C.S. Daley's Blog, page 10

8 Paws to Less Stress

These last two days have been a little stressful at work. My principal is out all week leaving me in charge. I don't really like being in charge for this many days in a row. I start to stress about teachers who I don't think are taking care of their own business. It makes me feel uncomfortable. For me being in my classroom surrounded by my students is the best feeling in the world.

After all these years I still really love teaching kids. It feels important. It is nice knowing when I get to the end of this journey I can look back and know I did something substantial. In the meantime, I get to stress out about being in charge. I am starting to think I don't want to do this anymore. It used to be easy being teacher in charge. I rarely had to leave my room to do it. Now they get me a sub. It might be time to let someone else have the opportunity to stress out over it (isn't this kind of me).

Luckily, I have a sure fire way to reduce stress. Two cats, eight paws, a bed, and a piece of string. Playing with my cats is a blast. I have had great cats in the past but Troubadour and Ginger are in a class by themselves. They are so different from each other. Troubadour is a big cuddle cat. He likes to lick and be next to you. Ginger gives out her affection when she feels like it. They both like to play.

It is a real treat to watch them go at it. Especially Ginger, who loves to leap and will spring great distances to attack string or your hand under the comforter. Ginger takes her playing seriously. Troubadour will play until he is tired and then plop down like the king of the world and watch Ginger.

They are both saving me this week (yes, I am aware it is only Tuesday). The first thing I do when I walk through the door is play with them. They know this and are always waiting by the door when I come home. They then fight each other to see who can trip me first. I have never had cats who liked to interact with people as much as these two. This is a good thing because I am going to need every bit of their cat attention. I used to hunker down and play video games to unwind but the paw destressor is a much better method.

Confessions Of A Book Addict

Hello, my name is Christopher and I am addicted to books. I write this confession in a room which is currently filled with books. Every wall, every nook, every space I can cram a book in there is one. I have so much credit at the used book store here in town I have stopped trading in books. Now I give them away. To friends, to the library, to kids at school. Speaking of school my addiction runs deep there also. I have more books in my classroom then all of the 4th through 6th grade teachers combined. I recently brought in my old Kindle and am now lending that out to students as well.

This week was a bad week for book addictions. Amazon had a ginormous sale on e-books. I knew I shouldn't have looked but I did. Not only did they have books I wanted but they had added large amounts of early works by writers I read. Then put them on sale for $2.99 a book. I think I bought 40 books. I didn't count I was afraid of what the number would be. The books normally sold for $8 to $9. It was too good of a deal to pass up. I have already read several of them.

That's the thing too. I am a veracious reader. I read between a 100 to 150 novels a year. It would be more if I didn't spend so much time writing (I did have a little slump the last few years but it ended this year. I cut out probably 70% of the television I was watching). One of the reasons I can't wait to be retired is the thought of all the books I will be able to read every year. I tease my wife that all the unread books in my house are my retirement fund.

I have gotten a little nastier over the last few years with my books. I used to be one of those people who would finish any book I started. No longer have enough time for that practice. I will kill a book quick now if it doesn't catch my fancy (one of the reasons I like the Kindle. I get to sample). I have a lot of books on my shelf waiting to be read but I know some of them won't make the cut. This week I killed a book after one page. Now to be fair I had tried reading the book once before and gotten a little farther. It didn't hook me but I liked the author enough to hang onto the book for another try. I read a page and was quickly reminded why I put it down the first time. Off it went to some other reader who could give it the attention it deserved.

I consider myself fortunate. This isn't a bad addiction to have. I get enjoyment, I get smart, I exercise the brain, and I learn a lot about writing. It was an addiction that got ahold of me early and one I will never try to cure myself of. Now, if I could lose a little of the chocolate addiction that would be okay (this is a blatant lie. I don't want to lose the chocolate addiction either).

The New DC Universe: Final Cuts

I really didn't think it was going to be very hard to make my final choices but I have been really tormented on some of these final books. They were really close to the line. Just interesting enough that I am sort of intrigued to see where it goes. Ultimately, I decided I would pass on a few books and then maybe pick them up at a later date at a cheaper download price.

As for my final thoughts on the new DC Universe. I think it was kind of a mixed bag. Some really good books that I can't wait to read the next issues and a whole lot of average. I am also not really sure they did a great job of restarting stories so new readers could come in. Some of the story lines (yeah I am looking at you Batman) are so muddled they are going to need to reboot the reboot to bring any sanity to it.

I have learned a few things. Good writing will take a story far. Animal Man and Wonder Woman being perfect examples of this. I didn't think anyone could compare to Grant Morrison's Animal Man but this has been close. This is also my favorite Wonder Woman story, maybe ever. Throw in the first Aquaman stories I have ever wanted to read and the fact that someone actually has me enjoying Red Lanterns to round out the good writing parade. I also learned I will always hate Damien as Robin. Oracle is still a better character than Batgirl (although I like the Batgirl comic) and you need great skill to make Catwoman a powerful character (something I am not sold on them having pulled off yet). From here on in I will be posting my thoughts in my geeking out blog. Here is my final list for now.

 

1) Wonder Woman

2) Animal Man

3) Justice League Dark

4) Batman

5) Swamp Thing

6) Red Lanterns

7) Aquaman

8 ) Action Comics

9) I, Vampire

10) Batwoman

11) Justice League

12) Grifter

13) Batgirl

14) All Star Western

15) Teen Titans

16) Superboy

17) Batwing

18) Supergirl

19) Superman

20) Frankenstien, Agent of S.H.A.D.E.

These next three survived only because I love the character and they gave me a glimmer of hope. They will go quick if the quality doesn't pick up.

21) Flash

22) Catwoman

23) Detective Comics

The New DC Universe: Week 12 Reviews

We have reached the end of month 3 and for me the end of the weekly blogs. I will read the issues this week and make my final cuts (I will tell which ones I am keeping on Friday). From here on out I will be returning to my geeking out column to keep you informed with my deep and abiding love of comics. Let's hope the last week is a good one. (Here are the previous weeks reviews).

