DC Reboot and Digitalization

Hey guys! I've been feeling inspired lately, so I've been bombarding Swank-mo-tron over at Big Shiny Robot. I wrote an article this morning regarding DC's reboot and digitalization plans, so you should head over there and take a peek!

Click: HERE  to read all about it! :-)

Carly's Thoughts on the End of Smallville

 Okay, so I just finished up the "Smallville" finale. I've been reading a ton of reviews of the final episode all over the internet, and for the most part, the finale was seemingly widely regarded as garbage. I disagree by taking the stance of "Well, what were you expecting?".

I've been a "Smallville" watcher for years now. I've seen every episode. The finale wasn't disappointing to me, because thanks to all the previous years of watching, I had set my expectations set pretty low. I'm a comic book nerd, and as a comic book nerd I felt it was my duty to watch "Smallville". I would even go so far as to say that "Smallville" helped shape my nerdiness, as I was all but a sophomore in high school when it premiered. There were a few ups to the show, and definitely some downs as well, but why trash the finale if you've been watching it all along?

Over the years there are a bunch of things I liked. I like the fact that Lynda Carter (the original Wonder Woman) played Chloe's mom. I like the fact that Helen Slater (the original Supergirl) played Laura El (Superman's mom), and the fact that Terry Hatcher, who played Lois Lane in "The New Adventures of Superman", was cast as Lois' mom in "Smallville". There were appearances by Dean Cain and Christopher Reeves, which I though was also an awesome tip of the hat to Superman.  I also like that we got to see a variety of characters from the DC universe. We saw The Flash, Aquaman and Mera, Blue Beetle and Booster Gold, Jimmy Olsen, Supergirl, Black Canary, Hawkman (and the other members of the JSA), Darkseid, Zod, and the obvious Lex Luthor, Green Arrow, as well as countles others. The show allowed me to pay attention, but at the same time not. I have enjoyed the show, but I'm not quite sure how much I'll miss it.

The bad things about "Smallville" to me include things like Lana Lang (whom I felt to be the most irritating character of all time), lack of acting ability, the fact that Superman is called "The Blur", and the fact that after 10 years of waiting, we have to wait until the last 5 minutes of the series to watch Superman suit up and actually fly. The CG on that suit was sooooo bad.  I have no idea what they were thinking.

The series finale was like any other episode of "Smallville". It didn't peak nor lose my interest. It was just kind of bland, like most every other episode. I mean, if you put all of the truly awesome episodes of "Smallville" together, you'd barely have a whole season, so there are some huge amounts of filler episodes in there.

I don't want to give anything away in the finale, so I'm leaving this all pretty vague. Basically, if you're like me, the bar is already set pretty low, so chances are, you won't be terribly disappointed, but you won't be elated either. The series had a great run, and a good ending, and I wasn't left wanting more, so all and all it was a pretty good ride.

Wacky Wednesday: Justice League XXX Edition!

Okay, sooooo, this may be considered a little NSFWish based on content. There will be a video, but it's totaly work safe.

So, apparently there is a new porn studio in town, and their specialty is going to be XXX comic book parodies! I know all you nerds are pretty excited! Not going to lie, they did a pretty good job with the costumes. Once you watch the video you'll notice a cameo from Mr. Ron Jeremy as The Penguin, whose make-up is totally great! I mean, these guys have come of the cos players I know beat hands down.

The first movie that they are putting out is "The Justice League: A XXX Parody", and for those of you who are Marvel fans, don't fret because they are putting out an Avengers movie soon as well! Below is the trailer for "Justice League: A XXX Parody", please do enjoy!



To visit the Extreme Comixxx website, click HERE

Slacker Sunday!

Hello everyone! Apologies for not posting last night, The Editor and I are both super sick and restricted to the confines of the bedroom. I hope y'all understand. Anyhoo, for your entertainment and enjoyment, here are some "I'm a Marvel, I'm a DC" videos for you to enjoy! Hope you have a great week!

