Sunday, July 31, 2005

Devil's Rejects Is A Sensation!

Last night, we went to see "The Devil's Rejects" the latest horror movie by Rob Zombie. I begrudgingly tagged along since I wasn't a big fan of his first film "House of 1,000 Corpses", but am so glad I did now.

Filled with "Is It Really ?_____?" moments, Rejects is a perfect example of how to make the ultimate 1970's horror film today. Sid Haig, master of the "B" movie plays a lead, and milks it for all it's worth. Another stand-out is Shari Moon-Zombie, as Baby. Her maniacal, wicked laugh set the tone for creepiness. Pricilla Barnes of Three's Company fame took a daring turn in her role as a terrorized captive, and came out smelling like a rose. I also swear I saw Ginger Lynn on top of Haig's character giving him the biggest nightmare and fantasy of his career.

My friends and I loved the film, and could hardly believe how well it played to us. We also noticed that the younger crowd hated every minute. Next to us, two rude wenches in their early 20's bitched and moaned the entire time, saying how horrible the movie was. Also, behind me a group of drama queens and their boyfriends kept squealing with horror. They didn't understand that this was Sid "Freaking" Haig. There wasn't the perception of a new golden age in horror. They were here for "Scream 4" and they didn't get it.

If you loved old school horror films and are in the mood for something a little different, give "The Devil's Rejects" a try. If you don't know who the characters are, don't even bother, because you will not get it.

Top 5 Favorite Comic Books- Incredible Hulk 417


Incredible Hulk 417
Originally uploaded by Heidi Meeley.
When I first met my husband, he bought me Incredible Hulk #417 and told me I had to read it. My first thought was "Isn't Hulk a dude's comic?" and my second was "Why not?", so I gave it a try. Believe it or not, based on the strength of this one issue, I went and collected the entirety of Peter David's run on the book. I also learned that The Incredible Hulk comic is for everybody, especially the fragile and different. This title is definitely my cup of tea.

At any rate, Incredible Hulk showcases the pre-wedding activity and bachelor party of Rick Jones, former sidekick to Captain America and lifelong friend to the Hulk. From Rick meeting his fiance Marlo's mother to the dagger looks thrown between War Machine and Iron Man, every panel of this issue is a sensation. I fell in love with Betty Ross, Bruce Banner's estranged wife, and felt sympathy towards Marlo, the bride-to-be. I also could hardly stop laughing long enough to say "Holy Crap" as I read the issue.

Incredible Hulk #417 is definitely the calm between storms in a title long associated with angst and destruction. It is a soothing balm that sets up expert characterization and flawless humor for issues to come. The art by Gary Frank and Cam Smith is a bonus to an already great book. Frank was a great partner to David and I wish they would work together again.

This is a must-have issue. If you have never read the title, or had given up for whatever reason, this comic book appeals to all readers. I loved every page, and still read it frequently to this day.

I have seen the issue for between $3.00 and $4.00 in most back bin issues. It is a small price to pay to have a piece of comic book mastery.

Saturday, July 30, 2005

Top 5 Favorite Comic Books - New Teen Titans #38


New Teen Titans 38
Originally uploaded by Heidi Meeley.
There have been many comic books in my life that have made me laugh, cry, and feel every emotion in between. These are the comic books that never get put away because I know that I will refer back to them again and again. In no particular order, I want to present to you my top five comic books- the ones I can't stand to put away.

The first one is The New Teen Titans #38, which features the definitive origin of Donna Troy as told pre-Crisis by Marv Wolfman and George Perez. The art and storytelling are perfection, and every moment is filled with deep meaning.

Donna Troy has accepted Terry Long's proposal of marriage, but is hesitant to step into the union without knowing about her past. Enter Dick Grayson (Robin, Nightwing), one of Donna's best friends and detective extraordinaire. Using clues from Donna's memories, Dick follows each clue with diligence and the utmost care. What he finds and gives to Donna in the end is stunningly emotional to both the reader and the characters involved.

To this day, I still can't read this issue without tears of joy welling up in my eyes. That is the power of top notch story telling, my friends.

