Along came this old man in a green El Dorado II...

Well, I got my vacation time and it's all settled. I'm going to meet my sister, and my blogging partner Kalinara in Chicago for the WizardWorld convention.

Looking Back

Kalinara and I were working on our new pet project (the one that has me posting so sporadically lately over here), and we figured on gathering any archived Green Lantern posts from our blogs and posting them there. I'm very glad I did, because otherwise I probably would not have looked back at my first week's worth of posts. I made a very important discovery there.

Regular readers will probably recall that, once or twice, I've written rambling emo posts about how my blog has strayed from its original feel. Or, you may remember a rant or two about that subject. I've often worried, quietly to myself, and quietly in text over chat windows, that the feel of the blog has changed too much since I started.

These thoughts have been pestering me for quite some time, actually. But no more, because in the very first week, on the second post which I ever posted, posted on the very first day I had this blog, which is the very first blog I ever used (I hadn't even used a livejournal yet!), in the very first unfocused reviews that I tried simply because the other blogs I'd read had done reviews, I discovered something intriguing.

Take note of my review for New Avengers #9:

New Avengers #9
Notable for a really neat scene with Emma Frost. Emma's inside Sentry's mind, trying to find his false memories. It's very cool to see her at work. I hope Joss Whedon isn't really turning her evil again, but I scanned Astonishing X-Men and sadly, it looks like it. It's a shame. She's a really good character, and I've loved her as a complex heroine since her Generation X days. I was very sad to see this, and couldn't buy Astonishing X-Men because of it.
Then I found this article that talks about her during Morrison's run. Now I'm angry. How is it just as DC is making its goody-goody women more of a presence in their universe that Marvel decides to make one of its most decisive females evil again? How screwed up is that? Especially after the Scarlet Witch debacle!
Plus, it worries me that the writer doing this is set up to direct Wonder Woman. I've got my fingers crossed, though.

And above that, an excerpt of my reviews of Green Lantern #4

I think Hal should punch more people overall.

Write a whole one-shot about it. Hal Jordan Punches the DC Universe!
I can see it now! Batman! Supergirl! Wonder Girl! Batman! The Joker! Lex Luthor! Batman! Dark Seid! Lobo!
He just tours the whole DCU hitting people, until he gets to the JSA HQ -- where he swings at Alan Scott--
And finds his hand stopped in mid-air. "Hal, we have to talk."

That would be beautiful, just beautiful.

If I should ever again start to complain that this blog is losing its way by dwelling too much on either of these subjects, I would greatly appreciate a link back to this early post.

Official Call for Submissions: Third Carnival of Feminist Science Fiction and Fantasy Fans

Lake Desire of New Game Plus will be hosting the next issue on August 3rd.

The issue’s theme–or writing prompt–is the present through origins. This could be a reflection on how your feminism and geekiness came to intersect, a post that traces the the evolution of women in a particular genre, a revisitation of the old school canons, a look at fresh and new things that are starting a revolution of their own, a memoir of finding that first great book or game or comic that really clicked for you, or whatever you can imagine.

Submission deadlines are August 1, 2006 (although I’ll still consider late submissions if I have time). Please E-mail them to lakedesire@gmail.com or use the web submission form.

Crossposted on Earth 2 and Zamaron.

I have a feature going up today on Blog@Newsarama but besides that its the usual weekly bout of laziness.

So instead, head over to 2 Guys Buying Comics for their latest Fly on the Wall.

What Wonder Woman Really Needs

I think CharlieAnders over at Other Blog has figured out the secret to Wonder Woman...

The problem with Wonder Woman is this whole idea that she came to our world to teach us about peace and niceness and caring.

She didn’t. She came here to fight Nazis. That’s all.

Which is that it makes no sense that the Amazons, after hundreds (thousands?) of years of isolation, suddenly decide to send one of their own off into the outside world as an ambassador. Why now? What makes them think the rest of the world is suddenly worth engaging with?

That’s where the Nazis come in. Because the Amazons see the rise of fascism, and the development of more and more horrendous means of mass slaughter, and it freaks them out a bit. So they have to send someone to help defeat the forces of evil, or even their secluded island won’t be safe any more.

