Review: Sword of Glass Book One: Yama

 

 

Took about a month; but I finished another graphic novel (after last month's The Black Incal) utilizing the benefits of Prime Reading on the Kindle app. Graphic novel in question is another work from Europe published by Humanoids The Swords of Glass Book 1: Yama by Sylviane Corgiat and Laura Zuccheri.

Art

 The designs of Laura Zuccheri are what distinguishes The Swords of Glass Book 1 Yama from typical fantasy setting patterned after the Medieval Period of Western Europe. The peoples, arms, armor, and locales evoke multiple human cultures albeit with their own exotic touch. Creatures are Earth animals rendered fantastic. Many of the creatures are amalgamations. Art is incredibly detailed and sequential story-telling top-notch.

Story

The Swords of Glass Book 1 Yama introduces the main protagonist, antagonists, and setting in what looks to be a coming of age revenge epic fantasy story. Yama seeks vengeance against Orland for the death of her father along with taking her mother away from her. All amongst a world whose sun is about to go nova. However, there is a sword that transforms all who touch it to glass except her. She is taken in by a disillusioned swordsman who instructs her in the way of the sword. He tells Yama the sword is one among others that hold a key to world where their doomed world's inhabitants may escape. Book One ends with all the main protagonists and antagonists all within the same vicinity.

I'd go into more detail; but I don't want to spoil more than the basic plot points. While Orland and Yama are name-dropped regularly as is Yama's mother Rainbow, I can't really remember her mentor's name. His two miniature sidekicks aren't even named. 

Pretty much all the setting world-building is done through the art. For instance, there's giant humanoids used mounts during flashbacks but they are never referenced nor are they seen when raiders ride toward Yama's village. None of the creatures really seem to have names either.

Overall

A solid beginning to a revenge epic fantasy story or at least the set up for one. There's some world-building primarily through the visuals. I like these type of stories so I will definitely read the next installment. However, there's nothing earth-shattering with the first installment of The Swords of Glass so I give it 3 out of 5 stars. Recommended.

Happy Reading!

Next time.

 

Review: The Black Incal Via Phone

 

Not only is this an unusual blog post in that it's not only the first review, of The Black Incal by Jodorowsky and Moebius, I've blogged in a long, long time; but a review of my experiencing reading a comic on a reading app on my phone. 

Phone app review

The Incal storyline has been on my 'to read list' for a decade. However, the price point per page count is too steep for my wallet. Considering I buy Marvel and DC omnibuses, albeit at InStockTrades and CheapGraphicNovels discounts, that's saying something! When I discovered Prime Reading via Prime membership with Amazon, I leapt at the chance to borrow magazines to read on a Kindle app on my phone. Lo and behold, Moebius's and Jodorowsky's The Black Incal were available to read for free via Prime Reading. Couldn't pass the opportunity up.

The Ugly:

Surprise, surprise, heavily detailed art such as by Moebius does not suit standard phone layout very well. Panel-to-panel scroll wasn't easy to select. When I stumble upon panel-to-panel mode, I couldn't deduce how to toggle it on and off.

The Bad:

When you're reading sequential art, the ability to gaze at the entire page and choose the portion of the art to focus upon is part of the 'hold the book in your hands feel'. Panel-to-panel decides the reading experience for you. While some graphic storytelling order of events can be difficult to ascertain, I felt the panel-to-panel was jerky at times.

The Good:

Once I realized landscape format was the best format, reading became a snap. Panel-to-panel handled simple panels quite well. Reading a comic such as The Black Incal on my phone was an interesting experience and one I have learned from.

Reading on phone rating: 3 out of 5. A learning experience alright. There were times I felt reading on my tablet or PC was the better medium with such a detailed art style. However, like riding a bike, I think I have begun riding without training wheels. There is a future for reading comics on my phone for me.

The Black Incal Review

Jodorowsky, Moebius, and The Incal are icons in graphic literature of which I have read neither the creators nor the series before. If The Black Incal is anything to judge by, the hype is legit!

Moebius's artwork is super detailed with densely packed panels. His layouts are such that I now I understand why many comic artists consider him an influence.

Jodorowsky weaves a tale rich with world building and a complex plot intended for mature audiences. Many concepts are surreal and out of this world.

As for the story itself, it starts out with the hapless private detective John Difool haplessly stumbling, as the fool in his name would suggest, into a situation above his head ala neo-noir stories such as Blade Runner. Then the story shifts into science fiction (or is it science fantasy) epic territory along the likes of Dune and Star Wars once the White Incal, the Black Incal, and the Metabaron enter the story. By The Black Incal's end, I was thoroughly engaged and enthralled. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. The Black Incal hooked me like few comics have. By the story's end, I was fully invested with each panel and each page. Upon the conclusion, I was fully hooked. Wow! What an amazing start to an epic! This is how good comic book stories should begin. Before beginning The Black Incal my attitude toward reading the Incal series was more about checking off a supposedly iconic story off my checklist. Now I eagerly want to read the rest of the story. If Humanoids were to collect the series as they did The Metabaron, I would most likely buy it. Highly, highly recommended.

Next time.

Halloween 2019: OneBookShelf Jack O'Lanterns Freebies

As I alluded to on Wednesday, it's October.  Halloween blogging season. Unlike years past, no lofty promises this year. If I write a Halloween-themed post, cool. If not, oh well. We'll see how many I churn out. What better way to begin my Halloween blogging than listing my haul from OneBookShelf's (DriveThru RPG, DriveThru Comics, DriveThru Fiction, DM's Guild, Storyteller's Vault) Jack O'Lantern Scavenger Hunt where one on browses thru the site clicking on Halloween themed icons in order to score a freebie?

Note for first time blog visitors: I have taken advantage of OBS's Jack O'Lantern freebies for years now. I've racked up quite the haul, which I rarely if ever read or use. As such, no deep dives. I didn't search through every nook and cranny. Four or five items was my stopping point.  Also, only the icon and the order in which I discovered the freebie will be listed.

On with the listing.

DriveThru RPG -

Witch hat:  Castles & Crusades: Night of Spirits. I got to hand it to Troll Lord Games. When they go in on a promotion, they go all in. This Halloween themed module using the Castles & Crusades rules retails for around $8. Reading the boilerplate makes me want to read and possibly run it.

Jack o'lantern: 5E Halloween Mini Dungeon: Horror of Ochre Grove. A D&D 5E module that's apparently Halloween-themed...

2nd jack o lantern: SEERS & Roebuck Dust Buster of Holding - the fantasy equivalent of the old Sears & Roebuck catalogs, which in this instance features one particular item.

3rd jack o'lantern:  Doomtown Reloaded: Print & Play Demo - The description reads like a card game. I hate when they mix categories...

