GOODBYE SUMMER 2016

The girls had their first day of school yesterday. Oldest in grade 8, and youngest beginning Junior Kindergarten. Both of which makes me feel old AF. This of course also signals the end of the summer. Which was pretty good all around. Got to see all of my Nerdy's baseball games (except the first when I went to the wrong park), which included watching her and her team win both the division and the play-off tournament, making her a 2-time Champion. She played really well for it being only her second year, and having to play with older kids after the age groups were combined. And with being a second year 12 year old playing with 17 year old girls, she did amazing (whole team did). Only problems I had this year was with other coaches and parents from other teams being disrespectful and immature, but the worse of which came in dead last in both so I guess karma helped me there.

I also went to Canada's Wonderland with the girls. They go every year, but I opted to finally join in since my previous health issues are under control at the moment. Knock on wood. And it wasn't too bad. I didn't go on the two massive roller coasters that weren't there when I had last gone (10yrs or so), but did everything else. Even getting my Nerdy to overcome her fear and go on "Drop Zone" (or whatever it is called now that it isn't owned by Paramount). Only downside was that they finally had some DC Comics merchandise in the stores, and not jacked up in traditional amusement park fashion, but didn't think to bring any money for that stuff. Around Halloween perhaps for their Halloween Haunt. It will be weird doing some of out Christmas shopping at Canada's Wonderland haha
Personal highlight of this summer was Suicide Squad. Which I went and saw in theaters...3 times haha A part of me wants to go again to be honest. Although I am a massive Joker fan, I didn't go "for him". I knew he was apart of things to help boost Harley's live action movie debut. Loved all the members of the Sqwad/Skwad, The Joker just happened to be my most favorite part. Harley Quinn was a close second, and was impressed by Will Smith as Deadshot. Now, I wait for the Blu-Ray to come out while resisting urge to go to the theaters again for a fourth and fifth time.

It's back to reality again. The job search taken more seriously, while watching the girls with my Sweets starting her new shift at her job. I think I may suffer from "seasonal depression", but luckily for me the first half of the colder weather flies by with October being busy AF (Thanksgiving, Sweets and my birthday, HQ's birthday which is also Halloween), a breather in November, then it is Nerdy's birthday immediately followed by Christmas and then New Years Eve.

Here's hoping it all goes smoothly. Current plan has Christmas shopping finished by start of December and starting to pay old debts. Which will be nice for once. But, have to see how it all goes. If it works out, then it is immediately into a 5 year plan which triggers a whole new world.

MY VILLAIN SLEEVE UPDATED

I've touched on it before about wanting to get a sleeve of comic book villains. I started off with the "HA HA"s similar to the ink on Jared Leto's The Joker in the upcoming "Suicide Squad". That was my first tattoo, which of course was the initial test to see if I could even go through with it. Despite having a green artist, I did okay and have been trying to think of what I want, and of course coming up with the moolah to cover it.

Almost a year to the day, I got another piece of the puzzle which will be my villain sleeve. Again taking from "Suicide Squad", I went with The Joker skull that they have been using for promotional stuff. I learned some stuff too, mostly "placement' which is good as I hadn't taken any of that into consideration before. It would look better if things are placed in certain areas and are certain size. The placement and size suggested actually made the tattoo look a lot better and not clash with the other ink. I appreciate the advice as although I am artistically inclined, I have never tattooed. Bigger always means better detail, but that is a hell of a lot easier to do on a computer as you can shrink things down after your done maintaining more detail.
That being said, I think I am just going to pick what I want and see what the artist thinks. Things are looking more like a Joker & Harley Quinn sleeve, but I am totally okay with that haha Of course the "Suicide Squad" has provided some other art that I want, I have had to look "outside" and since it is mainly a logo type sleeve it is hard. But, I have come up with some other stuff that I want. Here are the ones I thought of before as well as the ones I am thinking are going to be included...


