The Week in Geek
A clearing-house of geek activities and news for the week.
*******************************************************
SAN DIEGO COMIC CON DOCUMENTARY 2010
For some reason, yours truly thought it would be a good idea to submit a story and photo to the casting director of the 2010 Comic Con Documentary. Perhaps it was the allure of Joss Whedon and Stan Lee. One can never REALLY know.
It was sent off Saturday – got a phone call back on Monday, and conducted the telephone interview on Wednesday. We’ve been asked to submit an audition tape by no later than July 2nd – stressing our intentions for Comic Con and why they should follow us around.
How crazy is that? I have a feeling that my giant comic book tattoo has something to do with it. Probably also my intention to photograph and/or take video of people with comic book tattoos for either one really awesome post here on the blog, or to create a webpage. Not sure yet. But it’s on my list of things to do.
AND: We will be dressing up in costume. I kinda gave up on the Hit Girl cosplay idea. Something about wearing leather in the sweltering climate of Southern California in late July. Instead, I’ve chosen a far less nerdier angle – BSG characters. Both Dan and I. Already ordered our dog tags (Apollo and Starbuck, respectively) – just have to put together the off-duty uniforms . Nothing that would attract a ton of attention, but I like the idea of paying homage to one of my favorite television series without donning a screaming purple wig. OK – I’m also getting a bit too old for cosplay. I’ll admit it. I think late 20s or early 30s should be the cut off, unless you’re a model.
Our friend Smalls is going as a Merlotte’s waitress one of the days, so I thought I’d try donning some Fangtasia apparel – to balance it out. We are initiating True Blood Tuesdays and might even pick up some Tru Blood bottles to drink out of.
*******************************************************************************
X-MEN: FIRST CLASS
James McAvoy has finally dispelled all those Hobbit rumors, and he’s now signed up to play a young Charles Xavier in X-Men: First Class – a prequel to the first four films in the series. It will be directed by Matthew Vaughn of Kick-Ass fame and penned by Jane Goldman. Aside from knowing that yes, the young man can act – the next big question is, can he pull off the part? There’s going to be all sorts of continuity baggage, because Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen played digitally altered younger versions of their Xavier and Magneto characters in at least two X-Films already. So presumably McAvoy will be a much younger version of Xavier, and won’t be interacting with the X-Teens at all. OR WILL HE!? No one knows.
I was a bit “meh” at first – thinking McAvoy and Stewart look nothing alike. But I did a little facial comparison, and I think they can pull it off. The only weird thing is now I have raging boner for Professor X, which is not OK. There was never a moment, nor should there ever be a moment where I’m sexually attracted to Professor Xavier. But I can’t help the sexy. Guess that might change when I bear witness to a bald McAvoy. 
ALSO: Runaways looks like it’s actually going to take shape, because it gained a screenwriter this week. Not sure why the original series creator/writer, Brian K. Vaughn, wasn’t tasked for the job – since he writes comic books AND wrote for several years on Lost. *shrug*
*************************************************************************************
SCARLET PREVIEW
Brian Michael Bendis seems like a pretty cool dude, and I’ve been trying now for several months to find a body of his work that I enjoy. It started to be Spider-Woman, but then that series quickly fizzled out. I’ve picked up the first TPB of Powers, and it’s alright so far…but I’m not completely blown away by the misogynist bits clustered here and there. But I do LOVE the art of Alex Maleev, and I’m a sucker for a red-head with guns. So, when Bendis unveiled the Scarlet Preview on Twitter yesterday…I knew that I would definitely need to start collecting this series from it’s infancy.
I’m sold on the artwork already. I would probably pick up almost anything Maleev does at the moment. I haven’t been this attracted to the artwork of an artist in my entire history with comic books. So – having a female centric book helps, with a writer that seems competent and who I am desperately trying to connect with in some work of art or another.
Barriers this book will have to surpass in order for me to give it a passing mark – it will have to be much more than a male action hero with breasts. It will need to feature at least more than one woman on its pages. It would be even better if the two women actually liked one another. You can see I’m still skeptical about this, but anxious to delve into a creator owned series. Those are like my bread and butter. Mmmm.
**************************************************************************************
That’s it for the moment. This weekend will be condo remodeling intense again – but I picked up a few books from the comic shop yesterday and I’m unveiling a month-long project for June which will hopefully be interesting and entertaining.
