dashPunk

Two part premier airs October 2nd

Synopsis

SGU follows a band of soldiers, scientists and civilians, who must fend for themselves as they are forced through a Stargate when their hidden base comes under attack. The desperate survivors emerge aboard an ancient ship, which is locked on an unknown course and unable to return to Earth.  Faced with meeting the most basic needs of food, water and air, the group must unlock the secrets of the ship’s Stargate to survive.  The danger, adventure and hope they find on board the Destiny will reveal the heroes and villains among them.

The Destiny

An ancient’s ship,  the Destiny was to follow a pre-programmed mission to explore these galaxies until the Ancients ascended and left the ship unmanned.  The Destiny was the second ship following after the first ship which was sent to seed the galaxies with Stargates.

Take a Tour of the Destiny

A series of concept art, technical specs and set pictures that give us a closer look at the Destiny.

Trailers

Stargate Universe Teaser Trailer

More Stargate Universe Trailers

Official Site

Get Season 1.0 from or Amazon

Watch it streaming online

Stargate Universe news and Stargate news

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Rise of the Bounty Hunters

In season two we move from a two sided war to introducing the Bounty Hunters.  The show primers October 2nd on Cartoon Network.

We’re going to see a different kind of adversary, posing a different kind of threat…  They’re bounty hunters and mercenaries who are taking advantage of the turmoil to make a big score.  We got a taste at the end of the first season with Cad Bane, but we’re going to see a lot more of that.  They’re a resource for taking out Jedi — and they’re good at their jobs. Things are going to get ugly.  -DAVE FILONI

From Season one to Season Two

This season brings promises of being better then season one.  With season one Lucas was restricted by working in the new medium.  They also admit that season one had many more single episodes that did not span much of an arc.

I like how Lucas and Filoni are promising us more in season two.  They have worked out the kinks in their production model.  This has allowed them to put in more characters, more action and I hope more story depth as well.

The first season was similar to Episode IV, in that it was fairly light and the conflict was straightforward. With the second season, we’re going deeper into the stories and the character dynamics. The progression is a lot like the difference between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back.  -GEORGE LUCAS

The Bounty Hunters

In season two we will get to meet many bounty hunters: Cad Bane, Aurra Sing, Cato Parasitti, and Bossk.  For more on each read Meet The Bounty Hunters.

Get Season 1 from: Amazon or

       Season 2 from:

Watch it streaming online here.

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What first caught my eye with Key Princess Story: Eternal Alice Rondo was the black and white diamond pattern on the back cover. The golden filigree border and picture of an Alice-like anime girl with rabbit ears on the front furthered my interest. However, I have to say, as an avid key collector, that the title Key Princess Story sealed the deal.

Story / Plot: Young Aruto Kirihara is a student who is writing an Alice story sequel. He is so in love with Alice, it’s practically all he can think about. One night as he’s sitting at his desk, he sees a bunny girl fall from the sky. He follows her to a library where he learns there are a band of girls searching for the “Never-ending Alice” story. These doll-like beauties fight with giant sword keys. When the key is thrust into the middle of these girls, their story flies out in pages to be collected in a book. Eventually, the pages (they think) will lead them to the “Never-ending Alice”. Not only are they fighting against themselves, but they have a common enemy who fights with a giant match sword and attempts to burn girl pages as well as any books in sight.

Warning:  Those of you buying for your young family members, this book has a 15+ warning. There are several breast shots and for such an innocent story of girls trying to find an everlasting Alice in Wonderland story, this manga has some sexual themes that are not entirely comfortable. Aruto is seduced by the rabbit girl, his teacher, and his younger sister who reminds him that they used to bathe together. In the back, there is a page on Lewis Carroll, the original author of Alice in Wonderland. It explains how the manga does not mention him because of his alleged pedophile tendencies, yet this manga tale has pedophile and incestuous themes itself. Is this a contradiction the author did not realize, or is it on purpose?

