Q&A #184: How does a favorite comic book character mark the winter holidays?

Posted on December 18, 2012 by Anika

In Q & A, a weekly feature of Fantastic Fangirls, we ask our staff to tackle a simple question — then open the floor to comments.

How does a favorite comic book character mark the winter holidays?

GABBY

Honestly, I think this image says it all:

a panel featuring Superman carrying Santa Claus

But what I really hope for Superman this Holiday season is that he takes a break and stays Clark Kent for a while. Spend some quality time with Ma and Pa Kent on the farm, go into the Smallville town square and drink hot chocolates. Be the wholesome country boy that I know he can be. I think the man deserves it, at least once a year.

a panel featuring Superman with Ma and Pa Kent

MARIE

The Question would probably start by continuing his research on how snow days are actually a government conspiracy to suppress freedom and democracy.

a shot of The Question

SARA

So, I have this thing where I often think about Christmas at odd times during the year. Like, summer. Summer probably holds about 20% of my Christmas thoughts. Which is pretty odd if you really think about it. I could imagine a normal person’s breakdown is 10% October, 23% November, and 67% December (doesn’t it always seem that when December actually gets here, you don’t spend nearly enough time on the holidays? Is that just me?)

Anyway, Christmas in the summer. I think about it.

This summer was no different in that regard. However, there was something really special about this past summer. It was the time of my life during which I dived headfirst into the Avengers fandom. Like, swan dived into fic, comics, animated stuff (shudders—Marvel, you have talent, but it did not lie in the animated Avengers movies), everything.

That preface should be enough for you to see where I am going with this.

Don’t worry, I’ll spell it out anyway: When my mind gets flooded with two distinct thoughts at the same time, I often take the “Mash them together and see what happens” approach. As it is, I spent most of July thinking about how the newly formed Avengers team (MCU universe) would spend Christmas in New York together.

a photo of skating at Rockefeller Center

My first thought was, “HILARITY!” Second was, “HIJINKS!” And third was, “Holy crap, the last Christmas Cap had was during the Depression and a World War! He has no idea how commercialized the holiday season has become.”

a photo of Radio City Musica Hall

In that order.

Immediately, my mind filled with scenarios that involved the team coming together (in there own special ways) to teach Thor what the hell Christmas was and Steve what Christmas became. And then Steve would of course insist on doing things the right way, which involves church and carol singing and helping the poor and generally taking in the spirit of Christmas in New York.

a photo of Saks 5th Avenue store decorated for the holidays

Imagine my surprise when, after weeks of mulling this over in my head, I find a flippin’ fic that HAD ALL THESE THINGS IN IT. IT WAS A CHRISTMAS (in August!) MIRACLE.

a photo featuring Macy's store decorated for the holidays

So, dear readers, if you wanted to read a fic that involved (disastrous) Christmas baking, Thor being awesome, Steve and Santa, Tony buying every child in Macy’s something, and good ol’ Avengers comraderie, I strongly suggest you read Deck the Halls with Daddy Issues. ~~It’s Stony, shut up, but it was more gen team fic than anything.~~

Happy Holidays, everyone!

So what about you? How does a favorite comic book character mark the winter holidays?

Note from the Editor:

Hello, faithful readers!

Our thanks and appreciation go out to all of you who have enjoyed this year’s re-working of Fantastic Fangirls. We value your opinions, comments, and views on these geeky properties we all love.

We’re going to be taking a bit of time off for the next few weeks, with no Q&A next week and fewer posts overall. Regular posting will resume in the new year.

Best wishes to all of you,

Sigrid

Skipping to Conclusions: Man of Steel

Posted on December 12, 2012 by Sam

The Man of Steel trailer has arrived:

I can not wait.

I think Superman is stuck in a tough place in our collective consciousness. If he’s his classic self, he gets dismissed for being too much of a “Boy Scout” – though I wish we could retire that term, since I doubt he’d ever want to be associated with a group that now puts discrimination into its bylaws – and compared unfavorably to the “nuanced” and dark Batman. If he becomes a little edgier – as has happened in the reboot, as it looks like is happening in Man of Steel – he’s not the Superman everyone wants to see.

I love Superman because he’s an outsider, who can pass as part of the mainstream world, but who harbors this wonderful secret that he’s afraid to share. But Superman was created in a different era, and I’m not too sure that an alien boy who lands on a farm in Kansas would necessarily be instilled with virtues such as truth, justice, and the American Way.

What is the American Way?

I am not a parent, but I can only imagine that parents of children who are “different” wish to protect their children. The easiest way to protect something different is to hide it. Sometimes hiding comes with sacrifices. I don’t think any of us will face a situation where we have to choose between passing or saving lives, but maybe we will. I know what my mom would say to me in that situation. But I also know what I’d choose anyway, no matter what. And my mom would understand.

I’m excited for Man of Steel for a lot of reasons. Sure, I’ll always be excited for a new Superman movie; I’ll always give it the benefit of the doubt. I’m really happy about a lot of the casting, which I haven’t been since Lois and Clark. But for the first time in a long time, in this age of superhero origin reboots every decade, Superman’s origin seems new. You can’t have a real heroic journey without some darkness. Superman doesn’t get swallowed up by it; he strives to find the good in the world, and to add some more good to it, and this trailer makes me think that’s exactly the direction Snyder is going in.

My father believed that if the world found out who I really was, they’d reject me. He was convinced that the world wasn’t ready.

What do you think?

