Son of Sobek Review

After the success of J.R.R Tolkien and J.K Rowling in creating a new, magical world, apart from our own,  where their books take place, Rick Riordan has sought to replicate the feat. At first, he was following the formula set by the previous authors, setting his Percy Jackson & the Olympians in a world using elements of Greek mythology. But then he took it a step further. He created a brand new series, that has apparently no relation to Percy's story, the Kane Chronicles. The Kane Chronicles follows Egyptian mythology, rather than the Greek in the Percy Jackson books. But as this new series progressed, it became clear that the Kane Chronicles and the Percy Jackson series do, in fact inhabit the same universe, but do not affect each other's respective story lines. This expanded Rick Riordan's universe beyond the size of the ones in Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter. Once the fans of Riordan found this, the ideas for a potential crossover series flew around the internet. Rick Riordan eventually conceded to the requests and created a 40 page short story, the Son of Sobek, the first official crossover between Percy Jackson and the Kane Chronicles.

In the Son of Sobek, Rick Riordan cements the meeting between the male protagonists of each series, Percy Jackson and Carter Kane. Rick Riordan narrates this from the point of view of Carter Kane, letting Carter's unique voice shine. However, Carter's voice, while entertaining, are not nearly as amusing as Percy's. In Percy's series, one of the enjoyable factors is his sarcastic thoughts on the events, bringing comedic relief to the story. Carter's narration is tolerable, but Rick Riordan has chosen the weaker speaker to convey his story. The story itself is standard Riordan quality, which means it is very enjoyable. It starts off as Carter's quest to capture a mysterious monster that has terrorized Long Island, only for him to meet Percy, also hunting the monster. The monster is then  temporarily put out of the picture to let the two protagonists interact for the first time. The dialogue between the two is comedic, as their personalities clash. The disagreement between the two also leads to some action which ignites excitement as they eventually decide to settle their differences with a good bout of swordplay. This fight provides action and thrills as our two heroes duke it out for alpha male. However, when we return to the monster, the storyline of them fighting the monster becomes bland and unoriginal. Instead, the highlight is seeing Percy and Carter interact in their teamwork. Riordan knock the dialogue out of the park, with the story igniting desire for more once it is over.

Ultimately, the Son of Sobek is an entertaining story and worth a read. It is a little regretful that there is not more banter between the odd couple and that Percy can't share his side of the story, in a way that would surely be more engaging. The storyline can get boring, with an unmenacing villain, but ultimately, the Son of Sobek's biggest weakness is its short length. However, despite that, it shows mastery of writing on Riordan's part. The Son of Sobek is a clever way to give the die hard fans a crossover they can be all over, but not mesh the story lines of each, so that is becomes confusing and chaotic. If that were the case, each series would lose its independence and standalone characteristics. A more casual reader may just be reading Percy Jackson, but will be confused if the newest book suddenly rushes into a Kane Chronicles plot, with the reader having no idea where the characters from the other series came from. Riordan's handling of the format is brilliant, his story engrossing, and his first official crossover between Percy Jackson & the Olympians and the Kane Chronicles is a success.

Note: The Son of Sobek was released as a bonus story for the paperback version of Serpent's Shadow. It is also available as an e-book, with audio read by Rick Riordan himself. 

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A New Era for the Tonight Show

The Tonight Show is one of the most popular late night talk shows in North America, ever since its début in 1954. As it is around 60 years old, it has been hosted by a number of people. Last Thursday, February 6, the most recent host, Jay Leno, aired his last episode and is retiring after 22 years of hosting the Tonight Show. As Leno has been host for such a long time, his absence in the coming episodes will be a change in pace.

