#And the post about the evolution of her attitude towards magic that I started yesterday got long and unwieldy

[acesydneysage]

Sydney's descriptions of Adrian in each book

@vablappreciationweek Favorite ship: Sydrian

In my Demi!Sydney masterpost I mentioned how, in her first description of Adrian, she notices that he's handsome, but describes him in a more detached way, comparing him to a work of art:

The speaker was a Moroi guy, a little older than me, with dark brown hair that had undoubtedly been painstakingly styled to look messy. Unlike Keith's ridiculously over-gelled attempts, this guy had actually done it in a way that looked good. Like all Moroi he was pale, and had a tall lean build. Emerald green eyes studied us from a face that could have been sculpted by one of the classical artists I so admired. Shocked, I dismissed the comparison as soon as it popped into my head. This was a vampire, after all. It was ridiculous to admire him the way I would some hot human guy.

Now compare that to her description of him in The Golden Lily, after they already have some emotional attachment:

His sarcasm aside, he looked supremely delighted to see us. He had the tall, lean build that most Moroi guys did, along with their typically pale (though not Strigoi-pale) skin. I hated to admit it, but he was more good-looking than he had any right to be. He wore his dark brown hair stylishly messy and had eyes that sometimes seemed too green to be real. Adrian had on one of those button-up printed shirts that were trendy with guys lately, with a blue pattern on it I liked. He smelled like he’d been smoking recently, which I didn’t like.

It's less dramatic, but much more involved, in my opinion. This got me thinking about the topic, and this is now a compilation of Sydney's first full description of Adrian in each book. It gets adorable and it gets sad.

In the plane in The Indigo Spell, when she's absolutely not halfway in love with him already, no sir:

I was watching the attendant fasten an oxygen mask when a familiar and intoxicating scent washed over me. [...] I kept sneaking glances out of the corner of my eye, partly to see if he was looking at me and partly just to study his features. He was the same Adrian as ever, annoyingly good looking with his tousled brown hair and sculpted face. I vowed I wouldn’t speak to him, but when I noticed he hadn’t written anything in a while and was tapping his pen loudly on the tray, I couldn’t help myself.

Don't you sneak admiring glances at your friends?

In The Fiery Heart Sydney is in full hormonal teen mode, unable to focus on the meeting where she's about to join a witch coven because she's distracted thinking about making out with her vampire boyfriend (look how far my baby has come):

After a lifetime of praising myself for stoically adhering to mind over matter, I was kind of astonished that someon as cerebral as me would take to physical activity as quickly as I had. Sometimes I tried to rationalize it as a natural animal response. But really, I just had to face the truth. My boyfriend was insanely sexy, vampire or not, and I couldn't keep my hands off him.

In Silver Shadows, on the other hand, actual physical descriptions are set aside in favor of ripping my heart out of my chest. First looking at a picture:

I had no idea where she’d gotten the picture, and I didn’t care. My heart leapt as I looked into their smiling faces, faces I loved and had missed so terribly. I’d imagined their faces countless times, but there was no substituting the actual image. I took in every detail: the way the light played off Adrian’s hair, the way Jill’s lips curved in a shy smile. I had to swallow back a wave of emotion welling up within me. Maybe Sheridan had meant to punish me by showing them, but it actually came off as more of a reward—until she spoke again.

Then when she actually sees him in person:

They fell out of my line of sight, and suddenly, my vision was filled with the most beautiful image I could have hoped for: Adrian. For a few seconds, that doubt plagued me again, that this was just one more deception on the Alchemists’ part. But no, there he was before me. Adrian. My Adrian, gazing down with those piercing green eyes. I felt an ache in my chest as emotion momentarily overcame me. Adrian. Adrian was here, and I fumbled to find something to say, some way to convey all the love and hope and fear that had built within me these last few months. “Are you in a suit?” I managed at last, my voice choking up. “You didn’t have to dress up for me.” “Quiet, Sage,” he said. “I’ll make the hilarious one-liners during this daring rescue.” His eyes, warm and full of love, held mine for a moment, and I thought I would melt.

