Ok, here goes. First time I’ve had time to do feedback in ages.
“THE WORLD CHAMPION OF THE WORLD” (Dan White) – Nice segment from Dan, nothing that’s going to set the world alight but it does its job. The prospect of the World Champion giving out an open challenge for his world title is a very interesting one and sets up his reign as one of a fighting champion, I’m interested anyway.
“A Champion With Pride? Pshhhh” (Thunder Train) – I‘m liking the serious, focused Train and the prospect of him gunning for Dan’s title is a very interesting one. One thing that let this segment down, I suspect through no fault of Train’s, is the fact he says Dan is ducking him when in fact Dan just issued an open challenge. Not a big issue really, just stuck out to me.
“You, get me moniez” (The Red Panther) – The description of Andy seemed slightly rushed. I would’ve liked to have read more about his simmering hatred for his employer. To be honest this segment in general felt slightly lacklustre and hashed together. Andy didn’t even seem enthusiastic about his own plan, how exactly is he supposed to convince Panther to get behind it? Also the “sold 3 copies” bit was wasted...that could’ve easily made an amusing angle if Panther had done promotion for it only for official sales figures to reveal it crapped out. Then Panther could’ve been totally broke and having to struggle to survive. I’m just thinking out loud here, but it could’ve worked!
“A Desperate Man” (Jason Freeman) – Oh that Freeman, he’s a cunning bastard. I don’t know what he’s got up his sleeve but I’m sure it spells trouble for the International Champ. Nice little segment this, it wasn’t a 2000 word epic but it didn’t need to be. It was sharp, concise, and to the point. Most importantly, though, it was well written and interesting. His change from “perhaps he was too confident” to “there will be no defeat” was a little too quick for my liking. I think a self-deprecating Jason Freeman would really be able to get the fans behind him, and ride their wave of support into coming back better than ever.
“Qualifying” (VorteX) – Good stuff from Tex here. You could really sense the building despair around his character’s situation, he’s truly stuck between a rock and a hard place and it’s going to be fascinating to see if he can get himself out of it.
“Interview” (Michael Smart) – Classic Smart here with Daniel completely acting the fool. I’m a big fan of Smart’s work and this segment was a good example of why. He brought some comedy to the pretty standard situation of Kevin trying to get an interview by having Daniel decide he was going to do it instead. The “no comment” was a genius touch in my opinion, and it set up the comedy of Kevin’s sarcastic sign off which made it all the better.
“A lil bit of back and forth” (Chris Phenomenal / Dave Shadow) – Good segment from this pair that builds some nice animosity between them leading into their EotR matchup. I do have a couple of criticisms, though. Firstly, some of the dialogue between the pair seemed slightly forced. This, in particular, stood out for me; “You’d recall what happened better than I would but if my memory holds true...” I personally believe that could’ve been written to seem far more natural. I’d personally say something more along the lines of, “I’m sure I don’t have to remind you about what happened last time we met...” Also, some of the descriptive interludes between dialogue were a tad vague for my liking. Saying “the look on Chris’ face” just seems a tad bland, why not just describe his facial expression? He could look smug, he could be smiling, or he could be smirking? Overall, though, I did enjoy the segment. I just wanted to impart a bit of constructive criticism.
“Past Decisions, Present Dilemmas” (AK/ Dave Shadow) – Really enjoyed this segment. To be honest this whole body of work between AK and Shadow has been fantastic. The dialogue felt very natural, a skill I’m a huge fan of, and in this they managed to build up a whole heap of intrigue by actually saying the bare minimum. One thing that made me laugh though was AK saying “...if we want to solve this mystery once and for all.” I couldn’t help thinking it sounded like something you’d hear on Scooby Doo.
“Untitled” (Uncredited) – TK is the King of hype when it comes to ACW. No-one has ever done it better and this segment is another testament to that fact. I’m already excited about reading Thunderkiss Reborn after finishing this segment. The shoot element to the start of the segment transitioning into a more stereotypical promo was a very nice touch in my opinion.
