The soaring, patient musings of Dr. Vulture

Thank you to everyone who has read and checked out this website.  I have changed blogs though, and am currently posting all new posts at http://paulthevulture.blogspot.com/

Thank you again, and I hope you check out the new blog……

Paul the Vulture

For years now, The Flash’s Fickle Fans have been ranting at conventions, internet sites, DC Comic’s mailrooms, and comic fan’s forums….screaming, begging, threatening, & crying…..for the return of Barry Allen as The Flash.

For those not in the know, Barry Allen was the most Iconic of the Flashes, and died saving the universe back in the 80′s.  The Flash’s sidekick Wally West takes the mantle of The Flash and is quite successful and popular in his own right.  Then, after the returns of once “dead” heros Green Arrow (Oliver Queen) & Green Lantern (Hal Jordan), the return of Barry Allen seemed inevitable, and DC announced in 2008 that it would happen.

Then comes Flash: Rebirth, written by Geoff Johns with artwork by Ethan Van Sciver, and suddenly all seems right in the world for Barry Allen fans.  However, The Flash’s Fickle Fans strike back (apparently the Wally West and Barry Allen Factions switched roles) by being upset about the Rebirth series, Wally West’s role in the DC Universe,  and Barry Allen’s role in Blackest Night. 

DC Comics announces that several titles will have “back-up” stories in 2010 (an extra 8 pages added to certain titles starring a different hero than the main title), and both the Wally and Barry factions breathe a collected sigh of relief. The Flash’s Fickle Fans assume (and we all know what assuming does…) that Wally will have a back-up in the new Flash monthly title beginning in 2010.  But……DC announces that there will be NO back-up in the Flash books for 2010!!!! The Flash’s Fickle Fans go riotous on the Forums….screaming, begging, threatening, & crying….because Wally won’t be involved!

I am a Flash Fan! I love both Barry & Wally equally! (GASP) ….anathema, I know! I will be rational for a moment and try to explain to The Flash’s Fickle Fans the possible reasons……

• It will keep the price $2.99 an issue.  That is more likely to attract new fans than $3.99 with a back-up for the Wally faction. 
• Barry has just returned! Give him a chance to shine for a little while please! 
• We all know The Flash’s Fickle Fans will buy the issues anyway if they are TRULY Flash fans.  
• Geoff Johns & Ethan Van Sciver. Who wouldn’t buy it just for those two names on the cover?

It is quite pathetic that The Flash’s Fickle Fans….after screaming, begging, threatening, & crying for 20 years about Barry returning…..now have what they wanted….and are screaming, begging, threatening, & crying because Wally isn’t included!! Really?  I dare ask, is this what The Flash would do? NO! He would run right to his local comic book shop and give it a chance!

The politics of being a Flash fan are frustrating.  How can DC please either faction? Thanks to The Flash’s Fickle Fans….they can’t! Outside of monthlies titles for both Barry & Wally…..which of course would lead The Flash’s Fickle Fans into civil war over the titles of both comics, who really deserved them, and how the Rogues would be “divied” up among the two…..the only real solution is to “kill” off both Barry & Wally and have only the helmet-wearing, “original” Flash from the 40′s.  I’m sure that The Flash’s Fickle Fans wouldn’t accept that either……..

As a loyal employee of Marriott, and a Catholic, I decided to search for the Patron Saint of Hotel Workers.  Although the list includes some others; who weren’t innkeepers, and didn’t work at hotels, there was one who fits my job perfectly……St. Theodotus. 

Though not included in most books of Saints, Theodotus is readily found online at most sites for Catholic Saints searches.  He lived in Ancyra (modern-day Ankara, Turkey) in the fourth century A.D., was married, and kept an inn.  When seven virgins/nuns; including his Aunt, were imprisoned, tortured, and martyred for their faith Theodotus stole their bodies and gave them proper burial.  He was told to do this through a dream, and was imprisoned, tortured, and martyred for burying them and for his faith.

He is described as a zealous, devoted Christian who often encouraged those in the faith, brought many to Christ, and was kind and loving to his neighbor. He did this during the reign of Diocletian, the Roman Emperor who actively persecuted Christians.  St. Theodotus is a wonderful example of a simple man (he wasn’t a priest, evangelist, or monk) sharing his faith while working a “normal” job as an Innkeeper.

The account of Theodotus and his Martyrdom is told by Nilus, but is no longer considered 100% fact by the Catholic Church. Since there is no historical documents to back up the account, it is considered legend.

