Comic Book Day: September 4 Comic Book Reviews

So the fact that I haven't updated my personal reviews in a long time is mainly because I have been incredibly busy with keeping up with my new semester. Not to mention the fact that I am working on two separate publications again, because I didn't learn anything from experience. Needless to say I have been very busy, and as a result my personal blogging has gone down the toilet.

So let's talk comics! Infinity and Battle of the Atom are fully underway at Marvel, Image is producing some great indie comics at the moment, and Dark Horse release the first issue of the new The Star Wars, which I'll be talking about shortly. Frankly the past few weeks have been a pretty good time for comics that are being published. On the other hand, DC editorial has been gaining some news and not in a good way. I may go more in depth on that later, but for now... REVIEWS!

As always, full spoiler warning ahead! 

Infinity #2 

Infinity #2 cover by
Adam Kubert
photo courtesy of comicsalliance.com

Infinity is Marvel's cosmic and superhero event that is living up to the expectations. Jonathon Hickman has been providing plenty of action and drama to keep me engaged. One thing that seems to be pretty crucial to the story is picking up Avengers and New Avengers on the side. I've noticed that without picking up these tie-in titles, it could be pretty difficult to pick up the full story that Hickman is trying to tell. But if you haven't picked those up, the event series has been pretty great as well. Hickman's dramatic narration lends an air of urgency to the book, amping up the action. Hickman has a great pace going throughout the book as well. While there hasn't been one character to focus on yet, Hickman uses the cast of characters extremely well, wielding them masterfully to tell the story. The most intriguing part of the story for myself is the role of the Inhumans, especially because of the teasers to Inhumanity that Marvel has been giving, we can speculate that Black Bolt and his people will be playing a larger role in the story still to come. The art for the book has been great as well. While it was sad to see Jim Cheung leave the event after only one issue, we are still given a sense of continuity with the return of Jerome Opena and Dustin Weaver who have been working with Hickman on the Avengers series. The two artists compliment each other well, using more subdued shading to emphasize the drama of the story, but maintaining the clean, clear lines that bring a sense of solidity to the book. In all, this event is living up to the expectations and I look forward to seeing what comes next.

Verdict: 8/10. Things are getting heated in the Avengers' world. I can't wait to see how they handle it.


The Star Wars #1 

The Star Wars #1 cover by
Nick Runge
photo courtesy of nydailynews.com

If you weren't peeing yourself with excitement over the release of this comic, you must have been living under a rock for the past few months. I kid, of course, but this book is a Star Wars geek's biggest dream come true. The Star Wars is a comic book adaptation of George Lucas' original screenplay before we were given the iconic movie saga we know today. Written by J.W. Rinzler, the story is familiar yet completely foreign. Here is a universe that we know and love, that is almost a complete 180 degree flip from the movie. Annikin Starkiller is the main hero, Luke Skywalker is an old Jedi General and the Jedi were once the Emperor's personal bodyguards, not the intergalactic order they have come to be. It's incredibly interesting to see characters and objects begin as something entirely different than what their role becomes in the movies. Rinzler does a fantastic job at grounding this universe away from the Star Wars one that we know. He makes it clear that this is a different universe, a different set of rules, and he does it perfectly. The book looks gorgeous too. It has a simple design that leaves the panels clean and with little bleed over into other panels. There is little distraction from the incredibly detailed scenery that Mike Mayhew is creating. The shading and colors work so well together with the pencils that each panel looks like an oil painting coming to life. This was an incredibly strong first issue, and I can't wait to see what comes from the rest of this mini-series.

Verdict: 9.5/10. The wait for the next book will be a long. May the Force be with us while we wait.


Quantum & Woody #3 

Quantum & Woody #3 cover by
Tom Fowler
photo courtesy of ValiantUniverse.com

If you are looking for a comic book that will make you laugh and guffaw at the complete lack of political correctness, look no further. Quantum & Woody is a hilarious romp into the world of would-be superheroes. In this issue we see Quantum and Woody come face-to-face with the Nightmare Brigade. This issue finally brings us full circle to where we first meet the duo, as we see why they decide to plummet to the street from the 20th story window. This comic is very aware of what it does with the characters and dialogue, and they embrace it completely. If James Asmus was writing this story without fully engaging with its irreverence, then the entire book would be in bad taste. But Asmus takes what he's got and runs with it, causing this superhero duo to be a train wreck that you just can't look away from. Asmus does a great way of intertwining the humor of the book with the action, and doesn't sacrifice the story for a few laughs. Not only is this book funny, but it looks pretty damn great. The style is a little edgier, giving the book a nice indie flare. Tom Fowler doesn't use much shading, which is good for a book with a more humorous tone, as there isn't much need for extremely dramatic shading. The panels have great detail that makes them dynamic to look at. This book is engaging, from the story to the art. It really is the tale of the worst superhero team that has ever existed and I can't get enough of it.

