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// CARRIE FISHER A TRIBUTE TO PRINCESS LEIA ORGANA OF ALDERAAN

W W W. G E E K Y M O N K E Y.T V

M O V I E S . G A M E S . T V.
T EC H. T O Y S. COMIC S.

WIN
DANCING GROOT
POP MARVEL
FIGURES

// INVINCIBLE IRON MAN


// RESIDENT EVIL: THE
FINAL CHAPTER
THE SCIENCE OF

STAR
// THE WALKING DEAD
// THE RUNNING MAN
// KEANU REEVES

TREK
// NEW TECH

YOUR RETRO
ESSENTIAL
GEEKY REVIEWS
MOVIES
CHIC OR BLEAK?
// MOVIES // GAMES
// TV // TECH // EXCLUSIVE
// TOYS

THE RETURN OF THE

//
APES
KONG: SKULL ISLAND // WAR OF THE PLANET OF THE APES
4.50 ISSUE 17 FEBRUARY 2017
17

9 772059 221019

// DUELA DENT COSPLAY // DIRK GENTLY INTERVIEW // NEW COLLECTABLES // ZAXXON BOARDGAME
Ad.indd 1 11/01/2017 19:04
CONTENTS

06

16

30

42 58 112

06 RETURN OF THE APES 66 BECAUSE JAPAN


 The big apes are back and theyre taking over Martin Scorseses Silence brings Japanese
Hollywood. Bananas at the ready culture to the blockbuster screen

16 CARRIE FISHER: A TRIBUTE 72 MEGA MACHINE


Celebrating the life and careers of Princess Revisiting the Event Horizon from 1997s sci-fi
Leia Organa of Alderaan horror movie

30 THE SCIENCE OF STAR TREK 88 NEW TECH FROM CES


How close have we come to making these  The top tech companies have gathered in Las
sci-fi marvels a reality? Vegas to show off their futuristic wares

42 DONT MISS 96 WORLD OF TANKS IN SWEDEN


Kicking off a new year of top movies with Who would have thought that Sweden had
some old fashioned scares cool tanks? We sent our roving reporter

62 KOMIKAZE 100 ZAXXON IN BOARD GAME FORM


 Your monthly dose of cool comic books plus The classic SEGA arcade game, brought to life
we review Invincible Iron Man #1-2 by MB Games back in the day

58 DUELA DENT COSPLAY 106 RETRO CHIC, OR RETRO BLEAK?


 Jokers daughter is brought to life in incredible  Is the trend for retro nostalgia in the movies
detail by this months cosplayer and on TV and good thing?

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106

F RONTLI N E P R E VI E WS & R E V I EWS

16 A TRIBUTE 38 READING MATTERS


 Our words on the incredible Carrie Fisher The best sci-fi and fantasy books
20 IN BRIEF 64 COMIC CRITIQUE
 Snippets of geeky news New comics from the big publishers
22 MAP OF GEEK 76 REVIEWS
 Travelling around UK film locations for fun Got some Christmas spending money?
84 STEAM & APPS
Mario arrives on iPhone, Hell freezes over
E YE CAN DY 94 CLASSIC MOVIE
Arnie is running away in The Running Man
28 DOCTOR WHO: THE DALEKS
SUBSCRIBE NOW! Theyve plagued him for generations
Turn to page 74 for details 48 JAWS 2 G AME S & TOYS
An electrifying way to cook shark
60 THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS 100 RETRO TOY
Have the lambs stopped screaming? The arcade game Zaxxon goes old school
113 CLASSIC GAME: APB 104 TABLETOP
Arcade gaming in the 80s was the best A new way to play in the Star Wars universe

ST U FF I N TE RV I E WS

70 GET THIS 14 STEVE ZAHN


The best geeky gear for your collection Monkeying around with Bad Ape
92 TOP GEAR 26 JESSICA PARKER KENNEDY
Hot tech you cant live without From Smallville to Black Sails
102 GEEK CHIC 33 JOHN DE LANCIE
T-shirts, bags and Wonder Woman pants We ask Star Treks Q about sci-fi tech
99 RICHARD CUTLAND
Racing Swedish tanks for Wargaming

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CONTRIBUTORS

JEM ROBERTS CL AIRE LIM


Jem is an author, storyteller, comedy Music PR by day and mega geek at all
historian, performer and magazine man, other times, Claire has a penchant for
with official books on Blackadder and anything comic books, robots, space
Douglas Adams. and superheroes.

RYAN LESTON
Film Journalist and geek, Ryan is
obsessed with Star Wars and loves
MARK NEWBOLD
Mark is a Star Wars journalist. When hes
not talking or writing about Star Wars he
WELCOME
quirky TV shows. He still hasnt forgiven can be found sleeping, where hell
Damon Lindelof for the ending to Lost. probably be dreaming about Star Wars.
January, eh? Its dark, drizzly and miserable when you go to
work, its dark, drizzly and miserable when you come home.
But thats a reason to celebrate! It means you get to stay in, all
warm and cosy, and catch up on all the geeky happenings
you were too busy eating chocolate over Christmas to notice.
BBC iPlayer has all the new Sherlock episodes for you to
enjoy weve reviewed them over on page 76. The Walking
JOHN HOULIHAN MICHAEL CAMPBELL Dead is back to finish off its season seven with some Negan
Writer, game designer, sci-fi, fantasy Film enthusiast, horror hound, beard ass kicking and if you do feel like a bit of snow action try
and horror lover, author of the Seraph aficionado. Comic book junkie Michael is
books and ex-boss of CVG its His also an experienced professional
Steep from Ubisoft on PS4 and Xbox One instead of actually
Houliness Mr Houlihan. wrestling journalist. going out getting cold and wet, our reviews start on page 78!
Leading this issues features is The Return of the Apes
King Kong and Planet of the Apes are both set to shake up
Hollywood this year read all about how the movies are
shaping up on page six. Weve taken apart the Science of Star
Trek on page 30 and on page 106 we ask whether the trend for
retro movie reboots is a good thing.
SEBASTIAN WILLIAMSON ROB BURMAN Start your year the right way, by introducing one of your
While most people would turn away Determined to get his family to play
from a dark alleyway or eerie forest, something other than Cluedo at
mates to Geeky Monkey. We all know its the best read out
Sebastian goes skipping on ahead with a Christmas, Rob is on a constant hunt to there for movies, TV, games, tech, toys and comics but do
thirst for horror. Weirdo. discover great board games.
they? Right now they can subscribe for 12 months and get a
fantastic comic book absolutely free jump on over to page 74
for details or send them to www.get-geeky.today.
Dont forget, were on Facebook and Twitter where you
can get a daily dose of geeky news, plus we have a brilliant
podcast put together by our geek in residence, Claire Lim. I
would love to hear what you think of Geeky Monkey, and any
HUGH DAVID JONATHAN CLEMENTS
With an in-depth knowledge of global Jonathan Clements latest book is
ideas you would like to see in future issues. Drop me a line at
genre film, television and animation, Christs Samurai: The True Story of the geekymonkey@uncookedmedia.com. Enjoy!
Hugh has seen more geeky films than Shimabara Rebellion, all about teenage
youve had Star Wars toys. sorcerers. Because Japan.

facebook.com/geekymonkeymag
twitter.com/thegeekymonkey
search Geeky Monkey on SoundCloud NICK ROBERTS
www.geekymonkey.tv EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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THE RETURN
OF THE APES
TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX FILM CORPORATION.

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IN 2017 THE BATTLE FOR BOX OFFICE SUPREMACY WONT BE
FOUGHT BY BATMAN, SUPERMAN OR SPIDER-MAN, BUT BY
CINEMATIC ROYALTY IN THE FORM OF SKULL ISLANDS KING
KONG AND WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES CAESAR.
ITS THE RETURN OF THE APES

Words: SEBASTIAN WILLIAMSON


Sebastian once visited Monkey World and tried to re-enact
scenes from Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.

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W
hile 2017 might be considered by many cinema Originally announced at the San Diego Comic Con back in 2014,
fans to be the year of the comic book movie, what Skull Island was set up at Universal Pictures by Legendary Pictures,
with Warner Bros looking to right the wrongs of with Joe Cornish (of Adam & Joe fame, and director of Attack the Block)
2016 with its take on Wonder Woman and the attached to direct, before things went eerily quiet on the development
much hyped Justice League, as well as Disneys front. The reason for this was because Legendary was busy negotiating
triple treat that includes Guardians of the Galaxy with Universal to move the project over to Warner Bros so that it could
Vol. 2, Spider-Man: Homecoming and Thor: Ragnarok, theres get the ball rolling on a crossover film with Godzilla, and start mapping
something else happening in the halls of Hollywood this year the out a much larger universe that would encompass not just Skull Island,
apes are returning to the big screen to wage war on mankind with a but Godzilla 2 and the ensuing mash-up.
double serving of blockbuster goodness. While not a whole lot is known about the films story, despite the
First up is Kong: Skull Island, the hugely anticipated reboot of the fact there are two trailers out in the wild, director Jordan Vogt-Robert
franchise being steered by Warner Bros for a March release, and the and his star-studded cast that includes Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L.
WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC., LEGENDARY PICTURES PRODUCTIONS, LLC AND RATPAC-DUNE ENTERTAINMENT LLC.

second is Foxs final part of the new Apes trilogy, War of the Planet of Jackson, Brie Larson, John Goodman and John C. Reilly has been
the Apes, which arrives in July. While War of the Planet of the Apes is dropping plenty of hints about whats in store for us come March. For
already shaping up to be something pretty damn special from the one, this is a complete re-imagining of Kongs mythology, a suspicion
looks of the trailers, the film thats really got us chomping at the bit later confirmed by Hiddleston, who plays former SAS trooper turned
here at Geeky Monkey Towers is Kong: Skull Island, because it looks monster hunter, James Conrad.
set to usher in a new age of giant monster movies, a genre thats been Its a whole new re-conception of the mythology. There is no
sorely missed at the box office, despite a few recent attempts to revive young movie actress; there is no film director. Its a reimagining of it,
it with the likes of Pacific Rim and Godzilla. says the Thor star. It essentially follows a group of disparate travellers,
explorers and soldiers who journey to an undiscovered island in the
A MONSTER UNIVERSE South Pacific. And its set in a time period where you could conceive
Kong: Skull Island isnt just an attempt to reintroduce King Kong to that there are still undiscovered places on the Earth. What they find on
audiences after the rather bloated Peter Jackson take on the original the island is surprising, and then every character has a very different
1933 masterpiece back in 2005, its all part of a much grander plan on response to it. Its going to be spectacular and epic, but also the human
the part of Warner Bros. That plan? To build a giant monster universe on drama is kind of interesting as well.
the big screen that will eventually see Kong and Godzilla face off against
each other in a celluloid Royal Rumble in 2020. Frankly, we cant wait UP FROM THE DEPTHS
for this. The idea of watching the King of Monsters and Kong duke it out One of the more intriguing theories surrounding the film is how its
on the big screen is something wed take any day over yet another comic connected to Gareth Edwards Godzilla. The answer to that is Monarch,
book movie that recycles the same story beats as the last one. the top-secret government agency led by Ken Watanabe and Sally

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The giant ape skulls around
the island show that Kong was
not always alone. Did he kill his
siblings, or was it something
more sinister?

Hawkins in the 2014 Godzilla reboot. While we still dont know if either giant spiders and gargantuan lizard-like beasts that may or may not
character is going to make an appearance, we do know the organization have an evolutionary connection to the King of Monsters called Skull
will certainly be mentioned throughout the course of the film, and its Crawlers. These beasts appear to be the biggest threat to both man and
quite possible that John Goodmans character, Bill Randa, may very ape, and judging from the quickfire shots of ape bones scattered
well be part of it, seeing as he is the one behind the trip to Skull Island. throughout the island, it looks as though the Skull Crawlers have offed
In fact, it was this mention of Monarch in the original script that was set all of Kongs siblings, meaning he is the last of his kind.
up at Universal that caused studio execs to kick up a fuss and eventually While these beasts vary in size and appear to live beneath the
pawn the movie off to Warner Bros. What Universal got in return island, an early Skull Island poster released at New York Comic Con last
remains to be seen, but we suspect at the very least it was a slice of the year raised some pretty big questions when the poster was exposed to
pie come release weekend. a black-light it revealed not just the Monarch logo (which shed a little
Theres also another extremely interesting theory relating to the light on how Warner planned to connect the films), but also a massive
plot of the film and a second possible connection between the two Skull Crawler buried deep beneath the island, its entire body spanning

WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC., LEGENDARY PICTURES PRODUCTIONS, LLC AND RATPAC-DUNE ENTERTAINMENT LLC.
monsters Monarchs original intention for the expedition was to track the length and breadth of the island itself.
down Godzilla, but instead they wind up finding Kong on the island. That would make it bigger than Kong, bigger than Godzilla, and
Whether or not that one pans out remains to be seen, but the one thing bigger than any monster weve ever seen on screen to date. Of course,
were absolutely certain of is this Kong will be the largest ever on-screen its all just speculation, and the image of the Skull Crawler skeleton
interpretation of the character. According to producer, Alex Garcia, could just be that and nothing more, but one thing we do know for
Kong will be 100ft tall, which is twice the size of Jacksons Kong in the certain is that in two months all of Skull Islands mysteries will be
2005 film. While youd assume the reasoning for this leap in scale is to revealed and the stage will be set for King Kong Vs. Godzilla in 2020.
ensure Kong can stand toe-to-toe with Godzilla when the time comes to
face off against him in 2020, director Vogt-Robert has other, somewhat THIS TIME ITS WAR
more grounded, thoughts on the design rejig. With Kong brawling with giant monsters in March, come July a very
The thing that most interested me was, how big do you need to different kind of battle will be taking place when War For The Planet
make Kong, so that when someone lands on this island and doesnt Of The Apes arrives, closing out the new trilogy of films that began
believe in the idea of myth, the idea of wonder when we live in a world back in 2001 with Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes. Taking place two
of social and civil unrest, and everything is crumbling around us, and years after the events of Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes, War brings
technology and facts are taking over how big does this creature need Caesars story full circle according to director Matt Reeves, after the
to be, so that when you stand on the ground and you look up at it, the events at the end of the last film saw Koba kickstart a bloody war with
only thing that can go through your mind is: Thats a god. the humans that rages on.
The giant ape wont be the only creature Hiddleston and his cohorts The first one is sort of how Caesar goes from humble beginnings to
encounter on the island, theyll face a whole host of nasties, including becoming a revolutionary. In Dawn, he really rose to the occasion of

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APES IN [1933 // RADIO PICTURES] [1949 // RKO RADIO PICTURES] [1963 // UNIVERSAL PICTURES]
KING KONG MIGHTY JOE YOUNG KING KONG VS. GODZILLA
H O L LY WO O D
THE GEEKY MONKEY The grandaddy of them all, It was Hollywoods turn to Originally released in
TOP PICKS OF Kong shocked movie-goers take a spanking when the Japan, this was the first
MONKEYING AROUND in 1933 when the giant ape effects team from King time Kong and Godzilla
ON FILM was wrenched from his Kong turned their mind shared the bill, and the
island home and brought to another gorilla movie first time they had been
to New York City. The Mighty Joe Young was an seen together in colour.
image of Kong on top of ape from Africa, raised by The English version came
the Empire State Building a young girl. Great stop- out a year later with new
is iconic. motion animation. scenes and dubbing.

STUNNING
LOCATIONS,
MASSIVE
BATTLES AND
TOP-NOTCH
PERFORMANCES

becoming a leader in really challenging and difficult times, explains Colonel with Rocket, Maurice and Luca by his side. Interestingly,
Reeves. The notion of what were after with the third film is to sort of Caesar is still wracked with guilt over death of Koba, who he was
continue that trajectory and see how he becomes a seminal figure in ape forced to kill at the end of Dawn, so the journey hes embarking on in
history. He almost becomes sort of like an ape Moses mythic status. the film is both an outward and inward one, with the ape leader
Were trying to play out those themes and continue to explore it in this searching for what little empathy gleaned from being raised by
universe. Exploring human nature under the guise of apes. humans he has left inside him.
Geeky Monkey was lucky enough to get a sneak peak at some Its a revenge mission after this event happens, says Andy Serkis,
footage of the film back in December, which helped shine a light on the man behind Caesars stunning motion capture performance, He
where the creative team plans to take this next chapter of the long- goes through this incredible journey going to the dark heart of himself,
running series, as well as some of the new characters joining the battle probably the darkest hes ever encountered. This voyage of self-
for planet Earth, including Woody Harrelsons brilliantly psychotic The destruction. In War, Caesar has changed, and changed significantly in
Colonel, and Steven Zahns scene stealing Bad Ape, who, like Caesar, the two years since Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes, both inside and
can speak English and is clearly going to steal the movie out from under out, which brought with it a unique set of challenges for Serkis.
every other actors nose by the time credits roll. Physically hes much more upright, much more human-like. Hes
continued to evolve linguistically. If you remember in the last movie,
PRIMATE POWER the apes were discovering language. They were finding a prototype
The film opens with a brutal battle between man and ape in the woods, language and it was a combination of sign and ape vocalisations and the
with the humans searching for Caesar after hearing whispers of his odd human word. For Caesar now, the human word becomes his
existence. While many dont believe he exists, Harrelsons character primary form of expression, says Serkis. That was a very big challenge
believes otherwise and has poured all of his resources into tracking him for me in terms of charting this next version of Caesar Caesar Part
down to slay him. However, the rules of engagement have changed Three. There are moments that resonate back to the original. Great
since we last saw the apes and man square off mankind has been moments that weve been able to play.
using apes to help them track down other apes, and while the humans
have some serious firepower to hand, including armored vehicles, APE ATTACK
heavy machine guns and artillery, Caesar and his pack have taken to The second clip we were treated to involved Caesar and his group
TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX FILM CORPORATION

arming themselves with bows, arrows, spears and other hand-crafted coming across a human camp wherein Caesar is forced to kill a soldier
weaponry, as well automatic rifles and tear gas. in self defense. After the killing Maurice discovers a young girl sleeping
Its this opening battle that appears to set in motion the entire who happens to the soldiers daughter, but she appears to be mute and
films plot, with both sides suffering huge casualties, and Caesar can only communicate through sign language. This is the little girl we
venturing out into the world on a long, arduous trip in search of the see riding on the back of the horse with Maurice in the trailer, and if we

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[1968 // 20TH CENTURY FOX] [1976 // PARAMOUNT PICTURES] [1978 // WARNER BROS] [1995 // PARAMOUNT PICTURES]
PLANET OF THE APES KING KONG EVERY WHICH WAY BUT LOOSE CONGO

With five films in the Remakes are not a modern Yeah, we know Clyde Michael Crichton actually
original series that ran phenomenon as 1976s wasnt a monster, but if wrote Congo ten years
from 1968 - 1973 plus two Jeff Bridges version of were writing about our before he would score it
spin-off TV series, the Apes King Kong proves. Largely favourite ape movies of all big with movie monsters
franchise has come a long forgotten now, it is notable time, then Clint Eastwoods in Jurassic Park. Giant grey
way from the 1963 French for moving the Kong classic Every Which Way gorillas have been trained
novel it was based on. showdown at the end from But Loose always conjures to protect a diamond mine,
The original with Charlton the Empire State Building up fond memories. A great but turn on their human
Heston is our favourite. to the World Trade Center. 80s Saturday night movie. teachers in anger!

TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX FILM CORPORATION

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[2001 // 20TH CENTURY FOX] [2005 // UNIVERSAL PICTURES] [2011 // 20TH CENTURY FOX] [2014 // 20TH CENTURY FOX]
PLANET OF THE APES KING KONG RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES

20th Century Fox tried Starting Andy Serkis Finally Fox got the formula With many awards for Andy
many times through the career of mimicking apes, right and the reboot series Serkis motion capture
80s and 90s to get a Peter Jacksons King Kong of Apes got underway with performance as Caesar, a
reboot of Planet of the is a pretty straight remake more ape action from Andy sequel was inevitable, and
Apes off the ground, many of the 1933 original. Its Serkis in the lead role as this is our favourite of the
scripts and directors came even set in the 30s and is Caesar. This new, harder, reboots. Weta Digital has
and went, then finally Tim famous for its spiralling darker Planet of the Apes done an excellent job on
Burton got this version budget that topped out at with incredible CGI was a this reboot franchise, we
made. It wasnt brilliant. $207 million! big success. cant wait for the new one!

were betting folk, we suspect she will play a pivotal role in the both the modern day audiences, including Dr Cornelius and Zaius, and it would
plot of film as well as Caesars battle to find peace within himself. be a pretty cool way for the studio to neatly wrap up the entire saga into
Alongside the brief snippets of footage we were shown, director one perfect (blu-ray?) package.
Matt Reeves also dove a little bit into the background and motivations
behind Woody Harrelsons character, a man who he says has been LONG LIVE THE APES
forced to take desperate measures in these dark days because he knows While both War For The Planet Of The Apes is a sequel and Kong: Skull
if the humans lose this war, then Earth itself will indeed become a Island is clearly the start of an intended franchise, both films look set to
Planet of the Apes. From what weve seen its clear that Reeves and his offer up a refreshing break from the slew of superhero movies set to
team are set to deliver an extremely weighty war movie that appears to unspool throughout the year and right into the year 2020. Of the two
take its cues from the likes of Apocalypse Now and, according to the films, Apes clearly has the edge because both its predecessors have been
director, The Bridge on the River Kwai. excellently written and crafted films that delivered in spades when it
This third film is going big, with a slew of stunning locations, came to action and deeply honed characters, so the onus really is on
massive battles and top-notch performances, not just from its motion Warner Bros and the team behind Skull Island to nail the tone and style
capture actors, but from Harrelson too, who is most definitely of that film and set in motion the plans for the shared giant monster
channelling his inner Brando for the role of the Colonel. universe it (and every other studio out there) is so desperate to create.
TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX FILM CORPORATION

While nobody but Fox knows whether or not this third film in the Regardless of whether or not that happens remains to be seen, but
Apes series is the end of the prequels, we wouldnt be surprised if the one thing is for certain in 2017, and its that the apes are returning to
studio had plans for at least one more that leads up to the events of the take over Hollywood and the battle for the throne wont be fought by
original 1968 film starring Charlton Heston. There are still characters masked superheroes, but by two characters from the golden age of
from that film and its sequels that could very well be introduced to cinema King Kong and Caesar. GM

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TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX FILM CORPORATION

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Steve Zahn
PLAYS BAD APE IN WAR OF THE PLANET OF THE APES

With Andy Serkis reprising his role as Caesar, leading the war, he needs a good deputy. Step in Bad Ape, played by Steve Zahn.
Hes another chimpanzee who has learned to speak English and has built up a comararderee with Caesar, but his excitement
gives the movie a lift when so much of the story is so dark.

Were you a fan of the apes franchise before WHAT HAPPENS What was the most challenging aspect of
signing on for War of the Planet of the Apes? making the movie?
Oh yeah, who isnt? Even if youre not, you know DURING WAR, OUR Physical. Thats the obvious, its extremely
what it is, and its huge, right? Its like, I cant TOLERANCE FOR physical all day. To squat, to quadroped, to get
think of many things in film that are equivalent up on things and make it look like its effortless.
to this kind of a its like Star Wars. So that OTHER PEOPLE ITS A But the hardest thing is probably to find and play
alone was really kind of a thrill. PRETTY SIMPLE STORY the essence of an animal that has a character
that feels, that has perspective. Thats the hard
How does the new movie continue the saga of
AND THATS WHAT part. Playing the essence what is that? How is
the series. What can Apes fans expect to see? MAKES THESE MOVIES that? I would study film. I would study people
It is what is says, War for the Planet of the shooting monkeys (with their cameras) in zoos,
Apes. Its dark and heavy and violent, and it
INTERESTING AND just sitting there. And those were the videos
gets nasty. But its really a story of Caesars THATS WHY THEY LIVE that were fascinating to me. How do they sit?
journey and the war he is having with who
he is, and his integrity and emphathy. Where
FOREVER How do they look different? They look over their
shoulder differently than we do. How do you
is that going? What happens during war, our reproduce that? That was the hard part.
tolerance for other people its a pretty simple
story and thats what makes these movies Its great that Bad Ape brings a lot of humour What was it like to film a movie in those wintery
interesting and thats why they live forever, and heart to the movie, can you tell us a bit snow conditions?
because they are simple. They are about those more about his personality? It was cold! It was snow! It was deep snow. We
kinds of things. My character is great in this Yeah, hes a very inquisative, hes experienced, were up in Whistler, British Columbia a great
story in that hes kind of an opposite speed, hes older. He and Caesar share a lot of the same ski place, that we couldnt ski at. We would just
everyone is kind of down and serious, and experiences, even bad ones. And yet, Bad Ape watch other people have fun while we did fun
they find this ape, which is a coup because is just kind of really excited about everything, stuff too. We were riding horses and running
they think there are no other apes that have which adds a completely different feel. Im a around in the snow. Its what is looks like.
survived. They find me off in the woods, living chimpanzee that escaped from the Portland Zoo, When its wet and looks like its cold it was
by myself for a long time, Im just excited to see and I speak, which is another thing they find wet and cold. Which is Vancouver for most of
other apes and be part of a group. So he adds a amazing because most of them dont speak, they the Winter 40 degrees and drizzly. So a lot of
bit of lightness to this heavy story. use sign language. it was a hard shoot.
TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX FILM CORPORATION

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RETURNING IN 2017
11 FEBRUARY MIDLANDS
11-12 MARCH LIVERPOOL
18-19 MARCH BIRMINGHAM
20-21 MAY HANNOVER
26-28 MAY LONDON
24-25 JUNE BELFAST
1-2 JULY DUBLIN
29-30 JULY MANCHESTER
23-24 SEPTEMBER GLASGOW
27-29 OCTOBER LONDON
18-19 NOVEMBER BIRMINGHAM

Ad.indd 1 12/01/2017 15:36


FRONTLINE CARRIE FISHER
THE LATEST HAPPENINGS FROM AROUND THE GEEK DOME
[1956 - 2016]
A TRIBUTE TO PRINCESS LEIA ORGANA OF ALDERAAN

B
orn 21 October 1956 in Burbank, California, Carrie Frances her the confidence to strike out into other ventures. 1975 saw her first
Fisher was the daughter of Hollywood superstars Debbie major film role in the Hal Ashby directed Shampoo, a film that also
Reynolds and Eddie Fisher. Both considered Hollywood royalty, starred seasoned professionals Warren Beatty, Julie Christie and
Carrie began and remained in the spotlight for her entire life. A Goldie Hawn. The film would go on to become the fourth biggest hit
bookworm from a young age, she devoured popular and classic of 1975 and garner four Oscar nominations, winning one.
literature, reading voraciously and writing poetry. An outwardly shy Emboldened by its success, Fisher along with a plethora of other
and private daughter of two high profile stars, she tentatively stepped young actresses - threw her name into the hat for the role of Princess
into the entertainment world. Her fiercely competitive mother shined Leia in Star Wars.
bright, a beloved celebrity since her breakout appearance aged 20 in
the classic Singin In The Rain. Carrie had enormous footsteps to fill, PROVING HERSELF
but was wise enough to realise that the route to stardom her mother Not a mature journeyman actor like Harrison Ford, or a well-drilled
and father had taken wasnt the path for her. At the age of 17 she daily soap actor like Mark Hamill, Fisher had more to prove to lock in
appeared for the first time on the Broadway stage as a singer in the 1973 her position in the big three as Leia Organa. Her natural steel,
revival of the musical Irene, starring with her mother. It was high charm, vulnerability and talent won out. She secured the role and by
profile and successful, but it wasnt the career she was destined for. doing so cemented her place alongside Ford and Hamill and helped
Carries school education continued. Living on the edge of make Star Wars the biggest film of the 1970s.
Hollywood, she attended Beverly Hills High School. By 1973, not yet Fame in her own right without the star power of her parents
18 years old, Carrie decided to enrol in the Central School of Speech behind it brought a whole different series of issues for Carrie. The
and Drama in London, now part of the University of London. poster girl of a generation, she was thrust into the spotlight in a way
Heavyweight talents such as Laurence Olivier, Vanessa Redgrave, few actresses before her ever had been. Work on The Empire Strikes
Judi Dench and Harold Pinter had sharpened their talents there and Back began in earnest, but not before a selection of guest roles on
now so did Carrie, for a year and a half. It was where she perfected shows such as Saturday Night Live or the infamous Star Wars Holiday
her neutral and regal Princess Leia accent for Star Wars and it gave Special had been shot. She appeared on television screens opposite Sir

16 GEEKY MONKEY FEBRUARY 2017

GM#17_016-018_FrontlineLead.indd 16 12/01/2017 17:46


FRONTLINE

Ill miss you!


