Cthulhu Mythos and Doctor Who Share a Birthday! (Sort of)

August 20th serves an important distinction for the Cthulhu Mythos and Doctor Who. Sure, neither debuted on this day (well as far as I am aware anyway) but both share a birthday in common.


Thanks to the internet and global capitalism I discovered that both H.P. Lovecraft, the creator of the Cthulhu Mythos, and Slyvestor McCoy (the 7th Doctor) were born on August 20th, give or take several decades. A coincidence that's simply geektastic! As an aside, I found out about Sylvestor McCoy's birthday courtesy of Big Finish, the creator of Doctor Who audios. They are having a sale on ten 7th Doctor audios. Meanwhile, One Book Shelf is having a Cthulhu Mythos sale (20% off) on its Drive Thru Fiction, RPG, and Comics sites. Since I didn't feel like linking the OBS sale (last 12 days), out of fairness (and may not participate in) I won't link to the Big Finish sale (lasts until Monday morning London time - I may participate in this one).


The works of HP Lovecraft have been a part of my life for twenty years. In fact, my next D&D character for Adventurer's League may very well be a Warlock who serves Cthulhu (albeit played more for humor than straight). Meanwhile, I remember as a little kid watching Sylvestor McCoy's regeneration story on PBS and eagerly trying to watch each new 7th Doctor Who story to varying degrees of success as the airing of episodes had become erratic. Don't think I've watched every story from McCoy's time on the show, certainly haven't listened to every audio nor read every book. To be fair, I haven't read every Lovecraft story yet either - although I do own a copy of his complete fiction and an annotated edition of several of his works.


In any case, I had to shine a spotlight on two creative people's birthdays, HP Lovecraft and Sylvestor McCoy, whose body of work has thrilled me.

Review: Suicide Squad: Rebirth #1

Before I begin I want to note to noteworthy achievements as of this entry. Discounting my review of the very first Superman story in Action Comics #1 (1938), this is my first comic book review of 2016. Well, I suppose I could say it's my first modern comic review of the year... Only took about eight months. Got a lot of reading to but, I digress. Second note-worthy item is: I don't think I have ever, ever read a Suicide Squad comic book before. Ever. Sure, I have read comics that they've appeared in. I did buy a copy of the issue that came out during the inaugural month of DC You. However, I have never read cover-to-cover an actual issue of Suicide Squad so I'll say a milestone has been reached.


As always, I'll try to avoid providing spoilers but they'll probably creep in...






Suicide Squad: Rebirth #1 (one-shot) by Rob Williams, Phillip Tan, & Co.
Art: Worst-part out of the review out the way, the art. I confess that I have a love/hate view of Phillip Tan's artwork. There are times I greatly enjoy and then much, much less so. So when I had a choice between the regular Tan cover and the Amanda Connor cover, I chose the latter. Don't get me wrong there's incredible detail. Tan captures some of the more gory moments quite well. It's just at times the art strikes me as muddy. Plus moments where the comics literacy flow is jarring at times as Harley would be using one type of weaponry in one panel and a different weapon in another. Although I suppose that could be chalked up to it's nature as a done-in-one.


Story: The Rebirth one-shot is a done-in-one that serves three purposes: introduce the readers to the cast, introduce the readers to what the book will be about, and tell in entertaining story worthy of the three U.S.D. that the reader spent on it while wetting the appetite for more. It succeeds on all three counts. SSR#1 introduces the reader to the core cast of Amanda Waller, Harley Quinn, Captain Boomerang, Deadshot, and Rick Flag. Within the roughly 32 pages, the book does a stellar job conveying what each character is about along with what they contribute to the book. The reader learns that the Suicide Squad is a behind-the-books black ops squad of coerced villains that perform sensitive tasks... For instance, the crisis in this particular story concerns a meta-bomb that can either grants superpowers for 24 hours or remove them temporary located in a Mongolian province.  An in-continuity milestone is that the Suicide Squad's leader Rick Flag is "recruited" to lead the team for the very first time. Let's just say the squad handles the threat in a way that only a group of villains would with Flag providing guidance and discipline. Boomerang is a mighty amusing plus he contributes to one of the gorier scenes in the book. Liked the parallel plots between Waller recruiting Flag and Harley, Boomerang, and Deadshot on a mission.


Overall: I greatly enjoyed this first issue. Fresh off of seeing the live-action film I was primed for more Suicide Squad action. Absolutely loved the appearance of, what will probably be among his last comic book appearances, President Barack Obama as well as his... reaction toward the squad. The realism of the book is nice; and it should be a hoot watching how a rough-and-tumble group of characters work in future stories intrigues me. I suspect we've been introduced to the core cast of the new Suicide Squad title (which launched this Wednesday). A stellar example of what an introductory done-in-one should be.


Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (loses half a point merely for art quibbles). Truly top-notch!

Thoughts on Comic Book-ish News the Week of Aug 5, 2016

Had a blast composing my thoughts about some of the revelations that came out of SDCC 2016. My inner geek enjoyed fan-boying over the latest developments. So much so, that I realized that as much as I follow the news in the comic book industry, I rarely comment here. After all, what comic book fan doesn't like to rant/rave about the latest news within the comic book world? Don't know if this will be a one-off or become a new regular feature; but here's my thoughts on some of the latest developments in the world of comics of the week of August 5th, 2016. Links are provided, of course.


