Category: Dark Horse Day

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Dark Horse Day Series: Why The Mask’s Magic Is Possession

 

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DARK HORSE DAY

The Mask (1991) #1. Dark Horse Comics.

IN RELIGIOUS WARFARE

INTRO

In 1994, The Mask movie became a pop sensation and propelled Jim Carrey into super-stardom. Really, it perhaps defined the decade in movies and showed Hollywood at its best.

With a cocktail of gags, fun, romance and PG-13 violence the movie wowed audiences worldwide. Indeed, worldwide, we all dreamed of donning the fateful Mask and gaining super powers and the instant cool factor!

Though the movie was certainly successful it clearly presented the comic villain as a hero or anti-hero. In fact, it even led to the successful The Mask animated series.

However, it is clear that the Mask is an artifact that amplifies its wearer’s own penchant for violence and destruction. In our first series article, we ask: Is The Mask #possessed?

Flashback FM


#HERO OR #VILLAIN?

Across media, the Mask’s portrayals vary from anti-hero to villain. Popularly, the Mask movie portrayed the character in a more familiar light, as an anti-hero.

In the film, Stanley Ipkiss is the first Mask: a disgruntled employee, bullied and romantic, Stanley stumbles upon an ancient mask, wears it and becomes the Mask.

For the most part, he wants lots of money, have fun and win the heart of his impossible love, the girlfriend of Coco Bongo gangster named Tina.

However, the comics presented the character as a villain who despite having a girlfriend, is bullied by mobsters.

When he finds the mask, he puts it on and becomes the Mask: bloodlusted, he causes mayhem, deaths and destruction.

So our series should help us answer: Is the Mask a #villain or a #hero? Let’s look at comics and film.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

OUR POLL

So far, the Twitter audience has not given any votes.

Let’s look at four elements of The Mask and how the artifact may actually make him #possessed.

 

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IS THE MASK #POSSESSED?

#POSSESSED: BLOODLUST (COMICS)

Notoriously, in Mayhem (1989) #1, one of the central effects of the Mask is to increase its wearer’s bloodlust. When Stanley dons the Mask the first time, he cracks his first gag: “But First…” After some mishaps, he ends up at the biker gang that attacked him earlier. In search of payback, he completely murders the whole gang, leaving their whole shop in flames. In many cases, the possessed display Peak Human to superhuman strength. At the end, he leaves laughing maniacally.

Likewise, in The Mask Returns (1993) #3, we learn the origin story of the Mask. Originally, the Mask was a shamanic artifact that was part of cult rituals. In fact, it fed on death and often increased its wearer’s bloodlust. Indeed, it needed the death of the wearer for the ritual to continue. In the comic, when Katherine puts on the Mask she kills Stanley Ipkiss, her boyfriend. Definitely, the Mask makes its wearers #possessed. Indeed, the bloodlust and the superhuman strength indicate possession.

#CRIMINAL: MAYHEM (FILM)

In the film, the Mask is more often a comedian and a flirt. In fact, he rarely kills and many of his violent outbursts are jokes. At the end, he kills only Dorian the main antagonist in order to save Tina.

At the same time, his penchant for destruction and mayhem causes him the attention of the police. Certainly, the big dance scene with the police force is a highlight of the movie. Definitely, Stanley Ipkiss may be #possessed and not a #criminal.

#POSSESSED: MAGIC (FILM)

Perhaps, the most controversial aspect. Normally, the #possessed exhibit superhuman strength and arcane knowledge. In addition, they may be visited by supernatural or paranormal phenomena. In the movie, it is revealed that the Mask was created by the Asgardian god Loki in order to spread chaos on Earth. On multiple occasions, the Mask uses magic or supernatural power.

For example, he induces mass hypnosis by making an entire police force dance on the streets. Also, he creates a siphon in the pond at the Coco Bongo by painting on the tree where Tina is chained. Other powers are his super speed, and his super strength. At the same time, this is not typical of the #possessed and actually reflects magic or supernatural power. Definitely, the Mask is a magician or sorcerer.

#CRIMINAL: GUNS (COMICS)

In the comics, the Mask frequently uses guns. In fact, his bloodlust and his magic cause him to seek revenge and kill people. In the first appearance, the Mask uses guns to kill the biker gang that bullied him.

