Geeky Nostalgia: Old School Nintendo System Sells For $13,105

From Yahoo News....

Everyday folk discovering colossally valuable collectors' items amid everyday junk has been the lifeblood of antiques shows for years, but it's not every day you see a real-life gold-in-the-attic tale play out on eBay.

Last week, North Carolina eBay user lace_thongs35 thought she was putting up an everyday, 80s-era Nintendo Entertainment System (together with five games) up on the popular auction site. But less than an hour after the first bid, the price was over $6,000 -- and on Wednesday, when the auction closed, the final selling price topped $13,000.

Why? Not the console itself, but one of the games bundled with it -- a deeply obscure 1987 release called Stadium Events, a highly sought-after collectors' item. But it wasn't even the game itself that was worth the bulk of the money -- it was the original cardboard box, which collectors value at a breathtaking $10,000. Fewer than 10 complete copies of the game are thought to exist, and retro gaming aficionados consider it one of the hardest-to-find NES games ever made.

Bet you're wishing you hadn't let Mom throw out your Nintendo collection now, eh?

I'm not surprised in the least!  I remember selling my old school Nintendo system with 50 games back in college.  I received 100 e-mails about it from 100 different college students.  It came with the power pad which is what everyone wanted the most.  Finally, someone came to me with a check of $2,000 for the system, all the games and the Power Pad.  People want this shit and they will find ways of making it theirs.

Top Ten Comics For January 2010

10. Batman & Robin # 7 (7/10)

Written By Grant Morrison

Art By Cameron Stewart

Reason For Rating

I felt there was a lot of bad reasoning behind putting Dick Grayson in the UK.  Yes the Lazarus Pit is there, but it was a poor reintroduction to the British versions of Batman and Robin.  I also thought the artwork could have been found on a Saturday morning cartoon; very immature art with a mediocre storyline.

9. Superman # 696 (7/10)

Written By James Robinson

Art By Bernard Chang

Reason For Rating

The artwork was the main reason for this top ten placing, however James Robinson sure steps up his writing game with this issue.  However, Robinson still isn't the writer he needs to be to make a good Superman story

8. Secret Six #17 (8/10)

Written By Gail Simone & John Ostrander

Art By J. Calafiore

Reason For Rating

Simone's writing is the reason why this book has been placed so high.  However, Calafiore's artwork dumbs it down a bit.  If the artwork had matched Simone's writing better, this book could have been a lot higher.

7. Justice League: A Cry For Justice #6 (8.5/10)

Written By James Robinson

Art By Scott Clark

Reason For Rating

Robinson's shockingly good storytelling and Scott Clark's above average art work.  In a lot of ways, I like Clark's art work better in this title.

6. Batman #695 (9/10)

Written By Tony Daniel

Art By Sandu Florea

Reason For Rating

Daniel's wrote a true Batman story, that's all there is to it.

5. Green Lantern Corps #44 (9/10)

Written By Peter J. Tomasi

Art By Patrick Gleeson & Rebecca Buchman

Reason For Rating

I think shock was what did it for me with this issue.  I'm not surprised that so many have named this book "Best Comic of 2009."

4. Weird Western Tales #71 (9/10)

Written By Dan Didio

Art By Renato Arlem 

Reason For Rating

Dan Didio is just a good writer and can tell fantastic stories. 

3. The Phantom Stranger #42 (9.5/10)

Written By Peter J. Tomasi

Art By Ardian Syaf & Vicente Cifuentes 

Reason For Rating

No reason other than the fact that, like Weird Western Tales, this was a fun detective/mysterious fantasy story.  Bringing the silver age back to comics was a genius idea.

2. Supergirl #49 (9.5/10)

Written By Sterling Gates

Art By Matt Camp

Reason For Rating

If you write a good terrifying tale, you're going to get at least one fan...me!

1. Wonder Woman #40 (10/10)

Written By Gail Simone

Art By Aaron Lopresti

Reason For Rating

Gail Simone...Nothing more needs to be said.  She is the best writer in comics right now.

Everything she writes is personal, meaningful, educated, fun, artistic, etc etc.

Aaron Lopresti, arguable the best artist in comics.  While still remaining in the comic book style, Lopresti's attention to detail is never something one should question.

Wonder Woman, if it continues down this path of pure awesomness, will once again be in the running for Best Comic Of The Year for 2010.

