KIN (movie review) by Corey Floyd

I saw the trailer for KIN a while back. It had my curiosity. Black kid finds a gun that looks like it's from a Decepticon. He tries to protect his family... Hey, it looks better than the robot dog movie that you're already ignoring for obvious reasons. Anyway, I was lucky enough to see a screener of the film the other night and drank a few red bulls so I could bring a review to you.

Eli is a young ambitious kid who is mourning the death of his mom. While salvaging the abandoned buildings of Detroit he finds an Alien Weapon. Naturally, he keeps it secret from his strict blue-collar dad, played by Dennis Quaid. Quaid tries to instill values into his youngest son (Eli) while his eldest son Jimmy returns home from prison. Jimmy can't be apart of the family until he repays his prison debt to the local crime boss Taylor Balick, played by James Franco.

I don't wanna give too much of the plot away... sorry. But... I can say that the movie is worthy of your hard earned dollars. The main star is Myles Truitt who plays Eli. I love this kid's performance. The last thing I saw him in was VH1’s New Edition movie. He doesn't say a lot, but his body language does. Jack Reynor who plays his brother Jimmy is more hit than miss. He looks like if Stephen Amell and Chris Pratt did a fusion dance and became a below-par actor. Dennis Quaid is a veteran and gives a performance extremely similar to Kevin Costner in Man of Steel.  Zoe Kravitz gave a good performance for a character with no name (seriously she was called "bitch" like twice, but never her actual name.) James Franco's portrayal of Taylor Balick was too good. He was such a convincing bad guy with a taste for revenge that you end up you hating Jimmy a lil more.

The film gives off a lot of Nostalgia. It doesn't surprise me since the producers are the same people behind Stranger Things. The trip down memory lane is more subtle than Ready Player one ...which isn't saying much since there was no subtlety in that tech fest. With a keen mix of practical effects, CGI, and some wild sequences your know the budget has to be a good one. But sadly the total production cost is a secret that the Baker Bros are not gonna tell. I tried to ask them after the film during the Q&A, but alas, mums the word.  Overall I enjoyed "Kin" I hope people take the time out and enjoy this original Scifi film. With all of the amazing plot twists, I smell a franchise in the air. Final Grade B+ but I met them and they autographed my poster so I give them an A. (feel free to judge me) 

If you like this, then listen to me and the crew rant on our podcast Amerime Junkies

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Top 10 masks in comics by Braheim Comic Boss Gibbs

Ok, Edna, I understand why no capes easy to grab, villains can choke a hero out with his own cape, and don’t get me started on the fashion aspect of them they’re so Detective Comics am I right?  But, what about mask they definitely make more sense. With just eye covers your whole secret identity is safe from prying bad guys that want to do bad things. So you can continue taking the kids to soccer practice or living you billionaire playboy lifestyle. I’m looking at you, Bruce, Tony, and T'challa. Now that we’ve established that mask is essential to longevity in the superhero gig here are my top ten masks in comics. These mask strike fear or annoyance in everyone they come across friend and foe. In no particular order.

1 Scarecrow:

The man that induces fear, Dr. Ichbod Crane this is one sick puppy Just never hope you have to see him for a psych evaluation. He will find out what you fear most and use his fear toxin make you do his bidding or meet your worst nightmare. He has even sent Batman down that rabbit hole. To confront some of his deepest and darkest fears. This is one villain that I want to stay far away from me. Sure Bane might break me in half but I'll recover or die but Scarecrow torturing me mentality at his leisure I don't need that type of stress in my life. Besides I don't want him to find out my darkest fear is becoming a billionaire.

