Boo hoo. Well I got #8, so be warned, thar be spoilers ahead. arr...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
So, this was all quite exciting. Sinestro got chucked out of the White Corps. All the resurrected heroes became White Lanterns and brought Black Hand back to life, then destroyed Nekron. The Anti Monitor is alive again (that'll spell trouble), Maxwell Lord is alive again (and still mind controlling people, which will lead to even more trouble), Arthur and Mera got reunited (and I nearly cried but that's because I have the hangover blues today), and Kendra remembers all her past lives and fell into Carter's arms (won't that mean they are due to die again soon?).
Not everyone has been resurrected tho - Green Arrow, Ice and J'onn J'onzz are back, which is great. Boomer isn't, which makes me sad. I thought he was great as Kara's friend and his character had a lot of promise, especially when we look at what he went through in Blackest Night. I would have really liked to see Gen (half of Firestorm) back but oh no she's still dead. Bah.
I'm happy that Osiris is back but where are Black Adam and Isis? And of course Ralph and Sue aren't there. Not that I am too bothered about them but lots of people, in the DCU and in the fanbase, do care about them. Also, where are Garth and Dolphin? I love Dolphin and didn't feel that we got enough of her when she was around.
I wonder how much the dead ex Black Lanterns remember of their time as corpses? Not much I bet, judging by their reactions (which was very nicely done). I would like to find out but as I won't be buying Brightest Day, the rest of you comics bloggers will just have to keep me up to date.
I'd also like to know what happens to Black Hand. He's been taken away by the Indigo tribe, chained up and looks sort of mind controlled, which doesn't seem very compassionate, but then again maybe this is their way of being compassionate to the rest of the universe. They've never been particularly friendly or supportive of other Lanterns/heroes so these actions of kidnap don't surprise me.
I reread all of Blackest Night this evening, just the main series mind, and came to the conclusion that it reads much better with all the tie ins. The main story is like a brief overview of the events, and while it isn't neccessary to know what's happening in each spin off mini, you will get a deeper enjoyment if you read the tie ins. Without the tie ins it seems rushed and brief. It's also very dependent on having a good knowledge of the DCU and it's history.
What else can I say about this? The fold out splash page thing made me feel like I was fourteen and reading Smash Hits!. There's been some great action figures come out of this event. If I had the money and space I would be buying:
Black Lantern Wonder Woman
Black Lantern Hawkman
Black Lantern Hawkgirl
Black Lantern Aquaman
Black Lantern Martian Manhunter
Indigo Ray Palmer
Red Lantern Mera
White Lantern Wonder Woman? Do you think they'll do one?
But, that would double my action figure collection so is probably a no no. Oh well.
Saturday, April 03, 2010
Friday, April 02, 2010
Gearing up for the election
And the tories haver come out with some quite hideous posters:
For those of you not familar with UK politics, the man in the pictur eif the leader of the opposition, one Gordon Brown, PM and leader of thre Labour party.
There are 2 things I despise here, one is negative campaigning, never been a fan of it. The second is
the implication that the Tories would have done anything different.
In the 80s they sold off our nationalised industries
They caused massive unemployment (and rioting)
They always increase the gap between rich and poor
I highly doubt they'd have been able to handle the national debt differently
They always favour the rich with tax rates (because they are the rich) and penalise the poor (then leave no support systems in place for the poor)
They also want to do everything on the cheap, including sending soldiers to war
They highly dislike spending money on things like pensions (and actually Brown's government has introduced a new system whereby all companies must provide pensions for their staff, the Tories would never have done this).
The only thing a Tory government may not have done is let prisoners out early. Tories would be more likely to leave them in gaol to rot in inhumane conditions.
Don't be fooled guys, Labour may not be perfect but the Tories wouldn't have done anything differently. Labour has actually delivered good things, like the minimum wage, like repealing Section 28, like bringing in Civil Partnerships, like making the buying of sex illegal when the sex worker is beign controlled by someone else (regardless of whether the buyer knows this or not), like introducing devolution. They have made far more noises about changing the electoral system than the Tories ever have (or will).
Labour aren't perfect but the Tories are worse.
Having said that, I'll probably vote Green. Maybe. My constituency is actually quite likely to get a Green MP in, I'm not sure if that would be good for the city or not.
For those of you not familar with UK politics, the man in the pictur eif the leader of the opposition, one Gordon Brown, PM and leader of thre Labour party.
There are 2 things I despise here, one is negative campaigning, never been a fan of it. The second is
the implication that the Tories would have done anything different.
In the 80s they sold off our nationalised industries
They caused massive unemployment (and rioting)
They always increase the gap between rich and poor
I highly doubt they'd have been able to handle the national debt differently
They always favour the rich with tax rates (because they are the rich) and penalise the poor (then leave no support systems in place for the poor)
They also want to do everything on the cheap, including sending soldiers to war
They highly dislike spending money on things like pensions (and actually Brown's government has introduced a new system whereby all companies must provide pensions for their staff, the Tories would never have done this).
The only thing a Tory government may not have done is let prisoners out early. Tories would be more likely to leave them in gaol to rot in inhumane conditions.
Don't be fooled guys, Labour may not be perfect but the Tories wouldn't have done anything differently. Labour has actually delivered good things, like the minimum wage, like repealing Section 28, like bringing in Civil Partnerships, like making the buying of sex illegal when the sex worker is beign controlled by someone else (regardless of whether the buyer knows this or not), like introducing devolution. They have made far more noises about changing the electoral system than the Tories ever have (or will).
Labour aren't perfect but the Tories are worse.
Having said that, I'll probably vote Green. Maybe. My constituency is actually quite likely to get a Green MP in, I'm not sure if that would be good for the city or not.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Celtic myths and Silver Banshee hits Smallville!
So, the book reading first. I got a lil carried away buying candles for Ostara a couple of weeks back and came out with a book entitled 'Women in Celtic Myth', by Moyra Caldecott. My mother is Irish and I grew up reading lots of Irish myths, folk tales and stories as they have always really intrigued me. Glamorous and battle filled, with tragedy, passion and magic animals, 6 year old me was most definitely bowled over by them.
Anyway, this book turns out to be rather good. Caldecott has rewritten several stories, of Irish and Welsh origin, and then provides commentary on each tale, and provides references for where she got the stories from! In my limited experience, this is quite rare in books of this type.
This is the book cover:
and you can buy it from Amazon here.
If Irish myth tickles your fancy, I can also highly recommend Pat O'Shea's The Hounds of the Morrigan. It's a YA book, and long at 480 pages but oh my is it worth it. It's a quest story of 2 young kids tasked with locating a pebble with an imprint of the Morrigan's eye on (from when Cuchulain wounded her) and along the way they encounter many of the key players in Irish mythology. This book is wonderful and I have lost count of how many times I have read it.
And in kind of linking with this, Silver Banshee is coming to Smallville! Check out these pictures:
I'm not too sure what I think of her costume..the make up is good, but the hair? I'll have to wait and see what she's like on screen.
And just because I'm still enamoured with him, here's a lovely picture of the lovely Justin Hartley:
*letch letch*
Anyway, this book turns out to be rather good. Caldecott has rewritten several stories, of Irish and Welsh origin, and then provides commentary on each tale, and provides references for where she got the stories from! In my limited experience, this is quite rare in books of this type.
This is the book cover:
and you can buy it from Amazon here.
If Irish myth tickles your fancy, I can also highly recommend Pat O'Shea's The Hounds of the Morrigan. It's a YA book, and long at 480 pages but oh my is it worth it. It's a quest story of 2 young kids tasked with locating a pebble with an imprint of the Morrigan's eye on (from when Cuchulain wounded her) and along the way they encounter many of the key players in Irish mythology. This book is wonderful and I have lost count of how many times I have read it.
And in kind of linking with this, Silver Banshee is coming to Smallville! Check out these pictures:
I'm not too sure what I think of her costume..the make up is good, but the hair? I'll have to wait and see what she's like on screen.
And just because I'm still enamoured with him, here's a lovely picture of the lovely Justin Hartley:
*letch letch*
Thursday, March 25, 2010
WTF Amanda Palmer?
I'm wondering how much coverage this will get in my regular blog reading, and I'm wondering if somehoe people might miss it, so I'm posting it here.
Amanda Palmer has apparently been complaining about how Lady Gaga is a sellout, cos she's advertising stuff in her videos (I think). So she then tweeted this:
ironic product placement is only ok if you take no money & beyond that give all the income to something ironic. like the Klan
Link
Screencap
What the fuckity fuck? I'm trying to work out if there could possibly be some background to this, or a long conversation that would somehow make the above make sense. I can't think of anything that wouls ever make the Klan ironic, or make it ok to give money to them. I gather it is likely Palmer will say the tweet is a joke. Now, sometimes I am aware that I need jokes explained to me, buut even so, I do not see the humour in that statement.
[EDIT - This got brought up over on Shakesville, a commenter named Tiara the Merch Girl posted the following:
"Just to clarify: she doesn't actually dislike Lady Gaga, and has come out in support of her in the past. I suppose her mention of KKK is a sarcastic portrayal of irony - there was some discussion beforehand about how people are using "irony" to justify everything from racist remarks to poor music."
Yeah, I don't think that makes Palmer's tweet OK either]
Amanda Palmer, whatever you may have meant, you're a fucking idiot.
An LJ'er named sparkymonster has done a pictorial post demonstrating the difference between product placement and murdering black people, and has included some other good links.
(I originally picked this up at the Seeking Avalon blog, thanks for posting this Willow)
Amanda Palmer has apparently been complaining about how Lady Gaga is a sellout, cos she's advertising stuff in her videos (I think). So she then tweeted this:
ironic product placement is only ok if you take no money & beyond that give all the income to something ironic. like the Klan
Link
Screencap
What the fuckity fuck? I'm trying to work out if there could possibly be some background to this, or a long conversation that would somehow make the above make sense. I can't think of anything that wouls ever make the Klan ironic, or make it ok to give money to them. I gather it is likely Palmer will say the tweet is a joke. Now, sometimes I am aware that I need jokes explained to me, buut even so, I do not see the humour in that statement.
[EDIT - This got brought up over on Shakesville, a commenter named Tiara the Merch Girl posted the following:
"Just to clarify: she doesn't actually dislike Lady Gaga, and has come out in support of her in the past. I suppose her mention of KKK is a sarcastic portrayal of irony - there was some discussion beforehand about how people are using "irony" to justify everything from racist remarks to poor music."
Yeah, I don't think that makes Palmer's tweet OK either]
Amanda Palmer, whatever you may have meant, you're a fucking idiot.
An LJ'er named sparkymonster has done a pictorial post demonstrating the difference between product placement and murdering black people, and has included some other good links.
(I originally picked this up at the Seeking Avalon blog, thanks for posting this Willow)
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Things I have learned
Working does wonders for your self esteem.
I am definitely aiming to get a job part time, 3 or 4 days a week, in order that I can keep up my signing, get qualified and evantually get a(nother) job in that field.
This may mean I am skint for the next 3 or 4 years. I think I am fine with this.
Finding part time work that pays well (or enough) may be tricky.
Working out a plan, aims/goals, and what's important to you is a vital thing to do. This should prevent me having another wobble when my part time temp work (that I got with a previous employer a few weeks ago) ends next Wednesday.
Of course, I may change my wants and goals next week, or tomorrow. This changeability of mind is a thing that I do. I am simutaneously unable to live in the present, whilst also stewing on things and being unable to make links with better/worse times that have come before, or will come in the future - I have no idea if that makes sense or is even good English.
