REVIEW: Tales of The Green Lantern Corps Annual 3

The Green Lantern movie didn't adequately capture the legendary space police force. Tales of The Green Lantern Corps Annual 3, the last issue of the annuals, featured short stories profiling and starring many of the countless brave Green Lanterns patrolling the galaxies. Besides the Alan Moore story featuring noted Green Lantern Katma Tui, you'll discover several other gems that made the annual a must-read for any fan of the Corps.

Following the similar format used in Tales of The Green Lantern Corps Annual 2, the subsequent annual focused on the minor Corps members. Unfortunately, Annual 3 proved to be the last of the series and the Green Lantern Corps monthly comic was eventually cancelled too. The short stories provided a lasting glimpse of the depth of the Corps. Other acclaimed writers and artists besides Alan Moore who contributed on Annual 3, included Kurt Busiek, Joey Cavalieri, Joe Staton, Kevin Nowlan and John Byrne. Joe Staton provided a special framing sequence starring one of the Green Lanterns featured in the annual.

Mark Twain Google Doodle

This is why Google rocks! Don't miss their tribute to Mark Twain with the above Google Doodle.

Via Google

Legends DLC for NBA2K12

Xbox 360 Games - E3 2012 - NBA 2K12

With the release of the Legends DLC trailer for NBA2K12, here's hoping that publisher 2KSports, will also release this extra content for mobile gamers. The DLC features retro players in their trademark short shorts and cel-shaded artwork.  For those who need to be reminded, NBA2K12 is also available for all of Apple's mobile products.  We've yet to update our iPhone/iPod games with any sort of downloadable content but it would certainly be the start, instead of the usual bug fixes.

Expansion packs and DLCs would blaze a new territory for the Apple mobile gamers.  The improved graphics of the new iPhone 4S and the iPad 2 certainly provide the firepower necessary to facilitate updated content. In fact, I certainly wouldn't mind paying for such content like the Legends DLC.  Apple hasn't allowed app subscriptions for apps outside of the publishing genre.  Perhaps now is the time.

Via G4TV

REVIEW: Teen Titans: A Pretty Girl Is Like Maladi

There's only a few touching stories that stand out from Marv Wolfman's run on The New Teen Titans. One of them involves heartbreak and death.  The classic story "A Pretty Girl Is Like Maladi" featured in issue number 18, involved our heroes battling one of their own members to protect a young lady. The tragic ending will truly stun you.

The dynamic team of Marv Wolfman and George Perez left their mark with the Judas Contract storyline when both were the creative team on the Teen Titans. It was the definitive arc of the entire series and portrayed and generated more emotion than any typical super villain could ever lay upon the team.  Again, there are rare stories from the Wolfman and Perez that really stand out other than this storyline though. However, they left their mark with the young team earlier in the series with a standalone story mainly dealing with love as the subject matter.

Red Star (real name Leonid Kovar) was literally a distant member of the Teen Titans.  He obtained his superpowers when he came into with an alien spaceship. Initially, he went under the moniker "Starfire" but after discovering the Titans already had a member named Starfire, Kovar changed his superhero name.

LEGO Batman 2 Promo Image Revealed

A leaked promo image for Lego Batman 2 has surfaced on the web. Titled "LEGO Batman 2: DC Superheroes", the game will likely feature Superman, Wonder Woman, and Green Lantern as playable characters. (Lego bricks AND an imagination fueled Green Lantern ring? Winning.)

We're hoping the game isn't limited to just Gotham City this time around, and also explores other locations of the DC universe. Imagine flying through space as Lego Hal Jordan dodging Lego bricked asteroids? :)

With the addition of more characters to the DC x Lego Universe, this all but promises more DC Lego sets in the future!

The game doesn't have a set release date but is rumored for Summer 2012.

Via Bricktuts

Next Gen XBOX Rumors

According to Chris Davies over at Slashgear, Microsoft is planning two types of models for the next iteration of it's XBox console. One would be an entry-level model targeting casual gamers and would be more media services-ready (Netflix, etc.) as it relates to a set-top box and the other console model would be specific towards gamers.  Of course, there could be a difference with internal hardware as well, with the gamer-centric model sporting more powerful processors and an internal graphics chip. Quite similar to the PC gaming genre where you had a choice of low-end CPUs and graphics cards and then contrast that with more powerful graphics cards with additional on-board memory for gaming.  Those opting for the entry-level model could end up paying more for peripherals and other possible accessories.

The New 52: Batman The Dark Knight Issue No. 3 Review

 
Continuing the surprise villain at the end of issue 2, Batman battles another old and familiar enemy. However, is it really who we think it is? Plus, a speedy friend comes to the aid of Gotham's greatest hero. Can Batman find out what's going on with all these pumped-up supervillains running around?

