I shall review my comics in script form! Gotham Gazette in particular seems to be open to that.

( Tim is a sulky, sulky boy, Molly is adorable, and Wondy is a badass. Business as usual. )

So that's it! Overall, a good week. Did my graduation pictures today. I looked awful. But it's really coming up. June 11th! And my grandparents have already sent me a total of a grand. Soon I will be free of iron prison that is high school. But first I have to do my Alice Paul paper (We're supposed to do it on an influential woman. I wanted to do JK Rowling, but I figured that might not cut it. Seeing Iron Jaw Angels (which oddly enough, is appears to be completely accurate. Well, I doubt the masturbating in the bathtub with the lipstick on is, but other than that) made me decide to do Paul, because she's a badass.

Toodles!

First of all, I went crazy and made an insane amount of icons. It reminds me I need to download some new fonts for my computer, since I lost all the ones I'd collected for icon making when is crashed. But I haven't yet (I can't remember how, or where I got the fonts...) so apologies for low quality.

( icons! )


Yep, crazed.

Anyway, onto comics!

Booster Gold #18

Yawn, this title's getting pretty boring, I think I'm going to drop- what, a JAIME BACK UP! www.newsarama.com/comics/030912-Co-Features.html

HELLS YEAH I AM THERE! Awesome decision by DC. I love it. I hope they get Sturges to write it and Raf to draw it. (what is it with DC not announcing creative teams?) Oh yes, hurray Jaime! I'm only worried about all those stupid Jaime haters on 'Rama going to drop the book because of this. I hope this move is profitable for DC, and not the other way around. Because I need my Jaime.

Issue itself get a 2/5. But none of that matters anymore.

Battle for the Cowl #1

Meh. No Steph and very little Cass. It was decent. What confused me is how Dick is suddenly the "cutting his emotions off one". I thought that was Tim's job right now? Maybe since Daniel forgot that, he'll also forget Tim is mad at Steph, and he wont be a dick to her when she shows up! (If they interact). Nothing much happened. Todd is obviouslty the gun toting Batman, even if the summary hadn't said. Damien was way OOC, but since I don't like Damien anyway, I didn't care. Tim called Bruce his father, which was weird. Tim doesn't think of Bruce that way, and his real dad's only been dead a year. Bruce didn't raise him like he raised Dick.

But I'll keep getting this, because Steph and Cass will be in it. No matter how small the part, I follow those two wherever they go!

3/5

Action Comics #whatever

Man, this was a "meh" week. Nightwing and Flamebird are no one I care about. Barrows art is still hideous. Thus, I will not be following Action comics, Rucka or no.

2/5

But, the most important thing here? JAIME YAY! Also, I am doing Steph posts on the new s_d. Which allows a bajillion icons. So far I have thirty different ones. I find it hard to resist. I vow to make some Jaime icons too, to celebrate his Jaimeness.

Woo! I just went to see Coraline. It was really good, just a good as the book. It stayed true to the spirit of the book but does it's own thing and it's spectacular. Like a kickass modern-day fairy tale.

I found a graphic novel of Coraline at Books a Million, and the art is super pretty so I wanted to get it, but I left it there and they moved it. I shall find it though!

In other news, I've been co-anchoring the school news and some random teacher cornered me in the hallway and told me my expressions on the news "look rude". Our school news is kind of crazy. The teleprompter will malfunction, I'm under hot lights and the co anchor who filled in for the day was Oliver, who is super annoying. He's constantly freaking out over everything not being perfect, and always plays music or Youtube videos really loud when we're working on the computers and has NO SOCIAL SKILLS AT ALL. I don't think he's malicious, but I cannot stand him. Anyway, he stole my line, and the camera stayed on me too long, so I looked all confused at him. Sometimes I look incredulous when my other co anchor (who is Jackie, she's nice) says something weird.

Apparently I'm not supposed to show any emotion at all. The teacher was all "I just wanted you to be aware of your expressions, one of my homeroom students thought you were rude." I think his homeroom students need to get a life, and clearly have been super sheltered. "Rude?" Are they cynical high school students or ARE THEY? I bet it was a freshman. This damn "Freshmen Experience" has ruined the Freshmen. They get this special "experience" or whatever so they think they're special and aren't ready for the real world. I'm glad I came a year before that started, otherwise I'd be ruined too. (Well, the Freshmen when I was a Sophomore were cool, because they knew the Experience thing was new and stupid. Freshmen year in high school is aBOUT being horribly confused and hating yourself. It toughens you up! You shouldn't have your hand held! It nearly drove me to suicide but I came out a better person! Now these kids will just have problems later in life, like being whiny little bitches who get offended at "rude people")

Where was I? Well, it was weird, since the teacher just cornered me. He was really nice about it (or pretending to be) saying he just thought I should know and I did a good job otherwise. But I think he was lying because he would NOT stop talking to me until I was like "Okay, I understand" (which led to us talking a long time, since I kept trying to defend myself and convey to him subtly his students were stupid little whiners). It was just WEIRD because I'd never MET him before and he just cornered me.

Anyway, we're switching off anchors on Monday, so it does not matter.

By the way, John did call me back the day after Valentines and was all "I can't have the stress of a girlfriend now and I just want to be friends, can we still be friends?" So that's that. He wants to hang out this weekend, so I'll call him tomorrow.

Anyway on to comic reviews

Robin #183

Meh. Shiva jobs to Tim. Somehow she doesn't check her food for poison despite being a master assassin. I'm surprised she managed to live past twenty. Also, I don't see her as a chocolate type, being super devoted to martial arts and all. I'd think she wouldn't eat sweets that much. Didn't she send Black Canary a special diet when she was training her? That forbade sweets? I imagine she's adhere to that diet herself as well, wouldn't you?

I'm really annoyed at Fabian for what he did to Steph because now she has like a dozen more haters on scans_daily and I have to defend her honor, but it's so HARD because what she did WAS stupid and horrible. (though no one seems to realize this is ALL BATMAN'S FAULT since he PUT her in that position she clearly wasn't suited for) I think Fabian's trying to win our war by making me stop loving Steph. Well IT WON'T WORK FABIAN OKAY I WILL ALWAYS LOVE STEPH YOU CANNOT CHANGE THAT YOU WILL NOT BREAK ME!

