Geeky Girl Tuesday: DC Relaunch, pt 2

So for the next couple of weeks, I may sound like a broken record.  Until the end of the DC relaunch, Tuesdays will be devoted to reviewing the ones that I've read and really enjoyed.

For more info on the relaunch and a view of what I've read so far, check out part one.

This week, it was (mostly) all about the ladies. I was really excited about several of these, and for the most part they didn't disappoint. 

Good news: if you've missed any of The New 52, DC is issuing reprints each week, so there's still a way to get your hands on a physical copy (or if you don't mind, DC is selling digital copies as well).

Batman #1 

I know, I've already written about one Batman comic.  Batman is the largest franchise DC has, so there are actually several featuring Batty himself...but this one has Robin too, (and in one scene Robins-yup more than one). Less gruesome than Detective comics, and probably more along the lines of what most people expect from Batman.

Artwork: 4/5--Some good action scenes, and great title page.  Very angular characters (Batman's huge chin will probably start to get on my nerves).
Story: 4.5/5--Some good groundwork, a nice introduction to all of the main players and a twist at the end that has some interesting potential for the rest of this arc.
Potential: 4.5/5--While I still liked Detective Comics better, this one is still a heavy contender and one I'll keep following.
Total: 4.3


Birds of Prey #1

I wasn't sure how I'd feel about this one since so many of the players have changed.  But we still have Black Canary, and I'm very interested to see how they'll work Poison Ivy into being a heroine.  Another "getting the team together" title, which is good since the average person won't know all the people on the final team.

Artwork: 3.5/4--I tend to prefer the rougher look of a more hand-drawn style as opposed to the slick air-brushed look of Birds.  The figures are all well done, and aren't so over the top sexualized, which was nice.
Story: 4/5--I'm all about starting in media res, and I liked the action of this one, but I felt that Starling was left out in the cold a bit.  I still know nothing about what makes her tick.
Potential: 4/5--I'll keep following this one at least until the team's together.  If the characterization is still a problem, I'll probably let this one drop.
Total: 3.8

Catwoman #1

Being such a fan of Gotham City Sirens (alas, I barely got to know them), I was really excited about this title. Not so much of a story as a character sketch of Selina, it's still a good one to pick up.  Plus it's got some seriously sexy pages for those lonely nights.

Artwork: 5/5--Sexy, violent, and at times funny, the artwork is a perfect reflection of the character.
Story: 4.5/5--I have no real feeling for where the story is going, but it was a great introduction to a character that many may just know as Eartha Kitt or Michelle Pfeiffer.
Potential: 4.5/5--If nothing else, you'll want to know what happens the morning after.  Definitely one I'll keep following.
Total: 4.7



Supergirl #1

I'll be honest, I've never followed Supergirl before, and my only real exposure was the 1980s movie. But with the relaunch, I wanted to support as many female characters as I could, so I picked it up.  A great place to start as it is a traditional origin story, no back knowledge needed.


Artwork: 4.5/5--I'm still not in love with the cover, but the inside is great.  The redesign of her costume fits with the uniform idea thrown around.  The final splash page is a real treat as well.
Story: 5/5--I love how you're thrown into the confusion of Kara as she wakes up on this strange world and discovers her powers for the first time.  No happy bunny exploration though, this is a chaotic discovery.
Potential: 5/5--I can't wait to see where this goes from here.
Total: 4.8



Wonder Woman #1

The one that almost got away, there were literally no copies to be had in town on release day. Luckily we were able to go online and order it and still read it opening week.  Not as good as I had hoped, but still a good title.


Artwork: 3.5/5--I was worried as soon as I saw the teaser cover.  The artwork inside is very Saturday morning cartoon.  However there are a few panels here and there that I really loved.
Story: 4/5--While I really enjoyed it (and all the Greek mythology thrown in), it could be hard to follow if someone didn't know much about Diana or her ties to Greek roots.
Potential: 5/5--What can I say, I'll stick with this no matter how bad it gets. But, the story looks promising, so I'm keeping my hopes up.
Total: 4.2



Have you picked up any new comics lately?  Which ones interest you?

A to Z Challenge: Wonder Woman...You can't tell me you're surprised.

Click here for more participants!

If you've been following me for long at all, you've probably seen this entry coming.  I mean, I've ranted about her, praised her, and previewed her.

