Corrupt World

Everywhere I look I see good, honest men with broken hearts and ignorant, selfish assholes with all the women.  We truly live in a corrupt world. 

Currently Reading: THE RISING by Brain Keene

THE RISING
by Brian Keene

I'm over halfway through this one and sadly I'm a little disappointed.  It's not nearly as enthralling as the last novel of his I read, DARK HALLOW.  And in terms of being a novel about zombies (supposedly-I have a skewed definitions of what I consider them to be) I find it only somewhat interesting.  I feel like since zombies are something I know a lot about, and since I'm such a huge fan of the genre, I feel like there needs to be something more to impress me with. 

In addition to that, the story takes place from the perspective of several different characters simultaneously.  I'm sure ultimately they come together in the end, but honestly this is one of the aspects that I least admire about the book thus far.

It is a good book, however.  It's well written and has a fairly interesting plot.  It just doesn't feel unique or fresh.  The zombie genre has been so played out it's really going to take a lot to stand out.  I'll just be patient and hope there's a kick-ass ending. 

SUPERMAN vs. PREDATOR

SUPERMAN vs. PREDATOR
written by: David Michelinie
art (pencils) by: Alex Maleev


I know this may sound ridiculous, but it's actually very good.  The plot is understandable and makes sense in the world of comics.  It's not just Superman fighting a Predator.  There's depth to this story, like most of what's written by David Michelinie.  I know him from his great run on INVINCIBLE IRON MAN (volume 1) that he accomplished with Bob Layton (who aside from Adi Granov is my favorite artist to have ever worked on the character).  Probably the most noted work of Michelinie is AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #300, which is the first full appearance of VENOM, which he is accredited as the co-creator (alongside artist Todd McFarlane) of this villainous Spidey-foe.

In this three issue story, a small group of scientists stumble upon an alien space craft in the jungle that belongs to a  Predator.  Superman follows Lois Lane to the site to make sure the craft is safe for studying.  Upon opening the vessel Superman is infected with a virus that hinders all of his abilities and powers.  Superman joins the group as they discover the ship is being used by a morally corrupt, Darwinistic scientist who wants to rid the world of the weak in order to further the progression of the human race.  Superman attempts to stop the scientist while the Predator lurks looking to take back what's his, or destroy every shred of its existence. 

I felt both central characters were appropriately and unbiasedly written.  So if you're a fan of either or both you'll enjoy it.  Maleev's art may not be typical for Superman but it doesn't degraded the book.  There's equal parts of action, drama, suspense, and gore which I really like.

Overall it's a worthy read if you're looking for an unusual comic to read.  It will surprise you!

NHL 2K6: 2006-2007 Season Results and Awards

Stanley Cup Champions:  BOSTON BRUINS

Clarence S. Campbell Trophy (Western Conference Champions):  San Jose Sharks

Prince of Wales Trophy (Easter Conference Champions):  BOSTON BRUINS

Presidents' Trophy (Best overall record - Regular Season):  BOSTON BRUINS

Art Ross Trophy (League Leader - Scoring Points):  PATRICE BERGERON (BOSTON BRUINS)

Hart Memorial (MVP):  PATRICE BERGERON (BOSTON BRUINS)

James Norris Memorial (Best Defenseman):  ZDENO CHARA (BOSTON BRUINS)

Lady Byng Memorial (Best Sportsmanship combined with a high level of play):  PATRICE BERGERON (BOSTON BRUINS)

Calder Memorial (Rookie of the year):  PAUL ROWE (D/RW-BOSTON BRUINS)

Conn Symthe (MVP-Playoffs):  MARC SAVARD (BOSTON BRUINS)

Vezina (Best Goaltender):  TIM THOMAS (BOSTON BRUINS)

William M. Jennings (Best GAA):  TIM THOMAS (BOSTON BRUINS)

Frank J. Seike (Best defensive forward):  PATRICE BERGERON (BOSTON BRUINS)

Lester B. Pearson (MVP-as selected by the NHL Players' Association):  PATRICE BERGERON (BOSTON BRUINS)

Maurice 'Rocket' Richard (Top Goal Scorer):  PATRICE BERGERON (BOSTON BRUINS)

Jack Adams (Best Coach):  CLAUDE JULIEN (BOSTON BRUINS)

2007-2008 Boston Bruins Key additions
Timo Miller (RW-USA; Drafted 1st overall)
Samuel Berglund (C-Sweden; Drafted 11th overall)
Jason Moss (RW-Canada; aquired via trade with Chicago; drafted 12th overall)
Tommie Flinn (D-Canada; Drafted 26th overall)
DAVID VASSALOTTI (#76 D-USA; aquired via free agency-undrafted)
AL VASSALOTTI (#1 G-USA; aquired via free agency)

Memorable Quote: Samuel Clemens

“The calamity that comes is seldom the one we’d prepared for.”
    —Samuel Clemens

Good and Bad: Comics Inconsistency

I've recently read an issue of INCREDIBLE HULK (issue #606).  It's a fantastic issue with a great story that builds in the "Fall of Hulks" storyline.  It also has tremendous art. 

