SONG SUNG BLUE

Spring break time is here and whether you are planning a family movie night for your staycation at home or looking for a fun flick to watch while traveling on a plane to a vacation destination, SONG SUNG BLUE is your ticket for an entertaining way to pass some time. I loved this film and want to share my enjoyment of it with you ... so I'm geeked to announce that I have a digital movie code to giveaway courtesy of Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Just repost the giveaway announcement on X and/or complete the Gleam entries below before 11:59 pm on April 3, 2026 for a chance to get a FREE digital movie code for SONG SUNG BLUE.

SONG SUNG BLUE MOVIE GIVEAWAY

SONG SUNG BLUE is available now to buy or rent on digital platforms including Amazon Prime, Fandango @ Home and Movies Anywhere as well as to purchase on Blu-ray™ and DVD from major retailers. Based on the award-winning 2008 documentary by Greg Kohs (The Great Alone, AlphaGo), writer and director Craig Brewer (Hustle & Flow, The Poor & Hungry) brings the remarkable true story to life by exploring the power of music and the timeless influence of iconic musician Neil Diamond in this movie. Academy Award® nominees Hugh Jackman (Les Misérables, The Greatest Showman) and Kate Hudson (How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Almost Famous), in her Golden Globe® and Actor Award® nominated role, bring adoration and vulnerability to this touching love story.

Reminding audiences that music has the power to heal and unite, SONG SUNG BLUE showcases emotionally riveting performances as Jackman delivers a transformative depiction of a Neil Diamond tribute band performer, with powerful vocals that combine heartbreak and redemption, while Hudson who gives a heartfelt and moving portrayal of a woman who discovers resilience through music as she navigates longing and adversity.

Based on an incredible true story, Mike (Hugh Jackman) and Claire (Kate Hudson) are two down-on-their-luck musicians who prove that it’s never too late to find love and follow your dreams. They form a joyous Neil Diamond tribute band called Lightning and Thunder, rising from a humble garage to dive bar gigs to unexpected hometown stardom. When tragedy strikes, their love for each other and passion for music give them the strength to overcome hardships, rediscover hope, and inspire everyone around them. SONG SUNG BLUE is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America.

The home entertainment release of the movie also includes the following bonus content in addition to the feature presentation:

EXTENDED PERFORMANCES: Crunchy Granola Suite & Sweet Caroline 

ONE PLUS ONE EQUALS THREE - There is no Lightning without Thunder. Watch as Hugh and Kate reminisce on their characters' love story, co-dependency, and their undeniable electricity. 

LIGHTNING IN THE BOTTLE - A love letter to the small-time performers, go behind the scenes with Writer/Director Craig Brewer to see how he brought SONG SUNG BLUE to life. 

EYE FOR STYLE - In this featurette, Costume Designer Ernesto Martinez reveals the art of storytelling through stitch and style. 

FEATURE COMMENTARY WITH WRITER/DIRECTOR CRAIG BREWER

LOONEY TUNES BREAKFAST AT EMAGINE THEATRES

Each month, Emagine hosts a Breakfast and a Movie showing, at select theaters, of one of the newest family-film releases. The breakfast and a movie screening package will include a full breakfast buffet, a 44oz. popcorn, and a 21oz fountain drink as well as a ticket to the showing for $24 for children and $30 for adults.  The special presentation for March will be the new Looney Tunes movie THE DAY THE EARTH BLEW UP a PG-rated family-friendly spoof of 1950s era sci-fi flicks. In Michigan, the event will take place at Emagine's Canton and Royal Oak locations.

Porky Pig and Daffy Duck become Earth's only hope when their antics at the local bubble-gum factory uncover a secret alien mind-control plot. Faced with cosmic odds, they must save their town and the world while not driving each other totally looney.

This Breakfast and a Movie event takes place on Sunday, March 16, 2025. Breakfast starts at 10am. The movie screening begins at 11am. For more information, visit emagine-entertainment.com

STAR TREK PRODIGY GIVEAWAY

Cartoons aren't just for little kids! While my teenage twins are at an age where they don't want to hang out with their good ole dad very much these days; they still look forward to huddling together around our living room television as a family to binge watch together episodes of the Nickelodeon produced Star Trek animated series Prodigy on Netflix. It is a fun, energetic show filled with stories aimed to be attractive tween and teen viewers that is filled with easter eggs and action scenes to also make it entertaining to old school Trekkies like me. We've had some great family time taking in the spacefaring sci-fi adventures of Star Trek: Prodigy together.

In Star Trek: Prodigy the year is 2383, five years after the USS Voyager has returned to Earth after being thought for lost in deep space. A motley group of young aliens imprisoned at a mining colony on a remote planet find an abandoned Starfleet ship with ties to the Voyager's crew. Taking control of the ship, they must learn to work together to boldly go in an uncharted direction for them ... freedom. 

