Who’s super excited for ‘Super Best Friends Forever’? This girl!

If you’ve followed me and what I write about for even a smidgen of time you’ll know I love cartoons and super heroes. Even more so when they’re combined. As a kid I watched tons of Batman: The Animated Series, X-Men, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, but looking back I can’t help but notice what boys clubs they were. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVED those shows and still do, but I might not have been such a tomboy had I been shown examples of girls who could both beat the bad guys and go on shopping sprees with their girl friends. When I was a kid I was convinced you had to pick one over the other. And I wanted to kick butt which meant nothing “girly” for me.

Thankfully, I believe we’re making progress away from such contrived gender stereotypes.

Justice League: DOOM

How awesome does the new DC Animated film look? DOOM releases on February 28th and I am PUMPED! Early reviews are all positive, with many people calling this something of a Justice League reunion. As in the animated Justice League series from the early 2000s. That absolutely perfect creation of cartoon super heroes.

Almost the entire original voice cast has returned for DOOM; Kevin Conroy, Tim Daly, Susan Eisenberg, they’re all here. Notable new additions are Nathan Fillion, Alexis Denisof, and Claudia Black, and who could complain about any of them? Seriously, Nathan Fillion is the best thing to happen to Hal Jordan since he first put on that ring.

What’s going to make this film really special is it being the last work of Dwayne McDuffie. I’ve written about him before, and how I only came to realize his influence on my obsession with super heroes when I was researching his obituary. I was shocked to see his involvement in just about everyone of my favorite childhood cartoons, and saddened it wasn’t until he passed that I realized it. So knowing this was his last screenplay and it’s a reunion of so many familiar voices, I just know I am going to love this movie.

Oh! And it was directed by Lauren Montgomery, who was also responsible for directed Wonder Woman, Green Lantern: First Flight, Superman/Batman: Apocalypse, co-directed Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths and Batman:Year One with with Sam Liu. This film was worked on by simply fabulous people.

Check out a few more clips below. I believe they basically comprise the opening fight scene between the Justice League and The Royal Flush Gang.

Sources: Comic Book Movie (2), Nerd Bastards

DC Rolls Out New Costumes for Earth-2 Heroes – More Importantly, Power Girl’s Boob Window Gone! →

I got a little personal in this article and thought I’d share some of what I wrote here. This concerns Power Girl’s new costume as seen on the recently released cover of World’s Finest #1.

I’m going to come off like a HUGE hypocrite, but you’ll just have to hear me out. Huntress’ costume, which we’ve already been seeing in Paul Levitz’s mini-series, I love. Particularly because that stupid belly window is gone. I think Power Girl’s new costume looks terrible, and I miss her boob window.

Now I’m betting you’re flustered, flabbergasted, and out right exhausted with confusion. We women can be so fickle. Why do I like one costume for covering up and not the other? For Huntress, a giant open window on your abdomen is like a target painted on your vital organs. She’s human and she’s fighting gangsters with guns, you’re going to be shot and you easily could die. It was just silly. If you’re basically a female Batman, have some sense and armor yourself from head to toe. Power Girl is not human. She can stand up to bullets and worse, so exposed skin isn’t a death wish.

That’s my practical reason, this is my more personal reason. I’m a fairly large-busted lady, and it’s something I’ve struggled with ever since they developed. I was always such a tomboy when I was younger and once puberty and breasts showed up it was impossible to be accepted as one of the boys anymore. I’ve grown up and come to terms with that.  Adolescences is awkward for everyone and you eventually become comfortable with who you are. But who isn’t constantly mocked by their own insecurities?. When you’ve got big boobs you’re stared at, people think you’re easy or looking for attention. And believe me, being the nerdy girl I am extra attention is never what I wanted. So much so I would do whatever I could to cover up.

Then there’s Peej.

She’s got these huge tits, but they’re out there and she doesn’t give a single fuck. Why? Because she’s Power Girl and if you’re lost staring at her boobs she will knock your block off. She’s so confidant, so powerful, no one would think to label her a slut. For me, Power Girl’s my bosom hero. She’s who I look to to remind myself to be comfortable with who I am. I’m not defined by my boobs, but they’re a part of me and I should be proud of them. I’m not going to grab the scissors and start cutting windows in all my t-shirts, but seeing her so unafraid of what people think is inspiring.

So the new costume is a bit of a downer. Not to mention ugly. I never minded her costume being white, but now that it covers so much of her it’s too much. Looks like a ski suit. The  cape/bib is awful. I know they’re trying to finally give her some kind of emblem, but too little too late DC. Gold gauntles and boots? Tacky. I miss that there’s no blue in her costume anymore.

Visit Nerd Bastards to check out the whole article!

