Like I have mentioned before, I enjoy the "hunting" of back issues and with a preference for the bigger stories, I like to spend my hunting days finding the missing pieces to the story arcs or lines that I like. It was what I enjoyed the most during my Marvel reading days, having entered the X-Men universe with X-Cutioner's Song, and exiting with The Phalanx Covenant, and the epic Fatal Attractions (X-Men #25 and Wolverine #75.....amazing, front to back) in between those gems.

But, one story line that I missed out on (due to no DC Comics where I lived at the time), and is a priority among my story arc collection is Knightfall from the Batman Universe. Where Bane breaks the Bat and there is a new Batman...temporarily of course. I do look for others that I need, such as Spider-Man's Maximum Carnage, X-Men's X-Tinction Agenda, as well as some Batman runs that I missed being out of the comic book loop. An earthquake hits Gotham? Damian Wayne? Batman dies killing Darkseid? People actually thought Jason Todd should have taken the cowl? Sorry, I am pro Grayson on that topic ahaha I do have the graphic novel collection of Batman R.I.P., etc, but I "need" to have them whole story, issue by issue. Trust me, it is much more fun this way, it's like a comic book Easter egg hunt aha

  

Not only do I hunt, but I list things, both hand written and then on computer, it's an obsession of sorts, and tend to apply it to everything ahaha Here is an example of just that for the aforementioned Knightfall (I also have this for the KnightQuest's and Aftermath ahaha)

Knightfall

	Pre	Batman #489
X	Pre	Batman #490
	Pre	Batman #491
X	1	Batman #492
X	2	Detective Comics #659
X	3	Batman #493
X	4	Detective Comics #660
X	5	Batman #494
X	6	Detective Comics #661
X	7	Batman #495
X	8	Detective Comics #662
X	9	Batman #496
X	10	Detective Comics #663
X	11	Batman #497
	12	Detective Comics #664
	13	DC Showcase ’93 #7
	14	DC Showcase ’93 #8
X	15	Batman #498
X	16	Shadow Of The Bat #16
X	17	Shadow Of The Bat #17
	18	Shadow Of The Bat #18
X	19	Detective Comics #665
X	20	Batman #499
X	21	Detective Comics #666
X	22	Batman #500

I think I am going to leave the reviews of any New 52 issues, until issues #2. Having just re-entered the comic book reading/collecting world, I am not 100% sure of what may have changed on somethings, or what is "new" as it is all somewhat new to me. I was only able to catch a few things in the Batman titles that I read, that were different from what I was reading in Gotham City Sirens and Batman Incorporated. Not complaining, I love it all, just gonna wait, review the larger story I guess, since everything has a general to big cliff hanging ending, example being Detective Comics #1, and now the same thing with Batman: The Dark Knight #1. This one, I won't spoil too much other than the following; has to do with Two-Face Harvey Dent, and that if you played the video game Batman: Arkham Asylum (whose sequel drops in stores on my 30th birthday-October, 18th, 2011), then simply think of what Harvey would look like if he did what Mr. J did to himself near the end of the game. I recommend this issue for Bat-Fans and/or Two-Face sympathizers, looks interesting to see where they take this storyline wise (art is good too btw), to me at least, but go out and grab yourselves a copy and see with your own eyes.

My Nerdy Magazine Day this week consisted of me touring the "other" stores in my area. Just to see what they have, and although the appearance can be "off", they are still good for things that the main comic book store of my choice may not have (specific back issues, toys, shirts, etc). Today proved that to be true, the "cluttered" shop, although extra messy, has some nice looking figurines in stock (for Nerdy and myself), as well as a Batman "sit on my laptop" thingy (for lack of proper name atm), which I hope to pick up in the near future. And another shop, olne that was closed for awhile for some reason, was open again. This place is a bit pricey on things that aren't a comic book issue, but always seems to have to back issues that I need for storyline completion when the other stores do not, which led to me buying Batman: Shadow Of The Bat #17, which I needed for my "Knightfall" collection (Batman storyline-Bane breaks the Bat) from there.

