Blogga the Hutt

Blogga's Video Game Diary - 27/1/12

2012-01-27T10:25:00.000-08:00

I'm sorry for the lack of content - things are hectic in the real world right now so I may be sporadic in posting for a while I'm sorry. Anyway here's some more of what I've been up to Video Game wise.

Diary

I'm still collecting Riddler Trophies and I've got the confrontation with Riddler to come as well, then I will have completed the full Campaign (except the stupid AR challenges!!). One secret I managed to find by myself (though I already knew about it from online!) was Crime Alley where you can see the spot where Wayne's parents died as well as hearing a taunting message from Hugo Strange. In other news I've started Assassin's Creed: Revelations and also played the first act of Gears of War 3. I play that with a friend and we have a tradition of only playing in the dark which makes it more fun!!

New Stuff

Right I'm gonna write about the new characters who pop up in the game. I'd kinda hoped to go through the story as I did it, but that might get complicated. We'll see anyway.

The game starts with Bruce Wayne leading a public protest against Arkham City a walled-off ghetto inside which all criminals are thrown together. The billionaire is captured by TYGER guards working fore the head of Arkham.

Hugo Strange
Real Name: Hugo Strange
Occupation: Psychiatrist, Head of Arkham City

Strange has a great deal of power, not only is he head of the new super-prison he also commands his own private army of soldiers and through his manipulations has the Mayor of Gotham in his pocket. More than this he also has deduced the true identity of Batman and is keen to have Bruce Wayne inside his walls. He is very interested in the super-criminals of Gotham, keen to study them and psych-analyse them. But his truen intentions are...well I'll get to that!

Wayne is thrown into the supermax prison and makes his way through, passing a number of dangerous criminals who asre out for his blood.

Black Mask
Real Name: Roman Sionis
Occupation: Mob Boss

Similar to Wayne in that he lost both his parents Sionis instead turned to a life of crime, carving a wooden mask and becoming feared mob boss Black Mask. Inside Arkham city he ran operations from his family's Sionis steel mill until he was muscled out by Joker. When Wayne encountered him he was being beaten mercilessly by TYGER guards.

And I've run out of time - more soon!

Smallville - From strip to screen, part 4

2012-01-03T09:35:00.000-08:00

Long overdue, but it's finally here - let's look at who popped up in the final few episodes of Smallville before Clark took up his destiny as the superhero we all know and love.

Booster Gold

Booster show up in an episode where Clark is about to reveal his powers to the world. Just as he does this guy rocks up and manages to be at every crash, kidnapping and disaster to save the day ahead of the 'Blur'. After investigation it turns out Booster is a former sports star who travelled back in time to escape his gambling debts, using his companion Skeets, an AI with extensive knowledge of the 21st century he is able to be at every scene with a dramatic save, aiming to replace Clark as the hero of the 21st century. Despite his ignoble plan he still wants to be a hero and agrees to work with Clark and train his new friend Blue Beetle. In the comics Booster has a similar story, travelling back in time to escape his mistakes he revels in the opportunity to join the heroes of his past.

Jamie Reyes/ Blue Beetle

Jamie is a high school loser who inadvertantly picks up an alien weapon known as a scarab. Inspired by Booster Gold he wants to learn how to be a hero, but the alien weapkn takes over and forces him to attack his idol. Timely intervention by Clark allows Booster the opportunity to help Jamie fight the weapon and control it himself. Jamie elects to keep the technology and train under Booster to learn the path of the hero. Again Jamie has a similar story in the comics, aquiring the technology by accident, and being recruited by Superman, Batman and partnering with Booster Gold in many adventures.

And that's it - we saw Clark defeat Darkseid (a little too easily if you ask me) and finally take on the red and blue suit he's famous for. So that's it, we wave goodbye to Smallville. There will be a spot missing in my heart as well as my TV schedule for this show.

Star Wars Invasion- Revelations

2012-01-02T12:27:00.000-08:00

The latest series of Invasion sets things off at a roaring pace for the Galfridian family as the course of the galactic war hinges on their actions. Naturally many secrets are revealed, but not with the results you might expect - the Vong aren't going to know what hit them!

Well there aren't any new Jedi this time but there are plenty of

New Vehicles

There's the Star of Gabrielle, a YT-2400 or similar ship used by Dray.

Defender- class Star Destroyer

This is one of the New Republic's new fleet, mentioned in Novels and sourcebooks but great to see visually in action here.

Republic-class Star Destroyer

Same goes for this ship!!

Breath of the Balyeg

This cool new Pirate ship also joined the battle against the Vong, fighting alongside the New Republic and Imperial military forces. There was also a cargo ship joined the fight but I had a problem with my scanner so no pic sorry!

New Troopers

Palace Guards

It's great to see more types of troops in this era, these palace guards were a cool sight, with the right blend of regal and lethal.

Map

Here is a map of the action in this series - I'm guessing at the location of Shramar but the other locations are pretty much accurate.

Story

Fresh from their costly victory at Dibrook, where the New Republic defeated an army mostly comprised of mutated slaves of the Yuuzhan Vong, Kaye and Nina Galfridian journey to Shramar where refugees from Artorias had been placed in Imperial custody. They discovered a plot by the Imperial commanders to use the refugees as a slave force, growing crops for the Vong to keep them at bay. Meanwhile Dray and Finn discover an assassination plot against the Chief of State and journey to Coruscant to stop it. During the stress of the battle Nina's true identify as a Yuuzhan Vong, a shamed one cast out of their ranks, is exposed but she uses this to rally troops to their side, using her knowledge of the Vong to weaken them, calling in forces from across the galaxy to defend the refugees and destroy the Vong crops. Meanwhile Dray and Finn stop the assassination attempt but Finn discovers that Dray wants to rule the galaxy as well as save it!!

Another great Star Wars read!!

Blogga's Wall - November '11

2011-12-29T07:53:00.000-08:00

Well it's been a while but here's what I stuck up on my wall in the month of November this year.

1) Arkham City

Well I'm posting about this in my video game diary with more to come soon (one of these days I will blog about a video gams AS I play it, hasn't happened yet though!) This game is fantastically varied and the side quests have much more meaning to them this time, giving access to secrets of Arkham City and helping Batman save the victims of the Riddler as well as take down villains liks Zsasz and Deadshot - anyway, more on that later. A great game!

2) The Sounds of Star Wars

I don't much go for 'behind the scenes' stuff with Sci-Fi, I prefer to live in the fantasy rather than know about how it's made, but this book I just had to go for. I've always been fascinated by the rich array of sounds in Star Wars and to know how they are made is just fascinating. I'm still amaxed, reading through the pages as to how they created the iconic sounds we hear, and how so many of them came by Ben Burtt just accidentally creating a sound and recording it. Even better this book has an audio feature meaning you can listen to the sounds that you see described. Best book I've bought in a while!

3) Star Wars: Choices of One

It's great to see Tim Zahn back on form (not that he was ever off-form, just he's still doing...you know what I mean!) with a new Star Wars novel. Set between Episodes 4 and 5 it sees the Rebels hunting for a new base of operations and striking a deal with a remote Imperial world only to be drawn into a plot controlled by a rogue warlord from the Unknown regions. Featuring key roles from Mara Jade, Thrawn, Pellaeon and the Hand of Judgement (featured in his last book 'Allegiance') this is a gripping read and is a key insight into the transition of the Rebellion after A New Hope.

And that's me, more soon!

Doctor Who - New series, new species part 37

2011-12-28T02:40:00.000-08:00

Well the Christmas special has just aired on Christmas day in the UK, but as usual I'm playing catch-up, so here are the new aliens we encountered as we bid farewell to The Sarah Jane Adventures.

Fleshkind/Metalkind

I quite liked this idea, even though I found the names 'fleshkind and 'metalkind' a little simplistic even for a kids show. But the concept of two races developing differently yet similarly and the tale of how how they drifted into endless war with each other was very well told and it was a good introduction for Sky, the fleshkind weapon who becomes another of Sarah Jane's adopted children.

Felshkind and Metalkind are two related species that diverged significantly in their development, one side (fleshkind) becoming carbon based lifeforms similar in appearance to humans, the other becoming boron based lifefoprms named 'metalkind'. Both species were able to emit powerful energy blasts and signals from their bodies, though whether this is natural or technological is unclear. The child 'Sky' was engineered to contain enough energy to wipe out the metalking in a single blast. While the crisis was averted by Sky's choice to join humanity the war still continues.

Hetocumtek

I thought this was possibly the rubbishest alien enemy in the series, which is a pity since it was in by far the best episode. Clyde's rejection by his family and friends led to an insightful and engaging portrayal of homelessness that was presented well for it's young audience, being neither overly hopeful nor direly pessimistic but showing the fight for survival that many have on the street. To bad it was ruined by a strange totem pole thing that was defeated by Clyde shouting his name at it with no explanation as to why that destroyed the monster.

Hetocumtek is the Native American name for an alien being that descended to Earth and was capable of wreaking great havokusing psychic abilities that were interpreted as 'curses' by the humans it encountered. The Indians found a way to imprison the being in one of thheir totem poles where it was imprisoned until it touched Clyde Langer. He cursed Clyde, making anyone who heard his name hate him, but Clyde retaliated with the help of his friends and broke the curse, defeating the monster.

Skullions

I really liked these little guys, at first seeming to be the villains. The story of them being slaves was cool and I absolutely loved their steampunk operating system for the hologram they operated and used to hypnotise people for their master. I really liked the reveal that there is an underground black market in captured aliens as slaves, it would have been a great plot line to follow, and I'm really hoping that some of the cool elements like the Trickster, the Captain and this trade can maybe migrate into the main show and continue.

