Friday 5 #6...

...will get here sometime on Sunday. I'm heading to Vegas for A Very Epstein Wedding. Be good to each other while I'm gone!

But Wait! There's More!

Pruning the branches 2: Electric Boogaloo

When we last left our hero, he was debating the merits of various comics he collected and engaging in a careful cost/benefit analysis in consideration of their survival of The Purge. Man, could I make that sound any more boring? I'm reviewing my monthly list and seeing where I can make cuts. So far, it's been brutal. (Looking for Part 1? You've found it, Brother!) Meanwhile, I'll see you after the jump:


Jonah Hex: I was a little reluctant to pick this up initially, given my perception of Palmiotti/Gray's writing ability, but a funny thing happened: it turned out to be good! Not just good, but great! Seriously, Hex is one of the better books I read each month. They're all done-in-one and Hex is an interesting character. Graymiotti portray him as morally consistent, even when those morals bring him into conflict with "authority." My only complaint is artist Luke Ross' tendency to a) make Hex look like Clint Eastwood, and b) occasionally migrate Hex's scar from one side of his face to the other to ensure it's on the camera side. This has only happened a couple of times, so it's probably unfair to call it a tendency, but if nothing else, shouldn't the editor catch this sort of thing? Anyway, if you're not reading Jonah Hex, you need to. You owe it to yourself. Verdict: Thumbs up.

JSA: This one ends next month, so in the short term, it's a non-issue. This is good, because I'm of mixed feelings about the current arc. I usually like Jerry Ordway's art. His Power of Shazam! OGN is one of my favorites. But I just haven't enjoyed his work on this arc. There are points where it's been distracting to the point where I think "Wow! When did Jerry start holding the pencil with his feet?" Of course, to be fair, there are many other panels/pages that are well up to his usual standards of excellence. Anyway, I'll be picking up the new Justice Society of America series when it drops in October because Geoff Johns will be writing, and because they're going to address the new Starman. Woo-hoo! Verdict: Thumbs up.

JSA Classified/JLA Classified: I'm grouping these together because the same reasoning applies to both. These books are going to be picked up on a case-by-case basis. Since there's a new creative team for each arc, there's no reason not to pick & choose. Particularly since both books have been somewhat uneven. Verdict: Thumbs...in the middle? I'll get it when I like the teams involved (creative and character), or the storyline sounds particularly compelling.

JLA Adventures: Yes, I'm going to continue getting this. Adam Beechen's been writing this for a while, and I used to follow the same plan with this one that I'll be following with the Classified titles and buy only the ones that looked good. The problem with this plan is that they all looked good. So I finally decided to quit kidding myself and just put the darn book on the list. No regrets here. Besides, where else in the DCU proper am I going to see a story where Vibe is not only the main character, but a competant and sympathetic character on top of that? Seriously? Verdict: Thumbs up.

I'll stop there for tonight. Largely because it's getting late and I still have to do the Friday 5 for last week. We'll continue this tomorrow, I think.

But Wait! There's More!

Look! Up in the sky!

So My Buddy Rob and I went to a special premiere screening of Superman Returns tonight. It was sponsored by the fine folks at Brave New World Comics in Newhall, about 90 minutes south of Bako. MAJOR SPOILERS after the fold, so I'll see you there.


So we get to BNW's new location a little before 5 in order to pick up our tickets, and the lovely Portlyn sets us up. The best part of that whole experience, though, was Portlyn and her sister, Sophia, trying to give us directions to the theatre. Seriously, I haven't laughed that hard in days.

We get to the theatre, grab some chow at the mall's food court and settle in for the festivities. I participated in the trivia challenge, and came in 3rd, largely because I overthought my response to "In Superman: The Movie, where was Luthor's headquarters located?" I knew that there were subways involved, but I was also under the impression that it was in Metropolis, but the only choice given that was in Metropolis was "Under the Daily Planet." So instead of going with my gut and saying "Under Grand Central Station," I overanalyzed it and said "Under the Daily Planet." Man, am I stupid! I knew all the rest of the answers to the other contestants questions! Grrr...Ok, I'm over it. Mostly.

