Android Game Review - Arena Stars: Battle Heroes

Game Name - Arena Stars: Battle Heroes
Publisher & Developer - Tiny Titan Studios
Platform - PC (Steam), Android, iOS
Genre - Action, MOBA, Multiplayer

Arena Stars tries to be many things, creating a mashup of some popular genres and promising not to take too much time out of its player base as well. While it performs successfully in many regards based on said promises there are some drawbacks holding the game back. But it is a game to be experienced if you have a few minutes in your hand.

Weekend Shorts - 'Blue Morphos in the Garden' by Lis Mitchell

Name - Blue Morphos in the Garden
Written by - Lis Mitchell
Ilustrated by - Mary Haasdyk
Edited by - Cory Skerry
Published by - Tor.com 

This short story had a rather promising beginning, but eventually the story did turn out a bit underwhelming. The concept was interesting, giving the normal experience of facing death a fantasy twist. The author also tried to blend in the woman's perspective of the turmoil of joining a new family into her version of altered reality.

'Blue Morphos in the Garden' tells the story of Viv, whose partner's family has a mysterious way of death surrounding them. With the protagonist we get to experience one such death and get to understand why our main character refuses to accept such a fate.

Viv was a strong and well visualized character and her views regarding everything is quite easily understandable. Lily was enjoyable like a breath of fresh air. Janet had that air of sophisticated antagonist going for her. But I rather found the character of Dash to be bland, uninspired and one dimensional. It is really quite hard to see why Viv fell in love with him in the first place.

I really need to mention the drawing by Mary Haasdyk which gives the story a strong bit of flavor.

All in all an enjoyable yet underwhelming read and an unsatisfying finish.

3 out of 5 stars.  

[ A new project, this 'Weekend Shorts'. In which, I will try to review at least one short story over each weekend. The story may be old or new, both award winning stuff or something that fancies me to try it out. ]

Comics This Week - MAY 29, 2019

Finally, I'll start the post that I have been planning for a while now.

This post will cover the comics I read on the said week as I will to try to write a few lines regarding comics I read released on the week. This most probably won't be posted each week, but I will try to post it in between Wednesday to Friday in the weeks that I manage to do so.

[ This post is entirely based on the comics that I read from the current week, not a best of or highlights of the week list. The rest of the stuff I didn't read was either me not being interested in them or not being able to get my hands on them. ]

BATMAN: LAST KNIGHT ON EARTH #1
Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Greg Capullo

Synopsis:
Bruce Wayne wakes up in Arkham Asylum. Young. Sane.
And...he was never Batman.
So begins this sprawling tale of the Dark Knight as he embarks on a quest through a devastated DC landscape featuring a massive cast of familiar faces from the DC Universe. As he tries to piece together the mystery of his past, he must unravel the cause of this terrible future and track down the unspeakable force that destroyed the world as he knew it...
From the powerhouse creative team of writer Scott Snyder and artist Greg Capullo, the team that reinvented Batman from the emotional depths of "Court of Owls" to the bombastic power of DARK NIGHTS: METAL, DC Black Label is proud to present the bimonthly, three-issue miniseries BATMAN: LAST KNIGHT ON EARTH, published at DC's standard comic trim size.
This could be the last Batman story ever told...

My thoughts:
Well, that was a bit confusing, I will admit. I was at times even confused regarding the identity of the narrator. But, it was a rather fun and engaging read. I have been interested in Snyder's work ever since I was amazed by his excellent and intriguing 'Court of Owls' storyline. He knows how to get into the core of the nature of Batman/Bruce Wayne and once again he shows his mastery in this new mini-series. His charismatic style of unraveling the story with rich and thought provoking dialogues is really something to be experienced.
The bleak and dark post apocalyptic world presented here, promises a fun ride for the rest of the series. And 'Greg Capullo's dark and atmospheric drawing add a lot to the intensity and to the dire nature of the story. A must read of this week. 

Rating:
9 out of 10.

