CanGeek's Fandom Friday!

Everyone remembers their first...

For me I was six years old, it was a cold winter day, we were snowed in so my Mom and Dad slept late that morning. I had woke up at my normal time, half expecting to be rushed off to school but when that didn't happen I turned on the television to watch the very first movie to air on Canada's new home movie network - First Choice!

And as I watched the adventure unfold in front of me, the heroic sacrifice a mentor was prepared to make for his student, the epic fight between good and evil, a new hope was born within me and my life long love of Star Wars was born.

As I type out this blog It's Friday June 1st, and on the CanGeek Community Page we're inviting our members to post about their personal favorite fandom, and from gaming to comics and movies I have a lot to talk about....but I suspect I will be posting about Star Wars more then anything else today.

If you've read some of my other blogs then you know I can be more then a little outspoken about the current state of a galaxy far, far away, I'm not a major supporter of what Disney has done to the Star Wars universe, however I'm grateful that this franchise still has some life left in it and we still have much to discuss.

Like many others fans, those who support the Star Wars franchise are both fiercely loyal and aggressively protective of this fandom. Like me there are many out their who find comfort in this series because it invokes memories of simpler times, memories of their childhood.

We aren't born as fans, we develop our fandom as we grow.

Everyone remembers their first game, their first film or television show, the first comic book that made them an instant fan of a specific superhero or publisher, that's what we're talking about today.

Please consider this an open invitation to join the CanGeek Games and Collectibles Fandom Friday on Facebook and share the passion you have for your fandom of choice with us.

Thanks for reading.

Andrew Lincoln is walking away from The Walking Dead.

The rumors have begun to spread like a horde of Zombies across the world wide web, after what will be nine seasons Andrew Lincoln is finally walking away from AMC's The Walking Dead.

As originally reported by the Hollywood Reporter, multiple sources have confirmed that Lincoln who has portrayed former sheriff Rick Grimes since the series began in 2010, is set to film a handful of episodes before departing alongside co-star Lauren Cohan.

While this has come as a shock to many fans, with Grimes still being upright in Robert Kirkmans source material, some have been quick to point out that after season eight which saw the surprising death of Carl Grimes anything is possible.

Lincoln himself has hinted at his pending departure multiple times over the past year. With his family living in London and him regularly commuting to the AMC set in Atlanta, Lincoln told The Hollywood Report in December that "there needs to an end game and that is something that is definitely being discussed" He then started in February that "There's certainly and endgame in my head. Whither or not that's the same endgame that's in the producers' heads or the people I work with, is another matter. That's open for discussion."

Meanwhile co-star Norman Reedus is rumored to be in negations to assume the leading role from Lincoln with an estimated contract worth more then $20 million dollars.

Will you watch The Walking Dead post Andrew Lincoln? Let us know and remember to join in on the conversation on the CanGeek Community Page.

Thanks for reading.

Shadowrun Returns, again!

If you follow us on one of the multiple social media feeds that CanGeek Games and Collectibles is active on then you've most likely heard me sing the praises of the Shadowrun franchise at least once or twice.

The simple truth is that as a teenager when our local gaming group got together it was usually to play Magic: The Gathering, Battletech or Shadowrun - those were fun times indeed.

The last tabletop game of Shadowrun I ever played involved me and my best friend, both playing Street Samurai, and our attempt to completely derail our Game-Master's one off adventure.  While the GM was attempting to tell his tale, the two of us were working against each other, hanging each other out to dry, and claiming wayward Katana's as trophies....that was the last game of Shadowrun we played, mainly because our GM refused to run any more games - although I'm not sure why.

Then a few years ago the wonderful people at Harebrained Schemes launched a Kickstarter for Shadowrun Returns, a turn based Role-Playing Game for the PC, Android and IOS that immediately rekindled my love for this Cyberpunk classic.  Based on the success of their first campaign, Harebrained Schemes would later release Shadowrun: Dragonfall and Shadowrun: Hong Kong, and in so doing would also relieve me of more nuyen - Once a runner, Always a runner!

While the software market was being well-tended to by Harebrained Schemes, the tabletop market was starting to show signs of life again as TOPPS, the company that currently owns many of the properties once owned by FASA, has been hard at work ensuring that these franchises continue through third party licences.

Recently Catalyst Game Labs, who has been involved any many of the current Shadowrun offerings, announced the Shadowrun: SPRAWL OPS board game on Kickstarter. 

In partnership with Lynnvander Studios, this competitive 3 to 4 player game will have players leading and developing their own team of runners as they seek their next big payout. Each mission completed allows players to enhance their runners as they prepare for their final mission - taking on one of the worlds largest mega-corps in order to secure victory.

Offering many backer options, including one which allows you to convert from a competitive to cooperative adventure, Shadowrun: SPRAWL OPS seems like it is destined to be both a hit for its developers and one more game I have to add to my ever-growing library.

Do you plan to support this game? Let us know in the comments below and remember to join the conversation on our Facebook Community Page.

As always, thanks for reading.

