FIGHTS: Review - 'Godzilla: Final Wars' was ready made for PacRim fans ten years before

GODZILLA IS LUCKY HE GOT TOP BILLING OVER DON FRYE
by
Bowie V. Ibarra

 

Listen to me, Godzilla: Final Wars was outstanding as it not only put together some of the greatest monsters to ever come out of Japan to fight Godzilla, but the one of the greatest monsters to come out of the good ol' US of A to fight Godzilla:  Don Frye.  Check this out.

 

So, Godzilla had been put down at the north pole by a young Don Frye, who was an airman in a giant fighting rocket.  He was the one that pulled the trigger that buried Godzilla under a mountain of ice.

 

So a few decades later, Don is the captain of his own fighting rocket ship, who takes down kaiju with reckless abandon.  He gets in trouble after a mission for the tactics he used to take down the flying fire serpent monster, Manda, and gets put in the brig.

 

Members of his team are mutants, who have elevated fighting ability to defend the earth.  But the monster Gigan is discovered, and a scientist notes that Gigan has the same mutant DNA as the human mutants.

 

A race of aliens arrives to earth, the Xilians, and attempt to covertly take over the earth using the planet's most diabolical monsters that had gone on a rampage.  When the plan is discovered, the monsters wreck shop on the earth.  Don Frye is freed from prison, and with the remaining humans, is the earth's only hope against the invading aliens.

 

Their plan:  Free Godzilla from his icy tomb to throw down with a huge lineup of monsters:  Anguirus, Ebirah, Gigan (who is an absolute mecha-terror in this one), Rodan, Hedorah the Smog Monster, Kamacuras, King Caesar, Kumonga, Godzilla 2000, and the powerful Monster X (Monster XX II), who makes its first appearance here.

 

When I say 'the story is actually pretty good', remember we're talking about a Godzilla movie here.  This isn't 'The English Patient', okay.  Just to make that clear.  It's a fun story of face/heels with high stakes and lots of monster action.

 

But what I appreciated the most, even over the monster action, was the cast.  Don Frye in a featured role, playing a military leader and putting his MMA training to good use in some of the final human on mutant fight scenes.

But he's not the only martial arts action here in the movie with legit street cred.  The legendary modern MMA fighter, Masakatsu Funaki is also featured in this movie.  And the son of the old school Kung-Fu Theatre flicks, Kane Koshugi, son of Sho Koshugi is also featured.  Hell, he's an action star in Japan.  Gary Goodridge even makes an cameo, as well as Kasayuki Fujita.

 

Bottom line, if you like Godzilla movies, you got to check this out.  You'll get an extra treat if you are familiar with some of the big names from MMA's early days.

 

Eat your heart out, Pacific Rim!

 

 

BOWIE V. IBARRA is the author of the 'Down the Road' Zombie horror series from Permuted Press.  His latest novel, 'Alamo Rising' is a supernatural horror story about a curse unleashed in San Antonio, Texas, and is available in Kindle or paperback here.

 

Network with Bowie at his official website, ZombieBloodFights.com.

 

FIGHTS: Meet the Pit Fighters - Chain: Street Fighter

STREET THUG TRIES TO TURN HIS LIFE AROUND WITH MMA COMPETITION
by
Bowie V. Ibarra

Everyone has their own challenges to overcome.  Our next fighter is one of those.  He's a young scrapper with a  great heart that has not had the opportunities many others his age has.  But he has found hope in the cages of MMA where he can put his greatest skill on display:  Fighting.

Here he is:

NAME:  ALEJANDRO APPOLONIO PEREZ
NICKNAME:  CHAIN
BIRTHDAY:  JUNE 9, 1971
BIRTHPLACE:  ROBSTOWN, TEXAS
BILLED FROM:  SAN UVALDE, TEXAS
NATIONALITY:  AMERICAN
TRAINER:  N/A
FIGHTING STYLE:  STREET FIGHTING
SIGNATURE MOVES:  BUFFALO PUNCH
HEIGHT:  5'6"
WEIGHT:  185 LBS.

