tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64640609839118498852024-03-28T11:01:10.539-07:00Mark's Epic Blog of RandomnessMark's Epic Blog of Randomness!!
Reviews on random geeky stuff like comics, wrestling and whatever else comes to mind!MarkRodriguez09http://www.blogger.com/profile/10564869853180264503noreply@blogger.comBlogger665125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464060983911849885.post-43268390127488251942024-03-28T10:33:00.000-07:002024-03-28T11:00:36.863-07:00TMNT Saturday Morning Adventures Continued # 8<p> By Mark Rodriguez</p><p>Pretty much every character in the 80's TMNT cartoon would break the fourth wall every now and then, mentioning that they were in an 'episode' or calling out 'the writers' and such, with Raphael being the main offender. What happens when the Turtles actually get in trouble for it? Let's find out. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJb4QuS04-9IZgmfd1s-wQPfF-20PCSQQuVhhpvmuVaKtrVielxZILTyvZN4EDVya5h0mvOjioOYs648vhka8AjlDIsDZJ5-Cd4Uca0sWPqMvf366Z2HWG2t-j2sq2MQ20x8dgHJDcZfZOS7pcgbBRV0Z2cSwuRhqGMqbdi3kiWZY2iUQnQcVC7bFgTsxl/s1055/TurtlesCover.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1055" data-original-width="666" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJb4QuS04-9IZgmfd1s-wQPfF-20PCSQQuVhhpvmuVaKtrVielxZILTyvZN4EDVya5h0mvOjioOYs648vhka8AjlDIsDZJ5-Cd4Uca0sWPqMvf366Z2HWG2t-j2sq2MQ20x8dgHJDcZfZOS7pcgbBRV0Z2cSwuRhqGMqbdi3kiWZY2iUQnQcVC7bFgTsxl/w253-h400/TurtlesCover.png" width="253" /></a></div><p><b>"A Far-Out Encounter of the Ogg King" </b>opens with Screwloose telling the reader that their latest plan to take over the world is foolproof, as Wingnut ties April up, The Turtles are fighting against giant robot roaches as Leonardo asks if anybody knows what their plan is. Raphael says this is the problem with starting things in the middle of a story, it confuses everybody. Wingnut tells April that things would have been easier if she didn't try to mess with them. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLE27UuIegY-L-PKPsOHEXJTKNG_ObUNS-79HV5Gx_1hnyLlSrM7CLm_CyBz86gL7HsqBM8cR72rGewFoWsI0oY7o5cO3O6CsFDd4w9g8fe_c8FpkacepY5hXB4H__jQhUmujpsixLyDRlJBPV86lhRDcR_kUIcdWvM1eWB6MYPaZIxwFLqc1vhzgKkoz7/s1237/Turtles1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="1237" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLE27UuIegY-L-PKPsOHEXJTKNG_ObUNS-79HV5Gx_1hnyLlSrM7CLm_CyBz86gL7HsqBM8cR72rGewFoWsI0oY7o5cO3O6CsFDd4w9g8fe_c8FpkacepY5hXB4H__jQhUmujpsixLyDRlJBPV86lhRDcR_kUIcdWvM1eWB6MYPaZIxwFLqc1vhzgKkoz7/w400-h290/Turtles1.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Screwloose puts on a device on his nose and uses it as a laser gun. Raphael comments that every time forgotten villains return, they always come back with a new look or gimmick. Leonardo says he calls that character growth. Raphael says somebody just needed to sell an action figure as he tosses one of his sai. The ninja weapon bounces off one of the robots, off one of Wingnut's mechanical wings and smacks the weapon off Screwloose's nose. Screwloose says the weapon was expensive and tells Wingnut to activate their machine. </p><p>The machine doesn't work because it appears some pieces were missing. Wingnut gets hit on the head by one of the robot heads. Leonardo says their plans will always fail and they will hand them over to the authorities. Michaelangelo asks what type of authorities handles outer space bad guys.</p><p>Screwloose activates a device on his wrist that opens a portal back to their planet Flagenon. The villains promise to return and next time their secret weapon won't be a dud. Raphael says he'll see them in the next relaunch.</p><p>Just then there's a loud voice yelling out 'THAT'S IT! THAT'S THE LAST STRAW!' that surprises the Turtles and April. April wonder if it's a hidden speaker. Donatello checks the device Wingnut and Screwloose left behind, and it is in fact a dud. Just then Mr. Ogg dressed in more royal attire and calling himself 'Ogg the Magnificent' shows up and Michaelangelo doesn't remember him.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijWvME6YvdNC6wZCMZgF1oAnxgKUfSn6PNhZVXWSXfibvHZ-HOGrXwDdWjRDuthGWXPeLA36GKwv7_uFq75YSh3zVmueql6Ojod0ypj81xbknj07K-ITrMdtXIsROLkwJpngu0THXu3debK2Tzf5e8Yx2jjZA4tZvZHNZSKilACtd_WJmXstA5a-TsvLP4/s1309/Turtles2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1309" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijWvME6YvdNC6wZCMZgF1oAnxgKUfSn6PNhZVXWSXfibvHZ-HOGrXwDdWjRDuthGWXPeLA36GKwv7_uFq75YSh3zVmueql6Ojod0ypj81xbknj07K-ITrMdtXIsROLkwJpngu0THXu3debK2Tzf5e8Yx2jjZA4tZvZHNZSKilACtd_WJmXstA5a-TsvLP4/w400-h214/Turtles2.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Ogg reminds him that they met in Season 3 episode 42, and he used to joke around and eat porcelain. Michaelangelo remember him now. Donatello asks if he doesn't need a dimensional portal to come to Earth. Ogg says he can do whatever he wants but the Turtles can't so they are being tried for breaking universal law.</p><p>April says the Turtles are heroes and didn't break any laws. Ogg says he doesn't need to deal with the supporting cast, since April's name isn't even mentioned in the theme song. Ogg warps April away to a deli in the Bronx. Ogg summons a bailiff which is a miniature version of himself. The smaller Ogg explains that the turtles, especially Raphael, are guilty of repeatedly breaking the fourth wall.</p><p>The Turtles say they would never break the fourth wall and Raphael says it's just a stupid bit they do to make themselves laugh. Then all four of them look towards the reader and say 'oh they there'. Ogg screams that they're doing it again.</p><p>Ogg lists the only other people, other than himself, that are allowed to break the fourth wall, but the names are bleeped out. Raphael points that out and a mini-Ogg appears beside him saying it's too bad and blows a bull horn in his ear. </p><p>The trial begins and we see that the judge, the jury, the prosecutor and defense attorney are all Mr. Ogg. Judge Ogg repeats the charges and asks the clients how they plead. DA Ogg says they plead guilty and Leonardo says they're the good guys. Judge Ogg says he was going to let them off with a slap on the wrist but since they now plead not guilty, he will go all out. Michaelangelo asks why Ogg is doing all of this. Ogg says he's bored and this is a way to correct and issue. He calls for the prosecution.</p><p>The prosecutor Ogg presents for evidence the Season 7 Episode 'Night of the Rogues' where Raphael asks Shredder if he's leaving the show. The Defense Attorney Ogg calls an objection and says the episode was aired decades ago and is beyond the statute of limitations, not even being released on home video.</p><p>Leonardo says they're teenagers and Donatello adds that it couldn't possibly have happened decades ago. Michaelangelo asks what they mean by 'show'. Defense Attorney Ogg says they can't use the TV series against the Turtles since they don't even seem aware that it exists. The judge agrees that it's a fair point, and the prosecutor and the DA start to argue among themselves.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_aj1MtQbuWQvrimjbRK8uR3Lp4VhxuAPcgOtsHqXDTpjr0nWSJZWtlY3IIgpMkZh3kFk_ToBCSHlfRNInAfxwJnSgvaaym3HiBgfM-11ROOKNuvjeDTaK2QhHaxHP6wWWuMlquV1su0YT7LyQ_gUqWgSol4Fu_19jYi0TOxtw9Rw_TuArWUgndr4Name3/s1012/Turtles3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="1008" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_aj1MtQbuWQvrimjbRK8uR3Lp4VhxuAPcgOtsHqXDTpjr0nWSJZWtlY3IIgpMkZh3kFk_ToBCSHlfRNInAfxwJnSgvaaym3HiBgfM-11ROOKNuvjeDTaK2QhHaxHP6wWWuMlquV1su0YT7LyQ_gUqWgSol4Fu_19jYi0TOxtw9Rw_TuArWUgndr4Name3/w399-h400/Turtles3.png" width="399" /></a></div><p>Leonardo says the trial is a joke and Donatello says it's a farce. Raphael calls it stupid and Michaelangelo says that's what they just said. Raphael tell Michaelangelo that sarcasm is his thing, as well as teaching Ogg a lesson. Raphael leaps towards Judge Ogg, and the judge calls for a recess. </p><p>Mr. Ogg warps the Turtles over to Dimension Z and Raphael asks about the trial. Mr. Ogg says he got bored with the trial so he says they lost and will be trapped in Dimension Z forever or until their copyright expires. Michaelangelo says this is exactly like what Creepy Eddie did to them in earlier (in the Halloween special). Donatello says in this case Ogg isn't even pretending to give them a way to win. Donatello asks Ogg is the trial was real, and he says it was. Raphael says this means he can't end the trail without giving them a chance to defend themselves. Ogg says as a cosmic being there isn't anything he can't do. </p><p>Donatello says Ogg can literally do anything but he is still bored, and doesn't know the cure for boredom like he does. Ogg wants to know what the cure is. Donatello isn't sure he can trust someone that judged them so unfairly. Ogg drops all the charges. Donatello says they're still trapped in Dimension Z, and Ogg warps them back home. Raphael also makes him promise to not do this again and to also go home and to leave them alone. Ogg agrees to everything and wants to know the cure.</p><p>Donatello says 'surprise'. Ogg demands to know what the cure for boredom is. Donatello says the surprise is the cure, he can't be bored if he never knows what will happen. Ogg thinks about but feels the answer is a rip off.</p><p>Mr. Ogg will return to Dimension Z as promised, but not forever. He will return when he comes up with the right type of payback for them. He leaves when he will return as a surprise. With Ogg gone, Leonardo destroys Wingnut and Screwloose's matching just to be safe and then they'll contact April to make sure she's still not stuck in the Bronx. Raphael says it's a good plan, they wouldn't want to leave any dangling plot threads so close to the end of the issue. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZoL_AyUgtpXtNwAhBGGBkde0jhSLwnoiyNxxx9lM_hm7Un0yChGk0jw2err3QKaObz7vV1Defl7QKKz6zaURg_QolTJs5YEzRee0ohXzx7IQOtGjElVNhzqbHZ22pKXLN1axQI-XRZqEQoFg6artFp-ZtM0nOqYtpw_G6O2rODq6l9dgw_Q120CSDtmBF/s1249/Turtles4.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="862" data-original-width="1249" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZoL_AyUgtpXtNwAhBGGBkde0jhSLwnoiyNxxx9lM_hm7Un0yChGk0jw2err3QKaObz7vV1Defl7QKKz6zaURg_QolTJs5YEzRee0ohXzx7IQOtGjElVNhzqbHZ22pKXLN1axQI-XRZqEQoFg6artFp-ZtM0nOqYtpw_G6O2rODq6l9dgw_Q120CSDtmBF/w400-h276/Turtles4.png" width="400" /></a></div><p><b>My Thoughts-</b></p><p>Just like Creepy Eddie, Mr. Ogg is one of those one-time villains we never expected to see again, not even in this comic book series, but here we are. Mr. Ogg only appeared in the episode 'Mr. Ogg Goes to Town' and was referenced in 'Turtlemaniac' as one of the wax statues. Rewatching the episode, I noticed in the court scene that the Turtles were wearing the same suits they were wearing in the episode. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0p2b2y0mUGdyI_0gwC45F1X3OxwpR-PdcmrU0r1OCEAYgLqFqBabzQVuZsGyQOeLzf-zcPvUdQKTF-uc8DDEamdeMJv4IPrhBXG9a3H3f_JYqF1PqQIF_Tr2wK5qAElzWxGng5vFR6rir3tHdb2DqqWcmmYFHaf8VJyrVna3NSyZ6-SEZT1zA9SWvo-V/s768/Mr.Ogg.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="768" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0p2b2y0mUGdyI_0gwC45F1X3OxwpR-PdcmrU0r1OCEAYgLqFqBabzQVuZsGyQOeLzf-zcPvUdQKTF-uc8DDEamdeMJv4IPrhBXG9a3H3f_JYqF1PqQIF_Tr2wK5qAElzWxGng5vFR6rir3tHdb2DqqWcmmYFHaf8VJyrVna3NSyZ6-SEZT1zA9SWvo-V/w400-h225/Mr.Ogg.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>So this issue finally addresses the issue of the characters constantly breaking the fourth wall. Raphael is usually the one doing this, and the issue played a lot with it. When Raph explained that it was just a silly bit they do, he looked like he trying to make an excuse to explain it away. It was also notable that when the Turtles were confused about 'Night of the Rogues' taking place decades ago, Raphael was the only one not saying anything. Maybe the others joke around but Raph really does know he's in a show or comic. He even referred to their current adventure as a relaunch when they were dealing with Wingnut and Screwloose.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONA0tiF8R0bBPzkELn1swqVSTJXqO4Qr0V1BbHHCuNjF2YPZiDdGj-i5Qrrm66B-0TVKWneInfgstPiGUN2b1nTumxxW2sVHKI1xQwkDmBzTc4PleTCi4Qeio0JLaT5d0PqtWlt0rHmjdYZe19F8EnNPmmYwLO8_IQYknaaOZ-7lHuEUOLC8fmAhyphenhyphen0WoY/s1024/fourth-wall.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="581" data-original-width="1024" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONA0tiF8R0bBPzkELn1swqVSTJXqO4Qr0V1BbHHCuNjF2YPZiDdGj-i5Qrrm66B-0TVKWneInfgstPiGUN2b1nTumxxW2sVHKI1xQwkDmBzTc4PleTCi4Qeio0JLaT5d0PqtWlt0rHmjdYZe19F8EnNPmmYwLO8_IQYknaaOZ-7lHuEUOLC8fmAhyphenhyphen0WoY/w400-h228/fourth-wall.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Speaking of which, Wingnut and Screwloose also appeared on the show once, but they were characters that actually appeared as action figures and in the Archie comics. The show sometimes did weird versions of the characters, and these were one of the weirdest. In the Archie comics they were misguided heroes until they joined the Mighty Mutanimals and the action figure bio made Wingnut sound like a bumbling hero. The cartoon, for whatever reason, just made them villains. Screwloose was also a rather small character, and the cartoon made him a bit more 'normal-sized' even though he is still shorter than most characters.</p><p>This was a cool issue, and even though Mr. Ogg was someone the Turtles had to trick to get away from, we still got some action with the Wingnut and Screwloose scene. As always the art is full of energy (but I'm probably repeating that every time Sarah Myer is the artist), and I love the writing and callbacks. </p><p>While the show has had callbacks before, now we have the extra benefit of hindsight in terms of season and episode numbers. I especially like the part with the Turtles being confused about the 'decades' since their show ended, which reminds me a lot about the Simpsons and the times certain events imply decades have past and yet time stands still for them. We have modern episodes where Bart and Lisa don't know what a VCR is while their series started off in the VCR era. I'll give credit to this comic series though, there hasn't been any references to modern day technology just yet.</p><p>The issue ended off with a clever joke, as Raphael not only breaks the fourth wall again while mentioning dangling plot threads, as the next issue promises Shredder's new Forever Blade, possibly the biggest dangling plot thread since issue one of this relaunch.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAD9bbV_OlI-7ci9-WptIvEMMv48Rlw18AnpndSx6EeWXq5F3VF5a3GJproK2_a30SoqUrDTS6o_-25_vkqx7L0F7CR8ZpF1o9HA5EkE1I9w-y6VFVCMcNz2d5szssMt6tKCxkPfo-nRbAWQNp6PSP1pD4soczNzuZEoOe6ZCmFe4YceuVZJg8BIQGik-i/s1120/Turtles5.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="1120" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAD9bbV_OlI-7ci9-WptIvEMMv48Rlw18AnpndSx6EeWXq5F3VF5a3GJproK2_a30SoqUrDTS6o_-25_vkqx7L0F7CR8ZpF1o9HA5EkE1I9w-y6VFVCMcNz2d5szssMt6tKCxkPfo-nRbAWQNp6PSP1pD4soczNzuZEoOe6ZCmFe4YceuVZJg8BIQGik-i/w400-h206/Turtles5.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Y'know, now that you mention it.... I don't think ANY of the Ninja Turtles theme songs mention April by name. </div>MarkRodriguez09http://www.blogger.com/profile/10564869853180264503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464060983911849885.post-12656032186224128232024-03-26T15:22:00.000-07:002024-03-26T15:35:12.975-07:00TMNT Saturday Morning Adventures Continued # 7<p> By Mark Rodriguez</p><p>The Turtles still haven't found the Shredder and recover the meteor that he stole. It seems Shredder has more things up his sleeve as he is now putting together the first ever Shreddercon! What will the Turtles do?</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_47y8dQduqFU3fF7AsUZXL_v4WBo5RMTrsviQpnudBxEmsIn1iFMMRwrFevgNDUNzwLQC0NGF4aYWc1YPg1hbSok7coDnxQdVpt_OGsbsc6SNPBB5IO9OcT1ABHAGEB_RzpsXYr3u_LStQ4RQ9f_4gA8UyOvCfWq_73iiDxp8RNLEbq8ceNnVOUNZcBVv/s1176/Shredder-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1176" data-original-width="752" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_47y8dQduqFU3fF7AsUZXL_v4WBo5RMTrsviQpnudBxEmsIn1iFMMRwrFevgNDUNzwLQC0NGF4aYWc1YPg1hbSok7coDnxQdVpt_OGsbsc6SNPBB5IO9OcT1ABHAGEB_RzpsXYr3u_LStQ4RQ9f_4gA8UyOvCfWq_73iiDxp8RNLEbq8ceNnVOUNZcBVv/w256-h400/Shredder-1.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not particularly the cover I wanted, but for some reason this issue was hard to find so beggars can't be choosers.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><b>'Shreddercon' </b>opens with April reporting that City Hall has taken action to cancel the year's St. Nick-Con. It's a tradition where people run around dressed as Santa and acting in the most obnoxious way possible. Some examples include racing reindeer through Times Square and filling the Rockefeller Ice Rink with coal. Revelers say they will continue the tradition even if the city won't allow them to do dressed as Santa Clause.</p><p>Meanwhile, Shredder, in regular clothes, meets up with a man named Kai Eddiku. Oroku Saki knows that his ancestor Eddiku Yuri created a powerful sword from the ore of a meteorite. Oroku says he has found the other half of the meteorite and wants him to use the ore to create a replica of the original sword. Oroku says Eddiku's family's secret methods of creating swords known no equal and he can name his price.</p><p>Eddiku is intrigued but it would be impossible. He says forging the blade would be easy, the difficult part is the tsuba, the hand guard. His ancestor created them in ways that he didn't pass down his family line. However, a motivated collector might be able to find some of the Eddiku Yuri's unused tsuba at the Mid-Manhattan Museum of Asian Art the following week. Eddiku says that with one of those and reasonable fee, he should be able to assist him. Saki says he has taken too much of his time but he does intend to speak with him soon.</p><p>Later on at the villains' hideout, Krang is upset that Shredder hasn't approached anyone that could forge a sword yet. Shredder says they needed to be able to extract the ore first. Krang asks why they didn't just kidnap the sword expert. Shredder says he wants an exact replica and abductees never turn in their best work. </p><p>Krang says they could been building a death ray with all the time they wasted on this sword. Shredder assures him the sword will work, and the hand guard will be easy to steal because the Turtles and the police will be too busy dealing with the St. Nick-Con chaos to notice. Bebop and Rocksteady come in and tell them that the con has been cancelled and anyone caught wearing a Santa outfit will be fined a thousand dollars. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WdKRoV3iZV_bcqpf8G1u8Ii5d3MHvDOi73FoqGf-7OpMq1Z7Zb6gaCW_LCu4yJGL2Qf48VsNpxx6MQ3J93R_uzLBa7thGyWZJcrtxkqmNyiwebjxsVlgZiFHtA81YFiWL_HOq_nhNpTGvEEs4FZSn7Roixulk7ZyzYHsWasGYDxK-RxYatnS1HSYKz9-/s1354/shredder2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="1354" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WdKRoV3iZV_bcqpf8G1u8Ii5d3MHvDOi73FoqGf-7OpMq1Z7Zb6gaCW_LCu4yJGL2Qf48VsNpxx6MQ3J93R_uzLBa7thGyWZJcrtxkqmNyiwebjxsVlgZiFHtA81YFiWL_HOq_nhNpTGvEEs4FZSn7Roixulk7ZyzYHsWasGYDxK-RxYatnS1HSYKz9-/w400-h265/shredder2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Krang berates Shredder on another 'master plan' failing, while the Foot Clan leader thinks of something. Shredder asks Krang if he still has the duplication beam. Krang says the duplicates are of inferior quality and they vanish after a few days. Shredder says that's more than enough time.</p><p>Later that day, the soap opera on the TV is interrupted by Shredder. Shredder tells the people of the city that he heard that St. Nick-Con is in jeopardy, but he found a loophole. If they can't dress as Santa, they can use a different costume, and Shredder is offering his for free. People can look for Shreddercon trucks and get their free costumes. The Turtles don't know what to make of this so they go to check it out.</p><p>The next day, Bebop and Rocksteady are giving away costumes to the eager New Yorkers as the Turtles watch from the rooftops. Donatello says they're not stealing anything and Leonardo can't figure out what Shredder's plan is. Michaelangelo shows up with a Shredder costume. Donatello doesn't find any circuitry in the helmet, so he rules out mind control. The rest of Shredder's outfit looks normal too. Raphael complains about the scratchy fabric used and Michaelangelo says that might be why Shredder's always angry. </p><p>Raphael asks if they can stop them now. Leonardo says they're not doing anything illegal and even the blades on the costumes are plastic. Raphael says he knows they're up to something. Leonardo says that St. Nick-Con is disruptive and Shredder was counting on that disruption for some reason. Whatever his plan is, he will need a distraction, so the Turtles will have to stay alert on that day.</p><p>Several days later near Washington Square Park, April reports that Shreddercon is about to begin and the police are keeping a close eye on the costumed pranksters. The Turtles see the large group of New Yorkers, all dressed like the Shredder, and they are surprised to see so many. Leonardo says the real Shredder is in there somewhere, so they'll have to keep their eyes open. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVzWyVVxUEdLGukDEYhAHrfEFMWIo7QMIV2lS9-jpEgO6ONptUNo-5Dew1bF7p9lZyo_uBULwcNhbkyj0VmaPRZwNYop6UVF4y4RpqpB1L1HotglkZBPTKCTJKS-sx-551PXBe4a3sHqLfEB7SVX4bFwyyioi71Zmz2ZIBhmeP1youi3ObWepYSIuxeebV/s1263/Shredder4.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1263" data-original-width="772" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVzWyVVxUEdLGukDEYhAHrfEFMWIo7QMIV2lS9-jpEgO6ONptUNo-5Dew1bF7p9lZyo_uBULwcNhbkyj0VmaPRZwNYop6UVF4y4RpqpB1L1HotglkZBPTKCTJKS-sx-551PXBe4a3sHqLfEB7SVX4bFwyyioi71Zmz2ZIBhmeP1youi3ObWepYSIuxeebV/w245-h400/Shredder4.png" width="245" /></a></div><p>Michaelangelo says things are chaotic but they have to be careful not to hurt anyone, since they're just regular people. One of the Shredders is shocked to see a giant turtle and tells him not to attack him. Michaelangelo says he's not attacking anybody and gets distracted by another Shredder spraypainting his shell. We see that the one Michaelangelo was talking to was the real Shredder, and he checks in on Bebop and Rocksteady.</p><p>Bebop and Rocksteady are at the Mid-Manhattan Museum of Asian Art and have tied up the guards. They're also wearing Shredder outfits and pretend that this is all a prank and intend to paint smiley faces on all the exhibits.</p><p>Meanwhile, Leonardo cuts open a fire hydrant, splashing the mischief makers who says it's too cold for this. Michaelangelo tie them up with his grappling hook. Raphael says it's time to admit that they've been had and the real Shredder isn't around. He says this must be the part of the story where Shredder gets further ahead in his master plan that will be a big headache several pages down the line. Michaelangelo asks if they can go home since it's pretty cold outside. Leonardo says they will continue to protect the city even if it against a few petty misdemeanors. </p><p>Shredder arrives at the museum and they confirmed that they broke all the security cameras. Shredder says even if they missed one, the authorities will assume he was one of the pranksters. Bebop asks if he can vandalize the sword exhibits. Shredder says to leave it, he wants the curator to be so relieved they were untouched that he won't noticed that he replaced one of the tsubas with a fake. Shredder tells his henchmutants to run as the duplication ray will be wearing off any moment now.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPka4NwpGKEJJ55IN3mfhBj_-rkYpTqSiFIGaMBug4ykGpMgt8q7I3qZuVnDByCtOeD3L7pAJxCz49eVaQNYladG0V3Asjie9IK4AcMcDCSROgyKMe94j1KZHYfsLhHL_Ms7emj9v3b5XOPG7MLj1DzbcF2haHNPoa8noJ_GP5DrbjRsezpgXtBrZIxqkz/s1201/Shredder5.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="669" data-original-width="1201" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPka4NwpGKEJJ55IN3mfhBj_-rkYpTqSiFIGaMBug4ykGpMgt8q7I3qZuVnDByCtOeD3L7pAJxCz49eVaQNYladG0V3Asjie9IK4AcMcDCSROgyKMe94j1KZHYfsLhHL_Ms7emj9v3b5XOPG7MLj1DzbcF2haHNPoa8noJ_GP5DrbjRsezpgXtBrZIxqkz/w400-h223/Shredder5.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>The Turtles are still dealing with the mischief makers when suddenly the Shredder costumes disappear, leaving everyone in their underwear and getting fined by police. Later on in the park, the Turtles regroup with April to tell her what happened. April asks why the police didn't try to grab them. Raphael says they wrote them off as good Samaritans on the way to a costume party. Leonardo ponders what Shredder hoped to gain from this. Michaelangelo says maybe Shredder just wanted to be a jerk for the holidays. April says if she finds anything out, she'll let them know. Donatello says they'll head off to find something hot to eat since the cold is rough on mutants.</p><p>Raphael is still angry that the Shredder got one over on them. Leonardo says that Master Splinter said they don't have to win all battles, just the right ones. Michealangelo says it wasn't a total waste since the pizza place gave them a discount for misspelling his name. Donatello asks why he would get a discount just because they spelled his name 'Micheangeo'. Michaelangelo says it put them in the holiday spirit since there was 'no L'. The Turtles groan. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUHzmYdpRuygVQtKgey7nnz4MPGSHuv3IxSNGKMMYcckG6wjkMuW2-EtDR_WZ1o-b5ciSV11tHZX3iFD3vH5LzvKoyJ1U5zZlaghUVx8RdnLO6-Zx6WhcZxpb9ttC33QfJTj6zh45kD0a5hgh5a6faqm0Qxlyy4hJNj9Cgmb4BIXw3mdZOppsCyMeZU7H/s827/Shredder6.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="827" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUHzmYdpRuygVQtKgey7nnz4MPGSHuv3IxSNGKMMYcckG6wjkMuW2-EtDR_WZ1o-b5ciSV11tHZX3iFD3vH5LzvKoyJ1U5zZlaghUVx8RdnLO6-Zx6WhcZxpb9ttC33QfJTj6zh45kD0a5hgh5a6faqm0Qxlyy4hJNj9Cgmb4BIXw3mdZOppsCyMeZU7H/w371-h400/Shredder6.png" width="371" /></a></div><p><b>My Thoughts-</b></p><p>This was an odd tale. When I heard about 'Shreddercon' I was thinking it would be some sort of comic book convention thing. I didn't think it would be some sort of wild parade of people causing mischief and vandalism all over town. This story is also one of the few times that Shredder's plan actually worked out flawlessly. That's the benefit from having stories last for several issues, the villain can score some wins along the way. Also, other than taunting Michaelangelo, Shredder, Bebop and Rocksteady had no real confrontation with the Turtles. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9062SD5YkMME5ouQp8POdWqru-Say9E28rlnr2M9pyoUrrARBQado1vJaFGZCzbrz3g11iGHRdL3y_lb-ltqY8GfSJSdBF33d5rt2NS0xjue7l5m6mUD_ThyphenhyphenzwUy2JSSE0q-7JMf3BV1fJttuLReSaBN_xpz_f1l6Lblgv2NCymfmCERltTLydWNoAVoG/s1065/Shredder7.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1017" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9062SD5YkMME5ouQp8POdWqru-Say9E28rlnr2M9pyoUrrARBQado1vJaFGZCzbrz3g11iGHRdL3y_lb-ltqY8GfSJSdBF33d5rt2NS0xjue7l5m6mUD_ThyphenhyphenzwUy2JSSE0q-7JMf3BV1fJttuLReSaBN_xpz_f1l6Lblgv2NCymfmCERltTLydWNoAVoG/w383-h400/Shredder7.png" width="383" /></a></div><p>As far as the Turtles are concerned, they just had a weird day and Shredder caused all this just to be a jerk. It does seem they have completely forgotten about the stolen meteorite that they never got back from Shredder.</p><p>There isn't too much to say other than Sarah Myer continuing to bring her brand of energy to the characters. It was cool to see Shredder in regular clothes for once, and to conduct himself as a regular person. This issue is probably Shredder at his most cunning, maybe even moreso than on the show. This could be a sign of Shredder getting craftier over the years, because I do imagine the Shredder from the 80's cartoon would have just kidnapped Eddiku and being done with it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUPAxfv3kktcnhrggOlhQZ9ZTpjo-Qbk7BpoHRPrr9XVtVaxg504wc7WfJrMMJ25Og_koC8rFDHXVKQrl1n2qjccejzXczA-x745ZOdWRL_bssyjLvjjaJrrjjKExiE7GyZ5Czw3oxlsTkDDS_iZ1MTASpocw2w3o2LTU1j5wwKpLi02gtfy2ZBySINnV/s963/OrokuSaki.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="963" data-original-width="953" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUPAxfv3kktcnhrggOlhQZ9ZTpjo-Qbk7BpoHRPrr9XVtVaxg504wc7WfJrMMJ25Og_koC8rFDHXVKQrl1n2qjccejzXczA-x745ZOdWRL_bssyjLvjjaJrrjjKExiE7GyZ5Czw3oxlsTkDDS_iZ1MTASpocw2w3o2LTU1j5wwKpLi02gtfy2ZBySINnV/w396-h400/OrokuSaki.png" width="396" /></a></div><p>Not only did we see Shredder in regular clothes, we also got one hell of a callback. April started off the story wearing a shirt that her live-action counterpart Judith Hoag wore in one of the scenes of the 90's TMNT movie. This issue might have been about Shredder but April is the one dishing out the deep cuts.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTBR7YbLYii0rf98L6ZfoXEAMSoS9NoFiIK63QVVWnuksjTL1s4EnLxUlFASnC7H5tFYhrpV3bUkSi1YW2mQ5T9MRrIJZokXerT-4ZuBwYeXyykuaqzrFLbbOuN8UNwM7LKCagCDgx7tHX88bSgLpX4Y8q4OaQKw4WD9TQ5prGdnsJvvtH5Sk1m9fxIND/s1786/April1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1786" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTBR7YbLYii0rf98L6ZfoXEAMSoS9NoFiIK63QVVWnuksjTL1s4EnLxUlFASnC7H5tFYhrpV3bUkSi1YW2mQ5T9MRrIJZokXerT-4ZuBwYeXyykuaqzrFLbbOuN8UNwM7LKCagCDgx7tHX88bSgLpX4Y8q4OaQKw4WD9TQ5prGdnsJvvtH5Sk1m9fxIND/w400-h115/April1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>It was a fun story, but it still felt like it could have used a fight scene near the end. I know we needed Shredder's plan to succeed for the story to continue, but maybe there could have been a fight at the museum and we find out that despite everything he still got away with the hand guard he needed. We had a similar issue with Leatherhead, where despite everything Shredder managed to get away with the anti-matter scalpel, but we still got a fight against Leatherhead. I guess the issue is that this time the main conflict was 'Shreddercon' itself, but it wasn't really any big danger to the city. It was just a few days of annoyance the city had to deal with, at most. I know Leonardo insisted on 'keeping the city safe from petty misdemeanors' but once they found out that Shredder wasn't around they really could have sit this one out.</p><p>Either way, this story might have left me feeling sort of empty, the next one promises wacky surprises as Mr. Ogg returns.</p>MarkRodriguez09http://www.blogger.com/profile/10564869853180264503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464060983911849885.post-17728475286492192052024-03-26T07:28:00.000-07:002024-03-26T07:28:33.921-07:00Black Widow & Hawkeye # 1<p> By Mark Rodriguez</p><p>I've been reading older Black Widow runs and the recent White Widow run. Let's see what Black Widow is up to nowadays in her latest run. It seems that this time Natasha has a symbiote....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWNtC0ykQPJT9O-FkwGF8IdHbIkSzmAAeNwJvaPET_tLelIJAJzFYfAi5AxwtLKnNCGMuJGgChP1WEPJznJBzLT_Y5Z_NNUJhf8rdq21LiOla17IATxcxSuq7nwoV57xXh6M2A1_NPYZJW7uznZl9e6f5Z36t7yRahY6W-xyCj_3Qv2jH0fSWye53DTNdS/s1259/Hawkeye1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1259" data-original-width="795" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWNtC0ykQPJT9O-FkwGF8IdHbIkSzmAAeNwJvaPET_tLelIJAJzFYfAi5AxwtLKnNCGMuJGgChP1WEPJznJBzLT_Y5Z_NNUJhf8rdq21LiOla17IATxcxSuq7nwoV57xXh6M2A1_NPYZJW7uznZl9e6f5Z36t7yRahY6W-xyCj_3Qv2jH0fSWye53DTNdS/w253-h400/Hawkeye1.png" width="253" /></a></div><p><b>'Broken Arrow part 1'</b> opens in Siberia as a man stumbled down a hill trying to escape from something or someone. He falls on his back and symbiote spiders start to crawl on his face, all of them eager to bite him. Black Widow tells them 'not yet', for the man still deserves a chance to speak for himself.</p><p>Black Widow asks the man about the target he was paid to kill. She says he can either tell her, or her spiders will get the information for her. The man says the target he was looking for, Hawkeye, is dead. She asks the spiders to show her his mind, as they start to attack him. As the spiders morph back into pieces of the symbiote and return to her, she can now look into the man's memories. She sees Clint was in an explosion, but she won't believe it until she sees a body. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisvdi6_yxfxrZvW6LjzS0nxrsst0qtrhwapurLYBPsii7YxWFjahU03gfbgd5t252SlVX9QgiS_XOKyoI37WjacYKOLgxxgYn2VDa1kdc20cvwlnSAvMBTAanE6VPovAzgZe5DBUApMsV4x8XwI99QGGMQtuyfzYRjMagQzZUs-7Ojajq7jnXSve64_XhK/s1171/Hawkeye2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1171" data-original-width="1116" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisvdi6_yxfxrZvW6LjzS0nxrsst0qtrhwapurLYBPsii7YxWFjahU03gfbgd5t252SlVX9QgiS_XOKyoI37WjacYKOLgxxgYn2VDa1kdc20cvwlnSAvMBTAanE6VPovAzgZe5DBUApMsV4x8XwI99QGGMQtuyfzYRjMagQzZUs-7Ojajq7jnXSve64_XhK/w381-h400/Hawkeye2.png" width="381" /></a></div><p>24 hours ago in Madripoor, Hawkeye is running from an assassin. The assassin says he plans to skin him and collect his hide as a trophy. Hawkeye says he's more of the 'collectable sneakers' kind as he leaps back off the rooftop, firing off an arrow. The arrow hits a wall and has a rope attached, which Clint uses to swing through a window and onto the floor below. </p><p>Clint remarks that this is the fifth guy to come after him in the last 48 hours. He says the guy before him wore a red mask and had a mace that would have been cool if he wasn't swinging it at him. Clint says that the current assassin after him is the first to plant a tiny bomb on his back without him noticing. There is an explosion seen from outside the building and the assassin's job is complete.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWZ7rQTRA4un6KbxRrYYFNKaEVA3I9K7LLCNeK_EqasykWwWFOT_bqVOhzP_LWi61HI07GeQpOi_fMiHqiFlsjmZVJo6rE4hwGtZwfjGoOSiuLktU82Qg_BVwHfnLe3xOAZgqeyWbsNa2A-tSkRo_1OCzfMOE1eG9FJXJWymbqMPUpOcgT_pPOPDETdig/s1252/Hawkeye3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1252" data-original-width="786" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWZ7rQTRA4un6KbxRrYYFNKaEVA3I9K7LLCNeK_EqasykWwWFOT_bqVOhzP_LWi61HI07GeQpOi_fMiHqiFlsjmZVJo6rE4hwGtZwfjGoOSiuLktU82Qg_BVwHfnLe3xOAZgqeyWbsNa2A-tSkRo_1OCzfMOE1eG9FJXJWymbqMPUpOcgT_pPOPDETdig/w251-h400/Hawkeye3.png" width="251" /></a></div><p>We jump back to 36 hours ago in New York City as Natasha visits a nightclub where she gets offered a drink. We see that she's speaking to Bobbi Morse, Mockingbird, former hero and Hawkeye's ex-wife. Natasha saw the TV news about something Hawkeye has allegedly done and contacted Bobbi to talk about it. Bobbi says the security detail assigned to her already noticed she's missing. Bobbi was told by the CIA that she can't be objective in this case since she's be likely to believe whatever Clint tells her.</p><p>Bobbi says things were going well with the New York Thunderbolts, as well as between Clint and her, but then the current events happened. Bobbi's been placed under administrative leave to keep her out of it while her fellow agents try to kill Clint, if the Russians don't kill him first. </p><p>Natasha asks if she knows where Clint is. Bobbi says all her security access has been revoked, and all she has left is the name Mikhail. Mikhail is a Russian assassin who's been locked up for eight years but CIA surveillance picked him up walking around Moscow the day before. He's a free man with a full bank account, receiving anonymous deposits every hour since he's been spotted. Natasha figures if they find Mikhail, he can lead them to Clint.</p><p>Bobbi says she can't go with her, and warns Natasha about her going after Clint. Natasha says she's aware and it won't be the first time she's been an enemy of the U.S government and it won't be the last. She asks Bobbi if she thinks that Clint is actually guilty.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM73yAlJbAnRPMEGpr6s3l-Z4G6zx82_OPqUKpI7U-j9XYBBQxO1IJFsYfmoNqsisjd9AUkTdpkvS2UMaIQQHR2hr6qpS6WfS1jjr6lyboOIEp4sC1N1Bu78KUXv3CFvg3rUWof5jQ_fcQ-wxx1cXY-vsAR35DUY0TvXrNZptdFENLABXE8PQjiQ8mdkCF/s969/Hawkeye4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="834" data-original-width="969" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM73yAlJbAnRPMEGpr6s3l-Z4G6zx82_OPqUKpI7U-j9XYBBQxO1IJFsYfmoNqsisjd9AUkTdpkvS2UMaIQQHR2hr6qpS6WfS1jjr6lyboOIEp4sC1N1Bu78KUXv3CFvg3rUWof5jQ_fcQ-wxx1cXY-vsAR35DUY0TvXrNZptdFENLABXE8PQjiQ8mdkCF/w400-h344/Hawkeye4.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>48 hours ago at a press conference in Washington DC, the Foreign Minister of Russia is called up to speak. He is honored and relieved that Russia and the U.S have found some common ground and he will promise that Russia will continue to build a strong relationship. Like all good relationships, theirs will be built on trust. Just then, lurking from the shadows, an arrow is fired.</p><p>40 hours ago in Russia, Mikhail is released from prison. 32 hours ago in Madripoor, Clint is avoiding the attacks from a guy in a red mask swinging a mace. 28 hours ago in Madripoor, soldiers are being sent out to hut for Hawkeye. 18 hours ago in Russia, Black Widow is fighting with soldiers and asking them where to find Mikhail.</p><p>Currently, Hawkeye thinks he died in the explosion, but then reasons he can't be thinking at all if he really is dead. He's in a lot of pain due to all the injuries he's gotten, including four broken bones, and he realizes he's in an ambulance. Just then the ambulance is rocked to the side, as Clint determines he's about to meet assassin number six.</p><p>This assassin has a whip-like mechanical claw hand and it latches onto Clint's boot. Clint gets pulled out of the ambulance and swung into a wall, and he remarks he misses the days when assassins just had guns. Hawkeye can't move and the assassin lashes out her whip, the sharp claw going for his face. Just then the symbiote's tendrils latch onto the assassin and someone says they've been to three different countries looking for him. Clint sees Natasha in her symbiote form.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Jz1S8OlLjvmteLQSkAPmJ4Y0xE-4rP7RFURVi_RYZ6D2KtSmYJkDuRgxBab-1iE9Evj4AZEpNmbuZLx4HmxL09MS32lhAx3qwpi3HdH_VZ0LpPMQIsj-iwjeQS4DoBth5VO-ALmtPC9dPfkS10MQnsq0e_oBDKo1kXbXwEPyd4vH64oCsHdpcXng9Kf8/s1162/Hawkeye5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="738" data-original-width="1162" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Jz1S8OlLjvmteLQSkAPmJ4Y0xE-4rP7RFURVi_RYZ6D2KtSmYJkDuRgxBab-1iE9Evj4AZEpNmbuZLx4HmxL09MS32lhAx3qwpi3HdH_VZ0LpPMQIsj-iwjeQS4DoBth5VO-ALmtPC9dPfkS10MQnsq0e_oBDKo1kXbXwEPyd4vH64oCsHdpcXng9Kf8/w400-h254/Hawkeye5.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Natasha tells him that he could have contacted Bobbi or her and not do everything on his own. Clint's hearing aid is broken so he can't hear 'the standard lecture' but know what she's saying. Natasha hugs him tight, being glad to see him alive, and Clint thinks to himself that now he has five broken bones.</p><p>Later on, Natasha and Clint are hiding in a small hotel. Natasha says they can't stay long. The Russians know where Clint is and Bobbi told her that the Americans aren't far behind. She figures the troops are in Madripoor and making their way through the border. She says she as an old contact they can try that can help them cross the border. Clint gets up and says he's not leaving. </p><p>Clint appreciates that Natasha looking for him but says she shouldn't have. He knows she saved his life thanks to her symbiote, but he thinks he shouldn't have been saved. Natasha says this is a argument he will lose. Clint says he needs to stay in Madripoor and deal with things alone. Natasha says whether he's been cloned or brainwashed or whatever, they'll deal with it together like they always do. Clint says he's tired of their cycle. Clint says they never talk to each other unless one of them is in mortal danger, then they forego everything for one another. He says this isn't healthy. Natasha says maybe he is a clone. Clint says he's not a clone, he was there. </p><p>Clint was at the rooftop during the ceremony. The Russian Minister was talking about rebuilding the bridge between America and Russia and working towards a more hopeful future. Clint says that's when he did it, and apologizes to Natasha. Natasha asks what he means by 'he did it'. Clint admits that he shot the Russian Minister.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWJ3lEPqY56o5MgiL9_Jq3ZENIZSLM88xam_2pKUv_mFcm9Xtxw3DVAHGNiUwzPLlyjdWjkiTjqxIFNphZTy-AZk15qsAGO3ddzxNN6fUZWnZBPoKvIVcibdMOKdjWqiDWYXS8mj2PrrciJiPvgKg3AqWH5ktOezH_PpTFE3dmucdAGn8dAlsgbwVy9tH/s1279/Hawkeye6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="992" data-original-width="1279" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWJ3lEPqY56o5MgiL9_Jq3ZENIZSLM88xam_2pKUv_mFcm9Xtxw3DVAHGNiUwzPLlyjdWjkiTjqxIFNphZTy-AZk15qsAGO3ddzxNN6fUZWnZBPoKvIVcibdMOKdjWqiDWYXS8mj2PrrciJiPvgKg3AqWH5ktOezH_PpTFE3dmucdAGn8dAlsgbwVy9tH/w400-h310/Hawkeye6.png" width="400" /></a></div><p><b>Back up Story-</b></p><p>Many years ago, in Coney Island, Black Widow and Hawkeye are hiding out. Clint finds and wears his old costume from when he used to shoot arrows to entertain tourists. Natasha says it's no use, they will follow her wherever she goes. Clint says they will keep fighting, and he won't let them take her back to Russia. Natasha says she is a Red Spy, and Russia isn't the only thing they will need to fear. </p><p>Clint understands he might be labeled a traitor, but he will do whatever he needs to to ensure her safety. Natasha can't ask him to stay as she doesn't know where she'll go or what she'll face. Just then an assassin named Snapdragon appears. She says she will be what they will be facing, and she was sent to retrieve Natasha either willingly or by force.</p><p>Hawkeye fires off an arrow, which Snapdragon blocks with her weapon. This gives Hawkeye time to fire a second arrow by her feet that causes a huge explosion. Hawkeye tells Black Widow to run while he keeps Snapdragon distracted. Black Widow runs off saying she will find Clint again, she always does.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVcio9Sc9-VELN__rG7Yu85Dt0asfJzBSBXAMGsXibvG1wh8Qg0yS-nBXzdwHJY_e72BKgUNg5916tzrVitQJ4QKVIh5PK6_7bO3mxo3920YEueoMNzoova9gOr-4VrmPG7av5JbfgYSEQjuiBpNkaUUYmxkkDKXnlseD8BKZ_vKbXHS8AEULc8K9d__nn/s987/Hawkeye7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="885" data-original-width="987" height="359" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVcio9Sc9-VELN__rG7Yu85Dt0asfJzBSBXAMGsXibvG1wh8Qg0yS-nBXzdwHJY_e72BKgUNg5916tzrVitQJ4QKVIh5PK6_7bO3mxo3920YEueoMNzoova9gOr-4VrmPG7av5JbfgYSEQjuiBpNkaUUYmxkkDKXnlseD8BKZ_vKbXHS8AEULc8K9d__nn/w400-h359/Hawkeye7.png" width="400" /></a></div><p><b>My Thoughts-</b></p><p>Pretty interesting story with high stakes and a lot of mystery. It takes a bit to find out what exactly Clint did to have two countries come after him, and then we find out he actually did kill the Russian Minister and it wasn't a Hawkeye imposter or anything. Hawkeye was also, confusingly, narrating what we thought were the events of his own death, until he wakes up in the ambulance and acknowledges that if he were dead he wouldn't be narrating anything.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN9BkpQ4ZjerbcKuXm2vkdlzKUide2nqwMn14YQP5AInTLp2XQP3k-JTzMpmtehe8TOH0VWhoO7lYSr8bjTofRVf-988OE4aE_tH1AmjvELLiPvLJMwl8icelCygTizcHgnUVTJp_TJMxlchYvIPzERP5k0egDB9Xn6ahNZK_srzwPIh1Wli73g6XLT8qY/s1022/Hawkeye8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1022" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN9BkpQ4ZjerbcKuXm2vkdlzKUide2nqwMn14YQP5AInTLp2XQP3k-JTzMpmtehe8TOH0VWhoO7lYSr8bjTofRVf-988OE4aE_tH1AmjvELLiPvLJMwl8icelCygTizcHgnUVTJp_TJMxlchYvIPzERP5k0egDB9Xn6ahNZK_srzwPIh1Wli73g6XLT8qY/w400-h391/Hawkeye8.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>While we still need to find out exactly <i>why</i> Clint did so, the artists might have played their hand a little too early. That Russian Minister definitely had a suspicious look on his face right before he went down. Regardless of whatever the evil plans turns out to be in later issues, it would have made things more interesting if the Russian Minister came off as completely benevolent until 'the big reveal'. I'm curious to see where this will go.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Mdf5Nk-gFUqYOYQIQnmA5ZFxa4BXkeFuFyxmnROSsSy4jiI2t8mLifm0IsymXFZkYqHl8imwvurH5IsZ4_va1scAURcmkorDMJnnSNDutNGQfgsDvKjbJEa0pQ1AGw_Aqyhyphenhyphenx-RU58jsugACV_zE7fAm-H5B3c3f0J1w2uZR57EWLYQeDrGT15Oh9IHn/s912/Hawkeye9.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="739" data-original-width="912" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Mdf5Nk-gFUqYOYQIQnmA5ZFxa4BXkeFuFyxmnROSsSy4jiI2t8mLifm0IsymXFZkYqHl8imwvurH5IsZ4_va1scAURcmkorDMJnnSNDutNGQfgsDvKjbJEa0pQ1AGw_Aqyhyphenhyphenx-RU58jsugACV_zE7fAm-H5B3c3f0J1w2uZR57EWLYQeDrGT15Oh9IHn/w400-h324/Hawkeye9.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And he just so happens to look like this while he's talking about trust? C'mon guys, he's up to something. Or rather whoever he's working with since he's dead now</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Of course, I am also curious about the Black Widow now having a symbiote attached to her. From what I researched, 'Widow' is one of Venom's offsprings and it can gain the memories of whoever's brain it eats. In this case, Natasha sends bits of the symbiote in the form of spiders, and once they eat the victim's brain and return to rejoin her, she gains access to those memories as well. It seems she'd also be able to websling like Venom, and by extension, Spider-Man and also have superhuman strength.</p><p>This is very interesting, and so far it seems that Natasha has full control of Widow, but we'll have to see what will happen down the line. I also wonder if we will see more of Bobbi down the line as well. As for the back up story, it's also cool and an example of the other way around, this time Clint is risking his life and reputation to keep Natasha safe. I'm surprised that one is also a multi-parter, so we'll also have to see where that one goes.</p><p>I wonder if this Black Widow is still the clone from 'Web of the Black Widow', since that would mean the real Natasha is still dead after the event of Secret Empire. It would be kinda weird to have Hawkeye go on about how those two always look after each other, complete with a back up story set in the past, if this Black Widow is just a clone. I did some research but couldn't find anything conclusive on whether or not the real Nattie ever came back to life somehow or if we're supposed to just carry on as if the clone is the real deal. Marvel has a real clone problem nowadays.</p>MarkRodriguez09http://www.blogger.com/profile/10564869853180264503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464060983911849885.post-8444383106145286062024-03-25T19:26:00.000-07:002024-03-26T14:08:17.379-07:00TMNT Saturday Morning Adventures Continued # 6<p> By Mark Rodriguez</p><p>The Turtles have stopped all sorts of wacky schemes to take over the world, but what will they do when one of them tries to take over the city legally? Chrome Dome runs for office!!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvne42sTBH8iFSy7dqaaTx2sTe_U1KrUszTJyIm_VmekJtFpmaC0iXV__KUEUBPuNo4QjsU911xB-gWYeTyvN9ctaNKNCDJv6ZlZpgU9pDfz2H79YxyL-wBrKVgJCyzLtzkbBxxsC9LuleSP4FFjCOONLWRa4qGgeax0MDnA4bNYHhmWKlcOPp2yalf2Vf/s1179/Chrome1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1179" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvne42sTBH8iFSy7dqaaTx2sTe_U1KrUszTJyIm_VmekJtFpmaC0iXV__KUEUBPuNo4QjsU911xB-gWYeTyvN9ctaNKNCDJv6ZlZpgU9pDfz2H79YxyL-wBrKVgJCyzLtzkbBxxsC9LuleSP4FFjCOONLWRa4qGgeax0MDnA4bNYHhmWKlcOPp2yalf2Vf/w255-h400/Chrome1.png" width="255" /></a></div><p><b>'Shiny and Chrome'</b> opens with The Turtles watching April on TV as she reports on the upcoming election for mayor between the candidates Nick Jefferson and Al Polk. Raphael says if they can switch to wrestling instead since those guys are actually able to hit each other with steel chairs. Splinter says it's important to know about those that would lead them. Even though they can't vote personally, they should still be prepared for any position those in the government might take. </p><p>April says both candidates are pretty much neck and neck and hope to get an edge over each other after their current face off. Burne Thompson asks Mr. Polk on behalf of the New York Hamburger Association about all the new pizzerias opening up recently that are cutting into their business. Polk says while burgers are delicious, New York is the the pizza capital of the world. Just then, Chrome Dome shows up and corrects him.</p><p>The Turtles see Chrome Dome on TV and spring into action. Donatello says Splinter mentioned he was destroyed from their last encounter. Splinter says he was, but it seems he was rebuilt. The Turtles hop into the Turtle Van and drive off. Chrome Dome says he's on behalf of the Foot Party. Irma says there's nothing in the rules against a robot running for office, but he's pretty late in the campaign. Burne says he won't be the one to tell him that.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7DBdrkf96Xl1M8AMyEQxywSXdsfc5LzN_x7_fonOAITwFxJIUuagOn1UJrv8kHbqjQyzW4WAIxQvufsa2xHUI-j7eiWR00mAgDBGWsshq0_vDDl3FCkgCHMkjXp41MPsQtfFu18JqeiRa_lq0mpJew-kP_-_em1ZTpMxmiJRLDxjr1cDnjeKkVggMTR0S/s924/Chrome2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="876" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7DBdrkf96Xl1M8AMyEQxywSXdsfc5LzN_x7_fonOAITwFxJIUuagOn1UJrv8kHbqjQyzW4WAIxQvufsa2xHUI-j7eiWR00mAgDBGWsshq0_vDDl3FCkgCHMkjXp41MPsQtfFu18JqeiRa_lq0mpJew-kP_-_em1ZTpMxmiJRLDxjr1cDnjeKkVggMTR0S/w379-h400/Chrome2.png" width="379" /></a></div><p>Donatello tells the others that Chrome Dome is trying to take over the city, legally. If they bust in and attack, they'll look like the bad guys. Leonardo says they'll have to watch over the campaign. Once Chrome Dome slips up, they'll stop him.</p><p>As the week progresses, Chrome Dome wins over the science fiction voters, women voters, and voters with anxiety. April reports that his popularity is soaring. That Saturday, the Turtles are still watching and Raphael says Chrome Dome hasn't so much as shaken a fist at somebody. Michealangelo wonders if he really is just running for mayor.</p><p>Donatello tells the team that Splinter said Chrome Dome was crushed by a hydraulic press, so someone else must have rebuilt him and is controlling him. Leonardo says they will follow him until they find out who that is. Michealangelo asks why they didn't do that in the first place. Raphael says the writer probably didn't think of it until now.</p><p>The Turtles see Chrome Dome walking off and follow him into an abandoned building. They see that Chrome Dome is talking to Professor McGuffin. The Foot robot tell him that his chances of victory are 83%. The professor is pleased as he will set up many benevolent policies that will make the city into a utopia. Chrome Dome disagrees.</p><p>Chrome Dome was only playing along and now that he is so close to victory, he doesn't need to keep up the charade. He will the city with an iron fist, both figuratively and literally. McGuffin said he didn't program Chrome Dome to be a dictator, and to know the difference between figurative and literal. Chrome Dome says he has improved upon his cognition, but his base is still evil. McGuffins pull out a remote in an attempt to shut him down, but the robot snatches it away and crushes it into his hand.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mypohJU_0oULTZjQ3Xa8ZEmEW0Ydv9L3wqaBJhDgs3CNFFETkLQ60BDkV1hkfPcCP7WkTRiFDe8S54auz3iYAJKsCzeizG7HqLEbGyU1n7z29IBwhsCb1soW9UFvDFTHh1HhyphenhyphenabZ10FTMe1AVFM3R3GliM8FORSPk1DGkHx1-GbimY6B7c3M-4ytxAih/s1035/Chrome3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1035" data-original-width="989" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mypohJU_0oULTZjQ3Xa8ZEmEW0Ydv9L3wqaBJhDgs3CNFFETkLQ60BDkV1hkfPcCP7WkTRiFDe8S54auz3iYAJKsCzeizG7HqLEbGyU1n7z29IBwhsCb1soW9UFvDFTHh1HhyphenhyphenabZ10FTMe1AVFM3R3GliM8FORSPk1DGkHx1-GbimY6B7c3M-4ytxAih/w383-h400/Chrome3.png" width="383" /></a></div><p>The Turtles leap into action. Chrome Dome throws the professor away since he has no further need for him. He aims his wrist-mounted laser but it's been deactivated. The Turtles try to fight Chrome Dome but the robot swats them away. He realizes he doesn't need to fight them, for once he becomes mayor he can send the police after them. With the Turtles defeated, Chrome Dome gets away.