DC Universe Comics to Reboot in September

This week's hot news in comics comes to us straight from DC Entertainment.  In an interview with USA Today, the rumors and silence regarding DC's post-Flashpoint plans for their flagship line of comic book titles were put ro rest.  DC Comics has finally confirmed what many of their fans have suspected; the fictional shared universe of Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman, Green Lanterm and more will undergo a revamp of their oft-rewritten 76 year-plus history of shared continuity.

Some need-to-know for Collectors: 

• All DC Universe titles will also be renumbered with new #1 issues, including the industry's two longest-running titles - Action Comics and Detective Comics.

• DC also announced they plan to make all of their titles available for sale in digital format on the same day as their publlished counterparts, starting with Justice League #1.

The first officially announced title and creative team of the new era was revealed as well. DC Entertainment co-publisher Jim Lee and Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns will be teaming as artist and writer, respectively, on Justice League #1, launching August 31st and starring Batman, Superman,Wonder Woman, The Flash, Green Lantern, and Aquaman. 

In September, another 51 first issues will debut, introducing stories that are grounded in each character's specific legend but also reflect today's real-world themes and events.  Lee spearheaded the costumes' redesign to make characters more identifiable and accessible to comic fans new and old.  "We really want to inject new life in our characters and line," says Dan DiDio, co-publisher of DC with Lee. 

DC is also making all of the re-numbered titles available digitally via apps and a DC website the same day they arrive in comic shops. It marks the first time a major comics publisher has done so with its popular superhero titles.

Date Night with The Doctor

Feeling a little blue without a new Doctor Who episode this week?  Well, lose the frown and slip into something spectacular, because BBC America has something special lined up for all of their State-side Dr. Who fans.  A 24-hour Dr. Who Marathon!

Catch up with the Eleventh Doctor, Amy, and Rory and relive their latest adventures. The 24-hour marathon kicks off at 6am EST this Saturday, May 28th and runs through Sunday, May 29th only on BBC America!
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The Summer of Supers

From comic book heroes to high fantasy legends, the 2011 Summer Movie List is a geeky dream come true. Check out the trailers for this summers hottest geeky movies, all in one place for your viewing pleasure.

Release dates are always subject to change, but as it stands, we Geeks can look forward to a new movie every few weeks throughout the summer.

• Thor (In Theaters Now)
• Priest (In Theaters Now)
• X-Men First Class (In Theaters June 10th)
• Green Lantern (In Theaters June 17th)
• Harry Potter (In Theaters July 15)
• Captain America (In Theaters July 22)
• Conan the Barbarian (In Theaters Aug 19)

Which of this summer's line-up are you looking most forward to? I know at my house, it will end up being a battle between X-Men and Conan.  Now ~THAT~ would make an interesting movie. *grin*
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Get Your Game On at the Retro Arcade

Bored? Looking for some mind-numbing fun to pass the time? Out of quarters?  Then swing by the GYGO Retro Arcade and play some of your favorite games from years gone by.  You know... games like this one!

You can currently find Pac-Man, Frogger, Super Mario, and Bejeweled in the arcade, but I'm looking to add one more...  And that is where I need your help!  What game would you like to see added the the GYGO Retro Arcade? Just click to vote.

The PUG Problem

Whether you spend most of your time soloing or are a member of an active guild, most gamers will eventually find themselves facing the PUG (pick-up group) problem. Maybe you logged in to find everyone on your friends list already grouped up. Or perhaps you prefer the single life but find that you need of a group to complete an epic quest or to help you acquire some legendary loot. No matter what the reason, you find yourself sporting a looking-for-group tag and hoping to find a few other competent players to quest with. Unfortunately, what you are most likely to find is a group of players with dissimilar play styles, skill levels, and personalities. As a result, joining a PUG can be frustrating to say the least. However, remembering a few simple tips can help the experience be a pleasant, and even rewarding one instead.

Communication is Key

Whether your group decides to use voice chat or to communicate via the chat box, it is critical for a PUG's success that the players communicate with each other. A PUG is not a well oiled group of friends who can anticipate each others moves and understand each others play style, so you will have to talk to one another. If voice chat is not an option, create macros ahead of time (if your game allows) for frequently used phrases, or to let others know when you are performing a useful spell or action. And if you suddenly realize that your couch is on fire and have to go put it out, be sure to tell rest of the group you're gone. Stealth AFK's are not cool, no matter how short. Letting the rest of the group know you need a quick break will be much better received then the group wiping because they pulled a horde of undead orcs without you.

What's Your Objective?

If you are entering an instance with a purpose, whether it is killing a particular boss, completing a certain task, or you are simply looking for a specific loot drop, don't hesitate to be upfront about it. Other players may not have the same objective as you, so letting them know why you are there is critical in being sure you get what you need out of the experience.

Know Your Role

In low level or casual PUG's, being familiar with how to play your role isn't as critical. In fact, they're usually a pretty good place to start honing your skills and polishing your play style. But if you plan on entering "The Uber Epic Dragon Chamber" with a PUG, then it's best to know your role... and to hope the rest of the group knows their role too. Does the tank know how to hold aggro? Can the healer stop DPS-ing long enough to keep the group alive? Is you're scout running knife first into groups of hostiles? You can usually tell how competent players are in their roles while clearing the early trash mobs, but sometimes it will take facing that first boss to know for sure.

What about Loot?

Loot can be one of the most frustrating aspect of PUG's, especially if you end up grouped with someone who rolls need on everything. When in a PUG, it is considered good form to only roll "need" if an item is an direct upgrade that you can use. As for everything else, plan to either roll "greed" or "pass". Some players may have different ideas about how loot should be divvied up though, so it's always a good idea to clarify what the loot rules are early on. If you are looking for a particular loot drop, mention that you plan to roll on it up front. If it drops however, depending on how desired the loot is, be prepared to roll against other group-mates who might be looking for it as well.

So when you find yourself in need of a group of convenience cobbled together for the express purpose of completing a quest or instance, putting together a PUG using the above tips might be the perfect solution to an all too frequent gaming problem.

Continue reading on Examiner.com The PUG Problem - Austin Girl Gamer | Examiner.com
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