Wacky Wednesday: Batman: The Brave and the Bold Edition

Today's weird wacky thing comes from a recent re-airing of an episode of Batman: The Brave and the Bold. In this episode the lovely Birds of Prey end up having to sing their way out of a night club. Obviously, the song they chose to sing is about wangs. Yup. The girls are singing about the ol' gentlemen sausage, and ranking everyone from Batman to Aquaman. I found this fabulous video of the song in question, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Comic Recommendation of the Week: Superman: Earth One

 Superman: Earth One is yet another retelling of the origins of Superman. However, instead of discussing the "early years" of Clark Kent the story begins when Clark is 20. The story begins with Clark moving to Metropolis and trying to find a job. He applies at numerous places where his skills can be utilized (solving complex equations for laboratories, trying out for professional sporting teams, etc.), but all he really wants is to be a journalist for The Daily Plant.

After Perry White tells him that they're not looking for anyone, Clark becomes depressed. He calls his mother and begins talking about his "identity crisis" with her. Like any good mother, Martha tells Clark that he should do whatever makes him happiest, she'll be proud of him no matter what. We find out through this conversation that Clark is not only struggling with his work life, but he is also having a hard time figuring out where he fits in everyday human life. Martha explains that she and his father had always discussed the day when the world would need him, but exposing himself for what he is had to be a decision that he made himself. During this discussion we also find out that John and Martha found Clark while hiking in the woods one day. During their hike they came across a crash site, and found the baby. They passed the baby off as Martha's nephew, so there was no need to explain here he came from.

The next day on a military base, Major Sandra Lee is inspecting debris found from Clarks crash site from years ago, which has been regenerating and repairing itself over the last 20 years. As this is happening, Clark learns that his apartment is on fire, and he goes to grab his "costume" his mother made him out of the blanket he was found wrapped in. When Clark exits the apartment, he is knocked unconscious, and suddenly memories of Krypton, fill his head, including the memory of when his birth parents said goodbye, and Krypton was destroyed.

Cue the evil attacking aliens lead by Tyrell. Tyrell was from a planet (Dehron) that had always been in competition with Krypton, until the day came when Dehron "assassinated" Krypton. When the planet of Dehron was informed of Clark's escape, Tyrell was sent out to destroy the last son of Krypton.

Flash forward, Clark kicks some serious alien butt, the world is saved (for now), and Clark Kent manages to get the interview of a lifetime with Superman, which lands him the job at The Daily Planet.

I thought this was an amazing retelling of the story. The story itself, combined with the artwork made for one completely unboring, very exciting version of a story that we've heard a million times.

This was the first issue of DC's now ongoing series "DC: Earth One", which is basically an updated retelling of your favorite superheroes origins made for a new generation of readers. I, for one, will be purchasing all of them as they come out. But don't take my word for it! (Sorry, couldn't resist, since Lavaar Burton was on Community this week)

Review Time with Evan T.

Review time! Review time! Who dey gonna find to review? Evan T!

Superman/Shazam!: The Return of Black Adam is the latest in the DC animated originals. Unlike the previous entries Superman/Shazam!: The Return of Black Adam is a combination of shorts. The previously unreleased Superman/Captain Marvel story headlines and shines all over.

The animation is smooth and crisp. It is slightly stylized to me. A marriage of traditional american hero animation and japanese anime. Here's the kicker: It's neither. It's Korean. The story is an origin story for the good captain. Simple storytelling in the classic four color style, it's a really enjoyable watch.

One of my favorite parts of the animated short is a truly inspired bit of casting. Arnold Vosloo (you may know him as the mummy Imhotep from The Mummy films, Zartan from G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra or our supremely geeky reads will know him as the titular hero Darkman from the two darkman sequels) as Black Adam. I wouldn't have thought of it but seeing it in action it seems so simple. I even believed that Black Adam looked like he was given some subtle cues of Mr. Vosloo in the animated character. Really good stuff. I have yet to be disappointed by DC's animation.

The rest of the DC Showcase animated shorts: DC Showcase: The Spectre, DC Showcase: Jonah Hex, and DC Showcase: Green Arrow are all fantastic. They were included in previous releases as extras and are all collected here in extended versions. I felt that all of them are fantastic and I really wish they were full length, especially the Green Arrow one. Knocked my socks off.

I totally recommend this purchase to anyone who might not have the other shorts on their parent discs and even if you do, you will find something for you on this compilation. There are some commentaries on all the shorts and a few Bruce Timm selections from Batman: The Animated Series, Batman: The Brave and The Bold and Justice League: Unlimited that correspond with the stars of the shorts. Give it a shot and you will not be disappointed.

