Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Random Thoughts and Musings: The Disjointed Edition

Today ended earlier at work then I anticipated, so Jim and I were able to do something we haven't done for a month- go eat a meal together at an inexpensive mongolian restaurant. It was nice to relax! Then we went to Borders, which I love. We wandered the aisles and picked up a few magazines. The cool moment came when we got to Best Buy and found Witchblade the complete series on DVD. I used birthday money and picked that sucker up! I really hope to watch it this weekend- at least some episodes.

I want to talk about Michael Turner for a moment. Both Jim and I were very surprised at how much we were affected by it. We only met Turner once, and then it was briefly, but he had always felt like a peer to us. Losing him at such a young age to such a horrible disease that he had fought bravely still shocks us. I don't feel any sense of closure at all. I know this may sound morbid, but I want to know how his family is doing, and find out if he has been put to rest in some fashion. I know that there was a memorial service at SDCC, but I didn't hear much about it. How are the rest of you doing?

Thank you for all the kind words about my blogoversary. It means a great deal to me! Four years went by quickly! I hope to be blogging for many more years. Knock on Wood. LOL.

Not much more to tell. I desperately want to get caught up on blogging but I know that won't happen this week. I have inventory tomorrow and Friday, and it is intense, hard work. I expect to work a 16 hour day tomorrow and at least 12 hours Friday. At my age it really wears me out! Heh. I told Jim that if I make it through this week I am going to have a cocktail!

Until then, take care!

Monday, July 28, 2008

New Comics for July 30


Catwoman #81
Originally uploaded by Heidi Meeley
Hey there! I made it back into town late last night and worked a full day today, so I am running behind. I haven't had much chance to read about the San Diego show, and haven't got to check out many sites, other then Swinebread's (Atomic Romance) because I had to get the lowdown on his new (Super) son.

That being said, I am going to try very hard to catch up this weekend. I know I sound like a broken record, but I am going through one of those periods in my life where both my personal and professional life have lots of things I can't control going on. I hope to be through it all in a couple of weeks, or at best the end of the month. Something has got to give!

The exciting news is that I did go watch my nephews show their goats and do their thing at the fair. It was awesome to see their hard work turn into prizes. I was so proud of them! I also got to see my grandparents and my parents, and spend some quality time there. It was nice.

Oh yeah, there are new comics this week! Here is the list.

Catwoman #81- pictured
Green Lantern #33
Huntress Year One #6 (0f 6)
Justice Society of America Annual #1
Reign in Hell #1 (of 8)
Teen Titans #61
Trinity #9
Black Panther #39
Ms. Marvel #29
Skaar Son of Hulk #2
True Believers #1 (of 5)
Ultimate Spider-Man #124
Wolverine #67

That is the list. It should be shipping next week with my DCBS stuff, so I will look forward to it. I am especially excited about Huntress and JSA Annual. What about you?

Friday, July 25, 2008

Blogoversary- Four Years of Joy, Tears, and Love!


Today is my four year blogoversary. I can hardly believe that time has gone so quickly! It seems like just yesterday that I started on my journey here. It feels good to know that I am still here, and I am especially humbled by the many friends I have made here. I cherish and respect you all!

Thank you for all your input and support. Without the positive feedback and the dialogue, I might have just faded away. There were moments when the occasional burnout would set in, and I feel lucky to have great friends that pulled me back. It is the reason I continue, along with my incessant need to wonder why things are not working at times, and to complain about the industry not using the business model I think they should!

On that note, I am going to sit and reflect a bit. The evolution of my blog has been interesting to say the least. What I felt was more of a pop culture site has at times been a path for my feminine (feminist or not) musings. I have tried to figure out how to fix things. It has also been a sounding board to folks with similar interests. It certainly hasn't been the same old grind (for me) even though I was called predictable a time or too. A person just has to roll with those moments!

To this day, I wish I did more reviews. I wish I blogged in a more timely fashion. I wish I was funnier and more interesting. There are many things I wish for.

Will they happen? Maybe. I hope to have many more years to see what happens.

Thank you all so much!

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Running Away From Home

While some of you are attending the San Diego Comicon and some are going about their normal routine, I am going to run away from home. LOL.