If you ask Donna Troy fans why they love the character, this is an example they are likely to give. Donna is no second-rate Wonder Woman in many of our eyes. She is a strong female character, who tries each day to be the best person she can be. Her convictions and frailities are what make her so compelling.

New Teen Titans #38 is a prime example of what happens when a creative team makes history. Wolfman and Perez have left their stamp on the comic book industry many times over, but this issue is a standout.

This story has been collected in "The New Teen Titans: Who Is Donna Troy?" trade paperback as well as being available in back issue bins. If you have the chance, pick it up and give it a read.

With the resurgence of Donna Troy in the DCU, and the emerging Crisis, her back story has never been in more demand, but to me she has always been an important character.

Friday, July 29, 2005

Random Musings

I have read Wonder Woman #219 twice. I don't care what general consensus is; I don't care that there were five pencilers; I don't even care that it's way past my bed time- WW #219 kicked my ass and rocked my world. I can hardly wait to see what comes next. My favorite female character has gone from touchy-feely to Lita Ford in 2.5 seconds. Too cool to miss. Too bad Superman and Batman don't share my feelings. Bwah-hah-hah!

I went and rocked the treadmill tonight. After two straight weeks of Harry Potter madness and too many lukewarm workouts to count, it all clicked. I climbed the grade, starting at 5 and hitting 15, then back down. Damn, it felt good. I wish I could win the lottery so I could get that kind of adrenaline rush every day on my own terms. To top it off, the gym was near empty so I had my pick of weight machines. Nirvana!

Jim and I got home tonight and did the whole veg thing. He also did a great piece on Wizard and it's place in the industry. Go take a look at www.thecomicasylum.blogspot.com to see what I mean.

To cap off the day, I went to iTunes and downloaded some new stuff. I have eclectic tastes that run from Metal to Rap and back to Pop and Soul, so my iPod is a contradiction. Tonight "Helena" by My Chemical Romance, "Get It Poppin" by Fat Joe, "Cool" by Gwen Stefani, and "Heartbreaker" by Pat Benatar were what felt right.

Also, I have been watching RockStar INXS, so I listened to some of their songs. It reminded me of being in college and blasting Shabooh Shabaah at top volume to annoy my neighbors. It seems like yesterday, even though I know it was, like 20 years ago!

The other thing I was remembering was being the first in my dorm to buy and listen to Guns'N'Roses "Appetite for Destruction" and buying two posters from an ad in Metal Edge before anyone else could plaster them on their walls. Oh memories! The only thing missing is a half rack of Coors Light and shots of Southern Comfort followed by puking and heavy gossip, finished off with some kind of mayhem that we could commiserate about at McDonalds the next day! To think that a Big Mac, large fries, and a 32oz coke were the ultimate hangover cure then. If I ate that today, I would weigh 300 pounds!

Now that we have the trip down memory lane out of the way, it is back to comic reading and bed. I am up past my bed time to be sure.

Tomorrow is sleep in day and another workout. I have to keep my focus on the Stay In Shape contest instead of the pop tarts I keep fantasizing about. If the day goes as planned, Jim and I will go see "The Devil's Rejects" at the Downtown Plaza, or the ghetto theatre, as we like to call it.

Have a wonderful weekend! Take care!

Thursday, July 28, 2005

JSA Classified #1 Gets a Second Printing

Adam Hughes and big boobs have conquered the comic book world! JSA Classified #1 is going to a second printing with a pencil variation of Adam Hughes' original color cover.

It comes as no surprise to me, as the book was written by fan favorite Geoff Johns and penciled by the very able Amanda Conner. Throwing in a 50/50 Hughes variant was an inspired choice as well.

For the full story, go to Newsarama.com.

Wednesday, July 27, 2005

Not Fitting in With My Peers- Comic Fandom Snobbery

Every time I go to my local comic book store or to a comic book gathering, I find myself cringing.
Why, you may ask?

It is because I don't like some of my fellow fans.

Not cool, I know. I can't help it.

Let me explain with examples why I get this way.

I usually go into the comic store on Wednesdays full of energy and excitement. As I am thumbing through the new issues, inevitably one of my fellow fans will pipe up with "Man, this sucks because the _______(insert art, creator, price, experience) is crap (something to that effect)". Now, it isn't so much that something isn't to their taste that gets me irritated, it is the fact that they are trying to influence other buyers with their very important opinion, and if you ignore them and buy the issue they commented on, you are instantly judged as inferior.