I took a look around Worlds Collide, my main store, before I went and picked up My Nerdy, as it is sometimes hard to enjoy myself when attempting to keep ever so vigalant of what she is doing and touching aha But, mostly went to see if they had any issues of Red Lanterns #1 in stock before checking the other stores (where I would have bought it if either had it, neither really had any "new" issues tbh). After I picked up Nerdy, we walked back to pick up my issue of Batman: The Dark Knight #1 from the Lindon File, and for Nerdy to pick out what she wanted to read this week (none of "her" titles we in this week), which ended up being the Veronica issue of her looking like Catwoman, it goes with Nerdy's other one that look the same only it is Betty. She also, picked up Gotham City Sirens #26 for her collection that is growing quite nicely. And while I was there I asked the owner about Red Lanterns #1, and he said that he had some coming in, and of course added it to the Lindon File. Which is something that I would recommend to anyone and everyone who is wanting to follow titles month to month, if your store of choice has this option where they will put a copy of a new title aside for you, do so to avoid "sell-outs", yes, they could/would order more for you to restock, but who wants to wait? ahaha Plus, a friend told me that their store that they ventured to, gives 10% off when using the file system (theirs was a drawer, but you get the idea, go talk to the clerk about it).

Speaking of friends buying comic books, I have 2 people (I'd name drop, but read back posts and view comments to see who, so far a Wonder Woman and a Red Lantern aha) that I met through the good ole Facebook gaming worlds, both of whom have popped their Comic Book Cherries this week (aahahahaha sorry, had too). And both of whom liked who they what they read and what they saw at their stores. And I might add, also are going to bring their kiddies into the mix, which as a parent I strongly recommend. Of course, monitor what they are reading, apply parental skills where needed, and have fun! It is a great way to both teach and encourage reading. 'Cause it's not just art, as Neal Adams said "You put the greatest writer in the world with the greatest artist in the world, and they will make the greatest art in the world, and you know what they would call it? A comic book." Or something like that, but bottom line, it's all true.

Detective Comics #2 cover?

Hmm, now to figure out what is coming out next Nerdy Magazine Day, the site I once used, had many errors that trough off my day once ahaha Hopefully at least one of the titles I read drops issue #2, I am dying to read the follow ups to what I would consider a successful relaunch. Not sure of the numbers sales wise, but I know at least I am enjoying myself. Detective Comics #2, I can't wait to read....you! Corny but so damn true ahahahahahahahahahahahaha!

It is Tuesday Night, meaning tomorrow is Nerdy Magazine Day! Or New Comic Book Day if you prefer. This week it will be Batman: The Dark Knight #1 for myself, and for the Nerdy, most likely an Archie comic book, unless a female DC back issue catches her eye. I am thinking about maybe grabbing The Flash #1 if there are any left, but we shall see, we shall see.

Here is the list of what is the final week of DC Comics The New 52, or at least their initial run, as I expect/hope to see titles such as or similar to Batman Incorporated and Gotham City Sirens, both of which ended to due to the relaunch, one of the only draw backs for me, other than that....bring it on!!!

• All-Star Western #1
• Aquaman #1
• Batman: The Dark Knight #1
• Blackhawks #1
• The Flash #1
• The Fury Of Firestorm #1
• Green Lantern: New Guardians #1
• I, Vampire #1
• Justice League Dark #1
• The Savage Hawkman #1
• Superman #1
• Teen Titans #1
• Voodoo #1

If The Flash #1 isn't there, then maybe I will take a look at Superman #1, dunno though, I may also find a back issue that I need for incomplete series and/or story lines. Its how I roll aha

So, if you see anything on the list you think you would wanna read, go and do just that. If not, then still go and take a look around, never know what you may find. Even go to see if they sell t-shirts and flaunt your "nerdiness", I do, everyday, ev-er-y day ahaha And yes, a la Sheldon Cooper from Big Bang Theory, Friday is The Flash t-shirts aha

So, in case nobody has noticed, I have added some "polls" to my blog page. I find writing these entries it is all about me, which is understandable, being my blog and the lone writer, I just am curious at times what do my fellow nerds and geeks think, say and do. So, feel free to partake in my enquiries. The newest poll, is wondering what comic book companies you read. This one is also "multiple choice" so pick what ever ones you frequent. Personally, I am DC Comics, Marvel had me when Batman wasn't available to me, it was great mind you with the Kuberts besically owning the X-Universe, and great storylines like Fatal Attractions with the brothers mentioned involved, but I started with X-Cutioner's Song and I ended with The Phalanx Covenant. Now, I am back to comic books, and it is Gotham all the way, and the fact that I find Marvel is over saturated the market (you can almost find something Spider-Man related anywhere at anytime). Other reasons but, meh back to the poll ahaha

Again, point and click your choices and lemme know what your reading. They say numbers don't lie...let's go with that yes? ahahaha And more shameless plugging of myself.

