C.S. Daley's Blog, page 11

Horror Movie Favorites

I have always liked a good scare. Growing up in the Bay Area I was really lucky to have a show called Creature Features on every weekend. It was the highlight of my weekend and I started watching at a young age. I think by the time I was ten I had seen almost all of the Hammer movies. My life long fasination with horror both written and film is a passion which won't die soon.

I decided for Halloween I would make out a quick list of my all time favorite horror movies. Nothing fancy here. I picked up a pen and wrote down everything that came to me. I paired it down to thirteen favorites. These are the ones that stick with me and I love watching again and again. In no particular order.

1) Night of the Living Dead – This movie gave me my first real vivid nightmares. Probably shouldn't have watched it when I was eight.

2) Shaun of the Dead – Not strictly a horror movie but hit the right balance of laughs and scares. One of my all time favorite movies.

3) 28 Days Later – This movie was creepy and for me was the first zombies' (even though they were technically virus infected humans) movie where the zombies moved hell of fast. Brought a whole new nastiness to the genre.

4) Psycho – Doesn't really scare me as an adult but when I was a kid this movie gave me chills.

5) The Birds – This was Hitchcock's scariest movie for me. I don't know why it freaked me out so bad but I didn't look at birds the same for a long time.

6) The Exorcist – This movie benefitted from me being a kid when I saw it. I tend to giggle a little now but it was pee your pants frightening to a ten year old.

7) Invasion of the Body Snatchers – I am, of course, talking about the Kevin McCarthy version. The end of this movie spooked me out for a long time. I still suspect the pod people are everywhere.

8 ) An American Werewolf in London – The Shaun of the Dead of my childhood. I would go from laughing to swallowing my tongue in seconds flat.

9) Alien – The scariest science fiction movie of all time. Rewatched it recently and it still gave me shivers.

10) Poltergeist – Came out at the end of my teens. I can still see the scene where he begins to claw his face off.

11) Ringu – I liked the US version but the original is on a whole different level of scary.

12) Ju-On – Again the US version was good but I think the original may be the scariest movie I have ever seen. Even when I knew it was coming my stomach ended up in my throat. The scene on the bus gave me the chills.

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The New DC Universe: Week 8 Reviews

This is it people. The end of week two and the point I start deciding which comics will get dropped from my DC survivor island. I still haven't decided how many will go but I am leaning towards ten in the first cut. It will really come down to how many books can I simply not stand at all. There are definitely a bunch which are leaning in that direction. It has been a little bit of a rocky ride but I am guessing over the next few months will get to see how much of a success this really was for DC. I have to believe the numbers for quite a few books will start dropping with the third issue (Here are the previous weeks reviews).

All Star Western #2

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

This issue had two stories which left me a little disappointed. I was not as big a fan of the El Diablo story and couldn't help but think it had shorted me on the Jonah Hex story. I also thought the art was off a little in this issue. The book was still good and I am interested to see where they go but the El Diablo story better pick up or I am not  sure this book is worth it. The Hex story is what will keep me coming back but just barely. I am not sure the whole two stories in a comic thing is working. Both the books that are doing it, suffered from it.  8 out of 10.

Aquaman #2

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

This issue wasn't quite as good as the first was. It was missing a lot of the humor of the first book. I know it can't be hilarious every issue but the humor was what made me give it a 9 the first time. I still really liked it. The art is wonderful and the nasty creatures in this book are the best villains introduced in any of the new comics yet. This continues to be a big surprise of a book for me. If nothing else comes out of the reboot DC made Aquaman relevant again. Slight drop off but not enough to drop it from my last month number.  9 out of 10.

Batman: The Dark Knight #2

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

I am still not sure why this book is out there. Both Batman and Detective do it better. It seems like it was just a way to sell some more bat books. It isn't terrible but it is clearly not as good as the other two. Add in the fact I am not a big fan of the way a lot of the bad guys are drawn in this book and you have a decidedly big, "whatever" from me. I guess if you just can't get enough of the bat, keep buying. But this book might end up a drop for me if it doesn't get better. 7 out of 10.

Blackhawks #2

Written by MIKE COSTA; Art and GRAHAM NOLAN and NORM RAPMUND; Cover by KEN LASHLEY

I am not sure this book was worse than the first issue but I know I was less interested. I wish they had gone ahead and set this book during World War II then at least it would have been worth reading. Oh wait, they can't do anything that far back anymore. I have zero interest in what is going on in this story. I feel no connection to the art, characters, and story. For me it would be better to go back and read some classic G.I. Joe issues. This is the effect it is trying to emulate. So far it is not catching my attention. 6 out of 10.

The Flash #2

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.

[image error]The Fury of Firestorm: The Nuclear Men #2

Written by ETHAN VAN SCIVER and GAIL SIMONE; Art by YILDIRAY CINAR; Cover by ETHAN VAN SCIVER

This book has a big problem with me. The origin story sucks. It is ridiculous and implausible even for a comic. So every page I read I can't get that out of my head. This issue was slightly better than the first but again the banter is way off between the two leads. The book only really shines when Firestorms are on the page and they are not on the page enough. It still isn't hitting the perfect pitch for the teen vibe they are trying to give off. It makes the book feel stiff and clumsy. I want to like this book but I don't. 6.5 out of 10.

