Geek Gear: 8-Bit Weapons

8-bit Pick axe

8-bit Sword

There's something magical about things rendered in 8 bits. Perhaps it is the diagonal straight lines that are actually squares connected at their corners. Perhaps it is the fact that whatever object is rendered in 8 bits is reduced to its simplest essence. Whatever the reason, these Minecraft foam weapons are a delight. 

How odd is it to see a pixelated weapon being heald in a real-life human hand? 

And, hey, they're made of foam so go ahead and have an 8-bit war!

Geek Gear: Batman: Arkham City Batarang

I'm a sucker for prop replicas. And this Batarang from the Arkham City video Batman video game is right up my alley.

Of course, it's a full-scale replica weighing 20 pounds. The Batarang is detachable which means, should crooks actually break into your house, you could grab this bad boy and throw it at them. I wouldn't advise it, but you could. And how could would it be if it actually worked?

Anyway, the lights at the base actually light up, which would make this thing the focus point in any room.

Want one? Well, only 750 were made so good luck!

Geek Gear: Soylent Green Crackers

Soylent Green Crackers are... cool! As you may know, I'm a huge fan of movie props and concepts bleeding into real life. So how could I resist Soylent Green crackers? I'll just avoid reading the ingredients list. "High Energy Plankton" - sure, sure.

Geek Gear: Stay Puft Caffeinated Marshamallows

Do you know what I'm thinking about? That's right - Stay Puft Marshmallows. Once again, the movies have given us real life products to glory in. While I don't think these marshmallows are likely to become the physical representation of a major demon, I would avoid snacking on them while chanting Bloody Mary or playing with a Ouija Board.

As if there wasn't enough goodness in these things already, they somehow managed to make room for caffeine in a 100% sugar product. Only in America, folks. Only in America.

Geek Gear: Steampunk Props

The people running Museum replicas are obviously very wise and will one day be very wealthy. They are producing high quality costumes and props for the Steampunk community. They may be few in number but they're not afraid to lay out the cash for some quality swag! While it may not earn you as much geek cred to buy your props instead of make them, nobody can argue that these things don't look beautiful. Check 'em out!

    

The Great Debate: Is Dressing in Costume for a Movie Premier Cool?

Yes, I brought a Thor hammer to the Thor midnight showing. YES, I was willing to dress in a full body suit for the Green Lantern midnight premier. And, Yes, this is me with a full-sized Captain America shield for the Captain America midnight show.

So, of course, in the great debate on whether or not it is cool to dress up and/or bring prop replicas to a movie premier I'm going to answer a resounding, "YES!" 

First of all, this is a way for you to show that you're not just a casual fan who saw a cool trailer during last Sunday's football game. If you dress up in costume for a movie, it shows you're a superfan! You have knowledge and passion for the source material!

Second, it makes the entire movie experience more special for everyone. Why is it cool to go to midnight shows? Because, at its best, it is like going to a mini-convention for people who are fans of this one intellectual property. Anyone who was at a Star Wars or Harry Potter midnight showing knows what I'm talking about. It's cool to see how fans costume up to express their interest in a film and it's also nice to be stand out in a crowd yourself. Try walking up to the concession stand, sighing, dropping your Thor hammer on the counter and saying, "You won't BELIEVE the day I've had!"

Thirdly, it's a way to make yourself approachable to other fans. If you dress up you're saying, "I'm not just here to see a movie - I want a bigger experience!" This signals to other fans that they can approach you and begin talking. If nothing else they have an easy conversation starter ("Hey, nice costume!"). At Captain America alone I had a few fans approach me and ask where I got the cool shield (I pointed them toward Comic Store West). It's nice to gain a little attention from the crowd.

Finally, it's a way for you to express your own creativity. What's better than hobbling together a home-made Hank McCoy or Rouge outfit (I saw both of these at the X-Men: First Class midnight showing)? And, BONUS - Come Halloween or the next Con, you've already got your costume ready to roll. Score!

So as you clearly can see, shedding your inhibitions and dressing up for a movie premier is cool. It make the experience more memorable for you and everyone else. And after all, that's what most fans are after at a midnight showing - something more special than your average movie-going experience. So, God Bless you, Up Boy, and all the mega-fans like you!