Eclipse Shines Light On Supporting Characters

Up on the big screen the phrase 'third times a charm' really doesn't hold up too well. Most of the time the third film in a series is the one that kills the franchise, but Michael Bay must have missed that memo and jumped the gun on Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. This week millions of people will crowd into theaters across the country to see what Bella Swan's answer is to Edward Cullen's marriage proposal. Of course if you read the book series you already know how this installment of the phenomenon ends; with lots and lots of dead people.

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse picks up right where New Moon left off. Bella wishes to become a vampire so that she may live with her high school sweetheart forever. Edward agrees to turn her, but on one condition; that she marry him. I think Bella's best friend, and werewolf, Jacob would disagree with Bella's request since he's in love with her, and views Edward, along with rest of the Cullen family, as blood sucking monsters. Bella must choose between staying human with Jacob or becoming a vampire with Edward.

But Jacob and Edward may have to put away their pouty faces for a while because the vampire who has been trying to kill Bella for two films now, Victoria, is creating an army of vampires, and she's pointing them all in Bella's direction. Can the Cullen's and the wolf pack put aside their hatred for each other to try and save Bella? Who will Bella choose in the love triangle that launched a thousand fan sites? I've read this book, and my wife's a borderline 'twi-hard' so I've heard how the story ends.

David Slade takes over directing duty on this installment of the Twilight saga which made me a little excited to see it. Slade taking the reins on this film made me happy because another film he did, 30 Days of Night, is my all-time favorite vampire film. Eclipse definitely had more action and edge to it than the previous two films, and that helped make it more enjoyable for anyone who isn't mesmerized when Taylor Lautner takes off his shirt. I wasn't crazy about the way the vampire's insides look like ice, but at I'll let it slide in order to stay accurate to author Stephanie Meyers description.

A surprising thing happened after I watched this film; I didn't think Kristen Stewart did a horrible job. Sure she still needed work on making her face have actual expressions, but her performance wasn't half as bad as the first two films. Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner both stepped up their game as well. The friction between their two characters fighting for Bella's affection was the best part of the film for me. For a while you can actually see Bella contemplating about picking Jacob instead of Edward, but don't hold your breath.

The real treat in this film was that it told a bigger story than the first two, and allowed the supporting character's roles to come out more. We find out about the origins of some of Edward's siblings, Jasper and Rosalie, plus got more screen time with the rest of the Cullen's. Bryce Dallas Howard replaces Rachelle Lefevre in this sequel as the villainous Victoria. Apparently Lefevre was said to have a scheduling conflict with shooting another movie, but Lefevre said it was a lie and says she was replaced for no reason; bummer. Dakota Fanning and the vampire police known as the Volturi also make an appearance in this film, but not big enough of one to make a difference.

All and all this film was more than the whiny teenage girl's love story like the first two films. You had werewolves and vampires duking it out, a young girl trying to choose which hero she will love, and yes ladies, Lautner does have his shirt off quite a bit; just don't scream in my ear every time he's in a scene. I just want to know when this Twilight thing will end so I can have my movie theaters back.

Rating:  C+

My Top 12 Saddest Moments in Comic Book History

Every Wednesday I go into my local comic book store to pick up the newest issues that our dear publishers have put out. Most weeks it is the highlight of my day. I get excited to see what adventures or troubles my favorite heroes are getting into. Sometime though, I get something I didn’t expect; a death in the family. The best comic deaths have a great impact on a book and the characters, and other times it’s a character I love dying heroically that makes me lose it. All of these may not be deaths, but after reading comic books for over 20 years these are my top 12 saddest moments in comic book history.

12) Ralph Dibny Finds Sue’s Body: Identity Crisis #1

Sure the cute couple sometimes make you sick with how great they are together, but secretly you wish it was you. And behind every great hero there is a great spouse, and none was better than Sue Dibny and her support for her husband, Elongated Man. But in the first issue of Brad Meltzer’s masterpiece Ralph finds his wife burnt to death after Jean Loring (The Atom’s wife) tried to merely knock Sue out to create a crisis and get her husband to come back to her. But the worst part of it all; at the time of her death Sue was pregnant. Unfortunely this wouldn’t be the only death before Identity Crisis was over.

11) The Death of Harry Osborn: The Spectacular Spider-Man #200

Every hero has tragedy in their background, but Peter Parker has more than most. His best friend’s dad, Norman Osborn, has been making Peter’s life miserable to quite some time, and after he was thought dead Harry took up the role of The Green Goblin, vowing revenge against his best friend for his father’s death. One night Harry invited all of his father’s enemies to a party in hopes of blowing up the building with them in it. Spider-Man comes in to save the day, but soon he is the one that need rescuing, and at the last second his saved by Harry. Moments after the miraculous save, Harry collapse and dies due to the Green Goblin serum in his blood. But with his last words he lets Peter know that he is, and will always be, his best friend.

