Category: Top Ten

Top 5 Most Popular American Muscle Cars

Our Top 5 list and the movies you’ve seen them in.

Here is list of the top 5 most popular and most desired American Muscle Cars. If you ever wanted to restore an iconic muscle car that you once saw on television, it’s probably one of these.

Number 5, 1957 Chevrolet Bel-Air

As one of the most notable and iconic muscle cars, the 57′ Bel-Air has been featured in almost every movie under the sun, including “Dr. No”, “Happy Days”, “Sin City” and “Mad Max”. Restoring one of these will sure make your pops proud! Being so popular finding an unrestored Bel-Air isn’t really a problem and you can get one relatively cheap.

Number 4, 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle SS

As seen in “Dazed and Confused” and “Jack Reacher” the 1968 Chevelle SS is amongst the most popular muscle cars. For most people when they hear the term muscle car, this is the car that is pictured in their head. Iconic and simply beautiful.

Number 3, 1970 Dodge Challenger

Made famous by the “Fast and Furious” franchise, along with “Cannonball”, “Dukes of Hazzard”, and “Bullit” the 1970 Charger is one of the fastest and meanest muscles cars made. Usually equipped with a 425 HP Hemi Engine, fews cars ever manufactured could outperform this beast.

Number 2, 1958 Plymouth Fury

Or more commonly knowns as “Christine”, the 58 Plymouth Fury is one of the most sought after American Muscle cars. Made famous by the Stephen King novel, the “Original Speed Demon” became an overnight sensation when it became possessed and started running down innocent people…

Number 1, 1968 Shelby GT 500

Did you really think it would be any other car? This is it, this is the big dog. Made popular by “Bullit” and “Gone in 60 Seconds” the 68 Shelby is the most identifiable and recognizable American Muscle car ever made. Everyone wants one and a lot of folks have them, but when you see one they immediately turn your head. Equipped with a monsterous 500 HP Shelby Engine, this baby is the pinnacle of speed and beauty. the American Magnus Opus if you will.

Summary

All of these cars are great in their own right along with all of the unmentioned American Muscle Cars. True treasures of the past and relics of a different era. If you ever get the honor of restoring one of these cars, do it with pride as the folks who came before us did. Also drive safe. The reality is most of these cars for all they carry, do not have any safety features and are incredibly dangerous.

September 1, 2018
Which Mobility Scooter is Right for You?

So your mobility isn’t what it used to be… no problem! Today, some insurance companies will actually help with coverage on a mobility scooter, or even pay for the whole thing. Check it out for yourself! Either way, it may be worth checking them out and seeing if it fits your lifestyle. With that in mind, let’s look at the top ten mobility scooters.

Drive Medical Phoenix Heavy Duty

A heavy, sturdy scooter for a great price, this one is a good pick. This one has a headlight, which is good for darker areas. It also has a basket in the front for carrying things, making it great for grocery store trips! The seat is customizable, broad and comfortable. For $1,200, this is a great heavy-duty pick.

Pride Mobility Go-Go Sport

This scooter is notable for its four-wheel drive and durability. It’s not terribly fast, topping at 4 MPH. That said, it’s rugged and durable, and works great when outdoors! If you like being outside and enjoying the sunlight, this is a great pick! For a combination of durability and mobility, check out the Go-Go Sport!

E-Wheels EW-72

A stylish and slick scooter, the E-Wheels EW-72 has a look inspired by classic cars! For those looking to really zoom, this scooter has a top speed of 15 MPH! As a heavy-duty scooter, it works quite well, as it has a top weight rating of 500 pounds! If you’re looking for a great, stylish, heavy-duty scooter, this is a great choice for you!

Transformer Electric Folding Mobility Scooter

Another great choice for carrying in a trunk and carrying around with you, this transforming scooter is pretty neat. It folds up into a nice, compact shape so it can go anywhere with you! The battery is airline compliant, so it can fly with you, which is great for those who fly often. If you’re on the move and need a scooter that can keep up, this is the one for you!

E-Wheels Jellybean Electric Scooter

The second E-Wheels scooter on our list, this one is also quite heavy-duty! This one is three-wheeled, though, so it’s got a bit of a different construction from some others on this list. The best thing about this scooter, though, is the high speed! It tops out at 18 MPH, which makes it a serious scooter! It has a great battery, too, offering up to 45 miles on a single charge. This one also has an anti-theft alarm, which is great! It sports a huge back-mounted basket, perfect for trips to the market.

Spitfire 420 Ex

Another great scooter, this one has interchangeable panels in different colors. The panels come in red, blue and silver, and are easy to change out! It also boasts quick-connect batteries, a comfortable seat and padded armrests. The wheels are anti-tip, which makes this a very safe pick. The front-mounted basket even has an interior lining, which is great for shopping. If you’re looking for a good mobility scooter for medical reasons, such as old age, this is a good pick.

SmartScoot Lithium Foldable Travel Scooter

This folding scooter is great to throw in the trunk or backseat and carry with you to a destination. The best thing about this scooter: the battery! It has great battery life for how portable it is for travel. It lasts for up to 12 miles! It also breaks down into three parts, and only weighs 27 pounds.

Drive Medical Scout 3 Wheel

At the very low price of right around $600, this three-wheeled scooter is a popular choice. A little less expensive than its four-wheeled counterpart, this one is a good value. The drawbacks to this scooter include its three-wheeled construction, slightly low battery life and make. There are more comfortable, high-end scooters, but if you’re looking for a good bargain, this is it. This scooter is the most affordable on our list!

