Comics – Retrenders

The Youngest Spider-man Comic Artist – Ethan Castillo!

June 17, 2013 by Johnny Moreno 2 Comments

The Ramen crew may have not been the first to stumble upon the fascinating eight year old Spidey-artist, but we still stumbled!

This kid was amazing and we felt this is one of the things that Big Wow Comicfest’s opens up to, and that’s passion and talent from everywhere under the umbrella of comics. On the floor at Big Wow Comicfest, you can’t help but feel inspired by all the people that are there introducing new stories, new artists, new genres, new characters, and it becomes an absolute gift when you run into someone as young as Ethan Castillo drawing Spider-man or Marvel Comic characters because he loves to! You actually start to feel the kid in yourself while watching him draw! “It’s just fun!” – He says.

We also recognized the extent of love and support that Ethan’s parents give him and we can’t help but strongly say, great talent can come from self-ambition, but it also comes from parents that nurture and encourage it!

Filed Under: Art, Collectibles, Comics, Culture, Geeky, Interviews, Ramen and a Half, Series, Shows Tagged With: Comic Artist, Ethan Castillo, spiderman

3Face Wolverine

June 17, 2013 by Stephen Jang Leave a Comment

Pic of the Day:

It’s Wolverine … well, maybe it’s two Batman facing off.

Source: Imgur – Wolverine – Batman.

Filed Under: Art, Comics Tagged With: Batman, DC Comics, Marvel Comics, Wolverine

G.I. Joe x Transformers Mashup for ComicCon 2013

June 6, 2013 by Stephen Jang 1 Comment

Hasbro has really cool exclusive toys for this year’s San Diego ComicCon 2013. So you might want to bring a sleeping bag and get in line early at the Hasbro booth.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Collectibles, Comics, Toys Tagged With: Autobots, Baroness, ComicCon 2013, Deceptions, G.I. Joe, hasbro, Hound, Jetfire, Ravage, San Diego, Skystriker, V.A.M.P.

A Collection of Science Fiction by Comic Greats – Simon & Kirby

May 30, 2013 by Stephen Jang 1 Comment

Since the beginning of comics, superheroes have dominated the comic book pages, but the creative team of Joe Simon and Jack Kirby didn’t just do superheroes, they also put science fiction genre onto the comic book format. Titan Books has collected various science fiction stories by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby from the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s featuring the likes of “Solar Legion” and “Blue Bolt” in The Simon & Kirby Library – Science Fiction.

Ramen at FanimeCon 2013

May 29, 2013 by Johnny Moreno Leave a Comment

Ramen and a Half was video recorded before a live convention audience for their podcast as they talked about what FanimeCon is all about and discussed a serious topic on how some Cosplayers can be uncomfortably handled by costume admirers and sometimes get perverse images taken of them without one’s consent – then get posted on the internet.

Filed Under: Comics, Culture, Geeky, Otakudom, Ramen and a Half, Shows Tagged With: 16BitSirens, anime, Cosplay, FanimeCon, manga, San Jose, Sayori Chu

BitCoin or Big Wow! Comicfest?

May 28, 2013 by Stephen Jang 3 Comments

It was hard for me to decide which convention to go to when Bitcoin the future of currency and Big Wow! Comicfest 2013 happened at the same time at the San Jose Convention Center. The nerd in me wanted to find out more about this new form of cryptocurrency called Bitcoin (BTC) created by Satoshi Nakamoto. But anyways, I’m probably boring people now, let’s get on with another episode of Ramen from Big Wow! Comicfest:

Batman & Robin Inker Mick Gray!

May 28, 2013 by Stephen Jang Leave a Comment

Everybody knows what a comic book artists does – they draw and are treated like rockstars, but what about inkers? Our Ramen team chit chats with Batman & Robin inker Mick Gray about the process of inking comic books @ The Big Wow! Comicfest 2013.

Filed Under: Art, Comics, Featured, Geeky, Interviews, Ramen and a Half Tagged With: Batman, Batman & Robin, Big Wow!, Comicfest 2013, DC Comics, Johnny Moreno, Mick Gray, ramen

Spiderman artist Humberto Ramos @ Big Wow! Comicfest 2013

May 23, 2013 by Stephen Jang Leave a Comment

The Ramen crew interviews Spiderman artist Humberto Ramos @ Big Wow! Comicfest 2013. He talks about his passion and love for drawing comics.

Frank Cho sketches Red Sonia @ Big Wow! Comicfest 2013

May 22, 2013 by Stephen Jang Leave a Comment

This past weekend @ the Big Wow! Comicfest in San Jose, star comic book artist Frank Cho takes time to talk to the Ramen and a Half crew.

