Daryll B.'s Post X-Mas Star Wars Blog Droppings! Check it Out!

Star Wars & TV AfroBlog

As I type this, it is December 26th, meaning that it has been 8 days since Star Wars The Force Awakens has been released. That means I can go IN on it without saying "beware spoilers". Before I do, let me give you my prior rankings of the franchise so far:

1. Empire Strikes Back

2. Star Wars

3. Clone Wars

4. Revenge of the Sith

5. Return of the Jedi

6. Phantom Menace

Now the positives and negatives of The Force Awakens:

POSITIVE: I felt both Rey and Finn are strong point of focus characters for this new trilogy to be based on. Rey, is for better or worse, is the new version of Luke. A Jedi with a strong bloodline/flow connection to the force. All she needs is the proper training and given the amount of physical scenes Daisy Ridley did here, those should be fiesty on film...

Meanwhile Finn is the new Han Solo, a person with a dubious introduction who through this initial movie begins his hero's journey. Unlike Han who was (still is) a dubious smuggler, Finn can be argued is an out and out coward that like the Cowardly Lion, shows his courage in pressure situations. It will be interesting how the writers build upon his character. Quite possibly, they'll have John Boyega join up The Rogue Squadron movie for a scene or two showing he's learning to be a Rebel/Republic Fighter under Poe.

NEGATIVE: I wish I could say the same of Kylo Ren but temper tantrums? Whining? To say nothing of the amount of times the character removed the mask during the film. What made Darth Vader so enthralling was his self-control and the fact that we DIDN'T glimpse under the mask until the very end of the 1st trilogy. Episode VIII will have to do a lot of character rehab on Ren. For gosh sake showrunners! Stop making Big Bad Guys Whiny and Crying!!!!!

POSITIVE: For those of us scared/mad about how Lupita Nyong'o was going to be used during this, JJ Abrams proved us wrong in making her (possibly) the spiritual replacement to Yoda in bar owner/savant Maz Kanata. Come on, that scene with her and Rey was totally Luke and Yoda 2.0. And Chewie is her boyfriend? Say what??? Also kudos to the Daniel Craig and Simon Pegg placements... and Greg Grunberg as one of the X-Wing pilots? Classic..but I should have known he would have found a way in...

NEGATIVE: I already told some on Twitter that this will seem a little petty but there was early hype that some of The Raid Redemption actors had roles in the movie. I was totally stoked given how much I am a fan but I felt they were wasted in the freighter scene. My only hope is that one of them was the Stormtrooper in the later Finn fight scene at Maz' bar. Also speaking of wasted, I remember the big deal about Gwendoline Christie as Stormtrooper Captain Phasma only to have her deliver 4 lines and not do anything of consequence. Another character I hope makes it to a later movie as a foil for Finn.

POSITIVE: i loved the action movie feel of this. The previous trilogy got bogged down too much in politics that it forgot about Star Wars being a Western in Space. TFA balanced action and quiet moments just enough that I never had a chance to get bored either way. The fight scenes, individual and mecha enhanced, looked crisp and flowed.

NEGATIVE: It the Trekkie in me, but when stuff blows up, there really should be more collateral damage. Another nitpick but it did really seem the only character that felt the damage/impact of those was Finn. Others walk-run away from explosions, Finn gets thrown or knocked out. Take meaning in that how you will...

POSITIVE: Running time was perfect at 2:18. Just long enough to satisfy, fit in a host of nostalgia, AND be a proper foundation for the movies to come.

NEGATIVE: Some folks just came into this not realizing what type of movie this was to diehards and geeks. I'm shocked that there haven't been more reports of fights/confrontations at movie theaters. I'll take that as a positive though.

8.5 out of 10 is my estimate, giving a little leeway to see how exactly Abrams and Disney build upon this. I hope Warner Bros take notes because this is what I want Batman/Superman to be. A good starting point that has actualized characters and a good plot. Along with a history/plan that can be naturally extended into future movies.

That being said, and after 3 viewings, my rankings are now...

1. Empire Strikes Back

2. Star Wars

3. The Force Awakens

4. Clone Wars

5. Revenge of the Sith

6. Return of the Jedi

7. Phantom Menace

I hope everyone enjoyed the movie or at least the experience. Now let me hit TV stuff real fast:

-Ok. That was the Supergirl Mid-Season Finale. Yep this is the New Krypton Storyline from the Mid-2000's Superman books. Again, I have to say that I want them to finish the season strongly but I would have done the J'Onn reveal later. This is the Reverse Flash syndrome all over again.

-The Expanse on SyFy plays like Stargate Universe meets Gundam 00. Cramped, dungy sets. Insanely complicated politics with factions on all sides of the three major players: Earth, Mars, and the Asteroid Miners. A possible war is looming and what side are you going to be on? A trope that has been run into the dirt BUT the first 3 episodes I have seen have been decent to good.

-I wish I could have been as positive about Childhood's End but after a very good first 2 hours, the remaining 2:45 (commercial time removed of course) played out like the failed mashup of the 2014 V remake with the last Children of the Corn movie. I wanted something akin to The 4400 but got FreakyLinks instead.

-Speaking of FOX, I hope Minority Report comes back as a midseason replacement in the Summer. The last 3 episodes the show felt like it finally caught its stride and I thought that would be enough....

...however I thought the same thing about Agent X on TNT and according to reliable sources that got canned ALONG with Public Morals and Legends which I thought were safe and had big viewerships. You just can't tell with TV these days.

-The more I see of The Magicians in SyFy commercials, the more I think I am seeing a North American version of Misfits. PLEASE SyFy, don't mess this up!

-The Doctor Who Christmas Special: The Husbands of River Song is DEFINITELY my favorite episode of the year and resolves quite a few of the story plotholes involving her. The Alex Kingston - Peter Capaldi was great and it sucks that this might be her DW finale BUT if it was, what a way to go out as she showed off all of River's personality here.

*WHEW!* I think I'm good. Thanks for reading Folks! Until Next Time, Keep Fantasizing!

Yuletide Blog Dropping Courtesy of Afronerd Radio's Daryll B.

Last Afro-Book Review of the Year

Holiday Season for most means more time for me to read. I have 2 weeks worth of books to go through and a little time window to do it.

The race to stop Ruin before he emerges starts...and ends in Axcend #3 by Shane Davis. To say worst case scenario is an understatement for our heroes. Especially when you take into account his origin/backstory. This is going to get complicated AND bloody in a hurry...

The last surviving heroes of different worlds unite to complete a task of revenge in Squadron Supreme #1 by James Robinson and Leonard Kirk. A city and its hero suffer and no one has thought about the bigger question about who else may be on the hit list? I hope the Illuminati is ready.

We Are Robin #7 by Lee Bermejo and Carmine Di Giandomenico sees various Robins captured by the Court in this segment of Robin War. We get Duke locked up with a certain bratty Robin. We have two other Robins in a death brawl. We have Dick Grayson and Jim Gordon having a heart to heart...wait. What?!?

Certainly the team is shooting big in The Ultimates #2 by Al Ewing and Kenneth Rocafort taking on "The Galactus Problem". And they are choosing air the confrontation, like, around the world? Interesting premise and if you are a fan of T'Challa, I cannot express enough that you will need to pick up this book... unless I have a megaphone. Then I would express it louder!!!

