GeekFlix

December 2012 Issue 1

GeekFL X Are you Sherlocked?

Look inside for information on Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman!

Don’t shire away from the new Hobbit movie!

GERONIMO!

Take a leap into the world of “Doctor Who!”

Dear fellow geeks, First we’d like to thank you for buying this magazine. Since you picked this up, you’re clearly a fan of the geekier side of films and TV shows. We are too, so we created a whole magazine just for you to read! We hope you can get all the information you need about your favorite TV shows, comic books and movies from our magazine. We’ve included information about movies from 30 years ago all the way up to movies not yet in theaters for readers of all types. If you have any requests for movies/ shows/books to be covered in an upcoming issue of GeekFlix, email us at geek.flix.1@gmail.com.

Sincerely, GeekFlix Editors: Ryan C., Addie W., Fiona G.

POLICE

PUBLIC CALL

BOX

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Graphic by Fiona G.

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Meet the Makers Ryan C. (Editor) Ryan is a freshman at the Liberal Arts and Science Academy. He is on the LASA swim team, and watches Doctor Who, Sherlock, and Torchwood in his free time.

He prefers soap operas to cop shows.

Fiona G. (Editor) Fiona is a freshman at LASA. In her free time she draws jellyfish and watches Sherlock, Doctor Who, and Supernatural.

She fences like a boss.

Addie W. (Editor) Addie is a freshman at LASA. She plays flute in the LBJ Marching Band. She loves to watch Sherlock, Doctor Who, and Bones. She thinks Harry Potter is amazing and refuses to believe there isn’t an eighth book.

Graphics by Fiona G.

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Table of Contents Letter from the Editors ............................................................................. 2

Meet the Makers ......................................................................................... 3

Meet Sir Isaac Laszlo III ............................................................................ 5

A Study in Sherlock.................................................................................... 6

Martin Freeman in The Hobbit................................................................. 8

Elementary................................................................................................. 10

Who’s Your Doctor?.................................................................................. 12

Doctor Who Spinoffs ................................................................................ 14

Fan Reactions ............................................................................................ 16

Calling the Fans ........................................................................................ 18

Dragon’s Lair ............................................................................................. 20

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Return of the Red Shirts .......................................................................... 22

Meet Sir Isaac Laszlo III

Hello! My name is Sir Isaac Laszlo III. I am here to show you around! I will appear around the magazine, but I must be discrete because the cops are looking for me for reasons I will not disclose. Can you find me? I appear 5 times, but be warned! My ninja skills are legendary! If you find me every time, email me at geek.flix.1@gmail.com and list my locations so I know I need to hide better! Also, if you won’t help me just out of the kindness of your heart, your name will appear in our next issue as one of the Winners, and you will live a life of glory and fame. So start searching!

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A Study in Sherlock Johnlock

Sherlock Benedict Cumberbatch has risen to fame in the UK and the US in recent years. His current role is Sherlock Holmes in the BBC series “Sherlock,” with coactor Martin Freeman playing Dr. John Watson. Cumberbatch has gained recognition and respect for his role as Holmes, winning Best Actor for “Sherlock.” “Sherlock” was awarded Best Editing: Fiction, Best Sound: Fiction, Best Supporting Actor and Best Writer for the first episode in its second season, “A Scandal in Belgravia” (featuring Lara Pulver as Irene Adler, Holmes’ lover).

Cumberbatch’s most prominent role is Sherlock Holmes, and clearly his favorite so far. “With those two script writers you get a lot of...beautifully drawn out scenarios, character studies both of him and Watson and their burgeoning relationship,” said Cumberbatch. “[Holmes] is very enjoyable as an audience to sort of revel in his superiority and straight talk.”

“He’s fierce, he’s adventurous, he’s funny, and he’s often right...and he’s a good person to be in company with.” While he does share some similarities with Holmes, Cumberbatch is not nearly so psychopathic, though some fans would definitely love it if he were. On the whole dynamic of the show and his role in Sherlock, Cumberbatch said, “I love it. I really, really love it.”

100 pt

“I love it. I really, really love it.”

-Benedict Cumberbatch

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Graphic by Fiona G.

By Addie W.

Although both Cumberbatch and Freeman (Holmes and Watson) are both straight, it is unclear of Holmes’ and Watson’s sexual orientation in the show.

Their interaction has caused an explosion of talk from fans about the two characters possibly being in a relationship with each other in Season 3 (not released). This is expressed in the phrase, “I ship Johnlock.” This phrase has gotten extremely popular in the last few months, appearing on shirts, stickers and other forms of Sherlock paraphernalia. The writer of Sherlock, Steven Moffat, makes it clear that love is definitely a hot topic between Holmes and Watson, but not necessarily as intense as some fans wish it would be. “Sex is not really the issue among any of these people. Love is. Infatuation is. I think John Watson is infatuated with and fascinated by Sherlock Holmes. I think Sherlock Holmes absolutely relies completely and utterly on John Watson and is devoted to him.” On the relationship between the flatmates, Cumberbatch said, “It’s a beautiful thing. It’s a real thing.”

The first episode of the second season, “A Scandal in Belgravia,” drew attention to Holmes’ sexuality and his romantic relationship with Watson. Lara Pulver starred as Irene Adler, a sexual temptation for Holmes. His infatuation with Adler was clear through the episode, but all of the focus on romance drew fans’ attention to Watson and Holmes’ relationship. The second season highlighted the close friendship they have and led to more fans than ever supporting the “Johnlock” franchise.

You Otter Love Sherlock Fans of Sherlock have started a new online trend: comparing Holmes and Watson to small, adorable animals. Holmes is supposed to be an otter, while Watson is a hedgehog. Drawings of the two in their animal representations have circulated throughout the fan base. Often the representations of Watson and Holmes as animals have their recognizable traits.

