AVENGERS INFINITY WAR PRIZE PACK GIVEAWAY

Avengers Assemble! Marvel's Avengers are assembling to tackle their cinematic universe's greatest threat yet in the new movie Infinity War.  How will they fare versus the dreaded Thanos?!  Marvel fans have been waiting years for this movie to hit theaters, and now the time has almost come!

Avengers: Infinity War comes out April 27th and to help celebrate this release, A Geek Daddy is co-hosting a marvelous Avengers: Infinity War prize pack worth over $300!!!  Wouldn't is be amazing to win all these goodies!

Avengers: Infinity War Prize Pack Includes:

• Avengers Infinity War Prelude Trade Paperback
• LEGO Mini Macros Iron Man Vs. Thanos
• Iron Man Infinity War Funko Pop
• Electronic Infinity Gauntlet
• Thor Infinity War Funko Pop
• Captain America Infinity War Funko Pop
• Ebony Maw Infinity War Funko Pop
• LEGO Corvius Glaive Thresher Attack Building Kit
• Star-Lord with Infinity Stone Figure
• Black Widow with Infinity Stone Figure
• Doctor Strange Figure
• Infinity Gauntlet Wallet
• Marvel Comics Backpack

Products subject to change based upon availability.

About Avengers: Infinity War

Iron Man, Thor, the Hulk and the rest of the Avengers unite to battle the evil Thanos. On a mission to collect all six Infinity Stones, Thanos plans to use the artifacts to inflict his twisted will on reality. The fate of the Earth and existence itself has never been more uncertain. All of the battles fought by the Avengers have led up to this moment.

See Avengers: Infinity War in Theaters 4/27

Enter to win this Avengers: Infinity War Prize Pack using the form below.
GOOD LUCK!

Entry-Form

HEXBUG nano SPACE COSMIC COMMAND

Imagine out of this world adventures with the nano SPACE COSMIC COMMAND playset from HEXBUG.  This fun playset that was a finalist for the 2018 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards combines three of my son's favorite things ... bugs, robots and outer space.  Blast off to adventure with the nano SPACE COSMIC COMMAND which includes a space station, explorer rover and rocket ship along with a pair of robotic nano HEXBUGS.

HEXBUG nanos are tiny, collectible, robotic creatures that use the physics of vibration to propel themselves.  Powered by a tiny motor and 12 fixed, angular legs these critters traverse about the environment around them.  Watch as they explore the maze-like layout of the SPACE COSMIC COMMAND buildings.



Features of the SPACE COSMIC COMMAND  include air lock tunnels, an elevator, gravity trainer, communications and scanning dish, along with an ion cannon.  This playset isn't just for watching nanos explore it but also to get kids engaging in imaginative play.  Pretend a nano is getting accustomed to the stresses of rocketing into outer space by spinning it around in the gravity trainer. Protect the base from invaders with the ion cannon.  Explore alien environments by entering and exiting the space station through its air locks.

There are also a number of accessories that come with the playset that compliment the space station.  Snap on one of the included space suits to a nano to give it an astronaut looking appearance.  Put a nano underneath one of the explorer rovers that can be customized with snap-on parts for a variety of different looks to have the creature drive the vehicle across the ground.  Pretend to fly the rocket ship with a nano placed inside the cockpit.

Designed to spark kids' interest in the science behind space exploration, HEXBUG nano SPACE COSMIC COMMAND provides hours of entertaining playtime that promote an interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) topics while children are having fun.  My son has been having a great time playing with the nanos and all the accessories, structures and vehicles that are included in this playset.  This toy has captured his interest and imagination so the HEXBUG nano SPACE COSMIC COMMAND playset has earned A GEEK DADDY nod of approval.

GIVEAWAY

To share my future astronauts enjoyment with this playset, A GEEK DADDY is giving a HEXBUG nano SPACE COSMIC COMMAND to one lucky winner.  It has a suggested retail price of approximately $50.00 and is recommend for children ages 3 and up. Batteries for the nano toys are included. Who wants it?!

