The Joys of DSL

You know, I'm grateful I made the switch to DSL - my internet provider, luckily, has it cheap enough (and had a great deal) where it was actually more affordable than dial-up. So, on a wing and a prayer, I decided to leap into the 21st century.

I saw a clear future - no more bugging pal Brian for illegally downloaded Doctor Who episodes; no more fighting my mother over her computer so I could illegally download Doctor Who episodes on her computer when I visited in Chicago - I could browse and basically hog bandwidth like Pauly Shore hogs onto the delusion that he's talented.

(By the way, I'm planning on buying the episodes when they're released domestically on DVD, so don't wag your finger. Wag it at Mike "Cheaterpants" Sterling instead)

However, it did not come without at least one major gaffe - my e-mail wasn't working. I even switched between Courier (my personal favorite e-mail software) and Thunderbird (thinking that I needed to go more open source) - however, after a call to my provider's technical support, I got the correct settings, and the winner is...Courier. It supports multiple SMTPs much better than Thunderbird, and despite the slightly clunky interface, handles my accounts like a charm. (New Project: configuring it for Gmail. Oh boy, is this gonna be fun...)

But anyway, my new site of choice is the ubiquitous YouTube. In that spirit, here's Christopher Titus with whom I share similar dating trends:



More comics and pop culture shtick later.

Happy Birthday, Andy

OK, everyone, go over to Andy's blog and wish him a happy however-old-he-is!



(And yes, I'm recycling this pic from Dorian's infamous meme from awhile back. Thought it appropriate)

Memorial Day Miscellaney

First, before we get to the official linking, sincere condolences to the family and friends of Paul Gleason, who not only played the principal in The Breakfast Club, but also played one of Doc Savage's aides in the campy wish-it-were-on-DVD 1975 movie. (Check out Johnny B's tribute for some more info). He was one of the more versatile character actors, and will be missed.

And now, some random thoughts:

• Although Memorial Day's turned into an unofficial party day, let's remember why we celebrate: to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
• I want this comic!
• Between discussing Doctor Who with a friend yesterday, and this post on Greg's blog, I'm flashing back to high school in a good way.
• Speaking of yesterday, during the same discussion - jugglers are better than mimes. Jugglers have to have some talent to juggle (just ask Andy) - anyone can be a mime. And mimes can be a little touchy about it.
• Reminder: blogiversary giveaway deadline is Tuesday at 8:00 pm. Milk and Cheese are worth it.
  

And now, plagiarizing near-twin Roger, some items in the (kind of sort of) spirit of Memorial Day - have a good one!

Your Political Profile:

Overall: 35% Conservative, 65% Liberal

Social Issues: 0% Conservative, 100% Liberal

Personal Responsibility: 75% Conservative, 25% Liberal

Fiscal Issues: 25% Conservative, 75% Liberal

Ethics: 0% Conservative, 100% Liberal

Defense and Crime: 75% Conservative, 25% Liberal

How Liberal Or Conservative Are You?

You Are 72% Open Minded

You are a very open minded person, but you're also well grounded. Tolerant and flexible, you appreciate most lifestyles and viewpoints. But you also know where you stand firm, and you can draw that line. You're open to considering every possibility - but in the end, you stand true to yourself.

How Open Minded Are You?

X-Traordinarily Ordinary

First, a hearty shout-out and thank you to not only Yet Another Comics Blog (Rocketo is going to be a new member of my pull file), but also to the Crocodile Caucus, who's posted about the Blog This, Pal Blogiversary Contest. You have a few days to enter, and you can win a free graphic novel!

Anyway, like several of my comics blogging brethren, I had mixed expectations about X3: The Last Stand. Sure, the first two films had exceeded expectations, becoming nearly picture-perfect examples of how to adopt comics to films. However, with a switch in directors, and the inevitable concerns about fatigue, it's easy to wonder whether the film would hold up.

Good news - it's not a bad film, and has some wonderful moments.

