How to beat Mew? Pokemon Go

December 5, 2017, 3:42 pm

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How do you beat Mew? Pokemon Go questions

Mew is a legendary Pokemon and is the last pokemon in the Kanto region (Gen 1) Pokedex.  It is one half of the Mew duo with the other being MewTwo.  Mew does not evolve nor does it evolve from any other pokemon.

Mew is special pokemon in that it has been thought it shares a lot of genetic material with all other Pokemon allowing it to use almost every move in the main games.  This means that when Mew comes to Pokemon Go it could have a very wide range of moves and picking a proper counter is going to be very difficult.  If you bring Flareon and Mew has a water special move you will need to dodge it.




The history of Mew and MewTwo is explain in the original Pokemon movie.
Mew was one of the primary Pokemon in the Pokemon Movie.  A powerful pokemon named MewTwo is shown to have been created from the DNA of Mew.  MewTwo rejects the attempts to control it and seeks to destroy humanity.  MewTwo begins to create an army of Pokemon on New Island.  Mew follows Team Rocket into New Island and eventually confronts and helps defeat MewTwo.  Mew and MewTwo are both psychic Pokemon but visually are some what opposites with Mew being cute, and MewTwo being scary looking.

         Pokemon Red/Blue Description: 
          So rare that it is still said to be a mirage by many experts. Only a few people have seen it worldwide.

Pokemon Gold Description: 
Apparently, it appears only to those people who are pure of heart and have a strong desire to see it.

Pokemon Silver Description:
Its DNA is said to contain the genetic codes of all Pokémon, so it can use all kinds of techniques.

As a Legendary Pokemon Go Mew is battled in Raids and has extremely high CP.



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Catching the legendary Pokemon-

There were many rumors early on in Pokemon Go on ways to catch Legendary Pokemon.  One rumor was that they were on top of Mount Everest or in Area 51.  These rumors are NOT true.
Legendary Pokemon like Mew can be caught when you battle in a Legendary Raid.  A raid will appear with a 5 Rydon symbol that denotes a Legendary Raid.  Once the Raid pokemon appears it will be one of the Legendary Pokemon, if it is Mew then you can battle it.  If you successfully beat Mew you will then get an opportunity to catch it.  To beat Mew you will to make a team of multiple people to help.  No matter how powerful you are the Legendary Pokemon in Raids are very powerful (Very high CP) and require a large group of people with high level Pokemon.

Mew and Mewtwo are expected to be the two toughest of the Legendary Pokemon to beat and catch.

Time to answer and the important questions!
HOW TO FIGHT A Mew or should I say...
HOW TO BEAT Mew
WHAT IS THE BEST POKEMON TO USE VS AN MEW
WHAT IS AN MEW COUNTER

Battle with Mew: 


Remember that Pokemon Types are very IMPORTANT 
Read this --->  Pokemon Types Explained



The cute little Mew has teleported in your path.  For a moment you are disarmed by the cute creature but you quickly come to your senses as you begin to feel the awesome psychic powers reverberating from the creature.  This is your chance, its time to beat MEW!

Alright strategy time well lets start with this Mew is a Psychic type hybrid pokemon.

 Dark   and Ghost pokemon in particular work well against psychic Pokemon.

Top Counters vs Mew:  The top counters for Mew are going to be Dark Pokemon which are generally hard to get.  If you have none of the top counters try using Flareon.

List of top counters:

• Tyranitar (Bite and Crunch)
• Houndoom (Snarl, Foulplay)
• Gengar (Shadowball, Shadowclaw)

I realize that Houndoom and Tyranitar with those movesets are pretty rare so you will likely need to add other pokemon to your Raid team.  Here are some other ideas that are not quite as optimal.

Try high DPS emiting pokemon like Flareon (firespin, overheat), or Dragonite (Dragon Breath, Outrage)
With Flareon you will need to becareful as Mew can have a water based Special Move.

Defensively Mew is very tough to figure out because it has a huge range of possible moves that fall into many times.  Unfortunetly this means you need to enter the battle before trully knowing which moves the Mew you are facing actually has.

The Poke fun has just begun...Also See!

More Pokemon GO! Tips, Tricks and More!

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Lance Hunter - Bio, News and Speculation

December 5, 2017, 6:45 pm

≫ Next: Gen 3 coming in waves for Pokemon Go

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News: Lance Hunter has been confirmed to appear in Agents of SHIELD Season 5

It sounds like Lance will appear in Season 5 episode 5.

With the surprising help of Lance Hunter, nothing will stop Fitz from finding the lost team as his incredible journey is revealed, on “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” FRIDAY, DEC. 22 (9:01-10:01 p.m. EST), on The ABC Television Network, streaming and on demand.

Fitz was mysteriousily not present when the Agents landed in space.  Instead the agents simply found a note from Fitz saying "I'm working on it".   It will be interesting to learn what happened to Fitz and also how Lance Hunter is involved.


Lance Hunter Bio:
Lance Hunter is a British Mercenary hired by Coulson who is seeking extra muscle to deal with Hydra.  Lance Hunter is the former husband of SHIELD agent Bobbi Morse aka Mockingbird.

Lance Hunter is be played by actor Nick Blood.

Maurissa Tancharoen the executive producer of Agents of SHIELD has had the following to say about the character:

"Now that S.H.I.E.L.D. has fallen, Coulson has to look outside of the organization for help, and make uneasy alliances with people like Lance Hunter. Hunter is a mercenary, in it for the money, not the cause. Whether his allegiance is to anyone but himself is still in question."

Lance Hunter comes onto work with Coulson's team after the death of his former commander Isabelle Hartley.  He helps the team track down and discover the mystery of the Obelisk.  While initially reluctant to work for SHIELD and to work with his former Bobbi Morse he eventaully becomes a loyal member of the team.  He is shocked when Bobbi reveals that she has been working for a different branch of SHIELD but forgives.

Lance and Bobbi are forced to leave the team and are given a spy farewell in the end of Season 3.  Bobbi and Lance were meant to appear in a show called Most Wanted that was to feature their characters along with Dominic Fortune.  This show was not picked up after the pilot.

Season 4:
Lance Hunter does not appear in Season 4.

Season 5:
It has been revealed that Lance Hunter will appear in Season 5 of Agents of SHIELD however Bobbi Morse is not expected to join him.  Lance will be helping Fitz unravel the time travel mystery that the agents find themselves in within Season 5.
Pictures:




Documents:

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Related Posts / News:
THE HUB: Home to latest SHIELD news and speculation 
Agents of SHIELD Season 2 Reveal New Characters! - SPOILERS 
Top 10 Questions After Agents of SHIELD Season 1 finale? 

Gen 3 coming in waves for Pokemon Go

December 6, 2017, 7:57 am

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Pokemon Go released Gen 2 for the most part all at once. Beginning in the Halloween of 2017 players began to see a different approach from Niantic the developer of Pokemon Go. Instead of releasing all of the Pokemon the company would release a select group of the Pokemon with a various theme. In the case of the 2017 Halloween event a variety of Ghost and Spooky pokemon were released as part of the Halloween Event.

The wave releases seem to be a way for the company to align the pacing of its player base. Niantic saw that hardcore players were qiuckly capturing all released Pokemon in a matter of weeks or even days from the release date.  While more casual players were taking months.  The hardcore players were demanding new releases before casual players had caught many of the new releases.    By releasing the Pokemon in waves it will limit how far ahead a hardcore player could get beyond a casual player.

Whether the Pokemon Go fan base will react positively or negatively to this development remains to be seen.

Niantic is expected to release 50 Pokemon from Gen 3 this week.  They are also going to add an update that will alter gameplay with dynamic weather effects.

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What are the coolest Gen 3 Pokemon?



Gen 3 pokemon are in many ways more significant and of a greater variety than the Gen 2 release. Which should get people pretty excited as these Pokemon roll out.