Just complete the rafflecopter entries below before 11:59 pm ET on Friday, May 11, 2018 for a chance to be our randomly selected winner.  Must be a United States resident over 18 years old to be eligible for the prize and yes we do check to verify that you actually completed the actions requested in the rafflecopter form.  Must reply to notification of winning the prize within 48 hours to accept it or another entrant will be selected. Good luck to all our entrants!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
For more information about nanos and their playsets, head over to hexbug.com

ROCKET

Rocket your preschooler off to bedtime with this great book created by Mike Vago and illustrated by Matt Rockefeller from Workman Publishing. ROCKET: A JOURNEY THROUGH THE PAGES has kids soar, sail and swoop a three-dimensional plastic spacecraft through the pages of the book as it explores our solar system.  This toy rocket never leaves the book as it moves over and through pages soaring up from its launching pad and flying past asteroids, comets, moons, planets and more.

Kudos to Rockefeller for filling the book with eye catching views that parents will appreciate as much as kids. The book highlights just how bright and colorful outer space can be through its wonderful illustrations.  The included space ship, that for me brought back childhood memories of the USS Swinetrek from The Muppet Show's "Pigs in Space" segments, provides an enticing interactive element that children are sure to have fun with.  Vago's rhythmic verse that navigates readers through their solar system adventure is a nice way to lull kids to sleep.  A great bedtime story for parents to read to their future astronauts before everyone goes nighty night.

For its originality and impressive imagery, ROCKET: A JOURNEY THROUGH THE PAGES gets A Geek Daddy nod of approval. This 14-page picture book is recommended for preschool through 3rd grade aged children.  It is available through Workman Publishing's website or at Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million retail locations.

5 SURPRISE

My kids had a fun time trying out one of Zuru Toys' newest releases called 5 SURPRISE which is a ball that can be broken open to reveal five goodies hidden inside. There are two colors of these palm sized balls to choose from (pink or blue) and combined more than 300 items between them to possibly discover inside.  The surprise factor, fun goodies, and convenient size of the toy bundles make them great gifts for Easter baskets and Christmas stocking stuffers as well as useful for amusing kids while traveling or distracting them while out and about doing errands.

Kids just dig into their 5 SURPRISE ball to see what is inside.  Pop off a tab and peel it open as the ball splits into five sections each with its own surprise hidden inside.  Both style of balls have their own 150 unique goodies to possibly find.  Among the things you can possibly find inside a blue ball are army men, key pens, a pack of slime, miniature skateboards, race cars, stickers, water balloons and zombie dogs.  The pink balls include color changing mermaid dolls, cute pet mini-figures, dress up princesses, butterfly rings, glitter glue pens, hair clips and silly bandz, among other things.  Each 5 SURPRISE bundle also includes a collectors guide which shows the 150 surprises that can be found in each color of ball.

So what did my kids pull out of their 5 SURPRISE balls?  My son pulled out a bag of slime, a sticky octopus that will crawl down a wall it is tossed against, a plastic shark, miniature ninja figure and some stickers.  There was a lot of tossing that octopus around the room!

My daughter discovered a butterfly hair tie, small journal writing pen, an ink stamp with a strawberry image, mermaid mini-figure, and a highlighter that looked like a popsicle.  I noticed her the other day working on some homework with her 5 SURPRISE pen and popsicle highlighter while wearing a ponytail using the butterfly hair band so she's been getting some good use out of her discoveries.

5 SURPRISE put smiles on both my twins faces and they enjoyed the mystery of opening up these toy bundles and finding a variety of little treats inside that they've gotten enjoyment out of.  So 5 SURPRISE has earned A Geek Daddy nod of approval.  For more information, head over to 5surprise.zuru.com

MorfBoard Twitter Party

Woot!!! Woot!!! Remember the hashtag #MorfBoard and slide over to Twitter at 11 am E.T. on Friday, March 9, 2018 for a party sponsored by Jakks Pacific showcasing an innovative skate, scoot, bounce and balance system that is sure to thrill kids ages 8 and up with an entirely new play experience.  The Toy Insider #MorfBoard Twitter Party will highlight all the fun aspects of this skateboard / scooter combo designed to make it comfortable to get into riding as well as easy to learn stunts and tricks.  Plus there will be five great MorfBoard prize giveaways throughout the hour long Twitter party.

