Shhh!! Time To Check Out What's Under the Crimson Hood...Wink Wink!

Just a treat pending Tuesday's next Comic Shoppe!

What About Lebron and The Heat? If He's Not A Knick Who Cares......Anyway, The Comic Shoppe Returns Tues at 7pm eastern!

We're back people and in full effect! Why not beat the summer heat, pull up a chair (with your AC unit hopefully in working order) and listen to guys from the Comic Shoppe chew the fat on all things pulp? Join Max, Daryll and yours truly tomorrow at 7pm as we discuss the following: our impressions of The Last Airbender and Twilight:Eclipse; Wonder Woman gets a costume (and storyline upgrade); Ed Norton and his Hulk appear to be on the outs with Marvel for the upcoming Avengers film; Is Damian Wayne the best Robin to date?; American Splendor's Harvey Pekar passes at 70; our thoughts on Andrew Garfield being the next Spiderman and lastly, if time permits, we will provide a synopsis of our favorite comic books from the last few weeks. Feel free to call us "live" with your questions or comments at 646-200-0104 or via email/IM-thecomicshoppe@yahoo.com! See you guys at the Shoppe!

And here's a preempted (my bad!!) blog post from The Comic Shoppe's own Daryll B!

This blog is inspired by http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2010/06/25/wonder-of-wonders-star-spangled-panties-whats-in-a-name/

Personal confession time for my blog readers: I am a sucker for Greek Mythology stories. I loved the Harry Hamlin 'Clash of the Titans'. I loved the episode in the original Star Trek where the crew finds the Gods "planet". One of my favorite arcs in The New Teen Titans was when the team had to journey to Olympus to save Lilith from the Titans of Myth. I loved the War of the Gods crossover. I liked the Percy Jackson novels and found the Herc/Amadeus Cho pairing at Marvel to be pure adventure gold.

So when I read about how these stories are inaccessible to newer readers I have to wonder what has happened to our ability to use our imaginations? Yes, you have heard me rip comic companies for what I perceive to be inane directions for their characters but that is only because of how the writers ha previously set up their stories. Greek myths are supposed to be larger than life for the average man and where ANYTHING is possible. Wonderful and vibrant, these tales are supposed to inspire. However, when it comes to Princess Diana, she always gets hated on by readers.

So why does Wonder Woman bear the brunt of these stigmas? Well, there are a myriad of reasons ranging from her appearance to as referenced in the article above, the "weird" names used. However, I tend to think that the modern reader just cannot relate to the mythical tales anymore and most new writers can't be bothered with making them relate to modern times. One book that does this well is Peter Milligan's Greek Street from DC's Vertigo imprint. Milligan takes Greek tales and translates them into the life and times of a quaint London town. So if that can work why can't it be done for Diana?

Byrne tried, Perez tried, Jimenez tried, Messener-Loebs and Deodato tried, Rucka tried, Heinberg tr.....um forget that, Simone tried, and now it is JMS' turn. The little myth fan in me wishes JMS luck but knows comic fans these days need the stories to be dumbed down and that's a shame.

So in closing, we'll hit stories like Tommy Lee Jones in Captain America, the return of Futurama, Tom's jail fear revisited, and the new Emma Frost on the show coming up, but I just thought it was time to let you into my mind for this once.

I will let this quote from John Byrne's excellent Amazon (the Storm/Wonder Woman mashup) take me out:

" My Amazon sisters and I still worship the gods of Olympus, but for the rest of the world your time has passed! Humankind has moved away from you. It is not for me to judge if that move was wise but if this is how you treat those last few who have any respect for you at all..."

Keep Fantasizing Afronerd readers!

Oh..here's last night's Boondocks...check it out!

Surely We Will Have to Discuss this Batman fan Film for 27K On Tuesday's Comic Shoppe! Check Out Batman: City of Scars!

Until ten...enjoy and share your thoughts. Yay or Nay?

Oh and Least We Forget.........As An Intermission Before The Shoppe Starts...Check Out Daryll B's Latest Blog Entry!

You know there comes a time when our thoughts in the Comic Shoppe fall in sync with each other despite our differences. So when I get to my links for hot stories after my mini-rant that follows you will see that in action, but before I do let me re-post here a portion of the response I put into the comments section of Chad Nevett's June 8, 2010 edition of Random Thoughts at Comic Book Resources:

http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2010/06/08/random-thoughts-june-8-2010/

"Again, I would have liked to see Glover have a chance for the role....but what I am tired of is the whole "White Luke Cage", "White Shaft" or "White Black Panther" defense.... Guess what haters who use this? You ALREADY freaking have this... what was "Walking Tall" or "Death Wish" or "Rambo" or any of the freaking John Wayne movies then??? So then I hear the "make your own heroes defense"...um Dwayne McDuffie, Denys Cowan, and a host of others did that....remind me how DC handled that? This is where part of me wished Blankman was made more seriously...but then it would have been ShadowHawk instead of a loving parody...... "

Now if you have read the blogs and listened to the show you all know that I am very passionate about this subject and it took another article for me to realize why. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give to you this article from Spinoff Online:

http://www.spinoffonline.com/2010/06/13/if-hes-not-spider-man-what-superhero-is-donald-glover/

