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Show [FFricIa^March DiversionsThe Utah Statesman 972007"^ Big-time heroes turning to the small screen (. Despite the recent box Mack Perry office success of Marvel ' Entertainment's "Ghost I Rider" film and the highly anticipated release of "Spiderman 3" on the horizon, many media analysts have predicted that the Golden Age of successful superhero films TV Rots Your may be coming to end. Brain? That is, of course, after mackp(3>cc.usu.edu 2008, a year crowded with sequels and spinoffs including Christopher Nolan's "Batman Begins," sequel "The Dark Knight," and the Hugh Jackman-helmed "Wolverine" spin-off. Even thougn there appears to be no shortage of big screen spandex-clad shenanigans for the time being, the analysts might still be right because the real draw for comic book fans and mainstream film-goers curious about the most prevalent icons ofmodern pop culture mythology may lie no further than the television set. By trading in their swanky tights and epic budgets for clever character deconstruction and intimate, serialized storytelling, the heroes of the small screen just might upstage their .marquee-adorning counterparts and imbue the • television landscape with a few extraordinary powers of their own. Despite the nation's current cultural obsession with flamboyant costumes, special abili1 ties and alter-egos, well-received television outings inspired oy the panels of comic books aren't exactly a recent development. In the 1950s, George Reeves brought the •Americana-derived majesty and magic of .Superman to life and defined the Man of Steel for the first generation of television viewers in "The Adventures of Superman." :• Inspired by the art deco design movement, the Fleischer cartoons of the 1940s, and Japanese anime, Bruce Timm's Emmy-awardwinning '90s series "Batman: The Animated Series" completely revolutionized American animation and, to this day, remains the definitive interpretation of the Dark Knight, on both the small and big screen. Also, partially inspired by the exploits of Kitty Pryde of X-Men fame, Joss Whedon's "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and its prematurely cancelled spin-off "Angel" combined witty dialogue and flawless characterization witn challenging supernatural metaphors to form two of the greatest genre shows of all time. But even though each of these groundbreaking series furthered the potential for comic book-inspired storytelling on television, they were unable to bring mainstream popularity to the superhero genre the same way that Bryan Singer's "X-Men" films and Sam Raimi's "Spiderman" series were able to bring people who had never picked up a comic book in their life to the theatre. Although the television interpretations of DCs big two appealed to adults, they were definitely intended for a younger audience, and while Whedon's snarky slayer gained status as a pop culture icon, her television outings were never able to gain widespread popularity despite developing a loyal cult following. But, with the growing box office success of superhero films guaranteeing the continual presence of costumed crime-righting in the public's collective unconscious, it would only be a matter of time before the concept would find an audience on the small screen. And good timing is precisely what "Heroes" creator Tim Kring attributes to the success of KRT photo NBC's new breakout hit. That, and the fact that the taught, focused narrative of Kring's super-powered drama has made short form, comic-book style storytelling format accessible to anyone. A must-watch series filled with captivating twists and jaw-dropping cliffhangers, "Heroes" reinterprets the idea of ordinary human beings obtaining special abilities in the same vein as Alan Moore's landmark graphic novel "Watchmen," by focusing on how these new abilities change the character's lives in a very realistic and compelling fashion. And for viewers who have grown weary of shows that seem to move at a glacial pace and make it a habit of keeping everybody in the dark when it comes to resolving key issues or answering important questions (I'm looking at you, "Lost"), "Heroes" is a breath of fresh air. With complex tales that move at breakneck speed and leave you wanting more before the oh-so-inevitable "to be continued..." key hits the screen, "Heroes" never misses a beat and essentially serves as a lesson in ingenious pacing. Another highlight of the popular series is the "heroes" themselves. From Peter Petrelli, an idealistic hospice nurse who discovers that he can to absorb the abilities of others like a sponge, to Matt Parkman, an LAPD cop that can hear peoples' thoughts, the show's relatable ensemble expands on the everyman concept introduced by Stan Lee with Spiderman's alter-ego Peter Parker. The standout performances on the show, however, belong