GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL 3 FLIES ONTO HOME VIDEO

The galaxy's favorite band of misfits are back for one final adventure, and it may be their most dangerous yet. Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 arrives at Digital retailers TODAY and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on August 1. The movie is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America [MPAA]. In addition to the 149 minute feature presentation, the home video release of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 also has bonus content including deleted scenes, a gag reel and audio commentary by James Gunn.

FEATURETTES:

• The Imperfect, Perfect Family - View the evolution of the Guardians through the cast and crew’s passion for each other and the entire franchise. Join this tight knit “found family” as they leave behind a legacy and recount their best memories wrapping up this epic trilogy’s final film. 
• Creating Rocket Raccoon – Director James Gunn talks about bringing Rocket to life and how personal the character is to him. Uncover BTS footage, the research and development of the visual effects process, and the inspiration for Rocket through conversations with cast and crew. 

DELETED SCENES:

• A Bit Much – Adam Warlock explains to Ayesha what he plans to do with the Guardians. 
• A Lending Hand – Peter lends a hand to an injured humanimal on Counter-Earth and shows he means no harm. 
• Drax's Analogies and Metaphors - Drax gives Peter some interesting life analogies and metaphors. 
• The Perfect Society – The High Evolutionary reveals his mission to perfect the universe. 
• The Search for 89P13 – Behemoth brings not-so-good news to The High Evolutionary. 
• Annoyed Peter – Peter gets annoyed while altering the shield. 
• A Burning Escape – Peter runs back to grab his music player before escaping a blazing inferno on the Arête. 
• Knowhere After the Battle – The High Evolutionary is brought back to Knowhere and locked up while Kraglin recruits Adam Warlock. 

 GAG REEL:

 

Take a look at some of the fun outtakes on set with the cast and crew of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

DIRECTOR’S COMMENTARY:

Watch the film with audio commentary by director James Gunn.

In Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, our beloved band of misfits is looking a bit different these days. Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), still reeling from a terrible loss, must rally his team and embark on a dicey, action-packed mission to defend the universe and protect Rocket. Meanwhile, a new, unpredictable force threatens to bring the Guardians down for good. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is written and directed by James Gunn.

Are you geeked to be able to add Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 to your home entertainment video library?

FIREFIGHTERS ARE SUPERHEROES

Today is National Superhero Day which for many at first thought probably brings fantasy characters like Spider-Man and the Guardians of the Galaxy to mind; but I wanted to take a moment to use this occasion to salute real life heroes ... the fire fighters in our world. As the name applies, this profession started out with a focus on keeping towns from burning to the ground (think the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 which destroyed more than 17,000 buildings and killed 300 people) and over the years has evolved so that fire fighters do much more than extinguish burning structures and wild fires. They are now first responders to HAZMAT situations, extract people from vehicle crashes, and provide emergency medical treatment in a variety of scenarios, among other responsibilities. Have you ever thought about how many different ways fire fighters contribute to making communities safe? 

I really hadn't until being invited to participate in a day in the life experience which let me feel what it is like to be on-the-job as a firefighter. My day as a firefighter included a searching inside a smoke-filled building for people to be rescued, extinguishing a car fire, a jaws of life vehicle extraction, an active shooter paramedic scenario and addressing a mock HAZMAT threat. This movie geek was able to live out some real life fire fighter moments as if he was starring in the flick BURN. You don't realize until experiencing it how heavy the gear is and how quick on your feet you have to be both mentally and physically when it comes to this job until going through the same drills the pros do.

Let the firefighters in your community know you appreciate them on this National Superhero Day and throughout the year. Say thank you and express your appreciation for their service by giving your local department a positive shout out on social media. Are you following your local fire department on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter? Most of some sort of social media presence.