I was personally always a big fan of Mudkip the starting water pokemon of Gen 3.  I also was always fond of the Tortois like Pokemon Torkoal who is basically a fire/coal based Turtle.
I also think Torchic another starter for Gen 3 will be very popular as its definetly the cutest of this batch.

On the cool side are the dragon like Salamence and the bone covered Aggron.

New cool Water Pokemon inlcude the Shark like Sharpedo and the whale like Waillord.

One Pokemon sure to facinate players is the alien like Deoxys.  In the previous games Deoxys did not evolve but could be caught and later in the game altered into various forms.  Deoxys is very unique and rare and will certainly be exciting to catch.

The most powerful Pokemon in Gen 3 include the 3 Regies who are Regice, Registeel, Regirock these golumn looking creatures are known as the 3 Legendary Titans of Hoen.  My guess is that they will be released through Raids.

Rounding out the Pokemon 3 is the super powerful but super lazy Slaking.  It will be interesting to see if combat rules are adjusted to account for this pokemon's immense power.  In the other games he was handicapped by not taking as many moves as the player due to his lazyness.

The Poke fun has just begun...Also See!


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Optimal MCU Watch List for Avengers Infinity War

December 6, 2017, 9:07 am

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The Marvel Cinematic Universe that began with Iron Man in 2008 is now hitting a major climax with Avengers Infinity War.  To prepare for the film many fans are going back and rewatching various of the films. I have been asked if there is a list of films to watch that specifically educate a viewer on the going ons of Avengers Infinity War.

There are 17 films and there will be 18 with the release of Black Panther.  This makes for around 45 hours of film time.  There are also shorts, and various MCU TV shows including some of my favorites such as Agents of SHIELD, Daredevil, Punisher etc.

There are three paths to take how I see it:
1) Watch everything in chronological order
2) Watch only the best items
3) Watch only the material that most ties into Infinity War

I am going to try to set up #3 so people can refresh themselves and also if some one wants to catch up and feel knowledgable they can.  My goal here is to streamline this list as much as possible but still keep the major plot points.


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Toylab's Infinity Watch List (Short Style):
This is my ultra streamlined watch list:

1) Avengers
2) Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 1
3) Avengers Age of Ultron
4) Captain America: Civil War
5) Thor Ragnarok

Total Hours is approximately - 13 hours

This film order misses a great deal of character introductions but explains the Avengers, the relationships of the Avengers, the Infinity Stones, Thanos, Guardians of the Galaxy, Nebula, Ragnarok, Black Panther and Wakanda. Even Spider-Man and Ant-Man are in Captain America Civil War. Doctor Strange would be given some exposure in Thor Ragnarok.

The infinity stones that are covered include Power (Guardians), Mind (Avengers 1 and 2), Space (Thor Ragnarok)

You miss out on Time (Doctor Strange) and part of Space is missed by skipping Captain America.

Most of the films that introduce the characters are skipped in this watch list.  However, some meaningful character introductions are included Scarlet Witch, Vision, Black Panther, Spider-Man.

I feel that a person who watched this list would have a very strong idea of all the major players, the concepts and relationships that will make up Avengers: Infinity War.

Toylab's Expanded Infinity Watch List

This list still cuts out films that are not related to Infinity War including some gems like Captain America Winter Soldier but it does provide all character introductions unlike the list above.  I did skip Incredible Hulk because I think Ruffalo's Hulk is better introduced in Avengers.  Plus nearly all of the events and characters in the Incredible Hulk have been ignored.  The fact that Bruce Banner himself switched actors I think makes that film more confusing than its worth.  Black Widow's introduction in Iron Man 2 is also missed but once again I feel that she is very well introduced in Avengers.  I debate heavily about including Doctor Strange and Black Panther in the list because both make some appearances in other films.  However, the importance of Wakanda and Strange in Infinity War seem to be high so I think their inclusion makes sense.  This does miss the Aether Infinity Stone from Thor 2 the Dark World but other wise the Infinity Stone material is covered.

The Expanded List
1) Captain America: The First Avenger
2) Iron Man
3) Thor
4) Guardians of the Galaxy
5) Avengers
6) Avengers Age of Ultron
7) Captain America Civil War
8) Doctor Strange
9) Black Panther
10) Thor Ragnarok

This 10 film list is approximately 27 hours of film

You will note that I altered the watch order for this list.  The reason I did this is that the introductions of all the characters is handled before Avengers.  Then the films Avengers, Avengers Age of Ultron and Captain America Civil War flow very well together.    Then Doctor Strange and Black Panther introduce the last important pieces of the Infinity War story.  Thor Ragnarok covers what happens to Thor and Hulk and seems like the perfect jump off point to Infinity War and is thus placed after Black Panther.

Thanos appears in Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers (End credit scene) and Avengers Age of Ultron (End credit scene).  Putting Guardians before Avengers does come with slighly akward fact that the Other is killed in Guardians by Ronan but then alive in the Avengers End Credit scene.  I just don't see that character as being very important to the overall narrative.  Thanos is given a fuller introduction in Guardians that will help non comic fans know who he is in the end credit sequences of Avengers and Avengers: Age of Ultron.




What films do you think are most vital to watch Avengers Infinity War?  Which films would you change in my lists?  Let me know in the comments below!

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The Code-A-Pillar expansion packs which is best?

December 6, 2017, 2:55 pm

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Coding Caterpillar or Code-A-Pillar by Fisher Price is Toylab's Top Christmas Toy of 2016

Toylab bloggers love the Code-A-Pillar the fun toy that teaches kids the art of sequencing that is a crucial part in learning how to build computer program aka to Code.  Coding is getting hot for good reason as its a critical skill for the next generation.


Caterpillar Train Missions - For Code-A-Pillar Fun



The main Code-A-Pillar set comes with a set of group of moves it can do but your toddler may quickly want it to do a little more.  This is where Fisher Price smartly added expansion packs.

There are 3 different expansion packs so far and we are going to review each one and let you know which ones we like the best.



Think and Learn Basic Expansion Pack
This pack adds a forward, left turn and right turn segments.  I really like this one because it just give your toddler a few more pieces that are easy to understand.  To me the fun part of the Code-A-Pillar is making it move along a course or from spot A to spot B.  It allows the toddler to solve just a little more complicated of a problem and increases the variability making it more fun.  While this makes the Code-A-Pillar more fun I also don't see it making it overwhelming.  If anything providing these pieces make the Code-A-Pillar easier to use.  Some might even argue that this expansion should have come with the Base Set.

Bottom line I really like this expansion and highly recommend getting it with the base set.

Fisher Price Description:

Code-a-pillar™ inspires little learners to be big thinkers! Preschoolers can develop important skills—like problem solving, planning & sequencing, and critical thinking—as they arrange (and rearrange!) these additional, easy-to-connect segments to send Code-a-pillar™ on all sorts of different paths. Add Go Forward, turn right 90 degrees, and turn left 90 degrees ... your wish is his command with this Code-a-pillar™ expansion pack!

Make the Code-a-Pillar™ grow and go!
This pack contains 3 easy-to-connect command segments with unique actions:

• Forward—Add this piece and Code-a- pillar™ moves straight ahead!
• 90° right turn— This piece makes Code-a-pillar™ turn right.
• 90° left turn-- Add this piece for Code-a-pillar™ to make a left turn.
• Each pack sold separately and subject to availability

Think and Learn Silly Sounds & Lights Expansion Pack

This set I tend to overlook because when my toddler plays the game is normally trying to get the Code-A-Pillar to go somewhere along or through something.    This pack does not provide any segments that help the Code-A-Pillar move instead these make the Code-A-Pillar make different noises.  That said I can see how making the Code-A-Pillar go to sleep or act goofy could be a lot of fun for a kid.

One warning to parents on this one is that the Code-A-Pillar has no mute button.  If you buy these sounds you might be listening to them.......A LOT!