Season One vs Season Two of DC's Legends of Tomorrow: Legends had it's problems with Season One. At the link HERE, the producers explain why that was so as well as lessons learned. Good job of explaining why the show felt off. In many ways, Legends of Tomorrow was like a D&D campaign covering the Lord of the Rings except instead of taking a more efficient route chose a path that made the all shenanigans taking the One Ring to Mordor look speedy and professional. So the Legends are more like the D&D party that barely pursues the campaign goal while getting themselves into a ton of trouble. Cool. Glad I don't have to worry about Flashpoint in Flash messing up this show - and by extension Arrow. Absolute love that Season Two will have a generational contrast with the Legends being the Millenials and the Justice Society being the Greatest Generation. Heck, I'm just glad the Justice Society will go back to their WWII roots, which is something missing from the New 52/DC You/Rebirth comics. Plus the one-off episodes shouldn't be as infuriating either as the team isn't pursuing a definable mission with a definable end goal.


When Tony met Riri: Huh? No wonder no copy of Invicible Iron Man #12 was on the rack when I went to my comic shop Wednesday! A major milestone occurred! For those, like me, who didn't get the issue as many comic shops probably experienced unexpectedly high demand, details at this link.  Couple major moments here. Depending how Marvel Now the sequel goes, both this segment and one other may very well earn spots in Top Panels contests for years to come.


Why No Marvel's Mosted Wanted?: As a fan of Marvel's Agents of Shield, I was disappointed that Marvel's Most Wanted was passed on by ABC. Now, we know why. You can read why HERE. Sadly, as with many passed-over shows, ABC didn't like the pilot. Disappointing.  However, apparently, Marvel can shop the show elsewhere. Won't hold my breath though...


Never Say Never to More Peggy Carter: I'm quite happy that actress Hayley Atwell is more than willing to reprise the role of spy Agent Peggy Carter. Kind of like another actor for another famous spy role, she's never saying never albeit without the 'again' part. For the time being, I'll just have to check out her show Conviction. You can read more in-depth HERE.


Since I mentioned Flashpoint: While the time-hoppers of Legends won't be affected by Flashpoint, it appears Flashpoint won't last the entire season of Flash either. Here's a link.  What a sigh of relief! Don't think they could stretch the story arc of Flashpoint for 22 episodes and maintain a high-quality throughout. Wonder what the permanent changes will be?


Lucas loves the Marvel Han Solo comic: 'Nuff said. Simply incredible! The creative team should be proud. Here's the scoop.


Cap creators receive their due on the Cap statue: Absolutely love that a Captain America statue has been erected. Absolutely ecstatic that his creators, Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, are being credited on the statue itself. Simply fantastic. The power of a petition. You can read the story HERE.


First Look at the Justice Society of America's Logo: In other Legend's of Tomorrow news, the logo of Justice Society was unveiled. Very elegant indeed. You can look at it HERE.


Riverdale Cast/Creators on the show's Twin Peak's tone: First, here's the INTERVIEW. I admit I was leery over the changes to the Archie canon for the show Riverdale. After reading this, I feel much better. Changes make sense. And it is just one universe within the multiverse that is Archie. Besides, Sacasa's work is top-notch; and I did grow up watching 90210 so Luke Perry's casting fits the CW aspect of the show...


JMS leaves comics - In somber news, writer JMS is leaving comics. Sad news indeed as I loved his work. Was wondering why his output had diminished. He had developed vision problems. You can read more at this LINK. I wish him the best of luck becoming a novelist and playwright.


That's it for this week. Next week, perhaps?

Geeking over SDCC 2016 Unveilings

As August dawns, I figured I'd catch up on all the news and unveilings from SDCC 2016. There will be much geeking out:


Note: I won't include any of the trailers as I figure most will have seen or will see them.


Justice League: In one trailer, everything that BvS:DoJ did wrong was remedied. There was comedy. DC long held the reputation as the place where its super-heroes got along. I got that vibe. Based on the trailer, watching Batman assemble the heroes should be a hoot. Loved the music. Finally, as a DC fan, I am not looking forward to Justice League simply because it's the Justice League. My inner child who watched the Super Friends while playing with Super Powers toys is delighted.


Doctor Strange Trailer #2: I'm even more excited for this film than I was before! The purist within me accepts the changes. Still not sure whom all the characters are aside from the Ancient One and Strange. Based on my guesses, Wong is now no longer Asian and wields magic and Baron Mordo is nuts...


Flash Season 3 Trailer: Flashpoint it is! Looking forward to seeing Wally as Kid Flash (or should we say Flash). We'll probably see more of the real Reverse-Flash than we've ever had before. Is Dr. Alchemy the Big Bad? Something tells me Barry won't like this new world...


Jim Gordon assuming an iconic DC Character ID: You can read about it HERE. Gotham has shaken Bat-mythos enough that Gordon could become any character. GordonBatman would be quite a twist. I'd find it rather hilarious if Jim Gordon was the first Batman. Would fit the show too as Jim Gordon had been playing that role anyway - albeit not as effectively. He could also be The Question or The Vigilante.


Kurt Russel is playing Star-Lord's Dad. It's Ego the Living Planet?! For those that want to read the news, one can do so HERE. Hmmm, I'll reserve judgment until I watch GotG 2.


A Captain Power reboot series! Absolutely loved this show as kid! Consider me excited. Here's some info about it HERE. Don't know what was mentioned at the con though...


80's-style He-Man Cartoon aired at the Con: Details HERE. Con goers got to see a brief He-Man short done in the old Filmation style. He-Man is another childhood favorite of mine; and I have many fond memories of watching the Filmation show as a kid. Would loved to have seen it the con. May have to check out on Google Play some day...