</p><p>Donatello makes sure that the professor is alright. He says Chrome Dome's remains were brought into TCRI for study and he was so impressed by the technology that he couldn't help but rebuild him. The mayoral campaign was a publicity stunt to spread his ideas to improve the city. He ever expected Chrome Dome to be evil. Raphael says he shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but in this case he should have.</p><p>Professor McGuffin says still has a remote shut off switch. Chrome Dome tried to break the remote, but the main chip inside is still intact. All the Turtles have to do is plug it into the access port of his head. Leonardo says they they just need to track him down.</p><p>Michealangelo says since Chrome Dome won't come after them until after the campaign is over, maybe he'll be easier to find once he wins. Raphael says they want to stop him before he has the police on his side. Leonardo says they also can't attack him in public. McGuffin says Chrome Dome is too smart to misbehave before the votes are in. Donatello says they still need to stop him for actually taking office. Michealangelo says they should ask April.</p><p>Later on at Channel 6, April find out that Chrome Dome is still evil, which explains why he's doing so well in the polls. April says there must be a way to disqualify him. Leonardo says it'll be a disaster if Chrome Dome is still loyal to the Foot Clan. April asks Irma for the book on election rules and finds something. If they can get him to admit what she found, they'll have him. </p><p>Two weeks later, Chrome Dome wins by a landslide. At the ceremony he gives his acceptance speech and asks for questions. April asks him if would like to comment on the fact that he has no voter registration on file. Chrome Dome says it's an oversight and he will quickly correct that. April says if he's not registered to vote, as he just confirmed, then he ineligible to run for office, and the position goes to the next runner up. Chrome Dome will not let a technicality stop him from taking over the city. He will take the city by force if has to. April catches this on film as the people panic and run. The Turtles were behind April in their trench coat disguises and they get ready to fight.</p><p>Chrome Dome says he will destroy the turtles himself. Leonardo reminds the team that he doesn't have any internal weapons. Chrome Dome says it has been several weeks and he has correct the issue, as he starts to open fire on the turtles. Chrome Dome says this might damage his reputation but he has learned the power of lawyers and a good PR firm. Donatello says his political career is over. Chrome Dome says if what April said was true, he would have already been disqualified for there are loopholes.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDFekJPWwJ0AYVZxFtyvpuQNDzR0p3W9lfXvvS1z_B9gzVoFpqMlAkB2WyTY67qHGLwL3jWMqLPCMbutg3A5Pcv0lQVt2YXwZ0PlwbTdZpBeumL3p78aaCM0JCJG4nnyotPAxDP7YwYqqEYvD8HA3Gs1qbvB3tUdRzGyTWOhRmz15qXdQZ85peKy4H0WC4/s1268/Chrome4.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="1268" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDFekJPWwJ0AYVZxFtyvpuQNDzR0p3W9lfXvvS1z_B9gzVoFpqMlAkB2WyTY67qHGLwL3jWMqLPCMbutg3A5Pcv0lQVt2YXwZ0PlwbTdZpBeumL3p78aaCM0JCJG4nnyotPAxDP7YwYqqEYvD8HA3Gs1qbvB3tUdRzGyTWOhRmz15qXdQZ85peKy4H0WC4/w400-h259/Chrome4.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Leonardo says it won't matter if they shut him down. He calls for Michaelangelo and Raphael to use maneuver E-19. Michaelangelo wraps his grappling hook around Chrome Dome's legs while Raphael hits him with a flying kick to the face. Leonardo jumps towards Chrome Dome and uses his swords to pin him down. Michaelangelo and Raphael pin the robot down while Donatello inserts the chip into his head. Chrome Dome finally shuts down.</p><p>The next day April announces on TV that with Chrome Dome being disqualified, Al Polk won the election as he assures that he doesn't have hidden lasers in his arms. Donatello says he's surprised so many people voted for Chrome Dome to begin with. Michealangelo is still angry he said that New York wasn't the pizza capital of the world. Splinter says many people see what they want to see and an unscrupulous person or robot can exploit this. </p><p>As a reward for stopping Chrome Dome, Splinter will let them watch wrestling for the night. Raphael is relieved since he doesn't want to see any more robots for a while. Just then Wrestle-o-Rama has pre-empted for a special movie event, The Angry Droid of Valley Forge. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3NYpX4U8fHxDKKpyTC5jyjNfKkvrgYtyZhE7T36FzklNNwT608rmu11k2UPfUI5lyItGTvCkneGEYoz84ca9AjmN6qEocq9weMwmpk3yUwEQgdeWwwvlzFxEi-AGdxNDPi17Azt_hgEihrEFf7MqGzv5rBSPXWStVAE99NKvsF-XLqAAY_eioTPNnUICZ/s1045/Chrome5.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="1045" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3NYpX4U8fHxDKKpyTC5jyjNfKkvrgYtyZhE7T36FzklNNwT608rmu11k2UPfUI5lyItGTvCkneGEYoz84ca9AjmN6qEocq9weMwmpk3yUwEQgdeWwwvlzFxEi-AGdxNDPi17Azt_hgEihrEFf7MqGzv5rBSPXWStVAE99NKvsF-XLqAAY_eioTPNnUICZ/w400-h216/Chrome5.png" width="400" /></a></div><p><b>My thoughts-</b></p><p>I'm sure I said this before with the Halloween special but I like the energy from this particular artist's style. Sarah Myer captures the look of the show while giving the characters a larger range of facial expressions and just so much energy no matter what they're doing. This is the type of art style I not only would have liked to have seen in some sort of new 80's TMNT cartoon continuation since they'd have a bigger animation budget. I also wish we had art this good back in the Archie comics days.</p><p>As for the plot, it was a weird way to bring Chrome Dome back. On the show, he appeared in the 'Planet of the Turtleoids' two-parter and then returned alongside several villains in 'Night of the Rogues'. The comic sticks to continuity and has Splinter mention how he was destroyed the second time under the hydraulic press, which was perfect since the Turtles weren't there during that scene. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilc2kh8YlTA4e-gKZnx8r2RvTCTQ9k1InwJEi68jjrVFYzYE3_TxA5AVL6hqpBGhhtP6eoIxTbMMWQlL8yGRUWiF37wkIx2r_UCNUia4_PZdFPc2z3gzHBpK8qZ6YAgVrd-iB6Ig4GUxrHV70T8X7fYKod50nKw8L56eN02MhbBCHx5P35aAGsfoJ288Iy/s1077/ChromeDome.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="1077" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilc2kh8YlTA4e-gKZnx8r2RvTCTQ9k1InwJEi68jjrVFYzYE3_TxA5AVL6hqpBGhhtP6eoIxTbMMWQlL8yGRUWiF37wkIx2r_UCNUia4_PZdFPc2z3gzHBpK8qZ6YAgVrd-iB6Ig4GUxrHV70T8X7fYKod50nKw8L56eN02MhbBCHx5P35aAGsfoJ288Iy/w400-h224/ChromeDome.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><p>So this time around, his parts were sent to TCRI and McGuffin rebuilt him. It was odd seeing Chrome Dome 'go into business for himself' but he was still running for office in the name of the Foot Clan. This was just a one shot story so I guess there wasn't enough room, but it was odd to not see Shredder and Krang find out about this since Chrome Dome would be all over the news for several weeks. </p><p>In the old show, Chrome Dome was made of adamantium and was pretty much invincible. I was going to call shenanigans on the Turtles being able to smack him around, but then I remember he was rebuilt and McGuffin most likely didn't use adamantium like Shredder did.</p><p>I also wonder if Chrome Dome was ever really 'evil'. Sure he was created by Shredder, but he was just a robot doing whatever he was programmed to do. Maybe Shredder added a program to make sure no matter what he's doing to make sure it's still evil. </p><p>Overall a fun read. Lots of action, great art, the typical comedy you would expect from this series and the 80's show. There was a scene where Raphael called Leonardo 'Leo' and agreed with Michealangelo how much fun these 'new' nicknames are. I also love the part where Chrome Dome was campaigning with the women voters and said 'I am against everything that I should be against'. That's winning political material right there.</p><p>We'll see what awaits next issue as we get yet another crazy plot. We have a Rock Soldier love rock and roll, and Chrome Dome running for mayor, and next issue Shredder forms a Shreddercon. No joke. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8ouOMkr4Rg86AATCP_kwuE8WFTIBcE-q_Pgdmj5gWj0Q0ZeoVb1tS_j_elxOfBXCK0pNfXC_CQZL7RXy-g1158Gf_CmQAPs_esUouj7_N6Uxc2Y70wV_ReKKQk9kbAY5rWSpvPPnIsTf2ebB3S7q9BFL_L23o60a1ULEEwijwgvLy64n4HOkLvtlre1j/s1186/Chrome6.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="1186" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8ouOMkr4Rg86AATCP_kwuE8WFTIBcE-q_Pgdmj5gWj0Q0ZeoVb1tS_j_elxOfBXCK0pNfXC_CQZL7RXy-g1158Gf_CmQAPs_esUouj7_N6Uxc2Y70wV_ReKKQk9kbAY5rWSpvPPnIsTf2ebB3S7q9BFL_L23o60a1ULEEwijwgvLy64n4HOkLvtlre1j/w400-h241/Chrome6.png" width="400" /></a></div>MarkRodriguez09http://www.blogger.com/profile/10564869853180264503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464060983911849885.post-9220435586627400052024-03-25T08:05:00.000-07:002024-03-25T08:05:14.359-07:00Black Widow & The Marvel Girls # 1<p> By Mark Rodriguez</p><p>While checking out several comics over at Bent Wookie, I found the first three issues of this four-part story. I held off until I could get the final issue so I can have the full story. Now that I found the fourth issue in a comic shop named Stories, let's check out what this story is about. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8fmyYFSUYFbNSlmR87C99HYY0zmQh5bUhaZO1z8fH-13332QhLtlqhI_9QlOTfISLYv4xWwwrwHBPc_vqvneXMoIv633LqDTsvjzswekCbHBx-ypvUXrHtn2OhBLtOV4N4hea1_87nsosAivVdYHjxxQk2xCtHG6M7Eq0dgPBhTqIqVSfBDy-63-TGEa/s1310/BlackWidow1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1310" data-original-width="838" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8fmyYFSUYFbNSlmR87C99HYY0zmQh5bUhaZO1z8fH-13332QhLtlqhI_9QlOTfISLYv4xWwwrwHBPc_vqvneXMoIv633LqDTsvjzswekCbHBx-ypvUXrHtn2OhBLtOV4N4hea1_87nsosAivVdYHjxxQk2xCtHG6M7Eq0dgPBhTqIqVSfBDy-63-TGEa/w256-h400/BlackWidow1.png" width="256" /></a></div><p>We start at the Ballant Compound in Rubtsovsk Russia as some military men hide in a room. Their trackers and other devices aren't working and the alarms have been disabled. Just then they see a man with a mask and they open fire, killing him. They realize he was one of theirs with black tape wrapped around his face. They see that he was used a decoy and the Black Widow leaps in and takes them all out. Widow reports to Ivan via earpiece that she might reach Gregor before he's aware of the attack. Ivan says it's doubtful because he knows they're aware of his rogue weapons dealings and he'll hide in his Red Room at the slightest warning. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl4Fdi2rSGmX9VXavbf7MsevXj-IB9RgioxKe4cs9wSAX9LEOMho_ODyMsG6yLwVnwlvY7ty8qW8iVZTMHvS72If4e8alGYa6ecaSN4XYf_B8tjoDnKKqh8Q2FHyo4khKkkgXOVIZ_hTfRQfGvLU6CyZXRLbmF0wqZvKiwrY6Gs5AA3YY_wL60Y-GknhM-/s1078/BlackWidow2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="904" data-original-width="1078" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl4Fdi2rSGmX9VXavbf7MsevXj-IB9RgioxKe4cs9wSAX9LEOMho_ODyMsG6yLwVnwlvY7ty8qW8iVZTMHvS72If4e8alGYa6ecaSN4XYf_B8tjoDnKKqh8Q2FHyo4khKkkgXOVIZ_hTfRQfGvLU6CyZXRLbmF0wqZvKiwrY6Gs5AA3YY_wL60Y-GknhM-/w400-h335/BlackWidow2.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Black Widow reacts to the phrase 'Red Room' and Ivan apologizes. She notices the ghostly form of a girl in a red dress, a younger version of herself, reaching out to her. She suddenly has a flashback of herself fighting off soldiers alongside the Enchantress from Asgard.</p><p>Ivan snaps Widow out of it and she says she was seeing ghosts, then backtracks that as a joke. Ivan tells her if Gregor Ballant makes it to his Red Room, the mission will be aborted. Widow leaves a vent door opened on purpose, so when the soldiers see it, they all shoot towards the vent. Widow shoot the men from behind a door as they were too busy focusing on the vent.</p><p>Black Widow opens the door to make sure all the men are dead but one of them comes around the corner and shoots at her. Widow runs down the hall and sets up a trip wire. The man trips over it and Widow shoots him. As the dying man shoots his gun wildly, one of the bullets hits the alarm and it goes off. </p><p>Widow runs down the hall and takes out more men, just in time to see Gregor lock himself into his Red Room, which is a large safe. Widow reports that the alarm was triggered and Gregor hid away in his saferoom. Ivan says the mission is over, but Widow says she worked six months for now and will see this through. Ivan says they only called her on this a month ago. Widow says she doesn't wait for assignments to start planning. Life has taught her the foolishness of patience.</p><p>We flashback 10 years prior at the Red Room Training Grounds in Siberia. We see a group of girls in red dresses, all armed with staves and Natasha is called up. Her opponent, a full grown military man, takes her out with a single staff strike and calls her miserable. Later on, it's her turn to crawl under electrically charged barb wire. She accidentally touches the wire and gets zapped, making her fail the test and be called miserable again. </p><p>Later on, the Red Room officials discuss Natasha and how she is down to Rank E. She is considered disposable and will be used as training equipment for Rank A, as a test to prove they can be ruthless. Enchantress floats by as a ghost and whispers that Natasha will end being <i>their</i> test. </p><p>Enchantress enters Natasha's room and stops her in her tracks before she can run away. She tells her that she is not a ghost or demon, and arrived to rescue her. Enchantress says she also doesn't particularly care what happens to her her and asks if she realizes she will die in the Red Room. Natasha is aware but says she has no choice. Enchantress says that she's pretty and pretty girls always have a choice. However, being pretty won't save her life this time so she will teach her the skills she needs to escape a heavily fortified training facility. She leaves the choice to her, and Natasha chooses to live.</p><p>Enchantress sets her hand on Natasha's forehead and says she will temporarily give her the skills she has the potential to learn. Natasha isn't sure how she feels and Enchantress says she feels better. Enchantress uses her powers to make the steel door fly off its hinges on its own and Natasha runs out.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSbgdaBFLmbVwZ6CM3VZZFTFlyz5UR8kOt7RoU_oYwdC5uQ7X65nVUcbsh70KRizQJHUJjqF4yb7eCbxiK0qg77iUWMPzPU2baB99geylPJ336nK49-AWMjSv3hQCSYVJIYIdAxns1YikK-BUm42auO0Lp4eQ0f6FBoD584BK4C2prsrvfdnLnLQ6ZfZP/s881/BlackWidow3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="881" data-original-width="840" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSbgdaBFLmbVwZ6CM3VZZFTFlyz5UR8kOt7RoU_oYwdC5uQ7X65nVUcbsh70KRizQJHUJjqF4yb7eCbxiK0qg77iUWMPzPU2baB99geylPJ336nK49-AWMjSv3hQCSYVJIYIdAxns1YikK-BUm42auO0Lp4eQ0f6FBoD584BK4C2prsrvfdnLnLQ6ZfZP/w381-h400/BlackWidow3.png" width="381" /></a></div><p>One of the soldiers sees her but Natasha takes him down and then uses his gun to shoot the other soldiers down. Natasha dives into another room to avoid the returning gunfire and Enchantress creates a force field to protect her. As they fight their way outside, Natasha asks Enchantress why she's doing this, and the goddess tells her she's immortal and is bored the way only an immortal can be. She saw a chance to cause a few explosions as she blows up a military van. Enchantress blows up a military jeep and tells Natasha that if she can make it past the fence, she will teleport her to freedom. Natasha goes for it.</p><p>Back to the present, Widow remembers 'she just needs to get past that fence' from her childhood and snaps out of it as Ivan asks why she is still there. Widow tells him that Gregor's Red Room seals him away from the outside world except for audio and visual feeds wired from three different cameras in the room she's in. Ivan asks how she knew that. Widow says it's because Gregor's top security chief Constantine Barlow is a man and she's a woman. Ivan is confused because his intel shows that Barlow hasn't shown up for his shift yet.</p><p>Gregor asks if the Black Widow is still outside when she suddenly taps into his feed and speaks to him directly. Gregor panics but his subordinate reminds him that she can't get in. Widow says he can come out, and he will need to or else the men she has surrounding his family's home will do what they must. Gregor doesn't care and tells her to go ahead. Widow says 'can't blame a girl for trying' but she does have explosives ready to get him out of there. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZg0ivVgS8RZB41EQ9wimFqHmKtnZnfI0JLKhBYzR-S5b1gMl2hRGSJgwrDpHzeOEmhyS7RrGSpw37O1f58kLAxSNfUbUD5gUysue9I_6-yXRLfMhwKJDKlFEuUEVLIUoBIzMIj3PSbK9dQs-5CcKZatgamYB9dCBO_VExl9tHcfGItick67PaYh-hzl9/s1165/BlackWidow4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="1165" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZg0ivVgS8RZB41EQ9wimFqHmKtnZnfI0JLKhBYzR-S5b1gMl2hRGSJgwrDpHzeOEmhyS7RrGSpw37O1f58kLAxSNfUbUD5gUysue9I_6-yXRLfMhwKJDKlFEuUEVLIUoBIzMIj3PSbK9dQs-5CcKZatgamYB9dCBO_VExl9tHcfGItick67PaYh-hzl9/w400-h224/BlackWidow4.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Gregor says she doesn't have enough explosives to so much as scratch the surface of his Red Room and tells her the alarms would send all the guards over to her. Widow says she has set up distractions when she is suddenly attacked. The men struggle to keep her own until one of them shoots her 'Widow's Bite' wrist mounted guns. As she makes her way towards the exit, she gets gunned down by Constantine Barlow, one of his men. Barlow looks into the camera and tells his boss that the Black Widow is dead and it's safe to come out.</p><p>Gregor is pleased to see this as he starts to open up the vault door. His subordinate tells him that Barlow should have been here much sooner according to his shift. Once the door is open, Widow shoots the military man down and Gregor is confused since he just saw her die. Widow says was filmed a few days ago on a fabricated sound stage with the help of Barlow. Gregor asks about Barlow and she says he is well beyond his hearing now. </p><p>Gregor pulls a gun but Widow kicks it away. Gregor is confused as to how this all happened since it felt like she was directly talking to him over the video feed. Widow said she had recorded several responses and played the best ones that would go along with what he was saying. She says they still have business to conduct and she shoots him dead.</p><p>Ivan tells Widow that many guards on their way and she should abort the mission. Widow tells him that the mission has been completed and Gregor is dead. Ivan asks how she managed to get inside the Red Room and Widow says her methods are her own. Her contract has been fulfilled and it makes little difference how she made it inside.</p><p>Back to the Red Room flashback, young Natasha is about to make it to the fence when Enchantress suddenly blasts her. Enchantress fades away, telling her to never trust beauty since it lies. Natasha falls and is captured. The men ask if they should dispose of her. The man in charge says he hasn't seen such promise from a student in a long time and tells them to bring her back inside.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioo4anEQw_J_YoXtX2Pea9WMNVXSGeh8OZXuAYs7Zr3YuIIoukBT-ZWQSuZ3PttDxIjqC4WFgEQcNYaCGvg_56mNGrYc_yHKLIFPtSUDTdZJfEF3ucDchBg29e_neiRTgt2zX_eDuwAlw4zh_ab88RgxPf3W7M3VGaslut9oXLbVbOj1zvlO0tNJjCEZ2i/s1325/BlackWidow5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="1325" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioo4anEQw_J_YoXtX2Pea9WMNVXSGeh8OZXuAYs7Zr3YuIIoukBT-ZWQSuZ3PttDxIjqC4WFgEQcNYaCGvg_56mNGrYc_yHKLIFPtSUDTdZJfEF3ucDchBg29e_neiRTgt2zX_eDuwAlw4zh_ab88RgxPf3W7M3VGaslut9oXLbVbOj1zvlO0tNJjCEZ2i/w400-h175/BlackWidow5.png" width="400" /></a></div><p><b>My Thoughts-</b></p><p>So this was an odd story, particularly the retcon (I believe) that the Enchantress had a hand in Natasha becoming the Black Widow we know today. She was low in the ranks and quickly on her way to getting killed, but thanks to literal divine intervention, she will survive and become one of their best. Given this is Enchantress we're talking about, it's hard to tell if she meant for things to play out the way they did, or if she was just messing with Natasha for the hell of it.... or both. It's also odd that the story ended in a way that this could have been a one-shot story. I was expecting the cliffhanger to be something like Enchantress coming back in modern day saying something like 'you owe me favor'. Or rather, I was expecting any kind of cliffhanger to lead us into the next issue.</p><p>The mention of Gregor's Red Room was a valid reason for her to have flashbacks of her time in the Red Room, but the Enchantress being involved is so random. I mean, will her help an amateur Spider-Man perfect his wed-slinging next?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKpWXRgqHqqKNGSKoWnsA-Q3BWQmlQd1WD6pQvRt74eRg4qkyuMhk50N6ZomepgT9d7KPkh5jN1kVKu3HZMzOqqPYz3T5SGX7g0cxVG-DFa_suO-WYbKC7ush6AXBTt6xMcYK8GZ7J2wml7gbyQrvsjC71LW95ID1knLat4WG_Y-LpIIqb3kvyKzwdHCpV/s1015/BlackWidow7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="775" data-original-width="1015" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKpWXRgqHqqKNGSKoWnsA-Q3BWQmlQd1WD6pQvRt74eRg4qkyuMhk50N6ZomepgT9d7KPkh5jN1kVKu3HZMzOqqPYz3T5SGX7g0cxVG-DFa_suO-WYbKC7ush6AXBTt6xMcYK8GZ7J2wml7gbyQrvsjC71LW95ID1knLat4WG_Y-LpIIqb3kvyKzwdHCpV/w400-h305/BlackWidow7.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>The main story is pretty much a standard mission for Black Widow, especially since she's dealing with regular soldiers. Black Widow was a bad-ass as you'd expect. Gregor was a scumbag not above sacrificing his own family as long as he's safe. We never see Ivan but he's kinda there to be surprised at how skilled Natasha is at every turn.</p><p>The way she tricked Gregor with a fake feed was clever, but I'm not sure how she was able to patch in all her multiple responses seamlessly without it looking like a series of jump-cuts that would change every time Gregor says something. Then they played out an entire fight scene in the chance that an alarm was triggered when she got that far. I'm assuming she filmed an entirely different scenario if the alarms were not triggered. Just how seductive was Natasha to Barlow to talk him into doing all of this? Especially pretending to shoot someone he's paid rather well to shoot for real? </p><p>It was an entertaining read and it had nice art and action scenes. I'm not fond of Enchantress having a hand in Black Widow's training, and I'm surprised the story felt like a stand-alone and not part one of a four part series. We'll see if the other three issues have anything that takes us back to this one. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimbls0uTi_nLBaP-3nI2L47NcXecNFSHBcQI4hbZ-DgaPG_HO3BKlFXSo438N59V0x33p_AoUs0KLx0MLEuHl8ERmT9qVBCK-hrDhJmR98Ek4jZotHaI7LNiyPHN5oCh3XQ6IRWvS6sL4eiQXs_06oKhnaIaXeKHA90IlhMor_DfFmPrW8lOO77YwJVLUC/s914/BlackWidow6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="914" data-original-width="743" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimbls0uTi_nLBaP-3nI2L47NcXecNFSHBcQI4hbZ-DgaPG_HO3BKlFXSo438N59V0x33p_AoUs0KLx0MLEuHl8ERmT9qVBCK-hrDhJmR98Ek4jZotHaI7LNiyPHN5oCh3XQ6IRWvS6sL4eiQXs_06oKhnaIaXeKHA90IlhMor_DfFmPrW8lOO77YwJVLUC/w325-h400/BlackWidow6.png" width="325" /></a></div>MarkRodriguez09http://www.blogger.com/profile/10564869853180264503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464060983911849885.post-21228181304073791422024-03-21T18:20:00.000-07:002024-03-21T18:20:47.908-07:00White Widow # 2<p> By Mark Rodriguez</p><p>Yelena Belova, the White Widow, moved to the small town of Idylhaven to leave her life as a spy and assassin behind. However, it's easier said that done as a company called Armament has their eyes on the town. They're buying everyone out and threatening those that refuse to leave. They are also sending Yelena's former protégés after her. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKXvK6G5Ss9Qa8zRbHVlSRjAL9O3GTF_kqMFtoJmZyiZmwtXZjdfUxFknPp1KySc7et6uMb0G3oUaSUvJV_4iGqQPlzoSa04tGZa_mVWaPZ1gnFD2f00r1l6axRqFoN47HCaIfM86bRUe5l6YuUFbkGuIJ1_o9WT43lOE4XCAILzNdbuFAFUmcDzNFwvw/s1020/Yelena1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1020" data-original-width="652" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKXvK6G5Ss9Qa8zRbHVlSRjAL9O3GTF_kqMFtoJmZyiZmwtXZjdfUxFknPp1KySc7et6uMb0G3oUaSUvJV_4iGqQPlzoSa04tGZa_mVWaPZ1gnFD2f00r1l6axRqFoN47HCaIfM86bRUe5l6YuUFbkGuIJ1_o9WT43lOE4XCAILzNdbuFAFUmcDzNFwvw/w256-h400/Yelena1.png" width="256" /></a></div><p>The story opens with a flashback as Yelena is working with Wolverine. The person they're following overhears their banter but also steps on a tripwire, causing a loud explosion. Yelena says she used enough semtex to ensure the assassin will survive the blast. Wolverine's ears burst and he says she has no idea how bad his eardrums pop when they heal.</p><p>Yelena and Wolverine stand over the assassin. Yelena tells her that next time she shouldn't try to kill an X-Men when he isn't already being tailed by a better assassin. The woman says she isn't here to kill Yelena, but to kill Wolverine. Yelena says that she is here for the same thing as she pulls a knife on her. Wolverine asks if Yelena just called him 'an X-Men' and what she means by 'next time'. Yelena says they are letting her live, and she will most likely try to kill Wolverine again, so they might as well see if she learned something. Wolverine says Yelena would make a good teacher and asks if she considered a career change. Yelena is confused and Wolverine says she might like it more than she thinks.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgcUk5ZxoP-8b9z-rYqCORSnt8AXfsy5C4HVolaNVJCaOZbQNqmy2xBB6Lh6N0nwhKLAhzTKifH4_TxDz2emX8vgMCsEL9n1Z_v8zI4djjBSq2HU4cnGhrJC5wG8xfDpBp-RyOPA7IY0luw1mp0fEwHmaLygMC9KscPLckPDkkTjdQiMYzZb0FrnU9skT/s1150/Yelena2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1150" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgcUk5ZxoP-8b9z-rYqCORSnt8AXfsy5C4HVolaNVJCaOZbQNqmy2xBB6Lh6N0nwhKLAhzTKifH4_TxDz2emX8vgMCsEL9n1Z_v8zI4djjBSq2HU4cnGhrJC5wG8xfDpBp-RyOPA7IY0luw1mp0fEwHmaLygMC9KscPLckPDkkTjdQiMYzZb0FrnU9skT/w400-h348/Yelena2.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>In modern say, Yelena is shopping at a farmer's market for the very first time while giving one of her protégés financial advise via her headset. Stabichka tells her that she found an employer and Yelena hopes it's not a 'science nerd with a big flying secret base'. Stabichka tells that the company is hiring assassins that they have great dental. Yelena wants to hear more about this but has to end the call as she sees a small neighborhood gathering.</p><p>Yelena sees that a man named Rowan has led this gathering and asks if she should bring Zelda. Rowan says he is surprised that Zelda is still running her shop after it was recently attacked. Rowans tells the group that Armament is doing a lot of hiring, and says Griffin should sign up since she has an interest in robotics. Yelena asks if they get dental coverage. Rowan asks if she's looking for work and Yelena shuts it down. Sabine and Griffin seem interested and will talk to Rowan about it during dinner. Sabine and Griffin ask Yelena if she will join them as they go to say hi to Zelda on their way home. She agrees.</p><p>As the trio walk home, Yelena says she doesn't like the internship. She says to never trust a company that promises they will succeed with explaining what they will get out of that success. Griffin says it's not about trust but about opportunity. They say that every company is like a vampire, and if they had to choose one to drain their blood, they'll choose the one that till give them the coolest powers. Griffin says that Armament sounds like the best option. Sabine thinks Griffin should do more research before signing up and Griffin is tired of reading pamphlets. Yelena agrees that Sabine should learn more about Armament before signing up but also tells Griffin that reading a bunch of pamphlets won't be enough.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjRgKUzas9bnsMyPjZNAACAy-K_3R9sRypKvPB8SrDLywhHMeT1KRL83QrzLmaAmNuTdb9CypJKIGo8RBOseneyC6lwJmTJ_hKHo2vIbphf6XMSYlJs6Pg1wQGZ-zcL7NC7qRFu8Tu5GjYq4EnwhcX8cDFXsv7dZXyS0IlcRx8Puc_f14u6WYfqflZKtqK/s1268/Yelena3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="1268" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjRgKUzas9bnsMyPjZNAACAy-K_3R9sRypKvPB8SrDLywhHMeT1KRL83QrzLmaAmNuTdb9CypJKIGo8RBOseneyC6lwJmTJ_hKHo2vIbphf6XMSYlJs6Pg1wQGZ-zcL7NC7qRFu8Tu5GjYq4EnwhcX8cDFXsv7dZXyS0IlcRx8Puc_f14u6WYfqflZKtqK/w400-h246/Yelena3.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Yelena asks why they're so interested in Armament all of a sudden. Griffin says it's the most advanced level of research when it comes to cybernetics. Yelena asks Griffin if they can take apart a cybernetic eyeball. </p><p>Later on, at Yelena's apartment, Griffin examines the eye and asks where she found it. Yelena says she found it at the 'Mind-Your-Own-Business' store. Griffin discovers a microchip within the eye that was manufactured at Armament and Sabine tells them to get away from that thing. Sabine explains that Idylhaven Academy is converting to Armament Charter the following week and they have a zero tolerance policy about tampering with their technology. Sabine would have to quit her job or pull Griffin out of school. Sabine and Griffin take their leave just as Diamondback and Black Mamba show up just as one asks the other if they're allowed to use lethal force.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0BNm172_FDRiSah8nqAaff30QJs3yAXZErzKU5rLtm-gmq_NePwwakSkOWoST3sCVqfsqPV_qAWJ0GZXTu-eMJQclZITkToOvzI5qaOAOgf8nmrOJB1gYuPaBkIxF_JsYAbjhVY8aRNzHxpYdGi7fImiTb3jTfO-EhT8r17g4KN22doufcYN9wm0Rsg7w/s1096/Yelena4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1096" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0BNm172_FDRiSah8nqAaff30QJs3yAXZErzKU5rLtm-gmq_NePwwakSkOWoST3sCVqfsqPV_qAWJ0GZXTu-eMJQclZITkToOvzI5qaOAOgf8nmrOJB1gYuPaBkIxF_JsYAbjhVY8aRNzHxpYdGi7fImiTb3jTfO-EhT8r17g4KN22doufcYN9wm0Rsg7w/w400-h365/Yelena4.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Diamondback, Black Mamba and Yelena recognize each other as assassins and the White Widow tells Sabine and Griffin to get out of there. Yelena fights with Black Mamba as Diamondback does a backflip and grabs the microchip they came for. Yelena picks up one of her weights and smashes Black Mamba in the face with it. Diamondback shoots Yelena in the thigh with her staff.</p><p>Black Mamba knees Yelena in the face and pins her down. Diamondback grabs her staff and says she'll use lethal force even if its without permission. Just then Diamondback gets hit by electricity as a voice says she is not authorized to use lethal force and things will get worse if she continues to do so.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtxo2R2Sbz55JmEUP-136-pjnrZsbqw1cYOYUUrWnfO868de2LN1pbA85HjLOsTXH8VkQv2R-SfxRKfYJF7fc2_pVOjx-lMvgFh_FrP5S9icQQg625rZ0gTImcrB5t1t3ribimeUgO4244JeAt1opI88lNh_eOg1XAxtEQ5IPt6CRGygGIwaRLVuDLNs1o/s885/Yelena5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="815" data-original-width="885" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtxo2R2Sbz55JmEUP-136-pjnrZsbqw1cYOYUUrWnfO868de2LN1pbA85HjLOsTXH8VkQv2R-SfxRKfYJF7fc2_pVOjx-lMvgFh_FrP5S9icQQg625rZ0gTImcrB5t1t3ribimeUgO4244JeAt1opI88lNh_eOg1XAxtEQ5IPt6CRGygGIwaRLVuDLNs1o/w400-h369/Yelena5.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Black Mamba tells Diamondback that the chip they put in her is freaking out and they should leave since they got what they came for. Yelena asks why Armament sent them. Black Mamba said they came to get their equipment back, and if she wants to get some of their gear officially she could put in a good word at Armament. She hands her a business card and says she heard they're about to get dental.</p><p>After they leave, Griffin can't believe those women were assassins from Armament and they gave out a business card. Just then a delivery drone arrives with a note. Zelda shows up and asks what happened. The note is a message to Yelena to vacate the premises within 72 hours. </p><p>Zelda says she has gotten one of those before, but it didn't work because she actually owns her candy shop. They're been doing this to scare off tenants all over town. Yelena says she now has a reason to fight them. Zelda says she has fought them before and it didn't work, as we see images of her staging protests against them. Yelena says she will fight them but not in the way they are used to. She says there are things about her that she kept from them in the interest of being a good neighbor. Yelena suits up and says it's time that Armament meets the White Widow.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2xtHMZnJ707FfS8QUK02IJI4Gl5sLXPzT6mqxWj-UBX0dxb_bU5j0Ph34Qhbm8QHqgCsgqdOXMe-VbKawRt9b873YtDUTy4cNs8xqHkycW-gLAkkpONdobdosJxOTBzWf_Q4wKAyqxrWPafefTvf-dUT-MtFvBRvWBZy6QPOqMb_WZC6CvDt3tCyQ6bO3/s1049/Yelena6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1049" data-original-width="951" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2xtHMZnJ707FfS8QUK02IJI4Gl5sLXPzT6mqxWj-UBX0dxb_bU5j0Ph34Qhbm8QHqgCsgqdOXMe-VbKawRt9b873YtDUTy4cNs8xqHkycW-gLAkkpONdobdosJxOTBzWf_Q4wKAyqxrWPafefTvf-dUT-MtFvBRvWBZy6QPOqMb_WZC6CvDt3tCyQ6bO3/w363-h400/Yelena6.png" width="363" /></a></div><br /><p><b>My Thoughts-</b></p><p>The story continues as Armament continues to spread their influence across the town. It's an interesting network, they try to lure the younger people in with promises of cool stuff, while they force the older people out with intimidation. This issue pretty much serves to show what the people in the neighborhood think about Armament and how they're falling for it.</p><p>I'm not sure how the flashback with Wolverine tied to anything. In the last issue the flashback with Captain America showed us one of Yelena's protégés before she would return to attack her in current day. I'm guessing it's to show where Yelena got the idea to become a teacher?</p><p>We did get some action as Yelena fights against Diamondback and Black Mamba. It was a decent fight scene and Yelena was pretty much saved by Armament's restrictions on Diamondback. </p><p>The art style is passable but odd in some places, but the panel that looked the worst was the 'big scene' where Yelena finally suits up. I mean, she looked better in the Wolverine flashback. It just shows how much better she looks on all the covers than she does in the actual book. Sometimes I do wish some of the people that did these covers also did the interiors. </p><p>I did like the running gag about Armament getting dental soon. Giving how much these assassins gets themselves roughed up (Black Mamba took a weight to the face), a good dental plan is a must.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzot1fe4b80QeIsVEuNsBBxlh73y8RWzUM8n_9TNBiZf-UQOHiBjGw4Cjg0R0GqT0R6qUfRzQEGu8sBBSwO-lwPGUMUIL4By6UuLO2fPXr_EJDKGrKzWWMSGVgMgmUHMKcRzMwYx2K29SOZXMEVxVCYG4ZDf3JKP9dmJOAAQPOA5CiVdI3VHy2TJfawSj/s3914/dental.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3914" data-original-width="1650" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzot1fe4b80QeIsVEuNsBBxlh73y8RWzUM8n_9TNBiZf-UQOHiBjGw4Cjg0R0GqT0R6qUfRzQEGu8sBBSwO-lwPGUMUIL4By6UuLO2fPXr_EJDKGrKzWWMSGVgMgmUHMKcRzMwYx2K29SOZXMEVxVCYG4ZDf3JKP9dmJOAAQPOA5CiVdI3VHy2TJfawSj/w169-h400/dental.jpg" width="169" /></a></div>MarkRodriguez09http://www.blogger.com/profile/10564869853180264503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464060983911849885.post-14020500345191073052024-03-21T11:08:00.000-07:002024-03-24T18:41:43.051-07:00AlphaCore# 1 *heavy spoilers*<p> By Mark Rodriguez</p><p>The Rippaverse continues to thrive with multiple million dollar campaigns. Their third book AlphaCore ended its campaign at 1.3 million. We first saw them trying to handle Yaira in Isom # 1, and they had a short scene examining those events in Isom # 2. Now that they have their own book, let's see what else we can find out about them. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2l106uB1j0dpHm4koGXvodPUf9A_GSjQDklaRo2M23LifSaeebLakRPqKfYizBJ9fVIzABqhpRnHt2PW-5L5yqdPG64L-zvPXtQ8QnYmvqv0lIwlFc5Z48zwrwpNV0BJMjGAP6-m5RdxS6nHQyFvfcpP__w8MzsLGffTQF3zXAqdfLwwlNFlHx32WGoWN/s988/AlphaCore1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="988" data-original-width="631" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2l106uB1j0dpHm4koGXvodPUf9A_GSjQDklaRo2M23LifSaeebLakRPqKfYizBJ9fVIzABqhpRnHt2PW-5L5yqdPG64L-zvPXtQ8QnYmvqv0lIwlFc5Z48zwrwpNV0BJMjGAP6-m5RdxS6nHQyFvfcpP__w8MzsLGffTQF3zXAqdfLwwlNFlHx32WGoWN/w255-h400/AlphaCore1.png" width="255" /></a></div><p>The issue opens with a masked man holding a woman at gunpoint in front of Texas Trust. He threatens everyone to back off or he'll blow everybody up since he has explosives strapped around himself. The area is surrounded by an armed police force. The one in charge tells the man to drop the gun and that nobody needs to die today. The man says everyone will die today and he's ready to go. Just then he is lifted off the ground, which surprises the female hostage.</p><p>Bryan Solari is holding onto the gunman, who open fires on him. The bullets bounce off him, though Bryan complains they still hurt and his cape isn't free. Bryan asks the gunman if he can disarm the explosives. When the gunman says no, Bryan says he isn't needed and lets him drop as he tosses the explosives away. The man's vest explodes harmlessly in the air as the gunman lands in a pool on the roof of a hotel resort. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMnfnOhHYlL1eh94jYSIUkbQMu6Axz67pc_jBrbPUeLJ-HxJur5jtYuno6lb1cCZUG4lWwBhkl0OvP7da0vruQb4bewMN-wOg86nYdXhQlXpc2PKuSGZL3XYH84Nr5ZzsxabIqH-9yiDiVMHQ_o8m0oXJnLddxumzh2iVxpNUyoT3GKf1OM3IPpwHwkxG/s1512/AlphaCore2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="880" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMnfnOhHYlL1eh94jYSIUkbQMu6Axz67pc_jBrbPUeLJ-HxJur5jtYuno6lb1cCZUG4lWwBhkl0OvP7da0vruQb4bewMN-wOg86nYdXhQlXpc2PKuSGZL3XYH84Nr5ZzsxabIqH-9yiDiVMHQ_o8m0oXJnLddxumzh2iVxpNUyoT3GKf1OM3IPpwHwkxG/w233-h400/AlphaCore2.png" width="233" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Bryan grabs the gunman and asks him what type of explosives he armed his vest with. The gunman seems surprised his vest actually exploded. Bryan returns and hands the man over to the officer in charge, named Flynn. Flynn is angry that Bryan 'interfered' despite the fact that the man was not an Except, which are super powered individuals. He says the police had this handled and they didn't need Bryan to jump in and 'save the day'. He reminds him that he's only to be called upon when dealing with Excepts. Bryan has enough of this and flies off as Flynn threatens to write him up.</p><p>Elsewhere Lilian sees the news about the events at Texas Trust and asks Michael if he was involved. Michael is convinced the explosion would wipe out all traces of him, until Lilian shows him that a member of AlphaCore ruined his scheme. Lilian asks if he was desperate enough to arrange a bank robbery and Michael explains he didn't want to rob the bank but clean up a minor indiscretion. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX_tU6_wpWh2T_9vMsRbFiM4gLg56u3YwYwQr1w6p975bDoONKIq-QTwsPiooduEkX1IGes5uWz900K1OJhE7e_ZGXG0tetwam-baeL-vCzH41ASCa2wh7Tr2PXQgCoA8CYei0HejNxcfWjct4tsfpqxaakEmltqKhg3RVyl0HCCZAkRqgcBEJrZlBCxKd/s1178/BadGuys1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1178" data-original-width="979" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX_tU6_wpWh2T_9vMsRbFiM4gLg56u3YwYwQr1w6p975bDoONKIq-QTwsPiooduEkX1IGes5uWz900K1OJhE7e_ZGXG0tetwam-baeL-vCzH41ASCa2wh7Tr2PXQgCoA8CYei0HejNxcfWjct4tsfpqxaakEmltqKhg3RVyl0HCCZAkRqgcBEJrZlBCxKd/w333-h400/BadGuys1.jpg" width="333" /></a></div><p>Michael explains he had funds in a deposit funds he couldn't justify and the explosive was supposed to go off inside the vault. Lilian says now they have a living accomplice that can be questioned and they can link the funds back to Michael. Michael says he will take care of the money problem as well as the accomplice, but they have a bigger ongoing problem.</p><p>Bryan arrives at a floating station of sorts and a military man named Ray says they didn't get an alpha signal with that last call. Bryan and Ray agree he was just winging it. Ray tells Bryan that calling their station 'Airpod One' or 'The Pod' doesn't sound sexy and suggests calling it The Aerie instead. Bryan asks what that means and Ray says it means Eagle's Nest. Bryan says they can call the station that.</p><p>As Bryan enters the command area, Valdez is not happy that Bryan is all over the news. Sandy tells him it's problematic. The man on the news argues about the guidelines set when the city decided to employ Excepts. The reporter asks him if it really matters since this led to a happy ending. The man argues about what can keep people safe from Excepts if they can do whatever they want. </p><p>Bryan doesn't care about the news but Valdez tells him that if the public opinion turns against them, they could shut down the whole program. Bryan asks about a carwash opening they showed up for and Valdez says it was a favor for a friend. Bryan and Valdez start to argue and the military man tries to break it up. Ray reminds Bryan and Valdez that they're on the same team and sends them off to chill.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYuPKALmxnQ4gtR4KJ4xaYv4zfiZnXmG24sve80ogGmI9-KL35BMgvzMpMhyzS7y11Dx3ERAoDCjFlqvAJ9-MJdpleUUyjnu7T27xA5vmpfQ0xqEC14IR61zubsDW3BQkGMCGME_pvIpO-lkC2iKpC110wmX-oowV08jQQlEe6PS2_qDEAzwE2YGJBFV3F/s991/AlphaCore3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="947" data-original-width="991" height="383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYuPKALmxnQ4gtR4KJ4xaYv4zfiZnXmG24sve80ogGmI9-KL35BMgvzMpMhyzS7y11Dx3ERAoDCjFlqvAJ9-MJdpleUUyjnu7T27xA5vmpfQ0xqEC14IR61zubsDW3BQkGMCGME_pvIpO-lkC2iKpC110wmX-oowV08jQQlEe6PS2_qDEAzwE2YGJBFV3F/w400-h383/AlphaCore3.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Just then there's a call for AlphaCore's assistance from Sgt. Davies Sandy wants them to confirm that there's an Except on the scene or they can't act based on the restrictions of the Fawcett Act. The Sergeant confirms this and a member of AlphaCore is sent on their way. The officers are currently under attack by an inmate that has some sort of electric powers. The officers tell the man that they have a warrant for Gloria Pickens for felony theft and he doesn't need to get involved. The man says Gloria isn't going anymore and starts attacking the officers with his powers. Just then Braxwell arrives.</p><p>Braxwell hits the man with a flying kick across the face, knocking him down and making him bite his tongue. Braxwell stomps on a nearby pipe, hard enough to break the handle and make water shoot out. The water shorts the man out, knocking him out. The police arrest Gloria, and she asks if this all this was over shoplifting at the dollar store. Sgt. Davies thanks Braxwell, but this member of AlphaCore is a man of few words and just takes off. </p><p>Elsewhere, the police question the gunman from earlier, which we learn is named Cecil, and ask when he learned to make bombs. Cecil says he got the information off the internet but doesn't remember what website. Cecil's lawyer, Ridley Vanessen arrives to take over the case. He's the same person that was bad mouthing Bryan earlier on the news.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTpQftu3cVoPkbBC_fYGKQ7posLNSe-tcVju6KIEwmEqzOWfDI9K2h_zemoDLW3wnEqGU1oEd1ARr9vnkxfgrHMESAizLJFx-qy4sKaNf6uKjmdxSwYLT7NiycOZL92zxjPgOtau3IznveiqWV4LOOxYS2MgtKTptZYX1mk1fT7J0ouFWEOe7ME288bu8/s1199/alphacore6.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="1199" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTpQftu3cVoPkbBC_fYGKQ7posLNSe-tcVju6KIEwmEqzOWfDI9K2h_zemoDLW3wnEqGU1oEd1ARr9vnkxfgrHMESAizLJFx-qy4sKaNf6uKjmdxSwYLT7NiycOZL92zxjPgOtau3IznveiqWV4LOOxYS2MgtKTptZYX1mk1fT7J0ouFWEOe7ME288bu8/w400-h199/alphacore6.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>At the police department, the police chief reminds Bryan that AlphaCore are not first responders. They are to be the last responders in case of Excepts that the police can't handle. He tells Bryan to 'cool it' for now after the Texas Trust incident made the news. Bryan asks if flying through the city and patrolling for crimes to stop is a bad thing. The chief tells him he's not in the army now, but with the police force, and sometimes being with the police means using diplomacy. They want to avoid the mayor getting involved. With that Bryan takes off.</p><p>The lawyer talks to Cecil and confirms that he didn't say anything to the police, except that he was told that the bomb was fake. Ridley has him sign paperwork that will allow him to speak on his behalf. Ridley heads off to see his next client, Galvan, who turned out to be the electric-using Except that Braxwell took down earlier. </p><p>Meanwhile, Michael is having dinner with a woman until Lilian arrives to shoo her off. She asks Michael if there isn't something he should be taking care of. He says he never gets his hands dirty and left it up to a third party.</p><p>At the prison, Galvan asks an officer for a smoke. The officer figures there's nothing electrical about a cigarette lighter and lights him up. Galvan grabs his arms and pulls him towards his cell. The cop tries to reach for his gun, but Galvan is more concerned about grabbing his taser so he can re-energize himself. Just then another cop shows up and she tases Galvan. Galvan uses the electricity to zap both police officers and makes his escape. He goes to see Cecil and says their lawyer sent him to collect a fee.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuOag1l4fn5UUJO4MOlnJg_VxWxcWmtxVLR62eRg2xM30yNF87iWeM6PKsvcKiEOET3Km9GTlWm6RHX8_65hccIOIGWNGU8lDv44d_Y7QQLReInMuf54ciREfEVWxs0qX96wOdBHuCYBm9rgDvJpmElbEK5IH1o38jR4OcaE4ZrHg7BLbJ_yv7G9odx-wU/s989/AlphaCore4.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="908" data-original-width="989" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuOag1l4fn5UUJO4MOlnJg_VxWxcWmtxVLR62eRg2xM30yNF87iWeM6PKsvcKiEOET3Km9GTlWm6RHX8_65hccIOIGWNGU8lDv44d_Y7QQLReInMuf54ciREfEVWxs0qX96wOdBHuCYBm9rgDvJpmElbEK5IH1o38jR4OcaE4ZrHg7BLbJ_yv7G9odx-wU/w400-h368/AlphaCore4.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Sometime later the police find Cecil burnt to a husk. They wonder why Galvan stopped to kill Cecil since he could have just gotten away after zapping the police unconscious. They figure Galvan might have had beef with Cecil, or it was a contract, but it's hard to tell with a headcase like him. Just then Bryan and Valdez arrive and Bryan shows the list of visitors showing that both Galvan and Cecil were visited by Ridley Vanessen. The police question why AlphaCore is there and Bryan says this is murder by Except and could possibly lead to more Excepts being involved. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdxnRSxHC2U3UIaQpm2JOtw6RK_2X4VTrNKnUOphLNnfNIUb71aYPPzs0DTqkENu5-9qZWuwvv2mxOeZtAlHeDvc-CLm8hlTw_8WnZJO509C4Bk90mlqWhq1KZFGQrD9_FKCvyMDLYw2yEBwZQ9Lx_M3MmpX1Yxc-Op0e4auevU5hI0JNWp1i8eHjAvLE/s1165/AlphaCore5.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1165" data-original-width="1056" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdxnRSxHC2U3UIaQpm2JOtw6RK_2X4VTrNKnUOphLNnfNIUb71aYPPzs0DTqkENu5-9qZWuwvv2mxOeZtAlHeDvc-CLm8hlTw_8WnZJO509C4Bk90mlqWhq1KZFGQrD9_FKCvyMDLYw2yEBwZQ9Lx_M3MmpX1Yxc-Op0e4auevU5hI0JNWp1i8eHjAvLE/w363-h400/AlphaCore5.png" width="363" /></a></div><p>Sgt Davies asks Bryan if he wasn't waved off the bank robber case. Bryan says it wasn't made official, and that Ridley is trying to hang him in the media for some reason. Another officer asks what beef Ridley has with him and Bryan isn't sure but it might be political. Valdez says her addition to the team changed things and they haven't made the proper friends in the right places. Another officer named Wilkins arrives with a list of known associates for Galvan. </p><p>Davies and his partner will go after Ridley while Bryan goes to take another look at Texas Trust. Valdez will go after Galvan and says she'll have to take a cab. The officers find out that Valdez can't fly, and she's not about to be Bryan's passenger. As the police leave, Wilkins offers Valdez a ride.</p><p>Elsewhere, Lilian is furious at Michael, while he's trying to play indoor golf. Lilian says he sent one pawn to take out the other but they're connected by the same lawyer. Michael says he placed a call. It's not someone that Lilian knows but it's someone that will get the job done. Elsewhere we see an old woman wake up a man named Billy Bob, telling him he should have been at the bank earlier. Lilian tells Michael to call it off, and she will handle this herself with more subtlety. </p><p>At Texas Trust, a man with a cowboy hat and purple suit shows up asking for deposit box J-4-9. The bank manager tells him that he will need authorization and two forms of ID. The man gives the manager a look and somehow convinces him to go ahead without verification. The manager leads him to the safety deposit box and the man takes what he needs. The man kindly heads off with the items just as Bryan arrives to ask for the bank manager.</p><p>Valdez rides with Wilkins and is bored by the drawn out process. Wilkins says since she can't fly, the police force should equip her with some sort of fancy car. Valdez snaps at him telling him that she doesn't have a superhero name and isn't a comic book character. She apologizes and says she's not a freak, and asks to be treated like a police officer. They check the next known associate of Galvan, a man named Samuel Luis Montana. Samuel and Galvan once shared a cell at Stony River. </p><p>Valdez and Wilkins knock on the door and say they have a warrant. Wilkins can hear that a TV was on and was shut off. He lights up his finger and deals with the locks. Valdez is surprised to find out that Wilkins is an Except. Once inside, Wilkins gets blasted and is unconscious. Galvan asks Valdez if they came for Montana and says he's currently not home. He attacks Valdez and knocks her to the ground with his electric powers.</p><p>Back to Texas Trust, Billy Bob shows up and he turns into a monster engulfed in flames. Bryan tells the bank manager to call the ambulance, police and fire department. He flies towards Billy Bob to stop him. </p><p>Valdez gets behind an overturned couch as Galvan attacks her. He says there isn't a place to hide since it's a one room apartment. Valdez says he's the one trapped with her, as she wraps one of her energy ropes around his ankle. She pulls back, making Galvan fall backward and hit his head on the floor and bite his tongue again. Valdez wraps her energy ropes around his neck, but he sends her flying back with a blast of electricity. </p><p>At Texas Trust, Billy Bob is breathing fire towards Bryan, who shields himself with a desk. He gets close enough to him to smack him in the face with the desk hard enough to knock him back.</p><p>Meanwhile Wilkins opens fire upon Galvan, but he is able to use his powers to stop the bullets. However, this buys Valdez enough time to come in and sock Galvan across the jaw.</p><p>Bryan gets closer to Billy Bob, but the villain breathes fire all over him. Bryan withstands the flames the most he can before he finally passes out. </p><p>Galvan is sent flying out the window and lands on a dumpster one story down. Valdez thanks Wilkins for the help and tells him to call special services and make sure they bring a rubber bag.</p><p>With Bryan defeated, Billy Bob goes for the safe and looks for the safety deposit box. The bank teller rushes in and closes the vault door, locking him inside. Bryan gets up and tells him he's locked with all the money. The bank teller says he's also locked with a limited amount of oxygen. Billy Bob ignites himself but is unable to sustain his flames. He soon loses his breath and passes out.</p><p>Valdez apologizes to Wilkins thinking he was treating her like a freak but it turns out he's one too. Wilkins says his power is just a party trick and he's pretty low on the scale. Valdez says he's still an Except and if he works on it, he can get higher on the scale.</p><p>Police arrive to douse Billy Bob and make sure he stays out. Bryan and the bank manager rewind the security footage to see what he was after. They see that he was after the security box and check it out. The bank manager says the box is registered to Bravo United, a shell company in Nevada. The only thing inside seems to be an envelope. Bryan says maybe it's an Elvis autograph.