Fisher Price Description:

Add these to Code-a-pillar™ to make him grow and go!
Code-a-pillar™ inspires little learners to be big thinkers! Preschoolers can arrange these additional easy-to-connect segments in endless combinations to send Code-a-Pillar™ on its path. This encourages experimentation while developing important skills including problem solving, planning and sequencing, and critical thinking. Your wish is Code-a-Pillar™’s command with this zany expansion pack! 

Features:
Make the Code-a-Pillar™ grow and go!
This pack contain 3 easy-to-connect command segments with unique actions:

• Sleepy Zzzs - Awww...this piece's soft sound & light makes you want to take care of Code-a-pillar™
• Wacky - Ready to make him go "wacky"? Add this piece & he'll stop & make silly sounds while his eyes "blink" in a zany light pattern
• Happy - Adding this piece will make him stop & play upbeat music while his eyes "blink" in a fun light pattern

Think and Learn Master Moves Expansion Pack

The master Moves comes with a 45 degree turn, a 180 degree turn and the a repeat segment.  The repeat segment is pretty cool but may baffle toddlers at first.  Basically you flip a switch on it between 1 and 5 and the Code-A-Pillar will repeat the action the repeat segment is attached to the number of times you have set.  Its pretty cool but will likely be overlooked at first.  I like how they named this one the Master set because I think that is how this set is best used.  Let your kids figure out the basic moves and do some things.  Then add this in later.

Fisher Price Description:

Code-a-pillar inspires little learners to be big thinkers! Preschoolers can arrange these additional easy-to-connect segments in endless combinations to send Code-a-Pillar on its path. This encourages experimentation while developing important skills including problem solving, planning and sequencing, and critical thinking. Add sound and light effects … repeat previous actions … turn right 45 degrees or turn left 180 degrees … your wish is Code-a-Pillar’s command with this assortment of expansion kits!

• Make the Code-a-Pillar grow and go
• This pack contain 3 easy-to-connect
• Features command segments with unique actions
• 90° turn-- Add a piece for Code-a-pillar to make a left turn
• Each pack sold separately and subject to availability

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Click Here for our Review of the Code-A-Pillar


Maps and missions to use with your Code-A-Pillar




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Who is Fandral?

December 6, 2017, 3:26 pm

≫ Next: Marvel Legends Sandman BAF Series 2017

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Who is Fandral?


Fandral is a Marvel character who is a member of the Asgardian Race.  He is a friend and compatriot of the hero Thor.  Fandral is most often attached to a group of Thor's friends called "The Warriors Three".  He is played by actor Josh Dallas in Thor 1.  Actor Zachary Levi is set to takes over the character in Thor The Dark World.

Affiliation: Warriors Three

Alias: Fandral the Dashing

Species:  Asgardian

 First Appearance: Journey Into Mystery #119


Fandral News:


 Fandral Multi-Media:


 Bio:

Fandral is a warrior and adventurer of the Asgardian race.  He is a swashbucker, rogue with a deep love of romance.  He is brave to the point of being rash.  Fandral pursues females romantically at any opportunity and this has propensity of getting him into trouble.  He is also generally optimistic even under bleak circumstances. Like all of the Warriors Three he is self sacrificing, noble and highly loyal to his friends.

Fandral has had many adventures with the Warriors Three and Thor.  He has battled Mangog, Thermal Man, Surtur, Mogul of Mystic Mountain, the Destroyer, Loki, Flying Trolls of Thryheim, Fafnir, Mephisto, Hela, Ego-Prime, Xorr, Ssthagar's Slavers, Mercurio, Zarrko the Tomorrow Man, Spoor, Grey Gargoyle, Enchantress, Skurge the Executioner.



Once while on a quest to rescue an important Asgardian named Mord he finds himself on the Isle of Freya, the goddess of Love.  On the Isle Fandral learned that many women he had been with had been grief stricken after he left them.  He realizes his womanizing ways have caused great pain.  Feeling the full brunt of shame laid on him by Freya he swears off future philandering.

One tale of Fandral makes it sound as though he is the inspiration for the legendary outlaw Robin Hood in the Marvel Universe.

Fandral perishes in Ragnarok but is found reborn like most of the Asgardians by Thor.
He helps defend Asgard in the Siege event where Norman Osborn's forces assault the kingdom.

 Powers:
Like most Asgardians he has:
Super Strength
Super Speed
Super Agility
Super Stamina
Enhanced Durability
Slower Aging

Skills:  Considered one of the best Swordsmen in Asgard, and is an all around master of bladed weapons.

MCU:

Fandral is played by actor Josh Dallas in Thor 1.  Actor Zachary Levi takes over the character in Thor: Dark World.



For More Fun Stuff!

Who is Thor?
Who are the Warriors Three? 
What is an Asgardian? 

Marvel - News, Characters, Reviews, Movies, and Comics 
  

 
 Secret Wars - Observation Deck see the battles unfold here!
 

Marvel Legends Sandman BAF Series 2017

December 6, 2017, 7:33 pm

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The Sandman Marvel Legends figure series

Marvel Legends are a premium toy figure series made by Hasbro that focus on Marvel characters.  This Marvel Legends figure set features a lot of Spider-Man related figures and each figure comes with a component for a large Build-A-Figure of Sandman.  The Build-A-Figure is popular component of the Marvel Legends figures.

The figures available in the series are:

• Ms Marvel
• Spider-Man 2099
• Green Goblin
• Jackal
• Symbiote Spider-Man
• Spider-UK
• Shocker

Each figure comes with one component of the Sandman BAF (build-a-figure) which is a pretty massive figure once you have all of the pieces.




Video Review of the Juggernaut Marvel Legends series by Shartimus Prime

Sandman is pretty huge, maybe a bit too big?  One cool aspect of this build a figure is that you have a variety of ways of customizing his hands.  In this way you can make his hands change shape into the various weapons and shapes that Sandman uses.

My favorite figures in the set are Ms Marvel, Shocker and Spider-Man 2099.

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A closer look at the figures:


Ms. Marvel


Ms Marvel is the Kamala Khan version of the character.  I don't think I've seen many (any?) Kamala figures before and this is a really great one.  She comes with changable arms that allow you to give her either normal arms or to show case her powers with hyper long arms with huge hands.  There are no interchangeable legs to give her the stilt like legs she uses in the comics.  This is a minor qualm though because she otherwise looks very good.

Accessories:
Alternate enlarged hands- These showcase Kamala's powers

BAF:
Comes with Sandman build-a-figure Torso piece







Spider-Man 2099


This is the new Spider-Man 2099 suit and I really love it.  I think the suit is a really bad ass upgrade of the old traditional Spider-Man 2099 costume.  I loved the cover of when this suit recently debuted and can't believe there is already a figure for it.

The figure is very sleek with bold colors that have a high contract.  He does have solid articulation.

He does not feature the Spider-Man 2099 talons on either his hands or feet.  Which I have heard has caused some consternation.  Some have also said that they think the figure is too big and that the head is too large for his body.  I tend to see the head's size having to do with articulation used on the kneck and his meant to help pose the figure.


BAF:
Comes with Sandman build-a-figure Right Arm piece





Green Goblin


Green Goblin with his traditional suit.  He has his glider and pumpkin bomb and a pouch to pull the bomb out of.  His face, eyes and teeth all look really cool.  His body and green scale really pop with the paint used.

Accessories:
Goblin Glider and Pumpkin Bomb

BAF:
Comes with Sandman build-a-figure Head piece

Jackal


Jackal is not my favorite Spider-Man villain but this is a really solid figure.  Lots of detail throughout that shows the Jackal's hair and skin.

BAF:
Comes with Sandman build-a-figure Right Leg piece


Symbiote Spider-Man



The Black Symbiote Spider-Man from when Peter Parker wore the infamous black suit that would later go on to become the villain Venom.

