Batman Business

[Batbrick]

I can only get Region 2 or Universal DVDs though. Universal codes are relatively rare, and it not being on R2 is the problem.

Yeah, I don't know a whole lot about players but isn't there a kind that plays all regions? I could've sworn there was.

Funnily enough, the destroyed Empire State Building crops up in a stock photo (from the 60s) of NY in the first episode of Captain Scarlet despite CS being set later in the same universe. I suppose they could have rebuilt it though...

Anyway, I liked that episode too. Actually, that said, you know where Virgil has that bandage round his head? For some reason it scared the hell out of me as a kid, and I look at the picture now and it still scares me.

I was explaining to my sister the other day how the palm trees are alive despite being able to swing back. Turns out they're in pivoting grow-tanks.

Really? That's quite cool, I need to watch more Captain Scarlet, I only ever saw tiny bits before. Enough ot know it was awesome though.

No, I didn't notice the bandage thing, why is it scary?

Anyway, I watched two eps recently: End of the Road and Vault of Death. The former was quite good, I love all the machines in this one and the rain and lightning is quite good. I also like that the whole thing was done from the air. Funnily enough the disc labels it correctly but the box lists it as End of the World. Now I'm al for melodrama but that's a little over the top

Vault of Death is one of my childhood favourites. Love the humour here, from Parker lying about all his safecracks to Penelope driving to anything involving Light Fingered Freddy, this is a classic in my eyes. Doesn't hurt that we get to see Parker's real personality when bagging out the kitchen lady.

Nitro-glycerine shells apparantly, to starve the fire of oxygen. Not a good idea on an oil fire though...

No it really isn't

Stalk victim?

?

Funny thing is though, you find yourself reading the script and, no matter how strange or tenuous the link, going "Yeah... yeah, I can see that..."

It's a good read though, if only for the creepy art and that great word-association scene with Batman. I could do with reading it again, in fact, the last time I read it was a good while ago.

I can see it, but it makes no sense! Some of it works great, but other bits is just Grant Morrison confusing the convoluted with good storytelling. Not that it isn't a great story, but I think the writer likes it better than anyone else. As you say, the word association scene was very cool. i'd say read it again, if only for the art, which is for the most part fantastic. It really gives that claustrophobic feeling that this is a horrible place, makes me feel uncomfortable.

But I guess no-one ever looks like you expect them to. And you've not even seen my face yet!

I'm afraid to.

I didn't even bother with a suit. I went in a shirt and tie, but said no to a jacket. Incidentally, I think the tie only cost me £2.50!

Are you kidding? The entire point of a leaver's dinner is as an excuse to buy a good suit! No!

All my friends are just doing the same too, though I think I'm the only one that decided on a pinstripe style, the others all went with tuxedo styling.

Funnily enough I also joked to another group of friends in my tutor group that I was thinking of wearing a Two-Face styled split suit, and for some reason they all really wnated me to do it!

Oh yeah, J'onn as well, forgot about him. Not sure how.

Id Grant Morrison writing Final Crisis? If so, this gives me another outlet to hate him with. Have you read the most recent issue of RIP yet?

See, there are some things in comics that shouldn't under any circumstances be messed with: Lois and Clark, Batman is Bruce Wayne, Peter and MJ, Reed and Sue, Ma and Pa Kent. There are more, but they're the main ones.

Just... leave them alone.

Exactly, though I think making Spidey forget MJ is the worse one. Seriously, is that the best they could come up with!?!?

How did Pa Kent die? I know he did, I just don't know how.

Hey, it's better than running in fear.

Good point.

EDIT: Sent the #8 and #9 drafts.

Nice, I'll be sure to edit them sometime. I'm a little busy so it may take a while, probably not as long as before though.

Oh, and it turns out I didn't shoot my mouth off! Though it comes as a bit more pricey now. Mum couldn't order Black and White from the bookshop as they told us it was unavailable . So we ordered it on Ebay instead, where I convinced her to let me order Death in the City, and I'll pay. Yay!

Also, in town I found Nightwing: Year One for only 16.50 half price. Naturally I bought it and loved it. Chick Dixon rarely disappoints, and I love the art. You'd love it too, plenty of great Babs moments and a whole heap of good humour, especially from Supes. It really was a much needed change from Darkx10 Batman.

So that puts my Christmas list at: Monster Men, Mad Monk, Black and White vol 1, Strange Apparitions, Gotham Central: Dead Robin, Face the Face and Detective. That's seven, I'm pretty darn happy with that, I'll have plenty to talk about come Christmas. Now all I have to do is wait

Batbrick Away!

[Brainbox]

Yeah, I don't know a whole lot about players but isn't there a kind that plays all regions? I could've sworn there was.

There is. But I haven't got one. Surely you know me well enough by now to know that I never have any money.

Really? That's quite cool, I need to watch more Captain Scarlet, I only ever saw tiny bits before. Enough ot know it was awesome though.

Oh, it's a great series. It feels so different to TB, and I think really that's a good thing. It's almost worth watching just for Colonel White being grumpy whenever his officers are having even the slightest bit of fun.

But as with TB, the vehicles are great (easily my favourite part), the characters are good and the stories are enjoyable. Here's something: Captain Grey used to work for the World Aquanaut Security Patrol (from Stingray) and Lady Penelope trained Rhapsody Angel as a spy.

No, I didn't notice the bandage thing, why is it scary?

I don't know. Surely you have vivid memories from you childhood of things that scare you for no real reason?

Anyway, I watched two eps recently: End of the Road and Vault of Death. The former was quite good, I love all the machines in this one and the rain and lightning is quite good. I also like that the whole thing was done from the air. Funnily enough the disc labels it correctly but the box lists it as End of the World. Now I'm al for melodrama but that's a little over the top

I rather liked End of the Road as well, it was a bit different. The effects were great though. See, that's the problem with being production crew... I watch things from a production crew perspective.

Hmm... you know how they're all for preserving their secrecy and everything? Well... why do they go about rescue zones calling each other by their full names?

Vault of Death is one of my childhood favourites. Love the humour here, from Parker lying about all his safecracks to Penelope driving to anything involving Light Fingered Freddy, this is a classic in my eyes. Doesn't hurt that we get to see Parker's real personality when bagging out the kitchen lady.

Plus it features the only appearance of a human face in the series, when Penelope looks through the keyhole. Interestingly, I think it's the only time Grandma has done something that isn't cooking, baking, packing, fussing or (in one case) getting rescued.

?

It was a joke.

After reading JLA: Ultramarine Corps (art by the wonderful Ed McGuiness) I've discovered I, um, rather like the new Squire as well...

i'd say read it again, if only for the art, which is for the most part fantastic. It really gives that claustrophobic feeling that this is a horrible place, makes me feel uncomfortable.

I'll look out for it in the library, see if I can't find it. Actually, I got quite a good haul at the library the other day. I managed to find JLA:UC, Batman: Jekyll and Hyde, Superman/Batman: Torment and The Batman Chronicles Vol.3-5. Looking forward to reading some classic 40s Batman, with Bruce smoking a pipe and unecessary panel descriptions everywhere (that said, Stan Lee was still doing that in the 60s). Torment looks quite good, Batman gets a bit of romance again, this time in the form of Orion's wife Bekka.

Are you kidding? The entire point of a leaver's dinner is as an excuse to buy a good suit! No!

All my friends are just doing the same too, though I think I'm the only one that decided on a pinstripe style, the others all went with tuxedo styling.

Yeah, I guess. Ours wasn't really a dinner per se, so I got away with it.

Funnily enough I also joked to another group of friends in my tutor group that I was thinking of wearing a Two-Face styled split suit, and for some reason they all really wnated me to do it!

Oh, you should. Trust me, it's better than what I get to wear in a few weeks. No spoilers, you have to wait until then.

Id Grant Morrison writing Final Crisis? If so, this gives me another outlet to hate him with. Have you read the most recent issue of RIP yet?

He is. And no, I've read the first part but no further. I'm waiting on the next issue of my CE (due soon I think), and part 2 is in there. The last issue had Joker's Asylum: Scarecrow in. I rather liked it actually, see if you can check it out.

How did Pa Kent die? I know he did, I just don't know how.

Supes defeated Brainiac's latest plan, and in anger Brainiac attacked Smallville and the Kent farm. Pa Kent had a fatal heart attack (a constant through the other media).

Nice, I'll be sure to edit them sometime. I'm a little busy so it may take a while, probably not as long as before though.

Sure, whenever. It'll give me a chance to catch up with the final releases of #6 and #7.

So that puts my Christmas list at: Monster Men, Mad Monk, Black and White vol 1, Strange Apparitions, Gotham Central: Dead Robin, Face the Face and Detective. That's seven, I'm pretty darn happy with that, I'll have plenty to talk about come Christmas. Now all I have to do is wait

You should be. I've been told no list this year, which means I won't get any comics, Lego, Transformers, etc.

