Blue Beetle.....or is it Blackest Beetle?

By now, everyone knows that I am all over the Blackest Night series, and I knew that it was only a matter of time before the Blue Beetle made his deadly return. So, for the Friday before Halloween, I give you the "Blackest Beetle" or "Zombie Beetle".

Have a great day.

What the..... A Superman Hoodie?!

You must have thought about it. I know that I did. We have the Batman Hoodie, Green Lantern Hoodie, and the Flash Hoodie. So where is the Superman Hoodie? Or Green Arrow? Or Aquaman? Or Martian Manhunter? Or.....I digress.

Here it is! A rather new edition to the hoodie collection, which I am not quite that certain who all is collecting these. However! Like the Batman Hoodie, this too has a cape! A CAPE, I Say! But if you look, this one does not have a mask!

I think that I prefer one with the mask. Now if I could only get permission to buy one.

Raven Bust - Women of the DC Universe

Part of Series 3, DC Direct offers Raven as part of their Women of the DC Universe. I love the fact that they keep giving us someone different.

Designed by Amanda Conner
Sculpted by Jack Matthews
Size 5.75"h x 3.5"w x 4.25"d
Type Bust
Ship Date June 2010
Retail Price $60.00

Zimm's Two Cents
I enjoy my Titans, and like the X-Men, I try to accept them no matter what the cost. This bust is not one of those times. Flat and unappealing, I really don't like this.

Points in Favor

• It's Raven. She can be so cool.

Points Against

• She could be so much cooler looking.
• Statue lacks a lot of depth and personality.
• I know who she is, but is she really supposed to be so pasty looking?
• This piece really does not have the detail of so many other busts out there. Look at her buttons, or eyes, or the tower.
• The base doesn't fit. I know, I know. It is the Titan's Tower; however, there are so many other things that they could have done with it.

Recommendation: Pass. Not much more of an explanation is needed here.

Shop Talk

It's been a while...and I'm ready to talk some shop. I love me some Flight Of The Conchords. Be sure to snag their new album I Told You I Was Freaky. I don't know how many times I have already listened to Too Many Dicks?!

There are two movies coming out that are impossible to disappoint me. I literally could care less about The Wolf Man and The Green Hornet. I see no reason to remake The Wolf Man. How hard was it really to do makeup effects on that set? Benico Del Toro is easily one of the ugliest guys in Hollywood to begin with, and I'm pretty sure Green Hornet is going to come off like that Dick Tracey movie with a bigger budget.

Hey kids can you collect the whole set?

MTV recently bought the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for $60 Million. I guess that's big news if you twelve years old or Corey Feldman.

If you have a problem...if no one else can help, and if you can find them...maybe you can hire The A-Team!

Want to see a cool map of every space mission America has ever done? Conspicuously the USS Enterprise is nowhere to be found.

Do you really need anymore reasons to buy Uncharted 2 for the PS3?

Do you have a Halloween costume picked out yet? Do want to stage the rape scene from Watchmen?

I'm with Frank Castle on this one...STOP SENDING ME MAFIA WARS requests on Facebook!

I want to win $5,000.

And last but not least...What is the real future of comics? I don't think anything will take the place of holding an actual paper book in my hands. At least not in my lifetime. They are never going to get me to download a digital comic to my cellphone. People are actually doing this? How can you read a comic one panel at a time on your iPhone? But....what if your media device was as big as a comic book? Well that might change things. But it's got to have a solid, proven distribution model...like iTunes. iTunes has effected music sales worldwide. It's simple to use, and done at a volume that keeps price down. If Longbox pans out it has the potential to be huge. Longbox could be the shot in the arm the industry needs. Not to mention what this means for indie comics, and people trying to break in.

Kit Rae

Being a massive D&D fan, from the very early days of D&D, I have always admired the really cool swords, shields, and other fantasy items that I have seen at various conventions. But it was not until I saw Kit Rae's stuff did I actually purchase something. His stuff is nothing short of true art. At DragonCon 2009, I walked past his table 4 to 5 times, before I finally stopped to talk to him.