How You Can Help ‘WONDER WOMEN! The Untold Story of American Superheroines’ Get to SXSW

(cross-posted w/Nerd Bastards)

This documentary from filmmakers Kristy Guevara-Flanagan and Kelcey Edwards has already come to be thanks to a successful Kickstarter campaign, but now they need a little more help to bring the film to the South By Southwest Film Festival (SXSW) in Austin, Texas.

Originally titled, The History of the World According to Wonder Woman, the doc, “traces the fascinating evolution and legacy of Wonder Woman. From the birth of the comic book superheroine in the 1940s, to the blockbusters of today,WONDER WOMEN! looks at how popular representations of powerful women often reflect society’s anxieties about women’s liberation.” It features interviews with Lynda Carter (Wonder Woman) and Lindsay Wagner (The Bionic Woman) as well as activists Gloria Steinem and Shelby Knox.

But the real stars of documentary are kick ass ladies like Ripley, Sarah Conner, Buffy Summers, Xena the Warrior Princess and of course, Wonder Women. In this film these iconic characters get to shine and that’s a cause worth supporting.

Check out the trailer below, it really starts at about the 1:15 mark after a message from the filmmakers.

Their Kickstarter campaign has only 23 more days to go, and they’ve raised $8,452 of their $15,000 goal. These funds will be going to, “professionally sound mix and color grade the film and prepare a festival print,” in addition to getting the film to the festival. Even if you only pledge a dollar every bit helps. Of course, if you can pledge more you could receive some cool rewards.

So come on, spread the word, donate if you can, and let’s help get these sexy, ass kickin ladies to the big screen!

Source: DC Woman Kicking Ass

RECAP: ‘Spartacus: Vengeance’ – “Fugitivus”

(cross-posted w/Nerd Bastards)

Starz returns us to the ancient world of gladiators and Roman decadence with their third season of the sensational swords-and-sandals series, Spartacus: Vengeance. Picking up only a few weeks after season one, the freed gladiators who rebelled against their lanista and master, Batiatus, are now fugitives hiding in the sewers of Capua. Or, fugitivus, as the episode is titled.

For weeks they’ve been terrorizing the city, killing Romans and stealing food and supplies. But their rebellion is becoming weak, splintered, as the freed slaves are beginning to grow hungry and restless. The gladiators are split between two leaders with different goals; Spartacus (Liam McIntyre) seeks revenge for the death of wife while Crixus (Manu Bennett) is determined to be reunited with his love, Naevia, a former slave of the house Batiatus.

RECAP & REVIEW: Sherlock; The Reichenbach Fall

[Note: This review grew into a small monster and is insanely long. I’m sure it’s enjoyable if you’ve been obsessing over Sherlock like I have for the past few weeks. Still, when will I learn to stop typing? Anyway, enjoy.]

What a way to wrap up one phenomenal season. I mean, wow guys. I tip my hat to the folks behind “The Reichenbach Fall” for making it one hell of a televised event. Were you to check the Sherlock tag on Tumblr you’d see such an incredible outpouring of emotion over this episode. And it is emotional, there’s no doubting that. Based on Arthur Conan Doyle’s story, “The Final Problem”, this episode written by Steve Thompson tackles the epic showdown between Sherlock and Moriarty and the death of the famous sleuth.

Sorry. I don’t really consider his death a spoiler. The story has only been available for like, 100 years. Spoiler warnings must lapse eventually.

Anyway, Sherlock dies. End of series, right? Nope, Steven Moffat and the BBC have a already confirmed Sherlock will get a third season. Soo - how does that work? Let’s continue.

Nerd Bastards Interviews Jordan Hembrough, The Host of Travel Channel’s ‘Toy Hunters’ →

Over at Nerd Bastards we were lucky enough to snag an interview, via email, with Jordan Hembrough, the host of Travel Channel’s new show, Toy Pickers. Last week an article about the upcoming show had been posted on our site and Jordan contacted us thanking us for the coverage. This lead to a discussion of an interview and, Voila! here it is. As a group we submitted questions and below I’ve included a few of mine Jordan graciously answered.

No big surprise here, but I pegged him with questions concerning toys and gender issues. Being the little girl always catching flack at the McDonald’s for requesting the “boy’s toy,” it’s an issue close to my heart.

What are you thoughts on toys and gender-specific marketing?

I think it will always be there, no matter what we do. While society as a whole has somewhat leveled the playing field in the workforce and home environment, toy manufacturers tend to hold true to their cookie cutter marketing.

In other words, we’re seeing more of the gender roles reversed these days. Women are in the workforce, running companies and becoming executives. They are viewed as equals in the workplace. Men too are staying home… whether it be working from home or being “stay at home dads.” The gender lines are blurred. It’s okay to break away from the normal “Mom stays home, Dad goes to work” philosophy.