All Star Western #3

Written by JUSTIN GRAY and JIMMY PALMIOTTI; Art by MORITAT and JORDI BERNET; Cover by MORITAT

I have mixed feelings about this book. I really don't like the back-up story at all. This bothers me because I have to pay the extra $1 for something which leaves me cold. Add in the fact that the book is getting steadily worse. The first issue was fantastic. I loved the combination of western and mystery. Since then it has become a steady stream of silly violence with a story which is losing its momentum. I still enjoyed it but it better turn around soon. 8 out of 10.

Aquaman #3

Written by GEOFF JOHNS; Art and cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO

I am not going to lie I miss the humor of the first issue a little. I kind of feel like they teased me with it and then snatched it away. Don't get me wrong, I still think this is a great book but I am not quite sure why they made the first issue so light but then took it all away. The art is still fantastic and the story very engaging. The monsters from the deep have been my absolute favorite baddies from any of the DC books. I can't wait for the next issue as Aquaman has finally hit the water. 9 out of 10.

Batman: The Dark Knight #3

Written by PAUL JENKINS; Art by DAVID FINCH and RICHARD FRIEND with JAY FABOK; Cover by DAVID FINCH and RICHARD FRIEND

Part of the problem with this book is that there is too much Batman out there and this book is just average compared to the main Batman book. The story is average. The villains are average. I do like the art but not enough to keep going with this story. I love Batman but a lot of his books right now feel exactly the same. Except, of course, Batman and Robin which is actually worse because of how ridiculous Robin is. There is nothing particularly wrong with this book other than I have no time for books that are not great. 7 out of 10.

The Flash #3

Written by FRANCIS MANAPUL and BRIAN BUCCELLATO Art and cover by FRANCIS MANAPUL

Something is just not quite hitting it with this book. I am not digging the main story much but I kind of like the slow introduction to Flash and his powers. Some pages I hate the art and then there will be a page which makes me go "cool". One of the problems I am having is the Flash in Justice League seemed so much more interesting. The pacing is all over the place and I am not sure it knows what kind of book it wants to be yet. Ultimately, this isn't a terrible book but it is a disappointment. I love the Flash but I do not love this book. 7.5 out of 10.

I, Vampire #3

Written by JOSHUA HALE FIALKOV; Art by ANDREA SORRENTINO; Cover by JENNY FRISON

I think it is interesting that the two best vampire stories going right now are both comic books being published by DC (American Vampire being the other). I can't get enough of this book. The writing continues to impress the hell out of me. The art is solid and the entertainment factor is sky-high. I admit I have been worried all along how this book was going to be incorporated into the DC Universe and I have not changed my mind there. It looks like next issue we find out. I am crossing my fingers it doesn't crash and burn for it has become the biggest surprise of the New 52 for me. 9.5 out of 10.

Justice League Dark #3

Written by PETER MILLIGAN; Art by MIKEL JANIN; Cover by RYAN SOOK

Have I mentioned how much I love Peter Milligan lately? There just isn't enough supernatural in the Marvel and DC worlds. When they do add in a bit of magic it often comes off silly. Not the case with this book. It isn't quite a vertigo comic but it has been good every issue. It has also managed to bring John Constantine (minus a lot of swear words) back into the DC Universe without looking silly. I love the art and the story has been top of the line. Everything you can hope for when you put together a bunch of rejected freaks and call them a team. 9.5 out of 10.

The Savage Hawkman #3

Written by TONY S. DANIEL; Art and cover by PHILIP TAN

Hawkman is one of the coolest looking characters in the DC Universe. It's too bad this comic isn't capturing all that cool. I love the look of Hawkman and yet in this book the art makes him way too plain. No dynamic fight scenes. No awesome full-page splashes. There is nothing wrong with this book other than its large quantities of average. At this point average is just not going to cut it but it will get it cut from my list. I hope somewhere down the road they turn this book over to a set of creators who can do something special with the character. Until them I am out. 7 out of 10.

Superman #3

Written by GEORGE PÈREZ; Breakdowns and cover by GEORGE PÈREZ; Art by JESUS MERINO

I thought it was a little slow this month. A lot of talking and several bursts of action. This comic still feels like a throwback Superman book. While Action Comics feels like the vibrant upstart. If I was forced to choose only one, Action would win. I don't think number three will be enough to make me drop it but I am a little worried about how inconsistent the book feels right now. I want to like it more but mostly I have felt it is only slightly above average (except for the art which I enjoyed). 7.5 out of 10.

Teen Titans #3

Written by SCOTT LOBDELL; Art and cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND

I am so glad I am enjoying this comic. I have always loved the Teen Titans and would have been sad if another one of my old favorites didn't cut it. This book has taken the same approach as Justice League did, introducing new members each issue. It has worked really well. DC has tried to come off young and hip in a lot of the new books and failed miserably but not with the Teen Titans. For me this is the one true teen hit of the new 52. I can't wait to see how they bring in their next new character. It is a mystery which will tie a few comics together. My favorite issue of this series so far. 8.5 out of 10.

Voodoo #3

Written by RON MARZ; Art by SAMI BASRI and HENDRY PRASETYA; Cover by JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER

I will say this book has improved from the first issue but I don't think it is going to be enough. The story is barely holding together for me. Then you throw in a fairly useless Green Lantern cameo and I am not sure what the point of this book is. For me this book needs to be stronger. It is already working an uphill battle to get noticed (hence the Green Lantern cameo). It isn't "suck the life out of you" bad, like the first issue was but it isn't anything I am really interested in either. 7 out of 10

—-DC Power Rankings

1) Wonder Woman – Not leaving this top spot anytime soon I imagine. This is turning into my favorite run of Wonder Woman ever.

2) Animal Man – Staying strong but not quite ready to bump Wonder Woman out of the top spot.

3) Justice League Dark – A slight bump up because the Deadman story wasn't weird this issue. Still one of my favorites.

4) Batman – Jumps up a few spots. Snyder is handling Batman as good as anyone before him.

5) Swamp Thing – I was a tiny bit worried after the first issue but this book is just getting better and better. Another large jump.

6) Red Lanterns – Trying to do something I have never seen in a mainstream DC book. Explore hatred and pain. May end up being the only Lantern book I keep buying.

7) Aquaman – I wish it would bring a little of the funny back but still solid.