The otter wears Sherlock’s blue and black, while the hedgehog wears a knitted sweater. While having similar facial expressions (the main reason for the comparison), Holmes’ and Watson’s characters are also expressed in the animals. While sharp on the outside, Watson is quite loveable on the inside. Holmes is definitely slippery enough to slide right through your fingers, but is quick to come back when Watson is in need.

A Case Of Identity Cumberbatch’s success with Sherlock has led not only to international fame, but recognition by world-famous directors and producers. J.J. Abrams is among those who have noticed Cumberbatch’s talents. Cumberbatch is set to play the villain in J.J. Abrams’ new Star Trek movie. In 2009, Abrams adapted the 1960s original series for today’s modern audiences. Star Trek was a huge success, for new fans and old fans alike. Abrams is creating a sequel, “Star Trek Into Darkness”, where Cumberbatch is said to be playing a villain the caliber of the formidable Kahn (original series). The new villain was originally set to be played by Benicio Del Toro, but the actor backed out and left Abrams in need of an actor; Abrams has his eyes on Cumberbatch for the role.

Along with playing the villain in “Star Trek Into Darkness,” Peter Jackson is among those who can clearly see Cumberbatch’s talents. Cumberbatch is set to play Smaug (a dragon) and the Necromancer in Jackson’s new adaptation of “The Hobbit,” prequel to the multi-million dollar “Lord of the Rings” series, also directed

by Jackson. Fans of Sherlock will not only be seeing Cumberbatch in “The Hobbit.”

His co-actor Martin Freeman (Watson in “Sherlock”) was given the lead role in “The Hobbit” as Bilbo Baggins.

Photo used under fair use. Credit: BBC

Benedict Cumberbatch playing violin as Sherlock Holmes, one of Holmes’ favorite past times.

Photo used under fair use. Credit: BBC

Cumberbatch in the final episode of Season 2, The Reichenbach Falls.

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Martin Freeman In...

By Fiona G. All over the world the word is spreading. People crowd around computer screens, checking dates and facts. Who will run the operation, they wonder. How will it turn out? Will they ruin this magnificent creation, this kick-start to a new generation of thought, or will they make it even better? But there is one thing they know. Martin Freeman is about to get even shorter.

The reason for this phenomena is Freeman’s new role. He will be playing Bilbo Baggins, the main character in the upcoming movie “The Hobbit”. Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit, a diminutive humanoid race seemingly interested in little more than food, alcohol, and gardening. Bilbo is much the same until he meets Gandalf (played by Ian McKellen), who is a wizard, and sets off on the journey of a lifetime.

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“The Hobbit” is based off of a book of the same title, written by J. R. R. Tolkien and is set up so that it divides the book into three separate movies. The first will be released on December 14, 2012, with the second and third following on December 13, 2013 and July 18, 2014.

Peter Jackson will be producing the films, which many fans are very grateful for, owing to the fact that Jackson produced “The Lord of the Rings” films, which were also based off of books by Tolkien. They take place in the same world as “The Hobbit”, and are something like sequels to the book, although they are a separate series.

Another assurance is the lead actor, Martin Freeman, who has already proved his extensive abilities in shows such as The Office, and most recently, Sherlock, in which he plays Sherlock’s companion,

Above is a released photo from “The Hobbit,” showing star Martin Freeman.

Dr. John Watson. This role won him the BAFTA award for Best Supporting Actor in 2011. Because of this success many fans have high hopes for his performance in “The Hobbit”.

Freeman is not the only exciting new addition to the cast. Benedict Cumberbatch, who plays Sherlock Holmes, Freeman’s partner in crime on the tv show “Sherlock”, has been nominated for multiple BAFTA awards and won the Critic’s Choice Television Award in 2012 and the Golden Nymph Award in 2004, and will also be acting in this exciting new film. He will be playing Smaug, who is a dragon as well as the main villain. Other new actors are Luke Evans(Clash of the Titans), Evangeline Lilly (Lost), and Richard Armitage (Robin Hood).

Returning actors include Ian

Photo used under fair use. Credit: Warner Bros.

The Hobbit McKellen (Gandalf), Cate Blanchett (Galadriel), Ian Holm (Old Bilbo), Christopher Lee (Saruman), Hugo Weaving (Elrond), Elijah Wood (Frodo), Andy Serkis (Gollum). “It was like a family reunion. It was like stepping back in time,” said Elijah Wood.

Many of the returning actors feel this way, and are grateful to be able to be part of the experience one more time.

Over the course of the filming the crew has faced some difficulties. One that grabbed many headlines was a lawsuit filed against the makers claiming that the animals in the film were being badly treated, leading to the death of 27 different assorted horses, ponies, chickens, goats, and sheep. The claims stated that

the animals were housed on a farm filled with sinkholes and bluffs, along with other so called “death traps”. The whistle was blown by four wranglers, and the situation was investigated by PETA for several months. There were more claims made, this time about one horse in particular, who had allegedly been tortured when he was hobbled and left to lay on the ground for over three hours. “No evidence of such a practice was found to have occurred at any time,” said director of “The Hobbit” Peter Jackson. “Further, the production contacted the owner of the horse concerned who provided the following statement: ’I am 100 percent happy with

“It was like stepping back in time.”

Above is a released photo from “The Hobbit.”

the return of Shanghai and his condition.

In the term that he was leased he was picked up and returned to me two times.

On both occasions there was not a mark on him and he was healthy and happy. He has shown no signs of ill-treatment.” He then made the claim that any mistreatment the animals had suffered had been at the hands of two of the whistleblowers, as they were the only handlers he had ever found to be lacking, and he had fired them the spring before.

PETA still declared a boycott against “The Hobbit” in England, the US, and New Zealand after Jackson refused to use CGI animals in replace of real ones.

All in all though, “The Hobbit” promises to be an exciting new part of the Lord of the Rings Legacy. Let’s just hope it deserves to be a part of the legacy.

Photo used under fair use. Credit: Warner Bros.

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Not So Elementary

By Addie W.

Actress Lucy Liu.

