'Les Misérables' Review

To start off, I hope that everyone had a Merry Christmas! And I would also like to apologize, for it being nearly three months since my last posting. This is what happens when life gets hectic, and college starts to become utterly frustrating. But enough of that.

This was, without a doubt, a fantastic and amazing film. Tom Hooper did an amazing job taking an astounding story and musical, with themes of love, forgiveness and change, adding in a cast of amazing and talented actors, stir in dynamite locations to portray 19th century France in all its squalor and chaos, and you get this movie.

Casting wise, everyone did an amazing job. Hugh Jackman was fantastic in the role of Jean Vajean, delivering a stirring performance with a fantastic job singing. Anne Hathaway, wow where do I begin? She owned Fantine. Her performance of 'I Dreamed a Dream' was so powerful and moving, I started to get emotional and nearly had to leave the theatre. Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter as the heartless and greedy innkeepers the Thenardiers was hilarious and so utterly memorable. Russell Crowe's portrayal of Police Inspector Javert was fantastic, if a bit forgetful. While the songs and delivery were amazing, he didn't really come forth the ruthlessness I have seen in stage version's of the show, where Javert is shown to be quite heartless in some situations. Samantha Barks did a wonderful job as Eponine, her songs were beautifully sung.

Now despite the film's excellence in acting and song, there was one small issue I had with the movie. One was Hooper's constant changing camera angles. While I can see that the whole need to examine a scene from different sides works, in some cases it was a bit unnecessary. But beyond that, I had no other problems with the movie whatsoever.

All in all, this movie was amazing, and one that I intend to see again soon and buy once it comes out on dvd. I give this film five out of five stars, for bringing to the silver screen, one of my all time favorite musicals with the help of a stellar cast, sets, songs and a great director at the helm. I encourage everyone to see this movie.

'Argo' Review

It has been some time since my small post on the upcoming Walt Disney 'Lone Ranger' film starring Armie Hammer as the Lone Ranger and Johnny Depp as Tonto. But I felt that 'Argo' deserved a review, so here it goes folks, enjoy my scribbling haha.

The film opens on November 4, 1979, when Islamist militants took control of the U.S. Embassy in Iran. 52 Americans were taken hostage and held for 444 days until their eventual release. But six American's were able to sneak out of the Embassy and find refuge unbeknownst to the Iranian rebels, in the home of Canadian Ambassador Ken Taylor (Victor Garber). The CIA, lead by Agent Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck) hatched a plan to rescue the six house trapped by posing as producers of a fictional science fiction film. The idea was that Mendez would land in Iran and convince the six Americans to assume roles as screenwriters, directors and co-producers of the film and that they would all fly out of the country together once location scouting was complete in 48 hours.

In an effort to have the mission legitimized, Mendez recruited Hollywood producer Lester Siegel (Alan Arkin) and Special Effects man John Chambers (John Goodman).

If the entire notion of the plan sounds as if Hollywood had concocted it- well you are half right. But Affleck sticks to the facts of the true events and ravels a bite-your-nails type thriller that is guaranteed to be rewarded with year-end nominations for Best Picture, Best Director and most certainly Best Supporting Actor for Alan Arkin.

This film was a masterpiece for Affleck. Every note, every frame of Argo looks authentic. The movie shifts between locations of Iran, Hollywood, and both the CIA Headquarters and the White House in this fantastic adventure. Every scene and character oozes with atmosphere and purpose and Affleck confidently and flawlessly directs himself as the expected hero of the film- a man who risk his own life and career for the lives of six strangers.

The conclusion of the film will have you on the edge of your seat- even if you are aware of the historically recorded outcome (I cite Apollo 13 as a reference). In the end, this movie is worth the money spent on the ticket. It is a film, that takes a piece of history that many of us were completely oblivious to, and presents a tale to bring six people home, using (to quote the film) "the best worst idea we have."

In the end, I highly recommend this movie, and award four out four stars for brilliant plot, acting, locations, directing and the fun references to classic science fiction of the 20th century.

Disney's 'Lone Ranger' Trailer= buddy style Western

I would like to apologize to my readers, for my long absence. I have no excuses, though in all fairness, I do not think I was missed. But nevertheless, I am back. Anyhow, on with today's posting.