The Ruby Circle is still kind of sad, since Adrian got hate crimed, but it's a sweet ending to this compilation:

There was nothing more I could say as I helped wipe blood and dirt from Adrian’s face with a damp cloth, brushing aside wayward pieces of chestnut hair. He gave me his devil-may-care smile and still managed to look dashing, despite his bedraggled state. [...] Looking at Adrian now, I felt a surge of love well up within me, despite our earlier tension. I could no longer imagine a life without him in it. It was impossible.

We start with cute for an evil creature of the night and end with I can't imagine my life without him.

I think the compilation turned out to be a nice little map of their relationship, so here's this quick thing I made, because I got caught up in the day 2 prompt and didn't prepare properly for the rest of the week. TBF my favorite character, ship and platonic relationship were on that fic.

[khelinski]

Covfefe - 2020 edition

Me: Haha. I just created a new covfefe piece!

Person. (Of all time, your Favorite President). Woman. (Weak, grab 'em by the pussy). Man. (Putin, treated unfairy). Camera. (Covfefe). TV. (Fake news).

The world whispers in my ear: You are so ten years ago in Trump time.

-Declares war against TicToc because CHI-NA and TicToc users embarrassingly trolled him.

-Declares war against mail-in voting ballots (despite him NEVER visiting a voting booth since 2004, after embarrassing himself in an Access Hollywood video (again)).

-Continues to golf while people are dying/being thrown in unmarked vehicles, and kids are STILL being held in cages near the border.

-Oh, and he proposed for the election to be postponed...which shouldn't be a surprise to anyone that actually paid attention when he 'joked' that he should be President for life.

Me: Come on, orange man. I can't keep up with you and your wannabe dictatorship.  

The world: 'America, fuck yeah' mentality had it coming. But it is starting to freak us out. Could you, like, stop.

Me: We are trying.

Random whiny white Trump supporter: THANK YOU, PRESIDENT TRUMP!!!! THANK GOD YOU ARE MY PRESIDENT!!! TRUMP 2020!

President Trump on Fox News: Person. Woman. Man. Camera. TV.

Random whiny white Trump supporter: He is so smart!

Me: Fuck me!

The world: Fuck me.

K.H.; 8/3/2020.

***

Riddle me this - why is it easier for some to believe that Hillary Clinton ran a sex ring operation at a pizza parlor and Tom Hanks is involved in an international pedophile operation (all debunked) than it is to believe that Donald J. Trump is sleazy (his tweets/interviews/the drivel that comes out of his mouth is obvious enough)?

I once wrote a short story about the world being sucked into a black hole in 2012. I am starting to think it actually happened.

K.H.; 7/30/2020.

***

Dear Governor Ron DeSantis (or do you prefer DeathSantis?),

I am posting this video as a reminder of who you were. Were. Not are. Or are you still the buffoon that is in this video? It’s obvious why you put out a video like this during the campaign. It’s obvious which base you were aligning yourself with. And it’s been obvious that your cocky attitude toward Covid-19 (and Fox News/the current President prematurely praising you months ago) put you in the position you are in now: fucked.

You just lost your big party that was going to reside in Jacksonville in August.

All major theme parks cancelled their fall events this year.

Oh, and the realitycheck of it all – Covid-19 numbers are up. So is the death rate. Not so fun fact: death rates affect your voters, regardless if it’s your base or not. Just sayin’.

Now is the time to stop being a Donald Trump twin and actually start to lead. Listen to health experts, for one.

I know at this point, might be too late to roll back the reopening phases. But it’s never too late to mandate masks. I know, I know. The whitey-righty-tighty’s are just going to love that. They will throw tantrums, spit, swear, maybe even whip out a knife or gun because they feel their freedoms are being infringed. Afterall, this is the same America (with the same kind, considerate, empathetic group of people) that were hoarding toilet paper in their stockpile just five months ago. [America, the brave - America, the proud.] They are not exactly a bunch that will be inspired by this new way of life. But, I don’t know, if you, perhaps, possibly, maybe, lead by example – your loyal subjects, ahem, voters, will get behind you.  