I was wary of the “Nolanization” of Superman. But the more I thought about it, the more I thought about my favorite Superman comics over the years – especially Superman: Secret Identity and Superman: Man for All Seasons – the more I realized that this is exactly where I want Superman to go. This isn’t Nolanization – or maybe this is exactly what Nolanization is – this is putting a superhero into our world, the same as Siegel and Shuster did, the same as the team of writers on Donner’s film did. But it’s not 1938 anymore. It’s not 1978 anymore.

I’m ready.

Q&A #183: What is your favorite superhero comic book trope or cliche?

Posted on December 11, 2012 by Anika

In Q & A, a weekly feature of Fantastic Fangirls, we ask our staff to tackle a simple question — then open the floor to comments.

What is your favorite superhero comic book trope or cliche?

ALI

Just about every superhero has a secret identity. They usually do it to protect their loved ones from being targeted or harmed. Or because they’re Batman and they don’t want people playing with their toys. Some secret identities work pretty well. But I love me a good bad secret identity. I mean, Spider-Man got Doctor Strange to cast a spell on the entire world to keep his secret identity safe, he was that made at it. “What? No, me and Spidey are just BFF. Now let me go disappear in the midst of this catastrophe so that he can show up and save the day.”

But really, the best bad secret identity is Clark Kent.

Yup, that’s Clark giving an impassioned resignation speech at the Daily Planet. So impassioned that he tore off his glasses to talk about Truth, Justice, and the American Way. Because he’s so obviously NOT Superman.

ANIKA

My worst enemy is my best friend. Magneto and Xavier. Harry shouting “Don’t hurt Peter!” after he’s made a deal with Doctor Octopus for Spider-Man is one of my favorite moments of Spider-Man 2 and that is the superhero film dearest to my heart. I find Lex Luthor more compelling in Smallville than other storylines because he’s Clark’s close friend. And I secretly want Iron Man 3 to be about the boy Tony went to high school with.

a still from the animated series Iron Man Armored Adventures

I never get tired of that story.

MARIE

For me, the “Evil Twin” trope never gets old. I think all superheroes (or comic book characters for that matter), have a dark side. It’s part of what makes them so relatable.

So what about you? What is your favorite superhero comic book trope or cliche?

My Little Pony Comics are Magic

Posted on December 10, 2012 by Ali

Hey there, everypony! We’ve got some great news from Equestria: the My Little Pony Friendship is Magic comic book has been released! But we’ve got more than just a Party Canon planned for the happy event. A few of our most Fantastic Fanponies are going to talk about the comic and the Magic of Friendship. Put your hooves together for Ali Dash, Anika Pie, and Sigridjack.

ALI DASH
My Little Pony Friendship is Magic was 20% cooler than all the other comics I read this week. No really. I smiled the whole time I was reading it! And then I read it again because I just loved it so. Katie Cook and Andy Price did a fantastic job of capturing the fun and adventurous tone of the cartoon. But most importantly, they made sure the comic was full of heart. That’s really what makes My Little Pony Friendship is Magic such a wonderful property, whether you’re a seven-year-old girl, or a 30-year-old dude. I’m really, really excited for the next issue. It’s gonna be SO. AWESOME.

SIGRIDJACK
There’s, a, a Jean Grey pony and a Batman pony in the crowd scene. There’s a Blues Brothers reference. There’s a Fantastic Four reference. There’s meta-textual self-awareness. There’s a purely delightful sense of fun with the medium of comics — working with and around frames, dealing with text, use of color and motion.

I –

I am babbling, here, and I know it. I’m torn between trying to sell this comic to people who love comics but are side-eyeing My Little Pony, and trying to talk to people who already love the cartoon but are side-eyeing comics.

Both of you, just — take a deep breath and give this comic a shot. If you love comics, so does this comic. If you love My Little Pony and understand that Friendship is Magic, so does this comic. This is the most well-executed media tie-in comic I’ve ever seen.

ANIKA PIE
Sigridjack is right: this comic excels in the details. The title “The Return of Queen Chrysalis” appears on the first page, but I didn’t notice that my first read-thru. I noticed that Sweetie Belle’s box was labeled “Jungle Crooz” — a joke that has about three layers and that was page one. The comic knows its audience. But Ali Dash is also right: the fan service doesn’t overshadow the story or the fun.

Anyways, because I didn’t notice the title (because Pinkie Pies are not observant except when we want to be), I was surprised when Chrysalis was the plot. Or the pony behind the plot. Or the not-pony-but-pony-like-villain behind the plot. Point is I was surprised and also pleased to see her! I loved the second season finale and the characters it introduced but we barely got to know them on screen. I was expecting the comic to be a watered down version of the show that I would probably ignore, but instead it’s a companion book that I’m excited to support!

ALI DASH
Sigridjack, Doctor Whooves was in it TWICE! AND there’s a Katie Cook pony! TWICE! Also, I’m calling then the Blues Bronies because duh.

Anyway, back to Anika Pie’s thing about Queen Chrysalis and where this story’s going? Do you guys think we’ll get to see Shining Armor and Princess Cadence? OH! What about Princess Luna? Do you think the Cutie Mark Crusaders will FINALLY get their cutie marks?!! (Sheesh, I hope so ‘cause those fillies can be pretty annooooyiiiing sometimes). I want Rainbow Dash to do a Sonic RainBOOM!

I guess what I’m trying to say is, what would you like to see happen in the comics?

SIGRIDJACK
I want the comics to give us the depth the episodes don’t have time to dwell on. This issue? This story? PERFECT example. The comic can take the time to explore consequences, and how things affect other ponies, and what things mentioned in the show mean for Equestria.