Big Wow! Comicfest 2013

May 19, 2013 by Stephen Jang 3 Comments

Our Retrenders crew may be tired and sleep deprived from the Big Wow! Comcifest in San Jose this past weekend, but we hope to bring you exclusive interviews from various comic book artists, cosplayers and other cool happenings from the event, so come back to our site for video updates.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Art, Collectibles, Comics, Photos Tagged With: Big Wow!, comic books, Comicfest, DC Comics, Frank Cho, Marvel Comics, San Jose, SJCC

Big Wow! Comicfest this Weekend in San Jose

May 18, 2013 by Stephen Jang Leave a Comment

Hey, were is our team going to be at this weekend? We’ll be at the Big Wow! Comicfest kicking off this weekend at the San Jose Convention Center. We’ll also be hanging at the Comic & Figure Addicts (CFA) booth #209, so catch us there and say HI!

For more details go to: Big Wow! Comicfest.com

Filed Under: Art, Collectibles, Comics, Design, Toys Tagged With: action figures, CA, CFA, comics, DC Comics, marvel, Ramen & a Half, San Jose

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

May 13, 2013 by Stephen Jang Leave a Comment

Well, after months of fanboy speculation and rumors, Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is a reality. ABC network has picked up the series and here’s the teaser trailer:

‘Nuff said!

Filed Under: Comics, TV Tagged With: ABC, agents, Disney, marvel, Nick Fury, SHIELD, Whedon

Batmobile Diecast Cars with Magazine

May 8, 2013 by Stephen Jang 1 Comment

Detective Comics #400 Batmobile

So there’s no Batman flick this summer, but these cool Batmobiles can hold you over until the next film. All the die-cast Batmobile cars are in the 1:43 scale with scenic backdrop and case. And each comes with a 12-page magazine on details of the specific Batmobile.

Buy it @ Entertainment Earth – Detective Comics #400 Batmobile.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Collectibles, Comics, Toys Tagged With: animated, Batman, Batmobile, DC Comics, Detective Comics, die-cast

Emily the Strange needs a Kickstart for her band: Calling All Guitars!

April 22, 2013 by Stephen Jang Leave a Comment

Our friends at animation studio Ghostbot and Robert Reger need your help in getting Emily the Strange animated in music. It’s not just Emily, but her band and her cats will get animated too! Check out the Kickstarter page for info in helping this project along – Kickstarter – Emily the Strange MV.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Art, Comics Tagged With: animated, Clothes, Dark Horse Comics, Emily the Strange, ghostbot, Kickstarter, music video, Robert Reger

Batman Underwear with a mini-cape

April 15, 2013 by Stephen Jang Leave a Comment

This ain’t no joke. If your mom still dresses you, tell her to buy you this – Batman Black Caped Boxer Briefs.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Comics, Fashion Tagged With: Batman, boxers, briefs, cape, DC Comics, Hanes, underwear

Fun with a Pencil by Andrew Loomis

April 9, 2013 by Stephen Jang Leave a Comment

Who doesn’t want to draw comics like Jack Kirby, Will Eisner and Jim Lee? Nobody starts off the gates drawing comics, cartoons and creating iconic characters without the basics. The A-B-C’s of drawing is what gets you from Point A to Point B. In our day of digital technology we can find art instruction on-line. I learned my cooking & cocktail recipes and Photoshop tutorials on YouTube. Sometimes, you need a little old school instruction and we’re going back to the early 20th century with commercial artist Andrew Loomis (1892-1959). Mr Loomis was well known for his various instructional art books and many of these books are not in print anymore. Fun with a Pencil was published back in 1939 and thanks to Titan Books, this instructional art book is in bookstore shelves.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Art, Books, Comics, Design, Reviews Tagged With: Alex Ross, Andrew Loomis, art book, drawing, instructional, Jack Kirby, Jim Lee, Titan Books, UK

Pacific Rim Trailer – SWEDED

March 28, 2013 by Johnny Moreno Leave a Comment

A SWEDED version of the Pacific Rim trailer, a style obviously admired and mimicked from Michel Gondry’s 2008 film “Be Kind Rewind”. It’s hilarious!

Filed Under: Art, Comics, Culture, Entertainment, Videos Tagged With: Be Kind Rewind, Michel Gondry

Apple Icon Steve Jobs starring in a Manga

March 25, 2013 by Stephen Jang Leave a Comment

The Internet been buzzing about this new manga project by Japanese artist Mari Yamazaki (“Thermae Romae”). The Japanese magazine “Kiss” will delivered the first chapter of this Steve Jobs fantasy driven biopic. It’s too bad I can’t read Kanji characters! I need a translator.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Art, Comics Tagged With: Apple, biopic, comic book, iPod, Japan, Kiss Magazine, manga, Mari Yamazaki, Steve Jobs

Brand NEW Graphic Novel: Everybody Loves Tank Girl

March 4, 2013 by Stephen Jang Leave a Comment

Tank Girl returns in Everybody Loves Tank Girl graphic novel from Titan Books. It’s all new, but just not for EVERYONE. I mean if you don’t like sexy Tank Girl and friends, bad words, drugs, guns, humor and straight-out wackiness – then this graphic novel isn’t for you. Co-creator/author Alan C. Martin and artist Jim Mahfood takes us on a wild ride as Tank Girl gives us the inside look at The Tank; their adventures in babysitting their neighbors’ son Feldman; Tank Girl and friends trying to avoid the evil Arty Farty Gang, and many more crazy insane stories.

