NGN FAVORITES: COMIC BOOKS III-CHARACTER COSTUMES

Batman and his Batsuit is my favorite. The reason being that there are too many variations that I really like that they need their own list. Plus, Batman is my top hero so I am being majorly bias here of course haha Keep an eye out for that in the future though. Although I have my favorites, I do like characters who have evolved their looks and costumes over time. Even the best can get stale.

Spider-Man

-A lot of variations nowadays, but it wasn't always like that. There was a time when it was the traditional, a cosmic one which was the same as the regular, but had webbing in the armpits haha And of course the black. Black is my all-time favorite Spider-Man costume, even as a non-symbiote the basic black and white work well in comic books. Followed by the Spider-Man 2099 get-up, and of the newer styles I really like the looks of the Spider-Man Noir and Future Foundation versions.

Cyclops

-Another Marvel character that has had many styles and looks over the years. Only the visor has generally remained the same, with the exception of that "X". My favorite is from the early 90's, with the blue and yellow sans hood. It just looked like what a leader and soldier would wear when I was a kid, and seemed to almost perfectly complement both Jean Grey's and some other X-Men's general uniform pallet at that time as well. Not a fan of them with Cyclops, but if I had to pick from the "hooded" looks, I'd go with the original. His powers were all that separated him from the flock and that "X" visor looks pretty cool to I must admit.

Spawn

-Fellow Canadian Todd McFarlane struck gold when he created Spawn. The mask and eyes, the chains, the cape. Head to toe I like the look of this one. Even when the mask is removed, we get a gross, but great look of Al Simmons after his death. A look that hasn't needed to change really, plus I am not an avid reader so I haven't grown bored with it haha

Catwoman

-It is one of the hardest looks to pull off in the real world. Sorry ladies, but most of the time the ears just don't look right. I can't explain it. Halle Berry's mask doesn't count, as it doesn't look right period. Back to the print, where my favorite Catwoman costume in comic books is in the New 52 era. It just looks like it would actually work, it fits the base of the character (a cat burglar/thief), and isn't too revealing when not drawn that way haha A close second is the purple suit with long black hair hanging out the back of the mask, and black thigh high boots. Just looks great to me. If there is a comic book version of Michelle Pfeiffer's costume, then that would be a definite second but maybe the tops haha

The Joker

-The costume has generally stayed the same, purple suit, but there have been slight variations and other outfits. And his general appearance has evolved over time (face, hair, grin, etc). I can't really pick a top favorite, but the clowns fighting for top spot are...from the 1980's and 90's being when I got into comic books so it holds down in my memory and Joker obsession haha, "Joker" graphic novel, which is a comic version of Ledger. From the New 52 era with the mechanic outfit and "face strapped and stapled back on" look and the "new" look. One was sick in both meanings of the word, the other similar to what we'll see in the upcoming Suicide Squad movie (sans ink....which I like to be honest).

I dawned on me after I was finished that there are two Batman characters in the mix, but that's ok haha I said a separate posting would be for just Batman, and really the people within Gotham have the better looks in DC Comics. But, again I am pretty bias in this case haha

NGN FAVORITES: COMIC BOOKS

What happens to be the Non-Geeky Nerds' favorite comic book and characters? Well, I am glad you asked haha It doesn't really vary from what I assume to be either a general fans or a fanboys. A matter of opinion I guess. I don't really care, as I like what I like. So here it all it...

Fav Comic Books As A Kid

• Batman
• Detective Comics
• X-Men
• Uncanny X-Men
• X-Force
• X-Factor
• The Amazing Spider-Man
• Spider-Man
• The Spectacular Spider-Man
• Web Of Spider-Man

I had a couple other comic books, but it was Batman (1989) that got me to really take a look at them. Startd with just Batman, then I moved to the east coast. Where I lived, there wasn't any Batman on the shelves at the stores, so I got into Marvel. Mainly X-Men, but I did like my exposure to Spider-Man and company as well. A friend I had at the time, was able to get his hands on Batman titles though, so I didn't completely miss out on Knightfall. Which I went on to later collect (single issues) as an adult.

