MS MARVEL AND SHE-HULK MARVEL UNITED GAME NIGHT

Excited about the upcoming Ms. Marvel and She-Hulk live action series coming to the Disney+ streaming service, my daughter and I had some game night fun this weekend with these new leading ladies of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Carnage is on a rampage in New York City and it is up to Ms. Marvel and She-Hulk to foil the villain's master plan in this game of MARVEL UNITED. It won't be easy as this alien symbiote has a number of offspring to battle before you can go head to head with him. Plus he is continuously transforming more people around the City into dangerous clones of himself that speed up the time frame of his master plan coming to fruition.

Why is Carnage trying to infiltrate the labs of Stark Industries and Oscorp while flooding New York City with an army of monstrous Symbiotic clones? Ms. Marvel and She-Hulk leap into action to battle this evil threat! They don't have much time though ... if Carnage completes ten turns he WINS and that timeline speeds up as he assimilates innocent bystanders as hosts for the Symbiote organisms that make up his alien army. There is no time to waste in stopping Carnage!

Carnage belongs to a race of amorphous extraterrestrial organisms known as Symbiotes, which form a symbiotic bond with their hosts and give them super-human abilities. Carnage has no regard for life and a desire to promote total chaos. Yet he can be methodological and meticulous in his plots to become the dominate lifeform on the planet. 

Ms. Marvel is a leading character in Marvel's development of a diverse lineup of superheroes appealing and relatable to new generations of young fans. This Pakistani-American hero has the power to shapeshift being able to transform her body to do feats such as elongating her limbs or enlarging her fists. Ms. Marvel often teams up with Squirrel Girl and America Chavez to create an amazing trio of girl power that can give any bad guy a run for their money!

After getting a blood transfusion from her cousin Bruce Banner, Jennifer Walters gained all the powers of the Hulk without losing her personal consciousness or sense of conscious in fighting for justice as the She-Hulk. She is a combination of brains and brawn! In addition to her solo crime fighting endeavors, She-Hulk has also been a part of the Avengers and Fantastic Four superhero teams.

Ms. Marvel and She-Hulk have a lot to take on in a limited amount of time. Before the can even tackle Carnage head on, this super duo must clear threats from four locations and either defeat nine Symbiotes or rescue nine bystanders. Plus, in this MARVEL UNITED game scenario the heroes must also defeat three of Carnage's henchmen in combat before unlocking the big boss char acter for a final showdown. 

We focused on the tackling the henchmen and clearing location threats as our first priority. She-Hulk and Ms. Marvel tore through the henchmen and unlocked three of the four locals trying to move forward to battle one-on-one with Carnage. Unfortunately, Carnage was able to capture numerous people off of New York's streets adding them to his alien army and speeding up the completion of his master plan by giving him some extra jumps ahead on the Spawn Track further reducing the number of turns She-Hulk and Ms. Marvel had to work with. BAM! The villain was victorious this game night.

Doah! Unfortunately, you can't win every game; but it is fun trying! Win or lose it is always a good time playing MARVEL UNITED during a family game night. Looking forward to a rematch against Carnage and watching the Disney+ Ms. Marvel and She-Hulk tv shows.

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Send some JUSTICE LEAGUE vs SUICIDE SQUAD New Years Cheer to a comic book fan

Provide your friends with some New Years cheer by sending them a Justice League vs Suicide Squad digital card to welcome 2017.  A perfect way to put a smile on the face of a fan of comic book culture and super heroes to start the new year.  Best of all it is FREE to send!  Just CLICK HERE, pick which of DC Comic's two hottest properties, Justice League or Suicide Squad, you want to feature in your card, insert the name of who you want to send it to plus his or her email address and there you go!

On comic book store shelves now is a new weekly mini-series that will be running through January which pits these two teams against one another:

The first major event storyline of DC’s Rebirth era begins with a day Amanda Waller always knew would come: the Justice League discovers the existence of the Suicide Squad! This government-sponsored black-ops team of super-villains with bombs implanted in their brains is obviously a deal-breaker for Earth’s paragons of truth and justice! But you can bet that the Wall and her Task Force X won’t go down without the fight to end all fights in this weekly mini-series! 

Visit comicshoplocator.com to find a comic book store near you.

