Author: ÜberSciFiGeek

Weta: Awesome Offers on “Doctor Who” and NEW Art Book!

from Weta:

Half Price Doctor Who! This week only.
We’ve chosen a couple of our more popular Doctor Who collectibles and are offering them at an insanely low price this week. A Dalek for £74? Unheard-of. A Cyberman Leader Helmet for £19? Yes, indeed! Check out our Doctor Who collectibles and read the reviews!

The Art of District 9: Weta Workshop Shipping shortly!
We will start shipping the book World Wide this week — if you haven’t placed your pre-order yet — please get your order in. Don’t forget — when you order directly from Weta, you get the VERY cool stencil signed by Greg Broadmore, Leri Greer, David Meng, Christian Pearce and of course the author, Daniel Falconer. The books are here and we will start delivering world wide this week!

White Cloud Worlds — the very best of New Zealand Fantasy Art in new book!
A new book — White Cloud Worlds — is now available for pre-order on our website. It features a long line of New Zealand’s very best fantasy artists, many of which work or have once worked at Weta Workshop. Paul Tobin, Greg Broadmore, Jeremy Bennett, Ben Wootten, Nick Keller, Jamie Beswarick… they’re all there along with MANY many more… Available in two versions, a limited edition boxed version with an art print or a standard hardcover edition, this is an OUTSTANDING book. Check it out!

Armageddon Auckland 23-25 October. Details!
We can finally divulge a bit more about our presence at Armageddon at Auckland’s ASB Showgrounds 23-25 October. At Weta’s booth (#52) you will find senior model maker David Tremont along with Magnus and Iris as well as a long line of guests who are doing book signings:

Saturday 11-1: Greg Broadmore
The Art of District 9: Weta Workshop | White Cloud Worlds | VICTORY | Dr. Grordbort’s Contrapulatronic Dingus Directory

Saturday 11-1: Paul Tobin, Dylan Coburn, Claire Hackett, Nick Keller
White Cloud Worlds

Saturday 2-3.30: Greg Broadmore
The Art of District 9: Weta Workshop | White Cloud Worlds | VICTORY | Dr. Grordbort’s Contrapulatronic Dingus Directory

Saturday 3-5pm: Paul Tobin, Claire Hackett, Nick Keller
White Cloud Worlds

Sunday 11-1: Paul Tobin, Claire Hackett
White Cloud Worlds

Sunday 3-5pm: Paul Tobin, Claire Hackett
White Cloud Worlds

Also — For the first time at a New Zealand con:

And much much more! Keep an eye for SPECTACULAR special offers in the next newsletter and read all about the event on our Facebook page!

Have you put your questions to Daniel Cockersell?
Daniel Cockersell, a Senior Sculptor at Weta Workshop will be answering questions from fans and collectors on the Weta message boards at The Shadow and Flame. Apart from sculpting for the movies we work on, Daniel has recently worked on some of our collectibles, such as Gollum, Éowyn and the Nazgûl, Bag End and our Halo and Doctor Who ranges. Ask your questions here — there is still time!

Follow Weta Online! Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

The Rocketeer is… You

from GeekChicDaily:

Weren’t we all supposed to have jetpacks by now? It’s not just that we expected to have them by the dawn of the 21st century, but that commercial air travel just seems to suck more and more each year. A one-man contraption without screaming babies and overpriced Pringles sounds like a heavenly alternative.

When it comes to long-awaited goals, however, trust the New Zealanders to get it done. Look how many people thought a faithful Lord of the Rings movie trilogy would never happen in our lifetime, but those resourceful Kiwis made the impossible a reality. Lo and behold, the Martin Jetpack is now here!

Assuming inventor Glenn Martin has his way, folks visiting Christchurch, NZ will soon be able to shell out $320 for a ride in one of these things, which aren’t quite at Rocketeer-levels of compactness just yet. Want to own one? That’ll be $100 grand, please (though maybe it’s New Zealand dollars, in which case you can save on the exchange rate). If that’s out of your budget, they also have T-shirts that you can buy. Call it an investment in the company.

If you do pick one up, we suggest steering clear of hibernation-blind, pike-wielding star pilots. And Sarlacc pits.

“The Force Unleashed II” Demo Coming October 12th

from StarWars.com:

LucasArts is happy to announce that the demo for Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II will be arriving at both the Xbox Live Marketplace and the PlayStation Network on Tuesday, October 12th.

The level focuses on the very beginning of the game, which takes in a secret cloning facility on the planet of Kamino. Starkiller, told by Vader he is no more than a clone, becomes tormented by the memories of his past and escapes into the rain-soaked planet with Vader not far behind.

Unleash the power of dual lightsabers, over-the-top Force powers including the new Jedi mind trick, and get a first taste on a journey that will take Starkiller across the galaxy in search of the truth behind his past, as well as the woman he cannot forget.

