Riddle me this, intrepid readers: Which simulation has/will come the farthest?
I think I've found a measure for victory.
Wrestling games: The Kurt Angle victory snot bubble.
Tennis games: Roger Federer post-championship little bitch crying [unlockable win variant].
Or, in this market, am I looking in the wrong direction?
Fortunately for both examples, I think they'd easily make the transition to Mii versions.
Original Post: http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=8980073
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
You stupid fanboy!
Admittedly, sometimes I have to surpress my utter contempt for the unwashed masses because, well, it's just bad business not to. Nobody has any backbone anymore in an environment where the consumer is carefully controlled by pandering corporates to believe they are "king."
Fortunately my latest peeve is one married to an interesting observation of culture.
"Fanboy" is irrevocably attached to the world of comic books, where, at least in the modern age, it is believed to have stemmed. In it's origins, the contemptuous tones gamers associate with the phrase, denoting obsessive qualities, might very well have been there, but the vernacular did not end where it began.
In an industry divided between the two major companies and everything else, it's hardly surprising that a culture of obsessive loyalty to one brand, over the other, has been deeply ingrained in the psyche.
It's this type of mindless appreciation for one brand's content, and the converse disapproval and beratment of all other options, that seems to define the gamers "fanboy."
We have other names in comics, however. Ones that don't interrupt or disturb a sense of friendly fire and/or affection about the term, "fanboy." Particularly for the well adjusted among us, comics fanboys are brothers in arms. Chums with a taste for four-colour culture and all the positives that come with it.
Those other people. The ones who've bought X-Men for thirty years uninterrupted? Those are typically referred to as zombies, or any alternate insults that might come to mind. Wii owners, perhaps? (Haw!)
Comics fans can be as volatile and downright stupid as any other fanbase.
(Anyone coping with the indulgent superheroics of Final Crisis knows all too well about the latter!)
I wonder, however, why it is that the use of the term has diverged so specifically amongst gamers.
I suppose it's (de)evolution into an outright insult could simply be a product of the inherent competitive streak that exists vitally within any gamer. Comics fans butt heads, but probably aren't as specifically trained to be in competition with each other, the afforementioned collector zombies, not withstanding.
Next time you're about to baselessly accuse someone of having a blind bias for one brand, perhaps you might pause to consider the bigger picture. Video games and comics are all part of a rich pop culture tapestry, which, presumably, made the migration of the word so simple. So! Consider the possibility that we're all - each and every one of us, and you yourself - part of the fanboy melting pot.
That, and you might be the raving lunatic with the blindspot.
Because it's our word! Stupid fanboys!!!
- Mike Haseloff
Fanboy of minimal celebrity
Original Post: http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=8979875
Fortunately my latest peeve is one married to an interesting observation of culture.
"Fanboy" is irrevocably attached to the world of comic books, where, at least in the modern age, it is believed to have stemmed. In it's origins, the contemptuous tones gamers associate with the phrase, denoting obsessive qualities, might very well have been there, but the vernacular did not end where it began.
In an industry divided between the two major companies and everything else, it's hardly surprising that a culture of obsessive loyalty to one brand, over the other, has been deeply ingrained in the psyche.
It's this type of mindless appreciation for one brand's content, and the converse disapproval and beratment of all other options, that seems to define the gamers "fanboy."
We have other names in comics, however. Ones that don't interrupt or disturb a sense of friendly fire and/or affection about the term, "fanboy." Particularly for the well adjusted among us, comics fanboys are brothers in arms. Chums with a taste for four-colour culture and all the positives that come with it.
Those other people. The ones who've bought X-Men for thirty years uninterrupted? Those are typically referred to as zombies, or any alternate insults that might come to mind. Wii owners, perhaps? (Haw!)
Comics fans can be as volatile and downright stupid as any other fanbase.
(Anyone coping with the indulgent superheroics of Final Crisis knows all too well about the latter!)
I wonder, however, why it is that the use of the term has diverged so specifically amongst gamers.
I suppose it's (de)evolution into an outright insult could simply be a product of the inherent competitive streak that exists vitally within any gamer. Comics fans butt heads, but probably aren't as specifically trained to be in competition with each other, the afforementioned collector zombies, not withstanding.
Next time you're about to baselessly accuse someone of having a blind bias for one brand, perhaps you might pause to consider the bigger picture. Video games and comics are all part of a rich pop culture tapestry, which, presumably, made the migration of the word so simple. So! Consider the possibility that we're all - each and every one of us, and you yourself - part of the fanboy melting pot.
That, and you might be the raving lunatic with the blindspot.
Because it's our word! Stupid fanboys!!!
- Mike Haseloff
Fanboy of minimal celebrity
Original Post: http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=8979875
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Wipeout: Style and Substance
WipeoutHD is the final refuge of attractive people interested in playing a game without entering into an online bidding war with middle-aged women under the illusion the Wiimote is a magic wand that will help them shed enough pounds to have tracksuit pants camel toe because they want it. It's a relic of the PSX age, when gaming was sexy, modern, and full of style. It's an echo of a future past.
Sci-fi racer?! Hah!
This isn't Tron! You don't approach Wipeout like your "shooters" or your postitute killing trucking games!
It's about midnight in an apartment full of pale wood and silver, standing next to the TV in a puffy orange vest with spikey frosted hair.
It's about the fashion accessory. The soundtrack, the palette, the design, the brand name.
You don't play Wipeout!
You shift your weight to one side and cock the opposite eyebrow, cutting a graceful curve in the game as if by sheer coincidence.
It's a wave of style and substance...
... and consequently, probably not for Americans. Haw!
Explaining Wipeout; re: LTTP: Wipeout
Sci-fi racer?! Hah!
This isn't Tron! You don't approach Wipeout like your "shooters" or your postitute killing trucking games!
It's about midnight in an apartment full of pale wood and silver, standing next to the TV in a puffy orange vest with spikey frosted hair.
It's about the fashion accessory. The soundtrack, the palette, the design, the brand name.
You don't play Wipeout!
You shift your weight to one side and cock the opposite eyebrow, cutting a graceful curve in the game as if by sheer coincidence.
It's a wave of style and substance...
... and consequently, probably not for Americans. Haw!
Explaining Wipeout; re: LTTP: Wipeout
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Blog: Boy meets 1up, boy loses 1up...
What a strange turn of events, it has been!
If you've happened upon this page previously, you probably know me as a comic book fan, and aren't really all that interested in anything I have to say regarding the UGO buy-out. Quite rightly, too.
Only in my own headspace have been a regular at 1up, cheering along or grumbling quietly to myself in disagreement, while tapping at a keyboard, or engaging in some other inane task.
Having militantly listened to 1up podcasts for well over a year, I finally felt it reasonable enough to sign-up, when 1upFM was having download issues (a little over a month ago). It didn't hurt that I'd also come across someone else with similar interests, in the form of fellow Street Fighter fanatic, "BigMex". (Who almost certainly didn't find me via an embarrassing, yet common, Google search
).
I left my heart with the PSX (Playstation), but I've been "gaming" for the better part of twenty years, and fell instantly in love with the first Street Fighter II in arcades.
With that in mind, the shockwave that really hit me, was the fact that EGM is gone.
It seems in an age of digital media, user-generated content, and financial crisis, the sanctity of print materials is constantly under threat. This trend has only enhanced the prestige of brands that have existed for as long as EGM.
