Author Archive

I Want To Punch Michael Bay In The Face

Posted: May 17, 2013 in Michael Bay, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, TMNT
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Yes, yes I do.  This is truly one time where I think I’m justified in saying Michael Bay is ruining my life.  Someone I’ve never met before is ACTUALLY ruining my life.  TMNT is my childhood – a definitive part of my childhood to be exact. It’s probably the show that got me excited about the superhero concept in general.  There was something about the turtles that honestly molded my upbringing in ways I can’t explain.  It was unique, fresh, and spectacular! (Crap, I just explained it)

Now here comes a pompous director who should never touch anything that has to do with animation in the mid 1980′s.  His Transformers franchise was bad enough, what makes him think he can succeed with the Turtles.  Please Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, do everything you can to keep this movie from happening.  Put it in the hands of someone capable.

I’ll let Aggressive Comix give you the low down about everything going on….

Batman and Red Hood(?) #20 Review

Posted: May 13, 2013 in Batman & Robin, Comic Book Review, DC Comics
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Batman-and-Red-Hood-20-coverWritten by: Peter J. Tomasi
Art by: Patrick Gleason, Mick Gray
Color/B&W: Color
Page Count: 32
U.S. Price: 2.99
On Sale Date: May 8 2013

From what I can tell, Batman’s journey to letting Damian go is FAR from over.  How does one cope with the loss of a son?  As I said in my review of Batman #20, I have no son, so I can’t even dream of what it feels like to loose one. I just hope the duration of the coping doesn’t weigh any of the future Bat-stories down.

Ethiopia is marked with a terrible history for Former Robin, Jason Todd – it’s where the Joker tied him down and beat him to death.  This is where he died. How he survived the Joker-planted explosion is a mystery to us all, but it’s not something Jason wishes to revisit as it brings back terrible memories.

Batman doesn’t care though.  His son is dead.  Jason survived death and Batman hopes that returning his former student to the heart of his terror will jog Jason’s memory, possibly revealing a clue as to how to resurrect Batman’s only son.  It’s hard enough for Jason to live with an almost unbearable past, as well as dealing with the fact that the Joker got away with it, but now Batman is asking Jason to reveal the secrets of his resurrection to save his son despite never showing Jason that same courtesy.  There’s a lot of tension in this 30 paged book, and intense the whole way through!

Batman vs. Red Hood. One acts a bit selfishly while the other makes a bold, and unmerited request. But to be fair, both are faced with terrible trials, working through events which have caused them great pain.  Batman never tried to saved Jason, and it’s something Jason has only recently been able to forgive Batman for.  Likewise, Batman has lost his son and isn’t in the right frame of mind to deal with it properly, unfairly asking Jason to do something he shouldn’t have to. It’s the sign of a good writer who can address two very hefty storylines and make them work so eloquently in only 30 pages.

This B&R installment also addresses issues involving the mistreatment and killing of children.  Batman lures Jason to Ethiopia by framing it as a mission to put an end to the deeds of a gang of international bounty hunters – They collected the bounty put on Damian Wayne’s head. But Jason quickly learned Batman didn’t need him to stop this pathetic band of thugs, thus leading into the heart of the story, and the reason why Batman and Jason were there to begin with.

To be honest, this isn’t an easy comic to read – it deals with death and loss almost on every page.  Even newly introduced character Carrie Kelly is having trouble understanding why Damian suddenly stopped showing to his private acting classes with her without notice. But it seems Carrie will be sticking around as the Wayne’s dog watcher thanks to Alfred’s progressively friendly demeanor.

Gleason Always amazes me month after month on any title he’s sketching. But Cliff Richard’s work is even more impressive that I couldn’t tell when Gleason’s drawings ended, and Richard’s began. But it’s within Gleason’s imperfect style that makes his art so very perfectly incredible.  He’s as good with his action as he is with his angst when the story requires it, and it’s an artistry I can only hope to achieve.

All in all, a very, VERY good read.  Every once in a while Batman and Robin is a let down, but it’s one of the more consistently well written titles coming from DC’s arsenal.

9 out of 10 stars

Superboy #20 Review

Posted: May 9, 2013 in Comic Book Review, Superboy
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superboy-20-coverWritten by: Justin Jordan
Art by: RB Silva, Rob Lean
Cover by: Ken Lashley
Color/B&W: Color
Page Count: 32
U.S. Price: 2.99
On Sale Date: May 8 2013

Is it really neccesary to go back and focus on the origin story?  Can’t we just move it along and develop Superboy’s character more for the future rather than dwelling on what once was?  I’d really like to see some forward motion in the Superboy title.  There’s enough going on to keep my interest peeked, but every issue seems to be slightly less of a thrill ride than the previews make it out to be.

Of course, Japanese animation is a fun ride, but it doesn’t fit within the DC realm – at least I don’t think it does.  There’s a few good images here and there, but it feels more like a childish read rather than a mature piece of superhero literature.  But then again, maybe that’s what they’re going for. This is a “teen” title, and it might just be what fans were looking for.  But for me, I’d like to see DC  liven up the artistic playing field and bring more visual depth to the comic book medium that’s steadily growing with an older fan base of readers.  The art isn’t bad, it has great control of the colors, action scenes, and facial expressions.  While inconsistent, it’s still good in and of itself….it’s just not for me.

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I enjoy a good bickering session, especially when it involves a superhero who isn’t know for his humor and a villain who definitely has a history of joke mongering.  Also, to see Superboy attempt making things right by going to the police and confessing his kleptomania, despite not actually going forward with it, is a sign of growth and maturity.  Something Superboy desperately needs if this book’s to last for another year.

