Dude. Apparently Pokemon games have been around for 15 years.

I feel incredibly old.

That is all.

I give up.

Hey, why did no one tell me there was a Nancy Drew comic book?!

I'm always the last to know everything. Also, apparently Nancy uppercuts a bear. I approve!

An Addendum to a Previous Post

I know before I asked what powers you would not want, well I have a new question. It's primarily Marvel based and goes something like: "What powers do you wish mutants would stop whining about?"

For me, it's Warren Worthington's wings.

The thing is, X-Factor aside, I like Warren a lot. But I've never really bought the "Poor poor Warren" aspect of his powers. X-Men First Class tried to pull that one, where Scott, of all people, is forced to acknowledge how difficult it is for poor Warren to always have to hide a part of himself.

And yeah, that does suck a bit and is undoubtedly uncomfortable. But the thing is? When you've got a guy who can't go out at all without a Star Trek visor or very precarious sunglasses or he might kill people? (Especially given the early series time limit of 15 minute usage and then keel over?) No. Sorry. Hank, Bobby, Jean? Okay, fine. But Scott would probably switch in a heartbeat and who could blame him?

Warren's rich, handsome, and his inconvenient power gives him both mobility and implied superior strength (given what he carries). Yeah, it'll probably get him hunted by a mob, but since mobs can't fly, he's got a fairly reliable means of escape. And as physical mutations go, he looks like a religious visitation. Ask Nightcrawler how much worse it can get?

Thing is, Warren CAN conceal it. Uncomfortably, sure, but he can. He can live free with them in some places. He has a power that can be used for more than destruction.

Aside from the fact that I think birds are inherently disgusting and feathers creep me out, I would probably take that power compared to a lot of other ones.

So what do you think?

Things I look at in lieu of writing a blog post

This link amuses me a lot more than it ought: Better Book Titles

Enjoy!

A question:

Something I've always seen asked around comic blogs and fan sites is "if you could have any power, what would it be?"

I always thought the more interesting question is "if you could have a superpower, what would you NOT want?" (And for the sake of fun, I'll avoid obvious suck powers like Cyclops's or Rogue's).

For me, I think it'd be telepathy. I don't want to know what people think. At all. It's bad enough sometimes to know what I think. My brain is a scary place, man. Related to that? Wonder Woman's lasso? NO. I do NOT want to know. Some truths are better left unlassoed. Besides, I'm a nosy meddler. I'd totally abuse the shit out of that power.

So what about you?

A Rumor I like

Okay, I will take back every doubt I had about David E. Kelley's Wonder Woman if he does decide to cast Lynda Carter as Hippolyta.

Because that would be awesome. :-)

Hmm

So um. This hurts my brain.

I have nothing against Kevin Costner aside from a vague boggling about how I can think of one movie ever he was in that I liked (I do kind of think he's hot though. I'm not sure why and I'm not really proud of it.)

But I can't imagine what Superman role he'd be suited to play. Weird.

Still not really a blog post. :-)

This post about the least desirable comic book characters is pretty good, though I disagree with some of the choices.

I for one would embrace Kara's giant rack, because she is that awesome. (Sadly, there would be other obstacles, as I'm pretty much 97% straight and she's 2-dimensional to boot.)

But it does remind me that the character I'd never date is Batman. I mean. I know, Batman is sexy. He is. He's built. He's handsome. He's rich. He's really smart. And well, any visitor to my blog or twitter can tell that crazy is not necessarily a turnoff.

But he's not really crazy in a fun way. He's awesome, sure, but it's the kind of awesome that's better admired from afar. Also, his Bruce Wayne disguise is so vapid that I think I'd cause myself brain damage if I had to spend any time with him.

(In contrast, Michael Holt? As rich grieving geniuses go...I'd be on that in a heartbeat! Rowr!)

Miscellaneous

I caught Mallrats the other day (I'm a total phillistine, because Mallrats is really the only movie in that entire Kevin Smith set up that I can actually stand. Well, that and Clerks the Animated Series) and it made me think.

Because I am totally the sort of person who thinks too much about superhero sex lives.

This is not to say I buy into the Man of Steel Woman of Kleenex shit, because if Clark couldn't rein himself/his powers in, he'd pretty much kill us all if he so much as sneezed. Since he's never knocked someone unconscious with a spray of saliva when he talked, I'm going to assume that his other fluids also behave appropriately. (Lois seems to have no complaints after all).