The Facebook page I made from scratch (hence the missing buttons aha)

My Gotham Sewer. Killer Croc and Salomon Grundy would frequent through here aha

The Batcave...well My Batcave any way aha

I was born in 1981, the year of the Rooster. Which is apt due to the cock in my walk at times ahaha Jokes. So, obviously being born at this time, I watched cartoons of the 80's and 90's. Classics like Thundercats, He-Man, even She-Ra, Gummi Bears, the list is long, but I will admit, I didn't watch too much of G.I. Joe, I loved the movie back in the day, and today's live action flicks (anyone else think about Sgt. Slaughter after hearing that Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson was cast to play Roadblock? Those unaware, the G.I. Joe character Sgt. Slaughter was based on and voiced by pro wrestler Sgt. Slaughter. Maggots!). Which brings me to the following topic, which is what childhood favorites that I want to see on the big screen. Especially after the success of G.I. Joe and Transformers, which were unlike past horrors like He-Man, or even Super Mario Bros. As a kid, I liked these movies, He-Man was one of the movies that I remember going to the theater as a kid, but looking back all I can ask is who thought that putting characters and stories that aren't in the "real world" into a real world setting? Transformers works because that is how it was on the cartoons, He-Man however, noooo.

So, here is a list of a few of what I would like to see in a live action feature film from the 80's-90's cartoons that I watched as a youth;

• He-Man. Yes, it was a flop before, but just think if they stuck to the script, we would get something looking similar to Lord Of The Rings, Conan The Barbarian and Gladiator. More LOTR than the others. Also, a near "nobody" in the lead. Not a Lungren fan, and even if I was, he still didn't do the part justice appearance wise. And after seeing what they did in Captain America, they could defiently be able to have "Adam" as well as "He-Man" through out the film...just like the show!!!
• Thundercats. Personally, I would CGI the hell outta this one. Minus the Thundercats themselves. I would leave to mostly costume and make-up, but would use CGI for the scenes where their fur may to be "standing up", like a distressed cats hair would. But, the baddies, buildings and scenery are computerized. Could almost clone the original episodes script for the story also. Give it somewhat of a Sci-Fi feel.
• Darkwing Duck. It was my Batman among Tail Spin and Chip n Dale ahaha I guess this wouldn't be so much of a full length movie, but perhaps a direct to DVD, CGI upgraded of course. Now that I think of it, I guarantee there would be a Batman/Darkwing Duck mash-up or so out there if Disney bought DC Comics.
• Gargoyles. Either same route as Darkwing Duck, or CGI blended in with real life to make either child friendly or a dark and Gothic tale for the older viewer.

There are some others, but I cannot remember the titles or the stories really, I just remember they were great, and could make for a great transition to the big screen. Of course, a lot of things would translate better, if the script and acting jobs were up to snuff.

Glad to see greats already make it to the theaters, Alvin & The Chipmunks (and eventually also, The Chipettes-another great show), Yogi Bear, The Smurfs, etc. as it is always nice to be able to use something to not only reminisce, but also share with my Nerdy (my daughter).

And a little more of the shameless self promotion ahaha A video I crafted frame by frame, one day possibly some music or sound effects, and longer once I find some motivation to do this....I get bored easy when I realize I try too hard for it to be fun, ergo it is pointless ahaha In this one, it's all created by me, minus the Batmobile which is from the Batman: Arkham Asylum video game I believe.

