ArmzRace

mini reviews: Bumperboy (Part One)

2006-12-29T09:28:00.000-08:00

Bumperboy sets off to enter a marble competition, only to lose his marbles on the way, thanks to the machinations of a naughty bird. With story and art by Debbie Huey, Bumperboy is a lighthearted all-ages tale of adventure. On the Web at www.bumperboy.net.

mini reviews: Peop(le)s #3

2006-12-28T14:10:00.000-08:00

In PEOP(le)S #3 writer/artist Fly presents a series of portraits of people she's met and known. Providing an encapsulated back story on each person along with a stream-of-conscious narrative to accompany the often haunting expressions, Fly gives you the feeling that you too are part of her world.

Her website and work can be found at http://www.bway.net/~fly

Klezmer: Book One: Tales of the Wild East – Joann Sfar

2006-12-21T11:25:00.000-08:00

Three outcaste Jews and a Romi get together to form a klezmer band in pre-WWII Eastern Europe. Sfar presents a beautifully painted, somewhat rambling, tale of heartache and humor. While the characters still need developing and Sfar relies too strongly on internal monologue, there is great potential and emotion in this comic of a destroyed culture.

The Adventures of Mao on the Long March – Frederic Tuten

2006-12-21T11:09:00.000-08:00

I’ve known about this book since I first met Tuten and how he fictionally depicts Mao’s famous “Long March” by making a collage of historical information and quotes from unrelated literary works. I finally decided to read it and was disappointed. Tuten’s idea is so clever that it started his literary career, but the work feels sloppy, taking pages of text and pasting them within his parameters, rather than a careful incorporating of shorter quotes that I expected. Also, as John Updike would complain of one of Tuten’s later works (which is ironic because he praises this one), Tuten’s writing is imbedded in the art world. The tale ends with a mock interview with Mao that I found amusing only because the Chairman sounds exactly like the author.

Battlestar Galactica – season 3

2006-12-21T10:41:00.000-08:00

Let me be the one to say it: this season wasn’t very good. Galactica has been the poster child for the new face of sci-fi: intelligent, dramatic and relevant. It gained acclaim because it was about people, not spaceships. The trouble is that the latest episodes about the last human survivors fleeing from the genocidal mania of the religiously fanatical robots (Cylons), which people originally made, has brought to a head most of the dramatic character interactive plots that have been set up and the result has been nothing. What would the mad, traitor scientist Baltar do if he ever had to face the Cylon he once loved? How would she act in the reunion? If the sleeper agent, Sharon, ever got the chance to confront the people she unwillingly betrayed, how would she feel? Could Cylons and humans interact after the destruction of billions? How, exactly, do the Cylons intend to prove they can rule better than humans? The opening to every episode of Battlestar ends with the statement that the Cylons “have a plan.” Well, since they keep changing it, apparently they don’t. And neither do the writers.

The show has become so caught up in trying to be relevant and controversial by turning the series into a flawed statement about Iraq, where humans have became the terrorist insurgents, that it has forgot about the drama of characters. The few episodes that aren’t politically based are derived from Star Trek: TNG plots and all of them discount the trauma of a people losing at least 99% of their population and all their territory. Honestly, the show should look to the Holocaust survivors for inspiration and instruction. It took years to set up the dynamics Galactica had and the opportunity was squandered. When Battlestar gets cancelled the excuse will be that audiences just don’t watch sci-fi. Maybe, but they do watch drama about people. And that is what the show has stopped producing.

A Series of Unfortunate Events [movie]

2006-12-21T10:28:00.000-08:00

I avoided the movie version of the first three books of the series that bears its name because I thought it would be horrible and yet I was pleasantly surprised. The movie had great visuals and was true to the “unfortunate” nature of the plot about the orphaned Baudelaire siblings who must defend their inheritance from the greed of the murderous Count Olaf. The problems were that the movie was too heavy handed in the concept of bad things happening to good people, it didn’t capture the dynamics of the two older siblings (instead simply going for physical beauty, which neither of those children were suppose to have), and gave away far too many of the book’s secrets.

The People of the Mist – H. Rider Haggard

2006-12-21T10:14:00.000-08:00

I’ve always wanted to read something from this legend of the pulp era who brought us King Solomon’s Mines and was loved by such diverse authors as the literary Henry James to the cult favorite Lin Carter, yet after two hundred pages of this ridiculous racist rant with flat characters smothering the mundane action-adventure plot of the heroic Englishman questing to restore his honor by braving the savagery of Africa—and getting the girl—I couldn’t take it any longer.

Veronica Mars

2006-12-21T10:01:00.000-08:00

The actress who plays the character Veronica is very pretty. There, I said something nice about this show about a high school girl who is an ostracized, stylish genius who works as a private detective. That was the best I could do considering that the plot is trite, characters ridiculous, and acting pathetic with insane amounts of voice over exposition. I watched the first three episodes and hated it. Proponents of the show tell me that it doesn’t become good until the sixth one and I should give it a chance. I’d sooner give suicide a chance. There is nothing redeeming about this abomination. Well, except the lead actress’s looks. But she’s supposed to be seventeen and therefore underage, which makes me an abomination. Wow, the show is worse than I thought.

Star Trek: Voyager

2006-12-21T09:48:00.000-08:00

Lost in Space—I mean, Voyager, came from the success of Star Trek: TNG. The show puts the crew of the star ship Voyager and a band of rebels tens of thousands of light years from a home they desperately wish to return to. I recently caught a few episodes on a marathon and remembered just why this show was canceled. The series is filled with flat characters pathetically attempting to bond (usually the female Capt. Janeway and some other hot, female, humanoid crewmate) and a barrage of episodes dedicated to temporal paradoxes. All the people I know that cared for this show agreed with my assessment and couldn’t explain why they kept watching. Perhaps it is akin to a traffic accident.

How Did You Make That Christmas Card?

2006-12-20T08:03:00.000-08:00

Welcome! Thanks for asking.

STEP 1: THE IDEA
Step one is probably the hardest step. How do you come up with an idea that will be fun and fit on a card? Some people get paid for that kind of thing--and here I am doing it for free. I had several ideas this year.

STEP 2: THE SKETCH
Next comes the sketch. I doodle around to try to figure out what works and what doesn't. Step 2 is really just an extension of Step 1. You can see some of the ideas I had here:

A gift from the Dem

Friends are difficult to find…

Geting goosed

I had some others, but I may need them for next year.

STEP 3: THE DRAWING
Next comes the actual drawing. I take an 11" x 14" sheet of Bristol (a heavy paper), and using a mechanical pencil, I sketch out the drawing. I draw everything out in pencil, trying to make as few mistakes as possible. I use a very hard lead so that the image is very faint if I need to erase. In this case, one of my sketches was pretty close to what I wanted, so I used a light box to trace the sketch onto the Bristol paper.

Sketch

Light box

STEP 4: INKING
Next I go over all of the pencils with ink. Some people think this means "tracing," but it's not. Inking adds a whole different character to the image. I use a brush to vary the line weights (compare Bush's chin line to his nose line) and to add some depth to the image.

Ink & brushes

Once all the ink is dry, I erase all the left over pencil lines. In this case, the inked copy looked like this:

Inked version

STEP 5: SCANNING
Next I scan the picture into my computer. This process turns the image into a digital computer file.

STEP 6: USING PHOTOSHOP and ILLUSTRATOR
I take the scanned image and open it in a software program called Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. These program allows me to manipulate the image and make it ready for printing. With Photoshop I added some gray tones and resized the image to make it card-ready. With Illustrator I created the word bubble and the text.

If you look closely at both the original and the finished product, you can see some of the changes I made:

Filled in dress with black
Made some black lines into white lines (dress)
Drew a few sprigs of holly, scanned them, and then copied them multiple times to create the top and bottom border
Used several different gray tones on the goose to give it additional depth
Copied the goose and put it on the back of the card

STEP 7: PRINTING
Then it's off to the copy store to print the card. I had them print 2 images on a page of card stock and then cut the page in half.

Click for larger view

STEP 8: MAILING
Then JoAnn and I just address, stamp, add something witty like "Merry Christmas," and drop the cards in the mail. See how easy it is! Anyone can do it!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Visions of Christmas Cards Past:

2005:

2004: 2003: 2001:

2000: 1999: 1998:

Two Billion Years Ago

2006-12-16T21:02:00.000-08:00

Click image for full size.

This comic was completely created on a computer using my new Wacom tablet. No physical art exists (if you don't count the original idea sketch). The tablet is basically like a mouse, but in the form of a pen and pad. It seems like it would be more natural than using a mouse, but I've trained my brain to match using a mouse with looking at the screen, while using a pen with the screen is still pretty awkward. Try writing without looking at what you're writing and you'll get the sensation.

So that's why I chose an easy drawing for the first time out. Plus, I'm still pretty awkward with Adobe Illustrator as well. So this "simple" cartoon took several hours. Remind me again how computers are making my life easier...

That said, in the long run, the tablet (with practice) should make many aspects of cartoon creation go more quickly. We'll see...

My Life as Literature: The Great Gatsby - Mark Alpert

2006-12-16T06:25:00.000-08:00

The Sandman: Endless Nights – Neil Gaiman

2006-12-12T09:19:00.000-08:00

Cashing in on the completed Sandman series, Gaiman writes a tale for each of his Endless characters (The Endless are universal forces such as Dream, Desire, Death and Destiny.). Unfortunately, the stories are rather uninteresting and do little to flesh-out the characters they are about.

Supergirl – Peter David

2006-12-11T08:04:00.000-08:00

I often liked David’s work and wanted to see what he would do with the ultimate Barbie AKA Supergirl. Be aware, as far as I knew, Supergirl was the cousin of Superman, so I was in for a surprise when I learned that she was some sort of inhuman construct (after the first six issues of this comic, I’m still not sure what her deal is) that merged with a dieing woman in order to gain a soul. Too bad that woman was a psycho murderer whose boyfriend was in league with all sorts of supervillians. There is a lot to work with here and his team for art, letters and colors are great (Gary Frank’s art gives plenty of up-the miniskirt-shots that you know you want), yet after half a year worth of issues, I know nothing about the characters and honestly don’t care.