2 Deathstroke:

I don’t care what nobody says these next few people I am going to mention are metas there no possible way that a human can achieve what these people can. First up is Deathstroke. He has single-handedly taken out the entire justice league. Often compared to Batman’s equal he’s either sporting that nifty eye patch or his full mask with his one good eye on killing you in the most efficient and brutal matter. Whatever he’s up for, or being paid to do. He is so good and popular as a villain that he is everyone’s villain from teen titans, green arrow, to the big three it doesn’t matter who you are. If the price is right he’s coming for you

3 Black Panther:

Another Billionaire playboy who trained since a young age in every fighting style. A tactical genius who is out to avenge his murdered father. I feel a deja vu moment happening. Yea he’s one of those but his panther/leopard mask is so cool. He has all the powers of the panther speed, agility, stealth, hearing, and strength. has beat everyone in the Avengers multiple times that includes Capt. He’s the gatekeeper to the land of the dead (Necropolis) that he can raise! Meaning brings back to life not the toned down stuff from the movie. (a return of Killmonger maybe?) Plus you can add his name to the very short list of people that can use the Infinity Gauntlet. A secret ending to the next Infinity Wars? Did yall know there is no such thing as a black panther all panthers are leopards? There you go you learned something today.

4 Batman:

What can I actually say that hasn’t been drawn, written, or visually created. The Dark Knight, the Caped Crusader, the brooding dude at the top of that scary looking church and if you’re a bad guy you know why. Because he’s about to come down break every bone in your bad guy body and maybe put you to sleep (permanent.) That cape and cow strikes fear in every living thing on this planet and others. What can you do against a guy who fights gods on a regular basis and wins? If he ever goes off the reservation may God/Superman help us all?

5 Redhood:

Did you know that each of the bat boys is a different part of their dear old mentor? Jason Todd is his violent side. Just like his estranged father, he donned the mask of the one thing that scared him the most. Which baffles me he wasn’t even born when Joker was running around as The Redhood so shouldn’t he wear some type of clown mask? Either way, the mask he decides to wear is a beast and he doesn’t follow the nonkilling rule like Batman which makes him one of my favorite characters. He even beat up Supergirl by getting a dose of superpowers of course. If Redhood Catches you there's no telling what he’ll do to you or he might just kill you. So either way between him or his pa you’re screwed

6 Spiderman:

The most loved superhero that almost didn’t happen. Stan Lee editor told him no one wants to see a comic book about a boy with spider powers Spiders are scary and creepy which he is right about the spider part but man was he wrong about the comic book part.  We all know Parker's origin story and the many different costumes he has worn.  Besides, the spider symbol on his chest his mask is the most iconic part of the web-slinger. That plus the fact his personality is awesome he’s not all broody and dark. He’s not hell-bent on catching the guy that killed a loved one. Well, it was that one time but he caught him pretty quick and moved on to being that friendly neighborhood superhero with the cool ass mask.

 (Case in point with Spidey in the civil war he decides to take off the mask and BOOM! What happened his whole life went to hell that’s what happened!)

7 Dr. Doom:

This is what happens when you mix ego, ignorance, and arrogance you get a cool ass Man in the Iron Mask type character. As intelligent Victor is he should have known playing with magic will get you hurt. He got a cut on his perfect face and couldn't bare to look at the scare so he fashioned a metal mask to hide it. But, he couldn’t wait for the mask to cool so he put it on while hot and destroyed his “perfect” face. Are we sure this dude is classified as a genius? But, since then he has gone on to beating almost everybody ass in Marvel, taking and riding the silver surfboard to actually wielding the infinity gauntlet. To me, he might be my best villain in the Marvel universe.

8 Deadpool:

He is everything right and wrong with the world and I love him for it. I mean he killed the Marvel Universe with such fucking panache. Then he’ll turn around and save a kid from dying by giving him his organs. Wait ain't his organs all covered in cancer how does that work? Anyways Deadpool is the man he took mistress death from Thanos and started pranking him. Who does that arguably the best character in Marvel? He told me to say that whole 4th wall break and stuff but still true.

 (I need to see that Deadpool and Spiderman meetup make it happen Marvel.)

9 Wolverine:

Another fan favorite and rightfully so his anger is only surpassed by the hulk. (If the hulk was ever wearing a mask what would it look like? Let me know what you think in the comments.) Being steamrolled couldn’t stop this beast from coming after you. There isn’t many in the Marvel universe that can stand up to Logan it doesn’t matter what variation of him. Just ask the X-Men in Old Man Logan which to me is his best storyline. He is so loved they couldn’t let him die and had to bring him back.