If you've missed out streaming Star Trek: Prodigy on Netflix, catch up on the misfit adventures of Dal R'El, Gwyndala, Rok-Tahk, Zero, Jankom Pog and Murf by watching the first two seasons of the show on Blu-ray and DVD. The second season has just joined the first in being available on Blu-ray and DVD to add to your home entertainment video collection. Additionally, you can dive deeper into Nickelodeon's Star Trek: Prodigy Season 2 with two all-new featurettes including cast and crew interviews available only on the Blu-ray and DVD release.

To share my excitement about the home video release of Star Trek: Prodigy, I'm geeked to be able to giveaway a Blu-ray of the Season 2 run of the show courtesy of Nickelodeon. Boldly go forward in completing the Rafflecopter entries below at Warp speed to be the lucky entrant to get a Star Trek: Prodigy Season 2 Blu-ray. Entries close at 11:59 pm ET on Sunday, November 24, 2024. Must be a U.S. resident over 18 years old to participate in this promotion. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

HOW BEST TO USE THE INTERNET AT HOME

The internet is a hugely central part of many people’s lives these days, though it doesn’t have to be, and you always have the option of changing that if you want to. However, insofar as you are using the internet at home, you’ll want to make sure that you are doing so in the right way, so that you can make the most of it. But what does this mean, and how can you ensure that you are doing it as well as possible?

Essentially what we mean here is that you are using the internet consciously, that you are keeping safe while you are using it, and that you are not spending too much time on it overall. These are important things to make sure of, as we are about to see. Let’s take a look at how you might approach these issues. 

Conscious Use 

So first of all, let’s discuss what we mean when we say that you should use the internet consciously. Essentially this is all about ensuring that you are using it in a way which is sensible and thoughtful. This is basically the opposite of mindlessly scrolling through twitter feeds and so on. It’s more about picking it up and putting it down for a specific amount of time and for a specific need. 

What we are arguing for here is to use the internet as a tool. As long as you approach it in that way, you are going to find that it’s much easier and simpler to enjoy it, and not to let it take over your life. If you are not careful, the internet can become something of an addiction, so conscious use is a good way to avoid that happening. As long as you use it consciously, you’ll find that it’s a much more enjoyable thing to use on the whole, so this is really worth thinking about.

Safety

As well as that, it’s vital that you know what to do in order to remain as safe as possible while you are online. This can actually be relatively easy to achieve, but you will need to make sure that you are focused on a few key things, so it’s well worth going through what those are. And if you can do that, again it will have a way of making your internet experience so much better. 

First of all, secure your connection with a strong password, and make sure that you always have a firewall and an antivirus program on. You might also want to install a VPN, so that you can hide what your IP address is - and be aware that it is possible to change your IP address whenever you want to as well. Just look up how to change IP address and you should find it pretty easily. 

Beyond that, you might want to take care to avoid scams and other such problems. The main way this happens is through phishing, where someone pretends to be an organization to steal data from you. Just keep your wits about you, and don’t automatically trust anyone that emails you. This is a good rule of thumb that will probably serve you well. If you can do those basic things, you’ll be a lot safer in no time, and you’ll find that your use of the internet is much more secure - and therefore more enjoyable.

Time Reduction 

Finally, it might also be worth trying to limit how much time you spend online overall, especially if you have a history of ending up scrolling for hours on social media. One of the things that can really help here is what we mentioned about using it consciously as a tool. If you can do that, you’ll find that you are much more likely to actually have a good amount of time there, and not too much.

You might also want to set up a tool to help you. You can get screen reduction tools that automatically shut you out after a while, and they can be really helpful in trying to avoid using screens too much. So that is definitely something to think about here too. However you do it, just try to keep your internet time limited a little, and you will probably find that this makes it much easier to enjoy the time you do spend online. That’s a really important thing for you to consider in all of this.

DISNEYS WISH COMES TO HOME VIDEO

I wish we'd been able to see Disney's most recent animated movie at the theater but that just wasn't in the cards for us with an overwhelming number of kids activities and other obligations flooding our family's calendar lately. So, we're GEEKED that Walt Disney Animation Studios’ WISH will soon be available to add to our home entertainment video library. Wish will soon be available for families to enjoy at home!

Disney's Wish becomes available from all major digital retailers including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu on January 23 and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on March 12. The film is rated PG [Parental Guidance] by the Motion Picture Association of America for thematic elements and mild action. Runtime for the movie is 95 minutes. 

In this animated musical-comedy, Asha, a sharp-witted idealist in the kingdom of Rosas, makes a powerful wish that’s answered by Star, a ball of boundless energy. Soon, Asha and Star must face a formidable foe—the ruler of Rosas—to save her community and prove that when one brave human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things happen.

