by the studio heads. I just hope they don't fuck it up like the god awful Dragonball Evolution movie.


The story of the film will expand on the first episode of Cowboy Bebop titled "Asteroid Blues" wherein Spike and Jet track down an illegal drug trafficker along with his "pregnant" girlfriend.


I honestly think that Keanu Reeves could pull of the Spike Spiegel look plus he knows Kung Fu y'know, but the acting? Well, it's not bad to hope for a miracle, right?

 

And here's an AMV I made of Cowboy Bebop a couple of years ago. If you can't tell, I'm a very big fan of the series and I really hope they do it justice.

Tokyo Game Show '09 Game Line-up

The videogame spectacle known as the Tokyo Game Show is almost upon us. The videogame convention is held annually in Makuhari Messe, in Chiba, Japan and will open on September 24 to September 27, with the usual first 2 days of the expo mostly centred on business of the different companies and the last 2 days will be open for the general public with playable demos on the show floor.

Some companies have already announced their line-up for the TGS convention and here the list of games and headliners that you should be looking out for in the headlines a couple days from now.

UBISOFT

Assassin's Creed II (PS3/360)

One of the most highly anticipated games this year, Assassin’s Creed II continues where the last, hugely successful, first instalment abruptly left off. Now with a new protagonist, move sets and overhauled graphics. The game will also now be set in the beautiful city of Venice so expect to be in awe with the amazingly detailed building structures that you can climb to your hearts content. And what’s this about a certain famous painter appearing in the game?


Other line-ups:


-Avatar The Game (PS3/360/NDS)
-Rabbids Go Home (Wii)
-Red Steel 2 (Wii)
-Splinter Cell Conviction (360)

NAMCO BANDAI

Tekken 6 (PS3/360)

One of the most recognized fighting game of all time, along with Virtua Fighter, the Tekken series put 3D fighting games on the map. Question right would be, could more characters and prettier graphics give this old champ the much needed boost?


Other line-ups:


-Gundam vs Gundam Next Plus (PSP)
-Super Robot Taisen Neo (Wii)
-Macross Ultimate Frontier (PSP)
-Tales of Vesperia (PS3)
-Tales of Graces (Wii)
-Summon Night X: Tears Crown (DS)
-Blue Dragon (DS)
-.hack//Link (PSP)
-God Eater (PSP)
-Dragon Ball Raging Blast (PS3/360)
-Naruto Shippuuden Narutimate Accel 3 (PSP)
-Idol Master Dearly Stars (DS)
-Queen's Blade Spiral Chaos (PSP)
-Kimi ni Todoke: Sodateru Omoi (DS)
-Fullmetal Alchemist: Senaka wo Takuseshi Mono (PSP)
-Element Hunter (DS)
-Battle Spirits Kiseki no Hasha (PSP)
-Kaiju Busters (DS)

SQUARE-ENIX

Final Fantasy XIII (PS3/360)

Is it even a surprise that this will be headlining Square-Enix’s line-up of games? The most well known JRPG/RPG among videogame fans have been Squaresoft’s flagship game since it saved the company from bankruptcy. Now with FFXIII’s arrival nearing you can only bet that the anticipation will be at an all time high fever pitch as the days go by.


Other line-ups:


-The Four Light Warriors: Final Fantasy Gaiden (DS)
-Dissidia: Final Fantasy Universal Tuning (PSP)
-Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers (Wii)
-Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep (PSP)
-Front Mission Evolved (PS3 / Xbox 360)
-Dragon Quest IX (DS)
-Final Fantasy IV: The After Years (WiiWare)
-Final Fantasy XIV (PS3 / PC)
-Final Fantasy XI: Vandiel Collection 2 (PS2 / Xbox 360 / PC)
-Lord of Vermillion II (Arcade)
-Dragon Quest Monster Battle Road II (Mobile)
-Dragon Quest More Mysterious Dungeon (Mobile)
-Secret of Mana (Mobile)
-Kingdom Hearts Coded (Mobile)
 

SEGA

Bayonetta (360/PS3)

Bayonetta has slowly but surely gaining attention now for its Devil May Cry-like fast action and superbly stylish gameplay. Which is not surprise since this game is the brainchild of Hideki Kamiya, the man who gave us Devil May Cry in the first place. What seperates Bayonetta from DMC? How about the equally cool female protagonist with insane set of moves that revolves around four guns strapped to her wrists and ankles, oh, and her magic hair can turn into a giant demon chomping dragon.