(Yeah, I added the panel, that's not part of the original post. But it's an awesome panel. That's the first time I ever saw the "White Suit.")

Zamaron

I posted Today's Feminist post on Zamaron. It's about giving Donna Troy some respect for once.

Oh, have I told you about Zamaron yet? Basically it's a weblog for Feminist Appreciation of Green Lantern. Yes, another blog, but I have friends joining me over there. Plus this gives me a place to dump all of the Green Lantern news I find.

Soyoerika even made us link images, but I can't decide which one I want to use yet. There's seven, these 3 are my favorites:

Heroes Rebored: Mundane Superheroics at its Best!

Heroes Rebored (D. Arroyo, C. Mangual, and E. Morales) from Writer's Block Productions.

In Kirby City not every superhero is a legend, in a city so overpopulated with costume adventurers its hard for the little guy to catch a break. From the superheros to the supervillains, Heroes Rebored follows the lives of different characters as they struggle with their daily lives.

So says the first page of Heroes Rebored, a slice-of-superhero life book that focuses on fraternal friendship in superheroic society. The story is mostly told in dialogue, action sequences are saved for when its meaningful.

In Issue 1, our Featured Hero is Dynamic Dan, Nicest Man on the Planet.

I'm serious. He spends his time fixing church rooftops, installing other people's stereo systems, picking up mail for old ladies, and yes, seriously, rescuing cats from trees. He's also, despite being possibly biggest boon to humanity in existence, a down-to-earth, relatable, human character. Dan's the hook. He's the guy you empathize with, the one you follow around.

It works because Dan exists. You've met him. You may very well be him. This is the guy at work who does all the little favors for the rest of the office, without ever asking for much in return. He's the guy in the community who spends all of his spare time volunteering.

Instead of spending endless hours fighting villains and gaining glory from it, Dan does actual good. So, naturally, he gets looked down on by the rest of the community as a small-timer. He can tell. We follow Dan as he interacts with his colleagues, and picks up on the little clues they drop. The little things they say and do that tell him their assessment of his value.

It's an unfair assessment, but if I get too much deeper into this I may end up spoiling the story. I hate to give it such a short review, but I'd much rather you read this book yourselves than rely on me for the highlights. I enjoyed it, it's a relaxing (and, yes, heartwarming) afternoon read.

(I have the next issue on order.)

False Advertising

I saw a short post on my news aggregator with a beautiful title.

Superman's Can

Sadly, the actual post was not exactly what I was looking forward to.

The Neverending Logical Fallacy

Look at this page.

Did you see it? The old classic answer of "There aren't many female characters because superhero books are aimed at men."

This is a Bad Argument

It's a bad argument because its a cyclical argument.
"Our product does not appeal to women."
"Can we make this product more appealing for women?"
"The product is not appealing to women, so women will not buy. Ego, there's no reason to trouble ourselves with making the product more appealing to women."

It's a bad argument because it makes foolish assumptions about people.
"We're assuming that only men will buy, so we'll market it for men."
"Hey, a few women like it, and women are huge consumers. Maybe if we market it towards women they'll buy it."
"They have never bought it before, any women who do are weird extremists, most women have no interest in it. This is a man's product. Any strategy marketing to women will fail."

It's a bad argument because it defends a problem by stating the real problem.
"This product is sexist."
"It's not sexist, it's just a sad fact that women are uninterested in the product."
"Well, how do you know?"
"Because women don't buy it."
"Maybe they don't buy it because it's sexist."
"No, they don't buy it because it's marketed to men."
"Well, why not make it appeal to women."
"Women are uninterested in the product."
(It goes on from there)

It's a Useful Argument, however, because it can go on for long periods of time while ignoring things like logic and common sense until the person arguing with you becomes too exhausted to continue.

You just have to remember to never change your stance. Consistancy, despite all rebuttals, is the effectiveness of this strategy. You can change up the wording, but never the actual idea. You'll wear them down eventually.

All Star Wonder Woman Green-Lighted

Adam Hughes is both writer and artist.

Crap. I've never read his writing.