Shameless Self Promotion Entry #1

I enjoy making (as well as get frustrated at times making) personal works of art. I have received some compliments from time to time, which is appreciated, personally I know I have a lot of room for improvement, but bottom line is art, like beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Comic Book art is definitely a matter of opinion, where for me sometimes the art work can make or break the issue(s). I would never say that the work sucked, I would just say it wasn't to my liking, because obviously someone liked the artists work because they are published. Rob Leifeld once fit this bill somewhat for me, found his work not horrible, but too scratchy, however I noticed his recent work is more "clean" in the presentation. Regardless, he is Rob Leifeld. A Comic Book Vet, so again obviously someone loved his work. I love Alex Ross' work, the realism is to my liking, however other artists with a similar style just don't catch my eye. Dunno how to explain it. Perhaps I am just too picky? ahaha

So, back to my shameless self promotion I guess I should call this. Every now and then I will simply use a blog entry to show a pic or so of my own creation. I use an obsolete, poor photoshop knock off, so I will toot my own horn on my effort at least, because I watched a couple Photoshop videos on Youtube, and on there you can do things with a simple point and click, where with my program its a ton of steps by hand to get something similar. One day Photoshop, one day ahaha

One of my first pics I ever did. Pure Cut and Pasting on this one.

Another earlier piece. Only thing Copy n Pasted here is myself as The Joker. I did a few other Arkham Inmate Cells also.

Here is one from a series of myself attempting to create "drawings" using a mouse. Tough work, but didn't do too bad for a first attempt I'd say ahaha.

Well, as I mentioned before, I was planning on picking up Batman #1 and Catwoman #1 today. Of course that was exactly what I did today ahaha The comic book shop that I frequent, which is Worlds Collide by the way, has a filing system where they will put your desired new issues aside for you so that you do not have to worry about any sell outs. It is simply known as "The Lindon File". So, every month myself and my Nerd will be reading Detective Comics, Batman, Batman & Robin, Batman: The Dark Knight, Batgirl and Catwoman. Hopefully, the weeks that they hit the shelves, or my folder, will stay in sequence as they have relaunched this past month. But then again if there happens to be a week here and there where none of our preferred titles are out, I will double up on the back issues and Nerd will get her Archie and/or a back issue of her choice. Which reminds me of how cute she looked today, as she was pulling out the shelves and going through the issues just like we all do, but she's on her tippy toes looking through the higher up bins or racks.

Before I give the opinion of The Non-Geeky Nerd, did you notice the name drop? The name of the comic book store I go to preferably. In a previous post I purposely did not mention the shop that I checked out, because despite all the high points of the store, they bombed in the customer service aspect of business. Worlds Collide ( http://www.worldscollide.ca/ ) proved today why I love to go there. The owner, as usual greeted myself and Nerdy. and also one of the employees went above and beyond today. He noticed that the Catwoman #1 was most likely for my daughter, and took it upon himself to let me know that it may not be good for kids due to some of the content. He did this while offering Nerdy a sucker/lollipop from a Dr. Who container. That was smart, because if it was too much, she wouldn't be getting the comic book. Of course I looked it over, and it wasn't anything too bad, just a few bra shots, and a flirty tussle with the bat. I don't shelter her too much, and nudity or over the top violence/gore is where I draw the line. I would go further but I try very hard to avoid serious issues via this blog. Bottom line I appreciated him letting me know. And it lead to a convo with the owner about the topic which was nice, I felt bad as I was trying to keep an eye on the Nerd while trying to listen n learn. All of this, including a clean store, makes for a good visit, which in turn is good for business. So, far I spend roughly $30 a month on just comic books, which isn't a lot, but it is all going to one store. The other shops, are left to simply random "issue hunting" money that is spent. Example, I need Batman Incorporated #6, as well as a few issues of Gotham City Sirens and the final pieces to the KnightFall storyline, if I can't find these at Worlds Collide, I will check out the other stores to see if they have them, but always check Worlds first.

Here's the logo, props to whomever designed it, as well as the name chosen. One of the best names I seen so far.

I did a quick read through Catwoman #1, and like most of the titles I am sure, we will have to wait until issues #2 to really get a hold on what anything is or means. However, the art work looks good. Guillem March did a good enough job to make me say "I know she's a drawing, but damn Selina Kyle is hot!" ahaha It was a frame in which he drew a close up of her face, obviously the other things were good too, but it was the face that made me say it...for the record that is aha I can't wait to see what writer Judd Winick has in store for the feline femme fatale.

