Text Play: Pokémon Xenoverse #5

Hello, and welcome back to the Eldiw region! This is the fifth entry in my Text Play of Pokémon Xenoverse!

Now, as is tradition, I want to warn you all. I will be spoiling this game.

So, I recommend that you play the game for yourself first. You can download it here. It's playable in English. I wouldn't be able to play this game otherwise, as I don't really know any Italian. And I lived in Italy for a while as a kid.

Well, this is it. It's time to take on Ginger and his gym. I had to do quite a bit of grinding to get ready to face him. I will admit, though. Despite all the grinding I have done, I am a bit nervous about facing him. I don't know why. I mean, I have a bunch of Pokémon to counter the Fighting-type he specializes in. I'm guessing it's because I feel like I have no idea what I'm getting into. It's a bit nerve-racking, but exciting at the same time. Besides, we kind of have to beat him to go forward. The tunnel that takes us out of Newtron City is being guarded by three of Ginger's boys.

I wonder, do they do shifts? Do they always do this when there's a Trainer here to challenge the Gym? What if there's an emergency? Well, I can imagine that they would allow exceptions like if the Trainer has a family emergency, and they allow normal traffic to and from town because that would just annoy people. Anyway, let's go beat the Gym.

Naturally, Ginger's gym is themed around a school.

The Gym's challenge is to find the right keys for the classrooms. They can be found in the lockers that line the walls. I wonder if this Gym also doubles as an actual school. I mean, it would make sense since Newtron City is essentially a college town. I can imagine that when gym battles aren't going on, there are actual classes being held in this building. That would be pretty neat. Have a math class, then go watch Ginger fight a Trainer going through the Gym circuit.

Anyway, we go into the building, and you notice that the floor seems to be littered with books.

Looks like this place needs a janitor. There's books everywhere! Well, there's actually a reason for this. You see, these books are subtle indicators/deceivers. You know these lockers lining the walls? Some of them can be opened up. The lockers next to the books are the ones that can be opened up. Sadly, most of these lockers are empty. Ginger is a troll.

But it's not completely hopeless. One of the lockers next to the small stack of blue books has a key in it.

The Classroom A key opens up the Science classroom. This...leads to questions.

Anyway, we head forward, and find ourselves at a crossroads.

Okay, the key is not going to work here. The left door leads to the Amphitheater, and the right is the Math classroom. As someone who attended college, a Math class makes sense. Further ahead, we find three more doors.

The left door is the one we want, as it leads to the Science classroom. The door on the right is the janitor's closet. Although knowing this place, there's likely a trainer waiting for us there, too. 

The Science classroom is just...an average-looking classroom. Not much of interest here. The room does have a trash bin in the bottom right corner which has an Ether in it. The teacher here is named Mary Jane, and she has the next key. Naturally, we have to battle her for it.

First Pokémon: Timburr (Lv. 15) - Defeated by Trishout.
Second Pokémon: Onix (Lv. 16) - Defeated by Wingull.
Third Pokémon: Riolu (Lv. 15) - Defeated by Shawkbird.

She's in awe of our Pokémon's "chemistry"...I'm think she's referring to how well we work together. Anyway, she gives us the key to the Amphitheater. 

The Amphitheater is a big room compared to the classroom we were just in. That makes sense, since an amphitheater is supposed to be a gathering place for a large group of people. However, I get the impression that this place doesn't get a lot of students, considering the small number of chairs. But that's not important. The only occupants in this room are a pair of cheerleaders. I'm guessing they were practicing some cheers for sports. Likely the football team, as we've seen football players here. Their names are Tina and Clair. These two bring a double battle.

1st Pokémon - Masgot and Scraggy (both Lv. 16) -  Masgot defeated by Trishout with Fire Fang. Scraggy defeated by Wingull with Wing Attack.

An easy battle done, we got the key for Classroom B. The two cheerleaders don't hold their loss against you. In fact, they give you a nice congratulatory cheer when you talk to them afterwards.

