Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Last Comic Picks of 2017

Well, a week from today and it will be a new year.  
So with that in mind, here are my last picks for 2017.  
Just click the link and enjoy!


Now, enjoy this week's Cover.

Comic Cover of the Week


Nightwing: the New Order #5

DC Comics

Cover Art by Trevor McCarthy

Saturday, December 23, 2017

Cosplay of the Day


Christmas Canary
by
Kitty Honey

Classic Cover of the Day - Showcase Saturday Edition


Classic Cover of the Day

Superman #305

DC Comics

Saturday Showcase: the Toyman

(Toyman by Alex Ross)

    Since Christmas is only 2 days away, I figured I should do a Saturday Showcase that sorta relates to the holiday.  So, I started thinking that the materialistic world of Christmas is all about the toys so why not discuss the Toyman?  So let's begin our discussion. 

    The Toyman has been a favorite villain of mine since seeing him as a member of the Legion of Doom on the popular Challenge of the Superfriends cartoon.  I always thought he was one of  Flash's rogues until I did some "research" and realized he was originally a villain for Superman.


(Action Comics #64, September 1943)

       The Toyman has gone by many names in his life in the comics.  The original Toyman was Winslow Schott created by Don Cameron and Ed Dobrotka.  Then their was Jack Nimball, who I was first introduced to, created by Cary Bates and Curt Swan.  Later, the Toyman name would be used by Hiro Okamura created by Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuiness.  Even though Winslow is the most published and popular, I still like the style of Jack Nimball the best.


(Toyman aka Jack Nimball)

   What made Toyman so dangerous was his toys of course.  Without them some would consider him to be a pitiful excuse for a human.  In fact if you look on Wikipedia under abilities, it states mechanical genius manifested through destructive toys.  

    His team affiliations is an impressive list as well.  Besides the Legion of Doom, the Toyman has been affiliated with the Superman Revenge Squad, the Super Foes, the Society, and the Injustice League.  He may seem to be a team player with a list like that, but he is most dangerous when he is alone.


(Toyman, Jack Nimble, takes care of some security guards during a heist.)

    Sure, the Toyman character has had success in comics, cartoons, and as of recently toys, but I feel there is more there.  I know he was used in Smallville, but I feel the Toyman needs to cause havoc on the DC shows that are out there ruling the airwaves.  I would love to see a crossover event where Arrow, Supergirl, and the Flash have to team-up to stop him, hopefully Jack Nimble.  However you see it or say it, the world needs more TOYMAN.

    Until next time Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday, and get your READ on!

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Comic Picks of the Week

To see what I am reading this week, click here.

Cover of the Week


Punisher #219

MARVEL

Cover Art by Clayton Crain

Until next time, get your READ on!

May the FORCE be with you!

Saturday, December 9, 2017

Classic Cover of the Day - Saturday Showcase Edition


Classic Cover of the Day

Doctor Strange #28

MARVEL

Saturday Showcase: the In-Betweener


    I was watching Guardians Vol. 2 the other day and it caused me to do some thinking about classic stories from the cosmos known as the Marvel Universe.  That is when I got the idea to do a Saturday Showcase on the In-Betweener.  Just who is the In-Betweener?  Well, he is Chaos, he is Order, he is right, he is wrong, he is madness, he is sanity, he is always in-between.  

    
    The In-Betweener was created in 1975 by Jim Starlin.  His first appearance was in Warlock #9 (Oct. 1975).  He has fought avengers, defenders, guardians, as well as the likes of Thanos and Galactus.  He is a powerful cosmic being, but his "ego" usually is his downfall.  

   He has had partnerships with villains such as Lord Chaos, Master Order, and even Thanos.  His powers besides immortality are the ability to warp perception as well as manipulate/alter reality.

    Like I said earlier, he once saw Thanos as an ally, but that ended when Thanos wanted the 6th infinity stone, the Soul Gem, which the In-Betweener possessed. Which led to a battle in which Thanos was the victor.  


    I believe that Marvel Studios already dropped the ball to introduce him since he was the holder of the Soul Gem, but it would be nice if he is at least mentioned in the Infinity War films.  Besides a Heroclix figure, you really don't see much of the In-Betweener except in the comics and I feel that is an injustice on this classic cosmic character.  I mean, he fought Galactus for Pete's sake!


