Feed THIS, Pal!

Extreme Foodie

2009-11-10T04:22:00.003-06:00

I have to admit, I'm a closet foodie.

With that waistline, I'm not surprised, many of you may be thinking to yourself.

But part of my work involves working with fellow foodies - I'm not the kind that only enjoys "fine dining", but I'm also on the quest for the perfect hot dog.

Which is why Man Vs. Food is one reality show that has quickly become one of my favorites.

In it, Adam Richman essentially travels the world and partakes of a location's particular culinary favorites.

But there's also a catch - in each one, there's a challenge. Whether it's the overstuffed sandwich challenge in Chicago, the "Eagle challenge" in Boston or even the "5 Malt Cup Challenge" at Crown Candy in St. Louis, there's usually some interesting little fact or particular "favorite" that makes each show enjoyable.

Does the show feature other great dining spots? Well, yes (in fact, I was glad to see that St. Louis featured both Fitz's and Ted Drewes Frozen Custard - it would have been a crime to avoid either one)....but there's enough local lore and, well, flat-out enjoyment of the more casual aspects of dining than in featuring the greatest local bistro. (If there's anything that the pop culture phenomenon of food/cooking shows need, it's the equivalent of a Mythbusters, focusing on more popular tales, more diner-friendly venues, and more focus on the out-of-the-way places very few television shows visit).

This is one of those series that I'm adding to my "Instant View" queue on Netflix, when I need such a fix.

In fact, I may even get cable, just so I can watch this "as it happens".

Doctoring Fan Films

2009-11-09T05:48:00.004-06:00

This is a post that I have some bias in - not only do I enjoy Doctor Who (which is well documented), but I also have discussed my love of fan films in another online forum. So, in this time before the David Tennant/Matt Smith switchover, I am enjoying a couple of really strong, fan-made efforts that - in terms of episode format, scripting, tone, and even acting - very closely resemble BBC-made Who. So much so that both of these films can help ease the discomfort as we head into The Waters of Mars.

One group of fans is attempting to do an entire series of episodes, and "Fire and Ice" - the initial episode of Doctor Who 2009 - really demonstrates a well-thought-out approach, and is a remarkable effort. Much like many fan efforts, there are multiple fan references (both to UNIT and Ice Warriors), but even these help build out an episode that...is really creepy in many ways. It's a unique take on the whole Doctor-meets-companion phenomenon. The acting is relatively strong (especially Kenneth Raymond Moore as a very unique Doctor), the special effects are good (and not just in a "for-a-fan-film" way)....my only quibble is that the file I downloaded had a slightly off-kilter sound track. But even that distraction doesn't take away from a pretty strong initial episode.

Ultimately, would I download the next episode (titled "Guardian of the Solar System)? Yes, I would. Very highly. And without spoiling - the ending packs a real emotional gut punch.

However, I really like Doctor Who: Victimsight a lot more - so much so that I thought it would easily fit as a Tennant special. (Graham Seeksma patterns his Doctor after Tennant's, but there's a little bit more punch in the performance). Partnering with a local policewoman, the Doctor finds himself (falsely) accused of murder, and ends up with a very unique punishment. Much like "Fire and Ice", it's a well-written episode, with some strong direction, an intriguing premise, and a classic series reference that, admittedly, I didn't see coming.

(As a public service, I'm embedding the entire video at the bottom of this post, although the link above will take you the main page).

This is an interesting time for Who fans, but both of these films provide a great outlet. For those who enjoy Tennant-era Who, Victimsight is a fan film that could easily fit as a 10th Doctor special. For those interested in another, slightly more alternative take in the Doctor, "Fire and Ice" serves as a great alternative take for Doctor Who's next series.

Both are definitely worth your time.

Your 1980s Nostalgia-Inspired Nightmare Fuel

2009-11-08T13:51:00.000-06:00

Please, if you treasure your sanity (and don't wish to see much of what made the 80s rather cheesy), please don't play this video.

