Yes. Red Robin.
Okay, so I just skimmed the parts that weren't Steph-related. But the part I did read gave me a pretty good idea of the books tone, and it's one I'm very much not interested in. I'll just list my problems so we can all get on with our lives.
Tim is a complete ass. I mean, he kicks Steph in the stomach when she comes up to talk to him (and I'm really unclear to whether she was walking through the door to say hi and couldn't help but do it stealthily, because hey, Gotham vigilante- or if, as the art indicates, she was lurking in the corner. If the latter is it, what the hell? Did she get there before Tim did? Did she actively walk over to a corner so she lurk in the shadows for no reason and Tim just didn't notice this somehow? Did she borrow the JLA transporter and beam into that corner? What? WHAT? My head hurts)
And it's hard enough to make her want to barf, and he doesn't say "oops my bad" or even HELP HER UP when she asks. I don't care how upset Tim is, that is just rude.
But what really irks me is the continuity thing- Tim gets ragey ranty all over again about how he can't trust her to wear that costume and they already AGREED HE DIDN'T HAVE A RIGHT TO BE MAD O
But no, we're ignoring that and back to RAGEYTRUSTISSUES because THAT'S not getting old. And Tim continues to add to the creepy abusive trend by grabbing Steph's wrist when she tries to pat him on the shoulder, roughly enough that she winces and he doesn't let go for like, five lines of dialogue. Under Fabian, he just swatted her hand away, at least, no "look at me I can crush your wrist I so dominant".
And apparently another reason Steph can't be trusted is because...she said eveyone was worried about Tim and Tim guesses Dick asked her to track him down...and this makes her a lying bitch who can't be trusted. Because Dick was worried and so was she and they collaborated. Yeah! How dare you, Stephanie!
And despite the fact Steph is begging him to talk, he wishes he could talk to her, but he can't, because she's such a bitch! And he leaves. So emo.
Seriously, between Fabian and Yost, I guess the Bat Writers have a pact to dump abuse of Steph- whether physical or just lecturing her over what a lying hor she is. At least Fabian had the decency to give Steph a decent make-up with Tim- only to have Yost undo it. Brutally.
But I'm not really sad about Steph. It doesn't really affect her, though I consider it OOC she didn't yell at Tim to snap out of it- the whole scene made her look like some sort of whimpering pushover (I exaggerate, but allow me my rage)
Nah, it's Tim. He's been through a lot yes. (Though as Bart, Steph and Kon are now ALL back, he really hasn't lost any more than the rest of the Bat Family at this point) But I am really sick and tired of Tim being a grimdark raging mini-Batman. They've been doing it for OVER A YEAR and this was really it's apex- and I'm not interested in it anymore. It's made him unlikable, it's obscured all the qualities I enjoyed about the character. He's just gotten progressively darker and angrier and there's no sign of him stopping, and I am just BORED with it at this point. He's another generic angry "badass" character...and now he's treating his friends and family like crap. It's not Tim. It's not entertaining to me.
So I hope Steph and Tim don't get together again soon, until Tim snaps out of it (If that ever happens). All that happens when they get together these days is Tim yelling at her about what a untrustworthy screwup she is and Steph cringing and crying. Away from Tim is the best place for Steph to be right now. Hopefully Steph will have a fun role over in Batgirl and get to be her sunny self, along with being friends with Cass plzthx. Meanwhile, Angry!Tim can do whatever the hell he wants. I hope he gets better and likable again, but for now, I'm done with him.
Whew! Now that's over, I can talk about good comics! You know, other than Tim I'm pretty happy with DC these days. Assuming they don't mess the Batgirl thing up, I'm perfectly content to let Red Robin suck and enjoy all the other cool titles including...
Wednesday Comics #1:
This was pretty good, just like I expected. I enjoyed most of the features:
Batman: Big panels, nice art. I liked the dialogue between Batman and Gordon about how Gordon feels like he's failed when he turned on the Batsignal. And Batman's replying quip "I don't know how I should take that." Oh Bats! And I feel for Gordon, but seriously? You waited till 11:59 to call Batman and the guy is going to be murdered at MIDNIGHT? I don't think wounded pride is an excuse for that kind of crap. But nice cliffhanger!
Kamandi: is adorable. I'd date him if he were the last boy on earth! See what I did there? Very pretty art, old fashioned monologue, I've always like the scenario and setting behind Kamandi, so this is cool with me.
Superman: Thought this art was a little to dark for Superman, but that alien sure is wacky. Looks like Superman's going to bond with it over how allllooone he feels.
Deadman: I really like this one. Boston Brand is so kitschy and the art was pleasantly kitschy as well. Dead people solving murders are always fun.
Green Lantern: VERY pretty art, set in the late 50's, which is probably the area where Hal best works (New Frontier proved that) not much happening so far.
Metamorpho: Kitschy, 60's style, looks wacky and promising.
Teen Titans: Never been a huge fan of Cheeks art, but TT needs a dose of fun. Not much happening here, we'll see where it goes.
Strange Adventures: Okay. I found it pretty boring.
Supergirl: Adorable Amanda Conner art! Matrix costume! Super pets! Hopefully it won't all be one note gags about Krypto and Streaky destroying stuff, but lead to an interesting plot line. But it was certainly cute and awesome.
Metal Men: Not bad.
Wonder Woman: I actually found this one the most intriguing. A bit confusing, but Caldwell certainly took advantage of the space to put in lots of action and dialogue, and I dig the talking pigeons and Oracles. Definitely the most interesting start to a plotline, and Diana is very much an innocent about to go on an incredible journey.
Sgt Rock: He gets beat up a lot. Boooring. And the art ain't my cup of tea.
Flash: Barry and Iris are MARRIED and he STILL hasn't told her he's the Flash? Isn't that an important thing to tell someone before you take the vows? What a dick. And what a dimwit Iris must be if she doesn't know. Much as that annoys me, I like the gimmick of Iris having her own comic, and the art is cute. (Of course it is, it's Kershl)
The Demon and Catwoman: Oooh, this was cool. I loved the art. Yay Selina!
