Holiday Gift Guide - Gifts under $50!

I have not fallen off the face of the planet, FYI. I've just been drowning in finals this week and will be until next Wednesday. You would think being an English Lit. major lets you avoid the chaotic testing, but no. They simply make-up for it with paper after paper after paper. I love to write, but only when it's what I want to write about..like THIS~!

The first installment of three, this is your place to find the best gifts for your Special Little Nerd. I've done my share of scouring and discovered some of the neatest, most interesting ideas that will assure you a trip to the Batcave after things are all said and done ;)

BATMAN BLACK CHROME BELT BUCKLE

For All Batman Fans!
Fits All Belts that are 1.5 inches Wide!
Measures 4.5" X 3"
Two Piece Durable Metal Construction!

Price: $8.95
Buy it Here.

Simple. Cheap. Perfect.

Toddler Boys' 2-piece Justice League Pajama Set

Sizes: 2T, 3T, 4T 

Price: $10.00
Buy It Here.

 

Perfect if you want to get your child something practical yet fun. Made of 100% polyester, it's machine-washable and adorable.

Warner Brothers Supergirl Large Pink Backpack

By WB

Price: $19.99
Buy It Here.

As a female, I understand just how hard it is to find something that I can wear without making it obvious that it's meant for boys. This is one of the those gifts. After all, you'd have to wonder if you saw a boy walking around school with this strapped to his back :) Besides being awesomely pink, it's also not going to be GIANT, as we know most backpacks for kids are prone to being. Comes with a compartment for your water bottle as well.

X-Force/Cable: Messiah War

Hardcover Graphic Novel
ISBN-10: 0785131574

Price: $39.99 $26.39
Buy It Here.

Synopsis:
It's the exciting sequel to 2007's Messiah Complex! Cyclops has complete faith that his son, Cable, will do everything he can to protect the so-called mutant messiah - who he believes will save mutantkind. But he also knows what havoc former X-Man Lucas Bishop has wreaked in the nightmarish future. So now he's sent his black ops team, the X-Force, on a risky, time-traveling mission to save Cable and the child, completely unaware that there's something else waiting for them in the future. Something not even Bishop was counting on... Collects Cable #13-15, X-Force #14-16, and Messiah War one-shot.

Wonder Woman 2009

Starring: Keri Russell Rating: PG-13
Studio: Warner Home Video
Run Time: 74 minutes
ASIN: B001LK8SQ6

Price: $29.98 $17.48
Buy it Here.

Synopsis:
On the mystical island of Themyscira, a proud and fierce warrior race of Amazons have raised a daughter of untold beauty, grace and strength Princess Diana. When an Army fighter pilot, Steve Trevor, crash-lands on the island, the rebellious and headstrong Diana defies Amazonian law by accompanying Trevor back to civilization. Meanwhile, Ares (the god of War) has escaped his imprisonment at the hands of the Amazonians and has decided to exact his revenge - intending to start a world war that will not only last for centuries but will wipe out every living being on the planet, starting with the Amazons! It is up to Princess Diana to save her people and the world by using her gifts and becoming the ultimate Wonder Woman!

This was one of those movies that took everyone by surprise. When Warnos Bros. quietly purchased DC, no one had any idea of what kind of calamities where going to occur. After pretty much months of nothing really new and great making the news, we pretty much breathed a sigh. But when this hit the shelves, we once again held our breaths. Thankfully, this movie held its own, and even set the bar for the series of DC Animated movies to come. Not only does this make a great or stocking stuffer, but it will keep the kids occupied with all its extra features long enough that you can rest your feet :)

Batman: Battle for the Cowl

Hardcover Graphic Novel
ISBN-10: 1401224164
Price: $19.99 $13.59

Synopsis:
"Batman: R.I.P." and FINAL CRISIS saw the end of Batman. Now, months following the disappearance of her protector, Gotham City sits at a precipice and it may be too far gone for Nightwing, Robin, Commissioner Gordon and the rest of the city's heroes to save the day. Amid the fires, rioting, looting and gang warfare, one question rings out from the souls of Gotham's desperate citizens: Where is Batman?