But anyway I totally think about really questionable uses for say, the Green Lantern powers (there's a reason people keep dating Kyle, even knowing how it's probably going to end up. That's all I'm saying.)

And I'm really amused that the two characters with the most...versatile use of powers in the Fantastic Four (Reed/Sue) are the ones less likely to make as creative a use for them. (On the other hand, there has to be SOME reason Sue hasn't left him for Namor.)

Also, telekinesis opens up a whole new realm of possibility in terms of pegging. (I've always said, when it comes to Scott and Jean, she's totally the top. Unfortunately, I'm not sure I can think of any kinky application for his eye beams, which is yet another reason Scott's life sucks. :-P)

Really, deep down I'm twelve. Which is why I'll never stop making Green Arrow puns. Ever.

Thought

You know, instead of an umpteenth Superman or Spider-Man reboot (I don't count Captain America, because if any hero actually deserves a good movie, it's poor Steve Rogers), you know who I'd like to see in a comic book movie? Scott Free and Big Barda.

I don't think they're very well known to people who aren't comic fans already, granted. Which may be good or bad as the case may be. But it would be different. At the very least, a NEW origin story to exploit. And I bet they could do a lot of awesome off-planet stuff with special effects nowadays.

I'd enjoy it, at least, and that's all that really matters. :-P

A Weird Idea

Okay, now if you follow me on twitter you might have realized that I've gotten myself very addicted to Hawaii 5-0 (mostly because Steve McGarrett is a hot lunatic).

Anyway, during a recent episode where the witness that needed protection was played by an actress who has also played an evil vampiress from True Blood, I had a crazy idea for a tv show.

Basically, all the characters in the tv show can channel all the powers and abilities of any other character that has been portrayed by the actor who plays them.

So like, take Hawaii 5-0. Steve's actor has also been a vampire and a surgeon. Danny's actor was a con-man. Chin's actor was...well, I don't know what abilities Jin from Lost had, but I know he played a telepath in Crusade. Kono's a cylon. So, it'd be intensely funny to me if there was a tv show that used it.

You know, kind of like Bravestarr or other "calling on the powers of X" kind of shows, but involving previous roles.

It'd be silly, but fun!

So between yesterday's casting news and this awesome looking Thor trailer, my mind's officially been distracted from its busy week troubles. Happy!

Wonder Woman casting

So. Um. I really meant to have a post of substance at some point by now. But work's been hectic and I be sleepy.

I hear they've cast Wonder Woman though. That's pretty cool. She's blonde, but then that's what hair dye is for. :-P And really, hair color isn't that big a deal to me, so it's not a deal breaker if they did want to keep her blond. I like that she's tall and reasonably athletic looking and hope that they cast someone like, Scott Caan sized to be her love interest. :-)

I've never seen her act, but then I was a big fan of the Lynda Carter Wonder Woman, so acting isn't necessarily a necessity for me as long as she can play earnest and keep a straight face.

I know I've been saying how I think the tv show will suck, but I do intend to give it a fair shot, and this seems like a pretty good casting choice to me.

Pretty!

You know, as much as I kind of suspect the Green Lantern movie will be kind of stupid (though I'll be thrilled to be wrong), I'm already enjoying the tie-in merchandise.

For example, this Carol Ferris Barbie doll looks awesome.

Infinitely better than the craptastic Superman Returns Lois Lane doll. And I've always liked career themed dolls anyway.

Disappointment!

Apparently, JSA: All Stars #18 will be its last issue. This makes me sad because I really enjoyed that series. A lot.

Also, my favorite character will probably end up in limbo again. I really liked having him prominently in a book by a writer I really like, an artist that I was growing fonder of, and plots and characters that were really fun.

I'm sad now. :-(

Weird title, but looks interesting

Am I the only one who thinks "the Dark Knight Rises" is a weird title for Batman 3? It's basically the of Batman 2, but with an extra word. I don't know why, but it bothers me.

I am looking forward to Catwoman though. I was initially boggled by the casting choice, but I'm willing to give Anne Hathaway a shot, and I've loved Catwoman since I was about six or seven.

I'm not sure what I think of the rumors that Talia al'Ghul would show up. Talia's a character that I like the idea of, but never really cared about her execution. At least until the Damian plot, no one ever seemed to have a good handle on what to actually do with her. (At least Nyssa had the league of assassins silliness.) But then the movies are a tad more streamlined, so maybe they can make it work.

Opinion Query?