Batman: Under the Red Hood

Happy Saturday everyone! Hope you're all having a great day! The Editor has the flu, so we've just been catching up on movies and video games and whatnot all day. We just finished "Batman: Under the Red Hood" and it's definitely another winner by DC.

Following in the animated awesomeness that is "Wonder Woman" and "Green Lantern: First Flight", this movie does not disappoint. Sure, it kinda makes you wish it was live action, but the Warner/DC animation studio do a great job. It follows the Batman comic story lines form "A Death in the Family" and "under the Hood".

The story takes place in Gotham 5 years after Robin (Jason Todd Robin) was killed by The Joker. There is a new villain in town, and he calls himself The Red Hood. Batman soon finds out that some things from his past aren't dead, and he has to figure out a way to save the day, and save his friend.

Featuring voice talents such as Jensen Ackles, Neil Patrick Harris and Joe DiMaggio, this movie is great for all of you Batman fans out there.

Gotham City Sirens

Good day everyone! Sorry for skipping out on the posting yesterday, I get super busy this time of year, like I'm sure you all do! The last two day have been all about Christmas music, wrapping presents and doing holiday things.

Today's post is about one of my favorite comics currently, "Gotham City Sirens". GCS is an awesome story about Harley Quinn, Catwoman and Poison Ivy living together.

Basically, the girls are trying to leave behind their life of crime, and start new lives. The dialogue is very witty, and easy to follow. Paul Dini is the author of this series, and if you know anything about me, you know that he is one of my all-time favorite writers, and he does not disappoint in this series.

 Poison Ivy is the seductress, Harley Quinn is the (still) joker-loving-Barbie wanna be-batshit crazy blond we all know and love, and Catwoman is the glue that holds them together. Whether it's working out an issue with the pet hyena's (yeah, I said hyena's) or trying to figure out a missing persons case, this comic is perfect for any girl who wants a story about kick-ass villainesses, or any boy who likes naughty chicks in tight clothes. In other words, I recommend this to EVERYONE, as it is sure to become one of your new favorites.

P.S. I know I left the plot line very vague, but after the whole "Please stop ruining Walking Dead for me" thing, I don't want to accidentally give up any spoilers! ;-)

Zatanna!

Hey everyone! Over the past weekend, I read "Zatanna", up to the current issue. Below are a few likes and dislikes about the book.

Zatanna Zatara is a powerful sorceress, who moonlights as a magician. Previously a member of the JLA, the new series is independent of the JLA. The story mentions her being a part of the JLA, but doesn't go any further than simply mentioning it. Her talents are genetic, coming from her father, who was a very powerful sorcerer.

I dig that Paul Dini wrote the story. Paul Dini is easily one of my favorite writers. Other projects he's worked on include: "Gotham City Sirens" and "Streets of Gotham". Having loved Dini's work for so long, I was a little bored with his work on "Zatanna".

I love "Batgirl" and "Gotham City Sirens" because the characters are very relatable. Even though they're crime fighters (or former villains) these girls are funny. They gossip and they backstab, and they make mistakes. Zatanna makes mistakes, but they're not really anything I care about. Below is wikipedia's explanation of the story line.


Now no longer an active member of the JLA, Zatanna is asked by officer Dale Colton to help her solve a murder case at a restaurant frequented by mobsters. Zatanna informs Dale that the murderer was a powerful sorcerer known as Brother Night, who rules the supernatural crime scene in San Francisco. After Zatanna shows up at Night's demonic nightclub and threatens him, he responds by calling upon a powerful demon for help in taking her down

Maybe it's not the story that I'm not interested in, maybe its the supernatural element that I'm not interested in. I mean, as far as her powers go, I love it. She has the ability to get into people's heads, and to cast spells on just about everything. I don't care about the supernatural part though. There are demons that cast "shape shifting" spells on aliens and demons that make them look like people, and I think that is weird. Lol. I really like sci-fi, but I don't like it in this capacity. I'm not even sure if that makes sense. I like my superheroes being a super human version of myself. I don't like my superheroes fighting weird dream monsters. It's certainly an interesting story, it's just not for me.

Like it or not, she sure is nice to look at.

Just to Clear the Air About the Whole "Marvel Thing"....