Anyway, as to the film: I enjoyed it a lot. Singer's obviously a big fan of the original film and it's first sequel. The opening credits are reminiscent of those original movies, and it was a very nice touch to see Noel Neill and Jack Larson (Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen from the 1950's Adventures of Superman series) in cameo roles. Also, composer John Ottman does a fantastic job of weaving elements of John Williams' original score into the current film.

I really enjoyed this film. While I originally thought (and still think, really) that Routh and Bosworth look a little young for the chronology to work as it's presented in the film, they did a fine job. Routh gave both Clark and Superman distinctly different physicalities, and his voice in both characters evoked the brilliance of Christopher Reeve. Bosworth's Lois Lane is smart and sassy, but also conflicted and vulnerable over her feelings towards Superman (which I'll talk about a little more farther down). I didn't have much trouble believing that she was an ace reporter, although I thought the beating she took in her opening scene was underplayed in later scenes. And Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor? Brilliant. Oscar-worthy? Probably not, but certainly enjoyable. He managed to summon the sort of manic energy of Gene Hackman's Luthor, while infusing the character with a level of malice and evil simmering just below the surface. Probably the best-cast member of the team.

The plot? Mostly good. Many of the points in the movie are riffs of things that have appeared in the comics (Superman's initial public appearance saving a shuttle, the destruction of the Daily Planet Globe, etc), and that's ok. I'm not a "purist" insofar as I tend to view adaptations of beloved properties as just that: adaptations. I thought the incorporation of several elements from the earlier Superman films, including the Marlon Brando footage, was a nice touch. In all, I thought the story held together well. With one exception.

I'm now going to discuss the plot point that will likely set the blogosphere ON FIRE. If you don't want to know what that point is, STOP READING NOW!


Ok, this whole business about Lois' son being Superman's? I'm having some problems with it. Not because I don't think it's a valid evolution in the story, or because I have some sense of outrage because my "beloved Superman" is being messed with, or even because "that's not how it is in the comics." My problem here is that it seems like a throwaway plot point. It's barely mentioned (explicitly, at least), and both Lois and Superman seem content to dance around the issue. The kid seems like a deus ex machina, in that he serves a particular point in the plot, but does little else. Actually, that's not entirely true. I actually was reminded of a scene in F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby.

In Chapter 6, I believe (I don't have my copy handy), Daisy invites Nick and Gatsby over for lunch, and she introduces them to her daughter, who's making her only appearance in the story. Nick observes that Gatsby looked at the child as if he could hardly believe she was real (I'm paraphrasing, obviously). Clark has the same sort of look on his face. He sees what he could have had if he hadn't left, if he hadn't continued to hide his secret from Lois. Also, how is it that the kid seems to figure out Clark and Superman are the same person, but ace reporter Lois can't? That's just a little nit I picked with Rob on the way home.

The obsessive fan-nerd in me wants to continue to rant about how the chronology can't work, since Jason, Lois' son, is clearly older than 5, which is the length of time Superman's been gone, but Superman didn't notice that Lois was pregnant? And how can Richard think Jason's his? Well, to be fair, we don't know what Richard does and doesn't know, at least relating to timelines, so I won't speculate on that here. What I will do is give this film a grade of B+/A- and go to bed, since I have to teach summer school in the morning.

But Wait! There's More!

Pruning the branches...

Funds are getting tighter here at Casa del Ziegler. As such, it's time for me to review my list and see where I can make some cuts. So let's talk about what I'm getting and whether or not I'll be continuing to get it:


Some of this stuff I pick up as it comes out at Dark Side, some of it I get in a neat little bundle at the end of the month from Ralph over at Alternate Reality in Vegas. I'm not sure it matters, but I'll mark the stuff I get from Ralph with a (*) next to the title. Shall we proceed alphabetically, with divisions as placed on Ralph's club sheet? Sure, why not?

