SR5: Smuggler Template complete?

Time for another installment where I analyze the templates in Shadowrun, Fifth Edition Core Rule book to determine how ready for play they actually are.


If you frequent theaters or pay much attention to movie trailers, you're probably aware the next installment in the Fast and the Furious franchise is coming. Must admit, I really have not seen any of the movies of that franchise to completion. Watching the trailers has me itching to play a crackshot driver such as depicted in those films. In Shadowrun terms, the classic vehicle rigger.


The Fifth Edition book doesn't include a vehicle rigger template...


But wait... aha! The Smuggler template is practically the classic vehicle rigger in all but name.


So how ready-to-play is it?


Brief sidenote: I miss how the templates would break down the priority codes, which if I recall correctly, they did in third. Could be wrong though...


Priority codes:


A - Resources, it is a rigger...
B - Race - Troll.
C - Skills, more later
D - Attributes
E  - Magic


Skills - Based on the skills listed, the Smuggler is missing a skill group. The template also has one extra skill point. So Karma must've been spent. It's also missing two points of free Knowledge/Language skills.


Attributes - Karma must've been spent to raise an attribute.


Karma spent - After taking Positive and Negative qualities into account, the Smuggler has 19 unspent karma. Since there's two extra points of Contacts, two karma were probably spent there. Another 14 were probably spent to raise Logic by one and to pick up navigation. So that leaves 5 unspent Karma.


Resources - I had tallied 423,000-ish nuyen of goods before I realized I may have goofed on ammo. Still, even if one accounts for an extra 1,000 nuyen, the Smuggler has roughly 26,000 unspent nuyen. Considering a PC can only save 5,000 nuyen  past character creation that's 21,000 lost nuyen! Yeah, it's this sort of nuyen balancing is why I prefer Awakened characters with low resource priority...


 Verdict - The Smuggler is virtually ready to play. One just has to pick a skill group as well as another language or knowledge skill or two. The five unspent karma could be used to pick up some more skills or banked for character advancement. My focus would be on raising Edge... Resources is probably the biggest pain as one will have audit the template's ammo. The Smuggler is missing a Fake Sin or two as well as Fake Licenses. So that would probably require some accounting work. I'd consider the Smuggler pretty much ready for quick one-shot but in organized play such as Shadowrun Missions you will be exercising the free first module tinkering rule else that's quite a bit of nuyen left on the table chummer.


Happy gaming chummers!

SR5: Not the Same Mana/Stunbolt

Believe I've said this before, but I'll say it again. I started playing Shadowrun and understanding the magic rules with Third Edition. Recently, I played my ninth session of Shadowrun using the fifth edition rules playing a magician.


The Fifth Edition stunbolt-manabolt-manaball-stunball isn't your daddy's stunbolt-manabolt-manaball-stunball!


Pardon the hyberbole but SR5 direct combat spells are not like the way they were in third (and probably previous) edition.


The magician isn't likely to drop a single opponent let alone a group of opponents with a powerful stunbolt or stunball. Part of that is because SR5 doesn't use damage codes so there's no deadly damage to resist. Granted, the silver lining is the magician doesn't have to worry about the drain of spell knocking the caster out!


However, a major reason the magician was dangerous in earlier editions was because the magician could cast a direct combat spell at a power level that most opponents couldn't resist most of the damage. In SR5, direct damage spells will at best deal the Force of the spell in damage with the advantage being that the defender has only body or willpower to resist. One nice thing about SR5 is that a spell's Force means more whereas in the editions I recall the Force really only affected the difficulty resist damage/drain.


Since I am referencing the direct combat spells that target Willpower, the SR5 equivalents are more effective against magicians than their 3rd edition counterparts. In SR3, a magician really didn't lop a stunbolt off against an opposing magician expecting much in success. SR5 magicians have as much of a reason to fear the manabolt as the Street Samurai.


While SR5 manabolts won't take out an opponent, it has a very good chance of damaging any opponent - magicians included. Instead of being the fearsome opponent of taking out opponents at the risk of knocking oneself out with a single spell, SR5 direct combat spells are virtual damage dealer. Unless of course, you don't receive enough hits, that is, chummer.


Till next time, happy gaming!

Interesting News: March 2017

Back during January, I did an installment of 'interesting news', which was a collection of links I found of interest. Never did do a part two although my Rebirth entry included some of what I would have included. As March comes to close, I figured I'd do a March installment. While much of it will be from March, I may include links to comics, role-playing, games, and wrestling news stories as far back as January. Or until I get tired as I am blogging stream-of-conscious and all...


Classic D&D modules return! - Tales of the Yawning Portal whetting your appetite for classic Dungeons & Dragons modules? The classic modules not enough but want 5E stats as well? Well, if you checked out the link, Goodman and WotC are collaborating to do exactly that in glorious hardcover editions. Really hope these are available at FLGCS everywhere because I want 'em!


Marvel's Generations - Okay, the concept of Marvel's Generations has me intrigued - 10 rookie heroes partnered (somehow) with the hero that inspired them has the potential to be a groundbreaking work. Would be cool if Alex Ross provided the art but don't think that will happen. Don't think any resurrections (Logan, Bruce, Mar-Vell) will occur or last but I may be wrong. As Secret Empire will be raging, I may wait for the trade instead. Although, my attitude toward the series may change by then...


Shutter lens Spidey-eyes! - There will be limited number of emotive shutter lenses for a Spider-Man mask for any cosplay based on the CA: Civil War movie costume! Pretty cool to see them work. Would be cool if more were made in the future.


On the chances of MCU crossovers - Alas, it took the actor of the Falcon to point out explicitly why we haven't seen crossovers between the Marvel television series and films: they are different divisions. Rather sad that none of the heads of both departments could not be a frank with fans. Maybe we'll get an Agents of SHIELD/Inhumans/Defenders crossover someday?


Deadpool 2 Teaser - Did you see the movie Logan? Remember the Deadpool 2 teaser? Thought that it was just for fun and whet one's appetite? Well, you're correct.


100 episodes of The Walking Dead! - When The Walking Dead premiered, I didn't think the show would reach 100 episodes. As I am a couple seasons behind, I didn't know the series will soon reach such a milestone! Like the article writer suggests I bet the next arc is "All Out War!" Would be cool if the show ran another 100 episodes though.


Disney Afternoon 8-bit games return! - I grew up watching the Disney Afternoon block. The NES game DuckTales is one of those games I always wanted to play but never played enough of. As such I eagerly anticipate having the chance to play the DuckTales, Chip 'N' Dale's Rescue Rangers, and Talespin 8-bit games on my PC!


Christian-Angle-Dory Funk Jr-Jeff Hardy - Here's a nice little picture of wrestling history showing Kurt Angle, Christian, and Jeff Hardy being trained by the legendary Dory Funk Jr.


