In a recent post, I wished everyone A Happy New Year, but in the back of my mind I was thinking that in the light of recent world events, the world continues to slide deeper into the shit. However, every now and again a story comes to light that gives me a little hope.

I must have had my head in the sand, because I hadn’t heard of the Child’s Play Charity until about 10 minutes ago. Child’s Play is a game industry initiative that since its inception in 2003 has dedicated itself to raising funds for games and toys for children worldwide.

Founders, Mike Krahulik and Jerry Holkins, of Penny Arcade must have been over the moon when they announced that the Charity had raised over $1.1 Million USD in 2007 and this is after having raised just under $500,000 by early December. Do the Math!

Gamers are not only interested in shoot-em-ups, etc. They have HEART. Jeez guys & gals, well done!

Visit their site and contribute.

And to think I’ve never even read Penny Arcade.

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It’s official!

Orion Xia - The Chronicles begins regular weekly updates on Friday, January 4.
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You must have been hiding under a rock if you haven’t yet seen this trailer for Marvel Entertainment’s, Iron Man movie, coming in May.

I can’t wait to see Robert Downey Jr don the Iron suit - well, maybe his stunt double - anyway it doesn’t matter, suspension of disbelief, etc. Check out the clip, maybe for the 100th time?

Now, you must have heard about Marvel Adventures, a MarvelKids.com offering of animation featuring Spidey and his foes and of course, the Iron Man.

I fly all the time in my dreams, but I don’t have no stinkin’ Iron suit. Gotta get me one of these!

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Well I guess it’s infectious. All this talk about the Iron Man movie coming in May is driving artists to add their talents.

Our very own Gary Welsh gave us this dynamic sketch of Iron Man. I’m sure there is more to come.

DISCLAIMER: Iron Man & the Iron Man Movie are trademarks and copyright of their respective owners. ShoxStudios.com is in no way affiliated with Marvel or the Iron Man Movie.
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Our main site was down for a few hours today due to human error in billing.  The situation was reversed within 15mins of it being brought to Siteground’s attention.

Since switching over to Siteground, from another host, we’ve enjoyed virtually 100% uptime.  In addition, their customer service, at least with respect to our account, has been exceptional.

If you happen to be shopping for a host, I strongly suggest you give SiteGround a try.
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ButterSafe

The guys who are responsible for ButterSafe must have watched a lot of Monty Phyton, because the humour in their twice-weekly strip is reminiscent of that old Brit comedy show.

I find their off-beat material simply hilarious. They also add some enlightening commentary in a blog beneath the day’s strip.

Perhaps for some, BS may be an acquired taste. Too Bad! Acquire the taste, I think BS is well worth it. Make sure you check out their archives as well.

Click on the pic above to be taken to one of my favourites - I’m having a good belly-laugh just thinking about it.

I think everyone could use some more BS in their lives, so check them out.
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Jordi Perez, the artist for our ongoing web comic Orion Xia, has decided to contribute a piece of "old school" Iron Man with Stark in the MK I.

Jordi had this to say, "…I love the first Iron Man, the old one, it´s simple but strong…"

You might want to bone up on some of the Iron Man’s history on Wikipedia to help in your continued appreciation of THE IRON MAN.

Check out Jordi’s deviantART site & be sure to check out Orion Xia.
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Long title? I know, but honestly folks, can you wait until 2009? Jeez!

Who’s signed on? Besides Hugh Jackman who has proven to be an admirable Wolvie, Liev Schreiber=SabreTooth, blah, blah, blah. People come and go in the life of film production(except Hugh). You’ll just have to Google the cast list. Just maybe we’ll keep an eye out for news about the ins and outs, ups and downs of the production.

However, the film is a $100 million + production in New Zealand. Ever since LOTR, producers have realized that the Kiwis (politically incorrect?) can handle huge CG intensive productions quite admirably.

Artist of Shox Studios’ Orion Xia, Jordi Perez can’t wait and he’s in Wolvie’s corner. He sat down and paired the Wolverine with Elektra in this homage.

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Please Leave Them Alone

Last week I talked about a number of upcoming movies based on comics that have the potential to be good. But now, I want to discuss a different, much more important, subject. Comics that should never be movies.

There are some experiences that just wouldn’t translate from one medium to the other, and I personally don’t want to see some of the greatest comics ever ruined with terrible film adaptations.