HEROES IN CRISIS #9
Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Tom King
Artist: Clay Mann

Synopsis:
The most-talked-about miniseries of the year reaches its stunning finale! The mystery behind the murders at Sanctuary is solved, but the mind behind it is one the heroes never expected. With their deepest secrets exposed, the Trinity has to consider how to carry on. Should the tragedy cause them to redouble their efforts to help their hurting comrades, or will they need to close up shop? The answers will be found in the ashes of this final showdown, and the fates of Booster Gold, Harley Quinn and the rest hang in the balance.

My thoughts:
Well...That was rather lame. It was especially disappointing coming from someone as masterful as Tom King. I have been reading this series almost from the beginning, and while the first 3 or 4 issues were good it gradually went downhill from there. The and finale is lackluster to say the least. It all comes down to a hero killing some minor heroes as part of a temper tantrum and learning to forgive himself for the crime. That was quite pointless, in the end. As nothing really changed after the event. The pace was so slow this story and the whole series felt like it could have been done in maybe half the issues it had.
The art by Clay Mann on the other hand was gorgeous. He really knows how to draw his characters and exquisitely detailed backgrounds are also his forte. Although lack of action really did hold back his expressiveness in my opinion as he was reduced to mostly drawing people standing around idly.

Rating:
4 out of 10 (basically for the art).

SUPERMAN: LEVIATHAN RISING SPECIAL #1
Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis, Matt Fraction, Greg Rucka, Marc Andreyko
Artist: Yanick Paquette

Synopsis:
An all-star roster of writers and artists highlight the new threat of Leviathan, but also tees up new ongoing series for Jimmy Olsen by writer Matt Fraction and artist Steve Lieber, and Lois Lane by writer Greg Rucka and artist Mike Perkins, coming in June! As Leviathan enacts a plan to take down Superman, it's up to Lois, Jimmy and the heroes of the DC Universe to rescue the Man of Steel.

My thoughts:
This one really does pique my interest in the upcoming 'Event Leviathan'. While the second and third story could have been handled a bit better (especially the over enthusiastic cat related stuff in Jimmy Olsen's story) the first story really elevates the whole issue into greatness. From the captivating dialogue play between the villains to the strong character interactions makes you want to jump into the Leviathan Bandwagon as soon as possible.
The art was detailed and eye catching too.
 
Rating:
8 out of 10.

DAREDEVIL #6
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Chip Zdarsky
Artist: Lalit Kumar Sharma

Synopsis:
Daredevil has disappeared from Hell's Kitchen - and in his absence the real devils are just starting to come out to play...

My thoughts:
This new ongoing of Daredevil has been an unusual yet interesting take on Matt's life, focusing more on the man rather than the hero. This latest issue does slow down the ace from the first arc as having finally deciding to hang up his suit Matt embarks on a journey to good as a normal guy. And it also deals with how the rest of New York, including both the good and the bad guys deal with the absence of Daredevil. I really like the new guy Detective Cole too, who adds a new dimension to the plot. While this issue is a bit weak compared to the previous ones it does enough to keep me interested in the future of the series.
The drawing by Sharma is aesthetically a bit inconsistent at times, but I really loved how he handled Kingpin / Wilson Fisk.

Rating:
7.5 out of 10.

[PS: I decided to binge read 'Doomsday Clock' when its finished so I skipped the issue this week. I was also interested in 'Wailing Blade #1' and 'Punk Mambo #2', but couldn't get my hands on them. The rest of the releases seemed a bit meh to me. ]

June 2018 New Comics To Watch For

What a huge month with lots of content June '18 was!

JUSTICE LEAGUE #1
Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Jim Cheung & Mark Morales

“THE TOTALITY” part one! A brand-new era begins here! Comics legends Scott Snyder and Jim Cheung launch the Justice League into a cosmos-shaking mystery that will draw out their most terrible foes…in ways our heroes couldn’t possibly imagine! In this debut issue, Martian Manhunter struggles to protect the team from an incoming threat that will shatter the world as they know it, while a familiar face strikes out on a dark path…

PLASTIC MAN #1 (of 6)
Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Gail Simone
Artist: Adriana Melo

Meet Eel O’Brian: a petty thug, thief and con artist who runs a strip club. Hey, he’s also dead, at least according to the gang that tossed him out like last week’s garbage. Literally. Don’t worry, though—he bounced back from all that, and now he’s trying to make a new life for himself, but the effort is stretching him pretty thin. How can he get revenge on his old boss, keep a street kid out of trouble, make a dancer fall in love with him and stop a mysterious society from taking over the world? Eel has no idea!