10 Dr fate:

Last but not least the sorcerer supreme. ( for D.C) My second favorite magic user 1st is Zatanna Hi baby. He had to make the list because his mask isn’t just something to hide his face it’s his whole identity. There have been many that have put on the helmet of fate, which now that I’m typing it realizing it’s not a mask per se but Y'all know what I’m getting at. It’s Nobu and he’s in charge of whoever put it on. Now it’s Zatara I don’t know if that’s canon but I’m going with it. But thankfully he (Nobu) is a good god or all of us would be in trouble. He keeps to himself like another spellcaster I know. So the mask/helmet isn’t needed to go out in the “real world” whatever that is. Mainly because no one knows who is under there. He is with a doubt one of the strongest when it comes to magic and if Hogwarts need a new teacher against the dark arts and they do that last guy died he is the perfect replacement. The doctor will see you now.

How did you like my picks? Were there any you would switch out? Maybe put in someone like Bane, DareDevil, Ironman? Let me know in the comments 

If you haven't don't forget to download our latest podcast Amerime Junkies

Also, check out the article that inspired this one Top 9 Mask in Anime

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A New Def Jam game maybe? Roster Ideas by Corey Floyd

over the past month or so DefJam has been throwing some hints that they might make another fighting game. About two console generations ago (ps2, Xbox, GC) there was a game from EA BIG called Def Jam Vendetta. It was a wrestling style game but with hip-hop artists. DMX would literally kick your ass. Redman & Method Man was the best (and still are) tag team ever. It was a hit !! The follow-up fight for NY was a great sequel with even more artists in fighting form. Then the third one was garbage, hot garbage simmering in garbage juice. It bombed hard. Now it looks like we might get another. Bosslogic even came up with a title. Today I'm gonna come up with who should be in it. Some old, some new, some more gals, and some new dudes.

1. Missy Elliot Missy Elliot has been in the game for a long time. Somehow despite all of her hits, she has never been given the title of queen of hip-hop. In the game, she could be the queen of mean. Give her a footing style that matches her out of this world style and she would be a great character.

2. Andre 3000  Outlast frontman has borrowed his face and voice to many ventures. From a musical cartoon of his own creation to action drama with Mark Wahlberg. I think I would be cool to see him in a fighting game. I have to admit I can't see him fighting tho. Maybe in the character customization, he runs a store where you can buy fresh gear. But hey in one of the last Games Flava Flav even had hands so you never know.

3. Cardi B She is one of the hottest artists in the game right now it would be idiotic not to have her in a game. With her funny personality and sounds effects alone I am sold. Would her finisher involve twerking? Probably oookurrrr!!!

4. lil Yachty I know the hip-hop community does like him. But he showing improvement as an artist and admits that his music doesn't have to make sense. Out of all the mumble rappers, he also taking it to the bank with sponsors and cameos. might as well throw him in the game.

5. DJ Khaled Congratulations you played yourself. Imagine him kicking you ads and that's what he says to you after. I'm sold. I would even settle for him as just an announcer in the game but I need him in the game.

6. Kendrick Lamar Nuff said.

7. Chris Brown, every game needs a villain or two. Ironically he has shown us that he has the moves to be in a fighting game in real life so might as well make him a character. Yes, I said villain. I call em like I see em. Besides I remember when he was supposed to fight soldier boy and backed out after Chris did a video showing him do all those flips. lol

8. Nicki Minaj  If Cardi B gonna be here damn it gotta have Nicki. Of course, she has to play a villain with multiple voices or split personality. Not like doing voice work would be new to her. When will she return to Steven Universe?

9. Takashi 69 Imma keep it 100 has only gonna be in training so you can kick his ads for hours on end.

10. lil Uzi vert Our resident goth of hip-hop. I didn't wanna have meek and Uzi so I chose Uzi. He a lot more interesting and has taken as many L’s. Besides, I think it would be cool to show a lil Blonde Gang love. He must keep the trip pants. Shout out to Bok Nero. as his tag team partner.

11.  Chance the Rapper

Your rappers favorite rapper is now your fighters favorite fighter.

