Jonny Quest Opening Titles in Stop Motion

My comic picks for 1/15/20

My comic picks for 1/8/20

My comic picks for 1/1/2020

My comic picks for 12/26/19

My comic picks for 12/11/19

My comic book picks for 11/27/19

The new X titles from Marvel

Marilyn Manson - The End

My comic picks for 11/14/19

My comic picks for 11/20/10

My comic picks for 11/6/19

My comic picks for 10/23/19

My comic picks for 10/16/19

My comic picks for 10/9/19

My comic picks for 10/2/19

My comic picks for 10/9/19

My comic picks for 8/14/19

Stumptown, Vol. 1: The Case of the Girl Who Took Her Shampoo by Greg Rucka
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When you owe thousands of dollars to the casino you can expect that your chips will get called in. This is the case of P.I. Dex Parios who finds herself working for the head of casino operations. The granddaughter of Sue-Lynne has disappeared and if Dex can find the girl, her debts will be written off.

Dex soon discovers that the girl might not want to be found that there are other folks looking for her as well. A Portland, OR crime boss offers to pay Dex to let him know when she finds the girl, plus there are two other thugs who warn her off. Since Dex can be hard to convinced, she ends up being roughed up and even shot. While this might cause others to drop the case, Dex is even more determined to discover where the girl might be and why so many others are looking for her.

Greg Rucka is a great writer and he brings his skill at writing thrillers, as well as comics, to this book. Artist Matthew Southworth is a great choice for the art, making the characters recognizable and making even the quiet scenes interesting. The muted coloring used in the book help with the atmosphere.

I believe the series (or at least the character of Dex) has been picked up for television later this Fall. There are more books in the series and I'm interested in picking them up as well.


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Venus in Heat by Edward Detetcheverrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In an alternate history, aliens made contact with Earth in the late 1940s. They did not come to conquer, but to negotiate trade and technological exchanges. Over the years the number of alien races known to mankind has increased. Some use Earth as a tourist spot, but some have come to settle. While many don't have much contact with humans when there are these interactions are under the jurisdiction of the members of StarNet, when problems occur. While generally the alien offenders are sent back to the home worlds for disciplinary action, sometimes more aggressive action if needed. A special group of these officers work with AI called Quasar who assist them.

When the remains of small boys are discovered, they seem to indicate that evidence of being eaten. It soon becomes possible that it may be aliens abducting and using these children for food. Captain Haines Geiko, a member of Quasar Force, probably not the best example of a good cop is paired a new partner, a former veterinarian, Geoff McKenna, to investigate the abductions and murders. Both Geiko and McKenna bring their own personal baggage into the situation and tensions soon arise.

The book contains violence, drug use and sex, as well as the possible exploitation of children, so you should be aware of this ahead of time if any of that bothers you.

The author doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of the case and Geiko isn't always the most likable of characters. There is a lot of humor in the book, along with the examination of an Earth becoming part of a wider galactic order. Personally, I'd like to see some of these characters again, as things are left hanging on a couple of plot threads.


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Astérion, the minotaur, walks through the streets of Toulouse

My comic picks for 8/7/19

My comic picks for 7/10/19

Panic by Harold Schechter
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Was there an epidemic of child predators in America. Men driven to horrible desires by listening to swing music. As usual in these situations politicians, the media and others seeking a platform try to.find someone or something to blame for events that are often hard to explain.

One of the more disturbing books in this
series of historical crimes. The author focused on a brutal number of child murders that caused a panic until the more enormous issued taking place around the world in the lead up to WWII drove the issue from the headlines.


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My comic picks for 7/3/19

The Pirate by Harold Schechter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Harold Schechter is one of my favorite True Crime writers. His focus is mainly American serial killers of the 19th & 20th century. This is the first of a series of shorter works that focus on little known murders that were major events at the time, but have been forgotten.

This deals with the event leading to the conviction and execution of Albert W. Hicks, who was charged with "piracy on the high seas", despite the murders taking place in the waters off New York on an oyster boat. Hired as a mate, Hicks killed the other three members of the crew, for what amounted to less than two hundred dollars, a pocket watch and several items of clothing. As the bodies were never recovered the prosecutor went with the piracy charge.

P.T. Barnum even makes an appearance here as he paid to be allowed to make a 'life mask' of Hicks and purchased from him the clothes he wore while imprisoned. These Barnum put on exhibit in his NY hall for public display. I found it also interesting that in earlier years Hicks moved to my hometown of Norwich, CT where he was arrested and confined for a series of robberies.

Shechter also spends time discussing not only the rise of the oyster industry in NY, but the social and political tone of the era, which helped to make what Hicks did into a huge event. His execution being witnessed by thousands along the shore of what would one day be the island where the Statue of Liberty now stands.


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My comic picks for 6/26/19

My comic picks for 6/19/19

My comic picks for 6/12/19

My comic book picks for 6/5/19

Negative Man Singing in a Karaoke | People Like Us DOOM PATROL 1x08 [HD]...

Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles by James Tynion IV
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is the first of three crossovers between these very popular characters. There is even an animated film being made, but not sure if it adapts any of the existing books.