I would have appreciated a follow up to the opening scene where Superboy and the dog of steel get the teeth knocked in, but it seems that’s for another day.  Hmmm, I wonder if they’ll treat this little teaser the same way the treated Dr. Psycho when they skipped his inclusion in Superboy’s book for two issues, only to see him make a return, but with a complete moralistic makeover.

In fact, this issue seemed to have more plot holes in the disguise of story arc teasers.  The opening scene was never readdressed, Officer Jocelyn Lure had a rather odd placement in the story, and it was never made clear why all of the chaos was happening in the first place, yet it alludes to something bigger coming in the future.

The action is good though, and I chuckled more than I thought I would.  New writer Justin Jordan combined comedy and action just as good as Shane Black did in Iron Man 3.  Despite all of the strange happenings, inconsistencies, and multiple moments of eyebrow raising weirdness, I still had fun reading.  Superboy started off well, then hit rock bottom. Now it’s on its way back up, and I’m more hopeful of Superboy’s shelf life now than I was two issues ago.

6 out of 10 stars 

Batman #20 Review

Posted: May 9, 2013 in Batman, Comic Book Review
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batman-20-coverWritten by: Scott Snyder
Backup Written by: Scott Snyder, James T Tynion IV
Art by: Greg Capullo, Jonathan Glapion
Backup Art by: Alex Maleev
Cover by: Greg Capullo
Variant Cover by: Jock, Greg Capullo
Color/B&W: Color
Page Count: 40
U.S. Price: 3.99
On Sale Date: May 8 2013

Clayface or Fecal Monster? It’s hard to tell at times.  Of course I don’t draw clay very often, so what do I know?  Still, it certainly gives the cover a different, and gross, visual interpretation doesn’t it?

I’m not knocking Greg Capullo. I constantly praise his art in every review I’ve done of Snyder’s Batman since the New 52 started.  You can’t deny though, the cover looks like shit!  (#pun) But we’re given some gorgeous moments of precognition when Bruce Wayne gears up in a familiar suit that no one’s seen yet.  And a fine designing job Capullo’s done, using two shades of one color to make a series of images more powerful and captivating than the colorful ingenuity of the Green Lantern Corps. Batman Beyond has certainly left a mark on the Bat-verse hasn’t it?  Maybe I should start picking the title up.  What does everyone else think?

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The story’s about Bruce Wayne being pitted against an almost impossible situation to get out of.  Clayface has been made anew and none of Batman’s old tricks seem to work, or even slow the mud man down. #19 revealed Clayface using Wayne’s likeness to rob banks, but here in #20 he discovers Bruce Wayne’s 2nd identity and means to exploit it. Batsy has use his old skills in beating an old foe with new tricks, and it’s not as simple as it use to be.

It’s fun to see Wayne geeking out over new tech and wondering why Fox would ever throw away such a cool suit. It’s also fun to see Wayne hold his own against an almost invulnerable enemy without all the gadgets at his disposal.  Could Batman beat Superman without his tool belt and all the time in the world? Unlikely. But this battle with Clayface makes it seem (que the Mythbusters) plausible.

I did a bit of eye rolling with the cliche villain-revealing-his-evil-plot troupe, which helps Batman solve the puzzle at the issue’s end. And I’m not a father so I can’t even BEGIN to fathom the time it takes to get over the death of a son, especially as young as Damian, but I’m not sure how much Wayne’s weeping over his son added to the story.

Apart from the two little distractions, this is an action packed comic. Clayface has never been handled that well except in Batman’s animated series in the 90′s, but Snyder may have finally provided the character with an opening into some fantastic stories for the future!

7 out of 10 stars

Iron Man 3 Review

Posted: May 6, 2013 in Iron Man 3, Movie Review
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iron-man-3-international-posterRelease Date: May 2, 2013 (9 pm, 3D/2D theaters and IMAX)
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures, Marvel Studios
Director: Shane Black
Screenwriter: Drew Pearce, Shane Black
Starring: Robert Downey Jr.,  Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce, Rebecca Hall, Stephanie Szostak, James Badge Dale, Jon Favreau, Ben Kingsley, Wang Xuequi
Genre: Action, Adventure
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence throughout, and brief suggestive content)
Official Website: Marvel.com/IronMan3 | Facebook | Twitter

I wouldn’t call Iron Man 3 a complete throw-back to action-comedy, yet you’ll certainly find yourself chuckling during the most epic moments.  And there lies the saving grace of this third Iron installment, and if it weren’t for the laughs and witty dialogue, Iron Man 3 wouldn’t be much to write home about. I still enjoyed it, but substantially this film falls very short of being anything but a typical summer action movie that thrives on giving asshole characters a seemingly “gentle” and “heartfelt” persona. It’s better than films 1 and 2, but 3 still plays out the same.

There’s a flash back. The story is set up. We come back to the present. Tony gets flirty with Pepper Potts. There’s more character development, and then a threat is made.  Stuff blows up. Tony gets placed in a situation where he has to reexamine himself, and the light bulb switches on!  Then (as predictable as it was) the twist happens.  Tony gets shooken up a bit, composes himself, fights back, uses a few chiche “save-the-day” type of phrases, defeats evil, makes-out with pepper and all is well in America.

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I guess I’m not the best American when a lot of what I see within Iron Man 3 is an exploitation terror and its affects on American pride. I love a good story about the bad guys getting their just desserts as much as the next person, and I’m in no way supporting terrorism, but there’s a clear trend going on within America’s movies that are “makin’ bank” on the exploitation of September 11 and how it affected this country. It’s something that many director’s keep hidden in their tool kit as a way of making money.

