August 16, 2023

Penguin 0 is just a collection of the mini stories from the end of a couple Batman issues, which I feel like should have made it a free issue, but eh. I’m excited for the Raven TotT issue. More Night Terrors of course. Laila Starr! The Vader issue I will read even though it’s part of the Dark Droid event. Another What if? story. I want to know more about Spider-Boy! The Loki issue should be fun. A new run of Alpha Flight started. We got new runs for both Dark X-men and Uncanny Avengers, and I’m excited for them. And the Death of the Venomverse continues.

This is just such an amazing cover. I mean look at that! Joëlle Jones did brilliantly.

I can’t wait to see all the main covers for this next to each other.

Christian Ward did a fantastic job on this cover! I would love to see him do the main covers for the next run of Raven we get.

The only Night Terrors variants this week.

I really liked this design. The duality of themes and colors are well-done.

I was surprised to see us get a pencil issue for this. I loved the story a lot, so I had to get these.

The second one is just a blank variant, hopefully one day I can meet the artist and get it drawn on. And the last one is a UV cover. I forgot it wasn’t a glow-in-the-dark cover. I wasn’t quite sure if there was something specific to do to the cover, so I just used a UV flashlight.

I always keep an eye on other publishers, as y’all know, in case artists I like do any covers and I’m glad I did for these.

InHyuk-Lee is just so good.

The moment I saw this cover I had to add it to my list. The moment I saw that all the main covers for each issue were like this, I had to subscribe to this title. And I’m also interested in the story since I always enjoy Kelly Thompson’s work. I’ll have all the A covers together when I get them all.

Another Momoko of course. Love this.

Here’s another window shades cover!

More Mirka Andolfo is always good.

Barends covers are just so freaking detailed and amazing.

I forgot how many Uncanny Avengers variants I had got.

If you didn’t recognize who did this cover, that okay, it’s a Jen Bartel cover! I added it before I could see what it was and I was pleasantly surprised with something as unexpected as this.

And of course more of these Ross connecting variants! Yes I purposefully didn’t connect the X-Men ones till the complete collection post. Speaking of, I know I haven’t done any of those in a while, once I catch up on reading I should be able to find time to get a ton…no wait…a TON of variant sorting and thus many complete collection photos from the past few months.

August 9, 2023

Yup, you guessed it, still not caught up. Grumble.

The Harley breaks the DCU is just so much fun. A lot will be going on in the Superman annual. I’m liking Spirit World. Night Terrors continues. I’m excited to get to Gargoyles: Dark Ages. We got the next ROTJ one-shot special. I still have so many questions for the Guardians run, I’m enjoying it. The Avengers run is also fun so far. I’m intrigued by the Children of the Vault issue! And I guess there’s a Logan and Ghost Rider mini crossover that started. I wasn’t sure what it was. This is the first event annual for Agatha’s shenanigans. And I can’t wait to get to the extra long ASM 925.

So many Dark Ages variants! I mean I know it’s three, but still. Always happy to get Mirka Andolfo covers. She was excited about drawing Demona. Here’s the next Danino cover! And the last one is just an action figure one since I don’t get those often so I thought I’d get it.

The Obi-Wan variant is a gift for a friend, I hope to get it slabbed for him. The Silk cover shouldn’t be here, but I was too lazy to delete it. Loving these movie covers. The Monica cover is just gorgeous. The CotV variant was just because I love Cable and Bishop both being o the cover of an issue. And I liked the Krakoa Quite Council variant.

This is the next Mattina cover from Night Terrors.

Here start the Ross connecting variants! He’s doing one set for the Avengers 60th and another for the Uncanny X-Men’s 60th Anniversaries. Can’t wait to see them all together! And I trust Ross with his connecting variants so they will actually connect properly.

And best for last. Kamala! And this is by the wonderful John Tyler Christopher. I hoped that he would do Kamala for one of the negative space variants, and he did.

August 2023 Late Issues

The Hyperspace Stories issue is a couple weeks late. The ravager issue is from the same week but I just forgot to pick up two copies. The DWM issue is just the one I picked up from my box (from March). But, oh my Knull, the Carnage 9 issue is from JANUARY!!! I’m not sure why the main cover was delayed for so long.