Toy companies have yet to catch up. I think that to an extent, there will always be the marketing of the “Barbie” dolls to girls, and the action toys to boys. It’s safe, it’s proven, and it’s trusted. I would love to see the day when a company showcases a boy playing with a doll on the package… but I don’t think it’s going to happen. Not anytime soon
anyway.

Thinking back to the little girl who threw a tantrum over pink and princessesy stuff being used in marketing for girls, how would you advise toy manufacturers to respond?

My answer is simple: Good for her. I applaud her for knowing what she wants at such a young age, and truly sticking up for herself. This should have been a “wake up call” to some toy manufacturers. You would think that perhaps someone in marketing would have said, “hey guys… I think we’re doing it wrong”

It’s cases like this that hopefully will ring in a new era of advertising and marketing for a younger generation. Simply put, kids are smarter now than they were years ago. They have their own views, and know what they like. I think we should embrace the change and tailor the antiquted marketing strategies a bit. 

Are there such things as girl toys or boy toys?

Well, yes and no. Getting back to my answer a little earlier…I think, at their core, girls and boys generally like the same thing in a toy. They like things that inspire creativity and imagination, have a prolonged playability, and overall make them feel good.

Society and marketing has deemed the gender roles for us, particularly when it comes to the younger generation. Little girls play with dolls and dress up. Little boys play with action figures and trucks. It’s all set in motion at a young age through the marketing of the companies. In essence, one could argue that they [toy companies] are determining the “norm” in our child’s lives.

The lines are blurred and transparent at older ages. You don’t see anyone saying there are iPods or Laptops for girls or boys. I see my 11 yr daughter playing basketball with my 13yr old son… and nobody thinks twice about it.

I really appreciate the thoughtful answers Jordan gave to my questions. I would only argue such pigeon-holed depictions of gender within toy marketing will not, “always be there, no matter what we do.” We can change how toys are presented to our children and how gender roles are defined through them. We just need to keep talking about it.

Boys are allowed to have interest in dolls and dress-up. It could lead to them becoming a fashion designer. Girls are allowed to play with building bricks and toy tools. It could lead to them being architects or engineers.

Click the link at the top of this post to read the entire interview. And don’t forget to tune in to Toy Hunters this Sunday, Jan 15th, at 11pm. It really sounds like a neat show showcasing a fun and fanatical aspect of geekdom we don’t often see.

Don’t Miss Sherlock’s Season Two Finale - “The Reichenbach Fall”

Premiering this Sunday on BBC One will be the final episode in the terribly short season of Sherlock. Granted, every episode is about 90 minutes, making these episodes more like movies, but whatever, I WANT MORE.

Watch a preview trailer above, and read a short synopsis below.

Sherlock Episode 2.03 - The Reichenbach Fall
Sunday 15 January, 8.30-10.00pm, BBC ONE

James Moriarty – the greatest criminal mind that the world has ever seen. Sherlock and John knew he wouldn’t stay hidden for long. But even they never guessed the sheer scale and audacity of the crime that would propel Moriarty back into the headlines. The crime of the century. The Tower of London, the Bank of England, Pentonville prison – all sprung open on the same day as if by magic! But Moriarty’s plans don’t stop there…

Sherlock and John lock horns with their old enemy in one final problem that tests loyalty and courage to their very limits. Sherlock must fight for his reputation, his sanity and his life. But is he all he claims to be?

Oooh, this showdown is going to be EPIC! I can just tell. Sherlock, Moriarty, in a courtroom. Oh, they’ll be fireworks! And John will be his adorably unawares self.

Sherlock stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, Mark Gatiss, Rupert Graves, Una Stubbs, Andrew Scott, Louise Brealey, and Katherine Parkinson.

If you missed out on my earlier reviews: “A Scandal in Belgravia” “The Hounds of Baskeville”

And finally, here’s a new fun game, spot the TARDIS.

Yup. This is taken from “The Hounds of Baskerville.” Have you spotted it yet? Steven Moffat you mad genius. (.gif via celestial cow)

(Source: bleedingcool.com)

REVIEW: ‘Sherlock; The Hounds of Baskerville’

For a series of only three episodes, each one is under a lot of pressure to be fantastic. If one falls flat a third of the season suffers. And sadly, I’m afraid that’s precisely what happened with Sherlock’s second episode, “The Hounds of Baskerville.”

It should be noted that a not-so-great Sherlock episode is still a marvelous bit of television.

Problems occur when trying to adapt one Holmes’ most famous cases, The Hound of the Baskervilles. First off, Holmes isn’t in it for much of the original story and Watson performs most of the clue hunting. But in Mark Gattis’ version, (Who, by the way, also plays Mycroft in the show. I have NO IDEA how I didn’t realize this!) “The Hounds of Baskerville” Sherlock is present for the whole thing. Unfortunately, it all comes off rather forced, particularly with why Sherlock decides to take the case.