An exposition. An ending. A love letter to Ultimate Universe fans in Ultimate End #5 by Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley. Similar to Ultimate Spider-Man #200 and Uncanny X-Men #600, Bendis tries to get everyone some screen time here as Miles Morales tries to stop the superhero war. You see what I said above about The Ultimates #2? Well if you are a Miles Morales fan, don't miss this one as it also sets up his February series with a MAJOR shift... besides him now being in the regular Marvel Universe that is.

Ms. Marvel #2 by G. Willow Wilson and Takeshi Miyazawa has Kamala in serious trouble as the Hope Yards situation starts heating up. Crisis of faith, confidence, and image pale in comparison to meeting the gal her brother likes a lot for the first time. And what exactly is that Purple Drank stuff anyway?

Clean Room #3 by Gail Simone and Jon Davis-Hunt has me literally recoiling in horror with that last page. The SECOND issue in a row to do so as we possibly see the true threat behind the creation of the room and our two female protagonists angle for the upper hand.

The hero/champion visits a weird city that kicks off Autumnlands #8 by Kurt Busiek and Benjamin Dewey. Busiek continues his world building as we get not just one but two new tribes introduced. And they might not be too friendly. Every issue, the mystery gets more intriguing and fascinating...

The mystery and dangers grow deeper while Lilith is keeping secrets in Titans Hunt #3 by Dan Abnett, Paulo Siqueira, Geraldo Borges, & Jackson Herbert. I mean, I pretty much have the threat pegged being a longtime Titans Fan, but to say I am not intrigued by this re-imagining is an understatement.

Bloodshot Reborn #9 by Jeff Lemire and Butch Guice sees the titular hero finally face off against the last obstacle in his way to regaining all of his nanites. But what does he do when those nanites are within the body of a little boy? Lemire forcing his readers to question the nature of heroism once again.

The Serpent Society extends its corporate reach while Sam deals with the strangeness of his lupine situation in Sam Wilson Captain America #4 by Nick Spencer and Paul Renaud. Updated enemies, old allies, and a very current update to the nature of villainy makes this one a deeper read than you think...and then you have Rosario Dawson walk in....

Victor finds an inventive solution to the "war" in Cyborg #6 by David F Walker, Ivan Reis, Felipe Watanabe, Daniel Hdr, & Cliff Richards. A change to his status quo that hasn't been seen since The Technis Imperative and apparently unintentional consequences to all those around him ensue.

Who exactly has who trapped is the question in Darth Vader #14 by Kieron Gillen and Salvador Larroca. The Rebels are getting ripped apart and Princess Leia has only option left. And Vader WANTS this?!?!?!? I credit Gillen here because I never saw this option coming....

Conclusion of the alien child story in Astro City #30 by Kurt Busiek, Alex Ross, and Brent Anderson had me tearing up a little. Disillusionment and misinformation are always prey vs a child's innocence as they can see right through that with the right information. And the mini friendship is made more relevant with some of the ignorant stupidity in real life news.

Somehow I missed Moon Girl & Devil Dinosaur, Hacktivist, and Avatar The Last Airbender. Sigh. I am totally losing it...

Folks. It may not be much to me but Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and Happy Kwanzaa to you and yours. I type these to keep myself sane all year but I never for a second under-appreciate y'all reading and feedback. I have 5 days to weed out my best of the year for the final blog of the year.

(Yeah. I'm screwed.)

Until Next Time, Keep Fantasizing!

Post Turkey Day Musings from Daryll B, Courtesy of AfronerdRadio.com!

Family Day Comic Haul Review

No big blog because of Jessica Jones Binge Watching! So here are some snippets from thought of my books these two weeks before it got absorbed by the Netflix/Marvel infernal plot to give us great TV:

Astro City #29 by Kurt Busiek, Alex Ross, and Brent Anderson takes a look at a hostile invading army through the eyes of a child. Spotlight an alien planet whose regime are enemies of The Furst Family. So when said regime captures someone near and dear to the Fursts, it prompts a response. Quite amazing to see this familiar trope be viewed from an innocent

I have heard some with negativity about Captain America #3 by Nick Spencer, Daniel Acuna, and Mike Choi, however I took this wacky "Cap-Wolf" tale to the stuff young Daryll loved like the Bloodstone Saga or the original CapWolf adventure. A much needed diversion from previous heavier fair....

I can't say the same about Earth 2 Society #6 by Daniel H. Wilson and Alisson Borges though. I still don't understand the motivations behind Mr. Impossible's betrayal and his alliance with Johnny Sorrow and Anarky. To say nothing of ANOTHER main character switching sides by the end...

Ms Marvel #1 by G. Willow Wilson, Takeshi Miyazawa, and Adrian Alphona takes place a couple of weeks, maybe a month after the "disaster that never happened". Kamala's life has shifted in several ways ESPECIALLY in terms of Bruno. Teenagers and love? What a complication...and this is without factoring in superpowers....

Bloodshot Reborn #8 by Jeff Lemire and Butch Guice sees the nanites causing a hell lot of more damage and taking refuge in probably the one host 'Shot can't hurt in good conscience. Ha! Conscience.. in this book? What am I thinking?!?!?! Lemire keeps our hero and Magic falling down the rabbit hole...

All out color war breaks out in Star Trek/Green Lantern #5 by Mike Johnson and Angel Hernandez. Now the first question is who's going to survive it?!?!? The other question is when you beam down onto Blackest Night Vulcan and no one's wearing a redshirt, who's gonna bite the big one??? Yep I totally geeked out over there..lol

Titans Hunt #2 by Dan Abnett and Stephen Segovia sees some of the Titans experience muscle memory of their forgotten heroic past although with current climates being what it is, Roy is a moron. Meanwhile, Dick and Garth have a "meeting" on the beach. Yeah. This is not going to go well. And what is up with Gnarrk????

Star Wars #12 by Jason Aaron and Stuart Immonen wraps up the storyline of Hutts, Jedis, and lightsabers??? Yeah Aaron and Immonen give us more than one "Holy S***! Why aren't they writing for the movie??" moments in this issue that you have probably seen the images to around the net. Chewie doublefisting lightsabers beats ANYTHING you have got this week...

...until Aaron decides to up the ante in SW: Vader Down #1 by Jason Aaron and Mike Deodato by having Darth Vader go up against the Rebels alone. ALONE and dangerous... Marvel's first Star Wars crossover couldn't have gotten off to a better start. This story builds off what has come before in both the Darth Vader and Star Wars books, but you can come in cold and jump right in.

Clean Room #2 by Gail Simone and Jon Davis-Hunt introduces us to said room, sets up the major rivalry/crux that the series hinges upon, and I'll never look at monkeys the same way again. The Chloe/Astrid tug of war position will produce an interesting clash of wits as this series go. Now are the demons real?

A lull in the action as Rachel Rising #37 by Terry Moore positions all the players around the town/field/neighborhood for the upcoming battle. I love the dilemma that the heroes have about getting rid of an evil that can't die. How exactly does one do that? It is the Jason/Freddy Kruger paradox all over again. And can we really trust Lilith?