Jim Mahfood’s artwork is super-fun to look at with the various strips in black and white and colored. Plus in the back of the book, there is a collection of his Tank Girl galley artwork. One word – SEXY. And best of all is the out-there sense of humor. I mean if you don’t get it, you probably won’t get it Tank Girl, but for all us Tank Girl fans – we get it. I admit I was laughing hard at “The Sixteenth Annual Australian Swearing Competition short! No SPOILERS here – you will just have to BUY to graphic novel to read it and laugh your butt off.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Hardback Graphic Novel: Everybody Loves Tank Girl

Author: Alan C. Martin

Artist: Jim Mahfood

Publisher: Titan Books

MSRP: $19.95USD

Available: February 22, 2013

Filed Under: Books, Comics, Reviews Tagged With: Alan C Martin, artist, comedy, graphic novel, Jim Mahfood, satire, Tank Girl, Titan Books, UK

Viral Video Friday: Wonder Woman Fan Film

March 1, 2013 by Stephen Jang Leave a Comment

This is stunt veteran/director Jesse V. Johnson’s fan short film for DC Comics’ Wonder Woman. It’s really well done with high production values.

For more info, click the link: Wonder Woman short film.

Filed Under: Comics, Videos Tagged With: DC Comics, fan film, Jesse V Johnson, Nazis, short film, Wonder Woman, WWII

Nick Cardy: The Artist at War

February 22, 2013 by Stephen Jang 1 Comment

Nick Cardy is best known for his comic book art during the “Silver Age of Comics,” where he drew DC Comics’ Aquaman and the Teen Titans. Cardy, who’s now in his 90’s, is releasing a collection today of World War II art titled Nick Cardy: The Artist At War showcasing his work in the Army from basic training to Europe’s final days in the war.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Books, Comics Tagged With: 1940s, Aquaman, DC Comics, Nick Cardy, Silver Age, Teen Titans, Titan Books, World War II

Dead Space: Liberation

February 8, 2013 by Stephen Jang 1 Comment

Dead Space: Liberation is a brand new graphic novel by British sci-fi/fantasy illustrator Christopher Shy and British writer Ian Edginton and the story follows the events after EA’s hit video game Dead Space 2, plus acts as a prequel to the upcoming Dead Space 3.

In Liberation, we find out there’s another Marker on the planet Uxor. Earthgov Sergeant John Carver now races back to save his family as religious fanatics attack the Marker site. John is then forced to join with Ellie Langford and Captain Robert Norton as they race to unlock the true secrets of the Marker, fight off Unitology, and save mankind.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Comics Tagged With: Christopher Shy, Dead Space 3, EA, Electronic Arts, graphic novel, Liberation, Titan Books, UK, video game

Foodie Reading: Oishinbo

January 2, 2013 by Stephen Jang Leave a Comment

I’m not a huge manga reader, I grew up with comic books and graphic novels, but a friend of mine told me to check out this cool manga about Japanese food since I was a such a foodie monster. I first read Oishinbo – Ramen and Gyoza volume and was totally hook by not just the art but the reading and explanation of certain Japanese dishes. Each little episode takes a specific dish and through the characters explains the history of dish, ingredients, how it’s prepared and so on. It’s like watching the Food Channel. I really enjoyed all 7 volumes of this collection. A bit of warning – you will be hungry and crave Japanese food after each little episode.

MSRP: $12.99USD for print edition, $4.99USD for digital edition.

For more info, head to: Viz Media – Oishinbo.

Filed Under: Comics Tagged With: comic, fish, Japanese, Jpn, manga, oishinbo, rice, sushi, viz media

Stop-Motion 1992 X-Men Cartoon Intro

December 18, 2012 by Stephen Jang Leave a Comment

Check out this cool stop-motion video by Kyle Roberts using what I think are old school Toy Biz X-men action figures for this 1992 X-Men cartoon intro.

Filed Under: Comics, Videos Tagged With: Beast, FOX, Jean Grey, Jubilee, Marvel Comics, Storm, Toy Biz, X, X-men

SAMCRO “Nerd Version”

December 17, 2012 by Stephen Jang Leave a Comment

The FOX F/X hit series Sons of Anarchy is about this rough and tumble gangsta bikers gets a nerdy tribute by artist Raid71. You can get this sweet 18×24 print from Bottleneck Gallery.