Beetlejuice (1988) [Original Post]
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
Tuesday, October 20, 2020
Thursday, October 15, 2020
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
Monday, October 12, 2020
Sunday, October 11, 2020
Thursday, October 08, 2020
Wednesday, October 07, 2020
Monday, October 05, 2020
Friday, October 02, 2020
Thursday, October 01, 2020
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
Tuesday, September 29, 2020
Monday, September 28, 2020
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Tuesday, September 15, 2020
Monday, September 14, 2020
Friday, September 11, 2020
Thursday, September 10, 2020
Wednesday, September 09, 2020
Tuesday, September 08, 2020
Thursday, September 03, 2020
Monday, August 31, 2020
Sunday, August 30, 2020
Saturday, August 29, 2020
Friday, August 28, 2020
Thursday, August 27, 2020
Wednesday, August 26, 2020
Tuesday, August 25, 2020
Thursday, August 20, 2020
Wednesday, August 19, 2020
Tuesday, August 18, 2020
Thursday, August 06, 2020
Wednesday, August 05, 2020
Tuesday, August 04, 2020
Monday, August 03, 2020
GameClub: Zombie Nation
In the eighties and early nineties video games were a hotbed for playground rumors and parental hysteria.Ill informed presumptions were not yet furnished with "alternative fact" status, giving way to the imaginative uncertainties that come with good old fashioned ignorance. Some were excited by the occult possibility of new gaming frontiers, while others cringed with bubbling anxiety that Nintendo might be harbingers for dangerous, weird, and generally demonic gaming experiences.
More often than not, hopes and fears were unfounded in equal measure. Technology was simply too limited to ever really fulfill anyone's nightmarish vision of childhood corruption. The worst you could usually expect was miserable, barely functioning exploitation of a well known brand, or license.
Then there's Zombie Nation: a 1990 Japanese NES title developed by KAZe. and released locally by Meldac under the title Abarenbou Tengu.
I'm led to believe the translation is something like Rampage Tengu, but it hardly matters, because when the game arrived in the United States at the dawn of 1991, the demonic tengu mask players control was replaced with the decapitated head of a samurai. As you can imagine, that necessitated a few tweaks to the plot, which apparently revolves around a sentient meteor turning citizens of the United States into zombies in the year 1999, and taking possession of a sacred sword.
The decapitated head of Namakubi hears about this ugly turn of events and floats on over to America to lay waste to the zombie nation by puking lava all over it. Or something. Who can really care about details when you're drinking in the splendor of nuclear neon red-orange skies, crumbling buildings, a giant samurai head gobbling doomed zombies, and whatever ever other horrors this game unleashes?
Zombie Nation is quite simply everything I could've hoped for when I was imagining garish, forbidden video games in 1990. It actually is one of those bizarre, awful games you heard about. Made all the more unlikely by the American version being more bizarre than Japan's!
Zombie Nation is to games as Hausu is to movies. An overstuffed fever-dream of unexpected and unfathomable creative choices -- with a malicious decapitated head!
This game takes me right back to the deli at the top of the hill in the middle of a long stretch of road I was too young to be asked to walk. To a time of dehydration, when my mind wandered and I spotted a friend, or sign, and wondered what strange and taboo games were out there. Only I'm not filled with dread, or anxiety, as my parents probably were. I'm filled with hope. Because if a game like this can exist, maybe there's a chance something weird and wonderful could happen again!
Sunday, August 02, 2020
Infinite Wars: Cheetah vs Wonder Woman
CHEETAH versus WONDER WOMAN
Blood Debt (DC)
Where: Wonder Woman #222 When: December 2005
Why: Greg Rucka How: Cliff Richards
The Story So Far...
Responsible for fatally snapping Maxwell Lord's neck before the eyes of the world: Wonder Woman must answer to international outcry in response to film of the humanitarian and philanthropist's apparent murder.
Submitting herself to the International Court of Justice; the superhero and Amazon ambassador willingly agrees to residence in an adjacent detention facility while the terms of her trial are arranged. Alas, death has followed Diana to The Hague.
