So in a powerful scene in 52 #52, Captain Marvel changes Black Adam's magic word to something he'll never guess so he can no longer transform into his super-powered alter ego. At the end of the series, we're left wondering what it could be. And now, in Countdown #47, about a month later, we learn that it was... "Sorry."
How... lame. It's completely mundane, and as such cheapens the excellent issue of 52 in which the plot point was introduced.
Can I do better? You bet I can! Here's some new "magic words" that a kid like Billy Batson might come up with that Black Adam would probably never utter even if he did guess it.
"BILLY R0XX0RS THE BIG ONE!!!"
"I'M A LITTLE TEAPOT!!!"
"LATE 360 SHOVE IT TO BONELESS!!!"
"SPOON!!!"
"HAN SHOT FIRST!!!"
"TETSUO!!!"
"JENGA!!!"
"NOBODY TOSSES A DWARF!!!"
"THAT'S THE WAY UH-HUH UH-HUH I LIKE IT!!!"
"I'M BATMAN!!!"
"MOON PRISM POWER MAKE-UP!!!"
*KRAKOOM!*
Anyone got something else that isn't another lame-duck pop culture reference, as that seems to be all I'm good for?
Monday, June 11, 2007
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Megaman: Lord of the Dance
As I sit here, sipping iced lemonade, I find myself in an uncommonly pleasant mood.
As such, to reflect my good vibes, I give you Megaman doing a cute little dance to Aya Hirano's "Hare Hare Yukai."
As such, to reflect my good vibes, I give you Megaman doing a cute little dance to Aya Hirano's "Hare Hare Yukai."
On Subs vs. Dubs
The eternal debate in anime fandom. Do you watch it in the original Japanese with annoying English subtitles cluttering up the screen, or do you watch it with American voice "actors" hamming it up and stumbling over Japanese names? And if you like the one that I don't, what the hell's wrong with you?!?
Ultimately I think it's a moot point. If the show is popular enough to make it to the States, then the DVD will have both subbed and dubbed versions available to watch, so what's the problem? I think it may have to do with plain old self-centeredness. How dare you like something I don't? Of course, you don't really get a choice when it's on TV, and most new anime fans (myself included) enter the subculture through dubbed televised shows. I think this is why dubbed anime gets so much flak: It's all that's available for many people, and most of it terrible. I'm sorry, but it is. The American dubbing industry can't afford the best cast and crew (like Central Park Media), or just doesn't care enough to put in the effort (like 4Kids Entertainment).
Which segues into my next point, which is my personal preference. Well, truth be told, I really don't have a preference -- I take it on a case-by-case basis. Like I said, I think most dub jobs are crap, but there's the occasional gem that really shines out, like the American productions of Cowboy Bebop or (my favorite dub) Fullmetal Alchemist, not to mention Disney's star-studded dubs for Studio Ghibli's films (Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle). Even if the quality of the dub ain't so hot, I occasionally get a kick out of it anyway -- for instance, I enjoyed the over-the-top old-school dub of Record of Lodoss War (I will forever hold a torch for Lisa-Ortiz-as-Deedlit-the-Elf); and while the acting on Azumanga Daioh was a little choppy, it was apparent that the voice actors loved their characters, and that gave it a real charm.
There are still instances where I prefer to watch anime with subtitles. Contrary to popular belief, I don't feel that Japanese voice actors are better (or worse) on the whole than their American counterparts, but when you're not fluent in the language, you just don't pick up on poor acting as easily as you do in your native tongue, and that helps when you're trying to immerse yourself in the show. Furthermore, generally speaking, I like seeing foreign film in the original language, and anime is no exception. A dub also really isn't an option when you're viewing the newest series -- last year, I followed The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya and Ouran High School Host Club (both of which I really ought to write posts about sometime) as each episode came out in Japan, so of course there was no dub yet. Of course, by the time I caught a clip of the American Haruhi Suzumiya dub, the original version was ingrained into my mind, and listening to American voices coming out of the characters' mouths just felt wrong.