Certainly, the use of guns is not necessarily criminal. However, here, it is for the purpose of committing crimes. Definitely, the Mask is also a #criminal.

 

ADVERTISE YOUR AUCTION

THE MASK IS A #MAGICIAN

Across media, the Mask is certainly #possessed. In fact, his superhuman strength and his reliance on the artifact indicate a form of shamanic possession.

At the same time, his use of magic reveal he is also a magician. Definitely, the power of summoning objects is arcane or sorcery. Moreover, the question remains about whether the Mask possesses Stanley.

In Behind ‘The Mask,’ Kyle McGovern looks at the origins behind the pop movie. Originally, the Mask was a metaphor for human impulses and how it amplifies its aggression.

“You see a guy who’s downtrodden, he’s got issues, he feels like the world has kicked him a bunch,” says comic book artist Doug Mahnke, who worked on Mayhem and several other miniseries featuring the Mask. “All of a sudden he has this chance to get away with a bunch of —-.”

Definitely, we are closer to the answer that the fact he may actually be a #villain, and not an #anti-hero.

DARK HORSE DAY SERIES: WHY THE MASK IS A #VILLAIN. JUNE 2ND.

LINKS

Behind ‘The Mask’ in The Ringer.
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Dark Horse Day: The Mask’s Best Jokes In His First Appearance In ‘Mayhem’ #1

In 'Mayhem (1989) #1, Stanley Ipkiss puts on the Mask for the first time.
 

DARK HORSE DAY

Writer(s)

John Arcudi

Penciler(s)

Doug Mahnke

Inker(s)

Doug Mahnke

Cover

Chris Warner, Chris Chalenor

Publisher

Dark Horse Comics

Publication Date

May, 1989

IN HUMOR

THE MASK’S BEST JOKES

In 'Mayhem (1989) #1, Stanley Ipkiss puts on the Mask for the first time.
In Mayhem (1989) #1, Stanley Ipkiss puts on the Mask for the first time. Dark Horse Comics.

 

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“TEE HEE.”

To begin, we tell The Mask’s first joke. More of a grin or grimace, it occurs early.

After Stanley Ipkiss has bought the Mask, it gifts it to his girlfriend, Katherine.

At night, he heads for the bathroom finds the Mask on the toilet seat. In fact, he believes she left it there to scare him

At first, Stanley seems to put on the Mask as a practical joke. Surreally, it bonds with his face.

Visibly, Stanley is surprised at the transformation.

In the last three panels, we see The Mask’s expression change as he clenches his fists.

Finally, he looks into the mirror with his trademark grin with a “Tee Hee.”1

VISIT THE COMIC BOOK DAY PAGE

“BUT FIRST…”

In its first appearance, the Mask increases blood lust, aggression and violence. On the street, The Mask briefly gets into a fight.

In fact, he believes he has super powers and attempts to fight back. Soon, he finds himself in the middle of the road.

Unfortunately a car drives by and runs him over. Cowardly, the occupants of the car find he survived and run away.

Though bloody, the Mask instantly heals. There, he utters the responsibility of helping humanity with his super powers.

But, he follows with the humoristic “But first…”

“THANKS FOR THE BEER.”

In his crime spree, the Mask attacks a biker gang that destroyed his car.

Early on, Stanley Ipkiss bought the Mask and the leader of the gang destroyed his car then beat him up.

Now, The Mask gave them payback.

In a very bloody fight, The Mask destroys the criminals. Finally, he survives his chest blown up by a shotgun.

Then, he responds in kind with a machine gun. Finally, he exits the location in flames.

Humoristically, he laughs with “Thanks for the beer.”1

VISIT THE CYBORG APPRECIATION PAGE.

LINKS

Mayhem Vol 1 1 in Dark Horse Database
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Dark Horse Day Series: Robocop vs The Terminator

Robocop.
 

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DARK HORSE DAY

Robocop.
Robocop.

For the issue, click on the Amazon product image below to purchase the Kindle or Comixology comic.

IN ADVANCED WARFARE

INTRO

By now, we’ve all seen the original “Robocop” released in 1987. Indeed, it was the movie that marked the decade characterized by other popular movies such as “The Terminator.”

