Chronicle of World Domination

Here is where you should go:

2010-04-07T19:19:00.001-07:00

I don't post here anymore.

Go to Http://www.RedMages.net and get caught up!
Web comic that's updated several times a week, and more...

5 Characters Meme

2008-09-12T07:48:00.000-07:00

Kalinara gave me the letter J, and here's the rules:

5 Characters Meme
1. Comment on this post.
2. I will give you a letter.
3. Think of 5 fictional characters and post their names and your comments on these characters in your LJ.

1. Joker
I'll go with the easiest one to think of, because for me J was out of left field. Joker, to me, is a fantastic villain when used sporatically. I think he's been used a little too much recently, but I do like the way Morrison has used him. Heath Ledger knocked the character out of the park with his performance.

I think I like Joker best when he is trapped behind the glass wall acting like Hannibal Lector from Silence of the Lambs. He knows why you're there. He's happy to see you. He's wondering what color you are inside, and if you like bats.

I don't like clowns. They freak me out a bit. To quote the older Barbara Gordon from Batman Beyond: "In Gotham, clowns are never funny."

2. Jonah Hex
To be honest, I know very little about Jonah Hex. I have a soft spot for Sergio Lione westerns. Jonah, on the surface at least, reminds me of Blondie (Clint Eastwood) if he wasn't so chipper. The only Hex comic I've actually bought was the recent one with Cooke drawing Hex's adventure in Canada. That was one great issue.

I probably am also pulled to Hex with the subconcious pull from his visual similarity to Two-Face. He's scarred on the face, marking him for all to see and know who he is and stay out of his way. He also has the connections to the whole wierd western theme, which I find fun to think about.

3. Jonny Quest
Jonny Quest was always one of those characters you either love or hate for me. As a kid I would catch bits of random episodes and become fascinated by what I saw. Moments later I wouldn't care a bit and change the channel hoping to find a show I really loved.

I remember they made an updated version of the cartoon, which was fairly well done. They added 3D effects and such, beacuse that was the hip thing to do back then. I don't remember the Indian kid - I think he was replaced with the girl. I remember the names, but it just sounds worse when you say it like that. I'm also probably wrong about that.

As much as I tend to bash on Jonny Quest in the last two paragraphs, I do have to give it credit. Without Jonny Quest there would be no Venture Bros. to really capture my interest. That show is unbelievable.

4. John Henry Irons
That movie was amazing, wasn't it? Shaq is such a great actor and needs more roles. Black Adam, anyone? Kidding, of course. I'm sure he's a great guy in person, but he's no Oscar winner.

Concerning the 'Real' Steel, the one in comics, The most I've honestly read has been in the Justice League comics and a handful of random Superman related issues. It's odd though, because most of the stuff I've read has him working more with Batman than Superman. That work, however, has always been important.

If Batman allows you to work with him, that has to say something about the character's worth and potential. Despite always appearing like a 2nd tier hero he has always displayed significant contribution to whatever end result that saves the day.

5. James Ford
With that I bet most people will scratch their collective heads and wonder "who?" I'll throw out another name. John Locke. Now you're getting a better idea, right?

I may be cheating by using two names for one entry, but those are two of the most interesting characters from Lost in my opinion. James Ford you know as Sawyer, and Locke is, well, Locke. Sawyer is absolutely devoted to self-preservation, changing sides to which ever appears to be best suited for his own interests. John Locke is obsessed with the notion that he is there for a much bigger role to play, a self designated messiah with the island as his throne.

Jack Sheppard is interesting, but is kind of bland to me. Jin is fun to watch as he stumbles about making friends, but I don't know whats going on with him (no spoilers).

Wait-that's four in one entry... Sorry, Kal!

Fringe Pillot Review

2008-09-10T21:13:00.000-07:00

I watched the Fringe pilot. It dissapointed me greatly on all but two points, and only one really matters.

First, the Mad scientist was a fun and great character. The show will probably revolve around him being the central plot motivator, since he seems to be the psuedoscientific wikipedia. He's McGuyver, except he has a cow instead of a jeep and an enablingly gullable FBI agent instead of a swiss army knife.

Second, the special effects were very well done and mostly believable. Sure, its a testament to the budget and vision, but I don't care about that so much. I don't like the locations being mixed into the backgrounds like the signage is ambient. I care more about story and characters than special effects.

Overall I found the story too contrived to create any suspense, and I feel like they took a random episode of the X-Files and tossed in spiffy effects. The characters, mad scientist aside, felt like hollow typecasts. The FBI agent felt wholely shoved into the role of living Meatloaf rock ballad - doing anything for love, including that.

There was no need for her to strip down to underwear to go into an isolation take on LSD. You can do that with clothes on, it was fanservice since the lead is female and the target audience is not.

Oh, and the twist in the last 30 minutes? Obvious and irrelevant given that based on how all the characters were so poorly fleshed out you don't really care what happens to any of them.

In defense of the show, I have read and studied about a lot of 'Fringe' science areas so I may be a bit jaded when it comes to a show like this. I was a child of the X-Files movement, so much of the show felt rehashing old ideas. First seasons, and first episodes especially, are known for being a little off while they are trying to figure the characters out. Remember Star Trek TNG's first season? If the show lasts till a 3rd season, and I'm sure it will with it's timeslot, the show should be pretty good. That's when the old favorites become classics, afterall.

Sick

2008-09-07T20:30:00.001-07:00

Today's been the downward slope of a cold taking root. Not sure how this week will pan out, but I still have a lot of work to do in a little amount of time.

So, being sick and all, this is all I'll post tonight.

New D&D game started tonight

2008-09-06T20:06:00.000-07:00

Started a new game of d&d tonight, with a new DM. It's been so long since I've played a new first level character from the ground up - and to celebrate I'm playing a class I don't ever remember playing.

I'm a true neutral wizard.
My name is Uizord Evergrey. Figure it out...

And, I was nearly one-shotted in the first round of combat. By backup was a sorcerer, so you know how well that went. We were able to talk the town mayor into signing a contract that gave us his power to request any type of support we needed, so we grabbed all the town guards to help us out.

It's worked well so far, seeing as we have the rush into battle everytime something pops up in front of us that doesn't like us. We still desperately need a rogue...guards are not great trapfinders, except by accident.

Off next week

2008-09-05T19:19:00.001-07:00

There is a distinct possibility I may become nearly finished with art duties on the comic by the end of next week. You see, I'm on call for work next week - I may as well spend it like a normal work week.

In fact, I plan to do just that.

It's getting close to the deadline, and this week was mostly bust. Last few days I've suffered from slight exhaustion (pushing myself too hard?). Yesterday and today especially I've felt sickish and got nothing done. Time to make up for lost time.

Fell asleep today on the couch...

2008-09-04T18:52:00.001-07:00

Fell asleep today on the couch after getting home from work. Something about this week, and today especially, left me completely drained. I'm typing this with a sleeping pill in my system, so heads up for any incoherentness. Relax, it's an herbal pill, not medical.

I'm probably getting burnt out working on the comic. Personal deadline is the 20th of this month, because that's the best chance to get it out on the market. Local convention offers good audience.

Issue 1 status: Fully inked, scanned. All pages have color, but only 5 or 6 are actually finished.
15 days left...

BACK!

2008-09-03T16:49:00.000-07:00

Let's crank this baby alive once more.
It's been forever since I've posted here, and have likely lost all my readers (all 2 of you).
Ignore my little rant about 4th edition D&D.
4th Ed. is 404, if you follow my code.

Nothing big to post about today, just clearing my throat a bit...

4th Edition D&D review

2008-06-07T20:40:00.000-07:00

After playtesting the new edition of dungeons and dragons and reading all the other reviews out there I can answer you one thing:

4th Edition is the worst game system I have ever played. It is terribly broken in its mechanics and feels written for the MMO kiddies. Every class can do something 'special' - like heal themselves. This may sound like an awesome and innovative thing, but let me assure you it is not.

There used to be a specific edge for each class in the game, with abilities bleeding over slightly. The cleric healed, the fighter fought, and the mage spelled.

It took our group an hour to go through an encounter of 5 monsters and 6 players. Normally, in a first level game it would have only taken at the most 20 minutes. Something is amiss here.

No more taking 20s. Fighters can heal themselves to max out of combat. It's all like a bad raid in WoW. I hate WoW, therefore I hate 4th.

Stay away from 4th. Save your money, or buy miniatures.
I'm too irate to give a decent review.

Still Alive

2008-05-14T21:37:00.000-07:00

Just very busy.

Comic has 4 or 5 pages left to ink, for those keeping count.
Probably won't update till it's available, or at least until I'll take preorders.

Maila Nurmi has died

2008-01-15T04:35:00.000-08:00

Better known as Vampira, is dead at 85.
The original gothic late night B-movie host.
If only more footage survived the 50s...

BLET updates

2008-01-05T15:53:00.000-08:00

Classes have begun and I'm suffering from exhaustion from distrupted sleeping habits, but otherwise fine. Averaging about a 96 in the class so far.

Bench maxed at 100 lbs, 1.5 mile run at 21 minutes.
Body carefully crafted by the internet.

Next physical test will be recorded so I can hopefully see improvement.

Comicing, part 2

2008-01-01T16:15:00.000-08:00

I'm through sketching about 11 pages now, though these are very rough pages based on thumbnails. Nothing worth posting yet. Once they all get sketched and i'm happy with the panels I'll seriously pencil with all the needed detail, and then to inking. I had hoped to finish before tonight, but other stuff was a higher priority, and now the comic itself is going back to a low priority for BLET.

Nothing major to report, but hang in there.

On Comicing

2007-12-27T20:52:00.000-08:00

Yes, I have decided to go full force into turning my novel into a comic. It's going to be a rough road for a good couple of months, but I'm sitting on rough pencils for the third page out of a set 5 page intro of the first 'issue' and am juggling around the script to the issue as I type this.

I have a general idea how this issue, and the next few will flow. It's just a matter of breaking down the novel's chapters into a nicely presented retake of the adventures.

Again, as I mentioned before, BLET is coming up soon and that will destroy any concept of freetime I may have. I would like to have the first issue in the can and have copies available to buy by May, but that may simply not be possible.

In the meantime - I need to fix my website.

Wish me luck as slowly work my way through this monster...

Benazir Bhutto Assassinated

2007-12-27T06:55:00.000-08:00

This saddens me after briefly encountering her back in my college days when she came to speak.

I met a lot of big names back then, and have a lot of memories.
Pakistan is going to become very messy. I have no doubt of that.

Updates on Life and Novel

2007-12-24T09:46:00.000-08:00

With BLET coming up fast, I've been slowly pulling away from things I do in my free time. First to go was gaming. I'm no longer attached to any local games held on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays (though I rarely came to the Sat games).

I've been trying to lay other ideas I've had in my head to text for "safe keeping" and such. Among these are smaller art projects and story ideas.

The kicker to all of this is the fact that over the last few days I have been giving new thought to my novel (series) and the format of its publication. As some may know, I am an artist first and a writer second, so writing a novel has been troublesome when I have such a visual take on the story.

My novel (series) began as a series of sketched jokes taken from my friends and I over tabletop gaming - and took the form of a comic strip. I continued to redraw the same scenes over and over as the story built and more background was developed until I basically said "screw it" and stopped drawing it. In that way, the novel was born. Text is a lot easier to change than inked art.

Several years later and over 300 pages of single spaced text, I came to the startling realization that the story really would probably work better as a comic. A lot better, actually, the more I think about it. The concepts are a lot better developed now, and I'm talking with other people for help on this if it comes together.

Then again, BLET is coming up and I won't have much, if any, free time to do anything I want. In the next few weeks I'll probably update again on this topic and my progress. I won't know what I can do until BLET actually starts.

Hang in there. This isn't dead. It's been alive for I think almost 10 years with life interfering.

Sweeny Todd

2007-12-22T12:59:00.000-08:00

Well, last night was interesting. Didn't realize Sweeny Todd was out, and then suddenly a friend of mine and I shot out to grab tickets ahead of the showing just in case. I've been eagerly awaiting this movie for a good while - since I heard it was coming together I think. The collected talent for the movie just felt right - and it was.

Sweeny Todd is just one of those movies that feels like it justifies its production. I know a lot of people were a bit worried about the end product. Afer all, the musical is one of those pieces that is almost sacred in the musical community and Tim Burton is well known for insisting his vision before all others.

Visually the movie is very Burton. Dark and drab colors draped around character's who bone structure is enhanced by their make-up. Surreal bright colors that make normal scenes feel abnormal, as if to make the abnormally dreary more natural. All this accented by splashes of red. Yes, that wonderfully unsettling crimson shade of red.

Musically the overture is very strong, and the performances are right there where they need to be. Depp can really sing, as well as the rest fo the cast. Nothing else to say except that it works and is quite good.

I'm not going to spoil the story, but the movie ends right where it needs to end. It doesn't drag on with what else happens like many other movies. The audience was upset that it ended where it did, but I think it would have ruined the story if they kept going. There's a great thematic meltdown at the end with the plot twists, and then the credits roll.

I really can't say much about this movie that is negative. It doesn't have the chorus, but in the movie I didn't miss it. The movie flows smoothly along its core plotline.

I think this is one of the best movies out this year that I can remember, and I hope it grabs a few Oscar nods. Highly recomended.

Batman musings

2007-12-09T18:42:00.000-08:00

You know what I think would be hilarious?

Retelling All Star Batman and Robin with action figures or dolls.

Been a while...now with comics!

2007-12-08T20:37:00.000-08:00

Been a while since I last posted anything. So here's a few random thoughts.

Marvel kills Captain America after throwing good guy against good guy in an attempt to shake of a share of fans, and DC brings back Mr. America. Marvel responds by turning the Hulk red and more zombies covers.

Northlanders was okay. I've been waiting for a Norse/Viking comic for a long time. Thor doesn't count, because my god of thunder and rain doesn't sew dinner plates to his chest. I was excited when I first heard about this comic, but something didn't quite sit well with me after I read the issue. The art is fine, but I think it's the fact that it reads like a modern story (modern cursing included) that just pulls you out of the atmosphere.

Countdown is actually becoming decent now that it isn't mired in all the crossovers it once was. About time DC realized it wasn't working, and it only took them....6 monthes? I really do want Jimmy Olsen to die, and I'm still confused about the rest of the cast.

Arena was interesting, but plese tell me that wasn't our Nightshade from Shadowpact that was disarmed. I liked her as a character in the book, so maybe that's why the book has felt a little off for a while. Interesting abilities and an old school looking costume. It's like they changed outfits to update the characters, but she was one of only 2 or 3 that kept their old outfit (hate Enchantress' current outfit - older one was much better, and Detective Chimp does not need spandex). Figured Red Rain Batman would win since he is, after all, undead. I still don't get Monarch - is he supposed to be written like a mary sue character?

I think Supergirl is finally on the right track. I think that is also a scary thought.

Wonder Woman #14 Review (spoilers!)