Ghost Rider on Agents of SHIELD - Well, we now know the next Marvel character to appear on Marvel's Agents of SHIELD. It's Ghost Rider! For those whom want to take a gander at which one and the vehicle itself, can do so HERE. And its... the All-New Ghost Rider... The one with the car... The one I don't know so much about. Well, at least, I won't have any preconceptions...


Richard Ryder is Back! - That's right, the original Nova has returned! Apparently, Marvel decided to what I had guessed about the current Marvel book back when it was previewed: pair Richard Ryder with new Nova, Sam. You can read the story itself HERE. May continue to buy the book now.


More IDW/DC crossovers: Recently, Batman and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles teamed up.  They'll do so again except this time it'll be the TAS and Nick versions. Cool. Cool. Also there'll be sequel to Green Lantern/Star Trek: Spectrum War. Also, cool. Future trades! Here's a link.


Ragman on Arrow!: For pics and sizzle reel for Arrow Season 5, here's a link. Ragman was among my favorites from the short-lived series Shadowpact. Loved how he was more of street-level Spectre. Judging by the pictures, the Ragman's depiction is faithful to the comics although it must be tough to translate the character from the comics to the screen. As for the sizzle reel itself, I am as pumped as I am for the Flash. Should be neat watching Ollie train a new batch. Wonder how long they'll last though before the old crew returns...


Justice League Dark - JL Dark adaptation to animated movie is finally upon us. Plus Matt Ryan reprises the role of Consantine! One can check out a video discussing the movie HERE.


Unlike previous years, I didn't pay too much to SDCC this year. I'm sure I missed plenty of news and unveilings. Oh well. They'll be new for me when the next round of Con Coverage occurs!

A Decade of the Voice of the Daleks Influencing the Doctor

Another historic milestone has been reached in the world of Doctor Who. As I would like to say, the voice of the daleks has been influencing the adventures of the Doctor for a decade... Okay, I know what you're thinking. That this is a new Moffat revelation. I'm not referring to a new Doctor Who plotline. The influence affects older Doctors. Sigh... not more Moffat revisionism. No, I am talking Nicholas Briggs. For those whom may not follow the nuts & bolts of Doctor Who production, Nicholas Briggs provides the voice for the daleks. So every time a dalek proclaims that they are the superior beings, you are hearing Nicholas Briggs.


So how has Nicholas Briggs been influencing the adventures of older doctors? Why, he's been an Executive Producer over at Big Finish for a decade. He's contributed to further adventures of the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th Doctors. He's played a big part with Dalek Empire (which includes David Tennant's (10th Doc) first Doctor Who acting credit). Okay, this link HERE does a far better job explaining his contributions over Big Finish than I ever could.


There's also an anniversary special that offers discounts on some his work. May pick up one or two his Doctor Who audios myself. Provided I remember my password and time zones don't confuse me...

SR5 Rant: Incomplete Combat Mage Template

In anticipation of my second Shadowrun Missions (SRM) session, I was going finally write about my first SRM session and take advantage of the one-time free character tinkering that SRM allows after one's first session. I absolutely love templates especially for complex games such as Shadowrun. New to Shadowrun? Here, pick a template. Don't need to know too much about the system in order to create a functioning character. I'd recommend them all the time back when I ran third edition.


Flash-forward to fifth edition. Fifth edition changes quite a bit. Enough that I figured the best way not to get lost in rules changes was to follow my third edition recommendation. I selected the Combat Mage template. Okay, maybe not exactly. I decided to play the Hero Labs pregen that I selected during the Shadowrun one-off month ago. During the first SRM session, I was struck by the sensation that the Hero Labs-generated character had more than the template. Upon scanning the template, my suspicions were confirmed. The template had less stuff. Much less.


So I spent time perusing the character creation section in order to recreate the template. After all, can't make any changes unless I know whether the Hero Lab PC is more powerful than a starting character. It wasn't. In fact, the template was. Okay, the template isn't weaker. It is incomplete. Absolutely hate that. Fine. Perhaps, it's a first printing error? Upon checking the errata, it isn't. The Combat Mage template in the SR5 is an incomplete character. So much for time savings.


What's missing? For starters, the template does not include the bonus special attribute point that Human PC's receive at priority E. Second, only twenty four points of skills are accounted for. The corresponding column for the closest category also states that the character receives two unspent skill group points. Third, not all of the 25 Karma available for character creation is spent. Customization is nice and everything but the karma expenditures at this stage follow the character advancement rules. Sort of. I'd forgive this if the template had an unspent karma section. Fourth, the worst for last, less than half of the templates starting nuyen is spent! Shadowrun is a skills and gear game! Furthermore, the focus of Shadowrun is not just adventuring but adventuring to live. New players can get lost. Forget about time savings.


In the end, I've decided not to tinker with the Hero Labs character after all. What concerns me is if the combat mage is incomplete, are any of the other templates as well? So, I plan on scouring over the templates and blogging about any inconsistencies with character generation rules in future installments.


For the time being, I look forward to playing some Shadowrun tonight. Happy gaming!

The Start of 6+ Weekly D&D and Shadowrun Sessions Begins!

Weekly table-top role-playing games became a thing of the past for me long ago. I'm lucky if I can game once or twice a month. So a regular campaign is outside the realm of possibility. Organized play such as Adventurer's League and Shadowrun Missions are really the only table-top RPG campaigns I can participate in without causing disruptions. Often such play time occurs intentionally as such as vacation or by happenstance. It was because of the latter that I played the beginning intro module for the new Adventurer's League season in Barovia, Suits in the Mist. Unfortunately, further adventures in Barovia have eluded me for now.


