By Nolan P. SmithEditor, Pastrami Nation The DC Cinematic Universe has undergone a much-needed reboot under James Gunn’s leadership, and the first official project to roll out is the animated series Creature Commandos on Max. But can this unconventional series of monstrous misfits pave the way for DC’s redemption? The answer is a resounding yes. Despite some minor flaws, Creature […]
By Staff Reports In response to the devastating Los Angeles fires, Mad Cave Studios is uniting the comic book community to support those in need. We are deeply saddened to share that several members of our industry have already lost their homes, with more likely to be affected. In the spirit of solidarity and resilience, Mad Cave is launching an […]
Review by Nolan P. SmithEditor, Pastrami Nation The Kingdom Come storyline remains one of DC’s most iconic, showcasing a darker, more complex era for its superheroes. Now, thanks to Pop Mart and Gong Studios, fans can bring that legendary aesthetic to their shelves with two incredible 1/12 scale figures: Superman and Shazam. Today, we’re taking a closer look at my […]
By Nolan P. Smith Editor This week, the devastating California wildfires have wreaked havoc across the southland, leaving destruction in their wake. Among the many families affected is that of David Booher, the co-creator and writer of the beloved comic series Canto. Booher and his family tragically lost their home in Altadena due to the fires. Booher, a brilliant storyteller […]
By Staff Reports Great things come from small beginnings… Mad Cave Studios is thrilled to announce SUNDER, the forthcoming epic teen fantasy graphic novel by acclaimed creator Pierre-Alexandre Comtois (Shard), with colors by Mark Englert and letters by Buddy Beaudoin! With over 20 years in animation, working on hits like Trolls, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and The Addams Family, Comtois brings his expertise to Sunder. Inspired by European comics […]
By Jason T. Smith Creative Editor Check out my picks for the Top 10 action figures of 2024! It was a great year for collectors, I can’t wait to see what 2025 brings!
By Kevin Hoskinson Entertainment Editor Check out my favorite LEGO builds of 2024! What was your favorite build of 2024? Comment and let us know!
By Nolan P. Smith Editor, Pastrami Nation Start 2025 off with a bang—and a blast from the future—with Cable: Love and Chrome #1! The time-jumping, gun-toting son of Cyclops is back in action, ready to conquer the new year in his signature explosive style. Fans loved him in Deadpool 2, and now Cable returns with a fresh mission in this […]
By Nolan P Smith Editor Happy New Year! Welcome to 2025! Today let’s shine the spotlight on an amazing crowdfunding project, The Cursed Dead. Here is the info straight from the Kickstarter page: Toy DNA proudly presents our premiere 1:12 scale toy line (to complement your 6″ action figure collection) – The Cursed Dead – WAVE 1 – a modern reimagining […]
By Staff Reports The holidays may be winding down, but the excitement is just beginning! This NCBD, Mad Cave Studios sees the release of the Sanction trade paperback, written by critically acclaimed author Ray Fawkes (Batman: Eternal, Black Hammer ’45) with art by Antonio Fuso (G.I. Joe: Cobra), coming this new comic book day! Whether catching up or treating yourself, this collection delivers the complete story arc, exclusive […]
By Staff Reports Hard Case Crime and Titan Comics are pleased to reveal an extended art preview at a brand-new crime caper mini-series, THE LOOSE END. This four-issue series is written by Dave Dwonch (Jenny Zero, Astroneer) and illustrated by Travis Hymel (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles). THE LOOSE END is in the vein of movies such as Desperado, Swingers, Heat & […]
By Staff Reports Squishmallows is getting its most decadent collaboration to date! Jazwares, one of the world’s leading toy companies, today announced it’s teaming up with Baked by Melissa, America’s favorite mini cupcake brand specializing in “bite-size” miniature cupcakes, to bring fans an exclusive collection that is as cute as it is delicious. Transforming fan-favorite Squishmallows into bite-sized delights, each […]
By Staff Reports This week’s Nintendo Download includes the following content: Nintendo Mobile: Nintendo Music: Activities: Nintendo eShop sales on Nintendo Switch: Also new this week on Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch: * Be aware of your surroundings. Wear wrist straps and allow adequate room around you during game play. ** Additional accessories may be required for multiplayer mode. Sold […]
By Nolan P. Smith Editor Photos by Nolan P. Smith and Jason T. Smith This year, DesignerCon 2024 made a bold move to the World Market Center in Las Vegas, and it turned out to be nothing short of spectacular. Known for celebrating the best in designer toys, art, and pop culture, the event raised the bar with its incredible […]
By Nolan P. Smith Editor Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta return with Absolute Batman #2, the next chapter in their DC groundbreaking Absolute title. Following the thrilling debut issue, this chapter digs deeper into Bruce Wayne’s isolated life, exploring the forces shaping his identity and the interconnected layers of Gotham’s shadowy criminal underworld. This issue reaffirms that Batman’s journey is […]
