Superman/Batman Apocalypse

Picked up my copy of Superman/Batman Apocalypse over the weekend. I thought you might like to know about it.
First off, it is definitely worth owning. It is by all the familiar players in the DC Anmated Universe. It is based on a comic mini series, I believe.
Basically, it tells the story of when Supergirl (Kara Zor-el) fell to Earth. It's not really in the continuity with the Cartoon Series, Justice League Unlimited, which might be my only complaint witht the current crop of DC Animated Movies. I feel like they should all be part of one continuity (George Lucas has shown us that this can be done)
The animation is superb, which we have come to expect, and one thing I do like is they got Kevin Conroy and Tim Daly to voice Batman and Superman respectively, reprising their roles from the animated shows.
there is lots of great super action including a major throwdown in Smallville between Superman, Kara and Darkseid.
So, go rent the movie for sure, buying it would be better since it supports that they will make more of these.
I enjoyed it, but I love these movies so I am admittedly biased.

Iron Man 2

Happy Columbus Day (yesterday) - Actually today (October 12th) is the original Columbus Day. Yesterday was Columbus Day (observed). I only know this because I was born on October 12th. Yes...It's my birthday.

For my birthday, I treated myself to a DVD copy of Iron Man 2. Watched it right away. I must say, I loved it.

Of course, as we know, I can be pretty forgiving of Superhero movies, but there's a lot of good things about Iron Man 2.
Here are some of them:

• The armor looks awesome
• The effects in general look awesome
• Tony is a hard drinking, arrogant, insufferable dude who you can't help but cheer for
• Scarlet Johannsen
• Whiplash is pulled off very well by Mickey Rourke
• The Senate Committee hearing is awesome
• Lots of talk about the Avengers (Thor's hammer!)

Could I find some things wrong with the movie? Maybe...but minor issues. I could see how the following may bother some people

• Replacing Terrence Howard with Don Cheadle. I love both actors, but why replace him?
• Lots of subplots and lots of stuff going on. Not too much for a comic fan to keep up with, but maybe for a layperson (non-geek) to understand
• Whiplash ended up in armor...why?

So, a highly recommended DVD, even with a couple of issues. Of course, you should go buy it anyway to support our types of movies. As I have said many times, if we want more superhero movies, then we have to vote for them (with our money)

Been Away For Awhile`

Haven't posted enough this summer. I should explain. Travel is great and there are so many ways to stay connected and work from the road. I clearly need to improve on that though! I spent all summer chasing the sun along the beaches of the East Coast.
I also spent a good amount of time chasing the greener grass only to find it's not all that much greener. I have some pretty green grass right here.
My projects with some other writers are on hold while I get refocused, but GGE still has a great story planned for development this fall so after a summer of weirdness, we are back on track!

GreenGates' blogging receives award!

YAY! Look at this versatile blogger award give to Green Gates by izombielover!!!

Izombie has been following a few blogs and listed ours to receive one of "The Versatile Blogger" awards.

It's particularly gratifying, because we strive for a variety of content on writing, movies, science fiction, fantasy, books, comics, etc, etc. We try to offer varied content, all in the world of "Speculative Fiction" and it feels great to know someone enjoys our stuff!!!

Thanks Izombielover!!  (Now go check out some of the other award winner's sites! The list is below.)

The Versatile Blogger [2010] Part II


10 out of 15 - Blogs I have been Reading and Following:



Halloween Overkill - http://halloweenoverkill.blogspot.com/

Green Gates - http://greengatesinc.blogspot.com/

FIRE_BAD - http://derekring.blogspot.com/

Dane of War - http://www.daneofwar.com/

Monster Beauty - http://monster-beauty.blogspot.com/

POETIC ZOMBIE - http://poeticzombie.blogspot.com/

Adeles SpOOky Art - http://adelesspookyart.blogspot.com/

The Kid in the Hall - http://thekidinthehall.blogspot.com/

Too Many Zombies - http://toomanyzombies.blogspot.com/

✖~Paraoid Show~✖ - http://paranoidshow.blogspot.com/

That thing your passionate about? It's important!