Skullions are a technologically superior race that have fast space travel capabilities and are able to produce and control detailed holograms. One group came under the control of Serf Industries when their ship crashlanded in Asia and they were picked up and enslaved by a secret organisation that sells captured aliens and their technology to the highest bidder. They were rescued by Sarah Jane and returned to their home planet safely.

And that's it - I'll post the Christmas special soon!!

SF at the Movies - December '11

2011-12-21T02:23:00.000-08:00

Let's see what Sci-Fi goodness is on our screens this month

The Thing

And that's about it - we've been a bit slow on the Sci-Fi front for a while now - but there is the new Sherlock Holmes and Mission Impossible to keep cinema goers happy at least!

Blogga's Video Game Diary - 20/12/11

2011-12-20T08:44:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's finally time for another game!! I promised myself that this one would actually be a diary, where I posted updates as I got through the game - well, typically, I've finished the main campaign, though there are a few side quests to keep me occupied for a while longer. I'll try not to spoil too much, but if you want to be completely spoiler free then don't read on.

Diary

Well I've just told you where I'm up to, but one thing I've been doing is hunting down Easter Eggs and I thought I'd share those with you because they're easily missed in game.

1) Scarecrow

More Batman: Arkham City Videos

You don't see the villain in game, but you do find his base (confirming he is alive after Asylum) filled with insects for him to use in his experiments of fear along with one hapless Joker goon.

2) Killer Croc

More Batman: Arkham City Videos

I missed this guy so make sure you listen our for when to find him, you can only find Croc at a specific point. Apparently Croc is living happily in the sewers under Arkham City.

anyway, on with some...

New Stuff

Catwoman
Real Name: Selina Kyle
Occupation: Proffessional Thief

Catwoman is a great addition to the game as DLC that comes free with every new copy of the game. She has her own storyline that complements the story but isn't essential to it. She has her own set of gadgets, which I'll discuss later, and her own moves. She can also use her whip for travelling around the city, and her claws for crawling upside down on ceilings, which adds a nice bit of variety to the game. She has a run-in with Poison Ivy is locked in her own battle with our next new character...

Two Face
Real Name: Harvey Dent
Occupation: Former DA, now proffessional criminal

It was great to see a wider cast of villains in the new game. Dent is the first villain to appear, locked in a battle of wits with Catwoman, who starts the game breaking into his vault to steal a memory card containing vital data. She is captured by Two Face and tried and about to be executed when Batman arrives on the scene and defeats him. He is a powerful figure in Arkham City, having claimed territory from Calendar Man and other villains. His gang wear suits and masks that have been burned on one side to match him. He escapes Batman later on and sets a trap for Catwoman, bombing her apartment and stealing all her possessions. Though she defeated him he left one final insult, instead of keeping her loot he dispersed it among his goons, forcing Catwoman to scour the city to get it back.

New Gadgets

Well I'll stick with Catwoman's gadgets for this post, but of course Batman has plenty of new toys in this game.

Whip

It wouldn't be Catwoman if it wasn't for her trademark whip. She can use it in a number of ways, tripping enemies up, sweeping around to stun all nearby enemies or disarming an individual guard. She also uses it as an equivalent to the batclaw for swinging between buildings and pulling guards off ledges etc.

Bolas

These high speed throwing weapons can be used to knock down enemies at range as well as being used in close combat.

Caltrops

These spiky little gadgets are dropped on the floor causing goons to injure their feet and fall down, very handy in close quarters combat as it can incapacitate a number of goons, reducing the number of enemies you have to fight at once.

And that's it, if you haven't gotten this game yet, I'd really recommend it, it's still keeping me occupied and it hasn't gotten the slightest bit boring!

Smallville - From strip to screen, part 3

2011-12-06T11:26:00.000-08:00

OK so I'm continuing my run through of existing DC characters who have popped up in this series of Smallville.

Conner Kent/ Superboy

Conner Kent shows up in Series 10 as one of a number of clones created by Lex Luthor to replace him in the event of his death. One of the few successful clones, he was also created from Clark's DNA, giving him some Kyrptonian abilities. He had a chequered story in the series, first beingf rescued by Tess, then running away when Lex's memories took hold of him, being corrupted by Lionel who manipulated him using red kryptonite and finally choosing to side with Clark and accept his guidance. In the comics superboy is also a clone of a very-much living Lex, who created him as a weapon against Superman, also rebelling against Lex he reluctantly accepted the name Superboy and trained with Clark, joining the Teen Titans.

Amos Fortune

Amos Fortune is the unfortunate owner of a club where Clark had his bachelor party, made more interesting by the gift of enchanted champagne donated by Zatanna. The group stole one of his trucks which was involved in a crime then battled him to get Lois's ring back, which she had lost. In the comics Fortune is also a club owner and crime lord that has frequent run-ins with the heroes.

And that's it folks - one more part to go!!!

Star Wars: TOR - The Lost Suns

2011-11-28T10:53:00.000-08:00

This is the latest and final 'The Old Republic' (TOR) series before the new game's release this December. While I wasn't overly impressed with the previous TOR series this one did hold my interest all the way through and is worth a read, especially if you're getting the game.

New Jedi

Ngani Zho
Species: Human
Sex: Male
Occupation: Jedi Master

Ngani Zho was a respected Jedi Master and teacher who after a time training padawans was sent behind enemy lines into Sith space to gather intelligence on what plans the Sith were up to with the territory given them by the Republic due to the Treaty of Coruscant. He decided to help the slaves forced to build weapons for the Empire only to see the Empire test those weapons on the slaves themselves. He lived the life of a hermit, begging and telling stories until he was found by Theron Shan.

Theron Shan
Species: Human
Sex: Male
Occupation: SIS Operative

The son of Grand Master Satele Shan was raised and trained by the Jedi, but he was found to have no force abilities within him. He became an operative for the Republic's Strategic Information Services. He was tasked with finding his former teacher Ngani Zho and returning with his knowledge of Sith Space to the Republic.

New Sith

Darth Mekhis
Species: Human (?)
Sex: Female
Occupation: Sith Lord

One of the most powerful Sith Lords, she had been a key oponent of the Jedi all through the war, battling Satele Shan and other leading Jedi and earning a place on the Dark Council. She was a sith alchemist and scientist, developing warped dark side creations to serve the Empire further, even corrupting captured Jedi into cybernetic Sith Knights. She took drastic measures with the territory she claimed, building new and horrific creations for the Emperor.

Map

For reference the black planets are featured in Flashbacks, Rhen Var is where Satele and other Jedi battled Dark Mekhis and Haashimut is where Theron Shan trained under Ngani Zho.

Story

SIS agent Theron Shan is sent to track down Ngani Zho, once a great Jedi master, now a rambling hermit telling war stories for credits. On the way he picks up a Black Sun operative who reluctantly is forced to aid him. They rescue him from Mekhis's Sith Knights and travel to Vesla uncovering the Sith plot, whixh is using a special weapon called a Sun Razer to convert stellar energy into mass to creat Sith superweapons and superior ships. Working together the rag tag crew destroy the Sun Razer, kill Darth Mekhis and escape back to the Republic, though master Zho loses his life in the battle. .

My Two Credits

This is a great Star Wars story with superweapins and a galaxy of flavour to make it interesting. It is still a tie-in to the game franchise, which limits it's interest if you're not going to get the upcoming MMO, but if you're following the news about the game and it's story then this will certainly be of interest. It's a well told story and worth a read most definitely.

SF at the Movies - November '11

2011-11-24T12:41:00.000-08:00

I had a good time down in Cardiff recently at a Doctor Who party hosted by my good friend Caleb of the Impossible Podcast team, we enjoyed watching Who (obviously!!) wearing masks and eyepatches and a Fez sent by the promoters 'Come Around' (the party is to promote the release of the latest series if Who. We also played Doctor Who top trumps and we even tried fish fingers and custard which wasn't too bad actually!!!

Anyway let's look at what's showing this month.

In Time

There's a fan film Superman: Requiem - I don't know if that will make it to your local theatre but it looks good!

And that's it as far as I can tell - though apparently there's some vampire movie out too...

Doctor Who - New series, new species part 36

2011-11-12T13:05:00.000-08:00

Right! I'm going to attempt to cover the latter half of Doctor Who in one fell swoop - there weren't too many new aliens present so it should be too much of a job.

Tenza

Night Terrors was quite a decent episode, and it did feature Daniel Mays, who's a great actor in some of the best stuff around. The alien capable of projecting weird telepathic thingies is quite a common thing in Who and in some parts of the Universe 'perception filters' seem to be as common as eyeballs. Nonetheless it was an entertaining monster and while the ending was cheesy it was a nice touch to have the father accept his unconventinally adopted son.

Tenza are a species of mimics, capable of infiltrating other races and growing up as part of that species before moving on. Tenza also had powerful psychic powers, able to seamlessly intergrate into a new situations and also project powerful hallucinations when distressed.

Mentioned but not featured are the Apalucians a two-hearted species who built a facility to contain plague victims and inadvertantly trapped Amy Pond in their facility. They had the technology to alter time streams and built a state of the art facility on their homeworld.

Minotaur

Another myth transformed into an alien being - only this one was quite interesting. It was more than just a monster as it fed on faith not just flesh, using fear to force his victims to face their fears so they called on their faith and he replaced it with faith in himself, which he fed on. More interesting was that this minotaur was sick of it's existence and wanted to die but was brought victims to devour by it's holographic prison ship.