So what does a hero with a one track mind do when his main goal is unavailable and he has a bunch of down time? We find out the answer in Drax #1 by CM Punk, Cullen Bunn, and Scott Hepburn. Bunn and Punk continue the action-comedy from Guardians of the Galaxy here and it'll be interesting where they take the character ESPECIALLY with the throwdown for next issue teased on the last page.

Hacktivist #5 by Alyssa Milano, Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing, and Marcus To reveals that a very long game has been played and everything you thought you knew can be thrown out the window. Good guys and "bad" guys are both left wondering who can they really trust as something sets off a "Purge" type situation. Yeah. One issue left writers, I gotta know how you are going to put this genie back into the bottle?

Remember that situation that the Robins were in? We Are Robin #6 by Lee Bermejo and Jorge Corona shows that the situation could get worse. Much, MUCH worse. So how do 3 regular teenagers fight a possible superhuman with a high pain threshold? Yeah. I did say Much, MUCH worse folks....

SHIELD #12 by Mark Waid and Joe Bennett features an assassination, several moments that fulfill the fantasies of many a geek and proof that even Fitz can be a badass! Well, maybe the last statement was a bit of hyperbole but still another fun issue by Waid, who leaves big shoes to fill for the next creative team. And oh yeah, Asgard. This issue has Asgard.

Archie #4 by Mark Waid and Annie Wu finally reveals the lipstick incident that drove a wedge between him and Betty. Certainly not what I expected it to be BUT it totally falls in line with Archie's history and genre. And oh yeah pt 2, a famous Riverdale resident makes their first appearance.

That's a lot of books. Throw in that my trade paperback/hardcover order of Marvel's Infinity, Damage Control Complete Collection, and Miles Morales Ultimate Spider-Man Complete Collection Vol.3, Image's Shaft: A Complicated Man, Welcome To Tranquility Vol 1&2 and Dark Horse's Leaving Megalopolis are still in my reading stack. Yeahhhh not many are going to see me this weekend.

On AfroNerd Radio this weekend you know we'll hit the Captain America Civil War trailer hard and how exactly we coped with superhero TV withdrawal this week. I hope everyone enjoyed their family day/weekend and didn't go too crazy on Black Friday.

www.blogtalkradio.com/afronerd

Thanks For Reading and Until Next Time, Keep Fantasizing!

Read the Latest Musings from Daryll B. of The GrindHouse (Podcast Airs Every Sat. at 6pm)

Blah! To Get Jets Stink Out, I started Blogging!

Here we go Facebook Followers and AfroNerd Readers! This has been a jam-packed week where I have gotten my eyes, ears, and fingers on a lot of stuff. And yes, knowing me, I got a lot of opinions.

Got my hands and eyes on two movie codas to Daryll B. anime faves. First, Boruto: Naruto The Movie, is a true ending to both Naruto and Naruto Shippuden and the son of the now Seventh Hokage steps into the spotlight. Essentially, the kid is Naruto from demeanor and attitude. I have no doubt that when they craft the new series, (don't give me that look. You already know if the movie does gangbusters, they'll make a new series. You new here?), this'll be the foundation they use. Let's face it Naruto Fans, our favs have now all grown up with us and they are the teachers/mentors now!

Second, The Ghost in the Shell New Movie acts as a perfect prequel to the two animated tv seasons as the team under the Major hasn't joined Section 9 yet. So they aren't under Aramaki's control either. We also see cyber machinations within the military and government that should scare even the most hardened hacker/futurist. Yet another movie that can act as a jump off for a new series.

The Flash this week was a game changer in every way. Fans of the Grant Morrison and Mark Waid runs may cry foul or be proud at a specific "Wally West" situation that has been co-opted for Barry but let's see if the writers can write their way out of it as well as Morrison and Waid did.

***Off subject, OHMYGOD IS Linda hot as Dr. Light!!!! Great training montage and I hit puberty all over again!***

*AHEM* Speaking of my emotions, yeah. Ming-Na and Blair Underwood totally had me going thru every emotional stage in Agents of SHIELD this week. As Jefferson's split identity revealed, May's heart breaks and us fans are riding that roller coaster along with the actors. But HEY! We got Lincoln back and Fitz steals the show with his reactions to Simmons' recordings. A bunch of balls in the air here as the last 40 secs puts everything this season under question again!

I know Arrow was the return of Ray Palmer and Felicity and Oliver was working through their problems but just how cute were Detective Lance and Ms. Smoak? If I can't get Alex Kingston back, Charlotte Ross certainly isn't too hard on the eyes.. And just what is Darhk up to anyway? He's a tech mystic now?

I said it a few blogs ago, and I'll say it again, Jenny has stolen Sleepy Hollow right out from under Abbie and Crane. That last "memory" episode was intense fun!

As I type this, I have Haven on the DVR, one of the final episodes and I'm going to miss it as one of my weekly outlets for horror. I still wonder if anyone has asked Stephen King about the series?

The writing has gotten much better for Peter Capaldi's Doctor Who in recent episodes. The Ghosts and Zygon 2 parters were great! And I am sure all you sci-fi heads have seen/read the internet meme with The Doctor's feelings about war by now. Great stuff!

BOOKS!

All-New All-Different Avengers #1 by Mark Waid and Adam Kubert (1st Story), Waid and Mahmud Asrar (2nd Story) has Sam Wilson, Tony Stark, and Miles Morales crossing paths early in the 1st story as an alien menace grows in the former Avengers Tower. Typical pre-team story before the team is formed set-up. Waid is a master of this but I would have liked more gelling before the menace strikes. The 2nd story sees Ms. Marvel meeting Nova for the first time and what happens with superpowered teens having crushes. Poor Sam but this was a better story than the lead.

Howard The Duck #1 by Chip Zdarsky and Joe Quinones (1st Story), Chris Hastings and Danilo Beyruth (2nd Story) discovers Howard's greatest wish in the 1st story...or did it? It also has him and his new sidekick running into two established Marvel villains and a last page that has Howard and us going "What the...?". The 2nd story is all about GwenPool as The Black Cat comes to confront Howard about a recent theft. Really Marvel Fans? GwenPool??? Sigh...

Heroes Vengeance #2 by Seamus Kevin Fahey, Zach Craley, and Rubine continues the origin story of El Vengador and how it was connected to the Gutierrez Family. A lot of stereotypical drug and gang stuff in here but the cover to 3 has peaked my interest as The Priest enters the scene.

Web-Warriors #1 by Mike Costa and David Baldeon (1st Story), Robbie Thompson and Denis Medri (2nd Story) - It is said that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. Sure enough the Web Warriors meet their match here. Not going to give it away but the power sets of the opposing force makes complete and total sense when you think about it. Spider-Ham continues to be a tragic riot but I was missing something...then I got the second story featuring Lady Spider and realized what it was: cohesion. You can clearly see fractures in the team because of Secret Wars, and of their everyday personal lives. Not an accident that Mike Costa including this aspect into the story...