I wasn't there to talk. I was there to purchase something. I wanted the axe. It's beautiful. The Black Legion Battle Axe. Yes, I did purchase the black one, but I didn't stop there. I also purchased a throwing knife.

It was my first collectible sword (axe), and I even blathered on about it to both him and his wife. After all of these years, I finally found something worth purchasing. Something just too cool to pass up. I was there for statues, and I purchased a battle axe. Though I looked at them in the past, I never pictured myself purchasing one. Kit Rae changed all of that.

Why am I rambling on about this? Because now, I can purchase a foam sword. The first in a series of flexible foam swords. LARPA's should be drooling over this one, as it would be a fine weapon to carry into battle.

Preorder Here
Estimated to Arrive
January 2010
Our Price: $39.99

As time permits, I will be showcasing some of his other work. If you are into throwing knives, check him out. If you are into fantasy, D&D, or collectible swords, check him out. If for no other reason then, you should check him out for the the talent and beauty of his work.

I have been wondering if I could get him to do a personal piece for me.

Dreadstar: The Beginning HC

As a kid, this was one of the first non-standard superhero series that I read, and I LOVED it. I didn't know all about Jim Starlin. I didn't realize that he was the writer and artist. I didn't really care. This, in my opinion, was an incredible space adventure. Period. Besides, he had a really cool sword. I haven't read the book in years, but I think the memories of rereading the stories will be more enjoyable then the actual story.

Writer and Artist: Jim Starlin
List Price: $29.99
Sale Prices I've Seen: $23.99

As soon as I see it on Amazon, I will be ordering the book. This gets a solid, "Wahoo".

What were they thinking?

I'm not that much of a toy fan, or a toy collector, or a toy expert; however from time to time, I will post a toy that I think is rather cool or something that I would even consider collecting. Well there are those, and then there is this:
DC Direct really fell flat on this piece. Yeah, yeah. It is a perfect piece for all of you collector's who like to have one of everything. And as it is part of the DC Direct line of "History of the DC Universe," you would expect it.
But this? Really. REALLY? I guess you will like the other pieces that are coming out as well. Martian Manhunter, Captain Atom, and Kobra. Or as I like to say, "Toga Kobra".

Oh well, to each his own.

Comic Foreshadowing

Typically, I read it and ignore it. Like Hercules recent trip to Hades, and as he passed through Limbo, he found all of the heroes in a casino trying to win a chance at resurrection. The Jack of Hearts wins and declares rightly so.
In Booster issue 25, there is another whiteboard with some scribbling on it. And we all know how DC likes their whiteboards. So, in case you haven't read it, and in case you don't want to pic up Booster Gold, I thought that I would share the points on the board with you. They were:

• Son of Doomsday???
• Waverider LIVES
• Adam Strange: Last Son of Krypton
• Beware the Oan effect
• Seven Soldiers of Destruction
• Armageddon 2011??

Now for those of you reading this series on a regularly basis, this may mean something to you; however, for me, it signals (at the very least) the potential DC crossover for 2011.

Doctor Who Bedding

Shhh.... No one tell him, but I've found Zimm's Christmas present.

This Doctor Who bedding set is the perfect gift for that little Doctor Who fan in your life.

On second thought, my 5 year old daughter who is a huge Doctor Who fan would hate it. My 2 year old son would probably like the Dalek rug and that's about it.

Still for Zimm, perfect fit. Plus Jamie would hate it. Definitely a win-win for me.

Too Geeky: Super Capers

Sometimes, being a geek is spending the weekend catching up on shows you missed and that the average person would not even consider. For me, it's Super Capers. If after seeing the trailer (see below), you have no desire to see the movie whatsoever -that just makes you human. However, if after watching the trailer (see below), you actually rent it - you will definitely have to accept your geekiness.

Super Capers

It even has Adam West!