She better kick so much ass in Gotham Gazette, I swear to GOD. It had better be worth it!

Anyway, the moment with Jason was okay, and I like that Dick was nice enough to tell Tim they're gonna be okay. Awww. And I like that Steph snubbed Tim and kept her Spoiler costume out. She is clearly not going to listen to him. Fight the emo, Steph!

TotallyhardcoreminiBruce!Tim reaaaallly isn't doing it for me though.

I liked the backup though. Tim's mother being acknowledged! The Obea man bought to justice! Super excellent colors too! It was a neat little back up, and I like that Fabian chose Tim finally capturing his mothers killer as the cap to the series.

RIP Robin. Miss ya.

3/5

Birds of Prey #127

There is no meh "meh" enough to cover this issue. Just boring and contrived. Way to dump your charge on Huntress, Oracle! Super responsible! I don't blame Tony Bedard though. After all, there is no NON contrived way for Oracle to abandon the BoP.

The backup was worse and does not engender high hopes for the mini. As bluefall eloquently pointed out on s_d, NO version of Babs became Batgirl because she idolized Batman. She was always self made. And the emo about her wheelchair- GA! Stop beating us over the head with your inane plan to make Babs Batgirl again! It will never happen! *buries head deep in sand*

Also, Cass was supposed to be in this. Laaaaame.

Oh well, at least no one died.

1.5/5

Supergirl #38

Damn, this title is so awesome. We now know Superwoman is not a Kryptonian and the mystery deepens! Also, the Origins and Omens actually furthered the arc! Lana is sick! Intriguing! And awesome hints to the future. Only Origin and Omens look to the future that's really excited me. I wonder who Kara's kissing? And the dialogue and characterization were spot on as always with Sterling Gates.

And the art is great on the regular story AND backup! I will never stop adoring the fact Kara's wearing shorts.

5/5

Well, must run! But first, a Casstoon. Inspired by this little statue from the ami-comi line-

img24.imageshack.us/img24/5528/batgirlstatueyf8.jpg

Yeeeeahhh. As far as I can see, the purpose of the ami-comi line is to make superheroines look even more fetishy. I started thinking of what they would do to Spoiler. Her costume is just entirely practical and non fetishy (One of the reasons I love her), they wouldn't have anything to grab on to, not even like Cass's stitches! But I was sure they would find a way. And I doodled a bit and the idea took hold and turned into this little Casstoon making fun of stuff:

( C'mon Cass, they wouldn't do that to us! )

So, I asked John out yesterday. Seemed the day, and I had had it up to here with waiting around.

He said he "needed time to think about it" and sounded kind of freaked out. I've seen enough movies and read enough books to know that means "no." Se la vie. Hope it doesn't affect the friendship and we can get over it.

I'm just glad I took the risk. It's what Steph or Diana or Hermione would have done right? Geekery's always a comfort in times like this.

In other news, I did a five part Top five Comic Book Couples thing for BSR and got WAY too in to it. I just started looking for scans and BAM! I got sucked in. I am pathetic. So I ended up staying up all night fighting with the software (which is infuriating when it comes to pictures. Damn you, Wordpress!" , and got the five seperate articles done just before midnight. Way, way to into it. Never going that crazy again, I swear to God.

So you are going to READ IT. I poured my SOUL into this, dammit! Also, it has pictures, and is SO much better than Newsarama's top ten. VICTORY.

Lois and Clark (this is my favorite one, since I love the couple so much I made sure it was the best. Those two are my OTP!)
www.bigshinyrobot.com/reviews/archives/4013

Batman and Catwoman (Had MAJOR problems with this one, but Swank came to the rescue eventually, so yay! Not as in depth as it was originally, who cares, this is my SECOND OTP)
www.bigshinyrobot.com/reviews/archives/4110

Spiderman and Mary Jane
www.bigshinyrobot.com/reviews/archives/4038

Babs and Dick (As I mentioned in the article, I don't like this one long term, but they are high profile and were cute sometimes, and I like how they're good friends now. I even mentioned how Babs is better off with Dinah, which bluefall should appreciate! I was running out of non-tragic relationships at this point. Which is really sad.)
www.bigshinyrobot.com/reviews/archives/4114

Karolina and Xavin (My "out there" pick! I love those two!)
www.bigshinyrobot.com/reviews/archives/4122

NOW READ THEM OR ELSE DIE.

Also, the 'Rama twenty questions thing makes it look like Cass might be in the Streets of Gotham thing as Batgirl while Babs is...in Batgirl as Batgirl. I suppose I wouldn't totally give up all my comics if that happened. But I'm still sending my letter, putting it in the mail tonight.

Many things have happened. I've (and by "I've" I mean Mom) figured out a shortcut to AB Tech. I have put off a monumental amount of homework. I've gotten a haircut, so my gold red locks are back to brushing my shoulders.

My rage over Robin #182 has abated to some degree. I still think it was a pretty bad issue. I didn't feel emotionally connected to any of the characters other than wanting to punch Tim in the face and punch Steph for not going after Tim and punching him in the face for me and also punch GeneralAnarky because he is really annoying. And the plot...well seemed to revolve around Tim being super...grim. Darn any logic that stood in the way, too! Which is not something I like for the character. Especially for his second to last issue, it should have really showcased all the awesome things about who Tim is and who Steph is, since when she's alive she's as much an integral part of the title as he is. Instead we got unbridled bitchiness and hypocrisy from Tim and tears and failure from Steph and kids getting blown up.

It's a matter of taste, I suppose. I didn't like it, because it's not the type of comic I enjoy historically. It's not the Tim I enjoy, or the Steph I enjoy. I don't care for the direction DC's taking Tim in, because the DCU has enough messed up dark characters. Tim started out being a unique Robin, a level headed yet positive little geek that was kind of full of himself. And he had a family, and a different persepective than everyone else. But they take away that family, make him all crazy and brooding, and all into manipulating people. Suddenly he's Batman 2.0. A retread.

And the main drama from this storyline depends on Steph and Bats doing something I consider OOC for both of them, as well as Nightwing and Alfred  randomly not noticing/ignoring how stressed and crazed Tim is getting (they comment on it and then...don't do anything about it. Especially Nightwing's "Hey Tim, you are real loopy, huh? Well gotsta motor, trouble in New York and hot babes to pick up!") and Cass is for some reason not in Gotham to help out. Everything is forced in to make the plot work. I don't enjoy drama I consider forced.

