Title: Batman: The Dark Knight Returns [Parts 1 and 2] (2012/2013) Synopsis: After ten years of retirement, Batman returns to Gotham to retake control of the city when a new gang called The Mutants threatens to destroy everything. Old foes re-emerge as well when they hear their old adversary has come back. Why you should like it: Frank Miller’s story is told in its entirety here, minus the characters’ inner monologues. Both parts have stylish animation, a great voice cast, and character design that’s true to the original comic. Plus, it’s easily one of the greatest Batman stories ever told. Availability: DVD, Blu-Ray, Digital Download.
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Title: Batman: The Dark Knight Returns [Parts 1 and 2] (2012/2013)

Synopsis: After ten years of retirement, Batman returns to Gotham to retake control of the city when a new gang called The Mutants threatens to destroy everything. Old foes re-emerge as well when they hear their old adversary has come back.

Why you should like it: Frank Miller’s story is told in its entirety here, minus the characters’ inner monologues. Both parts have stylish animation, a great voice cast, and character design that’s true to the original comic. Plus, it’s easily one of the greatest Batman stories ever told.

Availability: DVD, Blu-Ray, Digital Download.

Title: DREDD 3D (2012) Synopsis: He’s judge, he’s jury, he’s executioner! Judge Dredd takes rookie cop Anderson under his wing as he attempts to find the source of a new drug being manufactured in MegaCity One. But what he assumes will be a routine arrest will turn out to be a fight for his and Anderson’s lives… Why you should like it: Unlike the Sylvester Stallone “Judge Dredd” film, this movie is all about action and virtually nothing else. Karl Urban plays the moody judge in this adaptation of the popular Brit comic, and true to form, he never takes his visor off during the film. Great special effects and thrilling action scenes will keep you at the edge of your seat. Availability: DVD, Blu-Ray, Digital Download.
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Title: DREDD 3D (2012)

Synopsis: He’s judge, he’s jury, he’s executioner! Judge Dredd takes rookie cop Anderson under his wing as he attempts to find the source of a new drug being manufactured in MegaCity One. But what he assumes will be a routine arrest will turn out to be a fight for his and Anderson’s lives…

Why you should like it: Unlike the Sylvester Stallone “Judge Dredd” film, this movie is all about action and virtually nothing else. Karl Urban plays the moody judge in this adaptation of the popular Brit comic, and true to form, he never takes his visor off during the film. Great special effects and thrilling action scenes will keep you at the edge of your seat.

Availability: DVD, Blu-Ray, Digital Download.

Title: Justice League: Doom (2012) Synopsis: The Justice League’s enemies find ways to take the League down… permanently. Why you should like it: The character design and animation for this movie is (are?) beautiful. The plot has been simplified (and frankly, it’s been improved) from the basis of the story, “Tower of Babel.” The film was written by the late Dwayne McDuffie, whom is very well-respected by both people in the comics industry and fans alike for his fantastic adaptations of memorable storylines. Availability: DVD, Blu-Ray, Digital Download.
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Title: Justice League: Doom (2012)

Synopsis: The Justice League’s enemies find ways to take the League down… permanently.

Why you should like it: The character design and animation for this movie is (are?) beautiful. The plot has been simplified (and frankly, it’s been improved) from the basis of the story, “Tower of Babel.” The film was written by the late Dwayne McDuffie, whom is very well-respected by both people in the comics industry and fans alike for his fantastic adaptations of memorable storylines.

Availability: DVD, Blu-Ray, Digital Download.

Title: X-Men Origins: Wolverine [Uncaged Edition] (2009) Synopsis: A man with regenerative healing powers gets an upgrade and becomes the ultimate killing machine. Why you should like it: While the film disappointed many a comic book fan (LOL IT SUCKS), the game pleased a lot of people by remaining mostly true to the comic book incarnation of the character. There’s a lot of blood and gore, characteristic of Wolverine’s personality. (You shove a dude’s head into some helicopter blades. IT’S PRETTY FUCKING BRUTAL.) Also included are the Sentinels, giant mutant-hunting robots that plague the X-Men in the comics. (Giant Sentinel boss is the best boss, because FUCK DEADPOOL’S BOSS FIGHT.) Availability: PS3, Xbox 360 (maybe pc?)
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Title: X-Men Origins: Wolverine [Uncaged Edition] (2009)

Synopsis: A man with regenerative healing powers gets an upgrade and becomes the ultimate killing machine.