Frank Oz on ABC Muppets Failure - I stopped watching the latest iteration of The Muppets because it felt... off.  The mockumentary format just didn't click for me. In that, I agree with Frank Oz. As for "purity", I had no problem with the adult tones. The muppets weren't very likeable though.


Warpath or Thunderbird on X-men the show? - Well, it seems either John or James Proudstar (aka Thunderbird and Warpath) may be in the upcoming X-men television show. That would be cool although I am concerned about the use of the name 'Sam'. I suppose I would also prefer James (aka Thunderbird II/Warpath) to be the Proudstar in question as I can more easily see him leading such an underground group. Plus think of the eventual comic book tie-ins...


Jean Grey Deleted Scene - There will apparently be a deleted scene in the Logan blu-ray referencing Jean Grey.


Hugh Jackman and Wolverine Mask - Haha! Here's a humorous picture of Hugh Jackman holding a Wolverine mask.


Christopher Daniels Interview - a nice brief interview with the new Ring of Honor World Champion Christopher Daniels. Forgot about his comics collaboration!


Bully Ray on his RoH appearance - I was pleasantly surprised to find out that wrestler Bully Ray appeared in Ring of Honor. Here's the man's words on what he thinks of the RoH product and what he hopes to bring to it. Think he'll bring much to the RoH product


Logan movie influences? - Here's a list of 15 movies that may very well have served as influences for the movie Logan.


Till next time.

RPG Rule/Sourcebook Reading Epiphany

Talk about back-to-back epiphanies! Yesterday, I blogged about my epiphany in accepting $3.99 comics. Well, earlier today I had another concerning reading table-top role-playing game rule books and source books.


Back during my Golden Age of Table-top RPG gaming, I would avidly buy and borrow tomes of gaming lore for a variety of game systems and settings to peruse the contents within. Didn't matter if was actively playing the game or not. If fact, not was more often the case, and like a gaming Prometheus I would, occasionally like Sisyphus try to, introduce those new games and settings to various gaming groups. Admittedly, much of my success hinged on how well I learned the rules and settings and whether or not it fit that particular group's tastes...


Then came the Dark Age when I barely gamed at all. My RPG purchases became more sporadic and impulsive not to mention, following the trend of the industry, more digital. While I have embraced digital, I am at heart a lover of physical books so I don't pore over the digital tomes as much as I did the ink-and-paper variety. Furthermore, as I gamed very infrequently, I read infrequently too.


Then I started gaming again.


First, it was Dungeons & Dragons 5E. I bought the three core books and the Ravenloft-related one. Other than quick glances at the DMG and Monstrous Manual and skimming Curse of Strahd, the only book I have read was the Player's Handbook. What reading I've done has been utilitarian at best. Reading only the most pertinent of subjects. My most recent play experience I decided to play my Cleric instead of my Paladin because my cleric was the one I was most up-to-date on! So yeah, I haven't read all of the 5E Player's Handbook. I read more of 4E's version...


Second, I LARP'd Werewolf: The Apocalypse again. Granted, it was only once. But once was enough to get me to not go 'oh larp is this weekend, oh, okay, I won't be there.' Unfortunately, I haven't had the opportunity to LARP again but it has been enough to get me to buy By Night Studios new MET: Werewolf The Apocalypse. Did a quick once over too. Alas, since I haven't actually made a firm commitment to play, I haven't perused the new rules further. Let alone created a character.


Third, Shadowrun entered my life once more. Shadowrun 5th edition core was a book I picked up on a whim. Did a quick once over yet didn't start reading it until I started play Shadowrun as part of Shadowrun Missions. Here's where the epiphany comes in...


Before each session I would read a little of the Shadowrun book and then read another section afterwards. Much of the time I'd peruse the same section in order to gain familiarity. Mostly, SR5 would receive the most usage, not counting at game, within the week after a game. Specific rule elements that cropped up during a session would induce interest such that I would seek greater familiarity and knowledge. Then, there was a period of about two months during which no Shadowrun was played. I barely cracked open the book. Going into the session, I couldn't even muster the desire to skim the book the freshen up my rule knowledge.


After the session, the Shadowrun 5th edition core rulebook practically became my favorite book. I found a little time each day to do a little reading. Whether it was fluff, simple mechanics, or areas of the rules that we hadn't encountered until then, I poured over said tome in search of answers to questions and immerse myself within the setting once more.


So I have come to the conclusion that what once I would do leisurely, I now do utilitarian. I realize now that only read what immediately relates to my gaming experience. Whether or not it's more of a symptom of my long gaming drought and such narrow focus will eventually be expanded to games and settings that I am currently not playing remains to be discovered. What I understand now is that in order read game rulebooks and settings, I must game.


Till next time, happy gaming.

DC Rebirth: How I Came To Accept $3.99 Comics

When I first learnt that DC was raising cover prices I was enraged. Based on my experiences with Marvel, I assumed it was the popular titles, which ship twice a month, that were being bumped up to $3.99. The decision to drop specific DC Rebirth titles from my buying habits were not yet made. By that point, I had gone back on my decision to only buy the monthly titles due to skepticism over reading a twice-a-month title. Back in January, I was buying virtually every DC Rebirth title. So believing that those same twice-a-month titles would jump in price irked me.


Upon reading this story HERE, I discovered I was wrong and my cynicism was misplaced. It wasn't the popular twice-a-month, the bulk of line group of books being bumped up to $3.99. It was the 15 or so monthly titles that were experiencing price increase. Plus, those same titles would include a digital codes similar to Marvel's old system.


While I avidly purchased Marvel's All-New, All-Different books, I never took advantage of the digital codes. As such I was unfamiliar with what was being proposed. THIS story here explained Marvel's old digital code policy as well as the price increase probably serving to boost the profitability of the monthly and presumably less popular books.


Over the years, I have come to believe that increased price points rarely lead to increased longevity of a title. Maybe in the short term but unless the book's popularity spikes, rarely long-term. However, the digital codes could have potential. Perhaps the digital codes could expand readership? An avid Rebirth purchaser such as myself would be more willing to part with issue via the back issue market as I would then own a digital copy? The latter question begs further exploration on my part. Maybe.


But the major reason why I accept the $3.99 price point for Rebirth titles is because the twice-shipping titles are still $2.99. Once I realized that most of my anger vanished. Then came acceptance. After all, Marvel's titles have been $3.99 for quite some time.


Hey, doesn't Marvel ship titles twice a month too?


Why yes. Oh wait, I have been buying some of those titles too. They sell at $3.99 a copy. Twice a month.


As such when DC eventually raises its twice-a-month books to $3.99, while I will initially be irked, I will grudgingly accept it. I may switch to more trades and digital editions. My pull list and what I purchase of the rack may be reduced.


But I won't declare 'I am dropping such and such a book!'