[Batbrick]

There is. But I haven't got one. Surely you know me well enough by now to know that I never have any money.

Oh, that sucks. You could always get one another day when this one fizzles though. BTAS 4 arrived the other day too, the style change is not as good, especially in the Joker's case, but its worth it all for Mad Love ad other eps. Speaking of which, watched any more eps?

Oh, it's a great series. It feels so different to TB, and I think really that's a good thing. It's almost worth watching just for Colonel White being grumpy whenever his officers are having even the slightest bit of fun.

But as with TB, the vehicles are great (easily my favourite part), the characters are good and the stories are enjoyable. Here's something: Captain Grey used to work for the World Aquanaut Security Patrol (from Stingray) and Lady Penelope trained Rhapsody Angel as a spy.

They have cool vehicles? I'm sold. As with Transformers and Thunderbirds, the selling point ofr kids and us geeks is the "toyline" value. The more likely an awesome vehicle/s that is no doubt just made to sell figurines is in the show, the higher chance we'll watch it

I don't know. Surely you have vivid memories from you childhood of things that scare you for no real reason?

Funnily enough I got jeepers from my own reflection. And I wasn't even ugly! Seriously, I kept imagining tihs evil me would jump out of the mirror while I was looking at it. Mostly I can just get myself scared though by imagining creepy situations.

I rather liked End of the Road as well, it was a bit different. The effects were great though. See, that's the problem with being production crew... I watch things from a production crew perspective.

Hmm... you know how they're all for preserving their secrecy and everything? Well... why do they go about rescue zones calling each other by their full names?

No, I watch things from that perspective too, I love recognising the factors that make it better. I did find it odd that the military and several people do know Jeff Tracy's name too. Oh well, I guess the top men help fund or clear up confusion for them.

Plus it features the only appearance of a human face in the series, when Penelope looks through the keyhole. Interestingly, I think it's the only time Grandma has done something that isn't cooking, baking, packing, fussing or (in one case) getting rescued.

Yes, I noticed that. The human hands use is actually quite streamlined too. But not to poke a hole in your theory, but wasn't Grandma just cooking then?

Anyway, watched another childhood favourite: The Man from MI5. I love the spy feeling of this one. How dark was the five shot kill at the start though? Penelope is awesomely calm here too, and Parker is hilarious trying to thieve again. Plus we get more TB4 action. Must say though, the end is a little anticlimactic, but still a very enjoyable episode nonetheless.

It was a joke.

I'm getting really clueless at this.

After reading JLA: Ultramarine Corps (art by the wonderful Ed McGuiness) I've discovered I, um, rather like the new Squire as well...

Back off, she's mine!

I'll look out for it in the library, see if I can't find it. Actually, I got quite a good haul at the library the other day. I managed to find JLA:UC, Batman: Jekyll and Hyde, Superman/Batman: Torment and The Batman Chronicles Vol.3-5. Looking forward to reading some classic 40s Batman, with Bruce smoking a pipe and unecessary panel descriptions everywhere (that said, Stan Lee was still doing that in the 60s). Torment looks quite good, Batman gets a bit of romance again, this time in the form of Orion's wife Bekka.

Jekyll and Hyde is quite good, the art is simply beautiful. What do oyu think of the Murray part? I actually liked it as a noncanon interpretation.

I really want to read those Batman Chronicles, I love those early Golden Age stories. Or is it not Golden Age by the issues those have?

Torment I didn't get a whole lot fussed over, if its the one I'm thinking of. Is it the one with Dustin Nguyen art? If so, then you'll know why its worth checking out, Dustin is my new favourite artist

Oh, you should. Trust me, it's better than what I get to wear in a few weeks. No spoilers, you have to wait until then.

Yeah, I'm definitely buying a Two-Face suit and Riddler suit later in life.

Oh, and tell me tell me tell me tell me tell me tell me!

(Or better yet, post pics when it happens)

He is. And no, I've read the first part but no further. I'm waiting on the next issue of my CE (due soon I think), and part 2 is in there. The last issue had Joker's Asylum: Scarecrow in. I rather liked it actually, see if you can check it out.

Dammit. I hate him so much.

I'm already ahead of you on the Scarecrow story, I really liked it. It needs rereading because its a tad confusing though. How good was the art? It wouldn't work for a normal Batstory, but it was very good here I felt.

Supes defeated Brainiac's latest plan, and in anger Brainiac attacked Smallville and the Kent farm. Pa Kent had a fatal heart attack (a constant through the other media).

I preferred the days when Brainac was a more detached individual. Seriously, I highluy doubt the most intelligent being in the universe would go after petter revenge.

Sure, whenever. It'll give me a chance to catch up with the final releases of #6 and #7.

Done, I've sent them to you. Really like the way this is going, so thanks again for letting me help out. You may notice that since you're writing a lot better now I'm putting more emphasis on panel descriptions. Hope you like what I've said anyway.

You should be. I've been told no list this year, which means I won't get any comics, Lego, Transformers, etc.

Oh man, I feel for you. Getting money though?

Sadly, I had the worst drawback ever. Turns out in my hurry to buy a cheap Batman: Black and White copy off Ebay I neglected that it was actually just an issue!

So yeah, wasted a bit of money there. Luckily I'm going to Hobart tomorrow to watch my little brother breakdance (Me and him are such opposites) so I'll be able to visit Area 52 again! The store where I bought six comics last time! Yay!

Hopefully there'll be something there anyway. Oh, and please don't think I'm trying to brag, cause I'm honestly not trying to keep the conversation geared towards me. My apologies If I'm being annoying.

Anyway, I read the latest issues of Nightwing and Detective yesterday. Nightwing was pretty darn good bu Detective by Paul Dini was freaking amazing. I won't spoil it for you, but Hush is now an actually good villain (the shock!), we get to see the tumbler, animated Batmobile and 60's one too, Alfred kicks megablocks literally and the ending is the best tihng ever. Seriously, I think this might be my favourite issue ever. You read anything recently?

Batbrick Away!

[Brainbox]

Oh, that sucks. You could always get one another day when this one fizzles though. BTAS 4 arrived the other day too, the style change is not as good, especially in the Joker's case, but its worth it all for Mad Love ad other eps. Speaking of which, watched any more eps?

Yeah, I guess. But no, I've not actually. I've had a bit of a run on my Transformers series though, so BTAS has accidentally been on the backburner. But I did finally get the Batcycle/Hammer Hummer the other week though. Great set, I love Harley. I got my Castle Advent Calendar as well, plus a couple of other bits and pieces. Then yesterday I went Christmas shopping and sort of... bought Mission 4 and Mission 7. The sub looks really cool, even if it is really quite big. Slime Face is a great fig, and both the GITD octopus and the new sharks are wonderful. Hmm... MODs here we come.

They have cool vehicles? I'm sold. As with Transformers and Thunderbirds, the selling point ofr kids and us geeks is the "toyline" value. The more likely an awesome vehicle/s that is no doubt just made to sell figurines is in the show, the higher chance we'll watch it

Try the SPV for size (with its no-reason-at-all backwards driving) and work out from there...

Funnily enough I got jeepers from my own reflection. And I wasn't even ugly! Seriously, I kept imagining tihs evil me would jump out of the mirror while I was looking at it. Mostly I can just get myself scared though by imagining creepy situations.

Yeah... um...

But that's what I meant. Everyone has some sensible phobias and some not so sensible ones.

No, I watch things from that perspective too, I love recognising the factors that make it better. I did find it odd that the military and several people do know Jeff Tracy's name too. Oh well, I guess the top men help fund or clear up confusion for them.

He used to be an astronaut, so that might be it.

Yes, I noticed that. The human hands use is actually quite streamlined too. But not to poke a hole in your theory, but wasn't Grandma just cooking then?

Yes, but she offered some helpful information, which is far more than usual.

Anyway, watched another childhood favourite: The Man from MI5. I love the spy feeling of this one. How dark was the five shot kill at the start though? Penelope is awesomely calm here too, and Parker is hilarious trying to thieve again. Plus we get more TB4 action. Must say though, the end is a little anticlimactic, but still a very enjoyable episode nonetheless.

Plus he's called Agent Bondson. You know, this is the only episode where TB2 rests the pod on the water? Normally it just drops it, but not here for some reason.

Back off, she's mine!

No no, my friend, she's British... I get first dibs.

Jekyll and Hyde is quite good, the art is simply beautiful. What do oyu think of the Murray part? I actually liked it as a noncanon interpretation.

I really want to read those Batman Chronicles, I love those early Golden Age stories. Or is it not Golden Age by the issues those have?

Torment I didn't get a whole lot fussed over, if its the one I'm thinking of. Is it the one with Dustin Nguyen art? If so, then you'll know why its worth checking out, Dustin is my new favourite artist

I've not quite got round to reading Jekyll and Hyde yet, but it looks good, so... soon. It is the Golden Age I believe. The stories, lets face it, aren't all that great sometimes, and you can tell the writers were paid by the word sometimes, but I love them. They're a bit of timeless (mostly) fun, and they show us the development of our favourite characters. Great fun.