Hawkman: Somone should led Baker know "flap" is not a very dramatic word. In fact "And so we flap" being repeated so many times, so dramatically, made me giggle a whole lot. And Hawkman is making the hawks fly after them when the weaker ones are falling unconcious and SPLATTING on the EARTH? What a DICK. Filled with compassion, my ass.
5/5, very enjoyable.
Booster Gold/Blue Beetle:
The Booster Gold story was merely decent. How the hell did Starfire and Donna get killed by a grenade? Must have been a hell of a grenade. Nice to see the old school Titans though. Cyborg yelling his typical thing about his "decibels of white sound" and Booster actually being IMPRESSED made me giggle.
The BB backup however, was great. Norton's are really complements the title, I love Milagro's action figures and the quips are on as usual, and the plot has taken an intriguing turn.J aime forever!
Booster Gold 2.5/5, Blue Beetle: 4/5
New Krypton #5
This title is just consistently good. I loved the depth added to Zod, and I actually didn't see the ending coming. Also, more depth to one of the supporting characters, and Supeman being cuddly. And Pete Woods! Such a good title.
5/5
That be it for today! Hope you weren't to whiplashed by the NERDY FANGRRRL RAGE suddenly switching into NERDY FANGIRL LOOOOVE.
- Mood:
bouncy
I mean, I'm too tired to work up the rage I need for Red Robin, or the squee I need of Wednesday Comics and Blue Beetle.
So instead, you get the Harry Potter fanart I've been doing. A comic depicting a punchy scene in DH, a heartfelt rendering of a huggy scene in DH...also, I've decided to do some peices of fanart from HBP in honor of the movie coming out. My favorite moments from the book. I've got one completed as seen here (it's a very birdy scene) and two others penciled. The rest I will do when I have the right paper, which should be tomorrow.
( Ron is hugged AND attacked...boy gets around. )
I've already penciled pics of these scenes:
Hermione and Ron telling Harry "We're with you whatever happens"
Harry and Ginny by the lake.
These are the ones I plan to do:
Hermione asking Ron out in the greenhouse (possibly a comic preceding it)
Ron getting poisoned
Dumbledore and Harry: "I am with you"
Harry vs. Snape
Ginny helping Harry away from Dumbledore's body.
And ones I will possibly do:
Hermione at Ron's bedside
Harry and Ginny's first kiss
Ginny dodging spells
Hermione confunding McLaggen
S'all for now.
- Mood:
artistic
But I got paid for the first time! I get 7.50 an hour and a 20% discount on my comix! Stellar! So that's 45 bucks in the bank today.
Also, I ran into one of my friends from high school (and middle school technically) Jen. She told me Angel and everyone hang out at the place on Fridays. I never knew! So maybe I'll go up there (and drag John with) this week.
- Mood:
sore
I implore you all to see this fabulous Harry Potter musical. It's hilarious and well done. I don't care if you like the books or not, you'll enjoy this regardless. Malfoy and Snape are BRILLiant. So is Ron, with his multitude of snacks for all occasions. The songs are great, it's a wonderful parody. Quirrel and Voldemort are amazing too.
It starts here: www.youtube.com/watch
Here's the channel: www.youtube.com/user/StarKidPotter
Unfortunately, in reposting it they've censored it a lot and taken off some of the dirtier (and more hilarious jokes). Here's a couple transcribed from memory though:
( Spoilers: )
Hopefully they'll release a version somewhere else with those jokes kept in, because they really were funny when you saw them in the play.
- Mood:
amused
Darrin has a new baby, so he says he might be leaving me to run to shop at times. A whole comic shop to myself! Mwahahahaha!
Anyway, hopefully I'm a diligent worker. Darrin seemed impressed with my display. For a first job, this is really great and ideal! I'm in my element!
I've gotten Runaways #11 and Secret Six #11.
Runaways #11:
So Victor did a thing with hacking into the music and that made some guy think the Runaways were a target and crash an airplane into them... then there was this other guy?
Other than the slightly confusing plot stuff (which hopefully will be cleared up as we go along) and the random death, the snappy dialogue and character interplay, as well as decent art, made this an enjoyable issue. I plan to keep reading.
Also, this comic has a female writer, artist AND colorist. How cool is that? Lately, women seem to be breaking into the business more and more. I am pleased
Secret Six #11:
Lovely art as always from Nicola Scott. And Jeanette is wonderful. And Artemis is awesome! She will take your hand and wear it as a belt, thus depriving you us the only thing willing to give you pleasure! And enemies of Amazons rarely die lovely! REMEMBER THAT!
The Six sure are quick to shoot each other and stab each other in the stomach at the slightest sign of conflict between them. Must be a side effect of being villians.
There's no way Artemis is dead (especially as there's no visible cause of death...) but Wonder Woman's all jumping to conclusions and pissed and making Ragdoll "do something nasty in his tights". I love how Gail can always get through how damn scary Diana is when she's angry.
Another stellar issue.
5/5
The new show I'm in love with is Dexter. It is simply awesome, full of dark humor and twisted drama! I have a crush of a serial killer. But he's a GOOD serial killer!
- Mood:
cheerful
Supergirl #43
I only got this this week. A good, quiet story. Kara comes into her own, confidence wise. Lois is not convinced of her sister's death, and goes all maddog reporter (love Lois so). Lana rocks her neat Asian-style dresses...and has horrible medical problems. Kara's still there for her Mom, but is not taking her crap anymore. A good issue, as always. Not much info on Lucy's deal, but things are building up.
4/5
Detective Comics #851
Holy cow, the art. Just gorgeous. I love how Kate has a detachable wig, her relationship with her dad is adorable and just...the nifty panel layout, the colors...it's so pretty.
Only thing that bothers me is the pointy boobs. It's very confusing, because when Kate took off her costume this ish she was wearing an honest-to-god sports bra (and a nifty green one at that, glory be, hallelujah!)...so how the hell are her boobs so pointy. I DON'T UNDERSTAND.
