What Can Challenge the Z-Fighters?

 Goku and Vegeta are incredibly powerful beings, as such, it can be something of a challenge to come up with threats that would give them a run for their money.  Now, according to "Death Battle', the two are still weaker than Superman, which would appear to help.  However, it's also been made explicitly clear that these two were the strongest beings in the universe and that was before they acquired literal god modes.

"Super" has made an effort to show that even Goku and Vegeta can still be severely outclassed, but it still seems like we're getting close to hitting a potential ceiling.  I mean, there are only so many ancient beings that can be reawakened and the more mortals you introduce to challenge them, the less impressive their powers seem.  Still, the story must go on, so what do you do? Some ideas have popped up and I figured, why not lay them out?

1. Replicators   

For those who haven't watched Stargate SG-1, the Replicators were these creepy robot spiders that consumed matter (organic or inorganic) and used that to multiply (or replicate, if you will.)  They were a force to be reckoned with in the show, repeatedly overpowering the show's normal big bads, the Go'auld, and posing a threat to the galaxy as a whole.

Now, you could point out that the robots were taken out by regular gun fire, so the Z-fighters should be able to easily take these things out, right?  Not necessarily.  While the robots themselves aren't all that formidable, there are a large number of them and the number only gets bigger.  As such, it wouldn't be that much of a stretch to see Goku and Vegeta get either overwhelmed or just worn out trying to take the robot horde down.  

In fact, this particular enemy gives the other characters a prime chance to shine without it feeling forced or clunky.  This isn't one super powerful being, but a massive amount of weaker ones that make up for said weakness with an unending swarm.  If that isn't enough to make the case,remember that the animated version of the Justice League took on a similar opponent in an episode and even the full might of their then 50+ hero roster was barely able to keep them at bay. Thus, saying that they could give the Z-Fighters a good go isn't too much of a stretch.

Even fitting them into the established universe isn't that difficult as it's just tech (nano-tech specifically).  All you need is a scientist (Bulma, an aspiring rival, or an alien one) who creates these things, perhaps even with good intent, and it just goes awry.  

2.  Zombies

Like the Replicators, zombies are a threat that thrive on numbers.  The individual zombies aren't so daunting, but the massive numbers would be the factor that makes them a threat.  Some tweaking regarding the rules of infection would be needed so that characters can get bitten, but not immediately turned, but other than that, I could see this working out well.  

While they don't have regenerative abilities like Cell or Buu, the take out the head rule means that the Z-fighters can't just blast off limbs or blow holes in torsos.  They'd either need to aim rather well or make large enough blasts that the brain gets taken out with everything else.  One interesting twist here is that Krillin's Destructo Disc would be a useful and even formidable technique.   Speaking of, like the Replicators, the zombies are a threat that could incorporate the other Z-fighters in a believable fashion.

You might be thinking that they can fly, thus just rain down ki blasts with impunity; but remember that collateral damage is still a concern and they have to land some time. On top of that, this approach doesn't guarantee results.  They could ki spam an area and only take out a few zombies if the blasts don't land right. Fatigue would very much be a factor that  could make this a tougher fight than you might think. 

Incorporating them into the universe wouldn't be too difficult either.  You can go with a virus or some sort of mystical incantation that brings the dead back wrong.  It's simple and still fits within the established rules of this universe.

3.  New Life

The main job of the Supreme Kai is to create life to populate the universe.  Unfortunately, the Tournament of Power arc showed that universe 7 is sorely under-populated.  As such, it wouldn't be too much of a leap to have him make an effort to rectify this short coming.  Still being something of a novice, some of these could end up posing a problem.  Maybe he tries to create beings that can compete with the saiyans and the forced rushing of the process is what does it, or maybe it's just law of averages and there are some "bad eggs" that go along with the more benevolent beings that he creates in his endeavors.  Either way, it would give the writers room to work with going forward.

This doesn't just aid the villainous end of the scale, more new beings means more potential allies who could offer assistance from time to time.  It could widen the scope in many respects and create a more expansive universe both literally and figuratively.  

4. Multi-versal threat

With the multiverse established, it makes sense to threaten it all.  This would likely be another ancient being that's been imprisoned for eons, but rather than just pose a threat to Earth or universe 7, it would threaten all of them  Not only would this bring in the other Z-fighters, but the characters from other universes to all stand together to take this thing down. Unlike the last multi-versal threat (the ToP), this would have the fighters fighting alongside each other as opposed to facing off.

Whether it results in a universal consolidation like DC's "Crisis on Infinite Earths" or not, it would still be a huge story with massive scope.  Seeing the Z-fighters, Pride Troopers, the Trio de Dangers, the universe 6 fighters , and the rest all banding together would be a hell of a sight, if I do say so myself.  

Any thoughts? Suggestions about what else the heroes could face gong forward?  I'm interested to hear your thoughts on the matter.

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5 Characters Who Should Appear on 'Legends of Tomorrow'

Over the years, I have written a series of articles detailing different DC characters who I wanted to see appear on the "Supergirl" TV series (you can read said articles here, here, and here.)  Rather than do a fourth edition, I thought I'd change things up by switching to "Legends of Tomorrow".  It's in the same wheelhouse, still being DC and Arrowverse related, but it should still change things up to bring at least some degree of freshness to the table.

Now, this one differs from the others in that I'm not currently up to speed on the series. At the time of this writing, I've only gotten to the second episode of the fourth season.  As such, it is possible, though not likely, that these characters have appeared.  From what I've read, I've seen nothing to indicate that they do.  As such, I'm operating on the assumption that they haven't, but I could be proven wrong.  In any event, let's get on with the list, shall we?


1. Legion of Super-Heroes

This team has made its way into the Arrowverse via Supergirl, but to my knowledge, the Legends have not come across them. Rather than have the Legion come to the past, it would be no small thing for the time traveling band to venture to the 30th century and cross paths with them there.  It would allow Legion members who haven't been featured yet to be introduced and it would give the Legends a chance to visit a future that wasn't dark and dystopian.

Where the JSA was brooding and moody, this team can be bright and hopeful.  They'll likely mesh with the Legends better, but it would also show how the Legends aren't complete paragons either.


2. Booster Gold

One of DC's most prominent time traveling heroes seems like a logical pick for the show.  He's also one of the more light-hearted DC heroes, meaning that he'd fit right in with the goofy band of misfits.  Sadly, he doesn't have Ted Kord to bounce off of, but I'm sure the writers could make do.  If I recall correctly, he's Rip Hunter's son, so the show could also use that as a nice nod to the now departed character.



3.  Terry McGuinness

With Batman becoming a more prominent fixture in the Arrowverse, why not include the second iteration of the character?  Even now, the "Batman Beyond" franchise still has its fans and it still has appeal.  It's another recognizable DC Comics time period for the team to visit.  While the future is a bit darker, it isn't completely dystopian.  The Legends could even meet up with some members of that period's Justice League for added measure.



4. The Big Hand

No, we're not crossing over with the Defenders here.  This is a being that has appeared in the comics (notably in the "Crisis on Infinite Earths" mini-series) as well as in an episode of "Justice League Unlimited".  Whenever a character has made an attempt to witness the beginning of time (a fundamental law of existence dictates that this can't be done,) said character would see a giant hand opening up with a galaxy inside it.

Seeing as the Arrowverse has already had its "Crisis On Infinite Earths", this is the character that (oddly enough) has the biggest possibility of already appearing.  As noted above, I've read nothing to indicate that it's appeared, but it isn't outside the realm of possibility.

Does it have a whole lot of depth or complexity? No, but it would be a cool moment for the team to come across it.  The series could even mirror JLU and have the team racing to stop a villain from going back to claim reality as their own.




5.  The Thanagarians


Hey, remember how the time masters said that Earth is eventually invaded and conquered by the winged alien species?  Yeah, the team should probably do something about that.  Dangling plot threads are bothersome and it would be nice to see this acknowledged after all this time.



