Adventures in Philly

aka, The stuff I can't really say in my Buzzscope coverage.First, the absent-minded professor (that'd be me) achieved a new personal high as I locked my keys in the car after arriving in Philly and checking in to my hotel. (A nice little "boutique hotel"-slash-B&B called the Alexander Inn, right in Center City, about 8 blocks from the Convention Center.) If that wasn't bad enough, I didn't realize it until much later Saturday night, confirming it Sunday morning after I'd tossed my room looking for them and heading over to the garage to find them still in the car. Which,…

Continue ReadingAdventures in Philly

Buzzscope Reviews: 6/2/05

Bet you can't guess which one was my favorite review?Son of Vulcan #1 (of 6)There's something of a pleasing throwback quality to Son of Vulcan, a worthy substitute for any pull list still tolerating the likes of Robin or Nightwing.Ororo: Before the Storm #1 (of 4)Solid work all around and should appeal to the avid X-fans as well as anyone looking for a strong female lead character or a respite from the House of M hoopla.Atomika #3Atomika is less "sequential art" than it is simply art, with a story attached. It's also a unique, intriguing and compelling concept that serves…

Continue ReadingBuzzscope Reviews: 6/2/05

Comment: 9 Days and Counting!

Batman Begins opens June 15th, and the reviews are starting to come in. This weekend at Wizard World Philly's DC panel, lucky attendees were selected for an advance screening. Regular folks like you and me will have to wait a little longer to see DC's crown jewel in all its celluloid glory. I'm eager to see BB; hell, everyone I know is eager. Even my Dad, who's 52 years old and rips me for reading comics, asked me when it's opening!I'm sure rambling fanboy reviews will be flooding the net soon enough, but here are two from the pros. Newsweek's…

Continue ReadingComment: 9 Days and Counting!

Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew

by Ellen NotbohmSome days it seems the only predictable thing about it is the unpredictability. The only consistent attribute, the inconsistency. There is little argument on any level but that autism is baffling, even to those who spend their lives around it.The child who lives with autism may look "normal," but his or her behavior can be perplexing and downright difficult. Today, the citadel of autism, once thought an "incurable" disorder, is cracking around the foundation. Every day, individuals with autism show us they can overcome, compensate for, and otherwise manage many of the condition's most challenging aspects. Equipping those…

Continue ReadingTen Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew

Try Something Different: 6/2/05

Support Independent Comics!Independent comics (and manga) being released tomorrow, 6/2/05, courtesy of ComicList. Not all of these titles will actually arrive in all stores. If your LCBS offers a pre-ordering service, be sure to take advantage of it.Recommendations, sometimes blind, in BOLD. Which ones are YOU reading?A FINE LINE A Fine Line Press Coll, $45.00A. D. VISION By The Sword Manga Vol 2 TPB, $9.99 Chrono Crusade Manga Vol 5 TPB, $9.99 Cromartie High School Manga Vol 2 TPB, $10.95 Full Metal Panic Overload Manga Vol 1 TPB, $9.99 Gunslinger Girl Manga Vol 3 TPB, $9.99 Orphen Manga Vol 2…

Continue ReadingTry Something Different: 6/2/05

Buzzscope Reviews: 5/25/05

Gotham Central: Half A Life TPBIf you're reading more than five comic books a month and Gotham Central isn't one of them, you're wrong.Captain America #6Unlike Winnick's similar Jason Todd-driven storyline currently unfolding over in Batman, Brubaker's take on things doesn't feel lazy and contrived, and isn't reliant on any familiarity with Cap's history or continuity.The Expatriate #2The four-color equivalent of the handheld camera in the opening scene of Saving Private Ryan. Don't wait for the trade on this one, jump aboard now!The Grimoire #3A potential sleeper hit...tailor-made for fans of Harry Potter as well as those who simply enjoy…

Continue ReadingBuzzscope Reviews: 5/25/05

Weak in you, the Force is…

Revenge of the Sith is apparently secretly subtitled: "The movie mofos will come see no matter what I do, so I'm just going to geek out on the CGI and not worry too much about the story." Ugh, it was bad! Like Mystery Science Theater bad, just with better special effects. I usually like to stay immersed in a movie, no matter how bad, but this one I just couldn't help making snarky comments about the wooden acting and laughable dialogue throughout. For every potentially powerful moment, like Anakin's offscreen slaughtering of the younglings and the final fight with Obi-Wan,…

Continue ReadingWeak in you, the Force is…