Old Ideas
-"HA HA" (got)
-The Joker Suicide Squad Skull (got)
-The Joker Jester Skull (Suicide Squad)
-Harley Quinn Suicide Skull
-Harley Quinn "Rotten" Heart (Suicide Squad)
-Harley Quinn Diamond (Red)
-Harley Quinn Diamond (Black)
-"Harleigh Quinn"

New Ideas
-Funko The Joker
-Funko Harley Quinn

I always liked the Funko Pop! Vinyl items, but also the artwork on the box. I think that they would be a good fit on my sleeve. Thinking just the heads though. I am a skinny boy regardless of workouts and desires, so there is limited space haha Another difficult thing would appear finding the actual art on the boxes instead of pictures of the figure, and of course deciding which one(s) I would want to get. It would be easier on the other arm, which is likely a hero sleeve if I get another, as I would ask my oldest daughter to draw a Funko Batgirl as she has a few, and then get that picture turned into the stencil for the tattoo artist. We shall see how things go. The villain sleeve is happening for sure, the other arm may have a pic by my daughter, her name on my forearm, and some Batman logos on my shoulder. Which will blend into a pic of Batman, as the "HA HA"s on the other shoulder will blend into The Joker.

For more Nerd Fit, Comic Book, Movie, TV Show, Video Game, and Wrestling stuff! Head on over to Non-Geeky Nerd and check things out! Stay Nerdy!

NGN FAVORITE TATTOOS PART II-HARLEY QUINN

Since the last post was about The Joker (HERE), I figured who better to be next in line than Harley Quinn? Like her Puddin' the ink that Margot Robbie sports in "Suicide Squad" will be a part of my villain sleeve and some other stuff including my youngest daughters name, which happens to be a variation of Harley Quinn haha Here though we are looking at other people's Harley Quinn tattoos (again don't know owners or tatt artists). And they would be...

Given her steady rise in popularity (non-stop since she debuted on Batman: The Animated Series really) I am sure we will see more and more Harley Quinn tattoos make their way onto human canvas across the globe for long time. There were a couple that were the same pic for their tatt selection, but I just liked the differences that separate them making them unique despite the origin. Think I should cover the goddamn Batman next. Till then, Stay Nerdy!

NGN FAVORITE TATTOOS PART I-THE JOKER

For more nerd stuff like Comic Books, Movies, TV, Video Games, and Wrestling! Head on over to Non-Geeky Nerd and check things out! Stay Nerdy!

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.

PLANS FOR MY VILLAIN SLEEVE

I have at least decided that my left arm will be my "villain" arm. Will mostly be my number one villain, The Joker. But, a villain sleeve regardless. If I am to go beyond getting a variety of Batman logos on my right shoulder (wrapping around the back becoming Batman, and the "HA"s on my left becoming The Joker) at some point, then obviously it will become my hero arm haha But, let us focus on the villain side of things. I already have a bunch of "HA"s on my left shoulder. Similar to the ones Jared Leto's Joker has coming down his shoulder/chest area. That was a simply "see if I can do this" as well as a "while I have the money" situation. And after comparing my experience with my significant others, I am going to get more. Different areas are different levels of pain, I know. She got hers done within 30 minutes, really well done, simple yet beautiful piece on her back shoulder. She also had it done by who I was recommended to go see. Me? For the tattoo that you see in the picture? That was a total of 7-8 hours haha New artist (found out after he started), and apparently my skin doesn't absorb the ink. Regardless, that time was a lot more for a far more basic tattoo, as well as the major scabbing. Again, just in comparison. Next time however, I will be going to the same place she went of course.