8 ) Action Comics – I liked this issue better than number two. Grant Morrison continues to make Superman interesting to me. A major feat considering how uninterested I was.

9) I, Vampire –For a book as good as this one. I am still worried it could be in for a large fall when the heroes show up.

10) Batwoman – Staying a very strong comic. It has also had the most consistent artwork in the new DC universe.

11) Justice League – This comic has been steadily climbing up the ranks since the first issue. I expect it will be in the top ten before long.

12) Grifter – Had it's first drop in ratings this week. Hopefully, this is not a trend.

13) Batgirl – The appearance of Nightwing worked well. Batgirl's journey is going to be a hard one. No change in rankings this week.

14) All Star Western – One of the few books in the top twenty I am actually wondering if I want to keep. We'll see where it goes.

15) Stormwatch – Continues to tumble-down. It needs to stay in the top twenty for me to keep reading it. Not sure it is going to make it.

16) Teen Titans – Might have been the best issue yet. Hope it keeps getting better.

17) Superboy – A slight bump up. Right now the best book with super in the title.

18) Batwing – Jumps another ten spots up and climbs into the top twenty. Not sure how many more than twenty I am keeping but amazingly this book looks like it may make the cut now.

19) Supergirl – This book has been pretty steady. I was planning on only keeping 20 comics but if it somehow falls out of the top 20 I am still keeping it.

20) Legion of Super-Heroes – Jumps back into the top 20 but I am a complete sucker for Legion. Like Supergirl safe for another issue.

21) Superman – Just outside of the top twenty. Twenty was my cut off point for drops but I might have to keep this one.

22) Resurrection Man – No change in placement but very close to the line in the sand I will be drawing. Right on the bubble of being cut.

23) Frankenstien, Agent of S.H.A.D.E. – This book is in the land of books which could be cut but it has caught my interest. Will last another month.

24) Deathstroke – This book has sunk straight down. If I were a betting man it is not going to survive my next cut.

25) Green Lantern – I might end up buying the next book just to see where it goes but otherwise this book was probably heading to cutsville.

26) Flash – I want to like this book more than I do.

27) Catwoman – I hate to say it but I am probably going to give this book one more issue. Issue 3 was a step in the right direction.

28) Men of War – Another book which can't stop its tumble downward. A great first issue but I won't be reading it much longer.

29) Detective Comics – Not sure how much longer I will keep buying this book. There are other Batman family books that are far more enjoyable.

30) Captain Atom – This book is intriguing. I like what it is trying to do but I am not sure it is enough to save it for me.

31) Demon Knights –Not nearly as good as I hoped it would be.

32) Nightwing – I never dreamed this would be a book which would be an easy drop but it is. It will not survive the next round of cuts.

33) The Savage Hawkman- A fairly average book. It doesn't bring any wow to the table.

34) Batman: The Dark Knight – Better than Batman & Robin but that isn't saying much.

35) Justice League International – Eliminated

36) Suicide Squad –Really bad issue dooms it to be cut. I will try again if they pick up interesting creators.

37) Green Lantern Corps – Eliminated

38) Green Lantern: New Guardians – Eliminated

39) Blue Beetle – Eliminated

40) Green Arrow – This book is now dropped until a new creative team comes on. I am very disappointed.

41) Legion Lost- Eliminated

42) Batman & Robin – Eliminated

43) DC Universe Presents – This book will be back on my buy list when Deadman and this creative team leave. Until then it is gone.

44) Voodoo – Climbed out of the cellar but it won't save it.

45) Mister Terrific – Eliminated

46) O.M.A.C. – Eliminated

47) ) Birds of Prey – Actually moved up a blip but it is not enough. This book is gone off my pull list.

48) Blackhawks – Eliminated

49) The Fury of Firestorm: The Nuclear Men -  Eliminated

50) Hawk & Dove – Eliminated

51) Red Hood and the Outlaws – Eliminated

52) Static Shock – Eliminated

The New DC Universe: Week 11 Reviews

You know a project is nearing the end when you actively look forward to not having to do it anymore. These last few weeks I have been sort of dreading writing the reviews. Not because I don't want to share my opinions but because it is really hard to get everything done in a short period of time. I don't want this to become about the reviews. It takes away from the enjoyment of reading the comics. There are only two weeks left and a lot of books are going to get purged but this is one of my favorite weeks because it has several of my favorite books. (Here are the previous weeks reviews).

Batman #3

Written by SCOTT SNYDER; Art by GREG CAPULLO and JONATHAN GLAPION; Cover by GREG CAPULLO

I really enjoyed the first book and was crossing my fingers hard for the second. I have been mostly disappointed with the Batman family in the new 52. I am glad to say this comic keeps going strong. A great mix of mystery and action. Still a fan of the art and like the fact we haven't been introduced to any of the normal Batman villains. It also had a great exchange between Batman and Nightwing which left me chuckling. This series came out strong and stayed there. 9 out of 10.

Birds of Prey #3

Written by DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI; Art by JESUS SAIZ; Cover by DAVID FINCH and RICHARD FRIEND

This book is killing me. I want to like it but so far the story has not caught my attention. Plus, I really don't like the art. I find it plain and distracting. I know art is a very subjective thing but the art in this book is killing it for me. If the story was a little better I might be able to overcome it but so far I have really not cared one iota about what is going on. This continues to be my biggest disappointment of the new 52. I have always loved Birds of Prey. Now it is almost certainly getting voted off my DC island. 6 out of 10.

Captain Atom #3

Written by J.T. KRUL; Art by FREDDIE WILLIAMS II; Cover by STANLEY "ARTGERM" LAU

The first book of this series surprised me a little. I didn't think it was spectacular but I enjoyed it. Not so much with this one. It wasn't terrible but it was very average. I wasn't a fan of the story this time around and I thought the story moved at a snail's pace. I know they are trying to do something a tiny bit different with this book but it feels like it is running in place for this issue. They will have to pick it up considerably in the next round. 7 out of 10.