*Sigh*

Let me begin by saying that I never said I didn't like Marvel. Never ever did I say that. I do have some feminist issues with things over at both Marvel and DC, but at no point did I say I didn't like Marvel. I prefer DC to Marvel for the most part, but I also prefer Image to DC, but that doesn't mean I don't like DC. I'm open to anything in the comic world, really. When it really comes down to it, I do like the more independent stories (Fables, Y the Last Man, The Walking Dead, Air, The Unwritten, Sweet Tooth) more and I don't know why. I've never been a big "capes" girl. The X-Men were my first exposure to comics, and they hold a big place in my heart, and I guess part of the reason I get so "razzed up" about Marvel, it's that when they make a movie, I don't think they don't do the characters or the stories justice (up until Iron Man). The Editor thinks I'm getting upset, and I assure you I'm not. I just want it to be known that I never said I didn't like Marvel.

There seems to be some confusion in what I said about Marvel movies. If you go back and read the post "More DC/Marvel BS" all I say is basically that I PERSONALLY feel like DC movies have more drama and Marvel movies have more explosions. Yeah, I slam Stan Lee, but that's only because I think he's a dick. At the end of the day, I think they're both just fine. What it came down to for me was I PERSONALLY preferred one over the other. I also finished that post by saying how disappointed I was that both companies were throwing away characters that would be appealing to me, personally. If you did happen to take notice of the Halloween and Comic Con Pictures, you'll also notice that I was dressed up as a Marvel character for both.

I hated her so much that I HAD to BE her!!!

In the post that opened the floodgates (I <3 DC Comics) the only place I can see people thinking I was "slamming" Marvel is when I compared "Marvel Divas" to "Gotham City Sirens". As far as that goes, all I have to say is this: I own the first issue of both comics. You read them and tell me which one is the bigger piece of shit.

In closing, when it comes to comics I am an equal opportunity employer. I love Rogue, Emma Frost and Ms. Marvel just as much as I love Batgirl, Catwoman and Harley Quinn. When it comes to ensembles, I actually prefer the X-Men to the JLA. That does in no way mean that I don't like DC. Content is content, and if I like your story, I like your story, if I don't I don't. End of story.

Below is further photographic proof that I have no beef with Marvel.

A series of pics of Marvel characters proudly displayed in the Nerdatorium.

The lunchbox I keep my spare derby wheels in.

Thursday Throwdown feat. Evan T.!

Hot Nerd Thursday is being pushed off this evening, because we have more pressing issues over here at Carly on Comics. Evan T. has finally decided to rebuttal my Marvel/DC post from last week. Below is a series of e-mails passed back and forth between he and I this morning. YOU can tell US who the winner is... Please do enjoy.

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To: Carly
From: Evan
Subject:  :-P
Sent November 11, 2010 at 10:13 AM

Listen. I have stood by as the main writer for this site has slandered the good name of marvel for too long.  No more. The glorious company that I have loved for going on twenty plus years now has been demeaned and I will stand for it no longer. It is time. Marvel Rebuttal.

The first post that Carly had mentioned how she likes DC (Stands for Douchey Comics) more than Marvel. Don't get her wrong, she is a pretentious indy comic reader, for sure, but if she does read those silly mainstream books she reads mostly DC. First of all, let me just drop a bomb of truth on you boss: If Marvel and DC didn't have the mainstream juggernauts like they do they independent scene would not exist. So, yeah.

Secondly, Carl says she enjoys the stronger, more stand alone female characters. Then references that Ms. Marvel, Emma Frost and Rogue are members of groups. Hmm, introducing female characters in mainstream, popular comic teams is bad? To have these characters reach a larger reading group? Oh, that's bad? Ok. I started picking Ms. Marvel after having seen her in an Avengers story and loved her book. What about She-Hulk? She's not a good female character. She is a secretary. Oh wait, she's a lawyer and one of the more powerful heroes in the Marvel Universe? Oh. Elektra has always been a strong character and risen in popularity and prestige the last couple of years. I wont mention Jewel, Mokingbird, Spider-Woman, Scarlet Witch, Maria Hill, Firestar, Jocasta, Wasp, Black Widow, Sharon Carter, Valkyrie, Stature, Hawkeye (Kate Bishop), Karolina Dean, Nico Minoru, Gertrude Yorkes, Molly Hayes, Songbird, Moonstone, Colleen Wing, Misty Knight, Photon, Lyja, Invisible Woman, Namorita, She-Thing, Mudusa, Ronin/Echo, Vindicator or ANY of the about 30 mutant female characters because they are a part of a group.
   
