R. J. Spindle

If I Had the Chance I'd Ask the World to Dance

Joey — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 04:56:08 +0000

I’ve had Billy Idol’s “Dancing With Myself” stuck in my head all night. So much so, that I am punishing my ears by blaring the song into them on repeat. I must give a shout out to the website making this possible: ListenOnRepeat.com. Check it.

I feel like I should be writing something. That thing wasn’t one of the few novels I have going. So I decided to pour myself into a blog. I need it. I need to get back into a regular blogging routine. I need to get into a regular routine, period.

Thirty years old, and I’ve found myself in a place I did not expect to be. Nowhere. It’s not a new story. It almost feels like a right of passage. Of course, knowing things intellectually does not always help with the going through them part. It’s so hard not giving in to the depression. It’s so hard NOT masking what I am really feeling with some form of intoxicant. Even as I am writing this, I am not all here. I have a little of this and a little of that and some of another thing in my system.

When I reflect on who I am from the perspective of my younger self, THAT is when I want to give in to the depression the most. Yet, there is a still, small voice inside of me that is urging me to feel it. I think that is why Billy Idol is stuck in my head.

A few weeks ago, another song did this to me, and it turned into something VERY positive. I was at an all-time-low at the job. I was sick, and a nervous wreck. On a break, I heard Janis Joplin’s “Me an Bobbly McGee” come on the radio, and all the feelings I held so tightly inside exploded out of me. I cried, and I sang, and I cried even harder. It gave me the motivation to quit that job and find another. Of course, the new job is only slightly better, but *fingers crossed* hopefully good enough to let me carry out my plan for the next year.

My plan is to write like hell and to get myself in shape for hiking the Appalachian Trail next year. From Georgia to Maine. In order to achieve the latter, I’ll definitely need to give up most of my vices (caffeine, nicotine, etc).

Now I’m getting stuck. It’s a quarter to one in the morning. Since my new job is overnight shifts though, that’s not as late as it seems. Alas, I am not used to the new schedule yet so … I’m fading. At least where the higher brain functions are concerned.

I suppose I’ll play a game for a little bit, go to bed, and wake up to my day off. I’ll be able to DO something tomorrow. Though, tomorrow has been my problem lately. It’s always tomorrow. Here’s hoping for the sun coming out.

Tags:

Billy Idol

Writing

Blog

Prologue | Resounding Thunder

RJSpindle — Wed, 21 May 2014 01:22:57 +0000

Mary-Suzanne shook back her electric pink, curly hair and pressed her hands against the concrete wall in front of her. She waited, and then she felt the concrete tremble. She got to work without hesitation.

She closed her eyes, and an interface appeared behind her eyelids. With nothing but a thought, the interface obeyed her: Live feed. Faire Town. Tomorrow Square. Instantly it was as if she was fully immersed in the environment of the video feed, all of her senses engaged.

Smoke rose from the crater her bomb created, billowing and acrid. Pieces of dozens of lives lay wasted on the ground. Gore and blood dripped from rooftops and ran through the streets. Dozens were dead. Hundreds more were injured, attempting to flee. Still more were sobbing over the lost.

There was no sign of the Gorightly woman or her Flying Car.

“Ah, tomato sauce,” she cursed, opening her eyes. There was a man in front of her who wasn’t there when she closed them, and she sighed. There was a time when his appearance might have shocked her. Now she knew to expect him when she least wanted him around.

“Your plan didn’t work,” he grinned, annoying her further, what with his absurdly handsome face that evoked boyish glee, especially when he was having an I-told-you-so moment.

“Not now, Tada,” she waved him off.

“I’m not here to gloat, if that’s what you think,” Tadalunda Tennalendent said.

Yeah right, she thought.

“I’m from the future,” he continued. “I know things.”

“Useless things,” she crossed her arms.

“You’re hurting my feelings, Mary-Suzanne.” He put on his best puppy-dog face and it made her want to snarl.

She brushed past him, the heels of her bright red boots clacking on concrete. “I’m going to hurt a lot more than your feelings if we don’t talk about something worth my time very soon,” she marched across the empty room to a set of wooden stairs and up into the main floor of the still-under-construction souvenir Faire shop. “If stopping Gilda Gorightly and Anita Mann from ever facing off against each other isn’t possible, then we need to brainstorm what to do next.” She pulled something from the pouch hanging around her waist and said with a serious face, “I’ve got a notebook; let’s do this.”

It was Tada’s turn to sigh.

“Look, Mary-Suzanne,” Tadalunda said. “As I’ve been trying to tell you since we agreed to bring you back in time: the only thing we can do in this time is gather information. No matter what we change, the results will be the same. This conflict was meant to be.”

“Meant to be,” Mary-Suzanne cringed at the idea and tapped on her notebook. “As if to say there is some grand design to it all.”

“We still don’t know if there isn’t,” said Tadalunda. “Not even the Endoftimers could definitively agree on whether or not some godlike force was at work in the multiverse.”

“I know you can’t help being all philosophical,” said Mary-Suzanne. “I get it. We’re at the Worlds’ Faire. I’m very sad I can’t be here as a tourist—”

“But you are here as a tourist,” Tadalunda looked her in the eye. “You can try and interfere, but the world here is going to go on like it does, like it will have done no matter what you do to it.”