12. Eminem, he's like a mini-boss battle right before a boss battle with a villain.

13.The Fresh Prince not old head Will Smith

If you make a villain he will be the mini-boss for those fights.

14. Kanye West  He's your friend in the game ends up being your greatest enemy. The game's story will go along a path of yall working side by side as fighters and rappers. But one day Kanye starts feeling himself thinks your standing in his way and now he trying to bring you down.

Okay, Y'all that's my list here are some honorable mentions.  Both.

Please, this is up for discussion I want to hear feedback feel free to comment. Don't forget to checkout our latest podcast. https://open.spotify.com/episode/5L7PyO8nTzpf0MCGuFMCyM?si=hbFHDLvUTiyDlxiFNjtdNg See ya!!!

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Thirteen Reasons to Come to Otakon 2018

Thirteen Reasons to Come to Otakon 2018

Washington, D.C. (August 1, 2018) –  Still on the fence about coming to this year's Otakon? Ethan Kick, the head of Guest Relations, has put together a list of thirteen reasons this year's Otakon will be worth attending.

1) Come check out all the amazing Gundam content we have at Otakon for our Mecha year! Sunrise and Funimation have a ton of amazing panels including a "Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans" Live Reading including Johnny Yung Bosch (Orga Itsuka), Kyle McCarley (Mikazuki Augus), Cherami Leigh (Kudelia), Robbie Daymond (Gaelio Bauduin), and Masaya Matsukaze (Gaelio Bauduin’s Japanese Dub) which will be at noon in featured programming (Ballroom C)! We will also have a "Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans" panel with Kyle and Johnny alongside two of the creators: Kanetake Ebikawa (mecha designer) and Tatsuyuki Nagai (director) at 3:15 p.m. in Panel 1 (Room 202). You can also see Nagai-san and Ebikawa-san at their own panels on Sunday at 10:15 a.m. and Friday at 5:45 p.m. respectively. Ask Nagai-san about his work on "Anohana, Toradora!" and his other works. If you ever wanted to pick the brain of one the biggest modern mech designers, you have the chance. Ebikawa-san is the mecha designer behind titles such as "Gundam Build Fighters" (including "Try," "Divers," "Try Island Wars" and "Battlogue"), "Eureka Seven," "Full Metal Panic!," "Gundam 00," "Gundam Age" and "Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans," and Vandread. Make sure grab the autographs from all our guests that were in "Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans" and "Thunderbolt." We have Kyle McCarley (Mikazuki Augus), Johnny Yong Bosch (Orga Itsuka), Cherami Leigh (Kudelia Aina Bernstein), Bryce Papenbrook (Eugene Seven Stark), Lucien Dodge (Norba Shino), Max Mittelman (Ein Dalton), Robbie Daymond (Gaelio Bauduin), Masaya Matsukaze (Gaelio Bauduin Japanese Dub), Erica Mendez (Cracker Griffon/Elgar), and Ray Chase (Rustal Elion) from "Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans." If you are a "Gundam Thunderbolt" fan, we also have Max Mittelman (Io Fleming), Johnny Yong Bosch (Daryl Lorenz), Cherami Leigh (Claudia Peer), Ray Chase (Graham), and Todd Haberkorn (Layton.)

2) If giant robots aren’t your jam, that’s OK. Aniplex and Otakon are bringing you a "Persona 5" panel at noon in featured programming on Saturday. Come see part of the cast, including Max Mittelman (Ryuji Sakamoto), Cherami leigh (Makoto Niijima), Robbie Daymond (Goro Akechi), and Bryce Papenbrook (Mr. Hiruta.) Also, there may or may not be a giant feline friend at the Aniplex booth ready for photos and selfies!

3) Jumping from video game to video game, we have the awesome "Mystic Messenger" team joining us this year. Sujin Ri, the amazing and talented creator of "Mystic Messenger," is joining us from Seoul along with several other veteran and talented voice actors. Check out the voices of Yoosung (Kyuhyuck Shim), V (Ho San Yi), Ray (Soojin Kang), and 707 (Young Sun Kim). They’ll be having a larger two-hour event from 2 to 4 p.m. in Panel 6 (Room 152). They also have an awesome booth where they’ll be happy to meet you in the dealer’s room.

