Great Issues: Superman/Madman Hullabaloo #1-3 (1997)

From The Superman/Madman Hullabaloo! (1997), Issue #1 by Mike Allred.

When digging through long boxes looking for titles to re-read, I was reminded that back issues we as collector's imbue with "greatness" are often emblematic of transition in our fanboy lives. Great issues are not just those that entertain, or represent a momentous occasion in the characters' "lives," but also those which reflect a change in our own lives (collecting or otherwise).

Take this great issue for example. Written and drawn by Mike Allred, The Superman/Madman Hullabaloo!, is much more than a throwback to a more joyful style of comic book storytelling. Truth is, to label it as such would be to suggest that this type of story is not the norm for Allred. Hullabaloo demonstrates the staying power of solid writing and artistry that continues to be successful as is evident by Allred's current success on Marvel Comics' FF title. Those who have read and enjoyed Allred's other work, both independent such as The Atomics, or "mainstream" like Marvel's X-Factor, can attest to his ability to make the traditional (and, really, what continues to be more traditional than Superman?), both new and exciting. Even more unusual, especially for Superman in the last fifteen years or so, entertaining. (In some ways this foreshadows the more recent willingness of publishers using talent from smaller publishers to reinvigorate their characters.)


This really couldn't end any other way than with a Mxyzptlk
and Madman Twister showdown with the fate of two worlds
hanging in the balance.

When this fantastic miniseries was initially released in 1997, I was nearing the end of what had been a decade long love affair (translation: straight uninterrupted run of collecting) with all things Superman. In terms of my collecting and reading of comic books, it was also the beginning of my transition away from mainstream (Big Two, DC Comics and Marvel) and toward smaller publishers such as Dark Horse. In many ways, this crossover was my introduction to small press comic books.

Much like the amalgamation process that the two protagonists experience in the miniseries, Hullabaloo demonstrated for me, as a longtime Marvel/DC fanboy, that those titles, which had been relegated to the lower shelves of the new comic book rack, were accessible. More importantly, it also communicated an energy that I had not experienced in the "regular" books with which I had long term relationships, like Fantastic Four and the Superman titles.

After re-reading the series in anticipation of this post, I was pleased to realize that, at its heart, Hullabaloo is built around the theme of superficiality. When Superman (Clark Kent) and Madman (Frank Einstein) have their physical attributes mixed up, the previously "traditionally" unattractive Frank and handsome Clark initially deal with how this change will positively or negatively effect their relationships with others. Will Frank's girl love him even more? Will Lois (who at this time knows his secret identity) be less inclined to dig Clark? It is this anxiety that Mister Mxyzptlk uses to draw the two into conflict, and the small interactions with the supporting characters around this theme make fro some some sharp (and authentic) dialogue.

If the value of comic books was based solely on what I think they should be worth (value being a relative thin really), I would suggest purchasing the trade paperback collection of the three issues miniseries as it is very reasonably priced at outlets such as Barnes and Noble. But because value is relative, if your choice of vehicle is individual issues (as mine is) you can still purchase The Superman/Madman Hullabaloo! in individual issues online (or in your local comic stores back issue long boxes) at the original cover price of $2.95.



In addition to action, the small moments between both sets of supporting characters make for great reading.

Know Your Neighborhood Rabbits



Vick Park B. (6/25/13)

Each morning this week, I have awoken at 5:30 a.m. and walked around my neighborhood for at least thirty minutes. While I may have to begrudgingly accept that my days of 32 mile trail runs are behind me, I have not reconciled myself to a sedentary life. At least not yet. One thing that I have taken notice of in summers' past is that general area in which my neighborhood rests is chock full of rabbits. While walking Monday through Thursday, I carried my wife's Canon Powershot as a means of snapping pics of the different rabbits I came across.