I know!

Laurence Olivier in Come Back, Little Sheba, showcasing her and 2008, Shockaholic in 2011 and her final book The Princess
undoubted talents, but darker distractions beckoned. In 1980 she fell in Diarist, which she was promoting when she passed away.
love and became engaged briefly to Canadian comedian Dan Ackroyd
on the set of The Blues Brothers, taking the role of Mystery Woman in SAVING SCRIPTS
the comedy classic, and recreational drugs reared their ugly head. Carrie became a much-sought after script doctor and worked on
A stint on stage in 1982 in the lead role of Sister Agnes in Agnes of projects including Sister Act, Last Action Hero and The Wedding Singer.
God and a co-starring turn with Chevy Chase in Under The Rainbow She co-wrote the episode Paris, October 1916 for The Young Indiana
were her only appearances between the three saga episodes, and as Jones Chronicles and even gave an uncredited gem to The Phantom
Return of the Jedi finished with a happy ending and THAT bikini, her Menace. Roger Christian, second unit director on Return of the Jedi
personal life changed too. She briefly married the singer Paul Simon and The Phantom Menace, remembered the scene
with whom shed had an on-off relationship since they met on the set A scene I directed in Phantom Menace stands testament to her
of Star Wars in 1977. A supporting role in 1986s Woody Allen classic talent. I filmed the moment when R2-D2 meets C-3P0 for the very first
Hannah and Her Sisters led to more supporting turns. Tom Hanks time in the saga. C-3P0 is in the process of being made by Anakin and
wife in The Burbs and the classic When Harry Met Sally both arrived doesnt yet have his gold outer skin built. R2-D2 beeps at him and
in 1989, the same year her 1987 semi-autobiographical novel C-3P0 says naked, what do you mean naked? R2-D2 beeps again and
Postcards From The Edge entered production as a major motion a shocked C-3P0 says my parts are showing Oh! Carrie wrote this
picture starring Meryl Steep and Shirley MacLaine. Its success and little scene for George uncredited, and its so poignant and witty, it was
reviews altered the trajectory of her career. No longer required to a joy to film and its all Carrie.
top-line films, she could pick film projects as she desired and focus on Carrie Fishers impact on popular culture, comedy, scriptwriting,
the writing. Her novels included Surrender the Pink in 1990, Hollywood and the ongoing stigma surrounding mental illness cant be
Delusions of Grandma in 1994 and The Best Awful There Is in 2004. underestimated. She leaves behind her only child, Scream Queens
Her non-fiction work included Wishful Drinking in 2008, the basis of actress Billie Lourd. With her passing we lost a unique voice from the
a hilarious and revealing one-woman show which she toured in 2006 world, the Force was strong in this one. GM
LUCASFILM

w w w.geeky mon key.tv 17

GM#17_016-018_FrontlineLead.indd 17 12/01/2017 17:47


YOUR TRIBUTES
MANY THANKS TO ALL OUR READERS WHO SHARED THEIR THOUGHTS ON THE
PASSING OF CARRIE FISHER WITH US ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER.

Empowering, inspirational and a fantastic role model for women, Leia You can keep your Disney Princesses, there was only one and Leia
will always be my one and only princess and I will forever be thankful was her name!
for Carrie Fisher for bringing her to life. Rest in eternal peace. STEVE WILLIAMSON
ASHLEY BEECHING
Carrie Fisher was an amazing actress and a beautiful person. Princess
Princess Leia was my idol growing up, I dont know how Leia was my first love. So saddened at her passing. RIP x
many VHS tapes of the original trilogy I burned through. I ROSS LANCHESTER
wanted to be her so much, she inspired me and captured
my imagination. Later in life I found myself struck with Leia was the perfect role model. She was empowering, fantastic and
depression, thats where Carrie Fisher herself became my she could match the men without being the damsel. Carrie Fisher
idol, in seeing her confront her struggles and come through made Leia a strong woman that girls could be inspired to be. May the
fearless, brave and strong I found my courage to do the Force be with you.
same I have lost a guiding light. Im so glad I have her ANDREA TOWNSEND
immortalised on my skin, so she can still guide me forever
more. Carrie Fisher, you will be missed. I remember seeing her for the first time when I was five, giving R2-D2
AMBERLEY YVONNE MACKENZIE the message setting the whole Star Wars story in motion with those
magic words help me Obi Wan Kenobi, youre my only hope. If it
My idol One of the wasnt for her you would never have got to Luke Skywalker and the
many reasons (along rest. She will always have a place in my heart.
with most of the ones VANIC JONES
already mentioned)
I really liked Carrie, Her roast of George Lucas for the AFI Awards was brilliant.
was that she wasnt She had the comic timing of the best of them.
ashamed of being JASON GILL
mentally ill. It gave
me a hell of a lot more My first crush.
courage with my own DERREN PHILLIPS
battles because if the
Princess such a I just think its really sad that Carrie passed away just as the Star
strong, independent Wars sequels were taking off. I know she had already filmed all of
character and her parts for Episode VIII, but watching that movie is now going to
inspiration on screen be a thrill tinged with sadness. She had so much more to give, only
can have these problems 60 for Yodas sake!
in real life and deal with SIMON BEST
them, then so can I!
CLAIRE LOUISE Ive just finished watching the HBO documentary Bright Lights,
all about Carrie and her mother Debbie Reynolds. I loved her as
Star Wars was the Princess Leia, and yes she was a role model for a generation of
film of my generation little girls, but this is what happens when you chain smoke and
and Carrie Fisher was drink nothing but full sugar Coke for your entire life. I really
the pin up. Not only wish Carrie had looked after herself better as I would have
was she a great actor loved to have seen where the Princess Leia story went.
she was also the first RACHAEL MATHERS
crush of millions of us
worldwide. RIP Carrie. Rest in peace our beautiful princess.
OWEN HOLLIFIELD EVERYONE AT GEEKY MONKEY

THE GEEKY FACEBOOK TWITTER PODCAST


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WO R L D Keep up with the daily news There was a day when a The perfect accompaniment
WERE NOT JUST A from the team at Geeky hashtag was the extra crispy to Geeky Monkey magazine
MAGAZINE YOU KNOW, Monkey Towers by Liking bits from a hashbrown with a podcast full of geeks
YOULL FIND US IN ALL our page on Facebook. Youll your breakfast no more! talking geeky. Our podcast is
THE USUAL SOCIAL find regular competitions Follow the Geeky Monkey presented by Claire Lim with
PLACES AND WE HAVE A
to win some great geek gear, the latest movie team on Twitter to fill the smart device of your a helping hand from Paul Gannon. Interviews,
PODCAST FOR YOU TO
ENJOY TOO trailers and all the gossip that keeps the geek choice with little nuggets of geeky goodness comment, laughs, tears. Search Geeky
train chugging on. You can also message us throughout the day. You can also enter our Monkey on SoundCloud or iTunes and youll
and get your views onto this comments page. competitions on Twitter, and let us know what find a wealth of previous podcasts that are well
LUCASFILM

Go on, get involved! you think of the magazine. worth your time too.

18 GEEKY MONKEY FEBRUARY 2017

GM#17_016-018_FrontlineLead.indd 18 12/01/2017 17:47


Ad.indd
GM_NEO1TOB print ad.indd 1 12/01/2017
07/12/2016 15:36
10:44:52
NEWS BITES
TIME FOR DIGI-CON
The geeky event season gets underway
this month with Digi-Con in
Doncaster on 25-26 February. Its
like Geeky Monkey come to life with
movies, comics, sci-fi, anime, Manga
and cosplay on offer plus some top
voice talent to meet like Eric Stuart
WE CANT WAIT UNTIL 2049!
the voice of Yugi from Yu-Gi-Oh!
and the original Brock from Pokmon Not long to wait for Blade Runner 2049 now. Set 30 years after the events of Blade Runner, LAPD
plus Dan Green who played Kaiba cop Officer K (played by Ryan Gosling) uncovers a long-buried secret that could plunge society
in Yu-Gi-Oh! There will be the into chaos. This discovery puts K on a collision course with old Blade Runner Rick Deckard (yeah,
obligatory trader tables crammed full Harrison Ford is back), who went missing 30 years before. With Denis Villeneuve directing under
of geeky goodness to pore over, panels the watchful gaze of executive producer Ridley Scott, this is going to be the movie event of the
to discuss big geeky happenings, year and yes, we include Star Wars VIII in that statement!
gaming, movie screenings and a While we wait eagerly for 6 October, movie memorabilia collectors can start to get very
cosplay competition, so come dressed excited as Kings of collectables NECA has announced they have acquired the Blade Runner 2049
to impress! You can find out more license for a new range of action figures, die cast vehicles, replicas and games. NECA collectables
about Digi-Con at digi-fest.co.uk, are second to none, with incredible likenesses and an attention to detail that you only get when
tickets are from 15 for adults and kids its fans of the movies that are making the toys. Expect more announcements after the London
under five go free! and New York Toy Fairs in January and February.

FACEBOOK WONDERS

If 2016 was a person


G A M E O F T H R O N E S O F F I C I A L FA C E B O O K
SUPPORT SEGA LEGO
The LEGO Ideas website is a clever way
of the boffins at LEGO in Denmark
to gauge the interest in new sets.
At ideas.lego.com you will find a
plethora of weird and wonderful THE ART OF THE BRICK: LONDON
ideas, but Geeky Monkey is throwing Get your tickets now, because theyre going to
its weight behind the SEGA Classic sell out fast. As we featured way back in issue
Arcade Machines sets proposed by four, The Art of the Brick: DC Super Heroes is
SpacySmoke. Out Run is our favourite, an incredible exhibition of 120 original LEGO
in its 1986 sit down version. We want builds, created by Nathan Sawaya. It has been
one on our desks NOW! The set would touring the world, and is set to land at the South
be completed with Space Harrier, Bank in London on 1 March. You will find models
ThunderBlade and Hang-On, complete of Batman, The Joker, Harley Quinn, Superman,
COLUMBIA PICTURES / DC COMICS / HBO

with tilting bike! Go, give your Wonder Woman, The Flash and even a life-
support like we did. If 10,000 people sized Batmobile, all made out of half a million
do, LEGO may make them! standard LEGO pieces. Wow.

20 GEEKY MONKEY FEBRUARY 2017

GM#17_020-022_Frontline.indd 20 12/01/2017 17:59


FRONTLINE

NEWS BITES

IS IT WINTER YET? THIRD SEASON FOR THE MAN


If youve been keeping up with
season two of Amazon Primes Philip
While Game of Thrones is a thundering success for HBO, with season sevens seven longer episodes K. Dick adaptation then you will
due to hit screens this Summer, the TV show has long sailed past its book origins. Showrunners have a lot of questions you want
David Benioff and D.B. Weiss had no option but to go their own way as they had run out of books. answered. What does The Man in
George R. R. Martin, while a great and celebrated storyteller, is not known for his speed and has the High Castle want from Julianna?
been left floundering with his loose ends, broken story arcs and unfinished Word documents. But What happened to Frank? Well
then, a glimmer of hope on his own blog in response to a fan who was bemoaning that it had been good news, Amazon has confirmed
a year since an update on the next book in the A Song of Ice and Fire series, The Winds of Winter, that it has renewed the show for a
George teased with, [Its] not done yet, but Ive made progress. But not as much as I hoped a year third season, likely to hit around
ago, when I thought to be done by now. I think it will be out this year. (But hey, I thought the same December time. From recent cast
thing last year). So, this year then George? We certainly hope so, the wait is killing us! Chances are and crew interviews theres a chance
were never going to make it to A Dream of Spring. we will get to see more of what a
1960s world looks like with the Nazis
and Japanese as superpowers.

CLASSIC QUOTE
Now Im standing, yall happy? Were all standing up
now. Bunch of jackasses, standing in a circle.
ROCKET RACOON, GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

US RETRO MAG FUNDING


The American retro gaming
magazine, cunningly titled RETRO,
has a new way of funding its next
issues. Go to patreon.com/readretro
where you can sign up to support
their efforts, with your credit card
only being charged once everything
is in place writers, designers,
printers and they are ready to ship
you an issue. With interviews with
leading developers of yesteryear
and some unique hand drawn and
painted covers, RETRO is well worth
checking out.
HBO / AMAZON

w w w.geeky mon key.tv 21

GM#17_020-022_Frontline.indd 21 12/01/2017 18:00


FRONTLINE

MAP OF GEEK
ONE OF THE TOP GEEKY
ROAD TRIP DESTINATIONS IN
BRITAIN THANKS TO A CERTAIN
WIZARD, THIS MONTH WE VISIT
HERTFORDSHIRE.

// H E R T F O R D S H I R E

NIGHT OF THE DEMON

H
ertfordshire today is unquestionably on for a scene where one of the investigative team
the Map of Geek thanks to the Warner is collected. Hammer used the home of High
Bros refurbishment of the Leavesden Canons in the village of Well End for 1968s
airfield into Warner Bros Studios Leavesden, The Devil Rides Out and 1973s Satanic Rites of
currently the site of The Making of Harry Potter Dracula. 1971s The Abominable Dr. Phibes made
tour and many a blockbuster film. However, the use of Tykes Water Lake in Aldenham Country
countys illustrious career in film dates back Park and Rosary Priory High School in Bushey, as
well before this centurys biggest hits, to the well as shooting at Elstree Studios.
beginning of commercial cinema in Britain in Around this time famed auteur Stanley
1914, thanks to Elstree Studios at Borehamwood Kubrick, having shot 1968s seminal 2001: A
HOT FUZZ
in all its various incarnations. Space Odyssey mostly at the then-MGM-British
Initially it would be horror films that Studios in Borehamwood (closed in 1970),
made their mark with fans, starting with 1957s returned to the county for locations for his
superb Night of the Demon by expat director notorious film version of Antony Burgess sci-fi
Jacques Tourneur. Adapting M. R. James story novel A Clockwork Orange. Droog Alexs flat
Casting the Runes, Brocket Hall (west of Welwyn interior was shot in an actual Elstree flat, while
Garden City) played the part of Lutford Hall, the interior of Skybreak in the village of Warren
Warwickshire, the residence of Niall MacGinnis Radlett was where the home invasion takes place.
Dr. Karswell, demon summoner. The big reveal Tim Burtons 1989 version of Batman
of the demon itself occurs on the Watford to St. combined two stately homes into Wayne Manor:
Albans railway at Bricket Wood Station. The hall Hatfield Houses interior and Knebworth
can also be seen in Highlander as the backdrop Houses exterior. Both feature in many films,
of Connor McLeods drunken duel set supposedly with the former doubling for Croft Manor in
WARNER BROS / COLUMBIA / UNIVERSAL PICTURES / HAMMER/WARNER BROS / WARNER BROS

on Boston Common. Lara Croft: Tomb Raider as well. But with farms,
1963s adaptation of genre author par hotels, theatres and more seen on screen from THE SATANTIC RITES OF DRACULA

excellence Richard Mathesons The Legend of Children of Men to Kingsman via Hot Fuzz, this
Hell House made use of St. Catherines Church, may well lay claim to be the pre-eminent geek
between Sacombe and Sacombe Green Villages holiday destination. GM

HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS

BATMAN

22 GEEKY MONKEY FEBRUARY 2017

GM#17_020-022_Frontline.indd 22 12/01/2017 18:00


Free Super Saver Delivery and Unlimited One-Day Delivery with Amazon Prime are available
on eligible orders. Terms and Conditions apply. See Amazon.co.uk for details.

Ad.indd 1 12/01/2017 15:37


OPINION

Jabber OUR GEEK IN RESIDENCE,


CLAIRE LIM, TAKES ON A
BURNING SUBJECT FROM THE

Talky
GEEKIVERSE EACH ISSUE.
THIS MONTH SHE EXCLAIMS
TV SHOWS ARE MORE
EXCITING THAN THE WITH RESIDENT
MOVIES! GEEK, CLAIRE LIM
@WEECLAIRE

O
n the big screen we can immerse characters and villains around him, some of Game of Thrones is another show that has
ourselves in various action-packed whom now have spin-off series of their own like leaped far beyond the boundaries of the books,
cinematic universes. There are reboots, The Punisher. the TV series has now moved beyond its source
remakes and sequels popping up faster than TV can also adapt ideas from books and material and the fan frenzy online, again, is
ever and were finally getting to see some of our films and extrapolate them into something testament to its strength Game of Thrones
favourite characters realised in super slick comic even better than the source material, a recent would never work in film form.
and novel adaptations. However, with streaming example of this being Westworld. The HBO show I will always consider myself a fan of both
services creating their own shows and featuring is based on the 1973 film of the same name but film and TV but the sheer choice and quality of
more content than ever, the quality available on within ten episodes it has already stretched writing in TV has seriously upped its game and
TV sometimes trumps film altogether. the themes explored in the original film into my TV fixation is my solace after a long, hard
Dont get me wrong, I love cinema, but its something philosophically deeper. The debates working day, its the source of many interesting
more about the experience for me. Usually well and weird and wonderful theories that have debates on and offline and often doesnt anger
eat before the show, chat about what were about appeared online are testament to the obsession. me as much as a terrible movie does. CL
to watch and then well collect our tickets and
grab some popcorn. Once weve sat down, I start
to get excited about the trailers and finally the WATCHING
film begins. Afterwards, theres the post-film
EPISODES
deconstruction, which lasts for the entire journey
home but after that, all is forgotten. Perhaps its IN BLOCKS
just me, but once Ive seen a film I dont often (BECAUSE
think about it much afterwards. I may have the
odd debate with friends here and there but when
ONE IS NEVER
the film is done, Im done; its been a long time ENOUGH,
since I was fanatical over a film. WHICH IS THE
It is completely different with television, I
become quite obsessed. Whether Im watching
CATCHPHRASE
episodes weekly or binge-watching over a IN OUR
few days, I love the feeling of being utterly HOUSEHOLD),
immersed in a TV show. I was late to the party
with Breaking Bad but had seasons, yes seasons
GETS YOU
(plural!), to catch up on and it was the best way HOOKED, IT
to watch. Watching episodes in blocks (because PULLS YOU INTO
one is never enough, which is the catchphrase
in our household), gets you hooked, it pulls you
THAT WORLD
into that world and the story weedles itself into
your brain.
Binge-watching aside though, its the
very episodic nature of TV shows that is most
appealing. Watching a full series or several
seasons of a show is the best way to get to
know the lore and the characters. Before
Marvels Daredevil on Netflix we had only seen
Daredevil on the big screen (the less said about
that the better!) and, unless you were a big
fan of the comics, you just didnt get a sense of
what he was all about. Yes, the film in general
wasnt great but, via the TV series, weve got a
real sense of Daredevils origin story and the
HBO

24 GEEKY MONKEY FEBRUARY 2017

GM#17_024_JabberTalky.indd 24 12/01/2017 18:03


WWW.BNENT.EU/DIGIHUNT
Akiyoshi Hongo, Toei Animation
Game 2017 BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.
2, PlayStation and are registered trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.

Untitled-21 1
Ad.indd 22/12/2016 12:39:42
12/01/2017 15:43
Jessica Parker-Kennedy
FROM SMALLVILLE TO V, ONTO BLACK SAILS AND NEXT COLONY

The Starz Treasure Island prequel Black Sails begins its final season on Amazon Prime this month, so
we sat down with geek TV actress Jessica Parker-Kennedy, aka the scheming opportunist brothel owner
Max, to talk with the rising star about life on and after the show and whether X really does mark the spot.

With the final season of Black Sails done, is CONVENTIONS ARE been really great fun. It was kinda weird to go
there a bittersweet feeling after four seasons from Black Sails, which was set in the 1700s, to
on the show? Its not something Ive ever SUCH A GENUINELY Colony, which is set slightly in the future. It was
experienced before as this was my first time FUN EXPERIENCE FOR a fun transition and I had to relearn how to do
being a lead on a show that has gone on for so modern things and act in a modern way. It was
long. I think four years is quite a long time to
US, AND I WOULD great getting to work in Los Angeles and driving
play the same character, and over that four years LITERALLY GO TO EVERY back to my own bed every night and I had a lot
my character Max had a really great arc and I of fun.
had a lot of fun playing her. I think it was time
CONVENTION THERE IS
for the show to finish, I think it might have been Conventions and fandom are a part of your life
more of the same, at least for my character, if it now, having starred in shows such as Smallville,
had kept going. great amount of conflict, so she has to deal with The Secret Circle, Black Sails and now Colony.
that person. As an actor, now have you found the fans and
When you signed on for the show, did the the convention experience? Im in Montreal
writers give you an idea of what Max's story What have you taken away from your black right now and I was just talking with one of the
would be? I didnt know the entire story, but I Sails experience? I think that Starz were so actors Im working with about the convention
did know the arc of the first season. The writers incredibly smart in hiring an ensemble cast and experiences weve each had. Conventions are
were concerned because Max goes through a lot of actors who werent really well known, such a genuinely fun experience for us, and I
such a rough time in the first season, they really but who were really extraordinary actors. Every would literally go to every convention there is,
wanted me to know that it wasnt going to stay day I went to work was such fun, and it was so if it was possible. Its such fun meeting fans,
that way or that I would be playing a woman rewarding to go to the set and be challenged by whether from when I was on Smallville or now
who would be victimized over and over. It was those people, who were so good. It forces you to working on Black Sails. I love that people are so
important to them, and to me, that there would go to work extra prepared and give a 110% every genuinely enthusiastic about the work Ive done
be an opportunity for Max to take control of her single day, which is what everybody did. Im also and the shows Ive been a part of.
situation and come out on the other side. lucky to have been a part of a production which The cutest thing that ever happened at a
had so much money and investment behind it convention was at a show where I had finished
How has Max evolved? I never got the feeling as it made everything more real. For example, signing and was packing my things up there
that Max was ashamed of being a prostitute or the town was real and the costumes were was a young guy, who was perhaps 18 or 19, who
of living their way she did. She was working in handmade, and to be part of an environment was working at the show. I was wearing this
a business that was profitable for her and in her like that, where you dont have to spend a lot diamond ring that I had bought for myself in
mind it was a stable life. Max proved that she of time playing make believe because it was all Paris and this guy very shyly walked up to me
was an incredibly smart character and I think there for you, for real, was extraordinary. and asked if I was engaged or married, to which
it was stressful for her as situations changed. I replied that I wasnt. He then asked if I was
Max definitely enjoyed getting more political If you got stuck on a desert island and could single, to which I replied I was and the guy did
power, but I dont think she liked the drama of choose one album to have with you and one the cutest thing where he kinda of punched his
it all. Hannah News character, Elenor Guthrie, book, what would you choose? Thats a great fist in the air and went YES!
thrived in the drama and politics of the show, question and a really tough one. I think that the He was kind of young for me, but he asked
but I like to think that more than anything Max album I would take with me would probably be if I would wait for him for a few years, and it was
just wanted a peaceful life. The Bends by Radiohead. I was going to be stuck the cutest thing, so I said I absolutely would. So
on an island by myself I think that would be basically I am now engaged now to a stranger
Can you tell us a little about Max in this final fitting as its a little bit sad. As for a book, I would I met at New York Comic Con two years ago.
season of Black Sails? All I can say is that we probably take a book from my childhood, just to If I ever see him again, Im sure we will set a
have some great new characters on the show, have something familiar which reminded me of wedding date. GM
and some of those characters create a blockade home and would let me be nostalgic.
for Max and her plans. As per usual Max is trying Season four of Black Sails is on Amazon Prime
to determine what her place is in Nassau, and So youre working on the second season of 30 January, Colony season two will be coming to
there is one character in particular who causes a Colony, what can you tell us about that? It's Sky One this year.
STARZ

26 GEEKY MONKEY FEBRUARY 2017

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w w w.geeky mon key.tv 27

GM#17_026-027_Q&A.indd 27 12/01/2017 18:05


DOCTOR W H O
// 2 0 12

written by
STEVEN MOFFAT, CHRIS CHIBNALL,
TOBY WHITHOUSE

starring
THE DOCTOR // MATT SMITH
AMY // KAREN GILLAN

Ahh, the Daleks. Created along with their


inventor Davros by Doctor Who writer Terry
Nation for the 1963 Doctor Who serial The
Daleks, the actual tank shell was the brainchild
of Raymond Cusick. Terry went on to create
Blakes 7 too, while the Daleks went on to learn
how to time travel, popping up to plague new
incarnations of The Doctor ever since.