BAF:
Comes with Sandman build-a-figure Arm piece



Spider-UK


Spider-UK was a main character in the event Spider-Verse and has since then appeared in a few different Spider-Man titles.  He is basically the combination of Spider-Man and Captain Britain.  You can see the Captain Britain flag costume on his chest.


BAF:
Comes with Sandman build-a-figure Arm piece


Shocker


I actually like the Shocker figure best of all in the series.  I think he looks very cool.  Similar to the Havok figure he has the energy blast rings that go on his hands.  I really dig those rings and the colors they use to make them look organic.  They really pop.

The Shocker mask and costume are painted really well.  His face is cool in that features asymmetric eyes, where one is much bigger than the other.  This makes him look more villainous, or perhaps surprised.  I've also heard someone say that it looks like he is aiming and squinting one eye.

His gauntlets look like real metal with lots of divots and other wear and tear like details added.Accessories:
Vibration Blast Effects

BAF:
Comes with Sandman build-a-figure Left Leg piece








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Monsters Unleashed - 2017 


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Why does Luke wear a Red Kyber Crystal?

December 7, 2017, 9:42 am

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Luke and the Red Crystal:


You can see a crystal dangling on the kneck of Luke Skywalker.  It appears to be a Red Kyber crystal.  Kyber crstyals are an important component of  a Light Saber that give the weapon is strength, its connection to the Force and also its color.  Generally Red crystals are the sabers of Dark Side while the other colors each reflect a certain mentality in battle, or philosophy. Early speculation is that this red crystal is his father's Light Saber's red crystal.   Interesting enough the current run on Darth Vader comics is about how Vader came into possession and created that specific kyber crystal.  The story of how it came to be is pretty amazing.

There is a growing theory from Star Wars:  Force Awakens called the Light Saber Theory where it is speculated that the images scene by Rey in the Force Awakens when she touches Anakin's Lightsaber are actually the memories of the Lightsaber itself.  Something similar happens to Darth Vader in Darth Vader #5 where he begins to breakdown his Kyber crystal and make it into a red one.  What this means is that the there are two important Kyber crystals each with their own memories.

Light Saber Theory 
There are parts of this theory that are right.  However, its leap is assuming whom's Rey's parents are.  Especially since the person saved by Kylo in the vision occured far after she was dropped off on the planet of Jakku.  However, the idea that Rey's vision is actually the memories of the Saber itself seem very likely.  Especially after what is depicted in Darth Vader #5.  


Kyber Visions: Anakins Crystal in Force Awakens
It seems likely that visions seen by Rey which she hold's Anakin Skywalkers Lightsaber are its own memories.  It may literally being telling Rey hey this is who I am, I know you.  In the Last Jedi there are so far two important Kyber crystals with memories of the past.

Anakins Skywalker's crystal has its own memories going back through the Clone Wars, to being held by Obi Wan, to being used by Luke against Darth Vader in Empire Strikes Back, to then being present when the Knights of Ren slaughter the new Jedi, to then being there when Rey is dropped off at Jakku (All shown in Rey's Force Vision from the saber).  It seems that the person that had Anakin's lightsaber was saved by Kylo during the battle with the Knights of Ren, this may also be the person that takes Rey to Jakku.  Curiousily, the Knights of Ren vision and Rey being dropped off seem out of order.  It seems likely Rey as young as she was in the vision was dropped off prior to the massacre done by the Knights of Ren.  I think this means that Rey was a known force user who was feared by Luke either she was related to someone bad like Palpatine, or was a Force Wound like the Jedi Exile Meetra Surik in Knights of the Old Republic 2.   With Rey's seeming ability to learn the Force faster than Anakin, Luke, and Kylo it is possible that she is a Force Wound like Meetra Surik.  At any rate she was likely a potential force user that was hidden, and denied training by Luke.  Then someone, likely the person saved Kylo, the person that also likely dropped Rey gave the lightsaber to Maz Kanata.  This person could be her parent, but also might be someone else.

Darth Vader/Kirak Infil'a's Red crystal that Luke has in his possession would also have memories.   It would have memories that would potentially span into ancient times as it had been used by the ancient Jedi Kirak Infil'a.  He would also have memories of his father battling, and killing Kirak.  He would then have the memories of the events of Darth Vader from the view point of the Light Saber crystal itself.  Why would he hold on to this Kyrber crystal.  Is the crystal actually luring him to the darkside?  Is Luke using the crystal to search for answers about Snoke?



More on the Red Crystal's History:

Red Crystal in Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Luke crystal has been shown in toys.  You can see it on the Funko below.


One interesting rumor topic thread is the red crystal dangling from Luke's neck.  Many people assume that the crystal is a red Kyber crystal.   The Kyber crystals are important components in a lightsaber blade and determine the blades color.  The Red Blades and Red Crystals are associated with the Sith or broader the dark force users.  Some have taken this as a sign that Luke is either now a dark force user or something inbetween.

One other thing to note about the crystal is that Darth Vader's red kyber crystal is the focus of the current run of Darth Vader comics.  Vader is tasked in that series to complete his training as a Sith by seeking out and killing a worthy Jedi and taking their crystal.  Vader then enters into battle with a highly formidable jedi called Kirak Infil'a who nearly kills Vader in their first encounter.  It is possible the crystal that Luke holds is this same same crystal and a spirtiaul memento of his Father.

What does Darth Vader run tell us about this Kyber Crystal.



The very existence of  Red Kyber gem is a perversion and an affront to the Jedi and in effect the ultimate symbol of Sith.  This is explained in detail in the Darth Vader comic series.

According to the Emperor all Red Sith Sabers came from Jedi originally.  Each would be Sith must hunt down and kill a Jedi and take their lightsaber's kyber crystal.  These living crystals are then bombarded by pain until the crystal breaks or gives into the dark side.  Effectively the crystal is tortured by the would be Sith until it can't take it anymore and becomes evil.  It takes an extreme amount of Dark Side energy to break the crystal which is why a special place in Mustafar is used.  This is a specific place highly attuned to the Dark Side.

In this way the red kyber crystals are a reflection of the Sith themselves.   Just as the Sith  is a good person perverted by the Dark Side, so to are their weapons the Red Lightsabers.

Darth Vader lightsaber kyber crystal is not an ordinary one.  It is ancient and had previousily belonged to a highly powerful and ancient Jedi named Kirak Infil'a.  One of Darth Vader's tasks to take up the ranks of a Sith Lord is to seek out and kill a Jedi and take that Jedi's Lightsaber crystal.  Darth Vader wants to find the most worthy opponent he can but most of the Jedi have been killed at that time due to Order 66.





Vader begins to look up at the Jedi Temple records for powerful force users who have taken the Barash Vows.  The Barash Vow is a vow where a Jedi removes himself from the physical world and focuses entirely on meditating on the Force.  Some speculate that Luke Skywalker has taken the Barash Vows in Force Awakens which is why he does not respond when his friends need help.  In the Jedi Temple records Vader learns of the existence of an ancient highly powerful enforcer named Kirak Infil'a.  Infil'a is said to be one of the greatest fighters of the Jedi ever.  He was a Jedi who hung on the edge of the darkside and was used primarily in warfare.

Vader confronts Kirak Infil'a  and Infil'a almost immediatly knows what Vader is.  He shruggs off Vader's force choke and lazily tosses Vader off a cliff where he is all but destroyed.  Vader though is harder to kill then even Infil'a thinks.  Vader maanges to tear apart a droid and reconstruct his cyborgnetic body.  He then tracks down Infil'a again and after a long battle manages to kill him.

Little does Vader know that another battle looms.  Vader must now take on the crystal itself.  This battle is nearly as hard as the physical battle that Kirak put him though.