The Minotaur is a powerful alien capable of feeding on the faith of other races. They often set themselves up as gods on worlds they visited, devouring the faith of the primitives they conquered. One individual was captured and fed captives aboard a prison ship.

Tivolians (?)

No proper species name for them, despite the fact that we've got a planet. Anyway, I really liked this race of cowardly rodents, portrayed by David Walliams. The cowardice seemed quite cartoonish at first, but the Doctor slowly revealed an aggressive edge to their cowardice as a well honed survival trait.

The natives of Tivoli are a race of Rodent-like humanoids with a reputation of beingf conquered more than any other race. They plan to be as accomodating as possible to any visitng war ships. They fear only species such as the Weeping Angels who mdevour, rather than invade.

And that's it - apart from whatever species this guy is...

Thanks for reading - SJA next!!

Star Wars - Jedi: The Dark Side

2011-10-26T07:41:00.001-07:00

Star Wars - Jedi: The Dark Side is another example of how cumbersome titles get, especially when you have to stick 'Star Wars' on the front of them, but that doesn't seem to stop anyone though!!

'Jedi' is the story of Qui-Gon Jinn and his Padawan Xanatos on a crucial mission to bring peace to Telos IV, which just so happens to be the homeworld of Xanatos. Anyway, let's crack on with some new stuff!

New Jedi

Orykan Tamarik
Species: Twi'lek
Sex: Female
Occupation: Padawan

Orykan is a young Padawan apprenticed to Master Tahl, she is grieving the loss of her former master and is scarred by the affects of the turmopiled planet she is visiting with her friend Xanatos.

A few Jedi get their first visual appearances here - Tahl and Feemor. Tahl is Orykan's master, assigned to help Qui-Gon and Feemor is a Knight, Qui-Gon's first Padawan.

Map

Not much to see apart from the journey from Coruscant to Telos - but I still like making my maps!

Issue Review

Xanatos and Qui-Gon are called to Telos to settle a local dispute. When they arrive they are set upon by thugs who are part of a local rebellion. As they uncover more and more of what goes on events take a turn for the worse with Xanatos' sister being killed in a terrorist incident. As they desperately battle to find out who the true enemy is, civil war starts sparking out, fueling tensions between telosians and outsiders who they naturally mistrust. These events drive Qui-Gon into battle with Crion, Xanatos's father and ruler of Telos who had a hand in creating the turmoil. Qui-Gon takes down Crion in a move that turns Xanatos to the Dark Side forever.

My Two Credits

For once I'm going to be negative about a Star Wars comic!! I just didn't enjoy this one that much. The art was great and the story was good but I just didn't care about what happened. I'm not a fan of the prequel era (I do like the movies, but I haven't read any of the literature) so didn't really know who Xanatos was or the implications of what happened - I assumed he was dead at the end of the story but fans will know that he turns up as an opponent to Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan in other fiction. I'm not against fan-service at all, I'm sure tons of the stuff I've gone giddy over would leave other fans with the same reaction but still, as I'm not a pre-prequel fan this series had little to offer me this time.

Blogga's Video Game Diary - 25/10/11

2011-10-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

More gaming goodness using Avatar Kinect!!

More soon!

SF at the Movies - October '11

2011-10-22T02:27:00.000-07:00

On time! Let's see what Sci-Fi is on big screen this month.

Real Steel

And that, unfortunately, seems to be it so aside from robot boxing we'll have to wait for next month to see what Sci-Fi goodness there is!

Doctor Who - New series, new species, part 35

2011-10-21T11:07:00.000-07:00

Ok so I'm massively behind on this as well but I'm going to write about the new alien species we encountered in the recent series of Torchwood: Miracle Day and hopefully soon I'll get round to Doctor Who and SJA too!!

But one thing at a time!

Brain Parasite

A fairly generic name for this beasty. They chucked this one in to keep us sci-fi fans happy with the generally spy-thriller and not so Sci-Fi running of the show. These are bog-standard alien wormy things, but they did the job of creepy monster in a box very well. It was interesting that they were a tool of the Trickster, in that he can use them and make deals with mob bosses to change the course of the 21st century but is himself limited in making deals with people and can be defeated by a noble sacrifice. I hope the end of SJA doesn't mean we see an end to what I still think is one of the best villains of the Whoniverse.

Brain parasites are a race of beings reviled for their effect on the nervous systems of beings they encounter. On several planets they are reviled, with one exception where they are considered a delicacy. Brain parasites are sometimes deployed as weapons by those seeking to cause chaos.

The Blessing

It's still unclear what the Blessing was/is and I'm not sure if I'm ok with that. I understand the point that the characters can't know everything but to be dragged through ten episodes waiting to solve the mysteryu only to be told 'we don't know what it is' was a little dissatisfying. That said the blessing was cool, the strange crack in the world that seems to run right through the Earth and is alive and influences the development of the human race.

The Blessing is a mysterious phenomenon located at the antipodes of Buenoas Aires and Shanghai, a break in the Earth believed to run through the centre of the planet and has an incredible influence on the human race. It causes immense distress to anyone who goes near it, often resulting in suicide and projects a patterned morphic field that affects the entire human race. When fed Jack Harkness's immortal blood it made the entire human race mortal, only returning the people to normal when fed Jack's now mortal blood. The Blessing was buried in the ensuing conflict and it's mysteries remain sealed for the time being.

And that's it - more on Doctor Who soon!!

Smallville - from strip to screen, part 2

2011-10-19T11:00:00.001-07:00

Ok so I'm continuing to go through the DC Characters that are showing up across Clark's final journey as 'The Blur' before becoming the hero we all know and love. Here's part 2 covering episodes 5-10

The Suicide Squad

The squad made a few early appearances with Deadshot marking various members of Watchtower with the squad's symbol. It was later revealled that they were acting to stop the Vigilante Registration act and wanted to defend the heroes like Clark and Oliver from being rounded up by the authorities, of course Clark and the others don't agree with their methods - which include targeting Clark's soon-to-be father in law General Sam Lane.
In the comic the Suicide Squad is a government-assembled group of vigilantes who are sent on missions deemed suicidal and high risk. They have captured many notorious villains but also rubbed up against superman and batman and many others.

Granny Goodness

Granny Goodness has been playing a long game for Darkseid her master taking orphaned girls and raising them to be her Female Furies, then placing them in positions of power across the world. One of her orphans was Tess abandoned by her true father Lionel Luthor but who escaped her clutches. Granny tried to reclaim Tess but was unsuccessful but is still working towards Darkseid's ultimate rule.
In the Comics Granny is based on Apokolips, Darkseid's world and raises an army of super-soldiers to work for the dark one. She raised character's like Scott Free a hero who is one of the only ones to truly escape from her clutches. She also has her army of superpowered Female Furies.

Desaad

Desaad is another of Darkseid's minions, influencing the people through his underground clubs and other vices. He is significant in that he fought Oliver and in that fight Oliver revealed the darkness in himself, enabling Dasaad to brand him with the Omega symbol, placing him within his master's clutches.
In the comics Desaad is one of Darkseid's key henchmen never far from his master's side, with a muxh less down-to-earth look.

Slade Wilson/ Deathstroke

Slade Wilson is a U.S. Army General who is determined to stop the vigilantes like Watchtower and bring them under Government control. He is the driving force behind the Vigilante Registration Act, which calls for heroes to reveal their identities and join the Government, while secretly building prisons to contain them. During a conflict with the heroes he lost his eye and it was also revealed that he wears the Omega symbol on his skull, making him a servant of Darkseid, unwittinggly perhaps. During another conflict he killed Hawkman and Clark banished him to the Phantom Zone.
In the Comics Slade Wilson, or Deathstroke applied for an experimental army project which boosted his strength and durability. Taking up the life of a mercenary he has fought a number of hero groups, most notably the Teen Titans.

Mera

Mera is an Atlantean like Aquaman, capable of breathing underwater and controlling water and joined him in his quest to keep earth's oceans safe, they fell in love and were married. When they discovered that Slade Wilson was building prisons for heroes in secret oil rigs they teamed up to fight back.
Mera's origins are a little unclear in the comics, with various stories. She is Atlantean, was once an enemy of Aquaman but they fell in love and married and now she is the queen of Atlantis.

Clark Luthor/ Ultraman

Clark Luthor is from a parallel universe where things turned out quite differently. Instead of being found by the Kents he was found by Lionel and raised as his personal soldier, taking the persona of Ultraman and gaining more and more power for the Luthor name. When Clark activates a Kryptonian artifact called a mirror-box he is transported to this universe and Clark Luthor takes his place. Clark Luthor later returns in a following episode as everyone in his universe knows his weakness for kryptonite and Oliver made sure it was readily available - Clark forced him to return and begin a new the life of a hero.
In the comics Ultraman comes from a not-destroyed Krypton to Earth to rule it and test his powers against it's heroes, ultimately defeated by the Justice League he is still a threat to many on Earth.

And that's it - more soon!!

New Star Wars Comics announced!!

2011-10-15T01:38:00.000-07:00

Apologies for lack of posting, work has been absolutely crazy and it's horrible how stupid things like 'real life' get in the way of writing about imaginary universes! Anyway to make it up to you a bit I've got some actual news that's recent - New York Comic-Con is on and new comic series' have been announced and Dark Horse has headlined it's new Star Wars line-up for 2012. There are probably a ton of other comics announced but I only really read Star Wars stuff in monthlies so I'll focus on that!!