4) If you come in early on Thursday, make sure to come and see our "Anime for All" event at the Library of Congress. There will be a screening of "Princess Kagura," a Ghibli concert, a panel with Kihara Hirokatsu, who worked at Studio Ghibli on many of your favorite movies, including: "Kiki’s Delivery Service," "My Neighbor Totoro" and "Laputa: Castle in the Sky." Also, they will have displays of some incredible anime pieces in the library’s collection. Finally, there will be a movie screening on the North Lawn. Also, since it’s at the library, there is no price for admission! Lastly, they will also be at Otakon and have a panel on Saturday at 2 p.m., as well as a booth in the Dealers' Room in the Industry section.

5) Studio Trigger is also joining us this year. You may know them for their work on "Little Witch Academia." We have Masahiko Otsuka (director), Yoh Yoshinari (mecha designer, designer), and Naoko Tsutsumi (animation producer) with us. They have a quiz and trivia event with the team at 2 p.m. in Panel 5 (Room 151B). You can join them for a group Q&A, and they’ll be doing a live drawing in Panel 1 (Room 202) on Saturday at 12:15 p.m. Also, they’d be happy to meet and sign autographs with you on Friday and Saturday.

6) Also, don’t miss the incredibly talented Ray Chase, Max Mittelman, and Robbie Daymond as they have their energetic LAVA troupe events. They have "Lava After Dark" on Friday in Featured Programming (Ballroom C) from 10:15 p.m. -12:15 a.m. They also have "LAVA's Super Kawaii Happy Party Game Go Go Hyper Hangout Funtime." which is a more family-friendly event at 8 p.m. on Saturday in Featured Programming again (Ballroom C.)

7) If the forge or prop making is more your style, check out Man at Arms. Matt, Ilya, and Bill will all be there doing different things throughout the weekend. Ilya will be demonstrating etching and engraving in Featured Programming (Ballroom C.) On Saturday the guys will take you into an inside look at what goes on from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in Featured Programming (Ballroom C.) Last, on Sunday you can see the guys and the gentlemen from Capital City Budokai demonstrate some of the weapons live in Panel 6 (Room 152) from 2 to 3 p.m. Also they will have a big booth down in Artist Alley all weekend where they will be happy to chat and sign autographs.

8) If you’ve ever wanted to turn your passion into a career, make sure to see Ollie Barder’s amazing panels on mecha anime. Ollie writes for "Forbes" and has interviewed all the mecha giants and reviewed more models and toys than you can shake a stick at. He’ll have a panel called “Bushido and Beamsabers: A Discussion on Japan’s Unique Mecha Pop-Culture” on Friday at 3:15 p.m. in Panel 4 and "The Legacy of Ryosuke Takahashi: From BattleTech to Blue Comets" at 3:15 p.m. in Panel 4.

9) If your jam has always been "Macross" over "Gundam," then you’ll be excited to know that Shoji Kawamori, the series creator and mecha designer, will be joining us this year. He’ll have a set of panels at 3:15 p.m. in Panel 2 on Friday and 12:45 p.m. in Panel 2 on Saturday. He also has some lovely artwork he’s drawn up that he’ll be signing and giving away at his autograph sessions and panels. You may also know him from his work on "Aquarion," "Escaflowne," "Eureka Seven," "Ghost in the Shell," "Mobile Suit Gundam 0083," "Transformers" and "Outlaw Star."

10) We are excited to have SungWon Cho/ProZD and Mr.Creepy Pasta joining us this year. Both have made their home online as personalities and expanded to do voice work as well as broader comedy, entertainment, and production. You can see ProZD at 12:45 p.m. in Panel 3 on Friday and 11:30 a.m. in Panel 3 on Saturday. See how he’ll rate your waifus and husbandos live and ask questions (just not how to pronounce his name!) You can also catch him at "Voice Actors After Dark" alongside Kyle McCarley, Cherami Leigh, Lucien Dodge and Erica Mendez. Mr. Creepy Pasta will have story times and other events at 3:15 p.m. in Panel 1 on Friday, 8:30 p.m. in Panel 1 on Friday, 7:15 p.m. in Panel 2 on Saturday, and 2 p.m. in Panel 1 on Sunday. They are excited to meet you all.