Comic Book Review: Supergirl #49

Book Information

Written by Sterling Gates

Art by Matt Camp

Plot

The world has gone mad.  A horde of Zombie Lanterns roam the universe.  New Krypton commences in what could be a civil war.  The Justice Society copes with a catastrophic spilt in its team causing anger and hatred.  The new dynamic duo put their lives at risk in reviving the Dark Knight in a Lazarus pit.  Two Kryptonians are realizing they are Krypton’s mythological beings made manifest.  And the Justice League has the destruction of an entire city to deal with.  Amongst all the chaos, death, confusion and evil that surrounds the entire world, Supergirl is the one most in pain as she comes to realize that one of her best friends and mentor has died very unexpectedly…Lana Lang.

My Thoughts

My favorite episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer was when Buffy’s mother dies very unexpectedly.  The entire hour of that episode had absolutely no music.  Not even a sad musical score was played to help audiences feel for Buffy and her loss.  Even the fights scenes were musicless.  This was such an effective move on Joss Whedon’s part and became a historical landmark in television artistry.  Supergirl #49 gave out that same exact vibe, but with even more heart throbbing emptiness that Buffy had.

The issue starts off with Lana walking down the halls of her apartment building to the front door.  Immediately after requesting a taxi, she begins bleeding profusely from here eye sockets and mouth.  She hits the floor where her blood begins pooling all around her as the red streams run down white face; very unexpected, yet quite effective.

It’s amazing how one very drastic change on ones personal life can cause you to drop everything and forget about the world around you.  Once Supergirl’s super hearing catches the smallest bit of evidence that Lana was in trouble, she zipped by without a moment’s hesitation.  She even disregarded the doctors who were trying to keep her from bursting into the E.R. where Lana’s body lay bedridden, covered in blood and medical wiring.  How devastating it must be, to loose the one you love most in such a horrible way with no real way of achieving a successful sense of closer.  And with that horrible nightmare come true, followed two pages of confusion and silence in Supergirl’s mind.  Sterling Gates has truly outdone himself with this literary masterpiece.

Not only that, Gates has revived the forgotten truth that the Silver Banshee isn’t this “throw out” villain, though DC seems to have befallen that reputation on the screeching demoness.  Yes, there is a truly heart breaking story that comes along with Superman’s bellowing nemesis that causes you to feel sorry and weep for her.  Being haunted by a family for centuries is definitely not my cup of tea, and it’s nice to see Gates help fans to remember and respect this.  This undoubtedly will lead to a story which will attempt to flesh the Banshee’s character out in a developmental manner.

The art by Matt Camp is nothing short of fantastic.  The first half of the book is delivered with clean lines and gorgeous use of colors.  But the second half is only amplified by its horrifying hospital scenes.  Lana with literally blood shot eyes, and the E.R. with its grey color scheme, gives this the illusion of sudden loneliness and apartness.  The cover is breathtakingly beautiful, while containing no sign of happiness.  As happy as I am to see Jamal Igle return to the Supergirl title, Matt Camp will be sorely missed by me.

Overall

There is nothing hopeful or cheery about this book.  Silver Banshee is still trapped in a cursed state, and Lana died unexpectedly with no explanation of why.  It’s so heart breaking, it’s brilliant!  I can’t wait to find out why Lana’s body is covered in black goo!

Rating: 9.5 out of 10 stars

Next Issue Coming February 17, 2010

Special celebratory 50th issue! Sterling Gates and Jamal Igle reunite to tell an epic, oversized battle royale between the Girl of Steel and a mysterious, diabolical new foe! Still reeling from last issue's harrowing events, Supergirl is put to the test when she uncovers a terrible secret about her friend and confidant, Lana Lang. 
Plus! A look into a day in the life of the Girl of Steel written by Jake Black and Supergirl herself, actress Helen Slater!
Featuring a cover by the man who redefined Supergirl for the 21st century, Michael Turner, SUPERGIRL #50 is an extra-sized extravaganza you won't want to miss!

Comic Book Review: Green Lantern #50

Book Information

Written by Geoff Johns

Art by Doug Mahnke

Plot

One of the most powerful forces in the universe, and the unrelenting magical powers of a Black Lantern ring have been made manifest into the Spectre whose mission is to seek out Hal Jordan and induct him into the Black Lantern Corps.  Jordan, along with his team of corps representatives, fights off the Spectre with little success.  As a last resort, Jordan calls upon a creature that has tormented him since the destruction of Coast City, the only thing that has a chance at bringing the Spectre down…Parallax

My Thoughts

Rubble in the streets and crumbling buildings covered in an amazing colorful light show shooting down from the plethora of lantern rings is what makes this book what it is.  The story itself, sure, it’s good.  But Doug Mahnke is the one in control of every page. 

