Another one already?

Where does the time fly? Merry Christmas folks, to those of you who celebrate. I can't believe it's already here. The holidays are flying by and there's no snow on the ground here. Tis sad, but I'm Boston bound tomorrow, where there's supposedly gray slush, so happy holidays! Drink lots of egg nog!

It can't be so!

My comic book boyfriend is destined to die?! Prepare for a spoiler (and if you haven't figured it out yet, my animated man is Batman).

And now, a Thanksgiving reflection

I was just thinking how funny it is that I can now officially say that I'll be home for the holidays. Normally, that just went without saying, but now, I actually need to make the effort and spend time traveling to see the family. It's just another difference in my life that I need to get used to. Man do the adjustments keep coming.

Needless to say, I've been doing a lot of thinking lately. John had told me that last night: you just can't stop and be still or stop thinking. What can I say? I have a problem. It's the busybody in me that just doesn't ever stop or calm down, kind of like the Energizer bunny and the WB's Tasmanian Devil combined. It's the kind of person I exude and am used to being, but sometimes, it really can be a bad combo. I recall my church pastor in Boston giving a message how sometimes God speaks to us, but we just don't hear Him because we're too busy with everything else going on in our lives to just stop and listen. It's like one of those on a smaller scale - the world keeps passing by too quickly and I'm just not taking the time to enjoy the scenery or listen to those along the way. And if I want to hear God's message, so to speak, no one can stop me except me.

I feel like that's the part of Boston in me though -- it's the never-a-dull-moment and fast-paced attitude of the Northeast. There's too much happening to stop, but then, here I am in Philadelphia with only my job and my boyfriend and a close friend for company. Funny how much is not happening. Thank God for those friendly Philadelphians whom I have been talking with or I'd be losing it right now with the empty pockets of time that used to be filled with homework, classes, dinners, drinks, friends, and family. Right now I'm guaranteed a weekly dinner at John's family's home and one hangout night with Gwyn, and then the rest is open to whatever, and normally it's according to John's schedule. It's so odd how life has done a 180 and I never used to have to rely on somebody else's social life. But things change, and though at the present moment it may seem like it's not the greatest, down the long run I'm sure it'll be for the better. I just need to put things back into perspective and realize that now's the best time to enjoy the downtime in my life and appreciate everyone and everything happening in it.

I'll be back in Boston in just over 24 hours and I can't wait to see the family and enjoy mom's cooking; I plan on giving my best friend the biggest hug I've ever given her in the 13 years I've shared my life with her; and I'm excited about keeping with tradition and doing all my Christmas shopping on Black Friday with my sister. But most importantly, I'm really happy about going back to my other home where I can reconnect with myself and enjoy Thanksgiving in a spirit and attitude that I can only wish to bring back and share with others in my new home here.

Have a fabulous Thanksgiving with loved ones and friends, and enjoy that turkey.

Update on Life with a Comic Book Twist

I had a dream last night. I had preordered tickets to a special exhibit at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts about comic books and its evolution, with a special guest appearance from the ghost of Captain America. I made it to the reservation desk to pick up my tickets, and lo and behold, they didn't have one available for me, even though I had proof of purchase. Unlike the actual museum, I could see the audience waiting in anticipation through glass walls for the event to begin. I guess you could actually call it a nightmare instead.

It's funny - I was wondering what may have spurred this, considering a part of my life just has stopped being creative, of sorts. I am in such a technical niche of the publishing world that there isn't any additional side writing or projects (granted, I've only been in Philadelphia for less than two months; I should try harder to find resources and outlets) going on in my life. Part of me wants to pick up where I left off in my epic graphic novel (minus the illustrations - yes, indeed, I'm that much a nerd that I want to write a graphic novel) that I started during the spring and that I really enjoyed writing, but I'm scared of failure (and partially because my writing instructor hated it - call that a blow to my already fragile ego, har har). Plus, isn't it time I grow up, I let go of childish addictions and obsessions, get rid of useless knowledge and pick up what's happening in the real world around me instead?

Sure, there's no arguing that I should really pay more attention to the world around me, but yeah, I can't let go of what was such a major part of my growing up. It's really hard to explain - call it creative stimulation, if you will.