Mary-Suzanne opened her mouth to answer him, but a large yellow-orange tentacle wrapped around her face. Suddenly she was on the ground being wrapped in more tentacles, threatening to crush her. The beast spoke in her mind.

YOU COULD HAVE KILLED THEM!

“Laveenstun, let her go,” Tadalunda took a step forward and reached into his coat pocket for something. He didn’t find it. He checked another pocket, and whatever it was wasn’t there either. He looked over at the Septork.

I have your little device, Laveenstun held up the small black square of stone and metal. You won’t be going anywhere until I have some answers.

“I’ll tell you anything you want to know, Laveenstun,” Tadalunda held out his hands in submission. “Just let Mary-Suzanne go, please.”

The hulking mass of muscle and flesh turned his mouthless face to Mary-Suzanne’s terrified eyes. Try a single thing to escape, human, and I will turn your mind into pudding. Acknowledge that you understand.

Does urinating count? she thought.

Laveenstun pushed her away. Rolling his tentacles back into his shell, he put the body of Henri Tso Wong down before them.

“Where did you have him stashed?” Mary-Suzanne asked.

YOU will be answering questions, not asking them.

“He’s close to dying,” Tadalunda knelt beside Henri’s broken and barely breathing body. “He’s lost a lot of blood.”

“Can you stop the bleeding?” asked Mary-Suzanne. Laveenstun wrapped a single tentacle around Mary-Suzanne’s mouth. I can still think—ya know!

Enough! Tell me what is happening to Wrench Jamin’. I know you know more than you’ve said. You’ve paid a particular interest to them. I am sure our meeting wasn’t mere coincidence.

“It wasn’t,” said Tadalunda. “Only we don’t really have time to explain it to you. If we don’t get Henri to a healer—”

His healing can wait until you have explained yourself.

“Wrench Jamin’,” Tadalunda clapped and drew in a long breath. “A Sassimian male, extremely susceptible to mind control, has been put out of himself. That is to say, he no longer resides in his body. He is possessed—by a dragon—a very old dragon. One I’ve only had the misfortune to run into once before. He is the reason nothing in this time can be changed. His magics are wrapped around it so tightly, even his destruction wouldn’t loose them.”

There he goes again, Mary-Suzanne tugged at the tentacle around her face. You can so let me go any time now.

You’re telling the truth.

“I’ve never had a reason to lie to you, Laveenstun,” Tadalunda looked up at the Septork. “Now, please, may we go? I have more to tell you, but Henri’s life is important.”

Laveenstun held the small, black device out to Tadalunda. The Endoftimer took it and attached it to his wrist. Laveenstun put a tentacle on Tadalunda’s shoulder, and picked up Henri with two others. Tadalunda tapped at the controls on the device.

“This is going to be a little bit different than our previous jumps through time,” Tada looked up when he finished entering his commands. “We won’t need physical contact. We have to jump between universes.”

I don’t understand, Laveenstun focused his vision on Tada. Another universe? Isn’t the whole idea of a universe all-encompassing?

“Yes and no,” said the Endoftimer. “We could spend an eternity discussing it.”

And he would, too, thought Mary-Suzanne. What are we waiting for?

Yes, if Henri’s life is so important—

“Creating an inter-dimensional rift is not an exact science,” said the Endoftimer. “It’s tricky business. It should be along any time now. No worries, I’ve done this before.”

Mary-Suzanne tugged at Laveenstun’s tentacle, and he released her. “It’s about damned time. I’m never going to get this smell off my face.”

It is the smell of your own destruction, Laveenstun’s orange aura shown twice as bright. Why you would willingly destroy lives in order to save others is beyond comprehension.

“Maybe to your kind.”

“To all kinds, Mary-Suzanne,” it was then she noticed the redness in the Endoftimer’s eyes. “Once we are finished with this, I have to bring you back. I can’t hold you responsible for the lives lost here … I am equally at fault for bringing you to this time, and I will answer for my misdeeds. I am sure you will as well, in your own time.”

“Well that’s all kinds of depressing.” Her shoulders slumped.

A swirling vortex of violet-blue light appeared in the space between them and Mary-Suzanne straightened up. The Septork and the human gazed on it in wonder, while the Endoftimer regained his boyish smile and took a step towards another world.

Mary-Suzanne and Laveenstun followed with little hesitation. Once on the other side, the vortex disappeared. Darkness consumed most of what lay before them. The fresh scent of oak and maple met their noses, and as their eyes adjusted, a luminous night sky appeared above them.

“I have never seen so many stars in all my life,” Mary-Suzanne took a step back to keep her balance looking up at the sky.

“They are not stars, child,” said a voice that rasped aloud, but echoed in the mind as if it were a vast cavern. “They are the isles of Faerie. Their light comes from a spirit place.”

“Okay, yep, that’s creepy. I’m just a liiiittle freaked out right now,” she started groping in the dark. “Tada?!”

“I’m here, Mary-Suzanne, it’s alright.”

Her hand landed in his and she sighed. “Where are we?”

“The Isle of the Faetes,” said a similar voice to the first, but more masculine in tone. “You have come to do us a great favor.”

“Me? Oh, no no no, I’m just a tourist here,” she fumbled for her notebook. “Just seeing the sights. Taking a few notes. I might write a book someday—”

Does she ever stop talking? asked Laveenstun.