Tracking down Shredder and his Foot Clan, who have used a transporter to move from their Earth to that of Batman's Gotham, the Turtles and Master Splinter attempt to prevent their arch enemy from creating chaos. Meanwhile, Batman is trying to discover who the mysterious ninjas are who are stealing scientific devices around the city. Naturally, as is the case in initial hero meetings Batman and the Turtles battle each other until their common purpose is discovered.

Not a great story, but entertaining as writer Tynion is able to capture the underlying characters of close to a dozen different characters. Batman isn't quite as dark as he is sometimes portrayed, while the Turtles maintain their humor, but take the situation seriously, as they discover what could happen to them if they remain on this Earth.

Easy to see why this was popular when initially published and why there were follow-ups.


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My Comic Picks for 5/29/19

Leon Redbone - "Walking Stick" Live at the 1973 Buffalo Folk Festival

My comic picks 5/8/19

My Free Comic Book Day picks

May 15th Picks

My Comic Picks 5/22/19

The Legend of Caleb York by Mickey Spillane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Collins has taken a screenplay written by the late, Spillane for John Wayne, but never produced. He has turned into a complete novel, more Zane Grey than Louis L'Amour in style. This is the first in a series of books that the author will be writing based on the same character.

The town of Trinidad, NM is under the control of outlaw turned sheriff Harry Gauge, who rules the area with his former gang now deputized. Seeking to expand his holdings to the ranches of the surrounding area, Gauge has bought our or forced out many of the smaller landowners. One major obstacle is George Cullen, a now blind ranch owner, and his beautiful daughter, Willa. Gauge will stop at nothing to get both the ranch and Willa.

Into this situation comes a sharply dressed stranger who quickly becomes the focus of Gauge's hate and Willa's infatuation. In typical Western fashion we're soon involved in gun play and high drama.

This is an old fashion western and Collins easily takes up in the tradition of the better Western writers. You can easily envision Wayne or a number of other classic Western heroes filling the role of the hero in this book. A quick read of under 200 pages.


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pete seeger which side are you on

My Comic Picks for 5/2/19

My Comic Picks for 4/24/19

My comic picks 4/3/19

All Systems Red by Martha Wells
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Security Bots are made up of a combination of organic and robotic elements. Like other bots they can be programmed for a variety of skills, in this case to act as bodyguards/protectors for survey teams as they explore planets for minerals, fauna or other valuable items. Having been involved in an incident that caused it to kill a number of humans, this bot has been reprogrammed. At some point it was able to hack into its programming and become self aware. It has also decided to call itself Murderbot, and all it wants to do is to watch the entertainment serials it has downloaded between its necessary duties.

Contracted out by the corporation to provide security to a survey team working on a little known planet, Murderbot discovers that things are not as they should be. Technical glitches and gaps in the information the team has on the planet leads the team to discover why and who might be behind this. In order to perform his duties, it might become necessary for Murderbot to reveal his own secret. If he does, what will be the reaction and will he simply be deactivated and reprogrammed.

Wells introduces a fascinating new SF character and we see the story unfold from his perspective. I'm looking forward to reading the further adventure of the character and where he goes from this point on.


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My Comic picks for 3/6/19

Deadly Class, Volume 1: Reagan Youth by Rick Remender
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rick Remender, has been writing for Marvel and other American publishers for years. His creation Deadly Class is now an on-going TV series on the SyFy channel. This first TPB collection was adapted into the first season of the TV show, with some minor in the timeline and the appearance of some characters. I heard of this book but didn't pick it up until I was already a fan of the show.

Marcus is an orphan, whose parents were killed during the suicide of a released mental patient. Marcus has decided that this was caused by the Federal government cutting funding to institutions which lead to this tragedy, so decides that Ronald Reagan is to blame. His goal is to kill the then President. Wrongly believed to have caused the death of a number of children in a fire that destroyed the orphanage, Marcus is living on the streets and trying to keep away from the police. One night while escaping he finds himself rescued by other teens that he discovers are students of Kings Dominion, a secret high school that trains the children of elite families to become assassins. As he begins his studies he finds himself becoming friends, something he has never had before, with other students who are also seen as outcasts (called Rats). Eventually it becomes clear that neither Marcus or his fellow students can every truly escape their pasts, nor the hidden agendas of their families and the school administration.

The book ends at a point about mid-season in the TV series, so you'd have to decide if you want to continue from here as some plot elements in the show are given away in the graphic novel. I'm a fan of both and look forward to the show and future collections of the series.


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My comics picks 2/28/19

Thriller (metal cover by Leo Moracchioli feat. C.J Pierce)

Comics Review - Murder Falcon #1-4 from Image.

Murder Falcon, Volume 1 by Daniel Warren Johnson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I first heard about this book in Comic Shop News prior to the initial release. While this is the TPB collection, I read the title as it was released monthly. Johnson created, wrote & drew this book with the assistance of Mike Spicer. Really love the art and the look of the creatures that Jake and Murf (the nickname Jake has given his partner) fight.