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED

Selling Out In Spades

2009-11-07T11:05:00.000-06:00

These commercials are cool. They're well done. They're clever. And that they would include Tommy Boy in that company, I thought was very flattering

To be honest, I hadn't planned on discussing this commercial - having seen Tommy Boy once, and not being impressed, it seemed like an issue that could do without my commentary. Especially since, unlike many people I know, I don't consider the Spade/Farley/Sandler/Schneider school of SNL humor funny.

However, when Roger Ebert posted several videos (including two parodies) on his blog, it really got me thinking...what is it about these commercials that bothers me?

Part of it has to be that I'm very old school - I don't like pop songs being used in commercials (much like Neil Young did eons ago). There's something about the way that pop culture is being transformed into commodity - even at the accelerated level that it is now - that really brings a bad taste to my mouth. For many, it's no big deal - for me, it cheapens our culture (even pop culture) a little bit. On at least one level, it's my preference.

However, Direct TV's trend towards using dead celebrities is nothing new. It is tasteless, and that's also what leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

Ultimately, though, it's the spirit of the humor that bothers me, especially in light of Farley's death. Much of why I've never liked that particular "class" of SNL was that the humor was one of superiority - it was a tendency towards finding laughs at other people's expense. It was a snarkier-than-thou attitude which for those individuals (especially Spade) paid off beautifully.

By all accounts, Farley was a man who only wanted to make people laugh, and who also dealt with an overwhelming addiction. The fact that he paid for it with his life seems tremendously unfair. Even though his family may have "approved" of the commercial, what does it show?

It shows Spade's character berating a guy who is, well, performing a really stupid premise. "Big man, little coat". And what happens? He tears it. My dislike of Tommy Boy aside, it seems as if Spade is doing this commercial not as an aid for a friend's family...but a desperate attempt to make a grab for the limelight. Even in controversy, Spade seems unwilling to see that for a guy who was Farley's best friend, Spade is treating his best friend disrespectfully.

For those who are Chris Farley fans, I'll say this - I won't disparage Tommy Boy except to say that it's not my kind of movie. However, if you want to remember Chris Farley, you might want to stick with that movie...because this commercial does seem like a slap in the face to Farley and his fans alike.

As for Spade, I hope he enjoys the small payout. Something tells me that I may be seeing him soon, and he'll be asking me if I want fries with my burger.

Their Further Greatest Adventures

2009-11-06T02:40:00.002-06:00

For me, at least, Giffen can often try way too hard to convince the reader he's being funny...and compared to the tone of Drake's work (which Giffen is wanting to emulate), it might be a bit overwhelming.

But I'll keep an open mind, and at least read the first three issues....just don't be surprised if I stick around for any longer. After all, Giffen's no Grant Morrison...or Arnold Drake.

Four issues in, I have to say...I'm really liking Giffen's Doom Patrol.

I'm not as head over heels about it as I have been other iterations (mostly the classic run, although I love Morrison's & Rachel Pollack's run via Vertigo). Granted, I've blogged enough about the series (although I'm probably not as dedicated as these DP-focused blogs) to admit my appreciation, but I have to say that Giffen's writing (and Matt Clark's art) have helped me like the latest Doom Patrol a lot more than I probably would.

As a very wise man once pointed out, Giffen's tendency towards humor usually is encouraged by J.M. Dematteis (if you're crazy about the bwah-ha-ha, the Metal Men second feature in the book won't disappoint), but the first three issue arc - about our intrepid band of misfits facing a sentient black hole - seemed to effortlessly mix Drake's offbeat humor with Morrison's flat-out surrealism. (Matt Clark's art helped matters)

But it was issue # 4 - the obligatory Blackest Night crossover - that won me over.

Much of it was the way it began mixing in other aspects of DP history - from Kupperberg's "new" Doom Patrol to an integration of Rachel Pollack's more identity-bending work (trust me, it's slightly obvious, but it's there) into a rather consistent brew of super-heroics. Even the last page cliffhanger, without spoiling it, is one of the most obvious - yet clever - twists that I have experienced in comics.