One of the things that Ultimates #1 by Al Ewing and Kenneth Rocafort does well is set itself apart from the other Avengers books, even mentioning the AIM team within the story. This is going to be the proactive, scientific solution team in the veins of Fantastic Four, something I brought up on Twitter on Wednesday and an idea reinforced by the great Hannibal Tatu on CBR. See? Sometimes I do have a great idea/insight about these books. Now the question is: how does the team SOLVE Galactus??? Yep you read that....

Squadron Sinister #4 by Marc Guggenheim and Carlos Pacheco has plans and motivations revealed along with the team fractured. Throw in Pacheco throwing in great homages to the original templates (JLA) and that Kyle Richmond might be the biggest bastard to shine through this Secret Wars event mess. I could see the ending coming but the road to it was a great journey to read.

Ok. I admit it. Contest of Champions #2 by Al Ewing and Paco Medina is filling that Exiles hole in my heart. Alternate heroes and villains, a cosmic game where no one trusts/likes their own teammates. Oh and we got a Maestro that ISNT Bruce Banner! Hmmm curiouser and curiouser. Damn you Al Ewing! I'm supposed to be cutting back on books!!!!

We were waiting for when the Doom house of cards was going to fall. Well Thors #4 by Jason Aaron and Chris Sprouse we see where the walls are crumbling down. The police force are at each other's throats and yet another unknown factor makes itself known. Everything going to heck and the pacing is glorious! Who knew Aaron could do a God Police Procedural?

Infinity Gauntlet #4 by Gerry Duggan and Dustin Weaver contains 2 Thanos'es, two Gauntlets, a whole mess of Novas, and at its heart, a family trying to stay alive while trying to stop a Thanos. Yeah I had a scorecard and STILL had to read it 3 or 4 times. I still don't know who's dead and who's alive in this one. I...damn...this just didn't stick the landing even though I loved Anwen's last little poker trick.

Remember what I said about the house of cards? Well within Secret Wars #7 by Jonathan Hickman and Esad Ribic, Lord Doom is at DefCon 5. Maximus is causing chaos outside the gates, an old mutant villain rivalry is renewed, Reed Richards and Reed Richards is up to something big BUT is anyone paying attention to T'Challa? He might have just found a bigger kingdom than Wakanda EVER was! 2 issues left and a lot of balls are up in the air.

Autumnlands #7 by Kurt Busiek and Benjamin Dewey marks the return of "The Champion" and his loyal companion after the Battle of Bison. Through their discussion, we learn the nature of of how magic works inside this interesting kingdom. My thoughts however are on whatever that thing was in the air on the last pages. Just when I think I got a handle this, Busiek and Dewey come up with something that leaves me scratching my head...

Missing that old school smuggler/bounty hunter action? Check out Star Wars #11 by Jason Aaron and Stuart Immonen and realize that everything is hitting the fan when Chewbacca is wailing on you. Luke is prepping for the fight of his life and Han...well Han is Han. Things have been red hot here to the point where someone needs to get Aaron in on creating one of the new movies. Yes I said it! He's got this thing nailed!

Well I did say I had a lot...and I didn't even get to The Peanuts Movie, Spectre, or the return of The Librarians. I guess I'll save those for next blog. Thanks For Reading Folks! Until Next Time, Keep Fantasizing!

Afronerd Starlog, Star Date 10.8/9/10.2015 Daryll B.'s NYCC '15 Memories, Tired Legs, NerdCore Rocks, and Lotsa Books!

  

Well. Another NYC Super Week and NY Comic-Con are in the books and boy was this one wild! And I only actually got into the convention physically on the Friday! Didn't start me from having fun though. And I have to complement NYC just because I didn't hear of many "bad" situations that my geeky brothers and sisters had during the week. I'll take that as a plus...

THURSDAY

I'm sore from the last day of my regular job, made the decision this year smartly to take vacation time to coincide with the convention. BEST. DECISION. EVER. Ended up talking to close to 200 people outside before pain set in.

Memory of day: A mixed race family has a baby in a stroller done up like the TARDIS, the dad was in an Amy Pond companion get up and his wife was the Matt Smith Doctor, complete with fez and bowtie! The family that cosplays together, stays together!

FRIDAY

My day inside and also my day of relief. The day that I could be "just" a geek. Yeah. This lasted all of 45 secs. I tried to bounce everywhere and couldn't pull that off. Highlights included:

-Riding the 7 Train into Hudson Yards with an excited Deadpool, a classy Agent Carter, a family of Supers, and an awesome Silk.

-Stopping by the Anomaly booth and seeing the amazing computer, reader interactive books that the company is coming up with.

-My drop by the Stranger Comics booth found me meeting Sebastian A. Jones and Ashley Woods and picking up the book Niobe, which I'll have a description of later. I will say that their enthusiasm for the project is certainly addictive.

-CosPlayers were certainly on their game, both the pros and amateurs had some tight outfits. We all know about the Deadpools, Boba Fett and Hulkbuster but I didn't realize how big Spider-Gwen and the new Batgirl looks were over. And I'll just say that people are ready for the new Star Wars movie and leave it at that.

-My visit to the First Second table found my inner 10-year old going nuts over the kid related material. There's a lot of fun kid to teen projects that they have on deck and when they start releasing them, I will be sharing that info.

-Visiting Eric Dean Seaton at the Legend of the Mantimaji booth and meeting the man face to face for the first time. Finally completed my collection by getting the first volume of the project.

-I can safely say that we don't have to worry about comic book fans not knowing about Valiant Comics. That booth was packed everytime my friends and I crossed it.

-Caught 2 panels. The first was Felicia Day's and she was totally engaging. Adorable, intelligent, and a shining example of the strides gals have made in gaming, TV, and now literature. Made me want more The Guild and Eureka stuff....

The second, the Justice League Voice Actors/Actresses Reunion, is one that'll be talked about for years (or at least until the next one). Kevin Conroy (Batman) and Phil LaMarr (Green Lantern) controlled the panel like alpha males of humor. Andrea Romero was amazing with her memories about putting the cast together and thoughts about the JL/JLU's lasting effects. Susan Eisenberg (Wonder Woman) is a trooper, doing the panel while a lil under the weather but no denying the chemistry between her and Conroy. Maria Canals Barrera (Hawkgirl) has the same type of relationship with LaMarr and it obvious that they were the cut-ups. George Newbern (Superman) and Carl Lumbly (Martian Manhunter) were quiet and subdued by comparison BUT when they spoke, it was hilariously deadpan. Hard to believe that they aren't together on more projects...but I guess that is what made this moment special. Definitely check this out on YouTube when you get a chance.

-Daryll B.'s highlight place to be on Friday was the AfroFutureFest table. Seemingly, EVERYONE passed by there at least twice as it was a main hub for creators and fans to meet up and just BS. First time by, got to talk to Tony Puryear, co-creator of Concrete Park, for the first time as I picked up both hardcover editions. As I did that, Afua Richardson was literally dancing by. Already I knew that this was going to be an experience.

Second time through, met up with AfroNerd at the booth as he was talking with Chuck Collins, creator of Bounce! and as we were talking shop, who happens to join in? Shawn Pryor, creator of Cash and Carrie, and all around animation/comic book guru. Needless to say, my inner geek was doing a touchdown dance. No words man. Just no words.