2007-11-14T17:44:00.000-08:00

Warning, spoilers ahead - fair notice to readers.

---

I have been eagerly awaiting this issue ever since I first heard Gail Simone was shifting over as writer. So eager in fact that I started seeing patterns with numbers that didn't have any connection to reality. So gleeful that I actually thanks Dan Didio in person earlier in the year for the move, and we had a brief chat about it (and Amazons Attack, but that's a different story).

So here we are, issue 14 (ruining my numerology).

I first have to say that I really enjoyed the issue. As a baseline it is far above what the title had been suffering through. Heinberg's arch wasn't bad, except where deadlines were concerned. The whole lead into, conflict, and aftermath of Amazons Attacked felt really arbitrary, coerced, and simply pointless. The only good thing I think to come out of it was the resurrection of Hyppolyta, which didn’t require all the bloodshed and mayhem – in character or not.

This new start is the beginning of a new title, but keeping the name. Simone barely gives any nod to the previous 13 issues, in fact only a few plot points are touched upon or carried over. I’m also glad she has kept her sense of wit she had on Birds of Prey.

I’m sure the albino apes will play into the future issues. Can anyone say “gorilla warfare” with the Nazi’s on Paradise Island? You know Simone would consider it. It’s just too good to ignore.

Also, Captain Nazi’s new outfit looks menacing. I sort of miss his old horrible green and yellow outfit, but this new one actually makes him look like a potent foe. Black looks good in an outfit anyway.

The art was fantastic. Nothing much else I can say.

I’m also glad the title will be in sets of four issues per story. That just feels like the right number for any ongoing story arch. Intro, buildup, peak, fallout. It’s also a bit kinder to those jumping into a title after having it suggested.

I feel like maybe I’m cheating myself by giving such glowing remarks on this book, but let’s face it. It’s about time.

Highly recommended.

Still Alive

2007-10-28T10:55:00.000-07:00

It's been over a month since I last posted anything. Time just slips by, you know? Here's the quick updates:

1) Turned down by the police. Doesn't surprise me, even though I made the first cut. I didn't make the second cut, however, so I'm back to trying to get BLET and the general job search.

2) Comics have been slowly becoming decent it seems.

-The Flash hasn't been nearly as entertaining as I had hoped, and as much as I'm not real fond of Acuna's art he should at least be allowed to finish his story arch. Maybe deadlines were rushed or something, but I don't like style jumps that drastic. Nice jab at Batman.

-Countdown has been pretty crappy since it began, but I honestly feel like the stakes are actually appearing and growing....finally....it's only taken maybe 6 monthes? It's not poorly written, but it hasn't read like it is important. I also don't really care about the characters as much as I felt like the characters in 52 (and I didn't really know the characters in either story very well, so that's not the issue).

-Teen Titans feels like it is just treading on old stories now. And, like with Countdown, I'm sure something important is happeneing, but I don't feel like it is. Maybe the art is too light for the story it's trying to tell or something. It just doesn't have a kick.

- Action's recent Bizarro trilogy has been probably one of the best stories I've read in the DCU in a long time, except for maybe the Sinestro Corps arch in Green Lantern.

- Sinestro Corps has been absolutely solid and the first thing I grab out of my comics to purchase. It has been awesome since it began, until the recent Corps issue. Jumping around with the artists having different styles is a bad idea - and the plot didn't advance much at all. it felt like a classic 'we need to tie all the strings together, and this book isn't as important so we'll use it' script. When the Corps issues are collected together it will probably work if they are seperating the titles for the TPBs, but whatever.

- Conan still is a core title for me and it is absolutely amazing. Best hard fantasy title on the market.

- IDW still is pretty solid with their Transformer title, but I just with they didn't feel the need to mark their books a dollar higher than standard price. Nicer cover, sure, but there's no justification.

3) On my writing front I've slowly grinded back into writing, but due to sheer lack of time I haven't been able to make any real progress on any book. Maybe once some things work out I can give a better update solely on that topic...

To be or not to be

2007-09-13T13:26:00.000-07:00

Batman, or RoboCop?

Today I took the police officer pre-employment physical abilities test as part of my application to the local police department. Now, I feel like jello and I can't lift anything heavier than a few pounds. Don't ask me to sit up.

I'm sure the first question after reading that would be "How did you do?" and there is no real easy answer to that. I won't officially know till next week when they make the first cut, but I can tell you now that I did not finish the course. I timed out on the second set of 20 situps just a bit halfway through the set. There was another 200 yard dash and dummy drag after that chunk of work, and that was it. Timed out about 2/3 through.

I wasn't the only one to be killed at that point, and that was where most people timed out. I don't feel bad or upset (aside from not being very emotional to begin with). One of the officers I spoke with afterwards said failure to complete is not disqualification, and they do hire people that don't complete it the first time.

This is basically a screening check early on. The test must be completed after BLET training to graduate, but that's after the whole schooling process with PT classes.

In the end, I am not worried. My heart and mind are in the right place. I figure my odds of employment are about 1:8 based on my abilities and the number of people that showed up to test with me.

WB rips another one

2007-08-28T13:27:00.001-07:00

http://www.newsarama.com/AniShorts/390/Eon.html

It's not Mega Man, honest!
he just has an awesome helmet, awesome enhanced arm, a kid sister, a robot dog, and a mysterious older guy wearing a big scarf. Oh, and he's red!

I wonder if the dog can transform into a hoverboard...

Seriously though, absolute ripoff.

http://www.dan-dare.org/Dan%20Megaman/MegamanBig2.jpg

Notes on Robin

2007-08-17T16:42:00.000-07:00

Ok, I have a pretty strong feeling who this wierd assassin character in Robin right now really is.

Look at the clues.

Body size - though that really doesn't add up to much in comics
Skills
She's wearing a full face mask.
add apparent knowledge from the most recent issue and something just clicks in my mind.

This is Cassandra Cain.

I hate the fact that if this really is her that she is still being used as generic ninjagirl assassin villain. Then again, I may be way off.

Wonder Woman casting possibility.

2007-08-16T12:23:00.001-07:00

Katie Holmes as Wonder Woman.

I have two words:

NO THANKS.

It's not that I dislike her, even if I didn't like her in Batman Begins. It's that her acting ability is kind of...I don't know...flat I guess. She doesn't have enough on screen power to pull off a strong role in my mind, and this is the freaking most powerful female in DC we're talking about.

I know I'm being premptive in my ranting and I admit I haven't seen but the one movie with her in it, but this is just bad casting in my mind.

Still alive!

2007-08-11T18:23:00.001-07:00

Yes, I'm still alive. I've been sitting back reading other weblogs, but have not really taken the time to update my own. It's been well over a month and a lot has been going on. So much so I'll do what Kalinara does every one and a while and post things as bullet points.

Comics:

Supergirl may finally be enjoayble for the quality rather than horidity. She is not fat. We are not being punished. Say hello to anatomy.
Sinestro Corps is very enjoyable, much more so than Countdown is right now. I wish this to be the actual story of Kyle Rayner when it comes to continuity.
I hope Countdown picks up speed soon.
I am starting to really dislike Jimmy Olsen.
I could care less right now about Donna Troy, Kyle Rayner, Jason Todd, and the Atom.
I think the Atom is just tagging along for the ride, since he's only there to shrink the group.
Monitors can't monitor every Monitor?
Guess that's good and bad, since he's the one Monitor actually doing something. Sadly since they can't watch him none of the others can be inspired to leave the recap at the end of Countdown to act as well.
Where are the rest of the Anti-Monitors?
I do however get a kick out of the Trickster and Piper storyline. It's the only one I look forward to.
Grant Morrison writes good Batman.
Paul Dini writes great Detective.
Filler writers are no where near either's quality.
I'm sad that Conan is ending at 50.
I'm happy it isn't cancelled. (just a name change/reboot)
I am envious of Kalinara (and Ragnell) for attending Wizards in Chicago. I almost made it but had to pull out.

Life:

Greatest Story Ever Told is not dead as was previously stated.
I had a moment of genius, reworked it, and it does finally work.
I have nearly 5 pages inked. Takes a while, but I feel good about it.
My novels are sitting at about 140 pages, I think, splashed across 3 books.
They are on hold, obviously, but will be finished eventually.
Book 1 is nearly halfway finished.
I have yet to hear back on job applications.
I'm starting to shop around again for employment options.
I'm not sure who to send my resume to when trying to apply for "Batman"

Tick-Tock.

Been thinking about Unbreakable...

2007-06-30T20:17:00.000-07:00

So I just finished watching Unbreakable a short while ago. Been a long time since I saw it all the way through, and I still enjoy it. It feels a little long now, but I blame knowing all the twists.

I was thinking...out of all the movies M. Night has made this one deserved more treatment than the others. He really touched on something that has a lot of elements that could be tapped into for a solid series.

I remember reading a long time ago when this movie was going into production and stuff that they were planning on making this a trilogy. It was also right as things were building in hollywood where trilogies were 'in,' so I don't know how likeable the idea would have been to the public.

After watching the movie again, I was thinking about where the series could have gone.

Unbreakable is of course the origin story. Not just the origin of Sentryman or whatever you want to call Bruce Willis' character, but also the origin of his first (and most important) villain.

The second movie, if it were to follow traditional trilogy style, would have had to be about the fall of Sentryman. He would encounter some obstacle he didn't know how to face, even after building his courage as a hero.

I think it's pretty obvious from the first movie and stereotypes the movie plays with that the hero did not grow up reading comics. He has no understanding of comic myth and types, so he would have to have a point of reference to help him undertsand what is going on about him. He would have to keep in contact with Mr. Glass.

Their relationship is not very good after the grand reveal at the end of the movie, which would cause a lot of good tension, and it would be some of the more memorable moments as Willis would make his way to visit him in the insane asylum. I get visions of Batman going to visit Hannibal Lector.

Being about the fall of the hero, there would have to be something in the way to defeat the hero. Batman had Bane, Superman had Doomsday, ect. Since the movie is about real life, and how a hero might be in real life I can only suggest one thing - he is caught and charged as a criminal himself. His face would be everywhere in the media. People would take stands against him for his reckless and unlawful behavior, and others will rise up to defend him for being the hero he was. His wife would find out, their relationship would reach the breaking point, and their son would suffer from their breakage and being singled out in school for who his father is.

In the end he would have to face the end of his career as a hero, in one form or another - the classic comic book 'death' scene. Not literal death, but the metaphorical death.

This of course leads into the Third movie, in which Willis would face different paths he could choose. Ultimately, he would choose to return as a hero. He couldn't return to being the hero he was as it was a secret identity issue, but he could take on the mantle of a hero in some other form. He has his "powers" still, but he would have to win the public trust - this is the path to glory. His rise in fame, and redemption of any percieved injustice he may have produced.

I'm honestly not real sure how the 3rd film would play out, or at least how I would think it could play out. The trilogy never went into planning as far as I know, and I do not think they ever will be made. Still, I am glad M. Night was able to make Unbreakable - it's one of my favorite comic book related movies.

Officially boycotting 'Transformers' in theatres

2007-06-29T16:12:00.001-07:00

Final stray was pulled to cause me to 100% boycott the upcoming movie.

"It's 'Transformers' -- you can't take it too seriously,"
--Director Michael Bay

Thanks for deciding not to take the franchise seriously, and my interest in seeing what would have been this fanboy's 20 year old dream...

Do you know what is awesome?

2007-06-25T18:15:00.000-07:00

This is awesome.
click for Choral Lordi

HeroesCon 2007, summery of sorts

2007-06-19T14:52:00.000-07:00

Well, I was really fatigued after the con - imagine that. Anyway, I'll post the highlights.

During the DC Nation panel I asked if there was a point to Amazons Attack. I asked bluntly, for two reasons. First of all I couldn't think of a better way to ask, and nerves were a little fuzzy from actually being called on. Second, I thought Didio could dig into the question with his usual snarky replies. It worked, and he continued to point in my direction when talking about possible upcoming titles and explaining how they will be good to read. I wasn't frustrated/angry about being the butt of his banter - I was laughing and smiles the whole time.

Afterwards I came up and explained my take on it, and he acknowledged that the delays with Wonder Woman messed the timing up, and it didn't have nearly the impact it should have had with other big events going on. I then asked if there was a point to the series, asking if there was a worthwhile reward at the end. He said yes, and mentioned a bit about Wonder Girl, but that fits in with what we all now know about the new miniseries with her. I then went fanboy on him and got my photo with him, just like last year.

The next day at the Countdown and Beyond panel I waited till the lightning round Didio does - quick questions and answers near the end of the panel for those who have yet to attend something he hosts. I asked another sharp question - "Where's Azrael?" Didio paused a moment as voices rose up from the crowd and then responded with "He's Dead! He's the one hero who stays dead!" It was another fun moment I thought.

On the final day I had my photo taken with Rosario Dawson, and I can honestly say she is a truely lovely person. I could have been starstruck by her, but she also felt genuinely enthusiastic about being there and among the comic crowd. She was digging into an Unmasked Joker figure while I was chatting with her briefly with my quarter-minute of fame.

I also arrived with 400 NCGA fliers, and all but maybe 30 vanished by the end of the convention. Here's hoping quite a few emails are sent to the guy on the flier...

If anyone has questions about the con, ask me in the comments section - You'll help jog my memory and I can answer them to the best I'm able...

Heroes Con 2007

2007-06-14T21:38:00.000-07:00

This weekend I'll be at Heores Con down in Charlotte, NC!

Afterwards I'll post a write up summerizing the more interesting parts, or as the case may be, what I happen to remember over the weekend.

If anyone out there is going, and perchance wants to hunt me down, I can be found with the Klingons there, as well as wondering around the floor. Saturday I'll be wearing my grey NC Gamers Alliance shirt - it has dice on it and stuff. Good luck finding me...

Oh - and just so you know, don't do anything stupid - the Klingons like me better than you.

^_^

Kalinara Interview/meme

2007-06-14T17:45:00.000-07:00

1. If you could see/make one superhero settle briefly in your hometown who would it be?

Easy, and unexpected answer I think: RoboCop. I just want to see him partolling downtown and around the city limits. And of all the heroes I know, he's the most realistic and most reasuring to those that see him.

2. What comics figure would you least trust to take care of goldfish?

Aquaman, because he would talk to the fish. The fish would then see the world is much bigger, and thus grow to fit its new world. We'd have to call the JLA then, and Aquaman would be too busy to clean his mess up being king of the ocean. Batman would show up and punch the fish though, so I guess it isn't such a big problem. Still, it could all be avoided by keeping Aquaman away from goldfish.

3. Alfred or Jarvis?

Jarvis would be fun as a butler, but you'd never get your hat back from him. Alfred gives better advice anyway. Wait...the Mad Hatter is Jervis Tetch, right? Answer stays the same I guess - Alfred wins. He's immune to Batman's punches and kicks.

4. Robots or Aliens?

Klaatu barada nikto, baby.

5. If you could make one change to the bat titles, what would it be?

Make Paul Dini the sole writerof all Batman related titles, and make it impossible to become fatigued and impossible to rehash old stories as long as they unoriginal.