Creatures of chaos have invaded the Earth and Murder Falcon has come here to fight them. He receives his power from the energy of the metal music that Jake plays on hit guitar. Jake himself, had gone through a personal tragedy (which we learn about slowly through the first four issues) and had given up on the idea of being a member of a metal trio just getting ready to hit is big. We get Jake's backstory, as well as MF's in bits and pieces, along with meeting the two other members of the band. Each group member has the power, through their instruments, of calling forth a creature to aid them in their battles.

I admit my knowledge of metal is limited, so only a few of the real groups and musicians mentioned in the book (and letters page) are familiar to me. One thing it has done is to be me searching YouTube for videos and the music of some of these folks. That's certainly not a bad thing.

Even if you aren't a fan of the music, the story and art are interesting enough to carry you along. I recommend you give it a try. I'm looking forward to see where the band goes from here. Hey, they even have cowbell now!


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Review - Stranger Things: The Other Side

Stranger Things: The Other Side by Jody Houser
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dark Horse brings us a graphic novel, written by Jody Houser, that takes us back to the first season of the show. What was Will Byers doing in the Upside Down, while his family and friends searched for him?

Nice art by Stefano Martino, shows how Will was able to survive as well as some flashbacks to the gang playing Dungeons & Dragons. How did those times help Will and shape his understanding of the events happening around him.

This is really aimed at folks who are already familiar with the show and its characters. Not a good jumping on point for anyone new to the show, but rather a little bonus for those of us waiting for the next season.


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Review of Marvel Tales #1 - Featuring Venom

Marvel Tales: Venom (2019) #1 (Marvel Tales by David Michelinie
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Marvel Tales, beginning in the '60s, was a reprint title sometimes focusing on Spider-Man. It ran until it was cancelled in '94 with #291. Marvel has brought it back, again as a reprint title, initially featuring important issues of particular characters. The first one contained three issues of the Fantastic Four from various eras of that title. Each issue begins with an essay by former Assistant Editor and writer, Ralph Macchio discussing the history of the character featured.

This one focuses on the anti-hero Venom, currently one of Marvel's most popular characters. The first issue is actually about Peter Parker, when he was still wearing the black costume, prior to it being separated from him. This is Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man #119 and showcases Black Cat (the thief who was in love with Peter) and the X-Men villain, Sabretooth.

Next is The Amazing Spider-Man #316, with art by Todd McFarlane (prior to his split to co-found Image). Venom is now bonded with Eddie Brock, who is seeking Spider-Man. Unfortunately, Black Cat again ends up getting in the way of the symbiote.

Finally, we have the first part of a Carnage story from TAS-M #361. Peter has tricked Eddie Brock into thinking he has killed Spider-Man, so he and Venom are not living on a small Caribbean island. Meanwhile, a portion of the symbiote attached itself to serial killer, Cletus Kasady, who is now calling himself Carnage. With increased power, Kasady has escaped prison but continues to kill randomly as Spider-Man and the police seek to stop him.

Not great stories, but if you are a fan of Spider-Man or the symbiote (in its various incarnations) this is a nice way to check in on its history.


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My Comic Picks 1/23/19

My comic picks 1/16/19

Shinobi Ninja - Post No Bulls (Official)

My comic picks 1/2/19

"The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" - Gordon Lightfoot (HD w/ Lyrics)

Passing of Ray Sawyer, lead singer of Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show

Shinobi Ninja - Brooklyn To Babylon (Official)

Five Finger Death Punch - Blue on Black (Official Video)

Metropolis (Here She Comes)

Deadly Games - Trailer

Geese in Lake Forest, CA

My Comic Picks 10/3/18

I Wish Bruce Campbell Was My Boyfriend - The Mary Lous

Jefferson Airplane Volunteers (Live At Woodstock 1969)

Saw the Airplane twice in concert.  Both were amazing events.

Stephen Colbert Connects Chance the Rapper with "Lord of the Rings"

Has it been a year already? Gearing up for San Diego Comic-Con 2018

So much has happened in the past year that I don't even know where to begin.  While I'm excited about Comic-Con there is also a sadness that will touch part of it.  Last year, when I left Donna was having a friend, Jeanne, looking in on her at home and other folks were making sure that she was okay. Neither of us knew that our lives would be changing in only a few weeks.  Donna passed away in August and the best eighteen years of my life were suddenly behind me.

I've been very fortunate to have to have had love of family and friends this past year.  Also, as silly as it may seem, I've also had various fandoms and interests to help me through the hours and days that sometimes seem so empty.  At least until last December, I also had my work at the Orange Public Library to fill eight plus hours five days a week. Since my retirement it's difficult even to keep track of the days.  Unless I have a doctor's appointment, the only regular event in my life is my weekly Wednesday trip to Orange for my comics. That visit to Big Red Comics on Glassel was the one thing to which I looked forward. I also would occasionally drop in at Comic Quest or Nuclear Comics to fill in some gaps.

At least once a week, sometimes more, I go to the movies.  The Movie Pass app certainly helps with that as the subscription cuts down on the movie prices a bit.  Right now I've gotten so many points on my Regal Club card I may never have to pay for popcorn or soda ever again. I'm also addicted to using the Stardust App, where I seem to be posting or responding to reviews several times a day.