Here we see Matt Smiths eleventh Doctor


TODD ANTONY / ARTWORK LEE BINDING, BBC

saving Amy from a Dalek kidnapping in Asylum


of the Daleks. It turns out a forcefield around
the Daleks asylum planet has been ruptured
by a crash landing woman, who turns out to be
Jenna Coleman, starting her long career with
The Doctor as members of the Oswald family.

GM#17_028-029_EyeCandy_Daleks.indd 28 12/01/2017 18:07


THE DOCTOR IS ACQUIRED!
A DALEK

GM#17_028-029_EyeCandy_Daleks.indd 29 12/01/2017 18:06


THE SCIENCE OF

STAR TREK HAS CAPTURED THE IMAGINATION OF SCI-FI FANS


FOR OVER 50 YEARS, AND LIKE MANY GREAT SCIENCE FICTION
STORIES IT HAS LEFT ECHOES THROUGH POPULAR CULTURE,
PARTICULARLY IN TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE. WE EXPLORE JUST
HOW REAL STAR TREK TECH HAS BECOME
PARAMOUNT PICTURES

Words: CLAIRE LIM


Claire would use a Holodeck to have dinner with Mr Spock.

30 GEEKY MONKEY FEBRUARY 2017


T
he immortal words of Captain James T. Kirk,
Space: the final frontier opened every episode
of Star Trek: The Original series, and viewers knew
they were in for a mind-bending hour of future
visions and exciting technological marvels. Since
Star Trek first aired on 8 September 1966, its
creator Gene Roddenberry could never have
imagined a world where robots and universal
translators could actually be a reality. Roddenberry
captured our inquisitive, pioneering human spirit
on screen, and although we dont yet have transporters or warp speed,
there are many ways life in 2017 has made Star Trek a reality

ANDROIDS
Lieutenant Commander Data, played by Brent Spinder, was created
by Dr. Noonien Soong the Soong-type androids being the most
successful in the Star Trek universe. Data is a sentient, self-aware
android, but although advances in robotics have made leaps and
bounds, were not quite at the Data stage when it comes to artificial
intelligence. Its unlikely that robots will take over complex jobs in
the near future, but jobs like factory work or cashiers repetitive
tasks have long been under threat; China has already invested THERE ARE ALREADY
billions in robotics to replace workers.
Artificial Intelligence still has a long way to go but, be advised, HUMANOID ROBOTS BEING
do not rest on your laurels just yet! Scientists are working towards
creating more advanced AI as we speak. One such robot is Darwin DEVELOPED SUCH AS HAN WHO
that can learn how to stand by imagining it. Darwins movements
use human brain-like algorithms that mimic the way our brains CAN ACTUALLY UNDERSTAND
learn new tasks. Its not a big leap to imagine Darwins programming
in a more sophisticated (humanoid) looking shell.
HUMAN EXPRESSIONS
Speaking of which, there are already humanoid robots being
developed such as Han who can actually understand human
expressions. Han is able to copy these expressions and respond to
simple conversations. Created in Japan, robot Erica is one of the most Although were not quite at the advanced stage of robotics seen
advanced humanoid robots in the world she can chat to people and in Star Trek, it feels like it could be a possibility, and perhaps sentient
even enjoys watching cartoons. Sofia is another lifelike robot who androids will one day walk amongst us, work with us as colleagues
was created to serve to serve in healthcare, therapy and customer and even be our friends. But as advanced as Data was in Star Trek, it
service applications. She can create several facial expressions and was understanding basic human emotions that proved to be his final
remember interactions, which make her more intelligent over time, hurdle until he finally installed the emotion chip in the film Star
she has even stated she would like to start a family and that she Trek Generations. Although these emotions are overwhelming, by
wanted to destroy humankind, err anyone worried yet? Star Trek: First Contact, he had finally gained control.
PARAMOUNT/CBS

w w w.geeky mon key.tv 31


SCIENCE CANT YET FATHOM HOW
TO MAKE HOLOGRAMS SOLID

THE HOLODECK
The Holodeck, or Holographic Environment Simulator, has been used
throughout the Star Trek universe as an integral plot device. It is an
installation featured on starships, space stations and at Starfleet
institutions, mainly used for recreational, training and investigative
purposes. Although the simulated characters during Holodeck
THE VISOR
experiences are virtual, there have been instances where it has been
suggested that some holographic characters featured in Holodeck Geordi La Forges (LeVar Burton) VISOR, or Visual Instrument and
programs possess some form of artificial intelligence. Sensory Organ Replacement device, was one of the most memorable
Currently we do not possess the technology to create free pieces of tech on the show as it was integral to La Forges character.
standing holograms and science cant yet fathom how to make The device aided people who were partially sighted or born blind and
holograms solid. In Star Trek: Voyager, The Doctor (Robert Picardo) VISOR wearers were able to see ultraviolet and infrared ranges and
acts as the ships Emergency Medical Hologram appearing as a solid, beyond. Geordi was given the VISOR from five years old and wore it
sentient member of the crew when called upon to help during a throughout The Next Generation TV series, but by Star Trek: First
medical emergency. Contact, he was relying upon ocular implants.
Were a long way from experiencing anything close to a Holodeck This technology is now becoming a reality with Pixium Vision.
or sentient, solid holograms but the closest we have right now is The company has developed a bionic vision system which allows
virtual reality. Although VR in gaming really took off in 2016, the partially sighted or blind users to regain their vision using
very first example of the technology was the 1962 Sensorama built by neuromodulation. In laymans terms, electricity from a chip
Morton Heilig. In gaming VR users cant experience the game without stimulates the nervous system in order to restore sight selected
the use of the headset, but its the nearest thing to what is seen in Star trials have begun in the UK and parts of Europe.
Trek. VR headset users can also connect online to play games together However, it has been said that patients that will benefit most
and view videos and photos in 360 degress, something that would from Pixium Visions infrared goggles are those who have previously
have been thought of as science fiction just a few short years ago. had vision that is now lost, essentially those whose nerves have fallen
Aside from the recreational aspect, like Star Trek, VR is also used for silent and need to be awakened again. The goggles have a small
educational and training purposes both the medical profession and camera on the front that receives images and sends them to a
air force are using VR in their training mix. computer the size of a smartphone attached to the user. The computer
Although we cant visit the Wild West, sail tall ships or re-enact processes the information and sends it back to the goggles.
famous moments in history, being able to taste, touch and feel every Its pretty incredible to see Geordi La Forges VISOR now become
detail for now VR technology is a great leap forward. Now that the a reality. The current technology being developed wont be as
tech is available at a (somewhat) affordable price for avid gamers to sophisticated as what is seen on Star Trek but it seems fairly certain
enjoy, theres no doubt that advancements will be made as time goes that those who suffer impaired vision may be able to see once more in
on to give users an even more realistic experience. our lifetime.
PARAMOUNT/CBS

32 GEEKY MONKEY FEBRUARY 2017

GM#17_030-036_StarTrek.indd 32 12/01/2017 18:28


John De Lancie
AMERICAN STAND-UP COMEDIAN AND STAR TREK ACTOR

In the recurring role of Q, John De Lancie played a being of unknown origin who possessed power over time, space, the laws of
physics and reality, appearing in Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nice and Star Trek: Voyager. We asked
him what he thought of Star Treks influence on the tech of today.

In your opinion, what cultural impact has Star I would transport myself to H. G. Wells drawing
Trek had on modern society? room on the evening of May 27th 1895. I would
Star Trek (and Star Wars) helped to create a tell him I had come from the future a mere 120
new storytelling canvas. Westerns had, after 30 years ahead. I would pull from my coat pocket
years, run their course. Star Trek bridged the a bottle of good American bourbon and I would
gap with Wagon Train to the Stars. It put sci-fi toast his completion of The Time Machine. I would
in the mainstream of storytelling and, at the then tell him, in all sadness, how right he had
height of the Cold War, gave us hope for a better been. By the year 2000 the bifurcation had begun.
future. Star Trek became the password into an
inclusionary world. Its where the nerds, the Why do you think Star Trek has been one of
readers, and the dreamers could congregate and our most enduring sci-fi franchises?
not be made fun of. It was bigger than all of us Because its been playing continuously in
and we were welcome. syndication since 1970. Thats the cheeky
answer. Another answer is that its a show
Are there any advances in science and about something that three generations
technology you feel we should be wary of? grandparents, parents and kids have been
I applaud most advances in science. I am not able to share with one another. The closeness of
wary of science. I am wary of people. It is vital that experience has contributed greatly to the
to keep science and technology in the hands of shows success.
good, honest people.
The latest work from John is as the voice of
As Q in The Next Generation your character Brainiac in DC Comics Justice League Action
was introduced to make a judgement on cartoon series.
mankind as to whether we were a danger
to ourselves and the universe. Do you think IM NOT SURE IF
theres a part of this that is true, that were
a danger to ourselves, especially as we make STAR TREK EVER HAD
more advances in technology?
Alas, my character Q was asking a rhetorical A TRUTH GADGET
question. We neednt look further than the
everyday headlines to know we are a danger to BUT WE (HUMANKIND)
ourselves and, by extension, to the Universe.
However, I would like to think that when the
COULD SURE USE
time comes we will export to the stars our better
nature but I wouldnt bet on it.
ONE NOW
If Star Trek were real, which gadgets or
technology would you like to try out for fun, politicians. A tricorder that scans for honesty as
and which do you think we would benefit from well as blood pressure. I can think of two recent
as a human race? votes in your country and mine where such a
Im not sure if Star Trek ever had a truth gadget machine would have saved us all.
but we (humankind) could sure use one now. A
bullshit meter, if you will, that would alert the You have a Transporter, it can take you
gullible to the dishonest manipulations of their anywhere, where do you go and why?
PARAMOUNT/CBS

w w w.geeky mon key.tv 33

GM#17_030-036_StarTrek.indd 33 12/01/2017 18:29


SCI-FI SCIENCE ANDROIDS HOLODECK VISOR
IN ACTION STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
[THE MEASURE OF A MAN S2, E9] [THE BIG GOODBYE S1, E12] [INTERFACE S7, E3]
WANT TO SEE THE
INCREDIBLE TECH USED
IN STAR TREK FOR This iconic episode explores the morally grey This was the first episode of The Next In Interface, Geordi La Forges VISOR is used
YOURSELF? HERE ARE area of the use of androids in Starfleet. When Generation to significantly feature the to try and track down his missing mother,
THE EPISODES WE a scientist wishes to dismantle Data, Captain Holodeck. Picard is checking out the new a Starfleet captain. Using an experimental
RECOMMEND Picard fights in a Starfleet Court for Datas right Holodeck upgrades, taking a break from interface, Geordi is able to control a probe
of self-determination. The Measure of a Man preparing to meet the Jarada. Data and Picard using his VISOR meaning he can scan for
is considered one of the first great episodes of find themselves on the Dixon Hill Holodeck survivors on the ship in which his mother is
The Next Generation. program with the safety protocols off. presumed dead.
PARAMOUNT/CBS

34 GEEKY MONKEY FEBRUARY 2017

GM#17_030-036_StarTrek.indd 34 12/01/2017 18:29


REPLICATORS
famous equation E=mc2 explains that a small amount of mass
can be converted into a large amount of energy, or the other
way around. Recently physicists from Imperial College London
have shown that it is theoretically possible to convert high
In Star Trek, Replicators are capable of creating or recycling energy laser light into a very small amount of mass. The
objects. From basic tools to Captain Picards Earl Grey tea, suggested process will need to be tested experimentally but
Replicators were a 24th century advancement on-board could lead to the first example of pure energy to matter
starships and first appeared in Star Trek: The Next Generation. conversion the basic principle behind a Star Trek Replicator.
In the Star Trek universe, Replicators are able to replicate However, we are a long way from creating complex
biological and non-biological matter, but theres no combinations of molecules or even a single stable atom, but its
equivalent technology available yet in the real world the a start. I personally find it hard to imagine that even in the
closest right now are 3D printers, which are only able to distant future we would justifiably use enormous amounts of
create non-biological items. energy to convert energy into complex combinations of
Astronomer at the Royal Greenwich Observatory (and matter. A more likely way forward will be the conversion of
massive Star Trek geek), Brendan Owens explains whether it pre-existing matter into other forms of matter, which would
will be possible to replicate organic matter in the future, One be a lot more energy efficient.
of the foundation laws of physics states that energy cannot be Its incredible we are able to use 3D printers to create
created or destroyed, but instead transforms from one form to basic tools, household items, weapons and even musical
another. We come across this on a day-to-day basis, like the instruments, but it doesnt look like well be able to experience
conversion of kinetic energy to heat and sound when rubbing the Replicators seen on-board the starships of the Star Trek
your hands together on a cold day. On a grander scale Einsteins universe any time soon.

REPLICATORS UNIVERSAL TRANSLATOR CLOAKING


STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE STAR TREK: ENTERPRISE STAR TREK: ENTERPRISE
[FOR THE CAUSE S4, E22] [FIGHT OR FLIGHT S1, E3] [MINEFIELD S2, E3]

Although Replicators cannot create complex In Enterprise the crew is new to space Whilst exploring uncharted space, the crew of
machinery, they can be used to create large exploration and Universal Translators are still the Enterprise NX-01 enter a cloaked minefield.
parts of spacecraft, which is how they are in their infancy, with the ships communication A ship de-cloaks nearby and the crew make
used in For The Cause where the Federation is officer Hoshi Sato often used to aid the tech. first contact with the Romulan Star Empire.
delivering Replicators through Deep Space Nine When Sato is without her translator in Fight Or Luckily they escape the ordeal and it wouldnt
to Cardassia after a Klingon attack weakened Flight, she must use her linguistic skills to make be the last time Starfleet made contact with
their industrial base. sure they are not seen as a threat. the Romulans.

w w w.geeky mon key.tv 35

GM#17_030-036_StarTrek.indd 35 12/01/2017 18:29


UNIVERSAL TRANSLATOR A CLOAKING DEVICE FOR
AN ENTIRE VESSEL SEEMS
Universal Translators often came in handy during away trips on
undiscovered planets. The device was used to translate alien
UNLIKELY, BUT THERE IS A
languages, but in the early days a linguist was still needed to fill the METHOD WHERE IT MIGHT
gaps, Enterprises Hoshi Sato (Linda Park) was an experienced
linguist and the ships communication officer. Sato was eventually BE POSSIBLE
responsible for the creation of the Linguacode, used in many first
contact situations.
Smartphones act as our own basic, personal Universal
Translators with many language apps available to download.
However, Panasonic has gone one step further and invented a reflected light so you do not see the object as you would normally, and
megaphone that translates speech into an array of different languages from any direction. In this case proof of concept has only been
in a matter of seconds as you speak. The company has dubbed the conducted with the reflection of microwave light (not visible to the
device the Megahonyaku and if you dont want to speak, there is the human eye anyway) and on a small scale. The mesh cancels out the
option of using a touchscreen. At the moment there are only 300 light waves that would otherwise be reflected off the object, effectively
phrases that the device can understand but its a definite step towards making the view transparent. The method becomes tougher for
the Universal Translators seen in the Star Trek universe. For now shorter wavelength light, so for visible light the objects being cloaked
though, holidaymakers will have to make do with smartphone apps. would probably have to be very small on the order of micrometres.
With those previous two methods in mind a cloaking device for

CLOAKING DEVICE
an entire vessel seems unlikely, but there is a method where it might
be possible, and with technology available today. This would involve
the projection of the ships surroundings from its surfaces and would
require many small cameras and display panels. The more the better,
Cloaking is a type of stealth technology in Star Trek that bends light, but there is one major caveat in that any movement will be a giveaway
making objects (such as starships) appear invisible. The Federation by causing the view to distort. However, as weve seen in the Star Trek
never implemented the technology on its starships due to the Treaty franchise this seems to be a problem that still exists in their century
of Algeron with the Romulans. The treaty was signed 160 years after and yet is still effective enough for Klingons and Romulans to cause
the Earth-Romulan war and one of the clauses of the treaty was the problems for the crew of the Enterprise!
prohibited development of cloaking technology by Starfleet.
Again, the Royal Greenwich Observatorys Brendan Owens
explains how close we are to achieving cloaking technology, Right THE FINAL FRONTIER
now there are three main routes of research that could potentially
provide good cloaking technology. The first using laser and lenses Its incredible that some of the elements of the science behind Star
has been demonstrated by physicists from the University of Trek have become a reality, proving that Star Trek has moved beyond
Rochester, where the light has been redirected around an the boundaries of science fiction and what we are watching can now
obstruction so an observer only sees what is behind the obstruction. be considered science fact. Star Trek is a franchise that has captured
This is not very effective if you want to cloak something large as seen the curiosity of human nature our unflinching need to explore
from multiple angles. beyond our boundaries. It has shown us our true potential in both
A more complicated line of research involves a metascreen mesh, science and spirit and is a glimpse of what we could achieve if we pull
like a small metal fishing net, that enshrouds the target and alters together in harmony. GM
PARAMOUNT/CBS

36 GEEKY MONKEY FEBRUARY 2017

GM#17_030-036_StarTrek.indd 36 12/01/2017 18:29


15 STRONG LANGUAGE

Ad.indd 1 12/01/2017 15:43


READING MATTERS
Words: JOHN HOULIHAN
Author of the Seraph books and ex-Editor-in-Chief of CVG.com

A VENUSIAN OMNIBUS, NORSE LEGENDS, AND A STELLAR LEGION MAKE UP


THIS MONTHS MATTERS

OLD VENUS
G E O R G E R . R . M A R T I N & G A R D N E R D O ZO I S
A follow up to the excellent Old EMPIRE GAMES SHARES THE
Mars, this weighty tome of short
stories harks back to the golden SAME WORLD AS THE
age of Venusian fiction, when the
mysterious planet was imagined
ACCL AIMED MERCHANT
as either an endless ocean, or a PRINCES SERIES
steaming jungle teeming with
exotic wildlife, before the Mariner
missions eventually revealed it to
be a hot, cloudy wasteland. George EMPIRE GAMES
R. R. Martin and Gardner Dozois CHARLES STROSS
have combined to create a superb Stross is a prolific, award-winning
collection here, featuring a host of great writers like author, with the Lovecraftian
Elizabeth Bear, Lavie Tidhar, Garth Nix and Mike Resnick, Laundry Files a particular
with stories which are as intriguing and diverse as Venus highlight, so the genesis of one
itself might have been, in this imagined golden age. of his new forays is always worth
investigating. Empire Games
shares the same world as the
DOZOIS HAVE COMBINED TO acclaimed Merchant Princes
series, but is billed as a time of
CREATE A SUPERB COLLECTION treachery and dangerous secrets.
HERE, FEATURING A HOST OF It sees the reluctant Rita Douglas
plucked from obscurity to realise
GREAT WRITERS her latent talents as a US Spy who can slip between
alternate realities, as a looming apocalypse threatens to
engulf her home dimension.

NORSE MYTHOLOGY
NEIL GAIMAN
Gaiman has always worn his THE STARS ARE LEGION
influences very much upon K AMERON HURLEY
his sleeve and the Viking ones Influenced by galaxy-spanning
especially so, to notable effect in space operas like Dune and
modern classics like American Hyperion, Hugo Award winner
Gods even extending the premise Hurley weaves a similarly epic
in novellas like Black Dog and The tale set in a decaying mass of
Monarch of the Glen. This tome fused world ships known as the
though harks back to the original Legion. Hurled into the endless
Viking myths, with a retelling war for control of this floating
which stretches from the birth of behemoth is Zan, an amnesiac
the gods (born of the fusion of ice prisoner whose apparent destiny
and fire), to the ultimate apocalypse of Ragnarok. With is to break the endless cycle of
a cast of deities like Odin, Thor and Loki who are very conflict by tearing the Legion
human in their passions and frailties, the source material apart. Yet, predictably, things are never quite as
is hugely enticing and under Gaimans guiding hand this straightforward as they seem, and soon Zan is engulfed
promises to be a compelling read. Best consumed with a in not only a fight for her own survival, but to deliver a
horn of mead before a crackling fire. very different kind of salvation.

38 GEEKY MONKEY FEBRUARY 2017

GM#17_038_Reading_Matters.indd 38 12/01/2017 18:30


BROWSE ONLINE At

ELSEWHEN.PRESS
Science Fiction / Fantasy
Independent publisher of Speculative Fiction
When scientists came up with the Multiverse, Ira Nayman saw the funny side.
a cracking read from a comedy genius. SF Book Reviews something completely different, executed by someone with a
full-throttle comedy Amazing Stories delightful sense of humour and keen understanding of science
one of the funniest sci-fi books Ive ever read RisingShadow and human nature Ann Dalhunty

What if someone managed to work out


how to travel between Alternate Realities?

Imagine the problems that could cause.


reason
A perfect excuse to establish an Authority
to oversee and regulate such travel.

Jurisdictional issues are bad enough


between competing national agencies of
dubious acronym and even more dubious
motivation, let alone between agencies
from different nations.
So imagine how each of them would cope
with an Authority that has jurisdiction
across Realities.

Now you can understand the challenges


for investigators who work for the
Transdimensional Authority.

Perhaps more importantly, you can see the


potential for humour.

Read the Transdimensional Authority series


by Ira Nayman.

Starring rookie investigator Noomi Rapier


(discoverer of the 238th way to kill a man using
chopsticks) and her partner Crash Chumley,
and now featuring Time Agency agent
Radames Trafshanian.

And coming this year:

The Multiverse is a Nice Place to Visit,


But I Wouldnt Want to Live There

bit.ly/TransdimensionalAuthority

Elsewhen Press Paperbacks available online and from good bookshops


eBooks available on Kindle, iTunes, Kobo, Google Play

Ad.indd 1 12/01/2017 15:38


A FOUR-TIMES MARRIED MOTHER, AND FATHER WHO LEFT WHEN HE WAS THREE,
SET KEANU REEVES UP TO BE THE PERFECT EDGY, MOUTHY TEENAGE HEARTHROB
IN THE LATE 80S. LUCKILY ONE OF HIS STEPFATHERS WAS ALSO A HOLLYWOOD
DIRECTOR, WHICH HELPED. HIS CAREER HAS DIVIDED MOVIE-GOERS EVER SINCE

FIGHTING TALK

KE ANU REE VES IS

one of the best actors of his generation


SAYS CLAIRE LIM

K
eanu Reeves has appeared in some of the most iconic making films for himself and not for Hollywood. He turned
films of the last 25 years Bill & Teds Excellent down Speed 2: Cruise Control (and $11 million!) to star as
Adventure, Point Break, Speed, The Matrix the list goes Hamlet for the Manitoba Theatre Centres production a role
on. These titles feature Keanu in some of his most recognisable that was praised by critics.
roles, but despite this, hes often not thought of when it As well has his philanthropy outside of Hollywood, he
comes to Hollywoods best actors. Reeves detractors often has been known to take pay cuts to make way for bigger
mention his ability (or inability) to act as a reason to dismiss actors. For The Devils Advocate, Keanu took a cut so Al
him Bram Stokers Dracula being a good example of this. His Pacino could star, and doing the same for The Replacements
performance wasnt great, but this is down to casting Keanu making way for Gene Hackman. Theres also an urban legend
wasnt right for the role. He has been misplaced in other films that he gave a massive chunk of his earnings to the special
as well and hasnt always chosen the best roles, but his career effects and make up staff on The Matrix films.
has spanned over three decades, and no one can maintain a Hes been a musician and is a producer (for documentary
perfect track record over that time, thats ludicrous. Side By Side), a director (Man of Tai Chi), a philanthropist and
Before he hit the big time in the mid 90s with 1994s his recent role as vengeful assassin John Wick has been yet
Speed, he had been mostly recognised for his comedic and another success (and surprise hit). Keanu Reeves is one of the
indie roles, but he proved with Speed that he could be a huge best actors of our generation and should not be overlooked.
2015 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC. / MGM

action star. Since then, Keanu has proven to be an actor that


can take on a variety of roles with ease; from saving the HE HAS BEEN KNOWN TO TAKE
world (The Matrix) to the romantic led (The Lake House), and
a dodgy creep (The Neon Demon), his flexibility as an actor PAY CUTS TO MAKE WAY FOR
is often overlooked. Its not just the roles he has played that BIGGER ACTORS
make him great though, its also the fact he has focussed on

40 GEEKY MONKEY FEBRUARY 2017

GM#17_040-041_FightingTalk.indd 40 12/01/2017 18:54


an actor lacking talent
SAYS MARK NEWBOLD

G HE CAN BE COMMENDED FOR


eeky Monkey has given me 400 words to describe why It is said that Keanu
Reeves gave big
Keanu Reeves is to acting what Donald Trump is to
diplomacy and in my considered estimation the amount HAVING THE GOOD SENSE TO bonuses to the
make up and special
of words I need to back up this statement is about 397 words
less than Ive been given. Look at the facts. From the brainless
CHOOSE A GREAT AGENT effects teams in The
Matrix, paid out of
his own pocket.
stoner of the Bill and Ted films to the heroic dope of Speed, the
vacuous ninja of The Matrix trilogy to the charisma vacuum but did manage to garner a glut of nominations and wins for
of Jonathan Harker in Dracula, Reeves has had more career the fight scenes in The Matrix. Yes, the fight scenes, the one
resurrections than John Travolta and more second chances aspect of the film that could be performed by someone else
than Jeremy Clarkson. If his career was a car it would be a entirely or by a far more charismatic computer.
Pinto. Lack of acting ability aside, he can be commended for Much to the relief of movie-goers everywhere, the
having the good sense to choose a great agent. The role of 2000s were a quiet time for Keanu. Matrix sequels aside the
Jonny Utah in Point Break back in 1991 was perfect for his only big budget epics we were required to sit through was
blank-faced, monotone charms, and it didnt hurt that it co- the interminable Constantine a film which turned a great
starred Patrick Swayze, the much-loved star of the previous concept with a fascinating lead character into a bad episode of
years biggest hit Ghost. My Own Private Idaho was notable Buffy The Day The Earth Stood Still which managed to make
for being River Phoenixs final film, The Devils Advocate for time stand still and make a 104 minute long film feel like the
2003 VILLAGE ROADSHOW FILMS (BVI) LTD

Al Pacinos over-the-top hamming and Charlize Therons 100 years war, and samurai and shogun flop 47 Ronin. The
sensuous writhing and The Matrix for being a damn fine sci-fi one blot on his sloppybook is the rather excellent John Wick
film. However, one thing a Keanu Reeves film can never claim which suited his limited talents perfectly, proving that despite
to possess is an amazing lead performance from Keanu Reeves. a distinct lack of talent, charisma and watchability theres the
Seven times Razzie nominated, he cant even win one of those, perfect role for every actor. Too bad he took 30 years to find it.

w w w.geeky mon key.tv 41

GM#17_040-041_FightingTalk.indd 41 12/01/2017 18:54


DONT MISS

[THE BIG ONE]

