Back when I was a kid, my dad used to get me issues of Quest magazine, a partworks magazine collection about science published by Marshall Cavendish. If you are unfamiliar with the term partworks, it basically means a written publication, released as a series of planned magazine-like issues over time. In the case of Quest, each issue can be separated into separate topics and stored inside binders with colour coded sections. The complete collection, consisting of 3 binders of collected issues, is somewhat like an encyclopedia on science.

I noticed a new partworks collection yesterday at the local Borders, called the DC Comics’ Super Hero Collection. It sounds tacky and while it comes with the pre-requisite magazine (and the binder is coming in Issue 2….I think), each issue comes with a hand-painted, lead-cast collector’s edition figurine of the featured superhero! In the case of Issue 1, which is on the newsstands now, the featured superhero none other than my favourite, Batman.

The magazine portions details the character, the greatest Batman stories, the supporting characters and the genesis of the idea in creating Batman, it’s nothing much if you have something like The Essential Batman Encyclopedia (which I do, having bought it for a song), but if you don’t it’s an OK primer to the Dark Knight. The star of the issue is definitely the figurine. I’m keeping in in-box (took off the shrink-wrapped, but never gone to the business of setting the little guy free from his plastic confines), and I think it’s pretty well worth the money.

DC Comics’ Super Hero Collection is a bi-weekly release. The first issue is now at an introductory price of RM 19.90, subsequent issues will have a price tag of RM 29.90.  If you were to ask me, I would say the magazine is worth buying for the figurine alone. Looks like I’ve to add this to the budget, in addition to the other two magazines that I buy on a regular basis, EDGE and Retro Gamer.

I write about iPhone video games and it’s pretty obvious that the iPhone is also one of my video game consoles. But besides the normal phone functionality, iPod and video games, what else do I use the iPhone for? Well, you’d probably be interested to know.

My day job involves managing software development teams and one of our tasks would be to ensure that the Production Servers are up and running. The iPhone has built-in VPN functionality that supports connecting using IPSec, making it really easy for me to connect to the internal network. In order to access the actual servers, I use an RDP app called Jump Desktop which supports both Remote Desktop and VNC. This is really convenient and works great in a pinch when I do not have a laptop with me.

As a plus point, Jump Desktop works well even over the slower EDGE connection and the controls do well to compensate for the lack of a physical mouse. Cost? I bought the app at USD 5 and that was during a sale by the developer, and now it’s selling at USD 19.99! Check it out over here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/jump-desktop-remote-desktop/id364876095?mt=8

Now, all work and no play (haha, I shouldn’t be saying this) wouldn’t be fun at all. I recently purchased a Comic Book reader app called Comic Zeal Comic Reader Mini and this thing is amazing. It supports the file sharing thing, making it very easy to transfer files from my machine to my iPhone via iTunes. This app reads both *.cbr and *.cbz compressed files and now has support for *.PDF files as well.

The app itself is not cheap, selling at USD 3.99, but it’s worth it. Check it out over here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/comic-zeal-comic-reader-mini/id288016881?mt=8

There are plenty of video game related news coming out of this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, some of which were on my wish list, while some, were totally unexpected. First up would be the announcement of a Green Lantern video game, sharing the same name as the upcoming movie, Green Lantern: Rise of the Manhunters. Among DC Comics superheroes, GL is ranked second in my Top 3 list, in between Batman and Superman.

I do have doubts about the game though, given that GL’s ring can basically create any kind of construct whereas the game allows players to utilise “over a dozen of constructs”. Pretty meh but I suppose you can’t give the player a sandbox but hey, if Scribblenaut can give some sort of unrestrained feel on the DS, why not GL?

OK, next up, news concerning inFAMOUS 2. I like the first game…a lot, and I like the character design for Cole (the protagonist). The decision to give Cole a total makeover (from gritty looking, pissed-off Cole to metrosexual Cole) for the sequel wasn’t met with much enthusiasm from plenty of people, particularly fans of the game. While I was pretty neutral, I’m rather happy to hear that Sucker Punch will be changing Cole’s look to look more like that in the first game!

If you always wanted to know who would win in a fight between Ryu and Jin Kazama, you may soon get the answer with the upcoming release of Street Fighter X Tekken. Yeah,  you  read that title right. It’s crazy but check out the trailer below:

This is just too cool, Kaiyodo has released its latest Revoltech Sci-Fi Series action figure and it’s no other than the Dark Knight himself, Batman! I saw this over the weekend at a toy store and while it’s going for USD 36.60, Play-Asia is actually selling it at a lower price of just USD 29.90. Interested? Click here to get him now!