I also find it amusing Batman tried to tell her off about her hair, though I wonder why he never extended the same advice to Huntress...or Babs. Maybe he did, and they just didn't want to take fashion advice from a man dressed as a bat. If that was Dick talking, it's possible he digs long haired chicks so was too afraid to voice his concerns about praticality in fear they'd cut it...but knows he has no chance with Kathy, so feels free to tell her off.
The story was decent enough, and caught my interest. The Question backup had nice Hamner art, and I love Rene.
4.5/5
Wonder Woman #33
Okay, so I'm cool with this.
See, I've always wondered when Diana would get sick of the gods pushing her around and treating her like crap. They gave her life, but she's saved their asses multiple times, and they're always screwing with her. So I completely understand her decision here. I wish it hadn't come after her status quo has been messed up so much already...but we'll see where it goes.
And Polly voting to stay with her people makes sense too. Diana can take care of herself, but the Amazons need Polly. (Then again, as bluefall pointed out to me, she should have stood up to Zeus, and it's pretty OOC that she didn't)
I felt it was inevitable Zeus's misoginy and Wondy's feminism clash. Though it's clear Zeus is so insane here, and I blame how utterly broken down Di is for her not spotting this.
There's no way Ares is dead. And I have a feeling this will all turn out to be some plan of Athena's. But we'll see. I may be eating my words, but for now? I'm good with this direction. I think it will be interesting and exciting. Hey, at least we have the Amazons back!
And the Amazons vs. Cthulu monsters was fantastic. Aaron did a great job drawing it.
3.5/5
- Mood:
anxious
In other news, since my statement about Supergirl's scandalous shorts has caused such a sensation, I'd sorely sort of like to state a statement that simply swooped upon me a sum of two days ago.
(Edit: This is a reaction to the 'Rama article about Supergirl's shorts. I mean seriously. I am quoted by Jamal Igle. What is it with me attracting industry people's attention just by being my pushy feminist self? I suddenly turned the shorts in a a NEWSARAMA story just by bringing them up, what the hell. And Jamal quoted me!
Igle said that the negative reaction, thankfully, is in the minority, and he’s approached by female Supergirl fans at panels who thank him for the changes that he and Gates have brought to the book, noting how one woman at a recent panel at Heroes Con in North Carolina said that prior to his and Gates’ start on the book, she had tried to read the series, but with the costume, and her “bad girl” attitude, realized that the book wasn’t being written for the character’s female fans.
Yeah, that was me. WHAT THE HELL, first Jann Jones and now this. Here's the story: www.newsarama.com/comics/060926-Supergir
I don't think the shorts are the biggest deal ever. My main concern is story telling. If Supergirl is about some flirtysexual dynamo of a character who gets off on showing guys her panties, clearly she wouldn't wear shorts. And I wouldn't read the book as that's not my thing. But others would enjoy it, and they could have all the T & A they desired. My main concern is good storytelling. I want the art to reflect the character, I want the art to reflect the story told. When Supergirl was a bratty, unlikable vixen-y 20 something in a 16 year olds body, the art, as hideous as it was, reflected that. It was a bad book, and I stayed away from it. And if someone had been drawing that book like it was drawn now, yet the character was still the same, I would still stay away from it. There would be a disparity between the art and writing.
The Supergirl that we have now is a confident but struggling young woman who is trying to pull her life together and make the right choice. She has a brain, and she's in the game to save lives, not have people stare up her skirt. Any girl with half a brain and a sense of modesty would not want to be flashing their panties (or lack of panties) while saving the world, if she wasn't focused on attracting people's stares.
This is what I'm getting into about storytelling. If the writing paints Supergirl this way, the art should reflect it. If the Supergirl we have now was constantly showing her knickers, I would not just be annoyed at the tastelessness of sexualizing an underage girl, I'd be PULLED OUT OF THE STORY. It would seem out of character and jarring. The story would be sending one message (Supergirl is strong, sensible and confident) and the art another (you should forget all that, and focus on her hot body. Also, Kara is an idiot who doesn't realize photographers are going to be running around under her trying to get upskirt shots). Mairrage of art and story is what makes a good comic book. Jamal Igle is sending the same message (Supergirl is strong, sensible and knows how the world works) that Sterling Gates is, by not focusing on cheesecake and instead focusing on storytelling.
This makes for a good comic and one that girls like me can relate too. It's just good storytelling. It allows us to focus on the character.
The case in point was at the Brave and Bold Panel- I saw a bit in Brave and Bold #4 where Supergirl tells Lobo: "Look up my skirt and I melt your face". And I was like "...If you don't want people to look up your skirt, why are you wearing it?" I'm not saying "Guys can't control their hormones" or it's Supergirl's fault Lobo's a skeez, I'm saying WHY. There's only one reason I think you'd go flying in a skirt- you want people to look up it. Because they will. Not even on purpose or because they want to. They'll look up, and they'll see your underwear. If you like that, fine. Go ahead. But if you don't...wear some goddamn shorts. Brave and Bold is a perfect example of my talk of art and storyytelling not working together. Supergirl is supposed to be powerful and sensible, and she doesn't want Lobo goggling her panties. Yet she wears a costume that guarantees everyone will goggle at her panties. Where is the logic here? How am I supposed to understand a character like that?
And finally, the shorts allow Jamal Igle to bring actual physics into his art. He doesn't have to do gymnastics to make sure the skirt stays down whatever posistion Kara's in. (On TV Tropes, they call it "Magic Skirt". tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/Magi
- Mood:
contemplative
For those of you don't know, SCBC is a very insightful and informative blog on Supergirl that does in depth reviews of all comics and news tidbits relating to her. I've been diligently linking his Supergirl posts of WFA (making it look like I have a Supergirl and Wonder Woman bias a lot of the time...which, well, I do, but I don't mean for my coverage to appear uneven, there's just a lot of news relating to those two as they're so prominent, and I know where to go to find it)
Anyway, he commented on my insights regarding the all important opus that is Supergirl's shorts. I would have never known anyone was complaining about the shorts if it wasn't for his blog relating that they were, honestly. The circles I travel in being generally anti-unnessecary sexualization of underage girls, and all. So when I saw Jamal, I thought I'd give him some encouragement on the matter. And when Jamal said he'd gotten angry email I was like "WUT"? They are SHORTS, people. Who honestly cares that much? If you want panty shots in your comics...you...you're weird. Go read a magazine devoted to panty shots!