As part of The Toy Insider's Parents Panel, A Geek Daddy is co-hosting this PARTY so make sure to follow our blog's Twitter account ( @Geekdad248 ) along with @TheToyInsider and @JakksToys while using the hashtag #MorfBoard to reply to questions and join in the conversation during the hour for a chance to win prizes. You also need to complete The Toy Insider RSVP form to be considered for prizes and eligible to win.  Get that filled out and submitted before or during the #MorfBoard Twitter Party for a chance to win.



Jakks Pacific's MorfBoard Skate/Scoot Combination is a ride-on recommended for kids ages 8 & up that uses Lock & Release Technology so kids can transform their ride from a skateboard to a scooter in seconds.  With additional Xtensions available for purchase (sold separately), there's always a new way to play.  For more details about MorfBoard, check out The Toy Insider's product review.

Four lucky winners will receive a MorfBoard Skate/Scoot Combination and one grand prize winner will get the entire set -- a Morfboard Skate/Scoot Combination AND Balance and Bounce Xtensions. Must RSVP and participate during the #MorfBoard Twitter Party for a chance to win.  Prizes limited to United States residents only.

Hope to see you at the party! Give @Geekdad248 a shout out if you join in the fun!

TRAVELING DAD 2017 RETROSPECTIVE

As 2018 begins, I wanted to take a look back at my first year contributing feature articles for the Traveling Dad website.  Branching out from ageekdaddy.com, I started collaborating with other dads sharing parent focused travel tips and family vacation experiences on travelingdad.com last year.  Looking at 2017 in retrospective, a lot of my posts for #TDAD revolve around family-friendly destinations in Michigan but also covered spots like the War World I Museum in Kansas City, the High Line in New York City, the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Universal Orlando Resort and Santa Claus' house in Alaska.  I also wrote some posts on informational topics like having fun bird watching with kids and tips for participating in cosplay events.

Here are some of my favorite Traveling Dad contributions from 2017:

DETROIT HOLIDAY STAYCATION

Read about my family's experience staying at the historic Double Tree Suites Fort Shelby Hotel and going to see the Detroit Thanksgiving Day Parade as a holiday staycation.

EXPLORE MICHIGAN'S WILD SIDE AT THE EDDY DISCOVERY CENTER

Visit the nature center at one of my family's favorite Michigan state parks in this Traveling Dad post.

A HIKE ALONG THE TEMBO TRAIL

Join my family for a trek at the Toledo Zoo as we encounter close up views of elephants, hippos and rhinos.

MICHIGAN SEA LIFE AQUARIUM

Did you know that sharks live in Michigan?  You'll find them at the Michigan Sea Life Aquarium.

Read these and other travel related pieces by myself and others at travelingdad.com regarding categories such as Disney theme park & cruise info, domestic destinations, international trips, credit card points and rewards plus dad travel 101 tips.  Additionally, I'll be posting more travel themed posts on ageekdaddy.com as well tagging mentions to them on social media using the #TDAD hashtag to go along with my Traveling Dad contributions.  Now a year is under my belt, I have a better feel for writing content for travelingdad.com and am excited about getting into a Traveling Dad groove for 2018.  Stay tuned for what hopefully will be a year filled with a lot of amazing family travel experiences that this Traveling Dad is looking forward to sharing with you.

THE TOY INSIDER 2017 RETROSPECTIVE

I just wrapped up my second year being a part of the Toy Insider's Parents Panel and being involved with it was one of the highlights of 2017!  As a part of this group of moms and dads, we each make regular contributions on thetoyinsider.com providing tips from parents for parents on a wide range of topics including educational tools we've used, our kids' favorite toys, and ways to get children engaged in imaginative play.  In addition to writing for the Toy Insider's website, Parents Panel members are provided samples of toys throughout the year so we can share reviews of our family's own experiences on our own websites, serves as Twitter party hosts where we give out some really nice prizes while having some fun conversations, and get inside access to preview events where we get to see the next hot toys before they even hit store shelves.

Hope you have read some of my posts on thetoyinsider.com!  Here are a few of my best Toy Insider posts from 2017:

GET KIDS BUG-EYED ABOUT LEARNING

SUMMER STAY-CATION:  FUN IDEAS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

KEEP KIDS ACTIVE: FUN WITH FLYING DISCS

GAMES EVERYONE KNOWS (BUT DON'T KNOW HOW TO PLAY)

MAKING LASTING MEMORIES WITH FUN FAMILY MOVIE NIGHTS

I'll be continuing on with the Toy Insider's Parents Panel into 2018 so keep an eye out on my Twitter, Instagram and Facebook feeds for announcements about my blog posts for them, contests and giveaways, toy reviews, Twitter parties and more.  Plus you can CLICK HERE for a listing of upcoming Twitter Parties as well ... I always have fun joining in on them and each one always gives out some great prizes to a few lucky participants.