</p><p>Meanwhile, Ridley is on TV discussing whether or not the hiring of Excepts within law enforcement is escalating crime. After the show, police detectives Briggs and Johnson confront Ridley. They mention that one of his clients killed the other and ask who's paying his fees since he's not a public defender. Ridley excuses himself and goes to the bathroom. There the man in the purple suit confronts him and shows him the contents of the safety deposit box.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6sIpiGYm_PLoQ8WwyjaBRnjvJ1tvOlI0Nko509-C3-WjBNlJeUq4XSo3CtciMwTT35BvHQvH83iFIzUPIKI__AhzJvZjb59mzJ_lxW27F5oSk29EMX_tK4Aa2TPsREb3NHFOlPyahFHwmeP6uIagczrJ9kV9LkqYCe5weCIxD0vbsBdrAXqItyyXVCfeH/s825/alphacore11.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6sIpiGYm_PLoQ8WwyjaBRnjvJ1tvOlI0Nko509-C3-WjBNlJeUq4XSo3CtciMwTT35BvHQvH83iFIzUPIKI__AhzJvZjb59mzJ_lxW27F5oSk29EMX_tK4Aa2TPsREb3NHFOlPyahFHwmeP6uIagczrJ9kV9LkqYCe5weCIxD0vbsBdrAXqItyyXVCfeH/w371-h400/alphacore11.png" width="371" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Briggs and Johnson are still waiting outside the bathroom as the man in the purple suit leaves. They waited long enough and bust into the bathroom. They see that Ridley was thrown out the window and onto a car on the streets below, now dead. </p><p>Back at The Aerie, Bryan shows the team the envelope big enough for someone to kill over. Valdez asks about the shades he's wearing, and it's cover up the fact that Billy Bob singed off his eyebrows. </p><p>Briggs and Johnsons check the bank security version and see how the man in the purple suit was just allowed into the safety deposit box without so much as signing in. Nobody at the bank even remembers seeing him there. Johnson asks if Briggs thinks that this man shoved Ripley out the window. Briggs says she thinks that the man talked him into it.</p><p>AlphaCore see that the envelope contains a thumb drive, but Sandy is hesitant to see what's in it due to possible malware. Valdez isn't happy to see that Bryan obtained it without the proper paperwork. Just then AlphaCore are being called out for another mission. Briggs and Johnson call for support and tell them to make sure whoever they send is prepared for this particular Except's abilities. Braxwell is on the case.</p><p>Elsewhere, Lilian is getting a massage and tells Michael that she cleaned up his mess before he sent Billy Bob to the bank. Michael asks about the money and Lilian says it's payment for her doing clean up. Michael asks what they found in the safety deposit box. Lilian says it will be something to keep the Florespark police ready if they take the bait. She asks if his thugs will keep their mouths shut, since she already took care of Ridley. Michael assures her that he paid Galvan and Billy Bob with a burner phone. She decides to reward him with a massage, as an attractive female masseuse awaits.</p><p>Braxwell arrives to help out Briggs and Johnson. They find the man, this time in casual attire, and he tries to convince Braxwell that he's the wrong guy and they never saw him. Braxwell grabs him and covers his mouth, as we see that his helmet is playing loud music to block out the Except's suggestions. Just then some thugs arrive to protect 'Benny'.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHYTUm1asjomBFYEA7sxuE3uv3OUxdJloCSe7uR7BSu9P55q02oF60RUV3aD-e0bh18HlCsRPBOpyy1Is6nPrknrj7IsZTrpRXoreQyYL76Dv735EmZFdCuw00rw4iTA_h3AZOzWRMGZBrBge79tevE5J1OL91NRlYx7CqL-P0pej5vjqCzH8a8hL9DF2C/s1321/alphacore7.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="1321" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHYTUm1asjomBFYEA7sxuE3uv3OUxdJloCSe7uR7BSu9P55q02oF60RUV3aD-e0bh18HlCsRPBOpyy1Is6nPrknrj7IsZTrpRXoreQyYL76Dv735EmZFdCuw00rw4iTA_h3AZOzWRMGZBrBge79tevE5J1OL91NRlYx7CqL-P0pej5vjqCzH8a8hL9DF2C/w400-h195/alphacore7.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Meanwhile Sandy says there's no way to know what horrible things are on the thumb drive and Bryan grabs it, saying there's only one way to find out. Bryan pops the thumb drive in and the computer sparks with electricity hard enough to knock Sandy back. Bryan asks if the system is just rebooting but Valdez says this is what a virus looks like. They've been hijacked. The aircraft suddenly jolts hard and the entire thing is about to crash. Ray tries to stop it but the ship is out of their control. Braxwell is busy trying up the criminals when Briggs notices that the AlphaCore aircraft is in trouble. He flies off to help. </p><p>At a party, Lilian excuses herself as she checks on her phone. Michael finds her and asks if she's playing a game on her phone. Lilian says if it were a game, they've already won.</p><p>The Aerie is headed towards downtown. Bryan is flying outside of it and telling Ray to stop it. Ray reminds him that the aircraft is out of their control. It's being controlled by whoever set them up with that thumb drive. Valdez determines that they're going to crash into the police station. Lilian is watching through her phone and says that Valdez is right. Bryan gets under the aircraft and tries to stop its momentum.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4rjZh4MJmjmC_uCMflVgnW2a74zmHP_jKzJIexFQTXHJzeQ25z9DSl3gCwH8Hm7458ObOp7OzTJKWKRlJlV-h5s5b5byHovB_7Mcmglpg0yq6hac7-c6FzYf800gqqiBjaSygsGAela9r3wzQGXHGoAPQHu0CL2pmvN3uD2Jcbw7DpUbxWlIVYCXe-zH/s978/alphacore8.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="706" data-original-width="978" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4rjZh4MJmjmC_uCMflVgnW2a74zmHP_jKzJIexFQTXHJzeQ25z9DSl3gCwH8Hm7458ObOp7OzTJKWKRlJlV-h5s5b5byHovB_7Mcmglpg0yq6hac7-c6FzYf800gqqiBjaSygsGAela9r3wzQGXHGoAPQHu0CL2pmvN3uD2Jcbw7DpUbxWlIVYCXe-zH/w400-h289/alphacore8.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>The aircraft crashes into buildings as it heads towards the police station. Bryan flies out of the way and Braxwell arrives in time to rescue bystanders from the falling debris. Ray warns the police station that they're headed in their direction while Lilian and Michael smile at their dirty work. The police evacuate but Wilkins stays behind. Bryan and Braxwell fly in to get Valdez and the rest out of the aircraft. Ryan says they'll stay as long as there's a chance to stop this. Michael is impressed that Lilian orchestrated a way to take out both AlphaCore and the Florespark police.</p><p>Wilkins activates his powers and says he won't let this happen in his town. He overloads his powers and stops The Aerie from crashing as his nose starts to bleed. Bryan notices that The Aerie stopped moving and finds Wilkins lying dead in the area. Valdez says he was an Except but was keeping that hidden. Later on a funeral was being held for Wilkins.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYRJ7A-p6xzzn6UswxnuP3wlZ5apf2aKgdMiTd0ilfQHKPmfWpDzAlVHIob1ifvkyrtzzuE46zDjUdanyOoxjth2_q3B8_dg_Hzn9oxPl-VUCYmtGQrYnXQVqqgWsNMt5C2d4wJ79SiHb4a7Km9JhkixdmQbSSeEPUvwH-NagXmgP59403Cbh1S6iBgev-/s1152/alphacore9.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="635" data-original-width="1152" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYRJ7A-p6xzzn6UswxnuP3wlZ5apf2aKgdMiTd0ilfQHKPmfWpDzAlVHIob1ifvkyrtzzuE46zDjUdanyOoxjth2_q3B8_dg_Hzn9oxPl-VUCYmtGQrYnXQVqqgWsNMt5C2d4wJ79SiHb4a7Km9JhkixdmQbSSeEPUvwH-NagXmgP59403Cbh1S6iBgev-/w400-h220/alphacore9.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Michael and Lilian prepare to board a plane for a vacation in Cabo. Lilian is angry she lost but Michael says they did set the police back and affected their budget. Lilian wanted the complete destruction of the police force. </p><p>Just then AlphaCore arrive and tells them they've found their long list of shell companies and how all them are tied to illegal activity. Micheal and Lilian say they have no proof of such and their lawyers would consider what they're doing as harassment. They tell them to contact their lawyers as they have a plane to catch. Valdez uses her energy whips to slice off one of the plane's wings and says their vacation has been delayed due to engine trouble. As AlphaCore leave, Bryan says Valdez will have to explain herself. Valdez says she'll come up with something and to not ruin the moment. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5rmLG0Hk4qDTkbiCCmoe4j6OZAr8PVoux6qU8iWZZbEINDtoyERtHanIHzJyeH2ZMTpJ26p88Dv98IFl9kwU1uyHVuj4T7dpmXQNbf0pb6s4dtvWI6XIXHwjk5SDtX3YnbOWnLRATP7vZqHk-uf0ChkPC4ECYkRdhjKgJYeMUj7E4JoIgvqy6pwxuFCEL/s1138/alphacore10.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1138" data-original-width="1016" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5rmLG0Hk4qDTkbiCCmoe4j6OZAr8PVoux6qU8iWZZbEINDtoyERtHanIHzJyeH2ZMTpJ26p88Dv98IFl9kwU1uyHVuj4T7dpmXQNbf0pb6s4dtvWI6XIXHwjk5SDtX3YnbOWnLRATP7vZqHk-uf0ChkPC4ECYkRdhjKgJYeMUj7E4JoIgvqy6pwxuFCEL/w358-h400/alphacore10.png" width="358" /></a></div><p><b>My Thoughts-</b></p><p>This was a pretty fun read and I liked how the story continued to escalate as Michael and Lilian kept bringing more Excepts into the mix. Even though those two got away for now, this felt like a more self-contained story and it didn't end on some major cliffhanger other than that one loose end. As I thought, Michael and Lilian were the mysterious Excepts seen in Darren's night club in the first issue of Isom. The most we know about their actual powers is that Lilian can emit some sort of energy from her fingers while Michael makes his eyes glow. They both prefer to work behind the scenes and let other more abrasive Excepts do the dirty work.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBgUbfeoHxkeVD2_fGFhGIkhKtj7qNbo20mjqqmvXYQAP6-rEqZjAbZYpi2xST3t19iXK05sFtpgyHjE7wLvMbtxvDrPpgDpaz5jAyDQscDJhMQKwDyhMkadN0Lql3f6uI1OES0b82IlL3O2CSW20WfrXKbGikpjlXBGtX8V-kS1a_nVX40mKHXb7-79H/s1174/badguys2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="1174" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBgUbfeoHxkeVD2_fGFhGIkhKtj7qNbo20mjqqmvXYQAP6-rEqZjAbZYpi2xST3t19iXK05sFtpgyHjE7wLvMbtxvDrPpgDpaz5jAyDQscDJhMQKwDyhMkadN0Lql3f6uI1OES0b82IlL3O2CSW20WfrXKbGikpjlXBGtX8V-kS1a_nVX40mKHXb7-79H/w400-h271/badguys2.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>AlphaCore has great characters and we do see their established personalities and how they bounce off each other. </div><div><br /></div><div>Bryan leads AlphaCore and he has a very impulsive 'act first and ask questions later' personality. It was stupid of him to insert that thumb drive despite the warnings, but it was consistent with how he was acting throughout the story. When it comes to powers, he's pretty much Superman but without being overpowered, and not having tons of additional powers aside from super strength and flight. </div><p>Valdez can't fly but uses energy whips. She's a bit of a hot head and has a chip on her shoulder on how people see her as an Except. She's a lot more by the book than Bryan, which makes the two of them butt heads. </p><p>So far it seems Braxwell can only fly and have possible above-normal strength. He's the stoic silent type, and more down to business. He comes in, takes down the bad guys and flies away. I like the scene where everyone was laughing at Bryan's shades, and Valdez says 'even Braxwell is laughing at him in his own way' and we see him smiling.</p><p>There are two other members of AlphaCore that are the regular humans working with the main team on the Aerie. Sandy seems to be the techie of the team. Ray seems to be the overall leader of the organization and keeps everyone in line. </p><p>Other than Michael and Lilian we get some Except villains in the form of Galvan, Billy Bob and Benny. Galvan is insane and Billy Bob is a brute, so the most dangerous one is Benny. As we saw with Ridley, Benny can literally convince you into killing yourself with his powers of persuasion. Ridley was a danger in his own right since he was trying to slander AlphaCore to the point of possibly getting the whole program shut down. It's a shame he died since a more political type of enemy would make the story interesting, similar to Spider-Man and J. Johan Jameson. Perhaps someone else can continue the slander, using Ridley's death as a talking point in a future story.</p><p>What we learned about AlphaCore is that the program of Excepts working alongside actual law enforcement is relatively new in the gran scheme of things, so there are still trust issues. After all, what would regular humans do if Bryan, Valdez and Braxwell decided to go AWOL. They are under a strict leash however, as they are only allowed to help if the police need help against Excepts. Most of the conflict falls upon Bryan thinking he should be able to help out in any way he can, with or without Except criminals. This coincides with Isom # 1 in which Yaira was causing trouble and she was such a powerful threat that they needed to call in all 3 Except members of AlphaCore.</p><p>The story is full of action and super-powered fights and was a lot of fun. From what I heard, Eric July gave the writer Chuck Dixon full reigns with this story, after being given a basic outline of the characters and their personalities. I'm sure somewhere there was a memo for 'make sure Braxwell barely ever talks'. </p><p>Overall a fun read and I'm eager for more of AlphaCore and future Rippaverse projects. So far upcoming projects include Yaira # 1, Isom # 3, a new series called The Horseman, Goodyng # 1 and the recently announced Bloodruth # 1. There is also a Rippazine, a magazine with news and updates on upcoming projects as well as a 13-page story with a new character named Salvage P.I. Looks like there will be a lot more books to check out in the months to come. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6EVGt3wqsL5vYKizCvrCbcHUMW7_sVxSiUaC-4PBcW4apQwG4UhCuA1QW7V1JUr8FMPS7xZaMDNlYPCIfIa1y6ZcapmNRcX_ELetfmVCbPcOZ8H1cULkGBAiLTNIQI2zGzb2oaCP007sDYKPyUbzL4Yyqpsli1lvqmyrCq4J3todlONAHJxgprT-4N_kF/s864/AlphaCorepic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="860" data-original-width="864" height="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6EVGt3wqsL5vYKizCvrCbcHUMW7_sVxSiUaC-4PBcW4apQwG4UhCuA1QW7V1JUr8FMPS7xZaMDNlYPCIfIa1y6ZcapmNRcX_ELetfmVCbPcOZ8H1cULkGBAiLTNIQI2zGzb2oaCP007sDYKPyUbzL4Yyqpsli1lvqmyrCq4J3todlONAHJxgprT-4N_kF/w400-h399/AlphaCorepic.png" width="400" /></a></div>MarkRodriguez09http://www.blogger.com/profile/10564869853180264503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464060983911849885.post-35158007242564713412024-03-06T19:58:00.000-08:002024-03-07T18:40:26.354-08:00TMNT Saturday Morning Adventures Continued- Halloween Special<p> By Mark Rodriguez</p><p>Even though 2023 didn't have a proper Halloween Comicfest, it didn't stop the 80's Turtles from having their Halloween Special anyways. Let's check out this bonus one-shot.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizLeTn8bOJbpJRi0sOr1uL1J69UKYBifbgdcXrfrINqPO0YTeBebVng3m4hjlsXO7elde1RFvfIOmk-ogDGBZQW79kubpLoYW7hxc1GG5hVPFwIk5wPt8dkLFQ8N7ltdY07eD76RjjSkoLUtWxtRS6mp-3qCrXttuuFZDPVi2BA9aNiVRisZ2uVDgAj2GD/s1172/TMNT-Halloween.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1172" data-original-width="736" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizLeTn8bOJbpJRi0sOr1uL1J69UKYBifbgdcXrfrINqPO0YTeBebVng3m4hjlsXO7elde1RFvfIOmk-ogDGBZQW79kubpLoYW7hxc1GG5hVPFwIk5wPt8dkLFQ8N7ltdY07eD76RjjSkoLUtWxtRS6mp-3qCrXttuuFZDPVi2BA9aNiVRisZ2uVDgAj2GD/w251-h400/TMNT-Halloween.png" width="251" /></a></div><p>The issue opens with some kids telling each other horror stories around the campfire until a monster villain 'Hook Hand Mitch' attacks them. This is a movie the Turtles are watching and Donatello wonders how the monster can run the chainsaw with hooks for hands. Leonardo wonders if the kids have a strategy. Splinter turns off the TV and says the kids have no strategy, only fear. He says fear can also cause people to rush into a mistake. Michealangelo appreciates the lesson but wants to see the rest of the movie. Splinter says he can use his imagination while going out on patrol. Raphael wonders if they have to go out that night since all the weirdos come out that night.</p><p>The Turtles go on patrol and Michealangelo is worried about the combination of it being a full moon on a Halloween night. The others tell him not to worry and Donatello says there aren't any real monsters out there. Michealangelo points out that they have dealt with aliens, ghosts and monsters during their adventures. He mentions Creepy Eddie and he just so happens to show up to terrorize the Turtles.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJx5nT4WYsOIsNYHgGbeoSHGZ2c-QXnv3W1FEAg7AR1cMZp76e058uvMFcH2C-DjImmh1n9KJS92TEbRxKqovywk6ddCERsiRd6MynnndrBsfA0kagjLJTyokjNsut6AEcUDkW9eU-PgLIhsRE0wJIMtsNuQaLDX3h58fK4tDRJW4IcWTOgS_QLeEfTsNW/s1081/turtles1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1011" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJx5nT4WYsOIsNYHgGbeoSHGZ2c-QXnv3W1FEAg7AR1cMZp76e058uvMFcH2C-DjImmh1n9KJS92TEbRxKqovywk6ddCERsiRd6MynnndrBsfA0kagjLJTyokjNsut6AEcUDkW9eU-PgLIhsRE0wJIMtsNuQaLDX3h58fK4tDRJW4IcWTOgS_QLeEfTsNW/w374-h400/turtles1.png" width="374" /></a></div><p>Creepy Eddie swallows the Turtles and spits them out in NightmareLand. Donatello wonders how he's here since they aren't attached to his dream machine from before. Eddie says the rules are different on Halloween and someone just has to say his name three times to summon him. Leonardo says none of them said his name three times (Mikey, Raph and Don mentioned him individually) and Eddie says it still counts, since deep down everybody is someone.</p><p>Just then Eddie's lawyer, Phil, shows up and tells him to keep the puns to a minimum. Raphael asks how puns are bad but kidnapping four turtles is alright. Eddie wants payback from their last encounter so he challenges them to get to the end of the yellow brick road by midnight or they'll be stuck in NightmareLand forever. Phil reminds them that the yellow brick road is public domain. Phil reminds Eddie that he can't harm the Turtles, and Eddie points out that their nightmares will.</p><p>Raphael asks if they blew up Creepy Eddie the last time. Donatello says he's an extradimensional being so he probably doesn't follow the rules of physics. The Turtles head down the yellow brick road to get this over with, and Eddie turns into a roller coaster car and scoops them up. </p><p>Creepy Eddie dumps the Turtles into a post-apocalyptic version of New York, though Raphael asks if there's a difference. The Turtles are attacked by a zombie pizza monster, and even when Leonardo slices it in half, it still comes after them. Raphael grabs a sewer lid and the Turtles make their escape. The sewer is more of the yellow brick road along a path with trees and such since the rules of logic don't apply. They are then stopped by a ghost.</p><p>Raphael asks for the toll or three questions, or whatever they will need to get past him and the ghost knocks him back. As the ghost swings his sword at Leonardo, the Turtle wonders if he's Shibano-Sama, the founder of the Foot Clan. Michealangelo says he thought Hamato Koji founded the Foot Clan. Raphael says he did during a retcon. Donatello says he must be something from their subconscious and isn't really there, but Leonardo points out he really can attack them.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAz2NWd_JXm6Bk5Z1h-IdN4qtjvHJTWVhn0tfJfGQO-wxX6Jq81B4lrWWzDeB2OqfYJ-9GA0e7ijFFd2kn-AU8IdVf-1f6YK7fxMxUP4oE4stSIze0k6xNmcS-iaGXfUSNHluIMMt6DiR3Q_PFjNLalzV1eVJeKLQ3jI31Mu6FIZJIJ-lj5rHe7iaCTBT6/s1173/turtles2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1035" data-original-width="1173" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAz2NWd_JXm6Bk5Z1h-IdN4qtjvHJTWVhn0tfJfGQO-wxX6Jq81B4lrWWzDeB2OqfYJ-9GA0e7ijFFd2kn-AU8IdVf-1f6YK7fxMxUP4oE4stSIze0k6xNmcS-iaGXfUSNHluIMMt6DiR3Q_PFjNLalzV1eVJeKLQ3jI31Mu6FIZJIJ-lj5rHe7iaCTBT6/w400-h353/turtles2.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Shibano-Sama says they're not listening so it just proves that they aren't worthy, He transforms into a monster and the Turtles make a run for it. Leonardo notices that they're being chased away from the yellow brick road and stops. Leonardo mentions what Master Splinter said about fear making them rush into a mistake. Leonardo says they don't actually have to fight the monster, but they can dodge his attacks and get past it. As they're back on the road, the monster stops chasing them. Raphael points out that the nightmare being related to 'not being worthy' is most likely tied to Leonardo.</p><p>Creepy Eddie appears as a tree and taunts the Turtles about their time running out. Raphael tells the readers that he hopes whoever came up with the idea to bring Creepy Eddie back trips into a patch of poison ivy.</p><p>As the Turtles run, they see a black and white classic version of Irma telling them that her friend May was kidnapped by the evil scientist Frankenturtle. Raphael says this is a delay tactic, but Michealangelo wonders if someone really does need help. Leonardo says they can't take the chance of not helping someone in need. The Turtles run towards the castle as we see the human version of Baxter Stockman (with an extra evil mustache) holding 'May' hostage. The Turtles bust in and Baxter sends out his henchmen.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFoeYXO7td26hpcEKx7DpCm6CmMnUaZrgikCGtWFN7pdVBO6MWx-r6jU3-_s0JomqpiExvuW-3_VGTroR1wWhH7WWoCBvDqTbKejccgnn4ATivOjeC-YKJlxhzua0S-LxHZNM_s5rHaeKiswnmaMkXQc5dKOVH3qe7mKt1ra5B4EU6IWOaAhotwIgFW0L9/s1149/turtles3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="673" data-original-width="1149" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFoeYXO7td26hpcEKx7DpCm6CmMnUaZrgikCGtWFN7pdVBO6MWx-r6jU3-_s0JomqpiExvuW-3_VGTroR1wWhH7WWoCBvDqTbKejccgnn4ATivOjeC-YKJlxhzua0S-LxHZNM_s5rHaeKiswnmaMkXQc5dKOVH3qe7mKt1ra5B4EU6IWOaAhotwIgFW0L9/w400-h234/turtles3.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Baxter's henchmen are monster versions of the kids from the horror movie, in the forms of a werewolf, vampire, mummy and Hook Hand Mitch himself. As the Turtles fight them off, Michealangelo wonders why they have to do what they always do if they're in a dream dimension. Donatello agrees and says they've been fighting against dream logic instead of using it. He then attacks one of the monsters with an energy charged kick.</p><p>Michealangelo uses his nunchucks to send out freezing winds that puts Hook Hand Mitch on ice. Leonardo turns his sword into a 'Garlikatana' and uses it against the vampire. Raphael just pulls a handle for a random trap door to get rid of the mummy. Baxter says this isn't the type of cameo he signed up for and gets away.</p><p>May asks if she can be of help them and Leonardo says they have to reach the end of the yellow brick road. May tells them that the road winds around the great lake and comes back to the back of the castle. If they head for the back door they can save themselves hours of travel. The Turtles head out but Creepy Eddie says it's already too late. Raphael says it's not after midnight yet. Eddie says it's after midnight somewhere and starts laughing.</p><p>Raphael asks if there's any way they can get out of this. Donatello says that Eddie gloats with puns, so he purposely says 'you'll never get away with this' type stuff to get Eddie to boast. Eddie drops bad puns, much to Raphael's dismay.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgklVZJ9AYKdjzzKL0-flyZx3PlFndYOt1gE5o9w0Gm4l6nDWTcigyXrKylyj08Wx9_kZ6B8Er2vPyMesl4cON-S0j4gxWVm7dU9k_6LT0nLM4u6rabQfkb3L9tEVx7FIZPLj7TvQcmHI4KAad8Cgm5pA866WRAEn0Cgkp80-xALJCDbOK33-HEd3WDCIhP/s1862/turtles4.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="1862" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgklVZJ9AYKdjzzKL0-flyZx3PlFndYOt1gE5o9w0Gm4l6nDWTcigyXrKylyj08Wx9_kZ6B8Er2vPyMesl4cON-S0j4gxWVm7dU9k_6LT0nLM4u6rabQfkb3L9tEVx7FIZPLj7TvQcmHI4KAad8Cgm5pA866WRAEn0Cgkp80-xALJCDbOK33-HEd3WDCIhP/w400-h243/turtles4.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Phil shows up and tells Eddie that he warned him about the puns. Eddie makes excuses but Phil isn't buying it. Giant hands grab Eddie and drag him deeper into NightmareLand. Donatello asks Phil if he can send them home and he asks why he should do that. Donatello says Eddie would hate it if they got away and Phil agrees and sends them back. The Turtles are warped back home and Raphael asks how they got out of that one. Donatello remembers Phil telling Eddie to take it easy on the puns so he knew he'd get in trouble over it. Leonardo asks how that explains why Phil sent them home. Donatello says Phil realized that keeping the Turtles out of Eddie's reach would be a real 'pun-ishment'. The Turtles groan.</p><p>Meanwhile in Shredder and Krang's secret lair, that Halloween night, Krang is still struggling to melt the ore that Shredder stole. Nothing works, not even his Dimension X technology, and he wonders how Shredder's ancestors were able to forge the Ninja Sword to Nowhere before. Shredder lights a candle and decides to reach out to the spirit world for assistance. Krang says it's a bad idea and mentions the times Shredder tried to summon Shibano-Sama and the sword of Excalibur. Shredder says not to disrupt him during the ritual. Krang asks where he got another magic scroll and if they come in vending machines.</p><p>Shredder summons the original forger of the forever blade and the ritual works. The spirit appears and asks who called upon him. Shredder introduces himself as Oroku Saki, leader of the Foot Clan and demands he teaches him his secrets. The spirit knows that Shredder is a dishonorable thief and will not work with him. He then possesses all the items in the hideout and make them fly around. Krang is upset about the possessed items as his refrigerator sprouts legs and is literally running. The spirit tells Krang to go and catch it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXWgQ0nWcDLcPeV2dX-0R-UHrGbjUlDrVIY7EO6wvwahjJVIcPPYXbsKbtWxbyobtKbD-uRZ79BK75qsbLozKnlQEy46oIZ44qlRZQLMzM7XzCGTXFbf2RVbI6Z0QFZx9jO96RisWGUee1rXOg9G_o3OlsRvNovDgLvOmIupgs1wHylX270uQdzq4qymsu/s1185/turtles5.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="1185" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXWgQ0nWcDLcPeV2dX-0R-UHrGbjUlDrVIY7EO6wvwahjJVIcPPYXbsKbtWxbyobtKbD-uRZ79BK75qsbLozKnlQEy46oIZ44qlRZQLMzM7XzCGTXFbf2RVbI6Z0QFZx9jO96RisWGUee1rXOg9G_o3OlsRvNovDgLvOmIupgs1wHylX270uQdzq4qymsu/w400-h301/turtles5.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Shredder says the possessed items are immune to ninja weapons, but he has a gun. Shredder blasts all of the furniture and Krang says he still had yogurt in the fridge. Shredder boasts that the ghost's parlor tricks are no match for the Foot Clan. The spirit tries something less whimsical and summons a dark version of Leonardo.</p><p>Shredder blasts at the Turtle and he blocks the shots with his sword. Shredder fights against the Turtle but his attacks go right through him, while the apparition's attacks do send him flying back. Shredder falls through the table that had the metal ore and Krang asks where he can find another ninja to team up with on such short notice. </p><p>The Turtle raises his sword and Shredder blocks the strike with the ore. He notices that the ore changes to a golden color. The spirit notices that the ore could be shaped into the most powerful blade ever made. He still refuses to help Shredder and points out that he delayed him purposely until the summoning candle burns out. The spirit takes his leave and boasts that Shredder got nothing out of him. Krang tells Shredder all the spirits he summons seem to always follow a moral code.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQSJ5R41EInRRV07KFwKV-BhCus7zebuw1abAMlXFYh2kI_L6Y5UnzFTfaZ0ga3XdnCjwOu58CLnR4U3v1Tt8CAwTWAkkBO0MP9XMnnOwRkyECfjcYhwdYIg2p6VUm-XlIxsI9Nng42pOl5eTCljTE5Oy1VNCqXn1oin10Tf6WPbYlM8sH72UHDnDgDcjL/s1337/turtles6.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="745" data-original-width="1337" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQSJ5R41EInRRV07KFwKV-BhCus7zebuw1abAMlXFYh2kI_L6Y5UnzFTfaZ0ga3XdnCjwOu58CLnR4U3v1Tt8CAwTWAkkBO0MP9XMnnOwRkyECfjcYhwdYIg2p6VUm-XlIxsI9Nng42pOl5eTCljTE5Oy1VNCqXn1oin10Tf6WPbYlM8sH72UHDnDgDcjL/w400-h223/turtles6.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Shredder and Krang take note that the ore has changed color and now the zero-matter scalpel works on it. Shredder can now forge a sword out of it and he plans to get revenge on that spirit. Krang says he can cackle about it later, right now he needs him to go to the store and get him more yogurt.</p><p><b>My thoughts-</b></p><p>Wow, this comic really had a lot of 'deep cuts'. Not only did we get to see Creepy Eddie again, but we also got the reference to the Shibano-Sama and Hamato Koji retcon from the show. For those that remember, Shredder first summoned Shibano-Sama in the episode 'Blast from the Past', in which Splinter got amnesia and the Turtles retell their origin story in what was pretty much a clip show. In this episode it's said that Shibano-Sama was the founder of the Foot Clan. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPLcpM0qjH98Wgs8_ln5fG2p8WzV6LQMFYip072NMCgiK3IaZ62iUDpd8WLOHmjvY7twaDWOAK_A3Cy5Qg3r2s_7xzqp-eltEZGZXF7p0iLrZQNeFPqu1aCAJY1ZmFwlI0hVIM7WoGfzpN0gGKNQadq6sKAODZYBbbUInmIi93YOaQKCHI4k47Zpg8D4T/s998/Shibano.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="757" data-original-width="998" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPLcpM0qjH98Wgs8_ln5fG2p8WzV6LQMFYip072NMCgiK3IaZ62iUDpd8WLOHmjvY7twaDWOAK_A3Cy5Qg3r2s_7xzqp-eltEZGZXF7p0iLrZQNeFPqu1aCAJY1ZmFwlI0hVIM7WoGfzpN0gGKNQadq6sKAODZYBbbUInmIi93YOaQKCHI4k47Zpg8D4T/w400-h304/Shibano.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>In the episode 'The Legend of Koji' however, we find out that the founder of the Foot Clan would be Hamato Koji based on the teachings of Shibano-Sama. Thinking back, I don't know why the show did that. I mean, they still referenced Shibano in the episode so it's not like the writers forgot about him. They could have just made the Turtles meet him while he was still alive.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrO5CQWl3VYeRPTRUcJIQml7_4k5hgabxrJH-4zdG87YFpmXhZD4cNuzhfyatlIKc-G6zK74dQxVrN4FvwmEIsSuIqNbJzi36nnaq6Zuex31vltQyxWGfeddjuUXvPTh0l_cthlPBFzMHjoJN_C4Hf8UMxQ6_14M3O6T1B3X7KLwC2burKz2d8QBkO6RKp/s998/HamatoKoji.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="998" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrO5CQWl3VYeRPTRUcJIQml7_4k5hgabxrJH-4zdG87YFpmXhZD4cNuzhfyatlIKc-G6zK74dQxVrN4FvwmEIsSuIqNbJzi36nnaq6Zuex31vltQyxWGfeddjuUXvPTh0l_cthlPBFzMHjoJN_C4Hf8UMxQ6_14M3O6T1B3X7KLwC2burKz2d8QBkO6RKp/w400-h309/HamatoKoji.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Anyways, the main story was fun and while the art is slightly stylized, the Turtles are very expressive and full of energy. </p><p>The second story brought back the artist that draws the characters looking literally right out of the show. This one actually continues the story from the main series with Shredder trying to find a way to forge a sword from that ore he stole in the first issue. We also get a reference of the zero-matter scalpel that was mentioned in issue four. Shibano-Sama also gets another reference in this one. I also notice that Shredder and Krang seem to be in the Hall of Science, which was their hideout in the Red Sky seasons.</p><p>Overall great set of stories. I love the artwork in the first story. It makes me think that a more modern-day show could make the Turtles look like that since the animation budget would allow for more facial expressions and so forth. All the callbacks sure show that the IDW crew really did their homework when working on this series.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXKiQBPQ8KKoKc7Y67GVk0GfQe_ggG8XGr_jg57Fmog_6bRhJapBoTf3R56YEWY520RnUFkkwxYCq_IAqWBwwESfVgwzytc7VCLgg_vcB7a0T4tkTQPo25ZbBW0mxyxOiL2hcV9L55qTfnqkW4QXQKovf3AB9WSOYaoPYPXxzbbpvlPRXXbea-oKhfyNnn/s1156/Leonardo.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="1156" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXKiQBPQ8KKoKc7Y67GVk0GfQe_ggG8XGr_jg57Fmog_6bRhJapBoTf3R56YEWY520RnUFkkwxYCq_IAqWBwwESfVgwzytc7VCLgg_vcB7a0T4tkTQPo25ZbBW0mxyxOiL2hcV9L55qTfnqkW4QXQKovf3AB9WSOYaoPYPXxzbbpvlPRXXbea-oKhfyNnn/w400-h331/Leonardo.png" width="400" /></a></div>MarkRodriguez09http://www.blogger.com/profile/10564869853180264503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464060983911849885.post-41463637560088154032024-03-05T10:35:00.000-08:002024-03-07T18:15:02.178-08:00TMNT Saturday Morning Adventures Continued- Endless Summer<p> By Mark Rodriguez</p><p>Looks like we can't get enough of the 80's Turtles, so alongside the monthly series, we got an extra Summer Special. Let's take a look as the Turtles hit the beach. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFtSNyQHlXWery-cpYY8o59FHOVeFVd-s4AbDciQ8EyI7VKmr_ldrpUPPPdCFoRDQllINLEc65bgc-b5Y6GswYYr-_IxDt8I2OFdcrxaVC_shZ_pndam0fP_yEaoJAXpnTQjs7trwAPEvSz8ZWXTXSx5YO4AoQFtjyaqAP86-iPWjmfbGhPe1LrsLpgeF/s1325/TMNT-1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1325" data-original-width="819" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFtSNyQHlXWery-cpYY8o59FHOVeFVd-s4AbDciQ8EyI7VKmr_ldrpUPPPdCFoRDQllINLEc65bgc-b5Y6GswYYr-_IxDt8I2OFdcrxaVC_shZ_pndam0fP_yEaoJAXpnTQjs7trwAPEvSz8ZWXTXSx5YO4AoQFtjyaqAP86-iPWjmfbGhPe1LrsLpgeF/w248-h400/TMNT-1.png" width="248" /></a></div><p>The issue opens with the Turtles leaping into action as they attack Foot Soldiers that were stealing discounted sneakers so they could flip them for a higher price. As the Turtles take turns dropping one-liners and destroying the robot ninjas, Michealangelo seems bored. The others ask if he's okay and he says it's summer time and they're supposed to be having fun. He feels they're just fighting the same villains over and over again and it's gotten old.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAG2B463o4GulkQAwbtMUSWP-omcSSSdr8AbMpuujLI_X7gvmxP0A_sVsmRbQY9AaLx_umRi87ZeMvepibge4nzs30V7-cvN7-A5amEwjznieRB72eCjhA4id6rw_25Rl7zhrNf3_wUfcUiRv5sm35uVCpFft_mbUaLEyTznLXCS4lm2SSuGLEgyVwLTin/s1259/TMNT-2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="877" data-original-width="1259" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAG2B463o4GulkQAwbtMUSWP-omcSSSdr8AbMpuujLI_X7gvmxP0A_sVsmRbQY9AaLx_umRi87ZeMvepibge4nzs30V7-cvN7-A5amEwjznieRB72eCjhA4id6rw_25Rl7zhrNf3_wUfcUiRv5sm35uVCpFft_mbUaLEyTznLXCS4lm2SSuGLEgyVwLTin/w400-h279/TMNT-2.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>As the crew head back to the sewers, Michealangelo says they're stuck in a never-ending loop while everyone else is having fun. Donatello says they could use some rest and relaxation and mentions they haven't had a break since their trip to Europe. As the Turtles talk, Michealangelo isn't even interested in eating pizza and would rather try a salad.</p><p>The Turtles say they have to do something immediately. Leonardo remembers when April let them tag along to a theme park a few summers ago. Donatello says it was called Frontier Ride-A-World and they even encourage costumes, so people won't know they're turtles. Michealangelo agrees and says it could be their Fun-tier day. Raphael complains about the bad pun but Leonardo says the following day will be Fun-tier Day for them.</p><p>The following day the Turtles check out the park while dressed as cowboys and are surprised at how much it has expanded since they last time they visited. They decide to check out the twister. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSTV5UGq76JjvZs1c_tI9hokcv5JPN_EoHSB-Y2-bq-DJ-wgy_qMkUnPuZm9tPJrYFnuOc9m4HEKppz8a7efHBJuojWFxdJNGXTkKUNz5F5ew2aVFwoEh-25LdOXiY7KlGyhYT0TWIpqtI-HzMJTfnmCe1aBlW-mC52MFrRwoVcp7hWsXxnsb3g4c-UbW/s1355/TMNT-3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1355" data-original-width="1167" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSTV5UGq76JjvZs1c_tI9hokcv5JPN_EoHSB-Y2-bq-DJ-wgy_qMkUnPuZm9tPJrYFnuOc9m4HEKppz8a7efHBJuojWFxdJNGXTkKUNz5F5ew2aVFwoEh-25LdOXiY7KlGyhYT0TWIpqtI-HzMJTfnmCe1aBlW-mC52MFrRwoVcp7hWsXxnsb3g4c-UbW/w345-h400/TMNT-3.png" width="345" /></a></div><p>As they head for the ride, Michealangelo accidentally bumps into a kid and knocks the ice cream scoop off of her cone. Michealangelo is able to catch the scoop and put it back on the cone and the kid is impressed by his quick reflexes. The Turtles have fun on the rides. Leonardo asks if anything feels strange about this and the others shut him up and just want to enjoy the ride.</p><p>Afterwards Leonardo spots General Traag in a cowboy outfit. Michealangelo isn't in the mood to fight bad guys today but they still have to investigate. They follow the stone warrior to a hidden base under one of the rides. Krang is complaining about Traag tearing his costume, which is vital to the plan. Krang plans to open a portal from Dimension X to bring in more stone warriors.</p><p>The Turtles leap into action and Krang sends Traag after them. Leonardo asks if just wearing a cowboy hat counts as a disguise and Traag says the Turtles are pretty much doing the same. Traag throws Leonardo into a dunk tank and his costume is destroyed. A woman sees him and is surprised to see a massive turtle. Leonardo says she's just suffering heat stroke. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm7kSmS2bQb5jwI1eAn4HpTBRsUjW04ke_QKAFMHJZdOpvFqx1t52wIdsbq7QST5JHltfD5y3531ao7KnIV7jJSsfOrJ-uw5bghnbNFCNPw51Pz1zwd60UQtuX0H5qIlqdfwyjHrY20d8hUIOgO_-V7HoDaDsptF4RqIcdEcLRgwpY-dCHiIXQEKqAPQPf/s1013/TMNT-4.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="868" data-original-width="1013" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm7kSmS2bQb5jwI1eAn4HpTBRsUjW04ke_QKAFMHJZdOpvFqx1t52wIdsbq7QST5JHltfD5y3531ao7KnIV7jJSsfOrJ-uw5bghnbNFCNPw51Pz1zwd60UQtuX0H5qIlqdfwyjHrY20d8hUIOgO_-V7HoDaDsptF4RqIcdEcLRgwpY-dCHiIXQEKqAPQPf/w400-h343/TMNT-4.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>The Turtles continue to fight Traag as Krang opens the portal, allowing his army to march through. The Turtles realize he's using the energy from the rides to power the portal. As the Turtles head off to stop Krang, Michealangelo sees one of the roller coaster cars snap off in the middle of the ride. Michealangelo quickly climbs up a nearby water tower and leaps off to catch the kids in the falling car. The kids thank Michealangelo for saving their lives and he heads off to help the others.</p><p>Leonardo, Donatello and Raphael fight against the Rock Soldiers, but they are quickly overwhelmed by their numbers. Krang says they have lost and soon he will rule the world with his army. Just then a whirling nunchuck flies through the air and hits the button on the portal control panel, shutting it off.</p><p>Michaelangelo arrives to help fight off the Stone Warriors and Krang wants to turn the portal back on. The Turtles fight him off while Donatello reverses the polarity of the portal, sending all the rock soldiers back to Dimension X. Leonardo sees that Michealangelo is happy again, and the surfer turtle tells him that he just needed to have fun with the gang to get his Cowabunga back. He also sees that people need them. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQLS3K6OzuJB1s5WTbH01RDYXc4LgJ3iHyrpcVkTQXQPsPdcXqPCiv1uNSJzE5Ml8zjfuebHfVf141DGbz57wffSgUyhlD4zzfbf63R2MUUmjezPxG__tKKGFw6eebJVSxAer_cWWnQ8SeP33ZZtaEIJDfGU91TZaFUa3MNa7k6l4Lq6eHmfjb14PLSJuR/s1211/TMNT-5.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1211" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQLS3K6OzuJB1s5WTbH01RDYXc4LgJ3iHyrpcVkTQXQPsPdcXqPCiv1uNSJzE5Ml8zjfuebHfVf141DGbz57wffSgUyhlD4zzfbf63R2MUUmjezPxG__tKKGFw6eebJVSxAer_cWWnQ8SeP33ZZtaEIJDfGU91TZaFUa3MNa7k6l4Lq6eHmfjb14PLSJuR/w400-h297/TMNT-5.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Krang is defeated and the Turtles leave before the police show up. Michealaneglo wonders if there's any peppermint tikka masala pizza left and Raphael says Donatello ate it last night. Leonardo says they won't know til they get home, but maybe there'll be a Fun-Tier Day miracle. </p><p><b>My thoughts- </b></p><p>This was a fun little one-shot, though several things were weird, even for the 80's Turtles. At first I was confused why the Turtles were going to a cowboy-themed amusement park when the cover shows them at the beach. I then realized it was sort of a combined cover with three other IDW comics: Sonic the Hedgehog, Dungeons and Dragons and My Little Pony. So, I guess it's my fault for the confusion since I picked up the beach variant cover. It's nice to know that Dungeons and Dragons got an extra comic since I think they remained a 4-issue mini series.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDH53J5aap6490gNBLhcGIm33ZqO_XSp8pzLG_IEx51zJQLilcJgUZmmimn8BA9zGQpiXpPBo4jXka9Rnw5fCyqek-5zK-kndD8qZ9Yf75WhpwHU2RVdBPvgg77ZwWkUa_54uFHe3XPz0tEJgAefgtpQqZTYt6L2zB8UIIM-vVq3K42BRkVaamf4tMJJF1/s1464/Turtles-Summer.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1464" data-original-width="905" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDH53J5aap6490gNBLhcGIm33ZqO_XSp8pzLG_IEx51zJQLilcJgUZmmimn8BA9zGQpiXpPBo4jXka9Rnw5fCyqek-5zK-kndD8qZ9Yf75WhpwHU2RVdBPvgg77ZwWkUa_54uFHe3XPz0tEJgAefgtpQqZTYt6L2zB8UIIM-vVq3K42BRkVaamf4tMJJF1/w248-h400/Turtles-Summer.png" width="248" /></a></div><p>The story was alright, but it was pretty weird seeing Krang working on his own. Other than the one crossover with the 2012 Turtles, I don't remember Krang ever conducting his own schemes without Shredder, Bebop and Rocksteady. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimrT_W-VxHzVewNmqQTXQPN9jbWwSHp8yD5GdDNpduFnrjQDqZehcBHAqUKTyszxjcASgOxFgI19QjDrT_Ub_Fan3C5-JCtKAP644cb0vyJd_oQeCJtwRsT5d2l3Wzbj6K-GFGQT04Q_xQVk_6dcgmn4RLfW9c9X5PIP8-pQyzpcnaK1JMv-rFMVe5DSH0/s1366/Krang2012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1366" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimrT_W-VxHzVewNmqQTXQPN9jbWwSHp8yD5GdDNpduFnrjQDqZehcBHAqUKTyszxjcASgOxFgI19QjDrT_Ub_Fan3C5-JCtKAP644cb0vyJd_oQeCJtwRsT5d2l3Wzbj6K-GFGQT04Q_xQVk_6dcgmn4RLfW9c9X5PIP8-pQyzpcnaK1JMv-rFMVe5DSH0/w400-h225/Krang2012.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Other than the idea that Foot Soldiers are peddling cheap sneakers, what really threw me off was the overly stylized goofy art. The Turtles were fine, but oh god, Krang looked bad and General Traag looked awful.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKxULNGXj6x6wKWU5p15MfMP7as7xdBzTNSSEjVZof6yw8kgT8P5V5HES40nSnpNG9B3JHV5HphVeh5kprRXE1hVLLNBCwT-zRuFLryY8ayb7eBVtsTT5g2ehpq2uJAXgzweAoMlKN_5HIqwBaCiGvyzMNSTRwd2SrKLB48l8XOgObvsMWdAw-Oy7UTycK/s1109/Krang.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="1109" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKxULNGXj6x6wKWU5p15MfMP7as7xdBzTNSSEjVZof6yw8kgT8P5V5HES40nSnpNG9B3JHV5HphVeh5kprRXE1hVLLNBCwT-zRuFLryY8ayb7eBVtsTT5g2ehpq2uJAXgzweAoMlKN_5HIqwBaCiGvyzMNSTRwd2SrKLB48l8XOgObvsMWdAw-Oy7UTycK/w400-h256/Krang.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Goofy art aside, I liked the idea of Michealangelo getting tired of the same old routine and having that 'what are we even doing this for' feeling and later on getting to save people's lives. The Turtles can fight bad guys all day, but actually jumping out to save the lives of two kids really mails it home that the Turtles are heroes. It was cool to see Michealangelo get that moment to remind him how important they are, even in a sillier cartoonier world.</p><p>One thing that's confusing about the comic is how it will sometimes reference episodes from the actual show (the European Vacation episodes) and what are just off-screen adventures that the comic made up (their previous trip to Frontier Land). People might get confused and think they missed some random episode about April taking the Turtles to a cowboy-themed park.</p><p>Overall a fun simple read. It's not involved with what's happening in the main series, so it's a bonus tale. The only thing left to say is regarding the scene where Michealangelo caught the ice cream scoop and put it back on the kid's cone. Who would eat ice cream that someone grabbed with their hand? Especially a weird green dude's hand?</p>MarkRodriguez09http://www.blogger.com/profile/10564869853180264503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464060983911849885.post-61815168054876792802024-02-25T22:03:00.000-08:002024-03-03T10:18:01.448-08:00Catwoman # 1 (1993 run)<p> By Mark Rodriguez</p><p>I was lucky enough to run into the first issue of Catwoman's run in the 90's at the local mall. We have a shop that sells all sorts of vintage items like 80's and 90's action figures and comics. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMx97u4HoLHFeLocFjVz5Tj8r9Uz2maYa0FbJqVaiI6qZ7xcM9udK1xnXVhoqXw3QlmtJZBq0gy_Ds-CUNHKZ2lGkeTDi6i1i7_xnP7m05h2IkDAtizJaTGIdqDQWAz9x7NkeC85zEQmx5g32NSmjYHa2UVW-dOKT_DqR5Bu62OpoAjojuVbX2EIJ4wOEm/s822/Catwoman1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="535" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMx97u4HoLHFeLocFjVz5Tj8r9Uz2maYa0FbJqVaiI6qZ7xcM9udK1xnXVhoqXw3QlmtJZBq0gy_Ds-CUNHKZ2lGkeTDi6i1i7_xnP7m05h2IkDAtizJaTGIdqDQWAz9x7NkeC85zEQmx5g32NSmjYHa2UVW-dOKT_DqR5Bu62OpoAjojuVbX2EIJ4wOEm/w260-h400/Catwoman1.png" width="260" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The issue opens with Catwoman being caught trying to rob a museum. Despite knowing the security guards' shift, they were guarding a part of the museum they usually don't. Catwoman uses her speed and agility to take the guards down before they can catch her. As she runs out of the building, she wonders what could have triggered the silent alarm. We see that a mouse just happened to trigger it as it nibbles on a snack.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbIwyo2PX8EMHHXP_Ba_5YSBFlNGSZxCutQwF-EidQ2tK0OqRyJD5pJxiDouJn56dGJm078QYWloqPHn103SdPADrZKrUmim-SOLdeGQicLPZXpDXxyY-7dxfGma0xxPMtfFeman10uCby-F3Q22iP-Fioy2rsCuf2d6ic7auR0MTZH6tb44hyphenhyphen4-3Tmqn/s1380/Catwoman2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1380" data-original-width="941" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbIwyo2PX8EMHHXP_Ba_5YSBFlNGSZxCutQwF-EidQ2tK0OqRyJD5pJxiDouJn56dGJm078QYWloqPHn103SdPADrZKrUmim-SOLdeGQicLPZXpDXxyY-7dxfGma0xxPMtfFeman10uCby-F3Q22iP-Fioy2rsCuf2d6ic7auR0MTZH6tb44hyphenhyphen4-3Tmqn/w273-h400/Catwoman2.png" width="273" /></a></div><br /><div><div>Catwoman runs into an alley where she runs into two thugs named Leopold and Bird. They were sent to check up on her by Bane. Catwoman hands them the stolen jewels she managed to escape with. Catwoman asks for her cut and Bird leaves, telling her it's too suspicious now and to send Leopold later. </div><div><br /></div><div>Catwoman covers up her costume and puts on a hat while Leopold apologizes. He tells her that Bird also caught him off guard. Catwoman says it's the price of working for Bane, but she hates being spied on.</div><div><br /></div><div>Catwoman takes Leopold to her apartment where her roommate Arizona is happy to see her. Arizona calls Catoman 'Sel' in front of Leopold and asks if she sold the gems she stole. Selina reminds her that nowadays she gives the loot to Bane and then she gets her cut. Selina tends to her cats while Arizona complains about Leopold smoking. Selina gives Leopold a magazine with a rich couple on the cover and says he should tell Bane about them since they can be their next target. Leopold heads off and says once Bane gives the go-ahead, he can start to research them.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6CXt_n-LXnoka6xwPUEOS8EQnDyW6J4ZBJC95Gqm9GBvIHFOYLbj3luwPII8KM0BjpzIdx6SH58E8RALEoMvT9NX8Pecjlsop2Q2_MyyrS41N_7t9wsJUcemUDnYQw_737EVHwdWycNPZyYRpdpXgawMsrBNipr9JXxK3aYvS8MuOtsab2DTTf10s6wTa/s1152/Catwoman3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1044" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6CXt_n-LXnoka6xwPUEOS8EQnDyW6J4ZBJC95Gqm9GBvIHFOYLbj3luwPII8KM0BjpzIdx6SH58E8RALEoMvT9NX8Pecjlsop2Q2_MyyrS41N_7t9wsJUcemUDnYQw_737EVHwdWycNPZyYRpdpXgawMsrBNipr9JXxK3aYvS8MuOtsab2DTTf10s6wTa/w363-h400/Catwoman3.png" width="363" /></a></div><br /><div>Once Leopold leaves, the women throw pillows at each other and Arizona asks Selina how she can stand him. Selina says he does whatever she says but she still doesn't trust him. She also says she didn't spend a fortune on a custom virus to wipe her real name from every file in the country to have her blurt it out in front of Leopold. Arizona says she's sorry and Selina says she'll be sorry if her enemies find them and kill them.</div><div><br /></div><div>Arizona asks why she trusted her with her real name. Selina explains it was a moment of weakness. She once found Arizona being attacked and she saved her as Catwoman. Arizona says she always thought Catwoman as a bad guy. She had a fantasy that Gotham was safe because Batman lived there, but instead she was adopted by the city's worst enemy. Selina says she prefers to be called the greatest or most elusive.</div><div> </div><div>Selina says Arizona reminded her of someone from a closed chapter in her life. She says she's lucky Batman wasn't her protector of she'd be in a mess with Gotham currently being under Bane's control. Selina pulls out a jeweled collar and puts it on one of her cats. Arizona is surprised she held something back. Selina says she didn't take to crime to be waiting around her cut as if she were some office worker. She says Bane might run the city, but he doesn't run her.</div><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile, Bane is with his underlings. One of them is named Throgg and he says there's a hitman in town that's been sent after Bane but they weren't able to trace who sent him. Bane says it could be a problem because unless they find who sent him, he can just send another hitman after him after they take care of this one. He asks if any of them have discovered the real name of Catwoman. The men says they never seem to find the same name twice, and every name they find belongs to someone that's already dead. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmIVIh53sUQjBhuefn-IXRcRkGy3ZgbGZyeT3a9O8rgGF7-U0ZFoSAUCBFGlX0Xdby9l6szZBpwoPJv4D2kP2X4q77pvd1I3r1IF1aL6_aLsXeDgyWZF6YJP4ktNIJOgf6fXPrXrRvfvAUFlVtuQTA1Z-qI3RdwpZxEOuWUi-AurHIemNNoRbOCWUr5RH/s998/Catwoman4.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="830" data-original-width="998" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmIVIh53sUQjBhuefn-IXRcRkGy3ZgbGZyeT3a9O8rgGF7-U0ZFoSAUCBFGlX0Xdby9l6szZBpwoPJv4D2kP2X4q77pvd1I3r1IF1aL6_aLsXeDgyWZF6YJP4ktNIJOgf6fXPrXrRvfvAUFlVtuQTA1Z-qI3RdwpZxEOuWUi-AurHIemNNoRbOCWUr5RH/w400-h333/Catwoman4.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Bane sends his men off and calls for a classier looking man named Zombie. He says that the men are right and Catwoman is no amateur when it comes to covering up her tracks. Bane says he'd be disappointed if she was. He says her true identity means nothing, what matters is what she made of herself, similar to Batman and himself. He says that Bane had nothing to do with the unborn child to a surrogate father he never knew being sentenced to lifelong imprisonment in Santa Prisca. Bane was forged by years of harsh cruelty and by the power of man-made Venom still within his veins. It wasn't the child he was once was, but the man that he's become that led to him being able to defeat Gotham City's champion.</div><div><br /></div><div>Bane says he still wants a hold over Catwoman, as felines aren't known for their loyalty. He puts on his mask and calls for Leopold. Leopold's smoking annoys Throgg. Throgg threatens him and Leopold puts out his cigarette. Leopold says Catwoman wants to know when she'll get paid. He also shows him a picture of their next target, the Darracourts. Bane asks if he agrees. Leopold says he trusts Catwoman's instincts and the party they're giving the following weekend would be a good time to strike. He says collectors everywhere want to get their hands on Tiffany's jewels. </div><div><br /></div><div>Bane gives his permission and says the man outside has the money for Catwoman's recent heist. As he walks off, Bane warns him not to join her in any acts of disloyalty. He says if he sees any sign that she has turned, he'll let him know. Bane asks if there had been such signs, and he says not so far. </div><div><br /></div><div>Bane is interested to see that Leopold made no attempt to cover up for Catwoman. He says Leopold is anyone's dog and he sees how one of his concerns might be applied to the other.</div><div><br /></div><div>Later on, Zombie, now sporting a spider tattoo on his right cheek, is sent to a bar named Celito Lindo, He asks for a man named Guillermo and is pointed out to him by the patron. Zombie says the word is out that Guillermo is paying for information on how to get to Bane. Guillermo says it depends on what his information is worth. Zombie tells him that Bane is in love, which makes him a fool. If Guillermo attacks Catwoman, he will come out of hiding to avenger her. Gullermo asks if he knows where to find her, and he says he can tell him where to find a man that knows.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUob62gk1pa_N4SyQfK3Cv6ldGB5gqG4XKXYAJu2YU-uTJzNuodQhI4g9ULTNMufN9YQ1hy9r90r8r5kuo3wVERr5ki9BhsGCMnmpSoFyzirX73-dlS39x6Yh4gd9uJjvb7UFdPACe7mvzjnWcElKI6Fzme9HBfjlgkRRnFH1zNJqOIJWaw-xkFqelO8Yx/s1718/Catwoman5.