DC: New Frontier Part 2 – AQR

[ Happy Mood: Happy ]
[ Eating Dessert Currently: Eating Dessert ]

The thrilling conclusion to the New Frontier saga that is actually better than the first instalment. Here our heroes gather to fight the menace that is looking to cleanse the world of humans. We also see character development of people like Superman and Batman, in a way that is clever and a wink at the overarching history of these two characters.

I personally like the inclusion of Black Canary in the teen titans/sidekick generation, given that this is Black Canary II. And Arrow has a role beyond shooting Arrows, rare. This series possibly also has the best representation of Hal Jordan ever.

So good. A satisfying way to finish the series.

Justice – AQR and bit of a Rant

[ Sleepy Mood: Sleepy ]
[ Currently: Taking a break from cleaning. ]
Just recently finished this book, and I made some observations I thought I would share.

The villains of the DC Universe have been having nightmares about the end of the world and how the heroes can’t stop it. So they band together for two purposes, 1) to save mankind by performing acts of good and 2) stop the apocalypse by stopping all the heroes.

In this first volume we see hero after hero fall to the onslaught of villains. It is a bit depressing watching the icons of my childhood fall so easily to the onslaught of the badguys. If it had been this easy, wouldn’t it have happened before? Still there is enough here to make me want to read the next instalment.

I also have a problem with Alex Ross’s artwork. I know that a collective gasp just broke out, like the voices of a thousand Geeks could not believe that I said that. But Ross is all about the strong chin and defiant stance, which is awesome when you have male heroes wearing masks. The results with the females of the DC Universe are not so pretty. Black Canary and Wonder Woman end up looking quite manish, almost transvestite like, especially in the covers. Gone are any suggestions of delicate beauty. I get that they will be muscled, but Canary was designed after femme fatales of Hollywood, she should not look like she has a chin you can cut cheese on.

And so that one thing puts me off much of Ross’s work. I don’t doubt he’s one of those artists who takes pictures of models posing to achieve his photorealistic art, but it’s just slightly creepy.

Stuff received 12/18/11

Let’s take a quick look to see what’s arrived at the Geek Compound.

Chew Volume 4: Flambe
Written by John Layman
Art by Rob Guillory

Promo copy:

These are strange times for Tony Chu, the cibopathic federal agent with the ability to get psychic impressions from the things he eats. Strange writing in extraterrestrial script has appeared in the skies of Planet Earth – and stayed there! People don”t know if the end days are upon them or not, but they don”t seem terribly concerned about the laws of the FDA, and what was once the most powerful law enforcement agency is rapidly descending into irrelevancy. So where does that leave the FDA best agent, Tony Chu?

I’ve been a fan of this extraordinary series almost from the beginning. The Chew Omnivore Edition, Volume 1 even ranked among my top ten graphic novels of 2010.

Quote:
Layman and Guillory create an alternate present where, due to avian flu fears, the American government has criminalized the possession, sale, and consumption of all poultry! Tony Chu, investigator for the Special Crimes Division of the powerful FDA, employs his abilities as a cibopathic — he gets psychic impressions from whatever he eats — to solve crimes. Guillory’s over-the-top humorous illustrations and Layman’s clever script expertly mix to spawn an enjoyable concoction of cannibalism, conspiracy, and murder. This luscious hardcover collects issues 1-10 (Volumes 1 and 2 of the trade paperback collections), complete with character design and sketches.

On the Ground: An Illustrated Anecdotal History of the Sixties Underground Press in the U.S.
Edited by Sean Stewart
Cover by Simon Benjamin

Promo copy:

Forthright anecdotes and interviews fill this eye-opening account of the birth of the underground newspaper movement. Stemming from frustration with the lack of any mainstream media criticism of the Vietnam War, the creation of the papers was emboldened by the victories of the Civil Rights–era, anticolonial movements in the Third World and the use of LSD. In the four short years from 1965–1969, the subversive press grew from five small newspapers in five cities in the United States to more than 500 newspapers—with millions of readers—all over the world. Stories by the people involved with the production and distribution of the papers, such as Bill Ayers, Paul Buhle, Paul Krassner, and Trina Robbins, bring the history of the movement to life. Full-color scans taken from a broad range of publications, from the Berkeley Barb and the Los Angeles Free Press to Chicago Seed and Screw: The Sex Review, are also included, showing the incredible energy that fueled the counterculture of the 1960s.