Let’s delve into why Robocop is one of the most avant-garde cyberpunk concepts from the 80s.
clips2evoke

FRANK MILLER

The Dark Knight Returns. DC Comics.
The Dark Knight Returns. DC Comics.

Notably, Frank Miller is the quintessential American comic writer of the ’80s. Really, his body of work is both revolutionary and deconstructionist. Some of his most celebrated works include Sin City, 300, Batman: Year One and the revolutionary The Dark Knight Returns. So, when Frank Miller set out in the ’90s to work on Robocop, people took notice.

SKYNET WEAPONIZED ROBOCOP’S TECH

To begin, Frank Miller’s series brings together different elements of the Robocop and Terminator universes. There are Skynet and its Time Displacement technology, human rebels and Robocop’s brain. In Robocop vs The Terminator (1992), a female soldier in the year 2029 is sent back to the past. Incredibly, her mission is to kill Robocop. At the same time, a trio of Terminators are sent to the past on a mission to protect Robocop.

As the series progresses, we learn that Robocop’s tech is in part responsible for the creation of Skynet. From there, it is a race against time for Robocop to disable Skynet in the future and the past. Of course, in Miller’s style there is a twist at the end which will bring a dramatic resolution. Probably, this is one of the most popular Robocop stories in the medium.

 

Robocop.
Robocop.

ROBOCOP VS THE TERMINATOR

In Robocop vs Terminator (1992) #2, Robocop rumbles with a trio of Terminators. Since Robocop is trying to take down Skynet, he ends up fighting the Terminators. Violently, the battle spans multiple pages. And it features Terminators firing live ammunition at the cyborg.

In the beginning, the Terminators ID Robocop as their Creator. Immediately, they switch mission parameters to “terminate.”1 Soon, Robocop fights mano a mano against their leader. Then, falling through buildings, Alex ends up ripping the android’s head off. What a fitting finish!

The Terrminator.
The Terminator.

CHECK OUT THE STORY: Robocop Is Half-Man, Half-Machine.

FRANK MILLER GAVE THE FANS WHAT THEY WANTED
Frank Miller.

In his review, Zac Thompson at Bloody Disgusting compares Frank Miller’s and Walter Simonson’s work to music.

If you are a music fan, discovering a book like Robocop versus The Terminator HC would be like finding out two of your favorite bands made a kick-ass record together you never heard about way back when. Add to the mix two more iconic music producers (analogy ongoing) creators in Frank Miller and Walter Simonson. This is what you could call a no-brainer if you’re a fan of even only ONE of these four icons. You literally cannot lose by reading this book. It’s perfect for a summer road trip or any other time you want to see a genuinely amazing epic this season. I honestly had no idea what to expect when I opened this book up. I am so glad I discovered this hidden gem and you will be too.

-“Review: “Robocop Versus The Terminator” HC”, BLOODY DISGUSTING
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NEXT: ROBOCOP IS THE CYBORG OF THE 80s. DECEMBER 1ST.

LINKS

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns in DC Database.
RoboCop Versus The Terminator in Robocop Wiki.
Review: “Robocop Versus The Terminator” HC in Bloody Disgusting.
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Dark Horse Day Series: Robocop Is Half-Man, Half-Machine

 
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DARK HORSE DAY
Robocop vs The Terminator. AP Photo/Dark Horse Comics.

For the issue, click on the Amazon product image below to purchase the Kindle or Comixology comic.

IN MAD SCIENCE

INTRO

By now, we’ve all seen the original “Robocop” released in 1987. Indeed, it was the movie that marked the decade characterized by other popular movies such as “The Terminator.”

Let’s delve into why Robocop is one of the most avant-garde cyberpunk concepts from the 80s.
clips2evoke

ORIGIN STORY

Robocop.
Robocop. AP Photo.

To begin, “Robocop” (1987) is about the police force. Particularly, it is about a Detroit police officer named Alex J. Murphy. Tragically, he is killed in the line of duty by a vicious crime gang. Ingeniously, a company called Omni Consumer Products transforms the fallen hero into a cyborg. Then, he becomes… Robocop.