Other line-ups:


-Chin Sports (Wii)
-House of the Dead Overkill, The (Wii)
-J-League Pro Soccer Club o Tsukurou! 6: Pride of J (PSP)
-Phantasy Star Portable 2 (PSP)
-Puyo Puyo 7 (DS/Wii/PSP)
-Resonance of Fate (PS3/360)
-Valkyria Chronicles 2 (PSP)
-Yakuza 4 (PS3)

CAPCOM

Lost Planet 2 (PS3/360)

The sequel to the hit 360 game, Lost Planet is an action-shooter set in the distant future when humans are starting to colonize different parts of the galaxy. The game has lots of guns, huge explosions, big bad aliens and mech battles, what more could a sci-fi geek ask for? As you can see, Capcom has revealed a few line-ups for TGS but they stated that they will be announcing more on the day of their presentation. So keep posted.


Other line-ups:


-Ghost Trick (DS)
-Okamiden (DS)
-Mega Man Battle Network: Operate Shooting Star (DS)
-Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles (Wii)
 

SONY

God of War III

Finally, it’s here. The last chapter of Kratos’ epic revenge tale is almost at hand. Its PS2 brethren have always been able to push the consoles graphics to the limit so it’s almost given that GoW3 maybe the prettiest game in the PS3 when it’s released. And pretty is relative since there really is nothing pretty about how Kratos do things. One thing is for sure, it is gonna be one action-packed and violent ride with everybody’s favourite Spartan besides King Leonidas.


Other line-ups:


-FIFA 10
-Winning Eleven 10
-Gran Turismo 5
-Golden Sword And The Vanished Fleet: Drakes Fortune
-inFAMOUS
-Ratchet & Clank
-Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2
-Quantum Theory


PSP line-ups:


-LittleBigPlanet
-Motorstorm: Raging Ice
-Gran Turismo
-Valkyria Chronicles 2
-Persona 3
-Metal Gear Solid
-Dynasty Warriors 5

 

MICROSOFT

Halo 3 ODST

 

What’s this? Halo without Master Chief? Hmm, well now that’s interesting. The game might appear like just another cash cow milking the name of “Halo” for what it’s worth. But fortunately it’s shaping up to be a pretty decent FPS on its own. Here’s hoping that it won’t just settle for being a “decent” game.


Other line-ups:


-Alan Wake
-Fable 3
-Halo Legends
-Halo Reach
-Crackdown 2
-Borderlands
-NieR Gestalt
-End of Eternity
-Dragon Ball Raging Blast
-Steins; Gate
-Forza Motorsport 3 Infernal: Hell's Vengeance
-Castlevania Lords of Shadow
-Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2
-Samurai Spirits Sen
-Mushihime-sama Futari Ver1.5
-Dynasty Warriors Strike Force Special
-Ninety Nine Nights 2
-World Soccer Winning Eleven 2010
-Front Mission Evolved


Will there be any surprise announcements? Chances are high that the "Big 3" might try to upstage each other again this time. Stay tuned...






  

5 Worst Superhero Costumes of All Time

One of the defining traits of any self-respecting superhero would be their iconic and usually cool costumes. These are the superheroes that didn't get that memo.

Daredevil

To all of us, Daredevil is known for he's striking crimson costume. But when he first appeared he actually looked like this...

You know how I know you're gay?

Never has a superhero costume color palette this painful on the eyes. You know who else wears that color marriage from hell?

And I believe he eats children.

At least Matt Murdock has an excuse for wearing that thing, he IS blind, guys. How the hell was he suppose to know?

Wolverine

"Whaat?! Why is the coolest short tempered and, um, short hairy Canadian mutant who was voted No.1 comicbook character in Wizard magazine here?", you must have asked yourself, but remember that the original origin tale for Wolverine was that he was an actual teenage wolverine animal.

Like this, but with a raging hormone and probably emo.

Good thing they scratched that idea, man, can you imagine what the world would be like if they didn't? Chaos would have reigned in the world. Well, they may have dumped that stupid origin story but Wolverine wasn't out of the woods yet. They stilled screwed up his costume on his debut on The Incredible Hulk #180.