Thanks Kali!

Countdown issues

2007-06-09T11:41:00.000-07:00

Is it just me, or does it feel like the writers of Countdown are not communicating with the other writing teams?

Personally, I find it annoying that the monitors are showing up everywhere with conflicting agendas. Maybe that's on purpose, but it isn't very smooth in any case. Nevermind the obviously inconsistancies with Black Adam.

Personally I would have taken him off the radar for several years, only to make a brief appearance during this new crisis - and then only after his upcoming miniseries. I mean, come on, I would have saved the return of his powerword to be the surprise twist ending of the mini. Here we are, spoiled as a silly plot device. I think it would have been better to bring out Eclipse, rather than have Mary joyride with Black Adam's lightning...

With 52 universes to watch over, the Monitors seem to be overly concerned with this earth. Why are they so worried about this Earth? Is Earth1 the hotspot for the multiverse's spring break and we need additional law enforcement or something?

Still, I can't be totally annoyed with DC over Countdown. I'm just annoyed that they seem to be in perpetual balance over what is good and bad. They let promising titles slide indo mediocrity, while the titles we like to laugh about actually gain promise - and the cycle repeats usually.

Justice League is actually decent now that it is crossing over with an already great title (Justice Society). 52 gave way to Countdown and lacks power, even with the awesome Dini driving it. Donner's Superman has practically vanished, while all-star batman is actually seen a new issue appear. Simone is moving from Birds of Prey to Wonder Woman, to bring that title out of a horrible slump - and hopefully BoP won't fall in quality...

At least I'm happy to say I'm through with Marvel. Only one thing could have tempted me back, but after hearing that DC maybe starting a norse comic I feel safe in saying Thor will not bring me back.

Norse Gods should not wear dinner plates as armor, nor should they be well groomed.

Novel problem possibly fixed

2007-05-30T14:13:00.000-07:00

I've had a serious case of writer's block where my novel(s) is(are) concerned. I had a strong run towards the end of last year, with the help of NaNoWriMo, but even though I had planned to finish the first novel as far as a rough draft is concerned I have not written a single bit on it. I've typed a few short bits, but nothing where it counts.

I have recently figured out what my novel is lacking, and because of this I think I may be able to return to writing soon - I hope.

I'm not going to really talk about it here...since it is character/plot related and I hope to be able to have most people read the book spoiler free. Also, paranoia where originality is concerned.

There is still hope for my series yet, I'm just glad I'm not under official deadline pressure.

Something to note about the new Hulk movie

2007-05-29T14:50:00.000-07:00

First of all, as many who know me would know, I loved the Hulk movie directed by Ang Lee. I have no clue how accurate it is to the comics, but I love the way the movie plays out the character drama.

As many people on the internet would know by now I'm sure, there is a new Hulk movie in the works with Edward Norton and Liv Tyler. I fear for this movie, firstly, because the director is the same guy who directed The Transporter. I didn't particularly care for this movie, but it did have style. Before people get too hyped, however, know that he also directed Dead or Alive.

Behold, Dead or Alive:

Also: Poor Devon Aoki. She just can't seem to break out of being typecasted.

About this statue thing...

2007-05-26T21:13:00.000-07:00

WIth so much flak being shot around from so many sides on this MJ statue thing I feel like I should at least say something about my whole take. Everyone is doing it, so why not? I mean, there is something to this issue, otherwise I don't think the mass media would have even registered it.

First of all, Adam Hughes is not to blame. Marvel hired him to create the concept art the statue is based on, and he drew it. That isn't the issue. Hughes drew a decent pic, and how much of the controversy is that image causing? Hughes takes his liberties with anatomy, but at least his art shows he understands anatomy.

The sculpture holds most of the blame. Hughes made his image of MJ becuase he was paid to produce it, and then it was handed off to the sculpture to turn it into a 3d piece. They took liberties as they translated the work. Liberties that included a ripped seat in the jeans and the removal of MJ's gastro-intestinal tract.

Yes, the image is sexist and was made for male fans. How do I know this? I'm no expert, but I would think that in order to maintain balance in that type of pose she would have had to bend her knees ever so slightly. She isn't, and therefore presenting herself to the curious fan that figures out how to turn the statue around. To those who would suggest it wasn't intentional, I return to the point that the sculture has a rip in the seat of her jeans. It's a bonus, right?

Marvel should hire people to be a little more accurate with their 3d art. Take notes from the Women of DC busts that Hughes designed. Sure they're sexy, but in a good way - if that's possible. What I mean by that is that they retain the "good girl pinup" feel that Hughe's art tends to be known and admired for.

At least that's the unedited opinion of a male artist that feels he knows what he knows fairly well.

Location, Location, Location

2007-05-23T12:05:00.000-07:00

So it has been several days since I have stuck the map up in my title, and I have to admit a little curiosity as to some of the points left on it. India is a pleasent surprise, but the real craziness comes from the points in the middle of the ocean...

World domination is one thing, but conquering the open ocean might be a little more difficult. There's a certain telepathic blond guy who doesn't like me so much. Thank goodness he's preoccupied with things he considers more important.

Dark Knight vs Joker, thoughts

2007-05-20T09:12:00.001-07:00

So most people know about the 'I believe in Harvey Dent, Too' site. Well the Joker is just about totally revealed now and I can only think one thing.

Why do they feel a need to have the Joker's smile a cut lip smile? I know the Joker was originally inspired by 'The Man Who Laughs' but Joker in the comics has never had a cut grin to the best of my knowledge. If anything, give him a prosthetic chin enhancement. He has a big chin, not a big mouth. The mouth only looks big because he is always smiling/laughing.

Still, as much as I can complain about this bit of visual disgust over artistic liberties, I still have to remember how well Batman Begins was pulled off. The same crew is working on this movie. Here's to having a little hope placed in Nolan to know what he's doing.

On 52

2007-05-07T12:11:00.000-07:00

So 52 ended last week, wierd how things work out.
Everyone knows that 52 ended on May 2nd, 5/2 for that matter.

Yesterday I read that Lost will end in 2009.
In it's 5th season, likely ending with a two-parter.
There are now 52 episodes left.

Spiderman 3

2007-05-04T19:10:00.000-07:00

Firstly, I'll say that while I didn't think it was bad enough to want my money back, I will say it is likely the weakest of the three.

I won't spoil the movie, but know that about halway through it drops any character motivation/development to go full force into action. The action was good, but it did actually take away from the plot.

Venom? Looks good, but under developed. Should have probably been in a movie by himself, though the dynamic with Sandman did mesh well as presented.

Finally, the one thing that really took me out of the movie? Peter Parker spontaniously dancing everywhere while wearing the black suit. Too strange for my tastes...

I'd give it a solid C+

Not so Green

2007-05-03T13:30:00.000-07:00

This current arch of Green Lantern has yet to really pull me in like previous stories have. It may still be a bit early in this arch, but after two installments you would think it would at least have a thread to pull you into the story. I have my theories, of course, as to why I'm not enjoying this as much as I probably should.

1) The art.
Being an artist I think I can hold this reason as important. Sure there are artists out there that use one face or one body, changing clothes and hair to make a new person. Afterall, the Earths based Green Lanterns themselves have different masks - Zorro style (hal), ink blot style (kyle), red head (guy), and African American (john). Yes, I know it's not nice to break them down like that, but it appears true to form. There is a lot more diversity in the Corps, but this isn't the Corps title. This is Hal's title, and aside from hair color you wouldn't be able to tell either girl apart.

The other thing I'm not enjoying a whole lot about the art is the painted aspect. Now, I can't be overly harsh since I did like some of the scenes in the previous issue (like inside the jet with the switched land and sky background). This issue, however, didn't have the same feel.

2) I don't care about Star Sapphire.
I've never had any interest in her as a character/villain. This is probably partly due to not knowing the character that well, but after learning the origin of the entity I still don't care much about her. I think this is because she appears one-dimensional. She'll do anything to mate with Hal Jordan. I know plenty of fan girls lust over Hal's rear, but come on. She doesn't need a quick fix by throwing a touch of trajedy or angst, but I think for me to have any interest there needs to be something for me to grasp onto.

Also, and this relates to the art portion of my dislikes, is the fact that the other blue people who appear to be related to the Guardians are far larger than the Guardians. These Oan Amazons, as aluded to in the issue, just don't fit visually. This also leads me to my next reason.

3) Oan Amazons?
Seriously, this is a tie-in to the Amazon Attacks mini if I have ever seen one - and I see a lot that doesn't connect. This likely won't tie in directly, mind you, but isn't it a little obviously timed well with its referencing? Also, isn't the build up very similar in concept? Even the clothing is similar.

On one hand you could probably argue that ideas get repeated through time, or have a tendency to ripple into repitition. It's an easy explination, but it still leaves a bit of creativity to wish for.

In the end, however, I'm still going to finish reading this arch. Geoff Johns is a bit of a trade writer, so you can predict that twists will occur in another issue or two. Maybe then I'll find a chunk of the excitement in this story that I had in the previous arches. Even if I don't I still have the Sinestro Corps to look forward to after this bit.

Simone on Birds of Prey, a conspiracy?

2007-04-13T13:53:00.000-07:00

I think so many people are going to post about the obvious, I'll think I'll go a little conspiracy theory-ish.

Gail Simone was announced as the ongoing writer for Wonder Woman today.
She takes over on issue #13.
Today is Friday the 13th, of April.
April is the fourth month of the year.
There will be four writers on the WW relaunch before Simone.
This is 2007.
Two issues before Simone will be part of Amazons Attack.
The seventh issue of WW came out this week.

Sometimes suffering from apophenia is fun!

I think I'll post again

2007-04-06T12:30:00.000-07:00

I have two things to say that bear mentioning, in my opinion.

1) It would have been far more interesting for the "twice named daughter of Cain" to be Cassandra Cain. I liked Kate Kane well enough to think she didn't deserve that. Instead she deserved a little something called character development.

With all the insanity surrounding her debut as a character, DC really jumped off the bridge when it had the chance to bring a little more diversity to the crime fighting side of the batclan. It would have been hilarious/awesome to see Bruce's reaction to her.

To think it could be considered a trade off for Montoya becoming the Question. Sadly, all she ever amounted to in a weekly comic was a plot device.

A high heeled, red headed, lesbian plot device.
Good job, DC.

2) Gail Simone leaving Birds of Prey? To think the end of the world shall arrive so soon...

Seriously though, as much love as she seemed to have for the title and the characters she is allowed to play with and fans to torment playfully she must have been offered a huge title.

People have been suggesting and hoping she will shift over to Wonder Woman. Simone has in the past said that her dream job would be a Blackhawks title, but for her to drop Birds of Prey for that doesn't make sense. That's something to start off with as a miniseries to test the waters or as a little treat for genre fans - like the recent Sgt Rock mini. I don't think she would drop an ongoing for a mini.

I honestly hope she has been offered Wonder Woman. First, DC reps have often claimed they want the title to be seen as an equal to Batman and Superman - and hasn't. It has a terrible reputation due to its reboot, and its no lie how it has been handled. It needs the type of talent Simone can bring to have it become a serious contender as one of the leading DC properties.

Simone consistantly brought BoP from mediocrity, despite Benes' art, to become an absolutely solid title that didn't need constant Batman or Superman cameos to make it sell. She made it sell by quality, and that's what a comic like Wonder Woman needs. It needs quality writing, by a person who knows what a monthly deadline is.

What I don't understand is why she dropped Birds of Prey and not Gen13...

More Batman from Frank Miller?

2007-03-13T13:18:00.000-07:00

Heard a rumor that Frank Miller was working on another Batman project.
Upon hearing that, I did not feel very well.
At least All Star Batman is delayed so much this new project likely will never be released.
Look, I enjoy Miller's original works, but stay away from the DCU.

PS. Thanks for Year One, now please move on.
^_^

Thoughts on 300...

2007-03-10T18:49:00.000-08:00

First off I will say that while I enjoyed the movie, I felt a bit underwhelmed when the credits rolled. I should probably also say I haven't read the graphic novel, but I have studied the actual battle.

There were some very good scenes, in fact they were spectacular, however there was so much more they could have included. Yes, I know it's a Frank Miller movie, and he's a special kind of writer and artist, and the movie was very "Millertastic" to say the least.

I didn't care much for the bits of Gorgas' life after the 300 march off. It's not that I didn't care for her, but that the scenes honestly felt wedged into the movie. It broke the pacing even if it expanded what little plot there was.

Also, on the angle of macho men fighting a macho war with swords and spears...in the real battle the Spartans fought off four waves of Persians for the body of their king. That is awesome and very strong symbolically....did Frank Miller just skip over that part? That's a bit unlike him if he did...there wasn't even a chunk of voice over to bring it up...

Also, the ending really stretched out past where an emotional ending could have occured. It dragged on and on, killing the tone of the aftermath...

Maybe I'm just a bit frustrated from having it overhyped. I like Butler, but I hope he doesn't get typecasted into this type of role. Still, not to sound too negative I did enjoy the movie, and would give it a solid A.

Ia! Ia! Cthulhu fhtagn!

2007-02-27T04:37:00.000-08:00

Strange New Creatures Found in Antarctica

Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn!

Review: Brave and the Bold #1

2007-02-25T09:41:00.000-08:00

Of the majority of my pull this week, this was the biggest surprise. Given how painfully average comics have been for the past month or so, to pick up something like Brave and the Bold with low expectations was a real reward.

The issue felt and appeared old school. The good kind of old school, like something fell from a lost time when comics were awesome into a space warp, to land into a distant present where it could be picked up like a long lost treasure. Maybe that will sound a bit too glowing, but I felt like being wordy.

Honestly, I would have like higher paper quality. The cover was high quality, why not the pages? Still, the art inside matched well with the writing. I may not be the best judge of writing, but I really liked the art. I think that was the point of who was chosen for the interior and such, and to bring back that whole old school feeling.

I'm a big fan of Batman, and Kalinara made me a fan of Green Lantern a long time ago, so the issue was all around a fun read. Here's hoping when they switch out Bats for Supergirl the writing stays just as consistant - and Supergirl is acceptable outside her own title.

DC's STILL going downhill it seems

2007-02-12T06:59:00.000-08:00

I've bounced from sinus infection to a cold, and last night I hallucinated a bit while trying to some-how sleep.

And, I wake up to see this, ss posted by Ragnell,
http://www.afhub.com/toy-fair-2007-update-ame-comi-super-heroines/

First reaction?
OMG MY EYES ARGH

Seriously...they freaking scare me.

Especially Supergirl.
Batgirl isn't too poorly concieved.
Catwoman....no.
Power Girl? very no.

I want to crawl back into a dark corner and forget today has even occured...

Web Quiz about age

2007-02-10T20:17:00.000-08:00

You Are 29 Years Old

Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe.

13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world.

20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences.

30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more!

40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax.

What Age Do You Act?

Yeah...I'm a bit younger than that as it turns out...don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing.