With guest-stars galore, the destruction of a sacred Gotham City institution and an ending that will have everyone talking, this event written and drawn by Tony Daniel (The Tenth) and other top creators features the battle to take on the Mantle of the Bat. Who has earned the right? Who thinks they deserve it? Robin? Nightwing? Jason Todd? Two-Face? Catwoman? Batgirl? Who will ultimately win the BATTLE FOR THE COWL?

Spider-Man® Die Cast Statue

Price: $44.99 $40.49
Buy It Here.

Weaving his web. Add to your collection with this Marvel Comics Spider-Man die cast statue

• Collect the 1/12 scale statue of Spider-Man from Marvel Comics for imaginative enjoyment.
• Attached display base is perfect for show.
• Limited edition increases the figure's value over time.
• Durable die cast construction ensures long-lasting use.
• Details:
  • Online exclusive
  • 14"H x 12"W x 8"D
  • Ages 14 years & up
  • Manufacturer’s 90-day limited warranty
  • Model no. US59302
  • Certain promotions and price discounts may not apply to this Web-exclusive item.
    
    
    

Marvel Black Widow Bishoujo Statue

Price: $55.99 $44.99
Buy It Here.

The Story:
A KOTOBUKIYA Japanese import! Continuing the series of Marvel Comics superheroines presented in the Japanese Bishoujo (pretty girl) style is BLACK WIDOW, the beautiful Russian super-spy and member of the Mighty Avengers. This original design has been specially created by the incomparable illustrator Shunya Yamashita! Fans should be familiar with Yamashita-sensei's style as Japan's leading Bishoujo artist, from his art books, video game work, as well as multiple figural collaborations with Kotobukiya. Deadly and dangerous, Black Widow wears a skin-tight bodysuit that leaves little to the imagination. The shiny black outfit accentuates every curve and the long lines of her legs, which end with stiletto heeled boots. Hugging Natasha Romanoff's waist is a stylish belt adorned with her red hourglass symbol, and on her arms are golden wristbands. As the sexy spy whips around to look behind her with a pistol at the ready, her intricately carved hair floats in the air behind her. Black Widow stands provocatively atop a specially-designed base. Black Widow stands 7 3/5 inches tall (1/8 scale), and features a solid construction of PVC and ABS plastics. Sculpted by Yu Ishii, the super-spy comes packaged in an attention-grabbing window box.

The Batman Vault: A Museum-in-a-Book with Rare Collectibles from the Batcave

Product Details
Pub. Date: October 2009
ISBN: 0762436638

Price: $49.95
Buy It Here.

"Jump in the Batmobile and get ready for a wild ride—this is a complete and in-depth look at the development of America's most popular super hero. From his vigilante days to his television stardom, from Dark Knight to mentor, this memorabilia- and anecdote-packed collection follows the masked man on his crime-fighting career, and charts the history of the comics and movies that bear his name.


How can one man be at times so vengeful, compassionate, determined, inspirational, and a true hero when he doesn’t possess special powers? Over the decades since his first appearance in the 1939, Batman and his alter-ego Bruce Wayne have thrilled readers with their adventures, close calls, dramatic storylines, and even death! Ultimately, the history of Batman is the history of America from the twentieth century to today.


With removable artifacts and never-before-seen sketches, notes, and plans, The Batman Vault is the perfect gift for the genuine fan of all ages."

 

These are just a few ideas. If you want something a little more unique, then feel free to e-mail me with any questions.  There are countless statues, action figures, graphic novels, and accessories that have come out in the last year. If you're really not sure what you can get, then don't worry, I've got two more posts to come this weekend with even more information.

***And look for me this Friday as a guest on "I Have Issues." I've giving you a few short, easy-to-come-by gifts. Thanks!!!***

-TCBC

 

Comics' own Secret Invasion: Women - Part One

After doing my daily scope of Newsarama, I came upon an article that [obviously] drew my attention, Fangirl Invasion pt. 1 - The Changing Face (and Sex) of Fandom, namely because, being female, I wanted to hear what their [males] excuse for it was. Aside from a few strange connections they make between the influx of the fairer sex and the interest in most anything geek, I found it a bit forced.