 I would like to believe that it did happen, despite not having enough evidence to prove it.  In 1000 years, there probably won’t be any evidence of the existence of about 1/2 the people living on Earth today….but that doesn’t mean they didn’t exist.

Although I don’t pray to or worship saints; Catholic or otherwise, I do venerate them as wonderful inspirations and examples of Christian faith and boldness in a world often against them.  Saint Theodotus is the shining example to me that despite working the same job that I do, He was able to share his faith and strengthen others……something I pray and strive to do everyday!

Green Lantern: First Flight is the DVD version of the DC Universe character. It follows the origin story of Hal Jordan…..an alien ship crashes to earth, the Green Lantern ring finds the closest human with “the ability to overcome great fear”, which is Jordan.  It then follows his training as a Green Lantern and shows Jordan’s shoot-from-the-hip “John Wayne” persona.

The Guardians of the Universe; unsure of their new human recruit, assign Jordan to Sinestro.  Sinestro; impressed with Jordan’s style, impresses upon him the need for a new order and overthrow of the Guardians. Jordan doesn’t go along with this, and in the end helps the Guardians & other Lanterns defeat Sinestro.  Tricia Helfer, Christopher Meloni, Victor Garber, & Michael Madsen star as the voices of the main characters.

As far as animated adventures go….this one is pretty good. However, I found the story lacking at times, and fails in comparison to Superman/Batman: Public Enemies, New Frontier, or Hulk vs. Thor.  I did love the Duck Dodgers episode on the 2-disc version, and Bruce Timm’s 2 picks. 

If you love Green Lantern, or DC animated adventures, then you will probably love this, if not…..you may want to avoid it.

Dr. Vulture’s Grade: Circling

I found it nearly impossible to review just one of Gonick’s Cartoon History of the …… without connecting it to the rest.  So I’m putting together the entire series into one review….

It starts in The Cartoon History of the Universe vol. 1 at the dawn of time, it continues through the dinosaurs to the dawn of man, then to the beginning of recorded history. The beginnings aside (mostly speculation based on science and discoveries, evolution….which by the way makes it very difficult to recommend this to Christian friends), once you get into recorded history this becomes the best historical book for adults or kids ever created.

The C.H. of the Universe volumes 1-3 takes you from Sumerian civilization  (around 3300 b.c.) to Columbus’s “discovery” of America in 1492.  The Cartoon History of the Modern World vol. 1-2 takes you from 1492 (and a little pre-1492 history in the Americas) to 2003.  The Cartoon History of The United States follows the specific history of the creation of our nation to Bush Sr.’s administration.

I am a history buff, and what I love most about this series is the amount of information I never knew before. Gonick often has great insights into strange yet historical events that took place that I’ve never seen anywhere but his books. Things the History Channel, College classes, and books (without pictures) don’t mention, or do just in passing. For instance, one of Egypt’s first Pharoahs ( a woman) coming to court topless, with goat hair for a man’s beard. Or, Quetzecoatl asking that the butterflies be sacrificed to the gods rather than humans in the Americas. 

Larry Gonick flows from continent to continent, dynasty to dynasty, time-period to time-period with a flow and ease only a master of history could. I absolutely learned more from this series than I did in all my high school, and college classes combined! Why this isn’t required for schools, I don’t know (probably middle school would be best!).

Overall, a great read with comic art and wonderful insights, Creator-Writer-Artist Larry Gonick has made the ultimate history guide for the Geek!!

Dr. Vulture’s Grade: Fresh Carcass

I became a full vegetarian after suffering from gout at age 35.  My doctor told me going vegetarian would help reduce the chances of gout coming back (it is quite painful).  I had already given up fast food (have not had any since 2006), so it wasn’t very hard.  Plus, the sufferings of animals in our fast-food, factory-style food prepartation was horrible, so it was something I had wanted to do anyway.

I thought; at first, that it would be more expensive and difficult to prepare….but I found out that it really is quite inexpensive and easy. Take for instance my meal tonight……Tofu, rice, & veges.  It took around 8 minutes to prepare, which is about how long you would sit in line at a drive-thru.  Total cost:  under $4.00!! That’s value meal price, and much, much healthier! Plus, it tastes good (added some soy butter and garlicsalt to the tofu).

