JJ Abrams Interview

I love to to see interviews by artist talking about their art. Here is an interview of JJ Abrams talking about his new movie: Star Trek.

Mugen: Sinestro

Every iconic comic book hero character has a villain whom is just as iconic as the hero. The more interesting villains are like flip sides of the same coin minted as the hero. For Green Lantern, that arch rival has to be Sinestro. Over the years there have been many back stories, even several Green Lanterns, but he remains fairly consistent: egotistical, evil, and powerful. Here is a links with more information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinestro

There are two versions of him for mugen. One was created By GM.Spectre sprites for the D Fighter game and an updated version by Mogon, McCready, Larramones and Buyog. This post will only cover the updated version.

Sinestro Mugen Versions

Image	Creator	Fun Factor	AI	Look	Downloads
	Mogon, McCready, Larramones and Buyog	8	6	8	http://www.buyog.com/MUGEN/sinestro.html

This version has been released 04-24-09 and as Buyog has mentioned that it's not complete. Despite that these guys have managed to turn out another character that is fun to play with! For this video I only showed the special moves because it's not complete yet. My favorite move is when he uses his ring to make a cage around his opponent. That's really fun. You should check this out.

Iron Man Animated Series Promo

Iron Man: Armored Adventures premieres on NickToons on April 24. Here is a promo!

Wolverine's Worst Day

That Book that I've been waiting for....it's out!

WIP Focus: Blade by Super_Joker

Volzzilla has had the opportunity of interviewing Super_Joker concerning his Blade character for mugen. I appreciate both of them for having the opportunity to find out more about this exciting work-in-progress. The character described in this article is going to be a lot of fun. I also would like to thank Super_Joker for taking time to answer questions for which I'm sure we all would like to know the answer. Volzzilla's comments and questions are in bold. And Super_Joker's responses are unbolded.

1) So how did you decide upon bringing Blade to MUGEN?

When I first discovered MUGEN, I knew I wanted to make my own characters. After finding various MUGEN forums and learning more, I couldn't believe Blade had not been worked on yet and since he is my favorite Marvel figure, I knew this was a project for me.

2) Glad you made that decision. Please share your thoughts about his general comic back history and about the character in general.

The vampire Deacon Frost bit Blade’s mother when she was very pregnant with him, which somehow turned Blade into a hybrid, with all the vampire strengths and none of their weaknesses, except for the thirst. He can withstand garlic, holy water, silver and sunlight, hence the Daywalker nickname. He is a loner; his life experiences have made him walk alone trying to accomplish his goal to wipe out every vampire on earth, no matter what it takes.


3) So tell the readers what bases you are using for the character and for the various moves themselves.

Blade is a real frankensprite, using the most common Capcom characters as well as hand drawn sprites. There are too many bases to remember, there's also a bit of SNK magic in him as well.

4) How is the progress going on Blade?

It took me a year to finalize Blade's look and feel and I'm always touching up his detail, I want to get this right. MUGEN is probably one of my top hobbies, but in saying that it’s not the only thing I do. He progresses normally... about 5-10% a week, and since I don't plan on releasing a BETA my goal is to release him early 2010 hopefully. The one thing that is setting me back is learning coding and his voice. I would like to use his Marvel Ultimate Alliance sounds, but don't have an idea on how to rip those currently. So if anyone can help me out in that regard, it would be appreciated.

5) What has stood out the most during the creation process in a positive manner? What has been giving you the most trouble?


Sometimes I get 'spriter's block' and get stuck. But to re-motivate myself I read and watch the Blade movies (editor’s note: Super_Joker and everyone should also check out the TV show that was produced by SpikeTV in 2006 and is out on DVD for any additional source material), browse through sprites and the ideas start coming back, as its fun to create a new move or animation. The thing that has been giving me most trouble are his bootlaces and the things I just spoke about in the previous question.


6) Please tell the readers about all the special and hyper moves you have planned. I’m also interested in how you plan on implementing Blade’s various different weapons.

At the moment, expect all of his favorite weapons, swords and guns, everything. But I want to give him a martial arts/street fighter feel as well. Considering this is MUGEN and Blade's nature, he will also have a FATALITY or two.


7) Sounds very cool. Do you have any special plans in regards to intros/exits with any other characters?

He will definitely have an intro against Dimitri. For anyone else, I want to leave that as a surprise.

8) Is there anything else about the character that we have not covered that you would like to share?

I will hopefully be releasing a brief teaser at the end of this month showing him off. I also want to say thanks to all the fans that have been following my work, as well as to my team SGM who has been very supportive. I promise you won't be disappointed, feel free to contact me if you would like to suggest any moves or anything else to help bring him to MUGEN life.

We thank you for all of this dedication to Blade. And you can keep track of his WIP by going to:

http://www.infinitymugenteam.com/Forum_345/index.php?topic=17109.0

To read more about the character in general, take the following links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blade_(comics)

http://marvel.com/universe/Blade

http://www.comicvine.com/blade/29-7570/

Iron Man Armored Popper Game NOW!