Lost Series Finale Recap
Mentioned earlier this week that I was going to be busy this weekend prepping for the Lost Series Finale Party hosted at my sister’s place. It went off last night with a few hitches, but overall I think people enjoyed themselves.
Here are some pics to recap all the jolly good times:
THE END OF ALL THINGS *SPOILERS*
I know a lot of people out there are pissed off at the religious/death cop-out…but for me personally the ending felt deeply emotional and quite satisfactory, which reflected some of my favorite parts of the series itself. I’ve never been as rabid for Lost as I have been for something like X-Men. Actually, can’t think of another show that I’ve had viewing parties for. Most of my other TV viewing has been done privately, at home with Dan or my parents. In this regard, Lost was truly a phenomenon for me. And perhaps the start of tradition for shows that my friends and family are excited about.
The other TV shows in my Top 10 (BTVS, Angel, Firefly, BSG, Deadwood, True Blood – to name a few) have all been approached mostly through DVD, so there’s a certain laze one is allowed to effect. I kind of like consuming my obsessions in chunks, rather than doled out limply over an entire year. Plus – no commercials.
“Live” viewing of shows, with other people engaged in them – is a pretty enjoyable past-time. I could definitely see having at least one show at a time that I watch communally and celebrate with friends and family.
OK – BUT DISSECT LOST NOW PLEASE
Not sure if I can. It’s a bit too soon, and this series was never about that for me. Sure, I got pissed off along with a lot of other people and stopped watching for awhile. Or railed against burning questions left un-answered. But in the end – life is best as a mystery. Things quite often happen randomly, with no meaning in the grand scheme of things at all. What I witnessed last night and shared with a room full of people was something more than that. I’m not quite sure what it was…but it felt right. There’s really no other way I can describe it.
It felt like it respected the material and the series arch that it was always aiming for. Though I would have liked it to be about Kate, Claire and Juliet…it was Jack’s journey. We woke up with him on the Island. We watched him, time and time again – deny faith and belief…but ultimately come to accept it. That arch – the religious and heroic arch, was always there. Burning away in the background. It was more present in the first few seasons, which many people claim are the best. So, it felt true to what I initially remember loving about the series – the mystical and mysteriousness…which so often we demand answers to but rarely receive.
Movie Review Double Feature: Thieves and Dragons
Sorry this is a bit late – LOST Series Finale madness has infected my household, along with watching all four of the X-Movies (many of which I know by heart) and prepping to do a guest spot on the Masks of the Silver Screen podcast. We’re taping tonight!!
The DH (Dan) and I are also remodeling our condo and work has picked up, so I’ll probably average about one or two posts a week until June. I promise more comic book and nerd news in the future. But while you’re waiting…why not feast on this awesome two-fer movie review?
**********************************************************
First off – this flick gets marked down at least 5 points for not having a creative title ala Robin Hood: Men in Tights or Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Seriously, you are up against some tough competition here folks. Step up your title game please. Thanks.
Secondly – a quote from Twitter a few weeks ago is haunting me wherein I claimed to have never met a Ridley Scott movie I didn’t like. OK, I don’t DISLIKE “Robin Hood” to the degree that some folks do (re: Dan) but I did have some issues with it. Here’s a list!
1. Marketing: Whenever somebody cuts a trailer of a period piece with rock music blaring over it…that’s a bad sign. Whenever a trailer and marketing team deliberately mask what a movie is really about…that’s also a bad sign. I honestly came to this movie expecting Russell Crowe kicking mad ass and shooting lots of arrows. LOTS OF ARROWS. Instead…there’s a few scenes of fighting but it’s mostly centered on some compelling, but distracting English history. I paid $10 to see Russell Crowe banter, look cool and kill folks old school style. Therein lies the rub.
2. Pacing: Cut off the first 45 minutes of this film or at least condense it down to five. You are catering to an audience weaned and suckled on sprawling Hollywood epics, we can follow the plot without 45 minutes of filmed back story. Seriously – throw up some title cards and cut to Russell Crowe returning home from the Crusades. In fact, for dramatic purposes, make him the real Robin (not Robert) of Locksley, who abandoned his new wife and elderly father to war for 10 years. That gives him (and the film) some dramatic tension as well as a chance for us to see character arch and growth.