Tanner Hall

Promo copy:

As Fernanda (Rooney Mara) enters her senior year at Tanner Hall–a sheltered boarding school in New England–she’s faced with unexpected changes in her group of friends when a childhood acquaintance, the charismatic yet manipulative trouble-maker Victoria (Georgia King), appears. Shy and studious, Fernanda is usually the voice of reason among her friends–adventurous and sexy Kate (Brie Larson) and tomboy Lucasta (Amy Ferguson)–but when she begins a complicated friendship with Gio (Tom Everett Scott), an older family friend, she decides it’s finally time to take some risks. Jealous of Fernanda’s exciting relationship, Victoria begins to sabotage Fernanda’s plans and plots to publicly humiliate her. Meanwhile, Lucasta struggles with her newfound feelings towards another classmate, and mischievous Kate is too preoccupied with making her teachers nervous to pay much attention to her actual classes. However, as each of the girls flirt with adulthood, they realize they still need each other to help get through their first grown-up decisions–and the consequences they bring.

Directed by Tatiana von Furstenberg and Francesca Gregorini, Tanner Hall also stars Amy Sedaris and Chris Kattan. Featuring designs by Diane von Furstenberg Studios. Produced by Julia R. Snyder, Tatiana von Furstenberg and Francesca Gregorini. Executive producer by Richard L. Bready.

Robin Hood: People’s Outlaw and Forest Hero
by Paul Buhle

Promo copy:

Using a unique blend of text, collage, and comic art, this social commentary written in graphic novel format analyzes the continuity between the myth of Robin Hood and the occurrence of social uprisings among peasants. In addition, the book explores the mysteries, factual evidence, and trajectory that led to centuries of village festivals, songs, films, and cult television shows about the mythical hero who robbed from the rich and gave to the poor. Featuring a collage of various artistic renderings of Robin Hood over the past seven centuries, the comic portion presents a distinct perspective of the folk hero. Furthermore, the book reveals a largely unknown and unconsidered environmental side of Robin Hood, and touches on ecological wholeness that, for the most part, is absent in the mythos.

Back Issue No. 53
Edited by Michael Eury
Cover by Walter Simonson

Promo copy:

BACK ISSUE #53 (84 pages with FULL-COLOR, $8.95) takes an in-depth look at WALTER SIMONSON’s Thor in this “Gods” issue! And there’s more Thor: the Thunder God in the Bronze Age and a TOM DeFALCO/RON FRENZ “Pro2Pro” interview. Plus: Hercules: Prince of Power, Moondragon, Three Ways to End the New Gods Saga, and an exclusive interview with fantasy writer MICHAEL MOORCOCK. Featuring art and/or commentary by GERRY CONWAY, JACK KIRBY, BOB LAYTON, and more, with a hammer-swinging Thor cover by Simonson. Now in FULL COLOR!

The excellent Moorcock interview by RevSF’s own Alan J. Porter focuses on the SF master’s comic book career.

Stuff received 12/18/11 was originally published on The Geek Curmudgeon

DC: New Frontier – AQR

[ Angelic Mood: Angelic ]
[ Listening to CBC Radio Currently: Listening to CBC Radio ]
I have been doing a lot of reading recently and feel the need to share some observations with you.

Imagine a world where superheroes have been outlawed, with the exception of those who are willing to reveal their identities and work for the government? Those that haven’t are considered outlaws and need to be captured.

This is the world of New Frontier. We have the classic DC Silver Age heroes, before most of them were heroes, learning to control their powers and to act to help the ones they loved.

Heavily influenced by the Watchmen (but what isn’t in modern superhero comics), the beauty of this work is the art, which looks like the art of the 50s and 60s. Also of note is the reimagining of Wonder Woman into a strong female character who is still constrained by the social norms of the time. Her giving the liberated sex slaves the guns and turning them loose on their captors is one of my favourite scenes in comics period.

Can’t wait for the second volume.

Bags, Bacteria, TV, and Me

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday and a particularly hectic schedule at the Geek Compound (more on that in future posts), I’m just getting around to telling y’all about my recent 20 second brush with fame.

Unbeknownst to most of you, I like to shop for groceries. At first blush, that would seem pretty weird unless you factor in that I like to eat (a lot!) and that my first job was sacking groceries for Randall’s in Houston. For over four years, I worked at the Dairy Ashford & Memorial location. Because of all this (and that Brandy hates to grocery shop), I handle all the food shopping for the Geek Compound.