So here it is with Comic-Con only a week away.  I've gone through the program and marked off a few panels and events I would like to attend.  Of course, as usual I'm sure, something will come up to throw all my plans up in the air. It may be my wonderful step-daughter, Kristina and her amazing wife, Sarah, or it could be suddenly running into a fan friend or even a co-worker I haven't seen since last year.  Suddenly I'm forgetting all about panels and find myself off to lunch or just sitting around chatting and catching up. I've already gotten an invitation to a publisher's event, which came as a complete surprise.  Who knows what else might come my way.

As usual, my promise is to try to write about my SDCC adventures when I return. Since I have so much free time, maybe this year I'll actually get around to starting and completing that.

If you are going to be at Comic-Con, please say hello if you know me.  Hell, even if you only know me from Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or Stardust I'd be thrilled to meet you.

Peace out!

My Comic Picks for 7/4/18

Harlan Ellison: Dreams With Sharp Teeth - Trailer

Four-Color Fiend Graphic Novel Review: Kill or Be Killed

Kill or be Killed, Volume Two by Ed Brubaker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dylan has continued killing those "who deserve it", he has been trying to keep the demon at bay, but things have begun to go wrong. A detective begins to wonder if the killings are somehow connected, when Dylan is discovered by the NYPD after his latest murder she goes to her superiors in hopes that her theory will be taken seriously. Also, the Russian mob isn't about to forgive the killing of one of their own and the shooting of one of their girls.

As the net around Dylan begins to close, he finds his own personal life also taking a turn. He has broken up with Kira and taken up with an old girlfriend. Then Kira finds his stash of illegal medication. Things start to get even worse.

Brubaker and artist Sean Phillips continue their story of vigilante justice, demons and emotional breakdown. Recommended to fans of thrillers, graphic storytelling and a touch of noir.


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HELL'S KITTY 2018 - HD Official Trailer HD - Horror Movie

November - Official US Trailer - Horror Movie

My Top Ten Films for 2017

Book Review - Ambassador of Space

I wanted to like this book more, but really found it more confusing than fun. Originally published in 1975, maybe I've just seen so much that similar that this has lost the charm it once had. It seems that a Valerian & Laureline film will be released later this year, and the trailers look pretty cool. If it's successful I'm sure that the graphic novel series will be doing quite well.

In a distant time and space, 'spatio-temporal' agents Valerian, the clean cut hero, and Laureline, his beautiful assistant (and really the brains of the operation) move through time and space as the only humans in a very, alien environment. A mix of Barbarella and pulpish space opera, it's amusing and maybe in a better frame of mind I'd have enjoyed it more.





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Batgirl, Vol. 3: Death of the Family by Gail Simone
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the third TPB to collect the Batgirl issues written by Gail Simone. When these were being published I had recently dropped almost all DC titles (New 52! My butt!!) and the "Court of Owls" storyline pushed me to drop the remaining Bat books. As good a writer as Simone is she was stuck in one of those situations where she had to put a halt to much of the story she had been writing so that Barbara Gordon and others could take part in the Court cross-over. Unfortunately, this makes this and the prior volume sometimes hard to follow, as part of the story was continued in the other Batman affiliated titles.

Once the Court arc is taken care of Simone is able to return to the storyline involving Barbara dealing with her guilt over her recovery and the return of The Joker. This is the phase where he was wearing his old face stapled onto his now disfigured one. I'm not blaming Simone for that stupidity, but it's still there and for me takes me out of most scenes where you see it in closeup.

Along with that Barbara must deal with the return of her mother, the somewhat strained relationship with her father the Commissioner and the escape of her serial killer brother, James.

Once everything is in place Simone does a great job of bringing everything together and moving along the lives of her characters. Generally a good read once things get straightened out.


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The Public (Emilio Estevez Movie) - Official Trailer

Certainly something to think about given the current situation in this country.  I've been a Librarian for over thirty years and admit to be conflicted.  It does look like a good film.

Dark Horse Number Ones by Various
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I'd probably give this a half star more, but as with all anthologies you have really good stuff and some that just doesn't do it for you. In this case more hits than misses, but I've been a big fan of Dark Horse for years. They and Image put out some of my favorite books, with DH taking the lead at the moment.

Of course, you can't go wrong with Hellboy or any title in the Mignola-verse. "Hellboy in Hell" is another outstanding entry in that series. I actually read the story by Gerard Way and Gabriel Ba featuring their Umbrella Academy before, but it was still fun and I recommend the series about a group of children with powers abandoned by their parents and raised by a wealthy benefactor. The tales often go from when they were children to their current adult adventures.

Dean Ormston's Black Hammer is about a group of super-heroes who disappeared and now cannot return to their own era. They are also trying to keep their secrets from the citizens of the area, but events might not allow that for much longer. An interesting series that I plan on following. Harrow County by Cullen Bunn and Tyler Crook is a nice horror tale of witchcraft and curses from the past. Dept. H is a murder mystery in the future that takes place in an undersea research station. This is by Matt Kindt and Sharlene Kindt and I've already been buying this series. If you might be interested in a straight story of militias and survivalists, with family dynamics complicating an already tense situation than Brigg's Land by Brian Wood and Mark Chater might be something you like. No costumes or curses, except the four-letter ones, in sight.

