INTRODUCING RED-HOT: A Review

(Yes, I received an electronic copy for purposes of review. It's a legal thing. I have to do it - please read this for more details)

You know, one of the cool things about being co-host of the Zone 4 podcast is that it allows me to hang out with some cool people, and get a heads-up on upcoming projects.

(Well, that and my first comic scripting gig. I've been working on it for the past week. Will let you all know the results)

Pal Mike Luoma sent me a preview copy of Introducing: Red Hot (being published by Earthbound Comics), and I have to say....even if he weren't a pal, I would still like this book.

It's kind of a good take on the "legacy" hero - it's the kind of book that feels like a well-written version of some of the themes Geoff Johns was attempting in his most recent JSA run. However, it's a little less on the angst, and has a really great twist that makes the book a little bit more readable than the usual young-hero-proving-himself fare. There's actually a pretty cool undercurrent of conflict, making it a very clever way of handling material that the reader has (more than likely) encountered previously.

Although I enjoyed the writing (I should dare Mike to write a deliberately poor book in order for me to tell the difference), what makes Introducing: Red Hot a standout book is the artwork by Rhys ap Gwyn. It seems slightly reminiscent of Powers, but (and this is just my opinion) there's a much greater sense of drama, and a much less gritty tone. It gives the book the appropriate amount of heaviness and impact - I never felt that anything was over-the-top, and situations which could have possibly seemed cliche actually came as flat-out surprises.

(Again, let me mention Mike's writing - his characterizations are strong, and there's never a sense of inevitability or let's-telegraph-this- plot-point in this book. It's a strong start to what hopefully will be a continually strong series).

Introducing: Red Hot is available as a print on demand (POD) book through Earthbound Comics. For those of you who may be curious about ordering a comic online....this month, consider dropping an issue of another book that's disappointing you, and spend your money at Earthbound for this issue. It will be the best comics investment you'll make this week. I promise.

QUATERMASS MONDAYS: Quatermass 2 (Episode 5)

Another Very Important Philosophical Question

Based on a recent Facebook conversation, I thought I would throw this out there: Who is cooler, more badass, and more morally upright?

Captain Mal Reynolds, or....

Secret Service Agent James West?

(No bonus points offered if you discuss the sublime genius of Artemus Gordon, but please don't let that stop you).

Support My Blog By Watching TV!

As many of you know, I have some affiliate links on the right side of the blog - mostly, they're there for you to show your support.

One of them is for Warner Brothers studios (and if you are wondering why I'm being so up close and personal, please check out my disclosure policy) and I would like to invite you to help support this blog (mainly domain purchase, bandwidth, etc), through some really cool series they have on sale...and to take advantage of their bargains.

It's also a great way to catch up on some great television as well...although the WB Shop has standard Harry Potter/Superman/Batman/other fare, it has some really cool deals on some great television shows.

This is the sick kitty in question.

First, would you believe you could get each season box set of The Wire for under twenty bucks apiece? Well, would you believe Get Smart boxed sets for ten? How about Brisco County, Jr: The Complete Series for $12?

Ok, obvious references aside, there are some really good deals - seasons of Babylon 5 for $12 apiece, Deadwood Seasons 1 - 3 for $18 apiece, or even all three volumes of Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law for under $30. Plus, since I get a little piece of the action, your money will go towards helping take care of this blog....and a sick kitty. I rarely, if ever, do the flat-out money grab, but thought that this would be a good way to encourage you, the reader, to help without feeling like I was begging.


(And plus, you should also consider checking out the WB Archive, which should be accessible by clicking the small banner in the upper left corner of this post. It's a DVD on Demand service that has many hard-to-find films, relatively obscure Hanna Barbera Cartoons (although, quite honestly, I believe it's worth it to own your own custom copy of 
The Herculoids).
So please visit the links and purchase something, and help keep this blog running.

I Pity the Fool that doesn't take this post seriously.

My Feelings About DC's New Logo In A Nutshell

(OK, actually I've spoken about them at length for the Zone 4 podcast, but thought this was cute nonetheless):




(Thanks to pal Brant of Zone 4 - you will be joining us on Friday, won't you, dear reader?)

Catch Zone 4 Fever This Week!

Click here for more details

This week, you get two - count 'em, two - chances to catch the wonder and magic that is the Zone 4 podcast via Comic Related.