“You’re nervous, Mary-Suzanne. Calm down,” Tadalunda held her hand. “We’re here to see these people, and then we’ll be on our way. It’s Laveenstun and myself that owe the favors.”

Why me and not her? She is the one who took lives today.

“No lives taken today were meant to live through the conflict she sought to avert,” said a third voice. This one was familiar to Laveenstun, and even more so to Tadalunda. “But you are here to prevent complete loss.”

“Tara Belle?” Tadalunda looked toward the sound of the voices.

An orb of pure white light appeared in the sky. It shown down on the forest, illuminating the clearing in which they found themselves. The closer the light got, the more they could make out the small face and long rounded ears of Tara Belle. Two others like her stood beside her. Their eyes were covered with blood soaked strips of white linen.

“I told you we’d see each other again, soon.”

“You’ve changed a bit, Tara Belle,” said Tadalunda. “I did not realize you were one of the three.”

“You weren’t meant to,” Tara Belle walked toward them. “Haven’t you heard of Mathilda’s famous plan? Surely the Endoftimers have a file on Mathilda Gorightly.”

“We have, but it is not as thorough as we’d like it to be,” he took her arm, and they continued to walk toward the tree-line and into the woods. “We lost a few DICs trying to fill it out. There’s a rogue DIC investigating right now. The little we know about this time in general is very dangerous. Orders are to let it sort itself out. There are, of course, special missions—”

“Like the one that sent you here,” Tara Belle smiled. “Trust me, if Bandersnatch Cumberbund was not meant to be in this time, we would have dealt with him long ago. No, he is part of the plan.”

I think I’m beginning to understand why I am here, Laveenstun came in stride with them. Mathilda said she would ask a favor of me in the near future. Is she here?

“In a sense,” Tara Belle looked up at the Septork. “You will see her presently.”

“All I see are trees,” Mary-Suzanne said to herself. She glanced over her shoulder and saw the two eyeless Faetes following very close. She skipped forward a few steps. “Hey now you two, being all up in my dance space is not doing anything for my nerves. Do you want me to go on another babble?”

Laveenstun slapped a tentacle against her mouth.

For the love of Macaroni. She pushed the appendage away and wiped at her face, spitting and muttering to herself. “Just explain to me why you don’t have eyes. Yick!”

“We are the Faetes,” said Tara Belle. “We share sight, and only one of us may have it at a single time. I will have to give up my sight to my brother Faete in order for us to accomplish our task here.”

“Is it gruesome?” asked the Endoftimer.

“Positively,” answered the Faete.

The forest abruptly ended. The line of trees and earthy ground below them became a dry, coarse sand, as if they were two landscapes haphazardly pasted together. A tall mirror in a gilded frame leaned against one of the trees. Mary-Suzanne saw her pink hair reflecting back at her, and her ruby lips smiled, thankful her curls weren’t flattened by all she’d been through.

In the center of the forest path, where it met the desert beyond, was a stone basin. There was a silver ceremonial knife balancing on its rim. Tara Belle approached the basin, and took up the knife. Mary-Suzanne turned away, but that didn’t stop her ears from hearing the squishy, popping noises as the Faete gouged out her own eyes. Mary-Suzanne flailed in disgust.

Tara took a strip of white cloth from a pocket within her robes, and tied it around the empty sockets were her eyes used to be. The male Faete removed the blood soaked strips from his own eyes, which had reformed in his head.

“It has been some time since I’ve had the sight,” he moved over to the basin himself. “It is not often anymore that the past is looked at for helping the present.”

Where is Mathilda Gorightly? asked Laveenstun.

“That’s the question of the hour,” said Tara Belle. “We know she got sent to the past. The rift that saved her life was rare, and completely removed her from this time and space.”

“I should be able to find her in this or any universe’s past,” said the male Faete. “Mathilda Gorightly makes waves whenever she is.”

“What is Mathilda Gorightly?” asked Tadalunda.

“Rare,” said the older, female Faete. “As far as I can and have seen, there will not be another like her in this or any other universe.”

The male Faete picked up the knife and sliced his opposite forearm, letting the blood dribble into the basin.

“Did you have to cut yourself THERE?” Mary-Suzanne put a hand to her chest and swallowed hard. “I mean—OW!”

“Tye enjoys the drama of ceremony,” Tara Belle shrugged.

“You don’t require that much blood for this ritual,” the older Faete snatched the knife from him and pricked one of her fingers. She squeezed a few drops into the basin. “That would have been sufficient. Our blood is precious.”

Tye dipped his fingers into the basin and flicked them at the older Faete. “You’re in my light, Teloris.” He wetted his fingers with the blood once more and smeared it over his hands. He held them up to the desert beyond the forest.

Beams of light streaked across the sky over the desert. The night over the forest was unchanged. Sand kicked up in storms that flickered on and off instantaneously, without letting a single grain of sand cross the striking line between the two worlds.

“I don’t understand what is happening, but that is pretty,” Mary-Suzanne’s eyes glittered in wonderment.

“Before you arrived, we called forth this world, one to which we believe Mathilda fell through a rift which connects with this world." Tara Belle gazed at her brother Faete. “Tye is rolling back the years to find her. Those pink smears of light are suns … stars … your favorite.”

