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Thursday, May 24, 2012

Skottie Young "Evil Cabbie" Illustration

I really dig Skottie Young's work. Here he is doing a digital illustration of an evil cabbie. I encourage all of you guys to check his stuff out. skottieyoung.com

: Justin

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Milla Jovovich's New Single "Electric Sky'

Everyone know I love her, so of course I'm going to blog about the NEW SINGLE by Milla called Electric Sky. Milla had tweeted months ago that she was wanting to get back into music and several weeks ago she tweeted that she was working on a new single.

Well here it is! Electric Sky was released on May 18, 2012. It makes me so happy!!!


You can download the single on Amazon via this link.

Fanboy,
~Matt

Episode 59 - Exercise In Whatever


The cast of Beaucoup Pop is back, bringing you everything you need to know about whats going on in the pop culture world...and maybe some things that you didn't need to know, BUT WE GIVE IT TO YOU ANYWAY!!!

What the fuck is up POPPERS?! This weeks episode is a bit of a hodgepodge! The crew is still up to their normal silliness as they discuss everything from recent movies they've enjoyed to body odor control...you see, totally normal!

And don't forget FORGE Con this weekend! And remember to email us your audio comments to beaucoupop(at)gmail(dot)com!!

FORGE CON THIS WEEKEND!

Just a reminder that the FORGE Gaming Convention is this weekend! The first round of events kicks off at noon on Friday, May 25th (also known as Geek Pride Day, Towel Day, and the release date for Return of the Jedi).  Registration will open Friday at 10:00 am. 

If you haven't preregistered, do it now by clicking here.  You may have missed out on the free t-shirt but there are tons of other freebies that come with the badge (10% off at many of the vendors, over $30.00 retail value in free downloadable books, and much more). You can always purchase your badge onsite, but why not avoid the lines? 

Event registration can only be done onsite, so take a look at the catalog and start planning your days.

Pop Culture Punching Bag: Tradio #43 - Princeless: Save Yourself

Pop Culture Punching Bag: Tradio #43 - Princeless: Save Yourself: This week we have some indie love coming at you here at Tradio...Eisner nominated indie love at that.  This week I give my thoughts on Princ...

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

What I'm Reading - The Dresden Files

I've always been a major bookworm.  When I was in high school, I didn't go a single day without carrying around a book that was not for class, but for recreation.  I will admit, as I've grown older and become a much more avid gamer and a slave to what I call "my job", I've gotten out of the habit of constantly having something to read.  But it's something I have decided to remedy, and I hope to tell you all fine people about what I'm reading once a month or so!  So we're going to kick this gravy train off with a book series called The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher.

Monday, May 21, 2012

Beaucoup Pop Banner has arrived!

Thanks to everyone who contributed to our Lexington Comic and Toy Convention raffle, we were able to buy a Beaucoup Pop banner for all our future conventions! BCP's Justin Stewart designed that layout, which is great!

6' x 3' Banner

What do you think?

~Matt

So Long Seckman's Selections

Yes that's right...this week (well, I guess as of last week) I say goodbye to my weekly Seckman's Selections new realeases blog. This is not to say that it won't ever return, but for now, it needs to go bye-bye.

For those who love new-releases as much as I do, fear not...the internet is full of website dedicated to what's new and upcoming (Amazon, NPR, retailer ads, dvdsreleasedates.com, etc), you'll just have to do a little research on you're own. If you want my opinion on something that's come out, shoot BCP an email, or post on the group page, and if I (or anyone else) has an opinion, I'll be sure to give it. :)

Keep you're eyes open and your ear to the group 'cause there's a lot of exciting things coming out this year.

Happy spending!
~Matt

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Episode 58 - Get Your Game On


The cast of Beaucoup Pop is back, bringing you everything you need to know about whats going on in the pop culture world...and maybe some things that you didn't need to know, BUT WE GIVE IT TO YOU ANYWAY!!!



Get your d12 gamers because this weeks episode is the sure fire way to get you ramped up to play. The crew welcomes one of the men behind the FORGE Gaming & Comics Convention set to be held on our home turf, Lexington Kentucky (May 25-27 2012).  Brad Sayles gives us the skinny on what to expect from this years show. They have everything...Magic The Gathering and Settlers of Catan tournaments, costume contests, vender floor and artist alley (open to the general public), TONS of prizes and lots of free shit! This is NOT to be missed!!