Aquaman: I've been enjoying Busiek's reimagining of the character, but I've got to make cuts somewhere, and unfortunately, Arthur's not going to survive The Great Purge. I see elsewhere that a trade has been solicited of the first arc. Maybe they'll collect subsequent arcs and I can follow it that way. Of course, they didn't collect the Sub Diego storyline, so maybe I shouldn't get my hopes up. Verdict: Thumbs down.

Blue Beetle: Has #3 come out yet? I can't remember. As with Aquaman, I'm liking what I've seen so far, but is that enough? On the one hand, I dig both creators, and it's been a while since I've gotten a monthly dose of both Keith Giffen AND Cully Hamner. On the other hand, I've read a lot of "teen-hero-who-doesn't-fully-understand-or-want-mysterious-powers" books in my time. What's to say that this one will be any different? Verdict: Undecided. I know that's a bit of a cop-out, but I don't have to decide RIGHT NOW, so on this one, I won't.

Checkmate: I'm in for at least the first storyline, but am undecided beyond that. I like the idea of Checkmate, it's got a great creative team, and Amanda Waller's a fantastic character, but it feels like Alan Scott's being spread a little thin, between his (seeming) full-time duties as the White King and his time with the JSA. I think part of my problem once we get past the initial wave of OYL books is that I'm not sure where many of them are set relative to each other. Is Checkmate a OYL book? Is 52 the only book that takes place during the missing year? I'm not sure, and that's not really a good sign. Like I said, I like the idea of Checkmate, but I'm not sure I've got the ducats to support that idea in fact. Verdict: Thumbs down, unless the last issue of the first arc is really, and I mean REALLY fantastic.

The Flash*: I've been following the Flash since pretty early in Mark Waid's run on the character back in the early 90's, and with the exception of the final 4-5 issues of the title, have been crazy about it ever since. I'm looking forward to the new title, and am curious to see what the new creative team does with the character. Since the first issue just came out this week and I get a bundle from Ralph once a month, I obviously haven't read this yet, so I'm certainly not ready to consider chopping it. Verdict: Thumbs up.

Green Arrow: I've been collecting this one pretty much since the beginning. I mostly enjoyed Kevin Smith's run (especially Onomatopoeia, whom I'd really like to see more of), and totally enjoyed Meltzer's Archer's Quest story. Winick's run? I've enjoyed most of it, although I'm not crazy about how he's used Black Lightning. I understand he digs the character, but he doesn't seem to grasp the character's nature. Continuity gripes aside, I'm intrigued by the new status quo Winick's established OYL, but I don't know that I'll be able to follow it through to the end. Again, something's got to go, and I think GA's going to be on the list, but it goes without malice, and if the fundage situation changes, could be welcomed back to the family. Verdict: Thumbs Down.

Hard Time*: Well, the market's taken care of that for me, hasn't it? I know I'm not saying anything new here, but I really don't understand fandom. We complain about how we want something different, but when the different gets here, we treat it like an uninvited party guest, shunting it off to a corner and studiously avoiding eye contact until it goes away. Hard Time was like that. Steve Gerber, drop me a line if you're reading this, and next time I'm in Vegas, the first round is on me, because you write kick-ass comics that don't get near the respect they deserve. Verdict: Thumbs Down (but only because DC's not making anymore).

Hmm, this is going to take longer than I thought. So I guess this is going to be part 1 of xx. I'll be back with more in the next day or two.

But Wait! There's More!