Verdict: 9/10. This book is fun to read, and it does a good job of being completely un-politically correct. 

Comic Book Day: August 6 Comic Book Reviews

Happy Comic Book day to everyone! This week I will not be posting any personal reviews because none of the books I'm currently reading had new issues and I mainly focused on catching up on old issues. I do have some reviews coming out on readcomicbooks.net, though, which include Quantum & Woody #2, Sidekick #1 and Robocop: Last Stand #1.

Next week, be on the look out for my reviews of Marvel's Infinity #1 and Hawkeye #13! Speaking of, the big, new event for Marvel is starting on my birthday next week! That's right, my birthday is going to be the next Comic Book Day. I feel as though it was meant to be. Anyway, this event should prove to be an interesting one and will feature many of the Marvel Universe's loveable misfits such as Thanos, the Avengers, and the Guardians of the Galaxy.

 Marvel is really playing up the hype for this event, and I'm about to binge read all of the Thanos and Infinity Gauntlet story arcs on Marvel Unlimited this coming weekend. Since I am now finished with writing for Vox Magazine as well, I feel that doing nothing but comic book reading is an appropriate use of my first, and only weekend in my short lived summer vacation.

Short blog post this week since there wasn't anything actually worth saying. So this is basically a waste of blog space, if that were a thing.

Enjoy your new comic books this week!

My Blog Needs More Comic Book Stuff: A List of Current Series I Follow

While you may be able to guess what books I'm following diligently from the weekly reviews that I try to put up, I've never formally announced what series I actually am reading. So I thought I would put together a short list of all the books I'm reading and that I am trying to catch up on! For any of my readers who don't really read comic books but want to get into the comic book world, picking up any of the #1 issues for these books would probably be a good starting point, especially if you want to get into the Marvel Universe, since I am a HUGE Marvel fan.

Here is what I am currently caught up with and reading on a consistent basis: 

• Young Avengers by Keiron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie 
• Captain Marvel by Kelly Sue DeConnick and various artists 
• X-Men Vol. 4 by Brian Wood and Olivier Copiel 
• Guardians of the Galaxy by Brian Michael Bendis and various artists
• Hawkeye by Matt Fraction and David Aja
• Captain Ultimate by Joey Esposito, Benjamin Bailey, and Boykoesh

And here are the series that I am working on catching up with: 

• Avengers by Jonathan Hickman and Jerome Opena
• Adventure Time by Ryan North, Aaron Renier, Braden Lamb, and Shelli Paroline
• FF Vol. 2 by Matt Fraction and Mike Alfred
• Nova by Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness 
• Uncanny Avengers by Rick Remender and John Cassady 

OK so I never realized how many series I am actually reading until I wrote them all down. Thankfully they don't all come out in the same week so I'm not shoveling piles of money into Marvel's bank account. And to think I want to find even more series to read! 

Comic Book Day: July 31 Comic Book Reviews

So apparently I'm too lazy to actually write my reviews when I say that I am going to. I completely skipped last week's review of Hawkeye Annual #1 and I forgot to even attempt in getting it up this week. So this is an apology to any readers who were looking for my reviews last week.

ANYWAY

Since I didn't announce it last week because I goofed, I'll make the announcement this week. I will now be writing reviews for readcomicbooks.net! I'm pretty excited to be working with this group of people and I look forward to sharing my reviews with more people than I would normally be able to. I'll be reviewing several of my current series for the website as well as some surprise series along the way. For this week's pull you can find my Captain Marvel #14 review on the website. You can also find my reviews from last week for Young Avengers #8 and Tomorrowland #1 there too! But on to the rest!

As always SPOILER WARNING FROM THIS POINT ON.

Guardians of the Galaxy #5

Guardians of the Galaxy #5 cover by
Sara Pichelli & Justin Ponsor
Image courtesy of comicbookmovie.com

The latest issue of Guardians introduces a new adversary for the galactic group of vigilantes and is beginning to show some of the rippling effects from the conclusion of the Age of Ultron. Peter Quill seeks help to find out why he is able to feel the break in reality that resulted from AoU. Bendis is handing out some solid writing in this issue, creating a sense of mystery around Peter. After some of the more explosive issues we've been seeing, the search for answers behind what is going on is a nice break that doesn't make the book feel stagnant. One thing I wish Bendis would focus a little more on is the characterization of the rest of the characters. We've seen plenty of Peter Quill, Stark and Gamora. I want more of Drax and Rocket and Groot. Drax is lucky if he gets a page to himself in these issues, even though he has the potential to be a really interesting character. Sara Pichelli has provided some good art throughout the books, complimenting the writing from Bendis. Her lines are a bit more angular, and more severe when it comes to the characters, but this actually works with the solid feel of the book. The final scene between Peter Quill and Thanos sets the next issue up for some really interesting answers to the questions that Bendis is asking throughout this issue. With the reintroduction of the Mad Titan I'm also intrigued to see how the events from Guardians of the Galaxy will tie into the Infinity event that is coming later this month. (FUN FACT: Infinity's first issue comes out on my birthday).