So, where to go from here.I am thinking about getting my daughters names on my forearms whether have sleeve(s) or not. Even if my lady and I break-up, any other woman who has a problem with those tatts (other than the quality of them haha) isn't needed or welcome in my life. Simple. Thanks to "Suicide Squad" (coming out this August), I have at least been able to find a few to be a part of the sleeve. The only down side to them, is that a lot, and I mean a lot of people have gotten them. The only saving grace for me is that mine will be a part of a sleeve with a theme. Those tatts will be The Joker tatts (pictured), the blacked Harley Quinn skull (pictured) for my youngest daughter, Harleigh Quinn, and then I am going to design myself or have an artist design a similar style skull but with Poison Ivy as my oldest daughter has picked her as her favorite female Bat-villain (other than Harley Quinn, but given the situation). Those are the easy choices really, other than possibly wanting the one Joker skull tatty on my neck. I am hoping to go full sleeve so there is a ways to go despite how skinny my arms are. Ya, that's the other fun part of this. I am skinny as 4uck right now. At some point I became an ectomorph, and not sure if muscle would really make enough room or canvas haha

Moving on, I am still unsure of what else to get. I am a "DC Guy", but spent half of childhood reading and loving Marvel. Meaning that there are some villains/anti-heroes from the Marvel Universe that I will always love. Sabretooth, Venom (although not sure if they still classify him as a baddie), Carnage, Thanos, Deadpool, etc. Venom's logo would look sick I think, either on a forearm or as a back piece.
I'm more DC than Marvel, they are who "brought me to the dance" so I will be going with a DC Comics Villain Sleeve. Along with the "skulls" mentioned, I was also thinking about adding some "???"s to represent The Riddler. If I had the space, I would have them surround a short riddle, but again I am too skinny at this point in time haha Another idea I am thinking about is Harley Quinn's trademark diamond (pictured), as well as regular diamonds and hearts around my daughter Harleigh Quinn's name. Which I think would tie them in together nicely, rest of the sleeve? Not too sure haha The other problem would be explaining to people that I didn't spell it wrong, we simply went with the femme version of the name Harley. She is blonde haired, blue eyed, smart as hell (like it is weird haha), and a combination of sweet, moody, bossy, & crazy. Oh, and freakishly strong. She is Harley Quinn no matter how her name is spelled haha

Now, this is just one route, or parts of a route I may or may not take. Just trying to get the though process rolling by typing it out. Dis sh!t is 4 Life so I like to think on it for a bit. Ya, money is key but what to spend it on when I do have it is what is really important. Like I said, the one Joker skull tatts I am thinking about getting on my neck, just not sure, and if not it would be a part of the sleeve. I have only gotten one tattoo, on one of if not the least painful areas, so the neck is only a thought really. Just think it would look good. If were to take a more "picture" than "logo" route, I would consider having "HA"s like my shoulder but smaller, as the "filler" between the main pieces of the sleeve.
I'll do another entry at some point about my possible hero sleeve. Right from the get go, a "logo" based sleeve is a hell of a lot more easier to plan out even just inside the Batcave with Nightwing, Robin, Red Robin, Red Hood haha Till then...Stay Nerdy!

THIS MOVIE HAD BETTER BE GOOD

Which movie? That would be "Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice". Not just because of the hype or the cast, those are important of course, but because I have been waiting since 2013 for this film. The film that launched this movieverse was "Man Of Steel", and I am one of those who really enjoyed the film. So much so, that I immediately awaited a sequel.

Technically, "Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice" isn't a sequel to "Man Of Steel", but it is the follow-up. The sequel will apparently come out later, which is somewhat weird but could kind of work in my head. Perhaps have the "stand-alone" movies be of the prequel nature, and the "Justice League" movies will be now/future. Which I hope is the case for Ben Affleck's Batman. I'll have to see his portrayal in "Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice", but at this moment in time I prefer a story with a younger Batman.
Of course, the "hype" and cast side of things plays into it. This is really DC Comics launch of a larger movieverse to if not compete with, than draw comparisons with Marvel's. "Man Of Steel" was first, but this is an all-star line-up and big screen debuts for some fan favorite characters. Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg, Flash, Batman, Superman, among other supporting characters. As for the "baddies", we got Lex Luthor and a reincarnated Zod turned Doomsday thus far. And something to do with Darkseid, the scope of his appearance is unknown.
I can't leave out how I hope "Suicide Squad"is a success as well. Perhaps just as much as "Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice", as I am somewhat of a Joker and Harley Quinn fan. This will be Jared Leto and Margot Robbie bringing my favorite crazies to life within this movieverse, and I am hoping Leto hurts the egos of the haters really....really....bad. So far, things look great. From the clips I have seen, Margot has owned the role of Harley Quinn. I understand the "ink" arguments with Leto, however if The Joker were real and alive today he would have some ink. Perhaps not as much, but the crazy clown would likely welcome the pain, and the pain of having them removed. And of course repeating the process. The closing argument would be that The Joker's psyche has so many layers, who is anyone to say that this (like those who proceeded him) isn't one of them?

