Hero of the Month - Edition N°15

Already fifteen editions. Time goes really fast. And for the fifteenth, return, again, in the world of Game of Thrones, and this time to announce the coolest non-human character in the series: Wun Weg Wun Dar Wun (or Wun Wun) the most badass of the giants.

Wun Wun is a member of the ancestral race of the giants, and is one of the last of his people, if not, the last. In the story, he took refuge, with the wildlings, at Hardhome, hoping to escape the threat of the white walkers. When Jon Snow comes to see the wildlings to offer them an alliance against the army of the dead, Wun Wun shows no sign of hostility towards the Night's Watch, and even seems to pay attention to what Jon is saying. But later, Hardhome found himself attacked by the white walkers, and hundreds of wildlings died in the first minutes, swelling the army of the dead. Wun Wun fights fiercely against the zombies, shredding them in his hands or crushing them under his feet. To protect the escape of the last survivors (including Jon, Ed and Tormund), Wun Wun remains a little behind, armed with a large wooden beam, kills a dozen zombies and gets rid of those who climb on him. Being too heavy for the small boat, the giant is forced to escape by swimming in the icy waters of the north, but he survives. Wun Wun becomes the first giant to cross the wall, but being the only one of his kind, he is very quickly seen by the men of Night's Watch.

After the murder of Jon Snow, Wun Wun and the wildlings attack Castleblack, to prevent the mutineers from burning Jon's body. Wun Wun destroys the door without any problem, and kills a crossbowman who had the bad idea to shoot on him. The giant follows Jon and his army in the quest towards Westeros, considering Jon as a leader. Wun Wun becomes the only giant in Jon's army, but a valuable asset. During the Battle of Winterfell against the Bolton Army, Wun Wun fought again with all his might, killing a horse with a single blow of his fist, and pulling the head of a soldier by the force of his hands. Though wounded, the giant throws himself, body and soul, against the sealed door of Winterfell, destroying it, before falling to the ground, but nevertheless allowing the army of Jon to enter the city. Full of arrows and dying, Wun Wun is killed by Ramsay Bolton, while Jon was worried about the health of his giant friend. Thus died Wun Wun, the last of the giants, who by his sacrifice allowed the liberation of the north and the end of the Bolton tyranny. Wun Wun, the only giant who sacrificed himself for humans.

Wun Wun is my favorite non-human character in Game of Thrones (on the same rank as Drogon and the Night's King). His death saddened me a lot (yeah, I shed tears), because he was a wise character, because he took the time to listen to what others were saying around him and to make decisions on his own. He could have chosen to kill Jon and the other humans, but Wun Wun is intelligent, knowing the threat of the white walkers and knowing that the only way to survive is to be united. For me, Wun Wun deserved more screen time, and I would have liked that his friendship with Jon Snow to be more described. I even wanted that Daenerys, on her way to Westeros, could meet Wun Wun and see a real giant for the first time.

See you next time, humans \m/

Mathias, the Killmaster

Fire and Blood \m/ 

Tarja Turunen at Paris - One of my best 2016 concerts

Last night, on a cold November night, and despite the cold and rain, I lived one of my best concerts of this year.
Tarja Turunen, the great soprano singer of Metal, a true legend in Finland, ended her tour by coming to the French capital, and I had the honor of being there. The concert hall was the Casino de Paris, a rich, huge, well-known room in France, which dates back more than 100 years (it was inaugurated in 1880).

Tarja, the only and one <3 

The first opening act band: The Shiver

The second opening act band: Sinheresy

For this beautiful end of tour, there was not only one, but two first parts in the show. Although I liked the band The Shiver with their mix of rock and electro elements, I admit that I preferred the second band, Sinheresy, whose the style Symphonic / Heavy metal, is in the line of the great groups like Nightwish or Within Tempation. A new discovery for me, to the point that I made a photo with three of the members of Sinheresy after the concert, as a memory. 

But of course the artist I was most impatiently waiting for was the Finnish queen of metal in person, the one and only, Tarja Turunen, always as beautiful, as much by the voice as her appearance. Accompanied by her group, she gave us almost two hours of an unforgettable show, in the old and magnificent decoration of the Casino (of which Tarja told us that it's a very beautiful place). For the concert, Tarja was dressed in a magnificent large black dress, decorated with feathers of ravens, like a raven princess of metal. Her outfit was almost Medieval Fantasy and I loved it, I even thinked about the Night's Watch from Game of Thrones. Even though the audience had to be seated on seats, the atmosphere was not affected. The French metal public was there, to acclaim Tarja, because in France, she is loved and respected, her audience is faithful and will always remain. For the last songs, the public (including myself), we all raised for her and have remained standing, and the vigils have let us do. In short, a magnificent concert full of colors and emotions, and metal! A great way to finish a tour. Thanks to you, beautiful Tarja, to give us so much happiness through your voice and your songs. You will always be welcome in France, we love you!