One other factor, which is totally a footling point, is that it just creates an odd dissonance for me when characters who are Japanese are speaking English. It feels weird to me. On the other hand, if an anime series is set in, say, London (Hellsing) or the characters are all obviously Anglophones (Fullmetal Alchemist), hearing them speak English just feels more natural.
Ultimately I think it's a moot point. If the show is popular enough to make it to the States, then the DVD will have both subbed and dubbed versions available to watch, so what's the problem? I think it may have to do with plain old self-centeredness. How dare you like something I don't? Of course, you don't really get a choice when it's on TV, and most new anime fans (myself included) enter the subculture through dubbed televised shows. I think this is why dubbed anime gets so much flak: It's all that's available for many people, and most of it terrible. I'm sorry, but it is. The American dubbing industry can't afford the best cast and crew (like Central Park Media), or just doesn't care enough to put in the effort (like 4Kids Entertainment).
Which segues into my next point, which is my personal preference. Well, truth be told, I really don't have a preference -- I take it on a case-by-case basis. Like I said, I think most dub jobs are crap, but there's the occasional gem that really shines out, like the American productions of Cowboy Bebop or (my favorite dub) Fullmetal Alchemist, not to mention Disney's star-studded dubs for Studio Ghibli's films (Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle). Even if the quality of the dub ain't so hot, I occasionally get a kick out of it anyway -- for instance, I enjoyed the over-the-top old-school dub of Record of Lodoss War (I will forever hold a torch for Lisa-Ortiz-as-Deedlit-the-Elf); and while the acting on Azumanga Daioh was a little choppy, it was apparent that the voice actors loved their characters, and that gave it a real charm.
There are still instances where I prefer to watch anime with subtitles. Contrary to popular belief, I don't feel that Japanese voice actors are better (or worse) on the whole than their American counterparts, but when you're not fluent in the language, you just don't pick up on poor acting as easily as you do in your native tongue, and that helps when you're trying to immerse yourself in the show. Furthermore, generally speaking, I like seeing foreign film in the original language, and anime is no exception. A dub also really isn't an option when you're viewing the newest series -- last year, I followed The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya and Ouran High School Host Club (both of which I really ought to write posts about sometime) as each episode came out in Japan, so of course there was no dub yet. Of course, by the time I caught a clip of the American Haruhi Suzumiya dub, the original version was ingrained into my mind, and listening to American voices coming out of the characters' mouths just felt wrong.
One other factor, which is totally a footling point, is that it just creates an odd dissonance for me when characters who are Japanese are speaking English. It feels weird to me. On the other hand, if an anime series is set in, say, London (Hellsing) or the characters are all obviously Anglophones (Fullmetal Alchemist), hearing them speak English just feels more natural.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Moral Outcry and a Short History Lesson
A tip-o'-the-hat to Thom Wade.
This is pretty damn creepy.
You know why you see this garbage in manga? It's because Japan's post-war constitution, which was drafted by the occupying American forces, was poorly worded in that it prohibited the depiction of pubic hair in any publication -- but said nothing about underage children. It wasn't long before some jackasses realized they could get around the anti-porn laws by depicting prepubescent girls. By the time the laws were revised, it was too late: Lolicon had entered the public consciousness and had staying power in self-published underground comics, which makes up the bulk of manga sales among otaku.
So there you go: Lolicon is Douglas MacArthur's fault.
This is pretty damn creepy.
You know why you see this garbage in manga? It's because Japan's post-war constitution, which was drafted by the occupying American forces, was poorly worded in that it prohibited the depiction of pubic hair in any publication -- but said nothing about underage children. It wasn't long before some jackasses realized they could get around the anti-porn laws by depicting prepubescent girls. By the time the laws were revised, it was too late: Lolicon had entered the public consciousness and had staying power in self-published underground comics, which makes up the bulk of manga sales among otaku.