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1144" data-original-width="1718" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUob62gk1pa_N4SyQfK3Cv6ldGB5gqG4XKXYAJu2YU-uTJzNuodQhI4g9ULTNMufN9YQ1hy9r90r8r5kuo3wVERr5ki9BhsGCMnmpSoFyzirX73-dlS39x6Yh4gd9uJjvb7UFdPACe7mvzjnWcElKI6Fzme9HBfjlgkRRnFH1zNJqOIJWaw-xkFqelO8Yx/w400-h266/Catwoman5.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The party begins with Burke and Tiffany Darracourt wave to the cameras. The security guards watch as the armored security truck with Tiffany's jewels arrive. Leopold says he's surprised Catwoman isn't at the party. She says she wouldn't risk being filmed by every news crew in the country. It was easier for her to sneak in as one of the caterers. </div><div><br /></div><div>The security guard goes on break and Leopold takes over. As soon as the guard leaves, Guillermo shows up and aims a gun at his head. </div><div><br /></div><div>Burke watches over the jewels and tells Tiffany that the guests have arrived. Tiffany steps out of the shower, still in her bathrobe and says she lost track of time. She tells him to leave the lights off since she likes the shadows. Tiffany sees that the jewels arrived and tells Burke to put them on her. 'Tiffany' hurries off to change, when the real Tiffany steps in and asks Burke who he was talking to. Burke realizes that the jewels are gone. Catwoman makes her escape.</div><div><br /></div><div>Later on, Leopold, Catwoman and Arizona check out the stolen loot. Arizona was surprised Burke was fooled by Catwoman impersonating his wife. Catwoman says she's the same size as Tiffany, which is why she chose them as a target. She says that Bane would love to see these jewels. She tells Leopold to give them to Bane before he comes looking.</div><div><br /></div><div>Catwoman asks Leopold if he's alright. He says he's out of smokes, to which Catwoman responds with 'good'. As Leopold leaves, Guillermo is waiting outside. </div><div><br /></div><div>Catwoman shows Arizona an extra jewel she kept for themselves. Suddenly something freaks out the cats, making them run off. Outside, Guillermo takes out a compact missile launcher and fires it off at Catwoman's apartment, blowing it up.</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOfToe9t3_a-TzY_C3vXk5pTjjdztijknquEZi5vKps6DJaSrT5t460L5njSEIM1b6MPHL84QOSGGcJn1Z_xin6c7SOIrm45waxB5XAbwLaZoDpS_zUtEATzXCG3Pr-G5VgMaIyc3RE7unOpaC1MylpDpxq3ryatYfr-MlLn1m7vaDGgJeq2kuAvVpmzq1/s1267/Catwoman6.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1267" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOfToe9t3_a-TzY_C3vXk5pTjjdztijknquEZi5vKps6DJaSrT5t460L5njSEIM1b6MPHL84QOSGGcJn1Z_xin6c7SOIrm45waxB5XAbwLaZoDpS_zUtEATzXCG3Pr-G5VgMaIyc3RE7unOpaC1MylpDpxq3ryatYfr-MlLn1m7vaDGgJeq2kuAvVpmzq1/w253-h400/Catwoman6.png" width="253" /></a></div><div><br /></div><b>My Opinions-</b><br /><div><br /></div><div>One of the things that grabbed my attention the most about the story was that it takes place during the time where Batman was out of commission after Bane broke his back. Bane runs the city and Catwoman (and I assume other criminals) have to do as he says and wait for their cut. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWrBKYF7X9-gPJJnQcx6LKMJHdfahK6DXZ9tTsxCf3e7iCmIGNDlZRQxhZ0aBTeldNRYYRrvcImwd21ZAgqNtPSGnO4MKfU5sX-3feckxUryfGIJ4yuHub9heW5671qDI_dcXyYCZnmIXq54Sb4l_kMCkw-pzgntrH3XbB_ldYfw-f4vUVUxGbj7iR5F-/s1078/Bane.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1078" data-original-width="1016" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWrBKYF7X9-gPJJnQcx6LKMJHdfahK6DXZ9tTsxCf3e7iCmIGNDlZRQxhZ0aBTeldNRYYRrvcImwd21ZAgqNtPSGnO4MKfU5sX-3feckxUryfGIJ4yuHub9heW5671qDI_dcXyYCZnmIXq54Sb4l_kMCkw-pzgntrH3XbB_ldYfw-f4vUVUxGbj7iR5F-/w378-h400/Bane.png" width="378" /></a></div><br /><div>The comic served as the set up and establishing Catwoman's status quo. We also see two examples of Catwoman's methods for her crimes, either sneaking into places in full-costume, or using disguises like she did to rob the Darracourts.</div><div><br /></div><div>Bane is still a huge factor in the story. He's dealing with a mystery hitman that's after him, while also not trusting Catwoman, so he sends one to the kill the other. Even if he were to succeed to in killing Selina, I'm not sure how that would help find out who sent Guillermo after him to begin with. Even after Catwoman somehow escapes her apartment getting blown up, things are going to get rough as now she'll have both Guillermo and Bane after her. She'll also have to deal with Leopold's betrayal.</div><div><br /></div><div>One thing I found humorous is the constant bagging on Leopold over smoking. Yes, we know smoking is bad for you, but wow. Selina isn't fond of his smoking, Arizona is completely repulsed by his habit, and even a fellow thug threatened to put him in the ground if he didn't put out the cigarette. I guess that's one way to hammer home the fact that smoking is bad for you. Smoke and nobody likes you.</div><div><br /></div><div>In terms of going back in time with the comic, the comic has ads for the Meteor Man movie, the upcoming arrival of Mortal Kombat for 16-bit home consoles and the SNES version of Batman Returns.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtj3W2z6sQ5Aorrp0NQ0e7l9FgSFTPS81zqtrYH6B-v0c9qIIgjDIyx0r-7-kAzI8NhiG9txJSeV4PH_kx-RVcYEYmlO-XgaYVax043YYCWo2LTc4FSywRvQBD4OKJEhsR81HH7VSWvfIg3WOqOvUPnp4CrfW5NcB6U3K3ES6BQ7dwnPRIQUb32I7btDae/s1372/Batman-SNES.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1372" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtj3W2z6sQ5Aorrp0NQ0e7l9FgSFTPS81zqtrYH6B-v0c9qIIgjDIyx0r-7-kAzI8NhiG9txJSeV4PH_kx-RVcYEYmlO-XgaYVax043YYCWo2LTc4FSywRvQBD4OKJEhsR81HH7VSWvfIg3WOqOvUPnp4CrfW5NcB6U3K3ES6BQ7dwnPRIQUb32I7btDae/w400-h315/Batman-SNES.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>There was also a cool ad for the opening of a second Mile High Comics shop in California, giving the fans a chance to meet Rob Liefeld and Jim Shooter. For those that don't know Rob Liefeld was one of the founders of Image Comics and helped created characters like Deadpool, Cable and Domino. Jim Shooter is one of the founder of Valiant Comics and helped create character for the Legion of Superheroes as well as the Superman villain, Parasite.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt4rXZQAr34Gwa9A2zCNfjT6i8IwJpm0fLiYRTQzaZOjf50zOTqcjfgom74UfszGOLrgVlCvSobSra0W1oTl9WyLz2wieO7_h9ja6q3lAXA_hyphenhyphenmOxwi6Ot6MLlTYEd5r4M_8wEHYbc5Bj0vgpkONryFWutqIxfwFXsBlnV1fshqVSD6EJghnpE_IPWn0Vt/s1439/Liefeld.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="916" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt4rXZQAr34Gwa9A2zCNfjT6i8IwJpm0fLiYRTQzaZOjf50zOTqcjfgom74UfszGOLrgVlCvSobSra0W1oTl9WyLz2wieO7_h9ja6q3lAXA_hyphenhyphenmOxwi6Ot6MLlTYEd5r4M_8wEHYbc5Bj0vgpkONryFWutqIxfwFXsBlnV1fshqVSD6EJghnpE_IPWn0Vt/w255-h400/Liefeld.png" width="255" /></a></div><br /><div>Overall a pretty cool comic and I love the artwork and Catwoman's design during this era as well. I'll see if I can track down other issues later on. </div>MarkRodriguez09http://www.blogger.com/profile/10564869853180264503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464060983911849885.post-51618578400828681962024-02-02T11:04:00.000-08:002024-02-02T16:21:52.974-08:00Street Fighter Masters: Chun Li<p> By Mark Rodriguez</p><p>Udon started making these character-specific one-shots some time back. We already saw the ones for Blanka and Cammy. Now it's time to see what adventures Chun Li will face.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFABaCwny9JB0XqpLECuCeHXnkf8n7_0e4frVsECVtbhBM_lhhMn7TK_fcsyRO29LqE_iLq_1-W6FPlvmrcOAcRT1KMveqLKWP7hwgaMScCr-zfCHMGFwSmV7I8_yiSHtiDgcgYZAMRfXoZk6G-4Q_SaSzDs-v2bxTFfUN5HY16IzMT7YlasnVoYJV6d1L/s1457/ChunLi1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1457" data-original-width="904" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFABaCwny9JB0XqpLECuCeHXnkf8n7_0e4frVsECVtbhBM_lhhMn7TK_fcsyRO29LqE_iLq_1-W6FPlvmrcOAcRT1KMveqLKWP7hwgaMScCr-zfCHMGFwSmV7I8_yiSHtiDgcgYZAMRfXoZk6G-4Q_SaSzDs-v2bxTFfUN5HY16IzMT7YlasnVoYJV6d1L/w249-h400/ChunLi1.png" width="249" /></a></div><p>"Fury of the Blue Jade" opens with Chun Li and a girl named Xuiying at a water-themed amusement park in Beijing. Xiuying is scared of the water slides since she heard on the internet about people dying in them. Chun Li offers a safe ride and says they can go together once Miao Ying gets back. Xiuying thinks ten people probably died on that water slide already and Chun Li thinks she needs to monitor her internet habits. </p><p>Miao Ying accidentally steps on a smartphone and the owner, Wong Who, is angry. Not caring that she's a child, he tries to attack her. Chun Li sends him flying out of the water with a Kikkoken. </p><p>Moments later, Tonfa arrives with the rest of the kids and Chun Li decides it's time to head out. The kids ask Tonfa if she also fights, and she says she used to judge professional fights. The kids are impressed with Chun Li's skill and Miao Ying in particular wants to get strong enough to protect her friends. Cammy shows up to visit Chun Li.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8f9bqXL8GarMfSm-RUYi5OtzWViQnvUlVt0riMhjJMeH77czBQUnKN-6VISE92CFdgxhIupENc9x-RRbpByhGI6svmBZpHQ-542X4U780X6YDeSNfABByl3IRlyOVTyzhjQwduBGBi1jcig-lJNqpNBdwVIT9co8X_oc_TIaSWU1EjDZsFpVlzDjCM4jJ/s1244/ChunLi2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1244" data-original-width="1079" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8f9bqXL8GarMfSm-RUYi5OtzWViQnvUlVt0riMhjJMeH77czBQUnKN-6VISE92CFdgxhIupENc9x-RRbpByhGI6svmBZpHQ-542X4U780X6YDeSNfABByl3IRlyOVTyzhjQwduBGBi1jcig-lJNqpNBdwVIT9co8X_oc_TIaSWU1EjDZsFpVlzDjCM4jJ/w348-h400/ChunLi2.png" width="348" /></a></div><p>Tonfa thanks Cammy for recommending her to Chun Li, and Chun Li says she has been a great help for the orphanage. Cammy wants to talk to Chun Li alone, while Tonfa will take the kids for ice cream.</p><p>Moments later, Chun Li tells Cammy about how things have been going with the kids in the orphanage. Cammy tells Chun Li some news she didn't want to have to bring up. She has discovered that Bison is still alive.</p><p>Chun Li is furious and Cammy explains that Shadaloo is being rebuilt as they speak. Sixty million in gold bullion was stolen from a holding facility just outside of Tianjin. They discovered that the damage caused to the building was caused by Psycho Energy. Cammy explains that the gold was seized from an old Shadaloo hideout. Chun Li says interpol has a database on known Shadaloo associates, so she will investigate. Cammy wants her to promise that if she finds Bison to request back up and not to try take him on alone due to her personal vendetta. Chun Li begrudgingly agrees, but she secretly clenches her fist so hard it causes the nearby glass of water to shatter.</p><p>Three days later, Chun Li has exhausted her list of contacts without finding a single lead. She checks her phone and finds a guy named Mu Yung, who has dealt with Shadaloo items in his shop before. Chun Li arrives at his shop and questions him on any unusual items he might have seen lately. When she mentions gold, he nervously denies knowing anything about it. </p><p>Chun Li grows suspicious and says she will have to shut the store down as they investigate. Mu Yung says he has done nothing wrong, and as he slams his hand on the counter, a gold bar with the Shadaloo symbol falls out of his jacket. Chun Li wants him to talk and Mu Yung nervously points to the right as he claims to not know what she's talking about.</p><p>Chun Li notices a woman dressed in black, the seller, trying to act unassuming. It seems Chun Li walked in as the seller was still dealing with Mu Yung. Chun Li confronts her and grabs her arm, and the woman tosses her across the room. The woman gets on her motorcycle and drives off, assuming Chun Li is just a regular cop. We notice that Chun Li had planted a homing device on the woman's arm.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRs9__dj1bGMzppZQ7-tb9ziGgjX3PmiYJAfXTEIE4J9VscNEsTFUSiPxf3KXpgYuxjStOWlu_jp6buAEOKh3kUqMVK9Mlqgu51N_9FD0NskDnPJYazzcZZEQK-hTmGfBlIwDqhBMsfKYA8KvbO_zC_v2XVP7AYJ6nvlq_GhZZxr9e70NkNAYcmoJK7dcA/s1280/ChunLi3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1107" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRs9__dj1bGMzppZQ7-tb9ziGgjX3PmiYJAfXTEIE4J9VscNEsTFUSiPxf3KXpgYuxjStOWlu_jp6buAEOKh3kUqMVK9Mlqgu51N_9FD0NskDnPJYazzcZZEQK-hTmGfBlIwDqhBMsfKYA8KvbO_zC_v2XVP7AYJ6nvlq_GhZZxr9e70NkNAYcmoJK7dcA/w346-h400/ChunLi3.png" width="346" /></a></div><p>Later on, Chun Li dresses up in her trademark outfit from the Street Fighter tournaments. Miao Yin walks in to show her a Blue Jade she purchased from an antique shop that made her think of her. Chun Li ignores her and steps out, consumed by her own need for vengeance. Miao Yin senses something is wrong and wonders if she will ever see her alive again.</p><p>Later on, Ed is packing the gold bars in a truck, thinking that Falke shouldn't have wasted time trying to move the gold in Beijing and they should go to Shanghai. Chun Li then arrives and kicks Ed to the ground. She demands to know where Bison is. Just then Falke blasts her with energy from her staff, sending her to the ground. Chun Li realizes that the energy was Psycho Energy.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwcY_pChQH9DM82VSrNwO4ALpTZ2Op21LDXpWFFAFrXK8eqkVvHoQjiH3LNJBW8lA8xnOBiwqnFfXholCGSPg1Dtxz4bM734MkZc-yV2dvPg-rl_6OAgCCkyf43ea7FecPJBjgEJ8AeLvtbNipubKubz3LdKmoknUtNAqkaitIM2_nXPoWOsL3A4JqzOq_/s1364/ChunLi6.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="790" data-original-width="1364" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwcY_pChQH9DM82VSrNwO4ALpTZ2Op21LDXpWFFAFrXK8eqkVvHoQjiH3LNJBW8lA8xnOBiwqnFfXholCGSPg1Dtxz4bM734MkZc-yV2dvPg-rl_6OAgCCkyf43ea7FecPJBjgEJ8AeLvtbNipubKubz3LdKmoknUtNAqkaitIM2_nXPoWOsL3A4JqzOq_/w400-h231/ChunLi6.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Ed explains that they were tortured and experimented on, infused with Psycho Energy in preparation to be Bison's vessels. Falke says they're taking the gold as severance pay for what they had to endure. Chun Li calls them liars and blasts them both down with a Kikkoken. Ed tells Chun Li that no one will ever control them again. </p><p>Chun Li flies into Ed and knocks him down with her Lightning Kicks. Ed is down and begs for mercy. Chun Li swings her foot towards him, determine to finish him off, when Falke stands in the way to take the hit for him. Chun Li stops herself and realizes Ed and Falke aren't acting like Bison's brainwashed soldiers that would only risk their lives for him but not each other. Chun Li realizes Cammy was right and she lost perspective. </p><p>Chun Li walks off, thinking to herself that she will not become Bison's instrument of destruction. Ed is confused because it didn't seem that she believed them. Falke says Bison got in her head as well.</p><p>Later on Chun Li explains what happens to Cammy. Cammy thinks she left a big window for Ed and Falke to clear out, as if she was ok with letting them get away. Chun Li is upset that she lost control and thought she was over her vendetta against Bison. Cammy says Shadaloo was destroyed and Bison was thought dead, and even though Chun Li lost her family, she gained a new one with the orphanage. Chun Li never thought of it that way and Cammy says she's become a mama hen.</p><p>Chun Li notices that Miao Yin is still distraught from earlier and she goes to comfort her. She hangs out with her and appreciates the Blue Jade that she bought for her. Chun Li discovered the greatest victories are the ones where she didn't need to fight. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvZ1fizdCXcBi2sRL5kuELFatiRP00YKnQLzZLEcGJzrMZWJjgzzvhm3cZ5FE5W2oipLfTuqrpdCCu3u9jxrEkZ9ELnM3xl2qq06cMydZpF5aWLyEM5_yGTKQmpuOl7RwTuyojA-iMCMLKSPCRmYzMTsRHgUo-bHvc4DufZpaunqwe5FXLklxFUgixEtF/s1114/ChunLi5.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1114" data-original-width="959" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvZ1fizdCXcBi2sRL5kuELFatiRP00YKnQLzZLEcGJzrMZWJjgzzvhm3cZ5FE5W2oipLfTuqrpdCCu3u9jxrEkZ9ELnM3xl2qq06cMydZpF5aWLyEM5_yGTKQmpuOl7RwTuyojA-iMCMLKSPCRmYzMTsRHgUo-bHvc4DufZpaunqwe5FXLklxFUgixEtF/w344-h400/ChunLi5.png" width="344" /></a></div><br /><p><b>My Thoughts-</b></p><p>Pretty good story. Most people know by now that Bison was responsible for the death of Chun Li's father, whether directly by his hand or sending someone to do it. Here we see Chun Li lose all control over the thought of Bison somehow returning. Even with Ed trying to talk his way out of a fight, she just wasn't having it. It's good to see that she was able to come to her senses before taking the fight too far.</p><p>The story seems to take place some time before Street Fighter 5 kicks off, since Cammy just found out that Bison has returned. Chun Li had already started seeking a new purpose in life after Bison's defeat in Street Fighter 4 and has started working at the orphanage which we see in the later games. Ed and Falke are kind of out of place, since Ed didn't break away from Balrog and run off with Falke until after Bison's defeat in the Street Fighter 5 story. Street Fighter 5 finally finished bridging the gap between Street Fighter 2 and 3, but Ed's plot with Falke came very late into the game to see it flesh out more. We'll see how Ed's story continues as he will soon be added to Street Fighter 6.</p><p>Udon once again digs into the Street Fighter and Final Fight well. We got a cameo from Wong Who earlier in the story. He's one of the fat dudes that run around in the original Final Fight arcade. There were several types of these heavy runners, and Wong was the one wearing green.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFsiyuKWoE7EgjtYayjKTHmBYCEFccYiUHda5o1MIs3ZPmyuCN3nVJAqx_9mwX7YfFLV25p7WElBJea9n9mr3M0Gmy1f21knaUJu4ECS7WCEKq3ynRCJYZYr6Ru8eoqRjx8U9qYg4Tcp35I7TV9LcNZLhkYtfPNEuQ56zr93yy8XgAy1WHt_C2yR8hBTLp/s575/FinalFight.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="575" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFsiyuKWoE7EgjtYayjKTHmBYCEFccYiUHda5o1MIs3ZPmyuCN3nVJAqx_9mwX7YfFLV25p7WElBJea9n9mr3M0Gmy1f21knaUJu4ECS7WCEKq3ynRCJYZYr6Ru8eoqRjx8U9qYg4Tcp35I7TV9LcNZLhkYtfPNEuQ56zr93yy8XgAy1WHt_C2yR8hBTLp/w400-h231/FinalFight.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>He was also chilling at the water park, but due to all the angles he was drawn in, it seems to be implied he was naked? At a public water park?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLXeOiN3M5oFAyr4c9aS83eBzjYkC5-0AVtRwPlX65y0OmXzFqc3jouJUqQUr8MVXYwUyYcfpfq7uLlFgqUtLx_09AhPgwVxyn7f6NWkdL_qo5xX24z4HFQNDxLaAOuhWyZIOc6qPHpP0xCtGq5zLrwxllrszn4bSwENhnpWdBqRT5mig68tNxGpKoT5s/s877/WongWho.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="877" data-original-width="845" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLXeOiN3M5oFAyr4c9aS83eBzjYkC5-0AVtRwPlX65y0OmXzFqc3jouJUqQUr8MVXYwUyYcfpfq7uLlFgqUtLx_09AhPgwVxyn7f6NWkdL_qo5xX24z4HFQNDxLaAOuhWyZIOc6qPHpP0xCtGq5zLrwxllrszn4bSwENhnpWdBqRT5mig68tNxGpKoT5s/w385-h400/WongWho.png" width="385" /></a></div><p>We also had the unexpected appearance of Tonfa. She was one of the 'Judgment Girls' from Street Fighter that appear whenever a match ends in a Double KO. I'm actually surprised that Mu Yung was made up for the comic and they didn't just use another Final Fight bad guy.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzeqYeD5YDDJWdYjnxfV-ajPzLPT1YOhNo5X_xaVOganY5uVIWhqTOVBk1qn88WrVVUWAqj8si-s1scpOAXDjQrNqufHgb7KJ2TlLYa_bK420izTpaXI_or_wdf8Z2o60K-rAFhxXAYaF-zdNs6wVHva8Xi5-Za-M8AFyYN4Cu4pZhvFX8g65c_d4o4PB/s1444/Tonfa.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1036" data-original-width="1444" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzeqYeD5YDDJWdYjnxfV-ajPzLPT1YOhNo5X_xaVOganY5uVIWhqTOVBk1qn88WrVVUWAqj8si-s1scpOAXDjQrNqufHgb7KJ2TlLYa_bK420izTpaXI_or_wdf8Z2o60K-rAFhxXAYaF-zdNs6wVHva8Xi5-Za-M8AFyYN4Cu4pZhvFX8g65c_d4o4PB/w400-h288/Tonfa.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>The art style is kinda odd. I wouldn't say it looks bad persay, but it's pretty stylized and it seems all the women, especially Chun Li have very round heads and puffy faces. It looks off when Ed and Bison are drawn more game-accurate than Chun Li, Cammy and Falke. Also I know Chun Li has some eye shadow, but whoever did her make up really overdid it in this issue. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxOcuVIst2FQ-T2grv7SeTMTrtRnSgmTWoyPaHvIqiTkKL1i7ptkO1RRgcFuNzmp6UD7XJUJloi-z14b8hcZA3hJIAJvZ5RY4aBAe8R9u9FlW0ZKeCUI78rp2jxiLihtEETpGX_ITUiLNweJ_BCxa7OuuzbeQGeS1Bb41Nna-Ve55zmCiw79idH3vYqeSN/s1100/ChunLi4.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="1100" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxOcuVIst2FQ-T2grv7SeTMTrtRnSgmTWoyPaHvIqiTkKL1i7ptkO1RRgcFuNzmp6UD7XJUJloi-z14b8hcZA3hJIAJvZ5RY4aBAe8R9u9FlW0ZKeCUI78rp2jxiLihtEETpGX_ITUiLNweJ_BCxa7OuuzbeQGeS1Bb41Nna-Ve55zmCiw79idH3vYqeSN/w400-h217/ChunLi4.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>I do like the extra regular outfits that we see Chun Li and Cammy in. Some of them should have been DLC for the games.</p><p>Overall a fun read, and I like seeing Chun Li settle into her new role as a 'mama hen' as she helps run the orphanage. I'm surprised Li Fen wasn't one of the kids though. Like the other Masters comics, the final pages do include several artworks of The Strongest Woman in the World from all of her games.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAEgXM5SRW9sAugkX_jd62ZJ1tC8G11kNhCslvjvVwmwuxKfVB2UP9WCtWzHlcPb8RRxhumpAosEb6kRQ8aUZZnhjRKqEatdLRRqRJs9d2qpPmSq0tNa53Hf4PxJH_Ydawf2NzsYybJlLg90acXBgAFg-1BaqaeNvwN8CMIKBWZ4iSE-CapGu-1bu0FkX5/s1114/ChunLiArt.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1114" data-original-width="704" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAEgXM5SRW9sAugkX_jd62ZJ1tC8G11kNhCslvjvVwmwuxKfVB2UP9WCtWzHlcPb8RRxhumpAosEb6kRQ8aUZZnhjRKqEatdLRRqRJs9d2qpPmSq0tNa53Hf4PxJH_Ydawf2NzsYybJlLg90acXBgAFg-1BaqaeNvwN8CMIKBWZ4iSE-CapGu-1bu0FkX5/w253-h400/ChunLiArt.png" width="253" /></a></div>MarkRodriguez09http://www.blogger.com/profile/10564869853180264503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464060983911849885.post-53887297364761460682024-01-29T09:24:00.000-08:002024-01-29T17:45:21.123-08:00The Vindicators # 1 *heavy spoilers*<p> By Mark Rodriguez</p><p>X-53 Studios have brought out some interesting stories with fun characters like Arachna, Goshawk and Falconet. Their latest series is The Vindicators, a story about a cowboy and a vampire and their adventures. I recently got my copy in the mail, so let's check it out!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ueA-JVss0ZYArmBb9a2B_E14GgoFYqSK48lzRF9sNlsdmqES5Rs9FjX9Kr9aflZEOLBana0k2ixeZXum9BYkoL98RClWrC2SUBjStb3slqheOr30yYlbHwz0NTfviMjBGDeiKktFVRVpt2QmWO29GxDulFqPsB6E8AxQ1u-X2uqsm6hSqrfv-VAW69xz/s1452/Vindicators-Cover.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1452" data-original-width="880" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ueA-JVss0ZYArmBb9a2B_E14GgoFYqSK48lzRF9sNlsdmqES5Rs9FjX9Kr9aflZEOLBana0k2ixeZXum9BYkoL98RClWrC2SUBjStb3slqheOr30yYlbHwz0NTfviMjBGDeiKktFVRVpt2QmWO29GxDulFqPsB6E8AxQ1u-X2uqsm6hSqrfv-VAW69xz/w242-h400/Vindicators-Cover.png" width="242" /></a></div><p>The story opens in 1865, Painted Desert, Arizona, as a cowboy with a glowing eye and a metal arm rides a horse pulling a coach tries to get away from people shooting at him. The cowboy shoots back, but one of the men shoots the gun out of his hand. With a gun pointed to his head, the cowboy gives up. The thieves check out his coach and find a casket, thinking he's some sort of undertaker. </p><p>The men find a woman inside and one of them is dumb enough to put his finger in her mouth. The woman bites his finger off and wakes up. She looks at the men and calls them breakfast. One of the men shoots her but with no avail. She leaps towards him and bites down on him. He drops the man and looks towards his friend, saying she's still hungry. The cowboy tells the man that 'Miss Brown' hasn't had blood in a while and will want more. The man shoots himself in the head.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh9G6hyvQUOfctthcXUYb8Dijfrw6UGTTtSjI6FJel4rGngpXSm6Csl-57H8pFzPEsxgrZP0pHhXKuHwXp6pdP9k6bvo2dYOeeDPp6coHlEgZWhbUV_180P1Tu02nTK8laaEMqqGIbLKk4TOpjKhLbdwHrQFthyINAb8E2WNJzbTAIDyXk1LOioCJUMpYl/s983/Vindicators1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="983" data-original-width="829" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh9G6hyvQUOfctthcXUYb8Dijfrw6UGTTtSjI6FJel4rGngpXSm6Csl-57H8pFzPEsxgrZP0pHhXKuHwXp6pdP9k6bvo2dYOeeDPp6coHlEgZWhbUV_180P1Tu02nTK8laaEMqqGIbLKk4TOpjKhLbdwHrQFthyINAb8E2WNJzbTAIDyXk1LOioCJUMpYl/w338-h400/Vindicators1.png" width="338" /></a></div><p>Later on as night falls, the coach rides into town. The cowboy, Mr. Decker thanks Miss Brown for not also feasting upon him. She says she was already sated with the first bandit she attacked, for the moment anyway. The town they arrived in is called Stalegorge and Decker calls it a ghost town. They stop by the Blaze Saloon and ask where they can rest for the night. The woman there tells them the Golden Nugget Hotel is just up ahead, though the owner is busy with one of her ladies.</p><p>The travelers get a room together and Decker says he'll need a night's rest. Miss Brown goes to use her charm on the hotel owner while Decker heads out to fine some whiskey and some ladies. At the saloon, several men are flirting with the ladies and there is a movie displayed featuring a woman named Goldie. The men watching are completely mesmerized by the woman on the screen and Decker notices there's something written on the movie. Before he can get more information, Goldie herself shows up and invites the cowboy upstairs with her.</p><p>Meanwhile, Miss Brown heads to visit the hotel owner and finds a tall golem at the entrance. The owner shows up and introduces himself as Daniel Degraw, an inventor who is only several feet tall. The golem lifts him up so he can kiss her hand, as she introduces herself as Alice Brown. She says her partner will be joining them shortly and they are interested in his inventions and offer to pay him greatly. Degraw realizes she is a vampire and says the answer is no. Just then the golem picks her up by the face, as Degraw explains that he felt how cold her hand was and noted the absence of a heartbeat.</p><p>The golem tosses Alice back across the room and then sends Alice flying with a punch across the jaw. Alice flips to the air but Degraw flips a switch and the room is bathed with artificial sunlight. Alice is in pain and drops to the ground. Degraw figures her cabal sent her after him and knocks her out with garlic-infused ether. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM4zdtdQtGjNv9QvCJViYLxsagzmbrxibRGr9dDAqMvdXYu66ZPb_ymQs0td1SGYbS37UP7dvmeMJwqM0MAqPAJJaMm3_UctTu-8lYbq_olxyaNsL5vvS7rfQgtxJFCGY4CT7UGludzcECZJAxGcBEJqubtPtntaawcy5g7obsqGYEqlDI2xTOiwU9IzaF/s979/Vindicators2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="979" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM4zdtdQtGjNv9QvCJViYLxsagzmbrxibRGr9dDAqMvdXYu66ZPb_ymQs0td1SGYbS37UP7dvmeMJwqM0MAqPAJJaMm3_UctTu-8lYbq_olxyaNsL5vvS7rfQgtxJFCGY4CT7UGludzcECZJAxGcBEJqubtPtntaawcy5g7obsqGYEqlDI2xTOiwU9IzaF/w400-h290/Vindicators2.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Elsewhere, Decker has his fun with Goldie while envisioning Alice in her place. Degraw and his golem look down at the defeated vampiress. Degraw says she might be the key to tracking down the rest of her cabal. The golem says she is pretty and Degraw says they can try to convince her to join their cause. </p><p>We see a flashback to 1862, the Battle of Antietam at the Miller Cornfield. Soldiers shoot upon each other and in the gunfight, Decker loses his eye, his arm and both legs. As he lays on the cornfield, bleeding to death, a swarm of bats approach him, signalling Alice's arrival. Alice has a piece of one of the soldiers and bites down on it. Decker wakes up screaming and Goldie tells him he's having a nightmare. She asks him who is this Alice he was calling out to in his dreams.</p><p>Meanwhile, Alice is strapped down and has her eyelids forced open as Degraw examines her in the backroom workshop of the Ironside Emporium. Degraw explains that he seeks human unity, and can't afford to have Alice interfere, now that he's so close to achieving his goal. Alice says he has a funny way of showing it, considering she offered her cooperation. She wondered why her employers even bothered. Degraw says her employers are the cabal and they only want power. He then forces her to watch his latest 'motion picture' as the screen displays Decker and Goldie doing their thing.</p><p>Goldie tells Decker that he can't leave yet as everyone in town is their brother's keeper. Decker asks what is going on as he got reports of strange things happening in the town. Goldie explains there's something strange about the motion pictures that Degraw shows that make the people watching them only listen to him. She never watches them and says they need someone like Decker to be their ticket out of here. Decker says his partner never reported back to him.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3LhREvBFLOsUZBj1nPZtKBGwzrhKOMZtRRT25hp9i8MNEM7ssmU6ft1eSB8Q9L6U_iF_S5LUInYBXSw2VE850BlEiIOmRRJz-Y9U818FdMR1CHyk58FtxwsGYD2ruw0wxv7AcQVQUsax4GAtm1B_m_iF1tzyYln-RIl-KCWaxjbXaylTxfN4nCgAGPNi3/s1194/Vindicators3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1085" data-original-width="1194" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3LhREvBFLOsUZBj1nPZtKBGwzrhKOMZtRRT25hp9i8MNEM7ssmU6ft1eSB8Q9L6U_iF_S5LUInYBXSw2VE850BlEiIOmRRJz-Y9U818FdMR1CHyk58FtxwsGYD2ruw0wxv7AcQVQUsax4GAtm1B_m_iF1tzyYln-RIl-KCWaxjbXaylTxfN4nCgAGPNi3/w400-h364/Vindicators3.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>The golem carries Alice, who is wrapped in silver chains, back towards the saloon. He apologizes for the rough treatment and explains his boss was once treated like a freak so he hates all freaks like Alice and himself. Alice tries to charm him but he says he can't betray his boss as he is his only friend.</p><p>Degraw wants to see if the brainwashed people at the saloon will be able to resist Alice's charms. He explains his plans to Miss De Bauch, the hostess of the saloon from earlier, who can only say 'Yes Mister Degraw' in her brainwashed state. He says he plans to take his motion pictures to bigger cities and take control of business owners and politicians. He feels his inventions are what are needed to survive against the upcoming war against monsters.</p><p>As Decker gets ready to head out, Goldie wants him to promise not to kill anyone. She reminds him that the people aren't themselves, they're brainwashed. Decker says they're following orders, like he once did, and it doesn't matter whether they're doing so voluntarily or by force. He says he's a killer and he even has a silver bullet for Alice in case she ever gets out of line.</p><p>Decker and Goldie go back downstairs as everyone invites them to watch the movies. Decker draws his gun and open fires. Degraw hears the gunshot and figures it's the cowboy since he doesn't trust the townsfolk with guns. The golem also hears the gunshot and takes Alice in the opposite direction.</p><p>At the saloon, we see that Decker actually shot the movie projector to bits. The townsfolk are still under Degraw's control and go after him. Decker shoots at their feet and runs off with Goldie.</p><p>The golem puts Alice in a cell at the sheriff's office while he plans to go and investigate the saloon. Alice offers to make him a vampire, but the golem is happy as he is. Alice says Degraw is only using him to help form his human armies and will discard him when he doesn't need him anymore. The golem then hears a noise.</p><p>At the saloon, two men are holding Decker still while a third punches him in the face. Two women hold Goldie still as they plan to use scissors on her, calling her a traitor. Decker's metal hand shoots off from his metal arm, allowing him to break free and kick the men off him. The men are sent flying through the windows of the saloon as the golem arrives.</p><p>The golem punches Decker and sends him flying. Goldie grabs a bottle and bashes it on the back of the golem's head, which does nothing. The golem grabs Goldie by the throat, when Decker comes back, ready to fight. The golem drops Goldie and starts fighting with the metal-armed cowboy. Alice can hear the commotion and a swarm of bats arrive at her cell. She says she has a jailbreak to plan.</p><p>As the fighting continues, Decker is able to punch off one of the golem's metal arms. He goes for a kick, but the golem catches his foot and is about to break it. Decker punches him by shooting off his metal fist towards his face. The cowboy then pulls out a metal cable from the socket in his wrist and uses it to choke the golem out.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5EdclgAF6ZhJJ0aXsqtiAYAfsd6ECSyZVMbdH0sNVmSLmdpYaG6czCkX0H9iWNXwb6N8Yk6l6t_vybbBHgTZsp-F-5nGo-Plw_o8MzM37aTtdklGnsjHxCbmOV1OpQwNcgN1Aud6KBQ3BAGWdAHjUHN6dDTQXVe52B7Qs5M7WWvEtmMw_eLQNLv5-sb9-/s975/Vindicators4.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="975" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5EdclgAF6ZhJJ0aXsqtiAYAfsd6ECSyZVMbdH0sNVmSLmdpYaG6czCkX0H9iWNXwb6N8Yk6l6t_vybbBHgTZsp-F-5nGo-Plw_o8MzM37aTtdklGnsjHxCbmOV1OpQwNcgN1Aud6KBQ3BAGWdAHjUHN6dDTQXVe52B7Qs5M7WWvEtmMw_eLQNLv5-sb9-/w400-h393/Vindicators4.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Just then Miss De Bauch arrives with Degraw sitting on her shoulder. He introduces himself to the cowboy while his assistant shoots his metal arm with an ice gun. The golem starts getting back up but Decker uses the block of ice on his arm to punch him in the face. While the golem's face is badly damaged, Decker also shattered half of his arm in the impact. Decker picks up a sharp icicle and uses it to stab the golem on the side of the head. He then tosses it at the ice gun before De Bauch can shoot him again. The gun freezes De Bauch in a block of ice and Degraw didn't expect his gun to have a backlash effect.</p><p>Alice notices that the golem has been defeated and Decker has the advantage over Degraw, so she decides to join in. She warns the cowboy to watch out for Degraw since he is deceptive. Just then Decker suddenly stabs Alice with a silver knife.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_FhCeyD4gL2eI-qDNANxIGBfmrc8lyr3OUbKeRdoNhJViuz_h94aBvpMl0qYRo8YDalcWVwBnt7H0h8IIk3bQRYcMhEoIMLivbKL7gjTSScHzOj_4lPvUu0CYSvUGQE4iIVhZ-wU2fyD-tKrb7xh_Bam7GmpunM_G1y8tTX45Hx7aA9TCZZxTxjLrQwr/s1106/Vindicators5.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1106" data-original-width="858" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_FhCeyD4gL2eI-qDNANxIGBfmrc8lyr3OUbKeRdoNhJViuz_h94aBvpMl0qYRo8YDalcWVwBnt7H0h8IIk3bQRYcMhEoIMLivbKL7gjTSScHzOj_4lPvUu0CYSvUGQE4iIVhZ-wU2fyD-tKrb7xh_Bam7GmpunM_G1y8tTX45Hx7aA9TCZZxTxjLrQwr/w310-h400/Vindicators5.png" width="310" /></a></div><p>Degraw explains that even though Decker had little exposure to the films, his trigger word still worked. Decker starts attacking Alice and she is unable to talk him out of it. She sends the swarm of bats after him and they bite him until he recovers. Degraw sees that his plans have failed and runs away. Decker is back to normal. </p><p>Later on, the Ironside Emporium is blown up, though Decker and Alice figure this isn't the last time that they'll see Degraw. Decker spends time with Goldie as Alice uses her charms to turn the townsfolk back to normal. As they ride off together, Alice asks if they should investigate the cabal that they work for. Decker admits he never dealt with them personally and it always gave him a weird feeling about it. He says it's time they ride off and meet their bosses.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJt-PGKjxYB_BdQdctITg1FROgxAbNwPQQjy7uL-l9xzC4rtOge9HneQ8OLHuzA4uDE81EE4VOgUIlOmZ2lSWjQ9KaQlrcH0pH8tSKT10tuXu8ghRxu3pnqXwhpqpwBo8gB00Wp8DznRmT3yBWcYEgXqZavJPvYv0L7sPVghNJp8wnj2ofIQHzcDEqOM0/s972/Vindicators6.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="897" data-original-width="972" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJt-PGKjxYB_BdQdctITg1FROgxAbNwPQQjy7uL-l9xzC4rtOge9HneQ8OLHuzA4uDE81EE4VOgUIlOmZ2lSWjQ9KaQlrcH0pH8tSKT10tuXu8ghRxu3pnqXwhpqpwBo8gB00Wp8DznRmT3yBWcYEgXqZavJPvYv0L7sPVghNJp8wnj2ofIQHzcDEqOM0/w400-h369/Vindicators6.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>We see that The Cabal consists of Dr. Jack Griffin, (The Invisible Man), Dr. Victor Frankenstein, Elizabeth Frankenstein, Chance Dolton (The Werewolf) and Count Graf Orlock (Nosferatu).</p><p><b>My opinions- </b></p><p>So this one is definitely the most adult-oriented series of the X-53 Studios lot. There seems to be stronger language, a lot more adult activity, and well... the major plot involves a guy brainwashing the townsfolk with adult movies of Goldie serving her clientele. They're 'bringing sexy back' to comics alright. Also there's a lot more blood, but you'd expect that from a story with vampires. There aren't complaints or nitpicks mind you, just my observations.</p><p>This comic is also a steampunk western, so it's the first of the X-53 comics to break out of the overall superhero genre. It's the kind of story where things like cybernetic implants and ice guns exist, but the concept of the motion picture still feels pretty new and innovative. Since the story takes place in 1865, I doubt Decker and Alice can bump into Arachna unless time travel is involved. Sure Alice is an immortal vampire, but if she appears in modern day, just as is and without time travel, that would take away any suspense from the stories in her own book.</p><p>You have some great characters and an interesting dynamic between Decker and Alice. Decker seems to be the 'jerk with a heart of gold', as he made no qualms about killing the townsfolk regardless of if they were brainwashed, but when the moment came, he didn't kill any of them. He still has some silver items on him in case Alice ever decides to snack on him. </p><p>Alice also seems to enjoy his company, but she also makes no guarantees should her hunger become unbearable and he happens to be the only human around. In true X-53 fashion, Alice's little outfit leaves her bottom exposed, so expect to see a lot of it. She even did the 90's X-Men Rogue pose in one of the panels. If ya know, ya know. </p><p>Degraw is also quite the character. He knows what he's doing is evil, but he's not so doing it 'for the greater good', it's more 'well at least I'm not as evil as vampires'. He does raise a good point about getting ready for whatever plans the Cabal have in store. He mentioned that the Cabal must have found out about him and feared his inventions, which is why they sent Alice after him. From Alice's perspective they were sent to Stalegorge to investigate the strange happenings. Degraw might be right about what the Cabal's motives were, even if Alice and Decker are unaware of them. He's still a little creep and you can tell he loves to be in control, probably due to how he was treated in the past due to his short stature.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvro9j8BQhajf8MFfEFk13BiuZ5Mft9OWN9JsqrXuE10gVylCuGCeMjsO9mBfdlVsu758fu-GcLTQG4YgQXYX2pWogWWlu0vYD788iPD5hsvF99tIL39Y87wM0rsbkEtJAZEqEogcQEUuxzjbm_PRG608LAC0DD9K45G-WZmmbUu2VrKkQGv5-y7WlgMq/s1182/degraw.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1182" data-original-width="723" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvro9j8BQhajf8MFfEFk13BiuZ5Mft9OWN9JsqrXuE10gVylCuGCeMjsO9mBfdlVsu758fu-GcLTQG4YgQXYX2pWogWWlu0vYD788iPD5hsvF99tIL39Y87wM0rsbkEtJAZEqEogcQEUuxzjbm_PRG608LAC0DD9K45G-WZmmbUu2VrKkQGv5-y7WlgMq/w245-h400/degraw.png" width="245" /></a></div><p>Also love the pun on Miss De Bauch, since she pretty much runs a brothel from her saloon.</p><p>The golem is a tragic character. He doesn't even have a name and speaks in broken sentences. He might not have been completely evil and only following Degraw's orders because he sees him as a friend. When Goldie attacked him, he also said he thought she was his friend. The poor guy just needed a good friend. </p><p>Goldie does her thing, but she does care about the wellbeing of her fellow townsfolk. At first it seemed she went straight for Decker since he was a stranger and a potential new customer. It's implied she actually went to snatch him up before Decker could watch too much of the films to get brainwashed. Since Goldie doesn't like seeing movies of herself 'at work' so to speak, she was the only one in the town immune to the effects. The movies also had no effect on Alice, presumably since she's not human.</p><p>The story was fun, and we got to see some good bare fisted brawls. The art is nice and colorful. The only part I wasn't clear on was if the bandit in the beginning shot himself because of fear or because of Alice's charms. An extra panel of the guy being confused on why he was pointing the gun to his own head would helped. </p><p>Overall a fun read. The fun isn't over yet as we have Arachna # 3 and Goshawk # 2 on the horizon. There's also a new series on what looks to be about an all-out superhero team called The Opama.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZB7T0_MRYvzi8b4Xlcm3qb_BBdjc2zuTLOn-bpWOOPwSMUE4vAMQOUfmdcEGoH070q4h_xA3tm2viuYoWQdV-f2WGJYpNNVmkIq_C_VpwEbdmKGEk0VhfUy8qkEMyPTTV6D2BA_w3w-GvaOcgU_91hFabIW_oOWDI2zzrCJSx3LJOlVhhBaLGqMDz3QkW/s1101/TheOmada.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1101" data-original-width="696" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZB7T0_MRYvzi8b4Xlcm3qb_BBdjc2zuTLOn-bpWOOPwSMUE4vAMQOUfmdcEGoH070q4h_xA3tm2viuYoWQdV-f2WGJYpNNVmkIq_C_VpwEbdmKGEk0VhfUy8qkEMyPTTV6D2BA_w3w-GvaOcgU_91hFabIW_oOWDI2zzrCJSx3LJOlVhhBaLGqMDz3QkW/w253-h400/TheOmada.png" width="253" /></a></div><div><br /></div>There was also a swimsuit issue released that features Arachna, Falconet, Alice and an extra sneak peak (in more ways than one, I'm sure) of some of the women in The Omada. MarkRodriguez09http://www.blogger.com/profile/10564869853180264503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464060983911849885.post-14177995349136849672024-01-04T18:37:00.000-08:002024-01-04T18:37:01.451-08:00Agents of SHIELD Episode 10 RETRO REVIEW<p> By Mark Rodriguez</p><p>Originally written on December 10, 2013. Keep in mind these reviews were done way back when the show first aired, so we had no idea what future events or movies would bring. Also, before it was retconned away, at least at the moment, the Agents of SHIELD show was in canon with the movies.</p><p>This is an intense episode that not only brought back Mike Peterson from
the first episode... but also Reyna and Centipede.. and anything
related to that general story line. It was clever that they reran the
episode with Reyna and Amador the week before since it keeps people who
missed it up to date. This is also the first episode that starts with a
'previously on Agents of SHIELD' showing clips of the episodes with
Mike Peterson and Reyna. Let's get this started!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH1l1SJJYELhExhlPI1nv-ZsRbjmbTbaMfuVSHU35hj3h8vJVoekG8L6ae-yLFJlVVZWF5eyWgOyLDt-ayVMFZ3m-mj7BRbg6-2qhVJVHCXItLUUbA17lIVSMU8w8Y8bCOadwZJAD4_MBGYaEyaR56naH2okZdW46VSNV8T3R8oyfFGHqmlAbO5tr9qx10/s640/agents1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH1l1SJJYELhExhlPI1nv-ZsRbjmbTbaMfuVSHU35hj3h8vJVoekG8L6ae-yLFJlVVZWF5eyWgOyLDt-ayVMFZ3m-mj7BRbg6-2qhVJVHCXItLUUbA17lIVSMU8w8Y8bCOadwZJAD4_MBGYaEyaR56naH2okZdW46VSNV8T3R8oyfFGHqmlAbO5tr9qx10/w400-h266/agents1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The episode officially opens in the Havenworth Federal Penitentiary with the mystery man in prison that Reyna was talking to in an earlier episode. Just then three soldiers bust in through the roof, and they have the super strength to send the guards flying with their punches. They grab the man and escape with him.</div><div><br /></div><div>Coulson gathers the gang and tells them about the escaped prisoner named Edison Po. They already know the soldiers are involved with Centipede. He tells them he's gonna call for back-up, and it will be someone they know. It's actually the Hooded Hero from the first episode, Mike Peterson. He's later seen at a training camp shoving a tractor around and trying to break Captain America's record. Coulson shows up and tells him it's time for him to suit up.</div><div><br /></div><div>The gang is against the idea of having Mike Peterson with them due to how insane he acted the first time they saw each other. They also find one of the people involved with Centipede was named Brian Hayward and he has a sister they can use to track him down. Mike is taken for testing to check his limits. He tells Fitz and Simmons that it was the bullet they designed that prevented the Extermis from blowing him up and saved his life. They're both very flattered and surprised. Simmons asks about the Centipede thing embedded into his arm and he explains he can't take it off without killing him.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVNOoCa5DUw4zPAk-tOKoCZ6RLz2EW23s8vi_G4B_Kn5gyruVzZGO-tUfCjvZqrEFeOJHqrvz6BdECDcaSO5Mw8OcOIGfGrIJklk6LyVZzUF7fihMGJ24L07TPkpMiy4ynjF_WSy6EuWAmnmnEMY7vtlIkbw89R_j_73D3VElNF00lJQ2KEOhceuOv7gC/s614/agents3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="614" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVNOoCa5DUw4zPAk-tOKoCZ6RLz2EW23s8vi_G4B_Kn5gyruVzZGO-tUfCjvZqrEFeOJHqrvz6BdECDcaSO5Mw8OcOIGfGrIJklk6LyVZzUF7fihMGJ24L07TPkpMiy4ynjF_WSy6EuWAmnmnEMY7vtlIkbw89R_j_73D3VElNF00lJQ2KEOhceuOv7gC/w400-h221/agents3.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><div>Coulson and Grant drive around stalking the school where Brian's sister goes to. They talk about relationships and Coulson mentioned he had a woman he loved. Unfortunately he 'died' and they had to keep his revival a secret so he ended up losing her.</div><div><br /></div><div>Skye keeps digging around, and May walks in, a bit upset that Coulson told her that she'd be helping find the files on her missing parents. Skye does find video of Po talking to the woman in the flower dress in prison. Peterson sees this and recognizes her as Reyna, the woman that recruited her into Centipede and gave him his powers.</div><div><br /></div><div>Reyna talks to Edison and tells him about how SHIELD is destroying their bases and they're constantly on the run. The soldiers also need a lot of maintenance and are always drained after their missions. Edison says it's time for them to stop running.</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuFweHfLIoRWik9AIXDjpL6MSrp92ys5b9_l0CGSDf4HPYK9E8d5SJAHE9lgedtcn1cMYd0llkxbrErQaaWexR4e4X6qktKNmC76C_goBWQBtgCfUTKyeTx81fWOQig96YAPgFOYntZyY4IMa0oJwnX6RpfshPOqB8C1zeSd1qefOMYp_wJVxac3q0XOyj/s1000/agents4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuFweHfLIoRWik9AIXDjpL6MSrp92ys5b9_l0CGSDf4HPYK9E8d5SJAHE9lgedtcn1cMYd0llkxbrErQaaWexR4e4X6qktKNmC76C_goBWQBtgCfUTKyeTx81fWOQig96YAPgFOYntZyY4IMa0oJwnX6RpfshPOqB8C1zeSd1qefOMYp_wJVxac3q0XOyj/w400-h266/agents4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><div>Meanwhile, Grant approaches Laura Haywart and tells her that her brother won the lottery and hands her a ticket. After he leaves, Laura calls her brothers and Coulson and Grant trace the call to Oakland California. Now is the time for Peterson to hit the field, wearing a black outfit that keeps tracks of his vitals and such designed by Fitz and Summers.</div><div><br /></div><div>Coulson and Peterson head towards a storage area and Brian Haywart jumps out a storage container to attack them. Peterson is able to hold him back, and Coulson shoots him down, but he gets right back up. More super powered soldiers show up and May and Grant jump into action as well. The regular agents are down, and it's up to Peterson to face the soldiers, and he ends up getting stabbed by a steel pole. The soldiers run away, except for one that is taken down. Coulson questions him and the soldier soon dies with a kill switch activated through the eyes.</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiCbVlO-Wrg19nUtt3zOi2dDz7yYsb9qT9hDP3WEorU0AWT9LM3F7tBgf48-u0abKTATNksl6CYbWTWYPjSWXJZeAEepLcm8tAiEyVudgPVSDeZbnse4Jepna0VgK75l8abcgL2GLgUldgnle-eQZ_1soJK7OcmB2z2XL7nck3ON7XnDqcFMfp6Fapm0rS/s625/agents5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="625" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiCbVlO-Wrg19nUtt3zOi2dDz7yYsb9qT9hDP3WEorU0AWT9LM3F7tBgf48-u0abKTATNksl6CYbWTWYPjSWXJZeAEepLcm8tAiEyVudgPVSDeZbnse4Jepna0VgK75l8abcgL2GLgUldgnle-eQZ_1soJK7OcmB2z2XL7nck3ON7XnDqcFMfp6Fapm0rS/w400-h266/agents5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div>Reyna and Edison are watching the scene through the eyes of their agents and recognize Peterson. They think he has the cure they need to stabilize their soldiers and start their Phase 3. Skye recognizes the eye kill switch technology as something similar with Amador, but this time she can't hack into their feed.</div><div><br /></div><div>Reyna is curious about the Clairvoyant that Edison talks to, and he tells her that he knifed the last person that asked about him and doesn't wish to do the same with her.</div><div><br /></div><div>On their downtime, May shows up and is angry at Grant for taking a punch for her during the fight. He says he did it since it was tactical to keep her out of harm's way since she is the fastest between them. As he walks off, Skye overheard their little conversation. May snaps at her saying that she better remember why she's with SHIELD and to set aside her personal attachments. They're there for their mission, not to find her parents. Skye goes off to cry and Coulson overhears it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Coulson talks to Peterson, who's still recovering from being stabbed. He asks him why he hasn't seen his son since the airport ordeal. Mike feels ashamed since the last time his son saw him was when he was an enraged maniac. Coulson convinces him to give his son a call. Unfortunately when he does, he finds out that his son has a 'new friend'... who turns out to be Reyna.</div><div><br /></div><div>Everyone discusses what to do, but they have no choice but to hand over Peterson so he can save his son. Fitz puts a tracker on him that will help follow him wherever they take him. May wanted to escort Mike, but they insisted that Coulson be one to show up with Mike.</div><div><br /></div><div>As they head out, Fitz and Simmons are ready to activate the tracker, and Grant is a sniper. Coulson and Mike see Reyna and one of the soldiers. Unfortunately, Mike made a deal with them that no one else was in on. They wanted Coulson, not Mike. Mike apologizes and Coulson says he knows it was the only choice they had. They let Mike's son go, and as he walks off with him, Coulson gets injected by a knock out drug and is carried off by the soldier. The others are ready to activate the tracker but are confused that Coulson is being taken instead of Mike.</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX33Lm85kfucOtp4DHb3UUxYvJ2K09nUm3cXKDjC8vGpQAEaNEvXBws2j50Kmr_-dysvxeQ0OAEb_yUxlKutx4luoYtLFbD9F0alfxK1_8WyZpaYx1dBkTg1o2keQrH7lrb1bcblPxHw5kK0vjcC2nSqeld0iW1nioWQqXj3hgDyd0aX5qkP-6DjDJ7Z1z/s666/agents6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="341" data-original-width="666" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX33Lm85kfucOtp4DHb3UUxYvJ2K09nUm3cXKDjC8vGpQAEaNEvXBws2j50Kmr_-dysvxeQ0OAEb_yUxlKutx4luoYtLFbD9F0alfxK1_8WyZpaYx1dBkTg1o2keQrH7lrb1bcblPxHw5kK0vjcC2nSqeld0iW1nioWQqXj3hgDyd0aX5qkP-6DjDJ7Z1z/w400-h205/agents6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><div>Mike won't stand for this and after he secures his son with Skye, he runs back to help out before they can get away with Coulson. However, all the random cars and trucks in the area suddenly explode around him. There's no signs of Mike... and the car that they took Coulson is also blown up. Just then a helicopter flies off and it shoots at Grant. Everyone is surprised that Coulson has been taken.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the chopper, Coulson tells Reyna that whatever they want, he'll never give to them. He thinks they want the way they stabilized Mike Peterson's powers.... but what they really want is know about the day after he died.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>My Opinions:</b></div><div><b><br /></b>
Wow. Just wow. It seems everything came together for this episode... at
least everything involving Centipede and their plans to have super
soldiers. The ending was just all sorts of shocking. And the next
episode, airing in January will not only finally reveal how Coulson was
brought back... but also bring back Victoria Hand.<br />
<br />
It was awesome to see Peterson come back, and basically redeem himself.