ANIKA PIE
Okay, first, I love Shining Armor. He is a pony made for me. I want him to show up, sure (and Cadence), but what I’d love is a little mini-comic about filly Twilight and her BBBFF. Second, Princess Luna is never ever used enough and I would read or watch a whole separate series about her…but she is also somepony I worry about the various creators not doing her the way I want her to be done, so maybe the cameos are better. Third, I seriously doubt the Cutie Mark Crusaders will get their cutie marks in the sideline comic rather than the show. I loved that Chrysalis and the text of the comic pointed out how annoying that quest, and their obsession with it, can be. That’s another example of the layering of humor I was talking about, and the meta-textual self-awareness Sigridjack mentioned. I, personally, like the CMC — and their nemesis Diamond Tiara! Mean Girls Pony Style! — but the blank flank plots get tiresome, yes.

What I want to see MOST is Pinkie Sense. And any other Pinkie-is-Spidey references (ex: Pinkie is hanging upside down for no reason whatsoever).

ALI DASH
There seriously needs to be a team-up between Spider-Pinkie, the Mare Do Well, and Super Rainbow Dash. I would read the hooves off that comic!!

Should we gush about what an awesome job Katie Cook and Andy Price did with this book?

I totally love Cook’s web comic Gronk and she’s been pretty vocal about her love for My Little Pony Friendship is Magic on the interwebz. I know I was super excited when she was announced on the book. And she really did a fantastic job with these characters. She gets them inside and out and has each of their voices down perfectly. Plus she’s got a comics background, so the pacing and structure was really great for a comic. And man, that Andy Price knows how to draw a pony! He’s cartooning fits perfectly with the animation style of the show and his facial expressions are just priceless. There were a couple pages with like ALL OF THE PONIES and they look so fantastic and details. LURVE!

SIGRIDJACK
Cook and Price do something that has my utmost respect. At no point do they mock these ponies. There is love and affection and understanding, while at the same time recognition that this is … a comic book about ponies.

ANIKA PIE
The writing is spot on, especially the in-and-out-jokes as I have mentioned twice already. As far as art, I agree with Ali that the larger scenes with everypony were wonderfully detailed. My only issue is personal and has nothing to do with the artist or his style — because these ponies are already art it bugs me that they don’t look the same. I know that’s a weird thing to say about comics but it was my gut reaction: “this is an artist’s interpretation of Pinkie Pie, not actually Pinkie Pie” and that took me out of the story sometimes.

ALI DASH
OK! Lightning Round question: What’s your cutie mark? GO!

SIGRIDJACK
My Cutie Mark when I was twenty was a shield. Can your Cutie Mark change when you get older? PLEASE tell me it can! I would appreciate that!

If I received my Cutie Mark today, it would be a book.

ANIKA PIE
Pom-poms. I was never an actual cheerleader for an actual team or school (none of the schools I went to really had any) but it’s always been my role in a group. Plus I’m loud, hyper, easily underestimated, and I never give up (never surrender).

ALI DASH
I’mma go with a comic book. Or a curling stone. Or a cocktail. No, comics. Definitely comics.

“Battlestar Galactica” Returns in Internet Prequel Series

Posted on December 6, 2012 by Jessica

by Jessica

Three years after the end of Battlestar Galactica and two years after the ill-fated run of Caprica, fans can finally get their Cylon fix again with the new prequel series Blood and Chrome. The series consists of 10 webisodes and is being distributed on the web in conjunction with Machinima.com. The 10 installments will air as a film on the SyFy Channel in February of 2013. Beware—spoilers ahead! I’m not going to reveal too many plot points, but if you are planning on watching the series and want to know absolutely nothing, stop reading now!

Blood and Chrome follows the young William Adama after he is first assigned to serve as a pilot on the Galactica. Unsurprisingly, he’s a hot-shot rookie with a thirst to prove himself. Also unsurprisingly, he’s paired with a cantankerous older co-pilot who’s constantly berating Adama’s foolhardy nature and fierce belief in the righteousness of the Cylon War. The six episodes that have been released so far are also full of all of my favorite BSG traits: space fighting, mandatory hot, smart, bad-ass girl who is ethically ambiguous, death-defying flight stunts, surprise plot twists, and more space fighting.

I’m the type of person who gets very attached to characters in shows I watch, so I’m a big fan of getting to see things like Adama’s early years. Prequels are pure candy for me to watch—they don’t effect the outcome of the characters you know and love (there’s no risk—unlike in sequels, where one wrong turn can mar your view of a character forever), but you still get to have more of the fictional worlds and characters you love (since I don’t have enough TV eating up my free time already).

Thus, I’m enjoying B&C a lot, because much of the work of establishing the world and attachment to characters has already been accomplished in BSG. If I actually think about it, not that much has been done to create a real characterization of any of the figures on the show—just quick sketches of personality and hints of intriguing backgrounds—but this is a limitation of having such a short space to work with (the six-episodes out now still come in at under an hour of viewing time). Still, even somewhat weak characterization doesn’t take away from the show, I think because B&C does an excellent job of conveying a sense that even if the viewer doesn’t totally understand each character’s motives, the motives are definitely there, just outside the scope of what is actually being shown.

I was also surprised to find B&C managed to tug on my heartstrings in such a short amount of time. A major theme running through each episode is that of sacrifice and loss—what must be given up by individuals fighting in the war, whether it’s their lives, their families, or even just their happiness. There are moments woven throughout that manage to be very moving just on their own, and I found myself feeling furthered saddened because I knew the future held reams more terrible things for humans to go through in terms of Cylon interaction.