Today the teaser trailer for the Walt Disney film 'The Lone Ranger' was finally released to the general public. And while I am a deep fan of the Lone Ranger, a classic radio drama character who is much recognized by parents and grandparents a like, I have no idea how to take this. It looks like the movie might do well, but honestly, I am pensive, especially after the failure of casting Seth Rogen as the Green Hornet. That was just plain wrong. But I am not one to truly quibble, I wanna hear everyone else's thoughts on it. Here's the link, watch the trailer, and pop on back here to post your thoughts. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoVhgaj6PiE 

Thoughts on DC's 'New 52' "Earth 2" and a brief JSA history

Ever since DC relaunched their entire lineup with this 'New 52' thing back in August, a lot of stuff has happened. We have see these fictional titans of myth get a mega upgrade (or downgrading). Superman's costume has changed in both books, he's different in a lot of ways. And the same can be said for Batman as well, heck for all the characters. Now, we are getting an new look at an team of heroes who have been fighting the good fight since WWII. I am of course, talking about The Justice Society of America.

For those of you who read this blog, you may ask "who the heck is the Justice Society"? Well I'm glad you asked, because I'm gonna tell you.

The Justice Society of America or JSA, is by and large considered to be the first ever superhero team to appear in the comics. It featured many of the characters being published by All-American Comics and National Publications (who would join together in the mid 40's as one company). The original lineup, appearing in All Star Comics #3 consisted of Flash, Green Lantern, Hour-Man (original spelling of the name) Dr. Fate, Spectre, Hawkman, Sandman and the Atom. 

In the 57 issues the team appeared in )1940-1951), the roster expanded to include Wonder Woman (later revealed to be Diana's mother Hippolyta during the queen's brief stint as Wonder Woman in the 1990's), Starman, Dr. Mid-Nite, Johnny Thunder and his Thunderbolt, Wildcat, Black Canary, Mister Terrific, and Batman and Superman, though the latter were only honorary members during the 1940's. During their time together, the team fought such villains as Vandal Savage, the Fiddler, Solomon Grundy, Brainwave, Psycho-Pirate (the first one), Per Degaton, Gentlemen Ghost and the Injustice Society (consisting of Vandal Savage, Per Degaton, Brainwave, Fiddler, Wizard, Gambler and Thinker). 

After superheroes fell out of style at the end of the 1940's, there was a ten year gap period in which the team appeared in no comics, until the Flash (Jay Garrick's) appearance in the classic Flash story Flash #123 'Flash of Two Worlds'. After that, the fire was lite and the flame of the JSA was reignited. DC established that the JSA existed in an alternate dimension, called Earth-2, while their counterparts in the Justice League existed on Earth-1. Throughout the Silver Age of Comics, the JLA and JSA would team up in stories, often featuring villains from either or both of their worlds. The JSA also received their own title during this time, where new adventures featuring original team members and added members were told.

After the events of the multi DC storyline Zero Hour the JSA remained inactive as a team, though Flash, Green Lantern (renamed Sentinel) and Wildcat were reserve JLI (Justice League International) members. The team was then revived in 1997 for a four issue series, and then again in 1999, which had original team members and a new generation of heroes, successors to their friends original legacies, joining the team, with the book running from 1999-2006. The JSA was then revived again in 2006, with a new team being formed under the leadership of Flash, Wildcat and Alan Scott (having retaken the name Green Lantern). This series ran 2006 to August of 2011. 

And this brings us to now, and the new DC '52' book which has just released issue 1. I'm not going to spoil the storyline for those who haven't read in, but like with many of the other new comics, the heroes of that world have only appeared within the last five years. Here's a look at the cover to issue 1.

I've already bought and read my copy of 'Earth-2' and I loved it. I can't wait to see what direction this revamping of such a classic Golden Age group like JSA goes. For those out there who read and follow my blog, buy your copy of 'Earth-2' #1 today and keep your eyes peeled for the next issue which hits the stands on June 6. And you know what? Heck with it, here's the cover to issue 2, more incentive to get out there and there and get a copy.

Hope everyone is having a great summer! Keep reading and always, keep commenting!