By Nolan P. SmithEditor Growing up, I was immersed in comic books and action figures, and G.I. Joe was at the top of my list. One of the first comics I ever read was a G.I. Joe: Special Missions issue, and my brother and I spent countless hours with our O-ring Joes—even dismantling a few in the name of experimentation, […]
By Staff Reports DesignerCon, the world’s premiere art, design, and collectibles show, has released the official first-look images of 10 new BE@RBRICKs from MEDICOM TOY that are set to be released exclusively next week at DesignerCon 2024, taking place from November 15-17 at The Expo at World Market Center in Las Vegas. These BE@RBRICKs will be available at the MEDICOM TOY […]
By Nolan P. SmithEditor Mad Cave Studios continues to expand its Underworld Universe, now delving into the horror genre with Hour of the Wolf, the second title in this burgeoning series. While the first title delivered a spy thriller, this new release immerses us in a chilling, supernatural tale. From the mind of Mad Cave Studios CEO Mark London, alongside […]
By Nolan P. SmithEditor Sectaurs are back! Thanks to Oni Press and the Nacelle Company, one of nostalgia’s coolest franchises has returned, bringing with it a world filled with insect humanoids, rideable bugs, and sinister threats lurking in the shadows. This reintroduction to the Sectaurs universe is brought to life by writer Dennis Culver, artist Ramon Bachs, colorist Manoli Martinez, […]
By Nolan P. Smith Editor Welcome back to Let’s Kickstart This!, our segment dedicated to supporting amazing crowdfunding projects on Kickstarter. Today, we revisit a writer we have spotlighted in the past and interviewed on our podcast- Frank Gogol is back, and No Heroine is back with him with Second Chance- Part 1. Here is some info from the Kickstarter […]
By Kevin Hoskinson Entertainment Editor So, I was a bit late to the Terrifier franchise. As a horror fan, it was something that was on my radar, but I never took the leap into it. I was fully aware of Art The Clown but honestly assumed he was just another psychotic killer behind a mask, something I had seen so […]
By Staff Reports Today DC announced the new five-issue comic book series Peacemaker Presents: The Vigilante/Eagly Double Feature! by creators Tim Seeley and Mitch Gerads (on the Vigilante story), and Rex Ogle and Matteo Lolli (on the Eagly story), with James Gunn as story consultant. Set between seasons one and two of Max Original series Peacemaker, the comic will give […]
By Nolan P. Smith Editor With their new Absolute line, DC Comics has launched a bold new universe—a darker, more unconventional take on their iconic heroes. Leading the charge is Absolute Batman, from the creative minds of Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta. I was eager to finally dive into this new series, and it did not disappoint. As a long-time […]
By Staff Reports After a summertime return to theaters that grossed over $53M in global box office, LAIKA’s acclaimed 2009 stop-motion animated film Coraline returns to theaters for a special Halloween engagement starting on October 31st. In partnership with Fathom in the US and Trafalgar Releasing internationally, the film is offered in stunning, newly remastered 3D as well as 2D […]
By Kevin HoskinsonEntertainment Editor The other night, my daughter and I went to watch the Sam and Colby movie Legends Of The Paranormal, and we had a blast. Through her, I have become a fan of them, and we enjoy their YouTube channel together. She’s 13, and sometimes it feels like it’s hard to connect with her, but our shared […]
By Staff Reports Los Angeles Comic Con, L.A.’s largest event for comics, gaming, sci-fi, anime and pop culture, is excited to release its entire lineup of panels, entertainment and activations for its October 4-6 show. After delivering its most diverse and engaging show in event history in 2023, L.A. Comic Con is once again leveling up its show experience for […]
By Nolan P. Smith Editor Introduction: Enter the Revolution Get ready to dive into a thrilling new universe! Mad Cave Studios is launching an exciting new series this fall with Revolution 9, an assassin-driven story that’s part of a larger, interconnected universe. Whether you’re a newcomer or a long-time fan of Mad Cave, this standalone tale will have you hooked. With […]
By Nolan P. Smith Editor As a lifelong Popeye fan, the Sailor Man’s adventures have always held a special place in my heart. The classic cartoons are timeless, and it’s exciting to see Popeye brought back into the spotlight. Thanks to Massive Publishing, we now have “Eye Lie Popeye”—a manga-inspired series that dares to explore a burning question: how did Popeye […]
By Nolan P. Smith Editor Photos by Nolan Smith, Kevin Hoskinson, and Rebecca Smith This past weekend, Rose City Comic Con 2024 took over Portland, bringing the best of pop culture to the forefront. Pastrami Nation was there, and for two of us, it was our very first time experiencing Rose City. Although I’m a newcomer to this convention, I’m […]
By Rebecca SmithReporter Advocacy and accessibility are concepts I’ve become increasingly familiar with, and they were among the biggest draws for me to attend Rose City Comic Con. As the wife of a pop culture enthusiast, someone well-known in his community, I’ve been challenged to step into the world of conventions. While I’ve attended a handful of smaller events, I […]