Screw that noise. I want to buy certain comics because I like them. Thanks for the opinion, but I am a big girl who can make up my own mind. I don't judge your taste, so don't judge mine!

I also don't like flippant comments that are made if my husband and I spend $50 for that week's books. I really hate the "Wow, you must be rich" comment. The fact is that I choose to spend my money on comic books rather then other toys or vices like alcohol or cigarettes. Sue me!

Further irritating is the stereotypical, but very real customer with bad odors emanating from them. Please brush your teeth and shower before you go out in public. All you are doing is perpetuating the hype, and I don't want to have to hold my breath while I am browsing the aisles.

I hate being talked down to because the fellow fan thinks they are the ultimate expert on certain characters or books. The fact is that I don't always care about specifics. I read comics for the enjoyment, not because I want to be the most knowledgeable. There is a difference between knowing fun facts and fighting for supremacy.

I have a job, so I can't stay and chat. I come pick up my comics during my lunch hour and have to go back to work. Don't give me crap or comment about me being bitchy or "PMS" because I am in a hurry. That just makes me dislike you, and it makes my husband want to kill you. I don't need the aggravation and my hubby doesn't need a jail sentence.

At any rate, I mostly hate how smart most fans think they are and how much they think their opinion matters. The best example I can give is message boards on the internet, and I won't go there!

I try to be patient and nice, and I really like quite a few of the fellow fans I interact with, but there is a select group that makes me feel uncomfortable or upset. I don't mind talking to anyone, but I refuse to be talked down to, or chastised for my taste. Let me like Birds of Prey even if you think it has sucked since Dixon left. Also, don't grab Uncanny X-Men out of my hands and laugh at me, while saying the X-Men have sucked for the last 20 years. Good for you for thinking so, but leave me the Hell alone. I like the frigging X-Men, okay?

Do any of the rest of you encounter this? How do you deal with it? I love comic books and will probably always find a way to collect. My husband works for the local store, and loves comics as well, so we are regulars. I just really dislike the opinionated, non-hygenic snob. How do I get around this group?

I am up for suggestions. I don't like being a hater. It isn't my personality, and it frustrates me.

Fellow fans, help me to deal!

Monday, July 25, 2005

New Comics for July 27


The Pulse 10
Originally uploaded by Heidi Meeley.
It's another brutal week in new comics, dollar-wise. I can really feel the price increases that have kicked in when I write my weekly check. I am hoping that the price stabilizes for awhile or it will definitely put too much strain on my pocketbook!

Without further ado, here is my list of pulls.

Astro City: The Dark Age #2 (of 16)
Batman Dark Detective #6 (of 6)
catwoman #45
Flash #224
Hellblazer #210
JLA Classified #10 - new story arc with art by Butch Guice!!
Legion of Super Heroes #8
OMAC Project #4 (of 6)
Otherworld #5 (of 7)
Outsiders #26
Superman Batman #21
Wonder Woman #219
Amazing Spider-Man #522
Black Panther #6
Fantastic Four #529
Hercules #5 (of 5)
Hulk Destruction #1 (of 4)
New X-Men #16
New X-Men Hellions #3 (of 4)
Pulse #10 (see picture of cover to right)
Pulse House of M Special #1
Spellbinders #5 (of 6)
X-Men #17
Wizard #167
Hero Squared #1 (of 3)
Lions, Tigers, and Bears TP (for our nephews)
Queen & Country Declassified #2 (of 3)
Tarot WOTBR #33

Whew! I am behind reading as is, so I am going to have to get on it!

Take care!

One Year Under My Belt

I can hardly believe that today is the one year anniversary of my blog. It has flown by so quickly! I haven't succeeded in the way I would have liked, but I have enjoyed the freedom of having my own space. There are so many things I still want to do, and hope to implement. I want to focus on the present and future while keeping a reverence for the past and what has been achieved. Whether it be remembering an old comic book that made me smile, or ranting about creators that are sub-par, I want to bring it here.