'The Avengers' Review

I apologize, for not having written anything in so long. I must confess, that it is because there was nothing to write about, until now. Here is my review of Marvel Studios 'The Avengers'. I will not spoil anything plot wise, I will only give my honest review. 

I attended the midnight premier, and had no low expectations going in whatsoever. It was everything I had hoped and dreamed for and more. 

To start off, the casting was all excellent. I won't go into each individual actor's portrayal, that would take too long. Suffice it to say, Marvel Studio's knew what they were doing from the beginning. Each one delivered his/her character in a way that is both fantastic and amazing. Chris Evans IS Captain America, there is no doubt about that in my mind whatsoever. And RBJ (Robert Downey Jr.) if he were to ever get replaced as Tony Stark, I would personally fly to Burbank, just to punch the current head of Disney in the face for such a travesty . Robert, he brings that perfect amount of cockiness, utter asshole and yet also very humanness to Tony, making him jump off the comic page into the real world, almost as if he could be having a drink or upgrading the Iron Man armor in your basement. As for everyone else, they delivered themselves beautifully, I chose to focus on Captain America and Iron Man, because those are two of my most favorite Marvel characters. 

As for the action, the story, the everything else. All of it, amazing and so well done too. And the after credit scene, the one that hints at what is to come, just wow, literally nothing else can be said but wow. Never before has a film like this been made, and I doubt there ever will be again. Truly, the Avengers are Earths Mightiest Heroes. For everyone out there who reads this, I urge and implore you, if you have not yet seen this film, do so now. And if you have, please feel free to post comments on here, but no negative ones of any kind, or you shall be banned from here at once. 

Also, feel free to view the review of my mentor and friend Justice Carmon, who I saw the movie with. He is a great man, and he will examine the movie from a more philosophical/theological side since he is a minister. Here is the link to his blog: http://justicecarmon.blogspot.com/. 

On a final note, I give this film four out four stars, for excelling in everything, and delivering what it promised, a story, of heroes coming together, and saving the world. Take these words to heart though. they were the prologue for Avengers comics in the 1970's: "And there came a day, a day unlike any other, when Earths mightiest heroes found themselves united against a common threat. On that day, the Avengers were born- to fight foes no single hero could withstand! Through the years, their roster has prospered, changing many times, but their glory has never been denied! Heed the call, then- for now, Avengers Assemble!"

The Avengers have assembled my friends, and their story, the epic that is their lives, it has only just begun.

‘Rise of the Guardians’ Trailer: Childhood Legends Prepare for Battle

So today I am going to be blogging about something that is not superheroes or science-fiction, but still enters into the realm of the fantastic. In Dreamworks’ Rise of the Guardians we get a new spin on the classic figures that shaped our childhood, such as Santa Claus, The Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, Sandman and Jack Frost. That new take involves these “guardians” of childhood dreams banding together to stop an evil spirit called “Pitch” from taking over the world. 

While it sounds a bit on the silly side, today’s trailer for Rise of the Guardians actually looks rather epic and visually splendorous. 

Based on the children’s books by William Joyce (who also co-wrote the script with Robots and Oz: The Great and Powerful scribe David Lindsay-Abaire), this film certainly offers a creative and original look at some very familiar childhood figures (gotta love Santa’s “Naughty” and “Nice” arm tattoos). The voice cast is also pretty well stacked, including Chris Pine (Star Trek) as Jack Frost, Hugh Jackman (Wolverine) as Bunnymund, Isla Fisher (Wedding Crashers) as Tooth, Jude Law as the villain, Pitch, and Alec Baldwin as the voice of Santa (heard narrating the trailer).

That we will get some action and adventure as well can only be taken as a plus, and the Kung Fu Panda films have proven that Dreamworks Animation is adept at mixing thrilling moments with kid-friendly fun. The only real question I personally have, is: How will kids be able to see this movie without finding out that these characters aren’t in fact, well, real? Let’s hope that the studio doesn’t end up getting a lot of angry responses from parents upset that this film which seeks to honor childhood belief actually ends up spoiling it.

Rise of the Guardians will be in 3D theaters on November 21, 2012.