Best Value: Drive Medical Scout Compact 4 Wheel

For those on a budget, the Drive Medical Scout Compact is a very popular choice. At $700, it’s a fantastic value, and it shows in its popularity. It’s a good scooter, with all the trimmings you’d expect from a medical mobility scooter. Older customers on a fixed income love the low price, and the price doesn’t compromise the quality. This one also has interchangeable panels in red and blue, so you can change your style! A great value for the money for those looking to save.

Best Overall Mobility Scooter: Shopride Sunrunner

If you’re looking for an especially comfortable scooter, look no further than the Sunrunner! It has a 300-pound capacity and a huge 25-mile battery. You can opt for a headlight, which is quite useful. It has a front basket, perfect for shopping. The star of the show is the big, comfortable seat, though. You can’t beat the level of comfort on display here! It’s hard to find something this premium and high-quality for this price! It retails for $1,500 but can often be found on sale for less.

September 1, 2018
Top 5 Madden Years

Its All Madden all week. We are taking the time to celebrate the most storied video game franchise the world has or will ever see. This game has single handedly changed America’s pastime from baseball to football. It has captivated 2 generations of men for 30 years. A lot of people’s favorite Madden is the one they played first or the most as a kid. This generally iterate on a formula in such a way that it can be difficult to distinguish between the different versions. From its roots in strategic play creation to the introduction of a full-fledged story mode in last year’s game, there are features that are usually lauded more than the games themselves. But what if you had to pick the best one? Lets take a look at the Top 5 best Madden Years and the Best players in those games.

1.Madden 11: Chris Johnson

THis was the year it all came together, Defensive controls, hit sticks, 11 had it all. Madden was hitting a peak with now where left to climb, then EA created Madden NFL 11, an iteration of the series that is built more with the mainstream fan in mind, while still not losing any of the hardcore-focused accoutrements that have made their way into the package in past years. This was the year your AI teammates would actually land successful blocks and hold them long enough for you to utilize them if you can read the defense correctly.

MAddens best player in 11, hands down Chris Johnson. Step One: Wait for blockers. Two: Press turbo like your life depended on it. Step Three: Score. That’s how unfair CJ2K was in Madden.

2.Madden 2002 Best Player: Ray Lewis 99*

Madden 2002 was the second title in the franchise to be released on the 6th generation consoles. Madden NFL 2001 was by far the most graphically impressive football game to date, and Madden 2002 supported the upgraded visuals with the inclusion of several features that fans raved over. The addition of importable draft classes. Madden had been releasing a little over a month after its collegiate counterpart NCAA Football each year, but never before had the games had any sort of crossover. Now it did.

3.Madden 2004 : Michael Vick

You don’t have to look much farther than the cover to understand what made this iteration of Madden so great. Michael Vick. Those two words create two emotions in long-time fans of the franchise. Either the joyful memories of running for hundreds of yards on your opponent because they couldn’t keep the former Falcons quarterback from making big plays, or the feeling of frustration as that red and black blur went streaking past your defenders on his way to yet another touchdown. Vick is the only thing we remember from this iteration but this was the version that got all the 6th gen features and functions right.

It’s true. Michael Vick received no 99 overall ratings from EA Sports. And yet … he’s hands-down the greatest Madden player of all time. His 2004 avatar was invincible. He had the arm strength to hit Peerless Price on deep route after deep route or Brian Finneran over the middle (just flip the play because Vick’s a lefty). He had the speed and acceleration to roll around the field with immunity.

Vick was to Madden as Bo Jackson was to Tecmo Bowl. He was a cheat code in a football jersey.

4.Madden 05 : Ray Lewis

its release that year was nothing to be scoffed at, and it shipped with a feature that changed the way that people play the the game still today: The hit stick. If Madden 2004 was the year of dynamic offensive plays with Michael Vick, 2005 was the year of dominant defensive plays from the leagues best defenders. Mapped to the right thumbstick, a well-timed flick into a ball carrier could have devastating results: fumbles, injuries, and just those kind of hits that get people out of their seats. Cover athlete Ray Lewis was one of the most terrifying linebackers to ever play the position, and Madden 2005 allowed players to strike the same kind of fear in their virtual opponents.

Ray Lewis was 99 many times over the Madden years and rightfully so. This year was a big focus on defense, they needed to combat the Mike Vick fiasco of 04. Only one thing to do, release the terrifying Ray Lewis.

5.Madden 95 : Barry Sanders

While the gameplay of the franchise hit its stride three years prior, improvements came in Madden NFL 95 in the form of the actual NFL and player licenses. The previous year had NFL teams, but no player names or attempts at likenesses. Madden NFL 95 changed that, and was the sports game to play for a long time.

EA enjoyed quite a bit of success on the early generation of consoles even though it was unable to use real player and team names. Madden NFL ’94 saw the inclusion of the NFL License which meant that, for the first time in franchise history, the game was able to include the city and mascot of a team’s real life counterpart.

Also lets have moment of silence for all the cracked T.V. screens Sanders forced in the early days of ‘Madden.’ His in-game cutting and juking ability are still unrivaled.

The Final Madden Years Thought

We all know the best year is always the current year, graphics and play get better every year. Madden keeps getting better every year, but that doesn’t mean that a time and place doesn’t line up for us all and produce a legendary incarnation of our favorite game.

August 31, 2018
Flop Ten: Worst Reboots in Video Games

Video games are a funny medium. When things start to look less than ideal for game companies, they’re quick to redesign and reboot characters. However, generally these reboots err too far on the side of “edgy” or just plain lame. Gaming has come a long way, but sometime awful reboots like this pop up. For the sake of recording and shaming those who have made the most egregious offenses in that category, here’s our list of the worst reboots in video games.