Applying for jobs and prepping for interviews takes soooo long, but is good practice even if you don't want the job (must remember that!) (I've had one interview earlier this week and have another one next week).
Apparently my stress levels no longer show themselves as mouth ulcers , now they have progressed to the bad back and indigestion stages instead. Wonderful.
Having said that, I think I am prepared for being unemployed again. I feel much stronger than I did 2 weeks ago, a lot surer of myself, and a lot more capable. Even to the extent that I cannot remember or fully connect with how I felt when I was melting - this non rememberance/feeling is another thing that I do and that it occured again came as no great surprise to me. C'est la vie.
Oh, and everyone who left me a concerned comment: You're all wonderful. Your kind words and thoughts meant a lot to me and I am truly touched. Thank you.
I am definitely aiming to get a job part time, 3 or 4 days a week, in order that I can keep up my signing, get qualified and evantually get a(nother) job in that field.
This may mean I am skint for the next 3 or 4 years. I think I am fine with this.
Finding part time work that pays well (or enough) may be tricky.
Working out a plan, aims/goals, and what's important to you is a vital thing to do. This should prevent me having another wobble when my part time temp work (that I got with a previous employer a few weeks ago) ends next Wednesday.
Of course, I may change my wants and goals next week, or tomorrow. This changeability of mind is a thing that I do. I am simutaneously unable to live in the present, whilst also stewing on things and being unable to make links with better/worse times that have come before, or will come in the future - I have no idea if that makes sense or is even good English.
Applying for jobs and prepping for interviews takes soooo long, but is good practice even if you don't want the job (must remember that!) (I've had one interview earlier this week and have another one next week).
Apparently my stress levels no longer show themselves as mouth ulcers , now they have progressed to the bad back and indigestion stages instead. Wonderful.
Having said that, I think I am prepared for being unemployed again. I feel much stronger than I did 2 weeks ago, a lot surer of myself, and a lot more capable. Even to the extent that I cannot remember or fully connect with how I felt when I was melting - this non rememberance/feeling is another thing that I do and that it occured again came as no great surprise to me. C'est la vie.
Oh, and everyone who left me a concerned comment: You're all wonderful. Your kind words and thoughts meant a lot to me and I am truly touched. Thank you.
Monday, March 22, 2010
The best part of last week's GLC?
Zombie refridgerator. Heck yeah! Supergirl was also pretty good, actually no, it was very good. I didn't buy Last Stand of New Krypton but still had no problem following the story. Kara was great, the Legion was good, Conner was fun, Alura is likeable and all in all it was a very good read.
I have also just used Skype for the first time. Colour me impressed. I am astounded that we have the tech to do this. Now, if they can just sort out the time delay/catch up problem and make it an effective method for signers to use I'll be really happy.
I have also just used Skype for the first time. Colour me impressed. I am astounded that we have the tech to do this. Now, if they can just sort out the time delay/catch up problem and make it an effective method for signers to use I'll be really happy.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Ostara
Ostara is named for the goddess Eostre, who (surprise surprise) is a fertility goddess. The day and night is of equal length, it's the first day of Spring, the weather has finally turned clement, so get out there, eat some eggs, and look at some daffodils!
And if you're in the UK, remember that the clocks go back next Sunday, not tomorrow, as I've been telling everyone, oops.
Enjoy the day folks!
And if you're in the UK, remember that the clocks go back next Sunday, not tomorrow, as I've been telling everyone, oops.
Enjoy the day folks!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Totally out of context
From Green Lantern, obviously:
*snicker*
*snicker*
I feel a lot better than I did 2 weeks ago. Got temp work at one of my old employers, which has led to me feeling less useless and a lot more positive (hurrah!). Not willing to committ to regular blogging just yet tho. Enjoy the odd scan as and when I post them (GL vol 2 provides so much joy!)
*snicker*
*snicker*
I feel a lot better than I did 2 weeks ago. Got temp work at one of my old employers, which has led to me feeling less useless and a lot more positive (hurrah!). Not willing to committ to regular blogging just yet tho. Enjoy the odd scan as and when I post them (GL vol 2 provides so much joy!)
Monday, March 08, 2010
Tired, frustrated, stressed
I definitely have to take a break from blogging. I can't cope with everything I feel I have to do and I need to reduce my (self imposed) pressures. Being unemployed hit me somewhat harder than I thought it would do and I'm having difficulty with working out how to do the simplest things, like organising my day or looking up bus times. One of the most important goals I have is to not end up a quivering depressed wreck. Been there, done that, took several years getting over it, not planning to go back there again. I sort of feel like I'm living the spoon theory, except that I'm not that bad yet.
So, I'm stopping blogging at this site until I've got a job, or until I'm able to manage everything. There may be the odd post but on the whole I'm quitting for a while. I may try and do the occasional post for New readers... but, I won't promise anything.
So, I'm stopping blogging at this site until I've got a job, or until I'm able to manage everything. There may be the odd post but on the whole I'm quitting for a while. I may try and do the occasional post for New readers... but, I won't promise anything.
Graphic Medicine: Medical Narrative in Graphic Novels
[Cross posted from New readers...]
On 17th June 2010 the School of Advanced Study, in the Institute of English Studies, in the University of London (how's that for a mouthful?) will hold a one day inter-disciplinary conference aiming to explore the medical narrative in graphic novels and comics.
The website states that:
'many medical schools now encourage the reading of literature and the study of art to gain insights into the human condition. The melding of text and visuals in graphic fiction and non fiction has lots to offer medical professionals, students and, indeed, patients. Among the growing number of graphic novels, a sub genre exploring the patients and the carers experiences of illnesess and disability has emerged.'
Paul Gravett, Brian Fies and Marc Zaffron will be keynote speakers, delegate booking fees are £35 per person, or £25for speakers and concessions. More information on the website.
------------------------------
I wish I could go. This looks really interesting. If anyone does go do let me know what it's like.
On 17th June 2010 the School of Advanced Study, in the Institute of English Studies, in the University of London (how's that for a mouthful?) will hold a one day inter-disciplinary conference aiming to explore the medical narrative in graphic novels and comics.
The website states that:
'many medical schools now encourage the reading of literature and the study of art to gain insights into the human condition. The melding of text and visuals in graphic fiction and non fiction has lots to offer medical professionals, students and, indeed, patients. Among the growing number of graphic novels, a sub genre exploring the patients and the carers experiences of illnesess and disability has emerged.'
Paul Gravett, Brian Fies and Marc Zaffron will be keynote speakers, delegate booking fees are £35 per person, or £25for speakers and concessions. More information on the website.
------------------------------
I wish I could go. This looks really interesting. If anyone does go do let me know what it's like.
Sunday, March 07, 2010
James Robinson's response to Cry for Justice
From his twitter page.
It says:
"Oh and to all the fans and haters both of Cry For Justice 7, thanks for your comments. I appreciate your feedback."
Well, thats gracious at least
I was interested in buying Starman. Not anymore. Mr Robinson, you should be thoroughly ashamed of this godawful badly put together, badly executed, and badly written piece of tripe.
Arg, it wasn't even about Roy Harper for fuck sake. Lians' mother hasn't been given a look in.#
Arg.
Another edit - 2 remixes of CfJ.
It says:
"Oh and to all the fans and haters both of Cry For Justice 7, thanks for your comments. I appreciate your feedback."
Well, thats gracious at least
I was interested in buying Starman. Not anymore. Mr Robinson, you should be thoroughly ashamed of this godawful badly put together, badly executed, and badly written piece of tripe.
Arg, it wasn't even about Roy Harper for fuck sake. Lians' mother hasn't been given a look in.#
Arg.
Another edit - 2 remixes of CfJ.
Saturday, March 06, 2010
Where I weigh in and. give. my. thoughts.
So Cry for Justice huh? I always like it when the blogosphere explodes, it's fun. And Cry for Juastice has degenerated into being unbelieveably bad. Issue #1 was a bit dull with nothing happening. Issue #2 and #3 were hilarious. #4 was boring. Issue #5 had the Kara/Freddie kiss which didn't come to fruition and some truly bad costuming decisions for the ladies in the book. Issue #6 had Donna being awesome and saving the day, which I loved - see posts with Cry for Justice labels for my previous reviews. (And looking back through my old posts I've noticed some truly terrible typos - how do you all put up with me??!!)
Anyway, issue #7. There's been a hullabaloo. I was going to do a link round up but then I found out that WFA are doing Lian themed posts so I'm not gonna bother.
So, final issue, Prometheus is blowing up Star City, and many others, and all the the heroes in the DCU are out trying to fix this mess. In the process, Lian dies. Roy Harper's daughter, Green Arrow's granddaughter. This allows Ollie to get very very angry and kill Prometheus at the end of the book, with an arrow to the head.
Lian didn't need to die for Ollie to get this angry, given the mood he's been in during the last few years of his run he could have got very angry over Roy losing his arm and thousands of people dying.
Lian was quite a cute character, there's not enough young kids of heroes in the DCU, and now there's one less. Plus, given that a lot of us comics fans on the blogosphere harp on about wanting diversity in our comics, and I'm sure that DC are aware of this, to some degree, killing/getting rid of all the GA family kids (Sin, Lian, Connor), who just happen to not be white, seems a bit stupid. I don't think DC are deliberately getting rid of the non white kids, but unfortunately this is what they have done.
Her death was treated as throwaway and used only as a tool to motivate the other heroes. Or, Ollie. Cos no one else is given time to give a shit. I mean, if you're gonna try and positiona s a death as a pivotal moment in a story arc, at least demonstrate how it's affected the other protagonists, instead of just assuming all readers know who the kid is.
And, the whole issue was just badly executed. Every hero is involved, but we don't know how. I already blogged about the incredibly bad depiction of Mia, the women are all tits and ass with impossibly thin middles, Dinah is actually facepalming Lian's death, we don't get to see Roy's reaction to Lian's death, we don't spend long enough on her death, the art changes every few pages, Ollie does an inspirational speech which just comes off as cack handed and empty or devoid or all feeling, and not in an i'm so shocked i've just lost my gradnkid kind of way, and have I mentioned the bad art?
Some of the women's faces are just awful. I think the pencillers decided to go with this approach to female faces - in that to make faces feminine you must draw fewer lines. Hmmm. I think someone needs to re-assess their definition of female.
I actually quite liked the last few pages, of Ollie killing Prometheus. By this point I was convinced that Prometheus was a bad ass and so to see him get taken out like that was quite something. Unfortunately the information about how Ollie got in to the other worldly dimensional portal was contained in the latest JLA issue, not this one.
So, more bad writing. What a load of shit. Still, I bought it, knowing it was gonna be rubbish, so I can't complain about it being a waste of money. Although I feel I have every right to complain about it not being a good story.
Anyway, issue #7. There's been a hullabaloo. I was going to do a link round up but then I found out that WFA are doing Lian themed posts so I'm not gonna bother.
So, final issue, Prometheus is blowing up Star City, and many others, and all the the heroes in the DCU are out trying to fix this mess. In the process, Lian dies. Roy Harper's daughter, Green Arrow's granddaughter. This allows Ollie to get very very angry and kill Prometheus at the end of the book, with an arrow to the head.
Lian didn't need to die for Ollie to get this angry, given the mood he's been in during the last few years of his run he could have got very angry over Roy losing his arm and thousands of people dying.
