Since I'm flying out to Chicago later this morning (thanks, all, for your wishes - and keep 'em coming), I'm posting the following.
Feel free to dance along!
August 30, 2006
August 28, 2006
Sad News
Everyone,
My father passed away last night, and so I'll be heading to Chicago later this week. If I think to blog, I will; please don't be surprised if I don't pick up until September.
Your thoughts, prayers, and well wishes are appreciated.
Thanks.
My father passed away last night, and so I'll be heading to Chicago later this week. If I think to blog, I will; please don't be surprised if I don't pick up until September.
Your thoughts, prayers, and well wishes are appreciated.
Thanks.
August 27, 2006
Pre-Labor Day Comics Blast
Just in keeping with the Comics & Pop Culture Blogosphere Act of 2005, I must (by Federal law) have at least one comic-related post per month. However, in the interest of keeping it lively, I would like to announce that my super-power is salsa dancing.That's right - Andy has juggling, Dave has monkey covers, and Roger has....well, whatever he has. I have salsa dancing.
And now, the comic reviews - enjoy!
Justice Society (trade) - Collecting the All-Star Comics revival (and including the "Origin of the Justice Society" from DC Special # 29), this book contains some of the beginnings of the intergenerational themes that are currently cropping up in current DC comics. It's good to see Star Spangled Kid acting a little, well, immaturely; a relatively normally proportioned Power Girl (although her elders' patronizing attitude towards her "feminist" beliefs is painful), and just some good old school comics storytelling. Worth checking out.
Martian Manhunter # 1 - Although I wasn't impressed with the preview, I decided to plunk down my hard earned cash. This approach might have worked in the mid-1990s, with its conspiracy-minded, almost X-Files sensibility. However, like I said then - do we need a grim and gritty Martian Manhunter? Or an everything-you-know-is-wrong approach? Sorry, I won't be following this mini-series.
Justice League of America # 1 - Brad Meltzer seems to be going in two directions with this book: the first is straight out big superhero action; the other is focusing on one of the "minor" Leaguers. As a result, this first issue is not as strong as it probably should be. (Although I really dug the Ollie/Hal/Dinah scene - if you read it, you know the one I'm talking about). I'll stick with it for another issue or two, but things need to pick up.
Nextwave: Agents of HATE # 7 - Now this is more like it - big superhero action with liberal dollops of humor. Thank you, Lefty Brown, for making such a great call. If you are not reading this book, you deserve nothing less than total public humiliation.
Batman # 655 - 656 - Good news: Batman is slightly readable again, without the manic madness that Grant Morrison usually provides. Bad news: this is starting off slowly, and just seems kinda...there.
Secret Six # 3 - Between this and All-New Atom, I am seriously digging Gail Simone's writing. Slam-bang action with a nervy sense of humor...am I the only person who wants to see a Secret Six ongoing?
Coming up on the blog: jamming econo, Labor Day in Chicago, and other fun postings.
August 24, 2006
August 23, 2006
Judging the Justice League
Sometimes, it's tough being a comics blogger - after all, I have to avoid memes, jumping in on the current bandwagon, etc. However, after reading Ragnell's very spoiler-ish take on Brad Meltzer's JLA, I just had to do some research, to come up with some observations of my own.So here then, gentle reader, are some of my thoughts on this long running super hero team, based on meticulous reading of reprint editions. Plus, I have a master's degree, so you can trust that I know what I'm talking about.
- The trade paperback JLA: The Greatest Stories Ever Told is a bit of a misnomer - sure, it has "Snapper Carr: Super Traitor" (later retold in the late, lamented-at-least-by-me Hourman series), but it's sole purpose is to reprint the story that led to Identity Crisis...and it stinks. Case in point - Black Canary suspects wrongdoing when Green Lantern plants a "big wet one" on her. Explains a lot, don't you think?
- The early years of the Justice League - featured in the phone book sized Showcase Edition - were probably the closest 10 year olds could get to hallucinogenic drugs. Maybe they were the same plot repeatedly, but there's something really cool about those early stories.