HALF MAN, HALF MACHINE

Properly speaking, “Robocop” (1987) is an experiment. To this end, let’s test the boundaries between human life and machine programming. In many respects, the cyberpunk culture has produced here a cult film. In fact, the success of “Robocop” is revolutionary in itself. Indeed, it opened the general public’s minds to the possibility of cyborgs, robots and artificial intelligence.

Certainly, Robocop is half man, half machine. Science fiction plays with the limits of reality. Here, logic is bent when a human brain is put inside a machine. Without a doubt, it is the birth of a cyborg. What makes Robocop stand out is the fact he is also a police officer. His commitment to upholding the law is unquestionable though his methods are deemed too violent.

 
Robocop. AP Photo.

HYPER VIOLENCE

Perhaps, the most distinctive element of “Robocop” and its comic adaptations, is its hyper violence. Of course, Hollywood has made it a defined formula to use violence to counter social mores. In fact, this is what is viewed as social progress. What makes Robocop succeed is that lethal violence is served in the cool, logical voice of a machine. But, at the service of the law.

In this regard, much ink has been spilled about violence in Hollywood movies. For some reason, it seems the general public responds positively to artistic works that breathe authentic counter-culture. To this end, cyberpunk seized the imagination of the crowds in the 80s. Indeed, the hyper violence in “Robocop” made for entertainment not seen before on movie screens. And novelty, is the order of the day.
Robocop. AP Photo.

CHECK OUT THE STORY: Why Doctor Doom Is Marvel’s Greatest Villain

FRANK MILLER GAVE THE FANS WHAT THEY WANTED
Robocop vs The Terminator. AP Photo/Dark Horse Comics.

Using elements from both the RoboCop and Terminator universes, the comic book series puts its own spin on proceedings by having Skynet send three Terminators back in time to Detroit to protect a burnt out RoboCop from a lone human soldier (also) sent back to destroy him.

Discovering that the technology used to build him is partly responsible for the future development of Skynet, RoboCop soon sets upon himself to take down Skynet in the post-apocalyptic future single-handedly. Part of the story focuses on his mind, the only part left of him, hiding and moving throughout Skynet’s systems, fighting back as best he can.

-“RoboCop Versus The Terminator,” ROBOCOP WIKI
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NEXT: ROBOCOP VS THE TERMINATOR. NOVEMBER 3RD.

SOURCES

RoboCop in Robocop Wiki.
RoboCop Versus The Terminator in Robocop Wiki.
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Dark Horse Day: “The Witcher: House Of Glass” Is The Monster Hunter’s First Supernatural Comic Tale Of Horror And Suspense (Part II)

 
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DARK HORSE DAY

In 'The Witcher: House of Glass' (2014) #1, the Witcher is introduced for the first time.
In ‘The Witcher: House of Glass’ (2014) #1, the Witcher is introduced for the first time. AP Photo/Dark Horse Comics.

IN GODS, MONSTERS AND INFINITE POWER

THE WITCHER AND JAKOB SPEND TWO HOURS IN THE HOUSE OF GLASS LOOKING FOR MARTA

In 'Witcher: House of Glass' (2014) #2, with a spell, the Witcher sets a Ghoul on fire.
In ‘The Witcher: House of Glass’ (2014) #2, with a spell, the Witcher sets a Ghoul on fire. AP Photo/Dark Horse Comics.
Our tale continues in the House of Glass,
Witcher and Jakob, on the trail of Marta's,
"Aard," twice a blast to shock a hideous Ghoul,
"Igni," a spell to set on fire a hideous Ghoul,
A door creeks into a room, full of dead corpses!
Soon, it is time for dinner, wine and lapses!

WITH JAKOB GONE, WITCHER BEFRIENDS VARA, A SUCCUBUS

In 'Witcher: House of Glass' #2, Vara puts her demonic charm on the Witcher.
In ‘The Witcher: House of Glass’ (2014) #2, Vara puts her demonic charm on the Witcher. AP Photo/Dark Horse Comics.
Deep in sleep,Witcher is jolted by a demoness,
Changing her form, Witcher befriends a succubus,
Together, strangers explore the House of Glass,
Taken into a room, boredom overtakes them in a library of books,
Under demonic charm, Witcher rejects "human weakness,"
Then, it is time for a magical feast!