But enough of my tangent. Iron Man 3 takes time to explore the man within the metal rather than show off the multiple suits Stark’s invented – until the end of course. To it’s credit, Iron Man 3 does have a better story than the previous 2 two films.  Director Shane Black does a good job at bringing in his past movie making expertise – Lethal Weapon was a hilarious franchise – brilliantly combining action and humor as one cohesive unit.  Even in the face of terrible danger, Black is able to weed in a good number of laughs that don’t detract from the moments of death defying acrobatics and technological overdosing.

Iron-Man-3-2

One of the film’s multiple failings include the numerous plot lines intermingled throughout its duration, as well as creating an unclear motivation for the main villain.  While Iron Man attempts solving the mystery of the Mandarin, we, the audience, try to figure out if these terroristic actions are protesting American ignorance, arrogance, or policy.  Maybe it’s a combination of all three, but we also have to deal with a few other side plots involving War Machine, Pepper Potts, and his security Chief , all of which cause major distractions from the heart of the film.  So much is going on that it’s difficult to know why certain things are important to the story, which is probably why the movie is a half hour too long.

The Mandarin’s motivation is never clear except that he was a pissed off young scientist who felt the world was against him.  But how it all played out was so very familiar to the League of Shadow’s Ra’s Al Ghul – keeping behind the the scenes while someone else takes the blame for his evil doings.  Amongst all of the ramblings and confessions, we never truly understand why he’s doing all of this, but at least Iron Man has something to hit right?

iron-man-3-3

A few eye-rolling troupes occur – An all-to-cliche ending where multiple Iron Man suits swoop in to save the day? It was all cool to look at, and I’m sure Black had a ton of fun giving shout-outs to the multiple versions of the Iron Man suit which have made appearances in the comics, but it all seemed more like a cop-out ending rather than an epic conclusion. Almost as if Disney had some say in the film-making process. (oh, wait) Creating a band of super-powered evil humans is all well and good, but towards the end it got a bit heavy handed, especially when Pepper Potts brings in a final blow as one of the infected.  To top it off, an adolescent sidekick who knows it ins and outs of robot making and scientific theory is a bit too much.

Robert Downey Jr. is great.  It’s almost as if the role of Iron Man was tailored-made for him.  Likewise Guy Pierce, Ben Kingsley, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Don Cheadle play their parts well as friend/foe. But the character of Iron Man has never sat well with me, even before movie number 1 nailed the box office. There’s something not very appealing about a hero who let’s the world know who he really is, struts around in a pompus way, who’s witty dialog only works for him because he’s rich and famous, therefore doesn’t HAVE to care about what people think of him. This third film gives Tony moments of fighting battles without his suit, which is a redeeming quality, but he’s still an asshole who’s moral compass is nowhere near that of Bruce Wayne’s.

Iron-Man-3-6

I’m hating on this movie a lot, but to be honest it’s not all bad; there are some spectacular special effects, the music is well placed to help build up any tension that occurs, and as stated above, the story is much more substantial than it’s cinematic predecessors. While all of the twists and turns the movie takes are excruciatingly predictable, this story is much easier to stomach and enjoy.   With all of the humor and well placed battle scenes, I was able to enjoy myself to a point of not being completely bored.  Yet I do sympathize with Doctor Banner and feel his pain, there were moments I wanted to dose off.  I wonder if we’ll see and Iron Man movie that tries to be unique and different rather than playing it safe and giving audiences that same ol’ stuff we typically see from summer action movies. Is it too much to ask that an action movie at least TRIES to be substantial and unpredictable?  Oh well, explosions are fun.

5 out of 10 stars

Free Comic Book Day in Fort Collins Colorado

Posted: May 4, 2013 in Free Comic Book Day
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FCBD13-horiz-with-date

Fort Collins, CO is host to three comic books stores, all of which have a different culture about them – one that focuses more on games, one that strictly sticks to comics, and one that…well…smells a little too much like cat. Each store promotes comics in its own way, and brings its own unique culture to the the college city next to the foothills – Free Comic Book Day is just another excuse to bring in more customers, new readers and gamers, and create opportunities to dress up and talk nerdy with like-minded people.

I took time today to visit all three comic book stores just to see what happenings were going on at each store.  While I didn’t really get to chat with the owners of each store, I was able to grab a few good photos of the comic book collecting fun.

Over at Gryphon Games and Comics, the store I frequent, their FCBD event was even bigger than last year, with the free comic book line weaving throughout the store, and out into the parking lot.  There was also some roller derby promotion going on, as well as four local artists sitting at tables promoting there stuff. Out of the three stores in town, Gryphon had the most FCBD comics stocked, but with a limit of three new comics per customer, just to make sure they had enough for everyone.

New Genesis Comics focuses more on the comics themselves rather than keeping them as a secondary source of income. It’s a steadily growing store that’s been showing a lot of potential at bringing in the hard core comic book fanatics. Local artists there included a woman who took old comic book covers and turned them into journals, as well as an artist who could do a mean dry-erase board drawing! (Made me jealous for those of you who know me) Out of the three stores, however, New Genesis was the only one with cosplayers sporting their costume making abilities and provided bar-be-qued delights!

Over at Haley’s Comics, who’s feline stench makes it hard to do any prolonged shopping, doesn’t really promote their Free Comic Book Day material, and the old guy running it isn’t the most polite person you’ll ever meet.  That being said, Haley’s back issue section is immense and its only redeeming quality. I didn’t spend much time there, however, and really have no desire to set foot in there again.

In case any of you were wondering, here’s a brief description of what Free Comic Book Day is From Wikipedia – Free Comic Book Day is an annual promotional effort on the first Saturday of May by the North American comic book industry to help bring new readers into independent comic book stores. Retailer Joe Field of Flying Colors Comics in Concord, California brainstormed the event in his “Big Picture” column in the August 2001 issue of Comics & Games Retailer magazine. Free Comic Book Day started in 2002 and is coordinated by the industry’s single large distributor, Diamond Comic Distributors.

