NXT Aug 28th 2019 Thoughts

Despite months of promising to cover more WWE Network programming such NXT here, I really haven't. My schedule didn't enable such aspirations very well. For a brief period, I should be able to blog more about wrestling more than I have this year.

What better way than today's (8/28/19) edition of WWE NXT? You know before it moves from the WWE Network to the USA Network...

Disclaimer: NXT should still be available on Hulu AND WWE does offer episodes of RAW and Smackdown on the WWE Network. Likely NXT will offered as such. It just won't likely be on the WWE Network's schedule.

Regardless, I envision this as canary in the coal mine transcribing NXT as it was, cherished as it was, before becoming a televised show. Just hope Vince realizes the best competition for AEW on TNT isn't another show in the vein of RAW and Smackdown...

The Matches

Io Shirai vs  Cami Fields

Squash match. Point of the match was to demonstrate Io Shirai's viciousness as she delayed the pin and ref need to break the hold. Her feud with Candice LeRae continues as the latter made a post match save.

Rating: 2 out of 5. Match was mercifully short.

Keith Lee vs Dominik Dijakovic

I HATE Big Men matches. However, this was a fantastic match performed by two athletic big men. The 600 lb Spanish Fly Moonsault  executed by Keith Lee was quite the sight. For a guy returning from knee surgery, Dijakovic practically flew over the top rope during one match. Since this was a return match, Dijakovic's made sense.

Rating 3 out of 5 stars. This is the type of match they need to head off AEW on TNT.

Street Profits (c) vs Unidsputed ERA for NXT Tag Team Championship

Excellent tag team championship match! Kyle O'Reilly and Bobby Fish of the Undisputed ERA win the belts in a match that had it all.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.  Solid main event. Wish tag team matches were this good on the main roster.

The Promos 

The Johnny Gargano Retrospective was fairly well done. Don't know if Gargano is being called up to the main roster (or 205 Live - I like it but WWE has done it no favors) or they're setting him up for a feud with the wrestler who interrupted the announcers proclaiming why he isn't being talked about. Man has a point. I have no clue who he is

The first (former?) Women's Champ for NXT UK calling out NXT Women's Champ Shayna Baszler was very well done. Wish I was more familiar with her as that would've heightened the moment. The announcers did a good job selling this.


  The Verdict

The great thing about pro wrestling is the never-ending (except when the promotion ends...) male soap opera. After a hiatus, that can lead to feelings of In Media Res. Sure, I got the gist of things. However, it didn't feel the same as it would as if I had been watching NXT since the last time I blogged about it. Not a bad thing. Overall, I would say the August 28th, 2019 edition was a very basic one hour wrestling program. Yet, it felt consequential and the passage of time mattered unlike some episodes of the main roster shows.

Ergo, a solid one hour of wrestling. 3 out of 5 stars. Watch the tag match and the Dijakovic return match if you're pressed for time.

Next time.

Two Movie Studios Worked For James Bond, Why Not Spider-Man?

Uh, why is the picture of Todd McFarlane's rendition of Spider-Man when you're discussing the fate of Spider-man within the motion picture industry, Matt?

Simple really. Todd McFarlane's interpretation of web crawler was both alien and recognizable to what my young mind identified as Spider-Man at the time. Before I could read, I was weened on John Romita Sr-based design of a friendly neighborhood super-hero. McFarlane's design was different. More angular. Heck, the webs were different!

Plus, it's an iconic image of the web-slinger too.

In the world of movies, a change awaits Spider-Man. Sony and Marvel (okay, let us be honest: Disney) negotiations over the use of Spider-Man within the MCU has broken down.

Right now, there will be no Spider-Man appearing in any movies set within the Marvel Cinematic Universe e.g. Disney movies.

Sony Pictures and their nascent Spider-Man Universe will be the only place where Spider-Man can be found. Instead of Peter Parker rubbing shoulders with the Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy as Tony Stark's protege, he'll be running around with Venom and other characters... who owe their existence to the Spider-Man intellectual property... Characters comprised of his rogue's gallery, supporting cast, and closest allies (and their respective cast of characters.)

If Sony were to forge ahead with that direction in mind, I wouldn't have a problem. Team-ups within the MCU are cool; but as a long-time reader (on and off) of Spider-Man, the Spider-Man Cinematic Universe appeals to me as a fan. As long as Sony doesn't treat a movie as an advertisement for upcoming movies (Amazing Spider-Man 2's biggest flaw was substantial portion of the film was designed to sell the never made Sinister Six and Amazing Spider-Man 3 to the audience that it neglected to sell itself to the audience) while maintaining Spider-man's humor (the two Amazing movies were too grim and gritty), then Sony's Spider-Man movies could do well.

Except... and this is where I arrive at the gist of my post...

I want both.

I want the Disney/MCU Peter Parker whose Tony Stark's protege doing his best to elevate the rest of heroes of the MCU to be the best heroes they can be. Honestly, Peter Parker is closest to how a traditional super-hero is envisioned in the MCU. Most of the others veer more towards being anti-heroes than the traditional super-hero.

I want the Sony Spider-Man too. Iron Spider is cool and all; but I do want to see Spider-Man reflected as he has been for most of his existence upon the Big Screen. We'd doubtfully see the likes of Morbius in the MCU. In the Sony Spider-verse Cinematic Universe, we can AND will.

There's a template for what I would like: James Bond. Yes, there's the studio which produced pretty much all 20+ Bond films. However, one Bond film wasn't produced by them AND it screened during the same year as another James Bond film. The movie Never Say Never Again starred in aging Sean Connery (Bond's age was a dialogue source several times predating the most recent Spectre doing so) and the movie Octopussy starring his successor Roger Moore (George Lazenby was bookended by Connery) debuted in cinemas during the same year. As far as I am aware neither movie suffered too much competing against each other. Neither movie is regarded poorly. Just one of them is available within all the collections and airs with the other movies during Bond marathons...

Different actors though, Matt

Yeah...

The one flaw in my thinking is different actors were used.

However, Sony would never let Disney use Spider-Man within an MCU movie if they planned on featuring Spider-Man within Spiderverse Cinematic Universe movie during the same year. Unlike the Bond movies, two different interests don't hold the film rights to Spider-Man (or the story Thunderball of which Never Say Never Again was based). If Sony believes Tom Holland is their Peter Parker/Spider-man, Tom Holland won't be said character in the MCU.