Now the author is Graeme McMillian and he puts forth an innocent enough question: "If Mr. Glover can not play Spider-Man, what hero is he suited to play?" This is a speculative question which is intended to stir up debate and hopefully, intelligent responses about a myriad of heroes that Donald's personality type can fit from prior roles. Instead what do we get? Comments that range from intelligent to ignorant to just pure hate...on both sides of the issue. So I get it..I can't change minds about this but I have now realized something inherent about myself and the comic community:

I am a part of a group of ignorant people who, on the whole, have the imagination range of the head of a pin. In a medium where one's imagination is supposed to have no boundaries, when did we get pigeon-holed into these outdated thoughts? I realize some may consider me a hypocrite considering my stance regarding M. Night Shaymalan and the true Avatar movie but again let me state the difference:

Avatar is an animated series steeped heavily in Asian and Eastern Indian mythology and customs. So when the initial prospective cast comes out and it is 90% white with the only ethnic roles going to "bad guys" how the hell did you think Asians and Indians were going to react?

By contrast, Spider-Man has nothing to his character that says he should only be played by white males. The nature of the character is MEANT to be universal in tone. So in theory, ANY MALE could be under the mask and all Donald Glover was asking was for a chance to audition. Isn't the very denial of that the opposite of the American Dream? Also given the unique perspective that I am a black male living in Queens, NY, I often hear from fellow comic fans two words: "Why Not?"

This isn't supposed to be a backwards society anymore. This is supposed to be one in which if you work hard for something, you can have the chance to get it. Comic books and movies are supposed to be the epitome of this thinking. So once again, and for the final time since Mr.Glover was so gracious about this, I have to ask: "Why Not?"

Quick Links:

Dburt and I were on the same page with this story: http://blog.newsarama.com/2010/06/08/johns-and-fraction-want-a-green-lanterniron-man-crossover/ Now can someone get on the same page with Max and I and get that RageCat / Rocket Raccoon crossover in the works? I am sure we can get Art Baltazar and Chris Giarusso to do us a solid here.

http://blog.newsarama.com/2010/06/08/young-justice-vs-teen-titans/ I find this article by J. Caleb Mozzocco at Newsarama (connected to one by Ben Morse at the Cool Kids Table) fascinating. Only because of how quickly a symbol of fun at DC became a stigma for all that started to go wrong.

If Max sounds ultra-chipper on Tuesday, I bet I know why: http://blog.newsarama.com/2010/06/13/jaime-reyes-blue-beetle-coming-to-the-small-screen/

Ok I am totally loving Starz Network right now: http://www.spinoffonline.com/2010/06/07/torchwood-returns-next-summer/

9 Days until Futurama returns so here two bits of goodness. First a primer on the first 5 seasons for the uninitiated: http://www.spinoffonline.com/2010/06/14/missed-futurama-for-five-seasons-heres-your-chance-to-cram/ and check out this piece of awesome "mash-up" fan art by "GottaBeCarl" at deviant art: http://gottabecarl.deviantart.com/#/d2bmqaf How many can YOU get?

Finally, Robert Rodriguez and Deadpool Movie? Where do I sign up? http://www.spinoffonline.com/2010/06/14/robert-rodriguez-offered-deadpool/

Ok I out because I have to get more schoolwork done before World Cup action in the morning. Until next time Afronerd Readers, keep fantasizing!

The Comic Shoppe is Open For Discussion Tues at 7pm ET! A Black Aqualad?, Green Lantern/Iron Man Crossover?, True Blood & More!

Stay tuned for yet another passionate and pulp centered discussion this Tuesday courtesy of the Comic Shoppe team! Join Max, Daryll and Dburt tomorrow at 7pm as we bring our unique perspectives on the following fantasy/sci-fi and comic related topics: with the upcoming Green Lantern film being touted as Warner's Iron Man, is a possible graphic novel crossover in the works?; internet chatter appears to lobbying for Wonder Woman's Lynda Carter to be considered for the role of Chuck's mom; our thoughts about the Sunday's third season premiere episode of True Blood; Could Blue Beetle be the next franchise to get the TV treatment after Smallville departs?; one blogger's look at DC's Trinity (Batman, Wonder Woman & Superman) paradigm and of course a review of our favorite comic books from the previous week. So...stop by our show in the next 24 hours and feel free to contact our team live at 646-200-0104 or via email/IM-thecomicshoppe@yahoo.com! See you guys at the Shoppe!

And Now A Pulp Cultural Update Courtesy of The Comic Shoppe's Daryll B! And Stay Tuned For Tuesday's Show at 7pm ET!

Hello Folks! Well for tomorrow's Comic Shoppe broadcast, we plan to keep it simple. We will, of course, touch on some of the topics listed in Daryll B's discourse (below) as well as discuss our favorite comic reads from last week but we will discourse general comic/sci-fi news: daily Captain America and Thor movie news, why the Boondocks third season (and possibly last) is the best so far, a possible Tim Kring pitch for a Heroes miniseries, the likelihood of comic prices being raised to $5 and lastly, what does the digital release of Invincible Iron Man Annual #1 (for the Ipad) mean for its paper counterpart? So again, join Max, Daryll and Dburt tomorrow at 7pm eastern to discus the aforementioned issues and feel free to call us live at 646-200-0104 or via email/IM-thecomicshoppe@yahoo.com. Make yours the Comic Shoppe!

1) You think Lost fans have recovered yet?