Batman the Dark Knight has flown his way to the Revoltech studios. Modeled after the two newest movies, the hero of Gotham City is now an action figure ready to guard your collection of toys. With 16 joints installed in his body and 3 in his mantle, you can recreate many more scenes, such as the flying moves and all the fight poses.

The package comes with the Dark Knight’s handy tools: the grappling gun and the Batarang and optional face parts. Remove his mask part and put Bruce Wayne face onto the figure to create the scenes where Batman reveals himself.

I really love the fact that TRON Legacy is arriving to theaters by the end of the year. Not only do I like the TRON franchise (I liked the game, TRON 2.0 a lot!), the upcoming movie also features a soundtrack created by my favourite electronica duo, Daft Punk! Come this July 2010, the attendees of Comic-Con International 2010 are in a for a treat.

Returning for an unprecedented third year to the fans and Convention that “started it all,” Walt Disney Pictures is pleased to present a very special, insider look at its upcoming “TRON: Legacy” at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con International Convention. At 11:15 a.m. on Thursday, July 22, 2010, the panel presentation will be held in Hall H of the San Diego Convention Center.

On the dais will be filmmakers and talent from the film, including director Joe Kosinski, producers Sean Bailey and Steven Lisberger as wells as cast members Jeff Bridges, Garrett Hedlund, Olivia Wilde, Michael Sheen and Bruce Boxleitner. The panel discussion, to be moderated by Patton Oswalt, is set to include exclusive glimpses of the film, as well as a Q & A involving all panel participants, along with special surprise guests.

It was at the 2008 Convention that the vision of a 21st century TRON was born. When VFX test footage was shown to a packed hall of incredibly surprised convention attendees, it was met with such an overwhelmingly positive response—becoming the “it” moment of the Convention—that the studio gave the film an enthusiastic green light. In 2009  “TRON: Legacy” returned to Comic-Con with an expanded presence and this year, the filmmakers and cast are back with never before seen visuals and “scoop” for the Convention fans  who have been such an instrumental part of the story of “TRON: Legacy.”

Director Joe Kosinski comments: “When we made the teaser, we envisioned it as a sneak peek at the potential of this project. We set out to stay true to the characters, the vehicles, and the world established in the first film—then show its evolution. When it took off with the fans, we knew we were in the right place. Because they’ve been key to getting this story told, we’re back to keep them involved, and excited to finally present actual footage from the film to the audience that made it all possible.”

To add to the excitement of this extraordinary event, Disney will showcase an interactive TRON booth on the convention floor (located on aisle #3712), giving fans a first look at the all new “TRON: Legacy” inspired merchandise launching this fall. Capturing the action, light, and cool aesthetic style of the film, the display will include toys, electronics, collectibles, apparel, accessories, publishing and the “TRON: Evolution” video game from Disney Interactive Studios. Comic-Con exclusive products will also be on sale. Disney will also reveal exciting new mobile content at the event.

This is a pretty interesting premise that shows plenty of promise (hey, it rhymes). After being hit by Darkseid’s Omega Sanction beams at the end of Final Crisis, Batman a.k.a Bruce Wayne finds himself trapped in time with looks like to be no memory of who he is and in issue #1 of  Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne, we find him in pre-historic times in confrontation with…pre-historic men.

Unable to communicate with the prehistoric tribe he bumped into and not recognizing the contents of the “delivery package” sent back in time by the Justice League, Bruce Wayne gets pawned by a rival tribe.With some help (funny how he always seem to gain a sidekick), he escapes and makes a cape/cowl out of the hide of a giant bat. He then proceeds to take the fight to the rival tribe’s chief.

After jumping off a cliff, things get rather “Quantum Leap” and by the end of the issue, he finds himself in another time, perhaps  in the Mid-West. Grant Morrison is coming up with something special with the Return of Bruce Wayne, but the tie-in symptom is there. I don’t understand why Superman mentions that if Bruce Wayne gets back to the 21st century on his own accord, everyone will die. Perhaps it was explained in another comic book? Hmm…

Brightest Day, the sequel to the awesome Blackest Night series is supposed to chronicle the twelve heroes and villains resurrected at the end of Blackest Night and Issue #1 tells readers that all is not well with some of them. Like in issue #0 the resurrected Deadman is still being brought around unwillingly by the white power ring on his finger. He, along with Mera bear witness to Aquaman exhibiting the same powers he had as a Black Lantern, summoning dead sea creatures to his bidding.