Michigan Science Center: After Dark -- Super Heroes & Comics

Enjoy an educational and entertaining evening at the Michigan Science Center without any children around.  On the third Thursday of the month from 6 - 9pm, the institution regularly hosts an After Dark happy hour for ages 21+ that allows attendees to enjoy some adult beverages while engaging in fun activities and learning about exciting scientific concepts revolving around a designated theme.  Thursday, September 15th, "Superheroes & Comics" is the theme of the night. Costumes are encouraged!

"Superheroes & Comics" will feature a pop-up shop by downtown Detroit's new comic book shop Vault of Midnight, appearances by costumed members of the Great Lakes Ghostbuster Coalition movie fan club, face painting by Sandy's Land Entertainment, beer from Atwater Brewery, a superhero science presentation, and a "heroes in the sky" planetarium show.  Other activities will include a super hero mask making opportunity, a craft table to make Perler bead creations, and a comic book themed photo booth.  Tickets can be purchased online or at the door for $15 per person and the event has a cash bar.

Themes for upcoming After Dark events at the Michigan Science Center's Midtown Detroit location include Harry Potter and Winter Solstice.  Plus there will be a family friendly After Dark evening event taking place on Saturday, October 22, 2016 from 6 - 11pm that is open to all ages which will celebrate the science of light called ILLUMINATE:  A NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM.

The Michigan Science Center is located at 5020 John R. Street, Detroit  MI 48202.  For more information, please visit mi-sci.org

Captain America: Civil War sets a new benchmark for comic book inspired films

If you didn't make it out to the movie theater to see CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR during its opening weekend make sure to see it while you can can on the big screen because it is definitely worth the price of admission.  The brother duo of Anthony and Joe Russo teamed up to co-direct this newest addition to Disney's Marvel super hero inspired film universe which does a stellar job of making the movie's audience feel as if they've actually been immersed into the pages of a comic book as they watch it.  This film is full of epic scenes which are amazing to see on the silver screen and demonstrates that while most motion pictures are easily available within a few months of their theatrical release to watch on dvd or via digital download going to the movies can still be a great experience that can't always be replicated on a television or mobile device screen.

This movie has it all ... a dynamic script that provides a serious dramatic tone to the film, action scenes that are sure to entertain you, special effects that provide a wow factor, plus humorous moments and one liners that cause the whole theater to erupt with laughter.  Captain America: Civil War does a nice job of making its cast of larger than life super hero characters relatable to viewers with its plot themes of loss, fear and revenge and great visual elements that absorb you into their story.  With such a large cast of prominent Marvel super heroes featured in this film, it was a nice spin on things that a lesser known character such as Ant-Man becomes the biggest hero of them all. I really enjoyed the Ant-Man solo movie and am looking forward to its sequel even more after seeing the great role  Scott Lang played in Civil War.  While Captain America and Iron Man are without a doubt the two main characters of the film, the directors really did a nice job of finding screen time and a role in the plot for everyone.

Two new heroes, Spider-Man and Black Panther, are added to the film franchise in Captain America:  Civil War and they really are provided impressive introductions that do their comic book characters justice in how they are portrayed and exceeded the expectations I had going into the movie.  I am looking forward to seeing the upcoming Black Panther solo movie after seeing Chadwick Boseman's performance as T'Challa the ruler of Wakanda in Civil War, while prior to seeing Captain America it wasn't of that much particular interest to me.  Tom Holland does a nice job of portraying the wise-cracking, teen age side of Spider-Man from the comic books that hasn't been highlighted as much in previous film versions of the character while his Aunt May goes in another direction not being a grey haired elderly lady in this new take on Peter Parker's adventures.

While the first two Avengers movies were great when it came to action scenes, special effects, and comedic scenes, Captain America: Civil War creates a new benchmark for the quality of a comic book inspired movie by incorporating a nice script with a plot that adds a sense of drama to the movie while also including all the elements that have made the Avengers movies incredibly enjoyable to watch.  Yes there are some plot flaws and other aspects of the film that make it far from perfect but this is an action movie not a documentary and it fulfills its mission of transporting its audience away from the reality of their own lives and entertaining them within one filled with super heroes that awe and amaze.  The tension between Captain America and Iron Man's feud leaves you on the edge of your seat while Ant-Man and Spider-Man provide comic relief that breaks the tension of the serious elements of the movie's plot.  The CGI effects continue to be very well done with one particular scene standing out in which a 20-year old Robert Downey Jr. appears on screen alongside his modern day self.  Watching theses special effects it really appears as if Iron Man is flying through the sky or Vision is walking through someone which is a big part of what makes watching these takes on Marvel's comic books so fun. Heading to see this movie, I had reservations about whether this movie could continue the momentum of the last two Avengers movies and was pleasantly surprised to leave the theater considering this my favorite film in the Marvel cinematic universe yet.