In addition to the featured presentation, as with most home video releases, there is fun bonus content included with Wish on digital and disc. Bonus content includes the following: 

• Sing Along With The Movie -- Sing along with your favorite songs while watching the movie with on-screen lyrics. 
• Once Upon A Studio -- Beloved characters from Disney Animation’s 100 years come together for an unforgettable reunion. 
• 100 Years In The Making – The Inside story on the making of Wish 
• What Makes Disney, Disney -- Learn what makes a Disney film and its characters so distinct, memorable and beloved. Discover how Asha and WISH are quintessentially Disney — from the extraordinary challenges Asha must overcome, to the magical, Kingdom of Rosa 
• The Wish Equation -- What is a wish? Join the filmmakers for a surprising conversation as they break down the "Wish Equation," discuss the "rules of magic," and describe the role music plays in Disney films. Then hear Julia Michaels' own original demo of "This Wish." 
• Looking Backward To Go Forward -- Walk the aisles of the Walt Disney Animation Research Library as the filmmakers "draw" inspiration from 100 years of animation. Learn about the "Pinocchio test," and how Wish's design blends new technology with classic techniques. 
• Where Dreams And Reality Collide -- Discover the times and places that were the inspiration for Rosas and helped build the world of this original fairy tale. 
• Asha Means Wish -- Learn all about Asha, from her inspired design to her boundless determination and generosity. Uncover the subtle symbolism in her jewelry, and dive into her dancing skills. See how she’s imperfectly perfect and what makes her a memorable Disney hero. 
• The Return Of The Disney Villain -- You'll love to hate King Magnifico when you uncover his secrets. Find out what makes him the classic Disney villain — and why he doesn't wear a crown. 
• Star Is Born -- Uncover early concept drawings to see how Star evolved into Asha's lovable wish facilitator. Learn about Star's sparkles, and why Star can communicate with Asha and the other characters. 
• Those Who Stand Beside Me -- Learn more about Asha's closest allies, Dahlia and Valentino. Find out which of Snow White's seven companions served as inspiration for Dahlia, and how Valentino breaks one of the rules of Disney animals. 
• When Wishes Come True -- Get to know the kids inside the filmmakers as the creators of WISH reflect on what Disney movies meant to them growing up, and what it's like being part of the Disney legacy today. 
• WISH D-Classified -- WISH is filled with references and nods to other Disney films from the studio's 100-year legacy. From hidden Mickeys to more subtle tributes, you may have caught many of them, but check out this "D-Classified” piece for ones you may have missed. 
• Outtakes  -- Step inside the recording booth with the brilliant and talented actors of WISH for some creative fun as they bring their characters to life. Featurette: Deleted Song “A Wish Worth Making” Directors Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn introduce this poignant song sung by Saba Sabino (voiced by Victor Garber) expressing what it’s like to be reunited with your one true wish. 
• Deleted Scenes – Check out some scenes that didn't make the Final Cut. 
• Magnifico's Secret 
• The Wishing Tree 
• To Rosas 
• Finding Flazino 
• Valentino Is A Star 
• Song Selection – Jump to your favorite musical moments, with on-screen lyrics. 
• At All Costs 
• This Wish 
• I’m A Star 
• This Is The Thanks I Get?! 
• Knowing What I Know Now 
• This Wish (Reprise)

TWO AMAZING VEHICLES TO BUY FOR ENDLESS FAMILY FUN

When your kids are young, you’ll do anything to ensure they’re entertained. Weekends are planned in advance and you frantically scour the web looking for ideas during school breaks. It can be stressful for most parents, but what if there was a way to guarantee endless family fun for years to come? 

This sounds like you’re about to be sold a timeshare or some magic beans! It’s nothing like that at all - instead, you should consider buying one of these two vehicles to give your family years of exciting trips and days out. Source 

A Boat 

Do you live near the sea? If so, a boat is a wonderful purchase for your family. It provides you with hours of fun on sunny days as you can set out to sea and enjoy the ocean views and gorgeous weather. 

You can do so much with a boat; it’s a water vehicle that’s primed for fishing, diving, swimming, or just roaming around on the sea and having fun. There are also many types of boats you may consider buying for your family depending on where you live. You could opt for a small speedboat, a large yacht, or possibly even a canal boat! 

No matter which option you choose, be sure you know what you’re getting into. Boat life can be complicated, but there are great resources from sites like BoatingWorld to help out. Understanding how to look after your boat and maintain high levels of safety at all times. Your kids will have loads of fun and they’ll constantly be asking when they can go out on the boat again. 

An RV 

Alternatively, if you prefer land-based family adventures, an RV is more to your tastes. This pretty much gives your family a home on wheels. You get to drive anywhere in the country and have a safe place to rest and sleep every night. 

It’s the perfect vehicle for family camping trips or road trips across the state. You legitimately have endless years of fun in one package here. You’ll never have to worry about school breaks again; book a few days off and then go camping in the RV with your kids. 

Some of you may be worried by the idea of spending days with your kids in a small space. It can get hectic and stressful, which is why you need to make regular stops for fun activities. This can be as simple as walking through a great National Park or pulling up at a campsite so they can play with other kids. Regardless, an RV is an awesome way to strengthen your family’s connection as you can make these trips a regular occurrence. Everyone will look forward to them in the holidays, creating a lovely family tradition. 

Why are both of these vehicles great ideas for families? Because they provide elongated fun over years, decades even. As your kids grow up, they’ll still have fun on the boat or during your RV camping trips. Then, when you enter your twilight years and they become adults, you can pass down the vehicle to them and their families. It’s a lovely way to ensure a tradition lives on through generations of your family.