Then Carlifornia sites Catwoman (Batman's Rogues Gallery and only got her own book due to the "Bad Girls" craze of the ninties), Zatanna (Long time JLA member) and Supergirl (Long time mess in the DC universe. Clone? Angel? Actual Kryptonian? Who knows). The only one I would have coincided is Wonder Woman. Easily the strongest female character in either universe.
   
I don't know what a female reader is looking for and I am sure it is difficult to relate. Neither of these companies have flawless records with integrating in Female, African American, Latino, Native American or disabled super characters. I will say they have made huge steps over the last couple of years, though. To say DC does it better offended the Marvel Zombie in me. Make mine Marvel.

P.S. - The majority of DC characters are super idealistic humans who then have every super power ever. As if they were created by the kid on the playground who always had the anti-bullet shield when playing guns. Marvel's characters are flawed from jumpstreet and not everyone of them could reverse the rotation of the Earth to go back in time (REALLY DC???). :) Hugs Chief. 


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To Evan
From Carly
Subject: :-P
Sent: November 11, 2010 at 10:53 AM

Superman is flawed. Sure, he may be bulletproof, but he is left with the burden of being the savior of mankind. He is the last of his kind as far as he knows. He's an orphan who was sent to save the world. Like that isn't pressure? What about Batman? Batman watched his parents get murdered in front of him, which has left him an emotional retard. He also has the burden of knowing that anyone who has contact with the batman is putting themselves in harm (remember "The Killing Joke"?). Elektra wouldn't be around if it weren't for Daredevil. Namorita wouldn't be around if not for Namor. She-Thing? Same thing. She-Hulk? Exactly. These women are not "unique" characters. Same as X-23 being the female counterpart to Wolverine. Just because you put a vagina on it doesn't make it all better. I'm just defending myself because I feel like I'm getting unfairly attacked. Not to go all feminist on you, but you're not a girl, so you don't know what it's like to love something the way I love comics, and then come to the conclusion that the two biggest companies (Marvel and DC) really don't give a shit what the female audience thinks. I mean, not to bash on "kids today", but who the hell do girls have to look up to these days? Kim Kardashian? Paris Hilton? Girls are being told that its okay to be airheaded assholes and exploit their bodies because it may lead to them being famous someday. Famous for doing nothing. What it comes down to for me is not Marvel/DC, it comes down to sexism and role models. I understand that Marvel has created some female characters who are original (Rogue, Storm), and don't have a male counterpart, but the majority of them don't. I'm not saying that being a vigilante is a great idea, because teamwork is great too, but for crying out loud, girls should have more than one comic book role model that they can name. I'm not giving DC a whole lot of leeway here either. I mean, even if they do have stand alone women characters, they still objectify the hell out of them. I'm not saying that introducing characters as part of a team is bad, but even my beloved Ms. Marvel is the counterpart of Captain Marvel. I'm fully aware of this. I didn't go on a killing spree and attack anyone personally. In my mind (and it could be different for everyone on the planet, and I understand that) DC movies are more dramatic, Marvel movies are more action packed. Yee haw. They both have something to offer the audience. I'm simply saying that my PERSONAL taste is in DC movies. That is all. I don't think that my personal opinion warrants being called an elitist. Yeah, I do like independent comics. So fucking what? At the end of the day, all I'm saying is that as a girl, I think we could use more Wonder Woman in the world.

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To: Carly
From: Evan
Subject:  :-P
Sent: November 11, 2010 at 11:00 AM

Are you angry? Because we are talking about comics. And i don't want you yo be angry. It seems like your main argument so much about strong female role models which is an entirely different thing which I agree about and am not happy about. I want my nieces to have more strong female role models. But then I can give them a comic and they can see there are more to female characters than being Batmans girlfriend. Much love chief. Also female super heroes are useless one week a month.

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Thoughts and comments are welcome. End communication

Wizarding Wednesdays!