10) Superboy Dies: Infinite Crisis #6

After The Death of Superman in 1992 four heroes arouse from the ashes claiming to be Superman except for one. Kon-El was a clone of Superman and Lex Luthor, and by far my favorite in The Reign of Supermen. After the true man of steel returned Superboy went on to have his own adventures in Hawaii, eventually joining the Teen Titans along with his girlfriend, Wonder Girl, and best friends Robin and Impulse.

In 2006’s Infinite Crisis Superboy faced off against a Superboy from another dimension looking to destroy Earth. Kon-El sacrificed himself to stop Superboy Prime and save Earth. This was a pivotal moment in Infinite Crisis as all the heroes decided that Superboy’s sacrifice would not be in vain, and that they must save Earth.

Years later Superboy was resurrected in the miniseries, Final Crisis: Legion of 3 Worlds to take down Superboy Prime once again. After the victory Conner Kent returned to the present to his friends and a new life, but I will never forget the image of the heroes surrounding Superboy’s dead body.

9) Gwen Stacy Dies: The Amazing Spider-Man #121

Peter Parker has had a slew of women after him over the years, but before Mary Jane the love of his life was Gwen Stacy. Some fans say Gwen is Spider-Man’s true love, and after a bumpy relationship they were close to being married. But Norman Osborn had other plans. In a roof top scene, similar to the one in the first Spider-Man movie, The Green Goblin captures Gwen Stacy and throws her off the George Washington Bridge. Spider-Man shoots a web to save her, but the whiplash effect accidentally snaps her neck and kills her.

This was huge moment in comics, and in Spider-Man’s life. Peter has never forgiven himself for this error in judgement, and even though he ended up marrying Mary Jane he will never forget Gwen Stacy, his first love.

8) Artist Michael Turner Dies of Cancer: June 27, 2008

As a comic book fan I have my favorite writers & artist and Michael Turner was my favorite artist of years. He started out on comics like Witchblade and Soulfire; then eventually moving on to draw some of his childhood heroes like Batman, Superman, The Avengers, and Spider-Man.

At the Chicago Comic-Con in 2008 I arrived to find out my favorite artist had died the night before of bone cancer. In August 2008 a memorial issue of Fathom was done in Turner’s honor. To this day Turner’s death is felt in the comic book world, and will always be remembered.

7) Tony Stark’s Confession: Civil War: The Confession

Civil War was a four issue miniseries that rocked the Marvel Universe in 2006, putting hero against hero for the Superhero Registration Act. Captain America led the rebellion while Iron Man was for the act. The ending result was the death of Captain America. In this single issue Tony breaks down about the events that led to his best friend’s death and how he feels responsible.

Some of my favorite comic book issues are ones that don’t have a lot of action, but plenty of good dialogue. This issue lets you into the psyche of Tony Stark and how he felt about being pinned as the bad guy during Civil War. This issue will touch you right down to the center of your iron heart.

6) Peter Parker Gives up Mary Jane for Aunt May’s Life: The Amazing Spider-Man #545

Peter has done some stupid things over the years, but this to me seems like his biggest mistake yet. After revealing his identity to the world in Civil War everyone begins hunting him, and when they find him they’re out for blood; which they get. Unfortunately it’s Aunt May’s body that catches the bullet. Peter spends four issues trying to save the women who raised him in One More Day. He goes to Iron Man, Doctor Strange, even Doctor Doom to try and save May. But when all hope seemed lost the demon Mephisto makes a deal with Peter. He will save Aunt May;s life in exchange for his and Mary Jane’s marriage. After hours of talking and a sneak peak at the daughter they’ll never have, they agree to the terms and Mephisto erases any memories Peter and Mary Jane have of each other, bringing about the storyline known as Brand New Day.

Why Peter would sacrifice his young wife for his old aunt is beyond me. May lived a long life, I think she’d understand. In any event, this brought back to life Harry Osborn and erased 20 years of Spider-Man history. Some fans liked it, others thought it spat on every person who worked on Spider-Man in the last 20 years. I agree with the spatters.

5) Kitty Pryde’s Sacrifice: Giant-Size Astonishing X-Men #1

When you look back and read Joss Whedon ‘s entire run of Astonishing X-Men you realize it was all about Kitty Pryde. Kitty returns in the first issue to teach at the Xavier’s Institute. Through twenty-four issues Kitty is reunited with her love, Colossus, is the only X-men to escape when the Hellfire Club invades the mansion, and is the only person who can save the world when a giant bullet is heading towards Earth.

The rulers of Breakworld are hoping that in destroying Earth they’ll save their own planet, so they launch a bullet that Kitty Pryde hitches a ride on. Using all of her power and strength, she phases the massive bullet all the way through the planet, but can’t escape it as it continues through space in hopes of saving other planets as well.

This is a huge sacrifice and heroic act by a character most people look over when the tough gets going. Recently in X-Men, Magneto over used his powers to bring the bullet back to Earth and returning Kitty Pryde home. It is still unclear what the long-term affects of this will be, but at least the X-Men have their little Shadowcat back.

