A Change of Pace on Battlestar

Episode 5 of season 3 had less action than the previous episodes, was slower but was just as intense.

The story revolved around the reactions of the rescued humans to those humans who collaborated with the cylons back on New Caprica. They want vengeance!

I enjoyed the episode. Maybe not as much as the previous 2 parter but it was gripping none the less. I like the fact that BSG does take time out to deal with the consequences of what when on before in a realistic and believable way. It helps us, the viewer, take stock of what's happened and the mood of the characters.

All in all still good stuff.

As an aside I'm pleased to learn that LOST is back on SKY One in Feb and Heroes starts on the sci-fi channel. More for me to watch!

The Vengeance Gambit

Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-man # 44


(writer Marv Wolfman, art Steve Leialona & Al Gordon)

For me the cover to this issue is the best thing about it.


I read this issue and issue #45 just before we left to go on holiday last week and they weren't particularly good.

The story features the New York crime lords all of which are trying to fill the role vacated by the Kingpin in Amazing #197. The Vulture (revealed as the villain at the end of the issue) assumes the role and asks the other ganglords to prove their worth by doing tasks for him. It's an OK premise but gangland stories were never my favourite Spidey stories (much better in Daredevil). The main thing that spoilt this is the poor art job - it just looks too rushed.

Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-man #45

(writer Roger Stern, art Marie Severin)

The conclusion to the story is written by Roger Stern and mainly features a long battle between Spidey and the Vulture. The art lets this issue down even more that the previous. It's just too cartoony (if you get my drift).

Not one to recommend. Rating 3/10

Battlestar Galactica - Exodus

Another terrific episode of BSG - the conclusion to the two-parter "Exodus".

So much happens in this episode and it happens so fast that some times it's difficult to keep up. I used the rewind button a couple of times to review what had just gone on.

The story revolves round the rescue by BSG of the humans on New Caprica - a daring and risky mission which results in a couple of major turning points. The series continues with a number of interesting developments and I've no idea what's next in store (and I'm not going to check the official web-site to find out!).

Back On-Line

Returned from skiing trip yesterday unscathed. The poor snow conditions in resort meant that I only managed to get a couple of days skiing in but I didn't mind as skiing is really Kathy's thing not mine so I was happy for her to have more time on the slopes.


Had a good time anyways and Luke had good fun as well. Hopefully, next time L will be in ski school so that will give K and I more time to practice.

I'm about halfway through my new Star Wars novel which I took with me and I'm really enjoying. I'll review as soon as I've finished. In the meantime, I've still to post a review of a couple more Spidey comics and last weeks Battlestar Galactica which I'll do in the next couple of days.

Ski Ski Ski

No more blogs for a week or so now as the family is off to Soll in Austria for a weeks skiing.

I plan to take my new Star Wars novel "Dark Lord - The Rise of Darth Vader" as holiday reading. Review when I get back all being well.

The Madness of J.Jonah Jameson

Amazing Spider-man # 206

(writer Roger Stern; Art John Byrne and Gene Day)

This issue sees the conclusion to the JJJ sub-plot that had been running in Amazing over the last few months. On a visit to the Bugle, Pete works out that something is wrong as he and everybody else it seems is losing their temper. He traces the cause to a water tower opposite JJJ's window where he finds a transmitter operated by Jonas Harrow (the villain responsible for Hammerhead amongst others). He destroys the transmitter and eventually frees Jameson and defeats Harrow.

This is a good solid issue and a satisfying end to a long running story. Byrne's art is good and I assume that Marv Wolfman had a hand in the plot although the full credit goes to Stern. Something must have gone on in the Spider-man office around this time with Wolfman leaving and Micheline and Stern scripting single issues before Denny O'Neil takes over. What's more peculiar is that Marv Wolfman scripts this months PPSM rather than Stern. Strange goings on indeed.

Rating for this issue 7.5/10

Battlestar Galactica Continues to Excell

Watched the latest episode of Battlestar Galactica season 3 last night. Another excellent episode.

I'm amazed at the consistent high quality of this series. I'm also enjoying the continuing nature of the stories - single story episodes seem to be the thing of the past.

