Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Iron Man DVD- Hard to Get!


After working a long day, I went to Best Buy to pick up the Iron Man movie Ultimate Edition DVD 2-disc set. Earlier in the day, Jim and I had discussed that we wanted to get that, as it seemed to have decent extras.


I get to Best Buy at a little before 7 p.m. and guess what?


The Ulimate edition is completely sold out. It has been sold out since mid-afternoon. The deluxe edition Iron Man helmet is also sold out. All that is left is a smallish pile of regular edition DVD's. The lady I spoke to said it was crazy how many people came in to get the special edition. they simply hadn't anticipated demand.


Since Borders was close by, I ran by there. I had $5 in Borders rewards to use, so I figured that was the ticket.


There were only two copies of the Ultimate edition left. There were only six copies of the regular one left. Borders had a crazy Iron Man day as well. They simply hadn't anticipated the demand, much like their fellow retailer.


Not wanting to tempt fate, and not sure if there would still be a sale price next week, I picked up one of the Ultimate editions that was left and purchased it. Thank God- now I could take it home to Jim, who was pretty excited, much like I was.


How crazy is that? I figured folks would go for the regular edition, but I was wrong.


Did you have any problems picking the 2-disc set up?

Monday, September 29, 2008

New Comics for October 1


Good intentions are my downfall now. I am halfway through the poll, having had a few delays caused by mucho work and helping my friend Kerry put wood type stuff on their floor. Here I am, with a list of this week's comics!


Army @ Love: The Art of War #3 (of 6)

Batman #680

DC Universe Decisions #2 (of 4)

Justice League of America #25

Manhunter #35

Nightwing #149

Top Ten Season Two #1 (of 4) - woo hoo!! I love this book!

Trinity #18

Witchblade #121- awesome cover pictured

Anita Blake Vampire Hunter: Laughing Corpse #1 (0f 5)

Boys #23


That is the list. I am trying to continue to cut back, but am not doing very well. The great news is that I have a DCBS order that should be in tomorrow, so I will have some fresh new stuff to read. I will try and sort some more books out of that mess for future purchase.


Have a wonderful night! See you back here!

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Random Thoughts and Musings- Saturday Edition

I have officially started on my new outside poll so I am very happy. I interviewed a couple of guys at a different fitness facility and hit a few up at the local Red Robin. My next goal is to do interviews at the grocery store and possibly out in the middle of a grain field. Seriously. It should be rad.

I have been trying to catch up with comic reading this week, and I was pleasantly surprised by True Believers, a Marvel five issue mini written by Cary Bates with art by Paul Gulacy. I have read the first two issues and am hoping to do a review after checking out the third. I love Gulacy's style, and Bates is a legend in my mind, so this is very cool.

The first issue of Secret Six made me smile. Writer Gail Simone has teamed up with artist Nicola Scott again and I am thrilled. The scene at the grocery store was especially good. If you haven't read Secret Six, I cannot stress enough how good it is.

Last night Jim and I watched the new episode of True Blood on HBO. I am enjoying it, while Jim is still cautiously optimistic. Anna Paquin as Sookie Stackhouse is a revelation. It is nice to see her playing a grown up.

Tonight I am going to run away and make a little extra money driving truck. I would rather go see Foreigner at the Central Washington State Fair but it is not meant to be. Bummer.

On that note, I am headed out to run some errands and take off. I will do my interviews and really hope to post my poll results tomorrow. If you want to keep up with convention news, the Baltimore Comicon is this weekend, and both Newsarama and Comic Book Resources are posting reports.

See you tomorrow!

Friday, September 26, 2008

Random Thoughts and Musings

Tonight I am tired. I feel every one of my 42 years. I can tell that for a long time now I have been working insane hours while trying to maintain any kind of life. Hopefully in a month I can get back to some normalcy.

One thing I know about working a lot of hours is that in the long run it kills a person's effectiveness. This is a short term thing, and as much as it has been fun and challenging, it has also been a bit hectic. Thanks to the hubby for not bitching about hardly seeing me!