to Masi Oka as affable timetraveling geek Hiro Nakamura and Hayden Panetierre as the indestructible cheerleader Claire Bennet. Nakamura's journey with his loyal companion Ando is filled with great comedic moments and poignant heroic truisms while Claire's strained relationship with her father, an enigmatic Atticus Finch-type "paper salesman" with unclear motives and a • HEROIC TV STARS OF THE TV m 'HEROES/ Milo Ventimiglia (Peter Petrelli), left, and Masi Oka (Hiro Nakamura) strike a pose for the Today show crowd. see page 7 A Celtic good time to be had at the Eccles Theatre From page 4 Jamie (rane/jamiecrane@(cusu.edu FUNATICS is ALSO HOME to a monthly Halo contests, held in dedicated Halo rooms. Revolution X, Air Hockey and the ever-popular Mrs. PacMan. Yet a favorite of Mary Tate's, a USU sophomore in social work, is the blow-up bounce toy in the entrance. "It's not just for little kids! There's nothing like you have to be below 4 feet or under a certain amount of pounds," Tate said. "People are always surprised when I tell them they can jump in it," Zike said. She did say, however, that on one occasion, the bouncy hut deflated due to some malfunctioning. "We just thought we were fat," said Tate, laughing. Another attraction that Funatics offers is open pool tables for $6 an hour. "It's more private; It doesn't seem as crowded as other places," said Samantha Redford, a senior in high school. The clicking of billiards adds to the general laid-back atmosphere Funatics provides like the jerseys and movie posters hung on the wall. "There's something for everyone; its rockin," Tate said. Beyond these aspects, however, even those looking for a couple of laughs may find a source in the com- edy night that Funatics has monthly. Zike explained that sometimes about 200 people fill the entrance to watch a group of comedians perform their routines that frequently involve the audience. This month's comedy night will be March 28. "It's really open, and people can try out their own comedy if they want to," said Zike, who explained that the family-owned business is pretty open to suggestions. "They always have creative stuff going on too," Zike said, referring to halfoff nights and offers like a St. Patrick's day free drink with golf. Zike also said some people like the cash prizes, candy bars, Funatics T-shirts, McDonald's gift cards and other stuff that serve as the prizes for competitions. Overall, Funatics offers a break to enjoy cosmic golf, arcade games and a little bit of everything. Yet most of all, Zike finds that the people there just like hanging out and taking a break in a relaxing environment. She admits, though, that she's heard one too many times the puns on the name, saying "It was fun." —cpnthiadiane@cc.usu.edu BRIOGER FOLK M U S I C PRESS RELEASE Bridger Folk Music Society is proud to present Celtic Night on March 16 and 17 at the Ellen Eccles Theatre in Logan. The event is a fundraiser for the Cache Human : Society, which is trying to open a shelter to care for homeless pets. Several talented performers will be combining their talents and expertise for their third annual productions of this community event. Performers include Inishfre Irish Dance Company, the Celtic band Leaping Lulu and tenor Kent Braddy, presenting a full evening of "craic" (Gaelic for fun, dance, music, story and song). The event begins at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices rage from $8 to $16 and may be purchased at the Ellen Eccles Theatre, at 43 S. Main in Logan. Tickets may also be purchased on-line at www.bridgerfolk.org/celticnight. html or at the door. Inishfre Irish Dance hails from Logan. The company has been dancing and performing around the area since 2003. Started and directed by Julie Zufelt, the company consist of 20 dancers of different ages. Leaping Lulu will be performing a number of traditional Celtic selections along with several original compositions. In its sixth year, Leaping Lulu continues to push the envelop with their characteristic inventive dynamics and energetic arrangements. Braddy will perform a number of favorite songs and ballads. The son of two muscial theater majors, he has been exposed to singing and performing his entire life — he can't remember when he started singing becuase he was so young. Everyone is invited to come out and celebreate St. Patrick's Day and enjoy a spirited evening of good fun and merriment, Celtic style, all the while supporting a good cause. mmmm ?a it, *mi N • new lo CRIST Hrt*llMQ» I I I S. Mellh next to BRCAO COMPANY Buy any loaf Get 3 Bagels Brake System Inspection FREE m Itielmiett t Oheott MtaiUr Uyliniler. OlmoW Brnkn Muid tnnji&ct fcmargotipy Brnku, inapiHil Di-mim & HaUtra htip«ol Pads of Bhoen, lilnpeol brake Llttex »ntt Hums 10% off all services for USU B t u d G l l t B . 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