In no particular order there is:

1) Darth Vader and the Ghost Prison

Presumably a follow-on from Darth Vader and the Lost Command. What I mean by this is not that it's necessarily a direct tie-in but that it's going to be another standalone series following Vader in the early days of the Empire

"Ghost Prison takes place a year after Revenge of the Sith and will showcase Darth Vader’s impact on the galaxy in ways fans have never seen. Darth Vader will serve the Emperor to the best of his abilities, after all – Darth Vader makes no mistakes. Ghost Prison also marks the return of Star Wars character Moff Trachta who will be vital to how the series unfolds."

Ghost Prison is written by Haden Blackman, with artwork by Agustin Alessio and will start releasing May 2012

2) Knight Errant: Escape

A new five-issue run of Knight Errant is no surprise due to the series' success and overall greatness but it is a welcome sight to see, we've few details on what Kerra's next adventure will be but it's sure to be fantastic if her current capers are anything to go by!!

'Jedi Knight Kerra Holt continues her one woman crusade against the Sith from behind enemy lines on her most dangerous mission yet!'

John Jackson Miller is writing the series, with artwork from penciller, Marco Castiello it will launch in June 2012

3) Blood Ties: Boba Fett is Dead

An eye-popping title and cover there. While I very much doubt the possibility that Fett is dead, unless this story is set a LONG time after the Vong war, it's still intriguing to see how it will play out. The original series was great, with amazing art - no word on the artist for this series but it's bound to be good!

"Boba Fett is dead. The most infamous hunter in the galaxy has been hunted. He's lying, broken, on the desert floor. He's more blaster-holes than man. It's the ultimate ending. However, this is just the start of our story. With the fall of Fett broadcast across the galaxy, someone rises to avenge him. But who would care about the death of a man like Fett? Bounty hunters aren't exactly known for their enduring, close friendships but even a man like Boba Fett has family... and now a Blood Tie demands blood."

Blood Ties is written by Tom Taylor and will be released in April 2012

4) Knights of the Old Republic: War

A welcome return for Zayne Carrick and the KotOR series. This will be a miniseries focusing on the Mandalorian Wars and Zayne's drafting into them.

The Republic and the Mandalorians are at war! Following the charismatic Revan, Jedi are joining the fight, despite the noninterference stance of the Council. One Jedi, however, has found himself on the front lines against his wishes—the peace-loving Zayne Carrick has been drafted!

Knights of the Old Republic is written by John Jackson Miller and published in January 2012

5) Dawn of the Jedi

This series made me gasp with excitement like no other seires has since Legacy and funnily enough it's made by the Legacy dream team of John Ostrander and Jan Duursema! No it's not a follow-on from their famous series - it's something even cooler (though a return to Legacy would be awesome too!)

Here’s your first look at the Star Wars of 25,000 years ago—before there were lightsabers, when the ties to the Force were new, and before the Jedi spread out into the galaxy. It began with the mysterious pyramid ships—the Tho Yor—scattered to the eight corners of the galaxy, and ended with the establishment of an Order that would change the universe forever.

On the planet Tython, in the center of the galaxy, an order of warrior monks strives to maintain peace and to balance the mysterious power known as the Force. But a stranger is coming—one who will destroy both peace and balance, and open the galaxy to exploration and conquest. This is where it all begins!

Dawn of the Jedi is written by John Ostrander and drawn by Jan Duursema and will be released February 2012.

Can't wait!!!

SF at the Movies - September '11

2011-10-01T08:27:00.000-07:00

Late, but anyway, here are some of the things you could have watched in September!!

Apollo 18

...and that's it as far as I can see - some other good stuff out there though!

Blogga's Wall - August '11

2011-09-13T12:09:00.000-07:00

It's that time again! I had hoped to be using Avatar Kinect for this, but it's playing up at the moment and it's a bit of a faff to fit around my work schedule so I'll stick with good ol' text for now.

1) Knight Errant: Deluge #1

I've really enjoyed the return of this series, which had an explosive start when, as always, Kerra arrives to the rescue just as an invasion force arrives to take the system. With Hutts flying starfighters and superweapons that control the weather on a water planet this series is off to a great start already when a starfighter force from the Republic shows up to help Kerra! We also got a glimpse of Arkadia, one of the Sith from the novel so I am totally buzzed about this issue and can't wait for more!

2) Planetary, Volume 3

I am really loving this series. It's amazingly well written with classic Sci-Fi adventures and an over-arcing plot that really drives it forward, we got more of the origins of characters like Elijah Snow and Jakita Wagner and the whole thing picks up the pace as the group finally take the fight to 'The Four' their adversaries. Along the way we meet vampires, a sci-fi city in the middle of the amazon, a space programme from the 1800s and aboriginal myths come true. It just gets better and better!

3) Captain America: The First Avenger

I really love this movie!! The Avengers series just gets better and better - I thought Hugo Weaving was amazing as Red Skull and Tommy Lee Jones was hilarious as the Army General behind it 'I ain't gonna kiss ya!' was brilliantly delivered! I liked how they took the time to really develop the character of Steve Rogers before throwing him into the action against the Hydra division. Bring on the Avengers!!!

That's it - there won't be a Blogga's Wall for September as I haven't had much time for Sci-Fi stuff to my shame, normal service will resume soon I promise!!

Blogga's Video Game Diary - 10/9/11

2011-09-10T05:54:00.000-07:00

MASS EFFECT 2 - Lair of the Shadow Broker

More Mass Effect 2 DLC, because I haven't been playing much recently due to the start of a new job, which is also why things are quite quiet on the blog - and that pretty much sums it up as far as the Diary part goes!!

Lair of the Shadow Broker carriers on from the acclaimed Dark Horse comic series Mass Effect: Redeption. The story follows Liara coming to terms with Shepard's apparent death and finding out that the Collector's want his body and are dealing with the Shadow Broker to get it. Running into Cerberus and the rogue agent Feron she strikes back at the elusive Shadow Broker and rescues her friend's body, giving it to Cerberus for their Lazarus project, but Feron is captured by the Shadow Broker and Liara has been plotting her revenge...

SPOILER ALERT as ever as I take you on this ride, I think I'll have to show you the New Stuff as we go along otherwise it'll get far too cumbersome.

Story

Shepard returns to Illium to meet Liara T'soni and give her some information on her nemesis, the Shadow Broker. He agrees to meet her at her apartment, but finds it empty and crawling with police - and that's not all he finds...

Tela Vasir
Species: Asari
Sex: Female
Occupation: Spectre

This was a very exciting moment as this is the first Spectre we've seen since the first game and considering the first one we met was killed in the first mission and the second was the villain it's good to see more of the force in action. Tela takes over the T'soni investigation from the Police, helping Shepard find clues as the what she was up to and who tried to kill her. They track down Liara amid a trail of death and destruction - a trail caused by Tela herself, who is an agent of the Shadow Broker!!

Shepard teams up with Liara, who exposes Tela and they work together to take her down, along with an army of Shadow Broker soldiers. This is a great sequence including a chance to pilot one of the air taxis we normally only see in cutscenes. After a long drawn out showdown, she is finally killed, but has one of the best endings in the game, knocking Shepard off his high horse by claiming that she works for the Shadow Broker for the good of the council as he works with Cerberus for the good of humanity.

Finally you have the chance to catch up with Liara properly, she fills you in on what happened to Feron and you can talk about your relationship, if you have one, before moving on to go after the Shadow Broker.

Shadow Broker Base

A unique vessel designed to remain completely undetected in the hurricane atmosphere of Hagalaz it requires enormours power and a number of specialised systems all working together to keep it from plummeting into the planet. From here the Shadow Broker gathers information and sends commands to his key operatives.

Species: Drell
Sex: Male
Occupation: Informer

Shepard and Liara battle across the outside of the vessel to find an entrance and once inside face the Broker's private army to reach Feron, who is trapped in a torture chamber kept there for betraying the broker to save Shepard. He cannot be released, the team go on to confront their enemy...

The Shadow Broker
Species: Yahg
Sex: Male
Occupation: The Shadow Broker

A first for this new species - Yahg. Enormous beings, extremely intelligent predators in a pre-industrial civilization they were refused access to Citadel space when they murdered the entire diplomatic team who visited their world.

The true origins of the Shadow Broker are unknown, perhaps a succession of people have taken the role. The current Shadow Broker was captured as a trophy by his predecessor, who was curious about the newly discovered species. He worked and became one of his operatives and learnt enough to kill the Broker and seamlessly take over his operation, gathering the galaxy's secrets for decades.

Liara and Shepard engage the enormous beast in combat, fighting to kill him, having to get up close due to his powerful shield. Eventually Liara overloads his shields and kills him. But then in another shock twist, with the Broker's organisation starting to unravel immediately, Liara steps in and takes over as the new Shadow Broker - promising to do some good in the role.

You can now visit the broker base for some treats and even invite Liara over to the Normandy for a catch-up. I think that's enough rambling so I'll call it a day there - one more DLC pack to go.

An Impossible Podcast!!

2011-08-31T02:55:00.000-07:00

Hi guys I've been away but I've got a treat for you to make up for it. I'm a big fan if Impossible Podcasts and I occasionally get to guest star on them and this time I'm bringing a podcast to you that I recorded with the team and it's here first complete with Avatar Kinect intro so enjoy!

Hope you enjoyed - do check out Impossible Podcasts in the sidebar, I insist!

SF at the Movies - August '11

2011-08-17T04:50:00.000-07:00

All the Sci-Fi hitting big screens this month.

Super 8

Cowboys and Aliens

Happy watching - oh and in case I don't blog about it Captain America is awesome!!!