Age of Apocalypse

2006-12-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

Imagine a world where Charles Xavier never lived to attempt to have mutants and humans live in harmony. Now imagine that Marvel comics actually made a comic book event that made sense or was any good. This series of crossover X-men titles is unreadable. The premise is that Xavier dies, his would-be archenemy takes over his dream and a powerful mutant named Apocalypse takes over America and starts genocide again humans. In this new reality, most bad guys are good guys, the rest of the non-mutant Marvel universe is ignored and we all know that all this will be rectified anyway (I never found out how as I couldn’t bring myself to finish the story). The writing sucks and the plot’s ridiculous (it’s not so much a world without Xavier, so much as a world where Magneto is the new Xavier, other superheroes are gone and there is Apocalypse) and it is a shame that Marvel hasn’t clue about quality.

The Squirrel # 1 Ships at Last!

2006-12-07T23:06:00.000-08:00

I received my copies, both covers, of The Squirrel #1 today. My name appears on the credits page. Awesome. I get editor status. Thanks to the talented Kevin McVeigh.

Alas, on the Publisher Introduction page (which was added way after I worked on the book), I am called Peter. Yes. Peter. All we need now is Mary and we've got a band (I am sure, or I hope, that Ian said D'oh when he caught it). Luckily though, Kevin's lettering came through preserved. Then again, Kevin may be messing with me by having done that on purpose...! He is a cruel bastard, but talented.

• ORDER NOW! Only 19 regular covers in stock, it seems. They will go quickly.

Price: $3.50

28 page Full Size Comic, B+W w/color cover. First Printing, October 2006. By Kevin McVeigh

In this issue we learn the fantastic origin of "The Worlds Nuttiest Super-hero." From his early days living amongst the squirrels in the trees, to his high flying days in the circus as "The Spectacular Squirrel-Boy." Plus the shocking secret behind "The Squirrels'" amazing tail!! This is one issue you cant miss!!

When ordering, make sure you create an account FIRST and then add items to your cart.

I think they may accept Paypal only and ask them to make sure your books are well packed, so they don't get damaged.

The Manhattan Guardian – Gant Morrison

2006-12-06T05:59:00.000-08:00

Morrison starts off his Seven Soldiers series with a newspaper’s personal superhero (paper and hero share the name of this comic title). Jake Jordan is down on his luck, but has the potential to be a hero and fight against various unusual threats to New York City and the world. Typical of Morrison, the story has some very interesting and bizarre ideas in it, yet he never bothers to fully develop any of it, so the reader simply jumps around from event to event without purpose. The four issue miniseries is only a primer plot for the ongoing series; too bad it didn’t sell me.

Robin: A Hero Reborn – Alan Grant and Chuck Dixon

2006-12-05T10:00:00.000-08:00

The writers do a reasonable job giving life to the new (third) Robin in order to avoid the disdain readers had for the last one. The new boy wonder globetrots around the world and after a blind, billionaire, master killer in order to gain skills and develop a personality. Dixon, who writes most of this comic, tries to incorporate various characters (mostly new one) into the story to teach Robin various tricks of the trade and moral lessons. The tale wasn’t bad done, but all the secondary characters were.

Batman: A Lonely Place of Dying – Marv Wolfman

2006-12-05T09:58:00.000-08:00

These five comics won best story (1989) by CBG fan award, which shows how poor the competition was. It takes place after the second Robin was killed and Batman is having trouble keeping himself together. DC comics spent a lot of energy re-introducing a reader friendly Robin, sidekick to the Dark Knight, but other than Batman and Two-Face trying to outthink each other, the story is mediocre and it is painfully obvious DC wants this Robin to be liked.

Catwoman: Her Sister’s Keeper – Mindy Newell

2006-12-04T18:46:00.000-08:00

Inspired by Frank Miller’s Batman: Year One, this Catwoman comic unfolds the early adventures of Selina Kyle as she learns to fight and well, not a whole lot else. The book uses some of Miller’s work (entire pages of the above story are inserted) and it is a good idea; however, despite playing off the ward Holly, Kyle’s sister the sister and the Batman himself, little is learned about Catwoman.

Fables: 1001 Nights of Snowfall – Bill Willingham

2006-12-04T06:22:00.000-08:00

The Fables comic title follows the lives of fairy tale characters that are living in exile in our world after the tyrannical Adversary has overrun their homelands. So far the refuges are all from European fairy tales, and so the group sends an ambassador to the fables of the Middle East in order to warn them of the Adversary and propose an alliance. This ambassador, Snow White, gets caught up in the machinations of Arabian politics and, in order to save her neck, distracts the sultan who holds her life in his hands with various tales about her fellow refugees. The set-up should sound familiar, but the tales are new and relate the tragedy of Willingham’s world with graceful profundity. This is a welcomed addition to the Fables storyline.

Hellboy: Sword of Storms

2006-12-02T13:25:00.000-08:00

It seemed like a good idea: A cartoon movie about the demon paranormal investigator wherein he must stop a couple of demons (nasty ones, not like him) from destroying Earth. Did I mention he was trapped in Japan’s feudal past? The problem was that the animation was anime-lite (not at all like Mignola’s bizarre style), nothing was done with the characters, and the plot wasn’t very gripping.

The Prestige

2006-12-01T06:14:00.000-08:00

Two rival magicians go to extremes to destroy each other in this movie adaptation of the novel. I should have liked it more. It was intelligent and filled with twists and surprises. The trouble was that it didn’t really work. The inciting incident (which is different from the book) should never have been a mystery to the characters who become fabulously wealthy in their low paying careers and are both utterly repulsive. In addition to unsympathetic protagonists, the plot itself, especially early on, was disjointed and rushed. After the opening night showing I had to clarify the events to a member of the audience who had just attempted to explain it to another.

Flushed Away

2006-11-30T08:13:00.000-08:00

All is well in the British upper-class world of the pet rat, Roddy, until an intruder flushes him down the toilet and into an underground world filled with oddball denizens. With the help of fellow rat, Rita, Roddy attempts to return to his surface world and escapes the evil machinations of a diabolical toad. I was concerned that this film would be flush with toilet humor and was pleasantly surprised that the animation and humor was well done, highly entertaining and very clever.

Casino Royale

2006-11-29T06:47:00.000-08:00

A new world needs a new James Bond and this inchoate, flawed, more realistic/human British secret agent is better than most even if he fluctuates between being superhuman and oblivious. The plot has too many false stops and is heavy handed with the clues, yet it is the most enjoyment I’ve had with 007 in at least a decade. So if you like to watch Bond struggle (that’s right) to outwit the card shark/investment banker (who is a cripple as all villains obviously are) to the world’s terrorists and his assorted goons, then this is the movie for you (as long as you ignore some of the sloppy plot points). Don’t worry, despite the update to the secret agent, there are hot women with ridiculously large breasts who want to have sex with Bond.

Avengers verse X-Men – Roger Stern & Tom Defalco

2006-11-28T18:19:00.000-08:00

The Avengers want to bring Magneto before an international court of justice, the Soviet Super-soldiers want to assassinate him and the X-Men want to protect him. Despite that, there isn’t really much going on in this comic other than poorly done fight scenes and a bunch of chases.

The Sandman – Neil Gaiman

2006-11-28T06:37:00.000-08:00

Some comics are meant to be read issue-by-issue, month-by-month, at a slow and steady pace. The Sandman was never such a comic, often relying on recurring characters that originally appeared for an instant and then are unseen for years and storylines that spanned many issues, constantly being interrupted with tangential and stand alone tales. The title ended years ago and I thought it was due time to reread the series, from the beginning, over a vastly shorter time than when I had first read them on the monthly schedule. By begging, borrowing, and browbeating, I temporarily acquired the complete trade paperback collection in preparation for this review. The Sandman is an interesting series; few could claim to be more important to the revitalization (however briefly) of the comic genre and yet, as Cej often states: the only difference between Gaiman and his creation is that one is two-dimensional and the other has no depth.

The series begins with Preludes & Nocturnes. We are introduced to Morpheus, the Dream King, one of the seven endless (sort of primal forces such as Death and Desire), who is imprisoned by a group of early twentieth century wizards. Upon his eventual escapes, Dream must reclaim his kingdom, vestments of office and correct the troubles his absence has caused. Gaiman handles Dream well, pitting him against adversaries that run the gamut from B villains to the Devil himself. The Sandman goes through a ton of artists over its lifetime and only the amazing covers of Dave McKean redeems them. Some readers feel this start was clunky as Gaiman was finding his footing, but I enjoyed this and it remains a favorite. This was the first time I had ever dealt with a comic character that, while ostensible part of the DC universe, was removed from human or superhuman concerns. In this trade, we also are introduced to Dream’s sister, Death, who will be the poster child for every Goth girl from that moment on and will solidify Gaiman’s place as ruler of the Goth world infinitely more than the equally gothic, annoyingly moody, heroin-chic Morpheus ever did. To this day, no single image brought more women into comics than Death and has allowed Gaiman to spend his life surrounded by hot, black and white bedecked women.

The Doll’s House has Dream continuing to pick up the pieces his absence has caused and he must reclaim dream-beings that have left his realm and caused chaos in ours, mainly to the lives of young Rose Walker, her family and friends. He also has to deal with a potential threat to the dream kingdom that may, in fact, be sponsored by some of his own Endless brethren. Here Gaiman leaves the DC world to stake his own claim and many of the events within are vital to future stories. We also see the beginning of Gaiman’s tendency to relegate his main character of Dream to secondary status in order to focus on developing the personalities of tertiary ones. Again, this was and is quite unusual for comics and makes for interesting reading, especially since many of his characters are females.

One of the shortest of the collections is Dream Country which is nothing but filler issues and while they are often enjoyable, they are equally frustrating for taking us away from the character will wish to see. This foreshadows Gaiman future writing when he will completely abandon his creation except for the occasional guest appearance.

Season of Mists is an anticlimactic tale in which the Lord of Dreams briefly reunites with the remnants of his family and attempts to redeem a wrong by pitting himself against Lucifer of Hell to unexpected and unwelcomed results that usher in much intrigue and some conflict. The problem with this next installment is similar to the style of writing which introduces each chapter and which I attempted to copy in my opening and that is that there is much pomp but every situation ends rather dully. Still, I liked that Dream had to deal with all sorts of myths (Gaiman’s interpretation of them, that it) and DC legends. My main problem is Gaiman’s views on Hell (yes, an author’s views aren’t always reflected in his work, but I’m willing to bet it’s true in this case). For a Jewish man, his belief in the afterlife stinks of both Catholic dogma and two-bit philosophy as unborn babies are condemned to hell as readily as those who only think they should be punished.

