The Ballad of Danny Blaine

I have to admit, my mind is still reeling a bit from the end of Justice Society of America # 2 - not because of the recap of Kingdom Come (which, quite frankly, has been referenced in most DC books for years), but because it resonates with one of my all-time favorite comics...and shows something of a lost opportunity for DC Comics.

We first meet our future Starman as a boy- a member of the Legion of Super Heroes, on an adventure with then-current Starman Jack Knight in the future. Jack, at the request of the woman he loves, is on a quest to learn the whereabouts of his predecessor, Will Payton. (One of the things I miss about James Robinson's Starman - it was able to delicately weave continuity into a coherent story, rather than feel the need to "reboot" the universe). In a discussion, Thom Kallor (or "Star Boy") learns that he is destined to be the Starman of the future...and is shocked. Imagine, a teenage/young adult male learning that not only is he part of history...but he is aware of how he is going to die. (This, I think, explains the "Danny Blaine" identity - it serves as an untraceable identity with no real links. Perfect for spoiling the plans of those villians who could travel in time and "prevent" Starman from happening).

But ultimately, we get our grasp of the future Starman in the final issues of the Jack Knight series. The Sons of the Father Sons of the Father trade paperback should be required learning for how to end a series - there are resolutions, revelations, and an overall sense of finality. However, when we meet Mr. Blaine, he reveals that his life has been all the richer, because he's led "two lives". Mr. Blaine (or Mr. Kallor) has returned Jack to his home time, and is off to die. His face, once he removes the mask, is scarred, his hair gray, but in essence, we see that he has fought the good fight - unlike Jack (who gets a happy ending), Danny Blaine will go off to...Armageddon.

I also have to admit that I am a little disappointed that DC chose to open the multiversal can of worms and not go with the post-Infinite Crisis Starboy-as-Starman. I can understand why, but in a way, it's a shame, especially with the way in which DC has pledged to be more "diverse". Just think of the storytelling possibilities - a man who is considered "just another" in the future goes back to a more barbaric past willingly, and who does not understand the dynamics that drive 21st century earth. Imagine conflicts with Courtney Whitmore - after all, she was given the "official" blessing from Jack Knight, and here is some unknown stranger taking over - imagine the dynamics. Yes, it would have the fanboys screaming, "But he's been portrayed as Caucasian in the past!", but what's more important - good stories that have resonance with our present, or an almost fanatical devotion to the past?

(And plus, there is precedent - having Captain Marvel, a boy-in-adult's-clothing, courting Stargirl very early on...where was the outrage? Yes, they broke up. All is well).

Maybe it's my current mood of letting go of the past, and moving back to my home city...but there's something about this new Starman that seems to have potential. I think I'll hang around awhile.

And don't forget - today is National Gorilla Suit Day.

Happy Birthday, Fred Hembeck

A toast to the guy who corrupted my youth, er, I mean, helped me enjoy comics.

(Between this and being linked by Mark Evanier, I think it's safe to say I'm in fanboy heaven right now...)

Every Picture Tells A Story

Like everyone else, I've seen the infamous image posted on Newsarama (a larger version to be found here), and I have a few thoughts:

• Between Blue Beetle's left knee and Black Canary's right foot, there's a little red hand. I'm not kidding. I hope it's some weird Earth 19-and-a-half version of the Atom, because if it's Ryan Choi...I'm going to have to throw down. I mean, one of the least angst-ridden, most fun heroes dead? I hope I'm misinterpreting.
• Wasn't the Batman presented in this photo part of an Elseworlds annual? Or am I misremembering?
• Why do I have the feeling that WWIII is simply Kingdom Come retold? (OK, that's too cynical, but even still...)
• Finally....why do I have the feeling that there's going to be a bait-and-switch pulled with this photo?

Anyway, here's a last-minute reminder: don't forget that a major holiday is coming up. Of course, I'm talking about....

A Very Belated Catmas Blog

First, an extremely belated Catmas blog of Dax, the wonder cat, sleeping on my bed:


And coming up on Blog This, Pal!: another pulse pounding episode of Logan, Jedi Accountant.