It’s important. It’s important that we identify our passion and pursue it. Why is it important? Because the first step to success is passion. Sure you can be a moderate success at something you are just good at and not necessarily be passionate about it. But real success? I suspect Walt Disney was passionate about cartooning. I suspect Bill Gates is passionate about computers. Stephen King is passionate about writing. Stan Lee is passionate about comic books (this wasn’t always the case, but once he got passionate, the success followed). In Stan’s case he didn’t start out doing what he loved, but he learned to love what he was doing. The passion became enthusiasm and the enthusiasm became success. And for anyone who has heard Stan speak, the enthusiasm is also infectious.

It’s not just important for your success, but the world is so much richer when you are working on your passion! You have a gift. Your passion guides you towards that gift. And the world wants you (needs you) to produce that gift!

So why don’t we all do it? Because it’s hard.

It’s hard to write in the evenings when you also have a “real job”. It’s hard to run a second business while in college (both Bill Gates and Michael Dell did this). It’s hard to go out and make music on the weekends when you work all week and people remind you that Nashville is not calling anytime soon.
It’s hard to break into comics, or cartooning, or acting (or is it? Maybe breaking in looks differently than we have been led to believe).

We are afraid people will laugh. My passion is geeky. No doubt about it. It involves super heroes and dragons and wizards and zombies. Nothing any mature male should be interested in. Who says?

I suspect your passion might be just as challenging. This is just a reminder that even though it is hard, there are lots of us struggling with it. By finding each other, communicating, supporting one another and commiserating (sometimes) we will find that it’s even though it is still hard, it doesn’t have to be quite so painful.

The world, the universe, and me all want you to work on your passion. Pursue it. People may laugh. Maybe not. If they do, then you don’t need them. Surround yourself with supportive influences and go create something awesome!

Airborn

Currently reading Airborn by Kenneth Oppel. The book is intended for adolescents, but it is a really good adventure read! I liken it to Treasure Island or 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.
It's a bit steampunk in that its setting in an alt-history where the airplane was not invented and so the airships predominate the skies. Massive airships, like Titanic sized. There are small ornithopters that flap their wings, but proper "airplanes".
It has air pirates, tropical islands, lost natural treasures.
It's a really good book in a trilogy about the hero, an intrepid young flyer named Matt Cruse. Matt is a cabin boy in this first book, but he moves on in subsequent volumes.
My 6th grader read it and loved it. I am reading it now and it is really good, regardless of your age! Especially if you are drawn to the whole airship setting (which I am)

Mundania Press

Sometimes writers are left wondering what publishers they should approach. There are so many choices. There are so many big publishing houses out there, but a few only talk to you if you send in an agented submission.
Then there are the few (like Tor and Baen) for whom you don't need an agent, but they are deluged with submissions. Of course, I would still suggest submitting to them. Personally, I have a collection of rejection letters from both.
Then there is the small press. Some of these are vanity publishers in disguise and should be completely avoided.
Which of the rest are "the good ones"?
I don't know about a lot of them, but I know about a couple. Wild Child Publishing is one of them (I have a contract with them now) and another is Mundania Press.
I have worked with Mundania in the past and they are professional, polite and attentive. By the same token, they publish good books by good authors and a writer could do a lot worse than being associated with Mundania.

Bitter Seeds

Oh wow. Check this out! A debut novel from Ian Tregillis entitled "Bitter Seeds". The minute I heard the premise, I was hooked.

It's an alternate WWII history where a Nazi scientist has managed to imbue some German psycopaths with x-men-like powers and the Wermacht is unstoppable! (Even more so than in real history).

To counter this, the British government drafts an elite unit of Warlocks to fight the Nazi supermen.

Warlocks versus metahumans? Nazi metahuman! How awesome is that?!?

What Independence Means to Me

Happy Birthday America!!!

Happy 4th of July!

As someone who relies heavily on the freedom of speech, I treasure our freedoms so very much. I sometimes forget to be thankful for the fact that I can write anything I want here on my blog, or in a manuscript or a screenplay and I won't have to worry about being hauled off for it. I can publish any art that moves me (and hopefully you) and I won't be labeled an enemy of the state for it.
I love all of our freedoms, like the fact that I can hop in my car and cross state lines without needing travel papers. I can be in the military or I can decide not to be. I can make as much money as I can get someone to pay me, or as much as I can sell a story for. No one comes after that money (except for my taxes, but we all do our fair share I guess).
So today, I intend to celebrate freedom with friends and family. I'll have a few beers and a hamburger or two and then pen a few pages. I'll remember to say a prayer for those fighting across the globe to help preserve this way of life. They are paying the ultimate price daily and for that I am truly grateful.