Hopefully I can add some new items of interest and make a more regular schedule. That is my goal.

Thank you for stopping by and seeing what I am up to. I enjoy the fellowship, and appreciate you!

Here's to another year!

Sunday, July 24, 2005

Still Reeling...

Hey there! I am still reeling from my birthday, as Jim and I decided to make a weekend out of it. It definitely got better Friday night, and we kept going in an attempt to blot out Friday.

Friday night we went to Outback and I had a big ole' steak, which helped calm me down. Then we watched some television before calling it a night.

Saturday we slept in and proceeded to finish with house cleaning and grocery shopping. Because Jim pitched in a lot, it went relatively quickly. Thank you Honey!

Saturday night I had a joint birthday party with our friend Ben. I made two big trays of homemade nachos and we supplemented with KFC. No one starved, and we ended up having a wonderful time. We played "SCENEIT?", a game that plays clips of movies. It is our new favorite game as a group, and we hope to play it again soon! I had a few wine coolers and called it a night!

Today we ate another couple of trays of nachos to help get through the left overs. Our friend Brant came over and we went and saw "Wedding Crashers". OHMIGOD! That movie is so funny! It wasn't going to cure cancer, or make us smarter, but it sure made us laugh hard for two hours.

We went to Red Robin for dinner, and I had a wonderful chicken Caesar salad to make up for my bad eating habits on Saturday. Then we went to Borders and wandered aimlessly. I decided to buy "The New Teen Titans: Who Is Donna Troy?" even though I have all the original issues because I liked the presentation so much. We also went to Target and picked up Season 5 of South Park on DVD which made both of us very happy.

Now it's back here to relax and read some more Harry Potter. I am rereading the newest book again, and then it is back to comic book reading for me! I have just glanced at the last two week's piles, so I hope to get caught up and get some reviewing done again.

Take care, and have a wonderful week! Tomorrow is the one year anniversary of my blog, so it will take an act of God to keep me away!

Friday, July 22, 2005

Birthday Jinx??!!

Today is my 39th birthday, and it has been a comedy of errors since minute one. Much to my chagrin, thinking the 40th one next year would be a rough one, I think my biological clock messed up and signaled it a year too soon. Examples...

This morning I went to go get my driver's license renewed. I took the WORST picture ever. I am cringing just looking at it.

I went and worked out for an hour afterwards to try and take my mind off said picture. Afterwards, I went and weighed myself. The scale said I had gained 4 pounds, even though I have been on a hardcore diet for the last week and a half. Hmmmm...

I came home to take Jim to work, and was almost late for my haircut appointment.

My hair stylist, who after 15 years, has become a friend to me, lectured me and questioned my life in general. "So you're not going to have kids" and "when is ______ going to get their license" and "why, why, why" were the drill of the day. She pretty much told me my hair and style were bad too.

I made the mistake of renting Million Dollar Baby. If I was depressed before, you can imagine that afterwards, things were much bleaker!!

Then I decided to go on a house cleaning bender to clear my head. I guess I can see why my hair stylist was questioning the state of my head. Weird, huh?

It is only 5:30 p.m. and I am dreading the rest of the day!! Cross your fingers for me and say a prayer that the cloud floating over me disappears!

Take care and have a wonderful weekend!

Tuesday, July 19, 2005

Legendary Artist Jim Aparo passes away

Today I found out from Newsarama that legendary Batman artist Jim Aparo passed away. I am greatly saddened by this news, and wish nothing but my deepest sympathy to his loved ones and friends.

His work has always touched me, with it's depth and imagination. To me, he has always seemed timeless and I always found it a treat to buy a book with his art in it. I grew up with Mr. Aparo's work, and to find out he has died, is like a blow to the gut. I never met him, but I always admired him.

For details go to: www.newsarama.com

Godspeed, Mr. Aparo. Your and family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Monday, July 18, 2005

New Comics for July 20


JSA Classified 1
Originally uploaded by Heidi Meeley.
I definitely have to make a lot of cutbacks soon. This week is another incredibly full one.

Here we go!