Whatever the case, I still enjoyed this tale and would read more. The art tends to be bubbly and Sailor Moonish, but the backgrounds and buildings are very detailed. The artistic feeling of the book is old English with dusty libraries, three story estates, and rooftops that would make the chimney sweeps in Mary Poppins jealous. Chibi content is average.

Extras you will find in this volume:

• Full glossy pic in front.
• Lewis Carroll info page.
• Preview of the next volume.
• Manga reader/honorific guide.

To read more about Eternal Alice Rondo and the Key Princess Stories:

• Get your copy of Eternal Alice Rondo from Amazon.com
• visit the Wiki page

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There are so many manga out, you may be asking, “How can I choose the manga that is right for me?”

First you need to know what part of the manga you enjoy most.
Do you love goth-loli art? A good story? Something with horror in it?
It’s rare to find all these things in one manga series. Believe me, I’ve tried!

Some of you may rely on reviews such as this one to lead your way, but for those of you who are trying to create your own manga hunting style, here are some tips.

Know what you like

I look for good art first, story second.

Seems kind of weird for someone to say that about a book, but  unlike fiction books, mangas need to capture your eyes as well as your mind.

Good manga authors are a skilled, rare breed that can somehow create a tale and put it down in art in such a delicate fashion, you hardly realize you are reading what is basically a cartoon.  What good is a tale in a manga book without interesting art? They might as well have written a novel, let the publisher worry about the cover art, and stick to word writin’!

Know what you don’t like

I am emphatically against talking animals in manga. I hate them. Bats and spiders are sometimes ok, but bunnies and doggies and 300-year-old kitties reincarnated from a once great vampire god? Don’t get me started! However, my best friend adores animals talking and absolutely loves the manga (that shall remain nameless) with the vampire kitty. My point?

Know your tastes and just because your best friend urges you to buy her favorite manga because it has vampires in it, don’t automatically assume you will in enjoy it.  There may be a wisecrackin’ bunny hidden in the pages, and we all know what that leads to!

Hone your skills

Here are some tips on how to narrow the competition down.

1. Go to a store with a large manga selection.  This shouldn’t be too hard as it seems manga is the only hot selling item in bookstores these days.
2. Stand back from the manga shelves and scan.  If any cover draws your notice from a few yards back, it’s worth a look.
3. Check out the front cover in full. Are you a chibi lover, or do you enjoy killer cyborgs with little chibi interference? Make sure the cover speaks to your taste. If you see one character you don’t like, put it in the maybe pile. There is a good chance that character is going to be throughout the book and will irritate you every time you turn the page and see them.
4. Once you have narrowed down a few of the great covers, glance over the description on the back. Don’t put too much stock in the description because they don’t usually relate very closely to the tale. I’ve found that often manga covers seem to be written about the whole series and not about the one volume you are purchasing. As long as there are no talking vampire kitties, you are safe to go on.
5. Flip through the book and check out the art. Is the detail inside as good as the cover art? Is it appealing to you? Is the printing bad, or is it crisp and clean? Do you stop every so often to let a “wow” or a “ooooohhhh” slip from your lips? If you realize it’s a steampunk fantasy once you get inside and you don’t like that sort of tale, please don’t buy it just because you like the cover. You will be disappointed.
6. Finally, the tale. Read at least the first four pages to make sure you like the story. Does the character cuss like a twelve-year-old boy trying to show off to his mates? Does the dialog not flow? Is there some sort of back story you just don’t like? Don’t buy it. It will not get better. Unfortunately, in some stores (especially in Japantown) they seal the books. In this case, you either take your chances, or get smart and browse them online first. Sites like Amazon and Toykopop allow you to read the first couple of pages before you buy.

I tell you all these things because, like you, I once was a manga investigator trainee. I still get caught buying a stinker once in awhile. It’s all about:

• Knowing what you want
• Believing in your first instinct and
• Sticking to it, no matter how much the commerce bug has got you itching!

