Occasional Superheroine

The Latest Comics-Op Is UP

2009-07-10T09:29:00.002-04:00

My fabulous idea to revolutionize the industry!
Can men write "women?"
Cover incentives!
The First Dog!
And much much more!

Roger Ebert Writes ANOTHER Post On "Transformers 2"

2009-07-09T17:22:00.004-04:00

From "This Just In: Hip-Hop Robots In Transformers Only Robots"

Reader: "And just for your info, the two “black” characters in the new movie are not black, they learned how to talk through the World Wide Web, which is why different Transformers talk differently..."

Ebert: "You mean the two robots from an alien world are in fact not actual black people?"

Okay, I think we can all safely say that he's baiting the fanboys at this point...

Seriously, this is becoming like Captain Ahab and the big whale.

EDIT: originally, I referred to this as his 4th post on Transformers 2. But then I realized that I lost count.

The "Balance Sheet" Paradox

2009-07-09T08:53:00.004-04:00

OK, I've had my distance from the whole Michael Jackson thing. I was really shocked and sad that he died; I mean, the road he was going down, it seemed rather inevitable. But it was still a shock.

Watching his memorial on TV, however, brought to mind something that has always puzzled/troubled me. And that's the Balance Sheet Paradox.

Do the things you do in life that are extremely awesome "balance out" the things you do in life that are extremely not awesome? Or further: not merely "balance out," but eclipse, bury the badness?

For example, I've read a lot of online debates recently regarding whether Jackson's huge contributions to music & extensive philanthropic acts more than "make up" for the facts of his obvious massive narcissism, drug abuse, and, at the very minimum, behavior towards some children that was (if not overtly sexual) sort of really weird. I've even read opinions where Michael Jackson was such a larger-than-life star with such larger-than-life needs and stresses, that if he needed to "blow off some steam" in a number of different ways he should be forgiven for it; that it's the price of us having such an important, world-changing individual in our midst.

Often lost in this balance sheet are individual victims. They are, in the face of the balance sheet, "not really that important." A necessary price to pay for greatness. For example, I've often heard the line of reasoning that compared to all the good President Clinton did, one affair with a White House intern was not a big deal. (In fact, what was that hussy doing, trying to seduce our president, anyhow?) I've heard this argument from not a few women. Monica Lewinsky, in this line of reasoning, was simply "collateral damage."

Another example I remember from my early twenties, as I attended an academic function that was in tribute to a particular teacher. The popular teacher had brought tremendous acclaim and funding to the school, and had performed many charitable acts. He was lionized as a saint, a rockstar, at this party. But I knew that he also was a serial seducer and manipulator of a number of his young female students, leaving them in various states of confusion, distress, shame, etc. This included destroying a marriage, and, in turn, destroying the woman in question's ability to visit her own children.

When I brought this up to my boss, the public relations director of the school, he said he could give me no easy answer about it. He never told me to be quiet about it, because he agreed it was a problem. On the other hand, he pointed out that the school would be severely hit with scandal and misfortune if such a high-profile person was revealed to be abusing his position. I agreed. I loved my school.

I have never seemed to get away from the Balance Sheet paradox. It seems to be something that has always dogged my life, demanding from me some sort of committed stance. Can we have and approve both: the sacred and the profane in the same person, good and bad wrapped up in equal measures? Can we love the good and ignore or condemn the bad? Or are there certain absolutes or lines that, once crossed, stains every other act?

And what about the "collateral damage?"

My Big SDCC Post!!!

2009-07-08T12:33:00.003-04:00

I can't go.
Maybe next year!
(Actually, definitely next year)

"Jennifer's Body" Covers from Boom!

2009-07-08T11:15:00.005-04:00

Which alternate cover to the comic book adaptation to the movie "Jennifer's Body" do you prefer?

Frank Cho:

Eric Jones:

Not liking Megan (gak) Fox is not reason enough to abstain from voting. :-D

Also, no Ferraris were washed in the making of either comic or movie.

---->reference related Bleeding Cool article here.