DC Movies and their slow collapse

2007-02-04T11:17:00.000-08:00

WB and DC seem to be fracturing at the seems when it comes to movies now.

Joss Whedon off Wonder Woman - It would have had great pacing and good dialogue, but I always felt his take might not have been the one non-whedon groupies would have liked on the whole. I do approve of who he had it might for Diana visually at least. It would have done well in any case.

Now there's the confirmed word that David Goyer is off the Flash - This is something I would normally slam my head on my keyboard for, because knocking him off that title after all I have read is a very very stupid move. I was really looking forward to this movie, even though I don't know a whole lot about the character. He's got great villains from what I've seen and read, even if much of them come across as less able Batman rogues.

Both of those moves toss both properties back into development hell. Afterall let's face it, who cares about those two when you have Batman and Superman?

What's next? James Cameron off Aquaman? To bad that was only a rumor spun out from a tv show's subplot. It would have been awesome.

Green Arrow will never have a movie, and let's just forget about Steel, shall we?

It's been a month now...

2007-02-02T15:08:00.000-08:00

...since I've posted here. What's new? Well, I've been sick this week - on top of fatigue and exhaustion from work. I haven't been getting much done lately, and have barely written 2 pages on my novel.

Yes, I have been reading comics, and wondering if DC has noticed a slip in the quality of their print. The main titles barely stick to schedules, and the side titles are very average at best. I'm put off from Batman thanks to that Grotesk storyline and confedential fels very cookie-cutter and I dislike the art in it. Manhunter's been recanceled, Green Lantern and Wonder Woman might come out in a month. Where's Action Comics? Is Legends of the Dark Knight really ending?

Spawn wasn't too great this past week either, retconning in a craptastic reason why Al can't go home after remaking the world at his command.

Don't even get me started on Marvel...

Maybe I'm just in a bad mood, but seriously, things are not looking too bright this year. There's possible hope for Cassandra Cain, but with some of the choices DC's made recently have not reflected too well.

Hannibal Rising (review)

2007-01-02T15:55:00.000-08:00

I'll try to keep any spoilers to a minimum, but if you know much about Hannibal Lecter there isn't a whole lot you can really spoil. The book follows Hannibal from ages 6 to about 20 I think, and is mostly a self-contained story of revenge.

Honestly, in my mind the book was rather average. I think part of that stems from it only being written due to pressure from the general public, and studios, for more Hannibal Lecter. There really is no other need for this book to exist, and after reading it some of the charm the character had thanks to his myserious origin are a bit lessened.

Basically, the book is about how bad Hannibal's life was as a kid, and how he dealt with his situation. There is a lot of angst, art, culture, and violence in the book. Everything flows up and down like a movie, so I wonder how much of the book was driven by the need for the movie since it was filmed before the book was released.

Another aspect that bothered me was the usage of a Japanese woman as Hannibal's aunt (I would use her name, but at the moment of writing this it eludes me). Don't get me wrong, the idea that she's Japanese doesn't bother me. After WW2 I'm sure there were many men who took in a Japanese wife, even before the war, for the sake of exoticness. This is probably also to help reinforce the notion that Hannibal is 'other' just like many percieve Japanese things, and I think that is what bothers me more about her being Japanese.

The other major complaint I have about her character is that she has no depth. This may be in part of Thomas Harris not having researched a whole lot and having a limited knoweldge base to work from - I don't know. The way she comes off is very much the standard idea of what a Japanese woman is like, right down to the typical 'rarely speaks verbally, but speaks through poetry and music'. She reminds me a lot of Madam Butterfly, except that she has Hannibal by her side to defend her (because she needs defendng!).

Also included is the popular knowledge that people folded cranes to try to get well after Hiroshima was destroyed and irradiated by the atom bomb, as well as prearainged marraige. It's like all the researched performed was a quick look up in an encyclopedia and watching a few post-war movies set in Japan.

Anyway, the book is worth reading if you have interest, but isn't required reading by any means. Of the four books that feature Hannibal Lecter, this is the least impressive. I think it may also be the shortest. This does not bode well for the movie, but they may pull an American Psycho out of it (not so great book, awesome movie) - there isn't much hope for that though...

News Years 'Resolutions'

2006-12-31T15:49:00.000-08:00

News years have always started out feeling like any other day. I stay inside and normally go to bed at a normal time. Despite all this I am setting goals for myself, like resolutions, but I am holding myself to high standards to reach these goals. To simplify, I'll note them in three parts - and if anyone wishes to copy the idea feel free.

1) Finish my first novel by my birthday.
This is going to be tricky, but I do need a deadline to get really motivated. NaNoWriMo taught me that I can write at a decent pace, but to advance I need a deadline set. I have close to 70 pages on this first novel, and I don't know how many it will take to reach a logical conclusion to the story - but I will reach it by mid April. This does not include any editing, but does include a completed rough draft. All of my writing is split among different novels all in the same grand story, but this first one has been sitting in limbo for a long time (roughly 6 or 7 years).

2) Get a new job.
It is about time I began to move on, and actually get a job that can sustain myself entirely. I'm not sure what field just yet, but I need work that provides at least 30k a year. Now, there is no reason why this isn't possible. This may coincide with going for a Masters degree, or it may be on its own as a separate deal - either way I must start down my grand plan with the path I have figured out to reach my long term employment goals.

3) Get in shape.
This sounds like a very open goal, but I am setting standards by which I can grade myself. My main weakness is stamina and torso strength. Stamina can by gained over all through the year, but I would like to be able to run a mile by the years end. As far as torso strength goes, I would like to gain the appearance of what many call a 'washboard stomach.' All of this is in addition to visable definition in arms and legs as well. Keep in mind, I am not vain about my appearance, but rather I feel it is about time I finally did something to get in shape since I am most definately not in shape. I look thin, but I am somewhat frail aside from being quick.

Comic Reviews

2006-12-29T18:20:00.000-08:00

1) Spawn #163
It's odd to think this would make my top spot for this week, considering how the majority of the series has felt very 90s. The last 10 issues or so have been slowly getting better in my opinion, and I love the hyper-detail the previous issues have been. Over all, the issue actually wasn't as spectacular as previous issues leading up to this one, but the last few pages really sunk into me.

This is a major spoiler, so go ahead and skip down if you don't care for spoiling. I have to type this, as to justify my choosing this as my #1. Long time readers, and the curious sort will skip around my site to look this up, but I have a soft spot for Al Simmons and his absolute tragedy of being severed from his love. This is the driving force behind the character, and in this issue it looks like it will finally be resolved. Al Simmons chose to bring everyone back alive, and his last act was to give up his God-like (literally) power to become human once again so he can finally live a normal life with Wanda. There will be complications, obviously, but the last few pages of him deciding his fate are a major resolution to about 160 issues of pain and torment.

2) Detective Comics #827
Little can stop the Dini machine from producing some of the best Batman stories I've read, period. Scarface is back, and this time the Ventriloquist is a highly skilled woman. She looks like she was pulled right out of the Animated Series universe too, which I really like. It's also a nice touch that she has a Dr. Blight (from Captain Planet) scar on the side of her face, hidden by her hair, mirroring the broken face of Scarface.

3) JSA Classified #20
This issue, along with the previous issue, was a fun little story with a nice touch of darkness. I made a pun, since this follows Dr. Midnite. I haven't read much of him, but this little two-parter felt good as an intro to the character. I'm sure he's covered better in something else, but this issue felt well concieved as opposed to some of the other issues previously released. I also liked the dark twists of using Ice Maiden's skin, and the effect of the organ rejection. I like pale skin, so I could sort of see the interest in that, but I digress. It wasn't a happy or pleasant end for the girl.

?) Justice League of America #5
This is the second time I've listed this title here. I'm only buying it because the comic shop is taking kind to it's subscribers to this title by allow us to buy the variant covers at cover price. I've been really liking the variants ever since Turner moved off to the main cover (urgh), and having the variants as normal almost makes up for the lack of real substance inbetween the pages.

I'm not liking Reddy one bit, as he is basically the token child/sidekick/comic relief character in my opinion. He's not suppose to be like that, is he? Also, it has taken five issues for the 'main characters' to join up with the 'new main characters'? Way to pad the story for the trade, Meltzer. Now if only the art crew can stop spreading the panels over two pages every other page I could let my eyes enjoy the shifting of reading this comic like almost every other comic should be read...like a book. I'm not against two page spreads, but it really loses the impact when it is over used - go check out the Conan comic, its mostly single pages, but every now and then they toss a double pager in and it is awe-inspiring.

'Red Arrow' is really taken by Hawkgirl, isn't he? I don't blame him, becuase she does look pretty good in those few panels. My problem is that he's acting as if that's the first time he's seen her, and though I'm not familiar with any previous meetings I am pretty sure they have met before - the characters have been around a long time, right? Jeez...that moment felt really out of character and was too sudden considering everything that had happened moments before.

Poor Amazo has no solution for love. I feel for him, as there can't be much of a solution for love the way this flagship title is going. DC, get Meltzer to wrap up his fanfiction and get the writers from the sadly short lived Justice League Unlimited animation to pump some life into this. You'd make so many people happy...

That meme that people are stealing from Sims

2006-12-28T13:55:00.000-08:00

Five things most don't know about me?

1.) Extremely frightened by open water.
Can't explain it, since I think the root cause was blocked from memory. I've tried to get over this fear, but I occasionally still freak out crossing bridges under my own power (walking). As long as I see something solid, like shore, I'm usually fine.

2) Traveling makes me sick.
I honestly enjoy going to new places, but no matter how I travel I always get sick. Nothing violently ill or anything like that, but I almost always lose my appetite for several days. Maybe it's the stress of being somewhere different, but it's is really annoying and has proven costly in the past as well as make people worry about me (which is nice, but shouldn't have to happen).

3) MacGyver was my childhood hero.
True enough, MacGyver was my idol as I grew up and still is for the most part, and not Batman. After all, through Boy Scouts and beyond the most important thing to remember is to 'be prepaired' and MacGyver was the personification of that idea. He had a swiss army knife and duct tape, and used that to do anything he wanted. Power like that is available to any, so long as they know what they want to do. The show sadly feels dated now, and has quite a few preachy episodes, but there is still a lot to learn from that show - like the fact that punching people actually hurts.

4) I used to write Sailor Moon fanfiction.
The funny thing is I have been told by the few people that I let read it have told me it was actually decent, but I don't know of any surviving copies of the files. Also, before anyone asks, it was about the end of the world and how the sailors were coping with it. It was basically a series of medium length texts that introduced the four horsemen of the apocalypse, sailor moon style, and the sailors had little power to stop them. Very much a story in which you introduce characters of your creation that are overwhelmingly more powerful, but I was turning the stories into a very sad tragedy as everyone was slowly killed off. I only got about halfway through my grand story before I called it quits.

5) I dressed up as Data at a Star Trek Convention.
I'm proud of my geek heritage, and it doesn't get much more than this in some circles. Before you say 'that isn't so bad' let me tell you this: it was a specific version of Data in which he had a different uniform, and I had open access ports built into the outfit that held exposed insides. When interviewed I acted like Data, speaking in tech speak. My friend at the time dressed up like Riker, and had a painted on beard.

Since then, aside from Halloween, I've cosplayed as Jigen (from Lupin the 3rd) quite succesfully - natural beard and everything, which was annoying to have while in Japan. And I am considering atempting to pull off Dr. Light (male) if I can plan far enough into the future next year. I can do the beard easy, and I have blue eyes already, biggest problem is the outfit...

That time of the year

2006-12-25T21:07:00.000-08:00

Happy Comsumermas to all...

Haven't posted in a while, even after saying I'd do it more often. It's that time of the year where everything goes crazy, so it's to be expected I suppose.

Back on Sat. Shane Davis dropped by the local comic shop for signings and such. That was fun little distraction from the bustle of Walmart down the road. We chatted for a while about drawing and the industry and such - since I'm drawing my plans against those who'd stop me I can use all the help I can get.

Even after picking his brain a bit, I didn't learn any trade secrets like future projects DC'll have him on...I didn't press too hard though, since I want him to keep his job. I did pick up some new techniques to try out, however, so I still am keeping things in shape as far as adapting goes.

Anyway, tomorrow banks open and I can deposit money...to fuel my eBay splurge.

Well that doesn't surprise me one bit...

2006-12-18T14:34:00.000-08:00

You scored as Special Agent Fox Mulder.

Special Agent Fox Mulder

83%

Special Agent Dana Scully

67%

Dana Scully

67%

Alex Krycheck

67%

Walter Skinner

50%

Cigarette Smoking Man

50%

which X-Files Character are you most like?
created with QuizFarm.com

The Greatest Story Ever Told - Part 1

2006-12-16T10:18:00.000-08:00

Prologue

A team of different skilled men were brought together in the middle of the Vietnam War. A expert pilot, a genius mechanic, a smooth talker, and their unconventional leader. The group was gathered from different corners of the war, and their mission was given the highest level of secrecy. Their code name was Team Alpha, or A-Team for short.

They were shipped back to America and deployed to a remote area on the west coast. Opperating independent of any other governing body, they were asigned a single task. Retrieve an alien artifact to prevent any other organization from getting their hands on it. No other information was provided.

To help in their mission, they sought out the Justice League. Not every member directly aided the A-Team, but they did help locate where the artifact was.

Eventually the group is captured by a secret company of Nazis, and when things look really bad a strike force of robots and cyborgs attack the camp and free the group. As it turns out, they had been monitoring communications of the A-Team, the JLA, and the Nazis.

Furthor truth is revealed about this artifact, and it turns out to be the Matrix. The Matrix belongs to the Autobots, which are in a way kin to the machines of this planet. That kinship presses the machines to seek out the crash site where the Matrix is located, and since the site is not electronically connected to the internet or any other electronic form of communication.

As the Justice League is negotiating with the machines what they will do with the Matrix, and to whom it would belong to, the A-Team sneaks away to continue on their mission.

They arrive at the crash site and sneak into a now-exposed spaceship sticking out of a volcano. There is wreckage everywhere, but no signs of life as they search around. The deeper in they searched, suddenly the place began to blink alive as lights turned on.

They frantically gather their things, but just at the last minute they notice a pale blue light coming from the chest of a large red humanoid robot. Thinking that is what they were after, they grab it.

As they try to escape it becomes evident that they are trapped inside this spaceship, while outside a battle is growing more and more large.

The machines had decended upon the wreck, fighting the Justice League, as well as a new army of flying machines lead by a grey machine with a energy cannon on his arm commanding them to attack everyone on the field. Other machine men were exiting the wrecked spaceship and joining the battle as well.

Soon it becomes apparent that the A-Team is alone inside the spaceship, and they begin to salvage wreckage that is laying about to armor up their van so they can make their escape safely.

They decide that if this many groups are all after this artifact, then it would probably be best if no one had it. THey then explode forth through the battlefield and escape.

Word travels fast that the A-Team had broken orders and had gone AWOL with the artifact. To cover up the incident the shadow government had it entered into official records that the team had formed to rob a bank, and an arrest-on-site proclomation was issued.