No, Doom Patrol is not the second coming of Watchmen...but it is a pretty solid, decent book that's worth reading.

And I'm loving every minute of it.

Your Guy Fawkes Night Moment of Zen

2009-11-05T06:38:00.000-06:00

A shout-out to British readers of this blog - have a great Guy Fawkes Night.

For everyone else, here's a nce, politically charged reminder courtesy V for Vendetta:

What If Groucho Marx Were A Social Media Pundit (Special Edition)

2009-11-04T02:42:00.000-06:00

(A brief note of explanation -this was originally presented as part of a now defunct work-related blog; because I am rather proud of this, I'm representing it here, with some jokes taken out and some added. Please feel free to tweet/bookmark/e-mail this site. Enjoy!)

Linked In is like your grandpa's social media, but who wants to use your grandpa's social media. Nobody. Not even your grandma.

Welcome to MySpace, where the beer is warm, the women are cold, and I'm hot under the collar.

Go, and never darken my YouTube channel again.

I never forget a Facebook profile, but in your case I'll make an exception.

From the moment I saw your blog until I closed my browser, I was convulsed with laughter. Some day I intend reading your blog.

Gentlemen, Chicolini may look like a retweeter, and sound like a reTweeter, but don't let that fool you. He really is a "ReTweeter"

I don't have a Flickr account, but you can have my footprints. They're upstairs in my socks

"Sweetness" & Light In Chicago

2009-11-03T03:20:00.004-06:00

I've said it to others and I'll say it here - when Walter Payton passed away ten years ago, I pretty much gave up enjoying pro football.

For me (and presumably, many men my age) Payton was a role model - in fact, so much so that when Mom called me "Sweetness" over the phone a coworker asked her if she knew Walter Payton. (She didn't, but her then-boss knew several Chicago Bulls). But when Payton ran....it was something to see. Everyone (including myself) had a t-shirt or jersey with the number 34, claiming it as a badge or honor or rite of passage.

It's in that spirit that every once in awhile, I grab a copy of Never Die Easy (Payton's autobiography) and read it. It doesn't read like a typical sports biography...in fact, it seems more like a casual conversation. In an age where athletes often depend on ego and overpowering charisma to see them through, it's Payton's quiet strength that comes through the prose. It's not always an easy read, but it's one of the better sports biographies.

Reading it makes me nostalgic for being a Bears fan in the late 70s/early 80s. It's hard to believe that Payton is gone, and this book is a powerful reminder that we'll never see his like again.

Definitely a must-read.

Building a Better Sandman

2009-11-02T01:05:00.000-06:00

This past Halloween saw me take on the challenge of creating my own costume. Out of creativity, enthusiasm, and sheer geekiness, I chose the Golden Age Sandman as my costume. It was obscure enough that a few people would get it, but it also consisted of much of my own wardrobe.

(And especially since my Batman cowl bit the dust years ago)

The first photo shows two of the items which I had to purchase - a 40's style fedora (the Indiana Jones model courtesy of Izzy Rizzy's), and a rubber gas mask purchased online. (The gloves were old driving gloves of my father's) I had contemplated purchasing a real gas mask, but not only was it expensive, but I was concerned the federal agents might come to work, and that would be embarrassing. Especially the part where I would have to explain that no, it wasn't about my hogging the photo copier....

(Note -yes, the gas mask is not the classic 40's model. It is, however, keeping in line with a homemade Halloween costume. If you're going to comment that I got it wrong....please lighten up. It's November. We're moving on)

But anyway, next came the suit. Given that I did not own the classic Golden Age green suit and purple cape (and keeping with more of a Vertigo feel), I used a gray-style suit with a blue striped tie. Although one friend had stated that I looked "corporate", that was kind of the point (Wesley Dodds was a man of weath). Plus, it had the added advantage of being work-friendly, meaning that I didn't have to be the guy stuck in a Star Trek tunic during a business meeting...

(Speaking of which, two of my coworkers were creeped out by the gas mask, and I would like to apologize publicly. Next year, no masks for Halloween. Honest.)

