Weekender 20140206

weekender FRIDAY 02.06.15 | VVDailyPress.com

PAUL MCDERMAND ACCOMPLISHED PERCUSSIONIST TO PERFORM AT VVC Page 2

2 | Friday, February 6, 2015 |

CONTENTS ON THE COVER

COVER STORY PAUL MCDERMAND

Popular percussionist brings distinct sound

By Jeff Cooper

Weekender

for weekender

Paul McDermand sits with his steel drums and percussion instruments. COURTESY OF LIVE ON STAGE INC.

4 | NEW ON DVD Releases available in stores this week

5 | MUSIC Reviews of albums released this week

6 & 7 | BEST BETS Selected events of interest

8 | LOOKING AHEAD Other top picks of upcoming events

11 | DINING OUT Reviews and listings of local restaurants

MORE ONLINE Patricia Sanchez covers the music scene in Southern California in her blog 505 Reasons to Believe the Hype.

Follow her on our website at www.vvdailypress.com.

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@vvdailypress

Weekender Editor | Gary Brodeur | 760-951-6245 | gbrodeur@vvdailypress.com SUBMISSIONS: Send items to weekender@vvdailypress.com and cc gbrodeur@vvdailypress.com. Deadline is two weeks prior to the event.

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VICTORVILLE — Percussionist Paul McDermand takes center stage on Sunday with his unique presentation of steel drums and marimba accompanied by a traditional five-piece band.

Once a freelance musician who played with heavyweights such as Natalie Cole, Moody Blues and Johnny Cash, McDermand in recent years has moved his talent to the spotlight, transforming the steel drums into a lyrical experience.

“I find most people may be put off by the idea of a steel drum because they don’t know what it is, but steel drums are so dulcet and sweet and lyrical,” McDermand said. “I don’t know what it is, but their sound always puts people’s toes in the sand and makes them forget about the clock.”

Having grown up in Chicago, McDermand credits his musical family in helping him achieve his musical success.

Percussionist Paul McDermand will appear with his five-piece band Sunday at Victor Valley College Performing Arts Center. “The steel drums sort of clicked for me and were something I always had a knack for,” he said. COURTESY OF LIVE ON STAGE INC.

“There was always music in the house. The steel drums sort of clicked for me and were something I always had a knack for,” McDermand said.

He took lessons when he was younger. As he matured, McDermand said it was then he realized how risky of a business music was.

One day he asked his

father how he could be so supportive to him in something that is usually wrought with failure and risk.

“My father said, ‘If you had appeared to be good at

anything else, I would have pushed you that way,” McDermand said.

McDermand spent most of his younger years where SEE MCDERMAND, A9

★★ ½ stars

Tribune News Service

Grade: C+ Cast: Antonio Banderas, and the voices of Tom Kenny, Bill Fagerbakke, Mr. Lawrence, Clancy Brown.

Directed by Paul Tibbitt, script by Glenn Berger and Jonathan Aibel. A Nickelodeon/Paramount release.

Running time: 1:30.MPAA Rating: PG for mild action and rude humor.

Spongebob Squarepants goes where Homer Simpson and others have gone before, an animated character who steps out of his colorful 2D world and into our 3D one, in “The Spongebob Movie: Sponge out of Water.� But what his movie lacks in originality or freshness it compensates for in loopiness.

A battle to defend The Krabby Patty burger shack is fought “with relish.�

And french fries. And ketchup and mustard. “Unleash the condiments!�

Bubbles, a pan-dimensional dolphin who monitors the Earth and protects it from mid-space collisions, takes a potty break, and comes back with toilet paper stuck to his tail. “That’s kinda gross!�

And that pirate who sings the title tune? He becomes Burger-Beard, who pirates the Krabby Patty secret sauce recipe, and is played by highcamp counselor Antonio

Banderas in full bellow. “The sandwich gods are angry with us!�

A bit, yes. But also amused by you, just a little.

First, Spongebob (the voice of Tom Kenny) and pal Patrick (Bill Fagerbakke) must fend off their oneeyed nemesis, Plankton (Mr. Lawrence), who wants that secret sauce to save his Chum Bucket eatery from Bikini Bottom bankruptcy.

As usual. Then, when that recipe vanishes into thin sea-water, the three rivals

cross over and things turn a tad trippy. A visit inside Spongebob’s cottoncandy-packed skull is only half of it. Ideas borrowed from “The Simpsons� and “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy� pop up, not that kids will pick up on that.

