Heroes on NBC

First off, thank you Nissan for limited commercial interruptions. With the advent of Tivo, I rarely watch live TV and Nissan help lessen the pain. Thanks Nissan

On to Heroes. I am curious to see the official verdict. I truly hope the show is given the chance to develop, because I liked what I saw. The show started off a little slow, it is hard to develop 5 plus characters and how they intertwine, but they managed to keep it rolling. As the show hit the first of two commercial breaks it began to gather steam. We got a glimpse of the teleporter from Japan, who was also the comic relief, the stripper from Las Vegas who has a "friend", and indestructible cheerleader from Texas, a future painter from New York and two brothers who can or cant fly.

Beside the heroes, we have a supporting cast of good and evil. An Indian professor who's father is mysteriously killed and the man with the glass who more than liklely has something to do with it. The show had a little bit of a feel of the X-Men movies, Smallville(which starts this week), Dead Zone and even a little of Lost. There is a TON of potential and I hope they allow us the opportunity to watch the character develop. The previews for the upcoming episodes have definitely made it easy for me to add it to my TIVO. Thanks for listening.

Slacking and Star Wars Lego II

It has been a couple of weeks since a post, but lots has been happening. The new fall television season is coming time to play catch up. Smallville Season 5 came out on disk last week and quickly playing plowing through the episodes. If you watch the trailer, it looks like it is going to be a roller coaster. Brainiac, Jimmy Olsen and the Green arrow flashed on the screen during the trailer. The cape will have to come soon. Can't Wait.

I have mixed reservations about the new Legion of Superheroes featuring Superman. It looks super cheesy. But that is what I said about Teen Titans, now I am pining for the days fo Beast boy and Tofu pizza. Tivo is setup and ready to go. Another show that seems to have some potential is Heroes. 9 normal people find out the have extrodinary powers. I am keeping an open mind on this one. Jericho, mid season cancel. Still a huge fan of DeadZone; still a fun, smart and well written show. I just watched an episode of the 4400, it looks like a great show have Netflixed the first season. I am hoping is as solid as all the fanboys are saying.

I am all over the place this morning; coffee hasn't kicked. I almost forgot Star Wars Lego II. I am buying this for my son, or at least that is what I told the cashier. Like all sequels they tried to outdo themselves. They have created a huge world probably twice as much to open up and explore as in the original. If you want to complete the game. You will be replaying it several times. The story is as fun as ever the cut scenes and intros scene will make you laugh, but like with all sequels the original game excitement is just not quite there. Cant explain it but the excitement is just not there as it was with the first game. That let down feeling is something I am feeling more and more with games and movies. Sorry going off topic. Star Wars Legos II is a fun game and a great addition to the Star Wars Legos family. Give it a play. Next up Godfather with addtional XBOX 360 gameplay.

How Comics are like rent to own places

I'd never really noticed how much I spent for a big summer comic book event until my friend, Aaron brought it to my attention. I knew how much I spent every week at the Local Comic shop but I didn't look at how much a mini series or maxi series cost. If you really think about it, comics are a lot like rent to own places. Take a look at DC's big event this year 52, so yes, Mr. Obvious there are 52 issues. They will probably add "must have" titles before it's over.

52 issues at 2.50 each is $130.00 for every issue.

Now I'm not a frugal guy but $130 for 1 series is a chunk of change. If it came out in one book with a $130.00 price tag would I buy it???? NO. (unless it had an original sketch by Neal Adams) But if they break it up into 52 easy payments of only $2.50 will I??? Absolutely. What does a rent-to-own place do to you?? They charge you twice as much for a tv but they break the payments into small increments.

I know that DC and Marvel need to make money but not THAT much.

Lost candy bar?

There are television shows that you like to watch, there are shows you LOVE to watch, then there's LOST. In my family and with my friends LOST is mandatory. I've actually said, "No you can't come over tonight, LOST will be on soon." Calling my phone during Lost will get you nothing but a voice message. (commercial calls are ok, if short and concise) If you're a Lost fanatic then you know what Lost has done this summer. Throughout the internet they've hidden clues, video clips and all types of craziness to keep the fans rabid.
Their latest stunt is to give away candy bars that appeared on the show, the Apollo candy bar. http://www.apollocandy.com/ They only appear in select cities and only for a short time. Here in Indianapolis, it was a 1 hour deal. We got 4 candy bars. As you can see from this link, Bryan from ComicsPriceGuide got his picture with one.
http://www.whereisalvar.com/ (look at Indiana then "retro007")
I'm sure that years from now we will laugh and say "that was so stupid". But for now, it's an intriguing puzzle. (especially those stinkin video clips) If I ever saw that dude from the Hanso Foundation "I'd jump on him like a spider monkey".

