Plastic Fantastic

Plastic Man #1 (Dec 1966)

Not quite a grail book, but Plastic Man #1 (Dec 1966, DC Comics) is a comic I've wanted for a while. One of my first comics was a coverless copy of #11 from this series, which I have since re-acquired, with an attached cover. After snagging #1 and #19 during SDCC, I now have 10 out of the 20 issues of this run.

Where does this land in Plastic Man history? Well, Plas first appeared in Police Comics #1 (Aug 1941). He didn't get his own series till later, and there have been multiple series named for him. The CLZ app refers to this run as Plastic Man Vol. 1 while Comic Book Realm considers it Vol. 2. The earlier run by Vital Comics / Quality Comics Group (1943-1956) is Plastic Man Vol. 1 at the Realm, while CLZ files the series under the moniker of Plastic Man (Quality Comics). I'll probably never own any of those QCC books, or Police Comics for that matter. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯  

Anyway, this issue has the 1st appearance of the Silver Age Plastic Man (Eel O'Brian Jr), considered the son of the Golden Age Plastic Man (Eel O'Brien). After 1977, the son is all but forgotten, and DC Comics focuses on Eel O'Brien. 

Well, that's not entirely correct. The "Jr." version of Plastic Man's son is gone, but he got a son called Offspring in The Kingdom: Offspring #1 (1999), and JLA #65 (June 2002) gave Offspring the civilian name of Luke Ernie "Loogie" McDunnagh O'Brian (Luke O'Brian for short). 

Thor: Love and Thunder

 Dangrdafne review

I was really looking forward to this movie the other night. I had heard some not good things but I try to not let it get to me and form my own opinion. Well, after watching it ... I wasn't thrilled with it and I am sad for that. 

I think the first two thirds of the movie was meh and the last third was good and more like the Thor movies I like. It all just felt a little frenetic, thrown together and it spent more time on trying to get ideas into the movie rather than things that served the story.

I don't mind a humorous Thor but it has to work for the story and most of the humor just didn't work for me this time. Something was off. I also felt like some information was missing. How did God Killer figure out his end game? Brainwise filled in how it might have happened but it certainly was not in the movie.

The music was awesome! Guns N Roses used to perfection.

My biggest question is ... why Russell Crowe? Oh my that casting just did NOT work for me and what was up with the accent. I just didn't get it or understand. 

I'm grateful that the movie was only 2 hours long but honestly they should have made it longer and filled in the missing information... and removed some questionable humor. 

 The death and love themes saved this movie from being 1 paw from me.

2 paws

Friday 80s Flashback for July 22, 2022

[Comics and SDCC!] -- Instead of celebrating another album that turned 40 in 2022, this week I'm honoring the return of SDCC, the San Diego Comic Con! This also continues a Comic-Con theme I've used over the past several years. This week's selections are 80s tunes inspired by, about, or somehow related to comic books. So, even though I unfortunately am not at SDCC this year (insert weeping and gnashing of teeth here), I'm still providing some Comic-Con related content. 

Flashback #1: "Sgt. Rock (Is Going to Help Me)" – XTC (1981)

This track was so inspired by the DC Comics character, Sgt. Rock, that the 7" single included a poster that showed a Sgt. Rock comic. Well, the song isn't so much about the character as it is about a comic fan daydreaming that the character can help him win over his love interest.  

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Flashback #2: "I Am The Law" – Anthrax (1987)

A heavy metal / thrash tribute to UK comic 2000 AD’s most famous character, Judge Dredd. 

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Flashback #3: "Precious" – The Pretenders (1980)

This track includes the line "Now Howard the Duck and Mr. Stress both stayed/trapped in a world he never made." It's a tenuous connection, but I'll take it!

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Well, those tracks are my three offerings, so that's all till next week. Dedicated 80s-philes can find more flashbacks in the Prophet or Madman archives or via Bookended's 80s Flashback tag. 