- Hal Jordan - I don't get him. Why do so many fanboys think he's "the greatest Green Lantern". Alan Scott flosses chunks of guys like Jordan out of his teeth. Go figure.
- After reading all four volumes of Crisis on Multiple Earths, you have to admit - the multiverse was a cool idea. What was even cooler was that writers, later on, seemed to suggest parallels for our heroes - not in the "Hey, it's the Bruce Wayne of Earth 42!", but in terms of archetypes/models.
- The Red Tornado is a frickin' idiot. I'm sorry - the android bumbles his way onto the League, sacrifices himself out of self-pity, then throws the JLA and JSA into an Earth with Nazis (none made with bees)....who was the genius who said, "Let's keep Red Tornado and keep out a worthier hero....like, say, Swamp Thing?"
- Only in JLA could an Earth-2 hero lose her husband, decide to move to Earth-1 (with the benefits of U-Haul, mind you), and then later decide that a crisis between earths is "all her fault."
- The Crime Syndicate...sorely underused until Grant Morrison took over.
- The only character goofier than Red Tornado is Johnny Thunder...but thank God he was evil on the JLA's earth. Made it easier for them to deal with.
- You know, a moonbase is cool. A satellite is cool. A hollowed out rock in "Happy Harbor"....doesn't exactly scream, "World's greatest heroes", you know?
- You know what the JLA needed? More frickin' Wildcat.
August 20, 2006
August's Record You Should Own
What do you mean, you didn't see this coming? I left such obvious clues - August's Record You Should Own is the New York Doll's debut album - not just a solid piece of rock history, but a killer debut that will leave you stunned every time you listen.Imagine you're living in 1973 - the end of the Nixon era; progressive rock dominating the airwaves; a general era of disillusionment and cynicism overall. Musically, the United States was being set up much like England would be four years later, paving the way for a group to shake the foundations, and leave a creative path to blaze.
The New York Dolls did just that - inspiring bands musically (with its stripped down, souped up arrangements); visually (the band's androgyny and stylishness impacting on future bands) and sonically (Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols has publicly acknowledged Johnny Thunders' guitar style as an influence). However, the proof is in the grooves - from the Little-Richard-fronts-the-MC5 assault of "Personality Crisis" to the swagger of "Looking for a Kiss" (which slightly presages hip-hop); from the monster riffing of "Frankenstein" to the raunchy guitar/country backbeat/girl group backing vocal mashup in "Trash"; from the bluesy cover of Bo Diddley's "Pills" to the stomping finale "Jet Boy". This is an album that has high energy, its fast-and-furious songs in stark contrast to what was available at the time...or even now.
What makes the album such a masterpiece, though, are the lyrics of David Johansen - here are a few examples:
But now your tryin to be someone, now you got to do somethingSo for all of you out there looking for a piece of musical history that doesn't sound like it, and to hear a band that continues to inspire - whether you're Lefty or Logan, you will definitely enjoy this album, and deserves the title, "Record You Should Own"
Wanna be someone who counts
But you think about the times you did they took every ounce
Well everyone's goin'to your house, to shoot up in your room
Most of them are beautiful, but so obsessed with gloom
I aint gonna be here, when they all get home
They're always lookin at me, they wont leave me alone
I can't ever understand
Why my life's been cursed poisoned, condemned
When I been tryin every night to hold ya near me
But I'm tellin you it aint easy
August 16, 2006
The Mirror's Gettin' Jammed Up With All Your Friends
Just a few things added to the ol' blog:
check out the additions of Legion Abstract, I Read Comics, and The Roar of Comics to the blogroll. Like the Legion Omnicom, Legion Abstract deals with our favorite 31st century teenage team. It's actually a pretty good read, and quite frankly, you can never get enough Legion.