There are several comic conventions coming up in Washington and Oregon I wanted to mention.

Bellcon takes place on September 27 in Bellingham, Washington. It is a one day show and it is this weekend! Head over to the link for details. Unfortunately, Jim and I won't make this one. If you attend, let me know the scoop.

On October 11, Tri City Comicon will take place in Pasco, Washington. This is the first year that the gaming and film festival will feature comics. We know our good buddy and amazing artist Jason Metcalf will be there, so that is very cool. Jim and I will try and shoot down for that one!

Sunday, October 26 is the date of the next Seattle Comicard Show. Clayton Crain is the guest of honor at this one. It is always a great buying show and one that I highly recommend. Keep checking the site for other guests. Our good friend Quenton Shaw of QEW Publishing is slated to be there, and he is the coolest guy around. We also like to catch up with Ben Hanson, AKA the best artist you don't know about but should, at the show. Jim and I hope to attend this one.

Lastly, on Sunday, November 9, the Portland Comic Book Show will make it's bow. Aaron Lopresti, Jim Valentino, and many more guests are slated to attend. I want to go, simply because my family is down there and it gives me an excuse to see my good looking and smart nephews.

Does anyone know of any other shows going on in the Northwest this fall? If so, drop me a comment here!

That is it for tonight. I am going to be a total slacker and go be a television zombie tonight. Take care!

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

A Couple of Questions...


For those of you who blogger, how hard is it to set up the "blogs I am following" feature and how does it look on your page? I have been wanting to do it, but am a bit nervous.


I went and bought a copy of the Sex & the City movie on DVD tonight. I am very pleased and am planning on hopefully watching it this weekend. One thing I noticed is that is says it has a "bonus digital copy". What does that mean? I am really behind the times on this, especially with how busy I have been at work. Help!


Anybody else go grab a copy of SATC? I loved the series and enjoyed the movie. Though I will never be a wealthy, affluent New York woman, I still enjoy the friendship and warmth between the women. It gives me a chance to have a bit of fantasy in a life that is full of reality.


Have a good night! Any help in answering my questions would be appreciated!

Monday, September 22, 2008

New Comics for September 24


It is the last Wednesday of September. Wow. The month has gone fast, especially because I have been working a lot and had a busy personal life. Before I can blink, it will be snowing. Argh!


My complaint for tonight is about people that don't use their car signals until they are right at where they are turning. I have had at least a dozen instances of this in the last three days and it is irritating the hell out of me. It has happened everywhere from on a busy city street to a housing development. What ever happened to proper driving ettiquette? Some days by the time I get home I just wanna beat somebody up. I never really would, but I ponder it!


I am considering doing my new outside poll specifically for guys. Any particular ideas? I was going to ask about dating comic book girls and about past reading habits. What else would be a good question to ask a random fella on the street?


Before I forget, here is my list of comics for the week.


Fables #76

Reign in Hell #3 (of 8)

Superman #680

Teen Titans #63

Trinity #17

PVP #40

Black Panther #41

Captain America #42

Daredevil #111- it seems like just yesterday this book relaunched with Kevin Smith on writing chores.

Deadpool #2

Hulk #6- Michael Turner variant pictured

Ms. Marvel #31

New Avengers #45

Powers #30- damn this book feels pretty late.

She-Hulk 2 #33

Ultimate Spider-Man #126- really hating this story arc.

X-Force #7

X-Men Legacy #216


That is it, Folks. I appreciate your patience with all my work and stuff. I will have another month of this for sure. I found out today. I can at least now say I see a light at the end of the tunnel, which is awesome. I am very happy with my job right now.


Have a great week!

Saturday, September 20, 2008

What Are You Reading?

It is a rainy day here today at Comics Fairplay. We are staying inside and enjoying the solitude. It has also been nice to wander around checking our the newest pile of comics. As you know, I have been very excited about 100 Bullets.

Today is the day Jim and I are going to fill our our DCBS order. I am looking for suggestions on what the hottest book I should be reading is. Can anyone help me?

Back later...

Friday, September 19, 2008

TGIF!