Catwoman #3

Written by JUDD WINICK; Art and cover by GUILLEM MARCH

So this is one of the first round of books that caused such a furor. If you read my first review you know I didn't exactly see eye to eye on some of the things which were pissing people off. I will say right off the bat (excuse the bad pun) that the cover and first few pages of this comic are not going to make the earlier critics any happier. For me the biggest problem is I don't feel they are letting me know who Catwoman is. The story is taking a little while to get going. The last few pages were great though. It was the first time I felt like a story was developing and maybe we were going somewhere. This book will probably get another issue out of me but it had better get going. 7 out of 10.

DC Universe Presents #3

Written by PAUL JENKINS; Art by BERNARD CHANG; Cover by RYAN SOOK

This book is wildly uneven. The beginning was slow and boring. I almost didn't want to keep reading. Then somewhere around the middle it exploded into a generally interesting book. For me, they should have started the story with the middle of this book and filled in some of the boring back story later. The last half was the Deadman story I was hoping for and the comic actually ended in a place I wanted more. Kind of annoying really because I was about to drop it off the DC island. Now I might have to give it one more issue. 7 out of 10.

I, Vampire #3

Written by JOSHUA HALE FIALKOV; Art by ANDREA SORRENTINO; Cover by JENNY FRISON

Justice League #3

Written by GEOFF JOHNS; Art and cover by JIM LEE and SCOTT WILLIAMS

I don't really know why I liked this issue so much better than the first one. Something about the first one felt off, where this one was funny and full of action. I didn't like Green Lantern's interaction with Batman in the first one but loved it with Flash. The mystery of the world and the formation of the Justice League really caught my attention in this issue also. Unlike other 2nd issues the art stayed really strong. It moved this book up into a definite buy book. The introduction of Wonder Woman in issue 3 should only continue to improve the book. 8.5 out of 10.

Legion of Super-Heroes #3

Written by PAUL LEVITZ; Art by FRANCIS PORTELA; Cover by CHRIS SPROUSE and KARL STORY

Not as good as the first issue. I think the problem for me is the story is starting to lack a little focus. They are going for a giant world building story but it is hard to get involved with the introduction of so many characters. Personally, I think this book fails completely at giving new readers a chance to jump on board. I can't imagine anyone but devoted Legion fans are reading this book. Maybe that is okay for DC but I didn't think it was their goal. The story moved a little slow and part of me felt like I have been there and done that in past Legion stories. 7.5 out of 10.

Nightwing #3

Written by KYLE HIGGINS; Art and cover by EDDY BARROWS and JP MAYER

I want this book to be more. There is nothing awful about it. There is nothing great about it. It is just kind of there. It has all the normal superhero clichés. The witty banter, the letting the bad guy go to save an innocent, the mysterious past. None of it has been all that interesting. The rolling back of Dick Grayson's age has not done him any favors. It feels like he has lost a lot of the character I used to love. I will probably give it one more issue but not much more. 7 out of 10.

Supergirl #3

Written by MICHAEL GREEN and MIKE JOHNSON; Art and Cover by MAHMUD ASRAR

Tough book for me because I still really like the story.   However, I went back and looked at the first issue to see if my mind was playing tricks on me about the art. In a common theme with the issue twos I thought the art was noticeably worse. This is a problem with this book because I thought the art was just average in the first issue. So we have this really interesting story which verged on painful in the art department. DC is going to have to figure this out in a hurry. Some of these books are going to be drops for me because I don't like looking at them. 7.5 out of 10.

Wonder Woman #3

Written by BRIAN AZZARELLO; Art and cover by CLIFF CHIANG

Ah, the bright and shiny star of the new DC Universe. I loved the first issue. I loved the second issue. Wonder Woman is everything a good comic should be. A great story, interesting art, and a kick ass main character. I have read a few good Wonder Woman stories over the years but this one is shaping up to be amongst the best. I also love how it actually fits with the concept behind the new universe. The story being told is introducing you to Wonder Woman's world and the character in a perfect mix of action and exposition. It should be required reading by all the other creators who are struggling to get their story to fit into the new universe. 10 out of 10.

—–

DC Power Rankings

1) Wonder Woman -

2) Animal Man – Staying strong but not quite ready to bump Wonder Woman out of the top spot.

3) Justice League Dark –

4) Swamp Thing – I was a tiny bit worried after the first issue but this book is just getting better and better. Another large jump.

5) Red Lanterns – Trying to do something I have never seen in a mainstream DC book. Explore hatred and pain. May end up being the only Lantern book I keep buying.

6) Batman -

7) Aquaman -

8 ) Action Comics – I liked this issue better than number two. Grant Morrison continues to make Superman interesting to me. A major feat considering how uninterested I was.

9) Batwoman – Staying a very strong comic. It has also had the most consistent artwork in the new DC universe.

10) I, Vampire –

11) Grifter – Had it's first drop in ratings this week. Hopefully this is not a trend.

12) Batgirl – The appearance of Nightwing worked well. Batgirl's journey is going to be a hard one. No change in rankings this week.

13) All Star Western -

14) Stormwatch – Continues to tumble-down. It needs to stay in the top twenty for me to keep reading it. Not sure it is going to make it.

15) Justice League -

16) Superboy – A slight bump up. Right now the best book with super in the title.

17) Teen Titans -

18) Batwing – Jumps another ten spots up and climbs into the top twenty. Not sure how many more than twenty I am keeping but amazingly this book looks like it may make the cut now.

19) Supergirl -

20) Superman -

21) Legion of Super-Heroes -

22) Resurrection Man – No change in placement but very close to the line in the sand I will be drawing. Right on the bubble of being cut.

23) Frankenstien, Agent of S.H.A.D.E. – This book is in the land of books which could be cut but it has caught my interest. Will last another month.

24) Deathstroke – This book has sunk straight down. If I were a betting man it is not going to survive my next cut.

25) Green Lantern – I might end up buying the next book just to see where it goes but otherwise this book was probably heading to cutsville.

26) Men of War –

27) Flash -

28) Men of War – Another book which can't stop its tumble downward. A great first issue but I won't be reading it much longer.

29) Detective Comics – Not sure how much longer I will keep buying this book. There are other Batman family books that are far more enjoyable.

30) Captain Atom -

31) Catwoman -

32) Demon Knights –

33) Nightwing -

34) The Savage Hawkman-

35) Batman: The Dark Knight -

36) Justice League International – Eliminated

37) Suicide Squad –Really bad issue dooms it to be cut. I will try again if they pick up interesting creators.