SAXX UNDERWEAR

Underwear has really evolved for men since the tighty whities and plaid flannel boxers of years past.  SAXX UNDERWEAR sent me some samples from their everyday boxer brief collection and have to say I was impressed.  They've combined comfortable designs with new blends of fabric to provide underwear that fits and feels great for the guy who is spending his day working or traveling.  No wonder National Geographic described a pair of SAXX UNDERWEAR as "the ultimate men's travel underwear."  From my own personal experience, this Traveling Dad has to concur with that assessment.

Every pair of SAXX UNDERWEAR features three patented technology features to provide wearers with the fit, feel and function to make this brand a must have for any guy's wardrobe.  Plus they stand behind their commitment towards quality with a 30 day comfort and performance guarantee.  Your money will be refunded or they will exchange for another pair if you are not satisfied with SAXX UNDERWEAR.  These main features that set this brand apart though are sure to make most guys happy with this purchase:

BallPark Pouch™ :  Designed for contact-free support, this 3D hammock-shaped pouch keeps everything in place, thanks to mesh panels that prevent skin-against-skin friction, and feature no exposed stitching for chafe-free comfort.

Three-D Fit™:  Guys' bodies aren't two dimensional so SAXX UNDERWEAR utilizes nine panels of fabric to create 3D shaping around glutes, thighs, quads and hamstrings to provide a great fit.

Flat Out Seams™:  While other underwear companies place the raised-thread seam against the body, SAXX reversed conventional thinking and placed the flatter, softer side of the seam inward, for chafe-free comfort.

While boxer briefs are my preferred style, SAXX UNDERWEAR also are available in long leg, trunk and brief designs as well as in a variety of patterns ranging from solid colors to uniquely created prints.  Designs vary as well in aspects such as opening or no fly and the softness or flexibility of the material.  While there are some subtle changes amongst designs to cater to customers different preferences every pair of SAXX UNDERWEAR is designed to be breathable and moisture wicking to ensure its wearer is comfortable all day long.

Because SAXX UNDERWEAR has utilized technology to craft some of the most comfortable underwear I've ever put on to wear, it has earned A Geek Daddy nod of approval.  Why can't guys pamper themselves without giving up their rugged sides?!  These underwear let men indulge themselves with comfort while providing features that will enhance an active lifestyle.  For more information, please visit saxxunderwear.com.

SKYROCKET TWITTER PARTY

A GEEK DADDY will be co-hosting another great The Toy Insider Twitter Party on Friday, September 29, 2017 from 11am - Noon EST sponsored by Skyrocket. Join us for a fun hour of witty banter and awesome prize giveaways as we chat about the brand new Sky Viper V2450 GPS drone, which was named one of The Toy Insider’s Top Tech 12 toys of 2017!

With professional-grade ArduPilot firmware, the Sky Viper v2450 GPS Streaming Video Drone outperforms every drone in its class. Built-in GPS provides an autonomous flight experience similar to that of much pricier hobby-grade drones. Using a network of satellites to trilaterate its position in relation to waypoints, the GPS Streaming Video Drone can maintain its coordinates in a hover without drifting away in the wind. Positional awareness also enables Return to Home, a feature in which the drone flies back to its launch point with the touch of a button. Advanced enough to satisfy discerning enthusiasts, this drone is also lightweight, durable, and safe enough for beginning pilots ages 12 and up. Click here to read The Toy Insider's full review!

Four lucky winners will win the Sky Viper V2450 GPS Video Streaming Drone, and one grand prize winner will win a family of drones, including the GPS drone, the v2450 HD FPV, and the S1750 Stunt Drone. 

For a chance to win you need to RSVP in advance of the party, follow @TheToyInsider, @Geekdad248 and @SkyViperDrones, plus participate in the Twitter Party conversation including the hashtag #SkyViperDrones in your comments. Must be a US resident to be eligible to win prizes.

