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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Asphalt Orchestra Plays Zombie Woof by Frank Zappa