Torment is the one you're thinking of. He really is a great artist, I love it. In fact, I think I prefer the 'unusual style' artists to the 'draw things as reall as possible' artists. You know, people like Ed McGuiness, Dustin Nguyen, Tim Sale, Karl Kerschl et al.

Yeah, I'm definitely buying a Two-Face suit and Riddler suit later in life.

Oh! Oh! Riddler suit.

Oh, and tell me tell me tell me tell me tell me tell me!

(Or better yet, post pics when it happens)

I'm sure I'll manage to get some pics up somehow, and maybe a MOC, but I'll tell you anyway.

This panto group I'm in? Well this year we're performing it at a proper theatre, and that means it's going to cost us a hell of a lot of money. We have to pay to use the theatre for the performance, pay for a week of rehersals beforehand, pay for any props, sets and costumes we get from there, and then any others on top of that. We said we'd keep ticket prices low though, because that's what we've always done, we've always wanted to be a cheap night out. So we need to raise some money.

Anyway, a local supermarket asked us if we wanted to pack bags for them, and obviously we get donations from the public for doing it. I suggested we do it in costume, to give us more of a group feel, and to make it more fun. They said yes, so the cast will all be wearing costumes that are similar to their performance costumes. Now, being crew, I don't have a costume, and rather than go in my black stage-gear, I'm borrowing a spare one. So, to make it as embarrassing as possible, the cast have chosen... a dame costume.

Yep, that's right... I'm packing bags all day in a dress and make-up.

Dammit. I hate him so much.

I'm already ahead of you on the Scarecrow story, I really liked it. It needs rereading because its a tad confusing though. How good was the art? It wouldn't work for a normal Batstory, but it was very good here I felt.

I quite liked the art (see above), and I did have to reread it. But I guess that could be seen as a reflection on the confusing nature of our own psyche... no, I didn't believe that either.

Done, I've sent them to you. Really like the way this is going, so thanks again for letting me help out. You may notice that since you're writing a lot better now I'm putting more emphasis on panel descriptions. Hope you like what I've said anyway.

Thank you, thank you, you're welcome and I did.

Sadly, I had the worst drawback ever. Turns out in my hurry to buy a cheap Batman: Black and White copy off Ebay I neglected that it was actually just an issue!

So yeah, wasted a bit of money there. Luckily I'm going to Hobart tomorrow to watch my little brother breakdance (Me and him are such opposites) so I'll be able to visit Area 52 again! The store where I bought six comics last time! Yay!

Hopefully there'll be something there anyway. Oh, and please don't think I'm trying to brag, cause I'm honestly not trying to keep the conversation geared towards me. My apologies If I'm being annoying.

Aw, poor you. And good luck in finding something. I think I may have to find time for a Christmas Shopping trip to a city with a Forbidden Planet (geek shop). Yeah... 'Christmas Shopping'.

And you're not being annoying. The more you buy, the more I feel the need to buy, which is good. It's also interesting that I'm nothing like my sister either. I'm quite sciencey and very ordered, she's sort of arty and... lost. Seriously, she never listens, she's away with the fairies and she never has a clue what's going on.

Anyway, I read the latest issues of Nightwing and Detective yesterday. Nightwing was pretty darn good bu Detective by Paul Dini was freaking amazing. I won't spoil it for you, but Hush is now an actually good villain (the shock!), we get to see the tumbler, animated Batmobile and 60's one too, Alfred kicks megablocks literally and the ending is the best tihng ever. Seriously, I think this might be my favourite issue ever. You read anything recently?

I'm sure my CE will get round to it eventually, Detective Comics at least. I've not read much really, still getting through those library books. I've been quite busy this week, so not much reading time sadly.

[Batbrick]

Yeah, I guess. But no, I've not actually. I've had a bit of a run on my Transformers series though, so BTAS has accidentally been on the backburner. But I did finally get the Batcycle/Hammer Hummer the other week though. Great set, I love Harley. I got my Castle Advent Calendar as well, plus a couple of other bits and pieces. Then yesterday I went Christmas shopping and sort of... bought Mission 4 and Mission 7. The sub looks really cool, even if it is really quite big. Slime Face is a great fig, and both the GITD octopus and the new sharks are wonderful. Hmm... MODs here we come.

No! Not on the backburner!

Great job on getting the set though, isn't Harley just wubbable? How's the Calender? I ended up skipping on that. Well done on the missions too, the new sharks are some of my favourite new things from TLC. Look forward to seeing mods.

Yeah... um...

But that's what I meant. Everyone has some sensible phobias and some not so sensible ones.

Don't mock my mirror me! He's scary!

He used to be an astronaut, so that might be it.

Yes, but she offered some helpful information, which is far more than usual.

Plus he's called Agent Bondson. You know, this is the only episode where TB2 rests the pod on the water? Normally it just drops it, but not here for some reason.

No, I meant that he plainly gives his name away to people calling for International Rescue. Huh, never saw the "Bondson" bit, nice notice.

Anyway, one new episode watched, Day of Disaster. I quite liked this one as a kid and still do, what with the ridiculously big Rocket transporter over the bridge. Of course the totally unnecessary but hilarious part where Jeff Tracy swallows a transmitter is great. The fact that he's telling grown men to "go to your room!" is so funny!

To be honest, TB has gone on the backburner too recently to make way for a load of anime my friend recommended. I know you haven't seen them as you aren't one for anime style, but Cowboy Bebop is absolutely flipping fantastic I'm going to buy the box set sometime. So yeah, add that to your list of things to look up

No no, my friend, she's British... I get first dibs.

Sorry sir but dibs doesn't work that way. Also, its either her or Babs. As any self respecting supervillain would say:

"You can only save one frined, so who will it be: The girl, or the, er, other girl?"

I've not quite got round to reading Jekyll and Hyde yet, but it looks good, so... soon. It is the Golden Age I believe. The stories, lets face it, aren't all that great sometimes, and you can tell the writers were paid by the word sometimes, but I love them. They're a bit of timeless (mostly) fun, and they show us the development of our favourite characters. Great fun. Torment is the one you're thinking of. He really is a great artist, I love it. In fact, I think I prefer the 'unusual style' artists to the 'draw things as reall as possible' artists. You know, people like Ed McGuiness, Dustin Nguyen, Tim Sale, Karl Kerschl et al.

Tell me about Jekyll and Hyde when you read it then, I've heard it's a good out-of-continuity tale. I frankly love Golden Age, say what you want but barely any Joker stories have beaten Batman #1 and #2. Not to mention those early Mad Monk and Huge Strange stories which were spectacular.

Frankly I think Dustin Ngyuen is getting even with Tim Sale for me! Seriously, his depiction of the Batcave in Heart of Hush is my favourite Batcave ever, and his Hush is great. Plus he draws a hot Ventriloquist (Peyton not Wesker, but I guess his Wesker ain't to bad if that's your thing ) I agree with you too on the "unusual" artists that have a unique style as well, I love those styles. Particularly aforemention Tim Sale and Dustin Nguyen, as well as Dawryn Cooke, David McKean, Matt Wagner.

Oh! Oh! Riddler suit.

Yes, I really want one. Heck, just ot cement myself as a hardcore comic geek I'd love to have a "cinema" rack of Riddler, Two-Face, Joker etc costumes to take to the movies.

I'm sure I'll manage to get some pics up somehow, and maybe a MOC, but I'll tell you anyway.

*snip*

Yep, that's right... I'm packing bags all day in a dress and make-up.

.........Ha. Seriously, I was balling my eyes out laughing at this. Do send pics if you can, and make a moc, because this is simply TOO hilarious!

Thank you, thank you, you're welcome and I did.

Cool, tell me when you send more!

Aw, poor you. And good luck in finding something. I think I may have to find time for a Christmas Shopping trip to a city with a Forbidden Planet (geek shop). Yeah... 'Christmas Shopping'.

Thanks, and I did. Went to Hobart and talked for over two hours to the owner of Area 52 about Batman, Superman, Frank Miller (so many whore jokes), writers, artists, Star Trek upcoming movie, Watchmen and on and one forever. You name a Geek thing and we talked about it! I've never felt so truly happy

Anyway I bought Batman: Ego and other Tails and Batman: Black and White volume 1 which they conveniently had there. I loved them both. I don't know if you've read Ego but it truly is a great book, especially the remake of "Night of the Stalker" story and Selina's Big Score. Luckily also the seller of the issue said we can return it which was nice of them.