Actually I am going to go watch my nephews show their goats at a county fair and check in with my grandparents and parents. It should be fun.

That being said, I won't be here to blog until Sunday night late. My hubby will be in charge of any updates as he is staying home will I go on my excursion.

I quick congrats to Swinebread and his lovely better half on the birth of a healthy baby boy. That is fantastic!

Take care and have a wonderful weekend!

P.S. Saranga, I will be stalking your site when I get back!! LOL.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

First Impressions: The Dark Knight


It is late, and it is a work night, but I have to say this:


Batman: The Dark Knight is the best comic book movie I have ever seen.


Better then Iron Man. Better then all of them.


It wasn't just Heath Ledger, though he was amazing. It was the entire cast. Brilliantly played by a talented group of actors, this movie flew by. I didn't even realize it had been 2 1/2 hours. I didn't want it to end. Neither did my wonderful hubby.


That was my birthday present. I am now 21 twice. LOL

Monday, July 21, 2008

New Comics for July 23


Dan Dare #7 (of 7)
Originally uploaded by Heidi Meeley
Happy Monday! It is a much better day at Comics Fairplay, as I am a bit more rested and coherent. I am still a bit shocked at how many errors I made in my posts yesterday. I tried to fix them today, so hopefully that worked.

In exciting news for me, our DCBS order should be here tomorrow. That is the best birthday present ever, other then going to dinner and a movie, or winning the lottery! It will take me awhile to get through that stack, so I am giddy.

Here is the list of this week's stuff.

Brave and the Bold #15
Green Lantern Corps #26
Justice League of America #23
Madame Xanadu #2
Superman #678
Trinity #8
Broken Trinity #1
Black Panther #38
Daredevil #109
New Avengers #43
She-Hulk Vol. 2 #31
Thunderbolts #122
Ultimate X-Men #96
Uncanny X-Men #500
X-Men Legacy #214- did every freaking X-book come out this week or what?
Dan Dare #7 (of 7)- pictured
Fallen Angel #28

That is it for me. I hope to get around to your blogs and take a read once my comics come in! I have really missed visiting all my favorite sites!!

Have a great evening!

Bad Idea

Never blog when you are

1. sleep deprived

2. feeling ill

3. basically not of sound mind.

If you do, you will make spelling and grammatical errors that you won't notice until the next day.

Sorry about that.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Black Canary's Newest Nemesis


If you haven't heard yet, there has been a great deal of controversy over the new Black Canary Barbie doll. A British religious group criticized it, calling it "filth". Obviously they haven't been tuning into some of the BBC's saucier shows, taking a stroll around the Nuts.co.uk site (nsfw), or checking out Page Three for the hot boobie ads. I laughed myself sick, and then went over to the BarbieCollector.com site to investigate.


With the kind of prices that are being asked, and the collectible nature of said items, I don't believe they are being marketed for kids. Our local Toys'R'Us branch has a glass case of the collector Barbies, and I have only seen grown-ups buy them. These Barbies are much spendier then the regular ones. This is a bunch of hooey over nothing.


I do have some news for the lovely new Black Canary Barbie. Watch your back. Cabaret Dancer Barbie was here first, and she is wearing a spectacular pair of Fishnets!

Watchmen Motion Comic

Happy Sunday! I am keeping this short because I worked all weekend, but I wanted to alert you to checking out the brand new Watchmen Motion Comic. I downloaded it on iTunes for free and it held up well.

It reminded my hubby of the old CrossGen DVD's. The original comic book is taken and each panel is given movement while their is narration and voice-over. I really liked it, though it makes me wonder if this is the future of the comics I will read. No more floppies in ten years?

As Rorschach would say:

"Hrrmmm."

Have any of the rest of you checked it out yet? What did you think?

Friday, July 18, 2008

Space Goat Auctions in Honor of Michael Turner


I am really proud to announce that Space Goat Fine Arts is raising money for the American Cancer Society to be donated in the late artist Michael Turner's name. The artists and staff at Space Goat were so affected by Turner's passing, and want to help in his name, so here I am to tell you about it!


My hubby and I donated three issues of Superman/Batman that were signed by Turner to the cause. Artists Rafa Sandoval, Randy Kintz, and Jason Metcalf have all donated pieces of art. The auctions are currently on eBay and are scheduled to end Wednesday, July 23.