4th jack o'lantern:  Mothership Players Survival Guide - Did you like the Aliens movies with Xenomorphs and Sigourney Weaver? Well, this rpg emulates it!


DriveThru Comics

Witch hat: Kids on Bikes House On Polar Court

Ghost: Unstoppable Origins #1

Jack o'lantern:  God the Dyslexic Dog v1 (apparently I already own a copy...)

Candy: Death Vigil #1

2nd jack o lantern: vs Stranger Stuff Send in the Clowns Special Edition


DriveThru Fiction

Witch hat: Weird Fiction Megapack 25 Stories From Weird Tales. Can't go wrong with a collection of stories from the old Weird Tales magazine/pulp. The mag that brought us Conan!

Jack o' lantern: Outbreak Undead 2nd edition  Intro Manual. Another cross category offering...

2nd Jack o Lantern: Cabaret of the Grotesque

Ghost: Book of Apex vol 1 of Apex Magazine  (already have). I swear this given away every year...

3rd Jack o Lantern Achtung! Cthulhu Fiction The Trellborg Monstrosities. Like H.P. Lovecraft and the Cthulhu Mythos? Well, here's Cthulhu Mythos stories set across the pond in the UK!


DMs Guild

Ghost: Songs of Aedragad

Jack o'lantern: Curse of the Gumdrop Ooze Revised and Expanded

2nd Ghost: Circle of the Feydark 5e

2nd Jack o Lantern: Dread Domain A Cleric Archetype

Since much of my D&D 5E gaming is Adventurers League, I am unlikely to use any of this. Sigh...


Storyteller's Vault

Bat - Death Vigil #1 (repeat of the DriveThru Comics freebie)

Jack o'lantern -  God Dyslexic Dog volume 1 repeat of the DriveThru Comics Freebie

I really dislike how neither of these pertain to White Wolf Intellectual Property. The DM's Guild freebies seemed to be all D&D-related at least.

Ghost: Bygone Bestiary. Want to use fantastic creatures such as dragons in your World of Darkness game? Well, now you can! I've owned a deadtree version since White Wolf's $6.66 sale. I've been meaning to acquire an ebook copy for years so I could part with my physical copy. Mission accomplished!

Bat - Legacy of Lies a  V20 Dark Ages Jumpstart. Vampire Dark Ages is one of my favorite WOD Vampire settings.

Overall, I'd say I was pleased with this year's offerings.

Next time.

My Experiences With DC Universe's (Streaming) First Year

Has it been a year? Has it really been a year since the official launch of the DC Universe Subscription service?

According to an email in my inbox today, yes. Yes, it has.

Meaning as an early adopter, three months remain on my subscription. Since a fifteen months-in-review doesn't carry the same overtones as a year-in-review, it's time for my assessment of the subscription service's first year.

For those stumbling upon my blog for the first time, I refer to DC Universe as a subscription service instead of a streaming service because it offers far, far more than a mere streaming service.

A streaming service doesn't have a community section for fans to engage each other on...

Community section:

Admittedly, I haven't participated on the forums. Lurked (read but not participated) some threads; but no commenting. Other than the occasional chatter on social media, I reserve much of what I would state there on here. Unlike social media, I feel incredibly awkward sharing a link to one of my blog posts on a company forum in which users participate anonymously. Mayhap one day I will de-lurk there.

I consider DC Daily to be company outreach to fans to boost engagement while informing them. Haven't watched more than one or two although I should. Would probably feel like I was getting more of my money's worth if I watched those clips...

What I have participated in frequently has been the sweepstakes. I have plenty of contests in order to win pretty much every other week.

Uh, I have not won anything. One day, one day. I will blog about winning a contest and it will be glorious.

Movies

What really made DC Universe feel like a steal initially was the presence of recently animated movies. Don't need to buy the DVD or Blu-Ray of say Batman Ninja. I can watch it on DC Universe. Big wigs who own and run DC and Warner Brothers fret not. Movie watching hasn't been a thing for me whenever I am using the platform.

Considering this year marks the 30th anniversary of Keaton's Batman, I do plan on remedying the lack of movie watching soon.

Comics

Back when DC Universe debuted, the comics selection would rotate. Not only did the rotation ceased; but the selection has expanded. Comics as recent as the first couple issues of Doomsday Clock are available on the platform. Sure, months have passed between issues; however comics released roughly a year ago are becoming available. Given how I don't really keep up with monthly comics, I can 'wait for the Network' more and more.

Granted, I would need to read the digital comics available on DC Universe first. I marked some series as favorites. Added some issues to a 'To Be Read' list. However, I haven't read any digital comics except for the first five issues of Gerard Way's Doom Patrol run shortly after the first episode of Doom Patrol.

Turns out binge-skimming those Way Doom Patrol issues were the best thing for my opinion on those issues. Called it quits on Young Animal and was about purge those issues from my collection until I did so. Only reason why I am buying Doom Patrol Weight of the Worlds from my local comics shop is because of both the show and the late night I spent skimming those issue on DC Universe.

What I mostly use the comics for is research when deciding whether to purchase an Omnibus. I check if those issues are available online. Then, like the old days, I make my decision based on the covers. Bought the Joker Bronze Age Omnibus because I went through the contents on the list.

Television Shows

Previously, I remarked on how happy of a fanboy I am shows such as the live-action Superboy are available. Hadn't watched the 'Halloween' themed episodes of Superboy during last October. Decided I would wait until this October to do so.

Besides, I was busy watching shows like Doom Patrol. Excellent, excellent television. Captured the feel of Morrison's Doom Patrol while using the original Doom Patrol (most were, uh, dead prior to Morrison's run) as the cast. The references to the Silver Age material were cool. Doom Patrol season one was both edgy yet the best super team origin story on television beating the previous record holder of the Arrowverse Flash season one. I avidly watched each episode weekly with the exception of three episodes near the run.

Needless to say, I eagerly awaited Swamp Thing as result. The first episode was a great example of horror television. Unfortunately, the execs desired not only a change in direction but canned the series. Coinciding with start of summer, I didn't have the heart to follow the show week-to-week knowing that was it. Another October goal. Hopefully, I don't feel like those who discovered Firefly after that show's cancellation.

Now Titans Season Two began, or will begin. Really don't want to fall behind like I did Swamp Thing. A tricky feat. Never saw season one. Got a lot of catching up to do!

On this note, think I am going to spend some time on the DC Universe Subscription Service.

Next time.

After X Years Redeemed My First Bonus Digital Marvel Comic

Hey, did you know if you buy a Marvel comic book you can redeem a bonus Marvel digital comic?


Yes, Matt, bonus digital copies have been standard practice with Marvel Comics for a number of years now.


Okay, got me there. I've been aware of bonus digital copies for awhile now.