The Street Fighter fan in me obviously instantly thinks of "Sheng Long," but as a gamer who spent most of his reading time loitering around Sega and Sony magazines, there aren't many general publications I can name. EGM is one of them.
I'm inclined to consider the twenty-year legacy of a publication bigger than the people that contributed to it, but that's just me. While I haven't been swept up in the community and personal associations, I have come to know and enjoy the voices of the podcasts.
In this respect, it's undeniable that UGO has jettisoned one of the most enjoyable aspects of the site, if not the most profitable. I don't know how receptive some of these folks will be to belated friend requests, but I intend to do my best to follow some of them to their future endeavours. Though very different to me, I have enjoyed the spirit the 1up and EGM staff have conveyed through these meaty slices of audio discussion.
Some of the staff have already made a bloody admirable effort to carry this tradition on!
Like many of you, I've already downloaded the first "Rebel FM" podcast, and have been thoroughly impressed. As much as I enjoyed 1upFM, the first instalment of this spin-off offered a greater diversity of interests, opinions, and discussion that was greatly appreciated.
I'm sure you don't need my endorsement or encouragement, but if you haven't already, you might like to sprint, jog, or saunter, over to Eat. Sleep. Game. where many of the lost, have been found.
I agree, the hierarchy of events is a little conspicuous, but the podcast is fantastic.
Particularly appreciated, a moment of in depth discussion about fighting games (RE: Street Fighter), which, I would selfishly say, was sorely absent from 1upFM and 1up Yours. But I'm not to be trusted.
I'm sure there are more informative or passionate articles around the 1up Blogosphere, but I felt it was about damn time I posted some original content, and maybe made an effort to introduce myself.
We now return you to article teasers from my better known comics blog.
I hope you will buy something. Please.
Original Post: http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=8977994
If you've happened upon this page previously, you probably know me as a comic book fan, and aren't really all that interested in anything I have to say regarding the UGO buy-out. Quite rightly, too.
Only in my own headspace have been a regular at 1up, cheering along or grumbling quietly to myself in disagreement, while tapping at a keyboard, or engaging in some other inane task.
Having militantly listened to 1up podcasts for well over a year, I finally felt it reasonable enough to sign-up, when 1upFM was having download issues (a little over a month ago). It didn't hurt that I'd also come across someone else with similar interests, in the form of fellow Street Fighter fanatic, "BigMex". (Who almost certainly didn't find me via an embarrassing, yet common, Google search
).I left my heart with the PSX (Playstation), but I've been "gaming" for the better part of twenty years, and fell instantly in love with the first Street Fighter II in arcades.
With that in mind, the shockwave that really hit me, was the fact that EGM is gone.
It seems in an age of digital media, user-generated content, and financial crisis, the sanctity of print materials is constantly under threat. This trend has only enhanced the prestige of brands that have existed for as long as EGM.
The Street Fighter fan in me obviously instantly thinks of "Sheng Long," but as a gamer who spent most of his reading time loitering around Sega and Sony magazines, there aren't many general publications I can name. EGM is one of them.
I'm inclined to consider the twenty-year legacy of a publication bigger than the people that contributed to it, but that's just me. While I haven't been swept up in the community and personal associations, I have come to know and enjoy the voices of the podcasts.
In this respect, it's undeniable that UGO has jettisoned one of the most enjoyable aspects of the site, if not the most profitable. I don't know how receptive some of these folks will be to belated friend requests, but I intend to do my best to follow some of them to their future endeavours. Though very different to me, I have enjoyed the spirit the 1up and EGM staff have conveyed through these meaty slices of audio discussion.
Some of the staff have already made a bloody admirable effort to carry this tradition on!
Like many of you, I've already downloaded the first "Rebel FM" podcast, and have been thoroughly impressed. As much as I enjoyed 1upFM, the first instalment of this spin-off offered a greater diversity of interests, opinions, and discussion that was greatly appreciated.
I'm sure you don't need my endorsement or encouragement, but if you haven't already, you might like to sprint, jog, or saunter, over to Eat. Sleep. Game. where many of the lost, have been found.
I agree, the hierarchy of events is a little conspicuous, but the podcast is fantastic.
Particularly appreciated, a moment of in depth discussion about fighting games (RE: Street Fighter), which, I would selfishly say, was sorely absent from 1upFM and 1up Yours. But I'm not to be trusted.
I'm sure there are more informative or passionate articles around the 1up Blogosphere, but I felt it was about damn time I posted some original content, and maybe made an effort to introduce myself.
We now return you to article teasers from my better known comics blog.
I hope you will buy something. Please.
Original Post: http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=8977994
Sunday, December 28, 2008
iChart 100: 2008 End
#1 [393] William Ørbit - Cavalleria Rusticana (+1)
#2 [386] William Ørbit - In A Landscape [386] (-1)
#3 [379] Way Out West - Pulse of Life [379] (+1)
#4 [378] CocoRosie - Rainbowarriors [378] (+2)
#5 [371] William Ørbit - Ogive Number I (-2)
#6 [370] Björk - Mouths Cradle (+1)
#7 [367] William Ørbit - Piece in the Old Style 3 (+3)
#8 [367] 菅野よう子 [Yoko Kanno] - Bad Dog (-3)
#9 [365] William Ørbit - L'Inverno (-1)
#10 [361] William Ørbit - Triple Concerto (+1)
#11 [358] Thom Yorke - Analyse (-2)
#12 [355] William Ørbit - Xerxes (-)
#13 [348] William Ørbit - Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte (-)