2) Interesting thought about the Green Lantern live action over at Spinoff Online. Have they crammed too much into movie one? http://www.spinoffonline.com/2010/06/06/is-green-lantern-already-in-his-second-movie/

3) As a fanatical sports fan and a sci-fi fan this "Star Wars" related World Cup spot is just full of win: http://www.spinoffonline.com/2010/06/04/watch-snoop-dogg-jedi-master-in-this-star-wars-world-cup-spot/ I know now who fired first..I can't believe I missed it the first time!

4) Ok who is the genius that canned Star Wars: Legacy? I loved the adventures of Cade Skywalker, descendant of Luke and if I had my way, his adventures would be the next set of stories for the next trilogy.... well his or Luke's first class at his Jedi Academy. http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=26537

5) Inspired by the crazy gals at Fantastic Fangirls and by my own stir craziness in waiting for SHIELD #2, I have to ask which historical time period would be made more awesome with superheroes? http://fantasticfangirls.org/?p=2240

6) Hollywood screws comic-related fun business again! Thanks to the folks at Comics Alliance for this: http://www.comicsalliance.com/2010/06/04/superhero-panhandlers-outlawed-in-hollywood/

7) Speaking of Comics Alliance, check out some of these renditions of Luke Cage: http://www.comicsalliance.com/2010/06/05/luke-cage-comic-twart/ Wicked!

8) Movie watching: I liked Prince of Persia, I couldn't get into Splice, and yes I got my tickets to both A-Team and Karate Kid all ready to go.

9) The Boondocks has the best cleanly detailed fight scenes of any animated show on American Television today. Don't agree with me? Watch the episodes "Red Ball" and "Stinkmeaner III: The Hateocracy" and get back to me...

10) Quick animated moment: I have recently been watching Codename: Kids Next Door in chunks and I must say I woefully underrated the show. My only wish is that someone on Cartoon Network finally re-shows the finale "Operation: I.N.T.E.R.V.I.E.W.S" sometime over the Summer. I can't find that ANYWHERE.

11) OK it season finale time for Stargate Universe and if you haven't been checking it out, SyFy will be doing an all day season marathon on Friday so set your DVR's.

12) I still pissed that we are not going to have anymore Wolverine and the X-Men...who do I have to blackmail to get another season???

13) I still rocking the 24 and Chuck finales on my DVR.... Both series have their share of detractors but God...they both like visual crack to me. And hell, the Chuck vs Shaw fight I can watch over and over and over....

14) Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye? Where do I sign up for this???
http://blog.newsarama.com/2010/06/04/jeremy-renner-to-set-his-sights-on-hawkeye/

Ok I spent...My thanks to Surfer for having DBurt and myself on his show Sunday at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/what-are-you-reading/2010/06/07/what-are-you-reading-comic-book-show-vol-3-issue-14

Until next time, Afronerd Readers, keep fantasizing!

New Comic Shoppe Show Tomorrow! The Kirby Family vs Marvel, A Flash Movie Gets Closer to the Screen, X-Men News & More!

Let's keep it simple, shall we? Join Max, Dburt and Daryll for another fun fact/pulp fiction filled broadcast of the Comic Shoppe show, tomorrow at 7pm eastern. We will be using our well honed graphic novel based knowledge to discuss the following: a SpinoffOnline.com article posits what would happen to Marvel (and by extension Disney) if the Kirby estate were to win its intellectual property lawsuit against the vaunted House of Ideas; more info concerning DC/Warner movie release dates for proposed characters (inc. The Flash); Wanted's James McAvoy is slated to play a young Professor Xavier in the next X-Men reboot; more discussion of cross racial casting thanks to Community's Donald Glover (what if Spidey were Black?) and lastly, a synopsis of our favorite comic book reads from the preceding week. Feel free to give us a call live at 646-200-0104 or via email/Im-thecomicshoppe@yahoo.com. See you guys at the Shoppe! Imperius Rex!

Oh and if time permits, we may have to give a few minutes to discuss The Boondocks season 3 has been progressing thus far:

Hey! It's Interview Time......Here's A Preview For Next Sunday (5.23.10) on Afronerd Radio-Thomas Chatterton Williams' Loses His Cool!

I'm sure our readers and supporters (even our detractors) have been wondering about our interview schedule, so make sure to stop by this upcoming Sunday as we welcome author, Thomas Chatterton Williams, to discuss his latest literary effort, Losing My Cool: How a Father's Love and 15,000 Books Beat Hip-hop Culture. You may be familiar with Mr. Chatterton for an earlier critique of modern hip hop culture in a Washington Post op-ed entitled, Black Culture Beyond Hip Hop. Now fast forward three years and the minstrelsy continues with unfettered verve. Here's an excerpt from a ExpressNightOut.com piece, highlighting Chatterton's new treatise:

THOMAS CHATTERTON WILLIAMS' father, "Pappy," pretty much solidified his son's fate when he named him after the 18th century English poet. And Williams has never wavered in his dedication to the craft — or second-guessed his father's wisdom.

"Ever since I was old enough to speak, he always told me that I was a writer and that I could write," Williams said. "There were books all over the house, and I was always told that I could write and that it was something good to do. So when I finally did it, it wasn't so strange or bizarre."

But Williams, who left Fanwood, N.J., to attend Georgetown University for a degree in philosophy and then graduated from New York University with a master's in journalism, spent his teenage years immersed in a hip-hop culture that tried to undermine everything his father had taught him. That struggle, and Williams' eventual decision to fully break away from a life of baggy jeans and being "real," is documented in his first book, "Losing My Cool: How a Father's Love and 15,000 Books Beat Hip-Hop Culture."