Classy

2009-07-07T16:29:00.004-04:00

From the NY Post, in regards to how Megan Fox got her role in "Transformers":

When the sizzling star of "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" went to director Michael Bay's house to audition for the part, "He made her wash his Ferrari while he filmed her..."

I'm not surprised, but can you imagine if he tried that crap with another actress? Then again, maybe I'm just being naive. Yeesh.

"Picture you're giving Optimus a sponge bath..."

That Archie Guy Gets Around

2009-07-07T10:35:00.003-04:00

From the Archie Comics press release:

Perpetual teen and all-American comic book icon Archie Andrews may have sent shockwaves around the world when it was recently announced he will propose to fussy heiress Veronica Lodge in the 600th issue of the 68 year old comic book (and not girl-next door Betty Cooper), but don’t tell Universal Republic singing sensation Colbie Caillat. The platinum-plus, award winning singer/songwriter has ‘fallen’ for the red-headed Archie in a big way, and will be ushering in her new single “Fallin’ For you” and upcoming new album, BREAKTHROUGH, due out August 25th, by literally ‘fallin’ for Archie in a historic singing match-up splashed inside the pages of Veronica’s very own comic – VERONICA # 196. The combustible issue features Archie and Colbie on the cover playfully readying for their musical debut together while a very wary Veronica looks on!

So is the linchpin of the "Archie mystique" jealous females?

Close-up of Veronica on the cover of the issue in question:

FEAR THIS WOMAN!

2009 Inkwell Awards Winners Announced

2009-07-07T09:26:00.003-04:00

As mentioned on this blog before, I'm a big supporter of the Inkwells. Here are the winners for this year (visit this link for more info):

FAVORITE INKER (favourite inker over another's comic book pencil art from '08 material)

Wade Von Grawbadger (Ultimate Spider-Man) winner

Mark Morales (Thor, Secret Invasion) runner-up

MOST ADAPTABLE (showing exceptional ink style versatility over other comic book pencil artists in '08)

Tim Townsend (Amazing Spiderman) winner

Danny Miki (Incredible Hercules, Ultimate annuals) runner-up

PROPS AWARD (inker over others comic book pencil art deserving of more attention from '08)

Matt Ryan (Ms. Marvel, Wonder Woman) winner

Stefano Gaudiano (The Immortal Iron Fist, Daredevil) co-runner-up

Steve Leialoha (Fables) co-runner-up

THE SPAMI (favourite Small Press And Mainstream-Independent: '08 comic book cover-dated ink work over another pencil artist (Non-Marvel or DC work))

Tim Townsend (Witchblade) winner

Tom Van Zandt (Unhappy Gran’ma) runner-up

ALL IN ONE AWARD (Favourite artist known for almost-exclusively inking his/her own comic book pencil work and rarely the work of others in '08)

Mike Mignola (Hellboy: In the Chapel of Moloch) winner

Simone Bianchi (Astonishing X-Men) runner-up

THE JOE SINNOTT AWARD (a hall of fame designation for an inking career of outstanding accomplishment (lifetime achievement, 15-years minimum- not limited to '08 comic book material)- two winners chosen annually)

Terry Austin (winner)

Dick Giordano (winner)

Tim Townsend (runner-up

In addition the Inkwell Committee will also be presenting a Silver Inkwell Award to Bette Simons, in appreciation and recognition for her brother Dave Simons. Dave passed away recently and is greatly missed by many, both as a colleague and as a friend. The committee honors past members with such an award for their contributions and time served. In the past a Silver Inkwell was also bestowed to founding member Bill Nichols upon his departure.

Ebert: Transformers 2 Fans "Not Sufficiently Evolved"

2009-07-06T09:49:00.004-04:00

The Ebert just won't let it go, will he?

In his latest column, "I'm A Proud Brainiac!" (complete with graphic of the DC Comics "Brainiac"), film critic Roger Ebert defends his stance on Transformers 2, among other things:

"Those who think "Transformers" is a great or even a good film are, may I tactfully suggest, not sufficiently evolved."

and

"So let's focus on those who seriously believe "Transformers" is one of the year's best films. Are these people wrong? Yes."

and

"Some of the posters at certain popular web forums are nine blooms short of a bouquet."

and

"But am I out of touch? It's not a critic's job to reflect box office taste. The job is to describe my reaction to a film, to account for it, and evoke it for others. The job of the reader is not to find his opinion applauded or seconded, but to evaluate another opinion against his own."