Please head over to eBay and bid on these great pieces. The proceeds are being 100% donated, and I can think of no greater cause then trying to find a cure for cancer. We don't need to lose any more loved ones to this horrible disease, and the best way to contribute for folks like us is financially. We continue to pray that the scientists and doctors find a cure. I can't stress enough how much I would appreciate any help you would give on this. Let's work together, spend a little money, and donate to an important cause.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Neck Tattoos: The Next Big Trend?

Tonight I was at the grocery store in a solidly middle class, Christian values neighborhood. In the 15 minutes I was there, I saw three different women with neck tattoos. One lady had a name tattooed on the side of her neck. The next lady had a big flowery splash on the back of her neck. The last lady I saw had barbed wire going around her neck.

I gotta tell you, I about plotzed. I know I openly stared. I couldn't help it. In my redneck, conservative town, this was the equivalent of seeing some nudity. I don't think the shock was so much my own horror as it was the shock of seeing what I have always thought was so exotic in such a mundane environment.

Then it dawned on me. This must be a new trend. Hmmm...

My question to those of you with and without neck tattoos:

Does it make a statement of commitment because it is so difficult to hide? Is it a new erotic zone for tattooing?

I would think it would hurt like hell. After two surgeries and lots of blood being drawn, needles are not my best friend.

As you may know, I would never personally get a tattoo. It just isn't something I like or would enjoy. That being said, I don't oppose other people getting them. I have seen a few that are quite touching in memory of a loved one lost. I have also seen a few cool superhero ones. I just don't see the appeal in tattooing one's neck. I would appreciate any insight you might have.

Thoughts?

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Clark Kent's Media Influence


After yesterday's post about Bruce Wayne and the paparazzi, it occurred to me that Clark Kent could be the one to turn the tide for all the super heroes, enabling more privacy then previously thought possible. Then I have to consider this: how much influence can one man have?


Would Bruce Wayne buy up all the major publishers to have control? Would he bring in Clark and Lois to keep an eye on things? Would he be able to put keywords in the Krays or in the JLA super computers that would help negate some of this? Would Oracle be able to work her magic as well?


Just how influential could Clark Kent be when he isn't busy being Superman?


I think that Clark could have some effect on the media he is involved with, but I think it would be quite difficult to keep the paparazzi at bay. I would imagine Clark would have to use his super powers to interfere with the electronics in the cameras that the paparazzi uses nowadays. It would seem to me that Bruce Wayne could have a wider sphere of influence if he had WayneCorp produce a line of cameras that he could sneak a chip into.


I guess it boils down to this: I think Clark could have a limited influence, but I still think Bruce could do more. Because of his money, he would afford some privacy. The problem is that if a paparazzi lensman or a reporter devoted themselves full time to getting a scoop, it would be extremely problematic.

What do you think Clark Kent's influence would be?

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Could Bruce Wayne Fool Today's Paparazzi?


As our world becomes a smaller place on a daily basis, with the internet giving instant gratification, how safe would Bruce Wayne's secret be? Would a sneaky paparazzo get the incriminating picture? What measures would Bruce take to ensure no one would ever find out he was Batman? Would such a secret be safe in today's world?


I really wonder.


Let's face it, kids- if a person is even semi-famous and there are chances of a paycheck, there will always be a photographer. If Bruce Wayne was truly of this day and age, wouldn't it be common sense to suggest that he would have paparazzi following his every move? With his reputation as a womanizer, and the fact that he has so realistically crafted a party boy image, wouldn't he be on the top of the hit list?


With Brad and Angelina paying top dollar for security and being able to afford their privacy, they still are caught on the streets. When Heath Ledger died, there was no hiding the ambulance taking the body out. Just this past weekend, Sienna Miller was caught kissing Balthazar Getty, a married man, while topless on a boat in Italy. Britney Spears basically lived out her breakdown on film, eventually dating a paparazzo. Fading celebs hope to get caught on camera living their lives.