Free Comic Book Day was originally tied to the release of a major theatrical film adaptation of a well known superhero property, in order to take advantage of the film’s heavy promotion and related press about the comic book medium, but after the third year it was moved permanently be the first Saturday of May. On Free Comic Book Day, participating comic book store retailers give away specially printed copies of free comic books, and some offer cheaper back issues and other items to anyone who visits their establishments. However, retailers do not receive the issues for free; they pay 12–50 cents per copy for the comics they give away during the event. In addition to comic books, some stores also give away other items, including mini posters for live-action superhero movies, keychains, Green Lantern promo rings, etc.

Fort Collins is a perfect place to sell to fans of comics and those who grew up with superheroes in their lives, and despite one little nick in the nerditude that is Haley’s Comics, it’s certainly moving in the right direction!

Hugh Jackman AND Gail Simone Support Free Comic Book Day, You Should Too!

Posted: May 4, 2013 in Free Comic Book Day
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Hugh Jackman is great, and is doing all he can to support his new movie coming out, as well as telling everyone about Free Comic Book Day. But before you go grab your new comics, here are some wise words from the awesome Gail Simone on her Facebook wall.  Happy Free Comic Book Day….

Free Comic Book Day on Saturday!

I know I say this every year, but a lot of people believe that the comics the comic shops give away are given free to retailers.

They are not. Retailers have to pay for the books. They pay a reduced fee, but they still pay for them. They also have to pay shipping. They have to pay for ads and they have to usually pay for extra employees, and many shops pay to have guests or other special events. It can end up being a huge expense, and even though a lot of new readers might come by, part of it is also a celebration of comics, and a lovely little bonus for the shop’s loyal customers.

It’s a great deal of effort, as well, in most cases.

What I would ask everyone to do is, when you go to get your free comics, please take a little bit of extra time, even if it’s crowded, to shop in the store. Try a couple new comics off the rack or a new trade collection you have been thinking about. Maybe if you buy Magic cards or game supplies somewhere else, usually, think about buying some at the hosting store while you are there. It will add up and make their Free Comic Book Day much more successful and everyone will be happy, and it’s a nice way to say thank you.

Just a thought, but when picking up your free comics, please send a little bit of shopping love to the store that is putting on the event for you. Do it ON Free Comic Book Day so that they know the day is a success and that all their expense and effort is appreciated.

Your comic store will love you and I will love you!

FCBD13-horiz-with-date

May The Fourth Be With You – Happy Free Comic Book Day

Posted: May 4, 2013 in Free Comic Book Day, May the 4th Be With You, Star Wars Day
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May_the_4th_Star_Wars

And also with you!  We all love playing around with words, and May the 4th gives you just the right amount of lisp to be funny.  But the extra nerdy thing about today is how it celebrates not only the love of Star Wars, but also encourages the reading of comic books…FOR FREE!

Today I’ll be going around to the three comic book stores in town enjoying the nerditude and grabbing myself a few free comic books, and I encourage all of you to do the same.  However, don’t be free-loaders.  Your local comic book stores doesn’t get these books for free.  They actually have to buy these single issue that are offered to you for nothing.  Help support your local comic book store (which is a local business) and buy some comics in addition to getting your free ones.

After I scrounge around for what I want, I’ll also be taking part in the big cinematic event – Iron Man 3.  Those who know me will also know that the Iron Man franchise really isn’t that exciting for me.  I still enjoyed them, but the two previous films weren’t all that great to me, so I’m not really THAT excited about seeing the third installment. But I’ll go see it anyway, give it a 5 star review (most likely, unless it blows me away) and that’ll be that.

But to end the day off I’ll be coming back home to enjoy some Star Wars culinary delights and the Empire Strikes Back with Mrs. Wonderful and a few friends!

Enjoy today everyone!  Even if you’re not a Star Wars fan or a comic book reader, it’s a nice day out.  Go out and simply enjoy the nerdy side of life and greet a few people with the Star Wars greeting…May the 4th be with you!

And also, for your watching pleasure, here’s the terrible attempt at making a Star Wars Christmas special as well as a few other nerdy images to give you a laugh.

ghost-troopers

lucas-in-carbonite

look sir droids

sexy-leia

The Movement #1 Review

Posted: May 1, 2013 in Comic Book Review, DC Comics, Gail Simone, The Movement
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Movement-1-coverWritten by: Gail Simone
Art by: Freddie E Williams II
Cover by: Amanda Conner
Variant Cover by: Cliff Chiang
Page Count: 32
U.S. Price: 2.99
On Sale Date: May 1 2013

I took an oath a few months ago….to keep away from the rumors, previews, spoilers, and anything else leaking out onto the internet concerning big events in comics.  It’s been nice – being taken by complete surprise in many of the comics I’m reading.  However, the only bad thing about keeping a turned eye to everything that’s up-and-coming is when I neglect the cool stuff.

All I knew about Gail Simone’s “The Movement” was simply that she’s writing it.  It wasn’t until YESTERDAY when a fellow comic book nerd reminded me that it was hitting the stands TODAY.  I would have completely passed it over had she not reminded me, and now that I’ve read it, my hope of having another title filled with incredible anti-heroes has resurfaced, and all is good in the world.

movement1-panel

What’s different about this title by Simone is the amount of new characters coming out of Coral City.  Not every character’s been named yet, but I’m sure they’ll be unveiled as issues come out.  Without a doubt, however, the cast is an intriguing one – there’s an Earth mover called Tremor, a self-dubbed Prince of Rats named Mouse, a wearer of a set of mechanical wings named Katharsis, and Virtue who’s seemingly the leader of this mysterious band of “heroes.” The one caught in the middle of everything is named Burden – or, at least, that’s what his parents call him – and it’s uncertain at this point as to what his role in the story will be.  We do know that he hasn’t learned to control his powers, which is what’s caused this presumed demon possession.