Take a domicile where the following resides or holds true: a punk woman, a man who thinks he’s a she, someone connected to the diner from Preludes & Nocturnes, a lesbian couple, bird involvement and two beings connected to the dreaming. No, I’m not recounting The Doll’s House, although Gaiman is running so low on ideas that when he picks up the story of Barbie from that storyline he copies the foundation into A Game of You. Barbara inexplicably becomes Rose, Hal is now Wanda, Hazel and Foxglove stand in for Chantal and Zelda, etc. There are even some crossover themes of a strong female lead going on a quest that relates back to an earlier point in her life and a statement about living life while one can and the potential problems of a collective unconscious. Despite the unoriginality, the tale of “Princess” Barbie verse the oppressive reign of the Cuckoo was gripping. More interesting to me was a side note thrown in by Gaiman. He has Barbie enter a comic book store with a floor that hadn’t been swept “in a decade” and face a repulsive all-boy club. In a documentary I saw last year, Gaiman states that retailers always thank him for bringing women into comic shops and he replies that maybe if you’d sweep the floor they’d return. Gaiman’s contribution to comics isn’t his writing or his characters, it is his desire to reach out and attract an audience that would read comics if given something to relate to. As the Cuckoo explains in A Game of You, girls don’t have the same fantasies of superheroes that boys do and the transgender Wanda makes it clear that blue isn’t always for boys anyway. Many of Gaiman’s characters are female, his protagonist isn’t a traditional superhero and his stories aren’t particularly action/adventure. Still, they sold and sold well, and if the comic genre had leaned from him it might not be the perpetually dieing industry that it is.

Once again we have a collection of filler issues. Fables & Reflections has the honor, however, of having good fillers. The first and last tales, “Three Septembers and a January” and “Ramadan,” respectively are powerful and heartfelt and reflect the higher purpose of dreams. The stories they bookend aren’t as strong although they introduce the important characters of Orpheus and the often hinted at Destruction.

Next is Brief Lives which takes us back to the Sandman plot. Delirium (based on singer Tori Amos) and Dream (always, inescapably, a stand in for Gaiman) go on a quest to find their missing brother, Destruction, to tragic results. Gaiman does a decent job fleshing out the personalities of the three endless (the same can’t be said of the secondary players) and readers are forced to acknowledge—if they haven’t already—that the Endless, with perhaps the exception of Destruction, are real jerks and Dream is the moodiest, lamest of them all. Still, the book is solid and enjoyable, unlike the next one….

I’m sick of Gaiman’s filler sagas and Worlds’ End is the worst. Gaiman hardly bothers to pretend that he’s still writing Sandman stories as he relays stories within stories that, most likely, were ideas he had before he had an outlet. Travelers from all sorts of worlds happen to wander into the inn at worlds' end and pass the time telling each other stories. It’s a decent idea, but if they aren’t going to be crafted like Fables & Reflections, than Gaiman should have stuck with the main plot.

The final volume in The Sandman collection is The Wake. Be aware that everything following is a spoiler so perhaps you might wish to skip this paragraph. Still here? The Wake deals with the aftermath of Morpheus’ death without actually tying up any loose ends. Again, I’m annoyed with Gaiman’s filler issues. Gaiman forces us to pay tribute to his creation (a creation that claims credit for Shakespeare’s works) when the end of his series should inspire reflection on its own merits. There isn’t so much a plot to The Wake as there is a theme that no one, regardless who they may be, is ever stuck in their life. Change is the escapes for everyone, no matter how trapped they may feel. It is a theme that runs throughout the series and it is a good one, even though it would be more convincing coming from a character that wasn’t an immortal to whom death is just a change of viewpoint.

When the dust settles, I have to admit I greatly enjoyed The Sandman. For all its pointless tangents, anticlimactic stories, self-pitting characters and inconsistent art, it was a groundbreaking work that changed the entire comic book world. Well, it could have-should have changed it. Sadly, many of the lessons taught to the industry--that females characters can be heroes without ridiculous anatomies, that the world isn’t always black and white and that not every story needs a caped crusader--in the wake of The Sandman have long been forgotten, or, at least, remembered only in dreams.

Daredevil: The Murdock Papers - A Trade Paperback Review

2006-11-25T23:18:00.000-08:00

Writer Brian Michael Bendis' and artist Alex Maleev's run on Daredevil has been one of the best comic reads ever. Rarely has a book held my interest for so long and provided me with this much enjoyment via Matt Murdock's ups and downs as superhero Daredevil, and as a lawyer, husband, friend, and lover. I've enthusiastically read the entire second volume of the series, issues 1-81 (also available in trade paperback and hardcover format).

It has been amazing to see how the choices of a blind lawyer and superhero have lead Matt Murdock into the predicament that is the close to this unpredictable and awesome run by the above mentioned creative duo.

Bendis and Maleev have left this book in an amazing original and awkward spot for any superhero comic book. I can hardly wait to see what Ed Brubaker and Michael Lark have in store for the Man Without Fear.

Daredevil: Volume 13: The Murdock Papers is published my Marvel Comics, 2006.

*Available at finer independent comic book and regular book stores, libraries (including Cej’s personal one) and also from those big box book stores that do not need your support as much.

Young Geeks in Love - A Houston Comix & Zine Festival 2006 Review

2006-11-21T20:16:00.000-08:00

Young Geeks in Love, 2003, by the talented writer artist Robert Bienvenu answers the dilemma most comic geeks face at one time or another. What happens when you bring your girlfriend or boyfriend home for the first time and they see your enormous....comic book collection? Find out what happens to one man in this great comic.

Laugh-out-loud funny, with excellent storytelling. This one is a winner.

Published by Red City Comics.

Unshelved – Bill Barnes and Gene Ambaum

2006-11-21T19:07:00.000-08:00

This daily comic strip recounts the mundane adventures of Dewey, the Young Adult Librarian, his coworkers and acquaintances, as he deals with the typical occurrences of the public library system. Dewey is, well, me: he’s an acerbic, lazy, obsessed with popular culture—especially from his childhood—generation Xer and even looks like me (although I’ve never had the opportunity to ignore the interminable advances of a hot, young teacher as he does) and maybe that’s why I so enjoy this comic. Because of its characters and subject matter (the main characters of the comic are generic librarian stereotypes such as the cranky, older Luddite and the bubbly children’s librarian, as well as the sassy kid and an assortment of freaks for flavor), Unshelved might seem geared for librarians, but I don’t see how a humorous, simply drawn strip about dealing with public stupidity and government bureaucracy should be reserved for one profession.

Evil Dead: The Musical

2006-11-20T18:15:00.000-08:00

When Sam Raimi wrote and directed the horror film, Evil Dead, in which a group of friends take a vacation in a cabin in the woods and accidentally unleash demonic spirits, he wanted it to be scary. Since that time, his and star Bruce Campbell’s work has been the essence of camp. The musical’s plot is the same, although it throws in some parts from the third Evil Dead, Army of Darkness, and takes the campy attitude and runs with it. I wasn’t sure how good this show would actually be. I thought perhaps it would simply be a lame attempt to cash in on a cult classic, but this production was astonishing. There were great dance numbers, funny lines and absolutely hilarious songs (my favorite being “What the…?”). The only problem with the show was the crowd and theater. The performance space was once a movie theater and the seats were designed for people looking up, not trying to see past some guy’s fat head. The crowd had a tendency to forget that yelling at the screen and making crude jokes is best saved for when you are viewing the original movies at home, and not when you’ve just paid a decent amount of money to have professionals act out the jokes and comments for you.

The Magic of Love – The Kunqu Society

2006-11-20T10:25:00.000-08:00

Seeing that China’s world domination is inevitable and nigh, I figured I’d acclimate myself to some of their cultural forms. Kunqu is the 500 year-old Chinese equivalent of opera with the most striking difference being that their performances take all day. The Kunqu Society cut and pasted various romantic scenes from assorted works in order to present a taste of the art form. My pitiful occidental ears found the traditional Chinese instruments harsh and the stylized singing of an already intonation oriented language felt like the performances were done by Fran Drescher imitators. The newness of the art form to me was one of the show’s most tantalizing aspects and I enjoyed watching the careful movements and stunning costumes in all their vibrant colors. The hilarious (and never subtle) sexual innuendos of “Quench the Thirst”, wherein a scholar tries to examine more than books, was a highlight, as was the depressing “The Rebellion”, which depicts the last happy moment of an Emperor doomed to lose his love.

Recent Comic Reviews 11/17/06

2006-11-17T14:53:00.000-08:00

Remember when a writer and artist would stay on a title for years at a time? These days, you're lucky to have the same team from page to page let alone month to month. What happened? You may or may not have been a fan of "our pal" Sal Buscema or "amiable" Al Milgrom, but they could deliver a book (or more) every month. And say what you will about Shooter, at least he made the trains run on time. No, I'm not really pining for the "good old days," but seesh, it's like Marvel and DC don't understand that comics is both art and a business, but anyway....

The Killer #1 This is a French import about a killer for hire. We don't know much beyond that in this first of ten issues, but Jacamon (w) and Matz (a) turn in a compelling look into the mind of a criminal. Also, on the plus side, this series is already finished, so it's just a matter of printing it in the States (and in English, presumably). So it should come out on time every month, right? This is the kind of series that can help pull the industry out of the single-genre format. Definitely worth a look.

Criminal #2 Another great crime drama from the new comic masters, Brubaker (w) and Philips (a). This issue was actually better than the first as we start to see the heist go into effect. Great characters and haunting art. It's hard to believe something this good can come from Marvel (albeit from their Icon line), but like The Killer, it certainly deserves some support.

Fables #55 Another rip-roaring issue. What I love about Willingham’s (w) work is his ability to mix politics and military themes into his stories. Given the state of the world, how is it that there aren’t more comics dealing with the issues of war and peace? Here, we see the machinations of the Adversary as his minions spot holes in his strategy to annihilate the Fables. And the backup story is an excellent analogy for foreign policy as dictated by fundamentalists.