You know, I never really felt the need to have one of those nook or kindle things. I do enjoy ebooks on occasion (Project Gutenberg is a wonderful thing), but I usually just read them on the computer. However, now that my dad has one, I'm finding myself filled with envy. That thing is awesome.

But they're expensive and I don't really know of any place I would really be able to examine the options before I bought one. (My dad's is a Nook, for the record.) So I figured I'd do the next best thing and ask you guys.

If anyone has one of those ebook reader things and can spare a few minutes to tell me which one and how much they like/dislike it, that would be awesome. It'll be a while before I've saved up enough to purchase one anyway. I know I can go on the websites and get some reviews, but it never hurts to poll a familiar crowd. :-)

So, do you have one? Any opinions?

Oooo

It's times like this that I wish I were more well-versed in the overall Marvel Universe. I mean, I'm pretty good with X-Men (or at least whichever team features Cyclops at any given time. :-P) and Captain America. I've got a decent background with the Avengers. I liked Young Avengers and at least vaguely know of the Runaways.

But I've never heard of any of these characters that will be in Youth in Revolt.

I do really like both Thor Girl and Ultragirl*'s designs though. Even though I have no idea what the stories are behind them.

Anyone familiar with the names willing to verify if they're cool?

(Edited, apparently the one I assumed was Ultragirl isn't. :-) Still, her design is pretty cool! Thanks!)

Yep. Gonna suck.

Okay, what you may not know about me is that I'm a huge Highlander fan. A huge one. Well. The movie and the television show. The other movies don't exist.

Though secretly, between you and me, when I was 12, I adored Highlander 2. I don't get it either. I think I had issues.

But apparently there's going to be a Highlander reboot.

This...well. Again, I'm a Highlander fan. I've suffered through a mediocre first movie, two terrible sequels, a television show that ranged from surprisingly decent to godawful depending on what season you're watching, and two subsequent movies that are even worse.

I'm just saying, the numerical odds aren't favoring this movie. At all. This isn't like Star Trek, which managed 5 out of 10 decent films. And even the suckier ones had something to offer (Except Star Trek V). Basically I'm saying this one's going to suck hard.

And I'm still going to watch it. *sigh*

I want the cthulu hat. That is all.

:-)

Smallville is Ending?

So Smallville is apparently ending.

I'll believe that when I see it, to be honest. But it seems like an end of an era. Even though I never cared for the show, that thing's been on forever!

I have to say, as much as I have my problems with the show, that promo image is incredibly hot. I mean, it's actually tempting me to watch the show. Well, at least, to watch the finale. I've always dug the street clothes -> uniform/costume shadow effect.

Birthday non-post!

I'm now two years from thirty. I'm officially old. :-)

So no post today. Have fun!

Yay!

So I didn't watch the Super Bowl (no offence to all you fans, but I find football excrutiating to watch) but I did end up seeing the Cap trailer after all (thanks to wonderful twitter folk providing the link!).

Here's a link if you're in the same boat I am.

God. That trailer contains everything I wanted to see in a Captain America movie. And things I didn't think I wanted but totally do now (i.e. the Howling Commandos).

Chris Evans looks awesome. Pre-serum Steve doesn't look stupid. There's the shield!

I can't wait!

Costuming

Okay, maybe I'm just blinded by the horrible hooker makeup on those poor models, but I honestly think these amecomi costumes are fucking hideous.

Except maybe the Wonder Woman one. I kind of like the flowy skirt thing and the headdress.

(And I do appreciate that the Supergirl one is actually fairly accurate to the comics. But I've always hated that version of the costume.)

I would kill to see someone pull off a Star Sapphire (comic version) variant. I think a cosplayer did it once, but I don't recall. Anyway, I'd be interested in any account of how the model got the damn thing to stay up.

Well, you know...since DC's starting it...

You know what storyline I'd like to see DC revisit, since they seem to be doing that a lot lately?

Gal Gardner.

Because Guy makes one spectacular woman. :-P

So, I found my Superman Movie deal-breaker

So, I originally had a completely different post lined up but I ended up distracted when THIS was linked on Twitter.

I'm going to ignore the bit where they don't want "a name" that would overshadow their leading man playing Superman's love interest simply for my own sanity. Because maybe I'm old fashioned, but I always thought the point of seeing a movie was seeing the CHARACTERS.

But the female lead won't be Lois Lane?

How in the world can you have SUPERMAN without LOIS LANE?

There are many heroes out there whose love interests don't play as vital or defining role in their mythos. Batman, Green Lantern, Captain America, and so on. But I definitely wouldn't consider Superman to be one of them!