The resurrection of Aquaman also triggers the return of his arch enemy Black Manta who upon seeing Aquaman in the news, proceeds to slay several customers in a fish market. Aquaman’s problems aside, Ronald and Jason on the other hand are unable to separate once they are bonded in their Firestorm identity. On the surface of Mars, the Martian Manhunter gives a glimpse of his former Black Lantern guise when hit with some sort of telepathic attack.

I’m willing to bet that these 12 are living on borrowed time, but it’s still too early to guess.

Batman & Robin #12 slightly disjointed story showcases a fight between Batman and Robin (Damian Wayne, remotely controlled by Slade). Having freed Robin of Slade’s control, issue 12 features 2 confrontations, first with Talia, and aptly in the final page, the Joker! The Clown Prince of Crime is back, having last seen him in Batman RIP, just as the dynamic duo get proof that Bruce Wayne is indeed stuck in the past.

Brightest Day is here! Having read issue #0, I couldn’t help but feel it is like a primer for things to come. The story (in the first issue at least) is told from the perspective of Deadman, who was brought back to life near the end of Blackest Night #8.

Teleported around, seemingly against his will by his white power ring, he revisits the 11 other heroes and criminals brought back to life at the end of BN #8. This makes for an interesting recap of those who were raised from the dead and emphasizes on the fact that the 12 were raised for a purpose.

No spoilers here, but those expecting an explosive issue, particularly those who can’t get enough of Blackest Night will have to temper their expectations as this issue doesn’t start off with a bang, after all it’s a issue #0. Anyways, the epilogue to BD #0 answers the question on who will find the White Lantern power battery first. The answer? A familiar face from Korugar.

One thing though, does anyone realize that the cover for Brightest Day #0 doesn’t look  any different from the cover of X-Men comic books.

The Blackest Night storyline started with some shocking moments and brought readers through the carnage of the dead (both superheroes and villains alike) powered by black power rings. After seven amazing (and horrifying issues), the final issue, Blackest Night #8 closes with a bang!

With a temporary alliance of all Lantern corps and a little help from Deadman, Hal Jordan and gang destroy Nekron with the interesting side effect of bringing the dead truly back to life. The repercussions will definitely be felt not only in future GL books but also the rest of the DC universe. Brightest Day should be pretty damn interesting.

Deadman, Aquaman, Martian Manhunter, Captain Boomerang…they are all back.

Aside from the cool storyline, which sometimes fell foul to some convenient plot devices (#8 has several too, see whether you can spot them), the hallmark of the Blackest Night series has always been the artwork. In #8, it is simply amazing!

In any case, do pick up a copy as soon as possible. I can’t wait for the trade paperback. I leave you with one of the funnier lines in BN #8, courtesy of Deadman:

Badass: A person whose extreme attitudes and behavior are admirable/cool.

I guess that when one has a website that features badasses from the past and also from the present, one should also proceed to write a book about badasses throughout history, a book that sheds light not only onto historical luminaries but also to the obscure ones as a reminder that badassery is one for the ages.

That one such person is Ben Thompson (http://www.badassoftheweek.com/) and his book is aptly titled Badass. With a title like that, it surely succeeded in attracting my attention in bookshelf filled with General Interest books.

Being a history buff, I’m pleasantly surprised that Mr. Thompson decides to kick off a book of badasses with those from Antiquity. Julius Caesar, Alexander and that 300 dude, Leonidas are presented here in their respective chapters with prose that mixes history fact and badass hyperbole. It’s adopted through the entire book and one example of such a mashup would be:

“Once upon a time there was this place called Sparta, and everyone who lived there was a total badass”

There are also guys and girls like Xenophon and Aggripina, which I bet you’ve not heard before, but Ben Thompson assures that they are badasses in their own right.

There are a total of 4 sections, right up to the modern era and despite the frequent abuse of badass vocabulary, I never got tired of reading Mr. Thompson’s unique take historical figures.

Overall, Badass a fun romp and an enjoyable read. Even though you might have some trouble separating historical fact and hyperbole in some instances, there’s Wikipedia you know…if you want the sterile, know-it-all facts, and that’s just not badass in my book.