38) Green Lantern Corps – Eliminated

39) Green Lantern: New Guardians - Eliminated

40) Blue Beetle – Eliminated

41) Green Arrow – This book is now dropped until a new creative team comes on. I am very disappointed.

41) Legion Lost- Eliminated

42) Batman & Robin – Eliminated

43) DC Universe Presents -

44) Mister Terrific – Eliminated

45) O.M.A.C. – Eliminated

46) Voodoo -

47) Blackhawks – Eliminated

48) The Fury of Firestorm: The Nuclear Men -  Eliminated

49) Birds of Prey -

50) Hawk & Dove – Eliminated

51) Red Hood and the Outlaws – Eliminated

52) Static Shock – Eliminated

Weight Fairy

I am always telling my students that there is no special work fairy which will float down from the sky and get their work done. Make them smart. Help them grow up and get a good job. In order for all these things to happen they were going to have to work hard at it. Sadly, I don't think I have gotten through to all of them.

I know I wish there were such things as fairies because surely I need a weight fairy. A healthy eating fairy. A how to not grow as big as the Stay Puff Marshmallow Man fairy. Sadly, after many, many years of life I am coming to realize it is going to take a lot of hard work to keep me healthy.

It's not like I didn't know it. I got myself to where I wanted to be about five years ago but have let myself slide away from it. My desire to eat copious amounts of food which are not good for me combined with several health failings have led me back down the road I hoped to never be on again. I gained weight. I didn't gain it all back but I gained enough of it back that I am extremely angry at myself.

I have now spent the last six months battling my body and my brain. Slowly trying to change my habits and rewire my brain. Find the balance between an occasional snack and healthy eating. Knowing I have to exercise everyday. At long last I feel like I might be there but like someone suffering from an addiction to drugs I know it is important to not let up mentally.

If I let up I know I will slip. I will slide back into the abyss of unhealthiness. This is going to be a constant battle for me the rest of my life and I have finally come to accept that. There is no weight fairy. It is going to take hard work to get me back to where I want to be and it is going to take hard work to keep me there.

The good news is I am on day 15 of exercising at least an hour a day. I am eating much better. Most important of all is that Sheri is taking the journey with me. She doesn't need to lose weight but she knew she wasn't as healthy as she should be. It is good to have a partner in this. We are pushing each other forward. Not allowing the other to make an excuse. Trying to eat better together. I have also been actively posting my progress for my friends. I know accountability will keep me honest.

Today was the first day I could tell my pants are looser. Now mind you these are not the pants I need to fit into. I have a whole closet full of clothes I want to fit into. Still it was nice to know progress is being made. My mind feels good and if I was a betting man I would say sometime in the first half of next year I will be back in those clothes. Then I will have to keep myself there. No more slide backs. While there is no weight fairy, there is Sheri and all my friends. This should be more than enough.

The New DC Universe: Week 10 Reviews

As we roll through issue threes, I have come to a decision that I will be dropping about fifteen comics this month. I am going to shed all the average books. I want to get to the spot where I am just reading those books I like a lot. This means I will be stopping the weekly reviews after week 12. I will instead being going back to my geeking out blogs where I cover all things which make me warm and geeky. I am doing this because I just don't want to be reading a lot of books I don't feel incredible about. If any of the dropped books change creators I might review them in geeking out depending on who the creators are. That makes this week's books important because there are a lot of middle of the road books. Some of them are going to get dropped.

Batgirl #3

Written by GAIL SIMONE; Art by ARDIAN SYAF and VICENTE CIFUENTES; Cover by ADAM HUGHES

Batgirl has been an interesting mix of action comic and psychology. How does one become a superhero again after they have had a traumatic event happen? At first, I was worried the comic would go over the top with the psychology but it has been a nice mix. I liked seeing her relationship with Nightwing and look forward to where it might go in the future. There is also a small part of me that wonders if the story isn't setting Batgirl up for a giant fall. It's always good when a comic has you thinking. 8 out of 10.

Batwoman #3

Written by J.H. WILLIAMS III and W. HADEN BLACKMAN; Art and cover by J.H. WILLIAMS III

I am overjoyed at how good both of the women bat comics are. They have been far and away better than most of the bat books. I look forward to reading Batwoman and this issue didn't change that for me. I love the art. I love the story. This book feels so much bigger than a normal superhero book. I sincerely hope they can keep the quality up. They had a huge head start on this book compared to a lot of the other new 52. In the meantime, you should be reading this comic. Be warned there is not a lot of action. The story is unfolding like a blooming rose. It has a unique pace for a comic book and I understand some people might not like that. 9 out of 10.

Deathstroke #3

Written by KYLE HIGGINS; Art by JOE BENNETT and ART THIBERT; Cover by SIMON BISLEY

I want to like this comic more than I do. I know some of my prior comic experience is playing a part in my feelings. I just don't really get where this book is going or truthfully its purpose. Deathstroke was far more interesting when he was a villain in the Teen Titans. This comic just kind of makes me yawn. It doesn't help that a lot of the humor from the first books has leaked right out of the story. 7 out of 10.

Demon Knights #3

Written by PAUL CORNELL; Art by DIOGENES NEVES and OCLAIR ALBERT; Cover by TONY S. DANIEL and NORM RAPMUND

The whole question of pacing is an interesting one. Batwoman is moving slow and it doesn't bother me. This book is moving slow and I feel like yawning while reading it. The writing and art are not terrible. I am just bored. I don't care and the whole story is starting to seem a little silly. Plus, I am reading this book because of the Demon and he is barely in it. Not a problem if some other character has captured my imagination, but none have. 7 out of 10.

Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E. #3

Written by JEFF LEMIRE; Art by ALBERTO PONTICELLI; Cover by J.G. JONES

I am still not sold on the art. On some pages it works perfectly well but on others it is a little jarring. Having said that I must be getting used to it because it didn't bother me as much this issue. I am fairly well hooked into this story now. It is wacky, funny, and full of action. I would give it a solid nine, if not for the art. Maybe in a few more issues I will have gotten so used to the art this will happen. 8 out of 10.