So, there you have it.  It covers a lot of ground, giving the team various established DC periods to visit and heroes to encounter while also bringing some fan favorites into the fold.  I'm not sure I can get two more lists from this show like I did with Supergirl, but this one turned out pretty well in my opinion.  We'll have to see how well things fare as far as success rate goes. 

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5 Characters Who Should Appear on Supergirl Volume 3: The Final Countdown?

We've done this twice before, so you should know the drill by now.  We took a year off, but now it's time to get back to talking about characters who should, in my opinion, appear on CW's "Supergirl".  So, without further ado, let's get to it.



1. Kale and Caulifla

The Saiyan/Kryptonian rivalry goes back decades.  As such, it's only natural to want to see it brought to the forefront here.  Who better to use as rivals to Kara than Dragon Ball's two first female super saiyans?

Now, you might think that things don't line up right.  I mean, even the multiverses are incompatible.  Well, the fix is simple, have these be the saiyans of Kara's universe.  You don't need to introduce kais or gods of destruction, just establish that they are among the many alien species that exist out there in the cosmos.

This allows the writers to take the things that worked, but still take some liberties in terms of appearance (especially in terms of Kale's transformations) and character development.  You get the best of both worlds in that regard.

You could go the traditional "space pirate" route, but I think taking a cue from universe 6's more noble breed would be the better way to go.  The two wouldn't mean Earth or Kara harm.  They could come to Earth looking for a good fight and nothing more.  Knowing what Kryptonians can do under a yellow sun, the two arrive to see if that power lives up to the hype.  Of course, the intensity would cause Kale to go into berserker form and that would be where the tension and danger come in, as the two try to reign in the uncontrollable saiyan.

Granted,Dragon Ball doesn't have the best track record when it comes to live action material, but one could argue that that is just another reason to do it.



2.  Mary Marvel

This is another spot that is largely fueled by a rivalry.  Even though both are upstanding paragons of goodness, Superman and Captain Marvel have butted heads many a time.  You could do something similar here, or subvert that by having the two become close friends almost instantly.  Mary Marvel is sunny as all get out, so it would be hard not to like her.

As to the rest of the Marvel family, you don't even need to worry about them.  Just have Mary be the one that Shazam chose as his champion.  No deaths or throwing characters in front of a bus, just streamlining.  If I recall correctly, the power gets divided when multiple heroes are active at the same time (then again it's been a while so that may have been retconned,) so having just one makes more sense anyway.



3. Doomsday

Sometimes you just need a strong monster thing to punch heroes in the face really hard.  Few do that better than Doomsday.  In fact, he punches so hard, he killed Superman in their first fight.  It is because of this that he makes the list.

Don't get me wrong, Tyler Hoechlin is freaking amazing as Superman.  However, I figure DC wants to keep Superman in the forefront in the movies and there seems to be an inability to reach a long term shared arrangement between said movies and the TV shows.

As such, rather than just have him disappear, leaving fans wondering why the characters don't just call Superman when things get heavy, why not have him go out in a blaze of glory?

It would also allow for both an increase in tension (as Kara is robbed of one of her sources of backup) and character development, as she is now pushed further ahead in the list of Earth's primary defenders.

It would also make good fodder for the annual crossover, as Doomsday is the sort of foe who could tangle with a whole squadron of superheroes with little trouble.



4.  Steel

With the fall of one hero, comes the rise of another.  This is a character I know little about, but that's actually a good thing, as it introduces people to him and gives those curious an idea of how the character works.

I know that he was inspired to take on the role of superhero after Superman's death in the comics, as a way to carry on his legacy.  That seems as good an introduction as you need.

The question would, of course, be "would Shaq reprise the role?"   Honestly, I have no idea.


With these lists there have been two "traditions" that have emerged.  The first is that the last slot is always the hardest to fill, as I usually draw a blank.  The second is that each list includes one fairly absurd selection (Comet in the first, and G'Nort in the second.)  This list is no different.  Not only did I have a hard time coming up with a fifth, but it ended up being a bit more on the silly side, as we'll see when we get to the fifth and final nomination on the list,


5. Scooby Doo and the Mystery Inc. gang

Now, at first glance, you might think that this is forced, that I'm trying too hard.  However, if you think about it, the logic behind this pick is quite sound.

For one thing, "Supernatural", another CW show, did a crossover episode last year that went over very well with even the most skeptical of fans.

On top of that, Scooby Doo has a history of teaming up with DC heroes.  Back in the day, he and the Mystery Inc. gang teamed up with the dynamic duo to take on the Joker and Penguin, twice.  The more recent "Batman: The Brave and the Bold" cartoon even paid homage to it in one episode.  I still need to see that one, but I know it's a thing.

There's even a comic being published now that centers on the concept of Scooby and the gang teaming up with various DC superheroes.  So this has precedent on multiple fronts.

The crossover could take a cue from "Supernatural" and largely go the animated route, or they could try to CG it up.  Either way, a trip to another Earth would likely be essential, so as to keep the whole affair self contained.  In either case, seeing Kara interact with the iconic talking great dane seems like a guaranteed home run for television. 



That wraps it up.  Will there be a fourth list?  I highly doubt it, but never say never.  I do wonder how much more I can milk this concept, but if some new ideas for potential guests pop into my head, I'll certainly keep the option open. 











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5 MORE Characters Who Should Appear on 'Supergirl'

About a year ago, I wrote a list of 5 characters who I thought should make an appearance on then CBS' now CW's 'Supergirl' (you can read said list here.)  I'm actually surprised at the success rate for that one.  Alas, still no Comet (though the show is still young) but we did kinda/sorta get Brainiac via Indigo and Barry Allen did appear in a bona fide crossover episode with 'The Flash'.

With the second season well underway, I figured, what the heck? Let's do it again and discuss five more options for potential character appearances on the popular show.


1. Batwoman

This seems like a popular "wild mass guess".  It makes sense, what with Batman and Superman being as closely linked as they are.  From what I remember, Batwoman's origin isn't explicitly tied to Bruce the way the other members of the bat family are.  You can't really have Nightwing without implying that Batman is out there somewhere.  With this character, you could theoretically just have her be the sole Bat-hero in Gotham (which was explicitly said to exist in a recent episode.)

For bonus points, you could also use this as a way to bring in Renee Montoya as the Question, given that those two worked together fairly frequently in the comics.




2. Granny Goodness and the Female Furies


Once again, a villain makes the list.  It's a bit of a long shot, given that Granny Goodness is a servant of Darkseid, who is the big bad being built up in the DCEU, but there are ways you could do it.  For example, just have her operate with no mention of Darkseid.  It might be wonky, but she and her group are formidable foes in their own right.

I think the more viable route would be to establish that the Darkseid alluded to here is one and the same from the DCEU.  Have his quest for the anti-life equation (I assume that's what he's going to covet) span the multi-verse. It's a way to cross over the franchises without actually crossing them over; as the war for existence would be fought on multiple fronts, but each story would stand on its own.  You could even have him attack the Arrowverse and threaten their world across all four shows (if you want to include Vixen in there) to really broaden the scope.





3. Static


While I never got into his show back in the day, I did see enough from the crossovers with the DCAU to develop a liking for the character.  He was also well used in 'Young Justice' and it would be great to see him make the jump to a live action adaptation.

I originally thought that he should be brought into the Arrowverse, but the more I think about it, the more I think that he might fit better here.  The Arrowverse is a bit crowded and this Earth could use some extra firepower.

Like Supes and Flash, Static is a hero who will likely click with Kara immediately.  Both are friendly, positive, and intelligent so the show can continue to avoid the "heroes have to fight each other first" pattern.





4. G'Nort


Given my fondness for the character, I'm surprised I didn't put him in the first list, but that's what happens when you only have five slots.  Much like Comet, this one is a bit on the goofier side, though it is a safer pick as, unlike Super-Horse, G'Nort never got into a romantic relationship with Kara....at least, I don't think he did.