That is until today. Or the next week or two anyway. Why? Fortunately, my schedule allows for six consecutive weeks of gaming over the course of the next six weeks. Now, I had arranged to be able to play the next two sessions of Shadowrun Missions but decided to expand it to include the other four weeks at my local game store that provide the opportunity to D&D 5E Adventurer's League modules. Thus, my hapless rogue may actually get the chance to leave Barovia!


So I am quite looking forward to six weeks of gaming. Feels almost like a regular weekly game! Of course, I plan on blogging about the experiences, including the first Barovia and Shadowrun Missions sessions.


Happy Gaming!

A Classic NES That Fits Within One's Palm!

News broke out over the interwebs about a spectacular gaming announcement today. Nintendo is bring back the classic NES! Granted, it's not an exact replica of the 8-bit system; but the dubbed NES Classic System incorporates the latest technology. For those that have not read the details, a link that describes it can be found HERE.


As someone who grew up with the old 8-bit system (okay, more like played on other's consoles), I consider this fantastic news! Sure, devices have come out upon which one can play those old school NES games. I own a Retro Duo, of which I have remarked about here previously, that plays both 8-bit NES and 16-Bit SNES games. One could track down working vintage consoles even. However, this new rendition is a replica, contains 30 games, has "save points", and fits within the palm of one's hand. Sure my Retro Duo is small but it does not fit inside my hand! Not too mention all the space that the thirty cartridges for all thirty games would take up. Discounting licensed games, those 30 games are a who's who of classic 8-bit NES games. If one had to summarize the old Nintendo experience, it's pretty representative list.


I just that the games come already installed such as Sega Genesis Classic Game Console. Would absolutely hate to open up the package and discover that I have to download those games. The one disadvantage with the NES Classic System comes from its size. Unlike the Sega Genesis Classic Game Console, I doubt one will be able to plug cartridges from the rest of the 8-bit NES library into it. For me that's not a big deal as I own a Retro Duo, which serves that function nicely.


Regardless, I am quite excited for the NES Classic System. With a November release, I can see it as the perfect holiday gift for the video gamer. The holiday gift of Nintendo. My inner 80's child is excited.

Taking a Breather From Previews Highlights

Mid-July is almost here. Soon the July for September Previews Order will be due. Within a week or two the very articles that I use as the basis for my commentary on the various comic book companies will appear online. While I got a head start last month, I'm still about a half way. Being half way done, or not having begun, hasn't deterred me before. I still wrote my two cents on the latest solicitations. However, I decided to take a breather for a month or two. Don't get me wrong. Who doesn't like ranting or raving about the next new thing? Absolutely love that I may be exposing people to comics that may not know about simply because either they don't have time or don't regularly pay attention to comics news.


In the spirit of the highlights, here's my reasons:

• Within a week or two, the next new wave of solicitations will hit the interwebs. Finishing one, month's and then doing another month's is repetitive and...
• Exhausting. I've elaborated before but it's tiring to quip about solicitations. Feels even more tiring to turn around and so again within a couple weeks.
• Part of the gimmick is that I comment on solicitations. Well, the Previews catalog has arrived. Image has released its Image+ which includes sample pages and further interviews. Right now, comic publishers are starting to discuss things in depth. For what is simply a yay or nay on ad copy that's far too much information. Also feels a bit late.
• Publishing events such as Rebirth and Marvel Now, which while they shake things up challenge me to provide my two cents. How can I give an opinion on something I might change my mind once it hits the stands? Actually plan on ranting about Now in a later post...
• Along similar lines, I'm going to endeavor to provide more reviews. Solicitations commentary is a quick easy way to hype books; but I want to hype books that I feel deserve, or don't deserve, the hype right now.
• I have several gaming-related posts that await in the pipeline. This frees me to work on those.
• To post every entry that I want to post leads me to post every day. While I've blogged a number of days consecutively, those intense periods of blogging activity are followed by long chunks of inactivity. I'd rather spread things it out. In that regards, I feel either I write about solicitations or blog about other stuff.

I hope to return to blogging about solicitations copy. Perhaps I will during September or after the Marvel Now quiets down or the next new Marvel publishing event.

Happy 78th Cover Date Birthday Action Comics vol 1/Superman!

Earlier today, an establishment played the William's Superman movie musical score. Afterwards, a Happy Birthday wish was made to the Man of Steel, Superman. Now leap year is Supes's in-world birthday as I referenced way back in February. Don't recall Clark Kent's in-world b-day; but I am sure it wasn't June 30th. So was it the movie? His first appearance? An actor's birthday?


Well, I decided to reference my copy of The Golden Age of Superman Omnibus Volume One, a massive tome collecting Action vol 1 (rather surreal that such a designation is required) issues 1  - 31, Superman issues 1 - 7, and New York's World's Fair Comics 1 - 2. I'd go on but that's a review for another day.


Anyway, Action Comics Volume One #1, the first published appearance of Superman, is cover dated June 1938. Now, publishing wasn't the exact science that is nowadays. Today, I can reference a shipping date that'll be pretty precise within a week or two. Not so much then especially with something that was then considered trivial such as comic books. Compounding the issue is the haziness of cover dates. A comic dated April could very well have hit the stands in February. So who knows, exactly? So I suppose June is as good a month as any.  Perhaps one day, enough data or research will unearth a much more specific date. Till then, I perfectly fine with celebrating Superman and Action Comics anniversary based on its cover date. Furthermore, since we can't hammer down an actual date, June 30th works well as any other. Might as well be on the safe side.