“Are you flirting with me?” Mary-Suzanne cocked her head at Tara. “Because I’m not even sure what you are. Some kind of faerie-being-slash-god? ALSO, you’re bleeding from the eye-holes right now: not very attractive.”

“I get the feeling you don’t like long exposition,” Tara Belle smiled.

“Now, don’t you get her started,” said Tadalunda.

“Me?” “Me?” they both said at once.

“Yes,” answered the Endoftimer.

“We aren’t the all-powerful kind of god,” Tara Belle explained. “Being a Faete is more of a job. Faeries are doing that job at the moment. Humanity wore the mantle for a while. Discarded it. Ancient history.”

“To you,” said Tye.

“We three watch time, and maintain the balance of all worlds,” Tara Belle continued. “I see into the present. Tye sees into the past. And Teloris there sees into the future.”

“Huh, I'd've thought the eldest would be the one to see into the past,” Mary-Suzanne pulled out her notebook from her pocket, flipped open the moleskin cover, and jotted a few words onto the digital paper.

“I have found her,” said Tye. He lowered his hands, and the suns stopped over the desert skies. There, standing before the basin on the desert side of the divide was none other than Mathilda Gorightly.

You tricked me. Waves of frustration sounded with the Septork’s voice in their minds. That day I helped you escape from the Corporation. You knew.

“I knew,” Mathilda nodded. “And I didn’t really trick you. Everything that happened was supposed to happen. I just stacked the deck a little by knowing a few things ahead of time. If I had explained any of my plans to you then, you might not have helped me.”

“You expect a lot of help with your plans, Mathilda Gorightly,” Teloris, the eldest Faete spoke. “And we expect much from you in the future.”

“That very future is why we are working so hard together to ensure it comes to pass,” Mathilda reminded Teloris with a glint in her eye. “You of all the Faetes know that well.”

“Then waste not a minute of our precious blood’s time discussing trivialities with those you have raked into your schemes.” The Faete turned and walked away from the basin. She disappeared down the path leading back to the clearing.

“She’s right, I’m afraid,” Mathilda’s eyebrows bunched together in worry. “The ritual connecting these two worlds in time and space will not last very long. You’ll have to pay close attention and explain to Gilda when she arrives. Laveenstun, where are you hiding Henri? He has to be healed.”

“The Faetes do not have healing powers,” said Tara Belle.

She does, Laveenstun pointed a tentacle at Mathilda.

“She can’t use them across the barrier,” Tye answered.

“That is why we have an Endoftimer,” Mathilda grinned at Tadalunda. “I need you to create a small rift in the barrier.”

“Why don’t I just come get you, or I’ll create a rift big enough for you to pass through yourself,” Tada began tapping at the device on his wrist.

“No,” Mathilda’s eyes were a warning. “I came here deliberately, and here is where I have to stay … at least until the danger has passed. I’ll explain once we have Henri awake. Create a small rift just over the basin, and I will pass a few things through.”

Tadalunda obeyed, and Mary-Suzanne watched over his shoulder as he entered commands into his device. A small, violet portal appeared over the basin. Mathilda quickly placed three vials down on the basin, then reached down to a cloth covered, wicker basket and balanced that on the edge. The portal closed as soon as she finished.

“Give Henri the potion in the yellow vial, now,” Mathilda ordered.

Laveenstun snatched the vial with one tentacle, he cradled Henri in a few others. Tilting Henri’s head back, Laveenstun carefully poured the contents of the yellow vial down Henri’s throat.

Tags:

Winter Soldier: The Bitter March

Joey — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 03:01:49 +0000

Issue 001

This issue reminded me of my favorite James Bond movie (not my favorite Bond, but my favorite plot) In Her Majesty's Secret Service. It even had a snow-capped mountain chaise that didn't end well for many a minor villain. Nick Fury kicks some major ass, and it's nice to see him as an equal to another "super" rather than the unofficial leader. He doesn't yell at Shen, but he does call him out when he is being stupid. Of course, Shen doesn't listen, and they end up having more trouble than they would have if they just did things Fury's way.

I love that this is set in 1966 (this also lends to the whole Bond-vibe I am getting from this story). I love the thick lines used in the artwork. I love the danger that is involved right away in this story. Shen is gonna bring this Winter Soldier DOWN, man!

Issue 002

I really hope the Mrs, here isn't just uber-playing Shen. She's very human. She admits she done wrong, and now she only wants to do the right thing--and live through it. Her husband, on the other hand ... he's an asshole. Yeah, a human asshole, but still and asshole. The war "changed him." I mean, say what you need to say, dude, but I'm not listening. I kinda hope he dies ... which means SHE is probably going to die ... and he is going to change again. Ugh, I hope I am wrong.

I was a little confused when I read the first issue and there was nothing much in there about Bucky (pal to Captain America before he does some time in the drink). I knew from a bit of Wiki-searching a few weeks ago that the Winter Soldier was the guy who took Captain America's place when he mysteriously vanishes. In the preface to this story, it is explained that the Russians got a hold of him and turned him into a half machine monster. The monster still seems to have a sense of his human self. In this issue he remembers a time with Captain America where they talk about not shooting someone in the back. It was a nice little moment.