Also bought No Man's Land volume 2 at Birchalls. Gotta say I love No Man's Land despite being annoyed Volume 1 wasn't there. Penguin is at his finest hour here profiting majorly from the disaster, and Two-Face is the biggest warlord. Also Death and the City arrived. Love Dini's writing and the new Ventriloquist, and the non-Dini stories Triage (featuring the Terrible Trio no less!)and the bomber Vox one were great, particularly the latter. Thanks for recommending a lot.

And you're not being annoying. The more you buy, the more I feel the need to buy, which is good. It's also interesting that I'm nothing like my sister either. I'm quite sciencey and very ordered, she's sort of arty and... lost. Seriously, she never listens, she's away with the fairies and she never has a clue what's going on.

Thanks man, I just really love talking comics to someone after not being able to do so for so long, so I do ramble quite a bit!

Funny with your sister (again how old is she?), though I myself and off in dadaland most of the time, constantly replaying possible scenarios - best and worst case -, as well as replaying music, movie scenes and figuring out problems. So my family slip right past me without my knowing and the next moment I'm all alone!

I'm sure my CE will get round to it eventually, Detective Comics at least. I've not read much really, still getting through those library books. I've been quite busy this week, so not much reading time sadly.

Cool, tell me when things kick up. Batman #681 is out tomorrow so hopefully it'll live up to expectations, which are quite low seeing how much I despise this arc but oh well, might as well look forward to it right?

Batbrick Away!

[Brainbox]

No! Not on the backburner!

Watched What Is Reality? and I Am The Night over the weekend. I quite liked WIR. I mean, it's a Riddler story, it should be good. Even if Batman did cheat at the end...

As for IATN, I loved it. The bits with the weary, grieving Batman were brilliant, and the part where Bats visits Gordon in hospital (the first time) was really quite moving. You see, Batman is capable of emotional attachments, even if he doesn't want to acknowledge it.

How's the Calender? I ended up skipping on that.

Opened the first door today, and got another Crownie. I'm doing this one properly.

No, I meant that he plainly gives his name away to people calling for International Rescue. Huh, never saw the "Bondson" bit, nice notice.

Anyway, one new episode watched, Day of Disaster. I quite liked this one as a kid and still do, what with the ridiculously big Rocket transporter over the bridge. Of course the totally unnecessary but hilarious part where Jeff Tracy swallows a transmitter is great. The fact that he's telling grown men to "go to your room!" is so funny!

I liked Day of Disaster as well. The rocket transporter is a lovely piece of machinery, and those old-fashioned dock cranes are quite cool as well. I do love how very British the bit where Penelope creates a distraction by blowing up the nearby building. Because nothing short of an explosion could draw British crowds away from a bridge collapse!

And you just know that when the Bridge Controller says that they don't need International Rescue he's five minutes away from failing in his rescue attempt and seceeding to IR.

Sorry sir but dibs doesn't work that way. Also, its either her or Babs. As any self respecting supervillain would say:

"You can only save one frined, so who will it be: The girl, or the, er, other girl?"

... Damn.

I frankly love Golden Age, say what you want but barely any Joker stories have beaten Batman #1 and #2. Not to mention those early Mad Monk and Huge Strange stories which were spectacular.

Hows this for an exchange:

Hoodlum: All oif us got a vial of these pills. They're supposed to make us immune to the professor's stuff if we swallow one!

Batman: In that case, I'll take a few pills with me. They might come in handy at the right moment!

Um, Bats... they could be anything. You're accepting some random pills from some random hoodlum, to counteract some random 'stuff'! Just... no!

Plus he draws a hot Ventriloquist (Peyton not Wesker, but I guess his Wesker ain't to bad if that's your thing )

Speaking of the Ventriloquist, I was in maths the other day, and we're in a music room because college has run of of usable classrooms. Anyway, I noticed a poster on the wall for a play called 'Roots'... and it was written by someone called Arnold Wesker! Seriously, you couldn't write this stuff.

.........Ha. Seriously, I was balling my eyes out laughing at this. Do send pics if you can, and make a moc, because this is simply TOO hilarious!

Take a gander in the Community Forum for a couple of pics. Or check the link in my sig.

Thanks, and I did. Went to Hobart and talked for over two hours to the owner of Area 52 about Batman, Superman, Frank Miller (so many whore jokes), writers, artists, Star Trek upcoming movie, Watchmen and on and one forever. You name a Geek thing and we talked about it! I've never felt so truly happy

I've done that before. Not for anywhere near that long sadly, as my friends were waiting and we had other shops to get to, but we had a good chat. We talked about Kingdom Come (which I was buying at the time), Alex Ross, an exhibition of Alex Ross artwork he'd been to somewhere, and a couple of other things. Much to the chagrin of my friends, who'd been waiting outside the shop, and unbeknownst to myself had been narrating the conversation, putting their own dialogue in!

Have you seen the new Star Trek trailer? I have to say, it looks pretty good. It's nice to see a return to Kirk, Spock and the gang, who are by far the best Trek characters, and TOS is definitely the best series of the lot. Doesn't Zack Quinto look the part as Spock? And I notice they've used the old soundbite for the ship alarm.

Anyway I bought Batman: Ego and other Tails and Batman: Black and White volume 1 which they conveniently had there. I loved them both. I don't know if you've read Ego but it truly is a great book, especially the remake of "Night of the Stalker" story and Selina's Big Score. Luckily also the seller of the issue said we can return it which was nice of them.

I've not read Ego, but I've been meaning to look into getting it, it looks pretty good. Let me know what you think when you've read it.

Also bought No Man's Land volume 2 at Birchalls. Gotta say I love No Man's Land despite being annoyed Volume 1 wasn't there. Penguin is at his finest hour here profiting majorly from the disaster, and Two-Face is the biggest warlord. Also Death and the City arrived. Love Dini's writing and the new Ventriloquist, and the non-Dini stories Triage (featuring the Terrible Trio no less!)and the bomber Vox one were great, particularly the latter. Thanks for recommending a lot.

For some reason, my CE has printed all the Detective Comics stories (I think) up to Heart of Hush, which starts next issue. except for Triage. No idea why, but hey ho.

I like that, for the most part, they're self-contained stories. That means you can read one quickly without having to set aside huge amounts of time. Nice.

Funny with your sister (again how old is she?), though I myself and off in dadaland most of the time, constantly replaying possible scenarios - best and worst case -, as well as replaying music, movie scenes and figuring out problems. So my family slip right past me without my knowing and the next moment I'm all alone!

She's 16 next March.

Cool, tell me when things kick up. Batman #681 is out tomorrow so hopefully it'll live up to expectations, which are quite low seeing how much I despise this arc but oh well, might as well look forward to it right?

So, come the end of Batman RIP, Bats is missing presumed dead. Comics come out on Thursdays over here, and I was sat reading the paper in college on Friday, and The Times (a proper, respected, national paper) had a little story about the apparant death of Batman. Then I got home, and it was on the BBC News! See the impact that Batman has, and how much his "death" has affected both the DCU and the real world. How great is that?

[Batbrick]

Watched What Is Reality? and I Am The Night over the weekend. I quite liked WIR. I mean, it's a Riddler story, it should be good. Even if Batman did cheat at the end...

As for IATN, I loved it. The bits with the weary, grieving Batman were brilliant, and the part where Bats visits Gordon in hospital (the first time) was really quite moving. You see, Batman is capable of emotional attachments, even if he doesn't want to acknowledge it.

I actually like that Batman cheated. goes to show that while the Riddler may be a far more effective problem solving and lateral thinking mind, Bats always finds a loophole to "cheat" his way out of the situation. A blurring of two different kinds of smarts.

I Am The Night is fantastic I agree, nice to see Babs yet again too. Also good as a heavy focus on the importance of both Batman and Gordon, and their relationship.

Opened the first door today, and got another Crownie. I'm doing this one properly.

Good job, I wouldn't have the patience to do something like that. Though I do with my chocolate advent calender. Keep me updated please!

I liked Day of Disaster as well. The rocket transporter is a lovely piece of machinery, and those old-fashioned dock cranes are quite cool as well. I do love how very British the bit where Penelope creates a distraction by blowing up the nearby building. Because nothing short of an explosion could draw British crowds away from a bridge collapse!

And you just know that when the Bridge Controller says that they don't need International Rescue he's five minutes away from failing in his rescue attempt and seceeding to IR.

Plus it was hilarious to hear Brains yell "Yippee!" in the background at the end. I just didn't see him ever uttering something like that

Hows this for an exchange:

Hoodlum: All of us got a vial of these pills. They're supposed to make us immune to the professor's stuff if we swallow one!

Batman: In that case, I'll take a few pills with me. They might come in handy at the right moment!

Um, Bats... they could be anything. You're accepting some random pills from some random hoodlum, to counteract some random 'stuff'! Just... no!

Okay, you've got me there. Which Chronicles volume is this? Because despite their faults there are some truly good stories there. I assume you've already gone past the Batman-holds-a-gun period and the first Joker confrontation?