What better way to celebrate than to read Superman's very first published story? Right?


Great Caesar's Ghost! Never realized that I have never read this story before! Kind of funny actually to realize a new milestone has been reached. I can now say I've read Superman's first appearance.


So brief review: For starters it's amazing how much is covered within 8-pages. There's an origin story followed Superman saving the life of an innocent person. Couple things of note. One, there's no mention of the Kents. From a modern perspective, it is amazing how Superman's ID could remain secretive what with his public displays. Also, seeing a countdown of Superman saving an innocent was a neat device. What's even more incredible is that he does so following normal channels except using extraordinary means. We're introduced to his guise as Clark Kent whose a reporter and his relationship with Lois. The iconic cover scene is even reproduced within the pages of the story! Contrast that with today's comics where one is lucky if the cover even reflects the contents inside. Superman even contends with two incidents that are quite topical today, domestic abuse and lobbyists. What's fascinating is that Superman isn't the boy scout that he's portrayed to be today. In many ways, he's a mix between the boy scout and the Superman depicted in the latest movies, ie Man of Steel and Dawn of Justice. I also was surprised in that what I thought was an era of done-in-one stories that the final segment ended in a serialized "cliffhanger" ending. Overall: a true classic - 5 out of 5 stars.


So here's to 78 years of Action Comics (v1) #1 and Superman!

My Two Cents on Boom's July for September '16 Previews Solcitations

We're days away from July. Today is the final Wednesday of the month of June so the July Previews Catalog has reached the stands. So to continue my jump ahead look at July's solicitations, here's my thoughts on Boom's July for September 2016 solicits. A link for those that want to follow that either don't have a copy of Previews or don't desire to pick up a copy is HERE.

• SKYBOURNE #1 (of 5) - Frank Cho of Liberty Meadows fame starts a new title where Arthurian elements mix with the antics of James Bond and Indiana Jones. Could be neat. Not much to go on with the solicit here.
• JOYRIDE VOL. 1 TP  - Nice low price of ten dollars. Reprints the first four issues so cheaper than the individual issues. A sci-fi story about teenagers stealing off into the night or in this case the universe. The biggest selling point is the price point as the concept doesn't call to me although it would if I was much younger perhaps.
• THE OFFICIAL ART OF BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA HC - A companion book to the making of book. Kind of cool. Only thirty years after the film's debut.
• ROWANS RUIN TP - Haven't read the series itself so I don't know if this is a haunted house or a house with secrets story. Written by Mike Carey so it should be good.
• KLAUS HC - The Grant Morrison story about Santa Claus Year One is collected in a nice shiny hardcover. Last Christmas/Yule/Whichever seasonal holiday you prefer, Klaus #1 was one of the comics that I planned to review as part of celebration of the season. So... my hope is to do that as well as the entire story next holiday. Since I've purchased the entire mini-series, I won't be getting this.
• VENUS TP - Like the show Lost and the book/movie the Martian except on Venus. Intriguing.
• SLEEPY HOLLOW: PROVIDENCE TP - While I am a fan of the show Sleepy Hollow not sure if I want to read a comic adaptation. However, the writer is one of the shows creators so this should be about as authentic as Whedon-written Whedonverse comic.
• JIM HENSON’S LABYRINTH TALES HC - More Labyrinth abounds in this children's book. Don't know if this is reprinted or an original work.
• MOUSE GUARD: LEGENDS OF THE GUARD BOX SET - Mouse Guard receives the slipcase treatment! Still haven't read my copy of the first book...

Thus concludes my two cents on Boom Studios' July/September 2016 solicits. Honestly, by the time, I reach Boom my budget does not have much wiggle room so I have gotten used to skimming or passing over the section. One nice thing about writing my thoughts on various publishers' solicits is that I may not have noticed these offerings. A problem with Previews is that the further into the catalog one goes, the less attention those offerings receive. A crying shame.

I'm Back, Back in the Shadow(run) Again

Back in college, Shadowrun was one of my RPGs of choice. I was an avid player and game master of the game's third edition. Played and ran in several campaigns. Amassed quite a collection of third edition books (and some 1st and 2nd as well). Alas, when college ended, so did my Shadowrun gaming. Sure some of it was change in gaming groups. Another was the advent of Fourth Edition. While I picked up a signed copy of the edition's release at Gen Con, I never did play it. My experience running third edition left me with impression that I required much, much more extensive knowledge of the rules before running. Fourth Edition changed quite a bit. Before I knew it, there was less and less demand to play Shadowrun. I relegated the game to the backburner and started playing other games instead. Many of those gaming experiences one can read about via earlier entries on this blog.


So for about a decade I didn't play one of my favorite role-playing games of all time.


Recently, the organized play group that runs the Adventurer's League for D&D 5E decided that they'll once a month host Shadowrun Missions using the fifth edition of Shadowrun. D&D 5E, Shadowrun 5E quite a funny coincidence, isn't it? If SR4 hadn't preceded D&D 4E by a couple years, you'd swear they were in lock-step...


