Behold The Next Grant Morrison

I don't know about the rest of you but I would totally would pay cash money to hear this little girl summarize/rewrite both Secret Invasion and Final Crisis:


Once upon a time... from Capucha on Vimeo.

(And if you want to hear the real Grant Morrison speak, feel free to go here. Just make sure you have your speakers turned down and 45 minutes free to get your mind totally blown.)

Gobble Gobble Gobble

Yes, I know, my blogging has fallen by the wayside. Mea culpa. But of course, I have to at least stumble out of my hermit's cave long enough to wish all of y'all a Happy Turkey Day. Celebrate your Thanksgiving like a superhero - eat some turkey and try to catch the tiny man on the dinner table with your forks. The one who catches and eats him gets to make a wish!



See? It's tradition!

Anyhoo, here's a nerdy question - which comic book titles or recent developments in comics are you most thankful for?



Me, I'm thankful for Secret Six. Any book that demonstrates that wacky, nuanced character writing can survive mega-crossover after mega-crossover is something to be truly grateful for.


Oh, and The Sword! Because indie titles rock. I am deeply thankful for any non-Marvel and non-DC comics, really, just because they always surprise me, help keep the markets fun and don't force brain-destroying crossovers on us every summer. And along those lines . . .



Truthfully, I think I am most thankful that Yotsuba &! exists (Mind you, I think you should all go out and buy it instead of reading it online because, well, it's just awesome enough to deserve all your money - consider this link a tasty crack sample). Any story that makes you look at the world with a child's glee and enthusiasm for life is always worth celebrating. Not to mention the gentle innocence and kindness -


Er. Never mind.

And I'm thankful for you, my happy readers. Knowing I'm bringing a bit of comic book sunshine into the hearts of others always cheers me up. Hope your Turkey Day's a delight!

Oh, and I almost forgot - this BONUS VIDEO CONTENT summarizes what the beautiful holiday of Thanksgiving is all about:

Ice Cream Birthday!

Today is my birthday, ladies and gentlemen. Which one is it? Well, I'll give you a hint or three.


Demotivationals



Still nothing? Well, think about ice cream. The wonderful variety of ice creams, specifically, from vanilla to butter brickle (and cake!) to presumably delicious Superman-flavored Ice Cream (I'd probably be more apt to try a Power Girl Ice Cream but to each their own*).

Yes, the variety of ice cream flavors must measure in the dozens, at least. More than 24, certainly, but less than 36. In any case, we can be certain of one thing - I am eating a metric freakin' ton of Ice Cream this year in celebration.
That, and in two years, I totally outlive Jesus! Take that, Son of God! Mind you, if I end up like this guy in 8 years, you all have permission to shun me.

If you feel like celebrating my birthday, feel free to provide me with comic book scans/funny drawings of superheroes/supervillains eating Ice Cream via the comments section or e-mail. I will also accept discussion of awesome ice cream of all kinds. My particular favorite is Raspberry Chocolate Melt from the Boulder-based Glacier Ice Cream (all ice cream made fresh daily!) or possibly their fresh Girl Scout Thin Mint flavor. And of course, any trip to Downtown Denver is incomplete without a visit to Gelazzi.

Yes, everyone from scientists to Andy Kaufman to Sarah McLachlan love Ice Cream. Because you know who doesn't like Ice Cream? Communists, that's who.**



*The LookOut - going for cheap laughs since, well, always. Truthfully, I am really excited about Peej's upcoming new series. While I'm not familiar enough with the character of Terra to get terribly excited, I'm a huge fan of Amanda Conner's art - she's only second to Kevin Maguire in terms of priceless facial expressions in my book. Fingers crossed this series will be well-written and do well - there's way too many good titles getting canceled lately.

**And the lactose-intolerant, of course, but I refuse to discuss Anti-Dairy Racists in my blog. :P

Thoughts on Empowered, Vol. 4

So, I've been a trifle remiss in my reviews (I know, nary a Haiku in sight for months now), but I can't let Empowered, Vol. 4 come out without giving it a glowing, mildly in-depth review. While others have stated the obvious - that Empowered is, as ever, a solidly wonderful series - I feel like I must add a bit to what others (okay, just Chris Sims so far) have said, given my previous opus on the series.