As we learn at the end of the opening chapter, it was Adolf Hitler who is in charge of the shadow government, still alive after his supposed death with help from a Lazerus Pit. With the Holy Grail granting him life and the Spear of Destiny granting him military strength, the Matrix would have made him the most commanding leader the universe had ever known.

Now that it was stolen from him, all his mind is focused on its return to him...

Comic Reviews

2006-12-14T15:20:00.000-08:00

1) Green Lantern Corps #7
This is what Collateral Damage wishes it was. This new female lantern is great, not just because of who she is, but because she is a great foil to Guy starting with the few pages she appears. I don't want to gush about how almost all the secondary characters in this title seem thought out well enough to stay original, so I'll move on.

Yes, Guy gets an earworm that makes him bleed - finally a cover containing a scene that actually happens inside the cover. It isn't a big moment, but it's a decent moment.

So the Guardians have a black ops team? I'm game, but don't expect it to stay covert with Guy joining it.
8.5/10

2) Tales of the Unexpected #3
Being a fan of this miniseries and the main character already probably helped this issue get to where it is on this little list. However, I still think it was a strong issue even if it felt more like a 'middle issue' that connects two stories. The main punishment story wrapped up about as nicely as it could have, proving the Spectre isn't really all that mean.

Also, the Dr. 13 story is freaking awesome.
8/10

3) DCU Infinite Holiday Special #1
Honestly, I expected this comic to be terrible. I'm not a big fan of holiday themed material, but the potential is still great for something entertaining - especially if it isn't supposed to be serious. This comic is not serious, and surprised me by how crazy it turned out to be.

Most of the stories are pretty straight forward, but they have enough fun originality to them they are fun to read. The clencher, for me at least, was the final story. To be exact, the final page of the final story. Wow.
7.5/10

?) Justice League of America #4
It was between this and Robin #157, but I felt as odd as Robin was it had enjoyable art. This new JLA reboot, though it has "Starro", really hasn't impressed me all that much. It reads like a trade, and I'm not to fond of the overuse of two page panel spreads. Something about multiple panels broken by staples annoys me I guess.

Anyway, the writing is acceptible in my opinion, but I guess I'm just not all that interested with the side stories. Maybe I don't care about the characters, but frankly the story feels a bit dull.

For the record, I'm enjoying the Transformers: The Animated Movie miniseries a whole lot more. I know that story, and the mini is changing dialogue and abridging the scenes!
4.5/10

The Death of the Greatest Story Ever Told

2006-12-13T16:30:00.000-08:00

Well...I know it is a quick notice, and a quick ending, but I've decided to seal the fate of tGSET. No more work will happen on it, but I will keep the comicspace account - its the only email that worked for signing up, which is frustrating to no end. It isn't that it gets filtered out with the bulk mail on my main account...it's that it never shows up at all. Oh well.

Despite the project getting the axe, I feel I should at least make it known to the public what the story would have followed in any case. In the next few days I will begin typing out a general summery of the story in all its epiciness.

2006-12-10T07:14:00.001-08:00

What Kind of Comic are You?
Graphic Novel You are GRAPHIC NOVELS! You are mature and enigmatic. You are perhaps a bit of a loner as well. There's also no hiding your intelligence, but sometimes people are too quick to judge you and miss out on all you have to offer. Stick to what you know, don't be afraid to experiment and be true to yourself, and you will go far.
Take The Quiz Now!	Quizzes by myYearbook.com

To Do List updates

2006-12-09T17:20:00.000-08:00

After neglecting every single other project of mine during the month of November, I am finally ramping up focus on things left behind. I'm not stopping my writing, however, as there is still much to do in that realm of things. NaNoWriMo allowed me to lay more groundwork on my stories, but there is still much to continue with.

For the record, I have been writing a novel off and on for a long time, and I used NaNoWriMo to flesh out the other stories in the series. You can think of it in a way of writing the second book to an unfinished first, but some of it will likely be brought into the first as filler. Since there is so little actually written it is very hard to make much sense of the grand story. And yes, it is a grand epic tale of fantasy in many respects - except that there are no real 'good' characters to cheer for.

Other projects I had refered to before are several open-ended commission jobs to work on. One actually involves color, so that's going to be very interesting. I've never felt like my skill with color has been very good. I understand theory and meaning and all that sort of stuff involving color, but I've never felt like I was good at applying what I know. In any case, I've been asked about these works for a while now, so it is a good idea I get back to working on them.

I've also been toying with the idea of picking up tGSET once again. Some long lost browsers to this site may remember my brief mentionings of this thing, and for some they may actually think the idea is dead. Nothing ever really dies in an artist's mind...they just tend to drift away as they can't seem to fully create their vision, and they always think about what could be improved upon, after all.

For you new readers, tGSET is short for 'The Greatest Story Ever Told' and it is a grand tale of graphic fanfiction in which icons of the 80s and 90s crash together in a retelling of Lord of the Rings, with much twisting of that story itself with other stories. It is absolute madness, I tell you.

When I drifted away, I was still building up the story. It wasn't making a whole lot of sense, but since it is still pencil I can easily change it...

Anyway, that's my random update for this week...until Wed.

Finally a return to reviewing comics

2006-12-07T14:41:00.000-08:00

Figures my 100th post would be something as mundane as this, but I have a (new) idea as to get myself to review comics more often (as in, weekly). Three for one! Three shortish reviews of those I felt were good this week, and one I felt wasn't so good. Here goes nothing...

1) Justice Society of America #1
Figures this would be listed in any case, but from my pull I liked it the most. I've waited a while for this thing, and I have to say I really enjoyed this first issue. From this point on I think there is a lot of potential goodness, and I just hope things get carried through in that way.

Mr. America felt like a curveball. To me he looks like Gomez Addams, but wow does he not act like him. I like the little mustache he has, but I'm more wondering where his story will go. Of all the side stories that tie in together, his was the most loose.

I got a kick out of the new Red Tornado and think she'll be fun in that innocent fangirlish way. However, I have a feeling something bad will happen to her - that's just how those characters usually end up. I hope differently though.

The new Starman also was a fun bit to read, but I think my affection for the character is for the same reason I like Bizarro. Not exactly a good thing for a hero to be connected with, but time will tell.
9.5/10

2) Detective Comics #826
This issue was a fun quick read. Quick, because it flowed so well off the paper. Fun, because the Joker goes on a killing spree trying to call the cops to report his hit and runs while he is trying to get to a fastfood place for an eggnog shake. I mean, come on. This is the kind of issue I bet Chris Sims would love to read. I know I did.

Besides, Batman doesn't appear till the very end. It is all Robin and Joker action, and the kid defeats the Joker in a classic move...
9/10

3) Manhunter #26
About time Manhunter returned to the shelves. There is a lot of flashing forward and backward to tie it directly into the "last" issue, but it does work in the end. This is a pretty good setup to what I can pretty well imagine will be only a miniseries of sorts, to check how the sales go for the title. Here's hoping that this issue, tied in with the graphic novel collection of issues 1-5, will make DC think about keeping this thing being printed.

I was really close to sticking Nightwing #127 in this spot, but I felt Manhunter had the small advantage due to my excitement of having it available again. Nightwing was really good this issue around, but the last few issues have all been quality (finally), so there wasn't so much new there. Manhunter had plot and action, and development of the whole story, and besides - her title technically shouldn't be as popular as it is making it all the more great of a comic to be published.
8/10

?) 52 Week Thirty-One
It may just be me, but I think the edge is slowly becoming dull with 52. Maybe they just are not following the arches I like in this issue, but for the first time I found it a little hard to read this issue. I don't really know much about the Captain Comet arch, but his whole story in this issue felt like it was ripped right out of Chronicles of Riddick. I'm sorry, but as one of the few people that enjoyed that movie I have to say this: to rip of that movie in a title as "important" as this comic is degrading to the title.
3/10

"Heroes"

2006-12-05T16:50:00.000-08:00

I've been forcing myself to watch Heroes, and honestly that means one of two things in my book. One is good and the other is bad, obviously.

I want to like this show, I really do, but it just tends to hurt to have to sit through an hour of it. See, Lost and Dr. Who fly by for me in their timeslot. Even Battlestar Galactica can feel like its moving by fast when it isn't all angsty with pointless flashbacks.

This show, however, really drags along.

I blame the writing first. It doesn't matter who thought it was a good idea to put certain characters in, but if they are not written to be interesting the characters fail. They then produce a moment where I start to think getting something to drink before the commercials roll wouldn't be a bad idea. Seriously - I've fixed my dinner while the show was still the show due to a lack of interest in a plot segment.

In my book, there are only three interesting characters out of how many? I honestly don't know how many characters there are. They all tend to blur together on the sidelines.

Hiro, of course, seems to be the only one really advancing the plot. For a long time he also seemed to be the only one actually doing anything worthwhile. He accepts his powers and is trying to use them for good - That, my friends, is what the show is supposed to be about, right?

Then there's Peter, who I am starting to enjoy as of recently. He is also using his power to help others, though he doesn't quite get the chance to be selective over his power. He risked his life, unsure what would happen - and that is also the very definition of being a hero.

As far as I can tell those are the only two actual heroes in the show. That is terrible in my opinion.

Oh yeah, I said three people didn't I? The other is this Syler guy that absorbs other people's powers after killing them. He's got some real potential to be a great villain so long as they don't wholely overpower the guy. I just hate that the girl that was the Indian guy's neighbor was killed because of him, becuase I also liked her despite limited character development.

Anyway, here's me yelling out that the show needs a lot of help in the concept department. They have something that could work really well, but right now it feels like bare minimum.

On a side note: Imagine how awesome the show would be if Frank Miller wrote it? It would probably not make a whole lot of sense and offend a bunch of people, but at least it'd be fun to watch...

A Novel Ambition

2006-11-30T17:06:00.000-08:00

Dear world,

I win at hand cramps and frustration, for I have passed my test of dedication and obsession. My victory was handed to be upon a digital plater of pixels stating that I have won NaNoWriMo for 2006.

It was bittersweet, however, as I was personally racing Ragnell, DiamondRock, and Kalinara. So much for that, but at least I can rub it in with Kalinara ^_^
No hard feelings, because the real challenge was against myself.

I have proved once again, I can wins bets against myself. My reward? Reading a month's worth of comics and watching television tonight...

Felt like bringing this up....

2006-11-22T15:46:00.000-08:00

Ok, two things are worth noting as I just came across them looking for the *all new* release date for All Star Batman #5 (Jan 31st)

First of all, Sun Girl is trying to copy Power Girl I think, chest-hole wise. Power Girl makes it work, Sun Girl does not. I guess the artist doesn't quite understand anatomy very well. Parts of that hole extend well beyond what would be reasonable, I think.

Second, and DRock should take note of this little bit, that "Batgirl" isn't quite wearing Cassandra's suit. Sure, the face is ripped off like at the end of her comic run. Check out the rest of it. Did she steal Robin's cape? Is it really Cassandra? Who knows what they are thinking over there at DC central, but I wish they'd listen to all the fans out there yelling for DC to bring back Cassandra as we know she is supposed to be. I mean, there has to be more than just DRock and I....

edit: Anyone else notice that Altar Boy's costume looks like an evil grinning face?

On being Novel....

2006-11-06T18:06:00.000-08:00

Whew

2006-11-01T16:58:00.000-08:00

Well, seems my goals for this novel writing thing are realistic - at least for now. I'm averaging 500 words an hour, which is far more than I would have thought I could do. I can definately do this.

I'm using comics as a reward for meeting goals, at least for today. I also get to watch Lost. Tomorrow is payday, and Friday is Dr Who/Battlestar. Saturday is Gaming day.....and so far. This weekend is going to be packed though, so I don't know if I can stay on track goal wise. I've proved today it is possible, though.

I'm in a good mood, finally....

Still alive and kicking

2006-10-28T14:42:00.000-07:00

Yes, I'm still alive. A lot has happened on this side of the wired. This month has brought an unfair share of trials and troubles, and I am finally through most of it I hope. Good news is that I think I'm back with direction, so maybe I can get productive again.

I have two commissions on my list of things to do. A month or so ago I finished a big one that really wrecked my brain. I've never drawn Wolverine before, and I have a few issues with it, but he seemed to really like the work. I didn't get a photo of it though, so I can't show it off. I'd like more commissions like that, but there is only so much I can do to get offers. I'm small time, afterall. One of these commissions is to be colored, so that should be interesting. I've never thought of myself as a good colorists, and I like crisp black and white lines. Still, this should be fun.

The other news is that I, too, have been suckered in by the challenge of writing a 'novel' in November. Hurray for loading my free time with items with deadlines to shake myself out of apathy.

I'd like to make a metaphor dealing with the idea of a pheonix, but that might also make an unintended reference to MacGyver. Those who know me well will get the double meaning / joke I'm trying to make. That is, if I haven't totally lost the few readers I had.

Comics!

2006-09-24T13:14:00.000-07:00

I feel like I'm really out of the loop, after having to adjust to not using the laptop. Every night I would sit down on the couch with it in hand, reading news sites and weblogs, chatting, and writing. Now, everything feels forced if it happens at all. I'm not used to writing on a desktop - it just isn't as comfortable, you know?

Anyway, this week was pretty average with the exception to two titles. Those being, of course, Catwoman and Birds of Prey. If anything could turn around an expensive day of mediocrity, it would be those two.

First of all, Catwoman has shot up in quality quite consistantly since I began reading it. This issue was probably the best I have read yet, and I place the blame solely on Film Freak. I'm big into film and such, so I really enjoy the antics of him. I also absolutely love the constant homages to old movies - so with last week's Psycho bit and this week's King Kong bit, I am in heaven.

Birds of Prey - Thank you, Gail Simone, for that rip on Frank Miller. I don't know if it was on purpose, but it sure felt that way. I don't like the return of 'classic' Batgirl, but I bet that comes from higher up. It isn't really classic Batgirl, as far as we know, but it is close enough. I am curious about the whole 'getting shot like the original Batgirl, but unaffected' thing going. Two Oracles are too many and silly, so I doubt that'll happen. Maybe this it just a really crazy misleading story to bring back Cassandra Cain. No way that's going to happen, but I can dream.

Also, we need shots of this Guy Gardner film. Have them go see the movie so we can see the movie.

blah

2006-09-22T19:06:00.000-07:00

Laptop is dead, so I'm having to recover things by memory. Part of the reason for not so many updates, since I used the laptop for all my writing. Nothing too new, but this weekend I will begin typing about comics once again. Good stuff this week, so I have good reason.

Also, tomorrow is the local comic convention. It's a single day event, so I'm going to be running out to see what is available.

Still Alive

2006-09-17T09:45:00.000-07:00

Been a while since I've posted anything here. I had a bit of a crisis on my hands, and that has preoccupied my free time - free time which I had very little of thanks to crunch time at work. I'm fatigued both mentally and physically, but things are on the upswing.

