"Now, if Marvel really wanted to show the reader what was going on in this long-winded, exposition-heavy issue, they should have just typed up a bunch of rambling words, stuck them on the cover and had the X-Men snoring away in the background from sheer boredom."
-Brian Andersen on Astonishing X-Men #35
I’ll start this review by being perfectly honest: I’ve never read a single issue of anything in the Archie Comics universe. I certainly knew of the characters, but the extent of my knowledge was gleaned from that scene in Chasing Amy, where Holden, Banky and Hooper sit around a bar and argue whether or not “Archie was the bitch and Jughead was the butch.” Still, when I read several months ago that a gay character was being introduced into the wholesome world of the Riverdale gang in an upcoming issue, my interest was piqued. What I hadn’t considered when I agreed to review said issue was that I had to enter a comic book store, stroll up to an actual Comic Book Store Employee and slap issue #202 of Veronica down on the counter.
Every time I enter a comic shop, I sense the employees eyeing my purchases, determining whether I am worthy. Don’t even try to tell me they’re not. And yes, I acknowledge it’s possible I’m simply frequenting the wrong comic book stores. Or that I’m insane. Regardless, it was with much trepidation that I approached the register. I felt a nervousness that was not dissimilar to the first time I bought porn. I even called upon the old “camouflage” technique in an attempt to save face, sandwiching my intended purchase between several butchier titles: Avengers: The Children’s Crusade, Secret Six and Buffy the Vampire Slayer (hey, that’s what constitutes butchier in my mind, all right?). Though, when you’re talking about the kind of comic book that has a break in the middle of the issue for a “Veronica’s Smart Style!” fashion spread, pretty much anything is a step up the ladder of manliness.
Even once I got back to my apartment with the issue in hand, I was not safe from scorn. My roommate rolled her eyes when I proudly displayed my purchase. “Have we gone back in time? Is this the 50s?” Then, when I idly asked my boyfriend how long Archie Comics have been around, exactly: “I’m pretty sure dinosaurs sat around in their free time, reading the latest Archie Comics.” Clearly I need a better support system in my life.
But on to the issue itself: I have to say, if you held a gun to my head and asked me to predict what an issue of Veronica would be like, this is just about exactly what I would have guessed: bright, colorful and mildly amusing. It was very...pleasant. The story concerns the arrival of new student at Riverdale High, Kevin Keller. While Kevin and Jughead bond over their shared fondness for shoveling obscene amounts of meat into their mouths (otherwise known as a hamburger-eating contest; and yes, the gay guy wins), Veronica is instantly smitten with the attractive young man. She decides that she will stop at nothing until she gets a date with the “hot tamale.” Kevin informs Jughead early on that he likes dudes (prompting a nice, positive non-reaction from Jughead), but Jughead, feeling bitter about Veronica insulting his burger-eating abilities, creates excuses for Kevin to delay breaking the news to his would-be suitor (suitress?), just so he can enjoy Veronica making a fool of herself by continuing to throw herself at a gay guy. And yeah, that’s pretty much it as far as plot goes.
Archie Comics are an unusual beast. I assume that a lot of their appeal lies in their nondescript, vaguely retro feel, so it’s a little odd that the universe is somewhat haphazardly updated to fit with the current times. There’s an odd disconnect when the characters do things like spend their time hanging out in a soda shop, but Jughead can insult Kevin by calling him a “noob.” Still, it’s nice that in addition to updating the lingo, current writer/artist Dan Parent is also bringing Riverdale into the 21st century by increasing its diversity. And I appreciate the fact that Kevin doesn’t stick out from the rest of the gang; he’s just another one of the guys. He just also happens to be gay.
I will say that it’s a testament to the writing, in a way, that this issue didn’t feel like it was trying to be a milestone, though in its own little way, it is. The storyline plays out just as I imagine any of the other wacky shenanigans the Riverdale kids get themselves up to, and I think that, in itself, is something its creators can be proud of.