Fav Comic Book Characters As A Kid

• Batman/Bruce Wayne
• The Joker
• Bane
• Wolverine
• Cable
• Havok
• Gambit
• Bishop
• Spider-Man
• Venom

Like I said, it started with Batman and his rogues gallery. Like most, The Joker stood out to me. But, so did KBGBeast for some reason, but beyond a cover I don't remember that much. But, then I discovered Marvel. Like most, I gravitated towards Wolverine. Hard to avoid, being Canadian and all. Bishop had the sickest mullet haha Venom was another obvious, but Carnage could have/should have been included, but left him off because I hadn't read much about him beyond Maximum Carnage. Bane broke the bat. 'Nuff said.

Then, unlike other things there is a gap for my teen years. Moved back to central Canada but, where I was at least, there wasn't even any comic books for sale at the stores. There was a comic book shop for a very brief period, but that was mainly back issues. I kept drawing, watching movies, but beyond that comic books disappeared from my life for a period.

Fav Comic Books As An Adult

• Batman
• Detective Comics
• Justice League
• Green Lantern
• Harley Quinn
• Red Lanterns
• Batman Inc.
• Robin: Son Of Batman
• Batgirl
• Catwoman

Fav Comic Book Characters As An Adult

• Batman/Bruce Wayne
• Robin/Damian Wayne
• The Joker
• Harley Quinn
• Two-Face
• Catwoman
• Poison Ivy
• Bane
• Scarecrow
• The Riddler

As you can see, it is Batman through and through, well I njoy The Joker and other villains the most, but you get it. I even named my youngest after Harley Quinn to emphasize the point haha I actually enjoyed the New 52, unlike many, but I used it to get back into and my oldest starting into comic books. Plus, I really liked some of the revamps of Bat-villain backstories. Made them updated, but still "work" and not annihilate the characters.

I've come realize that I now have my own little set of real life "Gotham City Sirens". As I've mentioned before, named my youngest daughter after Harley Quinn. Which was what my girlfriend was, until it just seemed weird to have her as my Harley Quinn regardless of my Jokerized brain. So, I've decided to go with her as my Catwoman haha Which works given the raven colored hair, and her stealing my heart (Brownie points, peeps. All about them brownie points). And to finalize my set, when I asked my oldest daughter to pick a favorite character (as it can be hard to get 2x Harley Quinn items at once sometimes), and she opted to go with Poison Ivy. She's my Nerdy so she is knowledgeable of the character, but picked for also being most powerful (or close to being) of Batman's villains.

One day of course I hope to take this beyond what it is, and have the 3 of them cosplay as their characters. Myself as either The Joker, or even Batman. Works either way really. We've done the Halloween thing every year, to the point where the youngest see's anything Harley Quinn and proclaims, "It's me!". But, I would like to go to a Comic Con, with professional level costumes and make-up. For the experience, but also it would be nice to dress-up sans "winterization". Canadian, so Halloween tends to be chilly as heck. Of course there would need to be pictures. Another thing I would love to get professionally done. Majority of the pictures we have hanging up are from past Halloweens. Would love to get a professional to "bring us to life". I have ideas a plenty, but for starters would be the traditional Family Christmas Card photo. Us in costume, Santa hats, in front of the Christmas Tree and possibly a fire place. In my crazy brain, it looks epic haha Actually tried it years ago, but poor make-up, costume, and photo skills took away from the experience. But, beyond that it was kind of neat to get over 1,000 people join a group so that my girlfriend would agree to do it. Most importantly, pretty sure my oldest had fun doing it.

Maybe in a couple years. Take that time to prepare for it. I do wish to learn how to sew at times, as it would be handy to be able to make costumes and whatnot. My girlfriend has picked up some basic skills, after I have strongly encouraged her and her grandmother to make Harley Quinn costumes for the baby of our family the last 3 years (this year will be no different haha).

WHAT WAS MISSING FROM BATMAN: ARKHAM ORIGINS

Mind you everything that is listed may be reserved for the next edition of the Arkham video game series, or some of it may even play out some how in the upcoming Story DLC, even though all signs seem to point to when the Ice Man cometh. Still, incase they don't plan on  expanding off of the latest installment,Arkham Origins, taking things back before both Arkham Asylum and Arkham City, then these are the things I felt was missing from this otherwise really good game, not Arkham City good, but held its own none the less.