Squadron Supreme #7 Wasn’t I just praising this book for keeping to a regular schedule? Oh wait, that was three months ago. Sigh. Gary Frank’s art is pretty, so maybe it’s worth the wait (and I’m assuming it is the art that is making the book late, which may be a huge assumption). The story, however, moves way too slowly, and JMS’s (w) political intrigue pales in comparison to Willingham’s. Note to self: don’t read these books back-to-back again. As soon as I find a good stopping point, I’m going to TPB-only on this title.

Shadowpact #7 We’re only up to issue #7, but we’re already on penciler #5. What is the problem, DC? I guess I shouldn’t complain, the book does at least keep a regular schedule, and the art has been decent, but still...have any of the post-Infinite Crisis books managed to be both monthly and have consistent creators? Story-wise, the team is starting to coalesce as a team, as they fight together and come up with their very own charter. Although it’s taking a bit long for my tastes, the Willingham magic is slowly revealing itself on this title as well.

Battle Pope

2006-11-15T09:22:00.000-08:00

God enlists the Pope to kick ass and take names as the Devil makes another play at conquering earth. In additon to infallibility, the Pope now has muscles and guns (and JC as a sidekick). Unfortunately, Battle Pope is neither very sacriligeous (although your mileage may vary) nor very funny. I suppose if this is your first exposure to a crude version of God / Jesus / Santa Claus /the Church then you may be thrilled by the naughty depiction. For me, I've seen it enough times that it no longer has much cache. I'm typically a fan of Kirkman's writing, but here his jokes seem well-travelled. On the positive side, Tony Moore's art along with Val Staples's coloring is lively and works well with the material, keeping it lighthearted rather than dark.

Central Park Zoo

2006-11-14T11:01:00.000-08:00

In the center of Manhattan is my favorite zoo. From temperate to artic zones, the zoo is designed to allow visitor to get up close to its animals and delight in their fascinating behavior. I have spent hours watching the seals and penguins prance while getting fed, the snow monkeys groom each other, the polar bears cavort, tropical birds frolic, African monkeys gallivant and various reptiles interact to just name a few of the wonderful sights. Equally inviting is the neighboring children’s zoo with a variety of farm friendly animals such as goats, alpaca, ducks and pigs that you can feed and pet. It’s great fun for kids and even more fun for me.

New York Aquarium

2006-11-14T10:06:00.000-08:00

The Warriors didn’t have as much trouble getting to Coney Island as I did, but after two false starts due to subway mayhem, I managed to visit the city’s only aquarium. It was wonderful to visit this famous part of Brooklyn, although it would have been more exciting if I hadn’t gone off-season as the weather was chilly and the attractions of the area were closed. Still, it’s nice to see the various ocean critters and be next door to their original habitat. I had a blast staring unblinking into tanks filled with colorful, magical, frightening and astounding sea denizens and have realized my true calling is fish whisperer. If you’re just interested in seals and penguins, then you’re better suited for the Central Park Zoo, which has better displays and greater animal variety. Despite it’s rather small size, the aquarium is sure to delight and I was pleased that it attempted to educate the public about the dangers modern society poses to undersea life.

Conversations with Mark #1

2006-11-13T06:57:00.000-08:00

Paul's latest:

Click to enlarge.

Would You Buy A Mini From These Men?

2006-11-11T07:53:00.000-08:00

Left to right: CEJ, ArmzRace Spiritual Co-Founder John Reeves, and "Hard Travelling Hero" Paul G. peddling their wares at the WestFest Block Party on Nov 4, 2006

Just a few of the many fine ArmzRace products. Clockwise from left: A Brief History of W, Why My Life Sucks, Apokalips, Booty Call, X-mas Postcards

Products left to right: The ABCs of the USA, Cheap Shots, Angels and Amphibians, plus all the candy you can stomach.

We may have sold more if we hadn't left this guy in charge...

Stick This! #2

2006-10-31T06:36:00.000-08:00

I love bumper stickers, but many of them require a response. This is #2 in an ongoing bumper-to-bumper "dialogue."

(Earlier posts: Stick This! #1)

The Sticker:

The idea of using a yellow ribbon originated in the late seventies as a response to the Americans held hostage in Iran. It was a way to let everyone know that we were thinking of them. But even then, it was an awkward choice, since it alluded to Tony Orlando’s song “Tie a Yellow Ribbon”—a song about a convict returning home from prison.

The slogan “Support the Troops” came about during the first Gulf War (when we were still “getting over” Vietnam). And it was predicated on the idea that soldiers returning home from Vietnam were spat upon by war protesters; it was a way of admonishing the public not to let it happen this time around. Unfortunately, the spitting incident is at best historically dubious, and at worst an urban legend propagated by war hawks.

But even if the story be true, spitting pales in comparison to the treatment given to returning Vietnam soldiers by the American government: denial of recognition, counseling, and health services. Likewise, the government treats today’s troops with similar disdain: inadequate body armor, mandatory re-enlistment, and inadequate pay and health services. It seems to me that it is not the public that needs admonishing.

The slogan “Support the troops” seems innocuous and inarguable—who wouldn’t support the troops? But that is what gives it power: that it is inarguable. And that is what allows it to be effortlessly conflated with supporting the war—because you cannot separate the doer (the soldier) from the thing being done (soldiering). As such, the slogan has become a political tool used by the administration* to bludgeon anyone who questions the war. If you aren’t supporting the war, you are ipso facto, not supporting the troops. And thus, any critical debate is deflected before it even begins. It’s the rhetorical equivalent of fighting you over there (where war = soldier) so they don’t have to fight you over here (where war = bad idea). And, by the way, you = terrorist in that equation.

Those against the war, as well as people honestly concerned about the troops’ welfare, recognize (at least subconsciously) the troubling nature of the slogan. That’s why they have developed responses (feeble ones, in my opinion) to address their unease at using it. They have added “riders” to the expression like “Support the Troops. End the War” or “Support the Troops: Bring them Home” or, even the less anti-war “Support the Troops: Give them Body Armor.” But each of these attempts fails because it still buys into the original premise: that you cannot be against the war.

My Response:

My sticker, while politically incorrect, tries to undermine the whole linguistic tactic and expose it as a farce. By using a Mobius strip—a construction that is both literally an endless loop and symbolically the figure for infinity—I hope to convey that the entire argument is un-winnable (much like America’s latest war).

No doubt, I’ll be accused of not caring about the well being of our military personnel. But that’s only because the Republicans actually won the language war.

*To be fair, both Bushs used it, as did Clinton to a lesser extent.

Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World - A Book Review

2006-10-29T07:04:00.000-08:00

Another Haruki Murakami. I believe it is the 2nd but maybe it's just the 2nd one that's been translated.

In any case, another interesting and unusual read. It's two tales that seem wholly disparate until Murakami pulls them together. Have you ever knitted or made jewelry? And you have the two ends that eventually come together to form the main body and complete the piece? That's what his story is like.

In this one, the protagonist is a data processor. Not in the sense that we think of that type of resource, but more technical than that. He takes in data, encrypts it in his brain, and shuffles it in his brain - using a process not even the protagonist really understands. Like Murakami's other lead, the data processor leads a mediocre, almost dull life until he gets a contract that ends up completely changing his life as he knows it. To say more would be to give it away.

Did I like it? I would give that a hesitant yes. It's an unusual read that left me slightly dissatisfied at the end. Like when you leave your Coke sitting too long and you suddenly remember it's sitting there and it's exactly the cold fizzy sweet that you want and you take a gulp only to discover it's almost flat and not quite cold anymore. That's the feeling I had at the end of it. Not because it wasn't a good read, because it was. Maybe because I wanted a different ending? I don't know. You decide.

Cross-posted at JoAnn Versus JoAnn.

Angels & Amphibians - Mark Alpert

2006-10-29T05:37:00.000-08:00

An Inconvenient Truth (2006) - A Movie and Forum Review

2006-10-26T15:32:00.000-07:00

An Inconvenient Truth, 2006, features former Presiden... I mean Vice President only, Al Gore's well-traveled Global Warming presentation. The film presents much evidence of the consequences mankind has already reaped from its environmental apathy and gives dire projections about our future if we continue to do so little in regard to our world's stability. Entertaining while educating. Amazing visuals, easy to understand and plain good film making. How can you not want to make a difference?

For more information on how to help yourself and the world around you, please visit ClimateCrisis.net.

I managed to attend a free screening of this film at Northern Arizona University (NAU), followed by a Q&A forum headed up by a panel of experts; environmental activists, as well as a graduate student in environmental studies and several professors within that same focus. Many good questions were asked and received thoughtful, thought-provoking answers. As always, there are those who like to hear themselves speak, who asked questions that are completely irrelevant. You know, those questions that don't really have answers, or are can only be answered with inconsequential opinion-based speculation--answers that don't really provide any useful information. Still, this is America and I don't fault the panel for such answers, as they are only trying to respond respectfully.

When came my turn to nervously take the stage in the freezing Prochnow Auditorium, I asked a simple, but important question. Of the current candidates on the ballot, who has done the most for the environment and of the current statewide propositions dealing with land conservation, which of those best serve us and our environment? Sadly, the two-part question received few responses. The initial response regarded the Navajo nation, which I will not say is not important, but most of the remaining audience did not seem to be made of indigenous peoples, therefore that answer did not help those of us planning to vote in the impending state elections. My question then received a response from one of the professors who mentioned (R) Tom O'Halleran , incumbent State Senator for District 1, apparently takes on some issues generally not associated with Republicans, and his voice may be heard, considering he is a Republican in a fairly conservative state. Secondly mentioned was (D) Ellen Simon running for Arizona's 1st Congressional District. Though there are dozens of other names on the ballot, the only other one mentioned was incumbent governor Janet Napolitano, who has committed Arizona to the environmentally friendly Kyoto Accord, which the Bush administration will not ratify. One of the professors was not sure of the number of the proposition, but mentioned proposition 106 (it is 106, Conserving Arizona's Future, that is, vote YES on 106!). This 106 answer was clarified by the environmental student organizer-facilitator after the panel concluded answering. There is another similar, and confusing land conservation proposition, 105, State Land Trust Reform (to which I imagine the vote should be NO, since it would conserve less land) on the ballot.