Verdict: 7 out of 10. Bendis and Pichelli have been giving us some good stuff, but I'm still waiting to see the great stuff.


X-Men #3 

X-Men #3 cover by
Olivier Copiel & Laura Martin
Image courtesy of Marvel Wiki

This latest issue of X-Men is the wrap-up issue of the opening arc for this adjective-less X-title. With the limitations of a short arc and the stopping point of last issue, Brian Wood finished on a definite strong note. While there are still many questions to be answered, their are definitely hints at the end of the book that the next few issues to come will give us what we're looking for. This book did feel a little disjointed because of the page hopping from Storm and her team in Budapest and Kitty Pryde at the school trying to stop the Danger Room from destroying everyone. Even though they were connected by Arkea, the two stories didn't mesh well together. Wood makes up for the script, once again, through the characters. The x-team that is not an x-team works really well together, it's fun to imagine what they could potentially accomplish in coming issues. Olivier Copiel's art once again knocks this book out of the park. Every panel is visceral, gritty and exciting. Copiel has a knack for taking these characters and making their emotions and actions pop off the page and into your head. This creative duo has given us some very exciting stuff and together I think they can bring this book to the top of the x-titles that Marvel is putting out right now. With the Battle of the Atom event coming up in September, it will be interesting to see what tie ins we get from this duo and how the events from this book will play a role in that story, if they will at all.

Verdict: 7.5 out of 10. A nice, neat wrap up that leaves me asking for more answers and action. I'm definitely looking for the next issue this month.

Comic Book Day: July 17 Comic Book Reviews

For me, this week has been smaller than the past few weeks. In more ways than just the new comics I picked up. Things are starting to slow down for me a little and since this summer has been busy and hectic, I am welcoming the chance to sit down and take a look at new titles that I have been meaning to read. As well as Young Avengers, Hawkeye, Captain Marvel and X-Men I have since added Guardians of the Galaxy, and East of West to my weekly pulls. I definitely look forward to reading more of these series as they come out, This week's reviews features a new title as well, at least new for me. So without further ado, let's get to it!

Warning: Potential Spoilers Ahead.

Avengers Assemble #17 

Avengers Assemble #17 cover by
Joe Quinones
Image courtesy of Marvel Wiki

This Avengers Assemble brings readers part 4 of The Enemy Within event happening across Captain Marvel and Avengers Assemble. I don't quite understand why an event surrounding one character (Captain Marvel) is spread out over three different books but that's just me complaining about nothing. One thing that Kelly Sue DeConnick has done masterfully over this current arc has been to create Carol Danvers as an "unreliable narrator," of sorts. No where is this seen more than in this book, when Carol even asks herself if the conflict with this mysterious enemy (I won't give it away) is all in her head. With the other instances throughout the books, like things disappearing and appearing out of nowhere, I found myself questioning the validity of Carol's mental state as the main character. DeConnick really has done a wonderful job in sowing those seeds of doubt in the reader, making you think that this could all be for nothing. Matteo Buffagni's art really does add to the book as well. His characters seem to be popping off the page, and I absolutely love the page design and layout. Buffagni brings an energy to the characters that feels as though it's lifting off the page and finding a home inside your brain. My personal favorite panel from this book was the team up with Captain Marvel and Captain America. Buffagni really captures the bad ass feeling of these two heroes teaming up in the middle of New York just the way that we wanted to see it.

Verdict: 7.5 out of 10. DeConnick and Buffagni are packing this crossover event with some really good stuff. Definitely looking forward to reading the finale.

That's really it for comic book reviews for this week. I'm trying to catch up on some series that I left in the dust and want to start reading again. Hopefully I'll have more next week. Also, I'll be announcing a fun surprise next Wednesday, so be on the lookout for that!

Comic Book Day: July 10 Comic Book Reviews

I realize that I am a little behind with my reviews for the week. As most of my readers know I have been very busy with working for Vox Magazine and the Columbia Missourian, both of which cause me to spend most of my time during the week working on stories and articles. This week's pull was definitely smaller (since I didn't have to catch up on Hawkeye any more) and I didn't have the funds to get the last few issues of Avengers, Daredevil, or FF. With an extremely small pull this week I felt like I could focus more on what these latest issues of Young Avengers and Hawkeye had to offer than I normally could.

As always, I give readers warning to FULL SPOILERS ahead. Proceed with caution.