BACKGROUND

Chain is a pure street fighter.  He has had no formal training, and most of his skills were developed in scraps in back alleys, parks, and other places with enough room to fight.

Chain is around 22 years old when the story takes place in early 1993.  Apart from fighting, Chain enjoys lifting weights to build and maintain his strength for defending himself with ruthless aggression.  His baby face has been marked from fights throughout his life.

Chain is the child of Esmeralda Esparza and a man who never stepped forward as his father.  He had three older brothers and two younger sisters.  His mother was not much help raising them, as she worked two jobs seven days a week.  The duty of raising the children were passed to his grandmother, Constancia.  His older brothers bullied Chain growing up, and were equally disrespectful to their grandmother.  This caused Chain to snap one day, beating up the brother, who subsequently ran away from home.

Chain wears torn blue jeans and a leather jacket emblazoned with a patriotic American flag design.  He also wears a matching bandana around his head.  Underneath the jacket is a white t-shirt. 

Chain was recruited into San Uvalde International after fighting Vladymir Saltovsky in the middle of the dance floor at The Cadillac Ranch in San Uvalde.                

Here's his featured book trailer:

Follow the story of Chain as he finds a life for himself in the money fighting pits of the world in 'Pit Fighters'.  'Pit Fighters: Baptism by Fire' and 'Pit Fighters: Double Cross' are combat sports-themed books that features fights from the early days of MMA, and plenty of underground money fights.  You've got to check them out, and they're available on Kindle or paperback today.

 

 

BOWIE V. IBARRA is the author of the 'Down the Road' zombie horror series from Permuted Press and Simon and Schuster.  His latest story, 'Tejano Star and the Vengeance of Chaplain Skull' is a Tex-Mexploitation superhero story in the tradition of 'Machete' and 'Black Dynamite'.  Get it in paperback or Kindle today.

Bowie earned a BFA in Acting and MA in Theatre History from Texas State University.  Network with Bowie for updates and news at his official website, ZombieBloodFights.com.

FIGHTS: Meet the Pit Fighters - Vladymir Saltovsky: SAMBO

SOVIET SAMBO STYLIST SLAMS RIVALS IN THE PIT FIGHTERS BOOK SERIES
by
Bowie V. Ibarra

The United Soviet Socialist Republic underwent lots of changes in the 90s, bringing our next character the opportunity for change.  Here he is:

NAME:   VLADYMIR IGOR SALTOVSKY
NICKNAME:  N/A
BIRTHDAY:  MAY 1, 1964
BIRTH PLACE:  STAVNYSIBIRSK, SIBERIA, USSR
BILLED FROM:  SAN UVALDE, TEXAS
NATIONALITY:  SIBERIAN
FIGHTING STYLE:  SAMBO
TEACHER:  CAPTAIN DANCHENKO, MURAD VOLKHOV
SIGNATURE MOVES:  LEG LOCKS
HEIGHT:  6'8"
WEIGHT:  142 KG (about 310 LBS)

BACKGROUND

Vladymir was one of two sons of Sergei and Anya Saltovsky of Stavnysibirsk, Siberia.  Vladymir followed in his brother, Boris', footsteps and joined the Russian military.  There he learned SAMBO from Murad Volkhov and eventually became one of the coaches of the SAMBO team. 

Boris died in the Russian conflict in Afghanistan, and on the way to his funeral, his parents died in a car accident.  Vlad hit the bottle hard afterwards before pulling himself together and choosing to leave Mother Russia for the U.S. of A.

Vlad worked odd jobs throughout the American southwest, picking up both English and Spanish, and eventually worked his way to San Uvalde, Texas, where he earned a job as a bouncer at The Cadillac Ranch, and subsequently became a charter member of San Uvalde International.

Check out his book trailer at the link below:

VLADYMIR SALTOVSKY'S PIT FIGHTERS TRAILER

Follow the story of Vladymir in the 'Pit Fighters' combat sports series today.  'Pit Fighters: Baptism by Fire' and 'Pit Fighters: Double Cross' are combat sports-themed books that features fights from the early days of MMA, and plenty of underground money fights.  You've got to check them out, and they're available on Kindle or paperback today.