I wonder if this has any implications in the new movie. I have not seen it as of yet. The comic says it has implications on the current Marvel universe. I wonder if that would only be the Captain America and Avengers comics. I am not reading those. Who knows. Maybe one day I will find out. For right now, I will continue enjoying this tale.

Issue 003

The Drain, this Hydra dude, is some serious creeper. I can't even look at him half of the panels. His ever present calm just gives me the willies. I don't know what Shen's superpower is ... if he has one ... he seems very much the James Bond type as I said previously. I am shocked that Shen lived through this issue. Does he have some kind of healing ability like Wolverine?

I am soooo glad the husband got shot. He was useless. Poor Mrs, though. I don't think she wanted him to die, even after she found out that he betrayed them. I hope she doesn't give up the information ... or have to kill herself in order to not give it up. That would be very sad. I have a feeling Bucky might be coming to his senses. He may not end up helping Shen directly, but he just might stop Hydra from winning.

Issue 004

(Coming Soon)

Tags:

The White Suits

Joey — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 22:38:11 +0000

Issue 001: Chapter 1: Old Wounds

This book was exactly what I was expecting it to be, and I mean that in all the right ways. Dark, artful, tightly written, a touch cliché, but one-hundred percent awesome. Our narrator is a former Russian mobster, but he doesn't have any memories. The file he was shown on the final page appears that he was also former military. Military mobsters? We shall see.

I cannot say enough about how much I love the artwork. The limited pallet pulls me right into the story, and adds a layer of depth and continuity to the shifting narrative. The combination of technique is also stunning.

As to speaking to what might come next ... I'm not entirely sure. I think it's safe to say our "hero" will find his memories ... at least part of them. MAYBE a romantic interest in this lady who's been following him ... she's smells like the U. S. Government. F.B.I., maybe?

Issue 002: Chapter 2: Long Knives Drawn

Ah, so maybe our narrator WASN'T part of the Russian mafia. He might have just STUMBLED upon a crime the Russian mafia was committing. At least, that is what the memory/dream pointed to. This issue was full of ass-kickery, and I loved it. Even down to the moment where they both get captured. This is the halfway point on the tale, something big had to go down.

I'm sure the next issue we'll see a few more new memories. If there is going to be any sparkage between the confirmed F.B.I. agent and our narrator, then I'd expect that to come in the next issue as well. What *I* really want to know more about is the five guys in white suits. I hope that is part of the memory stirrage of the next issue. We'll just have to wait and see ... and I'll have to see if I can get my hands on the next issue.

Issue 003: (Coming Soon)

Tags:

Daredevil (Iss 1-6)

Joey — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 03:26:18 +0000

Issue 001

I don't know why I picked up this comic. There was no real reason. I liked the movie--the director's cut even more. Yes, I mean the Ben Affleck one. Not sure there was another one. Most people I know were not fans. Personally, I thought it was pretty cool. I thought this was pretty cool as well. Matt Murdock has moved to San Francisco. There are a few great stories that I love which take place in this glorious city. I need to go there someday. I imagine it to be a "refreshing" place to live ... except in the summer. But that's most places, really.

Seeing Daredevil off balance is pretty sweet. It's an awesome challenge for him to have to overcome. How does a blind man, who can sorta see by sounds, learn a new city? Things only have geometrical shape to him. Unless a sign has raised lettering, he's not going to see it. Smells are probably really high up on the helpful list right about now. He's just gotta figure out what they are. Kristen McDuffie is a crackerjack I can't wait to get to know better.

I am so glad I picked up this comic. I had no expectations, and I feel like I am getting a special treat. Speaking of special treats ... the next issue is (apparently) out of continuity. It's a special 50 years of Daredevil issue. I wonder if this will bring us back to Hells Kitchen. Hrm. We shall see. Oh wait a second, I wanted to mention ... did Murdock say something about him being outed as a superhero? I do believe the mayor of San Francisco recognized him. That's kinda neat ... no true secret identity. I am intrigued.

Issue 001.50

I'm not qualified to say what makes a truly great comic, as I have just delved into the world--however! This issue was beyond any sort of expectation I could have had for any book I have read to date. It's the anniversary issue I mentioned in the last issue's notes. Three stories, the first by the new team running the comic, and two previous teams. I never would have guessed there were three completely different teams at work here. They style differences are great, but they are unified in way more than theme and continuity.

The first tale is more than half of the book, but it is well worth the pages it takes up. A future story about Matt Murdock at age 50. He has a kid of his own. There is some fucking kick-ass writing going on in this issue. The hints at what may come in the series the new team has just launched, the villains, the whole relationship Matt has with his son. It's just a beautiful piece of work.

The second tale is not really Daredevil's but his wife's. It's the story of her relationship with the superhero and the man. And it is a story of her possible death. The whole thing is a letter to her then unborn child. The child of Matt Murdock. In my head, it is the child from the first tale, and we're somewhere between the current run and their future story.

The final tale is a blast from the past, when Murdock was trying to keep his secret identity by pretending he was his own identical twin brother (who doesn't actually exist), and the BROTHER was actually Daredevil. This version of Matt was the most humorous I've seen so far. I like him, but I can see how the character has grown out of the mad-cap humor and into something more ... black.

God, I loved this book. This is one I'll even be able to read on it's own from time to time. Yeah, I am totally stoked I picked up this series. This issue alone was well fucking worth it.