My photo with Sinheresy \m/

Mathias, the Killmaster

Fire and Blood \m/ 

Paris Manga 2016

I do not often have the opportunity to go to rallies or fans conventions, but the 4th November, I could go to the Paris Manga convention with my sister, our main goal was to meet the actor Charles Dance, the special guest of the first day of the convention, and was present only on 4 November in Paris.

For the convention, I did not come in cosplay, but for the opportunity to meet a GOT actor, I put all my assets related to the series: my t-shirt with all the sigils GOT, my pendants Targaryen and Stark, and my Targaryen hat. To begin, when I arrived at the place of the Convention, I felt immediately like in paradise. Dozens of stands everywhere, selling all sorts of things: figurines, posters, clothes, and a lot more diverse and varied. Most things were related to the Manga universe, which is understandable with the name of the convention, but several of my favorite fictional universes were present, as Game of Thrones, Star Wars, Marvel and DC comics, and also some mangas I watch like Pokemon, Fairy Tail, Attack on Titan....

Photo with BB-8!

Of course, no surprise, there was a stand dedicated to Star Wars, but even more, the most iconic droid of the saga, I mean of course R2, was present, and came to say hello to people who came to see him. When I wanted to take a picture of him, he came to me and stopped, as if to pose for the photo. It was really funny.

But the nice characters of Star Wars were not the only ones to be present. The soldiers of the Galactic Empire were also there. Stormtroopers and Imperial officers, all armed, and I even thought I saw the Emperor Darth Sidious. I could not resist the opportunity to take a photo with the Empire (what? I'm a traitor? Yes, it is possible, and after?)

One of the highlights of the day was the Game of Thrones conference that I attended, with the three actors from the series invited for the event. I could see Ellie Kendrick, who plays the role of Meera Reed. Keisha Castle-Hughes, who plays Obara Sand (but also the role of the Queen of Naboo in Star Wars Revenge of the Sith), and finally, the exclusive guest, Mr. Charles Dance, aka Lord Tywin Lannister (who also played the role of Dr. Clemens in Alien 3). During their arrival on the scene, the whole crowd (me and my sister included), have applauded and encouraged them with all our strength, to show them that we love them and that France loves Game of Thrones. Charles, before sitting in his seat, even took a photo of the crowd with his phone. Hearing them talking about their experiences in the world of the cinema was really interesting. Ellie Kendrick knows how to speak French, and she has a very good accent, and she said that her favorite character is Brienne of Tarth, 'cause she's really badass. Charles Dance said his favorite character was Tyrion, and told us that each time he apologized to Peter Dinklage for all the wickedness that he had to tell him in the scenes they played together. I would like to ask them a question, but I have not been chosen from all the people who had questions. Oh well, it will be for a next time.

I ended my day in Paris Manga with the moment I was waiting for several months forward. After giving my ticket, I could enter the small studio or were professional photographers. Charles Dance was there for the photo session with fans. As GOT fan, it was a real honor to shake hands with Charles Dance, talk to him and take a picture with him. An unforgettable memory that I keep preciously. Charles is really nice, smiling, and has a great personality. As many fans were waiting after me, I could not stay long with him, but I was able to exchange a few words with him. A big thank you to Charles Dance for his visit to Paris and Paris Manga to have invited him to the event.

Mathias, the Killmaster

Fire and Blood \m/ 

DiscoveRock Edition N°20 - Special Legend Tribute - Nirvana

If I say words like Come As You Are ..... ..... Nervemind......  Smells Like Teen Spirit ..... You probably think about the Grunge band became famous worldwide in just a few years: Nirvana. Formed in 1987 by the young rocker Kurt Cobain, Nirvana's success is slow to surface, the group is forced to debut playing in small crappy rooms. In 1989, the band released its first album, Bleach. But over time, Nirvana attracts media attention with his dynamic style Grunge, with sometimes violent lyrics, criticizing many life itself. The band's career takes a global turn over the years, and despite only three albums, the most epic remains Nevermind, many of their songs have become legendary, like Come As You Are, Lithium, Rape Me, In Bloom, or Smells Like Teen Spirit, still today considered as one of the rock anthems. Unfortunately Nirvana career was short-lived, and the group ended in 1994 following the death of Kurt Cobain, found dead at his home, a bullet in the head. He was 27 years old. Kurt had always had a very self destructive side, the theory of suicide is more credible, although still today, many people say that this is a murder. Kurt Cobain received honors befitting a legend, worldwide rock fans paid him tributes and Kurt joined the pantheon of rock legends. Even today, his music is always heard and always loved, and his legend continue to live.