The book adopts a common theme of a teacher and a student, (“Always two there are, no more, no less.  A master and an apprentice”…name that movie!) but the approach is slightly different.  The current, mainstream Lanterns, such as Jordan, Atrocitus, Saint Walker, etc etc are represented more as guides and/or inspirations for the new inductees such as Wonder Woman, Mera, Flash, etc.  The only exception would be Lex Luthor who seems to be taking up the mantle of avarice even more selfishly than Larfleeze.  It’s intriguing because, with exception to the Orange Lanterns, each respective member of the Lantern Corps’ seem to work well together, even the Red Lanterns.  If you will recall, the recent split up of the Justice Society shows a team unable to work together, where as members of different corps show great team work and fights the good fight despite their differences.

Back to the art, I never actually believed that Geoff Johns could be out done by anyone working on the same book with him.  Doug Mahnke, who has always been a comic book super star artist, completely takes control of the forwardness of the story and gives it new depth.  In this particular issue, his greatest strength is displayed through expressive faces and great attention to detail.  The face on Lex Luthor, tugging at his ring as he smiles devilishly was terrifying and gorgeous at the same time.  The only criticism of Mahnke I think I’ve ever had was how smooth his characters faces are while the landmarks and buildings are all very realistic looking.  The contrast between the two has always been a slight distraction for me.  But with this issue, Mahnke steps up his game and shows why he’s one of comic’s best artists.

I was not at all surprised or alarmed by the bringing back of Parallax.  Parallax is to Hal Jordan as Doomsday is to Superman.  DC decides that, due to the fan popularity of the super villain, they should bring him back in a catastrophic event because…well…it’ll sell.  Plus, when, instead of destroying the savage beast they decide to trap him in an easily accessible power battery, it’s pretty clear that one day, they will bring him back.  As far as I am concerned, Parallax can go back into the power batteries and never return.

Overall

If you buy this issue purely on the art, you’re doing yourself a favor.  If you want it purely for the story, yeah, you’ll still get a good one, but nothing it just wont measure up to Mahnke’s artwork.

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars

Next Issue Coming February 17, 2010

The most epic battle in BLACKEST NIGHT yet comes to a shocking conclusion as Hal Jordan makes the ultimate move to take on the Black Lantern Spectre. But what price comes with the unleashing of Parallax? And what does this mean for the future of the emotional spectrum's avatars?

Geeky Nostalgia: Shyamalan Talks About His Airbender Influence

With Shyamalan's resume of mind twisting, psychological thillers, one has to wonder where in the world did director M. Night Shyamalan get it in his head to make a film adaptation of a Nickelodeon cartoon?  Yahoo news states the director's new film direction stemmed not only from his kids, but from his wife.

"My wife who really has been kind of in neutral about my career was insane about it... [She said] 'You have to do it. This is it. This is the one.'"

The film stars film newcomer Noah Ringer, playing the part of Aang, a master of air bending. In this film, Aang is at war with the fire nations, who are out to tak control of this "last air bender." The five elements can be magically harnessed into powerful displays of magical control. Nothing was mentioned as to how faithful Shyamalan is staying to the Nickelodeon hit cartoon show, but one thing can be for certain, with Shyamalan at the helm, you can expect a different look and feel of the world of Avatar.

One thing I certainly hope fans don't do is make thje mistake of accusing Shyamalan of plagerising James Cameron's hit film, Avatar. As we all know, the cartoon came over a decade before Cameron's over rated film first came to the pre-production stages. One can assume from that, based on the work and effort Shyamalan puts into his films, that he began working on this cinematic piece of work about the same time Cameron started his.

Comic Book Review: Batman and Robin #7

Book Information

Written by Grant Morrison

Art by Cameron Stewart

Plot

With the help of Britain’s equivalent to Robin, Squire, Batman goes on a hunt for a bomb hidden under the cities buildings and houses.  After jumping across a few boats, riding a top a few cars, and hopping on a motorcycle within the subway station, Batman and Squire find the bomb and the culprit responsible.  Apart from sailing overseas to the UK to assist in city wide threats, Batman has other motivation for visiting the Queens country.  Through much research and ingenuity on Grayson’s part, it is discovered that another Lazarus Pit, which has the power to bring back the dead, exists in the UK.  Only one thing is on Dick’s mind now…Bruce Wayne.

My Thoughts

Let’s be honest, the only person who has never come back from the dead in super hero comics is Uncle Ben.  As much as it pains me to say it, Bruce Wayne was going to rise from his grave, he has too big of a fan base for DC to just throw him out with the bath water and cry out “nevermore.”  However, I am glad to see Morrison taking a new approach and not reverting to the typical caught in time cop out that DC tends to rely on when reviving their heroes.  But truly I am saddened by this, Bruce Wayne was the last hero that hadn’t come back from the dead and it would have been nice to see DC stick with that.