Curiously, the demoness gives the Witcher a key,
Sinisterly, she takes him to a trapdoor full of cursed bodies.

CHECK OUT THE STORY: “The Witcher: House Of Glass” Is The Monster Hunter’s First Supernatural Comic Tale Of Horror And Suspense.

A FAN OF THIS STORY? CLICK ON ‘THE WITCHER VOLUME 1’ BELOW TO PURCHASE THE COMIC ON AMAZON.

The tale of The Witcher continues in "The Witcher: House Of Glass" #3.

VISIT THE CYBORG APPRECIATION PAGE.

SOURCES

The Witcher: House of Glass in The Official Witcher Wiki.
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Dark Horse Day: 5 Reasons Why The 300 Taking On The Persian Army Is The Greatest Human Feat

In '300' (1998) #1, King Leonidas and the 300 Spartans march towards Thermopylae.
 
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DARK HORSE DAY

In '300' (1998) #1, King Leonidas and the 300 Spartans march towards Thermopylae.
In ‘300’ (1998) #1, King Leonidas and the 300 Spartans march towards Thermopylae. AP Photo/Dark Horse Comics.
Official Name

300

Universe

Dark Horse

Heroes

300 Spartans with King Leonidas.

Villains

King Xerxes and armies of Persia.

Creators

Frank Miller and Lynn Varley.

RELIGIOUS WARFARE

5. KING LEONIDAS AND THE SPARTANS’ FEAT IS HISTORICAL

Under Xerxes I, the Persian army moved south through Greece on the eastern coast, accompanied by the Persian navy moving parallel to the shore. To reach its destination at Attica, the region controlled by the city-state of Athens, the Persians needed to go through the coastal pass of Thermopylae (or the “Hot Gates,” so known because of nearby sulfur springs). In the late summer of 480 B.C., Leonidas led an army of 6,000 to 7,000 Greeks from many city-states, including 300 Spartans, in an attempt to prevent the Persians from passing through Thermopylae.

Leonidas established his army at Thermopylae, expecting that the narrow pass would funnel the Persian army toward his own force. For two days, the Greeks withstood the determined attacks of their far more numerous enemy. Leonidas’ plan worked well at first, but he did not know that there was a route over the mountains to the west of Thermopylae that would allow the enemy to bypass his fortified position along the coast.

A local Greek told Xerxes about this other route and led the Persian army across it, enabling them to surround the Greeks. Much of the Greek force retreated rather than face the Persian army. An army of Spartans, Thespians and Thebans remained to fight the Persians. Leonidas and the 300 Spartans with him were all killed, along with most of their remaining allies. The Persians found and beheaded Leonidas’ corpse–an act that was considered to be a grave insult.

-“Leonidas,” History

4. IT OCCURS DURING THE GREEK HEROIC AGE

The Greek Heroic Age is an important part in Hellenism. Though there is disagreement on its starting and its ending years, Greek poet Hesiod agreed it started with the Bronze Age and ended with the Iron Age.

It is agreed that they lived during the times of the war between Troy and Thebes, Hercules’ Twelve Labors and the voyage of Odysseus.

Ancient Greek myths, the stories about gods and heroes, are set sometime “long, long ago”. The ancient poet Hesiod, in his Works and Days, came up with a system of alternating generations of mortals – in English, it is customary to refer to “Ages” instead. The sequence starts with the Golden Age, followed by the Silver Age, the Bronze Age, the Age of Heroes, and finally the Iron Age. The Iron Age was the time when Hesiod himself lived, so contemporary ancient Greece (in his case, around 700 BC).

-An Age Of Heroes?, Ancient World Magazine

3. THERMOPYLAE AND MILITARY STRATEGY

In ‘300’ (1998) #1, King Leonidas gathers 300 Spartans in order to fight the Persian invasion. Because of the Persian numerical advantage, Leonidas uses a military strategy called “defeat in detail.”

Courageously, Leonidas marches the Spartan army to the narrow cliffs of of Thermopylae (“The Hot Gates”). There, the terrain will allow them to make a stand against the Persian army.

