December 7, 2011: The Return of the Book of the Month Club! Worst Dish of 2011!

Following a tumultuous 2011 in which I barely had time for the good things in life, I'm finally settled and looking forward to a productive but infinitely more enjoyable 2012.  To that end, I'm restarting our modest little Book of the Month Club.  January's selection…

BATGIRL: BATGIRL RISING written by Bryan Q. Miller, art by Lee Garbett and Trevor Scott

Stephanie Brown, the vigilante formerly known as The Spoiler and Robin has taken on the identity of Batgirl as she begins her nocturnal crusade to take back the night from the underworld. Now she has become the target of both Gotham City's heroes (who don't take kindly to a new person wearing the cape and the cowl) and its villains (who want to see the entire Bat-family six feet under).

A great jumping-on point for those unfamiliar with the character.  This volume collects Batgirl #1-7.

In addition to his work on DC's Batgirl and Teen Titans, Bryan Q. Miller was also a writer for WB's Smallville.  And he's kindly agreed to swing by the blog and answer your questions – so circle the date on your calendars!

Discussion on Batgirl Rising begins January 16, 2012.

Hey, check it out!  Mom's getting into the Christmas spirit!

Yeah, I'm not exactly sure what's going on either, but it's pretty clear she's young at heart.

But not architecturally-inclined.

Whoa!  Cutting it kind of close – it being December and all – but I'm finally able to award the prize for The Worst Dish of 2011!  The distinction goes to THIS mass of pallid mush:

Seriously.  It's the type of culinary concept and plating that would get someone kicked off Top Chef in the first round.  As for the flavors: bland with an underlying tartness.  Two bites in and I was done.    The Chef came out to inquire about our meal, apologized, and offered us a complimentary entree on our next visit.  Very nice of him and I return the favor by not mentioning the name of the restaurant – but suffice it to say I don't think I'll be taking him up on the offer.

Tagged: Batgirl, Batgirl Rising, Bryan Q. Miller