Concerning the book itself, Morrison delivers another fine issue deep in the heart of British country.  New artist to the title Cameron Stewart brings his own flavor to a Gotham style UK with incredible accuracy and precision.  But where Stewart succeeds in personal style and talent, he fails in truly bringing the dark and gothic essence to the Batman reputation.  It was as if I was watching a Saturday morning cartoon where the characters faces are much rounder, child-like, and happy.  That type of art is good and I completely accept it as being worthy of being in the comic book field, however it does not serve the Batman world well, especially after that bang up job Frank Quietly did on that horrifically fabulous cover!

I did feel that the relationship between Squire and Batman was top notch, containing humor, persistence, loyalty, and everything that the current Robin, Damian Wayne are lacking.  I did feel that Knight, the British interpretation of Batman, was a little weak and lacking in interest.  But honestly, I might feel a little out of whack as well if I had a Prometheus style helmet bearing down on my skull.  But my interests were not peaked until the point where the four entered the cave with the Lazarus Pit.  No, wait…that’s not true.  Seeing Damian Wayne strung up by mechanical wiring and machinery in a Star Wars style life support system was pretty friggin hilarious!  (Does anyone like Damian anyway?)  The first half of the book was more or less a way of transitioning into Batman being in the UK and building up to the very interesting scene where the black glove of Batman splashes out of the pit in a fit of insanity.

One thing that I was enjoying about this title when it started out was how continuity was never an issue.  Issue one began fresh as if Bruce Wayne never existed and Dick Grayson was always Batman.  It kept referencing the fact that Bruce Wayne died, but it was enough for new readers to get the point.  Now we have the resurrection of Bruce Wayne, coupled by the introduction of Batwoman into this title, the freshness has now officially warn off and we’re back to two unnecessary Dark Knight titles.

Overall

Half of the book was ok, the other half was good.  Overall the book rates above average with me.  I’m actually quite excited to see if this truly is Bruce Wayne coming out of the pit, or if the body Superman carried out of Darksied’s lair was actually Batman’s. 

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars

Next Issue Coming February 10, 2010

BATMAN AND ROBIN double-ships in February with part 2 and 3 of "Blackest Knight" guest-starring Batwoman, Knight and Squire! Only months into his new role as Batman, Dick Grayson faces perhaps the biggest threat of his life. In hopes of attaining his heart's desire, has Dick instead unleashed a terror the likes of which the world has never seen?
Meanwhile, back in Gotham City, Alfred and a recuperating Robin are at the mercy of someone both fearsome and familiar…

In Other News: MTV's New Logo

hhhmmmm, I wonder how long it took the brilliant minds at MTV to think up this new marketing strategy...

                Old MTV logo....

                                New MTV logo...

Comic Book Review: Wonder Woman #40

Book Information

Written by Gail Simone

Art by Aaron Lopresti & Matt Ryan

Plot

Wonder Woman saves Earth from supernatural monster yet again, this time in the subway station where a serpent god named Quetzlotl hungers for human meat.  As the Amazonian Princess subdues the beats and sends it back to its celestial homestead, the creature warns Diana of an oncoming, yet unknown threat to humanity that compelled it to hunt for human flesh. 

Following the life threatening subway crisis, a series of sinister events occur including a burning building, an innocent by standard shooting himself in the head, and Power Girl shockingly attacking Wonder Woman.  Meanwhile, looming in the darkness is a strange quintet of young boys that can do nothing but smile with joy at the entire situation.

My Thoughts

This is without a doubt one of the best issue of Wonder Woman to come out in almost two years.  This issue contained everything I enjoy in a story…murder, demonic creatures, and a twisted, gothic undertone where there’s no happiness in sight!  Even amongst the evil that is surrounding this issue however, there is still that shimmering positive light that illuminates the Wonder Woman reputation as the friendship between Etta Candy and Diana is rekindled, along with some newly revealed and interesting secrets.  It was great too see Diana coming back to see Etta after the long hiatus from fighting beasties and demons.

The newest, and arguably the creepiest installments to DC’s list of villains I can only assume at this point to be the sons of the God of War, Ares, and the recently departed Amazonian warriors, calling themselves The Crows.  They have the semblance of those terrifying kids from Children of the Dammed, which is no new approach to gothic story telling as demonic kids have been a common literary and plot device since before my parents were born.  But these children have a mission, unknown of course, which they seem to enjoy every twist and turn that their antics take.  When it comes to horror stories, I’m very picky about what I accept into my film or literary collections.  This is twisted and evil, yet intelligent enough to gracefully accept into my comic book long box.

