Fan Expo was ok this year. For the first two days it seemed like it was so short, like I wasn’t really there for very long. But I guess that’s true, since I was leaving home to get there later and leaving there to get back home earlier because I was working on a portfolio to take with me on Sunday. I didn’t get as much done as I would have liked, due to being out of town for most of the month. Anyway, I did get to speak with someone from a certain company and show that person a few colored pages that I had been working on all week, and I got some decent advice on what to do next. So that battle continues. I also took in some panels from comic book industry people and learned a lot.

I finally met Ninja Turtles co-creator Kevin Eastman. I’ll talk more about that later.

Didn’t buy very much at all. Just bought a few comics and books. Saving money for something else right now. I did, however, take home a bunch of free comics from Marvel for participating in a trivia contest. I won a short stack of various books for knowing that The Sandman’s real name is Flint Marko. I also got a Fantastic Four video game for Gameboy Advance for staying to the very end. Right on! Free stuff is always good. This was the first time, to my knowledge, that Marvel had set up any sort of official presence at this convention. I think that’s a good sign. The show is getting bigger, but in a good way in this case.

I didn’t really do much in the way of anime related programing at all this year. Disappointed that there were no Japanese guests. But there were 3 last year so I guess I can understand.

There were some good costumes, but this one was definitely my favorite. It just wins so hard.

All in all, I had a decent time, but I wasn’t really there to have fun. I took the show more seriously. I was working really hard up to, and even during, the convention weekend to get things done, and now that it’s over I’m feeling pretty wiped. Still got a ways to go though, so not much time to rest.

I was lucky enough to run into a few old friends, which is always great. Not only that, but a few people from my old hometown, who I have not seen or heard from in well over 10 years, just recently got in touch with me again via this website. That is totally awesome. Hi guys!

Sayonara.

My tribute to the best music ever.

Let’s HOCKEY SCORES by ~ninjatron on deviantART

Sayonara.

Finally saw it last night. Did not see it on opening weekend due to crowds. But even on a late Wednesday night showing, the entire theater was packed. It’s easy to see why. There was a lot of anticipation for this movie for a long time, and the buzz has pretty much been nothing but positive.

All the praise is unquestionably deserved. It’s a great film. Excellent, even. Probably better than Batman Begins, which is no small feat. It was long, but epic in its scope, and accomplished more solidly structured storytelling in a single film than anything else I’ve seen recently.

Anyway, there’s no point in me trying to sell it to anyone else. Nor will I spoil it.

I liked how there was more of a focus on the problem solving detective aspects of Batman in this movie, where as Batman Begins didn’t really feature any of that. I understand the producers have been going for a more realistic take on Batman with these films, and I appreciate that for what it is. However, I do think that there is room for some of the aspects of the mythology that may be considered more “over-the-top” to be featured in movies as well. Some of those things are just as big of a part of Batman as anything we’ve gotten in these movies thus far. As awesome as the Joker was, I was somewhat disappointed that he was a guy with makeup rather than someone affected by toxic chemicals. I don’t think that was something that needed to be changed, and along with a few other, minor things, that was something that prevented me from seeing this movie as the Batman film I’ve always wanted to see. But perhaps I’m being picky.

Guessing that the safe bet for now is to expect The Riddler the next time. I can go along with that idea.

Sayonara.

You all know how much I *love* Hockey, right? Well, this you’ve got to see.

The CBC network lost the rights to the famous and apparently important theme music to “Hockey Night in Canada“. So, they are holding a contest where anyone can submit their musical entry to be voted on by the public for a chance to become the new Hockey Night in Canada theme music.

Normally, I wouldn’t care about such a thing, but now I do. The top rated, most viewed, and most commented on entry of the contest is called “Hockey Scores“, and it’s written by Logan Aube, a friend of mine who actually appears in a few articles on this website. His submission for this contest absolutely moved me in ways that music has never done before. It’s no wonder that it is so far ahead of the competition. For some unfair reason, most likely jealousy, the entry was taken down, then reinstated, but then taken down again, only to finally be reinstated for good. It has already been epic. Make sure you listen to what will surely be an important part of Canadian history.

This music is awe inspiring. I can’t get enough of it, and listen to it several times a day. You can see the CBC contest entry page right here, and when you do, make sure you vote 5.

There is also a music video on YouTube, which perfectly captures the spirit of Hockey in animation.

Make sure you vote 5 for that too. For great justice.

Also Digg.

This is the music that hockey fans deserve. Let’s all pull together and work towards getting this incredible music on television!

Sayonara.

Damn, Hellboy 2 is freakin’ awesome! Totally entertaining from start to finish, with plenty of crazy action, lots of laughs, excellent character development, and tons of insane monsters! The theater I saw it in was packed, and the audience really responded to the movie in a big way. It was a crowd pleaser.

I know everyone is excited about The Dark Knight next weekend, and rightly so, but don’t let this one pass you by. You gotta see Hellboy 2. It’s pretty much the “Lord of the Rings” of funny monster superhero movies. If there is such a thing ( and if not, there should be).

Sayonara.