Friday 5 #5

I'm playing the role of Single Father this weekend while Mrs. Z. visits her brother in Florida. As such, the Friday 5 is running only a little late this week. So let's get down to business:


1. 52 #7: Good to see Ralph back on the scene, and MAN was he pissed. Does he have a right to be? Maybe, maybe not. After all, Booster has demonstrated in the past (even within this series) that if he remembers anything from the future at all, it's only stuff that directly benefits him. Although, I think Skeets' behavior this week lends more credence to the "Evil Skeets" theory floating around the blogosphere, and the idea that Skeets, not Booster, is the one being referred to in the clippings in Rip Hunter's lab as bearing the blame for whatever's breaking time. I'd still like to see more of Ralph's investigation into this whole "Cult of Connor" business. And what is it about Kryptonians being diefied after they die? First Superman, then Connor.

2. New JLU figures: My Buddy Rob has put the grab on a few of the new JLU figures that have come into his Target. I have to say, they're pretty sweet looking. I'm really looking forward to the Vigilante and Shining Knight figures. And really, would it be too much to ask for figures of the rest of the 7 Soldiers? They could even do a JLU-style Speedy. I don't know why I'm so hooked on these guys, except that I've always been fond of the Crimson Avenger, and that their episode of JLU was one of the better ones in the final season.

3. Boomerang: This is the "retro" channel subsidiery of Cartoon Network. You remember Cartoon Network: the channel that used to have good shows? Now they're all on Boomerang. BTW, today was Superman Saturday. Seriously, all that's been on all day has been Superman:TAS, and the occasional episode of Batman Beyond and Justice League that's focused on the Man of Steel. It has rocked HARD. Seriously.

4. Superman Returns: My Buddy Rob and I are heading out to a special premiere screening on Tuesday. I'm pretty hyped about the film, since I've pretty much avoided all spoilers, previews, and reviews of the thing. Brave New World Comics in Newhall (about an hour or so away from Bako) is hosting a special 7:00pm screening on Tuesday, and since Mrs. Z. and the Zigletts will be at the beach that day while I teach summer school, Rob & I are hitting the premiere. I'll no doubt post here about the film on Wednesday or Thursday.

5. Coca-Cola: You know, there really is nothing like an ice-cold Coke on a hot summer day. It's one of the simplest, yet most fulfilling pleasures in life. And really, if I have to explain further? Try it. No further explanation necessary.

But Wait! There's More!

Convention Memories

I've told this story to a number of people, but it's one I enjoy, so here it is again:


So I'm at the 2000 SDCC (I refuse to call it...that name with "international" in it), just wandering the aisles, seeing the sights, when I come to one of the main arteries. I've wandered into a sort of "Star Wars Class Reunion," with 2 Slave Leias, 2 Boba Fetts, a Han Solo, a Darth Vader, and various shades of Stormtrooper (sand, snow, speeder, etc) all posing for a picture, and several fans happily snapping away. From a few rows over, I hear the gutteral snarls of a roving band of Klingons aproach. Somewhat surreal, sure, but not unheard of here at Comic-Con. Then the Klingons get closer and see the Star Wars folks. Then the Klingons start shouting in Klingon and in English about how "Roddenberry Rules!" and "Lucas Sucks!" And I swear to you, the Star Wars folks all rushed into the aisle as if the Klingons had just kicked their mothers. An argument ensues with lots of yelling and shit-talking, and finally, like a dust devil, just sort of dies away. But I tell you this, watching a bunch of geeks argue about which fictional universe is "better" just made me laugh and laugh and laugh. In fact, 6 or so years later, it still makes me laugh.

But Wait! There's More!

Finally, a review!

Ok. I'm still working out the format, so what you see here isn't necessarily what'll show up on the next review, but that's how life is: you pays your money and takes your chances. See you below the fold...


Wonder Woman #1: I really enjoyed Rucka's run on the character, so while I wasn't expecting "more of the same old," I did expect...well, I'm not exactly sure what I expected. I'd read the first collection of Young Avengers, enjoyed it, and figured I'd give Heinberg a chance here, too. I'm going to tell you what I liked and didn't like.

I liked: The Dodson's art. It's pretty, I can't deny that. But...