"I still listen to some hip-hop and I still have black friends, but once my freshman year of college came around, I never had the same relationship [with hip-hop]," Williams said. "It didn't define me or hold me the way it had before."

For the ExpressNightOut article in its entirety, click on the link below:


It Does Stop: Thomas Chatterton Williams, 'Losing My Cool: How a Father's Love and 15,000 Books Beat Hip-Hop Culture'


And in the interim, let's breath a sigh of relief for positive Black imagery, The Family Smith on Oprah:

Stop By The Comic Shoppe Tues at 7pm (ET)-Discussing Ethnicity (or the Lack thereof) in DC's Return to Legacy Heroes, Red Hulk Reveal & Siege!

Stay tuned for another passionate comic/fantasy discourse, courtesy of the Comic Shoppe radio show, tomorrow at 7pm eastern. Join Daryll, Max and myself as we shed some light on the following pulp related topics: more discussion centered on a Comics Alliance article entitled, The Racial Politics of Regressive Storytelling; our thoughts on the Red Hulk (and by extension the Red She-Hulk) identity finally being revealed; Marvel's Siege storyline also has its own dramatic climax; theories pertaining to some TV season finales (i.e. Smallville, Fringe, Chuck) as well as some cancellations (hint...Heroes) and lastly, our top graphic novel reads from the previous week. Feel free to drop in for a chat "live" via phone-646-200-0104 or email/IM-thecomicshoppe@yahoo.com. And remember...Make yours the Comic Shoppe!

And now, what you've all been waiting for.....some words of wisdom, thanks to The Comic Shoppe's own Daryll B:

1) Bye Bye Heroes: http://www.spinoffonline.com/2010/05/14/its-official-nbc-cancels-heroes/ in other similar news I was shocked to hear Law and Order get the boot also.

2) Wish I could say I was shocked at the latest turn in the DC vs Siegels case, but I not: http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/2010/05/superman-attorney-accuses-warner-bros-of-a-smear-campaign/

3) Props to Greg Burgas at CBR on his article I'm a Marvel....and I'm a DC: http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2010/05/16/im-a-marvel-and-im-a-dc/ SO comic fans, do you favor one company over another? And why?

4) You folks know the love I have for the webcomic Comic Critics and this past week's one about the recent comics piracy site shut down nailed the story on the head http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2010/05/14/comic-critics-117/

5) Rest in peace Ryan Choi...I won't paste any of the articles dealing with his "passing" last week but safe to say if you are a comic fan and you heard Dburt's and my arguments about this type of thing on previous shows, it WILL get brought up again.

6) Here is the detailed list of deleted scenes/differences from the adaptations, trailers and commercials of Iron Man 2: http://www.4thletter.net/2010/05/iron-man-2-the-deleted-scenes/ courtesy of Gavok at the 4th Letter.

7) Personal geek out moment: I am TOTALLY getting Legion of SuperHeroes this week. Two words: Paul Levitz.

8) Less said about the Sentry and Siege 4 the better.....

9) Maxim does a hottest 100 women in the world list and DOESN'T include Beyonce or Halle Berry??? What the....? http://espn.go.com/espn/page2/index?id=5180775

10) Smallville and Fringe both had me scratching my head for different reasons this week but the Supernatural season ender...what the HELL was that???? They better get another season to explain this latest mind-frak!!!!

In case you haven't heard:

Smallville: Absolute Justice featuring Checkmate and the JSA re-airs this week on the CW

Batman: Under The Red Hood Animated Movie will be released on July 27

Iron Man 2 won this weekend again....it intake worldwide totals $318.4 million dollars for 2 weeks....

Ok fantasy fans...this is Daryll B. signing out..until next time...Keep Fantasizing!!!

Don't Forget To Stop By Our Local Comic Shoppe Tues at 7pm ET-Talking Iron Man the Sequel & Comic Book Weekly Faves...But Now Words From Daryll B!

Let's jump in...the water's warm! Join The Comic Shoppe team tomorrow at 7pm eastern as we discuss all things pulp! The obvious issue will be our impressions of the Iron Man sequel but we will also cover the following: the future of 3D film making; more talk (again) of a Luke cage film being developed; more on the return of The Boondocks; some of Daryll B's links (below) and lastly, our favorite comic/graphic novel reads from the preceding week. Don't forget to drop us a line as the broadcast is LIVE! Dial 646-200-0104 or contact us vis email/im-thecomicshoppe@yahoo.com! And remember....Imperius Rex!

Hiya Party People... I must say I am glad not to be in the Iron Man 2 universe..I would have been blown up on the last day of the "Stark Expo"....but I digress...here are my quick hits for you:

Speaking of IM2

1) Jill Pantozzi has an interesting viewpoint on the comic movie "other woman" syndrome as it relates to Iron Man 2 http://splashpage.mtv.com/2010/05/05/iron-man-2-and-the-other-woman-scenario/

2) Loved the movie and although there are obvious plot holes (Cap's Shield or was that U.S. Agent's?!?!?!?) it seems I wasn't the only one....133 million+ domestic gross giving it a 290+ million first week combined worldwide.