The most important part, however, was
the overcoat. I opted for my father's old leather trenchcoat over the more Tenth Doctor-esque wool coat - mostly to keep the image and styling current, but more importantly...although the weather would have been conducive to both, the leather overcoat had just the right amount of noir style about it. It made the costume work.

(Not coincidentally, I thought of dressing like the 10th Doctor...but didn't think I had the build for it).

For those who want to see the finished product - and out of respect for those who might find masks creepy - you can click here. Either you will face your terrifying hour...or convulse with laughter.

Either way, an excellent Halloween.

P.S. Here's who I'm dressing up as next year.

5 Reasons I'm Doing NaBloPoMo Instead of Nanwrimo This Year

2009-11-01T08:02:00.001-06:00

(Portrait taken by Kring Lerner at the October Twestival in Chicago)

You know, I have to admit that I've been relatively inconsistent in blogging regularly - mostly, I've been overscheduling myself. Although I considered doing Nanowrimo again this year, thanks to a timely intervention (as well as a need to earn my blogger stripes), taking my cue from another, better blog - here are five reasons why I'm posting 30 blog posts in 30 days:

Many bloggers I respect do this on a daily basis: If bloggers that I like and respect such as Roger, Mike, Rich, Siskoid, and a cute little stuffed bull named Bully can blog daily, then gosh darn it, so can I! (And if you're a close personal friend who blogs daily whose name I failed to mention, my apologies).
Easily avoids libel suits - Because let's face it, if I'm going to write a novel, people are more than likely to believe that I'm basing characters on them. Especially if I write about a dashing, handsome young troubleshooter named Norman Pynorowski.
It's relatively easy to do with little time commitment - in short, thanks to being able to schedule blog posts, I should be able to do 30 in 30. And if I'm doing a novel, quite frankly, it's much more time intensive.
I can "repurpose" old material - all those old ideas that I have in my Moleskine notebook can actually be written...and I can follow up on old posts. Including a "lost" post that will make its debut in the next day or so.
I need the bump in traffic - in short, this (hopefully) should build up web traffic, because if there's anything this blog needs, is more readers. At least, more readers whom I can acquire without using naughty words in blog post titles.

So for the next month, it's all on me. Place your bets now, folks, because at the end of the month, you may come into a little extra spending cash for Christmas.....

Watch THIS, Pal: Quatermass & the Pit, Episode 6

2009-10-31T00:01:00.001-05:00

And now, in celebration of Halloween, here's the sixth - and final - episode of Quatermass & the Pit.

Happy Halloween!

Another Important Philosophical Question

2009-10-30T17:43:00.000-05:00

Because the last time I asked a question like this, my website analytics went through the roof. In that spirit, I want to add a third factor, just to explore the implications.

Who is cooler - Captain Mal Reynolds:

Captain Jack Harkness:

Or John Crichton from Farscape:

As always, this is an open book test, and no criteria is off-limits. Enjoy!

A Word About Office Toys

2009-10-29T02:59:00.000-05:00

I am a firm believer in office toys - those items that, although seemingly inappropriate, make creativity possible.

As you can see, like many of my colleagues, I have several office toys at my cubicle at work:

But unlike everyone else, I have one item in my cubicle that is so powerful, so mind-blowingly cool that not it only elevates me to a new plateau, but that is incapable of being photographed by even the best cameras. Stand before the might of the ultimate in office accessories:

WOLVERINE PEZ DISPENSER

Blackest Night Speculation: Black Lantern Starman

2009-10-27T05:30:00.005-05:00

Continuing on to this week's Halloween-themed speculation...DC's solicitations for January include several Blackest Night issues of comics that were initially canceled or ended. These include The Atom and Hawkman, The Phantom Stranger, Weird Western Tales (written by Dan DiDio possibly to keep him out of trouble)....and Starman # 81.

OK, normally my cynicism would kick in, but since James Robinson is writing the issue (and I admit, I love his work on Blackest Night: Superman...a lot more than his work on Justice League: Cry For Justice), and rumors have stated that it would feature a "Black Lantern Starman".