SATURDAY

Wasn't having a good day and wasn't feeling very social to say the least but I still made my way to Pioneers Bar NYC for the Black Girl Nerds meet and greet. Got to geek out over the great Orlando Jones cutting a rug during I Wanna Dance With Somebody. Saw Chuck Collins and Black Nerd Problems along with other creators. Met Jamie Broadnax in person for the first time along with members of her circle and that was cool. And that tempered my anger at watching the USA lose to Mexico. (Hey! This is me on a Saturday Night Folks... Sports will always be around in some form or fashion!)

SUNDAY

I journeyed back to where "Daryll B." was born long ago, The Grand Victory in Brooklyn, to catch Sammus, SkyBlew, and Random rock out. Through them, I discovered Eye-Q, Marshall Art, DunceCap, and You Bred Raptors?. Not unlike my first time where I went for Adam WarRock and Mikal kHill and ended up discovering Schaffer The Darklord, Tribe-One and Jesse Dangerously. That's the thing about NerdCore and ChipTunes, you come in for one thing and all of a sudden you become fans of others.

Eye-Q led off with his Attack on Titan and education strengthened raps followed by youngling SkyBlew and his laid back style. Third up, Sammus was a ball of energy LITERALLY bouncing around the whole venue. She led the way for Marshall Art, who introduced me to the art of ChipTunes, 8-16 bit video game themes bolstered by guitars. DunceCap has a rapping style of a suburban Kool Keith while You Bred Raptors? could easily be the Apocalyptica for the NerdCore set. Which leaves me with Random a.k.a. MegaRan.

If you are new here, welcome to a Daryll gush session. Random along with the previously mentioned Adam WarRock ushered me into NerdCore. Literally reignited my love for hip-hop again. So to finally see him rock the stage live was pure awesomeness and yes, I totally over-gushed like a groupie after his set but f it! I had fun.

All of these acts have pages on Bandcamp, iTunes, soundcloud, . I urge y'all to check them out...

F IT! I HAD FUN! For one week, I had no anger issues. I had no feelings of inadequacy. I didn't feel like an outsider. I felt comfortable in my own skin and actually ENJOYED life and the people around me! Man just TYPING that feels like I have come a long way. There isn't enough time to thank individuals so I'm thanking EVERYONE. Next Year! October 6th - 9th! Let's do this again people!

BOOOOOOOKKKSSSSSS!

SHIELD #10 by Mark Waid and Evan Shaner takes elements introduced in previous issues and combines them with a certain "fowl" dis-positioned detective recruited in and stirs. The result: hilarity, destruction, and zaniness. Plus we get the return of that Owl Headed SHIELD agent. See? Hilarity!

Archie #3 by Mark Waid and Fiona Staples actually has me wishing for Betty and Jughead to forget their plans/hopes for Archie and form a relationship together. They do work great together and if Archie wants to go "stuck up reality priss" with Veronica? Then...

The Cavalry SHIELD by Jody Houser and Luke Ross - I actually commented to Ms Houser that I was already going to pick up her upcoming Faith series at Valiant because of my love for the character. However, her writing/characterization of Agent May in a VERY unusual training session with some newish cadets sealed the deal. Continues the line of good to great 50th anniversary specials.

The Book of Death: Fall of Harbinger by Joshua Dysart and Kano sees the end LITERALLY for both Sting and Harada as their final "conflict" takes place FAR away from Earth. What I have liked about these is that there have been no stretches in the characterization as Valiant have made the time jumps. Time has passed and the toll has been taken on the main characters but there has not been no EXTREME changes in attitude or action. It feels natural.

Bloodshot Reborn #7 by Jeff Lemire and Butch Guice has the manhunt for Bloodshot continuing as the officers are now realizing how deep of a hole they have discovered. Meanwhile, 'Shot and Magic have grown closer, just in time for mortal jeopardy to find them as they were looking for him/it.

Cyborg #3 by David Walker and Ivan Reis Battleground Detroit! All out attacks! Cyborg's last stand? The enemy of my enemy is... And as all that is going on, it was the lil moments that had me going "ooo". Like have we found the first steps of TO Morrow turning into the baddie we know he'll eventually be? Cyborg gets Metal backup and just wait til you see who is the leader of the tech army that initially killed him?!?!?!?

Siege #4 by Kieron Gillen and Filipe Andrade shows what I love about Gillen's writing is that we all knew what was coming. He TOLD us from issue #1 what was going to happen! And I was STILL not ready for it. Thanos was Thanos here BUT I didn't see it coming! Kudos Gillen! You win this one AGAIN!

Star Wars Lando #5 by Charles Soule and Alex Maleev has all the elements that make Lando the scoundrel what we have known but Soule throws in a bit with a blaster that still managed to make me go Whoa! Yeah, this mini has instant classic written in all its future write ups.

Contest of Champions #1 by Al Ewing and Paco Medina (main story); Thomas Labourot (2nd Story) isn't fooling anyone. This is a cash grab tie in to the mobile/video game. However, putting Al Ewing in control of the direction was a great move. He is becoming Marvel's "it" guy in terms of characterization and he does the smart thing using "tweaked" versions of familar characters. That'll give the book 2-3 issues to establish all the characters and story.

Miles Morales Spider-Man Complete Collection Vol 2 by Brian Michael Bendis, David Marquez, Pepe Larraz, and Sara Pichelli continues the early trials and tribulations of Miles Morales as he attempts to join The Ultimates, encounters Hydra, faces Venom with VERY disasterous consequences, and, the highlight of the book to me, has the heart to heart with Peter Parker's family. Collects 13-28 of the series including the 16.1 issue.

Star Wars #10 by Jason Aaron and Stuart Immonen has Princess Leia and Sana Solo reach an settlement of common ground, much to Han's dismay and Luke shows gumption, yet stupidity while being a prisoner of the Hutts. I will say, I love the rebel rescue team just for the comedic potential!

Star Wars Shattered Empire #2 and 3 by Greg Rucka and Marco Checchetto shows that Palpatine has had a worst case scenario prepped in the eventuality of his death and boy will the universe tremble! We also have a return to the planet Naboo and some female aerial dogfighting. I am liking the viewpoint character a lot and I can see Rucka is having a bit of fun exploring here.

Secret Wars #6 by Jonathan Hickman and Esad Ribic sees the Doom-Dom starting to collapse all around him as forces on both sides are making their move. We find out how much the believe in Doom's biggest supporter is shaken. Reed Richards has a clash of the minds and most importantly, we find out that Miles Morales keeps food in his pockets! Good enough to ALMOST make me forgive the wait for the book.....

Spider-Island #5 by Christos Gage and Paco Diaz 1st Story; Tom DeFalco and Ron Frenz Spider-Girl 2nd Story - The final battle between the Queen and Flash's rebel forces for the fate of Manhattan has begun and there will be a major price to pay! Meanwhile, in the other story, May has to fight the enraptured Avengers. Fun. Complete Fun.