3) Men In Black III or Bad Boys III? Looks like Will Smith has got a choice to make... and scan this article lower for the RZA/Eli Roth Kung Fu picture news... http://www.411mania.com/movies/columns/138519

4) As far as the trailers before the film goes, I loved the look of Inception. Despicable Me I think I will pass on. Super 8 looks like Cloverfield meets The Thing and I had the pleasure of seeing the latest The Last Airbender trailer... yeah I am SO seeing that...although I am wary of them fast forwarding through 20+ chapters of the anime in one movie....

5) Tired of a fanboy-ish view of comic news and craving something more intellectual? My latest blog recommendation to you all is "Too Busy Thinking About My Comics". This is the blog for you deep thinkers. Two great examples of this is last Friday's one comparing and contrasting the Lee/Ditko Peter Parker vs Bendis' Ultimate version:

http://toobusythinkingboutcomics.blogspot.com/2010/05/that-radical-brian-michael-bendis-part.html

and a very interesting dissection of "The Last Days of Animal Man":

http://toobusythinkingboutcomics.blogspot.com/2010/05/some-thoughts-on-last-days-of-animal.html

6) I watched Meet Dave again over the weekend followed by GalaxyQuest and I have to wonder this: why all the hate for M.D. and why all the love for GQ? They had essentially the same joke structure and dramedy elements. So why the difference in reviews?

7) If you have not seen it yet, Comic Book Resources writer has been running a "readers vote for the greatest stories ever told" series of columns: http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/category/the-greatest-stories-ever-told/ Up this week are George Perez, Magneto, Chuck Dixon, Ed Brubaker and Changeling

8) Um I still in a little shock from what I read here: http://www.spinoffonline.com/2010/05/07/liam-gallagher-producing-a-beatles-movie-oh-dear/ Yep you read that right... Liam Gallagher doing a last days of the Beatles movie... I think the British section of internet just crashed...

9) I'm sorry to all who don't know this by now but the Weeping Angels from Doctor Who are probably the scariest villains created for any science fiction, TV or movie, in the last 10 years.

10) I will close up the blog with this one question cribbed from the fine lads at The Weekly Crisis: Which "b-list" hero would you like to see get the movie treatment next? http://www.weeklycrisis.com/2010/05/top-10-tuesdays-ten-marvel-b-movies.html They stopped at Marvel but I opening it up to all books. Personally I would mark out for Runaways, Booster Gold, and a Dynamo 5 or Noble Causes movie...

This has been Daryll B. faithful Afronerd readers and until next time, Keep Fantasizing!!

Join Us Tuesday for Another Edition of The Comic Shoppe! The Boondocks Return!, Family Guy, Iron Man & Daryll B's Weekly Words of Pop Culture Wisdom!

As always, it's time to keep it structured and succinct! Join Daryll, Max and yours truly tomorrow evening at 7pm eastern to discuss the following pop culture tinged issues: our expectations for Iron Man 2, which is slated for its domestic release this Friday (it was released a week prior in the international markets, grossing 100 million thus far); our impressions of both The Family Guy's recently aired 150th episode and the Boondocks 3rd (potentially last) season opener; a recent Comic Book resources article posits when is it time to drop or refrain from reading a particular book; Ed Brubaker's graphic novel effort, Incognito gets the green light treatment and our weekly discussion regarding our latest comic book purchases. So don't be shy..call us live with your comments and/or protestations at 646-200-0104 oe via email/IM at thecomicshoppe@yahoo.com. See you guys (and gals) at the Shoppe broadcast at 7pm sharp! Excelsior!


The Comic Shoppe's Week in Review

Oh and here's the latest from The Comic Shoppe's Daryll B:

Iron Man 2 week so let me do the usual 10 shots across the Comic/Sci-Fi bow:

1) I opened this kettle of worms on last week's show and well New York Congressman Peter King fell right in http://www.deadline.com/2010/05/time-square-bombs-south-park-connection/#more-37587

2) Really CW? Another La Femme Nikita remake??? Mannnnn...well at least McG is being attached to the product and honestly judging by "Chuck", that's a great choice.

3) R.I.P. Lynn Redgrave.....Great lady...great actress.

4) Let the total guessing for IM2 begin http://www.deadline.com/2010/05/bulletproof-iron-man-2-already-grosses-10-million-overseas-155m-predicted-for-north-american-debut-weekend/

5) Kind of melancholy weekend for me...celebrated my birthday on Friday but lost a valued debate opponent in Alan Coil from the CBR comments sections. Alan always argued his points with an intelligent style and class that you could not to help but to gain a new knowledge about comics and fantasy. Thank you Alan, I hope to one day have 1/5th of the knowledge you had. http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2010/05/03/r-i-p-alan-coil/

6) Boondocks premiere was on the nose about Obama and the hype/delusion that surrounded his entry into office. Best scene: Thugnificent on the Bill Maher Show. CLASSIC!

7) So how much does it take for you to drop a book? Well Sean T. Collins at Robot 6 links two interesting opinions about Blackest Night and Herogasm. As always, I have to give it up to the CBR commenters who bring a keen insight to the issue. http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/2010/04/with-comics-what-makes-you-say-okay-thats-enough/

8) Credibility check....I liked Death at a Funeral and Nightmare on Elm Street but as with Brave and the Bold #33 and Transformers, once I start analyzing WHY I liked them, my own arguments fall apart on me. I just have to be straight up with you all about this.

9) Terry Crews and Ice Cube together on a sitcom...I am either going to laugh my booty off or go into angry, disappointed shock. And is there any other rapper who has undergone as radical a change as Ice Cube and STILL remained popular?