I just didn't buy them because I already owned a physical copy of the issue. Plus, there was my on-and-off dalliances with Marvel Digital Unlimited. Frankly, I didn't really see point to redeeming them.


Have to admit, I was also kind of a Luddite regarding them. Ahem. This from the guy who bought Nook copies, bought Dark Horse Digital, and has a subscription for both Marvel Digital Unlimited AND DC Universe?


Eh, maybe I just too lazy to figure out how to. Plus, I wasn't keeping up with reading my physical copies...


So why the change?


First, when a Marvel comic retails for $3.99+ is the bonus digital really a bonus digital?


Second, one of my goals for 2019 is to reduce my bulk. All those comics I bought to sample yet had no intention of keeping. Redeeming a digital version (for those issue in which the deadline hasn't elapsed anyway) is a way to keep a copy while freeing up physical space.


Third, my gift Marvel Digital Unlimited subscription was far more transformative than previous subscriptions. Don't really recall checking Marvel emails regularly when I had a normal subscription before. That changed with the gift subscription I received as part of Christmas 2018. I'd check it weekly. During that time, I stumbled over Marvel Insider. It's kind of hokey; but Marvel Insider got me checking out the Marvel site about as much as I checked out ANY comics site. In the process I discovered...


Fourth, redeeming my bonus digital copies would net Marvel Insider points. Sure, there's a limit. And hokey. Yet, it's the extra carrot that spurred me onto redeeming my very first bonus digital Marvel comic.


So my thoughts:


One: It took me quite a bit of flipping and reading until I found the page with redemption instructions. It was kind of irritating but not quite as irritating as...


Peeling the label off!
If you're not careful, you can peel of both the sticker AND the label off of the page! Plus, the stickers don't peel off equally. It's also best to peel on as flat of a surface as possible so as not to mangle the comic itself. After all, one reason to redeem the bonus digital comic is to preserve the physical comic. I am assuming this is an anti-theft feature as it would be quite noticeable if someone tried doing so in a comics shop!


Third: Will there be back issue market based on whether or not the sticker covering the redemption code has been removed or not? It is a mere sticker after all. The grader or prospective buyer would need to flip through the given issue to notice it missing. On the other hand, the speculation market has been based on plenty curious things. Can't really say the comic is Mint or Near Mint if an issue is missing the sticker, can you? Guess, it depends on how copies of X-Force #1 removed from their non-archival plastic AND missing the card are graded as. Then again, if you're careful enough removing the sticker, the comic isn't really damaged. A question for ten or twenty years down the road, perhaps.


Fourth: Sometimes the redemption process leads to multiple copies of the same issue being "redeemed". Didn't actually redeem these multiple "copies" to see if they were phantom redemptions or not. Therefore, I didn't discover whether multiple digital copies of the same issue would become available. I just deleted them. After all, Marvel Insider has limit on how many Insider points one can accrue so why waste slots on phantom copies? One caveat: the multiple copies available for redemption only occurred before I discovered...


You can only redeem ONE comic at a time
That's right. You can only redeem one comic per redemption. I tried to redeem three separate issues; and only the most recent entry was redeemed. Most of the 'duplicate' occurred during this time. Then again, the phantom issue may have just been a bug. The message is clear: can't skip the process of re-loading the redeem page. Can't just redeem the ten Marvel issues you were planning on redeeming on a given week all in one go.


Now, I haven't read any of my bonus digital copies yet. A blog post for another time? Okay, probably not an entire blog entry. More like a side comment.


Overall, I am surprised I didn't redeem my bonus digital copies sooner. I spent plenty of money after all. Wasn't as bad as I made it out to be.


Happy reading!


Next time.

12 Blog Posts of December: Day 5: Baum's Santa Stories Are Perfect Fodder For RPGs

On the first day of my 12 Blog Posts of December I gave to thee, my take-aways from my very first halberd-wielding D&D PC. On the second day of my 12 Blog Posts of December I gave to thee, my five take-aways from the first Tier 2 Season 8 module. On the third day of my 12 Blog Posts of December I gave to thee, a polymorphed PC fighter smashing things as a triceratops.


Told you, I would begin with a more festive opening!


Tonight's Christmas Eve.  It's also Day 5 of my 12 Blog Posts of December.


Through social media, I've learned a gamer on Patreon is adapting the characters from L. Frank Baum (the creator of the Wizard of Oz and other Oz stories) Santa Claus stories to fifth edition Dungeons & Dragons stats.


Admittedly I've never Baum's Santa stories. I do have fond memories of watching the 1985 Christmas special adaptation of The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus as a kid. Compared to other Christmas specials for kids it was dark and sophisticated. Santa along with his supernatural and mundane (if you count a lioness as mundane) companions contended with goblin-ish and demonic-like creatures in order to spread cheer to the children of the Laughing Valley. They had to use their cunning and their wits against a more formidable foe culminating in an epic battle. Perfect inspiration for Table-top role-playing games!


Found out after years of playing Dungeons & Dragons that the creator of Oz wrote the story that inspired the special that enthralled me as a kid.


It's been a long time since I lost saw it. The copy I enthusiastically watched was on VHS; and I never picked up a DVD replacement. Alas, I've only found a couple clips on YouTube. Here they are:


Opening credits:



Another clip featuring dialogue:

Pretty epic stuff!


There's also a clip featuring the song 'A Child'; but I never cared for the segment and the one lone weakness of the special in my eyes.




Despite not being able to watch the 1985 special, the story is available in the Public Domain. If you're not picky about formatting, you read the story and a sequel short story on Gutenberg for free. Here are links for The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus and A Kidnapped Santa Claus. File choice is left open to you.


Now that I've referenced the source material, time for the links to D&D 5E stats.


I have never sponsored anyone on Patreon before. However, reading an example of Armies of the Christmas War, which adapts the Immortals (Santa's allies) and Awgwas (the bad guys) to 5E stats both as monsters and PC races attracts my interest. For instance here is the Nymph. Baum's nymph differs from the Greek mythology and D&D nymph as you can see. Based on my memory, the adaptation seems to fit the material. The stat block appears complete enough. The PC race looks cool although based on what's been provided for free more fleshing out is needed. For nostalgia's sake, I am definitely interested in this. Cause as an Adventurers League player, I am unlikely to ever use the PDF collecting everything...


If on the other hand, you only want to use the Awgwas as traditional D&D foes and you're not quite willing to shell out the money for the Patreon material, there is another way. The very same author has provided re-skins (adapting existing D&D 5E monster stats) simulating them. Just hop on over to EN World. As aside, I am an old, old, old member of the forum dating back to Eric Noah's D&D 3E spoiler page! I haven't frequented the page in a very, very long time partially because I forgot my password and stubbornly refused to re-set it. The site went through a complete overhaul. Note: it's not an https site if you're concerned about security...