I had a productive and busy week at work, so I have not been blogging. It has been odd to come home late and know that by the time I ate and got my stuff ready that it would be too late to sit down at the computer.

That being said, I am going to start on my new poll tomorrow after a good night's sleep. I want to tell you how much I appreciate each and every one of you, and how I am looking forward to catching up with my blog reading.

Quick TV list:

New guilty pleasure: 90210
New fun series: True Blood
Eagerly Awaiting: Heroes Season 3
Pleased so far: Terminator: The Sarah Conner Chronicles
Upcoming Guiltiest Pleasure: Rock of Love Charm School featuring Sharon Osbourne

Anything good on the tube that you would recommend?

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

100 Bullets Still Amazes


I know I sound like a broken record, but 100 Bullets kicks complete and total ass. I just got done reading issue #95 and it was a shocker in the best sense of the word.


As the series races towards it's conclusion with issue #100, the Trust and Minutemen are upping the ante for violence and mayhem. Writer Brian Azzarello and artist Eduardo Risso have kept the readers guessing while thoroughly entertaining them. This series has become the book upon which I measure all others for quality. Azzarello and Risso are a cohesive unit that harkens back to the days of Ennis and Dillon on Preacher- they are just that good.


I know that many of you haven't read 100 Bullets, and that is cool. I just hope to plant the seed to encourage you to pick up the first trade when you have a the money and the time. It is well worth the price of admission.


This issue was so good that I didn't even mind that it kept me hanging from last issue's events. That being said, I wish the next issue would hurry up and come out because I am in total suspense!

Monday, September 15, 2008

New Comics for September 17


Good Evening all! I just got home and got bills paid so here I am in blogger land. I might as well confess that this is going to be another busy week. Until my computer conversion is done, my blogging will be spotty.


Here is my list for the week:


All Star Superman #12

Birds of Prey #122

Brave & the Bold #17

Stormwatch PHD #14

Titans #5

Trinity #16

Broken Trinity #2

Sword #11

Incredible Hercules #121

Mighty Avengers #18

Punisher #62

True Believers #3 (of 5)

Uncanny X-Men #502

X-Factor #35

Terry Moore's Echo #6


I am tired and worthless tonight. That is it! Have a great week!

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Coolness Factor: Low

Today my coolness factor is on low. I am working on a couple of reports for work, one of which I e-mailed home to look at. I also went grocery shopping. Woo hoo!

Now I am going to go help my friend look for curtains with a lady that may or not be hammered. I am leaving my sweet hubby home alone, which makes me sad.

The good news is that I am working on a new poll. It has been on and off today because of said other issues.

That is why my coolness factor is condition low.

Have a nice night!

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Outside Poll- Quick Observation


I am so grateful to you for your comments on my outside poll. It really made my day and helped validate the time I spent compiling answers. It has been quite a journey, running around asking strangers their opinions.

What fascinated me was how many women felt comfortable reading Nancy Drew mysteries. I loved them growing up. I have the complete set in my basement and I go downstairs and page through them from time to time.

My question is this: how is the privileged life of Nancy Drew so much safer for young girls then super hero books? While I loved that Nancy thought for herself, and was spunky and independent, I embraced her in much the same manner I did Wonder Woman. Maybe something is wrong with me? The self reliance and power of will thrilled me then and continues to captivate to this day.

Did you read about non-powered females growing up? Was it embraced by your parents and friends? What is an example of this? I am curious.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Outside Poll: Women Reading Comics

It is Wednesday and I finally wanted to post about the outside poll I took about women reading comics. What I did was interview 27 women about comics and their general views. I was extremely frustrated on Sunday about the lack of women I talked to who had ever read comics. I couldn't find any. I am very lucky that you folks chimed in with great answers and a whole lot of support. Thank you!

The questions I asked are as follows.

1. Have you ever read a comic book? Have any of them been super hero related? For How long?
2. What was your first awareness of super heroes?
3. What was your mother and/or father's views of comic books?
4. If you have children, what do you tell them about comic books?
5. What is your general opinion on reading comic books and the stories contained inside?