Until next time, get your READ on!


Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Derf's Picks of the Week

To see my Comic Picks of the Week, click here.

Until then, check out my pick for Cover of the Week.


Spider-Man/Venom: Venom INC. Alpha #1 of 1

MARVEL

Cover Art by Ryan Stegman

Saturday, December 2, 2017

Classic Cover of the Day: Saturday Showcase Edition


Classic Cover of the Day

Avengers #344

MARVEL

Saturday Showcase: the Black Knight


    Today's Saturday Showcase features one of my favorite Avenger's from the '80's - '90's.  Dane Whitman, also known as the Black Knight.  I know, I know, some of you are thinking, wait, wasn't the Black Knight a bad guy? Yes, he was, sort of.  You see, Dane is the 3rd person to be known as the Black Knight and he was by far the best.


   He is and always will be one of my favorite Avengers.  He was a member of the team back when it was constant battles against aliens and magic.  A lot of his missions leaned toward the magic side since his sword was enchanted.  The Ebony Blade gave him great power but it also came with a curse.  That was one of the things that attracted me to the character.  I mean, to use his power comes with a price but he still wanted to "avenge" the innocents of the world to set the name of Black Knight back in the history books as a hero and not as the villain that his uncle was.


    Even though, Dane was popular in the '80's - '90's, he actually was introduced in the '60's.  Dane version of the Black Knight made his first appearance in December of 1967 in the Avengers #47.  He was created by Roy Thomas and John Buscema.


   At first, the Avengers were hesitant to fight alongside a Black Knight, but in the battles they shared, they realized that Dane's heart was pure and that he was on the side of Justice.  Dane proved to be a valuable member of the Avengers, even taking down Kang the Conqueror will others could not.

    Dane continued fighting with the Avengers, but that was not the only team that he would come to know and love.  He was also a member of the following teams.

MI-13
Defenders
Ultraforce
Excalibur
Heroes for Hire

    Dane is a team player no matter the team, but he is of noble blood and that is his true calling.  Dane was thought to be dead for years only to resurface in recent years, where he had to face off against some of those he called friends because the Ebony Blade had corrupted him and forced him to commit a crime while a member of the Avengers.  In the end, the Avengers realized it was his curse to bear, and left their friend at New Avalon to fulfill his destiny.

   Who knows what the future has in store for Black Knight fans.  I can only hope that we see him in film or TV soon.  I know he made an appearance in an Avengers cartoon as well as a great playable character in Avengers Alliance but I think he is destined for more.  Since he is such a well "traveled" Avenger, maybe some one will wise up and write him into the Infinity War 2 script.



Until next time, get your READ on!

Avengers: Infinity War Official Trailer

Saturday, November 25, 2017

Classic Cover of the Day


Classic Cover of the Day

Green Lantern #25

DC Comics

Saturday Showcase: Guy Gardner

   
    Anyone who knows me knows that I am a huge Green Lantern fan.  I am a big fan of the Hal Jordan era, but I have to say I really dig the Guy Gardner era as the Green Lantern.  I realize he is a big fixture in the DC Universe, but I feel Guy still doesn't get enough props and that is why he is the focus of today's Saturday Showcase.

    Guy had a huge role in the '80's era of DC Comics, but he was first introduced to us in March of '68 in Green Lantern Vol. 2 # 59.  Originally he was created by Gil Kane and John Broome but some changes needed to be made to increase his popularity.  So, his appearance was changed thanks to Joe Staton and Steve Englehart , and it was his run in the '80's that really caught the reader's attention.  

    I think I first really liked the Guy Gardner Green Lantern while he was a member of the JLI or Justice League International with fellow members Blue Beetle, Mister Miracle, and of course Batman.  Guy and Bats really didn't see eye to eye which made for great reading.  Anyone who follows comics is aware of the one punch story that occurred between Bats and Guy.  For you new comers, here is the panel in which I refer.


     The famous "One Punch" occurred in Justice League International #5.  