Knowledge, consisting of statistics, and facts, as well as projections, is great to have, but when they are not applied, and when we do not know who to elect to use this information to help us, they are all fairly useless.

For more information to help you decide your future, please visit the following web sites:

Project Vote-Smart: bipartisan information on candidates for the whole nation!

The League of Women Voters of Arizona: also bipartisan, but only helpful to us Arizona residents.

Information has been gleaned from the forum mentioned above, as well as booklets from the Citizens Clean Elections Commission as well as the League of Women Voters of Arizona Education Fund, both regarding the primary election, this November 7, 2006.

*If any of the organizers of this event have corrections or additional information, pleas contact me at: armzrace at armzrace.com.

A Day at the Opera - Mark Alpert, Adjunct Professor of Composition and Literature, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

2006-10-23T07:04:00.000-07:00

[The following is a fuller version of the article that appears in the Vol. 16, Number 3, November/December 2006 issue of OPERA America’s Newsline magazine. Many thanks to this great organization for giving me the opportunity to write this piece and a special thank you to Kelley Rourke and Alexa B. Antopol for their opinions and aid. For more information visit operaamerica.org.]

Men cheat, women cry, people die. What more could one wish from entertainment? New York City’s Metropolitan Opera has been pondering that in the face of the flat ticket sales it has experienced in recent years. This season the Met hosted its first ever open house in order to expand its demographic base. The staff of OPERA America’s Newsline comprehended the importance of this seminal event; however, they were faced with a conundrum: everyone at OPERA America is a veteran lover of the art form. How could they, of all people, best capture the experience of a virgin opera viewer? That’s where I came in. I’m not completely philistine: I love theater, going to museums, and indulging in the various arts-related events that make New York intriguing, but opera always struck me as something for the elite, if for no other rationale than only they could afford it. Thus I was recruited to attend the open house and record the experiences as the typical denizen that the Met wished to entice.

I had scant information via OPERA America. Free tickets were available (maximum two per person) on a first come-first served basis at the Met’s box office on Wednesday, September 20, for the final dress rehearsal of Madama Butterfly on Friday, September 22. I made a mental inventory of all I knew about the opera. Incredible wealthy octogenarians: women bedecked in pearl encrusted diamonds, clutching dainty binoculars and draped in endangered animal pelts on the arms of top hat and tails wearing mustachioed gentlemen would attend arriving in horse drawn carriages, and watch either three penguin impersonating men gesticulating with handkerchiefs or rotund ladies disguised as Viking pillagers whose songs, apparently, signify the impending apocalypse. There were also rumors of a ghost. I knew this specific opera was about a diplomat in Vietnam who is seduced by a transvestite. Obviously, I was well prepared.

The Met was attempting to redefine itself and capture a new audience. My stereotype of the opera viewer was hurting its bottom line and if it is to prosper it must entice a younger, hipper audience with the disposable income necessary to attend, but first needed convincing that this art form was not exclusively for the individuals I have caricatured. As part of this effort, the Met spent a half-million dollars on a transit advertising campaign that, while arguably artistic and tasteful, does nothing but alert New Yorkers near a bus that the Met exists, something its patrons are aware of. I had been informed of the open house by OPERA America, yet hadn’t noticed any advertisements for the event. I questioned how successful it would be if no one even knew about the event occurring. The box office would open at 10:00 a.m. and if I arrived at nine, I would surely be one of the first, if not only, person there. The Met auditorium could hold four thousand people; there were plenty of tickets to go around and wherever my seat was would be part of the experience.

For those unaware of the Met, it is centered in a complex consisting of several buildings, making up what is called Lincoln Center — a square block of prime Manhattan real estate. Upon arrival, I discovered not a paltry trickle of would-be patrons, but a throng coiled around the front of the Center not once, not twice, but thrice. I guesstimated two thousand people. A task force of security guards ushered people around and some gave the disheartening verdict that those in my spot, an hour before the office even opened, were unlikely to receive a ticket. I was flabbergasted. Who were these people that had heard about this event, much less had the time and fortitude to come out on a Wednesday morning to stand and wait for only the possibility of tickets? Even as I pondered, the line increased to a fourth and fifth coil despite assurances that there were not enough tickets.

As the Met’s purpose was to attract those like myself, I expected to see my reflection everywhere. Instead I found that the vast majority were — in increasing dominance — middle-class (if attire can inform), female, over fifty (I’m being generous), and white. Hardly the most generic slice of New York City. Wasn’t this the current opera fan demographic? The ones that had no need to receive free “try your first opera” tickets? After some polite “we’re all stuck on this line” conversations, I discovered that my assessment was correct — it wasn’t the opera itself most were interested in (they see them all the time), it was the extras: hearing about the technical work that went into the production; seeing the mock-ups, sketches, and costumes up close; having the chance to hear from the various personalities about the show; and getting the chance to stand on the stage itself. All great additions to a show, but not necessarily what would lure new viewers in, had they heard about the offerings.

The wait itself was largely uneventful due to the Met’s diligence, with a few typically New York exceptions. One older woman was laid out when, in her rush to join the rapidly elongating line, she snagged an elevated flagstone. None dared vacate their place in line to aid her and eventually she was carted off in an ambulance. Tensions rose as patrons shifted and multiplied. Apparently, the most cunning had an early riser stake a claim and then joined the plant hours later. Many grumbled at this situation, yet its ubiquity stifled any rebellion. I berated myself for not finding a partner who could at least hold my place for coffee and bathroom breaks. The highlight was a particularly entitled lady who went ballistic on a hapless Met volunteer who, in a foolish attempt to follow the organization’s plan, informed her that she had to wait for a form to be distributed. The lady responded by tossing aside my 6’3” frame so she could hurl insults into the terrified volunteer’s face.

Three and a half hours into my sojourn I finally entered the main building giddy with anticipation, which turned to despair when I was told no seats remained. I was, however, allowed to collect either a standing place ticket or free tickets to The Barber of Seville several weeks in the future. Not wanting to completely fail the Newsline staff and having no need for a haircut, despite the generosity of the opera house, I eagerly accepted the former.

After a day’s hiatus, I returned to the Met to engage in my operatic experience. Numerous staff members mulled unobtrusively but eager to field inquiries and give explanations when asked. I always enjoy seeing the inchoate origins of things and I was able to indulge in examining the early sketches of floor plans, sets and costumes, and even see little collages of the outfits and stage settings which gave insight into how the finished product would look. Actual costumes were on hand for inspection and several technicians were diligently explaining how various parts of the set were created. I think it included floor and screen making, but I made a beeline to the origami demonstration at the expense of all. I soon learned my creative skills are nonexistent and, graciously, the instructors allowed me to take one of their display swans so I could lie about my prowess.

When bells sounded I made my way to the seating area, correctly assuming that activity had begun. On my way I took a photo of a calligraphy silkscreen reading Cio-Cio-San (a smaller version of the giant banner outside), while a matronly volunteer told me what it said. After capturing the snapshot she reminded me that photos where prohibited in that part of the building. I thanked her for her delayed reprimand and I hurried to witness the final set-up and hear Technical Director Joseph Clark’s description of the mechanical necessities of Madame Butterfly. Few other people had arrived and I relied on the kindness of the ushers in order to sit for the lecture rather than dutifully stand by my assigned podium.

Clark explained, while his staff busied themselves on stage with final touch ups and calibrations, the intricate, laborious work involved in every production at the Met. Madama Butterfly was, to some extent, easy since they did not have to toggle between two concurrent shows — yet. Clark’s self-deprecating monologue was endearing, humorous and informative. He spoke for over an hour, then answered audience questions about the performance and institution. I can’t say I comprehended everything discussed, although it was abundantly clear just how intense the work was for such a minimalist production. Toward the end, thousands started to flood the hall; as I could no longer hear him and I knew that I would soon be ejected from my usurped seat — in fact, several people had already been caught pilfering space that wasn’t their own — I took my leave.

Plush chairs a distant memory, I positioned myself by my “seat,” a space on the third row of glorified countertops behind the orchestra seating. Several people awakened to the truth that being under 5’5” meant hearing — not seeing — the performance. An obvious veteran next to me stood on two technical manuals to achieve the necessary height. I was in the section of the truly desperate or the deeply ignorant; honestly, I counted as both, but the discomfort of standing for hours, the inconvenience of bending down to read the prompter followed by straining to see over those ahead of me and the impossibility of seeing the entire stage made it clear that I would have to be heavily compensated to ever take this “seat” again.

At exactly eleven it began as promised. Peter Gelb, the new general manager of the Met, the man responsible for attempting to reinvigorate the dwindling reserve of operatic enthusiasts and make opera a vital, accessible cultural destination, welcomed us “to the greatest opera house in the world,” thanked us for our fortitude and informed us that great music coupled with great theater made for perfect opera. I welcomed his evaluation and prepared myself.

The singers took to the stage and I was greeted with the story of Cio-Cio-San, a fifteen-year-old Japanese girl purchased in a sham marriage by a pedophilic American naval officer, Pinkerton, who abandons her and their yet unborn child to predictably tragic results. Giacomo Puccini’s three acts of gravitas enveloped and reduced me to emotional flotsam amid sweat and tears. James Levine produced a harmonic subtlety that wove the threads of Peter Mumford’s magical, radiant lighting and Han Feng’s elegant, early 20th century costumes around Michael Levine’s mirror-enshrined set for a surreal punch. I had never encountered such disparate theatrical parts and was amazed how seamlessly it all pieced together. I did, at first, think tenor Marcello Giordani and soprano Cristina Gallardo-Domas where ill conceived for their respective roles of the dashing, young seaman and the impoverished geisha, until their sensual voices facilitated my suspension of disbelief. The entire cast was magnificent, especially the full-bodied baritone Dwayne Croft, the aptly named U.S. Consul, Sharpless, and Butterfly’s loyal maid, Suzuki, played by mezzo-soprano Maria Zifchak; however, the Japanese Bunraku-esqe puppet of Butterfly’s son unnerved me. I was impressed by Anthony Minghella’s directorial work. I didn’t believe his actors, distant on stage, could managed to project their emotions succinctly without resorting to dramatics, or that he could turn Pinkerton, so obviously an Edwardian villain, into a robust character.