Crazy Idea: Comic Book Creator Appearance Application

I in no way am suggesting this will work or is a good idea, but here it is and free for anyone who thinks they can make it work to take. Basically the idea is a combination calendar, mapping, creator identity validation system, and even possibly social media system, not that we need another one of those.

If you run a con or own a comic book shop, you would log into the system and enter the dates, times and location of your event and any creators who will be at your event.

The creators could login and validate that they are attending and what they are going to be doing at the event.

The event runners would have a single place they could go and recruit creators for their events and be sure they’re speaking with the actual creators and not an impersonator.

You could integrate the system with services like Google Maps and Google Calendar and be able to use the RSS feed of your events to feed a Web 2.0 plugin on your site that would handle your calendar of events.

Technorati Tags: Crazy Idea

Gotham City Stories - Part 2: Catwoman

DC Direct presents the second in a series of statues which they have labeled 'dimensional display pieces.'

Produced By DC Direct
Sculpted By Joseph Menna
Size 5.75"H x 5.75"w x 2.25"d
Type Porcelain Display Piece
Edition Size TBD
Release Date May 2010
Price $99.00

Zimm's Two Cents
If you looked back at my previous post, I was not impressed with the Batman piece of this series. Unfortunately, I have not changed my opinion, and instead of me repeating my dislikes, I will try to simplify my thoughts.

Points in Favor

• Only one worth repeating is that it is different from your other statues.
• Little changes from Batman's - like the hole and scratches in the window panes.

Points Against

• Same wall and windows as the previous piece.
• Catwoman looks stiff - especially the arm.
• Her face is emotionless and looks like a toy.
• I like the cat, but I don't like the cat. It too looks to stiff.

Recommendation: Still holding onto my Pass. Not a series that I think that I would enjoy.

Robert's Two Cents
I don't think either of us were that impressed with the Batman. The biggest thing these have going for them is they're something different. They've come up with a theme that is so Gotham City and would work with very few properties other than Batman. Kudos to DC Direct for taking a chance and trying something different.

Points in Favor

• It's something different.
• I could see this set hanging up in my son's bedroom (at least 5 feet high of course, he's only 2).
  
• Thematically this piece works well with the Batman.
• I like the detailing they did include; the bank vault, the cat, the hole in the window, etc.
  

Points Against

• The scale doesn't work to get the details right. Her face looks quite plastic. I know it is, but you know what I mean.
  
• I know we're not judging by price any more, but for $100 I expect a lot more.
  
• This could have been a lower end plastic toy piece and have been just as effective.
  

Recommendation: It's not for me, but I'm going to give it a Neutral pretty much on the merits of DC Direct trying something different.

What Am I Watching On TV These Days?

The short answer is, not much.

The longer, better answer is:

Grown up TV:

1. House – He’s back and brought his A game. This may be the best season ever. House is off his Vicodin and realizes that life has a purpose. And did I mention he’s not in charge of the team? It’s making for very interesting television. (Fox)
2. Stargate Universe – This one’s not as great. I’m drudging through the first three hours. My wife was complaining that they took out the funny. She doesn’t even like Stargate and she can see what’s wrong with the show. Also, it’s too much like Star Trek Voyager. More on this later. (Syfy)
3. Heroes – Watching is a strong word. It’s on because the DVR is recording Heroes and House at the same time and I don’t like watching House while the kids are up. (NBC)

Cartoons:

1. Batman: The Brave and the Bold: it’s good. It’s Batman that is not dumbed down for kids, but even my 2 year old can appreciate the stories. (CN)
2. Ben 10 Alien Force – When there’s absolutely nothing else on. I loved the original series, but the relaunch has left me (and my kids) more than a little cold. I am, however, looking forward to the new live action movie coming out in November (and on DVD in December), Ben 10 Alien Swarm. (CN)

What am I not watching that I should be watching?:

1. Lie To Me – The problem for me is the House formula only works with House so far. (Fox)
2. Dexter – Just haven’t gotten to it yet. I can’t keep up with when they’re playing new episodes and when reruns are on. Yes, I need to watch it on the On Demand. (SHO)
3. Marvel Super Hero Squad – Zimm keeps telling me how good this series is. I just have to find what time it’s on and set the DVR to record it. (CN)
4. Big Bang Theory - This is another show Zimm keeps suggesting I should watch. Lot's of geek references. (I forgot this one and added it later. 10/15/09 12:03 am) (Fox?)
   