Still, it will likely never happen, as Green Lantern (and likely the entire corps) is locked into the film universe.  If Hal Jordan was blocked from appearing in the Arrowverse despite several blatant allusions to him, there's no way we're going to get G'Nort on 'Supergirl'.  Still, I do think it would be fun as hell and would love to see it happen.  His doofiness would allow for some comedic interactions, but his pleasant disposition and heroic spirit would fit in perfectly with this brighter and more optimistic world.




5. Lobo

I wasn't sure who to put here to be honest.  A part of me thought that Artemis (the amazon, not the archer from 'Young Justice' who is currently appearing on 'Arrow') would be a good pick, as she could act as an expy for Wonder Woman (fitting as she was Wonder Woman for a while.)  The problem is that it might lead to viewers wondering where Diana is.  Plus, you'd have a whole island of similarly powered characters, suddenly, the already existing superheroes aren't as unique.

Lobo, on the other hand doesn't have that sort of baggage.  On top of that, he was already indirectly alluded to in one episode, so the groundwork has already been laid.  The writers wouldn't have to bend over backwards to incorporate him into the narrative and I have to figure that an appearance from the main man would be a lot of fun.





Will I do a third list next year? I don't know.  As I said before, we don't want guest appearances to become a gimmick, nor do we want this Earth to get too cluttered.   I have a feeling that this list won't have the same success rate as its predecessor, but it's still fun to think about who could appear in future stories.




                




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5 Characters Who Should Appear on 'Supergirl'

Supergirl seems to be taking off, which is a good thing.  While the show has made it clear that there are only two superheroes active, and the odds of another DC Comics based TV shared universe are slim; that doesn't mean that other characters can't pop in to add some flavor to the show's universe and overall plot arc.


1. Brainiac


As was the case with 'Man of Steel', I was a little disappointed that the writers didn't take the opportunity to set up Brainiac as a future big bad.  He's a cool villain who could use some more mainstream exposure.  You could have used the Geoff Johns run in the comics as an inspiration and have the alien AI be the one who destroyed Krypton.  This would work well for Supergirl as, in said comics, she witnessed the attack and was scared crapless of the foe as a result.  It would have given Kara some psychological fodder as well as an arc and moment of triumph as she overcomes the fear to win the day.  While that's a missed opportunity, it would be great to see him appear as a threat not just to the city, but to the planet as a whole.

This could also be where Supergirl teams up with her cousin.  Now, the show did make it clear that Kara doesn't want help, which is fine.  But if you write it right, it wouldn't necessarily have to play that way.  You don't even have to go the "Kara saves her cousin" route either.  Have both National City and Metropolis get attacked and have both heroes independently decide to take the fight to Brainiac.  They meet up outside his ship and decide to work together.  Boom, hero team up.







2. Comet the Super-Horse



While a lesser known member of the team of "Superpets", Comet actually has a close tie to Supergirl in that they were romantically involved.  Yes, Supergirl was in a relationship with a horse, comics!  To be fair, the character was a shape-shifter, which helped remove some of the squick.  Actually, Supergirl was a shapeshifter for a while too, that was weird.  It's unlikely that a TV network would want to go this route, for obvious reasons, but that's kind of why I want to see them do it.

Even if the network wanted to sidestep the whole romantic angle, bringing in a super-powered horse is still something worth doing.



3. John Constantine


Of course, the character would be played by Matt Ryan, because he's just that good at it.  Yes, he did appear on 'Arrow' but there's no reason he can't show up here too.  He's so much fun to watch and it would be a way to introduce magic to the show, which is a prominent vulnerability for Kryptonians.  It would also open things up for writers to bring in demons and other kinds of monsters for Kara to fight.

Now, this would raise the issue of continuity.  According to Word of God, Ryan's appearance on 'Arrow' brings that show into the shared universe.  Frankly, I find that to be an odd choice as they are adamant that it was just a one-off appearance and I doubt that they're going to pick up any of the dangling plot threads from the NBC show.  Honestly, it would have made more sense to just say that he was that universe's version of the character.  Multiversal doppelgangers are played by the same actor/actress on 'The Flash' anyway so it would be consistent.  You could, however, go that route here and have an iteration of the character exist in her universe that is separate from the NBC/Arrowverse continuity.



4. The Flash

Speaking of the Arrowverse, there was talk of this show being part of it, but CBS opted out.  As such, there won't be any crossovers between them...for now.  The producers are still up for doing it some time down the line.  I think having it be its own universe worked out, but with the multiverse being established, you could use the breaches as a pretense to have Barry pop in for an episode.  Or, you could have Kara get pulled through and be in that universe for a while.  Considering her struggles to prove herself, the latter might work out better for her.  With both heroes being as noble and personable as they are, I think they'd make a great team.

I mean, look at this.




This can be canon.


5. Zatanna

It's odd, given the show's feminist slant that all of the characters I've listed so far are male.  You could argue that Brainiac is genderless, but you get the point.  For what it's worth, that was incidental.  I had reasons for wanting to see each individual character pop up and the list just sort of came out that way.

While Wonder Woman isn't likely to make an appearance due to the movies and Hawkgirl, Vixen, Black Canary, and Huntress exist in the Arrowverse; Zatanna is still up for grabs and she is an awesome character in her own right.  As such, she's more than deserving of the closing spot on the list.

As is the case with Constantine, Zatanna would allow magic to be brought into the fold, while also giving Kara a potent ally.  While I am partial to the traditional backwards speak based magic, I think this is one instance where the elemental mystic route might be the better take for the character.  It's still a formidable ability, but it doesn't overshadow Kara and it makes it easier to create viable threats for when the two characters do decide to work together.



The show's universe may never get as expansive as the Arrowverse, and one wouldn't want the show to fall back on using character guest spots as a crutch the way Smallville did.  That doesn't mean the show can't dabble in it occasionally to add a bit of flavor to Kara's world.





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My Top 5 Villains from Doctor Who

I'm making my way through the past seasons of the popular BBC relaunch of Doctor Who, and thoroughly enjoying it. The show is known for creating some classic villains so I thought I would jot down some of my favorites from what I've seen thus far.



1. The Beast

It's the freaking devil! What more needs to be said? Yeah, the writers waffle a bit, but for all intents and purposes, that was the Lord of Darkness right there.

A part of me honestly feels like they played this card too soon. I mean, after you take on what was very well the literal embodiment of evil in the universe, acting as the inspiration for every devil like figure across cosmic mythologies, Daleks and Cybermen don't really seem to pose as big a threat.

Still, for a one time villain, he sure does leave an impression and easily ranks as one of the Doctor's biggest baddies. Not only is the thing powerful and evil, but it forces the Doctor to challenge his own perceptions of how he thinks the world works.

While the Doctor brushes off some of the Beast's claims, he never really comes up with a valid counter-explanation for what that thing really was.




2. Daleks

The Daleks are the Doctor's most iconic foes, as well as one of the most popular. You go in thinking that they look stupid and that their voice will just become grating, but they still manage to be rather terrifying in their own right. I certainly did. I didn't think I was going to be able to take these upside down garbage cans on wheels seriously. Yet, they managed to showcase why they are such a fearsome foe and became one of my favorites. When these guys show up, you know things are going to get bad.



3. The Sentient Sun
This is another one time villain that appeared in the episode "42". It managed to overtake members of the crew, allowing them to scorch people to death merely by looking at them. It had that same demonic eldritch abomination vibe as the Beast, but it was different enough that it stood out.

It also made for one of the show's greatest reveals as the Doctor finally figures out what's going on and unleashes said exposition dump in an intense, dramatic, and rather horrifying way.

Much like the Beast, this idea is one that seems to challenge logic. The Doctor chides them for not scanning for life forms, but really, why would they? It's a sun and it's generally accepted that life can't exist that close without protection of some kind. The crew is vilified, but the idea that a star could achieve sentience is not one that often comes to mind.