Ten Worst Reboots in Video Games

Bomber Man Act Zero

Photo Credit: True Achievements
From cute little guy with cartoon bombs to edgy android, this was a terrible redesign. Bomber Man Act Zero is the first of many “edgy” games on this list. The most common theme here is game devs simply trying to hard to be taken seriously.

Sonic Boom

Photo Credit: Sonic News Network

Sonic has hardly been the best when translated to 3D. In fact, with a few very notable exceptions, 3D Sonic is more of a joke than a franchise. Sonic Boom takes this to new heights by reimagining the whole Sonic crew in a more tribal setting. It just looks weird, and the whole series looks like some kind of fan creation. That’s not good for one of gaming’s biggest icons.

Prince of Persia Warrior Within

Photo Credit: SegmentNext

Prince of Persia has been a huge name in gaming for years. The reboot, Sands of Time, was an awesome return to form for the legacy franchise. Its sequel, Warrior Within, however, tried far too hard to make the Prince dark and brooding. Another case of edginess ruining an otherwise good character, this is one better left forgotten to the sands of time!

Doom 3

Photo Credit: Nuuvem

Entirely missing the point of Doom, the third entry in the series played its horror tropes straight. One of the main errors it made was in demon design. Where earlier demons were over-the-top and almost goofy, Doom 3 introduced redesigns that made us cringe. The pinky demon, for instance, went from being a minotaur to some kind of mole rat with robot legs. Don’t even get us started on the ugly meatball demon design.

Alone in the Dark

Photo Credit: VideoGamer

The 2008 version of Alone in the Dark was not a particularly good game. It was buggy, ugly and not terribly well-made. The worst sin the game committed, though, was the treatment of its main character, Edward Carnby. The once stoic and serious investigator became a weirdly erratic and awkward jerk. He was uncharismatic and really just drug the whole game down.

Crash of the Titans

Photo Credit: Crash Mania

This ill-conceived reboot brought redesigns for nearly every character in the series. Crash himself looked like a bad DeviantArt original character, for one. Most egregious was Tiny Tiger, who had somehow morphed into a weird parody of Mike Tyson. Unoriginal, unfunny jokes were commonplace, and the gameplay was entirely uninspired and boring.

Bionic Commando 2009

Photo Credit: Geek.com

This unfortunate game exists, and that makes us sad. In this game, 80’s action hero extraordinaire Rad Spencer is renamed Nathan Spencer and made edgy and emo. Oh, and his wife is his bionic arm. Or something. This game is legitimately awful, do yourself a favor and never play it.

Conker: Live and Reloaded

Photo Credit: GameStop

Conker’s Bad Fur Day was a hilarious riff on the previously family-friendly platforming franchise. Conker: Live and Reloaded was an underdeveloped, overhyped mess that somehow managed to look worse than the N64 game it was based on. Rare really went downhill after being acquired by Microsoft.

Perfect Dark Zero

Photo Credit: Perfect Dark Recon
No, seriously, Rare really dropped the ball on their legacy franchises when they got acquired by Microsoft. Perfect Dark Zero is a great example of this. Supposedly a prequel to the original Perfect Dark, this one features a younger Joanna Dark. However, she appears less like her usual bad-ass self and more like a Hot Topic wannabe. Another case of edginess derailing an otherwise great franchise.

DmC: Devil May Cry

Photo Credit: PC & Tech Authority

The very worst reboot in the history of video games belongs to the boy band-looking “Dante” from the ill-conceived DmC: Devil May Cry. The Devil May Cry series was experiencing strong sales, great reviews and had a thriving fanbase. In order to piss off everyone, though, Capcom tore it down and rebooted the series under Western developer Ninja Theory. For whatever reason, the beloved goofy badass Dante was replaced by a high school student who was trying far too hard to be gritty.

Forgetting all of what made Dante such an effortlessly likable character, this game saw him morph into a petulant brat. Needless to say, fans were displeased and are still awaiting a proper Devil May Cry 5. Thankfully, that very game is in development and slated for a March 2019 release. Hooray!

August 27, 2018
Top Ten Greatest Superheroes of All Time

At their very best, superheroes are inspiring emblems of all that it means to be heroic. They should make us wonder at how we can be better in our own lives. Superhero comics fill us with a type of awe and feelings of surety that are unmatched in other mediums. It’s no surprise that superheroes are a big deal in the modern era, with surety and stability the furthest thing from our real world. Today, we’re undertaking the Herculean effort of rounding up the ten greatest superheroes of all time. Up, up and away!

Ten Greatest Superheroes of All Time

10. Daredevil

Photo Credit: Comic Book

The first hero on our list is the Man Without Fear, Daredevil. While his adventures have hardly been large-scale, cosmic affairs, Matt Murdock remains as inspiring as the best of them. A blind lawyer by day and a street-ninja by night, Daredevil has an intangible cool factor that is unmatched. His ideals of justice and equality are refreshing, and his dedication to his cause makes him awesome. As street-level superheroes go, Daredevil is the very best.

9. The Hulk

Photo Credit: Bounding Into Comics
Big, green and mean, the Incredible Hulk is an unstoppable berserker. He lands a spot on our list for how tenacious and unstoppable he is. While he’s hardly heroic, his alter-ego Bruce Banner is the very definition of a hero. Always looking for ways to protect the world from the monster he becomes, Bruce is a tragic hero. When things hit the fan, though, Bruce is always ready to save his friends by becoming the big monster.

