No Books For You

Okay, well, maybe just me. No books for me, thanks to the husband's car assaulting itself. What a fucking terrible week to be left with only one vehicle and not have the 9-5 job. Batman . . . tie-ins . . . Welcome to Hoxford . . . Runaways/Young Avengers . . . god DAMMIT.

I hate all of you a little this week, just so you know.

Our 99 Neon has been suffering some emotional issues since the purchase of our 01 Civic a few years ago, we've worked really hard to keep her feeling good about herself--spiffy new tires, new brakes, engine flushes and regular baths, but the old black mare just ain't what she used to be. (I think I just burst into flames writing "ain't", so let's never do that again, mm?_
Then, Sunday, in her finest move of acting out, her hood clasp snapped while Co-Creator was on the freeway, slamming it into the windshield while he was going 70.

Everyone is fine. Me especially, as I wasn't actually in the car at the time (thank God).

Well . . . almost everyone. Yes, that's my girl, shut away in the garage while she works out her emotional issues in a way that doesn't have the potential to kill one of her owners.

The husband would appreciate me taking a moment to inform my readers that the flowery seat covers are mine. I would appreciate me taking a moment to inform my readers that the flowery seat covers may be mine, but it's been nearly two years since I've driven the car and they are still there.


Let's do a mess of links and some random rambling, then pretend it's a post.


The Most Awesome That Ever Did Awesome From A Company You Haven't Heard Of:

Batman: Arkham Asylum the video game. No, really! They'll be utilizing the Unreal Engine 3 (WOOT!) and the 'they' I'm speaking of is Rocksteady Studios, a company in London who'll be developing it. Warner Brothers and Eidos is involved and the game is a third-person action game with a mood and story to match that of the magnificent trade and the style of play/setting is purported to be comparable to Bioshock.

Worried about the story? Shut your mouth--Paul Dini's writing this baby. The storyline as reported so far by WorthPlaying has the player-as-Batman delivering The Joker to Arkham, where an impressive amount of other villain characters have set a trap for him. With a setting of Arkham Asylum--and all the varied characters--the graphics damned well better be magnificent. And I'm hoping for an excellent, creepy score instead of cheesy movie knock-off music.

Martin Tremblay, President of Warner Bros. Interactive entertainment had this to say regarding the game, “Batman: Arkham Asylum offers players the chance to battle Gotham’s worst villains with Batman’s physical and psychological strength in a graphically distinct and story-driven game. We look forward to working with Eidos on expanding DC Comics’ world-renowned character Batman in the game space with a noticeably different feature set in an incredibly dark interactive environment."

Keep an eye on the Rocksteady website for more information--hell, keep an eye on it for the awesome countdown graphic that's occupying it right now. Due out in 2009, this baby has definitely hit my preorder list. I should be done with Fallout 3 by then.

Random Fallout 3 note: You will not see ANY PART OF ME the first two weeks after this bad boy is released. Bethesda goddamn guaranteed to give me the video game of my wet dreams. I remember playing Fallout when it first came out. I may cry and start caressing my console (not a euphemism) when I pop that baby in.


Anyone notice a whole lot of Levitz and a whole nada from Didio? Is it really just me--am I just magically noticing Levitz? Is this akin to learning a new word when you were little and then hearing that word all. day. long?

Well, Paul Levitz has an article here, he's talking about Watchmen here and it was Levitz we heard from regarding SDCC. All Newsarama, but CBR doesn't have any Dan Didio at all that isn't panel coverage.

Lionsgate has an upcoming DVD, Next Avengers that'll be out September 2nd. There's a sneak peek of it up on Newsarama, here. "Hawkeye's name is Francis??" Adorable. Looking forward to this.


Watchmen hits a million. Hot damn.


I'm very excited about a local company that's getting press here and gonna take a moment to pimp them out here, as they're taking an awesome approach to raising awareness for several different causes. Five Humans was founded in 2007 by Dan Grunvald and Lee Fine, who had the idea of making hip and interesting t-shirts with slogans and facts regarding different diseases geared towards raising awareness and breaking the silence barrier. They're called Disease Tees, which is awesome, and one of the most interesting and devoted campaigns against ignorance I've seen in a while.

This company has a big heart, great stories and an excellent product. I'd really love to see these shirts on everyone. Right now the causes are diabetes, heart disease, asthma, cancer and the newest one--and an important one for me--autism. They are always expanding, though, and are in the process of designing a new Disease Tee. Ten percent of your purchase goes to the cause it's for and with prices ranging $20 to $35 dollars, this is well worth it. Also? The clothes are totally quality and look awesome. So not only are you supporting a great cause of your choice, but getting cool gear in the process.

Go visit their site and take a look at their products and mission.


Another company is doing an awesome, awesome idea that I'm totally in love with. The site is a little obnoxious, but you'll want one. We Are Numbers.

I CANNOT believe I forgot this

Seriously. This is one of the best con stories and I totally spaced it. It works out well though because this really does deserve its very own post.

During some quiet time on Sunday, Quiana and I were hanging out at the registration booth, mockingdiscussing various people wandering about and mucking about in the comfortable spinny chairs (that is their official name, btw). I turned to the right and saw a guy crouched down with his magnificently pale ass completely hanging out of his jeans. I threw up a little in my mouth and then did what any good friend would do, with a tone that mustered nothing but excitement.

"Hey, Quiana! Look at that."

And she totally, totally did.

I think she spent the next half hour calling me an asshole. It was glorious. Regrettably, I didn't manage to snag a picture.

My hair is purple

Sort of. Actually, it's an amalgam of blue, purple, dark pink. It looks pretty good, except for the parts that don't. Aren't I helpful?

When I'm not lazy, I'll put up pictures. Provided I remember.


This is the coolest thing I've heard in ages. I don't think Zetaman is stupid. I think he's terribly goofy and hilarious, but completely wonderful. He started out doing citizen crime fighting but shifted to helping the homeless after getting into trouble and whatnot.

"I want to help because I grew up poor and I grew up starving and stuff," Zetaman said. "I'm an adult now, I have a job and I just want to help where I can."

It's so cheesy and geeky and absolutely perfect. I really, really love what this guy is doing. Apparently the word has spread around and there are actually superheroes in other cities doing the same thing and I think this is one of the best news stories I've read in months.

"Zetaman says he's met with some of these other solo civic social fighters and an alliance may be in the works."

I can't stop laughing while reading this article--I'm actually really happy, which is so strange while reading a news piece. I'd like a Seattle Superhero, please. This guy totally deserves a key to the city of Portland and a plaque, what he's doing is absolutely terrific.

The homeless may seem like a big waste of time to some, but I really believe that a nation should be judged on how they treat their least fortunate, not their most. There should be superheroes going to foster houses and group homes too.




Rock on, Zetaman.