TIS THE SEASON FOR CHRISTMAS THEMED COMIC BOOKS

Tis the season for Christmas themed comic books. Throughout December a number of comic book publishers will be having issues with holiday flair hitting store shelves. Here are some stories to add some merriment to the holiday season for comic book readers:

Batman / Santa Claus: Silent Knight

Each week in December, DC Comics will be publishing a new issue in this four-part Batman and Santa Claus team up mini-series. A not-so-jolly St. Nick hits Gotham City to investigate a brutal crime in the days leading up to Christmas. What manner of man or beast could have committed such atrocities?! With the help of his former student, Batman, Santa will team up with the heroes of the DC Universe to right this wrong—or the world wakes up to coal in their stockings! A brutal, two-fisted holiday tale of hope, wonder, and monster hunting is the perfect treat to ring in the holidays—it’s Claus in canon!

Stuff of Nightmares: Slay Ride

If you dare, get into the sinister spirit of the season and join The Nightmare Keeper for a demented Saint Nick story... one who decks the halls with holiday horror, crafting a very merry macabre Christmas unlike any other! As malls continue to die, a down-and-out former mall Santa named Heinrick Fiddler's rage turns to madness, and he's dead-set on making sure department store shopping isn't the only thing that's deceased. Goosebumps author R.L. Stine is joined by Bram Stoker Award-nominated artist Pius Bak for a tale straight from your nightmares!

Archie Christmas Spectacular

Christmas goes from nice to naughty for Archie and his friends when Jingles and Sugarplum are replaced by their bizzarro counterparts Jangles and Sourplum and a cranky ol' version of Santa called Grumpus! All that plus more holiday hijinks!

Creepshow Holiday Special 2023

You’ve heard of Santa, you’ve heard of Krampus, but have you ever heard of "The Christmas Man"? Witness the birth of a new horrifying holiday classic from DANIEL "DON'T CALL ME SANTA" KRAUS (The Shape of Water) and jolly JONATHAN WAYSHAK (Skin Crawl)! Then, jovial JAMES ASMUS (Survival Street, Rick & Morty) and lively LETIZIA CADONICI (House of Slaughter) deliver a cautionary tale about stealing the wrong parcel in "Package Thief."

Twas the Mite Before Christmas

EIGHT FIFTH-DIMENSIONAL FOLKTALES OF HOLLY, JOLLY FUN! 'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a…Bat-Mite?! Join all your DC favorites as they take on eight classic holiday stories! From Constantine and Lex Luthor's Dickensian tale to Batwoman's puzzling Hanukkah hijinks to your classic cocoa-swilling Christmas romance switch with Harley and Amethyst, this book is a perfect companion for cookies by the fire and extra sour cream on your latkes. So pull up a sled and get ready for plenty of ho-ho-holiday hope to get you in the spirit of the season!

Sabrina the Teenage Witch Holiday Special

Celebrate the winter solstice with Sabrina Spellman in this special holiday one-shot that returns to the acclaimed world of the Sabrina the Teenage Witch series! First, in "The Longest Night," at Sabrina's magic boarding school, she and her friends work together on the longest night of the year to save their friend enthralled by a dark and clever Beast, impossible to kill in his own world, and difficult to kill in our own. Then, in "A Very Spellman Solstice," a flash backstory shows young Zelda and Hilda breaking tradition to go to a school dance, but when Hilda joins forces with one of the ghosts of Solstice past, it curses their night out. Writer Kelly Thompson and artists Veronica and Andy Fish return for another bewitching Sabrina story, along with the team of writer Danielle Paige and artist Veronica Johnson for a festive flashback story!

21st Century Santa Stories

What do kids dream about on Christmas Eve? It sure ain't "Sugar Plumbs" dancing in their heads. Today's kids need new stories about the magic of Santa Claus and we're delivering it like the fat man himself! These are awesome stories full of humor and modern silliness that kids can enjoy and understand. What happens if Santa loses his job? Or if the ornaments come to life at night? Enjoy the season with funny modern tales of Santa that you can share with your kids. The magic of the holidays is here and every kid can relate to them with 21st Century Santa Stories!

UNBOX BOARDOM SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE

My family LOVES family game nights, so we were GEEKED to be invited to participate in a review of the unboxboardom.com subscription service through this blog's affiliation with U.S. Family Guide. Turn off televisions and set aside electronical devices to spend some quality family time together playing a new game each month sent to you in the mail through this board game focused subscription service. For $29.99 per month your family will be sent a game to play for a night of family fun.

Each month you can select one of three games featured by unboxed.com to be sent to you or agree to be surprised with the subscription service choosing for you what will be received based upon information you provide the company about your family. We decided to choose for ourselves rather than be surprised during a trial month provided to us for free from unboxboardom.com. So, in early November we received in email with three game choices to choose from: Photosynthesis, Wordoku, or Fuse. We picked FUSE which was recommended for 1-5 players, ages 10+, with an average game time of 10 minutes.