Lian was quite a cute character, there's not enough young kids of heroes in the DCU, and now there's one less. Plus, given that a lot of us comics fans on the blogosphere harp on about wanting diversity in our comics, and I'm sure that DC are aware of this, to some degree, killing/getting rid of all the GA family kids (Sin, Lian, Connor), who just happen to not be white, seems a bit stupid. I don't think DC are deliberately getting rid of the non white kids, but unfortunately this is what they have done.
Her death was treated as throwaway and used only as a tool to motivate the other heroes. Or, Ollie. Cos no one else is given time to give a shit. I mean, if you're gonna try and positiona s a death as a pivotal moment in a story arc, at least demonstrate how it's affected the other protagonists, instead of just assuming all readers know who the kid is.
And, the whole issue was just badly executed. Every hero is involved, but we don't know how. I already blogged about the incredibly bad depiction of Mia, the women are all tits and ass with impossibly thin middles, Dinah is actually facepalming Lian's death, we don't get to see Roy's reaction to Lian's death, we don't spend long enough on her death, the art changes every few pages, Ollie does an inspirational speech which just comes off as cack handed and empty or devoid or all feeling, and not in an i'm so shocked i've just lost my gradnkid kind of way, and have I mentioned the bad art?
Some of the women's faces are just awful. I think the pencillers decided to go with this approach to female faces - in that to make faces feminine you must draw fewer lines. Hmmm. I think someone needs to re-assess their definition of female.
I actually quite liked the last few pages, of Ollie killing Prometheus. By this point I was convinced that Prometheus was a bad ass and so to see him get taken out like that was quite something. Unfortunately the information about how Ollie got in to the other worldly dimensional portal was contained in the latest JLA issue, not this one.
So, more bad writing. What a load of shit. Still, I bought it, knowing it was gonna be rubbish, so I can't complain about it being a waste of money. Although I feel I have every right to complain about it not being a good story.
Friday, March 05, 2010
Blackest Night: JSA #3
Spoilers ahead.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Well this was a whole lot better than I expected! A fine end to the mini.
The art was off - I wish artists would understand how boobs and boob windows worked. For example, look here. The lady's breasts are big. The window is big, but it is high, not wide, or low. Boob windows that are as low as those seen in this comic will not hold boobs in. They will spill out, even if you have Kryptonian super boobs. Especially if you have Kryptonian super boobs that are somehow pushed up, possibly by an invisible super bra. Push up bras are not very good at keeping you in one place. At leats mine aren't, and I have pretty large boobs. Gaah.
And her costume mysteriously changes to her old non windowed one for one panel.
Aside from that, the colours are nice and the story is good. We open with BL Superman giving us a run down on his life. Then we cut to the present moment and Mr Terrific is building a thunderbolt bomb that will wipe out the Black Lanterns in the area and it's up to the rest of the JSA to delay BL Supes. Unfortunately thsi Kal -L is trying to thrash Power Girl. When she's collapsed, he's ripping through the rest of the JSA like flies. Jesse Quick is running with her father, enjoying having him back, but knowing that it's not really real.
What I loved about this is how the heroes are not fooled anymore. Karen knows that this Supes is not real and she's doing her damndest to stop him. And stop him she does. The rest of the group are all clued up, even Jesse and they all work together to destroy them.
I don't have any scans of this comic, but I did find some scans of the latest Wonder Woman issue, which show just how awesome Power Girl is. She and Wondy are fighting, in America:
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Well this was a whole lot better than I expected! A fine end to the mini.
The art was off - I wish artists would understand how boobs and boob windows worked. For example, look here. The lady's breasts are big. The window is big, but it is high, not wide, or low. Boob windows that are as low as those seen in this comic will not hold boobs in. They will spill out, even if you have Kryptonian super boobs. Especially if you have Kryptonian super boobs that are somehow pushed up, possibly by an invisible super bra. Push up bras are not very good at keeping you in one place. At leats mine aren't, and I have pretty large boobs. Gaah.
And her costume mysteriously changes to her old non windowed one for one panel.
Aside from that, the colours are nice and the story is good. We open with BL Superman giving us a run down on his life. Then we cut to the present moment and Mr Terrific is building a thunderbolt bomb that will wipe out the Black Lanterns in the area and it's up to the rest of the JSA to delay BL Supes. Unfortunately thsi Kal -L is trying to thrash Power Girl. When she's collapsed, he's ripping through the rest of the JSA like flies. Jesse Quick is running with her father, enjoying having him back, but knowing that it's not really real.
What I loved about this is how the heroes are not fooled anymore. Karen knows that this Supes is not real and she's doing her damndest to stop him. And stop him she does. The rest of the group are all clued up, even Jesse and they all work together to destroy them.
I don't have any scans of this comic, but I did find some scans of the latest Wonder Woman issue, which show just how awesome Power Girl is. She and Wondy are fighting, in America:
Thursday, March 04, 2010
Green Arrow: Blackest Night #30
Spoilers ahoy!!
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Holy crop this was good!
First, the cover is a homage to an old cover:
Then...they kill Ollie.
This issue was fantastic. It garners many plus points.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Holy crop this was good!
First, the cover is a homage to an old cover:
A homage, and gorgeous! on the homage, Ollie is saying 'The blackest night falls from the skies, the darkness grows as all light dies!'
The art inside is equally gorgeous. Except Mia is in her old red costume, and if this is in continuity, where's her black costume? And except for a couple of panels of Dinah, where she looks like shes' had neck broken. And the rest where her boobs look dangerously close to spilling out. (What is with bad boob clothing this week?). Connor's mum also looks black - I thought she was asian. Maybe i'm wrong. And the final shot is one of Dinah's arse.
Black Lantern Ollie is a complete bastard, and not just when he's trying to be. Not remembering Dinah's name but remembering her curves? Sleaze.
And then Connor turns up! Hurrah, I've missed him. And Mia, who proves how awsome she is. she's not distracted, she knows BL Ollie isn't the real him, and she coldly gets on with stopping him. Because what else can she do? Connor is not so focused, neither is Dinah. Connor knocks Ollie's beard and chin off his face!
This issue was fantastic. It garners many plus points.
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Save BBC 6Music and the Asian Network
So the BBC wants to axe 6music does it? The only radio station to play alternative music. The only one without witless presenters yammering away being loud and obnoxious in the mornings. I listen to 6 music and Radio 4. That's it. There is nothing else like 6music, and if you agree please go sign the petition here.
The petition is also for the Asian Network. I have never listened to this channel but I am pretty sure there's few outlets for stuff like the Asian Network, and without it we'd have a pretty whitewashed media. So if you're against the closure of this station, please also sign the petition.
The petition is also for the Asian Network. I have never listened to this channel but I am pretty sure there's few outlets for stuff like the Asian Network, and without it we'd have a pretty whitewashed media. So if you're against the closure of this station, please also sign the petition.
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Long awaited comics rambles: The Flash: Rebirth #6
Well it feels long awaited to me. This week I would have got Gotham City Sirens and Teen Titans, had I not had to cancel titles. I miiiissss Gotham City Sirens. Teen Titans has been a bit boring lately, so I'm less upset about that, altho I hear Cassie finally started acting like a leader. And of course, there's the Rose backup. Waaaah.
Anyway, this week I will be posting individual reviews of comics. Because I have nothing else to fill blog posts with. Spoilers ahead.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Flash Rebirth #6
I think I've said this before, but this mini has made me care about Barry. Now that I've seen a preview of the artwork for his ongoing, I'm even more keen to read his story.
As for the issue itself, I may be unpopular in saying this but I do not like the art in this. The pencils, particularly on the cover, are ugly, the inking is alternately heavy or minimal, and the colours are just so brash and sit oddly with the inking that overall it's just not a positive effect. I think everything is fighting with each too much. Having said that, the bad art doesn't detract from the story, which I loved.
We start with Barry trying to race back through time, chaisng Thawne, so that he can save Iris. He is struggling with this until Wally catches up and helps him along. These scenes are interspersed with Iris going to meet Barry for their first date, and Barry in his office about to get doused with chemicals.
Thawne reaches Iris and is raising his hand to stab her with a lightening rod. I find this weapon beautiful, it has an air of the relic about it.
Wally and Barry reach Thawne, stop him, and drag him through time to where the other Flashes are building something to stop him. On the way we see a speedster Black Lantern - not sure which one tho, I think it's Bart.
Back in the present they trap Thawne, sever his connection to the speed force and prevent him from running again.
Next up is a double splash page of the Flash parade - and we see Max beaming proudly at Bart.
The we see Thawne in Iron Heights - trussed up as he is in Blackest Night. The chief gorilla in Gorilla City says 'he's done something to our jungles'. Some mystery hands lean in to take control of a puppet Reverse Flash. Barry closes the file on his mother's death. The Rogues start work on their contingency plan. Barry finally slows down. The JLA throw Barry a welcome back party.
It's a really nice end to this end. Everything is wrapped up well and the panel of Dinah telling Ollie off for eating Barry's welcome back cake emphasises the family nature of the JLA. It gives a feel of a real welcome back into the fold. Barry's gone through a lot and now he's back with friends and family who love him, and there's good time ahead. Except for Blackest Night of course..
So after reading this, I feel ready for a Flash book dedicated to Barry. Sure, I'd love to see one for Bart as well, but I'm pretty sure that if I had the money I'd be buying Barry's series. I'll settle for issue #1 so I can get the ring.
Anyway, this week I will be posting individual reviews of comics. Because I have nothing else to fill blog posts with. Spoilers ahead.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Flash Rebirth #6
I think I've said this before, but this mini has made me care about Barry. Now that I've seen a preview of the artwork for his ongoing, I'm even more keen to read his story.
As for the issue itself, I may be unpopular in saying this but I do not like the art in this. The pencils, particularly on the cover, are ugly, the inking is alternately heavy or minimal, and the colours are just so brash and sit oddly with the inking that overall it's just not a positive effect. I think everything is fighting with each too much. Having said that, the bad art doesn't detract from the story, which I loved.
We start with Barry trying to race back through time, chaisng Thawne, so that he can save Iris. He is struggling with this until Wally catches up and helps him along. These scenes are interspersed with Iris going to meet Barry for their first date, and Barry in his office about to get doused with chemicals.
Thawne reaches Iris and is raising his hand to stab her with a lightening rod. I find this weapon beautiful, it has an air of the relic about it.
Wally and Barry reach Thawne, stop him, and drag him through time to where the other Flashes are building something to stop him. On the way we see a speedster Black Lantern - not sure which one tho, I think it's Bart.
Back in the present they trap Thawne, sever his connection to the speed force and prevent him from running again.
Next up is a double splash page of the Flash parade - and we see Max beaming proudly at Bart.
The we see Thawne in Iron Heights - trussed up as he is in Blackest Night. The chief gorilla in Gorilla City says 'he's done something to our jungles'. Some mystery hands lean in to take control of a puppet Reverse Flash. Barry closes the file on his mother's death. The Rogues start work on their contingency plan. Barry finally slows down. The JLA throw Barry a welcome back party.
It's a really nice end to this end. Everything is wrapped up well and the panel of Dinah telling Ollie off for eating Barry's welcome back cake emphasises the family nature of the JLA. It gives a feel of a real welcome back into the fold. Barry's gone through a lot and now he's back with friends and family who love him, and there's good time ahead. Except for Blackest Night of course..
So after reading this, I feel ready for a Flash book dedicated to Barry. Sure, I'd love to see one for Bart as well, but I'm pretty sure that if I had the money I'd be buying Barry's series. I'll settle for issue #1 so I can get the ring.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Does your mother know?