Here is the Santa War: Army of the Awgwas.


Overall, I am quite pleased with the re-skins. Never read the story? Never watched the special? No worries. Each foe is described. Following the recommendations, the PCs can match sword and spells against the Awgwas!


Should I become a Patreon supporter and thus download the PDF, I will provide a review.


Therein ends Day 5. Only seven consecutive days more of blogging to go.


Merry Christmas Eve!

12 Blogs of December Day 4: Non-seasonal X-Mas Entries and Star Wars Radio Dramas Redux

On Tuesday, I declared I would do a '12 Blogs of December' in homage to the '12 Days of Christmas'. Looked at the calendar and realized I would need to blog every day from now until the 31st to meet my goal! Better get to blogging, I guess.


My original intention way back earlier in the year was to do a compilation post including every 'X-Mas'-related blog post I made AFTER the Christmas season. Back then, I was envisioning many reviews from Marvel Digital Unlimited. Maybe reading some Christmas comics. Watch some movies and television shows containing Christmas elements. Kind of like Halloween, didn't quite happen. Unlike Halloween, I did post some out-of-season X-Mas content. Furthermore, my Marvel Digital Unlimited gift subscription was activated a couple months AFTER the holiday season. So... next year may be a completely different story.


Also, while I had stated I wasn't necessarily going to go heavy on Star Wars blogging, i.e. no Star Wars movie debuted this month, I did discover a curious thing scrolling through my 'X-Mas' label in preparation of today's compilation post. All the YouTube videos containing the Star Wars Radio Dramas were kaput...


The YouTube account had been cancelled...? Doesn't exist anymore? Regardless, the videos I had inserted no longer do what I inserted them for. Playback the three Star Wars Radio Dramas. Just another example that Internet and permanence are murky...


Fret not! I quick search on YouTube revealed another YouTuber has re-uploaded their own edit of the Star Wars Radio Audio Dramas!


For posterity's sake, here they are:


Star Wars: A New Hope

Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back

Star Wars: Return of the Jedi


Blogger won't let me insert the video directly from YouTube, i.e. won't pop up on the search, so I'll provide a link instead. Here it is.


With that out of the way, here are the out of season X-Mas posts:


Palladium Books did a Christmas in July special when they offered their Christmas Surprise Package. I hadn't ordered one in years so finally I did so. Took pics of the goodies and autographs. Take a peek if you so choose.


The other non-seasonal X-Mas blogging I did during 2018 was the Marvel Digital Unlimited Upgrade Saga, which ran from the Unboxing all the way to the resolution of upgrading from an annual membership to a gift membership. I would love to say it was only a mere two-step saga; but it wasn't. There were three posts between them as I discovered upgrading wouldn't be simple, then I realized I couldn't upgrade by myself, and lastly the call to Customer Service I made to remedy the situation. In retrospect, the experience was incredibly humbling and if others can learn from experience, the better.


Therein, ends Day 4. Maybe tomorrow, I'll try to emulate the song.


Next time!

Halloween 2018: How the Real Ghostbusters Taught Me About Samhain

Today's the day. Okay, tonight's the night as the day's almost over. Halloween, to be precise.


Honestly, I didn't do much of anything Halloween. Wore a Ghostbusters shirt. Finished the Ghostbusters tie-in book, Tobin's Spirit Guide. Review is forthcoming for another day. Instead I want to focus more on what tonight's entry is really about...


If not for the 80's cartoon the Real Ghostbusters, I haven't the foggiest idea when I would've learned about Samhain. I was a young whipper-snapper when Episode 1 x 08 When Halloween Was Forever aired on ABC. To me, Halloween was costumes, candy, and spooky monsters. Watching the episode was apocalyptic.


I learned there was much more to Halloween than I thought. My childhood eyes were opened to the notion that the practice was rooted in a much more ancient practice called Samhain. Without the episode an question, Halloween wouldn't receive much attention on this blog. Definitely wouldn't care about the practices, customs, and superstitions of other cultures. Hence, all the different articles I link to.  Heck, I certainly wouldn't have spent hours watching stuff on YouTube in preparation for this post. For instance, as an American I take pumpkins for granted. They make carving jack o' lanterns easy. Early practitioners of Samhain had to carve turnips!


Which I learned watching this video:

Familiar Faces: Samhain



What? Learned that from a video about a Real Ghostbusters video? Yep. The main villain in question called himself Samhain. He had a pumpkin for a head. Considering he was freed from an Irish relic, there's a bit of a continuity problem since pumpkins are an American thing. Who says 80's cartoons didn't have educational value?


Because the villain Samhain opening my eyes to the wider and ancient nature of Halloween, he was easily my favorite. When he returned the next year during the third season (it's complicated...), I was hooked. Pretty much became a fan of the show throughout its remainder as Slimer and the Real Ghostbusters marking out at slightest easter egg and anticipating when the villain would next appear. Not to mention spending hours watching anything Ghostbusters-related the last several days... ahem...


Granted none of this renewed furor would've been awakened but for two things. One, reading Tobin's Spirit Guide. Two, discovering episodes of Real Ghostbusters are available on the Internet Archive including When Halloween Was Forever. Well, until someone suit complains and the videos are pulled...


However, until they pull them, why not watch When Halloween Was Forever and pretend Halloween 2018 will last just a little bit longer? So I am going to include the video from the Internet Archive here. My first attempt at embedding from Internet Archive so here goes nothing...


Nothing it is. Video would playback in draft form but fails in published form. So I am just going to try providing a link instead. On Internet Archive, here's Real Ghostbusters Episode 1x08 When Halloween Was Forever. That'll take you to all the files. Click on Parent Directory and you'll be taken to the video itself. Couldn't figure how to link to the video itself...








Now you too can experience how I learned about Samhain for the first time, while enjoying the 80's classic of the Real Ghostbusters!


Happy Halloween!


Next time.

Happy 68th Birthday Peanuts Gang!

Two historic occasions occurred upon this day. One, this will be my 365th blog entry. If I blogged daily, I've finally reached a full year's worth of blogging! Only took... er a decade and roughly four months to do so.


What's that, you say? You want to know what tonight's blog entry is really about? It's not enough for you to bask in my blogging accomplishment?


If you're response to my question is "Good Grief!", you're much closer to the second milestone and what today's blog entry is really about... The 68th anniversary of the Peanuts comic strip and the Charlie Brown and the rest of the gang!

Image courtesy of the Charles M. Schulz Museum

The Peanuts comic strip holds a fond place in my heart; and while my interest did wane at times, I've grown to appreciate the strip more and more the older I get. Plus, I find I identify with the characters more as I age while the stay the same age locked in comic strip time.