Conan #18
Adventures of Superman #642
Authority Revolution #10 (of 12)
Batgirl #66
Birds of Prey #84
Day of Vengeance #4 (of 6)
JSA Classified #1 (see Adam Hughes cover at left)
Manhunter #12
Teen Titans #26 - regretfully :-(
Girls #3
Wildguard Fools Gold #2 (of 2)
Witchblade #87
Astonishing X-Men #11
Cable Deadpool #17
Daredevil #75
Defenders #1 (of 5)
Exiles #67
GLA #4 (of 4)
Incredible Hulk #84
Marvel Knights 4 #20
Marvel Knights Spider-Man #16
Spider-Man House of M #2 (of 5)
Ultimate Spider-Man #80
Ultimates 2 #7
Wolverine #30
Red Sonja #1
Soulfire Dying of the Light #0

Whew! I better get the Harry Potter series read quick! I am starting book 4 tonight.

Take care all!

Quote Of The Day

Found over at Heidi MacDonald's "The Beat"

http://www.comicon.com/thebeat/

"It's not real until someone blogs it. "

Incredible.

Sunday, July 17, 2005

Random Musings on Sunday

Happy news- my hubby and I woke up to find that our lawn watering was back on! The city turns off our water for watering the lawn three days a week, which is the pits. We have the biggest lawn in the block, and when we can't water it all seven days, it starts to die. It is always a relief when the water comes back on, so that made me very happy.

Other happy news- I finished reading the newest Harry Potter book. I absolutely loved it! It really brought a focus to the previous five books, with several huge reveals and major character life changes. I am so pleased to see that the set up for the seventh and final book really makes for anticipation and curiosity, rather then a let down. I was so psyched by what I read that I went and got out the whole collection, and reread the first and second books. It really brought some things into focus that I didn't realize the first time around.

Sad news- It is unnaturally warm here, so we are sweltering. Jim and I have one small window air conditioner and rely on fans and a swamp cooler to do the rest. Jim doesn't mind, but I just hate it.

Since I got caught up in Harry Potter fever, I haven't really read many of my comics. Hopefully I can get through the rest of the books by week's end, so I can get back into the swing of things.

Take care!

Saturday, July 16, 2005

Harry Potter Day!

I woke up this morning to the greatest surprise- my Harry Potter book had arrived on UPS. I have been reading it since I woke up with about an hour's break to run errands with Jim. It is absolutely incredible, and I am reluctantly taking a break at chapter 24 to make dinner and check news reports from the San Diego Con.

I am not going to post any spoilers here, as I want everyone to enjoy the book on their own terms. I am already extremely upset that over at Linsner.com some poster put up a spoiler that almost threatened to ruin my enjoyment.

Take care all and have a wonderful Saturday!

Thursday, July 14, 2005

New Avengers 7


New Avengers 7
Originally uploaded by Heidi Meeley.

If you have a moment, head on over to 4 Color Review (Kung Fu Rodeo). Britt and Steve have reviews of Dead Boy Detectives and All Star Batman and Robin up, respectively.

I have a short review of New Avengers 7 I just put up as well. It is a busy review week over there- give it a look!

http://www.4colorreview.com/

Random Musings

First off, I am jealous of all the lucky people who are in San Diego at the Comic-con. I have never been, and would love to go. I am shooting for my husband and I to attend next year. In the meantime, I am eagerly scouring Newsarama, Comic Book Resources, and The Beat for all the news I can get.

I really enjoyed the new issues of New Avengers (#7) and Wonder Woman (#218). I hope to start a new feature called "Pick of The Week" and "disappointment of The Week" soon. I would also like to spend more time on here talking about comic books then I have been.

I don't know how many of you remember that I won the local Gold's Gym Get In Shape contest back in May, but I am currently doing the Stay In Shape contest there. I am ready to lose 20 more pounds and see where it puts my body fat and general well being. I haven't decided on a final goal yet, as my doctor wants me to take it in increments of no more then that. I will not have much to go once I hit that goal. It is just a matter if it is 5 or 15 pounds at that point. Working out is one of the most important things in my life, as it has been for the last 15 years, whether I have been bigger or smaller. As I approach 39, I want to be smaller!!

Not much to tell otherwise. My husband had a terrible fever yesterday, but is much better today, so I am very happy about that.

Take care and have a wonderful Friday!