I’ve realized that buying frozen vegetables (Green Giant “Steamables”, etc.) on sale, brown rice (usually under $1.50 a box…even the individual packaged boxes), tofu (around $3.00, and usually I only eat 1/2 at a time) and even when I purchase Vege-burgers, or vege-pizzas…..my meals usually cost under $5.00.  I’m full afterwards, but not feeling heavy and bloated.   I’m spending less than my fast food and meat-eating days…..and I’m much healthier!  My greatest expense are the Nature’s Way whole-food vitamins I take everyday, & the Naked Naturals or Bolthouse Farms fruit drinks.

As a bachelor, I was somewhat intimidated about cooking. Most bachelors are, but now that I’ve got the hang of it…..it’s really quite easy.  Tofu & Seitan are very easy to prepare….you really can only burn them, so just going by visual “browning” is simple.  Also, if you own a microwave, preparing Vegetables is as easy as reading the directions!

All-in-all I’ve saved a lot of money compared to my pre-vegetarian days…. and I wouldn’t want to go back now if the prices were the same! I had already shrunk from around 230 to 190 just giving up fast-food, and after going vegetarian I’m down to around 165-170 lbs….which is right where I’m supposed to be.  Most important, I feel great….which is really the point, isn’t it?

This list shows my varied tastes, and has probably one that everyone who reads this would agree with. I’ve ranked them according to the number of times I watched the entire series.

1. Friends.  I love all 10 seasons, how each season ends, and the ending of the series. There is really nothing I could complain about if I tried.
2. Battlestar Galactica.  The new series….not the horrible 80′s version. Jam-packed with constant on-the-edge-of-your-seat excitement, cliffhangers, and special effects that impress…..this series is probably the best sci-fi series ever made to date.
3. Seinfeld.  Just a touch under Friends as far as comedies go. Jerry is great, the supporting cast top notch, and very close to how my real-life plays out a lot of times.  I thought the last season wasn’t as good as the previous 8, but still was very happy with it overall.
4. Rome.  I’m only sorry that they didn’t make a 3rd season. True to the times involved, with great plot twists and stories only real-life could deliver. As a history fan, this is the best series ever made in that genre.
5. Babylon 5.  J. Michael Straczynski’s vision realized shows what a wonderful mind he must have! B5 was my favorite sci-fi series until BSG, but only fell off because the special effects of the time aren’t as good as today’s. All 5 seasons tell a great weaving tale of the future, good triumphing over evil, and deals with many social issues in a unique way.

Special Mentions go to Rome: Rise and Fall of an Empire (historical documentary), Planet Earth, & the Blue Planet (wildlife documentaries).

For me, 2009 was not a great movie year.  There were a few, but not like 2007 or 2008.  It doesn’t seem 2009 will be as good as 2010 either. This is in no way a conclusive list, since my movie genres seem to stick with superhero, conspiracy theory, history, sci-fi, and post-apocolyptic…..but if you like those genres too, you may find the list helpful and interesting.

1. Star Trek.  The J.J. Abram’s new vision for the Star Trek franchise is so true to Gene Roddenberry’s, you would think he was one who did it! Great story, great special effects, action packed & filled with actors respecting the roles and characters from the past….this is a must for any sci-fi fan!
2. X-Men Origins: Wolverine.  Starring Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool, this continuation of the X-Men movie franchise was a hit. Good action & special effects, I look forward to the next X-Men franchise movie.
3. Terminator Salvation.  The continuation of the Terminator franchise was great in my view. Christian Bale as John Connor is a perfect fit, though I think his much talked about rant hurt sales for the film/dvd. That aside, I look forward to more movies from the pre-first movie timeframe.
4. Angels & Demons.  Dan Brown’s second novel-to-movie doesn’t dissapoint. Not as good as The DaVinci code, but still better than most dramas that came out in 2009, Tom Hanks & Ron Howard delivered another hit!
5. Knowing.  I don’t usually like Nic Cage movies, but his acting and the story itself made me glad I picked it up on DVD.  An end-of-the-world movie, it comes from a different direction which I really enjoyed.

Special mentions go to  Punisher: War Zone (starring Ray Stevenson), Push (strring Chris Evans & Dakota Fanning) and Blood: The Last Vampire (starring Gianna & Allison Miller).  Punisher: War Zone Did not get good reviews or great sales, but I absolutely loved it! I thought it was truer to the character than anything else that has been done.  Ray Stevenson makes the perfect Punisher in my judgement.  I bought Push simply because it was discounted if you bought it with Knowing, but I ended up being impressed.  A few slow parts, and an ending that really wasn’t an ending kept it off the list.  Blood: The Last Vampire impressed me with the Japanese take on Vampires being demons, and all the great action scenes. It lacked a little in the story department, but I still enjoyed it and would recommend it to fans of the Vampire genre.