What better way to celebrate the Peanuts comic strip than a twenty minute video primer on Schultz, the comic strip itself, and its cultural impact? Runs about 20 minutes and there is an ad at around the 14 minute mark that lasts 2 minutes.



Pretty neat. I admit I never knew one or two of the bonus facts mentioned after the ad. No spoilers...

Speaking of Peanuts I do plan to finally kick that football, er read the holiday-oriented strips and blog about them this year. Unless the football is pulled away...

Happy 68th Birthday Peanuts comic strip!

Till my next 365th blog entry! Even if it takes another decade...

Next time.

Initial Thoughts on DC Universe Streaming / Subscription Service

Couple weeks ago, IT launched. Mid-month strikes me as on odd time to kickoff a monthly streaming/subscription service yet DC decided it was the perfect time to officially launch its new DC Universe. Haven't binged any movies or television shows. Didn't chat all things on DC using the forums. Can't say I've spent hours reading any of the comics offered online. What I did do was sample enough of everything (except the forums) to get an initial first impression of DC Universe. Since October is literally a day way, now makes a good a day as any to give my two cents. If I waited until October, I may as well as wait until I've done all the above, right?


Forums: Pretty much stated in my opener, I never used them. Honestly, I don't really plan to. Unless of course actual folks on DC visit the forums. Then, I will participate gleefully. Interacting with creators is tremendous fun indeed.


Television: While none of the Arrowverse shows are available on DC Universe, there are plenty of gems. The cancelled-before-its-time Constantine is here. Birds of Prey. Heck, the live-action Superboy, which was among my wishlist when I was 'deciding', is among the shows offered. There's animated shows such as the classic Superfriends as well as Bat-man: the Animated Series. Initially, I thought only the first season was available for each show. Thought it was very strange that multiple seasons were mentioned until I noticed a dropdown box wherein the user can select a specific season.


The quality of the video is top-notch. Matches quality offered by the likes of Netflix and Hulu. Speaking of Hulu, fast-forwarding through an episode of Batman:TAS did NOT trigger any breaks for advertisements. Leads me to believe, there are no commercials! Another neat feature is one's progress on an episode is saved so you pick up right where left off. You can also add a series to your favorites.


Movies: Among the initial offerings are the Christopher Reeve Superman films along with the animated movies of which DC recently released a tenth anniversary collection. As a recent purchaser of said collection, only a small handful of them are available for streaming on DC Universe upon initial launch. So I don't feel foolish along that front... Did feel the movie selection was a bit low; but it is the initial launch. Other than that I haven't streamed any of the movies yet so that awaits further comment.


Comics: Initial selection is quite extensive.  Most recent comics offered digitally, ala Marvel Digital Comics - digital issues aren't available for purchase at the moment, stop at Rebirth issue 1s. That said, there's samplings of New 52, post-Crisis, and in-between. Dark Knight Returns is available to be read digitally online. Personally, I am pumped Johns/Eaglesham's Justice Society of America's first eleven issues are offered. Looking to become familiar with Captain Marvel/Shazam before the upcoming Shazam! movie? Well, Ordway's Power of Shazam! awaits your perusal.


I've read a smattering of comics online via several platforms from Nook Digital Comics to Dark Horse Digital to Marvel Digital Unlimited on my PC. Have to say DC Universe perfectly aligns the page with screen! Art and lettering is perfectly readable. No shrinking nor enlarging is required. Don't have to toggle from panel to panel nor toggle from panel readout to full page layout. Like television shows, DC Universe saves your progress on a given comic. Plus, titles can be added to a favorites list.


The two cons I see with the digital comics is there is much duplication among titles (which is rather odd) and I haven't noticed a search option yet. If offerings rotate, the bloated list is fine. Otherwise, searching through the comics library will become a hassle once it expands.


Overall, my initial impression of DC Universe is very favorable. A heavy user might worry about the size of the initial content. If this is your only streaming service and your first foray into digital comics, I could see one binging through the library within maybe six months. On the other hand, I don't forsee myself exhausting the initial launch within twelve months of my subscription. Maybe by the fifteenth month. However, the original programming such as Titans and Doom Patrol will have debuted by then. Quality-wise, I am quite pleased as well. We'll see how my opinion changes once what's new is well-acquainted.


Periodic updates to come.


Next time!

WWE SummerSlam 2018: The Lesnar Ends with a Whimper

Just finished watching the 2018 edition of SummerSlam a mere half an hour. As one of the big four and a long-time cornerstone of WWE PPV's, this year's SummerSlam did not disappoint!


Heck, if you inverted the awfulness of last month's Extreme Rules, that was how good SummerSlam 2018 was. Not quite as good as WrestleMania 2018 but a solid PPV nonetheless. I would have felt okay paying old-fashioned PPV prices for it.


In fact, I was going to change formats since there's no point doing a match-by-match breakdown and do good, bad, and the ugly. Quite a bit of good. There's some things I didn't like *cough* the squash matches *cough* but writing them felt like padding.


The Lesnar loss was among them.


Don't get me wrong. Lesnar needed to lose the title. His reign had grown stale. He's fighting a match in UFC. Other than Strowman, no other Raw wrestler has been booked a credible winner than Reigns.


Yes, I am not a fan of Reigns. As a babyface, he's simply not at the level to be the Top Guy. However, I can accept him finally winning the belt and defeating Lesnar. The company would be damaged long-term if he hadn't.


Note: I have not yet Raw, probably won't, but I see the Shield has reunited. So I am guessing Reigns is now a heel. Fair enough.


I liked the irony of how by not costing the champion in the usual Money in the Bank fashion, Strowman cost Lesnar the title by distracting him.


Still, the match was meh. Lesnar was booked as being far more resilient in prior matches. Must not want to take bumps in preparation for his upcoming UFC fight? The story was more about surprises than a competitive match this time around.


When Reigns won and defeated Lesnar finally, it felt... anti-climatic... The Lesnar dominance lasted too long. Reigns wasn't the decisive victor. A whimper instead of a bang.


In any case, hopefully this means when Brock Lesnar does return to the WWE he isn't booked as an indestructible monster. Cause this first go-round proves booking him as invincible simply isn't worth devaluing the rest of the roster.


Next time.

Price Seems Right For DC's New Subscription Service

Took the last couple weeks off from blogging. During that time SDCC occurred as well as the announcement of DC's new subscription service's, DC Universe, price point. The latter is the topic for tonight's entry.


If you recall, I expressed my excitement for the new subscription service. So much, I was probably going to give it a try. After reading what the price will be, it's practically a given.


For the curious, you can read up on prices along with DC Universe's contents here.