Members:
- Kurt Cobain (vocals / guitars)
- Dave Grohl (drums)
- Krist Novoselic (bass)

See you next time, Rockers \m/

RIP Kurt

Mathias, the Killmaster

Fire and Blood \m/ 

A 2016 100% Rock Birthday

Yesterday I celebrated my 23 years old. Is what I'm deciding to become an adult? Hmmm ..... Nooooo. Why change and impose conditions when I am as I am? Anyway, this year, the rock and metal were one more time present in my birthday, and this is what I received:

To start at the top of the list, the DVD + audio CD of "Clean your Clock", the last concert of Motörhead recorded on DVD, which took place in Munich, Germany, just some months before that Lemmy passed away. It was one of the last shows where he was in good shape, where he could do a whole concert, and where his voice did not seem too weak. They especially replayed old school songs, like Metropolis, Stay Clean, Bomber, Overkill, and my favorite of course, Ace of Spades. At least Lemmy did what he wanted, and the group left a last magnificent DVD which advance at the same level as the last album, which is really excellent.

Then, the new album of the Australian band Airbourne, released in September this year: Breakin 'Outta Hell, fourth album since their creation. What to say? Well that Airbourne has lost none of his energy and sound power. I have preferences for some songs, like Rivalry, It's All for Rock N Roll, It's never too loud for me, but my favorite is one that has the name of the album, Breakin 'Outta Hell. Airbourne must continue like that, they will become fucking legends, I am sure, because I believe in them and their talent.

And finally, my favorite Finnish band, my dear monsters I like so much, Lordi, are back with the new album, their eighth, also released this year on the same day as the album Airbourne. Monstereophonic: Theaterror vs Demonarchy. I still love how Lordi are playing with the words to create their own. The idea is interesting to have two sides on one album, like monster vs demon. The songs of the Demonarchy part also seem more aggressive. My favorite song? I say Let's Go Slaughter He Man. Although the video clip of Hug You Hardcore had disappointed me, I liked the song itself. So, not disappointed with this new album, Lordi are still overflowing with creativity to create their new costumes every time, even if I have a preference for the outfits of SFO and TBONTB eras.

A big thank you to my family and friends (French and foreign) for their nice messages. Love you all! \m/ 

Mathias, the Killmaster

Fire and Blood \m/ 

My 2 Mass Effect Romance Choices

In the recent years, in the field of video games, the Mass Effect saga was one of my best discoveries (thanks to some of my friends who made me discover this franchise). Impressive graphics, charismatic characters, interesting story, the game adapts depending on the choices that we make, we can create the hero in our image and choose his past ..... So great. Also, the game provides a romance with a character, and here are my two favorite female characters, with whom I had a romance (each in a different game)

1. Liara T'soni

(Mass Effect 1, 2 and 3)

Even before I started the game, I was already looking at pictures of some characters to get an idea, and among them I saw the asari Liara T'Soni. Immediately, she interested me, and when I knew I could have a romance with her, I was even more motivated. Liara is one of the best characters in the saga, very smart, with a moving story, touching, she can be nice as she can sometimes be more pragmatic, especially towards her enemies. Liara is young (she has only 106 years old, but the Asari can live till 1000 years old), but she already has a strong character who pushes her to fight, and on top of that, I find her really beautiful. I always had a crush for alien women. 

In the first game, I followed the advice of a good friend, who advised me to go talk to Liara between each mission and learn as much about her. With my character (Mathias Shepard), I discussed with Liara many times, and each time, I supported her, and little by little, friendship began to become stronger. I took her as teammate in many missions (the trio that I prefers is Me / Liara / Garrus). And towards the end of the first game, we had our first kiss, and Liara, with her powers, created a bond between us. We were linked.

In the second game, I had no other relationship with another female character, I remained faithful to Liara, and when we were together again, I helped her to defeat the Broker's Shadow. After that she took his place as the new Broker's Shadow, we spend an evening together to celebrate this victory, and our relationship. 

In the third game, my relationship with Liara was not tainted. We always loved so much, and I proved it. Throughout the game, we have traveled the galaxy devastated to collect the largest galactic army. Shortly before the storm, we had our last moment of love together. I sacrificed my life to save the galaxy and allow the remaining races to survive. Liara survived, she put my name on the funeral monument of the Normandy, and I continued to watch over her. Wise as she is, she surely understood my gesture of sacrifice. Rather a life than billions.

2. Miranda Lawson

(Mass Effect 2 and 3)

Female soldiers are also part of my crushes, although at first I had difficulties to accept the beautiful Miranda Lawson. At first, she was distant, cold and almost insensitive to the feelings. And it was hard to accept that she can work for the organization Cerberus, that I really hate. But gradually as I learned about the life of Miranda, and our friendship has really formed over the missions, I begin to better appreciate her and to be honest, I do not have was insensitive to her beauty, both internal and external. Because yes, Miranda is not so cold as that. She asked me to help her sister, Orianna, that she really loves. I could not refuse to help her, and the story of the sisters Lawson really touched me.