First, let me clear something up about women and comic books: rarely, if ever, is a woman attracted to comic books for the same reason as a man. That being said, I think I need to point out that this supposed "invasion" is in directly proportional to the amount of interest Hollywood takes into the Geek Revolution.

If you don't know what I mean, open up a new window and head over to the first news homepage that comes to mind. Eight out of ten times your going to find something in regards to the next big movie being based off of our dearest comic book hero. Since the discovery that comic books reach an innumerable amount of fans in ways that are clearly unfathomable to big move execs, production companies have been battling it out for the rights to comic books, video games, and even novels. With the creation of Marvel Studios and DC Entertainment, that battle advanced to an entirely new level.

With this weekends release of the "long awaited" sequel to Twilight, the franchise has exploded, raking in over $140 million this weekend alone. Now, I mention this because the article forces the point that not all of the women flooding into the convention are "into the 'Twilight' stuff." Well, let me clarify something: yes, they are.

A basic search of pictures pertaining to this year's San Diego comic-con will bring up numerous photos of crowds gathered in such immense crowds, even a bird's eye-view shot can't capture the sheer enormity of it all. A closer look will reveal that the majority (translation: all) of the people waiting in line are in some way, shape, or form, sporting a Twilight shirt.

Freaks of the World, Unite! Team Edward, Go!

As a female obsessed the likes of Batman and Green Lantern, I find that I am more and more being lumped together with Them. Upon closer evaluation of the 'types' of people that attend comic-con, most of the women aren't into comic books. Yes, there is the few that you pass by at one of the hundreds of booths in the complex, but are they any of the females you see in the above picture? No, they're not.

The female comic book fan is still an anomaly in the world of DC and Marvel...and I assure you, those that are there don't resemble anything like the bevy of "Team Edward" schriekers we're seeing so much of. This isn't an age of new female fans...this is the age of Twilighters. That is the only reason we're seeing so many of them. Trust me.

We're surrounded.

The Pick - November 24th

This week, I've decided to do things a little different. I like to change things up, just to keep things interesting. In honor of the Turkeys (because who really gives a flying f*** about Thanksgiving aside from the awesome Turkey and Mashed Potatoes...honestly), I'm going to name three things this week that I'm thankful for.

1. Blackest Night #5

Written by Geoff Johns
Pencils by Ethan Van Sciver

With the rise of Nekron in the last issue, fans were wondering where Johns was going to take this villain. Well, this week, we found out. I opened the issue, a little forlorn and crossing my fingers that Johns wouldn't drag us into another sentimental pep-talk between Green Lantern/The Flash/Other Various Superheroes. I was pleasantly surprised when my jaw dropped towards the end of the issue...and then the shit hit the fan.

I won't go into detail, because if you want to know what's so epic you'll have to read it yourself. But this year, I'm thankful for DC and Geoff Johns...even if he is a little bit of a selfish-douche sometimes.

2. Ninja Assassin

Running time: 99 minutes
Directed by: James McTeigue
Starring: Rain, Naomie Harris, Ben Miles and Sho Kosugi

Ninja Assassin follows Raizo (Rain), a rogue ninja bent on taking revenge on the clan that raised him. Mika (Harris) is a forensic researcher who has stumbled upon bank records linking mysterious transfers to the deaths of numerous political leaders and important figures.

The opening scene is a veritable smorgasbord of blood, guts, gore, and an infinite number of shuriken slashing people apart. As a whole, it's behemoth of action so CGI-packed, it'll make your head spin. The best thing about that, though, is that you're too caught up in it to really care. Between the violence, martial arts, ninja tactis, and flashbacks, the film doesn't slow down enough for you to think straight. Another great thing about it? It's not cheesy.