That being said, I don't see Tom Holland's Peter Parker tonally fitting with Venom nor Morbius. Sony could very well use a different actor. Plus, Tom Holland may pull Daniel Radcliffe and decide a regular Peter Parker gig isn't for him. Maybe his Spider-Man will be like Ruffalo's Hulk. Always the entourage member but not the focus.

What about events and characters within the MCU? The Sony movies can't reference them!

The Spider-Man comics published by Marvel within the Marvel Universe do not reference every character and event in every issue. Stories may pass before an event outside of Peter's sphere is mentioned. Spider-Man (whether Tom Holland or not) can easily exist within both cinematic universes.

Since Spider-Man is one of the iconic super-heroes of all time, I think our friendly neighborhood super-hero can straddle two different cinematic universes produced by two different studios.

Next time.

Five Take-Aways from My First Tier 3 D&D 5E AL Session

Shucks! August is almost over and I hadn't blogged yet? Guess what I haven't blogged in for a much, much longer time? My five take-aways. Haven't wrote a five take-aways in MONTHS. Part of that is by design. I decided only to do so whenever I experienced a game session unusual from others.

Tonight during the FLGCS's Tuesday Night Game Day, I unexpectedly played in my first Tier 3 (levels 11 - 16) fifth edition Dungeons and Dragon Adventurers League module.  I'd say that's very unique occurrence, wouldn't you?

YMMV, my very first Tier 3 module was with my 11th level Bear Totem Warrior Half Orc Barbarian so my perception is colored some.

Eleventh level Barbarian isn't very much different from Tier Two Barbarian

Maybe it's cause I play time has been erratic (I hadn't played my barbarian since early July) so I hadn't fully mastered the character. Thus, all the improvements to the character isn't readily apparent. It could also be because as a half orc, the PC already has ability to shrug off one attack that would drop him. Granted, my barbarian didn't get dropped to zero multiple times so I didn't get a chance to appreciate the opportunity to avoid that with a handy save. On the other hand, I am more likely to remember the half orc's Relentless Endurance more often now...

Single-classed spellcasters (particularly wizards) make the difference in battles

Played two battles. During both battles, the single-classed Wizard cast a spell locking down the opponent(s) enough the battle was effectively over. Sure, Tier 2 had those moments too. However, you could Conan (no primary spellcasters) your way through Tier 2 module. It would be rough but doable. At Tier 3, based on both combats an all martial party would have a very, very rough time. The knockout punch of the single-classed spellcaster (namely the wizard in this instance) does make the challenge of slugging through extreme challenges of surviving Tier 1 worth it. This is the Tier when wizards truly begin to outpace the other classes.

On the other hand...

Anti-Magic fields suck and seem baked into the modules

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. The Wizard begins emerging as king of the PC types; however anti-magic fields begin rearing their heads. We lucked out in the anti-magic field was more an environmental obstacle as opposed to a challenge to overcome. Furthermore, it wasn't just the wizard who was impaired but everyone had some magical goodie or trick suppressed. Want to watch a party of PCs lose their swagger. Suppress their magic. I swear it was like we became Tier 1 again! Since my PC had a stat-boosting item suppressed by the anti-magic field, I came to fully appreciate the impact of...

Ability Score Improvement (ASI) can be equal to choosing a feat

When I created my barbarian, my original plan was should the PC advance to the point when I'd choose to improve ability scores versus a feat that ASI's are the choice. Yeah about that... I went the feat route instead. My half-orc barbarian had acquired gauntlets of ogre power. Gauntlets of Ogre Power eliminated the need to improve Strength. Any easy decision, right? Not in hindsight when you're bumping around within an anti-magic field. Not a huge loss, mind you, but I really appreciated ASI much more once I was contemplating any potential combat.

Double Treasure Points is pretty sweet

This take-away is more Adventurers League-related than D&D 5E rules-related.Season 8 of Adventurers League handles both experience and treasure differently than the core rules. I had become used to treasure points equaling advancement checkpoints. Since I had no Tier 3 nor Tier 4 PCs, I really had no need to familiarize myself with those guidelines. So upon completing the module, it was a pleasant surprise to see twice the number of treasure points than I expected. Of all the take-aways from today, this is one may be for one night only. Adventurers League is changing how treasure and gold works in Season 9, which starts during September, so this may actually change.

Happy Gaming!

Next time.

Blog Roll Changes and Comics Haul for July 24th, 2019

Cause of work, I don't purchase my latest comics from the comics shop on New Comics Day often. Today just happened to be that day. Ergo, a Comics Haul on a Wednesday i.e. New Comics Day. I skipped last week's; because I decided to combine both week's purchases into one. In addition to New Comics Day, I spruced up the layout of my blog and made adjustment to several links and my blog roll.

I've finally pruned blogs that have long been defunct. Cause why not? In the process, I discovered several of the Communities I linked to have ceased. A casualty of social media, I suppose. Why frequent a forum when you can just comment on social media? Also removed links to a couple pages long defunct such as Adventure Games Publishing and Mark Waid's Boom page.

Enough with the doom and gloom!

I added the following blogs to my blog roll: About Bruce Heard (worked for TSR on BECMI/Rules Cyclopedia D&D and works on his ongoing Calidar project), These Old Games (an OSR blog but has expanded to include the blogger's three other blog's contents). THACO RPG Blog (loved the recent posts on expanding BECMI Wizard capabilities and Gaming's Generation Gap), and Venger's Old School Blog (Venger discusses the role-playing industry and hobby along with his works, which are slanted more toward a Heavy Metal magazine audience). You can find the respective links among my blog roll on the desktop version of my blog. Unlike previous additions I learned of these via social media.

Onto the Comics Haul for comics that hit the market today, July 24th 2019.

A light week, but last week's was much, much larger.

House of X #1 (an impulse purchase), Doctor Strange #16 ( Waid's run is ticking down.),  and Books of Magic #10. Hmm, the theme of this photo is mostly magic...

Disney Comics and Stories #6, Guardians of the Galaxy #7, Star Wars #69.

Hopefully, reviews will be forthcoming.

Next time.