But – if DeathSantis has a nice ring to your legacy…continue talking out of your ass and ignoring the problem. That was what the current President was doing for a while. The realitycheck was too much for him to ignore.

K.H.; 7/24/2020.

***

I do have a perfect drinking game for his ‘televised rallies,’ ahem, ‘Covid-19 briefings'…

Take two shots of disinfectant every time he says ‘tremendous,’ ‘we’re doing a great job,’ ‘we’re doing a beautiful job,’ ‘best in the world.’ Take three shots of orange koolaid laced with cheap tequila every time he says ‘CHI-NAA,’ ‘dem-a-crate,’ and ‘fake news.’ Take forty-five shots of Russian Vodka every time he praises Vladimir Putin. And take half a jar of covfefe water every time he pouts or leans as if he is constipated.

K.H.; 7/24/2020.

***

I have no opinion about school's opening up now (or in the fall). I am not a teacher. And I don't have kids (at this point, I am thankful - sorry, not sorry).

But between the Trump wannabe running Florida that proclaims that if Walmart/restaurants are open, schools should be too (and like Trump, ignoring the Covid-19 numbers) & leaving out the fact that Walmart/restaurants have adjusted their operations/hours/or even closed up if Covid-19 affects their/guests well-being; and the politicians (on either side of the fence) that don't shed tears anytime a mass school shooting occurs, but demands schools to be open right this millisecond during an world-wide outbreak - that is a grim reality one has to serious think about, friends.

I would leave it to the health experts to argue whether it's too soon or wait a bit.

Donald Trump is 1/100% right about one thing. School is important. You don't want to become President someday and be unable to speak or spell coherently.

Kids around the world - don't be like the current President of the United Shates. Eat your vegetables. Don't pay someone to do your homework. Also, don't pay hookers to keep their mouth shut. Also, don't participate in locker room talk if you are being recorded (or not being recorded - just don't do it). Also, don't be a racist. Also, don't bring up history when you haven't learned anything from history. In other words, be better for our future than what is currently the standard of 'a stable genius.'

K.H.; 7/10/2020.

***

The year is 2021. After Joe Biden wins the 2020 election, and Donald Trump's reluctance to leave the White House – only leaving when he was told by Sean Hannity that he needs to leave, because, you know, that’s the law, and Donald Trump only listens to Sean Hannity for Presidential advice – Sleepy Grandpa Joe is sworn in.

Just before he finishes being sworn in, Kayne West shows up, interrupts the inauguration, and says:

“Yo Joe, I’m really happy for you, I’ll let you finish, but Trump was one of the best Presidents of all time. One of the best Presidents of all time! My tacky red #MAGA hat makes me feel like Superman. And you all need to praise God – for I am the savior of saviors, the most original artist of all times and I am going to call myself P-Diddy-Tupuc-The Artist, formally known as Prince Kayne West.”

Everyone looks shocked, except Donald Trump, who has a creepy smile on his face. It’s the same facial expression he gives anytime he is around his daughter.

The end (of times).

K.H.; 7/5/2020.

***

I am surprised (but not really) that the whole 'Killary/...but her emails' crowd are not in a complete and utter outrage over Russia's bounty on our soldiers. Covfefe-itis - out of sight, out of mind? 

K.H.; 6/29/2020.

***

I have no opinion about Splash Mountain, much like I have no opinion about Confederate flags/statues, or grocery store items being rephased.

But, I am still raw with emotion in regards to The Great Movie Ride. Just sayin'.

Seriously, I don't have much of an opinion of the matter. Though I am currently residing in central Florida, I grew up in the north - in which, from my recollection, won the civil war. I never understood the appeal/romanticizing of a flag that represented America's low-point in history. Then again, I never understood why there is still a group of people that quotes the bible in the same breath they will shout, 'Jews will not replace us.'