10) Finally, Heroes season 5 is one the verge of approval but the folks at Topless Robot found a couple of things to manage their disappointment of that news... New G.I.Joe cartoon http://www.toplessrobot.com/2010/05/some_of_the_things_you_need_to_know_about_the_new.php and the Top 10 Bada$$ Batman comic moments http://www.toplessrobot.com/2010/04/batmans_10_most_incredibly_badass_comic_moments.php debatable and great fun.

That's it for me this week. I hope you all enjoy Iron Man 2.

Not To Be Preachy........But The Mind is Truly a Powerful Muscle......If Trained In Conjunction With the Body-Mature Fitness

While perusing the net this afternoon, I came across multiple stories centered around the amazing elder bodybuilder/fitness enthusiast, Ms. Ernestine Shepherd. Her story is truly inspirational and leaves one with the notion-there really are no (more) excuses. I just joined a second gym last week to break up the monotony and although I am energized, one still has to connect with stories such Shepherd's to realize that with the right mental fortitude anything can be accomplished. Shepherd, who is 73 years young, trains six times a week and runs approx. 80 miles in the same duration. And perhaps it stories like these, that remind me that we must root out the strain of self defeatism and victimization that literally paralyzes some folks of color from accomplishing goals they are fully capable of achieving. Here's more of Mrs. Shepherd's journey, courtesy of ABC News:

Body Building Grandma Ernestine Shepherd Bench Presses, Runs Marathons At 73
Grandmother Up Every Day at 3 a.m. and Says 'I Feel Better Than I Did at 40'


By SARAH NETTER
April 27, 2010



Taut abs and rippling muscles aren't exactly the stuff grandmothers are known for. But then again neither are marathons and cell phones that play the theme to "Rocky."
Body building grandma, 73, runs marathons, benches 150 lbs.

At 73, Ernestine Shepherd is in better shape than most people decades her junior. Up at 3 a.m. every morning, she spends her days running, lifting weights and working out other senior citizens at the Union Memorial United Methodist Church in Baltimore. She also works as a certified personal trainer at her gym.

"I feel better than I did at 40," she said. "I am very, very happy."

In less than 20 years, Shepherd has morphed from a "prissy" woman who never exercised to the Guinness Book of World Records' oldest female bodybuilder.

A die-hard "Rocky" fan -- "Sylvester Stallone is my man," she cooed -- Shepherd is preparing for a body building competition this weekend.

"I feel now that I am a very strong, positive and confident woman," she said. "Years ago I concerned myself about what people said concerning me. But when you get 70-something and you don't have that many years in front of you, you don't concern yourself with that."


Instead, Shepherd concerns herself with her carefully formulated diet -- 1,700 calories a day, mostly comprised of boiled egg whites, chicken, vegetables and a liquid egg white drink -- and packing in the workouts needed to maintain her stunning physique.

Shepherd runs about 80 miles per week and bench presses 150 pounds. Bicep curls are done with 15- and 20-pound dumbbells.

Married for 53 years and grandmother to a 13-year-old, Shepherd said she is exactly where she wants to be.

For the article in its entirety, click on the link below:

Body Building Grandma Ernestine Shepherd Bench Presses, Runs Marathons At 73


And not to be outdone, here's another peer of Mrs. Shepherd's reminding us that age truly is just a number:

Comic Shoppe 2nite at 7pm ET! Discussing South Park vs Muslims, The Decline of Sci-Fi on TV, Losers & More!

Let's keep it simple, folks! Join Max, Daryll and yours truly at tonight's Comic Shoppe show as we shed light on the following sci-fi/pop culture issues: recent terrorist threats aimed at South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone pertaining to an animated Muhammad character; the slow decline in science fiction television programming; the possibility of smaller budgeted Marvel films (i.e. Ant-Man...no pun intended); a Black Aqualad?; Ghost Rider 2 without Nick Cage?-and lastly, our favorite comic picks from the previous week. So feel free to join us live at 646-200-014 or via IM/email at the comicshoppe@yahoo.com! And remember-be there, be square and always be aware! Imperius Rex!


The Comic Shoppe's Week in Review

And while you wait for tonight's broadcast (consider it our version of a cinematic intermission), check out this sci-fi video short forwarded to my attention from the good folks at BlackScienceFictionSociety.com. The film is entitled The Raven and was helmed by Peruvian director Ricardo De Montreuil. Enjoy!

A Few Disheartening Tales Serving As Proof That We May Be Nearing the End Of Civilization....

In the last few weeks I have come across a number of human disinterest stories that just boggles the mind and frankly makes it difficult to elucidate in a coherent manner. First, there was the story of a Colorado businessman that lost his finger due to an errant youth hell bent on separating him from his newly purchased iPad. And then there's the tragic death of a retired Hempstead, NY (Afronerdic haunting grounds) physician, Dr. Rebecca Twine-Wright who was mowed down on her front lawn by an 18 year old Oxycodone addicted driver who shortly after the incident exclaimed that she was relieved that Dr. Wright was "old." Wright, 69, who held several degrees and was described as an accomplished person of note, was simply tending her garden when she was struck by the allegedly drug addled youth. Click here for video of the driver at her very best. And lastly, the above video shows the demise of a 31 year old homeless person who lost his life while helping a woman who was being accosted by a thug who ultimately (and fatally) stabbed the hapless Samaritan. What makes this story even more tragic and unconscionable was the 2 hour surveillance footage that showed the dying man being ignored by passerbys, One individual was even brazen enough to inspect, roll the body, take a picture with his camera phone and still not call the authorities! Wow! I will refrain from editorializing on these issues and save my verbal assault for the next Afronerd Radio broadcast.....again, wow!