Comics Haul from July 10th, 2019

On the waning hours of Tuesday, I blogged my Comics Haul from the July 3rd release comics. Only the URL will state July 2nd. Fixed it; but my gaffe is there. Sigh... Was in such a Tuesday mindset, I had finished playing D&D, that I counted back seven days from Tuesday.  Didn't want to make that mistake again so I was sure to make the trip to the comics shop to buy my haul from those comics released on the 10th of July, 2019.

Thus, why there's a Comics Haul a mere day or two after the previous.

Besides, doesn't feel odd posting my collection the day after New Comics Day versus posting the day before New Comics Day. What can I say? There are weeks when I want to go to the comics shop once a week and then there are weeks where twice a week pilgrimage is appealing.

My haul was very, very light for me this week. No trades. End of the month might be a killer though...

Star Wars #68 (Had considered dropping the title with the change in writer; but Star Wars is now the single longest running title I have been collecting from beginning to present.) and Detective Comics #1007 (My final new issue of Detective Comics for awhile. Only hung around for the Spectre story. Love, absolutely love, the Batman TAS homage on the cover!)

Batman and the Outsiders #3 (Black Lightning calling out Batman? Oh yeah!) and Young Justice #7

Savage Sword of Conan #7 (didn't I buy issue 6 on Tuesday? Should probably check if I bought a duplicate...), Hawkman #14 (Sienkiewicz Cardstock Variant - It's because of the variant I didn't drop Hawkman with this issue.), and House of Whispers #11 (Another title I may or not drop within the near future.)

And dat dat dat's all folks!

Rather surreal to blog my comics haul the very same week those comics hit the stands!

Next time.

Comics Haul for July 3rd, 2019

Often I won't buy comics until the Tuesday Game Night (Adventurers League or Shadowrun Missions). As such, my Comics Haul will be posted at the last possible second. While I bought comics last Tuesday, the entry wouldn't have posted until Wednesday. Granted, I am not technically violating my no combining rules I felt posting it on the day of release violated the spirit of the rule. Ergo, I skipped last week.

Since I did purchase comics today, here's my Comics Haul from those comics released on July 3rd 2019:

Doom Patrol Weight of the Worlds #1 (loved  show on DC Universe!), The Green Lantern #9, Savage Avengers #3 ( I had been buying the Deodato variants. However, none were offered. Conan with a symbiote sword? Cool!)

Dreaming #11, Uncanny X-Men #21, Talk Bernie to Me! One - shot (Please no political rants...)

Captain America & The Invaders: Bahamas Triangle One-Shot Ron Lim variant (Grew up on Lim art. Plus, how can you beat WW2 super-hero teams?), Savage Sword of Conan #6, Justice League #27

Steve Gerber Conversations  (One of my favorite comic writers. Had to acquire a compilation of interviews and statements on the internet.) Doctor Who Gallifrey Time War Volume Two Audio Drama CD. (Cause Time War and some old time radio narration.)

A decent sized haul.

Next time.

Emulating The BECMI Elf in D&D 5E: Leather vs Chain Mail

What better way to end June than the way I began it: by contemplating equipment for an Elf PC.

Recently, I decided to finally create an Adventurers League PC following the BECMI Elf Class emulation I blogged about back in December. While 5E character creation is almost as simple as BECMI days, I ran into a stumbling block. Deciding which piece of equipment to select. One of the few decision quandaries players needed to make back in those halycon days.

I decided to break my decision into two sub-categories. Debate between longbow versus shortbow was the first. Now, I didn't blog in a vacuum as I turned to the wisdom of the crowd, i.e. social media.

The response did not disappoint. There were discussion on archery in general and back in medieval times. Folks talked about shooting a long bow indoors versus outdoors. Same with a short bow. Then, there were the aspects of BECMI rules, which as a 2E gamer I learned about for the first time, i.e. minimum damage via weapon mastery in short bows.

Edition agnostic concerns such as range and money were raised. Got to say range and money are huge concerns in 5E too. Well, yes and no. If you take the standard package... but more on that later.

To my one chagrin, no answered my question itself: what is more iconic, the long bow or short bow?

The lack of response is more likely a sign of more symbolic thinking than what anyone playing BECMI would have worried over. When you're playing D&D for the very first time, you don't go 'Hmm, really need the Elf bow...'

Cause what is the elf bow? I suppose if you saw this picture you'd think this is:

So a short bow. I mean if the masses, those who played BECMI far more often than I, didn't have a particular bow they felt their Elf NEEDED, then art is the key.

By golly, short bow it is!

Except D&D 5E has the standard package of equipment.

Yes, long bow is an option - with leather armor.

The next ranged weapon is a light crossbow. Simple enough fix. Just swap out the light crossbow for a short bow. Easy. Right? Except, then chain mail is the armor available via the package. Certainly, doesn't look like the elf pictured is wearing chain mail...

Furthermore, I will likely play the Elf PC while the gold rules for Season 8 are still in effect. No gold until reaching 2nd level. How much gold? Enough for either a long bow or suit of chain mail. Uh why is chain mail an option if your basing icon status on the picture?

Easy. The Elf PC could wear any armor such as plate mail. While I don't plan on my PC donning plate mail, the character will eventually don the best armor suitable. Plus, the prior question is still a concern, do I go for range, i.e. the long bow or settle for a short bow?

If I choose a long bow and thus leather armor, then I could select the fighting style for wearing armor and gain a bonus. Upon reaching 2nd level, spend all the PCs gold to chain mail. The Elf would be able wear the chain mail for an upcoming battle and possess a slightly better AC. If stealth is required, just don leather armor and hope the fighting style more than makes up for it?

On the other hand, starting out with chain mail frees up 75 gp. Who knows when 75 gold will come in handy down the road? Maybe buy a long bow? However, I've already settled for a shorter range. One more level later, the Elf will become an Eldritch Knight and have access to attack cantrips. A long bow is only really helpful past the range of those cantrips. Attacking with a penalty though... So how much wiggle room with gold do I need?

What did players during the BECMI days do? Wait, I own a copy of the Rules Cyclopedia. What are BECMI players doing now? When they play an Elf PC, do they prioritize armor over weapons?

Select the best armor type available via funds or select the best weapon? Ditch the leather or go for the mail?

Go for flexibility in armor types depending the situation or go heavy and save gold?

Either choice will impact my Elf PC emulation. Decisions, decisions.

Happy Gaming!

Next time.