[image error]Green Lantern: New Guardians #2

Written by TONY BEDARD; Art by TYLER KIRKHAM, HARVEY TALIBAO and BATT; Cover by TYLER KIRKHAM and BATT

I liked this book slightly better than the first one. I am actually a little confused at some of the background story which means in a way this book failed at one of its goals, to bring in new readers who know nothing about your universe. The mystery the book is setting up could actually turn into something interesting but so far it is not selling me on needing to buy another Green Lantern book. I am not exactly sure when they decided they needed as many Green Lantern books as Batman books but they might want to rethink the decision. Most of the books feel like they are watering down the main product (with the exception of Red Lanterns). 7 out of  10.

I, Vampire #2

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

First let me say I have no idea how they are going to make this book work in the DC universe. They have made no attempt to do so yet. This is part of the big mystery which is really attracting me to this book. I loved this second issue. Thought it was even better than the first and made the story take a big jump forward. I get the story and the characters. Now where the hell are they going to go with it. I can't wait to find out. In the meantime, if they keep putting dark and moody stories like this one I will be all in. 9 out of 10.

Justice League Dark #2

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

Still don't like the title of this book but luckily it has not affected how I feel about the story. I am still enjoying it. There is however one notable exception. The Deadman part of the story was not really to my liking. It seemed a little silly and contrived. It's kind of bumming me out, no one seems to be able to get Deadman right. The rest of the comic was still good and amazingly I am still not bothered by John Constantine being part of the main DC books. 9 out of 10.

The Savage Hawkman #2

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

A tale of two books. The first half of this comic I liked. A lot of fighting, pretty good art, and a whole bunch of Hawkman. The second half of this book was almost no Hawkman and the art went way downhill fast. It was really kind of weird. For the most part this is just another of the DC reboots which lacks any sort of internal consistency. It is making me start to wonder if they should have gone bi-monthly with some of these books. Either that or go get some more really good artists and let them alternate. Close to getting better, but not quite there. 7 out of 10.

Superman #2

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

The first issue didn't really grab me because it felt kind of dated.  I am not sure how into the whole "I love Lois" story I am going to be. Luckily, the second issue mostly stayed away from that and gave us some good story and a nice battle. I liked this issue more than the first. Plus, I appreciated the art was still really good. Not something which can be said about the other books this month. I am on board for the next issue and hope it continues to grab my attention. 8 out of 10.

Teen Titans #2

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

I still cannot understand how the writer of Red Hood (one of the books I have disliked the most) is the writer of this comic. It is so much better than Red Hood. I have always had a soft spot for the Teen Titans and I am happy this book is way better than I expected it would be. The gradual introduction of the heroes is helped greatly by Red Robin (who I think has turned out to be the best of the Robin's in the Batman universe). The art has been good over both issues and the humor has been much appreciated. 8 out of 10.

Voodoo #2

Written by RON MARZ; Art and cover by SAMI BASRI

Well color me surprised. I disliked the first issue of this series a lot. This was not the case at all in this issue. Once they decided to get rid of the silly boy fantasy cheesecake there was actually a story in here (there is some nudity but I didn't feel it was over the top). Not only was there a story but I have to admit I liked the art in this book. I am still not completely sold but it was much better than the first issue. Not only did I find myself wondering what was going to happen next, but I also really liked the character of Voodoo. Now I'll just have to wait and see if the improvement continues into the next issue. 7.5 out of 10.

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DC Power Rankings

1) Wonder Woman – For me this has easily been the best book of the reboot. It has washed away a lot of crappy story lines and started fresh. Now if we could just get the movie made.

2) Animal Man – A slight drop off but nothing which has me worried. Still can't wait to see where it goes.

3) Justice League Dark – Still a very strong book. Wish the Deadman story would have been stronger.

4) Red Lanterns – This one moved up a few spots for me. It has been consistent and enjoyable.

5) Batman – This story continues to be a strong one. It is also easily the best of the Batman family books.

6) Aquaman – Hops over Action Comics and still remains my biggest surprise of the relaunch.

7) Action Comics – Dropped a few spots in the power rankings. Didn't like this issue as much. Might drop some more as other second issues come out.

8 ) Batwoman – No change in Batwoman's ranking this week. The art alone makes this book worth buying.

9) Swamp Thing – The big mover of the week. Issue two really got the story rolling and left me wanting more.

10) I, Vampire – Jumps into the top ten. A good book got slightly better. I am still worried about how this book will look when the DC universe enters the story but I have hope it can pull it off.

11) Stormwatch – Took a little bit of a tumble. I have a feeling as other issues come out it will tumble out of the top ten. Still a good book.

12) Grifter – Grifter stayed a strong book for me and jumped up a little in the rankings.

13) Batgirl – A jump up in the rankings. I have a feeling it won't be the last jump it makes. Much stronger second book.

14) All Star Western – A slight drop that leaves me a little worried. I am not happy with the 2nd story. Let's hope it improves.

15) Justice League – The big mover this week. This was more of what I expected issue one to be. I actually predict the introduction of Wonder Woman will keep it rising.

16) Teen Titans – Still a solid superhero book. I have enjoyed reading it and I am intrigued at who else will be part of the team.

17) Supergirl – The art is really hurting this book for me. The story is much better than the ranking. I hope the art improves.

18) Superman – Jumps into the top 20. Even more importantly I think the story and art were really solid in the 2nd issue.

19) Legion of Super-Heroes – This book is a mystery to me. Not bringing anything new to the table and way too complicated for new readers.

20) Superboy – One of a slew of books which had a slight drop off from the first issue.