‘Three Stooges’ Online Trailer Is Nonstop Comic Mayhem

The Farrelly Brothers’ long-gestating film adaptation of The Three Stooges has always been considered an iffy proposition – even when it was originally set to feature an A-list cast with big names like Jim Carrey, Sean Penn, and Benicio Del Toro all lined up to portray the new incarnations of those famously dim-witted, comically-violent siblings. 


Moviegoers weren’t exactly blown away by the official Three Stooges trailer, mostly due to ill-conceived elements like an appearance by Snooki from Jersey Shore. It would appear that the Three Stooges marketing team has taken those criticisms to heart, seeing how the film’s new online trailer throws out the pop-cult gags (like swimsuit supermodel Kate Upton’s cameo as a sexy nun) and instead features nothing but nonstop Stooges slapstick madness. 

Check out the official synopsis for The Three Stooges, followed by the second trailer:

Left on a nun’s doorstep, Larry, Curly and Moe grow up finger-poking, nyuk-nyuking and woo-woo-wooing their way to uncharted levels of knuckleheaded misadventure. Out to save their childhood home, only The Three Stooges could become embroiled in an oddball murder plot…while also stumbling into starring in a phenomenally successful TV reality show.

Three Stooges stars comedic actors Chris Diamantopoulos (American Dad!), Sean Hayes (Will & Grace), and Will Sasso (MADtv) as the titular trio that is Moe, Larry, and Curly, respectively. As you can see from the new trailer, they’ve certainly got the looks and mannerisms of the original Stooges down quite pat. Whether or not the new Stooges also possess their predecessors’ sense of comedic timing and charming screen presence… well, that matter is up for debate (though we’re guessing most people’s answer is “no”).

While the Farrellys appear to have done a solid job of imitating the original Stooges’ brand of humor (right down to the elaborate cartoon sound effects), it doesn’t seem that they’ve proven so successful at integrating that old-fashioned comedy style into a modern setting. It’s partly for that reason that one has to wonder if the Three Stoogescan manage to please either newcomers or fans of the original comedy team.

The Three Stooges opens in theaters around the U.S. on April 13th, 2012 – so we’ll get a definite answer to that question soon enough. 

‘The Avengers’ Trailer: Superheroes, Mad Gods & Alien Armadas

Believe it or not, just over two months are now left in the countdown to the release of Marvel’s The Avengers. The comic book movie studio has been especially busy cranking up the buzz surrounding its estimated $300 million superhero juggernaut over the last week, to help heighten anticipation for today’s unveiling of a second official trailer.


The new Avengers trailer is now online and unlike previous trailers, it basically dives head-first into the plot of the film. While a good deal of the mystery surrounding Loki (Tom Hiddleston) and his powerful alien army remains in place, the stakes have now been made clear and the stage is set for Earth’s most powerful superheroes to unite in its defense.


Without further ado, I present the epic second official trailer for The Avengers:

Overall, there’s a lot to admire in this new Avengers footage as far as sheer action spectacle and the scale of everything is concerned. Between sequences of Hulk rescuing a downed Iron Man and vast alien vessels laying ruin to metropolitan landscapes (among other noteworthy moments) it looks like Marvel’s money has been well spent. More so, this is the first trailer to suggest that The Avengers may truly be worth the price of admission for either a 3D and/or IMAX screening, based on some of the more elaborate shots and action sequences teased here.


Rather than divulge the secrets of Loki’s forces just yet, this new Avengers trailer instead highlights the clashing of personalities and difficult team dynamic between the various members of the Avengers Initiative. Chalk up another early point for writer/director Joss Whedon, as he appears to have recognized that the conflicts between the various superheroes who make up The Avengers are (in many respects) just as important as the exterior ones they’re working against.


As for all those brief scenes where the Avengers are (literally) at each other’s throats? Well, don’t forget Tom Hiddleston’s promise that Loki will be up to more mind games in The Avengers. Should be fun to see how that plays out, to say the least…


The Avengers stars Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Iron Man, Chris Evans as Steve Rogers/Captain America, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/The Incredible Hulk, Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow, Jeremy Renner as Clint Barton/Hawkeye, Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, Tom Hiddleston as Loki, Cobie Smulders as Agent Maria Hill, Clark Gregg as Agent Phil Coulson, and Stellan Skarsgård as Professor Erik Selvig.