This key opens up the door to the Math classroom.

It looks much more advanced than the last classroom we were in. I can't help but think that this should have been the Science classroom. I mean, the Science classroom looks more like it would fit a Math classroom. The teacher, Karl, remarks that math is the key and the door to the sciences. He's quoting Galileo. Nice to see in a Pokémon game.

As usual, we battle him.

1st Pokémon: Heracross (Lv. 17) - Defeated by Trishout with Fire Fang.

Being a good sport about it, Karl gives out the Closet Key. This key allows us to enter the Janitor's closet.

Hey, who turned out the lights?! It's pretty dark in here. In the center of the room is the janitor himself, a gray-haired man named Arthur. What, does he just sit in the dark here waiting for trainers to face him?

People in Pokémon games can be weird.

1st Pokémon: Trubbish (Lv. 16) - Defeated by Trishout with Fire Fang.
2nd Pokémon: Croagunk (Lv. 16) - Defeated by Shawkbird with Spark. 

Amusingly, he says he's not going to clean the mess our battle made up. Dude, you're a janitor! That's your job. And if you didn't want to clean up the mess from a Pokémon battle that you engaged in, then you shouldn't have engaged in one! 

Anyway, he gives out the Schoolyard Key. this allows us to open up the last door in the school...and Ginger himself. The Schoolyard is behind the big double doors at the end of the hall. Pass through them, and you end up in this nice little courtyard.

There are still a couple more Trainers to fight on the way here, Ginger's buddies we met earlier. You can walk around them if you don't want to battle them. But I do want to, just so my Pokémon can get some extra XP before facing Ginger. The first trainer you face here is Alan.

1st Pokémon: Beefle (Lv. 17) - Defeated by Trishout with Fire Fang.
2nd Pokémon: Yemin (Lv. 18) - Defeated by Trishout with Babble.

And then there's one obstacle left: Eric. He thinks that whole "Chosen One" is just hype.

Let's do this.

1st Pokémon: Punchbug (Lv. 19) - Defeated by Trishout with Fire Fang. 

Heh. Looks like it wasn't hype after all, eh Eric?

Yeah. After that, I went back to that nurse outside the Gym, healed up, and saved my game. Just in case.

(smart)

And after all of this, well...it's time.

Let's go fight Ginger. Head back inside the school, and make your way through the Courtyard until we get to the battle area.

Looks like Gym fights are a big event around here. And this one is no different. It's a beautiful day, not too hot or cold, a fine day for a Pokémon battle. Ginger wants to see what my Pokémon can do. Alright, if that's what he wants. 

1st Pokémon: Passimian (Lv. 20) - Defeated by Trishout.
2nd Pokémon: Pyukumuku (Lv. 22) - Defeated by Shawkbird.
3rd Pokémon: Hawlucha (Lv. 20) - Defeated by Shawkbird.

And with that, we've won! 

Ginger is impressed. I handed him his first defeat on campus. He finds it inspiring, vowing to get stronger so he and my Pokémon can reach my level. He thanks us again for stopping Team Dimension, and gives us the Match Badge and TM76 (Power-Up Punch). Remember the tunnel that was blocked by Ginger's boys we saw earlier? Well, it's now opened up, and we can go on Route 5. We head out when...

Yeah, I think Ginger has something more to tell us. He asks us if we know Aster. Well, Aster and Ginger's dad were evidently friends or co-workers, and they developed a little vehicle for Trainers: The Pokéboard. Basically, it's a hoverboard.

Ginger's dad sent him the latest model of it from Vega City, but he wants me to have it. So, yeah. I have a hoverboard now.

I love this game so much for letting me have a hoverboard. And I think that's where we'll stop for now. Join me next month as I make my way through Route 5 and see what is out there. Thanks for reading this blog entry! If you liked it, show it off! Take care of yourselves and each other! Stay safe, stay healthy, stay home, wash your hands often, wear a mask, and get vaccinated and boosted! See you next time!