Follow Friday #NationalSuperheroDay Salute to Fire Fighters: @FDNY @firenation @UFANYC @LAFD @DetroitFire @MetroDetFire @dfdlegacy @BostonFire @dcfireems @LearyFF @firedeptcoffee @IAFFofficial @OCFireAuthority @usfire @CityofMiamiFire @hawaiianfire #Firefighting #FF pic.twitter.com/FbBLzMN9vA

— A Geek Daddy (@GeekDad248) April 29, 2023

Remember, firefighting is a dangerous profession, with these men and women are putting their lives on the line in service to others. Let your local City Council representatives know you support your local government spending the resources to ensure these people who risk their lives are going into peril with the best tools and resources to accomplish their job. Firefighters need to have the ability to not only get the people they are rescuing out of danger, but also be able to return home to their own families as well when their mission has been accomplished. 

Thanks again to the local departments that let me get a better understanding what is like to live a day in the life of a firefighter at my county's emergency training center. 

BABY GROOT

It just seemed fitting to have a family movie night watching Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 on the first day we brought Baby Groot home.  After all he is the star of the show! Marvel Groot Marvel Life-Size Figure is a replica from Hot Toys scaled to the size the movie's director pictures the character would be in real life. 

The Hong Kong-based toy manufacturer has earned a reputation for making collectible action figures that are amazing reproductions of what sci-fi and superhero characters look like on the silver screen. They've have done another fantastic job with the Baby Groot they've created. If you want to bring your own Baby Groot home, click on one of the links on this post to make a purchase from Hot Toys' North American & European distributor, Sideshow Collectibles, and A Geek Daddy will receive a commission at no additional charge to you.

This Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Groot life-size collectible figure is approximately 26 cm tall and includes 3 interchangeable faces. When you look at Hot Toys' Marvel Groot Marvel Life-Size Figure  you just get the feeling it is going to turn its head to look at you and say "I am Groot."  Baby Groot's movie authentic appearance includes highly detailed facial expressions and a tree-like body texture.

Baby Groot also comes with a removable miniature Ravagers outfit and a Guardian of the Galaxy themed display stand.  The collectible figure also comes with two pairs of interchangeable hands.  The extending attack hands are embedded with wires so you can slightly pose the long branch like figures if you like.

Speaking of posing, the figure also has 15 points of articulation making it great for recreating your favorite Baby Groot scenes from the movie or just having fun playing around with the toy.  Watch out for your popcorn when you are around this guy!  Whether you are looking to give a child a gift they'll never forget or want to decorate a bedroom, office, home theater, game room or man cave, Baby Groot won't disappoint.

Marvel Groot Marvel Life-Size Figure like other Hot Toys productions is a limited edition collectible so once they're sold out you are out of luck getting your hands on one.  Don't miss out!  Head over to Sideshow Collectibles and add a Baby Groot to your family.

BRING HOME YOUR VERY OWN BABY GROOT

** A Geek Daddy receives a commission on sales generated from the affiliate links below**

Star-Lord may be the main character in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 but the tree-like alien GROOT was the star of the show.  Hot Toys has created an incredible life-size Baby Groot that is available through their United States' distributor Sideshow Collectibles. Life-size isn't as tall as a normal person though but rather the size the character is supposed to be portrayed in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 as compared to the other characters in the movie.  Whether you want this Marvel Groot Life-Size Figure to stand out in a home theater room, decorate a child's room, or just to have fun playing with, this collectible figure is sure to put a smile on the face of anyone who sees it.  This charming Groot figure is approximately 26cm tall making it an ideal size to display.

The Marvel Groot Life-Size Figure comes with 3 interchangeable faces with highly detailed  expressions and tree texture; a newly developed specialized body that provides over 15 points of articulation; and 2 pairs of interchangeable hands including an attack version with embedded wires to allow a variety of poses.  It also comes with a Ravagers outfit that the figure can wear just like in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2!

This collectible figure is sure to delight any Guardians of the Galaxy fan!  Make sure to get in an order for this Marvel Groot Life-Size Figure because once they're sold out they're gone!

Photos courtesy of Sideshow Collectibles. (c) All rights reserved.

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2

My son and I were invited to an advance screening of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 by Marvel Studios before the movie officially opened to the public.  We're both big sci-fi fans and seeing the movie together made for a great father-son outing.  Going to see Star Wars at the theater with my dad as a kid was what made me into a wide eyed fan of futuristic space fantasies and taking my son to see the first Guardians of the Galaxy movie spurred a similar love of cosmic adventures with him.