Superman's a great character, don't get me wrong, and I don't think that every appearance of his needs to also feature Lois. I'm perfectly fine with Lois not appearing in the Justice League or anything like that, as, well, she's not a superhero.

But Lois is a huge part of what makes Superman appealing and accessible. I honestly think a large part of the problem with Superman Returns was that Superman and Lois's relationship was so peculiarly defined that she really wasn't able to match him like she does best.

Lois is the dynamic center of the partnership in a lot of ways. She's the ambitious one, jumping in over her head in pursuit of a story. She's the one who pokes at Clark Kent and pushes at Superman. When he's being a lofty superhero, she's the one who brings him back down to Earth.

There's no story in watching someone all-powerful experience no conflict or no pain. That's why the writers invented kryptonite, so that they have a way to neutralize Superman's powers and harm him physically so that there's actually a sense of danger. That's what Lois brings too. HE might not be able to be hurt, but she can, which means that through her, he's vulnerable. He's human.

The movie is still going to have a female lead, according to the article, but it won't be Lois. Which is utterly mind-boggling to me. Who the heck is she supposed to be, then? Lana Lang? Lori Lemaris? Cat Grant? It's not like the comics really have a lot of female characters that could be slotted into Lois's role. This isn't like the Ultimate Avengers movie putting Black Widow into Sharon Carter's position. That move might have been annoying to me as a Sharon fan, but I understood it intellectually. Natasha's a better known character with a position and skill-set similar enough to Sharon's that she could slide in.

But there IS no woman in the Superman mythos that could be the Black Widow to Lois's Sharon. Actually, I'd stretch that farther. With the possible exception of Wonder Woman or Supergirl, I'd argue that no woman in the DC Universe has as much name recognition outside comics as Lois Lane.

And it's utterly irrational, but this woman could be played by the greatest actress in our generation and the romance could be the finest written since Casablanca and I will still not be able to care. It'd be the same for me as if they suddenly named Superman "Wonder-Man". Everything else might be the same, but it's not Superman.

It's funny because until today, I never really thought much about it. But for me, the crux of the Superman story is that it's a love story. It's a romance! It's never been, for me, about a guy growing up to become a hero. He was always a hero. He was a hero the moment he appeared on the cover of Action Comics lifting a car. The George Reeve show took less than five minutes to go through his entire backstory and get him in the tights. See also: Lois and Clark or the first Superman movie. Superman doesn't really have an "origin story" per se. He doesn't NEED one. He needs five minutes and maybe a new/re-introduction to the Daily Planet, then you're ready to go!

Smallville's the exception, of course, but I don't really consider Smallville a SUPERMAN story. It's a Superboy story that took on a life of its own, and that's an entirely different thing altogether.

The Superman story is also not about a guy learning to balance the different aspects of his life. He already had that. Clark Kent might be new to Metropolis, but he's been Clark Kent all of his life. It's not about a guy trying to deal with his own inner darkness and become a symbol. Superman's never needed to BECOME a symbol, he's always been one just by nature of who he is.

The Superman story is, to me, about a guy who gets this new job and meets this girl. And then shit happens. There's an adversary to overcome, there are some things he has to do. But in the end, it all comes back to this girl.

And now you're going to take out the girl?

Sorry, but that's just not a Superman story to me. It's a deal-breaker for me. Plain and simple. So it sounds like I'll be giving this movie a pass.

((Unless of course, the article turns out to be wrong. :-)))

[EDIT/UPDATE: This article (which contains spoilers) seems to indicate that the role in question is a villainess. If that's the case, then I will tentatively rescind my complaint pending casting news of an actual Lois. :-)]

Oooo

I have to say, as much as I would love to see a comic book adaptation of A Song of Ice and Fire, and I think the art sketches look absolutely lovely...

All I can think of is how many years would a monthly comic have to go to even get the FIRST book out?

I mean, dude. Even those Drizzt comics took like six issues to get through a book, and well, the Drizzt books are to A Song of Ice and Fire what a Where's Waldo book is to the Encyclopedia Britannica. (I mean this comparison on the basis of length, not quality. :-))

I will totally get the comic, don't get me wrong. I just wonder how old I'll be when it finally finishes. :-P

Something I believe...

You know what hero always seemed like he'd be good at stand-up comedy?

Martian Manhunter.

I don't know why I believe he'd be good at stand-up comedy but there you go.