4) Jean Grey's 1st Death: Uncanny X-Men #137

In 1963 X-Men #1 was published and we were introduced to a little red-headed girl who was scared to find out she was a mutant in a world that hated her just for being born. Through the years Jean grew into a young women, and found love with Scott Summers, otherwise known in Cyclops. But in a return mission from space Jean could have never dreamed what her sacrifice would mean to the rest of her life and the X-Men. Jean arose from the Hudson River as the Phoenix and slowly became more unstable as time went on. Soon she become The Dark Phoenix and destroyed an entire solar system using her awesome powers. In a final act to save her soul and galaxy Jean killed herself in front of her friends and man she loves. “She could have lived as a god, but she chose to die a human.”

In 1986 Jean returned to the Marvel U. after the Fantastic Four discovered an egg at the bottom of the Hudson. It turns out the phoenix force had replicated Jean’s DNA and placed Jean in a safe cacoon at the bottom of the river. Jean returned to the X-Men to find Scott married to her clone, but eventually the two got back together.  They married only to part years later; first in Cyclop's supposed death, and then Jean’s death at the hands of Magneto. “Live Scott. Live. All I ever did was die on you.”

3)Superman’s Funeral: Superman: The Man of Steel #20

The man of tomorrow fell defending his city from Doomsday in Superman #75, and when it came time for the funeral everyone cried, including me. In this issue we see the worlds heroes, and his best friends, carrying the man of steel to his memorial. Batman and Robin aren’t in the crowd, nor are Clark Kent’s parents, Jonathan and Martha. To me this issue hit several emotional cord; as picturing my friends carrying my coffin, and also the tragedy of the Kent’s not going to their own son’s funeral for fear of exposing his identity. But of course Superman returns to reclaim his spot as Earth’s greatest hero. He wasn’t dead, just taking a little nap.

2) Betty Banner Dies: The Incredible Hulk # 466

For years Bruce Banner was on the run for his alter-ego, and although he was perceived as a monster there was one woman who always loved him no matter what everyone else thought. Betty and Bruce were living on a military base, General Ross had quit hunting the Hulk, and Bruce was on the verge of curing himself when tragedy struck.

The Hulk’s long time rival, the Abomination, used the Hulk’s blood against Betty making it look like her exposure to the Hulk all these years gave her gamma poisoning. Bruce’s last effort to save his wife failed and General Ross put her body in cyrogenitc freezing in hopes of reviving her one day.

This event tore Bruce up and was again on the run from General Ross. After many adventures, one that took him into space, the Hulk now has Betty back, he just doesn’t know it yet. Good job Mr. Joeb!

1)Jack Drake Dies: Identity Crisis #4

Every time I read this scene I tear up. This is the beginning of a very long year for Time Drake.  Tim has revealed to his dad that he is Batman’s sideckick, Robin. His fathe Jack accepts it, but fears for his son’s life after the death of Sue Dibny. As Tim goes out on patrol an intruder enters the Drake home and Jack is left to defend himself, making one last phone call to his son.

Jack tells Batman to look after his son, Batman steps on the Batmobile’s peddle, refusing to let another boy’s childhood end, and Tim cries out to his dad in tears. The end of the issue is a great full page spread that will leave you weaping like a baby. I guarantee it.

Comic To Read This Week: Superman #700

This week’s choice for my pick of the week was a tough one. Coming in third place this week is the first issue of Green Arrow with Oliver Queen taking a Robin Hood approach to his city. In front of Green Arrow was the second issue of the new Avengers title, in which the team gets a look into alternate futures, most of which we readers have seen already, but our character haven’t. That fanboy treat was quite tasty, but I have to give this week’s pick to the milestone 700th issue of Superman.

The War of the Supermen is over, and now Clark, Lois, and the rest of the super gang has to figure out what to do next. This issue provides three stories with some great talent. The first story by James Robinson and Bernard Chang takes places days after the 100-Minute War and has Lois and Clark reconnecting as a couple. Clark’s relationships help him keep his humanity, and his marriage to Lois is his most important. Lois tries to get Clark to promise he’ll never leave her again like when he went to New Krypton, but she knows as Earth’s greatest hero he can’t; but that doesn’t mean she couldn’t ask.

The second story is by Dan Jurgens, which is a flashback story, and a little funny one. Back when Dick Grayson was Robin he decided to go patrol Gotham City on his own without Batman, and got in a little over his head. Luckily the Man of Steel was there to rescue him. Not only does Superman save Robin from the bad guys, but he also does Dick’s geometry homework in a few seconds so Bruce doesn’t know he was out fighting crime all night. Superman: the ultimate wingman. I find this story interesting and fun because Dick Grayson grew up admiring Superman. He even came to him for advice when he wanted to quit being Robin, and now Dick Grayson is the current Batman, and on a level playing field as Superman. Just goes to show that you may grow up to be someone your role model look up too.