For reference, here are some of my previous SDCC-related Flashbacks:

• Friday 80s Flashback for July 23, 2021
• Friday 80s Flashback for July 24, 2020
  
• Friday 80s Flashback for July 19, 2019
  
• Friday 80s Flashback for July 27, 2018
  (Post Comic-Con Blues)
  
• Friday 80s Flashback for July 20, 2018 
  
• Friday 80s Flashback for July 10, 2015
  

As always, your comments are welcome on today's, or any other, flashback post. And if you like what I'm doing here, please share the link with your friends. If, however, you don't like the flashback, feel free to share it with your enemies.

I'll see you in seven!

Friday 80s Flashback for July 23, 2021

[Comics and SDCC!] -- After the year that was 2020, I had hoped we might be in San Diego for San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) this week. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic was still not fully under control when convention organizers were working on their plans, so their March 2021 announcement indicated SDCC would be virtual, again. If you are unfamiliar with the event, here's some background: It was founded in 1970 as the Golden State Comic Book Convention. As it grew, this convention was later rebranded with the name we have come to know and recognize. SDCC bounced among several locations in San Diego until it landed at the San Diego Convention Center where it has been held since 1991 (with the exceptions of the virtual event in 2020 ... and now in 2021, too). SDCC is now widely recognized as a juggernaut of TV and film events. So much so that critics regularly complain it's "not about comics anymore!" However, there is still plenty of comic book related activity at SDCC, as Comic Spectrum pointed out in 2018 and in 2016.

To celebrate SDCC 2019, I selected several 80s tunes inspired by, about, or somehow related to comic books. And I repeated that formula for 2020's ComicCon@Home. Even after those two years, I still had some tracks that did not make either of my previous playlists, so I'm using them this year. What made the latest playlist? Read and hear more the jump.

Friday 80s Flashback for July 24, 2020

[Comics and SDCC!] -- I was, of course, planning to be in San Diego for San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) this week. And this would have been the 10th SDCC in a row that @dangrdafne and I attended! But then, the COVID-19 pandemic claimed the convention in its wake of cancelations. So, this venerable Nerdhalla, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, conducts its first-ever virtual convention in 2020. If you are unfamiliar with the event, here's some background: It was founded in 1970 as the Golden State Comic Book Convention. As it grew, this convention was later rebranded with the name we have come to know and recognize. SDCC bounced around to several locations in San Diego until it landed at the San Diego Convention Center where it has been held since 1991. SDCC is now widely recognized as a juggernaut of TV and film events. So much so that critics regularly complain it's "not about comics anymore!" However, there is still plenty of comic book related activity at SDCC, as Comic Spectrum pointed out in 2018 and in 2016.

Last year, to celebrate SDCC, I selected several 80s tunes inspired by, or about, comic books. There were several tracks that did not make that list, so I'm using them this year. What made the latest playlist? Read and hear more the jump.

SDCC 2020 - Comic Con @ Home

So as you all know there is no in person SDCC this year. And while I will miss all my friends terribly and miss all the fun that is SDCC, but I am ready to enjoy Virtual SDCC or Comic Con @ Home.

I like the idea of not having to pick what to do or figure out what room I can get to for a panel... they are all in MY room. And if I really miss the run between the rooms, I can walk around my block between the video panels.

I like that I can even do more than one panel at a time if need be or I just want to. The very first day of panels, Wednesday, I had a conflict and I got my normal anger at first and then I realized, I can do both! I have a pretty packed schedule of panels for all the days now and it makes me so happy.

I loved seeing some names on the panel lists that I didn’t know were going to be there and I know I will get to see them. There were also some missing names but hopefully I will catch up with them in other areas.

I also got to add some panels I know I wouldn’t normally get to for various reasons.. hello Kevin Smith.

One very real part of Comic Con @ Home is that I still feel like I am going to miss out on things. I already feel like I am missing things. There is so much that can be done for this SDCC Virtual and so many places to find information that it still feels overwhelming, like I am really going to SDCC. I was hopeful for more quiet but apparently not.