8. Green Lantern

Photo Credit: DC

While many have worn the title “Green Lantern,” we’re talking about the Hal Jordan version of the character here. Hal was originally a fighter pilot before he discovered a powerful green ring. The Green Lantern ring, it turned out, allowed him to create energy projections based on his willpower. What makes Hal so inspiring is his optimism, strength and dedication to defend humanity. His adventures are always exciting and uplifting!

7. Iron Man

Photo Credit: IndieWire

Tony Stark may be a billionaire playboy philanthropist, but he’s also one of the best superheroes ever. While he has no superpowers of his own, he’s a genius with a powered suit and he knows how to use it. If anything, Tony’s lack of “real” superpowers only makes him cooler! Who else can go hand-to-hand against Thanos without superpowers and come out without being pulped? Tony’s freewheeling, fun-loving attitude and genuine determination make him a fan-favorite for good reason.

6. Batman

Photo Credit: YouTube

Batman may be a bit overplayed, but he gets all that attention for a good reason. He’s a very dark, complex superhero with many layers. He’s been reinvented and rebooted countless times, but through it all there are some common themes. First, he’s dedicated to protecting the common people of Gotham. Second, he’ll never kill, no matter what. And third, he believes that everyone can be redeemed. If those aren’t the tenets of a true hero, I don’t know what are!

5. Thor

Photo Credit: Amazon
The literal god of thunder, Thor is hard to top when it comes to superheroes. Drawing on the depth and richness of Norse mythology, Thor is always a fascinating character. His complex relationship with his brother Loki makes him that much more engrossing. Further, the weight of the kingdom of Asgard and the responsibility of defending Earth always weigh heavily on the Thunder-Bringer. Watching the Asgardian Prince go toe-to-toe with demons and monsters on our behalf is always a sight to behold.

4. The Flash

Photo Credit: The CW

The fastest man alive, the Flash is one of DC’s perennial titles, passed from one superhero to another. Most noteworthy of their number is Barry Allen, the Silver Age speedster. Allen, a forensic scientist, believes in the merits of lawfulness and goodness, and always strives to make the world a better place. Free from much of the moral quandary that comes with superheroes like Batman and Daredevil, the Flash is always sure of himself. In many ways, the Flash is sort of an echo of DC’s other superstar, Superman, but we’ll get to him!

3. Captain America

Photo Credit: Encyclopedia Britannica
Truth, justice and the American Way: these are the values Captain America stands for, and we love him for it. Steve Rogers is the very model of the all-American superhero, and he reminds us what the best parts of our nation are. Kindness, responsibility, strength and honesty are Steve Rogers’ cornerstones, and he always strives to live up to the high bar his title requires. It’s hard to not feel at least a little patriotic when you see Cap in front of an American flag, punching a Nazi or saving someone from a burning building.

2. Superman

Photo Credit: Sideshow Collectibles
The Big Blue Boy Scout is beyond iconic, he is the emblem of the genre. You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t recognize his trademark red S emblem immediately. The alien savior from another world, Kal-El always puts others first. His bulletproof smile and Mach 5 punch keep the people of Earth safe, no matter the odds. If you’re even a passing fan of comics you’ve heard of Superman, and there’s a good reason for that. I can think of worse characters to base a genre on!

1. Spider-Man

Photo Credit: Digital Spy

He can do anything a spider can and he’s the best superhero in the world. Peter Parker is a believable character due to his flaws and foibles. He deals with the pressure of high school while also risking his life to save the world. His principal conceit is that those with the greatest power have the greatest responsibility to help people. That’s an inspiring message, and it reminds us that we can all help our world more.

Swinging from a web, beating up bad guys and saving lives are Spidey’s hobbies, and he’s the best at them. While other superheroes may be stronger or more epic, none match just how likable and relatable Spidey is. After all, the entire purpose of a superhero is to remind you of the greatness within yourself.

August 24, 2018
Top Ten Sci Fi Comics of All Time

Science fiction is a rich genre and appears all over the spectrum of geeky interests. Comic books, as it turns out, are for more than just superhero antics! Some of the best sci-fi stories have been told within the pages of western comics. If you’re looking for a good read, strap yourself in. We’ve got a journey to the stars that you’re going to love! Today, we’re looking at the top ten sci fi comics of all time!

Top Ten Sci Fi Comics of All Time

Tank Girl

Photo Credit: Imgur

Created by Jamie Hewlett of Gorillaz fame, this anarchistic, free-wheeling comic is a blast. Set in a post-apocalyptic world rife with corruption and injustice, the series follows the title character’s misadventures. Tank Girl, or Rebecca Buck, undertakes missions in her tank, which doubles as her house. The series is rife with punk rock, anarchistic and counter-cultural imagery, and is great for all lovers of rebellion.

Velerian and Lauraline

Photo Credit: Comic Vine

Recently turned into a huge Luc Besson film, Valerian and Lauraline is an incredibly long-running French sci-fi comic. The comic has had such a huge impact on sci-fi over the years that it’s hard to overstate. Everything from Star Wars to Star Trek to Judge Dredd has a ton to thank this landmark work for. It’s comprised of thousands of pages of back-issues, but it’s still an excellent read. If you’re a fan of oddball French comics, this is a great read.

Bitch Planet

Photo Credit: Image Comics

Bitch Planet is spinning a ton of plates at once. It’s simultaneously an homage and deconstruction of exploitation films in the “Women in Prison” genre. This comic is also excellent social commentary and high-concept sci-fi. Further, it’s a feminist opus that rivals some of the best discourse in that field of study. Think of it as something of a cross between Orange is the New Black and Gladiator, but set in space. It’s weird, it’s fast-paced and it’s absolutely worth a read.