21) Resurrection Man – I was a little sad this book had a dip. I liked the first issue a lot.

22) Deathstroke – If I was going to take a wild guess this won't be the last drop for this book. Feels like a one trick pony and they used the trick already.

23) Green Lantern – Another book that wouldn't surprise me if it continued to drop. Also not really sure how they thought this story would bring in new fans.

24) Men of War – Dropped out of the really good to above average. I worry this might not be the end of the tumble-down. Good start, hopefully it will pick back up.

25) Flash – No movement here. This book continues to leave me wanting more. One of my favorite characters but not one great moment over two issues.

26) Frankenstien, Agent of S.H.A.D.E. – Climbed this week because of the story. Still don't like the art.

27) Batwing – A big improvement over the first issue. I hope it continues.

28) Detective Comics – A slight improvement but for reasons I don't quite get this book isn't connecting with me.

29) Captain Atom – The story needs to get moving. Being a different kind of superhero book will only take you so far.

30) Catwoman – This book has no identity to me. I have not really seen anything which tells me where they are going with Catwoman. The last few pages were a hint but nothing more.

31) Demon Knights – This book perplexes me. Have no idea what audience they are shooting for.

32) Suicide Squad – An improvement over the first issue. They should stick with the funny. It works in this book.

33) Nightwing – This book has not been what I hoped it would be. Fairly average superhero story.

34) The Savage Hawkman- This book is all over the place. It feels like two completely different creator teams are running it.

35) Batman: The Dark Knight – This book isn't terrible but it is unneccessary. Plus, Two-Face is a joke and it looks like the Joker won't be far behind.

36) Justice League International – This book has been done before and better.

37) Green Lantern Corps – A slight bump up. This book would be better without the earth Green Lanterns.

38) Green Lantern: New Guardians - A slight improvement but I am not sure it is enough to save it from getting thrown off my DC island.

39) Blue Beetle – Another slight bump up, the story was much better. Still not a fan of the art.

40) Green Arrow – This book just disappoints the heck out of me. Hopefully, the writing change ahead will pump some life into it.

41) Legion Lost- I dislike this book on many fronts. Still hoping they cancel it and give Legion back their lost heroes.

42) Batman & Robin – Is it too late to vote Damien out of the new DC Universe. Seriously, annoying.

43) DC Universe Presents – The end of this book gave me a little hope. I was thinking about dropping it until they switched the story.

44) Mister Terrific – This book took a step back. It's a step which will leave it off my pull list when I start eliminating books.

45) O.M.A.C. – Not a good book. I hope it drops even lower in coming weeks (do you hear me Birds of Prey & Firestorm).

46) Voodoo – Wow, what a difference a month made. A pretty good 2nd issue might have saved it for me. Last month I was sure this book was getting tossed out of my pull list.

47) Blackhawks – This book is doomed for me. I don't care about it even a little bit.

48) The Fury of Firestorm: The Nuclear Men -  I am torn on this book because some of the Firestorm stuff has been interesting. Everything hasn't been. Probably going to get tossed.

49) Birds of Prey – This book is making me sad. I have not enjoyed one bit of it. My biggest disappointment (other than Starfire).

50) Hawk & Dove – Made me laugh this week. It wasn't trying to. I am now hoping DC kills this book and lets them rejoin Teen Titans.

51) Red Hood and the Outlaws – This book was better this issue but only because they hid the overt boy fantasies better. I expect it will drop right back down.

52) Static Shock – Story was better but for me this book is just not cutting it. Although, I could see it jumping ahead of a few books above it next month.

Faking It

I am a good faker. When kids in my class mess up, I give them my best disappointed speech. I have made a few kids cry over the years. It isn't that I am not disappointed but, realistically, I know they are just kids. They are going to make mistakes. My job is to help them learn from them. So I lay it on a little thick sometimes.

My biggest fake job comes from everyday living. I am generally perceived as a very outgoing person. Nothing could be further from the truth. I am terrified in groups. Meeting new people makes my head feel like it is going to explode. I am most comfortable when I am alone typing at a keyboard writing fiction or sharing my strange view of the world.

This isn't a new problem. I have always been this way. For as long as I can remember I have felt shy. I never asked one girl out in high school. I wanted to but every time I tried to work up the nerve I nearly died from embarrassment. It took a month of visiting a book store chatting up the woman who would eventually become my first girlfriend. Even then she basically asked me out.

Eventually, I got tired of all the missed opportunities. I got tired of not meeting people. Not getting to know people I really wanted to know. For a while I started using alcohol as a way to loosen me up. Without sounding too full of myself, I am a funny man. It was amazing to hear people laugh at my stories. It didn't take too long though for me to realize the alcohol was a mistake. I didn't know when to stop. It was a crutch which I was afraid would eventually destroy me. So I stopped drinking.

This led to some very heart wrenching times for me. Trying to bring out the person I wanted to be. Over time I just started forcing myself into situations which made me uncomfortable. I worked hard at presenting myself to the world as confident. I worked at talking, at telling stories. At being myself. After a while I started to get good at it. It doesn't change the fact that inside I feel off. I feel like I don't belong. Like at any minute the shoe will drop and I will be exposed to the world as a phony. The self-doubt is constantly picking at me. My emotional battle scars run deep.