Comic Book MEN? REALLY?!? I thought we were passed this…

[Below is a short editorial of sorts I tacked on to the end of the article, Watch Two Previews For Kevin Smith’s Upcoming Reality Show, ‘Comic Book Men’ for Nerd Bastards. I’ve included it here because I’m sure it’s relevant to many of you. It is to me, hence why I wrote it.]

I’m really excited for this show and I hope it opens up the “mysterious” world of comic book shops to the unknowing public. I just have one teeny, weeny, itsy, bitsy problem. Did it really need to be titled Comic Book MEN?

First off, I think this is a dumb name no matter what gender it references. I understand Secret Stash could have been misleading, and this new title is very clear, but I still find it dumb. Then again, I’d find just about any reality show name dumb, but even Comic Book Fans, or The Comic Shop or something along those lines would sound better.

Secondly, calling it Comic Book Men makes me feel not welcomed. I love comic books and I frequent a fantastic local shop where I’ve never felt excluded or like a freak of nature for having boobs. To clarify, having boobs and reading the comics as opposed to posing on their covers. This comic shop also has a fairly diverse staff, gender-wise. For people a little weirded about comic shops this is where I send them, because it’s clean, organized, helpful and very welcoming. Comic book stores are in a bit of trouble if you didn’t know, they want your business, not matter who you are. So why would they choose a title that seems to say, “We’re a show for the boys, by the boys”? Why exclude female fans? What I’m afraid will happen is the title and the way they’re promoting the show might turn off other female comic books fans or maybe, women who don’t even know they’re comic book fans yet because they’ve not had the same wonderful experience at a local shop like I have.

Thirdly, it turns out they did audition women for the show and even went so far as to basically cast one until someone decided the show was to go in a different direction. I’m guessing a direction with no women because that’s the only difference I can tell. Turns out the woman was well known geek girl, Zoë A. Gulliksen. She blogged about her experience recently, which is how I became aware of her involvement. She even links to a portion of one of Smith’s podcasts where he talks about how “perfect” she was. But, I guess not perfect enough for this season.

I’m not going to vilify Kevin Smith. I adore him and I don’t think he set out to make a show about comic books where women are not welcomed. Unfortunately, it seems like that’s what happened. I know plenty of people will think I’m freakin’ out over the title for really no reason (and it’s not just me, Jill Pantozzi, who also auditioned for the show, wrote about her disappointment of the show’s new direction over on Newsarama). But after this passed year, which was freakin’ RIPE with controversy over the portrayal of women in comics, the lack of women creators being hired by the big companies and especially after those kerfuffles at conventions between comic book companies and their female fans (I’m lookin’ at you DC Comics at SDDC), you’d think someone would have seen Comic Book Men as a possibly controversial title.

All right, I’ve aired my grievances. I’ll still tune in after The Walking Dead, and I’m sure I’ll love what I see. Why? Because I love comics, and I love people who are fans and enjoy talking about them as much as me. I just would have liked to see someone like me invited to the party.

REVIEW: ‘Sherlock; A Scandal in Belgravia’

Blah, blah, spoilers, blah, blah. This episode won’t officially release in the US until May. But, come on, when has that stopped fans before? Still, fair warning, if you’re waiting to watch it then, I wouldn’t read this.

To begin, it was awesome! A perfect show to begin the new year. They quickly wrapped up the cliffhanger finale from last season involving Sherlock, John, Jim Moriarty and a bomb, which I had kind of forgotten about. It all ends rather anti-climatically, but you must have expected that, the new season isn’t going to begin with Holmes and Watson blowing up! We need continuation, and we know Moriarty will be back. Especially with the third and final episode this season titled “The Reichenbach Falls.” Dun-dun-duh!!

Impressive Re-cut of the Trailer for The Hobbit

I’m not sure if you’re aware of this or not but I’m a HUGE nerd when it comes to trailers. I freakin’ love them. Sometimes seeing the trailers in the beginning of a movie is my favorite part of a movie. I think it’s because when you watch a perfectly created trailer, the movie itself is perfect. Or at least your perception of the film at the time you watch that trailer is perfect. Many films, once seen, have ruined for me what was a fantastic trailer.

But anyway, since I love trailers so much I’ll often find myself watching them over and over. What’s really fun, is when a bigger fan of trailers than me re-edits a trailer and manages to maker it even perfect-er. Which is what you get with the re-edited Hobbit trailer above from Samuel Smith.

To watch The Hobbit’s original trailer venture here. Which do you like better?