And then everyone was all "ZOMG SHORTS" and I was like..."I didn't know it was so damn controversial. Damn."
And we had weird tattoo guy of course. I really don't want people telling me they want to see Supergirl's panties. Because they're basically telling a teen girl they fetishize teen girls. You want me to explain how that creeps me out?
Right, the point I had before was I am flattered SCBC mentioned me. It's a great blog, everyone should check it out:
comicboxcommentary.blogspot.com/
And I fully echo his sentiments on telling Jamal and Sterling ya love their work if you ever see them. It can't be said enough, and Jamal for one is an awesome, friendly guy. And he actively tries to make his comics female friendly, and told me he knows lots of girls who don't seem like they would be comic fans, but are and he knows women are as geeky as guys, when I told him about Fuller and such. He's on our side!
- Mood:
pleased
Here it is:
www.fanfiction.net/s/5156733/1/Growing_U
Now all I've got left is my missing moments! And all...the...other ideas...I have...
Anyway, more tidbits on the Con:
Seriously, when I bought up the Supergirl shorts thing it became this weird running joke thing on the panel. Whenever anyone mentioned Supergirl, one of the panel contestants or the audience would shout "...but with shorts, right?" or "WITH SHORTS!"
And the guy I bought my Wondy and first Manhunter trade from must have been at the panel, because he RANDOMLY showed me his tatoo of pre COIE Supergirl and was all "SHE doesn't have shorts!" and I was like "...okay, whatever..." I should point out All Preceding Supergirls (except Linda's second costume) seemed to have a leotard thing going with their costumes, which is almost as good as shorts, IMO. It's good enough for figure skaters, anyway. So his point, whatever the hell it was, was moot.
That guy was made of total fail, anyway, he told this girl he "hated Cassie (Cass)" and wanted Babs back as Batgirl. Actually, I think he MAY have staged the conversation in front of me on purpose, because he heard my comments at the panel implying I liked Cass and Babs as Oracle. What a weirdo. I didn't chime in though, not even when he said Stephanie had gone off with Red Robin (WRONG.) However, when he said the Phil Noto cover had the girl putting on Babs costume with high heeled boots, I pointed out they were flats. He gave me a Look. Not the best way to attract customers. Though I did end up buying the trades, so...
( I shouldn't have bought the Manhunter trade from him. I found it later somewhere else for 5 bucks. As well as the second one, AGH, of course they were the ones I'd already bought for much more!)
Ian Sattler rambles on a lot. Not an insult, he just does. You could tell he was less comfortable at panels than Dan and all that. He seemed really nice though.
This documentary about Steve Ditko had Neil Gaiman and Alan Moore in it, and went on about how delightfully wacky Steve, his objectiveism and Mr. A were. It was very awesome. I am officially in love with Neil Gaiman (I was already pretty close, mind.) because when he and the documentary guy went to track down Steve he told the guy. "I am the Robin to your Batman, I am the Speedy to your Green Arrow, I am the Etta Candy to your Wonder Woman." Yes, that's right. Neil recognizes the awesome that is Etta flippin' Candy.
It was loads of fun. The documentary was great really funny (Alan Moore says he told Steve about Rorschach and Ditko was all "Oh, right, he's like Mr. A. But he's INSANE." Also, Alan Moore wrote a song about Steve Ditko. Which he recites to us. While looking scary.)
And there were presentations afterward, and like I said previously, cake.
Also, I got a job a few hours a week in my local comic shop. It's a scant job, but it is a job. Hurray!
That's all the tidbits I remember for now. Happy Monday, guys!
- Mood:
hot
First, check out my sweet Steph commission! The artist is Leanne Hannah.
( Steph is vengeance, Steph is the night! )
Great, isn't it? I'll get it framed to go with my others.
Well, first I went to a panel where George Perez and Mark Waid discussed how they did the Brave and Bold #4. Unfortunately, I forgot to bring my Impulse, so I couldn't get Waid to sign it. Anyway, it was fairly interesting, though the host of the discussion kept babbling questions so we didn't get through all the pages (to his credit, he at least admitted and apologized for what a blabbermouth he was). Mark Waid was really funny, he kept talking about how his job was the easiest ever since he only gave Perez plot synopses a lot of the time, and Perez would lay out a panel. And then he'd read the bits out and say "these are examples of my magnificence!"
After that, I walked around more and got a third Manhunter trade and some bags for my comics. The Manhunter trade was of course, really good, though they didn't specify when the 1 year later jump was in the middle of the trade so I was confused for a while. (Wait, when did Peter get that chick pregnant? When did Kate meet Obsidian? When did Dr. Psycho...oh, this is after IC so it must be...oh...)
Then I went to the Sunday Chat panel. To my pleasure, it was just like another panel where we could ask questions, unlike last year, when it was "chat about your fave comics!" And there were only ten people in the room, so I asked quite a few. I expressed my dismay over the Wondy trades, and Sattler doesn't know anything about that, but he said he'd pass my concerns on. So I fufilled my duty as a Wondy fan.
Also, Scotty, I asked about Connor Hawke. Sattler said there are a bunch of characters inactive right now (Argent, Hotspot...any 90's titan basically) for a reason, and next year or something there will be a team book or something about them all, and Connor is definitely one of them. So...that's good, right?
I also complimented on the co-features, saying I liked Jaime and Manhunter being back, and since Ed Brubaker had mentioned soon all books will have co features when I made him sign my Catwoman, I asked about that. Sattler said no, they're going to make sure the co features they have sell first. So Brubaker LIED to me! I thought his information was fauly anyway, so.
My last question was about Wonder Woman leading the JLA. Sorry guys, but Newsarama screwed you on that one. Wondy is NOT leading the JLA, that was just Bagley talking about how Trinity came about and some ideas Rucka had. No Wonder Woman leading a team book, though I'm sure my wide eyed eagerness made it clear that I wouldn't object to it.