Gelb returned after the first intermission with New York City’s Mayor Bloomberg in tow. The mayor greeted us in Italian, praised the opera and Gelb for “bringing opera to everyone,” reminded us that this was the first open house in history and let us know that there was, despite clichés to the contrary, a free lunch. A fact appreciated by the ravenous audience. Two different meals were available, depending on where you collected it: bottled water, a mediocre sandwich (either turkey and cheese or a variety of finger sandwiches) coupled with a pair of fabulous cookies (peanut butter or chocolate chip; I managed to sample both). The viewers claimed squatter’s rights willy-nilly throughout the house and I chuckled while we lounged amid portraits of operatic personalities long gone, as the idea of the opera being reserved for the upper echelons seemed a farcical dream.

The rehearsal was running long, although I was uncertain if the delay was due to audience mayhem or other issues, but it all played to my benefit. At the final intermission a lovely couple approached me and the woman with the technical manuals, explaining that they had to meet their daughter and offered us their tickets. I jumped at the opportunity like a lion on a sick gazelle. Margaret Juntwait, WNYC’s classic music host, who the following week would be named the Met’s first woman radio announcer, took the stage and informed us of the upcoming Monday opera blitz. Radio Sirius would broadcast Butterfly, along with showings in front of the Met and in Times Square itself. If people wouldn’t go to the opera, apparently the opera would go to the people. I sat in my new seat and truly felt I was at the opera. Comfortable accommodations were just the beginning: I could see the entire stage. The sensational layout with mirrors reflecting the various elements and giving a multidimensional feel to the environment was as incredible as previously completely inaccessible. I still had difficulties mastering the visual transition from monitor to stage. If I had seen Butterfly before or even knew the plot, I might not have been distressed but I wanted to be surprised and experience it as I was: an opera newbie, and that meant accepting some discomfort.

After the rehearsal, there was a brief Q&A session with many personalities that included audience submitted questions. Obviously, the questions were from people who were not new to the forum. It amounted to little more than self-congratulation and mutual praise. Necessary, yet hardly insightful.

I was actually disappointed that no mistakes were made, at least none to warrant a repeated scene; remember, this was a rehearsal. We were told that we now had the chance to stand on the actual Met stage; as so few people had come to the tech discussion, I assumed most of the patrons would vacate the premises. Flashbacks to Wednesday emerged as we queued up, down, and around the Met from the basement garage to the backstage entrance for the opportunity to stand upon sacred ground. Once more, decorum was managed by the plethora of volunteers. However, I was jostled and outmaneuvered by the most unassuming of elderly visitors who snapped at one another for attempting or being denied the chance to cut each other off and steal a minute from their wait. I put up with this annoyance because we were assured everyone would make it to the stage, yet the wait and the shoving made the brief moment on such a magnificent platform, and the comprehension of what it is like to face such a huge auditorium, sadly anticlimactic. Perhaps if there were a roaring crowd greeting my arrival on stage it would have felt different. Others shaped their own visions by breaking into song. (A taste of what they might, unfortunately, never have the chance to do professionally.) Regardless, I still had the wherewithal to ask a stagehand to snap a picture of me amidst the opulence. I was more intrigued by the sheer scope of the backstage. It never occurred to me that an area could be so absolutely vast yet so cramped with material. Here were devices and props I couldn’t begin to understand; the truth behind the visual glamour.

The final leg of the journey (yes, it involved standing on line again) was to view a documentary on the creation of this Madama Butterfly. I sidled into the room, and a few minutes into the film acquired a seat. People were getting tired, the idea of something that wasn’t live didn’t appeal, and the trickle-off began. I, however, loved the film as it showed insight into the personalities of the performers, warts and all, that made them come alive in a way that the Q&A should have, yet failed to do.

There are two questions everyone who has been wading through this article must want answered. The first is whether or not Gelb’s attempt to bring opera to the people worked. Unfortunately, the answer is no. The idea was sound; the practice flawed. If I haven’t made it painfully clear, the visitors to the open house were overwhelmingly veterans, and so the event was reduced to a reward for the established demographic. People who are not opera fans are not going to endure, and probably can’t afford, to go through what I did. If the Met truly wishes to expand its clientele, it must make a serious effort to target the audience they want. Randomly giving out tickets during the workweek, broadcasting in a busy city center, and having generic advertisements will prove as futile as expensive. I can’t explain how to track down the younger, culturally interested would-be viewers (there are consultants for that) but when the college students and new families are found, tell them how to get those discounted tickets and they will come.

Despite the myriad of pure intensions, when the first official show opened the following Monday night it solidified the very misconceptions I had started rejecting. In Times Square and outside of the Met the performance was shown to eager, somewhat caged, audiences while inside the house was a gala of the black tie and designer dress wearing rich and famous, confirming that groundlings may occasionally be thrown a bone, but the true experience was reserved for the elite. Opening nights are always red carpet events, but the stark contrast between the viewings exacerbated the opera fan stereotype in the midst of an outreach campaign.

The other main question everyone has been anticipating a conclusion to is if my experience made me a returning opera patron. Resoundingly, the answer here is yes. I learned that the opera isn’t exclusively for the fortunate and famous, but anyone who loves any combination of dramatic story, powerful music, enticing displays, and the emotional intensity that results from the mixture. I no longer feel ignorant of or intimidated by the art form and see it more as a joyous escapade into the imagination. There is a reason why the art form itself has lasted hundreds of years and the performances themselves may be viewed for hundreds of years still. It is more than a fat lady singing. It is glamour. It is profundity. It is theater. Men cheat, women cry, people die. What more could one wish from entertainment?

No Turning Back - A Book Review

2006-10-22T16:09:00.000-07:00

No Turning Back: A Hopi Woman's Struggle to Live in Two Worlds, 1964 , by Polingaysi Qoyawayma is an autobiographical story of a Hopi girl at the turn of the 19th century. Qoyawayma recounts growing up as the white man settled the southwest bringing Christianity and modern ideas and technology to the "pagan" tribes of the region.

She tells of going away to boarding schools and traveling the country with the Mennonites, singing the gospel and preaching to her people, telling them of their ignorance and squalor. Polingaysi was frustrated that her people would not listen to her, an independent, educated, woman spreading the lord's message.

After some years of struggle with herself, Qoyawayma becomes a teacher of Indian children, Navajo and Hopi and also begings to value Hopi culture once again. She eventually garners recognition for her innovative teaching techniques, and becomes a great living resource for teachers after she retires.

A little bogged down with excessive tangenting details at times, this book also provides examples of a person's internal struggles and the American government's former policies of deculturation and Americanization.

*Available at finer libraries and independent book dealers everywhere, in addtion to those other places that don't need your support as much.

The Toughest Indian in the World - A Book Review

2006-10-22T14:33:00.000-07:00

The Toughest Indian in the World, 2000, by Sherman Alexie is a collection of short stories ranging from serious, to serious with lots of sarcastic humor and pop culture allusions, to science-fiction.

I found myself laughing at loud many times while reading this book. I love Alexie's sense of humor and it comes out well in his writing. Issues of identity, race, sex and love are often explored with biting humor that some may not enjoy, but others will appreciate and laugh with the author.

Learn about the sensitive, real man behind John Wayne through the eyes and experiences of his Indian lover in "Dear John Wayne." Have an adventure with a crazy white man and his sidekick, Salmon Boy as they search for love in "South by Southwest." Look for the answer to the question, 'What is an Indian?' in "One Good Man."

One of the best reads I've had all year. Take the book at face value or dig into the stories and thier subtext. Either way, you should enjoy this read.

*Available at finer libraries and independent book dealers everywhere, in addtion to those other places that don't need your support as much.

Worst Email of the Week! #1

2006-10-22T13:59:00.000-07:00

It seems I receive at least one offensive email a week. I do enjoy jokes of all kinds, usually ones most people may consider offensive themselves, whether they are about sex, religion, etc., but some of these emails are pure examples of horrible ignorance and xenophonbia. From now on, I will respond to as many of these emails as possible in an attempt to educate ignorance and add some humor when I can.

I recently received an email with the following comment and map:

"A GUIDE TO HELP MEXICANS UNDERSTAND-SIMPLE @ TO THE POINT."

"Simple @ to the point?" The creator of the email doesn't know the difference between an @ and (&) an ampersand (&)? Just further examples of ignorance.

This is how the email should look and read:

A GUIDE TO HELP THOSE PEOPLE OF EUROPEAN DESCENT UNDERSTAND, SIMPLE & TO THE POINT.

OH YEAH, SOMEONE ELSE WAS HERE BEFORE US!

UP UNTIL ABOUT 160 YEARS AGO (the American invasion of Mexico for imperialist Manifest Destiny purposes), ARIZONA, NEW MEXICO AND AT LEAST MUCH OF, IF NOT ALL OF, CALIFORNIA, TEXAS, COLORADO WERE A PART OF MEXICO. MEXICANS COMING OVER THE BORDER AREN'T FLEEING THEIR COUNTRY, THEY'RE SIMPLY RETURNING TO PLACES THEIR ANCESTORS USED TO LIVE. ALSO, MANY OF THOSE COMING ARE FROM CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA, SURVIVING GREAT PERIL TO GET HERE.

BEFORE THAT THERE WERE INDIANS/NATIVE AMERICANS/INDIGINOUS PEOPLES ON THESE LANDS FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS, BUT THAT'S ANOTHER SAD & LONG STORY.

Ocean - A Graphic Novel Review

2006-10-22T13:29:00.000-07:00

Ocean, 2006, by Warren Ellis (w), Chris Sprouse (p) and Karl Story (i) is a sci-fi story about a UN weapons inspector sent to Europa, one of Jupiter's moons, where an amazing alien discovery has been made. Decent, but lacking in some areas, Ellis usually does not fail when it comes to interesting concepts and action sequences. Sprouse and Story's art helps tell that story very well. The colors also help set the mood really well in some scenes.

On a down note, one of the characters is compulsed to make constant sexual remarks. We may know people like this in real life, and yes, the crew is in space for a long time, but her remarks seem out of place. Humor has its place, but for the most part, less attempts at it would make the feel of this book more serious, as it should have been. I'm not sure about some of the plot, which may be contradictory. I don't want to ruin the plot, so that's up for you to determine when you read this book.