Riese Productions & Genius Factor Games to Release iPhone Game Based on the Hit Web Series “Riese” and Featuring the Voice of Felicia Day

from Riese:

Riese Productions Ltd. and Genius Factor Games proudly announce the upcoming launch of an iPhone / iPod touch game featuring the voice of Felicia Day and based on the acclaimed new Syfy web series Riese.

Riese tells the story of a exiled princess on the run from a dangerous religious sect in a steampunk inspired world. It stars Allison Mack (Smallville), Ryan Robbins (Sanctuary), Alessandro Juliani (Battlestar Galactica), Patrick Gilmore (Stargate Universe), Emilie Ullerup (Sanctuary), Sharon Taylor (Smallville), Ben Cotton (Harper’s Island), and, in the title role, Christine Chatelain (Sanctuary).

The Vancouver-based web production made headlines in The New York Times, The Globe & Mail and the Vancouver Sun. It launched on YouTube in November 2009 and was viewed 1.3 million times in two and half months, before being taken down by its distributor, Fireworks International, a branch of Content Films. Riese was licensed by SyFy and is set to be re-released this fall.

“Riese has proven that digitally distributed content can be equal to or surpass regular broadcast content,” said Ted Nugent, Genius Factor president and founder. “It aligns with our own plan for digital distribution of games and interactive entertainment. Riese is an excellent backdrop to build great gaming upon. With Felicia’s participation in the project, the overall experience is amped up, adding depth and greater immersion to the game.”

“The game is an engaging way to expand the story, and continue our transmedia approach with the property,” said Ryan Copple, Riese co-creator and series executive producer. “Being able to include a storybook-esque narrator with the game truly immerses the player in the Riese world. We’re thrilled to be working with Felicia Day and Genius Factor on this endeavor, as they’ve truly been an inspiration to everyone involved with Riese.”

Slated for release in late October via iTunes, the iPhone and iPod touch virtual RPG card battle game will offer series fans and newcomers alike the chance to utilize alternative media to further enhance the existing story and remain immersed in the haunting world of Riese. It will also feature the voice of web pioneer and trail blazer Felicia Day (The Guild, Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog). More information is available at geniusfactorgames.com.

News That Squishes: Foxes and a Web Comic!

from Squishable:

Hello Folks!

So let’s say the next time you’re out on the town you’re caught in a rainy downpour of journalism coverage! Well you better hope that splashy journalism isn’t some hard, icy, freezing news. No indeed! You want your surprise precipitation in the form of warm, summery Squishy News! And here it is!

Squishable Fox! It’s taken a year and a LOT of requests, but we have a Squishable Fox! He’s cuddly, orange, pointy ears, fluffy tail… if it has anything to do with a fox, he’s probably got it. Best thing ever, or bestest thing ever? We’re gonna go with BOTH.

Squishable Android pre-order! Even iPhone owners have to admit that the Android cellphone operating system has an awesome mascot. And we’ve got our personal tribute in Squishy, Squishy form! He’s available for pre-order and will ship the end of next week (Oct 15th)! Woo!

Restocks! Guess what we’ve got back on the site? A lot, that’s what. If you’ve been holding off on doing a cross-country bike tour until your chosen Squishy is available, better start inflating those wheels! Or whatever it is bikers do! We’ve got the Squishy Panda, Hedgehog, Penguin, Snail, Raccoon, Rooster, Shark, Elephant, Octopus, and the Bat!

And just as a reminder, we’ve got Owls, Platypuses, and Cthulhu(‘s?) in for your hugging pleasure!

Squishable: The Web Comic! Ahem… Presenting The Fuzzy Five: a Squishable Comic! Starting this week, Mondays and Wednesdays are brought to you by the death-defying and adorable adventures of Breakfast, Spirit, Nightshade, Nina Jr, and Otto Von Cuddlesberger. And their humans. It is exactly as awesome as it sounds. Give it a try and tell us what you think! Be honest — our sweet and innocent artistic souls can take it!

Thanks folks!

Zoe and Aaron
Squishable.com

GIANTmicrobes Vinyl Figures

from Giantmicrobes:

Giantmicrobes is excited to announce our first release of microbe characters: Meet Sniffles, Bellie, Ahhh-lbert, and Dr. Larkin*!

Like our popular line of plush dolls, our collectible figurines are inspired by actual microscopic images of the microbes they represent — but this time, they’re full of personality and fun!

In addition to a collectible microbe figurine, each package includes an animation flip book and an action pose sticker. More characters (and more plush dolls) will be released later this fall and before Christmas.

We’re also pleased about the improvements we’ve made to our website giantmicrobes.com. Have a look — and don’t miss the GIANTmicrobes starring in their first video short!

It has been my dream to have the GIANTmicrobes bring the microscopic world to life in an entertaining way. It is a great pleasure for me to be able to share my enthusiasm about our new characters with you. I hope you’ll be as excited about them as I am.

Thank you very much for your continuing support for our products.

