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Hallows Fell – a horror story

Cristina Bogdan
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Hallows Fell – a horror story

Hallows Fell, created by Thom Burgess and illustrated by Izzy Stanic, depicts a story that combines modern life and old time superstition in a seamless blend.

Old stories of hags that yearn for some fresh blood are common in most places, tales to keep the children inside after dark, yet in this instance, they turn out to be a little more than that. The black and white comic – and the lack of colours really adds to the atmosphere of dread that carries through the book – has at the center a man that goes through the unluckiest night of his life.

From missing his train, to missing his credit card to meeting a strange woman at a bus stop who turns out to be a ghostly appearance, it all happens to him in the span of a few hours. It only gets progressively worse from there, but you’ll have to read the book yourself to see what happens.

The tale is fast-paced, keeping you guessing and hoping that maybe, just maybe, in this one instance it will turn out to be a case of “It was all just a dream.” Despite that, it’s hard to root for the central character, especially when he makes poor decision after poor decision, with the only excuse being drunkenness and obliviousness to the things that surround him.

One thing I was not fond of was the intro of the copy I received, which already set Simon – the main character – as a “bad guy” or more of an asshole, to be exact. It informs the readers that if something bad befalls him it was somehow deserved. Still, an enjoyable read, especially if that bit is ignored and you like/dislike Simon on his own merits.

All in all, it’s definitely worth a read, especially late in the evening, when you are home alone. Better build up the atmosphere, after all.

The Geek Pride Cast #Dickpicandchill

Matt Geary
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The Geek Pride Cast #Dickpicandchill

In this weeks episode, Matt, Giulietta and Bevan talk Board Games, Matts move, sexism in geek culture and unsolicited dick pics.

Don’t forget that all Geek Pride Podcasts, including this one and Pitch, Please! can be found on Itunes, Google Play, youtube and our website for download.

If you would like to see live streamed podcasts, then please check out our Facebook, Youtube and Twitch channels.

Http://www.youtube.com/geekpridetv

http://www.facebook.com/geekpride1

http://www.twitch.com/geekpridetv

Comic Con Arabia Invites First American Guests

Erin
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Comic Con Arabia Invites First American Guests

We’ve got some exciting news regarding Comic Con Arabia today. This will be the first Saudi convention featuring guests from America.  Riki Lecotey (known in the cosplay community as Riddle) will become the first American female cosplayer to be welcomed in Saudi Arabia. She will be joined by Carlos Blanchard (Rage Custom Creations, and widely recognized as Medieval Batman), Michael “Knightmage” Wilson (cosplayer, spokesmodel, and stunt man), and Thomas DePetrillo (owner of Extreme Costumes and self professed maker of giant robots).

 

Riddle’s journey will be particularly remarkable; appearing means she must adhere to Saudi laws as they pertain to women. Only women will be allowed to view her cosplay, which must be separated from the men’s area of the con. In public, she will wear an abaya. Adapting to the culture as a woman while also pioneering cosplay is frankly groundbreaking. Considering what future implications of merging these two cultures might mean inspires hope, and inspires an imaginative blend the likes of which we have not yet seen.

 

“This will be a historic event for the geek community in Saudi Arabia, and I’m excited and honored to be apart of It,”

says Lecotey.

“While comic & video game conventions have been happening for years all over the world, and it’s something many of us take for granted, this will be SA’s second convention ever, and first convention with international guests. A place for all geeks in Saudi Arabia to feel welcome and celebrate what they love.

Conventions and cosplay are still in its infancy in Saudi Arabia and everyone involved over the next few years, from organizers, attendees and especially cosplayers, are pioneers.

It’s inspiring on so many levels.

The fact that I have been selected to represent women in cosplay means more then I can express. I have seen how much cosplay has changed in my almost 2 decades of cosplaying. What always amazes me is how cosplay changes people. It creates community and confidence. Helps those who are shy come out of their shell, or those with a love to create, an outlet to do so.