WWE: Bischoff and Heyman Can Save Smackdown and Raw

Feels strange blogging about pro wrestling, excuse me sports entertainment - sorry, Vince!, on a comics and gaming blog right after a "coverage" of WWE Stomping Grounds. However, you write what your excited over and the reaction toward Stomping Grounds is the genesis for some serious change.

While I felt Stomping Grounds was an enjoyable way to spend an evening, much of the lifeblood of the WWE (i.e. those who spend lots and lots of money) chose that moment to say nay.

Or at least the WWE realized a significant problem festers after Stomping Grounds. Reportedly, Vince McMahon accepted change is needed.

Shocking, right?

Despite Raw and Smackdown 'being separate brands', Vince McMahon runs both shows. As in, he personally directs each show. If you ever wonder why both Raw and Smackdown feel alike; and the boundaries aren't hardened, that's why. Honestly, Vince running both shows is the number one reason that despite arguably boasting the best roster today, the WWE roster lacks quality. Focusing too much on the top for two "brands" means the undercard does not receive the attention and development it deserves.

Fortunately, Vince McMahon has come to his senses. He can't run the flagship show, Raw, and run a high quality Smackdown show to the satisfaction of Fox executives. Smackdown could be the B show when it wasn't aired on a major network. Fox won't tolerate what Smackdown's current home considers adequate. Smackdown needs to become must-see. However, Raw is Vince's major creation. Raw is the show that shatters records. The show is Vince McMahon's television legacy. He isn't sacrificing it for Smackdown's sake.

Ergo, Paul Heyman will run Raw, while Eric Bischoff will run Smackdown. With the caveat, Vince will have final say.

Worst case, this status quo change is a paper tiger or endures as long as Heyman's first tenure within creative (or running WWE ECW). The Fox Deal should delay the worst case.

Best case, wrestling fans should expect a renaissance in WWE programming quality. Both Bischoff and Heyman are experienced old hands in the wrestling business. Bischoff, with the help of Ted Turner's money, led WCW to the top of the mountain. Heyman was the force propelling the small promotion ECW to national prominence. They both can run a televised wrestling program. Plus, unlike most of Creative, they're actually more than familiar with wrestling. They've written wrestling before. Lots of wrestling.

Yes, Heyman can be his own worst enemy.

Yes, Bischoff's time in TNA didn't propel that promotion to the top of the mountain.

Neither man has final say nor are they competing against another wrestling promotion. Unless, of course, they count the other or AEW as their competition. Otherwise, their sole task is running a high quality televised wrestling promotion.

Smackdown will be on Fox. As such, the show needs to be must see television. Bischoff loves twists and turns designed to draw viewers in. Plus, unlike Vince, Bischoff loves variety. Cruiserweights and lucha libre had regular installments on Nitro, the flagship WCW program. On WWE, maybe a small handful of performers a given a shot. 205 Live provides the rest a spot. The crowd treats them as after thoughts. Whether or not such wrestlers perform en masse on Smackdown is another matter. 205 Live DOES exist. Regardless, Smackdown will be ran as an A show. I do worry about the younger wrestlers though...

I do not worry about the younger wrestlers and undercard on Raw now. One did not watch Raw for the undercard. They were pretty much the castoffs. Under Heyman, they will become the strength and must-see portion of the show. On ECW, Heyman was a master of developing new talent and transforming them into stars by emphasizing the strengths and hiding their weaknesses. He had to. WWE and WCW kept hiring away his top talent. Furthermore, Heyman has remarked about the wrestling industry NEEDS new stars. Constantly. 

What should occur on both shows is more talent will get utilized, which will boost morale. Thus, elevating the quality of the product.

This should be a win-win.

Here's hoping.

Next time.

WWE Stomping Grounds 2019

Today is unusual in that I am closer to watching a WWE PPV live than normal. 'Closer' because I am watching the kick-off match as the PPV proper begins. Ergo, this will be a 'live blog' of sorts in the same vein as past efforts.

Today is also the very first Stomping Grounds PPV as WWE attempts stomp out the bad taste from the Super Showdown PPV two weeks prior. Sorry, had to go there...

Did see the Samoa Joe and Bryan/Rowan promos though. Joe is wasted in his spot. I, too, am with Bryan/Rowan in their quest to make the Smackdown Tag Titles serious again. They've been joke titles for far too long.

Kickoff Match: Akira Tozawa vs Drew Gulak vs Tony Neese (c) for Cruiserweight Championship:

A shame this match wasn't a part of the PPV proper as all three men wrestled a solid match demonstrating the best of 205 Live. Some nice spots. The mat-based Drew Gulak won the championship. Heavily recommend seeing this.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Stomping Grounds PPV

Raw Women's Championship: Becky Lynch (c) vs Lacey Evans:

Becky shoving Lacey's sweat cloth down her mouth was hilarious. A decent back and forth match which had the challenger keeping up with the more experienced champion. However, Evans tapping out to Lynch wasn't much of a surprise. A solid match for what it was.

Rating 3 out of 5 stars.

Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens vs New Day (Big E & Xavier Woods):

Match quickly became a two-on-one when KO took out Big E. Then, it was Zayn and Owens beating down Woods until Woods managed to tag Big E. Bedlam eventually followed. KO got the win with a stunner!

Never got into the match much.

Rating 2.5 out of 5 stars.

United States Championship: Ricochet vs Samoa Joe (c):

If only this match took place a decade ago, both men would have set the arena on fire with high-flying moves! Instead, Joe was the crafty mat-based veteran heel. On the other hand, I liked the mat-based work! Furthermore, Ricochet's acrobatics is enhanced by the contrasting styles. Some nice impact shots. And we've got a new champion as mere months after reaching the main roster Ricochet wins!

Rating 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Triple H congratuling Ricochet was a nice touch!

Smackdown Tag Team Championship: Heavy Machinery (Tucker & Otis) vs Daniel Bryan & Rowan (c):

Fans cheered Bryan as a hometown hero. You'd swear he was wrestling as face! Meanwhile, Otis is booed like a heel. Heavy Machinery are certainly athletic. Otis feeding off the Yes Kicks was cool. Bryan rolled up Tucker to retain the belts.

An excellent tag team during which all four men looked good and spotlighted the new team Heavy Machinery.

Rating 4 out of 5 stars.