It's difficult to review this latest episode without giving too much of the plot away but No.3 has dreams of Sharon's baby which potentially jeopardise the Galactica's rescue mission of the humans on the cylon occupied New Caprica. Roslin and Adama's scheme to hide the baby from Sharon is going to backfire at some point I just know it - although, with BSG, I could never guess how.

The best thing on TV at the moment.

April's Gonna Be Expensive!

Marvel solicitations for April 07 have been posted on CBR. Boy there's a lot of new stuff I want!

Thought I'd post what I've made a note to look out for. These will be in addition to my regular titles (more on those when I eventually buy some new comics!)


CIVIL WAR: THE CONFESSION
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS Pencils and Cover by ALEX MALEEV

CIVIL WAR: FALLEN SON – WOLVERINE (NOTE: NOT ACTUAL TITLE)
Written by JEPH LOEB Pencils and Cover by LEINIL YU
How will Wolverine react to the death of one the most beloved characters in the Marvel Universe? He ain't buyin' in! Join Logan as he tries to track down the truth and he's not going to be happy when he does! The secret story that will transverse the post Civil War landscape – and stars Marvel’s most popular characters – begins here! How do people with amazing powers face a force that no one can fight? Who has fallen, and is more violence coming? With Wolverine on the scene, is there any question? Be there as superstar Jeph Loeb teams with the industry’s top artists on a story that will have everyone talking! Loeb! Leinil! Logan! 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

CIVIL WAR: FALLEN SON – NEW AVENGERS (NOTE: NOT ACTUAL TITLE)
Written by JEPH LOEB Pencils and Cover by ED MCGUINNESS Variant Cover by MICHAEL TURNER The devastating end of Civil War has two decidedly different reactions from the Mighty Avengers and the New Avengers! If you thought heroes were divided during the War, just wait until the aftermath! That’s right, it’s both teams in one book, and we got the superstar team from Superman/Batman – Jeph Loeb & Ed McGuinness – to take on Earth’s Mightiest Heroes…and the Avengers Assemble like never before! 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE #1 (of 6)
Written by DAN SLOTT Penciled by STEFANO CASELLI 50/50 Covers by JIM CHEUNG CLASSIFIED INFORMATION! 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

RUNAWAYS #25
Written by JOSS WHEDON Penciled by MICHAEL RYAN Cover by JO CHEN The kids start running in a different direction. Superstar JOSS WHEDON (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, ASTONISHING X-MEN) and rising star MICHAEL RYAN (NEW EXCALIBUR, NEW X-MEN) take the Runaways to the Big Apple. While there, they make surprising allies and even more surprising enemies. This is the cannot-miss book of 2007! 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

DAREDEVIL: THE DEVIL, INSIDE AND OUT VOL. 2 TPB
Written by ED BRUBAKER Penciled by MICHAEL LARK & DAVID AJA Cover by LEE BERMEJO Daredevil’s search for the truth leads him out of the country, on a swashbuckling noir adventure that hasn’t been seen in the pages of DD for years! But is this the other DD, or the original? Only time will tell, as the hit new DD creative team of Brubaker and Lark dive straight into their second story. Plus: a special episode focusing on Daredevil’s recently deceased best friend, Foggy Nelson. Did we really know all there is to know about Foggy? What remains hidden in the life of this man, that could still affect Matt Murdock’s fate to this day? Collecting DAREDEVIL #88-93. 144 PGS./Rated T+ …$14.99 ISBN: 0-7851-2241-9

The State Within

Really enjoyed this 6 part political drama shown on BBC ONE which I've just finished.

Jason Isaacs was very good as the lead. The pace was frenetic throughout and you had to keep concentration to keep up with the complicated plot. Well worth it though.

Thoroughly recommended.

More details on the official site.

Her Name Is Belladonna

Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-man # 43

(writer Roger Stern, Art Mike Zeck)

Still re-reading my Spidey comics at the moment as I don't plan to buy any new ones until I come back from skiing which will probably mean the beginning of Feb.