Subscribers who choose their own games must make a selection within 5 days of receiving a notification email from unboxboardom.com which arrives at the beginning of the month or the service defaults to the surprise pick option. The game arrived at our house 2 weeks later. Games normally arrive around the 15th of the month and the service sends you an email with tracking information as it is in route to you. I found the communications from the company and delivery of the product very professional. 

Oh no! Intruders have made their way onto your ship and planted bombs all around with the goal of total destruction! In FUSE, players will have to work together in real-time to diffuse all the bombs in ten minutes or fewer (pressure much?!) You will diffuse the bombs by rolling different colored and numbered dice and have to match up specific combinations on the bomb cards to diffuse them. 

When the dice are rolled, players must decide who will get which dice, but each player must take one and only one. Add variety to the game with different difficulty levels and download the free companion app with a built in timer, sound effects, and voice overs for extra intensity! Godspeed!

The selection emails includes the following:

• Number of players;
• Average time the game takes to play;
• How "family friendly" is the game; 
• How much complexity is involved; 
• Is it a good game for groups;
• The UnboxBoardom team's "insider" thoughts/advice about the game.

We picked FUSE based upon it having a high rating for being family friendly and low level of complexity so it would easy to play right out of the box. We weren't disappointed when it arrived. 

The game provided an energetic, exciting family game night experience. Though the countdown timer has each game last just ten minutes, it was providing such a good time we kept playing it over and over again for more than 2 hours.

If game nights are part of your family routine, unboxboardom.com is a nice way to keep the enthusiasm alive. Based upon my family's experience, this board game themed subscription service earned a Geek Daddy nod of approval. It provides fun games from a company that provides quality customer service and reliable deliveries. 

MAINTAINING VINTAGE VEHICLES TO KEEP THEIR VALUE HIGH

Fancy yourself as a classical car enthusiast? If so, then you might already own a nice vintage vehicle that you’re really proud of! Maybe you even drive it around on some days and show it off with friends at vintage car shows. But unless you’re pretty well-versed in the hobby and have experience, you could accidentally lower its value every time you work on it or take it out for a spin. 

Maintaining classical cars can be a huge pain at times. Parts aren’t exactly easy to find depending on what make and model it is, and you might find it time-consuming to take care of. So in this post, we’ll be sharing a couple of tips to help you keep a vintage car well-maintained. 

Regular maintenance sessions go a long way 

You should always think of your car as like a high-maintenance pet or project that always needs your attention. The task of maintaining your car needs to become second nature almost! Spending some quality time with it every few evenings, popping open the trunk to maintain the insides, and dusting it off regularly will help ensure that you don’t face long-term issues that become increasingly expensive to deal with. 

Holding on to spare parts if you know what you’re doing 

Vintage vehicles can sometimes be really hard to maintain when it comes to internals. In fact, you might find yourself swapping out older parts for something more modern because it’s just a lot easier to replace and diagnose for issues. However, if you’re set on keeping everything as authentic as possible, then you might want to keep a few spare parts laying around if possible. Sometimes, they can be difficult to find even from online markets, so having some spare parts or bits and pieces can be really helpful when something finally breaks. Of course, this does require you to have knowledge on how to repair it in the first place! 

Valuations will help you keep an eye on its price 

If you haven’t already been for a classic Porsche valuation or other similar service to determine the value of your vehicle, then you really should! These services are great for anyone that wants to know exactly how much their car is worth. It’s quick, easy, and doesn’t take much time if you get it from a reputable service. It does sometimes help to get multiple opinions as some valuation services might give a slightly different price. If you think the value seems a bit low, then you could always check with a different company too. 

Driving your vintage car is a good idea if you want to keep it in good condition 

Cars should be used fairly regularly as part of their overall maintenance. This is because it keeps the fluids flowing and stops parts from failing from a lack of use. Take some time each week to indulge yourself with driving a classic car and don’t just keep it locked up in a garage to look nice!

GHOST MACHINE: A NEW ERA FOR CREATOR OWNED COMIC BOOKS

In recent years, the comic book industry has witnessed a remarkable transformation, thanks to a wave of innovation led by a group of talented comic book writers turned entrepreneurs. These writer-founded comic book companies are not only revolutionizing the way stories are told but are also empowering creators to take more control over their work, bringing fresh ideas, perspectives, and originality to the forefront.

One shining example of this innovative trend can be seen in the creators behind Ghost Machine, a media company with a unique approach to storytelling. Ghost Machine was co-founded by a group of exceptionally talented individuals who have not only excelled in the art of comic book writing but also have a deep passion for the medium.

Brad Meltzer, known for his acclaimed work in both comics and best-selling novels, is a pivotal figure in Ghost Machine's lineup of creators. His diverse experience in crafting gripping narratives has allowed him to bring a new perspective to the world of comic books. Meltzer's vision, combined with the expertise of other accomplished creators, has given birth to an entirely fresh approach in storytelling.

This innovative approach allows comic book writers to directly shape their narratives, eliminating many of the traditional constraints often imposed by larger publishing houses. This newfound creative freedom enables writers to tell the stories they are truly passionate about, unrestricted by market pressures or commercial considerations. As a result, readers are treated to a richer, more diverse array of stories that reflect the true creative spirit of the authors.