He's been asking to go see this movie since its trailers started coming out. So what did he thing of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.?  I asked him after the movie concluded what he thought of it and received a one word review ... "AWESOME!"

Picking up where the original movie left off this sequel continues the adventures of Star Lord and his eccentric band of misfits who after having saved the planet Xandar have been able to line up some lucrative mercenary work.  The story starts with these Guardians of the Galaxy in the midst of a gig for a race of arrogant aliens known as the Sovereign who have genetically modified themselves to "perfection."  The Sovereign don't want to risk injury to any of themselves in confronting an inter-dimensional monster that is feeding off their planet's power sources so they call in Star Lord (aka Peter Quill), Drax, Rocket, Gamora and a baby version of Groot that sprouted from the splinters of that hero's sacrifice in the first film.  Of course things quickly go amiss!

The movie has an incredible soundtrack based upon the Awesome Mixtape #2 that was a present from Quill's deceased mother had given him at the time of her death that he had long ignored until finally unwrapping it at the conclusion of the first movie.  The soundtrack along with the movie's visual elements and script provide it with a campy '70s / '80s vibe. The film is a wacky space adventure which is meant to be fun to watch and doesn't take itself too seriously.  Director James Gunn does an excellent job of incorporating classic science fiction elements from comic strip, pulp fiction, television and movies such as Buck Rogers, John Carter of Mars, and Flash Gordon while still providing a unique sense of originality to the Guardians of the Galaxy movies.

People have asked me if Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 is better or worse than the first film.  I wouldn't say this sequel is better or worse that its predecessor but rather it is an enjoyable show to watch in its own right.  As a negative, the movie at some points has a slower pace and the plot drags on compared to the constant fast-pace of the original.  On a positive note this is because the film has more of a focus on developing the characters and immersing the audience into their lives.  Gunn doesn't want audiences to just be excited about the action scenes in the movie but rather have an emotional connection with the characters so people have a personal attachment to this franchise and wants to keep following its adventures.  There of course is a Vol. 3 in the works plus the Guardians will be teaming up with Earth's Mightiest Heroes in the next Avengers movie.

There are two underlying themes to Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 --> family and redemption.  The movie really delves into how though people may not be biologically related they can still consider one another family.  It also explores the difficulties of maintaining a family dynamic when dealing with a variety of dysfunctional elements within the group.  A number of the characters in the movie also have moments of redemption.  Whether it is making up for past misdeeds, healing a relationship or changing a behavioral trait there are a lot of situations where characters are redeeming themselves in this movie.

Baby Groot is the star of the show!  "I am Groot" is still his catchphrase but he's a miniature version of the tree-like alien character from the original movie now.  His hilarious antics are sure to put a smile on your face and there are a lot of scenes where you just find yourself saying aw! You'll want to check out this young version of Groot now because by the time the next movie comes out the character will most likely be gigantic in size again.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 is full of the wisecracking and physical comedy that made the first movie standout.  David Bautista had perfected a deadpan delivery for his lines as Drax the Destroyer that will leave you in stitches laughing at his awkward lack of a filter and strange way of looking at life.  Rocket, voiced by Bradley Cooper, provides the foul mouth of a stand up comedian contributing to the movie's PG-13 rating.  This rowdy racoon instigates a lot of the situations that will get you chuckling.  This is the type of movie filled with action sequences and comedic situations where you don't think a lot about what is going on regarding the plot but just enjoy the ride!

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2is rated PG-13 for sci-fi action and violence, language and brief suggestive sexual content but I have to say that there wasn't anything in the show that was concerning for my eight year old son to see.  To be honest, kids will be exposed to more troubling content watching many of today's prime time network sitcoms compared to anything contained in this movie.  That being said there really should be some parental discretion to determine if the movie is appropriate to see for children younger than elementary school age as it does have scenes that could be too scary or intense for them that include monsters and people dying.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 gets A Geek Daddy nod of approval because my son and I really enjoyed watching it...simple as that!  This franchise is the Star Wars for a new generation of science fiction fans and I applaud James Gunn for expanding upon the current fad in comic book super hero films to create something that not only enhances the Marvel cinematic universe but is really special in its own right.  Go out and see this movie while its still in movies so you can really take in its high octane stunts and special effects that truly stand out on the big screen. I guarantee you'll be leaving the theater with a smile on your face!