As I said, there are always stories in an anthology that don't click for you, but your opinion might be different from mine.

I didn't care for Lady Killer by Joelle Jones and Jamie S. Rich. A housewife, who is secretly an assassin has a dark comedy feel, but I didn't like it much. I think the fact that there is some more than flirtatious chemistry going on between the main character I find distasteful. Guess I'm old fashion. It does seem to have a following. Kurtis Wiebe and Mindy Lee's Bounty is about a pair of female bounty hunters in outer space. Aliens, robots and folks with strange powers. Fun and nothing original enough in this sample issue to get me to pick it up.

The best thing about this TPB is that it's only six bucks for eight #1 issues from a wide-range of creators in a number of different genres. I just with I could have given it that extra star.


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Killing Trail by Margaret Mizushima
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this first book in the series we are introduced to Police officer Mattie Cobb and her new partner, K-9 police dog Robo. Mattie and Robo have only recently finished their training and are assigned as the first members of the new K-9 division of the Timber Creek, Colorado Police Dept.

When a young girl goes missing and Robo discovers her body, Mattie and her partner begin an investigation into the murder and possible drug dealing in the small town. Both Mattie and Robo are getting to know each other, and are just beginning to form a bond when things begin to escalate, when a second body is found, that of the major suspect in the girl's killing. The investigation may lead back to Mattie's past and possibly a fellow officer.

Officer Cobb, Robo and a newly divorced veterinarian are great characters. A solid beginning to the series.



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The Stardust App and Netflix addiction

A few months ago the Schmoes Know crew began promoting a new app, Stardust, on their podcasts.  It allows anyone who has an account to create a short video of twenty seconds in which they can give their thoughts on current or past films, reactions to trailers or review of a particular television series and individual episodes.  Fellow members can then Like the review. It sounded like fun, so I downloaded the app on my iPhone.

Now each morning and several times at night I'll log on and see what my fellow 'Dusters have to say.  They have made it easy to search either by the reviewer or by a film or TV show title, where you can get all the reviews previously loaded.  Initially, members would sometimes post a video in response, but recently Stardust has added a 'comment' feature that makes it easier and really does create a sense  of community. 

Each week members receive an e-mail and message in the app, recommending shows and films to which they would like members to pay attention.  These are usually new releases or popular series. There is also a weekly video where portions of member posts are shown to a larger audience.  A cool way to get more followers and find folks you might not have been aware of previously.

If this sort of thing interests you check it out. You can find me, if you want, at @Stevec50.

As I may have mentioned previously, the Ladies were kind enough to set me up with Netflix, and it wasn't long before I began watching a number of films and TV shows I'd never had a chance to catch initially.  There are also programs, like Stranger Things, House of Cards and several series based on characters from Marvel Comics. 

I've tried five of the six Marvel shows so far, only The Defenders, which unites the individual characters remains to be seen.  The current shows I'm watching are Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, Daredevil, Iron Fist and The Punisher.  I find that I'm in agreement with my fellow 'Dusters and many other folks on social media regarding Daredevil. It's not bad, so much as lesser in quality when compared to the other shows, especially (IMHO) Luke Cage and The Punisher. All the series stay fairly close to the source, with only a few small references to the Marvel films or the bigger hitters in that universe.

The Ladies are having me watch House of Cards and I'm in the middle of Season Two.  Most folks seem to agree the show gets weaker after the third season, but I've got a way to go before I find out for myself. Of course, with the Kevin Spacey controversy it doesn't look like there will be anything beyond the current season. Unless Netflix decides to make some major changes, writing out his character in some fashion.  

I've go to admit that for me it's Stranger Things that make my subscription worth the money. I absolutely love the show (only in its second season) and really admire the acting of the mostly young cast.  Winona Ryder, as Joyce, the mother of one of the kids is amazing.  Easy to forget what a good actress she is.  The other main adult character being David Harbour as Chief Hopper.  Harbour can go from light comedic scenes to really being a bad ass, making both scenes believable.  Considering the horror and SF elements of the series, the fact that the writers allow for so much humor in some episodes helps to flesh out the characters.  

Sorry I went on for a bit, but it has been a while since I've done more than drop in a video or a review.  

I also want to wish everyone a very, Happy Thanksgiving!

The Four-Color Fiend: A Graphic Novel Review - The Discworld Graphic Novels

The Discworld Graphic Novels: The Colour of Magic & The Light Fantastic by Terry Pratchett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you are already a fan of Terry Pratchett's Discworld series these graphic novel adaptations will be an additional delight. The two books here were adapted by Scott Rockwell, with wonderful artwork by Steven Ross. Even if the characters aren't exactly as you may have envisioned them it's still fun to see them.