Anyhoo, back on track... Before starting official SR Missions, they ran a one-shot in order to get a feel for the fifth edition rules. They used the Quick-Start Mod, 'Food Fight'. Players from earlier editions who fondly remember the quickie 'Food Fight', this is not that Food Fight. This a complete run, in and of itself, and not a chaotic firefight within a Stuffer Shack. Still a good mod. I selected a pre-made Combat Mage. While my prior knowledge helped quite a bit, fifth edition changed just enough of the rules such that playing the mod was a good crash course to smooth out the rough edges. Regardless, my Shadowrun fandom was energized. I eagerly awaited the start of SR Missions.


Unfortunately, the best laid plans of mice and men... My schedule was such that I could not make that first session. My planned write-up for that 'Food Fight' session vanished into the aether such that what I wrote above is all that remains of what comes easily to me. But then it is rather difficult to write a review or about a session, two months after the fact. On the gaming front, since I wasn't going to play the game immediately, reading the core book went from avid to not much at all. My character creation didn't get out of the concept stage. Still deciding between a full magician and mystical adept. A Doctor Strange like character was dashed when I finally perused the SR Missions guidelines and discovered a flaw was banned. Sigh...


Well, today marks the end of such stalled progress. I finally get to play my first Shadowrun Missions session. Once again, my interest is sparked. Don't think I'll procrastinate reading the core book or the SR Missions guidelines anymore. While I haven't created a character yet, I will play the same Combat Mage that played in the one-shot. Who knows? Instead of making my own, the pre-gen may even grow on me! Better yet, after a decade-long hiatus, once more I'll be playing in a Shadowrun campaign albeit an organized play campaign. To paraphrase the song: 'I'm baaack! I'm back in the shadows again'.

Musings on Dark Horse's September 2016 solicitations

July is almost upon us. Next week, Diamond Comics July Previews catalog containing September solicitations will also be upon us. Rather than wait until early to mid July to provide my two cents on various comic publishers' solicitations, I'd figure I would start now especially since they've been available since mid-June...


Instead of commenting on whichever solicitation strikes my fancy for the month of July, I'll just gab about first issues and trades although my coverage will be one or two publishers at a time.


Today's entry is Dark Horse Comics September 2016 solicitations. You can read a full list HERE.

• Aleister & Adolf HC - famed occultist Aleister Crowley employs a mystical weapon against the Axis powers. Interesting, but very pricey for such a low page count book. I suppose one could view as an OGN...
• Aliens: Life and Death #1 (of 4) - Get the feeling that this mini is a continuation of another story. Which the solicitations does not mention what that story is. However, writer Dan Abnett does tremendous work; and I'm sure Aliens fans would love more Aliens comics.
• Archie Archives: The Double Date and Other Stories TP - another collection of archival Archie stories contained in a more affordable softcover edition. I have to say while Archie reprints some of the classics those collections are scattershot throughout a multitude of volumes. So it's nice to see a more serialized collection series.
• Astrid Volume 1: Cult of the Volcanic Moon TP - I'm not as interested in the story for its sci-fi setting but that the creator, Kim W. Andersson, is Swedish. As an American comics, European comics and works by Europeans are either a luxury or one doesn't know that it's by a European. The $20 for 144 pages is pretty good deal too.
• Hellboy and the B.P.R.D.: 1954—The Black Sun #1 (of 2) - A new Hellboy story! I confess much of my exposure is via the two movies...
• Rise of the Black Flame #1 (of 5) - Another BPRD series begins. Not sure if this is an origin story or not...
• The Strain: Mister Quinlan—Vampire Hunter #1 (of 5) - Fans of the FX show The Strain and the books upon which it is based my want to check this out as it concerns the beginnings of one it's characters.
• Tarzan on the Planet of the Apes #1 (of 5) - What's that? Tarzan and Caesar know each other? Could be interesting. I will say the premise is rather cool.

That rounds up my two cents on some Dark Horse's offerings. More thoughts on more publishers will follow.

Image, IDW, and DC June-August '16 Solicitation Highlights

Earlier today, I posted what some ruminations on Boom and Marvel's June for August 2016 solicits. I find it can be draining to write it all in one go. So I decided to split them into groups. For next month's solicits, I may try individual publisher write-ups. We'll see.


Here's a link to Image's June 2016 solicits:

• THE BLACK MONDAY MURDERS #1 - Imagine if supernatural forces used the banking cartels to control the populace. The former Vampire: the Masquerade player is intrigued. Kind of topical to the current political environment as well...
• KILL OR BE KILLED #1 - A vigilante who kills bad people reluctantly. So Punisher with a conscience?
• DEMONIC #1 (OF 6) - A cop who makes a faustian bargain. Meh.
• LAKE OF FIRE #1 - An alien invasion occurs during the Inquistion. Could be a good sci-fi/historical mash-up.
• SPAWN #266 - Todd McFarlane and Erik Larsen teaming up on a Spawn/Savage Dragon team-up issue? Cool!

Here's a link to IDW's June '16 solicits:

• The Adventures of Augusta Wind, Vol. 2: The Last Story #1 - Didn't read the first volume ; but J.M. DeMatteis's all-ages work is top-notch.
• Atomic Robo and the Temple of Od #1 (of 5) - A new Atomic Robo story begins! I'll probably wait for the trade or the super-duper trade such as...
• Atomic Robo: The Hell and Lightning Collection - collects three Atomic Robo stories!
• Jackboot & Ironheel #1 (of 4)  - a WWII horror story. Not much to go on based on the solicit.
• March Book 3 - The graphic novel depiction of the Civil Rights movement continues. Wonder if there'll be a giant omnibus edition?
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The IDW Collection, Vol. 3 - For quite some time, I purchased the IDW continuity via trades. Then I stopped. Replacing the trades with nice shiny hardcovers could be rather cool albeit expensive. However, I wouldn't have to worry about any gaps.
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Universe #1 - A second IDW-verse Turtles books starts. Not sure if I want the pamphlet or wait for the trade...
• Duck Avenger #0 - I've purchase just about every reproduced translated Disney comic that IDW published. Disney characters as super-heroes don't thrill me. Think I'll pass on this one.