3. Character Arch: There was none. Not really. Pretty much the whole film he is not on board with the Monarchy. Sure, he woos the pretty Cate Blanchett but other than that, there aren’t many layers to this onion. Sooo…create some! We watched the one-hour pilot of the BBC serialized Robin Hood adventures, and they managed to adequately provide back story and some character arch. Something 150 minutes of movie wasn’t capable of doing. Yikes.
4. Ladies: There are three of you. Compared to about 20 dudes (a few of whom look alike) who get more screen time. Maid Marian nearly gets raped towards the end of the film (sadly in line with “Prince of Thieves”). And totally fucks up an awesome opportunity to seek revenge by falling off her horse. What I learned from this movie as a woman: you will probably be almost-raped when the French sack your township, and in seeking revenge for the death of your father-in-law…you will fail. But your fake-husband will finish the job for you. And take all the credit for the 10 years you held the town together after he paraded off to war. Being a woman in Robin Hood times SUCKS. The other ladies are schemers. We are pre-disposed to hate female schemers…so there you have it.
CONCLUSION: The movie itself was intriguing, but the packaging gave no indication of what would actually unfold on-screen. Studios – stop lying to us to get us in your seats! Would I ever watch “Robin Hood” again? Probably not. But that’s only because Disney ruined me for any non-fox Thief Prince long ago. It’s tough to take on a classic.
Phoenix Tattoo: Session Three
No videos this time – but here’s a recap anyway. Told London Bellman at Atomic Arts Tattoo Studio that we probably wouldn’t be back for three months (indeed, my next appointment is September 11th) – and wanted to clean it up enough to show it off at the San Diego Comic Con.
He understood – and finished up filling in the space on the left side of The Phoenix, as well as some flame outlining. He also did more cleaning up of Jean Grey’s anatomy with black shading.
Here’s a few pics ranging from before any inking to the end of three hour appointment. Click on the image to scroll through them!
Charlaine Harris Book Signing in PDX: Recap
The Charlaine Harris book signing took place last night at the McMenamin’s Bagdad Theater Pub in Portland, Oregon. Along with our ticket, we purchased a copy of her new Southern Vampire Mysteries book – Dead in the Family. This is the book series that the True Blood series is based on, btw. The books are focused primarily on Sookie Stackhouse, whereas the television series takes side character detours, and it’s awesome and refreshing to read content with a strong female lead.
LOADS of ladies in attendance. A few dudes too, but for the most part we were surrounded by women.
The signing started at 7pm, but I didn’t get to the line until 6pm, and by that time it was already halfway down the block. We still ended up with decent seats – there really isn’t a “bad” seat in the smallish auditorium. This was the first time I’ve been inside the Bagdad Theater…it’s like a fucking cave in there. Yes, the lighting is very Casablanca-noir…but people were seriously tripping over one another.
Loved that the signing took place in a brewpub. We got beer and pizza to munch on while being entertained by the lovely Charlaine. She is hilarious and sweetly Southern. There’s a lot to be said for that famed hospitality.
Took a lot of video – here’s the first one. Check the others listed under my WalrusGrdn YouTube tab:
Lots of great quotes – my favorites:
“If my Lafayette was like TV Lafayette, I would have let him live too.”
In response to a question about whether she would prefer sex with a vampire or shape-shifter – “depends on whether you like things hot or cold.”
Advice for the San Diego Comic Con – “Have a good time, wear comfortable shoes and drink lots of water.”
And no, I didn’t ask the last question.
And here’s a few pics of myself, Smalls and my lovely mother. We hung around and got a personalized book signing from Charlaine after the Q&A.
The ladies with a signed book and the marquee in the background. Yes, they did misspell her name.
Iron Man 2…Much Awesome
Iron Man 2 has been a difficult review for me to write. Firstly – my weekend was intense with a remodeling project. Secondly, my last few nights have been busy. Thirdly…wasn’t sure I had much emotional investment in the film to do any form of analysis.
Despite all that – here ya go.
PLOT
Yes – the critiques are that the movie tries to do too much in it’s bloated two hour run-time. Yes, it could have easily stretched into four hours to add for lots of character development and so much more action…but it never felt like the film was wobbling or exceeding it’s grasp on the material. Unlike The Dark Knight, which had multiple endings and felt too long. Ironman 2, seemed just a bit too short.