In the last story of this issue J. Michael Straczynski sets up what the next storyline of Clark Kent’s life will be. Superman spent over a year on New Krypton trying to stop a war that eventually came to pass, but now he’s back, and some people wish he never left. While he was gone a woman needed Superman to help stop her husband tumor, but the Man of Tommorrow was off planet instead of being another place he was needed. This gets Clark thinking about the people of Earth, and if he may be a disattached from them after being gone for so long. After a nice scene with The Flash, and a memory of his father, Superman is out to re-discover the world he calls home.

The end of the issue provides what is going to happen in Action Comics, Supergirl, and even Superboy getting his own title once again. Each of these stories I think says something about Superman. They each tap into what the basic principle about who he is: human. He’s the most powerful being in the universe not only because of his powers, but because of his heart and humanity. Two things he wasn’t born with, but taught by a Kansas farmer and his wife. There is even a contest to see if Superman will visit your home town:

http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/2010/06/23/dc-comics-presents-%e2%80%9csuperman-across-america%e2%80%9d/

Clark has spent the last year trying to stop intergalactic war, and I look forward to him going around America not trying to prevent epic battles, but helping simple people with big problems.

 

Vince is Outshined by His Entourage in Season 6

In the CBS show, How I Met Your Mother, Jason Segel’s character once spoke about a condition he called ‘Revertigo’, in which meeting a friend from their past, a person reverts back to who they were when they met cede person. Maybe that’s why the guys of Entourage have been acting like they are teenagers for the last five seasons. Season six of the HBO hit series has just came out on DVD and I’d call it the season where everyone grows up; well almost everyone.

When we last left Vince and crew the young Mr. Chase just landed the lead in the Martin Scorcese film, Gatsby, and Vince was on his way to super stardom like he’d never seen. But this season wasn’t about Vince and his career. The sixth season of Entourage puts Vince on the back burner while he waits for his next film to shoot, which gives him twelve weeks with nothing to do. While Vince treads his time by hooking up with all kinds of ladies throughout the season his boys are out becoming men.

E is juggling relationships in the season. He has the hots for his semi-girlfriend Ashley, but she may be a little crazy. Meanwhile E’s ex-girlfriend Sloan comes back into the mix, and E just can’t seem to figure out which one he wants. While dealing with matters of the heart E decides to shut down the Murphy Group and lands a job at a big management firm with the help of Sloan.  But this new opportunity quickly becomes more tricky than E can fit into is complicated dating life.

When we left Turtle he had just hooked up with former Soprano star Jamie-Lynn Sigler. On his 30th birthday Turtle decides to get his act together and start a business, but nobody is willing to take him seriously. With the help of his new girlfriend Turtle decides to go back to school and take some business classes, and Jamie has him dressed for success. At the end of the season Jamie gets a job opportunity in New Zealand, which puts their relationship in question. Will Turtle follow his new love across the world, or stick it out in college to finally make something of himself?

To round out this fantastic four his Vince’s big brother Johnny Drama. Drama has enjoyed a few years of being comfortable on his hit show Five Towns, but this season Johnny gets into a quarrel with a studio executive who could send Johnny back to the unemployment office. I’ve seen Drama do a lot of things over the seasons, but Drama ends season six in a way I never would have suspected.

Let’s not forget about the agent who can do it all, played by multi-emmy nominee Jeremy Piven, Ari Gold. Ari has been loving running his own company, but big changes are ahead for Miller/Gold. Ari’s long time assistant, Lloyd, is looking to move up in the ranks and out of answering Ari’s phone. Ari decides to put Lloyd through a 100-day test to see if he’s ready to become an agent, but Ari’s plan could backfires when his competition offers Lloyd a job. Not to worry, by the end of this season Ari’s future is looking bright.

I though season six really helped grow the characters up a little bit. Most of the time the center is on Vince or E, but this season I felt like Turtle’s life took center stage next to E and his love life. Turtle got a serious, and famous, girlfriend and is trying to get out of Vince’s shadow to make something of himself. Jamie also gets him dropping his regular gear and wearing clothes we never thought Turtle would wear. This season ends happy, but the reason I prefer television over movies is that a television show keeps going after we get the happy ending, which may not end so happy. 

Jeremy Piven provides another great performance this season as the agent everyone loves to hate, and I hope he gets another Emmy nomination, if not a win out of it. Guest stars this season include Matt Damon hounding Vince for charity money, Turtle's looking to give Tom Brady a piece of his mind, and Bob Saget is looking to have sex in E’s bosses office. Whenever I describe this show to people I always tell them that it’s a guys version of Sex and the City, because it’s about what guys love; sex, cars, parties, and friendship. I look forward to June 27 when Entourage comes back to HBO for season seven. Victory!