So, without further ado, here are the top three comics that should never, under any circumstances, be touched by Hollywood.

3. The Walking Dead

There is actually some potential for a great film, or films, to come out of Tony Moore’s zombie epic, but it would most likely be a failure for two main reasons.

First, there are already enough zombie movies. Even if The Walking Dead came out and was fantastic, the majority of people would just see it as another zombie movie that doesn’t have either George A. Romero or the number 28 in the title. But I also think that Hollywood would miss the point of the series.

Yes, it is set in a world when the undead are real and humans are fighting for survival, but in the end, it’s really about the people and their relationships with one another. And I don’t know how well that could be portrayed in a two hour movie.

2. Preacher

There are so many great things about Preacher that could potentially be ruined if it made the leap to the big screen. First off, casting. I’m having a hard time thinking of any actor who would make a good Jesse Custer. Or Cassidy. Or Herr Star for that matter.

Also, unless it was given to a very brave director, I’m 100% sure that the books content would be toned down.

A big part of Preacher’s appeal lies in the way it contrasts extreme violence and sex with religious imagery. It just wouldn’t be the same without it. Plus, what would the "word of God" actually sound like?

1. The Watchmen

Even if Alan Moore’s work didn’t have such a poor track record when it comes to film adaptations, I’d still be worried for The Watchmen.

Possibly the greatest work the medium has ever seen, The Watchmen uses the creative strengths that comic books have to offer, and utilizes them in a way that could not be reproduced on screen. And, like The Walking Dead, I would be very cautious of Hollywood missing the point.

The Watchmen is not a super-hero story in the typical sense, but instead the story of how people live the life of a super-hero. All this being said, I thought Hellboy would make a terrible movie and was very wrong, so you never know.

But I was very, very right about Iron Man.

Ever wonder what your favorite super-heroes like to do to kick-back and relax? Well so did we, so we caught up with a couple of the biggest names in the crime-fighting industry to find out what they like to play, read, watch, and listen to.

Hellboy

It’s no secret that the world’s foremost paranormal investigator has a affection for cats, but in reality, he actually loves all furry mammals.

So much so, in fact, that in addition to his regular stable of gadgets, weapons, and talismans, HB is never seen without his Nintendo DS and a copy of Nintendogs.

We hear that his virtual Chihuahua, Trevor, gets walked three times a day.

Batman

Most people would think that Bruce Wayne leads somewhat of an enviable life. With more money then most people could imagine and more gadgets then James Bond and Inspector Gadget combined, he’s the ultimate bad ass.

But being surrounded by other heroes, each of whom have a unique special power, has made the Dark Knight slightly envious of his peers. And how does he escape?

Well, most people would be surprised to learn that Batman is in fact a Potter freak.

Wayne has read every Harry Potter book and watched every movie several times, and is lamenting the day when The Deathly Hallows comes to the big screen, because it means that it will all be over.

Superman

What kind of entertainment does someone
who’s trying to fit in enjoy?

Well, whatever is most "normal" of course.

The Man of Steel makes his entertainment
picks by looking at the top of the charts, and
as such is a big fan of American Idol,
Justin Timberlake, and Halo 3.

Professor Xavier

The Prof is an intellectual at heart, but after all the thinking he does during the day, he enjoys kicking back by watching some TV.

A lover of all things sci-fi, Xavier’s absolute favorite is the original Star Trek.

He says that Captain Kirk is one of his heroes, but he’s not so sure about that Picard fellow.

The Incredible Hulk

A rather aggressive chap, the Hulk is known far and wide for his unmatched strength and incredible temper.

But all of the stress isn’t good for the body or mind, so when the Hulk gets some down time, he likes to relax.

Jack Johnson and Snow Patrol are in constant rotation on the Green Goliath’s iPod, while the surreal flOw gets a lot of play on his PlayStation 3.

Mr. Incredible

The responsibilities of family life have drastically changed what Mr. Incredible gets to kick back to. These days he’s forced to stick to more kid-friendly fare.

The Incredibles love to gather ‘round the living room, and play marathon sessions on their shiny new Wii.

He also says they’re really looking forward to seeing that new, Wall-E movie this summer. But when the kids and wife are a sleep, he breaks out Grand Theft Auto IV and lets loose on the poor citizens of Liberty City.

Image Courtesy Big Comic Book Data-Base

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