Blogga's Wall - July '11

2011-08-16T05:48:00.000-07:00

Well this is my Wall post again this month only this time - surprise surprise I'll be using Avatar Kinect. What do you think of this foray into video I know this blog is watched by some people so come on - what do you think?!

Oh if you're wondering what I was mumbling about I just noticed a Noble Team patch on the arm of my hoodie.

More in a month!

Smallville - From strip to screen, part 1

2011-08-08T10:49:00.000-07:00

Well Smallville is well on it's way through it's final series here in the UK (I believe it's long finished in the US) and I've been struck by the amount of wider DC characters showing up. This has always been the case, but my knowledge of the wider DC universe is even weaker than my knowledge of Marvel so it's only much after the I realise the significance of a cameo part. I've noticed it more this series because of the use of characters I'm more familiar with due to being kindly loaned a whole load of Jack Kirby books so now I have more of an interest in these new villains and allies - anyway, let's see what we've got.

Cat Grant

Cat has showed up as an annoying foible in this series, fresh from a local paper, eager to make her mark, she has also picked up on the anti-vigilante vibe and is quick to badmouth 'The Blur' and the other heroes. She's had her moments, including 'finding out' that Lois is The Blur when she was possessed by Isis and there's more to come from this character.
In the comics she arrives at the Daily Planet as a gossip columnist, she is more flirty than screen Cat who plays the dumb blonde to cover the fact that she has a son she's trying to care for rather than to hit on guys, but strip Cat is just as involved in anti-hero stuff and getting into the mix of things!

Darkseid

Darkseid is the great evil alien force behind this series. He has made a few appearances, but largely working through his agents so far and not directly confronting his opponents. He has possessed a few individuals and battled Kara (Supergirl) through his minions. His power is in turning the world against the heroes and playing on the darkness in people's hearts. In the comics Darkseid is one of the New Gods, hailing from the planet Apokolips battling the other Gods and Superman I'm looking forward to seeing how Darkseid develops in this series.

Gordon Godfrey

Gordon Godfrey (or Glorious Godfrey in the comics) is a radio DJ and author who has taken up an anti-vigilante agenda and is quick to fall under Darkseid's spell. He battles Kara but loses, however he continues to draw more attention to his cause and turn the public against Clark and the others. In the comics Godfrey is similar in that he uses his powers of persuasion to convince the public to turn against the heroes.

Brainiac 5

Brainiac returns, but this time the Kyrptionian AI is on Clark's side as his version from the future returns to help Clark on a crucial day come to terms with his past and also realise his future as the superhero he will become and how he can trust Lois with his secret. In the comics Brainiac is a key member of the Legion and a master of using their time travel technology.

Isis

Yep that is Lois! Just as Clark's about to tell her his secret she picks up the wrong Amulet and transforms into the Goddess Isis, comically leading Cat into thinking she's the Blur and nearly killing Clark, thankfully it all gets sorted out and Clark does tell her (finally!!!) Isis is similar in the comics, the spirit of a goddess trying to resurrect her lost love with incredible powers.

Ok that covers episodes 1-5, more as the series rolls on!

Blogga's Video Game Diary - 29/7/11

2011-07-29T03:54:00.001-07:00

So it's time to discuss another piece of Mass Effect 2 DLC - Overlord and again I'm experimenting with Avatar Kinect so you get this one through video!!

OK, but I'm going to supplement the video with pics as my video editing skills aren't quite at the stage where I can just slip them in.

New Stuff

Overlord

You can see the creepy green graphics formed here into a face, a face that follows you around, appears in windows and walls, controls security and herds you around by locking and opening doors not to mention startling you with it's digital scream.

Space Cows

Another cool part I missed out in the vid was the return of space cows, these creatures popped up on a number of worlds in the first Mass Effect but this is their first and only appearance in the second game and it was a nice nod to players to include them.

and that's about it for this post - more soon!

Avatar Kinect

2011-07-26T08:18:00.000-07:00

It's finally arrived! I've been waiting for Avatar Kinect to come out to add a bit of life to this blog, expect more avatar posts coming soon! Here's a little intro vid showing off the tech.

Note that the preview vid I get recording differs slightly from the finished version, which is why some things don't quite make sense when I say them!!

I also noticed that some clever clogs has been fiddling with my avatar and turned my eyes red - I shall have my vengeance upon you!!

What did you guys think?

SF at the movies - July '11

2011-07-25T08:13:00.000-07:00

Only one - but a big one!!

Captain America: The First Avenger

more next month

The Wall - June '11

2011-07-22T01:26:00.000-07:00

Bit late this month - anyway this is what went up on my wall in June.

1) X-Men: First Class

I think I've already said enough about this movie. I really enjoyed this film and can't wait for the next X-Men flick

2) Star Wars - Jedi: The Dark Side

Another new series from Dark Horse, this follows Qui-Gon and his padawan Xanatos in a time long before the Phantom Menace. I haven't really followed much pre-prequel stuff, much preferring stuff that goes forward or explores a new era like Legacy and Knight Errant. Nonetheless I enjoyed the first issue and am interested to see where it goes.

3) Smallville: Series 10

The final series of Smallville is on the air in the UK (though I'm not convinced having heard that for about 3 series now!!) and this one definitely does seem to be gearing towards making Clark our favourite red and blue hero. Things have moved fast with the introduction of Darkseid as a villain, the return of Supergirl, Clark telling Lois his secret and Green Arrow going public as well as much more. It still has it's silly moments, like Lois becoming the goddess Isis but that's well within the remit of Superman and the series as a whole is moving forward and very enjoyable.

That's it - more next month!!

Blogga's Video Game Diary - 21/7/11

2011-07-21T03:04:00.000-07:00

More Mass Effect DLC for you - 'Stolen Memory'. With only doing one pack I hope I can give you a little more detail. If you don't want spoilers - don't read!!

Diary

Xbox-Live currently have the latest DLC Arrival at half price so if you're intrigued by Mass Effect and want to know more I'd go for it, especially as this pack does seem to have a strong connection with the upcoming game.

New Stuff

Kasumi Goto
Species: Human (Japanese)
Sex: Female
Occupation: Thief

Kasumi is an additional member to the squad recruitable through this pack, much like Zaeed is vias the Cerberus Network. Cerberus recruits her services for a considerable fee and like all other characters she has some unfinished business before she's fully ready to accompany Shepard on his suicidal mission. She's after her former partner's graybox, a device that can store memories, it not only holds precious secrets, but also precious memories of someone who was more than just a friend. Kasumi is an infiltrator, meaning she can go invisible and sneak on enemies from behind. On the ship, she acts much like Zaeed in that she has a number of dialogue options, things in her room she likes to talk about and comments on missions and crewmembers - especially Jacob, who she has a thing for!

Donovan Hock
Species: Human (South African)
Sex: Male
Ocupation: Criminal

Hock is a wealthy and powerful criminal that not only runs seedy and illegal operations but also firmly believes in what he does, claiming that if it weren't for criminals like him the galaxy wouldn't turn. In his illicit activities he has amassed a private collection of artwork to rival any other. He killed Kasumi's partner and is trying to access the information in his graybox for his own gain.

Graybox

A graybox is a synthetic device designed to record memories. Originally developed to aid people with Alzheimer's and similar conditions it was eventually banned due to the risk of brain damage if anything went wrong with it. It is still in use however by criminals and thieves.

M-12 Locust

A powerful weapon known as 'the gun that killed two presidents' Hock has the original in his vault and a copy along with schematics to make more.

The Story

Shepard meets Kasumi on the Citadel, at first conversing with her through and advertisment she'd hacked. She agreed to join him and they travelled to Beckenstein, a human colony that trades Alliance goods to the enarby Citadel. They smuggled their armour and weapons into Hock's home, arriving as guests to his party for criminals. Shepard and Kasumi thengo about breaking into his vault, collecting a voice sample, DNA and cutting power to the vault security.

The Vault is the real highlight of the mission, inside are a number or priceless artefacts Hock has got hold of, including Michaelangelo's David, a Prothean statue, ancient artefacts and the Head of the Statue of Liberty!!! After finding the graybox, Kasumi and Shepard battle their way out of the vault, killing Hock in the process.

A neat mission and Kasumi is a fun addition to the team, especially with her flashbang grenade and 'shadow strike' abilities.

More soon!

Torchwood: Miracle Day

2011-07-20T09:21:00.000-07:00

Just a head's up that there's a new series of Torchwood on the air. 'Miracle Day' is the new American series (or 'season' I suppose) still featuring Captain Jack and Gwen, the only surviving members after 'Children of Earth' the last miniseries featuring a powerful alien race intent on capturing Earth's children.

Like the previous series 'Miracle Day' has a single plot to it rather than a series of seperate adventures. On one day no one dies, no one dies the next day or the day after, not even a man caught in an explosion, who has his head removed just to test the effects. CIA agent Rex Matheson knows that Torchwood is involved so he sets off to Wales to track down the remaining members - but he's not the only one hunting them!!

There's a lot more going on and the cause has yet to be revealed, but it's almost certainly some cool alien phenomenon and I can't wait to see what emerges. I'm going to stick to documenting any new aliens that show up - for discussion of the episodes head over to Impossible Podcasts in the sidebar.

If you aren't following this new series you should still be able to catch up on your on-demand service before the next broadcast on Thursday.

X-Men: First Class - From Strip to Screen part 2

2011-07-12T08:26:00.000-07:00

Right, on with part two then - you won't have to scroll far to find part 1! In my previous post I covered the new mutants we saw who joined the fledgling X-Men under Xavier in the 60s during the Cuban Missile Crisis, in this post I'm going to look at the instigators of that crisis - The Hellfire Club.

