Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Cheesy Metal Goodness: Grim Reaper - See You in Hell

Holy Crap! This video is awesomely bad! As a metalhead of many years, this brings back many memories of when Grim Reaper was known for the guy with the cool metal pipes. The outfits clearly point to a period of time we may never see again but will fondly remember.

Enjoy and Happy Halloween!

Very Cool: Rob Zombie Rules youtube on Halloween

Hey there Rob Zombie fans! Today is the day for lots of Zombie goodness on youtube. Head over there and take a look if you get a chance. Scary goodness!

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Boo!! Tomorrow is Halloween!


Halloween
Originally uploaded by Heidi Meeley
Oh Man. Tomorrow is Halloween and I don't get to enjoy it. What a bummer. I have work stuff all day that doesn't allow for celebration or the customary dressing up. Maybe by tomorrow night, the spirit will hit me full force. Send good thoughts my way!!

In the meantime, let me leave you with this awesome image.

Happy Halloween a bit early!!

Monday, October 29, 2007

New Comics for October 31


Dynamo 5 #8
Originally uploaded by Heidi Meeley
Having new comics on Halloween just seems cool, you know? It is like a double celebration- getting good stuff to read and going out and having good stuff to eat. Unfortunately, I am going to be home that night, wondering if we will get any trick or treaters. Last year we had none!

This week's list is once again ugly. Nothing new there, and I am sucked into buying some of the Countdown crossovers which makes me mad at myself. I must repent... somehow.

Here is the list!

Action Comics #858
American Virgin #20
Batman #670
Countdown to Adventure #3 (of 8)
Countdown #26
Countdown to Mystery #2 (of 8)
DC Infinite Halloween Special #1
Death of the New Gods #2 (of 8)
JSA Classified #31
Justice Society of America #10
Trials of Shazam #9 (of 12)
Dynamo 5 #8 - pictured!
Necromancer Pilot Season #1
Anita Blake Vampire Hunter First Death #2 (of 2)
New X-Men #43

Hardly any Marvel this week, so it is once again a DC-centered bag. Jeez, I have got to get to the bottom of this.

Have a wonderful evening and I will see you here tomorrow!

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Random Thoughts and Musings

I had every intention of doing quick take reviews today but life got in the way. First Jim and I went and got him new jeans as all the pairs he owned had holes or rips in them. Then we bought hardcore tree trimmers because we have quite the project. We received a notice, as did most of our neighbors, that we needed to clean up the alley way behind our homes. It was quite the pisser as we had no idea that we needed to do that. We went and walked around behind our fence where for almost two hours we proceeded to prune like madmen. We didn't finish, but I am going to call the city and at least let them know we are trying.

Then we went to our friend Kerry's house and helped him repair his fence, which had fallen down. Jim also helped Kerry's wife plant a tree. That was another couple of hours, and we were happy to help as Kerry has helped us with our yard several times. As we left Kerry's house, the sun was setting. We still had grocery shopping and laundry to do.

This means it is 8:15 p.m. and I am just now sitting down. I haven't checked my e-mail and I haven't even begun to get my stuff ready for tomorrow. The weekend has gone way too fast, and I am dreading the week.

For Halloween I am going to be a white collar worker. Yep, after all my planning and thinking, I have got nothing. There are too many external things going on that are causing me to put one of my favorite holidays on the back burner. The good news is that next year being a leap year, Halloween will be on a Friday, so I can jump back into it with glee.

Jim and I also had a conversation about the first comics we ever bought. Today marks the 20th anniversary to the day of when he got his first comic book. That is incredible. Happy Anniversary of sorts, Honey!

Nothing really comic related to say. I will be back tomorrow with my weekly list. Have a wonderful week and a safe Halloween!

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Tired of Team Shots for Covers: Ultimate Fantastic Four #50


Ultimate Fantastic Four #50
Originally uploaded by Heidi Meeley
Wow. Ultimate Fantastic Four is going to hit issue 50 in January. That is absolutely amazing! Kudos to Marvel for that. I see they are celebrating with a team cover shot. Neat.

I have noticed that the trend on covers lately is to feature the team, either posing or getting ready to go into battle. While this is a cool approach, it has been overused to the point that I am thirsty for action driven covers like the Punisher War Journal #15 cover I referred to earlier. That being said, this cover by Marko Djurdjevic is off-putting to me.