Interestingly, when I tell this to people I am often met with looks of confusion. As if they doubt the validity of what I am feeling. Like I said, I fake it well. I should have been an actor. If you look real close you can see it though. Sometimes I try too hard. I talk too much and too fast. Some sort of verbal diarrhea. Trying to get out everything in my head before the person I am talking to decides I am not worth talking to. I hate when this happens. It makes me feel worse. Like the emperor with no clothes.

Or there was the time at this last WonderCon where a group of people decided to go to lunch. Many of the group I consider friends but no one actually asked me. I am sure I was invited. No one would have thought twice about me being there but suddenly the voices in my head were telling me no. Don't be that guy who forces himself into other people's social situations. I convinced myself I was tagging on like some awkward freak. I watched the group walk away and fled back to my hotel where I absolutely melted down. Later, when I met back up with them and I saw the pictures of their lunch I was so mad at myself. I had let myself miss out.

This last ComicCon I was much better. I tried to make sure I was involved. I didn't go back to my hotel room and kick myself for not going out with friends. I had a great time but I can still remember the feelings of panic everywhere I went. Luckily, I am much better once I feel truly comfortable around someone. I open up and I don't mind asking, "Hey, what's everyone doing tonight." I am also truly lucky to be funny. It makes it easier to let loose sometimes. Making people laugh is never a bad thing.

I have gotten so much better over the years but it is still there hanging on. It helps to know so many of my friends often are going through the same thing. Probably a bunch I don't even know about. I am thankful for all the great friends I have met over the last few years. Many of them through my blog or Twitter. It has made my life so much better. Someday, maybe, I will rid myself of this self-doubt. Until then at least I have a bunch of geeky friends to kick me in the ass.

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Incarnators Week 17

Ladies and gentleman we have completion. The first draft is done. I finished it on Thursday and this is the first time I have sat down at the keyboard since. I needed some days off and I took them. It felt great. I played a lot of video games and read a couple of books.

This is my second completed novel of the year. I have now written over 200,000 words this year. I have slayed a lot of words. I am a regular word serial killer. It feels great to be done. Especially, since there was a time I was unsure if this novel would ever get written. The decision to publish it on my own was a good one. It forced me to finish it. I have now completed my first trilogy. I am fairly certain it won't be my last.

Now I am going to take the rest of October off from working on novels. I might dabble on my comic script. Not sure yet. I might need some kickback time. I need to read a few more novels. When Novemeber comes around I begin editing. I will have two novels to edit. So it is going to be a while before I get to the next novel. Probably not until next year around March.

My goal is still Decemeber to get Incarnators out. I will then immediately begin working on the Keepers editing and hope to have it out by March or April. Then it will be back to writing novels. I still hope to get two written next year. I know which ones I am going to be working on next and feel confident I will be able to get them out. In the meantime, I am going to take some well deserved time off. It has been months of solid writing and now will be months of editing. This writing thing never seems to end.

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The New DC Universe: Week 7 reviews

I have come to the decision that after next week I will be dropping titles off of my DC island. My finances are such that I can't keep buying all the issues and still buy comics from other companies (this will of course change if I suddenly sell a boatload of my novels. I am not holding my breath). With this in mind these next two weeks become critical for any title which is on my bubble. I am hoping a few books show some vast improvement. I am thinking about dropping 10 -15 books in the first cut. Although, some might be added back if they switch creators to someone I like. Let's see what week 7 has in store for us (Here are the previous weeks reviews).

[image error]Batman #2

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 #2

Written by DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI; Art and cover by JESUS SAIZ

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.

Blue Beetle #2

Written by TONY BEDARD; Art by IG GUARA and RUY JOSE; Cover by TYLER KIRKHAM and SAL REGLA

This issue was a big improvement. I actually really enjoyed the story and loved the interaction between the suit and Blue Beetle. The problem for me here is again the art. It almost felt like two people drew this book because some of the pages were wonderful and others were not. There were a couple of panels where I thought Blue Beetle looked like a blob of ink. Really not good. They need to sharpen this up because this book could actually go somewhere but not if the art is sub par. A step up from the first issue. 7 out of 10.

[image error]Captain Atom #2

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 #2

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 #2

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.

Green Lantern Corps #2

Written by PETER J. TOMASI; Art by FERNANDO PASARIN and SCOTT HANNA; Cover by ALEX GARNER

I actually enjoyed the story of this one more than the first issue. It was the first time I caught a glimpse of what the book could be. For me personally I would get rid of centering the books around the earth Green Lanterns (especially Guy Gardner who stopped being interesting or funny a couple of decades ago). I think this book should go all science fiction and make the story about the alien lanterns. I also think the art can improve a bunch. I am a fan of team books though, so this book might survive one more issue. 7 out of 10.

Justice League #2

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.

 

[image error]Legion of Super-Heroes #2

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.

[image error]Nightwing #2

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.

Red Hood and the Outlaws #2

Written by SCOTT LOBDELL; Art and cover by KENNETH ROCAFORT and BLOND

The other big controversy from the first issues. On this one I agreed though. I hated Starfire and what they had done to the character. I despised every bit of the book. Having said that I tried to come into the second issue with an open mind and if I am being honest the book was better. Part of the reason it was better is Starfire was barely in it. I know if she had been in it more I would have probably still massively hated it. The story was mostly about Jason Todd and it was at least mildly interesting. The book still smacks of teenage boys' daydreams though. Starfire's costume will always be awful and the whole picking up a cute flight attendant was ridiculous. Better but not by much. 6.5 out of 10.