We, as humans, evolve (contrary to some that proclaim evolution does not exist), we keep learning. What we thought was acceptable yesterday is not acceptable today. And what is acceptable today, will not be acceptable tomorrow. That is not liberal-speak, that is fact. Just study history (also, contrary to belief - history is not being erased, for books still exist). And books (literature) of yesteryear often has a foreword or afterword, with added context/intent to explain the times in which the book was written in.

K.H.; 6/25/2020.

***

*breathes in, breathes out*

Covid-19isnotahoax,it'sstillhereandkillin'lives.Don'ttakeadvicefromamanthatcan'tspellhamburgerandthinkswindmillscausescancer.

*breathes in, breathes out*

Blacklivesdomatter.Ifalllivesdidmatterassomeproclaim,whataboutthosekidsthatarestillincagesneartheborder?

*breathes in, breathes out*

PresidentTrump'sracism,arrogance,andthin orangeskinisveryclear.Justreadandlistentohisrecentinterviews,tweets.

*breathes in, breathes out*

Lifeistrulyprecious.Dothethingsyoulove.

*breathes in, breathes out*

Forthosethatneedit,*hugs*

Thatisall.

K.H.; 6/18/2020.

***

A man in a white robe, sandals, and long hair walks down 16th Street. This man is dark skin, Middle Eastern, a Jew, and believes in ‘love your enemy, love your neighbor.’ The whites would see him as a threat, just by the look of him – and demand for him to be locked up, taken away, shipped out of the country. The President would label him a terrorist in a Tweet. And yet – he is the symbol of everyone that misinterprets his teachings.

Scholars would debate he even existed. Whether he existed or not, the Son of God’s complete persona has been cherry-picked to fit a person’s agenda (political or otherwise – even though, according to religious people – faith can’t be politicized, even though, it is since the dawn of religion). The hypocrisy of faith being good grows generation to generation as people rationalize evil ‘in the name of God.’ The sad, long history of genocide, rape, misogyny, racism, pedophilia is often associated with a religious fanatic, twisting words of so-called ‘faith’ into propaganda. This is nothing new. And yet, it keeps happening.

Now, imagine if you will - Jesus magically appears (poof) – as the prophecy proclaims. He doesn’t descend from the sky, but instead, walks down 16th street or Main Street or any street in this country. He is dark skin, Middle Eastern, a Jew, and believes in ‘love your enemy, love your neighbor.’ Given the prejudice that already exists in regards to skin color – do you really think the country that loves to throw ‘God and America’ on the same Made in China baseball hat, would be open arms to Jesus? They might be open to bare arms, but I don’t think they would be welcoming.

I don’t mean to offend anyone - yet, I am utterly confused why, after all this time (and years and decades and centuries), the conservative side of the fence prides itself having faith and Jesus on their side, when the very things they are against (or for) are anti-Jesus.

Of course, that is the perception of an Atheist (me). If I am completely off-base here, fine - ignore and scroll along.

But, once again - Jesus = a Middle Eastern man, who happens to be a Jew, dark skin, and believes in ‘love your enemy, love your neighbor’ walks down the street at the same time a handful of protestors are being tear-gassed so the President of the United States can lean (not stand) next to a church and have pictures flash at him as he is awkwardly holding a bible…W.W.J.D.?

K.H.; 6/6/2020.

***

Once upon a time, there was no racism at all. I CAN’T BREATHE. Everyone got along with each other. I CAN’T BREATHE. There was no indifference, intolerance, and prejudices against anyone. I CAN’T BREATHE. People saw people as people. I CAN’T BREATHE. A person’s individuality was his or her self-worth, and everyone was worthy of being worthy. I CAN’T BREATHE. There were conflicting opinions about various topics, but were debated openly through philosophical discussions. I CAN’T BREATHE. Police existed to give that occasional speeding ticket, and to keep law & order in case those philosophical discussions turn hostile. I CAN’T BREATHE. I am not a racist. I CAN’T BREATHE. But. I CAN'T BREATHE. All lives matter. I CAN’T BREATHE. If only they protested peacefully. I CAN’T BREATHE. They are thugs. I CAN’T BREATHE. And I am perfect. I CAN’T BREATHE. #MAGA loves black people. I CAN’T BREATHE. The shooting starts when the looting starts. I CAN’T BREATHE. Blue lives matter. I CAN’T BREATHE. My life (only) matters. I CAN’T BREATHE. Racism doesn't exist. I CAN'T BREATHE.