While the idea of ninjas has been an ongoing joke in comics and movies for years, there has always been a whisper in the back of everyone's mind about whether they exist or not. While this movie doesn't make the idea any more plausible, it does give it a story that leaves you with plenty of questions...and room for a sequel. Unfortunately, as the Curse of Sequels go, that would only ruin things for it. Nevertheless, if you wnat to get as far away from glittering vampires, and manic depressive tweenagers with abandonment issues, this is a movie you need to see!

3. Assassin's Creed II

Yes, if you're wondering, I do love assassin's. And I know this came about a week ago, but I don't care. I'm thankful for it.

Anyways, if you played the first game, you know this doesn't entirely have to do with assassin's running around killing each other. It's about time travel, and the ancestral link. The plot is different, as is the time period (Venice circa the 15th century), but everything about this game is just as fun to play as the first one. With over 16 new types of missions and a number of new weapons and movements (actually being able to swim[!] as well as throwing people and a multitude of new hiding spots), this has a helluva lot more promise than the first game. Not to mention the graphics are frighteningly realistic, and there are a number of new things to do and ways to kill people.

I'm not finished, but I almost don't want to get through it too quickly. I'll end up being sad :P


Well, that's what I'm thankful for :) Now time to enjoy my thanks.
-TCBC

The Pick - November 17th

Well, well, well; didn't I say I would be back to normal? Finals are looming in the distance but I'm a master procrastinator so I have no worries on that matter :P This week, I decided to do something a tad different. This week, I decided to review three titles from three popular indie distributors. With the direction some major titles have chosen to take, I think it's safe to say they're getting pretty desperate... I mean, Frankencastle? Really, Marvel? You already embarrassed yourself with The List: Punisher, but you had to take it one step further and go the route of Lame-Spoof-Garbage. And yes, despite what you might say, this piece of utter crap is shameful and a complete disappointment.

I have lost faith in you Marvel. First you sell out to Hollywood, and then you sell out to the mass market. Tsk, tsk.

1. Victorian Undead

Written by Ian Edginton
Art by Davide Fabbri
Colors by Carrie Strachan

Sherlock Holmes vs. Zombies! With the myriad of zombie-related media frenzy, it was only a matter of time before Wildstorm got their chance to make their point, and my, what a point it is. The issue begins with the strange meteor shower befalling London in March of 1854. Not sixth months later, an outbreak has killed over a hundred documented people. From there, we're fast forwarded to 1898 where Mr. Holmes and the ever-present Watson are taking down a Automata intent on taking advantage of its guests. When they're pulled aside to see a most unusual case, they're almost immediately distracted by the Queen's secret service. But as all things Sherlock Holmes go, he's far from butting out of this business.

Being the English major I am, I love a good story, and that is what this has started out as. Albeit it's a little slow starting, and if you're not used to accents or incredibly eloquent proper British English, you'll have a bit of a hard time reading this. But bear with it, because the story flows well, and there is no hidden meaning too deep to figure out. The art is by far some of the best I've seen in a while, but Wildstorm is famous for their easy-on-the-eyes art. The colors add just enough to keep your eye wandering, tracing the outline of a person's face, and moving into the next panel.

All-in-all, a very good read; one I look forward too again.

2. Deadlocke #1

Written by Arvid Nelson
Art by Nick Stakal

As the story begins, we find the titular character, Locke, having just experienced his first time with his girlfriend. From there, the sweetness continues as Renee looks through Locke's sketchbook and is introduced to Deadlocke, the reluctant villain he's created for his comic book. As the issue proceeds, we find Locke and Renee at a costume party hosted by Casey, a boy whom Renee warned Locke about fighting with. Things take a turn for the worst when Casey drops some bad gossip to Locke and they get into the fight Renee warned about. As things escalate, Locke leaves the party chasing after Renee, but ends up home and even more pissed off  than before. Not wanted to talk to his mom about what happened, he takes a walk, and who does he meet? Well, I won't spoil that for you.