Watching her plea of "Not Guilty" was the merciless Cheetah, who leaves a pile of court guards' corpses in her wake as she stalks her ultimate prey. Emergency lockdown merely serves to cage the beast as she lies in wait!
Where: Wonder Woman #222 When: December 2005
Why: Greg Rucka How: Cliff Richards
The Story So Far...
Responsible for fatally snapping Maxwell Lord's neck before the eyes of the world: Wonder Woman must answer to international outcry in response to film of the humanitarian and philanthropist's apparent murder.
Submitting herself to the International Court of Justice; the superhero and Amazon ambassador willingly agrees to residence in an adjacent detention facility while the terms of her trial are arranged. Alas, death has followed Diana to The Hague.
Watching her plea of "Not Guilty" was the merciless Cheetah, who leaves a pile of court guards' corpses in her wake as she stalks her ultimate prey. Emergency lockdown merely serves to cage the beast as she lies in wait!
Friday, July 31, 2020
Thursday, July 30, 2020
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
Sunday, July 26, 2020
Infinite Wars: New Fantastic Four vs Fantastic Four
SECRET DEFENDERS versus FANTASTIC FOUR
Suddenly... The Secret Defenders (Marvel)
Where: Fantastic Four #374 When: March 1993
Why: Tom DeFalco How: Paul Ryan
The Story So Far...
When Johnny Storm was caught alone in a surprise ambush by Paibok the Power Skrull, Lyja, and Devos The Destroyer -- he unleashed the full force of his nova blast in a last ditch effort to survive!
The desperate tactic left nearby Empire State University in scorched ruins, earning the ire of a public who believes Human Torch's flaming assault was a reckless act of endangerment.
With the rest of the Fantastic Four preoccupied -- and mercenaries taking to the streets to hunt The Torch down -- his old friend Spider-Man seeks the aide of Doctor Strange to assemble a familiar team to bring him in peacefully. With a simple astral projection the erstwhile New Fantastic Four are reunited!
Where: Fantastic Four #374 When: March 1993
Why: Tom DeFalco How: Paul Ryan
The Story So Far...
When Johnny Storm was caught alone in a surprise ambush by Paibok the Power Skrull, Lyja, and Devos The Destroyer -- he unleashed the full force of his nova blast in a last ditch effort to survive!
The desperate tactic left nearby Empire State University in scorched ruins, earning the ire of a public who believes Human Torch's flaming assault was a reckless act of endangerment.
With the rest of the Fantastic Four preoccupied -- and mercenaries taking to the streets to hunt The Torch down -- his old friend Spider-Man seeks the aide of Doctor Strange to assemble a familiar team to bring him in peacefully. With a simple astral projection the erstwhile New Fantastic Four are reunited!
Tuesday, July 21, 2020
Monday, July 20, 2020
Saturday, July 18, 2020
Infinite Wars: Avengers & X-Men vs Ronan The Accuser
AVENGERS & X-MEN versus RONAN
Whatever The Cost! (Marvel)
Where: Maximum Security #3 When: January 2001
Why: Kurt Busiek How: Jerry Ordway
The Story So Far...
A sudden global surge in extraterrestrial conflict reveals a master plan by the Intergalactic Council of empires to declare Earth a prison planet!
Encounters with the Kree, Skrull, Shi'ar, and more have earned humans a meddlesome reputation. To further delay them from reaching beyond the stars, the untamable scum of the universe are now interned to keep Earth busy. Energy lattice surrounds the solar system in an effort to contain humanity and the prisoners from further interference.
With the Kree seemingly conquered by the Shi'ar Empire, Ronan The Accuser was appointed overseer of the new prison planet, but in truth he has conspired to launch a new Kree uprising. With the mutated Ruul army at his command, and an infestation of the Earth by Ego feeding him unlimited power, Ronan stands poised to lead the Supreme Intelligence to ultimate victory!
Where: Maximum Security #3 When: January 2001
Why: Kurt Busiek How: Jerry Ordway
The Story So Far...