Yesterday I went to see Mama Mia on stage for a friend's hen do. It was surprisingly good! It helps that I love musicals, and Abba but I was pleasently surprised that the plot is also quite good. It was also rather filthy, leading to much raucous laughter from the audience. I went for a drink afterwards with a friend and us being us, and she having just finishing her MA in gender studies, then launched into a feminist analysis of it, somewhat drunkenly and probably loudly, in the middle of Wagamamas. Obviously.
Anyway, here's a link to a clip of Does Your Mother Know from the DVD, which I haven't seen in full. I would embed the video but all the clips have embedding stuff disabled . Booo.
Anyway, here's a link to a clip of Does Your Mother Know from the DVD, which I haven't seen in full. I would embed the video but all the clips have embedding stuff disabled . Booo.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Supergirl #50
As I'm particularly late with this review, there has already been a lot of discussion about this issue, mostly over at Supergirl Comic Box Commentary. Anyway heres are my possibly jumbled thoughts on it. Spoilers, obviously.
Firstly, I hate the regular cover:
I don't think much of Didio's taste if he had this hanging in his office. She looks like a bloody pixie. And there's that ridiculous supertorso as well. I have liked some of Turner's Supergirl stuff, I still have a soft spot for his first issues with her, but this cover, is horrible.
So you can imagine that I'm rather gutted I didn't see this beautiful thing:
Now, about Kara fighting with Lana (when Lana is human again). Kara saying she's leaving Lana's life was fine. Her reasons, that Lana lied, didn't ring true. Or maybe I didn't want them to ring true. Because this means that Kara is really self centred. No one is owed anything by anyone else. Getting in a strop and deciding to leave because someone close to you has not chosen to tell you of their illness is selfish and smacks of entitlement. I do not like this.
On the other hand, maybe we just haven't seen enough of the Kara/Lana (Klana?) relationship for this development to feel natural and a godo representation of their relationship. Kara is adamant that Lana should tell her everything. Why? I've always read their relationship as a mother/daughter one, not a sister/sister one. Because Lana is older and cos she took Kara in and clothed and housed her, comforted her when her real mother was being vile. It's parental, not equal. Then I see Kara complaining that Lana hasn't told her everything, well no, no mother does tell her daughter everything. Why would they?
Lana's response to Kara rang true - putting a sulky child back in he rplace. Explaining how friends and family support the Super folks (and by the way, how did no one on Supergirl Comic Box Commentary spot the Superman 2 movie reference?).
However, Kara's flying off - 'Maybe I don't want to be human' - that seemed more acceptabel to me than her previous actions. She doesn't yet want to take the responsibility that wearing the S sheild entails. She's trying, she's trying very hard, but she's not there yet.
Anyway, overall I liked this story.
Now for part 2. Art by Cliff Chiang, story by Jake Blake and Helen Slater.
Generally I love Chiang's art. His stuff for Green Arrow/Black Canary was wonderful, but I'm not sure he'd suit Supergirl full time. Now for soem trivia:
The first show of Supergirl is modelled on the promo shots for Kara in Smallville.
The flying shot is modelled on Helen Slater's performance in the Supergirl movie.
This brings us neatly to Helen Slater. I don't feel the story really showcased Slater's talents as a writer. It wasn't a bad tale, but there was not a lot new in there and it basically recapped Supergirl's story since she got to earth. I would have preferred to see a villain fight, or an everyday story or anything else. Something with imagination.
I know Kara's story, I've been reading since issue 1. I don't need a recap. But maybe recaps are just what you do for 50th issues. This interpretation added nothing new to the Supergirl mythos or history. It was nice to see what other people thought of her, but tbh, we pretty much already knew those views anyway.
Ahh well, it wasn't badly done and it passed the time.
Firstly, I hate the regular cover:
I don't think much of Didio's taste if he had this hanging in his office. She looks like a bloody pixie. And there's that ridiculous supertorso as well. I have liked some of Turner's Supergirl stuff, I still have a soft spot for his first issues with her, but this cover, is horrible.
So you can imagine that I'm rather gutted I didn't see this beautiful thing:
That is beautiful. Done by Josh Middleton, he's done a post about it here.
Onto the story. Bullet points first, then some discussion:
- We are shown that Lucy Lane is alive. Interesting developments ahoy!
- General Lane is a prick.
- Who the hell is Gangbuster? Should I know him? Should I care? Having said that, I do like his inclusion as it helps flesh out the DCU, and he wasn't introduced in a manner that required prior knowledge of the character.
- I was rather confused as to why Kara was in a pod. I thought I'd missed something. Then it got explained. I pretty much adore the idea of the Insect Queen.
- I'm glad we could see her shorts when she's in the pod.
- Minions of the Insect Queen! I do like minions. I mena, who doens't think giant insects are cool? I even thought the giant Amazonian bees in Amazons Attack were cool. The rest of that mini was terrible, but the giant bees were good.
- Some people didn't like the flashbacks in this book..I did. I thought it worked well, and neatly recapped previous elements.
- I also like that Kara is obviously a science nerd. More nerd heroes are needed. Especially ones that are also girly.
- There's some great character moments for Kara in this issue. All too often character moments are missed because writers seem to go for the easy dialogue, so when a few random things are slipped in, I think it's great. That's what makes a good book.
- Finally, Kara fights with a newly human Lana, Kara flies off and Lucy Lane gets back in the Superwoman suit.
Now, about Kara fighting with Lana (when Lana is human again). Kara saying she's leaving Lana's life was fine. Her reasons, that Lana lied, didn't ring true. Or maybe I didn't want them to ring true. Because this means that Kara is really self centred. No one is owed anything by anyone else. Getting in a strop and deciding to leave because someone close to you has not chosen to tell you of their illness is selfish and smacks of entitlement. I do not like this.
On the other hand, maybe we just haven't seen enough of the Kara/Lana (Klana?) relationship for this development to feel natural and a godo representation of their relationship. Kara is adamant that Lana should tell her everything. Why? I've always read their relationship as a mother/daughter one, not a sister/sister one. Because Lana is older and cos she took Kara in and clothed and housed her, comforted her when her real mother was being vile. It's parental, not equal. Then I see Kara complaining that Lana hasn't told her everything, well no, no mother does tell her daughter everything. Why would they?
Lana's response to Kara rang true - putting a sulky child back in he rplace. Explaining how friends and family support the Super folks (and by the way, how did no one on Supergirl Comic Box Commentary spot the Superman 2 movie reference?).
However, Kara's flying off - 'Maybe I don't want to be human' - that seemed more acceptabel to me than her previous actions. She doesn't yet want to take the responsibility that wearing the S sheild entails. She's trying, she's trying very hard, but she's not there yet.
Anyway, overall I liked this story.
Now for part 2. Art by Cliff Chiang, story by Jake Blake and Helen Slater.
Generally I love Chiang's art. His stuff for Green Arrow/Black Canary was wonderful, but I'm not sure he'd suit Supergirl full time. Now for soem trivia:
The first show of Supergirl is modelled on the promo shots for Kara in Smallville.
The flying shot is modelled on Helen Slater's performance in the Supergirl movie.
This brings us neatly to Helen Slater. I don't feel the story really showcased Slater's talents as a writer. It wasn't a bad tale, but there was not a lot new in there and it basically recapped Supergirl's story since she got to earth. I would have preferred to see a villain fight, or an everyday story or anything else. Something with imagination.
I know Kara's story, I've been reading since issue 1. I don't need a recap. But maybe recaps are just what you do for 50th issues. This interpretation added nothing new to the Supergirl mythos or history. It was nice to see what other people thought of her, but tbh, we pretty much already knew those views anyway.
Ahh well, it wasn't badly done and it passed the time.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Coming out in comics: The DC offices
The Januay 13th (or thereabouts) DC Nation column featured what I thought was a rather interesting story. 5 students from the Harvey Milk High School in New York got to visit the DC offices as part of the school's careers day, intended to, and I quote, highlight and promote positive gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender role models in the workplace. The column mentions that the kids met Paul Levitz and David Cole.
Now I have no idea if Levitz or Cole are identify as LGBT, but I think that this visit is hugely important in terms of acknowledging diversity at the DC offices. I would assume from the article that there are folks at the DC offices who identify as LGBT, and for DC to publicly go out of their way to court the queer vote and promote themselves as being open to LGBT kids, well I think it's bloody great.
Obviously I would hope this would rub off on the creative output and we get to see more LGBT characters* within the DCU, but I appreciate this may take some time.
*There are some LGB characters in the DCU, if you're interested, I've started chronicling them.
Now I have no idea if Levitz or Cole are identify as LGBT, but I think that this visit is hugely important in terms of acknowledging diversity at the DC offices. I would assume from the article that there are folks at the DC offices who identify as LGBT, and for DC to publicly go out of their way to court the queer vote and promote themselves as being open to LGBT kids, well I think it's bloody great.
Obviously I would hope this would rub off on the creative output and we get to see more LGBT characters* within the DCU, but I appreciate this may take some time.
*There are some LGB characters in the DCU, if you're interested, I've started chronicling them.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Cry for Justice #7 preview
Hmm. Can't seem to be able to download them, so instead got to the link.
And answer me why does Speedy appear to be drawn in a position that shows off her fab-u-lous body more than it shows her leet archery skills?
Even the commenters on The Source blog agree with me.
Fucking fail.
An slightly off topic, I don't think I mentioned before but you may all have seen it anyway, I've put a reactions type thing at the bottom of each post...any feedback to be given by the ticking of the boxes would be lovely!
And answer me why does Speedy appear to be drawn in a position that shows off her fab-u-lous body more than it shows her leet archery skills?
Even the commenters on The Source blog agree with me.
Fucking fail.
An slightly off topic, I don't think I mentioned before but you may all have seen it anyway, I've put a reactions type thing at the bottom of each post...any feedback to be given by the ticking of the boxes would be lovely!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Comic reviews..
Featuring some fascinating thoughts and spoilers for Superman/Batman # 69, Power Girl #9, Batgirl #6, Green Lantern Corps: Blackest Night # 45, Green Lantern: Blackest Night # 51, Blackest Night: The Flash # 3.
Supergirl #50 is gonna get her own review.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Superman/Batman # 69
Taking place in the aftermath of the Our Worlds at War crossover, Superman is very angry in this. Playboy Bruce seems surprised that there are aliens in the universe, which seems a little odd considering this is the DCU we're talking about. You can hardly move for tripping over aliens. This issue is not really about the Supes/Bats relationship, which dissappoints me.
As I wasn't into comics at the time of the Our Worlds at War crossover, I couldn't care less about this story arc. However I'm sure it pleases a lot of fans.
Although it wasn't all bad. The splash page of the tentacled evil Durlan was very pleasing. How I wish I had a scanner show you all. *sigh*
Power Girl #9
I love the art on this. The pencils, the colours - everything is so vibrant, so joyous and fun!* I love that karen is so powerful that bombs, grenades, guns and fire don't bother her in the least. Satanna brought out a sonic boom hammer, and even that wasn't enough to put her down. Then Terra arrives and oh my, doesn't she look really demented.
I'll miss this title.
*except for Satanna's outfit, which is beyond stupid.
Batgirl #6
I feel like I should love this but I just can't - there's soemthing missing and somehow the whole thing just doesn't gel for me. Having said that, there are some very good things - Damian carrying a sword (I can't believe Dick is letting him do this) and Steph doing her best Batman impression in Jordanna' Spence's room. It tickles me when other chars do Batman impressions - I'm specifically thinking of Oliver Queen doing one for Hawkman in Quiver.