At the end of the day and after years of disdaining a $3.99 price point for Marvel and DC comics, I realize I have come to accept such a price point. Comic books with a cover price of $4 or more are the new normal.


Till next time, keep reading.

Bray Wyatt - Is he a Transistional Champ and Guardians of Galaxy 2 Trailer Thoughts

What better way to end an impromptu blogging hiatus than blogging on the first of the month, right? To kick off what I hope is a month filled with more frequent blogging is my thoughts on Bray Wyatt becoming a champion in the WWE along with what I thought of the latest Guardians of the Galaxy 2 trailer. See this entry does have a comics related component!


Not bothering to share a link to the latest Guardians of Galaxy 2 trailer. Should be easily findable due to its high trending nature right now. Absolutely loved it! Former WWE Batista, yeah his WWE stage name but that's how I see him, fits the MCU version of Drax like a glove. Baby Groot plays a much, much bigger role in this trailer than Drax but we do see is hella cool with Drax launching himself at what can best described as a space octopus. Was wondering if Baby Groot would have more of a bit role but that doesn't seem to be the case at all. The trailer's reference to family is a nice touch as Guardians are more like a family than a team. With the absence of the X-Men in the MCU, The Guardians of the Galaxy fill that void. Trailer does an excellent job depicting the Guardians along with Yondu and Nebula as the MCU's quarrelsome space family. Music appears to play a heavy role as well. Like the appearance of Ego in Kurt Russel form at the end. The third trailer will probably provide more plot/villain details...


Now on to the main subject of tonight's blog...


Bray Wyatt is now the Smackdown Champion. Okay, that's not the correct name of the belt but I have not watched wrestling in a very, very long time. Remember my post about Cena becoming champion and Orton winning the Rumble? Yeah, still haven't seen it. I find the longer and longer I go without watching wrestling the less I care about the semantics. The brands of split. In theory, both brands are equal but neither brand's championship crosses over to the other. Ok, I could be wrong. That may have happened. I don't know. I am fairly knowledgeable about wrestling though. Enough to give my two cents on whether or not Bray Wyatt is a transitional champion.


Before I start, Bray Wyatt becoming a top champion is simply fantastic. Would rather a Wyatt championship than an umpteenth Cena or Orton reign. The man deserves it. As Bray will, knock on wood, is more of WWE's future than Cena and Orton, it's absolutely pivotal he becomes seen as more of a top talent. Carrying the top Smackdown belt helps that cause. Doesn't guarantee it as I am sure Jack Swagger can attest....


However, Bray Wyatt is modern day Mick Foley. He can energize storylines and matches. Get himself and his opponent over despite ultimately losing the match. One could quibble Bray won the belt because the WWE had gone to the well too often that it was starting to dry...


While I don't regularly watch WWE, I am aware that Orton was paired with Bray for a time. So as the winner of the Rumble, Orton will probably challenge Bray WrestleMania. I predict Orton will win. WWE could use a Mania victory to propel Bray to the top. Nah. Orton will probably win the belt. Which in turn will probably lead to Cena and Orton resuming their rivalry. But I digress.


A transitional champion is a wrestler who becomes champion only to lose it to the next (viable) opponent. Bray Wyatt winning the belt in the Elimination Chamber only to lose it to Randy Orton at WrestleMania is textbook transitional champion material. Except, there's WWE Fastlane. If he loses the belt at Fastlane, Bray definitely is a transitional champion. Otherwise, Fastlane will probably serve as a 'big victory' for Bray such that his match with Orton means more.


So is Bray Wyatt a transitional champion? I suppose time and Fastlane/WrestleMania outcomes will tell. If he loses the former, yes. If he wins the latter, no. If he wins the former and loses the latter? Technically, Bray Wyatt would not be a transitional champion in the strictest sense. However, as the point of Bray reign would be transition from Cena reign to an Orton reign beginning with WrestleMania, then, yes, he would be. Personally, I don't want that outcome but it does set Orton up for matching Flair's 16-time reign and renewing his Flair/Steamboat rivalry with Cena...


Till Next Time

Never Thought I Would Intentionally Buy a Gimmick Cover Again

Back during the 90's speculator boom I remember being in awe of the gimmick covers that would grace various comic books on the stands. Either the gimmick cover would sell out or I lacked the money to buy it. Since comic books were then seen as a hot-ticket investment, the general consensus was that surely the gimmick covers would be valuable collector's items like vintage comics!


Flash forward today in a post-speculator market, I could probably collect most gimmick covers for little more than what a modern comic books sells for. Heck, some are probably less!


So I am not particularly fond of gimmick covers as a result. I don't order them or cruise comic book shops looking for them.


Not saying I don't buy them of course. When DC released gimmick variants for its Villains Month during the midway point of the New 52, I bought the gimmick variant when it was pulled for me as well as any purchased copies of any I saw off the rack. Difference between 90's me and the New 52 me was that I bought the cover because I thought it looked pretty. Okay, 90's me thought gimmick covers were pretty too. Just financial instrument pretty. Selling the New 52 Villain gimmick variants never entered my mind. Which is why I didn't mind buying the normal covers too.


With that in mind, I am surprised that I am intentionally ordering, or at the very least buy, the lenticular covers for upcoming "The Button" story arc playing out in both Batman and Flash's 21st and 22nd Rebirth issue.


Okay, to be fair, I love the cover art shown. Seeing both Batman and Flash holding the Comedian's (yes, the character from The Watchmen) bloody smiley face button is simply awesome. My inner geek is excited. Gotta have it. Suppose it also helps that I have no clue what the normal cover looks like nor any of the variants. The one variant I did see struck me as ho-hum. Plus, if I am going to get the pamphlet in lieu of the trade I might as well as purchase the one with the shiny cover.


If there's any consolation to my gimmick cover-hatred, it's that I am not considering the lenticular covers as collectibles. Just something to satisfy my geekdom. Besides, if any cover will be a hot collectible, the international cover will probably be it as I don't imagine too many U.S. shops ordering it. Then again 90's me was awfully certain too...


Anyway,
Happy Reading

Riverdale Won Me Over and Powerless is Okay

Caught the first couple episodes of Riverdale (Chapter One: The Rivers Edge and Chapter Two: A Touch of Evil) as well as the premiere of Powerless (Wayne or Loss). Not going to provide any spoilers just some quick thoughts.


Riverdale - Recall dreading hearing about some of the changes as well as the format (classic CW drama-isms). Then I mellowed out when I heard it would be more like Twin Peaks. Having seen the first couple episodes, I'd say it's a cross between shows such as Beverly Hills, 90210 (had to thrown that it in since Luke Perry is in the show. Kind of weird seeing him as the "responsible, sage adult") and Twin Peaks with a dash of Mark Waid's revamp thrown in. The show is faithful to the Archie characters while presenting them as realistic and modern as possible. Now, the show is much darker than the Waid revamp; but it's not quite Twin Peaks dark. While Riverdale is quirky, the locale and characters are small town quirky and not full-on David Lynch, Twin Peaks quirky. The murder mystery should be interesting. So far I've got four suspects although one is probably a red herring (pardon the pun). Overall, after two episodes, I've been made a fan.