"I. CAN’T. BREATHE." - George Floyd, 46.

5/31/2020.; K.H.

***

Rebuttal Myself, gaslight, and #maga!

“My fellow Americans…it seems the fake news and lamestream media, excluding Fox News, which is neither fake or lame – is running a story that I, President Donald Trump, the best President there ever was and will ever be, told Americans to inject themselves with disinfectant. I never said that. I hardly knew the guy that said that. The person that said that was a day less stable and less of a genius. That person is smarter now. I, afterall, surround myself with the best people. And I consider myself the best. I know it. And you know it too. We are doing great things, amazing things, tremendous things. Numbers are up, numbers are down, highest polls in the history of polls. And the ratings - better than Obama's! I could be golfing or holding rallies or doing great trade deals with other countries that don’t screw us. I could be with my friend, Rocket Man, who is very sick right now. You fake people aren’t running stories about that. Instead, every evening, I come in here and talk to you fake people. You are fake. You are hacks. You are scum. Your reporting is mediocre. Everyday, you run a story about how President Donald Trump is doing a bad job. And I, out of everyone, know President Donald Trump is doing a good job. I talk to him everyday. I never said the things I said, and don’t mean the things I mean. You people should be ashamed of yourself – running such fake stories about the President. I mean, if another person was President like me, and did exactly what a President like me would do, I wouldn’t be running fake stories about myself. This is an unprecedented time. The Invisible Enemy of the people is with us. Not you fake people, although, you are still Enemy of the People. No – the Covfefe Virus is still with us. I called it the Chinese Virus for a while, because, that is where it came from. We are working on repercussions right now. Something severe, but not too severe. We still do trade deals with them. They’ve been screwing us for years, but they still make my 100% American Made in China Make America Great Again appeal, which is 50% off by the way, Covfefe virus discount. Now, I will take questions. But before you fake people ask your terrible questions – remember that you are scum, fake, and have no morals at all. Also remember to lower your voice, stay calm, don’t shout, don’t whisper either, don’t be fakey fake fake, and thank your President for all the hard work your hard working President does.” – The Calmer in Chief

K.H.; 4/24/2020.

***

LIBERATE THOSE KIDS IN CAGES NEAR THE BORDER. LIBERATE YOUR TAX RETURNS. LIBERATE TRUTH (and save your freedom of the press - it's being under siege by you)*

*(sorry, not sorry).

K.H.; 4/17/2020.

***

Phase One – Assemble and get down with the sickness.

Phase Two – Age of Apocalypse.

Phase Three – Infinity [Number of cases] War & Endgame.

Phase Four – Spin offs and delays of life.

Phase Five - ….

Phase Six – Mutants.

K.H.; 4/16/2020.

***

'Cocoon 3: Covfefe and No Malarkey, Pass that Geritol!'

Plot: A 78 year old man dropped out of a brawl at the back of a hole-in-the-wall bar to win the heart of lucky Lady Liberty, leaving a 77 year old and a 73 year old in it to corrupt her, ahem, win her.

K.H.; 4/8/2020.

[gokinjeespot]

off the rack #1154

Monday, March 6, 2017

 Another successful Capital Trade Show with my partner Chris yesterday at the Jim Durrell Recreation Centre. Saw a few more folks that I haven't seen for a while stop by our table. The next one is on April 2 and we hope to be there.

 Congratulations to Brent for 32 years of comic book goodness at The Comicshop in Vancouver. He and Keith continue the proud traditions that Ron Norton established and I wish them many more years to come.