Actor Jonny Lee Miller.

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Photo Credit: FrikArte.

Photo Credit: PicstoPin

Jonny Lee Miller plays Sherlock Holmes in Elementary, an American adaptation of the original Sherlock Holmes mystery novels by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The show is set in modern New York City, as opposed to Victorian England in the original books. Miller co-stars with Lucy Liu, who plays Joan Watson in the series.

Liu started the show off in a risky role for gaining admiration from fans of the original Sherlock Holmes books by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Her role has drawn attention to changing gender roles, as Holmes’ companion is typically a male John Watson. Although she is playing a brand new take on an old character, Liu has received a lot of recognition for her role as Holmes’ companion. The originally quite unique role has proved to be a very similar friendship to that of Sherlock and male Watson, despite the fact that Liu plays a female Watson. The two are a perfect duo, with dialogue comparable to that of Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman in “Sherlock”, and Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law in the 2008 film “Sherlock Holmes”.

The similarity between “Elementary” and “Sherlock” is quite noticeable. Critics claim that the two shows cannot coexist just because one is made in the US and one is made in the UK. The modern take on the original books, quirky characters and witty dialogue in both shows is very similar. This similiar had recently caused a lot of controversy in the opposing fan bases, both of which are quite substantial. One might assume that the shows are competing against one another from news stories about the two being competitive. Quotes taken out of context and blown out of proportion have cause a lot of misinterpretation of the two actors’ relationship. A story from “The Hollywood Reporter” wrote an article titled, “Benedict Cumberbatch: Jonny Lee Miller Took ‘Elementary’ Role for the ‘Paycheck’.” Cumberbatch was actually

saying that while at first he had hoped Miller might pass on the role, he now wanted to wish Miller “the best of luck” at his new job. Stories like this show how the media misread the relationship between Miller and Cumberbatch. The two actors are in fact quite comfortable with having two similar shows in the US and the UK. Benedict Cumberbatch, who plays Holmes in “Sherlock”, said, “I think there’s room for us to both coexist. I don’t feel threatened by it and I wish him the best.”

Miller, who plays Holmes in “Elementary”, described himself as a huge fan of the BBC version, “Sherlock”.

He’s described himself as “a “Sherlock” groupie,” as well as a huge fan of Benedict Cumberbatch. Because of their role in the similar shows, Miller and Cumberbatch are close, and often discuss their two programs. “I love the work that Benedict has done with Sherlock. I would call him up, like a groupie, after every episode came out, wanting to talk to him about it. And we had a discussion about this project [Elementary] as well.” Miller told “The Mirror,” “Benedict has been very, very supportive, and, you know, I wanted to reassure him about how different this script was and project was.”

While the shows may seem similar from the outside, both being modern interpretations of the same original stories, they are actually quite different. In “Elementary,” Holmes has just been released from a rehab center in New York City after an alcohol-induced breakdown. His “sober companion”, Joan Watson, was hired by Holmes’ father to keep an eye on Holmes. Holmes’ main familial mention is his father and the problems between the two.

In “Sherlock,” Holmes is simply an odd man with a keen eye for details, who works as a liaison for Scotland Yard in London. He meet his companion, John Watson, when Watson applied to be his flatmate. Holmes’ main familial mention

Lucy Liu Born: December 2, 1968 Age: 43 Siblings: Jenny Liu, John Liu Filmography Includes: Kung Fu Panda 1 and 2 (Viper) Tinker Bell and the Great Fair Rescue (Silvermist) Afro Samurai: Resurrection (Sio) The Simpsons (Madam Wu) Bio: Lucy Liu was born to Chinese immigrants in Queens, New York. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Chinese Language and Culture. She began her acting career in a school production of Alice In Wonderlandin college.

Interesting Facts: Liu practices the martial art of Kali-Eskrima-Silat, or kinfe-and-stick fighting, and once worked as an aerobics instructor. She was the first Asian-American to host SNL, and she plays the accordion.

Jonny Lee Miller Born: November 15, 1972 Age: 40 Siblings: none Wife: Michele Hicks

This photo is advertizing for show “Elementary.”

is his brother Mycroft Holmes, who appears in the first episode and every episode since except for the second episode of Season 1. Mycroft plays a key role as the powerful older brother, a character just as witty as Sherlock.

Dialogue between the two is quick and witty, like Sherlock talking to himself.

Overall, “Elementary” is quite different from “Sherlock,” and the two are peacefully coexisting after both airing in the US. Sherlock Holmes fans can now

Photo used under fair use. Credit: Warner Bros.

watch two different modern interpretations of their favorite original stories, both which are well directed and acted. “At the end of the day, these are just television shows. Is there room on planet earth for another Sherlock Holmes?

Yes, I think there probably is. It has been being made for close to 100 years,” said Miller.

Filmography Includes: Dark Shadows (Roger Collins) Emma (Mr. Knightley) Eli Stone (Eli Stone) Endgame (Michael Young) Canterbury Tales (Arty) Doctor Who (Kinda Child) Bio: Jonny Lee Miller was born in Kingston, England, UK. He dropped out of high school at 17 to puruse his acting career full time.

Interesting Facts: Miller was married to Angelina Jolie from 1996 to 1999. He is also the godfather of 11 Jude Law’s eldest son.

Everything You Didn’t Need to Know About “Doctor Who”

By Ryan C.

With the world crumbling and the people trembling in fear, the world needs a doctor. He has returned to us with season seven of the hit BBC show, “Doctor Who.” Featuring the main character The Doctor, “Doctor Who” is a series about an extraterrestrial who saves the universe as he travels throughout time and space as the last of his species. Doctor Who has been running consistently since 2001, when it picked up from old episodes aired as late as 1989.

The current doctor, Matt Smith, has been playing the part for the past three seasons. He replaced the previous doctor, David Tennant, in 2010. At just 26 years old, he was the youngest actor to play the doctor. “Doctor Who” was also Smith’s first large and significant role in television. This placed a large amount of stress on Smith, who was suddenly the lead in a hit international television show.