Supergirl #2

Written by MICHAEL GREEN and MIKE JOHNSON; Art by MAHMUD ASRAR and DAN GREEN; 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 #2

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 – For me this has easily been the best book of the reboot. It has washed away a lot of crappy story lines and started fresh. Now if we could just get the movie made.

2) Animal Man – A slight drop off but nothing which has me worried. Still can't wait to see where it goes.

3) Justice League Dark –

4) Red Lanterns – This one moved up a few spots for me. It has been consistent and enjoyable.

5) Batman – This story continues to be a strong one. It is also easily the best of the Batman family books.

6) Action Comics – Dropped a few spots in the power rankings. Didn't like this issue as much. Might drop some more as other second issues come out.

7) Aquaman -

8 ) Batwoman – No change in Batwoman's ranking this week. The art alone makes this book worth buying.

9) Swamp Thing – The big mover of the week. Issue two really got the story rolling and left me wanting more.

10) Stormwatch – Took a little bit of a tumble. I have a feeling as other issues come out it will tumble out of the top ten. Still a good book.

11) All Star Western -

12) I, Vampire –

13) Grifter – Grifter stayed a strong book for me and jumped up a little in the rankings.

14) Batgirl – A jump up in the rankings. I have a feeling it won't be the last jump it makes. Much stronger second book.

15) Justice League – The big mover this week. This was more of what I expected issue one to be, I actually predict the introduction of Wonder Woman will keep it rising.

16) Teen Titans -

17) Supergirl – The art is really hurting this book for me. The story is much better than the ranking. I hope the art improves.

18) Legion of Super-Heroes – This book is a mystery to me. Not bringing anything new to the table and way too complicated for new readers.

19) Superboy – One of a slew of books which had a slight drop off from the first issue.

20) Resurrection Man – I was a little sad this book had a dip. I liked the first issue a lot.

21) Deathstroke – If I was going to take a wild guess this won't be the last drop for this book. Feels like a one trick pony and they used the trick already.

22) Green Lantern – Another book that wouldn't surprise me if it continued to drop. Also not really sure how they thought this story would bring in new fans.

23) Men of War – Dropped out of the really good to above average. I worry this might not be the end of the tumble-down. Good start hopefully it will pick back up.

24) Flash -

25) Superman -

26) Frankenstien, Agent of S.H.A.D.E. – Climbed this week because of the story. Still don't like the art.

27) Batwing – A big improvement over the first issue. I hope it continues.

28) Detective Comics – A slight improvement but for reasons I don't quite get this book isn't connecting with me.

29) Captain Atom – The story needs to get moving. Being a different kind of superhero book will only take you so far.

30) Catwoman – This book has no identity to me. I have not really seen anything which tells me where they are going with Catwoman. The last few pages were a hint but nothing more.

31) Demon Knights – This book perplexes me. Have no idea what audience they are shooting for.

32) Suicide Squad – An improvement over the first issue. They should stick with the funny. It works in his book.

33) Nightwing – This book has not been what I hoped it would be. Fairly average superhero story.

34) The Savage Hawkman-

35) Batman: The Dark Knight -

36) Justice League International – This book has been done before and better.

37) Green Lantern Corps – A slight bump up. This book would be better without the earth Green Lanterns.

38) Blue Beetle – Another slight bump up but the story was much better. Still not a fan of the art.

39) Green Arrow – This book just disappoints the heck out of me. Hopefully, the writing change ahead will pump some life into it.

40) Green Lantern: New Guardians -

41) Blackhawks -

42) Legion Lost- I dislike this book on many fronts. Still hoping they cancel it and give Legion back their lost heroes.

43) Batman & Robin – Is it too late to vote Damien out of the new DC Universe. Seriously, annoying.

44) DC Universe Presents – The end of this book gave me a little hope. I was thinking about dropping it until they switched the story.

45) Mister Terrific – This book took a step back. It's a step which will leave it off my pull list when I start eliminating books.

46) O.M.A.C. – Not a good book. I hope it drops even lower in coming weeks (do you hear me Birds of Prey & Firestorm).

47) Birds of Prey – This book is making me sad. I have not enjoyed one bit of it. My biggest disappointment (other than Starfire).

48) The Fury of Firestorm: The Nuclear Men -

49) Hawk & Dove – Made me laugh this week. It wasn't trying to. I am now hoping DC kills this book and lets them rejoin Teen Titans.

50) Red Hood and the Outlaws – This book was better this issue but only because they hid the overt boy fantasies better. I expect it will drop right back down.

51) Static Shock – Story was better but for me this book is just not cutting it. Although, I could see it jumping ahead of a few books above it next month.

52) Voodoo -

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How Not To Celebrate A Birthday: A Tale Of Horror

I am going to warn you right now, this blog is not for the faint of heart. Bad things are going to be happening people, bad things. You have been warned.

This last weekend was my birthday. Birthdays are kind of funny for me because I don't really care much about age (other than I would like to live a lot longer than most of the last generation of men in my family). Honestly, I am just a big kid. Every year of age which gets added to my body I subtract straight out of my maturity level (this isn't really true. I am actually very mature when I need to be. I just don't need to be all that often).

We had big plans for this weekend. Things started to go wrong months ago. We were supposed to see my friend Kim play her wonderful music on Saturday night in San Francisco. Unfortunately, she could not get a venue and had to change it to Sunday. We couldn't make it Sunday because we had to drive home. No worries though these things happen. Instead we planned to meet up with Kim before we left for home on Sunday.