New Supergirl Figure

Wow, the collective, simultaneous laughter of all of Comics Fandom was a strong enough hint. Looks like an improvement. You could fit organs there!



Found via Kara Lives.

DCU Panel: Everything Wonder Woman

From Newsarama:

Asked about the scheduling of Wonder Woman, Terry Dodson said that he and Allan Heinberg are producing the book as quickly as they can, and that Heinberg is putting everything into the story to make it the best Wonder Woman story possible.

For nearly twenty days the same question has been up on Allan Heinburg's board at the Bendisboards, unanswered. I'm afraid we'll get no clarification on this one (but I suspect the writer -- the last time a Dodsons book was delayed, it was the writer then).

Asked about an All-Star Wonder Woman title, DiDio asked if the audience would be interested in one, which was met by cheers. "Would you be interested in Adam Hughes on an All-Star Wonder Woman book?" More cheers from the audience. "Great idea - we'll bring it up,” DiDio said.

Dan Didio is a tease. Fortunately, he knows there's a market for this one.

DiDio asked everyone on the panel to reveal one secret thing from all of their books.
Dodson: Neither Donna Troy or Diana Prince is Wonder Woman in issue #3.

Sweet Demeter, that has possibilities! Is it a return of Hippolyta? Cassie stepping up? Artemis back from limbo? Confirmation of the theory that the "Diana Prince" introduced in Wonder Woman #1 isn't really Diana of Themiscyra? A villainess in disguise? Nemesis really freaking impressing the rest of us?

From the audience: "Is Wonder Woman a virgin?"

"Terry? Brad? You know what? Next question…" DiDio said.

Dear Mr Didio, Thank you for not answering this unbelievably stupid question. It's encouraging that DC is no longer obsessed with virginity as a mandate so that Diana can remain its premier superheroine, especially in light of the last JSA arc. For this, you deserve a thumbs up. Love, Me.

Dear Asshole Who Asked That Question -- Shut the fuck up. No Love, Me.

The Green Lantern pertinent stuff is up at Zamaron.

Can't Believe It.

I've said a lot about Judd Winick over this blog, and I generally go after the man's writing as opposed to the man himself. But today I found something that convinced me he was a Force of True Evil.

Again, polling the panelists, DiDio asked which character each creator would want to die or come back to life?

Winick: G'nort. I want him dead.

Proving the Positive Power of Comics

From the Fortress Keeper's weekly reviews:

Is that what readers really want these days? Maybe the Keeper is getting too old for this stuff. Maybe it’s time to let the “kids” have their fun …

But before we ride off into the sunset, let’s take a quick look at this week’s 52. Hey, there’s Batwoman kicking a super-strong man-ape through a plate-glass window.

Wow.

There really is a God.

Wonder Woman in JLA

Just read the Newsarama-Brad Meltzer interview. Sleestak is wrong about Meltzer. He can too write Wonder Woman.

Q: Have to ask, is the fact that Diana doesn't like Nightwing her feelings or Dan DiDios?

She's making a joke. Really. Read it again.

He actually let her make a joke. Anyone who lets Wonder Woman make a joke goes up in my estimate.

Oh, and he's the one who restored her to her proper place in continuity.

Q: Can you speak to the JLA history retcon, where Diana is now a founder of the Justice League again now? Was this your request? Or DC's?

Mine. And it worked with DC's plan.

I don't care that he likes Polar Boy. Polar Boy's sweet and funny. Anyone who knows Diana is all right by me.

(Speaking of which, DC, why don't you let Beau Smith write Wonder Woman? Read the first part of this week's column, he clearly wants the job. Come on. You're juggling anyway, and I bet for once the book'd come out on time!)

I am Shocked.

I greatly surprised to see this in Green Lantern Corps Quarterly #4, on a story credited to none other than Jim Balent.



Yes, that is Jim Balent of Catwoman and Tarot fame, drawing a woman with a reasonable bra size.

Granted, that's still over a C-Cup (which means Jade is technically supposed to be an A or B), but hey, it's within the realms of probability. Normally he stays in the 4D+ range.