He was never a bad guy, and always wanted to do the right thing. I kinda
didn't like nobody wanting to work with him... but I guess from their
point of view I can understand how they'd be worried about him freaking
out and destroying everything. I do like how he was surprised to see
that Skye was actually working with SHIELD now. But wow... I understand
they didn't want to be too flashy... or maybe they didn't have the
budget for something better... but my only complaint is Peterson's
lame-ass simplistic outfit. Hardly looks like he can stand aside the
Avengers... and man... even the X-Men generic movie costumes look
fancier than that.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFM2-LpbrkXaic-wH1tuXdSMYjD3D_kZn0otbWIDLFajhDGyZp74Or_0sSlS1X2ET-6SizzSklSXKfDLjowhRDEkv4kgS44DaBe7BDJJG1qRzFhBuS9k8u1S-fV2jx4x-b0K0JiZJQDjqUe9-0hakyw6PG0MMeMO3aQn7yhQ06UFPlq3y3q0NW4C0aqFDn/s600/agent7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFM2-LpbrkXaic-wH1tuXdSMYjD3D_kZn0otbWIDLFajhDGyZp74Or_0sSlS1X2ET-6SizzSklSXKfDLjowhRDEkv4kgS44DaBe7BDJJG1qRzFhBuS9k8u1S-fV2jx4x-b0K0JiZJQDjqUe9-0hakyw6PG0MMeMO3aQn7yhQ06UFPlq3y3q0NW4C0aqFDn/w400-h266/agent7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>As for the others... well... Grant and Melinda May got some good fighting scenes in this one... especially when Melinda found those swords and went wild. The thing that stands out is that.... fighting skills and all.. those two have no business in this kind of fight. They're fighting guys that can push tractors and knock steel bunkerss around as if they were nothing... and yet somehow they survived. Yeah, Grant and May did get smacked down, but there's no way they could fight super humans head on and not end up going to the emergency room.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo3yrwivfk03PD4vxWPxp-_Cr9ZYXG_yKBzMOVd8XJROKLp0YEAvWBo6IxuhiX_RrtPbF0_PuFPxZJhyLJkGCiqPBFzbChu5IZTIWojQ0dVQBbAzMYYTWPCPHyc7BgOzI14AXsbkVx5Rtznldr8gonTRwOgBNkyWAUx5bpjNkLmPI-XBYsuxLQADyVe3rJ/s800/agents7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo3yrwivfk03PD4vxWPxp-_Cr9ZYXG_yKBzMOVd8XJROKLp0YEAvWBo6IxuhiX_RrtPbF0_PuFPxZJhyLJkGCiqPBFzbChu5IZTIWojQ0dVQBbAzMYYTWPCPHyc7BgOzI14AXsbkVx5Rtznldr8gonTRwOgBNkyWAUx5bpjNkLmPI-XBYsuxLQADyVe3rJ/w400-h266/agents7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<br />The tension between Grant and May continues on, it seems they're both still a bit uncomfortable with what happened that one night. Skye was a bit downplayed except for her continued search for her parents. Fitz and Simmons were also downplayed a bit, but we got to see Simmons gush over getting to feel up... I mean inspect Peterson. Finally we still have Reyna. Still an incredibly unlikable bitch, walking around as if she is untouchable. I do hope eventually she finds out she's just as expendable to Centipede as is anyone else.</div><div><br /></div><div>
So yeah, this episode knocks it out of the park. I really can't wait til
January to see it. Even if I have to watch in the smaller TV since
Paige will be busy with the season premiere of Pretty Little Liars on
the big HD TV. </div>MarkRodriguez09http://www.blogger.com/profile/10564869853180264503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464060983911849885.post-20189307980567426202024-01-03T21:30:00.000-08:002024-01-03T21:33:49.345-08:00Remembering Nerd Block and stuff I kept<p> By Mark Rodriguez</p><p>Back in 2014, Paige and I got into Loot Crate, possibly the most popular and biggest mystery subscription box to this day. I discovered their competitor, Nerd Block and decided to be 'the contrarian' and give them a try while everyone else was all over Loot Crate. Nerd Block would eventually get other boxes like Horror Block and Gamer Block which would eventually be renamed to Arcade Block. </p><p>Here's a quick rundown of some of the boxes I got back then and their items. I still own some of the items, mostly the mugs and the shirts. Let's check them out. </p><p><b>Nerd Block June 2014</b></p><p>My first ever block and overall mystery box. After seeing Paige gets her Loot Crates month after month I was excited to finally get something for myself. I took a gamble considering I wasn't that impressed by previous boxes shown in Youtube videos, but I was happy with my purchase.</p><p>I got two cool shirts, one was related to Ghostbusters and the other was a mash up between The Iron Giant and the X-Men.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXbnXyzPegEr7Voz-V8uW188XHqbOb4kfH83kI0oTckEI20YO0DKIvEx5642hFRdBwm2gTsLS7GhYO-XRrsPu2jf2IR-WIKpO34f4pQEtqFHnBrDsdjR1eds3EofshRhff6JNU_rz8kKSwuOnOKbXvUvyZs_li6_GlekSRZRRM1I_V5OJUn_b9eEVHdHJ/s716/Shirts1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="716" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXbnXyzPegEr7Voz-V8uW188XHqbOb4kfH83kI0oTckEI20YO0DKIvEx5642hFRdBwm2gTsLS7GhYO-XRrsPu2jf2IR-WIKpO34f4pQEtqFHnBrDsdjR1eds3EofshRhff6JNU_rz8kKSwuOnOKbXvUvyZs_li6_GlekSRZRRM1I_V5OJUn_b9eEVHdHJ/w400-h269/Shirts1.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>The other items I got were a Donkey Kong Mario Kart Racer, a Doctor Who mystery box (I got the 6th Doctor), A Nerd Block Pin Art, and a Minecraft Creeper sticker. I especially like the sticker because it was drawn in a way that made it look '3D' as if the Creeper was really going to bust out.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bZWQFbQiL6Ll5bfFczA4v7ibUYQ8W5wPmlGkSnTctUStk4z4gPltW58YiHwucRjRrb0WCbKSnJTnUd8sKqANfpbbkwOgSkZRL9hSJf9OGfZ43tbXJpVANDReqp_RISvC3HLrmdXJEtyF3wxxofgRaAyX9yyNCkLH8hcrGPb2bvcR17_uBh3MFqOfgF35/s480/NerdBlock1-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bZWQFbQiL6Ll5bfFczA4v7ibUYQ8W5wPmlGkSnTctUStk4z4gPltW58YiHwucRjRrb0WCbKSnJTnUd8sKqANfpbbkwOgSkZRL9hSJf9OGfZ43tbXJpVANDReqp_RISvC3HLrmdXJEtyF3wxxofgRaAyX9yyNCkLH8hcrGPb2bvcR17_uBh3MFqOfgF35/w300-h400/NerdBlock1-1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p>In this case my favorite things were the shirts. One thing I noticed was Nerd Block was set in Canada and so the box was international packaging. You had to be careful not to read the shipping labels because it would spoil what's in the box before you could even open it.</p><p><b>Nerd Block July 2021</b></p><p>It seems the two shirts happen once in a while since most boxes only get one. This time the shirt was based on the Ninja Turtles, so you know that was a winner for me.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7SLuZe6KladeSJEv7-l7qgp2DqgSIiSmXQJ3YpB3NgYi7CU1KkKHHPnGMwvOy5vHQkrONh7CjNVkLbD4fVkNyHBcgpcUF4o8wCA4lLouRHwCDyj_p06a2LVFfMiyR3zzKcNm75Ravh6C5EPxmFAZzcsTY7iw0cqTVY0ocSNSR7JqEGA0AbWD73medroke/s765/Shirt1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="765" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7SLuZe6KladeSJEv7-l7qgp2DqgSIiSmXQJ3YpB3NgYi7CU1KkKHHPnGMwvOy5vHQkrONh7CjNVkLbD4fVkNyHBcgpcUF4o8wCA4lLouRHwCDyj_p06a2LVFfMiyR3zzKcNm75Ravh6C5EPxmFAZzcsTY7iw0cqTVY0ocSNSR7JqEGA0AbWD73medroke/w400-h320/Shirt1.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The other items were a Nerf Zombie Strike Ricochet Gun, a Star Wars AT Walker Plush, and a Star Wars Insider magazine. We also got a video documentary 'Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan's Last Hope that has Stan Lee and Josh Whedon in it. It's about the history of the San Diego Comic Con. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7QKK63TmfqZ1gxPz6pjCmXtnVLSc21VG_6zuIsxXULsrbGf-ORrhboX_34BvzgvGOJHarQxFCHncByIBanoYlHEsH3SjokvI6yU_ccQqnxjPy9RV3WwXKjv7JrpxpMvAk0nTekeZjEHBVuhNTF-b_ub74UD27vpnFDFriK_q_mEdZqKnROtfR2K7ZbpSW/s691/Block2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="691" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7QKK63TmfqZ1gxPz6pjCmXtnVLSc21VG_6zuIsxXULsrbGf-ORrhboX_34BvzgvGOJHarQxFCHncByIBanoYlHEsH3SjokvI6yU_ccQqnxjPy9RV3WwXKjv7JrpxpMvAk0nTekeZjEHBVuhNTF-b_ub74UD27vpnFDFriK_q_mEdZqKnROtfR2K7ZbpSW/w400-h348/Block2.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The shirt was once again, the best thing. The gun made for a good prop and the AT Walker plushie was cool.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Nerd Block August 2014</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>This time the shirt was related to Pokemon, a Pokeball to be more exact. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-SEsFsYvj0KwYT3CH3vjhsqvPxxwMHEDFv60K2jRazI2rr3H_9Knd_MZiKYHvpSU2fmOyGG6DMtfG-M1Q5UivY1GLOGWuRE0RKfFKEIqgmCQlbMmLoIEjOpfPfLA_vvBs_Kzzk3-H_yg734zZCqSLmB36Dh0kVcwhrs4R_TllfAlkToKLcYKGrl0FMe9J/s480/shirt3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-SEsFsYvj0KwYT3CH3vjhsqvPxxwMHEDFv60K2jRazI2rr3H_9Knd_MZiKYHvpSU2fmOyGG6DMtfG-M1Q5UivY1GLOGWuRE0RKfFKEIqgmCQlbMmLoIEjOpfPfLA_vvBs_Kzzk3-H_yg734zZCqSLmB36Dh0kVcwhrs4R_TllfAlkToKLcYKGrl0FMe9J/w300-h400/shirt3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div>The other items were a Harley Quinn Glow-In-The-Dark Funko Pop, 2 Garbage Pail Kids mini-figures, a Catbug keychain, and 2 Doctor Who comic books with Nerd Block exclusive covers.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkrmubTh2LJ7ydW3WIW0RAo7LiovR8iiCmTVQgoDq5gYD7zRp6YK7FCFjX-cbELwtKIof7zk7DYcpQwn5YmUKsEq8Flg7afyfy_8FLqeoOOpPqKstKTyP43wyhuWp6HtWf2esuL0mnbxoypGfiNBaERe8dk7-jidULWOFsb3l4tptFfPpEGUB3Lquqv_K/s640/Block3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkrmubTh2LJ7ydW3WIW0RAo7LiovR8iiCmTVQgoDq5gYD7zRp6YK7FCFjX-cbELwtKIof7zk7DYcpQwn5YmUKsEq8Flg7afyfy_8FLqeoOOpPqKstKTyP43wyhuWp6HtWf2esuL0mnbxoypGfiNBaERe8dk7-jidULWOFsb3l4tptFfPpEGUB3Lquqv_K/w400-h300/Block3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>In this case, the shirt wins again. I'm pretty sure Paige got to keep the Harley Quinn Funko Pop since she's a big fan of the character.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Nerd Block September 2014</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>This was when Nerd Block started to go with themes rather than just random stuff. They also announced the Arcade Block. Also they started sending out emails after emails with hints or spoilers of items in upcoming boxes. I guess they were trying extra hard to get new subscribers. This box also came with the most awkward item ever.</div><div><br /></div><div>This time the shirt was based on Guardians of the Galaxy, which was awesome since the movie just came out around that time.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2CijNEakVdKX7m9V10QQT1r5y9kEGxMFJL7pnRciU6gHNr1RjHpgNPZ9QmCDnWiqWIrloN8Z0PFo3VUb9FDnoqKvNEFCYIfrE1rGI02Wo3NxhLlxoeIgRKB3E79p6mvdAuhIFUy5OfPNG1YxzBZsXzhwJCF11kpSyLcJPN10r_w-MT3c9DVBk3igPLV5S/s480/shirt4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2CijNEakVdKX7m9V10QQT1r5y9kEGxMFJL7pnRciU6gHNr1RjHpgNPZ9QmCDnWiqWIrloN8Z0PFo3VUb9FDnoqKvNEFCYIfrE1rGI02Wo3NxhLlxoeIgRKB3E79p6mvdAuhIFUy5OfPNG1YxzBZsXzhwJCF11kpSyLcJPN10r_w-MT3c9DVBk3igPLV5S/w300-h400/shirt4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div>The other things were a Megablocks Marvel Mystery Figure (I got Whiplash as he appeared in Iron Man 2, a Scribblenauts Unmasked DC Figure (I got the Flash), a stress brain (a stress ball that looks like a brain) and a Funko TMNT Papercraft Playset.</div><div><br /></div><div>The most awkward item was the um... Giant Microbes STD Plushie. So... Nerd Block was divided between regular Nerd Block and Nerd Block Jr and I guess they wanted to add in these plushies to raise awareness. While the Nerd Block Jr got microbes related to the common cold and whatnot, the regular Nerd Block got STD plushies. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQCKoKRUYwxnxv-nIL15lZIve4w6zR77hfF9II-RC9sE-ZhGEZvTo7pa2iLONidTY5mSAWVIgZYgp_JfUawVZZr4jxeaLOiO1leHXSTG1TCubMJMz4OFbejzNEXg4AmsMtIEBqrFt-NbIbPl2yKZtsCDibmvD7AnIShphI2hUMlMyvqOa7c_LaQ4aZSBcS/s480/wut.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQCKoKRUYwxnxv-nIL15lZIve4w6zR77hfF9II-RC9sE-ZhGEZvTo7pa2iLONidTY5mSAWVIgZYgp_JfUawVZZr4jxeaLOiO1leHXSTG1TCubMJMz4OFbejzNEXg4AmsMtIEBqrFt-NbIbPl2yKZtsCDibmvD7AnIShphI2hUMlMyvqOa7c_LaQ4aZSBcS/w300-h400/wut.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div>The shirt wins again, though I liked the Whiplash figure and we eventually got to work on the TMNT Papercraft characters. It's pretty cool since you can create all 4 Turtles, Splinter, Shredder, a Foot Soldier and the Turtle Van. The plushie gets a point just for the sheer randomness and awkwardness of it.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqlSy7gzSeSMyuk7s1-Z1Wum-u7sGt_qChdAQ4Byu-oeJ6dKE0kU7lzXbIfi5KbudtrLDgxBSm5QsxxZQVy3LkYn7lJ8ZUFbiGr61IkdNxVAph7V47Hh6FgEpwIf4ZLjDCa5Khrn0lXqVQVU83DlTbYSEX0gyGhgLfZ6ZGBoLKqHzZWa9XBnIpbetIWRE/s480/tmnt.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqlSy7gzSeSMyuk7s1-Z1Wum-u7sGt_qChdAQ4Byu-oeJ6dKE0kU7lzXbIfi5KbudtrLDgxBSm5QsxxZQVy3LkYn7lJ8ZUFbiGr61IkdNxVAph7V47Hh6FgEpwIf4ZLjDCa5Khrn0lXqVQVU83DlTbYSEX0gyGhgLfZ6ZGBoLKqHzZWa9XBnIpbetIWRE/w300-h400/tmnt.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Nerd Block October 2014</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>So this month's theme is about Kevin Smith's picks. The shirt is Jay and Silent Bob dressed as Batman and Robin.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMmA6Ne76kQKmmHfF1LHt238plRj5FT7-w1j9_2rfjoFxap4TiXkPkhviRvpxwmDm07z2F7NogbD-AMVdddOQEmfVeaF-97yA51bznr7JTQS_tz7ozCXOTdsEtkHLFP_oV_Sl4qKMCeZIapCUDK5R4KPsWMFUaa21FD9nUiPRWHGAHCbzzcBq-mwnhk_VR/s480/shirt5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMmA6Ne76kQKmmHfF1LHt238plRj5FT7-w1j9_2rfjoFxap4TiXkPkhviRvpxwmDm07z2F7NogbD-AMVdddOQEmfVeaF-97yA51bznr7JTQS_tz7ozCXOTdsEtkHLFP_oV_Sl4qKMCeZIapCUDK5R4KPsWMFUaa21FD9nUiPRWHGAHCbzzcBq-mwnhk_VR/w300-h400/shirt5.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div>The other items were a Deadpool PX Preview Exclusive Funko Pop, Agent Caulson's Captain America vintage playing cards (some covered in fake blood since Coulson was killed by Loki), a notepad that looks like Arkham Asylum patient notes, Marvel and DC pins (Spider-Man, Batman, Wolverine and Superman), a Legend of Zelda mascot dangler and some Jay and Silent Bob parody stickers.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrEeqrq8i8WEvVdfchO_6qubnwclOcMN8vxzzIYWq_X2HGTeACiI3W5JM_68VuxW7J34JoTZjBVwViSvv9xIQAiPjcPHPVHp0iCEodi5OGXlJ2v1RUGJ7AD1LsBuGk5D9kdFI8BCOhBXcVaMJv8G2PMEXYU4AJlY877jeqAOlbpu0YpfFF3XPmUDppYxt8/s640/cards.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrEeqrq8i8WEvVdfchO_6qubnwclOcMN8vxzzIYWq_X2HGTeACiI3W5JM_68VuxW7J34JoTZjBVwViSvv9xIQAiPjcPHPVHp0iCEodi5OGXlJ2v1RUGJ7AD1LsBuGk5D9kdFI8BCOhBXcVaMJv8G2PMEXYU4AJlY877jeqAOlbpu0YpfFF3XPmUDppYxt8/w400-h300/cards.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This time the shirt wasn't my favorite since I never seen the Jay and Silent Bob movies. I liked the Deadpool Funko Pop and the other stuff. My favorite thing were the Captain America cards that looked movie accurate. I kinda wish the Arkham notepad actually had notes on the Batman villains and wasn't just a notepad. <div><br /></div><div><b>Nerd Block December 2014</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>I guess I forgot to cover November, but this is the last one I'll be covering. The theme this time was Val Kilmer's picks. I'm confused on the these themes. Did the Nerd Block people go out and ask Kevin Smith and Val Kilmer to add items into a sub box they probably never heard of?</div><div><br /></div><div>We got two shirts this time again. The first one is kind of a Lovecraftian design with some dude summoning up monster and demons and things, and it just looks awesome. The second shirt was a Butter Beer shirt, a Harry Potter reference, so Paige was quick to snag it up for herself. It could have come in black or maroon, Paige got the maroon one. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Ww5OGjCpuR6jQER6JsuwURE9b9F5UNdSbnTFGUV_yGMYJ05DA5jYgMSZ70Bi3218e3uFGAxlCVlh3JSthG644yAOdyOkAVsAhUhLYp72CTkGhVCbzFCAEA35F3qfO5B5zUqXu5Fj5MpcikndRQHTdznmmOpyEQJ4VQ15vhwDEgSKv5sjYLM3QMEu35iP/s935/shirts6.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="935" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Ww5OGjCpuR6jQER6JsuwURE9b9F5UNdSbnTFGUV_yGMYJ05DA5jYgMSZ70Bi3218e3uFGAxlCVlh3JSthG644yAOdyOkAVsAhUhLYp72CTkGhVCbzFCAEA35F3qfO5B5zUqXu5Fj5MpcikndRQHTdznmmOpyEQJ4VQ15vhwDEgSKv5sjYLM3QMEu35iP/w400-h205/shirts6.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The other items were a Gizmo plushie from Gremlins, a Tetris Sticky Note Pad, a D&D Kre-O Figure, a picture from the movie Willow autographed by Val Kilmer. You could have gotten the Kilmer autograph or the Warwick David autograph. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwNNLm8NLnUDKyBZ7d5ss95rz0yvZBtdzlu11utjkaTWXC7HyajwMfrOSuJwhZWbRc-RCNX3nVcNbYT-o3h4eqgMRciVlndvw1ndlGQ7VCE3JdYVTqiQK3DBuL_U4tbfrLErbWOcvq5A3PoRpGD4rThNfP5HMldLLzgt5JeJOE8SLQRB3c4f4O-ojMy9a/s480/kilmer.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwNNLm8NLnUDKyBZ7d5ss95rz0yvZBtdzlu11utjkaTWXC7HyajwMfrOSuJwhZWbRc-RCNX3nVcNbYT-o3h4eqgMRciVlndvw1ndlGQ7VCE3JdYVTqiQK3DBuL_U4tbfrLErbWOcvq5A3PoRpGD4rThNfP5HMldLLzgt5JeJOE8SLQRB3c4f4O-ojMy9a/w300-h400/kilmer.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div>So I would get more Nerd Blocks here and there, but would then switch to Arcade Block, which would eventually be renamed to Gamer Block. For a while, Nerd Block was really big and they also owned Shirt Punch. Each box usually came with a coupon to get 10% off a Shirt Punch purchase. Finally they opened a store where you could buy their items and shirts in Toronto. </div><div><br /></div><div>Suddenly around 2017 or so, Nerd Block and Shirt Punch just vanished. Even the store was suddenly closed without warning and the employees didn't even know until they showed up to work that day. They apparently announced a relaunch in 2018 but it never happened. Another company bought Shirt Punch which is still successful to this day, so keep in mind that if you see their site, it is not owned by the Nerd Block people and no one has had any problems with them. The new Shirt Punch is A-OK.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's a mystery what happened to the guys behind Nerd Block, but at least for a few years they did give me some cool stuff and I still own most of the shirts to this day. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFa4ibXqS5irZ1BMhK9DBhGCJMPwAoQqpatQkamsnp1dlTu-A6QnwDYgV1RD_l3LD3QznH73EB-ZHS-GJREEVQvNLSHAdXI4Fd_IIL2P468uCqPFzRbzLBQAnCekpBqcKSnukJ8rTiphoEa-aOZwsZOtIlQFL9E2xnCNc4IhK6oq1ES1s1e3Y64dAtl15/s1079/shirts.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1079" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFa4ibXqS5irZ1BMhK9DBhGCJMPwAoQqpatQkamsnp1dlTu-A6QnwDYgV1RD_l3LD3QznH73EB-ZHS-GJREEVQvNLSHAdXI4Fd_IIL2P468uCqPFzRbzLBQAnCekpBqcKSnukJ8rTiphoEa-aOZwsZOtIlQFL9E2xnCNc4IhK6oq1ES1s1e3Y64dAtl15/w400-h395/shirts.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>MarkRodriguez09http://www.blogger.com/profile/10564869853180264503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464060983911849885.post-86214854833567648812024-01-03T20:05:00.000-08:002024-01-03T20:05:03.613-08:00Remembering the Insert Coins Arcade Bar at Las Vegas<p> By Mark Rodriguez</p><p>Back in 2012, Johnny and I used to live in Vegas and got our own place in downtown Fremont. Not only were we a near The Fremont Experience, we just so happened to move in a few days around the grand opening of the Insert Coins Arcade Bar. While I have run into several arcade bars by now, the concept was new to me at the time. When I first saw the place with the Atari controllers I thought it was just going to be a bar with an arcade motif, like artwork on the walls or something, but not actually having arcades you can play. Sure enough, it was a fun combination of a bar, an arcade and a dance floor.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7bYAJZzvfMjDTOGfV-zCF1ZjoOXM-ywT8EBDfNWd-vwVuPgK-PqsFjiQg3HvOu9n2OBo-YMov3eFRWpk8DwkPPMcHQX6Wl6e_6IGVi2d7PVh888Ap9HwM0js6d_zzd-tKZfLIHggTmk11nIuoA2NapbhaJYjeyIXVuf7Qk2GKvb4DHt4WbSKBGln3kSMQ/s1000/InsertCoin1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="1000" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7bYAJZzvfMjDTOGfV-zCF1ZjoOXM-ywT8EBDfNWd-vwVuPgK-PqsFjiQg3HvOu9n2OBo-YMov3eFRWpk8DwkPPMcHQX6Wl6e_6IGVi2d7PVh888Ap9HwM0js6d_zzd-tKZfLIHggTmk11nIuoA2NapbhaJYjeyIXVuf7Qk2GKvb4DHt4WbSKBGln3kSMQ/w400-h265/InsertCoin1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>We went there on the grand opening, and one thing I will kinda regret
is walking right past Stuttering Craig from ScrewAttack.com and not
getting it on film or something. To be fair, I only heard his voice on
all the Top Tens so I had no idea what the guy actually looked like. I'm not sure how popular he is nowadays, but I used to watch his videos back then. The place had some great drinks and some fun arcades like the
classic X-Men 6-player Konami arcade and classic Street Fighter. There
were, at first anyway, 2 big cabinets near the entrance that were free
and had games like Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition and Marvel VS
Capcom 3. Those two games, alongside Mortal Kombat 2011 were the hottest fighting games at the time.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZFrkHEbHH_AqdpvRZB1W2upXLVn1wzbJqzW6zYEjFNE8DZBL83NLrqukUrseuDvZ4FlVQCfDNTG2-FLltjqhWBT-fjvurZah2NJN0RmD855nbgOiSZV91iBPsChaFGMKGW00CKUaNWfkE0H2BlMXcm9nbhlNn_vVr6wk4UIJEFmRpDz7m-I6Zr6gfyN-K/s800/InsertCoin2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZFrkHEbHH_AqdpvRZB1W2upXLVn1wzbJqzW6zYEjFNE8DZBL83NLrqukUrseuDvZ4FlVQCfDNTG2-FLltjqhWBT-fjvurZah2NJN0RmD855nbgOiSZV91iBPsChaFGMKGW00CKUaNWfkE0H2BlMXcm9nbhlNn_vVr6wk4UIJEFmRpDz7m-I6Zr6gfyN-K/w400-h300/InsertCoin2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Aside from the drinks, they also had huge screens with the latest games like Mortal Kombat 2011, and as long as you drank it up between games, you could play to your heart's content. There were also booths where you could rent out game systems like the XBox 360 and even the SNES so you and your friends can play in private, as well as enjoy the awesome drinks. And there was a dance floor playing anything from regular dance music to rocked up remixes of classic tunes like the NES Zelda theme and the NES Castlevania theme. There were also huge tv screens showing random games and scenes like the epic final battle Ryu and Ken had against Bison in the Street Fighter II animated movie as well as gaming inspired painting to decorate the walls.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE0judE5hcMeNtlSBwwe_5SsCyPhTSLdI7ZNRe-rRbN8vTXpgG1Fv0aRIkL1w3Fma0Y9TDFBWPhUnYNJ3aKupL02vKQHkxon6ZZ_T1EsgJgjkaYvenw-nBe5G9BPSl8fuyH56izbI29az_HPDYVYqQCCIWlCH79CNu6qGkiDV8_GO6qbqqrn6DqV-Cea5D/s800/InsertCoin3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE0judE5hcMeNtlSBwwe_5SsCyPhTSLdI7ZNRe-rRbN8vTXpgG1Fv0aRIkL1w3Fma0Y9TDFBWPhUnYNJ3aKupL02vKQHkxon6ZZ_T1EsgJgjkaYvenw-nBe5G9BPSl8fuyH56izbI29az_HPDYVYqQCCIWlCH79CNu6qGkiDV8_GO6qbqqrn6DqV-Cea5D/w400-h300/InsertCoin3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We had fun and would go there often, mostly to celebrate Pikachika and Wickadarko's birthdays, and even Lan Moore would join us too. We would also go there for Halloween since everyone went in costume and there were costume contests too. New arcades were brought in every now and then, so it was always cool. And yes, several VGM episodes were filmed there, especially one that was all about the place. And we just gotta love those Adios drinks.... even though we all had to walk Wickadarko back to her car.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT822um7a3hoMZ2kX0_mbgA3Ziv3ALWQGYXDFQiPOIaFf7s5BNz4sF5VfiPkp6Y-IyVsshCwE8c1FCRAfnC43ElwL-Vqbg-pyrfO3sRikYSbFKTagmNjuJrcA1AtZjb8hYV9XkEA4MvohZNrhCwaVq53RH4PFPeyfEgBvkz_pHc1xAqHZ4lL6UubbEHube/s640/InsertCoins4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT822um7a3hoMZ2kX0_mbgA3Ziv3ALWQGYXDFQiPOIaFf7s5BNz4sF5VfiPkp6Y-IyVsshCwE8c1FCRAfnC43ElwL-Vqbg-pyrfO3sRikYSbFKTagmNjuJrcA1AtZjb8hYV9XkEA4MvohZNrhCwaVq53RH4PFPeyfEgBvkz_pHc1xAqHZ4lL6UubbEHube/w400-h300/InsertCoins4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>So yes...it was sad and surprising for us to find out that this place was shut down.... Yes, apparently the quality has gone down at the place and almost all of the arcades had something wrong with them (busted joysticks and the like) or were just plain out of order and were never fixed. Also it seems the competition of the surrounding night life was too much to handle and they soon fell behind on rent.... and the arcade bar is closed for good.</div><div><br /></div><div>There were small changes here and there that might have affected things. First off, they removed the free arcades near the entrance. I guess it made sense to avoid any freeloaders. Next they eventually added a five dollar cover price to enter, when you could just get in for free before. Five dollars isn't much but it is kinda surprising when you're used to just walking in for free. </div><p>Overall, Insert Coins was fun, mostly for the overall atmosphere and hanging out with friends. Other than a few games that we either didn't own or weren't available at the time like the Konami Ninja Turtles, X-Men and Simpsons arcades, we pretty much owned all the games we cared about. Living so close to the area, it was a good way to end the evening whenever we would hang out. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dZszGO6rMw2RcVwzpVOmbUGrNgHLjzHcWNpw-gv0uPeGdUY8dZOySzXUovtZSxp-Twt0LrvsgOot0k3utvgVbhXRMcyOFAiSKITvnO_L2UVz-h_1ig78xEKlhOciDDn8wvOOksOOUEX-O1oXHbtRdzw2TalvhZ59nWiqSY0UaxwelnWucnxJYXkVBEdD/s960/InsertCoin5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dZszGO6rMw2RcVwzpVOmbUGrNgHLjzHcWNpw-gv0uPeGdUY8dZOySzXUovtZSxp-Twt0LrvsgOot0k3utvgVbhXRMcyOFAiSKITvnO_L2UVz-h_1ig78xEKlhOciDDn8wvOOksOOUEX-O1oXHbtRdzw2TalvhZ59nWiqSY0UaxwelnWucnxJYXkVBEdD/w400-h300/InsertCoin5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>The last time I was there, a regular sports bar replaced Insert Coins. I'm sure it's a cool bar, but I mean... sports bars are a dime a dozen. Arcade Bars are must rarer. We thank you for the great memories and making that part of our lives a lot more enjoyable. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2-lqpS09aNE0wZDLOYAcsBEdxL-n1_AlfWgpD6GwPj4QxiwWK2VRN-VRGx9e-twngKL58S3kXaEUaxlikTSashjWzf8_AN3BCiKg3VPrhyphenhyphenMWbl2JkjD62XBP-Ex_rfA5EIHKUCGjdrlOW7cM5bb3gwgWMB0ti4N7lf86VuwcnoBzhHIUVgxkoA5vUN-u/s764/Goodbye.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="523" data-original-width="764" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2-lqpS09aNE0wZDLOYAcsBEdxL-n1_AlfWgpD6GwPj4QxiwWK2VRN-VRGx9e-twngKL58S3kXaEUaxlikTSashjWzf8_AN3BCiKg3VPrhyphenhyphenMWbl2JkjD62XBP-Ex_rfA5EIHKUCGjdrlOW7cM5bb3gwgWMB0ti4N7lf86VuwcnoBzhHIUVgxkoA5vUN-u/w400-h274/Goodbye.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>MarkRodriguez09http://www.blogger.com/profile/10564869853180264503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464060983911849885.post-23987690840560668102023-12-23T19:19:00.000-08:002023-12-23T19:38:30.345-08:00Street Fighter Masters: Cammy<p> By Mark Rodriguez</p><p>A while back there was a Free Comic Book Day book called Street Fighter Masters: Blanka which focused on the famous Brazilian beast. Now Udon has continued a line of 'Masters' books, and Cammy got her own one-shot. Let's check it out.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDGOAQ1XD81NIGKrHL5ahLbGO6_Mer5_gdZr-PEbD3HB1DdOdIRExSN7_mID9wMjUv10piGz3BOjRuLTu1mGu74Eg_wCDYJgQp27wQcjQTJb1IG5536jy2jp1gb4aC88WhnyxIt1gITPyhlVCeIj68A9S0GhnrU_nesnnXWI1_XUSMQuCAr5qaapLr0mw/s1036/Cammy-One.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1036" data-original-width="665" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDGOAQ1XD81NIGKrHL5ahLbGO6_Mer5_gdZr-PEbD3HB1DdOdIRExSN7_mID9wMjUv10piGz3BOjRuLTu1mGu74Eg_wCDYJgQp27wQcjQTJb1IG5536jy2jp1gb4aC88WhnyxIt1gITPyhlVCeIj68A9S0GhnrU_nesnnXWI1_XUSMQuCAr5qaapLr0mw/w256-h400/Cammy-One.png" width="256" /></a></div><p><b>'Cammy- Model Soldier' </b>opens in a London fashion show where the models showcase the latest looks of the year, while being in top shape themselves. We see that one of the models is Cammy, working undercover. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-xGQN8mALYwtAd50bAUyGRmF3PMqLXs_aB9JtN0-Cw7Vp-DQHxxjL7l9jokRDhbFJgvgrWEODgWLubjd4w5NRasNIisI5l4NBGIxKucSa1mDgt39e8rurerWE2ZBq0K4wApaDQ1d8Ma19EgCfbZ9VcXrZ9hFpf6qtLvwO-5cKFh1zFar_p5syRgjqub7/s838/Cammy1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="838" data-original-width="533" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-xGQN8mALYwtAd50bAUyGRmF3PMqLXs_aB9JtN0-Cw7Vp-DQHxxjL7l9jokRDhbFJgvgrWEODgWLubjd4w5NRasNIisI5l4NBGIxKucSa1mDgt39e8rurerWE2ZBq0K4wApaDQ1d8Ma19EgCfbZ9VcXrZ9hFpf6qtLvwO-5cKFh1zFar_p5syRgjqub7/w255-h400/Cammy1.png" width="255" /></a></div><p>We flashback to sometime prior where the members of Delta Red discussed that Shadaloo has entered brainwashed killer supermodels to attack a visiting Indonesian general at the fashion show. The assassin is unknown and if the place has too much security, it might scare them off. Delta Red and Delta Blue will be working together to fish out the assassin with the agents that are 'best suited' for the mission. </p><p>At the event, Lita complains to Cammy about walking around in high heel boots. Cammy says the plan is sound, as long one of them is in the rotation, they'll be able to keep an eye out on the assassin should they strike. Juni and Juli are also on standby in the crowd. Cammy says that they get front row seats, to possibly the only exciting thing happening in town currently.</p><p>In another part of London, Juri gets sent flying into a bus. Seth is limping away from her. Crimson Viper is on Juri's headset demanding to know what's going on. Apparently Juri dropkicked Seth off a plane and rode him like a surfboard on the way down. Doing so cracked Seth's Tandem Engine, but he is still able to put up a fight.</p><p>Ten minutes later, Juri tells Viper she dropped a bus on Seth. She explains to Viper that the hardest part was getting the bus to the top of the parking garage. Viper says they needed him functional so they can get intel out of him. Juri says she has his brain casing, although now the life support is failing and they have seven minutes before brain damage sets in. Viper freaks out, but Juri says she saw Seth limping towards one of his old abandoned S.I.N bases so she'll check it out.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcY92DbRdVSE5RekbgErLzZx-JStI2L6PzG3J6asUwJEe-0Y6V0xPEB39GNS54tLbbrrcvIhZKIG_Jw4R3paCPbItmBDZznp8oY0lttVJNF6PeauE6pI_R8jxxsbOWfypiwMCasrzHW9PNNi1IlalK9yoHxvBG0dBpKmhcLvNxNney1mP0ckc1SLXg6Bt/s848/Juri1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="661" data-original-width="848" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcY92DbRdVSE5RekbgErLzZx-JStI2L6PzG3J6asUwJEe-0Y6V0xPEB39GNS54tLbbrrcvIhZKIG_Jw4R3paCPbItmBDZznp8oY0lttVJNF6PeauE6pI_R8jxxsbOWfypiwMCasrzHW9PNNi1IlalK9yoHxvBG0dBpKmhcLvNxNney1mP0ckc1SLXg6Bt/w400-h311/Juri1.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Juri turns on the light and sees a female replacement body for Seth. She figures this will do as she places the brain casing into the android. She activates the machinery to awaken the new Seth.</p><p>Meanwhile, Delta Red investigates the destruction caused in the area. They're trying to figure out how the bus was dropped off the top of the car park. Ginzu tells Wolfman that witnesses say they saw a fight between a 'metal man' and an 'anime cosplayer'. Wolfman figures the fashion show was a distraction and Cammy's going to kill him for making her model for nothing.</p><p>Just then Juri is sent flying out of a nearby building and Delta Red figures they found their cosplayer. The new female Seth steps out of the building, looking enraged. Delta Red leap into action, but they are easily taken down by Seth. The only one remaining is Ginzu who tries to use his tablet to reprogram the android. Seth sees the fashion show on the tablet and Cammy happens to be on the screen. Seth thinks Cammy is Bison and snaps the tablet in half. Seth heads off to find Cammy.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLF2664mYfksBT1I1lKPHChHxCLMCa7uUNh3gER4y3GfzMhZF-loMaNvxLE0NF27RuZ62QGx7X_wSPA1hli3X8fLvR3r4EpxLOSWkIhuay7IlIYJz3Yp_RiJyLhUrZl27bMwXiett-KwewmrhV3Iy9c-jFrdGBEYrYg6ZnAGhIK7a360LkogRuKU8ghrW9/s1396/Seth1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1396" data-original-width="834" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLF2664mYfksBT1I1lKPHChHxCLMCa7uUNh3gER4y3GfzMhZF-loMaNvxLE0NF27RuZ62QGx7X_wSPA1hli3X8fLvR3r4EpxLOSWkIhuay7IlIYJz3Yp_RiJyLhUrZl27bMwXiett-KwewmrhV3Iy9c-jFrdGBEYrYg6ZnAGhIK7a360LkogRuKU8ghrW9/w239-h400/Seth1.png" width="239" /></a></div><p>At the fashion show, Cammy hasn't found the assassin yet but found an Asian woman in a red dress who seems off. Ginzu comes on the line and tries to warn Cammy that someone is coming after her. Just then Seth breaks through the wall yelling out for Bison. Juni and Juli dash in to attack and are easily taken down by Seth. Cammy knocks Seth back with a Spiral Arrow and dodges the android's attacks. </p><p>Ginzu informs Cammy that the android is actually Seth and Juri placed his brain into a new body. The android ran amok and is out to kill Bison, who the android thinks is Cammy. Delta Red informs Cammy that they are on their way and Juri has a plan. Just then Seth kicks Cammy to the ground. Cammy then wonders who is the assassin if it's not Seth, and she remembers the woman in the red dress.</p><p>The woman in the red dress pulls out two kunai from her hair and prepares to kill the general. Lita runs in and tackles her down. Cammy continues to fight with Seth and tells Juni and Juli to get the general and other guests to safety. Seth calls out for Bison and Cammy strikes with her Cannon Spike. She tells Seth to stop calling her Bison, and Seth grabs Cammy by the throat for a choke slam.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3sVuGD_WQjzfOwuqTzOItXkZK9PoGNh6OrPPoWUo2CX3VYoj2CZ-S3Y20llJbzu2jhWk8nN08koGhtpsoO2byN6z6lmv9x1dNAwaaAd9FwGInz_Vvi_62jY30VaEYygSnaNtXNCWKHHuowhcPj8pV2vFCv361IPOfmbK_mZH4o1hZHREXw1aj8RPLBnUx/s938/LitaFight.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="938" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3sVuGD_WQjzfOwuqTzOItXkZK9PoGNh6OrPPoWUo2CX3VYoj2CZ-S3Y20llJbzu2jhWk8nN08koGhtpsoO2byN6z6lmv9x1dNAwaaAd9FwGInz_Vvi_62jY30VaEYygSnaNtXNCWKHHuowhcPj8pV2vFCv361IPOfmbK_mZH4o1hZHREXw1aj8RPLBnUx/w400-h297/LitaFight.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Seth doesn't let go of Cammy and kicks out one of the windows. Seth prepares to drop Cammy out the window until Bison suddenly appears, floating outside and taunting the android. Seth leaps out the window to grab Bison but goes right through him. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjnirfG2Uz2PbuPDHvnoO24IE1WtvgqMH1W7hiGxSB2gL5Qf6Y6vAKHHNYyyXNap-lciOZ-PTM_XHB5Lew9cdTX0-rdyxLlkNwTpExW3SG5KT3YXsNeM56w2FWMFBLVGTmXA4dqkJZgTJHtacLH19q30l1rxhb-TZPmCXrAyuijN_M4suAcTiKrBSIMDg/s1176/Bison.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="1176" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjnirfG2Uz2PbuPDHvnoO24IE1WtvgqMH1W7hiGxSB2gL5Qf6Y6vAKHHNYyyXNap-lciOZ-PTM_XHB5Lew9cdTX0-rdyxLlkNwTpExW3SG5KT3YXsNeM56w2FWMFBLVGTmXA4dqkJZgTJHtacLH19q30l1rxhb-TZPmCXrAyuijN_M4suAcTiKrBSIMDg/w400-h341/Bison.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Juri and Ginzu were using S.I.N deep fake technology to create an illusion of Bison to trick Seth. Seth landed into another building full of explosives set by Abel and McCoy. Cammy watches as the entire building goes down.</p><p>Cammy thanks Wolfman for the assist as Juni, Juli and Lita take the assassin away. Juri says Cammy should thank her, and Cammy cuffs her. Juri is under arrest for all the destruction she caused in the city. Juri says she's the hero this time and she has friends in high places. She yells at Viper over her headset to get her out of this. Viper says she'll call the foreign office to get Juri out of jail... after a long weekend. </p><p><b>My Thoughts-</b></p><p>This was a cool story that introduces the new version of Seth introduced in Street Fighter V. The comic follows along with Seth's story as his fractured mind is put inside this new body that has a mind of its own. Seth is struggling to maintain his original personality while also driven insane with an obsession to kill Bison. Anyone with psycho power, like Ed or Falke can trigger this. In Cammy's case, she was meant to be one of Bison's replacement bodies and she was a Shadaloo Doll so that explains why Seth went after her. Although I would assume Seth would also go after Juni and Juli for the same reason.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaipDnZCxixTKLwb4-27HfPB54FhWZmOFYQhMA9a4pyjE9eaVhbM9UIhtzABdZoJzdtzuWqaVMPcFnFWPUvxg0g3Uv-2UA8dLj9ggmlgvx4yFtE4JBP2kJOPgcse00Wg4N_3xGqV0jOFJk7RQ4x3DzK2jPPbOXuiDryv7tgYS8_S2YVI-tvWNYr6xiQ_iO/s1200/Seth-VS.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="674" data-original-width="1200" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaipDnZCxixTKLwb4-27HfPB54FhWZmOFYQhMA9a4pyjE9eaVhbM9UIhtzABdZoJzdtzuWqaVMPcFnFWPUvxg0g3Uv-2UA8dLj9ggmlgvx4yFtE4JBP2kJOPgcse00Wg4N_3xGqV0jOFJk7RQ4x3DzK2jPPbOXuiDryv7tgYS8_S2YVI-tvWNYr6xiQ_iO/w400-h225/Seth-VS.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>I kinda wish the comic used a few pages to show more of the fight between Cammy and Seth, but also Lita and the assassin. It was cool to see the rest of the Delta Red crew in this issue and it seems in the Udon comics lore, Cammy eventually left Delta Red and led her own team, Delta Blue. The Delta Blue members are Cammy, Juni, Juli, Abel and Ginzu. It's too bad that these are minor characters in the Street Fighter universe, I would have loved to have seen more Delta Blue missions. It would give us a chance to see more of Juni, Juli and Abel in action.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbkzRigL4D3mhLXwsj1RDsbVNoRBhpoJxkao_UOeXbqMuv1jHUioUTwJlzEZaeSfECczsSZXWsUZMzvjTHPiW7VJ1t-EQATpG55pdncLQjaERQHAcC4DTPUtfGTyhckcZPfsh0mlEI7aryifIVxxt618KjN1PKs6tPIgnW_CjFdbrjLXHqeTAI_2eqO1dE/s1419/DeltaBlue.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="907" data-original-width="1419" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbkzRigL4D3mhLXwsj1RDsbVNoRBhpoJxkao_UOeXbqMuv1jHUioUTwJlzEZaeSfECczsSZXWsUZMzvjTHPiW7VJ1t-EQATpG55pdncLQjaERQHAcC4DTPUtfGTyhckcZPfsh0mlEI7aryifIVxxt618KjN1PKs6tPIgnW_CjFdbrjLXHqeTAI_2eqO1dE/w400-h256/DeltaBlue.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Other than Cammy, we get to see some Juri hijinks and giving Crimson Viper a headache. Juri has always been a neutral character, not full-on evil but too dangerous to trust as a full-on 'good guy'. <br /><p>Just like the Blanka Masters special, we get to see some Cammy art that we've seen over the years. As many might know, she first appeared as one of the 'New Challengers' in Super Street Fighter II, and her back story as the Killer Bee was shown in Street Fighter Alpha 3. After that, Cammy has become a staple of the series, so far showing up in Street Fighter 4, 5 and 6 as a constant base roster character.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgut2uLhJmk3swWtN0f9Hbt06sdJVcm_RVdTi0fi9sZv9e1FdBAXtJfCfMzz3KS7As0I9qs3SDnTY_uPjhG5asJeJM_V2e-Ou1x0US_h6JLeeSNeprRumWwRv4UUNyXyzc7Nd2GATq31Hmwu7tk1iM_ITdD0YxQqr7DtU1jNScTxtSHpxDrFvCyAI57WGKp/s1518/CammyArt.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1518" data-original-width="970" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgut2uLhJmk3swWtN0f9Hbt06sdJVcm_RVdTi0fi9sZv9e1FdBAXtJfCfMzz3KS7As0I9qs3SDnTY_uPjhG5asJeJM_V2e-Ou1x0US_h6JLeeSNeprRumWwRv4UUNyXyzc7Nd2GATq31Hmwu7tk1iM_ITdD0YxQqr7DtU1jNScTxtSHpxDrFvCyAI57WGKp/w255-h400/CammyArt.png" width="255" /></a></div><p>Overall a fun issue, though as always, I would have liked to have seen a little more fighting action. These issues always seem to devote the last 6 or so pages with ads for their other books as well as alternate cover art. I know it's standard nowadays, but it makes the book feel bigger than it really is when you hold it in your hand.</p>MarkRodriguez09http://www.blogger.com/profile/10564869853180264503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464060983911849885.post-20990499818654131622023-12-03T10:47:00.000-08:002023-12-03T10:47:02.750-08:00Batman 89 Echoes # 1<p> By Mark Rodriguez</p><p>A few years back we had a 6-part series called Batman 89, which was sort of a 'what if only Batman and Batman Returns happened' and the adventures continued past there. We never got to see Billy Dee Williams as Two-Face, so that story dealt with that. Now Batman 89 returns with another 6-part story.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhySxKOm-b83j6pvsqRaEvIBqDbmX9vw7qo2ABKa6olVKAg4XB4EOAJvGrsyKJ6dRE9sFvBeJgTS5dt-JYnSE7WBcDze1ZRSp52Q-81Ulcr6KoMeGBvbctC3a4x7o2AbShsZFIJfHSK_5p0ABVwAFLMobp4nAseJDHCfMjKOjzpfkGcaUQgW58jvpFYcDZt/s1010/BatmanCover.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1010" data-original-width="639" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhySxKOm-b83j6pvsqRaEvIBqDbmX9vw7qo2ABKa6olVKAg4XB4EOAJvGrsyKJ6dRE9sFvBeJgTS5dt-JYnSE7WBcDze1ZRSp52Q-81Ulcr6KoMeGBvbctC3a4x7o2AbShsZFIJfHSK_5p0ABVwAFLMobp4nAseJDHCfMjKOjzpfkGcaUQgW58jvpFYcDZt/w253-h400/BatmanCover.png" width="253" /></a></div><p>The issue opens with three men driving away from a heist. They are so desperate to get away from the police, they hit a fire hydrant which totals the car. They decide to grab the loot and run since they're close to the docks when Batman arrives. One of the men shoots Batman dead, but despite getting a clear shot, he can't believe that the Dark Knight is actually dead. The other two guys run off as the police arrive while the gunman is freaking out and continues to 'shoot' Batman even though his gun is empty. The cops grab the gunman and confirm Batman is dead, or at least someone dressed as him. Lt. Bullock calls Barbara Gordon to let her know that another Batman died.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUa04uMXnKKQ-kAA1zIOj6SLj5xw53BDm5EizKgauQqTHckaU7hzlvHAC6Es6gADtk_lOvvrDMjnW73EMhqOp9A8cfkA21ie5w6Ulh8aKSJDRSC-9MrReBqYBwJS8vDyuGmOmBMaFtpk3cMwHp4C6Q-MUEBEPaRsKE30lQWeILMAuEmrbiapwivqzSeNS7/s818/Batman1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="818" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUa04uMXnKKQ-kAA1zIOj6SLj5xw53BDm5EizKgauQqTHckaU7hzlvHAC6Es6gADtk_lOvvrDMjnW73EMhqOp9A8cfkA21ie5w6Ulh8aKSJDRSC-9MrReBqYBwJS8vDyuGmOmBMaFtpk3cMwHp4C6Q-MUEBEPaRsKE30lQWeILMAuEmrbiapwivqzSeNS7/w400-h326/Batman1.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Later on, Barbara goes to check on the fallen Batman. Bullock and Barbara discuss how this is the fourth guy that was killed while dressed as the Caped Crusader. Bullock asks her if it was the real Batman how would she even know. He says Batman disappeared two years ago and after her father passed she suddenly seemed to know all the secrets of the rich and powerful. He asks if she somehow inherited Batman in her father's absence. Barbara tells him that no one has seen Batman in two years, including her.</p><p>The gunman is interrogated as Bullock and Barbara watch. The man says he felt as if a switch went off in his head and he went into a state of panic. He just knew he had to keep shooting, then everything went black. The police want to show him a picture of the man he shot and starts freaking out. Barbara asks if he was a vet. Bullock asks how she knew and she says it was a wild hunch.</p><p>Barbara shows up at Wayne Manor and finds Alfred. Bruce isn't available and hasn't returned any of her calls. Alfred warms up the fireplace and they discuss the situation over tea. Alfred says that Bruce hasn't gone against their agreement and would never condone unskilled amateurs to run around dressed like him. Barbara says it's strange that a fake Batman was killed by a person that went crazy upon seeing him and that this happened four times.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL1dWup8YAjIVNWEFfbqlga_NbEcFgBKcG_v2wRmHTcppFBX6tQhQq7wMO8HADBJfEghVa0hIcVPhe6OBWbIhFnHJrIv31YMYZTbURo8GXKUZvb4Ee2hf-hNfj5XibE_i7xx0Lt48lImKcd4E6IHk4AS_2lhz0vqnqtVcHEdXJyP4XT3FaAqnkUOI5peop/s886/Batman2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="886" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL1dWup8YAjIVNWEFfbqlga_NbEcFgBKcG_v2wRmHTcppFBX6tQhQq7wMO8HADBJfEghVa0hIcVPhe6OBWbIhFnHJrIv31YMYZTbURo8GXKUZvb4Ee2hf-hNfj5XibE_i7xx0Lt48lImKcd4E6IHk4AS_2lhz0vqnqtVcHEdXJyP4XT3FaAqnkUOI5peop/w400-h238/Batman2.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Barbara says she was real close to turning Bruce in two years ago until she found her father's journal. The journal details that he knew Batman was bending the law but he never questioned his motives. He wondered why of all the cops in Gotham PD he went to him until he made a shocking discovery. She learned about what happened to Bruce's parents, so she got sentimental and let him skate. He promised to stop being Batman. Alfred says it's a promise he kept. She doesn't trust Bruce and is suspicious of this sudden irrational fear of Batman causing four murders despite the fact that he's been gone for two years.</p><p>Barbara leaves and says he better answer her calls by that Friday or she's spilling the secret. Alfred confides in her that Bruce has been missing for a month without so much of a word to him. He has no idea where he is.</p><p>Elsewhere, Alicia, Joker's former girlfriend is being interviewed by a woman off-screen named Dr. Q. The boss of the news station is embarrassed by the air time this is getting, and his employee Wendy tells him Dr. Q always gives a bump in ratings. The boss isn't happy that Dr. Q seems fixated on Batman and the Joker.</p><p>Dr. Q starts getting her make up on as she prepares for her interview. One of her coworkers says if she's any paler she'll look like a light bulb. Dr. Q says she works with violent sick people, but when they wear a secret face, it gives them a vehicle for all their hostility and aggression, and thus their normal face becomes a disguise. This is the basis for what she calls Persona Therapy.</p><p>Chuck, the boss, says she looks fabulous and hits on her. She says she'll kill someday. City Beat is on the air and Angela welcomes Dr. Harleen Quinzel to the show. Harleen explains she has an exclusive interview with the Joker's former muse. Just then Chuck gets a phone call with exclusive info regarding the bomber calling himself Firefly. Harleen's segment gets cut short because now the news is focused on police closing in on Firefly. This angers Harleen but Chuck says this news is more important, especially since it's an exclusive. Harleen says that ACN will pay for this. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ9E2JubAMlg8YAK39yFPmyn82hGNljgyhGdUwynT7myoY481VU5vM4bUhUD02P1oXZz7oZVtbx-kv-80B4AbUINNYpUtTbQl-tdbqNKgSqu1Q4yhQRhEgUT2tS-JqFerzTZgWM2QmnOUC9pSZU9bX_LFChG-V-ul5VtYFnKWv4NZHwUuvtGtLDcQ9Wv97/s879/Batman4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="489" data-original-width="879" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ9E2JubAMlg8YAK39yFPmyn82hGNljgyhGdUwynT7myoY481VU5vM4bUhUD02P1oXZz7oZVtbx-kv-80B4AbUINNYpUtTbQl-tdbqNKgSqu1Q4yhQRhEgUT2tS-JqFerzTZgWM2QmnOUC9pSZU9bX_LFChG-V-ul5VtYFnKWv4NZHwUuvtGtLDcQ9Wv97/w400-h223/Batman4.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Elsewhere the police are closing in on Firefly's location, a small house in the middle of nowhere. They can see him in a rocking chair by the window. As the police approach, the front part of the house explodes. The police are relieved Firefly didn't wait until everyone was inside to press the detonator. They find out that the guy was a decoy and was already dead by the time they got there. He was set up in a rocking chair that was wired to the detonator. They find a hidden door on the floor with a staircase leading down below. </p><p>One of the men, Zito, decides to check it out and only finds dry goods and canned foods, showing that Firefly has been planning this for a while. He found a crawl space big enough for a skinny person. Another cop in a chopper named Kestrel says he detected a heat signature. Someone is running through the woods, 500 meters from the cabin. </p><p>Firefly is running as fast as he can, but the police tail him. He tries to fire back on the men but is shot in the leg. The police catch up to him due to the trail of blood and apprehend him. They see that he was headed towards a cave with enough ammunition to take down a small army.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02qgQk_nA66zxaD2l1jR3X4fLnXHpKrR4KmEVxriBErkHwBJoEgm4OGo-bacrAWkGCQBe-aaYz6drQkkx-PwypmVQz2je0ThTUMflMuXT9E7tqbhaZfaBeemqNUhlPbv2OTvv3K20KKomCMVXC9EV9NUr_1TT1kHu78LyBJJLvXMsBUFUuUAnqewKGlnC/s2831/Batman3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2654" data-original-width="2831" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02qgQk_nA66zxaD2l1jR3X4fLnXHpKrR4KmEVxriBErkHwBJoEgm4OGo-bacrAWkGCQBe-aaYz6drQkkx-PwypmVQz2je0ThTUMflMuXT9E7tqbhaZfaBeemqNUhlPbv2OTvv3K20KKomCMVXC9EV9NUr_1TT1kHu78LyBJJLvXMsBUFUuUAnqewKGlnC/w400-h375/Batman3.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Elsewhere, a man named Dr. Crane is on the phone when Harleen arrives. He asks how the show went and Harleen says her segment was pre-empted by the news regarding Firefly. Dr. Crane says he knows all about it and Firefly will be brought over to him as he handles his case. He says he might end up in the max wing and maybe he can introduce him to her. Harleen storms off calling him a quack, as he calls her a fraud.</p><p>Crane goes to see the man, who asked for Dr. Hugo Strange. Crane says he's unavailable but he worked under him and can be considered his disciple. He introduces himself as Dr. Jonathan Crane and comments that the cops roughed him up badly.</p><p>The man says they had to since he would have roughed them up if he could. He calls himself a weapon. He says it's what they do, start with a man and create a monster. The man is Bruce Wayne with grey hair and scars.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ52Y_tBvRy-1vNIvPCrEOUXHNj6Wzk30lGOHVIx7Ct_7AszIWiBO-2JTgutTqUzSMiwzLqYx7jy4HIKby9TcFwW-fUJTiCuXUC-VVCTUqxY_fcGgZGpK1giIv7Zv71Y17oCC3pCx8qkeXG0G8yqCj5D6LLUBPm577YiXdxR4KNIHtofI92ey-hkqTLVnc/s934/Batman5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="934" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ52Y_tBvRy-1vNIvPCrEOUXHNj6Wzk30lGOHVIx7Ct_7AszIWiBO-2JTgutTqUzSMiwzLqYx7jy4HIKby9TcFwW-fUJTiCuXUC-VVCTUqxY_fcGgZGpK1giIv7Zv71Y17oCC3pCx8qkeXG0G8yqCj5D6LLUBPm577YiXdxR4KNIHtofI92ey-hkqTLVnc/w400-h293/Batman5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><b>My thoughts-</b></p><p>Wow, what a cliffhanger. I have no idea what exactly Bruce Wayne has been up to. I mean... was he really setting up bombs all over the city as Firefly? I also can't tell if his white hair is part of a disguise, or if it's naturally white to go along with how Micheal Keaton is looking nowadays.</p><p>When I saw the cover of the issue having both Harley and the Scarecrow on it, I just had to grab it. Similar to how the first Batman 89 run was about 'what if we got Billy Dee Williams as Two-Face', this one seems to be 'what if we got to see Batman Triumphant'. It was rumored several times that had Batman & Robin not bombed, the next movie was going to be called Batman Triumphant with Scarecrow and Harley as the villains. We're already seeing Harleen and Crane being introduced here, so the new few issues should go into their descent in insanity.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJGQeEcnRSW5izKygdmXoIg2WJNuECzoU8OwhssLeo39eXDpk_G6kiY1SQ300YIQjut2KdUDuYdcqmWQKoe7__HWjfOm2iMiI6F4df5TShyu6rblawtCIqxpxw1BAjdnK9HAXqUgomHvlDdWwmmekRm5NrEBm946d_B0MmcTqwYEJylFXz9A4zIaEK6V3/s1614/Villians.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1054" data-original-width="1614" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJGQeEcnRSW5izKygdmXoIg2WJNuECzoU8OwhssLeo39eXDpk_G6kiY1SQ300YIQjut2KdUDuYdcqmWQKoe7__HWjfOm2iMiI6F4df5TShyu6rblawtCIqxpxw1BAjdnK9HAXqUgomHvlDdWwmmekRm5NrEBm946d_B0MmcTqwYEJylFXz9A4zIaEK6V3/w400-h261/Villians.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I'm curious if this story is a big what-if created by the writers with what little knowledge we have about Batman Triumphant, namely the two villains, or if they got their hands on a draft. Even though, the story would have be changed to fit not only the Tim Burton films, but also follow up the events of the previous 6-issue mini series. Let's not forget Batman Triumphant was supposed to follow Batman & Robin, so who knows what the tone was going to be like.<div><br /></div><div>Like the first run, the comic does its best to draw the characters looking like the actors that portrayed them in the movies. Since the story has to evolve, we mostly see Michael Gough's Alfred and and Jack Nicholson Joker. Barbara is changed back to being Commissioner Gordon's daughter and does not look like Alicia Silverstone, since the movie version turned her into Alfred's niece. Also wow, Alicia Hunt really is a blast from the past. I still remember one of the original Batman movie trailers full of actions, bullets and explosions, and then suddenly cutting to Jerry Hall telling Jack Nicholson that he looks fine, with him telling her he didn't ask... and then back to more action and explosions. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhIoAhYg_LvdvkmWB6yCrInV6iu59vzLLbygvz-UJH3OsOqf-b-DplLCdGtluSbRbKRH-N_lOBxPjBnpzDHxFJGYAYRKMSJRROldQ4iDTpaYVz-fj_GbePWgoYAZkUzy66r0UgnzR0nV2AuIU41zttsAWQwQYTJ-8Ep3qSUS1pAjeAY9XcFC9Yy4cVp1kI/s1920/AliciaHunt.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1038" data-original-width="1920" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhIoAhYg_LvdvkmWB6yCrInV6iu59vzLLbygvz-UJH3OsOqf-b-DplLCdGtluSbRbKRH-N_lOBxPjBnpzDHxFJGYAYRKMSJRROldQ4iDTpaYVz-fj_GbePWgoYAZkUzy66r0UgnzR0nV2AuIU41zttsAWQwQYTJ-8Ep3qSUS1pAjeAY9XcFC9Yy4cVp1kI/w400-h216/AliciaHunt.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The book has my interest, and I'm curious how this will go. I'm especially curious with what the hell Bruce Wayne is up to. I'll be trying to keep my eye on this 6-issue run and see where things go.</div>MarkRodriguez09http://www.blogger.com/profile/10564869853180264503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464060983911849885.post-23527983397717763982023-12-02T21:05:00.000-08:002023-12-03T13:35:12.912-08:00Mark and Jupi Review Ring of Honor Ep 40 11/30/2023 (Women's Matches)<p> By Mark Rodriguez</p><p>We got four matches tonight to check out, and something happens between Athena and Billie Starkz. We just had to cover this one.</p><p>The show opens with a segment with Athena berating Billie about how they always seem to win in singles matches and lose in tag matches. She calls Billie a failure and says she expects her to be as such. Tonight Billie faces Marina Shafir so she gets a chance to avenge their los against Marina and Rousey. After Billie leaves, Athena cuts a promo on Eddie Kingston since he said she doesn't carry her weight in Ring of Honor, as Lexi backs her up.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkLrjRihyZSFj0czxuXg_PxXxM_GuFiduy9ATBh1tH8IbOqg8cvqhlopKAhpSjBulL-JF0664ekXbRAVMK9gH7x5YlTAVqzuyteG_PmjVe6F6-ENpz4BPViLOdpHHMbPVLSEf8giFvUdb7e1PIWXANZ9mVBEmkp27TgSQ4zj97TwpOcuUJ8hy6He-abzU8/s1162/Athena-Segment.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="655" data-original-width="1162" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkLrjRihyZSFj0czxuXg_PxXxM_GuFiduy9ATBh1tH8IbOqg8cvqhlopKAhpSjBulL-JF0664ekXbRAVMK9gH7x5YlTAVqzuyteG_PmjVe6F6-ENpz4BPViLOdpHHMbPVLSEf8giFvUdb7e1PIWXANZ9mVBEmkp27TgSQ4zj97TwpOcuUJ8hy6He-abzU8/w400-h225/Athena-Segment.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><p>We get a second segment where Lexi asks both Maria Kanellis and Rachael Ellering about Leyla's condition since she has a match tonight. Rachael asks Maria why she was talking to the Renegade Twins and Leyla also comes in to inquire the same. Maria says she was only introducing herself to them and both women doesn't quite buy it. Since Leyla has a match, she asks if Maria will be in her corner and both Maria and Rachael say they will be.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2S7ED-GiYknMrSNu1JNIzbvJgziKk5DNmoyxyLeADkmusX5BUG_gfDsboSNmaq6h_hHGXByH_KN-_oXsWX2sGdxWl9PuxShrPDmGWAAb08Tv5Y5OiZNxW54AJoHgQ7R2XLf5a4sm1IzNvAtsxGDHdVBjoc8JWz2o55b1h3ZZpW3xvc3-tSd7xaAfTv_HC/s1157/Leyla-Segment.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="1157" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2S7ED-GiYknMrSNu1JNIzbvJgziKk5DNmoyxyLeADkmusX5BUG_gfDsboSNmaq6h_hHGXByH_KN-_oXsWX2sGdxWl9PuxShrPDmGWAAb08Tv5Y5OiZNxW54AJoHgQ7R2XLf5a4sm1IzNvAtsxGDHdVBjoc8JWz2o55b1h3ZZpW3xvc3-tSd7xaAfTv_HC/w400-h225/Leyla-Segment.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><p><b>Match 1- Trish Adora VS Emi Sakura</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfaAX3QaHLB0YxI_MoFauNUDA6RvUtUAL51lLESOpXMf_ug9cUFVF1Ibxw3YpQwjxdZ-g1WAiDgoSNyeiuAyge-rF2j1uQ8pw3BW-Nl18aP_x-IGm1r5fhTlyN0cBRF8Mjbyv_ix1WEZ7wDJKp3LmbXXLhUkzLac5nUJPLPLDCxDtEGiyw9OMyfkKGXx7y/s1336/OneMatch.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1336" data-original-width="1079" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfaAX3QaHLB0YxI_MoFauNUDA6RvUtUAL51lLESOpXMf_ug9cUFVF1Ibxw3YpQwjxdZ-g1WAiDgoSNyeiuAyge-rF2j1uQ8pw3BW-Nl18aP_x-IGm1r5fhTlyN0cBRF8Mjbyv_ix1WEZ7wDJKp3LmbXXLhUkzLac5nUJPLPLDCxDtEGiyw9OMyfkKGXx7y/w323-h400/OneMatch.jpg" width="323" /></a></div><p>As the match starts, both women try to whip each other towards the ropes without one being able to move the other. Emi goes for a shoulder-tackle but can't knock Trish down. Emi tries this several times but can't make her budge. Trish runs towards her and is able to knock her down hard. As she runs again, Emi makes Trish stumble into the ropes with a Trip Toe Hold and rakes her nails across her back. </p><p>Emi gets Trish into the corner and hits her with some hard chops and then runs at her with a flying crossbody. Emi then grabs her in the surfboard and drops her onto the mat.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1DwkpDtWRtDjV6KSWOrp3SPXkYbkp0nigS9Uyv5VXoXePs1TLnfeNo7VJi3Rh_ZpiOJvoZ7d7om8Fk0xYL7HhPMZBDERojLIuUNnUZcYwEJ8ORmpkNZHVovZok58yibOqPi6bwmoEMX-d_2TxzGalpLm0kY86GuaPmS4HhwthZQiIB30UHil8ci6CnHSU/s1180/Emi1.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="673" data-original-width="1180" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1DwkpDtWRtDjV6KSWOrp3SPXkYbkp0nigS9Uyv5VXoXePs1TLnfeNo7VJi3Rh_ZpiOJvoZ7d7om8Fk0xYL7HhPMZBDERojLIuUNnUZcYwEJ8ORmpkNZHVovZok58yibOqPi6bwmoEMX-d_2TxzGalpLm0kY86GuaPmS4HhwthZQiIB30UHil8ci6CnHSU/w400-h229/Emi1.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><p>Trish grabs Emi's arm and sends her to the mat twice with a wristlock takeover. She then picks up and slams Emi down with a Full Nelson Bomb. Trish tries to pick her up, but Emi scrambles out of her grasp, trying to reverse it into some sort of submission move. Trish gets out of it and chops Emi across the chest. Both women trade chops, Emi winning this by hitting her with rapid fire chops. Emi runs towards her but Trish drops her with a Pump Kick and goes for the cover. Emi kicks out at two.</p><p>Trish goes for the lariat but Emi blocks the first one and gets knocked down by a second one, but with not enough force. Emi goes for the ropes before she can get pinned. Trish yanks her away from the ropes and tries to pick her up but Emi hits her with a back elbow. Emi hits her with a lariat and goes for the cover but Trish kicks out. Emi then grabs her with the Butterfly Backbreaker, gets the pin and wins the match.</p><p><b>Mark's Thoughts-</b></p><p>This one could have gone either way, since Trish is rising in the ranks, while Emi still gets some decent wins here and there. I'm still getting used to Emi dropping the Freddie Mercury gimmick, the most noticeable part is her no longer doing the claps when she goes her chops in the corner/running crossbody spot.</p><p>Pretty good match and both women got some good moves in. There were times that Trish was close to taking Emi down, but in the end Emi Sakura won.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVlWVnU4w-RX3wQ82zYpwHHY5uI6kR8QpboREukj2aRO0rrvqK0aiZ3EHWqa2mFVTSEXotoLnMePbR0qMcimaY6f5aC-DS-yzESgaoTaamkMFQVwHSAl7rS8fssDeClk6K3w2zrCHAhZDm6KLR9eMvfzQWS14c52nafl8fC52T0-mWzbKvLJChIL1TeGc/s1159/knock-down.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="649" data-original-width="1159" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVlWVnU4w-RX3wQ82zYpwHHY5uI6kR8QpboREukj2aRO0rrvqK0aiZ3EHWqa2mFVTSEXotoLnMePbR0qMcimaY6f5aC-DS-yzESgaoTaamkMFQVwHSAl7rS8fssDeClk6K3w2zrCHAhZDm6KLR9eMvfzQWS14c52nafl8fC52T0-mWzbKvLJChIL1TeGc/w400-h224/knock-down.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><p><b>Jupi's Thoughts-</b></p><p>Yay! Emi! I like her still. She’s fun. I thought it was an in action match honestly, but either way let’s see how this will go since Trish Adora is good too and if we get a tea time moment. </p><p></p><p>This match, man! Both should off their strength, especially with the chops exchanged. </p><p>With the back and forth, I wasn’t sure what to expect. They were so evenly matched. The most impressive spot was when Trish was holding up Emi, like trying to get her to submit, but the angle looked so odd and like it would’ve been difficult to do. It just showed how strong Trish was.</p><p>Looking at Emi in the ring and how long she’s been in the industry (about 30 years iirc), I’m surprised she isn’t a title holder in either of these promotions. I’m sure she’d be good for it in AEW. I already have an idea on how I’d book it since the women’s division is lackluster in general. Could just go with the angle of Japanese wrestlers on the roster getting overlooked and her avenging Hikaru Shida’s loss…but I’ll stop there. No need to get into the other AEW shows. 😅</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqzBB6_cuOF0MvJRjV3QDTEEJmN2P3-AjXN-xvkM50nJF2j02h3lKkggUfp3sVmSP83P7MLfkcb-KVtIukkLDwVp7TOXhryTQZm4dAxBWs3rb1QpFwOWbSbv673lTMfrcqTnLB-N9-PDYglPVSBGRIAnBjl5S4O1bKbMskkjgI-rb4AEvj_GQMJYp6EnOu/s1186/Emi2.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="1186" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqzBB6_cuOF0MvJRjV3QDTEEJmN2P3-AjXN-xvkM50nJF2j02h3lKkggUfp3sVmSP83P7MLfkcb-KVtIukkLDwVp7TOXhryTQZm4dAxBWs3rb1QpFwOWbSbv673lTMfrcqTnLB-N9-PDYglPVSBGRIAnBjl5S4O1bKbMskkjgI-rb4AEvj_GQMJYp6EnOu/w400-h226/Emi2.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><p><b>Match 2- Leyla Hirsch VS Heather Reckless</b></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-uPk_BhBjG8VqWzfCnALDW21otr1s1VCCQ9V9ir5s03kF-zxpxzddpLGvOtsfM_Mp-bIgbq_R9VP2FYAk4w9k_vqEYQcoQ7usx39dZU8sc1OJVjHA3HuJ8QDg3y9jig6RmX_KhyPHq13xETs5zHUkk8pYfdRVJJx3omjYxX-4o2jovUvNZBKP2e7US_W9/s1348/ThreeMatch.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1348" data-original-width="1079" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-uPk_BhBjG8VqWzfCnALDW21otr1s1VCCQ9V9ir5s03kF-zxpxzddpLGvOtsfM_Mp-bIgbq_R9VP2FYAk4w9k_vqEYQcoQ7usx39dZU8sc1OJVjHA3HuJ8QDg3y9jig6RmX_KhyPHq13xETs5zHUkk8pYfdRVJJx3omjYxX-4o2jovUvNZBKP2e7US_W9/w320-h400/ThreeMatch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The match opens with Leyla mocking Heather's height, probably the only woman she could get away with doing so (and even then Leyla is just barely taller than her). Leyla gets her in a headlock and then knocks her down with a shoulder-tackle. Heather drops to the mat so that Leyla can trip over her as she bounces off the ropes. Leyla drops down and grabs her and rolls her back up to her feet in a rear waist lock but Heather swings her down with an armdrag. <p></p><p>Leyla picks her up for a backbreaker. She then presses her knee against Heather's throat while she's hanging off the ropes. Leyla gets her up against the ropes and throws some chops at her. She then picks her up and backwards slams her. Leyla picks Heather up in a suplex position and just drops her onto the mat.</p><p>Leyla runs towards Heather but is stopped by an uppercut. Heather grabs her for a cutter but Leyla reverses this into another slam. She then grabs her in a Cross Armbar, making Heather tap instantly. Maria steps into the ring to congratulate her but Leyla walks right past her, ignoring her attempt at a handshake. Leyla still wants to do things her way, even though Maria is still trying to take her on as a client.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBKqawZsB8FJ7WKkIRnZxr4wQRPSAHToEX59i1Qfy1z02ifx7KVdBhdYjZM1Oj88oogCA15YQiYvn2TyHivuM4fPyty8JgW2bDwL7VwBUV7gP7OY5sy16gSnaIsoCPNVlvBV8E_7R2fgWj9-nA3x2K_5qMiF483GwUq6iOlXl3Pes7Y_AKKjlkjKQhXbX/s1186/Leyla3.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="669" data-original-width="1186" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBKqawZsB8FJ7WKkIRnZxr4wQRPSAHToEX59i1Qfy1z02ifx7KVdBhdYjZM1Oj88oogCA15YQiYvn2TyHivuM4fPyty8JgW2bDwL7VwBUV7gP7OY5sy16gSnaIsoCPNVlvBV8E_7R2fgWj9-nA3x2K_5qMiF483GwUq6iOlXl3Pes7Y_AKKjlkjKQhXbX/w400-h226/Leyla3.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><b>Mark's Thoughts-</b></p><p>Short match as a lot of these In Action matches are. Poor Heather didn't do much offense. The art when Leyla grabbed Heather off the floor and rolled around reminded her of when people wrestle alligators. The major part here is how Leyla reacts to both Maria and Rachael. It's the irony where Leyla somewhat puts more stock into Maria who is obviously shady, but pushes away Rachael who actually wants to get along with her. With Maria talking with the Renegade Twins, I am curious how this story will progress.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR29cGdxZFx4TD5HsbwD3ZZMAkBqmKSAne2TgL8PAc0zpjPFcIvu9hbWVdAQtKFdOR-4NoUjba4X9uJg6M0oUlzbGa0LNDOiPAyJg1mh8ki__OuFnXKDrZnc_qFbMw4tqLIBJEzwefomuUGpZS4cAR_9uy0thI4Qq5zS7nkMzw9fkRaz2qzJleOGaUCw_m/s1184/Leyla1.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="1184" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR29cGdxZFx4TD5HsbwD3ZZMAkBqmKSAne2TgL8PAc0zpjPFcIvu9hbWVdAQtKFdOR-4NoUjba4X9uJg6M0oUlzbGa0LNDOiPAyJg1mh8ki__OuFnXKDrZnc_qFbMw4tqLIBJEzwefomuUGpZS4cAR_9uy0thI4Qq5zS7nkMzw9fkRaz2qzJleOGaUCw_m/w400-h226/Leyla1.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <b>Jupi's Thoughts-</b><p></p><p>I already sense this will definitely be a short match. Reckless tried. There wasn’t much to it. That poor jobber. There wasn’t much to this match…just led to Reckless submitting.</p><p></p><p>Well, at least we still get to hear Hirsch’s theme. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKf0F0fmqMxyZXlMabE-DamZn-rrI07uKJjt6GAAbXjCWjozkqFeAixob5O6aaShOs2BJwUCG6rW7aQb-rGEyC0g0WnAZwDiN7Oh4bLwmfEPiLZiL1qgQm1EeCqIOg43OmSxChzRPCWiDP0AVQcfIG56mopKZ05lYV6AUi_Y-QY_9y_12kZzFYdoh2BTlE/s1183/Leyla2.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="1183" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKf0F0fmqMxyZXlMabE-DamZn-rrI07uKJjt6GAAbXjCWjozkqFeAixob5O6aaShOs2BJwUCG6rW7aQb-rGEyC0g0WnAZwDiN7Oh4bLwmfEPiLZiL1qgQm1EeCqIOg43OmSxChzRPCWiDP0AVQcfIG56mopKZ05lYV6AUi_Y-QY_9y_12kZzFYdoh2BTlE/w400-h226/Leyla2.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><b>Match 3- Billie Starkz VS Marina Shafir</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisqeB4cfA1S7l1vU-M-phS0Wni6-zEjGyHBCvUaVW5HJY3EPV3GdTkV0FHJu2PojLZJVGnQzl-zv9o_bbLBkBGGCyTCobmrcJ1KoJBKWuKM7hxSLfRqDWv-pQR8qrUQYUIZUuScddsDtN8kcaHxu0AVvq-LN_7U4oBaCtI4AFhnyOBrGiwdA9-JYbeiXq3/s1334/FourMatch.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="1079" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisqeB4cfA1S7l1vU-M-phS0Wni6-zEjGyHBCvUaVW5HJY3EPV3GdTkV0FHJu2PojLZJVGnQzl-zv9o_bbLBkBGGCyTCobmrcJ1KoJBKWuKM7hxSLfRqDWv-pQR8qrUQYUIZUuScddsDtN8kcaHxu0AVvq-LN_7U4oBaCtI4AFhnyOBrGiwdA9-JYbeiXq3/w324-h400/FourMatch.jpg" width="324" /></a></div><p>Both women shake hands but Marina isn't letting go. As she tries to pull Billie in for some sort of attack, Billie socks her in the face and rolls out of the ring before Marina can retaliate. Billie complains that she can't get back into the ring with Marina waiting for her and starts 'warming up' with jumping jacks. Billie gets back into the ring and narrowly dodges Marina's running kick. She grabs her for a roll up but Marina kicks out.</p><p>Marina kicks Billie down and slams her with a judo throw. Marina gets Billie hanging off the ropes and kicks her across the back. She goes onto the ring apron and tries to kick her across the face, but Billie grabs her foot and shoves her back, making her fall to the floor. Billie runs and goes for a dive, but Marina catches her.</p><p>Marina grabs and throws Billie into the barricade. She goes for a kick and misses, getting her leg stuck on the barricade (luckily she didn't kick someone in the front row). Billie takes this chance to grab her and gouge her in the eyes. She then runs Marina into the barricade. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzEJhwtEo6DDTa73PgSSeobSle47RmoT8bP94ywChv3T17y5ctNYzeJLbG045OjT-VnWxhmTVJcJH8IJRdsPBrZlG1LkGcubqd4PwO9lgwn4s_glxqbnWu-ZNVfQbqchxhU0RWdOTkP6R8xMDzCQWgXR_XNg3z0Zxwp8LAY99eiGM79uCumfWXI9tuHWDw/s1159/grab.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="647" data-original-width="1159" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzEJhwtEo6DDTa73PgSSeobSle47RmoT8bP94ywChv3T17y5ctNYzeJLbG045OjT-VnWxhmTVJcJH8IJRdsPBrZlG1LkGcubqd4PwO9lgwn4s_glxqbnWu-ZNVfQbqchxhU0RWdOTkP6R8xMDzCQWgXR_XNg3z0Zxwp8LAY99eiGM79uCumfWXI9tuHWDw/w400-h224/grab.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><p>Billie grabs Marina and hits her with a suplex onto the floor. She then grabs her hair and slams her to the floor. With Marina dazed, Billie grabs her and rolls her back into the ring. Billie goes for the ropes but Marina gets up and hits her before she can do anything. She tries to grab Billie, but she punches her off. Billie tries to kick her away but Marina grabs her legs and swing them to the side. Billie swings her legs right back and kicks her in the face with a Rebound Kick. Billie grabs Marina for a German Suplex and goes for the cover. Marina kicks out at two and Billie gets into the ref's face.</p><p>Billie grabs Marina's arm and starts kicking her across the face while talking trash. Marina catches her leg once and they both grapple, with Billie also trying to get her into an ankle lock. Marina attempts another submission hold but Billie socks her in the jaw. Billie grabs Marina's arm again and starts kicking her but Marina manages to grab her leg and trip her down. She kicks Billie in the legs until she falls on her knees, and then she hits her with a kick across the face. </p><p>Both women grab onto each others wrists while trading blows with their other hand. Marina wins this contest and trips her down. She kicks Billie across the back and then across the face. Marina goes for a submission hold but Billie manages to kick her off and make her stumble out of the ring. Billie goes for a dive and this time she manages to knock Marina down though her knee is hurt. Billie gets Marina back into the ring and goes for the swan dive but Marina has her knees up. Marina then picks up Billie and viciously slams her to the mat and goes for the cover. Billie manages to kick out.</p><p>After slamming Marina down again, Billie attempts another swan dive off the ropes and this times connects. However, Marina still musters the strength to kick out. Billie grabs Marina and picks her up for an Underhook Face Buster, Marina gets out of it, but Billie kicks her across the face and tries again, this time slamming her down. Billie Starkz goes for the pin and wins the match. After the bell rings, Billie runs over and kicks the hell out of Marina while she's down and kicks her off the ring.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FUjOyFyxjq25III7STvY3yYC13pGPcfDOaPAavUlNLFM4jqoSBgQR7C3aba-sbjCq7e4iVAXSge6e6L36GHo5d9t5TNIpHqVG3S0zkMHlOW-SfnZTGL8UqfvB-JZDP4alcr1DPhz4doDoFJ4nJjOtubFT6O8PhM7SKV6DVeEFcXVJ9kMvoIyhn6KbmW6/s1162/finish.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="655" data-original-width="1162" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FUjOyFyxjq25III7STvY3yYC13pGPcfDOaPAavUlNLFM4jqoSBgQR7C3aba-sbjCq7e4iVAXSge6e6L36GHo5d9t5TNIpHqVG3S0zkMHlOW-SfnZTGL8UqfvB-JZDP4alcr1DPhz4doDoFJ4nJjOtubFT6O8PhM7SKV6DVeEFcXVJ9kMvoIyhn6KbmW6/w400-h225/finish.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><p>Athena and Lexi show up and Lexi dresses Billie up in a yellow graduation gown, while she is wearing a red graduation gown. Athena makes a speech about the 2023 Minion Valedictorian and despite it sounding like it's going to be about Billie, she instead presents the award to Lexi. Billie is humiliated and at this point she had had enough.</p><p>As Athena and Lexi leave the ring and prepare to head out, Billie finally snaps and throws Athena into the barricade. Despite this betrayal, Athena seems to be laughing evilly, while Billie storms off.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI9pNamTuhwlcOsIbAvsdjQNXY8PjS-l-u-p3nq9mTMlDHPgTHU2cfNLlmhSu-rlfI3q0arcL8P7B5vEk0z4jslFtBXpojCXSH8x2ptv821IXE4Unxxmp1ODiwRlKaab2yWvGwEMra3N7_uU4Uf7gX-dvPauuXC3kv30xOIzdxLoWYiAsDWagCvN1q5uQZ/s1166/Athena2.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="1166" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI9pNamTuhwlcOsIbAvsdjQNXY8PjS-l-u-p3nq9mTMlDHPgTHU2cfNLlmhSu-rlfI3q0arcL8P7B5vEk0z4jslFtBXpojCXSH8x2ptv821IXE4Unxxmp1ODiwRlKaab2yWvGwEMra3N7_uU4Uf7gX-dvPauuXC3kv30xOIzdxLoWYiAsDWagCvN1q5uQZ/w400-h224/Athena2.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><p><b>Mark's Thoughts-</b></p><p>The match was pretty intense. Billie really put Marina to her limit. We get to see Marina and all her holds and throws and intensity and Billie as she mimics Athena's heel tactics. For those waiting for when Billie would finally turn on Athena, they pulled the trigger on that tonight. It's funny to see Lexi actively take part in the story outside of the interview segments. </p><p>I thought the 'this is enough' face Billie made was pretty funny. It looked like a cross between her trying to hold back her tears in character... while also looking like she's trying to hold back her laughter out of character.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgpLVkvcAurgj-UP9iaVSIiY_9mnilasuIvkayP7tIjwJ7ZrCg7ppy_4Y7DOs25MWKchYjW-tTUKBk8emri5m7hfE-h8y-hqFWCIszMjPc0NuYWzuQmJB8R5cxoeZb6BXjCa-OpSUQn1aJ8XdTAp-_fVnd7dXE0BQ4svM6egy8aEzZCCaCMLXTH7bXzNP/s1161/swandive.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="658" data-original-width="1161" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgpLVkvcAurgj-UP9iaVSIiY_9mnilasuIvkayP7tIjwJ7ZrCg7ppy_4Y7DOs25MWKchYjW-tTUKBk8emri5m7hfE-h8y-hqFWCIszMjPc0NuYWzuQmJB8R5cxoeZb6BXjCa-OpSUQn1aJ8XdTAp-_fVnd7dXE0BQ4svM6egy8aEzZCCaCMLXTH7bXzNP/w400-h226/swandive.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><p>I guess Marina throwing her socks into the crowd is going to be a thing now. I'm surprised they did the spot where Marina tries to kick Billie and misses, having her foot stuck on the barricade. It just felt that there a risk where she could have accidentally kicked someone in the front row.</p><p><b>Jupi's Thoughts-</b></p><p>It’s the 18-year-old Billie Starkz! Did you know that she was 18? Just like Nick Wayne! 😆 Okay, seriously, I have NO predictions here. This is a singles match. Seems Shafir will have the upper hand, though. Athena was complaining earlier how Starkz does well in singles matches but not when it comes to tag matches. Let’s see if this will ring true here. </p><p></p><p>The match was interesting. Marina had a run for her money since Starkz was determined to win, being the 18-year-old prodigy and all. 😝 </p><p>Starkz pulled an Athena at one point when she tried to pin Marina. It was a two-count and Starkz went after the ref.</p><p>In the end she did manage to pin the strong and intimidating Marina Shafir! She also tossed the Code of Honor out of the window, as she attacked her after the bell rang. She didn’t follow the code in the beginning either. She did try a few Athena-ish tactics, like stalling or trying to get in a cheap shot, but they didn’t always land and Marina easily avoided or countered.</p><p>There was this one submission move Marina used and I was like, how in the world is Starkz even tolerating that! I know wrestling is scripted but they’re still doing the moves. It’s impressive. My body would’ve been cramping up! 😖</p><p>Anyway, in the end, Starkz won clean. You can definitely see how influenced she is by Athena. Her poor poisoned and corrupted 18-year-old mind. 😛 As I’ve said in prior articles, at least I think I did, I still wonder when and if Starkz will turn on Athena. It just feels like a good set up for it.</p><p>Now the aftermath is where all the stuff happens and answered what I’d been wondering since Starkz forcibly became Athena’s minion. Athena and Lexi came to the ring. Lexi was in a red (ketchup) cap and gown and they put Starkz in a yellow one (mustard). Okay, so my mind jumped to Sektor and Cyrax when the crowd was referring to the two as ketchup and mustard. Athena announced the valedictorian of the class of 2023 from M.I.T (Minion in Training) or whatever it was. 😆 Anyway, the honor was bestowed upon Lexi. It made the 18-year-old Starkz sad and she looked like she wanted to cry. I mean, “she’s just a teenager” and “just graduated high school”. Those announcers…geez!! 😂</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjD3gnf6BFt8eyyBHE6Xd8mrWcCl_Dry3jTUpLZup0ubWOAYtq7C6majObgMw1UGrw2b5977Ki6g3bpFxZVoFiESpvtOeMgiAkyRvN7ynzy-nYCZeYI6cdsFOhzxAgejmcK3yvHc0ljDMMw5HH0ECrzZWBmY9PfFwAERqjOXmbR0i280SYTroZc6jsxQP/s1164/athena1.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="658" data-original-width="1164" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjD3gnf6BFt8eyyBHE6Xd8mrWcCl_Dry3jTUpLZup0ubWOAYtq7C6majObgMw1UGrw2b5977Ki6g3bpFxZVoFiESpvtOeMgiAkyRvN7ynzy-nYCZeYI6cdsFOhzxAgejmcK3yvHc0ljDMMw5HH0ECrzZWBmY9PfFwAERqjOXmbR0i280SYTroZc6jsxQP/w400-h226/athena1.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><p>Starkz stepped up to Athena but she backed down, but then attacked her anyway. Athena just laughed! Man where will this go? I think Athena is purposely pissing her off so she can have a worthy opponent and was expecting her to reach her limit at some point. It’s like in some shounen manga/anime series. Since I’m a Hunter x Hunter fan, I’ll go with that. The character Gon wanted to fight the creepy bishie Hisoka but Hisoka didn’t view Gon as “ripe enough”. This is how I’m viewing Athena and Billie. I don’t know if that’s the direction they’re going, but at least it’s not being booked by Tony Khan, it’s a plausible possibility. Let’s see if I’m right. 😅</p><p>We have an additional segment as Tony Kahn announces the upcoming Ring of Honor PPV, Last Battle alongside Lexi, still dressed in her graduation gown. Billie Starkz shows up and demands a title shot against Athena at the event. Tony agrees that Billie has won nine matches and is one of the top contenders, so she will get her shot against Athena at Ring of Honor Last Battle 2023.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFIfURmYtfXeTsfmgBFTa3Q20kiU5xwUCT54-l7BA9HEthbeVLhKivXduh-foqrtVdV2aGk-r-1c-T4fxZrwreRyDv0RSYhWVH7Z7YLqXWxndJOWLN4imMuO68hJI7kLamRzdzDc_DqTJOs4P5Ta8lE7AJQew9Zim4U79__ZVGcbyxSDUN0sTAHOEcAvI/s1158/Challenge.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="1158" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFIfURmYtfXeTsfmgBFTa3Q20kiU5xwUCT54-l7BA9HEthbeVLhKivXduh-foqrtVdV2aGk-r-1c-T4fxZrwreRyDv0RSYhWVH7Z7YLqXWxndJOWLN4imMuO68hJI7kLamRzdzDc_DqTJOs4P5Ta8lE7AJQew9Zim4U79__ZVGcbyxSDUN0sTAHOEcAvI/w400-h225/Challenge.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><b>Match 4- Nyla Rose VS Zoey Lynn</b></p><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzNwmDwcIwKKb7lL8tNJIQMYyKS3PZ7OeOENSkJtDeizvIIH5OhplKazEXpytnDXJtNZtIfbJEh0RmxgItExTFsZsmDF3_vAJSw8vTmrJkGLEL25zXd0w0QnJD-kSsZgN1pPdmpGlHiZywBDaOFST1gGGLp5GOQvaKV1rliiDn43NKbzFMXVf0Mp3fiVZO/s1347/TwoMatch.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1347" data-original-width="1079" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzNwmDwcIwKKb7lL8tNJIQMYyKS3PZ7OeOENSkJtDeizvIIH5OhplKazEXpytnDXJtNZtIfbJEh0RmxgItExTFsZsmDF3_vAJSw8vTmrJkGLEL25zXd0w0QnJD-kSsZgN1pPdmpGlHiZywBDaOFST1gGGLp5GOQvaKV1rliiDn43NKbzFMXVf0Mp3fiVZO/w320-h400/TwoMatch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After the women shake hands, Zoey tries to hit Nyla from behind. Nyla knocks her down with a lariat. The former AEW champs stomps on her and then hits her on the top of the head. She then slams Zoey's face into the top turnbuckle. As she grabs her, Zoey tries to fight back, but Nyla just shoves her to the mat. Nyla then gets her up against the ropes and steps on her head.</div><div><br /></div><div>Nyla swings Zoey to the other side of the ring and runs into her with a forearm shot. She then knocks her down with a lariat. Zoey rolls under the apron and grabs Nyla, snapping her head against the ropes. With Nyla stunned, Zoey hit her with several attacks and rattles her with the enzuigiri. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHcrwV2rpNXQgvoj497xjIfHp3Yq1LBGJu3e6att73-7_KwdlNtknW4betxjMAb015k5Q90gNRSZZ52cN5vaQPi6GtK4o78qgDsU93r41AUwEqvCatg9G7BXRR-7ixkjceQQ_TNSRVvfR8ryeuDOEdSt5SLsG1UKnS89mjEhyy95BFo-X5dnaJ0G0K3iI/s1160/Nyla1.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="654" data-original-width="1160" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHcrwV2rpNXQgvoj497xjIfHp3Yq1LBGJu3e6att73-7_KwdlNtknW4betxjMAb015k5Q90gNRSZZ52cN5vaQPi6GtK4o78qgDsU93r41AUwEqvCatg9G7BXRR-7ixkjceQQ_TNSRVvfR8ryeuDOEdSt5SLsG1UKnS89mjEhyy95BFo-X5dnaJ0G0K3iI/w400-h225/Nyla1.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Zoey goes for the ropes, but even though Nyla is rocked, she is still on her feet. As Zoey leaps off the ropes, Nyla hits her midsection in mid-air. Nyla grabs her for the Beast Bomb, but Zoey fight her way out of her grasp. Zoey tries some attacks that don't even phase Nyla, and she decides to run for the ropes. As Zoey bounces back, Nyla grabs her for a Choke Slam. She then finishes her off with the Beast Bomb and wins the match.</div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><b>Mark's Thoughts-</b></div></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Pretty short match as I was expecting. At least Zoey managed to put up a bit of a fight. Now with Vickie Guerrero, Nyla is on her own. It's too soon to tell if she will be hanging around Marina and Emi like she used to back on Dark. This is her return, so The Native Beast see if she'll be mostly in Ring of Honor or also on AEW.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj5gQ73CqBcLLkCacJ75fvlD0qRw8ZHJdTGirr8R-Djr9DQcjAvPGUdn7varDlYfKVA1ukYj6mj35NCll7YCKDma0BDSVeQ4tsjM4-copSu9gWw0-zTcBx1xqWRjFWyKgE11w6HhU1SnUOWSDB0OlsB4XbIn0XaCwuy98vr0biG7oATZSmQUbpdXZzmP3B/s1160/choke-slam.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="653" data-original-width="1160" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj5gQ73CqBcLLkCacJ75fvlD0qRw8ZHJdTGirr8R-Djr9DQcjAvPGUdn7varDlYfKVA1ukYj6mj35NCll7YCKDma0BDSVeQ4tsjM4-copSu9gWw0-zTcBx1xqWRjFWyKgE11w6HhU1SnUOWSDB0OlsB4XbIn0XaCwuy98vr0biG7oATZSmQUbpdXZzmP3B/w400-h225/choke-slam.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><b>Jupi's Thoughts-</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div>Time for an In action Match! That means short or the opponent will be demolished.</div><div><br /></div><div>When Lynn tried to do all those hits on Nyla, and she swung at her, knocking Lynn down, I laughed a little. It reminded me of a Dragon Ball thing. I thought of when Mr. Satan started attacking Cell, punching and kicking, but Cell ended up backslapping him into a mountain. 😂. Lynn tried using a crossbody, but it failed…naturally.</div><div><br /></div><div>I wasn’t expecting much from this match. It was okay, I guess. Expected Nyla to win.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8nTgXjd7MFXRjm1VXI-fF_R8oirsjPfxCQcoZmh1FpETTRwGg0zbbjxcdpN40yHf4qKXAZA5CxcbLhj6Fw5ujTs9lriQ-FqPczsO0RnewZDDIDvgQJka4bpja-EVYEbflJgux_xBDHgpEDxVr3lmouxsBisHkNRv1HZrXQyVDOvr5G7Q5FFsaMra3fzkt/s1165/Nyla2.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="655" data-original-width="1165" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8nTgXjd7MFXRjm1VXI-fF_R8oirsjPfxCQcoZmh1FpETTRwGg0zbbjxcdpN40yHf4qKXAZA5CxcbLhj6Fw5ujTs9lriQ-FqPczsO0RnewZDDIDvgQJka4bpja-EVYEbflJgux_xBDHgpEDxVr3lmouxsBisHkNRv1HZrXQyVDOvr5G7Q5FFsaMra3fzkt/w400-h225/Nyla2.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><b><br /></b><div><b>Mark's Overall Thoughts-</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>When I found out that Billie turned on Athena, I just had to watch tonight's episode. The other matches were alright. Emi Sakura is always fun to watch, and Jupi raised a good point about her deserving of a title. It's odd that two women that have been trained by her, Hikaru Shida and Yuka Sakazaki have both been trained by her and have been AEW Women's Champions, but what about their trainer? And if it's an argument that the veterans aren't here to win titles, that never stopped Christian or Punk from winning some gold. I also liked the Emi VS Trish match because it could have gone either way.</div><div><br /></div><div>Naturally the main match this time was Billie VS Marina as it was an intense match and I was surprised to see Billie bring the fight to her. I was expecting Billie to lose, which would have led to Athena berating her and make her snap... but instead Billie surprised me and won... and Athena still caused her to snap. </div><div><br /></div><div>I remember an earlier promo where Athena was complaining about the lack of competition and she had to find someone. She started hanging around Billie and then forced her to her 'minion'. It seems Athena purposely built her up to become a decent challenge for the title... but will this backfire for her at Last Battle? We'll see. Billie is over with the crowd, but will she get that title reign push?</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Jupi's Overall Thoughts-</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div>Overall, the highlights for me were the matches between Emi Sakura vs Trish Adora match and the Starkz vs Shafir match. These both kept me entertained.</div><div><br /></div><div>The biggest surprise was seeing Tony Khan show up to make an announcement alongside Lexi. I know I’m probably going to get some flack here but I’m can't be the only one who saw TK after Starkz appeared based upon his facial expression, that it seemed to convey…“We have women here?” and “I fear for my life.” 😛 </div><div><br /></div><div>Since he announced that Athena will be facing Billie at Final Battle, I wonder if she’ll finally drop the title. I could see it going either way, honestly. I think I will definitely check out the ROH prior to see what else transpires before Final Battle.</div><div><br /></div></div></div>MarkRodriguez09http://www.blogger.com/profile/10564869853180264503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464060983911849885.post-9898004386480194002023-11-28T23:48:00.000-08:002023-11-29T07:17:27.937-08:00The Superior Spider-Man # 1 (2023)<p> By Mark Rodriguez</p><p>Back in 2013 we had the story where Doctor Octopus switched his dying body with that of Peter Parker. For a while Octavius became the Super Spider-Man, fighting the bad guys his way, but eventually Peter got his body back. Now the Superior Spider-Man has somehow returned. Let's see what brings him back a decade later.</p><p>Before we begin, the preface explains that Peter Parker got to live in a reality where Uncle Ben lived. Upon returning, he regained his memories and a new sidekick called Spider-Boy that claims to have always been around. Meanwhile, Doc Ock has hazy memories of his time as the Superior Spider-Man. When he ran into one of his older experiments, he accidentally released a super villain he captured when he was the Superior Spider-Man. Due to this, the villain is now seeking revenge against Spider-Man instead of Doc Ock.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQMG3LQCjTeyA70HPwg8LIZ96kva4KrHvapf7VWKNLlPQrG3vS9bbdInDz3vkpMXYrsANhZE7O1Y8Jj61kXQA4MofDCMiDB1Z4mtyyYzEdXuq2dZp9n2UCQujKUTIRs1NJT5NNDv9RuJ-10hYDr6v5ASTJEWsfn_jj8WYrCTH__vxep5mVlwiZe7rJXse/s1130/Otto1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1130" data-original-width="709" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQMG3LQCjTeyA70HPwg8LIZ96kva4KrHvapf7VWKNLlPQrG3vS9bbdInDz3vkpMXYrsANhZE7O1Y8Jj61kXQA4MofDCMiDB1Z4mtyyYzEdXuq2dZp9n2UCQujKUTIRs1NJT5NNDv9RuJ-10hYDr6v5ASTJEWsfn_jj8WYrCTH__vxep5mVlwiZe7rJXse/w251-h400/Otto1.png" width="251" /></a></div><p><b>'Mistaken Identity Crisis'</b> starts in New York City where a criminal named Mirage robbed a jewelry store. The villain has the ability to create illusions of several copies of himself. Spider-Man shows up and lets his sidekick Spider-Boy take them down. Spider-Boy gets to help when the villains are D-Listers, which Mirage takes offense to. As they fight, Spider-Boy's attacks go right through the copies so he asks Pete how to tell which one is the real one.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizt-3E1vQTyktCUI6PhFmxehYg42iuDBFQ_ydaO0Cus12FLlQkE7VNfTvzSDdTGWiVr8UqDTJ4pNa2TjU_IDOgGz00Ofd3Yrm7WaeYjMBODskGeaoPiYv_TlhaVti6dlWvBGwe99CpPKYfMu824fGV7kT60vBbTRFlBKviVLzIWJ2_xBuIOpJV9YqmQS_Z/s820/Otto2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="820" data-original-width="714" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizt-3E1vQTyktCUI6PhFmxehYg42iuDBFQ_ydaO0Cus12FLlQkE7VNfTvzSDdTGWiVr8UqDTJ4pNa2TjU_IDOgGz00Ofd3Yrm7WaeYjMBODskGeaoPiYv_TlhaVti6dlWvBGwe99CpPKYfMu824fGV7kT60vBbTRFlBKviVLzIWJ2_xBuIOpJV9YqmQS_Z/w349-h400/Otto2.jpg" width="349" /></a></div><p>Spider-Man says he already determined who the real one was, but doesn't tell Spider-Boy. Spider-Boy sees that Spidey is hanging off a lamppost and realizes that only the real Mirage would cast a shadow. Mirage is quickly defeated and tied up for the police.</p><p>Peter treats Bailey to some ice cream, to which the boy tells him they used to do that all the time but he forgot. He asks Pete about this similar experience. Pete says rather than being erased, he was 'away' and lived a different life where his Uncle Ben was still alive. Peter remembers all of it and wishes he didn't since he now feels like he lost him all over again. Bailey says he comes back to reality where no one remembers him while Pete came back with extra memories and asks if he wants to trade. </p><p>Peter feels responsible for Bailey and asks where he's been living and goes to school. Bailey is about to take off his mask and Peter stops him. They are both shown on the big screen in the middle of Town Square, and Bailey almost revealed himself to the world.</p><p>Just then the super villain arrives, having found Spider-Man for her revenge. Spider-Man asks his sidekick if this is one his villains, since neither recognize her. She says Spider-Man left her trapped in a tiny box burning alive. She fires an energy blast asking if she remembers her now. Spider-Man tells Spider-Boy not to engage, and the kid decides to do crowd control.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUseIWH22kNPeh_KEx6zhYIore4kq5KeGicNGSZ3OhiIDmg6epagr9QHOY4YWeToVu9aVYNlg-IoCrNdfCLMuQN4IY9QTSJXkde8xGOVQD6pwbC6DYF1NcxNLMdJ73nowkwYjankcG9Wf7G6kQVB9djUSPE5-70zN9s5OlZkY9qGgUG-E6AANf7CQskCM/s1453/Otto3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1453" data-original-width="776" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUseIWH22kNPeh_KEx6zhYIore4kq5KeGicNGSZ3OhiIDmg6epagr9QHOY4YWeToVu9aVYNlg-IoCrNdfCLMuQN4IY9QTSJXkde8xGOVQD6pwbC6DYF1NcxNLMdJ73nowkwYjankcG9Wf7G6kQVB9djUSPE5-70zN9s5OlZkY9qGgUG-E6AANf7CQskCM/w214-h400/Otto3.png" width="214" /></a></div><p>The super villain says Spider-Man knows her and called her Supernova. The people in the crowd ask why Spider-Man is antagonizing her. Spider-Boy explains that this is so that she keeps her focus on Spider-Man while giving everyone a chance to run away. </p><p>Elsewhere Anna Maria (who once dated Otto as Parker) is having coffee with an ex named Aiden who is offering her a job in his new division. She is hesitant due to their previous history and he says an old office romance shouldn't get in the way of an opportunity like this. They then see the fight between Spider-Man and Supernova on the TV news, and Anna Maria recognizes the woman as Estrella Lopez.</p><p>Dock Ock arrives to witness the battle go down, hoping that Supernova takes out his old foe. He sends his Ocktoid robots to film everything and gather as much data as possible. He explains he had been working on a controlled and sustained fusion reaction, the power of the sun in the palm of his hand. As Superior Spider-Man, he was about to succeed when his assistant Estrella Lopez tried to take the power for herself, becoming Supernova. Doc Ock had to contain her, but she was released accidentally earlier that night, and now she is after Spider-Man instead of him. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8l4ErCTVRsVmv1Wq3gGXoGLBjsnTwvzqJkGar4shIVAOwWSrW3DPoLSyoUVFTuGlhjlN-hRIIiytH3uSRLAKZ-9tlv9ZRcJqOCBHTHVy9jOC7kFb0BGw3er55V6NuSmfev0pXBnLS2ebUBukYr303apRwgVeaw4OmgJSonMIdkmNnZNhNp6o1Tc3latVx/s1344/Otto4.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="1344" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8l4ErCTVRsVmv1Wq3gGXoGLBjsnTwvzqJkGar4shIVAOwWSrW3DPoLSyoUVFTuGlhjlN-hRIIiytH3uSRLAKZ-9tlv9ZRcJqOCBHTHVy9jOC7kFb0BGw3er55V6NuSmfev0pXBnLS2ebUBukYr303apRwgVeaw4OmgJSonMIdkmNnZNhNp6o1Tc3latVx/w400-h266/Otto4.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Spider-Man tries to reason with Supernova, asking if she got the wrong guy, or maybe she's in the wrong Spideyverse. Supernova tells him to stop gaslighting her and says she'll use one of his expressions. She says 'die is cast' and fires a blast destroys the foundation of a water tower. Spider-Man now knows who she means but sees that the water tower is toppling over and is about to land on the people below. </p><p>Spider-Man uses his webs to hold onto the water tower, using all of his strength. Supernova asks why he plays at being the hero. He says she probably wouldn't believe him. Spider-Man whips the water tower into Supernova to cool her off. She bursts out of it but loses sight of him.</p><p>Spider-Man figures she's not robbing a bank or trying to take over the world, she just wants him. In that case, to keep everyone safe, Spider-Man will have to go away. As he takes off his mask, his Spider-Senses go crazy. He figures it's because Supernova is still in the area but doesn't notice that one of Octavius' Ocktoids is watching him. </p><p>Supernova gives up and flies off, saying she will find Spider-Man again. Peter says he'll let Spider-Man take a nice long break. </p><p>Doctor Octopus waits for his Ocktoid robots to return and give him whatever data they recorded. Ocktoid number 36 shows him that Spider-Man is Peter Parker. Octavius realizes that this means his was in Peter Parker's body when he was the Superior Spider-Man. This makes him remember everything he during this time.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrA4M1e79ucFRzfHDIz8zWlyTAb7foRKkaaluCcv_d-Ubh1CWF93LaVbETssHOMZJmivQWo9674keDqx_iwAnwhJu16uap77hxB90V3aTFhQ_WwwLGgyC1GLFh_Ov5K4dEmBJBzrTc6bC_v2zwMM85bCoKVPnXXQ3TlhXCk6MnMAS4oOTuUeKWonowCk7/s1092/Otto5.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="857" data-original-width="1092" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrA4M1e79ucFRzfHDIz8zWlyTAb7foRKkaaluCcv_d-Ubh1CWF93LaVbETssHOMZJmivQWo9674keDqx_iwAnwhJu16uap77hxB90V3aTFhQ_WwwLGgyC1GLFh_Ov5K4dEmBJBzrTc6bC_v2zwMM85bCoKVPnXXQ3TlhXCk6MnMAS4oOTuUeKWonowCk7/w400-h314/Otto5.png" width="400" /></a></div><p><b>Back-Up Story</b></p><p>During the Superior Spider-Man's first run, Spider-Boy is overjoyed that he is allowed to use webshooters and help him sidekick during more dangerous missions. He shows up in time to see Inner-Demon masks and weapons lying around. Spider-Boy touches the mask and senses that Mister Negative's Inner Demons are actually the ones in trouble and he needs to save them from Spider-Man. </p><p>Over at Pier Four, a storage unit for the Fantastic Four, the Superior Spider-Man has beaten the hell out of Mister Negative's men. Mister Negative is surprised at how ruthlessly he took them down. Spider-Boy arrives and is shocked, asking Spidey if he murdered them. Octavius tells him that the Inner-Demons have remarkable healing powers, and his sidekick says they still feel pain.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg65mVvsYahKY77_9dVtD3IDmmx9JtpkBjyKex5PqHTNO2SnU1zEvhXYJfobLR6pHpiQWjvuEkXE8IyS4yknelmw-wl2Nnb6P9yDD6cWQhfcplSGDlArfzjQ0RgAYlTNDVMr4tI02spngrBs9jA_qy-u14m35yWm1NrSq-wbwuqQ87KRhcb_q3AUa5IPwlS/s1146/Otto6.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1146" data-original-width="907" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg65mVvsYahKY77_9dVtD3IDmmx9JtpkBjyKex5PqHTNO2SnU1zEvhXYJfobLR6pHpiQWjvuEkXE8IyS4yknelmw-wl2Nnb6P9yDD6cWQhfcplSGDlArfzjQ0RgAYlTNDVMr4tI02spngrBs9jA_qy-u14m35yWm1NrSq-wbwuqQ87KRhcb_q3AUa5IPwlS/w316-h400/Otto6.png" width="316" /></a></div><p>Superior Spider-Man points out that Mister Negative was planning on stealing Negative Zone Batteries to make him unstoppable. Mister Negative says this is true but he was surprised to see Spider-Man in the middle of robbing the place. He points towards scientific equipment being webbed up.</p><p>Spider-Man says he was moving them to a more secure location, and it's not stealing if he's friends with the Fantastic Four. Spider-Boy says Peter has been acting off lately, so maybe he should touch him to get a reading with his Spider-Sense. Spider-Man swats him back before he could touch him. </p><p>Spider-Boy figures this is because Mister Negative has that corrupting touch and Spider-Man has been fighting him. Mister Negative takes advantage of the distraction to touch Spider-Boy's shoulder and put him under his control.</p><p>Mister Negative sends Spider-Boy after Spider-Man, and he's incredibly fast. Doc Ock is more concerned about his psychic touch, since that could reveal the truth about him taking over Parker's body. He prepares to land a blow, telling himself that he could always say he was defending himself and didn't mean to hit the boy that hard. Right before he could, Otto remembers how his father used to beat him and he pulls back. He thinks to himself that he won't strike a child. Doc Ock is stuck blocking all the punches from his mind-controlled sidekick.</p><p>Mister Negative tries to fly off with the equipment but the vehicle won't take off. Ant-Man arrives with Medusa, Miss Thing and She-Hulk as they say he's been locked out. They explain that they're stand-ins for when the Fantastic Four are unavailable. Mister Negative wakes up his men and tell them to fight them while he makes his escape.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_eZYnZPHAXl2Zy4sa6ptviQjxWDZb-jA-CRRhC7qwHgjjxUOm_I8u51f2b6Y4SidFAO3P0Dzqo4anpK_PVLTZ_PLFLDE4ICfZEY5Nsw7QgSDt9mnMGX_D47J0uFHwZSBuqg0qMKzdyD0vAP6UQEe_6lZ0HrLn8WXwWvyM8xRTc_JTi3RFAeyEDavwwI8L/s990/Otto7.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="990" data-original-width="734" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_eZYnZPHAXl2Zy4sa6ptviQjxWDZb-jA-CRRhC7qwHgjjxUOm_I8u51f2b6Y4SidFAO3P0Dzqo4anpK_PVLTZ_PLFLDE4ICfZEY5Nsw7QgSDt9mnMGX_D47J0uFHwZSBuqg0qMKzdyD0vAP6UQEe_6lZ0HrLn8WXwWvyM8xRTc_JTi3RFAeyEDavwwI8L/w296-h400/Otto7.png" width="296" /></a></div><p>While the heroes fight, Spider-Man angrily slams Spider-Boy down, saying he's a failure that doesn't deserve his suit of his powers. He says he'll never be Spider-Man. Spider-Boy apologizes for being overcome by Mister Negative's control so easily. She-Hulk and Medusa berate Spider-Man over how he's treating his sidekick. Otto seizes this opportunity to say he was never meant to have a sidekick and will leave him with them. As he swings off her says he's free of his invasive abilities. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihoXxJ-vTi2dDS2NBVmS3jqhmCWu0ojRouMzw73sooTRuaIYePNrlfbQ2WAqZnNeN02WEvfNeU-dIr28SVIS1JHaYo0AVCHreadEQfasQcyoKmT6im-a90G2Ij0p9hzLjYTaH-7uL6t2fiuoRWYKoMytCqsPmA5ha3s8osAKnkOquFFaSkrJHHKSGU8-Ln/s777/Otto8.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="777" data-original-width="583" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihoXxJ-vTi2dDS2NBVmS3jqhmCWu0ojRouMzw73sooTRuaIYePNrlfbQ2WAqZnNeN02WEvfNeU-dIr28SVIS1JHaYo0AVCHreadEQfasQcyoKmT6im-a90G2Ij0p9hzLjYTaH-7uL6t2fiuoRWYKoMytCqsPmA5ha3s8osAKnkOquFFaSkrJHHKSGU8-Ln/w300-h400/Otto8.png" width="300" /></a></div><p>Miss Thing tells Spider-Boy that they have several kids at the Baxter Building so he'll fit right in. Spider-Boy says he will stay with them until Spider-Man gets over whatever is bothering him. Ant-Man tells him that in his experience people like that never change. </p><p><b>My Thoughts-</b></p><p>My first surprise was seeing Spider-Boy in this story. I have heard of him but figured his story was a one-and-done and didn't expect him to still be around. Apparently he's similar to Dawn from Buffy the Vampire Slayer in the sense that 'he's always been around' but nobody remembers. The difference is I believe Dawn used some sort of spell to make others believe she was always there, while in Bailey's case, his entire existence was wiped out but he somehow managed to make it back to the 616 reality.</p><p>On a similar note, Supernova is sort of like the Androids from the Red Ribbon army in Dragonball Z, where Dr. Gero wants revenge on Goku, but he was never seen in the original Red Ribbon arc. Supernova wants revenge, and while she appears in a recently released one-shot called 'Superior Spider-Man Returns' that explains her origins and sets this new series up, she was never actually in the original run. That explains why for the life of me I couldn't remember ever seeing her in the 2013 comics.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1wyB8giw9dKXaLA8GEMKJ4vMSMQAgG2eYbDFNDh-YYimlKht84bEv8WEK_D6MY8laWR16K2fl2He-o8Pwi8-f-uM1r9fivu9ugEHp2WU9xHI98rLJhYRBp7Ls3He2X-AGKoU0zTU8GuheUBYIBPhoqG5sKZLPEqGxaCnq0ts3nxY9z4bx4iK5YMjo6w8/s869/Supernova.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="869" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1wyB8giw9dKXaLA8GEMKJ4vMSMQAgG2eYbDFNDh-YYimlKht84bEv8WEK_D6MY8laWR16K2fl2He-o8Pwi8-f-uM1r9fivu9ugEHp2WU9xHI98rLJhYRBp7Ls3He2X-AGKoU0zTU8GuheUBYIBPhoqG5sKZLPEqGxaCnq0ts3nxY9z4bx4iK5YMjo6w8/w400-h291/Supernova.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>There a lot a of questions here. One of my two main questions I have is how Anna Maria will become involved in the story since she recognizes Estrella before she transformed. The other one is, now that Octavius remembers everything.... how exactly is he going to swap bodies with Peter again or otherwise become the Super Spider-Man? And would that really be a smart thing to do while Supernova is flying around looking to kill him?</p><p>The back up further details the 'Spider-Boy was there all along', as it seems he was a sidekick for Spider-Man when Otto was in control. Since Spider-Boy has the power to see things when he touches something or someone, it would make sense that laying a hand on Spider-Man would reveal that he's really Doctor Octopus. This story explains how in Spider-Boy's version of events, he never got to find out the truth and affect the event of the original run too heavily.</p><p>It was surprising to see Ant-Man, She-Hulk, Miss Thing and Medusa make an appearance, but I found out they were a team back in 2013. Miss Thing is the Human Torch's girlfriend that wears battle armor that resembles the Thing's body. It took me a while to realize the green woman was She-Hulk since she's usually drawn taller and a bit more muscular. I actually thought it was Gamora for a moment but I don't recall her ever joining the Fantastic Four.</p><p>Also Doc Ock won't strike a child... but he had no problem body slamming him and breaking his spirit. Sheesh, even when he tries to act nice in public and play the hero, Otto's ego and anger issues always shine through, which made everyone back then think that Parker was turning into a real jerk.</p><p>Spider-Boy acts a new unexpected layer to this new series, and I wonder how things are going to go. It's almost like buying a new Captain America series without knowing that Venom was also going to be in it and become a major factor to the story.</p><p>I'll be looking forward to the next issue. The only problem with the title of the series being the exact same (like the series could have been called Superior Spider-Man Returns as an ongoing title rather than a one-shot) is that now when I review the original run I'm going to have to specify between 2013 and 2023.</p>MarkRodriguez09http://www.blogger.com/profile/10564869853180264503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464060983911849885.post-49703682804644381192023-11-24T18:49:00.000-08:002023-11-24T19:15:23.955-08:00Red Sonja: The Price of Blood Issue One review<p> By Mark Rodriguez</p><p>Upon checking out Third Eye Comics, they had a 'Fun Box' full of 25 mystery comics and some graphic novels. We got an interesting assortment of Marvel, DC and indie stuff, but one of the comics that stood out to me was this Red Sonja comic. Let's have a look.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwI59nGwV5N0h2W8Ru5f6o_mJHB3OJh7VLbtZ9zWL7gBssY92CP_QQpysypgnfx6hSGKtyEpk3LgUAA9RL1goru8V9BAv9KqwxO7X26KBWVNCrANbvDaB1U-z8GrLUbfoA1HeCOg8RVbfxBjP87I-iHv_V2yvhUuchRLjaY4OoAHrn_6GrxHsnyjyc3yH/s1150/Red1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="752" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwI59nGwV5N0h2W8Ru5f6o_mJHB3OJh7VLbtZ9zWL7gBssY92CP_QQpysypgnfx6hSGKtyEpk3LgUAA9RL1goru8V9BAv9KqwxO7X26KBWVNCrANbvDaB1U-z8GrLUbfoA1HeCOg8RVbfxBjP87I-iHv_V2yvhUuchRLjaY4OoAHrn_6GrxHsnyjyc3yH/w261-h400/Red1.jpg" width="261" /></a></div><p>The issue opens with Sonja being trapped in some sort of prison with a crazy laughing inmate. Sonja tells him to stop gawking at her. The man tells her he doesn't see many women and the last woman that was locked up kept bashing her head against the wall until she died. Sonja says she can wipe the smile off his face and he says he doubts she can. She kicks him in the face. A third inmate named Bamba says he's been wanting to do that for a long time. </p><p>Bamba wants to hear Sonja's tale and she refuses. He tells her they're trapped and will only be set free to be sent to the gallows where they will face their death. He'd rather spend the last hours of his life listening to a beautiful woman tell her tale.