Has Eyes, Watches TV

I don't normally watch reality shows (because they're usually trashy crap), but I thought I'd give National Geographic Channel's Comic Store Heroes a chance.  Naturally, where else would a show about a comic store be but on National Geographic, right? 

While the series probably wouldn't engage the normal reality show passerby, it was intriguing enough for this comic book enthusiast to tune in.  The show is set in Midtown Comics in New York City where, it just so happens, I order my online comics from monthly.  It was pretty cool to see where I order my comics from, meet some of the staff (and owner), and get a little insight into their world.  The next time I'm in New York City, I'll probably finally have to pop in and check it out in person.  Hopefully I can get out without too much damage to my credit card. 

Hot Stuff #1

So, the first episode followed a couple of the staff members as they (1) tried to set up for New York City's Comic Con and (2) searched for the first issue of Hot Stuff for the owner.  Having previously worked in a small town comic store back in my youth, I appreciated seeing the amount of work that goes into running such a huge establishment.  Some of the customers they focused on, though, were a bit creepy, as should be expected.  And, like Hoarders, it was a bit awkward to see the state of people's homes that are -- shall we say, "overly involved" -- in collecting comics.  In fact, the guy with the wannabe handlebar mustache and Larry Hagman eyebrows that they bought Hot Stuff #1 from for a few hundred dollars probably has never known what it's like to be with another human being sexually.  And is in desperate need of a maid.   Which, ironically, he could afford if he sold his collection, estimated at $15 million.  Seriously?  You'd rather live in filth than sell some of your comics and live like a king?  Dude, you need some serious fucking help.  

While the show dragged a little bit (as most reality shows do), the best part was definitely meeting and learning about Jill Pantozzi who writes the popular blog, Has Boobs, Reads Comics.  Now, I've seen her name and blog before.  I thought it was pretty cool that there are female readers out there as excited about the world of comic books as many men and, of course, I laughed at the title of the blog.  However, I didn't realize what a truly amazing person she is.  See, Jill is so young and suffers from muscular dystrophy.  She has an amazing attitude, though, and loves her comics (and her fans).  She's a real life Barbara Gordon/Oracle in a wheelchair (with red hair to boot!). 

Will I keep watching?  Sure.  I'll give it a shot.  Luckily, there's not much else on TV this summer that attracts my attention. 

Black Adam

The Black Adam mini series (2008) was one of the first comic arcs that I read upon my return to comics after a 15-year absence. Why? I've always had a fondness for the Marvel Family that dates back to the 1970s. Now, I'm not talking about Marvel Comics. I'm talking about the Marvels: Captain Marvel (Shazam), Mary Marvel, Captain Marvel Jr., etc. Growing up, I used to love watching the Shazam! live-action series that came on every Saturday morning. To a young kid, it was way cool. Now, I don't recall if Black Adam was ever on the TV show (I don't think he was), but since I was happy to see one of the members of the Marvel family currently being used by DC Comics, I picked up the entire Black Adam: The Dark Age series to give it a shot. I was given an even sweeter treat when I discovered that the series also featured Isis ("Oh mighty Isis"). Come to find out, DC had, after all these years, created (and killed) an Isis character based on the Shazam! show's sister show Isis. Woo hoo! How psyched was I?

In the mini series, Black Adam is mad as hell at the world (and he's not going to take it anymore). He wants the love of his life, Isis, back. Dammit. And he'll kill anyone (and does) to get her back. Yes, Black Adam is evil and a murderer in all senses of the words, and quite possibly could be considered a terrorist. So imagine an entire mini series revolving around his character?

The story takes place in mythical countries in the war-torn Middle East, and the violence is astounding (yet necessary and purposefully used to tell the story). In fact, the story was SO well written by Peter Tomasi that I actually felt sorry for Black Adam. (Of course I had my own selfish reasons for wanting Isis back alive.) The art by Doug Mahnke was amazing, too. He really brought the story (and violence) to life. Now if only we could get these two to do a Black Adam continuing series with the same murder, mayhem, and terror. Oh, and love. Ah, l'amour...