A sudden global surge in extraterrestrial conflict reveals a master plan by the Intergalactic Council of empires to declare Earth a prison planet!
Encounters with the Kree, Skrull, Shi'ar, and more have earned humans a meddlesome reputation. To further delay them from reaching beyond the stars, the untamable scum of the universe are now interned to keep Earth busy. Energy lattice surrounds the solar system in an effort to contain humanity and the prisoners from further interference.
With the Kree seemingly conquered by the Shi'ar Empire, Ronan The Accuser was appointed overseer of the new prison planet, but in truth he has conspired to launch a new Kree uprising. With the mutated Ruul army at his command, and an infestation of the Earth by Ego feeding him unlimited power, Ronan stands poised to lead the Supreme Intelligence to ultimate victory!
Friday, July 17, 2020
Tuesday, July 14, 2020
Infinite Wars: Captain America vs Batroc The Leaper
CAPTAIN AMERICA versus BATROC
(Marvel)
Where: All-New Captain America #1 When: January 2015 Why: Rick Remender How: Stuart Immonen
The Story So Far...
Drained of the super-soldier serum that keeps him young and powerful: Steve Rogers is forced to retire from active duty, passing the mantle & shield of Captain America to his trusted comrade-in-arms - Sam Wilson!
Adapting his winged suit for a new identity; the former Falcon flies again in red, white, and blue -- dedicated to upholding truth, justice, and the American ideal against the forces of evil!
His newest mission takes the all-new Captain America underground in search of a deeply hidden Hydra fortress. The criminal cabal hopes to exploit a young boy as the ultimate doomsday weapon. Standing in his way is one of Cap's oldest foes -- the mercenary master of savate: Batroc The Leaper!
Where: All-New Captain America #1 When: January 2015 Why: Rick Remender How: Stuart Immonen
The Story So Far...
Drained of the super-soldier serum that keeps him young and powerful: Steve Rogers is forced to retire from active duty, passing the mantle & shield of Captain America to his trusted comrade-in-arms - Sam Wilson!
Adapting his winged suit for a new identity; the former Falcon flies again in red, white, and blue -- dedicated to upholding truth, justice, and the American ideal against the forces of evil!
His newest mission takes the all-new Captain America underground in search of a deeply hidden Hydra fortress. The criminal cabal hopes to exploit a young boy as the ultimate doomsday weapon. Standing in his way is one of Cap's oldest foes -- the mercenary master of savate: Batroc The Leaper!
Saturday, July 11, 2020
Friday, July 10, 2020
Thursday, July 09, 2020
Wednesday, July 08, 2020
Infinite Wars: Hawkman vs Doctor Polaris
HAWKMAN versus DOCTOR POLARIS
Free Fall (DC)
Where: Hawkman #28 When: January 1996
Why: Shaun McLaughlin How: Steve Ellis
The Story So Far...
Tempted by the demon Neron; Hawkman was confronted by the souls of those who were Hawk Champion in lives before his. He is bound to them all, but particularly plagued by the memory of Katar Hol: a wingman from the planet Thanagar now reborn as avatar of Earth.
An opportunity to test himself presents itself when live news coverage reports the hijacking of Air Force One!
Doctor Polaris has taken control of the vessel with the First Lady and President's daughter hostages on board. Hawkman wastes no time taking to the skies to prevent any loss of life -- unaware the only target Polaris wants is a superhero!
Where: Hawkman #28 When: January 1996
Why: Shaun McLaughlin How: Steve Ellis
The Story So Far...
Tempted by the demon Neron; Hawkman was confronted by the souls of those who were Hawk Champion in lives before his. He is bound to them all, but particularly plagued by the memory of Katar Hol: a wingman from the planet Thanagar now reborn as avatar of Earth.
An opportunity to test himself presents itself when live news coverage reports the hijacking of Air Force One!
Doctor Polaris has taken control of the vessel with the First Lady and President's daughter hostages on board. Hawkman wastes no time taking to the skies to prevent any loss of life -- unaware the only target Polaris wants is a superhero!
