Tag: Fantasy

A Word to the Wise, Kung Fu Panda 4 Marks Po’s Passing of the Torch

The big question I have concerning Kung Fu Panda 4 is whether another streaming series will get developed to fill in the gap while waitiong for the fifth instalment?

Kung Fu Panda 4 PosterSpoiler Alert

Although the story about Po (Jack Black) is not quite at an end in Kung Fu Panda 4, I’m sure the showrunners have something planned as this six-part saga is coming close to ending. While the first film is partially about enlightenment and seeing a Panda as the reluctant hero, this one is ready to put him on the path of becoming like Oogway. It’s unfortunate all the character and world development from the televised series are not canon. I really want to see Nu Hai, Jing, Bao, and Fan Tong from Paws of Destiny again. Although not everyone will know these series are non canonical, it’s easy to spot the discrepancies.

For example, in Dragon Knight, Mr. Ping’s (James Hong) well-developed backstory is all for naught. Had he gone full on pirate, I’m sure he’d ruffle other feathers! Had he been determined, it would’ve surprised Po’s biological father, Pang (Bryan Cranston) and make for hilarious moments. These two stick around to provide the My Two Dads style comic relief.

Continue reading “A Word to the Wise, Kung Fu Panda 4 Marks Po’s Passing of the Torch”

Kung Fu Panda: The Paws of Destiny Should’ve Been Canon!

Not everyone will be aware of this spinoff series that is exclusive on Amazon Prime. Kung Fu Panda: The Paws of Destiny is designed for a youth audience, and it’s just as fun!

Kung Fu Panda The Paws of DestinyAvailable to Stream on Amazon USA Prime

Out of all the televised spinoffs set in the Kung Fu Panda universe, The Paws of Destiny is a non-canonical spinoff that sees four kids–Nu Hai, Jing, Bao, and Fan Tong–take on the title. It’s deserves to be part of the cinematic universe for other reasons I’ll explain later. This instalment takes place after the events of the third film, where this team has to continue protect their Panda village. After Jindaio, there’ll be other invaders.

Although this review is many years late, it seems what I posted back when it was fresh disappeared; I’ve dug up my draft and updated it with a few new thoughts after a rewatch, and editing this document for flow. As full disclosure: what’s written predates knowing anything regarding part four.

Continue reading “Kung Fu Panda: The Paws of Destiny Should’ve Been Canon!”

What’s the Scoop on Richard A. Hamilton’s SCOOP With A New Publisher Handling Distribution?

Fans of the supernatural themed young adventure graphic novel series SCOOP will be thrilled to learn that not only is it being republished, but also has committed to seeing the story through in Volumes 3 & 4!

Scoop Vol 1 Breaking News Maverick
Preorder SCOOP! #BreakingNews here on Amazon USA

Richard Ashley Hamilton‘s SCOOP is being reprinted, and for those wondering when there will be new adventures, this author said it’ll be after these two volumes are released! What’s changed are mostly new covers, updated colour scheme and editing those things that got missed in the rush to get this graphic novel to press. That includes lettering, and afterwards it’ll be smooth sailing ahead! Volume one is coming April 30th and the next chapter is slated for Sept 10th release under s Mad Cave Studios’ Maverick Graphic Novel imprint.

There’s no big need to get these editions again. However, most will want to buy these books again to read the work as this author intended! Completists will want something consistent on the shelf. As for when the next volumes will come out, they’re to be expected during early or mid 2025. They are being worked on by Hamilton and returning artist, Pablo Andrés.

Continue reading “What’s the Scoop on Richard A. Hamilton’s SCOOP With A New Publisher Handling Distribution?”

[Part Two] On Netflix’s Avatar The Last Airbender, What’s Missing and the Why The Spirit World Matters

Not even a live-action adaptation of Avatar The Last Airbender can escape the scrutiny of being compared to Star Wars when a prodigy is concerned.