Batman #1 was written by Scott Snyder and drawn by Greg Capullo. I enjoyed some of the things within the story like Arkham Inmates versus Batman....and The Joker???? I'll let you go and grab and issue to see what I meant by that. I did like the look in which Mr. J was drawn in this one, Glasgow Smile, which is a preference nowadays. Bruce Wayne appears to want to look to the future as he did in Detective Comics #1, and appearance wise Bruce looks younger, or maybe he is simply refreshed, I dunno. The ending, very much similar to Detective Comics #1, is a pretty decent cliff hanger. I admit, I am more interested in what they are doing to The Joker over in Detective Comics, but Dick Grayson possibly being more like Jason Todd than we thought? Again, go out to your local comic book shop, mine is Worlds Collide ( http://www.worldscollide.ca/ ), but if you don't know if or where a store in your area is? Then go to this site and enter your digits to find out http://comicshoplocator.com/

I tried not to spoil anything too much, I hate spoilers, I tried to drop hints of awesomeness so that you'll go out and give them a try. For yourself, or even for a young one. Reading is good. You read Comic Books, you don't look at them. Now, off you go ahaha.

Next week it is Batman: The Dark Knight #1 for me. I will post the issues dropping next New Comic Book Day on my blog entry the day before Nerdy Magazine Day as I call it now. Stay Nerdy.

Well, despite the low numbers in my little poll (to your right), I am surprised by the the "No" and "DC's New 52? What's that?" being higher than "Yes" and "Maybe". Tsk Tsk on you ahaha!

Perhaps your just not aware of what titles DC Comics is relaunching, instead of listing them all, I'll simply post what comes out on this weeks Nerdy Magazine Day, aka New Comic Book Day to most of you, or Wednesday to the "normies" out there.

Tomorrow, My Nerdy and myself are heading to World's Collide to pick up Catwoman #1 and Batman #1. We might add Wonder Woman and Nightwing to the list, but we'll see.

• Batman #1
• Birds Of Prey #1
• Blue Beetle #1
• Captain Atom #1
• Catwoman #1
• DC Universe Presents #1
• Green Lantern Corps #1
• Leigon Of Super-Heroes #1
• Nightwing #1
• Redhood And The Outlaws #1
• Supergirl #1
• Wonder Woman #1

There ya go, get your $2.99 plus applicable taxes ready and go to your local comic book store and pick up an issue or so. Even if your not a fellow nerd of the comic book genre, go and give it a go. You may find something that you like. Even if Super-Heroes aren't your thing, comic books and graphic novels don't just hover in that genre. Personally, I am trying to get My Sweets to try some Stephan King titles, as she reads the books all the time.

I know it is only midway through September, but everyone should at least start to think about what to do on Halloween. Of course by that I mean, what you and/or your child is going to wear. Whether it be for "Trick or Treating" or for a party of some sort. We are planning to go to the "Halloween Store" that opens every year just before the night of awesomeness that isn't Christmas ahaaha! Last year we went there closer to the end date and the pickings were quite slim costume wise. We missed out on the pink Batgirl outfit (even though My Sweets was against back-to-back years of Nerdy being the same character....but its Pink!!), and a Wonder Woman also. Sweets told me that they have Harley Quinn outfits at this place, so if that is there I will be uber hoping My Nerd wants it, but so far she's at least talking about being Wonder Woman this year, which is also a fine choice, but I will be obviously keeping the streak alive as Mr. J and "forcing" My Sweets to be Harley also, and having our mini-me as, well, our mini Harley. Of course we could always "order" them, but minus the credit needed, it lacks the experience. Which is the whole point of Halloween in my opinion. We have so few holidays or events that we can just go Nuts or my case Nerdy with our children and make them happy and keep the memories. Also, if your without children (or even nieces n nephews) and your just looking to get your party on, it's the exact same thing but for yourself as well as family and/or friends.

