Buckle up, it’s a long one.

This is a topic I’ve been meaning to get to. A few weeks ago we linked to this article on Facebook. It brought a couple of questions to mind.

My first question was, “Am I sexist?” First, I don’t have many issues on being an anything-“ist”. Well, except maybe an elitist. I don’t have enough concern for other people to hate them based on gender, race, sexual orientation, or creed. So the idea of me being sexist surprised me.

I like some classic uniforms of female comic characters, but does my holding fast to a character’s current “branding” mean that I condone things like this? No. No, I do not.

So okay, I’m not sexist. I am brand loyal. Despite what others might tell you, the clothing on a hero or heroine is as much a part of the character as their powers. You can’t just change them arbitrarily. We’ve seen how that works out.

That brings me to my second question, “Can we be open to change?” We need to accept some changes in order for comics to grow. More importantly, so comics will continue to get made.

I’m going to use Rob as an example. Rob is a typical geek. He is often resistant to change.  He knows his cannon, and sticks to superhero comics. He’s not being sexist. He is accustomed to seeing Emma Frost in a white corset and stockings. Changing her might lose Rob as a reader. However, if he can let go of the past and be excited about the future, he will still read the comic. (Rob is not sexist and will read a comic as long as it’s good.)

This change is a group effort. The creators should make changes that fit the character, are practical, and are good for the story. The readers need to be open to change and not jump ship when something gets altered. The people that want to see changes in comics need to pick them up and support the changes with their dollar vote.

This movement has given me a lot to think about. I hope it has made you think a little too.

One last note: all of this includes supporting women creators. If we want to see changes and growth in the comic book industry, we need to support those who can offer unique ideas. Check out Surly Queen and Renae De Liz in the links to the right. Support these talented ladies.

Five and Dime Comics

My wife has REALLY gotten into Mad Men. I like the show, but it drives me a little crazy. While writing this, the reason occurred to me.

I am a Superman fan. I am the rare person that loves the pure hero. I don’t care for the conflicted, damaged, or anti-hero. Don and Co. are all too damaged for me. As soon as I get to liking a character, they do something to make me dislike them. For most people, this is probably the best part of the show.

I understand it makes for good characterization, but it’s not for me. I can’t deal with the duplicity.

Between episodes we’re packing, and getting ready to move. Maybe I’m weird, but I think a empty house is exciting. Houses, by nature, should feel stable. However, when you’re moving the air is electric with potential. Potential for the people leaving and potential for the people coming. I love it.

Back to packing. See you Wednesday.

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Flash got his revenge. This isn’t the last we’ll hear about the event.

I took my last final yesterday. I am officially done. Nothing to do now, but wait on that very important sheet of paper to get mailed to me.

Our house looks like a bomb exploded, and my toys were the victims. I forget how many collectibles I have until I have to pack them all away. It’s one of the joys of moving. That’s right, we’re FINALLY moving to Massachusetts. It’s been far too long.

One of the things I’m most excited about is, being able to buy comics again. Actually here’s a top 5 reasons I’m glad to be moving back to Mass.

1. COMIC BOOKS

2. Dunkin Donuts

3. Friends and family

4. Five and Dime getting the benefit of Rob and I working face-to-face

5. Getting to hurt Rob. (Physically and emotionally.)

I can’t get ahead of myself. Lots of packing and driving left to do. Not to mention, finding a job. Wish us luck.

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I’ve never had my account hacked. I don’t think it would be good. Something like that could stop me from playing a game ever again. It’s not about having my fictional stuff taken. It’s about the time it’d take to get it all back. I wouldn’t want to deal with the game’s makers on my personal time. I’m sure it’s not too much of a hassle, but it would be enough to stop me. I don’t have the patience.

Rob and I like the idea of being able to stalk down those that hack your account. I think it’s a smaller scale of Internet revenge lust. Who hasn’t wanted to find that unknown someone that bashed them on the Internet? Thankfully, some people make it their mission to defend us against the faceless masses.

We figured, if anyone can track the hacker down, Flash can. He has a the money and time.

The final strip in the series is Friday. Come back and see how it ends.

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Flash’s account got hacked. This story arc will last for a couple of strips. Be sure to come back Wednesday to see what happens next.

Finals are almost over. I have two tests, and a paper to finish. After I am finished with those, I will be done with my undergrad. I am walking away with a Bachelors in Computer Systems Technology. I had the graduation ceremony this weekend, but I still have to go though some finals. K-State holds the Salina campus’ graduation a week earlier than the main campus.

Now it’s time to move on to another adventure. My wife and I will be moving, and getting new jobs soon.  It’s all very exciting.

Speaking of exciting, be looking for a site redesign in September. We’ll tell you about new features as we get closer to the relaunch. We’ll also ask for input on what you would like to see and do. We want to know what you think.

Thanks for your understanding this past week. I was very busy.

Now, it’s time to go pack.

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Almost done with finals stuff. Will have more to say next week.

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Here’s the trailer. You should watch it just for the theme song.

Sorry folks, I’m finishing a huge final project that will determine if I graduate or not.

No time for blogs Doctor Jones!

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Ironman 3. Did you see it? … No? Stop reading.

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Seriously stop.

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Last Chance!

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!!! Warning Spoilers !!!

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I wanted to give you a chance to back out. I hate spoilers. I am sure there are other reviews out there. Reviews written by better writers than myself. If you’re reading this, you probably just want my impression of Ironman 3. I enjoyed it.

I had the unique experience to watch the first two Ironman films, The Avengers, then Ironman 3 in the theater. It was great, and the environment made it even better.

I have one issue with Ironman 3. One small issue. I was a little put off by Pepper saving Tony right at the end. Only because the movie is “Ironman”, and call me crazy, but I think the title character should get the killing blow.

For that matter, Stark could’ve been in his suit more during the film. However, I have this problem with most comic movies. I know the actors want face time, but I go to the movie to watch Ironman. I don’t go to watch Robert Downey Jr. (The worst perpetrator of this comic movie crime was, the Spier-man franchise. Too much Toby Maguire.)

Despite these two small issues, I still really liked the movie. I will be seeing it at least one more time. The movie had the same flow, and feel of the previous two. It was funny, and had action. I liked how they handled The Mandarin. (Overall, I like how Marvel films have used science to explain the magic that exists in their movie universe.) I think the film was a good punctuation mark to stop on while they move on to other properties.

On deck: Star Trek: Into Darkness, and Man of Steel.

What did you think of Ironman 3?

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Won’t spoil the movie yet. The full review will be on Monday. Be sure to go see Iron Man 3.

I will am tired, but the day was worth it.

Tons more on Monday. Have a great weekend everyone. Time to nap.

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Oh! Also, Happy Birthday to my wife.

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My sister and I are going to an Iron Man movie marathon tomorrow. We’re going to watch Iron Man 1, 2, The Avengers, and then the midnight showing of Iron Man 3. Needless to say, I am pumped.

When Lord of the Rings: Return of the King was released many theaters did a similar thing and I missed it. I said if I ever had a chance to do something like that I’d take it. So we’re going.

I should warn you that Friday’s strip might be a little later than normal, seeing as how I will be recuperating. I hope you can forgive me. If you can’t, well it’s Iron man 3. Deal with it.

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