I’ll admit that I have yet to get around to watching Caprica, so I can’t speak to how B&C compares to it, but the mini-series seems right in line with the BSG I know and love. It immediately put me back into that world again, and I had no trouble engaging with the plot and new characters. Further, even though the show is airing on the web, production values are generally very high, and watching it on my laptop wasn’t significantly different from watching an episode of BSG, although the difference might be more noticeable on a higher definition screen. It’s a great way to re-immerse yourself in the world if you’re a fan—I got a little chill when Adama looked out the window and saw the Galactica hull for the first time—but is also totally accessible to newcomers (As my BSG-n00b boyfriend said: “I’d probably watch the rest of that.”).

What did you think, dear readers? Is Blood and Chrome a hit or miss? Do you wish there were more episodes? Let your dulcet tones be heard in the comments below!

Locke and Key: Volume I Welcome to Lovecraft

Posted on December 5, 2012 by Anika

This Post Contains Spoilers.

by Marie

All houses have secrets. The “Keyhouse” featured in Joe Hill’s Locke and Key series is certainly no exception.

Located in the fictional town of Lovecraft, Massachusetts, this old Victorian mansion becomes the home of the Locke family. Wounded by a tragic loss, the Lockes settle into their new lives with the hope of starting over. But their past isn’t finished with them yet, and they soon discover that the house is more than a threshold to a new beginning: it is a threshold to worlds beyond their darkest imaginings.

The story revolves around the three Locke children: Tyler, his younger sister Kinsey, and their kid brother, Bode. Over the summer, they witness the gruesome murder of their father, Rendell “Renny” Locke, at the hands of Sam Lesser, a deranged and emotionally disturbed student from their high school.

You may be familiar with some of Joe Hill’s work. His novels, Heart-Shaped Box and Horns along with his short story collection, 20th Century Ghosts contain the same haunting pitch that echoes throughout Locke and Key. If none of these ring a bell, then I would highly recommend
adding them to your reading queue, especially if you’re a fan of dark fantasy or supernatural fiction.

You also might be more familiar with the work of Hill’s father, Stephen King, whose novels and achievements are too numerous to list, but have nonetheless made their indelible mark on the horror genre. It would be easy to say that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, but rest
assured that that is not the case here. Hill is his own writer; the emotional resonance and in-depth characterization he infuses in each of his stories is organic, breathtaking, and startlingly unique.

Take for his example, Hill’s rendering of the Locke family.

Hill does a good job of emotionally unpacking how the Locke family copes with their loss: Tyler tries to overcome feelings of deep-seated guilt, his thoughts bordering on suicide; Kinsey attempts to re-invent her look in time for the new school year, but refers to her new reflection as
someone she doesn’t recognize; Bode, while the youngest, is plagued by nightmares of his father while being the first to unravel the mysteries surrounding his new home.

That’s not to say that the fantastical elements are overshadowed.

Bode soon happens upon an entity trapped in a well behind the Keyhouse. Whether this entity is a spirit or a demon remains unknown. It calls itself an “Echo” and is apparently very familiar with Bode’s family, particularly his father. Later, the Echo reveals that Bode’s father was the one who was responsible for its imprisonment. The only way for it to be set free is through the possession of two keys: a golden key called the “Anywhere Key,” which can transport a person anywhere in the world just by thinking, and an obsidian key, which can transform a person into
a ghost after unlocking the right door. Bode is already in possession of the latter, having found it on one the first day the Lockes moved in. Although Bode comes to distrust the Echo, dire circumstances force him to deliver the keys and unwittingly start a chain of events that lead him
and his siblings to other keys lying in wait inside the house.

While it becomes evident that the Lockes have a family history that is inextricably linked to the Keyhouse, its secrets can only be revealed to children—the memories of which will fade once they become adults. This would explain why neither the Locke children’s father nor their uncle,
Duncan (who currently owns the house), mentions the Echo.

“Welcome to Lovecraft” is a true testimony to Hill’s versatility. The story that he crafts is detailed, suspenseful, and has heartrending moments that are made all the more profound by their subtlety. For example, when Bode tries to understand his father’s death, he compares his father’s body to an “empty sock.” Furthermore, the art by Gabriel Rodriguez matches Hill’s rich grittiness.

Additionally, Hill leaves room for his readers to further explore his characters. He gives the impression that we have only scratched the surface, and that there is more to the Locke children than meets the eye. Even villains, like Sam Lesser, seem compelling.

All in all, I’m excited to see what the Joe Hill “unlocks” next.

Q&A #182: What is a television series you are currently enjoying?

Posted on December 4, 2012 by Anika

In Q & A, a weekly feature of Fantastic Fangirls, we ask our staff to tackle a simple question — then open the floor to comments.

Recurring Q&A: What is a television series you are currently enjoying?

GABBY

This is like asking me to choose a child, honestly.

Weirdly enough, the two shows I’m most enjoying right now could probably be picked out of my mom’s queue. They are Parenthood and Grey’s Anatomy, but I’ll mostly talk about the latter. For my thoughts on the former, here are some reviews I’m writing for Heroine TV.

I really don’t know what it is about Grey’s that is so compelling to me. That is the show I most look forward to every week. It’s not conscious; I just know that when I sit down and start an episode, and that Seattle skyline sweeps on my screen, I’m blissfully happy. Maybe it’s because they have always found a way to make things fresh with big, exciting dramas, the latest of which is a plane crash which killed two beloved characters. Maybe it’s because I’m really invested in the characters, since I’ve been watching this show for what seems like forever. What I do know, is that the writers are doing a phenomenal job this season, dealing with the aftermath of the plane crash. And that Mr. Feeny was on the show, so. Really, what’s there not to love.