Avengers #0 by James Robinson, G.Willow WIlson, Al Ewing, Mark Waid, Gerry Duggan, Leonard Kirk, Victor Ibanez, Gerardo Sanoval, Kenneth Rocafort, Mahmud Asrar, and Ryan Stegman is a giant sampler issue introducing the 7 different Avengers team books framed around the Squadron Supreme's thoughts and plans. This issue is pricey at $5.99 but it is a good frame for what is upcoming for the Avengers Universe. I think the ones I will be getting are Mark Waid's Avengers, Al Ewing's The Ultimates, and G. Willow Wilson's take on Captain Marvel. However I won't lie, the A.I.M. book is appealing to my old New Mutants fanhood AND I FINALLY get Songbird as an Avenger!!!!! *Celebration Dance!!!!*

Jughead #1 by Chip Zdarsky and Erica Henderson is a near perfect coda to Archie #1 as we delve into the madcap world of the teen now known as Jughead. We see him learn how to make hamburgers and voila! A lifetime bond (to his taste buds) is formed. If you love Howard The Duck and Squirrel-Girl by Chip and Erica respectively, then you have no excuse. This almost perfectly combines their 2 chaotically funny natures and, poor Betty. LOL

Niobe #1 NYCC Exclusive by Amandla Stenberg, Sebastian A. Jones and Ashley A. Woods - Admittedly, this was one of my prime targets entering New York Comic Con because I had to see if it was worth the price. Met and talked to Mr. Jones and Ms. Woods and they are QUITE passionate about this. Hard to put this in a box but I will say Niobe is part Turok, part Ghost Rider, with a bunch of Storm from the X-Men story "Lifedeath" mixed in. Trading souls for immortality, tribal politics, bickering Gods/Goddesses, all circle around a teenage girl simply trying to do the right thing. I think I gave an ok description AND STILL I feel I haven't gotten to the crux of this. I think I got my companion piece to Kurt Busiek's Autumnlands here....

Axcend #1 by Shane Davis sees the third of my "Fall books to look for" come out and let me get this out of the way one time, Shane Davis' art has raised up a level. Some of the sequences in the dream/video game world are just WOW. As for the story, the bonds between twins are nothing to shrug at and I can imagine if one is lost, which is what the main character here is going through, you would try to find anything to plug that emptiness. He finds a measure of that with this Axcend game..and cue disaster....

Heroes Vengeance #1 by Seamus Kevin Fahey, Zach Craley, and Rubine follows the story of the Mexican Family seemingly right before episode #1 of Reborn. Gotta admit the writers do capture the allure and mythology of the luchadors well as many kids do look at them as real life superheroes. I wonder who else will get the flashback treatment in this 5 issue limited series?

Ms. Marvel #19 by G. Willow Wilson and Adrian Alphona has the first volume run end with lots of hugs, a heart to heart no less than 3 times and, of course, a dance party at the end of the world. I am not kidding. *raises glass* Here's to Volume 1. A fun, FUN book that gives volume 2 a hell of a bar to reach!

Star Trek/Green Lantern: The Spectrum War #4 by Mike Johnson and Angel Hernandez sees sides drawn along with the color wearers. Glad to see that the rings' deficiencies are not going to be glossed over, along with the individual wearers. And say hello to the big, bad threat! I guarantee Kirk and Spock are going to be no way ready for this one...

A-Force #5 by Marguerite Bennett, G. Willow Wilson, and Jorge Molina - An ending. A new beginning. A dead horde rumble. She-Hulk's fears and hopes all laid out here. It will be interesting to see the transition the book makes into the "new" Marvel Universe and how the new team is going to look.

Civil War #5 by Charles Soule and Leinil Francis Yu - A superhero fight/rumble/war is nothing significant without a few deaths and this doesn't disappoint. We see that the Secret Invasion truly never ended for some and for others, ideologies never truly died. Also after this book, everyone will have to question why someone would want to rule and their ulterior motives for doing so.

Marvel Zombies #4 by Simon Spurrier and Kev Walker succeeds in explaining most of the hanging questions since issue 1. We find out how much of a dick Elsa's Dad truly is. And we FINALLY find out what is up with the kid. I still maintain that Kev Walker was simply born to draw zombies. Lifelike and terrifying.....

Earth 2 Society #5 by Daniel H. Wilson and Jorge Jimenez finally reveals the enemy, which honestly wasn't a surprise. Shows how selfish and world weary The Flash is, which was a shock. And finally gives us a moment where these heroes actually act like heroes. I know. Shock above all Shocks!

The Flash Vol #4 Reverse by Brian Buccellato, Francis Manapul, Scott Hepburn, Chris Sprouse, Karl Story, and Keith Champagne contains 20-25 and the 23.2 issue and revolves around the mysterious "Reverse" Flash that has been going around killing off those with a link to the Speed Force. In addition, we get Barry's Zero Year issue along with his first meeting with Kid Flash.

Strange Fruit #2 by Mark Waid and J.G. Jones has the alien "Johnson" making an effort to learn the ways or Earth and mathematics as the people in power freak out and two quite different black men seek to use him for their own purposes. I am reminded of the Chris Rock joke about smart slaves here...

Whew! 12 days worth of books, and NYCC Madness! Are you not entertained?!?!?!?!?! LOL Thanks for reading all! Next Week, time to delve into the worlds of Flash, Arrow, SHIELD and TV! Until Then, Keep Fantasizing!

 

Check Out Daryll B's Musings on the Star (Race) Wars trailer!

By now everyone has seen the stupidity that has gone down on Twitter over the Star Wars trailer. And for those that heard Saturday's AfroNerd Podcast, you already know where I stand but this is for those who missed it:

To the children of any heritage, you must know this: folks who get so "serious" over a trailer because of a character's race, especially when it is a character brand new to the mythos are scared. Not as it relates to the character but scared that diversity as an ideal will light a fire in the intelligence and passion of the disenfranchised people that watch the film. You can be creative. You can be artistic. You can use your intelligence to be more than a stereotype. There isn't anything that says you should be ashamed of being smart/gifted in any shape or form.

You want to act, read classic plays and novels. Jump out there and experience the world. You want to direct, take your camera phone and film something. Try and try again. Just look at YouTube. Those folks aren't seasoned pros for the most part but they tried again and again to make what you see on your computer. You want to write or draw, just do it. Do it again and again until it feels just like breathing to you.

I'm not saying that everyone will be a success. Just do what makes you happy and stop listening to ignorant people. To the youth: Do your own thing and use your head. Make your mark because it is time to shine. These idiots got scared of John Boyega when they really should be scared of the future when the next Neil DeGrasse Tyson opens hearts and minds! Ultimately, this means that their ignorant ways will go away just like the dinosaurs.

TV Notes

-Many thanks to Continuum on a great run. And for introducing a new generation to the fact that thinking about time travel does make one's head hurt.

-Minority Report has a lot of flaws BUT they get brownie points from me for introducing the Washington Redclouds. Someone want to alert the NFL about this option?

-Heroes Reborn? Deus Ex Machina much? Sigh. Hiro is back but they sacrificed Katana Girl to do it? I can't have 2 kicka$$ Asians on the show at the same time???

-Arrow has started to regain momentum. The Double Down show was a classic example of simple yet effective storytelling.

-Agents of SHIELD needs more Ward. Seriously. Brett Dalton has been stealing the show with his scenes recently.