Season Rating:  B-

Different Setting, Same Karate Kid

Back when I used to burn dvd’s, because I was a poor college student, I would get frustrated sometimes because my copy of the movie wasn’t as good as the original. I think a lot people feel the same way about movie remakes. They’re trying to take somebody's idea, story, and character, and make it their own. When I heard they were doing a re-make of the classic 1984 film The Karate Kid starring Will Smith's son, Jaden, I felt that another movie franchise was about to be ruined; then I remembered The Next Karate Kid and realized Hilary Swank had already taken care of that. So now it was time for this franchise to make a fresh come back, even if it is the exact same movie.

Jaden Smith plays Dre Parker in this fish out of water story. Dre’s mom takes a job in China and he is forced to move to the other side of the world, away from everyone he knows. While trying to befriend a young girl, Mei Ying, Dre gets his butt whooped by Beijing's bad boys; the first of many whoopings. However Dre is soon saved by the local handy man, Mr. Han, played by Jackie Chan. Now Dre must compete in a kung-fu tournament if he has any chance of avoiding daily beat downs. But first Mr. Han must teach Dre about more than just kung-fu if he is to win the tournament.

That’s right, I said kung-fu. The word ‘karate’ was only spoken once the entire film, which is very odd because most of the other dialogue from the 1984 film was directly quoted. I’m all for revamping classic stories so they can be continued through generations, but to have each scene be a direct copy of the original film is just plain lazy in my book. The only original idea in this film was Dre’s training and Mr. Han’s tragic past. Of course I can’t expect much from director Harold Zwart, whose signature film is Agent Cody Banks. Of all the lines they took from the original film you think they could have worked in the line, “wax on, wax off,” at least somewhere.

The film did have some great moments and great scenes in it, mainly because they were scenes from the original film put into modern day context. And what would a Karate Kid movie be without a good training montage. I was hoping for some variation of the song, ‘You’re the Best Around,’ during the tourney montage, but my wish was left unfulfilled.

You could definitely tell who Smith’s famous father was by his facial expressions. The more emotional scenes Smith seemed to pull off, but when trying to have a look of focus Smith’s face looked blank. This makes me believe he has some acting chops, but needs more practice. Hang in there kid. Take some notes from your dad, but if he ever says it's a good idea for you t play a cowboy run the other direction.

Jackie Chan is known more for his action than his actual acting abilities, and his heroic rescue scene in this film reminded people why Chan is badass. However I was surprised how well Chan pulled off his big emotional scene in the film. You could tell he is a veteran thespian who just hasn’t had much chance to shine. Chan does moves a little faster than the late and great Pat Morita, but his best lines are ones we’ve already heard Mr. Miyagi say before.

I loved The Karate Kid growing up so I knew every scene and line that was taken for this film.  But when I looked through the audience at all the parents who had brought their kids I realized they were rooting for Dre the same way I used to root for Daniel. The Karate Kid films have always been about standing up for yourself, not being afraid, and this movie has it in spades. It’s a great family film, with some great morals like the original film, mainly because it pretty much is the original film.

RATING:  B

The Return of Futurama

Right before I call it a day I can usually find some syndicated sitcom to make me feel all nice and cozy as I crawl into bed. Most of the time it’s either Friends or That 70’s Show, but lately I’ve been warming up to an old favorite of mine that is ready for a comeback. In 1999 The Simpsons creator, Matt Groening, premiered his show about a young man from the present who gets stuck in the future. The journey of this show, like Phillip J. Fry’s journey, hasn’t been an easy one. But new episodes of Futurama will be begin showing on Comedy Central June 24, and I for one cannot wait to see what Fry, Bender, and the rest of Planet Express discover next.

On New Years Eve, 1999, the world was about to enter a new century, but for pizza delivery boy, Phillip J.Fry, it was just another year in his pathetic life. But an accidental delivery to a science lab traps Fry in a cryogenic freezing chamber for 1,000 years and he awakes in the year 2999. Fry locates his nephew’s descendant, Professor Farnsworth, who runs an intergalactic delivery service to help fund his mad scientist ways. Fry takes up a job as a delivery boy, along with his robot roommate, Bender, and a tough-as-nails woman, Leela; who just happens to have one eye. These three go across the galaxy making deliveries as Fry tries to win Leela’s love, and the two of them try to keep Bender from getting too drunk and operating his shady personality. Also employed at Planet Express is the girly intern Amy, the crab alien Dr. Zoidberg, and the Jamaican accountant Hermes. This bunch of losers help make Plant Express the worst delivery service in the galaxy.

To me Bender is the best part of the show. He’s a robot who likes to smoke cigars, drink too much, and swears more than a sailor. That’s the kind of robot I want. My second favorite character has to be the other man who is after Leela’s heart, Captain Zapp Brannigan of the starship Nimbus.  Brannigan is like a bad impersonation of Captain Kirk, who endlessly tries to pursue Leela with little success. You never know what this crew will get into next, like dropping off candy hearts across the stars on Valentines’ Day, fending off a homicidal-robot-Santa on Christmas, or stumbling onto a planet of giant barbarian women who like to fornicate. Welcome to future Phillip J. Fry!