JESSICA

I’ve gotten really into Nashville. I’m originally from Tennessee, so I figured I would put it on to show some state pride, and I was not expecting it to be as good as it was. I was completely taken in by the characters. By the end of the first episode I was already more invested in their lives than I ought to be. Some of the music is also really good, and the songs fit surprisingly well into the storyline far better than shows with a similar premise (like Smash or Glee). It doesn’t hurt that the two main leads are women, and strong ones too! I’m really excited to see where all of this goes.

MARIE

I just finished up watching the re-imagined series of Battlestar Galactica. Despite friends and co-workers telling me to brace myself for a vastly disappointing ending, I actually felt completely and utterly satisfied. Yes, the show wasn’t perfect. It obviously had its fair share of flaws. But regardless, I found it beautiful for what it was and believe that it set the bar high for everything that would come after in its genre. It actually hurt to say goodbye to the crew I grew to love over four seasons. Human or Cylon, each of them will always have a place in my heart.

a promotional image of the Battlestar Galactica cast enacting the Last Supper

So say we all.

SAM

I am one hundred and fifty percent on board with Gabby’s love of Grey’s Anatomy. Man I love that show. I marathoned the first seven and a half seasons last winter, and I’ve never looked back. And this season has been the best in years. Who knew season 9 of a show could be so damn good?

But my official answer is Chicago Fire. Anyone who follows me on tumblr (and also twitter, to a slightly lesser extent) knows my love for this show. It’s stupid drama, but it’s also compelling. Though I’m not really attached to the lead men (I like Severide, but his current drama is boring, and I have never been a fan of Jesse Spencer or his “acting”), the supporting crew is more than enough to make up for those guys’ predictable, not-terribly-engaging plotlines.

a promotional image of firefighters from the television show Chicago Fire

Some of the ensemble, because they should get more love.

So even though I tuned in for the lesbian (and there is one, Shay, and she is awesome), I find myself really attached to the other supporting characters. That’s a good thing, since Shay doesn’t get a ton of screen time at the moment. Ensemble shows live or die on the strength of their ensembles, and Chicago Fire has a pretty fantastic one. Combine that with some really good fire scenes (unrealistic, but great to watch), and a whole cast full of pretty people, and you have my favorite new show of 2012, and the show I currently talk about the most.

Also Sarah Shahi is going to start a recurring role soon. If that isn’t a reason to give the show a shot, I don’t know what is.

SARA

So, I completely blame my little sister, Lana, and my friend Mikayla for this, but my current obsession in terms of television shows right now is Teen Wolf.

a promotional image from the television show Teen Woolf

No, seriously. It’s amazing. It’s a phenomenal show with incredible characters, beautiful story arcs, and interesting mythology.

Three things that make Teen Wolf one of the best shows on TV in my opinion:

One: The relationships between the characters are real, poignant, and so, so, so uplifting.

a screencap from the television series Teen Wolf

Two: The humor is of the laugh out loud inducing variety. Smart, witty banter is the backbone of this show, brought on by Stiles’ one liners and Scooby-Doo-like flailing.

Three: The women are strong, dangerous, powerful, and beautiful. Whether they are evil to the core, Fields-Medal-winning sort of brilliant, or Gryffindor brave, you’re hard pressed to not find a female character to root for/identify with/lust after.

a photo collage of the female characters in Teen Wolf

Watch it! Both seasons are now on Netflix!

So what about you? Recurring Q&A: What is a television series you are currently enjoying?

Total Sell-Out?: The Hobbit/Denny’s Tie-In

Posted on December 3, 2012 by Jessica

by Jessica

Almost ten years after the release of The Return of the King, Tolkien fans will finally be able to celebrate the release of The Hobbit in less than three weeks. Well, Part One of it, anyway. Director/Producer Peter Jackson’s decision to split the Lord of the Rings prequel first into two and then three films has caused much controversy among fans. An understandable concern is that Jackson is just selling out for a huge payoff—how could there possibly be enough material for three films from just one 320-page book? Personally, I’m withholding judgment until I actually see the movies. Although Warner Brothers undoubtedly had the billions of dollars the LOTR trilogy grossed in mind when they green-lit the third film, I really want to trust Peter Jackson, and I really want to believe that these three films are going to be incredible.

Alas, the splitting of the films is not the only thing that has fans running scared. In anticipation of the release of the first Hobbit film, An Unexpected Journey, there has been a string of seemingly questionable promotion deals, including the entire country of New Zealand and Microsoft. A lot of people are worried about some of these deals are compromising the integrity of Tolkien’s work, and I’m sure that the man himself would agree—I don’t even want to think about what his opinion would be of all this. Still, part of me is going, “THIS IS AWESOME.” And so in an attempt to resolve my mixed feelings about the marketing strategy for The Hobbit, I investigated another puzzling promotional partnership: a Denny’s Hobbit tie-in.

a photo of Jessica in front of Denny's Hobbit promotion sign

This promotion is designed for people like me: they have a colorful menu with graphics from the movie and dishes with names like “Bilbo’s Berry Smoothie” and “Shire Sausage Skillet” AND you get trading cards with your entrée. The concept is both painfully cheesy and devilishy clever—if I’m in the mood for quasi-diner food, I would probably choose the Waffle House over Denny’s if they didn’t have Hobbit-themed food. I went with a friend and we ordered “The Ring Burger” and “Gandalf’s Gobble Melt,” respectively. And the food was pretty much what you would expect from a Denny’s—greasy and mediocre.

Gandalf’s Gobble Melt:”Only a Wizard could dream up a sandwich this good.”

a photograph of a hamburger and onion rings

The Ring Burger: “Dwarves and Hobbits, dig in!”

a photograph of three packets of Hobbit trading cards

Will I ever get all 12 limited edition cards?!