We also get our crazy on with another instalment of ‘Amateurpiece Theater,’ this time featuring those lovely Watchguys!

Friday, May 11, 2012

New Releases for 05/08/12

SECKMANS SELECTIONS

Underworld, Keane and the first couple of New 52 trades. Other than that...not much. Here's a look at some of the things coming out the week of May 08, 2012.


DC's Unveils Earth-2


Anyone familiar with DC Comics knows how much the publisher loves its multiverse. It has permeated DC's continuity for over 25 years. The concept is such an important piece of DC lore it's almost impossible to understand and discuss their stories without making reference to it. The multiverse exists to afford writers and artists the freedom to take characters in new and exciting directions without having to worry about "continuity" (not that publishers worry about it much anyway.)

The Flash #123 (1961)
First introduced in 1961 in The Flash #123, DC told readers that there were two parallel earths, referred to as Earth-1 and Earth-2. Pretty clever, huh? Earth-1 was populated by the current roster of Silver Age heroes whereas Earth-2 was where you'd find their Golden Age predecessors. When the Silver Age began, new versions of old character, like the Flash and Green Lantern, were introduced. But fans of the Golden Age characters need not worry. Those old heroes and their adventures still existed, but they really happened on another earth. Get it? Characters were able to jump between universes, leading to some well-known and much beloved crossovers. But two earths wasn't good enough, and in time the multiverse blossomed out of control, leading to dozens of alternate realities.

Utilized heavily for over 40 years, it appeared as though DC was ready to officially shelve the multiverse when they launched their "New 52" initiative. The relaunch was designed to simplify DC's history once and for all, making the books more accessible to the elusive "new reader." Then a few months ago DC cancelled a handful of their relaunched titles and announced a second wave of six new releases in their place. One title in particular really caught my eye. It was Earth-2 written by James Robinson and drawn by Nicola Scott.


Thursday, May 10, 2012

Artist of the Month - Colleen Doran

May's Artist of the Month
COLLEEN DORAN!

This month's featured arist is Gone to Amerikay's Colleen Doran! I recently came across Colleen's name when I picked up a copy of GtA. Her artwork in GtA is wonderfully complex and fluid. The thing I was dawn to the most, was her ability to convey a wide scale of emotions on people's faces. Even faces from a distance, have little nuances to them that are so expressive!

For our podcast interview with Colleen, check out Episode 61 - Gone To Gallifrey!

Ghost story or detective fiction? History or
mythology? Drawing on the freewheeling spirit
of Irish and Irish-American popular culture,
Gone To aMerIKaY is all of these. A tale that
takes place simultaneously in 1870, 1960 and 2010,
it recognizes that though enormous changes have
taken place over time in the relationship between
the New World and the Old Country, some things,
like love, justice and respect, are timeless and
imperative. With thrilling illustrations, rich with
the color and mood of these passions, you will find
yourself unable to avoid lingering at length on them
before picking up the story again.
— Philip Chevron
The Pogues

From her bio on www.ColleenDoran.com, Colleen has published works with about every publisher you can think of, The Walt Disney Company, Marvel Entertainment, DC Comics, Image Comics, Lucasfilm, Dark Horse Comics, Harper Collins, Houghton Mifflin, Sony, Scholastic...the list goes on.

 Her credits include Amazing Spiderman, Sandman, Captain America, Wonder Woman, The Legion of Superheroes, The Teen Titans, Walt Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Anne Rice’s The Master of Rampling Gate, Clive Barker’s Hellraiser, Clive Barker’s Nightbreed, A Distant Soil, The Silver Surfer, Lucifer, and many others.

 As a cartoonist, illustrator and film conceptual artist, she has illustrated the works of Neil Gaiman, Clive Barker, Warren Ellis, Anne Rice and J Michael Straczynski.



Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Episode 57 - Geeks Assemble!!!


The cast of Beaucoup Pop is back, bringing you everything you need to know about whats going on in the pop culture world...and maybe some things that you didn't need to know, BUT WE GIVE IT TO YOU ANYWAY!!!
We've got a slew of things to discuss on today's show Poppers!!! We go from Free Comic Book Day madness to how much The Avengers blew our minds to discussing just how much Adam Yauch effected our lives. Buckle up people...it's one hell of an episode.