    Besides the Green Lantern Corps, Guy has been affiliated with the Red Lanterns for a short while.  He was able to keep his rage in check and used his time with the Red Corps for good in the long run.  And as you already know from the above panel, Guy was also a member of the Justice League International.  While a member of the JLI, he meet the one true love of his life with fellow member, Ice.


    JLI Team Photo (More members would be added later including Fire and Ice)

        Even though Guy has made appearances in several comic titles ( including his own) as well as a few animated series and some video games,  he has never reached the full potential that his character has.  He should be in film in my opinion. One day perhaps, one day.

Saturday, November 18, 2017

Saturday Showcase: Scourge (of the Underworld)


   This week's Saturday Showcase focuses on the Marvel villain known as the Scourge (of the Underworld).  The Scourge isn't just one man, he is an unlimited army of assassins.  When one dies, another takes his place.  If one is captured, they are killed and the one who does the kill becomes the new Scourge.

    The Scourge was first introduced in 1985.  Iron Man #194 was the issue where we witnessed the birth of "justice" when the Scourge eliminated the Enforcer.  At the end of the kill, the Scourge cries out, "Justice Is Served!"  Those of you who followed Marvel Comics back in the '80's would see this battle cry often.


   The Scourge proved to be an enemy who was hard to beat.  Like I said earlier, when one is taken out of the equation, another one would take their place.  This is why he gave the Avengers a run for the money.  He was never stupid enough to take on the whole team, but he would take them on one-on-one.

    His favorite Avenger to tangle with was Captain America.  I guess he was not living up to the Scourge's view of Justice.  He didn't just tangle with Avengers though.  When it was believed that Flash Thompson was the Hobgoblin, the Scourge paid him a visit only to be stopped by Spider-Man.

    I just don't understand why Marvel hasn't used the Scourge on TV or in film.  You have an endless supply of assassins trying to dish out "justice".  I would have thought they would have appeared on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D at least.  Hopefully, someone at Marvel is reading this and getting some ideas.  Well, until next time...Get your READ on!



Thursday, November 16, 2017

Survivor Series 2017: My Picks


    As you know, Sunday, November 19 is Survivor Series.  
Now that the final cast is chosen, 
I decided to share with you my thoughts on who will win.


Miz Vs Baron Corbin

    Miz is by far the most underestimated champion the WWE has ever seen.  He is the reason that the Intercontinental Championship is relevant once again.  Corbin is a good wrestler who happened to have luck on his side when he won the U.S. title in a triple threat match. Sure Baron is big and has muscle, but Miz has intelligence and the Miztourage in his corner.

Winner: the Miz


the Shield vs the New Day

    The WWE Universe wanted a Shield reunion and that is exactly what they got. The Shield will have their hands full against the NEW DAY!  As witnessed from Hell in a Cell, the New Day can fight, however I fill the Shield will have more tricks up their sleeve.  Who knows, the Shield may cause a rift in the New Day which could lead to their demise.

Winner: the Shield


the Queen, Charlotte Flair Vs the Goddess, Alexa Bliss

    The Women's division is on fire!  Alexa was training to fight Natalya but Charlotte had other plans.  Now the match is Alexa vs Charlotte.  I am Team Red all the way, but I have to say Alexa is out classed in this match.

Winner: Charlotte Flair


the USOs Vs the Bar

    Well, well, well.  This appears to be a familiar match-up.  These 2 teams have history.  Who has the advantage?  To me, it's the USOs.  The USOs have awoken and embraced their demons to be the champions that they are.  The Bar may try to bring them down a notch, but I think the USOs will fly high.

Winner: the USOs


RAW  Vs Smackdown Live Women's 5 on 5 Elimination Match

    5 women from RAW and 5 from Smackdown Live will go head to head to prove which show has the best women's wrestlers.  Each team has some talent. But, I feel that RAW's team is a little more stacked.  I believe Asuka said she will break the Smackdown Live team apart and I believe she could do it.  It wouldn't surprise me at all if she was the one standing tall.

Winner: Team RAW


RAW Vs Smackdown Live Men's 5 on 5 Elimination Match

    The WWE Universe is buzzing about the addition of HHH to team RAW.  Hell, Raw is one stacked team.  No offense towards Team Blue, but there is more power and skill on Team Red.  Strowman alone is a monster that cannot be contained.  The only way I see Team Blue on top is if someone helps Team Red loose,which as we know could happen.