Compacted into this issue are a few more mysteries that will undoubtedly reveal themselves as this series pushes forward, but this series opener has definitely peaked my interest.  Secret Six was great because of its “sketchy” nature.  It didn’t rely on heroes doing things the honorable way.  Everything the Six did fit right into their evil-doer background, yet you were compelled to like all of them.  Likewise, The Movement takes on that same role, but it obvious Simone is making this title excitingly fresh and different. You’ll question the actions of the heroes and finish this book unsure of what their motives are, aside from wanting to do the job the cops aren’t willing or able to do.  But if you’re a fan of Gail Simone, issue #1 will be literary candy for your brain.

Simone is a master of creating characters we can immediately invest in.  We’ve been trusting her for this long and she seldom writes anything that doesn’t get your blood pumping.  Taking the theme of cop brutality and corruption and bringing in a team of young heroes daring enough to put stop to it is a much needed topic to be addressed.  Now we’ll see how far the corruption goes and if the Movement can do anything about it.

10 out of 10 stars

Batman’s Sunday Punch

Posted: April 28, 2013 in Batman, Uncategorized
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It’s Sunday everyone!  Get your laundry done, watch shows on Netflix, read a good book or graphic novel and relax before heading back into work tomorrow!  It’s almost noon here in Colorado and I’m enjoying the comics that came out on Wednesday.  Sometimes it’s hard to read stuff as soon as it comes out…but that’s what weekends are for!

Batmans Sunday Punch

The Outdoor Co-Ed Topless Pulp Fiction Appreciation Society

Posted: April 28, 2013 in Books, Comics
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There comes a time when every blogger takes a desperate leap to increase their hits.  We all know what that means for me though right?  I either have to post about cars or sex.  It’s depressing, but true. Comics are only as popular as the movies make them, and even then not everyone reads.  I’ve been looking at ways of increasing my hits without compromising my own values and appreciations, and thanks to the recommendation of an exhibitionist friend who lives here in Colorado, I found the perfect update for my site!

A group of women who run a website titled The Outdoor Co-Ed Topless Pulp Fiction Appreciation Society, which is based in New York, get together and read books while topless out in public.  According to the site, New York doesn’t have laws against sitting around certain areas without your top on.  So this band of friends gets together on a regular basis and chats about their favorite crime novels.  How can I increase my blog hits without feeling like I’m desperate?  Combine my love of reading with my love of those who’re are willing to push the boundaries of what is socially acceptable. I have a love of doing nude art as well, and this also falls in line with that. Group bio from their website is below…

We’re a group of friends, and friends of friends, and friends of friends of friends, and complete strangers, who love good books and sunny days and enjoying both as nearly in the altogether as the law allows. Happily, in New York City, the law allows toplessness by both men and women. So that’s the way we do our al fresco reading. If you’re in New York and the weather’s good, won’t you join us sometime…?

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To answer your question…yes, this site is filled with pictures of these women laying around a public park in New York completely topless reading books together.  Now before you head on over to their blog, Keep in mind this isn’t a pornographic site.  (well, I guess that depends on you’re own reasons for visiting huh?) From what I can gather, this is a group of women (and men occasionally) that really do like to live on the edge in the company of a good book.  I’m not certain I would be brave enough if I was a woman to do this, but I’m not going to hate on this band of readers for their need to feel alive and liberated.

Currently they’re working their way through a good selection of hard crime novels, which is always good reading despite the author.  However I’m hoping they bump into this little blurb supporting their reading/exhibitionist group and look into getting some comics in their future reading lists.  I know I could give them some damn good reads that would not only be substantial, mysterious, and fun, but also go right along with their exhibitionist drive.

1. Watchmen – which deals with that pulp fiction era of superheroes, but also has a blue man completely in the buff, presenting this image that nudity isn’t bad, and no one should be afraid of it.

2. Y the Last Man – in which all the men have died except for one, and the mystery of how all the men around the world kicked the bucket begins, leaving women in charge of the post-apocalyptic society.  It’s thought-provoking and intense, with quite a humorous end.

3. Sin City – a quick read, but still incredibly fun.  Filled with the feeling of noir and over-the-top crime crime stopping action, sex, violence, and wonderfully written campiness.

But even if they don’t see this and go on with their reading endeavors, I hope they know that what their doing is awesome and riveting.  I wonder what’s next on their list after the crime novels have been read through?

topless-reading-1

Look! Up In The Sky! It’s…The Incredible Hulk?

Posted: April 28, 2013 in Marvel Comics, The Incredible Hulk
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Over at It’s A Dan’s World, you’ll find a barrage of interesting things popping up that prove the world of nerdom is thriving.  On the first of April, the Dan of Steel posted another incredible find that only comic book fans would recognize.  I’ve tried many times to find clouds shaped like superheroes, but I’ve never seen one – they’re all dogs, fish, or monsters.  Sorry Zed, I can’t find anything but shapes, I’m no cloud reader.

But in New Zealand the Gods smile down upon the comic book fans by providing them with a spectacle like this.  The Hulk’s about to smash up the skies.  I wonder if the gods were watching the Avengers when this happened?

hulk-cloud

Doctor Who Is Given A New Look – Welcome Doctor Puppet!