I hope to share my knowledge with the cosplayers in Saudi Arabia , and encourage others to start cosplaying. I have benefited so much from my friends who have passed along their skill, I will always try to help those just starting out in this amazing hobby.

I’m excited to see how cosplay and the cosplay community will continue to grow in their counrty, especially now that they will have local events to show off their talent and love of the characters. I always look forward to seeing the costumes and picking up some artwork from local Saudi artist, but most of all, I look forward to meeting the geek community in Saudi Arabia, because no matter where you go in the world the geek community are my people. I can honestly say that when I’m cosplaying the old Sophie from spirited away or granny goodness,

I will always look back on my invitation Saudi Arabia as high point in my cosplay adventures.”

Blanchard (who was among the first American cosplayers during China’s first convention in 2015) also issued this statement:

“I am honored to announce that Riddle, Knightmage, Thomas DePetrillo and I will be cosplay guests at Comic Con Arabia at the end of this month!

Saudi is in the midst of going through some spectacular and historic cultural changes at the moment and we have been invited as the very first American cosplay guests at the first ever Comic Con in the capital of Riyadh. To say that we are honored and excited, does little to adequately express how we feel. This is a huge deal to put it bluntly.

Saudi Arabia only had their inaugural Comic Con back in February of this year, in the city of Jeddah, and it was a huge success with over 20K attendees.

Think about that for a second, and let that sink in.

What we have been attending for so many years has only just come to their country, showing us on a different level that we share common interests. And that our love for comics and costuming transcends cultures, race and religions. That regardless of all the differences between us, there is a commonality, albeit it a geeky one.

We have been given a unique opportunity to see first hand how cosplay and comics are viewed in their country, and we get to experience their joy of this, and allow us to share ourselves with them in the process. This is something we take very seriously, because we understand that we aren’t there as individuals, but as representatives, not only of the United States, but the cosplay community as a whole.

When they see us, they see you.

So rest assured that we will do everything in our power to make you proud of us. That when they interact with us, and let us share in their world, they see you, all the cosplayers, worldwide.”

How exciting to see such an ambassadorship within our geeky community. Geek Pride will bring you more news as this story develops. Keep an eye out for reports from the convention, which will take place November 24th-26th, and follow them on Twitter(@comicconarabia)

Until then, here’s a bit more about some of the guest

(International Cosplayer/Entertainer/Philanthropist)

Michael “Knightmage” Wilson was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio and now resides in Youngstown, Ohio.

A current decorated 17 year veteran Deputy Sheriff for the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office in Ohio, Michael has been cosplaying since 2012 but the love for the comic and video game genre has been in his heart since he was little as it shows when he creates his costumes.  Having created over 100 costumes, many of his creations have been praised and displayed on numerous platforms in print and online, Michael is regarded as one of the most influential male cosplayers in the world.

Having a love for acting and stunt work, Michael has worked on several Hollywood comic book movie productions including The Avengers, The Dark Knight Rises, Captain America 2: Winter Soldier and more. Michael was also an alternate for the 2006 reality show “Who Wants To Be A Superhero” hosted by Stan Lee. Michael has worked on and has been featured in several fan films and productions such as “Flash Fall” by Together Brother Productions and the popular YouTube series “MAN AT ARMS: Reforged”.  Michael has also created costumes for various World Wrestling Entertainment superstars.

Michael is a spokes model for the independent comic companies “Shot In The Dark Comics” and “Transgenesis Comics”, having his likeness used for upcoming comic book characters.

Genuinely loving to entertain, make a positive impact and bring smiles, Michael most often uses his costuming by participating in many charitable events, benefAits, parades, birthdays and hospital visits to children. This has led him to becoming a member of esteemed costuming groups such as “The League of Heroes, The Heroes Alliance-Ohio Branch, East Coast Avengers, Costumers with a Cause and Superheroes to Kids in Ohio and Heroic Inner Kids”. Michael often works closely with local and national charity organizations as a sponsor, such as The Make-A-Wish Foundation, Capes 4 Heroes, Putting Downs First , Angels for Animals and many others. Michael has received numerous awards for his charitable deeds including the “’Outstanding Service Award” from Credit Where Credit Is Due and most notably the “Presidential Volunteers Award” from President Barack Obama and the White House.