THOR #1
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Jason Aaron
Artist: Mike Den Mundo & Christian Ward

Thor Odinson has regained his mantle – and with it, a wild new world of trouble on his mighty hands! The artifacts of Asgard have been scattered across the earth, and to reclaim them, Thor will have to face some ugly truths. Like the production cost of hundreds of new hammers! And the Thunder God is going to need every last one of them if he’s going to stop the unstoppable Juggernaut. Jason Aaron takes the Prince of Asgard in a whole new direction with YOUNG GUN artist Mike Del Mundo joining him at the helm! And don’t miss the latest chapter of the King Thor saga with acclaimed BLACK BOLT artist Christian Ward, as the Thor of the far future encounters an old friend who’s undergone some startling changes.

TONY STARK: IRON MAN #1
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Dan Slott
Artist: Valerio Schiti

From the cusp of tomorrow’s dreams to the forefront of imagination, one man always soars on the cutting edge of adventure!
You know his name. Tony Stark is Iron Man.
And Iron Man…is an idea. Always changing. Always evolving. An idea without limit!
Take wing with DAN SLOTT (AMAZING SPIDER-MAN) and Valerio Schiti (GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY) as they propel the ultimate Self-Made Hero to new heights of inventiveness!
Tony Stark is Iron Man. The future is now. Strap in!

IMMORTAL HULK #1
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Al Ewing
Artist: Joe Bennett

HORROR HAS A NAME.
You’d never notice the man. He doesn’t like to be noticed. He’s quiet. Calm. Never complains. If someone were to walk up and shoot him in the head... all he’d do is die.
Until night falls. And someone else gets up again.
The man’s name is Banner.
The horror is THE IMMORTAL HULK.

THE SENTRY #1 (of 5)
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Jeff Lemire
Artist: Kim Jacinto

THE GOLDEN GUARDIAN IS BACK! FRESH FROM THE PAGES OF DOCTOR STRANGE...
…but is that really such a good thing?
The greatest hero that the Marvel Universe ever forgot has returned! The Sentry – shining sentinel with the power of a thousand exploding suns – is back from the dead, but his troubled mind is far from finding peace. By day, he trudges through a mundane life as Bob Reynolds; at night, the Sentry soars across a gleaming, perfect skyline. But how much of the Sentry’s dual existence is real? And what of his dark other self, the Void?
Jeff Lemire (MOON KNIGHT, Black Hammer) returns to Marvel and unites with Kim Jacinto (AVENGERS: NO SURRENDER) for this mind-bending series that will shake the Sentry, and the Marvel Universe, to its foundations.

DOCTOR STRANGE #1
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Mark Waid
Artist: Jesus Saiz

SORCERER SUPREME…OF THE GALAXY!
The Eye of Agamotto is closed! Doctor Stephen Strange has lost his connection to the Earth’s arcane power, and he can’t wait to recover while nightmares press against the seams of our reality. Tony Stark offers a 21st-century solution: When astral travel fails, try astronautical travel. Enter Doctor Strange: Space-Explorer Supreme! New spells, allies and enemies – new and old – await Strange beyond the stars, along with corners and secrets of the Marvel Universe seen here for the first time! Space is endless, but time is short. After years of threats, Stephen’s bill for magic use is coming due – who will come to collect?!

THE MAGIC ORDER #1 (of 6)
Publisher: Image Comics
Writer: Mark Millar
Artist: Olivier Coipel

We live in a world where we've never seen a monster, and The Magic Order is the reason we sleep safely in our beds. Magic meets the mob in THE MAGIC ORDER, as five families of magicians-sworn to protect our world for generations-must battle an enemy who's picking them off one by one. By day, they live among us as our neighbors, friends, and co-workers, but by night, they are the sorcerers, magicians, and wizards that protect us from the forces of darkness...unless the darkness gets them first. MARK MILLAR's first NETFLIX comic book, drawn by the incredible OLIVIER COIPEL (Amazing Spider-Man, Thor).