Here's a link to DC's June '16 solicits:

• The Rebirth one-shots are: BLUE BEETLE, DEATHSTROKE, SUPERGIRL, SUICIDE SQUAD - I plan on picking up all of these in order to sample the new titles.
• All the new issue ones starting this month: ALL-STAR BATMAN, BATGIRL AND THE BIRDS OF PREY, DEATHSTROKE, HARLEY QUINN, THE HELLBLAZER, RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS, SUICIDE SQUAD, SUPERWOMAN - I've learned never say never to trying a new book. All these will be impulse buys that I buy off the rack although I may pick of Hellblazer and Superwoman for sure.

Next month, I'll try and devote more space to DC. By then Rebirth should normalized; and I'll have better idea of what I prefer and don't. While I miss the free samples of DC You, I do appreciate that DC did not release every new title at once ala New 52 and DC You.

Boom and Marvel's August 2016 Solicitation Highlights

Continuing my commentary on various comic book publishers June-August 2016 solicitations. Here my thoughts on Boom and Marvel.


You can read the Boom June 2016 solicitation HERE.

• MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS 2016 ANNUAL - Several creators, such as Terry Moore of Strangers in Paradise fame, try their hand at creating Power Rangers short stories. An anthology of MMPR stories could be a neat and the "Origin of Goldar" could explain how that character came to be. While I collect the main series, I have not read them yet. So maybe.
• JIM HENSON’S LABYRINTH 30TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL #1 - Despite growing up during the 80's (and 90's), I never watched Labyrinth until after David Bowie died. So nostalgia is not why this special attracts my eye. If you wanted all the FCBD stories plus brand-new stories in one, this could be the comic for you.
• THE OFFICIAL MAKING OF BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA HC - Think the title says it all. The cult classic finally receive it's 'making of' book.
• GARFIELD: A BIG, FAT, HAIRY ADVENTURE OGN TP - The very first Garfield original graphic novel. While Jim Davis isn't among the creators, I may have to get this.
• PEANUTS: A TRIBUTE TO CHARLES M. SCHULZ TP - A more affordable softcover edition of the mash-up of creators celebrating Peanuts and Schulz.

For those that want to follow along, or read the entire, Marvel June 2016 solicitations here.

• The Fallen #1 and The Accused #1 - Pet peeve of mine: if a solicitation alone, would spoil a major story beat especially if it's a solicitation for a one-shot, maybe you shouldn't publish the one-shot.
• CIVIL WAR II: GODS OF WAR #3 (OF 4) - Hercules teaming up with other mythic heroes is cool. Very cool.
• UNCANNY AVENGERS #13 - Cable and Steve Rogers Captain America fight! With the revelation at the end of Captain America Steve Rogers #1, the fight has a whole new dimension...
• SQUADRON SUPREME #10 - The seeds for Namor's return from death apparently begin here. I'm down with that.
• GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #11 - The Guardians jump into Civil War on Carol (Captain Marvel's) side. Question is: do all of them?
• VENOM: SPACE KNIGHT #11 - Been awhile since Venom fought Spider-Man. Been a much, much longer time since Flash Thompson last fought Peter Parker.
• ALL-NEW, ALL-DIFFERENT AVENGERS ANNUAL #1 - Okay, it could be neat reading stories meant to be Kamala Khan's (Ms. Marvel) fan fiction.
• GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY BY BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS OMNIBUS VOL. 1 HC - I own most of the issues that the omnibus collects; however it's tempting to have much of Bendis's Guardians output in one volume...
• DOCTOR STRANGE AND THE SECRET DEFENDERS TPB - The Secret Defenders are a guilty pleasure of mine as I enjoyed the book as a kid. While I believe I own most, if not all, these issues, I am glad that they are finally in trade paperback form.

Next up are the DC, IDW, and Image solicitations, which I'll comment on in a later entry.

30 Years of Dark Horse Comics Part One: DHC Solicitations for August '16 Highlights

2016 marks an important milestone. Dark Horse Comics reaches its 30 year anniversary this year. Part of that celebration was that Dark Horse Comics decided that today, Saturday June 4th, was to be Dark Horse Day at participating retailers. Didn't get a chance to go to any participating retailers; however I decided to celebrate with one massive blog post.


Then I changed my mind. Instead, I'm splitting them into a series of posts. My first one will be what catches my eye from the June 2016 solicitations of books shipping in August and later. If you want to read them yourself, you can do so HERE.


And here we go...


(As always, inclusion does not mean that I'll buy the book.)