 America #1 - Gabby Rivera (writer) Joe Quinones (pencils) Joe Rivera & Paolo Rivera (inks) Jose Villarrubia (colours) Travis Lanham (letters). Marvel is really loading the racks with female heroes these days and the latest to join the ranks with her own solo book is the leader of the Ultimates. I don't read that book so excuse my ignorance about this woman. The last time I saw her was when she was a Young Avengers team member. Gabby starts this off by having America go to college which was very similar to the Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #1. We do get a peek at her civilian life as America breaks up with her girlfriend before leaving for college. I thought she was a jerk about it and that started me into not liking her much. Then she meets up with an old Young Avengers teammate and a time travel element is added. That's when I said "hasta la vista, baby". I'm not hip enough to enjoy this book but I think the cool kids will like it.

 Savage Things #1 - Justin Jordan (writer) Ibrahim Moustafa (art) Jordan Boyd (colours) Josh Reed (letters). This is more up my ally. A dangerous dark ally where you could be attacked by a government sanctioned homicidal maniac. The flashbacks show us Cain and Abel being recruited as boys and the present shows them exposing the bad guys they used to work for. Both were part of a covert team of killers that did the government's bidding. I want to see what they're up to now.

 Rat Queens #1 - Kurtis J. Wiebe (writer) Owen Gieni (art) Ryan Ferrier (letters). Yay, the Queens are back on the racks. What happened to Violet's beard? Doesn't matter because that great camaraderie that the Queens have is the same as I remember and that's why I like these gals so much. This new adventure has them fighting a giant Canada Goose with amazing powers. Whoa and zut alors, I can't wait to see what happens next.

 Totally Awesome Hulk #1.MU - This Monsters Unleashed! Tie-in has three short stories and the main reason that I grabbed it off the rack to read is because of the first one called "Flawless Victory" is by Bryan Edward Hill (writer) Ty Templeton (art) Mat Lopes (colours) VC's Cory Petit (letters). Ty and I go way back and I always enjoy his work. If you're a comic book geek like me you should check out his blog at https://tytempletonart.wordpress.com/bun-toons/. He posts almost every week and his stories are a lot of fun, just what comics books should be. The second story "Mind Over Monster" by Bryan Edward Hill (writer) Ricardo Lopez Ortiz (art) Rico Renzi (colours) VC's Cory Petit (letters) has Hulk saving South Korea from Xemnu, he of the spiral eyes. The last story "Math is Magic" by Leah Williams (writer) Jahnoy Lindsay (art) Esther Sanz (colours) VC's Cory Petit (letters) features Maddy Cho trying to find help with fighting the Leviathons that are landing on Earth and destroying everything. Maddy contacts Lady Hellbender the Monster Queen but what the monster collector tells her does not bode well for Earth. I liked how Jahnoy tried to mimic Frank Cho's style when drawing Lady Hellbender.

 Riverdale One Shot - This features four of the Riverdale teens and boy are they different from the old Archie gang. If you haven't watched the TV show on the CW network this might get you to tune in. "Archie" by Brian E. Paterson (writer) Elliot Fernandez (art) Thomas Chu (colours) John Workman (letters) will shock you with the affair with Ms. Grundy that you may have heard about. "Betty" by Britta Lundin (writer) Jim Towe (art) Glenn Whitmore (colours) Janice Chiang (letters) has my guilty crush Ms. Cooper going to L.A. for a summer internship. "Veronica" by James DeWille (writer) Thomas Pitilli (art) Andre Szymanowicz (colours) John Workman (letters) surprised me again because she and her family are Hispanic. "Jughead" by Will Ewing (writer) Alitha Martinez (pencils) Bob Smith (inks) Andre Szymanowicz with Thomas Chu (colours) Janice Chiang (letters) changed my attitude towards Archie's best friend. I won't watch the show because I don't like who they cast as Betty. They had a chance to usurp Winnie Cooper from The Wonder Years as my biggest TV Cooper crush but they failed. I would definitely read another comic book about these guys though.

 Royal City #1 - Jeff Lemire (writer & artist) Steve Wands (letters). I really like Jeff's stories. Trillium amazed me with some of the ways Jeff used his art to tell that story. Essex County made me feel very Canadian. Old Man Logan made me care about Wolverine again. Here we have a story about a family with one missing sibling and it's hard to categorize. At first I thought it was a ghost story but it's much more than that. The Pike family seems typical but their brother Tommy makes them unique. This gets added to my "must read" list.