I've slowly picked up work on my novel again, but it is rough right now. Still haven't recovered files from old computer to new computer.

As far as comics go, I'm still having fun reading 52. I'm really liking Lobo, especially because I have little exposure to him. Green Lantern was also very very good after finally being released. IDW also released a comic focusing on Shockwave and the Dinobots, which gets much love from me (Shockwave is an old favorite of mine). Otherwise this month has actually been pretty slow for what I read. This coming week looks to be fough though...

Big bit of news is that I am currently in the planning stages of a D&D campaign at the local comic shop. Not totally sure when it will begin, but it is at least two weeks out.

That's all for now...blah...

Who Wanted to be a Superhero?

2006-09-06T17:38:00.000-07:00

That's the cover it seems. I'd like to point out two things after seeing this.

1) Chun Li and Ryu did not compete in the contest, but I am curious as to how Stan Lee would treat them. Also, Thor carries a hammer and not a sword.

2) Feedback was my choice all along, but he looks much better in black.

Sad day for the world

2006-09-04T07:11:00.000-07:00

Steve Irwin was killed today. He was swimming too close to a stingray, and it barbed him in his chest into his heart. Dead on arrival to the hospital.

He's one of the few people in this crazy world who are not supposed to die...

http://www.crocodilehunter.com/

Movie Review: Crank

2006-09-03T14:03:00.000-07:00

Overall the movie is rather good, much better than Snakes on a Plane as far as action movies go this year. Once the action begins, it is practically nonstop. There are a few soft moments, but thanks to the plot they can't last for very long or the main character will die. How's that for a way to move the story along?

The style of the movie is unique as far as movies go this year. Shifting filters and contrasts twist the movie around to fit the phase the movie is in. The easiest way to think about this movie is in video game terms, which is easy in itself because the title sequence looks straight out of an Atari system.

The movie really is fun, even if it is on an adult level. Imagine various ways to keep yourself going with adrenaline and I bet most of those are in the movie.

There is a lot of typical Hollywood action falsehoods, but you don't really pay attention to them. The movie only really has one plot twist, but you watch it for the action and the insanity.

Recomended to see in the theatres, because the things theatres are known for only help this movie - mainly big screen and sound. It is also really good to see in a group if you can.

A-

Comics: week of 08.23.2006

2006-08-27T11:15:00.000-07:00

Justice League of America #1
So far from just this first issue, and taking #0 into account, it really does feel like this is written for a trade. I'm not sure I like this just yet. On one hand it does make for a good story when they are all pulled together, but on the whole it makes the issue feel broken. It isn't that I dislike Meltzer's writing style, it is just that I wished the issue felt a little more enclosed. I should also note that Turner's cover has Wonder Woman looking a little blown up and Superman looks starved. He draws a good Batman, however.

The story continues from #0 with DC's holy trinity discussing who they think is good enough to join them in the new league. I really like Batman speaking up first for Captain Marvel. There are a lot of reasons why, but my favorite is he can potentially take out Superman if need be.

The story seemed to focus the most on Red Tornado. I suppose he was the member selected to be the binding plot device. Afterall, there is only so much potential angst that can be pulled from the other characters.

People have made comments on not liking Platinum's new look. My take is that she's a robot - a shape changing robot. Who ever is behind the art makes her look how they want. Rivets don't fit her very well, however, I do like the long hair. She seems to be the female half of the robot angst plot, to counter balance Red Tornado's quest for humanity.

Speaking of becoming human, I think it's not such a good thing for Red to become human. Still, I bet Deadman will find the outcome of self sacrifice this time around interesting. I like Deadman, but he seemed rather pushy. Wait, was that really him or an illusion by the bad guys? It wasn't very clear...

I have really taken a liking to Green Arrow these last few months. It feels like they are breaking tradition by not seeking him out this early, but I have to admit it was fun to see him pushed off to the side as a babysitter. It sort of sets the tone that this new Justice League will be the league handed down to the next generation, like how the Teen Titans has become.

I'm rather neutral to the story so far. It is focusing on characters I know little about, which will help me learn about the characters. The problem is what I have read isn't snagging my interest very much.

The biggest thing about this issue that I hate is the 'bonus' this issue of the written pages of Meltzer's upcoming book. Words cannot full explain why this does not belong in the comic. I didn't read them, because frankly I was completely turned off when I discovered what they had slipped in.
7/10

Batman #656
I had problems with the issue before this one, because of continuity issues I was unsure of that prevented me from really enjoying that issue. Those have been cleared up now, and I can really get into this issue.

The visual play in this issue is amazing. I loved the Lichtenstein references everywhere, which were made ever greater by ninja man-bats. I think this issue was created for Chris Sims in mind, and anyone else that likes over the top craziness. Very enjoyable.
8/10

Batman and the Mad Monk #1
I vote that Batman and the Monster Men be accepted as canon, and seeing as how this looks like a direct follow up I will likely be viewed the same way. This issue felt like it was mostly a transition issue, following characters from the last arch and laying the groundwork for this new story.

Needless to say it felt very much like classic Batman, and I'm curious as to where this will go. I also really like the art style, which is always a bonus.
8/10

Wonder Woman #2
About time this came out. I was starting to worry a little if it was ever going to continue this year. I'm enjoying the title so far, but Robin looked really off model.

After introducing Nemesis last issue I would have liked a little more of him in the issue as backup, but then again he isn't the one who the comic is named for.
7.5/10

Xena #2
Issue 2 of the title, and the title is still rather good. In fact, the banter between the characters was enjoyable this go around. The flow also feels very much in line with the show. It may also help that Bruce Campbell's character has more focus in this issue.

The art is still rather decent though there are moments where mouths don't quite look right, but that is a minor point. I'm enjoying this title.
7.5/10

Supergirl #9
Oh dear. Do you hear that? That is the sound of respect being broken like a worn out Bruce Wayne over the knee of Bane. Seriously, this single issue has turned Supergirl into a character I don't like very much into a character I absolutely loath. What happened anyway? Did DC finally decide to drive off every reader?

First of all the last plot arch was wrapped up like someone thought it would be ok to just jump to a new story. No ending, just a horrible jump cut with occasional random flashbacks that explain nothing. Oh yeah, and the 'current' story involves Supergirl acting like a whore and stealing Superboy's iconic shirt. No respect for the chief casualty of Infinite Crisis.

There is still potential for Wonder Girl to flip out completely and beat the crap out of Supergirl. It'd be awesome if Power Girl joined in too. I think that would be the best way to end this title. Maybe then Supergirl's bones will heal in a way that will put her back into a more typical body shape.
3/10

Snakes on a Plane - Review (spoilers)

2006-08-26T08:52:00.000-07:00

Spoilers

Up front I think I have to say that I was probably one of the rare few who didn't care about the hype surrounding this movie. That being said, I can use that as an excuse for seeing the movie a week after it came out. There were only a handful of others in the theatre, which could be seen as a testiment to how strong of a pull it really has. It did help with staying 'in' the movie, so I can't complain.

First of all, yes, there is a story. The story makes a fair amount of sense, too. They actually make having snakes on a plane make sense, and as to why they are attacking everyone without reason. In fact, it makes a surprisingly decent binding agent for the whole movie, and prevents it from being a Sci-Fi original on the big screen.

The cast worked for the most part. Everyone is a stereotype of people you meet or see on an airplane. I mean everyone. This doesn't bring the movie down too much, because half the fun of the movie before the snakes take over is about the interactions between these stereotypes. It should also be noted that only Sam Jackson could play his role - anyone else and the movie would have fallen apart.

Is the movie smart? Generally speaking, it tries to be. The way situations are handled makes quite a bit of sense, and the improvised solutions work. My biggest snag in the movie is the types of snakes they used.
-Using a bunch of snakes from around the world? It works on several levels, and I liked that touch.
-Using black snakes and king snakes? Most people in the audience wouldn't notice this little point, but it killed some of the scenes for me. Besides, if the king snakes really were coral snakes, they don't have very large fangs.

It has a very good twist at the end of the movie, which did make most of the people in the theatre jump. It will also make your brain hurt briefly, ina good way.

Overall, I'd say it is worth at least one view on the big screen if you have any interest - otherwise it honestly is worth rental when it comes out.

Comics - Aug 2006, week 3!

2006-08-18T16:59:00.000-07:00

Figured I should go back to talking about comics at some point, and I'm a little off track from the last few weeks.

Catwoman #58 - Check out that cover. They went from an awesome Lone Wolf and Cub homage to this sexed-up Wheel of Fortune mess. I'm fairly impartial to Zatanna - I don't mind her in a story, but usually she seems very much like a background character. That cover puts her up front, and her costume looks several sizes too small. After a string of great covers, this one is such a miss.

Enough about the cover. The story is a good cap to the recent plot arch. Zatanna still feels like a background character despite her importance to the issue, but it is probably her reluctance to do anything seriously dangerous to fulfill Selina's request. I like how Angle Man retells his past, and how it shows how he has slipped into a low rate villain. Also, Black Mask is dead according to this comic, and not alive as shown in the Man-Bat miniseries (guess which one I am thinking is canon).

The best part, in my opinion, is the way Film Freak 'confesses' his crimes. Not how he interprets the command as crimes against cinema, but the freaking amazing Psycho homage. That made my week. 8.5/10

Street Fighter Legends: Sakura #1 - This came out of nowhere, but it did do for my fix of Street Fighter this month as I wait anxiously for the title to catch up on its release dates.

Firstly, Sakura isn't my favorite character from the series. Despite that, I do know she has the ability to be a fun connection to multiple characters in the franchise - as shown in this issue. She's an upbeat character, and always has been. This issue is fun.

If that isn't enough: This issue has Dan Hibiki and Rainbow Mika. Zangief also towers over everything he's around, but is relegated to comic relief. It also is stuffed with inside jokes and game references. The only thing that set me off a little in this issue was the hyperness of Sakura. I can't blame the writer for that, it's in character. I eagerly look forward to the next issue. 9/10

Manhunter #25 - I'm so glad this isn't the last of Manhunter, but we have to wait till December for more. I wonder if it will just come back as a group of miniseries to be sold whenever. I hope not, but whatever happens happens.

I was really curious as to how they were going to wrap up the Sweeny Todd story line. They built him up to be overly powerful, but they was he was taken out makes comic book sense. Things seemed to wrap up nicely in this issue, and could have easily been accepted as an ending to the title. I especially liked the twist at the very end. 7.5/10

Nightwing #123 - I was surprised with this issue. With the load of crap that has been released recently, this issue was rather decent. Relatively decent, of course. There were still many moments where it was rough, such as my dislike of the two brothers. Speaking of which, why did one of them suddenly develop a temper? Oh well, Dan Didio said things will turn around starting with #125.

What I did like seeing in this issue was Dick finally talking about what happened between him and Barbara way back when he broke things off with her. I thought that little moment of angst was handled well, all things considered. 5.5/10

Shadowpact #4 - Stand alone issue with Blue Devil? I'm game, and it read well. I really lied the two demons speaking in a way to make themselves sound superior, and them taking care of the dragon thing for Blue. 7/10

Poor Booster. He deserved better, but at least he went out with a bang.

The Pulse

2006-08-11T16:22:00.000-07:00

Saw the Pulse today...
Someone else paid for my ticket, which is why I agreed to see the movie. Otherwise I would have left the movie alone as it seems so many seem to be doing - the screening only had 5 other people in it aside from our little group.

How was the movie? Bad. Very bad. Lots of continuity errors, bad sound, a story that makes no sense at all. Wes Craven wrote the adaptation, and honestly it is no better than the Curse. I honestly think the man has no more talent left to tap.

F all the way. Stay away.

The Descent: a full review (spoilers)

2006-08-10T14:27:00.000-07:00

Yes, there are spoilers here. If you are thinking of seeing the movie, and want to enjoy what you can, turn away.

First of all, I have to say that the casting was fairly good. The women actually felt real when they were interacting, so their dialogue was not only decently written, but they also delivered the lines fairly well. They felt like old friends when they meet up in the begining, and you don't feel very forced into the situation, and their interaction doesn't confuse you that much.

The movie takes place in the Appalacian Mountains, which pulled me into the setting. I'm from the area, and the movie looks like it really was filmed in the area. The cave setting was also well thought out, and when they were exploring they actually looked like they knew what they were doing. No easily noted mistakes as far as technique goes. A few people in the audience chuckled here and their when they were climbing, but with a little background you could tell someone in charge has actual experience.

So far it sounds as though the movie is good, right? After all, they advertise it to be the best horror movie since Alien. That's a big statement, and with so much attention to detail it may very well be for much of the public. For me, however, the horror aspect makes the movie fall apart.

The movie opens with an introduction of the main character, and the tramatic death of her family (esp. her daughter). Basically, they are setting up a tragic streak into the character to seperate her from the rest of the cast later on. The others are cheerful and eager to cavedive, while she is joining them to try to overcome her trama. She takes pills to calm her nerves, so you know she isn't wholely recovered mentally.

This mental trama presents itself early on with mindtrips that lead into "boo-scares" - sudden events that make you jump and question what's real. These early moments feel forced into the movie due to its genre, as if there are a required number of audience jumps per 15 minutes. The car wrecking and the deaths were acceptible, because they didn't actually show the death. It was implied and your mind is welcome to imagine the worst. The other moments made no sense, and pulled me out of the story briefly.

I hate boo-scares. I personally am fond of horror movies that creep you out atmospherically, or make you wonder about what is really happening. Boo-scares feel cheap and exploitational. They make you jump because sudden noise. I want to feel icky about what is presented by allowing my brain to fill in the gap. Trust me, my imagination can come up with things Hollywood will never put onto film.

Later after the enter the cave, the movie feels like it was finally begining. This isn't a good thing, but I can't complain too much since much of the time was spent devloping character traits. As they travel deeper into the cave, things begin to grow strange. Caves can be strange, which is part of the draw of them. Sound is distorted, perception is dulled, and irrational fears are magnified. Afterall, Batman lives in a cave and his main weapon is fear.

One thing I do have to point out now that I am talking about the cave. I have to point out that I really liked the choice in how to film the movie. There is no natural ambient light. If there is no light it is black, like a real cave. The only sources of light for the whole cast are the headlamps, flashlights, flares, glowsticks, and a digital camera with nightvision. When someone is talking, someone is looking at them so you see them talking. When they look into cave rooms you can only see as far as they would see, and shadows dance everywhere. In tunnels and pipes you feel very trapped.

Anyway, the main character hears a child periodically, which you assume is her hearing her child. She's crazy, remember? She is told by the trip leader that things are not as they seem in caves and to stick with the group. The noises do make her break away to try to find the source of the sounds, which is almost always Stupid Horror Movie Rule #2. This leads into the interaction with the freaky dwellers in the dark.

Rule #1 is that the girl must twist her ankle while being chased, and since there is no "girl" stereotype it doesn't apply. The whole cast is female, and there isn't a romantic relationship between any of them. Instead you have close friends and sisters. There is a bond between them all, and that bond is stressed as the movie progresses.