Facepalm Time Part Two: Claire's "Experimentation" in HEROES

2009-07-06T09:21:00.004-04:00

Because a female character's sexuality shouldn't be organic to the story, it should be a gimmick to titillate viewers.

From Contact Music:

HAYDEN PANETTIERE is preparing for girl-on-girl love scenes in the next series of HEROES - her character will reportedly enjoy a smooch with her college roommate.
The 19-year-old actress plays cheerleader Claire Bennet in the hit U.S. show and TV bosses are considering working a lesbian storyline into the upcoming fourth season.
A source tells British newspaper the Daily Star, "It's just girlie fun at first. But it might progress into something more serious. It depends on how viewers respond."

That's right – Claire's lesbianism/bisexuality is such an intregal part of the storyline, we'll let the viewers decide. If they vote "HOT!", there will be more.

And sexual experimentation with a college roommate – that's BOLD! Plus: cheerleader!

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for having more LGBT characters in sci-fi entertainment, across the board. And I think, overall, it's better to have more related characters and storylines than less, even if I think some are either promoted poorly or used purposely as a gimmick.

But I think the reason storylines like Willow becoming gay/bisexual worked for me is that they didn't issue a press release when it happened. It was just part of the story, and I don't feel it was used as a gimmick. If anything, BTVS was at the height of its popularity when Willow and Tara got together, and could have lost (and probably did lose) some viewers in the process.

That's just my 2 cents. I could be wrong. It just would be nice to have a high-profile gay character in a comic or TV show and not promote it as "TEH GAY CHARACTER OMG!!!!!!"

Facepalm Time

2009-07-06T07:29:00.004-04:00

One Newsarama poster reacts to the announcement of the JLA/99 Crossover:

"Oh. God. No. Muslim pandering, anyone? Thank you, Time Warner, for showing us whose side you're on. I guess we can add you to the list of traitorous companies who have forgotten 9/11..."

Another poster, calling himself "The Mighty Dixon" (!) wrote,

"This is just further evidence of my criticism of DC political agenda that has driven this company away from solid stories of of the adventures of readers favorite characters that they we have always, no matter what generation, come the the shelves of our respective stores to purchase comics for. You would not have seen any comics reflecting German heroes during or proceeding World War II."

Of course, we cannot judge the majority of Newsarama users for the opinions or actions of a few.

Is The Niche Cable Network Dead? (SyFy Channel Rant)

2009-07-04T12:59:00.006-04:00

This TV By The Numbers article on cable networks who abandon the branding and content that made them famous is spot-on.

Why is the Sci-Fi/SyFy Channel changing their branding so radically? Even their new logo and recent ads look generic and decidedly non-genre:

It's because they feel they can make more money and reach a greater audience by being generic. I call it "Nerd Flight." Which, with "fanboy" culture having such a deep influence on current pop-culture, seems rather pointless. If anything, I think Sci-Fi would have made far more inroads by turning into a G4 sort of cable network instead of something that looks like, based on their current branding, a cross between Apple Computer and Lifetime. I look at that ad for SyFy and I expect the "Sex in the City" girls to walk out of the scene any second. Not that there's anything wrong for that, but when think Sci-Fi Channel I think "Mansquito."

But this all started with MTV replacing most of its music videos for reality-based TV shows based on touring Kid Rock's garden shed, right? Then you have the Cartoon Network's brilliant move to include their own live-action reality programming. Because goddammit I don't turn to CN for Speed Racer – I want to see basketball player dads and America's Greatest Rollercoasters.

This is not to mention channels like Bravo & A&E, which 10 years ago I considered something along the lines of PBS, getting schlocky with even more reality programming. Remember the old days when AMC didn't have commercials and you'd just fire up that sucker and watch some awesome movies? Of course, "Mad Men" has redeemed AMC somewhat, but I will always remember those Halloween & POTA marathons with fondness.