Speaking of the Ventriloquist, I was in maths the other day, and we're in a music room because college has run of of usable classrooms. Anyway, I noticed a poster on the wall for a play called 'Roots'... and it was written by someone called Arnold Wesker! Seriously, you couldn't write this stuff.

That's just awesome.

Take a gander in the Community Forum for a couple of pics. Or check the link in my sig.

I'm afraid to now, but I'll post in there soon. I laughed at your moc version of it though, surprisingly spot on

Have you seen the new Star Trek trailer? I have to say, it looks pretty good. It's nice to see a return to Kirk, Spock and the gang, who are by far the best Trek characters, and TOS is definitely the best series of the lot. Doesn't Zack Quinto look the part as Spock? And I notice they've used the old soundbite for the ship alarm.

It does look very good. I'm admittingly not a huge Star Trek fan but I am very interested. Though the heavy emphasis on a very young crew and even more feminine Spock scare me. Of course it has Simon Pegg in it which equals instant win, have you seen Shaun of the Dead or Hot Fuzz with him in it?

I've not read Ego, but I've been meaning to look into getting it, it looks pretty good. Let me know what you think when you've read it.

For some reason, my CE has printed all the Detective Comics stories (I think) up to Heart of Hush, which starts next issue. except for Triage. No idea why, but hey ho.

I like that, for the most part, they're self-contained stories. That means you can read one quickly without having to set aside huge amounts of time. Nice.

Finished ages ago because you take so long to post nowadays ( ). Ego is very, very good. Dawryn Cooke is a very good writer and I love his art style. His remake of Night of the Stalker is a brilliantly moody update of the classic tale. Ego itself was quite short but another great story, I absolutely adore the appearance of Cooke's Joker and Two-Face. There is a surprising amount of TAS influence (though not so surprising once you find out he is good friend to Bruce Timm who even contributes to a story here. The largest tale here is Selina's Big Score which is a four part adventure focusing on Selina not Catwoman, which is great and very fun.

So overall I'd very much recommend it to you.

Black and White was also very good, some of the tales here a very classic Batman. My favourites are the ones where Batman's more passive and caring side are shown. Cause let's face it, all anger and no love makes Bats a dull boy. Of course Two of a Kind makes the entire collection a must have regardless of the other stories.

Also picked up No Man's Land vol 4 and Batman: Gothic today. The former is very good with Two-Face's finest hour during NML with him cross examining himself in court which was crazy psychological. Bane makes a return which is also very neat, and Leslie continues to show Batman that violence is only an answer for temporary peace, as she even manages to touch Zsasz for a few seconds. Overall I loved tihs volume though I want to fill in the gaps and read the bits I missed out on before. Are you acquainted with the arc?

Gothic was recommended over at SHH boards. I read it and lied it, didn't seem like typical pretentious writing of Morrison. It was never truly scary, moody or compelling though. No regrets on the purchase though as it trumps anything Morrison is doing these days. Plus, it was a Legends of the Dark Knight story so I have to have it.

So, come the end of Batman RIP, Bats is missing presumed dead. Comics come out on Thursdays over here, and I was sat reading the paper in college on Friday, and The Times (a proper, respected, national paper) had a little story about the apparant death of Batman. Then I got home, and it was on the BBC News! See the impact that Batman has, and how much his "death" has affected both the DCU and the real world. How great is that?

Batman RIP is awful. I read it recently and trust me there is not a single shocking revelation at all. We don't even get a proper "death" for Batman. Tell me what you think of it when you read it though.

Also, how are you going on the Lego Batman game?

Also-Also, Leaver's dinner tomorrow, so I might post a pic of my snazzy pinstripe look (Hey, it beats your dress!)

Batbrick Away!

[Brainbox]

I actually like that Batman cheated. goes to show that while the Riddler may be a far more effective problem solving and lateral thinking mind, Bats always finds a loophole to "cheat" his way out of the situation. A blurring of two different kinds of smarts.

That's as may be, but it's not very sporting is it? Riddler put his all into that plan, working out the best way of defeating the Batman (and Gordon to boot), and what does Batman do? Cheats, thereby ruining weeks worth of planning in about five minutes. Tsk, some people.

I Am The Night is fantastic I agree, nice to see Babs yet again too. Also good as a heavy focus on the importance of both Batman and Gordon, and their relationship.

"[...] Always wanted to be a hero."

"You are a hero, Jim."

Plus there was the simple image at the beginning, of Batman slumped wearily in the Cave. Such a stark image, and one that seems somehow disturbing. Aside from Supes, Bats is the superhero least likely to just "give up". The mission will continue forever, Batman will continue forever, and the freaks will continue forever. Yet every now and then he starts to doubt himself... then comes the inevitable renewal.

Good job, I wouldn't have the patience to do something like that. Though I do with my chocolate advent calender. Keep me updated please!

I have to say, that's probably the only thing I'm missing, a little bit of chocolate every day. But the Lego fix is just as good.

Okay, you've got me there. Which Chronicles volume is this? Because despite their faults there are some truly good stories there. I assume you've already gone past the Batman-holds-a-gun period and the first Joker confrontation?

Three. I've read 1 and 2 already. I might go back and read them again, it was a while ago. Heck, I might just buy them. I'll say one thing for the stories though, they don't half take a while to read. There are barely any pages, but all the over-descriptive captions are so wordy it takes ages. Good ages, but ages nonetheless.

Plus they've got unintentional laughs from the forcing of morals, and the 1940s stereotypes. Another wonderful exchange comes from Detective Comics #47:

Midas: Wha? Who are you?

Batman: The Batman- at your service... and giving you some sound advice. Do not give in to the blackmailers' demands!

Midas: Batman, eh? Well Mr. Batman, I'll do as I see fit. Please mind your own business and get out of my house.

Points:

1. As if he couldn't guess who Batman was. You know, from the costume and all...

2. Batman would never be that polite now. And Midas must be a pretty brave man if he can talk to Bats like that.

3. Um... "Mr. Batman"?

Then we move onto Batman #4 and some pirate-themed swashbuckling:

Caption: Blackbeard's sword darts in like the tongue of a snake, but the Batman twists aside...

[...]

Caption: Snapping erect like a coiled spring, the Batman parries a terrible counter-stroke.

[...]

Caption: ... then, the Batman's hand streaks forward in a deadly thrust... it is a master-stroke for Blackbeard's sword flies from his hand...

Umm... out of context that all sound pretty bad. Don't you just love the 40s?

I'm afraid to now, but I'll post in there soon. I laughed at your moc version of it though, surprisingly spot on

Indeed... it's also worrying how much I enjoyed it. I'm not a performer, that's why I'm cast. It's just not in my personality to prance around being silly, but I really enjoyed this. As our director/group leader (same age as me, we've known each other for years) said: "I never thought I'd see the day." One of our cast was so lost for words all she could manage was "Oh Sam."

I'll agree with you on the MOC though, thanks.

It does look very good. I'm admittingly not a huge Star Trek fan but I am very interested. Though the heavy emphasis on a very young crew and even more feminine Spock scare me. Of course it has Simon Pegg in it which equals instant win, have you seen Shaun of the Dead or Hot Fuzz with him in it?

I'm by no means the biggest Trekkie/Trekker either, but I do love TOS. I've not really seen much of any of the subsequent Treks, but from what I have seen, they're not a patch on the original. Kirk, Spock, Bones et al, just such great characters. Sure, it was done on a shoestring budget, and sure the transporter broke every other week, but that's part of the fun. Everything was made of polystyrene, and all the redshirts are going to die (except Scotty and Uhura obviously). Speaking of, Empire magazine got to watch four scenes from the film recently. They say that Pegg as Scotty is ver good.

And no, shocking as it is for a British geek to say this, I've seen neither Shaun of the Dead or Hot Fuzz. Or Spaced.

Hang on... "even more feminine Spock"? Since when has Spock been feminine?

Finished ages ago because you take so long to post nowadays ( ).

Yeah... sorry about that. I'm trying, I really am.

Ego is very, very good. Dawryn Cooke is a very good writer and I love his art style. His remake of Night of the Stalker is a brilliantly moody update of the classic tale. Ego itself was quite short but another great story, I absolutely adore the appearance of Cooke's Joker and Two-Face. There is a surprising amount of TAS influence (though not so surprising once you find out he is good friend to Bruce Timm who even contributes to a story here. The largest tale here is Selina's Big Score which is a four part adventure focusing on Selina not Catwoman, which is great and very fun.

So overall I'd very much recommend it to you.

Right, it's on the to-buy list. Thanks. Darwyn Cooke is great though, I agree, both as a writer and as an artist. The New Frontier, for example. I eman, his art looks so simple, but it take an awful lot of skill to draw in such a clean-cut style.

Of course Two of a Kind makes the entire collection a must have regardless of the other stories.

