This isn't really that exciting, but thanks to the power of Vlix (an app available on your iPhone - and The Dug's employer) and their recent holiday edition of the app, we found ourselves creating a handful of videos over the weekend.
So, we've added a tab in the row at the top of the page so you can get to our YouTube Channel, or, of course, you can get there via this link. Feel free to subscribe so you don't miss any of the excitingness.
And, yes, this will include future Santor videos. But it'll also feature content not on the site, so, there you go.
Right now, you can get a peek at a behind-the-scenes look at our transition from Thanksgiving to the Christmas season.
Film. Comics. Sci-Fi. Superheroes. Pulp. Noir. History. Superman. 20th Century Archaeology.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
More New DC 52 Reviews: Green Lantern Corps and New Guardians #1
I know, I know. September was a long time ago, but the truth is, I needed a breather. 52 new titles is a lot to process.
If you've followed this site for any length of time, you know I'm a Green Lantern and Green Lantern Corps fan in concept and in practice, which is why the mediocrity of this summer's outing at the cinema felt like such a kick in the shins.
DC launched 4 Green Lantern titles, including a Red Lanterns titles, which I've already discussed.
New Guardians will feature Kyle Rayner and a medley of the rest of the rainbow array of ring bearers (Black and White seem to be off the table).
While I appreciated the issue (written by Tony Bedard) opening with a riff on the origin of Kyle Rayner and what DC was doing back then*, its weird, context-free, and features no mention of when this was all happening, until a few pages later, they note "oh, now we're in present day". Its a weird swing and a miss as the issue is trying to be new reader friendly, but instead managed to confuse a GL reader like myself for a page or three. I can't imagine what a new reader would think was happening.
Its kind of an odd-ball issue as its sort of half a set-up. In addition to the aforementioned origin pages, we see as rings from several corps abandon their various owners from various sectors and seek out Rayner, leaving most of the owners in a lurch. And then they show up. And that's it.
If you've followed this site for any length of time, you know I'm a Green Lantern and Green Lantern Corps fan in concept and in practice, which is why the mediocrity of this summer's outing at the cinema felt like such a kick in the shins.
DC launched 4 Green Lantern titles, including a Red Lanterns titles, which I've already discussed.
New Guardians will feature Kyle Rayner and a medley of the rest of the rainbow array of ring bearers (Black and White seem to be off the table).
While I appreciated the issue (written by Tony Bedard) opening with a riff on the origin of Kyle Rayner and what DC was doing back then*, its weird, context-free, and features no mention of when this was all happening, until a few pages later, they note "oh, now we're in present day". Its a weird swing and a miss as the issue is trying to be new reader friendly, but instead managed to confuse a GL reader like myself for a page or three. I can't imagine what a new reader would think was happening.
Its kind of an odd-ball issue as its sort of half a set-up. In addition to the aforementioned origin pages, we see as rings from several corps abandon their various owners from various sectors and seek out Rayner, leaving most of the owners in a lurch. And then they show up. And that's it.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Friday, November 25, 2011
As we roll into the Holiday Shopping season...
As we begin the Holiday Season, remember that your Christmas shopping need not be just another annoying trip to the mall.
Try to enjoy yourself a little this Christmas.
Try to enjoy yourself a little this Christmas.
The Texas Showdown Closes Down (UT wins!)
I did not expect UT to win the annual Thanksgiving game against Texas A&M. Yes, the UT Longhorns were ranked, and A&M had slipped from ranking, but this year, UT's ranking fortunes have just felt like a fluke of other's misfortunes and some oddly-had luck more than the hard-earned rankings of the COlt McCoy and VY years. While I do believe our defense has been fairly effective this season, its clear the Longhorn offense is still a mess.
In the end, it came down to a last second field goal kicked by UT's Justin Tucker, who has been near-flawless all season. But it also came down to UT's defense uncharacteristically more or less rolling over to A&M's fairly punishing drive in the final minutes, looking for all the world like a team that was going to have the last word. And, of course, Case McCoy demonstrating some clear thinking in the last minute that he really hadn't shown too much this season.
I hope Texas Aggies feel like it was a good game. We were certainly consoling ourselves with this thought at the 1:25 mark in the 4th quarter when we watched the UT lead melt away.
But then Tucker made the field goal. So, it was a good night to be a Longhorns fan.
Of COURSE the game means something.
In the end, it came down to a last second field goal kicked by UT's Justin Tucker, who has been near-flawless all season. But it also came down to UT's defense uncharacteristically more or less rolling over to A&M's fairly punishing drive in the final minutes, looking for all the world like a team that was going to have the last word. And, of course, Case McCoy demonstrating some clear thinking in the last minute that he really hadn't shown too much this season.
I hope Texas Aggies feel like it was a good game. We were certainly consoling ourselves with this thought at the 1:25 mark in the 4th quarter when we watched the UT lead melt away.
But then Tucker made the field goal. So, it was a good night to be a Longhorns fan.
 |
| Tucker gets tackled by jubilant Longhorns |
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Happy Thanksgiving, Signal Corps!