Green Lantern Corps: Blackest Night # 45
Guy Gardner goes mad with a chainsaw!
Green Lantern: Blackest Night # 51
Isn't Hal as Parallax an ugly looking bastard? And then he proves his evilness by ripping the Spectre's face off. Nice. Crispus Allen appears to be trapped behind onwe of the Spectre's eyes - I wa snotg expecting that. Nice detailing there.
The Spectre gets filled with rage, and I am ponderign just how scary a Red Lantern Spectre would be. Very scary, judging by the amount of red vomit he can produce.
Parallax is seperated from Hal Jordan. and before Sinestro can claim the entity for himself, Parallax is whisked away gods know where, and then we hear a voiceover from Hector Hammond's cell muttering about how bad it is that 'it' has Parallax. Intriguing. I bet this feeds into Brightest Day.
I want to know what the mysterious crimson entity of anger the Spectre referred to is.
Blackest Night: The Flash # 3
What another great cover!
Supergirl #50 is gonna get her own review.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Superman/Batman # 69
Taking place in the aftermath of the Our Worlds at War crossover, Superman is very angry in this. Playboy Bruce seems surprised that there are aliens in the universe, which seems a little odd considering this is the DCU we're talking about. You can hardly move for tripping over aliens. This issue is not really about the Supes/Bats relationship, which dissappoints me.
As I wasn't into comics at the time of the Our Worlds at War crossover, I couldn't care less about this story arc. However I'm sure it pleases a lot of fans.
Although it wasn't all bad. The splash page of the tentacled evil Durlan was very pleasing. How I wish I had a scanner show you all. *sigh*
Power Girl #9
I love the art on this. The pencils, the colours - everything is so vibrant, so joyous and fun!* I love that karen is so powerful that bombs, grenades, guns and fire don't bother her in the least. Satanna brought out a sonic boom hammer, and even that wasn't enough to put her down. Then Terra arrives and oh my, doesn't she look really demented.
I'll miss this title.
*except for Satanna's outfit, which is beyond stupid.
Batgirl #6
I feel like I should love this but I just can't - there's soemthing missing and somehow the whole thing just doesn't gel for me. Having said that, there are some very good things - Damian carrying a sword (I can't believe Dick is letting him do this) and Steph doing her best Batman impression in Jordanna' Spence's room. It tickles me when other chars do Batman impressions - I'm specifically thinking of Oliver Queen doing one for Hawkman in Quiver.
Green Lantern Corps: Blackest Night # 45
Guy Gardner goes mad with a chainsaw!
Wonderful cover.
Wel, this issue was a treat and a half for Guy fans. And Kyle fans. And Mogo fans. In fact, this issue will have created a fair few Mogo fans I reckon. A sentient planet is a great idea. The leeches thing? Less so. Still, I greatly enjoyed this issue. But I will not be satisifed until Mogo is facing off against Black Lantern planet Xanshi.
Green Lantern: Blackest Night # 51
Isn't Hal as Parallax an ugly looking bastard? And then he proves his evilness by ripping the Spectre's face off. Nice. Crispus Allen appears to be trapped behind onwe of the Spectre's eyes - I wa snotg expecting that. Nice detailing there.
The Spectre gets filled with rage, and I am ponderign just how scary a Red Lantern Spectre would be. Very scary, judging by the amount of red vomit he can produce.
Parallax is seperated from Hal Jordan. and before Sinestro can claim the entity for himself, Parallax is whisked away gods know where, and then we hear a voiceover from Hector Hammond's cell muttering about how bad it is that 'it' has Parallax. Intriguing. I bet this feeds into Brightest Day.
I want to know what the mysterious crimson entity of anger the Spectre referred to is.
Blackest Night: The Flash # 3
What another great cover!
Inside, the art is also good, but I don't think it does justice to Bart. It's just not exuberant enough. It works really well for the dark zombie theme of the story, and Kolins did really good work on the Rogues Revenge mini, I just don't like his Bart. However, I did notice on re-reading just how differnetly he draws the villains and the heroes. The Rogues and the Black Lanterns ahev that scratchy screwed up feel, but the Flashes, when not possesed by BL rings, are freshfaced and pure (like the cover), but still remain recognisably as drawn by Kolins. I think this is a great artistic trick.
I'm very disappointed in Boomer's actions. I find it hard to square this Boomer with the one in Supergirl a while back. I can see Boomer getting fucked up by his Dad returning from the dead. I can see this making him confused, angry and hopeful and causing him to agree to feeding sex offenders to his Dad. I can't see him feeding innocents to his Dad.
But aside from that, I thought this was a great mini, and probably the strongest one so far.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Jimmy Olsen
It's LGBT History month in the UK and someone recently pointed out to me that Jimmy Olsen rather enjoys dressing up in ladies clothes. Here's the evidence. Having not read alot of old Superman stories I wasn't aware of this, but as the linked site has scans up, I think I may go read them.
The website featuring these is the Transgender Graphic and Fiction archive. The comics section is reasonable, and features Hawkwoman being body swapped, Superman being bodyswapped, and everybody's favourite, Gal Gardener. Except I haven't read that story yet...
We're trying to celebrate LGBT history month over on New readers too... starting with me reviewing a yaoi title.
The website featuring these is the Transgender Graphic and Fiction archive. The comics section is reasonable, and features Hawkwoman being body swapped, Superman being bodyswapped, and everybody's favourite, Gal Gardener. Except I haven't read that story yet...
We're trying to celebrate LGBT history month over on New readers too... starting with me reviewing a yaoi title.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
In which I get a bit annoyed
Cancelling 6 titles at the comic shop turned out to be be way more painful than I expected. And now, I see that DC are promising all sorts of loveliness what with Blackest Night Green Arrow and Power Girl vs Wonder Woman.
I say Bah.
I say Bah.
Friday, February 19, 2010
DC Entertainment
Geoff Johns is Chief Creative Officer.
Aww, yeah!
Diane Nelson, a woman, is President of DC Entertainment.
Will having a woman in charge solve all the sexism in the comics? Will she singlehandedly and overnight change the working culture? No and no. Does she even want to? I have no idea.
But, a woman in charge is good. Baby steps folks, baby steps.
Aww, yeah!
Diane Nelson, a woman, is President of DC Entertainment.
Will having a woman in charge solve all the sexism in the comics? Will she singlehandedly and overnight change the working culture? No and no. Does she even want to? I have no idea.
But, a woman in charge is good. Baby steps folks, baby steps.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Blogging slowdown
I lost my job. I am looking for another one but between here and New readers... blog stuff may have to slow down a bit. Apart from anything else I'm gonna have to really cut my comics pull list, and that's the thing that gives me blog fodder!
Until I find new employment, of the ongoing monthlies, I will be reading only Supergirl and Red Robin. It was actually a surprisingly easy choice and made within about 3 seconds. I guess the other books aren't quite so vital after all! I'll keep the minis and Blackest Night tie ins as they are all over in a month or so and it seems stupid to drop them with one or two issues to go.
With reference to New readers..., James will still be posting and I'll put up the odd thing, but it won't be regular. So, this is another shout out for reviewers. If you fancy writing something for the blog, be it a one off review or regular submissions, please email me on paicomics [@] yahoo dot co dot uk
Let me know what you'd like to review and either point me towards your blog or send me an example of your writing.
Thank you for your patience.
Until I find new employment, of the ongoing monthlies, I will be reading only Supergirl and Red Robin. It was actually a surprisingly easy choice and made within about 3 seconds. I guess the other books aren't quite so vital after all! I'll keep the minis and Blackest Night tie ins as they are all over in a month or so and it seems stupid to drop them with one or two issues to go.
With reference to New readers..., James will still be posting and I'll put up the odd thing, but it won't be regular. So, this is another shout out for reviewers. If you fancy writing something for the blog, be it a one off review or regular submissions, please email me on paicomics [@] yahoo dot co dot uk
Let me know what you'd like to review and either point me towards your blog or send me an example of your writing.
Thank you for your patience.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Reviews!
Spoilers ahead for Adventure Comics #7, GA/BC #29, Batgirl #7, Action Comics #886. I know a month ago I said that I'd cancel Action and Adventure Comics, and I did, but my shop orders books 2 months in advance so anything I do cancel takeas a little while to actually finish. Having said that, it worked out quite well this month, as you shall see.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Adventure Comics #7
I really really liked this. The storytelling devices worked really well, Krypto was brilliant ( I never thought I'd like Krypto but how he's been used in the last few years has really impressed me), the use of Connor's two bodies was good and the discovery that Connor now has all Superman's powers was satisfying. Definitely worth getting.
GA/BC #29
Meh. Cupid's restoration back to her normal self was boring and far too easily done. I like mad Cupid but Carrie is dull as anything. If we're lucky her 'babe' comment indictaes that ther eis still something of the old Cupid in her. We now have a new villain - Hilt - who has a knife permanently stuck in his head. Great idea, but to get rid of one villain and immediately create another seems sloppy.
There's a completely unneccessary shot of Dinah's arse as she prepares to seduce Oliver - i'm happy with them being a sexual couple but there has to be other, non sexist, ways to frame sex scenes. Well there are - Mike Grell's GA run did it perfectly.
Batgirl #7
I've got Batgirl #6 on order but still haven't decided whether to add this to my pull list or not. There's some great bits in it but overall it doesn't truly delight me. That might be because I read it during the world's crappest weekend leading to me being in a bloody awful mood and not reallt receptive to fuin light hearted stuff. We'll see.
Action Comics #886
Now this surprised me! This title is so up and down, but #886 was great. We got to see Krypton's creation myth and learnt more about the Flamebird and Nightwing entities. Plus there was a reveal about Jax-Ur. Things have just got interesting. But I'll still drop it after the next issue.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Adventure Comics #7
I really really liked this. The storytelling devices worked really well, Krypto was brilliant ( I never thought I'd like Krypto but how he's been used in the last few years has really impressed me), the use of Connor's two bodies was good and the discovery that Connor now has all Superman's powers was satisfying. Definitely worth getting.
GA/BC #29
Meh. Cupid's restoration back to her normal self was boring and far too easily done. I like mad Cupid but Carrie is dull as anything. If we're lucky her 'babe' comment indictaes that ther eis still something of the old Cupid in her. We now have a new villain - Hilt - who has a knife permanently stuck in his head. Great idea, but to get rid of one villain and immediately create another seems sloppy.
There's a completely unneccessary shot of Dinah's arse as she prepares to seduce Oliver - i'm happy with them being a sexual couple but there has to be other, non sexist, ways to frame sex scenes. Well there are - Mike Grell's GA run did it perfectly.
Batgirl #7
I've got Batgirl #6 on order but still haven't decided whether to add this to my pull list or not. There's some great bits in it but overall it doesn't truly delight me. That might be because I read it during the world's crappest weekend leading to me being in a bloody awful mood and not reallt receptive to fuin light hearted stuff. We'll see.
Action Comics #886
Now this surprised me! This title is so up and down, but #886 was great. We got to see Krypton's creation myth and learnt more about the Flamebird and Nightwing entities. Plus there was a reveal about Jax-Ur. Things have just got interesting. But I'll still drop it after the next issue.
Monday, February 15, 2010
So, I hear Feb the 14th was somewhat special right?
Someone in my fine city seems to agree:
I think it's a statement fueled by zeal, and not bile. What do you all reckon?
I'm not really one for celebrating Valentine's Day - it always seems a bit forced and crass to me. Thankfully the boyfriend agrees. We're both of the mindset that if you want to do something special, do it on an ordinary day and then it will mean more, because you didn't need prompting to do it.