I didn't like: that all the women look pretty much the same. Faces are drawn inconsistently on Wonder Woman (the girl wearing the costume, not necessarily Diana), in fact I counted 4 distinct faces for WW on one page. I'd tell you which page that was, but DC doesn't number them. Page 4 maybe?

I liked: the redesign of the villains. Doctor Psycho's new look is pretty sharp and makes me wonder 2 things: 1) what's happened to him after his appearances in Manhunter that makes him look like this? and 2) or is this just him "manipulating" my mind to perceive him like this?

I didn't like: the new Wonder Woman costume. I'm not a purist who has to have the America Swimsuit, but Wonder Woman's new costume seems more intent on looking functional than actually being functional. Of course, it is only the first issue, so that may change.

I liked: Nemesis. I remember him fondly from the Brave & the Bold issues of my youth. Nice to see him back in action.

I didn't like: that it felt so short. Seriously, I read it, got to the end, and thought, "where's the rest? That went WAY too fast!"

Falling back into teacher mode, if I were grading this issue, I'd give it a C. It's average, which I guess is ok, but certainly not the strong debut DC was hoping for. I suspect that, like his YA, Heinberg's WW will read better collected.

I'll have another review for you tomorrow or so...

But Wait! There's More!

Friday 5 #4

Several things to talk about this week. I'm still trying to hammer out the format here. Mostly I talk about things that interest me (or have shown up on my radar during the week and warrant comment). I'm toying with the notion of a theme each week, like Spurgeon does. In fact, as I look over his theme for last week, I think I'll devote mine to the same theme. Curious? You know where to find me.

So Spurgeon's theme last week was "5 comics-related summer memories." Hell, I can do that. To wit (and in no particular order):

1. It's 1982, and all over the Bullpen Bulletins pages of that year's Marvels I'm seeing mentions of the San Diego Comic Convention. I'm all of 10 at this point, and I ask my dad if he can take me to what would later become known as "The Con." The conversation went something like this:
Me: "Hey, Dad? Can you take me to the comic book convention?"
Dad: "Comic book convention? I guess so. When is it?"
Me: [the exact dates escape me at the moment; I'm guessing sometime in July, maybe late
June.]
Dad: "That's a Saturday? I'll have to check with your mother, but I think we can do that.
Where is it?"
Me: "San Diego." (we lived in Barstow at the time, almost 3 hours away)
Dad: "SAN DIEGO?!?!"
Me: "Please, Dad? Pleeeeeease?"
Dad: "SIGH...I guess so. "
We got up bright and early, about 7 or so, and made our way south. This was back when the con was at the old convention center, and was split into 2 rooms, with the dealers in one room and the publishers/exhibitors in another across the main hall from each other. I remember 3 things in particular about that SDCC, although these are by no means the only things I remember:
1. David Carradine (of Kung Fu, a weekly favorite at my house) standing in one of the intersections looking at his watch, taking off his hat and scratching his head. I didn't have the nerve to say anything to him, again being only 10.
2. There was a Dragon's Lair video game that had a line 5-10 people deep the entire day. Which was just as well. I was horrible at that game (or would be, I later found out) and my time was better spent prowling the aisles for comics (I bought X-Men #137 that day for the princely sum of $13.00; by far the most I'd ever paid for a comic book up to that time).
3. I don't know why this sticks out, but the snack bar there had the best hot dogs I've ever had. Lunch was two hot dogs, a bag of peanut M&Ms, and a coke. Pop and I ate sitting on the stairs that led to...something up there; I never knew what was up there. Anyway, it was a great lunch. Yum!

2. Almost every summer of my childhood, through about 7th grade or so, I'd ride down to the Stop & Go (later Tony's Market) every Friday with my neighbor, Jeremy, and paw through the rack to find the new books for the week. We'd pop for a few comics, maybe a candy bar and a slurpee. Tony would put the candy and the comics in a paper sack, which we'd wrap around the handlebars of our bikes for the ride home (about 6 blocks). Sometimes we'd make it all the way home before we'd stop and read our comics. Other times we'd park it in the playground of our elementary school, which was between our house and the Stop&Go, and read in the grass.