Jay Leno has been a long time host for the Tonight Show. While he was not the first or longest running host, what makes him special is his role in the present. As he has been there since 1992, most modern day followers have followed the Tonight Show with him in charge. Having someone else hosting is a strange concept for fans of the show. The strongest example of his popularity on the show is when he left the show the first time. In 2009, Jay Leno left the Tonight Show and was replaced by Conan O'Brien. For a year, O'Brien reigned the show, but his tenure was not very successful. His ratings sagged, and by the time the year was up, he handed the reins back to Jay Leno. Jay Leno had meanwhile gone on to host the Jay Leno Show, which did better than the Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien. Jay Leno has hosted the Tonight Show since, but now has decided to retire for good. This time, it seems Leno is leaving for good, as he has no plans to continue in any form of the late night show career and a third tenure would just be ridiculous. While Leno was a very good host and will be lamented, his successor Jimmy Fallon is the opportunity for the show to take a breath of fresh air and undergo an exciting new change.

As for the episode itself, it is a proper farewell to Leno. It addresses his leave plenty of times, but doesn't exclude the comedy. Leno cleverly incorporates it into a very climatic episode, managing to squeeze a fair amount of final laughs from the audience. The situation isn't ignored either, with an actual scene where Leno shed some tears. Also enhancing this landmark episode is the guest star, Billy Crystal, who happens to be Leno's first guest star, making it fitting that he was the last. Crystal was also joined by a few more, surprise guest stars including Jim Parsons, Oprah Winfrey, and many more. All in all, this was the best send off Jay Leno could get.

Jay Leno was a great host of the Tonight Show and has defined it for the modern audience, but it is time to see the show with a new host to provide his take on the series. Jimmy Fallon is the opportunity to reinvent the saga. There was a time the show existed without Leno and that time has come back. For better or worse, the Tonight Show with Jay Leno has ended to pave the way for the Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon.       

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Being Friends With Boys (Book Review)

Being Friends With Boys - By Terra Elan McVoy

Book Review

The refrain featured on the cover is "these things can get complicated." For high-schooler and veteran girl amongst the guys, Charlotte that's exactly what she finds to be true.

Though at first glance the book may seem like a fairly standard 'fluff' novel, McVoy provides an engaging and down-to-earth storyline for readers to embark on with narrator, Charlotte manager and song-writer for her friend's band.

The story immediately begins with startling news for Char, one of her best friends Trip had suddenly left their band Sad Jackal. Drama ultimately ensues. She scrambles to find new replacements, and she is surprised to find that one candidate seems to have the potential to be more than just a bandmate. For Charlotte, the window of her life that we see, is a crucial time of growth for her. She is gaining new friendships, developing important relationships, recognizing valid friends, learning to let go, and ultimately finding herself and her voice. McVoy offers readers a variety of diverse and interesting characters. Including Charlotte, our seemingly shy but down to earth narrator, her family, entourage of boys, classmates and a few others along the way.  The story is a sweet representation of friendship and romance, one of my favourite bits being the notebook that Charlotte and Trip share as a running correspondence. They switch possession between classes and read each other's entries. The rest of the story is riddled with similar heartwarming moments, perfect for a feel-good read.

The story is a true-to-life portrayal of simply being friends with boys though high school. McVoy weaves a light story with insight and humour as we experience all of Char's ups and downs. Being friends with boys is the Bible of "Just being friends" and "being more than friends" as any girl who is surrounded by boys knows is a mammoth task to keep in check. All in all it is a truly enjoyable YA novel full of teen angst, hormones, drama and romance - As if we didn't have enough of our own.

By Alessia Collia

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Ava's Demon is Sensationally Sinister!

Ava’s Demon

Webcomic Review

http://www.avasdemon.com

Ava’s Demon is a haunting webcomic from upcoming artist, Michelle Czajkowski. The comic has been running since last year and with steady updates every Monday and Thursday, is gaining both substance and a fanbase. Skyrocketing after a recent kickstarter, we take a look at the evolving story of Ava and her creator.