In '300' (1998) #1, King Leonidas and the 300 Spartans march towards Thermopylae.
In ‘300’ (1998) #1, King Leonidas and the 300 Spartans march towards Thermopylae. AP Photo/Dark Horse Comics.

CHECK OUT THE STORY: It’s Official! In His Thirst For Vengeance Against The Third Horseman, Black Adam Became A Genocidal Maniac By Killing Every Man, Woman And Child In Bialya.

A FAN OF THE REST OF THIS STORY? CLICK ON “300” BELOW TO PURCHASE THE HD ON AMAZON.

2. 300 SPARTANS VS THOUSAND PERSIANS

First, King Xerxes had conquered Asia and was headed for Greece. In fact, King Xerxes had gathered the Persian army and was worshiped as a god. Second, King Xerxes had an overwhelming numerical advantage in the war. Third, King Leonidas had only 300 Spartans who marched to Thermopylae on foot.

In contrast, King Xerxes and the Persian army had horses and carriages. The only advantage the Spartans had was military strategy. The reason why the 300 Spartans performed the greatest human feat was because they held off a more powerful army with an overwhelming numerical advantage.

In '300' (1998), King Leonidas fights the god Xerxes, the Emperor of Persia and his army at Thermopylae, The Hot Gates.
In ‘300’ (1998) #5, King Leonidas fights the god Xerxes, the Emperor of Persia and his army at Thermopylae, The Hot Gates. AP Photo/Dark Horse Comics.

1. GOD VS MAN: KING LEONIDAS PROVED “EVEN A GOD CAN BLEED”

In '300', King Leonidas' arrow injures Xerxes' right cheek. Photo/Dark Horse Comics.
In ‘300’ (1998) #5, King Leonidas’ arrow injures Xerxes’ right cheek. AP Photo/Dark Horse Comics.

VISIT THE CYBORG APPRECIATION PAGE.

SOURCES

300 Vol 1 1 in Dark Horse Database.
Leonidas in HISTORY.
An Age of Heroes? in ANCIENT WORLD MAGAZINE
300 Vol 1 5 in Dark Horse Database
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Dark Horse Day: “The Witcher: House Of Glass” Is The Monster Hunter’s First Supernatural Comic Tale Of Horror And Suspense

 
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DARK HORSE DAY

In 'The Witcher: House of Glass' (2014) #1, the Witcher is introduced for the first time.
In ‘The Witcher: House of Glass’ (2014) #1, the Witcher is introduced for the first time. AP Photo/Dark Horse Comics.

IN GODS, MONSTERS AND INFINITE POWER

At the edge of the black f’rest, the beldams’r meets jakob

In 'The Witcher: House of Glass' (2014) #1, the Witcher is introduced for the first time.
In ‘The Witcher: House of Glass’ (2014) #1, the Witcher is introduced for the first time. AP Photo/Dark Horse Comics.
Our tale begins at the black f'rest's edge,
beldams'r meets a sir, jakob, hunting flote flesh,
"damn!" a first taunt as those gents meeteth, the sires,
jakob tells the st'ry of his jointress did turn vampire,
two days of bant'r and bonfire companionship,
two men depart f'r the black f'rest on strange trippeth

in the black f’rest, the beldams’r vanquishes a leshen

In 'The Witcher: House Of Glass' (2014) #1, Witcher vanquishes the Black Forest's Leshen.
In ‘The Witcher: House of Glass’ (2014) #1, the Witcher vanquishes the Black Forest’s Leshen. AP Photo/Dark Horse Comics.
The black f'rest holds many secrets,
t'rrifying, mesm'rizing, the dunnest:
"a daemonic hag with with'r'd breasts",
cackling cryptic messages and 'racles,
wand'ring the hoods in circles,
marta's songbirds leading out black f'rest. 
 lighteth pi'rcing through the woods,the day's hour,
suddenly, a leshen! vanquish'd by beldams'r

CHECK OUT THE STORY: It’s Official! In His Thirst For Vengeance Against The Third Horseman, Black Adam Became A Genocidal Maniac By Killing Every Man, Woman And Child In Bialya.