Blessed Sacrament Church, corner of Monroe Ave. and Oxford. (6/25/13)

On the fifth day, today, my wife chided me about not taking our dog, Gracie, with me on my walks. Reminding me that rabbits were "ubiquitous" in our neighborhood, and therefore not worthy of being the entire focus of my walk, she suggested that it would be better for me to walk Gracie than take pics. Once again, she was probably right.

Westminster. (6/25/13)

Before leaving the house, my wife also suggested that Gracie's presence would not impact my coming across rabbits. Once again, she was right. While out-and-about, we spotted four rabbits at locations I had not previously photographed the animal at, as well as (sadly) one that had presumably hit by a car. There something sad about "roadkill" anything, but the squashed rabbit in the middle of Harvard Street seemed particularly unfortunate at this early hour.

Porstmouth between University and East Avenues. (6/27/13)

Barrington and Harvard. (6/27/13)

Fortunately for the rabbits, Gracie is as disinterested in them as they are likely nervous abbot her. Now, squirrels, that's another story completely! As we walk with in seven feet of one bunny sitting in the center of the sidewalk, and I say (in the higher pitch voice that I use in talking with my dog), "There's a bunny, Gracie" Then... nothing. Gracie would rather continue on down the street looking for a squirrel to eyeball. It occurs to me that while there appear to a ka-jillion squirrels jumping from tree-to-tree and writ-to-wire during the day, the early morning is clearly "bunny time."

Rochester Museum and Science Center parking lot. (6/26/13)

Now more than twenty minutes after returning home, Gracie is happily still sitting at my feet panting up a storm and wagging her tail. Tomorrow morning will see if it's a morning for photographing bunnies (maybe) or walking with my friend (very likely).

'Nuff Read: The Kite Runner

The summer assignment for The Kite Runner.

As a teacher, sometimes I am instructed (translation: directed) to teach certain books that, though I can see their merit, fail to capture my fancy and become a chore to read. Fortunately, that was not the case with the first required Advanced Placement Literature and Composition reading of the summer, one assigned by the other AP English 12 teacher, The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Like many, I saw the movie adaptation released many years ago, and while I enjoyed it, there was little to motivate me to read the book following its conclusion. Now, a few years removed from that initial impression, and seeking to set a good example for my students in September, I hunkered down to read the book for myself.

I am very glad to report that The Kite Runner is an incredibly engrossing book that I struggled to put down. Two days later, having completed it, I find myself looking forward to reading the essay outlines that students will prepare in responses to the prompt above. (Students enrolled in AP Literature and Composition were given he assignment prior to summer break.) I also am curious to see which of the characters each student will choose to analyze in light of the prompt that requires them to "choose a character... who must contend with some aspect of the past, either personal or societal."

Because the characters in the book are much more well developed, I am curious to see if everyone makes the most obvious choice of either Amir and Hassan. The book develops more fully a number of characters who were either absent or underdeveloped in the film version. This will allow for a wider variety of choices--should students choose to accept the more challenging options. Ultimately, it would be a shame to appear as though one is relying on the motion picture rather than the book for information, wouldn't it?

Certainly the requirement of including "Quotations along with page numbers... in the outline," will insure that such short cuts are not taken--something I am confident the solid students I have worked with in the past would not do!

Shiva Loose in the Garden

Believe it or not, I had already prepped this bed once already this past May! (6/23/13)

When it comes to working in our small urban garden, I take on the role of destroyer. I break things down and make them ready, while my wife selects, plants and nurtures. In the garden each summer, I embrace my inner Shiva and happily make ready the bed by weeding, digging, turning-over and blending the soil. I happily take upon myself the task of waking early (before the heat and humidity set in), and get to digging in the dirt.


 

Shiva by Sanjay Patel.

The suggestion that Shiva-energy is at play seems appropriate (at least in a modern, Western sort-of-way) as it gives a positive and situationally appropriate connotation to the "destruction" necessary for successful gardening. As I understand it, Shiva does not destroy out of evil intent or as a means of ending the existence of something, but rather to reassert the truth that "all that has a beginning by necessity must have an end" and from that end a new beginning.