Settlers of Catan World Championship Qualifier at FORGE Con!!

Settlers of Catan World Championship Qualifier.
Sunday May 27th at 2:00pm.
$10.00 to enter.

Each player will get a participation prize courtesy of Mayfair games!

The Winner will get $100.00 CASH (for gas)! a 4 day badge to Gen Con! and a seat in the World Championship Tournament. and of course ...

The KING of the CON Playmat will be a truly special prize for those winning one. It is bragging rights for a whole year. It will give you a most excellent amount of XP to help in your chances at the end of con Forge War. It will also give you a FREE 3 day special CHAMPIONS badge to next years Forge Con and FREE entry into one event of your choosing. We know that in Catan you don't use a playmat but it would look great in a frame on your wall. :o)

Forge Bonus XP will be awarded for participating and more to the top 16 finishers. The more XP you earn the better chance at winning the Forge War end of con event, awesome prizes, and (most importantly) the envy of your gaming peers.

The FORGE gaming convention will be held May 25-27, 2012, in Lexington, KY. Please visit www.forgecon.com to see all of the Amazing details about this great gaming experience. At Forge... You are the Character, Gain XP and Level Up! The more XP you earn the better c...hance at winning the Forge War end of con event, awesome prizes, and (most importantly) the envy of your gaming peers

Monday, May 7, 2012

FORGE Gaming & Comics Convention

For all you Board Game and Comic fans out there, this a reminder that the 3 DAY FORGE Gaming & Comics convention is coming to LEXINGTON, May 25-27!!! Forge is a new gaming and comics convention in Lexington, KY. This is their first year hosting. Check 'em out on Facebook and hope over to www.forgecon.com and begin Leveling for the Con!

Beaucoup Pop will have a table there, so come see us...and you might just be able to get a copy of the unreleased Episode 48!!! We'll also have a small Raffle with some Gaming prizes, to help us make more promotional items for BCP!

FORGE is also having an ongoing 'Share and Win' contest until May 21. There is no limit to the # of entries so keep sharing and liking FORGE related events, invite all your friends to the FORGE Gaming Convention and you could win! First place in the Share and Win contest gets two 3-day badges, $50.00 and a t-shirt. Second place gets two 3-day passes! If they hit certain benchmarks they will unlock more levels and prizes to give away! So what are you waiting for? Like 'em on Facebook, click "going" on the FORGE event and invite your friends to FORGE, May 25-27!

Inspired Music

I've been noticing a trend in the past few years when it comes to movie soundtracks. There's a score, which is just the orchestral music, or electronic in the case of Tron, Hanna, Social Network, etc. and then it seems mandatory now to have an soundtrack compilation of "Music Inspired by ____________" which never appear in the movie itself. If they do, it's maybe 1 or 2 of the 15 songs on such a CD.

Some recent examples include "Avengers Assemble" where only the Soundgarden song was in the movie, and that was the ending credits song, "Songs From District 12 and Beyond" from the Hunger Games, and "Almost Alice" from Tim Burton's Alice In Wonderland. I don't know about you, but I don't usually buy these compilations.

I notice a great score, and also a great soundtrack as much as the next person. Soundtracks have completely shaped the way I think of certain movies. What would Blade Runner be without that Vangelis score? Star Wars without that John Williams score?

Trainspotting, Pulp Fiction, O Brother Where Art Thou, Party Monster, Basquiat, Natural Born Killers, any Wes Anderson Movie or any John Hughes movie- these are some of my favorite "compilation" soundtracks. The songs that appeared in those movies completed the scenes they were used in, and I will forever link those songs with those movies.

It just feels somehow a little cheap to me to see songs "Inspired by" a movie that aren't part OF the movie. It just comes across to me as another movie tie-in product to have on the shelves. I get the same "eye-roll" reaction when I see a book that's been turned into a movie and suddenly the (possibly great) book jacket has been replaced with a picture of Brad Pitt or whoever. Is that necessary?

Iconic soundtracks are iconic for a reason. I don't know how many people would care about songs "inspired by" Saturday Night Fever like they did that incredible soundtrack.

That's my 2 cents as both a music and movie lover that appreciates the magic of the stars aligning to make a great movie have a great soundtrack.