The gags, puns mostly, skew quite young. And those Patrick Star (as Mr. Superawesomeness), Mr. Krabs (as Sir Pinchthings Spongebob does that A-Lot), Squidward Tentacles (as Sour Note) and SpongeBob SquarePants (as The Invincibubble) in ‘The Spongebob Movie: Sponge drive his onscreen castmates nuts — the shrieks Out of Water,’ from Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies. and giggles and songs — PARAMOUNT PICTURES are pitched to be a lot more must team up to recover Brown) frets about all the irritating to adults than to it from a different reality, cash he’ll lose if he loses small fry. Perhaps not as a 3D world that looks a bit his recipe and his legendary irritating as the 3D ticket like Venice Beach. (actually burger flipper Spongebob. prices demanded for what Georgia). “You were like an is essentially an extended Spongebob giggles. Grat- under-paid SON to me!� episode of the TV show. ingly. Spongebob shrieks.

So very childish. But But if “nautical nonsense�

Spongebob sings, annoy- halfway into the film, and that fingernails-oning one and all. It’s a sappy Spongebob and Patrick song about teamwork. “It’s better when you plus me equals...WEEEEee!�

Squidward squirts a little ink, seagulls sing and poop, and Mr. Krabby (Clancy

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SEVENTH SON (PG-13)

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AMERICAN SNIPER (R)

(Fri, Sat, Sun, 1:00) 4:00, 7:00, 10:00

PROJECT ALMANAC (PG-13)

(Fri, Sat, Sun, 1:00) 4:00, 7:00, 9:45

THE WEDDING RINGER (R)

(Fri, Sat, Sun, 1:15) 4:15, 7:15, 9:40

Coming Friday, Feb 13 FIFTY SHADES OF GREY (R) KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE (R)

an-underwater-blackboard voice are something you wish, drop off the kiddies and give ’em some cash.

Friday, February 6, 2015 | 3

By Roger Moore

|

‘Spongebob’ steps out of water for his latest movie

Weekender

MOVIE REVIEW

4 | Friday, February 6, 2015 |

MOVIES NEW ON DVD

‘John Wick,’ ‘Dear White People’ top DVD releases this week

Weekender

By Rick Bentley The Fresno Bee

Keanu Reeves’ comeback and a new twist on an old story are among new DVD releases this week.

“John Wick” Grade B

Keanu Reeves turns in one of his most intense performances playing the retired contract killer.

Once he’s forced back to work, the only thing that can stop him from getting total revenge is running out of bullets.

Reeves brings just the right amount of killing

tenacity, tempered by a five-year absence from the job, to make Wick formidable yet slightly vulnerable.

The screenplay by Derek Kolstad is loaded with leaps of logic.

They aren’t as blatant because director Chad Stahelski never lets the action slow down. This is a film built on body counts.

“Dracula Untold” Grade C

The film is entertaining, just not memorable. It eventually will become the kind of heavily repeated

feature film that cable channels use to fill weekend afternoons when there’s nothing original to air.

Since the direction is so mundane, the film needed its actors to turn in compelling performances. Luke Evans has neither the charisma nor the muscle to make Vlad the same kind of captivating character that Dracula has been in past productions.

Sarah Gadon’s work as Vlad’s wife is so colorless that she often blends into the scenery.

“Dear White People”

“The Best of Me”

“Ouija”

Grade B-

Grade F

Happiness”: Psychiatrist is frustrated he can’t give his patients real happiness.

Simon Pegg stars.

of scares.

a new start.

the Feeling Flu.

“The Overnighters”: Struggling Americans hit the road in hopes of finding

“Care Bears: Share Your Care”: Bears have their usual feelings switch by

“Foyle’s War”: The final season of the series starring Michael Kitchen.

Grade B

A pair of former high school sweethearts Director/writer Justin reunite after many Simien looks at race issues on an Ivy League years when they return to visit their small college campus during hometown. the Obama era.

No one has ever Despite the tendency accused Nicholas to want to believe that Sparks of being subtle society is crawling out when it comes to layerfrom under the ugly ing on the emotional shadow of bigotry, levels in his writing.

“Dear White People” offers a reminder that in That’s fine as long as the sentimentalmany ways racism has ity doesn’t become become more abhorso heavy it becomes rent because it’s done crushing. “The Best of in such a subversive Me” suffers that fate. manner.