Winner: Team RAW


AJ Styles Vs Brock Lesnar

    To me this is the money match up.  As the saying goes, I was saving the best for last.  In all rights, AJ is the underdog but he could pull off a victory.  Sure, Brock is a Beast and could easily manhandle Styles, but Styles is cunning and is brilliant on the mat.  I think it will come down to the end, but Brock will become victorious with a little help from Jinder Mahal.  I think Jinder is going to interfere or cause a distraction that will give Brock the upper hand and finish AJ in the match to become victorious.

Winner: Brock Lesnar

    I am fan of both shows, but my heart lies with Team Red and I guess it always will.  I do sense some possible switching of sides.  I personally think that Kane is working with Daniel Bryan and they may have a plan.  Kane isn't in any of the matches, but that doesn't mean he cannot have an involvement in any of the outcomes.  I guess we will just have to wait and see.

Monday, November 13, 2017

Sunday, November 12, 2017

An Interview with Majin Buu


I had the pleasure to interview Josh Martin, the voice of Majin Buu for Somewhatnerdy.  To see it, click on the following link,  Buu Interview.



Saturday, November 11, 2017

Classic Cover of the Day


Classic Cover of the Day
Avengers West Coast Vol. 1 #93
Marvel


Saturday Showcase: US Agent


    Today is Veterans' Day and I can think of no better character to showcase than US Agent.  Some of you may have never heard of US Agent, but he is the man that took Steve Rogers place as Captain America when Steve thought he was finished with being a hero.  Long story short, Steve changes his mind and wants to be Cap again so John had no choice but to become his own persona.  I am getting ahead of myself so let me begin again.


    John Walker was a hero originally known as the Super Patriot.  That's him to the right.  The Super Patriot was another super soldier like Cap,who wanted to make America a better place.  When Steve had enough, John was asked to fill Cap's shoes and he gladly accepted.  Well,Steve didn't like the way John did things.  So, Steve created the Captain persona to take on Captain America.  In the long run, Steve won his title back and John adapted the look of the Captain but called himself, US Agent.


    As US Agent, John became the successful leader of the West Coast Avengers.  This team consisted of a lot of great heroes like Moon Knight, Hawkeye, Tigra, and Mockingbird.  He was at the forefront to doing great things.  Then, boom, MARVEL seemed to forget how much he was worth.  He was on the team Force Works, which had him play second fiddle to Tony Stark as well as a new look.

    The character of US Agent had identity issues in terms of costumes for years to come as well as jumping from team to team.  Marvel decided to put him on the shelf and only use him from time to time.  Hell, he resurfaced years later as a member of Omega Flight during the whole Civil War drama that was playing out in Marvel Comics.

    John's look as the US Agent was always one of my favorite hero looks.  Hell, I still have my US Agent figure that came out from Toy Biz years ago just because it looks so damn cool.  Sure it was just a paint job on a Cap figure but I didn't care.  When the first Cap movie came out and I saw an US Agent figure on the shelf, I made sure to get one because he is just that cool.

    I hope that MARVEL wises up and starts to utilize John more in film and TV.  He made a brief comeback last year in the Sam Wilson titles, so that gives me hope.  I would love to see US Agent on the TV series agents or even for a brief period on the big screen.  I just want his talents as well as his character recognized.


Happy Veterans' Day!

US Agent by Norm Breyfogle


Saturday, November 4, 2017

Cosplay of the Day

Cosplay of the Day
THOR:RAGNAROK Cosplay
Hela: Goddess of Death Cosplay by Aime Jaze of Jaze Cosplay
Photography by the talented Tony Julius Photography www.juliusphotography.net

Thursday, October 26, 2017

Comic Picks of the Week

Sorry so late, work has been hell.

To see my picks for this week, click here,

Until then, enjoy this week's cover.


Comic Cover of the Week

The Power of the Dark Crystal #8 (Variant)

BOOM! Studios

Cover Art by Takeda

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Derf's Picks of the Week

A lot of good comics came out today.  

To see my picks, go over to SWN by clicking here.

Comic Cover of the Week


the Incredible Hulk #709

MARVEL

Cover Art by Greg Land