Also, Freddie Williams randomly changed Steph's sash and made it all white as well as her belt midcomic. Decide what you want the costume to look like, Freddie.

Nevertheless, I'm willing to see where Fabian takes Steph. Perhaps his direction for her will make her better somehow. I don't quite see how, but. Tim I can't see being really redeemed...but the poor boy's been screwed for years now.

Anyway, I'll give the issue a 2.7 or something. Oddly enough, I'm thinking of this dude who randomly posted on DC boards about fan reviews being so negative and the "ratings" they give only reinforce it.

Keep reading, man, you'll be as bitter as them all in a year. Of course, he was prolly just trying to suck up to Fabian.

I'm so cynical. Speaking of Fabian, here's his response to one of the questions I asked at the end of my charming rant:

>>So why did you think this direction for Steph WOULD please both her fans and detractors?


What do you mean by "THIS" direction? There is no direction yet. There is only the kick in the butt that gets her going there.

The status quo I am hoping to set up for Steph in Gazette is a little unlike anything she's had before and IMO far more in keeping with the kind of character she has been shown to be (pro and con, of which I think there's fair argument for both sides).

And if you think wrapping up a character arc that also sets her up with a new status quo is easy to do with a character who:
- got into the game to spoil her father's crimes
- fell in love with a boy wonder
-got pregnant
- had a kid,
-became a crimefighter
-then became Batman's partner
- got fired
- started a gang war in Gotham
- got tortured and killed
- lived in Africa for a year plus
-came home to have a slightly crazed Batman ask her to push Robin to the brink
- right before Batman died

AND to do it in 2 5-page chapters...

... well, I'd have to tell you you're wrong... but it sure is fun trying...

-- fabian

I have been SERVED. Okay, I get it, Fabian. Sorry I did not recognize your burden. (I find it funny that he's complaining about having to wrap up the last two items, when he's the one who wrote them) (Also, "slightly crazed", eh? He'd have have to been.) (And now I'm imagining a news headline "STEPHANIE BROWN KILLED! THEN LIVES IN AFRICA FOR A YEAR PLUS!")

Nah, I really did feel bad, but michealdark randomly apologized for me (he does that sometimes. I'd be annoyed, but I've known him too long, and Fabe responded)

As for taking offense to what Nev said, not in the slightest. Pro or con, I never take offense to someone's opinions about the material when its passionate and well-considered. I'm far too confident in my work in general, and with Robin in particular, to feel threatened by a contrary point of view.

Hear that? My material is passionate and well considered! Not at all like those nasty interview reviewers! *cough*

Aw, Fabe. I like you, even if your work does depress and infuriate me on occasion.

Where was I? Oh yes, nasty internet reviews!

Birds of Prey #126

Meh. Nothing special. Calculator does stuff, gets evil machine. Oracle's randomly in bandages again, even though she wasn't last issue. Well, there's Cass next ish! Hurray!

Oh wait, it's the last one. BOO!

2/5

Supergirl #37

Who would have thought Supergirl would be my best read of the week? Another solid issue, in art and writing. I especially loved Kara going up to the sun to greive and be in quiet. The Superwoman plot thickens!

4/5

Shit, I gotta do SOME homework today. I shall jet. Bye!

'bout time I got to reviews. Reviews, reviews, what the news!

The beginning of Christmas break may have made me unneccesarily hyper.

Since this is bound to be the longest, we'll start with...

DCU Holiday special!

After seeing the Huntress storyline on scans_daily, I knew I had to get this. And Oh my God, it was so worth it. It reminded me of why I love comics (something I desperately need these days) all the awesome characters.

The Huntress storyline was about Helena being socially aware and a good teacher and was drawn by Rafeal Albequerque, so naturally it was made of win. Sometimes it seemed a little after school special-y, but it was too well done to give it that overwhelming feeling it could have. I especially like that Hel pointed out how damaging the use of the word "retarded" is as an insult. I haven't used the word that way for years, and I reprimand people who use it that way. Same for "gay" as an insult, which generally means I'm reprimanding my fellow high school students ten times a day, but they'll thank me someday. Or not. Who cares?

A really cute Karl Kershel pin up with Kara playing Santa, then two stories featuring Aquaman and...super...Santa? That I found pretty "meh" so I won't comment on them. Then there was a rather beautifully illustrated short by Paul Dini to the tune of "Good King Wincelas". It was neat, because I played the song in my head while I looked at the art.

There was a story about no crime in Gotham during Xmas that was really sweet, even if it all turned out to be Oracle manipulating stuff.

And then there was Captain Boomerang and Tim both breaking into the balcony of "It's a Wonderful Life" (Apparently they can't bring themselves to watch the movie in civvies) cuz there dads like the movie and Nightwing delivering Tim a present. I totally love irony, and I totally love Nightwing and Robin's brotherly relationship. so I liked this, even if Owen didn't know his dad so it's innacurate. Maybe he's talking about his stepdad.

I liked the Blue Beetle one because it has Jaime being cute and nice (KAPOW!) and Ted saying "one punch!" even if the art made Jaime look fugly. I like heroic legacies.

Then there was the Teen Titans one, which I really REALLY liked, to my surprise. No, LOVED. First of all, the art was gorgeous (though it made Tim look hilariously emo) It reminded me of why I liked all these characters once (Well, I still like Jaime and Tim- despite the fact he's pretty batshit in his own book even right now...and of course Traci) Despite Tim's appearance (mostly in one panel he looked emo. Like, the style of clothes even) this story was like the anti emo.

Two characters started acting a little emo- Kid Devil (Jaime left him! All alone! How could you Jaime!) but in a funny way, then M'gann shows up to cheer him up (and it was completely adorable) and it turns out Jaime and Traci just abandoned him so they could buy him a ridiculous amount of video games for Christmas. (<3 Jaime and Traci. So much) Then Tim's all "The holdays remind me of all the people I've lost! Bart! (yay, he mentioned Bart. Bart is the new Steph in the DCU as far as being ignored by the ones supposedly mourning him) Conner! Dad! Ste-no, wait..."  Okay, he didn't say that last bit. But it wouldn't it have been hilarious if he did? Where was I...right, Tim just has to make the holidays depressing, and he's telling this to Cassie, who was just as close the Bart and Conner as he was, THANKS FOR REMINDING HER TIM. But then Tim's all like "Actually I'm grateful I'm still alive and able to do good, so I can like, honor their memories. That's really how the holidays make me feel."