Posted: April 20, 2013 in Doctor Who
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DoctorPuppet

Doctor Who’s become so popular that it’s becoming a fan-film maker’s dream.  Just under a month ago, Doctor Puppet Episode 1 was released on youtube – this episode titled “The Red X.”  In typically Doctor Who style, it combines humor, angst, and a little quirkiness to the mix.  The only thing missing is the hilarious dialog coming from Matt Smith and David Tennant.

And isn’t the likeness uncanny???  This is one of the things I really miss as a child – a handful of shows that showed us the magic of puppetry.  Granted I think this viral show is much more on the clay-mated side of TV, but it still represents something which we’ve lost in today’s television magic, which is so much of what Doctor Who represents at its core.  Who ever started this show, you’re great!  Keep it up!

Wonder Woman #19 Review

Posted: April 19, 2013 in Comic Book Review, DC Comics, Wonder Woman
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Wonder-Woman-19-coverWritten by: Brian Azzarello
Art by: Tony Akins, Dan Green
Cover by: Cliff Chiang
Color/B&W: Color
Page Count: 32
U.S. Price: 2.99
On Sale Date: Apr 17 2013

And my review from last month can be cancelled out because, well…..I jumped the gun.  The story wasn’t done, and the best was yet to come.  Moon and Apollo plot and plan about the dealings happening between War and Wonder Woman, The first born shows Poseidon he’s not someone to be messed with, Zola’s baby gets a name, and Wonder Woman gives Orion a shiner, as well as de-maning him a bit.

This is a redeeming issue for Azzarello, and my comments last month were a bit premature.  Although still too quick and weighty, issue #18 was the perfect lead-in for this month’s installment.  Of course, I wonder if the God’s kids are going to do more than just chat it up along their poolside.  But maybe that’s the appeal, they’re too stuck up for their own good, continually sticking their uppity noses at Wonder Woman and her army.  The First Born’s part in this story is progressively making sense, but I can’t tell if Poseidon is the good guy, the bad guy, or a combination between the two.  Hera is still learning to cope with being human, but little Zeke definitely brought out the mother in her. All in all, every character is developing quite nicely!

The cover is a bit mis-leading, as I suspected, but it’s all part of the punch line.  And strike three came with Orion’s last comment directed at Wonder Woman, and she laid the smack-down, Amazonian style!

Wonder-Woman-punch-Orion

This is what I’ve been hoping she’d do for two issues!  This is the Wonder Woman that should be!  However, while I’m certain we should all feel bad for Orion’s disfigurement, his storming out because Wondy revealed his “true nature” was a bit whiny and childish.  (WWAAAHHH, You hit me!  MOMMY!!!) I keep hating Orion more and more. Good for you Wonder Woman, good for you!

It’s a great issue with only a few things here and there to bring it down.  Overall, however, this is a solid Wonder Woman installment!

See you in 30!

8 out of 10 stars

Superman For 75 Years – And Still Going Strong

Posted: April 18, 2013 in DC Comics, Superman
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75 years Superman

Today – Thursday, April 18 – marks the 75th anniversary of Superman’s 1938 appearance on the cover of DC’s Action Comics # 1.  He’s the influential superhero that coined the beginning of what we see now in comics, TV, movies, and novels.  Giving credit where credit is due, Stan Lee is a comic book god, but Superman is the genre’s immortal Titan.

It’s hard to put into words how much of a big deal this actually is, but who outside of comic book world actually cares?  Fans enter the comic book completely aware of this fact and wonder what big thing DC is going to do to promote this historic occasion, while this rest of the world goes about their business and every day lives.

A drawing I did of Superman a few years ago.

A drawing I did of Superman a few years ago.

There are more important things in the world, of course; our government is dysfunctional, we can’t seem to get along with anyone else around the world, certain groups of people still don’t have their equal rights, overly-religious thinkers fight heavily against the overly agnostic thinkers, and the citizens of this country simply don’t know how to treat one another well. Why would we care about a fictional character’s birthday who represents everything that we, as people, should hope to be like?

The leaders of the city of Cleveland are certainly trying to capitalize on the Man of Steel’s name due to Siegel and Shuster (Superman’s creators) claiming residence there before passing away.  While one can respect what the leaders of Cleveland are trying to do, most of their actions are based around making more money off of a name they don’t own and have very little connection to.  In the history of Superman, Cleveland has never done anything to help promote the Siegel and Shuster estates, as well as never trying to push the name of Superman.  They’ve simply done their own thing and decided to cash in on something they don’t really care about.

The town everyone SHOULD be applauding and trying to go visit is Metropolis, Ill during their Superman celebration. It’s a dinky little town that only has one connection to the said character or his creators, the name of their city – Metropolis.  I wonder if Metropolis will do anything extra special this year in celebration Superman’s 75th birthday?

Alex Ross Is amazing!!!

Alex Ross Is amazing!!!

The important thing to note is simply this – Metropolis has been holding these celebrations for years simply because they understand how significant and influential Superman really is. No one cares about Metropolis Ill, yet here they are, promoting a name simply they can and want to.  He isn’t a god, but Superman’s certainly someone we can all hope to be like. Being concocted during hard times, Superman rose above all the odds, fighting Nazis and other bullies.  And while Superman’s list of foes has reached intergalactic heights, Superman still fights the same fight he always has since April 18, 1938. The attraction of superheroes is their desire to fight injustice, and Superman is the epitome of that concept.  Typically coming out corny, the ideals Superman represents is something worthy of celebration, regardless of whether you read comics or not.

This year, in June, Superman’s latest film will be coming to theaters, and I can only imagine what DC has in store for us. The most recent trailer has shown the critics of past Superman films an optimistic perspective on the potential of having a GOOD Superman.  I love the old ones, but they were still bad.