One of Simone’s strongest aspects is her narrative approach with Wonder Woman.  Far too often we get comics that are mainly pretty pictures, followed loosely by minimal dialogue.  The Wonder Woman team of Gail Simone and Aaron Lopresti is perfect as we get amazing literature coming from every page as well as gorgeous and innovative artwork.  I’m mostly impressed by the subtle way Simone is turning everyone against Wonder Woman through her new villain vessels, the five demon children.  There’s a lot of truth in the statement made by one of the kids, “Shocking how people turn on their heroes these days.”  I’m wondering if this arc will have a small bit of commentary on how easily swayed people are when rhetoric and fear come into play.

Lopresti holds nothing back with his attention to detail.  From the crinkle in the Wonder Woman boots as she walks, to the exploding rubble coming from Diana as she pummels through the different layers of a parking garage.  Amongst the incredible detail, Lopresti has certainly had a grasp on what Wonder Woman looks like since he first came aboard on this title.  The last page is absolutely stunning, with her gorgeous shimmering black hair flowing in the wind, her eloquently chiseled abs and torso, her perfectly sculpted legs and arms, and her superbly Greek goddess-like face, Lopresti continually shows that a female super hero can portray a sense of respect, strength and beauty

Overall

You can’t go wrong by picking up this issue.  It brings in that popular Wonder Woman feel while bringing in some new, horrific storytelling aspects.  I’m surprised to see that this story arc will only span out for two issues though.  These evil children and the doubt building up within Wonder Woman’s fans has the potential of of being one of the better Wonder Woman story arcs to ever exist.

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars

Next Issue Coming February 24^th, 2010

It's a knock-down, drag-out war in the sky between the mightiest females in the DC Universe as Wonder Woman fights Power Girl! Meanwhile, that disturbingly creepy circle of hellion kids known as the Crows do everything they can to destroy Diana's life and loved ones!

Heretical Jargon: Comics Code Authority...Good Riddance!

I'm so glad this shit ain't around anymore....

Comic Book Review: Weird Western Tales #71

Book Information

Written by Dan Didio

Art by Renato Arlem

Plot

Not even the wild wild west (queue Will Smith) is safe from the oncoming Black Lantern takeover of the world.  A barrage of gun slinging favorites are risen from the grave, including Bat Lash, Super-chief, and of course, Jonah Hex.  Josh Turnbull, who is overseeing an energy project designed to decipher the source of the Black Lantern’s power in an attempt to defeat them, faces his father’s old nemesis, Black Lantern Jonah Hex!  Will the west survive, or will the zombie cowboys and Indians take over to tell tale of how the west was lost?

My Thoughts

As bad of an Executive Editor that Dan Didio is, he certainly makes up for it in his writing style!  We don’t get a lot of opportunities to read Didio’s stuff, but when he has the chance, Didio sure delivers.  The flow from page one to two is outstandingly clever.  Page one presents that classic, Hollywood style old west town, while the transition to page two, with Turnbull answering his cell phone, showing readers we are currently in the present.  It’s a very clever way to distinguish nostalgia and the present.

Speaking of stories that live in the past, while taking residency in the present, but occupying the future, this issue is full of that futuristic western mentality; reeks of inspiration from Buck Rogers and Firefly.  I’ve never been a fan of stories involving cowboys and Indians, even sci-fi related ones, but this was definitely my cup of tea.  When I heard a Jonah Hex film was in the works, I sighed in disappointment.  However, this issue has peaked my interest in Mr. Hex and his story.  I might have to revisit some of my past claims at the stupidity of comic book based in the west.

One thing I do take a little issue with in this resurrected title is the false advertising presented on the front cover.  It states in that popular Black Lantern Oath, “Jonah Hex, Scalphunter, Super-Chief, Firehair, Bat lash….RISE!”  However, as the book progresses, the only time given to any of the said western heroes is Jonah Hex, and even he only receives the spotlight for five pages.  This is not necessarily a bad thing about the book, only a minor distraction.

Who the heck is Renato Arlem, how long has he been in the comic industry and why haven’t I gotten a glimpse of his work more often?  He blew me away with his static, somewhat fuzzy artistic style.  I would typically be turned off by this, but Arlem sure grabbed my attention with his knack for detail.  DC, a word of advice, hire this man more often!!  On that note, the cover art is fantastic!  Bill Sienkiewicz did a number on this gem.  I’m slightly tempted to put this on my nomination list for best cover of 2010!  It’s a long time to go before the end of the year, yeah I know, but it’s still damn good!

Overall

Nothing too innovative or new came out in this issue, it was merely a fun western tale told in the classic way, while still keeping time in the present.  There was a nice twist at the end seeing as the bad guys won!  I’m typically a guy who prefers a “not so typical” type of storytelling, but Dan Didio just showed me that it’s nice to go back and relive what once was.