 

Green Lantern #3

Written by GEOFF JOHNS; Art and cover by DOUG MAHNKE

I liked issue three better than two. I also admit to being mildly intrigued at the cliff hanger. It might get me to buy another book. The biggest problem I have with this comic is it is so "been there and done that". There isn't really anything interesting about the story. I don't care all that much about Hal Jordan. I have never been a Green Lantern fan but I can remember quite a few issues where Hal Jordan had a whole lot more personality. This book is just hovering in the middle. 7.5 out of 10.

Grifter #3

Written by NATHAN EDMONDSON; Art and cover by CAFU and JASON GORDER

I feel like I am reading an episode of Lost. Mysteries within mysteries and I am not entirely sure I know what is going on. I am also a little alarmed at Green Arrow being announced for the next issue. I am not fond of cross pollinating the comics "just because". So I hope they make it work. This issue was not as good as the previous two. It was a little predictable. A slight bump down but hopefully not a sign of things to come. 8 out of 10.

Resurrection Man #3

Written by DAN ABNETT and ANDY LANNING; Art by FERNANDO DAGNINO; Cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO

There are a few things which are bothering me about this book. One of them is art. Not that I don't like it but some of it seems unnecessary. For instance, there is a picture in this book where a kick ass female character is beating on Resurrection Man. For some reason the artist feels we should see up her skirt and the design on her underwear. Really, why do we need to see that? It is a little ridiculous. I am actually enjoying the story and wish they didn't feel the need to go all cheesecake on us. This is the second issue in a row this has happened. I am not a prude. I just want it to fit or make sense in the story. Not just be gratuitous.  7.5 out of 10.

Suicide Squad #3

Written by ADAM GLASS; Art by FEDERICO DALLOCCHIO; Cover by RYAN BENJAMIN

Whatever slightly warmer feelings I might have had for this book after an improved issue two were just flushed down the toilet. Didn't like the art and flat-out thought the story was stupid in this issue. What a disappointment. After issue two I thought maybe this would be a book which had a future with me. Instead it got worse. I didn't laugh once. This is not good because there was a barrage of jokes. 6 out of 10.

Superboy #3

Written by SCOTT LOBDELL; Art by RB SILVA and ROB LEAN; Cover by ERIC CANETE

I didn't really like the last issue but this one was much better. I like the whole concept of Superboy coming to terms with both his powers and who he is. I also like that we don't really know what is going on with the government agency in this story. They seem like they are the heavy but not all of them. I feel like we are getting to witness the birth of a superhero in this comic. I think if the rest of the issues are like this one I am going to enjoy the journey. 8 out of 10.

——

DC Power Rankings

1) Wonder Woman -

2) Animal Man – Staying strong but not quite ready to bump Wonder Woman out of the top spot.

3) Justice League Dark –

4) Swamp Thing – I was a tiny bit worried after the first issue but this book is just getting better and better. Another large jump.

5) Red Lanterns – Trying to do something I have never seen in a mainstream DC book. Explore hatred and pain. May end up being the only Lantern book I keep buying.

6) Batman -

7) Aquaman -

8 ) Action Comics – I liked this issue better than number two. Grant Morrison continues to make Superman interesting to me. A major feat considering how uninterested I was.

9) Batwoman – Staying a very strong comic. It has also had the most consistent artwork in the new DC universe.

10) I, Vampire –

11) Grifter – Had it's first drop in ratings this week. Hopefully this is not a trend.

12) Batgirl – The appearance of Nightwing worked well. Batgirl's journey is going to be a hard one. No change in rankings this week.

13) All Star Western -

14) Stormwatch – Continues to tumble-down. It needs to stay in the top twenty for me to keep reading it. Not sure it is going to make it.

15) Justice League -

16) Superboy – A slight bump up. Right now the best book with super in the title.

17) Teen Titans -

18) Batwing – Jumps another ten spots up and climbs into the top twenty. Not sure how many more than twenty I am keeping but amazingly this book looks like it may make the cut now.

19) Supergirl -

20) Superman -

21) Legion of Super-Heroes -

22) Resurrection Man – No change in placement but very close to the line in the sand I will be drawing. Right on the bubble of being cut.

23) Frankenstien, Agent of S.H.A.D.E. – This book is in the land of books which could be cut but it has caught my interest. Will last another month.

24) Deathstroke – This book has sunk straight down. If I were a betting man it is not going to survive my next cut.

25) Green Lantern – I might end up buying the next book just to see where it goes but otherwise this book was probably heading to cutsville.

26) Men of War –

27) Flash -

28) Men of War – Another book which can't stop its tumble downward. A great first issue but I won't be reading it much longer.

29) Detective Comics – Not sure how much longer I will keep buying this book. There are other Batman family books that are far more enjoyable.

30) Captain Atom -

31) Catwoman -

32) Demon Knights –

33) Nightwing -

34) The Savage Hawkman-

35) Batman: The Dark Knight -

36) Justice League International – Eliminated

37) Suicide Squad –Really bad issue dooms it to be cut. I will try again if they pick up interesting creators.

38) Green Lantern Corps – Eliminated

39) Green Lantern: New Guardians - Eliminated

40) Blue Beetle -

41) Green Arrow – This book is now dropped until a new creative team comes on. I am very disappointed.

41) Legion Lost- Eliminated

42) Batman & Robin – Eliminated

43) DC Universe Presents -

44) Mister Terrific – Eliminated

45) O.M.A.C. – Eliminated

46) Voodoo -

47) Blackhawks – Eliminated

48) The Fury of Firestorm: The Nuclear Men -  Eliminated

49) Birds of Prey -

50) Hawk & Dove – Eliminated

51) Red Hood and the Outlaws – Eliminated

52) Static Shock – Eliminated

You Are Not So Strange

Sheri and I went down to San Francisco this weekend to see Amanda Palmer and Neil Gaiman entertain us for a few hours on a stage. It was a gloriously strange combination of music and spoken word. The art of music commingling on a stage with the art of fiction. You can also throw in a whole lot of love.

The love between Gaiman and Palmer, and of course the love the audience shouted upon them (Neil always seemed vaguely amused when the shouting was directed at him). I have always thought it an interesting twist in the randomness of life that two of my favorite producers of art found each other. It was incredible to watch them together. It was three hours of brilliant madness. I would have sat for three more.

