Who Would've Thought? / Thank You!

When I started this semester at CSUF, the last thing I thought I'd be assigned was a blog. I've been totally anti-blogging for years, so you could imagine my feelings when I was assigned one...
However, I have had a lot of fun with this assignment and plan to continue it on past the class. I want to keep blogging on here, making video blogs, and doing other fun things like my "Lil Batman" Instagram page.

So, what I'm trying to say is thank you to Professor Scauzillo! Thanks for helping me see how fun blogging can be (even if you marked me down a point on my video blog, which I'm convinced is because you're a Superman fan!).

Now, to the Batmobile!

Awesome Battles!

Hey guys! Check out this series I've been watching on Youtube. Bat in the Sun presents Super Power Beat Down! two heroes, but only one can win!

Super Mega Concerns...

Power Rangers Megaforce concluded, which means that Super Mega Force is on its way early next year! What is particularly exciting about this upcoming season is that all previous ranger powers are to be featured through the use of the "ranger keys." In other words, the current ranger team can utilize and transform into any ranger that came before them. Pretty cool huh?

This season SHOULD be one of the best, but with my knowledge of Power Rangers and my knowledge of Super Sentai's Gokaiger (the Japanese equivalent to this season), there are a few lingering questions I have.

1. Who The Hell is This Guy?!?!?!?

The ranger above shouldn't be familiar to any ranger fans. That's because he isn't a ranger! He comes from the Japanese Sentai Dairanger. With the exception of the first seasons white Ranger and the Mega Zords, Dairanger was never adapted into a Power Ranger season. Yet, the Dairanger suits keep appearing in the commercials and in some of the toy line. I'm interested to see if Dairanger is indeed adapted, but I wonder if it is too little too late.

2. A Random Color Change

The Super Megaforce team is being presented as a "power up" of sorts for the current Megaforce team. Instead of all new teenagers, we get the same group who will morph into their original powers, and then into these powers (according to what the commercial looks like). One problem: Megaforce features a black ranger while Super Megaforce features a green ranger. Whats the explanation? I'd love to know...

3. The Fate of RoboKnight

In the season finale of Megaforce, we see RoboKnight seemingly make a self sacrifice to save the other rangers. However, the ending suggests that RoboKnight was able to get away, we just don't know where. With that being said, and since we know that Gokai Silver will be adapted into the Super Megaforce Sixth Ranger, one has to wonder what the new series has in store for RoboKnight, if anything.  

These are only three of the questions I have. I'm anticipating the upcoming season, but who knows what answers it'll hold.

Waiter! There's an Avenger in my Dole Whip...

Not too long ago, comic book fans everywhere cringed as Disney announced its purchase of the Marvel brand.

We feared the worst...

 ...but it hasn't been so bad so far. Actually, some of it has been kind of cool!

My only request: Keep the heroes away from the theme parks!

The Innoventions building at Disneyland now houses an Iron Man exhibit and a Thor meet and greet. Both attractions are admittedly cool, and I've enjoyed both. Both these interactions were great advertising tools for the release of Iron Man 3 and Thor 2: The Dark World. I have no issue with advertising! An occasional limited time engagement is kind of cool!

What I don't like is the Marvel merchandise that is now sold in the theme park stores. I've always liked that Disney didn't sell stuff that you could find anywhere. Most products were found only at Disneyland, or at least a Disney Store. The Marvel merchandise now sold at the Disney Resort can be found at a local Toys R Us or Target; just sayin...

I love my Disney and I love my comics, but I don't necessarily want them at the same time. The small exhibits are cool, but I fear an eventual "Marvel Land" or a permanent home for the Avengers in Innoventions. 

Deck the Halls with Guts of Reindeer

If you're anything like me (which if you are I'd see a professional...), you love the Holiday season, but your heart still belongs to Halloween...

Fear not my demented little elves!

Sinister Pointe is holding their annual Not so Merry Christmas event December 13th, 14th, 20th, and 21st. 

This event takes the Christmas Spirit and massacres it with the fun and terror of Halloween. fair warning, this event is not for the squeamish, or easily offended. I wouldn't recommend taking children under 13...unless of course you're just that much of a horrible person.

I attended last year and had a blast! I should be there with my girlfriend and hopefully a few other friends on the final weekend.

Video Games and Marching Band?

I'm an Oregon Duck Football fan, but right now my musical heart belongs to Ohio State...

Geeky Things on My Holiday Wishlist

Tis the season everyone! With everyone writing a list to Santa, I figured I should do the same. Here are three things I hope to find under the tree...

 1) Power Rangers Super Mega Force Legendary Morpher

We just saw the conclusion of Power Rangers Mega Force, which means Super Mega Force is on its way early next year. With a new season comes new toys! This ranger team will harness the power of every previous power ranger using their new legendary morphers and the ranger keys...Any hardcore ranger fan should plan to do the same.

 

2) Disney Infinity Figures

 I am a big fan of the Disney Infinity game. I hope to expand my collection of figures with the addition of Rapunzel, Venellope, Buzz, Perry, and Elsa! Some new Power Disks would be awesome too! Waves two and three of the Infinity franchise have too kind to fans of the game.

 

 

3) Man of Steel

I may be a hardcore Batman fan, but even I can admit what an awesome movie this was! This should be a priority on any super geeks movie list.