I think I'm back on here writing about the idea of life and comic because John surprised me last week with the latest XBox 360 game, Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe. And can I just say how much I love fighting games, especially when you're a superhero? It's fabulous, though my thumbs have been very sore with trying to win and learn fatality moves (which I can NOT execute. Seriously, why won't it work for me? You have to see the moves though - the animated fight sequence is like watching a movie). Great game - I recommend it.

Another thing that I've noted in my wanderings around the city is that there aren't any good used bookstores or comic book stores. I saw one comic book store out near UPenn, but I'm never in that area so I doubt I could find it again. One of my coworkers found an article about an online store called Heavy Ink that sells comic books for those without a store they can call home away from home. Check it out, because I definitely might.

Next Big Adventure

I'm leaving Boston. I'm finally doing it, and it's putting me in quite the loop. In about 2.5 weeks I'll be in a car with the majority of my stuff and be off trying life in Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love. I sure hope that's true. I'm nervous and scared about being away from where I grew up, where my family and friends all live. But now's the time, right? Now I have to jump, otherwise I'll never know what I'm missing out...

Watchmen the movie

I can not wait. I first read Alan Moore's masterpiece when I was 15 years old, so over ten years ago, and to this day I still find it something to marvel at. The artwork is not exaggerated, adhering to proportions and realistic human form, but the characters and the storytelling is gripping. When V for Vendetta was first made, I was excited to see how that would translate as a film, and I can't say I was disappointed. But this is a classic, and if it's a cliche, cheesy, superhero movie akin to Superman Returns, it would be such a harsh slap in the face to comic book fans everywhere. Entertainment Weekly wrote an article about director Snyder's rendition of the graphic novel and in all honesty, it sounds pretty good. I'm excited. Enough so that I think that's next on my summer reading list. Might as well brush up on a good read.

Batman's Voice

I just wanted to state, for the record, that Kevin Conroy has the best Batman voice ever. End of story. I'm not the only one who recognizes his voice over as the appropriate one for the character (nevermind Christian Bale's snarl). Seriously, the voice is a big deal.

Fantasy galore

So I saw Hellboy: The Golden Army earlier this week and absolutely loved it. My fellow comic book buddy had joined me and said that realistic people like him, who liked relating to the source material would probably vouche for the first one, whereas idealistic people like me, who love diving into fantasy and letting their imagination run wild, would lean toward the second one. I'd say that's about right, for any Hellboy fan.

The first was a lot of back story and getting to know and understand the characters. There was more secrecy and possibility of Nazi-involvement in our current time, and it was intriguing, if somewhat silly by the end with the crazy squid creatures, but the second one was folk lore, plain and simple. Full of elves, fairies, and gods/goddesses, I have to say most of it is the director's doing, being similar to his fantastical creatures in Pan's Labyrinth (which I also loved!). But it worked, and it fit with the storyline and the mythology that is Hellboy. It worked, and the campy humor was well suited enough with a theme of being unaccepted and feared in society merely because you look different. Seriously, good stuff. The makeup, colors, and costumes were fabulous, and though it was made up between Mignola and del Toro, the original script worked to a proper whole. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves the fantasy genre.

BATMAN (Gotham Knight)!!

God, I love him. I'm not talking about Christian Bale (though he is hot), but about the actual character himself from the DC Universe. Batman is my idea of a man: dark-humored, brooding, dealing with inner demons and turmoil, yet kind-hearted, heroic, and beautiful in black. I have always loved him, from back when I was a kid watching Batman: the Animated Series. Kevin Conroy's voice was perfect for the laid-back playboy Bruce Wayne, and then the badass Dark Knight. Those men who are most mysterious are the most intriguing, you know.

I recall watching Justice League: The New Frontier a few months ago and liking the overall story behind the formation of the Justice League and Hal Jordan becoming the Green Lantern, but I hated whoever was cast to do Batman's voice. HATED it. I didn't realize how important a child's association with a particular animated character carries through to adulthood. Who I envisioned this fictional character was from the cartoon series and the voice was my connection to who I imagined him to be (somewhat) in real life. So when I saw a gaunt version of him and heard him, I was thrown and displeased with the choice. The rest of the movie was good, but the movie's portrayal of my favorite male comic book character was not.