Speaking of which, if you haven't heard the I Read Comics podcast, shame on you. You are automatically deducted 40 IQ points. It's a very interesting podcast, and one of the highlights is the focus on Silver Age Legion stories. This podcast has actually done what I thought wasn't possible - make me nostalgic for those old stories. Now I have to purchase those Silver Age Archives. Plus, there's so much good stuff in each podcast, it's well worth checking out. Unless you're Erik Larsen, in which case, I seriously suggest a double lobotomy and ten rolls of rubber wallpaper.
I'm also enjoying The Roar of Comics immensely - Steve is a guy who wears his heart on his sleeve. He's the kind of blogger whose passion doesn't outstrip his intelligence, and who can make the greatest points with the least amount of snarkiness. You especially must read his masterpiece. Your life will be changed for the better. Honestly.
Coming soon to Blog THIS, Pal: this television season's breakout hit, a Record You Should Own (a big hint is in the title), gratuitous shout-outs to various bloggers, and more obscure references than you can shake a stick at., if that's your idea of a good time.
But first, 60's cult hit meets 80's cult group:
check out the additions of Legion Abstract, I Read Comics, and The Roar of Comics to the blogroll. Like the Legion Omnicom, Legion Abstract deals with our favorite 31st century teenage team. It's actually a pretty good read, and quite frankly, you can never get enough Legion.
Speaking of which, if you haven't heard the I Read Comics podcast, shame on you. You are automatically deducted 40 IQ points. It's a very interesting podcast, and one of the highlights is the focus on Silver Age Legion stories. This podcast has actually done what I thought wasn't possible - make me nostalgic for those old stories. Now I have to purchase those Silver Age Archives. Plus, there's so much good stuff in each podcast, it's well worth checking out. Unless you're Erik Larsen, in which case, I seriously suggest a double lobotomy and ten rolls of rubber wallpaper.
I'm also enjoying The Roar of Comics immensely - Steve is a guy who wears his heart on his sleeve. He's the kind of blogger whose passion doesn't outstrip his intelligence, and who can make the greatest points with the least amount of snarkiness. You especially must read his masterpiece. Your life will be changed for the better. Honestly.
Coming soon to Blog THIS, Pal: this television season's breakout hit, a Record You Should Own (a big hint is in the title), gratuitous shout-outs to various bloggers, and more obscure references than you can shake a stick at., if that's your idea of a good time.
But first, 60's cult hit meets 80's cult group:
August 15, 2006
Reading is Fundamental
Recently, I was semi-tagged by Roger concerning this book meme. Since I'm always looking for ways to avoid posting real content, I thought I would go ahead and post my responses.
1: One book that changed your life: As trite as this seems, I would have to admit that The Great Gatsby had an effect on me when I read it in high school. At the time, I was pursuing a relatively unobtainable woman (much like my current personal life, wink wink nudge nudge say no more), and something about the way Fitzgerald wrote hit home. A man who had everything, but who couldn't acquire what he wanted most...I don't think I've reread it since then, but it still resonates.
2: One book you have read more than once: There are several, but the one book that I remember constantly re-reading is Early Autumn by Robert B. Parker. Yes, it's a Spenser novel, but it works on so many levels: a crime drama, a coming-of-age story, a character examination, and the story of how a private detective helps a young boy enter adulthood. (Plus, many of the themes and characters in this book resonate throughout the rest of the Spenser series).
3: One book you would want on a desert island: That's relatively easy - Bartlett's Quotations. Short, simple to read, and a nice literary sampler.
4: One book that made you laugh: There's a great fondness in my heart for The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - yes, I'm a Doctor Who geek, and Douglas Adams' first book always seems to hit the right sense of humor, absurdity, and drama.
Favorite lines:
My other nomination - Why I Should Be Dictator by Greg.
6: One book you wish had never had been written: It's obvious, but I would say The DaVinci Code. It should be banned and burned not because of its "blasphemous" ideas, but because its appallingly mediocre writing and lackluster characterization.
7: One book that made you cry: Flowers for Algernon - ok, the movie version didn't do it for me, but at the end, as Charly realizes where he's going....I tear up.