Young Avengers Vol. 2 Issue #7 "Breakfast Meat" 

Young Avengers #7 cover by
Jamie McKelvie
Image courtesy of Marvel Wiki

How does Kieron Gillen cover the 3 month jump in time from the end of issue #5 to issue #7? Through the use of social media of course! While the use of social media to cover the missing plot is fantastic, this book has the feeling of being stagnant since the action hasn't moved forward in terms of what happened at the end of issue #7. This book does offer plenty of character goodies that Gillen has proven to be very adept at inserting into the narrative. Particularly with Kate Bishop. In the scene with the diner when Prodigy finally catches up with the Young Avengers, we see Kate fully accept her role as the team leader. She's cautious, strong and dives head first into being there for her team. The nuances between the team members shows a level of comfortableness that they have definitely reached. And with the return of Jamie McKelvie after his brief absence, he fully emphasizes that dynamic between the characters.  McKelvie's art once again knocks it out of the park. The montage of Prodigy tracking down the Young Avengers is definitely my favorite design of a page to date. This book offers so many little details that even I didn't catch until reading Gillen's writer notes that explained his decisions behind the script. If you aren't following Gillen on tumblr for that insight into his mind, then you really are missing out on an excellent look into the details and crafting of a great comic book in the Marvel NOW! line up.

Verdict: 8 out of 10.  The book hasn't moved too far forward in terms of plot, but there is some fantastic character growth and dynamics going on here.

Hawkeye Issue #12

Hawkeye #12 cover by
Francesco Francavilla
Image courtesy of
fuckyeahavengingarcher.tumblr.com

While Francesco Francavilla brings a 180 switch in art style to this issue, Hawkeye #12 is still visually stunning. The lines are less blurry, the coloring is darker and the issue takes a step away from the light hearted, whimsical feel of David Aja's art. Overall, this issue offers an overarching narrative to Hawkeye's life that we haven't fully received in the past issues. We get to see the beginnings of what has made Clint Barton become the Clint Barton we know and love. Even with Clint taking a back seat in this issue, since he is only seen around the end of the book, the story adds another facet to Clint's life. Coming from a broken family with an abusive father, we see the trail that he has walked and how it ties into what he has become. While the issue can feel a bit removed from the rest of the series, we still have the continuity with the tracksuit mafia and even a short appearance from Lucky (AKA Pizza Dog). Without having direct interaction with Hawkeye in the book, these are the best ways that Fraction and Francavilla still keep the feel of the past issues going. I'm excited to see what comes next with Barney Barton and the back story that we are finally seeing on Hawkeye. Fraction keeps these stories coming and he continues to impress.



Verdict: 9 out of 10. I loved getting to see a book dedicated to where Hawkeye came from. As I always say with Matt Fraction... more please?

Comic Book Day: June 26 Comic Book Reviews

My pull for this week was a little smaller in terms of newer issues. But even without new issues lining my comiXology shopping cart, I still managed to spend $25 on comic books in one sitting. Mainly because I decided that I was going to catch up with Matt Fraction's Hawkeye book because I was so freaking excited about the Pizza Dog issue that came out. I still have a few titles that I desperately need to catch up on (Captain Marvel, Avengers and All New X-Men mainly) but I decided to focus on the three newest issues that I deemed most important to me at the moment. So without further ado, my reviews of the latest in Young Avengers, X-Men and Hawkeye! As always there will be SPOILERS.

Young Avengers Vol. 2 Issue #6: The Toll 

Young Avengers #6 cover by
Jamie McKelvie & Matthew Wilson
Courtesy of comicvine.com

The first thing I have to say is that Tommy is back! We finally get to see a little but of what Speed has been up to since the end of Children's Crusade. He and Prodigy, a former mutant, band together to take on the ultimate teenage task: working a boring temp job. With this being the beginning of a new story arc for Young Avengers, Kieron Gillen is setting up a new plot with a new, sinister villain materializing out of Tommy's past to contend with. I was slightly upset that we didn't get the wise-cracking, sarcastic Tommy we had been left with, but the new characterization by Gillen does seem promising. I'm not as familiar with Prodigy, but I did love the opening sequence with him answering phones as a tech assistant. I have no idea where these two actually work, but it seems perfectly suited to their respective abilities. Gillen has done a masterful job at capturing what a day job for a super hero actually could be. This book also featured the artistic talents of Kate Brown. It's definitely not the same art as the first arc, but it embraces the style with its own flair. It looks a little darker, but Brown has done a great job of capturing the dynamics between the characters. The art doesn't pop off the page as much, but it still works to tell the story in a dynamic way. With the exciting and mysterious finish to this book, Gillen and his team seem to be promising exciting things to come in this arc.
Verdict: 9 out of 10. there are definitely exciting things to come with this arc. I feel it in the Force.