Smackdown Women's Championship  Bayley (c) vs Alexa Bliss (w/ Nikki Cross):

This match was about whether Bayley belonged at the top with the likes of Alexa. Despite Alexa dominating, Nikki's intervention, and a banged up arm, Bayley retained.  Their feud is only beginning.

Rating 3 out of 5 stars.

Roman Reigns vs Drew McIntyre:

Shane McMahon accompanied Drew to the ring. Both Reigns and McIntyre brawl outside of the ring before starting the match. Shane flees pursued by Roman only for Drew to intercept the latter. They both brawl with Shane intervening occasionally. Crowd chanted 'This is awful' at one point. When Drew was trying to submit Roman, Shane kept 'checking for a submission' with the ref.  Reigns later on Superman Punches Shane twice followed by being slammed by McIntyre face-first into the anmounce table. Drew superplexes Reigns! Oh, Shane just dragged out the ref stopping a pin to coast-to-coast... Of course, Roman kicks out... Hey, Roman wins! Thus, mercifully ending the match.

If there was ever the epitome of what's wrong with WWE, it is the match. With that these two big men did in the ring, this should've been a spectacular match. Maybe WWE will end the Reigns vs McMahon/McIntyre feud now?

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars.

WWE Championship Steel Cage Match - Dolph Ziggler vs Kofi Kingston (c):

Always been a fan of steel cage matches. I was not disappointed. Kofi leaping through the doorway was simply amazing!

Rating 4 out of 5 stars.

Universal Championship Match with Special Referee - Seth Rollins (c) vs Baron Corbin:

Special guest referee is... Rollin's 'gf' opponent from the beginning of the card... Lacey Evans! Corbin thrown into the Announce Table collapsing was a cool, big spot. Lacey's ref work doea a great job of building heat for her. Rollins is booked too strong for Corbin... Sigh... first, no countout as decreed by Evans then she decreed no DQ. Maybe if this was a main event on Raw... Hey Becky Lynch is attacking Lacey Evans! Whew, new ref counted Seth's successful pin count.

This match was more about furthering the Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch romance; and the Evans-Lynch feud. Really better suited for Raw than a PPV. For that it's not a stinker...

Rating 2 out of 5 stars.



Overall: Stomping Grounds story-wise was about establishing established champions (Sorry, Samoa Joe!), showcase new acts (Heavy Machinery, Ricochet) and be the best day ever for Raw's power couple (Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch). Other than a couple matches that should've been TV matches, most of them were solid PPV quality matches. Ultimately, what helps the PPV is the WWE Network. If you saw it as part of the network, it was an enjoyable enough way to spend a Sunday. However, it is another example of how much wrestling fans need AEW to succeed as a whole Stomping Grounds while being more than filler wasn't quite what I would call a solid PPV.

Rating 2.5 out of 5 stars.

Next time.

Superman: Year One and Rest of the Comic Haul for 6/19/19

Another week. Another week of new comics. Another trip to the comics store.

Time for show off my latest comics haul!

Here's what I picked up among the comics available on 6/19/19.

Superman Year One #1 part of DC's Black Label imprint is the big purchase of the week. Frank Miller and John Romita Jr tell their rendition of Superman's Origin. Aquaman #49 is the other title pictured.

Uncle Scrooge #46, Uncanny X-Men #20 (penultimate issue of the most recent volume), and Star Wars #67 (Gillen's final issue).

Justice League #26, Lucifer #9, Savage Sword of Conan #6

I conclude this week's comics haul with next major of purchase of the week: the first issue of Usagi Yojimbo published by IDW! Not only is it a start of a new era for the rabbit ronin but it's in full color too! Captain America #11 and Guardians of the Galaxy #6 round out the haul.

Next time.

Comics Haul: The Week of 6/12/19

Welcome to this week's edition of my comics haul of those comic books and trade paperbacks (well book format comics...) released to the public on 6/12/19. If you're puzzled because you've never seen a blog post of my comics haul before, don't fret. I haven't blogged my weekly haul since... maybe 2009?

I stopped for a number of reasons. One, listing them felt tedious. I simply didn't possess the technology to snap a photo. Ergo, I needed to list them. Second, my trips to the comics shop become less weekly for a spell. Third, longtime readers can attest I can't really keep up on my purchases. Which led to my fourth and final reason why I ceased blogging my latest haul, listing the comics haul for the sake of listing them.

What's changed since then?

Technology. I have the technology. With my smartphone I can snap a picture and then upload said photo to my blog.

Social media. Social media has encouraged me to show off my latest purchases. Okay, maybe encourage is the wrong word... share... share is the word.

Lack of comics blogging. Comics is the literally the first word after my name on this blog's title. Blog about wrestling more than I do comics. At the very least, my haul from my latest trip to comics shop will remedy that.

More incentive to review comics: More of a longshot, but I may become more motivated to blog about the actual comics and trades that I've shared pictures of on my blog. Sigh... or demonstrate I'm reducing what I buy...

A couple ground rules:

1) I am only showing comics and trades (maybe Big Finish Audio CDs) that I purchase at my FLCGS the week they arrive. If Diamond doesn't list the product on that day, I am not including it. If my I don't buy from my local comics shop, I don't consider it part of my comics haul.

2) This weekly and only the week thereof. If I make a trip to comics shop once during a month, there won't be any Comics Haul blog entries. Not listing all those comics! If I miss a week and go the next, same thing. Once I resume a regular rotation, then the Comics Haul blog category resumes.


So here's my haul for the week of 6/12/2019

A smattering of Disney, Vertigo, and superhero action.

The comic in the middle is Hawkman #13.

Think this is the final issue of Amazing Spider-Man that I am collecting from the current run. Not reading 24 issues is more than enough reason to call it quits. Likewise with Detective Comics. Much more than 24 issues await my To Read pile; however I wanted to finish collecting the story began in Detective Comics #1000/

The Star Trek crew is the animated series crew.

A fairly light week...

Next time

Adventurers League: Longbow or Shortbow for An Elf?

Never thought I would reach this point while playing Adventurers League; but it finally happened. None of my PCs are Tier One (levels 1 - 4). Therefore, if on Tuesday nights to improve table flexibility I am going to have to create a new PC. It's a long time until Season 9 begins so I'm stuck in the old seasonality.

Why the question about bows used by elves? A picture is worth a thousand words.

A while back I provided my quick emulation for adapting the Elf Class to 5E. In it I gushed about my desire to play a version of the iconic BECMI class. Seasonality doesn't harm the concept so now is as good of a time as any other.