I think I've mentioned it somewhere before, but I have a specially-shaded reprint of Two of A Kind as part of a 'behind-the-scenes retrospective history of Batman' book. It's a good story, and I must say the shading looks great, far better than the stark B&W story, which doesn't look bad by any means.

Gothic was recommended over at SHH boards. I read it and lied it, didn't seem like typical pretentious writing of Morrison. It was never truly scary, moody or compelling though. No regrets on the purchase though as it trumps anything Morrison is doing these days. Plus, it was a Legends of the Dark Knight story so I have to have it.

Yes, I've read it. I mean, it was by no means the best thing I've ever read, but it was still pretty good.

Batman RIP is awful. I read it recently and trust me there is not a single shocking revelation at all. We don't even get a proper "death" for Batman. Tell me what you think of it when you read it though.

That's because he's not dead... he'll be back within a year.

Also, how are you going on the Lego Batman game?

Not too sure actually. I think I'm around about the 70 or 80% mark somewhere. That's the trouble with having to use the family computer...

Also-Also, Leaver's dinner tomorrow, so I might post a pic of my snazzy pinstripe look (Hey, it beats your dress!)

Nothing beats my dress!

[Batbrick]

That's as may be, but it's not very sporting is it? Riddler put his all into that plan, working out the best way of defeating the Batman (and Gordon to boot), and what does Batman do? Cheats, thereby ruining weeks worth of planning in about five minutes. Tsk, some people.

Good point, but we all love the Commish, and if Riddler, despite his John Glover coolness had succeeded we wouldn't have Gordon in all his Bob Hasting coolness would we?

Plus there was the simple image at the beginning, of Batman slumped wearily in the Cave. Such a stark image, and one that seems somehow disturbing. Aside from Supes, Bats is the superhero least likely to just "give up". The mission will continue forever, Batman will continue forever, and the freaks will continue forever. Yet every now and then he starts to doubt himself... then comes the inevitable renewal.

I love those stories. They may be viewed by some as "pointless" because Bats will always continue but I believe it's not about the inevitability but about the character study. It reveals and explores just what Bruce fights for and why he is succeeding despite all the bad happenings. He may have began the freak element but in doing so he helped remove the grip of corruption in Gotham and made the enemy something the public can see as the creatures they are, not a menace that can blend in.

I have to say, that's probably the only thing I'm missing, a little bit of chocolate every day. But the Lego fix is just as good.

What have you opened now?

Three. I've read 1 and 2 already. I might go back and read them again, it was a while ago. Heck, I might just buy them. I'll say one thing for the stories though, they don't half take a while to read. There are barely any pages, but all the over-descriptive captions are so wordy it takes ages. Good ages, but ages nonetheless.

I'll definitely buy them, cause let's face it, the opportunity to own all the Batman and Detective issues in order from the beginning is a temptation no one can resist. There are seven volumes right? Are they still releasing them? I hope so, personally I love that they take a while to read. Though the melodrama is very present, somthing about that old noir feel gives me chills, especially Bill Finger's stories - not that Bob Kane hack who wanted Batman to look like a bird, Joker to look like a Jester and the only character he reated after was The Penguin. Pah!

Then we move onto Batman #4 and some pirate-themed swashbuckling:

Caption: Blackbeard's sword darts in like the tongue of a snake, but the Batman twists aside...

[...]

Caption: Snapping erect like a coiled spring, the Batman parries a terrible counter-stroke.

[...]

Caption: ... then, the Batman's hand streaks forward in a deadly thrust... it is a master-stroke for Blackbeard's sword flies from his hand...

Umm... out of context that all sound pretty bad. Don't you just love the 40s?

Okay, I'll admit, that is really rich. Especially the "snapping erect" and "in a deadly thrust"

Why is Blackbeard even in a Batman comic?

Indeed... it's also worrying how much I enjoyed it. I'm not a performer, that's why I'm cast. It's just not in my personality to prance around being silly, but I really enjoyed this. As our director/group leader (same age as me, we've known each other for years) said: "I never thought I'd see the day." One of our cast was so lost for words all she could manage was "Oh Sam."

I'll agree with you on the MOC though, thanks.

I'm surprised she could speak at all and simply not just barf. I wouldn't prance around either frankly though, but atleast it'll be a fun story to tell people in the future - or actually now that I think about it not.

I'm by no means the biggest Trekkie/Trekker either, but I do love TOS. I've not really seen much of any of the subsequent Treks, but from what I have seen, they're not a patch on the original. Kirk, Spock, Bones et al, just such great characters. Sure, it was done on a shoestring budget, and sure the transporter broke every other week, but that's part of the fun. Everything was made of polystyrene, and all the redshirts are going to die (except Scotty and Uhura obviously). Speaking of, Empire magazine got to watch four scenes from the film recently. They say that Pegg as Scotty is ver good.

Pegg is a legend so that was a given. When is it coming out? I always laugh at the red shirts on Star Trek. Futurama even made fun of this when at a weird Star Trek convention one of the newer members of the team is electrocuted. He wore a red shirt naturally.

And no, shocking as it is for a British geek to say this, I've seen neither Shaun of the Dead or Hot Fuzz. Or Spaced.

You suck. Watch them now. Seriously though, you're missing out man, the hilarity hurts my stomach.

Yeah... sorry about that. I'm trying, I really am.

I forgive you

You have been posting more frequently recently, though now I believe I've jinxed it after saying that.

Oh and by the way, thanks for commenting on my Freeze truck, glad you liked it. How are your Batmocs going?

Right, it's on the to-buy list. Thanks. Darwyn Cooke is great though, I agree, both as a writer and as an artist. The New Frontier, for example. I mean, his art looks so simple, but it take an awful lot of skill to draw in such a clean-cut style.

Oh New Frontier is epic. I gotta say sometimes I love clean line art more than "dirty" or "gritty" art. Scott Beatty also is very good at this. It's still very well drawn and very evocative, especially with Cooke's thick lines and inking. He also draws a cool Selina interpretation.

I think I've mentioned it somewhere before, but I have a specially-shaded reprint of Two of A Kind as part of a 'behind-the-scenes retrospective history of Batman' book. It's a good story, and I must say the shading looks great, far better than the stark B&W story, which doesn't look bad by any means.

That's awesome, I hope to pick up the other two volumes later next year. Right now on my list are the rarer books: Birth, Bride and Son of the Demon (Demon trilogy), Venom, Sword of Azrael and Prodigal (not likely to get sadly though). Atleast you'll probably be getting Christmas money to spend on some stuff eh?

Yes, I've read it. I mean, it was by no means the best thing I've ever read, but it was still pretty good.

Mind you I was glad to see that sucker get taken straight to hell. saw it coming? Easily. Enjoy it? Hell yeah! :pir-skull:

That's because he's not dead... he'll be back within a year.

Have you read it yet?

I didn't mena he literally died though, hence the itallics, just that there is not a single thing in the story that really comes as a big surprise (apart from a lot of Batgod which I hate) nor would actually make give up being Batman at all. Maybe the "fate worse than death" was the biggest anticlimax in history?

Not too sure actually. I think I'm around about the 70 or 80% mark somewhere. That's the trouble with having to use the family computer...

I'm finished ages ago. Having fun still though going through the levels, I think the Penguin saga was the funnest, though the Joker levels were very epic, love the Batman 89 references there. Who have you yet to unlock?

Nothing beats my dress!

I'll post pics soon of my Mafia suit. It's funny because all my friends are usually so conservative but we got up on the dance floor all night! Me and my friend were even game enough to dance with a couple of out teachers!

Course I'm finished at my school now for good, so I gave my awesome teacher a hug at the end when everyone was shaking his hand. Before that in an assembly we presented him with a present we bought him. Since our class idolises him so much my speech consisted of quotes like "the ONLY man ever" and "Calling him the most awesome person in history would be an understatement and insult to his legacy". I'll miss 'im

Also if you ever want links to anything movie, series or comics related just ask. I ca direct you straight to BTAS or The Devil's Advocate in its entirety

Batbrick Away!

[Brainbox]

Right, first off, I'm back, with yet another apology. I know it's been two weeks, but I really have been swamped. And on top of that I've been feeling a bit off recently. I mean, I've got a lot on at the moment, college all day, exams in January, applying to Uni... I guess it's all caught up with me a bit, and I've just lost all motivation.

That said, however, it's my last day tomorrow then I finish for Christmas.

What have you opened now?

Today was a crystal ball for the witch. The dwarf was good, as expected, and I rather liked the archery target (with bow and arrow!). I'll be honest, some days have been better than others... *Cough*two tools, a crate and a frog*cough*

I'll definitely buy them, cause let's face it, the opportunity to own all the Batman and Detective issues in order from the beginning is a temptation no one can resist. There are seven volumes right? Are they still releasing them? I hope so, personally I love that they take a while to read. Though the melodrama is very present, somthing about that old noir feel gives me chills, especially Bill Finger's stories - not that Bob Kane hack who wanted Batman to look like a bird, Joker to look like a Jester and the only character he reated after was The Penguin. Pah!