The scariest thing about the new horror film is that you might get crushed under its pile of cliches or fall out of your seat from boredom.

From the blonde who becomes the first fodder for the creature in a cursed house to the insistence all efforts to stop the spirit can only be done in the dead of night, the makers of this release wouldn’t recognize an original idea if it was spelled out on a Ouija board.

Should you go see this movie? Do whatever you have to do to move the planchette to say “NO.”

ALSO NEW ON DVD “Wonder Years Season 2”: Contains 17 episodes of the TV series.

“Richard Pryor: Omit the Logic”: Documentary that examines the legacy of the comedian.

“Anzac Girls”: Based on the true story of five Australian and New Zealand nurses during World War I. “Demon’s Rock”: Residents of a quiet town must deal with an evil that comes through a portal.

“Exists”: Five friends find terror on the back roads of Texas.

“Boys”: Mischa Kamp’s award-winning story of

two track stars finding their first love.

“Pom Poko”: Film about the clash between modern civilization and the natural world.

“The Reagans: The Legacy Endures”: Documentary about the 40th president.

“Coffee Town”: Efforts are made to save a favorite coffee shop.

“Leslie Charteris: The Saint, Set 2”: Simon Dutton plays Simon Templar.

“Starry Eyes”: Aspiring actress gets role to die for.

“Hector and the Search for

“Starred Up”: Teen fights for his life after being transferred to an adult prison facility.

“Tales from Earthsea”: Based on the “Earthsea “ fantasy book series.

“Video Games: The Movie”: Chronicle of the rise of the video game industry.

“Zombie Killers: Elephant’s Graveyard”: Small band of young adults are trained to protect their city.

“ABCs of Death 2”: The film features 26 chapters

Expires 5/31/15

PopMatters.com (TNS)

BOB DYLAN

‘Shadows in the Night’ The whole idea of the gravel-throated Bob Dylan singing material that Frank Sinatra covered seems absurd.

Dylan is well-known for having a terrible voice, Sinatra for having a great one. However, Dylan manages to successfully cover Sinatra by using a method made famous by the Chairman of the Board. He doesn’t try to compete with Sinatra. He knows better than that.

Dylan croons softly, showing those who bestowed titles on him because of his influence during the ‘60s mistook relevance for his love of song. He’s always displayed his reverence for the music that preceded him, and “Shadows in the Night” is clearly an act of love and honor.

— Steve Horowitz

MOUNT EERIE

‘Sauna’ Within each song, if not in every moment, “Sauna” has its own kind of physical duality.

“Sauna” can be disorienting at times, but more to the point, it has a peculiar way of feeling like listening to two overlapping albums that follow perpendicular impulses.

At many times,

“Sauna” is like a journal of lonely walks in the woods, the reveries to be found in the absence of other people replacing the dramas of their presence.

Even when the journeys are more mundane, Mount Eerie finds the illumination of experience among the “wet rocks and dark sand.”

Inverted, reordered, even exploded; underneath the album’s conscious sonic readjustments, the heart of Mount Eerie beats as it long has.

— Ian King

MURDER BY DEATH

‘Big Dark Love’ Murder By Death has been an album-centric band since their 2003 sophomore release, “Who Will Survive, and What Will Be Left of Them?”

With certain records, they’ve written each song as a chapter in a narrative whole; on others, the songs are separate and linked by a singular theme.

“Big Dark Love” fits into the latter category.

Here the Indiana quintet tackles various perspectives on the concept of love. The 10 songs composing the record are largely impressionistic vignettes, glimpses into narrators’ mindsets rather than the constructed stories of the band’s past.

This may disappoint some fans at first, but the approach benefits the

theme of such a mercurial emotion as love. Like each Murder By Death album, “Big Dark Love” requires repeated spins to provide the listener with all of its rewards.

— Cole Waterman

JOHN CARPENTER

‘Lost Themes’ The title “Lost Themes” surely implies that we are getting a soundtrack’s worth of music that has been deleted from the 15 films that John Carpenter has both scored and directed.

This is, however, somewhat misleading. “Lost Themes” is a collection of all original instrumental songs by Carpenter, in collaboration with his son Cody Carpenter and his godson Daniel Davies.

