This is a milestone. Today, there was two years to the day that I started Broken Infinite. There has been so much that has come and gone since those two years. And I really do appreciate everything that has been done. We have come a long way.
When this started two years ago, I wanted to strike out with my friends on our own. And while Jeff Williams, Eric McLeod, Darryll B. Carter and Hector Ramirez have since moved on ... we all wanted to do things our own way.
Since then, the site has gone through changes ... lots and lots of changes. People have come and gone. We have had features and more. Hell, I am running this website and am EIC of Herotaku. But, just because I been there, I haven't forgotten about my child, Broken Infinite.
There is gonna to be more to come. You will see some changes within the next few weeks. There is gonna be a plethora of new content and a harder edge. We are gonna go back a bit old school here. The video playlists will start returning. We will continue to break the cycle with more content, looking at the comic book industry from not just the Big Two but a whole and do more to entertain you.
There are exciting things on the horizon. And there is so much we want to do and will do in the future. It's been two years and I wanted to do it right.
I want to thank all the people that have posted or who are posting on the Broken Infinite:
Jeremias De Leon
Jake Estrada
Eric McLeod
Darryll B. Carter
Hector Ramirez
Michael Flinn
Jeff Williams
EZ Rider Bobbert13
Michael Arroyo
TWK
Big Cheese
Caleb the Time Traveler
Spaceman Hardy
Pugsly
John Corey Turner
MadShadow
Matt Packard
Edward Garcia Bryan ClendeningCardfight TV
Thank you for everyone who has viewed. Thank you to all the guests who have appeared and will appear
Join Darryll B. Carter, BI's own Vice President, as he takes some time to interview up & coming indy writer Scott Beach on his book Super Brawl: Cronus vs. Black Cloud, and much more.
Forgive the shaky camera. - Frankie
During Wizard World Philadelphia 2013, EIC Frankie Rodriguez & VP Darryll B. Carter run into a certain robot from the Star Wars franchise who had something to say.
Back into the world of Shrugged. The issue picks up where the first left off; reintroducing characters from the first season and introducing new ones. Theo's guardian angels are at it again with their appropriately stereotypical behavior. Dev (a demon like guardian) continues to be the wild man, while Ange (you guessed it, an angel like guardian) continues to be polite and proper; putting him in his place.
The overall story moves forward through the events happening in the realm of Perspecta, home of the guardians. An unseen assailant, presumably the villain witnessed at the end of issue #1, is murdering and terrorizing the citizens of Perspecta. But it's what happens with Theo back on Earth that gets the most attention in this issue. Our main character has gotten himself caught in a sort of love rectangle. Dev seems to think it's good news. But we'll have to keep reading to see if it's the contrary.
The art is solid as it was before. Each realm is distinct and different. You can easily distinguish Earth from Perspecta. My only qualm was during the football game. I got the two cheerleader love interests confused. Theo had just bumped into one and then another popped up and said "Hey you made it." I thought, "What the hell? Didn't we just speak with you broad?" After flipping back I realized they were two separate characters; blonde and brunette. Would be nice to have a stronger distinction, as rhe blonde's hair is kind of a dirty blonde.They both so easily fit the 'popular cheerleader' motif. But maybe that was the point. And what's up with Kiori wearing a shirt that says 'Joey'? Something I missed from the first series run?
I know next to nothing about the Image's Elephantmen run. So I'm coming to this cover from a completely unbiased perspective. It's not my typical. It's not action packed. It's quaint; almost tranquil. The shear composition of this cover was orchestrated very well. The white/light background against her brown skin and black hair... The petals falling... And then there is this mech-rhinoceros helmet upon her head that just warrants so many questions. Whats the deal with the helmet? Whats up with the baby rhinothing dressed up as a human baby? Are they worried? Are they scared? Do they feel protected? Calm? I'm pretty sure this is my favorite cover to date.
