Saturday, January 18, 2014

THE END IS NEAR FOR G4TV


This broke in late December but I was really busy so, without further delay, lets prepare for the end. 

NBCUniversal owner Comcast has quietly announced that it is "ceasing distribution" of G4 at the start of January. 
[edit] 
"Zombie channels" like SoapNet and G4 have survived due to the quirks of cable distribution. NBCUniversal had planned to flip G4 into the new Esquire Network this year, but at the 11th hour decided to turn Style into Esquire instead. Style boasted better distribution (including a slot on DirecTV, which had previously dumped G4) and was considered expendable because of its similarity to other NBCU channels like Oxygen and Bravo. 
That gave G4 a stay of execution — but even at the time, NBCU said it had no plans to develop new programming or revive the channel. Once the home to signature original series like Attack of the Show and X Play, G4 canceled those programs at the end of 2012 and has existed on library and acquired fare for all of 2013. 
Comcast's announcement that it will no longer distribute G4 means the channel will lose the majority of its carriage (including Comcast's own cable systems). But NBCU will continue to program the channel for a bit longer, as some cable operator deals haven't yet expired. That means, in some parts of the country, this zombie will continue to roam the dial for now.

The end is near...

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

ROBOTECH / VOLTRON ISSUE #1 NOW AVAILABLE FOR DIGITAL DOWNLOAD


Have you been looking to purchase issue #1 of the Robotech / Voltron crossover but can't find a retailer that carries it near you? Or have retailers already sold out of their stock and you feel like you are out of luck?

Well worry no more, as issue #1 is available as digital download via ComiXology.com for $3.99 USD!

Monday, January 13, 2014

SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON ANNOUNCES NEW REGISTRATION POLICY!


From the SDCC blog.

Comic-Con is working hard to improve the online registration system and will launch Comic-Con 2014 badge preregistration sometime in early 2014. Only those that have purchased a Comic-Con 2013 4-Day attendee or 1-Day attendee badge, have a valid Member ID, and retain their actual Comic-Con 2013 badge* will be eligible to participate in 2014 badge preregistration. Professionals, guests of professionals, exhibitors, exhibitor purchased attendee badges, volunteers, staff, and press will not be allowed to participate in badge preregistration. Open online registration for the general public and all categories listed above will occur at a later date. If you did not attend Comic-Con 2013, you may participate in open online registration later this year.  - See more at: http://www.comic-con.org/cci/2014-cci-badge-preregistration#sthash.Eeo3Y28s.dpuf
As you can see SDCC is trying to find ways to get as many people in as they can and this is a interesting way to do this. I strongly urge my readers to click on the link and give the post a good read as the SDCC reg system will be different this year.

Friday, January 10, 2014

NEW ROBOTECH RPG TACTICS UPDATE



A lengthy update, with many cool photos, from the  Robotech® RPG Tactics kickstarter page

Please remember that this is a massive undertaking with dozens and dozens of game pieces and other components (stat cards, rule book, decal sheets, markers, carrying case, box packaging, etc.). There are nearly 200 individual components (130+ stat cards alone and 30+ game pieces) that have needed to be designed, created, checked, rechecked and then produced. And I’m not even talking just about the creative end of art, rules and sculpts, but design considerations, sprue layout, mold engineering, manufacturing considerations, manufacturing modifications to the game pieces, tooling, packaging, collation of the MANY components and pieces, marketing, shipping, and quality checks, double checks, and triple checks. And once it goes into the tooling and manufacturing stage, there are other issues. That is a lot to keep track of and handled. Even though Ninja Division is the lead on this project, Palladium finds itself working on some aspect of Robotech® RPG Tactics™ every single day. We’re fine with that and taking on more. Anything to get this game into your hands.