The latest was PPSM 43 which not only featured the first appearance of Belladonna but also Roderick Kingsley who eventually goes on to become the Hobgoblin.

This issue was the first in Roger Stern's brief run on the title before he gets "promoted" onto Amazing. As I've said on previous posts, I liked Bill Mantlo's work, but I am a big fan of Roger Stern.

Behind a good cover from John Byrne this is a reasonable issue which certainly has a different flavour as costumed crime hits the fashion industry. Stern continues with the characters that Mantlo introduced and the relationship with Deb Whitman takes a new turn - which is nice to see.

Kingsley is an unpopular fashion designer who steals others designs. Not the typical background for a potential super-villain (and one of my faves).

Overall a slightly above average issue; rating 7/10

A Fantastic Four Cross-over

Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-man #42
(writer Bill Mantlo, art Mike Zeck)

Fantastic Four #218
(writer Bill Mantlo, art John Byrne with Joe Sinnott)


This was a nice simple two-part cross-over. The Frightful Four set a trap for Spidey with Electro posing as the Torch to capture him. Then in FF #218, the Trapster, posing as Spidey, breaks into the Baxter Building, disables the security systems to let the rest of the Frightful Four in. Things look bad, but Mr Fantastic avoids capture, Spidey breaks free and it's curtains for the evil FF.

There was lots to like about these issues. I liked Electro joining the FF and the way his powers were used. The banter between the evil FF members. Pete leaving Deb Whiteman stranded, the capture of three members of the FF before Mr Fantastic manages to avoid the plan for him....I could go on.

Good story by Mantlo and clearly the fact that he was able to write both parts helped as well. Mike Zeck did a fine job in PPSM and the (then) regular team of Byrne and Sinnott was excellent on the art.

I remember really enjoying this issue back in 1980 so it also scores highly in nostalgia value.

Overall 8.5/10.

The Black Cat

Amazing Spider-man # 204 (writer Marv Wolfman; Art Keith Pollard)

Amazing Spider-man # 205 (writer David Micheline; Art Keith Pollard)

This is a very good two-part story by Marv Wolfman (who I guess did the plot for issue 205 although uncredited). I regard the The Black Cat as Marv's main contribution to the Spidey cast and this story further establishes the connection between the two characters which becomes something more in later issues of Spectacular.


The plot follows the Cat's quest to steal valuable romantic works of art and Spidey's efforts to stop her. There's also a nice sub-plot regarding one of Pete's students and the JJJ sub-plot is progressed towards it's conclusion. Nice art again by Pollard - I think that both Pablo Marcos and Jim Mooney were inking him well at this point.


Also #204 has a John Romita Jr cover - his first Spidey work?? Pretty good anyways.


I enjoyed this story back in 1980 when I first read it and even re-reading yesterday still regard it as a good read. Rating 8/10.

Guest Star Month in Spidey

Amazing Spider-man # 203 (April 1980)

(writer Marv Wolfman; Art Keith Pollard)

Guest Star: The Dazzler

Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-man #41 (April 1980)

(writer Tom DeFalco; Art Jim Mooney)

Guest Star: Giant-Man

April 1980 was obviously guest-star month in the Spidey titles an either of these issues would have felt at home in Marvel team-Up.

Amazing Spidey #203 was actually only the 2nd appearance of The Dazzler (following Uncanny X-Men 130) and Marvel were clearly introducing her to a wide audience in preparation for her own title. This wasn't a bad issue - but it wasn't great either - as the story was over very quickly. I thought the connection between the Dazzler and the villain Lightmaster was nice and I also enjoyed the pop-culture reference with Pete and the gang going to see the first Star Trek Movie. Goodness that was a long time ago!

Overall another 6/10 issue.

PPSM # 41 was definitely more of a filler issue. Although I enjoyed Tom DeFalco's run on Amazing (ASM 251 - 280 ish) this issue seemed rushed on all accounts. There were probably a number of reasons for this, but in the end it's the reader who suffers.

This should have been a Team-Up issue with no sub-plot development or any of the regular supporting cast making an appearance. I also don't don't like the cover much. Rating 4/10.