These novels introduce the reader to the concept of Discworld, a place where magic isn't what it used to be and one has to be careful since you really can sail off the face of the world and into the void. Discworld rests on the back of four huge elephants, who themselves stand upon the back of the giant turtle, Great A'Tuin. Not a perfect place, but the Creator was running short of ideas and this seemed good enough at the time.

We follow the travels and adventures of the failed wizard, Rincewind and Discworld's first 'tourist' the sometimes clueless, Twoflower. Also along is Twoflower's magical luggage trunk, which will always find its owner, and is pretty able of taking care of itself.

Great for fans of fantasy, who don't mind a little humor and the poking fun of religions.


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Ultimatum: March On Ultimatum by Aron E. Coleite
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Maybe if I had read the Ultimates titles when Marvel was publishing those books this would have meant something to me. I frankly never got further than the first issue of Ultimate Spider-Man, so the versions of the characters that appear here don't have an impact. Let's face it, if you don't know or care about a character than their death (sometimes in multiple incarnations) doesn't mean anything.

I was never really sure what the point of the Ultimates were, except that some of the characters (Nick Fury, in particular) more closely resembled the ones we saw in the MCU films. As this hardcover is a compilation of several annuals the writing and artwork varies depending on the creators. The artwork is never bad, but some artists are certainly better than the material they work on here.

If you are a total Marvel Zombie (I think there's a trademark on that now) or a fan who loved the Ultimate titles, you're bound to get more out of this than I did. Really glad I could borrow this from the Library and not have to pay for it.


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Batman/The Flash: The Button Deluxe Edition by Tom King
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I have to admit that when I first heard about this I was going to give it a pass. I don't want to give anything away, but older fans might immediately pick up on the 'major reveal' from just the cover of the collection.

I can't say that the merging of the DCU with that of the other world seems like more a spit in the eye of one of the creators of that group of characters. It's still enough to catch my interest, but there really is no great mystery, as I say, just a series of events that get the Flash and Batman from one point to another. Tom King does what he can with this plot, but I can't say that he does enough for me to get me to come back.

With Batman now in the midst of the Metal cross-over event, I don't know when or how this will be resolved. To be honest I don't know at this point if I care if it does.


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A Book Review - GHOSTS a graphic novel

Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Telgemeier, known for her graphic novel adaptations of The Baby-Sitters Club, as well as the original books Sisters & Smile, here tells the story of Catrina, a typical young teenage girl whose parents take her and her sister from sunny, Southern California to a windy and foggy seaside town in the norther part of the state. The move is due to the cystic fibrosis with which her younger sister, Maya, suffers. As much as she loves her sister and is concerned about her, Cat can't help but feel some anger as she is separated from the friends and their social activities. Slowly she becomes adapted to her new school and makes friends, but in doing so cuts Maya out of her life.

One thing that both sisters discover is that the town believes in and celebrates ghosts, especially at the annual Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) festival. It seems that here in this town the dead truly do return to party and feast with their descendants. Can the fearful Catrina finally accept the possibility that spirits do survive? Also, why do some of them become so welcoming to young Maya, who understand all too well how brief life can be.

While Telgemeier's artstyle is easily accessible to kids, I'm not sure that this book would not frighten some younger children, with the concept of death, especially of children their own age. Lovely book, but parents might want to read it before letting their child read it or reading it to them.


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A Book Review: Girl Waits With Gun by Amy Stewart

Girl Waits with Gun by Amy  Stewart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The first book in a series based on the real life of Constance Kopp, an early female Deputy Sheriff in Bergen County, NJ. She and her sisters, living on their own on a farm, became involved in an accident with a local business owner who refused to pay for the repair of their buggy. From that point on the lives of all three sisters took a dramatic turn. Eventually leading to Constance entering a profession quite unusual for women in that era.

Told from the viewpoint of Constance, Stewart (using a mix of real and fictional characters) presents a wonderful, if old fashioned story of three very, different women and how their lives were changed by what should have been the simple repayment of a debt. Throwing in a fictional account of a child kidnapping, the book consists mostly of material taken from newspaper articles, letters and journal entries, plus interviews with the descendants of some individuals.

All three of the Copp sisters, along with other secondary characters in the book are well developed and I'm looking forward to reading the other books in the series.


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It's almost time for Comic-Con 2017

Hard to believe that it's already that time again.  Doesn't seem like a year has passed since the last one.  Hell, I think I still have some books I picked up there that I haven't read yet.

It's going to be strange not having my friend, Dan, here this year.  He's going to be taking care of some personal business and so couldn't attend. If we try again next year, maybe things will work out. I've also heard that Dick's Last Resort is no longer open, which is a bummer, as it had become a tradition to grab a burger and brew there at least once during that week.  There are lots of other places in the Gaslamp, but Dick's had it's own unique personality and the place was always full of fans & pros having a great time.

Not sure what I'll be up to this year, since I'll be on my own, plus as I'm not going to be trying to get into Hall H I'll have more free time to check into some of the smaller rooms and just wander the main floor.  I will be spending part of Thursday at the San Diego Public Library attending the 2nd Annual Educators & Librarian Comic Conference.  Very interesting last year and the inspiration for the Comic-Con we had here at Orange Public Library in May.  We had close to 600 folks in attendance and hope to make it an annual event.  I have to thank the folks at SDCC for allowing us to license the Comic-Con trademark and also the Free Comic Book Day organization for sending us dozens of free comics that we were able to hand out to attendees of all ages.