Powerless - Love the opening credit sequence. Probably the closest we'll ever get to four-color, full of optimism, DC Universe on any screen. Think I heard Adam West's voice... While the superhero and super-villain scenes came across as incredibly corny, in part by the CGI, four-color super-heroics is rather corny on screen. Kind of why the Marvel heroes look the way they do. Speaking Marvel, or Marvel's Agents of SHIELD to be precise, remember the anticipation of the appearance of the big guns? Recall your disappointment when they didn't show? Other than the credit sequence, they're probably not going to appear. What is going to appear is nods, one-liners, quick references,  and D-or lower characters. So that DC hero or villain that you can't imagine ever appearing in the movies or Arrowverse? This might be the place. As for characters/actors, I liked Tudyk's and Hudgens acting. If anything, both carried the show (as by design probably). I'm probably going to continue to watch Powerless for Tudyk, the occasional nod to DC lore, and it's a nice lead in to Riverdale.


Till next time.

Are Cena and Orton the next Flair and Steamboat?

Once again I deviate from the normal comics and games discussion to focus on one of my other passions: wrestling. Two days ago, one of the biggest PPVs of the year happened. WWE's Royal Rumble. Alas, I have not watched the Rumble 2017 yet but I did learn Cena became 16th time World Heavyweight Champion and Randy Orton won the Rumble match itself.


Both outcomes elicited groans from me. Was originally going to provide a quick mini-rant but then I got to thinking. What if John Cena and Randy Orton are the modern equivalent of Ric "The Nature Boy" Flair and Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat?


Okay, if Cena didn't just equal Flair's record of 16 World Championships I never would have that of it. But, as of Sunday, he has. Like Flair carried the NWA, and Jim Crockett Promotions, for years, Cena has been, to quote A.J. Styles, the face that runs the place for years. He's the WWE go to guy when they're busy not creating new stars.


What's that you say? There's a brand split again. By being the WWE 2017 Royal Rumble winner he can challenge the Raw champion? Why, yes Orton could. The preferable option in my opinion actually.


However, the WWE is incredibly nostalgic. Especially around WrestleMania time. If there is one feud among active wrestlers that has lasted the longest it's the feud between John Cena and Randy Orton. Which is the other reason why I state that Cena and Orton could be considered the modern day Flair/Steamboat rivalry. No other duo has wrestled each other as frequently. The one difference being, unlike Steamboat, Orton has one several championships off Cena. Randy Orton could one day win as many world championships as Flair and now Cena.


So there's the chance beyond nostalgia of WWE pushing for the 'Mania storyline of Orton trying to tie with Cena.


Although my WrestleMania match prediction goes out the window if WWE want both men to be champions at the same time. Kevin Owens has been the Raw champ for quite some time. Could easily see him becoming the sacrificial lamb at WWE's biggest PPV of the year. Furthermore, there's rumblings of Cena and Undertaker finally squaring off in the ring. What better place than WrestleMania? Okay, I would love to see Cena vs. 'Taker.


Regardless if Orton chooses Cena at 'Mania, they are bound to square off once more. Thus, firmly entrenching their long rivalry in the eyes of the fans. One day, even fans such as myself will look back and wax on about Cena/Orton.


Next time.

My Thoughts on Comic Book and Misc News of January 2017 Part One

My look at how quickly time flies. Was the beginning of the month since I last blogged. Plus I never did write my final installment of my 12ish Days of Blogging! As usual, life and burnout happens. After a couple days past the sixth, I decided my official final chapter just wasn't to be. Fret not the promised review is still forthcoming. In the meantime, I decided to get back in the swing of things with commentary on various news tidbits in the world of comic books and maybe some genre and RPG stuff too.


Sworn into office holding Captain America's shield - An elected official sworn into office holding Captain America's shield! Very, very cool. Politics can be quite heavy so some levity is always nice one in awhile.


Actual X-Men in upcoming X-Men Show - If there was one disappointing strike against Marvel's Agents of SHIELD show was that appearances from the characters that appeared in the movies turned out be much, much rarer than many expected. So kudos to those behind the upcoming X-men television series from FOX announcing actual X-Men will appear in the show. They're just coy about whom. Okay, fine. As long as the show doesn't wait until Episode 6 for Maggot to appear...


Avengers Project - Upcoming Marvel games courtesy of Square Ennix? Cool. I'd comment more but I, er, couldn't get the video to load...


Did Princess Leia's mission change? - Must confess I was too busy fan-boying at Leia's appearance in Rogue One to be bothered by the inconsistency in her mission. Here's the reason for the change or if you want to take the long path the novelization explains as well.


Uh, oh Game of Thrones cast getting into trouble - While filming for seventh season of Game of Thrones, the cast and crew got into trouble for not having any off-road permits for filming in Iceland. Who says there isn't bureaucracy north of the Wall?


MET: Werewolf Errata - By Night Studios released a shiny version of Werewolf for Live-Action Role-play. As is the case in the gaming industry nowadays, here's the errata. Did pick up a copy of the ebook recently so I'll comment more on that and the recent errata once I get around to writing a review...


Starlin has earned more in royalties for KGBeast?! - Recently, comics creator Jim Starlin, creator of Thanos, Drax, and Gamora, announced he's earned more on royalties from KGBeast than his Marvel creations. Say what?! KGBeast was in Batman vs Superman?! Guess, it was a minor appearance in his civilian identity. Don't recall it being a big part so that says much about how much in royalties Marvel pays creators from its films. Maybe they'll cut Starlin a bigger check seeing how several upcoming movies (GotG 2 and the two Avengers Infinity War films) owe a huge debt to him...


More GoT cast pics - More Game of Thrones cast pics along with cast sightings while filming in Iceland. Awesome.




Well, eight links/news stories is enough for one installment. Since January isn't over yet, there'll be a Part Two. January 2017 Part Two will include my commentary on DC's pricing changes for Rebirth. That may or may not be lengthy and veer and the ranting side. Time and my mood will tell.


Till next time.

12ish Days of Blogging: A Very Flash Christmas and the End of the Ghost Rider Arc

On the eleventh day of my 12ish Days of Blogging I give to thee: the winter finales of both the Flash and Marvel's Agents of SHIELD.  Both episodes debuted the same week as two other comics-related television show, Arrow and DC's Legends of Tomorrow. Highlights for those will come in a future post. While I have been watching the Flash, I haven't really done much in the way of write-up for it as I have Agents of SHIELD. As such, there are revelations that are still mysteries in earlier episodes. As such, when I blog about them don't be surprised at my 'ignorance'. I just couldn't pass up the chance to blog about an actual Flash Christmas Episode! Meanwhile, Agents of SHIELD ends the Ghost Rider Arc. Since the new arc starts Tuesday, no better time than now!