So there you go: Lolicon is Douglas MacArthur's fault.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
A Brief Thought on Pulp Fantasy
I enjoy reading fantasy novels based on licensed properties. Dungeons & Dragons, Forgotten Realms, Magic: The Gathering, etc., etc. Yeah, I know, they're basically officially-sanctioned fanfiction written by novices trying way too hard to be J. R. R. Tolkien, and the characterizations swing wildly depending on who's writing, but I still get a kick out of exploring the little details behind my favorite games. (There's also the fun of knowing that, hey, I could do this!). But there's one thing I can't stand.
SO MANY SPELLING ERRORS. If TSR/Wizards of the Coast rakes in millions a year from their games, then why the hell can't they hire a decent editor?!?!?
SO MANY SPELLING ERRORS. If TSR/Wizards of the Coast rakes in millions a year from their games, then why the hell can't they hire a decent editor?!?!?
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Pirates of the Carribean at World's End
Disjointed thoughts on the pirate movie. I went to see th' film wit' me sisters and one o' their boyfriends (a scurvy lout if e'er there be one), and below be me impressions. Read on, if ye be pirate enough!
I thought it was pretty good. The big naval battle was amazing (tho' lacking in logic -- where does the Black Pearl's crew keep coming from when they're getting killed by the scores, and where was the rest of the pirate fleet?), the cinematography blew my mind, and at no point did the special effects look "fake" and take me out of the movie. Elizabeth's speech was AMAZING. I got all misty.
I really didn't like Sao Feng... he was just this side of Fu Manchu on the "stereotypically scary Asian guy" scale, the scene where he tried to force himself on Elizabeth was pointless, and he was in the movie for no reason other than to make Elizabeth captain upon his passing. He did come off as a human being, tho', which is more than I can say for Manchu. The character wasn't as overtly racist as the Caribs in the last movie. And the rest of the Asian pirates, including Mistress Ching, didn't come off as any different from the rest of the pirates. All in all, tho', a waste of a good actor.
I've heard some people complain about all the people switching sides all the time. All the betrayals didn't bother me. Just about everyone was one degree of Chaotic Neutral or another, so it's to be expected. The only problem was in remembering who was betraying who at any given time.
Norrington's subplot could have used a bit more... more. That would have made the movie all the longer, tho', and with my knee bent uncomfortably to fit in the annoyingly narrow aisles and a large cup of Dr. Pepper in me bladder, I don't think I could have taken it.
I was pleased with the Davy Jones/Calypso subplot. Jones remained appropriately badass throughout the film.
Barbossa was nerfed, tho'.
I was happy with how things turned out with Elizabeth, Will, and Jack. The lovers' ending was suitably sweet and sad for me, and it's good to know Cap'n Jack's still out there chasing his dreams.
The final scene was kinda flat, tho', especially after the rip-roarin' cliffhanger (I jumped outta me sofa when Barbossa reappeared, I tells ye) at the end of the last.
Flawed to be sure, but the Pirates trilogy is now firmly ensconced in my list of favorite fantasy films. All in all, not a waste of six bucks.
I thought it was pretty good. The big naval battle was amazing (tho' lacking in logic -- where does the Black Pearl's crew keep coming from when they're getting killed by the scores, and where was the rest of the pirate fleet?), the cinematography blew my mind, and at no point did the special effects look "fake" and take me out of the movie. Elizabeth's speech was AMAZING. I got all misty.
I really didn't like Sao Feng... he was just this side of Fu Manchu on the "stereotypically scary Asian guy" scale, the scene where he tried to force himself on Elizabeth was pointless, and he was in the movie for no reason other than to make Elizabeth captain upon his passing. He did come off as a human being, tho', which is more than I can say for Manchu. The character wasn't as overtly racist as the Caribs in the last movie. And the rest of the Asian pirates, including Mistress Ching, didn't come off as any different from the rest of the pirates. All in all, tho', a waste of a good actor.