Bad news - it's a very workmanlike film which tries a little too hard. Part of it is that the script puts in so much from the X-Men comics that it seems as if, knowing this is the last film (if the movie underperforms), the attitude was, "Hey, let's throw in stuff for the fans." It also doesn't help that Brett Ratner focuses much more on big action moments - nothing wrong with that, but the first two films focused on character as much as explosions. (I'll grant you, the first ten minutes - with a key flashback - are reminiscent of Singer's work. And the Mystique scenes have a certain snap to them - however, the rest of the movie falls short).

In short, the faults of the movie share the faults of the comic - which is why I quit reading the comic long ago. Instead of providing a legitimate backdrop (the first two movies), where mutation was seen as a metaphor, we get nothing but angst. There were some great moments, but they are all from the comic - the first sequence after the credits, the "fastball special", Wolverine's battle scenes...(and the whole "plastic weapon with the cure in it" is a clever twist) but on the whole, the movie is rather flat. It's not bad - just annoyingly mediocre. Definitely a rental for later, not really a must-see.

(Notes on the pre-film trailers: first, whose bright idea was it to remake The Omen? What kind of person would even consider writing a lame movie entitled My Super Ex-Girlfriend? And all I gotta say is...Snakes on a Plane will rock. So much that I want this guy to write the sequel).

The Sound of Two Hearts Breaking

First, I just realized that I never set an end date for the blogiversary giveway - so if you want to enter, please e-mail me at blogthispal (at) gmail (dot) com by 8:00 pm on Tuesday, May 30th. (Click these links for details). Hey, free stuff is always worth it.

One of the great things about watching Year Two of the "New" New Doctor is the way that the character of the Doctor is being explored - if Eccleston was dealing with shell-shock, Tennant shows us a more hardened, bitter, sadder and wiser Doctor - amongst the manic bursts of speech, there is a great sadness - in fact, you could almost swear that Tennant was channelling Sylvester McCoy without the overt manipulation.

One of the things that makes School Reunion so enjoyable isn't that, to paraphrase James Brown, it "gives the companions some" - it's also that Doctor Who is actually acknowledging a Buffy-esque influence. From the casting of the main villain to some of the dialogue (Personal favorite: "Ignore the shooty dog thing"), this is an episode that hits all the right spots, despite the dodgy logic of the end...well, we're not watching this for plot, we're watching this for the fireworks between companions past and present, between Sarah's subtle heartbreak and Rose's realization that she's not the "only one"...and a key line delivered by Tennant makes us realize why the Doctor might have been relatively cold in previous incarnations.

(In reading other reviews, I'm rather bothered by the attitude of some (male) reviewers that say, in effect, "This is proof the Doctor was romantic with Sarah." The script hints at romance, but it's incredibly one-sided...and the reviewers miss the point that male/female relationships are often complicated - alien male/human female relationships should not be as one-sided. Just ask Sarek. Oops, wrong franchise).

Speaking of relationships, the Doctor finds himself in a transtemporal romance in The Girl In the Fireplace. Again, some of the temporal mechanics are dodgy, but it shows us the Doctor's almost whirlwind romance with the Madame du Pompadour...but in addition, it also reveals the heartbreak that Tennant's Doctor hints at - that he realizes that humans decay and die, and that he will always (in his mind) be alone. The Madame is one of the few humans he connects with on an intimate level...but Steven Moffatt doesn't just give us heartbreak - he also provides some stinging humor (not quite at the farcical level of "Curse of the Fatal Death"), but any episode that can give us the image of the Doctor charging in on a white horse...and an ending worthy of The Twilight Zone - is worth watching.

Finally, some (admittedly) mixed feelings about The Rise of the Cybermen and The Age of Steel two-parter. I admit, I like the Cybermen more than I like Daleks - after all, Cybermen used to be human - and this episode plays up that fact brilliantly. It's also a unique use of the "parallel world" story, with a good explanation of why (at least, now) the Doctor doesn't travel in parallel universes. (I also like the irony of being "upgraded", reflecting our current technological obsessiveness). It also feels the most like old-school Doctor Who...however, that works to an advantage and disadvantage. Let's count it off....wheelchair-bound mad genius (already done in the soon-to-be-released-on-DVD Genesis of the Daleks), base under siege (both in the mansion and at the climax), Rose's pining for her deceased-yet-alive-in-this-reality father (didn't Father's Day resolve all this for her?) and a companion departure scene...however, this is one of those scenes reminiscent of Tegan's departure in Resurrection of the Daleks. If the Brits have an Emmy-type award, they should give it to Noel Clarke - seriously. In the past year and a half, his portray of Mickey has developed the character from one-dimensional idiot to a man realizing that he has a purpose...and that had to travel the universe to open his mind. (His scene also has parallels with The Parting of the Ways, where Rose declares that her life was one-dimensional before the Doctor - Mickey has a chance to redeem himself, despite the Tenth Doctor's declaration of "no second chances").