“Lost Themes” certainly sounds a lot like Carpenter, measure by measure, and in many places these songs represent him at his musical best. He does make great music, which is certainly present on “Lost Themes,” but there is something missing without the visuals that he has proven to be even better at.

Perhaps the answer is that Carpenter cultivated such a unique sound for his films of the ‘70s and ‘80s that it is nearly impossible to hear a style this close to his score work and not imagine one of his films right before your eyes.

— J.C. Macek

Other Notable Releases ■ John Tejada, “Signs

Under Test” ■ American Aquarium,

“Wolves” ■ Diana Krall,”Wallflower” ■ Two Gallants, “We are

Undone” ■ All We Are, “All We

Are”

This 2012 file photo shows U.S. singer-songwriter Bob Dylan performing on stage at “Les Vieilles Charrues” Festival in Carhaix, western France. AP PHOTO/DAVID VINCENT, FILE

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Friday, February 6, 2015 | 5

Gravelly-voiced Dylan reprises Sinatra

|

THE RIFF REPORT: NEW MUSIC THIS WEEK

Weekender

MUSIC

8 | Friday, February 6, 2015 |

LOOKING AHEAD FEB. 7

Water topics

Weekender

Enjoy a presentation on irrigation by Apple Valley Ranchos Water Co. at Victor Valley Museum. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday.

Where: 11873 Apple Valley Road in Apple Valley.

Cost: $5 adults, $4 military members and seniors, $2.50 children.

Information: Call 760240-2111 or go to www. sbcounty.gov/museum.

FEB. 12

‘Red Tails’ The screening of “Red Tails,” part of the “Black Wings: American Dreams of Flight” exhibition. The exhibit includes several special events and shows through March 8 at Museum of History and Art, Ontario, and Ovitt Family Community Library.

When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Thursday.

Where: Ovitt Family Community Library, 215 East C St., Ontario.

Cost: Free.

Information: Call 909-395-2510.

FEB. 13 AND 14

‘Memphis’ A four-time Tony Awardwinning musical including Best Musical in 2010, the critically acclaimed “Memphis” bursts off the Fox Performing Arts Center stage with explosive dance and an original score by Bon Jovi founding member David Bryan. Highlighting the birth of 1950s rock ‘n’ roll during a turbulent time period, “Memphis” is

inspired by actual events as the show centers on a radio DJ who wants to change the world and a club singer ready for her big break.

Doors open an hour before curtain.

When: 8 p.m. Feb. 13 and 1 and 7 p.m. Feb. 14.

Where: 3801 Mission Inn Ave. in Riverside.

Cost: $56 to $90.25.

Information: Go to at www. foxriversidelive.com, or call 951-335-3469.

and compare constellations recognized by various cultures. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

When: 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Where: 11873 Apple Valley Road in Apple Valley.

Cost: $5 adults, $4 military members and seniors, $2.50 children.

Information: Call 760240-2111 or go to www. sbcounty.gov/museum.

FEB. 13 TO 22

FEB. 14

Riverside County Metropolitan Opera: Fair & National Date ‘Iolanta/Duke Festival Bluebeard’s Castle’ Live entertainment features Brett Eldredge, Ramon Ayala, Andy Grammer, The Commodores and more.

A competitive exhibits program covers agriculture, crafts and hobbies, fine arts and photos, gems and minerals, junior exhibits and livestock. Additionally, the Coachella Valley Model Railroaders have expanded their display of miniature operating trains.

Where: Riverside County Fairgrounds, 82-503 Highway 111 in Indio.

When: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Feb. 13 through 22; carnival open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, but untill midnight Fridays and Saturdays.

Cost: $9 general admission, $8 seniors 55+, $7 children 6-12, free for children 5 and younger. Parking: $12 for preferred, $8 daily.

Information: Go to www.

DateFest.org.

FEB. 14

StarLab Explore the inflatable StarLab planetarium at Victor Valley Museum. Enter it for a look at the night sky

The double bill broadcast of Tchaikovsky’s “Iolanta” and Bartok’s “Bluebeard’s Castle” present soprano Anna Netrebko as a Tchaikovsky heroine in the first opera of this intriguing double bill, consisting of an enchanting fairy tale followed by an erotic psychological thriller.

When: 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 14.

Where: Cinemark Jess Ranch, 18935 Bear Valley Road in Apple Valley.

Cost: $24 adults, $22 seniors and $16 children; part of a series.

