From Gaming to Gambling: What The Last of Us: Part II Brings to Zombie-themed Entertainment

The sequel to one of the best video games of the decade is almost here. The Last of Us: Part II is set to be released May 29, 2020 after trailer upon trailer and plenty of vague whispers over the years. Since its initial announcement in 2016, fans have pounced on every scrap of news, which promised the return of Ellie and Joel at the very least. Now, we have a lot more information to get excited about, revolving around the duo’s life five years after the events of the first instalment, as reported by www.playstation.com.

As our age’s popular zombie culture continues to expand its horizons, it will be interesting to see how Naughty Dog’s new title compares to entertainment markets for post-apocalyptic themes, not to mention gaming technologies.

Monsters vs Humans in Entertainment

Movies and TV shows have helped popularize the zombie genre as much as video games. Think of The Walking Dead’s 10 whole seasons and the brand new Zombieland: Double Tap. Watching humans try to survive against plagues of zombies and monstrosities is a brutal but thrilling recipe for success. Other gaming entertainment in on the fun includes slots like Attack of the Zombies and Rise of Dead on www.bestcanadacasino.ca gambling sites. Visuals, music and sound effects related to undead themes, whether shambling or Egyptian, enhance the appeal of spinning reels and bonuses with eerie excitement. The Resident Evil franchise, spanning video games and cinema, is another great example of how much people love this kind of horror that chills their spine and makes them want to run from the monsters too.

The Last of Us: Part II Key News

According to the detailed report of www.techradar.com, Naughty Dog is pulling all the stops in terms of technology and plot. The facial animation is expected to be meticulous so as to deliver double the immersion of the original title. Ashley Johnson has once again donned her mocap as Ellie alongside Troy Baker reprising the role of Joel. An important new character is Dina, Ellie’s love interest, whose dark fate triggers the protagonist’s quest for truths and justice.

Halley Gross, having led the development of the game’s storyline, reveals that the young protagonist will not be coddled. The reason is that the whole point of the project is to question how a child is likely to grow in this grueling post-apocalyptic environment. Expect a difficult journey and lots of hard choices.

In terms of gameplay, both official statements and trailers show that combat will be more realistic and based on a combination of stealth and force. In other words, Ellie gets the full impact of every punch, bullet or arrow. However, the challenge is supposed to be made easier by upgraded allies. From among a few negative aspects of The Last of Us explained on www.gamespot.com, Naughty Dog is definitely making up for the virtually useless sidekicks. They will be smarter and cause the same damage as your main character. New types of zombies and evil humans are also appearing to spice things up.

PlayStation 4 remains the game’s platform of choice. Future versions and instalments may come to change that. Until then, prepare for another gory and highly emotional battle through monsters, undead and human alike.

How technology helps students while traveling abroad

As a student you may get some form of encouragement from society to travel abroad. Weather for work, study, or pleasure, traveling is beneficial to everyone. It is better to experience the thrill, excitement, and challenges that come with international travel earlier in your life as opposed to later. In your younger years, your experiences overseas may have a positive effect on your life. The exposure you gain changes your perception of the world. As a student traveling abroad, you get to enjoy different cultures. A stint outside your comfort zone may help you build cultural sensitivity and tolerance towards other religions, cultural practices, and philosophies. Travel also breaks the monotony of school. Another reason for traveling while you are still in school is to get out of your comfort zone. When you are in a different country, away from your friends, family, and your daily routine, you are forced to venture into the unknown to meet new people, network, and make new memories. The change of environment helps you build your social skills and gives you the confidence to take new and daring tasks.

Technology saves us a lot of luggage space

Before the smartphone, you had to carry a map, a bunch of compact disks, a camera, and some books to keep you company, a diary, and a phrasebook. These days, through Google Maps, you can squeeze the whole world into your slim smartphone. Through music streaming sites like Spotify, Tidal, and Sound Cloud, you can listen to the world’s stories through melody. You do not even have to tolerate the boring selection of movies that are common in hotels and planes; you can catch up on your favorite television shows and movies on your phone or laptop.

Today’s technology eliminates the language barrier

Less than a decade ago, you had to walk around with a phrasebook in the native tongue. That was not even the hardest part; you had to try and pronounce the word from a language that you did not understand to get services. With the support of mobile applications like Google Translate (on Android) and iTranslate (on IOS), communication is as simple as whispering to your phone and letting an app speak for you. Do you have a problem reading menus, public notices, flyers, and street signs? No problem, take a photo of the text through your mobile app and let it translate the information for you. In addition to translation, applications like DuoLingo teach you new languages and improve your accent. If you need to improve your writing skills you can always use companies like Pro-Papers and immediately get to grips with writing tricks.