Just Pontificating Before We Get Into Comics, AZ's New Racial Profiling Law & Why You Can't Be a Good Samaritan!

Well, I know this is a innocuous matter but I just can't (or rather I refuse to)
understand the current state of music. As of late, I have been mesmerized by the infectious groove of the The Gorillaz' latest single, "Stylo" performed live in the above Colbert Report video clip. After taking a look at the latest Billboard listing, it appears that Stylo has only made an impact on the Alternative chart (presently 24th). I guess Afronerd readers are keenly aware of my constant lament-substantive and creative music is purposely being censored! How can a song that features the iconic Bobby Womack, the creative Gorillaz, the lyrical prowess of Mos Def and a cool video that features Bruce Willis miss? I have yet to hear this on any local hip hop station and yet the traffic for the Youtube video is north of three million views! Anyway, that's enough of my official rant.....next up, more ruminations of a serious nature and a preview of tomorrow's Comic Shoppe broadcast. And for your further edification, check out the official Stylo video:

For Tomorrow's Comic Shoppe-Discussing the Obvious: The "Kick Ass" film, Our Weekly Comic Faves & Daryll B's Words of Wisdom!

Hello again comic and pulp fiction fans! The Comic Shoppe will be open for the business of heavy graphic novel/sci-fi/fantasy discussion tomorrow at 7pm eastern. Join Dburt, Daryll and Max as they discuss the following: Marvel's Kick Ass movie performed below industry expectations but will word of mouth boost ticket sales?; more on our favorite comic books from the previous week and in taking cues from The Shoppe's Daryll B, we will also add to the discourse the issues brought up in his weekly Afronerd blog entry:

Interesting news from C2E2 starting with:
1. We all wondered what the Disney/Marvel business would mean to their animation division, well wonder no more. My problem with these plans is Iron Man is coming back but Spectacular Spider-Man and Wolverine & The X-Men is out??? Come on Marvel!!! http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=25819
2. Walking Dead adds Brandon Routh and Jeffery DeMunn to the show. Can you say must watch? http://www.spinoffonline.com/2010/04/17/the-green-miles-jeffrey-demunn-joins-the-walking-dead/ and http://blog.newsarama.com/2010/04/12/the-walking-dead-series-just-got-a-little-bit-super/

3. O come on...they can't mess up the Jonah Hex movie can they? http://www.spinoffonline.com/2010/04/16/is-warners-jonah-hexed/

4. Can you say Hellboy 3? http://splashpage.mtv.com/2010/04/18/mike-mignola-hellboy-3-hellboy-2-guillermo-del-toro/

5. I personally liked Kick-Ass more than the comic....but I absolutely LOVED The Losers. Iron Man 2, the bar is set high for you once again.

6. I have heard of stupid lawsuits but this is the first I heard about Jeff Smith's Bone trying to been banned from libraries in Minnesota. This mother is waaaay off her rocker. If anything this is the book series to try and get kids INVOLVED in comics. http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=25816

7. Heinberg, Cheung, YOUNG AVENGERS! http://www.newsarama.com/comics/c2e2-avengers-children-crusade-100417.html

8. I may not like some of the paths taken but it is hard not to get a little geeked up for the Flash and Green Lantern plans. http://www.newsarama.com/comics/c2e2-flash-green-lantern-100418.html

9. Vampire Jubilee??? Say what??? http://www.newsarama.com/comics/Marvel-X-Men-Teasers-100409.html

10. Kevin Conroy vs Christian Bale? I going with Conroy...lol http://tomztoyz.blogspot.com/2010/04/video-kevin-conroy-disses-christian.html

11. DC vs Trade Waiting? http://blog.newsarama.com/2010/04/16/dc-hopes-to-push-back-against-trade-waiting-will-it-work/

12. More Amanda Waller on Smallville!!!! Pam Grier has been awesome...and that confrontation with John Jones..totally hot!

13. I had worries about the New Doctor Who, with the premiere this past weekend consider them a little eased but the new companion may be the most annoying at first glance.

Enjoy Afronerd readers!

Remember It's Part 2 of Afronerd radio-Tonight at 7pm Eastern! More on Gabby vs Howard vs Jamie & Bill O'reilly vs Black people!

We ran out of time yesterday so it's time for par deux! A bit more on the Howard Stern vs Jamie Foxx vs Oprah vs Gabby Sidibe issue; Rev. Sharpton's recent National Action Network event in Harlem-NYC; Bill O'Reilly explains why he is laying off of Black topical coverage; a preview of tomorrow's Comic Shoppe discussion on the "Kick Ass" film and some parting words on the death of two great men-Civil Rights icon, Benjamin Hooks and noted journalist, David Mills.

Finally! Afronerd Radio Returns This Evening At 7pm Eastern! Howard Stern vs Jamie Foxx, Sharpton on TV-1, O'Reiily vs Racial Stigma & More!