Michelle Czajkowski is the lone creator of the Ava’s Demon comic, which she updates out of her home in upstate New York. Michelle graduated from the School of Visual Arts for Computer Arts and Animation, interned at Pixar Animation and has worked at Dreamworks Animation! Ava’s Demon is her first webcomic. The site (http://www.avasdemon.com) has a stunning facade for an even more impressive body of work. The detail and effort put into the evolving site is evident and appreciated. It truly is the icing on the cake, enticing new readers to venture further into Michelle’s captivating world.

          The story immediately plunges into the disturbed life of a girl named Ava. From the beginning we can identify a strange, modern world, that is somehow quite surreal. Ava Ire, our main character, is a fifteen year old girl with a demon. Literally. An alien life form’s spirit, by the name of Wrathia, attached to her since birth, has been turning her into a social outcast. Just after being expelled from her school, her world is under attack. Escaping her desolated planet as a stowaway with the mysterious transfer student named Odin and her once-friend Maggie. She then embarks on a strange journey to hunt down a seemingly godly deity named “Titan” as payment to her demon, in return receiving the "new life" that she wishes for. The plot is mysterious and you are truly unsure of all character’s, orientation in the story. Who is the protagonist? Who should you trust? The story, still rapidly evolving, has a long list of questions yet to be answered and the continually captivating setting makes it impossible for readers to pull away. Ominous overtones create a definite mood that is slightly unnerving but the outstanding creativity is undeniable.

Michelle displays her unique style even when other style references are implemented. Through the first chapter we can see the development of the artwork, watching as  styles evolve and become more detailed and clean while still staying true to the original character designs. Her art instantly sparks an interest, a whimsical style like no other feeds the imagination and enriches the equally unique storyline. Her art moves seamlessly throughout the slides, creating an almost stop-motion movie look with her beautiful and precise implications of movement. Czajkowski displays her animation and presentation skills with periodical videos and special slides showcasing animation. The videos are spellbinding and readers excitedly await anticipated videos! In these videos, Michelle chooses to use original works of music to enhance the experience creating a unique and truly refreshing break from her otherwise inanimate pages while further displaying her wonderful talent.  

Michelle has a corresponding blog on Tumblr which features highlights from the comic as well as fan made submissions and tributes. There is also an online store where Ava’s Demon fans can purchase everything from prints, to totes, to throw pillows. Certainly a great way to enhance Ava’s presence both online and in the homes and lives of readers everywhere!

Without a doubt Ava’s Demon offers something to be appreciated by anyone onlooking on the process of the comic. Whether it be the art, animation, music, storyline, characters, or simply the dedication of the author, Ava’s Demon is certainly one of the trailblazers of webcomics, and a wonderful escape into the enjoyably sinister world of Ava Ire!

By Alessia Collia

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Super Bowl 2014 Was More Than The Game

The Super Bowl of 2014 on Sunday, February 2 marked the showdown between the Seattle Sea hawks and the Denver Broncos. The action on the field drew gasps and stoked the excitement of the neutral sports fans' hearts as the sparks flew between the two teams. Meanwhile, fans rooting for a specific team had their groans and cheers, intensifying the passion in the game. However, as the match had plenty of viewers from the sports fans, that wasn't the only thing filling the several hours of football fun. Commercials of all sorts showed up for attention form the massive audience, while movie trailers of some of the most highly anticipated movies of the year also took the chance to interest the larger public.

While there was some fun in the event outside of the game, it must be remembered that the football competition was the meat and main attraction of the Super Bowl. No football game, no Super Bowl. The game itself was between the Seattle Sea hawks and the Denver Broncos. The match, however, didn't spike the excitement to the greatest possible height. The chair gripping tension in the game was thin on the ground as the competition was nothing. There were no stakes or questioning in the outcome of the game, as Seattle steamrollered Denver. The game quickly evolved to a large beating on the Broncos, as the Sea hawks didn't even let them have a single touchdown until the third quarter. Denver did manage to make some contribution to their tally, but not before Seattle ended the game off with a final score of 43-8. The game had some sports fun, but the stakes were weak for the neutral fans' enjoyment. Seattle fans definitely had ecstasy  for the Sea hawks' whopping victory (this was Seattle's first Super Bowl victory), but Denver fans had to suffer the unpleasant loss in their crushing defeat.