 

 

BOWIE V. IBARRA is the author of the 'Down the Road' zombie horror series from Permuted Press and Simon and Schuster.  His latest story, 'Tejano Star and the Vengeance of Chaplain Skull' is a Tex-Mexploitation superhero story in the tradition of 'Machete' and 'Black Dynamite'.  Get it in paperback or Kindle today.

Bowie earned a BFA in Acting and MA in Theatre History from Texas State University.  Network with Bowie for updates and news at his official website, ZombieBloodFights.com.

FIGHTS: Meet the Pit Fighters - Chin Wu: Shaolin Kung Fu

YOUNG SHAOLIN KUNG-FU MASTER FACES CHALLENGES IN MMA CAGES
by
Bowie V. Ibarra

Making the journey to discover the world is a kung-fu master from China.  He faces physical and philosophical challenges in San Uvalde as he puts his skills to the test in the MMA rings.

Here he is:

NAME:  CHIN WU
NICKNAME:  N/A
BIRTHDAY:  OCTOBER 4, 1973
BIRTHPLACE:  ZHENGZHOU, HENANG PROVINCE, CHINA
BILLED FROM:  SAN UVALDE, TEXAS
NATIONALITY:  CHINESE
FIGHTING STYLE:  SHAOLIN KUNG-FU
TEACHER:  SHAOLIN TEMPLE, YIN BAIWEN
SIGNATURE MOVES:  BACKFLIP KICK
HEIGHT:  5'7"
WEIGHT:  150 lbs.

BACKGROUND

Chin Wu had been orphaned at the age of four in Shanghai.  He was sent to the Shaolin temples in Zhengzhou, China, near the Yellow River, shortly before his fifth birthday.  After waiting several days in front of the door of the temple, he was allowed in.

            Strict discipline, intense training, and spiritual meditation dictated Chin’s life.  For the next 10 years, Chin Wu became an expert in Shaolin Kung-Fu, mastering the Five Animal System, advanced Shaolin Kung-Fu techniques, Chinese Boxing, and Drunken Style.  He also mastered many weapons techniques, including the moy fah gim (Plum Blossom Saber) and the nau yip doe (tie-sheet blade).  However, his favorites were the sahm jit gwun (three section staff) and the goong seun gwun (Goong family staff).

            After staying with the Shaolin community longer than anticipated, Chin Wu was encouraged to leave the temple.  As one of the most articulate and intelligent students, they sent Chin Wu off with a wave and a smile, knowing that he would find his place in the world.

            Immigrating to the United States, Chin spent some time in San Francisco working in Chinatown.  For the next three years, Chin worked at a restaurant and picked up the English language. 

            American culture fascinated Chin, especially movies.  Although the friends Chin met in San Francisco treated him to the modern movies, nothing compared to the “spaghetti westerns” of the sixties.  Chin was enamored with the music, the stories, and the action.

            After several years in San Francisco, the wind blew Chin Wu to San Uvalde, Texas, where he heard word of a fellow Shaolin monk that had set up a temple in town out on a small patch of land near Fort Inge. Yin Baiwen has been his teacher ever since.

 

Here's his book trailer teaser:

 

 

Read more about Chin Wu in the 'Pit Fighters' series from ZBF.com.  'Pit Fighters: Baptism by Fire' and 'Pit Fighters: Double Cross' are combat sports-themed books that features fights from the early days of MMA, and plenty of underground money fights.  You've got to check them out, and they're available on Kindle or paperback today.

 

 

BOWIE V. IBARRA is the author of the 'Down the Road' zombie horror series from Permuted Press and Simon and Schuster.  His latest story, 'Tejano Star and the Vengeance of Chaplain Skull' is a Tex-Mexploitation superhero story in the tradition of 'Machete' and 'Black Dynamite'.  Get it in paperback or Kindle today.

Bowie earned a BFA in Acting and MA in Theatre History from Texas State University.  Network with Bowie for updates and news at his official website, ZombieBloodFights.com.

