Author Archives: Martin Mulrooney

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About Martin Mulrooney

I am a professional writer and editor from the UK. I graduated with a B.A. (Hons) degree in Media and Film in 2009, specialising in Print Journalism and Advanced Screenwriting. I created Alternative Magazine Online soon after.
by | 23/11/2009 · 12:00 pm

GAME REVIEW – Machinarium

By Marty Mulrooney

machinariumheader

The first thing that strikes you about Machinarium, the new point and click adventure game from Amanita Design (creators of Samorost 1&2),  are its graphics. Showing a dense robot city full of hustle and bustle, the artwork on display is never anything less than stunning, elevating the material far above its Adobe Flash-based engine. (Usually used for short, online-only games.)

The next thing you notice is the sound design. This game features amazing background music and sound-effects, perfectly suited to the onscreen visuals. It really is a delightful pleasure to load up an independent game from a small Czech development studio and be blown away, in this day and age of HD graphics and next-gen console gaming, by an indie offering.

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by | 21/11/2009 · 12:00 am

INTERVIEW – In Conversation With Philip Hunt (Studio AKA, Director Of Lost And Found)

By Marty Mulrooney

I recently watched an animated short called Lost and Found with a good friend of mine called Jamie. He is 4 years old. What amazed me was that, although this film is aimed at children (it is based on a children’s book that my little pal Jamie loves) it totally enthralled me as an almost-adult (I don’t think I’m there quite yet!)

I then went and read the aforementioned book and found the artwork and story as equally beautiful as what was shown in the film. I hope people can look beyond any initial preconceptions they may have and just appreciate what is ultimately a fantastic story. This 24 minute film is an absolute treasure.

It is therefore a great pleasure to be able to present a conversation between myself and the director of Lost and Found, Studio AKA’s Philip Hunt, put together exclusively for Alternative Magazine Online.

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by | 19/11/2009 · 4:30 pm

Book Review – Druids 1: The Ogham Sacrifice (Graphic Novel)

By Marty Mulrooney

Druids The Ogham Sacrifice

Druids 1: The Oghmam Sacrifice is a graphic novel that has just been released by Dalen Books (publishers of Celtic graphic novels in English and Welsh). They describe it as:

The first volume of a gothic thriller set in the Age of the Saints. There is turmoil in the 5th century Celtic periphery of Europe – an age of change at the end of the Roman Empire and an age of conflict between peoples and religions. Oppressed by Saxons to the east, many of the Celts of Britain have colonised Armorica in Gaul. Gwynlan, the last of the Druids, is caught in a mysterious battle for survival against the monks of the church. Accusations of depravity, murder, sacrifice and sorcery are rife, but the old gods are at hand to assist the righteous.

I would describe Druids as a graphic novel that I started to read with some interest, before being totally sucked in and enthralled. This really is a little gem!

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by | 18/11/2009 · 12:00 am

INTERVIEW – In Conversation With Everett Peck, Animator, Cartoonist And Creator Of Duckman

By Marty Mulrooney

DUCKMAN DVD COVER

As a huge animation fan, I must confess that my favourite animated series of all time is cult-classic Duckman. An animated sitcom that ran from 1994-1997, Duckman was an adult cartoon that told the story of a private detective duck and his sidekick, Cornfed, a Joe Friday-esque pig. Rather than being adult just for the sake of it (I’m looking at you South Park!) Duckman had a lot to say, and was actually quite sophisticated with its humour and plot.

Sadly, the show seemed to falter ratings-wise due to the adult nature which made it so very different from everything else in the first place, and the frankly moronic assumption that cartoons are just for kids. It was cancelled after only 70 episodes, but still retains a cult following even today.

Duckman was (and still is) adult entertainment of the highest order, a show that makes me laugh out loud whenever I’m feeling low. Recently, Alternative Magazine Online was lucky enough to speak to series creator Everett Peck about his hilarious creation. Here is what he had to say!

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