The Tom Lyle panel got rescheduled so I missed it, but I managed to track down the man himself and thank him for co-creating Steph. He says he was pleased that she returned, as both he and Chuck were agrravated when he died, and he was amused he got royalties off her from the Lego Batman game. He said he really liked that in their Detective run he and Chuck managed to give sidekicks and supporting characters important roles, like with Tim and Steph. I shook his hand, and he asked my name. It was very cool.
I got Superman: Up, Up and Away, a DVD of Wicked on Chicago and the first Young Avengers trade (I already read it and those after it at Books A Million, but I wanted to own it).
Then we motored on out. I never got a sig from Stephane Roux, but that was my only loss.
And that, ladies and gents, was my Comic Con experience. I'll update tomorrow with a few tidbits I may have skipped over, but for not, hasta la vista.
- Mood:
calm
I am such an idiot. I missed all that cool stuff, and I never got to ask about the Wondy trades or Connor. I fail.
There is a Sunday chat tomorrow, I'll try to ambush Sattler or somone and ask those questions. siggggh.
The Steve Ditko panel was pretty cool though. There was a rockin documentary and we has Mr. A cake. (Black on one side, white on the other, NO GRAY! YOUR GOALS WERE NEVER REALISTIC!)
Also, I got another Manhunter trade. It did little to fill the gaping hole the loss of the DC Nation panel made inside me.
(Mom's so sweet, she felt so sorry for me she offered to buy the Oracle action figure I drooled over. I convinced her not to, it's 50$)
*wallows in despair*
More later.
- Mood:
disappointed
Yo, peeps! I'm updating you all on the the Heroes Con from my shiny new graduation laptop,
Okay, let's get started. I need to write quick so I can get some sleep.
First thing I did was go to the DCU panel. Not a whole lot of information there. I'll start off telling you the questions I asked.
Me: So...I have a Bat-Verse question. Is Barbara...Barbara Gordon going to be playing a role in any books...besides Batgirl obviously...hopefully as Oracle...oh and Huntress too...
Ian Sattler answered in affirmative. He also said something to Nguyen I didn't quite catch, but I took it to mean those two will be in Streets of Gotham, I can't be sure on that. But yes, big roles. See, parsimonia, I got your back!
I also took the oppurtunity to assure Jamal Igle that I adored Supergirl's shorts, and he shouldn't listen to what anyone says about them. I kind of wish I hadn't now, because it became a running joke at the panel. Igle had to explain to Sattler what the deal with the shorts was. He also said he "had never seen such a dived between fans over an article of clothing." He said he'd gotten angry emails on the shorts and they were all (predictably) from guys.
Then I asked if Cass and Steph would get to interact a lot in Batgirl. Sattler said yes, but he wasn't going to say what the interaction would be like...I said "Well, they're best friends..." and then gave back the mike, since the guy was getting impatient.
So I'll have to ask the Wondy trade and Connor Hawke questions tomorrow.
I can't think of any questions anyone else asked in the panel that would interest you guys...apparently Blackest Night is going to be the best thing ever in the history of the universe...we will see more Krypto because James Robinson likes dogs... Supergirl will be wearing Kryptonian clothes next issue...
Oh! And Jamal Igle hates Twilight. 'Vampires should not sparkle!" I have no idea how this came up, but that's what he says. And then some girl was all "the movie is crap, the book is better, don't judge by the movie!" And I was all "Actually the movie is better than the book..."I HAVE THE SKIN OF A KILLER!"
...yeah.
Also, there was an amusing conversation about Superman and DNA strands. In summary:
Fan: So, Batman got zapped by Darkseid and yet, someone we think is Batman is in a cave doing a cave drawing somewhere.
Sattler: That's a good summary of it.
Fan: The thing is, Superman's not an idiot! He can read DNA strands! He could have just read Batman's corpse DNA strand and seen it was not Batman! So is he in on the plot, is he covering it up?
Sattler: Okay, we hate to spoil the climax but Superman...is evil. He has been ALL ALONG!
Igle: That's the climax to World of New Krypton #5
Fan: *after laughter subsides* But DNA strands!
Sattler: Okay, we know all of Superman's powers. Let me assure you, we have 20 editors, we know Supes can read DNA. There will be an explanation! For all of this!
Fan: Before I'm old and gray?
Sattler: I don't know you. That could be within a year, for all I know! (after argument, he tells us by next year most of our questions will be answered.)
After the panel, a girl I recognized from last years con ran up to me, saying she admired my taste, and agreed with me on everything from Spoiler, to Babs being Oracle to Supergirl's shorts. I remembered she had asked all the questions about Steph last year (the ones I hadn't asked), so I gave her a backatcha, and asked if I knew her on the internet (she reminded me forcefully of you guys) but I didn't. And then we both went to fangirl over Jamal Igle.
And oh, how I did. I gushed all over him. Fortunately, he seemed to like me, and he told us that as far as Supergirl's shorts go, he had considered doing a storyline to introduce them where Kara found that there was an entire website devoted to people taking photographs of upskirt shots of her while she went around saving people.
...You KNOW that would happen if Kara was real.
He was very pleased when I told him his and Sterling's work had made me like Supergirl, and when I complimented how normal-weight, strong and expressive her drew her, and how he made it possible for me to relate to her and be interested in her. He said that was the best thing I could have said to him.
My fellow fangirl (her name was Margie) asked if there were plans for Linda Danvers. No joy, as so much is going on, though he says he constantly gets that question.
I talked to Jamal again later at the booth, gushing more. He told me he wanted his daughter to be able to grow up and read comics, so he made sure his work wasn't something he'd be ashamed to show her. I'd like to inform you all he is possibly the coolest person ever.
Then again, there's George Perez. You guys want to hear about that right?
Well, I did my stalking, and managed to get in line to see him and get my Wondy trades signed.
Here are the questions I asked, here are his answers:
Wonder Woman? Newbie? Why no year one?
It was editorial's idea. At that time, Wondy wasn't selling enough to hold a year one, and Perez wanted to lay down her definitive origin. He's okay with how it went though.