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars

In Other News: Real Life Super Heroes

Comic Book Review: Justice Society of America Annual #2

Book Information

Written by Keith Giffen &Matthew Sturges

Art by Tom Derenick & Rodney Ramos

Plot

Magog attempts a loner expedition in thwarting a massive escape attempt by Haven’s most vile and evil criminal masterminds.  However, confusion hit the JSA’s (both versions) radar as the call is made claiming Magog to be the culprit.  With tensions rising, and the team constantly questioning Magog’s crime fighting methods, is this the last straw for the team?  Is Magog truly the one instigating this terrible criminal escape attempt, or is there dirty work afoot at Haven’s doorstep?

My Thoughts

I hate Magog, that’s all there is to it.  He’s an obnoxious character that equals the stupidity that came along in the creation of Lobo and Arm Fall-Off boy.  He was cool in Kingdom Come, but I really hate seeing him anywhere else in the DC universe.  I would honestly prefer brushing my teeth, and then drinking orange juice then having to continually see that idiot Magog on any more pages of a DC comic every again.  However, Giffen and Sturges do make this a “better than your average comic” yearly annual.

There nothing in this issue that’s mind blowing, or allows you to come to new realizations about any of the characters...until the end.  This is without a doubt an explosive and loud comic from start to finish.  90% of this issue has either an explosion, a light show, or fist to fist combat, with the occasional one page consisting of calm, yet tension building plot twists.  The two paged spread towards the end of the destruction of Haven was breathtakingly astounding.  Points go to the artistic team for given us a visual masterpiece on every page turn.  I can only imagine how exhausting that had to have been, and even then I probably fail to fathom it.

The story itself for the first chunk of the book made me think that this was going to be nothing more than a slug fest with no successful or meaningful conclusion.  With Power Girl’s constant bickering, Wildcat II’s whining, and the persistent yelling at fellow teammates while they duke it out with the escaped convicts, I wondered if this issue was going to have any thought provoking end at all.  Much to my surprise, it had just that.  The last page shows the splintered JSA, torn between one another’s differences.  Questions are raised about loyalty, leadership, authority and responsibility.  The approach that Giffen and Sturges took in tackling this dilemma of the teams wanting to be together, yet feeling as if they can’t was perfectly done.  The emotional impact that fighting amongst family or those you are closest too is one of the deeper and more consistently conflicting aspects of life that anyone could write about.  I think this JSA split up is going to be a lot better than I initially thought.

Overall

Exceptional issue.  While being a punch drunk, fist happy, explosively violent comic, it ties all of that rage together into a realization that fighting amongst family and friends will bring nothing but more destruction in addition to what has already been caused.  This issues attempts to showcase the very age old question, “Can we disagree without becoming violently disagreeable?”

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars

Movie Trailers: Alice In Wonderland

So what do you think?  Will it be good?  Or will Disney make it to "kidish?"

Comic Book Review: Superman World Of New Krypton #12 (of 12)

Book Information

Written by James Robinson & Greg Rucka

Art by Pete Woods & Ron Randall.

Plot

The perpetrator of the series of murders has been revealed!  Superman is now faced with the terrible truth that one of its own council members has been plotting against New Krypton and Earth since Kandor was freed of Brainiac’s bottled prison.  Superman now faces death as the culprit does all he can to keep his dealings a secret!

My Thoughts

Twelve issues have past.  Twelve installments of a mystery have been put to paper.  As I finished this twelfth and final issue of this mini, I sit back and ask myself…”What The Fuck?!?!”  Let’s keep in mind that within this miniseries were three OTHER miniseries that had little or nothing to do with the overall scheme of the World of New Krypton.  What was the point of this series?  How does it push the regular Superman title forward and connect with the happenings going on Earth currently?  I find myself at a loss in many different aspects.

First, can anyone explain Zod’s strange behavior?  He kept jumping back and forth from acting mysteriously like the villain, to portraying the stature of a truly reformed man.  Yet we know from past issue of Action comics that while everything was happening on New Krypton, he had sleeper agents on Earth doing his biding.  Yet Zod remains unmoved by the turns of events and by the revelation of his laboratory experiments which have seemed to hurt the labor guild.  Maybe I’m over analyzing the situation, but the behavior patterns he displayed and the end result of this series do not match up.

Adam Strange seems to have disappeared just a quickly as he appeared, and with no real sense of accomplishment.  Yeah, he helped Superman solve a few mysteries, but what else did he accomplish that couldn’t have been done without his involvement?  Was Adam Strange brought in to this story just for the sake of doing so?  DC is having a huge “silver age” movement and resurrecting long lost heroes, but Adam Strange’s resurrection seems to be out of place, contrived, and unneeded.  It was cool to have him there, but why? 