Captain America: Civil War follows the aftermath of the incidents in Avengers: Age of Ultron where the European nation of Sokovia was devastated with death and destruction by the conflict that occurred in that film.  Combined with the civilian death toll from incidents involving the Avengers in the original Avengers movie and in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, the world has become afraid of this team of super powered individuals led by Steve Rogers (Captain America).  The countries of the world come together to sign a treaty called the Sokovia Accords which would have the United Nations oversee and direct the team.  The new status quo fractures the Avengers resulting in two camps, one led by Captain America and his desire for the Avengers to remain free to defend humanity without government interference and the other following Tony Stark's decision to support government oversight and accountability.

This movie absolutely did not "stank" and you'll want to keep an eye out for comic book publishing icon Stan Lee's appearance in this film which is one of his best movie cameos yet.  Also stick around after the movie ends for a special post-credit teaser for the upcoming Spider-Man movie.  Captain America: Civil War gets A Geek Daddy nod of approval because I frankly thoroughly enjoyed the movie theater viewing experience and am looking forward to adding it to my home video library when it arrives on blu-ray and dvd later this year.  This is one of those movies though you really should make an effort to see on the big screen to enjoy the expansive battle scenes as you won't regret going to the theater to see it.

For more information about the movie, visit Marvel.com/CaptainAmerica

A Geek Daddy was invited to a free screening of this movie by Walt Disney Studios.  Opinions expressed in this review are honest and my own.

Buy a t-shirt that matches your favorite weekly comic book covers from Marvel at welovefine.com

One of my favorite aspects of collecting comic books is all of the incredible artwork that publishers commission for the covers of their issues.  You'll often find spectacular cover art for comic book covers that is worthy of framing and displaying.  That is one element of print editions that just doesn't translate over as well to digital versions of comic books.

To keep customers repeatedly visiting comic book shops on a regular basis, publishers spread the release of their titles' new issues throughout the month.  So every Wednesday is always a "new comic book day"  with a variety of comic book selections debuting each week.  I always enjoy making a stop by my local comic book shop on Wednesdays to peruse the shelves for some new stories to read and to delight in all the great illustrations that decorate the covers of that week's featured publications. So I was very enthused to learn about a new partnership between welovefine.com and Marvel that will let people wear the art from their favorite new comic book covers on their chest.

Each week We Love Fine will release for sale on Wednesday limited edition t-shirts featuring the cover artwork from the Marvel super hero comic books that arrived on store shelves that day.  Like the artwork on the newest issue of the Amazing Spider-Man?  You can now get a t-shirt displaying it from welovefine.com.  Don't wait to order though as these shirts will only be available for a few days then replaced with new selections the next Wednesday corresponding with Marvel's most recent comic book releases that week.

These t-shirts cost just $15, plus shipping and handling, and are available in mens basic crew tee or womens basic fitted tee in adult sizes Small to 2XL.  The shirts are 100% cotton and black in color to frame the artwork displayed on its front.  The exclusive We Love Fine / Marvel shirts are only available in black and though I'm not a fan of white or black t-shirts I can understand how this coloring really does a nice job of highlight the artwork which is the primary reason people would buy the product plus is probably a financial necessity to ensure the profitability of a limited run printing while keeping the price as affordable as they have.  Hopefully if this program is successful they may add some other color options in the future for the t-shirts that are complimentary to the particular artwork you've selected but for now black t-shirts aren't much to gripe over.

If you like to wear clothes that have a sense of fun to them, are a bit unique and you most likely won't encounter someone else wearing at the same time you are  sporting them these limited run t-shirts are a great option to accomplish that.  They are also a great way to personalize your wardrobe a bit by adding artwork featuring your favorite comic book characters that really appeals to you.  If you enjoy comic book artwork and super hero characters you'll want to regularly check out welovefine.com  to see what Marvel Covers t-shirts they are printing up each week.