As always SPOILERS




Flash Winter Finale "The Present"

• Ooh, Julian was actually an archaeologist! Talk about Indiana Jones vibe!
• H.R. has the Christmas spirit alright!
• Philosopher's stone - ancient hindu talisman that could create metas written by an Albert Desmond aka Julian.
• John Wesley Shipp Flash, okay Jay Garrick vs Mark Hamill Trickster. As a fan of the old CBS Flash show I approve!
• Savitar - first speedster. Sends a messenger to prepare - Alchemy
• HR secretly training Wally while wearing santa hat. Faster than Barry at that corresponding point in training. Meanwhile, Cisco is seeing Dante. Love the Garrick speech to Barry about spending the holiday with his loved ones
• Garrick vs Savitar and Barry vs Alchemy!
• Barry learns Alchemy's secret ID.
• Cisco is visited by Dante's "ghost" while Barry and Wally fight Savitar. Very cool.
• We learn Savitar is poltergeist of sorts who manifests through Alchemy. Alchemy is Savitar.
• Future Barry trapped Savitar. So Savitar from future - provides prophecy.
• Both Flashes join forces to hurl Savitar box into the Speed Force!
• Barry propelled to the future! Jay brings him back but not before Barry witnesses Iris's death. Wonder if it actually Iris...
• Another Jay speech about living one's life!
• Gang has a Christmas celebration together. Very Christmas-y segment. Enough to cement this episode's designation as the Flash's Christmas Episode.

Absolutely loved this episode. Hope their are future Christmas episodes in either the Flash's future or the other CW-DC television shows. Excellent way to end the Fall season too.




Marvel's Agents of SHIELD Winter Finale "The Laws of Inferno Dynamics"

• Coughing up diamonds, 'Aida is an android.' 'Sur, I was attracted to her but this goes against the Sokovia Accords. Does anyone remember Ultron?' May and Coulson having a romantic moment? 'Eli, you want to play with fire, let's play.'
• 'Eli is working his way through the periodic table from carbon to cesium.' Robbie speared by a shaft of carbon! 'Eli has worked his way to plutonium.'
• 'Between the radioactive plutonium and quantum energy fields bombarding you and the carbon spike, a normal person would be dead ten times over. But I guess you are not normal.' Double-spiked! 'In case you haven't noticed Phil, we're not a team that trusts. We are not a team at all.' 'Turns out you're not a god. You're just a petty thief.'
• Stealing energy from other dimension creates seismic rifts. Phil using a chain to pull Ghost Rider out but GR drops the chain to penance stare Eli as device sucks both to other dimension. Aida suffers pain... After absorbing seismic tremors, Quake propels herself into the air when she is discovered by the press. Fortunately, Mace does the PR thing saying she was an undercover agent.
• Phil says previous Ghost rider came back... Mac and Yo-yo finally kiss. Mace says all LMD work will occur on SHIELD property. PR guy discovers something when Aida kills him. Knew something was going to happen.
• Turns out is a beaten up Agent May! So the May that shares a bottle of wine with Phil is an LMD...

I was pleased with this episode. Understand they had to do something with Ghost Rider. Wished the Darkhold remained the mystical tome it is in the comics but there's still the rest of the season. Actually kind of wished the final had more mystical elements instead of the implied techno-magical elements present elsewhere in the MCU. Looking forward to the LMD arc. So does this mean Nick Fury will appear?


Till my 12th installment!

12ish Days of Blogging: Shape of Things To Come and Other 12 Days/New Year's Stuff in the Blogosphere

On the tenth day of my 12ish Days of Blogging, I give to thee another blogger's new year's resolution, Paul Cornell's 12 blogs, and the tentative plan I have for my blog for the next six months. Believe I mentioned it before, but I used to frequent the blogosphere regularly and occasionally spread the word of blogger's works. Since my 12ish Days became more a New Year's thing instead of Christmas thing, yeah the timing played a role on my psyche, I tout another blogger's New Year's Resolution. While I stated Paul Cornell inspired my 12ish days, I figured it would only be proper if I provided links to his stuff. Meanwhile, with an entire year ahead, I want to let you, oh gentle reader, aware of what I have planned ahead. And by plan I mean tentative cause when it comes to blogging I'm like what Heath Ledger's Joker says about plans and not having no clue what to do with it.


Anyway...


The blog Outsyder Gaming examines 2016 goals as well as presents 2017 goals HERE. Have to say, that's quite the New Year's Resolutions for both 2016 and 2017. Very detailed. I'm in awe...


Meaningful post:
Admittedly, one can say practically all my posts are a variation of 'hey, isn't this cool!' Do write the occasional gem though. Think my piece on Wonder Woman and New Year's Resolutions was some pretty top-notched stuff. Sure, it could probably have been fleshed out more but its deeper than any solicitations hype given how succinct it was. Would be neat to try but I don't think I'd try for one a month. Cause that probably won't happen that way...


Writing project:
Years back when the Rifter was just being started by Palladium Books I tinkered with the notion of submitting a piece. If there's any writers whose name could be abbreviated to Matt C, that's not me. Never wrote anything. Love gaming. Occasionally I come up with ideas. But if I do they're probably going up on this blog and not in a forum such as the Rifter. My ideas simply never get fleshed out to be a full article let alone a book. So that definitely leaves out running my own business.


What you're tired of New Year's talk? Okay, Paul Cornell's entries are a little more Christmas-y. Okay, they're mostly plans for this year but Christmas is in the title. And they were written in December. And there's only 5 of them... Yeah, I suppose when you're a professional writer blogging twelve installments becomes more than a little tedious. After blogging for roughly ten days in a row, it becomes an exercise in willpower at this point.


Paul Cornell's reasoning for leaving licenses and doing original work was Day One. Day Two is a little more personal but it deals with children's books he reads his son. His upcoming projects that debut on Day Three. Some additional tidbits on Day 4. The 5th Christmas blog ends on a dour, political note. Judging by the tone, Christmas came at the right time! Once again, it was this series of blog posts that inspired my 12ish Days of Blogging.


The Shape of things to Come


Had to put it in bold. Too irresistible not to.


Yes, the 12 days of Christmas ends to tomorrow. I've blogged this far so I'll finish the series and actually blog two more days. One day will center around two of the four, originally I meant to do all four, comic book-based TV show winter finales that aired within the same week. Instead, I'll do my customary episode re-caps for the Flash and Marvel's Agents of SHIELD winter finales. The Flash is basically a Christmas episode and Agents of SHIELD resumes next Tuesday and I've covered all the previous episodes. Unless some time distortion occurs, Arrow's and DC's Legends of Tomorrow will have to wait for when I do a massive recap, ala Walking Dead Season 5, of their respective seasons. The other day will feature the Disney Halloween Hex and maybe the second Disney and Mickey Christmas comic.