Which IS SO ADORABLE. Cassie then hugs him, like I totally would.

Cassie is awesome in this by the way. She's all comforting to Tim, she digs apple sider, and she backhands a crook casually, going "Oh, SORRY, did that HURT?" I'm hoping this is a good sign, that her redemption will stick.

And the funny part is how Tim and Cass are all "Our team really sucks right now, doesn't it? "Yes it sure does." "Well, we seem to be sucking less right now." The story ends on a happy note, with Cassie and Tim more convinced the team will evolve into something better.

Teen Titans should be like this! This guy, Rex Cole, he should write Teen Titans.

Then we have a super cute and funny JLA story penciled by Kevin Maguire. It's great.

Then a Dr, Light (Kimiyo) story, which is really cool, with more amazingly beautiful art. I've always liked Kimiyo and she did a good show in this story. I especially like her explanation with taking on Dr. Light's name, that she wants to redeem it and show people that light can be beautiful.

Lovely, lovely special. So many warm fuzzies.

6/5!

Robin #181:

A good issue. Spoiler had a pretty good show, so I am pleased.

A couple things I'm annoyed with: Dick just leaving Tim all alone to handle a beserk Gotham WHILE HE IS SERIOUSLY INJURED. Way to go, Dick. I know there's like, Two Face in New York, but this is your little brother, who is clearly going batshit insane with stress (WE HAVE TO MANIPULATE THEM DICK ZOMG!!!) and has the WHOLE BACK OF HIS HEAD BURNT UP (seriously, Tim needs surgery or something. How will his hair grow back? At least the sideburns are gone. I'm no doctor, but burns like that don't magically heal on their own. Skin grafts, Tim. Lots of them.) IRRESPONSIBLE.

Of course, there's the logical argument Cass should be able to help, but she's busy getting harrassed by Dick. Maybe that's where he sped off to in such a hurry. "Look, I'd really love to help, Tim, but I have to go harrass Cassandra."

"Oh, okay. Tell her Steph said hi!"

Anyway, it feels like Steph's somewhat redeemed from the whole deception thing by this issue, since she further enforces it's Batman's crazy idea, and says she'll make it right. And then kicks people in the face. Steph kicking people always make me a happy clam.

And The General annoys the heck out of me. He's imitating Anarky AND Red Robin! Get a life! Fortunately, I think he's supposed to sort of suck. Still, I wanna kill him SLOWLY.

And now Tim get's his dramatic batlike showdown...wearing the Red Robin cowl. Fortunately, Fabian says the fashion choice is temporary. I HOPE it is.

4/5

Supergirl #36

Another good issue. I absolutely adore the cover. And Ingle's art in the interior.

Alura is a horrible person, but that's probably Kryptonite poisoning, and it's good conflict. Kara is a good person, and makes friends with the new Superwoman. What a twist! A good one, too.

4.5/5

Birds of Prey #125

No, Babs. Noooonoononononono...do not de-wheelchair and be Batgirl again. Do not! Bad Babs! Also, you didn't defeat the Joker because you forgot to turn on the security system, not because you're in a wheelchair.

Some nice Dinah and Babs interaction, and McDaniel's art is an improvement over O' Hares. The story was neat.

And I like the acknowledgement of how Babs has gotten sloppy lately, and at least some starting attempt to explain it.

3.5/5

Terra #4

<3 Amanda Conner. Lovely, cute art. The story...well, I kind of like the blood of the Astrogod myth. It's neat. The WIRness only gets worse, though it appears they are going to try to bring whatsername back to life...if cloning counts as back to life. But are they seriously going to erase Geoforce's memory of his time underground? WHY? I'll just pretend the panel never happened.

And I thought the interaction between PG and Terra was cute, if somewhat forced at times.


And I think it's always great to have a postive new heroine with a cool look, so glad I got the mini.

3.5/5

*Whew!* That's all!

I recently posted a Secret vs Spoiler thing on scans_daily and
bluefall bought up how she didn't like the relationship between them because of the deception involved.

And then I stopped and thought, why do I like it? I mean, a great chunk of it was Tim refusing to tell Steph who she was, and a lot of stalking and angriness. One reason could be they are hilarious together a lot, but they could easily be that as friends.

Another is, I don't like any of the other relationships Tim's been involved in- Tim and Ariana is boring, Tim and Wonder Girl is vomit worthy and Tim and Zoanne...well, I flipped through the trades of Adam Beechen's run and I saw Zoanne getting mad at Tim and his response to that was to pick her up and sling her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. Excuse me? Since when is that acceptable behaviour to engage in with your girlfriend? And he didn't put her down when she told him too either. If a guy did that to me, I would break up with him. (Well, more likely I'd flatten him, then break up with him). You do not take people places against their will because you're stronger, and when your girlfriend asks her to put her down YOU PUT HER DOWN.

Sorry, that just made me close that trade right up. At least Tim would never get away with that with Steph, she would kick him in the back of the head.

Where was I... Oh, right, well that's still not the best reason. So what's my real reason for liking Tim and Steph?

Then I realized- it's because I was introduced to them thru Jon Lewis.

Lewis had a dramatic shift happen in both Tim's character and their relationship. Tim became a lot more relaxed-and sarcastic. And he became totally devoted to Steph. There was very little deception between them anymore.

Dixon wrote the relationship sweetly at first- I really like the issue where they went on their first date, and Tim was a very good boyfriend to Steph throughout her pregnancy, taking her to lamaze classes (under the psuedonome of Alvin Draper) and calling her every day, and enlisting super powered help when he needed to get to her labor.

But then she (rightly) got torqued she didn't know his damn name, and she acted crazy and like an asshole and so did he and yaydayadayada. What most people remember about Tim and Steph is that he didn't tell her his name, and that was stupid.

Well, Dixon had them make up eventually and all was revealed (against Tim's will) annnnd then Lewis came on.

And Lewis decided that Tim and Steph would be comfortable with one another by now.