What's HOT & What's NOT: The state of Prime-Time television.

I'm sure it has got me into trouble more then once but I've never been afraid to share my opinion....

We've once again entered that time of year when television network executives breakout their sharpies and start "stroking off" their lists, I'm of course referring to their list of series that won't be returning in the fall. And in a world that seems to be dominated by reality television, once again this year two of the shows that I've found myself firmly attached to will not be coming back.

Lucifer is the one that I think has really upset me, it's true that season three seemed to fall off the rails a little with the whole Sinner-man story-arc, but generally speaking the series was a well-written & performed diversion to an otherwise stagnant Monday night lineup. 

The news that they would not be picked up for a fourth season seemed to take the cast and crew off-guard as well, with the hashtags #SaveLucifer and #PickupLucifer going viral on social media within a matter of hours. 

And without ruining the series finale for anyone who has yet to see it, showrunner Joe Henderson recently told Deadline that "His team created a huge cliffhanger" that's going to "Frustrate the hell out of fans so that there was no way Fox could cancel us".

Unfortunately Henderson was only 50% right, his team created a huge cliffhanger, but Fox pulled the plug and unless another network steps in to save them, fans will truly be frustrated with the unexpected series finale.

Last week when ABC decided to cancel Designated Survivor it was less then surprising.

The series which stars Kiefer Sutherland has suffered multiple turnovers as a number of cast and crew have gone through a revolving door during its two years on television. And although this series started off strong - telling the story of a man thrust into unexpected power after a horrible terrorist attack, anyone can see that it has lost its way during the course of the second season.

What made this series so compelling during season one has ultimately harmed it during season two, the lack of a conspiracy and a true villain. In my personal opinion, had the writers not introduced Terry Serpico's character, Patrick Lloyd as a rich industrialist then the second season could have been about discovering who funded the man behind the attack on Washington D.C

Having said that, The Hollywood Reporter has recently suggested that talks are underway with Netflix to revive the series for a third season with its fifth showrunner in two years. They may also want to consider talking to some new writers or their run on the video streaming service might be a short lived one. 

On the plus side, Gotham has been confirmed for its Fifth and final season. The series which has taken a unique approach to the DC Batman story, focusing on a young Bruce Wayne prior to dawning the cape and cowl, was one of many shows that Fox was rumored to be cutting.

However Variety has confirmed that the Warner Brothers produced show will be given the green-light for one final run so that fans can witness Young Master Wayne finally suit up and seize his future legacy.

And with The CW renewing both Supernatural and it's entire DC lineup of shows, my options for series to continue binge watching has never been better.... Now if The CW would only pick up Lucifer that would be perfect!

Outside of a few shows where a decision has yet to be made you can click here to see a complete list of what will and will not be returning in the fall. Let us know in the comments below what cuts have truly disappointed you and remember to join in on the conversation on the CanGeek Community Page.

Thanks for reading.

Let the games begin!

This question was recently posed to me by a friend:

"If you are running an online games store, why do you blog so much about television and film?"

The answer to that question was simple, I view CanGeek.com as more than an online games store, I like to think of us as a pop-culture resource with a variety of products including games and collectibles - in short we try to have a little something for everyone. And since my personal love of both board games and video games began with my love of television and film, it somehow seems right to blog about that which I love.

With that in mind.... we're half way through the month of May, and with the Summer Blockbusters just beginning to roll into local theaters, there are going to be a multitude of games released which will allow fans to continue their journey alongside their favorite heroes.

Here are some of my picks for games to try over the next few months.

1. Thanos Rising: Avengers Infinity War

Personally there is no doubt in my mind that Avengers: Infinity War will be the biggest release of the year, and with everyone feeling the need to talk about the events of this incredable film, I'd advise you to see it soon.

To coincide with the release of Infinity War, game publisher USAopoly has released Thanos Rising: Avengers Infinity War. This cooperative dice and card game challenges a group of 2 to 4 Players to recruit a team of heroes in an attempt to face off against the Mad Titan and prevent him from collecting all six Infinity Stones and wreaking havoc on the fabric of reality.

Are you up to the task? 

2. DEADPOOL VS The World

The Merc with the Mouth is coming back to theaters as Ryan Reynolds suits up for the release of Deadpool 2. As Wade Wilson kicks ass, takes names, and continues to break the fourth wall with jaw-dropping dialogue, we're also preparing for the release of Deadpool VS The World.

This adult party game which has been compared to Card Against Humanity will feature 100 custom illustrations of Deadpool in some very strange and unsightly situations. Players are tasked with then filling in the blanks on caption cards to produce the most outrageous explanations of why the Merc with a Mouth has found himself in his current position.

The player with the best, most jaw-dropping explanations wins! 

3. MONOPOLY: Deadpool

Love Deadpool but looking for a more "Family Friendly" game to play?  Not only is the Merc with a Mouth conquering the world, he's also conquering the world of MONOPOLY!