When Smith was first given his role, there were worries about his age and lack of experience. People wondered if a man that young and inexperienced would be able to portray the doctor correctly.

Since then, Smith has removed all doubt of his ability and become one of the most popular doctors, creating a lovable and lively character.

Three seasons later, rumors that Smith was leaving “Doctor Who” began to circulate. In an attempt to disprove this rumor, BBC released a statement clarifying that Smith wouldn’t be leaving the show until 2014 at the earliest.

However, Smith has said that the show is a bit much for someone his age.

“I couldn’t do this for seven years,” Smith said, “I’d be run into the ground.

I don’t think you can sustain it.” Smith plans to leave the BBC for America once he finishes with “Doctor Who”.

“I’ve got another year of Doctor Who, but then I’m certainly going to come and give it a shot, come and hang out in LA,” he said.

Matt Smith began his acting career in the theatre. His first-ever performance was “Fresh Kills,” a new play written

by American author Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder, in 2004.

“Elissa Making, the then casting director took a real chance on me... Its just...you want to work here as an actor, I 12

think,” he said.

However, with the filming and everything related to Doctor Who, Smith has quite a full plate. Of course, Smith plans on continuing to act in television and movies. He has already begun to try to convince the public that he can be more than just “Doctor Who.” The show has limited the number of outside projects Smith can focus on, but he did manage to find the time to star in the movie “Christopher and His Kind.” He played Christopher Isherwood, a gay writer in 1930s Berlin. The movie explores the gay culture of Berlin, and features many explicit scenes. This caused BBC to interfere. They placed limitations on what Smith could do in the movie, as they are trying to keep Smith being seen as a family-friendly actor. On the other hand, Smith hopes that this part will widen his horizons as an actor. Smith says that he would like viewers to see him as an actor with versatility, and not just your childhood doctor.

“If people want to typecast me they can, I [do] not really give a damn about it,” said Smith. He believes that his role as the doctor has opened up doors for him, saying that even though he may be typecasted for this family-friendly role, he will still be able to use it as an opportunity to do what he would like as an actor.

Season 7 Review Season seven went off with a bang in its debut episode in 2012, “Asylum of the Daleks.” Fans raved at the new character played by Jenna-Louise Coleman - new companion of the doctor. She will replace previous companions Amy and Rory.

Although the foundation of “Doctor Who’s” fanbase is British, it still has a strong hold in American High School and Middle School students.

Students at schools such as the Liberal Arts and Science Academy are captivated by “Doctor Who,” as it allows them to temporarily escape from the world.

The fact that “Doctor Who” is filmed and released in the United Kingdom creates a barrier between viewers in America and Europe. BBC releases its newest episodes on its network only, which most Americans cannot access.

However, determined American fans still manage to find other methods to watch the show. They watch BBC on their friends’ televisions that are equipped with cable, or even have English relatives tape the show for them.

Season 7 of “Doctor Who” brings the show one year closer to the shows big 50th anniversary. Even before the 49th anniversary episode, fans were fantasizing

Who’s Your Doctor?

Art from the episode of “Doctor Who,” “The Angels Take Manhattan.”

over what would be held in store for the 50th. The 50th anniversary is rumored to feature previous doctors, such as David Tennant, as well as former companions, such as Billie Piper. A film titled “An Adventure in Space and Time” will be released along with the anniversary show, exploring the roots of “Doctor Who” and how the first doctor grew to be the hero of millions of children around the world.

With the introduction of a new companion, a dismissal of the old companions is required. In the mid-season finale of season 7, Amy and Rory Williams departed from “Doctor Who,” marking the end of an era. As the characters in “Doctor Who” are what make the show what it is, the change of major characters will make a huge difference in the development of the series.

Photo used under fair use. Credit: BBC

Amy and Rory Williams were not only companions, but they were complementary to the eleventh doctor as well. Smith, as an actor, and as a doctor, grew around the Williams. Fans grew to know the eleventh as he was with the Williams. Their departure leaves a large space for Coleman to fill, and only time will tell how she performs.

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Doctor Who Spinoffs

By Ryan C.

“Doctor Who” has given birth to many spin-offs as well. The most popular of Who’s spin-offs is “Torchwood.” “Torchwood” stars John Barrowman playing Captain Jack Harkness- a character in “Doctor Who.” Captain Jack is influenced heavily by The Doctor, and when he is dropped off and stranded on Earth, he picks up the evil-fighting duties of The Doctor and takes care of some of them himself.

There are currently 4 seasons of “Torchwood” that have been released.

Although actors John Barrowman and Eve Myles (characters John Barrowman and Gwen Cooper respectively) have agreed to film a season 5 of the show, no definite date has been put forth of the premier of it. “If Torchwood is at the top of [Russel Davies’] list, that will affect the future of Torchwood,” said Starz CEO Chris Albrecht, who is in charge of the release of the series “Torchwood.”

“Torchwood” offers a completely different take on the “Doctor Who” universe than its parent series does. The main character, Captain Jack, is a much more violent and demoralized heroine, as compared to the doctor. This appeals to an older audience than family-friendly “Doctor Who,” which attributes to the series’ success.

“Torchwood” is not the only “Doctor Who” spin-off, although it is the most mature. Others include children shows “K-9,” “The Sarah Jane Adventures,” and “Totally Doctor Who.” These series have not been as popular as other shows such as “Torchwood.” Many of which, including “The Sarah Jane Adventures” and “Totally Doctor Who” only made it through a few years of filming before being canceled.

“The Sarah Jane Adventures” lost its lead character, Sarah Jane Smith, played

by Elisabeth Sladen. Sladen played the character throughout “The Sarah Jane Adventures” and “Doctor Who,” where she was a companion in season 11 of the classic “Doctor Who” in 1973. She was then brought back in the failed spin-off “K-9 and Company” in 1981, before returning in two episodes of Classic Who in the 80s and 90s.