With over 90 entries in the Gear Up the Gay Comic Geek Contest, the Gay Comic Geek and Class Comics really inspired a tidal wave of creativity and talent. You can check out the wall of entries here. It’s very impressive (and somewhat Warhol-ian) seeing 90+ naked or near-naked images of Paul all in one place. I thought I’d seen it all, but even I had to blush a little at some of the entries. But enough about me! Who the hell won? Here’s Paul, the Gay Comic Geek himself, to tell you:
Yeah, you have to go to GayComicGeek.com or ClassComics.com to see the “Naughty” winner. You’ve heard what Mr. Geek had to say, so what about Patrick Fillion, the undisputed kind of gay erotic comics? “I am absolutely blown away by the volume and sheer creativity of the entries,” Patrick said. “It’s incredibly exciting to see all of the enthusiasm fans have shown for this. I’m thrilled at what a success this little contest has been.”
The winner of the “Naughty” category will receive a print of the winning costume design as rendered by Mr. Fillion and autographed by both Patrick and Paul. Plus, a BIG LOAD from Class Comics, which contains all 43 of their current titles! The winner of the “Nice” category will see his design worn by the Gay Comic Geek in a future Fanboys of the Universe photo shoot. (Woohoo! That’s us!) Plus, he’ll get a Gay Comic Geek Super Bundle of awesome rare collectibles. When Paul offers you a big package, you take it!
The contest was a blast, and I’m glad we got to be part of it. Thanks to everyone who entered or told their friends to enter. And be sure to show Class Comics some love! Go buy something! Digital comics are all under $4.00. That’s insane! All your favorite Class Comics titles are there, including new releases, like Zahn #2 and Naked Justice Beginnings #2. Treat yourself today!
The last three episodes of Wolverine and the X-Men are featured in this DVD release. Since the show’s initial airing in the US, these special DVDs have been released sporadically with three episodes each that feature a certain story arc or theme. The Final Crisis Trilogy DVD features the last three episodes, which focus on the epic Phoenix storyline. There are also subplots about Professor Xavier stuck in the past, as well as a Sentinel attack orchestrated by a certain main “villain” on the island of Genosha; but the Phoenix storyline takes center stage here.
The Phoenix Saga is a larger-than-life X-Men story. It was condensed and watered down a little for the original animated series, reduced to a single shot in X-Men Evolution and almost a sideplot in the X-Men movies. The version seen here is admittedly condensed--it tells its tale in just three episodes, and without space travel--but it is really amazing in its execution of the emotional impact this story has to have.
Wolverine is obviously the star of the series--his name is on the main titles and all--and the X-Men are featured as well as a few surprise cameos, but these last few episodes belong to the ladies. Holla! Jean Grey, voiced here by Jennifer Hale (Cinderella in Disney’s Cinderella 2 and 3), really gets to shine. Without Jean, there is no Phoenix Saga. It just seems very jarring that she’s absent for most of the series and then BOOM! Jean Grey explosion! Literally. Of course, in this DVD release, you don’t get that feeling since this is only three episodes. She also gets to wear a really fabulous red dress, which is a nice break from the black or yellow leather she donned in the previous animated incarnations and live-action movie. Fierce!
Scarlet Witch gets a nice amount of screen time here, too, as she is central to the Genosha subplot. It was very refreshing to see a portrayal of her that feels more faithful to her comic book counterpart. I was growing tired of her teen angst craziness in X-Men Evolution. She was like Stephen King’s Carrie with no focus in that series. In this series, she is a strong mutant woman. Also, the scenes in Genosha are so ethereal, it gives the series an almost sci-fi/fantasy feel. Very beautiful.
Emma Frost gets a huge amount of screen time here as well. Sometimes I think it should’ve been called Emma, Wolverine and the X-Men. Her role in these episodes is simply amazing, and the less I say about her at this point, the better. I love when she gets all sparkly!