Not bad. Not bad at all. I already pay $7.99 a month for Hulu and $10.99 a month for WWE Network. So $7.99 is well within my comfort zone for the time being. Heck CBR did a price comparison with a streaming services, cause DC Universe is primarily a streaming service, here.


For the most part I agree with CBR. The depth of backlist isn't huge. Quite frankly, it's still unknown how much DC television and film will be available. However, all the other bells and whistles along with the possibility for no commercials improves the package.


Plus there's the comics and community forum. While the latter isn't important to me, the former is pretty much the deal maker for me. If DC Universe truly has a rotating selection of a thousand comics, it'll be worth it for the digital comics alone.


Heck, one could potentially make comparisons to Marvel's Digital Unlimited. The price is a little less than Marvel's monthly subscription but on par for the annual subscription. Which is kind of weird because the annual subscription for DC Universe is cheaper than its monthly... Goes to show Marvel Digital Unlimited is better purchased on annual basis as opposed to monthly...


Yes, Marvel Digital Unlimited has an ever expanding back catalog. While DC Universe's rotating catalog troubles me, the rotation may force me to actually read the comics as opposed to adding them to my watchlist indefinitely.


Plus, unlike Marvel Digital Unlimited, the meat and potatoes of DC Universe is the television and film media. One isn't just using DC Universe to read comics.


So all things considered, the price point practically secures my purchase of a subscription. In fact, the extra three months added to pre-ordered annual subscription calls to me. Fifteen months for annual subscription prices? Hello! I've had an annul subscription to Marvel Digital Unlimited on and off for years. Saves quite a bit of hassle; and I'm not pressure to "use a month's worth" each month to get my money's worth.


There you have it. Consider me a pre-order adopter of an annual subscription holder to DC Universe.


Next time.

WWE Extreme Rules 2018 PPV Thoughts

Today is WWE's 2018 Extreme Rules PPV; and I am watching it the day of! So I will be quasi-live 'blogging' my thoughts as the show proceeds. Quasi because technically the PPV has been on for an hour or two when I started watching. However, I am providing my opinions as the show proceeds; and it's before any 'replay'. Of course, I am not posting until the PPV finishes.


Spoilers...


Kickoff show

Sin Cara vs Cien Almas

Almas wins in heelish fashion. A decent opener. Would love to see these two given more time. Given Almas is ascending the card and Sin Cara isn't, I don't believe we'll ever get the match these two could bring. 2.5 out of 5 stars

Sanity vs New Day Tables March

Sanity wins when Young puts Kofi through a table. A meh match. I've seen both groups wrestle better matches. 1.5 out of 5 stars.

Extreme Rules 

Woken Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt (c) v Curtis Axel & Bo Dallas for Raw Tag Team Championship

 Marked out when both Bray & Bo were both inside the ring.  Bo pins Hardy. New champions! Solid match. 3 out of 5 stars because of the significance of the B Team not only winning a match but becoming champions. No longer jobbers!

Kurt Angle threatens to strip Lesnar of the Universal Championship!

Finn Balor v Constable Baron Corbin

Big man vs little man match. Corbin dominated the match in the early going. Balor wins with an inside cradle. Match slow plodding, which the crowd did not get into until Balor won. 2 out of 5 stars.

Carmella (c) vs Asuka for Smackdown Women's Championship with Ellsworth suspended above within a cage.

Ellsworth dropped items to Carmella... Match plods along as Ellsworth picks the lock and escapes... but is caught and suspended. Easy prey for Asuka. Match ends mercifully when Carmella KOs Asuka while Asuka's distracted by kicking the hapless Ellsworth. Terrible match. Only the suspended shark cage made it worthy of PVP. 1 out of 5 stars.

Jeff Hardy (c) v Shinsuke Nakamura for U.S. Championship 

Before the match begins, Nakamura low blows Hardy. Hardy waves okay and Nakamura nails his finisher to become the new U.S. Champion! Can't really call it a match... 2 out of 5 stars for its historical significance although it'll be replayed enough (for storyline reasons) that one doesn't need to watch the PPV for this match. Crowd cheered. I like the outcome...

Randy Orton is back! Attacks Hardy! Three way feud?

Braun Strowman c Kevin Owens - Steel Cage Match

Strowman breaks out of handcuffs and then chases KO up the cage to chokelsam Owens onto the announce table! Holy Toledo! Technically, Kevin Owens is the winner... Because of the big moment leading to an unusual steel cage victory I give 2.5 out of 5 stars.

Bludgeon Brothers (c) vs Team Hell No (Kane & Daniel Bryan) for Smackdown Tag Team Championship 

Storyline-wise there was pre-match ambush leaving Team Hell No in poor shape. Bryan arrives alone... followed by the tag champs. Not a squash as Daniel Bryan holds his own. Then the numbers game reverses the match not in his favor. Kane limps out. Not enough. Bludgeon Brothers retain. So far the best match of the night. Hopefully the match quality continues improving in quality. 3 out of 5 stars.

Roman Reigns v Bobby Lashley

Lashley begins by putting on a wrestling clinic. Nice to see. Then, the usual WWE striking style asserts itself. Roman then plods along... Lashley is carrying the match. Too soon for him to be wrestling Reigns as the crowd simply isn't into him much. They dislike Reigns though. Lashley suplexed Reigns onto the announce table to counter Reigns charge! Superman Punch to Lashley while standing on the top rope! Then Lashley counters a charging Reigns with a spear for the win! Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Alexa Bliss (c) v Nia Jax Raw Women's Championship under Extreme Rules

Jax snaps Bliss's kendo stick. Tosses all weapons Bliss attempts to use into the ring. Alexa slams Nia repeatedly with a trash can lid! Natalya beats up on Mickie James. Then Alexa takes out Natalya. Rhonda Rousey runs in and unleashes on Mickie James! Later, James takes out Rhonda with a kendo stick. Alexis Bliss retains by DDTing Nia Jax into a chair! The carnage saved and made this match. Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.

A.J. Styles (c) v Rusev Smackdown WWE World Heavyweight Title

My attention was riveted to the match. Nothing resembling play-by-play here. Excellent action, story-telling, and ring psychology. A.J. Styles retains in a competitive match. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars although on this particular card I could easily give the match 4.5 out of 5 stars - a 5 rating within reach.

Dolph Ziggler (c) v Seth Rollins 30 minute Iron Man match Intercontinental Championship 

Drew McIntyre is at ringside. At the 25:20 mark - Rollins first pinfall. Rollins achieved a 2nd fall by pin at around the 22 minute mark. Then acquires a 3rd fall at the 21 minute mark by DQ when McIntyre assaults him. Afterwards, Drew devastes Rollins until the referee ejected. No DQ though. Ziggler gets a fall by pinfall at around19 minute mark then a second at the 18:48 mark with superkick followed by pin. Tied 3 for 3 when Dolph scores a pin following the Zig Zag at roughly the 18:00 mark. 15:45 Dolph score a 4th fall with feet on the ropes. Done counting falls as they happen now. Ziggler demonstrates excellent endurance! The time runs out when both men are tied. Match is draw. Ziggler retains!