Information: Call 760-247-5871.

FEB. 14

Valentine’s Day dinner-dance There’ll be “Love at the Lake” when the San Moritz Lodge at Lake Gregory holds its first Valentine’s Day dinnerdance. Admission includes a multi-course gourmet buffet dinner, beverages and hand-dipped chocolate strawberries, a sweetheart SEE CALENDAR, A9

FEB. 15

Oral History Workshop The workshop is presented

by Dr. Cora Granata, of the Center for Oral and Public History at California State University at Fullerton, and covers contacting potential interviewees, questions to ask, recording equipment and archival preservation of materials. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Wednesday through Sunday.

When: 12:30 to 3 p.m.

Saturday.

Where: 11873 Apple Valley Road in Apple Valley.

MCDERMAND From Page A2

he grew up, in Chicago — a place he calls a “fertile town” for percussionists.

A musician and songwriter, McDermand’s father remained connected in certain circles and pushed his son’s development in a direction where he could earn a living doing what he loved.

“I didn’t realize that this would be my life’s work, but I am really glad it worked out that way,” McDermand said.

He also plays the marimba, a traditional African instrument, during his shows, which he says differs with the steel drums in that

FEB. 15

‘Don Quixote’ Direct from Moscow, the Russian National Ballet Theatre was founded during the transitional period of Perestroika in the late 1980s. Based on an episode from Miguel de Cervantes’ famous novel, “Don Quixote de la Mancha,” the ballet company follows its title hero, a gentleman absorbed with tales of chivalry, who sets out to defend virtue and punish those who violate the code of honor.

When: 3 p.m. Sunday.

Where: Lancaster Performing Arts Center, 750 W. Lancaster Blvd. in Lancaster.

Cost: $44 and $54.

Information: Call 661-723-5950 or go to www.lpac.org.

FEB. 17

The Royal Ballet: ‘The Winter’s Tale’

Dreamers, Visionaries and Leaders and the San

Screening nationwide, the story follows the destruction of a marriage through consuming jealousy, the abandonment of a child and a seemingly hopeless love. Yet through remorse and regret — and after a statue comes miraculously to life — the ending is one of forgiveness and reconciliation.

When: 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Where: Cinemark 16 Victorville and XD, 14470 Bear Valley Road in Victorville.

Cost: $18 for adults, $17 seniors and students, $16 children for the series of three performances.

Information: Call 760-243-2037.

it has a more “earthy tone.”

“One of my favorite comments after a concert is when people say that was completely unexpected,” McDermand said. “I love hearing people filing out and saying, ‘I didn’t know what to expect but the experience completely captured me.’ ” To ease people into the experience, he does a little historical segment during the show featuring a pair of steel drums and the marimba that have African and Mexican roots.

“We really cover a broad mix of styles,” McDermand said. “You’re going to hear some calypso and some reggae, but you’re also going to hear some classical, some pop, some movie themes. We play

all kinds of things that you wouldn’t connect with the instruments you see. You’ll will see a lot of variety and maybe a few surprises.”

McDermand plays at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Victor Valley College’s Performing Arts Center, 18422 Bear Valley Road in Victorville.

Single tickets are $35 for adults, $10 for students and $5 for children. Season tickets to the Victor Valley Community Concert Association’s 2014-15 series are available; subscriptions to the lineup are $45 for adults and $10 for children 17 and younger.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call 760-961-0486 or go to www.vvcommunityconcerts.org.

FEB. 17

Black History

Friday, February 6, 2015 | 9

table, candle-lit settings for two and live music. Wine, domestic and imported beers, soft drinks and champagne will be available for separate purchase When: 5 or 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14.

Where: 24171 Lake Drive in Crestline.

Cost: $50 a couple.

Information: Go to lakegregoryrecreation.com or call 909-744-0567.

Bernardino County Library present a Black History story time as part of Black History Month celebrations and educational events in February.

When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Tuesday.

Where: Apple Valley Branch Library, 14901 Dale Evans Parkway in Apple Valley.

Cost: Free.

Information: Call 760-242-2487 or go to dvlproject.com.

|

From Page A8

Cost: $10 includes museum admission ($5 adults, $4 military members and seniors, $2.50 children).

Information: Call 760-240-2111 or go to www.sbcounty.gov/ museum.