By default, I feared Gotham Knight, the new animated Batman movie release. It's...interesting. Told in six chapters, it goes through the myth of who is Batman to the struggling emotional core of the character's soul to the embodiment of the superhero. Six different animators and voices take a stab at creatively rendering their interpretation of the Dark Knight. Unfortunately for me, only the last two chapters struck a cord. "Working Through Pain" and "Deadshot" were visually dark and more realistic, unlike the earlier anime-style (I'm sorry, I love anime, but not when it comes trying to fit Batman into a Sailor Moon-style - see below). The anime versions are edgier, grittier, most likely great portrayals of Batman's essence and inner turmoil, but it proved to be a little too much for me. Overall though, the viewer can really connect with the character and understand the pain that he goes through as Gotham's protector. The earlier chapters were interesting enough, but the last two chapters are what sells the DVD, if you're interested in watching it.

I still have yet to see The Dark Knight (do NOT call me a fake fan - these theaters have been ridiculous and I was bought out of my movie showing that I had bought tickets to in advance!), but I liked seeing the animated DVD first for just a bit of a reminder of what we're following now in the movie (they're different enough, but they follow the movie mythology over the comic book one). As its accompaniment, I'm beyond eager to see the second showing, especially with its take on The Killing Joke. Go Batman!

America's Superhero Complex

I read this article last week about how America is having an identity crisis with its onslaught of superhero movies. I suppose the writer was trying to dissect the way Americans are trying to relate with those who are unrelatable and trying to save the world from themselves. It got heavy into politics towards the end, which I suppose is something that is weighing heavily on American minds, but I feel it made the whole story go sour. Just as I had mentioned the great slew of movies that just came through this summer, each character is described with our country in mind. I don't know if I found it exactly accurate enough, and I can't exactly tell if the guys is a comic book fan (which is a shame, in my opinion, because if you're not a fan, DO NOT attempt to write about the genre), but it may be worth checking out. America's Identity Crisis and the Superhero.

Left With His Sinister Smile (a column)

Hollywood mourned the death of one of its young and talented, 28-year-old Heath Ledger, who died on January 22. But in his wake, his alter ego, the Joker, in next week's The Dark Knight, is emerging center-stage. When focusing on the movie’s central opposing figure as Batman’s nemesis, Ledger may have left the world not only with his final performance, but with a taste of the fictional villain brought to life.

Not having been a fan of comic books or comic book movies, it’s a wonder Ledger decided to take on the role of such a prominent character in the DC universe. With the expected green and purple suit, green hair, bleached skin, leering red-lipped smile, and that maniacal laugh, actually casting a skeptic of the comic medium seemed wrong. The comic book purist in me was definitely skeptical.

In an interview with the late Daniel Robert Epstein, Ledger said he gravitated to the villain and felt he had something to bring to the role. Known for his past performances, Ledger reinterpreted the character as a type of ruthless, psychotic, modern-day punk anarchist, a bit of a twist from the Joker of Alan Moore’s origin-story graphic novel, The Killing Joke, which director Christopher Nolan handed to Ledger for reference. Ledger himself also looked to Sex Pistol’s Sid Vicious and Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange for inspiration.

Looking back through years of comic book history, the character’s development seems typical of Hollywood - an interpretation of who the character is today. And there lies the problem. Would Ledger’s decision to run with the character alienate long-time comic fans? I, for one, did not doubt a strong performance, especially after reading how on set some actors began to fear Ledger’s intensity when in character, but if anything, the messy physical interpretation was not the Joker I knew.

Benn, manager of the New England Comics Brookline branch in Coolidge Corner, hoped Ledger would be able to pull off the character. Benn says, “Though he won’t admit it, the creator of the Joker [from the comic book world] had inspiration [of the character] from The Man Who Laughs. He’s almost the same guy,” referring to Conrad Veidt, the actor with the same smile in the 1928 film adaptation of Victor Hugo’s book.

Benn found The Dark Knight’s physical interpretation of the Joker an overall “neat take.” From movie stills, Ledger’s facial appearance is not at all clown-like and Benn likens the character to the Japanese movie, Ichi the Killer, which is about an insane assassin who cuts the sides of his mouth the same way as Ledger’s Joker (though not self-inflicted). “It’s a macabre way to make the smile bigger,” says Benn. The smeared white face paint is intended to enhance the razor cut smile and make it more sinister, as opposed to Cesar Romero’s 1966 take on the character for the campy TV show. In exchange for the garish purple suit, Ledger dons hints of purple and green that costume designer, Lindy Hemming, created from looking to pop culture, only reinforcing the movie’s approach in making it relatable.