From an interview with Lewis I found on evenrobins I put on the wiki, he talk about Tim and Steph's relationship:

I guess it’s sort of solidified– they both feel like they’re in it “for real” now. They’re in that unique teenager state of feeling like they’re discovering THE REAL THING for the first time. The fact that they know each other’s identities and even work together sometimes as Robin and Spoiler has been a good thing in some ways for Tim - for the first time he has someone in his line of work who’s like a peer instead of an older sibling or a Dad. It’s kind of unified his Robin life and his normal life. But not having those halves compartmentalized has its downside, too. There are reasons for keeping your work life and private life separate. As for Steph, Tim’s the first really good boyfriend she’s had, and the first person she’s come to trust so totally that she can talk to them about anything. But she feels like the rest of the “Batman Family” don’t approve of her being Spoiler, and she wonders whether Tim agrees with them deep down and isn’t telling her.


And this attitude was reflected in the comics. Tim was really upset when he missed hanging out with Steph on her day off, meanwhile Steph spotted Tim hanging out with another girl, and though she wondered why he didn't tell her he was friends with her, she didn't freak out. (She did say to herself "He knows I'm not the jealous type!" Which is so hilariously untrue, it's...hilarious. Oh, Steph) And when Tim heard Steph has a cold, he made chicken soup for her!

Which is just the most adorable thing ever.

Oh, and the elevator boy had a crush on Steph, which made Tim a little jealous, which Steph (and I) thought was cute.

There were lines like "Cute girl. Nice freckles. Who cares? Steph rules."

DAMN straight, Tim!

Anyway, there was some minor conflict when Steph got inexplicably fired by Batman and BoP, but Tim clearly didn't support the decision and seemed to think she should continue. When Steph said she didn't wanna talk about it, he offered they just go out on a date and not talk about the superhero thing at all, just be Tim and Steph and not Robin and Spoiler. "It's like what we did at the beginning of our relationship, only reversed!" Oh, Tim. Don't point out to her how screwed up you guys are.

But then Steph's dad died. Tim called her when she didn't show for the date, several times, but she was hell bent on going out and beating up anyone she met, a natural reaction to greif, yep. She ended up tackling this moth man who was all superstrong, and in her blind raggggeee she got int over her head and Tim came to rescue her and was all "Get your hands off her or I swear to god I'll kill you."

I will sound weird when I thought that was sweet. Look how protective he is of her, he's threatening to kill people!

Ummm...

Okay, well, he doesn't lecture her or anything after saving her, he's basically like "Steph, this is not like you, why did you do that." And when she's all "I wanted to show my dad what a hero is!" He said "Um, no, you were acting out of anger and grief, Steph, it wasn't a heroic thing" and snapped her back to reality and all that. He had to leave her, but he felt really bad, and got all sulky in front of Dick. ("I'm gonna act like a pill for a while, okay?" "This is different from usual, how?" "Shut up!" Oh, those two.)

And then he took her out to eat mashed potatoes and when she told him her horrible story of being nearly raped he started crying a little! (and got angry at TEH WORLD, but she shut him down and reminded him this was about her. Jon Lewis is awesome like that.) How cute is that? Okay, I think weird things are cute! Then Steph was all "Yay, I treated you to the date from hell" and Tim was all "No I want you to tell me things I don't care if they are sad I want to help you get through them" and IT WAS SO ADORABLE.

Okay, deep breath.

Anyway, it wasn't without it's conflict. She lied to Tim, pretending she had made up with her mother and all when she hadn't. But eventually she told him (The cute thing was Tim thought she was going to tell him they were breaking up and started freaking out in his head. So when she was all "I lied to you, I'm sorry, this relationship is really important to me, please," he was all "HEY! She's not breaking up with me this is grea- Oh, wait she's been lying to me?") and he didn't care that he lied to her but took her home to her mom and mediated the conflict with his mad diplomacy skillz. And he thought to himself "I need Steph if I'm gonna stay sane."

Judging from what happened to his personality after she died, this may very well be true. Which means he should be returning to sanity, right? One can only hope.

Hmm. Maybe I'll do a scans_daily post of cute Steph/Tim moments. Should be easy, I already have most of the scans either in my Super Steph Upload or the wiki. scans_daily needs more cute. Whatcha guys think?

Anyway, rant over.

Woo. Lotsa stuff happenin'. I got into a stupid internet fight. I visited my brand new comic store again with my friend John, and got lotsa free stuff (A couple JLA bits- This JLA vs. The Crime Syndicate thing and and thise thingamajig right before IC (judging from the Omacs) where Batman was a huge dick and so was Green Arrow, but Black Canary was cool and there was this whiny Faith girl with a dead husband. Also, Elektra: The hand mini 3-5 which I haven't read yet) John took all the free stuff that was offered super seriously and got a giant box full (He doesn't have much money, his mom and him are on food stamps. I always pay for everything because of this, which I am happy to do). I'm thinking of getting John to be my boyfriend. He's perfect. But I have no idea how to seduce a man. Whenever I want to make a move, I freeze up. I'll think of something though, I know I must hurry before he's taken.

News from Fabian:

>>Saw the new solicit for Robin 183. It's cool Lady Shiva's going to guest star. Will there be any mention of her relationship with Cass?

No.

>>Also, will Steph be in the final issue? Will she have a home in any other title now that Robin is canceled? Will the issue set up a direction for her?

She will be in the final issue briefly. Her future direction is for future writers of Tim to determine.

>>And you know that if we asked questions about the issue on Wednesday you'd just say wait and see! But I'll give it a shot: Will the Red Robin/Tim and Stephanie/Scarab fights be happening seperately and concurrently, or will there just be a general melee between those four?

Wait and see.
Actually, the opening fight is very brief.

-- fabian

*droops at second question* Oh Steph, I am worried about you.

Hey, wouldn't it be great if the replaced Robin with a Batman family book? It could focus on the Tim, Cass and Steph and occasionally others and be brilliant! DC I WILL WRITE THIS CALL ME.

Cass is gonna be in the final issue of BoP which is good, but it's the final issue of BoP which is bad. *droops*

Also, she's not in BatO (Sorry, "The Outsiders") anymore it seems. *double droops*

Soooo, reviews! Including comics I don't normally get.