Miraculous Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir

If you are looking for a super hero themed story that isn't dominated by male characters than Miraculous Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir may be a show you want to check out.  The adventures of teenage girl Marinette as the hero known as "Ladybug" provide for super fun in this animated TV series that has been wildly successful on Nickelodeon and is now being released on DVD beginning May 3, 2016 by Shout! Kids.  Both my seven year old daughter and son really enjoy watching the Paris-based adventures of Ladybug and Cat Noir so A Geek Daddy is sharing my kids enjoyment of the show with a C'est Magnifique giveaway courtesy of Shout! Kids. We're giving away a Miraculous Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir DVD.

UPDATE: Congrats to Tamara R from Elverta, California who won our giveaway.

Follow @Geekdad248 & RT for chance to win a MIRACULOUS TALES OF LADYBUG & CAT NOIR dvd courtesy of @ShoutFactory #ad pic.twitter.com/qxDPfn0e0y

— A Geek Daddy (@GeekDad248) April 29, 2016

To be eligible for this giveaway you must follow @Geekdad248 on Twitter and retweet our original contest tweet which is embedded above before May 6, 2016 @ 11:59 pm EST.  Must be a US  resident over the age of 18 to participate.  One entry per person and we'll randomly select someone from all eligible entries to receive a Miraculous Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir DVD featuring the first seven episodes broadcast on Nickelodeon.

Marinette and Adrien, two seemingly normal kids live what appears to be an ordinary teen life.  But when the evil Hawk Moth threatens their beloved city of Paris, they transform into the superheroes Ladybug and Cat Noir using super powers gained with the help of their magical friends.  Hawk Moth is using his evil energy to transform normal people into super villains, so our two heroes need to use all their skills to defeat him.

Becoming Ladybug is a complicated process for Marinette.  First, she needs a "Kwami" which is a tiny magical creature.  She also needs a "Miraculous" which is a magical accessory.  Combining the two transforms Marinette into a super hero, but her Ladybug powers only work for a limited time!

It is a good think that she gets a little help from her super hero sidekick, Cat Noir, even though she insists she doesn't need his help.  If only she knew Cat Noir's true identity -- Adrien, her school crush.  It will take a lot -- friendship, teamwork, and skill -- to outwit Hawk Moth.  Will Ladybug & Cat Noir be able to balance their double lives and keep Paris safe?  Will they ever find out each other's true identity? Until then there is a whole city of baddies to defeat...SPOTS ON, CLAWS OUT!

The Miraculous Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir DVD includes the television episodes "The Bubbler," "Mr. Pigeon," "Stormy Weather," "Timebreaker," "Copycat," "The Pharoah," and "Lady Wifi."  It also contains bonus features including cast and crew interviews, episode animatics, and a sing-along. CLICK HERE for information on how you can purchase this Shout! Kids DVD.



Disclaimer & Rules / FTC Notice:  A Geek Daddy Blog will be responsible for selecting the winner of this contest, but Shout! Factory is responsible for fulfillment and delivery of the prize. By participating in this contest you waive any liability towards A Geek Daddy Blog or its publisher that may arise from your involvement with this promotion. A Geek Daddy Blog hosted this contest and blog post based upon Shout! Factory providing the prize to the selected winner. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. Must be a US resident over 18 years old.  If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Prize will be delivered by UPS or FedEx so no P.O. Boxes are allowed as mailing addresses. A Geek Daddy Blog is hosting this giveaway as a benefit to our readers. Information for this post was provided by Shout! Factory. A Geek Daddy Blog did not receive any financial compensation for publishing this post but did receive one of the prizes for personal use.

The Super Duper Princess Heroes

** A Geek Daddy received the featured product for free **

The SUPER DUPER PRINCESS Heroes - How It All Started is a whimsical fairy tale by Sanjay Nambiar that is a perfect bedtime story for little girls who love dressing up as princesses and dreaming about having superhero adventures.  This book is filled with colorful illustrations and contains a story that promotes the concepts of responsibility, humility and teamwork. It also conveys to young girls that they can enjoy the princess aesthetic of wearing fancy gowns and glittering jewelry while also picturing themselves as the hero who saves the day rather than being the damsel in distress as ladies often tend to be portrayed in fairy tales and superhero adventures.