Avatar the Last Airbender Promotional PosterBy now, most viewers have seen Netflix’s Avatar The Last Airbender. It’s not completely perfect when considering the high expectations many fans of the cartoon have. Whether that’s in a passing similiarity with Star Wars or something else, there’s plenty to notice.

One scene that I couldn’t help shake concerns how Brother Gyatso is defending Aang. He dotes upon him like a father, arguing he’s not ready much like how Qui-Gon Jinn argued against the council regarding young Anakin. Both aren’t ready for the heavy responsibility that’s expected for a prodigy.

There’s also in getting the characterizations right or hoping that favourite episode gets realised. In regards to the latter, this series is rather sneaky in referring to those “deleted episodes.” When rewatching the series, the references to them without having to tell that tale are rather smart. Not everyone will see it, as a fan would need to know the series by heart to catch them. For example, those canyon crawlers from “The Great Divide” made an appearance, and there’s a vague reference to “The Fortuneteller” to show that the writers of the series is not above inserting Easter Eggs into the series.

Continue reading “[Part Two] On Netflix’s Avatar The Last Airbender, What’s Missing and the Why The Spirit World Matters”

The Quest in Netflix’s Avatar The Last Airbender Means Appeasing All the Fans Than Just Bring in New Ones

There’s lots to like and not like in this live-action adaptation of Avatar The Last Airbender. For the most part, the essentials elements are laid out to make this story work.

Avatar the Last Airbender Promotional PosterLight spoiler alert

Although franchise creators Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino departed the Netflix project to bring Avatar The Last Airbender to a live-action format early during development, I’m sure not every fan will care. What’s presented has everything one expects and wants to go yip-yip on. The humour is downplayed and the world looks fantastic. Most of the special effects work and the wuxia elements added in are enough to get fans excited whenever Aang (Gordon Cormier) goes full on Avatar mode!

The great thing about this version is that it’s not a carbon copy of the original. It takes enough from the cartoon and just how it all begins is unexpected! By offering more backstory helps frame what’s to come, and for those who memorised the series, the added elements give this take a lot more weight. Fire Lord Ozai’s (Daniel Dae Kim) motivations were never made fully clear, and what’s offered here sets him up as that cruel warlord who feels uniting the world under his vision is the future.

Overall, the performances are excellent. Although Gordon Cormier is not as spunky as his cartoon counterpart, to translate that aspect of Aang’s personality would’ve been overkill. Kiawentiio really nails it as Kitara, a soon-to-be waterbender who wants to protect her village. I get the feeling she’ll be the next Zendaya.  And Ian Ousley presents us his take on who Sokka is. As for how much of a ladies’ man he’ll become, what’s teased at here needs more development!

Continue reading “The Quest in Netflix’s Avatar The Last Airbender Means Appeasing All the Fans Than Just Bring in New Ones”

The History of EC Comics and Its Return to Publishing in 2024!

“EC Comics is no stranger to a good comeback story! We’re thrilled to make this return with Oni Press and usher the classic EC sensibilities into the modern world,” said Corey Mifsud, Executive Director of William M. Gaines Agent, Inc.

EC Comics Company LogoOni Press–the multiple Eisner and Harvey Award-winning publisher of groundbreaking comics and graphic fiction for more than 25 years–is proud to announce a brand-new publishing partnership with William M. Gaines Agent, Inc. that will see the full-fledged return of EC Comics to comic shop and bookstore shelves worldwide with a slate of all-new series beginning in the summer of 2024!

From the Press Release

Beginning with EPITAPHS FROM THE ABYSS #1 in July and CRUEL UNIVERSE #1 in August–the first official series produced in nearly seven decades–Oni’s ambitious EC Comics publishing program will be overseen by Oni Press President & Publisher Hunter Gorinson and Editor-in-Chief Sierra Hahn in partnership with Cathy Gaines Mifsud and Corey Mifsud, the daughter and grandson of legendary EC Publisher William M. Gaines and administrators of William M. Gaines Agent, Inc.

Continue reading “The History of EC Comics and Its Return to Publishing in 2024!”