Empowered, Vol. 4 is decidedly the least titillating of all the volumes and this is not a bad thing. Adam Warren forgoes a great deal of playful sex jokes (but not all of them, don't worry) in order to expand Emp's universe into a uniquely Warren-esque world of giant alien organ transplants, Make-A-Wish supervillains and most undeniably, the Goddamn Maid Man. The Gleeful Mad Scientist Adam Warren of The Dirty Pair, Iron Man: Hypervelocity and the tragically unappreciated Livewires is back and in full effect here. The man who brought us the Proust Bomb, Schroedinger's Wankerboy and Hyperintelligent Killer Whales throws out several new bits of Sci-Fi crazy that, while not as immediately geektastic as the volumes listed above, fit as comfortably and organically into Emp's universe as the Caged Demonwulf lays upon her coffee table. He even leavens the fun and games with a few downright gruesome moments but to describe them would take away from the shock of seeing them for yourself. We'll just say that the oft-foreshadowed Willy Pete finally appears in the context of a particularly nasty "Supervillain Team-Up" and leave it at that.

Along with those darker moments mentioned above, there's several surprising character developments that pave the way to a verrrrry interesting Vol. 5 but I'll save that for a later date (or if anyone asks for spoilers in the comments section). I will say that this entire book was beautifully done and the ending made me genuinely grin. Adam Warren gives Empowered and a plethora of her supporting cast character beats that more than make up for any flaws or missteps that he may have made in Vol. 3, adding even greater depth and humanity to the most interesting cast of characters I've read in a superhero comic in years (which reminds me - pre-order the end of Hero Squared). Additionally, never has the reappearance of customized booty shorts been made into a moment deserving of a heroic rock montage.

In short, Volume 4 of Empowered made want to do this:



Thank you and good night!

(Additional videos from Mr. Galifianakis can be found here and here, if you're so inclined.)

BONUS BONUS VIDEO CONTENT:

From Mr. Warren's Deviant Art Page, I must present an amusingly apropos Rock Band video of Empowered and friends responding to their critics:

No mere mortal can resist

While I am usually so much about the Halloween it's scary (see what I did there?), I've been pretty blah this year. Still, after reading Chris Sim's superlative examples of Halloween comics blogging, I have been inspired to post a few holiday appropriate videos.

The Original:





The Massive Filipino Prisoner Dance Remix:



And lastly, the Indian version (or a "translated version", if you prefer):



And lastly, while he's no Vincent Price (but who is?), there's something to be said for hearing Christopher Walken read "The Raven" by Edgar Allen Poe:



So, there you have it really. Have a lovely Halloween and make the most out of your costumed fun - not like this poor guy.



He couldn't have had Alfred or Robin do the shopping on Halloween? Tch. So much for useful sidekicks. But then again, I guess Arkham Asylum isn't going to TP itself.

I laughed at these way more than I should have

Worth it entirely for 3:16

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

And I don't recall if I posted this one here before but it always makes me smile.

You're the best around

So, many, many moons ago, the always charming SallyP tagged me with a meme - what's the best comics blog post I've ever read?

It's a toughie. I'm tempted to go with the easy answers and good times. Pointing at smart blogs, linkblogs and folks in the know are tempting as well, but no. Of course, there's always turning towards drama but as they say on the streets, I save the drama for my mama.

I can't really choose just one. I've read blog posts that are thoughtful and inspiring, sweet and charming and ones that just plain confuse and frighten me.

So, if I have to chose just one blog post to say was my favorite (praying I don't snub any of you all whom I read regularly), I'd have to give the nod to this post. The auction may have fallen apart (thanks, DC) but this - this is what comics blogging is all about at it's finest.

Of course, funny memes and pictures of superheroes as hobos are also excellent uses of comics blogging. ;)

Am I Blue?

Linky link links for you all!

I just found an intriguing manga about everyday life. Seems very lovely and subtle.