At the Allston NEC branch on Harvard Avenue, manager Michelle was pretty excited about Ledger being cast. “A lot of customers are bummed out [about his death] but want to see the movie more…It’s the fucking Joker… He’s an insane genius. [Ledger’s death] only adds to the folk lore and mystery [that will surround the film],” and only encourage non-comic fans to see it.

She found Jack Nicholson’s performance in Tim Burton’s 1989 Batman good but goofy, not reaching that “thin lining of creepy craziness” that Ledger seems to achieve from what she’s read and seen so far. “The movie posters are such a taunting teaser, but behind the [Joker’s] shadow is a presence,” Michelle says. In reference to The Killing Joke, which DC is publishing a hard cover edition in celebration of its twenty-year run, she also thinks that “people familiar with the story and seeing Ledger’s performance will find it a nice nod to [Moore’s] graphic novel.”

Despite my initial reservations, my tune has changed. Following the old adage, you can’t judge a book by its cover, likewise I can’t be too critical of Ledger’s creative license with his character. Although not the Joker I’m familiar with, Ledger’s interpretation may be more accurate to the true villain, and though not here to witness the Joker’s reception, he’s already made quite the impression. And, as Michelle says best, “You can’t have Batman without the Joker.”

Comic book movies galore!

Let's talk about movies! Has this been the summer for comic book movie adaptations or what? I just saw The Hulk, with Ed Norton, this past weekend and have to say, not bad. Not bad at all. This second version is much better than Ang Lee's version, which tried too hard to be a comic book-translated movie. Instead of all that origin mumbo jumbo that took up half the movie in Lee's version, this one showed what happened through the credits and the Hulk made his appearance within 2 minutes of the film. MUCH better. So it takes off with him on the run, and can I just add that I love Edward Norton. He's a great actor, and I'm sure he'd have loved being the actual big green guy instead of its CG version if he could have. I'm not spoiling anything, but at the end there's the General's meeting with Stark in the bar, and that's the plug that probably got movie goers in the theaters since Iron Man was so damn successful. And yes, yes it was.

Iron Man was fabulous. I loved Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark. Yes, I was skeptical, considering I hadn't seen him on screen in a while and thought he wasn't suave enough for the playboy. But I was wrong. He was perfectly cast and I loved every minute of the film, even if the origin story took a while - it was still great. I highly recommend you rent the DVD when it comes out (lest it's still in theaters, in which case, GO!). And that suit - gorgeous! I want one. If they cast a woman sidekick, I'm signing up just to get one of those things. So sign me up for the next sequels staring these two characters (and the possible forthcoming clash that may take place when they make the S.H.I.E.L.D. movie, that was alluded to by Stark at the end of The Hulk).

Okay, the big ones that are coming up next are Hellboy and The Dark Knight. Hellboy I have a soft spot for since I interviewed his creator, Mike Mignola, and because it was directed by Guillermo del Toro, who made Pan's Labyrinth (which I also loved). A big red guy with a tail carrying a big gun sounds just like my kind of movie. Throw in some supernatural stuff, like fairies and elves, and you've got me sold. It's not everyone's cup of tea (and my mom would be horrified to know I actually endorsed watching demons on the big screen), but it's bound to be sheer entertainment. Never mind that though, let's talk about The Dark Knight.

I am SO excited. I can't wait til next week. Movie theaters have a 6 a.m. feature on opening day - no, I'm not that crazy, but I am seeing it opening weekend. It's going to be the creepiest thing possible seeing Ledger on the big screen again, but I'm all about the rivalry and the battle between the two nemeses. I wrote a paper about Ledger for class that I'll post next. Based off of Alan Moore's The Killing Joke (which you must own if you are a Batman fan), the darker Batman takes center stage and it's simply going to be amazing. Wired magazine wrote an article for this month about how Batman was filmed specifically for the IMAX theater, so it gives the movie goer the full picture experience of Gotham City. Too bad I get queasy when I sit in one of those half dome theaters, or I'd be there. July 11th's Entertainment Weekly also has a feature about the film. Everyone who is a fan is on edge and awaits in anticipation. This is our event of the year! Next year I anticipate Alan Moore's The Watchmen (read it) making it on the big screen, but right now, my attention is focused entirely on the man of my comic book dreams.