11) We are happy to have Serena DeJesus and Roxanne Modafferi showing us martial arts. Serena and Roxanne are best friends and training partners out of Syndicate MMA in Las Vegas, NV. Serena is the first pro MMA female fighter with autism, and Roxanne is a two-season "The Ultimate Fighter" contestant. They are both huge anime fans and have attended Otakon in their youth. Roxanne is known for wearing cosplays to her weigh-ins. Roxanne lived and taught English in Japan, where she also trained and fought professionally before returning to the USA to compete on "TUF 18." Throughout her life, she has trained in Taekwondo, Kenpo Karate, Judo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Muay Thai. Serena has trained in Taekwondo, Boxing, Muay Thai, Wrestling, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Both women are instructors in BJJ. Both women are inspirations in a male-dominated sport. They will be doing demonstrations at 2 p.m. on Friday in Panel 7 (Room 146C) and 12:45 p.m. in Panel 2 (Room 207) as well as a panel at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday. Roxanne and Serena are excited to meet everyone and would be happy to sign autographs and take pictures.

12) Come check out the Premiere of "Hi Score Girl," a "90's arcade romantic comedy." Sixth-grader Haruo is a gamer in the true sense, hardly ever seeing the light of day from his local arcade. He runs into Akira, his female classmate with good grades, and money, at his favorite hangout. Akira completely "schools" Haruo game after game, and things go from there. What will come of this unlikely duo? You can see the first episode in Featured Programming (Ballroom C) at 2:30 p.m. with a small talk from Yuji Matsukura, the head producer at J.C. Staff. Matsukura-san worked on "Hi Score Girl," and you may know him from his work on “Food Wars!” and “Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?” You can talk to him about his experience and work on those titles and many more such as “Toradora!”, “Little Busters!”, or “The Familiar of Zero” at his panel at 4:15 p.m. in Panel 6 (Room 152). Also, you can see another premiere episode later in Video 3 (Room 146B) at 5:30 p.m. and ask him more questions and get some goodies from the team.

13) Don’t forget to check out of the amazing voice talent from near and far, such as Todd Haberkorn and Nobutoshi Canna. You know Todd from "Fairy Tail," where he plays Natsu. Canna-san you may know best for his Japanese dub of "Guts from Berserk." You can see Canna-san and ask him about his time in the Japanese voice industry and his experience at 4:45 p.m. in Panel 5 (Room 151B) on Friday and 11:30 a.m. in Panel 4 (Room 151A) on Saturday. Todd will be chatting with all of you at 12:45 p.m. on Friday in Panel 1 (Room 202), 6 p.m. in Panel 2 (Room 207) on Saturday, and 11:30 a.m. in Panel 1 (Room 202) on Sunday.

Otakon 2018 will be held August 10-12, 2018 at the Walter Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.

ABOUT OTAKON AND OTAKORP, INC.: Now entering its twenty-fifth year, Otakon is an annual celebration of Japanese and East Asian popular culture, and also one of the largest gatherings of fans in the United States. Otakon celebrates popular culture as a gateway to deeper understanding of Asian culture, and has grown along with the enthusiasm for anime, manga, video games, and music from the Far East. Historically, Otakon has drawn up to 34,000 people for three days each year (for a paid attendance of over 100,000 turnstile attendees). Otakon is a membership based convention sponsored by Otakorp, Inc., a Pennsylvania-based, 501(c)3 educational non-profit whose mission is to promote the appreciation of Asian culture, primarily through its media and entertainment. Otakorp, Inc. is directed by an all-volunteer, unpaid staff – we are run by fans, for fans.

For more information about Otakorp, Inc., see http://www.otakon.com/otakorp/index.asp

For more information and the latest news on Otakon 2017, see http://www.otakon.com/

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