As Ziggler struts victoriously, GM Kurt Angle walks on stage and invokes Sudden Death rules. McIntyre runs in from ringside distracting Rollins. Ziggler with the Fameasser for the win!

Excellent match dampened because I've seen better Iron Man matches. However, I am a sucker for the Hart-Michaels Iron Man match homage. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.




Overall: Extreme Rules 2018 is a byproduct of the WWE Network. Combined with the Kickoff show, Extreme Rules ran for roughly four hours. Four hours of wrestling isn't too shabby especially considering thousands saw it the day of. Who knows how many will watch the PPV on the WWE Network? So there's the extra gravitas that comes from such a shared viewing experience. However, if you rate Extreme Rules 2018 on its own, a different story. Why was it called Extreme Rules if only a minority of matches fit the theme? A sad of affairs in today's WWE wrestling environment when an Iron Man match as the main event could only be slotted for this PPV. We'd have to wait months for similar space on a PPV card. Match quality? While Extreme Rules 2018 improved with the Team Hell No tag match on, many matches would have to rank in the four-plus star category to balance out the earlier portion of the card. The booking was mediocre. I would've been angry if bought this during the old PPV days. If you come upon it as a rental, sure. Own on DVD/Blu-ray? Only if you're a completest, a fan of the wrestlers who hit milestones, and/or greatly enjoyed the later matches. Otherwise, not worth the shelf space.


Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars. Feeling my WWE Network subscription cost was satisfied influences me greatly.


Next time.

DC's New Subscription Service Looks Promising

When the news broke over DC starting its own streaming service, I was favorably inclined but leery about paying for another streaming service. The DC fanboy in me was excited at the prospect. However, I don't keep up with Hulu, Netflix, WWE Network, and regular TV. Heck, Britbox and GFW/TNA/Impact/whatever they're calling themselves now are on my radar too. DC's new streaming service's offerings would need to be deep.


New programming I can't get elsewhere.


Old programming I'd really need to scrounge for.


Today, I details and teaser trailer for the new subscription service have been unveiled. Bleeding Cool News reported some details here.


Heck, DC released a teaser trailer for the new DC Universe subscription service as well here.


Titans, Doom Patrol, the next season of Young Justice definitely checks the box for new programming.


Is Swamp Thing a new iteration or the old show?


Snippets from the animated movies, old movies like Supergirl, and the short-lived TV show Constantine certainly satisfy the old material criteria. Okay, okay, Constantine is available on CW Seed. I'm excited for the potential such older shows such as the 90's Flash and Superboy could become available as well. Rights pending of course....


All that? A Hulu-like price is reasonable.


A community forum is a nice touch. How many use message boards nowadays with social media though?


Being able to read older DC Comics. What do we have here now... Depending on the depth and size of the selection this could very well be a DC Digital Comics Unlimited tacked onto streaming service. Although I suppose even if it's limited to more recent offerings along with evergreen stories it wouldn't be so bad.


If DC Universe is *cough* universal in scope and demonstrates signs of expansion with the new content over time ala the WWE Network, I would be willing to pay WWE Network prices.


Verdict: The DC Universe Subscription is mighty tempting. Think I will sign up for the Beta in August.


Next time.

Marvel Digital Unlimited Upgrade Saga: The Saga Has Ended

Well, folks. I said I would blog about when the saga of upgrading my annual Marvel Digital Unlimited subscription to a Marvel Digital Unlimited Plus gift subscription was completed. Thus, the saga being over.


Today, I can say my gift subscription has begun!


Okay, technically, it began yesterday but I noticed it today. While in my mind my gift subscription began on Valentine's Day 2018, it began on the 13th. Haven't quite read anything yet as I was more exuberant that I didn't have to keep check if the Plus status started or not. Speaking of which, there's a shiny digital card too! Also, in my defense, today is also new comics day at FLGCS everywhere. Ergo, I went on my comics buying pilgrimage.


A couple observations about the gift subscriptions:


One, it's truly denoted as a gift subscription. An end date is clearly visible; and there is not auto-renewal.


Two, as I stated before, the gift subscription isn't cumulative with an existing annual subscription. Or at least upgrading from a standard to a plus isn't...


Third, delaying activation of the gift subscription by about a month and a half didn't reduce the amount of time the subscription lasts. A full year of Plus membership remains. Okay, minus a day given I didn't notice yesterday...


So, the drama of upgrading my membership has ended. I endeavor to read more of the comics available on Marvel Digital Unlimited than I have in the past. Really haven't read as much as I should which is why losing my old annual membership roughly two months early doesn't sting as much as it should.


Happy Reading!


Next time.

Marvel Digital Upgrade Saga: The Call

Been a month since I last blogged about the saga of upgrading my Marvel Digital Unlimited subscription with gift subscription I received for Christmas.. A month? Sigh... So, I procrastinated over the next installment: calling the Customer Care Center about the upgrade.

Today. I placed that call.

Overall, the call went pleasantly well. Sure, I was placed on hold a couple times. However, the music was decent enough and the hold didn't last too long while the rep was resolving the issue.

The biggest hiccup was the representative didn't know how to upgrade an existing subscription to a Marvel Digital Unlimited Plus subscription with a gift subscription. Basically, my biggest concern and why I procrastinated as long as I did...

In order to make the switch, they had to cancel my subscription then key in the gift code. Reading the gift code out loud wasn't as bad as I imagined.

And bam. My subscription was cancelled and told the gift subscription was pending. Kind of surreal that. Even more surreal is my access was originally supposed to renew in April. Despite the cancellation, I can read comics via digital unlimited still. Once one cancels a Marvel Digital Unlimited subscription, access lasts until the subscription would have ended anyway.

Was told the gift subscription would require a couple days to take effect. So it feels like my account is in a post-cancellation limbo. Hence, why I titled this entry "The Call" and not the resolution due to the pending nature of the gift subscription Plus account.

Anyway, my Marvel Digital Upgrade Saga is effectively ended. Rather pleased with how smooth the transition was. Kind of laughing at myself over how much of a mountain of an ant hill I made of the situation.

However, as the gift subscription is still pending, I consider this the penultimate installment in the saga. Perhaps, I will celebrate the finale with a reading?

As an aside, I wonder what I will do once the gift subscription ends. A thought for another day.

Happy Reading!

Next time.