FIGHTS: Meet the Pit Fighters - William Campbell: Western Boxing

 A SCOTTISH BOXER COMPETES IN THE MMA CAGE IN THE 'PIT FIGHTERS' SERIES
by
Bowie V. Ibarra

A Scotsman looking to make a name for himself in MMA competition and boxing joins the stable of fighters of San Uvalde International.

Here's the lowdown:

NAME:  WILLIAM CAMPBELL
NICKNAME:  N/A
BIRTHDAY:  APRIL 28, 1963
BIRTHPLACE:  DUNDEE, SCOTLAND
BILLED FROM:  SAN UVALDE, TEXAS
NATIONALITY:  SCOTTISH
FIGHTING STYLE:  WESTERN BOXING
TRAINER:  ANGUS McKINNON
SIGNATURE MOVES:  UPPERCUT FLURRY
HEIGHT:  6'4"
WEIGHT:  21 STONE (ABOUT 290 LBS)

BACKGROUND

William was the sixth child of eight siblings.  Growing up in Dundee was rough on William, who quickly earned a reputation as a scrappy fighter in is early school days.  Ironically enough, when it came to settling issues between his siblings, he always chose the diplomatic route over fisticuffs.

When he was fifteen, William was encouraged by his father to join a boxing club in Dundee.  It was a blessing and a way for William to stay out of trouble on the streets, even though most people stayed well away from him at this point.  His size, intimidating.  His reputation, fearsome.

            Angus McKinnon, a former boxer, took him under his wing at his gym.  He helped William win his first super-heavyweight title at twenty-four, led William on a good run of victories in the UK and Europe.  But William would squander his winnings on wine, women, and song.  Those bad habits eventually led to his downfall as a champion boxer.

 

            Now considered a washup, William took back alley money fights to pay the bills before returning to work with Angus again.  But even though he had honed his skills again, no one wanted to sign him because of his reputation as a drunk and philanderer. 

 

            So William took to the money fight circuit to earn a shot he had lost in America for the big time.  He took any and all fights available, even MMA fights, utilizing his superior size and hand skills to win matches.  He eventually caught the attention of Herbert Hess, who signed him on to the San Uvalde International stable.  The rest is history.

Here's his promo trailer:

CLICK HERE TO SEE WILLIAM'S BOOK TRAILER

Follow the adventures of William as he tries to reach his goal of fight sports glory in the 'Pit Fighters' series.  'Pit Fighters: Baptism by Fire' and 'Pit Fighters: Double Cross' are combat sports-themed books that features fights from the early days of MMA, and plenty of underground money fights.  You've got to check them out, and they're available on Kindle or paperback today.

 

 

BOWIE V. IBARRA is the author of the 'Down the Road' zombie horror series from Permuted Press and Simon and Schuster.  His latest story, 'Tejano Star and the Vengeance of Chaplain Skull' is a Tex-Mexploitation superhero story in the tradition of 'Machete' and 'Black Dynamite'.  Get it in paperback or Kindle today.

Bowie earned a BFA in Acting and MA in Theatre History from Texas State University.  Network with Bowie for updates and news at his official website, ZombieBloodFights.com.

FIGHTS: Meet the Pit Fighters - El Aire: Lucha Libre

MEXICAN LUCHADOR FEATURED FIGHTER IN ZBF.COM COMBAT SPORTS SERIES
by
Bowie V. Ibarra

Fighters from across the globe compete in the noted combat sports series, 'Pit Fighters' from ZBF.com.  One of them is a Mexican luchador who achieved fame and fortune in the pro-wrestling rings around the world.  But having achieved some of the highest honors in lucha libre, he has chosen to try his hand at mainstream mixed martial arts.

Here he is:

NAME:  EL AIRE
REAL NAME:  DIEGO VILLA (UNKNOWN PUBLICLY)
NICKNAME:  EL REY DEL CIELO
BIRTHPLACE:  MEXICO CITY, DF, MEXICO
BILLED FROM:  SAN UVALDE, TEXAS
NATIONALITY:  MEXICAN
FIGHTING STYLE:  LUCHA LIBRE
TRAINER:  EL PROFE
SIGNATURE MOVES:  THE SUPER CELL, CORKSCREW HEADBUTT
HEIGHT:  5'7"
WEIGHT:  86KG (190 LBS)

BACKGROUND

The free-wheeling and legendary lucha libre star, El Aire, is an outstanding athlete and lucha libre competitor.  He has earned titles in Mexico, Texas, and Japan.  He's also competed in the UK and Germany.  His name translates to 'The Air'.  His nickname translates to 'The King of the Skies'.  He earned that moniker because of all his high-flying aerial moves.