Now granted, there aren't too many candidates, as many of the men who used the name "Starman" are still alive (and will be alive in January), including:

Thom Kallor, aka "Danny Blaine" aka "The Kingdom Come Starman via the 1970s LSH"
Mikal Tomas, who is part of JL:CFJ, and who will be a semi-regular player in Robinson's Justice League of America
Will Payton, whose essence seems to be inhabiting the body of Prince Gavyn; and
Jack Knight, who is now happily living in SF and whom Robinson states will not be coming back to the role.

Now, it's tempting to see Payton as a dark horse - after all, there's a body missing (Payton was converted to pure energy). But let's look at the two deceased Starmen candidates:

First, there's Golden Age Starman Ted Knight, who seems to be the obvious contender - he was Opal City's primary defender (meaning: since being a Black Lantern means you tear the heart of your loved ones, Ted would be the most likely to reign destruction on Opal City). In addition, his past - going nuts after helping develop cosmic ray technology, his (ahem) "relationship" with Black Canary...it seems like this is a person whose tumultous past would put him in the main lead to be a Black Lantern. However, when last seen he died in an explosion over Opal City. (Possibly few remains - however, would not put it past Robinson to throw in some kind of regenerates-the-dead-from-ashes rule into the Black Lantern rings). It would also create havoc for the JSA...but then, that's the drawback - it would bring too many characters into the fore, and to do something for only one issue seems....overstuffed.

However, my personal favorite for being the Black Lantern (Can I sound even more obnoxiously fannish?)...is Ted's eldest son, David Knight.

Why, you may ask? Here's a guy who always felt like he needed to step in his father's footsteps, and when he meets the Will Payton Starman....loses the title. Then, he manages to get shot on one of his "first nights" of patrol, and although magically becomes the Starman of 1951 (see photo at right). Granted, it's only for a few months...and then he's sling-shot back into the night he was shot. When Jack would "visit" once a year, the only consolation was that David was the only color character in a black and white realm.

(For those who don't follow comic continuity....uh, don't ask. It's rather complicated).

But here's someone who would have that little bit of resentment - the Starman that "never quite made it." Although Jack was glad he wasn't the "greatest Starman ever", David never quite had his time in the sun. He was always, at best, a third stringer (in his mind). That kind of turmoil - of never having that potential - might be more ruinous to Opal City than if his father returned as a Black Lantern.

And having written two blog posts on this, I realize....I need to get out more.

Blackest Night Speculation: The Don Hall Question

2009-10-26T06:54:00.002-05:00

Note - the following is pure conjecture only, and will be slightly spoiling those who haven't read any of Blackest Night.

In all honesty, this was inspired by - of all things - a post-meetup conversation about comics.

Some of us after a Doctor Who meetup were talking comics, and we were discussing the merits of different series. One of them was, of course, Blackest Night, and various aspects of the series.

It was a way to introduce one of us who had not read the series into it. I had mentioned that I enjoyed it (being, obviously, zombies with power rings), and that there was not simply a "zombie eats brains" series, but that the Blackest Night was about people getting their hearts ripped out - figuratively and literally.

Then, someone asked, "Well, why wasn't Don Hall revived?"

Don Hall was half of Hawk and Dove, those ideologically-opposed brothers who fought crime (and which led to a sideline about Steve Ditko), but here's my observation.

Note this panel from Blackest Night # 1:

Note that, of all the heroes whom the black rings sought out...Don Hall was "at rest". At peace.

Another note from Blackest Night: Superman # 3 (slight spoiler) - there is the threat of reviving Jonathan Kent...but would it not make sense for the rings to automatically seek him out?

Therein, I think, lies one of the weakeness of the Black Lanterns, their color yellow, their Kryptonite - they can only seek out the "souls" of people who had very little conflict, or who had an essentially sense of "calm" about their lives.

Ralph & Sue Dibny...well, I'll just refer you to Identity Crisis. Not as tranquil as you would suggest.