Making the ground ready is my role and the planting of the vegetables is my wife's. Tilling the earth, mixing in fresh compost consisting of wet waste from our kitchen--these things bring me a sense of accomplishment. This is not to suggest that I do not also enjoy assisting in planting, and on many occasions watering the plants in the early morning and late evening, my skills set is more in tune with the act of dismantling.

Of course, the greatest pleasure is in eventually being part of the small contribution to our table that the garden will (fingers -crossed!) have to our table in the fall.

Progress made early in the morning before going to the diner for breakfast. (6/23/13)

Things move quickly once re-energized with joe, toast and eggs. (6/23/13)

Fresh compost for blending into the soil (6/23/13)

Ready, set, GROW! (6/23/13)

...and so begins a new growing season with a variety of tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and eggplant.

Counting Summers By Heron

Often difficult to spot, I see this fellow as he moves past a grey light post (6/22/13).

Waking up early this morning, I get it in my head to go for a walk. Stuffing my camera into a string backpack, I set out for the short half mile walk to Cobbs Hill hoping to catch a glimpse of the small(-ish) heron I saw while entering the nearby on-ramp a few weeks earlier. My summer break from teaching is so close I can taste it and my hobbies during the summer are odd.

As has been a summer practice the past few years (2011, 2010, 2009, 2006), I begin the process of counting my summer by heron.

I approach too closely so he sets off for the other side of the "lake." (6/22/13)

Activity in the nearby parking lot distracts him from me. (6/22/13)

I wish the "s" shaped contours of his neck had been crisper--maybe next time. (6/22/13)

... and he's off again. (6/22/13)

Great Issues: The Adventures of Superman #546 (1997)

From The Adventures of Superman #546 (1997) written by Karl Kesel and art by Stuart Immonen.

"Great" is an often overused superlative, and as used in the post title above, requires a quick definition. A "Great Issue" to me is one that captures the spirit of the character in a manner that is entertaining. That's it.

Cover pencils by Stuart Immonen,
with inks by Jose Marzan.

With that in mind, another incredibly solid comic book featuring Superman, is The Adventures of Superman #546 (1997). This issue is a case of the "something old, something new" dynamic. As is evident from the cover, this issue is from the late Nineties when "Electric Blue Superman" was the short-term norm for our hero. Though eventually developed into an homage of sorts to the Golden Age Superman Red/Superman Blue story, at the time this power/costume change was quite a big deal.

While temporarily deprived of the solar energy needed to provide the energy his body required to give him powers, Superman had developed electricity-based abilities, which eventually forced him to adopt a blue and white containment suit to prevent the energy dispersing. While retaining most of his abilities, he could now also generate electric attacks rather than his original heat-vision. He also gained the ability to turn his powers "off," though this left him as vulnerable as a normal human, a plot point which plays an importnat part in hwo this partcular story resolves itself.

Ceritak updating
his look.

As the first super villain Superman faced in Superman #1 (2nd Series, 1987), the John Byrne led series that spun out of the legendary Man of Steel (1986) reboot, it only makes sense that this new iteration of Superman is sought out by Metallo who wishes to see what all this "new" business is about. In addition to the battle between the two super powered figures, this issue also features a staple of the Nineties Superman comic books: excellent character development, especially  among a growing supporting cast.

One of the benefits of the weekly issue strategy employed by DC during those years (each week another title starring Superman was released with numbered diamonds on the cover so they could be read in order as a single extensive storyline) was the ability of each of the books to develop many characters fully. While the traditional Daily Planet staff (Lois, Jimmy, Perry) still had many moments in the spotlight, new and interesting characters (such as Jerry Ordway-created Superman's #1 fan, Bibbo) were developed, too.