The story begins with Kinney, Oceana and Sammie playing in the woods when they encounter the Fairy Teacher Mother Superstar Queen, also known as Betty.  She empowers the girls with super abilities and provides them with beautifully colored princess gowns that look like "a rainbow of awesomeness" transforming them into The SUPER DUPER PRINCESS Heroes.  Kinney is given the ability to run as fast as the wind; Sammie receives super strength; and Oceana can now soar through the sky with the power of flight.

To maintain their new found magical powers there are some strings attached by the Fairy Teacher Mother Superstar Queen. The girls must agree to always be willing to help others in need, work together as a team, and be humble about their special abilities.  If they don't abide by these rules than the magical tiaras that provide the girls with their wonderful princess gowns and incredible special talents will lose their ability to empower The SUPER DUPER PRINCESS Heroes.

Just then The SUPER DUPER PRINCESS Heroes hear a cry for help!  It is a young boy who is a prince from a neighboring kingdom.  These three damsels need to rescue the prince in distress to save the day!  Working together The SUPER DUPER PRINCESS Heroes rescue the prince demonstrating that girls can enjoy cute things and that doesn't preclude them from being the heroes in a story, or life itself, that make a positive difference in the world.

For more information about this author and these characters, please visit SuperDuperPrincessHeroes.com. This website also provides links to resources for parents that promote the topic of "Girl Power" and information about the next book in The Super Duper Princess Heroes series that will be promoting the theme of social good through a partnership with World Children's Initiative (WCI).  Profits from this upcoming book "The Gift of Gift" will be shared by the publisher with WCI.  Keep an eye out for this next edition to The SUPER DUPER Princess Heroes saga.  The SUPER DUPER PRINCESS Heroes - How It All Started is available to purchase from Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

Spider Man joins in on the action during new Captain America movie trailer

If you are a comic book fan than there is a lot to be geeked about when it comes to the blockbuster super hero movies being released this spring.  Batman versus Superman, X-Men: Apocalypse and Captain America: Civil War are bringing a lot of comic book characters to the silver screen including one of my all time favorite super heroes, your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.  Disney just released a new trailer for Civil War and while Captain America may have his name on the movie title could it be that Spider Man steals the show?



From the trailers and stills released about Captain America: Civil War no matter how big or small the web-crawler's role may be it is guaranteed the film it is going to be filled with an incredible number of super heroes ranging from Ant Man to Iron Man engaging in some epic battle sequences.

Captain America: Civil War hits theaters across the United States on May 6, 2016.  It pits Captain America, Falcon, Hawkeye, Scarlet Witch, and Ant Man versus Iron Man, War Machine, Black Widow, Vision, Black Panther...and Spider Man.  These two teams are battling over the fate of Steve Roger's boyhood best friend and military sidekick Bucky Barnes, who was transformed into the villainous assassin Winter Soldier after being thought lost for dead during a World War II combat mission with Captain America, regarding his involvement in the incidents of  Captain America: The Winter Soldier plus they are in conflict about whether "enhanced individuals" like the Avengers should be registered and controlled by the United States government.

So are you rooting for Team Captain America or Team Iron Man in this super hero civil war?  I'm torn because I support Cap's principles but Tony Stark has recruited a team made up of characters that I'm so much more hyped about seeing in the movie.  So it is a toss up for me.  The one thing I do know for sure is that I'm excited to see Spider Man join in on the action!

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

Photos courtesy of Walt Disney Studios

Fantastic 4 Movie Giveaway

I read a whole bunch of FANTASTIC FOUR comic books as a kid so you know I was geeked about the newest film featuring this classic team of Marvel superheroes.  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to catch the flick while it was in theaters so I'm going to have to wait until its Blu-ray and DVD release on December 15, 2015 to see it.  Of course, I want to share this experience with my blog readers, so courtesy of my friends at Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, A Geek Daddy has a Blu-ray/DVD combo pack of the #Fantastic4 movie to giveaway.

When four young outsiders create a device that teleports them to an alternate universe their physical forms are altered in shocking ways.  Their lives changed forever, Reed Richards ("MR. FANTASTIC"), Sue Storm ("INVISIBLE WOMAN"), Johnny Storm ("THE HUMAN TORCH") and Ben Grimm ("THE THING") must harness their incredible new powers and work together to save Earth from a former friend turned enemy, the infamous DR. DOOM.