It took some time to find this weeks cover. I went through a lot of them and a lot of disappointment too.But once I saw this cover I knew it was the winner. Why? Because it just kicks ass... Look at it.
That's tank. Uncanny X-men #3 is taking home the gold this week.
Script| Frank Mastromauro
Art| Jonathan Marks & Micah Gunnell
Colors| Beth Sotelo
Letters| Josh Reed
Aspen Comics' ten year anniversary continues with the release of Shrugged 2 #1. Shrugged 2 is a continuation of the original Shrugged released back in 2006. Fans can rejoice as the story still follows the exploits of teenager Theo and the chips on his shoulder/alternate dimensional consciences; Devonshire and Angelia. The two effectively serve as an influence on Theo's decisions and the source of the powers he wields.
Shrugged 2 does a good job of recapping the events of the original within the first 5 pages, making it easier for newcomers, like myself, to ease into the series. The first issue is spends most of its time setting up for the story arcs to come (as expected), introducing potential love interests, friends and the current social climate in Theo's life on Earth and on Perspecta (Devonshire and Angelia's homeworld). It ends with a nice bang introducing what presumably is an old villain.
Shrugged 2 was a good quick read. I didn't have any trouble getting through it once I picked it up. The artwork is solid. There are some awesome border illustrations, but the colors are what really worked for me. So, kudos to Beth Sotelo there. Some of the panels do a great job of describing internal thoughts or emotions, particularly the ones revolved around Devonshire. Devonshire, won this book for me. He's hilarious and truly captures some of the inner thoughts of a straight male teenager. Pick it up and see for yourself.
There isn't too much to say about this cover, outside of the obvious. But it's taking home a Golden Udder for what it represents, more than the artistic skill and sweat that created it. It's very Spectre-esque. Damian, floating there like an angel and an open view into the darkness. It's poetic. As is the lettering on 'R.I.P.' If that doesn't get you to look into this issue. I don't know what will outside of a few spoilers.
A new title from Aspen Comics, Legend of the Shadow Clan hit the ground running and packs a good punch. Its a nice departure from my regular repertoire of comic reading and brings a nice modernization to the contemporary 'ninja/assassin for hire' origination.
The issue opens like a movie; introducing viewers to the mysterious yet to be fully revealed plot aboard a yacht turned laboratory. This scenario is accompanied by some awesome ninja gunplay and a narrated view into the lineage and history of (presumably) the Shadow Clan. The narration is rich and interesting, it keeps pace with the scene that unfolds.
But as the scene and location shifts to an urban school yard, so does the telling of the tale. Now following underachiever, Brayden Himura the story takes a slower pace. We watch as he reveals some surprising athletic talents and sigh and shake our heads as he deals with the timeless family issues at the dinner table. All accompanied by third person narration (through captions). This issue is heavily narrated, but it doesn't become an issue until the next scene.
As things begin to pick back up, there is an alarming and mildly predictable happening at the software company where Brayden's father works. The action kicks in, but it fights with the narration. The play by play from the captions actually slows down the otherwise, frantic and swift encounter. It cheapens it somewhat and leaves you with less of an impact than it could have. But in the end it still closes with a great set up for issue #2.
Now I've been reading a lot into tarot cards lately; lore and implementation. That's what initially pulled me to this cover. Despite that, this cover reached up and grabbed the GU all on its on. I believe this is the first 'WTF' CoW, because when I look at this cover everything makes me say 'WTF'. Sort of like that random cabaret scene within Xeres tent in 300. There is a girl with her head cut off, a demon chick (which is cool), a chick with the head of a warthog and then there's the center piece that puts Powergirl to shame. I like it! Poking fun aside, the artwork is awesome. I love the birds in the cover and the skulls lurking in the background of that black tanning rack thing. I like the sticks and skulls constructing the border of it too. Huge kudos to Jim Balent! I'll end with this. After discovering Tarot Witch of the Black Rose I went and looked at some of its other covers. Expect to see TWBR again sometime in the future.