LAME

That's what I call myself when it comes to blogging. It's been two months, and of course there's been plenty to say, but I've not felt compelled enough to sort through it all and write it out. It's been those kind of months. Good ones though: I graduated with my Masters (thank God)...well, actually I walked in May but officially wrapped up last week after my final summer class. Whatever, details. I'm also in love, which is a great thing. Met the family and everything. And what do you know, I just turned 26 - I'm that much closer to 30. I'm still waiting for wisdom to slap me in the face, but it just doesn't work like that. It's a shame, really. Regardless, I'm officially on the other side of my mid-twenties, and I can't believe where the time has flown. This Saturday I've been with my company for four years - four years. That's been my longest commitment other than college. I started fresh out of college and here I am today. Life is happening way too fast, but there's no off switch, and it's kinda scary.

Then again, I can't complain. Life has been good. And when life is good, you don't tend to share it with others because it's comes across as being, well, kinda boring. You notice how people tend to share the bad more than the good? It's for that sympathetic ear and that release of pent-up energy that's been begging to come out. Yup, sorry, it's not happening here right now. Maybe next time (though the next one will be all about comic book movie adaptations - you have my word on it).

My Soul Can Take a Breather

I finished my last class for this semester. Passed in 44 pages of my new novel, talked about literary agents, and after next week's column final, am done. It's an amazing feeling. Well, there's technically a summer class, so in July I'll really be done, but regardless, the painful process of being stuck in classes interminably and doing homework nonstop can at least take a break for a few weeks.

I still managed to squeeze in some writing with the Phoenix. Apparently my soul needs grammar. I bet you yours needs it too, and the man to do the job will be at the Harvard Book store tomorrow night. Seriously folks, the English language is a beautiful thing.

So my trendsetting self (and I mean that with a high level of sarcasm) will begin the new month with "Happy May Day" to you all. I'm going to catch up on my sleep now.

Cheater, step off my man! (a column)

Infidelity is one of those dirty little words that can make any woman shudder. If you’re the adulterous and unfaithful doer, then perhaps it’s thrilling, but if you’re on the receiving end, it can be one of the worst and most enraging slaps in the face. Despite how much you trust him, you can’t help but worry and wonder where and with whom your man is when he hasn’t returned your third phone call or what he’s doing that’s more important than answering. The fear and suspicion is what’s maddening though. You can’t be 100 percent certain whether you should just take him at his word or if you should try to decipher any hidden or double meanings.

This leads us simply to be suspicious when he’s doing nothing at all. Take my boyfriend, a very charming, handsome, and funny guy, enough so that he wound up with a Saturday radio show gig. His talk show runs the topical gamut of politics, pop culture, legislation, and his girlfriend, who is a devoted listener (true story). His co-host, a “cougar,” as he jokingly calls her (an older woman on the prowl for younger men, although in his co-host’s case, she’s not the prowler-type), loves bringing me up to the point that it embarrasses him. Her latest prank was hosting a marriage advisor, without his knowledge, to discuss his missing the boat at 31 and being at the halfway point in our own relationship. After two years he has to decide whether we’re in for the long haul or parting ways.

Rescuing him from getting picked on by these two women, a caller we’ll identify as Paulette shares that she’s been happily married for 17 years and thinks he has nothing to worry about at his youthful age of 31. A typical caller response, I think nothing of it—until she tells him that he should dump me. What?! Earlier in the show he mentioned a night I showed up half-an-hour late to dinner (sorry, I was at a graphic novel signing, and you guys already know my obsession with comic books), and thinking I was rude and inconsiderate (which I was, and I apologized), he was ready to go home. Apparently Paulette agreed with him, but to the extent that she said I was disrespectful and he deserved better.

Wow. Dump me over a 30-minute delay and disregard the last year of sharing our lives. Annoyed, I bring this up with him, but he says pay no mind to it—she’s just a caller. So I don’t…that is, until the next morning, when he emails me that Paulette had called him at work at 8 a.m. to say she’s sorry that the women on the show made fun of him, but she’s in support of him and thinks he’s funny. He didn’t know whether to be flattered or scared that she tracked him down.

This woman had guts. First, a caller’s response on a Saturday is no big deal, but to actually go through the trouble of hunting someone down instantly sends a red flag. And happily married? I think not. Not if you’re going to call a talk show host at work to give him support about an inconsequential talk show hour that he’s already forgotten. And that’s when the warning bell goes off—she’s a cougar after my cub (theoretically, my man).