Technology has revolutionized how we book flights and hotels

The logistics of travel, you have to book a hotel, flights, and touring services. Thanks to the internet, all the solutions are available online. You can book flights and reserve a hotel space from your home. With add-ons and extensions like Chat Bot, you can communicate and get instant replies through Facebook messenger via the artificial assistant. Traditional hotels are expensive, thus making alternative arrangements like Airbnb popular. Through the click of a button or the touch of a screen, you can book an affordable place to stay. The best part of an Airbnb arrangement is the fact that you enjoy constant contact with the natives. This type of connection helps you appreciate the local culture. Dive into the internet, do some online research on the natives to get a better understanding of what to expect.

Cashless Technology is safer

Google Wallet, Pay Pal, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay are but a few options out there in electronic payment platforms. Before this age, tourists had to walk around with lots of cash; virtually painting a target on their backs.

Technology helps you maintain constant communication with your folks and friends at home

There was a time before social media, a time before the mobile phone. A time when you had to send postcards and heartwarming letters home to let your parents know about your welfare abroad. Thanks to social media, you can communicate in ways that are greater than words. You can share pictures, locations, and documents detailing your experience. You can even make video calls to your loved ones. Communication is cheaper, internet channels of communication are way more economical than landlines and traditional phone calls. The world is and will forever be on the move. Everyday people venture out of their comfort zones in search of opportunity and escape. As a student who is finding your way through life, international experience will do you a lot of good. A stint abroad equips you with the kind of exposure that will instill a sense of responsibility and focus in your life.

TV-inspired Video Slots You Need to Play

There are thousands of online slots available, many of which are based on original or unique themes. However, there are other dozens of video slots which are all based on television shows and movies. These fun slots include unique features and symbols inspired by the show or film and can be much more fun to play than ordinary slots.

Some of these licensed slots are better than others, which is why we’ve decided to round up the five best-licensed video slots you need to play.

Game Of Thrones by Microgaming

Game Of Thrones is an online slot developed by Microgaming which is based on the TV show of the same name. While most fans dislike how the show ended with its eighth season, the Microgaming slot is still incredibly fun to play.

The slot uses a 5×3 layout with 243 paylines, and it has an RTP (Return to player rate) of 96.4%. Symbols in the game include the show’s logo and the four houses; Targaryen, Lannister, Stark, and Baratheon. Each of the four houses has an accompanying unique feature which includes free spins of up to 18 plus Multipliers of up to 5x. The game also includes Stacked Wilds as well as a Scatter symbol resembling the Iron Throne. Game Of Thrones also comes with a unique Gamble Trail Feature where players move across four points on a map and gamble their winnings.

Narcos by NetEnt

NetEnt’s Narcos has been praised by both slot players and fans of the show. The video slot uses a 5×3 layout with 243 paylines and has an RTP of 96.23%. Symbols in the game are all based on the show and include characters such as Steve Murphy and Javier Pena. Other symbols include Planes, Cartel members, Flamingos and more.

The slot includes various special features including Wild symbols and substitutions, Walking Wilds, a Drive-by feature where symbols are transformed into higher-paying symbols, Lock Up symbols, two Locked Up features, and Free Spins.

NetEnt slots are widely available at the various sister sites of Skill On Net.

The Goonies by Blueprint Gaming

In October 2018, Blueprint Gaming released a video slot based on The Goonies film. The firm’s slot uses a 5×3 layout with 20 paylines and has an RTP of 96%. This fun slot includes various symbols inspired by the film, including pirate flags, skulls, and treasure.

It’s also packed with special features including Scatter symbols which award players with the One-Eyed Willy’s Bonus. Other promotions include Wild substitutions, as well as various game modes including Free Spins, additional Wilds, Multipliers, and so much more.

American Dad by Playtech

Playtech is a game developer known for creating dozens of licensed slots. One of their most popular slots is based on Seth McFarlane’s American Dad TV show. Released in 2017, the American Dad slot uses a 5×4 layout with 40 paylines and has an RTP of 94.14%. The symbols in the slot are all based on the show’s characters; Roger, Stan, Francine, Hayley, Steve, and Klaus.

The game also includes several unique features including Wild substitutions. There’s also the Schmooblydong Wheel which can reward players with Re-Spins and Free Spins, along with Stacked Stan symbols, Roger’s Random Wilds, Francine’s Holy Grail which awards additional wins, Hayley’s Progressive Multipliers, and so much more.