Lazarus

Photo Credit: Comic Book

Brutal violence meets stunning social commentary in this slick action sci-fi comic. The protagonist, aptly named Forever, is a Lazarus, a peerless fighter who represents an ancient family of nobles. Her family is called Carlyle, and they are one of the oldest political organizations in the world. The noble families are always vying for power and sending their Lazaruses to do battle in their name.

East of West

Photo Credit: Goodreads

East of West is an oddball in the world of sci-fi comics. This comic shows an alternative history where the Civil War dragged on until 1908, until it was cut short by an asteroid striking Earth. The resulting seven nations form the new government of the Americas, dramatically altering the political landscape. This comic is as much weird western as high-concept sci-fi. In an unusual twist, the action is driven primarily by humanity’s first encounter with the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Yeah, it’s weird. But man, is it awesome!

Paper Girls

Photo Credit: Wired

If you love Stranger Things or Super 8 for their fun 80’s throwback vibe, you’ll love Paper Girls. Following a group of paper delivery girls as they uncover crazy conspiracies about alien visitors, this one is classic 80’s fun. Pitch-perfect character development, excellent pacing and beautiful art make this an unforgettable and epic read.

Fear Agent

Photo Credit: Geek and Sundry

Fear Agent is for those who are looking for a true retro sci-fi throwback. This pulpy romp through the galaxy follows the adventures of Heathrow Huston, a grizzly Fear Agent who undertakes daring missions. Huston is a clear homage to the chiseled jaws and pure machismo of 40’s and 50’s sci-fi pulps. If you’re looking for a teeth-kicking, fun-loving comic, this one is for you.

Transmetropolitan

Photo Credit: Den of Geek

This shockingly prescient comic debuted in the late 90’s to critical and commercial success. The protagonist, an investigative journalist named Spider Jerusalem. The series is also super weird, if the protagonist’s name didn’t give that away. Namely, the series has an obsession with the Truth, in its separate and idealized state, and with cyberpunk dystopia as a bright and glitzy place. In all, it’s a scathing takedown of government, police, corporate interests and anything else that tries to hinder the Truth.

Saga

Photo Credit: Pride

This sweeping, epic science fantasy series is so full of pathos and character that it makes one hopeful for the future of comics. Unrelentingly beautiful and horrifying at once, this comic is aptly named: the saga within is timeless and inspiring. The tale of star-crossed lovers crossing the stars is as sweeping as it is intimate, making it impossible to put down.

Seven to Eternity

Photo Credit: Nerdist

Science fantasy at its very best, Seven to Eternity is still early in its run, but still essential sci-fi reading. The world-building here is unmatched in comics, telling tons of engaging story through evocative art and sparse dialogue. Wonder, discovery and magic are at odds with lies, industry and corruption in beautifully-illustrated panels. A story about family, truth, justice and redemption, this is a heavy, thoughtful read that will keep you guessing—and turning the page!

August 23, 2018
Top Ten Anime Everyone Needs to Watch

Anime is a divisive medium, to be sure. Many claim that the style is a bit too weird and out-there, while others are die-hard fans of the animation style. However, anime is not exactly a genre, but instead more a loose definition of a style of animation. Specifically, it’s a highly-stylized, colorful animation style that originated in Japan. Most hardcore fans will tell you that only Japanese-produced shows count as anime, while other countries can produce anime-style shows. Whatever the case, these are the top ten anime that everyone needs to watch!

Top Ten Anime Everyone Needs to Watch

One Piece

Photo Credit: Otaku Kart

The first entry on our list is one of the longest-running adventure shows in the history of anime. Starting its original run in 1999 and still running to this day, One Piece enjoys enduring popularity. Why, you may ask? Well, in short, it’s excellent. While there are hundreds of hours of animation to watch through, you’ll enjoy every minute of it. Luffy’s quest to become the Pirate King and find the legendary One-Piece treasure is as enjoyable as anime gets.

Dragon Ball Z

Photo Credit: Comic Book

Largely credited as the show that introduced the West to action anime, Dragon Ball Z is a milestone achievement. This series was created by the legendary Akira Toriyama, known for his work on Chrono Trigger and the original Dragon Ball. Dragon Ball Z is more about the intense fight sequences and over-the-top action than Dragon Balls. Notable for being an early anime to deal with the death of major characters, this one has stood the test of time.

Gurren Lagann

Photo Credit: MyAnimeList.net

This show will have you fist-pumping and shouting every episode. Following the adventures of a young miner named Simon as he travels to the surface, this show has it all. Simon’s older brother-figure Kamina teaches him to be brave and to believe in himself, even against terrible odds. The show’s flashy, colorful fight scenes and plentiful giant mechs make it highly entertaining. However, it’s the show’s huge heart and inspiring message that make it so memorable.

Neon Genesis Evangelion

Photo Credit: The Vault

Inscrutable, heavy, and laden with religious symbolism, NGE is an odd beast. One of the finest anime ever created, this show is highly divisive due to its inconclusive ending. The show’s intense animation, over-the-top fights and brutal narrative make it a very unique ride. Something of a coming-of-age tale, the show follows Shinji as he attempts to repel Lovecraftian horrors by piloting a giant mech. It’s weird, heart-breaking and very symbolic. Set aside a weekend and give it a spin.

Samurai Champloo

Photo Credit: Geek and Sundry

Highly-stylized, aurally excellent and expertly choreographed, Samurai Champloo is the final word of samurai anime. If you love swordplay and hip-hop, this is the anime for you. No other anime before or since has captured the unique soul of this gem. Bouncing easily between its Edo-period setting and modern sensibilities, this show would be dizzying if it wasn’t so deft. The nimbleness with which the show handles its themes and characters is only matched by the dazzling sword combat.