While playing MONOPOLY: Deadpool players build their own team of Mercs for Money as they purchase the contracts of the world's best-mercenaries. Some are Deadpool's allies, some are Deadpool from alternate universes, and one is just Deadpool in a maids outfit.

Players pay when they land on Mercs purchased by opponents, buy vehicles like a chimichanga truck, and steal friends' stuff with the Cheap Shot and Low Blow spaces.

Will you be the Last Merc Standing?

4. MONOPOLY: Han Solo

Continuing with their plans to release a Star Wars themed film every year for the foreseeable future, Disney and Lucasfilm are set to release SOLO: A Star Wars Story on May 25th.  

Alongside the release of the film, fans of the MONOPOLY board game will see the release of MONOPOLY: Han Solo.  This edition invites players to enter a world of smugglers and adventure as they journey from the battlefield to the spice mines and attempt to make the Kessel Run!  Players are encouraged to buy as many Star Wars locations, Vehicles, and Power Sources as they can while taking risks with the smuggler and scoundrel cards.

As with other versions of the game, the last player with Imperial Credits wins!

5. MONOPOLY JR: The Incredibles 2

It's been fourteen years since the release of The Incredables, now some of the children who grew up watching this Pixar classic have children of their own - which is why it's a GREAT time to take them on a SUPER adventure! Players of MONOPOLY JR: The Incredables 2 are invited to suit up as one of the four members of the Parr family as they visit and explore locations inspired by the new Disney/Pixar film. 

In this easy and fast-playing game the hero who earns the most money saves the day!

These games, as well as many others, are available for purchase from our online store at cangeek.com. 

Why do I blog so much about television and film? Because in my opinion that is in some way where almost every great gaming adventure begins.  

As always, thanks for reading.

Cobra Kai Never Dies!

After what felt like months of waiting, Cobra Kai finally released on YouTube today and having only watched the first two episodes I can already tell that I'm going to love this series!

Set thirty-four years after the events of the original Karate Kid film, William Zabka and Ralph Macchio reprise their roles as Johnny Lawrence & Daniel Larusso. 

While the years have been kind to Larusso, blessing him with a beautiful wife, two children, and a successful chain of car dealerships, they have not been so for down on his luck Johnny. Lawrence is an out of work handyman, living in a rundown apartment, dreaming of his glory days.  

However after an altercation with a group of thugs in front of a mini-mart, much like Mr. Miyagi before him, Lawrence finds himself dawning a Gi and training a kid in desperate need of help - and that is where the story of Cobra Kai truly begins!

Ripe with multiple throwbacks to the original Karate Kid films, as well as multiple nostalgic references to the 1980's, Cobra Kai seems like it is meant to be both a social commentary on the world we now live in and a reminder that you should never judge a book by its cover.

From the beginning it is abundantly clear that this series is intended to be the redemption story of Johnny Lawrence, a man who is rough around the edges but ultimately means well. It is also clear that the conflict between Lawrence and Larusso is far from over, however unlike the original films we now find that through his passive-aggressive attitude Larusso is the would-be antagonist in this new series.

Available with a subscription to YouTube RED in the United States, Canadian views can purchase individual episodes of Cobra Kai for $2.49 each with the FIRST TWO episodes currently available for free.

I strongly encourage you to check out this series, then join us on our Facebook Community Page and share your thoughts with us.

Thanks for reading!

The Hollywood Reboot.

Has Hollywood trained us to look back as opposed to looking forward?

If you happen to be a member of the CanGeek Community Page on Facebook then you know we've talked a lot about Hollywood reboots, more specifically films that we'd like to see given the reboot treatment.

However over the past few days, as I've been re-watching classic films including HIGHLANDER and Tim Burton's BATMAN, I've found myself wondering if, due to the lack of creativity within their writing community, Hollywood has somehow trained consumers to welcome reboots as opposed to expecting fresh material.

From TOTAL RECALL and Stephen King's IT, to The FANTASTIC FOUR and TOMB RAIDER, there just seems to be no end to what Hollywood will remake, and with films like Hellboy and The Crow getting the reboot treatment there seems to be no end in sight either.

Now don't get me wrong here, I'm not opposed to reboots if they make sense, but there is no confusing the fact that some of these films are being remade due to a lack of inspiration and a need to grow a movie studios bank account.

However what's more offensive then a reboot is a sequel to a film that hasn't seen a franchise release in more then twenty years, films like Blade Runner 2049 and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull immediately come to mind.

What's next, a re-release of Batteries Not Included? 

It's just my opinion but as much as directors including Ridley Scott have been critical of the Superhero film genre in the past year, Marvel Studios seems to be one of the few Hollywood film companies offering up semi-original content that is keeping the movie-going public entertained.

The success of Marvels Black Panther earlier this year is, at least in part, proof of that...after-all keeping the public entertained is their job.

So with very few films beyond the Superhero genre on my radar this year, I'll be in line next Saturday, ready to throw away my movie-going money, for the release of Avengers: Infinity War. As for Hollywood and their need to revisit the past, if they want to continue to earn my money then they need to step forward into the future.

Thanks for reading.