If you wish, become a fan HERE and follow on Twitter @Knightmage  and Instagram @Knightmage1

Riki Lecotey (known as Riddle) transplanted from her igloo in Canada and moved to the United States has been involved in costuming for over 15 years. She is internationally recognized and invited to conventions around the world, to judge costume contests, host workshops, and promotes confidence in cosplay

She has been interviewed by Playboy, NPR, Washington Post, been on one of the best selling Marvel Cosplay comic variant cover as well as featured on the covered of two of the most well-known cosplay magazines in the word, Cosplay Culture & Cohaku. She is currently releasing patterns through Simplicity and All the skills she has learned through cosplay also has gotten the opportunity to now work on a Superhero films

She was a main cast member on both season of Heroes of Cosplay, winning the most awards during her time on there. Riki also has appeared in two award-winning documentaries, 4 days at Dragoncon & Cosplay: Crafting a secret identity.

She is the creator and currently runs Cosplay for a Cause, whose raised over $50,000 for various charities worldwide (Red Cross & wildlife conservation society) by involving her cosplayers peers all over the world to be part of various projects.

Her favorite act of charity, however, is rescuing and rehabilitating baby squirrels.

If you would like to find out more then please visit her Facebook Page HERE or follow her on Twitter HERE

Carlos Blanchard with his company Rage Custom Creations makes the highest quality custom props, costumes, and graphic design products. Hailing from the United States, Blanchard has made a name for himself in the Cosplay community as a dedicated costumer, costume designer and graphic artist. He’s known especially for his work on the Medieval Batman and Facehugger Corset, two costumes that earned him and his company the respect of international Cosplayers. Carlos is also known as the creative talent behind the super viral, and now infamous Venom photo shoot that took costume photography and costuming to an entirely new level.

If you would like to see more then please check out Carlos’s Facebook Page HERE

Syfy’s Ghost Wars

Cristina Bogdan
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Syfy’s Ghost Wars

Ghost Wars is one of the latest SyFy shows to come out this fall. With 6 episodes under the belt already, the show has had time to both find its footing and an audience, but what is Ghost Wars all about? And is it worth the watch?

To answer the first question, the show is set in a small town in Alaska, where following an earthquake the dead have returned as spirits. Sounds pretty straightforward and even a little cliche.  After all the supernatural themed shows have been around for a while, with similar premises – though usually spread out over the course of a single episode. Now, if you’re expecting something fast paced, where blazing guns and throwing salt around solves issues, you’re watching the wrong show.

Ghost Wars is a slow burn tale, where – despite being somewhat told at the start that the resident psychic is the hero – everyone gets their time in the lime light and considering the cast, that can only be a good thing.

Vincent D’Onofrio plays a priest who lost his faith, only to find it when the world has gone to hell – or did he? – Kandyse McClure is a scientist who might have had a hand in the entire mess, Avan Jogia is the reluctant psychic and Meat Loaf his biggest hater. Kim Coates, Kristin Lehman, Luvia Peterson and Sonja Bennett complete the cast of townspeople trapped in a horror story they want no part of. I thought at first that the acting was a little awkward, particularly on Avan Jogia’s part, which struck me as odd, since he is quite a good actor. However it hit me that he plays a character that has spent his life being hated and bullied by his neighbors and suddenly he cannot hide away from people anymore. He’s now a hot commodity and he doesn’t know how to deal with it. “Garlic for ghosts,” to quote the show. 

In Ghost Wars all those that have died post the aforementioned earthquake come back “wrong”, vengeful and seemingly focused on a bigger picture that for now only they can see. They force people to stay in town, cutting out communications and blocking them away from travelling. They can control what people see and even what they do. Why? That is one question still unanswered.