THE WEATHERMAN #1
Publisher: Image Comics
Writer: Jody Leheup
Artist: Nathan Fox

Nathan Bright had it all: an awesome girlfriend, a kickass dog, and a job as the number one weatherman on terraformed Mars. But when he's accused of carrying out the worst terrorist attack in human history-an event that wiped out nearly the entire population of Earth-Nathan becomes the most wanted man alive and a target of a manhunt that spans the galaxy. But is Nathan truly responsible for such a horrific crime? And why can't he remember?
Writer JODY LEHEUP (SHIRTLESS BEAR-FIGHTER!), artist NATHAN FOX (DMZ, HAUNT, Dark Reign: Zodiac), and colorist DAVE STEWART (Hellboy, RUMBLE) present a full-throttle, widescreen science fiction epic about the damage we do in the name of justice and what it truly means to be redeemed...You don't want to miss THE WEATHERMAN!

PROXIMA CENTAURI #1 (of 6)
Publisher: Image Comics
Writer & Artist: Farel Dalrymple

"PROXIMA CENTAURI," Part One-4.243 light-years from Earth, the teenage wizard adventurer Sherwood Breadcoat is stuck in the confounding spectral zone on the manufactured dimensional sphere, Proxima Centauri, looking for escape and a way back to his brother while dealing with his confusing emotions, alien creatures, and all sorts of unknown, fantastic dangers.
In this issue The Scientist H. Duke sends Sherwood on a salvage mission and gives counsel to the troubled boy in his charge.
PROXIMA CENTAURI will be six issues of PSYCHEDELIC SCIENCE FANTASY ACTION COMIC BOOK DRAMA starring Sherwood Breadcoat, "The Scientist" Duke Herzog, Dr. EXT the Time Traveler, the ghost M. Parasol, Shakey the Space Wizard, and Dhog Dahog.

SHANGHAI RED #1 (of 5)
Publisher: Image Comics
Writer: Christopher Sebela
Artist: Joshua Hixson & Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou

Red is one of hundreds shanghaied out of Portland in the late 1800s. Drugged, kidnapped, and sold to a ship's captain, she wakes up on a boat headed out to sea for years, unable to escape or even reveal who she truly is. Now she's coming back in a boat covered in blood to find her family and track down the men responsible for stealing her life out from under her. Eisner-nominated writer CHRISTOPHER SEBELA (High Crimes, Heartthrob, We(l)come Back), JOSHUA HIXSON (The Black Woods) and HASSAN OTSMANE-ELHAOU (Felix & Macabber) bring you a tale of revenge, family, and identity that stretches from the deck of a ship outside Shanghai all the way to the bleak streets and secret tunnels of Portland, Oregon.

MIKE HAMMER #1 (of 4)
Publisher: Titan Comics
Writer: Mickey Spillane & Max Allan Collins
Artist: Marcelo Salaza

All New Mike Hammer story, from a plot by original creator, Mickey Spillane!

From the writer of Quarry and Road to Perdition, Max Allan Collins!

NANCY DREW #1 (of 5)
Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
Writer: Kelly Thompson
Artist: Jenn St. Onge

Nancy Drew is seventeen and good at everything...ESPECIALLY solving crimes. But her totally-in-control-and-obviously-running-perfectly-smooth-(but-not-really) life hits a snag when a mysterious message drags her back to the hometown she left behind. There she'll have to find out which of her friends are still her friends, which are enemies, and who exactly is trying to kill her...and (hopefully) stop them before they succeed. KELLY THOMPSON (Hawkeye, Star Wars, Rogue & Gambit) and JENN ST-ONGE (Giant Days, The Misfits) team up to present an all-new modern spin on a classic mystery icon!