Wednesday, July 13, 2005

Bad News Bears- Classic Style


Bad News Bears
Originally uploaded by Heidi Meeley.
There is a new version of the Bad News Bears movie coming out next Friday, July 22. I have ambivalent feelings about it, because I loved the original so much. Walter Matthau is still the Coach Morris Buttermaker to me, and Tatum O'Neal killed as Amanda Whurlitzer, the girl pitcher with staying power. I can hardly forget to mention Kelly (Jackie Earle Harvey), the boy all of the little girls loved to see.

Before the remake comes out, let's have a moment of silence for the incredibly classic original version.

Tuesday, July 12, 2005

Harry Potter Frenzy!

As the countdown continues to the July 16 release of the newest Harry Potter book, fans and critics alike are losing their minds with anticipation. Leaks are the primary concern, and it is a tense situation all around.

Personally, I ordered my copy from Amazon.com back in April, so I am interested to see if I actually get the book delivered on July 16 as promised. Has anyone else preordered the book?

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince is shaping up to be the book event of the summer, as the sixth of a planned seven book saga.

Any opinions? I can hardly wait to see it for myself, and will probably read it this weekend if all goes to plan. I can't help myself, I love that Harry Potter!

Monday, July 11, 2005

Tozzer Review up at 4 Color

I finally got my act together enough to put up a review for 4 Color Review(Kung Fu Rodeo). Give it a look if you get a chance. Also, check out the redesign there and let me know if it rocks.

http://www.4colorreview.com/

Official Marvel Hunk of the Day


JS2
Originally uploaded by Heidi Meeley.
I went and saw Fantastic Four Saturday night, and am convinced that Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm stole the movie. To commemorate the good looks of Chris Evans, featured here in his skin tight costume, let us have a moment of silence as we objectify and enjoy this Hunk of the Day.

New Comics for July 13


All Star Batman & Robin #1
Originally uploaded by Heidi Meeley.
This week's comic book bill is going to be a doozy! I told my husband to hold on to his hat before I showed him the list and I wasn't kidding. Without further ado, here is my new comics list for the week.

100 Bullets #62
Action Comics #829
All Star Batman & Robin #1 (pictured)
Batman #642
Desolation Jones #2
Fables #39
Green Arrow #52
Hawkman #42
JLA #116
Nightwing #110
Rann Thanagar War #3
Seven Soldiers Guardian #3 (of 4)
Wonder Woman #218 (can I get an amen?)
Body Bags Fathers Day #1 (of 2)
Freshman #1
Guncandy #1 (of 2)
Invincible #24
Hercules #4 (of 5)
Mutopia X #1 (of 5)
New Avengers #7 (getting back on schedule?)
New Thunderbolts #10
Nyx #6
Punisher #23 (kick-ass story line!)
Ultimate Fantastic Four #32
Ultimate X-Men #61
Weapon X Days of Future Now #1 (of 5)
X-Men The End Heroes and Martyrs #5 (of 6)

Take care all, and happy reading!

Sunday, July 10, 2005

Back from a wonderful break

Hey there! Jim and I have really enjoyed our week off together. We hit the beach, saw my family, and generally relaxed around the house, not getting anything productive done. It doesn't matter, as it was the first really decent vacation I have had in 5 years. My eyes finally quit hurting so much, which I think was due to the fact that I didn't use a computer for work or play for nine days. I feel relatively rested, but don't want my vacation to be over. One more week, and I would be perfect!!

Friday was our 5th wedding anniversary, and it was wonderful. I love Jim with all my heart and think he is a wonderful husband. In fact, he knows me so well, that he bought me the Motley Crue action figure set for our anniversary. Crazy, but perfect. In turn, I got him the new Bruce Campbell book. Other then the material gestures, we really just enjoyed each other's company. I can't wait for the next 5 years and infinity!

Tomorrow I should be back with the new comic book list. Take care all!

Friday, July 01, 2005

Happy Independence Day!

Hey there! Jim and I are taking the week off blogging and computer use in general. We decided that since we both have the week off of work we need to get caught up on all the stuff we never get to do, and make some short trips around the area to get some fresh air.

Happy Independence Day to all of you! I wish you safety and fun!