#14 [332] Underworld - Two Months Off (Radio Edit) (+2)
#15 [330] William Ørbit - Piece in the Old Style I (-)
#16 [321] Björk - Who is it (Carry my joy on the left, carry my pain on the right) (-2)
#17 [316] William Ørbit - Opus I32 (-)
#18 [304] CoLD SToRAGE - Body in Motion (+4)
#19 [303] Gustav - Genua (+2)
#20 [303] Moby - My Weakness (-2)
#21 [297] Vangelis - Love theme from Bladerunner (-1)
#22 [294] Björk - Submarine (+1)
#23 [290] Intermix - Mantra (+2)
#24 [280] Bodyrox feat. Luciana - Yeah Yeah (D. Ramirez Radio Edit) (-5)
#25 [267] Hot Chip - Over and Over (-1)
#26 [260] Björk - Pleasure is all Mine (+1)
#27 [260] William Ørbit - Adagio for Strings (+4)
#28 [250] UNKLE - Lonely Soul (-)
#29 [249] Björk - Visur Vatnsenda Rosu (-)
#30 [249] Cassius - Toop Toop (-4)
#31 [239] Einsturzende Neubauten - Blume (+1)
#32 [239] Future Sound of London - Papua New Guinea (-2)
#33 [236] Björk - Vokuro (+2)
#34 [234] Moby - Porcelain (Clubbed to Death version by Rob Dougan) (-)
#35 [231] Björk - Desired Constellation (+9)
#36 [230] Pendulum - Coma (+23)
#37 [229] Joe Jackson - Steppin' Out (-1)
#38 [229] Moby - Arp (+8)
#39 [226] CoLD SToRAGE - Cold Comfort (+10)
#40 [225] Luke Slater - Stars and Heroes (+10)
#41 [225] Nine Inch Nails - Just Like You Imagined (-8)
#42 [223] CoLD SToRAGE - Onyx (-5)
#43 [223] Console - 14 Zero Zero (-4)
#44 [221] Madonna - Frozen (+12)
#45 [221] Moby - Bodyrock (Hybrid's Bodyshock Remix) (-5)
#46 [221] Stardust - Music Sounds Better With You (Radio Edit) (+23)
#47 [218] Pet Shop Boys - Miracles (Radio Edit) (+7)
#48 [218] Peter Bjorn & John - Young Folks (-10)
#49 [217] DJ Krush - Dig This Vibe (-2)
#50 [217] Groove Zone - Eisbaer (Extended Mix) (-8)
#51 [217] Madonna - Drowned World/Substitute for Love (+16)
#52 [214] b(if)tek feat. Julee Cruise - Wired for Sound (+6)
#53 [214] Radiohead - Videotape (+10)
#54 [213] William Ørbit - Water from a Vine Leaf (+1)
#55 [212] Hot Chip - Grubbs (-14)
#56 [211] PNAU - Journey Agent (+15)
#57 [206] b(if)tek - 3 Seconds of Her (+13)
#58 [206] UNKLE - Rabbit in your Headlights (-13)
#59 [205] Björk - Who Is It (Vitalic Mix) (-16)
#60 [204] CoLD SToRAGE - Cairodrome (+20)
#61 [204] Groove Terminator - Losing Ground (-13)
#62 [199] The Beta Band - Space Beatle (-)
#63 [199] Rob Dougan - Clubbed to Death (Kurayamino Variation) (-12)
#64 [198] Cassius - Toop Toop (Olivier Koletski Mix) (+1)
#65 [197] ana voog - Telepathic You (+7)
#66 [197] Moby - Flying Foxes (+10)
#67 [193] Hot Chip - Boy From School (-15)
#68 [191] Pet Shop Boys - I don't know what you want but I can't give it anymore (-11)
#69 [191] Supreme Beings of Leisure - Strangelove Addiction (+15)
#70 [189] Kenji Kawai - Making of a Cyborg (+22)
#71 [189] Sasha - Wavy Gravy (+17)
#72 [188] Chemical Brothers - Let Forever Be (+1)
#73 [186] Orbital - Petrol (+16)
#74 [184] Moby - Memory Gospel (+12)
#75 [184] William Ørbit - Barber's Adagio for Strings (Ferry Corsten Remix) (+10)
#76 [181] Björk - Triumph of a Heart (+5)
#77 [181] DJ Shadow - Six Days (+6)
#78 [181] Pet Shop Boys - Single - Bilingual (-10)
#79 [180] Bentley Rhythm Ace - Theme From Gutbuster (-15)
#80 [180] Moby - Natural Blues (-20)
#81 [177] Gustav - We Shall Overcome (-20)
#82 [176] Daft Punk - Around the World (-8)
#83 [176] Groove Armada - Dusk, You & Me (+12)
#84 [173] 菅野よう子 [Yoko Kanno] - Pulse (+3)
#85 [172] Faithless - Drifting Away (Paradiso Mix) (+6)
#86 [169] Pet Shop Boys - Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money) (-20)
#87 [167] Raven Maize - The Real Life (Fatboy Slim Mix) (-5)
#88 [162] Pet Shop Boys - Can You Forgive Her? (-10)
#89 [161] Pet Shop Boys - Paninaro '95 (-10)
#90 [159] Ramin Djawadi & The RZA - Daywalkers (-15)
#91 [158] Pet Shop Boys - Being Boring (-1)
#92 [155] Moby - In My Heart (-15)
#93 [153] Ratty - Sunrise (Here I Am) (Radio Edit) (new)
#94 [149] Kenji Kawai - Pappetry Song (Gods' Gathering in the New World) (-2)
#95 [145] Faithless - Salva Mea (Way Out West Remix) (+2)
#96 [144] Hybrid - Finished Symphony (Album Version) (new)
#97 [143] Graeme Revell - Elektra (-4)
#98 [143] Groove Armada - At the River (new)
#99 [140] Timo Maas - To Get Down (new)
#100 [137] Sash! - Chill Out No. 1 (new)
Two years of iPod, music, and lists.
Nothing learned, nothing gained. New music in 2009?
#2 [386] William Ørbit - In A Landscape [386] (-1)
#3 [379] Way Out West - Pulse of Life [379] (+1)
#4 [378] CocoRosie - Rainbowarriors [378] (+2)
#5 [371] William Ørbit - Ogive Number I (-2)
#6 [370] Björk - Mouths Cradle (+1)
#7 [367] William Ørbit - Piece in the Old Style 3 (+3)
#8 [367] 菅野よう子 [Yoko Kanno] - Bad Dog (-3)
#9 [365] William Ørbit - L'Inverno (-1)
#10 [361] William Ørbit - Triple Concerto (+1)
#11 [358] Thom Yorke - Analyse (-2)
#12 [355] William Ørbit - Xerxes (-)
#13 [348] William Ørbit - Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte (-)
#14 [332] Underworld - Two Months Off (Radio Edit) (+2)
#15 [330] William Ørbit - Piece in the Old Style I (-)
#16 [321] Björk - Who is it (Carry my joy on the left, carry my pain on the right) (-2)
#17 [316] William Ørbit - Opus I32 (-)
#18 [304] CoLD SToRAGE - Body in Motion (+4)
#19 [303] Gustav - Genua (+2)
#20 [303] Moby - My Weakness (-2)
#21 [297] Vangelis - Love theme from Bladerunner (-1)
#22 [294] Björk - Submarine (+1)
#23 [290] Intermix - Mantra (+2)
#24 [280] Bodyrox feat. Luciana - Yeah Yeah (D. Ramirez Radio Edit) (-5)
#25 [267] Hot Chip - Over and Over (-1)
#26 [260] Björk - Pleasure is all Mine (+1)
#27 [260] William Ørbit - Adagio for Strings (+4)
#28 [250] UNKLE - Lonely Soul (-)
#29 [249] Björk - Visur Vatnsenda Rosu (-)
#30 [249] Cassius - Toop Toop (-4)
#31 [239] Einsturzende Neubauten - Blume (+1)
#32 [239] Future Sound of London - Papua New Guinea (-2)
#33 [236] Björk - Vokuro (+2)
#34 [234] Moby - Porcelain (Clubbed to Death version by Rob Dougan) (-)
#35 [231] Björk - Desired Constellation (+9)
#36 [230] Pendulum - Coma (+23)
#37 [229] Joe Jackson - Steppin' Out (-1)
#38 [229] Moby - Arp (+8)
#39 [226] CoLD SToRAGE - Cold Comfort (+10)
#40 [225] Luke Slater - Stars and Heroes (+10)
#41 [225] Nine Inch Nails - Just Like You Imagined (-8)
#42 [223] CoLD SToRAGE - Onyx (-5)
#43 [223] Console - 14 Zero Zero (-4)
#44 [221] Madonna - Frozen (+12)
#45 [221] Moby - Bodyrock (Hybrid's Bodyshock Remix) (-5)