Hey! We're taking the day off to spend time with family and friends. Maybe hang some Christmas lights. We hope you get to have a good day with those you love and their hangers-on.
Eat a nice meal. Try not to roll your eyes too much at Weird Aunt Gertrude. Give thanks to the secular institution and/ or entity that matches your religious doctrine.
We'll see you later, when the schedule clears up a little. Enjoy yourselves, and don't be strangers.
 |
| We are all grateful for Pantsless Marilyn Monroe with a blunderbuss |
Eat a nice meal. Try not to roll your eyes too much at Weird Aunt Gertrude. Give thanks to the secular institution and/ or entity that matches your religious doctrine.
 |
| Depending on what the nephews ate for lunch, we could be witnessing the start of the first naturally occurring Turducken. |
We'll see you later, when the schedule clears up a little. Enjoy yourselves, and don't be strangers.
 |
| welcome to the Disney Thanksgiving, which was held this year just outside of Uncanny Valley |
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Alvin Schwartz Merges with the Infinite
Comics writer Alvin Schwartz, whose tenure at DC stretched from the Golden Age to the Silver Age, has passed at age 95.
Truthfully, I am not familiar with Schwartz's bio, only that his name appears again and again in reprints that I read of old school DC comics.
Schwartz is likely most famous in Superman-fan circles as the writer who (1) created Bizarro, and (2) believed he had actually met Superman in a cab.
I say: sure, why not? Superman tends to move between the various worlds of the multiverse. Why not ours?
Truthfully, I am not familiar with Schwartz's bio, only that his name appears again and again in reprints that I read of old school DC comics.
Schwartz is likely most famous in Superman-fan circles as the writer who (1) created Bizarro, and (2) believed he had actually met Superman in a cab.
I say: sure, why not? Superman tends to move between the various worlds of the multiverse. Why not ours?
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
DC New 52 catch up and what else am I reading?
I'm tapped out of ideas, so I thought I'd take stock of what I'm up to on my readership of the New 52 titles and share with you guys.
Justice League - Picking up monthly. I like this well enough, and I am actually a fan of Jim Lee's art. Its not exactly screaming "epic" to me at this time, but its a good enough read. I just wish it were $3.
Action Comics - Picking up monthly and still, likely, my favorite of the New 52. But I'm pre-disposed to Morrison, Superman, exploration of the character through a new lens, etc... But the art, story, etc... have all worked well for me.
Animal Man - Picking up monthly. This and Swamp Thing have been the biggest shockers of the New 52 for me. A great fantasy-horror read.
Batgirl - I'll try the trade of the first issues. The first issue was somewhat not in my wheelhouse, but I dug the energy Simone brough to the book.
Batwing - I was SHOCKED by how much I liked the first issue and may pick up the trade.
Detective Comics - No.
Green Arrow - Likely not, and the changes on the creative team by issue 3 tell me this isn't something I want to delve into.
Hawk and Dove - I'm afraid not.
Justice League International - I did not care for the first issue. I don't get why they launched this book now.
Men of War - I've seen some people rave about this book, but its a bastardization of DC war books, and I find the premise and carry through equally... not my thing.
O.M.A.C. - Another shocker. I'm picking this up monthly. How is it Dan Didio is associated with a book I find this wacky and enjoyable?
Static Shock - utter disappointment. I am not picking up this trade.
Stormwatch - no.
Swamp Thing - Monthly, and YES. This is a good continuation of the Swamp Thing I enjoyed in college and in trades with an all-new spin. I think it's advisable to read this book alongside Animal Man.
Justice League - Picking up monthly. I like this well enough, and I am actually a fan of Jim Lee's art. Its not exactly screaming "epic" to me at this time, but its a good enough read. I just wish it were $3.
Action Comics - Picking up monthly and still, likely, my favorite of the New 52. But I'm pre-disposed to Morrison, Superman, exploration of the character through a new lens, etc... But the art, story, etc... have all worked well for me.
Animal Man - Picking up monthly. This and Swamp Thing have been the biggest shockers of the New 52 for me. A great fantasy-horror read.
Batgirl - I'll try the trade of the first issues. The first issue was somewhat not in my wheelhouse, but I dug the energy Simone brough to the book.
Batwing - I was SHOCKED by how much I liked the first issue and may pick up the trade.
Detective Comics - No.
Green Arrow - Likely not, and the changes on the creative team by issue 3 tell me this isn't something I want to delve into.
Hawk and Dove - I'm afraid not.
Justice League International - I did not care for the first issue. I don't get why they launched this book now.
Men of War - I've seen some people rave about this book, but its a bastardization of DC war books, and I find the premise and carry through equally... not my thing.
O.M.A.C. - Another shocker. I'm picking this up monthly. How is it Dan Didio is associated with a book I find this wacky and enjoyable?
Static Shock - utter disappointment. I am not picking up this trade.
Stormwatch - no.
Swamp Thing - Monthly, and YES. This is a good continuation of the Swamp Thing I enjoyed in college and in trades with an all-new spin. I think it's advisable to read this book alongside Animal Man.
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