Pokémon Obtained
(Newtron City)
- Pelipper (evolved from Wingull)

She-Hulk Trailer, My Thoughts

The Mighty Marvel Cinematic Universe marches on! As part of its fourth phase, the MCU has had sic-episode TV miniseries focusing on various characters. They've had the purpose of giving some spotlight to characters that didn't get to appear much in the films or introduce new characters that will be appearing in the MCU in the future. So far, there have been six: WandaVision, Falcon and the Winter Soldier, the first season of Loki, What If...?, Hawkeye, and Moon Knight. And now, this seventh mini-series is going to be focused on a character that has been a beloved part of the Marvel Universe over nearly fifty years: The Sensational She-Hulk!

First appearing in The Savage She-Hulk #1 (February 1980), Jennifer Walters was once an ordinary lawyer until she was wounded by cronies of a crime boss and needed a blood transfusion. Having no one else compatible around, Bruce Banner was formed to transfuse some of his own blood into her. His gamma-mutated blood gave Jennifer the power to transform into a gamma-green powerhouse like her cousin. 

The She-Hulk has been hanging around the MU ever since then, and has even gone on to appear in cartoons and video games. But now, she's coming to the MCU, with Tatiana Maslany portraying her. Let's look at the trailer for She-Hulk: Attorney at Law!

 Ahhh, looks like it'll be a beautiful night in the city. Nothing crazy could possibly happen...

...I spoke too soon.

"We need to get She-Hulk drunk! Nothing bad could come of this!"

Ah, I see they're going to be drawing from Dan Slott's She-Hulk run. I oughta read that sometime. Heard it was really good.

Hey, Tim Roth! I love that's just sitting there like, "Hey, how you doing?" I wonder if his jailers know that he's also been fighting in that club in Macau.

She ain't wrong. 

Run, Bruce! Ruuuuuuun!

You know, considering we've seen Bruce in both his human and Hulk forms post-Endgame, I can't help but wonder if he can change forms at will now.

Fun fact: She-Hulk has served in both the Avengers and in the Fantastic Four.

Most families bond by road trips. Hulk families bond by leaping great lengths. And smashing things.

Frog-Man! I love Frog-Man! And he's got a neat Power Ranger-like costume! I dig it!

I friggin' love Frog-Man. If I ever get to write for Marvel, I am so making him an Avenger. Because Frog-Man is awesome. 

I personally would write Titania as talking like a Scott Steiner promo. "YOU KNOW THEY SAY ALL WOMEN ARE CREATED EQUAL! BUT YOU LOOK AT ME AND YOU LOOK AT SHE-HULK AND YOU SEE THAT STATEMENT IS JUST NOT TRUE!" 

"SHE-HULK WANT SNU SNU!" 

Well, I have to admit, I want to give this a watch. I've heard people complain about the CGI, but I'm not too worried about it. They're likely still working on it until the show is released. I think this will be a fun show!

Thanks for reading this blog entry! If you liked it, show it off! Take care of yourselves and each other! Stay safe, stay healthy, stay home, wash your hands often, wear a mask, and get your vaccination and booster! See you next time!

Memorial Day

Today is Memorial Day.

Thank you to all those who gave all for our freedom. 

Star Brand #1 (October 1986)

The New Universe. We've visited this 80s imprint before in reviews of D.P. 7 #1 and Psi-Force #1. This imprint introduced its fair share of characters, and among the most prominent of them was Kenneth Connell, aka the Star Brand. 

Created by Marvel's then editor-in-chief Jim Shooter, Star Brand was intended to be the flagship title of the New Universe line, and it was originally titled "Will Power". An unused concept by the late Archie Goodwin would provide Star Brand with its name. The original Star Brand title lasted three years, 19 issues and an Annual. 

Despite its short number of issues, the title had numerous creative teams. When the New Universe imprint was dissolved, Mark Gruenwald would use characters from its titles in Quasar to tie things up. However, this would not be the end for the Star Brand.