For more information about the movie, please visit marvel.com/guardians.

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY 2017

The first Saturday in May is a date my kids and I always look forward to.  It's FREE COMIC BOOK DAY!!!  We've developed a family tradition to swing by our local comic book shop to enjoy this event each year spending a morning bonding together over super heroes and science fiction.  My kids always get a kick out of seeing people cosplay while we are there and of course they love bringing home a handful of comic books to read through for the rest of the day.

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY will be on Saturday, May 6, 2017.  It has become a hugely popular annual event hosted by comic book retailers and publishers to entice new customers to visit brick-and-mortar stores and reward existing ones for their continued patronage.    FREE COMIC BOOK DAY provides a variety of selections people can pick up for free to take home with them ranging from specially printed one-shot stories published just for this event to reprints of previously published work that  promote a particular character or series. This year there are 50 comic books that can be selected from at participating locations.  Note that each comic shop has its own rules for the event so in some circumstances you may only be allowed to take one or two books and in others it is first come, first serve and people can take one of each of them. CLICK HERE to find a participating location near you.

One of the aspects I've appreciated about FREE COMIC BOOK DAY as a father is that they always offer a selection of comics that are appropriate for preschool and elementary school aged children to enjoy.  Once again there will be a nice selection of comic books that are appropriate for ALL AGES to read.  Here are a few of my favorites that will be available for children at this year's event:

There is no need to fear, Underdog is here! American Mythology is introducing this canine crusader to a new generation with its new Underdog comic book series.

My kids really enjoy the animated television series that follows the adventures of Ladybug and Cat Noir so they're sure to read this Miraculous comic book from Action Lab.

Papercutz is known for producing wonderful comic books and graphic novels meant for kids.  They will be introducing a comic book based upon The Loud House, Nickelodeon's hit new animated show!

Time Shifters from Graphix Spotlight is a wacky adventure filled with dinosaurs, robots and trips to parallel dimensions of reality that will absolutely appeal to kids.

My daughter loves her DC Super Hero Girls toys and now they have a comic book!  I know she's going to pick this one up during our visit to the comic shop.

My son is really into drawing right now so he's going to be thrilled to grab this COLORFUL MONSTERS sketchbook by cartoonist Elise Gravel filled with illustrations and activity pages.

Dynamite Comics has created a comic book series based upon National Geographic's Animal Jam online video game playground that has a whopping 55 million players worldwide.

My son said the new Guardians of the Galaxy movie is AWESOME so you know he's going to want to get his hand on this comic book from Marvel.

Boom! Studios always puts together a nice compilation that kids are sure to enjoy.  A highlight of each year's FREE COMIC BOOK DAY is seeing the Mouse Guard piece that David Petersen includes in it every year.

Take a trip to Springfield to see what shenanigans Bart Simpson is getting into with this year's FREE COMIC BOOK DAY publication from BONGO COMICS.

This event's not just all about kids though!  There are always a nice selection of comic books each year that I enjoy picking up for myself that are aimed more for mom and dad aged readers.  Here are a few of my favorite picks from this year's selection of free comic books that are more appropriate for adults than children:

THE TICK is one of my all-time favorite cartoons so I'm always delighted to pick up a comic book featuring the character during FREE COMIC BOOK DAY.  I have a collection of FCBD THE TICK issues going back quite a few years.  I wonder if this year's comic book will reference the new TV show that Amazon is producing? Rated: ALL AGES

If you are a Star Wars fan check out this steam punk version of adventures taking place in a galaxy far far away in STEAM WARS.

The World's Greatest Cartoonists is meant exclusive for adults to read with a Mature rating.  It contains all-new, exclusive work from a variety of comic artists that is a must-have for Fantagraphic fans.