COMET TV SOLAR ECLIPSE GUIDE + GIVEAWAY

On Monday, August 21, 2017 there will be a stellar event taking place in the sky over much of the continental United States when a solar eclipse will occur.  My friends at COMET TV don't want A Geek Daddy's readers to be left in the dark about this incredible occurrence so they've create a special solar eclipse resource guide on their website for us to share with you.  WHEN THE MOON THROWS SHADE -- AN ULTIMATE GUIDE TO ECLIPSING describes what a solar eclipse is and provides instructions on how to view it safely.  There really is some great information here!

While visiting the COMET TV website check out what new movies they are airing in August.  They are always broadcasting different rotations of classic horror and science fiction films.  This month's films for example include An American Werewolf in London and Invasion of the Body Snatchers.

An American Werewolf in London 

One of the greatest horror films of all time is headed to COMET! Check out John Landis’ often imitated but never duplicated 1981 classic, An American Werewolf in London, and discover why it’s always a good idea to “stay off the moors.” The film airs on COMET on August 18 at 8pm ET/PT, and again the following night  (Friday, August 18) at the same time.  Check COMET TV's schedule for additional broadcasts.

Invasion of the Body Snatchers 

 Most of the time, we’re not big fans of remakes. But once in a while, a remake comes along that vastly outshines its inspiration. Invasion of the Body Snatchers, the 1978 reboot of the 1956 sci-fi thriller, is one of those remakes. Not only that, it’s maybe the best remake ever made, and with stars like Donald Sutherland, Jeff Goldblum, and Leonard Nimoy, it’s not hard to see why. The invasion begins on August 25 at 8P/7C, with an encore airing at 8P/7C on August 26.

GIVEAWAY

Also don't miss out on the COMET TV solar eclipse themed giveaway A Geek Daddy is hosting.  The prize pack contains:

1 - “Total Solar Eclipse” Collectible First Day Issue Stamp - Straight from the USPS this is the official commemorative first day issue stamp.

1 - Comet USB Charging Bank - Do you want to snap a selfie and oh no, you only have 10% power left? Fear not, Comet has you covered. This awesome charger is the perfect save for any emergency situation!

1 - Comet Embroidered Hat - An official Comet TV hat is perfect for any ensamble. It will protect you from the sun, while you look more stylish and awesome than you already are!

 1 - Comet Cooler Bag - This fun portable travel cooler is the go-to gear for your sodas, snacks and anything else you want to put it in. Take it to the park when you’re about to watch the eclipse and let your beverages stall chill and frosty, just like you!

 1 - Limited Edition Comet SPF 30 Sunscreen Squeeze Pouch - We can’t let you get toasty out in the sun! This limited edition SPF 30 sunscreen pouch can go in your travel bag and let you avoid a nasty burn!

For a chance to win it please follow @Geekdad248 on Twitter and retweet the embedded message below before 11:59 pm ET on August 22, 2017.  Must be a US resident over 18 years old to participate in this promotion.

Follow @Geekdad248 and RT before 8/23/17 for a chance to win a SOLAR ECLIPSE themed prize pack from @WatchComet #ad pic.twitter.com/xRFNW0p4jJ

— A Geek Daddy (@GeekDad248) August 17, 2017

COMET TV is an overair broadcast network that can be tuned in with a digital antenna that specializes in science fiction and horror programming.  You can watch COMET TV in the Metro Detroit area of Michigan via digital antenna on Channel 19-7.  CLICK HERE to see if COMET TV is broadcasting in your area.  If not, COMET TV can also be viewed for free by utilizing its app on Apple TV and Roku or watching its live website stream at CometTV.com.

If it is cloudy or rainy on August 21st or you just can't get outside to view the solar eclipse NASA will be live streaming video from the international space station and prominent locations across the United States.  CLICK HERE to view their live eclipse feed.  Or of course you could always watch what is airing on COMET TV instead!

Disclaimer & Rules:  A Geek Daddy has not been financially compensated for this endorsement or hosting the giveaway but was provided the same items being provided as a prize for personal use. The prize is provided by COMET TV and A Geek Daddy is hosting the promotion as a benefit to our readers. Must be a US resident over the age of 18 to participate.  One entry per mailing address and winner will be randomly selected from all eligible entries.  If you have already won this prize through another blog participating in this promotion, your entry will be disqualified.  By participating in this promotion you waive any liability of any kind against the publisher of this blog. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. No P.O. Boxes allowed for delivery of the prize. COMET TV will be responsible for shipping the prize to the selected winner.  A Geek Daddy is not responsible for delivery of the prize.