One of things I have always loved about Amanda Palmer is how she just leaves it all out there. She is what she is and makes no apologies for it. She is an artist who is constantly searching for what she will be next. She has a legion of fans who are devoted to her ability to take chances. Devoted to her willingness to be outside the box.

Amanda talked about one of her big influences during the night and I was a little surprised to find myself choked up. For her it was the books of Judy Blume. I can't say I had one author but I know literature saved me. I read to get away from the pain. I read to see better worlds. I read to momentarily be transported to a place where I was free of worry. Where I was the hero and not the victim.

It was when Amanda said the words, "you are not so strange" where I felt the tears come to my eyes. I understood this as a kid. It is what books did for me. It made me feel like I had a chance. That the weirdness I always felt being on the outside looking in was only temporary. I knew I could fight my way through it. I could find a way to turn who I was into an adult worth knowing. I was strange. I am strange, but not so strange that the world could not be my playground. Just strange enough to want to write. To create art. To teach children.

If there is anything I pass onto my students I hope it is these two things, love for art and love for themselves. I strive everyday to let them know it is okay to be themselves. If that person is outside the box. Not quite the norm. No worries there is a place for you here. If there are moments it feels like all is lost. I try to show them there is hope. That if they find the path they can find a world where it gets better. I try to let them know. They are not so strange and it is an honor to know them.

The New DC Universe: Week 9 Reviews

The third month is upon us and I get to review a fewer books. Eventually, I have a feeling I will drop all but about twenty books (unless some book is really good and just outside the twenty). Mostly, because my finances dictate it. I haven't been buying a lot of independents these last few months and I miss experimenting with new comics from smaller companies. I love superhero books but they really have to be doing something exceptional or interesting for me to stick around for too long. Plus, I am really worried about the art in the DC books. It has felt a little sloppy and rushed. I just can't imagine over the long haul I will keep much more than twenty books. Of course, if the books were more reasonably priced I might keep all of them. I am interested to see which books make my final cut (Here are the previous weeks reviews).

[image error]Action Comics #3

Written by GRANT MORRISON; Art by RAGS MORALES, BRENT ANDERSON and RICK BRYANT; Cover by RAGS MORALES

I liked this issue more than number 2. I thought the art was cleaner and the storyline more engaging. I liked the mystery of Superman's past being introduced slowly into the story. I also really like what Morrison is doing with Clark Kent. I have often felt Kent was kind of wasted in old Superman books. He is taking on a life of his own in this story and frankly I am as interested in it as the main bad guy story. 9 out of 10.

Animal Man #3

Written by JEFF LEMIRE; Art and cover by TRAVEL FOREMAN

This may very well be the weirdest comic being published by DC since maybe the last time Grant Morrison did Animal Man. This is not a bad thing. I am blown away by the story. Completely and totally sucked in. So much so that I worry a tiny bit about where can you go from here. This story feels so large and character defining that I can't imagine Animal Man going back to the regular world of heroes. If nothing else it got the terrible taste of the last Animal Man mini-series out of my head. 9.5 out of 10.

[image error]Batwing #3

Written by JUDD WINICK; Art and cover by BEN OLIVER

This book continues to be a surprise. Really wasn't fond of the first issue but I liked the second and the third is just as good. I was sure this book was going to be a cancel for me. If the story stays this strong there is no way that is going to happen now. It is a completely different take on the Batman mythos. Originally, I thought Africa was going to be a gimmick but now I can tell it is the heart of the story. I am excited to see where it goes next. 8.5 out of 10.

Detective Comics #3

Written by TONY S. DANIEL; Art and cover by TONY S. DANIEL and RYAN WINN

I have to be honest. There is nothing this book is doing which is particularly wrong. It just doesn't interest me that much. It feels like a typical Batman story and I am guessing anyone who hasn't been reading Batman for as long as I have is thrilled. For me it is just not as good as Scott Snyder's Batman. The art isn't as good. The story isn't as good. You could substitute any villain into this storyline and it wouldn't change at all. If you just can't get enough of Batman each month you will be fine with it. For me I am thinking about moving on. 7.5 out of 10.

Green Arrow #3

Written by J.T. KRUL; Art by DAN JURGENS and GEORGE PEREZ; Cover by DAVE WILKINS

I have loved the character of Green Arrow for a long time. Over the years some really brilliant writers have done some very interesting things. This book is not one of them. As much as it pains me to say, this book is not getting better. The only reason I didn't drop it was because it was Green Arrow. Now, it is definitely a drop and it will stay dropped until the new creators come on board. I think it will be a few more issues before that happens. The main story continues to bore me. The dialog is not wonderful. I don't know what happened here. I was enjoying J.T. Krul's Green Arrow before the reboot. Doesn't even feel like the same writer. 6 out of 10.

Men of War #3

Written by IVAN BRANDON and JONATHAN VANKIN; Art by TOM DERENICK and PHIL WINSLADE; Cover by VIKTOR KALVACHEV

This comic started out so promising. It felt and looked different. It appeared to want to deal with some real issues of war. Almost a 50′s throwback comic. Since then it has been wandering all over the place. I have no clue what the story they are trying to tell is. It feels like they are dropping hints and wanting to go at a slower pace but it has left me at a loss for what type of book it is. We have something out of the ordinary happening to everyday soldiers. There should be an interesting story to tell there but mostly I am left scratching my head. I have never really liked the backup story and glad the first one has finally ended. Hopefully, the next one will be better. 7.0 out of 10.

[image error]Red Lanterns #3

Written by PETER MILLIGAN; Art and cover by ED BENES and ROB HUNTER

Red Lanterns is the gift which keeps on giving. Every issue so far I have braced for a let down and every issue the let down has failed to materialize. This comic fascinates me. It deals with war, pain, abuse. It is dark and depressing. It doesn't pull any punches. It barely feels like it fits with the other Lantern books. It shows that a good writer and a good artist can do something interesting with most anything. For me this is the only book in the Lantern world worth reading. Just don't expect to come out of it smiling and happy.  9 out of 10.