January's Records You Should Own

That's right - this blog is kicking off 2007 with two - count 'em - two Records that you should own. Maybe it's because we want to help you exchange those fruitcakes for something enjoyable; maybe it's because I want to break in my new ergonomic keyboard (my old one died); but just maybe - it's because these are two albums that show bands transitioning, that contain just some flat out brilliant music that deserves your attention.

Our first entry shows a band that started off in the midst of the British Invasion with some rockin' singles. Oh, sure, "You Really Got Me" and "All Day and All of the Night" get played on oldies stations, but if radio really loved us, they would play some of the tunes from The Kink Kronikles, which features some of their lesser-heard, but more influential, music. (When most bands were freaking out and expanding their minds, Ray Davies was writing smaller, more matter-of-fact songs). You've obviously heard "Lola", but you have never really lived until you have heard "Waterloo Sunset", one of the most heart-catching, flat-out beautiful songs ever written. This is the kind of music that sounds so amazingly fresh - yet familiar - that you would do yourself a great disservice by not giving this a listen. My personal favorites from this album - "Death of a Clown" (Dave Davies' Dylan copy), "Holiday in Waikiki"(tourism, commericialism, and killer guitar lines), "This is Where I Belong", and "She's Got Everything". One of the great things about this collection is that it serves as a sampler for hearing the Kinks' later albums, brilliantly summarized by the Pop Culture Gadabout.

And now, for our first request (from Lefty Brown, who's sponsoring another Mixed Bag exchange)...a band I was lucky enough to see live in 2006. At the time this record was recorded, Cheap Trick was known as a weird band - almost the Nirvana of its day. A live album - taken from their concert at Budokan - was released. However, years later, you can own the complete concert. That's right, January's second choice is Cheap Trick At Budokan: The Complete Concert Most live records are usually ways of raking in more dough needlessly (and I'm taking about you, Mick and Keith). However, this is a band at the height of its powers - it delivers an example of a band moving from "cult favorite" to "rock powerhouse." Killer melodies, excellent guitar work from Rick Nielsen...oh, man, this is an album that will just blow you away. Then you'll want to hear it again. And be blown away again.

So, have a few bucks that you're looking to part with? Then get these albums. We'll return to the one album-per-month format, but I just wanted to give you a little somethin' extra...because I can.

Regaining My Cool

Well, I'm working busily on seeking a job, and making arrangements...by this time in about three months, my situation will have changed. I'm feeling a lot stronger, a lot better...because now, I have a plan.

But enough of my angst - now, it's related comic book (and other) thingies:

• First, Mike, I can no longer mock you, especially that now, there are two pieces of evidence that point to a fellow blogger who has acted, well, even more goofy. (Plus, other people have made worse Hitler references - in the series ending episode of Kids in the Hall, they had a sketch featuring Hitler doing rude things to a donkey)
• You know, my mind was completely blown by the remastered "Where No Man Has Gone Before." Makes me glad I'm reconnecting with Trek.
• Checked out Batman: Face the Face (aka the "One Year Later" arc), and this is the Batman - a guy who can fight, solve crimes, and is the most compassionate character in the DC Universe. About frickin' time.
• While watching "Prescription: Murder" - one of the movies in the Columbo 1st Season Boxed Set - I realized that Peter Falk was playing Columbo kinda tough and bad ass. See it yourself if you don't believe me. (And the DVD set was my dad's, so it's not like I'm using grocery money to buy discs)
  
• So Supernova was Booster Gold? Well, my personal 52 theory is that there are 52 anomalies (Nightwing and Donna Troy alive, Starman, etc) in the "main" DC universe. But I could be wrong.
  
• Good reason to have a Comic Space page - thanks to a fellow member, I read this really cool online comic. Please head there - you'll be glad you did.
• Loren and Eddie - I publicly salute you. You are both scholars and gentlemen. And I'm talking Roger Green-level scholars and gentlemen. That's something
  
• Finally, the show my cousin's husband said would cheer my spirits - Robot Chicken. Here's a sample:

Thanks again, and folks - I'm in much, much better spirits. Keep the good thoughts a-comin'!

You Win Some, You Lose Some...

First, thanks to everyone on the blogosphere who sent their well-wishes either privately or publicly; it's people like you (along with my real life friends) who make things worthwhile.