X-Men Vol. 4 Issue #2 

X-Men #2 cover by
Olivier Copiel & Frank Martin
Image courtesy of comixology.com

In the last issue there was a lack of action and violent destruction of buildings (which I said was actually a good thing for a first issue). In this second issue, however, we are starting to see more violence, and definitely more teamwork between the new X-team line up. The wonderful thing about Brian Wood, is that he doesn't sacrifice the storyline for a few bits of combat. You can see as Rogue and Kitty fight Arkea in the Jean Grey School, the story continues to move forward. We learn more about the enemy in the fight sequences than we would if they were just explained to us in conversation. Because the action of the panels, and the visual aspects of the book help to drive the story forward. While Rogue is swinging away, we get chilling quips from Arkea coupled with the glare of Karima Shapandar's deadpan eyes. The art once again is stunning, dark and dynamic. Olivier Copiel matches the style of the panels perfectly with the tone of the characters. Not only do we get to read about Jubilee becoming a more stark and grown up character, but we get to see it as well. Copiel brings the care and devotion that Jubilee has for this baby (now known as Shogo) to life on the page. This issue was jam packed full of goodies, with great art and the driving storyline that had a pretty sweet cliff hanger. I honestly can't wait for the next issue to come out in July.

Verdict: 8.5 out of 10. Wood and Copiel are stepping up their game, showing that this book and these ladies are not to be messed with.


Hawkeye Issue #11: Pizza is My Business 

Hawkeye #11 cover by
David Aja
Image courtesy of comixology.com

OK everyone, let's be honest with ourselves. Who wasn't excited as hell for an issue of Hawkeye entirely dedicated to Pizza Dog!? We have gotten comics about super hero pets before, but this is definitely my favorite one to date. I can't help but smile like an idiot while following Pizza Dog's adventures around his home. With very little (understandable) dialogue, the book still allows for the story to move forward. This book couldn't have been as interesting as it was without the amazing art by David Aja. I absolutely adored every single page while reading. The way Aja captured the mundane abilities a dog has, like the heightened sense of smell and hearing, was brilliant. This issue didn't need dialogue to keep the action moving simply because each panel told a story that fit so well together, dialogue would have bogged it down. And the story itself fit neatly into the last issue, with a little bit of closure on Gil, and picking up from the final scene of #10. And Pizza Dog gets his own action scenes as well, which was fun and interesting. During one of the scenes I vowed to never buy another book if they killed him. There is no doubt that Aja and Fraction are delivering an outstanding series right now. Hawkeye has easily moved up to the  top of my reading list due to the fantastic storyline and the beautifully, unique art. No other book I am reading looks like this one and I love it!

Verdict: 9.5 out of 10. Pizza Dog delivers just as much punch and adorableness as Hawkeye does. Can we have another? 

X-Men, or Should I Say X-Women, Getting the Stage they Deserve

Last week Marvel released the new X-Men Vol. 4 featuring writer Brian Wood and artist Olivier Coipel. The new edition to the X-story features an all female cast, with a line up that includes Rachel Grey, Storm, Psylocke, Kitty Pryde and Jubilee. From my understanding this is the first book that features an all female X-Men team, and even in this first issue Wood is showing that these women are not to be messed with (if you didn't know that already).

The story starts off with Jubilee making her way across the globe to get back to the Jean Grey School, towing along a baby boy that she rescued from certain peril. This is the cutest baby ever seen in a comic book, hands down.  While Jubilee is traveling by plane and train, she is being followed not-so-subtly by an old enemy of the X-Men, John Sublime. Sublime goes to seek asylum with the X-Men, and also attempts to warn them of an ancient enemy returning to Earth to sow destruction and despair. 

X-Men Vol. 4 #1 cover by Olivier Coipel.
Image courtesy of Marvel Wiki

Basically, this first book is setting up for some great things to come out of this series. Wood is already promising a plot-dense run that will keep readers wanting more. Already, with the end of the book, I am eagerly awaiting the next issue to come out. Wood is providing excellent story that isn't action driven. The only action scene in this first issue is (SPOILERS) Rogue derailing a train in order to stop a head on collision. The rest of the book sets up what is to come, developing the plot right off the bat with a hidden enemy that already seems to be driving the plot forward. 

The characters in the new X-Men book have been well established by Wood, as well. Wood is setting up for some great dynamics to come along in the future. Especially between Storm and Jubilee, which could definitely come in to play around the new child that Jubilee is toting around. Each of these women are strong and tough, and the characterization of the team and how they work together is one of the things I am most excited to see play out. 

The fact that the entire cast is women also makes this book a great opportunity for Marvel to take on commentary with feminism. Marcel's women have always been strong and capable, but here we have a book that is saying "we are a team of women, and we can save the world without the guys help, bring it on." And Wood is bringing that to the table right away. 