We had always known that Doctor Who had a charm...but a palpable sense of melancholy? Actually giving us a Doctor who truly is half-human (emotionally)? Giving the companions a sense of humanity beyond screaming and being rescued?

Sign me up for the Series Two DVDs.

A Video - For You!

This has been a very stressful week - and it's only Tuesday, meaning I have little to blog about.

However, this one's for Lefty - it's the New York Dolls (featured in this post) singing one of my favorite tunes. Enjoy!



(For those of you still on dial-up, e-mail me and I'll burn the song on CD for you)

Huzzah!

First, from now on, this blog will be coming at you at lightning speed through the courtesy of DSL. I'm joining the 21st century, so now, I can download and watch YouTube at my convenience. Hooray for me! Huzzah!

Anyway, today is Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's birthday...and learn how Google's celebrating! Huzzah!

Also, mark Andy's birthday on your calendar...and he even has some gift suggestions. Huzzah!

Also, since this blog is celebrating its second blogiversary, you have one more week to enter our contest. Free stuff! Huzzah!

This is the end of the post! Huzzah!

The Miracle of God's Creation

Most rock music in the early 70's was mired in boredom, safety, and pretention - long instrumental solos, a lack of connectedness to real life, etc. Then, the New York Dolls came and blew it all away - while never commercially successful, their back-to-the-basics approach influenced everything from punk to metal and back again. Two members died of complications from heroin use, two stayed in the music business...and bass player Arthur "Killer" Kane seemed to fade into relative obscurity.

The film New York Doll answers that question beautifully, and avoids the easy route of success to failure to comeback. It provides a picture of a man who, despite fighting his demons, finds spiritual (and musical) salvation. It is definitely one of the best rock-and-roll documentaries ever made.

In an hour and twenty minutes (or thereabouts), director Greg Whiteley takes us through Kane's life, emphasizes the importance of the Dolls in music history, tells us Kane's story (including his surprising conversion to Mormonism), and follows him through the Dolls' 2004 reunion at Morrisey's Meltdown Festival. New York Doll has a very gentle, yet informative tone - we learn of Kane's "feud" with a fellow Doll (alluded to with a "I won't say his name", but spoiled with a clever jump cut to a film clip), his problems with alcoholism, his struggles to maintain his musical career...but the best sequence is Kane's recollection of how he entered the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (and interviews with his brethren) is a masterful sequence, showing us that spiritual development can make riveting filmmaking.

But the personal highlight is the third act - the actual reunion beween the surviving New York Dolls members. We see Kane fly out to New York for rehearsals, and gradually face down his demons. His reuniting with his two former band members has a sweetness and tenderness - something you would not associate with a band with the Doll's reputation. (In fact, the coolest moment comes when a fellow Mormon states that Kane wanted a "Brigham Young" style look - take that Osmonds!) And towards the end, Whiteley intercuts the reunited Dolls singing "Jet Boy" with the younger Dolls' appearance on The Old Grey Whistle Test...and they sync almost perfectly. That's a tribute to the quality of the new Dolls' playing...and the end reveals the tragic answer to the question, "How is Arthur Kane ever going to adjust to not being onstage?"

My advice is that you rent this movie...and save your pennies to buy the Doll's two studio albums, or this compilation (the second album is out of print, so scour your local indie record store for a used copy). You, your stereo, and your DVD player will not leave disappointed.

Mixed Bag 4 & 52 # 2 Reviews

Thanks to the irrepressible Lefty Brown, I now have a plethora of discs to listen to while reading comics (as well as an excuse to use the word "plethora".) And in that regard, I will give a few capsule reviews of my fellow bloggers' efforts.