I can't get over the fact that Sue looks quite manly. There, I said it. I also am very scared of Ben Grimm as he is baring his teeth like he is ready to eat the reader for breakfast. While I appreciate the cool color effects and quite like the fact that Reed is putting up his dukes, this cover underwhelms me.

On that note, I am curious to hear your opinions about what you think makes a great cover. Is it the action? Do you like the team pose? What appeals to you?

Another Cover I Love: Jack of Fables #19


Jack of Fables #19
Originally uploaded by Heidi Meeley
Brian Bolland is like the cover god of all cover gods to me. Along with Glenn Fabry and Adam Hughes, he is one of the few artists that can consistently present the reader with a gorgeous cover that conveys the feel of the story while remaining true to it. This image is no exception.

I absolutely love the fact that Jack and his cronies are hiding under Bo Peep's skirt while a crew of Keystone cops struggle to get to them. The expression on Jack's face alone sells the cover to me. The rich texturing of her gown and the voluminous hoop skirt add a beauty that makes the reader's eye wander to it. If I had this cover and the Fantastic Four cover to chooser between, I would pick this in a heartbeat. Bolland's amazing eye for detail and his sense of humor have saved the day many a time.

Though I have always preferred having the artist on a book illustrate the cover, having Bolland on hand to do so is a surefire way to sell a book. I can't deny that.

Covers I Love: Punisher War Journal #15


Punisher War Journal #15
Originally uploaded by Heidi Meeley
Since I posted a cover image I didn't care for yesterday, I thought I would post a few that really appealed to me. The first one is this cover for Punisher War Journal #15. I love this image by Ariel Ollivetti and think it would sell books.

What captures my attention is the action feel of the picture. Punisher is playing for keeps with Kraven the Hunter. I can literally feel the elbow crunching into Kraven's cheek. I appreciate the intent look on Frank's face as he fights for his life. The sheer power of the characters is shown through large, weightlifter arms and the ripples of muscle in Frank's back.

The water at the bottom of the cover adds a clever effect as does the sun shining through the top of the building. Everything about this is eye catching.

I would buy this comic off the shelf based on the visual imagery alone. What about you?

Friday, October 26, 2007

Is This Cover Lacking?: Fantastic Four #553


Fantastic Four #553
Originally uploaded by Heidi Meeley
For quite awhile now I have been doing a featured called "is this gratuitous" in which I post a cover and ask for your opinions about whether you think it has crossed that line or not. I really enjoy reading the comments and appreciate the fact that we have a civilized discourse about whether a cover is or is not, in fact, gratuitous.

That being said, last night I was looking through Previews and saw the cover to Fantastic Four #553. I was horrified because at first glance, I thought Marvel had lost their minds and let Rob Liefeld do the cover. Looking closer, I realized that "superstar" Michael Turner had done the art. My response was to be very concerned.

When Witchblade debuted as a series, I thought Turner was a freaking genius. I loved how sexy he drew Ian and Jackie, giving the ladies equal time to check out the goods. His art struck me as bold and really set a new trend in comic books.

Now when I see his covers, I cringe. I respect Turner for his bravery and resolve in battling cancer. I met him once and he was very sweet. It makes me feel bad to have this reaction, but I just can't help it. What happened to the magic? Is Mike feeling okay?

As with the uproar over the Justice League "Power Girl booby" cover, I am seeing a pattern of "phoning it in" from Turner. I really swore this was a Liefeld image, especially when looking at Thing.

The problem is that I just don't feel like I can be objective here. I would love your input. Is it me or does the cover fall short of expectations?

Bonus Metal Video: Lita Ford - Hungry

Because I have been enjoying rocking out to my girl Lita Ford so much, I thought I would post a "Bonus" metal video to celebrate.

"Hungry" is one of those videos that cracks me up. The Alice in Wonderland theme mixed with a wet and wild Lita splashing and preening make for a good time. It takes me back to those fond memories of watching Headbangers Ball Saturday nights while sucking down brewskis and partying with friends.

Instead of Friday night fights, I present to you Friday night METAL!! Much love to Bahlactus for the borrow.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Hot Metal Video of the Week: Lita Ford - Falling In And Out Of Love

Once again I have to give a shout out to the ladies of metal, and this week it goes to Lita Ford. Most well known for her duet with Ozzy Osbourne and her rendition of "Kiss Me Deadly", Lita truly exudes the rock and roll spirit. Sexy, raunchy, and playful, Lita also captured many a man's heart.

