Author: Ed Sum

I'm a freelance videographer and entertainment journalist (Absolute Underground Magazine, Two Hungry Blokes, and Otaku no Culture) with a wide range of interests. From archaeology to popular culture to paranormal studies, there's no stone unturned. Digging for the past and embracing "The Future" is my mantra.

Catch the Hype! BALLS: The Monster-Catchin’ Musical Comédy Returns!

Unlike Ash in Pokémon who travels the world to show his passion, hopefully BALLS, a Fringe-theatre like production, will do the same!

BALLS: The Monster-Catchin’ Musical ComédyPokémon is not the only beloved franchise that concerns training pets to engage in gladiatorial duels for their masters. Although that sounds bad, that’s because of how that society developed, and there are other games like Yu-gi-oh and Digimon that are variations on a theme. To see that passion for this world in live-action, fans should check out BALLS: The Monster-Catchin’ Musical Comedy.

It’s back by popular demand for a summer residency at Caveat. This theatre house in lower Manhattan is the hub for many home brew shows! However, it should be noted that they are better known for hosting independently produced acts. This show is called “equal parts satire, chaos, and heart, starring Broadway talent and Pokémon legend Stuart Zagnit (Professor Oak!), with 8-bit bops, improvised battles, surprise guests, and a splash of interactive madness. Think Pokémon meets UCB meets a very weird fever dream!” 

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All Stitch! All The Time. On Why The Animated Takes Matter.

After the recent live-action adaptation, a look back at the animated versions of Lilo & Stitch reveals the Japanese series, Stitch! The Series, offers a more profound exploration of family and character development, and I present my five favourite episodes.

Stitch! Anime PosterSpoiler Alert

After watching the live-action version of Lilo & Stitch (movie review link), I needed a palate cleanser—so I turned to both the American and Japanese animated series. Of the two, Stitch! The Series offers much more to appreciate than the live-action take. It better explores the meaning of family (Ohana), and even when the latest adaptation strays from canon, just hearing Jumba boast about his evil genius was enough to win me over.

Overall, I found the Asian series much better. A few episodes break away from the usual formula. The U.S. version follows a “gotta catch ‘em all” approach, with Lilo finding and giving homes to the 625 loose experiments with Stitch’s help. Fans will admire her perseverance, especially after this fuzz ball talks about family a lot, and misses it. That’s because all these genetic creations, the experiments, share a bond and the more popular ones have a recurring role. Jumba, as their creator, is like a father who must accept responsibility for them.

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About James Gunn’s Superman and Spin Master – Which Product Will Be the Moneymaker?

Once when more toys from James Gunn’s Superman get released from Spin Master, Sales Will Be Up, Up, an d Away!

Spin Master Toys LOGOSpin Master is on top with the release of two toys. They are intended for youths to enjoy playing with for adults who are simply kids at heart, these releases do not reveal what this upcoming film is about. When I saw the word kaiju, I immediately thought of the Justice League vs Godzilla vs Kong sequel comic rather than the movie. There is most likely a quick scene regarding some giant sized monster in the film, but it’ll be quick. And for the latter, I was nor surprised at the focus on the Supes pet. I’m excited about the film and look forward to what this auteur has planned to restart the DC cinematic universe.

My only editorial question regarding merchandising it concerns what toys will come out next? I’m hoping for a wave two release of movie related collectables. That is, I’m hoping for Mister Terrific, Hawkgirl, Green Lantern, Metamorpho and Supergirl to get immortalized into an action figure. It’s safe to say Lex Luthor will happen. To see him wear his iconic purple-green battle armour is a must. And Metamorpho is a no-brainer.

The products now available in stores (and Amazon USA) are:

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Will Aliens Uncovered Golden Frequency Spark Another ID4?

The answer is no, but it’d be scary if aliens decide to reveal themselves during before the big day, just like in the movie. Instead, what Aliens Uncovered Golden Frequency explores is the search and how contact might eventually be made.

Aliens Uncovered Golden Frequency PosterBreaking Glass Pictures

Releasing this review near Independence Day feels fitting. Maybe it will spark some new ideas. Clive Christopher’s long-running series has now ended with the release of the last episode, fully titled Aliens Uncovered Golden Frequency. When this work is a clever play on words about what the aliens are really after, I’m liking the exposition.

Here, the focus is on why UAPs keep showing up in Arizona’s Superstition Mountains. They may well be after the gold deposits still buried deep underground. Although I do not recall if this documentary said they are the Anunnaki—a group said to need gold to save their home planet—that’s a safe assumption. This detail is often said in many a podcast or other conspiracy series.

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A Writer’s Odyssey 2 in Post Production. So When Will Lu Yang Release It?

While fans wait for Lu Yang’s A Writer’s Odyssey 2 to finish post-production, perhaps now is the time to look at the first film again.

Lu Yang A Writer's Odyssey Movie Poster
Freely available to view on YouTube

The likelihood of when A Writer’s Odyssey 2 will be ready for release is next year. According to IMDB, this movie is in post-production. Filming ended in late Summer. And when no studio wants to rush its release because of the complex special effects, I hope the wait will not be long. One source said Lu Yang spent up to five years perfecting Lord Redmane’s demon form.

And with this returning director at the helm, he wants every frame to look as good as the original. Based on what he said to press before, namely in building a proper backstory for the big bad, evil guy’s transformation into an evil force (than Li Mu in the real world), I hope the wait is worthwhile. Although the finale of the first film felt like one hero got his wish, I suspect that may not be the case. Also, I suspect Guan Ning’s reunion with his daughter is more a dream than reality, like in The Dark Knight Rises. I prefer more than a glimmer of a confirmation than what’s teased.

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When Z2 Comics Offers The Blues Brothers: The Escape Of Joliet Jake, and Unreleased Recordings!

Fans of the Blues Brothers will want to make sure they’ll catch the Katy this time, because there’ll be music to accompany this graphic novel release.

The Blues Brothers: The Escape of Joliet JakeA day that changed comedy forever. With the release of The Blues Brothers, John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd unleashed a film that would thrill and entertain generations with their Mission From God. Now, exactly 45 years later, Z2 Comics has partnered with the Aykroyd and Belushi families and estate to deliver the sequel to that film in the original graphic novel,  The Blues Brothers: The Escape Of Joliet Jake.

Uncovered by the late Judy Belushi Pisano, this series of unreleased recordings is a rare musical glimpse at Joliet Jake and Elwood Blues at the height of their blues powers. Belushi and Aykroyd blast through a 13-song set with some of the greatest musicians who ever lived. The gang’s all here, as Blues Brothers legends Matt “Guitar” Murphy, Steve “The Colonel” Cropper, Donald “Duck” Dunn, Paul “The Shiv” Shaffer, Lou “Blue Lou” Marini, Tom “Bones” Malone, Alan “Mr. Fabulous” Rubin, Steve “GETDWA” Jordan, and Tom “Triple Scale” Scott show why this band is timeless.

The album features unheard versions of blues classics including “Hey Bartender,” “Rubber Biscuit,” and “Green Onions.” This album will be available exclusively as a Royal Blue-colored vinyl release, packaged with the graphic novel.

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