In Darth Vader #5 Vader has managed to defeat Kirak Infil'a and has taken his kyber crytal.   He then begins to bleed out the crystal to pervert into a red crystal.  The crystal mentally fights back and shows Vader a new path.  It shows him wielding a green lightsaber and defeating the Emperor.  Darth Vader seems moved by what the crystal shows up but in the end decides he must go forward that he has already come too far.

Effectively, in order to make a red lightsaber the crystal must be filled with so much pain and rage that it is effectively tortured into changing colors.  Despite the crystals's defense of itself by showing Vader a new path in the end he succumbs to the Emperors wishes.  He says to the crystal, " No, I refuse.  This is all there is."


Luke's holding the crystal is interesting.  Does the full history of the crystal come out?  Can Luke sense its history all the way back to Kirak Infil'a?  Is the crystal trying to work on him and pervert him to the darkside?


More Star Wars!

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Boom Studio's releasing Bad Mask!

December 7, 2017, 1:38 pm

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Boom Studios released a press release on Bad Mask when is more than just a comic book.  Bad mask is a group of items that all link together to tell a single story.  Bad Mask will be available for sale on in November of 2017.

Press Release

BOOM! Studios Launches First Multimedia Graphic Novel Experience with Bad Mask

Discover a New Superhero World in November 2017

LOS ANGELES, CALIF. (August 11, 2017) – BOOM! Studios is thrilled to announce BAD MASK, an all-new multimedia graphic novel experience debuting this November in comic shops and bookstores. Created by cartoonist, children’s books illustrator, and instructor at the Center for Cartoon Studies Jon Chad (Science Comics, Adventure Time), BAD MASK takes readers on an immersive, unpredictable storytelling journey into an original superhero universe through a variety of unique print and digital items, including a comic, newspaper, handbook, and more, packaged in a gorgeous deluxe box set.

The items contained in the box include: A letter from one of the Great Generals of Bad Mask, explaining the contents of the box and introducing us to the world of Bad Mask.“Bad Mask is about an organization of super-powered terrorists that want to take over the world; Metal Metro, the robot that stands in their way; and one young Bad Mask agent’s quest to destroy Metal Metro,” explains Chad. “Gabrielle, a new recruit to Bad Mask, joins to avenge the death of her friend at the hands of Metal Metro. She is dismayed to learn Bad Mask might not be the organization she thought it was, and becomes caught up in a plan to reveal Metal Metro's true nature and save the world.”



- A comic book that introduces readers to Bad Mask’s archenemy, Metal Metro.
- A set of Metal Metro trading cards that introduces new characters and new mysteries.
- The Bad Mask Handbook, explaining the organization’s motivation and goals.
- The Meeting Notes introducing readers to the planning and imminent action leading up to Bad Mask's attack on the Japanese city of Niigata with a mecha.
- A Newspaper that details the attack on Niigata and tells what happened when Metal Metro arrived to defend the city with its own mecha.
- A Magazine containing articles about how Metal Metro has impacted every aspect of life in the world—and not necessarily always for good.
= The Incident Report about an attack on Arctus Evil—Bad Mask’s headquarters—that reveals more of what is really going on and how Metal Metro is involved.
Plus, Digital Components that readers can access online: videos, comics, letters, Livejournal-type entries, and audio.









Bad Mask first debuted exclusively in in the BOOM! Box 2015 Mix Tape, told in the form of Gabrielle’s comic journal “Gab Mask,” where she discusses her life and her controversial opinions on the terrorist group Bad Mask.“I've been with this project since the beginning,” says Shannon Watters, BAD MASK editor at BOOM! Studios. “The tactile experience Jon has created—the thrill of discovery, of finding connections in context—is unlike anything I've ever had the pleasure of reading. It’s like discovering a relative's long-abandoned hope chest and the story told in its crumbling contents.”

Bad Mask is the latest release from BOOM! Studios’ critically acclaimed BOOM! Box imprint, home to popular original series such as Lumberjanes by Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, Brooke A. Allen, and Noelle Stevenson; Giant Days by John Allison, Lissa Treiman, and Max Sarin; The Backstagers by James Tynion IV and Rian Sygh; SLAM! by Pamela Ribon and Veronica Fish; and Goldie Vance by Hope Larson and Brittney Williams.

Tweets and Art from Bad Mask!

If these 14"x12" pages weren't about giant robots, I'd be losing my mind. #badmask#toobigpic.twitter.com/joyhwmOCh1

— Jon Chad (@jon_chad) August 11, 2016

It's the reign on Metal Metro #BadMaskpic.twitter.com/IwQqVWNVpe

— Jon Chad (@jon_chad) January 5, 2016

Related:

Click Here for Valiant Main Page

Comic Book News!

Caterpillar Train - Missions for the Code-A-Pillar toy

December 7, 2017, 2:43 pm

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The Code-A-Pillar was a hit toy of Christmas 2016.  The toy helps teach children the art of coding and is super fun to play with.  The challenge with any toy as the months go on is to find a way to keep the toy fresh.  With Code-A-Pillar this is even more important because by keeping children advancing with it allows them to learn even more.  With this post we want to highlight some of the ways to expand the Code-A-Pillar game from what is beyond the box.



Toylab's Caterpillar Train!

The Caterpillar Train game is not an official game of Fisher Price its just one that a blogger at Toylab has had fun with and wanted to share.

The idea of the Caterpillar game is to add a fun story while creating interesting challenges.  The Caterpillar Train game involves using the Code-A-Pillar to deliver characters or packages to different locations while going over various obstacles.  We have found that Disney's small Tsum Tsums fit great between the Code-A-Pillar's antennae allowing it to carry a Tsum Tsum from one place to another.  My kids also seem to enjoy getting a map and making a room (Typically our kitchen) resemble the geography present on the map.  The game combines the Code-A-Pillar with my kids favorite stuffed animals for a really fun time.  I also reward my kids with hershey kisses when they complete a mission without crashing the Caterpillar Train.  Healthier options would likely be better.


Your child acts as the conductor helping set up the course of the world famous Caterpillar Train.

Mission 1 Helping Lester Cat
We have created videos to go along with our maps.  Here is the first one.


Map for Mission 1:
Here is the Map for Mission to help get Lester Cat to his Grandma's House

Mission 2 - Help Explorer Kangaroo!

Explorer Kangaroo is on a quest to find the world's biggest hotdog but he has a major problem.  It is on the other side of a range of active volcanoes!  Help Explorer Kangaroo go through a cave so he can find the Hotdog.





Map for Mission 2:
Here is the route through the cave and to the world's biggest hotdog!

More caterpillar Train Missions coming Soon!

Deals on Coding Caterpillar on Amazon
Toylab is an Amazon Affiliate website lets look and see what Amazon has for the Coding Caterpillar.
The Code A Pillar is highly in demand this Christmas and is hard to find on shelves anywhere.  I also have not seen the Code-A-Pillar expansion packs fully stocked anywhere making Amazon the true to go place to get this toy.





Here are other products recommended for you by Amazon:




Other things that might interest you.

The Code-A-Pillar Expansion Packs are awesome too!



More Games and Toys!

Red Sonja covers used on Gail Simone's run

December 8, 2017, 10:44 am

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Cover by Jenny Frison

One of the cool things about the Red Sonja title beneath Gail Simone's run is that many female cover artists were used.  The title featured many variants so they were playground of sorts of different artistic styles.