Nevertheless, I still find myself greatly in favor of the whole Denny’s debacle, just because it’s so much fun. It’s fun because I love Tolkien and I get a kick out of seeing this menu printed up, it’s fun because I get to try and collect a set of trading cards, it’s fun because most of the diners neither know or care what a “Radagast” is, it’s fun because the manager clearly wishes he didn’t have people asking about trading cards as they pay their check, and it’s fun because you can sit with your friends and bask in the ridiculousness of it all. In my opinion, Warner Brothers definitely loses a lot of street-cred for allowing this deal to go through, but fans still come out winners. I mean, if you’re going to be going out for mid-grade restaurant food anyway, why not make the trip just a little more magical?

a photograph of Denny's Hobbit Tie-in Menu

You better believe I burgled this menu.

Fantastic Fangirls Podcast 2.2: Board Games

Posted on November 30, 2012 by Caroline

This month’s episode of the Fantastic Fangirls podcast is the Newbies Show! New writers Ali, Sam, Sara, and Marie got together to talk about their love for Board Games! We did not make Anika watch Blade Runner… yet.

In the show we discuss games like Fluxx, Apples-to-Apples, Cards Against Humanity, Battlestar Galactica, Circle of Death/Kings and the classic Trivial Pursuit, as well as gaming groups, our favorite gaming memories and being competitive.

After gaming, we gush about what we’re currently loving right now: like “Justice League Unlimited,” “Chicago Fire,” “Boston Legal,” “Hawkeye,” and Sentinels of the Multiverse. It wouldn’t be a podcast without digressions, so we wrap up the show with a Lightning Round question: What fictional character do you want to sleep with the most?

You can check out the About Us page to find Ali, Sam, Sara, and Marie on the interwebz.

[Editor note: Sorry this one was a little late -- we were going to post at the start of November, but we had delays because of weather, technical difficulties and everything else you can think of. We did get this in under the wire though -- hope you enjoy! Also, there's a bit of static toward the end of this episode, but it clears up quickly.]

FF Podcast 2.2 – Board Games

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Whedonverse comics roundup: Angel & Faith

Posted on November 29, 2012 by Anika

by Gabby

I was never a huge fan of Angel, the TV series, as a whole. However, I believe that it is made up of amazing moments. One such moment that stuck with me happened in the Season 1 episode, “Five by Five”. Faith had just run away from Sunnydale after body-switching with Buffy, and she was wreaking havoc in Los Angeles. She’d been hired by Wolfram & Hart to kill Angel, so she kidnapped and tortured Wesley to lure Angel. When he got there, they got into a huge fight, with Angel mostly blocking her shots, acting on the defensive. Then, this happens, as the rain is pouring down on the two anti-heroes:

Angel: “I’m not gonna make it easy for you.”
Faith: “I’m evil! I’m bad! I’m evil! Do you hear me? I’m bad! Angel, I’m bad! I’m ba-ad. Do you hear me? I’m bad! I’m bad! I’m bad. Please. Angel, please, just do it.”
Faith, sobbing: “Angel please, just do it. Just do it. Just kill me. Just kill me.”
(Angel wraps his arms around her shoulders and pulls her against him. She over balances them and they sink to their knees, Angel still holding her as she cries.)
Angel: “Shh. It’s all right. It’s okay. I’m here. I’m right here. Shh.”

Thus began the rehabilitation of Faith by Angel, which ends with her accepting her fate: jail. Nevertheless, she always maintained a close relationship with Angel, as he was “the only one in [her] life who’s never given up on [her]”. Now, in a post-Buffy: Season 8 world, where Angel must atone for his sins (of becoming Twilight and killing Giles, that is), it’s Faith’s turn to return the favor.

I will be reviewing the first “season” of Angel & Faith by story arcs, like I did for my Buffy: Season 9 review. Onwards and forwards!

LIVE THROUGH THIS, parts 1 to 4

My three first impressions about this new title were (1) Rebekah Isaacs is an amazing artist, (2) the characters’ voices are genuine and (3) I love the attention paid to the continuity and history of the Buffyverse throughout the issues, like this little bit here:

Storywise, Angel and Faith are now living in Giles’ old flat in London, and they have decided to read his “Watcher’s Files” to pick up where the Watcher left off. This means that they follow up on his old cases, making sure that the people involved are safe. Faith notices a change in Angel; he’s invigorated, as if the Files give him a purpose.

What Faith hasn’t realized is that Angel is still reeling from the aftermath of Twilight and the guilt he feels about killing Giles.

How does Angel plan on making everything better? By resurrecting Giles.

Faith thinks he’s crazy (and so do I; move on, Angel! You saw what happened to Buffy in season 6!), but she sticks with him because, again, she can’t turn her back on the only person who believed in her. So they take off on a search for the blood of a Mohra demon, a substance that can revive necrotic flesh. Angel isn’t quite sure yet how to retrieve Giles’ soul, but with the Mohra blood, he thinks he can put his body back together. They enlist the help of Alasdair Coames, an old friend of Giles’ who is an expert on demon biology. He confirms what the pair thought: a Mohra demon is most probably held captive, while low level demons are bleeding him dry to sell the goods on the black market.

There’s another thread running under the main one, where Faith is acting as a “slayer social worker” to some Slayers who are dealing with their own post-”destruction of the seed of wonder” troubles. I must say this is not my favorite thing about this series; I feel for these ex-slayer soldiers like I did for the Potentials in Buffy’s seventh season. That is to say, nothing. The main slayer with a problem, Nadira, is not fleshed out enough to make me care about her fate. So I don’t.