-Dunno if I like the Ma West storyline in The Flash but there's no denying that Jesse Martin has been killing his scenes. West and Iris at the dining room table was heartwrenching to say the least.

MY BOOKS FOR WEEK

Book of Death: The Fall of X-O Manowar by Robert Venditti and Clayton Henry sees the end of Aric and what has become of his kingdom. It also gives us a new character that might make an impact in the 2016 "4001" Valiant Event. Possibly.

Clean Room #1 by Gail Simone and Jon Davis-Hunt is a book I admit I had reservations on. After all I knew Gail could do dark and weird through her work in Villains United/Secret Six. But I wondered is she could do "Vertigo" dark. I am glad to say I was glad to underestimate her. A gal sees the dark side, and literal, demons of people she comes across quite graphically. Yeah I didn't get a lot of rest after reading this one. *Shivers*

Titans Hunt #1 by Dan Abnett, Paulo Siqueira, and Geraldo Borges is another of the Convergence books which has the original team scattered and not aware of each other or that they were ever a team. Great use of some of my favorites from the 60s-70s also. Now who is hunting them is the question?

Voltron From The Ashes #2 by Cullen Bunn and Blacky Shepherd continues the training of the teams who would be the new pilots of the Lions. I have a good idea of who they are going to be BUT more interesting is the machinations of a certain witch. Credit to Shepherd for creating some creepy looking RoBeasts on the last page.

Age of Apocalypse #5 by Fabian Nicieza and Iban Coello has Nemesis kicking the asses of heroes and villains alike forcing a Hail Mary play of "galactic" proportions. I STILL don't know what the point/importance of Cypher was. But this version of Doc Nemesis ALMOST makes up for it.

SHIELD #11 by Mark Waid and Howard Chaykin - I can freely admit that I'm not the biggest fan of Chaykin's art style BUT it fit the pulpy/noirish atmosphere of this story with Coulson and Dominic Fortune. Their objective was...um you just have to read the book but I thought it was enjoyable.

Agents of Atlas #1 by Tom Taylor and Steve Pugh contains a different Coulson, who runs into the path of the titular team as they take on one of Marvel's best legacy villains in a Secret Wars province. What wins for me is Agent Jimmy Woo as a Nick Fury archtype. Coolness!

Astro City #28 by Kurt Busiek and Gary Chaloner shows the origin of Honor Guard member WolfSpider and gives us a sense of who he is as childhood figures comeback in his life and make an impact. Origin feels like a mix of Gar Logan with Peter Parker but the naivete and his mom counters any tired tropes that could have been used. Another cool story from the world of AC.

Thanks for reading all! Until Next Time, Keep Fantasizing!

Oh and PS:  Since we borrowed the above pic to make allusions to race and Star Wars, check out the great Race Wars podcast for your edification and humor!

Daryll B.'s Pre NYCC Blog Droppings! More on Heroes, SHIELD, Sleepy Hollow & More!

Quick TV Notes

-Points to Josh Groban for his turn on The Muppets but...The Office vibe just isn't working for me and I'll shush about the Kermit/Piggy thing... However, I loved the ending as Gonzo.. sigh I think most men have had that dream and either a friend woke them up or interrupted them in real life. Totally kill-able offense...

-Sleepy Hollow episode in the books and is it heresy to say that I think I would like Jenny and Crane as a team for a few episodes with Abbie working through the FBI? New direction didn't pop to me. It sort of just simmered and I guess it will take time to build.

-I have to give kudos to Sword Art Online. The past 5 episodes got me right in the feels and it sets a high bar for reality/fantasy world interaction. It really handled the topic of real world troubles/diseases vs fantasy escapism well, showing both the pluses and minuses of the situation. It now steps out of the Toonami lineup and Parasyte steps in...

-The Simpsons premiere was just meh to me. Although I liked the dream within a dream within a dream usage. They definitely used it better than most but I'm not a Lena Dunham fan. Sorry.

-Third episode of Heroes was better than the first two BUT I am still just wanting a jump RIGHT into action for the franchise. We got the set up, now follow through...

-I am glad that Agents of SHIELD got that message though. The premiere just dropped us in the midst of the action and told us to catch up. Two key cast members nowhere to be seen and a third running for their life...somewhere. I wonder how many folks forgot about Coulson and how he was affected by last year's finale?

-Appetite is wetted. Next week Flash and Arrow is on deck. I got a DVR filled with shows like Quantico and Big Bang Theory to watch BUT I keep coming back to South Park and Moonbeam City. The rain in NYC should enable me to catch up with everyone.

New York Comic Con Preparations continuing so I leaving you all with a lil LINK-BLOG!

-Marking my return to link-blogging, how could I not go to The Sage himself, Joseph Illidge to kick this off...

http://www.comicbookresources.com/article/the-mission-the-diversity-of-women-in-mainstream-comics-with-exceptions

This is something that with AfroNerd's re-streamed focus that I am still adamant about. I love to see black people repped in my comics, even star in them but not at the cost of good story or other races. I want it to happen naturally and for that to happen, we'll need talented creators from all walks of life. What Black Girl Nerds and Nerds of Color along with their strong followings have shown me this past year is that there are strong pockets of consumers who do feel just as excluded as I do as a black man on the comics mainstream. Thing is, these are getting more and more pro-active in terms of shopping and pushing the books in which they are represented on the page AND creatively!

-Everytime we lose focus, Dark Horse pulls an end around....

http://comicsalliance.com/dark-horse-comics-hoopla/

900 Titles/Issues? Talk about a gateway drug aka digital bombardment! Kudos to Dark Horse for this but it is unfortunate that this story will be obscured by another story involving their management

-Consider me a guilty party on this score...

http://www.comicbookresources.com/article/in-your-face-jam-comics-and-the-dilemma-of-wanting-more

Nostalgia is a hell of a drug BUT not at the expense of furthering the creation of new characters/stories or changing with the times. On this score, I have to give DC credit. They have managed to do it right in terms of the Convergence aftermath. Folks will be continuing with the "new" stories BUT for the older fans, DC also has 3 or 4 minis coming out based on other "in-continuity" stories like the Super-Baby, the 80's era Titans, etc.. Marvel? Yeah not on the greatest terms with their plans BECAUSE of the Fantastic Four snafu mentioned AND how they have botched Secret Wars. So now we are going to have a new direction launch in the midst of the event that was supposed to kick off said direction. Dammit Marvel!

-I'm not a Sex Criminals reader but this...THIS is honorable!

http://comicsalliance.com/chip-zdarsky-declines-harvey-award/

That is an example of having your partner's back. And Harvey Awards? If they are listed as co-creators and co-writers, how could you put one up for the award and not the other? Were you in the room SEEING the actual work process? Strange.

-..and in other breaking news...

http://www.comicbookresources.com/article/feige-latcham-say-infinity-war-leads-to-the-end-of-the-avengers-as-we-know-them

I really want to know who actually thought that everyone would be surviving this. They are fighting Thanos! The dude is literally Eternal Death walking. Sorry Newbies, I hope you didn't get too attached to the Avengers....