Related: 
Who is Red Sonja? 
Belle Chere's cosplay of Red Sonja 
Red Sonja cosplay by Claire Anastasia

Red Sonja by Fiona Staples

Red Sonja by Nicola Scott

Cover by Stephanie Buscema

Cover by Stephanie Buscema

Cover by Colleen Doran

Cover by Jenny Frison

Cover by Jenny Frison

Cover by Jenny Frison

Cover by Jenny Frison

Cover By Jenny Frison

Cover by Amanda Conner

 



Related: 
Who is Red Sonja? 
Belle Chere's cosplay of Red Sonja 
Red Sonja cosplay by Claire Anastasia

Red Sonja Hyrkania's Legacy on Kickstarter

December 8, 2017, 10:45 am

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The game maker Legacy has joined with Dynamite to create a Red Sonja themed board game that includes a variety of characters and quests from the comic series.  The Kickstarter also includes as possible addition a Red Sonja bust and Simone's Red Sonja: Queen of Plagues depending on which package you choose to back.  One exciting thing about this game is how it could even be expanded to include more characters and quests.  I would also like to see if anyone makes minis for the game.

I have not seen what the 4 initial quests are that are included in the game, but I have always liked the idea of being able to read a story as a book or comic and then play through it.  This game should allow for that and that is really cool.

The game is 1-4 players cooperative play game with a dice/card combat system.  The adventures take place on modular tiles similar to Mage Knight.  The board begins with a single tile a large 3d castle tile and the adventure spans out from there. The 3d castle looks like it was very much inspired by Hyrkania.  Additionally, the game designers are including metal Hyrkanian coins.  One other thing I saw that I immediatly liked (this might sound a little lame) but I dug the box art.

You can check out the Kickstarter at:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dynamiteent/red-sonja-hyrkanias-legacy

Check out our latest Kickstarter, Red Sonja: Hyrkania's Legacy, a new cooperative board game for 1-4 players! You and your allies will choose from many quests before travelling through the realms to battle the same foes as Red Sonja herself! Back it today! https://t.co/oumYEiPTZmpic.twitter.com/nmWPYplazg

— Dynamite (@DynamiteComics) December 7, 2017

Red Sonja and her recent rise in popularity
Red Sonja is female Barbarian character that initially appeared in Marvel comics Conan Barbarian Comics in 1973.  She is known for being a quentistial fiery barbarian hero who is as deadly with a blade as she is beautiful.  Both Red Sonja and Conan share the Hyborian sword and sorcery fantasy world.

While Red Sonja's iconic chain mail bikini has been critisized in the past as being sexist, the character has overcome this by becoming one of the most popular characters for both female creators and also female comic readers.  Since Dynamite began publishing Red Sonja in 2013 the comic has pulled in a huge amount of rockstar female writers and artists.  Those who have worked on the comic include Writers Gail Simone, and Amy Chu.  Both writers series have been well recieved by readers. The Red Sonja #1 was released with 6 variant covers featuring covers drawn by popular female artists including Fiona Staples, Amanda Conner, Colleen Doran, Nicola Scott, Stephanie Buscema, and Jenny Frison.

To get these covers Simone reached out to the artists with the idea of having all female artist cover variants.

"I had this idea to ask the top female artists in the industry to do the covers and Dynamite ran with it beyond my dreams. Not only did all the artists we asked immediately agree, they all confessed their secret love for Sonja. They adore her! Lots of the artists submitted multiple sketches because they couldn't stop, and many top names submitted sketches without even being asked, they love Sonja so much, and are dying to see this project."

The Red Sonja comic was launched with great success and that success has been maintained in


Red Sonja Store:
Check out these cool Red Sonja products direct from Amazon to get ready for the film!




Here is a play through of the game to give you an idea of how it works:



Components that come with the game.

Related:



Written by SCOOBS!
Boardgame Tabletop Writer at Toylab

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Belle Chere's cosplay of Red Sonja

December 8, 2017, 11:19 am

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Belle Chere's cosplay of Red Sonja

We can't talk about Red Sonja's cosplays without mentioning Belle Chere's version.   She looks powerful and confident as the red haired slayer of evil.



Related:
Who is Red Sonja? 
Red Sonja cosplay by Claire Anastasia
The awesome Red Sonja covers of Gail Simone's run 
More Cosplay!


 This picture of her in a snowy background is pretty epic.

 


 

 

 

 

Related:
Who is Red Sonja? 
Red Sonja cosplay by Claire Anastasia
The awesome Red Sonja covers of Gail Simone's run 
More Cosplay!

Preview: Blood Shot: Salvation #7 - Going where others were too afraid to tread

December 8, 2017, 11:34 am

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Blood Shot Salvation #7 is going to do something that really has not been done very much before. Its going to feature art that is nearly blank do to it being blacked out. The comic will still have panels and thought balloons but the art will be all black. Some readers may think this is a sick joke but it really is an interesting attempt to do something unique with a comic. In this story Bloodshot will be entering a world blind. Everything in the paneling, the words are designed to show the feelings, thoughts and actions as Bloodshot battles while being blind.  The result is a daring artistic book that continues to show why Valiant has been one of the best comic publishers of 2017.

You can see it yourself on store shelves March 7th.

BLOODSHOT SALVATION #6 (NEW ARC! “THE BOOK OF THE DEAD” – PART ONE)
Written by JEFF LEMIRE
Art by RENATO GUEDES
Cover A (Standard) by KENNETH ROCAFORT (DEC171902)
Cover B (Deadside) by RENATO GUEDES (DEC171903)
Cover C (Battle Damaged) by JOHN BIVENS (DEC171904)
Interlocking Variant by DAVID LAFUENTE (DEC171905)
Bloodshot Icon Variant by JIM MAHFOOD (DEC171906)
$3.99 | 32 pgs. | VALIANT PREMIUM | T+ | On Sale FEBRUARY 14th (FOC – 1/22/2018)

BLOODSHOT SALVATION #7
Written by JEFF LEMIRE
Art by JEFF LEMIRE
Cover A by JEFF LEMIRE
Cover B by RAÚL ALLÉN
Cover C by RENATO GUEDES
Interlocking Variant by DAVID LAFUENTE
Bloodshot Icon Variant by BOB LAYTON
$3.99 | 32 pgs. | T+ | VALIANT PREMIUM | On Sale MARCH 7th (FOC – 2/12/2018)

From Valiant Voice Newsletter:

Valiant is proud to announce that New York Times best-selling writer and Eisner Award-winning visionary Jeff Lemire (Black Hammer, Animal Man) will take the helm to write and illustrate BLOODSHOT SALVATION #7 – the year’s most terrifying, most memorable special issue…told entirely in PITCH-BLACK DARKNESS!

On March 7th, as Bloodshot journeys farther into the uncanny dimension known as the Deadside for “THE BOOK OF THE DEAD,” everything goes black as one of the most inventive minds in comics today tests the boundaries of the medium with a gripping standalone tale of perseverance and pain at the edge of human understanding…

Deployed into the demonic realm called Deadside in search of a cure for his ailing infant daughter, Bloodshot has lost the one sense he needs most to navigate the land of the dead: his sight. Blinded with only his four-legged ally, Bloodhound, to aid him, Ray Garrison must fight onward as one man against the darkness – even as he is beset from all sides by a horde of inhuman entities that crave only death, suffering, and slaughter…

“It’s the emotional journey of Ray over this issue that I connect with, not the physical one,” writer Jeff Lemire,“That feeling of trying to protect your child from a world that seems out of control. That’s something I can relate to as a parent, especially in the crazy world we are living in right now.”

Told in total darkness from Bloodshot’s firsthand point of view, “THE BOOK OF THE DEAD” enters uncharted territory with a seminal experiment in comic-book storytelling written and staged by comics master Jeff Lemire, only in BLOODSHOT SALVATION #7 – featuring covers by Lemire, Raúl Allén (SECRET WEAPONS), Renato Guedes (X-O MANOWAR), David Lafuente (Ultimate Spider-Man), and comics legend Bob Layton (Iron Man)!

Preview:

How to beat Slaking in Pokemon Go

December 8, 2017, 1:12 pm

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HOW TO BEAT SLAKING!!!!!

It was confirmed recently that Gen 3 Pokemon have appeared in the game data so their release is emmininet.  There are a variety of Pokemon that people will focus on once Gen 3 is released but king amongst them is going to be Slaking.  Slaking looks like a lazy Ape.