My original plan included my Christmas comics. However, as my 2017 resolution shows, I just never got around to reading them. So those reviews will happen sometime this month, or I'll read them and post my reviews next December.


As alluded to, many TV Rundowns await for the Flash, DC Legends of Tomorrow, Arrow, and MacGyver. Plus, I wanted to squeeze in the final episodes of last season's Grimm and Sleepy Hollow before their premiere's on the 6th but that'll come afterwards. Expect me to blog about various genre shows here. That's more likely to happen over the next sixth months than writing comic reviews. Still planning on those - just don't know how often or how many. One thing I count on is my comics blog will continue to be more of a comic-based TV blog.


Honestly, my major problem with reading comics is I collect so many yet don't have a system to organize how to read them. If I don't read them, then I can't review them. Don't think too many want to see how what my comics haul is for the sake of what it is.


Gaming will depend on my muse and how often I game. Over the next six months, I want to provide game session reports and brief reviews of the Adventurer's League and Shadowrun Missions mods that my PC's Morland Doyle, Tor, Grogg, and Nox were played in last year (and of course any this year). Took notes. Just haven't blogged them. Meanwhile, I also want to finish up my analysis on how accurate the templates are based on the character creation system within the Shadowrun 5th Edition Core Rule Book.


And as always whatever strikes my fancy. Think some of my best work was my spontaneous posts. Probably once a week or in short string of about three to five posts. Feel I do my best work and blog more frequently in bursts. Although I will take a rest afterwards...


Till my 11th installment!

12ish Days of Blogging: 40 Years of the Amazing Spider-Man Newspaper Comic Strip!

On the ninth day of my 12ish Days of Blogging I give to thee: forty years of the Amazing Spider-Man comic strip! What two posts within one day? Technically, I missed a couple days so you could say I'm making up for lost time. Plus, the previous entry was intended to go live on the 2nd. Besides, celebrating 40 years of the Amazing Spider-Man Newspaper Comic Strip holds special significance today.


Why?


On January 3rd, 1977, the very first strip of Amazing Spider-Man, written by Stan Lee and drawn by John Romita (Sr), was published in several newspapers. Which means today, January 3rd 2017, marks 40 years that the Amazing Spider-Man Newspaper Strip has been running in newspapers and online.


As a Spider-man fan, that is simply awesome!


As a kid, I eagerly awaited the occasion when I could read the comic strip within the pages of Sunday paper. The Spidey strip may even have appeared within my local paper but if it did it was very brief run. Heck, the Sunday paper, which I had access to didn't run if for long. So reading the adventures of the webslinger within the funnies was a rarity for me. Honestly, there's only two brief periods aside from being a kid that I recall reading it in a newspaper. Absolutely relished reading those strips. Sure the strips were a bit corny but I savored every occasion.


Then I discovered that King Features had an online presence, which published X number of strips online. That presence became DailyINK and is now called Comics Kingdom. Honestly, Comics Kingdom is a rare better name for King Features online distribution of its comic strips in my mind. If you want to take a gander at the latest installment of the Amazing Spider-Man Newspaper Strip, here it IS.


The January 3rd 2017 is... corny. However, I suppose for the general newspaper audience there's probably limits to what the creators of the strip want to push. After all, parents could be reading it to their four year old. Written by Stan Lee (well, credited to him anyway) and drawn by Larry Lieber and inked by Alex Saviuk (loved his work in Web of Spider-Man) Spider-man is busy fighting Rocket Raccoon. Oops - excuse me, Rocket. That's how all the movie fans know RR as.


Here's a brief summary for those who may check out the provided strip once future strips are posted as only paid members of Comics Kingdom have access to older strips. The January 3rd 2017 strip opens with a gloating Rocket standing over the beleaguered Spider-man continuing the long-established tradition by Stan Lee of two Marvel heroes fighting each other when they first meet. The strip ends when Spider-Man webs Rocket and is pleasantly surprised when Rocket doesn't immediately break the webbing. I admit I haven't read the strip since the last time I blogged about it here. So clearly Spider-Man isn't a world-class hero within his own strip and his webbing isn't the be-all-end-all that it is within the pages of his comic book. Suppose they got to create tension for the next day, huh?


Once every year, for having the chance to regularly read Spidey's newspaper strip along other King stalwarts such as the Phantom and Mandrake the Magician, I contemplate becoming a member of DailyINK now Comics Kingdom. Much like a failed New Year's Resolution, I just never do. Perhaps, this year, I will finally become a premium member. If I do, I may write monthly reviews of the Amazing Spider-Man Newspaper Strip much like website Spider Fan does. Here are REVIEWS they've done. I will probably view the strips in a more favorable light as the strip is intended for small children who may not even be reading age yet.


As for the older material, Marvel reprinted the first four years of strips into two separate volumes years ago. I do own a copy of each of them. Most recently, IDW via its Library of American Comics imprint has released three volumes of the first six years and plans on continuing releasing its archival books. As such may have to "upgrade" to the IDW editions!


To commemorate the occasion I may read some the strips from Marvel's second volume. Heck, I'll probably do a review of the out-of-print book.


So happy 40 year anniversary Amazing Spider-Man Newspaper Strip! May it continue on like other venerable strips such as the Phantom, Flash Gordon, and Mandrake the Magician!


Haven't decided if I'll do a double post or post on the 6th yet such that I have "12 days" of blogging.


Till my 10th installment of 12ish Days of Blogging and happy reading!

12ish Days of Blogging: The Promised Wonder Woman Review and Connection to New Year's Resolutions

I promised to phrase my blog subjects ala the twelve gifts of Christmas. Alas, it just doesn't work. Maybe if I timed the numbers out... So back to the old intro: on the eighth day of my 12ish Days of Blogging I give to thee: my promised review of Wonder Woman 75th anniversary special #1 and an essay-of-sorts of the character's connection to New Year's Resolutions not to mention the reviewed comic's connection to my very own New Year's Resolution for 2017.


First, I'll start with the review of Wonder Woman Special #1.


It's an anthology so my normal approach to reviews don't apply. My feelings on anthologies are you either love them or hate them. I really liked this special as it does an excellent job representing various facets of Wonder Woman. But I don't love every story equally. For ratings purposes, I'll give it an overall 4 Out of 5 Stars although I could also give it a 3 out of 5 stars. Its solid and I think people should read it but if money is an issue the lower rating applies.


What that's it? Well no. I just didn't read it like I would a typical comic. In fact, I read it more along the lines of my seventh installment of 12ish days on New Year's Day Sunday Comics. As such my review will be more along those lines. The above grade is more of a summary of the overall package.