Look for The Avengers to arrive in 2D and 3D theaters around the U.S. on May 4th, 2012.


Also, based on the trailers out there, which summer superhero film looks better to you dear readers: The Avengers, The Dark Knight Rises or The Amazing Spider-Man?

'The Avengers' Official Poster: Maskless Heroes Assemble

Marvel is preparing to launch a second theatrical trailer for The Avengers online later this week, and has now unveiled an official poster for Joss Whedon’s superhero team-up flick. The film sees Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Captain America (Chris Evans), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), The Incredible Hulk (Mark Ruffalo, via motion-capture) and more join with the forces of Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) and his S.H.I.E.L.D. agents to save the world from an imminent alien threat.


An official poster for The Avengers has been released by the comic book movie studio – and, judging by the fact that none of the team members are wearing masks, helmets, or any sort of protective headgear (does Fury’s eyepatch count?) in the one-sheet, Marvel wants to make sure fans remember the identities of the men and women bringing these iconic costumed warriors to life. Well, except for Ruffalo, it seems.

While this isn’t exactly what you would call a flawless poster (there’s some questionable Photoshop work on display here), it’s still hard to refrain from becoming giddy at the sight of so many famous superheroes joining forces and preparing to kick butt. Besides, in the aftermath of the eyesores that were the posters for last year’s X-Men: First Class, mildly imperfect one-sheets for comic book movies (like this one) are all easier to swallow. Moving on…


Early word on the second Avengers trailer is that it will dive much deeper into the plot which writer/director Joss Whedon has devised for the titular hero squad’s live-action debut. Similarly, the indication from insiders is that the new promo offers a much better look at just who the members of Loki’s (Tom Hiddleston) alien army are, far beyond the blink-and-miss-it glimpse we got in the Avengers Super Bowl Trailer.


Be sure to check back on here over the next few days, as I will post that new Avengers promo (complete with analysis) as soon as it pops up online.


The Avengers arrives in 2D, 3D, and IMAX 3D theaters around the U.S. on May 4th, 2012.

‘Star Trek 2′ Set Photos: Spock Puts a Vulcan Death Grip on Sherlock

Principal photography on J.J. Abrams’ untitled Star Trek sequel commenced back in January of this year, with the main cast from his popular Trek franchise reboot in tow for the U.S.S. Enterprise’s next mission. Joining the revitalized crew on their new adventure are such acting talents as Alice Eve (She’s Out of My League) and Joseph Gatt (Thor), alongside fan-favorites like Peter Weller (RoboCop) and the increasingly-popular Benedict Cumberbatch in the undisclosed villain role heavily speculated to be that of Khan Noonien Singh.


The first photos from the Star Trek 2 set have been released online; while they don’t provide any concrete answers to the riddle of who Cumberbatch is playing – or what the plot cooked up by Abrams and his screenwriting team encompasses – these images DO provide a sneak peek at what the Sherlock star will look like in the film.


MTV is the source of these set pics for the Star Trek followup, and the publication states that the scene being shot here involves a battle atop “a Space Barg.” As mentioned before, these images offer little to no information about the hand of cards Abrams has been playing so close to the chest. That is, unless you count the “revelation” that Spock (Zachary Quinto) and Uhura (Zoe Saldana) won’t be getting along so well with Cumberbatch’s villainous onscreen counterpart.

Cumberbatch appears to be wearing a black version of the standard Starfleet uniform under a metallic silver overcoat, which lends itself to all sorts of possibilities as to what his character might be (a spy? a mole? a traitor? etc.). Since Paramount has yet to announce an official title for Star Trek 2 – much less any information about the movie’s storyline or new characters – it’s all fair game right now, as far as speculation and wild theories go.


For some additional insight (or lack thereof) on the Trek sequel, check out this interview at screenrant.com with co-screenwriters Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci (http://screenrant.com/alex-kurtzman-roberto-orci-talk-star-trek-2-3d-benm-126041/) about the pressures that come with developing a followup to the critically-acclaimed box office success that was the 2009 Trek franchise reboot. 


Star Trek 2 is slated to hit theaters (2D and 3D) around the U.S. on May  17th, 2013.