I was honored that two ladies came forward and answered the questions for me on my post. It was nice to have women who read comics answer, as they helped pull me out of a funk. It also helped because then I had two respondents who read comics. Unfortunately, the other 25 did not read comics, other then admitting to paging through their brother's books.

What was interesting is how uniform the non-readers were in their responses. I love the fact that Sheryl's mom was the comic book reader in the family. That is fantastic! The other women had mothers much like Sea_of_green. The mother in the household told their daughters from an early age that comics "were for boys". One respondent specifically remembered asking her mom about her brother's Batman collection only to be told that comics were only made for boys. She was told to find a different habit and actually began sewing her own clothes. Said female loved to draw and she ended up making intricate designs of the outfits she made. She did say that today she occasionally will doodle a Spider-Man or Wolverine picture for her son.

Back to the first question, 12 of the females questioned said that they read Archie comics, and a few specifically referred to the Josie and the Pussycats or Sabrina comics. Another reader said she read Barbie comics. Three remembered seeing Wonder Woman and other females on covers of books at the convenience store, but not much more then that. An astounding 17 women said that they read and enjoyed Nancy Drew mysteries. Nineteen women said they enjoyed books from L. Frank Baum, Laura Ingalls Wilder, and Judy Blume. The majority were readers at a young age, and 15 of them read regularly today. The Harry Potter books were pretty universally popular among mothers who said they read them with their children.

To give some detail to the ladies I interviewed, the youngest was 16 and the oldest was 75. I don't know the ages of the two ladies who responded on the comments, so I will not hazard a guess. 18 of the women I interviewed were mothers. Seven of those women were grandmothers as well.

When I asked for a first awareness of super heroes, my oldest respondent said she listened to a Superman show on the radio. Six of the women watched the 1960's Batman series. Eight of the women had a friend or relative who read comic books. Five women watched the Wonder Woman television series. The other seven had answers that ranged from seeing a daily strip in the newspaper to going to a comic book movie.

Though many women said that their mothers were unsupportive or critical of their comic reading habit, 12 women said that their father was more supportive. Four women said that their brothers read comics.

Of the eighteen women I interviewed that were mothers, only Sea_of_green seems to encourage comics. Fourteen of the women felt it was a waste of money. A staggering eight of those women felt comic shops were awful and were intimidated by the stereotypical comic book reader. One woman particularly mentioned that she felt that comics were something kids read to "goof off". Of the eighteen women, all of them allowed their children some sort of gaming system and felt that was alright. Two women bragged about monitoring the games their children played while one other woman felt it helped her son's eye-hand coordination for baseball. All eighteen women felt it was okay to go to comic book movies.

For my ladies that read comics, the response to their general opinion on reading comics were as follows:

"I love reading comic books as much as reading text-only stories and I am glad to see that comics are gaining acceptance in the mainstream."

"I love 'em, and I think they're good exercise for the imagination. The larger-than-life characters represent mankind's potential, and help give us ideas to shape our futures -- just like any good science fiction or mythological tale."

One woman said "it won't get you into law school". Another said "god bless the folks that read comics. It just isn't my thing." My favorite response was this "tell the perverts that live in their mommy's basement that it is time to grow up".

The majority of respondents didn't have anything else to say. They just wished me luck with my poll and said it was "fun". I didn"t tell them why I was taking the poll until I was done as to not skew the answers. Several thought I was pulling their leg when I told them I was doing it for my blog. The inevitable question was "do you have kids" to me. When I said "no", they nodded knowingly. One lady even showed an expression of what appeared to be pity before she left.

My question after taking this poll is this:

How can we change the opinion of female non-comic readers? Is there anything particular to help? Our comic book market is shrinking, and I worry that twenty years from now the only readers will be aged 40 and up.

What do you think?

Monday, September 08, 2008

New Comics for September 10


Just for the record, I am an idiot to think that I can work 11 to 13 hour days and keep up on my blog. That being the case, I will not post my poll results until Wednesday, when I will force myself to come home at a decent hour. I also really desperately need to get caught up on my comments, which I am very embarrassed about being so far behind on.