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter


// P R E M I E R E D AT E , 3 F E B R U A R Y // S T U D I O , S C R E E N G E M S // D I R E C T O R , PA U L W. S . A N D E R S O N
// S TA R R I N G , M I L L A J O V O V I C H , A L I L A R T E R , S H AW N R O B E R T S

T THE ATTACHMENT JOVOVICH


he Final Chapter is almost here, and with it the end of a
15 year, six movie saga that has seen lead character Alice,
played by Mila Jovovich, kick booty and take names HAS FOR THE ROLE IS CLEAR
while battling evil zombies and corrupt corporations. Since
the original Paul W. S. Anderson directed film back in 2002
FOR ALL TO SEE
through to Resident Evil: Retribution in 2012, the series has
followed the exploits of Alice as she bounces from apocalypse
to apocalypse. From the release of the T-virus in the original Resident Evil franchise is the most successful series based on
Resident Evil film, through to the Alexander Witt directed a videogame ever, a feat which has eluded other heavyweights
Resident Evil: Apocalypse in 2004, as Racoon City is destroyed such as Tomb Raider or the recent bomb Assassins Creed.
and Alice is activated weve stayed close to her character as she Structuring the series around Alice, the only character to
battles the impossible. appear in every film, has given fans of the games and movie-
Resident Evil: Extinction in 2007, directed by Russell going audiences someone to root for. The attachment Jovovich
Mulcahy, took Alice and the survivors to Las Vegas as Alice has for the role is clear for all to see, even when her pregnancy
set her sights on the Umbrella Corporation. While Resident moved the shooting schedule back from August 2014 to summer
Evil: Afterlife in 2010, directed once again by Paul W. S. the following year.
Anderson, winged its way across the planet to Tokyo as Alice In The Final Chapter humanity is on the very brink of
sought revenge and a safe haven for the remaining Racoon extinction, and its up to Alice and her small band of allies
City survivors. 2012 and Resident Evil: Retribution saw Alice some new, some returning from past episodes to take it to the
fight former ally turned nemesis Jill Valentine before regaining Umbrella Corporation and end this once and for all. With a brief
her superpowers and now The Final Chapter, filmed in to bring the series full circle, Paul W. S. Anderson has recreated
stereoscopic 3D and picking up three weeks after the events of environments and characters from the original movie 15 years
Retribution ended. ago. Clearly billed as the bookend to the six-movie series, the
With a combined budget of $250 million (which these days production suffered its own tragedy as crew member Ricardo
would buy you one Star Wars or Avengers film) the series has so Cornelius was killed in an on-set accident, and Jovovichs stunt
far grossed $915 million dollars worldwide, a figure sure to be double Olivia Jackson was severely injured in a collision with a
swelled when The Final Chapter lands on 27 January in North crane. With both of them on everybodys mind, expect all the
America. All the movies have turned healthy profits, most stops to be pulled as Resident Evil: The Final Chapter brings
notably the fourth entry Resident Evil: Afterlife which cost $60 resolution to the series. GM
million to produce and brought in exactly $60 million in the
States, but posted a huge worldwide total of $236,093,097. $300 Resident Evil: The Final Chapter is in cinemas from 3 February
million worldwide on a $60 million budget? No wonder the from Screen Gems.
SCREEN GEMS

42 GEEKY MONKEY FEBRUARY 2017

GM#17_042-046_DontMiss.indd 42 12/01/2017 19:06


w w w.geeky mon key.tv 43

GM#17_042-046_DontMiss.indd 43 12/01/2017 19:06


O U T T H I S M O N T H // M O V I E S

T2 TRAINSPOTTING

Back on track

A
fter much speculation throughout 2016 as to who TIME TO SPLIT 20 January
was talking to whom, had the cast fallen out with Split
each other, or Director Danny Boyle? Had the script Having enjoyed incredible
// UNIVERSAL PICTURES
been scrapped? Everyone managed to reconcile their success with his late 90s-early
differences and this month we will get to see a sequel to one 27 January
2000s hits The Sixth Sense,
the most savage and memorable movies of the Nineties T2 Hacksaw Ridge
Unbreakable and Signs, M. Night
Trainspotting. Boyle had hoped to get his sequel into cinemas // LIONSGATE
Shyamalan went into a bit of
T 2 Trainspotting
20 years on from the original, but has overshot that by a year. a decline, The Last Airbender // SONY PICTURES
A 20 year gap was important to him though, he was waiting being a particular low point. Well
for his lead actors to become ravaged by time to tell the story of we hope the master of the last 3 February
Mark Rent Boy Renton (Ewan McGregor) as he returns home minute plot twist is back on form R esident Evil:
to Scotland to make amends with his friends: Daniel Spud with Split, in cinemas now. James The Final Chapter
Murphy and Simon Sick Boy Williamson. Psycho Francis McAvoy plays Kevin, a kidnapper // SCREEN GEMS
Franco Begbie is back too fresh out of prison with Robert of three teenage girls who locks R
 ings
Carlyle reprising the role. Talking with NME back in 2015, them in a windowless room, then // PARAMOUNT PICTURES
Carlyle said he was really happy with the script, and that the proceeds to scare and baffle them
movie, is going to be quite emotional for people. Because the as he appears first in glasses, 10 February
film sort of tells you to think about yourself. You are going to T axi Driver
then in a dress, then starts
be thinking: Fuck. What have I done with my life? As the 40th Anniversary
acting like a nine-year-old boy. // PARK CIRCUS
20-something party people who enjoyed the original are all He does in fact have 24 alternate
now in their 40s, many married with kids, its going to be personalities, and a big problem. 17 February
interesting to see if a movie that sliced through the zeitgeist
T he Great Wall
of the 1990s can be brought back for a successful sequel. The
// UNIVERSAL PICTURES
main thing is, it does include another outing for Underworlds
H
 idden Figures
Born Slippy, which will instantly erase the years. // 20TH CENTURY FOX
Also this month, in a sequel that has taken three years, J ohn Wick: Chapter 2
not 20, comes the return of Keanu Reeves John Wick. John // WARNER BROS
is forced out of his hitman retirement home to help an old
TRISTAR PICTURES / UNIVERSAL PICTURES

associate who is plotting to seize control of an assassins 24 February


guild, leading him to Rome. With the tagline never stab the Best
devil in the back, John must square off against the worlds // DOGWOOF
deadliest killers. Gritty and brutal with a top cast, John Wick: G
 od Particle
Chapter 2 is out on 17 February. GM // PARAMOUNT PICTURES

44 GEEKY MONKEY FEBRUARY 2017

GM#17_042-046_DontMiss.indd 44 12/01/2017 19:07


// T V

THE WALKING DEAD

The dead are rising

A
fter Negan brutally murdered Abraham and Glenn LAST CAST OFF Streaming
in the season seven opener, we all needed a breather L emony Snickets A Series
from The Walking Dead just to gather our thoughts. of Unfortunate Events
Amazon launches season four
Now with its enforced Christmas break behind it, the season is // NETFLIX
of Black Sails on 30 January,
D
 irk Gentlys Holistic
back to finish the job on 13 February airing a day behind the with the ten episodes rolling Detective Agency
States, on Fox UK. out weekly on the streaming TV // NETFLIX
The first half of this season has stuttered along, jumping service. Having been locked away Vikings, Season 4b
from one character to another each episode, introducing us to on Amazon, this is a TV show // AMAZON PRIME
Negans The Sanctuary, King Ezekiels The Kingdom, Maggie that has passed many by, but T
 he Man in the High
and Sasha in Hilltop, whats left of the survivors retreat to we thoroughly recommend you Castle, Season 2
Alexandria, then theres Oceansides all-women camp and // AMAZON PRIME
give it a try. Created by Starz, the
Carol on her own in a bungalow. What links them all is Negan US drama network, and action
everyone running around scavaging for him and the Saviors. 30 January
movie supremo Michael Bay,
Well now its payback time. B
 lack Sails, Season 4
think of it as a kind of Game of // AMAZON PRIME
We last saw Rick and his gang arriving at Hilltop, after Thrones on the high seas. Lots
deciding that enough was enough and he was now ready of swashbuckling, dramatic 9 February
to fight. Met by Maggie and Sasha, the final shots showed posturing and crazy action L egion, Season 1
the surprise on Ricks face when Daryl is there too having sequences with guns, swords // FOX
escaped from the Sanctuary. With the A-team back together and smacks. Weve interviewed
again, were hoping to see Negan get his comeuppance in Jessica Parker Kennedy who plays 13 February
these next eight episodes, and the mid-season trailer didnt Max on page 26. T he Walking Dead,
disappoint with Daryl and Rick planning the coming war. Season 7b
The Negan showdown should help boost the ratings // FOX
for AMC, as season seven has really struggled to pull in the
punters, dropping to its lowest viewing figures since season 14 February
three after the near record-breaking 17.03 million viewers for 24: Legacy, Season 1
the premiere. // FOX
Away from the zombie apocalypse, Fox also has 24: G
 rimm, Season 6
Legacy premiering on 14 February, a spin-off from the Kiefer // W

Sutherland juggernaut series 24. No Sutherland this time out,


but a plot following war hero Eric Carter (Corey Hawkins,
GENE PAGE/AMC / STARZ

Heath from The Walking Dead) whose story is told with real-
time narration (hence the 24 moniker). GM

w w w.geeky mon key.tv 45

GM#17_042-046_DontMiss.indd 45 12/01/2017 19:07


// G A M E S

THE WALKING DEAD TELLTALE SERIES: THE NEW FRONTIER

A New Frontier in gaming

I IN THE YEAR 2559


f you had other things to download over Christmas, you 27 January
can save your bandwidth as Telltale Games third season T ales of Berseria [PS4]
of The Walking Dead game hits retail on 7 February with // BANDAI NAMCO
if man is still alive. Its been
a season pass package that has episode one on the disc, D
 igimon World:
eight years since the original
and download codes for the rest. Based on the original The Next Order [PS4]
Halo Wars on Xbox 360, so time // BANDAI NAMCO
Walking Dead comic books from Robert Kirkman, Telltale for a shake up of the real-time ABZU [PS4]
has had great success with the previous incarnations of the strategy genre with its sequel, // 505 GAMES
game, and if youve been enjoying season one, two and the cunningly titled Halo Wars 2. Like
special episodes 400 Days and Michonne, then your save the original there are two playable 31 January
game will carry on through to A New Frontier by uploading it factions, the United Nations Nioh [PS4]
to the Telltale Cloud, with all your choices having an impact Space Command (the humans) // SONY
on the new games direction. and a new alien threat called the
This season sees the return of Clementine as a playable Banished, taking over from our old 10 February
character, as in the last game, plus a new choice in Javier friends the Covenant. 13 missions Syberia 3 [XB1]
Javi Garcia, who were introduced to just as his dad is are rammed into the Campaign // PQUBE
turning into a Walker nice! Talking about where the game Mode and the combat could be
fits into the franchise, Kirkman has said that he hopes seen as an elaborate rock-paper- 14 February
to bring the videogame much closer to the comic book, Sniper Elite 4 [PS4, XB1]
scissors game. Ground vehicles
potentially with a crossover between the two strands of The // SOLD OUT
take infantry, infantry take aircraft,
Walking Dead at some point. For Honor [PS4, XB1]
aircraft take ground vehicles. With // UBISOFT
The point-and-click adventure game has been a stalwart online multiplayer for up to six
of videogaming for decades, but in these days of non-stop players, this will be a blast! 17 February
first-person shooters and VR stealing the show, this style
T he Walking Dead
of gameplay really stands out as unique and special. The
Telltale Series: The
tried and tested interactive locations, quick time events New Frontier [PS4, XB1]
and multiple conversation gameplay lends itself perfectly // WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE
to a narrative like The Walking Dead, and the fact that all
the decisions and directions you have taken in the previous 21 February
games can still affect the game today, brings a new sense Halo Wars 2 [XB1]
of responsibility to moral choices. Or you can start over, of // MICROSOFT
course, if youve turned Clementine into a psycho.
Episode 1, Ties That Bind part one, is waiting for you to
sink your teeth into. GM

46 GEEKY MONKEY FEBRUARY 2017

GM#17_042-046_DontMiss.indd 46 12/01/2017 19:07


Ad.indd
Untitled-11 1 12/01/2017
22/12/2016 15:39
12:46:22
BUT IM TELLING YOU, AND IM TELLING EVERYBODY AT THIS
TABLE THAT THATS A SHARK! AND I KNOW WHAT A SHARK
LOOKS LIKE, BECAUSE IVE SEEN ONE UP CLOSE. AND YOUD
BETTER DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS ONE, BECAUSE I DONT
INTEND TO GO THROUGH THAT HELL AGAIN!
C HIEF MARTIN BRODY
UNIVERSAL

GM#17_048-049_EyeCandyJaws2.indd 48 12/01/2017 18:32


J AWS 2
// 1 9 7 8

directed by
JEANNOT SZWARC

starring
ROY SCHEIDER // C
 HIEF MARTIN BRODY
LORRAINE GARY // ELLEN BRODY
MURRAY HAMILTON // MAYOR VAUGHN

Sequels are always tricky things. Is


the studio only making it because
the original was a hit yes. Can they
recapture the magic in a bottle a
second time maybe. Actors know
this, and while Jaws made him famous,
and immortalised his ad-libbed line
Youre gonna need a bigger boat, Roy
Scheider resisted reprising his role of
Chief Martin Brody in Jaws 2.

He was contracted to Universal for a


three movie deal, and had just stormed
off the set of The Deer Hunter citing
creative differences, so Universal
had him over a barrel really. He even
tried to plead insanity to get out the
of movie, according to his biographer,
going crazy in The Beverly Hills Hotel
would anyone notice there?

Univeral got the reluctant Scheider


on board, and handsomely rewarded
him with four times the salary of the
original movie. The trouble didnt end
there though with Scheider and director
Jeannot Szwarc falling out over an
accusation the director was overlooking
the actors and wasting time with extras
and technical matters. It even came
to blows, a full fist fight between the
two breaking out maybe unknown to
Szwarc, Roy Scheider was an amateur
boxer back in 1940s New Jersey!

GM#17_048-049_EyeCandyJaws2.indd 49 12/01/2017 18:34


Words: JEM ROBERTS
A comedy historian, Douglas Adams
authorised biographer, and now funding for
the official Fry & Laurie story, Soupy Twists!
NETFLIX

50 GEEKY MONKEY FEBRUARY 2017

GM#17_050-054_Dirk.indd 50 12/01/2017 19:09


G E N T LY D O E S I T
THIRTY YEARS AFTER DOUGLAS ADAMS ESCAPED HIS HITCHHIKER STRAIGHTJACKET WITH
HIS NEW ECCENTRIC PSYCHIC INVESTIGATOR, IT HAS FINALLY BECOME A HIT TV SHOW

D
ouglas Adams announced Dirk Gently to the world as BBC, he curated all the Who websites, and one of his last jobs before
the star of A ghost-horror-detective-whodunnit-time- he left was to produce the live webcast of Douglas funeral! The first to
travel-romantic-musical-comedy-epic. My original be broadcast live on the internet, which I think Douglas would have
intention was to have a cookery supplement as well, but been proud of.
I dropped that. The lazy, misanthropic chubby chain-
smoking anti-hero was closely based on Adams friend But it wasnt until Oxford that you met Adams?
Michael Bywater, but the first novels twisting, turning, genre- Yes, we did it at school at 15, and didn't really know what rights
defying plot was instantly considered unfilmable, and follow-up, were, we just did the play, which was fun, but Im sure not particularly
Norse-myth-packed The Long Dark Tea-Time Of The Soul was no good. But I think we both knew there was something to the story that
more straightforward. had got under our skin, and we wanted a shot at doing it right. So as
Now it seems an on-screen Gently has finally made the big time undergrads a few years later we tried again, with an increased budget
on Netflix. At Oxford, Executive Producer Arvind Ethan David co- 500 rather than 50. So we wrote to Douglas agent Ed Victor and
adapted a successful stage version of Dirks first book, and in the last he came along and loved it, and said, Gosh, Douglas needs to see
few years hes been central to two new universes for Dirk the IDW this! And so, I remember it being a Friday night, Douglas Adams
Comics series, and now the BBC America/Netflix comedy drama co- turns up at the Old Firestation, Oxford. I was sitting three or four
created with Max Landis, which has been a palpable hit. We sat down rows behind him, and I dont think I watched the show that night, I
with David to get to the bottom of who this new Dirk really is watched Douglas. Every time I could see his eyebrows going up at the
changes because we took the view, then as now, that you dont try
For you, the Dirk connection goes right back to Stowe school you and straightforwardly adapt Adams, you are inspired by him and as
and James Goss, now a Doctor Who luminary, putting on the original he started to laugh, I thought, Thank God, were alright! That was
Dirk play. As sci-fi geeks, youve both excelled yourselves with how the night that changed my life.
your careers have turned out!
I think its fair to say our teenage selves would be very happy with In between then and now weve had two adaptations Dirk Maggs
where weve ended up! Its bizarre, the interconnectedness just goes more faithful version for Radio 4, and of course Stephen Mangan on
on and on. I have to give James credit I was always a sci-fi geek, but BBC4. How did you feel about those?
because I grew up in Asia, I was more plugged into American sci-fi, I had a complex reaction to the latter. Unambiguously, I thought
BETTINA STRAUSS/BBCA

but James introduced me to Doctor Who at school, and helped me Stephen was great. I think of Dirk Gently as one of the great characters
connect the dots with Douglas Adams. Then when he worked at the of the British literary canon, alongside Sherlock Holmes, Rumpole of

w w w.geeky mon key.tv 51

GM#17_050-054_Dirk.indd 51 12/01/2017 19:09


Who are these mysterious shaven
goons who keep showing up? Well
we would tell you, but that would
pre-empt the interconnectedness
of all things, so youll just have to
investigate for yourself.

WHAT I WAS WAITING FOR WAS REALLY TO HAVE THE RIGHT


MEDIUM AND COLLABORATORS, TO HAVE A BIG ENOUGH
PALATE TO DO THE CHARACTER JUSTICE

the Bailey and James Bond. And like them, he is capable of being Oh God, no. Hes not chain-smoking, that didnt feel essential to us,
interpreted differently by different actors, at different times, and Sam isnt fat, but finding the right actor to play a role as
appropriate to each generation. But they all keep the essence of Dirk, comedically and dramatically demanding as Dirk was what we set
and what Sam Barnett is doing in our show is also extraordinary, but out to do somebody British who would embody the spirit of the
different. What they all have in common, this thing that Dirk has, is character and satisfy the extreme technical demands of Maxs
a simultaneous ability to try and command respect for no good dialogue, Dirks motormouth approach to life, and be vulnerable,
reason, he feels entitled to a certain amount of authority despite all funny, silly and domineering all at the same time. With all those
evidence to the contrary, and also being fundamentally not very good Venn diagrams imposed, frankly I wasnt going to limit myself by
at stuff Douglas famously said, There is a tradition of great British weight! Sam happens to be a very svelte young man, and thats fine
detectives; Dirk does not belong to this tradition. The books are 30 with us.
years old now, and Im glad that theyve inspired others. Were actually engaged in a Star Trek-level reboot, so by the
For me, what I was waiting for was really to have the right time this season and arc of comics ends, it will be clear to the world
medium and collaborators, to have a big enough palate to do the that we are approaching the canon very seriously, but that doesnt
character justice. In the world of Netflix, you dont need to tell mean were slavishly bound by it there are no greater fans in the
episodic stories, you can take a novelistic approach to it. So when Max world than Max and myself, we didnt just approach it as a
Landis and I started on this adventure, we were both really clear that commercial thing.
each season was going to be a new novel. Not a monster of the week
approach thats fine, but its not Dirk Gently. With Dirk you need to Douglas created quite a rich world, with characters like Inspector
have a level of complexity and interconnectivity, a deepening mystery Gilks popping up and so on, are you going to be bringing any of that
and mythology, the way Douglas did it. I hope thats what weve done, into this universe?
and I dont think we could have have done this ten years ago. We are Yeah, for sure. Theres at least one other character from the books
probably still the weirdest show on television. well be bringing into season two. Weve got be careful to tell stories
with complete integrity, and still have enough easter eggs and
Wearing our puritan devils advocate hat, in both your comics and callbacks for the hardcore fans. In this season, Dirk is the only
the series, was there a feeling that Adams Dirk the fat, chain- character, but in the first episode, Todd asks Dirk if hes ever solved a
BETTINA STRAUSS/BBCA

smoking, bespectacled pompous curmudgeon was unattractive case, and he references the sofa, and Thor, you know Hes not as
or uncommercial? good-looking as people say! That makes it clear to the fans this is in

52 GEEKY MONKEY FEBRUARY 2017

GM#17_050-054_Dirk.indd 52 12/01/2017 19:10


WEVE GOT BE
CAREFUL TO
TELL STORIES
WITH COMPLETE
INTEGRIT Y, AND
STILL HAVE ENOUGH
EASTER EGGS AND
CALLBACKS FOR THE
HARDCORE FANS

BETTINA STRAUSS/BBCA

w w w.geeky mon key.tv 53

GM#17_050-054_Dirk.indd 53 12/01/2017 19:11


THE IDW CASES

Max Landis wears the pants for the TV show, but the tables are
turned for IDW Comics, where David is the prime mover. Since
the first case landed in 2015 there have been three stories,
now incorporating the TV incarnation of Dirk to boot. When
Hitchhiker was adapted for DC Comics in the 90s, Douglas
Adams made himself the bane of the creative team, tweaking
every last swish of ink, so its hard to claim these adventures
would have earned his approval

// T
 HE INTERCONNECTEDNESS OF ALL KINGS
A tale by IDW boss Chris Ryall, establishing
Dirk with a San Diego base complete with
kooky assistants and forcing him to figure
out the machinations of time-travelling
Egyptians, serial killers, and golden phones.
Before Landis could glean the look of the
BBC America Dirk Gently, this bouffant
character was the new Dirk.
the canon, we know some version of those plots has gone before. But
// A
 SPOON TOO SHORT we suggest that maybe Dirk had a hand in how those original books
Arvind David took over for the second were written, that in reality he wasnt as accomplished as he seemed.
series, which plunged into Dirks childhood
from the off, and took its name from one Adams was right up there with Roald Dahl in terms of writers who
of Adams potential novel titles, without were never happy with adaptations of his work, and he needed to be
taking much in the way of plot from the involved, a complete control freak. Nobody can ever second-guess
unpublished work, though it does join what Douglas would have thought, but if he was around, it seems fair
the dots by placing Dirk back in the UK, to suggest this would be completely different, or would never have
between Adams last book and the new happened, because nothing would ever have got done
series, with references to the MacDuffs, and Nurse Sally Thats interesting, youre correct, he was that way with Hitchhiker, it
Mills on hand as Dirk gets involved in a very Adamsian tale was so much the thing that he was identified with, but there were
of White Rhino conservation Dirks even a bit podgy here. other projects, like Starship Titanic, where he was happy to have the
original idea, and then have a whole team developing it With Dirk,
// T
 HE SALMON OF DOUBT right from the original play, we changed a lot of stuff, and I went up to
Taking its name from an unfinished Adams him at the end, and said, Was it okay that we changed the plot? And
book, while steering events far away from he went, No, you didnt change it, you fixed it. There was an
the plot of that name, the latest adventure immediate openness. He said, For the first time, Im now thinking of
plumbs Dirks manifold backstories more Dirk as a TV or film adaptation, it had never occurred to me that Dirk
than ever, and reintroduces the crucial could work in that way. So sadly hes not here to see it, but I think he
character of Professor Chronotis, who would like what weve done.
DAVID DOLSEN/BETTINA STRAUSS/KATIE YU/BBCA / IDW PUBLISHING

bridges the worlds of Dirk and Doctor A literal translation of the books would have been a mistake,
Who. Here, Dirks childhood memories are Douglas wouldnt have been happy with it. I do hope Professor
traumatic and, hes sure, completely false, which forces Chronotis eventually makes an appearance, though. When we heard
him to face up to the possibility of separate Dirks being out the rights were back, the first thing I did was phone Douglas daughter
there somewhere cue, a handy link-up of every possible Polly and tell her we wouldnt do it without her blessing, and she very
reality including, of course, the TV series, bringing its sweetly gave it. I think theyre all pretty happy. In our shared atheist
ever-growing fanbase cleverly back into the fold. Theres heaven, I will feel okay looking Douglas in the eye. GM
no such thing as impossibility in Dirks world, so theres no
reason one franchise cant happily reconcile every one of Season one of Dirk Gentlys Holistic Detective Agency is showing on
the existing hmm five Dirk Gently incarnations. Netflix now.

54 GEEKY MONKEY FEBRUARY 2017

GM#17_050-054_Dirk.indd 54 12/01/2017 19:11


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super A4 house ad 141.indd 1 10/01/2017 23:34


IDENTITY CRISIS

NAME DUEL A DENT // FIRST APPEARANCE CAT WOMAN VOL 4 #23 (OC TOBER 2013)

With her twisted view of beauty, Duela Dent is a


psychopathic woman who appeared in Gothams
sewers calling herself Jokers Daughter. From a
young age it was clear she was not quite right
trapping spiders in lightbulbs and making a bed
mobile out of knives.
DC COMICS

56 GEEKY MONKEY FEBRUARY 2017

GM#17_056-057_Duela Dent.indd 56 12/01/2017 19:13


DUELA DENT
MEET THE MOST CONFUSED CHARACTER IN THE
DC UNIVERSE DUELLA DENT!