In all honesty, the choice of using Wonder Woman for my W day was a knee jerk reaction. Now that I've sat down and tried to write it, I'm not really sure what to say about her that I haven't already.  So instead of talking about specifics, I'm going to try and talk you guys into giving the actual comic a try.

Even though the reboot is a few issues in, you can still join in on the relaunch.  (And back issues are pretty easy to find if you're really interested, sadly, the book hasn't quite picked up the speed DC was hoping for.)

So why should you check it out?

• New costume: I wasn't sure about it at first, but now that she's ditched the 80s jacket, I actually really like it.
• Even if you haven't been following for years you can catch up on the action very quickly.  The Reboot has basically made it a whole new story (even though there are hints that we'll get back to familiar territory soon).
• The comic has has some switches in artwork and writing, but the last couple of issues seem to have hit its stride.
• There's going to be some big show downs coming up soon.
• Some interesting characterizations of Diana that we haven't seen before.
• Help support a series that hasn't always gotten the best treatment.

Would you like to follow some other DC women-centric comics to follow?  Try out these others:

• Birds of Prey: Follow the original Batgirl (now Oracle) and her team fight crime.  Written by the famous Gail Simone who is basically agreed to have created the best WW series in recent times.
• Gotham City Sirens: Like your girls with a bit of edge? You can't get much edgier than Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn, and Catwoman
• Zatanna: Watch as this powerful magician fights the forces of evil (usually with a healthy dose of humor)
• Powergirl: Known for having the biggest chest in DC, there's actually a lot more to PG than you'd think by looking at her.

A to Z Challenge: DC

Click here for more participants

I know, I know, you're probably getting tired of me and the game, but don't worry.  This is about the company.

You see, there's two big names in comic books (although more and more indie companies are getting their due notice): DC and Marvel.

They both started in the late 30s, but have taken different courses through the years.  DC tends to focus on more "traditional" superheroes.  And they're still basically the household name.  For the average person on the street, if you say superhero, you're going to think Superman, right?  Marvel tends toward antiheroes, tragic pasts, and character flaws.  (Remember, I'm speaking in broad terms, which I know is dangerous).

But I have to say that overall, I'm a DC fan.  That probably has a lot to do with the fact that my dad is a DC fan, and so I grew up with all of his old comic books and origin story compilations.

Because I apparently can't escape from lists for this challenge, here are some of the main reasons I love DC:

• Wonder Woman (really, do you need any more?)
• DC and Marvel both have lots of female characters, but DC does better at promoting them.  Quick, name female characters from Marvel that aren't in the X-Men.
• All the great movies DC is putting out now.  Not just the Dark Knight, but all sorts of great animated movies (note: just because it's animated doesn't mean it's for kids).
• Their stand to risk monetary loss to keep fans reading their work

This is completely my opinion.  So please, Marvel fans, don't flame me too badly.

My Two Cents: Wonder Woman's New Show

You may have not realized this by now (or if you haven't read this or this), but I'm a pretty big Wonder Woman fan.  I've read as many of the comics as I can get my hands on, and I'm enjoying (with some reservations) the new relaunch of the comic.

However, when I heard about NBC creating a new Wonder Woman show, I have to admit, I was worried.  Instead of a long rant, I'll try to keep my points succinct.

• David E. Kelley. 
• Pros: He has a long history of really high rated (Ally McBeal) and really high quality (Boston Public) shows.  Plus he helmed Doogie Howser.
• Cons: He's never done an action show before.
• NBC
• Pros: They're now under the leadership of Bob Greenblatt who helped Showtime topple HBO with shows like United States of Tara, Weeds, and Dexter.
• Cons: It's a network show, so no big budget.  The network is currently struggling with low viewership. And they're notorious for canceling shows before giving them a chance.
• Smallville (Just go with me on this one)
• Pros: The show has gotten quite a following during the last few years (even if it's a bit of a cult following), so people might be more open to another superhero show.
• Cons: The style of Smallville was more whiney teen-angsty (then young adult-angsty) than action show.  So that's what people will want from their superhero shows.
• Adrianne Palicki
• Pros: She looks like she could kick some ass, plus she apparently reads comic books.
• Cons: I've only seen her in Legion, which was an awful movie.  (Note to self: check out Friday Night Lights)
• The Costume (Here's a great debate over sexy vs slutty in regards to the costume)
• Pros: I like that there are definite nods to the traditional costume and the new costume in the comics.  I actually like that she's wearing pants.
• Cons: Way too shiny.  But I have a sneaky suspicion that it will look better in the context of defeating the bad guy.  Putting her in front of a white background with pretty harsh lighting is about the worst thing that could be done.