Guess you could say there's some Spoilers too:




So:


Gives Us Strength - a lovely WWII piece where the messenger (three guesses who) saves the day when a group of Nazis surround a church in Occupied France. Very iconic.


Predators - An excellent example of Wonder Woman's rapport with animals as well as her commitment to all walks of life not just the two-legged variety.


The three unused Brian Bolland covers were neat.


One Side Alone - An interesting discussion on the changing nature on what constitutes justice all within the framework of a Giganta story. Wonder Woman bringing Giganta Empire Strikes Back AT-AT style with her lasso was very cool! Plus its nice to see her not use a sword. Nice reference to the concept of mercy too.


Wonder Woman: In Conversation by Lois Lane - author Greg Rucka returned to the Wonder Woman title as of Rebirth. Its a text piece and the crown jewel of the issue. In a nutshell its an interview in which some very interesting and complex topics are discussed. I'll expand on this later. Highly recommended. As an aside, had to reference what mendacity meant...


Oh, Themyscira: Liam Sharp channels his Spawn Dark Ages work.


The Age of Wonder - Lovely story about simply that, wonder.


Wonder Woman 75 song - Okay, I found this rather flat - although there's a nod to DC's Bombshells title.


The Legend of Wonder Woman & Wonder Woman: The True Amazon - Want an idea what both respective titles are like? Well, both short stories provide a stellar demonstration!


Democratic Design - A quirky story which points out the price tag of the havoc wrought.


Big Things One Day Come - A very touching story involving Superman, Titano, and a budding just starting out young super-heroine.


Which brings me to my...


Mini-Essay


Throughout the course of 2016, and even 2015, I'd comment that I really should read more comics. It wasn't until I was reading this very comic, the text piece to be precise, that I had my epiphany. I was struggling to read it. Not because it was boring, but because I was starting to become wide-eyed from reading something very complex and thought-provoking. Yeah, there's such a thing as light reading and heavier fare but reading is like a muscle. If you don't exercise it enough, reading becomes less and less frequent. Plus, its rather ironic that such a truth dawned on me while I was reading a comic centered on a character who is about truth. Thus that's how the comic is connected to my 2017 New Year's Resolution.


Truth is a huge component of New Year's Resolutions (NYR). How successful they are hinge on how well we fully understand ourselves. Much of the disillusionment that arises from failed NYR's are probably because we don't like what we perceive as the truth that such a failure brings. However, that brings me to the other facet of how Wonder Woman represents the concept of the New Year's Resolution.


Aspirations.  NYRs are aspirations. Something we aspire to accomplish during the New Year. However, much like how Wonder Woman seeks to bring peace, truth, and understanding, the success or failure of the aspiration is not what's important. The striving and looking over the next horizon is. Plus, every NYR reveals something new about oneself. Reveals a new truth much like Wonder Woman's magic lasso does.


A big thank you to the text piece Wonder Woman: In Conversation by Lois Lane for being my inspiration for what I just wrote.


Till the 9th installment of my 12ish Days of Blogging, happy reading!

12ish Days of Blogging: New Year's Day Sunday Comics!

On the seventh day of 12ish Days of Blogging I give to thee some quick thoughts on Sunday comic strips - New Year's Day edition! Sure, Sunday comics on New Year's Day aren't common; but I am confident there won't be Sunday comics on New Year's Day in 2018. Such novelty alone bears noting. Plus, I am more in the mood of quick, easy blogging tonight, which doesn't include using links. Actually, did read a comic book to mark the New Year. Just going to save that review for tomorrow. And the use of the countdown from the classic Christmas carol.


I'm not going over every Sunday strip that appeared in my local Sunday paper that I normally read.


So:


For Better or For Worse: Really like the reference to thank you letters. My memories are fuzzy; and I think I may have had to write a thank you letter for a gift once or twice. Then again, that could be my mind playing tricks on me! Love the punch line at the end.


Zits - This one was flat. Not going to lie Zits may be benefit from advancing the characters ages as the jokes are starting to age anyway. Or wait for the next technological-sociological advancement/trend to freshen up.


Garfield - Worth a chuckle. Reminds me of meme on social media where the individual says they won't change with the New Year. For Garfield, rather fitting.


Dustin - Nice commentary about how there's euphoria over the holidays... and then nothing. The dad does have a nice punch line with the final panel.


Beetle Bailey - Bait-and-switch humor here.


Foxtrot - Sumo wrestling inside snow men? Hilarious.


Hagar the Horrible - Love the  reference to the months old pumpkin...


Doonesbury - Brace yourself, Arnold Celebrity Apprentice-related strips are coming.


Dilbert - Priceless. Simply priceless.


The Lockhorns - Love the panel on milk purchases. Nice parody.


Sally Forth - Knowledge of the Simpsons as a baseline for a generation as far as cultural references are understood? Feel old now...


Wizard of I.D. - A New Year's Countdown where the King of ID is his usual unpredictable, predictable self.


Peanuts - A classic strip related to head beagle report cards. Meh. Kind of flat. Not too much of a fan of the head beagle references so I'm less of a fan of an extended one.


Bizarro - Ok, that mural is cool... and yet so, so wrong.


Prince Valiant - The end of Azar Rasa arc. Yeah, its a bit of cliché ending for an arc dealing with a sorcerer and all-powerful mystical artifact but its a fitting end.


Well, Until the 8th 12ish Days of Blogging, Happy New Year!

12ish Days of Blogging: Lessons from 2016 and 2017 New Year's Resolution

On the 6th day of my 12ish Days of Blogging I give to thee some lessons I learned from 2016 and my 2017 New Year's Resolution. I'm tempted to mimic the classic carol and start counting down, or should I say up, listing each subject. Since my 2016 resolution worked so well and I posted it on the same day, I figured I'd do the same with 2017. As for the lessons, they are more like soundbytes tied to fit in with the blog's usual theme. Nothing too deep.


2016 garnered the reputation as a grim reaper. While my blog's history includes RIP posts, I shied from doing so this year. One, there were some I missed. Two, some who don't quite fit the nature of the blog. Three, there were many and many I considered important. There was one general theme, but, to borrow a Dungeons & Dragons class name, 2016 was the year the bards died and people cared. And cared very much they did. Many entertainers and contributors to the arts and culture passed away. To the chagrin of many. Not because the deceased were famous but because of that individual's contribution to people's cultural and entertainment lives. Something to keep in mind while playing games like D&D and the impact that the Bard class has among the NPCs around them.


Another lesson to borrow a fantasy cliché, people need that new, plucky individual to rise above obscurity and become that twenty-something 20th level character to inspire them. While pop culture grinds out new stars continuously, its also grinding those stars to make new stars. I suspect that's one reason people took the loss of creative famous people so dearly. The lack of the next new entertainer. I'm using entertainer as more of placeholder as I don't want to fall into the trap of referencing politics cause danger lies there. Although that's a realm one could say we need new heroes.