It takes a while for the show to pick up, with seemingly unconnected events all leading back to the same thing. The feeling of claustrophobia is nightmarish enough- no matter how big a cage is, it’s still a cage, after all – but the fact that most people stuck there have to contend with angry ghosts just adds fuel to the fire. What I like is that they portray a world where nobody wants to accept what’s going on. Seeing the dead lurking, seeing them try to kill someone is not enough to make everyone a believer – so very much like real life. There is doubt, but the change from one extreme to the other makes sense. You cannot deny hard evidence after all. (I am aware that in fact it is possible to deny hard evidence).

So far Ghost Wars has it all: creepy children, creepy ghosts…a combination of the two, a psychic and a scientist who is not quick to dismiss him (and by the looks of the above picture, you can see why) plus religion, for good measure. How the three mix and how it will work out in the end, remains to be seen. With only 7 episodes to go, Ghost Wars has started to pick up the pace with more and more spirits showing up, things getting even more dreary and everything that could go wrong, doing just that.

If there was a sense of lazy, small town attitude to the whole show at the start, where everything is so static that even when things move, you miss it, now that began to change.

Onto what Ghost Wars doesn’t have…a special effects budget deserves an honorary mention. Sometimes a moment could be ruined by the poor effects that make some events laughable instead of dramatic, but I like to believe that the rest of the story makes up for it. And to their credit, they do improve from time to time.

Maybe it’s a clever ploy to allow those that watch the show late at night some sleep?

You can find below the trailer of the first season – hopefully not the last, because I am already hooked – enjoy and give it a shot.

 

The Geek Pride Cast #GPSEXED

Matt Geary
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The Geek Pride Cast #GPSEXED

This week Mike happens… we talk Geek Pride Sex ed, a new jingle Mike wrote for the podcast and Daniel and Jonjo try to talk nerdy to me.


Don’t forget that all Geek Pride Podcasts, including this one and Pitch, Please! can be found on Itunes, Google Play, youtube and our website for download.

If you would like to see live streamed podcasts, then please check out our Facebook, Youtube and Twitch channels.

Http://www.youtube.com/geekpridetv

http://www.facebook.com/geekpride1

http://www.twitch.com/geekpridetv

The Geek Pride Cast #Japanoramma

Matt Geary
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The Geek Pride Cast #Japanoramma

We were at Play Expo in Manchester last week, with our own community area and guess who rocked up? That’s right, the man, the myth, the Legend that is Gearsden, back again, on our live podcast.

Matt and Gearsden talk Starwars, Play expo and Gearsden’s trip to Japan.

Don’t forget that all Geek Pride Podcasts, including this one and Pitch, Please! can be found on Itunes, Google Play, youtube and our website for download.

If you would like to see live streamed podcasts, then please check out our Facebook, Youtube and Twitch channels

Http://www.youtube.com/geekpridetv

http://www.facebook.com/geekpride1

http://www.twitch.com/geekpridetv

 

Potential Spoilers for the fate of 2 characters in the last Jedi.

Matt Geary
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Potential Spoilers for the fate of 2 characters in the last Jedi.

It would seem that once again a trailer and promotional material have given away major plot points in an upcoming film, in this case the newest Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

First off if you don’t want to read about spoilers then turn back now, read no further because spoilers there be!

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Still here I see, then continue.

Now the initial spoiler I am mentioning isn’t really a spoiler, as, to be honest, it is pretty predictable and due to circumstances, very likely as well. I obviously speak of the death of Princess Leia  / General Leia as is.

With the death of Carrie Fisher still a recent and painful memory, many have wondered how they would deal with her character in the upcoming Star Wars films, and if they would use CGI or not. More recently it was confirmed that CGI would not be used and that they would be carrying out reshoots. It is therefore my view, and based on the recent trailer that despite having plans to have her in all 3 movies, they have made the decision to kill her off, so to deal with the issue her untimely death caused for what they do in the third movie.