However, the car is...toast. As much as this stinks, it has me really considering moving back to Chicago. Part of it is St. Louis' transit system, but quite frankly...I miss my family. I miss Svengoolie. I miss breaded steak sandwiches the size of Doberman puppies.

But...when I moved to St. Louis, I was getting over a bad breakup, and it wasn't really my choice. However, there's really nothing keeping me here but friends...I've pretty much met all of my professional accomplishments...and although I'm still ambivalent, I am much more open to returning to the city where I grew up. Plus, I'll always have this blog to remind me of the treasures of St. Louis.

(Plus, it means that Andy can corrupt me).

Anyway, my only pet peeve - 40 some minutes of Heroes, and no Christopher Eccleston.

Blogging Break

Everyone,

I'm taking a break from the blog. Long story short - I was in a car accident late yesterday afternoon.

I'm Ok. Car - not so OK.

Why do I get the feeling this is God's way of saying, "Move back to Chicago"?

Thanks, and I would appreciate your prayers to whatever higher power or divinity you choose to believe.

Chuck Dixon, I'm Calling You Out

(NOTE: please be aware that this is being written by a white, heterosexual male, and that this post comes from that perspective. Please feel free to comment if you believe that I am being unreasonable, arrogant, or just plain wrong. Thanks for reading!)

It's the controversy that has the blogosphere unruly - at least, for awhile - but it's Chuck Dixon's comments about portraying sexuality in comics. (Actually, it came about because Mr. Dixon is writing a character who he deems a "sociopath"...and yes, I'm talking his comments out of context).

Now, admittedly, I haven't read any of Mr. Dixon's work since...well, Alien Legion. Now granted, I could fault Mr. Dixon on his own hypocrisy (well documented in links at When Fangirls Attack), or even his faulty thinking (that young children, and not older continuity-obsessed geeks like me read current mainstream comics), but I just have one question:

Does Mr. Dixon even know any gay people?

The reason I'm asking is that, well, if Midnighter were bedding many a fair lass, this wouldn't be an issue - in fact, by his own rules, he would suggest - rather than depict - that kind of behavior. But somehow, it's not OK to "suggest" two men (or two women) showing each other affection.

I'm not going to call Mr. Dixon a homophobe, because - quite frankly - I understand his mindset too well, having adopted it when I was younger. It's more of a willing ignorance - when I was much younger and less knowledgeable, I often had the belief that gay people shouldn't have "special rights"...that as long as they kept what they did in the bedroom and out of the public eye (or they "stayed in the closet), I was OK with it. Hey, I was young and stupid.

Much of my change in attitude I can directly attribute to the fact that, for my master's practicum, I worked at a gay-affirmative agency. (I didn't choose it because it was gay-affirmative, but now see it as God's sly sense of humor). Many of my supervisors and co-workers were gay, and so I had to confront my attitudes on a daily basis. Realizing that these were human beings who, on an individual level, had a unique set of challenges...and who were not lusting after me secretly. (Again, I was young and stupid. Go figure). It allowed me to become even more confident in myself where I have several gay friends, where I can understand some gay issues...but more importantly, seeing Todd kiss his boyfriend in Manhunter didn't automatically make me feel squirmy. Or having a gay friend call me "sweetie" make me feel less of a man. (Actually, I felt more manly...but that's too much information, isn't it?)

So, Chuck, just a quick point - before you start complaining about what's appropriate for kids, why not consider opening their minds up to the big beautiful world outside their window? Be open to the fact that not everyone shares your view point...but more importantly, be willing to be open to new experiences yourself. Plus, you might make some new friends.

That, and you'll laugh yourself sick at Scott Thompson's Buddy Cole monologues.

P.S. If you ever do Alien Legion again, please include space monkeys on jet packs.

A Double Dose of (Terrence) Dicks

Mention the name Terrence Dicks to your average Doctor Who fan, and you'll get one of two reactions - either gratitude for setting the tone very early on in the series, and for keeping the flame through his Target novelizations; or his relatively lackluster later work, which tends to be more continuity-driven than your average DC comic. But ultimately, the question needs to be asked - does his work hold up?

Let's just say he's good at crafting a story, but he's not quite ready for the 21st century.