Why you should like it: While the film disappointed many a comic book fan (LOL IT SUCKS), the game pleased a lot of people by remaining mostly true to the comic book incarnation of the character. There’s a lot of blood and gore, characteristic of Wolverine’s personality. (You shove a dude’s head into some helicopter blades. IT’S PRETTY FUCKING BRUTAL.) Also included are the Sentinels, giant mutant-hunting robots that plague the X-Men in the comics. (Giant Sentinel boss is the best boss, because FUCK DEADPOOL’S BOSS FIGHT.)

Availability: PS3, Xbox 360 (maybe pc?)

Title: The Super Star Wars Trilogy Synopsis: Luke Skywalker and his friends Han, Leia, Chewbacca, and others fight the evil Empire in these side-scrolling video games based on the fantastic films. Why you should like it: Fans of Star Wars will find these games both charming and challenging. From giant Wampas to trash compactor droids, these games have almost everything you could want from a 2D Star Wars game. Availability: SNES cartridges, Wii Virtual Console.
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Title: The Super Star Wars Trilogy

Synopsis: Luke Skywalker and his friends Han, Leia, Chewbacca, and others fight the evil Empire in these side-scrolling video games based on the fantastic films.

Why you should like it: Fans of Star Wars will find these games both charming and challenging. From giant Wampas to trash compactor droids, these games have almost everything you could want from a 2D Star Wars game.

Availability: SNES cartridges, Wii Virtual Console.

Title: Justice League Unlimited Synopsis: The eight original members of the Justice League, including Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, expand the league to include a multitude of heroes. Together, the massive team works together to neutralize threats that endanger the Earth. Why you should like it:The show is brilliant. There’s a variety of characters, all of which are well-written and wonderfully fleshed out. It’s sometimes brutal, other times laugh-out-loud funny. Also, Green Arrow hums his own theme song while beating guys up in one episode. Availability: DVD, digital download. Two seasons.
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Title: Justice League Unlimited

Synopsis: The eight original members of the Justice League, including Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, expand the league to include a multitude of heroes. Together, the massive team works together to neutralize threats that endanger the Earth.

Why you should like it:The show is brilliant. There’s a variety of characters, all of which are well-written and wonderfully fleshed out. It’s sometimes brutal, other times laugh-out-loud funny. Also, Green Arrow hums his own theme song while beating guys up in one episode.

Availability: DVD, digital download. Two seasons.

Title: Borderlands (2009) Synopsis: Choose from one of four treasure hunters who have just arrived on Pandora, a newly-colonized planet that’s said to harbor a mysterious treasure, dubbed “Pandora’s Box”. Why you should like it: It has a very unique flavor. Think “space opera” but with a southwestern feel to it. There’s “87 Bazillion Guns”, as the box claims, all with unique traits and weapon effects. It’s an RPG/FPS and it feels pretty good to play. (Sadly the missions are somewhat bland and the overworlds don’t feel like they have any life.) Availability: PS3, Xbox, PC. (Also available on Steam, PSN, and XBLA) [GOTY edition available.]
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Title: Borderlands (2009)

Synopsis: Choose from one of four treasure hunters who have just arrived on Pandora, a newly-colonized planet that’s said to harbor a mysterious treasure, dubbed “Pandora’s Box”.

Why you should like it: It has a very unique flavor. Think “space opera” but with a southwestern feel to it. There’s “87 Bazillion Guns”, as the box claims, all with unique traits and weapon effects. It’s an RPG/FPS and it feels pretty good to play. (Sadly the missions are somewhat bland and the overworlds don’t feel like they have any life.)

Availability: PS3, Xbox, PC. (Also available on Steam, PSN, and XBLA) [GOTY edition available.]