Futurama enjoyed four seasons on Fox’s Sunday Night line-up, getting better ratings its first season than King of the Hill or Family Guy. 72 episodes were aired, but 88 were made.  While on Fox Sundays Futurama won several Emmy awards for outstanding animated programming.  After being taken off the air in 2003 Groening fought hard to continue making Futurama, leading to several direct-to-DVD movies; and in 2008, Comedy Central, who Groening always had a good relationship with, began airing all 88 episodes in syndication. Then, in 2009, Fox agreed to start making Futurama again and airing it on Comedy Central, but there was a snag; the voice actors couldn’t reach an agreement about their salary.

The cast isn’t full of known actors, but people who have been doing voices for quite some time, like Bill West who does the voice of Fry, and also Bug Bunny in Space Jam. Perhaps the most famous voice on Futurama is Katey Segal from the Fox comedy Married With Children, who voices Leela. So after a lot of negotiating, and missing a Comic Con convention, the cast of Futurama is back to provide voices for the future.

I feel very happy about the return of this show mainly because of Matt Groening. The Simpsons has always been a quality show, and this last season, its 21st season, I believe was one of the best. I know most people these days are more interested in the works of Seth MacFarlane’s Family Guy, but their best episode this year involved Brian eating poop from Stewie’s diaper. How is that funny? Groening has always provided solid programming for over 20 years, dating all the way back to the Simpson family’s premiere on The Tracey Ulman Show in 1987.

Being on Comedy Central also means that Groening and the rest of the writers can get away with a few more things than they did on Fox, which I hope means spicing up Bender's rude-and-crude behavior. Just like The Simpsons, Futurama’s beginning credits is always a little bit different in each episode, and the 20th Century Fox logo at the end always say 30th Century Fox. These little things are what help make the show a cult classic, and one that will hopefully last past 2999. Now I leave you with some of my favorite Futurama quotes; enjoy!

Amy Wong: You just have to give guys a chance. Sometimes you meet a guy and think he's a pig, but then later on you realize he actually has a really good body.

Captain Zapp Brannigan: In the game of chess you can never let your adversary see your pieces.

Fry: I'm not a robot like you, I don't like having discs crammed into me... unless they're Oreos... and then only in the mouth.

Fry: Mister Nimoy, I came as soon as I heard what happened centuries ago.

Bender: I was a hero to broken robots 'cause I was one of them, but how can I sing about being damaged if I'm not? That's like Christina Aguilera singing Spanish. Ooh, wait! That's it! I'll fake it!

Leela: I'll find Fry's coffin, get his corpse, and keep it under my mattress to remind me that he's really dead. That'll prove I'm not insane!

Bender: Game's over, losers! I have all the money. Compare your lives to mine and then kill yourselves.

Captain Zapp Brannigan: [after destroying an alien mothership] Well, we destroyed the... what the hell is that?

[a ship materializes out of thin air]

Kif Kroker: It appears to be the mothership, sir.

Captain Zapp Brannigan: Then what did we just blow up?

Kif Kroker: The Hubble Telescope.

25 Girls That Geeks Love: 2010 Edition

This week I cruised into my local book store and did what I always do. I grabbed some comics and magazines I’m interested in but don’t see fit to buy, I read them, and then I put them back on the shelves. It isn’t dignified, but it’s how we bottom feeders survive. Two of the magazines I flipped through were FHM and Maxim’s Hot 100 for 2010. While I feel FHM’s ranking was more to my own taste than Maxim, I couldn’t help but contest with some of their choices. This got me to thinking about my list, and the list of all others like me. And when I say me, I mean geeks. So here are my 25 girls that geeks love in 2010.

25. Laura Vandervoort (Smallville, V)

WHY WE LOVE HER: She flew in from the planet Krypton and made every young man’s heart in Smallville skip a beat. After leaving the show Vandervoot now stars in the ABC's, sci-fi drama, V. She once again plays an alien who comes to Earth, and has some strange feelings for a young human male. Maybe these are the only parts she knows how to play, but her fans don’t seem to mind.

24. Leslie Bibb (Iron Man, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby)

WHY WE LOVE HER: Gwenyth Paltrow may have thrown her out with the rest of the trash, but Bibb’s character kept coming back to challenge Tony Stark throughout the entire film. She wore her outfits like a champ, and wore the bed sheets even better. Will Ferrell couldn’t seem to hold on to this girl in Talladega Nights, so who knows if any other geek has a shot.

23. Katherin Heigl (Roswell, Knocked Up)

WHY WE LOVE HER: Before she starred on the female orgasm known as Grey’s Anatomy Heigl did a little show called Roswell on The WB, where she played an alien in a teenage girl’s body. The highlight though for any nerd is when Heigl gave stoner, Seth Rogen, a chance in Knocked Up.