When “Doctor Who” was revived in 2005, she began appearing as a guest star, before getting her own show in 2007.

“The Sarah Jane Adventures” ran until 2011, when it had to be canceled due to Sladen’s death.

Currently, the only two “Doctor Who” spin-offs that have remaining potential are “K-9” and “Torchwood.” The BBC has begun to stop funding spin-offs, and have been rejecting ideas saying that there are already too many and that they have not been successful enough to continue funding. This makes it more difficult for spin-offs to start, as they would then have to find other ways of funding their projects, as well as gain the right to produce the show.

Photo used under fair use. Credit: Network Ten.

K-9 is a spin-off of “Doctor Who.”

Photo used under fair use. Credit: BBC.

“Torchwood” is a popular spin-off, airing at the same time as “Doctor Who.”

Photo used under fair use. Credit: BBC.

Elizabeth Sladen as Sarah Jane Smith” in “The Sarah Jane Adventures.”

Did You Know?

Here are some Fun Facts about Doctor Who!

1. Doctor Who was originally an educational programme for children, meant to teach kids about history and science. The first two companions for the Doctor were a history teacher and a science teacher. The show soon changed and became an international sensation, thanks to the introduction of the Daleks.

Photo used under fair use. Credit: BBC.

Karen Gillan as Amy Pond in “Doctor Who.”

2. Regeneration was only added into the show because actor for the first Doctor died and they had to find a replacement quickly.

3. Douglas Adams, the author of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, wrote episodes for Doctor Who, and even wrote City of Death, which is thought by many to be the greatest Doctor Who story of all time.

4. Christopher Eccleston originally rejected the role of Doctor. He was asked to play the Eighth Doctor, but turned it down. He accepted the offer to play the Ninth Doctor because he wanted to work with Russell Davies.

5. ‘Torchwood’ is actually an anagram of Doctor Who. When the first season of the new Doctor Who made in 2005, TV pirates were desperate to acquire the preview tapes. One of the people in the office had the idea of labeling the tapes with the anagram ‘Torchwood’ rather than Doctor Who, as a security measure to disguise the tapes when they were delivered from Cardiff to London. Writer Russell T Davies liked this idea so much that it later inspired him to use it as a title when creating this spin-off series.

6. David Tennant married Georgia Moffett, the daughter of Peter Davison who was one of the Doctors. The two met when Moffett played Tennant’s daughter in an episode of the show.

13. The design and shape of the blue Mackenzie Trench-style police box has become so associated with the Tardis that it is now more recognisable as that than its original inspiration.

7. Doctor Who first hit TV screens on 23 November 1963 on BBC1.

14. The Tardis’ familiar traveling sound was originally created by Brian Hodgson by dragging house keys across the strings of an old piano, and adding effects.

8. The first episode of Doctor Who was planned to air November 22, but was interrupted by JFK’s assassination. It aired again the next day for those who had missed the original showing.

9. Doctor Who owes much of its viewership to the introduction of the Daleks inthe second story, which raised ratings to the 10 million mark.

10. Doctor Who’s first color episode in 1970 was “Spearhead from Space,” starring the Third Doctor Jon Pertwee.

11. Doctor Who was awarded the 2006 Bafta for best drama series.

12. The Tardis has an Asteroid named after it! Asteroid 3325 was discovered in 1984, and named the Tardis.

15. Matt Smith was the youngest actor to ever play a Doctor, starting when he was just 26.

16. Doctor Who is the world’s longest running sci-fi series ever, according to the Guinness Book of Records.

17. The word Tardis is an official entry in the Oxford English Dictionary.

18. Doctor Who aired in Latin America in the late 1960s as Doctor Misterio.

19. The Doctor has had over 51 official assistants, male and females of multiple species.

20. Each 45-minute episode of Doctor Who takes about three weeks to film.

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Fan Reactions

By Fiona G. Tensions were high as the man picked up the near-empty pill bottle.

Would he do it? Would he end everything?

Students at the Liberal Arts and Science Academy who have gathered to watch an episode of the BBC’s hit “Sherlock” breathed a sigh of relief as the main character Sherlock Holmes put the bottle down.

LASA is well known for having lots of student-run clubs and groups.

Students in the school have created their own “Sherlock” fan club and “Lord of the Rings” club, among others. Student members of these groups are fans not only of the show and movies that their clubs focus on, but also of the actors and story behind the show. Once a week, students in the “Sherlock” fan club at LASA talk about their favorite parts of the show and favorite actors while watching episodes during their lunch period.

Ever since the television began to rise in popularity sometime in the early 60s the industry has been expanding at an astonishing rate, from the first black and white moving picture, to color TV, and now to international TV with millions of viewers. Some of the most popular international shows today include the BBC series “Sherlock,” “Doctor Who” and “Torchwood”. Middle and high school students are particularly large fan bases for these TV shows.

“He makes me feel like I’m participating in a wild adventure” LASA student Ciara McDaniel says. She is talking about David Tennant, one of the lead actors in the popular British TV show “Doctor Who.” This is a reason for many fans to watch the show. It helps them to experience a life they deem much more interesting than their own.

Students such as McDaniel enjoy watching all of these shows produced by BBC. BBC produces shows such as “Sherlock,” “Doctor Who”and “Torchwood,” as well as other popular shows such as “Top Gear.” These shows, as well as being popular in the United

Kingdom have strong fan bases here in the British TV shows “Doctor Who” and States, especially with teens and young “Sherlock”. Writers can share their stories adults. Shows such as “Sherlock” and online on sites such as fanfiction.net, “Doctor Who” share fans, as they have deviantART, tumblr, livejournal, and many archiveofourown. similarities in writing and filming.