*Available at finer comic book shops, libraries and independent book dealers, who need your support, as well as the regular chains and online stores.

H. P. Lovecraft: Against The World, Against Life – Michael Houellebecq

2006-10-20T05:35:00.000-07:00

Houellebecq’s essay(ies) beautifully and unapologetically states what I have been saying for years: Lovecraft, for all his elitist, racist insanity was an astounding horror writer, truly capturing a dreadful nihilistic view of the universe.

Batman Begins

2006-10-20T05:34:00.000-07:00

Batman Begins tells the origin of the Batman and his earlier days a Gotham’s crime fighter. This movie was fantastic. If only Batman could be played by someone as good as the supporting cast members.

The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho

2006-10-20T05:32:00.001-07:00

This self-help-esq fictional tale of a Spanish shepherd who goes on a quest to find a treasure and Personal Legend flows with a simplicity of good intentions if not terrific prose. The trouble with this book, as with The Celestine Prophecies, et al. is that their mantra advice “when a person really desires something, all the universe conspires to help that person realize his dream” is well-meaning and often good advice about perusing what you love, yet not always the most realistic. As someone who spent some twenty years on my own “Personal Legend,” I have come to the dreary conclusion that the universe does not always share an individual’s dream and that circumstances are such that, by chance or by destiny, they may cripple even the most determined person.

Seven Samurai

2006-10-20T05:32:00.000-07:00

Akira Kurasawa’s magnificent movie pits seven noble but poor warriors against a group of bandits who wish to loot a farming community in 1600’s Japan. The film has humor, action, emotion and strong political and cultural statements. It is a true classic.

Millennium Actress

2006-10-20T05:31:00.000-07:00

A young girl’s journey through time and genre in search of her lost love is recorded and reacted to by a documentarian. Confusing, convoluted, creative, and clever, this animated Japanese film is incredible.

King Arthur

2006-10-20T05:30:00.000-07:00

The Roman soldier, Arthur, defends Britain against invading Saxons in this completely atrocious movie.

Van Helsing

2006-10-20T05:29:00.000-07:00

A hero seeks to defeat various supernatural beings. A very pretty movie, and a very horrible one.

Batman: Mask of the Phantasm

2006-10-20T05:28:00.000-07:00

This animated Batman movie relies heavily on the comics Batman: Year One and Year Two and was, until Batman Begins, the best Batman movie ever. It shows Batman confronting old enemies and old flames while revealing much of their origins in clever, stylistic ways.

Classwar – Rob Williams

2006-10-20T05:27:00.001-07:00

This self-righteous, not especially well-done comic of a superhero that decides to fight corruption in the US government has been done before and better.

Jonny Double – Brian Azzarello

2006-10-20T05:27:00.000-07:00

Ex-beatnik, ex-cop, current PI Jonny is hired to keep an eye on a free spirited drop-out and gets himself caught-up in a convoluted series of fatal scams. Not a bad comic, despite its problems, with some stylish art from Eduardo Risso.

Myth Alliances – Robert Asprin and Jody Lynn Nye

2006-10-20T05:26:00.000-07:00

Finally we return to the adventures that made the Myth series so popular. Too bad it took another author to do it. The collaborating writers take our hero Skeeve and pit him against a group of foul tempered demons who are holding a dimension of Wuhses (that’s right) in their clawed grasp. I glad the fun is back.

Myth-ion Improbable – Robert Asprin

2006-10-20T05:24:00.000-07:00

While this book was written between Sweet Myth-tery of Life and Something M.Y.T.H. Inc., it actually takes place much earlier (volume 3.5). After reading the disappointing pair mentioned, I excitedly indulged in Asprin’s attempt to rekindle his passion for and understanding of his core characters and adventure scenarios. Apprentice magician Skeeve, his mentor Aahz, and the enticing Tananda are off dimension hopping in search of a fabled golden cow. Sounds like a true Myth Adventure to me. Unfortunately, the story isn’t terrific and I was annoyed that Asprin picked another vampire dimension to sojourn in. It was nice to see the old gang back in action, but considering Asprin isn’t even writing the series himself anymore, it may be time to stop reading them.

Something M.Y.T.H. Inc. – Robert Asprin

2006-10-20T05:23:00.000-07:00

Aside from The Phantom Menace, I have never waited so long for an artist to continue his work. Like with Lucas, I’m horrifically disappointed in Asprin. Granted, if I had been more diligent I could have read this a mere eight years after the cliff hanging Sweet Myth-tery of Life, still, I was looking forward to engaging the myth group back in action. Told through the view of the mobster/bodyguard Guido, the story parallels Sweet Myth-tery (see review) and by that I mean this book is as unexciting as the other. True, more (something) actually happens, yet all the build-up of rebel activities, romance and murder turns out to be absolutely nothing.

Sweet Myth-tery of Life – Robert Asprin

2006-10-20T05:17:00.000-07:00

When I realized that Asprin had finally gotten back to writing the Myth Adventure series, I reread this title. I’m not sure if it is because I hadn’t read this in ten years, but it didn’t impress me. Our hero Skeeve, the magician, is faced with the dilemma of whether he should marry the lunatic Queen Hemlock. The trouble, I think, is that nothing really happens in this tale. No madcap adventure in strange dimensions, no overcoming devious villains, just Skeeve’s ponderings. To put it simply, it is not the same series that I fell in love with.

Sutton Impact: The Political Cartoons of Ward Sutton – Ward Sutton

2006-10-20T05:16:00.000-07:00

Sutton’s cartoons humorously and voraciously attack Republicans and conservative agendas. Pity his beloved Democrats would never do the same.

Kill Bill vol. II

2006-10-20T05:14:00.001-07:00

The Bride continues to seek revenge on her old associates and lover who attempted to murder her. I liked this one better than the first as I felt it was less reliant on camp although it was still filled with disappointing ludicrousness.

Hellboy

2006-10-20T05:14:00.000-07:00

An awesome gang of paranormal misfits must save the world from an ancient evil. This decent movie is based on one of my favorite comics has the unfortunate and completely unnecessary addition of a normal human sidekick.

Stickleback – Graham Annable

2006-10-20T05:13:00.000-07:00

This kooky tale of a toilet paper sculpture designer looking for inspiration would be better if it didn’t cost $6.95.

To The Heart of the Storm – Will Eisner

2006-10-19T12:46:00.000-07:00

Eisner recalls a somewhat fictionalized account of his life that examines anti-Semitism in America and how the experiences shaped him. It’s a powerful look at the supposed land of equality.

Sanjuro

2006-10-19T12:43:00.000-07:00

Akira Kurosawa’s masterless samurai hero from Yojimbo returns to help an idealistic group purge their clan’s corrupted officials. It’s fun to watch Sanjuro out think his enemies and make a mockery of the traditional samurai image, but the film was too heavy in its preaching.

Yojimbo

2006-10-19T12:42:00.000-07:00

A masterless samurai stumbles into a war between two rival gangs and seeks to take advantage of the chaos by increasing it. It is probably my favorite Akira Kurosawa film.

Wine & War: The French, The Nazis & The Battle for France’s Greatest Treasure – Don & Petie Kladstrup

2006-10-19T12:41:00.000-07:00

After France fell to the Nazis, Germany began to plunder (among other assets) its wine. This is the story of how winemakers became some of the first–and most effective–resisters to Nazi rule. Well researched, well written, well done! Wine & War is a high-speed historical adventure. My only trouble was my lack of knowledge on how to pronounce the various French names and wine brands.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince – J. K. Rowling

2006-10-19T12:40:00.000-07:00

The penultimate Potter book focuses on Harry’s relationship with his mentor Dumbledore and their exploration into the past of archenemy Lord Voldemort, sadly, at the expense of most of the other relationships and characters that Harry has developed and interacted with over the previous five years at Hogwarts. The Half-Blood Prince is more of a segue way to the final installment of the Potter series and, therefore, lacks the dark intrigue of The Order of the Phoenix or the simple cleverness discovered by being introduced to such a “magical” world as The Sorcerer’s Stone.

Ultimate X-Men Vol I and II – Mark Millar

2006-10-19T12:38:00.000-07:00

The Ultimate line is designed to allow new readers to experience Marvel characters from the start (a modern start that is). Millar brings us the mutant X-Men, who humans hate and fear for their unique powers, and has them battle the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants and attempt to gain acceptance along side normal people. If this little summary doesn’t tell you anything about the various characters in the books: good. I don’t know anything about them either. For a title designed to introduce a reader to a series, Millar simply throws a bunch of slightly retooled characters at us for no better reason than to spotlight everyone’s favorite: Wolverine, who–for someone with no memory–is the closest we have to an actual rounded character in the stories. I fail to see a reason for this series.

Myth-Taken Identity – Robert Asprin and Jody Lynn Nye

2006-10-19T12:36:00.000-07:00

Someone is impersonating Myth Adventures hero Skeeve the Magnificent and racking up quite a debt and it is up to his ex-partner/mentor Aahz to settle the situation–involving a pack of shape changing mall rats and a would be world conqueror–any way he can. This second collaboration of the two authors is a good deal of fun and excitement. Nye seems to lend a higher level of prose and longer stories, yet I recall the earlier books as funnier and–being that they had Skeeve and Aahz together, playing nicely off each other–somewhat sweeter. Perhaps that exact magic can’t be reinstated, even if the old team is resembled; at least give me the faux quotes introducing each chapter. Is that so much to demand?

Bad Santa

2006-10-19T12:35:00.001-07:00

This is a laugh out loud film about a foul mouthed, alcoholic, perverted thief (who wears a Santa disguise to commit crimes) who slowly develops an affinity for a nerdy kid.

But I’m A Cheerleader

2006-10-19T12:35:00.000-07:00

A teenage cheerleader is sent to a rehab camp for homosexuals in this view of the plight of those trying pointlessly to fit in. It’s silly, over the top and not a great movie, yet it makes me happy every time I watch it.

House of Flying Daggers

2006-10-19T12:33:00.000-07:00

Computer enhancement made this film of rebel intrigue and doomed love visually marvelous. Still, a half hour before the movie was done, I was.