Becky

Friday, May 4, 2012

Mass Effect - A World Beyond

I pride myself in being quite the avid gamer.  My first gaming system was the Super Nintendo, and as a little girl I would sit in front of the TV playing games like Tetris, Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, Super Mario World, and Final Fantasy Mystic Quest.  These stories, these adventures, were some of my first loves. As I got older, my library expanded.  I tried other games, other genres, and continued to find stories that sucked me in and had me fall in love with their characters.

A few years ago, if you and I were to sit down and chat about our favorite games and gaming companies, my answer would be along these lines: Square Enix and Final Fantasy.  Capcom and Resident Evil.  Final Fantasy VII was specifically what opened me up to a world beyond my Super Nintendo and GameBoy color, showing me more and more brilliance in the world of gaming.  I was a die hard Square girl.  And I still am, don't get me wrong.  But in late 2008, everything changed.


My husband, who back then was just my boyfriend, and a mutual friend of ours, were all hanging out one evening, when they put in a game called Mass Effect by Bioware.  I'd seen the company's name before from my past playings of Jade Empire and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic.  I enjoyed both, so I was no stranger to Bioware.  I was, however, unprepared for the way this game series would end up effecting me.  Call me over dramatic or theatrical, but for you Poppers out there who have played these games, you understand why I talk this way.  Bioware didn't just create a story.  They created a universe, a world beyond our own, with characters the fanbase could not help but fall in love with so deeply that they cared for them, regardless that they were nothing more than fictional.


A quick summary for those who are unfamiliar with the title.  The game focuses on the protagonist, Commander Shepard, and his/her quest to stop the rogue 'Spectre' (an elite group of agents selected from a number of different species entrusted with extraordinary authority, including the power of life or death over the inhabitants of the galaxy, in order to preserve galactic stability by whatever means necessary) Saren Arterius.  During the pursuit of Saren, Shepard learns of a far greater threat looming in the background.  This threat continues in different forms that span across all 3 games.  The games rely heavily on the choices you make, changing the outcome in different ways - an amazing aspect for replay value.  You can choose to make choices of a Paragon or Renegade nature, or a mixture of both.  You establish close relationships with your crew, some going even further into the form of a love interest.  These relationships were staggering, and I very quickly came to care for the characters just as much as my Shepard did.

Here she is.  My Shepard.  Spacer, War Hero, Inflitrator.
Mass Effect was a phenomenal game. Mass Effect 2 was even better.  They kept what we loved about the first one, and tweaked a few things that got on our nerves, improving the entire experience ten fold.  The characters we loved were back, and more were added to the docket to keep the list of adoration growing.  New romance options opened up, two of them quickly becoming the more popular options among fans, and the emotional attachment continued to deepen.  The story of your Shepard continued.  Bioware continued to blow me away with the amazing stories and options, and I fell deeper into this universe.

Mass Effect 3 was finally released a few months ago, in the beginning of March.  Take Earth back was the slogan.  The largest of wars was finally going to take place.  This game tapped on my shoulder from behind and really made me realize how much I cared for the characters I'd been interacting with for the past 4 years.  I've never been so invested in a series as I have been with Mass Effect.  The finale of the series made me cry harder than any game ever has made me cry.

Now that I have beaten Mass Effect 3, it allows me to sit back and really take everything in.  And here's my what my instinct tells me.  This series is one of the best I've ever played, and no one writes characters and relationships that mean so much to me as Bioware has.  This game has also infamously made its' way across the internet as having one of the shittiest endings in a long time.  Avoiding spoilers, here is my take (as unpopular as I have found it to be).  The ending did not bother me.  The way they went about it did not piss me off.  I do have many unanswered questions, but I have faith that Bioware will answer them with DLC.  So I remain patient.

What I found most interesting was the way my feelings and reactions changed from seeing my husband beat the game, to when I beat the game.  When he beat it, I felt rather indifferent.  I sat there, let it sink in, and found myself saying "Okay.", and went on my way.  When I beat it, though... I cried hard.  I surprised myself by how upset I was.  And I realized why.  I was watching the end of my Shepard's story.  Kerry Shepard, we had been through so much together, and here it was coming to close.  And even now, as I sit here typing this, I miss her so much.  Yeah, I know, I can go back and play through again.  This isn't the end of ends.  But it ended.  And that hit hard.
(and I realize how big of a nerd I am saying stuff like this)

Say what you will, but people cannot deny what a phenomenal job Bioware did with this universe.  Even those who HATED the end of Mass Effect 3 can't ignore that they had one of the best journeys of their lives.  And to those who have yet to pick the series up, please do so.  I swear that you will have the time of your life.