Speaking of lovely and subtle, have you heard of Twilight Guardian yet? It's a contest-winning story about one girl's quiet misadventures patrolling a suburban neighborhood as a 'superheroine'. I like it quite a bit and plan on buying more of it when it comes out regularly.

And speaking of contest-winners, or at least, contest runner-uppers - I'm intrigued by I Hate Gallant Girl. The premise sounds cute and sort of Empowered-esque. We'll see if it lives up to both the premise and the cute preview.
(SIDEBAR: I sent in four submissions for that contest and while I was a bit saddened that none of them got in, I remember this idea being the one that got my vote out of the top five that did make it.)

And hey, speaking of that title of the post - animated Batman and Blue Beetle ahoy! I want approximately 17 of those little marshmallow amoeba thingies with laser guns as my pets, like, right now. Also, this looks pretty damned fun, no? One nitpick - I kinda wish they'd given Jaime just a little bit of an accent but considering that I'm a Hispanic guy with no accent, I'm totally okay with him not having one. See, that's how much I like this - just one nitpick! Fingers crossed that the rest of the series is just this fun and cute.

And speaking of animated things that amuse me, I hope to try out Spider-Man: Web of Shadows sometime in the future. Geeky confession: playing one of the first Spider-Man video games - with the web-slinging action and movement - was one of those rare moments where a video game made me feel like I was a kid again. I've had a weakness for Spider-Man video games ever since (save for that damnable Atari version and the Ultimate one where the web-slinging dynamic was just a hair off and it drove me a bit nuts). Anyways, this game looks like a lot of fun and I dig all the previously unused Marvel NY residents shown as having guest spots. Luke Cage smashin' stuff is always fun. Of course, I still need to finish Marvel Ultimate Alliance, so it's pretty clear that my Comic Book Video Game Geek-Fu is weak (I'm gonna see Deadpool save the universe someday if it kills me, dang it).

And hey, I know I've been bad about keeping up the blog again. Sorry, folks. I've been a bit blue. But hey, much in the spirit of Batman, I plan on turning my personal bucket of emo into motivation. Or maybe just a stirring jazz song -

So, here's a question

What are you going to be for Halloween?

I was considering creating a Dr. Horrible costume but really, I imagine that costume's gonna be more overexposed this year than tasteless Heath Ledger Joker homages. In the end, I have decided to try for James Bond. I already have both the tuxedo and martini glass, after all. Plus, hey, obscure Buffy joke (I actually was "Military Guy" last year, courtesy of my Paintballing Gear)!

Of course, if you're a lady, there seems to be an endless variety of different and tasteful costumes for you to wear!

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

A Thought on Thor

So, here's a confession - I've never been much of a Thor fan (A Doors Fan, yes, A Thor fan, no). I was coaxed into buying a couple issues back in the 90's due to a few timely Excalibur and Spidey crossovers but I never really got into the whole Thor scene. Well, until recently, that is. The current J. Michael Straczynski run is charming the pants off of me, mostly because I find the idea of Asgardians and Oklahomans interacting hilarious. Fraction's mini based on the original mythology - which I quite enjoy, ironically - is also quite decent.

Still, the reasons for this post are twofold. First off, I just heard the movie news about Thor and against all expectations, I'm kinda excited. Kenneth Branagh in talks to direct and a screenplay by the folks behind the surprisingly affecting I Am Legend? Even cynical little old me's kinda intrigued by that one-two punch. But the real reason I had to make this post was the most awesomely, terrible idea I've ever had. An idea that won't leave my brain alone.

Thor's alter-ego is Dr. Donald Blake. He started out as a curse from Odin to provide Thor with humility, given that he's a healer with a bum leg. Now take a minute and think about pop culture - who's the first person people on the street think of when you say "Doctor who walks around with a cane?"



Try to wrap your head around this insane, fanficcy notion that all non-Thor fans are going to immediately jump to, people - Dr. Gregory HOUSE with THE POWER OF AN ASGARDIAN THUNDER GOD.



Coincidentally, that right there? Is the face I made when I first came to this shocking notion.

To borrow a line from Kevin Church - think about it, won't you?