Saturday, July 04, 2020
Friday, July 03, 2020
Tuesday, June 30, 2020
Saturday, June 27, 2020
Friday, June 26, 2020
Infinite Wars: Peregrine vs Angel
PEREGRINE versus ANGEL
Chapter 4: Third Contest: Siege in the City of the Dead! (Marvel)
Where: Marvel Super Hero Contest of Champions #3 When: August 1982 Why: Mark Gruenwald, Steven Grant & Bill Mantlo How: John Romita Jr
The Story So Far...
Across the universe there exist immortal entities whose very being determines cosmic reality. The Grandmaster is one such entity: an Elder of the Universe whose taste for games inspires a Contest of Champions!
Snatching the world's heroes from a temporarily frozen Earth; The Grandmaster drafts a team of twelve to represent him in a contest of life and death! His team must race to find segments of a golden artifact scattered to the four corners of the world. His ultimate prize will be the restoration of his immortal brother: The Collector!
Collector was killed by the mad man-god Michael Korvac, but his passing is beyond even the vast cosmic reach of a fellow Elder. Thus, The Grandmaster issues his challenge to the ultimate opponent - Death herself!
Where: Marvel Super Hero Contest of Champions #3 When: August 1982 Why: Mark Gruenwald, Steven Grant & Bill Mantlo How: John Romita Jr
The Story So Far...
Across the universe there exist immortal entities whose very being determines cosmic reality. The Grandmaster is one such entity: an Elder of the Universe whose taste for games inspires a Contest of Champions!
Snatching the world's heroes from a temporarily frozen Earth; The Grandmaster drafts a team of twelve to represent him in a contest of life and death! His team must race to find segments of a golden artifact scattered to the four corners of the world. His ultimate prize will be the restoration of his immortal brother: The Collector!
Collector was killed by the mad man-god Michael Korvac, but his passing is beyond even the vast cosmic reach of a fellow Elder. Thus, The Grandmaster issues his challenge to the ultimate opponent - Death herself!
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
Tuesday, June 23, 2020
Monday, June 22, 2020
Sunday, June 21, 2020
Infinite Wars: Solomon Grundy vs Stargirl & Jakeem Thunder
SOLOMON GRUNDY versus STAR-SPANGLED KID & JAKEEM THUNDER
Kids (DC)
Where: JSA #29 When: December 2001
Why: Geoff Johns How: Peter Snejbjerg
The Story So Far...
As junior members of the Justice Society of America: Courtney Whitmore and Jakeem Williams were supposed to have a quiet Halloween night in at JSA Headquarters. Instead, trouble finds them when more than the local trick or treating kids come knocking...
Solomon Grundy has been poisoned by The Joker and is more crazed than ever before! Running amok through New York City, he arrives at the JSA's doorstep -- but the depleted senior ranks are already on mission to contain the army of Slab inmates unleashed by The Joker!
It's up to the new Star-Spangled Kid and Jakeem Thunder to face one of the JSA's oldest enemies alone. Joker venom has made him scarier than ever, but that isn't the only thing worrying Courtney: He also killed her predecessor!
Where: JSA #29 When: December 2001
Why: Geoff Johns How: Peter Snejbjerg
The Story So Far...
As junior members of the Justice Society of America: Courtney Whitmore and Jakeem Williams were supposed to have a quiet Halloween night in at JSA Headquarters. Instead, trouble finds them when more than the local trick or treating kids come knocking...
Solomon Grundy has been poisoned by The Joker and is more crazed than ever before! Running amok through New York City, he arrives at the JSA's doorstep -- but the depleted senior ranks are already on mission to contain the army of Slab inmates unleashed by The Joker!
It's up to the new Star-Spangled Kid and Jakeem Thunder to face one of the JSA's oldest enemies alone. Joker venom has made him scarier than ever, but that isn't the only thing worrying Courtney: He also killed her predecessor!