Hidey ho! Here I am, all hopped up on "Smallville"! I'm currently on the 21st episode of the 8th season.... Why do these seasons have to be so loooooong? Lol. So, after reading copious amounts of the new series of "Batgirl" the comic book last night, I have decided that if you are a chick and want to get into comics (Deadlie Mercury, I'm talking to you), "Batgirl" is the place to start. Basically, the new Batgirl is a somewhat ditzy, disaster magnet. I love it because she is just like me, only she can kick way more ass. You watch her go through most things a late teen's/early 20's chick does. Things like, making time for school and friends and boys, having awkward run-ins with her ex, and constantly seeking approval. Other first time comics for chicks to read include "Supergirl", "Fables", "Brids of Prey" and "Gotham City Sirens". They are all female empowermenty, have good stories and are incredibly easy to relate to, considering it could never really happen.

My apologies for playing the "girl power" card. If you haven't noticed, I'm buying time, because I don't have those promised character sheets for Aberrant... I kinda, sorta, fell asleep at the table last week, and I have no idea where we're at. Sorry! Hopefully tonight will be a "Lunch Money" kind of night. "Lunch Money" is a super fun card game based on girls in the playground catfighting. You basically just kick the crap out of each other (with our imaginations, not physically). It keeps me engaged much more that RPG games do, I'm sad to say. I just have a short attention span, kind of like that of a goldfish. It's part of my charm. I'll be back tomorrow with "Hot Nerd Thursday". Blog ya later!

Best. Game. Ever.

Catching up With Superman...er..boy...

Hello! Good evening everyone! I'm on a 3 season Smallville marathon at the moment, and I just keep asking myself "Why did I ever stop watching this?!". I love this show. Seriously. I don't give a shit if I'm half way through season 8 and Kal El hasn't flown yet, and I don't care if Lana Lang is the most irritating character (next to Britta from "Community") on television. Hell, I don't even care that Tom Welling is a sub-par actor. I love this show. I mean, really, where else am I going to get to see Lois Lane, Clark Kent, Jimmy Olsen, Lex Luthor, Aquaman, The Flash, Green Arrow, Doomsday, General Zod, Supergirl, the Legion of Superheroes and the JSA all in one series?! It really is the ultimate DC Nerdgasm. It's a superhero soap opera. You watch these characters progress from teenagers to adults, while dealing not only with everyday teenage drama, but dealing with having to hide secret identities. It's pretty much the ultimate "origins" store ever. That being said, I could certainly do without Lana and Clark's romance. She's such a tease. At the end of season 6 when I thought she was dead, I was the happiest girl in the world. Then she came back. What?! Why? Does anyone even like that character? I mean, I get that guys think that Kristen Kreuk is hot, but she's so irritating to me that I can see past her hotness. Green Arrow and Lois Lane are my two favorite characters on the show, because they don't take any B.S. and they keep Clark's whining to a minimum, which is much appreciated. I also appreciate that the characters wear garments that are the colors of their comic book characters uniforms (eg: Clark and Kara wear red and blue, Green Arrow wears green, The Flash wears red and gold, Aquaman wears green and orange...). What can I say? I'm a sucker for fashion. Anyhoo, I'm going to get back to the marathon. I promised I'd be caught up by Friday, so I could enjoy the rest of the series in real time with the rest of my Smallville loving peeps.

Before I go though, I just need to pimp the North Carolina Comic Con that is going on this weekend. The guys at Ultimate Comics will be there (sadly, I will not), so if you're in the Raleigh area stop by and say "HEY!"

More DC/Marvel B.S.

Good afternoon kiddies! As you remember Tuesdays are Carly's "rant" days. We were off to a good start with the "I <3 DC" post from last week, and I'm going to continue that this week while we discuss movies! There is a large majority of people who believe that DC movies don't come close in comparison to Marvel movies. I tend to disagree. Maybe in the last 10 years Marvel has put out some decent stuff, but DC is better long term (lest we forget the super campy, super awesome Tim Burton and Joel Schumacker "Batman" movies). I'm not trying to massage the ego's of anyone at DC, I personally think that they are sitting on a treasure trove of characters that they are downright stupid not to use, and they have made some insanely crappy movies ("Superman Returns", anyone?), but as far as drama and content go, I think that DC beats Marvel hands down. I went and saw "Iron Man 2" this past Summer, and I did enjoy it. I also saw "X-Men Origins: Wolverine", the previous year, which I thought was nowhere as good as it's predecessors (X-Men I-III). Marvel movies are great because you don't have to think. Like, at all. Why do you think that "Watchmen" failed at the movie theater? I'll tell you why. Because people went into the movie thinking it was going to be all explosions and shoot em' up style superheroes. Sorry, there was a plot. Also, people in the United States would much rather see someone cut off someone else's head than god forbid, see a penis, in a non-sexual manner, on the big screen. That is one thing that just blows my mind about us as a country. We are more than happy to see murder or torture than to see a naked human being. But I digress...