After reading it though, I couldn't help but wonder why comics are so temperamental.  By that I mean they are wildly inconsistent, being great one issue then miserable the next.  I can't figure this out.  It mainly has to do with the Marvel comics I read (Hulk, Spider-Man, The Avengers).  Why can't there be any consistent quality output. 

When Stan Lee created these characters it seemed like they were all amazing.  That was the "Golden Age" of Marvel.  But now there's so many different storylines and so many different characters that it's hard to keep up with.  On top of that, one of the reasons, if not the main one, is the constant fluctuation of creators.  Marvel is really bad with this.  They are always changing writers and artists.  It really gets annoying. I'll get into a series and it seems to be clicking.  The story is there and the art is wonderful.  Then, the next issue there's a different artist and I am taken aback.  I can't understand. 

Perhaps it's not the company.  Maybe it's the creators themselves.  Maybe they get tired of the same characters and want to move on.  I doubt that.  Many of these writers and artist love these characters and don't grow tired of them easily.  Plus, I'm sure they love the consistent work that working on the same series for an extended period of time would provide.  Take Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley for example.  They worked together on ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN for one hundred and eleven issues.  That's the record for the longest continuous run on a mainstream Marvel superhero comic.  That beat Stan Lee and Jack Kirby's record.  I'm sure that was a pleasure for them to do, and more would do it if they had the chance.

This sporadic upheaval has caused me to grow tired and weary of comics.  I still love them and I will probably always read them (I might even be able to write them), but I can't stick with these major titles when they change so much, so often.  

My favorite on-going series is THE WALKING DEAD created by Robert Kirkman.  He is still the writer going on issue 72.  There have been only two different artists.  It's consistently pleases me.  Now this is a creator-owned series.  That means Kirkman owns it and IMAGE publishes and distributes it.  That tells me something--Kirkman wants to keep writing it.  He loves to do so.  He likes the series.  He doesn't want it to change so dramatically in terms of whose writing it.  I feel more writers and artists would do so, given the chance. 

Movie Review: ALICE IN WONDERLAND (2010)

ALICE IN WONDERLAND (2010)
Directed by: Tim Burton
Written by: Linda Wolverton
Based on the books by Lewis Carrol

This movie is one of Tim Burton's best. It's great! It far exceeded my expectations. It's a lot of fun and a great movie-going experience. The story is solid and seems to be an acceptable, supposed 59-year old remake (from Disney's 1951 animated film of the same name). It flows surprisingly well, picking up steam as it unfolds. It's not too convoluted in the fantasy realm to the point of irritation. It's relatively easy to follow, unless you are completely unfamiliar with the characters.

And speaking of the characters--they are stupendous. I found them all to be extremely fascinating and entertaining, drawing upon the classic characters and adding to their dynamism. Mia Wasikowska does surprising well as Alice. Johnny Depp's weirdness might not be my sha-bang but if you're a fan you should love his Mad Hatter. The voice acting is truly superb throughout. Michael Sheen (White Rabbit), Alan Rickman (Blue Catepiler), and Stephen Fry (Chesire Cat) all give admirable performances.

The special effects are very good. I love the incorporation of live-action and CGI. It's not unlike AVATAR in that regard. I found it all to be a noble, and ambitious, effort that really seems to pay off, especially with the big climatic end. I was amazed more than a couple of times.

I had thought that I wasn't a big fan of Tim Burton's, but after seeing this movie I realize he's still an extremely talented director that has one of the most unique visions in hollywood. I am a fan. And, along with BEETLEJUICE and ED WOOD, his interpretation of ALICE IN WONDERLAND is among his best pieces of work.

Overall, I enjoyed the movie quite a bit and I'm glad to see Tim Burton making fun and enjoyable movies. I'd be more than happy to see more.

Overall Rating = 8.9/10.0

out of Five