#46 [221] Stardust - Music Sounds Better With You (Radio Edit) (+23)
#47 [218] Pet Shop Boys - Miracles (Radio Edit) (+7)
#48 [218] Peter Bjorn & John - Young Folks (-10)
#49 [217] DJ Krush - Dig This Vibe (-2)
#50 [217] Groove Zone - Eisbaer (Extended Mix) (-8)
#51 [217] Madonna - Drowned World/Substitute for Love (+16)
#52 [214] b(if)tek feat. Julee Cruise - Wired for Sound (+6)
#53 [214] Radiohead - Videotape (+10)
#54 [213] William Ørbit - Water from a Vine Leaf (+1)
#55 [212] Hot Chip - Grubbs (-14)
#56 [211] PNAU - Journey Agent (+15)
#57 [206] b(if)tek - 3 Seconds of Her (+13)
#58 [206] UNKLE - Rabbit in your Headlights (-13)
#59 [205] Björk - Who Is It (Vitalic Mix) (-16)
#60 [204] CoLD SToRAGE - Cairodrome (+20)
#61 [204] Groove Terminator - Losing Ground (-13)
#62 [199] The Beta Band - Space Beatle (-)
#63 [199] Rob Dougan - Clubbed to Death (Kurayamino Variation) (-12)
#64 [198] Cassius - Toop Toop (Olivier Koletski Mix) (+1)
#65 [197] ana voog - Telepathic You (+7)
#66 [197] Moby - Flying Foxes (+10)
#67 [193] Hot Chip - Boy From School (-15)
#68 [191] Pet Shop Boys - I don't know what you want but I can't give it anymore (-11)
#69 [191] Supreme Beings of Leisure - Strangelove Addiction (+15)
#70 [189] Kenji Kawai - Making of a Cyborg (+22)
#71 [189] Sasha - Wavy Gravy (+17)
#72 [188] Chemical Brothers - Let Forever Be (+1)
#73 [186] Orbital - Petrol (+16)
#74 [184] Moby - Memory Gospel (+12)
#75 [184] William Ørbit - Barber's Adagio for Strings (Ferry Corsten Remix) (+10)
#76 [181] Björk - Triumph of a Heart (+5)
#77 [181] DJ Shadow - Six Days (+6)
#78 [181] Pet Shop Boys - Single - Bilingual (-10)
#79 [180] Bentley Rhythm Ace - Theme From Gutbuster (-15)
#80 [180] Moby - Natural Blues (-20)
#81 [177] Gustav - We Shall Overcome (-20)
#82 [176] Daft Punk - Around the World (-8)
#83 [176] Groove Armada - Dusk, You & Me (+12)
#84 [173] 菅野よう子 [Yoko Kanno] - Pulse (+3)
#85 [172] Faithless - Drifting Away (Paradiso Mix) (+6)
#86 [169] Pet Shop Boys - Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money) (-20)
#87 [167] Raven Maize - The Real Life (Fatboy Slim Mix) (-5)
#88 [162] Pet Shop Boys - Can You Forgive Her? (-10)
#89 [161] Pet Shop Boys - Paninaro '95 (-10)
#90 [159] Ramin Djawadi & The RZA - Daywalkers (-15)
#91 [158] Pet Shop Boys - Being Boring (-1)
#92 [155] Moby - In My Heart (-15)
#93 [153] Ratty - Sunrise (Here I Am) (Radio Edit) (new)
#94 [149] Kenji Kawai - Pappetry Song (Gods' Gathering in the New World) (-2)
#95 [145] Faithless - Salva Mea (Way Out West Remix) (+2)
#96 [144] Hybrid - Finished Symphony (Album Version) (new)
#97 [143] Graeme Revell - Elektra (-4)
#98 [143] Groove Armada - At the River (new)
#99 [140] Timo Maas - To Get Down (new)
#100 [137] Sash! - Chill Out No. 1 (new)
Two years of iPod, music, and lists.
Nothing learned, nothing gained. New music in 2009?
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
iChart 100: August 2008
#1 [345] William Ørbit - In a Landscape
#2 [343] William Ørbit - Cavalleria Rusticana
#3 [338] William Ørbit - Ogive Number I
#4 [326] Way Out West - Pulse of Life
#5 [326] 菅野よう子 [Yoko Kanno] - Bad Dog
#6 [325] CocoRosie - Rainbowarriors
#7 [323] Björk - Mouths Cradle
#8 [323] William Ørbit - L'Inverno
#9 [322] Thom Yorke - Analyse
#10 [322] William Ørbit - Piece in the Old Style 3
#11 [321] William Ørbit - Triple Concerto
#12 [310] William Ørbit - Xerxes
#13 [303] William Ørbit - Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte
#14 [296] Björk - Who is it (Carry my joy on the left, carry my pain on the right)
#15 [295] William Ørbit - Piece in the Old Syle I
#16 [291] Underworld - Two Months Off (Radio Edit)
#17 [285] William Ørbit - Opus 132
#18 [275] Moby - My Weakness
#19 [274] Bodyrox feat. Luciana - Yeah Yeah (D. Ramirez Radio Edit)
#20 [274] Vangelis - Love theme from Bladerunner
#21 [271] Gustav - Genua
#22 [269] CoLD SToRAGE - Body in Motion
#23 [266] Björk - Submarine
#24 [263] Hot Chip - Over and Over
#25 [263] Intermix - Mantra
#26 [244] Cassius - Toop Toop
#27 [237] Björk - Pleasure is all Mine
#28 [230] UNKLE - Lonely Soul
#29 [229] Björk - Visur Vatnsenda Rosu
#30 [228] Future Sound of London - Papua New Guinea
#31 [227] William Ørbit - Adagio for Strings
#32 [226] Einsturzende Neubauten - Blume
#33 [225] Nine Inch Nails - Just like you Imagined
#34 [221] Moby - Porcelain (Clubbed to Death version by Rob Dougan)
#35 [218] Björk - Vokuro
#36 [215] Joe Jackson - Steppin Out
#37 [213] CoLD SToRAGE - Onyx
#38 [212] Peter Bjorn and John - Young Folks
#39 [209] Console - 14 Zero Zero
#40 [207] Moby - Bodyrock (Hybrid's Bodyshock Remix)
#41 [206] Hot Chip - Grubbs
#42 [201] Groove Zone - Eisbaer (Extended Mix)
#43 [198] Björk - Who is it (Vitalic Mix)
#44 [198] Björk - Desired Constellation
#45 [195] UNKLE - Rabbit in your Headlights
#46 [194] Moby - ARP
#47 [192] DJ Krush - Dig this vibe
#48 [191] Groove Terminator - Losing Ground
#49 [190] CoLD SToRAGE - Cold Comfort
#50 [190] Luke Slater - Stars and Heroes
#51 [190] Rob Dougan - Clubbed to Death (Kurayamino Variation)
#52 [189] Hot Chip - Boy from school
#53 [189] Kenji Kawaii - Making of a Cyborg
#54 [187] Pet Shop Boys - Miracles (Radio Edit)
#55 [186] William Ørbit - Water from a Vine Leaf
#56 [185] Madonna - Frozen
#57 [184] Pet Shop Boys - I don't know what you want but I can't give it anymore
#58 [182] b(if)tek feat. Julee Cruise - Wired for Sound
#59 [182] Pendulum - Coma
#60 [180] Moby - Natural Blues
#61 [177] Gustav - We Shall Overcome
#62 [174] The Beta Band - Space Beatle
#63 [174] Radiohead - Videotape
#64 [170] Bentley Rhythm Ace - Theme from Gutbuster
#65 [169] Cassius - Toop Toop (Oliver Koletski Mix)
#66 [169] Pet Shop Boys - Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money)
#67 [168] Madonna - Drowned World/Substitute for Love
#68 [167] Pet Shop Boys - Single - Bilingual
#69 [166] Stardust - Music Sounds Better with You (Radio Edit)
#70 [162] b(if)tek - 3 Seconds of Her
#71 [162] PNAU - Journey Agent
#72 [159] ana voog - Telepathic You
#73 [159] The Chemical Brothers - Let Forever Be
#74 [159] Daft Punk - Around the World
#75 [159] Ramin Djawadi & The RZA - Daywalkers
#76 [156] Moby - Flying Foxes
#77 [155] Moby - In My Heart
#78 [154] Pet Shop Boys - Can you forgive Her?