A win's a win

Crewe 2-0 Bournemouth

Been up to Crewe today to watch the Alex. After Wednesday's great win I was hoping that we could continue the good results against a struggling Bournemouth team. Well, we did get a win but it wasn't a great match. Never mind - we needed that victory.

The BBC report is fairly accurate - we never looked like losing after Varney's excellent opener and it was nice to claim 3 points. Our first home win since the beginning of November 06 which is difficult to believe.

Recent music: I've been playing around with Windows Media Player and have ripped quite a few of my albums onto the hard disc. I've then tried out making some compilations and I've done Byan Adams and The Corrs. It's much easier to do that guessing how much space is left on Roxio.

More Spidey - side-by-side with the Punisher

Amazing Spider-man # 201 and 202
(writer Marv Wolfman; art Keith Pollard & Jim Mooney)


The Punisher guest stars in this two part story where Spidey helps the Punisher on a mission of vengeance. Now that makes a change. At least Spidey's motive is to try and make sure that the Punisher doesn't kill anyone!


Pete's working at the Globe at this time and his co-reporter (April) also manages to get mixed up in all the unpleasant business. And, as usual, Pete manages to annoy everyone by disappearing at in opportune times. One nice bit of this story is that the Punisher sees one of Pete's pics in the paper and realises that he must have a link to Spider-man as nobody else was in the room to take the photo. At first Pete thinks that the Punisher has guessed his secret - but he manages the fob him off by saying that he and Spidey have an arrangement.


Although the premise and idea behind this story is fair enough - the resolution wasn't particularly exciting which detracts from the story somewhat. The sub plots regarding Barney Buskin at the Globe at what's going on with Jonah are interesting though.


Finally, it's worth mentioning Keith Pollard's art. Either I'm getting used to it or he's finally getting into the swing of drawing these characters but, anyways, I enjoyed the art for these issues. Pollard is drawing a particularly good Spider-man.


Overall, only 6/10 - due to lack of excitement and poor ending.

No Go Hobbit for Jackson :-(

The Lord of the Rings has over taken Star Wars as my favourite film trilogy.

I ,much like everyone else, was therefore excited about the possibility of Peter Jackson continuing his work on Middle-Earth and filming "The Hobbit."

Well it looks like that's not going to happen according to this BBC report.

A rich man and a rich corporation can't agree about money. And the rest of us suffer it seems.

If New Line do make "The Hobbit" before their license expires it will take a brave man to direct it.

The Fantastic Four

I've finally got round to watching this movie - which I've had recorded since Oct 06.

This was due in part to the fact that the reviews hadn't been overwhelming and I'd been busy with other things. However, being a long time FF fan - I did feel obliged to give it a try.

Anyway, a friend of mine (Hi Dave!) has just watched it recently and said it was quite good. I then promised to watch it as well and, now I have, I must agree with him.

For what is supposedly a family orientated super-hero film I was actually surprised that it focused more on characters rather than action. The characters were pretty true to the comics esp. Ben and Johnny and their banter was particularly enjoyable. The origin, although changed from the comic, fitted the story well but I would have liked to see more action. The FF have some interesting powers which I'm sure the film makers could have done more with.

Perhaps that is what the sequel promises - let's hope so.

Battlestar Galactica Is Back!!

The other excellent news this week is that last night Battlestar Galactica (BSG) was back on Sky One. Season 3 started with a double episode and it was stonking - picking right-up from the, quite frankly, astonishing and surprising season 2 finalie.

Season 1 was very good. With a real shock of an ending.

Season 2 just got better and better. Then, just before the end of the season, they totally turned things upside down by moving the story forward one year and having the humans surrender to the cylons.

Now in season 3 we've moved on another 4 months with the human resistance causing more and more problems for the cylons thus causing the cylons to strikeback - brutally. I really enjoyed these opening two episodes as all the characters were there - but all the situations had changed. Patricularly liked what has happened to Apollo :-) - and was shocked about what happened to Cally. This is just such a cool series and if it continues to be this consistantly good it will overtake B5 as the definitive sci-fi series.