Issue 002

And we begin our first real arc of the series: the Shroud. The blind versus the blind. Of course, they both have completely different origin stories. One was blinded by "chance" the other by "choice." The Shroud is power hungry. He's the new boss in town (figures). I know a few witches in the area who would be useful in a fight. *wink* (I can't wait for Charmed: Season 10! Ahhh.)

I hope this villain at least lasts for a few issues. It almost feels like Daredevil is up against his shadow self. and those kinds of stories always interest me. They always manage to change the hero in a way that effects them for the rest of their lives.

I am also enjoying the hints at romance we are getting between Murdock and the deputy mayor. We got some hints about that in the 50th anniversary issue as well. Though ... I wonder how that plays into the other story in the 50th ... I'm not sure we can consider all of those stories "cannon." *shrug* We'll just have to wait and see how it plays out.

Issue 003

(Coming Soon)

Tags:

Moon Knight (Iss 1-6)

Joey — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 22:13:50 +0000

Issue 001: Slasher

An antihero, ooooo. I haven't come across as many of these as I thought I would. So far I have Loki (new to the scene as an antihero), Black Widow, and Deadpool. Moon Knight is a welcome addition to that list. I think it is clear, I am definitely on the Marvel side of the whole DC/Marvel question. At least for the time being. This book has done nothing to change my mind on that.

Spector is an interesting fellow. He has a past that heavily influences him. I don't know that he's ever officially taken on the mantle of villain, but he's definitely done his share of bad things. He's a brooding man, whose died once and was brought back (apparently) by an Egyptian god. In this issue he fights a man in the bowels of Manhattan. He claims to be someone fucked over by the same system that created many of the superheroes we know and love.

He also officially finds out he is not suffering from Dissociative Identity Disorder. This seems like it is going to be a MORE than interesting comic. Can't I just get a job reading these instead of what I do now? Pretty please? I promise I'll be honest and nice and all that junk? No? Fine, it's not what I really want to do anyway. What I REALLY want to do is start WRITING them. Ah, dreams. Oh, how many of them I have.

Issue 002: Sniper

Whelp, this was a short issue. Same amount of pages, but the intro to the story was half the book. Not that I am saying the book was bad. The book was pretty good. I'm not sure I disagree with the sniper though. If those people used him and left him for dead, I can't say I'd be against his revenge.

This was a tightly written and well executed issue, but I don't have much more to say on it. It doesn't really connect with any kind of higher arc that I can see yet. These first two issues were a great introduction to the character and setting ... I can't wait for the next issue.

Issue 003: (Coming Soon)

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Clockwork Angels

Joey — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 18:49:38 +0000

Issue 001

I picked up this comic, like so many others, because the cover image and title appealed to my tastes. Come to find out it is in part based on a RUSH album, which was translated into an epic tour, which was translated into a novel. I have the album playing now. I started it when I finished this first issue. I am not sure I "hear" the connections yet ... but we're only one issue in, and I've only heard one tune. Oh, I just heard the lyric "I can't stop thinking big." Yes, that was a very big part of this issue.

I am a sucker for this kind of fantasy story. The hero wants more--even though they have a life others might envy. They don't yet realize their perfect life isn't so perfect. In this case, Owen lives in a clockwork society where everything--including the weather--is on a schedule. It sounds awwwwwwwwful to me. Of course, a schedule can be a very good thing. Breaking that schedule can also be very good.

When Owen asks his intended wife for a romantic rendezvous and she stands him up, he takes a chance, and hops the train out of town. Now he is far away from home, and adventure is all around him. I wonder when the next issue comes out so we can find out more! I love the hint of steampunk/steamrock this story has as well. I might have to check out this novel...

Issue 002

(Coming Soon)

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Ash and the Army of Darkness (Issues 1-6)

Joey — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 17:42:16 +0000

I am pretty sure I've seen all of these movies at least once. I can't say that I remember them very well. I know I laughed, but I was at a party with friends ... I had a lot of punch ... a lot. Haha. I could explain, but it would only incriminate me more. In any case, this seems to take place AFTER all of that ... and maybe even after other Army of Darkness comic series ... I'm not sure. I'm gonna jump on here though. I'll eventually get around to watching and commenting on the movies as well. One of these day's I'll need a theatrical gore-fest.

Issue 001

Bravo! This was an awesome beginning to what is sure to be a romp filled with gore, violence, hell--there may even be a little bit of through plot! Haha. If I didn't know Ash before, I really have a feel for his character now. I could hear his voice in my head, clear as a bell.

Ash is on the verge of starting to have a (non-)life again, when it is all ripped away from him. Apparently, he didn't say the right words the last time he had his mitts on the Book of the Dead. Now the freaky Merlin dude has the book, and he is raising an army of the dead to ... well, to create more dead for the army ... I always wonder in these kinds of stories ... what happens if the villain wins? What does he do when everyone is dead? Would he kill himself? In many cases I doubt that.

So far, I an intrigued. Let's see what issue two has to bring.

Issue 002

Okay, so, plot, yes. I like it. This girl Sheila comes to save Ash's ass. The evil Merlin dude seems to have lost the Book of the Dead. Which means it is up for grabs. Which also means it could fall into worse hands. Which is great for an ongoing series.