#79 [154] Pet Shop Boys - Paninaro 95
#80 [153] CoLD SToRAGE - Cairodrome
#81 [152] Björk - Triumph of a Heart
#82 [152] Raven Maize - The Real Life (Fatboy Slim Mix)
#83 [151] DJ Shadow - Six Days
#84 [151] Supreme Beings of Leisure - Strangelove Addiction
#85 [148] William Ørbit - Barber's Adagio for Strings (Ferry Corsten Remix)
#86 [146] Moby - Memory Gospel
#87 [146] Yoko Kanno - Pulse
#88 [144] Sasha - Wavy Gravy
#89 [142] Orbital - Petrol
#90 [139] Pet Shop Boys - Being Boring
#91 [138] Faithless - Drifting Away (Paradiso Mix)
#92 [136] Kenji Kawaii - Pappetry Song (Gods Gathering in the New World)
#93 [133] Graeme Revell - Elektra
#94 [128] The Arcade Fire - Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)
#95 [127] Groove Armada - Dusk, You & Me
#96 [125] Hybrid - Zulu
#97 [124] Faithless - Salva Mea (Way Out West Remix)
#98 [124] Radiohead - Idioteque
#99 [123] Joanna Newsom - The Sprout and the Bean
#100 [121] Sneaky Sound System - I Love It
Numerical lists are pretty much my answer to everything, but especially boredom.
For some reason tallying the one hundred most played songs on my iPod seemed like a good idea, less boring than doing it regularly. If you are reading this, you almost certainly need a hobby more than I do. This is break time for me!
Still, you might be one of those people who likes to scour the internet for people's playlists in order to find new music. Which is a service I would be happy to provide, even if my playlist is severely wanting. Anything beats real work, mind!
#2 [343] William Ørbit - Cavalleria Rusticana
#3 [338] William Ørbit - Ogive Number I
#4 [326] Way Out West - Pulse of Life
#5 [326] 菅野よう子 [Yoko Kanno] - Bad Dog
#6 [325] CocoRosie - Rainbowarriors
#7 [323] Björk - Mouths Cradle
#8 [323] William Ørbit - L'Inverno
#9 [322] Thom Yorke - Analyse
#10 [322] William Ørbit - Piece in the Old Style 3
#11 [321] William Ørbit - Triple Concerto
#12 [310] William Ørbit - Xerxes
#13 [303] William Ørbit - Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte
#14 [296] Björk - Who is it (Carry my joy on the left, carry my pain on the right)
#15 [295] William Ørbit - Piece in the Old Syle I
#16 [291] Underworld - Two Months Off (Radio Edit)
#17 [285] William Ørbit - Opus 132
#18 [275] Moby - My Weakness
#19 [274] Bodyrox feat. Luciana - Yeah Yeah (D. Ramirez Radio Edit)
#20 [274] Vangelis - Love theme from Bladerunner
#21 [271] Gustav - Genua
#22 [269] CoLD SToRAGE - Body in Motion
#23 [266] Björk - Submarine
#24 [263] Hot Chip - Over and Over
#25 [263] Intermix - Mantra
#26 [244] Cassius - Toop Toop
#27 [237] Björk - Pleasure is all Mine
#28 [230] UNKLE - Lonely Soul
#29 [229] Björk - Visur Vatnsenda Rosu
#30 [228] Future Sound of London - Papua New Guinea
#31 [227] William Ørbit - Adagio for Strings
#32 [226] Einsturzende Neubauten - Blume
#33 [225] Nine Inch Nails - Just like you Imagined
#34 [221] Moby - Porcelain (Clubbed to Death version by Rob Dougan)
#35 [218] Björk - Vokuro
#36 [215] Joe Jackson - Steppin Out
#37 [213] CoLD SToRAGE - Onyx
#38 [212] Peter Bjorn and John - Young Folks
#39 [209] Console - 14 Zero Zero
#40 [207] Moby - Bodyrock (Hybrid's Bodyshock Remix)
#41 [206] Hot Chip - Grubbs
#42 [201] Groove Zone - Eisbaer (Extended Mix)
#43 [198] Björk - Who is it (Vitalic Mix)
#44 [198] Björk - Desired Constellation
#45 [195] UNKLE - Rabbit in your Headlights
#46 [194] Moby - ARP
#47 [192] DJ Krush - Dig this vibe
#48 [191] Groove Terminator - Losing Ground
#49 [190] CoLD SToRAGE - Cold Comfort
#50 [190] Luke Slater - Stars and Heroes
#51 [190] Rob Dougan - Clubbed to Death (Kurayamino Variation)
#52 [189] Hot Chip - Boy from school
#53 [189] Kenji Kawaii - Making of a Cyborg
#54 [187] Pet Shop Boys - Miracles (Radio Edit)
#55 [186] William Ørbit - Water from a Vine Leaf
#56 [185] Madonna - Frozen
#57 [184] Pet Shop Boys - I don't know what you want but I can't give it anymore
#58 [182] b(if)tek feat. Julee Cruise - Wired for Sound
#59 [182] Pendulum - Coma
#60 [180] Moby - Natural Blues
#61 [177] Gustav - We Shall Overcome
#62 [174] The Beta Band - Space Beatle
#63 [174] Radiohead - Videotape
#64 [170] Bentley Rhythm Ace - Theme from Gutbuster
#65 [169] Cassius - Toop Toop (Oliver Koletski Mix)
#66 [169] Pet Shop Boys - Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money)
#67 [168] Madonna - Drowned World/Substitute for Love
#68 [167] Pet Shop Boys - Single - Bilingual
#69 [166] Stardust - Music Sounds Better with You (Radio Edit)
#70 [162] b(if)tek - 3 Seconds of Her
#71 [162] PNAU - Journey Agent
#72 [159] ana voog - Telepathic You
#73 [159] The Chemical Brothers - Let Forever Be
#74 [159] Daft Punk - Around the World
#75 [159] Ramin Djawadi & The RZA - Daywalkers
#76 [156] Moby - Flying Foxes
#77 [155] Moby - In My Heart
#78 [154] Pet Shop Boys - Can you forgive Her?
#79 [154] Pet Shop Boys - Paninaro 95
#80 [153] CoLD SToRAGE - Cairodrome
#81 [152] Björk - Triumph of a Heart
#82 [152] Raven Maize - The Real Life (Fatboy Slim Mix)
#83 [151] DJ Shadow - Six Days
#84 [151] Supreme Beings of Leisure - Strangelove Addiction
#85 [148] William Ørbit - Barber's Adagio for Strings (Ferry Corsten Remix)
#86 [146] Moby - Memory Gospel
#87 [146] Yoko Kanno - Pulse
#88 [144] Sasha - Wavy Gravy
#89 [142] Orbital - Petrol
#90 [139] Pet Shop Boys - Being Boring
#91 [138] Faithless - Drifting Away (Paradiso Mix)
#92 [136] Kenji Kawaii - Pappetry Song (Gods Gathering in the New World)
#93 [133] Graeme Revell - Elektra
#94 [128] The Arcade Fire - Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)
#95 [127] Groove Armada - Dusk, You & Me
#96 [125] Hybrid - Zulu
#97 [124] Faithless - Salva Mea (Way Out West Remix)
#98 [124] Radiohead - Idioteque
#99 [123] Joanna Newsom - The Sprout and the Bean
#100 [121] Sneaky Sound System - I Love It
Numerical lists are pretty much my answer to everything, but especially boredom.