One such character featured in this issue (and one of my favorite of the new-er supporting cast) is Certitak, a prince of the bottle city of Kandor who became stranded in Metropolis. Inspired by his one-time nemesis Superman, and the symbolic value of the red and gold "S", in this issue Certitak continues his transition from heel to hero and, ultimately, a friend of Superman. In some ways, Certitak plays as an amalgam between Marvel Comics Hulk and Thing as he struggles with being accepted in a world i which he is physically a monster, yet finds the hero within himself through the (eventual) affection of a young blind woman, Ashby Armstrong. This is not to suggest that this trope doesn't still have some life in it.

Though sporting the dubious story title "Blood and Thunder," The Adventures of Superman #546 is an old-school sci-fi, action Superman tale, that works both as an individual issue and as part of the larger Electric Blue Superman story. The individual issue is available in many back issue bins for below cover price or as part of the larger story in the trade paperback Superman: Transformed!

Sources:
Superman Red/Superman Blue Wikipedia Entry

Proofreading Q & A: moon or Moon?

 From Grade Six Daily Paragraph Editing (2004).

Each day my eleventh grade class and I begin class by proofreading one of four paragraphs, which together make a short narrative. While using an older workbook designed for use with sixth graders a decade ago, I've found the level of difficulty appropriate for most traditional eleventh graders, especially given the lack of grammar and punctuation acumen many seem to come into class with. The task is simple: using appropriate proofreader's marks, bring each paragraph into grammatical correctness in the cleanest way possible. In some cases, a more "sophisticated" revision (such as combining independent clauses using a well placed semi-colon) is possible (and "correct"), but we tend to go with the more accessible comma and conjunction correction.


For my own reference, as well as though students who occasionally assist at the front of the room, I also have an answer key for each, and last week came across a question from a student (you, know, the whole "teachable moment" thing). On rare occasions in the past, we have found that corrections which are suggested seem incorrect. I suspect that some of those "mistakes" which would have previously required correcting no longer do, given evolving nature of acceptable grammar. More commonly, though, there is a correction or non-correction that the key does accurately address, but I as a teacher am unable to properly articulate at the moment--so the teachable moment is deferred until the next class when I can find a satisfactory (and clear) answer.

Question: In the paragraph above, a question came up regarding proper capitalization of the word "moon" in line two: "his/crew was on his way to the moon." One student suggested that the word moon should be capitalized because it is referring to our (Earth's) moon, as evidenced by the article "the" preceding the noun. Should "moon" be capitalized, as a specific celestial body, or is the noun suitably common and should therefore remain lowercase?

Answer: One online source reads that "Names of celestial bodies: Mars, Saturn, the Milky Way (are capitalized). Do not, however, capitalize earth, moon, sun, except when those names appear in a context in which other (capitalized) celestial bodies are mentioned. 'I like it here on earth,' but 'It is further from Earth to Mars than it is from Mercury to the Sun.'" The key here is the necessary presence of a secondary specific celestial body (Mars, Earth, Haley's Comet) if one is to correctly  proofread line two by capitalizing "moon". In this case, the answer key was correct, and reflected the grammatical rule that the names of certain celestial bodies (moon, earth, sun) are not capitalized except when those names appear in a context in which other (capitalized) celestial bodies.

Source:
Capitalization

Two Cardinal Pics & One Haiga

Cardinal on hanging planter of wave petunias. (6/16/13)

Sunday afternoon, while talking with my kids who had stopped by to wish me a Happy Father's Day, my son noticed this Northern Cardinal sitting in the planter outside the house. Fortunately that little guy stayed there for long enough for me to grab my camera and get outside to take pictures. My daughter later noted that it was "like he was posing for you!"

Often I'll use moments captured on film (or as digital images) as visual haiku prompts. In truth, when I employ this strategy, what I am writing can best be defined as a haiga. Haiga is a style of Japanese painting based on the aesthetics of haiku, and usually including a haiku. Today, haiga artists combine haiku with paintings, photographs and other art. A haiga (haiku + image, in my case, photographs). The wonderful thing about haiku is that whether what you generate is "good" or "bad" there is always something (a moment) "around" one to offer worthy inspiration.