22. Jewel Staite (Firefly, Serenity, Stargate: Atlantis)

WHY WE LOVE HER: As sweet, innocent, Kaylee on Firefly she was the girl everyone couldn’t help but like, and when the show was cancelled Staite stayed with her fans for several seasons on Stargate: Atlantis. She seems like a sweet girl that will do just about anything for you, but we think she’s the cutest when she has grease on her face.

21. Rachel Bilson (The O.C., Jumper)

WHY WE LOVE HER: Before she played the future Hayden Christensen's love interest in Jumper she was the obsession of uber-dork Seth Cohen on The O.C. Seth loved sailing, comic books, and seeing Summer Roberts in a Wonder Woman costume. He lost Summer on several occasions, but eventually the dork had his day as he married his hottie on the final episode of The O.C. Here’s a little fun fact, Bilson’s dad is comic book writer who has worked on The Flash. So Rachel’s dad writes comic books, she married Anakin Skywalker in real life, and her most well known character loves a comic book geek. What’s not to like about this girl?

20. Rosario Dawson (Sin City, Clerks 2, Men in Black II)

WHY WE LOVE HER: Who else could fall for a guy whose signature line is, “I’m not even supposed to be here today!” Dawson was the boss of Dante and Randal in Kevin Smith’s sequel to Clerks, but before she ran a fast food chain she looked like a dominatrics as she sucked face with Clive Owen in Sin City. Let’s not forget years ago she had googlie eyes for Will Smith, but what woman doesn’t at some point? Dawson seems like the girl who’d give you hell about all your nerdy little quirks, but secretly she’d love you because of them.

19. Elizabeth Banks (Zach and Miri Make A Porno, Spider-Man, The 40-Year-Old Virgin)

WHY WE LOVE HER: You probably didn’t recognize her in Spider-Man as Betty Brant with her wig on, but Banks has been playing the lady who loves dorks for quite a few years. After having a soft spot of Peter Parker she dated uber-geek Zach Braff on Scrubs, tried to seduce Steve Carrell, and then fell in love with Seth Rogen in Zach and Miri Make A Porno. She’s got the girl-next-door vibe down, and she should hold on to it for as long as she can.

18. Eva Mendes (The Spirit, Ghost Rider)

WHY WE LOVE HER: If you didn’t know Eva Mendes was in comic book film don’t worry, you didn’t miss much. The Spirit and Ghost Rider didn’t even come close to films like The Dark Knight or Spider-Man, but I’m sure what little money they made was with the help of Mendes being in the picture. My choice for her next role: Spider-Woman. Let’s bring on the tights!

17. Anna Torv (Fringe)

WHY WE LOVE HER: Fringe is one of those shows that you kind of have to warm up too, and Torv’s character, Olivia Dunham, is no different. But once you get locked in by her scared/venerable look she often gives, you can’t help but fall in love with her. She hunts down the weird, the unexplained, and even alternate versions of herself. She’s like Scully, except she carries a gun and has got more balls than any other character on her show.

16. Charisma Carpenter (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel)

WHY WE LOVE HER: She played the bitchy girl from Sunnydale for years, and even after she switched shows she was still the girl that told it like it is, even if people didn’t want to hear it. Cordelia Chase was the popular cheerleader who ended up with the sarcastic nerd, Xander. When she jumped over to Angel, Cordelia became a more complete character, and even fell in love with the show’s hero. When Angel ended Carpenter gave her fans a treat for all their years of loyal viewing; a Playboy spread.

15. Gina Torres (Firefly, Serenity, Justice League: Unlimited)

WHY WE LOVE HER: If you’ll notice most of the ladies on this list play characters who can whoop some ass, and Gina Torres is no different. As Zoe she played a tough girl from the future who can handle a weapon well, not wince in the face of gross things, and kill her husband using only her pinkie. Torres also voiced the Vixen on the Cartoon Network show, Justice League: Unlimited, for several seasons. Gina Torres has the ability to make men knees before her, even if she has to put them in a death grip to do so.

14. Allison Mack (Smallville)

WHY WE LOVE HER: For nine season’s of Smallville Chloe Sullivan has been Clark Kent’s go-to-girl, and the one person he can turn to with his problems. Chloe had a puppy dog crush on Clark for years, and while some fans hoped for a relationship we all know Clark’s romantic future lye’s with Chloe’s cousin, Lois. It was announced that season ten will be the final season of Smallville. Mack will only appear in a few episodes during the season, but we all will smile a little when Clark comes to Chloe for help.

13. Megan Fox (Transformers, Jonah Hex)

WHY WE LOVE HER: As the hot girl who knew a little about cars, Fox followed Sam Witwciky as he tried to save the world against the evil Decepticons in two Transformers films. Even though she isn’t going to be in the third film she is still going to stay in our sites in this summer’s comic book film, Jonah Hex. I’m not sure what the future has in store for Fox, but if we’re lucky it doesn’t involve clothes.

