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It's no surprise that the Marvel Cinematic Universe has a recursive effect on the stories published in Marvel Comics. The latest result of that synergy is the new Marvel comic mini-series "Tva."

The Tva is an extra-dimensional organization designed to keep the multitude of timelines in check. Now, the Time Variance Authority does have its earliest roots in Marvel Comics.

However, the Tva shot to new prominence due to its role in the MCU. It was the primary setting of the two season Disney+ series "Loki," where the God of Mischief (Tom Hiddleston) was drafted as a Tva agent. The Authority also played a major part in Marvel's multiverse buddy comedy, "Deadpool & Wolverine."

"Tva" is bringing the comic Time Variance Authority in line with the onscreen one. The comic is written by "Loki" writer Katharyn Blair (and drawn by Pere Pérez) and introduces several of the McU-exclusive Tva characters.

An Encore Edition. Peckinpah's macabre South of the border shoot 'em up is back for a second limited edition, with a new commentary. It's still a picture sure to separate the Peckinpah lovers from the auteur tourists - it's grisly, grim and resolutely exploitative, but also has about it a streak of grimy honesty. Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia Blu-ray Twilight Time Encore Edition 1974 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 112 min. / Street Date September, 2016 / available through Screen Archives Entertainment / 29.95 Starring Warren Oates, Isela Vega, Robert Webber, Gig Young, Helmut Dantine, Emilio Fernández, Kris Kristofferson, Chano Urueta, Jorge Russek, Enrique Lucero, Janine Maldonado, Richard Bright, Sharon Peckinpah, Garner Simmons. Cinematography Álex Phillips Jr. Art Direction Agustín Ituarte Film Editors Garth Craven, Dennis E. Dolan, Sergio Ortega, Robbe Roberts Original Music Jerry Fielding Written by Sam Peckinpah, Gordon T. Dawson, Frank Kowalski Produced by Martin Baum, Helmut Dantine, Gordon T. Dawson Directed by...

Last night, I had the opportunity to attend the Fathom Events special presentation of the new DC Animated film Batman: The Killing Joke. Based on the iconic book written by Alan Moore, and featuring the now-legendary voice talent of Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill as The Dark Knight and The Joker, respectively, the film had everything going for it. It was even curiously touted as a Bruce Timm film, despite the fact that primary directing credit goes to Sam Liu. 

Moore, Conroy, Hamill, Timm.

Hallowed names, to be sure. So what could go wrong?

A lot, apparently.

Right off the bat, I couldn't shake the sense that the animation was too stiff; too emotionless. What looks cool in a single frame, or as a comic book panel, looks stilted and cold in motion. That created an instant obstacle for me, but still, I tried my best to get sucked in.