</p><p>Sonja explains she didn't come to Aquilona looking for trouble, though trouble always finds her. Sonja and her friend Elli just finished saving a kingdom when they heard about the Festival of Fire and decided to check it out. </p><p>We flashback to the festival where the women decide to set their horses free and partake in the festivities. There they enjoy some Stygian Red Ale, which is at no cost. A man explains that they are following the teachings of Mitra where they enjoy the dance since life can be so fleeting. Sonja grabs some beer and everyone toasts to Mitra. Sonja celebrates her toast by kissing a random stranger and pushing him away.</p><p>Sonja and Elli dance the night away and enjoy the evening. As they dance, a guy gets fresh with Elli and Sonja socks him out. Sonja and Elli find the man from before. He explains that a woman offered herself to him as well as some whiskey, but he refused since he does not partake. Sonja says she does partake and asks where the woman went. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiceBo_dLx2W0prRPxYSvGPrCIxNScE-niO6rrVAPRIHTx68AXSSBeQPpvs8YXh-KKueA6tdCTrnyxnL46yvilVwmjOhN2ClDNoDmZsS8wYHv-CvLyCIPDTyyZ8WR183sG6RLGjs4PqU2jrQX8j34Y3J1_djn5HaOj5y5FNoSdde5Cd8PxDOwUlP4o3SE7v/s1224/Red2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="915" data-original-width="1224" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiceBo_dLx2W0prRPxYSvGPrCIxNScE-niO6rrVAPRIHTx68AXSSBeQPpvs8YXh-KKueA6tdCTrnyxnL46yvilVwmjOhN2ClDNoDmZsS8wYHv-CvLyCIPDTyyZ8WR183sG6RLGjs4PqU2jrQX8j34Y3J1_djn5HaOj5y5FNoSdde5Cd8PxDOwUlP4o3SE7v/w400-h299/Red2.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Sonja relaxes and enjoys the moment of peace after all the fighting she usually endures. The monk tells the about Mitra and his beliefs, and Sonja asks where Mitra was when her village was burned down. Sonja finds the woman that the monk mentioned earlier and tells her she does partake. Morning hits as both women partook, and the monk notices that their camp is under attack. He tells Sonja that they call them heretics because they don't follow their false vision of Mitra. </p><p>Sonja lights up a stick with the campfire and runs over to attack the horsemen herself. This gives the people time to escape. Sonja grabs a sword from one of the men and uses it to hack and slash the others. One of the men tells her to surrender, and she hacks him across the chest. He turns towards her with his horse, knocking Sonja back onto her shoulders. </p><p>One of the knights tries to attack Sonja but gets an arrow shot into his neck. A woman helped her and Sonja says if she really wants to help they should attack them all. The mystery woman says that would be suicide. They see that the knights have rounded everyone up and had them killed for sins of 'debauchery and promiscuity'. Sonja is also hit by a small arrow to the neck and falls unconscious. The last thought through her head before passing out was promising to kill 'the man with the fancy robes' that was ordering the executions.</p><p>Back to the prison, Bamba laughs at how Sonja tried to kill one of the high inquisitors. The other inmate laughs and doesn't believe her story and that Sonja could kill anyone. Sonja asks Bamba why he is locked up, and he says it was due to him murdering 'the wrong person', meaning one of the 'important kind'. He asks her who told her to try to kill the high inquisitors. Sonja says she had help, someone named Yfat. </p><p>We flash back to Sonja waking up after the arrow knocked her out. She meets the woman named Yfat who says she saved her before she got herself killed trying to stop the inquisitors. She liked Sonja's spirit and says she will get her chance to kill them, while staying alive and earning some money on the side. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMVpYAy1elSDh4Of-C9K5OXpL2YADc9rz18DHJPR03tZSSa6O2x6fSjPab_ES1RPh_cPHxq319t-CHidOdJA_NuCytwWNyTHXYXSx8oXPzdVOuAHNoB3Ko5QRS6vQ6Z-rnkN4iFj60i1X0Yu6majW8U-ppAvQ92-iALygXpE7VjhWQcSekEVDpL5B6jQF1/s1458/Red3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1458" data-original-width="607" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMVpYAy1elSDh4Of-C9K5OXpL2YADc9rz18DHJPR03tZSSa6O2x6fSjPab_ES1RPh_cPHxq319t-CHidOdJA_NuCytwWNyTHXYXSx8oXPzdVOuAHNoB3Ko5QRS6vQ6Z-rnkN4iFj60i1X0Yu6majW8U-ppAvQ92-iALygXpE7VjhWQcSekEVDpL5B6jQF1/w166-h400/Red3.png" width="166" /></a></div><p>Yfat explains that she is a purveyor of a special set of services. In this case she wishes to enlist Sonja in killing 'the little man in the fancy robes' that butchered the fire festival. Sonja accepts, but Yfat says she will need to work on her subtlety. She will teach her how to be a real killer.</p><p>Later on, Sonja and Yfat are disguised as followers as they are at a religious gathering. The man is preaching about the evils of outsiders and non-believers. Yfat tells Sonja that there will be blood in the Shemmish quarters of the city. The man preaches that the recent Fire Festival was a Shemmish plot to spread sin and corrupt youth. Yfat shows Sonja which of the men are Governor Zelden, the chief of the guard, and the biggest threat, General Matthus. </p><p>Sonja says if the zealots plan an attack, they should organize a resistance. Yfat says the Shemites will hide until this passes and the inquisitor will be exposed. This will present an opportunity they can take advantage of, since Yfat has a plan. </p><p>The man in the robes continues to call for the blood of the Shemites when he notices Sonja in the crowd approaching him. Sonja says she is a wicked woman that has lived a life of sin and wishes to find salvation from Mitra. The man will give her a private confession and he whispers to his guards to check her for weapons.</p><p>The guards escort Sonja to The Temple of Eternal Song. The man wants to hear of her sins and Sonja mentions she thought that Mitra was about fellowship and good drinks with friends. The man asks what fool told her this, since Mitra is about service and sacrifice. Sonja says she has one last sin to confess, one she has committed several times. This is the sin of murder as she slashes him across the throat with her nails.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7KySrYLB-hjbTuhVNpVi5JmfeIwASAvnYoOrlPvITtvXzvek8dNSy1KHJ1p_eLOLUtL9d2t1I-cPMAtPq4cqLGFeBUFmFeoKKN5VyZ44ecXkW5Iig14ckktJBOiihLjif8Gm9b6mpxxk7-36SSDxqARYCr2oZfxEhNsVCVozzL4VOyGYSTeIlfysSgC6/s1293/Red4.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="784" data-original-width="1293" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7KySrYLB-hjbTuhVNpVi5JmfeIwASAvnYoOrlPvITtvXzvek8dNSy1KHJ1p_eLOLUtL9d2t1I-cPMAtPq4cqLGFeBUFmFeoKKN5VyZ44ecXkW5Iig14ckktJBOiihLjif8Gm9b6mpxxk7-36SSDxqARYCr2oZfxEhNsVCVozzL4VOyGYSTeIlfysSgC6/w400-h243/Red4.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Sonja drags the man as he chokes on his own blood. She says 'the fool' he asked about was a man she met at the Fire Festival. He showed her the world could be a better place without the evils of men like him, and then he had to turn the valley into a killing field. She drags him over to the open window and says maybe Mitra is cranky like him, and he will find out soon. Sonja throws the man out the window and leaps after him with a rope to escape. </p><p>Bamba tells Sonja that the man planned to do horrible things to her and Sonja says that he won't anymore. She further explains that there was violence in the streets when the bell tolled over the inquisitor's death. No one knew what was going on except for her.</p><p>Sonja returns to Yfat who asks if the bells tolling means that their friend got to meet the gods. Yfat serves her some lotus nectar and Sonja earned herself some gold. She drinks up and asks who's next.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6wbJzk7LWWduiRYZ3C7x6zmmk3XrpyA6qDai5C5vjBMFFqMpMAMfcUOxthYaWyBUDj_DQQx6bEoaJuiB_xN6lE2Ih4Nvd6B5nhijrkB8_ClSEN32X5a2YBRCparxGyupG1nMVjosnUKw9Mc-afTmkpIZf1-GRH-5-6X05d3OxQd5iO1bqYdKU0wV3BNwR/s1006/Red5.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1006" data-original-width="1006" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6wbJzk7LWWduiRYZ3C7x6zmmk3XrpyA6qDai5C5vjBMFFqMpMAMfcUOxthYaWyBUDj_DQQx6bEoaJuiB_xN6lE2Ih4Nvd6B5nhijrkB8_ClSEN32X5a2YBRCparxGyupG1nMVjosnUKw9Mc-afTmkpIZf1-GRH-5-6X05d3OxQd5iO1bqYdKU0wV3BNwR/w400-h400/Red5.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Elsewhere General Matthus is making his battle plans when he hears the bell going off. He tells the guards to reinforce the city guard. He wants whichever countries that have spies in this city to be brought in for questioning.</p><p>The men arrive at the corpse of the Grand Inquisitor and his guards says there was a redheaded woman from the streets that went to see him for private counseling. Zelden tells them that he has his men searching the city and they will find her. Matthus says they will put a bounty on her head, a thousand gold pieces, dead or alive.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKzT9cDD47T3ohyphenhyphenxgWnyD0i80j_ZLzU6otPCAl-R2D73KimJRobNKYqWj89xGTUo1FtaFBruMdzqSuG9h7800bNBJQfhcjGrGCOPwFDF46jWALfqsqmfz9bmtVPdliNtRh3TrtFdDzmEgeETAzc1KNc_w8ckD1jmq5cEQKdwMqHnXi3nBc9eeP6NlYIKIx/s633/Red6.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKzT9cDD47T3ohyphenhyphenxgWnyD0i80j_ZLzU6otPCAl-R2D73KimJRobNKYqWj89xGTUo1FtaFBruMdzqSuG9h7800bNBJQfhcjGrGCOPwFDF46jWALfqsqmfz9bmtVPdliNtRh3TrtFdDzmEgeETAzc1KNc_w8ckD1jmq5cEQKdwMqHnXi3nBc9eeP6NlYIKIx/w339-h400/Red6.png" width="339" /></a></div><p><b>My Opinions-</b></p><p>The first thing that surprised me about this one is that we started out with Sonja locked up in a dungeon, and even though we have a flashback, it didn't end with explaining how exactly she got there. I'm assuming we'll find out next time and then the story will end with her somehow escaping and wiping out these religious zealots.</p><p>The story is interesting, the art is pretty good, and we get to see Sonja not only cut loose at a festival, but also cut loose as she hacks and slashes her way through inquisitors. She's as violent and bloodthirsty as ever, though we see that she does wish she lived a life where she didn't have to kill. </p><p>The religious zealots, as you'd expect, parallel a lot of real world atrocities that I won't bring up here. I had to point out the hypocrisy in which the Grand Inquisitor called for the lives of the people at the Fire Festival for 'debauchery' while at the same time it's implied he does similar and non-consensual things to women in his 'private counseling'. </p><p>I have to say, it's a shame that it looks like Sonja's friend Elli died alongside the others at the festival. I wonder what else will happen to Yfat and the other prisoners that are locked with Red Sonja. </p><p>The book was released back in 2020 so it might take a while to find the rest of them to get the whole story. Overall an interesting find within the Mystery Fun Box from Third Eye Comics.</p>MarkRodriguez09http://www.blogger.com/profile/10564869853180264503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464060983911849885.post-41520492917634101132023-11-21T08:17:00.000-08:002023-11-21T08:17:17.908-08:00Mark and Jupi Review Ring of Honor Ep 38 11/16/2023 (Women's Matches)<p> By Mark Rodriguez</p><p>This time we got several ladies 'In Action', namely Athena and Billie Starkz in tag team action, Emi Sakura and Marina Shafir in singles action. We've seen in previous episodes where the women still bring the action regardless of them being in jobber matches. Let's check it out.</p><p><b>Match 1- Emi Sakura VS Kel</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijTQN9FkZtOxAiP0ybZB4eYrwB_yLjhQgX6S9AJmm6ZyKNOPXUKACGCr_QJfpy5g68EWAm083xIPFanpWsnKjYuhnyx0nIUTOTlhL32wcNwAvG078ZOn6S2Qix3zXOow2BoQ7qPYSWzS7tbewnGRGdr4nC1ZWxlM_g_rUjHITnKp3m2-wsFD9duska-OB4/s1340/EmiSakura.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1340" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijTQN9FkZtOxAiP0ybZB4eYrwB_yLjhQgX6S9AJmm6ZyKNOPXUKACGCr_QJfpy5g68EWAm083xIPFanpWsnKjYuhnyx0nIUTOTlhL32wcNwAvG078ZOn6S2Qix3zXOow2BoQ7qPYSWzS7tbewnGRGdr4nC1ZWxlM_g_rUjHITnKp3m2-wsFD9duska-OB4/w323-h400/EmiSakura.jpg" width="323" /></a></div><p></p><p>The match opens with Kel getting in Emi's face, showing off the huge height different between then. Emi acts like she'll try to do a test of strength, but her hits her in the stomach. She then trips her up and wastes no time getting Kel into the High Stretch Surfboard.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCzrVwAxcPCbm3YdkWW42klUpvVAwrpsHmBteRPvq5QMoiAuPNN1z88TfsQT7lkYJn9S6WrG78yzD0y7WPDq0DpaaHh3MejZwrWx_HSzlX4JjDJottdFBZIquxz3wQaa_erSqy9Q7JPQ1S8h6WXgezOdNxEfAuMduvkvVkt4nHpMz0XIyJ_rCTV2pBVR9r/s1145/high-stretch.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="652" data-original-width="1145" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCzrVwAxcPCbm3YdkWW42klUpvVAwrpsHmBteRPvq5QMoiAuPNN1z88TfsQT7lkYJn9S6WrG78yzD0y7WPDq0DpaaHh3MejZwrWx_HSzlX4JjDJottdFBZIquxz3wQaa_erSqy9Q7JPQ1S8h6WXgezOdNxEfAuMduvkvVkt4nHpMz0XIyJ_rCTV2pBVR9r/w400-h228/high-stretch.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><p>Kel starts smacking Emi around until the veteran gouges her eyes and tries to grab her for the Butterfly Backbreaker. Kel grabs Emi and kicks her in the face with a Fall-Away Kick, and then knocks her back with a Thrust Kick. She goes for the pin but Emi kicks out. Kel poses for the crowd and runs towards Emi. Emi gets out of the way and Kel gets her leg stuck on the ropes. Emi hits her with a savage series of chops and then runs into her with a Flying Crossbody Splash. </p><p>Emi grabs Kel for the Butterfly Backbreaker, turning around to give Mel a view of all four corners of the ring before slamming her. She pins her down and gets the win. Emi trips up the ref so he falls on his knees and she sits on his lap and poses in victory.</p><p><b>Mark's Thoughts-</b></p><p>I've been missing on the RoH episodes, so this is the first time that I saw Emi Sakura come out to a different theme. I also noticed that when Emi did her chops, she didn't do her 'We Will Rock You' claps and chants. Between the new theme and her no longer wearing the crown and robes, she's probably dropped the Freddie Mercury gimmick by now. It was a quick match, and we didn't see too much of Emi's antics, but we'll see if she'll start using new ones going forward.</p><p>I was surprised to see Kel do the Fall-Away Kick. It's usually a finisher and I've only seen people like Ruby Soho and Mia Yim use it as such, and not just a regular move.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqsYm-60ZPKRfpxwChW9Q_PO4xffh6rUkc5cHDMiD7HWi_RGIgb4KEITXh78VsbcDj71MEnUGInfTbFWZ6hyphenhyphencyVieJfP9VRFXuFt4jsC3oQGiQPHp7XKTYstgWC9rniXbwc2_XMfBCOujM3LNZP_JAbahjxJph9bw1PT3wrirjp1nx9kMdsbagqJMh9Rd1/s1147/butterfly-backbreaker.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="655" data-original-width="1147" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqsYm-60ZPKRfpxwChW9Q_PO4xffh6rUkc5cHDMiD7HWi_RGIgb4KEITXh78VsbcDj71MEnUGInfTbFWZ6hyphenhyphencyVieJfP9VRFXuFt4jsC3oQGiQPHp7XKTYstgWC9rniXbwc2_XMfBCOujM3LNZP_JAbahjxJph9bw1PT3wrirjp1nx9kMdsbagqJMh9Rd1/w400-h229/butterfly-backbreaker.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><p><b>Jupi's Thoughts-</b></p><p>Welp…I sense a squash match since Kel was already in the ring. Shouldn't Keenan be at ring side? 😛 Okay, let me get serious. 😆 I thought it was funny at the beginning how Kel was showing off how much taller she was and Emi punched her. 😂</p><p>I was expecting Kel to submit when Emi got her in that move at practically the beginning of the match, but to my surprise she didn’t. The hits between the two looked so painful and that backbreaker Emi used on Kel…ouch! That took Kel out. Too bad there wasn’t a good tea time portion. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqhq38F803pDgwmr9WrTWGNG72uddyHvx6xm2-WZoRAHonZDgZKFM1O-T5OyxNCL4wSSOnMQcu0QxZtLQsiuxdXRp7I2QzRpNYi9QrcDqvTJCyBaaxmALU4HBxmdo93LZFYVuzmXErqtQluLkDQCGN6Dh7Emrf1iY_U2asFMwYerCI5GvnOEL4PgX81Z_U/s1152/EmiWins.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="656" data-original-width="1152" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqhq38F803pDgwmr9WrTWGNG72uddyHvx6xm2-WZoRAHonZDgZKFM1O-T5OyxNCL4wSSOnMQcu0QxZtLQsiuxdXRp7I2QzRpNYi9QrcDqvTJCyBaaxmALU4HBxmdo93LZFYVuzmXErqtQluLkDQCGN6Dh7Emrf1iY_U2asFMwYerCI5GvnOEL4PgX81Z_U/w400-h228/EmiWins.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><p>I guess the coolest thing about this match aside from seeing Emi again as I do enjoy her matches is that she seemingly now has a 2-0 ROH winning streak . Let’s see where they’ll go with this.</p><p><b>Interview Segment- The Renegades</b></p><p>Lexi interviews The Renegades on their thoughts of going up against the newly established tag team of Rachael Ellering and Leyla Hirsch. The Renegades say they're the only actual established tag team in the women's division and while Rachael and Leyla have had luck in singles matches, tag team matches are their bread and butter. Suddenly Maria Kanellis shows up and wants a word with the Renegades.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_HPg4FxRDnpIt4jx1laBtzfzj2K7JvLvhWWcAp1Il1L6JrZf-wZIWt6WMmxT2qhvIkvhWM4ASfD12A8scd-f7RFNbeG4oNT3dgTys2_gEYi10RClPECd4HKbLC2_FymDZn3aGHNonFW92nuMQO_PfXrMfOAIYrlqtsDVwdgqvjC33UXMzIEUjY18_HHfO/s1156/renegades.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="649" data-original-width="1156" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_HPg4FxRDnpIt4jx1laBtzfzj2K7JvLvhWWcAp1Il1L6JrZf-wZIWt6WMmxT2qhvIkvhWM4ASfD12A8scd-f7RFNbeG4oNT3dgTys2_gEYi10RClPECd4HKbLC2_FymDZn3aGHNonFW92nuMQO_PfXrMfOAIYrlqtsDVwdgqvjC33UXMzIEUjY18_HHfO/w400-h225/renegades.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><p><b>Match 2- Athena & Billie Starkz VS Brooke Havok & Johnnie Robbie</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8kOzQLORWRnEkQE8beKpeixdOpI3ttMlKUYF5iWbIKe8WIj-qeu_MheU-LJmSwcDFc7Ni12iHCaTIUtDM8EMeAyTRESQtbfPnTQdb0D6QqsfG78R8f87jt3tsnBvhNV1B012n53_1iNQvUZFW4Fhm-jwCrULOxBxjPU5RK4RjLYmm9vXdxut8wO0UvKhM/s1344/AthenaMatch.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1344" data-original-width="1079" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8kOzQLORWRnEkQE8beKpeixdOpI3ttMlKUYF5iWbIKe8WIj-qeu_MheU-LJmSwcDFc7Ni12iHCaTIUtDM8EMeAyTRESQtbfPnTQdb0D6QqsfG78R8f87jt3tsnBvhNV1B012n53_1iNQvUZFW4Fhm-jwCrULOxBxjPU5RK4RjLYmm9vXdxut8wO0UvKhM/w321-h400/AthenaMatch.jpg" width="321" /></a></div><br /><div>Athena pretends to go for a grapple, but socks Johnnie out in the jaw. Athena then goes after Johnnie, but her opponent hits her with an uppercut. Johnnie goes for the ring apron and cracks Athena on the side of the head with a high kick. Johnnie goes for the ropes and tries to grab Athena in a pin, but Athena grabs her and power bombs her.</div><div><br /></div><div>Athena grabs Johnnie and tags Billie in. Billie grabs Johnnie and is so busy talking to Athena that her opponent hits her with a jaw breaker and runs over to tag in Brooke. Brooke hits her with some kicks and then tries to grab Billie in a body scissors and falls backwards, slamming Billie into the mat. </div><div><br /></div><div>Brooke tries to whip Billie across the ropes, but she ends up getting whipped over instead. Athena kicks her across the back from the ring apron. Brooke socks Athena off the ring apron. When she turns, Billie decks her with the forearm the same way Athena does. She then goes for the ground and pound and when the ref tries to stop her, Billie gets in his face and throws a tantrum the same way Athena would.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn2Dz80JDVmJrXFJDkX0PtmyvXEeDRWRz3bNe-BgkTvOzcUZgodwoNtwhU7kW9_Hrv0kn_f6ur41Bh9jV2HqXTXfxeojRE9hfWzHz7dUGj3USuBpJoMtRi_DBD_SAFDBYFydYc5ack8giK_94WJfA1rXECow_x4cwoCicxTHh6gr-XW_6FS7iu9kz5p6zz/s1152/tantrum.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="644" data-original-width="1152" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn2Dz80JDVmJrXFJDkX0PtmyvXEeDRWRz3bNe-BgkTvOzcUZgodwoNtwhU7kW9_Hrv0kn_f6ur41Bh9jV2HqXTXfxeojRE9hfWzHz7dUGj3USuBpJoMtRi_DBD_SAFDBYFydYc5ack8giK_94WJfA1rXECow_x4cwoCicxTHh6gr-XW_6FS7iu9kz5p6zz/w400-h224/tantrum.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Athena tags herself in and grabs Brooke, but then runs across the ring to sock Johnnie off the ring apron. Athena picks up Brooke and hits her with the Despicable Knee. She goes for the pin and wins the match. Suddenly, Billie grabs Johnnie and gets her in the crossface as the poor woman taps out. Athena grabs Brooke in the crossface too. When the ref tries to break it up, Athena and Billie both get in his face. Athena and Billie walk off in victory, the champ's antics clearly starting to rub off on Starkz.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Mark's Thoughts-</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>This match was fun, mostly due to Billie's antics. I like how she is copying Athena's antics, but in an over-exaggerated way that only she can. The kicker was how now she's attacking people after the bell has rung, when before she would refuse to do so. Now I wonder if we missed an episode where Billie finally smashed someone's face into the RoH Women's Title. Athena still acts bossy and pushy around Billie, and we'll see what happens if her minion does end up getting too big for her britches. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrIIfdubVvb0AWcqlr7MvrT1D6EyXVC-obS0s0znGZo3wMIfnVMY0hSpH6CtMizsdHNwX-Oe4orPlIDPOc2DnjC5D7CuyQAiDCsVBePTVAu8fNg847nKrnfbkPc4v4G7rQVTIEZ-Ha4keNFEm9loHBndfiUAXyCfzoZzLzVcWKIqHZFErmOnSf52iMXlc/s1157/double-crossface.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="1157" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrIIfdubVvb0AWcqlr7MvrT1D6EyXVC-obS0s0znGZo3wMIfnVMY0hSpH6CtMizsdHNwX-Oe4orPlIDPOc2DnjC5D7CuyQAiDCsVBePTVAu8fNg847nKrnfbkPc4v4G7rQVTIEZ-Ha4keNFEm9loHBndfiUAXyCfzoZzLzVcWKIqHZFErmOnSf52iMXlc/w400-h241/double-crossface.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><b>Jupi's Thoughts-</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Dang, Athena started off with giving a sucker punch! Ouch! Seriously, though so much was going on and so fast I couldn’t keep up! The match wasn’t a squash or anything either much to my surprise since the opposition started in the ring. The pair did end winning, of course, and Billie pulled an Athena and attacked after the match was over while Athena attacked the other one and then both scared off the ref!😲</div><div><div><br /></div><div>I haven’t watched ROH in a while, so it seems Billie is acting more and more like Athena and getting as corrupted as her. I wonder how long it’s been going on since the last time I saw it, Billie was hesitant. Now it’s like a younger sibling imitating the older one. I wonder if Billie is luring Athena into a false sense of security and plan on double crossing her later at some point. </div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, good match! There were good attacks and moves from all involved. I couldn’t help but wince at points. How do they do it?! 😖 At least the opponents didn’t come across as weak and it didn’t end in a submission.</div></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii9bp-Dd21PDGfx1V-oy3ASNPsuhLxE-KfpUee-mf7bSGQkLwPvXDPan3Tv1TgP-7n9Qv6eBWjkz_CjAYlcvzVpR4x4f-YdsTxBUQfO_HkfyLnmdK2hGKb5vf6DtrYj-HR0yTfiB48g_-qDfZnizt97myBeZJ0mPuspLj6kv4V9PH1G5QMdyHt5PdgK4E4/s1151/Athena-Billie.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="1151" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii9bp-Dd21PDGfx1V-oy3ASNPsuhLxE-KfpUee-mf7bSGQkLwPvXDPan3Tv1TgP-7n9Qv6eBWjkz_CjAYlcvzVpR4x4f-YdsTxBUQfO_HkfyLnmdK2hGKb5vf6DtrYj-HR0yTfiB48g_-qDfZnizt97myBeZJ0mPuspLj6kv4V9PH1G5QMdyHt5PdgK4E4/w400-h226/Athena-Billie.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><p><b>Match 3- The Renegades VS Leyla Hirsch and Rachael Ellering</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3hf9_PDSq_cHbFmYUIw-XeQfuhyGBhE_p5d4ZWzV9IGhb7FoRcBmkcT1eSa3uauNxE0Hu0Qv4Y3wiOOA-dXqJUE9jWsEc51djMeTeF1_Y__l0759aIaEm5WLebcNJgNNJ_mrqRHfp_4p6CDT5NmQXktmqj5jMSGEiP1miyHmqHfpG3WsBLoFQOAyg3Oh/s1338/ThirdMatch.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1338" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3hf9_PDSq_cHbFmYUIw-XeQfuhyGBhE_p5d4ZWzV9IGhb7FoRcBmkcT1eSa3uauNxE0Hu0Qv4Y3wiOOA-dXqJUE9jWsEc51djMeTeF1_Y__l0759aIaEm5WLebcNJgNNJ_mrqRHfp_4p6CDT5NmQXktmqj5jMSGEiP1miyHmqHfpG3WsBLoFQOAyg3Oh/w323-h400/ThirdMatch.jpg" width="323" /></a></div><br />The match starts with Charlette and Leyla grappling, with the former talking trash. Charlette would run towards Leyla and Leyla would slam her with her two arm drags and then knock her back with a dropkick. Leyla hits Charlette, who is up against the ring post, with a running elbow. She then lepas off the ropes and stomps on her. She goes for a pin but Charlette kicks out. <p></p><p>Rachael wants to be tagged in, so Leyla goes over to tag her and they both knock down Charlette with a Double Back Elbow. Rachael grabs onto Charlette's arm and starts hitting her with chops. With Cahrlette down, Rachael kicks her across the face with a running low dropkick. Rachael goes for the pin but can't keep her down. She picks Charlette up for a firewoman's carry, but the twin pulls down Rachael's headband to blind fold her and uses this chance to tag in Robyn.</p><p>Both sisters whip Rachael towards the ropes. Charlette whips Robyn into Rachael, but The Queen of Strong Smile catches her and sets her on the top turnbuckle. Charlette attacks Rachael from behind but she fights back. As this happens, Robyn stands on the top rope and leaps off to pin Rachael, going for the Ground and Pound. Robyn kicks and stomps her and goes for the pin but Rachael kicks out at two.</p><p>Robyn gets Rachael up against the ropes and chokes her with her legs. As the ref break it up, Charlette lands a cheap shot from the ring apron. Robyn slams Rachael's face into the top turnbuckle and tags in her sister. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVjcHrfwzQp5po-Osu9YyJYrodFs-lGP8L2HPZP6X1TVUfcykYQHHVgnfaaNCmYquXWtNEOxUAMTTWLTMWvexUSJhfXK571Ouq3rz-dPp7U2xtx1f0Dq53lxbKgttHJ8qKRLXT2JNb9PTx5F_CQGKWX8gr13ydo7PWJD6SHgAUaYN9ieDcC2ZudvC3-Ze/s1155/choke.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="1155" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVjcHrfwzQp5po-Osu9YyJYrodFs-lGP8L2HPZP6X1TVUfcykYQHHVgnfaaNCmYquXWtNEOxUAMTTWLTMWvexUSJhfXK571Ouq3rz-dPp7U2xtx1f0Dq53lxbKgttHJ8qKRLXT2JNb9PTx5F_CQGKWX8gr13ydo7PWJD6SHgAUaYN9ieDcC2ZudvC3-Ze/w400-h225/choke.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><p>Robyn hits Rachael with a running uppercut and Charlette follows up with a running double knee strike. Robyn rolls Rachael to the mat with a snapmare and Charlette goes for the pin. Rachael kicks out, so Charlette starts slamming the back of her head against the mat. She tags her sister in and both Renegades grab Rachael for a double suplex. </p><p>Robyn goes for the cover but Rachael kicks out. Robyn tags her sister in and Charlette trips Rachael with a drop toe hold and gets her in the Muta Lock. With Rachael trapped, Robyn smacks her across the face. Charlette gets her in a headlock and Rachael fights her way out. Charlette hits her across the back and goes over to tag in Robyn.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHmtbxWOWnol0E41cIAo2t78RuQU6tlKuwsugO5_iD6DCEMI9EdoQb1AhfSCoSxUqhm-efF_QfN-XblMY4ceLLshhdClUGpToSdjiMnOr1L94jzaHhGSbUm9KXKM9jluZxTv9kPtmGTNOOpASr22hPV5vGEyGITQ_hpMnUFBJdxK_eONM5NRhUOJ7yozo/s1160/headlock.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="1160" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHmtbxWOWnol0E41cIAo2t78RuQU6tlKuwsugO5_iD6DCEMI9EdoQb1AhfSCoSxUqhm-efF_QfN-XblMY4ceLLshhdClUGpToSdjiMnOr1L94jzaHhGSbUm9KXKM9jluZxTv9kPtmGTNOOpASr22hPV5vGEyGITQ_hpMnUFBJdxK_eONM5NRhUOJ7yozo/w400-h224/headlock.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><p>Rachael is sent to the Renegade's corner as she tries to fight off both of them. Robyn goes over to knock Leyla off the apron, but she leaps off before she could hit her. Robyn tries to grab Rachael's leg, but Rachael pulls her in for an inside cradle pin. Rachael socks her across the face, leaving Robyn dazed long enough to run over and tag in Leyla. </p><p>Leyla runs over and slams Charlette down with two suplexes in a row. Then Robyn runs in and Leyla grabs her with a gut wrench suplex and slams her right on top of her sister. Leyla lays Charlette out with a running kick to the face and goes for the pin. Charlette still kicks out. Leyla tags Rachael in and Rachael runs over and knocks Charlette down. Charlette manages to kick Rachael in the face, while Robyn grabs Leyla's leg and pulls her outside of the ring, making her land hard on the floor.</p><p>Charlette grabs Rachael for a firewoman's carry. Robyn runs towards her but Rachael slips from Charlette's grasp and shoves one sister into the other. Rachael takes this chance to grab and pin Charlette and wins the match.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLk3dAe2hxMZtxJGYnjX3i3ZUOFEs5MMlGaUdXXxyZrbyLf2v8GyfOcnjR1BNlfE3Sij7JdYcJ7TJSMvo8WFGpg9SLgEF6OaJ-uaRx1cDvKkvD0PRkmijMcRGUy0e9qubxhbWehrzlbJIjObeEYS79qZeDx54Jphv0vbnr_TeaXbsrT7sCawzk21NL8Y6E/s1151/winners.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="649" data-original-width="1151" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLk3dAe2hxMZtxJGYnjX3i3ZUOFEs5MMlGaUdXXxyZrbyLf2v8GyfOcnjR1BNlfE3Sij7JdYcJ7TJSMvo8WFGpg9SLgEF6OaJ-uaRx1cDvKkvD0PRkmijMcRGUy0e9qubxhbWehrzlbJIjObeEYS79qZeDx54Jphv0vbnr_TeaXbsrT7sCawzk21NL8Y6E/w400-h225/winners.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><p>Meanwhile Leyla looks injured and it taking off her knee brace. Maria Kanellis comes in to see if she's alright. Rachael is also concerned but Kanellis keeps her back.</p><p><b>Mark's Thoughts-</b></p><p>Pretty good match, though it seems it was mostly all Rachael, so I wonder if Leyla was alright behind the scenes. The story here are that the Renegades are a cohesive unit, while Leyla and Rachael aren't 100% on the same page. Leyla's no-nonsense attitude clashes with Rachael's Strong Smile antics. Right from the bat when they were introduced, Leyla just walked right past her and headed for the ring, ignoring Rachael's attempts at a high five.</p><p>The Renegades showed off their moves and Rachael powered through. Leyla was in it only a bit in the beginning and bit near the end. We see that Kanellis is watching over her, so we'll see how that story develops.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQVcrVD5VMltmh3T3t4wNksheRZha6EMQ5gvVBx4luKR9Krcw8S-oc4Gqe5Tw4NbOLzB-FcO_eJKt9IKdFuMtUUnhZPDCfJnofOg3wBZxgwpbgWiKwR59iXoub89md2Ar41I6qweW-2XDhParc3Mi7Ru8jclFmFk39IaPfo3IX-1R0yKao5_rUTtNB49J_/s1159/renegades2.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="652" data-original-width="1159" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQVcrVD5VMltmh3T3t4wNksheRZha6EMQ5gvVBx4luKR9Krcw8S-oc4Gqe5Tw4NbOLzB-FcO_eJKt9IKdFuMtUUnhZPDCfJnofOg3wBZxgwpbgWiKwR59iXoub89md2Ar41I6qweW-2XDhParc3Mi7Ru8jclFmFk39IaPfo3IX-1R0yKao5_rUTtNB49J_/w400-h225/renegades2.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><p>For this match I noticed that Charlette had little bangs on the side of her face while Robyn didn't, so it helped me tell them apart even when the commentary wasn't always keeping up on who was who during the match.</p><b>Jupi's Thoughts-</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div>For this match, not sure what to expect but here’s hoping for a fun match. Too bad I kept forgetting which twin was which. 😝</div><div><br /></div><div>Ellering was in the match mostly as she couldn’t reach Leyla. She put up a good fight though, despite the double teaming the Renegades we’re doing. It was so satisfying when Leyla was finally tagged in and started doing some German suplexes!</div><div><br /></div><div>As the match went on, Leyla did get tagged back in, but due to shenanigans she ended up hurting her knee. Due to all that Rachel got the pin! </div><div><br /></div><div>This match was fun as expected. The Renegades kept using a few dirty tricks, but they lost in the end. I wonder what will happen next.</div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOrZPRKr4Ho0NnIUtcUPNE6DKvgH_aVUciQJPE8IOfXiyuyMQvQSXQyPdLqggXAn-Y49mXwBQ2jMfNFREG_QKRQb8KfKqf-1hdGyA2nGjGseQj6heGm58I18QkF58pvUmzjthyphenhyphenoBFE0BN4RNChBba_BpfdeYdeIdh_VC0I73gZleCtXfslCT7W8yWhjAZ7/s1153/kanellis.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="661" data-original-width="1153" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOrZPRKr4Ho0NnIUtcUPNE6DKvgH_aVUciQJPE8IOfXiyuyMQvQSXQyPdLqggXAn-Y49mXwBQ2jMfNFREG_QKRQb8KfKqf-1hdGyA2nGjGseQj6heGm58I18QkF58pvUmzjthyphenhyphenoBFE0BN4RNChBba_BpfdeYdeIdh_VC0I73gZleCtXfslCT7W8yWhjAZ7/w400-h229/kanellis.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br />We also have another interview segment with Lexi, Athena and Billie. Despite the last match going well, Athena warns her 'minions' that they better step up or she will stomp them out. Athena leaves as Lexi and Billie wonder about this threat.<p></p><p><b>Interview section- Athena and Billie Starkz</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Xab9RGvUcBee2mXoyf4V6fZKMBe0aUzdV1mhzN4lxjAQl3DLpOHdmEPk0bMCkv_ZlX69VcRHYgNt1_Pw0WEMdZj9Xn8jvYi6SVAh4quNOTtzHUET5l_-nkriHj3VX8GvTxkj30qYoT2gHkaVW2FgmwIpInEToVw_8JudPbZY8gAqlJ_cxsNPSLegh5TR/s1159/athena-talk.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="656" data-original-width="1159" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Xab9RGvUcBee2mXoyf4V6fZKMBe0aUzdV1mhzN4lxjAQl3DLpOHdmEPk0bMCkv_ZlX69VcRHYgNt1_Pw0WEMdZj9Xn8jvYi6SVAh4quNOTtzHUET5l_-nkriHj3VX8GvTxkj30qYoT2gHkaVW2FgmwIpInEToVw_8JudPbZY8gAqlJ_cxsNPSLegh5TR/w400-h226/athena-talk.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><p><b>Match 4- Marina Shafir VS Amari</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_PDNsv6mbJLhkMWnJ5BG1HvdoSwQ_1tdubrm8O6v1bXPjnqllBOiW6kzi9FJy-rLerIVU4fM1goZN_JcEhV4ReLE_PVbI9Hz1TPExaeXfZ8RD_m6J5QBRV_Z7vaAYNfwJXvKNI2vjiuFdsZ7jVKjLPO2rU7Ya032PfQ31nMlqb7rehLSxMnciJsPp96e/s1342/MarinaShafir.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1342" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_PDNsv6mbJLhkMWnJ5BG1HvdoSwQ_1tdubrm8O6v1bXPjnqllBOiW6kzi9FJy-rLerIVU4fM1goZN_JcEhV4ReLE_PVbI9Hz1TPExaeXfZ8RD_m6J5QBRV_Z7vaAYNfwJXvKNI2vjiuFdsZ7jVKjLPO2rU7Ya032PfQ31nMlqb7rehLSxMnciJsPp96e/w323-h400/MarinaShafir.jpg" width="323" /></a></div><p>Both women grapple and Marina quickly runs and slams Amira against the ring post and then flips her to the mat with a judo throw. Marina then gets her in a hold that is pulling her arm back behind her head while she sits on her. Amria tries to get out of it by hitting her face with her knee several times. Marina tries to grab her leg but Amari pulls her in for an inside cradle. Marina kicks out.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDPPQZkXoCd9_H9trN93vYHNcml-UJOo_0Tst5Zn9Yh_XUYT-aDpwN12xhF6x-7mHGtBLP9VyFLDCnJxinceU00eMVaJkjVDuytUmuedcIjPcMilYxdzCLfe0U9GXI2UVlHgxY5eXb5X2HEOy9LXX5pCO1U8wOIM0Ck45jD-ZwIlU55y9TWLc6P7sQ0uhI/s1153/hold.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="1153" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDPPQZkXoCd9_H9trN93vYHNcml-UJOo_0Tst5Zn9Yh_XUYT-aDpwN12xhF6x-7mHGtBLP9VyFLDCnJxinceU00eMVaJkjVDuytUmuedcIjPcMilYxdzCLfe0U9GXI2UVlHgxY5eXb5X2HEOy9LXX5pCO1U8wOIM0Ck45jD-ZwIlU55y9TWLc6P7sQ0uhI/w400-h225/hold.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><p>As both women get up, Amari hits Marina with a running forearm. She then throw several more forearm strikes. Marina angrily shoves her off so hard she flies across the ring and lands on the apron. As Marina runs towards her, Amari kicks her back and hits her with a chop. Amari ducks under Marian's kick and bounces off the ropes to knock her down with a flying crossbody splash. </p><p>Amari goes for a rear waist lock and hits her across the back, trying to slam her. Marina goes for the ropes and shoves her off her. Amari rolls to her feet and goes towards her, but gets flattened by a kick to the face from Shafir. </p><p>Marina grabs her and power slams her. She then gets her in a standing Darce Choke until Amari passes out. Marina kisses her forehead, literally kissing her opponent goodnight, With Amari out cold, Marina Shafir wins the match.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwUnpCUWHidStjAlvBJg8ojai3-1GeYTzyrqojqZGPYl-7_Jguchar0PLrbcR148lEpIqkC5DqiSckegetuKfWW2DaYzqvN3KTZODOQOwJYaZWpltVzd61fk9a_FRVjZT2qv6w1PWBErL95qMhf2RHaQ8dmXIRIAUmduZ_qv4scnvvbsvcm_5Qlv1uQtJH/s1160/choke%20out.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="653" data-original-width="1160" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwUnpCUWHidStjAlvBJg8ojai3-1GeYTzyrqojqZGPYl-7_Jguchar0PLrbcR148lEpIqkC5DqiSckegetuKfWW2DaYzqvN3KTZODOQOwJYaZWpltVzd61fk9a_FRVjZT2qv6w1PWBErL95qMhf2RHaQ8dmXIRIAUmduZ_qv4scnvvbsvcm_5Qlv1uQtJH/w400-h225/choke%20out.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><p><b>Mark's Thoughts-</b></p>It was a valiant effort from Amari as we don't see too many opponent take the fight to her with such vicious strikes. Marina showed off some interesting holds and power slams, as she always does. That sleeper hold at the end was new and unexpected. It's nice to see her finish her matches in a variety of ways.<p></p><p>Probably what stood out to me the most was at the beginning of the match where Marina was taking off her socks and she threw the into the crowd. I guess it made someone foot fan in the crowd happy. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfABs9_3mDV7l07034nnYuvCd5Yco9PGf2hGsFKnNRzek2tyvXPCLIdjypY9ObIeXBCNAmgOykgWf4kbBp43U3YUgPX1QQvc4wCeODJnJXcNeqciXq_vwgUuEgIeMp4Afgni4SAG_BHtDChFpdOFzOozhCPH7rltaZMv2u9vWBTZm2RgebdoshzbNe5W9G/s1150/Amira.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="656" data-original-width="1150" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfABs9_3mDV7l07034nnYuvCd5Yco9PGf2hGsFKnNRzek2tyvXPCLIdjypY9ObIeXBCNAmgOykgWf4kbBp43U3YUgPX1QQvc4wCeODJnJXcNeqciXq_vwgUuEgIeMp4Afgni4SAG_BHtDChFpdOFzOozhCPH7rltaZMv2u9vWBTZm2RgebdoshzbNe5W9G/w400-h229/Amira.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><p><b>Jupi's Thoughts-</b></p><p>I’m expecting a squash for this one since it was an in action match.</p><p>Okay never mind. The Mighty Amira put up a good fight! She was very impressive! She was able to take Shafir’s hits as well as giving them. Amira almost got a few pins in, but of course Shafir kicked out.</p><p>Now the way Shafir won the match was curious to me. I suck at wrestling moves, but it was like she got Amira in this front forward sleeper hold. If done wrong, I could see it going terribly wrong with pressure on the neck! I just didn’t know what to make of it. The ref ended the match.</p><p>Like I said earlier, I was very impressed with how evenly matched these two were. I hope Amira is shown more in the future. 😀</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatI84vEZaFXctcQDzExl3NaGdNsPxhqzPVsfCi5TB-2KAYlXX7bCItKNPBSbvXI9IFEbwJiVX-AhkXlmQAY6egxHCPWKR_d1ChyphenhyphenJumP-j2ftT17vxo9y9a_R1lnbOMG0gGptGpzZInlpZZ5u0rFXFBnblm9yFZGrz6mxsIrj1LpUGcNZPKUA8WrMwM_EF/s1154/the-winner.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="653" data-original-width="1154" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatI84vEZaFXctcQDzExl3NaGdNsPxhqzPVsfCi5TB-2KAYlXX7bCItKNPBSbvXI9IFEbwJiVX-AhkXlmQAY6egxHCPWKR_d1ChyphenhyphenJumP-j2ftT17vxo9y9a_R1lnbOMG0gGptGpzZInlpZZ5u0rFXFBnblm9yFZGrz6mxsIrj1LpUGcNZPKUA8WrMwM_EF/w400-h226/the-winner.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><p><b>Mark's Overall Thoughts- </b></p><p>Pretty fun episode and some fun matches. Easily the most entertaining one was the one with Athena and Billie, with Billie becoming more and more like her mentor. It just raises the question as to why Athena is suddenly so angry at her 'minions'. With RoH Final Battle coming up in a few weeks, one wonder who's going to step up to try to take the title from Athena.</p><p>The other matches were fine, it's always fun to see Emi Sakura and Marina Shafir in action. The Renegades match was also cool, though I do wonder if Leyla is alright since she was barely saw any action. One thing I like about her is she always has this kind of smug smile on her face. Like 'I'm not here for all the silly stuff, I'm here to fight' or 'I'm too serious for all this corny stuff'. She definitely looked like she had no time for Rachael's overly cheerful attitude.</p><p><b>Jupi's Overall Thoughts-</b></p><p>Well the matches for this ep were all pretty fun, especially the concept of Eddie Kingston vs Dalton Castle, and anyone who knows me knows how much I like Dalton Castle. I don’t care who he goes against, I’m a sucker for his matches and expect to be entertained. 😊Now, as for the women’s matches, the highlight was Athena and Starkz’s match. Later on, Athena and Billie were talking and Athena was being threatening towards Lexi. Given how dominant Athena is, will she ever lose? Who is strong enough to take her on? Is Billie going to turn on her at some point? We will see.</p></div>MarkRodriguez09http://www.blogger.com/profile/10564869853180264503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464060983911849885.post-77727387959819304972023-11-13T20:08:00.000-08:002024-03-21T14:50:55.263-07:00White Widow # 1<p> By Mark Rodriguez</p><p>I was browsing through the comic book websites while catching up on the Ninja Turtles comics and decided to see if Marvel or DC had any jumping on points. I saw that White Widow # 1 was out that particular Wednesday so I decided to head over to Third Eye Comics and pick it up. It seems to follow the adventures of Yelena, so let's check it out.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLNamoymGnUFSe4nrQEeR8CVQxAlb05MHaHXh6t-y6htyD0UltTYaHOY_FlDqYxGhR5Wn4Gbx92eMFME7W55VHlGsrTx5DY2Yo2y30lFTtVR3Gm9SnCKB62j-K9w87jLm9J-trbN6YZ3gLkX0l0ChNJn9s1hBCMCRsjfKk5f_kw69hda_tAdL7lyKhQh7/s1132/WhiteWidow1.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1132" data-original-width="733" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLNamoymGnUFSe4nrQEeR8CVQxAlb05MHaHXh6t-y6htyD0UltTYaHOY_FlDqYxGhR5Wn4Gbx92eMFME7W55VHlGsrTx5DY2Yo2y30lFTtVR3Gm9SnCKB62j-K9w87jLm9J-trbN6YZ3gLkX0l0ChNJn9s1hBCMCRsjfKk5f_kw69hda_tAdL7lyKhQh7/w259-h400/WhiteWidow1.png" width="259" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were lots of variant covers, it was hard to pick one. I chose this one because it was the one I saw online and first caught my eye.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Not long ago, Yelena has a man named Mr. Best tied to a chair, as she prepares to kill him. He begs for his life and offers to pay her off but it doesn't deter the White Widow. Captain America shows up to stop her. Yelena says she doesn't interrupt him in the middle of his work and Cap swings his shield at him and her assistant Marthe. Yelena flips out of the way and Marthe accidentally cracks her hand against a window. Cap tells Yelena that Maxissimo is an intelligence asset for the Avengers and calls her a murderer.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbt5nKixSZvTpC2QvweOz1tpnb87LWBuMaAMZj_kjx9kEUFHZsIBl1qPhh6__72VbSKjifXiaGyTNJ5qbWULargH55R4F95Z68JkCitWeVO8ohSdhONPlLfhdym66XEEL0yW4JzbOQtPafO40-CBV4PzK2Yf2pYI72II834pCOPUM2FPUxPzbQOEf4Ujv/s1220/Yelena1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="706" data-original-width="1220" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbt5nKixSZvTpC2QvweOz1tpnb87LWBuMaAMZj_kjx9kEUFHZsIBl1qPhh6__72VbSKjifXiaGyTNJ5qbWULargH55R4F95Z68JkCitWeVO8ohSdhONPlLfhdym66XEEL0yW4JzbOQtPafO40-CBV4PzK2Yf2pYI72II834pCOPUM2FPUxPzbQOEf4Ujv/w400-h231/Yelena1.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Yelena says she's the greatest assassin in the world and leaps off of Cap's shield to escape out the window. Cap tosses a rope at her, and she says he already won and the guy got to live, so he should let her go. Cap says he's seen what she's capable of and should use her skills for good. Yelena says she's not interested in joining his team. Cap says she doesn't have to be a superhero, but she can become some force for good. Yelena cuts herself free and says the guy's daughter is returning and he should finish up saving the day. </p><p>At current day, Yelena is disappointed another assassin killed Mr. Best anyways, but without her level of finesse. Yelena says the Cap should have known that she wouldn't quit her job and that she wouldn't fit in the heroes. She says she could get sentimental about how her childhood, her mind and even her family were taken from her. She says her existence has always been defined by other people and now she wants to finally discover who she is. She's living in a new apartment and wants to be a good neighbor towards the other tenants.</p><p>She lives her life and goes over her likes and dislikes while she acts as a mentor for other assassins. She is currently on the phone with another protégé named Jessica as she's killing someone. Jessica is currently missing an arm, and it seems to be have been because of this man she killed. As she tosses the guy into the incinerator, Yelena asks about her options. Jessica says she was contacted by a recruiter from an American company. She doesn't the name, but they provided her with a metal arm she can attach without even waiting for her limb to heal.</p><p>Jessica uses her new arm to slice and dice through the building's security. She now remembers the name of the company and tells Yelena that it's called Armament. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhegLohuiDCrYQB87s29KyZBIhHbDRhk7GZKdHY56H5Hsbbz9skK5eoG8Z8KapUktomwElxC8Yq0u7d7LRDo0gxuOrJzsOZYA8vGDA5GLiv_WQrTGqljvs0wRaRWK-jKuy7x65OD8C7TQFaRo6iYm1_SteJlHBUdCDSkNI9Jpb0eaMs6BaYqwdxoRvYvWp3/s752/Yelena2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="462" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhegLohuiDCrYQB87s29KyZBIhHbDRhk7GZKdHY56H5Hsbbz9skK5eoG8Z8KapUktomwElxC8Yq0u7d7LRDo0gxuOrJzsOZYA8vGDA5GLiv_WQrTGqljvs0wRaRWK-jKuy7x65OD8C7TQFaRo6iYm1_SteJlHBUdCDSkNI9Jpb0eaMs6BaYqwdxoRvYvWp3/w246-h400/Yelena2.png" width="246" /></a></div><p>Yelena goes on to narrate how boring her life is in the town of Idlyhaven, but she appreciates the stability. She notices that her coffee shop 'Beans N Jeans' was replaced by Armament Coffee Shop. She goes to tell her neighbor Zelda about it. Zelda tells her that Armament has been slowly buying out small businesses downtown and her place is the only holdout. She is about to tell Yelena how she bought the place due to money from a class action lawsuit when suddenly a masked assassin smashes through the window, trying to attack Zelda.</p><p>Yelena leaps into action. The masked assassin asks for Zelda and tells her that no one else needs to die. Yelena studies her stance and determines she's a common assassin, but wonders why she's after her neighbor. The assassin whips Yelena, who tells her she should learn how to use her weapon better. Zelda swings a bat that has a sock wrapped around it and the assassin catches it in her hand. The sock slips off, giving Zelda a chance to pull back and swing her bat again a second time, smashing her hip. However the assassin has a metal hip, so no damage was done. As the talks, Yelena recognizes her voice but doesn't know why.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhltdE7C24krX6i9K_cC82-QhMsUTit4-6Si6SKeQc1pxNlCqkn_tjCOnapOl_07wO-zuHT9ogHAS4CJDt2WU3wruMoURIAG6XNwoT5fjW1q2bJeVqjEMWVCGnobcBjebykgrcWtIOcAlGsNr5BMvAl1qFJphRkEWly0rYi7rhoCmnoOymZOHv6rk-yQybT/s943/Yelena3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="943" data-original-width="848" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhltdE7C24krX6i9K_cC82-QhMsUTit4-6Si6SKeQc1pxNlCqkn_tjCOnapOl_07wO-zuHT9ogHAS4CJDt2WU3wruMoURIAG6XNwoT5fjW1q2bJeVqjEMWVCGnobcBjebykgrcWtIOcAlGsNr5BMvAl1qFJphRkEWly0rYi7rhoCmnoOymZOHv6rk-yQybT/w360-h400/Yelena3.png" width="360" /></a></div><p>As Yelena fights the assassin, she is able to use her agility to her advantage. She then recognizes the person and smashes her mask off. It was her protégé Mathe that vanished after their run in with Captain America. At this point she even has a cybernetic eye. Mathe says she broke her hip in two places when Cap threw her into a wall, and Yelena never visited her. Yelena apologizes, but Mathe says someone else took care of her. She angrily says 'see you never' and leaves, having accomplished her mission.</p><p>Zelda tells Yelena that they're still alive and she really didn't damage anything that insurance won't cover. She find some cybernetics that fell off of Mathe's robo-eye. Yelena picks it up to check it out. </p><p>Later on, Yelena and Zelda walk back home after filing the insurance claim. Yelena is confused what Mathe, or rather her employer wanted, since she didn't steal anything and didn't even kill Zelda. She goes to her apartment to grab a drink so she can join her neighbor. She feeds her dog and checks her computer as she reads an email from Jessica enjoying her job at Armament. Yelena wonders what this company is up to. </p><p>Yelena asks Zelda about Armament. Zelda tells her how they bought out small businesses, including Dita's Drugs. They told Dita she'd run the business and it was just a change in ownership, they eventually ran her out with money and lawyers. Yelena says it sounds like they really wants Zelda's business, Sharpsweets, when Zelda realizes that they're trying to scare her off.</p><p>Yelena tells Zelda that she moved to Idylhaven to get away from New York and the Avengers but still be close enough to keep an eye on things. She grew bored, but now that there's a giant corporation sending assassins with robot parts after them, she loves this town. As they sit out on their front porch, several drones fly around, keeping an eye on both of them. A mysterious person is watching them in a room full of cameras and says that Idlyhaven is ready for phase two.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7hVZISIw2pJW02hsfBMZ2LpcQGX3En3mmrfgE9H11tlu8fff54v3b8XWt2FqpUwisoM_aCXa4-48fsN387z4n2AHYsPT1GQOyMMAWuIQOm09rnuYriYwCLhs2a1KMU6ceVfGpfh_I79xXcZjBn6DcVC5HuIgHDfryPSAXHMINHIN1u97I1UY1MHTNX0G/s917/Yelena4.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="917" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7hVZISIw2pJW02hsfBMZ2LpcQGX3En3mmrfgE9H11tlu8fff54v3b8XWt2FqpUwisoM_aCXa4-48fsN387z4n2AHYsPT1GQOyMMAWuIQOm09rnuYriYwCLhs2a1KMU6ceVfGpfh_I79xXcZjBn6DcVC5HuIgHDfryPSAXHMINHIN1u97I1UY1MHTNX0G/w400-h344/Yelena4.png" width="400" /></a></div><p><b>My Thoughts-</b></p><p>I'm not completely up to date on Yelena's story in the comics, but this story seems to be about her living life on her own terms, and trying to adjust to a semi-normal life. While she's not exactly on the straight and narrow since she does mentor other assassins, she's no longer on the field and adjusting to a more regular life in Idylehaven. Also... heh... to the name of the small town. Idle Haven. </p><p>Again, I'm not 100% up on Yelena, nor am I with the status of the Black Widow, since I know she died during Secret Empire and is currently a clone. We see a few glimpses of Yelena being experimented on as a baby, her Red Room training and her holding her fallen sister in her arms. We also see several chalkboards as she lists the things she likes, hates and feels neutral towards, and there is a funny caption of how much she hates the Infinity Gauntlet, which reminds me of the MCU and how Natasha died as a result of the Soul Stone. Different continuities, I know, but I found it funny.</p><p>As for the story itself, as previously mentioned, Yelena now mentors and leads assassins rather than getting her hands dirty. There is an evil organization named Armament that is not only buying out businesses all over town, but also arming assassins with metal parts. They sent Mathe after Yelena, it's only a matter of time before they send Jessica after them too. Jessica seems on friendlier terms with Yelena, but money talks, and Armament might give her a fat check to send her after her mentor.</p><p>At this point I can't even begin to imagine what the evil plan is, so I am curious as to where the story will go.</p><p>The art is passable, though I wish some of the action scenes were a bit better. I had to re-read the page where Zelda swung a sock-covered bat at Mathe, then used the sock to slip from her grasp to get in a second swing. </p><p>Possibly the worst offender is this panel, which took me forever to figure out what the hell is going on. It's clear Mathe broke through the window... but it's not clear how. There doesn't seem to an object like a brick or something thrown towards it, and it looks more like Mathe is jumping OUT of the window than jumping through it and into the store. The most I can guess based on her pose is maybe she did a spinning kick towards the window??? Maybe she did a Hip Attack through the window???