First of all I think it would be worth looking at the organisations as a whole. In the comics the Hellfire Club is an ancient organisation for the wealthy to hide away from society and enjoy vice, with an inner circle using their influence to seek world domination, with the overall leader being Sebastian Shaw, a mutant. In the movies the Hellfire Club is a gentleman's club where the wealthy and influential can enjoy vices, but it is secretly being run by a handful of mutants who use the club as a cover to create deals and manipulate the players they want into carrying out their wishes.

Let's look at the members.

Sebastian Shaw (Screen)
Real Name: Sebastian Shaw
Power: Kinetic Energy Absorbtion
Affiliation: Hellfire Club

Sebastian Shaw is an exceptionally poweful mutant who was playing a long game to secure world dominance for mutants. His power to absorb energy gave him a very long life, appearing to age little in over 20 years. During World War 2 he worked for the Nazis, not caring about 'human' wars, only interesed in researching mutants. He discovered the boy Magneto and killed his mother to reveal his power. He knew nuclear energy triggered mutation so he used the Hellfire Club and his team of mutants to manipulatethe world into Nuclear war. He was stopped by the X-Men, who discovered his plan and banded together to stop him, ultimately he was killed by Magneto, who had come to agree with his beliefs, but refused to forgive him for killing his mother.

Sebastian Shaw (Comics)
Real Name: Sebastian Shaw
Power: Kinetic Absorption
Affiliation: Hellfire Club

After discovering his power at a young age shaw was driven to succeed forming a billion-dollar industry, attracting the attention of the Hellfire Club, whom he soon joined. He joined with other mutants in the group, expanding his influence before staging a coup and taking over the group, reforming the clkub for his goal of world-domination. He has clashed with the X-Men numerous times and his position within the club has changed, but he is always a driving force and his goal remains the same.

Emma Frost
Real Name: Emma Frost
Power: Telepathy, Diamond Skin
Affiliation: Hellfire Club, Brotherhood

Emma Frost was second-in-comand to Sebastian Shaw and also his lover. She wore provicative clothing like the other girls of the Helfire Club to mask her importance and to gain access to Key political figures. She brought Colonel Hendry of the U.S. to Shaw to manipulate the Navy's position and was caught seducing a Russian Commander who was forced into moving his nation's hand towards the Hellfire Club's goal. She was captured by Xavier and Magneto and later rescued by the Brotherhood.

Emma Frost (Strip)
Real Name: Emma Frost
Power: Telepathy, Diamond Skin
Affiliation: Hellfire Club, X-Men

As a young girl Emma was born into wealth and power but chose to make her own way in the world. She became involved in the Hellfire Club as a dancer, also building her business empire. She eventually became a leading member of the club, allying with Sebastian Shaw and other mutants to take over the group and become it's white queen. She clashed with the X-Men as they both tried to recruit mutants for their respective organizations and again in various battles. I know Emma best in her more recent guise as co-leader of the X-Men with her lover Scott Summers, though Emma has had more than one change of allegiance since then.

Azazel (Screen)
Real Name: Unknown
Power: Teleportation
Affiliation: Hellfire Club, Brotherhood

Azazel is a Russian mutant with Red Skin and a demonic tail. He was a member of the Hellfire Club, who largely kept to the side in their operations due to his unusual appearance. He was a fierce combatant, combining his teleportation skills with deadly knives, appearing to slash a victim before teleporting away. He also used the horrific tactic of teleporting his victims up into the air then letting them drop. When the Club was defeated he joined Magneto's brotherhood.

Azazel (Strip)
Real Name: Azazel
Power: Teleportation
Affiliation: Neyaphem

Azazel actually has nothing to do with the Hellfire Club is comics, instead leader of the Neyaphem, a group of ancient demonic mutants who live in another dimension. The only one of his kind who could reach our dimension he had a number of children with women he met on Earth, including Mystique with whom he had a son, Nightcrawler. He tried to lead his forces to Earth by sacrificing his children but was stopped by the X-Men including Nightcrawler who turned his back on his father.

Riptide (Screen)
Real Name: Janos Quested
Ability: Weather manipulation
Affiliation: Hellfire Club, Brotherhood

Riptide has the ability to create tornadoes of various dimensions and use them in battle. He was a key figure of the Hellfire Club, piloting their hidden submarine and battling the X-Men. When Shaw was defeated he joined with Magneto to start the Brotherhood.

Riptide (Strip)
Real Name: Janos Quested
Power: Spinning
Affiliation: Marauders

Again, much differing from the movie version. The established comics version of Riptide can instead spin his body at such speeds as to become a living tornado, rather than actually creating tornadoes himself. Riptide successfully engaged the X-Men as part of the Marauders team, but was bested by Colossus who killed him. He has since been cloned by Mister Sinister and several verisons of him have again engaged the X-Men as part of the Marauders.

So that's it for this movie. While it makes some pretty big jumps from the established comic storyline I think First Class re-used these characters well to create it's updated version of the Hellfire Club.

As for the rest - we'll see...

Star Wars Legacy: War (1-6)

2011-07-01T03:18:00.000-07:00

This is it! The end of Legacy with the entire Galaxy plunged into War as Darth Krayt returns from the dead and tumbles the galaxy in Chaos to ahieve his vision for it. Meanwhile Cade has his own vision - him and Krayt one on one in a final confrontation.

New Ships

I know I've focused mostly on characters in my posts, hopeing that the series would stretch on long enough for me to do retrospectives on everything that turns up, sadly this isn't the case so I'll cover some of the ships that show up in this final series as well as the usual run of updates.

Dragon Ship

These massive warships were secretly constructed on Korriban to serve for the pure Sith forces, rather than the Empire. These massive ships outclassed the Star Destroyers that came their way and were used to devastating effect in the war.

Annihilator Starfighter

These massive starfighter were also constructed by Krayt who designed them for exclusive use by his Sith Troopers who were cybernetically connected to them. They had enough firepower to take on a cruiser single-handed and still could outmaneuver the latest fighter designs of the day.

Sith Gunship

These powerful gunships accompanied the Annihilators in the attack on Taivas, I don't know much more - I had to scan this image myself!!

Sith Updates

Sith Troopers

This army was secretly raised by Krayt, taking the most potent Sith from childhood and cybernetically augmenting them to serve his purposes they were both powerful and blindly loyal to Darth Krayt, fighting anyone their master ordered them to.

Darth Wyyrlok II
Species: Chagrian
Sex: Female
Position: Wyyrlok

In a brief flashback we got a glimpse of the current Wyyrlok's mother who had served Darth Krayt in the same way her son did until his betrayal.

The first casualty of the war was Darth Wyyrlok, who dueled Krayt on his return to Coruscant and was killed by his former master, losing control of the Sith to Krayt.

In the battle of Taivas Darth Rauder was killed by Imperial forces who defected to Roan Fel after seeing Sith atrocities.

Darth Stryfe was killed by Wolf Sazen.

And, of course, Darth Krayt was killed by Cade - I'll go into more detail further down the post.

Imperial Knight Updates

Elliah Fel
Species: Human (Hapan)
Sex: Female
Position: Empress

Another flashback character. This Hapan woman was the wife of Roan Fel and the mother of his daughter. When Eskhar Niin turned to the dark side and hoined the Sith he murdered her before faking his death and moving to Korriban as Darth Havoc. Her death damaged relations between the Empire and the Hapans.

More shockingly Emperor Roan Fel was killed. He planned to use a virus engineered by Sith to retake Coruscant, it was in fact a Sith trap, as they had engineered it so that they would be immune. But the other Knights thought this to be inethical and so Antares Draco killed him, saving the Alliance.

Jedi Updates

Nat Skywalker and Tr'aa Saa both sacrificed their lives on Taivas, as they were killed they released a powerful force surge that cleared a path for the fleeing Jedi from the hidden tample.

Wolf Sazen was killed in a duel with Darth Stryfe, taking out his opponent in the process.

Neti Seedlings

After the death of Tr'aa Saa these seedling were seen to be growing on Taivas, proving that even in war life finds a way. What will become of these force sensitive beings is yet to be seen...

Map

Obviously with the entire galaxy at war there's a lot going on so this map is more of a mish-mash than usual, still I hope it's of interest, showing the movements of the key players.

Issue Review

Thi isn't a review really it's more of a summary - oh well! I'm aware this post is getting on the long side so I'm gonna blitz through this. Darth Krayt is back from the dead, and he retakes Coruscant from Wyyrlok then sets to make war against his enemies. Cade continues his vendetta against the Sith, battling them one by one to get to Krayt, picking up his mother (revealed as a spy to the Sith) in the process and forgiving her. The Sith learn the location of the hidden temple and the Empire launches an attack, but the Alliance counterattack. However Krayt unleashes his Sith forces on them and they lose the battle. Desperate and battered the Allies launch an all-out assault on Coruscant and Cade finally battles Krayt once and for all and finally kills and puts his body into a sun, this throws the Sith into disarray and gives final victory to the Jedi.

My Two Credits

Despite a slow start - we don't we much 'war' till the half-way point this issue is a very fitting end to the Legacy story, open to be continued but as a narrative it is complete and very satisfying, well worth reading!

Blogga's Video Game Diary - 24/6/11

2011-06-24T03:31:00.000-07:00

As long promised I'll be blogging through the DLC Packs available for Mass Effect 2 in the next series of video game posts, seeing what new characters, locations and excitement show up. There's a lot of stuff in there so I've put a few links in the text to expand the article.