The Incal from Humanoids has been called one of the most influential and original comics in sci-fi history. A full 30 pages originally published in Métal Hurlant and created by the artists' artist Mœbius will be available for free on May 6th.

The Ballad of Franklin Bonisteel from Z2 Comics tells the story of a egendary record prodcuer and his misadventures in Los Angeles. Included with the comic book is a digital download code for an original song by Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys.

Return to the Mirror Universe with the Next Generation crew in a way you've never seen them before in MIRROR BROKEN, a prequel to IDW Publishing's upcoming Star Trek: The Next Generation miniseries.

This comic is NOT for kids! Gertrude has been stuck in Fairyland for decades when she finally finds a secret passage to get back home. To get through it though she'll need to chop her way through some of Image Comics' favorite characters from Saga, The Walking Dead, Savage Dragon, Spawn, Descender, Black Science, Southern Bastards.  Rated: MATURE audiences.

Whovians will be delighted to know that Titan Comics is again publishing a FREE COMIC BOOK DAY issue of DOCTOR WHO!!!

Return to the wondrous world of Pandora with an AVATAR tale from Dark Horse Comics that also includes in the comic book a story featuring the characters from the upcoming AMC television series Briggs Land. Rated: TEEN.

A full listing of all the available publications is on freecomicbookday.com.  Which one do you think your kids will enjoy most? How about yourself? Is there an issue you really want to pick up to read on FREE COMIC BOOK DAY?

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 Prize Pack Giveaway

STAR LORD and the GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY are back for another blockbuster adventure! To share my excitement about Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2, I'm co-hosting a MARVELous giveaway with The Hopping Bloggers. One lucky winner will win a Guardians of the Galaxy themed prize pack worth over $200 that includes:

• Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix Vol.1 (CD)
• Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2: Awesome Mix Vol. 2 (CD)
• Marvel Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Figurine Set
• NECA Guardians of the Galaxy 2 Body Knocker Groot
• Vandor Marvel Guardians Of The Galaxy Volume 2 Mug
• Set of 8 Funko Pops: Guardians of the Galaxy 2 Mantis, Teserface, Star-Lord, Gamora, Groot, Nebula, Rocket and Drax!
• Guardians Of The Galaxy [Blu-ray]
• Guardians of the Galaxy 3-Pack Bracelet & Earrings in Gift Box by Superheroes
• Funko Pint Size Heroes: Guardians of the Galaxy 2 One Mystery Toy Figure
• Night Night, Groot book
• Marvel Guardians of the Galaxy 6-inch Legends Series Yondu
• Marvel Guardians of the Galaxy 6-inch Legends Series Star-Lord
• Marvel Guardians of the Galaxy 6-inch Legends Series Drax
• Marvel Guardians of the Galaxy Rocket Raccoon 8" Plush Toy

Set to the all-new sonic backdrop of Awesome Mixtape #2, Marvel Studios’ “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” continues the team’s adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos. The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mystery of Peter Quill’s true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes’ aid as the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to expand.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Hits Theaters May 5th!

Connect with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | #GotGVol2

Enter to win this Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Prize Pack using the form below.
GOOD LUCK!

Entry-Form

Marvel Comic Book Tackles Bullying

 A few months ago Marvel Entertainment partnered with STOMP Out Bullying, a bullying and cyber-bullying prevention organization for kids and teens in the U.S. by highlighting that October is National Bullying Prevention Month through publishing variant covers for some of its popular comic book titles that addressed the topic.  Now Marvel is taking things up another notch by publishing in January a one-shot comic book dedicated to tackling the problem of bullying titled AVENGERS: NO MORE BULLYING #1.  The 40 page comic book will be specially priced at $1.99 and feature three separate stories with anti-bullying themes that will involve The Avengers, Spider-Man and Guardians of the Galaxy.

Here's Marvel's press release for more information:

Earth’s Mightiest Heroes are out to make bullying a thing of the past with AVENGERS: NO MORE BULLYING #1, an all-new one shot featuring some of the best and brightest talents in the comic industry as they stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves.