A FAN OF THE WITCHER? TO #COLLECTDIGITALLY, CLICK ON ‘THE WITCHER VOLUME 1’ TO COLLECT THE KINDLE & COMIXOLOGY COMIC.

The tale of the beldams'r continues in "The Witcher: House of Glass" #2.

VISIT THE CYBORG APPRECIATION PAGE.

SOURCES

The Witcher: House of Glass in The Official Witcher Wiki.
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Dark Horse Day: Godzilla: Kingdom Of Monsters

 

DARK HORSE DAY

In 'Godzilla: Kingdom Of Monsters' (2011) #1, Godzilla terrorizes the citizens of Japan.
In ‘Godzilla: Kingdom Of Monsters’ (2011) #1, Godzilla terrorizes the citizens of Japan. Photo/Dark Horse Comics

IN ORIGINS

Tokyo, Japan

The Japanese army has just embarked on a new form of war. A war against the Apocalypse. From the depths of the Pacific Ocean, a new, monstrous threat of gigantic proportions has just emerged.

On the beaches of Tokyo, a monster we call Godzilla has just appeared. The monster has overcome our fighter jets and we have been authorized to use a nuclear attack to take it down.

undefinedIn 'Godzilla: Kingdom Of Monsters' (2011) #1, Godzilla takes a nuclear blast.
In ‘Godzilla: Kingdom Of Monsters’ (2011) #1, Godzilla takes a nuclear blast. Photo/Dark Horse Comics

The monster could not be put down! The nuclear blast only made it stronger. It got a new power: atomic breath!

Godzilla rained fire on the citizens of Tokyo, trampling, destroying everything. What will our beloved leaders do?

What is atomic breath? Read on!

His trademark attack is his “Atomic Ray,” which is capable of devastating roughly one quarter of Tokyo in a single blast. A not so well known ability is to project a field of nuclear energy from his body, which is called a nuclear pulse.

– Godzilla (Character), Comic Vine

In 'Godzilla: Kingdom Of Monsters' (2011) #1, Godzilla destroys Tokyo with atomic breath.
In ‘Godzilla: Kingdom Of Monsters’ (2011) #1, Godzilla destroys Tokyo with atomic breath. Photo/Dark Horse Comics

SOURCES

Godzilla: Kingdom Of Monsters in Gojipedia King Of The Wikis.

FAN REACTION

How do fans feel about Godzilla’s Atomic Breath? Sound off in the comments.

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Dark Horse Day: Who Are The 300?

 

DARK HORSE DAY

The ‘300’ (1998) march towards Thermopylae. Photo/Dark Horse Comics.

THE GHOST FILES

PROJECT BLACK SKY: INVESTIGATION

In my investigation of the White City Butcher, I have stumbled upon a legend of myth. I was looking for clues on the demon who possessed James Barrow, and I found in the computer files, a file about the 300.

I opened it!

DATABASE FILES

In '300' (1998), King Leonidas and the 300 march towards Thermopylae to face the god Xerxes, Emperor of Persia and his army.

In ‘300’ (1998), King Leonidas and the 300 march towards Thermopylae to face a being of legend, the god Xerxes, the Emperor of Persia and his innumerable army.

According to legend, King Leonidas and his 300 bodyguards, were strong and proud men, who lived by Spartan law. When the Eupors would not consent to King Leonidas’ decision to go to war with the Emperor of Persia, King Leonidas embarked on a march with his 300 unbeknownst to the Eupors.

He faced Xerxes and his army at Thermopylae.

Check Out The Action: Dark Horse Day: The Death Star.

In '300' (1998), King Leonidas fights the god Xerxes, the Emperor of Persia and his army at Thermopylae, The Hot Gates.
In ‘300’ (1998), King Leonidas faces Xerxes, the Emperor of Persia and his army at Thermopylae, The Hot Gates. Photo/Dark Horse Comics

Read on!

On arriving at the battlefield, a place called Thermopylae (the “Hot Gates”), Leonidas and his men picked the place where they will set up their defense. The Hot Gates was a pass between the mountains. If Leonidas could funnel the Persians into this area, their numbers would count for nothing. Thus, a wall was built which forced any attackers into the Hot Gates. When Xerxes attacked with his lightly armed Persians, they were unable to force the Spartans back despite their massive numerical superiority.

