Geek Culture Reviews

Rob reviews The Best of 2000 AD Vol. 1... The Best of 2000 AD Vol. 1 is a quarterly graphic novel that promises a mix of material across the publication's diverse history. Collecting both classic and modern strips across 6 volumes, ' The Best of... ' aims to entice new readers into discovering why 2000 AD is synonymous with British comic books.  For new readers, it's the perfect gateway into the vast 'Thrillverse'. Not only does it dispense with the serialized nature of the 2000 AD Progs for a graphic novel presentation. It also doesn't require any in-depth knowledge of the characters to simply pick up and read. For existing 2000 AD fans it's also perfect for reacquainting yourself with old friends or reminiscing about stolen youth.  Until the last couple of years, I've never been an avid reader of 2000 AD. While I'm familiar with characters such as Judge Dredd and Rogue Trooper, I never paid any attention. Instead, I was drawn into t...

Rob reviews Chenso Club on PC... If you're a long-time reader of Geek Culture Reviews, you'll already know that I have a soft spot for the humble roguelike/lite. For me, the genre's 'gitgud' gameplay is the perfect way to unwind after a stressful day at the day job. So it comes as no surprise that when the offer to review Chenso Club fell into my inbox, I graciously accepted the offer.  Developed by Swedish developers  Pixadome, Chenso Club is a fast-paced 2D platformer that combines platforming elements with brawler mechanics, that are all wrapped up in a 16-bit setting.  Chenso Club manages to keep pace with the best of the genre, with a satisfying gameplay loop that keeps you coming back for one more run. A typical run through Chenso Club consists of a variety of areas linked together to form a stage. Across these areas, you'll be battling various enemies while performing a few light platforming puzzles. Come to the end of the first pa...

Rob reviews Cosmic Debris #1... Fresh from his time-travelling adventures with ChronoCat , Stu Perrins is back with another adventure.  Teaming once again with indie publisher Markosia , Perrins delves into a classic sci-fi tale of aliens, bounty hunters, and planet-destroying weapons. While it may seem to lean into plenty of sci-fi cliché  Perrins  delivers an opening issue that doesn't hide from that fact. Instead, what we get is something akin to a warm hug from a loved one on a cold night. It's certainly a story that feels familiar. But knowing Perrins , he probably has a few tricks up his sleeve.  Cosmic Debris kicks off with a loner wandering through a dusty desert. What makes this more striking is that partially submerged in the desert sands is the broken body of Lady Liberty. When then follow this cloaked stranger as they approach a camp that's inhabited by a drunk and angry-looking fellow. After belittling the Stranger for ignoring his plea for ...

Rob reviews Gotham Knights on Xbox Series X... Gotham Knights is a game that's a great insight into the meaning behind Bruce Wayne's tenure as Batman. It's a journey through Gotham City as its status quo changes in the face of the Dark Knight's defeat. It also asks the important question of who can take on the Bat's legacy. Developed by WB Games Montreal, Gotham Knight s takes its inspiration from the comic book of the same name. Bruce Wayne is dead and Gotham City is in a state of change. With the instrument of their fear now gone, dormant enemies return to the streets, and secret organisations plot their next move. Caught in the middle of this are Nightwing, Batgirl, Robin, and Red Hood who must band together to investigate Batman's demise, and bring justice back to Gotham's streets.  It was always going to be a big risk with WB Games Montreal killing off Batman in the first five minutes. But thankfully having a Batman-less Batman ...

Rob reviews 2000 AD Prog 2306 [Regened]... For the final time this year, Tharg hands the Galaxy's Greatest over to Joko-Jargo for another all-ages takeover. Inside this bumper-issue is are five tales that aim to appeal to the next generation of 2000 AD readers. So, what does Joko-Jargo have in store?  Aside from the usual suspects of Cadet Dredd, Chopper, and Futureshocks. We have the debut of two new strips - Bladers  and Psychobaby . What are they all about? Well, let's peel back that incredible Alex Ronald cover and find out... Cadet Dredd: Undertow We're down in the Mega-City One docks as Dredd and Rico find themselves on another assignment. In keeping with the "brothers" competitive side, Rico is ribbing Dredd over beating him in their latest assessment. Naturally, the reason Dredd scored lower was due to his inflexibility to utilise a more fluid demeanour - something which Rico uses to push the two into some serious trouble.  Paul Starkey brings ...