I've been a good boy and took a wait and see approach to all of this. Think Ben Affleck and Jared Leto were the first names to come to mind for Batman and The Joker? Absolutely
not, but have taken like I said the wait and see approach hoping to be rewarded. So far, so good. Just hoping the trailers and ads weren't the high points as it tends to be with some movies.

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).

My Attempt To Plan Out Rest Of My Ink

It started with laughter,well inspiration of the ink work from Jared Leto's Joker from "Suicide Squad". It was simple, looked good, and gave me something to see if I "could do it' being my first tattoo and all. And figured if it was "too much" I had a simple ink job, if I could handle it then the start of something bigger. And since I think I can given the butcher job I experienced (compared to others, including my gf who got a bigger piece in half the time....and scabbing). What I thought was the hard part, was over.

Now, the truly difficult part. Planning out the rest. Why is it hard? Too many ways to go with things. All I know for sure is that the "HA"'s will wrap around my shoulder and "blend" into The Joker. On my other arm, it will be my favorite Batman logos that will bland into Batman. Half Batman, half Joker.That was the easy part. Hard part is "how". Full body? Half? Busts? Just faces? Should they face eachother? Same head, split down the center?
Even after I decide on that stuff, I am left with the questions of what style Batman and Joker? You don't really think about just how many different types that there are. TV Show (live action or animated), movie, video game, or comic book style. Even then it isn't easy to narrow it down. For example, loved all live action versions of The Joker, loved Batman TAS' Joker, and many types of comic book style, and loved the Arkham video game styles.

To make things worse, I have decided that I also want at least one sleeve. Girlfriend wants me to go both, but baby steps haha All I know about the sleeve is that it will obviously have the inital "HA" but then add "villain" stuff to it mainly Joker and Harley Quinn (diamonds and hearts), but also on my forearm, "Harleigh Quinn" (and my oldest daughters name on my other forearm). I've decided I want the Joker and Harley "skulls" from "Suicide Squad" advertising included in the piece. Beyond that, no idea yet. Luckily, tattoos are a tad pricey (good ones are) so I have more than enough time. Just itching, and brain has been focusing on it lately.

TRYING TO BLOG

I keep approaching this as if it is an article and not a blog entry. Reason being is I did attempt to make a mini-site combining various blog pages (can find it HERE). The only real difference the replacing "we" with "I". So, since that is how I am supposed to do this part, so be it haha

Not sure what to really write about, often wondering why since majority of todays nerds n geeks use podcasts to get their opinions and thoughts out there. Well, in terms of skills, I rank much higher in written than verbal. Plus, depression is a real biatch and just don't feel like it. Depression, now there is a topic I've never had to discuss in regards to my "nerdism". Usually I am able to use comic books, tv shows, movies, and video games to get out the funk/rut. Not the case as of late. This bout has been something new for me. Quit my job, which is fine except I didn't wait to have another lined up to replace it. To make it worse, I actually planned on growing within the company. But, it just became too much with non-work bullshit mixing in with work bullshit. Only positives are that I was immediately happier, still depressed but better. I no longer had to pick up the slack because of piss poor hiring choices by weak management. Why would I want to be "mentored" by them when I only respect 3 out of 10-11 of them. I liked more than that, but only respected few. Almost made it out onto the sales floor, but couldn't hold on passed the agreed 3 week mark. And when someone wants out of an area, what moron gives them even more shifts than normal in that area? Ah well, I am rambling about none important stuff and  life goes on. Another job will come about. Has to, "Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice" comes out in a month. Need money to go see that with my woman and oldest daughter. Who I absolutely must take, as she wasn't old enough to join for "Deadpool". Which is okay by me, as some scenes would have been awkward watching beside my kid haha