But this is all moot because we are fast approaching an on-demand broadcast structure where we choose what episodes to watch and when – largely for free. In that light, I see the desperate branching-out of the various niche cable networks as a last-ditch effort to wave as much shiny objects in front of the public until even Mr. & Mrs. "Not With The Times" are watching the latest "Burn Notice" on their iPhone without a second thought.

That said, it is not just that SyFy is getting more generic – they are getting more Internet-ready. That's why they chose a silly-but-catchy nonsense word as their new branding, much like Hulu, et al. Far from being clueless, they know exactly what they are doing. We only think they are being clueless because we don't know the full story.

That said, my heart will always belong to "Mansquito."

The Day NASCAR Killed Comics (and other tales)

2009-07-03T12:03:00.002-04:00

"Old Skool" (but new) Occasional Superheroine material guaranteed to provoke thought or possibly offend, found exclusively at Comics-Op

Fun Valerie Fact

2009-07-02T10:49:00.002-04:00

Every morning, as Valerie settles in front of her computer for work, she listens to Hanson's "MMMBop" and silently sings along.

True.

Headlines I Hate: When Mainstream News Covers Comics

2009-06-30T09:54:00.005-04:00

From the Dallas Voice (which bills itself as a LGBT news source, but it still looks awful):

"Zowie! She's Gay!"

Sub-sub headline for the same article:

"OUT, OUT! AND A GAY!"

Wait, I have one more coming on...

What Action Figures Do You Think NEED To Be Made?

2009-06-29T16:09:00.004-04:00

Robot 6 has an article up asking comic creators and other such folk what action figure based on a comic book character absolutely NEEDS to be made. Choices included Firestar, Guy Gardner, and Atomic Robo.

Personally, I think they should make a figure of these guys:

We already have a goat:What action figures do you think NEED to be made?

13 Fun Facts About Superhero Video Games

2009-06-26T15:11:00.015-04:00

As mentioned in my post yesterday, here are some fun trivia facts about superhero video games, courtesy of the Guinness World Records 2009 Gamer's Edition:

1. What video game has the most licensed superheroes
in one game?

Marvel Ultimate Alliance by Activision, which featured 92 Marvel Comics characters (40 of which were playable).

2. What is the first video game company to buy a
comic book publisher?Acclaim Entertainment purchased Valiant Comics in 1996.

3. What is the first superhero video game?

Superman by Atari in 1979.

4. Who is the first female supervillain to star in her own video game?Catwoman, based on the flop motion picture of the same name.

5. What is the first superhero MMORPG?The City of Heroes game for the PC, 2004.

6. What video game has the most powerful Superman?The Man of Steel in the game Superman Returns has more superpowers than his counterparts in any other Superman game.

7. What Batman video game has the most villains?LEGO Batman: The Videogame has 12 bad guys from Batman's rogues gallery.

8. What is the first video game to tie into a contemporary comic book storyline?

The Death and Return of Superman, released for 16-bit consoles in 1994.

9. What is the first superhero game on PlayStation 3?Marvel Ultimate Alliance.

10. Who is the most popular video game superhero?Spider-Man, starring in 35 solo video games and appearing in nine
other Marvel titles from 1982-2008.

11. What superhero game boasts the most destructible environment?2008's The Incredible Hulk, by Sega.

12. What Japanese superhero comic has the most video games
based on it?Dragon Ball, which has included 81 titles for various platforms
between 1986 to 2008.

13. Which X-Men character has the most spin-off games?Who do you think, Bub?

Michael Jackson: How I Choose To Remember Him

2009-06-25T17:35:00.003-04:00

/I'm spent today.
//had a giant wall-sized poster of him in my room in '83.
///RIP.
////wow, I didn't think I'd feel this emotional about it. I feel really sad and messed up.

Test Your Superhero Video Game Knowledge!

2009-06-25T15:59:00.009-04:00

I had no idea that the Guinness World Record people put out these "themed" books. The Guinness World Records 2009 Gamer's Edition is more like a full-color reference bible on video games than simply a trivia book.

Here are some trivia questions based on the book; answers posted tomorrow!