Booster Gold #14

A resounding "meh." Nothing of interest happened here. And where did Michelle go?

2/5

Action comicss #somethingorother

Pete Woods! EEEE! *cuddles his art* A decent issue. The General Lane plot is interesting, and Doomsday dude was dispatched with minimum annoyance.

3/5

Detective Comics #850

I got this when I saw thru Scans_daily the Alfred awesomeness at the beginning, and the Selina awesomeness at the end. It was a very good issue, and basically a parade of goodness. Alfred kicking ass, the T-Rex kicking ass (it was a robot, who knew? Not I.), Tim!Banter, Batman invoking the Edna Mode rule and Selina's REVVVVVEEENGE! Eeee, I love Catwoman so much. I also loved how she got Harley and Ivy and Oracle involved. Revenge of the kickass women! That's what you get for calling people gutter sluts, Hush!

I also liked the moment with Selina and Zatanna, it was very cute and I loved the art. Also, the moment with Bruce and Selina. I ship Bat/Cat, I'll admit. Selina being around somehow makes Bruce more tolerable, and it's sweet how he opens up (a little) for her.

So, yes, very glad I got it.

5/5

Nightwing #150

Got it for the Babs, and because it's #150. A nice issue, I really liked seeing Babs in a batbook again, the stuff between Dick and Two Face, and the pretty art. Also, Dick was awesome.

4/5

And, lastly, is this not adorable?



From http://vespertila.livejournal.com/119161.html

Hasta la vista for now!

Reviews for this week. Two comics and both are written by Gail Simone! And they're both good! She's amazing, this woman.

Wonder Woman #25

Okay, this was freaking hilarious. I didn't expect to see more of the Wonder Woman Movie from Hell, but all the sexist tropes and Diana's facepalming during it was GREAT. Oh, Hollywood.  And Gail managed to sneak some feminism in there too, as is WW's way. Why is it that people feel a belief in women equal as hatred of men? I can't look. DAMN STRAIGHT, Diana. Testify, sister!

And Diana is the MASTER OF THE AMBIDEXTRIOUS DUAL AX TECHNIQUE! Snow White wasn't, but wouldn't the story have been so much better if she had been? I vote Wonder Woman should replace Snow White. And any other female character in fairytales. Her answer to everything would be DUAL AXES! Big Bad Wolf? DUAL AXES! (After some sympathizing, of course. "I can choose to be like the wolf!) We don't need no damn woodsman! Wicked Stepmother? DUAL AXES! Dad tries to cut your hands off? DUAL AXES! Trapped in a tower? DUAL AXES! (They'd help. Somehow.)

Hee, Wonder Woman was just very witty this whole story in fact. "Straight to video" indeed. And then she put on those sunglasses. Just because she could and she's cool like that. And I love the gorillas so. "This film is nothing but a mishmash of better movies and cynical displays of human female fatty tissue!" Gail got all meta on us with the "Waiting for a while for a good movie is better than having a terrible one today." I guess she's saying Hollywood isn't ready to make a good WW movie? Because they're sexist douchbags? But that doesn't mean I'll stop bitching about it! They should be ready by now! It's the 21st century, dammit! I will not have a Green Arrow movie before my WW one! Travesty!

Whew.

Um, anyway, I also really loved the last scene, with the mother and the little girls. It was very Diana and showed how inspiring she was. But is she thinking of having kids? Because I can't see that working out. She's pretty busy. Unless the kid grew really fast and became her sidekick. If not, she's liable to give it up for adoption or have Nemesis send it to a monastary without telling her. Anyway, it also means it would have to be Nemisis's baby and that is just GROSS.

Anyway, 5/5

Secret Six #2

Oh, Catman and your wittisisms. Oh, Batman and your burrito eating. Oh, Ragdoll and your 73 pounds of awesome. Oh, Deadshot and your constant narrating on how screwed up your team mates are. Oh, Scandal and your burden as being the only vaguely sane one on the team. Oh, Bane and your gentlemanlyness.

Did I cover them all? Oh, there's Mammoth and his screaming "NOT ON MY WATCH THING!" That was great. Also, the new villian extracted himself from the box and showed he could stand with aid, but his legs look limp and noodly. I wonder what his deal is. Maybe he's Ragdoll's dad! No, probably not, but that's what I thought when I saw the legs.

It was very good. Great Nicola Scott art and tons of fun as usual.

5/5

And now I must gush about the Mask of Phantasm and Batman: Subzero.

SPOILERS!

( Gushing )

'k, well enough gushing. Signing off!

There has been some news in the comic world of late I'd like to comment on in some sort of didactic rant. The most exciting, being was my priorities are, is Lego Spoiler:

( She looks badass even as a Lego. )

 

Seriously, why? I am a freaking masochist. Well this ends now. I am done. Cassandra let two people be killed RIGHT NEXT TO HER. And then continued to WORK WITH the person who did it. NO SENSE IT MAKES.

Also, Rose owns her. Again. WHY.

Also, apparently Nightwing is willing to yell at Babs and...and manhandle Misfit for trying to defend the freaking Clocktower (why would Charlie not recognize Nightwing anyway?) I mean, this is Dick Grayson, who is supposed to be all nice and sane and crap, putting a plucky teenage girl in an armbar. WTF DICK. That is even more OOC than his paranoid rant to Cassandra. Okay, no, it's not.

And he was rude to Babs! Not acceptable!

Adam Beechen should never get near Dick Grayson or Cassandra Cain again ever.

That is all.

0.5/5

Robin #178

Why the sideburns, Tim. Aside from that, decent issue, though a few things bothered me.

Stephanie asking Tim why he is at school when there's a gang war going on is really stupid when you consider she is in school WITH him. Seriously, Tim's answer should have been "why are you?" Gotham needs all hands on deck. Also, oddly snippy after that too about Officer Harper. Why is that a problem? Maybe she's just pissed off at him for the emo.

Ragman's really cool. And I enjoyed Tim being all jealous of Nightwing randomly entering on the motorcycle. I mean, it wasn't in a snippy way, it was like "I wish I could be all style...ful like Dick. But I would kill myself. And he does it without even trying! Oh well." It's a totally human thing, and reminds me of Robin #12 when due to Zero Hour Tim met up with li'l Dick and Dick did this freak acrobatic move and Tim was all "would kill myself doing that! It comes so naturally to him! :O" And then sighs and gets out the grappling hook to follow him.