This week's CoW is once again from the hands of Alex Ross, which brings his Golden Udder count to two. Masks #3 features some great artwork, as expected from a comic juggernaut like Ross. What impresses me most is the layout and structure of the picture; the symmetry. The green energy flowing upward into the logo just adds strawberries to an already delicious cake.
Ah.... The first CoW of the new year. Are your lips salivating for some malty goodness? No? Good cause there were more innuendos laced in that question than expected. All that aside, the Golden Udder goes to Colder #3 this week. The hands on the cover are creepy as all hell; pulling and tugging at the body of this lass. But it was really the logo that pulled me to the cover. It is clear and simple yet still stylish. I also like how all the writing on the cover is on a slant with the logo. Even the Dark Horse emblem seems like its slightly askew. Nice job guys.
Hey readers, I'm back with another review of Valiant Entertainment's Harbinger series, issue #7. For those who are unfamiliar, Harbinger follows the psionic phenom, Peter Stancheck as he's learned to master and come to terms with his abilities. Issue #6 left off with Kris, tech genius, suggesting they form a team to combat the series antagonist and billionaire, the all powerful Toyo Harada. So far they are three men/women strong; Peter, Kris and the high flying Faith aka Zephyr.
This issue introduces Charlene Dupree, Flamingo (as she goes by on stage). The team finds themselves recruiting their new member within a strip club. There's a quick, but well paced backstory on Charlene that gives us a crystal clear look at the broken path that led her to the here and now. She quickly becomes interesting and so does the story, when she is angered by Kris' 'bitchy' nature. The conflicts are what make this issue and Harbinger as a whole unique and entertaining. You are reading about real people, that have been caught up in this superhuman conspiracy. It's captivating.
Can this ragtag group hold together?
One thing I would like to note: in my look at issue #6, I said their was nothing interesting about Faith beyond her obesity. I recant that statement. Faith is awesome. She brings a lighter side to the story to help contrast the darkness. She may be one of the most relatable characters. I feel a lot of her personality resonates in the readers. Peter grew on me a bit more too. He seems more of the hesitant hero type. An archetype I'm particularly fond of. He knows what he's done, what he's capable of and wants to do better for it. The last review was nearly a salute to Kris, while I found myself hating her in issue #7 for the very same reasons I liked her (headstrong, assertive and witty).
Looking forward to the final showdown.
The art changed a bit, but Harbinger feels more at home with the new art direction. And once again it leaves you wanting to know what comes next. I really take my hat off to writer, Joshua Dysart. He did an awe inspiring job of putting four totally different personalities in one issue, while masterfully showing their character and personal nuances.
Now this is a sweet cover. A blood red shot of Hawkeye looking down the shaft of an arrow. It really captures Hawkeye's presence and personality. The best part about the cover is the image is contained within Hawkeye's symbol. Though the white surrounding it takes away from the cover. It's sort of abrasive or blinding to the eye. It would have faired better with a black or red. But overall still an awesome cover.
There are a few ways to win the Golden Udder. Two sure fire ways are; one, show me something fantastic and two, appeal to something I like. Fanboys vs. Zombies #5 did the latter.
There are a few different covers for FvsZ #5, but the one that is taking home the gold pays homage to one of the greatest movie franchises of all time, (Hehe... time.) Back to the Future.
It appears to be an amalgamation of the three original BttF posters. They tossed in the classic Marty attire from I, the futuristic shades from II with the western theme from III. Nice job guys.
UPDATE: The picture indicates issue #9. Though when researched it was listed as a #5 cover. The actual issue # is currently uncertain to us.
This review is based off of the PS3 version of the game.
A precious few franchises have garnered enough following to rival the loyal family of the Transformers. From G1 to Prime; Transformers has evolved from toys to block buster movies. Transformers: FoC is one of the latest entries into the extensive catalog of Cybertronian material and the sequel to the well received Transformers: War for Cybertron.