“Finding the Money” (The Red Panther) – This segment can be described in two words: comic relief. Don’t get me wrong, that isn’t an insult, it’s actually intended as praise. In ACW there needs to be a balance between the seriousness of a lot of what goes on and just funny stuff – look at Thunder Train. Basically I’m saying that I’m looking forward to seeing more of the Jimmy Winner character, just in a very long winded way.
“A little flashback” (Jason Freeman) – I love devious underhanded Jason Freeman, he does it so well. I could literally picture his sleazy grin as he manipulated Chloe Roberts in this segment, knowing he has her exactly where he wants her. This angle of manipulating Chloe could be a real father in Freeman’s cap if he uses it sparingly and well. The confusing thing is, however, whether Freeman is a face or a heel. Since Omega Effect he seemingly flits between the two and it’s a tad confusing.
“DOCTOR FEELGOOD” (Rena Matheson / The Reprobate) – Rena comes through in fine style as ACW’s resident slut once again! I joke; this angle actually has me intrigued because I want to see what Rep can do as Jake Steele. One thing does have me concerned, though. Every time Rena does a dating angle with someone they seem to act very similarly. Surely Steele would be more of the arrogant-but-still-loving-deep-down kind of boyfriend as opposed to the doting, needy one? Just my opinion, but that would seem more organic considering the history of the Jake Steele character.
“Good things come to an end…officially” (Jonny Spade) – It’s a shame to see the end of G-Unit but, to be honest, they’re a team of the past. Great as they were I think that’s where they belong. I’m excited to see Spade/King as a team though, guess it’s true about windows being opened when doors close. One thing that confused me though...where did the garage door come from?
“Blink!” (Dave Shadow) – Dave once again shows why people have dubbed him “the future of ACW”. I really enjoyed this segment, it showed you don’t have to do anything fancy or crazy to make a good segment, just sitting and talking will do. Also, the explanation of “Blink” is quality!
“Revenge for Gramps” (Dan White / Chris Phenomenal) – For one, this seemed pretty weak for so-called revenge. Other than that this was a solid segment from these two which will hopefully build to something more substantial...well that’s what’s hinted anyway. One thing that stood out for me was the complete randomness of the line “Fuck everyone from the 313, we reppin’ the London Silly Nannies.” It was out of place, unnecessary and seemingly pointless. I’m still unsure why it was included to be honest.
“Press conference, 'cus I'm generic” (The Red Panther) – I’m sorry but this segment was awful. There was no point to it whatsoever. The rant about Dave was nonsensical, Ali is the greatest...not Tyson, and it makes no sense for Panther to say Red has achieved nothing unless it’s to intentionally make him look dense. The Rena cum comment was probably the only semi-entertaining thing in here.
“TESING!TESTING! 1 2 3” (Rena Matheson / The Reprobate) – I was going to slate this but, to be perfectly honest, it served a purpose so I won’t. You can’t really say much else though.
“Why have my solo talking segments sucked lately? ” (Jason Freeman) – This doesn’t suck, but I don’t think it’s up to par with what had proceeded it to be honest. It just seemed a little half-arsed and rushed so maybe that’s why you think it sucked? This segment made a brief mention of Freeman’s chase for International Championship gold before focusing on EotR. I personally believe Freeman should be totally focused on EotR this month. It would’ve worked a lot better if he’d talked about not only beating Shadow but then going on to win the World Title and prove he’s of another class by holding THE title.
“I Like Egg, I Like Rice, Egg Fried Rice” (Dan White / Thunder Train) – Slightly odd segment if I’m honest. I was reading and thinking “cool, Train vs. Dan for the title” but then Train accepted a Nando’s voucher instead of a title shot?! It makes no sense...what happened to intense Train? Or Dan “fighting champ” White?
“A Final Statement” (The Senator / Chris Phenomenal) – It’s a damn shame that Senator’s retiring, ACW won’t quite be the same without him (in character anyway). It was nice to see him go out on a parting shot though, showing he’s still the word-twisting, untrustworthy Senator that we remember.