Well, exactly. After a quick check on the DC website, it appears they're up to Vol.6. I'll definitely look into getting them sometime.

Another great line cropped up the other day, in Detective Comics #50, where the City is plagued by three jewel theives dressed in devil costumes:

Bruce: Those three devils seem to be giving the police a very devil of a time! A bad pun, Dick, but quite true nevertheless!

Touche Bruce...

But then there's an exchange in the earlier Batman #4, where Bruce displays a distinct lack of knowledge regarding the secret identity:

Phone: You've got to help me! I know you are the Batman! I'm in danger! They want to kill me!

Bruce: Yes- this is Bruce Wayne. Who?

Um...

Why is Blackbeard even in a Batman comic?

Ah, that would spoil the story...

Pegg is a legend so that was a given. When is it coming out? I always laugh at the red shirts on Star Trek. Futurama even made fun of this when at a weird Star Trek convention one of the newer members of the team is electrocuted. He wore a red shirt naturally.

It was supposed to be out this Christmas but it's been pushed back to next summer. So, May/June.

I didn't mena he literally died though, hence the itallics, just that there is not a single thing in the story that really comes as a big surprise (apart from a lot of Batgod which I hate) nor would actually make give up being Batman at all. Maybe the "fate worse than death" was the biggest anticlimax in history?

I was talking to someone about it the other day (yes, really) and she said she'd done exactly what I'd done and gone into college and said "Batman's gonna die. Except he isn't." She'd then proceeded to explain why they wouldn't kill Batman, and how he isn't dead.

I think it might be worth checking out 682 and 683 though, with a look back at the whole of Batman's life. I do love stories like that. Must be the continuity geek in me.

I'll post pics soon of my Mafia suit. It's funny because all my friends are usually so conservative but we got up on the dance floor all night! Me and my friend were even game enough to dance with a couple of out teachers!

Course I'm finished at my school now for good, so I gave my awesome teacher a hug at the end when everyone was shaking his hand. Before that in an assembly we presented him with a present we bought him. Since our class idolises him so much my speech consisted of quotes like "the ONLY man ever" and "Calling him the most awesome person in history would be an understatement and insult to his legacy". I'll miss 'im

That's the way to do it. I surprised everyone at out prom as well, by dancing. But, you know, it's what you're supposed to do. You've finished for good? Forgive me for asking a potentially stupid question, but why are you six months out of whack with us?

I went Christmas shopping last week, when I had a day off, and accidentally spent a reidiculous amount of money on me. Bought a few individual comics, TF: Spotlights Vol.3, JLA/Avengers, Heroes comics Vol.2 and Dark Victory. Finally! I've not had time to read any of them yet, but I'm looking forward to it.

Apologies for the short post tonight. I've just realised I need to have a shower before Heroes comes on.

[Batbrick]

Right, first off, I'm back, with yet another apology. I know it's been two weeks, but I really have been swamped. And on top of that I've been feeling a bit off recently. I mean, I've got a lot on at the moment, college all day, exams in January, applying to Uni... I guess it's all caught up with me a bit, and I've just lost all motivation.

That said, however, it's my last day tomorrow then I finish for Christmas.

Dear goodness! You're alive?

You are forgiven though....just. Hope you get better soon then, I know stress really does make you sick. Do you know anything you're getting for Christmas?

Today was a crystal ball for the witch. The dwarf was good, as expected, and I rather liked the archery target (with bow and arrow!). I'll be honest, some days have been better than others... *Cough*two tools, a crate and a frog*cough*

Nice, I admit the previews of it looked pretty standard, have you opened that crummy knight arch yet?

Well, exactly. After a quick check on the DC website, it appears they're up to Vol.6. I'll definitely look into getting them sometime.

Nice, I hope they keep releasing them. I still maintain that Joker's first two stories are some of the finest written, definitely one of the more creepy renditions.

Another great line cropped up the other day, in Detective Comics #50, where the City is plagued by three jewel theives dressed in devil costumes:

Bruce: Those three devils seem to be giving the police a very devil of a time! A bad pun, Dick, but quite true nevertheless!

Touche Bruce...

But then there's an exchange in the earlier Batman #4, where Bruce displays a distinct lack of knowledge regarding the secret identity:

Phone: You've got to help me! I know you are the Batman! I'm in danger! They want to kill me!

Bruce: Yes- this is Bruce Wayne. Who?

Now THAT is hilarious! Mind you I say things similar when punning, though I try to refrain. But to answer "This is Bruce Wayne"? Not very intelligent for the supposed World's Greatest Detective

I was talking to someone about it the other day (yes, really) and she said she'd done exactly what I'd done and gone into college and said "Batman's gonna die. Except he isn't." She'd then proceeded to explain why they wouldn't kill Batman, and how he isn't dead.

I think it might be worth checking out 682 and 683 though, with a look back at the whole of Batman's life. I do love stories like that. Must be the continuity geek in me.

Yeah, I was the same when talking to the comics guy, I said "They're not gonna kill him and whatever they're doing ain't gonna stick", and he just replied "exactly, it's just another sales gimmick". I'm just really annoyed the way it's been handled, it turns out RIP has actually nothing to do with Batman's death and that there is going to be a "Battle for the Cowl" which is totally illogical. Why the heck are the city's do-gooders going to be battling each other for a title? If anything they would actually band together in order to enforce the good that Batman did, not fight it out like Morons. And of course Huntress is now back to her stupid "for guys who can't get any" costume, I wish DC will just drop it. And bad news for you, Babs is seemingly disbanding the birds of Prey (stupid) and losing herself to the oracle identity (stupid). Atleast Azrael is coming back but no doubt he'll be a different person. Meanwhile Beechen is screwing up both Cass' and Cain's characters simultaneously. Furthermore Tony Daniel is writing and drawing battle for the Cowl and if his writing is as lacklustre as his art we're in for a doozy. Plus Morrison's stupid Damian "My name does not indicate I'm evil!" Al Ghul is STILL alive and being pushed forward as the next possible Robin. And Morrison is throwing every obscure Silver Age tale at me while continuing to ignore current continuity.

Honestly man when I found out about all this I actually when to my room, cried a bit, and died a little more on the inside

That's the way to do it. I surprised everyone at out prom as well, by dancing. But, you know, it's what you're supposed to do. You've finished for good? Forgive me for asking a potentially stupid question, but why are you six months out of whack with us?

Yeah, it was fun, even if my friends and I went a little crazy. Thing is everyone was going out to parties afterwards but the majority of my friends and I just went to our respective homes and slept

Oh, and we're six months out because you're British and crazy. Our school starts in late Febuary and ends early December, while you as mentioned before, are British and crazy

I went Christmas shopping last week, when I had a day off, and accidentally spent a reidiculous amount of money on me. Bought a few individual comics, TF: Spotlights Vol.3, JLA/Avengers, Heroes comics Vol.2 and Dark Victory. Finally! I've not had time to read any of them yet, but I'm looking forward to it.

Nice job! Glad to see you finally buying things again, I recall at the beginning of the year I was a quiet shopper and you had a new purchase each week, our roles were reversed for a little bit there! Good job on getting Dark Victory, you'll have fun with that one. As a big fan of Robin and Two-Face I actually prefer it to TLH.

I bought Tales of the Batman by Tim Sale and The Man Who Laughs recently. TotB by Tim Sale is wonderful. Did you ever read Legends of the Dark Knight? It contains an arc called Blades in here by James Robinson with art by Tim Sale(duh), and is one of my favourite stories ever. It concerns The Cavalier a young stuntman who becomes Gotham's next champion vigilante against crime while Batman stalks a serial killer. The Cavalier is actually approved of by Bats because he reminds him of Zorro, or as he says to him "You remind me of old movies, of good times"

It also includes a tale where Killer Moth teams up with Catman, Calenderman (complete with calendercape) and a villain called Chancer (he has goodluck) to rise above the staus of Losers they have and become A-Listers. They fail

Another great one takes place during Knightfall where Dr Arkham tries to get the inmates to work together on their new home (blackgate) and beat the cons in a game of Softball. Sounds odd, but it is a hilariously good tale with some excellent cheating from the inmates.

Man Who Laughs is a good tale as you know, but it also includes in GN form another tale called Made of wood that features Batman working with Alan Scott the green Lantern on a murder case. It's really quite good.

Apologies for the short post tonight. I've just realised I need to have a shower before Heroes comes on.

You are FORGIVEN!

I didn't need to read that though. Speaking of which, how's you comic going?

Also, you watched any of the Brave and the Bold eps yet? They truly are great!

Batbrick Away!

[Brainbox]

Dear goodness! You're alive?

You are forgiven though....just. Hope you get better soon then, I know stress really does make you sick. Do you know anything you're getting for Christmas?