4. The Ood

While the Ood are generally peaceful and very pleasant, when they go bad, it's rather horrifying. Once you see their eyes go red, you're pretty much screwed (scrOod?).

I honestly didn't expect their return appearances to hold a candle to what we saw in their debut where they were possessed by an ancient, demonic force, but "Planet of the Ood" managed to keep them just as creepy while giving them a different motivation and fleshing out their species quite a bit.




5. Max Capricorn

This guy only appeared in one Christmas special, but I really dug him as a villain. Not only did he have that evil ham thing going for him, but he also had no desire to let the Doctor talk his way out of it. Every time the Doctor would try to work some angle, Capricorn merely told him to shut up and ordered his host robots to kill him.

Granted, the Doctor still managed to stall long enough for his then companion to come to his aid (something even Capricorn lampshades, giving credit to the Doctor in pointing out that for all his talk, the Doctor didn't waste a word), but I really respected the fact that Capricorn wasn't having any of it from the Time Lord.




Final Thoughts

With so many villains, fans may be wondering where aliens like the Silence, or the Cybermen, or the Weeping Angels are. They are certainly good villains, but they didn't leave as big an impression on me as these five did.

For as long as the show has gone on, it is no surprise that the writers managed to come up with so many great villains, but as of now, these are the ones that really managed to blow me away.

The Top 5 Nostalgic Cartoons That Should Get a Modern Re-launch

Popular culture has been on a bit of a nostalgia kick as of late. Shows that adults grew up on are getting newer, more modern presentations whether it be in television or film.

The "Ninja Turtles" cartoon from a few years ago proved rather popular and the relaunch of "Thundercats" was generally well received as well. Even "My Little Pony" has managed to make the leap to the modern age with the popular "Friendship is Magic" series. It just makes you wonder what other franchises of old could make for great new shows in the modern age.



1. The Real Ghostbusters

I started watching this show again and it really is quite amazing how well this show holds up over time.

It just makes me want to see a modern take on it. Animation has gotten crisper and more advanced over the years and the moral guardians aren't as obsessive as they were back in the day.

I think that we would be able to keep all of the things that made the show great while still taking advantage of the progress that has been regarding animation, not just from a technological standpoint, but from a societal viewpoint as to target audiences. The creepy aspects could be played up to a greater degree.

One thing that would need to be changed is to remove Slimer from the picture entirely. He was the bane of that show and was the cause of its demise. It only makes sense to remove that particular weak link.

The beauty is that you could reassemble most of the cast. Get Michael Reaves and J. Michael Straczynski to head up writing the scripts and get as many of the original voice actors as you can. Maurice LaMarche and Frank Welker are still active voice actors and Arsenio Hall isn't doing anything. While Lorenzo Music is, sadly, unable to reprise the role, Dave Coulier should be able to take on the role of Venkman.




2. She-Ra: Princess of Power

It shouldn't come as a surprise to hear that I never got into She-Ra. It had that stigma of being "girly", but more importantly, I never really got into He-Man in the first place, so it would stand to reason that I would be generally indifferent to She-Ra.

However, with proactive female protagonists being in demand, it seems like a good time to bring her back into the fold.

Much like with RGB, She-Ra can take advantage of the higher quality animation that is seen nowadays. Her action sequences will be far more fluid and the writing will also be held up to a higher standard.

Considering that She-Ra's world was generally considered more interesting than He-Man's, writers should have no problem crafting an epic fantasy series that can appeal to a wide audience.




3. Legend of Zelda

This was never a show, per se, but there was an animated short that acted as a back-up for the "Super Mario Bros. Supershow". It was rather cheesy.

I'm not too familiar with the games, but I think an animated show would fare rather well. The franchise has a loyal fanbase and a series like this would allow newbies like me to get acquainted with the rich mythos that the series has developed over the years.




4. Dungeons and Dragons

I can't help but notice a pattern in a lot of my picks. In any event, Dungeons and Dragons would make for a fun series. You'd have a band of adventurers going on a different quest each episode. Each character would have a distinct personality, allowing for character development and banter; and the show can either develop an ongoing story or just show self contained, one and done stories that feature the band being hired by different people to do certain things.

Much like with Zelda, I'm not too familiar with the game, but it is something that I have become interested in lately and a TV show would give people their fix.




5. Voltron

OK, I'll admit, I was having trouble coming up with another franchise. I didn't even really watch it as a kid, but it could work out well enough. If nothing else, the concept of a relaunch of Voltron should be good for a chuckle.

The Top 5 Restaurants That Need to Deliver

When it comes to delivery, the two big options always seemed to be either pizza or Chinese food. Lately, a few more have been added to the list, with Jimmy Johns delivering deli sandwiches and Burger King even experimenting with the concept of offering delivery services.

As I do enjoy my food, especially when it's brought right to me, I thought that I would throw out some suggestions for food chains that should add delivery services as an option for customers.



1. Subway

As mentioned before, Jimmy John's changed the sandwich game up by bringing the sandwiches right to you. If Subway aims to compete in the long term, they should also offer delivery services so that fans of their tasty sandwiches can enjoy the benefit of not having to go get it.




2. Taco Bell

If you're jonesing for fast food, but don't want a burger, there's Taco Bell. If they delivered, it would help them keep up should fast food delivery become a thing. It would also broaden customers' options in terms of food choices as opposed to just having another burger place offering delivery.



3. McDonald's and Wendy's

Burger King is experimenting with delivery, so it stands to reason that its competitors, should do the same. Not only does this ensure that Burger King keeps its game up in terms of delivery times and food quality, but it gives the customers options in case they are craving a burger or sandwich from one of the other chains.



4. Applebee's and Other Bar and Grille Style Restaurants

A lot of these places offer online ordering or curbside service. Really, delivery is the next step. As chains like this aren't quite as prolific as fast food chains, the availability might be limited, but for people who are only within a few miles of a chain restaurant such as this, such a service would act as a boon.



5. Dunkin Donuts/Donut Chains

People like donuts, whether it's from Dunkin' Donuts, Tim Hortons, or Krispy Kreme, they always make for a nice tasty treat. It would be even better if you could have donuts brought right to you.

Now, much like with Pizza Hut's $10 minimum for delivery, I assume that, were this service to be offered, that you would need to buy at least a dozen donuts. It wouldn't make much sense for a chain to go out of their way to deliver one or two donuts, but if you're having a group get together and you want to provide something to snack on, having donut shops deliver could come in handy.



Final Thoughts

If one thing is clear, it is that people like food. Even better than that is food that is brought right to your door. It's become the backbone for several food chains and its a wonder why more places don't try it.

Not only would this provide more jobs, but it would give consumers greater options when it comes to in-house dining. This would generate more revenue as people who may not feel like going out will utilize your services.

It's one of those circumstances where everybody wins, and how often does that happen?

The Top 5 Reasons to Buy a Kindle or Other E-Reading Device

With e-books becoming more and more popular, there are many vocal dissenters who say that "real" books will always be inherently superior. While I enjoy having physical copies of books as much as the next person, having a Kindle does have its advantages.



1. Saves Space

I love bookshelves. I hope to one day have a book collection that spans multiple shelves so that those who visit can look in awe at my library. Sadly, space occasionally becomes an issue and not everyone has room to store a warehouse full of books.

While it may not be as visually impressive as a large shelf, a Kindle allows you to own a vast collection without needing to worry about storing it.



2. Lower Prices

In this tough economy, people have to save where they can. For book lovers, an e-reader will allow you to do just that as e-book prices are lower than hardcover books and are usually slightly lower than paperback books depending on the title.

Even better, some books are free. That's right, free, having a cost of 0 dollars and 0 cents. If you're a fan of classic literature, you can make out like a bandit as these are often the titles that go for nothing. I downloaded "War and Peace" for nothing. Will I read it? I don't know, but it was free, so I figured, "what the heck?" I also downloaded "Frankenstein" even though I didn't really like that book when I read it. Free swag is free swag, and this allows you to partake in some.