-I don't know how many other ways to convince folks to pick this up.....

http://comicsalliance.com/waid-staples-archie-review/

After reading the issue, I think I want to see Jughead with Betty more. Screw Archie. He's in the "Kermit/Miss Piggy" zone with Veronica....

-So I hope everyone got their DVRs set up for the coming week...

http://comicsalliance.com/flash-season-2-trailer-zoom-photo/

http://comicsalliance.com/arrow-season-4-featurette/

I'm getting Jay Garrick. I am so PSYCHED for Flash Season 2 Folks!

-Interesting analysis on the breakout hit for Cartoon Network this past year.

http://comicsalliance.com/thumbnail-steven-universe/

I admit that I was a little late on this due to my own bias lumping it in with Regular Show and Adventure Time. However due to the advice/urging of some friends of mine, I have given the series a second chance. I can attest that there are a lot of subtext/allusions to adult themes including mixed heritage laced throughout each episode. My favorite one so far: Steven tries and succeeds in asking a gal out on a date to the movies...which ends up being an interdimensional trip of EPIC and DESTRUCTIVE proportions. Which I can feel totally....without the interdimensional stuff. Believe me, I can F up a good thing on my own folks...

The thing I find charming about this show is that it is Kirkman's Invincible made into a cartoon. Not in powers but everything that Steven goes through with his mothers, with his father, with Connie, with his enemies, leaves an impression on him. He learns. He gets sad. He gets frustrated but he NEVER gives up. Steven always tries to keep everyone happy. Torn between 2 worlds, two heritages, but always remaining positive, I'm glad I gave this a second chance.

Thx For Reading All! Until Next Time, Keep Fantasizing!

Daryll B Blogdrops at Afropunk 2015 and manages to highlight Comics as well!

Books and Music!

Star Wars #8 by Jason Aaron and Stuart Immonen - Stuart Immonen definitely steps his artistic likeness game up here as he matches Quietly in terms of the known characters. Luke think he's Han for a second while Han has girl trouble. And oh yeah, Sana is DEFINITELY a mystery.

ASM Renew Your Vows #4 by Dan Slott & Adam Kubert - Slott again throws my guessing a curveball here...to my delight. Regent shows he's brilliantly stupid as a man who wants to takes down God and my heart goes out to The Spot. Through this all, I maintain that I still miss this MJ/Peter dynamic in the regular books.

Age of Ultron vs Marvel Zombies #3 by James Robinson and Steve Pugh - Last review I said humanity was screwed as it was resting in the hands of a Hank Pym who doesn't know Ultron. Well Robinson and Pugh had to one up me by deciding to create even more nightmare fuel than either The Deadlands or Perfection. Yeah...can't wait to see Pym's plan...

Spider-Verse #4 by Mike Costa and Andre Araujo - On the subject of brilliantly stupid men who want to take on God, hi Norman Osborn! And unfortunately, the Web Warriors discover this just as God does. Meanwhile, Peter and Gwen have a plan for Osborn... how sane the plan is definitely is questionable!

Runaways #3 by Noelle Stevenson and Sanford Greene - Somehow the kiddos can move in-between realms/zones in their ship. The true purpose of the test is revealed and Valeria has a crush? Oh yeah this book is frantic fun for me. Now can the kids survive?

Guardians of Knowhere #3 by Brian Michael Bendis and Mike Deodato - Book still confuses me BUT I can't lie, the Gamora/Angela interactions have been intriguing. Does Gamora know about the nature of the world because the TRUE Thanos arrived elsewhere? Are her bonds with her "dad" that deep? Just a thought....

Howard The Human #1 by Skottie Young and Jim Mahfood - Speaking of confusing, yet fun, this was an interesting invert of the Duck's tale, invoking not only the Usual Suspects but also the famous "Almost Got Him" episode of Batman The Animated Series. A fun little one off in the insanity that we call Secret Wars.

Astro City #26 by Kurt Busiek and Brent Anderson - 20th Anniversary Issue. 20 years of reading a loving homage to comics and mythos of all types crammed into one amazing city and its denizens. Everytime politics of comics get me down, I can pick up an issue of Astro City and remember why I read them and love them. Here's to 20 years more... as far as the issue goes, remember issue #1 of the new run? Well one major mystery gets reintroduced subtly here. 

AfroPunk

Had a great time at what was my 4th time at the event Saturday in Commodore Barry Park in Brooklyn. Suicidal Tendencies, Lion Babe, Kelis, Lauryn Hill, and Grace Jones were the acts I caught a majority of with bits of LetLive thrown in for good measure. DBurt and I had a blast but as always we ran into a little stupidity. So, as a public service, here's a little how to guide for survival.

1) Know your weather: This should be simple but I did see 4 or 5 people fall out due to heat exhaustion. Come on. If it a 90+ degree day, know that you need hydration BEFORE and DURING the event. 

2) Count on favorite acts being scheduled up against one another so prioritize: I had a list of the acts I wanted to see in my mind already and by sheer luck I only had one conflict. I had to sacrifice Death Grips in favor of Lauryn Hill BUT again I had a plan going into the event.

3) Count on everyone wanting to see what you want to see so get there early to get a good  spot. Try to get to your stage 10 minutes before showtime at least. Sorry I just not cool with in the midst of a jam packed performance, people trying to push through to the front. ESPECIALLY if you know that it is packed. Although after a couple of bad encounters, I did get folks that said excuse me and sorry.

4) BE POLITE! For an event predicated on coming together and awareness, there were certainly enough a$$holes from every walk of life that tested my patience.

5) As I say this, BE PATIENT! Yeahhhh if I'm the one saying this with my anger issues....! It going to be a long fun filled day with great music and beautiful women (people for other tastes) so be safe and be careful! I had fun but of course I had to come down from the energy high so...HELLO comic shop!

Post AfroPunk

Book of Death #2 by Robert Venditti and Robert Gill with Doug Braithwaite on art - Ivar proves that it isn't bravado. He ACTUALLY has thought hard about talking out Unity and proceeds to do so..painfully. The Puppetmaster stands revealed, more chaos, and are we really talking a tactical nuke on US soil? Wow these are desperate times....

Archie #2 by Mark Waid and Fiona Staples - The trademark Andrews klutziness/bad luck follows him in the midst of a certain mansion being built. Betty has more skills than I have ever assumed and I think Archie's Dad has a plan. Now what exactly is Jughead up to? lol

Captain Britain and The Mighty Defenders #2 by Al Ewing and Alan Davis - Short and sweet this story ends after 2 issues. A lil fluff that served a purpose in fleshing out Faiza more AND being a great homage to Judge Dredd. Boss Cage? Really sounds like a tough character in Double Dragon..lol

Check The Technique by Brian Coleman - I already blamed Ed Piskor for me getting this at AfroPunk. I recognized the book from the bibliography of Hip-Hop Family Tree. Technique gives us 36 of the most famous albums of hip-hop's history with artists' first hand accounts of the stories, fun, and turmoils behind them. Book may be 8 years old but how could you profess to be a student of the game WITHOUT this information? Well done Mr. Coleman. Well Done! Special thanks to Greenlight Books for having it.

Thanks for reading! Great day! Great times! Until Next Time, Keep Fantasizing!