Linda is caught in some kind of netherworld, forever in pain because of that first night they read from the book. Meh, I'm not too worried about her at this point. I don't remember much about Linda. I didn't even remember her name until reading it.

Niles definitely set up the end of this issue for lots of fighting in the next. I hope he delivers. The artwork so far has been great. The expressions are perfect representations of the characters and the actors they are modeled on. Some of the gore is even beautiful ... I seem to be saying that a lot since I started reading comics. Alright, time to dive in to the action of the next issue.

Issue 003

And deliver they did on the fighting, the plot, and the artwork. Once again, a marvelous issue in so many ways. I love the way the story unfolds. I love the way Sheila doesn't put up with Ash's shit (that dream sequence was hilarious though). It seems I can't want Ash to kill the evil Merlin dude. It's kinda Ash's fault that the man is soul-less to begin with. Ash left the book with him. I would think that he would know by now what the book does. I guess if he keeps fucking up the incantation, I can't expect much from him other than a good fight.

No mention of Linda in this issue. They met up with another friend (who I assume is from past stories), and he has a mission for Ash. Now Ash and Sheila are off through the woods to fetch a couple armies to help protect Arthur's kingdom. This might as well be called "A Two-handed Ash in King Arthur's Court and the Army of Darkness," and I mean than in a completely complimentary way.

I hope the next issue is more than just a trek through the woods and information dumps. I want this trek to be filled hacketty-slashery. Yeah. *grin*

Issue 004

You know what annoys me more than anything else in the world right now? Advertisements on the centerfold. Oh, I get it. Publishers need to make money on their comics in more than just sales to readers. I understand that there will be some double page ads. Putting ads on the centerfold is almost unforgivable. I say almost, because I've been meaning to say something about it in the notes on every issue I've read in this series so far, but I kept forgetting. I'm that into the story. Seriously though, folks. The centerfold is a place for special things to happen (if you ask me), not epic advertisements.

Speaking of epic--holy huge doppelganger-of-the-dead Ash, Batman! Talk about going up against your shadow self. I can smell elements of the movies in here, but (again) I don't quite remember. Luckily, last night I was able to find adaptations of the movies in comic form, along with the three volume series that follows it up. There doesn't seem to be an official end to volume 3, but the last issue was published mid-2013. I think this series is an official replacement. So yeah, I am going to read through those.

The sexism is rampant, but that is part of the charm of this story. (Almost) Every time Ash has done something sexist, he has paid for it by getting into a fight, losing a limb, losing his mind ... I love how unstable Ash is. He's like a berserker. *resists the urge to embed a clip from Eric the Viking*

I have no idea where this story is going to go next. I am not sure this is something that can be predicted. So much can change so fast in this universe. I am sure Ash won't die in the next issue ... seeing him kick his own ass is sure going to be fun though!

Issue 005

Yeah, the cover of this one doesn't nearly do it justice. It looks like the start of a great romance, but it more the start of a great ... mind fuck. This whole issue was wall to wall fighting--which was awesome in it's own right. Sword fighting skeletons, giant Ash doppelganger which was all-kinds-of macroerotic ... yeah. Also toss in King Arthur ... I don't know exactly what is going on, but I like what is going on.

That was a nice trick Ash played with the book. Kinda saved Merlin-dude there ... but it seems his lady-love now has been infected. Or she was some sort of demony thing all along. I can't quite tell. The text bubble is black and white ... which has indicated the "infection"/possession before. Yeah, I'm really at a loss here, by not having read/watched the past stories. I'm sure I'll figure it out as I go. What I DO understand, I love. It's such a playful and light horror--which makes it frightening. I could not praise this comic more.

Issue 006

Now THIS was an issue I could REALLY sink my teeth into. After how much I didn't understand in the last issue, I am surprised how much I got out of this one. A lot less of the hackety-slashery, and a lot more of the storytelling. I'm surprised by how much storytelling we got in this issue. I loved it, and I still love that Arthur is a part of all of this craziness.

There is a "secret order" that worships Ash, they actually seem to be agents of the dead ... maybe? Their eyes glowed. They sent him on a little quest, and he passed the test by not killing the ogre-thing that attacked him, because it was afraid when Ash easily bested him. Ash had his own brand of arrogant compassion, spared--and even "comforted" the beast. Thus proving himself worthy ... I guess. Who is this lady? What kind of deal does she have going on? Why do I have to wait a month to find out?

I definitely have to say I love Ash's personality in this issue. It's almost like watching Stephen Colbert. He's so committed to his role that you almost believe that is all there is to him, but then you get momentary flashes of what's underneath. It makes you question your assumptions about him ... I'm making the sound deeper than it is. He's just very interesting, and very funny. He's definitely one of the reason I keep reading.

Tags:

Ash and the Army of Darkness

Captain Marvel (Iss. 1-6)

Joey — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 21:20:03 +0000

Issue 001: Higher, Further, Faster, More Part One

I just squeed so hard over this comic. Wow, that was good. I've had a rash of "meh" comics, so this one was a dandy to behold. Punchy story, beautiful artwork, tons of comedy, interesting characters ... I loved that Tony Stark was part of the story, and he was perfect. Lt. Trouble is my official, number one, favorite character in all of the Marvel universe right now. Not only is she adorable, she is talented. That last page with her little comic was genius.