Cardinal. (6/16/13)

Toes clutching chipped paint
trellis, Cardinal awaits
whatever comes next.

Great Issues: Superman (Vol 2) #50 (1987)

Superman versus Mr. Mxyzptlk with an assist from Lex Luthor's fat cells!

With the past weekend's release of the Zack Snyder's Man of Steel, the Internet is abuzz with Superman related stories and reminiscences. One solid retrospective is the article The Greatest Superman Stories, According to Our Readers by Russ Burlingame on Comicbook.com. Always looking for opportunities to offer my two cents, I thought I'd troll through my own long boxes (composed primarily of 80's and 90's Superman, Action Comics, Adventures of Superman, and Superman: Man of Steel) for a favorite story (or two).

Cover by Jerry Ordway.

My first choice was an easy one as it is an anniversary issue that features pencils from some of the definitive Superman artists of the past while telling a story with significant ramifications for the future, Superman (Second Series) #50 from 1987. Issue 50 is the final installment of a four-part story arc entitled "Krisis of the Krimnson Kyrptonite," during which Superman has been rendered powerless due to Lex Luthor's use of the dreaded red kryptonite. Art is provided by a who's-who of Superman artists including the legendary Curt Swan, John Byrne, and one of my all-time favorite creators, Jerry Ordway, who also serves as the story's writer.

During his lengthy run with the character, Ordway always seemed to balance the heroics and humanity necessary to tell a compelling Super-story, and this issue, "The Human Factor" shows him firing on all cylinders. This is an historic issue in Superman-lore as it concludes with Clark Kent's proposal of marriage to Lois Lane, who (of course) accepts.



Seriously, how could she resist?

This issue provides the perfect comic book palette cleanser for a fanboy such as myself after having seen the new Superman movie, Man of Steel (2013). Superman (Vol. 2) #50 demonstrates all the great qualities of a Superman story excluded from the film: a balance of humor, heart, action, and character development. More than anything, given Superman's diminished super powers, this is a Clark Kent story, depicting how the most powerful person in the world struggles with the fear of being rejected by the woman he loves.

Don't be fooled though, this is after all a superhero comic book, and Clark Kent/Superman ultimately goes toe-to-toe with not one, but two super-villains: egomaniac Lex Luthor and interdimensional imp, Mister Mxyzptlk. Additionally, this issue all features an uncredited special cameo by Marvel's First Family who also battle Mr. Mxyzplk, who it is suggested interacts in the Marvel Universe as a Man whose identify is not Impossible to guess.

An excellent example of comic book storytelling, heroics and characterization, Superman (Vol.2 ) #50 is available as a single (back) issue online for a very small mark up from the original cover price of $1.50 or, better yet, as part of the Superman: Krisis of the Krimson Kryptonite trade paperback.

Father's Day

Before (6/15/13).

Yesterday morning, my mother and I went to Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, in Rochester, New York, where my father is buried to plant some flowers and, as it turned out, a flag. The last two times we had visited since his death earlier this year, we had agreed that ot woudl be a grand idea to freshen up the site a little bit. After noticing that the forecast for Father's Day included an 80% chance of rain, going the day before seemed like a better idea. There are always many visitors there working on their loved ones' graves, and today would be our turn.

After (6/15/13).

I, perhaps like you, used to think it was somewhat morbid to decorate grave sites. Of course, that was before it impacted me on a personal level. Now the practice seems to make more sense, which is usually how things go. As odd as it sounds, it was a cathartic experience stopping by the cemetery to planting some flowers, especially on a beautiful day in such close proximity to Father's Day. If this sound weird to you, I understand. I was in your position not too long ago.