In mid-October during my weekly sojourn, I was approached by a familiar-looking woman. I searched my mind for who the hell she was. This isn’t that uncommon for me. After living in Austin for 24 years, I’ve met a lot of people. Problem is that even though I have a great memory for faces, names often elude me. (So if you run into me and I look dumbfounded, it’s because I’m trying to recall your name)

Turns out the well-dressed woman was the local NBC affiliate KXAN evening anchor Leslie Rhode. She stopped me because I was the only guy she could find in the grocery store who was using re-usable bags. They were doing a story on the cleanliness (or not) of the bags. She asked if she could take two of my bags to test for bacteria levels. They’d give me two brand new bags right then and return my bags after the piece ran.


Leslie Rhode

Seemed like a dumb idea for a news report but what the hell. We exchanged the bags and I continued my shopping.

Soon after, Leslie and a cameraman advanced on me. “I’ve been looking for you. We’d like to interview you on camera.” While the cameraman prepped, Leslie told me how impressed she was that I did all the grocery shopping. Apparently her husband can’t be trusted to do it right. They interviewed me for a few minutes.

The piece finally ran on November 21. I appear on camera for all of about 20 seconds, saying something snarky. A transcript and video are available on the KXAN site.


Our bags to be tested are on the far right.

Bags, Bacteria, TV, and Me was originally published on The Geek Curmudgeon

Impending Geekgasm on Netflix Instant Watch- Dec. edition

Very light month of new titles. Highlights include the classics The Ghost and Mrs. Muir and Jaws, the underrated Matinee, the finale of Rescue Me, and the acclaimed Portlandia. Beginning with this month’s Geekgasm, I’m including a list of soon to be expiring titles. Sadly, I can only get titles scheduled to end two weeks out. Still better than nothing.

* streaming for the first time via Netflix.
* streaming in HD
* close captioning is available

Premiering December 1:
Death Rides a Horse
Friday the 13th: Part 7: The New Blood
The Ghost and Mrs. Muir
Jaws
*Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius
Matinee A must see for fans of 1950s monster movies!
*Samourais

Premiering December 3:
*Peter Pan (2003)

Premiering December 10:
*Bones: Season 6

Premiering December 12:
*Rescue Me: Season 6

Premiering December 15:
*Death Race 2

Premiering December 20:
*Best Worst Movie Documentary about Troll 2

Premiering December 23:
*Portlandia

Premiering December 30:
**Spartacus (2010)

Titles expiring soon

Expiring December 1:
Best of the Best
Casino Royale (1954) This BBC TV movie was the first screen adaptation of James Bond
*Ever After: A Cinderella Story
Freak Out (2004)
Gods and Monsters This superior adaptation of the Christopehr Bram novel The Father of Frankenstein chronicles the life of openly gay Frankenstein director James Whale. Highly reccomended!
Gothic Vampires from Hell
Harry Knuckles and the Pearl Necklace
The Haunted World of El Superbeasto
Highway to Hell (1991)
*The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (1981)
Holiday Classics: A Christmas Carol/A Picture of the Magi Wouldn’t want people to see a Christmas film during the Christmas season, would you? The Christmas Carol is narrated by Vincent Price
**The House of the Devil (2009)
The House on Skull Mountain
Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter
*King Kong (1976) Good riddance!
*Leviathan (1989)
*The Man in the Iron Mask (1998)
MST3K: Horrors of Spider Island
MST3K: The Indestructible Man
MST3K: Ring of Terror
MST3K: Swamp Women/Swamp Diamonds
MST3K: Tormented
Nosferatu: The Gothic Industrial Mix
Not Forgotten (2009)
**Orgazmo
Paranormal: Haunts and Horrors
*Red Dragon (2002)
**Santa’s Slay
*Smokey and the Bandit II
Supernova
Universal Soldier II: Brothers in Arms
Universal Soldier III: Unfinished Business
*Volcano (1997)
*Walled In
*Warlock (1989)

Expiring December 2:
*The Return of the Living Dead

Expiring December 3:
Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings Season 1

Expiring December 7:
Cronos Make sure you catch this brilliant debut film from Guillermo del Toro before it’s gone. A must see for all horror fans.

Expiring December 8:
*Crank 2: High Voltage
Ichi the Killer

Expiring December 12:
*Avalon High

Expiring December 13:
*Scooby-Doo! Camp Scare

Info courtesy of

Impending Geekgasm on Netflix Instant Watch- Dec. edition was originally published on The Geek Curmudgeon

The Raven: Nameless Here For Evermore Part 3

As part of his ongoing column at New Pulp, Alan J. Porter is serializing our story “The Raven: Nameless Here For Evermore,” scheduled to appear in the not yet published Protectors anthology. The third segment appeared today.