3. Great for Travel

If you fly a lot, you will love the Kindle. It reduces your bag weight significantly, especially if you're the type to bring multiple books on a trip. If you're a fantasy reader, this will save you the hassle of hauling around one, if not more, doorstopper novels.



4. Durability

While I would recommend getting a protective cover for your e-reader in any event, these do tend to take a bit more of a beating than paperbacks do. You don't need to worry about tears or folds when carrying it around with you.



5. It Saves Your Spot for You

No need for bookmarks here. If you go back to the main screen, then click on the title of the book you were reading, it will take you to the last page you were on. No longer will you need to worry about folding pages or finding something to hold your spot when you need to get up to do something.



Final thoughts

People are more than welcome to prefer physical copies of books. As said before, I fall into that category myself, but there's no denying that e-readers have some definite benefits that should not be so easily dismissed.

The Top 5 Pixar Movies

This is going to be a rather tough list to compose. Pixar has done so many good movies that I think it'll be hard to figure out which ones go where. I have a feeling that 5 slots won't be enough.



1. Wall-E

Oh, what a gem this movie is. I think the fact that this movie stood out to me as much as it did really acts as a testament to the movie's quality. The movie manages to tell a story with no dialogue for a pretty much the first half of the film, and it succeeds in spades.

The movie, as well as the title character, are just flat out adorable. I find a hard time believing anyone can't be won over by this movie.




2. The Incredibles

As a fan of superheroes and comics in general, it's no surprise that I enjoyed this movie as much as I did. While it does parody the tropes of the genre to some extent, it also works as a genuine, bona fide superhero film. Comic fans can pick out nods to works like Watchmen, X-Men, and Fantastic Four, while also respecting the fact that this film stands on its own and lets the characters develop their own quirks and personalities. Credit also goes to Jason Lee, who did a great job as Syndrome.

With Pixar building their films into franchises through sequels, I hope that they do the same with this one as the superhero film lends itself to multiple movies. The characters are rounded and likable enough that we do want to see what happens to them as they continue their fight against crime.





3. Toy Story 2

The original Toy Story was a fun, lighthearted, piece of whimsy. It overdid it on the 'Narm" at points, but all in all it was a good movie. This movie kicks it up a notch in every respect. Character development, story, emotional poignancy, humor, it hits it out of the park in every respect.

When Jessie first emerged, I kind of hated her. I figured she was going to be the most annoying thing in the movie. Though once her back story was revealed, she had me hooked and I had a new found respect for the character.

Toy Story 3 was also quite good, but I think this movie had a better balance of funny and poignant where the third film may've gone a bit too far in the latter direction.

I considered saying "the Toy Story trilogy", but that would've been a cop out.




4. Ratatouille

We just watched this a few days ago and it was highly enjoyable. If you can work past the whole "hairionnette" thing, I think you'll find it rather entertaining. The animation is superb and the two main characters develop an entertaining rapport despite not being able to talk to each other.




5. Finding Nemo

This was the hardest slot to fill. There were so many contenders, Toy Story 3 and Up, being the big two. Ultimately, I went with Finding Nemo. It has been a while since I've seen it, but I remember it being a blast to watch.



Final Thoughts

Some may be disappointed that "Up" wasn't on there, as several people cite it as Pixar's best. There was a time where it probably would've made the top 5 list. Heck, it probably would've ranked in the top 3, but the more Pixar movies I see, the further it falls down the list. It's not that Up was bad, on the contrary, it's quite good; it's just that the other movies are so good and won me over to such an extent that Up just comes up a little short. As I said in the list though, it was a major contender and is definitely a film worth checking out.

The Top 5 Most Underrated Animated Series

1. Batman: The Brave and the Bold

When the show first premiered, I wasn't all that interested. The fact that it was aimed at younger viewers was all well and good, but that had no appeal to me as an adult. I tried watching an episode once, just to be sure and it didn't really grab me.

Upon hearing that one episode was going to feature G'nort, my favorite member of the Green Lantern Corps, I decided to give it another chance. It was a blast and it paved the way for me to get hooked on the series.

Look, I was spoiled on "Batman: The Animated Series" too. I am well aware of the high bar that that show set for comic fans, but trust me, this show is good. Yes it's more fun and lighthearted, but that's part of the appeal.

It embraces it's comic roots and manages to entertain you while telling great stories. They're presented in such a way that kids can follow along, but there are plenty of geek references for the older crowd who is more familiar with comic book lore.

As to whether or not it's better or worse than TAS, I honestly think that the two are so different in tone and execution that you can't compare them. The important thing is that this show is very good and is well worth your time.





2. The Real Ghostbusters

OK, I'm biased here. I freaking love Ghostbusters. I love the movies, I loved the recent game that came out, I would sign up without hesitation if such an organization existed in reality.

I grew up watching the cartoon, but hadn't for some time. In college, I decided to check out a few episodes and the show holds up really well over time. The characters are, more or less, seen the way they were in the films and we got some great episodes early on.

Sadly, executive meddling took over and the show was watered down. They even went so far as to make Slimer the main focus, which irks me to no end as the animated incarnation of the spud is incredibly annoying and stupid.

Still, those early episodes were something else. Time Life released a box set with the whole series so fans can go back and enjoy the series to their heart's content.




3. Venture Bros.

Words can not express how much I love this show. Being on Adult Swim's line up, this isn't family entertainment the way the other shows are, but for older viewers, it's amazing. I honestly cite it as one of the best shows on television right now. You could take it a step further and argue that it is the best thing on TV, but that is a matter of personal preference.

If you're interested, I suggest starting from the beginning. There are so many in jokes as well as oddball characters that if you try to jump in during the third or fourth season, you will most likely be completely lost.





4. Avatar: The Last Airbender

The release of the live action film brought up a lot of discussion about this show. After hearing good things, I decided to check it out. This is one of the few things that actually lived up to the hype for me.

There was an ongoing story, as well as a unique and fleshed out world, the characters were well rounded and likable, there was a solid dose of humor, and the action scenes were exciting. If that's not enough to sell you, Mark Hamill and Clancy Brown voice two of the villainous characters and basically use their Joker and Lex Luthor voices. You wouldn't think it, but it works out perfectly. Hearing Long Feng talk made me all happy inside.

The show's only three seasons long, but it tells a complete story. I have no doubt that the film was awful, but I highly recommend checking this series out as it is a joy to watch on pretty much every level.




5. Gargoyles

A lot of people say that this was Disney's answer to "Batman: The Animated Series". If this is the result of trying to cash in, I'm not going to complain. The writing was top notch, there was great character development, and the stories were intricate. Even seemingly stand alone episodes would have ramifications or get mentioned later on down the line, making it seem like things that happened really mattered.

Sadly, the second season was rather long, so when it was released to DVD, they broke it up into two volumes. This wouldn't be so bad, but the second volume has yet to be released and it doesn't seem like there's going to be one.

There was a third season as well, but from what I hear, fans are fine with ignoring that batch of episodes.

While you won't be able to get the whole story if you watch it on DVD, I still recommend checking the show out. It blew me away when I started watching it.

The Top 5 Tabletop RPG's I'm Interested in Playing

I've never gotten around a table to partake in a role-playing session. While I knew about D&D, it didn't really grab me and I didn't think anyone I knew played it. I've recently become intrigued by the hobby and there are a few games that have caught my eye.


1. Dungeons and Dragons

I said that the game didn't grab me before and that I didn't think anyone played. As it turns out, people I knew did play, it just never came up. I've been watching a couple of campaigns online and they really got me interested in the game. It looks like a blast and it was only after I became interested in this game that the other games caught my attention.




2. Ghostbusters

As a huge ghostbusters fan, I'm, of course, interested in playing this game. It's a bit older, and a bit on the expensive side, but it's a must have. From what I hear, it's very well put together so it might even be worth the money.