There are quite a few movies coming out for my comic book family to watch this year. Some will be in theaters, but some will also be a "wait for it on Blu-Ray" viewing. Will definitely be going to see "Suicide Squad" in theaters. Big Mr. J fan and have been waiting since "The Dark Knight" for his character to return to the big screen. And of course to see, Harley Quinn making her live action movie debut. Margot Robbie looks and sounds great to me. Hot to be honest, which makes for another awkward thing for me as I named my youngest Harleigh Quinn (fem version and looks prettier). And anytime I point to a picture or clip of Harley Quinn (any version) and ask who that is she replies, "That's Me!" haha
On the fence about going to see on the big screen is "Captain America: Civil War". Looks amazing, but not really a fan of going to the movies. Loud people talking and eating. Kids. Bad seating. Crowded. On a good day it isn't like this though and I do enjoy things until I have to pee and don't want to miss anything haha
Might make a date night out of seeing "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles". May only be because of the cartoon and movies, but it is one of the few comic book things she actually likes on her own haha
Everything else coming out like "X-Men: Apocalypse", "Gambit", and "Dr. Strange" will be viewed a la Blu-Ray whenever they come out. Don't have much hope for X-Men universe, except for "Deadpool" (obviously) so in no rush to see any of them.

Then it will be a wait for 2017 kind of thing with "Justice League Part 1", "Wonder Woman", and "Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2" coming out. God I hope "Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice" is as good as I hope.
Fantastic 4 2? This got a green light? hahahahaha

DC DISTRACTED?

With everything that has been happening with the company as of late; departures, fan outcries and negative media attention, I wonder if this is the reason for DC Comics misstep with September's "Villains Month". Selling out of any issue is never a bad thing, it usually means there is gonna be a bump in sales for all involved. However, it is not a good thing when the quantities are limited to the point that stores aren't even able to supply their "regulars" with their "regular" titles, and not because others came in and bought up all the issues, they simply weren't available. What is worse, in some cases apparently stores were selling what they had at a jacked up price instead of at cover price as per usual. Usually the price bump occurs at least the day after. It isn't right, but at the same time hard to blame them really, opportunity presented itself. Luckily, my store of choice isn't like that and sold them at cover. Also, they rendered them in a fair manner also. I wasn't able to get extra issues for my Nerdy, but received all of my titles so far minus "Justice League #23.3" which covered Dial E. I am not disappointed really as I don't have interest in them, but I like my collections complete so one day I will "have to" get it. Oh, and that store is Comic Book Addiction. Check them out online if you don't live in the area. I highly recommend them.

Now, more often then not when a title sells out there are follow up printings of that issue as soon as possible. Usually by next Nerdy Magazine Day (Wednesday aka New Comic Book Day). But in this case, there are even very limited quantities of what they did reprint. Noticed that at least in my area, "Detective Comics #23.2" with the loveable Harley Quinn on the cover was very popular or very, very limited in quantities. Cause I couldn't find even an issue with the standard cover.

I am usually a defender of DC Comics, willing to at least take a wait and see approach with creative things, etc etc. Even now, I am instead of ripping them a new one I am wondering if they were distracted by other things. It is unlikely, but never know the power of ripple effects. One more week of "Villains Month" left to go, heard rumors of "Batman: The Dark Knight #23.4" with The Joker's Daughter being quite valuable already. Hopefully, with the a little luck from the comic book gods, I will get at least my issue. Already explained the situation to my Nerdy so we're good there.

I hope this isn't going to become a trend, and that they learned a lesson for next years relaunch anniversary. Because creatively, just like last year, things have been extremely well done, or at least from what I have read (look to your right on this page to see a list of titles I read monthly) everything is great. And after all this is done, I am very much looking forward to "Zero Year" coming up, so again I hope they straighten things out.

Stay Nerdy.