Happy Independence Day!

The Green Hornet

Finally, my questions have been answered! I have been scared to death that the upcoming Seth Rogen movie "The Green Hornet" was going to be too cheesy and campy (like Starsky and Hutch).
Instead, based on the trailer, it looks awesome. Sure, there is some comic relief, as there should be in any great action film (Indiana Jones, Star Wars, etc).
I am now officially stoked about this movie! Just like the Green Hornet tv show with Bruce Lee, Kato looks to have some serious kick ass moves.

I always like Green Hornet and this movie looks to have some key elements. The car, the gas gun, Kato, the film noir style costume. Can't wait!

Wonder Woman's New Look

Even icons need the occasional update and I like this one! J. Michael Straczynski has taken over the DC comic and plans some changes. You can see some in the pic on the left.
I love Wonder Woman because she kicks serious butt! Like the girlie version of Superman. Of course she is also totally hot!
I always felt like, if Supes wasn't around, that leadership of Earth's heroes would fall to WW. Sure, Batman would have a lot of say, but he's more of an advisor, not the leader that Kal-el and Diana can be!
So, I am in favor of the new threads! What about you?

Captain America: The First Avenger

Captain America: The First Avenger just looks fantastic. The images we have see thus far and the cast all have me feeling like this movie will really be something special.
I am hoping for a cross between "Saving Private Ryan" and "Iron Man".
Chris Evans will be a great Cap and Hugo Weaving will be awesome as the Red Skull. The whole cast sounds perfect.

Cap means so much to me and I suspect that a lot of people feel the same way. Such an iconic character as well as the embodiment of a hero. He is the guy who never gives up and always does the right thing. A natural leader, a bad ass fighter and an indomitable spirit. I absolutely can't wait for this movie.

The Dawn Treader

A new Narnia Movie! I was afraid that "Prince Caspian" had killed the series for good, but it looks like we get to see "Voyage of the Dawn Treader". That's pretty exciting!

Check out the trailer. It looks fantastic!

It's set for release this Christmas Season

The Chronicles of Narnia, for those of you who don't know, are an epic fantasy series written by C.S. Lewis. I read them all as a kid and I still read them as an adult.

Oh yeah, just for the record - I actually liked "Prince Caspian. "

Predators

Hell yeah! Robert Rodriguez is directing a new Predator movie entitled "Predators"

I have not always loved Robert's movies, but I LOVE Predator movies. I can't wait!

Check out the trailer

Jonah Hex bombs...

The Jonah Hex movie officially "bombed" on opening weekend drawing in around $5 million. I didn't know that $5mil was a "bomb" that's just what I read online (so it must be true, right?).
I am guessing if a movie costs millions to make, then the studios would like to make tens of millions off of tickets, merchandise etc.
I'll be honest, I am a bit surprised. I figured Hex would have a ready-made audience. The comic has always been pretty popular. I guess it goes to show us that not every comic book can be made into a movie.
Of course, I think the marketing was a bit light and the subject matter a bit dark for a summer blockbuster season. Looking at the other movies out right now, I can understand how Karate Kid, The A-team and Toy Story would all ouot compete Jonah.
I won't second guess the marketing, release dates too much though. I literally know nothing about that end of the movie making biz. I will say this though - Hex is a great character and the comic is very well done and has been for years. I can't wait to see the movie (but on opening weekend, my kids and I also chose Toy Story 3 - hence my conclusion about competition). As soon as I catch the film, I'll let you know how it is.
I could be reasonably happy staring at Megan Fox for 2 hours so I suspect I will have positive things to say about it.

Ryan Reynolds as Green Lantern - First Look

Well, for anyone who hasn't heard, Ryan Reynolds has been cast to play Green Lantern in an upcoming film set for release in June 2011.

The movie has been given a decent sized budget and is getting lots of buzz.

One disclaimer, the image to the left is a fan-created image (impressive!). The actual costume is still in discussion and there is some thought that it might be totally CGI. The thinking has been that since the costume should look alien and come from the ring, then it might look more like a manifestation of his power.