Vikings by NetEnt

One of the most recent licensed slots to have been released is NetEnt’s Vikings which is based on the show of the same name. This video slot uses a 5×3 layout with 243 paylines and an RTP of 96.05%. Symbols in the slot are based on characters from the show as well as shields, the show’s logo, and traditional playing card letters and numbers covered in blood.

The special features offered include the Raid Spins of up to 5 spins, the Shield Wall which generates winning combinations, Hotspots symbols, Expanding Wilds, Scatters and so much more that helps you make more winning combinations.

10 Education-Related Movies All Students Should Watch

Sometimes, what students need to understand their status in their academics is a little inspiration. Assignments are one of the top struggles of scholars in school. Although there are a great number of tools that can help with assignment tasks, getting to fully understand the concept of what they are given is what scholars must do. However, when it comes to receiving inspiration about the challenges faced in studying, films are a great option to deliver that.

Over the past few years, several films have been created to depict the choices of great people in history. Many films have also been made to help deliver ideas on concepts as well as share inspirational stories with scholars. As a student, this kind of films will always come in handy.

Although some education-related movies are incorporated with many genres, they still dwell around the same idea, which is providing inspiration to scholars. If you are a student and have no idea about what kind of films are sure to deliver these inspirational ideas to you, then this article will discuss some of the best education-related films all scholars should watch.

Top 10 Education-Related Movies All Students Should Watch

Movies are one of the best ways to consume enough information about various concepts. In the same sense, they are great factors for providing inspiration to scholars. The history of movies has recorded several education-related films that have helped millions of scholars around the world.

Below, we will take a closer look at the top 10 education-related films all scholars should watch. They not only offer entertainment but also a wide range of educational ideas. Let’s dive in.

1.                 Nil Battey Sannata

Also known as The New Classmate, Nil Battey Sannata is an Indian comedy-drama movie directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari. The 2015 movie depicts a mother who works hard to make ends meet while her daughter struggles in learning math in school. Her daughter, who is an unmotivated student, receives motivation when her mother is enrolled as a student in her class to learn math so that she can tutor her daughter

The young student receives motivation when her mother learns math and performs well in school. The movie depicts a story that involves nothing but a little motivation to make better performances. Also, scholars who watch the movie will get a clear understanding of the fact that hard work and dedication leads to success.

2.                 Dead Poets Society

Dead Poets Society is a 1989 American drama film about a teacher who makes an impact on the lives of his scholars through his love for poetry. With his teaching of poetry, his students receive inspirations that help them deal with challenges in their lives.

3.                 3 Idiots

3 Idiots is an Indian movie that depicts the story of three scholars who aspire to different things but are made to become engineering scholars due to parental pressure. It features a story of the daily challenges students face and how learning new things about life can help students in their academics.

4.                 Freedom Writers

Freedom Writers is a movie that is based on the true-life story of Erin Gruwell. The movie features a young and motivating teacher who inspires his scholars to go beyond high school and learn all about tolerance as they pursue their education.

5.                 The Miracle Worker

The Miracle Worker is a 20th-century drama film that portrays the struggles and challenges experienced by blind and deaf Helen Keller as her teacher, Anne Sullivan, helps her learn to communicate.

6.                 Good Will Hunting

The movie is about a 20-year old man who works as a janitor. It turns out the man is naturally gifted with an extraordinary intellect in chemistry and maths. Over time, he gets led to a community college instructor and therapist who helps me uncover his hidden talents to the world. For scholars who watch this movie, they are made to understand that success comes with believing in yourself first.

7.                 Stand and Deliver

The movie depicts the true story of a man who ensured his socioeconomic scholars never dropped out of school by teaching them advanced mathematics go change their lives.

8.                 The Great Debaters

Just as its name implies, the Great Debaters is about a group of students who ensured they practised and trained on debating techniques. This happened due to the inspiration delivered to them by their educator, which inspired them to challenge Harvard at the debating competition.

9.                 The Breakfast Club

This movie tells a story of 5 students from different backgrounds who happened to end up together in detention. As they spend some time together in detention, they start to become friends even though they all come from totally different backgrounds. The movie helps students understand that people can develop the strongest bonds even at the most unexpected places, and background is never a factor that affects friendship bonds.

10.            Akeelah and the Bee

Akeelah and the Bee is a 2006 drama film that tells the story of a young female student who struggles to prepare for a spelling bee competition. The movie provides scholars with the fact that hard work and preparation is the only way to achieve success in whatever they find themselves doing.

