Take-Two Has Acquired Mobile Game Developer Zynga and I Have Questions

 

In news that will likely have large ramifications down the road, big ol' game company Take-Two has acquired the mobile game company Zynga. The deal is for 12.7 billion and is the biggest acquisition in video-game history. Take-Two is known for publishing everything from Grand Theft Auto games, to sports titles, "Borderlands," the upcoming, "Marvel's Midnight Suns," and more. Zynga is famous for the once hugely popular, "Farmville," as well as other titles and gambling games that they run outside the United States and which have made them a chunk of money in nations that allow those titles. I have some questions:

• Does this show Take-Two has plans to expand into mobile gaming having mostly been involved in PC and console titles?
• Will we see more attempts to sync-up console/PC games with mobile apps as was attempted before and kind of failed but could be worth another shot?
• Will there be mobile spin-offs of popular games from Take-Two on phones now, like an iPhone/Andriod-exclusive, "Grand Theft Auto," title?

My guess for those three, in order, is: 100% yes, maybe, and who knows? Clearly, big PC and console gaming companies have ideas for mobile gaming, something that seems to wax and wane as a trend (mobile gamers often seem to be their own kind of gamer compared to consoles and PCs, but there is a degree of crossover). Right now money is merely exchanging hands, but before long I'm sure big moves will be made. Down the road, this could be looked at as something major that marked the beginning of a seismic shift in mobile gaming. That, or it could all fall flat on its face and seem like a huge waste of billions. The fun part is waiting and seeing!

ToyMan's Debut Show of 2022 Was a Delight

I was able to briefly swing by ToyMan early in the show today and enjoyed seeing a lot of great vendors and creators. It was a superb event--as always--and I picked up some snazzy comics. There is a lot more than comics as you all know (toys, Funko, video-games, records, Lego, etc.) so if you come to a show you're bound to find something in your niche. As for what I did, I kicked off the show chatting with Spike of Lost in Space Toys and Collectibles before saying hello to my friend Tim Metzger--he had a bunch of cool comics, DVDs, and more. I chatted with John Chaffe from Bigfoot Comics and Collectibles, as he's always lovely to interact with. I cut a deal with Vince from VK Toys and had the pleasure of acquiring a, "Thunderbolts," comic from a past run I enjoyed, a polybagged, "X-Force," #1 and a sixth issue of, "Captain America," which is the first full appearance of Bucky as the Winter Soldier. Here's a pic:

Upstairs I saw my two friends Jessica Mathews and Jennifer Stolzer selling their awesome books and other snazzy wares. I also chatted with the folks behind Heroes for Kids of Perryville, Missouri about all the great work their nonprofit continues to do. I continued browsing around and also ran into my friend Eric of PJ Comics and Collectibles for whom this was his first ToyMan as a vendor! He had some awesome comics I acquired via some trading that you can see here:

The ToyMan show today was a hoot. I saw so many awesome vendors and friends, enjoyed checking out all the goodies, and got some awesome comics for myself. There is always just so much at ToyMan to see and I'd encourage you to go to the next show on March 13th to observe all the awesome stuff for yourself!

"The Thing on the Doorstep Part One," Advance Review

I have enjoyed a number of titles from Blue Fox Publishing so when they asked me if I'd be interested in reviewing, "The Thing on the Doorstep Part One," I eagerly accepted the opportunity to post my thoughts. Having now read this first issue, I can say I quite enjoyed it and am intrigued to see what happens next.

The comic opens in the, "Present," as it were of 1933 with Daniel Upton shooting his (clearly former) friend, Edward Derby, who is currently in a mental institution. From there we jump back to the true start of the story as two adolescents become big friends even as one (Derby) seems to become increasingly off and fall in with a crowd interested in seemingly dangerous magical-type arts. A slow sense of horror creeps in throughout the comic with little moments of terrifying imagery keeping us readers on our toes and delightfully ill-at-ease. Simon Briks writes the tale and Willi Roberts does a fantastic job at illustrating it with Rob Jones lettering. They all make a fantastic team.

I found myself enjoying, "The Thing on the Doorstep Part One," very much and was drawn into its eerie World by the superb writing and art. I would recommend checking it out as the Kickstarter for it actually just started a smidgen ago and is already fully funded. You can add your support and get a copy to enjoy by following this link!

5 out of 5 stars.

Don't Forget the ToyMan Show Coming Up This Sunday

I just wanted to remind everyone that the next Toyman show is this Sunday, January 9th. I have friends who say they always love reading my articles about the show but forget to attend it when it is actually about to happen. Therefore, this is me telling you to make a note and be sure to attend! It will run from 9:00 AM-3:00 PM with the early bird entry at 8:00 AM. 

As always, the location is the Machinist Hall found at 12365 Saint Charles Rock Road, Bridgeton, MO, 63044. It is sure to be a fun show and I'm pleased to read they will be requiring masks be worn this time and (as always) they will have ample hand sanitizer and masks available for free to give to folks. See you there Sunday!

January 6th of a Year Ago

A year ago today I made a post that simply asked, "America, What the Hell?" I, of course, wasn't referring to all of America, but a certain demographic that refused to accept reality. I was talking about the people who were so blind to the truth that Trump lost the 2020 election they literally attempted a coup with the insurrection at our Nation's capital, the Capitol (I know, the spelling gets confusing depending on how you're saying it). A lot has been written about this awful day a year ago by myself and plenty of others. What astounds me--even though I shouldn't be surprised by anything at this point--is how many people try to act like what happened on January 6th, 2021 was not a big deal. 

