Geek Manor doesn’t have an Alfred Pennyworth cleaning up or Lucius Fox developing tech, but we do have the wonderful opportunity to check out some amazing products.
Here’s some of the latest stuff I took a look at.
Xreart Framed iPhone 6S
Xreart makes something amazing, out of something that might be otherwise discarded; art.
Taking no longer working electronics, Xreart carefully deconstructs each unit and frames them, profiling both the aesthetics and beauty of the modern technology that has become part of our status quo.
Saving a fraction of the literal tons of used electronics from landfills, Xreart offers everything from iPhones to Game Boys to PSPs to Apple watches to Galaxy phones all professionally dissected and framed. If you’re someone who appreciates the tech you use every day, all of the Xreart products are a nice reminder that no technology is truly forever.
Mezco Toys One:12 Collective Golden Age Batman vs Two-Face Boxed Set
That stylish art you see on the box above is from my favorite Batman artist of all-time, Dick Sprang, who with inker Charlie Paris were synonymous with Batman comic book art in the 1950s. Deceptively clean and uncomplicated, the duo manage to illustrate in such a way that their inimitable style is almost entirely unable to recreate with the same passion and energy.
When Mezco announced their Golden Age Batman vs Two-Face Boxed Set, I couldn’t have been more excited. Now that I’ve had some time to truly look at the figures I am pretty happy with the execution with a few caveats.
First of all the sculpting and accessories are fantastic.
Batman comes with four Bat heads and a Bruce Wayne variant and Two-Face comes with two heads and a Harvey Dent variant.
In addition, Batman comes with 5 pairs of hands, two Bat bolas, a Bat mask (which can be held), a Rebreather apparartus, a two-way Bat-radio and two 3D punch FX (which connect to the Caped Crusaders fists. In addition five different Batarangs are included as well as a base.
Two-Face comes with thirteen interchangeable hands, a tailored two-tone suit, a time bomb valise, four switchblades, four coins and four flipping FX coins. Like Batman, Two-Face also comes with a display base.
Overall, I couldn’t love Batman more. The Two-Face figure isn’t perfect, for a few specific reasons.
First, the face is too realistic.
They did such a great job sculpting the Batman figure, capturing the bold Sprang style, that I feel that the Two-Face figure needed to be stylized even more. The damaged side of his face should not only be brighter, but the features should have been more exaggerated. It’s a fine figure, but it almost seems that it was designed independently of the Batman figure and that instead of the Sprang reference, they went with the far more realistic take similar to the work of comic legend Neal Adams.
The other quibble has nothing to do with Mezco, but rather the powers that be at DC licensing. They have an across the board ban on including firearms with their figures. It’s a mistake. This set sells for almost $200; the Hot Toys Peacemaker almost double the price. He has a never before used sword. Two-Face has switchblades. These characters are depicted in media and comics with guns and in my opinion, at least for the collectors, they should be as accurate as they have been depicted. Does Two-Face need a gun? Maybe not, but for display purposes, it sure makes more sense of having him holding a pistol in one hand while flipping a coin, or brandishing a Tommy Gun when facing off again Batman.
Nevertheless, it’s amazing to have this era of Batman brought to life with such an amazing release. If there’s a second two-pack coming, perhaps we can count on a Boy Wonder and The Clown Prince of Crime?
VEIKK VK2200 Pro Graphic Monitor Drawing Tablet with Screen
Retailing for $499, the VEIKK VK2200 Pro Graphic Monitor Drawing Tablet with Screen is a great introductory model for artists who aren’t ready to commit to a more expensive unit.
The VK2200 tablet enables artists to create hand-drawn images, animations, and graphics using a stylus pen. Most drawing tablets aim to provide artists with a superior digital art experience but feel as natural as drawing with a pencil and paper. Based on glowing reviews on Amazon and other personal artist websites, the VK2200 Pro manages to achieve this.
Let’s start with the details about this drawing tablet:
- 21.5-inch, 1920×1080 IPS full matte laminated display brings art to life with 16.7 million pixels, 12sRGB/92% NTSC of true-to-life color, and clarity.
- Adjusts to several different angle positions. An Anti-glare, scratch-resistant surface protector attaches to the display, preventing reflections.
- Two quick dials process eight SilentPress shortcut keys, customizable functions that can switch to different functions instantly.
- Pen P05 battery-free digital pen, 60-degree tilt, and 290PPS high report rate. Low activation force allows artists to draw thin lines by applying no pressure as long as the pen tip touches the pen display. Provides 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity so lines can easily transition from thin to thick.
- SilentPress technology reduces 90% of click sounds.
- Connect your computer with the HDMI and USB cables, position with adjustable stand included.
- Compatible with most creative apps such as Ai, Photoshop, CorelDRAW, SketchBook, Medibang, Clip Studio, and more.
- Studio VK2200 Pro is compatible with Windows 10/8/7 and above, macOS 10.12 and above, Chrome OS 88 and above, Linux OS, and Android.