Okay enough with the depressing lessons. More positive ones.


I learned not to anniversary posts in installments as I rarely ever do sequels. Although brief aside, I learned Kimball in yesterday's post about Wonder Woman was played by the same actor as Odo in DS9! On yeah, as a big Aquaman fan, he celebrated his 75 years too. I just never picked up the book. Still haven't finished the 75 years comic of Wonder Woman yet but will. It'll just be next year. Have a 75 years of Lois Lane book and that's more than 75 years...


I learned that I blog more when I have theme to blog and the theme includes frequent blogging. Granted that comes with a period of rest afterwards.


Most importantly, I've learned that I just don't make time to read and I miss it terribly.


So my 2017 New Year's Resolution is to read more. Not just comics. Short stories, novels, and nonfiction as well. If I am not taking time to read a novel, I'm certainly not taking time to read a comic. Reading after all is a habit. A habit I plan on making into a habit once more. Plus, more comic reviews will follow. Duh...


Till 7th installment and may your New Year's celebrations be joyous!

12ish Days of Blogging: Wonder Woman's Brief Brush with Star Wars Fandom

On the fifth day of the 12ish Days of Blogging I give to thee a retroview of a classic episode of Wonder Woman 70's show while celebrating the characters 75th anniversary. Tomorrow may also include a review of a one-shot commemorating said 75th anniversary but seeing how tomorrow's New Year's Eve we'll see how well that goes, right?


2016 is many things to many people. I'm not discussing any of the negatives here. In the world of comics, several characters reached their 75th anniversary this year. Alas, it's too late for me to commemorate such a milestone for every character. As luck would have it, Wonder Woman will receive such an honor. Largely because due to synergy with the debut of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story an episode of Wonder Woman aired in which Wonder Woman attends a sci fi convention.


Yeah, you read that right. I'm partially celebrating Wonder Woman's 75th anniversary because on 1/26/1979 an episode of Wonder Woman called Spaced Out aired involved a science fiction convention which included Star Wars cosplay. Considering my 12ish Days of Blogging has slight undercurrent of Star Wars you could say its more about Wonder Woman meets Star Wars fans.


Yep, the episode rode on the heels of Star Wars fame. Brief spoilers - the Star Wars cosplay was of an X-wing pilot and a tusken raider; and Wonder Woman may not have actually bumped into them. It was just a quick appearance of Star Wars cosplay. Still it was pretty cool. Plus, the robot from Lost In Space, okay the costume, was there so kind of counts... maybe... sort of...


Some highlights:

• Diana Prince, aka Wonder Woman, isn't a fan of the science fiction convention nor the costumes but by episodes end she certainly seems to have warmed up to it!
• Having watched maybe a handful of episodes, apparently there were three characters that appeared previously  but I am not sure...
• Rather surreal watching Wonder Woman get spoofed by cat burglar...
• The Moon rock/Space room of Nausea!
• Kimble the cat burglar's physical comedy reaction upon hearing host of the Moon Rock/Space room of nausea exhibit apparently having a date with Diana.
• The Tusken Raider and X-Wing Pilot.
• Robbie the Robot from Lost in Space... 'Robbie the Robot is a lush!'
• Grappling hook shenanigans.
• 'I thought the crystals were cheap pieces of plastic!'
• When bedlam ensues when a fight occurs because the convention goers believe its an unscripted event is a hoot.
• With the focus on Wonder Woman using a sword and shield in modern media its nice to use her lasso of truth and just subdue people.

Wouldn't be surprised if Mark Hamill wishes he could have appeared in this episode considering he's really into conventions of this sort.


Overall, while its not serious by modern standards as it had its share of good cheeky fun, I wouldn't quite say Spaced Out was out-and-out camp. The science fiction convention stuff had me geeking out. Back in 1979, this is probably the closest Wonder Woman could come to a crossover with Lost In Space and Star Wars. Heck, the same could probably be the same for nowadays... I give it 3 Out of 5 Stars. If you're a fan, the episode is worth it for a hoot.


Till My 6th 12ish Days of Blogging.

12ish Days of Blogging: How I Performed on my 2016 New Year's Resolution

On the fourth day of my 12ish Days of Blogging I give to thee: my summation on how well I followed my New Year's resolution from the beginning of the year. What's that you say? The end of the year isn't for a couple more days? First, most people quit their New Year's resolutions after a month or two. So the mere fact I kept in mind is impressive. Okay, that is impressive.  Guess, I can follow a New Year's resolution for a long period of time. So early spoilers - modesty may elude me. Fair warning. Second, two more days isn't changing the outcome. Suppose that'll happen when only two days remain in a year.


What you never read my 2016 New Year's Resolution? Well, here's the POST.


So how'd I do?


For starters, technically, I certainly blogged more. Only one year did I update my blog more and during that year I'd update occasionally more than once or twice a day. Not blogging twice or more a day was unspoken cardinal rule of mine this year. Admittedly, I skirted the rule a handful of times if you count blogging near midnight and not waiting 24 hours before the next I blogged.


Heck, if you double the number of posts from 2015 (as I resumed blogging in June), 62-and-counting (okay, counting for maybe another two days) is more than 50. So my frequency did increase.


Yeah, here's where the 'but' comes in... all year I planned to blog more. There's much, much more didn't write. Yet. Most of those subjects haven't been lost to the aether. I'll get to them eventually. Just didn't so this year.


So as a perfectionist, I am not 100% happy but as a whole I did blog more.


As I blog more, I did give my two cents a heckuva lot. Other than some episode highlights that were more of recap than a review and the occasional time I hyped something, I gave my opinion. So I'd say it's fair to say that I stated my two cents often enough that met my resolution here.


Reading comics... not so much. Granted, I did read some comics and write some reviews. Nowhere near what I envisioned when I made my resolution.


Gaming on the other hand, I gamed not only far more than I expected but gamed more than I wrote about here! I suffered writer's block figuring which game session report to write when! Know the subject matter that I hadn't written about yet? Most of it is about gaming sessions. While one or two gaming-related posts probably won't occur before 2016 is done, there probably will be one or two as part of my 12ish Days of Blogging.


So overall, despite disappointment with comics reading, I'd have to say I met New Year's Resolution of 2016. I didn't give up on my blog. I gamed. Watched TV shows that fit the blog's parameters. I did read more than one comic book. Heck, I discovered I could blog for five or more days straight. If not for technical difficulties, a fourth 12ish Day would have came yesterday. Although, it would have been about a different subject matter, but I digress.

In fact, I am pleased enough with my success that I'll try my hand at a 2017 New Year's Resolution. I'll let you know if, what, that is on New Year's.


Till my 5th 12ish Days.