Conclusion

Since the invention of movies in our world, providing people with unique concepts about life has become easier.

The above films are top films which deliver unique inspirations and motivations to scholars around the world. If you are yet to see any of them as a student, then you should do that right away. Good luck!

Ann Coulter – a famous writer and a University of Michigan graduate

Everyone knows that Ann Coulter is a famous writer. She is an author of such bestsellers as ‘How to Talk to a Liberal’, ‘Slander: Liberal Lies About the American Right’, ‘Godless: The Church of Liberalism’ and so on. Perhaps, you have even read a few book reviews about her works. However, what you may not know is that she graduated from the University of Michigan. She got her J.D. from University of Michigan Law School. If you are currently studying there, you are probably thinking about how she also had to deal with the task of writing University of Michigan essays. Perhaps, you would like to take a look at the University of Michigan supplemental essays that were submitted by people who became successful in life.

What helped Ann Coulter succeed is her endless desire to work hard to achieve her goals, as well as her motivation to do more. Apart from writing University of Michigan essays, she was also an editor of the Michigan Law Review. Having graduated, Ann Coulter worked as a clerk at the United States Court of Appeals, as well as worked as an attorney in the Department of Justice Honors Program. Apart from that, she is also known as a political commentator and a columnist. There is no doubt becoming a student at the University of Michigan has been a rather stressful experience for her as well. The application process can make you feel really frustrated, not to mention the fact that writing Michigan supplemental essays is a very hard thing to do. Your piece of writing needs to impressive. You need to stand out from the crowd. That is the reason why so many applicants experience difficulties writing Michigan supplemental essays.

Yet, what every applicant needs to keep in mind is that they have enough knowledge to be able to submit an unconventional applications essay and become a student at the University of Michigan. It was not easy for Ann Coulter as well but she found strength to deal with this process and became a successful writer and a lawyer despite the fact that the University of Michigan acceptance rate is a number looking at which may make you feel discouraged. All in all, you need to mull over what you are going to write in one of those University of Michigan essays and how you are going to present yourself. Think of it this way: your essay will be the first piece of information the review committee will learn about you. Make sure you submit one of the most memorable University of Michigan essays to secure your spot at this educational institution.

Another useful tip to take into account is to look through the list of famous people who have graduated from colleges and universities you are interested in. The thing is that imagining how they had to deal with the same difficulties you are currently facing may be quite inspiring. In addition to that, seeing what they have managed to accomplish after graduating can be very motivating as well. No matter whether you are fascinated by the career path of Ann Coulter or someone else, allocate a few minutes to read their biography. You will find out about their first jobs which will remind you that working hard is always of key importance. You need to have desire and motivation if you are aimed at achieving success in the field you are interested in. Going to college such as the University of Michigan is the first step for you to take on the road to success.

Toy Review: Playmobil “Ecto-1A”

“Ghostbusters”

Ecto-1A

Playmobil

Our Score 4.5 out of 5 stars

There’s something strange in you neighborhood this holidays season as Playmobil has recently introduced a second version of the iconic “Ghostbusters” mobile into their play line. Ecto-1A is based off the vehicle seen in “Ghostbusters 2” and features all the same cool upgrades shown in the film including working lights, siren, updated paint scheme and lenticular marquees announcing that the “Ghostbusters” are back and ready to play! 

I am not sure who was more excited to get this toy, myself or my seven year old son Ian? Having just checked it out at this year’s New York Comic Con and being fans of the movies we were both anxious to get playing. Playmobil’s easy open packaging let us get right to it, well sort of. There is quite a bit of assembly that must be done before you can rid your house of any unwanted paranormal entities. Thankfully the package comes with four figures (Venkman, Spengler, Stantz and Zeddemore) complete with new uniforms, proton packs and slime shooters which can be quickly assembled to help keep the kids busy while you are constructing the heavily detailed vehicle.

Though the instructions could have used a little more detail we got through it with only a couple setbacks (a missing light post and a backwards roof tank). Parents make sure that you double check everything before pushing it completely together as we found it very difficult to make changes once things were together due to how tight the pieces fit. Aside from a small Phillips head screwdriver to install the batteries for the lights and siren no other tools are needed which is always a plus and it certainly helped speed things up.