What am I looking forward to later:

1. Lost – It’s season six. The final season. This is the one where we find out if they really did know what they were doing to just screwing with us all along. (ABC)
2. 24 – I can’t believe this show is still on for an eighth season. I like it a lot. It’s not great television, but it’s decent and they pack a lot into a season. Some seasons are better than others for sure. Season seven was much better than season six. I know it’s supposed to be 24 hours, but for me, I tend to think of each season as three days to two weeks of real time. (Fox)
3. The Mentalist – I’ve only seen a few episodes of the first season, but I’ve enjoyed what I’ve seen. It’s a bit too CBS for me, but still enjoyable. (CBS)

That’s a pretty sad list, especially when you consider what I pay for cable each month. I’m frequently a TV addict. Lately the addiction has been curbed, between fighting with my kids and wife for control of the TVs, transporting the kids to activities, being busy with work, and various other time wasting activities. I guess it helps that there isn’t that much good TV at the moment.

Am I missing anything? Let me know what TV you recommend in the comments. Or if you have comments about what I’m watching, that’s OK too.

Kotobukiya: Thor

Kotobukiya presents the first in a 3 part series that will include Captain America and Iron Man. These pieces are based on the come back of the original Avengers, and I know that we can hardly wait for them to kick the Dark Avengers' butt.

Manufacturer DC Direct
Designed by Kotobukiya
Sculpted by Shinya Akao
Type Statue
Dimensions 12"H
Release 1st quarter 2010
Retail price $199.99
Sale pricing $159.99-$179.99

Zimm's Two Cents
As of today, I have not seen a Kotobukiya statue that I HAD to purchase, and while I like this piece, this is not a piece that I HAVE to purchase.

Points in Favor

• The detail on this piece are AWESOME. The chain-mail alone is something that I could stare at for hours, but when you look at the tunic, belt, boots, and cracks in the hammer, that is when you will fall in love with this.
• I like the face. Usually, I preferred the masked heroes, as faces tend to be something that some sculptors have difficulty with, but not this one.
• The paint job on this ROCKS! Look at the dirty boots, the shadows in the cape, and the skin tone.
• The base will like together with Captain America's and Iron Man's bases.

Points Against

• I'm not too certain on the collectivity of the Kotobukiya line.

Recommendation: Hot Buy. Originally, I was not that certain about this piece, but when you look at the detail, the pain, and the idea that it will be part of a bigger motif, you know you want it.

Robert's Two Cents
Why did it have to be the current Thor costume. I hate that costume.

Points in Favor

• It's a brilliant sculpt. The details are phenomenal.
  
• The paint job is great. As Zimm points out they've made the paint job look about as realistic as you would want a comic book character to be.
  
• I'm intrigued as to what it will look like with a Captain America and an Iron Man together.
  

Points Against

• I hate, hate, HATE the face. It looks like the Governator playing Thor. And that's an image I never wanted. It's not Kotobukiya's fault, that's what he looks like in some of the more recent comics.
• The cape doesn't seem to be flowing quite right.
  

Recommendation:Neutral. I get it and if you've been waiting for a triptych set of the Avengers' big three, it might be worth the investment or if you really love the current run on Thor. Otherwise, nah.

Yoda: "Master Sushi, Master the Force, You Will."

"Learn to use chopsticks, you may."
I am just getting into Sushi; however, I never really had that much encouragement to learn out to use chopsticks. The great part is that it is a set of two - one Luke pair and one Yoda pair.

Sometimes it is great being a geek.

Star Wars Lightsaber Chopsticks set : Yoda & Luke Skywalker

Nintendo DS Fall 2009

I have been checking out the games for Nintendo DS, and I wanted to share some of my initial impressions. So....