GameStop Batman Arkham City Offer

Diehard Batman fans, listen up. You only have until November 30 to take advantage of a very unique offer by GameStop. If you haven't purchased Arkham City yet, GameStop has a special promotion just for super Batman fans like you! Buy the game through GameStop and you will receive a special bonus digital movie copy of Batman Forever along with your purchase! Your choice of console!

More details via GameStop

The New 52: The Flash Issue No. 3 Review

Following up from the events from last issue, we find our hero dealing with a blackout from an electromagnetic pulse that has affected the entire city and even an airliner filled with passengers. Nothing is working and chaos reigns within the city and even Iron Heights Prison, where Iris West is. Flash does his best to calm things down and help restore order - as fast as he can! On top of that, the bad guys from Mob Rule are only going to make things even worse!

Happy Thanksgiving

The last transport is away! Hooray! Happy Thanksgiving from the team here at Rusted Mecha. We'd like to give thanks to you all for your continued support! So enjoy the cornbread, the shopping madness and the turkey stuffing!

Let's Assemble, Avengers!

Over at Marvel Comics, writer Ben Chabala profiles five pivotal Avengers line up changes. In issue 16, the constant fights against evil and injustice take their toll on the current roster of Thor, Wasp, Iron Man. Discover who takes their place! In issue 181, government bureaucracy weighs in on the team and the Avengers are forced to make line-up changes again! This time they have to narrow it down to only seven members! Check out the stunning George Perez cover below.

 Avengers #16, Avengers #181, Avengers #221

Additionally, in Avengers 221, the team recruits new members to flesh out it's roster again! Wasp invites several of Marvel's heroines for lunch for gender balance amongst the members. Looking at the cover, you could see the team's search included intergalactic candidates! Black Bolt alone could take on the bad guys by himself!

Chabala highlights two other issues where the Avengers again reassemble their roster. You can read the rest of his article here.

Images Courtesy Marvel Comics

Apple Store Black Friday

Apple has unveiled their announcement for their "shopping event" on Black Friday. Over the years, we haven't seen a huge discount from the folks at Cupertino but who knows how much deals consumers will score.

H/T AppleInsider

PREVIEW: Batman The Dark Knight Issue No. 6

DC Comics has unveiled the cover artwork for Batman The Dark Knight issue no. 6. The comic-book won't be released until February 22 next year.  Batman will once again confront Bane. The amazing cover artwork by David Finch is a homage to Kelly Jones' cover for Batman 497 during the Knightfall storyline. 

Check out the covers:

That particular issue saw Bane demolish Batman in combat and broke his back.  Hopefully, Gotham's finest hero won't be subjected to a similar fate like that previous encounter! Batman: Dark Knight No. 6 is on sale February 22, 2012 with a variant cover as well.

Images courtesy DC Comics

iPhone Camera

The recent iOS 5 update for iPhones and iPads has brought significant new features to the iPhone 4 and 4S Camera. Of course it's no secret that apps like Instagram and PhotoShop Express most likely contributed to the addition of these features. Users will find new tools for editing, sharing and organizing photographs. We've gone beyond simple HDR features from previous updates as the new features allow for Red-Eye removal and easier social-network sharing. The interface remains relatively the same and it's simplicity won't confuse new and old users alike.

PHOTO EDITING

Powerful and simple new editing tools are now available for those who've ever wanted to fix red-eye issues with photos or manipulate photos altogether, right there on their iPhones. A new menu will appear once the Edit button has been pressed allowing for: rotation of images, auto-enhancement, red-eye removal and cropping. If you used the PhotoShop Express app before then this style isn't a radically far departure from that app.

We're wondering if Apple plans to release an iPhoto app that allows synching of photos and albums directly to one's library.

X-Men Anime: Episode 3

 

The X-Men battle the U-Men as they continue their search in Japan for the missing mutants. Check out images and preview.

X-Men Anime: Episode 2

The X-Men gather themselves then head back to Japan to locate another mutant. What will they discover when they get there?

Occupy Gotham

Bruce Wayne is part of the one percent and there's nothing wrong with that. Others include Ted Kord of Kord, Inc. and Tony Stark of Stark Industries. Wayne inherited his parent's wealth and heads the conglomerate Wayne Enterprises. Sometimes the one percent aren't faceless corporations who lack hearts. Sometimes, they go beyond what's expected of them without the world ever knowing.

REVIEW: Justice League #3

Wonder Woman has arrived! Cyborg's origin continues! And who's that coming out of the WATER? :)

XBOX 10 Year Anniversary

This past week, we celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the original XBOX. Back in November 15, 2001, Microsoft unleashed to the general public, their first entry into the console wars. While it was late to the game, it quickly caught with established hits like Grand Theft Auto 3 making their later debuts on the console. The system came with a generous hard drive as well. The online capabilities of the original XBOX played a role in Sony creating a network for their Playstation 2.

