New 52! Green Lantern Corps #1 Review

Written by: Peter J. Tomasi
Art by: Fernando Pasarin

Green Lantern Corps, just like Green Lantern, wasn't a complete reboot.  This issue really revolved around Guy Gardner and John Stewart.  They mention Kyle Rayner, but he's no where to be seen.  For new readers, this might be really confusing.  Something I heard over and over when the Green Lantern movie came out was, "What the heck!?  Green Lantern is supposed to be a black dude."  More than likely, these people were used to seeing the Justice League cartoons on WB and Cartoon Network where John Stewart was the featured Green Lantern.

Similar to that scenario... I feel like new readers would be like, "What the heck?!  Since when were there so many Green Lanterns?  Screw this... It's confusing." 

To that end, I feel like the comic could have gone through a little more explanation on the origins of Guy Gardner, John Stewart, and Kyle Rayner.  Instead, the comic tells the story of a mysterious bad guy killing off Green Lanterns and how Gardner and Stewart try to "fit" or deal with everyday life.  The problem I have with this scenario is that it isn't consistent with the world Justice League #1 set up.  People are supposed to be afraid of these super heroes, not wanting to see displays of their abilities... Then again, maybe this series is supposed to take place another time?  Or I think JL is a flashback?  I forget... Anyway!

Story is pretty exciting.  It's a space adventure.  What, I think, the Green Lantern movie should have been.  Writing is fun.  Art, specifically the coloring, could be better but worked...

Writing: 9/10
Art:  7.5/10
Storytelling: 8/10

Overall: 8.17/10

New 52! Batman and Robin #1 Review

Writen by: Peter J. Tomasi
Art by: Patrick Gleason


School work is absolutely killing me!  As CFO, the amount of work  needed for this business simulation is insane.  The part that makes me upset is that the business policy game manual continues to reference pro-forma spreadsheets that were never supplied to us!


Anyway off to the review...


~~
This is another title that never really got completely rebooted, based on my little knowledge of Batman and Robin.  I say this because Tim Drake, Bruce Wayne's son, plays Robin.  Obvious reasons being that if they completely rebooted Batman and Robin, there would be no Nightwing, right?


Anyway, there is nothing very revealing about this first issue except for a creepy bad guy that has his sights on Bruce Wayne.  Batman "celebrates" his parents death, giving the reader a little back story on Bruce Wayne and how his parents were murdered in front of him; thus, eventually spawning Batman.  Batman takes his son to spot in which they were killed (via sewers?  not sure why) and vows a new outlook on life: to celebrate their life (not their death).


My reaction?  Batman is a little bit of a sissy and Robin is a total jackass to his father.  Robin doesn't seem to have any respect for his father and Batman turned into an over-protective father.  For a 10 year old kid, he's given a very rebellious attitude that a teenager would have... He wants to do things his way and bum-rush bad guys with brute force -- usually not a good idea.


I suppose this comic was really to lay the ground work for the type of relationship Batman and Robin (father and son) have with each other.  It's not pretty.


I've read different perspectives on this comic... Some people felt Batman was a total douche to Robin...  Me?  I think Robin is an over confident little punk that probably should listen to his father a little more.


Writing: 9/10
Art: 10/10 (I love Patrick Gleason!  I'm a little biased because he drew a sketch of Kyle Rayner for me at Comic Con 2010)
Storytelling: 8/10


Overall: 9/10


I'm pretty sure that I will be picking up the next issue!

New 52! Green Lantern #1 Review

It's new comic-book Wednesday, and I'm behind a couple of reviews!  Sorry about that.  Things with school are starting to get pretty hectic; especially with this simulation class.

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Written by: Geoff Johns
Art: Doug Mahnke

If you know me, then you probably know that Green Lantern is and has been my favorite super hero since I was a little kid.  I have no idea why...  He just appeals me.  Something about rings, I guess.

So far out of all the new 52 comics that I've read Green Lantern didn't feel like a complete reboot.  At Comic Con, Jim Lee and company explained that the new 52 was going to give new readers, potentially people that have never bought a comic book in their life, the opportunity to join the band wagon.  [minor spoiler] In Green Lantern, the only thing that rebooted is the fact that Hal Jordan no longer has a ring and Sinestro is, once again, a Green Lantern (against his will).  The three other Green Lanterns that patrol Sector 2814 i.e. Guy Gardner, John Stewart, and Kyle Rayner still exist and will probably be featured in this week's Green Lantern Corps.