However, I don't need to create the 'Elf' PC by Tuesday. My schedule isn't movie-going friendly. Really want to see both the latest Godzilla and X-Men movies before they leave my local cinema. Missed out on Shazam! and Hellboy cause of gaming, which frankly kind of bothers me. So I've got time to deliberate more on a 5E PC than I would otherwise.

There's two conceptual problems. The first problem, the topic for today, is kind of caused by the second problem. However, I'll leave the second for another post. Simply because the first feels more iconic.

Which type of bow is more iconic for an Elf PC? Which was more iconic for an Elf PC back during BECMI? I am talking the longbow versus the short bow.

Longbows do more damage and can shoot farther. However, gamers felt some degree of realism was important back then. The historic longbow didn't lend itself very well to the feats of mobility we envision today. Legolas's feats of acrobatics would be incredibly difficult with an actual longbow. They're also expensive. Buying a longbow limits armor and other weapon choices.

Meanwhile, short bows are inferior in the damage and range departments. They are much cheaper. Furthermore, none of the gamers I played with back in the day had any problem with archers equipped with short bows roaming about heavy forests, while shooting at their foes.

Nowadays, the reflection of realism in archery doesn't seem important. Image is king. So it really does come down which choice is more iconic.

The long bow or the short bow?

Once again, just blogging out loud.

Happy Gaming and Next time!

D&D AL Season 9: To Play an 'Angel' or a 'Devil'?

Disclaimer: Players won't be able to play angels or devils during the ninth season of Adventurers League.


Yep, I remember the Satanic Panic. Can't be too cautious.


Yes, I am aware that during 3.X edition of Dungeons and Dragons players could.


Talking about fifth edition here. Angels and devils aren't playable races in 5E according to WotC sourcebooks.


How can you...?


Back when the Dragonborn were unveiled as a playable race one of the taglines was "if you want to play a dragon."


Well, in 5E, Aasimar and Tieflings are the angel and devil equivalent.


I am not so sure about that...


Season 9 rules allows PC Tieflings and Aasimar to grow wings upon reaching 5th level.


But you have to sacrifice something...


Neither race option doesn't count as your +1 beyond PHB supplement. You can emulate those lost abilities with class abilities.


You can emulate an angel or demon PC!


Knew the lure of a winged PC combined with Xanathar's Guide to Everything would convince you! Cause it convinced me.


I could make the angelic concept character I've been thinking of: a multi-classed combo of Paladin, Warlock, and Sorceror using sub-classes from Xanathar's for an aasimar PC.


On the other hand, I could play a winged tiefling. Never played a tiefling before.


Heck, never played an aasimar before.


Don't own a copy of Volo's Guide to Monsters.


So I'll have to buy a copy.


Just blogging out loud.


Decisions, decisions.


Happy Gaming!


Next time.

Does the Threat of Imminent TPK Define Cyberpunk Gaming?

This is it. Tonight should conclude the Chicago arc for Shadowrun Missions at my FLGCS.


After playing four seasons of the Chicago arc, roughly five to six modules per, tonight those of us who've been playing the same character for years will play those characters for the final time tonight. Except as Prime Runners in Prime Runner-only mods - ideally... Next month, we create brand new characters for the Neo-Tokyo arc.


Sure, we received forewarnings the final season would be rough and the conclusion BRUTAL. As we began playing season 8, it certainly HAS. While previous seasons contained rough patches, overall there was sense of coasting. Season 8 has been 'will this frag my character?'


The visuals of each encounter have become quite the sight too! Like how some of the photos turned out too. While I was planning on blogging the session events sooner, I will actually blog them chronologically. Will be a fitting memorandum. Telling the adventures of Nox the Combat Mage and Co from their beginnings to their fiery end.


Cause I don't know if, let alone how, our PCs will survive the final module. Heck, the entire module feels like you're in the drek now. May you not get fragged.


If we were playing a level-based game, we'd just run away or avoid until we level up to confront the threat. Or we'd be level appropriate. In a storytelling game, this would be climax. Will our protagonists emerge victorious?


In Shadowrun, or any cyberpunk game, it's pretty much  you're hip-deep in drek. Accomplish your mission chummers and don't get fragged in the process. Oh, by the way, some poor PC will get geeked (i.e. killed). Can't have a dystopic future without PC deaths. Plus, TPK (total party kill) does fit the neo-noir vibe of Shadowrun.


Without the TPK vibe. If the gaming experience was more rose-colored, it wouldn't be cyberpunk.


Honestly, I wouldn't have realized this important revelation about cyberpunk gaming if I didn't feel my Shadowrun Missions Chicago PC along with the other PCs would ride into the sunset after tonight.


Now excuse me. I've got to update my player character.


Happy gaming!


Next time.

Marvel Should Follow DCs Lead With Variant Covers

The culmination of a 20-plus movies series, Avengers: Endgame officially opens tomorrow. As such as it doesn't quite feel right to pass along criticism to the House of Ideas that they should copy their Distinguished Competition. However, I heard today marked the deadline for comic book orders. See, comics are solicited three months ahead of their release. When I compiled my Previews Order (the name of said catalog), I noticed something while browsing through DC Previews.


DC provides a small image of the variant cover with the solicitation.


Marvel's not new to variant covers. They've been incredibly strong in offering them since the mid-00's. Marvel Previews include a list of variant covers along with samples of them. Whether or not a customer can order the variant shown within Marvel Previews is another matter. Quite often the order form doesn't include ANY of the variants. Sometimes, it'll include the variant shown such as was the case with Savage Avengers #1 with the Deodato variant. However, there are times a variant will be available for solicitation within the order form that wasn't shown in Marvel Previews. The Deodato variant for Savage Avengers #2 was available within this month's order form; but Marvel Previews did not show it.


What if a variant isn't on the order form? Well, you're going to have to request a copy from your FLGCS. Unfortunately, they may not be able to provide that copy to you. Many of those variant covers have conditions attached to them. Let's not get into comics shop politics here.


As for DC, they haven't really been good actors regarding variants either. Heck, for awhile they were worse than Marvel! Sure, a customer could order a variant from Previews. However, one had to order it blindly based on the artist listed. There was no picture of the variant was available among the solicitation!