If they wanted to release a new edition of the game, or if some other company wanted to take a crack at it, that would be awesome, I'm just saying.



3. DC Universe

Between the big two, I'm more of a DC guy, so it's no surprise that this outranks the Marvel RPG.

To my understanding, there are two versions floating around. A series was released a few years back and DC released another handbook with new ones to come. I'm not sure if they are related, if it's a second edition, or if they are completely independent, but I wouldn't mind giving both versions a try to see how they play.

Unlike DCUO, this allows the players to play as their favorite characters and go up against some of the major villains from the DC Universe.



4. Outbreak Undead

This is something of an "indy" title. To my knowledge, the book is not sold in stores and is only available through the eponymous website. The long and short of it is that it's an RPG centered around the zombie apocalypse. You and your friends have to survive the horde as the world unravels around you. It's a perfect way to perfect your zombie plan and it seems like a fun game to play in general. Unlike other RPG's, everything you need is in one book, making it much easier for newbies like me to jump into the fray.



5. Marvel Universe RPG

I'm not a big Marvel reader, though I do dabble in the line, picking up a few titles here and there. Even so, I would still like to try this game out. Marvel has a pretty solid cast of characters and you could come up with some entertaining adventures with the source material.



Final Thoughts

This list was fairly easy to make as these are really the only RPG's I'm interested in. I've seen others for things like "Supernatural", "Smallville", and "Game of Thrones"; but in the case of the latter, I haven't read the books and as far as the two former franchises go, they didn't really scream must buy to me.

The Top 5 Reasons Why the X-Men Make No Sense

X-Men is one of Marvel's flagship titles, and while I'm a fan, I can't help but notice that, once you give it some thought, the ideas presented don't make a whole lot of sense.


1. The Metaphor Falls Apart

From the get go, the X-Men were supposed to act as an allegory for oppressed minorities, African Americans and gays specifically. It preaches a message of tolerance and acceptance for those who may be different from you.

It's a nice message and all, but the parallel doesn't really work. Being a mutant isn't as simple as skin color or sexual orientation. Unlike those birth traits, mutant abilities do pose a threat. 

As I mention, Cyclops can level a building by looking at it, Magneto can manipulate the magnetic field of the entire planet, and Professor X is a telepath who can not only read thoughts, but control them as well.

Xavier's plan to teach mutants to control their powers and use them responsibly is great, but the idea that humanity's fear is based solely on their own prejudicial nature is just goofy. 

It's even worse because nobody calls them on this. At face value, Senator Kelly has a point, but the writers go so far to turn him into a straw politician that any ambiguity is lost. 


It would be interesting to explore those elements because while the comic may have been created to act as a morality play about bigotry, there's far more at play here than simple short-sightedness on mankind's part.



2. Some Superpowers are OK and Others Aren't?

The Marvel Universe is populated with meta-humans who are granted powers that normal people can only dream of. As part of the allegory, it's said that humans hate and fear mutants. Sometimes, it's because of their appearance, while other times it's the powers themselves that instill fear. 

This idea is undercut when you have characters like the Fantastic Four, Spider-Man, and Captain America running around. They have similar powers, but they are loved by the patrons of New York, while the X-Men are jeered. 


Because of this disparity, Marvel tries to keep the two separate, but they do intersect and it still stands as a very bizarre issue in terms of story.



3. Cyclops' Power

The idea of shooting beams from your eyes is a simple one. Unlike most characters with this ability, Cyclops has no control over the beams and they fire whenever his eyes are open. The only way to stop it is through ruby quartz in his visor and a pair of custom made sunglasses for day to day wear. 

How they figured that out is baffling enough, but the real kicker is that the only other way for Scott to stop the beams from firing is to close his eyes. 


These beams have been shown to be quite powerful. He can level a building with no trouble. While they make a point to say that the beams are "concussive" as opposed to heat or laser based, I still find it hard to believe that such power is held back by his eyelids. It can tear through brick like a hot knife through butter, but a thin layer of skin is more than enough to contain it? Sorry, I call shenanigans.



4. No More Mutants

When the "House of M" event ended, the Scarlet Witch rewrote reality declaring that there shouldn't be any more mutants. While this did, in fact, rob several mutants of their powers, there were still a couple hundred who kept theirs...How? She said "no more mutants" not "only a couple of hundred mutants". Shouldn't they have all lost their powers? You could argue that it would mean the end of the series, but why bring it up in the first place if you're just going to ignore it completely?



5. Sentinels

The Government doesn't have the money for this.  Even if they did, this is not a feasible use of tax dollars and no one would actually sign off on this sort of program.

The Top 5 Things That Would Have Made Ghostbusters: The Video Game Even Better

Ghostbusters fans have been waiting a long time for a decent video game adaptation. They finally got one a couple of years ago. It was written by Aykroyd and Ramis and featured the main cast from the movie to lend their voices to the respective characters. It was fun, exciting, and just one big love letter to the fans with its nods to continuity and other iterations of the franchise.

Still, there were some things that could have made it even better. Being something of a Ghostbusters nerd myself, I figured I would take it upon myself to throw these ideas out there. It's probably a moot point by now, but what the heck? I'll do it anyway.




1. Side Quests

As the game wanted to put more of an emphasis on story, the developers didn't give the game a "sandbox" type of game like you would see with games like "Fallout" or "GTA".

I get it, but I still think it would've been cool to be able to roam around a bit more. Heck, if you really wanted to keep the focus on the story, you could have the side quests get unlocked by beating the game.

Then, you could pull a "Fallout" and drop the player back into the game after the final boss is defeated so that they can roam around and continue to enjoy the game without having to go through a complete reset.

Not to mention the fact that such quests would make for some interesting downloadable content. All you'd need to do is come up with a map, some ghosts, and a miniature, self contained arc and bam, new level. It would give the game developers profits and it would give fans more time to enjoy the game.




2. Vigo Fight

You had Max Von Sydow reprise his role as the villain from Ghostbusters II, you had a level at the museum, and the mood slime played a prominent role in the plot. Why was there no Vigo fight?

We fought Slimer and Stay-Puft/Gozer (actually, I wouldn't have minded getting a mini-boss battle with Gozer in its original form, but that's another issue), surely, the team's second biggest threat warrants more credit than this.

Unlike the other ghosts, Vigo could have just attempted to serve his own agenda or pay the team back for his earlier defeat. It would've been a break from the guardian bosses and it would've been a fun moment for the fans.




3. Co-Op Multi-player on Story Mode

When this game was announced, the first thing that popped into my head was that running through the story with friends was going to be a blast. You'd have your group running around, catching ghosts, trying not to cross the streams. It would've been awesome.

While there is such a mode on the Wii version, one is not available on the Xbox 360 or PS3 versions. They have online multi-player, but it is its own separate thing. As I haven't played that yet, I can't comment on how good it is, but it's still a shame that we couldn't get multi-player for the story mode on the other two big consoles.




4. More Gear

As you advance through the game, you collect money that can be used to purchase gear and upgrades for your equipment. They give you a decent amount of equipment, and it was setup so that your pack would be maxed out by the time you reached the final stages of the game, but having more options would've allowed players to customize their weapons and try out different things. It would add a level of replay value to the game, giving players more chances to enjoy it while still giving them incentive to keep playing despite having beaten it at least once, if not several times.




5. More Character Interaction

Your character remains mute throughout the games entirety. It was amusing, and they did manage to give him a bit of personality, but it still would've been nice to be able to throw your two cents in. Maybe have dialogue options like some of the early RPG's like KoToR and Mass Effect. Again, it would add a level of replay-ability to a game that, while still fun, doesn't really bring much in the way of new material upon a second play through.



Final Thoughts

I had a blast playing Ghostbusters. It allowed me to live out my childhood dream of busting ghosts with the team and it was quite satisfying to see such a well designed product for the franchise. Still, as good as it was, there were some aspects where it could have been made even better.