Golden Age Superman (which one of us claimed could not be, because he's "the best of us") - here was a man who, during Infinite Crisis, watched powerlessly as his world had been sacrificed...for nothing. Who saw a world corrupted, and who decided (at some point) that he would work hard to bring back "his" earth.

Most (if not all) of the lives being revived had, at some point, some level of trauma and conflict in their lives. Some internal turmoil, some soap-opera level (but not quite Marvel level) dramatics.

But Don Hall? Jonathan Kent? Nowhere to be found, except at peace.

So probably, no Red Bee Black Lantern for us.

Watch THIS, Pal: Quatermass & the Pit, Episode 5

2009-10-24T00:18:00.002-05:00

You can catch up here with Episodes One, Two, Three, and Four - and please comment if you're watching along. Love to know how you're digging this.

Technology Gone Mad: A Review Of Daemon

2009-10-23T15:02:00.005-05:00

While enjoying a nice, adult beverage and evening of conversation with a friend (other details to be found in this podcast), we began talking about reading. My friend had mentioned a book that had a really good science fiction premise, but was taken from a great deal of real-world science.

The book is Daemon, currently in hardcover and available in paperback at the end of the year. After a well-known computer genius passes away, a small bit of software becomes active, searching for news and information. Pretty soon, things begin happening, people begin dying, and the world becomes a slightly more threatening place.

What makes the book work is that much of it is based on current technology and research - in fact, the official site provides a great deal of information and background. There's enough smart, sharp storytelling that makes it an instant page-turner, and that also makes reading it incredibly addictive. Even though one reviewer compared it to early Tom Clancy, for me it reads more like a Joss Whedon project for HBO - there's simplicity in rendering the philosophical and technological implications, but not enough to hinder the story.

In fact, at times the story can be too simple, and that's one of the major drawbacks of the book. Initially self-published and promoted to bloggers, there's a sense that Suarez should have edited the book between that initial self-publishing and finding a formal publisher. Scenes often end abruptly, characters drop out without any further mention, a conceit which starts certain chapters takes awhile to understand, and without spoiling, there seems to be a chapter or two missing at the end.

Although it's not a perfect book, Daniel Suarez has written an extremely accessible science fiction novel - one that resembles, at its heart, a graphic novel called The Surrogates, integrating a lot of high-end ideas into a unique narrative. It may not be a perfect book, but whether you're interested in gaming, social media...or just looking for a good, gripping read, it wouldn't hurt to dive out of graphic literature and give Daemon a try.

RIP Soupy Sales

2009-10-23T14:58:00.002-05:00

Soupy Sales: The Soupy Sales Show
Originally uploaded by alexdroog70

Much like Mike Sterling, I'm more familiar with Sales' later work than him in his prime.

However, that whole send in green pieces of paper Gag. Sheer genius

Your Four Letter Word Moment of Zen (NSFW)

2009-10-21T17:49:00.000-05:00

From The Wire - definitely not safe for work viewing

October's Record You Should Own

2009-10-19T17:50:00.002-05:00

(Note - thanks to Roger, realized that the file I had uploaded was the wrong file, and that the actual podcast file was corrupted. So here's a rerecorded and slightly choppily edited new version. Enjoy!)

Yes, taking my cue once again from one of my favorite podcasts, this month's selection is actually more of an overview - Big Star has a new boxed set; however, for those not familiar, I'll be talking about their first three albums.

As always, you can download the podcast here or use the embedded player in the sidebar.

Amazon.com Widgets

Watch THIS, Pal: Quatermass & the Pit, Episode 4

2009-10-17T00:16:00.002-05:00

(Here are parts One, Two and Three)

Blog Action Day: The Climate Is A-Changin'

2009-10-15T00:32:00.004-05:00

(This is a post on behalf of Blog Action Day)

Unlike many of you, I don't watch The Daily Show or The Colbert Report on a regular basis - mostly, I watch the clips online. I do, however, watch Real Time with Bill Maher weekly. I do not agree with him on everything (I wish he had as critical a view on modern medicine as he does on religion), I agree with him on one thing - what he stated at the beginning of his video.