For a chance to win our movie prize pack submit one or all of the following entry methods to earn up to 5 entries prior to 11:59 pm EST on Wednesday, December 16, 2015.  Must be a U.S. or Canadian resident over 18 years old to win.

E-MAIL (1 ENTRY)

E-mail thegeekdaddy [at] yahoo [dot] com your name and mailing address. Email subject line should be FANTASTIC 4

TWITTER ( 2 ENTRIES)

Follow @Geekdad248 on Twitter and tweet:

 Hey @Geekdad248 send me #Fantastic4 on Blu-ray from #ageekdaddy blog or its going to be Clobberin' Time #FantasticInsiders  #ad

FACE BOOK ( 2 ENTRIES )

Visit our Facebook page and on the contest post leave a COMMENT telling us who your favorite member of the Fantastic Four is.

 All valid entries will be assigned a number in the order they are received and one number will be  selected to determine the winner using random.org.  E-mails will only be used to contact the winner and deleted following the selection of a winner.

FANTASTIC FOUR is rated PG-13 and has a film run time of 100 minutes.  Special features included with Blu-ray/DVD include:

• Powering Up: Superpowers of the Fantastic Four (DVD & Blu-ray)

• The Quantum Gates (Blu-ray Only)

• Planet Zero (Blu-ray Only)

• The Score (Blu-ray Only)

• Concept Art (DVD & Blu-ray)  

While you are anxiously awaiting the news of whether you won this A Geek Daddy blog giveaway, have some fun enjoying these Fantastic Four activity sheets.



DISCLAIMER:  A Geek Daddy Blog will be responsible for selecting the winner of this contest, but Fox Home Entertainment is responsible for fulfillment and delivery of the prize.  By participating in this contest you waive any liability towards A Geek Daddy Blog or its publisher that may arise from your involvement with this promotion.  If you win this prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Prize will be delivered by UPS or FedEx so no P.O. Boxes are allowed as mailing addresses. A Geek Daddy Blog did not receive any financial compensation but did receive a review DVD for the blog and the prize that is being awarded to one of our readers for this contest.  A Geek Daddy Blog is hosting this contest as a benefit to our readers. Any opinions in this post are my own. A Geek Daddy is a member of the Fox Home Entertainment Insiders Blogger Program receiving special information and perks as part of its participation. #FantasticInsiders

Capstone Publishing Transports Young Readers Into The World Of DC Comics Super Heroes

 ** A Geek Daddy received the featured products for free to review ** 

Two of the most used words in my son's vocabulary are "why" and "how."  He is very curious always asking about how things work and why things happen or are the way they are.  Though only a first grader he's already demonstrated an incredible interest in math, science and technology and like most boys his age he's really into super heroes.  So to say he was excited when I brought out BATMAN SCIENCE: THE REAL-WORLD SCIENCE BEHIND BATMAN'S GEAR to read with him would be an understatement.

Fans of Batman will know that when it comes to fighting crime unlike other comic book heroes it isn't super power that let the Caped Crusader save the day but rather his technology that often gives him the edge over the villains he is fighting against.  Batman is know for his gadget packed utility belt and tricked out custom vehicles like the batmobile and Capstone Publishing's book BATMAN SCIENCE explores the science behind the hero's really cool technology. This soft-cover 142 page book is divided into four sections:  Batsuits & Capes - The Science Behind Batman's Body Armor, Batarangs & Grapnel Guns - The Science Behind Batman's Utility Belt, Batmobiles & Batcycles - The Engineering Behind Batman's Vehicles, and Batplanes & Batcopters - The Engineering Behind Batman's Wings.  These sections feature a bunch of Batman's cool high-tech crime fighting tools and weapons plus highlight real world applications of similar technology.  By combining the entertaining elements of the comic books, television series, movies and video games with engineering and science examples from the real world this book provides an educational learning experience that is also an enjoyable read for kids.