In 2007, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the New Universe, the series newuniversal was released. Written by Warren Ellis and with art by Salvador Larocca, this was a reimagining of the New Universe's characters and concepts, including the Star Brand. This version of the Star Brand was one of four powerful glyphs given to mortals to help guide Earth through an upcoming paradigm shift. 

A version of the Star Brand would eventually appear in the mainstream Marvel Universe. This version of the Star Brand first debuted in Avengers #7 (May 2013), originally wielded by a college student named Kevin Connor. This version of the Star Brand is currently (as of this blog entry's original writing) being wielded by Brandy Selby. So, with that out of the way, let's take a look at Star Brand #1!

The cover is a John Romita Jr. piece. It's a simple cover that basically shows our man Star Brand flying in space, seemingly over the Earth. It gives us an idea of the power that this man has. I think it looks really cool because the idea of being able to fly over the Earth is awesome to me.

"The Star Brand"
Writer: Jim Shooter
Penciler: John Romita Jr.
Inker: Al Williamson
Colorist: Christie Scheele
Letterer: Joe Rosen
Editor: Michael Higgins
Editor-in-Chief: Jim Shooter

The story begins with a young man dirtbiking in the mountains of Western Pennsylvania.

"WHEEEEEEEEEE AWW NOT THE GOOD CHEEK!"

This man is Kenneth "Ken" Connell. And his life is about to take a turn for the weird. And it all starts with him finding what looks like a burned-out clearing.

"...Aw man, the Hulk got drunk again..."

Ken wonders what could have caused something like this. It couldn't have been a forest fire. Too neat. It looks like everything was bombed out. He goes to get a better vantage point, when he finds a weird old man hanging out by his bike.

"Pardon me, but do you know where a man can get some steamed hams?"

The old man claims that he almost didn't make it here. And he's on his last legs. He was hoping to find Ken here today, as he has a gift for him. All Ken has to do is look into his eyes...

Connell wakes up and finds out he spent the night seemingly out cold. He then finds himself recalling what happened last night. It seemed like a dream. The Old Man explains that he didn't cause the clearing. He was there because he wanted to check it out. He's glad it did, because it brought him to Ken. You see, the Old Man sees himself and Ken as a rare breed of man, a man worthy of the gift he wants to give. The Old Man is dying, and before he goes, he wants to pass his gift on to Ken.

"And yes, I was drunk when I got it. Next question."

It seems to be an ordinary tattoo. Ken notices that it's now on its palm, showing it not an ordinary bit of body art. But it can be moved around if he wants to. Ken wonders where the Old Man wandered off to. He finds some tracks and follows them to the edge of a cliff. He finds the Old Man's corpse, seemingly fallen off the cliff. He also notices that the Old Man's appearance has changed, making him look like an alien being. Ken gives the Old Man a proper burial by lifting up a massive rock and putting him in the cave it creates. He flies back to his bike and rides back to the Pittsburg suburbs. 

When he arrives home, he starts thinking about the newfound power he has, and tries to figure it out. He describes the titular Star Brand as a kind of warmth. When he concentrates, this warmth fills his whole body. He discovers that he's likely invulnerable and incredibly strong. He also decides to take a flight to visit a friend who lives over in West Mifflin.

"So what if it's bent in half and has no wheels? It's still good! It's still good!" 

Meet Myron Feldman. He found a bent-up wheel-less bike by the side of a road and plans to fix it up. He's actually a psychiatrist in his day job. Ken bends the bike frame back into shape...while floating in the air, which gets Myron all like "HOLY COW".

Myron wants to see the Old Man's body. The two discuss the Star Brand and why Ken ended up with it. However, their conversation is tabled by an unwanted guest.

"Pardon me, but do you have any Grey Poupon?"