REVIEW: Avenging Spider-Man #1

Spidey teams up in a new ongoing monthly! How does the new book fare?

Neil Gaiman on Simpsons

The crossover you'd never expect is about to happen! Acclaimed writer Neil Gaiman (Sandman, Books of Magic, Black Orchid) will be making his first ever appearance on The Simpsons TV show.  The episode is scheduled to air Sunday, November 20th. Judging from the sneak peek images, who knows what kind of hi jinx will ensue!

Images courtesy DC Comics

New 52: Wonder Woman Issue No. 3 Review

The truth comes out as Queen Hippolyta of the Amazons bares all about her love affair with Zeus. Did Wonder Woman take the news with ease? Hardly. The origin of Wonder Woman continues in this issue!

Nike LeBron James Watch The Throne

It's no secret that Jay-Z and LeBron James are friends. There are previous sightings of the rapper in attendance at Cavaliers games. Shoe enthusiast blog KixAndTheCity has pictures of the collaboration between Nike and Jay-Z, resulting in a special Watch The Throne edition of LeBron's ninth generation sneaker, the LeBron 9.

Front

Side

As you can see above, the shoe is adorned with emblems and symbols based upon the Watch The Throne CD. No word yet if it's actually released for the general public.

Pictures via KixAndTheCity

iMessage

There's a compelling reason to upgrade your iPhone or iPad to the latest iOS5 that could save you money. The iMessage feature part of the iOS5 update allows users to send text messages to any iOS device without any charge.

Green Lantern Cartoon Network Animated Series

...Beware his power, Green Lantern's light! The new Green Lantern animated series premiered on Cartoon Network on Friday, November 11. The computer generated animation is similar to other notable works such as the Star Wars: Clone Wars and The Incredibles. For now, the series is focusing on two main Green Lanterns as the main characters - Hal Jordan and Kilowog.

Grand Theft Auto III Anniversary Action Figure

There are many games that will go down into PC Gaming history for their lasting impact on the industry and Grand Theft Auto III is one of them.

Redesigning Darkseid

Just when you thought the changes were done for the New52 DC Universe, the great Darkseid himself has also been undergone some changes! Check out the new look for Darkseid which is set to premiere in Justice League issue number 6.

The new Darkseid

While it may be a radical departure from his original look, it does maintain some elements from original creator and designer, Jack Kirby. 

Image courtesy DC Comics

iPhone Music Title Overlap

There seems to be a bug with the iPod/Music app on my iPhone. The issue occurs when you initially play a song then manually choose another song to listen to. There appears to be overlaps with the titles such as the category and the album name. The "Back" button seems affected too.

Green Lantern Digital Movie Review

Despite what critics have said and the movie's mediocre run at the box office, Green Lantern, is still a great movie.  The extended cut digital edition available via iTunes, featuring additional minutes and more goodies, should be enjoyed by diehard fans and adds more depth to the origin story.  If you've skipped the movie altogether, this review should entice you to check it out.

History of the DC Universe

 Before the New 52 initiative came about, DC Comics' convoluted timeline was addressed to create a cohesive new history for it's characters. Did the History of The DC Universe satisfy readers or confuse them even more?

iOS 5 Notifications

With the release of iOS 5, the Notifications feature gets an added modification. For one thing, all your notifications are now in one place with a few additions.

Album Review: Achtung Baby Deluxe Edition

 Album Review: Achtung Baby Deluxe Edition by U2

It's hard to believe that U2 has been around that long. If I had to pick the breakout album for the band, it would certainly be Achtung Baby. The varied songs and sounds from this album alone provides you with enough satisfaction to truly rank this as one of their best.

Grand Theft Auto V Trailer

Rockstar Games has premiered the trailer for the upcoming Grand Theft Auto V game.  We've become a bit nostalgic and have been inching to play Grand Theft Auto 3 again! Enjoy:

GarageBand for iPhone and iPod

Aspiring musicians rejoice. Apple has updated the GarageBand app by releasing it as a universal app, making it available for all to utilize on other iOS devices. Previously, it was limited for use only on the iPad.

New 52: Animal Man Issue No. 3 Review:

If you missed out on Jamie Delano's horror-themed run on the original Animal Man series, then don't worry, the current issue provides more of that classic vibe. Animal Man issue no. 3 is probably the grossest comic-book I've currently read so don't read this on a FULL stomach!

Robotman

Whether it was leading a band of misfits and unlikely heroes, Robotman was always the backbone of the team. Whatever happend to the metallic marvel?

Album Review: Root Down by Beastie Boys

Album Review: "Root Down" by The Beastie Boys

Beastie Boys' singles contain various remixes that are worth a listen. "Root Down" is another stellar example.