Game Of Mortal Thrones: Daenerys Targaryen Vs. Robert Baratheon

It's a good matchup, but I think I have to give it to Robert and his warhammer. If it could take out Rhaegar, it should be able to handle Daenerys — at least until her dragons grow larger. (Roberto Flores via Geek-Art)

Previously on Popped Culture...
Game Of Thrones: Mortal Kombat
Super Mario Game of Thrones
Game Of Thrones: A Dance With Dragon's Lair

Good Guys In Bad Games

David Soames images what would happen if some of video game's more genteel characters appeared in some of the more rough-edged games. It doesn't end well. (Clockwise, L-R) Toad in Mortal Kombat; Kirby in Golden Eye; Yoshi in Grand Theft Auto; Diddy Kong In DOOM.

Previously on Popped Culture...
The Ultimate Combo
Sideways: The Video Game
A Day In The Life Of Frank(enstein's Monster) 

Care Bear Carnage

Tenderheart Bear got his name for tenderizing the hearts of his enemies — such as Teddy Ruxpin above — and not from helping his fellow Care Bears be the most caring they can be. (Carebear Carnage via Jude Buffum)

Previously on Popped Culture...
Stake Through The Heart Bear
The Toy Rebellion 
Sideways: The Video Game 

Sideways: The Video Game

Finish him! "It's a little known fact that the fierce competitors of Mortal Kombat were not always the merciless monsters depicted in the video game... every once and a while, the honorable victor would take mercy on his opponent by sitting them down to a hospitable meal as they reminisced about the fight over a fine glass of Bordeaux." (Hospitality! from David Soames & Gavin James, via shirt.woot)

Previously on Popped Culture...
The Ultimate Combo
Let Your Video Game Freak Flag Fly
Now That's a Wine With Class!

Let Your Video Game Freak Flag Fly

When I saw this pixel-tribute to the Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima photograph (Epics, from Teextile), I just figured it was the usual piece of pop culture parody, with the artist's favourite games represented. But the comments at Topless Robot revealed a deeper meaning:

Brett said:
Manny Calaveras FTW! Seriously, Grim Fandango is a classic character from adventure gaming. Does anyone not recognize the trend?
Master Chief: First-Person Shooter
Link: action-RPG
Mario: Side-scroller
Lara Croft: 3d adventure/platformer
Scorpion: Fighting
Pikachu: Handheld
Manny Calaveras: Graphic Adventure
Pac-Man: Arcade

And here I was just amused at the Pac-Man sun.

Previously on Popped Culture...
Retro Lost
Arcade Expressionism
Konami Code Last Supper

Rainbow Brite Bloodbath

Finish her! An epic battle between Rainbow Brite and Strawberry Shortcake as two '80s cartoon-cum-greeting card icons duel to the death. Pop artist Jude Buffum painted the pixelated pair as embroidery for the The Autumn Society's '80s pop show. Be sure to take a gander at all the entries, including Jeff's Care Bear Carnage.

What's with the 1980s? First we went through a massival revival of the music, now the toys and TV shows appear to be having a resurgence. Or am I only noticing because I'm of a certain age? (Link via The Daily What)

Previously on Popped Culture...
My Little Pony Madness
Mr. T Party
Robocorn