Romantic interest?
bluefall won't like this, but he was planning to do a bried romance between Wondy and Supes, in an arc title "rendezvous", but Byrne nixed it.
Hermes death?
He doesn't remember killing Hermes. Hermes was still alive when he left. I have no idea if this is true, not having gotten that far.
I told him I loved his work, and Mom took a picture of us. He put his arm around me rather tightly, which made me blush horribly I'm sure.
Later, I found him miraculously alone, and since I had been too busy trying to remember my questions and stumbling over myself to gush enough, I decided I should convey my love of his work more. I may have been too enthusiastic, as he said "I seem to have a young lady after me!" which as you can imagine, was faintly mortifying, though I'm sure he didn't mean anything by it. And I managed to get another question in. Why the Amazons were in the Bronze age under him!
He says the Amazons believed in a simple, spartan type existance, and that they really had all they needed and were more worried about guarding "what was basically the gates of hell". There's also the fact they wanted to honor the gods, and them getting too many electronic devices would raise the question of communicating with the outside world, and Diana needed to be that link.
Well, it made sense when I heard it. I may not have done a good job transcribing it.
Anyway, got a sig from Phil Noto, and I asked for another Steph commission from this female artist that I'll pick up tomorrow. I was very tempted by a 3 season Kim Possible set and I'm even more tempted by a DVD of the play Wicked.
I found some AMAZING Supergirl: Cosmic Adventures temporary tattoos (it's her as she was on the first ish cover.) I also found two sweet trades: WW: League of One and the first Manhunter trade. (thas right Scotty. And I really liked it! I may pick up the second one tomorrow)
Well, I have to go to bed now. Tune in tomorrow for more details and the report of day 2!
- Mood:
ecstatic
First, we'll start with the people I plan to ambush:
Ed Brubaker (He will be forced to sign my Catwoman trades)
Nick Cardy (I saw him last year too) (This time, however, he will sing my Titans Companion)
Benard Chang (He will be forced to sign random issues of Wonder Woman he did)
Todd Dezago (saw him last year, he was fab. I want to ask him how he feels about Bart coming back) (I made him sign stuff last year)
Cully Hamner (He signed my BB trades last year)
Jamal Igle (He will be forced to sign the first issue of his Supergirl run) (Also: SQUEE!)
Phil Noto (He shall be forced to sign Batgirl: Fists of Fury. And maybe I will casually try to ask him who that mysterious cover Batgirl is supposed to look like...or to be more subtle, what he thinks constitute Asian features...)
Dustin Nguyen (SQUEE! He will sign my issue of Detective comics #850)
Craig Rosseau (SQUEE! Bought Impulses he inked, and I might buy his sketchbook)
Stephane Roux (Will be forced to sign various issues of BoP
Jeff Smith
Ethan Van Schiver (Various issues of Impulse)
And of course, George Perez. My Wondy trades are unfortunately loaned out to John, I'm going to try to get them back tomorrow morning. If that doesn't work, I've got a few odd issues of Wondy he did he can sign.
I'm going to buy tons of stuff too. I might try and wrangle a Steph and Cass commission from someone.
As for panels, lesseee.
There's the DC Universe panel at 2 on Friday
At 4 something about th the "New Power of the Generation of Comics" with Brubaker that looks interesting. And maybe I'll be able to do something nasty to Bendis when he ain't looking. Kidding! I just don't like what I've heard of the guy in interviews.
And a heroes Initiative signing for Perez at 3:30 that looks neat.
On Saturday:
The Charlton Comics retrospective looks cool. It's at 12
At 1 there's the DC Nation
I might check out the Steve Ditko celebration at 3
On Sunday:
At 11, Perez and Waid do a thing. I'm going there to complete my stalking of George.
At 2 there's the Sunday convo with Ian Sattler. But I might cut out early, because:
At 2:30 TOM LYLE discusses Superhero anatomy. Tom Lyle! He co-created Steph! ZOMG. Must bring Detective Comics for him to sign.
Questions I plan to ask at the DC Nation:
When will you be trading the rest of Perez's Wonder Woman run (and if they answer it's not happening, I'll be sure to make pointed remarks about how badly Wonder Woman is traded, and how if they really want to convince us they support her as much as Batman and Superman...or I might blush and stammer. Who knows. But I will try to be a snotty fangirl, for the sake of Wondy fans)
Will there be a lot of Steph and Cass BFF interaction in Batgirl?
When will Connor Hawke come back.... and without his amnesia and inexplicable superpowers plz. This one's for Scotty.
Questions for George Perez:
Was it your idea to make Diana a newbie who debuted much later than Batman and Superman, rather than being on equal senoirity with them and having a snazzy new year one? If so, WHY? She's one of the big three, she shouldn't begin a latecomer.
Why were the Amazons perpetually stuck in the Bronze Age, rather than using their thousands of years to develop cool tech?
Did you ever plan a love interest for Di?
How'd ya feel about Nessie and Polly's direction after you left?
Was Hermes death meant to be permanent?
(These will all be asked very nicely, amidst gushing, so he doesn't get the wrong idea)
Which remind me, I still have to read the rest of his Wondy run. I've just been so damn busy lately. Curse you, real life!
Well, I'll catch you on the flipside of the con!
- Mood:
excited
I also met Amanda and Keith and Andrew. Amanda's really cool, also into creative writing and she had awesome hippie rainbow jeans. We all had an epic geek discussion ranging from politics to anime to LotR to Harry Potter...it was great. I think college will be cool.
I've rewatched Dr. Horrible a couple more times, and found myself becoming oddly more okay with the ending. Mostly because the acting and song was so good. Or maybe it's because I found Commentary the Musical on Youtube and it was hilarious enough to make up for the ending. Or maybe rewatching it makes the ending seem less random and mood whiplash, because I know what's coming.
Either way all the songs are still stuck in my head and I am in love with Neil Patrick Harris. And the songs.