First, though, a word about Week 2 of 52 - like I said last week, it's premature to judge the whole series based on one book (especially a weekly series). Now, we're beginning to see the initial threads of a story begin to weave. Even though the "History of the DC Universe" seems to hedge its bets...I'm looking forward to reading each week.

And now, the discs!

First, Mike Sterling has redeemed himself with "Do Not Bring Your Evil Here." (His Mixed Bag 3 disc was, shall we say...a little odd). It does have a slightly off-kilter feel, but any man who likes the Young Fresh Fellows is just swell in my book. Bookended by two Swamp Thing-related audio files, this is one of those turn-on-and-crank-up discs that's worth it. Some pretty cool songs, and worth the listen.

Serene's "I Love WA" disc has made me feel something I haven't felt for a long time: homesick for the Pacific Northwest. (Short version: ex fiance lives in Oregon). By not going the grunge route, and with tender loving care (a handmade CD cover - imagine!), this is the best chill-out disc I have heard in a long time. Easily one of my favorite discs this time round.

However, I can't say the same for Greg's CD....Ok, Greg, I can appreciate you wanting to corrupt the youth of America, and I played the disc for some three year olds. They made rude comments about "play that again, and we'll trade you for cigarettes." Well, actually, no, that didn't happen...but for some reason, the disc never gelled. OK, maybe it's the Prince track that blows everyone else away, and the Jagger-esque lead on the Scissor Sisters cut, but still....it's not bad, it just didn't do it for me.

Finally, there's the mighty Roger Green's disc, which is as close to a musical autobiography as one can get making a mix CD. (The idea's so good, I swiped it for a commemorative CD - read here for details!) From the ring-a-ling-a chorus of the beginning tune to "Baby Mine", I really dug this disc. (I even enjoyed "Harvest Moon" by Neil Young...and I hate Neil Young).
Fun listening.

Coming soon: more Mixed Bag Reviews, a possible review of X-3, wacky pop culture shtick, and a love letter to Mitchell Hundred

Records You Should Own

For May's Record You Should Own - to kick off the summer - we've selected a good old-fashioned, crank-up-your-stereo classic.

And it's all Homercat's fault.

See, on his blog, Mr. Cat features music that's either been ignored, needs reevaluation, or just doesn't get heard. He featured a Slade track which - admittedly, I didn't like - but it intrigued me enough to purchase Get Yer Boots On, the first US collection of Slade, one of glam rock's "pioneers".

To which I say - forget posterity; these guys rock

Ok, it contains their hits - "Mama Weer All Crazee Now", to "Cum On Feel the Noize" (which, after hearing the original, will make you want to kick this guy's tuckus), and "Merry Xmas Everybody" (featured in Doctor Who - honest!) all the "hits" are here, even the mid-80s "comeback" tracks. (Let's face it, "Run Runaway" does the guitar-as-bagpipe shtick much better than Big Country). If you're looking for "serious" rock and roll, this isn't it. This is party music. From the opening Little Richard cover to the ending power ballad "My Oh My", this is pure 100% fun from beginning to end - if you don't crack a smile while listening to this CD, there is... no hope.

Get yer boots and get this disc. You'll thank me later.

Happy Blogiversary to Me!

Hard to believe - two years ago, I embarked on the wonderful adventure of blogging. Who knew that I would be the Kato Kaelin of the comics blogiverse? (OK, so the first post didn't happen until the 16th - but let's be honest, is it ever too early to celebrate?) In that time, I've met my near-twin, encountered one of my childhood idols, became obsessed with this show because of this gentleman, met some fellow travellers across the pond, but most importantly, discovered a whole bunch of people who not only share a love of graphic literature, but are more than willing to share that love. A lot. Even to the point of being annoying.

So, in that spirit (and reiterating a post from earlier), you are more than welcome to enter the first annual "Blog THIS, Pal! Graphic Novel Giveaway and Celebrity Fish Fry". First place is a copy of Evan Dorkin's Fun With Milk and Cheese...plus a special commemorative mix CD. (Because - let's face it - comics without music is like kugelis without sour cream). But wait - there's more!

Three second place winners will receive a copy of the CD and a....mystery prize. I mean, a 25% chance of winning - who could beat it?