Can't close without admitting that one of the best parts of my visit is getting to spend time with my step-daughter, Kristina and her lovely bride, Sarah.  They always find some new place to take me to and we never fail to have a great time.

This year I actually hope to complete the SDCC coverage of my day-to-day adventures.  I never finished it last year, but plan to be a better blogger this time out. One of the highlights was meeting and getting a selfie with actor Nyambi Nyambi, probably best known as Samuel on the show Mike & Molly. Really a nice guy.

You can probably keep better track of me on Facebook or Twitter, or even my occassional Instagram posts. If I ever figure out Imgur I might try to post there, instead of just checking out other folks.

Stay tuned!

My Book Review - Before the Fall by Noah Hawley

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When a private plane crashes in the water's off Martha's Vineyards nine of the eleven passengers and crew are killed. Last minute boarder Scott Burroughs and the young son of wealthy parents are the only survivors. Initially declared a hero for saving the boy, Scott soon finds himself not only suspect in the crash but also the target of a Bill O'Reilly like TV anchor with his own agenda.

What happened to the plane to cause the crash and just who were the people on board? What led them all to be on that plane on that particular night? Writer Hawley (Screen writer and executive producer of several TV shows, including Fargo & Legion) does a great job here introducing us to some realistic and flawed folks who find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time on one fateful night.



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Nat'l Lampoon's Deteriorata

Nat'l Lampoon's Deteriorata

Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2 - A Popcorn for One Review

Let's get the most often asked question out of the away at the beginning. No, this film is not as good as the first movie, but not all sequels are.  Of course, you do have some where the second film in the franchise is better.  Sadly, this is not the case here, but I did enjoy the film, only glancing at my watch once.

The Guardians are doing what they do best. Taking on some big bad for a reward.  The opening scenes of the film are a lot of fun and show that the movie is going to go even more for laughs than the first.  Maybe there is even a little too much humor, as setting up some jokes really does take away from the main story.  Which happens to be the discovery of Peter (Star-Lord's) true father and where he has been for all these years.  Kurt Russel is wonderful, as usual, playing the human appearing projection of Ego, the Living Planet. An entity millions of years old, who had been seeking his true purpose.  Having fallen in love with an Earth woman, who was to give birth to his son, Ego moved on for a while.  I'll not give anything else away at this point, but there were some wonderful scenes between Russel and Chris Pratt throughout the movie.

While this is going on we have the "B" plot, involving the race called The Sovereign, who believe themselves the ultimate in evolution. A golden skinned (and eyed) race who consider themselves superior in every way.  Feeling that some of there property has been stolen (and you can guess by whom) they set out to destroy the Guardians.  When one attempt fails they turn to Yondu and his band of cutthroats, who may have their own reasons for wanting to meet again with the Guardians. While Yondu (played with obvious glee by Michael Rooker) was fun in the first film, his role here is much larger and very central to both story lines as they merge.

I think I can give this movie a solid "B" without much effort.  The jokes mostly hit, the acting was good by everyone, with Dave Bautista just great as Drax.  It was nice seeing some new Marvel characters appear, some fun cameos and two actors that I was surprised to see, but enjoyed. One of them I hope to see reappearing in some future movies.

Of course, Marvel fans know they need to stick around for some post-credit fun, but here we even get some cuteness during the credits.  One of the later bits sets up a character who will probably be introduced in the third Guardians film.  I'm a long-time fan and immediately realized who this was going to be even before the name was revealed.  If you read the Kirby issues of Fantastic Four, you'll be just as excited.

The trailers preceding the feature were mostly for comics related films coming up later this year, with only Christopher Nolan's DUNKIRK standing out as not fitting into the SF or comics genre.  It was a fun few hours and even with the movie being in its second weekend the 11:40 AM showing on Sunday was still half full.

In A Dark, Dark Wood - My review

In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While well written and entertaining, I can't say that loved the book, since it had a too familiar feeling about it and the murderer could be guessed at before the last few chapters.

A small group of people , consisting of friends of the bride-to-be, are invited to a 'hen' or what we could call in the states a bridal shower of sorts. It is to take place in the isolated home of a relative in the titular dark, dark wood. Once they arrive it is discovered that there is little if any cell phone reception and the only landline seems to have gone out at some point the first night. Tempers begin to flare and old grudges come out as time passes, eventually leading to an event that is hinted at from the beginning.

I think my biggest problem with the book is that I was reminded, not in a good way, of both Gone Girl and The Girl On The Train. By which I mean that the book is peopled with folks who are generally unlikable and whose ultimate fate, for the most part, doesn't really effect me. In this book, as in Girl On The Train, the main narrator is suffering from a temporary loss of memory which allows the 'mystery' to gone for longer than it otherwise would.

If we can judge from the other two best-sellers, we'll soon see this one headed for the big screen.