Weekender

CALENDAR

10 | Friday, February 6, 2015 |

COMICS CAPTAIN COMICS

The death and new life of the Marvel Universe

Weekender

The mechanism for doing this has been an ongoing storyline in the We live in an expandflagship Avengers titles ing universe. So do the for the past year or so.

Avengers, X-Men and Here’s the plot: Fantastic Four – until Somewhere in the May, that is, when that multiverse, the Avengers will change. learned in 2013, something In a Jan. 20 press had gone awry in the barriconference at Midtown ers between dimensions.

Comics in New York City, So now an infinite number Marvel Comics Senior of universes are plowVP/Executive Editor Tom ing into ours, one by one, Brevoort and Editor-inalways with the Earths of Chief Axel Alonso decreed each universe the breach the end of not only the point. So the Avengers Marvel Comics universe, have been struggling for a which has been building way to stop these “incuron itself in a more-or-less sions,” as they are called. linear fashion since the But all they’ve managed early 1960s, but also of to do so far is survive — by the “Ultimate Universe,” destroying each invadan alternate dimening Earth. That’s not very sion Marvel has been heroic, but it does reset the exploring since 2000 in clock for the next incurbooks such as “Ultimate sion, by which time, the Spider-Man” (currently heroes hope, they will find starring a black/Hispanic a way to change the rules. kid named Miles Morales) It turns out, accordand “The Ultimates” (a ing to Brevoort, “They warped mirror version of won’t.” In “Secret Wars” the Avengers).

No. 1 in May, the UltiThe plan, Alonso said, mate Universe is the one is that the two universes invading, and the heroes will “slap together” in of both worlds fail to stop a book called “Secret the collision. At which Wars.” No, not the point most Marvel titles “Secret Wars” of 1984 will be canceled because or the “Secret Wars II” Marvel Earth will be no of 1985, which were born more. Instead, what we of a toy line (although have left is something there are some superficalled “Battleworld.” cial similarities). Nor is “Battleworld, essenit the “Secret War” of tially, is the detritus 2004, which is a different that’s left over after animal altogether. the destruction of the This “Secret Wars,” Marvel Universe and according to Alonso, the Ultimate Universe,” is the “endcap” of the Brevoort said. “And it is Marvel Universe launched the little melting pot in

by Stan Lee and Jack which the new Marvel Kirby 54 years ago in Universe will be created, “Fantastic Four” No. 1. will be fermented. All the And whatever comes after little bits and pieces and ... will be different. dribs and drabs, all the

By Andrew A. Smith Tribune News Service

The second issue of ‘Secret Wars,’ due out in May, features a whole lot of Thors, all of whom have appeared in one storyline or another over the

little sections of Earths that were within those incursion zones, all those little areas where it has intersected, all those little areas have remained and will be fused into a single, gigantic organism, which is Battleworld. In which various characters will live their lives and contend with this new situation and will set up all of the building blocks and all of the bedrock of what the new Marvel Universe will be from that point going forward.”

To create this new Earth, Marvel has mined its rich history and used famous story lines from its past for its foundation.

For example, a 1992 Hulk story called “Future Imperfect” imagined a future world where an ancient Hulk called The Maestro ruled a nuclear-irradiated world with an iron fist.

That is represented by a tract of land on Battleworld called “Dystopia.”

The two Iron Man

‘Secret Wars’ kicks off with ‘Secret Wars’ #0, a free prologue arriving on May 2, Free Comic Book Day. MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT INC. PHOTOS

stories called “Armor Wars,” in which Tony Stark flew around the world illegally destroying his technology wherever it was being used by bad guys, is represented by “Technopolis.” And so forth. (An interactive map of Battleworld can be found at marvel.com/ comics/events/322/ avengers_now.)

“Secret Wars” will run eight issues, but with the old Marvel Universe gone, what else will Marvel publish? A lot, as it turns out, in three umbrella categories: Last Days: Books with this trade dress will focus on what certain characters — some of whom will probably not survive the transition — do in the last eight hours before the end of the world.

Battleworld: These books are a macro look at the new reality, with stories covering how the zones deal with one another, who’s in charge of what, and overarching issues of that nature.

Warzones: These books

will be smaller, humanlevel stories about individual characters or opponents.

And after that? Marvel’s mum, but we must assume they’ll keep the characters or story arcs that are popular and jettison the ones that aren’t.