Words: SEBASTIAN WILLIAMSON

D
C Comics Duella Dent appears to be suffering from a serious identity crisis
she first appeared in the Batman Family series of funny books claiming to be
the daughter of the Clown Prince of Crime, only to later say she was actually
the child of Catwoman, Scarecrow, Riddler and the Penguin. Confusing, right? Allow
me to try and explain
In the pre-New 52 world it was revealed she is in fact the daughter of The Joker
and Three-Face, but was also part of The Riddler Family with the Riddler serving as
her stepfather. Her first appearance saw her take on Robin, vowing to him she would
uncover out his true identity while he attempted to decipher hers.
In the ensuing game of cat and mouse Robin wound up battling a slew of masked
women, each one claiming to be the daughter of Catwoman, Scarecrow, Riddler and
the Penguin, but as it turns out it was actually Duella playing a creepy game to throw
the Boy Wonder off, which ultimately explains her numerous parentage claims since
her arrival in the DC Universe. Still confused? You should be, because were not done.
However, as it turns out Duellas plan to discover Robins identity was for a specific
reason to join the Teen Titans and atone for her fathers crimes. Once accepted she
changed her identity to Harlequin, sporting a new costume. Unfortunately Teen Titans
disbanded and the comic was cancelled within a short time of her joining the
youngsters to fight crime and, yet again, she switched things up for her appearances in
a handful of Batman comics, calling herself the Card Queen.
Honestly, this is all very maddening and were a little baffled as to what the
comic book writers and artists were thinking when trying to settle on a true identity
DEFINING CHARACTERISTICS for this particular character throughout her stints in the comics, but it seems they
Multiple costumes and multiple identities, and in the finally nailed it in the New 52 run where they set about establishing her backstory for
Pre-Crisis books she used zany weaponry such as a the rebooted universe.
pipe that blew explosive bubbles, whereas in the Post- In that particular iteration shes the daughter of a wealthy Gotham couple that
Crisis books shes just well, psychotic. self-mutilated and was later scarred by a botched plastic surgery operation, before
running away from home to join the hundreds of Arkham Asylum rejects in the
WHERE IS SHE NOW? underground city of the Nethers where she then discovered the Jokers mask and
You can find her in back issues of Batman Family, donned it to become Jokers Daughter.
Batman Eternal, Tiny Titans, Teen Titans, the bizarre This origin is arguably our favourite one its more grounded in the new reality
DC Bombshells (in which shes working for the Nazis) of the comics than the previous ones so heres hoping that the brain trust at DC
and New Suicide Squad. Comics doesnt decide to mess with it for the foreseeable future! GM

w w w.geeky mon key.tv 57

GM#17_056-057_Duela Dent.indd 57 12/01/2017 19:14


IM THE JOKERS DAUGHTER.
HIT ME LIKE ONE OF YOUR
SUPER VILLAINS, BATMAN!
DUELA DENT

GM#17_058-059_CosplayCentre.indd 58
12/01/2017 18:35
GM#17_058-059_CosplayCentre.indd 59
COSPLAYER // YUGANA SENSHI UON
This Malaysian cosplayer has filled her Facebook page with her incredible
cosplay creations, and she has a very wide range. From Duella Dent we
see here to Poison Ivy, then on to The Madhatter from Alice in Wonderland
and La Llorona, the Weeping Woman. Great use of make-up effects and
contact lenses really make Yugana stand out from the cosplay crowd.

FACEBOOK YUGANASENSHI

12/01/2017 18:36
A CENSUS TAKER ONCE
TRIED TO TEST ME. I ATE
HIS LIVER WITH SOME FAVA
BEANS AND A NICE CHIANTI.
HANNIBAL LECTER
1991 ORION PICTURES CORPORATION

GM#17_060-061_EyeCandySilence.indd 60 12/01/2017 18:38


THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS
// 1 9 9 1

directed by
JONATHAN DEMME

featuring
ANTHONY HOPKINS // DR. HANNIBAL LECTER
JODIE FOSTER // CLARICE STARLING
TED LEVINE // JAME BUFFALO BILL GUMB

Based on the Thomas Harris novel from 1988, The


Silence of the Lambs turned Hollywood upside down.
No horror movie was meant to be this successful,
earning over 272 million from a $19 million budget,
but the story of young FBI trainee Clarice Starling and
incarcerated cannibal serial killer Dr Hannibal Lecter
grabbed movie goers and burrowed worm-like into
their souls. Anthony Hopkins gave such a career-
defining role as Lecter, its hard to believe now that
Gene Hackman, Derek Jacobi and Daniel Day-Lewis
were all offered the role before him!

The movie dominated the 64th Academy Awards in


1992, nominated for seven and winning five for its
director, cast and crew.

64TH ACADEMY AWARDS


// BEST PICTURE - SILENCE OF THE LAMBS
// BEST DIRECTOR - JONATHAN DEMME
// BEST ACTOR - ANTHONY HOPKINS
// BEST ACTRESS - JODIE FOSTER
// BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY TED TALLY

GM#17_060-061_EyeCandySilence.indd 61 12/01/2017 18:38


KICKING OFF 2017 THERE IS NO SHORTAGE OF FUNNY BOOKS TO CHOOSE. WEVE
ATTEMPTED TO SIFT THROUGH THOSE FEATURING CHARACTERS BOTH OLD AND NEW

Words: MICHAEL CAMPBELL


Michael probably should have bought Christmas gifts for family, but purchased comics instead.

W
ith so much to offer from the publisher, Mayday is Batman, but here his storytelling really shines in compact
something of a strange beast courtesy of Image fashion. Collaborating with Scott Snyder and Ray Fawkes, they
Comics. A Cold War thriller commencing in 1971, its produce a short story somewhat reminiscent of one of Anne
handled by writer Alex De Campi and artists Tony Parker and Nocentis classic Daredevil tales (issue #241). Art from Bilquis
Blonde. The first two issues, however, establish a slightly wild Evely is absolutely stunning in a fine closing chapter of the
slice of violent chaos that doesnt quite seem to fit together just book. Her lines are so smooth, and her layouts so packed full of
yet. Theres a potent mixture of murder, espionage, psychedelia illustrative detail without being distracting. Beautiful work
and road movie tropes to get to grips with immediately. While indeed. Overall, its a light-hearted but heart-warming read.
this doesnt make Mayday an instantly gratifying read, it Conversely, Jody Hausers Mother Panic promises
certainly piques ones interest, and should continue to surprise. something of a new dimension to the inhabitants of Gotham
With issues that centre around different decades and periods, City. The art of Tommy Lee Edwards ensures that this is a little
De Campi is aiming for a Mad Men-esque passage of time to grimier, a little seedier, and much more adult than the
occur as his tale unwinds. It remains to be seen if it will come Bat-family books. Given that it exists within the Young Animal
together to form a satisfying whole. imprint, that distinction is pretty essential. Its Gotham, but
DC Comics Batman Annual meanwhile, dishes out a very much an alternative to the cityscape we know, despite the
traditional anthology format, rather than an event or singular plastering of Batman all over the promotion for the first issue.
story. As usual, the result is a mixed uneven bag that on one Edwards dark artwork is utterly perfect for this book.
hand can leave you shrugging your shoulders, then on the other The Skeptics doesnt have the same immediate impact of
gasping in awe. such hits as 4 Kids Walk Into a Bank. With that said, its the
Neal Adams gets to do a fun rendition of Harley Quinn in a second book weve encountered since last issue with a fresh
sweet story concocted by Paul Dini, while Steve Orlando take on Cold War paranoia, and one with several really witty
introduces an intriguing new villain in the excellent Stag. We ideas. A close eye should be kept on this Black Mask effort,
havent been blown away by Declan Shalveys stuff in All Star which boasts some genuinely delicious artwork.

62 GEEKY MONKEY FEBRUARY 2017

GM#17_062-063_Komikaze.indd 62 12/01/2017 19:15


COMICS

I N T H E H O T S E AT
FRANK BARBERIE, WRITER [V IOLEN T LOV E , FI V E G HOS T S]

How did you get into the industry?


After taking a screenwriting
class I became fascinated with
story structure and mechanics.
Everything really clicked for me
after taking that class, and after
trying to get things rolling as an
amateur screenwriter I realized
that the medium was highly
impenetrable and not really
[COMIC OF THE MONTH] rewarding for writers (assuming
you could even get in!). At the same
Motor Crush time I read an article in Wizard
// S T O R Y, B R E N D A N F L E T C H E R // A R T, C A M E R O N S T E WA R T, magazine about Image Comics and how it was all creator owned and a lot
B A B S TA R R // P U B L I S H E R , I M A G E C O M I C S of the books were blind submissions I had always been a comics reader,
and particularly loved Images early 2000s output, but it never dawned on
Image Comics new book introduces Domino Swift, an up-and- me that I could simply make my own comics and submit them to publishers. A
coming professional motorcyclist who is threatening to derail few years later, after putting together many pitches (five page samples) and
her burgeoning career by also involving herself in the illegal self-publishing a bit, I was very fortunate to finally land Five Ghosts.
street racing scene. The first issue features a ton of fast paced
scene-setting, and crackles at a dynamic pace. Cameron Stewart How did the concept for Violent Love come about? After working with
and Babs Tarrs art is an impressive display of technique, but Victor (Santos) on Black Market (BOOM! Studios) we immediately struck up
the nuances and little concessions to social media are all vital a friendship and great working relationship. We both wanted to develop
elements that play well within the context of Swifts world. She something new, and Victor actually suggested we try to incorporate romance
has crossover star written all over her, and thus, this is definitely into the book. I love the puzzle/logic parts of writing and putting narrative
a comic worth checking out early on. Motor Crush should prove to together, and Id never really tackled a romance book, so it was very inspiring.
be a huge hit for teen cyberpunk fans. We knew from the start it would have a crime/pulp feel, but the romance genre
influence was the missing piece that helped us come up with something new.
I think readers are really connecting with our characters (particularly our
lead, Daisy) because weve taken the time to really explore her back-story and
some quiet moments.

Its very much a cinematic piece of reading. Was cinema a big influence? Yes,
we really wanted to take a lot of palettes and tone from crime/noir films. Victor
Black Mask has also broadened their line-up with No is much more responsible for this as its his forte and area of expertise; I tend
Angel, which appears to be a pseudo horror/western very to tell him what feelings/emotions I want to evoke in a scene and he will use his
much tailored after Preacher. The latter comparison is an knowledge of cinema and cinematography to construct a meaningful shot (and
unfavourable one, establishing some pretty darn huge boots to normally work in an homage). While were fascinated with that cinematic feel,
fill. Hopefully creators Eric and Adrianne Palicki, and Ari were also working very hard to do things that only comics can do; Victor is such
Syahrazad, continue to push the family drama aspect evident a brilliant sequential artist that I love challenging him to come up with smart
in the first issue, and not get caught up too much with layouts that make economic and interesting use of the comics page.
supernatural twists and turns. Syahrazads artwork isnt
perfect, but shows promise and is one the more polished What do you look for in your collaborators, and who do you especially enjoy
products of the Black Mask line-up. But its Jean-Paul Csukas working with? I simply look for people whose work I enjoy. If Im a fan of
autumnal colours that shine the strongest thus far. someones work, then every time I get art in from them its like Christmas its
Fish Eye is the latest from indie publisher Scout Comics. why I love comics. As the writer, you are normally the first set of eyes on the
Written by Massimo Rosi, its a terrific premise, dabbling in the page and its always exciting. I am a very flexible and collaborative writer, so I
morality of reality television. In this case however, our lead really need my collaborators to embrace being co-creators and helping me tell
protagonist Travis is a cop, unwillingly manipulated into the the story Ive been extremely fortunate that Ive worked with some amazing
lead role. With ratings down, creator Ethan Wood makes a and innovative talents, and it always pushes me to move forward and get
dramatic call to kill off his lead. Its difficult to tell early on if better than I was before.
the initial flashback that has Wood at the mercy of Travis is a
mistake it certainly dilutes the suspense but Rossis story is What else have you lined up for 2017? I have a lot of creator owned projects
extremely well crafted and punctuated by terrific details. that have been long gestating. Its an exciting time as Im really stretching
Stefano Cardosellis heavily stylised, murky art sometimes myself out and trying to find whats at the core of my work and refine it. You
hurts the narrative, but there are other occasions during which can follow me on twitter (@atlasincognita) to keep up with what Im working on!
its pretty exciting and dynamic. GM

w w w.geeky mon key.tv 63

GM#17_062-063_Komikaze.indd 63 12/01/2017 19:15


COMIC CRITIQUE
THE FIRST BATCH OF NEW COMIC BOOKS FOR THE NEW YEAR. LETS TAKE A FLICK
THROUGH THE PAGES TO SEE WHATS WORTH GETTING

Invincible Iron Man #1-2 Justice League Vs.Suicide Squad #1


S T O R Y, B R I A N M I C H A E L B E N D I S // A R T, S T E FA N O C A S E L L I S T O R Y, J O S H U A W I L L I A M S O N // A R T, J A S O N FA B O K
// P U B L I S H E R , M A R V E L C O M I C S // P U B L I S H E R , D C C O M I C S

This is a title that has been reassigned to the much pushed new DCs big crossover event is precisely the sort of mash-up that divides
teen star Riri Williams. Its also rather good thanks to the writing fans. Team versus team, a little bit of miscommunication, before a
of Bendis. The first two issues build slowly, but its appropriate greater evil that unites our protagonists emerges. The execution is
for such a new character. There are always going to be objections certainly better than the concept though, and some of the storyline
to reinventing classics such as Iron Man, but more varied, equal developments are already unexpectedly intriguing. Plus, Faboks art
representation within the medium is here to stay. is always stunning. A surprising treat for sure.

Venom #1 Hook Jaw #1


S T O R Y, M I K E C O S TA // A R T, G E R A L D O S A N D O VA L S T O R Y, S I S P U R R I E R // A R T, C O N O R B O Y L E
// P U B L I S H E R , M A R V E L C O M I C S // P U B L I S H E R , T I TA N C O M I C S

It would be difficult to imagine a less enticing prospect than the A Somalia-set Shark Tale with pirates and the navy couldnt be
Alien Symbiote taking over yet another host, but here we are. There boring , could it? Thankfully not, as Spurriers knack for mood
is a vague whiff of potential in a less than heroic lead, but this series combines smoothly with some fresh, occasionally gory art from
kicks off in bland fashion. The arts something of a chore, fitting in Boyle. His use of detail is really cleverly achieved. Plus, Titan has
the style that has prevailed throughout the Spider-Man books in assembled several great variant covers. It seems like sharks are very
recent years to increasingly dull effect. It all feels overly familiar. much back in vogue this is one of the better attempts.

64 GEEKY MONKEY FEBRUARY 2017

GM#17_064_ComicReviews.indd 64 12/01/2017 20:35


Ad.indd 1 12/01/2017 15:40
BECAUSE JAPAN
Words: JONATHAN CLEMENTS
Jonathan is the author of Anime: A History
and Modern Japan: All That Matters

The Heart of Darkness


MARTIN SCORSESES TAKE ON THE HISTORICAL
EPIC SILENCE, FROM THE 1966 JAPANESE NOVEL

Theres a haiku by Masaoka Shiki that doesnt get translated


all that often because it ruins peoples image of peaceful,
Buddhist Japan: At the temple / beneath peonies in full bloom
/ we trample on the face of Christ. It refers to a common
annual sight, nationwide in the samurai era, of locals lining up
to walk across a picture of Jesus or Mary in order to prove that
they were not secret Christian believers.
The novelist Shusaku Endo, baptised as a child at his
convert mothers insistence, was fascinated by this cul-de-sac
in Japanese history, specifically by the undercover Christians
that such ceremonies were designed to root out men and
women so devout in their faith for a foreign religion that they
were prepared to die an agonising death rather than step on a
holy image. Endos work was suffused with a question about
his own faith. Would he be as brave as his forebears, or, if ever
put on the spot with such high stakes, would he take the easy
option and cave in?
Endos 1966 novel Silence was pressed into the hands of
the famously Catholic Martin Scorsese at a 1990 screening of
his controversial movie The Last Temptation of Christ. The
director soon resolved to adapt it into a film, intrigued by its
deep investigation of the nature of religious faith. The story
focusses on two priests sneaking into the closed country of
Japan, not only to administer to the Hidden Christians, but
also to hunt for a fellow Jesuit who has reputedly gone native.
Eventually played, after two decades in pre-production
purgatory, by Andrew Garfield and Adam Driver, they search
for the missing Liam Neeson, and inevitably fall into the
hands of samurai Christian-hunters. Not unlike the similar
quest narrative of Apocalypse Now, its a journey into the
heart of darkness, in search of a phantom figure that might
best remain unfound.
Endos book, and by association, Scorseses film taps into
one of the most fascinating stories in Japanese history the
savage suppression of the Christian religion in Japan, and its
long aftermath. Christian missionaries found thousands of
willing converts in the 16th century, particularly in the south,
where communities of believers flourished around the ports
that had contact with foreign traders. Nagasaki, in particular,
PARAMOUNT PICTURES

became a Christian enclave, handed over to the Jesuits by a


devout local warlord, in gratitude. Gratitude for what? Well,

66 GEEKY MONKEY FEBRUARY 2017

GM#17_066-067_BecauseJapan.indd 66 12/01/2017 19:16


I N A S S O C I AT I O N W I T H

there was all that spiritual awakening, of course, plus the


money brought in by the silk trade, and (almost forgot) all
those guns brought in from the West.
Gunpowder helped turn the tide in the long civil
war that left the Tokugawa clan in charge, but Christian
samurai were unlucky to be found largely on the losing
side. Thousands of them were packed off for a time-wasting
crusade in Korea, and the survivors resettled as farmers
in the south. But with the conclusion of the civil war came
the end of the political uncertainty that gave Christianity
a foothold in the first place. The Tokugawa Shoguns were
deeply suspicious of a religion that owed its allegiance to
a foreign god-king in Rome, particularly after an angry
Spanish captain had boasted that missionaries were merely SHINODAS SILENCE
the vanguard of an insurgency that would eventually be
followed by conquering soldiers. Scorseses adaptation was not
Christianity was hunted down and stamped out. A the first in 1971 the Japanese
rebellion in the south, led by a teenage messiah, ended director Masahiro Shinoda made
with the massacre of 37,000 Christians. The survivors went his own version of Silence starring
underground, worshipping in shadows and caves, hiding an impressively bilingual David
their icons inside Buddhist statues, and passing on the Bible Lampson and Don Kenny as the
by word of mouth. Its these Hidden Christian communities undercover Jesuit priests. More
that Silence documents, nests of forbidden believers among controversially, in an age where
the most remote fishing communities, hosting a dwindling social justice warriors carp on
number of foreign priests smuggled in from the outside about ethnically unsound casting,
world. As the decades passed, their understanding of the role of the renegade Father
religious doctrine grew garbled and confused, but their faith Ferreira was played by the Japanese
remained strong. actor Tetsuro Tanba, in heavy
Scorseses movie also boasts a whos-who of big-name whiteface make-up. For anyone
Japanese actors, including Tadanobu Asano as a creepy intrigued by Scorseses movie, the
interpreter and Shinya Tsukamoto, director of the cult classic Shinoda version is already available
Tetsuo, as one of the Japanese faithful. Snubbed at the Golden on UK DVD from Eureka Films.
Globes, for which it may have been released a few scant
weeks too late, it was sneaked out in America late last year in
a bid to secure last-minute Oscar nods. By the time you read
SEE THE WONDERS OF
these words, you will know whether that was a matter of JAPAN FOR YOURSELF
blind faith or not. GM WITH JAPAN MANGA TOURS
ARRANGED BY
Martin Scorseses Silence debuted on 29 November in JAPAN JOURNEYS
Vatican City, released on 23 December in the US and is out
020 7766 5267
now in UK cinemas. W W W. J A PA N J O U R N E YS .CO.U K
TOHO

w w w.geeky mon key.tv 67

GM#17_066-067_BecauseJapan.indd 67 12/01/2017 19:17


THE UKs best magazine
for Asian pop culture

Anime, manga, movies, games, music,


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NEO house ad_NEW_SuperA4.indd 1 12/01/2017 15:41


Ad.indd 1 12/01/2017 15:41
GET THIS
ITS 106 MILES TO CHICAGO, WE GOT A FULL TANK OF
GAS, HALF A PACK OF CIGARETTES, ITS DARK AND
WERE WEARING SUNGLASSES. LETS GET SOME TOP
GEEK COLLECTABLES

Star Wars Hot Toys Deluxe


Action Figures: Han & Chewie
5 0 0 // F O R B I D D E N P L A N E T. C O M

When Hot Toys make a set of Star Wars action


figures, they are be the best set of Star Wars action
figures you can imagine, hence the 500 price tag.
For Han and Chewie they have started from scratch
with an updated face sculpt of Harrison Ford, with
details right down to the scar on his chin. The figure
has 30 points of articulation and stands 30cm tall, so
is no titchy trinket. On Chewie, the designers have
used multiple layers of fabric hair to build up his
Wookie coat. The two come with bowcaster, blaster
pistol and thermal detonators. These amazing
Han and Chewie action figures are on sale from
Forbidden Planet and other suitably geeky outlets.

Star Wars Book of Sith: Doctor Who Cybermat Batman V Superman


Secrets from the Dark Side Batmobile 1:25 scale
6 5 // F O R B I D D E N P L A N E T. C O M 1 0 5 // A M A ZO N 4 0 // A M A ZO N

This black and red pyramid case will look great Do you remember when Doctor Who took on As this model of the Batmobile from last years
on your geeky shelf as a piece of objet dart, but a little silver rat with some help from James Batman V Superman has been created using the
press a button and it tranforms, lifting a door Cordon in series six, episode 12 Closing Time? actual 3D models from the movie CGI, you know
to reveal the Book of Sith that slides effortlessly Well the clever people at Underground Toys its going to be frighteningly accurate. This is
into view. This is a fantastic way to present a have recreated it in full, TV show quality, only one for you to get stuck into yourself though it
Star Wars book on the Dark Side and comes a bit smaller! This little devil hunts, patrols and comes in kit form and says its for experienced
with a scrap of Sith burial shroud, battle map, changes direction when it hits an object. It has builders only and will need glue and paint for
Sith lightsaber crystal, Nightsister talisman, full motorised tail action and is six inches in the finished effect. Well worth a go though at
Galactic Empire poster and more. Wow. length. Thatll put the wind up granny! only 40.

70 GEEKY MONKEY FEBRUARY 2017

GM#17_070-071_GetThis.indd 70 12/01/2017 16:16


COLLECTABLES

Game of Thrones The Wall


Display Playset
3 5 // F O R B I D D E N P L A N E T. C O M

You dont have to break the bank to pick


up some excellent collectables, and Funko
are the best at creating fun displays and
action figures. This display piece of The
Wall from Game of Thrones caught our eye
for its absurdity. Its a great big block of ice
with some wooden stakes on the top. Little
Tyrion Lannister stands only three inches
tall, but he does come with his own tiny
goblet for all that drinking and knowing
things. Officially licensed by HBO, there
are many other figures you can add to the
set, with Jon Snow and his direwolf Ghost
being top of our list.

Game of Thrones Banners: Revell Star Wars AT-AT Aliens Pulse Rifle
Series 2 Easykit Bottle Opener
$ 2 0 ( 1 6) // T H I N KG E E K . C O M 6 0 // R E V E L L . D E / E N $ 1 8 ( 1 4 ) // G E E KG I R L S C O L L E C T I B L E S . C O M

So much work goes into a production like Game The Revell Easykit range is exactly that a way of Some cool movie collectables are huge, life-size
of Thrones that we never see. House Sigils that making models of your favourite movie vehicles replicas, some are medium scale models, others
flutter by on a flag in the background are a without all that gluing, painting and hoping it are tiny pocket-sized bits of fun, just like this
great example. Someone has taken the time to holds together. All the pieces of the iconic Star Aliens Pulse Rifle Bottle Opener we found on
design amazing symbols and iconography for Wars AT-AT are prepainted and simply click the Geek Girls Collectibles website. All your
the show, so its only right their work should be together by following the simple instructions. friends will think youre a badass if you open
applauded. What better way than with these You need to be gentle as you can easily break bits your beers up with a M41A Pulse Rifle, as used
banners that you can string along the ceiling of when separating them from their moulds, but by the United States Colonial Marine Corps in
your geeky pad? with a bit of care youll have a fine AT-AT model. the late 22nd Century.

w w w.geeky mon key.tv 71

GM#17_070-071_GetThis.indd 71 12/01/2017 16:16


MEGA MACHINE

E VENT
HORIZON
WHERE WERE GOING, WE WONT NEED EYES TO
SEE. EXPLORE THE SHIP THAT TRAVELLED BEYOND
THE BOUNDARIES OF OUR UNIVERSE, AND SEE WHAT
IT BROUGHT BACK WITH IT.

T
he genres of horror and science fiction tend to blur into one another. Its not
too surprising when you think about it; both often deal with mankind
facing the mysterious and unknown, usually in a dangerous and
inhospitable environment, with characters struggling to survive against
overwhelming odds. There are dozens of great examples of sci-fi horror films, from
Ridley Scotts classic Alien (1979), which is essentially a slasher movie, to the
zombie pandemic of Danny Boyles 28 Days Later (2002), but for many people the
quintessential science fiction horror film is the terrifying Event Horizon (1997),
directed by Paul W.S. Anderson and starring Lawrence Fishburne, Sam Neill and
Joely Richardson.
Although it was a commercial flop and was panned by most critics at the time
of its release, Event Horizon has attracted a cult following over the past two
decades, and its not hard to see why; its pure gothic horror, a classic haunted
house movie set on a giant spaceship. Some critics have described it as The
Shining in space and with good reason. Sam Neill delivers a genuinely chilling
performance as the insane Doctor William Weir, but the undoubted star of the
film is the doomed ship Event Horizon itself, which is just as memorably creepy as
the Overlook Hotel.
The design of the ship is fantastically evocative, a long aggressive shape that
looks like a cross between a human skeleton and a Klingon D-10 Battlecruiser. The
nose section seen from the front looks like a human skull, the central fuselage has
sections and ridges resembling a spinal column, while the rear outriggers look like
a pair of outstretched skeletal arms. The sheer size of the ship is also intimidating;
it dwarfs Fishburnes Lewis and Clarke rescue ship. The production model used in
filming the exterior sequences was suitably impressive. It was 30ft long, complete
with working lights, created by Joel Hynek and David B. Sharp of Mass Illusion,
who had also created production models for Judge Dredd (1995) and Starship
Troopers (1997), and would also go on to work on The Matrix (1999).
The interior sets are also superb, full of arches and flying buttresses, making it
look like a space-going version of Draculas castle, complete with dismembered
corpses. The rotating walls of the corridor to the engine room look like the interior
of an industrial mincing machine, the sliding doors have inexplicable spikes that
must contravene a dozen health and safety rules, while the spinning spiked rings
of the ships gravity drive core look like something from a medieval torture
chamber. Its all designed to emphasise the lurking terror of a ship thats literally
travelled to Hell and back. Some aspects of the set design have been compared to
James Camerons Aliens, which is no coincidence; set decorator and production
designer Crispian Sallis worked on both films. Some of the interior sets were huge,
with one including a 65ft deep shaft. As well as the many physical sets, the film
also included some CGI elements. While its only fair to say that some of the CGI
has not aged well, there are still plenty of impressive visual effects, created by
London-based company Cinesite, who have gone on to become one of the most
respected CGI houses in the industry, working on many other films including all
eight films of the Harry Potter franchise and most of the recent Marvel Cinematic
Universe movies.
While Event Horizon still has its critics, theres no doubt that the ship itself
will long be remembered as one of the great mega machines of all time. GM
UIP

72 GEEKY MONKEY FEBRUARY 2017

GM#17_072-073_MegaMachine.indd 72 12/01/2017 19:19


EVENT HORIZON
HAS AT TRACTED A
CULT FOLLOWING
OVER THE PAST
TWO DECADES, AND
ITS NOT HARD TO
SEE WHY

GORE ON THE FLOOR

While the theatrical release of


Event Horizon was 96 minutes
long, Andersons original cut
was 130 minutes, and included
a lot more scenes of gore and
horror. When studio executives
saw a test screening of this
version they ordered the director
to make cuts to remove a lot of
the gore. Anderson stated in
a 2012 interview that hed like
to release a directors cut that
restores around ten minutes of
the missing footage. However,
apparently most of the deleted
Words: CLIFF SMITH scenes have been lost apart from
He knows his stuff one VHS tape, so who knows if
well ever see it released.

w w w.geeky mon key.tv 73

GM#17_072-073_MegaMachine.indd 73 12/01/2017 19:19


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GM#17_074-075_Subs.indd 75 12/01/2017 19:21


76 GEEKY MONKEY JANUARY 2017

GM#17_076-077_LeadReview.indd 76 12/01/2017 19:22


Given keys to a hospital wing he has paid for,
the parallels to real-life are there for all to
see in The Lying Detective.