Tonight at 8 pm EST/7 PM CST (and quite honestly, every Tuesday night), please join Brant, Ron and myself for Transmissions from Zone 4, an online radio show that is part of the Pulp Culture block on the TMV Cafe. If you're lucky, you might even get to talk to Brant and/or Ron in the online chat.

(Sadly, although we prerecorded the show, I will not be there for the live chat tonight, since I'll be making a presentation elsewhere, but I'm usually in for the shenanigans. Of course, Transmissions is unlike the regular podcast in three key ways - it's only one hour, it's not archived, and I'm actually allowed to get a word in edgewise. Unlike the regular podcast, where I sometimes get lost in the shuffle....but enough of my whining. And yes, we're working on getting Whoverse back on the air as well).

(NOTE - 2:10 PM - Tonight's episode of Transmissions will not be on. Be sure to check http://www.zone4podcast.com for more details)

And if I want to post a John
Romita picture of Mary Jane, 
I'll do that as well

But please be sure to join us this Friday night, January 27th, at 7:00 pm EST/6:00 pm CST for our live 150th episode! Yes, that's right - Zone 4 is going to be broadcast "live" via Talkshoe! Who knows what will happen - maybe we'll have a lively discussion! Maybe I'll drop multiple f-bombs and profanity during the course of the broadcast! Maybe both Ron and Brant will help me chow down on Chocodiles and milk during the broadcast!

(Ok, I digress, but it's my blog, and my prerogative.)

Just be sure to join us via this Talkshoe link on Friday. You will have a complete and absolute blast. I promise.

Oh, and if you have an endeavor and wish to sponsor our podcast, our rates are incredibly affordable for the small press/indie store/creative type. Just please drop us a line at zone4@comicrelated.com, and we'll send you our nice, professional-looking proposal. It's our way of saying, "Yes, we'll give you value for your advertising dollar".

But nonetheless, if you do two things this week, please make sure they involve Zone 4.

QUATERMASS MONDAYS: Quatermass 2 (Episode 4)

One Good Reason to Watch PBS Monday Night

Photo via Flickr

Sometimes, it pays to be able to Netflix a documentary before it comes out.

 Awhile ago, I had decided to check out Phil Ochs: There But For Fortune on DVD - admittedly, I had read about his music via another blog (and I can't remember who - shame on me!), and decided that, at the very least, I should check out something about his work, if only to help me decide whether or not seeking out his recorded work would be worth it.

Thankfully, it is - and this film is the kickoff to the latest season of PBS' American Masters. It's on Monday night at 10:00 pm EST (and in Chicago, it's on WTTW HD at 9 pm CST). It's quite enjoyable, and honestly - you really need to see this.

In an age where protests and ideology can often devolve into sniping (look at the recent SOPA debates), There But For Fortune is a great example of how a person attempted to live up to his own ideals....and where that led him creatively. This could have easily turned into a Behind the Music-style arrangement of cliches: although the documentary does not shy away from Ochs' political and psychic turmoil; however, this is one of the better portraits of an artist, his art, and his time....and how all three impacted upon him.

When you read critics like, say, David Bianculli of TV Worth Watching praise this documentary (and he is one of my favorite critics), it's easy to dismiss. As a regular guy with a blog, this is definitely appointment television.

Check your local listings. Tomorrow night, catch this documentary.

At the very least, you'll enjoy the soundtrack.

2012: So Far, So What

As I write this, Chicago has just experienced its first major snow of 2012. Fortunately, I spent part of this morning - early this morning - shoveling my porch and walk way, not only gaining valuable exercise, but most importantly, feeling like I've made a major accomplishment of the day.

Which is possibly the only other accomplishment I have done this week.

On the consulting/freelance end, I've put in a work order for a new client with a business development company in my neighborhood, and thankfully have completed several client projects. I was able to submit my resume for various positions (including freelance), and received a call back yesterday confirming a possible fit for one. So on the work effort, I am....well, a little worried, but these things always seem to work out.

On the creative side, I'm writing some scripts for a web comic, focused on a now public domain character. I have to submit eight pages later today (I'm on page six), and they're looking for twenty-two pages total. Hopefully, my approach to this character (which I think is a unique take on a comics character in general) will be cool enough to warrant being drawn and uploaded. Now, to figure out how to creatively write ways of punching robots.