For some reason tallying the one hundred most played songs on my iPod seemed like a good idea, less boring than doing it regularly. If you are reading this, you almost certainly need a hobby more than I do. This is break time for me!
Still, you might be one of those people who likes to scour the internet for people's playlists in order to find new music. Which is a service I would be happy to provide, even if my playlist is severely wanting. Anything beats real work, mind!
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Infinite Wars: T.Hawk/Fei Long Double Feature
QUICK FIX DOUBLE FEATURE: The New Challengers!
THUNDERHAWK versus THUGS
(UDON)
Where: Street Fighter II #3 When: February 2006
Why: Ken Siu-Chong How: Alvin Lee
Quick Fix...
Okay, I'm going to start this entry way off on a tangent.
Earlier today I spent a disturbing amount of time sifting through google hits, conventional and blogsearch, looking for dates and issue numbers. I couldn't find them.
I do my best to make sure Secret Wars on Infinite Earths is a multi-layered and enjoyable reading experience, several times a week. If I might not always live up to that lofty expectation, I always find great pride in including explicit and relevant information for cross searching needs.
Now, let the minutes show that it is indeed Sunday, and therefore we must address today's pressing Street Fighter business. On today's agenda, two of the new warriors that made their debut in the revision title, Super Street Fighter II.
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/quick-fix-double-feature-new.html
THUNDERHAWK versus THUGS(UDON)
Where: Street Fighter II #3 When: February 2006
Why: Ken Siu-Chong How: Alvin Lee
Quick Fix...
Okay, I'm going to start this entry way off on a tangent.
Earlier today I spent a disturbing amount of time sifting through google hits, conventional and blogsearch, looking for dates and issue numbers. I couldn't find them.
I do my best to make sure Secret Wars on Infinite Earths is a multi-layered and enjoyable reading experience, several times a week. If I might not always live up to that lofty expectation, I always find great pride in including explicit and relevant information for cross searching needs.
Now, let the minutes show that it is indeed Sunday, and therefore we must address today's pressing Street Fighter business. On today's agenda, two of the new warriors that made their debut in the revision title, Super Street Fighter II.
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/quick-fix-double-feature-new.html
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Infinite Wars: Superman vs Preus
SUPERMAN versus PREUSOld Man, New World (DC comics)
Where: Action Comics #824 When: April 2005
Why: JD Finn How: Ivan Reis
The story so far...
Suffering the stress of a clash with Gog and a synthetic yellow form of Kryptonite, and the lurking threat of Doomsday; an aged Superman struggles against the xenophobic charge of Kandor's General Preus.
Having captured both the inquisitive Jimmy Olsen and the Justice League's Martian Manhunter, Preus uses Olsen's signal watch to lure Superman to his desert base where he commands an army of zealous white-supremicists.
Facing overwhelming physical odds, Superman will courageously do combat with his disillusioned Kandorian counterpart, but at the end of the battle, Preus' greatest weapon may prove to be humanity's own capacity for self-destruction.
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/superman-versus-preus-old-man-new-world.html
Friday, September 28, 2007
Infinite Wars: Batman vs Catwoman
BATMAN versus CATWOMANDate Knight (DC comics)
Where: Solo #1 When: December 2004
Why: Darwyn Cooke How: Tim Sale
The story so far...
A string of clues lead the Dark Knight Detective to a Gotham City museum exibit, where someone has broken in; neutralized the nightguard; disabled security systems; and breached the defenses of an expensive cat artifact. So why is the statue still in it's case?
It seems Catwoman wants to play, and the perfect way to get the attentions of her Bat-themed lover is a midnight burglary, complete with scented clues to lead him to their rendezvous.
The sassy Selina Kyle leads the Batman on a pursuit across the Gotham skyline, in a date night only she could provide. Will the Dark Knight pursue criminal justice, or when the cheque arrives, will he do the gentlemanly thing? Mmmreow, stay tuned to find out!
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/batman-versus-catwoman-date-knight-dc.html
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Infinite Wars: Saviour vs Superman
SAVIOUR versus SUPERMANScarlet Salvation (DC comics)
Where: Action Comics #713 When: September 1995
Why: David Michelinie How: Kieron Dwyer & Denis Rodier
The story so far...
Three years prior, the world watched in horror as the alien creature Doomsday fought Superman to a stand-still, the two dying in the street by each other's hands.
Having returned after the destruction of Coast City, Superman returns to resume his battle for truth, justice and the American way -- but not everyone is convinced!
After a sinister plot orchestrated by the Kryptonian cybernetic fiend, Braniac; a doubt is cast in the minds of all when an illusion is cast to reveal Superman still dead in his coffin. Though the truth was eventually revealed, deranged serial killer, Ramsey Murdoch, remains unconvinced. Believing himself to be a self-proclaimed saviour, Murdoch prepares himself to destroy the one who poses as Superman.
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/saviour-versus-superman-scarlet.html
Monday, September 24, 2007
Infinite Wars: Fantastic Four & X-Men vs Ahab, Invisible Woman & Cyclops
FANTASTIC FOUR/X-MEN/X-FACTOR/NEW MUTANTS versus AHAB & THE HOUNDSDays of Future Present Part 4: You Must Remember This (Marvel comics)
Where: X-Men Annual #14 When: 1990
Why: Chris Claremont How: Art Adams
The story so far...
For humanity there exists a dark potential future.
A time where mutants have been hunted to near extinction, and humanity lives enslaved by the robotic Sentinel armies that police the streets so vigilantly.
Franklin Richards and Rachel Summers, refugees from this dark time, escape back to seek protection in a more placid time where their parents stood triumphant and hopeful against these evils. Unfortunately for them, their time travelling escape is not the only shift made from this future.
Dr. Roderick Campbell, the man-Sentinel known as Ahab, follows the two mutant rebels back through the timestream, hoping to use the environment to manipulate a final showdown with his longtime targets. Unfortunately for him, the mutants are far from extinct in this time, and despite his advanced technology and many powers, he may find himself overwhelmed...
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/fantastic-fourx-menx-factornew-mutants.html
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Infinite Wars: Ryu/Ken Double Feature
QUICK FIX DOUBLE FEATURE: Sho-Ryu Ken!
KEN versus RYU
Stage 01 (UDON/Image)
Where: Street Fighter #1 When: September 2003
Why: Ken Siu-Chong How: Alvin Lee
Quick Fix...
Y'know, in it's own way, UDON and their Capcom books are a really interesting look at "independent" comic books.
I do this blog thing for many reasons, one of the important ones being the enjoyment I get from taking a little time to discuss, review, and observe these pieces of entertainment that I find so joyous. Of course, as much as I'd like to derive world dominating noteriety from this blog, I'm not so sure there's a long future for me in comics review.
What I do feel very strongly about is writing and creating comic books.
Sure, that's not an unusual aspiration. Most fans and their silly photographed cats want to write comics, but I like to think there's something inevitable about comics and I. I'm not one to believe in destiny, but I think if you plucked anyone who's known me through my lifetime, none would be shocked to learn I had found fate in a creative field. It's just one of those cosmic things.
That said, it's not like capability, flair and know-how instantly get you the job.