Seriously.
8: One book you are currently reading: I'm making my way through Fire Sale by Sara Paretsky - I love how she is able to mix detective fiction, social justice issues, and politics in a nice, literate style.
9: One book you have been meaning to read:1776 by David McCullough. For some reason, I've been on an early-history-of-America binge.
10. Who to tag? Sorry, I'm not tagging anybody. This is a voluntary meme.
1: One book that changed your life: As trite as this seems, I would have to admit that The Great Gatsby had an effect on me when I read it in high school. At the time, I was pursuing a relatively unobtainable woman (much like my current personal life, wink wink nudge nudge say no more), and something about the way Fitzgerald wrote hit home. A man who had everything, but who couldn't acquire what he wanted most...I don't think I've reread it since then, but it still resonates.
2: One book you have read more than once: There are several, but the one book that I remember constantly re-reading is Early Autumn by Robert B. Parker. Yes, it's a Spenser novel, but it works on so many levels: a crime drama, a coming-of-age story, a character examination, and the story of how a private detective helps a young boy enter adulthood. (Plus, many of the themes and characters in this book resonate throughout the rest of the Spenser series).
3: One book you would want on a desert island: That's relatively easy - Bartlett's Quotations. Short, simple to read, and a nice literary sampler.
4: One book that made you laugh: There's a great fondness in my heart for The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - yes, I'm a Doctor Who geek, and Douglas Adams' first book always seems to hit the right sense of humor, absurdity, and drama.
Favorite lines:
"It's like being drunk."5: One book you wish had been written: The Poodle Springs Story by Raymond Chandler. I know, Robert B. Parker later finished it, but I would have loved to see where Chandler would have taken it.
"What's wrong with that?"
"Ask a glass of water"
My other nomination - Why I Should Be Dictator by Greg.
6: One book you wish had never had been written: It's obvious, but I would say The DaVinci Code. It should be banned and burned not because of its "blasphemous" ideas, but because its appallingly mediocre writing and lackluster characterization.
7: One book that made you cry: Flowers for Algernon - ok, the movie version didn't do it for me, but at the end, as Charly realizes where he's going....I tear up.
Seriously.
8: One book you are currently reading: I'm making my way through Fire Sale by Sara Paretsky - I love how she is able to mix detective fiction, social justice issues, and politics in a nice, literate style.
9: One book you have been meaning to read:1776 by David McCullough. For some reason, I've been on an early-history-of-America binge.
10. Who to tag? Sorry, I'm not tagging anybody. This is a voluntary meme.
August 13, 2006
Brian and Brannon, Sittin' In A Tree.....
On behalf of male pop culture geeks everywhere, I would like to apologize to you women. Some of us are complete idiots.
First, you had the whole Brian Bendis/Gail Simone fiasco, when Ms. Simone disclosed her experiences at Marvel and Mr. Bendis basically, well, went off on her. (My thanks to When Fangirls Attack for the linkage). But of course, what really bothered me was this TV Guide piece where Brannon Braga discusses how one character would "spiral out of control after he sleeps with an alien stripper."
That's a direct quote, folks. I'm not making that up.
I'm not justifying it, but I think like many of my fellow members of Generation X, (the sociological construct, not the comic or Billy Idol's first band) Bendis and Braga grew up in the shadow of the then-emerging women's movement. It was a change of consciousness - women were beginning to assert their rights, their individuality, their value as human beings regardless of gender.
Like many young men, I had a choice - one was to become super hyper-masculine, to embrace overtly macho traits. In short, deny feminine traits and become a glorified frat boy. Any attempt to address gender imbalances would be dismissed, because showing any vulnerability would be seen as being a "wuss." Anything that celebrated masculine superiority would be embraced. So, for example, the underlying philosophy of dating sites like this, that basically claim women are attracted to "bad boys", and that it was up to us to demean women, break them down, and "put them in their place." And that, for some men, there is no such thing as a healthy relationship between a man and a woman.