Meanwhile, Steph's still up to her mysterious plan, which involves flirting with the General. Which makes me pretty sure she's undercover. Steph's a bit of a flirt, but, um, not in the "you grew up real nice" way. Unless she's just being badly written.

Also, another thing was as soon as they cut to her they still had Tim's thought box going "Who else in the city thinks like I do?" (Tim's trying to figure out a way to stop the gang war other than randomly beating up people) Clearly, Steph is! Thinking like he does. Unless that meant the General, since his map he was using was all identical to Tim's.

And her "Robin" plan conflicts with the generals "Robin" plan, which means it must be to help Tim. Why she would go to one of Tim's villians to help him, I have no idea. Maybe it's referring to Red Robin mysterious guy. *gasp* I have it! Steph is Red Robin! Heh.

Oh, right and it ends with General shooting at Spoiler, along with the obligatory pun ("spoil your plans"). Obviously she's not getting shot, so this means next issue will include Steph kung fu! She'll get out of the way and kick the gun out of his hand! Oh yeah! I love seeing Steph beat people up! She will have to win the fight too, in order to get away. Unless she becomes damsel in distress. That better not happen. I will be pissed off if it does. Considering Fabian's low opinion of Steph's combat abilities, now I'm afraid it will.

Damn it, I need the next issue. To figure out Steph's plan, and see her kick some ass! Hopefully.

Comics, you torture me so!

4/5


Birds of Prey...actually I skimmed that, so I can't review it right now.

Anyway. I spent the day hanging out with my friend John. The workload of Senior year is getting major, so I may be on here less. No more posting ten times a day for me!

I can't believe I have to wait another month for Robin. I will hurt something if things go badly in Steph-land, I tells ya.

Okay, signing off.

andrensath whose lj I was scrolling because they friended me, got Spoiler on this quiz and I got...

which batman character are you? created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as Spoiler You are Spoiler. As Stephanie you're always setting out to prove yourself, and given any kind of encouragement, you tend to take it as blanket permission for being considered an expert. You're really only trying to help, but you're often left out of the loop (which you freaking hate) so it usually backfires on you. You're not stupid, though you sometimes act like it - you're just a little new at this. Sadly, it doesn't look like you really get the perspective you need until it's too late.   Spoiler 70% Dick 58% Barbara 55% Jason 55% Batgirl 48% Alfred 43% Robin 43% Batman 35%

...Spoiler! Though I may have been subconciously aiming to get her. Who knows. I am amused by random quizzes, they are fun.

Hah, I got Batman the lowest. And Dick as second, that's weird. And I am 55% Jason! Beware my murderous ways!

(some of the questions amused me. "Do you have an aversion to crowbars?" Yeah,  I wonder who that is. "Would you make and excellent stalker?" That's pretty much everyone, isn't it? Except possibly Alfred. But Tim most of all, that creepy little stalker boy.

Anyway, I finally framed and hung my Spoiler commissions. They sit proudly on my wall so I may stare at them googly eyed.

That is all.

As usual, I am screwing around on the Internet instead of reading The Awakening for AP English/working on my application/working on scholarships/working on my Senior Exit Project. It's really inevitable, I'm a classic procrastinator in everything. I think it's just part of the human condition.

I'm supposed to write an essay on a recent book that's impacted my life. I haven't had much time have been too lazy and hyperdistracted to read lately, so there's Pride and Prejudice (which was great, but didn't impact me) and...comic books. Heh. Imagine if I turned in an essay about Robin #174 for my college application. "Stephanie came back and OHMY GOD it gave my life meaning and sparkle again and made me realize, yes, sometimes people listen and women are dragged out of refridgerators, and I WAS A PART of annoying editorial into permitting this and now I can change my website and blog to my hearts content and speculate and..."

Wait, I just realized. I read Trickster's over the summer! Yeah, I can say that impacted my life! I can go on about the strongness and epicness of Aly and how it renewed my faith in humanity!

Thank you, LJ for this epiphany!

And my Senior Exit is going to be on "Yellow Wallpaper." I really wanted to do it on Wonder Woman but apparently my psycho AP teacher says it HAS to do with LITERATURE. I doubt I'd have much of a chance convincing her that WW is literature. My Women's History teacher Ms. Williams, says she would let me if she were my teacher, but she's not psycho like Ms. Pumphrey, so...

Anyway, enough about school, reviews now.

Blue Beetle #31:

Another decent, if not Jon Rogers level, issue. *sigh* Wish Rogers would come back plz. BUT, this was good, and I laughed a lot at it. "I defeated you...WITH SCIENCE!" And there was Brenda and Paco so all it well.

("I PWN you!" "So that's how that's pronounced.")

(ALSO PACO IS THE BLUE BEETLE HEE)
4/5

Teen Titans Year One

Though this issue was kind of random, the art remains so freaking awesome it could have been complete crap writing and I would have loved it. Fortunately, it was written well, in a hallucinogenic nightmare kind of way. Poor Dick and the graveyards in his head.

"You're very disturbed, Robin." Oh, Wally, I love you.

Also, Batman fails at IM's. Ha! But he is NICE and NEEDS Dick to come home, My God, that is adorable.

In all, I really like this series, and it SO pwns the regular titles, so much it is not even funny!
4.5/5

Runaways #1 (AGAIN)

Decent. I'm actually surprised by how much I like Ramos's art. I liked it on Impulse too (except for that one issue with Jessie Quick!nipples which I did not need scarring my mind, thank you) but it's even more dynamic here. Though I ask Christina, why does Vic suddenly have black hair?

It's not nearly as good as the Vaughn issue, but Moore is still finding his legs, so I'll give him a chance. It's a nice read so far, if not feeling me with undefinable happiness or making me cry so far like the old series did so well...*sigh*

3.5/5

S'all for tonight!

So I have to review like 50 comics or something.

Or maybe just...*counts* ...seven. Okay, that's not so bad.

I'm back from my trip! Ooh, I can't resist this meme millinium rex posted.

You know the deal here. Pick ten characters, either of your original creation or ten characters from one of your favorite fandoms, and list them out 1-10. Then answer the following questions. DON'T LOOK AT THE QUESTIONS BEFORE YOU PICK YOUR CHARACTERS - you'll ruin the whole game.