Since I've been following Green Lantern, it's not so much of a big deal to me.  I know the story... However, new readers won't get to experience or read about Abin Sur... Except for maybe a flash back, possibly?

Geoff John's writing is awesome, as to be expected.   Doug Mahnke's art is pretty cool too.  However, I think I've fallen in love with Felipe Massafera's art in Flashpoint Abin Sur series.

Writing: 10/10
Art: 9/10
Storytelling: 10/10

Overall: 9.67 / 10

Netflix / Qwikster The Half Apology

Many people woke up this morning to an e-mail from Co-Founder and CEO of Netflix Reed Hastings apologizing for the lack of communication regarding the price structure at Netflix (not the price hike)

The e-mail started quite plainly.

"I messed up.  I owe you an explanation."

I'm not finished with my MBA program, nor does an MBA qualify me as an expert in business whatsoever.  However, it's pretty safe to say that the decision to raise prices was probably not a decision that rested squarely on his shoulders.  It's nice to see that he is taking ownership.

The problem with his e-mail is that it was a half attempt at an apology. Essentially, it was a "yes-but". He made a mistake? And yet, he's justifying his said "mistake." I don't think many people view streaming and DVDs as a separate business. However, I think I know where he's going with this (which may be completely off base or naive of me to say).. In order to compete with Red Box, I think he's separating streaming and DVDs in order to have two management teams focused on each market segment. I smell a merger and acquisition in the future... Not sure if Qwikster side of the company has the cash flow to buy out Red Box but that would certainly be interesting!  Video game rentals sounds appealing to me, but that will definitely have to wait until after I finish my MBA.

Another Night at Lestat's

Today, I spent the day with my business simulation group at Pepperdine University in Orange County.  We had a really productive day organizing our thoughts, calculating financial ratios / sales forecasts, and putting together our game-plan for the simulation weekend.  We also put together a draft of our mission statement.

Overall, I'm pretty happy with our progress.  I worked with most of these folks in our Finance class, and we all seem to work together really well.  I'm definitely blessed to have them around!

It's 8:47pm and I'm back at Lestat's (west location on Park Ave) for another night of study and homework.  Bring on the coffee!

PS.  At this location, there are ridiculous throne chairs!  I wish the older guy would stop watching movies and let me sit there!  Oh and the Irish Monkey is delish!

Brunch at The Mission

This weekend, I went to The Mission in North Park for brunch. Aside from the 30 minute wait, the food was decently priced and Ah-Mazing! I had the Chicken Apple Sauce and Eggs with Cinnamon Toast!! Coffee was diner-delish and the orange juice was freshly squeezed. I highly recommend!

New 51! Red Lanterns #1 Review

Writer: Peter Milligan
Penciller: Ed Benes
Inker: Rob Hunter
Colorist: Nathan Eyring

I was first introduced to the Red Lanterns while I read through the Blackest Night series back in 2009 (has it really been that long?!).  Apparently, the first appearance of Red Lanterns was back in 2008 during the Green Lantern Sinestro Wars story arc.  I always thought that the emotional spectrum of lanterns was thought up during Blackest Night... See http://www.dccomics.com/sites/greenlantern/

Anyway...

Okay so this comic delves into a little more detail about the Red Lanterns and Atroticus, the first member of the Red Lantern Corps.  The comic gives some detail about how the Manhunters, controlled by Krona (a Guardian of the Universe), killed Atroticus' family along with his entire race.  The Manhunters were the Guardians first form of a galactic police force before creating the Green Lantern Corps (i.e. Ryan Reynolds as Hal Jordan).  Anyway, this left Atroticus in a deep rage that spawned the birth of the Red Lantern Corps.

As the leader of the Red Lanterns, Atroticus knows that he has to keep a certain level of toughness and rage in order to command obedience.  He senses that some of his followers seem to be questioning his "manliness" and abilities to lead.  Lead to what end..?  I guess they are vigilantes for people that want justice/revenge...?  I'm not quite sure yet...

For a first time reader: a lot of information... kind of confusing if you don't know anything about the Guardians, Green Lantern Corps, etc.

Of course, you most likely wouldn't buy this comic book unless you had some sort of familiarity with Green Lantern...

Anyway, I thought the story was just okay.  Kind of a slow start since most of the comic was spent as an introduction...  The art got a little better towards the end.  I might get issue #2 just to see how the story plays out, but not quite sure if I'll stick with this series.