For those of you who still can’t decide, I’ve made a list of my top five series. Check out the reviews, see if you might like them, and then put on your manga p.i. hat and get shopping!

1. God Child by Kaori Yuki
2. The Tarot Café by Sang Sung Park
3. Princess Ai by Courtney Love and DJ Milky
4. Death Note by Tsugumi Oba
5. Millennium Snow by Bisco Hatori

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Night’s Knights Book Release Party

Friday, October 30th
7:00 p.m.
Bay Books Concord

• Dress as your favorite vampire.
• Meet author and hostess of HorrorAddicts.net, Emerian Rich.
• Enjoy vampire-inspired snacks.
• Hear a live reading.
• Trick or Treat.
• Be one of the first 24 people to buy her book and get free dogtags to commemorate the event.
• With your Night’s Knights purchase, receive a free companion booklet with author notes, sketches, and fan works.

http://www.baybooks.us

Bay Books Concord
1669 Willow Pass Road
Concord, CA 94520

(925) 671-2245

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Destination Truth Season 3 will start on September 9th on sy-fy for a 9 episode season.  I wish they would give Josh and the gang more episodes so they can investigate even more of the cryptid myths.

About Destination Truth

Follow Josh Gates as he explores tales of the unexplained around the globe.  Each week they travel to the location of the unexplained event, interview the locals, and explore the myth trying to prove or disprove it.

The show is a lot of fun to watch and we get to also learn about distant cultures along with the exploration of the unexplained.

What to Expect in season 3

• A mystery in Alaska
• A mystery in Florida
• The ghost towns of Chernobyl
• Turkish lake serpent
• The Bermuda Triangle
• A return to the Himalayan Mountains Bhutan for another look at the Yeti
• World’s first overnight exploration of King Tut’s cursed tomb
• Pitch-black dives in ancient Caribbean caves for a giant octopus
• haunted lost city in Peru & a Chilean high speed desert creature
• watch the video below of Josh highlighting some of the mysteries to be investigated in season 3

Get your copy of Destination Truth:

Season One or Amazon

Season Two

Watch Destination Truth streaming online on hulu here

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Yeah… it’s that good!
Awesome artist Christen Kojnok is behind the sexy new look.
You can find out about her and see her beautiful work at:
http://christenkojnok.com/

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I love getting things like this in the mail!  This is my 1st proof of my print novel Night’s Knights.

There are some adjustments I will be making, but for the most part I am thrilled beyond all common uses of the word.
All the fonts and pictures I used came out beautifully.  I really like the size and weight of the finished product and although I wanted to keep the price under ten dollars, the fact that it will be $13.00 does not bother me after seeing it.

It is quality paperback which major booksellers charge $15-$20 for and I am confident the finished product will be something vampire fans across the globe will have a hard time passing by.

One bit of news I have is, although the cover was locked in, I suddenly met someone who has the most beautiful picture that I would like to use for the cover. We are in talks about the details, but when I know for sure, I will give you links to her portfolio. Excellent stuff.  I am so excited to have met her and to have seen her artwork just in time.

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If Jack from 24 had a cyborg decoy assistant, Gunslinger Girl would be it.

Looking for some high-action fun? You will love this manga. Although there is no horror or fantasy in this book, it is enjoyable. What’s cuter than a little girl in a school uniform sporting an uzi and shooting up terrorists? Maybe that same little girl collecting teddy bears and attempting to play the violin.

This manga raises an ethical question. The premise is that the social welfare agency has rounded up all the physically challenged girls and modified them into cyborg assassins. On the one side, these once disabled kids now have full happy lives where they can walk, go to school, and play with teddy bears. However, the government sees them as cybernetic toys -mechanical- and completely disposable. The kicker is that they also use some sort of drug to “condition” the girls to obey their handlers and risk their lives for them.