I collect about 12 different monthlies in Graphic Novel form, but I’ve narrowed them down to my essential 5 for 2010:

1. Green Lantern.  You cannot go wrong collecting this series! Geoff Johns continues to impress more and more taking Green Lantern into uncharted territory and writing stories on par with anything in the market today! The Blackest Night event will blanket the DC Universe into 2010, and Green Lantern will be at the forefront of DC’s heroes.
2. Batman.  With the announcement that Bruce Wayne will be returning in 2010, the Batman series led by Grant Morrison should impress as never before! Always a winner and worth spending the money on, DC’s flagship character will carry the DC franchise in 2010.
3. Elephantmen.  If your local comic book shop doesn’t carry this title, you should be begging and pleading with them to start! Richard Starking’s story and characters seem to get better with every issue, and the artwork is always phenominal! A real up-&-comer getting a lot of attention on the comic websites.
4. Daredevil.  The man without fear is riding high, and new writer Andy Diggle should keep him that way in 2010.  The story is usually for mature audiences and often reads as a detective/crime novel with pictures.  Following in the footsteps of Kevin Smith, Brian Michael Bendis, & Ed Brubaker isn’t easy…..but I believe it will bring out Diggle’s best work to date!
5. The Brave and The Bold.  With J. Michael Straczynski taking over as writer, I fully expect this to be one of my favorites for 2010! Sales numbers are in the toilet…..but if you love a good story, or just love JMS than you’ll love this title.  I wouldn’t be surprised or dissapointed if they cancel this title and then restart it from #1 with JMS as regular writer.

Special Mentions go to Superman and Green Arrow & Black Canary.  Both titles are on the brink of disaster, but with good writers on board and “mega-events” coming up in 2010 for both titles, they should be worth reading. Also….Hulk. Despite some fan criticism, the Fall of The Hulks event in 2010 should make this title worth spending the money for.

This list was extremely difficult to come up with. I wish I could just do a top 100 list….but that would be a lot of typing, and probably get a little boring.  I made the list by deciding which five graphic novels I would grab & say belonged to someone else if the IRS took everything I owned.

1. Green Lantern: Rebirth.  Written by Geoff Johns, artwork by Ethan Van Sciver.  This collection re-introduces Hal Jordan as Green Lantern.  I would have bought this on John’s name alone, but also just for the artwork by Van Sciver! A must-read if you’re new to comics or the Green Lantern character.
2. Superman/Batman: Public Enemies.  Written by Jeff Loeb, artwork by Ed McGuinness.  The saying goes, “The book is always better than the movie”, and if you liked the DVD S/B: Public Enemies, than you’ll love the book! Loeb tells the story from both Superman’s & Batman’s perspective, and McGuinness’s artwork is top notch! A great read if you don’t collect Supes or Bats monthlies but want to know more about the characters.
3. Planet Hulk.  Written by Greg Pak, artwork by various.  Soon to be released on DVD, Planet Hulk is a great, original story about the Hulk! Marooned on a distant planet, forced to be a gladiator, the great rebel leader the Green Scar shows the Hulk; not as a mindless monster, but as a calculating and fearless rebel leader. Pak solidified my respect with this collected volume.
4. Identity Crisis.  Written by Brad Meltzer, artwork by Rags Morales.  This event has me wishing that Meltzer and Morales did more work together!  A very mature story involving the violation of one of the Justice League’s wives, a rush to judgement, the death that ensues, and the crumbling of trust and respect amoung the heroes involved. I actually cried when Batman & Robin are rushing to try and save Robin’s father.  This volume brought me back into collecting comics!
5. Superman: Red Son.  Written by Mark Millar, artwork by various.  Millar tells a wonderfully original story of Superman’s life.  Crash landing in the Ukraine instead of Kansas, raised with the ideals of a communist utopia rather than the American Way, protector of the Proletariat! The artwork is fantastic and the Hammer & Sickle replacing the “S” on his chest makes you want to join the communist party.

Special Mentions go to Green Arrow: Quiver (Kevin Smith/Phil Hester), Superman/Batman: Supergirl (Loeb/Michael Turner), & Hip Flask: Unnatural Selection (Richard Starkings & Casey/Ladronn).