I see some individuals and media outlets attempting to claim a violent riot of treasonous fools did not happen--it was just some rowdy tourists or some equally bewildering absurd statements. I guess conservatives are embarrassed that their actual end goal happened in the same way Dr. Frankenstein kinda regretted what he did when his monster started murdering folks (although in the monster's defense it was not trying to hurt people, the MAGA-morons at the Capitol were clearly intentionally violent).

This day last year something terrible happened and trying to pretend an insurrection was no big deal because the people who did share some of your political beliefs is atrocious. I'm not a fan of people like Liz Cheney, but to her credit, she's called bullshit on many other members of her party who like to rewrite history as if they weren't barricading doorways and running in fear for their lives a year ago as the crowd threatened them and chanted such delightful phrases as, "Hang Mike Pence." A year ago today should be remembered as something infamous, terrible, and embarrassing. Let's not pretend otherwise.

Hot Comics Revue 12--Wait, I Haven't Done One of These Since 2020?

 It's Been a Bit

I know, I know, I haven't really talked about the comics that are hot for a while, at least not in this format of, "The Hot Comics Revue." Let's rectify that by talking about a comic that is warming up, one that is red hot, and a comic with some steamy potential.

A Comic That is Warming Up

Remember how for years, "Sleepwalker," was basically a joke? He was a character with potential who had a so-so initial series, popped up in other comics, but nobody really cared. Folk's would crack wise about how if all these random comics are getting popular for all we know Darkhawk and Sleepwalker comics would become popular commodities. Well, thanks to more and more rumors he'll appear in some fashion in the upcoming, "Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness," movie or even have his own property, "Sleepwalker," #1 is getting a little heat. A dollar bin book now easily goes for $20 or so and seems to keep increasing in popularity.

A Red Hot Comic

More marvel and be aware of a spoiler alert before you read on for the finale episode of, "Hakweye," and hte recent Spider-Man movie. Basically, the Kingpin appears, the very same one from the, "Daredevil," Netflix show played by Vincent D'Onofrio. It was thought that the Netflix shows had no direct tie to the MCU but his appearance and (here's another spoiler) good ol' Matt Murdock (AKA Daredevil) recently appearing in Spidey's newest flick blew all that we thought we knew about MCU continuity out of the water. Hence, the first appearance of the Kingpin has become a blazing-hot book. He makes his debut in, "Amazing Spider-Man #50," of the first volume of the series. One can theorize even if he seemingly was killed in, "Hawkeye," that's not the last we'll be seeing of the Kingpin and if he's back sooner than later this book can only get more popular.

A Comic With Steamy Potential

Yes, it is another Marvel comic (don't blame me DC spec is so cold lately). Anyways, "All-New Ghost Rider #1," keeps popping up every now and then. We saw this iteration of the Robbie Reye's Ghost Rider on that, "Agents of SHIELD," show and whether those shows, "Count," in the regular Marvel Cinematic Universe's continuity is an ongoing debate--clearly, the Netflix shows are a part to some degree with the aforementioned Kingping appearance. There continues to be scuttlebutt that something new with Ghost Rider is in the works at Marvel, but whether it is Robbie Reyes, Johnny Blaze, or even Danny Ketch is one big question mark. Depending on whom you ask perhaps Robbie Reyes will be Ghost Rider in some fashion, or maybe Norman Reedus, who knows? Depending on what happens though, this smoldering potential could ignite.

"Morbius," Has Been Delayed Yet Again

Sympathy is due for, "Morbius," which has been delayed yet again from a release date later this month of January to--I'm not kidding--April 1st 2022. It'll be more than two years late by the time it theoretically hits theaters with the latest delay being attributed to concerns about the Omicron variant of COVID-19 (which is admittedly spreading at an alarming rate). The most recent trailer in November of 2021 looked promising and now we have another three months (maybe more) to mull over if, "Moribus," will be worth this extended wait to some degree. At least Sony and Marvel/Disney got to enjoy a surplus of funds from the most recent, "Spider-Man," movie before this latest pandemic surge, eh?

Wordle is a Fun Internet Game That's Getting Quite Popular

Wordle is a free game on the internet and it is getting to be quite a hit. Every day there is a puzzle and everyone gets the same puzzle. A five-letter word is presented and you have to solve it within six tries. If your letter is correct but in the wrong place you'll be told as well as if it is correct and in the right location. It's a fun little game and it is enjoyable to compare yourself to others posting how they did. It is free and you don't download anything, you just go to the website. Wordle is good fun and I'd recommend giving it a try!

I'm Looking Forward to Missouricon on February 12th of 2022!

Now that we are in a New Year there are some upcoming comic conventions I am eager to attend! One that will be occurring this February is Missouricon! On Saturday, February 12th from 10:00 AM-5:00 PM it will be held at the Holiday Inn, Downtown. There will be comic-books, toys, video-games, wrestling items, cosplay, and some cool guests such as Sam De La Rosa, Brett Breeding, and Paris Cullins (all great comic creators). I look forward to attending in a little over a month and will be sure to remind everyone as it nears--plus I'll be sure to write about it after I attend!

Happy New Year 2022/Links to all my 2021 in Review Posts

Well, it's 2022. Let's try and make this a good year! I have my 2021 in Review posts below in alphabetical order for you all to enjoy:

Album of the Year: An Evening With Silk Sonic

Comics of the Year Part 1

Comics of the Year Part 2

Embarrassment of the Year: The Response of Many to COVID-19

Food Item of the Year: Iced Coffee From Panera, Specifically

Movie of the Year: Flicks I Could Stream From Home Instead of Having to Go to the Theater

Song of the Year: Justified

Student of the Year: Clarkson

Television Show of the Year: Anything That Served as Good Mental Junk Food

Video-Game of the Year: Fall Guys and Its More Recent Seasons

I hope we all have a wonderful 2022!