I'm still going to give the show a chance.  And if it's like Smallville, I'll grin and bear it through multiple seasons, too (if it gets the chance).

Gamer Girl Tuesday: What's in my wish list

I really haven't had much time to actually play games this week (I'm hoping to fix that over the weekend). So instead of a review or another ramble down Silent Hill way, I thought I'd give you a sneak peak at some of the games I'm really looking forward to laying down money for.




DC Universe Online
If you've read any of my Wonder Woman posts, you might have figured out that I'm more of a DC girl than a Marvel fan (although you really can't get better than X-Men in many ways, not the movies, the comics).  So when I saw this teaser trailer, my head exploded a little.



Now, it is a cinematic trailer, but the gameplay clips and reviews I've seen are all really positive.  You create a completely original superhero (or villain) and then choose of the DC Trinity to train under.  It is an MMO (Massive Multiplayer Online), and I haven't researched enough about PVP (Person vs Person), so that has me a bit nervous, but I'm really looking forward to it.


Bulletstorm
Ok, I have to admit that generally, I hate FPS games (first person shooters). My reaction times suck, and so I usually end up dead. But this one looks so unique, funny, and different than the glut of games that are on the market that my interest is really peaked. (Warning: the game is for adults, so expect lots of violence and some language.)




Stacking
A great indie puzzle game that has some pretty beautiful graphics and a great game idea. You play as the center part of a Russian nesting doll. To find your way through the puzzles, you can jump inside other dolls and use their abilities. Sadly it's only available on the XBox and PS3 gaming systems, so you're out of luck if you don't have one.




Dead Island
I know nothing about this game other than it has zombies and has probably the best game trailer I've ever seen. But fair warning, there's a lot of blood and gore and the trailer has been making grown men cry all over the interwebs. Amazing storytelling, and I can't wait to see more about the game.

Cheap is good, but free is better!

So today is a big mis-mash jumble of updates.  First a few updates on my 101 in 1001 list.  I posted previously that I'm picking up Wonder Woman as my comic to follow.  For issue #600, they did an anniversary book, overhaul, and reboot of good ol' Princess Diana.  I got my copy in yesterday and devoured it in 5 minutes.  However, I'm going to go back and read it several more times.  Here are some of my favorite pages.

I also stopped by the library today and got every single WW book they had.  I wanted to catch up and fill in some of the gaps of my knowledge of her (just really know the Silver Age stuff).

I also picked up the random books for my reading list (I did do a couple of vetoes because the book was part of a series and the library didn't have the first one in).  I'm planning on doing reviews on each.

From left to right: Heartshot by Steven F. Havill, English Passengers by Matthew Kneale, Spirit Fox by Mickey Zucker Reichert and Jennifer Wingert, The Master Executioner by Loren D. Estleman, A Duke of Her Own by Eloisa James, and Kid B by Linden Dalecki.

None of these are books I would have picked up on my own (maybe English Passengers) if I hadn't chosen them by random.  I'm hoping that they'll introduce me to some new authors, or at least be pretty enjoyable.  I know my reading has been in a rut lately, so hopefully this will break the pattern.


I also found the first chair for my dining room table.  Found it at Goodwill for (drumroll) $1.99.  Yup, you saw that correctly!  Now, I'll have to do some basic restoration to it, but it's worth it for that price!

I'm also up to 4,741 words for the 50k in 50 Days challenge.  I'm done with chapter one and am moving on to the next.  Definitely, definitely going to hell. But in the words of Frank Turner "I'll have all the best stories to tell."

Preparing for Monday

So I'm gearing up for Monday which is:

• The start of 50k in 50 days.
• The screening day for substitute teaching.
• My 7th anniversary (what is that, the tin foil year?)

It's a big day all the way around.

I'm a bit nervous about the 50k challenge.  I know that it's just 1,000 words per day, without editing or even really reading what you've written.  The whole point is to get words down on paper (or computer screen).  I guess I'm just worried on if anything will come out at all! 

