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Dark Horse Comics to Release Calla Cthulhu Summer 2017!

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By Ed Sum (The Vintage Tempest)

When a webcomic I have not heard of before gets the attention of Dark Horse Comics to publish, I will be callin’ for a preview online. Calla Cthulhu is a digital comic readers have to subscribe to on Stēla (iOS) — a mobile entertainment reader. While not everyone can hop onto every online service out there for their nerdy fixes, to hear some titles are getting a wider distribution makes this fanboy very happy. They are becoming more accessible.

Like other fond favourites which I try to keep up with on the Internet side — Young Lovecraft (sadly it’s finished) and Girl Genius — I find owning a print version better. Being the H.P. Lovecraft fan that I am, to hear about this title coming to print is my dream come true. This latest title influenced by Lovecraft’s work can sit side-by-side with other comics like Littlest Shoggoth and Where’s My Shoggoth? A bigger volume that sits in my comic book section is The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath, and all of these are recommended reading.

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Sorry Toy Story, Mr. P – The Story of the Real Mr. Potato Head is Funnier!

1184948_500545486699996_1927149996_n By Ed Sum (The Vintage Tempest)

After discovering the wonderful whimsy of Quebec-based Belzébrute’s theatrical productions with thanks to Intrepid Theatre, I’m looking forward to hearing about what they have planned next. They came to Victoria, BC to perform a puppet show, Mr. P – The Story of the Real Mr. Potato Head, to help cure the post-Fringe festival blues (they were invited over, from what I heard) and upon going online to check out what else they have made, I really like to see Manga! This other production is one part comic-book, equal parts anime and inspired by history. Hopefully, they will return and bring this story next time.

But for a night which paid a lovely tribute to the musical entertainment pop culture scene, Mr. P has gone through it all. That is, since the days of silent film, he’s been around and he did it “his way” ala Frank Sinatra. He’s a versatile performer who can channel the best of each era’s best in his own act; from said talent to Elvis to Michael Jackson and Freddie Mercury, this potato can win many a crowd! For this vegetable, he’s mimed and played in many a venue. Watching this show is kind of like watching The Swedish Chef live; there’s a bit of nonsense in what he says, and you can hear what he’s saying. Two master puppeteers work hard to make him come alive. You have to see this show to see how it’s done, and when he does the splits, I could not help but grin. Just like the toy, you can change his eyes and ears to change his expressions.

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Travelling The “Long Way North” To Find That Starshine, A Movie Review

1227352_long-way-north By Ed Sum
(The Vintage Tempest)

Releasing in U.S. cinemas (French & English tracks) — LA and NYC, Friday Sept 30

Venues include Village East (New York), and Laemmle Playhouse 7, Laemmle Monica, University Irvine (Los Angeles)

The animated movie Long Way North is a tonally sombre tale where Sacha (voiced by Chloé Dunn) is seeking freedom from the Russian aristocracy she hails from. Her grandfather Oloukine is missing. He’s a renowned explorer seeking to conquer the North pole, and everybody assumes he’s dead. The ship he captains, the Davai, is lost at sea. Fortunately, for audiences in America, this epic film can be found premiering September 30th in the USA, with more dates to come across this country and perhaps also heading north into Canada too.

Shout! Factory is handling the distribution of the English dub, and I’m looking forward to set sail south to catch it on the big screen where it truly needs to be experienced. Failing that, I’m hopeful a video release will be coming mid next year, when I suspect it will come out.

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Evil Dead the Musical To Hit The Pacific Northwest with a New Stop!

By Ed Sum (The Vintage Tempest)

Portland, OR
October 14-15, 2016
Alberta Rose Theatre

Vancouver, BC
October 28-29, 2016
Revue Stage at Granville Island

Victoria, BC
November 4-5, 2016
Metro Studio Theatre

Tickets can be bought online here

If you have not made any plans for Halloween yet, Last Chance Productions is taking Evil Dead: The Musical across the Pacific Northwest before, during and after Halloween 2016! This year, they are adding Victoria, BC to the list of where to hit and the timing could not be any better. Since I have seen three versions by different troupes, I must say this particular group are dedicated film buffs who have an absolute love for the cinematic genre.

And, of course, they promise to lay the blood thick in the splatter zone! When I saw the Arts West production, I did not realize you have to sit very close to the kitchen set to get sloshed the most. Depending on whether the show can be held outdoors or indoors, hidden sprinklers can be used to really get people soaked! Tip: wear a white shirt if you intend to be hit with the stage effects. Afterwards, those leaving the theatre can proudly show off their badge of honour with wicked glee.

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Ed’s Pokémon GO Journals – Making Your Buddy Shine

By Ed Sum (The Vintage Tempest)

Forbes Magazine‘s Paul Tassi suggested a great idea, and that’s to sell extra slots to players wanting to walk more than one Pokémon in the latest update of this game. Since people in real life can take several dogs on a run, the idea can translate well into the game. But the list should not end here. I feel this recent add is decent enough to get me outside again, and walking lots.

Fellow writer James Shaw still will not join me in my gaming adventures as he is not into mobile gaming. As for his thoughts on Pokémon, he is not as interested in this franchise as much as his very dated love for Ranma½ (not a big deal, since I prefer Sazan Eyes) and he has told me he is unwilling to watch the dub – while I have no problems with American voices in foreign products these days. I’ve gotten over my elitism but apparently my buddy has not. To each their own, but one of these days, I’ll see him playing this game. He’s my pal after all and he’ll be tagging along. It’s just a matter of time. For the time being, I have a Snorax named James Shaw in the game for my next ‘mon to walk with. They both sleep lots, have a fuzzy head and are big boned.

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Dark Horse Comics, Ed’s Picks of August and Sept 2016

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By Ed Sum (The Vintage Tempest)

The last day of Summer and beginning of Autumn marks a busy time in my schedule. There are theatrical productions to enjoy and there’s a stack of comics piling up at home. Oh the choices! What can I say? Yes, I’m behind. But I offer selections of what I have waited to read (offering my thoughts mixed in with the official synopsis this time ’round) and a few I’m anxiously waiting for. I must admit that I tend to binge read. Having just issue #1 is not enough to know what’s ahead in the following titles from Dark Horse Comics:

Kingsway West #1 (Aug 24)

After spending thirteen years in a war that made him a monster, a Chinese gunslinger named Kingsway Law just wants to live in peace with his wife, Sonia. While this comic is not the Kung Fu series starring David Carradine, I’m liking this unique take on mysticism. The fantastical Old West is crackling with magic! When a woman with a red-gold sword brings bloody chaos to his doorstep, Kingsway must fight for his life, his wife, and his very soul.

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