Where would this leave Bruce Wayne? For a man who craves secrecy, I bet it would be maddening. He would have to spend a good portion of his fortune creating privacy. Also, Dick Grayson and Tim Drake would have to spend a great deal of time collaborating with him. No more Mr. Man Whore for Dick, right? There would be TMZ digging into their past, wondering why three men spend so much time together. Then there would be the National Enquirer interview with the starlet that Bruce dumped. Maintaining privacy would be a fulltime job.


I doubt that even the most clever man on earth could maintain his secret identity in this world while cultivating such a playboy persona. The cameras would be everywhere, trying to catch him screwing around with his latest conquest while tripping down the stairs after one too many martinis. It would be mayhem.


For the most part, the comic book world has ignored this aspect of living in the public eye. One of the most realistic portrayals I have seen is in the story arc of Manhunter when Kate and Wonder Woman evaded the press during her very public trial. Even then, Wonder Woman didn't have the secret identity. It makes me really think that Diana, Bruce, and Clark could never have pulled off such a public meeting as is portrayed in Trinity #1 without cameras intruding and a pissed off Lois getting a camera stuck in her face in response.


What do you think? Should the paparazzi be more realistically portrayed? Could even Bruce Wayne keep a secret? What would the media do? I am very interested in your opinion on this.

Monday, July 14, 2008

New Comics for July 16


X-Factor #33
Originally uploaded by Heidi Meeley
I am running late again! I didn't get home until late, so here I sit, blogging after 8 p.m. To top it off, I didn't get the Diamond list this week, so I am relying on an alternate source.

Here is my hopefully accurate list!

Birds of Prey #120
Captain America #40
Final Crisis Rogue's Revenge #1 (of 3)
Incredible Hercules #119
Mighty Avengers #16
Punisher #59
Trinity #7
X-Factor #33 - pictured
X-Force #5

That is it for today Folks! I will see you here tomorrow!

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Random Thoughts and Musings: Hellboy Edition


Last night we went and saw Hellboy: The Golden Army. I thought it was okay, but I have to admit that there were parts that dragged for me, which surprised me. The movie is visually stunning and well done, but it felt subdued. From watching the trailer, I thought the Golden Army itself would be more involved, and I thought that action would lead the day. I was wrong. There was a great deal of attention given to the story and the overall emotional tone of the characters, with action taking a back seat. If I had to give the movie a grade, it would be a solid "C".

In breaking celebrity news, the Brangelina twins were born yesterday, sending the media into a frenzy. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are the parents of a brand new baby boy and girl. Hence the speculation ends.

I looked at the San Diego Comicon programming and part of me really wishes I could attend. The other part of me knows that between financial and family concerns, there is no way in hell. Maybe next year.

Nick had a good question yesterday- did I pick up Captain America: White. I did not, but I wish I would have. It may have generated some excitement in these tired bones of mine!

What about you? Anything interesting or exciting to share?

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Slow News Day

This sound weird, but I don't really have anything new or exciting to talk about. It has been a long time since the blogosphere has been this quiet. I know that a great deal of the situation is that it is the calm before the storm with regards to the San Diego Comicon. Also, since the Fangirls have taken a bit of a break, and there hasn't been any new or raging controversy lately, it has been a bit silent. The biggest excitement today is that Hellboy: The Golden Army just came out. Hopefully I will get to see it this weekend.

I spent last night driving truck to make extra cash so I am a total freaking zombie. Today is a housework/grocery shopping type of day, so it is a chance to catch up. I have some ongoing health issues with members of my immediate family, so that has been constantly at the back of my mind as well.

So here I sit, with nothing of merit to talk about. The best I can think of to say is this:

Have a wonderful weekend!

Wednesday, July 09, 2008

It's About Time: New Animated Wonder Woman Flick


I am so happy right now. I just read on TVGuide.com that Warner Brothers will be releasing an animated Wonder Woman DVD in February 2009. Following on the footsteps of the Superman and Batman releases, this animated film focuses on the amazing Amazon.

Here is the press release:

The golden Lasso of Truth won't be needed to confirm the rumors: Keri Russell is indeed the star of the February 2009 animated DVD movie Wonder Woman, the next in a series from Warner Bros. and DC Comics following Tuesday's release of Batman: Gotham Knight.