1. What video game has the most licensed superheroes in one game?

2. What is the first video game company to buy a comic book publisher?

3. What is the first superhero video game?

4. Who is the first female supervillain to star in her own video game?

5. What is the first superhero MMORPG?

6. What video game has the most powerful Superman?

7. What Batman video game has the most villains?

8. What is the first video game to tie into a contemporary comic book storyline?

9. What is the first superhero game on PlayStation 3?

10. Who is the most popular video game superhero?

11. What superhero game boasts the most destructible environment?

12. What Japanese superhero comic has the most video games based on it?

13. Which X-Men character has the most spin-off games?

The Evolution Of Starscream

2009-06-25T13:23:00.004-04:00

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen has apparently made such an impact on movie critic Roger Ebert that he has written not one but two reviews on it. In his second, he points out through images just how incomprehensibly designed the character Starscream has become since his toy/animation days:

"In the stills with this blog, I have traced the history of Starscream® from its origin as a children's toy through its evolution in TV animation (1984) and the 2007 movie. It has grown steadily more complex, apparently feeding on larger and larger junk yards. Starscream® is now too much to comprehend, especially in Bay's typical average shot length of not much over one second."

And it's true. I find the movie Transformers ugly and overly-complicated in design next to their earlier counterparts. I don't mind highly detailed robots, but there should be a style to that detail.

Compare:To

Sometimes less is more, and so-called "realism" less of a virtue.

As an aside, Ebert points out that the designer of the original Starscream was from his home town.

New CEO of Archie Promises To Make Archie "Entertainment Powerhouse"

2009-06-25T09:34:00.011-04:00

Jon Goldwater – son of Archie founder John L. Goldwater – has officially taken over the family business as CEO of Archie Entertainment. In a press release, he promises to bring "the kids from Riverdale to a larger multi-media audience."

"He is also looking ahead to developing new projects focusing on not just Archie, Betty, Veronica, Jugehead and Reggie, but other long standing Archie Properties such as Katy Keene, Lil Jinx, the Red Circle Heroes, Sabrina, Josie & the Pussycats, Cosmo The Merry Martian, Pat The Brat, Wilbur Wilkins, Bingo Wilkins, Suzie and Ginger Snapp, just to name a few."

For your reference:

Bingo Wilkins

Pat The Brat

Cosmo The Merry Martian

Ginger Snapp

Jon Goldwater served as the executive producer of "Return of Superfly"

Unhappy Customers: Wizard's Online Store

2009-06-25T08:51:00.003-04:00

Wizard's online store on Amazon.com is still racking up unhappy customers, according to their feedback page:

6/24: "LESS THAN AWFUL! DO NOT BUY!!! Got some horrible crap as a "free gift" because order was "delayed" NEVER got a response from them as to if I would ever get what I ordered. HORRIBLE MERCHANT! Saw feedback after purchase - this seems to be thier M.O. sending CRAPPY crap instead of actual order - then they have a tracking number so order looks complete."

6/23: "I have contacted the seller but not heard a response as yet. The order has not arrived so the child did not receive their gift for this birthday or next birthday by the looks of things. A token gift was sent out by Wizard once it was aware the item ordered was to be delayed and once recieved it was immediately trashed."

6/22: "still have not received book but have been charged"

6/20: "I did not recieve my order, and when I attempted to contact them I did not recieve a reply."

6/18: "sent me a product that was not and when I wrote to explain the problem has not received any response, SWINDLERS ARE BUYERS BEWARE OF THIS SELLER"

Why does Wizard continue to send crappy little toys in the place of awesome statues and other high-end ordered items? Someone I talked to recently offered not so much a suggestion why, as pointing out a general fact regarding online stores through Amazon. He said, "As long as you send something in response to the order, Amazon processes it as the order fulfilled – and the payment gets processed."

This holds water with my experience using PayPal through eBay, which has a similar system.

If Wizard can't process the items that are being ordered, or do not have them available for ship in the appropriate timeframe, why are they shipping these token "gifts" in their place and accepting payment? Isn't there a name for that sort of business practice? And how can I have faith in things like the recent purchase of the Toronto Comicon by Gareb Shamus if his company continues to engage in these sorts of practices? Unless he is going to end up completely disassociating himself from the company, which I wouldn't doubt.