Stormwatch #3

Written by PAUL CORNELL; Art by MIGUEL SEPULVEDA and AL BARRIONUEVO; Cover by CHRIS BURNHAM

I am starting to worry a little about this comic. It came out of the gate like gangbusters, Martian Manhunter was badass. The story really clicked. Since then it has spun its wheels a little. Martian Manhunter is barely part of the story. Lots of action in this one but it was hard to appreciate because I think the art hasn't really been as good as it needs to be. If this doesn't turn itself around soon I could see this book as a future drop. The story is hinting at a bigger picture and I am still intrigued about Stormwatch in the DC Universe. Needs to get going though because otherwise I will drop it. 7.5 out of 10.

[image error]Swamp Thing #3

Written by SCOTT SNYDER; Art by YANICK PAQUETTE and VICTOR IBANEZ; Cover by YANICK PAQUETTE

I couldn't stop smiling after reading this comic. This is starting to look like the best Swamp Thing story since Alan Moore graced the pages. A few years back DC had asked China Mievile to take a crack at Swamp Thing and then pulled the plug at the last-minute. I am going to assume because they were returning Swamp Thing to the DC Universe. I will always wonder what that story would have looked like but at least I know they handed the comic over to capable hands. I loved this issue. The horror was just the right amount and it did a great job of laying out the plot for the rest of this arc. Plus Abigail kicks all kinds of ass. Scott Snyder has become one of my favorite writers. 10 out of 10.

—-

DC Power Rankings

1) Wonder Woman -

2) Animal Man – Staying strong but not quite ready to bump Wonder Woman out of the top spot.

3) Justice League Dark –

4) Swamp Thing – I was a tiny bit worried after the first issue but this book is just getting better and better. Another large jump.

5) Red Lanterns – Trying to do something I have never seen in a mainstream DC book. Explore hatred and pain. May end up being the only Lantern book I keep buying.

6) Batman -

7) Aquaman -

8 ) Action Comics – I liked this issue better than number two. Grant Morrison continues to make Superman interesting to me. A major feat considering how uninterested I was.

9) Batwoman –

10) I, Vampire –

11) Grifter –

12) Batgirl –

13) All Star Western -

14) Stormwatch – Continues to tumble-down. It needs to stay in the top twenty for me to keep reading it. Not sure it is going to make it.

15) Justice League -

16) Teen Titans -

17) Batwing – Jumps another ten spots up and climbs into the top twenty. Not sure how many more than twenty I am keeping but amazingly this book looks like it may make the cut now.

18) Supergirl -

19) Superman -

20) Legion of Super-Heroes -

21) Superboy –

22) Resurrection Man –

23) Deathstroke –

24) Green Lantern –

25) Men of War –

26) Flash -

27) Frankenstien, Agent of S.H.A.D.E. –

28) Men of War – Another book which can't stop its tumble downward. A great first issue but I won't be reading it much longer.

29) Detective Comics – Not sure how much longer I will keep buying this book. There are other Batman family books that are far more enjoyable.

30) Captain Atom -

31) Catwoman -

32) Demon Knights –

33) Suicide Squad –

34) Nightwing -

35) The Savage Hawkman-

36) Batman: The Dark Knight -

37) Justice League International – Eliminated

38) Green Lantern Corps – Eliminated

39) Green Lantern: New Guardians - Eliminated

40) Blue Beetle -

41) Green Arrow – This book is now dropped until a new creative team comes on. I am very disappointed.

41) Legion Lost- Eliminated

42) Batman & Robin – Eliminated

43) DC Universe Presents -

44) Mister Terrific – Eliminated

45) O.M.A.C. – Eliminated

46) Voodoo -

47) Blackhawks – Eliminated

48) The Fury of Firestorm: The Nuclear Men -  Eliminated

49) Birds of Prey -

50) Hawk & Dove – Eliminated

51) Red Hood and the Outlaws – Eliminated

52) Static Shock – Eliminated

The New DC Universe Month 2

For the most part the second month didn't bring too many surprises in the story category. A few books got better a few got worse. The big difference I noticed for month 2 was I felt the art got noticeably worse in the second month. Some books were really hard to look at. I think DC did a fairly good job of pulling in some interesting writers but I have not been happy with the art. Some of the art looks very rushed. Many of the books had multiple artists which I assume was an attempt to get the books out on time. This could be a real long term problem. Comics are a very visual platform. If they don't get their act together on the art front they are going to see a pretty good drop in sales.

I also felt several books still suffered from teenage male fantasy syndrome. You are going to have to bring a whole lot more story to the table to keep me interested. Looking at fake beautiful women is not going to do it for me. I need story and I need strong characters. Anything else is just wasting my time. Catwoman is walking the line for me. Starfire is still a total wreck and I have no idea what to think about Voodoo at this point. I really hope DC gets this right. There are a lot of readers out there waiting to see if they do. Some of the books did have very strong female characters, so we know it is possible.

I still think the price for digital comics is way too high. I think they are losing out on growing their industry in the long run. I mean really, let's examine the price. This last week I bought a very good fantasy book at Amazon for my Kindle (A Darkness Forged In Fire by Chris Evans). The book cost $3.99 and was over 400 pages of entertainment. For $2.99 I get 22 pages of comic. The entertainment value just is not there. Even if you go with the book I finished today (Feed by Mira Grant) and its $7.99 price tag the entertainment value isn't there. Feed was 600 pages long and took me several days. I read a comic in less than a half an hour. The price point is wrong and in the end could be why I will pair down my purchasing to about ten titles.

Speaking of pairing down. It is time for my first round of cuts. Some books are about to get kicked off my DC island. I based this not only on my ratings but on if I thought the book might get better. The plan for now is to keep the books off until they switch creators. Then maybe I will give the title another chance. This will depend in a large part the character and the creator. Barely surviving the first cut was Birds of Prey, Voodoo, DC Comics Presents. They had better have a good third issue. Here is the first books to go.

1) Static Shock

2) Red Hood and the Outlaws

3) Hawk and Dove

4) Blackhawks

5) O.M.A.C

6) Mister Terrific

7) Batman and Robin

8 ) Legion Lost

9) Green Lantern: New Guardians

10) Justice League International

11) The Fury of Firestorm

12) Green Lantern Corps