Ghost Machine is not alone in this movement. Across the comic book industry, similar initiatives led by writers have started to emerge, challenging the status quo and ushering in a new era of storytelling. These writer-driven companies are not just focused on superheroes and capes but also on diverse genres, pushing the boundaries of what comics can be. It's a revival of the medium, attracting a broader range of readers and telling a wider range of stories.

One notable impact of these writer-founded comic book companies is the rise of independent creators. These companies often provide a platform for up-and-coming talent to make their mark in the industry. The Ghost Machine website lists several creators, Jason Fabok, Gary Frank, Bryan Hitch, Geoff Johns, Lamont Magee, Francis Manapul, Brad Meltzer, Peter J. Tomasi, Maytal Zchut, Brad Anderson and Rob Leigh, who will be pivotal in the success of the company. These individuals have the opportunity to flex their creative muscles, experiment with new ideas, and reach a global audience thanks to these writer-driven companies.

Furthermore, the industry benefits from the unique visions of these comic book writers. Having spent years honing their craft, they bring a wealth of storytelling techniques and experience to the table. This adds depth, nuance, and sophistication to comic book narratives, elevating the medium and appealing to a broader audience, including those who might not have previously been avid comic book readers.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jason Fabok (@jfabok)

The success of writer-founded comic book companies is also a testament to the power of collaboration. By coming together, writers and creators can pool their talents, resources, and networks to reach a wider audience and compete with the industry giants. These collaborations lead to more refined stories, intricate world-building, and dynamic characters, enriching the comic book landscape and broadening its appeal.

In conclusion, writer-founded comic book companies like Ghost Machine, spearheaded by the likes of Brad Meltzer and a team of talented creators, are breathing new life into the industry. They are reshaping storytelling, empowering independent creators, and challenging the conventions of the medium. This movement heralds a brighter, more diverse future for comic books, captivating a broader audience and ensuring that the comic book industry remains a thriving and innovative art form for years to come.

CAMP HIDEOUT

The plot of Lionsgate's family adventure comedy CAMP HIDEOUT finds mischievous Noah getting himself into trouble with big-city crooks by accidentally stealing a game controller holding secret information. On the run, he escapes to a summer camp run by loud, cranky yet bighearted Falco. Though feeling like a fish out of water, Noah begins to create bonds with camp leader Jake and some of the other kids at camp. After the bad guys track Noah down, the camp kids band together to fend them off, turning their woods into a series of booby traps including bees, zip lines, and slippery decks, and teaching Noah a valuable lesson in sticking together.

CAMP HIDEOUT is now available to view via video on demand ($5.99 SRP) or by purchasing a digital edition of the film ($12.99 SRP). Plus, courtesy of Lionsgate, this Geek Daddy has some codes to giveaway so you can add CAMP OUT to your digital home entertainment video library for FREE. Two randomly selected people who complete the rafflecopter entries below before the clock tick midnight on Halloween (11:59 pm ET on Tuesday, October 31, 2023) will be selected to receive CAMP HIDEOUT from ageekdaddy.com. Must be a United States resident over 18 years old to be eligible to participate in this promotion. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

CAMP HIDEOUT stars Emmy Award® winner Christopher Lloyd (“Taxi,” Back to the Future) as a wacky camp owner, reminiscent of his role in Camp Nowhere. The film also stars Corbin Bleu (High School Musical), Amanda Leighton (“The Fosters”) and Ethan Drew (“Danger Force”) and is directed by Sean Olson (Max Winslow and the House of Secrets). Perfect for a family movie night! CAMP HIDEOUT has a runtime of 100 minutes and is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association of America. 

SKYBOUND PUBLISHING UNIVERSAL MONSTERS COMIC BOOKS

There has been a lot of fanfare about The Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman obtaining the comic book publishing rights through his Skybound entertainment company for G.I. Joe and Transformers in what is being dubbed the creation of an Energon Universe. Did you know though that Skybound is also reinvesting in its horror roots by obtaining the comic book publishing rights for Universal Pictures classic monsters? Just in time for Halloween UNIVERSAL MONSTERS: DRACULA is being released by Skybound.

Inspired by Universal Pictures’ 1931 film, Eisner Award-winning writer James Tynion IV and artist  Martin Simmonds delve into the darkest corners of Dracula’s timeless narrative. In addition to Dracula himself, this series features popular characters from the classic Bela Lugosi starring film, including R.M. Renfield, Mina Seward, Doctor John Seward, Van Helsing, and more. The debut issue of Universal Monsters: Dracula will be an extra-length four-part comic book limited series.

The King of Vampires is on the prowl in this limited series Dracula comic book. When Dr. John Seward admits a strange new patient into his asylum, the madman tells stories of a demon who has taken residence next door. But as Dr. Seward attempts to apply logic to the impossible…his surrogate daughter Lucy begins to fall under the spell of the twisted Count Dracula!