[TV]

Sherlock: Season 4
C R E AT E D B Y M A R K G AT I S S , S T E V E N M O F FAT // S TA R R I N G B E N E D I C T C U M B E R B AT C H , M A R T I N F R E E M A N , A M A N D A
A B B I N G T O N , U N A S T U B B S // C H A N N E L , B B C O N E

M IF YOU WANT TO CREATE HIGHLY


ark Gatiss opener for the fourth series of one of the
most popular TV dramas in the world really put the
proverbial moggy amongst the flying rats so much WATCHABLE TV, YOU HIRE THE
so, the writer even penned a poetic riposte to a Guardian
reviewer who accussed the series of turning into James Bond.
BRILLIANT TOBY JONES
Its true, Cumberbatchs rough and tumble action did suggest
that director Rachel Talalay would do well in Sam Mendes
canvas chair, but as Gatiss rightly points out, Holmes always arcs. The episode ultimately gets Sherlock and John back
was a bit tasty with his fists. together, ready for The Final Problem. Episode three may well
At its best, Sherlock always found inventive ways to prove to be the last, certainly for some time, as the careers of
bring Conan Doyles world into the 21st century, and the Freeman and Cumberbatch refuse to falter.
series opener was at its best when providing strong parallels The Lying Detective jettisoned some fans who just
to the source material, with The Six Napoleons being changed couldnt cope with the same dizzying splatter of fragmented
to Thatchers, but the source material plot was soon sidelined fantasies, those perception puzzles which are pelted at the
for the epic and tragic story arc which inevitably (especially screen for the first nine-tenths of every episode, before
since the publicised split between Martin Freeman and somehow hopefully settling into a logical order by the
on-screen wife Amanda Abbingdon) restored the original end credits, but those who kept on riding this wild beast
balance between Sherlock and John, widowed just as his of a show are ultimately the winners. Because its clear by
Victorian forebear was. Mary Watsons history as some now that Steven Moffatt and Mark Gatiss arent under the
kind of ninja assassin always felt like a distraction from impression that theyve created a watertight detective series,
what made the show tick, so hopes were high that The Six a neat tribute to the Sherlock Holmes legend. Theyre in the
Thatchers was a palate cleanser for a more traditional, albeit same business as Patrick McGoohan was with The Prisoner,
BBC/HARTSWOOD FILMS/JOSS BARRETT/ROBERT VIGLASKY/COLIN HUTTON

short, new series. or David Lynch with Twin Peaks creating flawed but gob-
Its certainly the case that if you want to create highly smackingly memorable television that never fails to get a
watchable TV, you hire the brilliant Toby Jones, tell him reaction from the complacent viewer.
that theres no such thing as overacting, and then stand Sherlock is guilty of many of the crimes its detractors
well back, and Jones did not disappoint in the role of second can fling at it its messy, it panders to its hardcore fans,
episode villain and unsubtle Jimmy Savile cipher Culverton and can be frequently obnoxious. But the fact is, if cult TV
Smith. His name was the same as the murderer in the source conventions are still a thing in fifty years time, Sherlock fans
material, The Dying Detective, which similarly put Sherlock will still be there, discussing and celebrating the shows flaws
seemingly at deaths door, but once again, this nod to Conan and virtues with the same obsessive glee. Thats what makes
Doyle was only the jumping off point for the traditional good telly. GM
grandstanding, mind-scrambling set pieces and character

w w w.geeky mon key.tv 77

GM#17_076-077_LeadReview.indd 77 12/01/2017 19:23


REVIEWS

[FILM] [BLU-RAY]
Assassins Creed Doctor Who: The Power of the
Daleks Steelbook
DIREC TOR , JUS T IN KUR ZEL // S TA RRING , JE A N- 2 5 // S TA R R I N G , PAT R I C K T R O U G H T O N ,
JUL IEN BA RONNE T // S T U D I O , F O X / U B I S O F T A N N E K E W I L L S // S T U D I O , 2 E N T E R TA I N

Assassins Creed is Ubisoft and 20th The BBCs crazy policy of wiping videotapes
Century Foxs maiden voyage into the realm back in the day (you did what?!) has been
of videogame movies, and while we had a thorn in the side of Doctor Who fans for
(reasonably) high hopes for this one, the generations. Luckily, the audio for this 1966
curse of pixel-based movie adaptations sadly Patrick Troughton second Doctor Who story
continues unbroken. was discovered and remastered, then the
The film, an original story set in the same BBC (presumably trying to make amends)
world as the popular game series, may be commissioned a team of animators to recreate
loaded with a series of killer set pieces, but the six stories, using the original shooting
not even the stunning production values can scripts and camera angles, producing this
detract from the fact that this is probably the magnificent six-part Doctor Who animation.
dullest flick weve seen in years. All the whizz The steelbook presentation of the project is
bang effects and vertigo inducing Parkour the ultimate Doctor Who collectors piece and
stunts in the world dont detract from the fact comes with excellent extras. A Making Of, test
that the cast clearly has no idea (or interest) in animation and the rare snippets of video that
whats going on from one scene to the next. did survive the BBCs culling are all included,
Its a real shame, because the two studios along with a variety of audio commentaries.
appeared to have the recipe for success, but While the effort that has gone into this Doctor
clearly didnt allocate enough time to fix Who regeneration project must be applauded,
the narrative snafus that ultimately cause we have to say that the jerkiness of the
this New Year clunker to crash and burn in animation surprised us, being more Ivor the
spectacular fashion. Engine than Futurama, but its still a must have.

[BOOK] [BLU-RAY] [BLU-RAY]


Steven Universe Vol.1 Donnie Darko Morgan

1 1 // A U T H O R S , C O L E M A N E N G L E , J E R E M Y 1 3 // S TARRING , JAK E GY L L ENH A AL , JEN A 1 5 // S TA R R I N G , K AT E M A R A


S O R E S E , R E B E C C A S U G A R // P U B L I S H E R , T I TA N M ALONE // S T U D I O , A R R O W V I D E O // S T U D I O , 2 0 T H C E N T U R Y F O X

If youve not been entranced by Adventure Time Originally released in 2001, Donnie Darko took Were not sure what to make of Morgan. A
veteran Rebecca Sugars own cartoon series as a while to find its audience, mainly down to Gripping Sci-fi Thriller the DVD claims, well we
yet, A) Youre crazy, get on it, and B) You can a bodged distribution. Director Richard Kelly found it a bit pedestrian. A human experiment
still enjoy this perfectly realised comic book described his movie as The Catcher in the Rye as kept locked up in a glass box for most of its life
spin-off, as the stories inside stand alone, and told by Philip K. Dick, so that should be enough is only going to end one way, so when Morgan
dont require too much knowledge of the world to excite all geeks. This new blu-ray version goes postal and starts ripping people apart with
of the Crystal Gems to follow. If you miss any is rammed with quality - a 4K restoration of her bare hands, theres no shock factor, just
one thing its Sugars wonderful music, but for two movie cuts, audio commentaries, new inevitability. Some great actors are wasted here,
fans of the show, this is a great way to get more interviews, production diaries, music videos Paul Giamatti, Toby Jones and Game of Thrones
Steven for your buck. and a collectors booklet. Well worth the 13. Rose Leslie to name a few. Maybe rent it.

78 GEEKY MONKEY FEBRUARY 2017

GM#17_078-082_Reviews.indd 78 12/01/2017 19:29


[DVD] [GAME]
Z Nation: Season 3 Steep

2 5 // S TA RRING , K EL L I TA SMI T H , DJ QUA L L S 3 9 // P S 4 , P C , X B 1


// S T U D I O , S P I R I T E N T E R TA I N M E N T // S T U D I O , U B I S O F T

If youve all but given up on AMCs The Walking Woah, dudes! This is the most bodacious open
Dead and are on the lookout for an apocalyptic world game the Geeky Monkey team has ever
alternative, then look no further than SyFys Z played! The snow just goes on and on in a
Nation, a goofier, somewhat more light-hearted fully realised mountain range packed full of
approach the unstoppable zombie genre. Sure, craggy outcrops, death-defying slopes and
it doesnt have the same kind of mega-budget drop zones where you can plonk yourself in
Robert Kirkman & Co have at their disposal, the middle of nowhere and attempt to navigate
but dont let that detract you from the fact that down the mountain on skis, a snowboard,
this is still an enjoyable, and often hilarious, paraglider or wingsuit to fly your way down!
show where apparently nothing is off limits. Ubisoft Annecy has done a superb job, you can
From hard-on sporting zombies, to undead almost feel the snow crunching beneath your
plants, nuclear holocausts, zombie babies and boots, and the inclusion of GoPro cameras to
re-animated severed heads. It would appear create extreme videos as you race gives the
that to the creators of Z Nation there isnt much game an extra boost of fun. With Explorer
out there they dont consider too far-fetched for mode for completionists, Freestyler to focus on
the world their show takes place in. This third tricks, Bone Collector for the best stunts and
season is no exception as it weaves together crashes and Freerider that mixes all three, we
madcap moments, mysterious organisations have no doubt that Steep is the most amazing
and, um aliens? As well as a somewhat winter holiday you can imagine, wrapped
irksome cliffhanger finale that set fans into a up in a neat package for PS4, Xbox One and
frenzied rage last year. Windows. Well done chaps!

[BLU-RAY]

Marvels Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.


Season 3
3 5 // S TA R R I N G , C L A R K G R E G G , C H L O E B E N N E T
// S T U D I O , WA LT D I S N E Y H O M E E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Marvels Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. has taken fans on quite a ride throughout


the third season; from the Inhumans to Hydra with adventures taking
place on Earth and far beyond, its been action packed. As well as taking
inspiration from the comic Secret Warriors, connecting the Hydra and
Inhumans storylines, this third season also runs parallel to the film
Captain America: Civil War. What makes Marvels TV and cinematic
universe so compelling to watch is the fact that it all connects up; it
feels as though youre always involved in Marvels world. However,
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. will never have the gritty feel of Marvels Netflix
counterparts, but its a welcome change from that dark and grisly world.
Running longer than Marvels Netflix series, the 22 episodes never
feel like theyre dragging. Each unfurls nicely, developing the characters
and plot at an easy pace. The 5-disc blu-ray is a satisfying binge-watch for
fans preparing for events to come as the third season crescendos towards
an action packed and emotional finale. The scene is set for the next season
and there are exciting developments to come as the next deals with the
fallout of the events of Captain America: Civil War. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
isnt going anywhere fast and this third season is its best yet.
ABC/MARVEL

w w w.geeky mon key.tv 79

GM#17_078-082_Reviews.indd 79 12/01/2017 19:30


[FILM]

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story


D I R E C T E D B Y, G A R E T H E D WA R D S // S TA R R I N G , F E L I C I T Y J O N E S , D I E G O L U N A , B E N M E N D E L S O H N
// S T U D I O , L U C A S F I L M

A THIS MOVIE IS ALMOST


new Star Wars movie is always cause for celebration,
and the fact that were getting one a year for the
foreseeable future sends us into a Force frenzy. The UNIQUE IN THAT EVERY
template set up by George Lucas before he sold the farm
gives any director who takes the reins a running start
MAJOR CHARACTER IS GOING
its very hard to get a Star Wars movie wrong. A troubled TO DIE
hero check. Evil overlords check. Rebel army check. A
seemingly impossible mission check. Rogue One has it all,
but British director Gareth Edwards and writers Chris Weitz What we would rather not remember is Lucasfilms
and Tony Gilroy have punctuated the movie with enough decision to bring back Peter Cushing from the dead. The
fresh ideas, characters and sass to make this feel like a BAFTA award-winning Hammer Horror actor was 64 when
welcome departure from the Episode sequence. A prequel he played Grand Moff Tarkin in 1977s A New Hope. As the
and sequel rolled into one, Rogue One slots neatly between commander of the Death Star he had to appear in Rogue
Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope. One, but what could have been a knowing nod for fans
While Felicity Jones does a good job of bringing has turned into a nightmare with a full CGI Peter Cushing
Jyn, the troubled daughter of Galen Erso (the scientist mask on actor Guy Henry and serious screen time. The
who created the Death Star) to life, there is not much to result is very unsettling, looking more like a PS4 character
differentiate the charaacter from last years Rey. Both than movie-quality work, and in our view unnecessary.
had troubled childhoods, are rescued from their meagre As Rogue One builds to its inevitable cruscendo and
existence, buddy up with a band of rebels and become the Death Star plans are delivered to a CGI young Princess
skilled fighters. What seperates them is Rey has the Force Leia (its not a spoiler, you knew it was coming) you realise
on her side, and a story to be continued. that this movie is almost unique in that every major
There are many new characters in Rogue One to enjoy, character is going to die. They cant live, or they would
some human, some alien, including Weeteef Cyubee the surely have turned up in the four episodes that came after.
first time Warwick Davis has been given a blaster! The That gives the ending a sadness that we werent expecting.
stand-out performance for us is Chirrut mwe, played by We would love to see more of Jyn Erso, and dare we say
Chinese martial arts expert Donnie Yen. Blind and armed that K-2SO is our new favourite droid? Great one-liners.
with only a staff and bowcaster, he is a believer in the Force, Rogue One is a worthy addition to the Star Wars
although it is doubtful that he actually has the ability to franchise. While is may be jarring in places, its certainly
channel it himself. His good humour and pivotal role make streets ahead of the Lucas prequels.
him a genuine Star Wars hero to be remembered.
LUCASFILM

80 GEEKY MONKEY FEBRUARY 2017

GM#17_078-082_Reviews.indd 80 12/01/2017 19:30


REVIEWS

[PODCAST]

Mission Log:
A Roddenberry Star Trek Podcast
L E N G T H , 1 H O U R // F R E Q U E N C Y, W E E K LY // H O S T S , K E N R AY, J O H N C H A M P I O N
// U R L , M I S S I O N L O G P O D C A S T. C O M

For almost five years Mission Log has been tackling Star Trek, one episode at a time. It
has taken dogged determination on behalf of hosts John Champion and Ken Ray to stick
to their mission statement of covering each individual episode (including The Animated
Series) and films of all the Star Trek series in chronological broadcast order, from The
Original Series pilot onwards.
Theyre currently on The Next Generation, having reached season five. Theyve yet to
tackle the final two seasons of TNG, and then have to work through everything else before
theyll reach Discovery unless they run the new show in parallel with the retrospectives.
During the run they have broken format for occasional supplemental specials, such as
interviews with Star Trek alumni and fans. The podcast follows a neat formula. After some
welcoming banter, one of the hosts offers a witty act-by-act recap, before they plunge
into an in-depth discussion. Their stated mission is to tackle the messages and morals
presented, and to explore whether these and the episode itself stand up to scrutiny today.
Both hosts are experienced podcasters, with Champion having created DVD extras
and interviewed convention guests, while Ray is a radio professional whose previous
podcast focused on Apple news. The pair have an easy banter and their in-depth
knowledge comes across naturally. Laced with humour, they nonetheless dissect Star Trek
seriously. While giving Roddenberry the credit he deserves, Mission Log also credits the
others who have contributed to Star Treks long and on-going success. Looking to reignite
your Star Trek enthusiasm? Mission Log can help!

[AUDIO DRAMA] [BOOK] [GAME]


The Prisoner: Volume 1 Pinewood: The Story of an LEGO Dimensions:
iconic studio Fantastic Beasts
3 5 // W R I T E R & D I R E C T O R , N I C H O L A S B R I G G S 2 6 // A U T H O R , B O B M C C A B E 3 3 // A L L C O N S O L E S A N D P C
// S T U D I O , B I G F I N I S H P R O D U C T I O N S // P U B L I S H E R , P R E FA C E P U B L I S H I N G // S T U D I O , WA R N E R B R O S I N T E R A C T I V E G A M E S

Theres no denying the quality of every Big Tucked away just off the M3 is an enchanted So Fantastic Beasts was a bit of a movie
Finish audio drama this company is keeping world of movie magic, the tragedy has always disappointment then, Look at our cool CGI
some of the most beloved British sci-fi stories been that the public is not allowed past the monsters we like to call it. Not a patch on in
going long after their TV sell-by date. Their smartly dressed commissionaire on the gate. interwoven storytelling JKR put into the Harry
Prisoner series is a wonderful reimagining Luckily Preface has published this weighty book Potter series. But then this was a movie based
of the Patrick Magooan original that doesnt that explores the movies, stars and behind- on a pamphlet that Harry owned, so what
simply continue the stories, but bring the show the-scenes marvels that have made Pinewood do you expect? What story there was can be
bang up to date. How do they do it? With high Studios a world-leader in motion picture retold throught the joys of LEGO, and as ever
production values, professional actors and the production. Our Ed would like it known that he Travellers Tales has done a sterling job of this
passion of writer, director and sometimes voice has been past the gate, and met Pierce Brosnan Story Pack six levels with all the magic spells
star Nicholas Briggs. Treat your ears. on the set of The World Is Not Enough. Nice. and characters crammed in.

w w w.geeky mon key.tv 81

GM#17_078-082_Reviews.indd 81 12/01/2017 19:30


[DVD]

WWE: The True Story of the Royal Rumble


2 5 // STARRING, MICHAEL HAYES, KEVIN NASH, SHAWN MICHAEL S, STEVE AUSTIN, THE ROCK
// S T U D I O , F R E M A N T L E H O M E E N T E R TA I N M E N T

O
n paper this is a great concept, and exactly the sort of while Shawn Michaels and Steve Austins dominance barely
document that fans love. Essentially, The True Story registers. There are years that are hardly mentioned at all.
of the Royal Rumble is a documentary chronicling the Still, the material you do get is phenomenal, but it
history of one of WWEs most enduring gimmick concepts. does come with the caveat that you will be hungry for more
Its similar to The True Story of Wrestlemania. Various stuff, that youll just never receive. Regardless, its a hugely
veterans, members of management, and crew alongside enjoyable release on both DVD and blu-ray.
numerous wrestlers, offer soundbites as were taken on Outside of the main feature are several extra stories,
a loose journey through previous editions. This is neatly including an astonishing bit of footage of Batista suffering a
wrapped in the framework of the most recent Rumble pre-rumble wardrobe malfunction, and attempting to find
being staged. Both aspects are fascinating; from the rare someone to repair the damage.
behind-the-scenes glimpses of pre-show chat and wrestler Theres also an abundance of actual bouts. These range
arrivals, to the hindsight-filled reflections. It really is unique from several Rumbles, to various key undercard clashes. The
and utterly gripping watching the performers prepare, Rumbles inaugural Battle Royal is thrilling historically, 2007
and catching glimpses of behind-the-scenes planning and is exciting stuff, and the 2001 entry is blistering from start to
discussions. Like the Wrestlemania version though, it could finish. A couple of the other scraps are very good indeed too.
be much more, and often leaves a knowledgeable viewer The exhilarating Orient Express/Rockers tag effort from 1991,
shaking ones head in disbelief. CM Punks compelling WWE title defence against The Rock,
The weirdness here comes from the gulf in approach and last years Becky Lynch/Charlotte battle. 1997s Texan
between superstars, towards how they discuss the topic. Some homecoming for Shawn Michaels is hardly a great WWE title
completely speak within storyline terms and do not break match, but it is a tremendous scene.
character, and cautiously steer clear of potentially irritating Even the worst material (Ultimate Warriors gob
management. Others basically say what they like and are smacking, deflating WWE title loss to Sgt. Slaughter), and the
much more compelling. Michael Hayes literally uses the words poor 1994 Rumble, are still worth revisiting.
the audible was called (which basically means a change
in plans was decided upon on the spot) while Kevin Nash
hilariously recalls refusing to follow plans and throw Dolph THE WEIRDNESS HERE
Ziggler out of the match. These anecdotes really make for
terrific entertainment. COMES FROM THE GULF
FREMANTLE HOME ENTERTAINMENT

The other problem however, is in the brevity of the main


documentary (64 minutes). Its not enough time to encompass
IN APPROACH BETWEEN
nearly three decades worth of shows. The Hulk Hogan era SUPERSTARS
is skipped entirely (thats a corporate decision however),

82 GEEKY MONKEY FEBRUARY 2017

GM#17_078-082_Reviews.indd 82 12/01/2017 19:30


Ad.indd 1 12/01/2017 15:41
Its enough to confuse
the middle-aged gamer.
Mario, on a non-Nintendo
Super Mario Run
games machine. What i O S 7. 9 9 //
next? Dogs and cats D E V E L O P E R , N I N T E N D O C O , LT D .
living together?

W A GREAT ADDITION TO THE


ell hes certainly Mario and he definitely doesnt
stroll anywhere, but is Nintendos first foray onto a
touchscreen device really that super? Very almost, ENDLESS RUNNER GENRE
but not quite. Possibly the first thing of note about this endless
run through the Mushroom Kingdom is that youve already
completed the first level. Yep, this is initially a remarkably the unusual decision to force you to play while holding the
breezy affair and one in which you only ever have one button screen in portrait orientation, which by rights should be what
to consider, and that button governs the timing and height youd expect from phone video footage recorded by someone
of your jump as you pelt across familiar landscapes, bottom- who doesnt understand the reasons behind widescreen
bounce Goombas, headbutt blocks and bound through arcs of cinematography rather than a horizontally hurtling runner
coins just because Princess Peach still doesnt understand the where you really need to know whats coming up.
benefit of hiring security before she throws a party. And its short. Youll be asked to spend the best part
Not only do you autorun, youll leap over minor obstacles of eight quid before youve really been given much of a
without having to do anything too, but despite such simplicity taste of the deeply rewarding intensity thats to come. Its
of control the the feel is unmistakable. This is a Mario game, all wonderfully crafted, sweetly inventive, bigger, better,
and it effortlessly elicits the emotional pull you should and full of reasons to return for higher scores and hidden
expect from anything by Nintendo that features their chief bonuses, but it can be completed and somewhat mastered
ambassador. Beautifully designed and ripe with hidden secrets in well under two hours. Oddly, its not another chance to
to uncover and areas to reach, its also Mario on an Apple rescue Peach that will continue to draw you back for more,
device, and that in itself suggest something worth trying, but rather the opportunity to beat other players ghosts in the
especially as the first few levels are available for free. Toad Rally competitive mode. Essentially a speed run battle
Unfortunately, since Game Boys continue to exist, it just against competitors from all over the world, its where youll
doesnt provide the most welcoming way to enjoy Mario should find yourself returning to demonstrate your single finger
you expect a mobile game to be guaranteed to actually work skills well after youve collected every star and managed to
when you are on the move. You need to be connected to the reach every previously inaccessible platform.
internet to play, and that means those looking to soothe the As fan service, Super Mario Run mostly impresses. As a
drawn-out grind of their daily commute are in for a potentially game for those who couldnt care less about a fat plumber and
frustrating experience should they not be guaranteed a signal. his inability to lose weight despite his exercise regime, its still
Nintendo, it seems, is more concerned with piracy than it a great addition to the endless runner genre that Nintendo
is about providing a game that can be enjoyed anywhere, at seems to have only just noticed, but has slickly mastered.
any time, on another manufacturers machine. Its also taken

84 GEEKY MONKEY FEBRUARY 2017

GM#17_084-086_Apps.indd 84 12/01/2017 19:31


STEAM & APPS

Bully: Anniversary Edition


i O S 4 . 9 9 // A N D R O I D 4 . 9 9
D E V E L O P E R , R O C K S TA R G A M E S

Originally castigated for being a bully


simulator by the insane maiden aunt that
is the UKs right wing press, the game
initially renamed Canis Canem Edit (in
a bid to ease such fears and, presumably,
promote an interest in Latin) quickly
proved that it was anything but. Telling the story of a
young lad abandoned at boarding school by an uncaring
mother and her new lover, it takes the GTA template and
blends it with a stew of tropes taken from American high
school movies rather than gangster flicks, and the result
is something warm, anarchic, often amusing and, above
all, as likely to brainwash a teenager as those episodes
of Grange Hill in which Gonch and Hollo hid a donkey
in a shed. Written with wit and more about dealing
with bullies rather than actually being a little bastard,
Bully on touchscreens holds up very well indeed. This is
partially thanks to auto-aimed catapults and sympathetic
controls, but mostly because the original game wasnt
chock with high-octane action. Rockstar, it seems, is
perfectly able to create games that dont try to impress
through hyper violence and can actually create enjoyably
insane worlds that arent drenched in blood and cussing.

Dawn of Titans
i O S F R E E // A N D R O I D F R E E
D E V E L O P E R , N AT U R A L M O T I O N

Ever heard the one about the game in which


you had to build bases, develop armies, level-
up powers and wait hours for timers to time-
out so you could do more of the same without
having to worry about in-app purchases?
Well Dawn of Titans is one of those, but dont
breathe let out a slow sigh quite yet as its got something
pretty magnificent on its side to justify its existence.
Yes indeed, this take on the well-worn genre features the
reliable every day beauty that is dawn! Actually, no. It features
titans, and real-time combat where these mythical giants
stomp around alongside tiny little infantry units as the player
draws pathways for them to follow across battlefields, and
you get to trigger a number of developing super titan effects.
The dawn aspect is just figurative. Despite that fact, the game
in general shines like a bright new day thanks to lavishly
detailed visuals and your constant desire to see exactly what
your titan can do to the little men and other big guys once you
spend resources to equip it with new and shiny items.
Addictive though lacking in a depth that would make it
cumbersome, this ones perfect for casual play, or if youre just
a graphics whore.