For example in the Batsuits and Capes section of the book, Batman's ability to withstand fiery explosions is compared to the use of firefighters using a material called Nomex in their suits. It provides a history and overview of Nomex and even provides an example of how family's may regularly use it in their own kitchens on a regular basis -- oven mitts. In Batarangs & Grapnel Guns, the book describes Batman's grappling hook devices and compares them to a tool being used by the U.S. Military called the Atlas Power Ascender which can pull a fully-geared soldier up a rope at about 10 feet per second.  In discussing the engineering behind Batman's vehicle some of the tricks of the trade include stealth mode and the book refers to how today's electric and hybrid car engines make almost no noise.  In fact the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is concerned these modern-day vehicles could present a safety hazard for bikers and walkers who won't hear these vehicles approaching them.  BATMAN SCIENCE shows that there often can be real world applications for the high-tech vehicles and gadgets portrayed in science fiction.

BATMAN SCIENCE is filled with great illustrations of Batman plus chock-full of colorful pictures highlighting the real-world science behind his gear and vehicles.  My son has really been wowed by this book.  I have to admit I've learned a few things and really enjoyed flipping through the pages while reading it to him.  BATMAN SCIENCE has a 3rd - 5th Grade Reading Level and is recommended for children from first through ninth grade.  Obviously with younger children the book will need to be read to them.  In our case that hasn't been a big deal because I've really enjoyed reading through this book with my son and seeing him be so engaged by its content.

In addition to reading to my son most nights, we also have him spend 20 minutes every night reading to my wife or me to help him with his learning to read.  He really enjoys reading Capstone Publishing's Batman -- An Origin Story which is just at the right level for his current reading ability.  The book is filled with colorful illustrations depicting the story of how Bruce Wayne became Batman.  Each page only has two sentences and the vocabulary is at a beginning reader level so reading through this book isn't intimidating.  My son really enjoys reading through this book and as a parent I appreciate it getting him to want to read.  Batman -- An Origin Story is aimed for children 5 to 7 years old in grades Kindergarten through Second Grade.  This Capstone Young Readers line of books also includes origin stores for several other popular DC Comics characters including the Green Lantern, Superman, and Wonder Woman.  Both my son and daughter really like the Wonder Woman book as well.

In addition to BATMAN SCIENCE and their lineup of origin stories, Capstone Publishing also have a couple of other really fun books that transport children into the world of DC Comics Super Heroes.  DC Super Heroes Origami and How To Draw Batman/Superman And Other DC Super Heroes & Villains provide an outlet for children to utilize their artistic and creative talents.  These books provide fun hands-on activities that can keep kids amused for hours and could even inspire someone to become the next generation of comic book artists or animated television show illustrators.

DC Super Heroes Origami provides 46 models that can be shaped out of paper.  These models were meticulously designed by internationally renowned origami master John Montroll.  The book provides clear stet-by-step diagrams and instructions to allow children to transform simple square pieces of paper into Batarangs, Invisible Jets, Green Lanterns and a ton of other DC Comics Super Hero inspired creations.  DC Super Heroes Origami also includes 96 sheets of specially illustrated folding papers designed specifically for kids to bring their creations to life.  Show off your folded models and people will truly believe that you're the one with super powers to be able to build such marvelous creations. DC Super Heroes Origami is 448 pages and recommend for children 8 to 12 years old in grades 3 through 7 at school.


How To Draw Batman/Superman is a great way to inspire kid's artistic side.  Readers will learn to draw popular heroes like Superman and Batman as well as their nemesis Lex Luthor and Joker.  This book provides simple step-by-step instructions for 50 full-color drawing projects.  The book also provides character backgrounds and summaries so readers can learn all about the heroes and villains they are drawing.  This would be a great gift for any aspiring artist who loves to draw.

Capstone Publishing's DC Comics Super Heroes books get A Geek Daddy nod of approval because they are high quality publications that get children enthused about reading.  In addition to super heroes, Capstone has a huge catalog of books that will appeal to girls and boys alike ranging in age from kindergarten to high school which include biographies, fairy tales, mysteries, science fiction and scary stories among other topics. Check out all the great reading materials available for young readers at capstonepub.com. 

MIRACULOUS TALES OF LADYBUG & CAT NOIR

Debuting on Sunday, December 6, 2015 at Noon (E.T.) will be a brand new 1/2 hour weekly series for the Nickelodeon cable channel which follows two junior high students, Marinette and Adrien, who must juggle their secret identities as the superheroes Ladybug and Cat Noir with the crazy antics of normal teen life.  The series, Miraculous Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir, has been green lighted for an initial 26 episodes with new shows running throughout the month of December in Nickelodeon's 12:00 pm Sunday time slot.