So expect Wolverine to return (he’s currently dead), and for that Ultimate Spider-Man guy to hang around, as he seems to have a lot fans.

And that’s not all.

Alonso said the stories created during “Secret Wars” will “have legs” and continue into the new Marvel Universe, whatever that will look like.

“If we wanted to resurrect Gwen Stacy, this would be the place to do it,” Alonso said, referring to Spider-Man’s first serious girlfriend, who died in 1972 (in the comics) and in 2014 (in the movies).

“Or if we wanted four Gwen Stacys ...” Brevoort joked. Or is it a joke?

Of course, with the popularity of the Marvel

movies, one must wonder why they’re rocking the boat. Why do all this?

And the answer is the same one it always is: To sell a lot of comic books.

Oh, wait, I meant to say, “To tell a good story.”

Because, in the end, those two goals usually overlap.

But it’s certain to cause a lot of controversy, especially among older fans who will feel dissed. Do their favorite stories no longer matter?

And then there’s the pride Marvel has always taken in never rebooting its superhero books, as arch-rival DC Comics has done a number of times (the last time in 2011).

While they’re not calling “Secret Wars” a reboot, it surely looks like one.

And what about the movies and TV shows?

Will they continue to adapt the old favorites, or will they change to reflect this new reality?

The only answers are to be found by reading the comics themselves, beginning with “Secret Wars” No. 0, a prologue to the whole magilla, which will be one of Marvel’s offerings on Free Comic Book Day 2015, which falls on May 2. (The other is “The All-New, All-Different Avengers” No. 1, and who or what that book will feature is anyone’s guess.)

After that, both “Secret Wars” No. 1 and No. 2 ship the same month, with the second issue extra-sized to explain what the heck is going on.

As if it could. The Marvel Universe may be shrinking, but the questions have just gotten bigger.

■ 16922 Main St.,

Hesperia.

760-949-9988 ■ 4646 Phelan Road, Phelan.

760-868-2298

M CUPCAKES & PASTRIES 15617 Roy Rogers Drive, Ste. 1,Victorville.

760-843-5988 www.mcupcakesnpas tries.com

SUMMIT INN 5960 Mariposa Road, Oak Hills.

760-949-8688 CM, DS, SM

FAMILY DINING BOSCO'S DINER 15429 Anacapa Road, Victorville.

760-843-6888 CC, DS

CARMEN’S PONDEROSA 9544 Kiowa Road, Apple Valley.

760-247-7727 CC, FB, $$$-$$$$ LIL’ BIT COUNTRY CAFE 14335 Hesperia Road,101, Victorville.

760-243-4171 BR, BW, CC, DS, S, $$

MARIE CALLENDER’S BAKERY, RESTAURANT & LOUNGE

FINE DINING An Apple Tart with Salted Caramel Ice Cream from The Summit Inn. STAFF PHOTO BY KATHY YOUNG 12180 Mariposa Road, Victorville.

760-241-6973 CC, DS, FB, S, SB, $$-$$$

14236 Valley Center Drive, #A, Victorville.

760-955-1113 BW, CC, CM, DS, $$

RICHIE’S REAL AMERICAN DINER

Renee Allen’s

SKILLET CAFE Two locations Take Out & Delivery Available Up to 8 Miles

“Soul Food”

Between Tom’s & KFC on the southside

760-242-2200

Catering Always Available New Location

Legend BR Banquet room BW Beer/Wine B Buffet CM Children’s menu CC Credit cards DS Daily specials D Delivery E Entertainment FB Full bar O Outdoor seating S Salad bar SM Senior’s menu SB Sunday brunch Su Sushi bar R Reservations recommended ■ $ Most entrée items $1-5 ■ $$ Most entrée items $6-10 ■ $$$ Most entrée items $11-15 ■ $$$$ Most entrée items $16 +

CATFISH OR

MAC & CHEESE and MORE TILAPIA DINNERS 18375 Hwy. 18, Unit 3, Apple Valley

16838 D St., Victorville (In the Transportation Center)

760-955-7500

HOURS: Tues. - Sat. 10:00am-8:00pm Sun. 11:30am-5:30pm

$

W/2 Sides

10.99

Victorville Location Only

2 PC CHICKEN LUNCH SPECIAL W/2 Sides

$

5.99

CHATEAU CHANG

www.thespurs.us BR, BW, C, CM, CC, FB, R, $$$

ITALIAN/PIZZA CROSS EYED COW PIZZA 19242 National Trails Highway, Oro Grande.