Hal's Dialogue Challenge

If anyone would like to put words in Hal Jordan's mouth, be my guest!

_

Wednesday Morning Follow-up

I'm too thinly spread right now to fully explain why I chose the post I chose for Monday's Feature, but I do want to see where the topic leads. After all, more than one commenter seemed to miss my point so elaboration is definitely needed. This paltry offering says nothing close to everything I want to say about Power Girl, but maybe it'll help you understand my reasoning. Here are three quotes from three very different people arguing for three very different reasons:

Erik Larsen, pleading for fans to stop complaining about Power Girl's breasts:

The Phantom Lady's only distinguishing characteristics are her ample cans. That's pretty much all she has going for her. Ditto Power Girl. To tone them down is to strip them of their identities.

Library Lass, explaining why she refuses to read Power Girl stories:

That's enough for me. I don't want to read Power Girl. I'm afraid that, if I start reading about her, I'll have to write a fic wherein PG goes through seven kinds of merry hell (in what would, no doubt, suspiciously resemble a fantasy-standard epic quest) to find some kind of alternate-Earth Kryptonite that would work long enough for her to have a breast reduction.

(Edit: Library Lass explains her true intentions behind the post here, but despite my own mistake I'm leaving this up because 1) The post sounds too real, 2) All of the people agreeing with it, and 3) we're getting good conversation out of it. There's still a lot to say on the subject)

James Lamb Jr, chiming in on why he feels Power Girl is an antifeminist character:

You really don't get nastier than this Pamela Anderson knock-off in mainstream comics, yet, what's most interesting about that LJ (and most feminist discussions of Power Girl I've come across) is that the massive chest automatically incinerates whatever feminist aggression the character may exude - even when Wonder Woman's chest rivals Earth-2's bountiful bosom. Power Girl's never judged on the content of her character by anyone - male or female - because of her titanic top-heaviness.

Now, readers, what's the common attitude in each post?

Second Carnival of Feminist Science Fiction and Fantasy Fans

Kalinara's got the Second Edition of the Carnival of Feminist Science Fiction and Fantasy Fans up, and I regret I haven't had a chance to read through it yet. But check it out, the next one will be at New Game Plus on August 3rd. Ariel hasn't put up her guidelines yet, but the main Carnival site has the guidelines used by the first two editions.

International Blog Against Racism Week

Livejournal's scrambling to sign up for International Blog Against Racism Week (with icons for livejournal users). I almost never use my livejournal for anything other than ranting or linking, but I'll see if I can come up with something for this blog.

1. Announce the week in your blog.

2. Switch your default icon to either an official IBAS icon, or one which you feel is appropriate. To get an official IBAS icon, you may modify one of yours yourself or ask someone to do so.

3. Post about race and/or racism: in media, in life, in the news, personal experiences, writing characters of a race that isn't yours, portrayals of race in fiction, review a book on the subject, etc.

Coffee and Ink starts out with How to Suppress Discussions of Racism.

Quick Links

Hey Alaska! Marvel as your Senator explains how the Internet works. (Hattip Techsploitation)

For Men: An excerpt from a book on sexual violence.

I'd totally redo his office in Garish Pink.

The Quick and Easy Guide to Not Writing Stereotypes

If you read independant comics, Kevin Smith thinks you're ugly.

Can I have a new banner, Chris, with guess-which-phrase on it?

DC in October Solicitations are up.

Tom Bondurant on Star Trek.

The Feminist Blogosphere is stuck on sex again.

"Hi, My Name Is Steve, And I'm A Sperm Carrier. May I Impregnate You?"

Salon examines the mentality behind Snakes on a Plane fandom.

Sufferin' Sappho!

Fanthropology plays with Elseworlds.

On Feminist_Fandom, they're discussing why the Responsible One tends to be The Girl.

At Feminist SF: The Blog, there's a post outlining some of the feminism highlights from this monster conversation on the meaning of feminism, testosterone, mechanical aptitude, SUVs, language origins, and knitting.

And this post on Obeisance Anxiety is interesting, too.

And I have linked to Nitroglycerin before, haven't I? Either way, Agreeable Comics.