El Aire runs hard in the ring, giving his all for the fans and his own glory.  He also plays hard, spending long nights out with friends, drink, and women.

El Aire prefers suits to t-shirts, and is always dressed to the nines outside the ring.

Having reached many goals in lucha libre, El Aire decided to pursue the new sport of MMA in the united States.  He fights with his mask on.

His arch rival is Elena Maribel Navarro DeLaPena, a jilted lover and rich socialite who is determined to take his mask.

Here's his book trailer:

El Aire cuts a promo on Mesero VIII

Follow the adventures of El Aire in the combat sports series, 'Pit Fighters'.  'Pit Fighters: Baptism by Fire' and 'Pit Fighters: Double Cross' are combat sports-themed books that features fights from the early days of MMA, and plenty of underground money fights.  You've got to check them out, and they're available on Kindle or paperback today.

 

 

BOWIE V. IBARRA is the author of the 'Down the Road' zombie horror series from Permuted Press and Simon and Schuster.  His latest story, 'Tejano Star and the Vengeance of Chaplain Skull' is a Tex-Mexploitation superhero story in the tradition of 'Machete' and 'Black Dynamite'.  Get it in paperback or Kindle today.

Bowie earned a BFA in Acting and MA in Theatre History from Texas State University.  Network with Bowie for updates and news at his official website, ZombieBloodFights.com.

ZOMBIES: Recap - #TheWalkingDead Late Speculation/Notes "Indifference"

OLD WORLD PROBLEMS, ROSTER CUT, CRAPPY CARS HIGHLIGHT LATEST EPISODE
by
Bowie V. Ibarra

 

Another week down in the weekly z-day soapie, 'The Walking Dead'.  In 'Indifference', Rick finally addresses the large pink elephant in the room, a social issue of the old world rears its ugly head, and zeds get pwned.

 

But first, here's some predictions for this episode from my trusty wild speculators, R Thomas Riley, Jackie Druga, Army Ed, and Thomas (The VW Tech Guy)

 

Check it out:

R THOMAS RILEY
author of If God Doesn't Show from Permuted Press

I've got a real sick feeling in my stomach this week, folks. The prison is quickly becoming the new Farm. When I first starting writing this guest spot, I said I had a really healthy Love/Hate relationship with THE WALKING DEAD and that continues with this week's past episode. So here goes for this coming episode.

1) like I predicted, the group has been separated, Rick and company at the Prison, Daryl and company somewhere in the woods.

2) I'm thinking the goings on at the Prison may take a back seat this upcoming episode and we'll focus on Daryl and company.

3) This group will possibly lose a member, it should be "Bob" or whatever the heck his name is.

4) Daryl will be left in a very dangerous spot for the cliffhanger

5) there'll be a new group that's holed up in the Vet college, violence will commence

JACKIE DRUGA,
author of 'The Flu' series from Permuted Press

First just let me get my typical gripe out of the way. I hate the fact that they wrote all the Woodbury residents into the series, and now they have found a way to write them off. Gotta love that the immune are original cast. Hmmm. Maybe that has something to do with the illness.

My prediction is the illness is not what you think. I think Kirkman and writers got a hold of my book Flu 2 and stole the idea of taking a germ from a BSL lab. The Gov did that. It’s all him.

I called the Carol killed them thing. She and that little girl are doing the deeds. My prediction for next week, Rock finds out Carol is not alone. Hershel saves people but gets sick in the process and we find out that Michonne was actually a stay at home mom of a little boy who was snatched from the crib by walkers.