Remembering and Honoring the Men of Ink.

Four days and twelve years ago, at 77 years old, Charles M. Schulz, known as "Sparky" to friends and family, breathed his last and went on to a better place. The next day, the last comic featuring two of the funny pages most iconic and recognizable characters, Charlie Brown and Snoopy, appeared in Sunday papers across America. In that comic, Schulz gave what can be attributed to a written farewell speech, in which he announces his retirement, and the retirement of the strip. He closes the letter with these words, "Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, Lucy...how can I ever forget them...". Fast forward 12 years later, and Peanuts is still being published as reruns in papers across America, being read and watched each day, by a new generation of Peanuts fans.

But at the same time that I was toasting the memory of "Sparky", something hit me, that we should also celebrate the lives of other comic artists. Not just newspaper or comic book artists specifically, but all these men of ink. I am talking about Bob Kane, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, Jack Kirby, Julius Schwartz, Will Eisner, Jerry Robinson, Carl Barks, Chester Gould, all the ones that helped make their mark on the world of comic art.

Now I feel there are one of two approaches to this celebration of, either A. By toasting their memory with drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic, it's your preference readers) or do what I am planning on doing, make visits to their grave sites (if they can be found in public record) and say a few words, as if they were still alive and you were having a conversation with them. That may seem a bit extreme to some people, but to me, it's no different than a person visiting the grave of one of the Presidents, or a celebrity or a war hero or friend or loved one and talking to their grave, maybe leaving some flowers there.

It is a long term goal, though one I will accomplish, no matter what amount of time it takes. I feel that these trips will be a great experience for me, even humbling, to pay my respects to the great men who helped shape comics into the glorious culture they are today. Nuff' said.

DC Comics Launching ‘Watchmen’ Prequel Series

Few things in media today are held sacred, from remakes and reboots of popular TV shows and movies, to the practice of mining a franchise until every last gem of profit has been pulled loose.

In that sense, it’s not surprising to learn that reports from last year were accurate, and that DC Comics is going to be bastardizing/revisiting Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ seminal graphic novel, Watchmen, in order to create a series of prequel stories, set within the Watchmen universe and featuring some of the iconic Watchmen characters.

Read on for details on the prequel series, which has been titled Before Watchmen:

This summer, DC Entertainment will publish all-new stories expanding on the acclaimed WATCHMEN universe. As highly anticipated as they are controversial, the seven inter-connected prequel mini-series will build on the foundation of the original WATCHMEN, the bestselling graphic novel of all time. BEFORE WATCHMEN will be the collective banner for all seven titles, from DC Comics.
Stepping up to the challenge is a group of the comic book industry’s most iconoclastic writers and artists – including Brian Azzarello (100 BULLETS), Lee Bermejo (JOKER), Amanda Conner (POWER GIRL), Darwyn Cooke (JUSTICE LEAGUE: NEW FRONTIER), John Higgins (WATCHMEN), Adam Hughes (CATWOMAN), J.G. Jones (FINAL CRISIS), Andy Kubert (FLASHPOINT), Joe Kubert (SGT. ROCK), Jae Lee (BATMAN: JEKYLL AND HYDE), J. Michael Straczynski (SUPERMAN: EARTH ONE) and Len Wein (SWAMP THING).
BEFORE WATCHMEN includes:
-       RORSCHACH (4 issues) – Writer: Brian Azzarello. Artist: Lee Bermejo
-       MINUTEMEN (6 issues) – Writer/Artist: Darwyn Cooke
-       COMEDIAN (6 issues) – Writer: Brian Azzarello. Artist: J.G. Jones
-       DR. MANHATTAN (4 issues) – Writer: J. Michael Straczynski. Artist:  Adam Hughes
-       NITE OWL (4 issues) – Writer: J. Michael Straczynski. Artists: Andy and Joe Kubert
-       OZYMANDIAS (6 issues) – Writer: Len Wein. Artist: Jae Lee
-       SILK SPECTRE (4 issues) – Writer: Darwyn Cooke. Artist: Amanda Conner
Each week, a new issue will be released, and will feature a two-page back-up story called CURSE OF THE CRIMSON CORSAIR, written by original series editor Len Wein and with art by original series colorist John Higgins. There will also be a single issue, BEFORE WATCHMEN: EPILOGUE, featuring the work of various writers and artists, and a CRIMSON CORSAIR story by Wein and Higgins.