I wouldn't say stress exactly, just... I don't know. Anyway, never mind. And no, actually, I don't know what I'm getting. It's all surprises. But the lack of a list means it'll be clothes, some shower gel and a razor.

What are you getting then? I know your Christmas comics list has changed more time than my socks, so what does it stand at now?

Nice, I admit the previews of it looked pretty standard, have you opened that crummy knight arch yet?

Yeah, we got that one out the way pretty quickly. I mean... it's not as bad as everyone seems to think, but it's not exactly great. It does beat "crate, axe and spade" and "bucket, apple and carrot" though...

But it's a nice change from City, and any Lego fix is a Lego fix, right?

Yeah, I was the same when talking to the comics guy, I said "They're not gonna kill him and whatever they're doing ain't gonna stick", and he just replied "exactly, it's just another sales gimmick". I'm just really annoyed the way it's been handled, it turns out RIP has actually nothing to do with Batman's death

Bear in mind though, that fairly early on, Morrison said RIP didn't stand for the usual "Rest In Peace", but rather (either) something else or nothing at all. Although obviously, there's the presumed death at the end... proven not to be the case by Final Crisis, and Batman #682 and #683. But I do think that the basic idea of a Gotham without Batman is a good one. We get to see how his family, friends and city cope (or rather, don't) in his absence.

and that there is going to be a "Battle for the Cowl" which is totally illogical. Why the heck are the city's do-gooders going to be battling each other for a title? If anything they would actually band together in order to enforce the good that Batman did, not fight it out like Morons. And of course Huntress is now back to her stupid "for guys who can't get any" costume, I wish DC will just drop it. And bad news for you, Babs is seemingly disbanding the birds of Prey (stupid) and losing herself to the oracle identity (stupid).

That bothered me a little as well. Unless of course, Damian, Jason or Hush challenge Nightwing and Robin for the cowl, in which case it does make a kind of sense. I mean, who'd want Damian as either Batman or Robin. It's sad that Babs is disbanding the Birds, but the fact that it gives her a miniseries makes up for it a little.

Atleast Azrael is coming back but no doubt he'll be a different person.

He'd better be a different person, I always hated Valley. And I still do. And I mean proper hate.

Yeah, it was fun, even if my friends and I went a little crazy. Thing is everyone was going out to parties afterwards but the majority of my friends and I just went to our respective homes and slept

Yeah, um, I did that as well...

Oh, and we're six months out because you're British and crazy. Our school starts in late Febuary and ends early December, while you as mentioned before, are British and crazy

Which I guess means you still finish in Summer. Whereas we just seem have winter all year round.

Don't forget though, the British made Australia what it is today.

I bought Tales of the Batman by Tim Sale and The Man Who Laughs recently. TotB by Tim Sale is wonderful.

TotB is another thing I need to buy. Well, it's Tim Sale, how could I not get it? Plus it looks good on the shelf, which is always a selling point. HCs look better on the shelf, so I'll try and get them wherever possible.

I didn't need to read that though. Speaking of which, how's you comic going?

I went back to it the other day, having found some time to write some more. The next issues will be a bit more time coming, and I'll send a series breakdown with that as well. By strange coincidence, Heroes Vol.4 and my Vol.4 seem as though they may have some familiar themes. Mine came first though.

Also, you watched any of the Brave and the Bold eps yet? They truly are great!

No, not yet. No doubt I'll be able to check them out on YouTube. They certainly look very good.

[Batbrick]

I wouldn't say stress exactly, just... I don't know. Anyway, never mind. And no, actually, I don't know what I'm getting. It's all surprises. But the lack of a list means it'll be clothes, some shower gel and a razor.

What are you getting then? I know your Christmas comics list has changed more time than my socks, so what does it stand at now?

Oh, I hate clothes for Christmas (unless it's a cool new hat or a trenchcoat), yet my mother always finds a way to sneak some in.

Here's the list of what I'm getting though:

The Dark Knight, BTAS volume 4, Batman: Haunted Knight, Batman and the Monster Men, Batman and the Mad Monk, Strange Apparitions, Face the Face, Paul Dini Detective, Gotham Central 5: Dead Robin. And some clothes Not a bad score eh?

Yeah, we got that one out the way pretty quickly. I mean... it's not as bad as everyone seems to think, but it's not exactly great. It does beat "crate, axe and spade" and "bucket, apple and carrot" though...

But it's a nice change from City, and any Lego fix is a Lego fix, right?

What? I love the bucket, apple and carrot, I don't have any fruit bar a banana, which is boring!

Bear in mind though, that fairly early on, Morrison said RIP didn't stand for the usual "Rest In Peace", but rather (either) something else or nothing at all. Although obviously, there's the presumed death at the end... proven not to be the case by Final Crisis, and Batman #682 and #683. But I do think that the basic idea of a Gotham without Batman is a good one. We get to see how his family, friends and city cope (or rather, don't) in his absence.

It's a nifty idea if different from Knightfall, but my problem with it is that ultimately RIP had nothing to do with Bruce giving up the Batman identity, just him fighting the lamest "pure evil" ever. Still, I'll give Morrison one more chance before I give up on him, hopefully the events of RIP will still have repurcussions on Final Crisis. Speaking of, not enjoying that story either. Of the big trinity Wonder Woman has become an evil fury, Superman is off planet not helping, and Batman is killing thousands of evil Batmen using only his brain. Three guesses as to which one Grant likes best

That bothered me a little as well. Unless of course, Damian, Jason or Hush challenge Nightwing and Robin for the cowl, in which case it does make a kind of sense. I mean, who'd want Damian as either Batman or Robin. It's sad that Babs is disbanding the Birds, but the fact that it gives her a miniseries makes up for it a little.

Oh, great theorising there! If something similar happens then I might like it, but I hope it's not just one of those cliche "Gotham needs a Batman, someone must step up!" "I will!"

"No I will" "Fight!" "KO!" "Finish him!" "Johnny Cage wins!" scenarios Also Hush better be written good, you read Tec 851 yet?

I like what you said though, either that or Damian dying from pack dogs ripping out his nuts. Either is okay!

He'd better be a different person, I always hated Valley. And I still do. And I mean proper hate.

Aww, I like Valley. Even if he a villain-you-love-to-hate in Knightfall he was pretty awesome in Sword of Azrael and the earlier issues of his miniseries. He's like Cass, a person trained to be nothing but a killer, but managed to become someone more. 'Course Cass is way cooler but you get my point.

Which I guess means you still finish in Summer. Whereas we just seem have winter all year round.

Don't forget though, the British made Australia what it is today.

I finish in the early summer yes. But screw Australia, I haven't got a patriotic bone in my body! Your people ruined it!

Nah I'm kidding, the Brits are a good laugh, masters of comedy and wit well known

TotB is another thing I need to buy. Well, it's Tim Sale, how could I not get it? Plus it looks good on the shelf, which is always a selling point. HCs look better on the shelf, so I'll try and get them wherever possible.

That's exactly what went through my mind when I decided to buy it. The store has some TBPs as cheap and others ridiculously overpriced, as this was 55 dollars! Still, I thought what you said and was not disappointed, especially with Blades. I actually don't like Hardcovers though, as they tend to be different sizes (example, The Killing Joke deluxe edition is way too big) and wreck some of the continuity of the paperbacks which look very nice all lined out. However, TotB and TMWL are quite good in that they are only slightly larger than your usual paperback.

Also, a bit random, but you read Trinity by Matt Wagner right?

I went back to it the other day, having found some time to write some more. The next issues will be a bit more time coming, and I'll send a series breakdown with that as well. By strange coincidence, Heroes Vol.4 and my Vol.4 seem as though they may have some familiar themes. Mine came first though.

Cool, just don't hurry it though. Take your time. Although you could hurry it if you wish and learn the wonders of meeting a deadline should you ever look into becoming a comic writer

No, not yet. No doubt I'll be able to check them out on YouTube. They certainly look very good.

They are very good. We finally get to see Blue Beetle, Red Tornado and Plastic Man in significant roles! (They were three of like five characters not given good roles in the DCAU)

Oh, and in case you don't reply in time, Merry Christmas! :skull:

Batbrick Away!

[Brainbox]

Oh, and in case you don't reply in time, Merry Christmas! :skull:

I'll come back and do a proper reply later, probably Friday now, but for the moment:

Merry Christmas!

[Batbrick]

WHAT!? I've been gone two long weeks and you STILL haven't replied? Hurry up dummy!

Batbrick is Back!

[The Penguin]

Gentlemen, pardon me for cutting in, but a question the answer to which I can't find:

Does Comissioner Gordon actually know about "friendly" relations between me and Batman? )

Thanks in advance! )

Good day, gentlemen! )

[Commander Assassin]

I didn't really feel like reading 15 pages (I believe) of old posts, but is anyone out there a vintage Batman comic collector? I started this summer and have found some great deals on old comics.