Marvel Digital Unlimited Upgrade Saga: Didn't Read All the Directions

If you recall, I spent a couple blogging entries discussing updating my Marvel Digital Unlimited subscription via a gift subscription I received for Christmas. The first installment was the unboxing of the box of goodies. Second installment was my rant of frustration. I ended by mentioning that I may pursue cancelling the subscription and then proceed with the gift subscription. Here is my story of that short adventure.


After logging into my account, I go to account status. In my mind, the upgrade section has information on cancelling an account. In hindsight, a rather bizarre notion but bear with me. Once the upgrade screen loads, I read the phrase "if you want to upgrade immediate, please call..."


Then I noticed the line about the upgrade occurring once my current annual membership ends. Huh. Didn't notice that before. Weird.


If I am reading everything correctly, my account will upgrade once my current time span ends and the auto-renewal would occur.


Which I didn't notice before.


Because I didn't read all the instructions. Like they teach in school. Sigh.


In my stubbornness to admit my rant was partially inspired by a snap judgment from not reading everything, I reload the screen a couple times. Yep. I read that wrong.


However, I really want to implement the gift subscription without calling. There's funky symbols in the code. Mathematical symbols. Heck, they're symbols old comic book writers would use in place of cuss words. The customer service rep might think I am swearing at them. Okay, maybe on the inside...


So I click on cancel my membership. Once prompted with a screen asking for a reason along with an 'are you sure' prompt, written in bold is "subscription will end on (insert date) when annual subscription ends". Okay, I am paraphrasing but my current subscription won't expire with a cancellation until it would normally end.


Meaning I can't just cancel my current subscription and switch right away to the gift subscription. Plus, I have a feeling the upgrade programmed in will occur automatically before I have a chance to do the switch. Otherwise, delaying until my current subscription terminates is too long of a wait for a Christmas gift subscription.


Calling Customer Service it is then. Which I was putting off because I didn't read all the directions. Sigh...


Till my next installment.

Marvel Digital Unlimited Saga: The Background for my Discontent

A week ago, I blogged my unboxing of my Marvel Digital Unlimited Plus package of goodies that I received as part of a Christmas gift. During which, I hinted at some feelings of discontentment. Today, I explain the background of such. So if you desire to know why I am perturbed with Marvel about gift subscription and how it pertains to my current subscription, read on. Otherwise, next time.


A brief aside, I decided to become a Marvel Insider (more as a lark than anything else). Saw one method of gaining points is to subscribe to Marvel Digital Unlimited. Uh, hello. I am subscribed. Reason my Marvel account exist. My point tally doesn't include it. Click on the tab. Greeted with the 'subscribe to Marvel Digital Unlimited!' page. Hmm. Repeat three more times. Quickly reminded of the saying 'repeating something over and over again expecting different results is the definition of insanity'. Suffice it to say, Marvel Insider doesn't count my current subscription to Marvel Digital Unlimited. So I would need to subscribe again?


I am feeling perplexed. Then I decide to check on uprgrading my existing subscription. Check how much time is left. Forgot I renewed it several months after it expired. Hmm, wonder how Marvel will reconcile this?


Then, I check the upgrade page.


Read the section on upgrading. Read it again.


'Please call our Customer Care Office...'


What?! Are you kidding!


You could say I am a little discontented.


Really want to use my X-mas gift subscription sooner than later. Calling Marvel is not high among my desires, however. The gift code is a long series of symbols one may not be able to tweet under Twitter's old 140 character restriction. How in the blazes am I going to say that on the phone without anyone messing it up?


So should cancel my current subscription? The one with time remaining, Heck, how long can the gift subscription remain dormant? Can I turn my subscription off and back on albeit as a shinier model?


Now, I am feeling more than a little discontented.


I admit I have yet to either call Marvel or research cancelling subscriptions.


I am steeling myself. Yeah, that it.


So think of this as an example of the joys that await with upgrading one's Marvel Digital Unlimited Subscription with a gift subscription.


My next installment should be much, much more happier.


Next time.

Marvel Digital Unlimited Upgrade Saga: The Unboxing!



My original intent regarding my Not Quite 12 Days of Blogging was to end it on a note regarding upgrading my Marvel Digital Unlimited subscription due to a Christmas gift. Twas not meant to be. A subject and rant for another time. Day after Epiphany/Three Kings I received the box that contained all the goodies that comes with the upgrade.

Instead this blog entry will consist of two firsts for this blog. One, my very first unboxing. However, I can't really take videos with my trusty smartphone and still unbox yet. Which leads... Two, inserting images into my blog entries for the very first time. So maybe it's not a traditional unboxing as I merely snapped pictures but it's probably the closest I'll come to performing an actual unboxing. Much like inserting videos, inserting images is like taking my step into a much larger blogiverse. Also used a photo editor to crop the images too for the first time as well. So whenever I next write comic book reviews expect to see cover images!

Here goes:

 

The outside of the box. Marvel did a heckuva job with this! Looks fantastic!

Yeah, the image is blurry but it was the best photo I could take. Marvel Digital Unlimited variant covers for Spider-Men II #1, Guardians of the Galaxy Telltales Series #1, and Edge of Venomverse #1. Didn't own any of these comics before so that's a plus.

Here's the snazzy letter of which I have yet to read complete with a Thanos patch and Spider-Man and Captain America pins. The Tony Stark resembling Robert Downey Jr is pretty cool! All will probably remain within the box.

Inner flap of the box which uses the art from Marvel Legacy #1. Looks fancy.



So there you have it.

Next time.

Oops Meant Comics Kingdom not DailyInk!

Hope everyone's New Year, ie 2018, started well. Yesterday was my obligatory old year, new year entry. Listed a bunch of goals.


Among them was to subscribe to King Features Syndicate's DailyInk.


Well, I was wrong. They've changed of the service to Comics Kingdom. Kind of fitting considering the syndicate's name starts with King...


Pretty sure this isn't the first time I made such a mistake. See I've been meaning to subscribe to Comics Kingdom ever since Kings Feature made their comics available online, particularly their vintage strips, via DailyInk. That was a very long time ago.


So I refer to the old name out of habit.


However, this isn't just correction entry or an obligatory first post on New Year's Day for 2018.


After at least five years, I finally subscribed to Comics Kingdom.


So now comic strips which my local newspaper doesn't carry, ie Amazing Spider-Man, The Phantom, etc. will finally be available to me beyond the seven day window any casual visitor can see. Plus, I can read their old vintage strips.


Bonus: When I add all the strips I desire to read, they will be emailed to me.


So in addition to GoComics appearing in my inbox, so will Comics Kingdom.


More comic strips await my future; and I've crossed off subscribing to Comics Kingdom off my to-do list. Again, something I have been considering doing for YEARS.


Well, Happy New Year. Happy Reading.


Next time.