Once Ian had Ecto-1A loaded up (by way of the removable roof) he was off and running with lights flashing and that famous siren blazing as they set out to conquer any unwanted visitors from the afterlife. Pairing the toys with the downloadable Playmobil App lets youngsters take their imagination even further as included with the vehicle and figures is a hologram pyramid which attaches to one of the included traps. When placed on a mobile device the “Playmogram” projects one of four selectable ghosts which with a touch of the screen be sucked down into the trap just like in the movies. Ian really loved this feature and spent quite a bit of time trapping the various ghosts and yelling quotes like “We got one” and “He Slimed Me”.

As with their previous “Ghostbusters” products Playmobil spared no expense with the Ecto 1-A package as it packed with tons of great details and features. Given what is included in the packaging for the $59.99 price tag (Vehicle, four figures, Multiple Accessories) and when paired with the downloadable bonus content you really can’t go wrong. So “Who You Gonna Call?” when it comes to finding that great holiday gift for that special loved one? We say Playmobil!

Episode #210 of “Behind the Mikes” is ready for listening!!

This week we talk movies, movies, movies with reviews of DOLEMITE IS MY NAME, THE IRISHMAN, THE REPORT and more!! Want to listen in? Click HERE!

Toy Review: Playmobil “Dragons”

“Dragons”

Hiccup and Toothless w/ Baby Dragon & Light Fury w/ Baby Dragon and Children

Playmobil

Our Score 3.5 out of 5 stars

Just in time for the holiday season Playmobil has added several new figures to their “Dragons” line which is based on characters from the film “How To Train Your Dragon 3”. Children and Adults of all ages can now act out all of their favorite scenes from the movie and beyond with the help of newly added characters like “Light Fury”, “Hiccup” and “Deathgripper”. These highly detailed and fully articulate figures are sure to provide fun and enjoyment time and time again and feature solid construction which will hold up for years to come.

Having recently seen some of the “Dragons” toys at this year’s New York Comic Con our in house toy tester Ian was very anxious to get his hands on some of these really great looking figures. From a parents stand point I was pleasantly surprised by the easy to open packaging and minimal assembly that both of these sets required. The last thing any parent wants is an overzealous youngster repeatedly asking if they are done putting a toy together while also trying to manage multiple bags of pieces and highly detailed instructions. Aside from having to use a little extra muscle to get both Light Fury and Hiccup’s wings in place that’s really all there was to it with these sets. Hiccup does require a screwdriver for battery installation for the light up back fin. Aside from that no other tools are needed and you can get your youngster playing fairly quick. Ian really enjoyed the details of each of the dragons which include textured skin on both main figures (Hiccup/Light Fury) and some really cool and intricate paint work. This was a feature I also thought was very well done especially on the Light Fury and Toothless figures which are painted with an iridescent paint that gives off a shiny yellow glow when the light hits it.

Each set along with the main larger dragon comes with a handful of smaller toys as well. The Light Fury set includes a Baby Dragon and two children figures while the Hiccup set includes Toothless as well as its own Baby Dragon figure. Both larger dragon figures feature projectile shooting action which Ian also enjoyed (what kid doesn’t love shooting things at their sibling or parent). Thankfully Playmobil opted for less powerful springs as the smaller sized projectiles can quickly become lost if they went shooting too far. On that note parents of smaller children may want to take caution as most of the accessories are quite small and Playmobil does a solid job making buyers aware of this and with their recommendation of these being for ages 4 and up.

From price point to play Playmobil continues to do a solid job and their latest additions to the “Dragons” line are no different. Even after a couple of weeks of hard play each of the figures still look new and are working as they should. Yes some of the tiny pieces caused a bit of frustration when they inevitably went missing but, it only caused a momentary pause in the play and thankfully did not hurt any of the functions so If you have a youngster on your list this holiday season we definitely recommend checking out Playmobil’s “Dragons” line as they are sure to put a smile on that loved ones face Christmas morning.         

Toy Review: ReAction Figures “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”

“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”

Leonardo, Raphael, Bebop, Rocksteady

ReAction Figures

Super 7

Our Score 3.5 out of 5 stars

Within the past few years the toy makers at Super 7 have brought to market some really cool products which have helped establish the brand as one of today’s top retro toy companies. Their 3.75” ReAction Figures especially has been a continued growing line for the San Diego, CA based company and now includes over a dozen licenses including “Aliens”, “Universal Monsters” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”. Our in house toy tester Ian had the chance to check out the first four figures from the “TMNT” line (Raphael, Leonardo, Bebop and Rocksteady) and put them through the paces to see just how well they could handle the rigorous play of an active 7 year old.