What would you do? If you could make a disabled girl walk again, but the trade up was to have them lose part of themselves mentally, would you do it? What if that girl could help track down terrorists and aid homeland security? How high of a price are you willing to put on our safety? If the quality of life is increased, must the life-expectancy be decreased?

All these questions and more will go through your head as you read this. You will also find out what happens when one of the girls starts falling for her handler.

The art in this manga is well done and has a sort of police show feel. There is one glossy color page in the front and no extras in the back.

Get your copy here from amazon:  Gunslinger Girl

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The Hollywood Reporter has an article up about Will Wright’s future as an Entertainment Designer.  While it was interesting, it got me thinking more about the future of creative works.

The Future of Fiction

I am reading What would Google by Jeff Jarvis do right now.  Well, actually, I am reading it over and over again, especially the chapter on books.  I love writing novels, but I feel a little limited by the format.

I love franchise fiction.  Delving into the worlds of Star Wars, Star Trek, the Dragons of Pern, or The Lord of the Rings, pulls me deeper into the world and characters than anything else I know.

What makes these work for me is the multimedia nature of these products.  I am just not sure how an independent creator like me can pull off anything like that easily.

Easy is the Key!

If we are going to movie forward in our attempt to re-envision creative works we need easy tools for content creators to make multimedia productions.  What kind of tools?

1. Simple mechanima maker.

   • Character and setting creation as simple as the Sims.
   • Good auto-lip-sync tool.
   • No scripting required character animation and special effects.
   • Easy unique setting creator for the 3D impaired people like me.
   • Easy import of most if not all existing mesh and skin formats.
   • Easy export into at least the most popular video formats.
   • Low price point

2. Simple MMORPG Maker

   • The same features as Mechanima maker.
   • Easy story telling engine.
   • Simple cut scene maker
   • Setting time line that will allow players to decide what era they want to start in so they can play through the storyline in a dynamic and ever changing world.
     • Certain setting elements are fixed over time as part of the over arcing plot, over setting elements would be dynamic and alterable by the players.
   • The ability for players to move their characters easily from era to era through both play and choice.
   • The software would allow users to visit any setting with 1 client and one monthly fee.
   • Creators are paid for the amount of “player hours” their setting attains.

3. Hypertext Novels that relate to the text.

   • Web based and downloadable hypertext versions.
   • The hypertext layer should be shown only by the reader’s choice.
   • Readers should be able to flow through stories via their chosen path, for example, when the reader discovers a new character they should be able to:
     • pull up a biography of that character.
     • see a list of other works containing that character and the size of their role in the story.
     • navigate into those books/stories if they want to, then return to the previous place in the book and read on.
   • This type of meta-book should be self updating and thus be treated as a service rather than a product.
     • possibly as a subscription to the meta-book reader service, paying the author based on “reader hours.”
   • Books should be printable, sharable, linkable, and searchable.
   • Authors should be able to add special features like outlines, setting notes, and general notes to the text.

4. Cross platform integration

   • All of these platforms should be integrated one with the other.
     • If someone playing the MMORPG wants to pull up the text, video, or audio relating to the era they are playing in.
     • Locations in the MMORPG should be able to pull up context about characters, items, and locations from the other media.
     • Readers should be able to switch between the text, video, audio, and game versions of the content at whim on multiple devises which are kept in sync one with the other.
   • Fanfiction and Fanfilm should be integrated into the platforms.
     • Fanworks should be community and creator curated.
     • Fanworks should be community and creator rated.
     • Fanworks should be promotable to cannon by the creator, and revenue sharing engaged at that point.
   • Content should be importable and exportable from one platform to another.
   • Content should take advantage of and if necessary create open standards.

The Creative Suite we need!

This is the creative suite we need, and that I am personally hoping for.  With state of technology, most (if not all) of these features exists in separate non-compatible applications.  What I want to see is for all of these features to exist in one comprehensive and affordable creative suite.  Once we move authors and other content creators into mixed platforms like this, we will see the birth of real entertainment designers, and I think we will see much more compelling content.

What do you think?

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