Looking forward to next Tuesday's episide already - esp with that cliffhanger!

Come On You Reds!

There's not been much to cheer about over the last few weeks for us Crewe Alex supporters - so I've doubly pleased tonight.

Not only did we win our first game in eight - but it was a semi-final! The score: Chesterfield 2-4 Crewe.(BBC Report)

The Alex now go onto meet Doncaster in the 2 legged Northern Final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

I'm a happy man for a change. Lets hope we continue the winning form on Saturday.

Civil War - the end is nigh!

Just seen this latest news item on CBR concerning the release dates for the last few comics in Marvel's "Civil War".

I thought I'd take the time to mark which comics I intend to get. Not that many!

FANTASTIC FOUR 542 17-Jan-07 - YES
CIVIL WAR: THE RETURN 24-Jan-07
MOON KNIGHT 7 24-Jan-07
PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL 3 24-Jan-07
BLACK PANTHER 24 31-Jan-07
CIVIL WAR: BLACK PANTHER WAR CRIMES (21-23) 07-Feb-07
CIVIL WAR: CASUALTIES OF WAR One-Shots (IRON MAN/CAPTAIN AMERICA, WAR CRIMES, WINTER SOLDIER) 14-Feb-07
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 538 21-Feb-07 -YES
CIVIL WAR 7 21-Feb-07 - YES
CIVIL WAR POSTER BOOK 21-Feb-07
FANTASTIC FOUR 543 21-Feb-07 - YES
MOON KNIGHT 8 21-Feb-07
BLACK PANTHER 25 28-Feb-07
CIVIL WAR: FRONT LINE 11 28-Feb-07
CIVIL WAR: THE INITIATIVE 28-Feb-07
CAPTAIN AMERICA 25 07-Mar-07
CIVIL WAR: BATTLE DAMAGE REPORT 07-Mar-07
MARVEL SPOTLIGHT: CIVIL WAR AFTERMATH 07-Mar-07
CIVIL WAR: THE CONFESSION 14-Mar-07 - YES
MOON KNIGHT 9 21-Mar-07


The interesting bit concerns:

CIVIL WAR: THE CONFESSION
Written by BRAIN MICHAEL BENDIS Pencils & Cover by ALEX MALEEV
From the Eisner Award winning team that brought you the start of CIVIL WAR with the NEW AVENGERS ILLUMINATI SPECIAL comes this heart-wrenching finale that cannot be missed. Two of the Marvel heroes most affected by the shocking conclusion of the war get together one last time. What is said between them will set the course of the Marvel Universe for years to come. This is the confession. Alex Maleev unveils another new fantastic art style especially for this very emotional and shocking issue.Rated T+ ...$2.99FOC 2/22/07, On-Sale 3/7/07

Sounds good and Bendis and Maleev rarely disappoint.

The Very Long Night of Londo Mollarri

Made time tonight to watch this episode 2 of Season 5 of Babylon 5 - My favourite sci-fi show (although the new Battlestar Galactica is proving to be just as good).

The episodes which concentrate on Londo and G'Kar are always among the best and J. Michael Straczynski again uses events of previous episodes to propel the story forward. In this episode Londo has to confront his actions of the past in order to survive. A typical JMS resolution in that it's via dialogue and not conflict.

However, favourite bit of the show was when Vir and Lennier say goodbye. Great stuff.

Today's music: Whitesnake..."Live in the Shadow of the Blues", Survivor - "Reach", Y & T "Best of". I plan to do some reviews of my more recent acquisitions such as 'snake soon. I've also just got some old albums on CD: Baby Animals, Vinnie Vincent "All Systems Go" and Tesla "The Great Radio Controversy". More on all these soon.