Every day I turn on more Twitter feeds to get their tweets so I can follow along and try not to miss out. It is a lot of people :)

@CrazyForComicCon is tweeting SDCC lists for this year. One of the items is what will you miss? Besides the obvious of seeing my friends I only see during SDCC, I realized it would be missing out seeing the Legion of Superheroes table on the mezzanine. We visit them every year now and they are awesome! We always end up spending a hour or so talking to them and sometimes every day... as you have to pick up a pin every day. I will miss their smiling faces and catching up on our lives. It is a quiet respite and a perfect example of SDCC friendship. I hope they are all happy and healthy.

So I ask what will you miss most about SDCC this year?

And if you know of any special information I might be issuing out on, please let me know :)

Lastly, if someone could mail me the gluten free turkey burger with large fries and a Lavender Mint Lemonade from Burger Lounge, I will owe you big time!

Neon Future #1

Still catching up on comics I picked up during SDCC 2019. Here's one that was handed out for free at the company's booth: Neon Future #1.

This debut issue from Impact Theory Comics presents a world in which those with tech enhancements (the Augmented) are on the verge of war with those who shun such enhancements (the Authentic). The title of the book is the name of the resistance movement that wants to show how the future can be peaceful and harmonious: Neon Future.

The resistance movement takes desperate action in their bid for this future: When Clay Campbell, a reality TV star and darling of the Authentic, dies, Neon Future's leader, Kita Sovee (based on Steve Aoki), uses tech to bring Clay back from the dead. The hope is that this new Augmented will shift the balance in the ongoing struggle. Clay, of course, isn't exactly on board with this plan, but he will be forced to make a choice. And forced is the correct word, especially as he doesn't exactly know what his augments enable him to do ... yet.

The concept is compelling, and the art is beautiful (particularly the "after-life" Clay briefly experiences before his return).

Check out the video trailer.

Digital version of Issue #1 is available for free at the Impact Theory site. Be certain that Digital Copy PDF (Cover A) is selected.

Friday 80s Flashback for July 19, 2019

[Comics!] -- I'm currently in San Diego for the San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC). It started with Preview Night on July 17th, and it will roll through until Sunday, July 21. This year is the 50th anniversary of the venerable Nerdhalla. It was founded in 1970 as the Golden State Comic Book Convention. As it grew, this convention was later rebranded with the name we have come to know and recognize. SDCC bounced around to several locations in San Diego until it landed at the San Diego Convention Center where it has been held since 1991. SDCC is now widely recognized as a juggernaut of TV and film events. So much so that critics regularly complain it's "not about comics anymore!" However, there is still plenty of comic book related activity at SDCC, as Comic Spectrum pointed out last year and in 2016. To celebrate SDCC this year, I've selected several 80s tunes inspired by, or about, comic books. What made the latest playlist? Read and hear more the jump.

SDCC last minute reminders

Print out all your confirmations: SDCC Merchandise pre-order, Exclusives Lottery wins, tickets to parties, anything that you think you can get on your phone, don't trust it and print it. Some places only accept the print out too.

Make sure you have binoculars, sunscreen, swimsuit, a few pairs of shoes, extra socks and underwear, and business cards if you are handing them out this year. If you are cosplaying make sure you have all the parts for your costume. And most of all, YOUR BADGE!

I was trying to go from memory for packing and I decided that I shouldn't trust that, so I pulled out my travel folder and found a fun checklist from Crazy for Comic Con's 2012 post!! It was perfect, it helped me remember to get the binoculars out and into my carry on. I love to use them when in our hotel room, if we are lucky enough to get a view.