The other choice - which I and many other men took - was to embrace our feminine sides, to be flexible and have positive regard for women. It doesn't mean that we become "wusses", or too politically correct - but there's a healthy admission that we can acknowledge women as equals. Sometimes, it's done with humor (like Andy's site), embracing macho pursuits; for others, it's about acknowledging that, in the comics world, there is a huge, almost disproportionate amount of false machismo, and that we can be just as outraged. Case in point - check out this video blog from Comics Foundry. (I forget where I got the link - for acknowledgement, please write in the comments). Yes, Wizard magazine's an easy target, but just watch a man grow gradually, but deeply, disenchanted with bad behavior. Bendis and Braga aren't the only men who behave badly - however, their behavior only encourages further misbehavior.
So yes, I am apologizing on their behalf, but only because they are symptomatic of some really deep issues in the comics world. And that the only way to fight it is for bloggers who do not feel that way to make a stand. Publicly. Proudly.
Enough ranting for today - it's nap time!
First, you had the whole Brian Bendis/Gail Simone fiasco, when Ms. Simone disclosed her experiences at Marvel and Mr. Bendis basically, well, went off on her. (My thanks to When Fangirls Attack for the linkage). But of course, what really bothered me was this TV Guide piece where Brannon Braga discusses how one character would "spiral out of control after he sleeps with an alien stripper."
That's a direct quote, folks. I'm not making that up.
I'm not justifying it, but I think like many of my fellow members of Generation X, (the sociological construct, not the comic or Billy Idol's first band) Bendis and Braga grew up in the shadow of the then-emerging women's movement. It was a change of consciousness - women were beginning to assert their rights, their individuality, their value as human beings regardless of gender.
Like many young men, I had a choice - one was to become super hyper-masculine, to embrace overtly macho traits. In short, deny feminine traits and become a glorified frat boy. Any attempt to address gender imbalances would be dismissed, because showing any vulnerability would be seen as being a "wuss." Anything that celebrated masculine superiority would be embraced. So, for example, the underlying philosophy of dating sites like this, that basically claim women are attracted to "bad boys", and that it was up to us to demean women, break them down, and "put them in their place." And that, for some men, there is no such thing as a healthy relationship between a man and a woman.
The other choice - which I and many other men took - was to embrace our feminine sides, to be flexible and have positive regard for women. It doesn't mean that we become "wusses", or too politically correct - but there's a healthy admission that we can acknowledge women as equals. Sometimes, it's done with humor (like Andy's site), embracing macho pursuits; for others, it's about acknowledging that, in the comics world, there is a huge, almost disproportionate amount of false machismo, and that we can be just as outraged. Case in point - check out this video blog from Comics Foundry. (I forget where I got the link - for acknowledgement, please write in the comments). Yes, Wizard magazine's an easy target, but just watch a man grow gradually, but deeply, disenchanted with bad behavior. Bendis and Braga aren't the only men who behave badly - however, their behavior only encourages further misbehavior.
So yes, I am apologizing on their behalf, but only because they are symptomatic of some really deep issues in the comics world. And that the only way to fight it is for bloggers who do not feel that way to make a stand. Publicly. Proudly.
Enough ranting for today - it's nap time!
August 12, 2006
More Meme Madness
For Brandon's Bat-Blank Challenge:
And for Mike - I give him a hard time, but only 'cause I appreciate him:
(Yes, it's done with Paint, but my regular photo software isn't working right)
EDIT: Next time, must learn - proofreading is a good thing.
And for Mike - I give him a hard time, but only 'cause I appreciate him:
(Yes, it's done with Paint, but my regular photo software isn't working right)
EDIT: Next time, must learn - proofreading is a good thing.
August 11, 2006
Friday On My Mind!