Some viewers might get lost in the plot shuffle, especially if these are the first episodes you’re watching. The Phoenix Saga is already pretty grand and to have that storyline share screen time with the other huge subplots can make this a crazy experience. Imagine being on Willy Wonka’s boat ride; kinda’ like that. What made the series enjoyable was how it revealed each bit of information slowly, so you wouldn’t get lost. Having these episode alone on a DVD with no indication can be dissapointing for those who are unaware that these three episodes are part of a bigger picture. There’s not even a “previously on X-Men” intro that used to accompany the original two animated series. For the casual fan of Wolverine and the X-Men who doesn’t want to shell out the cash for the complete series, this DVD is perfect. This is an awesome finale to an awesome series, animated or otherwise. For new fans, I suggest you wait until you can watch the series as a whole.
Included is a very funny commentary track with supervising producer Craig Kyle and writers Greg Johnson and Chris Yost. They poke fun at the live-action films and even bring up X-Men Evolution, another X-series they worked on. A very entertaining track full of behind-the-scenes info and pop culture references. This is a very good-looking series, and the transfer is almost flawless, though I noticed a little bit of shimmering in some scenes. Still, this show looks great.
It’ll look even greater on the complete series Blu-ray set. You know I’ll be all over that!
The evolution of Fanboys of the Universe has begun! I’m very pleased to introduce you to Team FBOTU. For some time now, I’ve been recruiting and vetting writers to contribute to the site, and I think I’ve assembled a top-notch roster of authors to take on the task of expanding the scope of FBOTU. It was always my goal to see the site grow and evolve, incorporating other voices and opinions, and becoming a more well-rounded source for news, discussion and entertainment. In the coming weeks, we’ll be incorporating contributions from Team FBOTU into the daily blog. Each of the new writers displays a wide range of interests and expertise, from comics to toys to movies to music. Plus, not only will fresh voices bring new energy and perspective to the site, but having additional contributors will also allow me to devote more time to the re-design and re-launch of the brand new Fanboys of the Universe!
We have some exciting changes in store, so read up on Team FBOTU below and please join me in welcoming them to the site!
Adam
Adam is a freelance writer based in exotic Rochester, New York. A pop culture junkie with a severe movie obsession, his geeky interests include constantly reorganizing his Netflix queue, reading, buying nerdy t-shirts, Twittering, not participating in sports and worshiping Joss Whedon. He thinks of his desk as just a really convenient place to display all his favorite toys. He’s addicted to iced coffee drinks, Mexican food and procrastination, and he thinks superheroes are hot.
Brian
Born and raised on a beautiful, isolated island full of like-minded, toga-wearing geeks and weird kanga creatures, Brian was sent to America to be the champion of the nerdy, the dorky and the very, very gay. He does this by creating his own line of super queer indie comics, while also sharing his snarky, sassy ramblings in the form of grammatically incorrect reviews on the latest comic books released by the big boys. Brian hopes to bring a funny, saucy and enjoyably goofy spin (while also respecting the medium he treasures so dearly) to the usual thoughtful and brainy (i.e., boring) comics reviews you see floating around the ‘net.
Eduard
Eduard is a California Boy with a BA in Musical Theater Arts. He loves writing, singing, dancing, acting and going to the theatre. Eduard loves movies and has gotten in trouble at times for his unconventional views on popular films. Never one to be swayed by the views of the masses, Eduard marches to the beat of his own (sometimes obscure) drummer. His favorites include classic and foreign films. Classic foreign films are even better! Though he keeps up with new releases, he tends to watch and re-watch old favorites, dissecting them and putting ‘em back together again. Eduard is looking forward to presenting his opinions and reviews on what’s current (and not so current) in pop culture.
Johnny
Johnny has been a life-long fan of movies, music and books, ever since he could first rate such things on a scale of 1 to 10. He enjoys watching everything from classic silent films to recent action/adventure movies, and he’ll listen to any kind of music that doesn’t have a twang in the lead vocal. He’s an avid video game fan, focusing on role-playing and fighting games, but his favorites are often strange Japanese games that have to be seen to be believed. Johnny’s geek passions are deep and numerous, but his favorites include Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Futurama, X-Men, Dungeons & Dragons, Final Fantasy, the Soulcalibur series and anything involving Milla Jovovich. WARNING: He will talk about these at length and in depth, even if you don’t ask him to.