3. Every summer, my best friend Ed and I would "organize my collection." At that point, I was living in the room above the garage, which was pretty much the biggest room in the house (and the hottest), and we'd spread out ALL of my comics; the old ones I had, the new (to my collection, anyway) ones I'd acquired, and tried to integrate them. We'd list them on 3x5 cards with parenthetical notations of important issues (you can tell I like the parentheticals, right?). There'd be comics everywhere, and we'd have to leave little "islands" of carpet so we could hop from one side of the room to the other. Of course, my mother wasn't fooled. She knew we were just reading, but it was good of her to play along. Incidentally, this practice hasn't really changed. The only difference is that the role of Ed is now played by My Buddy Rob.

4. Summer 1992, and it's my first solo trip to SDCC. I've got an uncle who lives in San Diego, so I stayed with him. During the con, I met up with several of the Epsteins, my posse, if you'll pardon the expression, had dinner with them (and Jason Pearson, whom they all knew from high school in Vegas), then proceeded to drive around looking for the masquerade venue with no idea how to get there. Oh yeah, and I've got 8 people riding in the back of my 1980 Toyota pickup. When the cops in the Gaslamp saw us coming, they must have felt like they hit the jackpot. It ended up being a rather substantial fine, but everyone chipped in $10.00, except for Jason, who'd bought us all dinner, and Ray, who was cheap and only paid $8.00 (and I say that with love, Ray).

5. I can't remember which SDCC this was; one of the late 90's, I'm sure. I'm wandering around the con with PJ and Joel, a couple of the Epsteins, when PJ stops at a boothe that sells statues. "Lemme see your Jimmy," PJ asks the dude. Then he and PJ just stand there looking at each other. "Uh, I mean your Jimmy the Hapless Boy," PJ chuckles. The dude chuckles and, as he's getting the statue down for PJ, says "I'd show you my Jimmy, but you'll have to buy me dinner first!" Of course, Joel and I are howling with laughter.

So those are my 5. Share yours if you wish.

Peace!

But Wait! There's More!

A few bits of business...

Some business to take care of before bedtime...

1. I've been trying for about a month to figure out how I'm going to review 52, and failing miserably at it, as you can no doubt tell by the lack of reviews of said comics. I've decided that I'll be commenting on each week's issue in the Friday 5.

2. I will be reviewing a few books here within the next few days. I've already picked out 2 of them. They may not be from this week's list o' goodies, but they're recent, if nothing else.

3. I've really got to clean my office. The stacks of paper/books are starting to accumulate again...

But Wait! There's More!

(The Incredibly Tardy) Friday 5 #3

I'm going to have to come up with some other way of doing this, because it's the second week in a row I've been late getting this posted. I'll give it some thought over the coming week and hopefully come to a decision/plan in time for next week's post. Anyway, here we go:


1. I know I talked about this last week, but this week's episode of Doctor Who was REALLY good, and a little sad. SPOILER, FOR THOSE WHO HAVEN'T SEEN IT YET: I'm really going to miss Eccleston's Doctor. He was fun. I don't know anything about the new Doctor (mostly because I try to avoid spoilers, myself), but I seem to recall reading somewhere that he was the one they initially wanted for the series, but was unavailable for some reason. Anyway, now I've got to wait until next season to find out what happens next. Darn it...

2. Took Son to see his first movie in the theatre today, and it was Pixar's Cars. I normally don't like a lot of little kids in theatres (and there were A LOT of kids on a Sunday noon showing), but there weren't any serious problems. And with one minor exception, Son managed to stay quiet and attentive all the way through the film, although he insists on referring to main character Lightning McQueen as "Hot Cheeto." Not quite sure why, other than McQueen's the same basic color of a hot cheeto, but to my knowledge, Son's never even seen a hot cheeto. Anyway, we both had a fun time, and there were plenty of things to keep both of us interested in the film. Heck, a couple times, it was the same bit.