1. Cass Cain

2. Stephanie Brown

3. Barbara Gordon

4. Linda Danvers

5. Bart Allen

6. Jaime Reyes

7. Tim Drake

8. Diana Prince

9. Dick Grayson

10. Alfred Pennyworth

1. Four invites eight to dinner at their house. What happens?

Linda invites Diana to her house. Well, clearly, they would get along great. They would chat about having complicated origins and all that...until the inevitable "Let's fight each other and see who wins!" Wally (God) would give Linda her angel powers back for this for fun and she's suddenly go into judgement mode and they'd have a religious debate along with the fist fight and inevitably the whole block would be demolished.

2. Nine tries to get Five to go to a strip club.

Dick Grayson tries to get Bart Allen to go to a strip club.

Well, clearly something criminal is going on at this strip club. It's actually a front for a drug operation or something. Dick convinces Bart to come, because he's lonely, and then they get attacked by naked samurai women. Dick pretends not to enjoy it, and Bart is just confused. He asks Dick over and over again what prostitutes are, which is awkward. In the end, Bart ends up destroying the entire bar running after Nightwing, who is trying to escape giving "the talk". The drugs are destroyed, and Dick makes a mental note to bring Tim next time instead.


3. You need to stay at a friend’s house for a night. Who do you pick, one or six?

Oh god such a hard choice...Steph, purely because she might be more willing to do illegal things. Plus she could teach me martial arts and stuff. Jaime would be tons of fun too.

4. Two and Seven are making out. Ten walks in. What is their reaction?

Tim and Steph are making out, Alfred walks in. He would not be surprised at all, and would probably leave politely, but mock them both later.

5. Three falls in love with six. Eight is jealous. What happens?

Babs falls in love with Jaime. Diana is jealous. BUT OF WHO? She suggests a threesome inevitably. Jaime is uncomfortable with this and bows out. Babs is worried Wonder Woman will crush her between her Wonder thighs. Editorial insists Diana stay a virgin. All are heartbroken.


6. Four jumps you in a dark alleyway. Who comes to your rescue, Two, Seven or Ten?

This confuses me. Who comes to my rescue or who would I want to? Would I want them to because I would be more likely to be saved? Or because I like them? Tim would most likely be in the position come to my rescue, and I guess he's the one I'd trust the most to save me. Steph would be the one most willing to jump into the fight without a second thought.  I'd like Steph to come so we could trade witty remarks. Alfred would be interesting. I'm not sure if ANY of them would fare well against Linda?

7. One decides to start a cooking show. Fifteen minutes in, what’s happened?

It would be called "Cass Cooks" and end in flames and horror.


8. Three has to marry Eight, Four or Nine. Who do they chose?

Babs has to marry Wonder Woman, Dick Grayson or Linda Danvers.

I guess Dick Grayson, since they have a history. Being married to Wonder Woman would probably irk Babs because Diana's so powerful and they are on vastly different perspectives and playing feilds, and Linda and Babs...I don't even know how those two would get along.

9. Seven kidnaps Two and demands something from Five for Two’s release. What is it?

Tim...kidnaps Steph...and demands something from...Bart.

Clearly Tim has been pumped full of Slade's Crazy Juice TM, leading to insane plans and evil monologues. He would demand Bart give him Cassie so he could have two blonde love slaves and make them fight when he feels like it. Bart is just confused because he barely knows Steph and how is he supposed to make Cassie do anything? While Tim and Bart argue, Steph, having figured her way out of being tied up, kicks Tim in the back of the head, drags him to the Batcave and gives him the antidote. All is well.

10. Everyone gangs up on Three. Does Three have a snowball’s chance in hell?

Please. It's Babs. Of course she does. SHE KNOWS ALL.

11. Everyone is invited to Two and Ten’s wedding except for Eight. How do they react?

Diana is obviously not invited to Steph and Alfred's wedding because she is the priest. She finds the pairing a bit unorthodox, but she is open to love of all types and happily presides.

12. Why is Six afraid of Seven?

Why is Jaime afraid of Tim? The way Tim is acting in Teen Titans right now, Jaime is deathly afraid his leadership will get them all killed.


13. One arrives late for Two and Ten’s wedding. What happens, and why were they late?

Cass has figured out Steph and Alfred are both Skrulls from their body language and rescued the real Steph and Alfred, kept in a giant spaceship near Gotham. As a result, the wedding turns into a giant kung fu fight, and Cass has fun.


14. Five and Nine get roaring drunk and wind up at your place. What happens?

I try to take advantage of Bart, with him being so damn cute and all, I can't resist. Nightwing stops me, and I slap him several times in revenge and then mock him about his old costume and fetish for red heads. In a drunken rage Nightwing calls Batman. I hide under the bed and yell at Bruce from the safe haven about how he treated Cass. Bruce is mad at Dick for taking up his time and takes them both home. I manage to get Barts autograph before they leave.

15. Nine murders Two’s best friend. What does Two do to get back at them?

Dick murders Steph's best friend...Cass? How did that happen? At any rate, Steph is very enthusiastic in her revenge, which involves dismemberment and gasoline. Tim is devastated when he finds out, but gets over it when Steph distracts him with hot threesome sex with her and Bart.

16. Six and One are in mortal danger, and only one of them can survive. Does Six save themselves or One?

Jaime saves Cass. He's far too good of a person not to.

17. Eight and Three go camping. For some reason, they forget to bring any food. What happens?

Diana offers to fly off and get food, but Babs, irate, yells that she's perfectly capable of getting food for herself. When Diana isn't looking, she uses her laptop to get food airmailed to them. Diana totally realizes this, but pretends not to, and commends Barbara's camping saavy.

18. Five is in a car crash and is critically injured. What does Nine do?

Bart in a car crash. Dick uses the medical resources available to help Bart, and calls every healer he knows, as well as Tim and Wally. Things are fixed in no time.

Woo! Babs's turn!

Now, even though Steph is probably my favorite character, I will say without hesistation that Babs is probably one of the most fascinating and inspirational characters DC has. She certainly has a lot of history. She also has the most interesting wikipedia entry. Seriously, read it sometime, it's cool.