Full Article: https://secretearths.blogspot.com/2020/06/solomon-grundy-versus-stargirl-jakeem-thunder.html
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
Infinite Wars: Jigsaw vs Daredevil & Black Widow
JIGSAW versus DAREDEVIL & BLACK WIDOW
The Widow Part Two of Four (Marvel)
Where: Daredevil #62 When: September 2004
Why: Brian Michael Bendis How: Alex Maleev
The Story So Far...
It's been one year since Daredevil attempted to finish his endless war with Wilson Fisk by dumping the crime boss's defeated body in the street. He has declared himself the new Kingpin of Hell's Kitchen, but his reign has not gone smoothly.
Tabloid press have outed Matt Murdock as Daredevil, and despite his stringent denials, the blind lawyer is caught in a tangled web of public adoration, marital breakdown, and criminal liability. Enter: Black Widow.
Agent Natasha Romanova seeks refuge with her former lover when Nick Fury warns her of corrupt movements within SHIELD. The visit provides a welcome distraction for the man without fear, and the safety of public visibility for the Widow, but a night of playing superhero is about to compound their problems!
Where: Daredevil #62 When: September 2004
Why: Brian Michael Bendis How: Alex Maleev
The Story So Far...
It's been one year since Daredevil attempted to finish his endless war with Wilson Fisk by dumping the crime boss's defeated body in the street. He has declared himself the new Kingpin of Hell's Kitchen, but his reign has not gone smoothly.
Tabloid press have outed Matt Murdock as Daredevil, and despite his stringent denials, the blind lawyer is caught in a tangled web of public adoration, marital breakdown, and criminal liability. Enter: Black Widow.
Agent Natasha Romanova seeks refuge with her former lover when Nick Fury warns her of corrupt movements within SHIELD. The visit provides a welcome distraction for the man without fear, and the safety of public visibility for the Widow, but a night of playing superhero is about to compound their problems!
Full Article: https://secretearths.blogspot.com/2020/06/jigsaw-versus-daredevil-black-widow.html
Sunday, June 14, 2020
Saturday, June 13, 2020
Friday, June 12, 2020
Tuesday, June 09, 2020
Monday, June 08, 2020
Infinite Wars: Bizarro & Parasite vs Mon-El & Guardian
BIZARRO & PARASITE versus MON-EL & GUARDIAN
Man Of Valor: Part Two (DC)
Where: Superman #695 When: February 2010
Why: James Robinson How: Bernard Chang
The Story So Far...
The creation of a new planet populated with Kryptonians leads the world's governments to outlaw all survivors of the distant planet save for Superman. To curb tensions, the Man of Steel chooses to relocate to New Krypton, leaving Earth in the hands of capable understudies.
Hailing from the planet Daxam: Mon-El is a man aspiring to write a new history for himself as a hero of Metropolis. Possessing similar powers to Superman under Earth's yellow sun, he dedicates himself to following the Man of Steel's heroic example as a man of Valor.
Having escaped the clutches of Gen. Sam Lane and Project 7734; Mon-El is at large in the city, where he'll be forced to battle the monster who helped him escape: Parasite! Too bad he's already been battling Bizarro and is now caught between both!
Where: Superman #695 When: February 2010
Why: James Robinson How: Bernard Chang
The Story So Far...
The creation of a new planet populated with Kryptonians leads the world's governments to outlaw all survivors of the distant planet save for Superman. To curb tensions, the Man of Steel chooses to relocate to New Krypton, leaving Earth in the hands of capable understudies.
Hailing from the planet Daxam: Mon-El is a man aspiring to write a new history for himself as a hero of Metropolis. Possessing similar powers to Superman under Earth's yellow sun, he dedicates himself to following the Man of Steel's heroic example as a man of Valor.
Having escaped the clutches of Gen. Sam Lane and Project 7734; Mon-El is at large in the city, where he'll be forced to battle the monster who helped him escape: Parasite! Too bad he's already been battling Bizarro and is now caught between both!