The Felicity star voices Princess Diana, the Amazon-turned-superhero. "This story is funny and action-packed and adult in a nice way," Russell says. "Then they said Nathan Fillion was playing opposite me, and that made it that much better."

Fillion, who costarred with Russell in the 2007 indie darling Waitress, plays Air Force pilot Steve Trevor, who crash lands on the Amazon's island. "Playing second fiddle to Keri is a wonderful fiddle to play," Fillion says. "I've done it before, I'll do it again—quite happily." The Desperate Housewives star adds, "What I like about Steve Trevor is that he's a very real guy. He's very honest and he's very natural. He doesn't apologize for much. And he's about as normal as a guy can be while hanging out with Wonder Woman."

The movie tells the Amazon princess' origin story. "She's a true, strong warrior, but she's also right at the break of being a young woman standing on her own and fighting out in the world," Russell says.

Also in the cast are Virginia Madsen as Wonder Woman's mother, Queen Hippolyta; Rosario Dawson as Diana's Amazon rival Artemis; and Alfred Molina as Ares, the film's villain. — Rich Sands

How cool is that? I have been really hoping for a new release starring Wonder Woman, and having it be animated puts my mind at ease. The other good news is that it should be affordable, and I can take it home and watch it over and over. Yay!

Tuesday, July 08, 2008

Anniversary Fun

Today was my 8th wedding anniversary with Jim. Since I had to work today, we went to dinner at Outback for our celebration. It was a nice meal, and we got to relax.

Last night we exchanged gifts. I got Jim Russ Meyers' Beyond the Valley of the Dolls, which he seemed quite pleased with. It has always fascinated him that Roger Ebert wrote the script on that film.

My present was a page of Wonder Woman art from issue #169, page 11. I was quite thrilled because it was Phil Jimenez art that featured Hyppolyta and Artemis heavily in each frame. The story takes place during the Amazon Civil war, so that was even more exciting.

It was a nice day, and I am glad we got to spend time together. I can hardly believe we have been together for over 11 years and married for eight. The time has really flown. We enjoy having a sense of shared memories and common interests, and that has helped sustain our union.

On that note, I am going to get my stuff ready for work tomorrow, and hopefully get a nice shower in since I am planning to go to the gym first thing in the morning. Have a nice evening!

Monday, July 07, 2008

New Comics for July 10


Detective Comics #846
Originally uploaded by Heidi Meeley
Well Crap. It is late and I am just sitting down to blog. I had to go pick up Jim's present for our anniversary tomorrow and I wanted to surprise him! I will let you in on our gift exchange tomorrow.

For now, here is my list of new books for this week.

100 Bullets #93
Action Comics #867
Booster Gold #1,000,000
Detective Comics #846 - pictured!
Final Crisis Requiem #1
Green Arrow Black Canary #10
Huntress Year One #5 (of 6)
Justice Society of America #17
Trinity #6
Wonder Woman #22
Age of Bronze #27
Wildguard Insider #3 (of 3)
Witchblade #119
Genext #3 (of 5)
Powers #29
Ultimate Origins #2 (of 5)
Comic Foundry Magazine Summer Edition

That is it for tonight. I didn't mean to run so late, but it was for a good cause. Have a wonderful evening!

Sunday, July 06, 2008

My Comics: Observations


My current favorite book is Huntress: Year One. Yes, really. It surprises me greatly, considering that the book is a mini-series and was released without much fanfare. Ivory Madison's scripts have been fantastic, and Cliff Richards' art has finally gotten a chance to shine without being relegated to "Fill-in" status. For the first time ever, I like the Helena Bertanelli Huntress. Filled with amazing nuggets of information, and jam-packed with action, this is my vote for most likely to be overlooked.

Trinity is still growing on me. I have a love-hate relationship with Kurt Busiek's writing. Astro City has always been topnotch for me, but there have been other books that just don't gel for me. So far this is one of them. The story is all over the place, and I haven't gotten a feel for where things are going. Since I ordered the books already through DCBS, this month's weekly installments are a make or break for me.

Shockingly, I am really interested in the Secret Invasion. Considering I never dug the skrull storylines in the past, I am a bit flummoxed. I am going to chalk it up to the fact that the storytelling is really well done. Bendis made me want to know who the skrulls are, and books like New Avengers and Mighty Avengers fuel the fire. I am as surprised as you are about this.