And of course, the ending of this mini series has to reveal the murdering bastard correct?  I’m sure we all came to the conclusion that the culprit would be a complete surprise, someone we weren’t expecting right?  Well, that can definitely be said for this issue.  I was so surprised by the out come because I couldn’t remember seeing this man more than two or three times in this whole series!  In fact, with all of the events and how they unfolded, and how characters developed in this story, it doesn’t make sense.  This council member has very little dialogue and doesn’t make appearances in most of the series.  In addition, his motivation for committing these crimes is very confusing and causes me to scratch my head in concern for my own deductive reasoning skills.  “Did I miss something?” I asked myself.  The reason why this review is so late is because I went back through all twelve issues to see where I may have dosed off and missed some important plot twist which would have helped explain this ending to me.  Not surprisingly, I finished skimming all of the comics with no avail.  Robinson did not do this series justice.  DC would have been better off hiring Greg Rucka to write the entire run.  At least DC was intelligent enough to enlist the talents of Rucka before the end to help this series make some semblance of a conclusion, even though there was none.

Overall

Horrible!  I want my $36 and twelve months back that I wasted on this series.  I might even dump this series in the trash it was so bad!  (And that’s saying a lot for me.)  Honestly, if you are waiting for the trade to come out, don’t waste your money.  At least you were saved the pain and torment of paying $3 a month that I wasn’t.

Rating: 0 out of 10 stars

The Jedi Press: Makazie One - Phenomenal Fan Made Film

This is actually a pretty darn good fan made Star Wars film.  Watch....

Makazie One - Star Wars Fan Film from Clutch on Vimeo.


The start of it is actually quite original, with the interesting camera angles and jerky camera movements.  Plus, having a Storm Trooper surprisingly reveal himself as a wielder of Jedi arts and the force was a nice twist.  Despite the fact that the end has a few similarities to the original Star Wars films, all of it is terrific.  I certainly this director further develops this mystery of the Evil Sith Strom Trooper.

Comic Book Review: Blackest Night Wonder Woman #3 (of 3)

Book Information

Written by Greg Rucka

Art by Nicola Scott

Plot

Partnered with Carol Ferris, Wonder Woman starts the charge on the massive Black Lantern attack as a newly inducted Star Sapphire.  The emotion of love has always been Diana’s strong point, but it has never been manifested to this degree.  Wonder Woman is now faced with the Black Lanterns who want nothing more than to rip out her heart and consume the light within, and attempt to calm down the wife of the risen zombie Lantern, Mera.  Will Diana succeed, or will she die at the hands of her friend?

My Thoughts

I was actually quite shocked when I discovered Wonder Woman was chosen to be a Star Sapphire, I didn’t see the connection as well as DC did I suppose.  But after this issue, I think I get it.  Wonder Woman has always shown the greatest amount of love towards people more than most of her comrades do.  This aspect of Wonder Woman was brought to light best by Gail Simone when she took over her monthly title, and Greg Rucka is doing an excellent job at continuing that Simone trademark.

The explanations that are given in this book as to why Wonder Woman and Carol Ferris were chosen as Star Sapphires helped clear up some confusion with me.  Those explanations (coming from the dialog between Carol and Dianan) imply that a ring, from any corps, chooses someone not for how much love they have, will they portray, or how much hope they have necessarily; it chooses someone based on how much of that specific emotion an individual has the potential in showing, but also based on how much the individual needs the ring to amplify that aspect of their lives.  Carol Ferris, who’s felt an enormous hole inside her since Hal Jordan never reciprocated her feelings, was brought into the corps for her love and for the lack of love by another human being.  It is a creative and interesting take on the “choosing” of someone when inducted into a specific corps.

Now, readers who don’t actually know the history between Wonder Woman and Mera, or Mera’s questionable past may feel a little lost when the confrontation between these two comes to a close.  But don’t allow that to throw you off this book, I think the entire Blackest Night series has been smart in bringing back the dead and all it’s baggage without being too confusing.  Let’s be honest, how many people who are reading Blackest Night currently starting reading comics only one or two years ago right?  Johns, and the rest of the writers included in this Charlton Heston type of “end of the world” story have done a superb job at bringing the past back to light and allowing it to dictate the direction of the stories.  When you read it, all you need to know is that Mera did something questionable, and take it for what it is and move on to next months issue of Blackest Night.

Nicola Scott is incredible, there is no stiffness in her characters and the color schemes are outstanding.  Granted, this is not one of her better works of art, but that does not mean this isn’t outstanding.  The violet dominance on every page is a lot more striking and powerful than one would expect.  Of course, who could complain about that cover art by the great Greg Horn?  I’m surprised that cover isn’t the variant one, but of course the variant covers are usually a disappointment for me.