First comes Inferno - OK, technically he was script editor, and the episode was written by Don Houghton, but Dicks' storytelling ability shines through. Although Season Seven started off with the classic Spearhead From Space, much of it consisted of seven episode stories. Inferno, far from being padded, actually manages to maintain its pace - part of it is the Dicks'-derived idea of a parallel earth (and who else out there thinks this is the same earth from 2006's Rise of the Cybermen/The Age of Steel? Oh, it's just me). Being able to play out the story to a horrible end - and then revisiting the "real" world - helps give this story slightly more narrative power.

However, in the supporting materials for this and other stories - especially when discussing Caroline John's departure - Dicks shows some tendency towards, well, old fogeydom. First, he rather sheepishly claims that they let her go because she was a "proper actress", which is, well, less overtly sexist and patronizing than Barry Letts' contention that you can't have a companion as clever as the Doctor. Of course, both he and Letts complain almost bitterly that "they wouldn't have done it that way" on another story...which is considered one of highest rated. Go figure.

Of course, it didn't stop Dicks from writing Horror of Fang Rock - originally, a substitute for a script which later became State of Decay, this is a pretty competent mixture of alien invasion, lighthouses, and Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None. It's not going to be spoken in the same breath as, say, Talons of Weng Chiang (and in Chicago, was known for an infamous interruption - thanks to Laura for posting the reminder), but there is a kind of cool, sharp symmetry to it, and there is a great documentary that shows Dicks has done more than Doctor Who.

He does redeem himself, in terms of portrayal of women, in how he handles Leela. Of course, we all know she's a savage woman from a strange planet, known more for wearing a one-piece leather bathing suit and killing people...but here, she spends most of the episode fully clothed, first in a typical Edwardian dress and then in a big bulky turtleneck. In addition, she's treated almost like a male character - although there are flashes of her "savageness", she is increasingly being seen as more competent, more independent...almost a complete carryover from the aforementioned Talons. Dicks, at the very least, shows some willingness to transcend his own attitudes.

In many ways, Terrence Dicks is like the William Shatner of Doctor Who writers - no matter what he does, he will always be linked to the show. The sad thing is, that title cuts both ways - he will always be linked - and be trapped - in the show's past.

Five Reasons I Am Feeling Grateful Today

Yes, because I have several posts that I'm working on - five reasons I am feeling mighty grateful right here and now.

1. I won a Podcrapular Award - if you're interested, head on to this site and listen. You'll be mighty grateful. (Thanks Andy, and I'll go ahead and burn the negatives now)
   


2. As many of you may be aware, I am now gainfully unemployed. Long story short - when there are layoffs, building closings, and flat out chaos at your place of work, it's time to go. Plus, I just noticed that several gray hairs have turned back to brown.
   
3. I have vacuumed my bedroom, which hasn't been vacuumed since...well, since Christopher Eccleston was announced as the Doctor.
4. Going through my dad's videos, he has the Avengers episode "A Touch of Brimstone" on video. I'm going to lose my sensitive guy creds over this one. Honestly.
5. I have slept better in the past 48 hours than I have in the past four months. Honest.
   

More blog fun coming - watch this space!

Hey, It's Time to Delurk

Thanks to the mighty Tom Foss, I just learned this week is National DeLurking Week. So if you are a frequent visitor, but have never commented, please feel free to do so.

Here is your prize for doing so - a video! It's like a musical version of this blog!

Blogger Shout-Outs

In lieu of real content (I'm brewin' stuff up as we speak - honest!)

First, thanks to Lorien of One Diverse Comic Nation for the shout-out; I just started his blog in the wake of Chuck Dixon-gate, and it's both thought-provoking and educational. If you're looking for a comics blog that will change your outlook without hitting you over the head, this is it.

Secondly, a belated thank you to Eddie - because of one of his mix CDs, I now can not get this song out of my head. (And no, I'm not complaining)

Finally, to Beaucoup Kevin - recently, he has taken on the issue of ape and simian discrimination. It's a tough issue - one that threatens to tear the fabric of our society apart - but I offer this piece of blatant anti-simian propaganda from Canada for his consideration, and to show my solidarity to his cause.

And The Oscar For Best Documentary Goes To...