Full Article: https://secretearths.blogspot.com/2020/06/bizarro-parasite-versus-mon-el-guardian.html
Sunday, June 07, 2020
Saturday, June 06, 2020
Infinite Wars: Defensor vs Iron Man
DEFENSOR versus IRON MAN
Chapter 3: Second Contest: Ghost Town Showdown! (Marvel)
Where: Marvel Super Hero Contest of Champions #2 When: July 1982 Why: Mark Gruenwald, Bill Mantlo & Steven Grant How: John Romita Jr
The Story So Far...
Across the universe there exist immortal entities whose very being determines cosmic reality. The Grandmaster is one such being: an Elder of the Universe whose taste for games inspires a Contest of Champions!
Snatching the world's heroes from a temporarily frozen Earth; The Grandmaster drafts a team of twelve to represent him in a contest of life and death! His team must race to find segments of a golden artifact scattered to the four corners of the Earth. The Grandmaster's ultimate prize is the restoration of his immortal brother: The Collector!
Killed by the mad man-god Michael Korvac; The Collector's demise is beyond even the vast cosmic reach of a fellow Elder. Thus, The Grandmaster's challenge is issued to the ultimate opponent - Death herself!
Where: Marvel Super Hero Contest of Champions #2 When: July 1982 Why: Mark Gruenwald, Bill Mantlo & Steven Grant How: John Romita Jr
The Story So Far...
Across the universe there exist immortal entities whose very being determines cosmic reality. The Grandmaster is one such being: an Elder of the Universe whose taste for games inspires a Contest of Champions!
Snatching the world's heroes from a temporarily frozen Earth; The Grandmaster drafts a team of twelve to represent him in a contest of life and death! His team must race to find segments of a golden artifact scattered to the four corners of the Earth. The Grandmaster's ultimate prize is the restoration of his immortal brother: The Collector!
Killed by the mad man-god Michael Korvac; The Collector's demise is beyond even the vast cosmic reach of a fellow Elder. Thus, The Grandmaster's challenge is issued to the ultimate opponent - Death herself!
Friday, June 05, 2020
Thursday, June 04, 2020
Tuesday, June 02, 2020
Monday, June 01, 2020
Friday, May 29, 2020
Sunday, May 24, 2020
Saturday, May 23, 2020
Friday, May 22, 2020
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
Monday, May 18, 2020
Friday, May 15, 2020
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Saturday, May 09, 2020
Friday, May 08, 2020
Tuesday, May 05, 2020
Infinite Wars: Guy Gardner vs Green Lantern
GUY GARDNER versus GREEN LANTERN
Hearts of Darkness, Eyes of Hate! (DC)
Where: Justice Society of America #9 When: April 1993 Why: Len Strazewski How: Mike Parobeck
The Story So Far...
The Justice Society of America fought for truth, justice, and the American way throughout the 1940s, but when post-paranoia of the McCarthy era set in, they were driven underground by congressional hearings that turned masked heroes into figures of suspicion.
Decades later they return to fight the good fight, but when a current affairs program claims to have uncovered FBI files that prove they worked to spy on Americans, and sold their services to the Soviet Union, a fresh wave of paranoia turns the people against them!
As the owner of the network that made the false report, Alan Scott is quick to leap into action as The Green Lantern -- but it isn't long before he finds himself under attack by one of his loyal viewers: Guy Gardner!
Full Article: https://secretearths.blogspot.com/2020/05/guy-gardner-versus-alan-scott.html
Where: Justice Society of America #9 When: April 1993 Why: Len Strazewski How: Mike Parobeck
The Story So Far...
The Justice Society of America fought for truth, justice, and the American way throughout the 1940s, but when post-paranoia of the McCarthy era set in, they were driven underground by congressional hearings that turned masked heroes into figures of suspicion.
Decades later they return to fight the good fight, but when a current affairs program claims to have uncovered FBI files that prove they worked to spy on Americans, and sold their services to the Soviet Union, a fresh wave of paranoia turns the people against them!
As the owner of the network that made the false report, Alan Scott is quick to leap into action as The Green Lantern -- but it isn't long before he finds himself under attack by one of his loyal viewers: Guy Gardner!
Full Article: https://secretearths.blogspot.com/2020/05/guy-gardner-versus-alan-scott.html
Friday, May 01, 2020
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