I've heard some people complain about all the people switching sides all the time. All the betrayals didn't bother me. Just about everyone was one degree of Chaotic Neutral or another, so it's to be expected. The only problem was in remembering who was betraying who at any given time.
Norrington's subplot could have used a bit more... more. That would have made the movie all the longer, tho', and with my knee bent uncomfortably to fit in the annoyingly narrow aisles and a large cup of Dr. Pepper in me bladder, I don't think I could have taken it.
I was pleased with the Davy Jones/Calypso subplot. Jones remained appropriately badass throughout the film.
Barbossa was nerfed, tho'.
I was happy with how things turned out with Elizabeth, Will, and Jack. The lovers' ending was suitably sweet and sad for me, and it's good to know Cap'n Jack's still out there chasing his dreams.
The final scene was kinda flat, tho', especially after the rip-roarin' cliffhanger (I jumped outta me sofa when Barbossa reappeared, I tells ye) at the end of the last.
Flawed to be sure, but the Pirates trilogy is now firmly ensconced in my list of favorite fantasy films. All in all, not a waste of six bucks.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Rehabilitating Vibe
A brief thought vis a vis (I love using gratuitous French, it's so pretendous) the Multiverse...
Somewhere out there, on some alternate Earth or another, Vibe may still be alive.
And cool.
...
...
...
It's a good thing I'm already sitting down 'cause I think I broke my brain.
~~~
Seriously, I think it would be cool to see Paco Ramone back among the living. What if El Vibe-man's encounter with Doctor Ivo's killer robots hadn't done him in? It could have given him a new perspective on life and motivated him to leave his gang-banging days behind him and move on out of the ghetto. And then become a social worker or something, to teach kids about the dangers of gangs and drugs and stuff. And maybe (GASP!) drop the inane Charo accent. But he'd still know how to breakdance like a demon, natch.
Vibe's costume would need a truckload of work. I say change it to a black turtleneck and slacks, retaining the red-and-yellow color scheme on his belt. He'd keep the funky shades, and maybe have a ponytail, just so we all know he's still hip.
Hmmm...
Somewhere out there, on some alternate Earth or another, Vibe may still be alive.
And cool.
...
...
...
It's a good thing I'm already sitting down 'cause I think I broke my brain.
~~~
Seriously, I think it would be cool to see Paco Ramone back among the living. What if El Vibe-man's encounter with Doctor Ivo's killer robots hadn't done him in? It could have given him a new perspective on life and motivated him to leave his gang-banging days behind him and move on out of the ghetto. And then become a social worker or something, to teach kids about the dangers of gangs and drugs and stuff. And maybe (GASP!) drop the inane Charo accent. But he'd still know how to breakdance like a demon, natch.
Vibe's costume would need a truckload of work. I say change it to a black turtleneck and slacks, retaining the red-and-yellow color scheme on his belt. He'd keep the funky shades, and maybe have a ponytail, just so we all know he's still hip.
Hmmm...
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Monday, May 14, 2007
Seduction of the Innocent
I mentioned a while ago that, as part of a research project for school, I'd gotten my hands on Fredric R. Wertham's Seduction of the Innocent, the book that prompted the creation of the Comics Code Authority and contributed to the fall of the Golden Age. I haven't read the book from cover to cover, but what I did read of it has made me think quite a bit.
It may surprise some to learn that Wertham was a liberal, a progressive. He spoke at length in his book against racist portrayals of blacks and Asians in comics, and decried the overdeveloped physiques of comic book women as harmful to young girls' self-image. He was in the battle lines of the crusade against racial segregation in the 1950s. He truly cared about other people and wanted to make their lives better.
I feel for Wertham. He was doing what he thought was best. He really, truly, genuinely believed that reading comics made children turn delinquent and felt it vitally important to get that information out to parents -- even if he had to stretch the truth, make up connections, and employ sensationalism to do so.