My respect for the character of Superman is as high as it can be.  You can argue all you want for the concept of “boy-scout” or that he sucks as a character because he’s TOO powerful, but these arguments miss the core of what Superman represents.  Sure, his conception is corny, but he’s still a fictional character than represents everything that we strive to be like.  Who would have like to have Superman around who could have prevented the marathon bombing?  A Superman who could have diverted the planes from crashing into the twin towers, bringing them to the ground and saving every last passenger?  A Superman who could help us with the things that we simply have no power to avert.  Criticize him all you want, but he is, without a doubt, the greatest superhero of all time.

And my cheesy rant comes to an end.

change

Man of Steel Trailer – Excitement Doesn’t Even Cover It!!!

Posted: April 17, 2013 in DC Comics, DC Movies, Movie Trailers, Superman
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I think I just shat myself.  This makes me believe that a good Superman movie is possible and can be the gateway to making more quality Superman films. Watch out Marvel, you could get served this summer!

Superboy #19 Review

Posted: April 15, 2013 in Comic Book Review, DC Comics, Superboy
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superboy-19-coverWritten by: Scott Lobdell
Art by: RB Silva, Rob Lean
Cover by: Ardian Syaf
Color/B&W: Color
Page Count: 32
U.S. Price: 2.99
On Sale Date: Apr 10 2013

If you want to complicate things, by all means, go for it!  It doesn’t mean you story will be good!  I think fellow comic book nerd and writer, Martin Gray, author of “It’s Too Dangerous For A Girl” put it best…When it comes to superhero origin stories, the BEST ones can be summed up in one sentence…

Superman – Rocketed to Earth from the exploding planet Krypton.

Spider-Man – Teenager bitten by a radioactive spider who gains amazing powers.

Superboy – Clone created from the genetic material of  the present day Superman, Lois Lane and an unknown donor by a time travelling madman to save the life of the sick Superboy he considers his son who is in fact the child of a future Superman and Lois Lane, and take part in his war on 21st-century superhumans in order to prevent the coming of 30th century ‘metas’ destined to murder millions of ordinary humans, including his true child.

You can breath now.

I can appreciate wanting to create a complex and ambitious tale that combines the back story’s of popular characters, but if you’re trying to write a story to be taken at least semi-seriously, you’ve got to draw a line on how much material to pack in.  When the New 52 finally released the concept behind Superboy’s story, I hated it immediately.  Clone’s are an overused aspect in DC’s arsenal of pot ideas, and I was really hoping the the whole clone motif would dissipate or at least dwindle down to a minor character who’s presence in the DCU was minimal at best.  No, they kept it around making Superboy, a hero who has so much potential at being one of DC’s best characters, a clone of Superman.

But wait, there’s more!  We learn in this issue that Superboy is not only a product of Superman’s DNA, but also of Ms. Lane’s. And there’s this whole confusing part where Harvest is traveling through time to save his son, which is some how connected to the title’s signature hero in ways I’m still having trouble comprehending.  Then again, maybe if I was reading Teen Titans or Ravagers I’d have a better handle on the whole situation…but I doubt it.

And to be honest, in concept, I really like Harvest’s character, but there’s nothing coming out in Superboy that made me want to learn more about him.  He simply feels like an artist’s excuse to draw another overly complicated and monstrous-looking villain who’s certainly fun to draw, but the garb has very little reason for being.

We’re still waiting on the “reveal” of who completes this trifecta of doners.  We have Superman, Lois…and the mystery contributor would be?????  If you’ve been reading since issue #1, you’re probably guessing Lex, and that’s a very safe bet to make.  The writers of Superboy aren’t making it difficult to figure out the next big thing.  You’d think that something as complicated as this would leave you wondering what’s going to happen next, but you’d be wrong.  Issue #19, and this speaks towards the entire run, tries so hard to be significant and ambitious, but the execution of the story leaves you with easily answerable questions amongst all the hub-bub.

I shouldn’t hate on this Super-installment too much, it follows the typical storytelling pattern well even with all of the jargon being flung in. The art has definitely gotten better, getting away from the ridiculous visual shout-outs to the stiff-looking manga art style.  I guess I’m a bit annoyed with how Lobdell has decided to weave things through – calling Superboy the son of Lois and Clark, even though he technically isn’t, and poorly using a villain who’s treatment within DC’s line of teen books hasn’t been stellar.  If you’re looking for a book that doesn’t require a lot thinking, but does do a “fine” job at going from point A to point B, you’ll be satisfied with this issue.  As for me, I seriously might be crossing Superboy off my pull list before next month.

5 out of 10 stars

Batgirl #19 Review

Posted: April 13, 2013 in Batgirl, Comic Book Review, DC Comics
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batgirl19-coverWritten by: Gail Simone
Art by: Daniel Sampere, Vicente Cifuentes
Cover by: Eddy Barrows, Eber Ferreira
Color/B&W: Color
Page Count: 32
U.S. Price: 2.99
On Sale Date: Apr 10 2013

The best morality tales are the ones that provide hope to those who are afraid of being true to themselves.  Amongst the much larger tale of the Gordon family strife exists moments glorifying what’s socially unaccepted.  A confused young mind can read #19 and believe in the prospect of having a good life and friends after gender reassignment has commenced.

But Simone doesn’t spend too much time on the subject.  She’s the best at jamming two simple panels with more emotion and meaning than most comics books have in 22 pages. This comic focuses on getting rid of James Gordon junior, and let’s be honest, who cares about him anyway?

Fawkes tried his darnedest, but trying to fill Simone’s shoes just wasn’t cutting it, writing a story that continually slid into the dull drums of boring story telling that was trying way too hard to have reason for being.  Having been fired, and DC getting a barrage of haters as a result, the said company not only gave her her job back, but also the right to do whatever the Hell she wanted to!  What better way to show that stupid editor that initially fired her what for by killing off DC’s bad decision.