 Doctor Strange #18 - Jason Aaron (writer) Chris Bachalo (pencils & colours) Al Vey, Tim Townsend, John Livesay & Victor Olazaba (inks) VC's Cory Petit (letters). The answer to "where's Wong?" is revealed. This is a team-up with the Mighty Thor and because Jason writes both books he gave Thor another new cool super power to help save lives and made it look natural. It's very far fetched but it's neat that he thought it up. Now the task of saving Wong from the villain Mr Misery starts in earnest.

 Superman #18 - Peter J. Tomasi & Patrick Gleason (writers) Patrick Gleason (pencils) Mick Gray (inks) John Kalisz (colours) Rob Leigh (letters). Part 1 of "Superman Reborn" gets deeper into two mysteries that have been teasing us since Rebirth started. The other Clark Kent and the hooded guy with the scythe. I really like the new Superman family with Lois and Jon and I hope DC doesn't go back to the single Superman. If they do, I want a new book like Marvel did with Peter, Mary Jane and Annie. I hated when Marvel unmarried Peter and Mary Jane.

 Paper Girls #12 - Brian K. Vaughn (writer) Cliff Chiang (art) Matt Wilson (colours) Jared K. Fletcher (letters). It's handy to have a universal translator. There's got to be an app for that now right?

 Clone Conspiracy Omega - there are three complete stories in this finale to the most recent clone kerfuffle. "Collateral Damage" by Dan Slott & Christos Gage (writers) Cory T. Smith (art) Justin Ponsor (colours) VC's Joe Caramagna (letters) sets Ben Reilly the Scarlet Spider up with his new solo book out April 26 where he chases after himself. Huh? You have to read "Give Us a Wink" by Peter David (writer) Mark Bagley (pencils) John Dell (inks) Jason Keith (colours) VC's Joe Caramagna (letters) to find out what I mean. And finally "King's Favor" by Dan Slott (writer) Stuart Immonen (pencils) Wade von Grawbadger (inks) Richard Isanove (colours) VC's Joe Caramagna (letters) sets up the return of Spider-Man's greatest enemy. How are they going to explain that comeback?

 Batman #18 - Tom King (writer) David Finch (pencils) Danny Miki (inks) Jordie Bellaire (colours) John Workman (letters). It's good issues like this one that reward me for sticking to a book the I like through some weaker issues. The fight between Batman and Bane juxtaposed with the evolution of each man as they grew older intensified the growing anger of the villain with each page. I can't wait to see the next phase of Batman's plan.

 Hawkeye #4 - Kelly Thompson (writer) Leonardo Romero (art) Jordie Bellaire (colours) VC's Joe Sabino (letters). I was thinking about benching this book once this first story arc ended but Kelly snuck in a special guest star right at the end there that made me want to stick around for the next arc. I wasn't really happy with how Kate defeats the super villain but what happens to the guy later made up for the feel good solution.

 Champions #6 - Mark Waid (writer) Humberto Ramos (pencils) Victor Olazaba (inks) Edgar Delgado with Nolan Woodward (colours) VC's Clayton Cowles (letters). I thought the Freelancers weren't going to be that bad after teaming up with the Champions last issue but Mark establishes that they are a bunch of douche bags this issue. Wait until you see what these bullies have lined up for the good guys.

 Unstoppable Wasp #3 - Jeremy Whitley (writer) Elsa Charretier (art) Megan Wilson (colours) VC's Joe Caramagna (letters). I really like Nadia's personality and Jarvis is a hoot. I need fun comic books like this to balance all the doom and gloom that's out there on the racks.

 Monsters Unleashed #4 - Cullen Bunn (writer) Salvador Larroca (art) David Curiel (colours) VC's Travis Lanham (letters). Even more super heroes fighting giant space monsters. I know this might be boring for some fans but the kids love it and I loved the art.

e