Just a few little bits and pieces for the ol' blog:
- Dad's home from the hospital - despite some complications, he's ok. Of course, he's a little sore, but if someone cracked open my chest, I'd be curmudgeonly. Still, I am changing my ways, and cutting down on the Ding Dongs
- Here's the debate the nation should be having - pencils vs. pens
- DC 52 Speculation - is it just me, or is John Henry Irons (formerly Steel) being set up to be the new Commander Steel in the upcoming Justice Society? I mean, "Last Great American Hero"?
- Not just one, but two revisions on The Prisoner. How cool is that?
- Thanks to Beaucoup Kevin for linking to these Star Trek motivational posters.. I owe him bourbon. Lots of it.
- My computer died at work on Wednesday, and by Thursday, they rebuilt it. They had the technology. They made it better than it was before - better, stronger, faster.
- Need excuses for work? Here you go.
- Unlike Paris Hilton, Andy's videos are good.
- Have to agree with the Pop Culture Gadabout on this one - the New York Dolls' latest totally rocks. You're never going to get the original sound back, but this band manages to recapture the rollicking, lively spirit of the first two Dolls' records. And don't worry - more on that later....
- Finally, taking a cue from Mike (who's rumored to be a "big cheater pants") and Mah Two Cents:
August 8, 2006
The Greatest Reality Show Ever!
It was an easy purchase to make - I already had the DVDs of Christopher Eccleston's tenure as Doctor Who and the latest New York Dolls disc ready for purchase. (Short take so far - read Pop Culture Gadabout's take. More details from this end to follow). It looked lonely, and I wanted to check out, hearing some great recommendations....so with little reservations, I purchased Season One of Drawn Together.My life was changed, because this is the sickest - and funniest - animated series I have seen since the premiere of South Park.
No, it's not perfect - it's much better than current-era Family Guy, and the episodes tend more towards shock than actual humor, but the premise is brilliant. Basically, it is a reality show featuring animated characters - a 20's sexpot with self-image problems; a racist Disney-esque character; a hip-hop influenced Josie & the Pussycats-style singer; a Pikachu substitute; a Timm/Dini-esque hero, and a pig featured on a porn site.
To be fair, much of the humor is rather sexist and male-oriented - what else would you expect when the two creators were former staffers on The Man Show - but much of the time, the humor is at the expense of the characters. (For example, three male characters are playing "spin the bottle", while making homophobic comments. I'm not saying homophobia is good, but making homophobia look stupid - laughs a-plenty).
This show isn't for everyone, and I wouldn't mind seeing if they take their satire further (like South Park), or begin relying solely on pop-culture nods and in-jokes (like Family Guy). However, it is worth viewing just to take the mickey out of both reality television and animation.
(BONUS ESSAY - which comics bloggers do you think should be part of the same reality tv household? Just make them in the comments. It will be more fun than a root canal. Seriously)
August 6, 2006
You Make the Call!
In the comments, please tell me which version of this song you prefer:
Version A:
or Version B:
Things will be busy at work this - this should tide you over. And recent polls show that 72% of you believe that I should not trust a blogger who likes Swamp Thing.
Version A:
or Version B:
Things will be busy at work this - this should tide you over. And recent polls show that 72% of you believe that I should not trust a blogger who likes Swamp Thing.
August 5, 2006
August 3, 2006
Khaaaaaan!
(First, a hearty thank you to Spandex Justice for the wonderful comments. Your bribe is on its way)
Like many young men of my generation, Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan had a formative influence on me. Everything from the Kobayashi Maru to snarling "From hell's heart I stab at thee" to my mom for serving me decaf coffee...the character of Khan was, for many, the anti-Shatner: a man obsessed with a dead world, a dead wife...and the person who kept him from his destiny.
I'm not a Star Trek novel guy - ok, if it's at the library, and I like the cover, I'll check it out. So when I saw Volume One of The Eugenics Wars...well, out came the card. Friends, if you dig Trek, you have to check out Greg Cox's Khan Trilogy - Volumes One and Two of The Eugenics Wars, as well as To Reign In Hell, which takes place between the Trek episode "Space Seed" and ST:TWOK.