Quick story: my friend got us kicked out of Starry Night Club in Portland when Lita played. He got hammered and couldn't resist running up to the stage and fondling her leg, on up to her thigh. God knows we were out there quicker then a shot. Drunk, horny guy at Lita Ford concert with front row capabilities equals a bad time!! LOL!!

Enjoy this video. It is one of my favorite Lita songs ever and always brings back fond memories. Lita can really rock- she is a guitar player, song writer, and a singer. Coming from the Runaways to solo success, Lita had my admiration.

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Spider-Man "One More Day" and Green Lantern #25 Experience Delays


Spider-Man Teaser
Originally uploaded by Heidi Meeley
I just read over at Newsarama that the Spider-Man "One More Day" saga is experiencing shipping delays. Marvel announced the following (with additional info from Newsarama):

"Marvel has released updated solicitation information for the final two parts of “One More Day” as well as a teaser for the second half of the arc. The publisher released no further text aside from the ordering information.
SENSATIONAL SPIDER-MAN #41 (AUG072202)
Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
Pencils & 50/50 Cover by JOE QUESADA
50/50 Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC
“ONE MORE DAY” Part 3
Rated A …$3.99
FOC—11/08/07, On-Sale—11/28/07

[Newsarama Note: the issue’s original on-sale date was 10/31]

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #545 (SEP072177)
Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
Pencils & 50/50 Cover by JOE QUESADA
50/50 Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC
“ONE MORE DAY” PART 4
Rated A …$3.99
FOC—12/06/07, On-Sale—12/27/07

[Newsarama Note: the issue’s original on-sale date was 11/28]

The publisher did not address the scheduling situation in regards to Amazing Spider-Man shipping three times a month, which was slated to begin with issue #546, which was originally scheduled to be in stores on December 5th, with #547 and #548 in stores on December 12th and 19th, respectively. "


I also saw that according to Geoff Johns, Green Lantern #25 is going to ship two weeks late.

My thoughts about this? I am not surprised about the Spider-Man delays. Joe Quesada has been more late then timely in his pencilling since taking over as EIC at Marvel. My quibble is not that he is an artist in an executive position. What bothers me is that there are many talented artists out there that can make deadlines that could have done the job but didn't get selected. Stick to EIC, Joe. Let a talented newcomer or a dependable old timer do the job.

Green Lantern being two weeks late is not a tragedy. It is just a bit of a pain because it is a landmark issue that is set to bring things together as the conclusion of the Sinestro Corps event. As we all wait for the "big bang" we now know we have two more weeks to tough it out.

I honestly don't know why I am not freaking out like a good fangirl. Maybe it is the exhaustion from two hours of weight lifting. Maybe I am desensitized. Hell, I don't know. All I know is that there is other stuff out there that is more timely, and if I even notice how late these books are, it will be a miracle. Hmmm...

Monday, October 22, 2007

New Comics for October 24


Authority Prime #1
Originally uploaded by Heidi Meeley
Time is closing in on Halloween and I am still debating about a costume. As you know, I have been going back and forth about what to wear. Unfortunately, the kid's costumes won't fit and I don't feel like being a sexy referree. Arggghh!

I will figure it out sooner then later! Otherwise I will be going as a middle aged woman, and how damn boring is that!

Here is my list of this week's comics.

Authority Prime #1 (pictured)
Blue Beetle #20
Countdown #27
Flash #233
Gen 13 #13- ooohhh, spooky!
Gotham Underground #1 (of 8)
Green Arrow Year One #6 (of 6)
Green Lantern Corps #17
Loveless #20
Tales of the Sinestro Corps Superman Prime #1
Teen Titans #52
Uncle Sam & the Freedom Fighters #2 (of 8)
Madame Mirage #3
PVP #35
Black Panther #31
Daredevil #101
She-Hulk 2 #22
Thunderbolts #117
Ultimate Spider-Man #115
X-Men #204


That is my list for the week. It is huge again!

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Feeling Mixed Emotions: Catwoman #72


Catowman #72
Originally uploaded by Heidi Meeley
If making a reader feel uncomfortable and upset is a writing feat, Will Pfeifer has scored a home run with me. Catwoman #72 broke my heart. After seeing Selina reach for the heights of goodness as a new mother to knowing that she is destined to go back to a life of crime, my emotions ran the gamut.

Adam Hughes' amazingly fitting cover and David Lopez' incredible interiors only served to heighten my already distraught feelings. Selina's feelings of helplessness and her ultimate decision put me on a roller coaster ride.