Come now, I couldn't go the whole post without a picture of my favorite pairing in the entire universe!
Garrus and Shepard forever <3


Thank you Poppers for allowing me to indulge myself a little bit.  Let me know how you guys feel about the series!  Do you adore it as much as I do?  Or do you think I sound ridiculous caring about a fictional universe this much?  But that's the effect this universe has had on its fanbase over the years, and I've loved every minute of it.

Kerry

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Board Game Spotlight: Runebound

Runebound is one of my top favorite board games. It contains elements of adventure, questing, role play and story telling. It's a great game to play with 3 other friends, but can be played with up to 6 players. This game can be a bit time consuming (on the box it says 2-3 hours...but that is a VERY conservative guess) but it's well worth it! If you trying out this game for the first time, or playing with new people, I would recommend keeping the group small (about 3 players). The game also features solo play, which takes about 2 hours...and then I would add an additional hour per player you add (depending on how familiar each player is with the game).

In my opinion, this game plays out like an epic fantasy novel. You, a lone adventurer, travel throughout the world of Terrinoth fighting monsters, collecting gold, visiting town to shop, heal and hire allies, and duel other players you meet along the way. Each person is creating their own story and their own path towards the adventures ultimate goal (determined by the scenario you are playing), while plot points are revealed that push the game forward and affect all the heroes traveling the land!

Their is initially only 1 major quest that comes with the base game, but new quest adventures can be purchased through Adventure Packs (that use the base game board) or you can purchase big box expansions that come with new heroes, new territory boards (desert, islands/ocean, the artic, etc.) and new adventures!

 The upcoming Essential Collection box contains six previously released expansions for Runebound, consisting of Adventure variants, Challenge cards, Items, and Allies,  now available in one convenient and specially priced package!
I highly recommend this game for anyone who loves fantasy! The world of Terrinoth begins here and is used in several other game produced by Fantasy Flight Games. So, if you have a favorite character (and there are a LOT to choose from), you'll see them again in other games like RuneWars, Descent and DungeonQuest! I've inlcuded the description from Fantasy Flights website, which provides a great overview of the game!

Enjoy!!








Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Episode 56 - Convention Highs and Woes


The cast of Beaucoup Pop is back, bringing you everything you need to know about whats going on in the pop culture world...and maybe some things that you didn't need to know, BUT WE GIVE IT TO YOU ANYWAY!!!

We’re officially back Poppers!!!  How we survived two weeks without you, we'll never know. Boy do we have a lot to talk about.  Not only did we attend the third annual C2E2 in the windy city of Chicago, but we also made an appearance at S.P.A.C.E. Con!  Head on over to www.beaucouppop.tumblr.com to view pic, vids and some audio from C2E2 and SPACE. More on the way!!
That’s not all! This week we interview the awesome Mr. Jeremy Whitley,  writer of the Eisner nominated comic book series Princeless!!  He gives us some back story on how the ever growing popular book came to be, and what’s in store for the brave Princess Adrienne. Check out issue #1 for free below!


Tuesday, May 1, 2012

New Releases for 05/01/12

SECKMANS SELECTIONS

This is the week of MUSIC, let me tell you! So many great albums coming out this week. You could easily spend $100 @_@! Movie...meh...there's a cool box set of Tim Burton movies and a Fassy film, but that's about it, IMO. And nothing in video games. So, here's a look at some of the things coming out the week of May 01, 2012!
MOVIES

The Tim Burton Collection With Book (Amazon.com Exclusive) [Blu-ray]

Holy crap! How cool is this little boxset! And luckily I don't have ANY of these on Blu-Ray!! True, it's not all of his movies, and some really good ones are missing, but that's becuase this was released by Warner Bros. and these are all his WB films.
The 7 films included are:
Pee Wee’s Big Adventure
Beetlejuice
Batman
Batman Returns
Mars Attacks!
Corpse Bride
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Hello Poppers!