Title: Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes (2004) Synopsis: When a terrorist organization takes over a secret military facility in Alaska, one man is called in to do the job. His codename: Snake Plisske-I MEAN Solid Snake. Why you should like it: Everyone’s familiar with the Metal Gear Franchise. This game is an enhanced remake of the original MGS game for the Playstation. Arguably better than its original form, the game benefits from having a control scheme similar to its sequel and updated graphics. It also features more stylized cutscenes to feel more like an action movie. Availability: Gamecube disc. (Good luck finding it, it’s FUCKING EXPENSIVE)
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Title: Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes (2004)

Synopsis: When a terrorist organization takes over a secret military facility in Alaska, one man is called in to do the job. His codename: Snake Plisske-I MEAN Solid Snake.

Why you should like it: Everyone’s familiar with the Metal Gear Franchise. This game is an enhanced remake of the original MGS game for the Playstation. Arguably better than its original form, the game benefits from having a control scheme similar to its sequel and updated graphics. It also features more stylized cutscenes to feel more like an action movie.

Availability: Gamecube disc. (Good luck finding it, it’s FUCKING EXPENSIVE)

Title: Red Dead Redemption (2010) Synopsis: When John Marston’s family is kidnapped by government agents, he quickly realizes he’ll have to track and take down his former gang to get them back. Why you should like it: It’s just like a classic western film: the dirty, violent antics of the wild west (or Hollywood’s depiction of it), a cast of diverse and colorful characters, and a brutal ending that’ll leave you speechless. The music, locations, and the overall experience are some of the greatest I’ve come to know from a video game. Availability: PS3, Xbox 360 (Disc/download). GOTY edition available.
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Title: Red Dead Redemption (2010)

Synopsis: When John Marston’s family is kidnapped by government agents, he quickly realizes he’ll have to track and take down his former gang to get them back.

Why you should like it: It’s just like a classic western film: the dirty, violent antics of the wild west (or Hollywood’s depiction of it), a cast of diverse and colorful characters, and a brutal ending that’ll leave you speechless. The music, locations, and the overall experience are some of the greatest I’ve come to know from a video game.

Availability: PS3, Xbox 360 (Disc/download). GOTY edition available.

Title: Wonder Woman (2009) Synopsis: After a battle that should have chosen the fate of humanity, the Queen of the Amazons locks up Ares, the God of War. Secluded on their hidden island home, Themyscira, the Amazons live peacefully until Ares escapes. Diana, the Queen’s daughter, is dispatched to help the rest of the world fight the godlike threat looming over them. Why you should like it: Wonder Woman is an important character in DC Comics, one of the Trinity, the three most important characters in DC Comics that also include Superman and Batman. If you’re skeptical because you don’t think she’ll be portrayed well (past versions of the character have suffered at the hands of sexist writers), you can rest easy. She very thoroughly kicks ass whenever she gets in a fight, with or without assistance. (Rumor has it that this movie used to be rated “R”, but they toned it down to be more PG-13 suitable. So there’s that.) Availability: DVD, Digital Download. (Possible blu-ray?)
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Title: Wonder Woman (2009)

Synopsis: After a battle that should have chosen the fate of humanity, the Queen of the Amazons locks up Ares, the God of War. Secluded on their hidden island home, Themyscira, the Amazons live peacefully until Ares escapes. Diana, the Queen’s daughter, is dispatched to help the rest of the world fight the godlike threat looming over them.

Why you should like it: Wonder Woman is an important character in DC Comics, one of the Trinity, the three most important characters in DC Comics that also include Superman and Batman. If you’re skeptical because you don’t think she’ll be portrayed well (past versions of the character have suffered at the hands of sexist writers), you can rest easy. She very thoroughly kicks ass whenever she gets in a fight, with or without assistance. (Rumor has it that this movie used to be rated “R”, but they toned it down to be more PG-13 suitable. So there’s that.)

Availability: DVD, Digital Download. (Possible blu-ray?)