And as you can guess, this is my weekend round-up of various online writings and appearances:

• A special note to pal Roger - be sure to head to the TMV Cafe this Tuesday at 8:00 pm EST for Transmissions from Zone 4. I think you'll dig my segment, and it's not archived, so be warned. (Oh, and everyone else can come as well).
• As always, please be sure to sign up for an upcoming event with Lynne Thomas, co-author of Chicks Dig Time Lords. It will be held at Arlington Heights Memorial Library on February 28th, and if you're interested in attending, please RSVP here. (You can do so until the day of the event). Also, please drop me a line if you want to help spread the word.
• Also, March 4th - Dan Con. Orland Park. I'll be there. Won't you?
• This week via the Job Stalker blog - some links I think you'll enjoy.
• I'll be giving a presentation on January 24th - if you're in attendance, please feel free to drop by and say "hi". I always appreciate feedback on the site. If you have suggested a topic in the past, I'll get to it - honest.
• Finally, be sure to check out this week's episode of Zone 4, and next Friday, for our 150th show, you'll get to hear my wit uncensored and unedited. Here's a clip from this week's episode:

Your Post-SOPA Protest Reward

I may have posted this previously, but if I haven't, here's John Wayne in Angel & the Badman.


Because SOPA/PIPA appear to be on the ropes. Plus, Lefty Brown is returning to blogging.

Enjoy!

I'm Protesting SOPA

Yes, I'm joining in the day-long boycott of the Stop Online Privacy Act...and other legislation. (Yes, I know Obama came out against it, but there are other bills that can do as much damage.

Write your congressional leaders. Do what you need to do, but let's all

STOP SOPA

Five Reasons Why Fezzes Are NOT Cool

You know, there are probably greater issues to blog about, but I would like to spend some time on something which may seem minor....but is becoming increasingly grating to me.

It's the proliferation of fezzes amongst newer Doctor Who fans.

Yes, I get it - it's a way to celebrate a show. But it's a dead horse that is being beaten to a bloody pulp. (Which, not coincidentally, will be the new name of this blog in March). So anyway, let me just dive on in and give you my five reasons why fezzes are not cool....and have never been cool outside of Bogart, Laurel & Hardy, and Marx Brothers films.

1. It Takes A Perfectly Good Moment and Turns It Into A Lame Catchphrase - The whole point of the fez in The Big Bang/The Pandorica Opens is that it allows us to tell apart one character from two different timelines. Plus, it gets shot at the end. However, thanks to well-meaning yet obnoxious fans, fezzes have jumped the shark, and this has now become as ubiquitous - and annoying - in Who circles as "Where's the beef?" was in the 1980s.
2. It Only Shows That You're A Newb - Once, on Satan's favorite social media network (also known as Facebook), after criticizing someone for suggesting a fez, they asked, "But isn't that what the Doctor says?" My response - which was shorter and pithier than this - is "With a show with almost 50 years of history, all you can suggest is a fez? Not a long scarf/ Or even a velvet smoking jacket?" Quite honestly, it brings out the worst in old school fandom, especially in people like me. :)
3. You're Demonstrating a Total Lack of Understanding of the Show - For me, it's one of those "you-went-there-didn't-you" moments. I have the same reaction when I hear people praise Robert Downey Jr. as Sherlock Holmes, because it means that they're more willing to accept anything than dive into a phenomenon. In short, the adventures of a steampunk-y superdetective - or a fez-wearing time traveller - might be excellent. Just don't call them "Sherlock Holmes" or "Doctor Who". (And let me remind you - I not only write for a blog of serious Holmes devotees, I've been a Who fan most of my life. That qualifies me to make statements like, "Morton Downey Jr. would make a better Sherlock Holmes". 
4. Fezzes - no matter what the context - just look dumb: Just check out the photo on this blog. Even on semi-cute Pikachu, fezzes are just lame.
5. Headgear should never be a barometer for how something cool is - Just ask Jack Klugman. He's cool without needing fancy headgear. 

Thanks again for giving me the opportunity to rant...and to promote the upcoming Chicks Dig Time Lords event on February 28th in Arlington Heights. To RSVP, just visit http://bit.ly/ChicksDigTL

And until next time....please don't even think about getting me started on bow ties. Seriously.