Diary

I've actually completed the game now so calling this a diary is still a bit of a joke, but I've still got a few pieces of DLC yet to play so hopefully I can get the reviews out more or less as I play them. It was a real thrill to play the ending again, a thrill ride competing with the best cinema and TV can offer as my team battled through the Collector base, my heart still jumped at the possibility that some of them might die as we fought for humanity. I made a few changes to my play through, affecting the decisions my character (dubbed 'The One True Shepard' by my friends) makes. For example in my first playthrough I took too long to finish missions and so Kelly and the crew got wasted, but this time I knew that so made sure I got everyone loyal as soon as possible then headed out to save my people. I changed Jack for Samara to be my biotic shield as I felt it made better narrative sense with her tragic life and biotic potential culminating in a higher purpose. We fought through and we all made it out alive - amazing!

So I'm going to start with some of the things offered in the Cerberus Network, which is free to all people who buy an unused copy of the game, offering some substatial DLC

1) Normandy Crash Site

This was a nice touch to add early in the game - the site of the destroyed Normandy has been found and Shepard is invited to visit the site and choose a location for a monument. It is on the snowy planet Alchera that Shepard visits his former command. He recovers the dogtags of the fallen crewmembers and even his N7 helmet before placing the monument and continuing with his mission. It's very cool that you get to keep the N7 helmet in your cabin.

2) Zaeed - the Price of Revenge

This DLC give you as free squad member who can acompany Shepard in his mission to take down the Collectors. You are authorised to hire Zeed Massani, a feared Mercenary who you find beating the snot out of a Batarian mark on Omega. Like all squadmembers he has some unfinished business to take care of before he can fully commit to the mission. Turns out Zeed is the founder of the Blue Suns mercenary group, but he was betrayed by Vido Santiago who took over the group, hiring Batarians and turning the group to dishonourable and corrupt actions. Zeed has tracked him down to his base on the world of Zorya and plans on killing him by burning down the refinery where he has his HQ. My Shepard made sure to save the workers first and Santiago escaped, enraging Zaeed, but Shepard convinced him to put the mission first, earning his loyalty and his awesome power - the Inferno Grenade which sets the target on fire, cascading fire damage all around it.

During the missin you can also get your hands on a new heavy weapon - the M-451 Firestorm a powerful flamethrower deadly at close range.

3) Firewalker

'Firewalker' is a mission pack that lets you use the M-44 Hammerhead (pictured above). The Hammerhead is an awesome vehicle, taking the place of the Mako from the first game. Rather than a wheeled vehicle it moves on hoverjets, but is also capable of boosting to achieve large jumps or bursts of speed. The Hammerhead boasts a large cannon, self-repair protocols, an onboard VI and the ability to scan for and collect resources from the vehicle itself.

The missions make up for the lack of vehicle travel in ME2, which some fans miss, giving a range of worlds with hazards to traverse from toxic pools to freezing temperatures as well as Geth opposition throughout. The mission centres around a group of Cerberus scientists investigating Prothean artifacts, they have been compromised by the Geth and Shepard uses the Hammerhead (their vehicle) to find out what happened. You get to keep a Prothean Relic you find and also the Hammerhead which is used in the Overlord pack which I'm due to play through sometime soon.

4) Equipment

I'm usually only in it for story but when they start handing our free weapons and armour I'm not going to complain! Various 'packs' brought us the 'Cerberus Assault Armour' a hefty and heavily armoured suit for Shepars that provides additional protection and also a nasty Eviscerator shotgun (not pictured). Another weapon was the Arc Projector, a heavy weapon that paints multiple targets then sends a high voltage beam through all of them, a must-have for any mission involving Geth or Mechs as this weapon is devastating against any synthetic targets, causing large amounts of damage and paralysing their systems.

Well that's it for now - I've completed the Kasumi pack so I'll blog about that soon and I may be able to blog about the other packs more or less as they happen. We'll see! Also there's a voting poll on Xbox Live to get 5o% off DLC for a a game - Mass Effect 2 is currently in the running to be chosen so if you fancy any of this stuff or the other packs put your vote in now. Hopefully Me2 will stay top of the pack and I'll get my hands on 'Arrival' the final DLC.

SF at the Movies - June '11

2011-06-22T08:56:00.000-07:00

You know the drill - a head's up about what Sci-Fi goodness is out this month - release dates and trailers provided.

X-Men: First Class

Released 1/6/11

Green Lantern

Released 17/6/11

Tranformers: Dark of the Moon

Released 29/6/11

That's it y'all - have a great June!

Review: Darth Vader and the Lost Command

2011-06-21T03:26:00.001-07:00

One of a slew of new series published by Dark Horse over the coming year Darth Vader and the Lost Command tells the story of Vader who leads a batallion into uncharted space to recover a lost Command under the son of Tarkin. Hopwever he finds much more than a missing squad and a threat even to the mighty Sith Lord deep in the Ghost Nebula!

Story

As I've just said Vader is assigned this duty to retrieve a lost squad for Tarkin. Plagued by visions of Padme he struggles with this relatively simple request and finds his quarry hard to track, coming up against the Atoan people, who while not a match for the Empire are resilient and have their own agenda, one - Lady Saro - agrees to guide Vader, but demands to be made ruler of the Ghost Nebula under the Empire. Vader must wade through treachery and deceipt, ambushes in space and a battle on a tar covered planet to find the truth, which is not what he hoped for.

New Species

Atoan

This near human species inhabited the Atoan system in the Ghost Nebula. While they appear human there are a number of differences, both in culture, with them possessing their own language and technology but also biologically, with organs distributed around their body ratrher than having the vulnerability of a single heart. They lived on a variety of worlds within their system and had different leaders, oner leader Saro wished to use the Empire to make her leader of them all.

New Vehicles

Atoan Fighter

This fighter was used by rogue Atoan forces to ambush Vader's Imperials. They hid in the Wreckage of a Star Destroyer and attacked his fighters from behind. Despite the element of surprise the bulky fighters weren't as nimble as Imperial V-Wings and so they lost the battle.

Atoan Fortress

This enormous mobile fortress was used by Atoan forces on an unnamed world that was covered in tar pits. The enormous station was able to stay afloat and evade Imperial walkers until Darth Vader caught it in a sneak attack and took the bridge himself.

Map

The series takes place in the Ghost Nebula and the Atoan system so no galaxy traipsing in this one, but I'll show you where it is on the map anyway - 'cause it's been a while!

Opinion

I was quite skeptical at first, the change in art styles between Vader's dream sequences, his encounters with the Emperor and later the main battle scenes was confusing, but it grew on me as each piece has a different emotional resonance. After lapping up the epic scale of Legacy for so long it's a bit of a shift to change to smaller contained stories but I really enjoyed this one - it reminded me of all the graphic novels I used to read in Borders when I was a teenager!! A good story and exploration of Vader's psyche.

X-Men: First Class - From Strip to Screen

2011-06-20T03:22:00.000-07:00

I really enjoyed this movie, in my humble opinion it's the best X-Men film so far and if they decide to reboot the series starting here (they've already contradicted a lot of X-Men film lore in this movie) then I would have no objection whatsoever. As ever the exciting thing about the movie is the new mutants it showcases, which has me scarmbling around on Wikis and encyclopaedias (I'm particularly grateful for the Marvel Wki, which I think I'll add to the sidebar) and it's interesting to see how long standing comics characters have been adapted to fit into a movie so my aim is to priovide a quick comparison between the screen version and the established comics version of the character.

Before I start two things: First I must admit to only a cursory knowledge of the Marvel in-depth universe, so some discrepancies may well appear and I'm not even going to attemp covering the Ultimate and other versions of the character. Second I'm only going to cover new mutants in this post as otherwise it will take too long - I'll probably cover the others in some retrospective posts - assuming this goes well.

The First Class

Banshee (Screen)
Real Name: Sean Cassidy
Power: Audiokinesis (Sonic Scream)
Affiliation: X-Men

Banshee is a young mutant recruited by Charles Xavier who discovered him with the Cerebro device that tracked mutants across the globe. He had little control over his power, only using it for cheap tricks such as scaring away fish at an aquarium. Xavier taught him how to control and unleash his ability to release devastating screams, and even to fly. He fought in the Cuban missile crisis alongside the fledgling X-Men, using his screams as sonar to locate and attack the Hellfire submarine. He joined Xavier's academy though was absent in later years, interestingly Siryn (his daughter in the comics) is present in the original triolgy as a young student.

Banshee (Strip)
Real Name: Sean Cassidy
Power: Audiokinesis (Sonic Scream)
Affiliation: X-Men/ Generation X/ X-Corp

Banshee was a successful Interpol agent based in Ireland who kept hi mutant powers secret. While away on a job his wife was killed in a terrorist attack, and his newborn daughter (unknown to him) was kidnapped by his cousin Tom Cassidy and raised by him. Sean first met the X-Men as an opponent when he was controlled by Factor Three, with the use pf an explosive headband, he was freed and after a spell on his own joined the X-Men aiding them in numeroud battles including a abattle against Tom Cassidy where he was united with his daughter. He later became head of Generation X and X-Corp. Banshee was killed in battle years later, trying to save a plane full of innocents from an attack. His daughter has taken the name Banshee in his honour, but like a great many comic book characters he has recently made a return from the dead.

Havok (Screen)
Real Name: Alex Summers
Power: Plasma blasts
Affiliation: X-Men

Alex was imprisoned for killing a man, presumably with his powers. He kept himself to solitary confinement in an effort to prevent his abilities for harming others. Xavier released him to work for the CIA and helped him focus his ability with the help of a special emitter, though he was reluctant to use his power, especially when the Hellfire Club manipulated it into killing another mutant. He fought with the X-Men in the Cuban Missile Crisis, using his blasts agains the Hellfire Club's mutants, he then joined Xavier's academy. It is yet to be seen what his relationship to Scott Summers is in the movie universe.