The creatures in the cave are eerie when introduced, and very much like the alien from Alien. It appears and vanishes into the shadow. It runs around the group, crawls on the walls, and they can't see it well enough to get a good look. After this initial confrontation, however, the movie falls apart.

You see a lot of the monster, because there is more than one and they have actual weaknesses that get figured out an exploited by our split up group of girls. After you get face to face with them, and they are in full light, they are more repulsing than frightning. You no longer freaked out by them, but you do feel a level of direness in the situation.

Attention was paid to how the creatures would act. They can't see like nearly all cave life, but hunt by sound. However, I have two major troubles with the creatures.

First of all, the noises they make are snake hisses and hyena calls. They don't fit. What they should have done is have human voices making wierd noises, because that would have only aided the disgust of the human like creatures. Besides, they had previously used those noises in Pitch Black, and they mostly worked then - the creatures were not humanoid.

Second, though the make up and effects were quite good, they were total ripoffs of Count Orlok. The name may not be familiar, but he's the vampire from Nosferatu. Pointed ears, clawed hands, and most telling they have the two fangs in the very front (instead of canines). He's featured not only in Nosferatu, but also Shadow of the Vampire - another of my more favorite movies.

I'm not going to give the whole movie away, but it does spiral into a bit of a metaphor. In the end it comes down to what you (or the girls) are willing to do to survive, and how loyalty plays a role. It feels like they were also making a point that to be an ultimate survivor you have to lose your humanity.

...and then they give you a final boo-scare that makes no sense and ruins the feeling of the end of the movie.

For a horror film, it really is one of the better ones to be released in a long time. Sadly, it content choices in the begining and ending prevent it from me fully enjoying it.

Overall, I'd grade it a C+
Worth admission, but no food or drinks. Best if you see it in a group, not so good alone.

Xena #1 - Reviewed

2006-07-29T18:17:00.000-07:00

Ever since I saw the ad for the new Xena comic in Battlestar Galactica #0 I have been curious. Knowing it is being published by the same company that currently publishes Red Sonja I worried if it will be taken seriously, or if it will copy the same formula of 'barely dressed warrior woman' with black hair. Finally the first issue was released, and I picked it up. As I have done before I'll review it in two halves, first art then writing.

There are three main covers to #1. I'm not a big fan of many covers per issue, because if they are all equal rarity what's the point? The covers for the first issue are not terrible, but they do seem to lean towards different readers. There is a photo cover, which I think would be for non-comic fans to notice. The other two covers are drawn, and in my opinion one is far better than the other.

The one I don't like so much is the one used in ads for the release, the Billy Tan cover, which is Xena seemingly in combat throwing her chakram. Her face has the high cheek bones that Lucy Lawless has, and with the detailed armor screams the lead Xena. My problem I have is that for all the attention to detail, her chest is huge. Xena's chest does not balloon into and out of her armor. It is distracting and is not what makes her Xena.

The other cover is a very nice collection of characters in the issue, including Gabrielle, Joxer, Zeus, and Ares. Everyone looks like how they should (chest sizes and muscles look correct), and it is balanced. Xena is the biggest on the page, but the placement of the others give them the standing the characters should have - the title is Xena, but she isn't the only character. This is the cover you should look for if you look for the issue.

Enough about the covers, they are there only to draw your eye and try to sell the issue. The real meat is inside, and I can honestly say that the majority of the art inside is good. With the exception of a few panels, it looks like the team that worked inside actually looked at the cast and put forth the effort to translate them to the pages.

There is, however, a two page spread that introduces Xena and Gab that kind of hits you an odd way. It's their grand appearance and they are charging into battle with their torsos arched upwards as if their chests extend a magical shield of deflection. It isn't terrible, but it looks strange. I know it is probably trying to denote their are holding their heads high and they are confident going into battle, but most people I've seen that charge into battle keep their posture low. Approaching low is tactically sound, because you want to protect your critical areas. I could go on, but I digress from the real point. The line art is fairly good, and the characters look like the actual characters. The coloring is also good and really brings the art to life.

The writing is also fairly good. I personally think some of the joking Xena and Gab make in battle falls a little flat, but it doesn't ruin the issue. In the show there were moments of silliness, and it didn't always work in my mind. It's just my opinion, and others will disagree. What it does do is give the new reader and understanding of the kind of relationship Xena and Gab have, and in that respect it works.

The actual plot is paced fairly well in the issue, and felt like a quick read. I won't spoil the story here, but I will say it at least has potential. Many familiar faces are gathering or make appearences in the issue, so the setting is established quickly. There is also a well played twist ending, which will really shift things around.

The biggest drawback to the issue, and for the title in general, is the price tag. At $3.50 the comic is a bit pricey for what it is, and does not make it worth buying each cover unless you are hardcore about the title.

As for the worries about the title? For the first issue things are looking good, and I'll be picking this up for this arch. I also recomend it to anyone who has felt that feeling of 'wanting to look, but are too unsure to touch' that happens with new comics.

Comics!

2006-07-28T19:08:00.000-07:00

Last two weeks have been rough, so theres my excuse for skipping the reviews last week. This week, I have little excuse to post something.

Batman #655 - Morrison writing, right? Should be good, right? In my opinion this issue is fairly good, but one thing bugs me. The main story in this issue deals with plot that contradicts what is going on with the Man-Bat miniseries. Maybe the mini is out of the canon storyline, or maybe Morrison didn't have the same notes to work from.

Aside from that the issue was fun to read. Morrison is aware that Batman had given up his playboy image for a long time. Bruce Wayne has to retrain himself to become a fun loving guy again, and Alfred has to keep reminding him to lose his growl. 7.5/10

Action Comics #841 - I want to like Busiek's Superman, but his run so far feels very "long." What I mean is that the issue drags along, and I think it is from so much text to read through. It's good writing, I'll grant it that, but sometimes it feels like it is a bit too much. I like the concepts of the robotic intergalactic auctioneers, and it serves as an interesting background. Sadly, that's all it really feels like. 7.5/10

Birds of Prey #96 - First I have to say I like Black Alice. She's just one of those characters that doesn't get enough panel time to become a favorite, but I like it when she shows up. Aside from that there is a good dose of character work in this issue, and what I think is the only nod to Ted Kord since Countdown to Infinite Crisis. Also, that bit about Ted Kord is really well done and should be one of the selling points of the issue. The rest, im simply biased towards, thanks to Black Alice. 8/10

Supergirl #8 - Everything from the OYL arch is finally starting to make sense. Just be warned, as fun as the cover makes this issue appear, Powergirl and Supergirl do not actually battle it out. 7/10

Nightwing #122 - Stuff happens, but if you've been reading this arch you pretty much know how this has been going. Still, I suppose watching Jason Todd going Tetsuo at the end was interesting (as interesting as anything can be right now in the title). 6/10

Blue Beetle #5 - The story is still building, and it is still holding my interest. The villains so far are interesting, which makes it fun. 7.5/10

The Spectre #3 - The acceptance and conclusion of the miniseries. This story wraps up nicely in the 3rd issue, unlike other minis (Battle for Bludhaven, for example). The twist ending isn't unpredictible, but it does hit hard. 7.5/10

52 #12 - Still on schedule, still going strong. Insane Captain Marvel is a lot of fun. 7.5/10

Transformers news

2006-07-22T14:27:00.000-07:00

Apparently a big piece of news was revealed at Comicon.

Peter Cullen is the voice of Optimus Prime.

My feelings for the movie is now back to even, I'm not hyped nor am I disgruntled. I think there is a chance for the movie to be great, just as much as I think it will fail miserably.

Now if only Frank Welker will get attached...

Amazing Screw-On Head

2006-07-21T13:33:00.000-07:00

Wow. Just saw an ad for this on SciFi Channel, and I had to watch it. If you are a fan of anything Mignola, like Hellboy and the like, you should too. Even if you don't know much, know he has a unique style and sense of humor.

Amazing Screw-On Head

Go, watch now, and enjoy.

Two very different things to mention briefly

2006-07-20T08:48:00.000-07:00

First: What the heck did Yahoo do to their front page? It looks horrible with all the extra graphics tossed in. It's highly confusing and requires a while to load. The new lay out is a terrible mess of everything that a front service page should not be. I'm just glad they gave an option at the bottom to reset back to the text-friendly old page. Not everything should copy an OS look. I like my no-nonsense text when I read my news.

Second: Screw you, Marvel, for releasing all their second prints at the same time and multiple variant covers for Civil War. You bumped my single day comic purchase record far above its previous level, and makes me want to drop titles. It's almost assured I will not be reading Marvel for a long time after Civil War ends. I hope eBay can help me make up lost cash.

(Also, a big thank you to Israel for jump starting World War 3. )

Transformers, the Bay Film

2006-07-16T10:01:00.000-07:00

It could be said that I'm a fan of Transformers, specifically gen 1. I happily review the comics as they come out. I know the main players, and I have my favorites.

I am also very worried about what Michael Bay is doing.

Recently an image of Optimus Prime in vehicle mode was leaked. He's based on a Peterbilt, which makes sense. He's not a flatnose, but that doesn't bother me so much. They are not used in America anymore as far as I can tell, and they were primarily a Japanese vehicle if I remember right. There are two things that bother me about this.

First, Bay stated that he chose the Peterbilt because he thought Optimus should be a massive 40-50 foot tall robot, and that truck could house enough insides to make the mass fit. I find this hard to take, since what makes Optimus Prime such a powerful character isn't his size. It's his charisma. I always thought he was maybe 25 feet tall, which probably makes sense for the flatnose cab. His battle prowess and such came from the Matrix, which was all the knowledge of those before him and such. Making him stand 40-50 feet is very much something Bay would do, because he likes taking things to a popcorn-extreme.

Second, Optimus is black with red flames for a paint job. Sit and think about for a minute, but don't take too long else you may burst a vessel in your brain. I don't think I really need to explain this. Optimus Prime is red with white trim and a blue frame. He is Red, white, and blue - because he's a real American hero. He doesn't have black, because that is Nemesis Prime or whatever they are calling him now.

There are also issues with changing some of the vehicles, but I'm not so worried about that. Bumblebee has always been trouble because VW doesn't like others using their vehicle image. I can accept his use as the bridge with the humans, because he has often been the one who was seen more as a kid than the other Autobots.

I can also accept Megatron turned into a tank. He has also been cannon-based. I can honestly say that turning into a Walther p38 would have caused a lot of general public outcry. As much as I love the symbolism behind that, the tank makes sense according to War Within and Gen2. Besides, it is an easy way for him to have his fusion cannon, if Bay keeps the fusion cannon.

I have worries about Soudwave and Starscream. Soundwave may still be a boombox, but that'll mean that Bay keeps him about 4 feet tall in robot mode. Starscream maybe tossed into the same lump with his "brothers" Thundercracker, Dirge, Skywarp, and Sunstorm (and the rest of the clones). Starscream is the one whose spark was screwed up, became immortal, and has megolomania on par with Megatron. Starscream is just impatient when it comes to victory. I hope Bay is aware of this, as are the scriptwriters.

I would love to have Shockwave appear because he is one of my favorites, but I don't see how he would make sense in this movie. If it gets a sequel, maybe, if they return to Cybertron. Dinobots also wouldn't make much sense in this movie, and Unicron should be saved till he could be used as a cap to a trilogy.

Other issues I'm curious about are the female transformers. There aren't many, because supposedly the models became more 'gender nuetral' through upgrades and time since they didn't reproduce in that way. Arcee would be the main choice, but I fear Bay will totally mess her up if he's included her.

Bay has said he wants to audition the original voice cast, or at least those surviving. Very smart move. He has also said that he doesn't want to show any robot modes beofre the movie is released so everyone who sees the movie sees it with a fresh mind. Stupid move. Transformer geeks will rip it apart by speculation.

Get Peter Cullen, show us Optimus Prime transforming into robot mode, and have his say "Autobots, roll out" with his gun in hand while pointing. If you do this, Mr. Bay, you will have won over us geeks.

Comics! cont.

2006-07-13T17:16:00.000-07:00

Superman #654 - The dynamic of Clark and Lois was central in the issue, and I don't remember it being so well handled. Superman was sidelined, and it worked. Electrified Popcorn, science police, and giant villain that talks too much. I'm really curious about Lana taking over Lexcorp. Though it was well written, the issue felt really long. 7/10

Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #208 - Part two is on equal grounds as part one. It's not exceptional, but it isn't terrible. The art is realistic enough to hold your interest generally, though sometimes it doesn't quite work. Specifically, I don't like how the Penguin looks. I'm a fan of the 'human' Penguin, not the creepy looking one. I also don't like his entry into the strip club business - It's just not him. However, I do like the story being told. It feels slightly reused, but so far it works. It has a very dark feel. I would go so far as to call it a gothic tale, and that is only helped by many stylistic choices with the art. I will admit that this story is a bit rough to get through. 6/10

Thunderbolts #104 - This is only the second issue I've read of the series, since I'm only reading it for the Civil War tie-in. I still have no idea what is really happening, but I do understand that this Zemo guy is gaining control over the supervillains to form a 3rd party in this whole Civil War mess. There is the possibility that Zemo holds the key to the tide of the war, depending which side he fights alongside more. Also, I'm not fond of a vast majority of Marvel villains. 6/10

Civil War: Frontline #3 - Opps, there goes another neighborhood. That can't be good for the side against the registration. Also, the Baxter Building has potentially the longest escalator, making me wonder if an elivator would have been quicker. Even if it was quicker, Reed wouldn't have had the extra time to keep talking. Multiple storylines make it a little jumpy, but they are seperated into chapters. She-Hulk has another case that isn't cooperating, who is also in total denial of any wrong doing. Still wondering why they haven't nailed him with trespassing. I mean come on, they were. 6.5/10

whew.

Comics!

2006-07-12T16:21:00.000-07:00

Transformers: Infiltration #6 - The grand finale to this arch was just as I great as I thought it was going to be, and I'm glad I stayed through till the end. The Autobots appear absolutely helpless, and the Decepticons are at the brink of internal war. Two things to note are Megatron looks to be a tank, and Optimus Prime shows up right on que. There's going to be a break before the next arch begins, called "Escalation" - so you can figure out what will potentially happen. I still wish they'd only have like two different covers, like their other Transformer titles. 8.5/10

Street Fighter II #4 - Holy crap issue four is finally out. It has only taken since the begining of the year for another issue to appear. So was the wait worth it? I have a solid SF bias, so I'd say yes. Gen is featured heavily, as is "Akuma" (I really wish they'd use Gouki), which makes the issue interesting. Gen doesn't get a lot of background outside this comic, so everything helps. The story focuses almost entirely on the background of Gen and Akuma, about their original battle and their rematch. Main: 8.5/10

The backup story deals with Cammy and the rest of Delta Red, mainly about trust issues and such. It is simple and straight forward, and doesn't do anything to advance the main plot. It is interesting, however, and I like the style. Backup: 7.5/10

Green Lantern #12 - It's been a long time since Cyborg Superman had a little action, and it was fun. He even has apparently been taught by the Borg and can use nanobots to control biologicals. Also, figures that Guy gets stuck into a giant Manhunter with all the fun of a parasitic metaphor. 8.5/10

Quickies

Green Lantern Corps #2 - Royal intrigue, galactic lantern fanboy prince, and Mogo. I'm really interested in where this is going. Also, no way in hell Soranik is dead. 8/10

52: Week Ten - Ten weeks and still on schedule. Clark Kent is awesome, and "Supernova" reminds me of Dr. Light. 7.5/10

Green Arrow #64 - Surprise ending! Also, lots of witty banter and Deathstroke has a killer plan in the works. 7.5/10

Tomorrow I'll have more thoughts and numbers...