How is this going to happen? Well I think the trailer gives us a very  big, spoilery clue:

With Kylo Ren’s, First Order, Tie Silencer (or variant of)  attacks the rebel fleet, and more specifically what seems like the rebel flag ship you can hear him say “Let the past die, kill it if you have to. that’s the only way you can become who you are supposed to be”  it then shows you a close up of Leia looking pensively at the camera, a hint of sadness as she realises her son can’t be save, and then a shot of the flag ships bridge being targeted and another of Kylo getting ready to fire.

Now granted, it could be a case that Leia, who is force sensitive, reaches out to him and Kylo just can’t bring himself to do it, so breaks off but with the narration and the fact that Disney really don’t want to cast a CGI version of Fisher, it seems very plausible that this is where Leia’s story will come to an end, unsuspectingly, sadly and with great lament; just like Fishers in real life.

 

The Second spoiler is one that the trailer hints at but due to an IMAX Picture stand, could possibly be true…


I’ll let you have a look at this, see anything strange?

That’s right, Luke is on both halves, light and Dark. On it’s on this would imply that he turns to the Dark Side but with this coupled with the trailer, more specifically at 1m 45 and 1m  48, it would seem all the more plausible “This is not going to end the way you think..” he says while lying in the ground in what seems like the same cave that Ray confronts him in.

Not persuaded? Well let’s look at Luke’s past.

He lost his adopted family, his mentor Obi Wan, a load of his friends in the rebellion, his Jedi academy, his best friend Han, his best friends son, Ben, to the Dark Side and, if the above is true, his sister as well. It would seem plausible to me that there will be a final straw moment when he decides that the Jedi, instead of being a force for good and stability in the universe, have instead been the cause of insurmountable pain and a lot of it to Luke himself and, in his mind for the greater good, the end of them is the only way to bring stability.

In short he’s a man on the edge, a man with great power but yet still his loved ones die and all because he wouldn’t give in, fully, to the Dark Side. Maybe sensing the power in Ray he feels that she will end up just like the rest, corrupted and being used as a force for evil and so his only recourse is to destroy the jedi.

It’s not like he’s not dabbled with the Dark Side before….his anger defeated Vadar and he forced choked a Gamorrean Guard in Return of the Jedi after all.

So what do you think? Let us know in comments below and let us know if there is anything else you think you picked up, like; is that the Force Tree in the trailer ? and what the hell is that guinea pig thing beside Chewbacca?

Lets talk it out.

Fan film Never Hike Alone rejuvenates Friday The 13th

Andy Haigh
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Fan film Never Hike Alone rejuvenates Friday The 13th

Friday The 13th is one of the biggest franchises in horror film history.

Jason Vorhees, the hockey mask wearing killer, has long been absorbed into the pop culture landscape but in terms of film the franchise has been pretty dead since a failed attempt to reboot it in 2009. Then a further attempt to revive the franchise was dropped. The franchise is essentially more dead than its infamous antagonist.

Fan, and film maker, Vincente DiSanti had some ideas for a Friday The 13th fan film.

That film, Never Hike Alone, dropped onto the internet rather fittingly on Friday The 13th October. The film stars Drew Leighty as a vlogger and hiker who unwittingly stumbles on the abandoned Camp Crystal Lake whilst on hiking trail not in his guide. To say that Never Hike Alone is the best thing to happen to Friday The 13th in years is an understatement but saying anything else will spoil it.

Watch Never Hike Alone below.

 

Cosplay from SFW in the City

Peter Ray Allison
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Cosplay from SFW in the City

One of the highlights of Sci Fi Weekender in the City was the diverse costumes worn by the talented cosplayers there.  The sheer breadth of cosplay ranged from faithful recreations of those worn on screen to imaginative re-envisioning of iconic characters.

Here, in no particular order, is just a fraction of some of the fantastic costumes that were on offer at the scifi festival last weekend.