Also putting these posters here since they’re from a while ago too. I can’t remember if I already had the Doctor Strange poster, I might have had a rolled up one instead of folded. I’m 70% sure I did.

And these are posters of those Dan Mora arts from the bookmarks from a while ago and the New Age of DC promos. The store put some up, so I got the ones that weren’t used.

Blue Beetle (2023)

August 17, 2023-

This was such a fun movie! I enjoyed it a lot. The cast did an amazing job. All the characters felt like people and not just characters. Of course there are some very comicbook choices, but that’s fine.

The story wasn’t too complicated, it flowed well and was well-paced. I will say that some of the sound design was a bit loud and that covered some of the dialogue in the louder scenes. And some of the funny or lead-up scenes from the trailers hit a bit less in the movie, but I didn’t mind that as much.

It was weird not to see the DC intro like in the rest of the DC movies, but since this takes place in the new DCU but is t supposed to start it, that’s an understandable choice. It certainly felt like it’s own movie and didn’t overtly feel (narrative-wise) like it needed to lead to another movie.

I enjoyed the themes in the movie and the little Easter eggs here and there. The family was so well done. I hope we get more from them in the future.

Mid-credit scene: Yes. This hints at the future for the characters. I am excited to see what that’s about. what it’s related to is a little bit predictable, but I didn’t mind that at all. And I wonder if it may also connect to another already announced project. We’ll see I guess!

End-credit scene: Yes. Sort of. It’s not necessary to stay as it’s more of a gag scene, but if you want to, go for it.

August 2, 2023

Always enjoy What If? stories. This Yoda run as been great, I can’t wait to get to this issue! I got this Moon Knight issue just in case the 25th issue ended din some kind of cliffhanger. The Dark Droids event has begun in Star Wars. I’m still not sure if I want to read through this event or wait. But I guess I’ll see when I get to this issue. Bobby has a new run! I think it’s a miniseres. This 25th issue of X-Men seems to have a lot going on in it. Stephen and Clea are having a time. I’m glad that we’re getting these Strange Academy one-shots sine I really loved both runs but wanted more. Death of the Venomverse has begun! I got the first issue of Quest because it seems to be focusing on Indian mythology and I vaguely know of some of the myths from when I was a kid, but I thought I’d get a different POV of them through this. Even though this JSA run is taking its time, I’m enjoying it. I’m enjoying the normal DC titles still. And more of Knight Terrors.

Covers and posters below.

I got this as a gift for someone, so I think I’m going to get it slabbed too. I could wait to get it signed by Anthony Daniels one day, but who knows when I’ll be in his golden presence again, so we’ll see.

They made so many variant for this issue! This is one of the first of the Ross connecting covers of his two sets that are coming. One is of that classic X-Men gatefold cover and the other will be a classic Avengers cover homage. And of course here’s another Brooks corner box cover. And the full version of the wraparound cover is below.

The Fall of X, indeed.

And of course another Ross cover from Doctor Strange. And I’m happy that the three connecting covers for these Strange Academy one-shots are Ramos covers since this title has been his baby. Here is the next Barends cover, but the first Death of the Venomverse even covers. And then the next Nakayama cover for Gargoyles.

I really liked the colors of this Black Cloak cover. And of course I love this Conan variant by Artgerm.

Still loving these mover covers!

This is another legacy cover showing us how far Jon has come since we’ve met him.

The next Knight Terrors covers!

Here are the posters I got this week. I love the Ross one for the new Thor run starting soon. And of course I enjoy the Barends cover poster.

July 26, 2023

STILL not caught up. Grumble.

Both Ghost Rider runs ave been intriguing. I’m continuing to love the She-Hulk run. I still am wishing pain upon Beast. Since I haven’t started the new Hulk run, I don’t know what’s going on there. This What If? issue will be interesting to read. Tony still has Sentinel problems. I enjoyed the first issue of Spider-Man India was really good, so I’m invested. Ultimate Invasion continues. And finally the next (and last?) Hellfire Gala was upon us! I’m interested in Mirka Andolfo’s new comic Purr Evil. Knight Terrors continues! We got a new Batman Beyond run! And we got Black Label Superman and Lex story.