Arriving in January, this specially priced $1.99, 40 page one-shot contains three brand-new stories from top tier talents. Featuring fan-favorite Gerry Duggan (Deadpool, Nova, Hulk), rising star Sean Ryan (Uncanny X-Men/Nova/Iron Man: No End In Sight), Jeff Loveness, and Jody Houser making her Marvel writing debut, along with blockbuster artists Carlo Barberi (Thunderbolts), Tana Ford (New Warriors) Marcio Takara (Captain Marvel), and Gustavo Duarte.

From the streets of New York to the furthest corners of the cosmos, the heroes of the Marvel Universe are no strangers to bullying and the damage it can cause. Heck, half the time, bullying is why Marvel’s greatest super heroes chose to fight  evil in the first place! Now, Marvel’s diverse roster of super heroes are ready to stand up and help those who cannot help themselves. The Avengers, the Guardians of the Galaxy and the Amazing Spider-Man are out to put a stop to bullies everywhere with these three bombastic, can’t miss stories!

“From Peter Parker, Midtown High’s only professional wallflower, to the ever-misunderstood Kamala Khan, Marvel has a proud history of working to raise awareness about bullying and representing its victims as much as possible,” says series editor Devin Lewis. “Bullying is a problem that can affect everyone in a community, and it’s up to that very community to come together to combat it, and, with this issue, Marvel’s Avengers, Spider-Man, and Guardians of the Galaxy are joining the fight! I know how comic books can help ease that feeling of isolation, and I couldn’t be more proud or excited about the talent we’ve pulled together for this project!”

Face front readers, as the Marvel Universe’s greatest heroes are ready to take on a real world problem more troublesome than any super villain. The best and brightest talent assemble this January for AVENGERS: NO MORE BULLYING #1!

I'll probably be picking this up for my son and daughter to use this as something we can read through together as a teachable moment to reinforce with them that they understand what bullying is and why it is wrong.  Look for it at your local comic book store in January 2015!

For more information about bullying visit www.stopbullying.gov

Download a FREE Alternative Cover for your Guardians of the Galaxy Blu-ray or DVD Case

I've heard a lot of people refer to Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy movie as the Star Wars for today's generation.  Inspired by that premise, artist Matt Ferguson created a mashup of the 1977 Tom Jung theatrical poster for Star Wars with a Guardians of the Galaxy spin to it.  He is providing a FREE download of this artwork as a custom jacket cover you can place on your very own Blu-ray or DVD case.  Matt did an incredible job with this artwork and if you are a Star Wars fan who also enjoyed Guardians this is a must have.  Just remember this is for your own personal use only - download it, print it out, and attach it to your blu-ray or dvd case - please don't take advantage of it for any other purpose.

CLICK HERE to download your FREE alternative cover for Guardians of the Galaxy Blu-ray/DVD cases.  If you like Matt's artwork follow him on twitter @Cakes_Comics and tweet him a compliment or a thank you for the free jacket cover artwork. And if you haven't bought Guardians of the Galaxy on blu-ray or dvd yet CLICK HERE to do that now.

We're Celebrating the DVD Release of Guardians of the Galaxy with a Twitter Party

RSVP for the #OwnTheGalaxy Twitter Party 12/8

This post has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. & its advertiser

To celebrate the Tuesday, December 9th release of Guardians of the Galaxy on Blu-Ray/DVD/HD Digital, A GEEK DADDY is going to be co-hosting a Twitter Party.  Join us for the #OwnTheGalaxy Twitter Party on Monday, December 8th @ 8pm EST as we talk about the movie and all the great bonus features available on the Blu-Ray/DVD/HD Combo pack that is available at Walmart.  Plus party attendees will have the chance to win one of five $100 Walmart Gift Cards we'll be giving out as prizes during the event.  There will also be a $50 Walmart Gift Card Early Bird Prize that will be selected from everyone who RSVP's and tweets a specially designated tweet before the start of the party.