Captain Marvel (Carol Danvers) lives in the Statue of Liberty ... I'd say "queue suspended disbelief," but we're reading superhero comics here ... if my disbelief isn't yet suspended, we may have bigger problems. She's decided she wants to spend some time in space, to find herself. I really liked what DeConnick did with the potential relationship. He doesn't hold her back, and she is not made to feel guilty about wanting to pursue her own betterment. Love, love, love.

This looks like it will be a great series. I can't wait to see where this is going.

Issue 002

Whelp, my efforts to avoid the group superhero dynamic has pretty much been moot since I started, and here (I am excited to say) I have been thwarted again! The Guardians of the Galaxy appear in the nick of time to save Captain Marvel. Not that she probably needed too much saving, but still. I'm kinda glad to get a peek at them before I see the movie. I especially love Rocket. I wonder if I should just give in and watch S.H.I.E.D. as well. It is Joss Whedon material, after-all.

It doesn't look like the good captain here is going to have much luck finding herself except in the midst of some conflict or another. Hey, at least this conflict takes us away from Earth for a bit. I love her cat. I'm an animal person, can't you tell? It would be wonderful and hilarious is Rocket was right about the cat. It would be even more hilarious if the Flarken cat was actually on their side. Then again, it could be just a cat.

I am not sure where the larger arc of this plot is going yet, but these introductory issues are definitely piquing my interest. Bring on the action, babeh.

Issue 003

(Coming Soon)

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The Twilight Zone: The Way Out

Joey — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 20:31:45 +0000

The Way Out

Issue 001

What would you do if your (original) identity was stolen by the very place you paid to give you a new identity? As in--completely stolen. You essentially have a new face, and they have given your face to someone else. At least, that is the way that it seems. For a story that takes place in The Twilight Zone, this first issue seemed almost normal. If anything, I was horrified by the white collar crime.

The weirdest thing was the whole deal with that pill and some plastic surgery to give Trevor a completely new identity. Then everything was hunky-dory ... until he saw his own face on television. It is interesting seeing the stories in color. I didn't realize how much I would miss the black and white. I think I would even be able to handle the modern stories in black and white as well. I don't know. Other than that, the artwork is beautiful.

I'm rather drawn into the story more due to my interest in seeing how this is going to fit the classic Twilight Zone mind-fuck. Sometimes it's a happy ending. Many times it's a very UNhappy ending. I wonder what we're in for in this first story of the series.

Issue 002: Lost

You got a new face, Trevor, but you fucked that one up worse than you fucked up the first one. And in record time! What the hell were you thinking? And now you're going after the guy who has stepped into your life? What kind of idiot are you? You have a modestly unlimited bank account for the rest of your life ... you can do anything you want. You didn't really care about either of the women you were fucking ... get the hell over yourself and move on, dude!

I do not understand Trevor's motivation at all. Just ... move on. You have the opportunity of a lifetime. Were I in his shoes, it would have been no problem for me to just vanish and start a new life. Of course, I am not, so vanishing from my present life would be tricky. Very tricky.

Who is the dude that took over Trevor's life? WHY has he stepped in? Was his "in Trevor's shoes" before? Did he choose to do what Trevor did once before? Give everything up? Is this him trying to gain it all back? Is the new Trevor some kind of robot? What is going on here? When can I have issue 3? Now please? Yes. No? *frown*

Issue 003

We have found out who the man is that has taken over Trevor's life. Things are starting the make a kind of sense now, haha, a kind that is uniquely the Twilight Zone's. We're really getting a good chunk of story here. If I am not mistaken, this is planned to be an ongoing series. I wonder if we'll always have this arch, or if we'll soon start following others as well.

The guy who's taken over Trevor's life ... he has cancer, and he seems like a good-ish man. He's definitely not someone who is going to squander this chance he is given. Maybe not unless he's given a chance at getting his life back. Trevor wants his life back too ... I have a feeling ... well, it could go one of two ways I think. Trevor either gets carted away as a dangerous loony OR they actually do switch back ... good guy gets his life back, Trevor gets thrown in jail ... and maybe for poetic justice, Trevor also gets the bone disease ... and the good guy gets the girl. That's what I want to happen, haha.

The artwork continues to be wonderful. I was thrown by the color at first. Something in me wanted it to be black and white. I still do ... but I've surrendered to the color. I was totally swept up in this issue. I can't wait til next month.

Issue 004

What a lovely ending, and a new beginning for The Twilignt Zone series. The old Trevor is dead, and the new Trevor is as well as he can be, under the circumstances. I love how this story's ending wove right into the next one. I hope there is more of that. I definitely like what Straczynski is doing here. More! Mooore!

Thank you, for giving me a taste of what I so longed for--the black and white art during the flash back was much appreciated. The art in general continues to be wonderful. What a great first "episode" this was. It encompassed everything that a good episode of The Twilight Zone should. There were cliffhangers at every turn. There was danger. There was a light moral. There was a lot of beautiful weirdness. Lots of stuff that only exists on the cusp of our imagination and reality. Things that we beg to exist ... and things that we are thankful don't exist.

It's books like this that make be sure that I chose the best time in comics to get started. I have a considerable backlog of awesome, consistently wonderful books are being published now ... the future is bright. Is it next month yet?

Tags:

The Twilight Zone

J. Michael Straczynski