As the search for Mohra blood gets them closer to their goal, Faith is still second guessing Angel’s action. She’s certain there is no way to bring someone back from a natural death. When they finally find the blood, she grabs a vial and promises herself that instead of giving it to Angel, she will smash it over his head, rendering him human (reminder: Mohra blood is what made Angel human in the gut wrenching episode “I Will Remember You”). Suddenly, they get attacked by Nash and Pearl, who are also after the blood. In fact, they are executing orders from Whistler (http://buffy.wikia.com/wiki/Whistler). At this point, I have no idea if this guy is considered “good” or “bad”, but I have a feeling he’s nursing some hurt feelings that Angel didn’t go through with the Twilight plan. I’m rooting for him, because I always did. I remember my giddiness when I watched the episode where Whistler and Angel witness Buffy being “chosen” at her old L.A. high school. I want that Whistler back, but I’m afraid he’s long gone. Angel and Faith fight it out with the twins and get away. Then, Angel smells something, so they decide to follow the trail. Faith, still thinking about forcing the blood on Angel, is just about to perform the act when they stumble upon citizens who had ingested the blood to cure their various ills. These people are grotesque, tumors growing all over their bodies. The blood changed, when the world lost magic: it’s now useless, and what’s more, dangerous. Faith has to deal with the guilt of almost maiming Angel, and Angel has to deal with the disappointment he feels. They need to find another way to bring Giles back.

The arc finishes with Faith telling Nadira she knows that Nash and Pearl are in London, and Angel acting bizarrely like Giles…

IN PERFECT HARMONY

Clem and Harmony pay a visit to Angel and Faith in this stand alone issue. It’s basically a feel-good story about Clem wanting Harmony to recognize the hard work he is doing for her as her life manager (ever since she became the world’s most famous vampire). Oh, and he’s in love with her.

The most interesting thing about the issue is that Angel and Faith are confronted with the fact that Harmony knows how to let go of the past, while the two of them cling to it, letting it guide their lives. Harmony peps talk Angel into letting her PR person write up a campaign to clear Angel’s name in the Supernatural community because, in her words, “[...] in our circles? Right now you’re lower than Buffy”. Here is the exchange Faith and Angel have following this:

Faith: [...] maybe we should think about letting go of the past a little.
Angel: What scares you more? The idea that we might be thinking too much about what we’ve done? Or what we’d become if we forgot?

When Harmony hands over the PR dossier to Angel, Faith asks him what he’s going to do about it, as he sacks the dossier in the garbage. Angel is aware that people hate him, and I think it is a huge part of what fuels him. I know Angel gets a lot of flack for his “broody vampire” act, but I’m intrigued by it. His history is so rich, and his heart is in the right place, so no matter how many times he’ll fall, I’ll be there to watch him claw his way back up.

I’ll leave you with Harmony’s wise words:

DADDY ISSUES, parts 1 to 4

This arc is all about, well, daddy issues, though they are in all shapes and form.

Firstly, Giles is back! In flashback form, anyway. I like to think this is a part of the “Ripper” series that never came to be. These flashbacks are what make Angel & Faith. Though Giles is dead, I feel like he isn’t gone, and that soothes my aching heart. We find him as a young Watcher’s Academy student, sent on an assignment to kill a vampire in a cemetery with a bunch of schoolmates. Unfortunately, the vampire turns out to be a Lorophage demon; a demon with needle-like fingers, he feeds on trauma from his victim’s brain. Giles has to witness all of his friends’ death and is finally rescued by adult Watchers.

Furious, he confronts his father. How dare he put them through this? Giles didn’t even want to be a Watcher! But his father is adamant; it’s his destiny. We are then told that Giles walked out on his “destiny” of being a watcher. The scene ends with an intriguing excerpt from his diary:

Giles: And with the righteousness of youth, I walked out on the life of a watcher… Though I was hardly done with dark magic and death. But those events, I will recount in due course…

So excited to read more about that! I think I would faint if we finally got to see the “real” Ripper in action.

Secondly, Faith has to deal with her father coming back to town. And I must say, I didn’t see the unfolding his visit eventually took coming. At first, we think he’s seeking out Faith for all the right reasons; he’s finally sober and he misses his little girl.

We quickly learn that this isn’t the case. He’s running away from the Boston Irish mob, and he ran to Faith because he deduced that she was a slayer, and worse, a slayer who has killed humans. He wants her to kill the mob boss. As if Faith needed another reason to hate the world! Poor girl can’t catch a break, and I really hoped that, for once, a male figure (other than Angel) in her life hadn’t deceived her. Understandably, Faith is shaken to her core about this, and these events will dictate the actions she takes at the end of the arc…

Lastly, Angel is chasing the lorophage demon, as he was alerted that it feeds on a cycle and this time period coincides with the last time he was around: when Giles was a student and the demon killed his friends. He’s also heard about someone called “Mother superior”; now who could that be? It turns out to be a sane Drusilla, Angel’s “daughter”. She’s using the lorophage demon to feed on people’s traumas, but not too much, just enough to erase the pain they are feeling. Angel finds this, predictably, preposterous, since pain is what fuels him. Faith, however… after what her father does to her, she seeks out Drusilla and asks her to take the pain away. Angel is not having any of that. He turns the demon’s claws on itself, sending the pain right back into all of its victims, including Drusilla. It was great to see the different Drusilla; so on top of things, completely aware of her surroundings. I could see the Spike in her, and I do so hope we get to see more of her. Her backstory as a clairvoyant nun has always peaked my curiosity, and I loved that these issues delved a little into this. Angel and she have an encounter, where she tries to force the lorophage on him as she thinks she’s doing Angel a favor. It doesn’t work, but she figures out what Angel is up to. He is wearing the “tooth of ammut”. It looks like a nipple ring, and it is a magnet for fragments of the spirit. Giles’ spirit, that is! The pieces of Giles’ soul, once Angel finds them, will go into the tooth and merge with his flesh. This explains why he sounded so much like him in the last arc! Interesting…