Fifa Mobile Videos - Playing with TOTY CR7

Well, here comes my second video post focused on 'Fifa Mobile'.

Video showcases me playing with 96 Ovr 'Cristiano Ronaldo'. I got him from the 'Team of the Year' event (I used some fifa points and gems to claim him as I am not a totally F2P player). Here, I just played one head to head match with him, fortunately he managed to score.

Only minimal editing, just added some text.

More info abut me if you wanna know -
My Twitter - https://twitter.com/ihate_00
My Blog - https://ihate00critics.blogspot.com/

My other videos for the new season of 'Fifa Mobile' -

Fifa Mobile S3/'19 - Claiming my first Master Campaign Reward - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbDGN...

Fifa Mobile S3/'19 - Claiming Totw Players for Nov. Week 3 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmMIy...

Claiming my 2nd master campaign reward - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ruZi...

Claiming my 3rd master campaign reward - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZG8-...

Claiming my 4th master campaign reward -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_Txa...

Chemistry Update & showing off my 92 Ovr team -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcvZD...

Playing with my 93 Ovr Higuaín (Snowman of the Match) -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxloF...

Fifa Mobile Videos - Playing with my 93 Ovr Higuaín (Snowman of the Match)

Well, for the past 6 months the thing which is consuming most of my free times is the game 'Fifa Mobile' from EA Sports. I love football and after the world cup ended there was a vaccum in my life which this game has filled quite nicely.

I have already recorded and uploaded some videos on my You Tube channel, but has posted nothing on my blog. I will start with this game-play video which shows me playing with 'Gonzalo Higuaín' (Snowman of the Match version), who I bought from the market then sold just for completing a quest. But, nonetheless I loved playing as him and wanted to show everyone his game-play.

Video showcases my new card, 93 Ovr 'Gonzalo Higuaín'. I bought him for 14 million from the market. Here, I just played one head to head match with him, fortunately he managed to score.

Only minimal editing, just added some text and background music...

Music - 'Night Gale' from Gravity Rush 2 Soundtrack
              'Freedom' by Orphaned Land (from their album 'All is One')

More info abut me if you wanna know -
My Twitter - https://twitter.com/ihate_00
My Blog - https://ihate00critics.blogspot.com/

My other videos for the new season of 'Fifa Mobile' -

Fifa Mobile S3/'19 - Claiming my first Master Campaign Reward - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbDGN...

Fifa Mobile S3/'19 - Claiming Totw Players for Nov. Week 3 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmMIy...

Claiming my 2nd master campaign reward - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ruZi...

Claiming my 3rd master campaign reward - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZG8-...

Claiming my 4th master campaign reward -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_Txa...

Chemistry Update & showing off my 92 Ovr team - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcvZD...

My New Year Post for 2019

Well, another year bites the dust and 2019 is here. 2018 has been quite a hectic year to say the least. I had three posting changes, multiple exams for my post-graduation course and is currently working at the busiest hospital in the country.

So, obviously I had less time to work on the blog. Yet, I am also the busiest in terms of reviewing and writing on the internet this year as well. I am currently writing for fantasy-faction and antichrist magazine besides my own blog.

Yet again this year had been a year that has reinvigorated my love for football/soccer. I have loved the FIFA world cup 2018 and am currently quite immersed in the 'FIFA Mobile' game (for which I have posted a few videos on my YouTube channel and will soon start posting on my blog, as well).

So, I will once again start the year by posting some resolutions for the new year. Here goes -

1. I will probably post some best of the year lists all throughout January (see my best of 2017 posts, to get an idea).

2. I will discard the single issue review posts for comics and will rather try to post a 'Week in Comics' kinda post every Thursday or Friday.

3. I will try to introduce a new post 'New English Mangas' post each month.

4. I will discard the posts regarding video games except for android stuff as I have so less time to play games these days. 

5. I have many other plans which I am not quite sure if I will be able to execute, but most of all I will try to post more frequently this year (I know I say this at the start of every year).

So, I will end this post by saying to all my followers, occasional viewers and friends -

Have a 'HAPPY NEW YEAR' everyone.