Seen It: Superman/Shazam!: The Return of Black Adam (2010)

Generally, I tend to avoid animated comic book movies; not because I dislike them, but rather because they are frequently produced for younger/newer audiences who lack experience with characters, thus requiring drawn-out, modern and gritty origin stories. I was pleasantly surprised to stumble onto an animated movie, while "bagging-and-boarding" my own comic books, that avoids many of the pitfalls of other productions, both animated and live-action.

Consisting of four short films cumulatively referred to as the DC Showcase Original Shorts Collection, Superman/Shazam!: The Return of Black Adam (2010) is a true DC Showcase compilation, giving C-listers The Spectre, Green Arrow, and Jonah Hex 12 minutes each of well-deserved exposure using top animation and voice talent. All directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, each of the four shorts possess elements to recommend them individually.Taken as a singular viewing experience, the movie offers a broad sampler of DC Comics superheroes. While some may suggest that the title and cover of the DVD are misleading, as DC Comics most recognizable superhero, it makes sense that this release promotes the presence of Superman. While theirs is the longest segment, the DVD is much more than a Supes and Shazam show.

The featured short gives the viewer DC Comics mightiest heroes, Superman and Shazam (still called "Captain Marvel" when in superhero form here--a code name no longer used in the most recent comic book appearances) as they team up to battle the Wizard's greatest enemy, Black Adam. Serving as an introduction of Captain Marvel Shazam to modern fans, Clark Kent/Superman is used as a plot device to shepherd the updated origin, while allowing the short to maintain some of Shazam's more quirky character elements (such as Mister Tawky Tawney!).

An underutilized reality regarding the Superman character is that, given its near archetypal presence in our culture and the audience's familiarity with the him, there is a comfort in having the known "commodity" introduce us to the new guy. Superman's strong presence and It is established at the onset that protagonist (and future Shazam) Billy Batson has a deep appreciation and admiration of Superman, an appreciation that in many ways mirrors that of the viewer: he knows Supes is the good guy, and so do we, so there is no need for unnecessary back story. Clark/Superman serves as an excellent counterpoint to the newbie super hero that Billy becomes by invoking the Wizard's name.

A Freddy Krueger-esque "hero," the Spectre is NOT playing!

In all four shorts, the story jumps right into the action, wasting no time with back story: what you need to know about each is revealed through their actions and dialogue--as well as the occasional narration. This is a fine example of a filmmaker using a limited amount of time to maximize development of each character, even these as unfamiliar to the audience as the three included here. DC Showcase shorts respect the viewer's ability to figure out that which is important to understanding the important character flaws and strengths without being spoon-fed them. In many ways, these shorts suggest a wiser way for superhero films to be scripted by avoiding the redundant origins and understanding that in most cases, origin stories as formal introductions offer little that is new.

Visually, each short possess a slightly different tone or mood, often expressed in the music or, as is the case with the standout short featuring the Spectre, an aesthetic: where Superman/Shazam and Green Arrow are crisp clean and sharp in their presentation, the Spectre (reflecting the 1950s noir vibe) is grainy and washed out. Perhaps the greatest compliment I can pay DC Showcase is that previously, though I knew who each was I had minimal interest in The Spectre or Green Arrow ( I am a Hex fanboy), but came away from this movie with a renewed interest in at the very least exploring their monthly adventures in the comic books.

Superman/Shazam!: The Return of Black Adam (2010) is available for streaming on Netflix.

A Comic Strip Sense of Place



For Better or For Worse (8/26/05) by Lynn Johnston.

Cleaning out some previously cut-and-pasted image files, I came across the For Better or For Worse comic strip above from August 26, 2005. Though I haven't taken the opportunity to read the most recent "re-worded" strips by Lynn Johnston, I always enjoyed checking them out in the local newspaper during the strip's original run.