QUATERMASS MONDAYS: Quatermass 2 (Episode 3)

Important Personal-Type News

But before I make a formal announcement, I would like to encourage all of you to give Zone 4 a listen....and to follow us on Facebook. It's a great little podcast, focusing on all sorts of great conversation. I think you'll enjoy it (as much as you will enjoy my latest column for Comic Related) and since I gave them the exclusive on this announcement, you really should check it out. Let me post Brant's trailer and you can enjoy a small sample:







But here's my announcement - on February 28th, I am honored to participate in a very special event at Arlington Heights Memorial Library. Please join me at 7:00 pm in the Hendrickson Room for Chicks and Guys Who Dig Time Lords: A Doctor-Who Centric Conversation. We're going to be featuring a conversation with Lynne Thomas, Hugo award-winning co-author of Chicks Dig Time Lords (read and reviewed on this very blog!) , and it's an event that I am really proud to have been asked to help assemble. (Thanks, as always, to Phil and Jeff at Chicago Nerd Social Club). If you want to join us, just RSVP by heading to http://bit.ly/ChicksDigTL. Thankfully, the Library is within walking distance of the Metra Line, so you fellow public transit users will want to join in.

As always, thanks - and now, back to work!

My Yearly Gift To You

It's a little something I do for my pals in lieu of Christmas Cards....and something I thought I would share with my readers.

It's a 2012 Calendar, made with several photos via Flickr via Big Huge Labs, and quite honestly, I like doing this as a nice thank-you gesture. Please feel free to download and enjoy.

Gordon Dymowski - 2012 Calendar

Douchebags A Go-Go: Showtime's HOUSE OF LIES

If there's one thing I've learned from my recent forays into the corporate world (as a non-profit guy looking to make his way back into non-profits), it's this - current corporate culture is rife with satiric potential.

There is so much mismanagement, double-talk, empty positivism, and flat-out confusion that a smart writer could take advantage of it - create a show that could, well, poke fun and demonstrate insight into that mindset, especially now in these socioeconomically challenged times.

Showtime's House of Lies, which debuted this past weekend, attempts to do just that....and, well, shows that there's a lot more work that needs to be done on the show.

It's not a bad premise - Don Cheadle as a "management consultant" attempting to gain some sense of self-worth while living a relatively self-destructive and unhealthy lifestyle - but there's a certain something lacking in the script. Oh, sure, we're given both sides of the high-powered lifestyle, and there are some good moments, but the idea of corporate thinkers taking advantage of high paying corporate clients, and realizing that they're in on the con...

...well, much of this resembles Hustlle, the BBC show about con men, right down to the stop-the-action-and-have-the-participants-comment moments. However, Hustle manages to have the right touch - we are well aware that we're watching an imaginary land where con men are the good guys taking on those who deserve to be conned, and the writing tends to be sharp. The writing on this first episode, however, seems particularly weak and without bite - characters seem poorly drawn, and there's nothing to indicate any particular sting to the satire. When we get to the ending and how the issues are resolved, there isn't a sense of how it all fits together - more like this is a spec script with one level of rewriting.

There's promise, though, and the writing needs to draw a little more blood. At the very least, House of Lies shows promise...even if it's only the promise of watching episode two.

And by the way, I sent Don Cheadle an e-mail asking for advice on how to better promote this blog (and my burgeoning consulting gig). Here's his response:

Actually a screenshot from the show - used for satiric purposes only

QUATERMASS MONDAYS: Quatermass 2 (Episode 2)

2012: A Year Off To A Sherlockian Start

First, this is a singular honor - recently, the Baker Street Blog did a year-end summary....and singled me out for my efforts.

That's what happens, folks, when you "donate" one of your blog posts to another blog. I'm very happy for the recognition, and I've allowed my Holmesian interested to bleed into my Job Stalker posting this week.

(It's also bled into my gift giving - I ended up giving my godson, pictured elsewhere, a copy of The Complete Sherlock Holmes....which I read as a child. My uncle just received a copy of season one of BBC's Sherlock on DVD for his birthday. Go figure).

On the work-related front, I will be making some arrangements with one client to do some grant writing/fund raising work, and will be getting back into the whole networking/job search frame of mind. Although I have one corporate client, I do want to branch out and see what else I can take on (and possibly, let go). In that regard, I've changed my personal site (and will probably give some more time and work to it), and will revamp my long neglected non-profit social media blog within the next few weeks.

And of course, there is your regular weekly installment of Zone 4. We're sponsoring a contest where if you tell us why you listen, you can be a character in a comic book (And not in a trampled-with-several-others-by-a-giant-lizard kind of way). Please feel free to join us on Facebook and give us a heads up. Here's this week's trailer:




Oh, and one final thing - I'm kinda sorta dating again. Too early to tell, but looking good.