To paraphrase, the climate is changing, and we're experiencing it.

In our highly charged political landscape, it's easy to take a view that climate change "isn't that bad" - or that, to somehow suggest that the US work with others to combat the problem is somehow less than patriotic. That being a player at the table isn't as important as being the player at the table. In addition, I'm noticing that a lot of my (formerly) liberal friends are suddenly now hard-core conservatives, criticizing Obama with the same venom best reserved for the likes of Beck, Hannity and Limbaugh. But I won't play partisan politics, not with an issue like this.

Because any rational person who has lived through the past ten years has seen it - powerful storms that devastate entire areas, including Katrina. Unusually mild winters, unbearably hot summers, unusual weather patterns....it doesn't take a scientist to realize that something is going on. Our weather is changing.

And what can we do about it? Well, not purchase carbon credits, that's for sure, or even shopping at Whole Foods. It seems like a lifetime ago when I was working to reduce air toxins in St. Louis - all it takes is a slight retweeking of our lifestyles. Most of it (according to Green Wiki) involves simple steps. It involves behavioral change, which is always scary. It also means spreading the word.

So what can you, the reader of this fine comics/tv/pop culture/anything goes blog do? Spread the word - post on your own blog. Record a podcast. Or even leave a comment telling me how wrong I am to post this.

Anyway, let's start the conversation, because quite frankly, there's something happening to our climate, and we all know what it is....don't we, Mr. Jones?

(Don't ask why I'm channeling Bob Dylan. I have no idea)

Important Philosophical Question

2009-10-14T10:35:00.004-05:00

While you are waiting for tomorrow's TV Party on Comic Related - as well as my Blog Action Post, please consider the following philosophical question. You will be graded.

Who is cooler - Captain Mal Reynolds:

or Captain Jack Harkness:

Discuss. This is an open book test, and spelling counts.

P.S. You can include "sexiness" as part of the criteria.

Keeping the World Strange

2009-10-12T07:00:00.004-05:00

Never have I been more grateful to have to had go back and pull back issues to catch up on the story.

This past week, the long-awaited Planetary # 27 - the "final" issue of the series - made its way to comic stores everywhere. It's been so long, I had asked the manager of my comics store if I should bother putting it on my pull list. (His response - he had "heard" there was another issue coming out, but he agreed about waiting).

If I gush lovingly about this series, it's because of the way it takes all sorts of influences - superheroes, pulps, science fiction - and creates a whole new tapestry, writing about how a "hidden" history is gradually unearthed. Issue # 27 serves, in a way, as Warren Ellis' and John Cassaday's coda to the main series...but also is a nice little self-contained story that, even if you're not familiar, would get to enjoy.

(And to demonstrate how long lived the series was....it started back in 1999. No foolin')

It's a tale involving time travel, a lost member of the team, and more importantly, it really provides a sense of closure. It's been so long since we (and I) have seen Elijah Snow, Jakita, and the Drummer in action. It's a pretty cool tale with some excellent concepts, and at the end, I have to admit...I hated the fact that there would be no more Planetary, but maybe that's beside the point - better to go off on a high point than to keep publishing a character just for the sake of doing so.

Granted, the only complaint I have is that, for a good chunk of time, the series was not being published (both Ellis and Cassaday were working on other projects, if memory serves). But for being a great ending issue - as well as, ironically, an excellent self-contained story - Planetary 27 shows that good things come to those who wait. Especially if they wait ten years.

(Note - I'll definitely have to visit my favorite comic shop in St. Louis while I'm there to get the trades of back issues. If you're new to the series, I'll make the trades available via the Amazon store. Trust me, if you haven't read Planetary before - you will really love this comic).

Hey, Kids! Animated DC Trailer

2009-10-11T13:54:00.002-05:00

While I'm enjoying the beginning of my vacation (and getting ready for a trip to St. Louis while procrastinating on other stuff), here's a preview of the next DC Animated DVD, Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths:

Enjoy!