Fanart represents the fans creativity in But these fans don’t just watch the a different way. The term fanart is very shows. They often add on to what they flexible, even more so than fanfiction, and see in the forms of shipping, fan art, can include things such as drawings, life fanfiction and hsized models, cosplay. So what does hjewelry, that mean exactly? houtfits, fan “It makes me hmade music feel warm and fuzzy hvideos, inside” McDaniel hsongs, and says about one of hplushies.“I her favorite ships, husually only JohnLock. Shipping hdo it with is when a fan thinks hbooks, not certain characters or hTV shows” objects should be in a hsays Brigid romantic hHardy, a 4th relationship. These hgrader at relationships can be hAustin Art Credit: Hollyoakhill on DeviantArt canon (meaning that This is fanart made by a superwholock fan on DeviantArt.hDiscovery it is an official part School. Many of the story), or just a fantasy. Either way people prefer drawing fanart for books fans are very protective of their ships, because the characters are less defined in sometimes leading to “shipping wars” on how they look, so the artist can express sites such as tumblr. These can get very their own ideas of the characters appearheated, and even vicious especially when ance. One of the biggest ways that fanart it comes to One True Pairings, or OTPs, differs from fanfiction though is that which are basically the fans favorite ship. fanart is sometimes sold, usually as Often fans will combine the names of the jewelry, prints, or commissions. This is characters they ship for ease of use. For also a way for many artists to start getting example, if a fan ships John and Sherlock noticed. People go online looking for good they would combine their names into fanart of their favorite shows, so it is more JohnLock. JohnLock is the most popular likely for people to come across an artist’s ship in “Sherlock” as many believe their work because they are already looking characters share large amounts of sexual for something similar to it. Many sites tension, portrayed through their stilted such as tumblr and deviantART have conversations and heated looks. options where fans can track an artist, Shipping can often lead to things which means that whenever the artist like fanart and fanfiction. Fanfiction is posts something new the followers are where someone writes a story based off of notified and can view it immediately. something they enjoy. While most The more popular the artist becomes the fanfiction is based off of TV shows, more people will follow them, and once movies, and books, it can sometimes be they develop a good fanbase they can start about actual people or things. Fanfiction branching off with their original artwork. can include canon characters or people, or This process helps open up lots of be about OCs, short for original opportunities to sell work online and be

night are participating in one of fandoms most celebrated art forms. Dress up. The difference between Halloween and annual cosplay day though is that cosplay is taken much more seriously, often with costumes that cost anywhere from 60 to over 200 dollars. People can join cosplay groups in which they are usually designated a specific character to cosplay as and they participate in reenactments of their favorite scenes, or in scenes they wish would happen. The reason cosplay is so difficult to do a really good job in is that fans often look nothing like their favorite characters, facing challenges in body shape, gender, and/or skin color.

There are also characters with nonhuman traits such as scales or wings that make it even more difficult. This doesn’t stop them though, because the point of cosplay is not to be a perfect look alike, but to have fun and be able to walk out of your life for a bit and step into someone else’s.

The ways that these TV shows and movies have affected the youth of today are obvious when one looks at how they celebrate them.

Love of these shows and movies can bring people together, find them jobs inspire them and let them escape from the stresses of their lives into worlds they could only dream of. Many people worry that television will be this generations downfall, that they’ll be so focused on other people’s creations that they will never create anything of their own, when really they are being inspired to do more by these shows. People often find it difficult to get started on projects because they have no inspiration, and that’s what these shows and movies provide for them.

Photos used under fair use. Credit: BBC. Art Credit: TardisTailz700 on DeviantArt

Top Photo: Promotional photo of Amy and the Doctor by BBC. Middle Photo: Drawing of Sherlock and Watson by a fan.

Bottom Photo: Image of a purchaseable sonic screwdriver replica.

17

Calling the Fans

By Addie W.

2012 has been a year for some of the most expensive movies ever made.

Among this list of films is “Marvel’s The Avengers,” costing about $220 million to make. Marvel Entertainment has been working on a series of superhero movies based on the original comics by Marvel.

The first movie in the series was “Iron Man,” released in April 2008. “The Incredible Hulk” was a close second, released in June of 2008. The series continued with “Iron Man 2,” “Thor” and “Captain America”. Each movie helped contribute to the eventual release of “The Avengers” in 2012.

“Marvel’s The Avengers,” though very expensive to create, was one of the most popular movies of 2012. It broke $207.4 million on opening weekend, making it the highest grossing movie of all time. “The Avengers” took only 54 days to reach $600 million in box office sales. It’s international gross is now $1,511,757,910.

“The Avengers” combines each individual superhero’s story from the previous films, and also introduces two new characters: Hawkeye and Black Widow. Hawkeye and Black Widow did not have movies made specifically for them, and were first introduced into the

7

618 18

Photo Credit: Wikia

Marvel film series in “The Avengers.” This made for more mystery in “The Avengers” even for fans who had seen all of the previously released movies. Each character has his/her own story. Some are already widely known, such as Iron Man and Captain America.

Others, such as Black Widow and Hawkeye, are not so obvious. Their history is gradually released, piece by piece, until the final battle when their stories finally come together. The characters’ histories play a large role in their actions and interactions, both with each other and minor characters in the movie.

There are even a number of scenes with characters that a movie watcher would only recognize from seeing the previous films.

Pepper Potts (played by Gwyneth Paltrow) made a short appearance in “The Avengers,” but a fan of Iron Man would recognize her and understand how she played into Tony Stark’s (aka Iron Man) background. Jane Foster (played by Natalie Portman) was shown in one scene, and though it was only seconds long, fans of Thor can appreciate her appearance.

“The Avengers” included foreshadowing in a number of very small scenes with characters from previous films or that may appear in future films, such as Pepper Potts and Jane Foster. One of these characters was a young woman who appeared in multiple short scenes, who focused on Captain America. Though it wasn’t clear, rumors have spread that she is a descendant of the Captain’s former love interest Peggy Carter. The young woman may make appearances in future Avengers movies, including “Captain America 2: The Winter Soldier.”