No, you don't "have to" dress up in the comic book genre. It can get pricey for store bought costumes so anything you pick/buy/make will do perfectly. Whether it be a hand me down, homemade. It's all good. My first yer as The Joker, all I sported was the face paint (which was borrowed) and um lipstick and eyeshadow. It was last minute and also money was tight. My look has evolved to almost a kit, with the basics for a basic look, added with a thrown together black suit. I might upgrade to the proper colors one day, but I always think to myself, if Mr. J was in a see of purple suited clowns, he would go the opposite route to stand out amongst them, not too far from the fictional-truth aha!

Just like at comic cons and expos, on Halloween I like to see "unification" within groups of people. Like I stated earlier about the 3 of us being Joker, and 2 Harleys (1 Mom and a Mini), it can apply to pretty much anything.Comic Book characters, Pirates, Witches, Vampires, etc etc. Even if it is a small group and everyone is dressed the same, it could look "cool" or garner some laughs...well it did on television, watch The Big Bang Theory, there is an episode where they all chose to be The Flash ahaha! I'd quote some of the lines that added to the giggles, but better for you to just go watch ahaha!

Soooo, just remember to simply have fun. And of course be safe. I would list some things, but majority of you should already know being adults and all ahahaha! If you are partying, wait till the kiddies are off the streets (it is their night to be honest) or do it on a weekend if the Halloween falls on a weekday.

One of our many anthems! Enjoy and have a good day! Future blogs on Batman & Robin #1 and don't forget, next Wednesday....Batman #1 drops!

SEMI SPOILER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was going to wait till issue #2, but if this doesn't make you get the hell up and go buy a copy of Detective Comics #1, I don't know what would ahahahaha

Final frame of Detective Comics #1. 'Nuff said!

 Obviously I have never read nor have I even touched Detective Comics #1 or Batman's debut in #27. So, I am unsure of how anything went or ended. I watched The Secret Origins of DC Comics, and they said it ended with Batman's secret identity being revealed to the reader. Which I think, especially for a debuting of a character that would "take over" the title as one of his main two, was a good way to go.


Detective Comics #1 circa 2011 (or is this considered Volume II?) however, I now own and have read. I picked up the issue, along with Batgirl #1 for my Nerdy, today on what I feel was the "true" relaunch day. Honestly, I don't know what all the hype was down in the states with the midnight madness events for only a single title. Not knocking JLA or anything, but if your going to celebrate for a single title then I feel it should be Detective Comics, the flagship title of DC. Even Action Comics would have made more sense. These titles starting back at #1 is historic, definitely more so then any of the other titles.

Anyhow, back to Detective Comics #1. The art work was solid and the story was the same, Tony S. Daniel did a great job pulling double duty. I don't want to "spoil" anything, as I hope that most who are reading this are already done, in progress or plan on getting their own issue, but the final panel......it left me for the first time while reading a comic book, say Holy *Censored* out loud. It would leave any reader or anyone who glanced at it ask "where the hell is this going?". In a good way that is.  All I will say is, Mr. J is getting a make-over. Subtle, yet you would have to read to understand how huge that little statement is. Anyone, and seriously I literally mean anyone who read issue one, is jonesin' for the next to hurry up and get here. And are also pretty darn curious as to what Batman #1 will bring. The Batman Universe so far doesn't seem to be too different, they said it wasn't a total restart, but I noticed at least one thing that was rolled back, or a character I should say. Maybe they will, but again I really hope Harley Quinn leaves Suicide Squad and comes home to Gotham where she belongs. She can't stay away from her Puddin' forever can she? aha

I was planning on just buying and reading Batman, Detective Comics and Batgirl (I read Nerdy's), but with this shedule I am left with 2 weeks of nothingness, well nothing "new" as I will be collecting the issues of old also (still working on completing Knightfall), so I think I will be adding Batman & Robin and Batman: The Dark Knight to the file at World's Collide (my local comic book store of choice). And if she wants, Supergirl for Nerdy, but she's into Archie comic books aswell so she might be good with just one DC title.

And in closing, for all you fellow Nerds and Geeks out there who are still whining about things like "no more super undies on characters".....Shut Up already! Sound like Dorks. Cheese belongs on our pizza, NOT in our comic books! ahahaha! The Clown In Black has spoken ahahahahahahahahaha!