And finally, our friendship turned into something stronger, and little before attacking the base of the Collectors, she told me to join her in the engine room.. And it's in this room we really started our love relationship (I precise that my romance with Miranda was in a different game of the one where I'm with Liara). Mirand can be nice when she wants, with a true honor, especially when she choose my side to fight against Cerberus. 

And during the suicide mission in the base of the Collectors, Miranda managed to survive and I got her, with Garrus, to fight against the final boss (I only had one loss: Jack)

In the third game, as in my game with Liara, I had no other relationship with another female character. I had to help again Miranda to save her sister from the clutches of their father, a true asshole. I managed to save sister and makes that Miranda survives.

And you? Who is / are your ME Romance Choice(s)? And why?

Mathias, the Killmaster

Fire and Blood \m/ 

Hero of the Month - Edition N°14

After watched his 2014 movie last night, I finally decided it was time for him to have his edition.
For the fourteenth edition of the greatest fictional heroes of our world, I will introduce this time one of the greatest hero ever known, both in terms of size and popularity. Considered as a true superstar, especially in Japan, this monster now even got his own star on the Hollywood Boulevard. The most famous of all monsters and their king: Godzilla.

According to his story, Godzilla is as old as the world itself, born in a very distant time, when the earth was much more radioactive than before. The world was dominated by titanic creatures, feeding themselves of radiations to live and grow more. Godzilla was the king of this ancient world, dominating all other creatures by his strength. But after the many climate changes over the centuries, the great monsters disappeared almost all, and the survivors were forced to take refuge in the depths of the oceans abysses, in burrows to the core of the earth, to feed of its radiations. Thus, Godzilla could survive and lay dormant for thousands of years, until one day, in the 50s, a submarine that beat the diving record, woke him up and made him emerge from the ocean. The famous testing of nuclear bombs in the Pacific islands were actually a hidden pretext for trying to kill Godzilla, without success, the monster being invincible and insensitive to radiation. One day, some giant mutant creatures made their reappearance in the world: the Mutos, kind of gigantic parasitic creatures that feed of radiations, and apparently, mortal enemies of Godzilla. When two Mutos, a male and a female, appeared and caused havoc across the planet, Godzilla came back from the abyss, to stop them at all costs. He stalked relentlessly the creatures across oceans and continents, until one day, while the female Muto had founded a nest and laid her eggs, Godzilla came and hired the fight. Despite its power, the king of the monsters found himself in difficulty facing the two mutants who attacked simultaneously, but the distraction allowed a band of human soldiers to recover a nuclear missile stolen by the mutos, and to destroy the nest with all eggs. While the female Muto tried to retrieve the missile, Godzilla took the opportunity to recover its forces and killed the male Muto. 

And while the female Muto was about to retrieve the missile, Godzilla grabbed her by the neck and killed her by spitting his blue flames across the body of the creature, destroying her from within. But after this hard fight, Godzilla fell unconscious in the middle of the ravaged city. First, humans believed his death, but while rescue forces were trying to retrieve all the survivors in the debris, Godzilla awoke, and having accomplished his mission, returned to the depths of the ocean, under the crowd cheers for him.

Even if he has the appearance of a giant lizard, Godzilla is a lot smarter than a mere animal. He is actually the god of an ancestral ecosystem, and its purpose is to ensure the natural balance of the world. Whenever this balance is threatened, Godzilla rises from the ocean to protect him. He does not attack humans unless he feels threatened by them. It is unclear whether he does this to protect humans, or just if he ignore them, and does it because he has to. Anyway, he's smart enough to know that humans are not his real enemies, and leave them alone after defeat his opponents.

Being as old as the earth, we can deduce the divine status of Godzilla, being apparently immortal, and having a power equal to a god. Not weapons, not even nuclear missiles, can hurt him. It seems that only the mutant creatures as large as him are able to hurt him. With the radiations he eat over the centuries have allowed him to reach a titanic size larger than a building, and also allows him to spit kinds of powerful radioactive blue flames.

According to the versions, Godzilla is either the protector of the earth, or a creature of the Apocalypse coming to destroy humanity. He is still popular in Japan these days, to the point that in the country, he is considered at the same rank as the superstars, even almost as a living legend, and for a fictional character, that's really badass.

Becoming the most famous monster, an icon of cinema and a global superstar, Godzilla deserves more than its place in the pantheon of fictional heroes.

See you next time, humans \m/

Mathias, the Killmaster

Fire and Blood \m/