Sean
Sean was born in a small town in the Northeastern part of Wyoming. From his earliest days, he had a keen interest in comics, toys, television and movies. Let’s face it, growing up in a rural area where winters tend to be cold and last for months, there’s not a whole lot to do if you’re not a rancher or a farmer or into girls. Eventually, Sean’s path led him through school to the big city of Los Angeles, where he works as a writer, editor and sometimes even a Union Costumer. Comics and toys have remained a HUGE part of his life, and for the last seven years, he and his partner Will have been feeding each other’s collecting habits, amassing a pretty good sized multi-themed collection. Remember, a Peter Pan complex can only help keep you young!
Welcome, guys! Good luck prying the site from my megalomaniacal grasp!
TV Recap: Faeries and Vampires and Demon Babies…Oh My!
FBOTU recaps the latest episode of True Blood. Just click on Lafayette and Jesus to catch up with the gang in Bon Temps and share your thoughts on last night’s show!
Damn you, September! I had hoped August might add a fifth or sixth week to the month this year, so we could keep August Fanboy of the Month Matt around for a little while longer. But the sweet, sound passage of time means August is over and a new month begins! Matt has been amazing. Ridiculously sexy and impossibly sweet, he’s the quintessential FBOTM. I hope you’ve all enjoyed having him around. I’m sure we’ll think of a reason to bring him back. In the meantime, I think we should all write thank-you letters to Andrew Christian for designing the underwear Matt’s wearing in the final photos from his shoot and also to Matt’s parents for meeting and producing the fellow who’s wearing said underwear so splendidly.
Ahem. Here’s the last of the good stuff. Enjoy!
• Check out the last photos from Matt’s shoot in the Gallery.
• Read Matt’s bio one more time in the FBOTM Lounge.
• Watch Matt’s behind-the-scenes video in the FBOTM Lounge or on the FBOTU YouTube page.
Have a great weekend! Thanks again, Matt!
P.S. We have an FBOTM Photo Shoot this Saturday here in Los Angeles, so be sure to follow us on Twitter to get updates from the shoot, as well as a sneak peak of Mr. September. Can’t wait!
FBOTU Book Club: Stuck Rubber Baby by Howard Cruse
If you were lucky enough to attend Comic-Con back in July, I hope you were also lucky enough to attend one of the panels where Howard Cruse spoke about Stuck Rubber Baby, his landmark graphic novel now celebrating its 15th anniversary. The book and its author were a hot topic at the convention, and I lost track of the number of people who came to the Prism booth to ask when and how they might meet him. It had been some years since I’d read Stuck Rubber Baby, so I sat down with the new anniversary edition with vague memories of a coming-of-age story set in the South in the 60s. What absolutely floored me reading the book again, here and now, in a post-Obama, post-Prop 8 nation, is how unbelievably timely and relevant the story is today.
From the publisher: “Art and story combine powerfully in this lyrical tale of a young man caught in the maelstrom of the civil rights movement and the entrenched homophobia of small-town America. With a subtle yet intricate plot, and distinctively evocative illustrations, Stuck Rubber Baby is an unflinchingly honest look at one man’s world of fears, dreams and prejudice.”
In the forward, Alison Bechdel (Dykes To Watch Out For) writes, ”Stuck Rubber Baby is a story, but it’s also a history--or perhaps more accurately a story about how history happens, one person at a time.” If it all sounds very heavy, don’t worry. Cruse brings his story and characters to life with great humor, passion and complexity. If you’ve never read the book before, and even if you have, this is a perfect opportunity to pick it up, read it and discuss it with your fellow FBOTU Book Club friends. You have a whole month, until September 29, to get the book and read it. At 210 pages, I read it over the course of a weekend. I’ll be posting weekly reminders until the deadline, then we’ll all adjourn to the Forum to discuss the book and share our thoughts. I hope you’ll take part!
You can buy Stuck Rubber Baby at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Prism Comics, your local comics shop or wherever groundbreaking graphic novels are sold. You should also be able to find it in your local library.
And, as luck would have it, I have THREE copies to give away to FBOTU Book Club members. So, the first three folks who post “BOOK ME!” in the comments section below, will get a FREE copy of Stuck Rubber Baby.