It’s no secret that marriages can become stale and predictable and each partner craves that excitement or chase, but I hadn’t expected a married woman to come on to my man on public radio (and then on his private line). He told me I had nothing to fear, which I do believe, but that still got me thinking, seriously, cheater or wanna-be-one, step off!

Some women who love the game just have to go after the harder target—the taken one. They’ll wiggle their way for a man’s attention just to feed their egos. They don’t care if they ruin happy homes, and surely, their own husbands don’t realize they live in ruined homes. But in defense of the cheaters, it’s said they just can’t stop cheating. Around 70 percent of women initiate divorces because of their dissatisfaction with their current relationships. By then, a good number have already had an adulterous affair. There is even a website promoting a book about female infidelity and understanding why you just have to do it. The support system for the cheater is remarkable.

But I have no tolerance, nor should I. Thankfully, I’m secure enough in my relationship to know Paulette would not lure my boyfriend at all. Cougars just aren’t his type. And aside from my getting suspicious that there are possibilities out there to lead him astray, I accept it as just a fact of life while women continue to walk the earth. I’ll still cringe at the idea of infidelity affecting my happy home, but Paulette’s not going to be the one to do it.

Hellboy! etc...

I was told that I should write on my blog more often. I find this space more for self-release and musings, than anything else, but if there are folks who enjoy what I feel compelled to share, fabulous. Read on.

My second short for The Boston Phoenix printed today, titled Raising Hellboy about Mike Mignola's wisecracking paranormal detective from the underworld, Hellboy (read my blog post "Just a Tad Nervous..." below for an idea what I'm talking about and for a visual of the comic book character).

Mignola's and director Guillermo del Toro have their second movie release, Hellboy II: The Golden Army, coming to theaters July 11th. That's a nice belated birthday present, if I say so myself. This was a fun piece to write, so enjoy. OR, even better, pick up the comic book.

Checking Out

I don't understand how some people can function without going on vacation every few weeks/months. Seriously, call this my stating an obvious fact for those of us still in graduate school, but you reach your breaking point and all you can do is seriously just check out and leave before your brain melts. That's how I feel right now. I'm finally done for the week and am out of here in the morning, and it couldn't have come at a better time.

Don't get me wrong—life has been pretty good in terms of relationships, school, and work. But when everything starts piling on top of one another at a frightening pace, I tend to freeze up and want to escape. I just hit that point, and it's really funny how well timed tomorrow's flight is.

Yeah, quit my whining and my weeping, you're going away! I know, but that's not my point—I'm not rubbing that fact in. I just wanted to be very clear in expressing how thankful I am that sometimes, when it's most needed, life can be somewhat put on hold.

Thank God.

Just a Tad Nervous...

So it's no big secret that I like to write—it's a bit of an ego-trip for any writer to see their byline in print. It's likewise no big secret that I'm a comic book fan, though I've moved from the mainstream superhero genre that rules the Marvel and DC universes into much more darker and off-color graphic novels and story lines. Everything pales in comparison to Neil Gaiman's The Sandman and for those who know my spending habits well enough, against my better judgment of saving my rebate check, I will be spending it on these marvelous statue bookends of my favorite fictional characters ever, Dream and Death.



In short, combine the two together, my love of writing and of comic books, and there you go, it's a match perfectly made for me. So in my quest of working on this perfect marriage, I'm keeping an eye out for anything comic book-related in the media, which is actually no small matter since there's become a big craze lately about all things superhero: March 10th's The New Yorker had a "Reflections" piece by Michael Chabon about superheroes, and the New York MET will be running an exhibit about superheroes influencing fashion from May through September. Books keep coming out about the medium (i.e., David Hajdu's The Ten-Cent Plague: The Great Comic-Book Scare and How It Changed America, who will be speaking at the Brattle Theater on Thursday, April 3rd, at 6pm, sponsored by The Harvard Bookstore) and Art New England just ran a feature about the beginnings of graphic novels in their February/March 08 issue, so now's my time to shine, right? I just need to nail a few pieces about the genre and then I'll be on my way...to what though?