Universal Monsters: Dracula #1 ($4.99) will be available at comic book shops and digital platforms including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, comiXology, and Google Play on Wednesday, October 25, 2023. Universal Monsters: Dracula will be followed by all-new limited series spotlighting iconic Universal Monsters from some of the biggest names in comics. Each series will feature variant covers from some stand out artists — Joshua Middleton, Francis Manapul, Julian Totino-Tedesco, and Jenny Frison.

SUCCESSION THE COMPLETE SERIES

Add all 39 episodes from the four critically acclaimed seasons of Succession now that the complete series of the hit HBO show is available to add to your home entertainment video library on DVD. The first three seasons of Succession garnered 48 Emmy nominations with 13 wins, including Outstanding Drama Series for the second and third seasons. Succession was created by Jesse Armstrong and stars Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, Sarah Snook, Kieran Culkin, Alan Ruck, Matthew Macfadyen, Nicholas Braun, J. Smith-Cameron, Peter Friedman, David Rasche and Fisher Stevens.

Power, politics, money ... it's all in the family in this provocative, satirical series about a highly dysfunctional dynasty. When the aging patriarch of one of the world's largest media conglomerates considers retirement, his family members position themselves for a takeover. But tensions rise as corporate battles threaten to turn into a family civil war in this sharp, scathing, binge-worthy series.

Are you geeked about binging the complete series of Succession on DVD? SUCCESSION THE COMPLETE SERIES is available from Amazon.com. 

This post has affiliate links, which means this blog could earn advertising money if you buy something. This doesn't cost you anything extra, ageekdaddy.com just has to give you the heads up for legal reasons. Click away!

BARBIE COMES TO IMAX

The Barbie Movie is a box office sensation having become the highest grossing theatrical film release of 2023 bringing in more than a billion dollars in ticket sales so far. And the movie is getting even bigger as it is set to appear on IMAX screens for a one week engagement beginning September 22nd. During that week's showings there will be released never before seen post-credit footage for IMAX audiences only.

Get tickets for the Barbie IMAX experience now through fandango.com. The Barbie Movie is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America. To live in Barbie Land is to be a perfect being in a perfect place. Unless you have a full-on existential crisis. Or you’re a Ken.

DEEP SKY IMAX POSTER

Last night sky gazers and astronomy buffs had an interesting night for looking up into space. There was a super blue moon in the night sky. This rare trifecta of occurrences was a full moon, super moon and blue moon. 

A full moon is when the entire moon is illuminated. A super moon is when the moon appears larger than normal because it is in a closer orbit to the planet than usual. A blue moon is when there are two different occurrences of a full moon in the same month. Blue moons occur about every two to three years and a super blue moon is very rare. If stuff like this gets you geeked, you'll want to check out the upcoming film DEEP SKY which will be playing exclusively at IMAX theaters beginning October 20th. 

DEEP SKY brings the awe-inspiring images captured by NASA's Webb Telescope to IMAX. The film takes audiences on a journey to the beginning of time and space, to never-before-seen cosmic landscapes, and to recently discovered exoplanets, planets around other stars. Directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Nathaniel Kahn and narrated by Oscar-nominated actress Michelle Williams, DEEP SKY follows the high-stakes global mission to build JWST and to launch it into orbit one-million miles from Earth, in an attempt to answer questions that have haunted us since the beginning of time: Where did we come from?

How did the universe begin? Are we alone? 13 billion years in the making, DEEP SKY reveals the universe as we have never seen it before; immersing audiences in the stunning pictures beamed back to earth by NASA’s new telescope — and capturing their vast beauty at a scale that can only be experienced on the giant IMAX screen.

CLICK HERE for a list of locations showing DEEP SKY when the film debuts in October. 

ILLUMINATING THE GALAXY: THE LEGACY OF DC COMICS GREEN LANTERN

DC Comics' Green Lantern is a character whose legacy stretches across the vast expanse of the universe, captivating readers with tales of cosmic heroism, intricate mythos, and intergalactic adventure. From its inception, Green Lantern has evolved into a symbol of willpower, courage, and the boundless potential of the human spirit. At the heart of this captivating saga lies the influential role of Geoff Johns, a visionary writer who revitalized the Green Lantern mythos and contributed significantly to shaping the character's lore.

A Universe of Infinite Possibilities

Green Lantern, an iconic creation of Martin Nodell and Bill Finger in 1940, embarked on its journey as Alan Scott, a mystical guardian powered by a magical ring. However, it was Hal Jordan, created by John Broome and Gil Kane in the Silver Age, who propelled Green Lantern into the realm of science fiction. Jordan became a member of the Green Lantern Corps, an intergalactic peacekeeping force that harnessed the power of will through advanced technology.

The Architect of Modern Green Lantern Mythos

Geoff Johns is a name synonymous with DC Comics' resurgence, and his contributions to Green Lantern have been transformative. Johns took the helm of the series in 2004, launching "Green Lantern: Rebirth," a pivotal storyline that reintroduced Hal Jordan as the iconic Green Lantern after his fall from grace as Parallax. This marked the beginning of Johns' ambitious exploration of the emotional spectrum, a concept that expanded the Green Lantern mythos into uncharted territory.