There will be weekly new baddies deployed by the villainous Hawk Moth who are out to steal the hero's powers as part of his evil genius plan to take over the world.  According to a press release received by A Geek Daddy, "with the help of their magical pets and miraculous jewels Marinette and Adrien, transform into their alter egos, Ladybug and Cat Noir, which are granted powers of speed, strength, agility, and a clear mind."  Nickelodeon promises that this 3D CGI-animated sitcom will have storylines and adventures that are rich with friends, family, fun, secret identities, transformations, villains, fashion, creativity and plenty of super hero action all within the spectacular backdrop of Paris, France.

If you are looking for a super hero themed story that isn't dominated by male characters than Miraculous Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir may be a show you want to check out. I can foresee my daughter really getting into watching this show. Originally developed by Zagtoon, a production company that specializes in animated series for kids, with the help of several animation partners, the show is going to be broadcast on TF1 in Europe,  the Disney Channel in Asia and on Nickelodeon within the United States.

IAmElemental - Action Figures for Girls

My twin 6 year old son and daughter really enjoy playing together with super hero themed action figures and I really enjoy that during these play times there tends to be harmony and peace in the house versus the bickering and fighting that often occurs between siblings.  One issue though that isn't so nice that often comes up when they are playing "super heroes" is out of the twenty or so action figures my kids have only one is a woman and the rest are men so at some point the question always comes up from my daughter why can't she have more girl super hero toys to play with and why does her brother get to have more toys than her.  I explain that the toys are for both of them to enjoy and unfortunately most of the characters just happen to be boys but if we see some girl super hero characters at the store we'll pick them up for her.  I also make an effort to explain that just because the super hero characters are guys doesn't mean she can't as a girl enjoy playing with them and she shouldn't worry about something being a "girl" or "boy" toy but rather focus on having fun playing with any toy she wants to.  That being said it would be nice to have a few more lady super heroes for my daughter to play with.

Therefore, I was happy to have recently discovered a new line of action figures meant to show girls and boys that women can be super heroes too.   Launched last year, IAmElemental is a series of seven 4" articulated action figures that are individually packaged and include a drawstring carry bag, shield, an interchangeable accessory, Elements of Power chart and two trading cards featuring strong, healthy female super heroes.  In addition to the super hero aspect of these action figures, the toy line also incorporates STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) to help encourage girls to take interest in these professional fields where women traditionally lag in comparison to men.  Individual figures are $9.99 and are available to purchase online and at these retail stores.  At 4" these action figures are also a nice size so that they are relatively compatible to playing with other popular action figure lines like DC Comics Justice League, Marvel's Avengers, and Star Wars toys that tend to range in size from 3.75 to 4 inches as standard sizes.



Each IAmElemental action figure has its own unique theme.  For the current 7 figure lineup the characters represent bravery, energy, honesty, industry, enthusiasm, persistence, and fear:

 BRAVERY does not shrink from challenge or difficulty.  She has the ability to create a protective force-field around herself and others.

ENERGY approaches life with excitement and does not do things half way.  She has the ability to control electrical impulses.

HONESTY tells the truth. She has the ability to make others tell the truth.

INDUSTRY works hard at all she does.  She has the ability to control physical objects and repair anything that is broken.

ENTHUSIASM cultivates and shares a positive mindset.  She has the ability to change the negative emotions of others.

PERSISTENCE finishes what she starts and persists in spite of obstacles.  She has the ability to push through any obstacle with super strength.

FEAR spreads the impulse to pull away.  She has the ability to stop a moving object in its tracks.

IAmElemental action figures were named one of the "25 Best Inventions of 2014" and "Top 10 Toys of 2014" by TIME Magazine. These toys are suggested for children 4 years old and older. In addition to purchasing the action figures individually they can also be purchased in a bundle that includes a lunchbox carry case for $65. For parents or grandparents of elementary school aged girls and boys, these are some action figures this Geek Daddy believes you should check out. 

IAmElemental was started as a Kickstarter campaign that met its funding goals in 2 days drawing backers from all 50 states and six continents. According to Julie Kerwin with the privately held New York City-based toy company behind these action figures, "IAmElemental, which was launched to worldwide acclaim via Kickstarter, envisions kids as the creators of a play experience in which they are the active agents in a story of their own design."



For more information, visit www.iamelemental.com