All photos are by Peter Gatehouse

 

Sci-Fi Weekender in the City 2017

Peter Ray Allison
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Sci-Fi Weekender in the City 2017

Sci-Fi Weekender (SFW), the UK’s only science-fiction festival and the largest in Europe, has always experimented with its format and strived to be unique.  Hence, it was no surprise when SFW in the City was announced as a satellite event to the main festival.

Rather than the usual three-day event, spread across a holiday park, SFW in the City was intended to be a more condensed version of the SFW experience, held over two days in a single venue, namely the O2 Academy in Sheffield.  However, the rooms close proximity to each other meant that there was some background noise during the Q&A sessions.

Everything that we have come to expect from SFW was there, but on a smaller scale.  The usual Main Void, Spaceport and Timeport areas were all spread throughout the venue, whilst a VIP area was set aside in the upper tier of the Main Void.

Headlining the event were Sylvester McCoy (Seventh Doctor of Doctor Who, Radagast the Brown from The Hobbit and Old Man of Hoy in Sense8), James Cosmo (Jeor Mormont from Game of Thrones and Angus Macleod in Highlander) and Julian Glover (General Veers in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and Walter Donovan in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade). All were on top form.  Sylvester McCoy entertained the audience during his Q&A with his warmth and humour, whilst James Cosmo was at his amusingly pragmatic best.

The evening’s entertainment commenced with the ‘Imaginarium’, which was a low-key affair.  Those expecting SFW’s usual pyrotechnic displays and robots might have been disappointed.  Nonetheless, the opening magician was entertaining, and the BMX performers were impressive.

However, following the Imaginarium and headlining the evening’s entertainment was the Star Wars themed Elvis tribute band Darth Elvis and the Imperials, who played a fantastic set of rock and roll classics.  You have not lived until you have heard “You ain’t nothing but a nerf herder.”

Rounding off the night was the DJ Level-Up Leroy, who played a variety of sci-fi fuelled rock and pop classics.  The music may not have been to everyone’s taste, but the atmosphere was infectious and Leroy soon had even the most reserved member of the audience bouncing around.

What was surprising was there seemed to be fewer people in the evening.  This was a shame as they missed what some considered the highlight of the event.  This could have been down to any newcomer’s expectations of conventions being day-only affairs.  However, the evening entertainment was well publicised with a schedule accompanying the booking emails.

Most of the event was focused on the Saturday, when Sylvester McCoy, James Cosmo and Julian Glover were appearing.  This left Sunday feeling comparatively sparse, and there was a distinct sense of winding down.

To have skipped the Sunday would have been a disservice, as the Cosplay Competition was pretty entertaining.  This was mostly due to the hosting by Jimcredible and Strange Porcelain, who compensated for the various technical hitches by being so damn entertaining, they kept the momentum throughout the competition.

Absent from SFW in the City were the mingling performers and stilt-walkers that have always lent a fantastical frisson to the proceedings at SFW.  A consequence of this was that attendees did not feel as compelled to dress up for the event, further lessening the carnivalesque atmosphere.

There also seemed to be a small author turnout at the event.  Sam Stone, Bryony Pierce and Raven Dane were as entertaining and informative as always, but more variety would have been appreciated.  There also seemed to be some repetition, as the comic artist Mike Collins was interviewed twice.  However, as there were often various talks and interviews taking place concurrently throughout the weekend, this is perhaps no bad thing.

Bar and food prices were higher than you would expect, but these are not the sort of events where people go to drink anyway.  Also, there were several restaurants, nearby, including, a rather excellent Chinese just across the road from the venue.

SFW in the City was a fun weekend and carries within it the potential to be a truly amazing complement to the Sci Fi Weekender festival.  Whether it will be developed with greater resources being invested, or even by being condensed to a single-day event, remains to be seen.  Hopefully, SFW in the City will continue and stand alongside SFW as being for those who want more than just  sci-fi conventions.

Photos by Peter Gatehouse.

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