A quick summary – Tony Stark is holding a technology expo as a throwback to his late father right in the middle of some manner of Senate investigation or trial regarding the Iron Man suit and it’s potential value as a weapon. The US military wants to get it’s grubby mitts on the technology (ala Iron Monger). Have a feeling this is going to be a re-occuring theme throughout the franchise…and it’s something that seems totally feasible to me. Yes – if this technology existed, the US Arms folks and Defense contractors would be salivating.
These kinds of details inject the Iron Man mythos, the hot-rod red suit and smarmy playboy cheese with a tangible sense of realism. Something I never felt in The Dark Knight film (to take another stab at that Comic Book Movie darling). Seriously people – get off the jock of that film. Aside from Heath Ledger’s performance…it wasn’t groundbreaking or mind-blowing, and it wasn’t the first film to treat comic book movies without kid gloves. So there.
Meanwhile – in some soviet country somewheres – Ivan Vanko is creating a modified version of the Iron Man suit (with special effects galore via electric whips) based on designs made by his recently expired destitute father, and Stark’s own papa. It appears that Stark Senior claimed all the glory for the tech and left Vanko Senior to rot in the mother country.
Vanko is out for revenge – and his clashing with Iron Man gets the best action-sequences, second only to some fancy footwork by Black Widow (Scar Jo). Sam Rockwell sleazes around as a Defense Contractor yearning to be just as skanky and clueless as Stark himself. Except he’s more eviler. It ends with lots of Iron clanking action.
ALSO: Stark’s mystery illness, hints of alcoholism and S.H.I.E.L.D. bits thrown in on top.
ACTORS
Robert Downey Jr really can’t lose in the role of Iron Man. Tony Stark, a smarmy genius playboy fits him like an exquisite tailor made suit. And what’s more? He’s fun to watch. There isn’t a single moment on-screen where the audience is thinking – geez, why are we still watching this guy? He chomps up the scenery, and the best the other actors can hope to do is keep up. Right? I mean, let’s just say it like it is.
Gwyneth Paltrow does her best as Pepper Potts. It doesn’t help that the original material is sexist garbage. They step up her character a bit more from the first film, and she’s accepts the CEO position of Stark Industries (is that a spoiler? If so – rather minor). The joke is – she’s already doing the job anyway. Any attempt to paint it as though she’s assumed more responsibility since becoming the CEO is kind of laughable. Whatevs – my hopes for women in this particular franchise and for the Avengers are slim. But yay for an attempt at inclusion, even if it’s botched?
I’m not to keen on how things wrapped up for her at the end of this flick.
Don Cheadle lays waste to any of the grumblings about his role with the very first line he utters on screen – “Yes, it’s me. I’m here, so deal with it.” Nuff said. He does a fine turn as Colonel James Rhodes (Rhodey), but the chemistry between Cheadle and Downey IS different. There isn’t much film time for them to establish solid rapport. We all know that was supposed to have been dealt with in the original. There were a few moments between them that felt clunky, and Rhodes *SPOILER* stealing the Ironman suit didn’t come off as well as it could have.
But the battle between the two in the Stark mansion? Awesome. Drunken Tony Stark in the Ironman suit? Awesome. War Machine? Awesome.
Mickey Rourke turns in a guttural and sincere performance as Vanko (aka Whiplash aka Blacklash aka Crimson Dynamo). This man has been on a crazy roll since Sin City – has he really sucked at anything? He doesn’t require much screen time to make his presence felt, and some of the best character interactions happen between him and RDJ in their quieter moments together.
The Martian Confederacy: Rednecks on a Red Planet
This book features talking bears on Mars, a sexy android and a praying mantis bartender. Not sold yet? Fortunately, there is much more to attract you to The Martian Confederacy, written by Jason McNamara and inked by Paige Braddock – published by Girl Twirl Comics.
I’ll admit, outerspace settings are one of those things I get squeamish about. Yet somehow, like musicals, I find myself attracted to them on a regular basis, despite my disinclination. At some point you have to relent and realize, if some of your favorite stories are told in space…you probably DO like space stories.