Coipel has some great art in the book as well. I've been a fan of his since House of M and I am excited to follow his work again. He did a great job of bringing the characters to life on the page. In the panel where Storm glares at Jubilee when they are discussing the child, I honestly could feel the anger and suspicion lifting off the page.

All together, I think we have a good pairing of characters, plot and art to continue driving this story. Wood and Coipel are planning some big things for this run, especially in the opening arc. While this entire first issue was just exposition for things to come, it's exciting to see the direction these powerful X-women can take us. The next issue is set to release on June 26, and you can be sure that it will be in my shopping cart. 

My Blog is Powered by Teenage Delusions & Other Thoughts From Young Avengers #5

 Young Avengers Vol. 2 issue 5 was released yesterday, May 22. This issue was the end of the first story arc written by Kieron Gillen and featuring the artistic talents of Jamie McKelvie. This arc consisted mainly of the attempts of Kid Loki to assemble the complete team of the Young Avengers and defeat the inter-dimensional parasite brought into the world by Wiccan. With the first story arc completed and the next issue set to be released June 26, it's time to talk about the relaunch of Young Avengers. 

Young Avengers #1 with cover art by Jamie McKelvie.
Photo courtesy of The Guardian.com

Like many of the comic book fans that I know (both on tumblr and IRL) the original series of Young Avengers, written by Allan Heinberg, was one of the reasons I got into the comic book world. I was incredibly happy when Marvel announced the relaunch of the series with a new creative team. I didn't know much about Gillen's other work but I decided that I would go into the experience with an open mind and ready to embrace the possibility that it wouldn't live up to my expectations.

Overall, I have enjoyed Gillen's opening arc. I felt that each character had a distinct voice and that it was an interesting shadow of how the original Avengers were indirectly formed by Loki. Although, this time Loki is right there in the middle of everything, directly affecting the rest of the team. McKelvie's art is wonderful to look at as well. Each panel is engaging, and dynamic. I absolutely love the design of when Marvel Boy bursts into the night club and takes down the guards around the rest of the team. Coupled with Gillen's story and character voice, the two make a great pair.

Gillen does a great thing in picking up where Children's Crusade left off. Which was to be expected, but I love the way he does it. At the end of that miniseries, we have a team of teenagers who are otherwise broken. They've lost a member of their team, sworn to never put on the costumes again, and for the most part gone their separate ways. Gillen took those characters and showed where they had come from and how they were healing. Nowhere is this seen more, than in Billy (Wiccan). In the beginning we see the Wiccan we were left with, hurting and blaming himself for Cassie's death. He even screams at Teddy when he finds out that Teddy was sneaking out on patrol without telling him. But as the parasite takes over, and they are under a greater threat, Billy accepts his role, and steps back into the costume. We are reminded that Billy and the rest of the team are teenagers, and that by accepting his role, he is accepting the responsibility to work for something grander than any normal teenager would be able to. Gillen does a fantastic job of pulling these characters up, and causing them to rise to the potential they have always had, but have shied away from because of the rocky road that led to that place. This growth of character, not just in Billy but in the whole cast, is how Gillen is proving himself as the writer for Young Avengers.

Not only the characters, and the story itself are refreshing, but Gillen does a great thing in using the comic as a comment on society as a whole. It's nice to be able to see Billy and Teddy (Wiccan and Hulkling) express their love for each other in a more conventional way. In the original series, it felt as if there was a space that couldn't be crossed between the two. While it was an intimate space that was finally crossed with the big kiss at the end of Children's Crusade, it still left me wanting for more between the two, romantically. In the new run, we see more intimacy passing between the two of them, and Gillen approaching their relationship as something that doesn't need to baulked at.

Kate Bishop (Hawkeye, not the Hawkguy) also plays into the comment on society in a small way. Gillen even mentioned this in one of his questions that he answered in the back of one of the issues. Kate and Noh-Varr (Marvel Boy) are first seen after hooking up. But Kate doesn't let her hook up with Noh-Varr phase her. She shrugs it off, and continues on with her day. In an age where women are told to feel ashamed of sexual encounters of any kind, Kate owns her sexuality and let's it go. In Kate (and Miss America but I'm trying not to write a novel), we find a strong female character that exudes more than just the conventional strength seen in comic books. She's not afraid to stand up for what she believes in, and goes head first in fighting for feminism.

I've heard a lot of fans of YA saying that they have been disappointed with Gillen and that the run isn't the same as before. In all honesty, this is quite a different beginning than the original YA story. That world was darker, more draconian. In the new volume we see a lighter side of the Young Avengers story, with the same conflict as before. Gillen has brought a new light to YA, one with jokes, witticisms, and music. Yes, it changes the tone and the direction of the books, but so far that direction has been excellent. It's not the same book as before, that's for sure. We may never have that original feel to Young Avengers. But Gillen is definitely bringing something new to the YA-verse, and I'm excited to see where that goes.