Top 5 DC Universe Original Animated Movies

*Originally published on 4/19/11




Both Marvel and DC have found quite a bit of success releasing direct to video animated movies. The DC ones have generally been better (though being a DC guy myself, I'm somewhat biased), but the question remains, which are the best. In the interest of fairness, I won't include the DCAU movies, though I do recommend "Mask of the Phantasm".



1. Wonder Woman

I'm a relative newcomer to the Wonder Woman fandom. I only started reading the comics after hearing good buzz about Gail Simone's run (which I enjoyed and recommend). For all the talk about how Wonder Woman can't hold her own movie, this feature manages to counter that sentiment in spades.

The characters were fleshed out, the action scenes were spectacular, and it gave the character a chance to shine. The movie ended on an effective sequel hook, but sadly, it looks like it won't happen since the DVD was somewhat disappointing in terms of sales.

Even so, this was a good movie, and I still feel like it's the best that the company has put out thus far.




2. Green Lantern: First Flight

This movie chronicles Hal Jordan's first adventure as a Green Lantern. As his origin was already covered in depth in "New Frontier", the producers decided to have the "origin story" take place before the credits even rolled. This enabled them to move on and tell a full story. It's a tactic that worked both here and in the live action "Incredible Hulk" reboot, yet Hollywood doesn't seem to use the tactic enough, choosing instead to tell origin stories repeatedly.



3. All Star Superman

I had high hopes for this one as I was a big fan of the comic. Like with "New Frontier" a lot had to be cut out for time, but it was still a darn good movie.

As the comics were fairly self contained, the movie comes off as a bit episodic, but they managed to tie it together well enough that it didn't feel too jumpy.



4. Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths

While I enjoy the solo adventures in terms of superhero stories, I really like seeing them all come together to take on larger threats. This movie enables us to see all of our favorite DC heroes in action.

This was supposed to be a DCAU movie originally, but it got delayed and when it was released, they decided to tweak it so that it stood on its own. You can still clearly see the ties though, so you could call it DCAU "canon" if you wanted to.

The action was top notch and I really enjoyed James Woods' voice work as Owlman. He pretty much stole the show and made the villain one of the creepier ones in recent memory.




5. Justice League: New Frontier

I haven't read the comic yet, though I hear that quite a lot was cut. As far as comparisons go, I'm operating blind, but I did enjoy the movie. The animation, voice acting, and story were all well put together. It could have used a bit more Keith David, but hearing him voice the villain was still highly enjoyable.




Final thoughts

There are other movies set to be released over the course of the next couple of years. So, in time, this list could be rendered obsolete. As it stands now, however, this is how I would rank the top releases so far.

Top 5 Tricks to Successfully Pull Off an All Nighter

I don't know why, but all nighters seem to have a certain allure. Whether you want to go out and party or you just want to be uber-productive and work through the night, people seem to have romanticized the idea of staying up all night.

Now, as someone who has lived the nocturnal lifestyle, I can tell you that it isn't all its cracked up to be. Honestly, I much prefer sleeping regular hours on a regular basis and would highly suggest sticking with that.

However, if you are going to pull an all nighter, there are some things you can do to improve your odds of being successful as opposed to throwing in the towel and turning in at the halfway point.




1. Keep Food and Drink Handy

Since your body won't have the chance to recharge via sleep, you'll need to find other ways to refuel. Food and drinks will help with this. Now, a lot of people go the route of energy drinks or sodas and other sugary stuff. This will help keep you awake, but you also risk crashing.

Another problem is that if you frequently attempt this, your body will develop a tolerance for it. There were points where drinking a can of soda did nothing for me to the point where I was able to go to sleep mere minutes after finishing it.

You could use other beverages that don't rely on sugar and caffeine to help sustain yourself if need be.

Food is also important. You don't want anything too heavy, but junk food isn't always the best bet either. There's the obvious nutrition problem, but again, it doesn't guarantee you the energy you need to endure that long night.




2. Sit Up Straight

It sounds odd,but the last thing that you want to do is get comfortable. The instant you get comfortable, you find that your eyes will start to get heavy and it will only be a matter of time before you find yourself dozing off.

You will need to fight that urge because it will hit you hard and fast. Once it starts, it's hard to stop and even food or drink might not be enough to save you.

Try to avoid couches, recliners or beds. Sit in a desk chair, while you may still find your eyes getting heavy, sitting up in that position is not as conducive to sleep as others.



3. Move About Every Once in a While

You'll want to get up and go every so often. It will help keep your body active and it will give you a surge of energy as you become more mobile. Sometimes, just the simple act of getting up and stretching is enough to negate any fatigue you might have begun to feel.



4. Keep Yourself Busy

Watch movies or television, work, listen to music, find something to pass the time and keep your mind off the fact that you should be sleeping right about now. I would advise against reading. Normally, reading is an activity that should be encouraged, but in this instance, it can work against you.

You'll want to keep your mind focused on other things as this will give you something to concentrate on and keep you from wanting to turn in for the night.




5. Keep the Lights On

Darkness lends itself to sleep. Even if you are in a dark room with a computer or television on, it's easy to want to doze off. Keeping lights on will make it more difficult for you to transition. It can also grant you the illusion of "daytime" so that you can better trick your internal clock into avoiding its natural urge to go to sleep.


Final thoughts

So, there you have it. While I don't really recommend all nighters as they tend to do more harm than good, if you are so inclined to attempt one, these should help you plow through to make it to daylight.

Top 5 Games I Want to see Released on the Xbox 360

*Originally published on 3/22/12


I'm not much of a gamer, but I enjoy a good video game from time to time. Still, there are releases I hope to see sometime down the line. While these could be adapted to either the Wii or the PS3, I decided to focus on the 360 as that is the system I am most familiar with.



1. Megas XLR


This was an amazing show about a guy who piloted a giant robot via video game controllers. How was this not made into a game? Seeing as Coop, the main character, also used a car for the piloting mechanism, the game could also employ those driving controllers that they sell for racing games. It would add a level of interactivity to the game that you don't see all too often.

It might take some getting used to if you're trying to use both controllers to pilot by yourself, but I have a feeling gamers would get the hang of it. Either that or you could use that as a way to include multiplayer, having one person steer while the other person fights. It would force the two to work together to coordinate movements for the best attacks.

It would make for good times.




2. Avatar: The Last Airbender

 I don't own a Kinect, but it occurred to me that this is a game that seems ideally suited for that system. With all of the fluid motions needed for bending the elements, it really lends itself to a system that uses motion controls.




3. Steel Batallion

This was a game that was released on the original Xbox. I never got to play it myself, but I heard it was fun. It's another game where you pilot a mech, but the game comes with a giant control console table with various levers and pedals that you use to pilot said mech. I honestly think this was a stroke of genius, but the downside is that it had a price tag of about $200. I tried to talk my friends into buying it, saying we could all chip in, but they wouldn't listen to reason. It was unfortunate.

It would be awesome if they released it for the current gen consoles as you would get better graphics and you could improve on the original by making the controls more fluid and the mech itself more maneuverable.



4. Ghostbusters 2

I really enjoyed the recent Ghostbusters video game and would love to see a sequel. They could change things up by making it more of a "sandbox" style game, giving you smaller missions and letting you drive around in Ecto-1 to catch the random ghosts that pop up.

Considering how much potential the franchise has, it should not be too difficult coming up with another story to act as an overall arc.




5. Justice League Heroes 2

I think it's safe to say that the franchise is dead in the water, but it would still be cool. I'm just saying.

Top 5 Artists or Bands That I Want to See Perform at the Super Bowl

The Super Bowl is one of the biggest events of the year. It's a highlight for sports fans and advertisers pay big bucks in order to feature a spot during the game.

It's even become a tradition to have a large musical interlude at halftime to commemorate the occasion. I like the idea, but lately, the half time shows have been underwhelming.