Another fun thing that someone did and I "stole" :) was creating a secret Facebook group with your friends so that you can safely post where you are and when so a potential meet up could happen at any time. Instead of trying to text everyone or Tweet out your info publicly, I though this was a great idea. So I created one for my group of friends and I am hopeful it will work for us. *Crosses fingers and toes for good service in the center*

I also highly recommend using the My Sched that is offered by CCI. If your friends all use it and you are connected by social media then you can see your friend's schedules and see if anything overlaps. My hubby and I even use it for each other!!

Last but not least, have fun, be nice, sleep well and remember we are all here for the same reason... the love of comics and all that entails.

-Dangrdafne

SDCC 2019

So next week at this time we will be in San Diego anticipating the start of SDCC 2019, the 50th anniversary of SDCC. How amazing is that??

I am very excited for this trip and can’t wait to see all my friends and all the amazing panels and wares to be had on the floor. We don’t have many exclusives to get, except for one in the portal. We did our best to use our credits appropriately but only time will tell if it works out for us. Hopefully the 80th anniversary SDCC Batman will come home with us. What are you looking for this year?

I have some friends on panels this year so I was sure to put their times on my calendar and we always see the animated film on Friday night. Other than that there are no parties on the schedule with the ending of Game of Bloggers and the Hero Within closing party. While I am sad to not have the parties to go to and the time to see certain people, I am happy to have the time open. Hopefully we will still see everyone we want to.

What are your must do panels? Do you have any parties planned?

I am also just looking forward to being away and hanging out in San Diego. It is one of my favorite places to visit and the bonus of seeing my childhood best friend is a huge factor in my love of the area.

I hope everyone attending has safe travels and may all the odds be in our favor to get the exclusives we want and seats at the panels we want. Happy SDCC!!!!

Friday 80s Flashback for July 27, 2018

[Post Comic-Con Blues] -- I have them. My wife has them. And over 150,000 other people probably have them, too. I'm talking about those blues that settle in after attending an epic event like the San Diego International Comic-Con (SDCC). Comic-Con ended this past Sunday, but it's hard to return to the mundane world after being embedded with so many fanpeeps at quite possibly the largest celebration of comic books and pop culture. (By the by, there was a specially curated Flashback post for Comic-Con last week).

My initial plan for today was to create a playlist of sad goodbye songs. But we don't need sad songs. We need to get pumped up! So, I chose more upbeat songs to help us chase those blues away. Now, each of the three songs this week has a fairly obvious connection to this week's theme, but there is a more subtle connection for one of them. Can you find it? I'll take the names of all the folks who provide a correct answer, and I'll select a random winner to receive a geeky prize. I hope that motivates you to post a comment ... when you read and hear more after the jump. 

Friday 80s Flashback for July 20, 2018

[SDCC 2018 Playlist] -- I can in no way offer a definitive 80s playlist for the Valhalla of geekdom that is the San Diego Comic-Con International. Well, I could try, but I'm just one person. So I turned to the power of Twitter to ask my fellow comic con attendees (and folks who wish they could be attending this week) to help me curate a special playlist. I asked, "What is your favorite 80s song?" And my fellow nerds responded. So, this post is going to go beyond my standard three selections. And it's going to run the gamut of styles. But in the end, I think we end up with a nice 13-track set to kick off the weekend. If you'd like to know what tracks were selected, and who suggested them, you can read and hear more after the jump. 

Game of Bloggers 2018

Last night we attended one of the highlights of SDCC in recent years: Game of Bloggers!

This shindig is thrown by Tony Kim (@crazy4comiccon), who is also celebrating the second year of his geek clothing business, Hero Within. Yeah, it's a party, but it is also an opportunity for geeky bloggers of all stripes to interact. Plus, like last year, there are wares from other geeky brands to check out.

Here are a few pics. For more, check out Traveling Mocha's Instagram.

Tony, CEO of Hero Within, bookended by the Bookended by Cats crew

@dangrdafne with @misstejota (of @wesonerdy)

@brainwise with Hot Nerd Girl (Twitter/Instagram) and Nerd Mom!

@brainwise with @amlehr

Let the games begin

So we received emails from SDCC yesterday that our badges were on their way!