Before orientation I hung out with my cousin a bit, which was great. I love her so. I got kind of mopey the last night she was here for no apparent reason, I feel bad about it now. I also saw Star Trek, and we managed to get into a heated argument about whether Uhura was useless or not. I maintain she was, especially since Jo's counterargument was "She pushed buttons! She did her role of pushing buttons very well!" All I know is, knowing nothing else about Star Trek (I saw a few episodes of the one with Janeway in it once. My cousin is obsessed with her), I now love Spock and the guy who played Kirk was hawt.
I also saw ads for HP6. It looks like Ron's going to have his Quidditch subplot from book 5 in the sixth movie. Hurray! I wonder how that's going to work. Weasley is our king!
I'm either getting a job at the comic shop or Ingles. Probably not the comic shop, because my comic book guy said he could only afford a few hours and he hasn't called me. Too bad. I'll fill out the application for Ingles. Dad gave me this random speech about how I shouldn't give a job yet because I'm anti-social and can't follow directions, which means I'll be a failure in life apparently. So now, you know, I'm definitely getting one.
In comics news, I still haven't gotten mine for today, but last week got Booster Gold/Blue Beetle and New Krypton.
BG/BB
The Booster one I give a 2. It was pretty much meh. Booster breaks into the cave to get pics of Babs, he and Dick argue then Black Beetle shows up and ZOMGvanishes Dick. Because Hector has a thing against Batman since when? Maybe Jaime mentioned he liked Batman to Hector once. AND SO BATMAN MUST BE DESTROYED. Fits in with the stupidity that is the Black Beetle's origin. I did like Skeets little jab at Booster. Oh, Skeets.
The Blue Beetle one gets a 4. I love Mike Norton's art, especially how he did Brenda's hair. It's so flippy! It was a decent start, I have a feeling Sturges is still getting his feet with the new format.
The henchmen conversation wasn't terribly funny (though I did think "Well, heroes have sidekicks". And then I was all: But wait, villians have sidekicks and henchmen! Like Dr. Drakken! No hero has an army of sidekicks. Except for Batman sort of, but he doesn't use them that way enough. Then I realized that's what the Holiday Girls basically were for Wonder Woman. Another reason why they should be bought back. And the more salient point is that Jaime could probably get henchmen for free, he's so awesome. I'd work for him for free!)
But then the plot thickens with a 1940's robot that Jaime cannot defeat! Oddly, it takes three hours for Brenda and Paco to decide to research it. I'd have done that after the first half hour, guys. And Paco rather awkwardly randomly reminds Brenda he's in a mysterious fight with her. Man, Jaime is screwed without Hector and Nadia.
Anyway, there are problems with the scarab and sad Jaime and more robots and Paco being mysterious, so the issue ends on an interesting note. As long as there is Jaime, I will continue to get this book.
New Krypton #4
I love Pete Woods. I'd just like to reiterate this. The series continues to be solid, Superman continues to be adorable and Hal is a douche. That is all.
4/5
Heading to the Heroes Con thisw eekend! I cannot wait!
- Mood:
mellow
(I might put up a youtube vid of it all later)
- Mood:
accomplished
97 in AP English.
Watched Dr. Horrible finally. Love 90% of it, didn't like the ending. You can guess why. Still like it though.
Graduating the day after tomorrow. Hoping not to fail my Art History final, I didn't study for it, but hopefully the AP stuff sticks in my head. I think it's stupid to do a final when we had to go through the AP, but there you go.
I'll have a graduation party. My cousin is coming, we've rented out the game room at the Pizza and Brewing Company. Supposedly my graduation present is a laptop. That reminds me, I better invite John. Also, Fuller invited me to hers, which was nice. I'll bring my cousin, see if it's any good.
Looking for a job. Either Ingles, my local comic book shop, or Books A million might be decent prospects. Also, there's that double decker cafe that might be hiring...
Also, UNCA orientation and the Heroes Con.
Yeah, I have a lot on my mind. Feeling a bit too overwhelmed to be excited. And tired.
- Mood:
tired
![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small}
bluefall , I now have access to the entire Wondy v2! I'm so happy! I am immersed in George Perez goodness!The Wondy Annual I just read (1989, I think) especially amused me. It's all about Wonder Woman's publicity agency, and there's a story whereMyndi Mayer and Wonder Woman is worried about the comic getting made about her because...and I quote..."Myndi knows comics with a female lead are not usually a high seller...unless they have a lot of T and A.".
I nearly fell off my chair laughing. I bow to Perez. But it gets better! "Wonder Woman was worried her message of peace would get lost in the industries preocupation with violence and sexual exploitation.'"
No! A comic sexually exploiting Wonder Woman? NEVER!
Now, I'm not sure the guy who designed Starfire has a right to talk about comic's focus on T and A, but clearly Perez got that if he wanted to send a strong feminist message and tell a good story, sexualizing Wondy wasn't the way to go, and for that, I love him. And applaud him. And I find it hilarious he was able to rip on DC's sexism like that. No, DC, you don't have a problem. Actually, yes you do, even your creators have noticed.
I also tickled that Wondy got a woman to write and draw the DC Universes WW comic. (It was a cute story, by the way, when they showed an excerpt from the comic) I like the think of that woman as "proto-Gail Simone". Also in the DCU, the comic sold out. Oh, if only.
There were actually two stories dealing with Wonder Woman and sexual explotation in the annual, in another, Wonder Woman got a dominatrix strip show named after her, and her PR guy went to put a stop to that madness! Only to find out some Wonder Woman cultist had hacked the poor stripper to pieces. Diana was not pleased, and she had to go put that cult that inspired him (he was not an actual cultist, but a rogue) straight by beating up the statue they made of her. It was glorious.
Also Hermes? He's hilarious. He sacks out in Steve's apartment and bothers him all day, and keeps going on about how he's the god of messengers and so awesome. And he feels sad without his hat. He could just pretend he's a Jay Garrick fan...
But, in the news of current comics, I only got Secret Six #10 this week.
It was good as usual, though this issue felt oddly lacking. It was mostly an introduction to the new arc, and I can't fault it for that. Scandal and Bane are so cute, she's like his cool older sister and he's her boisterous, overprotective little brother. Also, Scandal has nifty boxers!