All you have to do is

1. E-mail the title of your favorite post(s) of the past two years (from May 16th, 2004 until May 12, 2006) from this blog by May 30
   
2. Tell me why you feel it's worthy of nomination
3. Your name and mailing address.

That's it - I'll select the best entry and it will be featured on this very blog! Plus, you get free stuff - what a deal! (More details can be found here)

So come on - tell your friends. Post the info. Spread the word.

Should You Believe the Hype?

First, a happy Mother's Day to all of those mothers who are parents, step-parents, adoptive parents, or even pet owners.

In all fairness, it's probably not a wise idea to write any reviews of DC's 52 series with just the first issue - a weekly book is a pretty ambitious idea, and this probably needs a few issues to breathe, to unfold it's extremely decompressed story. (Of course, it helps to have a corporate-driven web site, and a blog dedicated to analysis - thank you, Beaucoup Kevin!) However, in laying the foundation of rebuilding an entire universe, it shows promise - enough promise to follow for the next few months.

In this first issue, we meet the six people who will be the focus of our series, and all of them share some misalignment/alienation with the "superhero mainstream". Ralph Dibny, now all grim and gritty due to his wife's death, preferring to isolate himself out of grief. John Henry Irons, helping rebuild in the aftermath, tersely (and possibly hypocritically) telling his niece to "forge her own armor" as a hero. Renee Montoya, human cop, drowning her sorrows after seeing her partner gunned down and another leave. Black Adam, superhuman ruler of an entire nation, declaring himself a "role model". Booster Gold, seeking the glory of heroism, taking advantage of foreknowledge to build his career. And the Question, whose motives and actions seem...well, murky.

Admittedly, there are some really well-written moments: Booster's use of future history (and complete shock when the Big Three don't show up on a historic occasion), the Question sequence in Gotham (is he seeking to take Batman's place? Does he see potential in Montoya?)...but it somehow doesn't quite fit together. (The other sequences all read a little too...cliche, and too familiar). However, this series is reminiscent of Legends, DC's first crossover after Crisis on Infinite Earths that established the "rules" of the new universe...and the main rule of New Earth is that nothing - not even the future - should be taken for granted.

In many ways, this issue serves as a coda to the end of Infinite Crisis (in itself, as many a comics blogger has stated, a riff on this graphic novel's ending). In taking some of the emphasis off of Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, it attempts to sort through and suggest the vast tapestry that the DC Universe offers.

Hopefully, this won't result in another DC Implosion...but until then, it's worth checking out.

And Lo There Shall Be...A Giveaway!

First, my thanks to the inimitable Lefty Brown for making this suggestion.

As many of you are aware, May 16th will mark the second anniversary of this blog, and I would like to celebrate. Since much of how I celebrate involves acts not suitable to describe for the youngsters out there, I thought, "Hey, what would be cool?....A contest!"

In that spirit, I am announcing the first evah "Blog THIS! Pal Graphic Novel Giveaway!", and our selection is that classic of modern graphic literature, Fun With Milk & Cheese by Evan Dorkin. I could describe it as one man's warped take on contemporary culture through the eyes of two misanthropic dairy products...but it's best described as "laugh-yourself-sick-funny". If you haven't seen these strips, you don't know what you're missing.

But wait - there's more! I'll even toss in a commemorative 2nd anniversary Mix CD! (And three second prize winners will win a Mix CD and a "special freebie", or "something that I nicked from a health fair and is taking up room which I'll never use".) Hey, free schwag for four lucky readers - sounds like a deal to me!

So, what to you have to do to win? Just send me a e-mail at "blogthispal (at) gmail (dot) com" (making appropriate corrections) with the following:

1. Your favorite post(s) of the past two years (from May 16th, 2004 until May 12, 2006)
2. Why you feel it's worthy of nomination
3. Your name, mailing address, and credit card numbers. (Actually, I'm just kidding about the card numbers)
   

Just a few rules, to make it really interesting:

• All entries must be e-mailed to me no later than May 30th, and a winner will be selected the first week of June
• Any comments/postings on other blogs are out, so the infamous "JLEbay" post on Comics Should Be Good or my 5 reasons America's great for Greg's blog - don't qualify. (Gotta be fair, and since both of those were contest winners...)
• Bribes, cash gifts, and attempts to unduly influence the outcome not only welcome, but strongly encouraged.
• No pictures - photoshopped or otherwise - of Mike Sterling wearing a Speedo.
  