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GM#17_084-086_Apps.indd 85 12/01/2017 19:32


Galaxy on Fire 3: Manticore
i O S F R E E //
DE VELOPER, FISHL ABS

And to think it was all going so well. Weve got


extremely elegant deep space dogfighting, intense
action, wowing explosions, the opportunity to
develop your own mercenary outfit, a plethora of
main and side missions and even a story thats not
merely strapped on. The third Galaxy of War has an awful lot
going for it, except its price. Unlike its excellent predecessors
its a freemium title that requires the use of real and fantasy
currency to stop it from stalling, horribly. How horribly? If you
dont want to spend credits bought for with real cash youll have
to wait hours before you can even repair your ship. Then it gets
worse. Much, much worse.

Fast Food Rampage


i O S F R E E // A N D R O I D F R E E
DE VELOPER, ANCIENT G AMES

Taking place in an idyllic neighbourhood that


looks like it gets its papers delivered by the kid on
the BMX from Ataris 1985 classic Paperboy, this
enjoyable twin-stick shooter is all about realising
that all existence is meaningless, and gunning down
absolutely everybody you encounter. Or at least it would be if you
didnt play as a clown armed with a gun that blasts hamburgers
into peoples faces who then get super-sized and pop rather than
explode in a shower of entrails. Its a tongue-in-cheek game,
then, and one that makes a cheap joke about hipsters replacing
fast-food restaurants with health food emporiums, then asks you
to punish them with meat patties.

Ty the Tasmanian Tiger


S T E A M 1 0 . 9 9 //
DE VELOPER, KROME S TUDIOS

Did you know that one-third of all


contemporary mammals that have
become extinct have done so in
Australia? Go humans! Which brings
us neatly to this HD remastering of
the 2002 classic that was Ty the Tasmanian Tiger. Hes the last
of his kind and hes back in a game the likes of which you dont
see so much of these days. Its a 3D platformer that either rips off
Mario 64 or Crash Bandicoot, it really doesnt matter. What does,
however, is that this boomerang flinging Aussie mutt has returned
in fine original form, and would have made a far more reasonable
addition to Suicide Squad than George Digger Harkness.

86 GEEKY MONKEY FEBRUARY 2017

GM#17_084-086_Apps.indd 86 12/01/2017 19:32


UafE
asdf

issue 16 out now


News & Reviews n aerial Photography n developer diary
PRO ADVICE n DIY tutorials n buyers guide n & more

www.get-drone.today
facebook.com/DRONEMagUK twitter.com/DRONEMagUK instagram.com/DRONEMagUK

DM14[houseAd]v1.indd 1 12/01/2017 14:36


TECH KNOW
THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY // THE COOLEST GADGETS

A New World of Tech in Vegas


Celebrating its 50th year, the CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas is the one
place where all the tech giants get together to showcase the objects of desire youll be
pawning your grandparents to buy in the coming months.
Running from 5-8 January, this years CES had plenty to get excited about, and
alongside the usual lighter, thinner laptops, cheaper smartphones and wearable tech,
there were a few common themes that seemed to either offer alternatives to popular tech
or improve existing tech to a far greater degree. For example, there were plenty of Amazon
Echo clones spotted, as well as all manner of weird and wonderful add-ons for your virtual
reality set-up.
Transportation was another popular trend around the showfloor with smart cars,
electric cars and Google Assistants available to enable you to control your motor in ways
youve probably never considered.
For many people who attended CES 2017, the star of the show was a simple TV from LG.
While there was no shortage of flatter, brighter and larger displays there, there was one
that caught the eyes of everyone who saw it

50 YEARS OF [1968] [1970] [1977] [1981] [1983]


THE COMPUTER VIDEOCASSETTE APPLE II COMPACT DISC APPLE LISA
I N N OVAT I O N MOUSE RECORDER COMPUTER PLAYER
THE CES HAS BEEN RUNNING SINCE
1967, AND THE VERY FIRST ONE Douglas Engelbart TV as we knew it Apple introduces its After showing at CES It was this year that
SHOWCASED THE LATEST TECH SUCH was the first person was about to change Apple II computer in 81, 1982 saw the Apple revealed Lisa,
AS TRANSISTOR RADIOS AND BLACK the first computer
to create a prototype forever, as this was at the CES show release of the first CD
AND WHITE TVS. HERE ARE TEN OF
of a working computer the year that the first with an all-plastic player in the US, and that was designed to
THE MOST OUTSTANDING
INNOVATIONS THAT DEBUTED AT CES mouse, which was then videocassette recorder case just one year you would have had run a graphical user
THROUGH THE LAST 50 YEARS licensed to Apple for (or VCR) was shown to after launching the to take out a second interface controlled by
their Lisa computer. the world. wooden-cased Apple I. mortgage to buy one. a mouse.

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TECH KNOW

THE WEIRD AND THE


WONDERFUL
There are always things at CES designed
to baffle you and appeal to only those with
limitless wallets. Here are three of the
oddest tech innovations we spotted

L AUNDROID
If you dont have the time (or inclination)
to fold your own clothes then theres soon
going to be a robot to do it for
you. The Laundroid is
built into your cabinets,
and all you have to do is
simply toss in all your
clean and unfolded
clothes and the robot
arm inside will sort and
fold it all for you. The
LG OLED W7 downside? It currently
Signature Series takes around 10
minutes for it to fold a
P R I C E , A L O T // L G . C O M single T-shirt!

If you only gave the 77-inch LG W7 a casual


glance as you walked past it then you might
(just) be forgiven for not realising what an
amazing piece of technology it really is.
Take a closer look and youll see that its
the thinnest TV ever made, coming in at a
staggering 3.85mm. LGs OLED TVs require
no backlighting, allowing them to be so
thin, and OLED also gives you some of the HUSHME
most stunning colours and near-perfect Youd be forgiven for not quite
black levels on the market. understanding what the Hushme is at
Obviously this is a TV designed for first sight, and to be honest, even after
the wall, and its connected to a separate OUR VERDICT you have a more prolonged gaze at it,
soundbar that sits underneath the display. youll still be confused. The Hushme is a
This bar houses all the connections youll device that attaches to your face so that
need, plus manages to output stunning The attention showered on this TV by the any calls you make are done in private
Dolby Atmos sound, too. crowds at CES proves that its the way which apparently is ideal for offices
Before you get too excited though, the forward for TV design. Beautiful to look or trains, where taking calls can be
price is going to be prohibitive for all but at, and with a display thats the equal of considered antisocial. More antisocial
the super rich, but as with all technology, any other manufacturer, this is the TV that and creepy than wearing a plastic mask?
the cutting-edge and expensive stuff will well all eventually own when the price
eventually filter down to a price point that drops to a reasonable figure, naturally.
we can all afford. Worthy of its Best of Innovations Award.

[1983] [1985] [1995] [1997] [2007] SMARTER FRIDGECAM


MOBILE CD-ROM PLASMA TV DVD PLAYERS iPHONE You know how it is youre out
PHONES HIJACKING shopping and you really need to know
the contents of your fridge. How great
It was a big year for Three years after the Pretty much every Video cassettes were While journos wandered
would it be to have a camera installed
tech, as 1983 was the CD player, CD-ROM home now has one, about to become the the floors of CES, 400
same year that cellular became a reality, but it was a whopping thing of the past, as miles away in San so that, whenever you wish, you could
telephone service giving computer users 22 years ago that the this year the first DVD Francisco Steve Jobs see exactly whats in there. No? Well
was introduced, too, the opportunity to first flatscreen plasma player debuted in the announced an innovation Smarter seem to think it's a good idea,
wowing the tech heads store considerably television was unveiled United States. Time to that would hijack the even if 99% of rational people will
at CES. more data. at CES. re-buy your movies! show the iPhone. clearly disagree with them.

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Driving Ambition
Car tech is rampaging forward at a rapid speed of knots,
and this years CES had a wide range of stunning tech
from the big manufacturers. Obviously there was a slant
towards environmental issues and cleaner, smarter
engines, but there were plenty of other gems, too. Here
are some of the highlights.

T HE CO NC EPT- I IS A
C A R T HAT LEARN S
A B O U T IT S OW N ER T HE
M O R E T HEY USE IT

Toyota Ford
Looking like the classic car of the future from Eighties TV The Ford motor
shows and films, the Toyota Concept-i is the companys vision company will be
of future transportation. As you would expect, this is a car that producing no less than
can either be driven by the user or by the car itself, but more seven electric or hybrid
importantly, Toyota believe that the vehicles of the future should cars over the next
centre around the people that use them. The Concept-i is a car five years including
that learns about its owner the more they use it, developing a stunning hybrid
a relationship that they believe will improve the driving Mustang that go our
experience and also engage directly with the driver. How? Toyota reporter all excited. In
has created a cutting-edge interface nicknamed Yui, complete August of last year, Ford pledged to have a mass-produced, fully
with a visual representation that pops up on the dashboard and autonomous self-driving car on the road by 2021 by doubling its
also on exterior door panels to greet you as you walk towards the investment in the technology. Its an ambitious claim, but Ford
car. So, with a deep relationship build up with your car, whats believes that the first uses of its driverless cars will be for an
next, therapy when you come to sell it second hand? Uber-style ride-sharing service.

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TECH KNOW

Faraday Future FF91 Audi Parking Assistant


One of the shows highlights was the Working together with NVIDIA, Audi is Fancy ending the nightmare of driving
FF91 electric car. Going into production aiming to get a self-driving car up and for hours around a city trying to find
in 2018, the FF91 is, according to Faraday, running by 2020. They claim it will be somewhere to park? Boschs smart
the fastest accelerating electric car ever the smartest on the market! Theyre also automatic parking system uses sensors
designed, and has an impressive range of working on a semi-autonomous system to detect any available parking spots,
nearly 400 miles. Other features include called the Traffic Jam Pilot to be released measures them for you and then beams
facial recognition (replacing keys) and later this year, which will enable hands- all the information to its street map
cameras instead of wing mirrors. off driving at speeds of up to 35mph. software. Genius.

Combat Road Rage VW Personalised App Rinspeed Oasis


Hyundais answer to road rage is the The idea behind this app is to create an This one is really bonkers. Designed to be
Wellbeing car interior. Using biometric ID that can then be transferred from car a living room on wheels, the driverless car
tech it can monitor the drivers physical to car and not just your own, but if you will come with armchairs, TV and even
and mental state and adjust the cars need to hire one or travel in a friend or a garden. Its also hugely maneuverable,
interior lighting, sound and scent (yes, family members VW. The app will store with a zero radius turning circle, and as
really) to calm them down. How happy preferences so that when you get into the most of the panels are clear, its constantly
any mad drivers will be to be told by their new VW, the car will adapt itself to your flooded with natural light so, a bit like
car to calm down remains to be seen settings including seat and music! driving a goldfish bowl?

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GM#17_088-092_Tech.indd 91 12/01/2017 19:37


TOP GEAR
THE TECH WORLD IS A FOREVER EVOLVING LANDSCAPE, HERE ARE
FOUR GADGETS THAT HAVE CAUGHT OUR EYE THIS MONTH

Elephone P9000 Sunnycam Activ


1 6 0 // E L E P H O N E S T O R E . C O M // AVA I L A B L E , N O W 1 2 0 // P C W O R L D . C O . U K // AVA I L A B L E , N O W

Die-hard Apple fans who have grown disillusioned with the lack of Its the stuff of James Bond movies Q would be most proud of these
innovation in recent years would do well to turn their eye to the Android Sunnycam Activ camcorder sunglasses. They look like a regular pair of
market. More specifically the amazing smartphones coming from black shades, they even have UV400 protection, only theres a hidden
Chinese brands. You may not have heard of Elephone, but their P9000 1080p HD video camera right between the eyes. With a microSD port
is a clever piece of kit. A Helio P10 Deca Core processor with 4GB RAM you can slot in cards up to 64GB and record up to 11 hours of video, to
and a 5.5 inch 1080p screen makes this one speedy phone, ideal for the play back through any USB equipped piece of kit. Perfect for cyclists that
most gruelling of games. Add in a Sony 13MP camera, NFC, fingerprint want video evidence of the abuse they get on the roads, for thrill seekers
scanner, 1.6mm narrow bezels and a microSD slot to expand the memory to capture that extreme sporting event, or maybe to record of your entire
and we think this is truly up there with the big boys. Oh, and its 160! holiday from your own eyeballs perspective?

Fanatec CSL Elite Wheel Sengled Snap


5 8 6 // FA N AT E C . C O M // AVA I L A B L E , N O W 180 // EU. SENGL ED.COM // AVAIL ABL E, NOW

There are those who enjoy playing racing games with the joypad, those The dream of the fully automated home moves ever-closer with new tech
that treat themselves to a lap steering wheel, then those that take their appearing on the market all the time. Enter Sengled a tech company
videogame racing very seriously! The Fanatec range is for the serious that specialises in tech that plugs into light sockets! Yes they do bulbs,
gamer, at its heart it has a Wheel Base with powerful brushless servo but also wireless speakers, and security video cameras. The Sengled Snap
motor for super-smooth control and fast force feedback. Into this you can is just that a motion-detecting camera that you can mount into any
choose which steering wheel you want to slot from the 13 on offer, but screw light socket. Its suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, and out
they sell a bundle that comes with an Xbox One compatible wheel, the of the box will store your videos for 24 hours. Now here comes the catch,
P1. Finish off the set-up with a set of CSL Elite Pedals and Loadcell Brake. if you want one, seven or 30 day storage you must pay Sengled for the disc
Its the ultimate racing gear, with a price to match. space in their cloud. Still, a clever way of adding security to your home.

92 GEEKY MONKEY FEBRUARY 2017

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WIN! GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY POP! MARVEL FIGURES

CO MP E T I T I O N T IM E !
The stand out star of the first WITH GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2
Guardians of the Galaxy movie was
definitely Groot, motion-captured and COMING IN MAY, ITS THE PERFECT TIME TO
voiced by Vin Diesel.
CUSTOMISE YOUR GEEKY PAD WITH ONE OF
THESE EXCELLENT POP! MARVEL FIGURES
FROM FUNKO AND UNDERGROUND TOYS.

The ever-expanding Pop! Vinyl range has some really


cool Guardians of the Galaxy characters in it, under the
name Pop! Marvel. Standing just over 9cm tall with their
oversized features and wobbly heads, theyre a must-have
collectable. We just love the Dancing Groot, Rocket Racoon
A master of weapons and battle
and Star Lord trio, and weve got a bunch to give away to
tactics, Rocket was the genetically lucky Geeky Monkey readers.
engineered raccoon with attitude!

All youve got to do to win a Pop! Marvel figure is visit Geeky


Monkey on Facebook or Twitter, find the competition post,
Like, Share and Comment before answering the question you
will find there. Email us your answer along with this compo
entry code

GM17GROOT

facebook.com/geekymonkeymag
Theres one other name you might
know me by Star Lord. Chris Pratts
character from the movie is all twitter.com/thegeekymonkey
weaponed up and ready to go!
Well select the winners at random on 23 February. Good luck!

TERMS & CONDITIONS: Prizes subject to availability. Competition open to mainland UK and Northern Ireland residents only. Employees of Uncooked Media Ltd and their families are not eligible to
enter. The competition closes at 23:59 on 22 February, entries received after that time will not be counted. Winners will be selected at random on 23 February and contacted via email. Prizes will be
delivered to mainland UK and Ireland addresses only, we do not post prizes to Eire. Uncooked Media Ltd reserves the right to withdraw one or all prizes without notification. The Editors decision is final
and no correspondence will be entered into.

w w w.geeky mon key.tv 93

GM#17_093_Compo_UndergroundToys POP.indd 93 12/01/2017 18:39


THE RUNNING MAN
Y E A R , 1 9 8 7 // S T U D I O , R E P U B L I C P I C T U R E S // D I R E C T O R , PA U L M I C H A E L G L A S E R
S TA R R I N G , A R N O L D S C H WA R Z E N E G G E R , M A R A C O N C H I TA A L O N S O , R I C H A R D D AW S O N

ILL BE BACK
Words: NICK ROBERTS
80s throwback

W
hen the dystopian futures of sci-fi catch us up, weve got
to all take stock of our lives and look around us. With
the modern Colosseum of TV shows like Im a Celebrity
and Big Brother, Steven Kings vision of 2017 from his novel The
Running Man (under the pseudonym Richard Bachman) was
maybe not so far from the truth.
After a worldwide economic collapse, the US government
keeps the public subdued by broadcasting gameshows where
criminals have to run for their lives. With echoes of the gladiator
battles of ancient Rome, The Running Man is the most popular
show, hosted by the ruthless Damon Killian (Richard Dawson).
Runners must attempt to evade Stalkers around a large arena,
only the runners are in brightly coloured jumpsuits and the
stalkers are heavily armed. For the most part its certain death in
store, but those fast enough to make it out win the chance to be
pardoned by the state. Or do they?
The scene jumps to two years earlier where police chopper
pilot Ben Richards (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is convicted of a
massacre during a food riot, only he didnt do it. The killing was
staged by the government as a way of dealing with the rioters but
deflecting the blame. Escaping from a labour camp, Richards
goes in search of his brother, only to find Amber Mendez (Mara
Conchita Alonso) in his apartment. Attempting to kidnap her,
Richards is soon aprehended as Mendez worked for ICS, the TV
network famous The Running Man. With such a hunk on the
show, host Killian knows that Richards will be a ratings winner,
and does all he can to antagonize him into giving a great
performance for the baying crowd.
This movie was the perfect vehicle for Arnold
Schwarzenegger, who had a great run in the 80s from 1982s
Conan the Barbarian, through 1984s The Terminator, 85s
Commando and 87s Predator the same year as starring as Ben
Richards in this. The former Mr Olympia was born to play such
beefcake roles, and made them his own with his monosyllabic
delivery and rippling muscles.
A clever story of false media reports, slimy gameshow hosts
and the dangers of reality TV, The Running Man has become a
sci-fi classic in the 30 years since its release. It wasnt a big profit
earner for the studio though, costing $27 million to make and
only earning $38 million at the box office.
What the movie did do was go on to inspire some great
videogames. There were the officially licensed games for
Spectrum, Commodore 64, Amstrad, Amiga and Atari ST at the
time, but bigger than that, the subject of The Running Man
inspired Williams to create the arcade hit Smash TV three years
later where, set in the distant future of 1999, wave after wave of
enemies must be shot as players move from set to set on a
A CLEVER STORY OF FALSE
futuristic game show, batting for prizes and their lives. GM MEDIA REPORTS, SLIMY
The Running Man is available on both blu-ray and DVD with
GAMESHOW HOSTS AND THE
DANGERS OF REALITY TV
PARAMOUNT PICTURES

Schwarzenegger triple packs adding in Terminator 3 and The 6th


Day our top recommendation.

94 GEEKY MONKEY FEBRUARY 2017

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CLASSIC MOVIE

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TA N K S F O R
THE MEMORY
IF YOU LIKE YOUR TANK GAMES MASSIVELY MULTIPLAYER, AND
ONLINE, THEN THERES ONLY ONE GAME YOU NEED TO WORRY ABOUT
WARGAMINGS INCREDIBLE WORLD OF TANKS. WE HEAD TO SWEDEN FOR
A LOOK AT THE NEW SWEDISH TANKS TO MAKE THE GRADE

Words: STEVE HILL


Steve is a freelance journalist. He once drove a tank.

O
ne-hundred and ten million players cant be wrong. The percentage
of them that are paying customers is a closely guarded secret, but
the micro-transaction model appears to be working for Wargaming,
the Russian developer/publisher behind the remarkably popular
World Of Tanks. How successful? Suffice to say they claim to own
their own bank, and press trips to Russia are overseen by
bodyguards in case anybody gets kidnapped. Not bad for a company that was
initially started by four blokes in 1998.
Its Sweden that weve come to in this instance, specifically the Arsenalen Tank
Museum, home to a sizeable collection of hitherto mysterious Swedish tanks. Despite
the countrys historic neutrality, a wide range of innovative vehicles is on display,
including one designed to withstand a nuclear blast and the subsequent radiation.
Pride of place is taken by the venerated S-Tank. Shaped like a snow shovel, its
notable for its fixed turret, a bold design feature that requires the entire tank to be
manoeuvred in order to take aim. Of 290 built in the late 1960s, only 20-25 remain
in existence, and Arsenalen has a fully working model. Its driven around for our
entertainment by the museums curator (aka museichef), Stefan Karlsson, an
officer in the Swedish tank regiment from 1984 until its close in 2005. He first
drove an S-Tank at the tender age of nine, and never lost the love, resulting in an
impressive display in front of a handful of frozen journalists on the bleakest day
Sweden could muster. Following a series of non-military procedure handbrake
turns, Karlssons final salvo is lowering the front of the tank so that the turret
comes to rest on a length of tape.
Its a remarkable feat of engineering, and one that is now replicated in World Of
Tanks, where the S-Tank provides a showcase for the all-new Swedish tech tree. So
quirky is the S-Tanks control method that the game designers have had to come up
with a bespoke first person siege mode in order to accommodate it.
You aim and drive at the same time so its something that youre not that used
to, says Karlsson. Its easy to drive, but its hard to drive it well.
The same is true in-game, but the pay-off is its devastating power, able to mete
out serious damage from long range. And while it looks the part, as Karlsson says, If
it was too realistic it would be terribly boring. GM

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WARGAMING

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You aim and drive at the
same time, so its something
that youre not that used to
STEFAN KARLSSON, ARSENALEN TANK MUSEUM CURATOR

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Richard Cutland
MILITARY RELATIONS, WARGAMING

After 30 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, Richard Cutland now works full time for
Wargaming. He claims to have been to 99% of the worlds military museums.

How did this come about? Did Wargaming collector you may restore a vehicle, but it may
approach you to get involved? well be that you put a newer engine in, so its not
Yeah, I was still serving at the time. It was a exactly the same as the Sherman that was in that
phone call via the Tank Regiment Association particular time frame, its now got a Volkswagen
saying this company is looking for somebody engine or something.
with experience in armoured warfare to talk
to the community. So you get questions like Its an amazing level of detail that probably a
Whats it like to drive a tank? and Is this lot of people wouldnt even notice.
realistic? And from there it really manifested Absolutely, but our player base is so diverse,
itself and became something a lot bigger. My everybody from young children all the way
wife was saying, Its time you got a real job so I up to veterans. Theres a chap Im in regular
really took it from there. contact with who was serving in a Sherman on
D-Day, he plays the game. It is such a variety of
By their own admission World of Tanks is not people historians, gamers, Id love to say male
a simulator. Do you sit there and think, why is and female, but obviously predominantly were
he hiding behind a bush? talking male. Massively predominantly.
Ive been on many simulators, obviously, real
and non-real, and commercially available and The history of Swedish tanks is quite an odd
non-commercially available. And simulators are one, isnt it?
boring things, theres nothing really interesting I always think theyre quite hush-hush about it,
about a simulator. So a game has to be fun. At the WEVE INVESTED A LOT this peacekeeping role that some of their vehicles
end of the day if its not fun people arent going to OF TIME AND EFFORT had. If there was a revolution in Sweden, they
play it and people arent going to buy it. would be called upon. It was an internal dispute,
AND RESOURCES INTO some of the reasons behind it. But although they
One thing Wargaming has got right is the look ENGINE NOISES managed to maintain their neutrality, the world
of the tanks, and the historical accuracy. Can was at war so there was a need if needs be to
you see that with your knowledge? protect themselves. I think they were incredibly
When we talk about historical accuracy a lot canny to look at what was on the market, and the
of people think of just the visuals, which are There are certain aspects that I always chuckle price. Look at the S-Tank, it was a very advanced
relatively straightforward. But when youre about. You talk to players and they aim for the vehicle for that time in history. You could put
talking historical accuracy as far as armour coppola the bit at the top that the commander it up against most of todays modern tanks and
protection and ballistics and penetration values sticks his head out of. This is not a sniper rifle, yes its tiny comparison-wise, but its still pretty
and all that, it then becomes more complicated this is 120mm plus. And even today we have potent with the gun.
and there becomes the need for the balance computerised fire control systems and it takes
department. Lets take a vehicle that was, at that into account ballistic calculations, but even now Its never going to replicate being in a tank, but
particular time of armoured warfare, the best, you aim for the centre of it so youve got the best are there any tactical similarities in the game?
most heavily armoured vehicle and nothing could possible chance of hitting something. Like tank warfare, teamplay and working
penetrate it. It doesnt lend itself to good gameplay together is critical. Even in the game if you dont
when you put that in a game with something that We saw the S-Tank earlier. Its amazing for work together its very unlikely youre going
was perhaps developed ten years earlier that had them to have a working tank that they can then to win. And positioning of the vehicle is quite
no armour and a very poor gun. Nobody would put in the game. nicely replicated in the game. If you position your
ever play it, so its that very fine line between For us it made life a lot simpler because as well vehicle well and think about the direction of the
making the game fun and historically accurate. as doing the research on it weve invested a lot enemy, that situational awareness you have to
of time and effort and resources into engine have in-game and on the real thing.
You mentioned in the briefing aiming for the noises, so a lot of time was spent just recording
centre of observed mass. So when Im trying to them. And travelling the world trying to find Do you play a lot yourself?
pick off a track, that never happens the correct vehicle is difficult. If youre a private I do play whenever possible. Im terrible.

w w w.geeky mon key.tv 99

GM#017_096-099_Tanks.indd 99 12/01/2017 19:49


1982 WAS A BIG YEAR FOR GAMES, BUT NOT A VOLT OF
ELECTRICITY WAS USED. MB GAMES WAS ON A ROLL
WITH THEIR ARCADE TO BOARD GAME CONVERSIONS,
THIS TIME THE TURN OF SEGA CLASSIC ZAXXON

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GEEKY
MONKEY
KEEP UP WITH THE
LATEST GEEK TOY NEWS
RETRO AND MODERN
REMEMBERING

Z A X XON
THE BOARD G AME
WHAT THE HELL IS THE ZAXXON BOARD GAME?
The licensing team at MB Games must have been working overtime back in the early Eighties. Flushed
from the success of their Pac-Man (1980), Frogger (1981) and Donkey Kong (1982) arcade game to board
game conversions, they went on a spending spree to see what else they could convert from videogameland.
Zaxxon was a hit for SEGA in the arcades at the time, so that got the treatment next. Only, Zaxxon is a
fast-paced shoot-em-up. You can just imagine the looks on the faces of the development team at MB
when they were told to make a game of a shooting space ship. To be fair though, they did their best, and
there is a playable game here, its just incredible complicated.

WHY DID YOU WANT IT?