Attack on Titan

Photo Credit: YouTube
Brutal, shocking and dark, this is one fantasy show that doesn’t believe in “happily ever after.” Set in a world where humanity is on its last legs, a series of tall walls is all that stands between us and extinction. A race of unstoppable giants called Titans consumes humans by the handful outside the walls, and there’s little to be done about it. The show is renowned for its sleek animations, believable characters, and shocking amounts of major character deaths. Not for the faint of heart, Attack on Titan is one of the very finest fantasy anime out there.

One Punch Man

Photo Credit: Geek Tyrant
Wouldn’t it be awesome if you could defeat any foe with one punch? That’s the premise of this absurd superhero comedy, a deconstruction of Shonen anime. A surprisingly deep meditation on the purpose of conflict and the importance of the struggle, One Punch Man is a highly-addictive watch. You’ll find yourself cheering, whooping and laughing as Saitama hilariously navigates the ridiculous anime world he lives in. Evil monologues are cut short, absurd powers are swept aside and dramatic tension evaporates thanks to Saitama’s power. Really, where’s the tension if you can defeat everyone with a single punch?

My Hero Academia

Photo Credit: Polygon
As for a superhero anime that plays the trope straight, there’s the excellent and touching My Hero Academia. Full of inspiring heroics, daring fight sequences and likable heroes, this is the best new anime out there. The show follows Izuku Midoriya, a boy born without superpowers in a super-powered world. However, he’s endlessly brave and full of drive to become a hero anyway. Everything changes when he inherits a mysterious power from his favorite superhero, though! If you’re looking for a modern show with amazing animation and a big heart, look no further!

Cowboy Bebop

Photo Credit: fanbros.com

Easily one of the best sci-fi anime in history, Cowboy Bebop shows just how broad of a spectrum anime covers. With an engrossing sci-fi narrative that can pull in even non-anime fans and animation that puts Disney to shame, Bebop is a tour de force. Choreographed fights meet a peerless soundtrack for a romp that makes your adrenaline rush. If you’ve got even a passing interest in anime or sci-fi, you owe it to yourself to check this show out.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Photo Credit: Kitsu

Fullmetal Alchemist is the clear winner by a very long margin. As excellent as the other entries on this list are, they’re excellent by anime standards. FMA: Brotherhood, however, is one of the finest tales ever put on television. It’s really in a league of its own, managing to be a pithy, fun action anime while holding serious philosophy close to its heart.

The show follows the adventures of Ed and Al Elric as the duo practice alchemy, governed by the Law of Equivalent Exchange. For everything you get out of an alchemical equation, you have to put something of equal value in. The boys find this out the hard way when, as children, they attempt to revive their deceased mother via alchemy. The resulting ritual causes Ed to lose an arm and a leg, and Al is completely destroyed in the process. Thinking fast, Ed saves him from death by binding his brother’s soul to a suit of armor.

The story that follows is sweeping, epic and genuinely moving. A thoughtful expression of sin, virtue and the quest for immortality, the show handles its themes with deft many other television shows never touch. This is a must-watch for fans of storytelling in general, even if they have no love for anime or cartoons.

August 22, 2018
Ten Coolest Movies about First Contact

First contact will likely be a messy, terrifying affair if it happens in the foreseeable future. Humanity is a divided, tribal and superstitious lot even today. However, the potential of world-changing, seismic shifts in politics and Earth is great when it comes to first contact scenarios. When or if alien life makes contact with Earth, any number of factors could change the dynamic of the interaction. While we can’t imagine what real first contact will look like, there are some pretty cool movies about it. Today, we’re looking at the ten coolest movies about first contact!

Ten Coolest Movies about First Contact

Flight of the Navigator

Photo Credit: Nerdist

This fun, upbeat 80’s movie depicts the adventurous David, a young boy who encounters an alien race. He is transported to their home planet and back at light speed. The journey causes him to return a decade after he left, though, causing his younger brother to be six years older than him when he returns! This film is a classic, full of fun and optimism.

District 9

Photo Credit: Digital Spy
On the other end of the spectrum is the dark and gritty District 9. Imagining first contact as an allegory for apartheid, District 9 takes place in South Africa. Following the appearance of a race of aliens on Earth, the South African government segregates them into ghettoes and treats the aliens as subhuman. This is sci-fi at its best: forcing us to examine our prejudices through the lens of a new perspective.

Independence Day

Photo Credit: Den of Geek
Sometimes first contact doesn’t go that smoothly. In this classic sci-fi action film, Will Smith stars Stephen Hiller, a pilot tasked with defending Earth from an alien invasion. This film envisions what kind of response Earth would have if it was suddenly, violently invaded by aliens. Themes of colonialism, bravery and determination run throughout. This film was pivotal, both for Hollywood blockbusters in general and for Will Smith’s career in particular. It also has one of the coolest speeches in the history of sci-fi movies, courtesy of Bill Pullman’s Thomas Whitmore character.

Close Encounters of the Third Kind

Photo Credit: Orlando Weekly

This Spielberg classic follows Roy Neary, a blue-collar worker who makes contact with an alien race. The resulting effects that the UFOs have on Roy form the film’s dramatic tension. Roy’s relationship with his wife and children is strained as he obsesses over the UFOs. Finally, when the aliens make contact with Earth, Roy is selected to go with them so that they might learn more about humans.

The Day the Earth Stood Still

Photo Credit: IMDb

This mid-century classic sci-fi film works largely due to its near Biblical proportions. A stranger from space named Klaatu descends to Earth to issue a warning to the leaders of its countries. He warns that all humans must begin living in harmony, acting as one united race. Otherwise, forces from beyond the stars will consider humanity (and its burgeoning atomic power) a threat. Such a threat would be met with lethal force. The film’s messianic imagery and timeless tale of nonviolence make it a classic worth watching.