Anyway, I hope you all had a good weekend.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Continuing the musical theme - Yo Be Young, Gifted and Black
Nina Simone does this beautifully:
To be young, gifted and black,
Oh what a lovely precious dream
To be young, gifted and black,
Open your heart to what I mean
In the whole world you know
There are billion boys and girls
Who are young, gifted and black,
And that's a fact!
You are young, gifted and black
We must begin to tell our young
There's a world waiting for you
This is a quest that's just begun
When you feel really low
Yeah, there's a great truth you should know
When you're young, gifted and black
Your soul's intact
Young, gifted and black
How I long to know the truth
There are times when I look back
And I am haunted by my youth
Oh but my joy of today
Is that we can all be proud to say
To be young, gifted and black
Is where it's at
Watch her perform it here.
To be young, gifted and black,
Oh what a lovely precious dream
To be young, gifted and black,
Open your heart to what I mean
In the whole world you know
There are billion boys and girls
Who are young, gifted and black,
And that's a fact!
You are young, gifted and black
We must begin to tell our young
There's a world waiting for you
This is a quest that's just begun
When you feel really low
Yeah, there's a great truth you should know
When you're young, gifted and black
Your soul's intact
Young, gifted and black
How I long to know the truth
There are times when I look back
And I am haunted by my youth
Oh but my joy of today
Is that we can all be proud to say
To be young, gifted and black
Is where it's at
Watch her perform it here.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
She bathed herself in a bath of bleach
Working at home means I get to listen to lots of music, so today please familiarise yourself with the Manic Street Preachers She bathed herself in a bath of bleach, from their latest album, Journal for Plague Lovers:
She'd walk on broken glass for love
She thought burnt skin would please her lover
To keep love alive and lust beside
Kind people should never be treated like...
Empty arms and naked heart
Violence, a sad truth followed with a
Table for two, such a sweet delight
Whispers I love you my darling tonight
Love bathed her in a bath of bleach
I brought you here, no one else will
Don't hurt her anymore, stop now
But salmon pink skin memories took care of...
Empty arms and naked heart
Violence, a sad truth followed with a
A table for two - such a sweet delight
Whispers I love you my darling tonight
You can hear the song here (Youtube video).
She'd walk on broken glass for love
She thought burnt skin would please her lover
To keep love alive and lust beside
Kind people should never be treated like...
Empty arms and naked heart
Violence, a sad truth followed with a
Table for two, such a sweet delight
Whispers I love you my darling tonight
Love bathed her in a bath of bleach
I brought you here, no one else will
Don't hurt her anymore, stop now
But salmon pink skin memories took care of...
Empty arms and naked heart
Violence, a sad truth followed with a
A table for two - such a sweet delight
Whispers I love you my darling tonight
You can hear the song here (Youtube video).
Friday, February 12, 2010
The Lurkers' Wolverine
Been listening to my Lurkers live CD today. Came across a song called Wolverine. Anyone got the lyrics or know where I can find them? I can never make out the words on songs.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
ooh crumbs I missed a day
:o haven't done that in a long time. It's cos I;ve been busy writing Valentine's reviews for New Readers...
Anyway, to make up for it here's some Batgirl scans I found on Scans Daily here:
And that shows why Batman is a knob, and why Oracle is awesome. Cass really didn't deserve a father figure such as Bruce.
Anyway, to make up for it here's some Batgirl scans I found on Scans Daily here:
And that shows why Batman is a knob, and why Oracle is awesome. Cass really didn't deserve a father figure such as Bruce.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
The Pope's visit to the UK later this year..
The F Word has an article up about it, cross posted here:
--------------------------------
The Catholic Church has contributed more than most to the oppression of women. Whether it’s the deaths of women in childbirth and of HIV / AIDS due to their commitment to preventing safer sex, or covering up the abuse of girl and boy children and protecting the abusers, they have consistently chosen paths which keep women controlled and ‘in their place’.
This is the church that ordered the excommunication of everyone involved in helping a 9 year old girl, who was pregnant with twins after being raped by her stepfather, to have an abortion. The church actively tried to prevent the termination, and when it failed it ordered that the child’s mother and the doctors involved be excommunicated. (Not the step-father, tellingly).
The Pope has also been in the news this week for speaking out against the UK government’s equality policies, which would have required churches to stop discriminating against LGBT people. This is a man who, when he speaks, people listen. Just think what he could use his voice for. He could protest poverty, he could condemn domestic violence. But no, he speaks out against equality. Later this year, the Pope is planning a visit to Britain. Not only do I not want him here, I was really disgusted to hear that the £20 million cost of his visit will be paid for by public money. Just think how many Rape Crisis centres could be funded by that money!
The National Secular Society have started a petition to ask the Catholic Church itself to pay for the visit. As I write, it has 17,457 signatures, one of which is mine.
The Catholic Church, contrary to the guidance of many passages of the Bible, is a very rich institution. If this man, who played a leading role in a systematic cover-up of child sex abuse by Roman Catholic priests, wants to come here, let him pay for it himself.
------------------------------------------
When he speaks out against UK equality leglislation, when he colludes in the abuse and oppression of UK women, his visit should not be paid for out of UK public money. Particularly not when we're in a recession, particularly not when there are funding cuts made across all manner of sectors. Please consider signing the petition.
I would recommend reading the comments, if it were not for the seemingly inevitable feminists vs religion bollocks that always seems to occur. Surely it's not too difficult to accept that feminists can believe in deitys, right?
--------------------------------
The Catholic Church has contributed more than most to the oppression of women. Whether it’s the deaths of women in childbirth and of HIV / AIDS due to their commitment to preventing safer sex, or covering up the abuse of girl and boy children and protecting the abusers, they have consistently chosen paths which keep women controlled and ‘in their place’.
This is the church that ordered the excommunication of everyone involved in helping a 9 year old girl, who was pregnant with twins after being raped by her stepfather, to have an abortion. The church actively tried to prevent the termination, and when it failed it ordered that the child’s mother and the doctors involved be excommunicated. (Not the step-father, tellingly).
“If the B52 bombers flying over Vietnam were dropping contraceptives, the American Catholic hierarchy would have condemned that in a minute, but they were dropping napalm”
— James Carroll
The Pope has also been in the news this week for speaking out against the UK government’s equality policies, which would have required churches to stop discriminating against LGBT people. This is a man who, when he speaks, people listen. Just think what he could use his voice for. He could protest poverty, he could condemn domestic violence. But no, he speaks out against equality. Later this year, the Pope is planning a visit to Britain. Not only do I not want him here, I was really disgusted to hear that the £20 million cost of his visit will be paid for by public money. Just think how many Rape Crisis centres could be funded by that money!
The National Secular Society have started a petition to ask the Catholic Church itself to pay for the visit. As I write, it has 17,457 signatures, one of which is mine.
The Catholic Church, contrary to the guidance of many passages of the Bible, is a very rich institution. If this man, who played a leading role in a systematic cover-up of child sex abuse by Roman Catholic priests, wants to come here, let him pay for it himself.
------------------------------------------
When he speaks out against UK equality leglislation, when he colludes in the abuse and oppression of UK women, his visit should not be paid for out of UK public money. Particularly not when we're in a recession, particularly not when there are funding cuts made across all manner of sectors. Please consider signing the petition.
I would recommend reading the comments, if it were not for the seemingly inevitable feminists vs religion bollocks that always seems to occur. Surely it's not too difficult to accept that feminists can believe in deitys, right?
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Tis the week of the romantic stuff, we're celebrating!
Well we are over at New readers... anyway.
This week will see lots of romance themed reviews going up. This being a blog by James and I, the featured books will be less traditional boy meets girl, gets marrie, has lots of babies sort of thing, and more teenage ineptitude Japanese style, troubled lesbian relationships in 50s France, a bit of yaoi, some stories of Death and a Neil Gaiman inspired Gothic type story (my choice, don't want James getting the blame for an incongruous suggestion).
Check back tomorrow morning for a suggestion of books to buy, or if you can't wait that long, go to the romance themed tags. Then check back later in the week as more and more reviews go up.
This week will see lots of romance themed reviews going up. This being a blog by James and I, the featured books will be less traditional boy meets girl, gets marrie, has lots of babies sort of thing, and more teenage ineptitude Japanese style, troubled lesbian relationships in 50s France, a bit of yaoi, some stories of Death and a Neil Gaiman inspired Gothic type story (my choice, don't want James getting the blame for an incongruous suggestion).
Check back tomorrow morning for a suggestion of books to buy, or if you can't wait that long, go to the romance themed tags. Then check back later in the week as more and more reviews go up.
Some excellent Supergirl moments
(Pictures pilfered from Supergirl Comic Box Commentary)
I just think this is a really nice picture, nicely composed, good colours and engaging.
But this next scan, this has become one of my favourite ever Supergirl moments:
(Hope it's big enough to see). Earlier on in the comic Damian called Steph Fatgirl, now Kara has heard about it and is bawling him out for it. As I said in the comments section on Anj's blog, I think this shows Kara as a great role model for younger readers and demonstrates that strength comes from sources other than raw physical power. Kara picking up on the fat comment makes her a wonderful spokeswoman for young girls and I thoroughly applaud the inclusion of that scene.
If I didn't already have a banner for this blog I would use that scene. Sadly, I don't think it's quite suitable for New readers.. so I've done a post about it instead. Enjoy.
(Both images from number 4 of the World's Finest 4 issue mini series, out last week).
Monday, February 08, 2010
Buffy's a fucking superhero!
Yeah I don't hold with not swearing. Spoilers ahead for Superman: World of New Krypton #12 (last one! sob), Red Robin #9 (still so very good), Blackest Night: Wonder Woman #3 (some wtfery moments there), The Question: Blackest Night #37 (resurrected title) (surprisingly quality), Buffy the Vampire Slayer #32 (this was so written for comics nerds, I loved it).
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Superman: World of New Krypton #12
Oh my lord, this finally finished. I feel all sad now. Once Blackest Night, Flash Rebirth and Cry for Justice is over I'll only be getting 8 titles a month. :o How bizzare. Anyway, onto the review!
We find out who is behind the shootings on New Krypton. The story was going really well until this point. Then it seemed that this guy was made to be the villain purely to test Kal's faith in Kryptonity (like humanity, but with Kryptonians, I'm not sure what the correct grammatical form would be, help me out if you know). It felt rather shoehorned in and wasn't remotely neccessary to the plot. I mean, I know we've now got another link with General Lane established, but we already know he had links on Krypton, and personally, I think Zod's been chatting up Lane anyway.
Given the final cliffhanger is Brainiac coming back and threatening New Krypton, the inclusion of the traitor felt badly delivered and badly handled. A shame, as otherwise I have really enjoyed this series.
Red Robin #9
Oh Timmy! He's happy again! He hugged Kon, he talked about Bart and he has a crush on Tam! Oh i've missed happy Tim, angsty Tim is understandable and wasn't so bad, but it looks like we'll soon have the old team back! :D :D :D Second most enjoyable comic of the week. And crossing over with the next Batgirl issue, so I think I will actually add Batgirl to my pull list. I've missed the last issue but I should be able to get hold of a copy.
Blackest Night: Wonder Woman #3
Still in a fucking stupid costume, but that doesn't stop her being all serene and majestic. I like Diana. She's very calm when she's taking out the Black Lanterns. So, Di tries to save Mera from the Red ring and they share a glimpse into each other's psyche where it is revealed that Diana actually loves Batman. Hmm. Seems I was wrong when I said she was just being friendly with the kiss. I wonder if she loves Green Arrow too? I have no clue what Mera's big secret is, the art showed us nothing.