Writing: 7/10
Art: 7/10
Storytelling: 6/10

Overall score: 6.67 (that's kind of interesting if you know the sector number of Ysmault)

Study Night at Lestat's

If I had to sum up my day today into one or two words, it would have to be "School Night."

Today, I met with Tyler, Sopa, and Carolina @ Pepperdine's Irvine campus to go over our presentation of Edward De Bono's book "Six Thinking Hats."  We have a skit that we are going to perform that is pretty hilarious.

Afterwards, I made my way to Lestat's coffee house off Adam's Ave in Normal Heights for a night of GSBM 670X.45 simulation work.  A new friend of mine, David, introduced me to this 24/7 coffee house.  The place has a very "hipster" vibe to it: non-matching furniture, various art pieces on the wall, an eclectic genre of music playing in the background, and lots of people reading, studying, and/or conversing.  Some people may find this type of environment very distracting, but for me it helps me focus.  More and more I'm finding it difficult to read and/or study in completely quiet environments.  I usually end up dozing off. I think I might have a little ADHD?

It's about 11:55pm and I got a lot done!  I calculated the Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) for the starting point of our company.  Now that I've calculated this percentage, we just have to make sure that our Return on Investment is greater than this and we'll create value for our shareholders.

A Day With the Family

This weekend, my brother came to town to hang out with the family.  Since my brother moved to Las Vegas, it's been a rare occasion that all the Soriano kids are together with mom.

Today, the Soriano family and Grandma went to go visit my Grandfather.  We bought some flowers and trimmed the grass around his headstone.  The last time the whole family was together to see my Grandfather, was when he was buried.  It's still painful to see my Grandma so sad, and she told us how she missed her husband.  I love her so much.

Although the visit brought back many memories, it was really nice to be with my family and my Grandma.  Afterwards, we went to get some boba tea and my Grandma made dinner - arroz caldo, a filipino dish.  It's a comfort food of mine and reminds of when I was in elementary school.  Instead of walking home, I'd go to my Grandma's place for dinner.  Her cooking is the best and makes me feel at home.

The Crazy 10 Units!

This trimester, I'm taking 10 units towards my MBA at Pepperdine University:

• Organizational Dynamics and Managing Change
• Managerial Creativity and Innovation for Leadership
• Integration in Business Operations (aka Simulation)

Today was the start of the third class, simulation.  (Yes, I had class on a Saturday from 9am ~ 4pm).  Needless to say, I knew that this trimester was going to kick my butt.  This class is going require a lot of my time and energy.  The point of this class is to simulate the running of a business.  First, we have to put together a paper that pretty much describes how we're going to run the organization:

• How will we create value
• How will we manage the various operations such as inventory, etc
• How much money will we put towards R&D
• What kind of capital structure will our company operate with
• Will we offer dividends and how much

Stuff like that...  My initial feelings: overwhelmed, encumbered, frustrated, and kind of excited.  All of my classmates that have gone through the simulation tell me the same thing: it's a lot of work, it's not so bad, and the two day simulation is actually really fun.  Bad part.  I was nominated to be the CFO.  And I'm not a Finance guy (granted, I did  pretty good in Finance but still!! huff)

After we submit our operations plan, there is a two day simulation where we have to make a series of decisions:

• Increase dividends?  Build another plant?  Add additional lines?  Fire or hire workers?  What kind of quality and functionality do we want in our products?  For what market segments? etc. etc.

Based on these decisions, we receive feedback on how our company performed in the economic conditions the software imposes on our company.  We have to analyze the financial statements that get spit out, along with information on how the other teams (our competition) are doing as well.  It sounds like fun, but it's going to be a painful 6-8 weeks...

My other leadership classes are, luckily, pretty manageable.  No education-to-business projects or other huge projects.  Just a lot of reading...  Speaking of which... I think I have a couple of friends that would appreciate a review of some of the books we've been reading.  I think I'll put up a short review on CATS: The Nine Lives of Innovation, The Six Thinking Hats, Blink, and more...

Of course, I'll be taking my mental breaks... One good escape I've found is to write reviews on some comic books I'm following.  Yeah I know reading comics is a little "child-ish" but it's always been something that interests me and gives me a mental escape from my busy lifestyle.  Plus, writing reviews is a good writing exercise!  Reading and writing more will undoubtedly be a benefit...