Many overs below.

Another amazing Barends cover to marvel at.

The next Bartel She-Hulk cover, the final connecting cover for Iron man, the next Brooks corner bx cover and the next movie poster cover for Silk.

These variants for the Hellfire are fantastic. The upcoming X-Men 97 series is something I’m very much anticipating. So happy Dan Veesenmeyer got to do that cover. And of course I HAD to get this Kamala cover.

These are some of the Hellfire Gala covers that I wanted. Can’t wait for others!

I always keep an eye out for when artists I love do other covers than DC and Marvel titles. I certainly had to get this Frison cover.

I don’t always get Andolfo covers, but I tend to get them since I love her art. I always enjoy getting her covers of her own books. And I love that Momoko did a cover for this new title.

Another fantastic InHyuk Lee cover!

I love this cover because it has the other characters from the Batman Beyond world on it. Plus I like how they’re drawn.

I love that these Uncovered books get variant covers too. I completely forgot these were books that collect cover art inside. The main cover is great, the Dan Mora cover is wonderful and I love the foil Leirix cover!

Here’s the next round of Knight Terrors covers! The first is a Matina cover and the last one is a Leirix cover.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (August 4, 2023) – Sneak Preview- July 29, 2023

Well, as one would expect, this was such a fun movie! Pretty fast-paced, adventurous, funny, and just a good time.

The cast was great. The kids did really well as the turtles, and thus, a good choice. Jackie Chan did a great job as Splinter, I’m happy to see him in something again. The rest of the cast was so good that honestly even though there were big names in the roles, I didn’t really hear them as the actors at all. I just enjoyed the characters.

I did miss a bit of the beginning, so I’ll have to wait till I see the movie again, but I didn’t miss too much. The plot was pretty straight-forward. I liked the introduction to all the characters. It was a fun coming of age kind of movie plus all the action. I will say I wish there was a bit more time spend on the home-life aspect. But even so, I understood what was being felt by the characters. Though maybe o felt like that because whenever I’ve seen the TMNT, there is a lot of focus on the home-life.

The art style is very comic book and very busy, but so much fun to watch. I loved the animation, the movement of the characters and the environment was very well-done. Oh, and the music was well-placed too. And so many pop-culture references! Haha.

I’m happy that this movie is getting spin-offs and sequels. I’m excited to see more from this iteration of the TMNT.

Mid-credit scene: Yes. A little bit of epilogue and hinting at the future.

End-credit scene: Nope.

July 19, 2023

So many variants! Haha.

The next ROTJ special focusing on the Rebellion dropped. Moon Knight has a special that introduced the comic version of Scarlet Scarab that the MCU introduced last year. This is the final issue of this run of Spider-Gwen. Blade has a new run! Conner is just having a rough time in space. We got the first of four issues of the Tales of the Titans microseries. Hawkgirl has a new miniseries! Harley has a second run of the BWR theme. And Knight Terrors continues!

Many variants and some posters below!

This cover is paying homage to The Avengers #276 from February 10, 1987. Just a fun cover.

Oh look, another gorgeous Frison cover! And I was happy to see another Mr. Garcin cover, so I had to get it.

It’s just so nice to see the new Scarlet Scarab on a cover. Layla is awesome.

Rasputin IV looking stunning in this Hellfire Gala cover. Thank you Jamie McKelvie!

There were so many great Blade 1 variants! Momoko’s is the first one, the next windowshades one is the next and another negative space is the third one.

This two weeks had so many foil covers! I love this Green Ranger foil cover.

I love all the main covers for these Tales of the Titans issues, so I had to get this one and will get the other main covers of the upcoming issues.

And of course, another Artgerm cover!! And he made a foil one too!!

Oh look, another Artgerm! And another foil cover!

So many Knight Terrors variants!! They had to throw Mattina covers along with the Midnight variants at us. Ooof.

These are the posters that I got from my store. Two of these will be gifts and one I shall keep. Such great cover art!