Not everybody is a sports fan though. Many don't care about the game, but the Super Bowl had more to offer, in the effort of getting more viewers. And many did tune in for the commercials. The commercials in the Super Bowl are famous. Some are comedic ads, which always brings entertainment value onto the table. There are also commercials which try to promote products catching a buyer's eye. There are also inspirational PSA's, which are always worth watching. Even if you're not a fan of sports, you could pass some time by turning on to the Super Bowl channel.

The Super Bowl is also ideal for movie studios. As there are already such a large number of viewers, thanks to the game and commercials, the event is a good place to show off footage to promote the movie. It also snags more views for the Super Bowl, as movie fans get to watch some teasers for the movies they anticipate. Studios benefit, the super bowl organizers benefit, it's a win-win. This year, some of the biggest names are of the superhero/ action genre. There was trailers for Captain America: The Winter Soldier, the Amazing Spider-man 2, and Transformers: Age of Extinction, some of the most highly anticipated movies of the year. Transformers was special in the sense as this was the first footage that was shown, making it quite exciting. Unfortunately, this was only 45 seconds, with not a lot shown. Captain America 2 was a different story. As Marvel had already released trailers for their current summer blockbuster, this was an extended preview that gave some new glimpses at the film. Transformers was short and Captain America was long. Amazing Spider-man 2, meanwhile, was somewhere in the middle. At the Super Bowl, a 30 second teaser was shown, but in the trailer, a URL was featured (EnemiesUnite.com). Fans could then eagerly turn to their computers, punch in the website, and view a 4-minute sizzle real. So while the Super Bowl led to the début of 4 and a half minutes of new footage, only 30 seconds were actually shown at the event. Either way, superhero fans had much to see in the Super Bowl.

The Super Bowl may be a sporting event, but it had so much more to offer. While the views swelled with many ulterior uses of the match, audiences of many sort had something to look forward to on Sunday. Definitely something that was worth turning the television on for.




 

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Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D Episode 5-11 Review

Marvel has a acquired a taste for success that can't be satisfied with its movies. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D is the company's attempt to translate their cinematic success to the small screen, which wasn't the smoothest transition. It has garnered fair reception, not because of its excellence, but because of the movies and its potential. The first four episodes managed to pass with a good grade, but has the next seven episodes truly shown something for the fans who were disappointed and hoping for more at the initial episodes.

The first four episodes chronicled the multiple adventures of a S.H.I.E.L.D team that were loosely connected. This lack of continuity was a weakness and its overall dependence on the movies for success was also a flaw. The continuity issue does seem to have improved, with characters from old episodes reappearing and long term antagonists carving a bigger spot for themselves in the show. Also notable is the cliffhanger ending in episode ten and the show now using a "previously in Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D" introduction, which helps break the monotonous format of each episode being the next, completely unrelated, brand new adventure. The show has a few overarching story lines, which may help it build up to something bigger. However, there is not much faith to be had in the hope that something epic will end off the long term stories. One burning question from the pilot itself was finally resolved in episode 11, but with a very lame, obvious, and uncreative ending. It shows the series does not contain strong storytelling, creativity, and execution. It also doesn't seem to be stronger on the movie relation front. The show had an official tie-in episode with Thor: The Dark World, and while the episode can be commended for not using the movie for its overall plot, it is also weak in the fact it offered nothing new to the movie universe itself. That is common to the show itself, as it does not have much importance or gravitas. Most of the characters are not easy to relate to and do not gain affection form the audience.

Agents of S.H.I..E.L.D has still yet to prove that is is a show to be reckoned with on television, as it fails to create a strong, well told overarching storyline that can hit the notes the movies did so wonderfully. It is not mediocre series, but not the show Marvel fans were expecting. It is the hype that is its downfall. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D is a time passer that can entertain, but not one that can rise up to the expectations set on it. 

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