But, eventually, Drusilla gets back to her normal self, and she leaves us with a view of the future:

Drusilla: There’s not enough help for you. Now I’m myself again, I’ve skipped ahead in the book. And oh, the awful pictures. It’s coming, you see… For both of us. The pieces come together in your heart. Too many voices. All the broken children, cutting each other like shards of glass. Oh, oh, oh, the places you’ll go. The ghosts of the past come visit you again. All the king’s horses and all the king’s men. Together in the bath… The drake in the field and the white coach…

I can’t really decipher it, other than I think the “pieces” are the pieces of Giles’ soul, and the “ghosts of the past”, well… I know who they are, and I’m excited to get to that arc in this review. In the end, Faith figures out what Angel is doing with the tooth of ammut, for she saw his new “piercing” glowing when they killed the lorophage demon and the first demon from Giles’ diary. The good part of this is that now that he has a tangible plan, Faith is on board.

WOMEN OF A CERTAIN AGE

In which we meet Giles’ “aunties”.

Two striking young women await Angel and Faith in Giles’ manor, and we learn that they are, in fact, Giles’ great-aunts who have used magic to stay forever young. In flashbacks (yay! more flashbacks!), we also learn that they were the one to awaken magic in Rupert. Before they showed up looking for the shard of Stronnos, Giles was a little boy who played with planes. But the aunts had wanted to bring their ex-lovers back from the grave with the shard, and a light demon showed up. Rupert picked up the shard and transformed the light into matter so that his grandmother could kill it. From that point on, his father was strict about him getting the “proper” training at the Watcher’s Academy.

Back in present day, Lavinia and Sophie, Giles’ aunts, are aware of Angel’s plan, and they want to give him the shard which they think possesses Giles’ innocence. However, I’m thinking they have other plans. Firstly, because magic has now disappeared, they are rapidly growing older. As the vain, shallow women that they are I would imagine that they’re not quite fond of this turn of events. Secondly, Lavinia tells Angel that he simply must go through with the plan, while Sophie tells Faith that she needs to stop him if things get out of control. Whatever their motives, they provided much appreciated comedic relief, gave us another glimpse into Giles’ past and it is clear that they dearly loved him.

The stand alone issue ends with a knock at the door: it’s Willow, holding the broken scythe. I basically jumped out of my chair from sheer excitement the first time I saw that panel!

FAMILY REUNION, parts 1 to 4

What does Willow want? Well the return of magic, of course!

And she’s ready to barter for it; if Angel helps her convince Connor to help her get to Quor’toth to get her plan moving, she’ll give him the scythe, containing a piece of Giles’ soul. At first, Angel is furious that she would even consider putting him in danger like this, but he changes his mind when they bump heads. The tension between these two is palpable, even in comic form. Willow is also really angry at Angel; he killed Giles, and rid the world of magic. But Angel and Willow both want crazy things, so Angel decides to let Connor choose if he’s up for it or not.

I loved this arc; going back to L.A., seeing Connor and Gunn and glimpses of the Hyperion. I loved how focused it was on character dynamics, how real and thoughtful the dialogues were.

I especially loved it because, and I’m bracing myself for tomatoes here: I’ve always loved Connor. I don’t like most of the things he did, but I always loved the idea of Connor. I feel like, finally, his depiction in Angel & Faith gives him his due. He’s a social work major at university, and sensible about how the loss of magic has affected the world. He’s honest, intelligent, and feels really human. I’ve always looked forward to moments between him and Angel; that’s why I was so angry when Angel erased his memories and planted him with a muggle family. But, in these issues? I feel vindicated. With the loss of magic, the memories of his fake family have been erased.

Predictably, Connor’s on board with the plan, so off to Quor’toth they go, as the scythe and Connor are both powerful enough to open a tear to access that world. There, he is revered as a God (the Destroyer) by some natives, and the power gets to Willow’s head, as she turns into Dark!Willow for a spell (teehee!). After much fighting, they finally get want they want. Willow used Quor’toth to recharge, and now she’s off to other worlds on a quest to find magic and restore the earth. Her adventures continue in a mini-series, in stores now. For his part, Angel gets the scythe, and another week in L.A. with Connor.

Meanwhile, Sophie and Lavinia are still staying at Giles/Faith’s flat, and decided to skip on the housesitting to attend a Morrissey concert. They realise they have gotten robbed when they get back, as Whistler, Pearl and Nash are loading bags full of Giles’ magical family heirlooms. Whistler seems to still be on his path to Twilight-ville, righting what he thinks Angel wronged. I genuinely feel he thinks he’s doing the “right thing”, trying to create another world where balance can be restored. I just think he’s a little off his rocker.

And I’ll think I’ll stop the review here! There’s a stand alone issue on the shelves right now, “The Hero of his Own Story”, that I haven’t read yet, and the next arc, “Death and Consequences”, starts on November 28th. I’m beyond thrilled with how they’ve handled the series so far, and how they’re really focused on the “family” aspect of Angel I loved so much. Now that there’s only one piece of Giles’ soul missing, I’m excited to see what comes next. I highly recommend it. And I mean, if these don’t make you want to read this series? I don’t know what will.