Then I ate something on Friday which changed everything. I don't know what it was but it gave me food poisoning. If you have never had food poisoning before you are lucky. The pain in my stomach that night was agonizing. It felt like someone had punched a fist though my stomach and was twisting my intestines. For six straight hours I wished I would just pass out because of the pain. If governments decided to use food poisoning as a way to extract information from operative agents from other countries it would be a devastatingly effective tool. I would have told them anything.

I was about to haul myself into the emergency room (around 4 am) when the pain finally started to die down. Sheri and I fell asleep for a few hours and then made our way to the Bay Area. Saturday went by without too much of a problem but I never felt 100%.

Sunday was a different story. I never really felt right. We had lunch in San Francisco and then went to a play. The theater was really hot and the play was really not. Sheri and I were exhausted. We both started to get migraines. For the first time since we have been together we bailed on a play at intermission. It's possible at another time we would have been more forgiving but this was not one of them.

We went and met with Kim at Mission Pie. You want to know how to tell when you are really sick? When the thought of eating pie horrifies you. The migraine kept getting worse and by the time our wonderful visit with Kim was over I was in trouble. We took BART back to our car. BART was not a good thing. Every bump made my stomach feel like it was going to void itself. I held on until our exit and then went all Exorcist on the BART bathroom.

I am fairly certain everyone in the BART station could hear me. It sounded like I was dying and it wasn't over quick. I did feel a little better after but it didn't change that we still had a 3 hour drive ahead of us. The funny thing about the weekend was it should have been a complete disaster, but anytime I spend with Sheri is always a good time (especially out of Red Bluff). We decided that I get a birthday weekend do-over. We head back to San Francisco Halloween weekend for a weekend of theater. This time I will try not to poison myself.

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Incarnators Week 16

Welcome to the shortest novel update ever. Today is my birthday and I have been informed by my brother that I am suppose to take the day off. I was going to write something yesterday but I was still recovering from food poisoning. If you have never had food poisoning, consider yourself lucky.

This is the second time I have had it in my life and it is miserable. I am serious, it should be used as an interogation device. I thought I was dying. I would have told anyone anything just to make it stop. It was a long 6 hours before it let up enough to go to sleep. Yesterday was better and today I appear almost full speed.

As for Incarnators, I am almost done. How almost? It will be finished this week. I think I have about 8,000 more words to go. Hard to completely estimate but I know this is close. I will cross over the 90,000 word mark tomorrow. The final word count will be somewhere between 95,000 and 100,000.

I am in the process of writing the final big fight. Then I have a little wrap up to leave characters in a lovely place going forward. This isn't going to be a Disney finish. There will be some loose ends. My ending in a lot of ways will be the beginning of my characters next journey. It is a journey I will not be writing. I may go back someday but I never planned on ending it where everything was "happy ever after". My plan had always been, we survived. Next week this blog will be writing about how excited I am to be done.

The New DC Universe: Week 6 Reviews

The first week of the number 2 issues showed some drop off for books I liked. This week I was hoping some comics I had high hopes for would pick it up considerably. I am also wondering if there is anyway I will ever like Damien as Robin (I doubt it) or be able to figure out the Batman time line (probably not). DC had better hope this Batman time line problem doesn't linger in too many people's heads because it is the type of thing which can lead people to throw up their hands and walk away from a story. Even for new readers there is going to be some questions.

Batman & Robin #2

Written by PETER J. TOMASI; Art and cover by PATRICK GLEASON

I am sure the point of this book is to show Batman as a father. To humanize him in some way. I imagine the story arc will be rather Shakespearian with Damian emerging from behind the dark clouds for us all to admire his transformation. I have no doubt there is a plan but I must say, I don't care. I don't care about this book. I don't care about Damien. I am probably not going to be willing to stick around to see the transformation. 6 out of 10.

Batgirl #2

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

I liked the first issue of Batgirl. I think I liked it even more on the second read through. They are trying to do something really different here. A hero with a psychological issue which makes her less effective. Barbara is clearly still struggling from her crippling at the hands of the Joker. The second issue was even better for me. I thought the action was great and the story felt less like it was trying to explain the new universe and more letting it happen. This book is going to be one of my favorites, even if it means I have lost Oracle. 9 out of 10.

Batwoman #2

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

I am still completely in love with the art of this book. So much so that some of the story details which didn't completely work for me didn't kill the book. Not enough Batwoman in this issue. I also don't really like the whole dating storyline. It is such a cliché. You can see where the story is going from a mile away. It is still a good book. For me this one wasn't quite as enjoyable as the first but almost. 8.5 out of 10.

Deathstroke #2

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

This book was one of the big surprises for me the first round. Not so much with this issue. The violence was ratcheted up a few more notches and all the humor was sucked out of the book. I have no idea where the story is going and now I am not sure I care. Not enough to drop but a very worrisome bump. If this is the direction the book will ultimately take then they should return Deathstoke to be a villain for the Teen Titans. 7 out of 10.

Demon Knights #2

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

This book is still all over the place. Some of it is really good and some of it made me groan. It was already going to be a difficult book to sell over the long haul and I am not sure I think they are pulling it off. Demon is still a kick and luckily he is front and center but the story makes very little sense right now. I enjoyed the art and parts of it made me chuckle, so I am not going to kill it but it is a slight drop this week.  7 out of 10.

Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E. #2

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

The story in this issue was considerably better. It hooked me in and I am very interested to see where it goes next. There is however still a rather large elephant in the room. I don't think the art is nearly good enough for the words it is trying to represent. Some of the panels were fantastic. Some left me completely bewildered about how the same man could have drawn it. If the art doesn't get better I might still have to bail, I found it distracting. The rating this week would have been higher if the art had been better. 8 out of 10.

Green Lantern #2

Written by GEOFF JOHNS; Art and cover by DOUG MAHNKE and CHRISTIAN ALAMY

It's starting to look like the unexpected Green Lantern love I felt in the first month is wearing off. I don't like the direction the story is going and frankly I was a little bored with this issue. Okay, maybe a lot bored. The art was okay but as far as I am concerned this was just another very average superhero book. I guess I should be really thankful that Red Lanterns is still kicking butt. A few more issues like this and I am certain this will be one of my drops. 7 out of 10.

Grifter #2

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

Still enjoying this one. I like the mystery and because I knew nothing about the character before hand I have no preconceived notions about where it might be going. The book looks like it is going to take its time unwrapping the story (which I don't mind as long as it stays good). The art was good and I am definitely still on board. 8.5 out of 10.

Legion Lost #2

Written by FABIAN NICIEZA; Art and cover by PETE WOODS

I am not digging this book. Time travel is already a tricky enough type of story and this book is not pulling it off. I admit losing some of my favorite Legion characters to this story is not helping my mood either. As far as I am concerned they can end this book really quickly and stick with one good Legion book. The story isn't interesting. The art isn't interesting. If I wasn't reviewing these issues for my blog this would be an easy drop. 6.0 out of 10.

Mister Terrific #2

Written by ERIC WALLACE; Art by GIANLUCA GUGLIOTTA; Cover by J.G. JONES

I can sum this up fairly quickly, yawn. The only thing I thought was marginally interesting in the first book they turned into a storyline which has been used a thousand times before. The book was loaded with dialog which felt like comic book writing 101. It's a character I think I could like in the right hands but this book actually got worse for its average start. I was hoping the ending of issue one would give us an upswing but it was not to be.  6 out of 10.

Resurrection Man #2

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

I am starting to feel cranky. Maybe I wasn't in the mood to read comics today. This was one of my favorite books of the first week and I did not think it held up this week. I still think the powers this character has are amongst the best of any hero and I have hope this was only a blip but I didn't really like this issue as much. The whole "I have forgotten everything story" wears thin fairly quick. The two ladies masquerading as bad guys (but mostly seem to be there to draw women) are suppose to be comic relief but I found them annoying. I hope the next issue bounces back. 7 out of 10.

Shade #1 of 12

Written by JAMES ROBINSON; Art by CULLY HAMNER; Cover by TONY HARRIS; 1:10 Variant cover by CULLY HAMNER

Not one of the new 52 (so I won't be putting it in the power rankings) but like Huntress last week a book I knew I had to buy. I loved Starman by James Robinson. One of the things I loved best about it was Shade. I couldn't be more excited Robinson is returning to Opal City and giving us a Shade story. The comic started out a little slow and I am not entirely sure how I feel about the art. It seemed to fit in some places but not others. The character of Shade is a winner and once the story got rolling it sucked me in. The ending was awesome and I am thinking this is going to be a mini-series I will really enjoy. 8 out of 10.

Suicide Squad #2

Written by ADAM GLASS; Art by MARCO RUDY; Cover by RYAN BENJAMIN

This issue was a little better. I might have even rated it a little higher but some of the gore and violence really put me off. There was one scene in particular I wasn't a real big fan of. Having said that I did laugh out loud a few times and generally enjoyed the characters interaction. Plus, you know zombies. 7.5 out of 10.

Superboy #2

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

I might have to get glasses or something. In what is proving to be a reoccurring theme I thought the art got worse for this issue. I found it distracting and pulled me away from the story. Speaking of story it was a little slow for round two. Not so much the action but laying out all the problems for our young Superboy. I am still in for a few more issues but I do hope all the things which I liked about the first book returns real soon. Mr. Cranky Pants out. 7.5 out of 10.

—

DC Power Rankings

1) Wonder Woman -

2) Animal Man – A slight drop off but nothing which has me worried. Still can't wait to see where it goes.

3) Justice League Dark –

4) Red Lanterns – This one moved up a few spots for me. It has been consistent and enjoyable.

5) Action Comics – Dropped a few spots in the power rankings. Didn't like this issue as much. Might drop some more as other second issues come out.

6) Batman -

7) Aquaman -  

8 ) Batwoman – No change in Batwoman's ranking this week. The art alone makes this book worth buying.

9) Swamp Thing – The big mover of the week. Issue two really got the story rolling and left me wanting more.

10) Stormwatch – Took a little bit of a tumble. I have a feeling as other issues come out it will tumble out of the top ten. Still a good book.

11) All Star Western -

12) I, Vampire –

13) Grifter – Grifter stayed a strong book for me and jumped up a little in the rankings.

14) Batgirl – A jump up in the rankings. I have a feeling it won't be the last jump it makes. Much stronger second book.

15) Supergirl -

16) Teen Titans -

17) Legion of Super-Heroes -

18) Superboy – One of a slew of books which had a slight drop off from the first issue.

19) Resurrection Man – I was a little sad this book had a dip. I liked the first issue a lot.