Title: Batman: The Animated Series (1992) Synopsis: You KNOW what Batman’s about. Don’t make me tell you because you already know. Everyone knows who Batman is and what he does. Why you should like it: IT’S THE GOD DAMN BATMAN THAT’S WHY. Some of the episodes are admittedly cheesy, and the visuals have dated a bit, but overall, this is probably the best superhero series ever made, and it’s been awarded that title many times. It sneaks in some adult jokes every once in a while, much like the other DC cartoons have, and keeps grown-ups as entertained as the kids. Even the worst episode of this series is still enjoyable, and that says a lot. Availability: DVD, VHS, Digital Download.
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Title: Batman: The Animated Series (1992)

Synopsis: You KNOW what Batman’s about. Don’t make me tell you because you already know. Everyone knows who Batman is and what he does.

Why you should like it: IT’S THE GOD DAMN BATMAN THAT’S WHY. Some of the episodes are admittedly cheesy, and the visuals have dated a bit, but overall, this is probably the best superhero series ever made, and it’s been awarded that title many times. It sneaks in some adult jokes every once in a while, much like the other DC cartoons have, and keeps grown-ups as entertained as the kids. Even the worst episode of this series is still enjoyable, and that says a lot.

Availability: DVD, VHS, Digital Download.

Title: Breaking Bad (2008) Synopsis: When he’s diagnosed with cancer, high-school chemistry teacher Walter White begins cooking meth to try and make sure his family is well-supported when he dies. Why you should like it: It’s arguably the best drama on TV. Every single season has been nominated multiple times for a variety of awards, winning lots of them. The humor is gleefully dark, the tension keeps you on the edge of your seat, and the characters are both colorful and intriguing. Availability: DVD, Blu-Ray, Digital Download.
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Title: Breaking Bad (2008)

Synopsis: When he’s diagnosed with cancer, high-school chemistry teacher Walter White begins cooking meth to try and make sure his family is well-supported when he dies.

Why you should like it: It’s arguably the best drama on TV. Every single season has been nominated multiple times for a variety of awards, winning lots of them. The humor is gleefully dark, the tension keeps you on the edge of your seat, and the characters are both colorful and intriguing.

Availability: DVD, Blu-Ray, Digital Download.

Title: Green Lantern: First Flight (2009) Synopsis: As a league of interstellar species fight to preserve the universe, a human happens upon their organization and becomes the bravest of them all. Why you should like it: Seriously, f—k the live-action movie with Ryan Reynolds. Reynolds, we’re still good, but that movie was god awful. If you want a real GL movie, try this on for size.  Availability: DVD, Blu-Ray, Digital Download.
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Title: Green Lantern: First Flight (2009)

Synopsis: As a league of interstellar species fight to preserve the universe, a human happens upon their organization and becomes the bravest of them all.

Why you should like it: Seriously, f—k the live-action movie with Ryan Reynolds. Reynolds, we’re still good, but that movie was god awful. If you want a real GL movie, try this on for size. 

Availability: DVD, Blu-Ray, Digital Download.

Title: Justice League: The New Frontier (2008) Synopsis: An evil creature bent on destroying mankind must be stopped by individuals with the powers to protect the innocent. Why you should like it: It’s f—kin’ Justice League. The Flash and Green Lantern kind of take the cake here above the rest of the cast, but that’s alright. It works. Availability: DVD, Blu-Ray, Digital Download.
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Title: Justice League: The New Frontier (2008)

Synopsis: An evil creature bent on destroying mankind must be stopped by individuals with the powers to protect the innocent.

Why you should like it: It’s f—kin’ Justice League. The Flash and Green Lantern kind of take the cake here above the rest of the cast, but that’s alright. It works.

Availability: DVD, Blu-Ray, Digital Download.

Title: Wanted (2008) Synopsis: An average Joe working a mundane office job with a heart condition discovers he’s being caught up in an organization of assassins. Why you should like it: It’s not as good as the comics, but the movie is pretty f—king awesome by itself. With a lot of cool action sequences (human shields, curving bullets) it makes the movie an absolute blast. Availability: DVD, Blu-Ray, Digital Download.
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Title: Wanted (2008)

Synopsis: An average Joe working a mundane office job with a heart condition discovers he’s being caught up in an organization of assassins.

Why you should like it: It’s not as good as the comics, but the movie is pretty f—king awesome by itself. With a lot of cool action sequences (human shields, curving bullets) it makes the movie an absolute blast.

Availability: DVD, Blu-Ray, Digital Download.

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