Ultimate Spider-Man – Brian Michael Bendis

2006-10-19T12:31:00.000-07:00

I haven’t read Spider-Man in a long time. Too many stupid story lines about alien costumes and clones. If only there was a way to cut out all the past nonsense. Well, starting the series over with a modern twist is an extreme way of doing that, but sure, OK. Bendis retells the story of Peter Parker, the nerdy kid who gets super-spider powers and how it changes his life as he explores what it means to be saddled with both great power and great responsibility. There is a lot to like in the forty or so issues I've read of this series: catchy dialogue, modern references, good art, and interesting takes on some classic villains. My problems are that the traditionally loser Parker is one of the coolest lady killers around, the dialogue is unrealistically snappy, the emphasis on modern references makes the comic dated all the faster (as opposed to the generic original), and some of the changes Bendis made to the villains (Green Goblin, I’m looking at you) are ridiculous. For all my complaints, I enjoyed Spider-Man as I haven’t in years.

Something Positive – R. K. Milholland

2006-10-19T12:30:00.000-07:00

The first cartoon I remember from this on-line strip is the one where the main character/stand in for the author, Davan, sends an ex-girlfriend a baby shower gift of a wire coat hanger. This should tell you all you need to know about this comic. Just in case it isn’t, it’s about a group of artistic, misanthropic, alcoholics in Boston who take great pleasure–and go to great pains–to torment friends and foes alike. I really enjoy the self-deprecating characters in this foul-mouthed strip. And I’m not alone. You can tell that success has hurt the comic somewhat, however, as too many characters who were either heinously stupid, pathetic losers, or complete jerks have been turned into the likeable but misunderstood sort. I still read and like it; I just liked the grittier days better.

Amphibian Nosferatu (1) - Mark Alpert

2006-10-17T18:52:00.000-07:00

Amphibian Nosferatu (2) - Mark Alpert

2006-10-17T18:50:00.000-07:00

Amphibian Nosferatu (3) - Mark Alpert

2006-10-17T18:49:00.000-07:00

Amphibian Nosferatu (4) - Mark Alpert

2006-10-17T18:44:00.000-07:00

Amphibian Nosferatu (5) - Mark Alpert

2006-10-17T18:37:00.000-07:00

Amphibian Nosferatu (6) - Mark Alpert

2006-10-17T18:31:00.000-07:00

Amphibian Nosferatu (7) - Mark Alpert

2006-10-17T18:28:00.000-07:00

Amphibian Nosferatu (8) - Mark Alpert

2006-10-17T18:23:00.000-07:00

Amphibian Nosferatu (9) - Mark Alpert

2006-10-17T18:20:00.000-07:00

Amphibian Nosferatu (10) - Mark Alpert

2006-10-17T18:17:00.000-07:00

Amphibian Nosferatu (11) - Mark Alpert

2006-10-17T18:14:00.000-07:00

Amphibian Nosferatu (12) - Mark Alpert

2006-10-17T18:11:00.000-07:00

Amphibian Nosferatu (13) - Mark Alpert

2006-10-17T18:05:00.000-07:00

Amphibian Nosferatu (14) - Mark Alpert

2006-10-17T18:00:00.000-07:00

Amphibian Nosferatu (15) - Mark Alpert

2006-10-17T17:56:00.000-07:00

Amphibian Nosferatu (16) - Mark Alpert

2006-10-17T17:53:00.000-07:00

La Cenerentola – Gioacchino Rossini

2006-10-17T07:23:00.000-07:00

I’ve only seen a handful of operas and most of them I could have done without, yet this version of the Cinderella story was delightful. Filmed during a performance at the Vienna State Opera, I was highly impressed by the sets and clever use of props (There is a scene with a carriage racing through the rain that, for all its low tech restrictions, was so masterfully done that it left me cheering.). Typical of the art form, the performers don’t always visually match their characters, but the masterful singing and hilarious writing facilitated suspension of disbelief. Rossini layers his actors’ musical scenes for great results; however, he has a tendency to draw out some parts too much and made Cinderella ridiculously saccharine.

ArmzRace featured at the Houston West Fest Block Party

2006-10-16T17:02:00.000-07:00

Click on image to enlage (ArmzRace is about halfway down the list).

Infinity Gauntlet – Jim Starlin

2006-10-16T09:13:00.000-07:00

The mad nihilist, Thanos, uses the power of the Infinity Gauntlet to enslave reality. Can the powers of the Marvel universe save us? Who cares? Big explosions, small purpose.

A Series of Unfortunate Events: The End – Lemony Snicket

2006-10-16T08:33:00.000-07:00

I can’t discuss the final, thirteenth book of the series without also describing the book release and signing event at Barnes & Nobles. I knew to arrive early for the passes to the October 13th, Friday the thirteenth, event. It was designed for school kids (this is a children’s series after all), or rather it was designed for the parent of a kid to come by after dropping off the child at school, pick up the pass and return after school for the actually festivities. All told, I waited outside of B&N for two hours for the half hour Snicket event and then proceeded to wait another two hours to get my book signed. Daniel Handler, as that is who he is, is good to his fans; he stuck to his act of Snicket not being available, sang hilarious songs with the other member of “The Gothic Archies,” delighted the crowd with dark humor, interacted with children from the audience and warned us all to avoid the horror of reading his books. There were children activities in another part of the store, so those waiting for the chance to have the book signed could keep busy and his until closing time frame for signing guaranteed that no one would leave disappointed (although I was perturbed that, after so long a wait, he didn’t write the inscription I requested).

I wish I could be as enthusiastically about the series finale. Future generations shall condemn contemporary fiction for its clichéd use of the non-ending ending, wherein an author simply stops the narrative rather than have a true conclusion of events. Not only is that the case here, but also Snicket didn’t really tell a story at all. After the constant buildup of mysteries, The End gives only a minor story about the Baudelaire orphans and their nemesis Count Olaf trapped on an island together and spends the rest of the time repeating phrases to fill up space and attempting to justify the complete lack of completion. It is a shocking disappointment in shocking poor taste and shockingly poorly done.

Pirattitude: So You Wanna Be a Pirate? Here’s How! – John “Ol’ Chumbucket” Baur & Mark “Cap’n Slappy” Summers

2006-10-16T08:01:00.000-07:00

Actually, it doesn’t tell you how to be a pirate, just how to act like a movie stereotype of one; it’s all in the attitude. The two authors, responsible for the invention of “International Talk Like a Pirate Day” (September 19, make a note) throw together some hilarious stories, a few pirate facts and a whole lot of fun in their quest to help you act like a fool—I mean pirate. I’ve been all over this idea since I dressed up as “Overcoming Adversity Pirate” last Halloween sporting two hooked hands, three (three?) eye patches and a dead parrot.

The Medieval Festival at Fort Tryon Park

2006-10-16T07:48:00.000-07:00

Some might call this a Renaissance Festival, but not us New Yorkers. This is my second visit to the October fair, which I have been ignorant of for years. When I went the first time in 2005 I made the error of arriving midway through the six-hour event and was only able to visit a few overpriced, gimmicky souvenir booths (ye old DVDs) and eat a giant turkey leg. On this occasion I arrived at the opening and had a much more fulfilling time witnessing a parade of costumed performers, a birds of prey exhibition (featuring some exciting hunting demonstrations from an owl, hawk and falcon even if the handler spent far too much time talking), and a mock joust that included all the silly and fun drama of a pro-wrestling match. After that I called it a day, despite not indulging in a giant turkey leg, as the multitudes again flooded the park. Something about the arrangements of the booths and events need to be redone as you either have empty space or stifling crowds. I suppose that’s why it’s a free event as opposed to the expensive ones which are always too far away.

Comic Reviews: 10/15/06

2006-10-15T09:16:00.000-07:00

Y: the Last Man #50 So the secret is finally revealed, sorta. While I never expected it to be scientifically sound, I didn't think it would be based on a debunked "scientific" study. Still, this is a comic book, and had all the creatures with Y chromosones really died out, the entire ecosystem would have collapsed, not just human society...so, I've overlooked a few details. I have enjoyed Y, but I'm glad it's winding down. You can only delay gratification so long, and Y has been a four year long tease. Fun, but still a tease.

Doctor Strange: The Oath #1 This was far from a perfect issue of Doctor Strange (did we really need to hear his origin again?), but on the positive side, it had 3 things I love to see in a Strange book: Wong kicking ass on the earthly plane while Strange works on the ethereal one; Strange remembering he was once a surgeon, and putting that knowledge to use; and the human, emotional interaction between Strange and Wong. The maguffin is a bit over the top, but I suppose it's pretty mundane compared to the things Doctor Strange has seen.

Green Arrow #67 So this wasn't as bad as I expected, but as I mentioned last time around, the story could have been tied up in a couple of panels rather than 3 issues. I still enjoy McDaniel's artwork (very reminiscent of Phil Hester), but let's get back to the main story please. This sidetrack is pointless.

Irredeemable Ant-Man #1 And speaking of Hester, he does a nice job here on a new version of Ant-Man, even though I think his talents could be better served elsewhere. Ant-Man was a fun read, although the twists and turns were a bit annoying, and the narration seemed really awkward and out of place (maybe because it is used so little these days). I don't know that we need a second monthly title about a guy who can shrink (see below), but Kirkman does bring his flair for goofy characters along--and we can definitely use more fun comics.

All New Atom #4 So artist John Byrne is suddenly gone from this title, and while I won't shed any tears, his replacement has significantly less panache (and he seems not to have read the script in some places). Writer Simone lays out plotlines for the next dozen issues, and thankfully, gives us fewer quotable quotes this time around; but the story of the alien invasion is really dragging. She needs to wrap it up and get on to Brandon Choi doing his science thing or this one will be dropping from my rotation.

Fables #54 The cover alone is so creepy that you can tell things are about to go downhill for the Fables. The Adversary (er, I mean, the Emperor) begins his diabolical plan, and the espionage abounds. I'm not sure you could pick up this book at this point and understand what is going on, but, man, you should be reading it.

Dork #11 Wicked, wicked stuff from the deranged mind of Evan Dokin. I'm only 3 pages in, and I'm already rolling. The puns and the sight gags are just awful, and yet I can't look away. How long has it been since the last issue? TOO LONG.