The Question: Blackest Night #37 (resurrected title)
As I said, surprisingly good. It's Renee vs Shiva vs Black Lanterns. It's always a trreat to see Shiva.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer #32
Best of the week, by a mile. Buffy gets fucking superpowers! Faster than a speeding bullet, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound and flying like a bird sort of superpowers. No heat vision though, or phasing, or teleportation, or adamantium claws, or solving mysteries (wait that's not a power), or web spinning, or armour building.
Why yes, Xander asked abotu every single one of those. C'mon, admit it, you'd all do the same if a friend of yours got superpowers. Plus, there's a Goonies joke, a Superman movie reference, a Joshua reference (which I really don't understand), and Warren has built a machine from a DC comic! A Simonson deisgn, an X-Men/TT crossover (I think they threw X-Men in for copyright reasons), and they talk about Darkseid. To me, it looks like the machine from the 1st crisis.
Oh and Buffy's got her powers because lots of Slayers who are dying and she's inheriting their strength etc. Which is taken right from the Straczynski Power comics.
So this comic nerd very much enjoyed this issue. It was all about the superhero tropes and it was fantastic. Oh, ansd go read this review for more nerdy squealing.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Superman: World of New Krypton #12
Oh my lord, this finally finished. I feel all sad now. Once Blackest Night, Flash Rebirth and Cry for Justice is over I'll only be getting 8 titles a month. :o How bizzare. Anyway, onto the review!
We find out who is behind the shootings on New Krypton. The story was going really well until this point. Then it seemed that this guy was made to be the villain purely to test Kal's faith in Kryptonity (like humanity, but with Kryptonians, I'm not sure what the correct grammatical form would be, help me out if you know). It felt rather shoehorned in and wasn't remotely neccessary to the plot. I mean, I know we've now got another link with General Lane established, but we already know he had links on Krypton, and personally, I think Zod's been chatting up Lane anyway.
Given the final cliffhanger is Brainiac coming back and threatening New Krypton, the inclusion of the traitor felt badly delivered and badly handled. A shame, as otherwise I have really enjoyed this series.
Red Robin #9
Oh Timmy! He's happy again! He hugged Kon, he talked about Bart and he has a crush on Tam! Oh i've missed happy Tim, angsty Tim is understandable and wasn't so bad, but it looks like we'll soon have the old team back! :D :D :D Second most enjoyable comic of the week. And crossing over with the next Batgirl issue, so I think I will actually add Batgirl to my pull list. I've missed the last issue but I should be able to get hold of a copy.
Blackest Night: Wonder Woman #3
Still in a fucking stupid costume, but that doesn't stop her being all serene and majestic. I like Diana. She's very calm when she's taking out the Black Lanterns. So, Di tries to save Mera from the Red ring and they share a glimpse into each other's psyche where it is revealed that Diana actually loves Batman. Hmm. Seems I was wrong when I said she was just being friendly with the kiss. I wonder if she loves Green Arrow too? I have no clue what Mera's big secret is, the art showed us nothing.
The Question: Blackest Night #37 (resurrected title)
As I said, surprisingly good. It's Renee vs Shiva vs Black Lanterns. It's always a trreat to see Shiva.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer #32
Best of the week, by a mile. Buffy gets fucking superpowers! Faster than a speeding bullet, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound and flying like a bird sort of superpowers. No heat vision though, or phasing, or teleportation, or adamantium claws, or solving mysteries (wait that's not a power), or web spinning, or armour building.
Why yes, Xander asked abotu every single one of those. C'mon, admit it, you'd all do the same if a friend of yours got superpowers. Plus, there's a Goonies joke, a Superman movie reference, a Joshua reference (which I really don't understand), and Warren has built a machine from a DC comic! A Simonson deisgn, an X-Men/TT crossover (I think they threw X-Men in for copyright reasons), and they talk about Darkseid. To me, it looks like the machine from the 1st crisis.
Oh and Buffy's got her powers because lots of Slayers who are dying and she's inheriting their strength etc. Which is taken right from the Straczynski Power comics.
So this comic nerd very much enjoyed this issue. It was all about the superhero tropes and it was fantastic. Oh, ansd go read this review for more nerdy squealing.
Sunday, February 07, 2010
Singalong with me now...
Nina Simone..Aint' Got No/I Got Life..
I ain't got no home, ain't got no shoes
Ain't got no money, aint' got no class
Ain't got no skirts, ain't got no sweater
Ain't got no perfume, ain't got no beer
Ain't got no man
Ain't got no mother, ain't got no culture
Ain't got not friends, ain't got no shcooling
Ain't got no love, ain't got no name
Ain't got no ticket, ain't got no token
Ain't got no God
Then what have I got?
Why am I alive anyway?
Yeah, what have I got
Nobody can take away
Got my hair, got my head
Got my brains, got my ears
Got my eyes, got my nose
Got my mouth, I got my smile
I got my tongue, got my chin
Got my neck, got my boobs
Got my heart, got my soul
Got my back, I got my sex
I got my arms, got my hands
Got my fingers, got my legs
Got my feet, got my toes
Got my liver, got my blood
I've got life
I've got my freedom
I've got life
I've got life
And I'm gonna keep it
I've got life
And nobody's gonna take it away
I ain't got no home, ain't got no shoes
Ain't got no money, aint' got no class
Ain't got no skirts, ain't got no sweater
Ain't got no perfume, ain't got no beer
Ain't got no man
Ain't got no mother, ain't got no culture
Ain't got not friends, ain't got no shcooling
Ain't got no love, ain't got no name
Ain't got no ticket, ain't got no token
Ain't got no God
Then what have I got?
Why am I alive anyway?
Yeah, what have I got
Nobody can take away
Got my hair, got my head
Got my brains, got my ears
Got my eyes, got my nose
Got my mouth, I got my smile
I got my tongue, got my chin
Got my neck, got my boobs
Got my heart, got my soul
Got my back, I got my sex
I got my arms, got my hands
Got my fingers, got my legs
Got my feet, got my toes
Got my liver, got my blood
I've got life
I've got my freedom
I've got life
I've got life
And I'm gonna keep it
I've got life
And nobody's gonna take it away
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Fantastic Fangirls Comic Book Awards Nominees!
Fantastic Fangirls are doing a comics awards type thing. Here are the options:
--------------------------------------
In the category Best Character in a Supporting Role, Male the nominees are:
Colonel Kane in Detective Comics
Ken Hale/Gorilla Man in Agents of Atlas
Luke Cage in New Avengers
Peter Parker/Spider-Man in Ms. Marvel
Ragdoll in Secret Six
In the category Best Character in a Supporting Role, Female we had a tie so there are six nominees. The lovely supporting ladies are:
Barbara Gordon/Oracle in Batgirl
Carol Danvers/Ms. Marvel in New Avengers
Jessica Jones/Jewel in New Avengers
Karla Sofen/Ms. Marvel in Dark Avengers
Layla Miller in X-Factor
Pepper Potts in Invincible Iron Man
Next, in the category Best Character in a Leading Role, Male the nominees are:
Conner Kent/Kon-El/Superboy in Adventure Comics
James Barnes/Captain America in Captain America
Jimmy Woo in Agents of Atlas
Norman Osborn/Iron Patriot in Dark Avengers
Tony Stark/Iron Man in Invincible Iron Man
Okay the last list of individuals, Best Character in a Leading Role, Female. The nominees are:
Bobbi Morse/Mockingbird in New Avengers: Reunion
Jessica Drew/Spider-Woman in Spider-Woman
Kate Kane/Batwoman in Detective Comics
Rikki Barnes/Nomad in Nomad: Girl Without a World
Stephanie Brown/Batgirl in Batgirl
In the category of Best Ensemble, the nominees are:
Agents of Atlas
Dark Avengers
Green Lantern Corps
Invincible Iron Man
New Avengers
New Mutants
Secret Six
X-Factor
-----------------------------------
Details of how to vore are on their post, linked above. Looks like fun! Of course, I only read DC which cuts down my choices a lot..
--------------------------------------
In the category Best Character in a Supporting Role, Male the nominees are:
Colonel Kane in Detective Comics
Ken Hale/Gorilla Man in Agents of Atlas
Luke Cage in New Avengers
Peter Parker/Spider-Man in Ms. Marvel
Ragdoll in Secret Six
In the category Best Character in a Supporting Role, Female we had a tie so there are six nominees. The lovely supporting ladies are:
Barbara Gordon/Oracle in Batgirl
Carol Danvers/Ms. Marvel in New Avengers
Jessica Jones/Jewel in New Avengers
Karla Sofen/Ms. Marvel in Dark Avengers
Layla Miller in X-Factor
Pepper Potts in Invincible Iron Man
Next, in the category Best Character in a Leading Role, Male the nominees are:
Conner Kent/Kon-El/Superboy in Adventure Comics
James Barnes/Captain America in Captain America
Jimmy Woo in Agents of Atlas
Norman Osborn/Iron Patriot in Dark Avengers
Tony Stark/Iron Man in Invincible Iron Man
Okay the last list of individuals, Best Character in a Leading Role, Female. The nominees are:
Bobbi Morse/Mockingbird in New Avengers: Reunion
Jessica Drew/Spider-Woman in Spider-Woman
Kate Kane/Batwoman in Detective Comics
Rikki Barnes/Nomad in Nomad: Girl Without a World
Stephanie Brown/Batgirl in Batgirl
In the category of Best Ensemble, the nominees are:
Agents of Atlas
Dark Avengers
Green Lantern Corps
Invincible Iron Man
New Avengers
New Mutants
Secret Six
X-Factor
-----------------------------------
Details of how to vore are on their post, linked above. Looks like fun! Of course, I only read DC which cuts down my choices a lot..
Friday, February 05, 2010
Meanings of the Corps' ring colours
I've been thinking, is there a traditional significance somewhere to green equalling will, blue equalling hope,
orange equalling avarice and indigo equalling compassion?
I understand the link between pink and love, red and rage, yellow and fear and black and death, but I'm not certain of the link for the other colours.
Were green/blue/orange/indigo plucked out of the air and randomley assigned meanings or was it more deliberate than that? Does anyone know?
I'd imagine that green was picked for will purely because back in the 50s (or whenever) someone thought it would make a good costume.
orange equalling avarice and indigo equalling compassion?
I understand the link between pink and love, red and rage, yellow and fear and black and death, but I'm not certain of the link for the other colours.
Were green/blue/orange/indigo plucked out of the air and randomley assigned meanings or was it more deliberate than that? Does anyone know?
I'd imagine that green was picked for will purely because back in the 50s (or whenever) someone thought it would make a good costume.
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Green Lantern/Green Arrow
I recently got the 2 GL/GA trades that are available. I forgot how hilarious they are - for a start, within 3 pages of trade number 1 Hal gets hit on the head. Then there is his general stupidity, Ollie's propensity to call everyone in authority a Nazi, the inclusion of an actual Nazi, and the fact that Ollie is a massive dick. Having said that I might be finding it so funny because I know the characters.
Anyway here's some scans from that era (but not neccessarily from the 2 trades).
Firstly, Ollie is a dick. This scene takes places just after he has discovered his ward is a smackhead. Roy by this point has kicked his habit - with Dinah's help since Ollie marched off in a snit - punched Ollie, and told him that the reason he became a junkie was cos Ollie was ignoring him and he felt all alone, let down and depressed. And he wants nothing more to do with Ollie.