So please, feel free to spread this amongst the blogosphere (and as always, I'll have continuing updates), but hey - it's one less graphic novel you have to purchase, and you can help us have a great second birthday!

Decisions, Decisions....

First, a hearty thank you to Yet Another Comics Blog for selecting yours truly as one of their free comics recipients!

Also, wanted to put it out there - this blog is coming across its second blogiversary, and I want to do something special. Any suggestions?

(Please place in comments)

Changing Worlds and Changing Time (Lords)

In many ways, Geoff Johns and Russell T. Davies share many characteristics - both have a strong sense of the history in which they write; both can handle "inter-continuity" well, being able to acknowledge the past without being slaves to it; and both have successfully revitalized two key "franchises", if you will.

However, there's a key difference in their approaches that's more than just an ocean apart.

Like many in the blogosphere, I read Infinite Crisis # 7 since...well, since Identity Crisis, and I have to say...what was the point?

Understandably, DC wanted to (again) reboot and straighten out its continuity. In addition, the entire story of Infinite Crisis served as metacommentary between those who believed in "old" ways of heroism, those who believed that darker times call for darker measures, and fans who wish that things would "go back" to the way they once were. If you were looking for some measure of resolution....you won't find it in Infinite Crisis # 7.

Yes, there are some big Jerry Bruckheimer moments - "Thin Green Line"; "Like hell", and even "it's good to have friends"...but ultimately, Infinite Crisis serves as an ironic reminder that the more things change, the more they stay the same. (The fact that Alexander Luthor points out some key differences in exposition - or that the whole pre-Byrne Doom Patrol was referred to before the current team was made "in continuity" - says volumes about John's ability to pull these plot threads together. Ultimately, it's a great ride...but afterwards, the promise of a "changed world" is empty. All that has been lost - and gained - is a few dollars from fan wallets.

However, having caught the first three episodes of David Tennant's run on Doctor Who shows a great masterstroke on Davies' part. Had Christopher Eccleston's depature been kept quiet, it would have been a great shock and surprise to see Eccleston (who carried the role as if playing it for years) change into Tennant - however, had Eccleston stayed, he wouldn't be part of another "franchise" revival.

Although I've referred to Tennant's Doctor as the "Caffeinated Davy Jones Doctor", he's probably more the "Lonely Defender Doctor" - if Eccleston wore the scars of the Time War, Tennant has integrated them and moved on, the last of his race, with no checks or balances on him. (Or to paraphrase his declaration in "New Earth", there is no higher authority than the Doctor). He is much more "human", but to a point - quick to turn on injustice, he is less misanthrophic than Eccleston's Doctor (we're not "stupid apes"), but there is a lessened tolerance for nonsense.

"The Christmas Invasion" is no "Spearhead from Space" (nothing is), but thankfully, it's not "The Twin Dilemma", either. Spending most of the episode unconscious, we see the Doctor's "family" (Mickey, Rose, and Jackie) dealing with an impeding invasion. Even when Rose attempts to "be" the Doctor, we see her fail....only to use a bit of Whovian mythology cleverly in the reveal. This Doctor initially doesn't know who he is....but as the episode progresses, we see a new positive - yet somehow, more punitive - personality emerge. One could see him visiting and having drinks with another doctor of a similar temperament.

"New Earth" acts as a semi-sequel to "The End of the World", and highlights Davies' main strength (putting DW in a 21st century context) and weakness (although his scripts are Ok, there's a flatness and...well....weakness to them). The subplots crackle with immediacy, and the bodyswapping is first rate...and the final scene is heartbreaking, giving a new Who villian a humanity that could have helped much, much earlier.

(And I've only checked out clips from "School Reunion" on YouTube - will give an opinion later).

However, Davies redeems himself with "Tooth and Claw" - a werewolves-in-19th-century-Scotland story that simply rocks, even with the corridor running. Mixing Hong Kong Action, Victorian Drama, and some quite clever plotting, this episode shows that new Who is hitting a watermark.