The Emotional Spectrum and Beyond

Johns' masterstroke was the introduction of the emotional spectrum, which divided the emotional spectrum into seven distinct colors, each corresponding to a different emotion. From the power of will represented by the Green Lantern Corps to the fear-based Sinestro Corps, and the love-driven Star Sapphires, Johns intricately wove these emotions into the fabric of the universe. This concept breathed new life into the characters, creating a rich tapestry of conflicts, alliances, and exploration.

Character Evolution and Redemption

Geoff Johns' tenure saw not only the elevation of Hal Jordan's character but also the evolution of many other Lanterns. Characters like Kyle Rayner, Guy Gardner, and John Stewart received renewed depth and significance, with personal journeys that mirrored the complexity of their respective emotions. Johns masterfully navigated their struggles and triumphs, enriching the lore of the Green Lantern Corps.

Legacy Beyond the Pages

Geoff Johns' impact on Green Lantern extended beyond the comic pages. His influence extended to other media, including animated series and live-action adaptations. The intricate lore he crafted has left a lasting impression on fans, ensuring that the Green Lantern mythos remains an integral part of the DC Universe's legacy.

Conclusion

DC Comics' Green Lantern is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the vastness of imagination. From its early beginnings to the modern era shaped by Geoff Johns, the character has transcended boundaries to become a symbol of hope, willpower, and the potential for growth. As fans continue to explore the captivating tales of cosmic heroes, they owe a debt of gratitude to the visionary writers and artists who have illuminated the galaxy with the indomitable light of Green Lantern.

LOKI THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON COMING TO HOME VIDEO

Fans of the Disney+ show Marvel Studios' Loki are sure to be geeked! Loki: The Complete First Season is being released September 26, 2023 on Blu-Ray and 4K Ultra HD discs. All the episodes that originally streamed on Disney+ featuring the Asgardian anti-hero will be available to add to your home entertainment video library just as Loki Season 2 begins.

And you can't have a home video release without bonus features! Loki: The Complete First Season has a bunch of extra content to compliment the series' shows. Features include: 

• Designing the TVA – Step into the incredible set of Loki Season 1 with Production Designer, Kasra Farahani, and Tom Hiddleston while getting a sneak peek into Season 2. 
• The Official TVA Orientation Video – Miss Minutes explains the inner workings of the TVA timeline in her orientation video. 
• Gag Reel – Take a look at some of the fun outtakes on set with the cast and crew of Loki Season 1. 
• Deleted Scene: Loki’s Coronation – Mobius reviews some moments from Loki’s timeline, in which Frog Thor makes an appearance during Loki’s coronation.
•  Deleted Scene: The Standoff – Loki holds Sylvie hostage against the TVA in a standoff. 
• Assembled: The Making of Loki – Loki explores the series centering on the MCU’s chief mischief maker.

Marvel Studios’ Loki features the God of Mischief as he steps out of his brother’s shadow. Set after the events of Avengers: Endgame, this action-packed, time-defying thriller stars Tom Hiddleston as the title characters with Owen Wilson as agent Mobius.

PERCY JACKSON SHOW COMING TO DISNEY PLUS STREAMING SERVICE

My son has read all of author Rick Riordan's adventure novels so he is geeked that a brand new PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS show is coming to Disney+. Based on the best-selling book series that has sold more than 100 million copies worldwide, PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS will debut with a two-episode premiere on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 on Disney+, followed by new episodes weekly. Riordan has worked closely with the creative team and showrunners Jon Steinberg and Dan Shotz to help deliver a series that stays true to his vision for the heroic characters featured in his Percy Jackson books. The first two episodes are co-written by Riordan and Steinberg.

The series stars Walker Scobell (“Percy Jackson”), Leah Sava Jeffries (“Annabeth Chase”), Aryan Simhadri (“Grover Underwood") and features notable guest stars Lin-Manuel Miranda (“Hermes”), Megan Mullally (“Alecto” aka “Mrs. Dodds”), Toby Stephens ("Poseidon"), Virginia Kull (“Sally Jackson”), Jason Mantzoukas (“Dionysus” aka “Mr. D”), Jay Duplass (“Hades”), Glynn Turman (“Chiron” aka “Mr. Brunner”), the late Lance Reddick ("Zeus"), Adam Copeland (“Ares”), Charlie Bushnell (“Luke Castellan”), Dior Goodjohn (“Clarisse La Rue”), Jessica Parker Kennedy (“Medusa”), Olivea Morton (“Nancy Bobofit”), Suzanne Cryer (“Echidna”), Timm Sharp (“Gabe Ugliano”), Timothy Omundson (“Hephaestus”).

PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS tells the fantastical story of a 12-year-old modern demigod, Percy Jackson, who's just coming to terms with his newfound divine powers when the sky god, Zeus, accuses him of stealing his master lightning bolt. With help from his friends Grover and Annabeth, Percy must embark on an adventure of a lifetime to find it and restore order to Olympus.