February 20, 2012
Sites We Love – 06: Redbubble
For any geek, nerd, fanboy or fangirl who hasn’t heard of Redbubble, let me introduce you to your new obsession. Redbubble is a lot like Cafepress, but better organized, with better quality art and shirts. And if you’re an artist, you can submit your own work and make a bit of money. Alex and I are all about supporting local and lesser known artists, which is another reason why we love this site. So go and check it out, I dare you to try and not get addicted.
Oh, and while you’re there, be sure to check out a few shirts I’ve designed..
To be honest this spot almost went to the Daleks from Dr. Who. But as I reassessed the #5 spot I decided to go with the Tripods. In Speilberg’s War of the Worlds these things are just brutal. Buried within the Earth and driven by an alien force that shows up in lightning storms. Their destructive power is showcased in an awesome moment when people try and investigate what’s happening. The theme of our own history with the Native Americans is another tremendous aspect to these ETs. Aesthetically they are a pretty cool piece of alien technology that actually mirrors their physical appearance. The Tripods are a very ruthless, but very enjoyable extra terrestrial experience.
The Strangers are a very vampire-esque alien species. In Dark City they create this total noir environment that really makes an impression, and puts them on this list. Their whole mission of human manipulation and study as their driving force just makes them so fun to watch. The fact that they are parasites just adds to the whole vampire aspect of them. They are ever present and all powerful and a great alien villain.
This species gave us Darth Maul and Savage Opress, that’s almost enough said right there. My reason for liking them is mainly these two characters. Darth Maul is basically everyone’s favorite part of Episode I (if not please let me know what else there is to like about that movie). He is a fast, furious lightsaberist who just flat out looks remarkable. Sure, he went out like a punk, but putting that aside he is still one of the coolest things to happen to Star Wars. Then you have Savage Opress. If you aren’t watching Clone Wars right now, you should be (it’s rad). This new character makes a good show even better. Honestly if a 3rd cool Zabrak character shows up, I may have a stroke.
Sure they just look like normal dudes. They have two hearts and that’s about all that physically distinguishes them from humans. But the last of their species, the Doctor, has something that is so cool. The TARDIS. Being able to travel in time and space makes the timelords an easy number two for my list. They are able to see and do things other aliens can’t even dream of. On top of that, they regenerate. With each regeneration comes a new face, a new personality.. a new person! This makes for a lot of good television to watch as each doctor has his adventures with his human companion.
The Krogan in the Mass Effect series are the end all be all of alien warriors. Living on a planet where predators are a constant threat, as well as the major cause of death, the Krogan embrace violence as a way of life. These reptilian looking aliens are hostile and impatient, but man when you have one on your side in Mass Effect, you are happy to have him. Their culture and mannerisms are very well developed for a video game species. Whether it’s Wrex or Grunt, it’s great to have them in your shore party any chance you get. If you haven’t played these games yet your missing out on a ton, not least of which is a chance to experience these astounding alien behemoths of combat.
I’m not sure if it is something we will out grow with age, but Alex and I have this almost obsession with decorating our apartment with items that pertain to our interests. I think most people, when decorating their places, will stick to a certain color scheme or “look”, but Alex and I see something like my Tardis cookie jar, or his legendary edition Halo Reach statue and this “That would look awesome in the apartment!”