Am I evil?

2006-07-10T16:29:00.000-07:00

At least someone thinks so. That makes me happy.

To furthor my evil in this world, I have decided to pencil a certain slash parody. If the penciling is well accepted, I may go furthor in production. But for now it is simply something that really shouldn't exist...hurray!

Back to work...

2006-07-09T10:46:00.000-07:00

Well I am finally getting back into the swing of working on my novel. Off and on for the last few years I've worked on it in it's current form. In reality it has been in production for nearly a decade. For the most part in its early life It was going to be a graphic novel, but as I became more skilled as an artist I became frustrated with the work I had produced, scrapped it, and restarted.

So now that I'm once again working on the book, what's new? I've been rethinking the formatting from a basic 5x8 paperback size to a full 8.5x11 size. I did some quick testing of the format change to see how it would effect the length of the book, mainly out of curiosity. Turns out that the difference between what I have now and the reformat of the book is just about half the size. 108 pages turned into 51 pages.

Why am I posting about this on a more comic related weblog? First of all, it's good advertisement for the future. Second, and more on topic, is that I plan to fully illustrate the book. This may help me get into the comic industry, since it will be more published material, if only I can finish typing this thing up.

Comics! - Finally!

2006-07-07T15:36:00.000-07:00

Yes, I have comics and they have been read. Not many came out from my selections, but I figure some things are worth talking about. Here are a few reviews, now with bold!

OMAC #1 - OMAC Project was interesting enough for me to get into the current Checkmate ongoing series, which I really like right now. However, with time I have drifted away from the idea of OMAC, and I'll admit I sort of skipped over the story in Brave New World. Now the question is begged of what I thought of this issue.

Personally, I didn't feel much happened. A single OMAC still exists and Brother Eye apparently still exists, and OMAC is being called "home" by Eye. Despite the lack of progress the story really flowed well. I'm still curious about this mini, and I have a sneaking suspision they may turn OMAC into a sort of Robocop type character - driven by protocol, nearly unstopable to carry out the law, and torn by the human aspect when making descisions. 7.5/10

Detective Comics #821 - Paul Dini writing Batman is good. Finally a single solid issue. No arching plot. One fully contained mystery that gets resolved in classic Batman style. I love it. Not much else I can say about this issue, except that I would think it would be a great starting point for the new reader.

Two things about the issue I'm not too fond of. One is petty, the other is odd. First off, I think the cover art is odd due to the way the cowl is drawn on Batman. It looks like Batman has no neck and the eye holes are huge. The petty bit is the massive 8 page ad in the center for that Dew competition. It's absurd, and who in their right mind would really read the whole thing? I barely notice ads in comics because I want to read the story. I notice ads like those because I become frustrated not being able to switch back into reading mode. It's jarring and takes me out of the story, like an infomertial in the middle of a television show. Still, I guess they could get away with including something like that considering the story. 8/10

JSA #87 - I didn't even know the title was ending on this issue. The fact that it did is upsetting, mainly since it didn't feel like it needed to end. Characters were still missing, and there was no reason to end except that the brownstone was demolished in battle.

JLA dissolved because they couldn't make ammends with each other, they went their seperate ways to cool off. Breaking up - it's a good reason to end a title. JSA didn't break up, in fact it looked like they became closer knit - not a good reason to end a title. To me, it looks like they are rebooting the title becuase they are rebooting everything else. Can't a single group title survive Infinite Crisis? I mean, come on, there has to be some continuity between preIC and postIC, and why not the group of heroes who pretty much personify legacy?

Oh well, my biggest complaint was that the title ended in more of a pop-fizz than a bang. Gent Ghost felt in the end felt like a generic bad guy bent only acting like a villain-of-the-day. No extreme struggle in which lives were honestly threatened. Ghost threatened their lives, but they were never in real danger. Besides, Wildcat gets a real shining moment, and that was fun to read. 6/10

Transformers: Evolution#1: Hearts of Steel - Long title, but I like the concept of the title. Basically think of it as an ongoing Elseworld title based on Transformers. This first story arch puts them in the Industrial Revolution, with John Henry and Mark Twain. In the begining with the story background all the transformers are like dinosaurs and dragons and stuff. Later when they reawaken, Bumblebee turns into steam engine and shockwave appears as an ironclad ship. So far I'm really liking this title, because it is essentially extreme bizarro Transformers, and that is awesome. 9/10

Quickies!

52: Week Nine - It's not Galactus, and more Question! 7/10

Batman: Secrets #5 - I've really liked the insanity spun by this miniseries, and the ending is just as nicely twisted as the rest of the run. 8/10

Teen Titans #37 - Doom Patrol exposed, Kid Devil and Ravager are become pretty interesting, and I didn't especially enjoy the ending. 5/10

Supergirl #7 - Supergirl is manic, Powergirl is awesome, and once again the ending left me scratching my head in a bad way. 5.5/10

Secret Six #2 - I think I have to reread Villains United and the special, becuase I don't remember some of this, still, the plot is very nice and twisted. 7/10

Conan and the Songs of the Dead #1 - Most hardcore and potentially offensive issue of DH's Conan yet, and it still reads like classic Conan. Not for kids! 7.5/10

That's it for this week. I like this review style, so look forward to it being the standard now (allows me to focus on the issues I liked, as shoot through the rest of what I have read).

Simplified Spelling made Easy

2006-07-05T18:52:00.000-07:00

http://www.spellingsociety.org/
Ever wanted a way to prove your bad spelling wasn't so bad?
Typos mean progress!

A question of women in comic movies

2006-07-04T16:31:00.000-07:00

You know, I've been wondering since the weekend about why the women in comic book movie adaptations always seem....how can I put it....not as good they could be. I don't know quite why this is. I'm no expert, but I am pretty critical of movies. I'll refer to the most recent big budget DC movies.

Batman Begins? I think most people will agree that the character Rachel Dawes was the weakest link in an otherwise near-perfect adaptation. Was this because she was the only character in the movie that had no comic reference? I don't want to think so, because many other female roles are written well in other movies.

Dawes seemed to be only there to react to Bruce's poor concepts of justice. She was the compass that set him back on track. She had history with Bruce as child, and she was the DA for Gotham. That is all the depth I remember from her, and as a new character in the Batman mythos she needs depth to solidify her among so many already established characters. We know about Bruce. We know about Gordon. We know about Scarecrow and Ghul. Who is this Rachel if she isn't from Year Two? Sadly, all we learn from her (aside from what I mentioned already) is what has happened to Gotham while Bruce was gone. Exposition isn't needed when it can be shown visually.

Unfortunately, I fear she may become a martyr figure for the next film without much more depth being established. She is established as the requisite love interest for the hero, in a job position that shouldn't really belong to her given the chronology of the movie. To keep the fans happy with this newly revitalized franchise, Harvey Dent needs to somehow attain her job.

Superman Returns? Kate Bosworth was, in my opinion, better in her role than katie Holmes was as Rachel, but she still felt a bit weak in contrast to the movie. I think the biggest difference was that Lois is already established from previous movies and the comics. My main issue was that she looked young, a bit too young, for the role. A five year later tag, and she looks five years younger. For her defense, so does Superman - it's just the casting.

Comic book movies have always seemed to lack strong female roles. My guess is that the comics have male leading roles, and that the women just get religaded to a backup role. I don't care so much that the women are not as strongly represented in the story, because the story is about the hero afterall. I don't like it when the female is nothing more than a motivation for the hero, arm candy, or a reporter bent solely on uncovering the secret identity.

Now, there are strong women in comic adaptations. They are just rare. For example Jennifer Connelly in Hulk was, in my opinion, a strong role. She had to be, considering she was basically the only force able to calm a force of nonstop destruction. Another strong role was Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman in Batman Returns.

I have hope for the upcoming Wonder Woman movie, however, because unlike other comic movies the lead is already a woman.

More Con stuff

2006-07-03T13:42:00.000-07:00

Ok, a heres a bit more now that I have rested a bit. I actually took a nap today when fatigue hit me hard this afternoon so now I have a headache, but decent otherwise. Probably won't really get back on track till the end of this week.

First of all, I forgot to mention my portfolio during my first post-con post. Marvel was doing their talent search at the con and I sat in for that. I don't think I have a Marvel style, but it was a chance to get feedback. As it turns out there were many people that showed up for it, and since I showed up at the time it was supposed to begin I was placed at the back of the line. A couple hours into waiting I struck up conversation with the guy next to me. Turns out he was there as a writer, but he had previously published work with a small team and had his work (actual printed comics) to show off. He ripped into my work after I asked him to do so, and I recieved good feedback. He even liked two of the pages I drew, aside from the Chun Li penciling (which no one has ever disliked, and I consider one of my best pieces). With that feedback I felt better for next the next con I attend, and left the audition. By that point I was only halfway through the line, so I have have been looked at in another two hours.

Besides, I was about to faint after someone had copies of the inked covers to the more recent Conan covers. He apparently was working with the original artist of them or something, and just to see the full sized pages without the color were breathtaking. One could say I had cold feet after someone had those to submit...

I haved uploaded two images from the con. Most of the photos I took over the weekend were of various artists signing my comics, so those aren't so important to show off.

First photo, probably the best one I had taken for me, is of Kalinara and I standing with Dan Didio. This photo sparked off out long chat with the big guy.

Second photo, is actually three I combined for a wide shot of the convention floor. The place was huge as you can see. Artists and writers and other important people were in the back rows of tables (the ones with the fancy white tablecloths) and all the various vendors and such were in the front. Try to ignore some of the breaks in reality - I'm decent at patching photos together, but I'm no expert. Just a warning - I left the file BIG so you can see all the details.

I'm still sifting through stuff from the con, but on the whole I think it was a resounding success and eagerly look forward to next year. Maybe then I will have become skilled enough to feel like staying through a talent search panel.

Back from con

2006-07-02T14:02:00.000-07:00

Back from the con - was a blast. I took a few pictures which I'll post later. Right now I feel like I've marched nonstop all weekend. As soon as I started tallying everything up from the con the fatigue hit me. I could seriously just fall asleep now if it wasn't for everything else going on at home and a bit of worry for Kal to get back home safely.

Too much went on to really type a summery, but I will say it was fun chatting with Dan Didio for about 20 minutes after the DC Nation panel (with Kalinara). It was also fun to see her make Greg Rucka and Didio break their pacing on questions asking about Major Force being beaten by a woman (their sudden reaction was priceless). Makes me wonder if she planted the seed of a future defeat of MF...

I'll get the pictures up tonight or tomorrow...

2006-06-28T11:54:00.000-07:00

ICV2 reports that Paramount will be producing an animated featured based on Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman's Dragonlance fantasy novels. Lucy Lawless has said that she will be voicing the character Goldmoon.

Anything with Lawless is good

Figures...

2006-06-27T18:03:00.000-07:00

You scored as Locke. You're Locke! People underestimate you, but you know you can do anything you want to. You hate limits being put on your life - you don't like it when people don't believe in you.

Who is your "Lost" alter ego?
created with QuizFarm.com

---

Always did like him, though he became a little strange in the second season...

Li'l Update

2006-06-26T17:26:00.000-07:00

Small update, becuase this week is Hell week for me. I'm in crash mode working on my portfolio to try to complete it to a good point to show off. I'm in average shape right now, but my eyes are starting to bother me from looking at the paper and glancing around as people purposfully distract me.

Anyway, I took a little time out the other day and read an issue of Manhunter. Long story short, curiosity set in last Wed and I stole an issue out of someone's subscription lot. The shop only gets enough issues in to fill subscriptions, and I arrived in time before they were completely filled.

How did I like the issue? Well, I should say first that not only did I pick up the newest issue, but also picked up the few random issues they had laying around unpurchased. I figured I should grab any issues I had available to catch up on the character. I'll circle back to the original question. I'm not really sure what was going on, but it did feel like a solid issue. I hope the rest of the title reads like that issue, because I'm a reader for now.

I may not get around to reading much of this Wed pull and likely won't post about any of them, but I will try to provide Con coverage - and try to take photos.

Comics and stuffs

2006-06-23T13:27:00.000-07:00

FInally made it through the majority of Wed's pull. Been busy, but here's a few thoughts of selected issues.

52 - Seven weeks and still on schedule, and probably the best issue so far. Ralph is hardcore, and I like that. He seems to be taking the place of the serious "Batman" type character. Since I like Batman, I think that's why I'm liking Ralph. He's intense, he's smart, and he has a vengeful streak going. Booster's fun, but this was going to happen eventually. I don't think he deserved the thrashing he recieved from Ralph concerning Sue, but it will probably make Booster rethink his position a little.

Now the name 'Kate Kane' makes sense, instead of 'Kathy Kane.' As much as I like her in this little introduction, I can't help that her lesbianism maybe nothing more than an excuse to connect her to Renee. I don't mind this too much, becuase it would be a bit offensive to read her flaunting the fact for no reason (and living up to the sensationalism the media spun up). From this issue at least the character gets my approval, and I welcome her into the DCU. Maybe this will change when she takes up the mantle of the bat, but she's off to a good start.

Also, two things to mention quickly. Needs more Question. I like the fact that he has started this whole web of interconnection from the warehouse to Kate for Renee to uncover (and us). Second, is that Galactus chucking a spear at the Lost in Space party? Holy crap that was sudden, and confusing.

Shadowpact #2 - After my initial opinion of the first issue, the second issue has flipped my opinion. The group seems to be closer to their DoV time, though they are not quite there. The villains are a lot of fun as they interact with the Shadowpact, and I like them as they notice how similar the two groups are. I'm mostly enjoying the title now.

Flash #1 - I don't know a lot of the background of Flash, but I'm interested in the title as of this issue. It didn't feel as good as Wonder Woman #1, but I think that was because I don't know as much that is going on right now.

Conan #29 - Very fun issue. I'd think this may be a good jump in point for people who haven't read the series before. It's a new story arch with a few loose ends that look wrapped up, but Conan is very much in character. You can really see Mignola's influence, and it is lovely. In fact, most issues up to this point have felt thick like a real short story, but this issue felt like a quick read.

JSA Classified #13 - Good little battle of wills. Great conclusion. Savage is really the Hannibal Lector of the DCU it seems.

LoS

2006-06-21T16:21:00.000-07:00

so, Legion of Superheroes looks like this?

I'm not impressed.