What is happening at my job, you may ask? Now that it has been a week, I feel I can share. My company is no more. Our assets were bought by another company and for the first time in over 19 years I have a new job so to speak. As we are doing the computer conversions and all that other fun stuff, I am finding myself having fun again while working myself as hard as possible. This does mean that for the next few weeks I will be spotty like usual.


Since January, my life is even more hectic. I had a lot of problems that are going away. I just have a few more, which include losing the weight I have put on the last five months and working on repairing my home, to go. Thank you for bearing with me. I am crossing my fingers that after a dark couple of years that my life will be more my own.


In that spirit, here is the list of this week's books.


100 Bullets #95

Booster Gold #12

Ex Machina #38

Final Crisis Revelations #2 (of 5)

Green Arrow Black Canary #12

Green Lantern Corps #28

Trinity #15

Wonder Woman #24

Darkness #5

Deadpool #1

Genext #5 (of 5)- which has been a suckfest so far.

Ms. Marvel #30

Secret Invasion #6 (of 8)

Secret Invasion Inhumans #2 (of 4)- pictured

Secret Invasion X-Men #2 (of 4)

Ultimate Origins #4 (of 5)


That is it for today. It is 8 p.m. and I am just going to go get my stuff ready for tomorrow. It has been hectic, but I feel a great deal of joy. See you tomorrow!

Sunday, September 07, 2008

Slight Poll Issue Brings Hesitation

Good Sunday Morning to you all! I have a slight dilemma. I have done a new poll that I am very interested in. I have talked to 20 people. There is a small problem.

Let me reveal the questions for said poll before continuing. Know that this is a poll directed only at females, as my next one will be directed towards males.

Questions for females:

1. Have you ever read a comic book? Have any of them been super hero related? For How long?
2. What was your first awareness of super heroes?
3. What was your mother and/or father's views of comic books?
4. If you have children, what do you tell them about comic books?
5. What is your general opinion on reading comic books and the stories contained inside?

Okay, so the problem is that I have not a single person I have interviewed has answered "yes", other then to say that Archie comics were read. Do I continue the poll until I find someone who has, or do I ask my female friends here to respond? Does that skew the poll results?

I would appreciate your opinions on this. I am going to try and go talk to five more women today before I return home, so we shall see what happens then.

BTW, for a good time, check out the preview of Wonder Woman #24 over at Newsarama. Very Cool.

Friday, September 05, 2008

Quick Note

I am in the midst of a new poll I am pretty excited about. I am hoping to post it tomorrow.

I made it through a busy week and am feeling pretty happy about life- the most I have in a long time.

Now it is time to drink a Sierra Nevada pale ale and wait for the pizza Jim and I ordered to arrive.

Life is good.

What about you?

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

New Comics are Here!


I just got home after another 11 hour day and am thrilled to announce that our DCBS order is here. Yay! It is just the tonic I needed after a challenging day at work. So many things are going on there, and we are so terribly busy. I predict that in four to six weeks things will have a new status quo, so more on this soon.


I am so looking forward to reading my comics that I am just going to be lame and leave you with the cover to Catwoman #82. Have a wonderful evening!

Tuesday, September 02, 2008

New Comics for September 4


Good Evening! I hope you had a wonderful Labor Day weekend if you live in the United States. Otherwise, I hope you didn't work too hard in general!


It was a pretty weekend here. This week shouldn't be much different. For the record, I am once again expecting to work record hours at my job. Things are happening that I will be able to share in after a bit. Thank you for humoring me.


Here is the list of this week's books.


Army @ Love: The Art of War #2 (of 6)]

Detective Comics #848

Fables #75- cover pictured

Green Lantern #34

Manhunter #34

Nightwing #148

Secret Six #1

Titans #4

Trinity #14

Noble Causes #36

Witchblade #120

Ms. Marvel Annual #1

X-Men Manifest Destiny #1 (of 4)

Boys #22



That is it for tonight! Take care and have a great week!