Ok, so JJ Abrams is doing Star Trek, Johns is helping recreate the DC Universe, and Millar has created a "civil war" in the Marvel Universe....but thankfully, Davies got there first.

Watch and learn, everyone.

Conspiracy Theory # 129

You know, sometimes, it really stinks to be a comics fan.

Never mind the usual cynicism about crossovers, or the casual whining about the proliferance of the spandex set...what really bothers me is that it seems like, in a field where the majority appears to be maladjusted, obsessed with the minutiae of the past, and willing to accept low quality work, I am sticking out like a sore thumb.

Within the past month, there have been two really big items (at least, two out of many big news items) - first has been the revelation of the perpetrator of some ugly, sexist behavior (thanks to Johnny Bacardi for the summary); and the next has been Joe Quesada's belief that Spider-Man's marriage was a dumb idea (thanks to the Redhead Fangirl for the roundup). Both point to a gradual underlying belief held by comics professionals, (some) male readers, and some editorial staff: women are bad, and will wreck your life.

Now, for some of the female comics bloggers out there (like So So Silver Age and Written World), this is probably not news, and they'll be the first to e-mail and tell me so. But it just seems like comics are being written towards a more misogynistic, cynical audience. The message is simply - no girls allowed. And if you are female, you're either a cheating traitor, a useless appendage, or - worst of all - cannon fodder.

Just look at what's happened in some major storylines this past year: a hero's wife was brutally raped with no consequence; another hero's former flame was revealed to have had an illicit encounter with his most dangerous enemy; a female character's was revealed to be...that's she's the cousin of the world's most powerful (male) hero. In addition, that hero wanted to reform the universe not because it was the right thing to do...but because his human wife was ill, and he couldn't face her dying, and another female hero went crazy and - essentially - reformatted the universe. Let's not forget Frank Miller's All-Star Batman and Robin, which makes 2 Live Crew's work look like masterpieces of feminist thought.

Gee, pretty soon Mary Jane is going to be revealed as an adulterous whore.

My apologies if that word offends you, but quite frankly, you should be offended. I know that this seems a little too late, but quite frankly, I'm growing increasingly disenchanted with comics. Look at the subtext, as Dorian might hint - there's no such thing as a healthy relationship between a man and a woman. Any woman you think is honest, won't be. Women are only defined by their usefullness to men. (And read that however you want).

Awhile ago, there was a "Blog Against Sexism" Day, and my post was a bit naive and rambling. I only wish today were that day - this is a much stronger statement.

Maybe I should take up something a little more wholesome and empowering.

Like stamp collecting.

May Thoughts

The past two days have been really busy - full of kids, the godson's birthday, dealing with family, and well, tons of goodness. Before I get a leavin' on a jet plane, here are some random thoughts:

• Finished reading the Discovering Sherlock Holmes series, and the slighly sad thing is that I looked forward more to receiving that weekly than my regular comic stash. (It'll be repeated next year, and I can visit this site in the interim.)
• Cool: buying the first round of drinks for you and your doctor uncle. Not cool: drinking two beers on an empty stomach.
• Thanks to Mom's super-fast internet connection, I've been able to download some Doctor Who season 2 episodes. Based on "The Christmas Invasion", I hereby nominate David Tennant as the "Caffeinated Davy Jones Doctor"
• Speaking of which, for some reason, my computer won't "accept" the new ethernet card I purchased. (It's plug-and-play, but no prompts or new hardware is discovered). Any thoughts?
• Cool: reading Greg's regular list-of-sites. Not Cool: being one of those people Greg wishes would shut up. (And that's more about those sites than Greg. Honestly).
• The more I think about it, the only difference between Howard Chaykin and Frank Miller's attitude towards women - at least Chaykin's honest about it. Plus, his books are better.
• Started reading the legendary Superfolks - of course, I'm only on chapter 3, but so far, so good. (Only drawback - it's so steeped in late '70s culture it's a little dated. However, I can see how Kurt Busiek and so many others were influenced)
• Remember, friends, that Saturday's Free Comics Day, but Yet Another Comics Blog has an entire month of free comics!