Overall

A decent issue, a lot of fun and helps to explain a few things in the Lantern Corps mythos.  However, it’s not particularly a standout issue.  Greg Rucka did wonders with what he was given and I think it was a much needed addition to the Blackest night series.

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars

Geeky Nostalgia: Do You Remember This....

Because I most certainly do.  Kids today have it easy....

Heretical Jargon: Star Wars Robot Striptease

If this isn't creepy, I don't know what is!

Comic Book Review: Power Girl #8

Book Information

Written by Jimmy Palmiotti & Justin Gray

Art by Amanda Conner

Plot

Vartox’s attempt to swoon Power Girl is put on pause as the Valeron beasts multiply with every punch, kick and scratch.  While the battle commences with no end in sight, Vartox continues his courting of the Kryptonian bombshell much to the dismay of Power Girl.  Will she have the ability to fight a continually spawning beast while a seedy alien male attempts to put the moves on her?  Also, what is going on with the Ultra-Humanite revenge squad?

My Thoughts

So if you thought this issue was going to deal with the Ix Negaspikes, think again.  Yes, there are about four pages of alien on alien fighting, but one big long freezing breath and a Negaspike ice hurling through space later, the dead is done.  Now the rest of the story lies with the slowly dying planet of Valeron due to its infertile women, and Vartox's attempts to bring his “sexy” courting of Power Girl to it's maximum potential.  Palmiotti and Gray are in full form with their writing, creating the same humorous storyline we have come to expect from this highly successful title.

The “date” goes from bad, to worse, to horrific as Vartox goes through his courting ritual, causing Power Girl to initiate her gag reflex.  The hilarity of the whole situation is unbelievable, all the way from Vartox’s see-through lingerie, to Power Girl’s over the top drunkenness.  The best part is, amongst all the seedy, child molester attitude, Valeron sex involves no contact between partners which throws Power Girl for a loop.  But what really puts a twist on the whole situation is how offended Vartox becomes by Power Girl’s unrelenting laughter.  You have to admit, even in an alien world, a machine called a “Prego-ray” is undeniably hilarious!  Palmiotti and Gray will always hold a special place in my heart as the writers of Power Girl.

As much as I don’t blame Vartox for wanting to mate with the bombshell that is Power Girl, I still can’t help but think the over sexed up aspect of this title goes too far at times.  I realize it’s part of the joke and all, but there really is more to Power Girl than just her boobs, and the fact that men drool over her like hungry puppies.  Ever since this title began, there hasn’t been one issue that doesn’t deal with her boobs and/or sexuality.  Even her deeper, more emotional story involves her boobs, where she feels this since of lost not knowing who she is...so she cuts a hole in her shirt, exposing her boobs.  It’s fine, I like how hot she is, but I’m hoping for some deeper stories in the near future.

Overall

A lot of fun and a laugh with every page turn.  I certainly hope the Ultra-Humanite mystery starts up soon!

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars

In Other News: Happy Birthday Norman Rockwell!

Yes, the famous painter whose covers of the Saturday Evening Post birthday is today.  Even after his death his paintings still rings true and have a special place in our hearts.  His realistic, yet cartoonish style was a definitive aspect of the early 1900's and has now become something more than mere paintings, pretty to look at in a time where the value of art has diminished.  Happy birthday Rockwell, you are an inspiration to artists everywhere!

Heretical Jargon: Velma's Inner Sexiness

This is completely true, especially in Velma's case...

Heretical Jargon: Pepsiman

So Apparently Peps-Cola came up with a brilliant (yeah) idea concept called "Pepsiman" to appeal to thier younger consumers.  It's costume design was based on the can style during that time of distribution.  His mission, to seek out thirsty civillians and quench their thirst by delivering a pepsi to them.  While creative it is...still kind of scary!

There was even a video game made for the Sega-Genesis console in which the same cola-seeking concept was applied....

But of course nothing (and I do mean nothing) could have prepared me for the bilarity of this Pepsiman toy product and the brilliant selling scheme on it's front....

Yes, they used the word "FUCT" which apparently means the opposite of "FACT" in Pepsi lingo.  It's wonderfully terrifying!  I think I'll be adding this to my Facebook photos and quite possible my profile picture.  In the meantime, go to google and type in "Pepsiman" and look at all the images that will pop up.  It's amazing!

TV News: Final Season Of Lost Starts Today!

The greatest TV show in history comes to a close this season, I certainly hope it ends well!  Battlestar Gallactica was a complete disappointment, and Heroes has steadily been going down hill, Please, just give Lost a good ending that will blow our minds away.  My fingers are crossed....

Heretical Jargon: Bat Bug

This is pretty cool!