July 12, 2023

Guess what? Still not caught up reading! Haha. Currently about to start sorting issues to boxes and shelves for the issues from the previous bunch of 8 weeks of comics. In two weeks, I’ll have to sort 8 more weeks-worth again. So I have to read 6 weeks-worth in the next 5 days or something.

Vader starts a new arc. I liked issue 1 or Loki, so I’m in for the title. And as usual, in X-Force, I’m so ready for Beast to go down XD. Moon Knight had this run’s 25th issue, and they made it so many pages longer than a usual 25th issue. This is the memorial special for mourning Kamala Khan. And I’m excited for the Hunger and the Dusk title by G. Willow Wilson! Gargoyles had a new title subtitled Dark Ages. The cover of Sirens City intrigued me enough to buy the issue. This is the penultimate issue of Harley Screws up the DCU. And the DC event: Knight Terrors has begun!!

So many covers below.

The main cover for Immortal X-Men 13 is just gorgeous! That’s all. The Hellfire Gala variant of this issue is also just beautiful. I love the details the artist of this X-Force variant made. I have a couple other covers by the artist I think.

I always enjoy a DOFP homage cover. And I’m excited for these Saturday morning cartoon covers!!

Another wonderful Momoko cover! And the other is an homage variant that’s paying tribute to Vision and the Scarlet Witch (1985 series) #1 from October 1, 1985.

A wonderful Hellfire Gala cover by David Nakayama. MJ and Felicia look amazing! And the next Disney 100 cover!

I thought I would put the symbiote covers together. Venomized Jeff the land-shark by Momoko!! That WoC cover is just amazing. And here’s another detailed cover by Björn Barends. Just, wow.

These variants for Moon Knight 25 are just gorgeous!! First one by Artgerm of course. The next one is another Hellfire Gala cover. and the last one is the next negative space cover!

These are two of the variants for Fallen Friend. And the first one is and Alphona cover. The second one is a cover paying homage to cover of The Death of Captain Marvel special from February 3, 1982.

The first variant is by Mirka Andolfo, always so good! And I’m so excited for the second one becuase I’ve been following this artist on Instagram for a few years now and she announced she was getting to make some variants for this new Gargoyles title and I was like um what??? So, congratulations to the wonderful KDFoxx/Graffoxx!! I mean look at that cover!! Of course I will be getting all of her covers.

Jenny Frison is just such a great artist. I say it so much, but just wow. And I really liked the use of foil on this other variant.

I just have always loved Zealot’s look and color-scheme. And here is another Swimsuit variant from DC!

And here are the first Knight Terrors Midnight variants!! I’ve been waiting for these. I can’t wait to see them all together when I get them all. I have to say if the red on these was all red foil, I would love these even more!

Barbie (2023)

July 20, 2023-

That was a wonderful movie!

There was heart and humor and depth. As always, the cast did a fantastic job at portraying Barbie’s and Ken’s and other dolls and characters. Margot Robbie was just brilliant in this role. And I was reminded that Anne Hathaway was originally marked for this role and I think she would have done just as amazing a job. Ryan Gosling’s Ken role was seemingly monotone, but there were little wisps of depth hidden underneath. It would have been nice to have some more focus on some of the other Barbie’s and Ken’s, but that’s mainly because some of the other cast members were actors who I really enjoy seeing.

The movie was just under 2 hours but honestly, it didn’t feel like it to me, when it was over I was like oh, it’s been two hours, right, I forgot it was that long.

The plot was both surprising and expected, and still fantastic. I wasn’t quite sure what was going to happen once most of what the trailers had shown had passed, but once I caught on to where things were heading, I was excited to get there and see how it was going to play out.

Some audience members in the theater had great reactions to particular moments and one girl who yelled WHAT!? when everyone else was silent. It was a good moment for that, haha.

There are certainly many points trying to be made and I think they were made well and hopefully people will take them to heart in the future. It is a bit heavy-handed on some points but I think that is good and those scenes needed to be as descriptive as they were and hit as hard as they did.

I most definitely recommend watching this movie regardless of how you feel about Barbie as a brand. As the trailers have suggested, that is all addressed.

Mid-credit scene: No, but stay for the animated credits, it’s a nice bit of history.

End-credit scene: Nope