Now, I know what you're thinking - "Wait a minute, Gordon, I don't remember any genetically advanced supermen trying to take over in 1996? How can you do a war that never took place and make it realistic?" Well, in terms of the genetic advanced supermen taking over, I beg to differ - but Cox gives us the Eugenics War as a shadow war, playing out in secret amongst other tragedies of recent history. Mixing Trek trivia with the history of the past 30 years, Cox provides us a context for Khan's rise - it may be glorified fanwank in the eyes of some, but it's cleverly written glorified fanwank. Sure, there are some badly chosen tongue-in-cheek moments ("Welcome to Chrysalis Island" anyone?), but by the end, when Khan rockets off into the unknown, we know the future he will face....at least, part of it.
The crowning touch, however, is To Reign In Hell, which covers the "wilderness years" of Khan on Ceti Alpha V. It answers a lot of questions, but also shows us how Khan went from the relatively narcissistic leader to a man burning with obsession for Kirk. Yes, there is a framing sequence with Kirk, but that's the weakest part of the book. (And all three books are very easy, quick, and enjoyable reads). In short, this trilogy thoroughly explores Khan's character, and by the end, we know the outcome - but the journey there is what's most important.
Which is always been the heart of Trek, both TOS, TNG and DS9 - it was never about spaceships, or utopia, or even hope for the future. It was the constant reminder that, as we go beyond our limits, we learn more about ourselves, and that the greatest discoveries do not lie without, but within.
Like many young men of my generation, Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan had a formative influence on me. Everything from the Kobayashi Maru to snarling "From hell's heart I stab at thee" to my mom for serving me decaf coffee...the character of Khan was, for many, the anti-Shatner: a man obsessed with a dead world, a dead wife...and the person who kept him from his destiny.
I'm not a Star Trek novel guy - ok, if it's at the library, and I like the cover, I'll check it out. So when I saw Volume One of The Eugenics Wars...well, out came the card. Friends, if you dig Trek, you have to check out Greg Cox's Khan Trilogy - Volumes One and Two of The Eugenics Wars, as well as To Reign In Hell, which takes place between the Trek episode "Space Seed" and ST:TWOK.
Now, I know what you're thinking - "Wait a minute, Gordon, I don't remember any genetically advanced supermen trying to take over in 1996? How can you do a war that never took place and make it realistic?" Well, in terms of the genetic advanced supermen taking over, I beg to differ - but Cox gives us the Eugenics War as a shadow war, playing out in secret amongst other tragedies of recent history. Mixing Trek trivia with the history of the past 30 years, Cox provides us a context for Khan's rise - it may be glorified fanwank in the eyes of some, but it's cleverly written glorified fanwank. Sure, there are some badly chosen tongue-in-cheek moments ("Welcome to Chrysalis Island" anyone?), but by the end, when Khan rockets off into the unknown, we know the future he will face....at least, part of it.
The crowning touch, however, is To Reign In Hell, which covers the "wilderness years" of Khan on Ceti Alpha V. It answers a lot of questions, but also shows us how Khan went from the relatively narcissistic leader to a man burning with obsession for Kirk. Yes, there is a framing sequence with Kirk, but that's the weakest part of the book. (And all three books are very easy, quick, and enjoyable reads). In short, this trilogy thoroughly explores Khan's character, and by the end, we know the outcome - but the journey there is what's most important.
Which is always been the heart of Trek, both TOS, TNG and DS9 - it was never about spaceships, or utopia, or even hope for the future. It was the constant reminder that, as we go beyond our limits, we learn more about ourselves, and that the greatest discoveries do not lie without, but within.
August 1, 2006
Medical Update
Dad's gone through surgery, and he's fine (although, right now, sleeping off the anaesthetic). For those of you who offered your prayers and well wishes - thanks. If I had the money, I'd fly out to all of you and buy you a beverage of your choice as thanks.
And now, back to the blogging.
Coming tomorrow....Khaaaan!
And now, back to the blogging.
Coming tomorrow....Khaaaan!
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