760-241-1987 www.crosseyedcowpizza. com BW, CC, DS

GRIDIRON PIZZA 15080 Seventh St., Unit 1B, Victorville.

760-243-4222 www.gridironpizza3.com CC

IDLE SPURS STEAKHOUSE 690 Old Highway 58, Barstow.

760-256-8888

JULIANO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT 12052 Hesperia Road,

15425 Anacapa Road, Victorville.

760-241-3040 BW, CC, FB, $$$

Hesperia.

760-949-0595 FB, CC, O, $$

OGGI’S SPORTS, BREW HOUSE, PIZZA 19201 Bear Valley Road, #D, Apple Valley.

760-240-8977 www.oggis.com BW, CC, DS, FB,$$-$$$

LOUNGES MARIE CALLENDER’S BAKERY, RESTAURANT & LOUNGE SEE DINING, A12

IDLE´SPURS steakhouse & lounge

Make It a Valentine Weekend

Fri 13 - Sun 15 Prime Rib Dinner for Two

$55.00

Includes a glass of Champagne and Chocolate Red Raspberry Mousse

Reservations Required

DOUBLE DATE Parties of 4 receive a bottle of House Wine or Champagne.

760-256-8888 690 Old Hwy 58 Barstow CA 92311 www.thespurs.us

Friday, February 6, 2015 | 11

BAKERIES

|

HIGH DESERT RESTAURANT GUIDE

Weekender

DINING OUT

12 | Friday, February 6, 2015 |

DINING OUT DINING From Page A11

Weekender

12180 Mariposa Road, Victorville.

760-241-6973 CC, DS, FB, S SB, $$-$$$

MEXICAN DON GARCIA'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT 14343 Main St., Hesperia.

760-244-3973 BW, FB, G, CC, C

LAS BRISAS 21919 Highway 18, Apple Valley.

60-240-1051 BR, CC, DS, FB, O, $$-$$$

LOS TORITOS Two locations ■ 4264 Phelan Road, Phelan.

760-868-5266 ■ 14962 Bear Valley Road, Victorville.

760-245-1811 BW, B, DS, $$-$$$

SANDWICH FAT JACK’S BAR & GRILL 19123 Outer Highway 18, Apple Valley.

760-242-JACK (5225) www.fatjacksgrillandbar.

Sausages and Links from Renee Allen’s Mac & Cheese and More. STAFF PHOTO BY KATHY YOUNG 18375 Highway 18, Unit 3, Apple Valley.

760-242-2200, 760-953-9784 www.reneeallensmacandcheese.com

A tasty steak by Gus from Las Brisas Restaurant. PHOTO BY LAS BRISAS RESTAURANT

com BR, BW, CC, DS, E, FB, $$-$$$

THE BRASS PICKLE DELI 15617 Roy Rogers Drive, #103, Victorville.

760-241-4846 $$

TAKE-OUT ONLY

RENEE ALLEN'S MAC & CHEESE Voted Best Breakfast In High Desert 9 Years In A Row!

MAXWELL’S Chicago Char Broiled Burgers

Chicago Hot Dogs - The Original Italian Beef & Italian Sausage FREE DELIVERY

Open 7 Days a Week MON-SAT 7am-8pm • SUN 7am-4pm

2000 Min. Order

$

SERVING BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DINNER

$

BREAKFAST SPECIAL

2 Eggs, 3 Bacon or Sausage, Pancakes or French Toast or Hashbrowns & Toast

325

+ Tax

MON-FRI 7am-11am • SAT-SUN 7am-1pm

1/4 lb. BURGER

with French Fries & a 16 oz. Drink

$

475

+ Tax

Our Famous GYRO Sandwich (Beef or Chicken) with French Fries or Onion Rings $ 95 + Tax & a 16 oz. Drink

6

! Award Winning Baklava !

WE CATER ~and~ WE DELIVER!

Behind Valero Gas Station

17770 Hwy. 18 • Apple Valley (Apple Valley Rd. & Hwy. 18)

(760) 242-5504

WINE BAR D'VINE WINE 14845 Monarch Blvd., Ste. C, Victorville.

760-843-3888

—The preceding restaurants are Daily Press advertisers. To find out how to be included in the listing, call the Daily Press Advertising Department at 760-951-6288.