• Fighting Fantasy - Looks like a Doom based fantasy version for DS. Pass
• MySims Agents - I haven't played a Sims game....YET. This one looks like one that I will try. Buy
• Kingdom Hearts - I bought the Gatekeeper Jacket at DragonCon. Enough Said? Buy.
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Mobilized - For Nintendo DS? Really? Really? Who would buy this one anyway?
• Harvest Moon: Sunshine Islands - I wouldn't be caught playing this one. Definitely wouldn't be caught. No comment.
• Phantasy Star 0 - No. The only saving grace of this character may be the Halo looking character that you can build.
• Assassin's Creed II: Discovery - I didn't play the first, but I might try this one out.
  
• The Legend of Zelda: Spirits Track - Already commented.
• Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of the Sky - I want the next Yu-Gi-Oh! Yes, I play the DS games and watch the series. Hmmmm. Maybe I can find a used version of Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's Stardust Accelerator.

Yu-Gi-Oh!

Imaginext Super Friends Batcave

Watching Nicktoons all weekend long is one of the best ways to stumble upon new and cool toys.

Labeled the DC Super Friends Batcave Super Set leaves a lot to be desired. I don't see the Super Friends; however, I do see Batman, Robin, Joker and Penguin. If they do add the Super Friends and other Villains into this series, this could eventually end up being one of the better DC hero sets to collect. The set includes some pretty awesome additions and is rather reasonably priced. Some of the things that caught my attention included:

• Mr. Freeze's Freeze Chamber
• Rather Awesome Batcave
• Joker Van

To name a few.

I looked for the video to show how cool this set is, but for now, you will have to settle for a pic.

Green Lantern: Sinestro vs. Mongul

With everything that has happened in Blackest Night, let us not forget Mongul, or the fact that he has slowly been taken yellow rings away from the Sinestro Corps. Is this but a foreshadow of things to come? Will Mongul eventually control the yellow rings, as Sinestro returns to being a Green Lantern?

To Robert's previous point: Can they not forgive Sinestro, if they have forgiven Hal for everything that he as done?

Lots of theories, but at the very least, this is another great piece of the Blackest Night story line. Now - let the smackdown begin! Green Lantern Issue #46

Legion - In Theaters 2010

When I first heard about this movie, I was not that interested. I tend to stay away from these movies, as I have my own opinion on the characters, the personalities, and attitudes. After seeing the trailer, I changed my mind. This is looking 'sweet'.

While the 'crawly-human-demon' thing seems to be a standard in movies these days, I can ignore some of that for other aspects of the movie.

Here is to hoping the movie turns out as cool as the trailer looks.

Superman / Batman Vol. 1 - Public Enemies

Written by Jeph Loeb
Art by Ed McGuinness, Dexter Vines and Tim Sale
Cover by Ed McGuinness and DexteR Vines

I enjoyed the comic story that the movie was based upon; however, I felt that the movie had to forsake aspects of the story to fit it all into a video. But did they choose the wrong pieces? Batman and Superman's friendship was hinted at - but not as strong as the original story portrayed. In the book, they could almost finish each others sentences and knew what the other was likely to do / think.

Did I expect more out of the movie? Maybe a little. Is it worth watching? Hell, yeah. It had a lot more to offer then the majority of movies that are put out there these days. But with the awesome scribing talents of Jeph Loeb and the unique style of art by Ed Guinness, this movie made for an excellent afternoon matinee at home. Something the entire family could enjoy.

Finally, with this being Vol. 1; mayhap, we will be lucky enough to get more team-up videos between the two of them.

Upcoming Comic Book Covers of Interest

With any publication, the cover helps drive interest in the number of people willing to pick up the book and read it. In fact, some of the best stories have some incredible covers associated with them. Here are three such covers that have me anxiously waiting to read the story:

I still buy comics from my local dealer, so that I can look at the covers and determine which ones I may enjoy reading. I know it is all marketing, but it is also half the fun of buying and enjoying a good comic.