Niko and the Sword of Light

Amazon is debuting a new original animated kids series, Niko and the Sword of Light, on Prime Video which can be streamed to televisions, computers and a variety of mobile devices beginning July 21, 2017.  My eight year old twins had a chance to watch the 13 episode first season of Niko and the Sword of Light before its official release courtesy of Amazon.com and they were thrilled by it. The story takes place in a once peaceful world full of fantastic creatures that has been enveloped for centuries by the dark magic of the evil sorcerer Nar Est.  He has transformed many of the creatures into dangerous mutated monsters.  The original rulers though have used their own magic to shrink the royal palace along with its inhabitants and place it within a snow globe-sized crystal that is impenetrable by Nar Est though the villain can literally hold them within his grasp.

While the palace's inhabitants can't leave the protection of the crystal globe, they have been utilizing magical energy to create "Champions" to fight Nar Est on their behalf out in the world.  Once every generation a new powerful adult warrior is grown outside the crystal globe from a hidden chrysalis. He emerges with a sword made of light powered by a crystal shard with the mission of defeating Nar Est. This has gone on for hundreds of years and none of the Champions have yet been successful in overcoming the darkness plaguing the world.

The first episode of the series begins with an accident causing the newest Champion's chrysalis to open early.  Instead of an adult emerging out comes a 10-year-old boy named Niko.  The royal palace's council of elders is able to send Princess Lyra to accompany and guide this boy in the world but doesn't have the power to bring her back within their protective enclave.  They hope she can protect the boy long enough for him to grow up to be the Champion who finally defeats the evil sorcerer.  The series follows the exploits of Niko, Princess Lyra and a cast of crazy critters that join them as sidekicks as they traverse the world hoping to reverse the darkness created by Nar Est.

Will Niko be able to free his people and return the world to light?  You'll have to tune in to find out by streaming season one's episodes of Niko and the Sword of Light from Amazon's Prime Video service.



My son said the show was "Amazing!"  He particularly likes seeing Niko undo Nar Est's magical curses on monsters with his light sword and seeing what the animal freed from the sorcerer's darkness looks like. My daughter on the other hand likes checking out Nar Est's mutants and guessing what animals have been combined to create the monsters that Niko faces off against.  One of her favorites was a giant mutant that combined a bull with a spider.

While this is a children's show and my own kids love it, be cautious about allowing preschoolers to watch it.  Niko and the Sword of Light is a combination of Dungeons and Dragons with Pokemon. There are lots of adorable creatures in the show but also some really menacing monsters in it that include flying centipedes, three headed hyenas and the giant mutant spider bull I earlier mentioned.  I could see both of my twins having nightmares after watching some of these episodes if they were a few years younger; but they've both thoroughly enjoyed the show at the age they are at now.  In my opinion Niko and the Sword of Light really is a show more geared for elementary school aged kids. This is one of those show's you're going to have to make a parental determination about whether it is a good fit for your own particular child when dealing with younger children.

 
Niko and the Sword of Light is full of wonderful imagery.  They really did a great job with the animation!  Inspired by a motion comic app created by Imaginism Studios and StudioNX available on iTunes and GooglePlay, Amazon ordered a 22-minute pilot episode in 2015.  The pilot was an incredible success winning a Daytime Emmy Award for "Outstanding Children's Animated Program" in 2016 spurring Amazon to then ordered a full season of the show that is debuting on its streaming service beginning Friday, July 21st.  You can also get a FREE digital Niko and the Sword of Light comic book that will be available on Comixology (also owned by Amazon) in conjunction with the animated show's release date.  An Amazon Prime membership is necessary to view the full first season of Niko and the Sword of Light though the first episode is currently FREE to watch without a subscription.


 Niko and the Sword of Light has earned A GEEK DADDY nod of approval for its originality, energetic flair, great animation style, and most importantly because my kids delighted in watching it.