The Killer Bees of...Swarm

Peter Parker The Spectacular Spider-man #36

(Nov 1979)



(writer: Bill Mantlo/ art: Mooney and Esposito)

I've been continuing my re-reading of all my Spidey comics in chronological order (or as close as you can get it in comics time) which means that after reading Amazing #200 I've switched to Peter Parker. This was second of the three Spidey mags being published at that time - the other being Marvel Team-Up. As the latter was generally "Spidey meets other hero and bashes a villian" I'm not re-reading those as they generally did not affect continuity. (Although I did read the first 20+ issues in Essential Marvel Team-Up as I'd not previously read those)

This issue of PPSM and the issue 37 form a two-part story featuring Pete at college as he's just starting his teaching assistant job at Empire State University. Although writer Bill Mantlo has never been regarded as one of Marvel's best in the 70's or 80's - I've always liked him. I found his stories clear, logical, easy to follow and he kept the sub-plots moving along nicely from issue to issue. He was probably not as flashy or as adventuress as his contemporaries which may explain his lack of stardom.

Anyway this issue features a typical corny villain - Swarm - whose body is made up of killer bees. They don't like Spiders!
This issue was also my first introduction to Debra Wrightman back in 1979. She's recently returned in Friendly Neighbourhood Spider-man.



Peter Parker The Spectacular Spider-man #37
(writer: Bill Mantlo/ art: Mooney & Marcos)

In issue #38, Spidey has to enter the hive to stop Swarm and the Queen Bee from producing millions of killer bees which would take over New York. Mantlo produces a nice tidy resolution and Jim Mooney (usually known for his inking) does a resonable job on the art.

Overall a good, solid two parter. 7.5/10.

Amazing Spider-man #200

Amazing #200 (w/ Wolfman; art Pollard & Mooney)

Nice cover on the double-sized anniversary issue by John Romita.

An interesting premise that Pete has lost his spider-man powers and has to face Uncle Ben's killer from Amazing Fantasy #15. I thought that it was a bit of a patchy issue in terms of script and art - but that's not unusual for double-sized issues. Wolfman tries hard to link the events from the origin story to the final confrontation between Pete and the Burglar and the final resolution seemed fairly logical and plausible.

I'd give this issue 6/10.

Currently watching "The State Within" which was on BBC One on the lead up to Christmas. I've watched 2 episodes out of 6 and will comment on it when I've seen them all.

Today's music : "Greatest Hits" by Boston whilst at the gym

What I'm.... reading

Amazing Spider-man # 198 and 199

(w/ Marv Wolfman; art Sal Buscema and Jim Mooney)



I wanted to start my blog with something special and Amazing Spider-man #198 is special to me. It was the first US edition of Spidey's flagship title that I ever bought. Before that it had always been British black and white reprints. Although I'd read Spidey in colour in "Marvel Team-Up", which was distributed in the UK, Amazing was more important as things actually happened in it.

I am currently re-reading my Spidey collection (which fortunately for me is mostly originals - only the first 10 or so are reprints- I've been busy in the back issue market since 1979) and I'm now up to November 1979 which is the cover date for #198.

The actual issue itself is the first part of a two-parter in which Mysterio has told Peter Parker that Aunt May has died in order to get the opportunity to try and find some lost treasure which he thinks is hidden in the Parker home. I've got to admit I still love the story and re-reading it again brings back the excitement of getting those first comics. Best bits - Spidey fighting old Globe-dome with his arm in a sling and Mysterio's creative use of his illusions to keep Spidey second guessing what's real and what's not. Great cliffhanger at the end of 199 as well to lead into the double sized issue 200.

Introduction

Yo and welcome!

"What I'm...." is my first blog and is a result of a new year resolution to start using the net for more than just browsing. So at least it didn't take me too long to fulfill that resolution.

The aim of this blog is to keep a record of what I've been watching, reading, playing etc and to do short and brief reviews. I was inspired by The Buy Pile by Hannibal Tabu, a review column on Comic Book Resources http://www.comicbookresources.com/columns/. Although I don't agree with half of Hannibal's reviews, they are well written and brief enough to absorb quickly. I aim to do the same.

What I'll mainly be covering is the comics, books, TV shows and music that I'm reading, watching or listening to. Fortunately for me, in terms of covering everything, there won't be loads of new stuff every day as having a full time job and a two year old tends to limit my free time.

Anyway, on with the reviews...