 While the lineup of creative talent is VERY promising (Azzarello doing Rorschach and The Comedian? Yes Please!), the question still remains: is this endeavor going to do anything but hamper the greatness of Alan Moore’s dark, disturbing and insightful look at the existence of superheroes in a real-world socio-political context? Are the pasts of the Watchmen characters (a lot of which were mentioned or implied in the original series) going to offer insight into things not already revealed by the original tale?

More to the point: even if there is new ground to cover, considering how deftly and effectively Alan Moore developed these characters and brought them around to resolution, is there anything that actually matters left to explore?

Moore himself has remained a controversial figure in the comic book industry; the few times he does speak up to let his opinion be known, it has almost always been to express his negative view of “the industry” – be it comic book publishers, or the many movie studios that have tried to adapt his various works. Moore has had his name removed from many of the films based on his stories (see: Swamp Thing, League of Extraordinary Gentlemen,Watchmen) and it’s no surprise to see that his name is nowhere to be found amongst the list of creative talent working on Before Watchmen.


At the risk of speculating, it’s easy to assume that Moore sees this as yet another attempt at a cash-grab by a profit-driven industry, rather than a genuine attempt to pursue the goal he believes in: telling a good, thought-provoking, status-quo-upsetting story. Whether or not Before Watchmen turns out to be a hollow commodity rather than an enriching addition to the Watchmen universe, remains to be seen.


Stay tuned for more details as the summer 2012 release date for Before Watchmen draws nearer.

A Different sort of post

This post, well this post is different from the usual slew of postings I have done in the past. I felt that using this writing I did some time ago in the summer, was fitting because of how bad society is today. So I present for your consideration, The Random Rant.

I realise now, how much people can change in such a short time. I never should have made any of those "music videos" because it gives people another oppertunity to make fun of me. Nothing has changed in four years. I haven't changed, though God knows I've tried. I still use humor and acting out to gain people's "friendship" and it sickens me to see how far I've sunk.

I am literally disgusted with myself. I try to be a non-conformist, in order to forge my own identity, in  aworld where "fitting in" is the accepted order of things. So many powers have fallen because of this mindset of conformity, (bear in mind I using this to refer to conformity in general, not just cultural conformity) the British Empire, Imperalist France, Nazi Germany, Soviet Russia, and the biggest one to fall, the Holy Roman Empire. A vast empire, toppled because it imposed upon its subjects the idea of being under one rule, one culture, one flag and standard.

Even America, a nation that was once a melting pot, where everyone who came into this country gave something back culturally, no matter how small and people fit in with their new homeland, not because they had to, but because they wanted to. These days, the melting pot is more of a tossed salad, with immigrints not adapting, but trying to hold fast to their old culture and ways. This nation, that I call my home, has established that the order of things is for everyone to fit in and become something they are not.

I choose to reject this mindset, because I believe in the spirit of individuality, of taking the elements that God has given me and fusing them into the person I am, and will continue to become. I reject fitting in, not because I am a anarchist, trying to upset the social order, but because I have no desire to be a part of a culture that is centred around looks, and power and always having more.

What people call the American Dream, I call the American Nightmare. And I pray to God and our Lord that this land will wake up, and try to strive towards the Dream. It's there, all we need to do is wake up, pull the scales off our eyes and see. 

Stop PIPA and SOPA from passing!

These bills can not be allowed to pass!! If Congress does this, just to satisfy the whining and complaining from their financial backers in Washington, there will be hell raised all across America. PIPA and SOPA violate everyone's right to give information freely across the Internet, which is a literal example of free speech. And if Congress is willing to put money before the Constitution and the people, then we have placed in power the biggest bunch of hypocrites ever in the history of America. I am joining the 24 hour Internet blackout, so that my voice, however small, may be heard among the throng of others, who are going to, in their own way, protest these restrictive and oppressive bills. I urge all who read this to do so, and join the fight so that the Internet, and the right to freely exchange information may be preserved, not just for us, but for all generations of Americans.