There's no reason to fear the dong!

When you stack "Iron Man" against "The Dark Knight", to me there is no comparison. In "The Dark Knight" you are emotionally involved with the characters. You see Bruce Wayne go through traumas and express emotions. Which is why, as an adult, I enjoy "The Dark Knight" so much more. If I were a little kid and all I had to do was stare at the screen while 90 minutes of explosions hit me in the face, it would be a different story. Both companies make movies that are fun to go to, I just think content wise, in the past 10 years one has much more to offer emotionally than the other. My irritation of Marvel may also come from my disdain for Stan Lee and the fact that he has taken credit for much more than he deserves over the years, but that's just me.

Nice dye job. At least your boobs have talent...

 Any way you slice it, Marvel and DC owned by huge corporations. Marvel being owned by Disney and DC being owned by Time/Warner. Both companies have a ton of characters that they could be doing things with, but instead choose to sit on them and do nothing. I'm not particularly happy that DC has seemingly put the kibosh on a "Wonder Woman" movie, but I'm also not particularly happy that Ms. Marvel isn't being included in the "Avengers" movie. I mean, for crying out loud, we put that no talent ass clown Scarlett Johanssen in "Iron Man", can't we find someone else to play the hot blond Skrull infected Carol Danvers? Of course not, because if we start having female lead characters in a superhero movie, who are they going to save?

I Love DC Comics.

So, I've decided since the other days of the week are structured, Tuesday is going to be my free day to talk about whatever. Today I'm going to talk about why I love DC comics.

There has been an ongoing battle between DC and Marvel since the beginning of time. The franchises have both been around forever, and each franchise has it's own front runners. The front runners for DC being Superman and Batman, and the front runners for Marvel being The Spider Man and Iron Man. My issue has nothing to do with the front runners, it has to do with probably one of the smallest minority groups the comic book companies are trying to impress: women.

As a chick who likes comic books, I mainly stick to independent comic companies because I feel like most of the independent companies treat women as equals, and not as secretaries. Sure, the women are usually scantily clad, but you know what? Those women can kick ass. I'm talking about Gen 13, Hack/Slash, Fathom and Lady Death.

I feel like as far as Marvel and DC go, DC wins the equality prize hands down. I'm not saying that I don't like Marvel, I'm simply saying that it would be nice to see a strong stand-alone female character in a Marvel story who is not part of an ensemble. For example, Ms. Marvel, Rogue, and Emma Frost have all had their own stand alone series, however, none of these women can actually stand alone. Ms. Marvel is an Avenger and the other two are X-Men. On the other hand, DC comics has had strong independent females leading since 1941 when Wonder Woman first appeared. Catwoman, Zatanna and Supergirl are all examples of a great female lead character as well.

Just over a year ago, DC launched "Gotham City Sirens" to put up against Marvel's all female "Marvel Diva's". When I first saw both of these titles, I immediately ordered one of each. Needless to say, "Marvel Diva's" didn't hold a candle to "Gotham City Sirens". GCS took three of the most badass lady front runners from DC (Catwoman, Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn) and essentially made them room mates. These girls are hot,  and they not only look out for themselves, but each other. They kick ass and take names, fall in love, and steal from Batman. On the flip side Diva's takes three C list (at best) female characters and makes them the Sex in the City girls. The first issue ends with a sentence that's something like "I need to tell you girls something..... I have cancer". I mean, WTF?! Really?! First of all, it's not like it's insulting enough to paint these chicks out to be socialite alcoholics, but the LAST thing I EVER want to think of when I'm reading a comic is about one of the characters having cancer. I read comics as an escape from my life, and a chance to submerge myself into a world I could never live in, not be totally depressed waiting to read issue two where she starts chemotherapy! If I wanted to be depressed like that, I'd watch "The Notebook" or something...

Thank you, Paul Dini.