"Slaking spends all day lying down and lolling about. It eats grass growing within its reach. If it eats all the grass it can reach, this Pokémon reluctantly moves to another spot" Pokedex entry from Pokemon Ruby

Wherever Slaking lives, rings of over a yard in diameter appear in grassy fields. They are made by the Pokémon as it eats all the grass within reach while lying prone on the ground." Pokedex entry from Pokemon Saphire

"The world's laziest Pokémon. When it is lounging, it is actually saving energy for striking back." Pokedex entry from Pokemon Diamond, Platinum, and Pearl

Slaking is a Normal Type Pokemon.  Slaking has two pre-evolutions in Slakoth and Vigoroth

Slaking is basically the Snorlax of Gen 3 with many of the same attributes.  Slaking is a giant, lazy Pokemon.  The big difference between Snorlax and Slaking is that Slaking is less of a sleeper and more just plain lazy.  As amusing as that is, Slaking is still ultra powerful as it is able to unleash massive amounts of energy it saves in battle.  Slaking is expected to have a CP level somewhere in the 5 thousand range.  That is right 5 THOUSAND!!!!!!!!  To be exact the mathematical expectation for CP is 5441!

A 5 thousand CP Pokemon?

Yeah this is the weird thing about Slaking.  In the games in which Slaking was first introduced he was ultra powerful but balanced by a bizarre ability called "Truant".  Truant would only allow Slaking to attack once every 2 turns.  This ability helped balance out what would have otherwise been a far too powerful Pokemon.   In Pokemon Go though there are no abilities.  It remains unclear if steps will be taken to lower the CP level of Slaking (Nerf him) to compensate for not having "Truant".  It is also possible they slow his attack speed, or alter his move set.

It is also possible that the Slaking could be treated as a Legendary Pokemon.

WOW check out with these fun Pokemon Products!
Do you need a Christmas or Birthday gift for a Pokemon fan?  We have some awesome Pokemon toys and merchandise for fans young and old.  Pokemon fans love to have something to show their friends and it helps show that you care enough to know what they are into.  If you need a gift right now you can also find Pokemon products and toys at Walmart, Target, Walgreens, CVS, and Toys R Us.
Toylab is a member of the Amazon affiliate program and is thrilled to be able to offer a wide arrange of Pokemon shopping deals like these below:





Now for the ultimate question!  How do you beat, kill, defeat Slaking.  What Pokemon is a counter Slaking?  How do you defeat Slaking? How do you beat Slaking in Pokemon GO!!!!


Hot Tip: Generally Try fighting Pokemon!  They will get double type damage against Slaking!

A lot of the Pokemon you use against Slaking will be similar to what you use against Blissey and Snorlax.


Machamp


Machamp has just become one of the super necessary Pokemon to have in the game.  You need him vs Blissey, vs Tyranitar, vs Snorlax and yes now vs Slaking.  Find yourself a Machamp Raid or Machamp Nest and build him up.  His importance is not going away.

Machamp is still the premier of all Fighting Pokemon but you can try others.


Another fighting Pokemon to try is Primeape in particular if you do not have a strong Machamp.


Rhydon

Rhydon is a solid all around Pokemon with strong CP, and a defensive advantage over Slaking.


Poliwrath

Poliwrath is a fighting and water Pokemon and is high CP to boot.  You would want to use a Poliwrath that had all fighting moves to battle vs Slaking as only the Fighting moves would get the boost.

Heracross

Heracross with the move set of Counter /Close Combat. Heracross actually is better than many of these options however it is so rare I struggle to recommend it. If you have a Heracross with Counter / Close Combat then you should bering it out to battle against Slaking.

Blazken

In Generation III one new pokemon with Fighting Moves being added is pretty special and that is Blazken.  Blazken is one of the Gen 3 starter Pokemon it evolves from Combustken, that evolves from Torchic.  Blazken is a Fire / Fighitng Pokemon Hybrid.
With a high CP Level a Blazken with Fighting Moves could become the top Fighting Pokemon to use in the game.  You will definetly want to hunt down Torchic early on for this reason.

The Poke fun has just begun...Also See!

More Pokemon GO! Tips, Tricks and More!



More Games and Toys!

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Rampage Movie

December 8, 2017, 2:23 pm

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Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's next film is based off of a video game, Rampage.  While there have been a lot of movies based off of video games the curious thing about this one is the game goes all the way to the late 1980s arcade scene.  Rampage was released in Arcades in 1986 and was something of a staple in arcades through the early 90s.In many ways Rampage seems like an odd game to base a film off of.  I really can't imagine that many people remember it.  That said the 80s and early 90s seem to be hot right now, with things like Stranger Things playing up the nostalgia factor. While the game was eventually ported on home system NES, Atari and Sega Master System I think most people who remember this game will remember it from arcades.  I remember this game, I played the heck out of this thing.


Trailer:



Synoposis:
Primatologist Davis Okoye shares an unshakable bond with George, the extraordinarily intelligent gorilla who has been in his care since birth. But a rogue genetic experiment gone awry transforms this gentle ape into a raging monster. As these newly created monsters tear across North America, destroying everything in their path, Okoye teams with a discredited genetic engineer to secure an antidote, fighting his way through an ever-changing battlefield, not only to halt a global catastrophe but to save the fearsome creature that was once his friend.

About Rampage:
Way back in the 80s and 90s there was an arcade in Aurora Colorado called Boardwalk USA. This was an awesome arcade that allowed you to play unlimited games after paying fixed fee.

You could play arcade games all day. That place was basically my babysitter for many a saturday and I absolutely loved it. One of the games in the arcade that I was always entranced with was Rampage. In Rampage 3 different players could play one of 3 different giant monsters as you went through a city in a competition of mass destruction. The three different monsters were Ralph a giant werewolf, Lizzie a giant Lizard, and George a gigantic Gorilla. These monsters would battle each other and various puny humans who were trying to ruin their fun with tanks and such.
There were different types of buildings, and different types of people.  Once your character took a certain amount of damage your monster would turn into a little naked human.  The other monsters could then pick you up and eat you.  If they didn't eat you in time then you would revert back into a giant monster.  Yes its a little nuts, what can I say this was the 90s.

You would also get to travel to diffent cities with ever bigger towers and more advanced difficulty.





The Monsters in the arcade game were all people who had come into contact with various bizarre items that had transformed into their giant monster state.  George the Gorilla was transmuted by a experimental vitamins, Lizzie the giant Godzilla Lizard was transformed by a radioactive lake and Ralph the Wolfman had come into contact with an unussual like Food Additive.  I played all of the characters but for what ever reason I always preferred Ralph.  Werewolfs are my jam.




The upcoming film looks like it will feature all three of the big galutes from the game.  However, they will have different origins.  Instead of being people transformed into giant monsters, these will be animals that will have come into contact something that made them Monster out.


Will the movie be popular?  Who the heck knows.  If it is popular who knows it could start a whole new trend where old Arcade games get turned into films we will get Centipede, Astroid, Galaga maybe even some Dig Dug.  Film conoseiers will no doubt decry their precious cinemas being befouled with yet another shallow pedestrian trend from Hollywood but I for one will be sitting in the front row with my popcorn and smile on my face.


Posters:

Net Picture from Entertainment Weekly - Dwayne hanging out with George

Star Wars Christmas ideas!

December 10, 2017, 12:59 pm

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With a new Star Wars movie coming out during the holiday season many are going to try to wrap in their love for the science fiction franchise with their holdiay.  Here are some ideas from my family to make your Christmas a Star Wars Christmas!


Darth Vader Yule Log:
Instead of having a normal crackling fire on your TV why not use this five hour video of Darth Vader's corpse roasting in a funeral pyre.