One of the things I especially appreciate about Guardians of the Galaxy and why our family is excited about adding it to our home entertainment library is that it is an original movie for a new generation to enjoy rather than a remake or sequel to a past movie.  The film is an adaptation of a lesser known Marvel comic book so for many people this is their first introduction to the characters and settings.  It is so nice to see some real originality and creativity in a movie and I really believe this is what has elevated the movie to be such a popular hit.

Join us on December 8th to share your thoughts about Guardians of the Galaxy and discuss why you really want to bring it home for your family to enjoy.  CLICK HERE for more information on the rules for the party and to RSVP for it.  On the night of the party, join in by using the  Collective Bias party grid or search for the hashtag #OwnTheGalaxy on Twitter.  I'd also encourage you to follow my party co-hosts: @Guardians, @blm03, @mausekindmom, @ReviewDadMedia, @MattDanTodd & tsue1136.  I'll be participating using my personal twitter account @Geekdad248 instead of the blog's account @Geeky_Dad.

Here are a few fun tidbits about Guardians of the Galaxy to help you get in the mood for the Twitter party and you may want to keep an eye out for as trivia questions during the #OwnTheGalaxy event:

• The movie's soundtrack album "Awesome Mix, Vol. 1" reached number one on the US Billboard 200 chart, the first film soundtrack to ever reach number one without a single original song.
• Vin Diesel recorded all of his "I am Groot" lines in several different languages, including Russian, Mandarin, Spanish, Portuguese, German, and French so that they could use his real voice in the film around the world.  He recorded the character's iconic line over 1,000 times.
• Chris Pratt lost 60 pounds to portray the Star Lord character.  He is known for playing the part of Andy Dwyer on the NBC television series Parks & Recreation.  He will have a key role in the upcoming movie Jurassic World.
• Peter Quill's space ship in the movie is named The Milano after Alyssa Milano because the movie's director decided Quill had a childhood crush on her when developing the character's background and personality.
• Rocket Racoon was modeled after a real life racoon named Oreo.  Bradley Cooper who voiced Rocket Racoon cited Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci's character in the 1990 movie Goodfellas) as his influence for portraying the popular Guardians character.
• To prepare for the role of Nebula, actress  Karen Gillan actually shaved her head.
• Stan Lee has made a cameo in all of the Marvel movies, including the animated Big Hero Six, and was originally featured in Guardians as one of the Collector's boxed trophies giving Groot the middle finger.  Disney executives didn't like that and has the Director, James Gunn, change it to Stan Lee being an alien Casanova.
• The Collector's residence in the movie is a space station called Knowhere.  In the comic books, Knowhere is the base of the Guardians of the Galaxy.

For more fun trivia and a lively discussion about the movie, please make sure to join us for the #OwnTheGalaxy Twitter Party on December 8th (8pm EST).

MARVEL SUPERHEROES LOOK TO STOMP OUT BULLYING

The INCREDIBLE HULK will be stomping out bullying in a special comic book cover of HULK #7 meant to promote the topic of addressing bullying prevention in our schools and highlighting that October is National Bullying Prevention Month.  Marvel Entertainment at the urging of STOMP Out Bullying, a bullying and cyberbullying prevention organization for kids and teens in the U.S., is publishing several special comic book variant edition covers on some of its most popular selling youth titles to bring added awareness of the problems of bullying during the month of October. 

 "The center of Marvel's storytelling history is the eternal struggle between good and evil, with many of its greatest super heroes having to contend with – and rise above – bullying, in all its forms," said Axel Alonso, Editor in Chief of Marvel Comics. "We are proud to join forces with STOMP Out Bullying on its important bullying prevention awareness mission. We hope that all our fans take a moment this month to educate themselves on the need to stop bullying among our youth by checking out the free resources STOMP Out Bullying has to offer."

The following comic books will feature special STOMP Out Bullying variant covers:

• ROCKET RACCOON #4
• GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #20
• AVENGERS#36
• INHUMAN#7
• HULK #7
• CAPTAIN AMERICA #25
• LEGENDARY STAR-LORD #4

These anti-bullying covers will  be exclusive to print editions that will only be available through comic book stores. Here are a few of the other covers that will be included in this awareness campaign:

CLICK HERE for more information about STOMP Out Bullying.