Yeah, I spoiled everything, James Junior dies by the hands of his own sister.  But there’s more to the journey than the story’s climactic ending, and Gail twists the plot into a fantastic mind-bending tale that’s deserving of DC’s repertoire.  She’s still able to keep everything going according to what Fawkes had set up but gave it an unpredictable sensibility. Simone’s recognizable 1st person narrative way of writing gives more emotional depth to the goings-on, saturating the Gordon-family-four with rich development and intrigue, paving the way for a barrage of storylines that could give Batgirl more legitimacy within DC’s ranks.

The name of Gordon has certainly been revamped.  Barbara and her dad seem to be the only ones with any sense in their heads…and dad’s a police commissioner and Barbara travels the night in a cape and cowl. I now feel like Barbara’s decision to bear the Bat insignia is much more legitimate with her now newly developed back story. What’s a Bat-hero without it’s scathing origin story right?  I can at least buy this version of James Junior better than what Fawkes was trying to do.

Artistically this book is perfect, minus Barbara’s Bat-boots. Sampere brings even the kitchen sink out, designing a perfectly sculpted set a visuals. Don’t you dare think for a second that, simply because she isn’t Batman, Barbara can’t be just as intimidating and menacing.

Batgirl-kicks-ass

The only problem I had with this issue is in a simple statement Batgirl makes, “If she doesn’t know that part, I can still protect her.”  So she’s ok with keeping secrets from those she cares about, but when Batman decides not to reveal his secrets concerning the Joker, that’s a no-no?  That was a defining feature of Death of the Family, and now we’re acting like it doesn’t matter? Consistency DC…consistency.

A minor complaint to an almost perfect comic.  What a way to make a come-back Gail!  You’re my hero!

9.5 out of 10 stars

Action Comics #19 Review – Good Riddance To Grant Morrison!

Posted: April 4, 2013 in Action Comics, Comic Book Review, DC Comics, Superman
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Action-Comics-19-cover-full-spreadWritten by: Andy Diggle
Art by: Tony S. Daniel, Batt
Cover by: Tony S. Daniel
Variant Cover by: Tony S. Daniel
Color/B&W: Color
Page Count: 40
U.S. Price: 3.99
On Sale Date: Apr 3 2013

Superman’s sudden departure from the oh-so-close moment between him (alter ego Clark Kent) and Lois should have been a little more cheesy.  Wouldn’t it have been too funny to see Diggle stick a dialog box off to the side that read, “This is a job for Superman.”  Again I state, it’s hard to write for Superman because of who he is and what he represents without getting too hokey. However, Diggle’s able to write this issue in such a way that shows us we no longer have anything to fear – the Superman we know is back!

But how long can this keep up?  With both the writer and artist having announced their resignation from Action already (with their last issue being uncertain to me) the treatment of DC’s flagship title isn’t one the DC execs should be proud of.  Needless to say, however, issue #19 is a breath of fresh air, providing the character development and relationships everyone has been waiting for, and more noticeably on one very famous fictional news reporter.

Within Superman’s regime of friends, there’s two that stick out as lovable constants, Jimmy Olsen and Lois Lane.  While Jimmy isn’t given much of a spot light, we still see the urge to bring him back on the part of Diggle and company.  But part of this issue’s focus is Lois Lane and redefining her as that tenacious, sharp, and witty journalist who can outmaneuver any reporter in the comic book kingdom.  While being tough as nails, we still see the immediate connection between her and Clark.  I wonder, is it possible Lois Lane’s attraction will be more centered around Clark than Supes?  That would certainly be interesting.

The most interesting part? what’ll grab you most in this Super-installment happens within the first four pages.  I wish there would have been more!  I wish there could have been something else to extend into six pages, maybe even seven.  But alas, I am left wanting.  Thankfully the fun just begins as we’re hurled into Superman fighting men in armored battle suits – in the much more familiar and trade-marked Superman style.  Lex Luthor controls everything behind closed doors, and Superman is left with an infection that’s only going to lead to much bigger and terrible things.

And Lex Luthor was awesomely devious!!!!

I favorited Tony Daniel’s style with his run on Batman a few years ago.  He knows how to draw the Caped Crusader and gave him so much life for that brief period of time.  Now he’s proven himself on Action, making some of the most difficult ways of drawing seem easy as pie.  Not forgetting about the coloring job, Tomeu Morey explodes every page with artistry every colorist should hope to aspire to.

This is a dynamite issue.  Sure, there’s some flaws, but nothing so noticeable to offer distractions.  You probably won’t even notice it. See you in 30…

9.5 out of 10 stars

The Death Of “Superman Lives” Documentary

Posted: March 31, 2013 in Superman
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nic-cage-superman-lives-burton-pic

Back in January a film maker named Jon Schnepp began a kickstarter for a documentary of a Superman movie that never happened, titled “The Death of Superman Lives.”  I knew about it and it was something that horrified fans.  Even the thought of a Superman movie staring Nicholas Cage was terrifying for everyone.  Now, 13 years later, the idea has created a cult following, and fans are intrigued at the idea of it.  ”How would it have turned out?” “How bad could it have been?”

So Jon Schnepp decided to find out more information on the failed Tim Burton film and what exactly happened.  Below is the video he posted on his kickstarter page.

We already have some thoughts by Kevin Smith about how the project fell downward.  I’m not too keen on the thought of Kevin Smith writing a Superman script, but his story is pretty hilarious.

Schnepp has met his goal so the documentary should be going into some sort of process now right?  He even made enough money to created a 20 minutes animated pilot for the failed film. I have a feeling the director wants this movie to happen, just to see how it would have turned out.  What are your thoughts on the project?

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