Star Wars Christmas Tree
I think a Star War Christmas tree is basically mandatory for a Star Wars Christmas.  There are tons of ornaments and decorations at stores as well as many fun craft ideas.  Some use Star Wars helments and even action figures as decorations for their trees.

Here are a few trees for inspiration.







Star Wars Christmas Cocktails:

• Star War cocktails - Rum Leia N Nog

Star Wars Treats:
Here are a couple of good ideas:

Use Molds for Star Wars Candy
There are Star Wars candy molds that you can use to make chocolate or ice cubes out of.



Dipped Pretzel lightsabers
Buy chocolate wafers in the colors of light sabers.  Heat the wafers in a microwave and then simply dip Pretzels into them.




More Star Wars!
 Star Wars - Alpha 1 Hub of all things Star Wars related!


Who is Kylo Ren?
Who is Finn?
Who is BB-8? 
Who is Rey? 
Who is Captain Phasma? 
What is the First Order?
Who is Maz Kanata? 

Who is Spider-Punk?

December 10, 2017, 8:37 pm

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Who is Spider-Punk?
Punk-Spider comes from a bleak world where he must off against the President and an army of police officers who have been enhanced with Venom symbiote technology.

Real Name: Hobart Brown

Location/Dimension: Earth 138

First Appearance: Amazing Spider-Man #10

Story First told in:
Punk Spider-Man story is told in Spider-Verse #2 by writer Jed MacKay and artist Sheldon Vella.

Related:
Meet all of the Spiders of the Spider-Verse! 
Spider-Verse Deaths and Casualty list
The Spider-Verse checklist  


 

Bio:
 In Spider Punk's world the Norman Osborn has become President and is bent on controlling everything.  Osborn has created an army of police who have Venom armor.
Osborn is opposed by the dynamic leader Spider-Man.    This Spider-Man is not Peter Parker on this world instead he is Hobart Brown.  Hobart Brown is the hero/criminal known as the Prowler in the main 616 universe.  This Spider-Man is anti-authoritarian, and raises up an army of fellow Punk's and rockers to battle Osborn.

In a pivotal moment Osborn and his Venom swat army surrounds the Spider Army.   Things look bleak for the rebel punks.
Then Punk Spider-Man wails on a guitar and reveals a massive set of amplifiers.  The sonic wave from the amps weakens the Venom armor of the officers.  The Spider army assaults the weakened officers.  Spider Punk swings his guitar right into the head of President Osborn.

Watching the battle from afar is the Superior Spider-Man who is very impressed.  He recruits Spider-Punk into his army.

Publication Notes:

Writer Jed MacKay had some interesting thoughts about creating a punk hero character:

“Punk rock and hardcore has been my thing since I was a kid, so I was really excited to make a Spider-Man comic that was totally informed by that ethos of anti-authoritarianism, revolt and heart. And yeah, we got excited to have Spider-Man fight the president and the cops.

It’s a comic about a punk, not a punk comic. And that’s a fine distinction, to be sure, but an important one. However, this is a story that punk kids, historically the mohawked hoodlums that got their teeth kicked in by heroes in the comics in the 80s, can actually see themselves as the hero of, and maybe it’ll get them scrabbling their own punk zine-comics together.”

Related:
Meet all of the Spiders of the Spider-Verse! 
Spider-Verse Deaths and Casualty list
The Spider-Verse checklist  

Preview: Darth Vader Vol 1

December 12, 2017, 9:20 am

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I just ran across an amazing deal on Darth Vader Vol 1 Graphic Novel and realized I had to share this informaiton.

The Darth Vader series was easily one of the best Marvel series over the past 3 years.  Its great for any Star Wars fans.  Amazon currently has an amazing deal on the collected volume one of Darth Vader.  The Kindle price is only 2.99 or in paperback for as low as 12.99. Volume 1 collects the first 6 comics of Darth Vader volume one all of which are excellent.
 Highlights in this series is covering what happened to Vader in between the period between Star Wars a New Hope and Empire Strikes Back.  The series shows how the Emperor had plans on replacing Vader and how Vader deals with that threat is facinating.  Vader is also researching who the force user was that destroyed the Death Star.  The series features many new characters including the new fan favorite Doctor Aphra who makes her first appearance in Darth Vader #3.

Lots of great stuff here.

The book was red hot and impossible to keep stocked as a comic and those that have not experienced will really love this book.  This price is ridicilous low.  I am not going to lie I am actually going to buy multiple of these as small gifts to friends and my nephews.  The 2.99 price for the digital version is amazing for anyone who reads comics via tablet.





Collects Darth Vader #1-6.

The original Dark Lord of the Sith stars in his first ongoing series! Ever since Darth Vader's first on-screen appearance, he has become one of pop-culture's most popular villains. Now, follow Vader straight from the ending of A NEW HOPE (and the pages of the new STAR WARS comic book) into his own solo adventures — showing the Empire's war with the Rebel Alliance from the other side! But when a Dark Lord needs help, who can he turn to? As Vader pursues a very personal vengeance against the Rebels and investigates the Emperor's secret machinations, he clashes with weapons scavenger Aphra and deadly Battle Droids, and returns to Geonosis to build an army. But some very powerful people don't want him to learn the truths he seeks! Guest-starring Jabba the Hutt, Boba Fett and more!





Related:
Star Wars - Alpha 1 Hub of all things Star Wars related!
Pictures of Star Wars Armada ships and games

What is Hala - Large Magellanic Cloud

December 12, 2017, 7:56 pm

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What is Hala / Large Magellanic Cloud

Hala is the capital world of the Kree empire it resides in the galaxy of the Large Magellanic Cloud.


Related Posts:
Nova Worldmind - Cosmic Races and Cosmic Map



The Large Magellanic Cloud is a real galaxy.  The cloud was first seen by Persian astronomers in the 10th century.  It was seen again on Magellans voyage around the world that eventually gave the galaxy its name.  The galaxy looks like a large cloud, and is the third galaxy away from our galaxy the Milky Way.

Real picture of Large Magellanic Cloud

The Kree Empire stretches across the entire Magellanic Cloud making it absolutely HUGE.  To put in perspective humans only occupy one planet in our solar system one of many systems within our galaxy.  Our galaxy the Milky Way is 30% inhabited by an alien race called the Badoon in the Marvel Universe.  To sum up the Kree have a much larger population and power base than do humans.

Ronan looking down upon Hala

Hala is not a real planet (At least as far as I know) it is the primary and capital world of the large Kree empire.  Hala is larger than earth with greater gravitational pull.  The air of Hala has a higher percentage of nitrogen than Earth.  This is why Kree require a chemical breathing apparatus to feed them nitrogen when on Earth.


There is not a ton of artwork available on Hala but it generally looks like an ecumenopolis (city world) similar to the planet Coruscant in Starwars though perhaps more beautiful.  Add a bit of an Elfy / Riverdale look to Coruscant and the result is similar to the look of Hala.

Supreme Intelligence

Hala is also home to the dictator of the Kree Empire the Supreme Intelligence (Supremor).  The Supreme Intelligence is an artificially created super mind that combined a supercomputer with the greatest past minds of the Kree empire.  It was initially designed as a tool to be used by Kree leaders but eventually it wrested control and become the final authority on governance of the Empire.

When Ronan wrests control of the Kree Empire away from the Supreme Intelligence he rules from the planet Hala.  Deathbird also rules from Hala.

Heroes of the Skrull Empire

Indigenous species - There were initially two intelligent species on Hala:
1) Kree
2) Cotati

The Cotati are no long on Hala they were wiped out by the Kree after the Cotati won a contest held by the Skrulls.  The Kree do not like to lose.  This is event is outlined in the postings on the Kree and the Skrulls.

Notable Kree from Hala
Captain Marvel (Mar Vell) - Was born on the planet Hala.


Related Posts:
Nova Worldmind - Cosmic Races and Cosmic Map