3. Jonah Hex #8 came out this week. If you're a fan of good comics, regardless of genre, you need to be reading this. They're "done-in-one" stories, and Hex really is a fascinating character. He doesn't say much, but many times his actions speak louder than anything he'd say anyway. Palmiotti/Gray are writing some amazing stories here, and the art is always top-notch (usually it's Luke Ross, although in 8, it's Dylan Teague and Val Semeiks). If you're tired of the same-old stuff vis-a-vis superhero "THIS time, EVERYTHING changes!" nonsense, you owe it to yourself to check this out. There's a collection of the first 6 issues coming out soon; try that one.

4. I wish I was rich. I don't mean modestly wealthy or well off. I mean filthy, stinking, embarrassingly obscene rich. Just thought I'd share.

5. The Barenaked Ladies announced the release dates for their new album (I've mentioned it elsewhere on the site), which means they'll probably be touring soon, too. If you get the opportunity to see them in concert, I highly suggest you take advantage of it. They're probably the best live act I've ever seen. They rock hard, but they don't take themselves too seriously. They have fun, and I think that makes them stand out. I'm sure we can all point to pretentious cock-rock bands that take themselves waaay too seriously (I'm looking at you, Eddie Vedder), but BNL ain't it. I'll be first in line on the 12th to get the new album. And when they hit the road? Hopefully they'll be playing relatively close to me (although being 2 hours from LA, that isn't usually a problem) and if I can scrape the money together, I'll be there, just like always, enjoying the show.

But Wait! There's More!

STOP THE PRESSES!!!!!

Sweet Christmas! The long-awaited (by me, anyway) new album from Barenaked Ladies is hitting stores on September 12, 2006! Oh, heavenly days! Announcement here. Currently, it's the 3rd item down. Man, life is good...

But Wait! There's More!

Friday 5 #2

A little late this week, what with the end of school and a few other obligations. But enough about that, let's get down to business:


1. Saw X-Men: The Last Stand yesterday. I'll be posting a more in-depth consideration tomorrow or Monday, but for the most part I liked it. I thought it built really well, thematically, on the first 2 films and had plenty of cool stuff for us nerds. I'd love to see a 4th movie, because there was much that was underdeveloped, and that warrants further examination. By the way, the kid who played Angel, is he a Wilson? Because, facially, he REALLY looks like Owen Wilson.

2. Another great issue of 52 this week, as it finally feels like the story's picking up steam. I had a bit of an epiphany about 52 the other night, and if I've already mentioned this here, I beg your forebearance. Once I started looking at it as a loooooong-form novel, and started thinking of each month as a chapter instead of each week, I started enjoying it more.

3. I'm totally digging the new Doctor Who series over on Sci-Fi. I have only a passing (and I mean PASSING) familiarity with the original series. I vaguely recall the local PBS running some of the Tom Baker episodes when I was a kid, but not much beyond that. My pop wached it a few times, but I didn't. I kind of wish I had, in retrospect. Anyone know what's available on DVD or video from previoius incarnations of the series?

4. You know what show really got me into science-fiction? The Tomorrow People. This was another BBC show that ran on Nickelodeon waaaaaaay back in the day after the a.m. kid's programming ended (Pinwheel, anyone? Anyone?), and was my first exposure to telepathy, telekinesis, and teleportation (or "jaunting", as they referred to it). I know it's out on DVD, but I'm afraid it won't hold up and don't want to be on the hook for the whole series if it just stinks the place up.

5. From CBR's coverage of the DCU panel at WW Philly: "James Robinson has been discussing a "Starman" project as well, but again, the project is in its initial stages and may not materialize." Hello, God? Yeah, it's Dave. I know I haven't been around much, and I'm not going to waste both of our time with excuses, so I'll cut to the chase. If you could see your way clear to making sure this happens, I'd really appreciate it. And next time you need a favor? You just let me know. Peace."

But Wait! There's More!