We arrived home and it must have been a worm hole because our badges were already here!

What is everyone looking forward to?

Dangrdafne is looking forward to seeing her friends and getting away from work for a long break.

Brainwise is looking forward to the overall experience of SDCC even for our eighth visit.

Friday 80s Flashback for July 29, 2016

[After SDCC 2016] -- Last week, we were at the San Diego International Comic-Con. And that weekend's Flashback post featured tune selections by my fellow SDCC bloggers/tweeps. Well, I have a few suggestions left over, so I figured I'd use them for this week's post. Why? Because in addition to TV shows, movies, and comic books, I also nerd out about 80s music. But you knew that already, didn't you? That's why you come here (all two or three of you; I lost count).

So here, with some help, is my second SDCC Mix Tape. Read and hear more after the break! 

The Countdown to SDCC 2017 Begins Now!

"Bye, SDCC 2016!"
SDCC 2016 ended on Sunday, July 24, but we stayed in the area for a few more days. So, the whole San Diego experience ends for us today because we are flying back East this morning. Therefore, the countdown to the next SDCC begins in earnest for us today. Be on the lookout for a few post-SDCC write-ups from us here at Bookended By Cats. In the meantime, we hope to stay in touch with all you fellow nerds virtually.

Friday 80s Flashback for July 22, 2016

[SDCC 2016] -- I'm at the San Diego International Comic-Con this week. And this Nerdhalla is not only great for learning the latest in TV and film, tracking down your favorite comic book creators, and finding cool swag, it's also great for meeting (or reconnecting with) online folks in real life. For example, we attended the Game Of Bloggers meetup Wednesday night. So, this week on the Flashback, I thought I would turn over the tune selection to my fellow SDCC bloggers/tweeps. I asked them what their favorite 80s tune is.

And now, in no particular order, I give you my very first SDCC Mix Tape. Read and hear more after the break! 

Bookended by Cats Returns to SDCC!

It's so good to return to San Diego for the Nerdhalla known as SDCC! Gods, we've missed this con and the surrounding area, such as Gaslamp District which is behind us in this photo.

Tonight we have Game of Bloggers Season 2, and tomorrow our con madness begins in earnest.

Game of Bloggers Season 2 at SDCC 2016!

They said it couldn't happen twice in our lifetime, but Season 2 is coming. That's right, just one year after the debut of Game of Bloggers on SDCC 2015's Preview Night, it's back for more Nerdhalla Meetup Madness! So, for our sixth consecutive SDCC, we will be part of the second Game of Bloggers Meet-Up hosted by the one and only Crazy 4 Comic Con!

If you're going to SDCC this year, and you're free on Preview Night (Wednesday July 20th), come join us and more cool-and-nerdy bloggers than you can shake a sonic screwdriver at! Oh, and Crazy 4 Comic Con will have his recently launched Hero Within Fashion Collection on display and you won't want to miss that.

The party returns to the patio & bar of the Dragon's Den (315 10th Avenue; next to Petco Park).

Enter the Dragon's Den!

Oh, and it's FREE! Free as in ... well, Free! The basic info is below, but if you need more details an sponsor info, go visit Crazy 4 Comic Con's post.

• Date/Time: Wednesday 9-12a
• Location: Patio & bar of the Dragon’s Den (315 10th Avenue)
• Cost: Free (entry based on capacity)
• Hashtag: #GameOfBloggers

If you going to SDCC 2016, hit us up in the comments and we'll try to touch base with you! (Hint: This meet-up is probably a really great way for us to meet you face-to-face. And you could get a Bookended by Cats wristband. Just saying.)

SDCC Pre-Registration!

I know we haven't posted in a while, but I thought it would be interesting to note a little something: In a little while, our group will attempt a team effort to purchase SDCC 2016 tickets. Our group consists of 13 women and 1 man.

Who says women don't like Comic Con?

#PreReg