Seduction of the Innocent is a terrible book with shoddy research and outrageous claims. The only reason it had any impact was because it came during the era of Joe McCarthy and his witch hunts, the single most paranoid and unenlightened point in American history, when people were so obsessed with "decency" that they'd stifle civil rights to ensure it. Yet its author, Doctor Wertham, had the best of intentions.
And you know what they say about good intentions.
It may surprise some to learn that Wertham was a liberal, a progressive. He spoke at length in his book against racist portrayals of blacks and Asians in comics, and decried the overdeveloped physiques of comic book women as harmful to young girls' self-image. He was in the battle lines of the crusade against racial segregation in the 1950s. He truly cared about other people and wanted to make their lives better.
I feel for Wertham. He was doing what he thought was best. He really, truly, genuinely believed that reading comics made children turn delinquent and felt it vitally important to get that information out to parents -- even if he had to stretch the truth, make up connections, and employ sensationalism to do so.
Seduction of the Innocent is a terrible book with shoddy research and outrageous claims. The only reason it had any impact was because it came during the era of Joe McCarthy and his witch hunts, the single most paranoid and unenlightened point in American history, when people were so obsessed with "decency" that they'd stifle civil rights to ensure it. Yet its author, Doctor Wertham, had the best of intentions.
And you know what they say about good intentions.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
On the Multiverse
I really don't know why all the aging fanboys are bitching about the return of the DC Multiverse in 52 #52. The problem with the original multiverse was that A) there was no clear point at which Earth-2 history ended and Earth-1 history began, thus breeding confusion on which Superman or Batman was which, etc., and B) they needed to come up with a convoluted explanation for how any given JSA'er was teaming up with Captain Marvel or the Freedom Fighters or whatever.
While I can see B) being a problem sometime down the line (expect a Crisis in 40 years to explain why Black Lightning III and Grunge are partying with the Justice Organisation of Canada on Earth-33), A) is already taken care of. The DCU's timeline hasn't been altered whatsoever here, and despite the superficial similarities to pre-Crisis worlds, the new Earths are all completely new.
And besides, the concept of alternate universes is a staple of the super-hero genre, and for 21 years, DC has had no structure in place to support that. The Multiverse is a vital part of what makes DC DC.
Welcome home, indeed.
While I can see B) being a problem sometime down the line (expect a Crisis in 40 years to explain why Black Lightning III and Grunge are partying with the Justice Organisation of Canada on Earth-33), A) is already taken care of. The DCU's timeline hasn't been altered whatsoever here, and despite the superficial similarities to pre-Crisis worlds, the new Earths are all completely new.
And besides, the concept of alternate universes is a staple of the super-hero genre, and for 21 years, DC has had no structure in place to support that. The Multiverse is a vital part of what makes DC DC.
Welcome home, indeed.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
52 #52
I was moved to tears.
This is the most satisfying damn comic I have read in ages.
I keep hearing people complaining about all the crossovers at DC Comics, how it's just one after the other with no real ending, just one segueing into the next.
Well, this is the end. This resolves three years' worth of DC crossovers. 52, Infinite Crisis, DC Countdown -- all the way back to Identity Crisis. There are still a few plot points that might be picked up later on down the road, but this story, this three-year narrative, is over.
The end.
It was worth it.
This is the most satisfying damn comic I have read in ages.
I keep hearing people complaining about all the crossovers at DC Comics, how it's just one after the other with no real ending, just one segueing into the next.
Well, this is the end. This resolves three years' worth of DC crossovers. 52, Infinite Crisis, DC Countdown -- all the way back to Identity Crisis. There are still a few plot points that might be picked up later on down the road, but this story, this three-year narrative, is over.
The end.
It was worth it.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Farewell, O Great Wyrm...
After 31 years and 359 issues, Dragon Magazine is going out of business. The last issue will be in September.
...
Damn.
:(
...
Damn.
:(
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Filby's First Meme
I swear I'll get back to posting actual content again eventually.
But in the meantime...
But in the meantime...
Friday, April 06, 2007
Sunday, April 01, 2007
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