Ken realizes this Yautja wannabe is after the Star Brand itself. Ken flies off, luring the alien bounty hunter to a slag dump. Ken tries to hide behind some railroad cars to ambush the alien, but the cars get blown away. Ken tries to throw one of the busted-up cars at the alien, but his Star Brand power seems to go out on him.

The alien tries to force Ken to give it the Star Brand, claiming the Old Man lied to the young dirtbiker, that Ken is being duped into a role that will ruin his life. The alien claims he is more worthy of the Brand than Ken is. Ken manages to summon the Star Brand power, thanks to his anger coming from his fear of the alien killing him. He then makes the area explode.

Myron finds him. The alien seems to be gone...and so are Ken's clothes. Whoops. In Whitehall, a woman is watching news coverage of the explosion. 

"🎵 Doin' alright, gettin' good grades! The future's so bright, I gotta wear shades...🎵"

Meet Madeline Felix, aka "Debbie the Duck". I have no idea why she's nicknamed that. She and Ken do like to greet each other by saying "Quack", so maybe it's that?

Anyway, Ken comes to her place, as he needs a place to crash for the night. You see, when his clothes got vaporized, he lost his keys and his wallet. 

The next day, she heads to work, promising to tell Ken's boss he can't make it today. As Ken gets dressed, he remembers he has a date with a woman named Barb tonight...as well as get a new driver's license and visa card. They got vaporized, remember? he flies off to the makeshift cave where he buried the Old Man. The body is gone, but a costume is left behind.

"...aw great, I got a naked zombie to deal with..."

That night, Ken is enjoying some dinner with the lovely Barbara Petrovic at her place. A single mother, Barbara sends her kids off to bed. Ken and Barbara are about to make out on her couch when he hears a thumping from outside. They go to check it out, and they find that Barbara's daughter Laurie is holding a strange golden toy. Ken takes it, recognizing it as one of the alien's blasters. Laurie herself seems to be in a trance, like she's under hypnosis.

An angry Ken rushes out and takes to the air, trying to find the alien. But the search is fruitless. He heads home and calls Myron. Myron reveals that the FBI have been asking questions, piling on to Ken's worries. Madeline comes over, telling him that Ken's boss has a message: If you don't come in tomorrow, don't bother coming in ever again. 

"Four-day weekend!"

Debbie's visit made him realize something important. The next day, Ken is hard at work. He works at the car repair shop at a dealership. Yeah, dealerships do have repair centers in them. His boss John asks him to bring his car down from the roof lot. Ken does...with his powers. Later on, Ken suits up. He's in a fighting mood.

"Time for evil to get Branded! ...I'll work on that."

He finds the alien and its craft in the Laurel Mountains (I'm assuming Shooter meant the singular mountain, which is part of Pennsylvania's Forbes State Forest). Star Brand is easily able to overpower the alien. He tosses the extraterrestrial malcontent into his ship and tosses him away. The story ends with Ken proclaiming he was the right man to be the Star Brand, and he's going to keep it...even if he has to fight the whole universe to get it.

I admit, I did enjoy this comic. It's your standard origin story, and it sets up some interesting mysteries...despite the presence of the alien violating one of the rules of the New Universe (one of the rules of the New Universe was that it was not supposed to have any of the more fantastical elements of the Marvel Universe, like gods and aliens). 

You know, reading this comic, I can't help but wonder if some inspiration was taken from Green Lantern for Star Brand. Think about it. How Ken gained the Brand seems to be somewhat similar to how Hal Jordan became a part of the Green Lantern Corps. Yeah, some details are altered, but the basic idea is still there: Man gets powerful weapon from alien being. Only here, there are no Star Brand Corps to train Ken in the usage of the Brand and help counsel him on how he can use his power.  Ken does possess some bravery and smarts, but he'll be struggling with his power as time goes on. It does feel like Star Brand is a slight deconstruction of Green Lantern.  

If you want to read this for yourself, I recommend tracking down the 2016 trade paperback Star Brand: New Universe Vol. 1. Thanks for reading this blog entry!