I am very disappointed with Birds of Prey. Issue #119 (which guest starred Black Canary) didn't make sense to me. There are too many characters and too much crap going on. Nicola Scott's art saves it for me, but just barely. Attention DC: put Ivory Madison on this book ASAP.

I just can't take Titans. The story is flat out bad. The art is awful. The characters I love are being desecrated. I have hated every minute of it. There aren't many books I detest, but this is one of them.

Daredevil is at the other end of the spectrum. Ed Brubaker and Greg Rucka have teamed up to tell a clever story that is beautifully illustrated by Michael Lark and Stefano Gaudiano. This book is excellent. Along with Captain America, this is my other favorite Marvel title at this time.

That is it for now. There are other books I am following, but those have evoked the greatest reaction in me these last couple of weeks. Final Crisis is still in my "fascinated but not locked in" category, so I am saving that for later.

Friday, July 04, 2008

Happy Independence Day!


To those in the USA: Happy 4th of July! To all my other friends: Happy Friday! Hopefully you have had a nice day!

Today was a much better day. I got good news by phone. My grandma is feeling better, and was able to go back to her retirement home from the hospital. My mom and dad were able to go to the local parade, and to spend time with my sister and her family. That is great news.

Jim and I slept in and then relaxed for a bit. We were very happy because the weather was so much better then it had been today. Right now it is a perfect 72 degrees. Life is good.

I had a new experience today. I helped my friend Kerry clean his final room- he has three bedrooms and he is re-doing them all. We have painted and cleaned the rooms. Now we are working on putting in hardwood floors. Today for the first time ever, I ripped up old carpet and padding in preparation. Holy Crap. That was hard work. We had to take all the old tacks, nails, and staples out after getting the carpet and pad out. That took over an hour and a half. When I left his house, Kerry was sweeping and getting ready to vacuum the room. He was then going to finish painting down to the floor.

Tomorrow is the day to lay the new flooring. Lucky for me, Kerry's friend Doug is going to help him. I guess I pitched in for the first part and he is helping to finish. It is pretty neat to see a room so transformed.

I discovered today that I missed one issue each of Batman and Superman in my transition to DCBS. Bummer! I guess tomorrow I will try and find those issues. Then it is all about cleaning my basement and getting basic household stuff done.

Not much to tell otherwise. We really didn't celebrate. Jim spent the day at home doing internet stuff and watching the Twilight Zone marathon on Sci-Fi while I helped my friend. We will probably spend the rest of the evening just chilling before hitting the hay.

I hope you all had a very nice day!

Thursday, July 03, 2008

Random Thoughts and Musings

What a week it has been, and it was even a short work week. Tuesday night we went and saw Hancock, and last night I didn't get home until late. Tonight I worked late, had calls with family, ran to Costco with my friend, and helped said friend clean his house. Now I am home and I am just exhausted.

Thank God tomorrow is a national holiday. I need the rest!!

Hancock was overall an okay movie. I liked the concept, and I have always enjoyed Will Smith films. Yes, I am one of those. The movie drug a bit in spots, and got into a second story that I felt took away from the main one being told, but it was a fun romp for an hour and a half. Jason Bateman was a scene stealer, reminding me why I am such a fan of his. Hancock was not the best movie I have ever seen, but it was decent.

I just bought the Motley Crue CD "Saints of Los Angeles". Yes, I am a total Crue head. It is nice to have the boys back making new music. I have listened to the first few songs, and so far I am a happy girl. The Crue has gone back to its old school party groove and it is about damn time.

Warning: never go to a Costco the day before a national holiday. It will be a crowded, raging mess. Also, buying a bunch of hardwood flooring and trying to navigate the aisles is not a good plan. The good news is that we are home safe, and I helped my friend clean his counter and table enough that he can finish the job himself.

I am waiting for phone calls from family. I am praying for good news, but I don't think I am going to get it. If nothing else, maybe my dickhead neighbors will distract me by being loud and obnoxious all night with illegal fireworks. Heh.

Have a good night! I am really hoping to do some reviews or something of the sort tomorrow. Take care, and be safe!