At the end of this issue, part of me was furious. How dare Pfeifer do this to Selina? After all she went through to become a mommy and the nostalgia of her feelings for the father, it flat hurt to watch her do what she did. How is Slam going to feel?

The writing is on the wall and on the "...and evil shall inherit the earth" poster. Selina is going to be a criminal again. It makes me sick and it disgusts me but I know I will continue to pick up the book to witness the journey. I care about the character and want the best for her, so knowing that she is going back to her old ways is sad.

Is it strictly plot license or is it a more permanent change? Only time will tell. This is one time that I am willing to sit back and buy a ticket for the ride.

Quick Take Reviews for October 21


Checkmate #19
Originally uploaded by Heidi Meeley
Red Sonja #26- The book slinks slowly towards the big battle with Kulan Gath as the readers take in a flashback of a woman crucial to Gath’s existence.

The Good: the really kick ass David Mack cover and the fact that the battle is finally, maybe here.

The Bad: I am getting really impatient with the book.

Grade: C.

Devi #14- Devi and Kratha beat the crap out of each other while “Horseman of the White Steed” enters the fray. Lots of ass kicking and trash talk ensue.

The good: I am enjoying the action here. The fight scenes are awesome.

The bad: I am not thrilled with the art.

Grade: C.

Snakewoman: Tales of the Snake Charmer #4- Easily my favorite Virgin Comics offering. In this issue, Jessica has awakened with the awareness that she has met Sari, the snake charmer and that Raj is the Cobra King, Jessica’s chosen mate. Thing get ugly real fast as the 68 are out to find the Snakewoman.

The Good: I really enjoyed the back-story of gem and was excited that new key players have fallen into place.

The Bad: The fact that Virgin rebooted this character’s book so soon. I would have been happy if the original title would have continued.

Grade: B.

The Sword #1- Dara wakes up to a normal day that goes quickly awry as a deadly secret is revealed. This is easily the best new offering I have read in a long time. The Luna Brothers have another hit on their hands.

The Good: Most first issues make the mistake of trying to pack too much into the book or being too evasive. This issue doesn’t make that mistake as we are introduced to characters that each have a role to play in taking the book to the next level. I appreciate the Luna Brothers’ tag team approach to creating, and it has worked well for them. The third time seems to be the charm here.

The Bad: Nothing bad to say at this time.

Grade: A.

Birds of Prey #111- Tony Bedard turns things around with a simple tale of what happens when the Calculator meets Oracle. This is the type of story Bedard excels at telling.

The good: As much as I missed Nicola Scott’s art, Jason Orfalas ably filled in here. I loved the story being told, period. The setting was great, and the fact that Oracle and Calculator broke bread together was genius.

The Bad: That the story had to end. I enjoyed it.

Grade: B.

Checkmate #19- This book continues to thrill me as the inevitable confrontation with Amanda Waller nears its climax. “The Wall” must resort to dirty tricks and blackmail, which are two things she excels at.

The Good: Waller is an exquisite piece of work, and writer Greg Rucka has really captured her. Watching Sasha undergo interrogation while the rest of the players take their places on the field was compelling. I can hardly wait to see how this ends.

The Bad: No bad comments on this one.

Grade: A.

Saturday, October 20, 2007

The Coolest Gift EVER: Justice League of America #126, page 9

Last night when I got home from working out, Jim was waiting for me with a huge surprise. He gave me a page of Justice League of America art by Dick Dillin.

I was stunned, thrilled, and surprised. I never thought I would be privileged enough to own a piece of art by my all-time favorite.

Now I do, and I am beyond pleased.

There is no better gift then one that you really wanted and never expected. Jim really scored the brownie points on this one.

The kicker is that it wasn't an anniversary, holiday, or even my birthday. Jim got it for me because I have been under a great deal of stress lately and he wanted to cheer me up.

Wow.

I wanted to share this with you and give some love to my hubby for getting me this. I remember this page clearly and this issue as well. Dick Dillin is one of the all time greats in my eyes.

For a quick back story, this issue was published in January 1976. The title of the story is "The Evil Connection". The story was "men only" as neither Wonder Woman or Black Canary were featured in the issue. That is the only bummer. Otherwise this story stands in my eternal memory as a part of a well done run. Good stuff.

Friday, October 19, 2007

Is This Gratuitous: X-Men #204


X-Men #204
Originally uploaded by Heidi Meeley
This week's cover once again shines the spotlight on the X-Men books. This is not on purpose. I didn't wake up this morning and decide to pick on them again. The cover art here by Michael Choi needed a second look and I just couldn't ignore the fact that it was also X-Men related.

