February 2011

Take Me or Leave Me

/ / Television Reviews
  • Title: Glee – Comeback
  • tv.com: link

There may have been way too much Justin Bieber for my tastes in this week’s episode of Glee, but the message of getting back to basics was a good one for both Sue (Jane Lynch) and Rachel (Lea Michele). We also got more of the Finn (Cory Monteith)/Quinn (Dianna Agron)/Sam (Chord Overstreet) triangle – with a little Santana (Naya Rivera) thrown in for good measure – and more of the odd pairing of Puck (Mark Salling) and Lauren (Ashley Fink). And, I kind of liked Britney’s (Heather Morris) arm-warmers. This week also marked another diva-off between Rachel and Mercedes (Amber Riley) with a very entertaing performance of “Take Me or Leave Me” from Rent which you can watch in this clip.

…

Take Me or Leave MeRead More »

Take Me or Leave Me Read More »

Red Robin #20

/ / Comics

red-robin-20-coverEnter the Catman. The first issue of a two-part crossover with Teen Titans begins here as Red Robin battles with Catman who has been hired by the Calculator to keep the hero out of the ubernet. His solution is simple, and deadly – he puts Tam Fox in danger.

I’ve got to say any comic can be helped by a little Catman, and the fight between the two is pretty good. I’m also glad to see how seriously Drake takes a threat like Thomas Blake. You’ve come a long way, baby (thank you Gail Simone!).

That said, the best part of this issue is the second-half where Red Robin reconnects with the Teen Titans (and Damian). The Empire Strike Back reunion scene is pretty good, as is the chemistry between Drake and his former teammates is enjoyable as well as telling on how much Drake has grown into his own character. Now if they can just survive the daunting task of taking out Calculator’s base of operation protected by an army of robots made in his own image. (I wonder if he calls them Doombots?) Definitely worth a look.

[DC $2.99]

Red Robin #20 Read More »

Fables are Forever (Part One)

/ / Comics

cinderella-fables-are-forever-1-coverI’ve never really gotten into Bill Winnington‘s Fables series which sets various characters from fairy tales and folklore into the Vertigo Universe. This new six-issue mini-series from writer Chris Roberson centers around what might be the most accessable character for those unfamiliar to start with – Cinderella.

In the Fables universe Cinderella is Prince Charming’s third wife and the world’s best secret-agent. A girzzly murder and the calling card of an assassin from Cinderella’s past sends her on a mission to Russia in search of a woman she believed was long dead.

I’ve got to mention the cover by Chrissie Zullo which immediately caught my eye and proved to be the deciding factor in picking up this issue. And I’m glad I did. This super-spy version of Cinderella is an intriguing take on the classic character, and one I wouldn’t mind spending a few issues getting to know better.

…

Fables are Forever (Part One)Read More »

Fables are Forever (Part One) Read More »

Batgirl #18

/ / Comics

batgirl-18-coverHere’s something you may have not known: Stephanie Brown tastes like Christmas. Not surprising mind you, just food for thought. This Valentine’s issue pairing of Batgirl and Klarion the Witch Boy out to stop his familiar from a murder spree while it searches for true love isn’t exactly you average Batgirl tale. It’s not every day our heroine finds herself shrunk and trapped in a magic snow globe.

What works here is how Stephanie Brown is immediately put on the defensive by dealing with a magic user – not something that comes up regularly in her patrols on the streets of Gotham. Still, Stephanie adapts and agrees to help the Witch Boy after Klarion returns her to normal size (dashing her dream of fighting lice alongside the Atom in what would surely be an epic team-up).

Of course this includes dimension jumping, trying to prevent herself from being burned at the stake, fighting off a Witch Boy’s cat (which turns out to be a man-sized vicious were-cat), and even kissing Witch Boy in front of her friends. Weird, but also worth a look.

[DC $2.99]

Batgirl #18 Read More »