In closing, if you happen to run a large comic book company and would like to tap a market that needs tapping, PLEASE let me know. I'd love to come and consult for you ;-)

Bi-weekly Comic Book Review Spectacular!

Most comic book nerds will tell you that Wednesdays are new comic book day, and they are completely right. However, I like to save money on my comics (in addition, there are really no good comic books shops in Albany), so I have them shipped to my house bi-weekly. It's actually pretty great since I'm insanely busy during the week. It's like a little mini Christmas a couple of times a month. Let's take a look at this week's order!

Fables Covers by James Jean- I have been waiting for this book for nearly two years. The first printing sold like hotcakes, and for a long time the only place you could find it was on eBay for a couple hundred dollars. Being the dork I am, I would love to have a first print of it, but a second print is just as good. James Jean one of my favorite artists on the planet. Fables is the best comic book I've ever read. The creative writing skills of Bill Willingham, with the artwork of James Jean, is a mix for some of the best imaginative experiences I've ever had. When I saw the "Covers" book in the box, I flipped through it, then held it like a baby and stroked it, and told it how much I love it. Seriously.

Awesome.

 Wizard of Oz Plush Dolls- Yup, I'm a girl. And as a girl, I like adorable things. I placed the order for these all the way back in February, and ever since then, every Friday I sit patiently by the front door waiting for the UPS man to bring them to me. They're finally here! And they're teh kewt. 

Ignore the Alice's for now, I don't have them.. yet...

 The Unwritten #18- From the first issue of Unwritten, I knew it was going to be something great. Here is the synopsis; Wilson Taylor was a famous author who wrote a series of childrens books and disappeared at the height of his success. The main character in his books was named "Tommy Taylor" after his son Tom. The books are about a wizard named "Tommy Taylor" who is a great wizard, and has wizarding friends and goes to a wizarding school, and has a nemesis (imagine Harry Potter). Meanwhile, the real Tom Taylor is a minor celebrity due to the success of his fathers books. Some of the fans actually think that he may be the real wizard, Tommy Taylor. The story follows Tom and his trials and tribulations, and figuring out what is reality and what is fantasy. 

Also featuring super cool artwork!

Grimm Fairy Tales #50 and 51-  Each issue of Grimm Fairy Tales has two parts: a frame story and a fairy tale. The frame story revolves around Sela, who has been given the ability to help people by showing them fairy tales with a lesson about their life. She struggles with the fact that people ignore her advice and ruin their lives anyway, and begins using her ability to dispense justice. Each comic has a version of a classic fairy tale, such as "The Little Mermaid" or "The Three Little Pigs". I chose this series for Russell H. to begin his foray into the world of comics. It has lots of chesty women, and is pretty violent, but is still a really cool story with really cool artwork. 

Chesty LaRue

iZombie- iZombie is a story about a gravedigger in Eugene, Oregon named Gwen. Her closest friend is a ghost named Ellie who died in the 1950's. Gwen is mostly undead. Not in the violent "All I want to do is eat your brains" sort of way, but in a way that she doesn't have to kill. Instead, Gwen uses her job as a gravedigger to eat freshly dead brains a couple of times a month. The biggest problem with that, is that she retains some of the victims memories, which makes for some pretty interesting run in's with the deceased person's family members. 

She's pretty hot for a dead girl.

Sweet Tooth #14- Sweet Tooth is my favorite new comic of the past year. It takes place in a post-apocalyptic society where human/animal hybrids exist, and people hunt them. Gus is a sweet 9 year old boy with antlers, a rare human/animal hybrid. He is raised in a very ignorant Christian household by his father, until his father passes away, leaving Gus all by himself. That is until Tommy Jepperd, a drifter, enters Gus' life.  The two are on the run from hunters and mad scientists who want to harm Gus. Tommy leads Gus to "The Preserve" where Gus finally meets other hybrids, and finally discovers the horrors of the hybrid species and why his father wanted to protect him from the others. Jeff Lemire offers a great story with very original artwork. Jeff is the one artist I was sad to see was not at the NYCC.

That's about all I've got this week. there will be Supergirl and The Walking Dead in two weeks, so we can talk about that when they get here! Tomorrow will be a segment I would like to call "Nerding 101". I'm still trying to put together a solid structure here, so bear with me for a couple more weeks! Hope you're all having a great weekend!