I suppose the advent of DC Previews along with the decision to reduce its comics line by 10% led to the change. With titles to occupy pages within DC Previews, DC could provide a full page to an issue's solicitation. Granted, not every title can receive its own page. Just the better sellers. The one's that would have variants published.


Finally, I can make an informed decision on variant cover (cause I can see what it looks like) on whether or not to order.


Thanks DC!


Just wish Marvel would extend the same courtesy to Marvel readers with the variants they can order, which don't depend on the comics shop jumping through hoops.


Next time.

The Shield's Final Chapter Was Ho Hum

If follow WWE, tonight was the night it finally happened.


The Shield's Final Chapter was written.


Well, until next the final chapter. Not counting the match that was dubbed the final match of the Shield cause tonight was the FINAL match the Shield will wrestle together as one in the WWE.


Yeah, never say never in pro wrestling/sports entertainment.


Although if rumors are true and Dean Ambrose turned down a great deal of money; because of creative differences, it may not be until Vince McMahon.


Instead of jobbing Ambrose on his way out, which the typical way of pro wrestling, the WWE aired an event called The Shield's Final Chapter on the WWE Network. Ambrose would wrestle a final match. The WWE would commemorate one of its few new ideas that truly got over with the fans. Plus, a bunch of wrestlers not wrestling the Shield would be on the card. Oh, and Ambrose would be provided a chance to say goodbye.


Only the last segment was worth watching in my opinion. The Shield's Final Chapter felt more like a so-so Raw or Smackdown.


Finn Balor defended his IC belt for the first time as member of the Smackdown roster against Elias. The latter who gets squashed so often he should be glad his mic skills are top-notch.


The women's tag match was a little better with the storyline that "deserted" member of the Riot Squad inadvertently cost her former team the match - due to her hair color. Hey, Ember Moon might be someone again!


As for the Shield's final match? If you thought they might lose, you haven't been watching long. Overall, it was decent as much as it could be. I'm not surprised the departing Ambrose didn't get the pin. Rollins is the champ of the red brand after all...


The mere highlight was the Independent-like "Please don't go" chants followed by Rollins & Ambrose's speeches. Ironically, Rollins was the more retrospective speech. Dean Ambrose's speech was motivational. Maybe WWE will take heed of it?


Overall: If you want to see a rare moment, a wrestler whose departure receives its own show, The Shield's Final Chapter is an alright hour and a half. Otherwise, there's always clips.


Next time.

Wrestlemania 35 Thoughts

What better way to mark my 400th blog entry than by blogging my thoughts on Wrestlemania 35 as it happens?

Yep, time for one of my 'doesn't fit the theme of my blog' posts!

Should point out this isn't exactly a live-blog as I didn't begin watching 'Mania 5
35 until 38 minutes in. So I've been spoiled on the outcome of one match. Grrr....

Also, the kickoff show isn't included. Wouldn't post until Monday morning!

On to my thoughts:

Liked the helicopters during the National Anthem!

Hulk Hogan - Alexa Bliss moment was unexpected. Very fitting to begin WrestleMania with the Hulkster.

Nice AEW reference, Heyman! Surprising, Lesnar vs Rollins for the Universal Championship opens the card. Btw, this is the outcome I was spoiled on...

 Nice Beast Slayer opener!

Really liked the story of Lesnar not allowing the match to begin by demolishing Rollins outside the ring. Story-wise, the low blow was the only believable way to change the durection of the match. Three stomps to defeat Lesnar is nice symmetry with how Lesnar match typically ends. Is it hoping too much the comment about Lesnar departing for AEW was a shoot?

Jerry the King Lawler announcing!

A.J. Styles versus Randy Orton:

Awesome match! Nice counters mixed with impact moves. Both Orton & Styles had excellent ring chemistry. Liked the story of AJ figuring out how to counter the RKO. Rating 4 out of 5 stars.

Usos vs The Bar vs Shinsuke Nakamura/Rusev vs Ricochet/Aleister Black for Smackdown Tag Team Championship:

Usos retained the belts in an action-packed, wrecking derby match. Main roster newbies Black and Ricochet were spotlighted as they wrestled much of the match. Highlight was when Cesaro swung Ricochet while Sheamus made the circuit pounding on hapless wrestlers caught on the ring ropes. Match slowly built to groups of four men inside the ring at once. Highlight 2: Ricochet rolling through a mob super plex off the top rope!
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Hall of Fame (Class of 2019) roundup was touching as always.

Miz vs Shane McMahon Falls Count Anywhere Match:

Omg the superplex off the scaffolding! Excellent hardcore/former friends/involving family match. Could of done without Miz's dad becoming physically involved in the match. The twist ending of Shane landing atop Miz and winning the match prevented the match from becoming special though.
Rating 3 out of 5 stars.

Women's tag team championship match: Boss and Hug Connection vs Nia Jax/Tamina vs IIconics vs Natalya/Beth Phoenix

Marked when Bret Hart appeared! Nice sneak victory by the IIconics to win the belts. Beth Phoenix still has it. Loved the homage yo the Hart Foundation. Double sharpshooter was cool. The champions being heavily involved felt refreshing compared to the prior four way. Nice blend of styles. Overall, it felt like an iconic, pardon the pun, Mania match.
Rating 5 out of 5 stars.

Daniel Bryan vs Kofi Kingston for the WWE Championship:

Two wrestlers I've liked for a long time locked up. Huge Bryan mark. As for Kofi, it's been far, far past due for him to wrestle in such a high profile match in my opinion. I wasn't disappointed as Bryan and Kofi wrestled a stellar match that felt different from the WWE norm. Despite Bryan being a dominant champion, he elevated Kofi to the next level in grueling match that finished dramatically with victory for Kofi. Kofi Kingston has finally become WWE champion!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars!

Hey, Hall & Nash!

Booker T announcing!

Rey Mysterio (coming out as the Spider-Man villain Mysterio!) vs Samoa Joe for U.S. Championship:

Wow, quick match! A 619 was nailed by Rey; but Joe followed quickly with a Kaukina Clutch to beat Mysterio and retain the belt.

Drew McIntyre vs Roman Reigns:

Scottish band welcomes McIntyre to ring with our first big entrance of the night. And... fireworks for Roman...
Despite some impressive moments from Drew in a power match, this was welcome back from leukemia, Roman!
Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars.