After the "wardrobe malfunction", the NFL went out of its way to find older bands like The Who and The Rolling Stones. While the music itself is good, those guys are getting up there in age and putting on a live show takes a lot of energy.

The few current pop bands who have performed have generally ended up being duds. Try as they might, they can't seem to find a balance. As such, I thought I would throw out some ideas for artists who would put on an awesome live show and give viewers the halftime show that befits a major event like the Superbowl.




1. Metallica

I've never seen the band live, but I'm a huge fan. From the sound of it, they put on an awesome live show. Their music will also get people pumped up and energized, making for a more memorable concert experience.



2. Rush

Unlike Metallica, Rush is a band that I have had the pleasure of seeing live and it was one of the greatest experiences of my life. While they aren't spring chickens, they still know how to rock on stage. Everybody was pumped up, the music was great and it was an experience that I will remember for years to come.

By letting them perform at the half time show, fans all across the globe will be able to experience that same surge of energy. I would go so far as to say that it would go down as one of the best halftime shows in history, if not the best one overall.



3. Weird Al Yankovic

This seems like an odd pick, but I think it would work. His stuff is pretty innocuous so there isn't really any chance of a post-game controversy and he puts on a great live show. It would be something a bit different, but still very enjoyable.

Honestly, his Alpocalypse concert was an absolute blast to watch. I was giddy the whole time. He's a pretty big name so you would have that marquis element that they sometimes go for and he seems to have no trouble putting on elaborate performances complete with supplemental video material or lavish costumes.

If they are looking for something different, Weird Al delivers that and then some.



4. Nightwish

Much like Metallica, this is a band that I would love to see live. Their music is simply awesome. They can put elaborate stages and setups to good use and their music will keep the energy of the event going. It would be something to see.

While it would've been awesome to see the band perform while Tarja was still the lead singer, Anette would do just fine and the band is still more than capable of rocking everybody's socks.



5. Tom Waits

This is a bit of a departure from the more rock-oriented suggestions, but I'm a huge fan of Tom Waits and letting him perform at the Super Bowl would get a lot more people exposed to his music.

He may not put on a huge spectacle of a show like the other bands, but it would be highly enjoyable and his unique musical style will leave enough of an impression that it might make up for the lack of pomp and circumstance.



Final Thoughts


While musical tastes vary from person to person, I am convinced that each of these bands makes music that is high enough in quality, and has a wide enough fanbase that people will tune in. They all are capable of putting on a solid live show, which is a major plus when dealing with one of the largest venues out there.

The Top 5 Places I'd Like to Visit

I'm not much of a traveler. Back when I lived in Europe with my family, we visited a ton of places, but aside from trips home for the holidays (whether it be by flight or road trip), I haven't really gone out and visited places.

While this isn't a problem per se, there have been some places that I've been itching to visit recently. It probably won't happen for awhile, but it's something to shoot for at least.



1. The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado


This is the hotel that inspired the monstrous Overlook hotel from Stephen King's classic novel, "The Shining". It is the only real destination inside the US, but it is also the one I want to visit most.

I've been wanting to take a trip out there for years, but have never had the chance. I hear it's supposed to be haunted in real life, which just gives me more incentive to try to make the trip as I am fascinated by the paranormal.




2. Luxembourg

The idea of visiting this country struck me just recently. I was born there and lived there for a few years in my childhood. I thought it would be a cool idea to travel back out there to reclaim my birthright, as it were. I honestly don't remember a whole lot about it, so it would be kind of neat to revisit my homeland.




3. New Zealand

OK, it was the "Lord of the Rings" films that made me want to visit here, however, it was more the landscape itself than just the bragging rights about being the shooting location for a major film trilogy. It looks very scenic and it would be worth the high cost of travel to marvel at those landscapes.





4. Scotland


Much like New Zealand, this country makes the list based on sheer visual appeal. From what I've seen, it too has beautiful landscapes. Also, since I'm terrible at golf, I won't be tempted to make any sort of joke regarding the sport, so it's win win.




5. Australia


I jokingly say that the only reason I want to visit Australia is to see the toilets flush the other way, but there are plenty of reasons to visit (though yes, I would make a point to observe the reverse flow of the toilets because I'm odd like that).






So, there you have it, the 5 places I would love to visit. Unfortunately, international travel is expensive as all get out, so the odds of me managing all of this is slim, but it is something to consider when I do have the time and money to be able to travel again. It also gives me an incentive to work harder in order to make these trips happen, so if nothing else, they make pretty effective goals to shoot for.

My Top 5 Marvel Cinematic Universe Movies I'd Like to see get Made after 'The Avengers'

*Originally published on 3/3/12


Introduction


Since 2008, Marvel Studios has been building up a cohesive universe with it's recent batch of superhero films. From the two Iron Man movies, to The Incredible Hulk, to Thor, and most recently, to Captain America, seeds have been planted that show that all of these movies are taking place in the same continuity.

From the beginning, it was planned to cap it all off with an Avengers movie where all of the heroes teamed up to fight off a major threat. That movie is set to hit theaters this May.

Fortunately, this won't mark the end of the Marvel Cinematic Universe as another Iron Man sequel is planned as well as sequels to Thor and Captain America.

While it hasn't been announced yet, I wouldn't be surprised to hear that a sequel to The Avengers would be coming later on down the line.

This is all well and good, but I can't help but feel like there are other movies and franchises that can be incorporated into this growing universe. I'm more of a DC guy, but I still have some ideas for movies that would work out rather well.




1. The Incredible Hulk 2


Every other hero is getting a sequel. I think it's only fair that Hulk gets one too. The recent movie was good and did so much right. More than that, it had an awesome sequel hook, setting up the creation of major Marvel baddie, The Leader.

Some say that he might show up in an Avengers sequel, but that's not a guarantee, and I would hate to see such a loose end left wide open.

While I'm guessing that Ed Norton wouldn't be returning to the role, it would give new Hulk, Mark Ruffalo a chance to cement his status as the new Bruce Banner by working with the cast and characters introduced in the 2008 film.




2. Doctor Strange

I recall hearing a while back that there were loose talks about bringing Doctor Strange, Marvel's sorcerer supreme, into the ongoing filmverse. As this is one of the few Marvel characters I check in on from time to time, I'm all for the idea.

More than that, there was talk that the script would be written by Neil Gaiman and directed by Guillermo Del Toro. Honestly, you could not come up with a more perfect pairing for this movie.

Between the two of them, the end result is guaranteed to be a feast for the eyes. It will certainly deliver something unlike any of the movies seen before it.

The one downside is that it would have to incorporate magic and even Thor sort of hinted at the idea that there is no magic, just really advanced science, but I'm sure that they could work something out.




3. Black Panther


I know very little about this character to be quite honest. From what I've read, he's a bit of a Marty Stu and the BET animated series was, quite frankly, not very good.

Still, I feel like there's potential for the character. As long as the writers handle him well and don't go overboard, he should make an interesting addition. He does have a unique backstory and he would add a bit of flavor to the hero roster.




4. Namor

At first glance, you'd think that this guy was just Marvel's even lamer iteration of Aquaman. While I haven't read any of the comics, I've heard from a variety of sources that Namor is one bad dude and many fans actually hold him in high regard.




5. She-Hulk


I considered using Ms. Marvel (and quite frankly, I wouldn't mind seeing a movie made about her either) but I decided to go with She-Hulk. With Hulk already established, one doesn't need to go too far into her origin story, allowing more time to tell a story.

She Hulk is also one of the more light, fun oriented characters out there. Considering that seems to be the tone that Marvel is going for with these movies (in contrast to DC's attempt to make everything gritty and realistic), I think that she would fit in quite well.





Final thoughts


As said before, I'm a DC guy, but I still see a boatload of potential with this cohesive universe. Sadly, a lot of other Marvel characters are owned by other studios, meaning that they can't get incorporated, but Marvel still has a bevy of characters in their respective sandbox to play with. Let's hope that they get the chance to use them at some point down the line.