That is not an appropriate reaction!
But it's ok, he's not just a dick to Roy:
That's his future wife!
Oh, and the Guardian lie:
Pah.
It seems stupidity runs in Hal's family. The guy on the left isSonar Airwave, Hal's cousin.
So I wasn't surprised when Ollie appeared disbelieving of Hal's reasoning faculties:
Dinah appears fed up with the lot of them:
The woman isn't her by the way, I think it's Katma Tui. Anyway...
That's no reason to to dress for combat:
Running? In the ice? In those heels? Oh no no no. This won't do at all.
And if you fancy more Green Arrow/Black Canary goodness, with a few Green Lanterns thrown in, head over to New readers... and read my gushing review of the GA/BC For Better or For Worse trade. Then go buy it. Because it's ace. And it has one of the nicest feeling covers I've come across on a comic. Bibliophiles will get what I mean.
Anyway here's some scans from that era (but not neccessarily from the 2 trades).
Firstly, Ollie is a dick. This scene takes places just after he has discovered his ward is a smackhead. Roy by this point has kicked his habit - with Dinah's help since Ollie marched off in a snit - punched Ollie, and told him that the reason he became a junkie was cos Ollie was ignoring him and he felt all alone, let down and depressed. And he wants nothing more to do with Ollie.
That is not an appropriate reaction!
But it's ok, he's not just a dick to Roy:
That's his future wife!
Oh, and the Guardian lie:
It seems stupidity runs in Hal's family. The guy on the left is
So I wasn't surprised when Ollie appeared disbelieving of Hal's reasoning faculties:
Dinah appears fed up with the lot of them:
That's no reason to to dress for combat:
Running? In the ice? In those heels? Oh no no no. This won't do at all.
And if you fancy more Green Arrow/Black Canary goodness, with a few Green Lanterns thrown in, head over to New readers... and read my gushing review of the GA/BC For Better or For Worse trade. Then go buy it. Because it's ace. And it has one of the nicest feeling covers I've come across on a comic. Bibliophiles will get what I mean.
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Flying Death Toys. Perfect.
Spoilers ahead for: Teen Titans #79, Blackest Night: JSA #2, The Atom and Hawkman: Blackest Night # 46 (resurrected title), Green Lantern: Blackest Night #50, Gotham City Sirens #8, World's Finest #4, Cry for Justice #6 and Supergirl #49
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Teen Titans #79
Really crap art. Half the time Static looks female. The dialogue and pacing was weird - sometimes it felt like we were misisng a scene or two. Rose's back up story was ok, but I've read better. On the other hand, it may just be that i was disillusioned due to the mains tory.
I really hope this improves, I love the Teen Titans and don't want to drop the title but so far Henderson's issues have been somewhat underwhelming.
Blackest Night: JSA #2
This isn't one of the better minis. Regarding the art, the faces are good but the bodies are weird and I don't want to think about what they've done to poor Peej's breasts to make them stay in that top. Oh, my world for a scanner.
I think my main problem with this mini is I have no feelings towards most of the characters, and this is a book for people who care about the characters. It's not something for new readers to jump in on. Which is what I am, at least in terms of the JSA. Still, DC are getting my (completist, nerdy) money so I don't really have cause to complain!
The Atom and Hawkman: Blackest Night # 46 (resurrected title)
Love the cover. Love Ray's new costume. I'm really interested in a Corps centred around Compassion and I've been wanting to learn more about them, and I loved the panel of Ray riding a frog (anyone put this up online or seen it anywhere?). We are promised such a lot by the end of the issue, I am, again, left wanting more.
Green Lantern: Blackest Night #50
Oooh, svenes of violence and carnage! Wonder Woman is still in that fucking ridiculous costume, but at least she's muscled. Can't believe I'm reduced to saying that. Mera is simply wonderful as a Red Lantern. In fact, we get to see all the new Corps deputies and oh are they ever so suited to the roles!
And THEN! It's Hal vs the Spectre. The Spectre tries to eat 2 Guardians.
So THEN! Hal Hammers half the Spectre's face off!
And THEN! Hal merges wiuth Parallax! And we get a lovely 2 page spread of Parallax, all delivered in yellow, of course.
And NOW! It's Parallax vs the Spectre! Woo hoo!
Gotham City Sirens #8
This had a lot in common with the Ivy tale in the Batman 80 Page Giant. I have a lot of sympathy for Ivy. Her motives are of value but unfortunately her methods are, to put it mildly, flawed.
A good issue. Well paced, well told and with good art.
World's Finest #4
Last issue was a bit rubbish, this is now sorted out. We still have Steph and kara, and Kara had a heart tingling scene (to me, anyway) where she yelled at Damian telling him why he shouldn't call people fat. This is because he'd called Steph fat earlier. This makes Kara a), a good friend, and b) a good person. Anyway, if I didn't already have a blog banner, that panel would be it.
Much like Gotham City Sirens, this is well paced, well told and an enjoyable read with some stellar moments - Kara's fat talk and Batman's encounter with 'flying death toys', to be specific. We end with a nice lead in to this year's Krypton crossover. Most of which I won't be buying. The main title I will purchase, but I've just cancelled Action and Adventure Comics, and won't be buying this 3 parter that's coming out shortly. Although I'll probably get the main maxi series.
Because I don't want to end on a down note, I shall talk about Cry for Justice #6 next.
There was a change of artist in this issue, but one who has a very similar style to the regular guy. he draws a very captivating Kara and a ridiculous Zatanna (stockings? please.)
Kara is bright enough to figure out who the villain is, then gets dispatched really easily, much like the rest of the heroes. Donna gets cruxified to the wall by Prometheus, then rips herself off the wall, takes an arrow in the leg, drags herself to Prometheus and proceeds to be the only one who can beat him down and defeat him.
Seeing Donna, a woman, an Amazon and a second leaguer, save the day in such a manner gave me a little (big) thrill.
At the end of the book Robinson acknowledges that his characters have cried Justice! a lot but stops short of an apology. He also claims he has done something new within this mini. I disagree. Reading this issue in particular gave me a sense of deja vu, and reading the series as a whole has reminded me of Justice League Elite.
Supergirl #49
I bloody knew it! Lana is the new Insect Queen! I feel triumphant. In other news, Kara's defeat of the Banshee was handled well and gave her a chance to shine. Overall, this issue flowed better than # 48, and felt, again, like a Kara centric issue. Next issue is #50, and Cliff Chiang is providing pencils for one story! Hurrah!
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Teen Titans #79
Really crap art. Half the time Static looks female. The dialogue and pacing was weird - sometimes it felt like we were misisng a scene or two. Rose's back up story was ok, but I've read better. On the other hand, it may just be that i was disillusioned due to the mains tory.
I really hope this improves, I love the Teen Titans and don't want to drop the title but so far Henderson's issues have been somewhat underwhelming.
Blackest Night: JSA #2
This isn't one of the better minis. Regarding the art, the faces are good but the bodies are weird and I don't want to think about what they've done to poor Peej's breasts to make them stay in that top. Oh, my world for a scanner.
I think my main problem with this mini is I have no feelings towards most of the characters, and this is a book for people who care about the characters. It's not something for new readers to jump in on. Which is what I am, at least in terms of the JSA. Still, DC are getting my (completist, nerdy) money so I don't really have cause to complain!
The Atom and Hawkman: Blackest Night # 46 (resurrected title)
Love the cover. Love Ray's new costume. I'm really interested in a Corps centred around Compassion and I've been wanting to learn more about them, and I loved the panel of Ray riding a frog (anyone put this up online or seen it anywhere?). We are promised such a lot by the end of the issue, I am, again, left wanting more.
Green Lantern: Blackest Night #50
Oooh, svenes of violence and carnage! Wonder Woman is still in that fucking ridiculous costume, but at least she's muscled. Can't believe I'm reduced to saying that. Mera is simply wonderful as a Red Lantern. In fact, we get to see all the new Corps deputies and oh are they ever so suited to the roles!
And THEN! It's Hal vs the Spectre. The Spectre tries to eat 2 Guardians.
So THEN! Hal Hammers half the Spectre's face off!
And THEN! Hal merges wiuth Parallax! And we get a lovely 2 page spread of Parallax, all delivered in yellow, of course.
And NOW! It's Parallax vs the Spectre! Woo hoo!
Gotham City Sirens #8
This had a lot in common with the Ivy tale in the Batman 80 Page Giant. I have a lot of sympathy for Ivy. Her motives are of value but unfortunately her methods are, to put it mildly, flawed.
A good issue. Well paced, well told and with good art.
World's Finest #4
Last issue was a bit rubbish, this is now sorted out. We still have Steph and kara, and Kara had a heart tingling scene (to me, anyway) where she yelled at Damian telling him why he shouldn't call people fat. This is because he'd called Steph fat earlier. This makes Kara a), a good friend, and b) a good person. Anyway, if I didn't already have a blog banner, that panel would be it.
Much like Gotham City Sirens, this is well paced, well told and an enjoyable read with some stellar moments - Kara's fat talk and Batman's encounter with 'flying death toys', to be specific. We end with a nice lead in to this year's Krypton crossover. Most of which I won't be buying. The main title I will purchase, but I've just cancelled Action and Adventure Comics, and won't be buying this 3 parter that's coming out shortly. Although I'll probably get the main maxi series.
Because I don't want to end on a down note, I shall talk about Cry for Justice #6 next.
There was a change of artist in this issue, but one who has a very similar style to the regular guy. he draws a very captivating Kara and a ridiculous Zatanna (stockings? please.)
Kara is bright enough to figure out who the villain is, then gets dispatched really easily, much like the rest of the heroes. Donna gets cruxified to the wall by Prometheus, then rips herself off the wall, takes an arrow in the leg, drags herself to Prometheus and proceeds to be the only one who can beat him down and defeat him.
Seeing Donna, a woman, an Amazon and a second leaguer, save the day in such a manner gave me a little (big) thrill.
At the end of the book Robinson acknowledges that his characters have cried Justice! a lot but stops short of an apology. He also claims he has done something new within this mini. I disagree. Reading this issue in particular gave me a sense of deja vu, and reading the series as a whole has reminded me of Justice League Elite.
Supergirl #49
I bloody knew it! Lana is the new Insect Queen! I feel triumphant. In other news, Kara's defeat of the Banshee was handled well and gave her a chance to shine. Overall, this issue flowed better than # 48, and felt, again, like a Kara centric issue. Next issue is #50, and Cliff Chiang is providing pencils for one story! Hurrah!
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Trucks in orbit
You'd think someone official would notice and would put two and two together.
A bum shot, for Sally.
Monday, February 01, 2010
Imbolc!
Today and tomorrow is the festival of Imbolc. It's the first signs of Spring, we've got snowdrops appearing, the lambing season is starting (allegedly, altho I find this very difficult to believe), and the long winter is beginning to end. To celebrate, I shall be eating ewe's milk cheese on crackers, lamb and dunpling stew, and hopefully some sort of honey or apple cake. The green is coming back, bring on the sun! Now to find some candles..
If you want to find out more, look here, here and here.
If you want to find out more, look here, here and here.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Hal Jordan: International sleaze
That's Guy Gardener's (supposed) widow you're hitting on there Hal-ly boy. I don't believe for a moment that you share her grief.
I also don't believe that's tenderness you're feeling. Go back and speak to your nurse friend, she'll explain it all to you.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Promotional Flash ring!
Pretty cool huh?
It will be given away with copies of the Flash #1 in April. News found courtesy of the Speed Force blog.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)