CALEXIT

** A Geek Daddy received a complimentary comic book to review ** 

Could a situation like what is going on in Syria with a country falling into anarchy as everyday citizens revolt from an authoritarian government and fanatical groups jump into the fray causing mass casualties and destruction throughout the land ever happen within the United States?  Author Matteo Pizzolo and artist Amancay Nahuelpan portray a dystopian near-future where California becomes embattled territory as its residents begin to battle against the federal government, and each other, over the state's withdrawal from the United States.  In the CALEXIT comic book series being published by Black Mask Studios, when a Trump-like President becomes empowered by a second term re-election, he orders the mass deportation of all non-citizen residents.  California responds by declaring itself a "Sanctuary State" and resisting the policy resulting in all of its federal assistance and funding being cut off.  This leads the State Legislature and Governor to declare, similar to the Great Britain exiting the European Union (Brexit), that California would be withdrawing from the United States.

In response, local authorities begin taking sides with liberal urban areas supporting CALEXIT and  conservative rural regions standing up against it.  Citizen militias begin to form as well supporting each side and armed conflict erupts.  California is thrown into a chaotic civil war scenario and the President then takes control of the state's national guard to secure major cities and infrastructure while supporting local efforts to extinguish the rebellion.  In areas occupied by the federal government such as Los Angeles life goes on as if a state of emergency isn't taking place with tourists still coming into town to visit place like the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Disneyland creating a very odd dynamic.  Especially when the occasional sniper takes out a soldier guarding the tourist spots! 

This is where readers find themselves in the first issue of  CALEXIT that arrived at comic book shops today.  The ongoing series will tell the story of Jamil, a 25-year old man working as a courier (aka smuggler) that has a knack for slipping between secessionist and federalist battle lines, and Zora, a 27-year old woman who was adopted by an American family as a baby and is now facing deportation after having been told she is no longer a citizen because the law that allowed her adoption and citizenship has been invalidated. Zora has become a figurehead for the California resistance movement being tracked by a diabolical homeland security field agent who will do anything it takes to eliminate the rebellion.  Jamil and Zora are trying to escape a Los Angeles occupied by the United States military to keep her out of the hands of Agent Rossie who is engaging in a merciless hunt for the young woman.


Black Mask Studios aims to bring a punk rock ethos to comics and it hits that mark with this comic book series.  A fictional warfare themed suspense story with realistic plot undertones, CALEXIT is a great pickup for adults who enjoy comic books.  Fans of comic book/television series such as The Walking Dead and The Strain will appreciate the material in this gritty series that has its characters dealing with political drama and overcoming dangerous situations.  Instead of battling against supernatural horrors though the characters in CALEXIT must overcome situations arising out of sociopolitical issues pulled from today's news headlines.

I really enjoyed reading this comic book and am looking forward to the next issue.  This looks like a series I'll be adding to my pull list at the neighborhood comic book shop.  Beware that while CALEXIT is a comic book it isn't meant to be read by kids.  It is meant for an adult audience and is full of mature content.  The first issue includes swearing, lots of killing (a severed head is delivered as a warning in one scene), and sexual situations including a couple getting at it on while riding a merry-go-round at a playground.  This is a grown-up story that is full of shocking and thought provoking situations that will really draw you into its characters, plot and setting.  While it is full of shoot outs and other action scenes, CALEXIT also incorporates plenty of drama making Pizzolo's writing as interesting to read as it is entertaining to peruse through the comic book's nicely done illustrations by Nahuelpan.

ABOUT THE CREATIVE TEAM:

Named Wired Magazine's 'World's Most Wired Comics Creator' and included in Bleeding Cool's 'Top 100 Most Influential People in Comics,' Matteo Pizzolo is a comic book writer-creator, award-winning filmmaker, and co-founder of Black Mask Studios. He is currently focused on writing comic books such as CALEXIT that explore and challenge the dynamics of today's political hot topics.

Amancay Nahuelpan has worked on ROBOCOP (Boom!), BOY-1 (IDW) and co-created YOUNG TERRORISTS and CLANDESTINO (Black Mask Studios).  He broke into the field of comic book artistry by participating in the Zuda Comics Competitions and his first published work was in OCCUPY COMICS.  Nahuelpan provides the visual vibe of CALEXIT by creating the interior illustrations and cover artwork for the comic book series.