I remember when my biggest dream was working for DC or Marvel when I grew up—I didn't know in what capacity. I suppose it would have been as an editor or writer, since that's my thing now, but is that the direction I'm going in? I have an interview with Hellboy (pictured below) creator, Mike Mignola (who will be at the ICA also on Thursday, April 3rd, at 6:30pm), in an hour, for a Q&A in the March 27th edition of The Boston Phoenix and I'm scared. Yes, I did the research, have my questions, know my stuff, but I can't help feeling nervous and downright scared. I suppose not about the interview so much, but about where I'm actually going and what my future goals are. I don't know anymore...I just don't know. But hell, as scared as I am, boy are the possibilities exciting.

Graphic Novelist Q & A

Friends, I can finally say I made it and am in with the big dogs now.


Adrian Tomine will be speaking next week Thursday at 6pm at the Brattle Theater in Harvard Square, Cambridge, to promote his first graphic novel Shortcomings. Read my Q&A with Tomine in The Boston Phoenix.

I strongly encourage any comic geeks to attend. It should be a good time.

Damn old Valentine's Day

I have always had a problem with Valentine’s Day. No, not because I was dumped on the day, nor am I single or an embittered ex-girlfriend. I have always disliked the expectations surrounding the holiday and how it is so over-rated. This is the day to declare devoted love for your significant other — men shower their women with gifts and “sincere” attention, while women don their sexiest lingerie for a wild and crazy night. So many expectations all for one day and night, never mind the other 364 days of the year. And the commercialism! It’s simply ludicrous how much chocolate is produced, flowers bought, heart-shaped products created, and jewels sold.

Maybe I’m overreacting, except that when channel-surfing this past weekend, I noticed that all the commercials seemed to cater to the holiday. Take, for example, Nivea Smooth Sensations lotion, which asked the viewer, “What’s the difference between Valentine’s Day and Valentine’ night? Smoothness” — and then a happy couple rolls around in bed, with their legs entwined. Yes, because lotion will enhance my time in bed with my man (though I suppose dry skin can be a turn off). Or my favorite, KY brand Intrigue, whose tagline is, “To enhance your most intimate moments…Happy Valentine’s Day.” Can we please cater more to sex, please. And I won’t even get into the movies featured on cable (Serendipity, Bridget Jone’s Diary, Shakespeare in Love) or the emails I’ve been getting (Chronicle Books “Love is in the Air” email publicizing Real Life Romance). Enough already, right? I get the point that I need to buy stuff, need to pamper my body for my man, need to watch other people’s love lives in misery to appreciate my own.

But then, one of two things happened that changed my entire view about the holiday. I happened to fall on that TV series that all women are obsessed with called Sex and the City. And for whatever reason, call it Cupid hitting me with an arrow to stop my grumbling, I stay on the channel and watch a few episodes. I’ve never had any interest in the storyline about four posh, single women taking New York and its men by storm. Boy, am I floored. Yes, there are women having sex, one-night stands, sex, finding love, and did I say sex? But there’s a key difference atypical to just four women trying to find love (and sex)—they’re actually enjoying their singleness at the same time. These are strong, single women who want men but don’t need them. Screw the holiday bonanza that’s happening everywhere else in the world, on TV, online, and in stores—these four fictional characters are going through life as women should, without needing the candy-coated holidays to enjoy the thrills and frills of being a women whom men should appreciate.

But my second reason for a sudden change of heart about holiday’s relevance is my boyfriend. A great guy in general, who is overall very generous, charming, and sweet, yet unfortunately, he has a medical condition I refer to as emotional constipation. In simpler terms, it’s a case of insensitivity. Men—they’re great in some departments, yet lacking in others. He had shared the same sentiments as I about the holiday: it’s over-rated, it’s just a commercial holiday to help everyone make money, and it rubs in single people’s faces that they’re alone. We had agreed to treat it like any other day, have our usual date night out, without any expectations from each other.

Then I hear him on the radio (he hosts a radio show on Boston’s WRKO) telling listeners how I’m making it a big deal and, “isn’t it enough that I’m spending time with her, returning her phone calls, and not running game” (the equivalency of not cheating)? Excuse me? Should I be thankful? Should I be content with knowing that men everywhere might share this same notion that aren’t they doing enough for women by just being with us? I think not. And if this is the holiday where it’s a forced appreciation day, fine, I’m for it. It saddens me that it is so commercialized, but apparently men need a reminder that women should be appreciated. Dote on us, send us flowers, tell us you love us, while we remind ourselves that this is our day to feel special.

Yes, my boyfriend is in trouble, and am I going to milk it for all its worth? Yes. Why? Because I deserve it.