I recall saving this particular one because it evoked how I felt about the West during my visits there, in particular Wyoming. When the character (April, I believe) notes in the last panel: "Do you think the word 'prairie' comes from word 'prayer'?" I couldn't help but recall walking with my wife in Wyoming at dusk, in the middle of an open plain, as a lightning storm approached.

Truth is, any environment, regardless of the perceived impressiveness of the forms that cover it, can be "beautiful." I just felt (and continue to draw on these memories) a connection to that open prairie during the time we were there. For me, Johnston's strip captures for me a recognition of the sacred connection one can feel when in the right place at the right time.

A picture taken during our 2005 trip to Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Chippies

(6/02/13)

While there were no wild turkeys wandering the backyard at my mother's last week, I did come across a chipmunk shading himself on the bench down by the creek. Though I am more accustomed to keeping an eye out for interesting avian visitors, it can be somewhat relaxing to watch smaller animals such as chipmunks and rabbits go about their business when they are unaware someone is watching. Given the wildness, unkempt nature of her backyard, my mother is very used to seeing them scurrying about. In passing conversation, my mother will refer to them as "chippies," a nickname that sounds appropriately cute. Like any well-populated neighborhood, is almost always something worth taking note of, even if it is isn't what one set out to find.

Compostin'!

Something wicked is boiling in the pit! (6/03/13)

I had an early start this year to preparing the gardens. Unfortunately, that early start no longer seems so "early" and I am left needing to re-weed and return eh garden beds before planting any vegetables. I did, however, spend last evening tending to our compost pit, which in some way equates to gardening. Despite the appearance in the picture above, I had already weeded the nascent beds once, but as you can see, will need to do so again before formally kicking off my summer break gardening season.



Guess who didn't eat their green apple in tehir lunch last week. (6/03/13)

Currently, we use a Deluxe Pyramid Composter. The lid is hinged so you can open it with one hand, yet it can’t blow away though I use a brick to keep any prying critters from gaining entry. It is fairly large and surpassingly unassuming, holds nearly 12 cubic feet. A quick look inside revealed that it was time to turn over the cuttings in anticipation of using some fresh compost in the next few weeks. The interior did not just look unpromising, it was downright gross!



Coconut coire bricks + rainwater = satisfying garden experinece. (6/03/13)

Because there has not been many grass clippings to add to the composter in recent weeks, there is clearly a need to add some "greens" or, more specifically, "browns." Once the grass grows more fully, I should have more clippings to mix into the composter. Until then, we'll rely on the coconut coir bricks that my wife bought last year. Using the coir also gives me a chance to use the rain water recently collected in our rain barrel. It has been rainy of late and it is a satisfying exercise to use the rain water in tending our composting pit.




Mixing in the re-hydrated coir. (6/03/13)

Coir is the coarse fibers extracted from the outer shell of a coconut.  Last spring, my wife ordered a large box of "bricks." from an oknline garden store. By soaking the compressed bricks, they expand 5 to 7 times in volume. The intnetion is to use the carbon-rich coir to mainatin the approiate balance necessary fro compsointg nitrogen-rich kitchen scraps in the compost pile. Ideally, this also speeds up the composting process and improves the quality of the compost.

Niiiice! (6/03/13)

The dark, nutrient rich lower levels of the compost pit would seem to indicate that things are working rather well. I have done my best to turnover and add coir during the winter months, though other activities often get in the way.

(6/03/13)

If you were to explore any number of online gardening catalogs, you would find many bells-and-whistles available for purchase that are made to appear as though they are necessary for good composting. One such item would be the tabletop composter bags. We have a ceramic table top composter in our kitchen that we empty into the larger, outdoor compositor once or twice weekly. Ina n effort to make this transfer easier (and less messy), we purchased some decomposing bags.

Unfortunately, after two years of use, and multiple opportunities to pick them out of the compost heap, I have come to the conclusion that, despite the fact that these bags will decompose, the rate at which they do makes them more of a nuisance than a help. At this point the practice is this: when turning over the pit, I extract and collect the partially decompsing bags and dispose of them in the traditional waste basket. There, they can decompose slowly and not impair my ability to turn over the contents more easily.