Prior to turning them over to Ian I had the chance to check out the really nice artwork that adorns each package. The artwork is all new however it stays true to the original Kenner blister packaging of the early/mid 1980’s. On the back you get a witty bio of each figure along with a picture of the full line in that series. I should point out that these figures do have a 14 and up label on them as they are intended more as an adult collectible. That’s not to say someone younger can’t play with them but the figures do include small pieces some of which are quite pointy and sharp.

Each of the figures looked just as good out of the packaging as they do in it as Super 7 did a great really nailing the details despite the figures smaller size. The four figures all feature 5 points of articulation and come with between 2 and three accessories which can be placed in the hands of each figure. Though Ian is a huge turtle’s fan he seemed to have more interest in Bebop and Rocksteady partially because of their off the wall look and “cool weapons” as he put it. Raphael and Leonardo still got plenty of play but in our house it is hard to compete with a punk rock warthog and rhino.

With the Holidays quickly approaching we highly recommend checking out the Super 7 “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle” Reaction figures. All four figures we checked out are available now and in the coming months more figures including Donatello, Michelangelo and Shredder are set to become available so help that collector on your list expand his or her collection this season with the latest offerings from Super 7.     

How to Buy Good Games for a Good Price

Today, the gaming industry faces the crisis of supply. It means that the consumers are oversaturated with lots of good and solid titles. As a result, publishers and distributors have to find new ways to attract buyers. At the same time, the gaming industry is filled with scammers and honestly bad products. This article will tell about the ways to buy good games at a reasonable price.

Firstly, the general rule behind finding good offers on gaming products is to be open-minded. For example, Steam is not the only place where players can find good offers. Cheap steam keys can be found on the platform https://gamerall.com/steam-games. This principle is a general rule: it is always possible to find where to buy games for a more affordable price comparing to the major digital distribution prices.

Also, like virtually any other industry, the gaming industry tries to attract new customers with sales. There are several types of sales. They may vary depending on the platform but in general, every platform tries to feature the following sales:

  • Seasonal sales

This type of sales is widely spread in other industries, too. The idea is simple: these sales occur during a certain period of the year. Steam Summer Sale (usually takes place in August) and Steam Christmas Sale can serve as examples. In this case, gamers expect a specific time to buy even AAA titles for a lowered price. Usually, platforms offer some additional features during the seasonal sales, such as exclusive bonus system, achievements, or unique statuses for players.

  • Developer-specific sales

This type of sales is also shared with other industries. On the contrary to the previous type, such sales are not tied to a specific date. Instead, the platforms offer the players discounts on the products of certain developers. The goal is to encourage the fans to buy other games of a developer/. For example, some players like Stellaris, but are not really into the other games developed and published by Paradox Interactive. In this case, a sale on Paradox Interactive games will drive players to buy Crusader Kings 2, Europa Universalis IV, or Cities: Skylines. Developer-specific sales are a great way to build a loyal community of gamers around a certain studio.

  •  Genre-specific sales

This is a rather rare type of sales, which features discounts on games of a certain genre. There are only a few such sales, as gamers tend to engage in different genres.

To summarize, the main rule for finding good games for a good price is to know that every offer, however it may seem juicy, can always have a better alternative. Sales and smaller platforms are the main ways to find even AAA titles for affordable prices.

KC’s Halloween ComicFest Is A Spooky Success

Comic enthusiasts found a welcome relief for the end-of-summer blues when they attended Elite Comics 2019 Halloween ComicFest this past Sunday at the Overland Park Convention Center in Overland Park, Kansas.

The event, which was FREE to the public, filled three rooms with dealers and comic artists and featured free comic giveaways to all who attended. Media Mikes was well represented as well. We had a table where we gave out some sweet movie swag from such films as “Countdown,” “Rambo” and the upcoming “Midway.”

And, of course, it’s not an official event unless Cosplay is involved and the 2019 ComicFest was no exception. Fans young and old represented their favorite characters and genre’s proudly.

All in all, a great time was had by all who attended, many of them already making plans to attend next year’s event. Rest assured we’ll be there as well!

Check Out Episode #209 of our “Behind the Mikes” Podcast

This week “Eddie and the Cruisers” star Michael Pare’ introduces the show featuring interviews of “Joker” and “Judy.” We also ask “which movie villain would make a great character study film?” as well as pay tribute to those we recently lost. Enjoy by clicking HERE.

Elite Comics Bringing 2019 Halloween ComicFest to Kansas City This Weekend

Elite Comics’ Halloween ComicFest just got BIGGER! 