After a lot of thought, I still haven't made up my mind about continuing teaching.  There's a big part of me that hates the idea that I've wasted all those years of college (and student loan money).  But there's an even bigger part that says "Please, don't make me go back!"  So to make a little extra money and test out to see if I really miss the classroom, I've applied to be a substitute teacher.  I can work just a handful of days a month and add a good bit to paying the bills (and fun money).

And then most important of all, I've survived seven years with this man:

He really isn't that bad, just really hates taking pictures.  Prepare yourself on Monday to be inundated with all sorts of nostalgic mushy-ness.  All joking aside, he's my rock and the reason I'm still sane.



On a side note:
I've crossed off two items on my 101 in 1001 list.  I've officially finished the outline for my Lilith novel.  I'm really excited, and I think it will be even better than I had hoped.  And I ordered the first issue from the Wonder Woman reboot.  If you read my rant about WW, then you can't be surprised with my choice there.

I'm also about 90% done with a short story that I'm going to submit for publication.  I'd like to get some feedback, so if you're interested in giving it a once over and helping me catch typos, etc, let me know in the comments below.

Warning-Rant Ahead!

NSFW AD POSTED BELOW!

Now you can't say I didn't warn you.  Two different warnings before I'm even on to the post proper.

I guess I should preface my rant a little and explain that I'm a feminist. Not the mangled idea that people have of feminism.  I love men (especially my husband), want a family, have an odd fascination with Bettie Page, and actually enjoy cooking (check out some of my recipes on my other blog if you'd like proof). But I feel very strongly about women's legal rights, both here and in the rest of the world.  I'm not quite as active as I'd like to be, but in little ways, I'm trying to change that.  I guess the rant to day is part of that.

I guess the current background on my pc would go a long way to explain my brand of feminism.

The title of the picture is the "Real Power of the Universe." It's a collection of the women from DC comics.  It's definitely a little exploitative and aimed at men, but I think it's also a bit of a mockery of the T & A that's in comics so much.  Even though the characters are sexy, you can still tell they could kick any guy's ass that gets in their way.

This also directly leads to part one of my rant: Megan Fox.

I was fooled by this fan-made poster for the rumored upcoming WW movie.  Some have said it clearly looks fake, but it's better than some movie posters I've seen.

Now, let me make it clear that the main reason I don't like Ms. Fox is because of the hype she's built around her.  But, I digress.  The reason for my rant today is the following quote about the fact that she's not playing WW.

"Wonder Woman is a lame superhero. She flies around in her invisible jet and her weapon is a lasso that makes you tell the truth. I just don't get it. Somebody has a big challenge on their hands whoever takes that role but I don't want to do it."  From a Times Online interview.

Really?  This from a woman that currently plays a literal piece of whore eye-candy in Jonah Hex?

Clearly she doesn't know anything about the character.  I'll try to keep my nerd/fangirl in check.  But consider the following facts:

1. Wonder Woman was one of the first powerful female characters in comics.
2. She had her start in 1940, so she's been around for a while (My grandma used to put tin foil on her wrists and pretend to be her)
3. She is considered part of the Holy Trinity of DC comics (Batman, Superman, and WW have their own comic series titled Trinity).
4. She was a freaking AMAZON WARRIOR!

Whew. Ok. In control now.

The good news is that we'll only have to deal with Ms. Fox for a few more years.  She's a terrible actress, and at 24, she's getting to be old news in Hollywood.

Next: Beer ads

Because of their huge revenues, beer companies can afford to spend metric tons of money on ads.  Let's go ahead and admit it, they're usually the best ads on Superbowl Sunday, too.  I found these two ads, though that really ticked me off.



I think what's so insidious about this commercial is that it's actually kind of funny.  Until you think about it.  All the commercial does is stereotype, marginalize, and belittle women.  We're apparently such harridans, too, that we can't let our men have a good time without us. 

WARNING: NSFW AD NEXT!



This is such a disgusting ad, I can't imagine that anyone thought it would be a good idea.  And I'm really ticked at Guinness.  Usually they have good ad campaigns.

If I try to talk about this one, my head might actually explode.

So, I leave you with this thought:

Don't get sucked into hype or thinking "it's just a commercial."  All of these little pieces make up a whole that does little to promote women and does much to hurt us.