When discussing the interaction of art and madness - especially in popular music - there are one of two extremes that one can go to. At one end are people like Brian Wilson, who eventually overcome their dark periods and are able to build upon their past successes, and are eventually seen as triumphs. (I can honestly say that if it weren't for Brian Wilson - especially during his time with Eugene Landy - I probably would never have been motivated to study psychology). At the other end are people like Wesley Willis, whose name brings up some uncomfortable questions and bring up issues of possible exploitation.

Fortunately, the makers of The Devil and Daniel Johnston have made a tight, engaging, well crafted cinematic love letter to an artist that covers all sorts of ground - art and madness, family, religion, lost love, and the hipster lifestyle. It's the kind of documentary that should be used in film classes to teach how to make an even-handed, well-balanced film...and if this movie doesn't win an Oscar, I will be convinced that there is no Higher Power.

The very first scene is Daniel filming himself, and setting the scene for the rest of the film - an examination of a man who started out as a near-genius. We see him flourishing early on, but receiving the message that he cannot earn a living through his art, but should get a "real" job. Either through luck or calculation (or even both), Johnston becomes the local darling of the Austin scene. It's during that time that things begin falling apart...or do they?

One of the great things about this movie is how the filmmakers document Johnston's descent into manic depression...well, first, they don't do the cliche of "he fell apart due to fame". Early on, the filmmakers suggest that his disorder showed up earlier in his life. In addition, they document the shocking effects that Johnston's behavior has on others - as Austin writer Louis Black states in the movie, dealing with abstract craziness is one thing; having someone you know act insanely is another. (Fortunately, Johnston documented much of his art and his life through tapes, providing excellent background and exposition). As the last third of the movie unfolds, it doesn't give us a nice, rosy picture that all is well...but it is also not a totally pessimistic ending, either. Simply put, it is a "life goes on" ending.

Also, be sure to check out several of the special features, including a reunion with a "lost love" featured prominently in the film. Although the last words he says to her might normally sound creepy, it seems more like a renewal of his dedication to his muse, a realization that now that he has more fuel for his creativity.

This movie doesn't make me want to jump out and purchase Johnston's music (not that it's bad - it just isn't my cup of tea). For the first time in a long time, however, a documentary has made me even more curious about its subject....and that's the highest compliment I can give to it.

Since I'm Under the Weather...

...a Power Girl fan film - for you! (Might be NSFW)

2007: So Far, So Good

"Well you get sent out on the race track/
You get spurs dug in your cheeks/
You'll see a winning post in the distance/
That you'll never, ever, reach" - Graham Parker, Don't Let It Break You Down

Here's a rather emo kind of post because - let's face it - I can't be all comic books and Doctor Who you know...
As I type this, I'm sitting in my empty office - no one else is in the building. My soon-to-be-former staff member is out today, and will be back tomorrow. There's a slightly palpable sense of melancholy, mixed feelings, unusual desires.

As much as I hate leaving this job - especially after one year - I probably will not regret it.

Much of it is due to dirty laundry which I can't - and won't - air on this blog. But a lot of it is, admittedly, due to my father's death. Part of it is not having enough time to mourn - when the first major cry I have had over Dad's August death was at 8:00 am on Christmas morning, that's not a good sign.

Part of it is the dynamics where I work - some things went down in early December that set off some huge red flags for me. (Again, I won't go there except in private e-mails). It came time to decide - "Crack up in the sun/lose it in the shade" - and this time, for the first time in my life, I chose the latter.

Much of it, however, is my angst over whether I should stay in St. Louis or move back to Chicago. Yes, moving back to Chicago would put me closer to family...but on the other hand, it would also put me closer to family. I have friends in St. Louis, and I love living here, but I also miss being able to visit my mom without experiencing the hassles of Lambert Airport. Plus, even though it's a five hour move, do I really want to live in a city that doesn't have a decent baseball team?

Why am I posting this publicly? Maybe it's because I've spent so much time hiding behind the "wacky schtick", that I need to get some of this stuff off my chest. Or, as Roger suggested, I need to do some more personal posts on this blog. Maybe it'll even help my attitude (especially if I listen to Podcrapular first).

Two days down, 363 more to go...

Happy New Year!

As I recover from this cold I seem to have caught:



Have a great 2007!