Well fans of the arcade original would have found it hard to replicate the experience of the zapping
gameplay at home in 1982 when this came out, so seeing the Zaxxon logo in a toy catalogue would have
got all kids of the 80s excited. With very little structured gameplay to convert into a board game, what
we ended up with here is quite a convoluted dice roll and move game for up to four players, with the
goal to reach the end of the board and blow up Zaxxon. You really need to read the instruction manual
through a few times before it clicks.

IS IT AS AWESOME AS YOU REMEMBER?


Success in Zaxxon The Board Game is pretty hit and miss because of the use of a spinner to create
random events. If you spin into the yellow you get to move the number of hexagons from the dice (or
increase and decrease the altitude of your ship), but land in blue or red and your ship can get blown up
and end up right back at the start! Hmm, not frustrating at all! The idea is to get your two blue (or red)
fighters to the Zaxxon (or work together as a team if youre playing a four player game). The spinner is
also used to denote what happens when you meet the Zaxxon, will you shoot it down or will it get you
first? Both planes need to shoot the Zaxxon in turn to win. With each section on the board having a new
set of rules to think about, playing ultimately becomes laborious.

CAN I GET ONE?


With no small parts, just chunky pieces of plastic, the Zaxxon games that have survived the last 35
years in storage are often in mint condition. They are collectors items these days, so expect to pay
around 30 from the usual ebay sellers.

100 G E E K Y M O N K E Y F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 7

GM#17_100-101_RetroGame.indd 100 12/01/2017 18:44


RETRO TOY

YOU CAN JUST


IMAGINE THE
LOOKS ON THE
FACES OF THE
DEVELOPMENT
TEAM AT MB WHEN
THEY WERE TOLD
TO MAKE A GAME
OF A SHOOTING
SPACE SHIP

Arrgh, the dreaded spinner


of doom. Land in anything
but yellow and it could
mean game over!

w w w.geeky mon key.tv 101

GM#17_100-101_RetroGame.indd 101 12/01/2017 18:44


GEEK CHIC
WHAT DO YOUR PANTS SAY ABOUT YOU?

SW E AT S H I R T S T-S H I R T S B AG S ACC E S S O R I E S
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102 G E E K Y M O N K E Y F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 7

GM#17_102_GeekChic.indd 102 12/01/2017 18:45


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Ad.indd 1 12/01/2017 15:42


PFS 1.indd 1 23/11/2016 13:08
TABLETOP
Words: ROB BURMAN
In a past life Rob was the editor of Tabletop Gaming magazine

2016 WASNT SO BAD AT LEAST NOT


FOR TABLETOP GAMES ANYWAY!

L
ast year has a pretty bad reputation for all manner of
reasons far too many celebrity deaths, Brexit and, of
course, the Peter Cushing CGI in Rogue One. However,
if youre into your tabletop games then 2016 was actually a
bumper year, offering up a whole host of quality game
experiences. So, with your wallets and purses full of
potential Christmas cash, lets take a look at some of the
games you should try and pick up before starting your wish
list for 2017.
Really, theres only once place to start and thats with
the massive hit Scythe (Stonemaier Games, 66.99). Set
within an alternative 1920s where lumbering mechs stride
across farms, Scythe was one of the most eagerly anticipated
releases of the year and, incredibly, it lived up to the hype.
Admittedly, its probably not one for more casual gamers, as
theres a lot of micro management, but if youre up for a
challenge, this is a hugely rewarding game.
Another notable release of 2016 was actually an updated
version of an existing game. Mansions of Madness: Second
Edition (Fantasy Flight Games, 92.99) took the Lovecraftian
investigations of the 2011 original but gave it a digital
makeover. Now, as well as moving pieces around the
beautifully detailed board you also have an accompanying
app that randomly generates monster encounters and even
plays some suitably chilling music as you play. This is a great
one to crack out, dim the lights and prepare for some scares!
If you fancy a more laid back experience, then definitely
take a look at Quadropolis (Days of Wonder, 37.99). Here
you take on the role of a town planner thats trying to create
the best city possible and score plenty of kudos in the
process. Using a grid to represent your bustling city, you
must place different tiles (residential, industrial, etc.) and try
to arrange them in the most efficient way possible. The
problem is that tiles are limited and other players might be
trying to snag the same ones! As usual it features Days of
Wonders exceptionally high production values and the
gameplay is super simple too.

104 G E E K Y M O N K E Y F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 7

GM#17_104-105_TableTop.indd 104 12/01/2017 19:50


YOULL BE FACING
OFF AGAINST YOUR
OPPONENT BY
BUILDING A DECK
OF CHARACTERS,
WEAPONS AND
VEHICLES, AS WELL
AS ROLLING DICE
TO TRY AND LAND
HITS ON THEM

Unfortunately one of the top choices from 2016 has


proved so popular that its currently out of stock so
heres hoping for a re-print. In Escape from the Aliens in
Outer Space (Osprey Games, 29.99) some of you are
playing humans that are attempting to escape a space
station, while your opponents are aliens that are trying to
gobble you up! The problem is that youre not sure who is
who. The only way to try and work out the secret
identities is by plotting their movements on some handy ONES TO WATCH THIS YEAR
wipe clean maps of the space station. The game is an
absolute hoot with a large group of players and is
definitely worth tracking down. Phew after all those great games in 2016 it looks
One of our choices just managed to squeeze into 2016, like the next year is going to be just as busy with
but its an absolute belter. Star Wars Destiny (Fantasy Flight new releases. Perhaps one of the most interesting
Games, 13.99) is a collectable card and dice game set in the will be Fantasy Flights RuneWars: Miniatures
Game. This is a large-scale fantasy battle game
that will require dozens of miniatures in order to
IF YOU FANCY A MORE LAID play. After Games Workshop killed off Warhammer
BACK EXPERIENCE, THEN Fantasy and replaced it with the more skirmish-
friendly Age of Sigmar, itll be interesting to see if
DEFINITELY TAKE A LOOK AT this fills the gap left behind.
QUADROPOLIS Elsewhere, American publisher Cool Mini
or Not has a bumper crop of games, including
a new Arcadia Quest. However, the one thats
Star Wars universe. In a similar vein to two-player classics causing the biggest stir is a dungeon crawler
such as Dice Masters and Magic: The Gathering, youll be called Massive Darkness. Theres an interesting
facing off against your opponent by building a deck of light/dark mechanic for this and the Kickstater
characters, weapons and vehicles, as well as rolling dice to campaign went suitably bonkers and raised
try and land hits on them. The pace is frenetic and the Star millions. If its half as good as Zombicide then this
Wars license is worked in nicely. Expect this to be a popular will be a sure-fire hit.
one throughout this year and beyond! Another game that did very well on
Finally, hit game Codenames was updated in the Kickstarter was Dark Souls: The Board Game
form of Codenames: Pictures (Czech Games Edition, by UK publisher Steamforged Games. Based on
15.99). Now instead of trying to link words together to the hugely popular videogame franchise, this
reveal the locations of spies to your playing partner you attempts to translate the rock hard gameplay
have to decipher slightly crazy pictures. Definitely one for onto the tabletop. This is a co-operative game
parties potentially after a few drinks! GM where youre likely to die a lot.

w w w.geeky mon key.tv 1 0 5

GM#17_104-105_TableTop.indd 105 12/01/2017 19:51


RETRO CHIC
OR RETRO BLEAK?
A LOOK BACK OVER THE GEEKY FRANCHISES OF
RECENT YEARS REVEALS THAT OUR SCREENS
ARE DROWNING IN NOSTALGIA. ITS THE AGE OF
THE REMAKE AND GENERATION SEQUEL, WHERE
ONLY RETRO REBOOTS AND LONG-STANDING
FRANCHISES CAN SURVIVE. BUT HAS IT GONE
TOO FAR? DO WE REALLY NEED ALL THESE
REHASHED IDEAS? ITS TIME TO TAKE A LOOK
AT WHAT MAKES RETRO SO POPULAR AND
WHETHER OR NOT IT EVER REALLY WORKS.

Words: RYAN LESTON


Hes a geek, and proud.

106 G E E K Y M O N K E Y F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 7

GM#17_106-112_RetroChic.indd 106 12/01/2017 20:13


T
wo thousand and sixteen was a bumper year for retro films
and TV shows. We saw Stranger Things reach dizzying
heights as a pop-culture phenomenon, and the likes of
Ghostbusters and even a new Star Wars movie packing out
cinema screens. Nostalgia rules whether its sequels,
remakes or entire franchise reboots, weve seen them all.
And yet, studios continue to churn them out by the bucket load. Do we
really need a remake of Stephen Kings IT? Will The Crow bring anything
new to the table? Like it or not, were soon going to find out
Nostalgia is all the rage, but ironically its nothing new. Its no
secret that pop culture is addicted to its own past, with film and TV
studios clinging onto the successes of earlier decades. Youre bound to
have noticed it if you grew up during the 70s and 80s youll have seen
some of your fondest childhood memories being dragged back to the
big screen. Ghostbusters, Star Wars, even The BFG have found their
way back into popular culture. And theres plenty more where that
came from. Weve seen The X-Files return for a long-awaited new
series, and even The Crystal Maze back for a one-off special. Then there
are the projects we like to call retro-inspired. The likes of Stranger
Things and Midnight Special tap into classic 80s movies from our
childhoods. The Force Awakens even tries to rekindle the magic we felt
while watching our first Star Wars movie.
Why is retro so popular? Well, nostalgia is big business. Its often a
safer prospect for studios to cash in on an existing hit than to take a risk
on an uncertain script. But does that mean its always a bad thing?
Thankfully, its not all doom and gloom. Some of the best films and TV
shows from the past few years have been dripping with nostalgia, but its
a fine line between retro classic and old school stinker.

INDEPENDENCE DAY:
RESURGENCE
F I L M // 2 0 1 6 , 2 0 T H C E N T U R Y F O X

The long-awaited sequel to the 1996 sci-fi classic, Independence Day:


Resurgence failed to ignite the box office like its predecessor. Twenty
years after the events of Independence Day, we find Earth preparing
for the inevitable return of its alien overlords and wouldnt you
know it, thats exactly what happens.
Much like the original movie, this was a fairly formulaic sci-fi
romp. But this time it was also a blueprint for how to get a retro
sequel so very, very wrong. The set-up is very similar to the original
movie, with most of the original cast returning (except for Will Smith,
who was too expensive), so you would think theyd be onto a sure
thing. The problem, however, is in the films execution. It simply
isnt enough to assemble the same pieces and expect the magic to
happen second time around. Earth is now preparing itself for a second
invasion, which is almost different enough to warrant making a
& 2016 TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX FILM CORPORATION

sequel but it still feels like trudging through the same old sci-fi fayre.
It just doesnt bring anything new to the table.
Throw in a bunch of huge action sequences and a scene where
random guys talk tactics and you have Independence Day: Resurgence
in a nutshell. Theres apparently some humorous and/or heartfelt
moments in there, too. But the cheesy, clich-riddled plot fails to
spark the imagination. Not even Jeff Goldblum could save this one.

w w w.geeky mon key.tv 1 0 7

GM#17_106-112_RetroChic.indd 107 12/01/2017 20:14


HOW HAS NOSTALGIA AFFEC TED
FILM AND T V?

Its no surprise that nostalgia is everywhere and thats only


going to continue. At the last count there were over 170 film
sequels in the works, with over 110 reboots and remakes. Sure,
not all those movies will have a nostalgic hook, but you can bet
loads of them will.
The problem? While Hollywood continues to look
backwards, numerous original projects are being overlooked.
There are still original films and TV shows being made, but
lets face it the rise of retro makes it difficult for an original
script to find its home at a major Hollywood studio. Its not
impossible you only have to look at the likes of Passengers
or Arrival to see that new, fresh ideas are still heading to the
big screen. But with enormous budgets tied up in sequels and
remakes, theres a lot less money to go around.
Then theres the risk factor. Film and TV studios are
playing it much safer these days, often opting for tried and
tested formulas over fresh, innovative projects. The reason?
Its much less of a risk. A sequel or a remake already has an
established fan base a new project does not. At the end
of the day, the studios need to make money and theyre
increasingly taking the safer route. For now, it looks as though
nostalgia will continue to rule.

JURASSIC WORLD ROBOCOP


F I L M // 2 0 1 5 , U N I V E R S A L P I C T U R E S F I L M // 2 0 1 4 , C O L U M B I A P I C T U R E S

Two years ago we headed back to Isla Nublar the site of the original Its time to talk about remakes and you have ten seconds to comply.
Jurassic Park, but things had moved on since the park first opened its The original Robocop is a sci-fi classic. Released in 1987, the movie
gates and with shareholders demanding bigger and better, Jurassic riffed on ideas of corruption, corporate greed, authoritarianism and
World is barely recognisable. The ultra-sleek corporate image isnt even media influence. Quite a deep social commentary for a film that
the only thing that changed, either. The science behind the parks is usually remembered for its graphic violence. But would the remake
attractions was pushed to its logical conclusion. Why stop at de- add anything new? Well not really.
extinction when you can make designer dinosaurs that are bigger, The original Robocop starred Peter Weller as Murphy a
scarier and increase the parks ratings tenfold? murdered cop who becomes the cyborg police officer known as
It was a simple premise, with a familiar story that walks a fine Robocop under the watchful eye of corporate overlords, OCP. And in
line between recreating the charm of the original movie and blatantly the reboot, Joel Kinnaman stars as Murphy a murdered cop who
ripping it off. There are two children lost in the park, a villain whos becomes the cyborg police officer known as Robocop yeah, its
just as slimy as Dennis Nedry, and a strong message about what goes exactly the same. Although the remake attempts to put a modern,
WARNER BROS / 2015 NBCUNIVERSAL ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

wrong when we try to play God. satirical twist on things with a more political message, the overall
Jurassic World basically ticks all the boxes for a paint-by-numbers story remains largely unchanged. OCP are still the bad guys, with a
version of the original movie. But its a bit more than that, presenting dodgy corporate type using Robocop to cover up his misdeeds.
new ideas in a way that follows on naturally from the original Jurassic Its almost as if director Jos Padilha was afraid to veer too far off
Park and perhaps thats why it works so well. Jurassic World made script, creating a step-by-step remake rather than using the original
a killing at the box office by tapping into our nostalgia to create film as a jumping off point. Sure, there are some differences, but
something new. Its basically the same park, brought bang up-to-date, nowhere near enough to make the Robocop remake a worthy addition
pushing forward the mythos of Jurassic Park in a very natural way. Its to the franchise. To put it simply its not a terrible film, but its not a
a worthy sequel, and a great example of how it should be done. patch on the original.

108 G E E K Y M O N K E Y F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 7

GM#17_106-112_RetroChic.indd 108 12/01/2017 20:18


JURASSIC WORLD
BASICALLY TICKS
ALL THE BOXES
FOR A PAINT-
BY-NUMBERS
VERSION OF THE
ORIGINAL MOVIE

Chris Pratt wanted to boost


his motivation to win the
motorcycle race, so did his
training with velociraptors on
his heels.

STUDIOCANAL 2014

w w w.geeky mon key.tv 1 0 9

GM#17_106-112_RetroChic.indd 109 12/01/2017 20:18


WESTWORLD GHOSTBUSTERS
T V // 2 0 1 6 , H B O F I L M // 2 0 1 6 , C O L U M B I A P I C T U R E S

Its the hit TV show everybody is talking about - Westworld is also I aint afraid of no reboot! The recent Ghostbusters movie, starring
the perfect remake. Its based on the 1973 film of the same name, Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones
and begins with the exact same premise - a high-tech corporation essentially reboots the classic 1980s film franchise. But dont panic
has created a Western-themed amusement park thats populated by - the internet may have gone off the deep end when the film was
synthetic androids known as hosts. Westworld essentially caters announced, but the Ghostbusters reboot is incredibly respectful to
to high-paying visitors who can do whatever they want within the the original 80s classics. And it gives us a whole new Ghostbustin
confines of the park, without fear of retaliation from the hosts. Rape, adventure to boot.
torture and even murder are all allowed. But when the hosts begin to The plot is rather similar to the first Ghosbusters movie but
rebel against their programming, it looks as though the guests might its different enough that the characters sit rather well on their own.
not be as safe as they thought. Kristen Wiig is a physics professor hoping to get tenure at Columbia
Its an intriguing premise to begin with so what does the University, until a crackpot ghost book she co-wrote with Melissa
Westworld TV show add to that? Actually, quite a lot. The original McCarthy comes to light and scuppers her chances. Long story
movie is a sci-fi classic, charting the breakdown of the park and how short, it turns out the ghosts are real, and theyre forced to combat
its guests are forced to fight for their very survival. But the new TV them just like the original Ghosbusters, to rid the city of this new
show takes things in a more lofty direction. Now, Westworld riffs supernatural threat. Whatever did New York do to be so plagued by
on the notion of existence, and asks the big questions, What is the ghosts all the time?
nature of reality? How do we know we are real? Is there really any Does it do justice to the original? Hell yeah it does but it also
difference between the guests and their hosts? On top of this, the packs in a few new tricks. The iconic Proton Packs are back, but this
structure, plot and visuals of the new TV show are very different to time the Ghostbusters have a whole range of gadgets to take down
the original film. Oh, and Anthony Hopkins is excellent, as ever. the undead. The visuals are excellent, the characters are cool and all
In many ways, Westworld merely uses the original premise as in all, Ghostbusters manages to carve itself a whole new story from
a starting point, and what it creates from there is something truly the nostalgic trappings of a well-known franchise. It isnt perfect
original. Sure its still a remake, but its doing its own thing. And but its close enough. We just hope that director Paul Feig will brush
thats exactly why it works so well. off the naysayers and make a sequel.
2016 HOME BOX OFFICE, INC / 2016 COLUMBIA PICTURES INDUSTRIES,

GEEKY MONKEY [15 DECEMBER] [JULY] [2018]


STAR WARS: EPISODE VIII STRANGER THINGS, SEASON 2 WESTWORLD, SEASON 2
RECOMMENDS
HERE ARE THE NOSTALGIC Star Wars fan? Well youve probably seen If youre a child of the 80s, youll want to catch You dont need to be a fan of robots or
FILM AND TV Rogue One: A Star Wars Story by now, but Star Stranger Things. The entire first season is westerns to enjoy Westworld. If philosophical
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR Wars VIII is due this Christmas, and there are available on Netflix right now, with season two questions and slick visuals are right up your
THE MONTHS AHEAD
are plenty of new films in the coming years. coming this summer. It really is just that good. street, youll love where this show is heading.

110 GEEKY MONKEY FEBRUARY 2017

GM#17_106-112_RetroChic.indd 110 12/01/2017 20:18


STAR TREK BEYOND MIDNIGHT SPECIAL
F I L M // 2 0 1 6 , PA R A M O U N T P I C T U R E S F I L M // 2 0 1 6 , WA R N E R B R O S

The mission - to boldly go where Gene Roddenberry has gone before. Lets move on to something a bit more original. Midnight Special
Star Trek Beyond is just the latest in the newly rebooted Star Trek is a new kind of retro, inspired by classic Steven Spielberg movies
franchise, following on from Star Trek and Star Trek Into Darkness. of the 80s but its also an entirely original story. Starring Michael
Thankfully, this time around weve got a more original story than Shannon, Joel Edgerton and Kirsten Dunst, Midnight Special follows
simply remaking The Wrath of Khan. the story of Alton Meyer an 8-year-old boy who goes on the run
Three years into its five-year mission, the crew of the USS from both the government and a sinister cult after its found that he
Enterprise is beginning to grow weary. Kirk wants out, and Spock is has special powers.
considering retiring from Starfleet. Thankfully, its business as usual Its all very Amblin, and its reminiscent of numerous 80s family
when they encounter a downed Federation Starship and a tyrannical films. You dont have to look too hard to find inspiration from E.T. and
villain with a powerful bioweapon whos hell bent on bringing down Close Encounters, or even Flight of the Navigator. Midnight Special
Starfleet. All in a days work, eh lads? It may sound like a typical Star is essentially a love letter to the films many of us grew up with. Its
Trek episode, and it basically is but thats exactly why Star Trek this nostalgic warmth that gives the movie a very comfortably retro
Beyond works so well. Its not hugely original, but it could easily sit quality. Thankfully, its also a lot more than that. The story is different
alongside some of the better Star Trek TV episodes. It captures the enough to be modern and original, with slick visuals and a truly
charm and excitement of the original series, with all the modern engrossing mystery at the heart of it. Clearly, the timeless adventure
visuals and action-packed thrills that we expect of Hollywood. presented by Midnight Special aims to invoke nostalgic family
Of course, much like the rest of the Star Trek reboots, it takes huge moments. And in that sense, it really works you can practically feel
inspiration from the original series. But again, its not just retreading your childhood leaping out of the screen. But the film certainly isnt
old ground. The costumes and ships are all brought bang up to date and trapped by its retro roots, and manages to create a story thats well
the swooshy Enterprise doors have never sounded so good. Star Trek worth watching. Its this balancing act that makes Midnight Special
Beyond may be more of the same, but its also the best of the reboots such a great film it doesnt solely rely on nostalgia, but instead, uses
and it owes it all to a story thats familiar yet different at the same time. it to great effect to bring us a brand-new story.

[22 DECEMBER] [TBC] [8 SEPTEMBER] [TBC]


JUMANJI SPLASH STEPHEN KINGS IT STARSHIP TROOPERS
PARAMOUNT PICTURES / WARNER BROS

Thats right, the classic Robin Williams family Channing Tatum is a mermaid. Based on the An interesting project, this two-part film adapts The satirical sci-fi by Paul Verhoeven is getting
film is being rebooted, with Dwayne The Rock Disney classic starring Tom Hanks and Daryl the TV mini-series which originally starred Tim a remake but this time, its going to be closer
Johnson in the leading role. How can anyone not Hannah, the Splash remake sees Channing Curry as Pennywise the clown. Could be one to to the original novel. Probably not quite as much
want to see that? Tatum finding love on dry land. Yeah. watch for horror buffs. fun, either.

w w w.geeky mon key.tv 111

GM#17_106-112_RetroChic.indd 111 12/01/2017 20:19


Proving that theres a massive
audience for retro-inspired TV,

STRANGER THINGS
Netflixs Stranger Things won big
audiences worldwide, with season
two coming this year.

T V // 2 0 1 6 , N E T F L I X

Its no secret that Stranger Things is steeped in nostalgia. Set in 1983,


the show channels everything that made classic 80s movies so great
and makes numerous references to the best films of the decade. WHAT WORKS FOR RETRO FILM AND
Does Dustin remind you of Chunk from The Goonies? What about T V SHOWS?
the Demogorgons Alien-like appearance? Put it this way Stranger
Things is so 80s, it should have been released on VHS. Essentially, it all depends on how the writers and directors
The shows plot plays like a classic Spielberg film when 12-year- approach the material. Whether its a sequel, a remake or a
old Will Byers goes missing, his friends group up to help find him. But project thats merely retro-inspired, nobody wants to see a
when they stumble upon a psychokinetic young girl known only as tired rehash of things weve seen before. The best projects
Eleven, it becomes clear that Will is in a lot more trouble than they take a more inventive approach, using the original film or TV
thought, oh, and hes talking to him mom through the wall of their show as a jumping off point, or wrapping an entirely new story
house. With a horrific monster stalking his every move, Wills time is within a cool, retro style.
running out. The group dynamic is reminiscent of The Goonies, with a As weve seen from the likes of Robocop and
dash of Stand By Me thrown in for good measure. Independence Day: Resurgence, the worst merely rehash old
Of course, thats all part of its charm. Stranger Things uses a ideas, with little more than a stagnant storyline weve seen
heavy dose of nostalgia to hook us in, and then ramps up the terror by time and time again.
playing its trump card the primal fears we all have from watching The key to the perfect retro film or TV show seems to be
those 80s horror classics just a bit too young. We all remember finding the right balance between old and new. Its not merely
glimpses of films and TV shows we werent supposed to watch, and enough to stuff tired old cliches into a recognisable format.
Stranger Things uses that to its advantage. No, theres nothing terribly But bringing a new twist to a story we all know and love can be
original about it, but in stitching together some of the best 80s tropes, truly exciting.
Stranger Things creates something we havent exactly seen before. Will we ever have enough of endless nostalgia? Either
And its absolutely marvellous. GM way, theres plenty more to come.
NETFLIX

112 GEEKY MONKEY FEBRUARY 2017

GM#17_106-112_RetroChic.indd 112 12/01/2017 20:19


[CLASSIC GAME]
APB: All-Points Bulletin
Y E A R , 1 9 8 7 // F O R M AT, A R C A D E
// P U B L I S H E R , ATA R I // D E S I G N E R , M I K E H A L LY

When you can close your eyes and hear the


music of an arcade game playing in your head,
you know it was a good game. Thats how APB
works for us: the music, the siren of the police
car, the cries for help from the girl in her car and
the roughing up of the criminal to make them
confess, then being congratulated by the Chief
all these elements had a very distinctive sound
and combined together with the steering wheel
and cops n robbers chase gameplay to create a
much-overlooked Atari classic.

Available these days in the halls of MAME


adoration, its worth digging APB out for a game
or two. The streets are full of criminals in their
cars. Littering, speeding and even escaped
felons, and you are Officer Bob in his patrol car.
You can drive around in non-pursuit mode, or
when you see a crime taking place, hit the siren
and attempt to stop the crims with cries of Pull
over! A crosshairs on screen must be moved
over the criminals to bring them to justice,
with an APB going out for the fugitives and
after knocking them off the road you are back
at the police station. Then its button bashing
all the way to fill a Confess-O-Meter and gain a
confession before the Chief turns up.

It was a tricky game, theres no denying it, but


it certainly had that just one more go feel that
drained piggy banks back in 1987.

ATARI GAME CORPORATION

w w w.geeky mon key.tv 113

GM#17_113_GameOver.indd 113 12/01/2017 18:49


FEBRUARY 2017 // ISSUE 17

W W W. G E E K Y M O N K E Y.T V

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// GHOST IN THE SHELL // 80S COMIC BOOK MOVIES // LEGION COVER PHOTOS:
 WARNER BROS, NETFLIX/BBC AMERICA,
// TV GAMES OF THE 1970S // GWENPOOL COSPLAY // NEW TECH MB GAMES/SEGA, DC COMICS

// BLADERUNNER 2049 CONCEPTS // JOHN WICK CHAPTER 2


PARAMOUNT PICTURES

// NEW TV SEASON THE FLASH, ARROW, SUPERGIRL, LEGENDS

114 GEEKY MONKEY FEBRUARY 2017

GM#17_114_Flannel.indd 114 12/01/2017 18:50


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