The villian guy is keeping Artemis as a slave. This is going to cost him dearly, I imagine. Yay Artemis! Nicola Scott draws her very pretty. I can't wait to see her and the Six interact. And for Diana to show up!
4/5
In other news, I have heavily edited and redone my old story about what happened to Ron and Hermione in HBP while Harry ran off to get the locket with Dumbledore. It's here: www.fanfiction.net/s/2948413/1/Gathering
Now I can start redoing my "Hermione's-relationship-with-her-parent
Ciao!
- Mood: artistic
More will come.
www.fanfiction.net/s/5104929/1/Sand_in_t
The first two, I wrote back when I was 13 or 14, just after OotP came out. I've spent the past few days doing some editing, but I was surprised that they were already decent beforehand. I suppose my love of Harry Potter shone through my writing and made it bearable, even at that age. The first chapter is Ron's thoughts and memories on Ginny after finding out she's been taken to the Chamber (After OotP I had decided Ginny was awesome and she and Harry should totally get together. I was tickled when my only non-obvious Harry Potter ship- I'd always known, as anyone would, that R/Hr was coming and liked it- actually came true) and the second is Hermione at the Yule Ball, in which I really pumped a lot of my teen geekgirl insecurities when I wrote it. I kept that intact.
As far as more missing moments the list I've got in my head so far is:
Hermione and Ron when Harry came out of the maze in GoF
When Ginny, Luna, Ron and Neville escaped the Inquisitorial Squad
Ginny, Luna, and Ron during the DoM fight
Ginny hexing Zacharias
Ron when he wandered off in DH
Hermione and the horrors of McLaggen
Ginny when she found out her comment to Ron about his lack of snogging experience had disastrous effects on Hermione.
A few Hermione moments in DH-including when she and Ron went down to the chamber to do the Horcrux stabbing
What Ginny, Luna and Neville did during DH (probably chapters alternating point of veiw- if I ever get around to it, I imagine it would have to be a fic all it's own)
Various moments during the final battle
Also, there's a fic called Gathering Dark I once did about the gang's battle at Hogwarts while Harry was off getting the locket with Dumblefore I want to redo. And a fic called "All Grown Up" about Hermione's parents I'll redo and rename, taking DH canon into effect.
Yeah, I can't see when I'll do all this, but I feel compelled! Not to mention I want to do a fanfic about Steph and Tim exploring Africa...*le sigh*. Oh well, it'll all get done if I want it to. But that's just what might happen, who knows if I wont lose interest half way through.
(And yes, you may have noticed I'm only really interested in writing fics for the Trio, Ginny, Luna and Neville. For some reason, I never get ideas with other characters).
Anyway, s'all. I'm done rambling.
- Mood:
creative
It makes me sick, the willful ignorance and hypocrisy of these people. And those internet trolls calling Tiller a murderer and saying he deserved what he got? You almost as bad as the murderer. You are spreading hate, and misinformation and lies. You are compounding a families grief, claiming to support life while you support the taking of it. Your religion is not excuse. People who do not believe what you believe are not worthless. Any God who supports an act of violence like this is not worthy of being worshipped, and I wouldn't care if I really were to burn in hell for saying that. I have a right to my body, my choice and my life, and so did Tiller.
A family is without a father. Women (and their fetuses, believe it or not, by extension) are dying every day because they aren't able to get the services of people like Tiller, because of terrorism like this.
Rest in peace, Dr. George Tiller. You performed a great service, and you will be remembered.
http://innerbrat.livejournal.com/640139.h
- Mood:
depressed
Well, I did it. I did what I said I would I refuted an argument that came up months ago. I refuted anon, a mouse's argument about the lasso of truth.
On SCANS _DAILY!
asylums.insanejournal.com/scans_daily/40
That is my argument. Anon is welcome to refute it in his own blog, we'll link it on WFA. I will not refute his refuting, because I've said my piece, I've represented another side to the argument, and I'm content with that, and I have too much experience with internet arguments to be caught in a circlejerk. I just wanted the good readers of WFA to know there's another side. I would appreciate it if Anon did NOT come over to my blog to argue with me, when and if he sees this. I did not do the same for him, when he first posted it, I posted a kneejerk reaction, but I hope he'll forgive that.
I also said I was going to refute Noah's argument that WW is a Mary Sue later, but I've decided not to. I think Noah pretty much dismissed any veiws opposite to his own by dismissing Wonder Woman as a Mary Sue and saying that's what fans like bluefall (and I assume myself) want her to be a Super Sue, therefore making our opinions, I suppose, irrelevant compared to his. And then he said Gail SIMONE wrote Wonder Woman as a Mary Sue, and I laughed. I'm not sure Gail's actually capable of writing Mary Sues. Not to mention the current Wonder Woman arc is dealing with Wonder Woman getting carried away with anger and making what even she admits are dubious moral choices.
You could make an argument every single superhero is a Mary Sue. It's a trapping of the genre that superheroes are omnipowerful and ultra competent and iconic. If you don't like it, fine. But don't dismiss the character and their fans because of it.
Mary Sue is a very weighted word to throw around. It's not a card you pull if you want to have a long and reasoned argument about the character, I would think. It's a card you pull if you want to dismiss somebody. By saying Wonder Woman is an author insert, or a fan insert, you're effectively dismissing that author and fan and saying the character is worthless, as they are hollow and are just an insert. Noah's done a hundred posts explicating why Wonder Woman's a Mary Sue, and if I don't feel like arguing them because I've been effectively dismissed. I am, after all, a Mary Sue lover, since I love a worthless character like Wonder Woman who is absolutely a Mary Sue.
Mary Sue is fine for fanfic. There are tons of them out there. For instance, Rose Potter is definitely a Mary Sue. Wonder Woman doesn't even come close to that. She, for example, loses on occasion. Once you start arguing actual published characters are Mary Sues, it gets, well, trickier.
Once again, I'm not trying to start an argument. I've said my piece, Noah is welcome to refute, I'll post it on WFA, but that's all I'm saying on the matter (unless Noah proves me amazingly wrong somehow, in which case, I will acknowledge this). I just wanted my two cents out there.
- Mood:
discontent
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