20) Deathstroke – If I was going to take a wild guess this won't be the last drop for this book. Feels like a one trick pony and they used the trick already.

21) Green Lantern – Another book that wouldn't surprise me if it continued to drop. Also not really sure how they thought this story would bring in new fans.

22) Men of War – Dropped out of the really good to above average. I worry this might not be the end of the tumble-down. Good start hopefully it will pick back up.

23) Flash -

24) Justice League -

25) Superman -

26) Frankenstien, Agent of S.H.A.D.E. – Climbed this week because of the story. Still don't like the art.

27) Batwing – A big improvement over the first issue. I hope it continues.

28) Captain Atom -

29) Catwoman -

30) Detective Comics – A slight improvement but for reasons I don't quite get this book isn't connecting with me.

31) Demon Knights – This book perplexes me. Have no idea what audience they are shooting for.

32) Suicide Squad – An improvement over the first issue. They should stick with the funny. It works in his book.

33) Nightwing -

34) The Savage Hawkman

35) Batman: The Dark Knight - 

36) Justice League International – This book has been done before and better.

37) Green Arrow – This book just disappoints the heck out of me. Hopefully, the writing change ahead will pump some life into it.

38) Green Lantern Corps -

39) Green Lantern: New Guardians -

40) Blue Beetle -

41) Blackhawks -

42) Legion Lost- I dislike this book on many fronts. Still hoping they cancel it and give Legion back their lost heroes.

43) Batman & Robin – Is it too late to vote Damien out of the new DC Universe. Seriously, annoying.

44) Mister Terrific – This book took a step back. It's a step which will leave it off my pull list when I start eliminating books.

45) O.M.A.C. – Not a good book. I hope it drops even lower in coming weeks (do you hear me Birds of Prey & Firestorm).

46) DC Universe Presents -

47) Birds of Prey -

48) The Fury of Firestorm: The Nuclear Men - 

49) Hawk & Dove – Made me laugh this week. It wasn't trying to. I am now hoping DC kills this book and lets them rejoin Teen Titans.

50) Static Shock – Story was better but for me this book is just not cutting it. Although, I could see it jumping ahead of a few books above it next month.

51) Voodoo -

52) Red Hood and the Outlaws -

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Farewell Mr. Jobs

I am a technology geek. I know this is shocking. Probably none of you could tell. It started young for me. When all of my friends were buying the first Atari I was saving up paper route money to buy my first computer (A Commodore Vic 20).

I was an early adopter of Apple products. The first home computer I owned was Apple. So was the second. I would move to the PC world after that. I would stay firmly entrenched in DOS and Windows for a good many years. I have always tried to stay knowledgeable about the cutting edge of technology. It fascinates me to see where we have been and where we are going.

When I got my first teaching job I was brought back into the world of Macs. I wasn't really too impressed. They were okay but software limitations were huge. The OS was a little clunky and not very powerful. I was the tech guy at my school though, so I learned it. OS 9 was a big step up for Apple and I began to see some real potential in where Apple was trying to go.

Then the iPod was born. A startling combination of two of my passions. Music and technology. Sheri and I jumped back into the Mac world with both feet and have been there ever since. I am typing this blog on my iPad. We just bought the new iPhone. We have spent a lot of money on Apple over the years.

If you have read my blog you know I am not one of those people who thinks Apple can do no wrong. In fact, for awhile there I loved poking fun at Steve Jobs by calling him Lord Jobs. I like products that work. I like technology which makes my life easier and enjoyable. Steve Jobs was a visionary when it came to producing products which could do this.

I was a little wrecked when I heard he passed away. The thought I couldn't get out of my mind was, "what great product won't we see because the world has been deprived of his genius far too early." In a lot of ways this was like John Lennon dying for me. Lennon was a very influential part of my childhood. Steve Jobs held the same place in my adult life.

In the end I feel for his family the most. It is never easy losing someone you love. The world lost a thinker. They lost a loved one. In the end I am grateful he was able to share his vision with the world. He didn't write software. He didn't design the products. He was a leader. He inspired people. He brought out the best in the people who worked around him. He made Apple a company which constantly thought outside the box because he, himself, would not be boxed in. He was an example to all of us. Farewell Mr. Jobs. You will be missed.

Incarnators Week 14

Just a quick update to let everyone know what is going on. I crossed over the 80,000 word mark this weekend. The word count goal for this book was 90,000. I am going to go over that. I don't think it will be much over but I know I am not wrapping this book up in the next 10,000 words.

I will be wrapping it up. I am firmly at the conclusion of the book. Sometime over the next two weeks this book's first draft is done. I am excited and somewhat relieved. I was never really sure I was going to finish this trilogy until I decided I didn't want them sitting in a box on a shelf. I am glad I did though.

The sense of accomplishment at having finished a trilogy is pretty cool. It will also be my second novel of the year. Not sure what my plan is for next year but I am going to shoot for two books again.

I am happy with the way the end of the book has come together. I haven't quite decided how the last chapter is going to read. I don't think it is going to be the big Star Wars ending where everyone meets up and lives happily ever after. There was a lot of death and tragedy in this series. I think the ending will reflect that.

I have also been thinking about a stand alone novel set in the Dark Lands but it is a long way down the road. I have a few projects clamoring to get done before then. After I finish up the book I will take some time off before starting to edit it. Once I start though I will be pounding through it. I want to get the book out in December. This will give me about two months to finish the editing. Then it will be onto the next one.