12. Yvonne Strahovski (Chuck)

WHY WE LOVE HER: As Sarah on NBC’s Chuck, Strahovski made every geek’s fantasy come true when she hooked up with Nerd Herd employee/secret agent, Chuck Bartowski. This love affair started in season one when Strahovski’s character also donned the Princess Leia iron bikini, and ever since every fanboys wish she never took it off. Two seasons later Sarah is still kicking butt and snuggling up to her nerd. God bless her!

11. Blake Lively (Green Lantern, Accepted)

WHY WE LOVE HER: She first appeared on our radar starring opposite Jonah Hill in Accepted, and now she has her own TV show, Gossip Girl. But since no geek dares watch that teen drama we were all excited to hear she will play Ryan Reynolds love interest, Carol Ferris, in next summer’s Green Lantern. We’re looking forward to see this cutie hold her own against the Merc with a Mouth, and perhaps come back for a sequel.

10. Erica Durance (Smallville)

WHY WE LOVE HER: Many women have played Lois Lane, but Erica Durance does it with more sass and style that any other. Lois started out as a rebellious army brat who thought Clark was just a nerdy farmboy. Now, after six seasons on Smallville, Lois and Clark are finally sitting across from each other at the Daily Planet, and occasionally sharing a bed. We’ve seen her in a bikini, we’ve seen her in a striptease, and we’ve also seen her jump out of the cake. And my wife wonders why I still watch Smallville.

9. Eliza Dushku (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Dollhouse)

WHY WE LOVE HER: Sure Buffy is small, spunky, and wears cute outfits, but Faith was the one who made boys blood boil with excitement. She was the bad girl on Buffy the Vampire Slayer for years, and later she was on another Joss Whedon show, Dollhouse, where she could be anyone guys wanted her to be. She’s like the girlfriend who doesn’t mind if you look at online porn.

8. Kaley Cuoco (The Big Bang Theory, Charmed)

WHY WE LOVE HER: After leaving her witchy ways on Charmed behind her, Cuoco moved across from some of the biggest nerds on television, and she even let one of them get all the way around the bases with her. As Penny on The Big Bang Theory we love seeing Ms. Cuoco go head-to-head with Dr. Sheldon Cooper and survive. Penny also got her boyfriend to stop fighting over a Lord of the Rings prop by telling him she bought lingerie from Victoria Secret. Bazinga!

7. Kristen Bell (Veronica Mars, Fanboys, Forgetting Sarah Marshall)

WHY WE LOVE HER: Before starring in her own TV series she did a small film about Star Wars fans, but it wouldn’t be released until after her series ended. She’s played the geeky girl, she’s played the hot girl, but my money is she’s more of a geeky girl in real life. You can just image her playing video games and joking around like one of the guys.

6. Jessica Alba (Fantastic Four, Sin City, Dark Angel)

WHY WE LOVE HER: She rode into our screens on a motorcycle and wearing back, but it wasn’t until she was up on stage dancing with lasso did she find a place in our hearts. In between she’s tried to play the mom of Marvel’s first family with little success. I hope she doesn’t give up the genre, but for now try not to make any more movies with 20th Century Fox.

5. Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

WHY WE LOVE HER: She was one of the first girls to start kicking ass on TV. Instead of being the helpless victim in a vampire attack she was the hero. She saved the world several times, died on numerous occasions, and all while keeping a keen fashion sense. We all pray that a movie will surface some day, but for now we’ll just have to settle for season eight comic books.

4. Malin Akerman (Watchmen)

WHY WE LOVE HER: Nobody had barely heard of Malin Akerman until she strapped on yellow leather to play the Silk Specture in 2009’s comic book masterpiece. Akerman brought boldness to the character, but also kept her grounded with venerability. If nothing else she proves that crime fighting makes chicks hot.

3. Natalie Portman (Thor, V for Vendetta, Star Wars)

WHY WE LOVE HER: She gave birth to the two most famous twins in cinematic history! She played the strong, yet compassionate, wife of Darth Vader in the Star Wars prequels, and then showed us a bit of edge with V for Vendetta. Next year we’ll see her in Marvel Studios Thor.
 

2. Scarlett Johansson (Iron Man 2, The Spirit, Ghost World)

WHY WE LOVE HER: Most people don’t remember Johansson in the 2001’s Ghost World, and most of us would like to forget last year’s The Spirit. But this May she stepped into the Marvel U. as the Black Widow, and made every scene just a little bit hotter by being in it. With her involvement in The Avengers and a possible Nick Fury movie I have a feeling Mrs. Reynolds is going to be on any geeks list for quite some time.

1. Zoe Saldana (Star Trek, Avatar, The Losers)

WHY WE LOVE HER: In 2009 she started out as the reincarnation of Lt. Uhura, and shocked us all when she puckered up to Spock instead of Kirk. The same year she became the female lead in the biggest movie of all time, and this year she played a badass chick in a comic book adaptation. This girl is all attitude, with what seems like a lot of spirit. With sequels to Star Trek and Avatar in the future this girl is going to be on laptop wallpapers for years to come.