So, here it goes: Yes – I do like space stories. Damn you Firefly, Battlestar Galactia, Alien, Total Recall and Star Wars!! I don’t intend to, but it’s something that happens. I guess I can now add The Martian Confederacy to that list of things that unwittingly attract me to the cosmos.
Right – the plot is built on a Total Recall foundation, mixed with Star Wars and a dash of Firefly for good measure. Again, what’s not to love? The idea is that Mars has been colonized (can we get on that already?) and a corporation is controlling and cashing in on devices that create breathable air for the population of the entire planet. Poor folks get it the worst – and our heroes certainly fit that bill. They do live in a space trailer park after all.
A scientist has developed a moss that will bring oxygen to the planet and he is killed off within the first few pages. So it’s up to our heroes – Lou (the android), Boone (scrappy thief) and Spinner (the talking bear) to carry out his mission, while continually butting heads with a nasty space sheriff, the Alcalde, who rules the planet (he literally creates laws off the cuff), and has a two-faced mutant mistress.
I can certainly get on board with space cowboys, and I’m also comfortable with any space setting that doesn’t require the characters to hobble around in bulky suits. McNamara does a great job of fleshing out the world by establishing future lingo and setting up the rules of Martian colonization and laws. Especially got some good laughs out of the currency named after William Shatner (that’ll be five Shatners, please).
The Evil Corporation as the villain is a supremely believable scenario, and the friendly mocking/commentary on social class structure also bring depth to the story. I especially loved a statement made by Boone towards the end of the book, in which he’s able to utilize his experience in a low societal position to best the Alcalde.
Super Impressed by Supermarket
For someone looking for a swift, easy entry into the writing world of Brian Wood – Supermarket just might be the perfect portal. It’s short enough to be read entirely through in one sitting, and has some delightful commentary on society, commerce and the mentality of the rich, while providing a fun futuristic background and packing in a lot of action. Not to mention the gorgeously colored art by Kristian Donaldson.
Sure, there is a lot of Supermarket that isn’t well fleshed out, but for a four issue miniseries, the story covers a lot of ground. It easily does just as well as any Hollywood movie I’ve seen. If continuing comic book series are comparable to a television series, then graphic novels of this ilk are movies. And Supermarket makes for one kick-ass movie.
The story follows Pella Suzuki, a spoiled rich 16-year-old who comes home from her part-time job as a convenience store clerk to find her parents brutally murdered. She inherits a large fortune, but two organized crime syndicates are out to get it, and her.
Pella is a fantastic heroine. She is clearly concerned with global issues and people outside of herself – except she uses her part-time job to rip off the locals in the name of charity, while condemning coffee that doesn’t fairly compensate farmers, and driving around an electric converted vehicle. The contradictions work – a 16-year-old is FULL of contradictions (as are most adults). What is most intriguing about Pella is that she’s not morally pure. In fact, she starts off as moderately unlikable, which fits the profile for a spoiled rich girl. But the story and tribulations provide a decent arch for her – without sacrificing the witty edge that makes an adventure with her so endearing.
And yes – the art lines are delightful but it’s the sumptuous coloring that really makes the story pop and move across the panels. It’s colored with a pretty minimal palette, but the way in which the magentas, greens and oranges are utilized create a lovely frenetic energy which picks up along with the pacing of the plot. Even if the story weren’t as compelling as it is…I might pick up the book and leaf through it just for the awesome imagery.
I love Pella’s small breasts and big curvy hips. She is modestly rendered on the page, and even the shower scenes are devoid of any lurid stare. Also a personal favorite – the curly and fluid design of water, smoke and steam as depicted by Donaldson. It blends subtly into the page, but is striking enough to catch my eye on the panel. Seriously considering having some kind of tattoo with this sort of curling smoke depicted somewhere on my body.
The side characters aren’t nearly as articulated as Pella, but it’s not their story. One character in particular has a Deus Ex Machina vibe going on which felt pretty neutral for me. I didn’t love or hate it, and Wood was able to provide enough motivation for it to seem plausible. The inclusion of the god-like character seems more an agent of the tight story-telling which needed to occur, rather than laziness on the part of the author.
This is the first Brian Wood book I’ve been able to pick up and work my way through. I’ve checked out three other books from the library and none of them have enticed me enough to get past the cover. Now that I’ve had such success with Supermarket, I’m definitely considering picking up the acclaimed Demo. Anyone else have a favorite Wood book I should know about?