Storywise, FoC takes place seemingly immediately after the events of War for Cybertron. FoC opens during the last chapter of the game, with the legendary Autobot space vessel, the Arc, under heavy fire and siege by Decepticon forces. You start off using Bumblebee, struggling his way through the quickly degrading infrastructure of the Arc. He approaches the always climatic battle between Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots, and Lord Megatron. The battle goes horribly south and quickly tunes us into the desperate situation the Autobots are in. The narrative rewinds to eight days before the opening events and the course of the game becomes an onward battle of attrition for energon and information.
Most of us know that the Autobots (and Decepticons) make it to Earth after leaving their beloved Cybertron. While the end is known, it doesn't make the journey there any less meaningful. High Moon did a great job of fleshing out the road to Earth during Cybertron's last days and made it impactful.
"Transformers: FoC is the apex of Transformers games to date."
The story is well paced and takes a lot of cues from Transformers the Movie. (The original animated version, not the Michael Bay blockbuster.) Hearing classic lines such as; "til all are one" and Rumble's "first we crack the shell, then we crack the nuts inside" were a classic touch that helped solidify the universe. They even played "the Touch" during the end credits. But the most riveting piece of plot was learning how the DinoBots came to be.
"Me Grimlock burn Prime puny butt!"
The controls for FoC are pretty much the shooter standard with the inclusion of character/event specific special abilities. The movement of the Cybertronians is a little clunky. A couple times I found myself fighting my own movement more than the actual enemies, which I particularly noticed with Optimus Prime and Megatron. But they are bigger guys and less spry than Jazz and Cliffjumper. The cover mechanic revolved around switching the shoulder camera and hiding behind various objects. A Gears of War cover system would have been a better fit and a smooth one, especially since the game virtually plays like robot GoW.
The gameplay varies depending on your character, which does a good job of changing the pace from the basic 'pew pew'. Optimus and Megatron are pretty straight forward, while Cliffjumper and Starscream's chapters revolve around stealth. And then there's Grimlock... Grimlock's chapter consists of blowing things up and beating the spark out of anything that comes near you till it's slag. Grimlock steals the show by far. He's so powerful they limited his time in Dino Mode to a rage gauge.
Even with all its glory FoC isn't without a bug or two. At least once per chapter (particularly with the faster characters and fliers) Jazz or Starscream would find themselves rocketing through the side of a wall and into oblivion, doomed to fall for eternity. Or in Starscream's case hover. At that point the only options was to restart from the latest checkpoint, which most often than not was only minutes before the mishap.
If you really sat down with it, you could probably conquer all thirteen chapters of FoC in one day. But for most folks it will probably be two to three. If you are just looking for a good time I'd recommend playing it on normal. If you want a challenge (and you're a shooter vet) you'll want to just start on the hard difficulty. It'll get a bit annoying as you die nearly instantly until you get some upgrades, but it'll be a bit more bang for your buck. Warning though, the last fight is ridiculous on hard. For your hard work; a horde mode called Escalation is unlocked after beating the game.
The multiplayer mode is impressive and toots a decent customization system. You can unlock armor sets of your favorite Transformers and mix and match to make your own bot. The modes are the standard run of the mill; Team Deathmatch, Capture the Flag, along with Conquest and Headhunter, which play like Territories and V.I.P from Halo, respectively.
In all, Transformers: Fall of Cybertron is a strong game with a huge mythos to build off of and live up to. It accomplishes this in spades. Its shortcomings are easily overlooked for the polished veneer and care High Moon put into the game. If you are a Transformers fan you cannot pass this game up. Transformers: FoC is the apex of Transformers games to date.
This is a milestone. Today, there was two years to the day that I started Broken Infinite. There has been so much that has come and gone since those two years. And I really do appreciate everything that has been done. We have come a long way. 
Pugsly