Jesus, man – JUST DON'T ACCEPT THE PAYMENT IF YOU DON'T HAVE THE ITEM!!! That's like eBay 101.

I'm not saying the Wizard online store is consciously defrauding the public, but they need to take control of this situation and temporarily shut the store down if there is a problem. The $300 they get for a Deadpool statue is not worth this sort of bad press.

/worked for a summer at the Better Business Bureau, saw it all. Their staff of volunteer senior citizens will follow someone to the ends of the earth like Javert did to Jean Valjean.

Transformers 2 Reviews

2009-06-24T16:10:00.003-04:00

"...bloated, ponderous piece of s**t."

"This is so bad it's immoral."

"A great grinding garbage disposal of a movie..."

"Never in the field of blockbuster movies has so much been spent on so little."

"When the robots give a better performance than the humans, we have a problem."

"...the male teenage cinematic equivalent of snorting cocaine off a hooker's ass."

"...a horrible experience of unbearable length, briefly punctuated by three or four amusing moments. One of these involves a dog-like robot humping the leg of the heroine. Such are the meager joys."

and my favorite, from Rob Vaux @ Mania.com:

"Critics really are eunuchs in the harem when it comes to movies like Revenge of the Fallen. Calling it bad 1) misses the point and 2) makes not the teeniest bit of difference anyway. Provided the number of giant robots bashing each other compares favorably with those silly talking sections, it more than meets the expectations of its fanbase. You might as well spend your time decrying the nutritional deficits of Doritos or telling a room full of smokers that cigarettes are bad for them. Everyone knows. They just don't care.
The bizarre honesty of director Michael Bay constitutes a sort of saving grace. He doesn't try to disguise the fact that his film is soulless corporate product; indeed, he embraces it with such obvious gusto that it becomes an auteurial style all its own."

It really boils down to that; "Revenge of the Fallen" sells soulless to those who buy soulless. It's not shitty filmmaking; it's supply and demand.

RE: Marvel & DC Flooding The Market With Comics

2009-06-24T12:55:00.005-04:00

Some casualties from The Glut of Comics Past

Hasn't this always kinda happened – the "circle of life" of the industry, as it were? Flood, boom, bust, repeat?

I don't care if you're a major publisher or not, the real key is striking a chord with the modern zeitgeist. Two buddies with a Xerox machine can do that. But it takes 1) A real sense of what is important to people nowadays and 2) a pair of balls.

You can't create that sort of magic in a boardroom. By its very nature, such projects find themselves in conflict with the ultimate needs of the corporate machine, which rarely wants to take a chance. That sort of magic largely happens by accident, with projects that have managed to slip by management unnoticed and, by some miracle, make it to the stands. Then they get hailed as a "genius" – and then, realizing they have a great hit on their hands, the publisher milks it for all its worth with dozens of sequels and spinoffs and similar projects. That's the comic book Circle of Life. And that's largely the entertainment industry's Circle of Life.

Personally, I don't want to spend money reading about some old superhero that the writer idolized when he was 11. I've read that story in everything from "Jimmy Corrigan, Smartest Boy On Earth" to "JSA." Give me something new. I don't want to read another Kirby riff, though Kirby was of course awesome. I don't want to read another riff off of a teenage superhero who gets special powers and learns that with great power comes great responsibility. "Remember those great Sunday Comics?" Yeah, I remember them from when I was a kid, and I've been trying to get out of the burden of childhood memory & nostalgia for years. Give me something else. Give me something new.

So to me, all other business strategies take a back seat to actually publishing that book or series that seizes that zeitgeist and sets the world on fire. That's the only way the industry actually grows and develops:

Accidental Awesomeness --> Sequels and Spinoffs --> Glut

And then:

Glut --> Bust --> Accidental Awesomeness (allowed because management isn't really paying too close attention, they're busy licking their wounds)

Stir, repeat.

"Facebook The Movie" Starring Shia LaBeouf?

2009-06-24T12:36:00.002-04:00

Good God.

I could picture Shia in "MySpace The Movie," however.