The Day Thor Opened a can of Worms...

This past week while dress shopping with my girlfriend Joni, she spotted and pointed out a sweater that portrayed Batman and Robin in an Adam West / Burt Ward style. Before she could say, "Holy cold weather Batman," I was at the register making my purchase. My girlfriend then went on to surprise me even further by suggesting that she buy one of the same sweaters so we could match the next time we went to
 Disneyland. I know, isn't she great?

Anyways, that Friday, we went to the Happiest Place on Earth with our matching sweaters, and unintentionally matched jeans and black shoes. Yeah, we were THAT couple!

One of the things we went and saw while there was the Thor Exhibit and Meet and Greet in the Innoventions building. When we approached the God of Thunder, he immediately acknowledged our matching attire.

"Who is this Batman?" he asked.

Joni quickly replied "He's a super hero, like you!"

"The best superhero, no offense...," I corrected.

Thor chuckled and said, " You consider me a superhero?"

At this point, Joni started to back away; she knew where this was going.

"Yeah, but you're not batman..." I said with an ornery grin.

Anyways, he got me back by saying to pose like a super hero like Batman would for our picture. He copied, and then said, "I feel rather silly..."

Thanks to the individual playing Thor. Our interaction was a lot of fun and definitely a highlight of our day.

Can Pokemon Lose its Pokefun?

I bought Pokémon Y the day it was released alongside Pokémon X. I haven't kept up with the show in years, but I have consistently played the games out of habit and tradition. Besides, I do genuinely enjoy them.

The new game is awesome for many different reasons. We FINALLY have 3-D graphics and pokemon; not just "sprites." We FINALLY get some player customization. We FINALLY get to explore a new region with all the old pokemon we love and not just an overwhelming number of new species we know nothing about. Plus we got friend safaris, wonder trades, Mega Evolutions, and a whole lot of other goodies.

Trainers, breeders, and fans alike...I got bored.

As soon as I "completed" the game (aka I beat the elite four), I started training pokemon for a concept we had at school; The CSUF Pokémon League. We were to have a tournament, and the top five players would become our champion and elite four. If placed in the elite four, you were to have a team full of one type. I chose my favorite type, which is also one of the biggest challenges to train: Dragons.

I have my team, but I'm not exactly having fun. There's almost too much to put into a good, competitive team. EV's, IV's, sweepers vs tanks, physical vs defense, friendship, pokeamie....it all makes my head spin...

I guess my main concern is that maybe by putting all these different elements into the game we lose the essence of the fun, but maybe that's just me...

Things to do at a Con besides the obvious....

You're walking around a crowded convention center, surrounded by fellow geeks dressed in spandex they probably shouldn't have squeezed themselves into. You walk around to each vendor, but you're not buying anything, since "you don't really need that, as cool as it is" (but lets be honest, you'd be purchasing those movie replica batarangs if it weren't for the fact that you blew all your cash the first day). There may be a panel or two that you want to attend, but they're not for a few hours...what do you do?

Play one of the games that my Uncle Chazz and I play!

1. Stages of Life Wonder Woman

 

True, there are some very awesome cosplays out there, but for the other 90%, a super hero t-shirt from Hot Topic should have sufficed. Most people, good cosplay or not, are more than happy to take a picture for you. Maybe there's a "get your hand out of the cookie jar" Wonder Woman, or an Iron Bieber: The Avenger We'd All Like to Forget. Whatever it is, snap a picture, and throw it on your Instagram and / or Twitter with a funny caption. Just don't forget to hashtag #stagesoflifewonderwoman.

2. Bag Bombing
 

 We all get crap from random vendors that we don't want; business cards, little pins, assorted writing utensils, you name it. Don't want it? Drop it in some unsuspecting guests bag without them noticing. It's not always easy, but its a holler and hoot when pulled off! See how good you can get at it!

3. Comic Con on a Budget
 





This can be a little difficult, but a lot of fun and a super cool story once you've done it! Take $5 and go around to each vendor. Pick up as much as you can with the little cash that you can. The trick is to get something cool, and not just a rinky-dink comic or toy. Get something that you want; something that's you. My uncle picked up several Crisis on Infinite Earth's books with just a little cash, and was completely satisfied taking them home and reading them! Find something that will do the same for you!

 

See you at the next con guys! Make sure you're cosplay's good; I'll be watching!

Personality Crisis!!!!!

Ever since last night, I've been waging an internal battle, and here's why....

Last night, I finished reading Super Man: Red Son.

 

Ask my family, closest friends, girlfriend, and nerdy cohorts; I HATE SUPERMAN!!! He's nothing but an overrated cheater with a cape and a "S" on his chest!

 

That being said, Red Son has now overtaken The Watchmen as my favorite title.

 

This particular epic takes the All American hero Superman and asks "what if he had landed in Soviet Russia instead of the U.S.A." The combination of politics, superheroes, and an all around well written story with just as phenomenal art left me speechless and my jaw on the ground. I was almost sad that I had completed the story...

 

The Batman fan in me is utterly disgusted!

 

All joking (and some seriousness) aside, this is a phenomenal story.  Anyone who likes Superman, or who is just looking for a great read should definitely add this to their comic book to-do list.

 

Now, somebody get me a cape and cowl before I start talking about birds, planes, and speeding bullets...