“The Avengers” also included an extra scene, after the end credits of the movie, focusing on Thanos. Thanos has a history with Marvel comics, and may show up in “Thor 2” and “The Avengers 2.”

The Avengers Quiz: Part 1 1. Do you learn more from hands-on activities or lectures?

Lectures: 1 Hands-on activities: 2

2. Do you prefer working together or alone?

Together: 2 Alone: 1

3. Are you introverted or extroverted?

Introverted: 1 Extroverted: 2

4. Do you like helmets?

Yes: 1 No, it would mess up my hair: 2 No: 2

5. Are you tech savvy?

Yes: 1 No: 2

6. What was your favorite subject in school?

Physics: 2 Biology: 1 PE: 2 History: 1

A lot of friends: You are Iron Man! A few: Continue to Question 2

Politician: 1 Scientist: 2 Messenger: 1 Military person: 2

8. Do you use expensive hair products?

Yes: 2 No: 1

Now...add up your points!

The Avengers Quiz: Part 2 1. Do you have a lot of friends or a few very close ones?

7. What do you want to be when you grow up?

10 points or less: Loki 15 - 16 points: Captain America 17 - 18 points: Thor 11 - 14 points: move on to part 2

4. Do you try to avoid conflict?

Yes: You are the Hulk!

No: You are Hawkeye!

2. Would you die for your friends?

Yes: You are Agent Coulson!

No: Continue to Question 3

3. Do you face your problems head-on?

Yes: You are Black Widow!

No: Continue to Question 4

Photo used under fair use. Credit: Marvel’s The Avengers

The “Avengers” have all gathered together.

Which one are you?

19

Entering the Lair...

Comic books may seem like something from your childhood that you never expected to encounter again. Many adults, though, have proven otherwise.

Among Austin’s many venues, a few comic book stores stand out. Dragon’s Lair is particularly popular among Austin’s comic book fans. It not only sells comic books and action figures, but also has back rooms that service as gaming spots for people of all ages. “It makes some people very, very happy. People that love comic books really like their comic books,” Crystal Alonzo, sales associate at Dragon’s Lair, said.

As technology improves, Dragon’s Lair is in danger losing a substantial amount of business. Comic books have been adopted by the digital world, and webcomics are much easier for fans to access. They can buy a favorite comic book without ever leaving the house, instead of having to drive across town.

This digital availability is threatening the livelihood of local comic book stores. “I think the industry will more than likely go 100% paperless, except for the very, very special, very, very rare copies, for an anniversary. I see it all going digital, I see comic book stores probably going away, unfortunately,” Alonzo said. Old

comics can be scanned onto computers and bought as pdf files. New comics are expected to be created with computer programs, where authors create their own graphics rather than drawing by hand.

These can be sold as whole webcomics that will be read on the computer. Certain websites already carry these webcomics, where users have free access to read whatever issue of the webcomic they choose. This move to digitizing the comic book industry has the potential to put stores like Dragon’s Lair out of business. However, the stores could adapt to a new system. “I’ve been told that the industry would be able to sell download codes, so that people could come to the store and look at what’s on your wall, people would get previews, and if they like it they’d be able to download it,” Alonzo said. “They would still be able to come to the store and get the accessories; the action figures, the gaming spots.”

As the comic industry progresses, the comics move toward a computer-oriented digitized industry. But the industry is also becoming more digital through film. Comics have played a huge part in the film industry in recent years.

Directors can easily create movies from popular comic books. The entire story is

Photo used under fair use. Credit: DC Entertainment

Poster for “The Man of Steel” (2013).

already written and directors can already see how the story has gone over with readers. If need be, they can change the story to accommodate different audiences, but directors typically keep the story in the movie very similar to that in the comic book. The characters are already laid out, the setting and everything they need to create the movie. Comics books also make good movies because they are action-heavy, so a director doesn’t have to worry as much about character relationships and deep thoughts. They can typically focus on the action to satisfy movie-watchers. In recent years, directors have taken advantage of comic books to create Hollywood blockbusters.

A few movies made from comics, such as the “Green Lantern,” weren’t quite as popular as the directors planned.

However, if done well, comic movies can develop a new fan base for the superhero, which gives a guaranteed audience on opening night of a sequel.

Marvel’s new series of superhero movies, which ultimately led to “Marvel’s The Avengers” movie, is based on the original Avengers comic books. As the movies came out, their respective superhero characters received a lot of attention from new fans. After seeing “Iron Man,” for instance, people bought the Iron Man comic books from stores like Dragon’s Lair and Austin Books & Comics. “Every time there’s a superhero movie, whether its Marvel or DC, comic book sales go up. People want to know more about the movie they just saw, they want to know more about that character,” Alonzo said. “Marvel’s The Avengers” especially brought customers to Dragon’s Lair, looking for Avengers comic books and comic books from the individual heroes. Customers were also looking to buy Avengers merchandise, such as the action figurines that Dragon’s Lair carries.

Marvel’s new movies have created a lot of appeal for the general public, instead of just comic book fans. This has increased the fan base for comic book - related merchandise and fan fiction.

“Marvel’s The Avengers” was a huge hit among regular people and comic book readers who have read The Avengers

comic books. It did a good job of following the characters in the original comic books while creating a new story that combined comic books and real life perfectly. The story of “Marvel’s The Avengers” movie may have seemed completely unrealistic, but it transitioned comic books to real life in a way that many movies have had trouble with. This kept fans of the original comic book while creating new fans of the movie. “I am a huge comic book nerd.

I thought the movie was a lot of fun, I thought it portrayed the characters pretty accurately to the comic books, especially Loki,” Alonzo said.

Film director Zack Snyder is following the trail of “Marvel’s The Avengers” with his new movie, “Man of Steel”. “Man of Steel” is about Superman, who is probably the most well known superhero outside of the comic book industry. It is based on the original Superman comic books, but the hero’s story is known by most, even those who’ve never read the comic books.