Also, I can't wait for Tommy to come back in issue 6.

Instant Streaming My Life: Arrested Development

The other day, as I was discussing with friends about the state of the economy and American Imperialism, normal conversations for any college student, we started talking about blogging. Being part of a journalism school most of us are required by our professors to blog regularly. And I began saying how I try to blog as regularly as possible (which is a bald faced lie if I ever did tell one). But we began talking about ideas for blogs and cool themes that people could do and I, being as incredulous and ironic as is humanly possible, said that I should start blogging about my favorite past time, Netflix.

That's when I got the idea. To actually blog about Netflix.

As you all know, or should know after reading this post, I have an addiction to this particular online streaming site, Netflix. So I have decided to incorporate one of my past times into blogging, like I started to incorporate the reading list (which is still going strong, I just lost track of Penumbra's 24 Hour Book Store and had to start another book). This is also great, because blogging will give me motivation to actually watch the series on my "Netflix Watch List" and watching Netflix will give me an excuse to blog! Win-Win-Win!

The general idea of this post series is to watch a TV series on Netflix, and share what information I have found out about said series. As you can tell this post is about the television show, Arrested Development. So without further blathering on my part, TO THE ACTUAL POST!

Series: Arrested Development

Photo courtesy of theverge.com

Netflix Synopsis: "It's the story of a wealthy family that lost everything, and the one son who had no choice but to keep them all together. It's 'Arrested Development,' the Emmy Award and Golden Globe-winning series starring on of the funniest ensembles in TV comedy."

Began watching series on: April 16, 2013

Finished watching series on: May 7, 2013

Total amount of time watching series (start to finish): 22 days

Number of Seasons/Episodes: 3 seasons, 53 episodes

Average Length of Episodes: 21 minutes

Average Number of Episodes watched in a day: 3 episodes per day

Most episodes watched in one day: 9 episodes on April 20, 2013

Favorite Episode: "S.O.B.s" (Season 3/Episode 9)

Best snack for instant streaming: Homemade popcorn, with butter and salt.

Thoughts: "Arrested Development" has definitely stood up to its reputation. I had only ever heard people on tumblr discussing the show, as well as the accompanying .gif sets and stills that would go along with any tumblr post. The show, as a whole, had great continuity and felt whole, unlike many shows where there are plot holes or plot points that don't really hold up within the universe of the show. Thankfully, this show didn't have much of that, at least, not that I noticed. Things also moved along in a manner that was very easy to follow, or as easy as it can for the Bluth family. This was extremely nice for a comedy show, which can sometimes feel disjointed and as if the writers are trying to find the next joke. That rarely came across in "Arrested Development."

And the jokes were well crafted; I definitely had laugh-out-loud moments in a room full of people. Needless to say, the weird looks I got were worth it. The wit and attitude behind the writing was very refreshing, and something that I thoroughly enjoyed. The long standing jokes have been some of the best. I now know how to accurately do every Bluth family member's chicken dance, and I will never be able to look at the Blue Man Group the same again. The writing definitely stood out amongst some of the other shows that I have instant streamed on Netflix.

This was definitely apparent in my favorite episode listed above, "S.O.B.s" (which actually means Save Our Bluths) where the writers were taking a facetious approach to saving the show that was obviously going to be taken off the air. As the narrator blatantly begs people to watch the show, such lines like "HBO will never take us" and "I guess it's ShoTime then," were other great, not-so-subtle ways to make comments on the situation the writers and producers were facing.

The cast of the show did a great job portraying their characters as well. Lucille Bluth is now my favorite fictional mother, and I aspire to achieve her greatness one day. But that never would have been without Jessica Walter's fabulous performance as the alcoholic, uncaring Lucille. I had only really ever seen Jason Bateman in "Juno" so I was completely unprepared for the performance he gave as Michael Bluth. In his performance we found a father that was completely dedicated to keeping his family afloat, but ignored the family member that needed him the most, despite his best attempts. Speaking of which, it was nice to see where Michael Cera got his start, but as his usual, George Michael Bluth was probably what led him to playing the same character in every movie he would subsequently appear in. Which, consequently, have all been an older version of George Michael.

The show as a whole has been great to watch. Not only does the show provide a wonderful look into this whacky family that we have all fallen in love with, it also provides a deeper look at family ties and corporate corruption, which as everyone knows is what the entire show is about. Good job, I won the prize. The obligation of Michael to save not only the dying business but also his failing family, is the overarching theme of "Arrested Development". But it's obvious that Michael needs his family just as much, if not more, as they need him.

If you haven't watched this show, then you should. It's funny and witty, and will have some guaranteed laugh-out-louds. You should definitely catch up now because there will be a new season premiering on Netflix on May, 26. The new series, if you've been living in a cave and haven't heard, will be a Netflix only series, that will ultimately culminate in an "Arrested Development" movie.