I don't know...we'll just have to see. As long as it looks like an interstellar cop (which is what the Corp represents, right?) then it should be cool.

I have always loved the Green Lantern mix of superhero and science fiction! I love cross genre stuff and GL was cross genre before either of the genres was really established.

Best Movie Martial Artist

Who is the best movie martial artist ever?

Obviously, GGE has a preference (pictured to the left). There are several notable martial artists in movies. Some criteria - either in a TV show or in multiple moves. I am listing some actors who only played martial artists. Mainly, it's anyone I thought should be on the list. So...let's go






Here are some options (ranked in order of awesomeness by GGE):

• Bruce Lee - obviously The Dragon is my pick for the best and greatest of all time
• Jet Li
• Chuck Norris
• Jackie Chan
• Brandon Lee
• Ray Parks (I love this guy. Darth Maul, The Headless Horsemen, Snake eyes, Toad)
• Jean Claude Van Damme (He only beats Jason on on martial arts ability - not acting)
• Jason Statham (great actor - love his movies, but lower on the martial artist list)
• Hong Kong Phooey (he rocks)
• David Carradine (Not really a martial artist, but how awesome was Kung fu?)

Honorable Mentions:

• Ralph "Karate Kid" Maccio (hurts me to even list him)
• Mr. Miyagi
• Keanu Reeves (Neo was cool)
• Uma Thurman (really just an actresss)
• Steven Seagal (what a joke)

The Brethren Trilogy

Consider this a public service.

First of all, I have been reading "The Brethren Trilogy" and it is awesome! It is written by Robyn Young and I love this series so much.

Here is where Iwill help you out though - if you go to Amazon and browse for "The Brethren Trilogy" you will find four books. I know...wtf?

I can now clear this up for you and keep you from agonizing over this the way I did.



So, the trilogy is

1. Brethren
2. Crusade
3. Requiem...only Requiem was published as "The Fall of the Templars" in the United States. Everywhere else it is "Requiem"

So, mystery solved. Now go read this trilogy. It is really, really good!

Abby Sunderland

I don't know how many of you have been following Abby Sunderland's attempt to circumnavigate the world at the age of 16. A couple of days ago, the world lost contact with Abby and her emergency beacons were activated and there was about 40 hours when the worst was feared. Abby has been rescued now, having taken some damage to her 40 yacht, "Wild Eyes" but she is alive and well.
Abby's parents have, of course, taken a lot of flack for letting a 16 year old try such a feat. I felt the same, initially, but as I have read Abby's blog everyday, I have begun to change my mind. This is a seriously brave girl with the soul of an adventurer. As I think about great explorers and adventurers in human history, I realize that there is always an element of risk in living a life less ordinary.
It would have been terribly tragic if something had happened to Abby, but what a testament to human spirit. I think Abby and her family are amazing. Her brother has also circumnavigated the world.

"The Dangers of life are infinite, and among them is safety" - Goethe

We are not all that safe just driving down the road. I think Abby's attempt to do something remarkable is to be commended. I am both terrified and hopeful that she might try this again. One thing is for certain though, I think we need more people like Abby who are willing to cast caution to the wind and push the envelope of what is "possible"

Hank, the Idea Monkey

Finally Revealed, the source of GGE's ideas!

Yes, that is a picture of Green, of Green Gates as he converses with Hank, the "Idea Monkey" for new ideas that Green Gates can use. GGE often quizzes Hank for new ideas and we run most of our current plans past the Idea Monkey before sharing them with the public.

Don't worry, Hank is fine with sharing his knowledge. As you can see from the pic, all he asks in return is a small bottle of gatorade.


Here is another pic of Hank sharing his ideas with Green and his brother. Hank is an endless fount of knowledge and wisdom and is highly sought after in entertainment circles. He started his career as a stockbroker in NY city, but found the indigenous people to be too uncivilized for his tastes. He's retired to Chattanooga, TN, voted one of the "top 25 places to retire" by Money Magazine. (Money, not Monkey - Hank asked that I point that out)

Hank lives in Chattanooga at the Warner Park Zoo. Feel free to visit him to ask about Chattanooga, stock advice or just to let him serve as your own personal muse. Now the world knows where GGE gets its fresh, original, snappy ideas.