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Book Review - Ambassador of the Shadows (Valeian & Laureline series)

I wanted to like this book more, but really found it more confusing than fun. Originally published in 1975, maybe I've just seen so much that similar that this has lost the charm it once had. It seems that a Valerian & Laureline film will be released later this year, and the trailers look pretty cool. If it's successful I'm sure that the graphic novel series will be doing quite well.

In a distant time and space, 'spatio-temporal' agents Valerian, the clean cut hero, and Laureline, his beautiful assistant (and really the brains of the operation) move through time and space as the only humans in a very, alien environment. A mix of Barbarella and pulpish space opera, it's amusing and maybe in a better frame of mind I'd have enjoyed it more.





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Review - Girl On The Train

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Reminded me in a way of Gone Girl, in that there really isn't a character I found likable. You might sympathize with them but, as the killer states at one point, they brought it on themselves to a degree.

Rachel travels by train each day to London and back, imaging the life of what she wants to believe is a perfect couple she glimpses as she passes. One day she witnesses something unexpected that shatters her illusion. When the woman disappears shortly thereafter, Rachel can't help,but to,try to insert herself into the investigation.

Told in the words of not only Rachel, but also by two other women effected by the unraveling events. The book is well written with believable characters, but it does seem padded a bit and seeing the same events from different perspectives doesn't always add to the suspense. Once the killer is revealed the book actually drags on for several more chapters before the inevitable resolution. As with Gone Girl, I'm at a loss as to why this was such a huge hit.


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Review: Adam Strange/Future Quest #1

You don't need to have read either the Future Quest mini-series, featuring the Hanna Barbara action character, or the recent Adam Strange/Hawkman adventure to enjoy this stand alone story.  Writers Marc Andreyko and Jeff Parker give us enough backstory so that we don't feel lost. Adam Strange really fits into the Quest universe quite well.

Hurtled by The Zeta Beam into this alternate world, Adam finds himself in a lost valley where young, Todd known as Dino Boy and his Neanderthal pal, Ug search for Todd's parents. Able to contact Dr. Quest, aid arrives to try and help Adam return to his own world. A fun story that would have fit right into the old Jonny Quest series.

Add on a short tale featuring Top Cat and Batman, believe it or not, this is a nice book that ranks as my third favorite in this cross over series.

Review - Jughead: The Hunger

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Jughead: the Hunger #1 by Frank Tieri
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Not a part of the Afterlife With Archie series but like the Sabrina book, it takes place in a darker, more realistic Riverdale where the supernatural effects the characters.

Here we learn that a killer is stalking the town and some of the characters familiar to readers have already met a horrible end. We learn who the person responsible is and the end hints that a sequel could be possible.

If you don't mind a different take on Archie and his friends you might enjoy this. Also, as it isn't part of the ongoing series a new reader won't be lost.


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Paul Shaffer – “Happy Street” ft. Bill Murray [Official Music Video]

LOGAN: A Popcorn for One Review

A pretty good way to say goodbye to two characters and two actors who helped make the X-Men franchise so popular.  Both Hugh Jackman (Logan/Wolverine) and Sir Patrick Stewart (Charles Xavier/Professor X) say they are walking away from the roles they have become so identified with.  In the case of Jackman, these are the films that pretty much made him a star.  Of course, there have been rumors that he might decide to put on the claws once again to do a cameo in the second DEADPOOL film, but I don't believe that has been confirmed as yet.

The X-Men films have played fast & loose with time and their own continuity for a while now.  To be honest, you really don't have to have seen all the other films to understand this one.  There is even a small bit that implies that not everything we thought we knew was necessarily as it happened. Indeed, there is little reference to the other mutants who followed the Professor, except for the mentioning of an incident in the past where Xavier may have used his abilities, causing the death of the rest of the team.  Both Charles and Logan are ill, their hope is to get enough money so that they can purchase a boat and get out of the country.  Meanwhile, a corporation that has been experimenting on children in order to create a new race of mutants, is searching for one child in particular who has escaped.

Jackman and Stewart are the focus of the film and their relationship has become reversed, with Logan caring for the aging Charles, whose power has become hard to control, unless he is constantly being medicated.  The adamantium which was injected into Logan to make him into Weapon X is now poisoning him.  His ability to heal is becoming less reliable as time goes by.  Both men know their time is limited, but Charles has a secret.  He is waiting for the child, known as Laura (played remarkably by the young Dafne Keen) who has a link to Logan of which he is unaware.

Sort of a dark, 'road picture' with the two actors and their young companion attempting to get to safety and perhaps finally get that boat.

I don't want to give anything away and the trailers give you a taste of what you are in store for.  It is indeed deserving of an "R" rating, since Logan and others reveal a ferocity only hinted at in earlier films.  The only negative I can admit to is that there is a bit of a drag in the second part of the film, so a bit of editing could have taken out maybe 5-10 minutes without effecting the film badly.

Oh, and to save you the time, there are no post credit scenes so you can pack up if you don't normally stay through the lists of accountants and animal wranglers.  You might want to get there a bit early though, as there is a DEADPOOL teaser before the film begins.  Also, if you are anything like me you might bring a tissue or two.