Wouldn't be a PPV without Elias... John Cena Thuganomics! Nice trip down nostalgia lane.

Batista vs Triple H No Holds Barred, Triple H's in-ring career on the line:

Uh, wasn't Triple H retired before? Okay, the Mad Max Fury Road entrance for Triple H is very cool. Brutal match. Never saw a nose ring yanked out before! Triple H spearing Batista through the German Announce Table! Sledge (Game) Hammer! Ric Flair for the distraction and Triple H finally lands a blow with the GameHammer for the win.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars.

Ron Simmons followed by JBL announcing!

Kurt Angle's final match vs Baron Corbin:

Nice Angle highlight reel; however he put Corbin over in his final match. Classy exit.

Bobby Lasley vs The Demon Finn Balor for the Intercontinental Championship:

The Demon descending from the air was quite the sight! Finn Balor beat Lashley to win the IC belt in a decent match meant to pump up the crowd.

R Truth & Carmella dance break  - meh

Charlotte Flair vs Ronda Rousey vs Becky Lynch for the Women's Championship (both Raw & Smackdown):

Flair arriving via helicopter - talk about a grand entrance! Meanwhile, Rousey receives the live band entrance. All three women put on a clinic during their historic main event. Furthermore, Lynch's pin of Rousey is subjective enough that the match hints strongly at whom the Winner-Take-All (Lynch) feuds with next. For the very first women's main event at WrestleMania this match set a very high bar that would be hard to top.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars.


Overall:
Yes, WrestleMania ran LONG. Didn't start watching until over a half hour in and took several intermissions. Plus, transcribing my thoughts on my blog adding more time. Hence, why I am finishing this close to Monday afternoon instead of Sunday night. However, WrestleMania is the pinnacle of Sports Entertainment; and quite frankly, the best matches WWE puts on during the course of the year. On those two scores, it didn't disappoint. Furthermore, WrestleMania 35 ran long because there was lots of wrestling. Lots of it. High quality matches too. Plus, milestone after milestone. 35 was full of them. Overall, a more than solid WrestleMania with excellent booking despite some hiccups.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Discussion Question Answers: Torchwood - Ghost Mission Audio Drama

There's a story behind why I am holding a photo of a shrink-wrapped copy of the Torchwood: Ghost Mission Audio Drama CD. Will get to that in a moment...

Over on a social media platform, which as part of a lark I'll refer to as the Book of Face, Big Finish the UK producer of audio dramas started a discussion group for a select audio drama. Toward the end of the month Big Finish releases a list of discussion questions. February's selection was the aforementioned drama. I actually listened to Ghost Mission last month; but I have waited until the questions for this month's selection to be released. Funny word 'wait'...

You see living across the pond acquiring Big Finish audios can be... difficult. So I order them from FLCGS. Namely select Doctor Who audios; but when they debuted I bought the Torchwood solos as well. Then, I realized I really wasn't interested in every Torchwood solo so I stopped buying them. Eventually, I cut back on purchasing Big Finish audios all together. I just wasn't listening to them. They're really too pricey not to listen. Besides, I started to purchase digital copies of the audios whenever they're on special. Ergo, no sense in buying the CDs...

Anyway... I discover the Big Finish discussion group on the Book of Face. Why not start with February selection, Ghost Mission? As the audio selection, the digital was on sale. Why not purchase it? After all, I did STOP BUYING the solo Torchwoods...

I'm sure you get where this is headed...

Once I finished downloading my digitial copy of Torchwood: Ghost Mission, I begin listening to it when I scan my collection of Big Finish audios. There, still enshrined within the shrink-wrap it arrived across the pond, is my physical copy. On the bright side, I listed to both copies. I really can't listen to audio once and get everything on the first go.

Honestly, I could probably listen to Ghost Mission a third time and then I would understand how Sergeant Andy Davidson (the main - or is it sole? - protagonist) solves the problem at the end. Fortunately, such understanding is unnecessary to answer the questions.

Overall, I felt Torchwood: Ghost Mission was a solid romp featuring a character who doesn't often embark on such adventures. Heck, this is pretty much Sgt. Andy Davidson's first romp. I'd say his lack of experience is as much a part of the story as his his overcoming it is. His chemistry with his... evaluator... is top-notch. 

I did dislike a couple things. One, the audio is best enjoyed by those who have followed not only much of the Torchwood range but much of Big Finish's output as well. Dusclaimer: I didn't realize what I missing ubtil I read the discussion questions. My second issue was the prevalence of the word 'stalk-y'. While hilarious back when this audio was released several years ago, it comes across as dated in the wake of recent social developments.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Now the discussion questions...

Norton Folgate is a Big Finish created character. Do you want like him? How well do you think he fits the Torchwood universe compared to other Big Finish characters?

I rather liked the smarmy, dapper Norton Filgate. While I can't comment too much on comparisons with other Big Finish characters, Norton Folgate is a perfect example of the morally grey, complex characters that dot the world of Torchwood.

Do you think there's a place for Andy full time in Torchwood?

Heck yeah! I bought Ghost Mission precisely because I am a fan of the character. There's always room for a cgaracter full of naievity and levity whose just beginning to dip their toe.  Besides, Torchwood is quite hazardous so there's always room for someone new...

Does comedy have a place in a Torchwood range?

Yes, especially when characters like Andy are the focus. Not every mission Torchwood needs be grim. 

Do you think the Bad Penny is the same as the Bad Penny from the fourth doctor story or the Torchwood story? Does it add to mythos? What Torchwood elements should return?

I, er, haven't listened to either the Tom Baker or Torchwood Bad Penny stories. Maybe? Guess, it would be cool if it did. I always did love when elements would reoccur. As for which Torchwood elements should return, I haven't the foggiest.

Would you like to see future Norton and Andy adventures? What other situations would you like to see them in?

Future Norton and Andy adventures would be fantastic as they suit each other like a glove. Honestly, I like to see Andy interact with Norton in Norton's time. Although that could be the Doctor Who fan in me thinking. Perhaps a situation stemming from the outcome of the Bad Penny's appearance in Ghost Mission?

Who do you think sent Andy the egg plant emoji?

Uh, really, that's a question??? One of his co-workers whom goes on pub crawls with...

Mayhap, I will provide a review/discussion question answers for the March Big Finish audio selection. I KNOW I don't own a physical copy of that story.

Next time.