Wish me luck!!

New 52! Superman Action Comics #1 Review

Written by: Grant Morrison
Art by: Rags Morales and Rick Bryant
Variant cover art by: Jim Lee (Squee!) and Scott Williams

So I purchased the variant cover of this comic, and am totally blown away...  Jim Lee and Scott Williams are simply amazing.
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Before this comic came out, there was one thing that I was told to expect, or at least... what not to expect:  Superman isn't the same person.  Oh and a new costume.

DC Comics proudly presents: Superman Versus the City of Tomorrow.

[minor spoilers]

In the first few pages, we get a good feel for Superman.  He isn't the man in blue tights (yet?) but a guy in a Superman t-shirt, jeans, and red cape.  He stands for justice, as he wants the law to work the same for everyone: the rich and the poor.  That sounds pretty much like the Superman I'm used to; except, this time he's kind of an arrogant and stuck-up douche.  A good guy but he toys with the police officers that try to capture him.  And he does it with a smile...

Later, we find Luthor aiding the US Army in the capture of Superman (or "it" as they sometimes refer him), and based on their conversation, Superman seems to be slowly discovering his abilities: jumping long distances, speed, strength... etc.  In Luthor fashion, he attempts to capture Superman by also putting innocent lives on the line: from demolishing buildings and sending a bullet-train out of control with Louis Lane and Jimmy Olsen on board.

This definitely felt like an homage to older Superman comics, and was a great way introduce old, familiar characters.  Great story and I'm looking forward to more!

Writing: 10/10
Art: 10/10
Storytelling: 10/10

Overall: 10/10

New 52! Batwing #1 Review

To comic book enthusiasts,

Please don't hurt me.  I have NO idea who Batwing is, but I guess that's the whole idea behind this reboot, right?  To attract new readers... So, here's my review of Batwing #1.

When I first saw the comic on the shelf, I thought to myself, "So, is this a spin-off character from the Batman series?  Is this a futuristic Batman in a different world?  Kinda like the half Latino, half African-American Spiderman?"

I was sort of wrong... and sort of right...

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As I turned the front-cover, I was blown away by the art.  Ben Oliver is amazing! 

DC Comics proudly presents Batwing, in, The Cradle of Civilization.  Here we go...

The first quarter of the comic was amazing.  Judd Winick does a masterful job in quickly explaining the origins of Batwing.  From what I can gather, Batwing is Batman's counter part in Africa.  Batman seems to be assisting Batwing in creating an "image" for himself in Africa.  Same modus operandi as Batman, i.e. fear. 

Later we learn that David Zavimbe, an officer in the Tinasha Police Department is the man behind the mask.  He has a high opinion about the state of Tinasha, but keeps a low profile behind a desk.  humm.. Clark Kent-ish?  As Batwing, he leaves clues to lead the Tinasha police force to the master minds behind the criminal activities that have plagued the city.

Everyone knows Batman's secret headquarters... The Batcave.  For Batwing, it's The Haven.  And Batman's butler?  Alfred.  For Batwing.  Matu Ba.  Okay so is this just Batman in Africa?

Whatever the case... The comic ends with a total cliff-hanger!

I have to say... I was really skeptical when I picked up this comic, but I am pleasantly surprised at how good it really turned out!  I don't want to say that this series is a means to include minorities... Heck, I feel like there aren't enough Asian super heroes.  I really encourage you to give Batwing a chance...  Judd Winick is a great a writer and Ben Oliver is a talented artist!  I'm a fan!

Writing: 9/10
Art: 10/10
Storytelling: 9/10.  I couldn't tell if Massacre or Batwing beheaded the criminals.

Overall: 9.33

New 52! Green Arrow #1 Review

[may contain minor spoilers]

Okay, so Green Arrow is a character I pretty much know nothing about... Except for what I've seen on the TV series Smalleville and various appearances in Green Lantern comics.  I know the guy is supposed to be really rich, similar to Bruce Wayne aka Batman.  So, let's see how this comic turns out...

Oliver Queen, or the Green Arrow, is tracking down some "celebrity" criminals instead of being at an important executive meeting in which the future of his company Queen Industries is being decided.  Queen seems like he has (or at least should have) an active role in his company.