ARMY ED,
Special Weapons and Tactics Advisor to ZBF.com

Not sure where next weeks episode will go....I feel like the plague story arch will draw itself to the break... I think the second half of the season will involve to Gov. It would be interesting if the kill Glenn off to open the story up to new characters. they will keep Carol around because killing her would be too convenient, unless she sacrifices herself to save the sheriff. the next few episodes hopefully bring Tyrese into the fold as a major character and solidify his place in the group.

THOMAS,
VW TECH GUY

I see the team going out for meds having enough for a few, and Herschel gives up his meds for Glenn.

NOTES

FUEL ECONOMY AND THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE

So, we've seen that Hyundai made the right call for having its Hyundai Tucson set center stage in the Zombie Apocalypse.  And we've seen how Dodge has made its presence felt as well, with a Ram and a Charger being featured.  Ford got some action this weekend, too.  All I got to say is keep taking that free promo money, Walking Dead.

But what about fuel economy?  Here's how they stack up:
Hyundai Tucson:  4 cylinder, 2.4L, 21 city, 30 hwy, 25 average
Dodge Ram:  6 cylinder, 3.7L, 14 city, 20 hwy, 16 average
Dodge Charger:  6 cylinder, 3.6L, 18 city, 27 hwy, 21 average
Ford Taurus Wagon:  6 cylinder, 3L, 17 city, 25 hwy, 20 average
Plymouth Voyager:  4 cylinder, 2.4L, 18 city, 24 hwy, 20

So, what this says to me is the Tucson has the best fuel economy of the vehicles for those long trips.

Truth is, they need to find a VW TDI Turbo Diesel Passat or Jetta Wagon.  2L, 4 cylinder Turbo Diesel engine that will get in the 40s on long drives.

THE PLYMOUTH VOYAGER

Daryl and the search team uncovered a Plymouth Voyager on the trip hidden under some leaves.  Cover it back up, ya'll.

A SAD TRUTH IS DISCOVERED BY RICK

We learn in this episode as Carol and Rick are picking fresh tomatoes that Lori was a bad cook.  Specifically, she messed up pancakes.

How do you fuck up pancakes?  Did she not use eggs?  Was there not enough oil in the pan?  Was she not watching the bubbles?  Seriously, WTF?  The instructions are right there on the box.

Maybe she is better off dead.  Imagine her telling everybody she was going to make pancakes for everyone, and Rick is all like, 'Shit, I want to say something,' but then doesn't and everybody all looks at him all embarrassed and mad that he didn't say anything.  Lori has to stand there all dumb wondering what she did wrong.

ALCOHOLISM AND THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE

A social angle takes root in the series so far.  It's alcoholism, and Bob is the dude that is having to deal with his problem, and it has twice affected the folks around him.  The dude was ready to die over a bottle of whiskey. 

But lets face it, folks.  That was a premium bottle of whiskey by the look of it.  However, he should decide there whether he enjoys living, or the drink.  If its the drink, then cut him loose.  I'm surprised they didn't, even after he confessed to starting the ruckus at the grocery store.

I'm not going to front, I drink.  But I've got priorities.

Oh, who am I kidding.  I would have fought a small squad of zombies over that bottle of hooch, too.  I'm drinking some Jim Beam on the rocks as I speak.  Or write.

CAROL'S OFF THE TEAM

At the end of the supply run with Carol, Rick makes the executive decision to cut her from the roster as she's going to be a liability once Tyrese finds out she lit his sick girlfriend on fire to try to contain the outbreak.  She gets the Ford Taurus Wagon as a consolation gift.  As we've established, she could have done worse with the Voyager.

So with Carol riding the rails, will The Governor pick her up on the waiver wire?  Will the Voyager have enough gas to get back the 50+ miles to the prison?  There's my prediction.  We'll see how it plays out next week.

And if you enjoyed the blog, support the blogger by picking up one of his zombie horror titles. 

 Down the Road, Down the Road: On the Last Day, and Down the Road: The Fall of Austin.  Pick them up in paperback or Kindle today.

 

 

BOWIE V. IBARRA earned his BFA in Acting and MA in Theatre History from Texas State University.  Network with Bowie at his official website, ZombieBloodFights.com today.