Evidently Rogue has absorbed the powers of a contortionist, because her pose on the cover of X-Men #204 shows a great deal of flexibility. It also appears that Gambit hasn't lost his desire to get some loving as his hand is enroute to grabbing Rogue's hiney.

Because of the nature of the upward thrust of the boobs and the prominence of her aerobized butt, I have got to call on you to have a discussion about this.

Is this gratuitous?

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Food for Thought: This Season's Top Halloween Costumes!


Pirate Man
Originally uploaded by Heidi Meeley

Once again I went online and perused costumes. I went to Halloweenmart.com, a popular internet Halloween site and looked around for a bit. What struck me was the fact that Halloween Mart is tracking it's top selling items for men, women, and children. Hopefully with no hardship from them, I would like to share those lists.

Women
1. Referee
2. Jail Bait
3. Gothic Black Fairy
4. Lacy Pirate
5. Strip Search Sally
6. Bohemian Go Go Girl
7. Shimmer Witch
8. Gangster Moll
9. Geisha
10. Vixen Pirate Wench

Men
1. Police Officer
2. Pirate Man
3. Tavern Man
4. Ghostly Gentleman
5. Chick Magnet
6. Evil Jester
7. Gun Slinger
8. Heart On
9. Shackles the Clown
10. Sinister Minister

Children
1. Power Rangers
2. Candy Clown
3. Petite Pirate
4. Wayward Clown
5. Superman Returns
6. Headless Horseman
7. Regal Princess
8. GoGo Girl Yellow
9. Dr. Toxic
10. Sumo Inflatable Child

Interesting, huh? What I noticed is that most of the women's choices leaned towards the sexy while the men's outfits were more "tough guy" or "cool guy". The kid's outfits sounded really fun to me, so I was a bit sad to have outgrown that size.

Thanks to your thoughts and much searching I am narrowing it down. I definitely know I will not be going as a "strip search sally" or a "jailbait. I wonder if I could get the guy's gun slinger outfit and modify it? I certainly wouldn't fit the bill of "chick magnet". LOL!!

Whew! Decisions, decisions. I just want to be a princess, dammit!!!

Have a great one!

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Holy Halloween Costume, Batman!


Hero Cutie Adult
Originally uploaded by Heidi Meeley
Does Robin know that a hot chick took his costume and cut it up for use on Halloween? Better put out the bat signal, stat.

While looking for a costume for Halloween, I stumbled on this gem and all I could think is that Robin must be very cold right now. This lady must have stole his outfit while he slept and made a slinky Halloween mini dress!

Now if I could only find the matching version for my man, we would be set! Twin Robins, oh wait "hero cutie adults".

Does everyone else have their outfits picked out or is it just me who is flailing helplessly with no plans?

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Another Murder Mystery!

While checking out Newsarama for the January solicitations, I noticed that in Green Arrow/ Black Canary #4 there is apparently a new death on the DCU hit list. Noting this, I figured why wait to see who it is when I can guess now!! Murder mysteries are alwasy compelling that way, even if the end result is a bit of a downer.

Firstly, is it a guy or a girl?

In looking at the outline of the picture, the arms are a bit beefy, so my first thought is that it must be a man. Then I look at the outline of the head and think that it must be a woman. This confuses me already so I will have to put on my thinking cap.

Could it be Black Canary? My odds say no. In an interview with Judd Winick, it appears that she has dodged the bullet for now. My guess would be that if it is a woman, it could be Mia (Speedy). The only hole in that theory is that I always thought that Mia would LIVE with HIV, so she would be around for awhile. This takes her out of the forefront for me, because plotwise it doesn't fit.

Maybe it is an Amazon? They wouldn't have killed Hyppolyta so quickly after bringing her back, and I can't imagine that if it was an Amazon that Wonder Woman would stay in the background while Ollie mourned. It must be someone closer to Ollie then to Diana.


If it is a guy, who would it be? I see Connor in the background of the picture, so he is off the hook as far as I can tell. I don't think it would be Roy Harper either as he has just been established as a Justice League member and there are rumblings of a rebooted Titans that feature him on the team.

If it isn't someone in the "Arrow" family, who could it be?

This leads me back to Black Canary, even though I think it would be too obvious.

All this thinking has just confused me again. I am asking for your help on this. Who do you think it laying there? I am missing someone obvious to be sure. Help my poor, tired brain solve this murder mystery.

Anyone care to take a guess?