Catwoman

I thought cats had nine lives, and since she was a great addition to Batman: Arkham City, I figured she still had all nine intact. She is referenced within the game, but only in a conversation by some thugs within the city if my memory serves me correct. With the addition of the next thing missing, makes me think that perhaps there will be another pre-Arkham Aslum/City installment, and it will be a spin on "The Long Halloween" story arc. Which will be awesome. But, really missed being able to play as Mrs. Kyle in game, not just the challenge maps. Something that my daughter definitely missed, and wasn't as interested as she was with Arkham City rounding up 100-200x Combo's ahaha

Harvey Dent aka Two-Face

I thought for sure there would be "Vote For Harvey" or "Vote For Dent" posters all around the place, unscathed unlike in the other games. But there wasn't. And then with a certain Mister Alberto Falcone likely "pre-Holiday" in the mix I thought for sure there would be something. But no. However, like I said I am thinking a "Long Halloween" next time around and we see the Cat, and Harvey in some fashion, possibly already as Two-Face, and add the "star" of "The Long Halloween", and we would have an extra three "Wins" already at least character wise.

The Batmobile

We haven't really seen it since the first installment of this great franchise, Batman: Arkham Asylum. In Arkham Origins, the iconic vehicle is torn down and about to be built for the first time by the looks of it. There was the Batwing, but I was hoping that with the addition of the Batcave (which was a massive plus in my opinion) we'd maybe get to get behind the wheel ourselves so to speak, at least to a certain part on the out skirts, or something. Perhaps if there's a next installment, there will at least be Batmobile "drop-off" points similar to how they did with the Batwing. The streets are pretty narrow, but we've yet to set foot in "new" Gotham really, with "Wayne Enterprises" still off in the distance. I will admit however, that it wouldn't be long after they gave me control of the Batmobile that I would start wanting "skins" for the vehicle, 60's Batmobile that we all know, "Batman (1989)", etc etc ahaha

Deathstroke

Yes I know he is playable in the challenge maps, but being able to play as Catwoman in game spoiled me quick after disappointment with the lack of Mr. J like in the first installment of the hit franchise. I have found playing as him quite the challenge in those maps (hence the name right? aha) mind you, but felt there could've been a way to have him able to roam the city post credits, or exactly like his predscessor, be playable as apart of the story also, perhaps hunting down The Joker post-escape.

The Falcone's and The Maroni's

Alberto Falcone is in the game, and there is reference to his father, Carmine, and others, but there doesn't seem to be any reference of them in the game landscape wise, like there was in Arkham City. With Batman still somewhat "new to the game", and seems to be in the transition from Mobsters to Super-Villains, I thought there would still be at least visual evidence of their existence in the city. But, perhaps they will be a bigger part of the next one, like I mentioned with Catwoman and Two-Face, the Mob-Families are a big part of that story.

Martha and Thomas Wayne

With this being very early in the "career" of Batman, I was very shocked that we were left to either seek out or stumble upon the site that basically created Batman. Wouldn't this still be very much the fire that fuels him? Now, they may have been trying to get away from that, or when you come across it via the direction of the game you'll notice of all Batman's "crime investigations", he's the most aggressive for this one when he finds the criminal. Was it because he knew the victims? Or was where it happened turn up the heat? I actually liked how we could "pay respect" at the site in Arkham City, just thought it would be still there are pointed out at least.


Those were just small things for me, the game was very good. Especially with them having transitioned over to a different studio, and even the voice work was good with characters like Batman and The Joker (No Conroy or Hamel this time around). \Loved the additions of the Batcave, especially with the suit chamber, a flying villain to battle against, the small run as The Red Hood was epic for me, amongst other things. And with some complaining that it was the exact same game, the map yes, although they altered it, made bridges and roads intact, which made sense story wise also, there were new gadgets that made for some pretty cool moves within the game, and we got to see some new Villains and characters. Barbara Gordon clearly pre-Batgirl (if she exists here), Alfred Pennyworth in the flesh and there to chat with when you feel like it, Deathstroke, even a smaller level character like Anarky, who we got to see how he could possibly be a problem for Batman.

I guess "my" next obvious installment under this category would be what I think should be, mixed in with what I think will play out in what I would think, is an obvious follow-up. I would prefer "Batman: Arkham Origins II" over "Batman: The Long Halloween" or "Batman: Arkham Origins: The Long Halloween". Just sayin'.

Stay Nerdy!!