For an event this epic, Elite Comics has moved the event to the Overland Park Convention Center, where they will take over Courtyard Ballrooms 1-3!  This means there will be over 10,000 square feet of toys, statues, trades, hardcovers, and comics, comics, comics! They will have over 50,000 $1 comics, over 20,000 Silver Age Comics, and collectibles of every sort!  It is also Halloween FREE Comic Book Day with 1000’s of free comics! 

Media Mikes will have a table at the show, giving away Swag from such upcoming films as “Download” and “Midway.” They will also be recording their “Behind the Mikes” Podcast from the event. Stop by and say “hello!”

Make plans to be at the Overland Park Convention Center, 6000 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS 66211 Sunday, October 27 from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm.  Admission and parking to the event are FREE!

HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT AT THIS YEAR’S HALLOWEEN ComicFEST

  • A HUGE artists alley with over 30 talented comic creators! Come get original art, exclusive books, rare collectibles, and autographs from the artists themselves!
  • October is also when Elite Comics kicks their Children’s Mercy Toy Drive into high gear! There will be awesome drawings and raffles all day long to raise money for kids stuck in the hospital over the holidays!
  • Stop by the gaming alley to play some awesome spooky board games and the cyber cafe for refreshments!
  • Last, but definitely not least, participate in the huge COSTUME CONTEST! You know you want one more chance to show off your cosplay and/or Halloween outfit. Especially when there are prizes involved.

Bring the family and make a day of it!

THE FOLLOWING ARTISTS ARE SCHEDULED TO BE IN ATTENDANCE:

  • RYAN KINCAID
    • He has done covers for all the major publishers!  Come get some very rare variant covers signed by one of the hottest artists in comics!
  • ANDE PARKS
    • Ande has worked on every major title in is 20+ year comic career. His writing career is as impressive!   Writing credits like Capote in Kansas, and Union Station which led to his Ciudad original graphic novel which will be a Russo Brothers Netflix movie.  Come meet the man, get an autograph, buy a book and get some valuable hat advice!
  • BRYAN TIMMINS
    • Bryan will be showing his awesome art including his specialty of sharks and dinosaurs!  Make sure to stop by his table and get one of his prints or get a book signed!
  • JULIE TIMMINS
    • Julie will be in artists alley reading tarot cards and  foretelling your future of getting a bunch of great comics and having a blast at the Halloween ComicFest!
  • ED LAVALLEE
    • Come check out his  books Pop Star Assassin, Revere and Archeon! He might also let you stroke his beard if your lucky!
  • RUDY GARCIA
    • Known as the Pumpkin King, Rudy has professionally sculpted for every major toy and statue company in the business! And his pumpkin carving has literally taken him around the world! 
  • MEGAN LEVENS
    • She has worked on Buffy ,Star Trek, Back To The Future and many more! Come get one of her awesome sketches and hear some great stories about her Bostons!!
  • ED BICKFORD
    • Check out his Metal Robot, Pulp Robot and American Chop Suey comics!!
  • ARIE MONROE appearing
    • She is an incredible caricature artist and check out her comic!  She attended the Kubert school and has worked on a bunch of great comic projects
  • JEANNE BARNHILL
    • Designer, artist, lover of animals and mind behind almost everything you see on the windows, walls, cases and ceiling at Elite comics, Jeanne will be setting up and selling the awesome PopArtifacts items!  Toys and collectibles from the past displayed with the care and quality they deserve.
  • LORI BUNTIN
    • Lori is known as the city’s best custom framer.  She does all the framing for PopArtifacts!
  • BRYAN FYFFE
    • Bryan, the King of Halloween, is one of the most popular convention guests in America and will have a huge selection of awesome art to make your place a little cooler!
  • KARA LOVE
    • Kara will be here with her new anthology Local Haunts, spooky stories all set in hometowns around the world !  Come get a book signed and exchange scary stories just right for Halloween!!
  • ERICA BATTON
    • Creator, writer and artists of Panty Vigilante!  Come out and get some art, and get copies of your comics signed!
  • IRYNA STROGANOVA
    • She will be setting up in our huge artists alley!
  • ROD ZIRKLE
    • Face painter Rod Zirkle will be on-hand to make the day even more exciting.  Get the final touches added to your costume right before the costume contest!
  • BALDEMAR RIVAS
    • We are super happy to have art star and artist of Image Comics Unearth (issues 1 and 2 are out right now)  BALDEMAR RIVAS!  Come get some comics signed, get a sketch maybe even get your picture with comics newest sensation!
  • STEVE DANIELS
    • We are proud to have Mr. Kansas City, cartoonists STEVE DANIELS at our Halloween event!  Come get some art, get some books and ask him about his upcoming projects!
  • KYLE STRAHM
    • Kyle will be set up in our Halloween Comicfest artist alley!  Bring in your copies of Spread and Unearth and get his signature and his advice on organic gardening in the Midwest!!
  • STEPHEN SMITH
    • He will present his creations in our huge artist alley! You can score some cool art and argue about wrestling!
  • KELLY AARON
    • Will be showing her awesome at our Halloween ComicFest!  You can see her art all over town but if you want to see her art and see her be at the Elite ComicFest on October 27th!
  • JASON ARNETT
    • We are lucky to have local writing superstar and Kindness Community member JASON ARNETT!  Come buy one of his books and ask him about some of the awesome projects he has started at JCCC!
  • SKOTTIE YOUNG
    • We will have the awesome and talented SKOTTIE YOUNG doing an exclusive signing to benefit The Elite Comics Children’s Mercy Toy Drive! Get copy of the Marvel Art of Skottie Young Hardcover signed with 100% of the proceeds going to help make a better Christmas for kids in the hospital!