Most Superheros seem to operate solo, but in Green Arrow's case, he has a little team that's looking over his shoulder and helping him along the way.  Green Arrow, similar to Batman, has a lot of toys.. Arrows that he shoots with a collapsible bow that have specific functions.  (How he knows what kind of arrow he's pulling from his quiver is beyond me... Muscle memory?)  From arrows that stun bad guys to arrows that get shot into computer systems without damaging any of the hardware and establish remote connections that his team can then hax0r.  Um...  Realistic?  Of course not... Neat idea?  Love it... Where can I get one?

Writing.  This comic pretty much embodies how I imagine comic book narratives.  Action packed scenes with the cheeky conversations...

Y'know, the scenes where the protagonist says, "why don't you take a seat?!" as he flings a chair at said bad guy that ends up sitting in said chair?

"You're not a punk.  You're worse.  You're a loser."  Remember kids... Don't do drugs!  D.A.R.E.

Now, I know comic books are generally targeted to younger audiences.  But I think the kids these days have graduated from using words like punk... Which by the way...  Don't ever use that word in prison.  It spells a lot of trouble, apparently...

One thing Green Arrow and Batman have in common... They both have somewhat of a vigilante spirit.  They don't want to stay on the sidelines and watch people get hurt.  They want to step in and take action themselves.  I suppose that's what all superheros have in common...

Overall, this was a decent intro to Green Arrow.  One things for sure, Green Arrow has quite a few characters that he'll have to deal with...  Even one that looks like Chewbacca.

Writing: 7/10
Art: 7/10
Storytelling: 7/10

Overall: 7/10

I'm not sure if I'll give Green Arrow another go... Maybe #2 will be a little better.

New 52! Batman Detective Comics #1 Review

Batman Detective Comics #1

I'm still trying to figure out a good system on evaluating the comics I'm reviewing.  I thought about reviewing comics based on three aspects: writing, art, and storytelling

Again, this is just my opinion and what does my opinion mean?  Pretty much nothing.  This is just my personal feelings.

Writing - There is only so much space in a comic book to give the reader an idea / feeling of the characters' thoughts, feelings, aspirations, etc.  How well did that come across?

Art - How well did the art match up with script?  And what is the overall quality?

Storytelling - Pretty much... Did I feel like I was immersed in the world this creative team is presenting?

Each category is out of 10 points and then averaged for my overall assessment.

[ may consist of minor spoilers ]

Gruesome.  Shocking.  Disgusting.  Three words that jump out to me after reading this comic.  There's a reason why, I feel, Batman has always done well in comics and on the big screen.  Batman doesn't have super-powers and neither do the criminals (per se).  Everything is so grounded, dark, scary, and just raw.

Written and drawn by Tony Salvador Daniel... Wait?  He does both?  What a talent!!  Where does he find the time?!

The comic starts out with an inner-monologue by Batman.  Throughout the comic, we get Batman's insights:  from his deductive thinking to calling the police idiots.  Consistent with the world that was introduced in Justice League #1, the police don't like Batman with exception to a detective he meets on the roof-top.

One thing that isn't explained yet is Batman's relationship with Detective Gordan (I believe that's his name)  I don't even think they even mention his name, how the Bat-signal was made, and why the detective has a "working relationship" with Batman.  To a first time reader that doesn't know anything about Batman, this could be a little confusing...

The story is pretty cliche, but very well written and drawn.  Batman chases the psychotic Joker...  Nothing new (to me) except the Joker isn't playing silly tricks like he did in some of the cartoon portrayals.  The Joker is one crazy and scary guy!  Tony gives us a little hint of something more going on other than Joker causing havoc.  Dr. Arkham (i.e. Arkham Asylum?) and the Joker are up to something...  Last page of the comic is just disturbing.  You'll have to read it to know what I mean...

I'm really looking forward to reading more of this comic and excited to know what happens next!

Writing: 9/10
Art: 8/10.  Some shots of Batman on the rooftop seemed disproportionate to other shots... Mostly his cap was one crazy big bed sheet.  Tony deserves big props though for writing and drawing!
Storytelling: 8.5/10

Overall: 8.5 / 10

Operation Bag and Board

I picked up 100 bags and boards from the local comic book store, COMICKAZE Comics Books and More, located on Clairemont Mesa Blvd.

And so...

Operation Bag and Board is in effect.  With the help of my co-worker Mike, I organized my current collection of comic books.  All the older Green Lantern and Green Lantern Corps comics were given to me as a gift by my good friend, Ray.

Before

After

Anniversary Green Lantern #200.  My most precious comic