As submission processes become less common, and technology becomes more readily available, the intrepid fan pursues the dream of self-publishing to a quality unparalleled in the previous two decades of small press.
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/quick-fix-double-feature-sho-ryu-ken.html
KEN versus RYUStage 01 (UDON/Image)
Where: Street Fighter #1 When: September 2003
Why: Ken Siu-Chong How: Alvin Lee
Quick Fix...
Y'know, in it's own way, UDON and their Capcom books are a really interesting look at "independent" comic books.
I do this blog thing for many reasons, one of the important ones being the enjoyment I get from taking a little time to discuss, review, and observe these pieces of entertainment that I find so joyous. Of course, as much as I'd like to derive world dominating noteriety from this blog, I'm not so sure there's a long future for me in comics review.
What I do feel very strongly about is writing and creating comic books.
Sure, that's not an unusual aspiration. Most fans and their silly photographed cats want to write comics, but I like to think there's something inevitable about comics and I. I'm not one to believe in destiny, but I think if you plucked anyone who's known me through my lifetime, none would be shocked to learn I had found fate in a creative field. It's just one of those cosmic things.
That said, it's not like capability, flair and know-how instantly get you the job.
As submission processes become less common, and technology becomes more readily available, the intrepid fan pursues the dream of self-publishing to a quality unparalleled in the previous two decades of small press.
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/quick-fix-double-feature-sho-ryu-ken.html
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Infinite Wars: Batman Double Feature
QUICK FIX DOUBLE FEATURE: Under the Influence/Ones We Love
ROBIN versus BATMAN
As the Crow Flies Part Four: Shotgun (DC)
Where: Batman #629 When: August 2004
Why: Judd Winick How: Dustin Nguyen
Quick Fix...
So, Galactus and I might not have a lot in common, but there is one indisputable commonality: We're both sticklers for rules, especially our own.
Which brings us to now. Up against the wire, I feel an obligation to turn in a Street Fighter post for Sunday, a Marvel Ultimate Alliance post for Monday, and, well, okay, that's really about all... But still, here we are, as the clock ticks over to Sunday (here in the future), and I'm starting a post for Saturday! Egads, what sinister plot could provoke such madness?!
A couple of days ago The Fortress Keeper had some interesting things to say about the state of Batman, with a particular slant towards an evolution away from the grim and gritty mania that has gripped the character for the best part of three decades. I, of course, subscribe to that classic take within reason, actually fairly disinterested in progress being made by Grant Morrison to return the hairy chested love-god to his globe trotting throne; but I digress...
Inevitably one travels from Batman's world and state of mind, to the relationships important to his life.
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/quick-fix-double-feature-under.html
ROBIN versus BATMANAs the Crow Flies Part Four: Shotgun (DC)
Where: Batman #629 When: August 2004
Why: Judd Winick How: Dustin Nguyen
Quick Fix...
So, Galactus and I might not have a lot in common, but there is one indisputable commonality: We're both sticklers for rules, especially our own.
Which brings us to now. Up against the wire, I feel an obligation to turn in a Street Fighter post for Sunday, a Marvel Ultimate Alliance post for Monday, and, well, okay, that's really about all... But still, here we are, as the clock ticks over to Sunday (here in the future), and I'm starting a post for Saturday! Egads, what sinister plot could provoke such madness?!
A couple of days ago The Fortress Keeper had some interesting things to say about the state of Batman, with a particular slant towards an evolution away from the grim and gritty mania that has gripped the character for the best part of three decades. I, of course, subscribe to that classic take within reason, actually fairly disinterested in progress being made by Grant Morrison to return the hairy chested love-god to his globe trotting throne; but I digress...
Inevitably one travels from Batman's world and state of mind, to the relationships important to his life.
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/quick-fix-double-feature-under.html
Friday, September 21, 2007
Infinite Wars: Despero vs Justice League
DESPERO versus MARTIAN MANHUNTER/AQUAMANCrisis of Conscience: Part Four (DC comics)
Where: JLA #118 When: Early November 2005
Why: Geoff Johns & Allan Heinberg How: Chris Batista
The story so far...
With their dirty little secrets exposed, the Justice League is imploding into itself in a maelstrom of disapproval and mistrust. The revelations over Zatanna's mind-wiping practises regain their relevance when members of the Secret Society of Super-villains discover the true identities of the heroes.
Unknown to the league, the foe responsible for awakening the minds of the Society, Despero, is hurtling toward Earth in pursuit of a helpless Martian Manhunter. Unable to locate the league, the Manhunter plummets Earthbound with one member in mind -- Aquaman!
Will J'onn J'onnz find the assistance he needs, or has the inner turmoil of their actions exposed a weakness in the League, and allowed Despero the opportunity to finally seek a final revenge on those he has called enemy?
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/despero-versus-martian-manhunteraquaman.html
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Infinite Wars: Hawkman/Black Adam JSA Double
QUICK FIX DOUBLE FEATURE: Harsh Vintage Justice
HAWKMAN versus MATTER MASTER
Black Reign: Part Two (DC)
Where: Hawkman #23 When: Early March 2004
Why: Geoff Johns How: Rags Morales
Quick Fix...
Lately we've been talking a bit about harsh justice, and it's application to the superhero world, and this entry gives us the opportunity to take a look at that theory in practise.
It's a particularly interesting topic, given all the different angles. Generally speaking, the sacred cows [like Wonder Woman] are protected from the moral ambiguity of lethal justice, yet, oft times it's these vintage characters that are more likely to be identified with harsh enforcement reflective of the war-torn times they were created in.
The debate rages on between the two schools of thought. For many the definition of a superhero is to be above the moral ambiguity average humans, soldiers, or heroes are regularly faced with. It means not being forced to pull the trigger to save innocent lives, instead using the fantastic to end danger.
We recently discussed a similar argument of whether or not Captain America ever used lethal force during his times in the frontline of the Second World War [Captain America #405].
The morally ambiguous hero got a bit of a tarnished reputation, passing through the eighties and nineties with the baggage of excess, and poor interpretation. The posterboy becomes characters like The Punisher, who more overtly straddle the line of what's right and wrong with a stonecold attitude toward life and death. For the most part these characters do good, eliminating the evils that evade justice by conventional law, but there is always that underlying negative of what we know in reality of the vigilante.
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/quick-fix-double-feature-harsh-vintage.html
HAWKMAN versus MATTER MASTERBlack Reign: Part Two (DC)
Where: Hawkman #23 When: Early March 2004
Why: Geoff Johns How: Rags Morales
Quick Fix...
Lately we've been talking a bit about harsh justice, and it's application to the superhero world, and this entry gives us the opportunity to take a look at that theory in practise.
It's a particularly interesting topic, given all the different angles. Generally speaking, the sacred cows [like Wonder Woman] are protected from the moral ambiguity of lethal justice, yet, oft times it's these vintage characters that are more likely to be identified with harsh enforcement reflective of the war-torn times they were created in.
The debate rages on between the two schools of thought. For many the definition of a superhero is to be above the moral ambiguity average humans, soldiers, or heroes are regularly faced with. It means not being forced to pull the trigger to save innocent lives, instead using the fantastic to end danger.
We recently discussed a similar argument of whether or not Captain America ever used lethal force during his times in the frontline of the Second World War [Captain America #405].
The morally ambiguous hero got a bit of a tarnished reputation, passing through the eighties and nineties with the baggage of excess, and poor interpretation. The posterboy becomes characters like The Punisher, who more overtly straddle the line of what's right and wrong with a stonecold attitude toward life and death. For the most part these characters do good, eliminating the evils that evade justice by conventional law, but there is always that underlying negative of what we know in reality of the vigilante.