It's definitely time to get back to business! Afronerd Radio returns for another fiery broadcast after a month plus long hiatus. Join us tonight at 7pm eastern as we discuss and bring heavy analysis to the following topics: the stalled Jamie Foxx vs Howard Stern beef over Oprah and Gabby Sidibe-what's it all about Gabby?; Rev. Sharpton appears to be one upping Tavis Smiley with his recent Harlem Black Agenda event/symposium; Fox's Bill O'Reilly recently exclaimed that he has lessened his coverage on Black topics for fear of being labeled a racist; yours truly actually saw marvel/Icon's Kick-Ass film and loved it; the untimely passing of Civil Rights' icon Benjamin Hooks and fellow blogger/journalist, David Mills (of the blog Undercover Blackman for the uninitiated) and lastly of course more exposure to tunes not played on conventional radio.....see you at 7pm!

Check The Comic Shoppe Tonight at 7pm (ET)-And Of Course Words of Wisdom From the Shoppe's Daryll B!

Join Max, Dburt & Daryll as they pontificate on all things pulp! The topics to be discussed are the following: our favorite graphic novel/comics from the previous week; Blade becoming an x-man? Our thoughts; Green Lantern’s suit might be CGI influenced; More on the Captain America film and the transformation needed to pull it off and a preview of the comic book movies slated for release this summer as well as Elephantmen being optioned for movie rights. Stop by at 7pm eastern for a lively discourse!

From March 23rd transcript:

So here it folks, it 6am on a Tuesday Morning in NY and I know I have to turn in a blog to Afronerd before we do another show. I am just sitting here with nothing pressing to write about except:

Great story by Greg Hatcher talking about his class of gifted cartooning youngsters. Once you read the article and see the pics you'll know which one I liked right away..(Hint: dude posing in pic, with pic AND artist is kinda a big deal in the Marvel U. right now) Now we have to convince Greg to shave hs head bald and get a wheel/hoverchair. Of course his wife might not be too keen on this... http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2010/03/20/last-weekend-at-emerald-city-2010-or-the-cartooning-class-reunion/

Greg Burgas usually thinks outside the box and this article is no exception: http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2010/03/22/how-kurt-busiek-unwittingly-ruined-marvel-and-dc-superhero-comics/
I love Busiek, but I can't deny that Greg brings up good points here.

The boys at The Weekly Crisis got into a pretty nice analysis on JMS and Wonder Woman...the good and the ill http://www.weeklycrisis.com/2010/03/jms-wonder-woman.html

Chris Evans is Captain America!?!?! http://www.newsarama.com/comics/Evans-Captain-America-100322.html Hmm does this mean a Fantastic Four / Avengers crossover movie is out of the question now?

I really don't know how I feel about this http://www.heatvisionblog.com/2010/03/warner-bros-prepping-film-adaptation-of-bleach-manga.html#more I mean Forbidden Kingdom was ok, Dragonball was bleh, Akira seems to be D.O.A., Avatar for 4 minutes of trailers looks ok and as I said to BlaqueRonin I have to worry about the other 94 minutes now. Death Note is coming and now Bleach? Looks like American Cinema wants to taint all of my cherished Anime love.

Fox vs Warner Bros AGAIN!!! http://www.latinoreview.com/news/bryan-singer-giant-killer-9513

We knew it had to happen: http://www.latinoreview.com/news/michael-bay-gives-transformers-3-update-9514 Can you say "Hot Rod"..? I know you can...

As far as quick tv news:

Survivors Season 2 begins tonight at 9pm on BBCAmerica.

Meanwhile Merlin returns to SyFy along with the new season of Stargate Universe on April 2....

This Friday is the Midseason break episode of Caprica....

and if you didn't like last week's Human Target with Lennie James from Jericho as Chance's Evil Protege' Baptiste I dunno what to tell ya...except this week has Timothy Highland from Highlander and Sanctuary and a certain lil "Boomer" from Battlestar Galactica named Grace Park...

Enjoy The Blog....Enjoy My Craziness...but above all else, Keep Fantasizing Afronerd Readers!

Oh..and check out this alternate Boondocks promo...

Check Out Tomorrow's Comic Shoppe Broadcast at 7pm-More on the Capt. America Movie (Bucky's in it!), Blackest Night Ends, Millar's Nemesis & More!

Shades of Grey - An Examination of Race Relations in Comic Books from jaystealth on Vimeo.

First up, let me give a grand hat tip to Sergio Mims of the Shadow and Act Black cinema blog for informing me of the above Shades of Grey comic themed documentary (a work in progress as it is currently billed). Shades appears to be an excellent and much needed piece on the historical depiction/representation of minorities in the world of pulp. And now for tomorrow's Comic Shoppe broadcast....stop by this Tuesday at 7pm (eastern) as Max, Daryll and yours truly discuss the following comic/sci-fi/fantasy issues: First we hear that Chris Evans (formerly, Johnny Storm of the Fantastic Four franchise) has been picked to play the lead in The First Avenger: Captain America and now Sebastian Stan (Hot Tub Time Machine, Gossip Girl) is set to star as Cap's sidekick, Bucky; DC's comic event Blackest Night came to a close with a (not so) surprise ending; Mark Millar proclaims his recently released Nemisis comic to be far superior to Kick Ass; our thoughts on this past weekend's Wondercon-San Francisco and our favorite graphic novel reads from the past couple of weeks. So feel free to join in our conversation by contacting us live at 646-200-0104 or via email/IM-thecomicshoppe@yahoo.com. And remember...make yours the Comic Shoppe!

The Comic Shoppe's Week in Review