This was interesting. It almost starts off as if we're in the middle of the story and goes from there. As the issue continues, we realize that maybe Locke's character isn't as made-up as we first imagined. Finally, as things begin to go very wrong, we're introduced to another side of Locke. I like how the story progressed. There wasn't a lot of speech, but what there was, was all very meaningful and forced you to think about what was being said. The art was strange, and I'll admit I wasn't used to it in the beginning, but as things moved, I realized that it suited the storyline very well.

A good read, one that leaves enough questions to pull you into the next issue.

3. Legion Prophets

Written by Scott Stewart & Tom Waltz
Art by Alberto Muriel

It's become commonplace to see comic book prequels and companions to some of the Hollywood giants hitting the big screen. The the influx of comic book movies making the rounds, the industry has taken a huge leap from ten years ago. Legion is one of the giants.  As a prelude, this issue offers a insider's look at what we're to expect from the movie in January. First, we're introduced to Jacob Heifitz, an Israeli research student making a run for it with what turns out to be an incredibly important Dead Sea Scroll. From there we meet Sami Samma, whose little sister has been diagnosed with cancer and the only way he can pay for it is to become a suicide bomber. Before he can carry out his mission, however, the airport is overrun with what see like zombies, but we never know for sure (they can think and speak coherently, after all). The first thing they decide--like smart people--is that they need to get out of there and make their way to flight leaving for the states

I liked this. I love anything relating to theology or mythology so this was my cup of tea. The story is narrated by someone we don't know, but they told us just enough that we knew what was going on. We still don't know what the reason is that the angels are after this child, and I suspect we won't know until the movie comes out, but nevertheless, it keeps you interested. The art has a sketchy quality to is that leads the eye in circles. It isn't beautiful, but it fits right in with the feel of the story.

Needless to say, this is a movie I'm looking forward too.


Well, now that I'm done with that, I'll be moving on to less pressing matters, such as my rough draft due tomorrow that I haven't even started. Anyone care to do it for me? No? Well, off I go!

-TCBC

Stripper Poles

Nothing all that interesting to say besides some people really don't know what their limit is. Observe:

Business is booming

Would you rent a stripper pole? I wouldn't. Imagining the different strains of Herpes and Gonorrhea infesting that metal gives me nightmares.

Sometimes, I love stupid people. This is not one of those times.

-TCBC .

Bum City

So aside from school taking over my life and my bank account slowly drying up, things in the comic world couldn't get any dandier. About the only thing keeping me going is this month's issue of Batman and Robin. Excuse me, Mr. Morrison, but you've tickled my funny bone. I already think that man is beyond godhood, thanks to the convincing of my co-worker, but this issue just had me on my knees. Maybe now we'll get some answers, but most likely not. Anytime Grant Morrison relieves us with answers to our most dire questions, he only raises bigger, more bizarre questions that lead you to pound your head against the nearest cement surface.

With three weeks left of regular school before I demolish what's left of brain cells on finals week, I intend to get back to a normal weekly schedule of The Pick as well as a bevy of other interesting posts I've been scrounging about.

Something wonderful to be STOKED about:

Hellooooo, Harley!

I originally saw the first design of her from Comic Con, but with the image screaming at you from the pages of previews, I just can't contain my EXCITEMENT! Not only that, but the concept art for Poison Ivy's statue winks at you from the corner.

xD

$99.99 US On Sale June 9, 2010

Meanwhile, until then, I will amuse you with this lovely picture of the Bum's Annoymous group at the bus stop across from school. I was drunkenly harassed as I waited to go home. It was hilarious :)

I think they're planning something sinister.

-TCBC

Where Did I Go?

Alrighty, peons, I should inform the lot of you of where I've been and why I didn't do a Pick this week. Well, I really don't have an excuse. I'm just damn exhausted. Being a full-time student, working two jobs and trying to keep this up is taking it's toll on me. Sorry to say, but I'll take sleep over comic books and if that's being called 'dispassionate', then I'm a villain.

Anywho, the Pick will return next week, and so will the various topics I'm so 'dispassionate' about :)

-TCBC