SEE YOU THERE!

NYCC 2019: Hulu’s Castle Rock

Just in time for Halloween, Hulu is ready to invite viewers back to the not-so-sleepy town of Castle Rock. The fictional Maine location may sound familiar to even casual horror fans, as it features across the many works of Stephen King. To celebrate the launch of season 2, the cast of the anthology series joined fans at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden for a screening of the premiere episode at this year’s New York Comic Con.

The highlight of the premiere was the debut of Lizzy Caplan as “Stephen King’s nurse from hell” Annie Wilkes. Wilkes was the star of King’s Misery where she was willing to go to lethal lengths to get her way from James Caan’s stranded author character. Bates famously won an Academy Award for her performance and if you had asked me if I needed to see more background on her character I may have doubted you until this episode. Caplan channels her own unblinking manic energy and manages to make Wilkes’s “cockadoody” vernacular her very own. As a bonus, she has the wonderful Elsie Fisher (Eighth Grade) as a daughter to play off of in this series.

While I won’t go into spoilers for the show, suffice to say there was at least one jaw dropping scene that made checking the show out in the massive NYCC audience incredibly satisfying.

Head over to our NYCC Facebook album to see even more photos from the panel which also featured Shawshank Redemption alum Tim Robbins

Castle Rock season 2 is available on Hulu starting October 23rd.

Collectible Disney Maleficent Inspired Bear unveiled at Build-A-Bear Workshop

Inspired by the animated classic Disney’s Sleeping Beauty, Build-A-Bear Workshop unveils the iconic Disney Maleficent Inspired Bear on October 18th. This one-of-a-kind, collectible furry friend has the famous villain’s signature horned headpiece built into her soft, black fur.

This evil fairy of a friend is sure to cast a spell in her signature look. Summon a sense of style that’s fit for a sorcerer by adding the black and purple robe to your bear’s wardrobe. In order to be her most powerful, the mistress of all evil can also wield her scepter. This golden plush scepter is a wickedly cute wrist accessory that attaches to your Disney Maleficent Inspired Bear’s paw!

Enter a fantasy world of fun with this wickedly cute collector’s item. Collectors and fans alike are sure to fall under the spell of this Disney Maleficent Inspired Bear!

PRODUCT INFO:

Online Exclusive Disney Maleficent Inspired Bear Gift Set: $57 / £43

Disney Maleficent Inspired Bear is ready to rule over your collection in this deluxe soft toy gift set. This one-of-a-kind villain looks wickedly regal wearing her own black and purple robe with a gold scepter. Collectors and young fans alike are sure to fall under the spell of this Disney Maleficent Inspired Bear!

LINK TO PRODUCT:

US: https://www.buildabear.com/collections/disney-characters/maleficent

UK: https://www.buildabear.co.uk/collections/disney-characters/maleficent

About Build-A-Bear

Build-A-Bear® is a global brand kids love and parents trust that seeks to add a little more heart to life. Build-A-Bear Workshop® has over 450 stores worldwide where Guests can create customizable furry friends, including corporately-managed stores in the United States, Canada, China, Denmark, Ireland, Puerto Rico, and the United Kingdom, and franchise stores in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Mexico and the Middle East. Buildabear.com is the online destination for unique furry-friend gifts, featuring The-Bear-Builder™, a shopping configurator that helps create customized gift options. Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW) posted a total revenue of $336.6 million in fiscal 2018.

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