Snyder will not need to follow the original comic exactly. He may, however, have trouble creating a blockbuster with a Superman movie. The Superman idea has been overdone by movies and books.

Snyder has a difficult task making a unique movie when he has the same story that people have heard again and again.

Superman fans, though, are hopeful about the new movie. Alonzo, a fan of Superman for years, said, “I think it’s going to be amazing, it’s going to bring a lot of readers to DC.” If the comic book industry moves towards a more digital world, comic book stores a likely to lose sales of physical comic books. They will, however, keep selling merchandise for famous characters.

The stores will continue to serve as gaming spots for loyal customers and stores for merchandise made famous by webcomics and blockbuster movies. They may even advance to selling download codes for webcomics, as Crystal Alonzo mentioned.

An original comic book of the Marvel group “The Avengers.”

Photo used under fair use. Credit: Marvel.

21

Return of the Red Shirts

By Ryan C.

$4 Billion later, Disney is now in possession of Lucasfilm, and in turn the “Star Wars” Franchise. Planning on making three more movies, Disney is beginning production on Star Wars Episode VII soon, with the expected year of release 2015.

There are problems in a galaxy far far away however. A lack of general plot looms in the face of writers and producers, and having to follow the previous six with all their fame is a daunting task. However, Disney is not afraid of using aid from outside sources, such as the hundred-plus novels and eighty-plus comic books set after “The Return of the Jedi.”

The question is, which of the original characters will be part of the three new movies? There is an absence of a villain, and all the original actors have aged over the years. Characters such as Luke, Leia, and Han Solo are rumored to be returning, but as of now nothing has been confirmed.

And the debate goes on- whether or not the writers should continue the story off of what happened in “Return of the Jedi.” Writers could continue the classic story years after it concluded, they could create a new story near the end of episode VI or they could start the series anew, with the previous movies as a pretense. All of these options have their own problems/benefits.

The largest problem with continuing the classic story is that there is no where left to go. The emperor was defeated and the universe was saved, and writers would have to find a relevant and strong enough villain to fight for three movies. However, continuing off of 22

the classic films would be the most pleasing to watch. Fans would enjoy to watch what happened after the conclusion of the previous series, and would be able to relate to the movie more.

Creating a story, but placing it relatively soon to the end of “Return of the Jedi” would provide a little bit of a relating point, but wouldn’t have as much to do with the original story as it should.

This would give the writers a little bit more room to maneuver in, but would have to account for the limited time-frame in between the two movies.

Fans would still feel like it was the “Star Wars” that was produced before, but it wouldn’t have relation to the prequels other than lore and characters.

Starting a new story in a distant future is another option. This would give the writers at Disney and Lucasfilm the most legroom, and would allow them to come up with the most creative ideas- so long as it exists in the “Star Wars” universe. However, this option nearly separates the new movies from the classics. With a whole new era, references to the classic characters would be the only thing tying the old to the new. This would distance the audience the most from the

One of the iconic scenes in the old “Star Wars.” Let’s hope that the new movies have scenes of this caliber!

classic “Star Wars” movies, but would also provide the easiest method to come up with the best story.

Writers will have the assistance of “Star Wars” creator George Lucas as a resource. He has been hired as a creative consultant. However Lucas has not been able to come up with any ideas for the continuation of “Star Wars” in the past.

This does not bode well for writers in the present, as they will have to surpass Lucas in his creative process. Neither will they be able to rely on Lucas, as he has begun to lose his creativity.

Photo Credit: LucasFilms

Traditional “Star Wars” Logo by LucasFilms.

Photo used under fair use. Credit: LucasFilms.

Yet another series is being revived, “Star Trek.” The new “Star Trek” movie, titled “Star Trek Into Darkness” is supposed to be released in May of 2013.

It is the sequel to the 2009 movie “Star Trek.”

“Star Trek Into Darkness” will feature many famous actors, including the cast from the 2009 film. Benedict Cumberbatch from the BBC’s “Sherlock” is playing the villain in “Into Darkness.”

Alice Eve is joining the cast as well, only who she is playing has not yet been released.

With the addition of Benedict Cumberbatch and Alice Eve to the cast of the film, a cast member may be lost after the production of this film. Zachary Quinto, who is playing Spock in the film, has said that he would not be featuring in the following “Star Trek” movies. He is doing this for fear of being further typecasted as a character such as Spock or Sylar from the television show “Heroes.”

He says that after this “Star Trek” film, that he will be going in a different direction.

Along with actors joining and leaving the cast, Leonard Nimoy, the actor who played the original Spock, is rumored to be returning to the scene. He showed up in “Star Trek” as an older version of Spock, named Spock Prime. He is supposed to be rejoining the cast in “Star Trek Into Darkness” playing the same

part.

“Star Trek Into Darkness” directly proceeds 2009’s “Star Trek.” 2009’s version of “Star Trek” recreated all of the characters from the classic series. These characters maintained their previous roles. However, their personalities were reinvented. “Star Trek” featured Captain Kirk’s son, James T. Kirk and a younger version of Spock.

The characters in “Star Trek” were reinvented and redefined. However, they were not able to fully develop the characters in the first movie. “Star Trek Into Darkness” is primarily to develop the newer characters. One of the authors,

Leonard Nimoy in 2009’s “Star Trek.” He is rumored to be in “Star Trek 2.”

Scene from 2009’s “Star Trek.” The sequel will be coming out in 2013.

Alex Kurtzman said, “Sequels are about the bad guy. [...] In a second movie, the reason the bad guy is so important is because he tests them.”

“Star Trek” was the story of how the younger Kirk grew to become a captain on the Enterprise. It begins before Kirk and his crew have met. The characters are then introduced, and their specific roles begin to take form. When Spock’s home planet of Vulcan is attacked, the Enterprise is one of the ships who goes to defend it. They manage to save members of the Vulcan council and Spock’s father, effectively preserving the Vulcan race.

Photo used under fair use. Credit: Paramount

Photo used under fair use. Credit: Paramount 23

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