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/quick-fix-double-feature-harsh-vintage.html
Monday, September 17, 2007
Infinite Wars: Doppelganger vs Thing
DOPPELGANGER versus THINGBy Reed... Betrayed! (Marvel comics)
Where: Fantastic Four #367 When: August 1992
Why: Tom DeFalco How: Paul Ryan
The story so far...
The Magus, with the aid of mysterious cosmic power, has created an army of sinister mirror images of the greatest heroes of the Marvel Universe in a bid for total domination!
Forced to face their inner shadows, the great heroes fight themselves for their own existance. For Thing, his doppelganger comes at a time already overcast with inner turmoil. Ex-girlfriend and teammate, Sharon Ventura, returns as he comes to terms with the reveal that his greatest love, Alicia Masters, did not marry the Human Torch. Instead, it was another dark diversion, the undercover Skrull Lyja, who married the Torch, which leaves Thing unsure of his feelings for his former flame.
The Puppet Master is sure of his feelings, desiring the happiness of his daughter, but will his love stop him taking advantage of the Thing's predicament, or will he use his fantastic telekinetic controlling clay to save the Fantastic Fourman?...
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/doppelganger-versus-thing-by-reed.html
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Infinite Wars: Guile vs Birdie
GUILE versus BIRDIEStage 01 (UDON/Image)
Where: Street Fighter #1 When: September 2003
Why: Ken Siu-Chong How: Alvin Lee
The story so far...
His name is Bison, and he is the megalomaniacal leader of the world's most vile criminal organization -- Shadaloo. Involved in every facet of criminality, Shadaloo funds Bison's desires for world conquest, and his interests in fostering the martial arts and his psycho power.
It was during an investigation into Shadaloo that Bison uncovered and brutally murdered Charlie, partner of Interpol agent, Guile. Ever since, Guile has had the burning desire to personally put an end to the Shadaloo empire, and the evil M. Bison.
Patiently working his way through the various branches of Shadaloo, Guile and agents like him pick apart the pieces of the puzzle, working their way closer to the source. Wannabe street toughs, like the English street fighter, Birdie, represent the lower rungs, all useful for tracking back to Bison.
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/guile-versus-birdie-stage-01-udonimage.html
Friday, September 14, 2007
Infinite Wars: Avengers vs Galactus
AVENGERS versus GALACTUSThe End of the Matter: What If The Silver Surfer Had Not Betrayed Galactus? (Marvel comics)
Where: What if...? #70 When: February 1995
Why: Chuck Dixon How: Joe Barney & Don Hudson
The story so far...
So it was, when the devourer of worlds came to destroy the Earth, that the Fantastic Four stood against him. Toppling his gleeming herald, the Silver Surfer would come to land on the balcony of an inner city studio belonging to the blind sculptress, Alicia Masters.
Though blind, she would see something inside the Silver Surfer thought long dead, and with an awareness of all things great on the planet Earth, the Silver Surfer remembered what it was to be Norrin Radd, inhabitant of Zenn-La. Thus, he rebelled and proved to be the crucial factor in defeating the devourer of worlds, Galactus.
Alas, there are other worlds, where events such as this deviate in minor, but devestating ways. Just such a world saw the Silver Surfer remaining steadfast, forcing the Fantastic Four into retreat in the wake of Uatu's death, and the wounding of Reed Richards. With the FF absent, other heroes are forced to pick-up the slack, but can they possibly stand against the might of Galactus?...
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/avengers-versus-galactus-end-of-matter.html
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Infinite Wars: Catwoman Double
QUICK FIX DOUBLE FEATURE: Out of the Bag
HAMMER versus CAPTAIN COLD
The One You Love Conclusion (DC)
Where: Catwoman #49 When: January 2006
Why: Will Pfeifer How: Pete Woods
Quick Fix...
So, we dared to touch upon the nasty subject of Amazons Attack [Wander Woman], a series that has done absolutely nothing for the otherwise rising star of writer, Will Pfeifer.
In light of that, I thought it was probably worth zooming in to check out some of Pfeifer's much better work, namely picking up the slack on Catwoman after fan favourite writers Darwyn Cooke and Ed Brubaker left the title reinvigorated. Tag neglecters might also like to backtrack to the only other entry from Pfeifer's catalogue, the first issue of Captain Atom: Armageddon, reviewed earlier in the year.
But back to Catwoman. For those not terribly interested in the character or the title, it's probably hard to appreciate the situation Pfeifer was put in. The pressure almost certainly didn't come from the company, as this was among several maneuvers that really positioned Pfeifer as one of the up-and-comers at DC, but for fans and an industry, this was potentially a recipe for disaster!
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/quick-fix-double-feature-out-of-bag.html
HAMMER versus CAPTAIN COLDThe One You Love Conclusion (DC)
Where: Catwoman #49 When: January 2006
Why: Will Pfeifer How: Pete Woods
Quick Fix...
So, we dared to touch upon the nasty subject of Amazons Attack [Wander Woman], a series that has done absolutely nothing for the otherwise rising star of writer, Will Pfeifer.
In light of that, I thought it was probably worth zooming in to check out some of Pfeifer's much better work, namely picking up the slack on Catwoman after fan favourite writers Darwyn Cooke and Ed Brubaker left the title reinvigorated. Tag neglecters might also like to backtrack to the only other entry from Pfeifer's catalogue, the first issue of Captain Atom: Armageddon, reviewed earlier in the year.
But back to Catwoman. For those not terribly interested in the character or the title, it's probably hard to appreciate the situation Pfeifer was put in. The pressure almost certainly didn't come from the company, as this was among several maneuvers that really positioned Pfeifer as one of the up-and-comers at DC, but for fans and an industry, this was potentially a recipe for disaster!
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/quick-fix-double-feature-out-of-bag.html
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Infinite Wars: Wonder Woman Double
QUICK FIX DOUBLE FEATURE: Wander Woman
MONGUL versus JUSTICE LEAGUE
Infinite Crisis (DC)
Where: Infinite Crisis #1 When: December 2005
Why: Geoff Johns How: Phil Jiminez
Quick Fix...
Okay, so the lazy schedule has helped me quickly correct, but if I'm to impress the various important establishments like the BBC, and various other publishers of print and media hitting up this humble blog, I've got to hit the hard issues before they go stale.
If the feminist blogging community has been anything to go by lately, I actually probably have until about 2025 to catch this one, so maybe I'm getting in early. Alas; I'll endeavour to kill the joke no more, and get straight to the topic at hand -- Amazons Attack!
Haven't they just?
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/quick-fix-double-feature-wander-woman.html
MONGUL versus JUSTICE LEAGUEInfinite Crisis (DC)
Where: Infinite Crisis #1 When: December 2005
Why: Geoff Johns How: Phil Jiminez
Quick Fix...
Okay, so the lazy schedule has helped me quickly correct, but if I'm to impress the various important establishments like the BBC, and various other publishers of print and media hitting up this humble blog, I've got to hit the hard issues before they go stale.
If the feminist blogging community has been anything to go by lately, I actually probably have until about 2025 to catch this one, so maybe I'm getting in early. Alas; I'll endeavour to kill the joke no more, and get straight to the topic at hand -- Amazons Attack!
Haven't they just?
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/quick-fix-double-feature-wander-woman.html
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