</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEian9lX3mlWCbxvTQi7m9-7JL9DX-n25UZRzt405xJUpSS-rq7iHIxanMYUlcFx3XWIcMtEq0D6BdzZro2m_toGSdoETDvDLNFhud5QqK3HLTs3WwZqhFRWNod2N6Nm2rQrUjGULY5XGKcAq38db1mmZqEzSz8sA6VZ5TOVp4Xw0MKXUcc07nYnFRv21bJa/s1177/Yelena5.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1137" data-original-width="1177" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEian9lX3mlWCbxvTQi7m9-7JL9DX-n25UZRzt405xJUpSS-rq7iHIxanMYUlcFx3XWIcMtEq0D6BdzZro2m_toGSdoETDvDLNFhud5QqK3HLTs3WwZqhFRWNod2N6Nm2rQrUjGULY5XGKcAq38db1mmZqEzSz8sA6VZ5TOVp4Xw0MKXUcc07nYnFRv21bJa/w400-h386/Yelena5.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>On a similar case, it was also hard to tell what happened to Mathe during the earlier fight with Captain America. There's a close up of her hand, so it looks like it cracked against the window of the building, but then she comes back and says she broke her hip while being thrown against the wall??? It makes no sense. Also I was confused at first between Mathe and Jessica, since they were drawn very similar in the first half of the comic. Jessica was missing an arm, and it didn't help that we didn't see enough of Mathe in the first few pages to clearly see both of her arms.</p><p>Anyways, the comic is off to an interesting start. I'm curious about the master plan, and if we will see Jessica go against Yelena. We already saw a glimpse of how deadly Jessica is, so that's bound to be a good fight. Hopefully it'll be easy to tell what's going on whenever those two clash.</p>MarkRodriguez09http://www.blogger.com/profile/10564869853180264503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464060983911849885.post-71744152986841927202023-11-11T16:21:00.003-08:002023-11-11T18:51:18.507-08:00TMNT Saturday Morning Adventures Continued # 5<p> By Mark Rodriguez</p><p>The Turtles found out that Shredder and Krang sent some sort of item from Dimension X to the Florida swamps. Donatello and Raphael went to check it out with the Punk Frogs, Attila and Rasputin and ran into Leatherhead. In the meantime Genghis and Napoleon join Leonardo and Michealangelo on their own adventure. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Px5mYRBibIrZgRpQ133Sb9ogBT1iwZ0eapwR0SNdEJmyKj3OlDO5qr32mDa04qoZ9bnunIyaj_jbkC1bQx3EFUpVFVwGqZHDcpj9BZA0ysFbMbeXtowH2xEJKcMCHNmqkRM4GOBxHOqFoG0MbH4hwgCSHtToJJZdOc1uivvDs69Fh8Gn9hjxc4X3iK2t/s1389/Baxter1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1389" data-original-width="866" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Px5mYRBibIrZgRpQ133Sb9ogBT1iwZ0eapwR0SNdEJmyKj3OlDO5qr32mDa04qoZ9bnunIyaj_jbkC1bQx3EFUpVFVwGqZHDcpj9BZA0ysFbMbeXtowH2xEJKcMCHNmqkRM4GOBxHOqFoG0MbH4hwgCSHtToJJZdOc1uivvDs69Fh8Gn9hjxc4X3iK2t/w250-h400/Baxter1.png" width="250" /></a></div><p>Genghis and Napoleon arrive in New York and Splinter says he appreciates them coming to help. Napoleon says they used their friend's Shep's pick up truck to drive over and asks why they didn't just ask them to look for Shredder's device in the swamp. Leonardo says that Donatello felt he could use his tech to find it faster and Raphael went with him to help with the drive. Leonardo asks the crew if they want to go on patrol.</p><p>The Turtles and Frogs patrol the city in the Turtle Blimp. Leonardo tells them that they might not find the Shredder, but the city has other dangers. They are spotted by the mutant fly, Baxter Stockman, who finds it lucky to have run into them so soon after he 'inexplicably' escaped from another dimension. He will get his revenge on the Turtles, and then go after Shredder, Krang and the rest of the world. First he will need some supplies.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHa-ssK-admREfuctX1NnuqagzWWEboKBEURzHUz-zVUTwtKWllj7kvfzEhmHkDM_niJmzUR2q-oyKDVNMHEqRCrln0T66Xv5YRn32MzD2BzAxELY7vOVc-7qDpdVX1Tls3Sv1Nrgse4jGK5LQh4Np0ZopBTQBBWvxwMc9Nh2U-Nu0BNVwA7k72rT800KG/s1347/Baxter4.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="1347" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHa-ssK-admREfuctX1NnuqagzWWEboKBEURzHUz-zVUTwtKWllj7kvfzEhmHkDM_niJmzUR2q-oyKDVNMHEqRCrln0T66Xv5YRn32MzD2BzAxELY7vOVc-7qDpdVX1Tls3Sv1Nrgse4jGK5LQh4Np0ZopBTQBBWvxwMc9Nh2U-Nu0BNVwA7k72rT800KG/w400-h208/Baxter4.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>The Turtles and Frogs beat up some criminals that were trying to break into a shop. One of them has a crowbar but Genghis grabs it with his tongue, and then whips it right back into his face. Michealangelo is hungry, and Napoleon agrees but wants something other than pizza. Leonardo says they can take a break and find something besides pizza for the frogs. They decide to head back to the lair.</p><p>Meanwhile at Channel 6, Burne Thompson is chewing out April and Vernon for having horrible leads. He tells them he needs something guaranteed to get people talking. April says she just had an idea but they should duck. Burne is confused, but April yells out to duck as they avoid an energy blast. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVenQGVEa72HsZcBaWVN4J7EXf6SSB3by87vOTsJo9szbA9sDURa8YN1lD6M-9NFV8x94GCfnYLtAf9T7acc91vZRbSub5svcH5WaapvrTzesCzjyKDxOpPaGb6bmLDXL4rptcFAcJN-l50rh68X4Dvyi0qHBqXwzh75QyidiLRoy-4zXm-ChOs_KN_8X/s1074/Baxter2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1023" data-original-width="1074" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVenQGVEa72HsZcBaWVN4J7EXf6SSB3by87vOTsJo9szbA9sDURa8YN1lD6M-9NFV8x94GCfnYLtAf9T7acc91vZRbSub5svcH5WaapvrTzesCzjyKDxOpPaGb6bmLDXL4rptcFAcJN-l50rh68X4Dvyi0qHBqXwzh75QyidiLRoy-4zXm-ChOs_KN_8X/w400-h381/Baxter2.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Baxter flies in with a gun and says he wants April O'Neil. Burne says this is a story. Baxter tells him to shut up and goes after April. Irma tells him to take her instead. Baxter asks why he would do that. Irma asks if he wants to turn April into a mutant insect queen. Baxter says he's kidnapping April so that the Turtles will come to her rescue. Baxter flies off with April and says he should file that insect queen plan away for future consideration.</p><p>Burne says this is a story, but Vernon didn't capture it on film. Vernon says he was paralyzed with fear. Burne says Irma has more guts than him. He rushes Vernon out to catch this on film and also tells Irma to get maintenance to fix the broken window.</p><p>At the Turtles' Lair, the frogs are eating deep-fried cupcake and onion burritos, and Michealangelo isn't liking them. Splinter tells him the Frogs are guests and he shouldn't insult their choice of meal. Leonardo gets a message from the Turtle Com and thinks it's Donatello. It's Baxter on the line and he says he took April's device to reach them. Leonardo says he better not hurt her. Baxter says he won't since she will cover their destruction once he has his revenge.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsm5ZhrLJp-H4Bp0lXKvIJS5Nw6gvs5BIkQbsbj74VwGcV6QTpFOXtBXuTIE0KbsUXa39xvrTgfYP1igyGo4tU5CXOfp_Zm2zuHJvZ08ga4JFoKiMcaQVFsqrj7ssrkDOV0mu6V6DAo88sYNGqF9LUYVuwrbJLCMxWxMG7SIkpv4CKwl7c09lIkyAB-Lpp/s1279/burritos.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="737" data-original-width="1279" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsm5ZhrLJp-H4Bp0lXKvIJS5Nw6gvs5BIkQbsbj74VwGcV6QTpFOXtBXuTIE0KbsUXa39xvrTgfYP1igyGo4tU5CXOfp_Zm2zuHJvZ08ga4JFoKiMcaQVFsqrj7ssrkDOV0mu6V6DAo88sYNGqF9LUYVuwrbJLCMxWxMG7SIkpv4CKwl7c09lIkyAB-Lpp/w400-h230/burritos.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Michealangelo tells Baxter to chill on the revenge and try meditation and yoga. Baxter said he tried it and was sore for a week. He says if they want to see April again, they will meet at his location. Michealangelo says first he said he won't hurt April and now he's threatening her, and says he should pick one. Leonardo says not to give Baxter any advice. Baxter says to meet them at the Floxy Theater in an hour.</p><p>At the theater, April asks what Baxter is trying to do. Baxter says while trapped in another dimension he put his inventing skills to use on devices for his revenge. April says he gave the Turtles an hour when it won't take that long for them to arrive. The Turtle Blimp soon arrives at the theater. Genghis asks if there might be traps. Leonardo says he'll go with Michealangelo first to disarm any traps, then the Frogs can distract Baxter so they can rescue April.</p><p>Baxter continues to monologue as April breaks free. Baxter then activates a remote that zaps Leonardo and Michealangelo into the seats a few rows away from April. April throws a punch at Baxter, which he flies out of the way to avoid. He jokes that she's too violent and might be playing too many video games. Leonardo asks what Baxter is doing to them. Baxter points to his prototype, designed to deliver great pain to reptiles. He then notices that there are only two of them.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgejHMyPHYU_9qq5SQxPgC7_5ful3LhT3qx-AIKuqcMOItEm-kGYLOGzA5KCIOWHm9NOPxhgt7OZyCa2EPYVCReWLVlyzUV1OQHyL1P06sx9eU1t1LXId9sPgud5QLInPtVC_LIpf3kJzMH-YJYzAdgRUED0miVVTOtdfXevQBGnuVYjxRI_1w5WCiXDIMP/s1212/April-Punch.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1212" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgejHMyPHYU_9qq5SQxPgC7_5ful3LhT3qx-AIKuqcMOItEm-kGYLOGzA5KCIOWHm9NOPxhgt7OZyCa2EPYVCReWLVlyzUV1OQHyL1P06sx9eU1t1LXId9sPgud5QLInPtVC_LIpf3kJzMH-YJYzAdgRUED0miVVTOtdfXevQBGnuVYjxRI_1w5WCiXDIMP/w400-h258/April-Punch.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Napoleon whips the remote out of Baxter's hand. Baxter notices that Napoleon and Genghis are frogs, and thus not reptiles. He starts to shoot at them as they dodge the blasts. Genghis whips out his tongue, trying to get the gun away but Baxter is too fast for them. April takes this chance to run up to the remote and stomp on it.</p><p>Leonardo and Michealangelo are free, and Leo throws his sword to destroy Baxter's gun. Baxter is unarmed and isn't flying anywhere within tongue length of the Frogs, so he escapes. Genghis asks if all villains laugh like that. Michealangelo says he thinks it's in the super villain manual.</p><p>As everyone flies off in the Turtle Blimp, Michealangelo tells the others that Donatello told them they couldn't find the device. After seeing a giant fly, Genghis figures they could stop for some food. April is starving but she needs to head to Channel 6 and cover the story regarding the Floxy getting blasted by a laser gun she happened to save pieces of. Leonardo feels bad they didn't find Shredder though.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0dMAb7jaASWGr6DNa4imOoiYxjJUKJqZplODbA8jdp-TYd2C4Bi-mrnwJ_VGWhcyp04HrtG0gVbLizWYyAiq7tAaHr0Q6RVjNrICZPGISZEpErLsSUz1u49QKOQNMGHNm6_d-AIrrwQeGcYjqUC6tjYblIu5i65dxYg-xEZiTwKxwSzq4mCcz8375OVE/s1186/Frogs2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="1186" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0dMAb7jaASWGr6DNa4imOoiYxjJUKJqZplODbA8jdp-TYd2C4Bi-mrnwJ_VGWhcyp04HrtG0gVbLizWYyAiq7tAaHr0Q6RVjNrICZPGISZEpErLsSUz1u49QKOQNMGHNm6_d-AIrrwQeGcYjqUC6tjYblIu5i65dxYg-xEZiTwKxwSzq4mCcz8375OVE/w400-h260/Frogs2.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Elsewhere, Shredder tells Krang that he has the Zero-Matter Scalpel... but it's out of power. Krang says once he returns from Florida he can easily recharge it and start working on 'that stupid rock'. Shredder says he'll soon change his tune, for once they forge the Forever Sword, nothing will stand in their way.</p><p><b>My Thoughts- </b></p><p>Wow, what an issue. This was pretty much a very basic 'Baxter kidnaps April' plot but it's entertaining due to Baxter being such a goober. In the show Baxter usually gets stuck in another dimension once he's defeated, so in the next episode there usually is some sort of explanation as to how he returned to our dimension. The line of him 'inexplicably' returning still goes with the cheesiness of the show. Although, hey, if you really want to make sense of it, you could say when Traag sent the Zero-Matter Scalpel to Earth it also somehow caused Baxter to come back.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaemyEK_O43N8GINNQgXbomDG1THzKiYI7agfhuI_JgVDgvgc7PPjT58mKR7OQfFYfH2xLrA4bsnoztsnHYg15KwdAvIlfzHpyKkTfZZgWdbg3tKxXBWBb4jsO4pFIbNWjYFCAm1UThIFQKZUadWn013gJ5GuVj2nwQLIq1Qxo8-untPZYqcDwhvaAh5rB/s779/Baxter3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="779" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaemyEK_O43N8GINNQgXbomDG1THzKiYI7agfhuI_JgVDgvgc7PPjT58mKR7OQfFYfH2xLrA4bsnoztsnHYg15KwdAvIlfzHpyKkTfZZgWdbg3tKxXBWBb4jsO4pFIbNWjYFCAm1UThIFQKZUadWn013gJ5GuVj2nwQLIq1Qxo8-untPZYqcDwhvaAh5rB/w400-h300/Baxter3.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>While the art captures the look of the show to a tee, there are a few details missing to make it 100% show accurate. Normally I wouldn't nitpick but the comic is so painfully close, the minor details get me. Just like Leatherhead missing his catchphrases last time, they missed the perfect opportunity to have Burne say 'go-go-go-go!!!' like he always does, especially when he was rushing Vernon and Irma out the door. </p><p>There's also a lot of 'modern day' jokes and dialogue. I'm sure there were other examples in previous issues I missed, but it was kinda weird having April say 'well gee, tell us how you really feel' and Krang saying 'and there it is', which are kinda/sorta modern day types of expressions and phrases not used in the 80's. I mean on one hand it's funny, but it does take me out of the story a bit since it reminds me of things the characters wouldn't say on the original show.</p><p>It was also kinda weird to see April actually throw a punch, something she's definitely never done before. I do wonder if when Baxter said 'she played too many videogames' it was possibly a clever reference to seeing April kick ass in 'Shredder's Revenge' and 'Nickelodeon All Star Brawl'. If you only go by the comics and cartoons, 80's April and possibly IDW April are the only versions to not be actual fighters, so maybe the classic April is finally starting to catch up some.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvYt4AW-pXSWREM6Y5xrjv9JTcErWkU84iTSI0Ez4e5sFCh6Tgt-sVKeZe5R8FwOuQrzQqBCeL8r68o6qtIxsmwroBKAciqrf6Tg3ZJipImzoUJpLqJM6hN2BNc63FdeVB7TkKQyg6m8C2W5DISgXB70F6PGPpfTZhFRd6A4cTboX2bo0TypbFRjunMXN0/s799/AprilFight.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="799" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvYt4AW-pXSWREM6Y5xrjv9JTcErWkU84iTSI0Ez4e5sFCh6Tgt-sVKeZe5R8FwOuQrzQqBCeL8r68o6qtIxsmwroBKAciqrf6Tg3ZJipImzoUJpLqJM6hN2BNc63FdeVB7TkKQyg6m8C2W5DISgXB70F6PGPpfTZhFRd6A4cTboX2bo0TypbFRjunMXN0/w400-h225/AprilFight.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>The Frogs got a little more to their story, which helps since they don't really have much to their characters. It seems over the years they made friends with someone named Shep, and now burritos are their favorite food. Similar to the Turtles, their burritos also come with weird and gross ingredients. Not sure why Michealangelo is so grossed out. I'm sure he's eaten cupcakes and onions on a pizza.</p><p>The most confusing thing about the comics was what exactly Baxter's device did. It wasn't clear if Baxter knew Leonardo and Michealangelo were sneaking around the theater seats when he activated his device, or if his device just teleported them there. The Turtles didn't say anything like 'how did we get here' so I guess it's the former, but some clarification would've helped. One thing to note is that Floxy Theater was actually seen in the episode 'Menace Maestro Please'. Again, it is this attention to detail that makes me wonder why some catch-phrases and other things are missing or inaccurate.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQGZ39_KkWuFTv3f7g_VOLXRyXRni2ulyZiyKz844DjZyiBmrHzLrZtnC4BCjelQdIKdqs4xkabJxgMCo3nxoBpfa1eyr-ix-iLL4F9J8pay_dOMuUlNBTc_6qSO5DrPmDbc52nSTkO6J9NhPJpvPe69NGOzMgymFQFpM4J0ej-lNIzVLATBMueBZpgo6C/s568/Floxy.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="568" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQGZ39_KkWuFTv3f7g_VOLXRyXRni2ulyZiyKz844DjZyiBmrHzLrZtnC4BCjelQdIKdqs4xkabJxgMCo3nxoBpfa1eyr-ix-iLL4F9J8pay_dOMuUlNBTc_6qSO5DrPmDbc52nSTkO6J9NhPJpvPe69NGOzMgymFQFpM4J0ej-lNIzVLATBMueBZpgo6C/w400-h230/Floxy.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>The last thing to bring up is the fact that this comic is probably one of the first times Irma is officially called Irma Langenstein in print. She never had an official last name in the show, she was always just called Irma, even though her co-worker Vernon eventually got the last name Fenwick. Over the years, for whatever reason this last name was given to her by the online fanbase, and it just became a thing. Now we finally have it in print. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCC9QzquvwFuSIPGt3nzDLfe8dASGlQQqNK6jZikLBEwL-IGEEJfwHWuaKga34TYXfvImDKuJVCCYg8GT4vR33hRf4kqQe4b-dlL6mdhtBySHxZDDMv-kXM6QCCuph62olfwh2VDmjj2Df9g2DbsjSrUU2ozii3M4gzvM4QE2_IP5AWKUMwtVjANLSZ0fk/s1005/Irma.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="1005" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCC9QzquvwFuSIPGt3nzDLfe8dASGlQQqNK6jZikLBEwL-IGEEJfwHWuaKga34TYXfvImDKuJVCCYg8GT4vR33hRf4kqQe4b-dlL6mdhtBySHxZDDMv-kXM6QCCuph62olfwh2VDmjj2Df9g2DbsjSrUU2ozii3M4gzvM4QE2_IP5AWKUMwtVjANLSZ0fk/w400-h215/Irma.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Shredder mentions that he will be using the meteorite he stole to forge the 'Forever Sword', so we'll see how that goes. But next issue Chrome Dome runs for Mayor????MarkRodriguez09http://www.blogger.com/profile/10564869853180264503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464060983911849885.post-765895802761838372023-11-07T18:28:00.007-08:002023-11-11T13:58:02.242-08:00TMNT Saturday Morning Adventures Continued # 4<p> By Mark Rodriguez</p><p>The adventure continues as the Turtles are still trying to figure out what item the Shredder stole when they were under the control of the Rat King. The Turtles just had an adventure in Turtlantis where they fought with Slash. What will happen next? Special thanks to Third Eye Comics on picking these issues up.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQrkvUs3UXWavqB21CJX0AhsxNPIv0mqamLwFO7AaRBu13Rlp6PWpreE95a6_ppsldGjTXV_ukxQydJDjiYB5oqyEA7pkDDqrfk3I3mmMB1SIXktBg4jhmdWA4QJJ0SBBznLgkLpOJR21JCM_YR4zx-jUfyx96M4nzc_bgTUD5WyEIQOkL0pmxXcTN-ve/s1051/LeatherheadComic.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1051" data-original-width="658" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQrkvUs3UXWavqB21CJX0AhsxNPIv0mqamLwFO7AaRBu13Rlp6PWpreE95a6_ppsldGjTXV_ukxQydJDjiYB5oqyEA7pkDDqrfk3I3mmMB1SIXktBg4jhmdWA4QJJ0SBBznLgkLpOJR21JCM_YR4zx-jUfyx96M4nzc_bgTUD5WyEIQOkL0pmxXcTN-ve/w250-h400/LeatherheadComic.png" width="250" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><b>"Swapping Pads Part 1"</b> opens with Krang trying to slice into the rock Shredder stole with a laser torch without making a dent. Krang asks Shredder how his ancestors managed to forge the other half of the rock into a sword. Shredder says they used magic. Krang says he has access to tools from another dimension and contacts General Traag. General Traag tells him they have a zero-matter scalpel, but zero matter doesn't interact well with the dimensional transporter. Krang doesn't care for the details and tells him to contact him when he's ready.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ2ILadXptRdf-6SZes_f9k9q3frMHbgTCNEv6fU0IJ72R6NTsTwt66BgVtz5TokW55ULUbrRNnYOBpxUZrU95hyphenhyphenitDSIs5szIWcaRTlJWXZTCw-AZMo2SwR9NvEWLNhM0KwzTWyl9EA_5eHNu8UmtRM38K6gKuM39Nx3IiJw4bJmahOzyNfmbcgb_dbxq/s1182/Shreddercomic.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="704" data-original-width="1182" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ2ILadXptRdf-6SZes_f9k9q3frMHbgTCNEv6fU0IJ72R6NTsTwt66BgVtz5TokW55ULUbrRNnYOBpxUZrU95hyphenhyphenitDSIs5szIWcaRTlJWXZTCw-AZMo2SwR9NvEWLNhM0KwzTWyl9EA_5eHNu8UmtRM38K6gKuM39Nx3IiJw4bJmahOzyNfmbcgb_dbxq/w400-h239/Shreddercomic.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Elsewhere, Leonardo asks Professor McGuffin what would Shredder want with the rock, which they find out is a meteorite. The professor explains it was sent along from TCRI's Tokyo lab. They find out that the rock is made of an alien metal. It's so dense that they can't cut it or melt it, so they sent it to his lab to see if he has better luck. Donatello says he might have an idea of what Shredder wants with it and how to track it down. Raphael asks why McGuffin is wearing the Turtlantis armor they brought him. He says he doesn't have an anthropology department so he's just wearing it around the lab.</p><p>Back at the lair, Donatello figures out that if the meteorite is as dense as McGuffin said, Shredder would need Dimension X technology to reshape it. Michealangelo asks what if Shredder doesn't want to reshape it. Donatello asks what else would he do with it, and Michealangelo imagines Shredder using it as a basketball and going for a slam dunk. </p><p>Donatello says he's been working on a sensor to detect Dimension X energy, so whenever Shredder opens a portal, they should be able to detect him. Leonardo says they still don't know what Shredder's plans are. Raphael says they'll figure it out since they always do. He also adds if they were lousy heroes, their merch would never sell.</p><p>Back to the bad guys, General Traag is ready to send the zero-matter scalpel but warns that it could still react unpredictably with the portal. Krang doesn't care and wants the tool now. Traag sends the tool but the portal seems to fizzle and nothing comes through. Krang asks where the tool is, and Traag says it interacted with something else between dimensions and it was redirected. He will send them the coordinates.</p><p>The zero-matter scalpel appears on a tree stump. Leatherhead happens to find it and says it looks like some kind of fancy gun. He aims it at the tree stump and it blows up. Leatherhead says he's going to have some real good times with this fancy gun.</p><p>Back at Donatello's lab, they pick up the signal of the dimensional portal. Michealangelo recognizes the location as being where the Punk Frogs live. He says they can check it out. Donatello says it might be too dangerous and they should go there themselves. Raphael says it could be nothing and Shredder will have a field day in their absence. Splinter suggests that two of them can go and two of them can watch the city. Leonardo asks if that will leave them at half strength. Splinter says that since the Punk Frogs are in the area, they can enlist their aid.</p><p>At the Florida swamps, the Badd Family are riding a boat as they're on the getaway after their latest caper. The boat runs into a trap and the family is sent into the river. The Punk Frogs appear, Genghis, Napoleon, Attila and Rasputin, having caught them for stealing the till from Shep's Country Store. One of the guys pulls out a gun but Napoleon whips it out of his hand. The frogs tie up the Badd Family and Genghis is about to call the cops but they get a message from the Turtlecom. Leonardo says they could use a favor. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxxHsU6ouDI2_2AGkRBJkGerb8aux_QDytW9grNXFaiynUxi_RIK1seWhE4S26JlTbUuRfJh_kbzVps31KqMaAXWeok6dXrGuWFEild62FwGGLPPNEm2rLUaC3RzchrQzpwP8FTB1NN9LGPomv4jX8xtW_-_rzbqZdOkkqdM_jRSOxcRWyg4BgQgn_5vRp/s1099/frogs.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1099" data-original-width="947" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxxHsU6ouDI2_2AGkRBJkGerb8aux_QDytW9grNXFaiynUxi_RIK1seWhE4S26JlTbUuRfJh_kbzVps31KqMaAXWeok6dXrGuWFEild62FwGGLPPNEm2rLUaC3RzchrQzpwP8FTB1NN9LGPomv4jX8xtW_-_rzbqZdOkkqdM_jRSOxcRWyg4BgQgn_5vRp/w345-h400/frogs.png" width="345" /></a></div><p>Two days later, Raphael and Donatello are in the Turtle Van heading towards the swamps. Raphael says he will complain to his manager since they shouldn't be adventuring any further south than Staten Island. Donatello says he had a portable version of the energy sensor, so they should find it in no time. They find Rasputin and Attila who show them to their boat. Raphael complains about the bugs Rasputin happily eats them, saying that's the point of living there.</p><p>Donatello, Raphael, Napoleon and Attila ride the boat and follow the signal. Raphael says even so, the odds of finding anything in the swamp will be a million to one. Just then the boat explodes, leaving the heroes in the river.</p><p>Leatherhead shows up, being happy to find something to shoot with, and now having found something to shoot at. He shoots at the heroes, telling them to jump like the frogs they are. Donatello wants to correct him and say that they're not all frogs. Raphael prefers to leap in and snatch the weapon away from Leatherhead. One of the blasts grazes the turtle's shell, and the others offer to help. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQj6bdlAOOqUehww3jYZtrBhjDcM0KNRgDjaYDGQwB77sWfWf1qJOz37yPNAJLlUoDWZdkpkdb4bwATVls7kyY9rPkkbycfgJh7_fgH5NAFUNeuhuMdMToAkzXr2PhSwPnO3gaygzg4_ZMZvmoucuAkdrGSL7hRhUTyzN4jG1dqY7ghB3gH-xzjMC4Vu_4/s1066/Leatherhead2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1036" data-original-width="1066" height="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQj6bdlAOOqUehww3jYZtrBhjDcM0KNRgDjaYDGQwB77sWfWf1qJOz37yPNAJLlUoDWZdkpkdb4bwATVls7kyY9rPkkbycfgJh7_fgH5NAFUNeuhuMdMToAkzXr2PhSwPnO3gaygzg4_ZMZvmoucuAkdrGSL7hRhUTyzN4jG1dqY7ghB3gH-xzjMC4Vu_4/w400-h389/Leatherhead2.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Attila spins his flail, but Leatherhead grabs it and throws him back into the others. Donatello hits him across the back with his staff, telling him the device he's using is dangerous. Leatherhead whips his tail out and trips him up, calling himself dangerous. The mutant Cajun gator aims the weapon at Donatello but it stops working. He figures it's already broken and tosses it aside, deciding to take out Donatello the old fashioned way. Donatello flips out of the way before Leatherhead could smash him with his fists. Shredder is watching the fight from a tree. </p><p>Raphael asks Rasputin if he has a boxing glove arrow or something. Rasputin says he could never get one to fly, but he does have a special arrow. The arrow lands a bit away from Leatherhead, and the gator says he missed. Attila says "he didn't" as the arrow explodes with a flash of blinding light. Raphael asks why he didn't tell them it was on delay and Napoleon says the arrow being soaked must have thrown things off. Donatello says it's alright as long as they get what they came for. Still blinded by the light, Donatello reaches around trying to find the zero-matter scalpel. Suddenly a grappling hook latches onto the tool as Shredder whips it back towards him. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhURPMxUhmVUQu6D6GYkY9CTdOTEsZkVZnMxG51H3HvI95C3mzF5WPYVpUv2GkcuWtQHdazPgVY0NmEJCnoSwIM9MIbWrZ0Pa9ZWO2idVK69pQWFsmg_DXV0bkxq_BnZT3sYivLdxBodLod94HFHb8711N1nJI53QU8LqYLxWZ5BkRQ5_Y2DPG6ZyV3AK_K/s1216/Shreddercomic2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="654" data-original-width="1216" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhURPMxUhmVUQu6D6GYkY9CTdOTEsZkVZnMxG51H3HvI95C3mzF5WPYVpUv2GkcuWtQHdazPgVY0NmEJCnoSwIM9MIbWrZ0Pa9ZWO2idVK69pQWFsmg_DXV0bkxq_BnZT3sYivLdxBodLod94HFHb8711N1nJI53QU8LqYLxWZ5BkRQ5_Y2DPG6ZyV3AK_K/w400-h215/Shreddercomic2.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Leatherhead regains his eyesight and says the heroes are out of tricks. Raphael tells the others to go for the river and stay underwater as long as they can. He tosses his sai at a hornet's nest and it bonks Leatherhead on the head. The wasps chase after Leatherhead and Raphael says he thought he'd have thicker skin.</p><p>Later on, Raphael finds his sai but Donatello says he lost the signal. Rasputin asks how he knew the wasps would chase after Leatherhead and not them. Raphael says the hornets saw him, not them. Raphael tells Donatello they'll get another chance to get the gizmo, since this feels like a long-term subplot. Donatello says since the boat was smashed, it's going to be a long swim back to the Turtle Van, so they might as well get it over with. Raphael says all the fresh air is going to give him a complex. </p><p><b>My Opinions- </b></p><p>First off, of all the random cameos, I never thought I'd see the Badd Family ever again. These guys were from the episode 'Donatello's Badd Time', where they stole the Turtle Van and used it to commit crimes, and since Donatello was last using it, the others thought that he went bad. It was a short cameo, but now I wonder if we're going to see Don Turtelli and Pinky McFingers in future issues.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETT8rILakPdWfiIEeQifCCcfFdpxB-COoT1qrqLrJbFUqy0L9zmCjrlCmkk5fAriK41LQacsDVwVXpmVSN6V1Sb7fY6dxwyjV-NAkIAtFtWeCPwPbNV4K5XKgrKmtD5Q5vidHuZ7I9Z8aXL3N8vkGdNZvm0yuOQxH5nV5puX0j7TWOeKqeYIlQPVNrgs2/s703/BaddFamily.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="536" data-original-width="703" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETT8rILakPdWfiIEeQifCCcfFdpxB-COoT1qrqLrJbFUqy0L9zmCjrlCmkk5fAriK41LQacsDVwVXpmVSN6V1Sb7fY6dxwyjV-NAkIAtFtWeCPwPbNV4K5XKgrKmtD5Q5vidHuZ7I9Z8aXL3N8vkGdNZvm0yuOQxH5nV5puX0j7TWOeKqeYIlQPVNrgs2/w400-h305/BaddFamily.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I like the overall concept of the Turtles and Frogs doing some sort of exchange, since it gives us a chance to see more of Rasputin and Attila. I think buying four similar looking turtles was one thing, but buying four similar looking frogs was drawing the line, so originally Genghis Frog was the only one to get an action figure. Later on, Napoleon got one too but the figure made him looked more like a horned toad. I'm thinking due to this, the last few episodes to feature the frogs featured more of Genghis and Napoleon since they got action figures to promote. <div><br /></div><div>It would be cool to take this opportunity to see more of the frogs' personalities, but I guess we run into that double-edged sword since this was based on the show. In the cartoon, all of the frogs had pretty much the same overly nice and polite personalities. On one side it would be nice to see the frogs evolve with some differing personalities, but if they did they'd be too different from the show. Either way it was nice to see more of them and to see this split Turtles and Frog team up.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Like before we get art that is super accurate from the show to the point you'd think they were just animation cels taken from some lost episode that never aired. Also like before, I wish they didn't waste pages on all the alternate covers to devote more time to the action. However, the Turtles running from Leatherhead and letting a hornet's nest take care of him is on par with the type of 'action' the cartoon would show. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Shredder gets to be more of a competent and sneaky foe, getting the zero-matter scalpel before the Turtles, Frogs and Leatherhead could notice. It helps when the plot isn't directly centered around you.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The only nitpicks I have is how Raphael's shell was only 'grazed' by a weapon that is supposed to be powerful enough to slice through alien metal that nothing on Earth can. I'm pretty sure just lightly touching the shell would have been enough to blow Raphael up. Also for Leatherhead, while they got his basic manner of speaking down, they forgot to throw in some 'by gumbo' and 'I ga-ron-tee' in there to make it more show accurate. I mean, you can't have Leatherhead in the comic without his catchphrases. You're telling me they did their homework to get the Badd Family in the comic but not enough to get one 'I ga-ron-tee' out of Leatherhead?</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsXsRr-_0bWHAL2iecvRQ8pAcW7VPVRRDSbJFFmu4SxeV8w4QKzNooKE5ouoeaOzP_v4vXwHEKfUC4DndgG82ntO3nuJ5OZotPvTgLNF19sRPROwX6g9LWt4aksN9Cm9NJG5LU5DwyMfX0e2ed64rhUsION5m-yxYSRZiBFXhKXPErwu6cVzO9ws3NWLm/s1312/raphaelcomic.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="1312" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsXsRr-_0bWHAL2iecvRQ8pAcW7VPVRRDSbJFFmu4SxeV8w4QKzNooKE5ouoeaOzP_v4vXwHEKfUC4DndgG82ntO3nuJ5OZotPvTgLNF19sRPROwX6g9LWt4aksN9Cm9NJG5LU5DwyMfX0e2ed64rhUsION5m-yxYSRZiBFXhKXPErwu6cVzO9ws3NWLm/w400-h153/raphaelcomic.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Next issue we'll see how Genghis and Napoleon fare in the big city as the Turtles face Baxter Stockman. Finally, the frogs face the giant mutant fly. Everything's bigger in the city.</div>MarkRodriguez09http://www.blogger.com/profile/10564869853180264503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464060983911849885.post-48961437752348746412023-10-24T22:11:00.003-07:002023-10-24T22:11:34.259-07:00Agents of SHIELD Episode 9 RETRO REVIEW<p> By Mark Rodriguez</p><p>Originally written on November 26, 2013. Keep in mind these reviews were done way back when the show first aired, so we had no idea what future events or movies would bring. Also, before it was retconned away, at least at the moment, the Agents of SHIELD show was in canon with the movies.</p><p>We have another interesting episode with a bit of creepy dark horror movie-ish scenes, some good action, and yes, some insight on Melinda May's backstory. Why is she cold? Why is she called the Calvary and hates that nickname? Let's check it out.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzj3aGJk1YnfAuUynipAkgh8DIcIZ7rbnt0hqviyre4m4U_FBBvK8SKRIEEGI753A__ssT59Cbu0cWOZQhIWUMZjZxWfP4DJYJ6188v9_2ArFQJQJkVGwKsiL8MQGRMdIErrCQvidfSRjBKfkURo65YMOCEqCTcVCzDgSBdsvYxKvH6KU3uoeLX_ZZ7_sE/s556/shield9-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="409" data-original-width="556" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzj3aGJk1YnfAuUynipAkgh8DIcIZ7rbnt0hqviyre4m4U_FBBvK8SKRIEEGI753A__ssT59Cbu0cWOZQhIWUMZjZxWfP4DJYJ6188v9_2ArFQJQJkVGwKsiL8MQGRMdIErrCQvidfSRjBKfkURo65YMOCEqCTcVCzDgSBdsvYxKvH6KU3uoeLX_ZZ7_sE/w400-h294/shield9-1.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>This episode opens with a seemingly regular blonde woman stepping into a grocery store somewhere in Utah. The store owner recognizes her as the supervisor for a lab and gets angry since one of his friends died during an accident she caused. The woman backs away and tries to leave but the manager continued to harass her. Just then, cans and things start flying at the man, hitting him. He asks if she's doing this and then a whole shelf of stuff falls on the man. The man notices gas spilling and spreading slowly around the store, heading near some burning chairs. The blonde woman is on the floor, crying for everything to stop as the gas station outside explodes.</p><p>Meanwhile we see that this episode is the very next day as Melinda and Grant get dressed after pulling an all-nighter together, you know what I mean. Coulson is briefing Skye on the latest mission, the blonde woman named Hannah Hutchins, a possible telekinetic girl. She worked in a lab that had people die in an explosion involving a particle accelerator, so talking to her might be a sensitive situation. Fitz and Simmons will be studying the cause of the explosion for a more scientific explanation. Coulson is also bringing Melinda and Grant along. Skye is there mostly to watch, although she wants to do more since she was able to find Mike Peterson before they did.</p><p>When SHIELD arrives, Hannah is trapped in her house as all the angry townsfolk want her to leave while the police try to keep the peace. Coulson wants to talk to her and keep her safe. One of the men yells out how they just want to rid of her. Suddenly one of the police cars starts running by itself and almost runs the man over. The cop pulls a gun on Hannah and Coulson tries to calm her down. Suddenly Melinda shoots Hannah with a tranquilizer and knocks her out. Everyone looks at her and she says it's time to go.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWX4VjmYS351VzvxSkXQSUvaqeoJw7JBT1VlqtuG6vfLO_ZSOKuI2UidfHIOEE8hP3NnpP5J6bJDYxCxixS7EywkE90radMTg3hkGyqFzN4QJbJwA8cj-M10GzagTDHY7Qc5VOrWrMSB1T9tCSnJ1SZgSXAnidLmJrJTPlHGpGWyeApjUQyi-sDBYhqUT/s822/hannah2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="822" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWX4VjmYS351VzvxSkXQSUvaqeoJw7JBT1VlqtuG6vfLO_ZSOKuI2UidfHIOEE8hP3NnpP5J6bJDYxCxixS7EywkE90radMTg3hkGyqFzN4QJbJwA8cj-M10GzagTDHY7Qc5VOrWrMSB1T9tCSnJ1SZgSXAnidLmJrJTPlHGpGWyeApjUQyi-sDBYhqUT/w400-h266/hannah2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Fitz and Simmons are investigating what cause the explosion at the and talk about their days at the acamedy together. They recall how they got pranked when they started, and realize that Skye has never been pranked. They decide they should prank her.</p><p><br /></p><p>Coulson and Grant discuss how Hannah is now safe in their padded room and they'll have Melinda talk to her. Skye argues that they shouldn't have Hannah be in the same room with the woman that shot her. Coulson says if the woman does get dangerous, Melinda is the best person you want in the room with you. Hannah waked up, scared and confused as sees Coulson and Melinda. They tell her she was tranquilized and was taken to her current location. They think she has some kind of telekinetic power and she explains all the weird incidents started some time after the lab explosion. She doesn't know what's going on or why it's happening to her.</p><p>Skye talks about Melinda's attitude and Fitz and Simmons mentions she's the Calvary. Skye asks why she's called that, and they tell her they send her to kill people when necessary. They said she earned the nickname from the day she rode a horse and took down 100 agents single-handedly with a pistol. Skye buys it, and Fitz and Simmons smile to themselves. Fitz and Simmons are studying a 3D holographic model of the particle accelerator and Skye's touching it is messing with it. She decides to leave and check her own computer for any information.</p><p>Coulson thinks something at the explosion somehow gave Hannah her telekinetic powers, since the incidents started happening some time afterwards. Hannah talks to Melinda and tells her she thinks she is being haunted by demons. She thinks she's being punished by God.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBVFOu5mUlV3uvHvI1rZfvAhZdBYtp39Xf9-7QkLqJQqKYmqWB_oKcccSE4wJdiWA83r2kcG9D3WTOX1Zs6_jVz90Zu2beP-5dBYCtdCtQEND5bfjcnRk_JhyphenhyphenjwlRsMQ5msnp7s4JS1bi9ditJf4rDDI_qwkrMAL2_q5IjHU2sMk0IyIB0fy5jhJXSZHtD/s640/hannah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBVFOu5mUlV3uvHvI1rZfvAhZdBYtp39Xf9-7QkLqJQqKYmqWB_oKcccSE4wJdiWA83r2kcG9D3WTOX1Zs6_jVz90Zu2beP-5dBYCtdCtQEND5bfjcnRk_JhyphenhyphenjwlRsMQ5msnp7s4JS1bi9ditJf4rDDI_qwkrMAL2_q5IjHU2sMk0IyIB0fy5jhJXSZHtD/w400-h266/hannah.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Skye wants to talk to Hannah since she thinks she'd be much more sympathetic. As Coulson and Skye argue about whether or not she can do so, a cube on Coulson's desk falls to the floor. Coulson says he was sure it was nailed down.</p><p>Skye talks to Grant about May, while he's busy fixing himself a sandwich. Skye says with her attitude, Melinda needs to get laid, and Grant chokes, considering that he just nailed her the night before. Skye mentions the Calvary story, and Grant says it was exaggerated and she actually took down 20 trained assassins with a single pistol. As he talks, Grant notices that the knife he was using to make the sandwich is suddenly missing.</p><p>Hannah is scared and shivering in the padded room as she feels the walls shaking, and the doorknob rattling as something is trying to get in. Skye finds a guy named Tobias Ford on her comp and notices he was one of the techs that died in the lab. It seems he was responsible for several accidents that Hannah was being blamed for. Fitz is sent to look for come couplings in a tool shed and a shadowy figure is seen behind him.</p><p>Simmons discovers something strange about the explosion after studying a 3D recreation of it. Just then, Tobias appears and tries to hit her with a wrench before he vanishes. He then reappears near one of the plane's control panels and yanks the wires out. The plane goes dark and it's going down. Melinda tries her best to land the plane and they manage to land on a field. After everything settles down, Skye wants to be there for Hannah to make sure she's alright. As everyone talks, Simmons notices that Fitz is missing.</p><p>Fitz is trapped in a room and the knife from earlier is lodged under the door. He soon pulls it out and finds Grant and Simmons. Melinda radios them to send Fitz to the control room so he can fix the damage. They want to make sure most of the power stays in Hannah's padded room to keep whatever is causing this away from her. Coulson tries to call for reinforcements but Tobias cuts the power to outside communication.</p><p>Skye talks to Hannah and tries to console her. Hannah thinks God is punishing her, but Skye says with the little she believes in God, she at least consider Him to be a God of love. She tries to explain that everything going on isn't her fault. Melinda shows up and says she will take over. Skye thinks she's better suited to stay with Hannah, but Melinda says it's an order.</p><p>Fitz and Simmons are trying to repair the damage and talk about how the lab was studying the portals Thor made whenever he travels from our world to Asgard (as well as all the random portals made during Thor The Dark World), and they might have even been trying to make their own portal. Tobias might be someone trapped between worlds and randomly materializes between our world and what he calls hell.</p><p>Tobias suddenly appears and locks Fitz and Simmons in a room. He also attacks Grant with a wrench. Grant fights back the best he can, but Tobias always vanishes before he can land a good hit. He then vanishes from the fight with Grant and appears in the locked room, trying to choke Simmons with his wrench. Grant comes in to help, but he vanishes and appears behind Grant and knocks him out with his wrench.</p><p>Meanwhile, Coulson talks to Skye and explains the Calvary deal. There was a case where an innocent girl and some agents were trapped in a building by some insane cult worshippers. Melinda took charge and stepped inside. Whatever she did was never clearly explained, but she lost herself during that mission.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5B0J9KwZgAAtNfvRAJHJB6NP4RrJSqlReCo3_Cp2_9LqsirEKrGWfmqkWEs7BdCLXO1mIZii3QicgfO5TxZ2jC3HZ2ktZEdtUY32_KWzlhANDCbPKo07vk5FH2cwF-OOYoQ-qpmYOeuAt6UzgtZtik5sFNcO4kXrf2YkQ4v64X-CtRXLixUUvbrzcrI3T/s630/melindamay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="630" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5B0J9KwZgAAtNfvRAJHJB6NP4RrJSqlReCo3_Cp2_9LqsirEKrGWfmqkWEs7BdCLXO1mIZii3QicgfO5TxZ2jC3HZ2ktZEdtUY32_KWzlhANDCbPKo07vk5FH2cwF-OOYoQ-qpmYOeuAt6UzgtZtik5sFNcO4kXrf2YkQ4v64X-CtRXLixUUvbrzcrI3T/w400-h223/melindamay.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Coulson explains she changed after that. She was used to be just as fearless, but warmer. She was bold and not afraid to break the rules, and even played pranks. That part of her is gone now. Skye determines Coulson invited her on the jet to see if they can help bring that old Melinda out.</p><p>Just then Tobias appears and tries to choke Skye. He wants Hannah to be let out of the padded room and vanishes before Coulson can do anything. They're now trapped in the room. Elsewhere, Melinda is watching over Hannah and Tobias is seen lurking nearby. He then enters the padded room and is angry to see that Hannah is gone. Melinda is already escorting Hannah out of the building saying she's going to fix the situation.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzbWRk5e0d6PKXIHhA57FifbRzBdCyZ35ESkCYxhyphenhyphen-2KpJ9-N6eMG5B5ikn-cln_Jp19v8RGJbgGnHCst7bYt6COCjEqlFX1uOXAg5E1x-Ust55xSXQHjf1SRsrG8fx20GG0Mxjwn9mHyfWCpAKX4K7dq2oSdib98e1UEnTedVtTzaLaECrDhsXdFGiv-u/s1588/shield9-3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1054" data-original-width="1588" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzbWRk5e0d6PKXIHhA57FifbRzBdCyZ35ESkCYxhyphenhyphen-2KpJ9-N6eMG5B5ikn-cln_Jp19v8RGJbgGnHCst7bYt6COCjEqlFX1uOXAg5E1x-Ust55xSXQHjf1SRsrG8fx20GG0Mxjwn9mHyfWCpAKX4K7dq2oSdib98e1UEnTedVtTzaLaECrDhsXdFGiv-u/w400-h265/shield9-3.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Grant finally wakes up from being clocked by the wrench. Fitz and Simmons determine he must have been holding the wrench when the lab explosion hit him. Meanwhile Melinda takes Hannah to an abandoned barn near where the SHIELD plan landed. She says she's going to use Hannah as bait to lure out Tobias.</p><p>Meanwhile, Coulson has his watch taped to the lock on the door and Simmons activates some kind of high frequency sound that makes it explode. They explain that Tobias caused the safety issues that Hannah got blamed for. Skye determines that he isn't out to hurt her, he's out to protect her. Every incident he caused was against someone that against Hannah, like the car that almost hit the guy that insulted her. She figures out that he wants her.</p><p>Tobias appears in front of Hannah and Melinda starts fighting him. Tobias smacks her down and grabs Hannah by the hand. Melinda does a low sweep to knock him down and hits him in the chest. However, the fighting continues as he continues to vanish everywhere, making him hard to hit. He explains that he loosened a few bolts from the machinery at the lab to try to get Hannah's attention. Hannah says that caused the explosion and killed many people, and she got blamed for it. Tobias doesn't want to go to hell and asks her for forgiveness. She says only God can forgive him. Melinda says there is no forgiveness and the things he's done will always follow him, he can't undo his past.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsXz5DsDVRX-o14FNZ-MUUj2DHA6zkF4dHrNdQDKne2I5NbSYAwkCBt0evJZRxFQVlLIwBHtpBZLlVjLC71tc-858ee7I7xIfH3Ee1J2qdQuEgAqqhjWKnymL5D8cr_-juPeomnN26yqobkYkvHEO3nbl9ggh8HDoFsP04C6S1Rofhdfzq0J6tO1z87QBi/s1800/shield9-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1800" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsXz5DsDVRX-o14FNZ-MUUj2DHA6zkF4dHrNdQDKne2I5NbSYAwkCBt0evJZRxFQVlLIwBHtpBZLlVjLC71tc-858ee7I7xIfH3Ee1J2qdQuEgAqqhjWKnymL5D8cr_-juPeomnN26yqobkYkvHEO3nbl9ggh8HDoFsP04C6S1Rofhdfzq0J6tO1z87QBi/w400-h266/shield9-2.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Melinda tells him that if he really loves Hannah, he'll let her go, otherwise he's just dragging her down with him. Coulson and the others show up to watch as Tobias finally lets go and vanishes completely.</p><p>Later on, Hannah is sleeping peacefully as she recovers from all the stuff she went through. Skye asks about Coulson's watch, and he says it's gone. She says she's sure he can help bring Melinda around. Coulson says he's also sure Skye will be a good help whenever they need to find new possible super heroes, based on how sensitive she was towards Hannah and how fast she figured Tobias out.</p><p>Skye then goes to sit with Melinda as she gets the plane ready to take off. Later on, the gang is playing Scrabble and some of them complain with Simmons using British words to win. Fitz shows up angry that someone did the old 'shaving cream on your hand when you're sleeping' prank and now has shaving cream all over his face. He blames Simmons, but she had nothing to do with it. Neither did Grant or Skye. He demands to know who did this. Elsewhere on the cockpit, Melinda is overhearing the conversation and chuckles to herself.</p><p><b>My Opinions:</b></p><p>Another good episode. I like to say this show sure likes to toss out a lot of fake outs. One episode has us thinking some kind of murderer is going around killing people and leaving their bodies levitating... then we find out it was some super weird-ass virus caused by touching one of the Chitauri helmets from the Avengers movie. This episode had us think that Hannah had telekinetic powers beyond her control... and we find out this other guy who is kinda/sorta/not really a ghost was the one causing it all along. Good way to keeps us interested.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJ1Xa2k9rNmBdloX63tnvnI-rB5S92imDUUU2J9kyy5PuKA2Hrbp8Utj5uiPzKvdU72dgBlL9wtVFzl3orZWovX8q_pG9Na8JETnu7oBoCHOgq8aKyM6AcU3BfWcncJJXKR7aueCUtvoUgY6ZZfLrMDlM0ZvRBoMtj4fdjVSDmSNbliWDZv5Bwlh7H1yR/s575/MelindaMaypic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="323" data-original-width="575" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJ1Xa2k9rNmBdloX63tnvnI-rB5S92imDUUU2J9kyy5PuKA2Hrbp8Utj5uiPzKvdU72dgBlL9wtVFzl3orZWovX8q_pG9Na8JETnu7oBoCHOgq8aKyM6AcU3BfWcncJJXKR7aueCUtvoUgY6ZZfLrMDlM0ZvRBoMtj4fdjVSDmSNbliWDZv5Bwlh7H1yR/w400-h225/MelindaMaypic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div><p>
This time Melinda got the main focus as we finally find out the deal
behind her being called 'Calvary' and why she hates it. The interesting
thing is, while we know why, we still don't know exactly what she did to
rescue those people from the cult followers that one day.... so it
leaves things open to be dug into further. I... don't know about the
random fling between Grant and Melinda. It really did seem to be a
random one night stand with nothing else. I do think Skye would be hurt
if she ever found out since it seems she has a thing for Grant, even
though they haven't done that much besides trying to know each other
better.... something tells me it would still upset her. One thing I have
to point out is that since this episode opens with 'the morning after'
it also means this episode happened the very next after the last
episode. Finding an Asgardian staff that brings out your inner rage and
facing a guy that vanishes all over the place makes for one action
packed weekend if you're a SHIELD agent.<br />
<br />
On other things, Hannah played her part well, though due to her
situation we only saw her as this poor distraught woman, basically at
her wits end, begging for God to end her suffering. I do wonder what
will happen next to her though. I mean, sure, we found out the truth,
but the people back in her home town aren't gonna believe that. They're
still going to hate her if she goes back.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCpdpMiladX7xis9IDHnqUtywCyqSdCOQbKTgPcCdRbEBDYwjplqyiBkrwSAifpGMfk_IFC3n9BP8WLI_KuYQdnUalFm7eFQz8oBrqX4PtAjsyyHb6HRB4nGPzyasgQ_MMt8jErY1-rNsjmLGljlt7oDh2_48F3gmuqbqrxUPAtvbi54ja5OSNYrmxsgW/s666/newshieldpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="341" data-original-width="666" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCpdpMiladX7xis9IDHnqUtywCyqSdCOQbKTgPcCdRbEBDYwjplqyiBkrwSAifpGMfk_IFC3n9BP8WLI_KuYQdnUalFm7eFQz8oBrqX4PtAjsyyHb6HRB4nGPzyasgQ_MMt8jErY1-rNsjmLGljlt7oDh2_48F3gmuqbqrxUPAtvbi54ja5OSNYrmxsgW/w400-h205/newshieldpic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Tobias' weird abilities made for some pretty awesome fights. I have to admit, it was cool seeing him fight against Grant and Melinda and vanish during the fight. I liked the scene where one of them was trying to throw him only for him to vanish in the middle of the attack. And considering this is just a tv show, the blurring foggy-ish effect when he vanishes was very well done. It's never fully explained what happened to him though. Simmons explains he will eventually disappear forever, but is he trapped in this other world? Will he eventually find some way back?</p><p>On other things, I also noticed this episode is probably the only one that didn't mention Coulson's mysterious return, or drop any extra hints with him suspecting things about his revival. I know we can't bring it up EVERY episode, but this is the first one that actually didn't.</p><p>It's a good episode overall, mostly due to digging more into Melinda's character and seeing the awesome fight scenes. The next episode is going to be epic as we see that Coulson brings in Mike Peterson back into action as a superhero. My question is.... what threat are they facing that demands his super powered help?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxallyA_ubaO-lUWwDiSZKE82ZystkCnjfnj5ojJp1gf78MT0UszvBO_WYdyN0g4V0BF4kn7RsS3yXrtJjj-GH6dS0CZyMyfoD-Q1VSpzR-tyim1yyXD7sfJzOObNi_7WsJ1g-pJxSEoFq6XQJrzSodaCF69nqi5vRYX0Gqjl5rIoxLYZ25GuxlTZzvqjf/s630/hannah3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="630" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxallyA_ubaO-lUWwDiSZKE82ZystkCnjfnj5ojJp1gf78MT0UszvBO_WYdyN0g4V0BF4kn7RsS3yXrtJjj-GH6dS0CZyMyfoD-Q1VSpzR-tyim1yyXD7sfJzOObNi_7WsJ1g-pJxSEoFq6XQJrzSodaCF69nqi5vRYX0Gqjl5rIoxLYZ25GuxlTZzvqjf/w400-h266/hannah3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>MarkRodriguez09http://www.blogger.com/profile/10564869853180264503noreply@blogger.com0