LINK LOVE:
Checking Up On Spell Checkers
The story of Spell Checkers cynically answers the question, what would teen girls do if they had magical powers? Apparently, they would cheat on every homework assignment, smoke like chimneys and become tyrant lords over their whole school. They would be cruel to their parents, teachers and each-other. It’s like every nerd’s worst nightmare back in High School, where the three most popular girls really do have the power to enslave the masses.
The story revolves around three High School aged witches, Jesse, Kimmie, and Cynthia who suddenly find themselves under attack by magical graffiti slander. The book opens on the present, with Joelle Jones inking the past and Nicolas Hitori De providing the art for the current timeline.
Some of the elements Jamie S. Rich weaves into these characters might be spot-on for teen girls in High School. But for me to be personally engaged with a character, I’m going to need a lot more than the snotty witches from this first story to compel me to pick up another book. I’m going to need one or two of them to be relatable.
Actually, that was what I hoped this plot-line was aiming for. With a common enemy they must unite against, the plot seemed rife to help expose the girls weaknesses and give them a little humility to soften their rough edges. Or even, perhaps – give them some kind of character arch. Not so much.
There was arch to the story, and a quick paced plot, so the point isn’t to skewer the writing here. The snarky exchanges between the girls are amusing most of the time, but then sometimes devolve into vengeful bitchiness for no apparent reason.
If your characters don’t like one-another, why should the audience or reader like them? Yes, they make with the funny…but I can get funny and identifiable or interesting somewhere else. Pure funny, especially if it’s mean, isn’t enough to keep me gripping and turning the pages.
It’s also not to say I can’t stand a character with loose morals and a bad attitude. But they must possess at least some interesting quality which makes watching them equivalent to enjoying a guilty pleasure. They’re bad for you, but they taste so good. No one character (or the trio combined) stand out as nasty treat I want to indulge in.
In fact, I found myself rooting for their common enemy by the end.
It’s fun to write snarky, and every author should get the opportunity to purge it from their system, but that doesn’t mean it’s always fun to read, especially in such high dosage. Snark works best when taken in moderation and coupled with a sign that mean girls actually do care about something besides their own scheming ends. We’ll call that – The Cordelia Chase factor. We could stomach Cordelia’s bitch-tasticalness because inevitably she would do the right thing. Or mostly the right thing.
Free Comic Book Day 2010: Recap
We arrived at the Portland Hollywood District Things From Another World store around noon, and were greeted by a herd of pirates. They had muskets, maces and one was even sporting a whip (pretty sure it was real). A father with his daughter dressed as a princess and son as a storm trooper wandered out of the store clutching their Free Comic Books.
We entered and picked up a couple of the free books for our nephews – they didn’t have any of the adult books (sounds so naughty) I’d scoped out. Ah well, this was more about getting out to the stores to show support, and nab some freebies for the nephews.
We picked up Iron Man/Thor, DC Kids and Toy Story for them, btw.
Then lots of browsing occurred – they were selling a whole folding table full of trade paperbacks for 60% off, along with some Alex Ross posters and a couple Darth Vader backpacks. Not sure if Dan and I will ever be nerdy enough to sport that kind of look. We purchased Whiteout: Melt to score a Steve Lieber autograph on that copy. Later on, we can get Greg Rucka to sign it and have the complete set.
Around 2pm Mr. Lieber showed up, and we descended on him with the Greg Rucka signed Whiteout book. He ASKED US if he could do a sketch in it. Are you freaking kidding me? Yes please!
Of course, he was another cool and laid back dude who was totally willing to chat while he drew. He spent a little time pimping Underground (though I asked him to) and dropped a hint about a Vertigo project he’s attached to, but couldn’t release any information just yet.
He’s part of the 22 person Periscope artist studio here in Portland, and really enjoys the supportive arts community that the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
After he finished up the awesome sketch of Carrie Stetko:
he politely posed for a picture:
Steve Lieber!
Then we stopped over at Cosmic Monkey Comics (it was just up the street) and picked up six issues of Madame Xanadu. We ran into the stunning Carolyn Main, and a few other comic book friends we’d met at Stumptown Comics Fest. It was great to see so many folks out supporting the art form and the event – and all the kids!
Dan
tinyheroes
Tiny Heroes 