Starman

Photo Credit: Variety

A love story dressed up as sci-fi, Starman follows the titular character, played by Jeff Bridges, as he falls to Earth to learn about humans. The naïve but affable Starman takes the form of a widow’s recently deceased husband, much to her surprise and horror. The widow, named Jenny, gradually warms to the Starman, and the two go on a quest to a crater that houses Starman’s ship. The journey is long and fraught with danger, as the Army tries to apprehend the alien in order to study him. Along the way, the two fall in love, showing that love can transcend even the stars.

The Abyss

Photo Credit: Hollywood Reporter

The Abyss, an excellent James Cameron sci-fi romp, explores a unique type of first contact. In this film, aliens have been on Earth for quite some time. However, they live deep beneath the ocean. Combining Cameron’s love of deep-sea exploration and sci-fi, the Abyss was a watershed moment for sci-fi effects. With top-notch acting and gripping storytelling, this is another sci-fi flick you owe it to yourself to watch!

Super 8

Photo Credit: YouTube

Directed by J.J. Abrams and produced by Steven Spielberg, Super 8 is as much a coming-of-age story as it is a tale of first contact. Channeling the feel of classic 80’s films like ET and the Goonies, this throwback movie follows a group of kids who discover that the military is hiding an alien. This alien is peaceful, however, and just wants to go home. If the premise sounds familiar, that’s largely because it has been done more recently in Stranger Things, another excellent sci-fi.

The Man who Fell to Earth

Photo Credit: Winnipeg Film Group

David Bowie was an odd man, and his appearances in film are a testament to that. He was also a complete genius, which this excellent film confirms. Bowie plays Thomas Jerome Newton, a very humanoid-looking alien. He comes to Earth seeking water for his home planet, which is in the middle of an apocalyptic drought. The film, equal parts melancholic and meditative, is a long look at what makes us human. Vices like alcohol and sex addiction plague even the titular man who falls to Earth, making us examine what it is to be human.

Star Trek: First Contact

Photo Credit: Den of Geek

The hint, after all, is in the name. Star Trek had, up to this point, only hinted at the historical event that led to first contact with the Vulkan race. In this Next Generation film, however, the crew of the Enterprise travels back in time while pursuing the Borg. They discover that they arrive a day before Zefram Cochrane completes work on the first human warp drive. That event will lead to the Vulkan Empire taking note of humanity and extending an invitation to join the galactic community.

August 21, 2018
Amazon’s College Days Deals Not Just for Students

Just in time for our recent Grads to head to their freshman dorms, Amazon is blowing out the prices on the gear they will need to tech out those tiny little living spaces. Amazon’s College Days Deals are on and really something we should all be looking at. Let’s take a look at the 5 best Amazon back to college deals.

1. The Echo Plus and Free Phillips Hue Bulb- $99

The Echo Plus is a hands-free smart speaker built to serve as a hub for your smart home setup. It looks just like a metal version of the classic Echo, but it has a built-in ZigBee smart home hub for simple and direct setup of compatible lights, locks, plugs, and in-wall switches. You’ll be able to connect a wide variety of devices, from TVs to light bulbs without additional hubs, and control them all using your voice. And, as an extra benefit, this speaker comes with a Philips Hue A19 white bulb, which sells for $15 on its own.

2. Amazon Fire Cube – $89.99

If you missed out on the Launch day deal or the second offering on Prime day, then you are in luck. Back to the killer price of $89.99 the Fire TV Cube is the first hands-free streaming media player with Alexa, delivering an all-in-one entertainment experience. From across the room just say, “Alexa, play The Office” and Fire TV Cube turns on your TV and starts playing the The NBC hit, allowing you to control your entertainment with voice commands. Watch as thousands of movies and TV episodes come to life with vibrant colors and detailed contrast in 4K Ultra HD and HDR.

3. Echo Show – $129.99

The Echo Show is one of the best Alexa devices. I love that convenient screen, intercom functionality, and the added boost it gives Alexa with a visual element. Let it control your smart devices and look Amazon amazing will doing it. Its $100 off right now and kind of hard to pass up.

4. Echo Spot – Black + Amazon Cloud Cam Security Camera Bundle – $209.98

I love a bundle and This bundle contains Echo Spot and Amazon Cloud Cam Security Camera. Just ask Alexa to show Cloud Cam’s live view on your Echo Spot for a quick way to see what’s happening in another room. You can also speak or listen through Echo Spot using Cloud Cam’s two-way audio. Super easy way to let your kids know it’s time for dinner. Cloud Cam is built in the same cloud as Alexa so it’s always getting smarter with more advanced alerts, detection, and features. At this price point, load up for a interactive home monitoring solution.

5. All-New Fire HD 10 Kids Edition Tablet, 10.1″ 1080p Full HD Display, 32 GB, Blue Kid-Proof Case – $159.99

Starting off my Christmas shopping early and boy are my nephews going to be ecstatic. While it looks friendly this is not a toy. It rocks a full-featured Fire HD 10 tablet with a brilliant 10.1” 1080p Full HD display (1920 x 1200), 32 GB internal storage, and up to 10 hours of mixed-use battery life. Add a microSD card for up to 256 GB of expandable storage. Amazon FreeTime Unlimited is the first-ever all-in-one subscription that brings together all the types of content that kids ages 3-12 want. It gives them over 15,000 books, movies, TV shows, educational apps, and games. Fire Kids Edition includes a year of Amazon FreeTime Unlimited at no additional cost.