Here’s an excerpt:

As he entered this third room, a loud click announced the bright light that suddenly shown straight into The Raven’s eyes. His sensitive red eyes contracted at the sudden light. Temporarily blinded, he inwardly cursed at his own stupidity, reflexively dropped into a defensive posture, and prepared for the inevitable attack.

“There’s no need for that old chap,” came a masculine voice, British, from the darkness, “I’m sorry if the old lamp trick disoriented you, I just wanted to make sure that it was, in fact, you.”

The Raven remained silent, squinting as his eyes adjusted. A man, his features hidden in deep shadow behind the lamp, sat at a large desk that filled the room. The slight glow from the bowl of a pipe was just visible and a plume of smoke swirled in the lamp light. The man’s right hand rested on a manila folder lying on the desktop.

The mystery man pushed the folder forward into the pool of light. “This will give you the answers you need. Well some of them at least. I hope it helps.” With that he turned the lamp off, returning the room to darkness. “Please excuse the charade, we may not be as flamboyant as you colonials, but we still enjoy our theatricals. Oh and please relock the door on your way out, there’s a good chap.”

Read the rest of the third part and find links to the previous installments at New Pulp.

The Raven: Nameless Here For Evermore Part 3 was originally published on The Geek Curmudgeon

Books received 11/20/11

Let’s take a quick look to see what’s arrived at the Geek Compound.

Lightbringer
by K. D. McEntire
Cover by Sam Weber

Promo copy:

Wendy has the ability to see souls that have not moved on—but she does not seek them out. They seek her. They yearn for her… or what she can do for them. Without Wendy’s powers, the Lost, the souls that have died unnaturally young, are doomed to wander in the never forever, and Wendy knows she is the only one who can set them free by sending them into the light.

Each soul costs Wendy, delivering too many souls would be deadly, and yet she is driven to patrol, dropping everyone in her life but her best friend, Eddie—who wants to be more than friends—until she meets Piotr.

Piotr, the first Rider and guardian of the Lost, whose memory of his decades in the never, a world that the living never see, has faded away. With his old-fashioned charms, and haunted kindness, he understands Wendy in ways no one living ever could, yet Wendy is hiding that she can do more than exist in the never. Wendy is falling for a boy who she may have to send into the light.

But there are darker forces looking for the Lost. Trying to regain the youth and power that the Lost possess, the dark ones feed on the Lost and only Wendy and Piotr can save them—but at what cost?

Lightbringer is a YA urban fantasy/romance set in a world a breath away from our own. Similar in tone to Tithe and Unleashed, Lightbringer tiptoes down the line between love and horror as Wendy discovers herself and the darkest parts of the afterlife.

Care To Make Love In That Gross Little Space Between Cars?: A Believer Book of Advice
Edited by Mike Sachs and Eric Spitznagel
Introductions by Judd Apatow and Patton Oswalt

Promo copy:

In the spirit of You’re A Horrible Person But I Like You, Care To Make Love In That Gross Little Space Between Cars? is a series of twisted, belligerent advice columns from The Believer and an all-star cast of writers and comedians, including Bob Saget, Louis C. K., Amy Sedaris, Zach Galifianaks, Roz Chast, and Nick Hornby.

Care To Make Love In That Gross Little Space Between Cars? was originally conceived of as an advice column for The Believer. In these pages learn how to remove a wine stain from granite (witchcraft), how to avoid being found dead in an embarrassing manner, specifically being found by fireman in your underwear (wear long johns), and what book to read in a subway to make friends (“Common Problems of the Very Wealthy, Well-Endowed, and Omniscient”).

This looks to be an excellent bathroom read.

Inheritance
by Christopher Paolini
Cover by John Jude Palencar

Promo copy:

Not so very long ago, Eragon—Shadeslayer, Dragon Rider—was nothing more than a poor farm boy, and his dragon, Saphira, only a blue stone in the forest. Now the fate of an entire civilization rests on their shoulders.

Long months of training and battle have brought victories and hope, but they have also brought heartbreaking loss. And still, the real battle lies ahead: they must confront Galbatorix. When they do, they will have to be strong enough to defeat him. And if they cannot, no one can. There will be no second chances.

The Rider and his dragon have come further than anyone dared to hope. But can they topple the evil king and restore justice to Alagaësia? And if so, at what cost?

This is the much-anticipated, astonishing conclusion to the worldwide bestselling Inheritance cycle.

Books received 11/20/11 was originally published on The Geek Curmudgeon