The first day of fighting ends well for the Spartans, and so Xerxes send in his elite troops, the Immortals, so called because their unit was always kept at one thousand men strong. They were Xerxes’s personal body guard and highly trained. After a bloody battle, the Spartans are once again victorious. The second day passed in much the same way. It seems as if the Spartans will succeed.

–‘Leonidas’, Dark Horse Database

Unfortunately for the brave Spartan King, someone would betray him. The Immortals closed in on the Spartans, and the warriors were slaughtered.

In '300' (1998), King Leonidas and the Spartans fight back against the Immortals of Emperor Xerxes' army.
In ‘300’ (1998), King Leonidas and the Spartans fight back against the Immortals of Emperor Xerxes’ army. Photo/Dark Horse Comics

Read on!

However, Leonidas is betrayed. A traitor showed Xerxes a secret pass through the mountains used by goat herders that allows the few remaining Immortals to get behind the Spartans. The few Greek guards are slaughtered, and by morning, Leonidas is surrounded.

Earlier on, he had sent a messenger back to Sparta to tell them the tale of the defenders and to psyche them up for war. He then turned to his men and said, “Make breakfast and eat hearty, for tonight we dine in hell!”

This prophecy proved accurate when Xerxes gave Leonidas a final chance to surrender. He dropped to his knees, and removes his helmet and shield. At first it appears he is giving in. Suddenly, one of his men kills the messenger standing between him and the emperor. The Persian troops began to shoot the Spartans down with arrows, but Leonidas managed to throw his spear. His spear slices open Xerxes’s cheek, wounding the supposedly divine Emperor and proving that even a god can bleed.

–‘Leonidas’, Dark Horse Database

In '300' (1998), assailed by arrows and the death of his warriors, King Leonidas hurls his battle cry at Xerxes "Die", hurling an arrow at the Persian Emperor.
In ‘300’ (1998), King Leonidas hurls his battle cry at Xerxes “Die”, hurling an arrow at the Persian Emperor. Photo/Dark Horse Comics
In '300', King Leonidas' arrow injures Xerxes' right cheek. Photo/Dark Horse Comics.
In ‘300’, King Leonidas’ arrow injures Xerxes’ left cheek. Photo/Dark Horse Comics.

The story of King Leonidas and the 300 ends with King Leonidas injuring Xerxes’ left cheek and dying pierced by spears and arrows. The 300 die on the battlefield.

The story is a powerful myth. It made me consider possible connections between James Barrow and demons of a Greek origin.

As I continue my investigation, I remain haunted by these heroes of myth and wonder if what happened to them, will also happen to me. I am Ghost after all!

Visit ‘Leonidas’ at Dark Horse Comics.

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Dark Horse Day: The Death Star

'Star Wars #1'. 'The Greatest Space-Fantasy Film Of All!'
 

DARK HORSE DAY

The Death Star surrounded by space ships in space with Yoda talking.
The Death Star.

Today, we talk about the be-all end-all of science-fiction modes of transportation. Star Wars is replete with advanced modes of transportation, space ships, refined weaponry and methods of warfare. I present to you, the Death Star!

BIO

A Death Star was a gargantuan space station armed with a planet-destroying superlaser.”

-“Death Star“, Dark Horse Database

The Death Star is a moon-size space station created by the Galactic Empire “to be the most powerful force in the galaxy.” The Death Star is able to destroy an entire planet as demonstrated “by a test firing on Princess Leia’s [planet] of Alderaan at full power and the prison planet of Despayre at [half] power.” (Death Star)

Commanded by Grand Moff Tarkin of the Galactic Empire with a crew of over 250,000, the Death Star can house around 700,000 personnel once: gunners, troops and support staff are included, It also boast an impressive arsenal including: TIE Fighters, strike cruisers, blast boats and assault shuttles. It also has defense weapons ranging from turbo blasters to ion cannons and tractor beams.”

-“Death Star“, Comic Vine

Creation

The Death Star was created by George Lucas in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (1977). The Death Star first appeared in Marvel Special Edition Featuring Star Wars #2 (1978).

Visit Death Star on Comic Vine.