Given the rich brown dirt, I am very excited to properly further prep and plant our vegetable gardens, an activity I look very forward to continuing in earnest this coming weekend.

Evil Reed Returns!

Evil Reed returns care of writer Josh Fialkov and penciller Carmine Di Giandomenico
in issue #25 of Ultimate Comics The Ultimates.

Maybe a return to form for DC Comics iconic Superman is not the only hope for rekindling my romance with superhero comic books. The return of "evil" Reed Richards as part of Ultimate Comics has already got me picking up the few recent back issues since his last appearance.


Cover of Ultimate
Fantastic Four # 15 (2004).

If there is one I enjoy about comic books its the well-written heel turn of heroes. This is especially so when it appears as though a forced or trite redemption is not in the future. One great example of this is the recent evolution of former super-hero Mr. Fantastic (Reed Richards) in the Ultimate Universe line of comic books published by Marvel.


Launched in 2000 as a hard reboot of the traditional Marvel characters (in geek-speak referred to as the "Marvel 616 Universe"), the line-up of titles had changed periodically, but the continuity (for the most part) has been consistent. My entre into the Ultimate Universe was the 2004 publication of Ultimate Fantastic Four #1, written by Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Millar with art by Adam Kubert. As a longtime collector of the original Fantastic Four (through numerous soft reboots past and present) I looked forward to being able to jump on with a legit first issue, and to follow my childhood favorites as updated, modern characters.



Cover of Ultimate Comics:
The Ultimates #9 featuring
the return of Reed Richards.

The key tact used by the creators to reinvigorate the team was to present them as teens rather than older men (and woman), in an effort to make them more relatable to the teens they had hoped would buy the comics. The younger Reed was here characterized as an idealistic, socially awkward super-genius who, rather than grabbing the mantle of leadership over the team, sat back as Susan Storm (now his age and intellectual equal--or better) asserted herself.

Over the course of the Ultimate lines history, and beginning with the Ultimate Enemy (2010) mini-series (the first of three four-issue miniseries eventually rebranded in total as Ultimate Doomsday)that teased the reveal of the "true face of evil" in the Ultimate Universe. The final issue of the third miniseries, Ultimate Doom, sees the full reveal of Reed Richards as this universes version of Doctor Doom, an individual who while not necessarily overtly "evil" does see the end (a perfected world) justifying the means (destruction and death). Eventually, Reed is defeated by the heroes and further spurned by Susan Storm, left to drift away in the N-Zone.

Ultimate Reed Richards.

 

Reed eventually returns (naturally) and his plan are further enacted in the revamped team book Ultimate Comics: The Ultimates (2011) written by  Jonathan Hickman and penciled by Esad Ribic. Oddly, while Hickman was developing the evil Reed in the Ultimate Universe, he is also scripting a respected run on the 616's Fantastic Four and, eventually, it's spinoff sister-title, FF.

Following Reed's defeat by the Ultimates nearly six months ago, and the books subsequent spiral off of my pull-list, I was glad to see that this week's The Ultimates #25 revealed that Reed was once again freed to work with BFF Ultimate Hulk and some new powerful allies. The fact that writer Josh Fialkov is at the reins is a positive sign too. I had dropped the book prior to the previous arc, having lost interest in the story which, despite promise, had crumbled under the weight of its own ideas and (in my mind) poor execution. As a fan of his work on DCs New 52 (and cancelled) title I, Vampire, Failkov and Reed have my dollars for at least a few more issues to see where this arc goes.

Here's hoping that The Ultimates continues to improve and that Reed's characterization does not result in his being simply a lackey... a dangerously boring heel-progression that the introduction of the new "big bad" suggests might be in the cards. The 616 Doctor Doom wouldn't settle for that, so let's hope the Ultimate Universe's doesn't either!