The Final Amazon’s College Days Deals Thought

We all have a need, want and desire for an Amazon product. Don’t sleep on these Amazon’s College Days Deals. If you don’t have the extra funds amazon offers Prime members easy one click payment plans. Here is the link if you don’t already have it, Amazon.com, tell em Beau sent you. You can thank me later.

August 20, 2018
Top Ten Villains We Want to See in the MCU

Thanos is a tough act to follow, to be quite honest. However, he’s hardly the most iconic or awesome villain to appear in Marvel Comics. After the Avengers handle Thanos and his big purple chin, we’re excited to see who they tackle next. Here are the top ten villains we want to see in the MCU, in order of least to most likely to appear. Let’s talk villainy!

Top Ten Villains We Want to See in the MCU

Mephisto

Photo Credit: Comic Book
The Marvel Universe’s analogue to Satan, Mephisto is the supreme demon lord of a Hell-like realm. In the comics he’s responsible for granting Ghost Rider his supernatural powers. As it turns out, Ghost Rider, in the form of Robbie Reyes, has already made an appearance in the MCU. He was the main focus of a season of Agents of SHIELD, complete with his signature hellfire and chain whip weapon. As such, it’s not impossible that we could see Mephisto in a future film, maybe as an antagonist for Dr. Strange!

The Mandarin

Photo Credit: Marvel Database
Tony Stark’s most persistent archenemy, the Mandarin is a supernaturally powerful criminal mastermind. He was invoked in Iron Man 3 but turned out to be a bait-and-switch. However, in the All Hail the King one-shot we find out that the real Mandarin is still out there. We’d love to see the mastermind in action, but he will likely not be opposing Tony, considering RDJ seems to be hanging up the armor after Avengers 4.

The Elders of the Universe

Photo Credit: Hobby Lark
A fantastic choice of antagonist for the combined forces of the Guardians and Avengers, the Elders of the Universe have already been teased. The Collector is actually one of the Elders, ancient beings of cosmic power and significance. They are often pitted against the combined might of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. Particularly, the super-strong Champion of the Universe would be an excellent villain to face off with the Hulk or Thor in a later film.

Molecule Man

Photo Credit: Comic Vine

Molecule Man is a super-powerful villain with an unhinged mind and limitless control of atoms. He is godlike in power and is often critical in world-ending crossovers in the comics. Notably, he appears in all Secret Wars events, whenever the world is critically threatened. In the 2015 event, he was responsible for the creation of the patchwork planet Battleworld that served as home to the surviving Marvel characters. If the MCU ever does a take on Secret Wars, Molecule Man will certainly appear as a villain.

Kang the Conqueror

Photo Credit: Death Battle
A classic Avengers foe, Kang the Conqueror is a time-traveling warlord from far in the future. He is seeking to subjugate the modern era by overpowering the Avengers. He often attempts to use his knowledge of future events to his benefit. However, he is consistently bested by the Avengers. If only he could see that coming!

Dr. Doom

Photo Credit: Hollywood Reporter
Now that the Fantastic Four have been reacquired by Marvel Studios, we’ll certainly be seeing Dr. Doom. The archenemy of the FF, Victor von Doom is a force to be reckoned with. He’s not only an accomplished mystic and gifted scientist, he also has body armor like Tony Stark’s. Doctor Doom is every bit the antagonist to pull together the Fantastic Four in an MCU revival. We look forward to seeing what Marvel Studios will do with this iconic villain!

The Magus

Photo Credit: Marvel Database

Adam Warlock has been teased to be appearing in the next Guardians film. If this is the case, it seems likely that the Magus won’t be far behind. A dark doppleganger of the heroic Warlock, the Magus is a consistent cosmic foe in Marvel Comics. He would make an excellent villain to challenge the Guardians, and perhaps even rope in the Nova Corps. Depending on Captain Marvel’s role in the MCU, we could even see Alpha Flight. A Guardians of the Galaxy and Alpha Flight team-up to oppose the Magus is quintessential Cosmic Marvel.

The Beyonder

Photo Credit: writeups
As his name suggests, the Beyonder is a mega-powerful entity from beyond the known universe. Sporting stylish curls and unchecked egomania, he seeks to see the heroes fight for his amusement. He later takes on a human form and is defeated by the heroes. Jut like Molecule Man, if the MCU seeks to do a Secret Wars retelling, we’re sure to see the Beyonder. After all, who doesn’t want to see the various heroes of the MCU duke it out?

Annihilus

Photo Credit: writeups

Annihilus is an odd-looking bug monster from a negative dimension who wants to destroy our world. Do you need to know more? He’s as quintessential a villain as you can get for the heroes of Earth to fight. Maybe he’s not quite as nuanced or emotionally deep as Thanos, but damn if he isn’t cool. Although, if the writers could rework Thanos into a calculated megalomaniac, they could certainly give Annihilus some pathos. He’s a shoe-in to appear as the MCU does more cosmic stories. After all, the best cosmic Marvel story is Annihilation. As the name suggests, Annihilus is the main bad guy in that one!

Galactus

Photo Credit: Fandom

The supermassive devourer of worlds was originally a Fantastic Four villain, but he’s a threat to Earth as a whole. If you’ve never heard of him, here’s the rundown. He’s a titanic, cosmic being who must devour planets for sustenance. He sends his herald, the Silver Surfer, ahead of him to warn of his coming. Galactus is fascinating as he’s not explicitly evil, per se, he’s just hungry. He must devour planets in order to sustain himself, and he’s coming to Earth. He would make a fantastic follow-up to Thanos, and a great way to bring together the Fantastic Four, Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy.

August 20, 2018