Your SCREENWIPE Moment of Zen

I originally became aware of Charlie Brooker's BBC Show Screenwipe through Warren at Radio Free Skaro. Mr. Brooker takes a sharp, satirical view of modern media, and every year, I make it a point to watch his output. I find it extremely helpful.

In an effort to help you gain a similar amount of insight, I have found his 2011 in review special via YouTube. Watch it before it's pulled.

You're welcome.

Defending the Globe: A Review of THE STARS

(Full Disclosure - an electronic copy of The Stars # 1 was made available for review purposes)

One of the cool things about blogging - and being a comics blogger who hasn't started taking himself too seriously - is that I will often be asked to review a book based on another review I did.

For example, thanks to my Close, Personal Relationship(TM) with Mike Luoma, I was asked to review Kurt Belcher's The Stars for Earthbound Comics. Being the personable, willing chap that I am, I read the book and gave it a shot.

It's actually a pretty solid read, and well worth giving a glance.

If you had to give a cursory, compare-it-to-another-series kind of descriptions, think The Authority but with a slightly less dramatic approach. It's not typical superhero fare (with its geopolitical bent), but what makes it entertaining is that it has a slightly less-than-typical approach, focusing on an initial "incident" which then moves towards the obligatory bringing-new-members-on-board.

It's the approach that makes this book enjoyable - this could have easily been a typical superhero story, but there's something about the near real-world approach that makes the book sing. There isn't the obligatory "this-story-reflects-real-life-events" approach that marks other books; if anything, there are some clever variations to this story that make it work. (A slightly knowing sense of celebrity entitlement helps inform the book). It's the kickoff to a six issue mini-series that, quite honestly, may give not just higher profile indies, but also the "big two", a run for their money.

The Stars is available via Indy Planet and Drive Thru Comics; this may be a book that is worth bugging your comics shop to stock.

If your New Year's resolution is to broaden your comic palette, The Stars is a really good book to start off with. Highly recommended.

QUATERMASS MONDAYS: Quatermass 2 (Episode 1)

Yes, it's the day after New Year's Day, and you're looking for a way to kick-start the new year. Why not do it with some vintage British science fiction television?

For the next six weeks, I'll be presenting Quatermass 2, the "prequel" to Quatermass and the Pit (which was shown this past Halloween). Think of it as my way of providing cheap, free entertainment to the masses. 

Enjoy!

Blog THIS, Pal: 2011 in Review

It's a little task that I always try to do right on the first of the year - take a look at the blog, randomly choose a quote from a post in each month, and make a list of the "best" posts of the year.

(I think I stole the idea from Mike Sterling, who is too busy, well, hanging out and writing "fake" Twitter posts. He's an online "big shot", so I don't think he'll mind if I steal one of his ideas).

So please, feel free to visit each post, and thanks to the Link Within Widget, you can explore all the great (and not so great) posts on this blog. Think of this as your "procrastination station"

January - I haven't come to praise Wizard Magazine, but to bury it.

(Note: in light of recent events, this particular selection seems almost prescient)

February - You may be tempted to download this via bitTorrent - don't 

March - Thieves may steal, but artists "borrow" as the old cliche says, but Rob Granito did neither. He lied.

April - ...every essay demonstrates a love of Doctor Who without going overboard (Or, to paraphrase another blogger, they're into Doctor Who without being into being into Doctor Who). 

May - It's not an "instant classic", but it's a pretty solid effort. And much, much better than "Fear Her".

June - By the way, Jeff, Nicholas Cage called - he wants his questionable choice in acting roles back.
July - Maybe living in a city like Chicago - with a history of a romantic view of crime and corruption - have me intrigued and draw me towards books that deal with complexity and the mysteries of existence. 

August - You would think that some intrepid past producer of classic Doctor Who would have had the insight that Steven Moffatt had: place a cowboy hat on the Doctor, and play with Western-style conventions. 

September - That's the power of being a podcaster - I don't get to call him only "Luoma"; he and I are on a first name basis. That, my friends, is the power of Zone 4)

October - Every once in awhile, Marvel does something in its comics that actually surprises me with not only how good it is, but how much I like it. 


November - ...my life in Chicago was slowly, but surely, beginning to resemble my past life in St. Louis. For the better.


December - You're taking on a huge task; getting those small moments of time for yourself is invaluable - trust me.

This year, heading in, is looking pretty good. Looking forward to seeing how things play out.