News for the Week of February 18, 2009
Rick’s Writin’s
I've probably talked about this before, but I enjoy stargazing on a clear
night, particularly while I'm standing around waiting for Ollie to finish
his business. Last night was exceptionally clear, and after double checking
my old college astronomy book, was pleased to identify Sirius (easily
the brightest and biggest star seen currently), the Little Dipper (I already
knew that one), Betelgeuse, Orion, Rigel (They're part of a pattern that
I can pick out), The Pleiades Cluster (You've got to look closely, but
you can see it) and maybe the Andromeda Galaxy, but I can't tell if I'm
seeing it or my eyes are playing tricks on me. Obviously a telescope would
be handy, but I don't carry one around in my pocket (I'm just enjoying
the show). There's plenty of others too, but my point is, I find this
fascinating and kind of humbling. There has to be other Life out there.
There's so many possibilities that I think there just has to be. I also
wonder if they feel they need to hit the crosswalk button 20 or 40 times
to get it to change like we do. Or can they set up and tear down a bazillion
corner flower shops in a day? Do they have shopping buzzards that hit
grocery stores for the day after holiday candy sale? (Guilty...Easter
is the best because the quality and variety of the candy is better. That's
just my opinion, though the Labor Day candy is pretty good too. yummmm
Rocky Road bars!) Anyhow, I recommend taking the time to look at the stars
on a clear night. It's also something you could share with your kids or
other loved ones. Even if you're by yourself, it's great for thought and
reflection. Try it, you'll see.
It's probably the time of the year, and we're in between big stories, so again we have a bit lighter week for comics. Great time to catch up or try something new. To that end I want to remind everyone about our "What Recession?" Event and Sale next Saturday February 21st. Come and meet Dragonlance and Forgotten Realms gaming guru, D&D and Forgotten Realms comic writer, novelist, and a bunch of other credits, Jeff Grubb, who will be in from 1PM-3PM. We'll also have a Heroclix tournament starting at noon. The Sale will include trades, but I'm holding back on letting on what else. Come in and find out. Back to comics: The other week we had a bunch of first issues. This week we have a few last issues, including my beloved Birds of Prey (#127). Birds is part of the DC Origins and Omens I talked about last week, as is the final issue of Robin (#183) which set up Robin for the Battle for the Cowl story coming soon. Also part of the Origins/Omens set are Supergirl (#38) continuing the Who is Superwoman story, and The Outsiders (#15) starring a new team without Batman or my girl, Cassie Batgirl. On the Marvel side, the very popular Dark Avengers (#2) arrives. Unfortunately, we're out of the first print #1, but there will be a second printing coming soon. Ultimate Fantastic Four (#60) is the other final issue this week. Marvel's Ultimate universes are in process of either ending or being overhauled, depending on your sources. I thought Ultimatum was the ending of the Ultimate Universe since Ultimate titles Fantastic Four (this week's #60), X-Men (#100) and Spider-Man (#133) are the last issues. But, someone said yesterday that they were reading about an Ultimate Avengers title coming, and a re-start of Ultimate Spider-Man, so I don't really know what for sure is going on (as per usual). Lastly, X-Men fans get four books this week: Uncanny X-Men (#506), X-Men Legacy (#221), X-Men Kingbreaker mini (#3 of 4) leading to the War of Kings mini, and the soon to be canceled Young X-Men (#11, #12 is the last issue).
There's been discussion and anticipation this week about Ken Griffey Jr. coming to the Mariners this year to close out his career. He'd be a nice addition if he's healthy, and I think he'd put butts in the seats, as well as help the young players. But, now the Braves have entered into the mix, and Junior has made it clear how much he'd like to play for them, as Atlanta's closer to his home and family. Fine and dandy I say. I'd like Junior here, but only if he wants to be here. I see no reason to pay too much extra to outbid the Braves just so we can have a feel good, and Junior won't do us much good if his heart isn't in it. We have plenty of guys trying to fight for positions and though Junior could give us some left handed power, he's not going to turn us into contenders. Garret Anderson, another option, would probably hit for better average. Otherwise, we can do without and use the guys we have to start building a team back. We'll be pretty active in July at the trade deadline I'd bet, and there may be better, longer term options available then. I'm willing to be patient. Til' next week...
Paula’s Picks
Although we may not be getting a ton of comics, we are getting a bunch
of magazines about comics! Comic Buyer’s Guide comes out monthly.
It’s a good magazine for pricing comics since Wizard doesn’t
do a price guide anymore and if you’re looking for some quick and
easy pricing. It also features articles and interviews with comic creators.
Comic Foundry is sadly releasing it’s last issue. This one features
an interview with Scott Pilgrim creator, Bryan Lee O’Malley. I think
this magazine was fantastic. It features cleaver interviews and reviews
of many comics. And it’s cheaper than Wizard! Another good magazine,
while not totally devoted to comics, is Geek Monthly. This month’s
issue features Scrubs’ Zach Braff. It features all things geeky
including tv shows, movies, science and freaky food reviews (my favorite!).
Last month’s issue had a review of Baconnaise. Yes, Baconnaise.
It’s bacon flavored mayonnaise. Rick picked some up but I don’t
think he’s tried it yet. Psst. Baconnaise is vegetarian!
Speaking of bacon, we also ordered Shaky Bacon Plush and Mr. Toast Plush. Yeah, I know. We have some weird obsession with bacon around here.
Chad's Choosin's
This week I'd like to recommend 20th Century Boys volume 1. It's the best
manga I've ever read. It's about a group of friends who, in the 70's,
were playing around as kids, and came up with a plan to destroy the world.
Fast forward to 1999, and they find out that someone appears to be using
their plan to destroy the world. It's got a great plot, great characters,
and a pretty thrilling mystery. I can't recommend it enough to anyone
into manga, or who just likes a good story.