• Abe Sapien 36 - Okay, I have never read nor collected this title. My familiarity of Abe is from the two Hellboy novels. However, it's the final issue of the series and concerns Abe's role in the Apocalypse. May read it at some point...
• Archie Archives Volume 13 HC - A glorious hardcover that reprints classic Archie stories from his early years. For all you archivists out there.
• Briggs Land #1 - A new series about an enclave anti-government secessionists whom in the rural stronghold are on the brink of in-fighting that may attract the attention the federal government. Wow. Talk about shades of political relevance. May just have to check this out...
• Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 10 #30 - The final issue of Season 10! I've bought every issue. Alas, kept up not so much. Looking forward to the conclusion of the season.
• Cages TP 2nd Edition - Its by the director of MirrorMask which I loved. Abstract graphic narrative strikes my fancy every now and then. Cages has been on my list for awhile. Don't know if this will be the time though.
• The Fifth Beatle: The Brian Epstein Story Expanded Edition TP - Beatles fans may find this biography interesting as details the story of the aforementioned manager.
• Halo: Tales from Slipspace HC - An original graphic novel that contains new stories set in the world of the video game series. For any Halo fans out there.
• Kingsway West #1 (of 4) - Okay the final sentence of the solicitation says it all "Once upon a Time in the West meets Princess Mononoke." Now, that is cool. Don't know if I want the single issues or wait for the trade.
• Moebius Library: The World of Edena HC - Moebius is one of those creators that I've never read. Affordable too for a European work.
• World of Tanks #1 (of 5) - Garth Ennis writes this war comic set in the online game of World of Tanks. Another comic for the gamers out there.

More DH entries to come as well as my two cents on other publishers June/August offerings.

Big Finish's Colin Baker Birthday Special

Recently learned, courtesy of the purveyor of Doctor Who Audio Plays Big Finish, that next week marks Colin Baker's Birthday. For those who are new to Doctor Who, Colin Baker portrayed the sixth Doctor. While his run was comparably short compared to the likes of Tom Baker, David Tennant, Matt Smith and the like, Colin Baker reprised the role for Big Finish Audio Plays. Produced quite the number too! So to mark the occasion, Big Finish is offering a sale, either CD or DVD, this weekend on a select eleven audio plays. You can read the deal HERE.


Next to the third and fourth Doctors, the sixth Doctor holds a special place for me. Until I watched the 6th Doctors adventures, my Doctor Who viewing was scattershot at best. Would see an episode/story one day, then another a week later - maybe. More like month. Chronologically viewing the episodes? Forget about it. However, that would change with Colin Baker's first story. Not only would I watch Doctor Who regularly but I would proceed to watch them in order. In fact, I've seen almost every Sixth Doctor story. Some stories were only seen in parts. Can't make that claim with any of the other Doctors from the Classic era. Learned about the Time Lords. Finally understood regeneration. Was exposed to the Second Doctor via a Sixth Doctor story. In many ways, much of how I perceive the Doctor Who mythos was forged by this era. Needless to say, the Sixth Doctor, Colin's, is a very important incarnation of the Doctor to me. Always felt there should have been more Colin Baker - 6th Doctor stories.


Several years ago, I learned about Big Finish and their Doctor Who audio plays. Living across the pond, access is not easy. When I learned I could order the CD's, the price point made me hesitant at first. My very first audio CD was an insert in Doctor Who Magazine. For years, that was how I collect them. Then finally I took the plunge and purchased the audio CDs. The Doctor Who Audio CDs are part of my monthly comics order. However, I only started with Tom Baker's, 4th Doctor, second range. Barely purchased any of the main range, which includes Colin. Ergo, my main range collection is lacking. As for downloading, I hadn't yet truly taken the plunge. Big Finish offered some free audios as part of the 50th anniversary celebration. Downloaded those but that was it.


So in celebration of Colin Baker's Birthday, I purchased all eleven audios that comprise the special. Significant because not only have I expanded my 6th Doctor audio collection substantially but I purchased my first Big Finish audio download! A first step in a larger world. In addition to purchasing the latest CDs from my local comics shop, the entire backlist of audios are available to me with a but a click.

A Saturday Evening of Gaming (Of the Board and Party Variety)

I wrote back in January that I ended the year 2015 with an evening of board games and party games. A couple Saturdays ago, such an evening arose once more. Much like that January entry, I'll provide a list of the games played as well as my two cents. With a couple exceptions, I never played any of these games before. One thing all the games have in common is that they require a modicum of social acumen.


Disclaimer: It's been a couple weeks so not only will details be fuzzy but I may get some of the names wrong.


Code Names - Didn't get an exact feel for how the game is played. I gathered that two players from two different teams select a word and the teammates must select the corresponding words best fit the hints given. Plays fast. Seems easy enough.


SuperFight - Imagine if Cards Against Humanity and a dueling game were merged together and the winner is whomever can convince the other players not involved in that duel that their selection is better? SuperFight is that game. Enormously fun. If your group likes to argue versus match ups, this is the game for you.


Two Rooms and a Bomb - My second time playing. Personally, I prefer the nontraditional cards, ie the cards that are not Red Team/Bomb and Blue Team/President, as I like how they spice up the game. One of those the more players, the better games.


Ultimate Werewolf - A narrative social game where you have to figure out who is the werewolf while trying not to be killed because other people think you're the werewolf. One of the players is indeed the werewolf. I played a villager, followed by hunter, and then villager killed by the hunter. Yeah... I was the failing end all three games...


Resistance - Another game that I played on New Year's. Still haven't worked out the kinks. My strategy was to approve everything. Didn't work.


Masquerade - A game where you have role and that role can provide a unique tactic that can propel you to victory. The catch is that another player can switch that role and you (possibly both of you) don't know. A lot of fun. Since there are ten roles/cards, would be interesting to see how a game of ten players would unfold.


Don't recall if there were any other games played. An enjoyable evening. Hope another such evening occurs before next New Year's.