Drew Oliver
Founder/CEO
Giantmicrobes, Inc.
giantmicrobes.com

*Dr. Larkin was my childhood pediatrician. He served as a doctor in Vietnam, and then dedicated his life to keeping children healthy.

ThinkGeek’s free t-shirt says B00!

from ThinkGeek:

Greetings, future residents of Gliese 581g!

Rules for New Earth: 1) No fancy clothes. T-shirts and jeans for everything. 2) Halloween every Saturday. After the blood, sweat, and monkey tears it takes to make our costumes, they should spend more time out and about and less time in a dark closet. Of course, this will be after we genetically modify ourselves so chocolate is as nutritious as an apple. We’ve thought of everything, you see.

But for now, while we’re here on boring Old Earth, we’ve collected some pretty awesome Halloween swag for you. Put on your robe and wizard hat and celebrate with us!

Free Shirt
With a $31+ purchase, for a limited time only! Get it before it waka-waka-wakas away.

Find more What’s New items at ThinkGeek!

Neil Must Face the Biggest Douche of Them All — Himself

from Atom.com:

Legend of Neil 306: Death Becomes Neil

It’s all leading up to the show-stopping series finale of our hit series Legend of Neil. Neil must face down his douchiest enemy yet, Evil Neil. With a special guest appearance from series creator Sandeep Parikh as everyone’s favorite orphaned wizrobe Glarry Botter.

Watch It Now

It’s the home stretch for Legend of Neil, as Neil finally gets the Magic Sword and finishes Level 8. With a very special cameo from series creator Sandeep Parikh as a very precocious orphaned Wizrobe. Sandeep and crew are working overtime on an extremely epic series finale, but you’ll have to wait an extra week to see it. The finale will premiere on Wednesday, October 27th, but don’t worry, we’ll have new LoN stuff every week until then. In the meantime, get caught up by watching the entire series from the beginning.

The Legend of Neil, Episode 306: “Death Becomes Neil”

from The Legend of Neil:

Here is the penultimate episode (the second to last episode for those that are scared of big words) with opening theme music from Hard N’ Phirm and a cameo from another member of The Guild! To watch click here. Please buy stuff from our store and join our Facebook and Twitter pages! This finale episode is so epic that we’re going to need an extra week to get it to you, we’re working on getting you some cool content to show in between. But just know that this finale is going to be huge, so thanks for your patience!

Mandalore’s Peace is Threatened by Corruption in an All-New Episode of “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”!

from StarWars.com:

On a diplomatic mission to Mandalore, Senator Padmé Amidala uncovers a sinister plot lurking beneath the pacifist planet’s serene façade. With the help of Duchess Satine, she investigates a mysterious illness spreading among Mandalore’s children, discovering corruption that extends into the highest levels of the Mandalorian government. An all-new episode of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, “Corruption,” airs at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT Friday, October 8 on Cartoon Network.

“Corruption” explores a system divided. Deep in the midst of an identity crisis made even worse by the widespread turmoil of the Clone Wars, the people of Mandalore find themselves torn between their violent past and their leader’s promise of peace for the future.

“It’s a fascinating culture at a really interesting time,” says Dave Filoni, Supervising Director of Star Wars: The Clone Wars. “Mandalore has a long history of violence, and they’re trying to move away from that. But this is all taking place in the middle of a galaxy-wide civil war, so it’s difficult for Satine to make a case for peace when there’s so much violence all around. And that’s exactly why peace is so important to her.”

While Season Two’s visit to Mandalore saw the schism reflected in the explicit aggression of the Death Watch, the latest plot indicates a far more subversive threat — reaching into the highest echelons of the Mandalorian power hierarchy.

“There are bigger threats to peace than the Death Watch,” says Filoni. “We’ve seen their approach in Season Two; they used violence as their message. But political corruption can be far more damaging in the long run. The scale’s so much broader here, and the stakes are system-wide. Ultimately, Mandalore’s allegiances are key to the Clone Wars, so every little transgression can have ripple effects throughout the war. Corruption can spread, and it’s threatening to poison Satine’s best efforts.”

Without the explosive threats of the Death Watch, the story necessarily takes an altogether different tone. Teamed with Padmé for the investigation Satine sets out to uncover the threat to her power — and to Mandalore’s peaceful future. Though they come under fire as the investigation heats up, the two women face dangers with far-reaching consequences even greater than mere threats to their own personal well-being.

“Whenever we visit Satine, we’re going to see a war of ideals,” says Filoni. “She’s very steadfast in her beliefs, and that’s what makes her a good leader. She’s got a tough job, though. She is often undermined by her own people, and her core beliefs are even at odds with the beliefs of the other Clone Wars heroes — including the Jedi and the Senate. Ultimately, they all want the same thing — peace — but they have different thresholds. With an endgame that is so important to the entire galaxy, compromises can be difficult — even when it comes to the means by which peace is achieved.”