Havok (Strip)
Real Name: Alexander Summers
Power: Plasma blasts
Affiliation: X-Men/ X-Factor

Alexander was seperated from his older brother Scott (aka Cyclops) at an early age when their parents died in a plane crash. His powers manifested when someone tried to kidnap him and his adoptive sister, and Alex disintegrated him with his ability. He studied Geophysics at University, and after gradfuating worked for a mutant who realising his identity used Alex's ability, combined with his ability to absors energy to transform himself into the almost unstopabble Living Monolith. This being was defeated by the X-Men, but Havok refused to join, preferring to stay out of civilization. He succeeded in this until he was captured by Sentinels, after being rescued again he agreed to join Xavier and was reunited with his brother. He has been a long-standing member of the team, though he has at times left to join X-Factor, and to follow his love the Goblin Queen.

Darwin (Screen)
Real Name: Armando Munoz
Power: Adaptive Mutation
Affiliation: X-Men

Darwin was one of many young mutants discovered with Cerebro. He earned his living as a Taxi Driver and jumped at the chance to belong with other mutants, showing off his ability to adapt to any situation, such as growing lungs when underwater. When the Hellfire Club attacked the X-Men, he led the fight against the enemy but was killed when Sebastian Shaw absorbed Havok's energy and released it inside of him.

Darwin (Strip)
Real Name: Armando Munoz
Ability: Adaptive Mutation
Affiliation: X-Factor / X-Men

Darwin was marked as amutant from childhood, having long arms and a bald head. He discovered his ability when bullied at school - the bullies put his head in a toilet and he found he could breath underwater. When his mother was caught in a fire, his body adapted and he carried her out unharmed, but she rejected him as a mutant. After being tested by scientists and feeling depressed about his condition he was rescued by Moira McTaggert and brought into the X-Men. Once thought dead in a battle it was not so and his body adapted once more and he returned to the X-Men.

Angel (Screen)
Real Name: Angel Salvadore
Abilities: Winged flight, corrosive aliva
Affiliation: X-Men/ Hellfire Club/ Brotherhood

Angel hid her wings, though she was marked with dragonfly wing tatoos. She worked as an exotic dancer, hiding her ability until Xavier and Magneto demonstrated their own mutant abilities. Sick of pandering to humans and hiding her true nature she joined the Hellfire club and fought against her former friends, later joining the Brotherhood.

Tempest (Strip)
Real Name: Angel Salvadore
Abilities: Wings, corrosive spit, later elemental powers from a suit
Affiliation: X-Men / New Warriors

When Angel's ability began to manifest she was driven away by her abusive stepfather and fully mutated, growing wings. After being attacked for her mutant powers she was rescued by the X-Men and joined their class. She became involved romantically with Beak, a fellow mutant and had children with him. During the House of M incident she and Beak lost her powers, but she now works with the New Warriors thanks to a technological suit that grants her powers.

And that'll do - I'm all for the movie writers adapting the characters, who often have convoluted storylines, into new versions for the movie universe while keeping the same powers and rough identity. I was going to do the Hellfire Club too - but that'll wait for another post I think!

Stuff: The Halo Motion Comics

2011-06-18T02:31:00.000-07:00

As part of it's exclusive range of content Halo Waypoint is showing some web comics animated by ONE Studios, adapting some of the short stories from the Halo Evolutions short story collection and bringing them to life. The Current story The Mona Lisa is mid way through it's adaptation, but seems to have been delayed because of E3 andf other things, but I've held off this post long enough, so here's an outline of the stories and some of the new stuff found within.

1) Midnight in the Heart of Midlothian

A trooper is under for an operation on cancer, now a rare condition among humans and easily treated. He wakes up to find his ship ambushed and the crew dead, only he can stop the Covenant from taking over and finding Earth. Assisted by the ship's AI he takes the fight to the Covenant single handed.

New Ship

UNSC Heart of Midlothian

Classification: Destroyer

This was our first proper glimpse of a Destroyer, we've seen some in Halo Legends and in comics, but usually only a partial view and to be honest they all look quite different so maybe there are different models or configurations, but anyway this time we got a decent look at this impressive ship.

New AI

Mo Ye

Mo Ye is a smart AI aboard the Heart of Midlothian, who takes the form of an old Chinese lady, complete with hacking cough. I put her down of note mostly because it is revealed she is bound by Asimov's laws of robotics.

Also revealed is a serum used by Insurrectionsts that gave them increased body strength and durability, designed to fight spartans, this substance eventually killed it's user.

2.) The Return

Story: One of the few pieces set after Halo 3 (just reminded me - HALO 4!!!!) it tells the story of a Sangheili shipmaster who returns to a human world he once destroyed for the Covenant, he now ponders his purpose without the Prophets to tell him what to do.

New Planets

Kholo

This was a colony world easily destroyed by an Elite Shipmaster under orders of the Prophet of Conviction. Later the shipmaster returned, finding humans retaking the planet, but fighting Kig-Yar pirates over Forerunner relics hidden on the world.

The Mona Lisa

Story: The crew of a prowler sent to investigate the ruins of Halo find to their sureprise a UNSC prison ship floating in the debris field. When a marine crew is sent to board it they find rampant covenant on board, a dead crew and something far deadlier...

UNSC Red Horse

Classification: Prowler

This is the first time we've had a visual representation of a Prowler and I have to say it looks pretty cool with it's Hawk Like profile. Prowlers are stealth ships using various countermeasures to stay invisible. While equipped for combat they tend to stay out of the fight, providing valuable intel to the fleet.

UNSC Mona Lisa

Classification: Prison Ship

The Mona Lisa is a converted transport, used as a prison ship by the UNSC, which made it extremely unusual for it to be right next to Halo when found by the Red Horse. It had been repurposed by ONI to capture Covenant prisoners and study them, but got taken over when some prisoners were show to have a strange infection...

Well that's it for now - Halo Waypoint is free to all Xbox Live Gold members, Halo Evolutions is available in bookshops worldwide.

Doctor Who - New series, new species part 34

2011-06-11T03:50:00.000-07:00

And before you know it we've reached the series break for Doctor Who, with the series due to return in September with the intriguingly titled episode 'Let's Kill Hitler'. I won't reveal too much plot in case some overseas readers are um...reading but yeah, what was I saying - oh right there are some new aliens. As ever if you want more general opinion on the shows please visit the Impossible Podcasts on the sidebar for amusing and informative discussion.

The TARDIS

Strictly speaking not a new species, but an event worthy of note nonetheless. It was really fascinating to see the TARDIS come to life in such a remarkable way, brought truly to life by the penmanship of Neil Gaiman. The dynamic between her and the Doctor was brilliant as she got to reveal her side of their long story, such as the fact that she 'stole' the Doctor, as opposed to him stealing the TARDIS, which is how he always saw it. It gives you much more appreciation for the magic blue box we see week by week.

Somehow, by the malevolence of the being known as 'House'. The living being of the TARDIS was seperated from the construct it usually inhabits and put into the body of a young girl named Idris. The TARDIS quickly adjusted to life in her new form, but knew that her energy was consuming the body she inhabited. While House had intended to seperate her in order to use the TARDIS for himself, the human TARDIS paired with the Doctor chased and defeated him.

House

Ooh, just thought - wouldn't it have been great if they got Hugh Laurie to play the part of this character!! Anyway Michael Sheen did a great job as this monster who we don't know much about other than it lives in a bubble universe, kills time lords and generally appears as a green gassy thing. But he had a cool creepy voice and that made him great!

House was a mysterious entity existing outside the known universe in a 'bubble' accessible through a space-time rift. An energy being he was able to possess physical constructs, such as the asteroid where his servants made their home - earning the name 'House'. He fed on artron energy and lured Time Lords to his world and sonsumed them and their TARDISes. He was killed when he possessed the TARDIS of the Doctor, and hunted down by the Doctor who returned the matrix of his TARDIS to the control centre, eradicating House's presence once and for all.

The Flesh

I was intrigued to see where this one went with 'gangers' of people and I'm still not entirely sure if I liked it or not. I'm never particularly convinced when clones or copies of people gain the memories and personalities of their creators - it's normally rushed over by supplanting some device as able to give 'memory imprints' or worse it is just taken as part of the cloning process. Now the idea of it being a freak accident kinda works in this episode and the dramatic tension of two sets of people with the same memories competing for who is 'real' - especially when you throw a copy of the Doctor into the mix was good fun!

The Flesh was an artificial living construct made by humans for a number of purposes, one of which was to create 'gangers' copies of humans that could be used to inhabit dangerous habitats without damaging their controllers. Unbeknownst to the humans the flesh had some degree of sentience and learned about humans as they used it more and more. In several freak incidents Flesh 'gangers' became disconnected from their handlers and retained their personalities and memeries, often fighting for the life they believed they had.

Headless Monks

Again not necessarily a new species but definitely different - I wasn't overly impressed with these headless Jedi, I think far more could have been made of them. The headless concept could have worked really well - an enemy whom the Doctor can't talk to or reason with, instead it's just his companions who are left to gun them down.

The Headless Monks were part of the militarised Church's forces. Dedicated to service they removed their heads so that they could become pure. They also were possessed with some kind of energy that they could shoot or ignite their swords with. They were used against the Doctor but defeated by his companions.

and that's just about it - though there appeared to be a new set of cybermen on the loose too - we'll see. More in September!