Included within the box are the following:
- 1 x Pen Display
- 20 x Pen Nibs
- 1 x Power Adapter
- 1 x HDMI Cable
- 1 x Drawing Glove
- 2 x P05 Battery-free Pen
- 1 x Nib Extractor
- 1 x Power Cable
- 1 x USB-C to USB-C Cable
- 1 x Cleaning Cloth
- 2 x Pen Case
- 1 x Pen Stand
- 1 x USB Cable
- 1 x Quick Start Guide
First and most important, this is not a stand-alone product and it must be connected to a PC to work.
And now, the good and the bad:
THE GOOD
- Beautiful design.
- A large screen that allows you to work directly on it’s surface.
- It comes with 2 pens which work smoothly and are very responsive.
- Easy to set up.
- The color looks fantastic.
- Easily adjustable with several different angles.
- Can be adjusted for left handed users.
- 8 programmable shortcut buttons and two customized quick dials.
THE BAD
- The pen could be heavier.
- The resolution is limited to 1080P resolution, and with that, there’s some pixelization.
- Viewing angles affected by anti-glare surface including color variations.
- Aggressive anti-glare matte texture surface adds graininess to image quality.
- The screen isn’t as bright as it could be.
- The drivers can be a bit buggy on OSX.
THE VERDICT
The Veikk Studio VK2200 Pro has good drawing performance and is well constructed. My biggest issue is the limitation of the somewhat low pixel resolution where in today’s market 4K has become the standard. With it’s large surface area an responsive screen and pen, it’s a very viable option for the student or hobbyist who is looking to use a display tablet.
JLab JBuds Frames Wireless Open-Ear Audio for Your Glasses
From workday calls to grocery runs or weekend hikes, JBuds Frames true wireless attachments fit most glasses or sunglasses frames offering amazing sound on-the-GO. Powerful 16mm drivers and upgraded microphones provide high quality sound, and a universal design ensures a snug fit, from thin to thick temple sizes. Enjoy 8+ hours of battery life and buttons to control your sound and access voice assistance.
The open speaker design features powerful 16mm drivers that produce sound perfect for just you. The unique design targets your ears without annoying those around you – while being aware of your surroundings. Enjoy music, calls or podcasts with 8+ hours of playtime. JBuds Frames fit on most sunglasses or glasses for on-the-GO sound. Two hooks secure the JBuds Frames to fit most types of regular glasses, sunglasses or reading glasses, so you can listen with your own personal style. Optional sleeves allow for a secure fit on smaller temples. Simply slide in, lock in place and you are good to GO!
Take full control over your music, phone calls, volume and activate your Smart Assistant with the convenient button located on top of each JBuds Frames. Choose the sound to match your personal preference: JLab Signature or Bass Boost. Each piece features a microphone to enjoy clear phones calls. Once you connect via Bluetooth 5.1 the first time, both JBuds Frames will auto-connect to your device. Featuring Dual Connect, use either JBuds Frames independently or together and experience a seamless connection no matter the situation.
JLab GO Talk USB Microphone
GO Talk is a compact, lightweight and portable microphone, with studio-quality performance. Offering a generous resolution of 96kHz/24BIT, GO Talk is great for calls, podcasts, gaming, ASMR, and voice overs using its two directional pattern modes, Cardioid and Omnidirectional.
GO Talk features a studio-quality resolution of 96kHz/24BIT to ensure the recording is clear, detailed, and offers a great dynamic sound range for everyday use. With its compact fit, and lightweight build, you can bring it anywhere, anytime. GO Talk features two directional pattern modes: Cardioid and Omni. Great for individual or business calls, voiceovers, podcasting, music recording, and even ASMR. Choose the mode that will GO with your needs. Control your recording and choose your audio preference with the adjustments in loudness with volume control. GO Talk features a Quick-Mute button for easy access, and a 3.5mm AUX input for real-time listening with zero latency.
The microphone offers a 5-foot USB/USB-C input cable to plug into your device and operate your recording hassle-free. Use the standard-sized 5/8” or 1/4″ input for swivel mounting anything, like camera tripods or other stands. GO Talk is free from drivers, and features plug and play, allowing you to record within seconds.
NECA 7″ Scale Action Figure – Ultimate Wolf Man (Black & White)
“Even a man who is pure in heart and says his prayers by night, may become a wolf when the wolfbane blooms and the autumn moon is bright.”
NECA brings my very favorite Classic Universal Monster, the Wolf Man to life to celebrate the film’s 80th anniversary! Presented in authentic black and white, the 7″ figure features an amazing sculpt that not only the likeness of star Lon Chaney Jr., but also two interchangeable heads of the Wolf Man based on the design of legend Jack Pierce. Also included are alternate hands and lower legs, to portray both Chaney’s human character Lawrence Talbot, as well as the beast inside him.
Other accessories include a wolf cane, animal trap and stand accessories. Packaged in a display-friendly window box packaging with opening front flap, the Ultimate Wolf Man is a must have for any classic movie monster fan!