Whiske- I mean, Wolverine is here!

This is about 95% of Wolverine's costume we all know and love today. Except for one itsy bitsy thing, he has whiskers here. Yeah, Wolverine has whiskers on he's first appearance. They still took the whole "Wolverine" thing a bit literal. Although I think anyone who called him "Whiskers" ended up seeing their guts on the floor. Fortunately, Wolverine bounced back from his fashion mistake and went on to carve his name on the annals of comicbook history. Literally.

Luke Cage A.K.A. Powerman

Can you say "typical stereotype black dude from the 70's"? Marvel, not wanting to be called a racist for having an all white superhero line up scrambled for a piece of paper and pencil and drew one of the first African-American superhero. Note that those people who drew Luke Cage were white geeky guys in the 70's so you can't fault them for making him into the sterero-typical token black guy. They probably just took some cues on popular media portrayals that they're big muscle bound guys, wears tight unbuttoned shirt, tight pants, a metal headband and since he has a headband already, color his clothes like he's on one of those disco rave. African-Americans do love going to disco, right? 

 

You know what? Add a metal chain as his belt for good measure.

And if that wasn't enough he was actually "Luke Cage: Hero for Hire". Yep, he was basically a black bodyguard superhero. Ah, there we go! A token superhero black guy in Marvel is born.

Wonder Man

What the hell Marvel? Were your artist color blind back in the day? Jeez, it's like you guys are just putting together random colors together and hope that you'll get a jackpot. You know what? I think back in the early days Marvel had this slot machine that gives them their idea for coloring their superheroes because I don't know how else to explain these costumes. For every Spiderman costume you probably get a couple of these...

Look at that. He's so proud of his costume. What a twat.

Why did he chose green though? Was he bombarded with Gamma rays? I don't think so. And if there's anything comicbooks has taught us, if you're bombarded with Gamma rays you'll have green skin, your body would be ripped like hell and there's a high chance you'll act like a big spoiled baby on Toys R Us. Wonder Man is just a big poser. You suck, poser!

The Red Tornado

Now if there's something Daredevil's first costume has taught us, it's that a red and yellow combination is an awful sin to do in coming up with a superhero costume. Apparently, Red Tornado didn't learn from Daredevil's mistake and decided to stick with his garish costume to this day. 

Another reason why superheroes need a fashion consultant.

Batman

Yeah, you read that right. Batman. As in THE BATMAN, The Caped Crusader, The Dark Knight, The World's Greatest Detective and the most badass comicbook character of all time had one of the most absolutely worst costumes of all time. It didn't have the iconic pointy ears or the gray and black color, no folks, it was an abomination. I'm not even kidding with that, you have no idea how bad it was. Do you want to see it? Are you sure? Okaay, I've warned you though. I now present to you, BATMAN!

You are now scarred for life.

What? Where's Batman? Is he behind of what looks like Drew Carey in a Robin costume? No people, THAT is Batman as Bob Kane first envisioned him. Could you imagine Christian Bale in that costume trading blows with Heath Ledger's Joker? You'll probably get confused as to who's the actual clown. God, now I'll have nightmares for days. Thankfully, our savior, Bill Finger was given the task of smoothing out Batman's ragged, spiked, covered in molten lava and sulfuric acid edges and gave us the paranoid sociopath we all know and love today. Thanks Bill. We owe you.

 

Oh thank God for Bill Finger.

Bob Kane may have created Batman but it was the unsung hero, Bill Finger, that shaped one of the most iconic character in comics today to what he is now.

Special Mention:

Aquaman

Aquaman trying to get attention.

Can you think of any problem the likes of Superman, Wonder Woman, Martian Manhunter and Green Latern woudn't be able to handle but a guy that can talk to fish can? Yeah, me neither. Aquaman is like the benchwarmer of the JLA. The guy that just sits in the background and cheer his team mates on. And he's costume is bright orange and green, you know what fish comes first to my mind when you say orange?

More reliable than Aquaman. Fact.

Final Fantasy XIII Theme Song

Square Enix announced the main theme song for Final Fantasy XIII entitled "Kimi ga iru kara" (Because You're with Me) performed by Sayuri Sugawara. A CD will be released this December in Japan, a couple of weeks before FFXIII is released there.