Marvel has a new video game based on the upcoming Iron Man animated series. Check it out at the following link: Iron Man Armored Popper Game; and read the Marvel.com article: Play Iron Man Armored Popper Game NOW!

Marvel Divas

I came across a post on the Comic By Comic blog announcing a new book called Marvel Divas. It will be written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa. Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa says:

“The idea behind the series was to have some sudsy fun and lift the curtain a bit and take a peep at some of our most fabulous super heroines. In the series, they're an unlikely foursome of friends--Black Cat, Hell Cat, Firestar, and Photon--with TWO things in common: They're all leading double-lives and they're all having romantic trouble. The pitch started as "Sex and the City" in the Marvel Universe, and there's definitely that "naughty" element to it, but I also think the series is doing to a deeper place, asking question about what it means...truly means...to be a woman in an industry dominated by testosterone and guns. (And I mean both the super hero industry and the comic book industry.) But mostly it's just a lot of hot fun.”

I like the premise. I may have to read this one!

Voice Actors of Iron Man

Here is a video of actors being interview on their roles in Iron Man: Armored Adventures!

Mugen: Elektra

Elektra is one of the most deadliest fighters in the Marvel Universe. She was one of she was an ex-girlfriend of Daredevil and is famous for two reasons: a. She is an excellent fighter and b. she was killed by Daredevil's arch rival Bullseye under the Kingpin's direction. Her death was a milestone for comic books because before that major characters never died. In addition,she proved to be so popular that her death was inevitably temporary. She was brought back. You can read more about her at following links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elektra_(comics)
http://www.marvel.com/universe/Elektra
http://www.marvel.com/news/comicstories.7097.Psych_Ward~colon~_Elektra?utm_source=rss+news+story+feed&utm_medium=rss+link&utm_content=story+feed&utm_campaign=rss+feeds

I have found one version of her for mugen.

Elektra Mugen Versions

Image	Creator	Fun Factor	AI	Look	Downloads
	XFields, Beja, & Buyog	8	6	8	http://www.buyog.com/MUGEN/elektra.html

I enjoyed playing with this updated version. It's great. In his blog articles and readme, Buyog said its still not 100% complete but I don't care. It's still really fun to play. My favorite things is how she can throw shuriken (throwing stars) and sais. The way this character is shaping up she'll be more than a match for any ninja character in Mugen. In case I haven't been clear, I sincerely recommend that you add this one to your mugen!

Here is the video test:

Hugh Jackman on FCBD plus Wolverine Trailer

Two of my favorite things released on May 1, 2009! I really think that this is going to be a great movie and a great comic book is always welcome.

Grudge Match: Hulk vs Doomsday

Okay, I realize that Doomsday beat Superman to "death", but I think the Hulk would beat Doomsday to a pulp. In my opinion, The Hulk would flatten him. I think the last words Doomsday would ever hear would be: "Hulk SMASH!"

Scruffyversary: Villains' Week - Day 1

Magus has announced two stages at Scruffy Dragon. G0 get it!

Mugen: Iron Lantern

Iron Lantern is an amalgam of Iron man and Green Lantern. Iron Lantern is the character you would get if Tony Stark had Green Lantern's power ring. The character's alter ego is Hal Stark. You can find out more about the character by going to the following two links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_Lantern
http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix/ironlant.htm

There now exists a version for mugen

Iron Lantern Mugen Versions

Image	Creator	Fun Factor	AI	Look	Downloads
	Tenchimuyo4ever	8	9	9	http://sic-graphics.scruffydragon.com/IronLantern.rar

I really like this character. I had an older version of Iron Lantern that really was an Iron Man edit. However, this character is not just an Iron Man edit. It has all new moves and looks very faithful to the way the character looked in the comic books. My favorite move is the one where Iron Lantern makes a green magnet to grab an opponent. I am also impressed with the way he just whips out different weapons as green energy weapons. Here is a video of me putting the character through its paces. I'm going to need a lot more practice to use the character to its full potential. You have got to try this one out!

Geek-lactus: Marvel Collectibles

I found a new on-going series from Marvel.com. The goal is to spotlight new action figures, toys, and collectibles based on the Marvel Universe. Some cool stuff out there. Now if only I could find the money!

Mugen: Thanoseid

Thanoseid is a mashup of Thanos and Darkseid. I can't say I remember much about him from the 1996 limited series. But given that Thanos and Darkseid are two of the most powerful characters from each of their respective universes, Thanoseid is one power player. There has been just released a Thanoseid character for mugen. Here is some more information about the character:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanoseid
http://www.comicvine.com/thanoseid/29-48658/

Thanoseid Mugen Versions

Image	Creator	Fun Factor	AI	Look	Downloads
	rozeros & ZVitor	8	9	9	http://sic-graphics.scruffydragon.com/thanoseid.rar

The character is fun a powerful. It doesn't take all that many hits to beat your opponent into submission. My favorite move is when he super omega blasts diagonally. Any opponent trying to attack from the air will be hit.

Here is a video of me putting Thanoseid through his paces!