The comic book Community

The first time I ever went to a Big comic book convention I thought the purpose was to buy comics. Conversation was a means to buy more comic books. "How much?", "Got any Out There or Incredible Hulk comics?" I raced from booth to booth trying to see every issue from every vendor. I racked my brain trying to remember prices, issue numbers and my want list. Not exactly sure if I noticed anyone else at the convention besides the paid models who dressed up in superhero outfits. People were a hinderance to my sworn mission PROCURING COMICS and I completely ignored the artist area.

Now after years of attending conventions I have a different perspective. It's become much more social. For example this year I spoke with the creator/artist of Mouse Guard, Christopher Jones from Batman Strikes, Greg Horn who is working on Ultimate Fantastic 4 and many other lesser known artists. Hung out with some of the great people from www.ComicsPriceGuide.com like Murray, Shadow, Jeff. I never knew how much I liked Marshall Rogers until these guys talked about him. Classic work by Marshall Rogers A convention for me is much more about meeting and talking to people than racing to the next line for an exclusive toy to sell on Ebay. Think about it the next time you're waiting in a line. Collecting comics is much more enjoyable when you make it about learning from fellow collectors instead of hoarding pages of colored paper that have been stapled together. In the end, Bryan is right it's about the community.

Big Brother All Stars, Star Wars Maquettes and Burnt Carmel Apples

Be forewarned I am all over the place tonight, hopped up on a burnt caramel apple. Just so you know if the caramel is burnt while dipping the apple, the caramel becomes a nearly impenetrable shell.

I tell you this so when your local chocolate shop vendor offers you a caramel apple at a steep discount, run! I am over an hour behind schedule trying to tear into the apple that was hiding smuggly behind beneath the caramel.

On to the cool stuff, Gentle Giant announced several sweet pieces this last week in their animated line. The CP3O Jawa piece (pictured) and the Luke Skywalker Maquette both standing over 8 inches tall will be awesome additions to the line. I personally own all the Animated Clone Wars except one Padme. (Please email if you are willing to part with her, at a reasonable price). It looks like early 2007 could be a great year or statue collectors. Bowen Designs has solid statues on the horizon and some awesome albeit obscure busts. And DC direct is continuing to put out some solid pieces in their Batman:Black and White and Superman:Cover to Cover series. As an avid collector I cant wait.

I am the pop culture geek of the group so I have to mention Big Brother All-Stars. I don't consider it "Reality TV" , but I do have to say it is my guilty pleasure. My wife, a confessed reality show addict, got me hooked on it early in the season. Dr. Will and Boogie from season two crack me up. I am saying it right now CBS needs to sign them on for their own sitcom or talk show. Dr Will/Boogie if chill town needs a manager give me a call. I think I can negotiate a solid deal for you guys.

One last thing, Marvel knocked it out of the park(Sports reference) with the Ultimate's 2 Cartoon feature. As a cartoon fan still mourning the loss of JLU and the Teen Titan this is a solid watch. If you don't fan boy it is a good ride. Good action, well drawn and even some humor. Give it a watch.

I gotta run, there are Zombies that need slaying.

The DVD and Comic Affect!!!

V for Vendetta topped both the DVD sales and rental charts in the week following its home video release on August 1st. The film, which is based on the graphic novel by Alan Moore and Dave Lloyd, earned $70.5 million at the domestic box office earlier this year(from Neilson Video Scan and ICv2.com).

If you haven't seen the movie, I would highly recommend it. Solid adaption, great visual and solid acting. If you havent read the graphic novel, I would also say give it a viewing. Visit comicspriceguide.com for the pricing of the first print of the 10 book series. Go and get the Trade, the story is awesome and the art fits the mood of the book, remember reading is FUNdemental. GOTTA RUN!!!!!