Enjoy and hurry! You'll only have a couple of weeks before the newest episode premieres.

Why are Dating Apps so Depressing?

I wake up every Monday and Wednesday at 4 in the morning so that I can get ready for the opening shift at my minimum wage job at the campus recreation facility. I serve as the bridge between members and the fulfillment of their equipment needs. Basically, I check out towels and basketballs. But before I can open the hearts of the guests with an early morning smile, I begin my day with a bowl of cereal and a look at the latest messages on my various dating apps.

Most of the time there isn’t much to look at. The messages I have received while I slumbered can range anywhere from a new person seeking my attention to an old hook up trying to see if I’m “looking” for the night. I continue scrolling through the various pictures and messages, searching for that one that will spark my interest and cause me to take a leap of faith into the arms of a stranger. Predictably, no such message exists and I slump over my Cinnamon Toast Crunch, defeated once again by the virtual dating world.

This is a cycle that I find myself in more and more as I continue to use dating apps, such as Grindr and Tinder. Trying to find a connection in the virtual world can be depressing and soul sucking. Messages go ignored on both ends, everyone lies on their profile to sound more interesting, and at the end of the day, that torso on Grindr is really only interested in where you’re at and if you can “host.”

Is the logo a skull because this app will suck the life out of you?
Photo courtesy of Google Images

But why are dating apps so depressing? What happened to the simple days when pairs were made outside locker rooms? As long as both parties were content with the match, you could have a boyfriend/girlfriend in no time. But why do these applications take away that simple side of dating? Because dating apps create a potent mixture of destroying romanticism while simultaneously reminding us of every flaw we have.

These apps have brought about the end of fantasies and dreams that have been with us since our childhoods. Think about it, since we were wee tots the idea of finding true love at the drop of a hat has been pounded into our brains. We have all had that fantasy that we would meet someone and find a connection to another human being in the most romantic way possible. Dating apps have taken away that romantic aspect of spontaneously meeting another single human being. What is so romantic about picking and choosing the best looking abs in a line up of men? Nothing.

When you have to choose someone from a list of people on an app it feels more like you’re picking the best brand of shoes that you would like to potentially try on and have for a week or two before returning them for store credit. It’s empty. There is no fire, no passion that comes from a smart phone screen. You can’t hear the excitement in someone’s voice when they discuss their pastimes, or the love they have for their favorite sports team. These things have to be added to the conversation by your own mind, rendering the dialogue completely one-sided. Interactions with someone you’re interested in on an app can feel disjointed, and lifeless. Conversations don’t feel as urgent as they do when meeting in person, because there is no sense of I have 5 minutes before the barista finishes my coffee order and I need to find out everything I can before he/she disappears forever because then I could have a chance to see him/her again.

That romanticism is further destroyed by the idea that everyone on the app has to be picked by someone. Dating apps are like the stereotypical gym scene in an elementary school. Everyone who you think is attractive, funny, and cool gets paired up together while you are left on the sidelines wondering when someone will pick you to play on their team. Except in this scenario you continue to send notes to the cool kids and they continue to throw them in the trash without looking at them. And this selection of people adds to the heavy weight sitting on you, because you know that you won’t get picked by the one you want because of some, unforeseen reason.

Ever since high school, when we would hear the horrible things people thought about us, we have been afraid of people judging us. Even those who say they don’t care, have at one time in their life been terrified that they were ultimately put on a scale and scrutinized by another human being for some facet of their personality or looks or whatever. The plus side of high school, was that we would tend to hear these things second-hand from friends or people who overheard the nasty things others would say about us. A majority of the time we didn’t have to take the judgment at face value, and we could shrug it off. But with a dating app, that judgment is thrown in your face, no matter how hard you try to avoid it. It’s inevitable that the minute someone ignores your message you start listing all your flaws and the things you heard in high school: too fat, too skinny, rude, not funny, mean, annoying, etc., etc. Flaws are magnified in your head when people are rejecting you left and right.

Dating apps are not perfect, that’s to say the least. But to write them off entirely would be wrong as well. They do offer the opportunity of connecting with someone you wouldn’t normally connect with, and it extends the playing field for the single members of society. In some cases, like Grindr and Jack’d, people who may be in the closet or questioning their sexuality can find a safe space to explore and find what they really want, something they wouldn’t be able to accomplish in the physical world. And some extremely lucky people really do find love and happiness by using these apps, and to them I say, kudos. To the rest of us I say, carry on.

While I have deleted my dating apps numerous times, I continue to go back to them. My morning routines wouldn’t be the same without reading five different “hellos” from the same guy. And while, I haven’t personally been able to completely eradicate dating apps from my life, I still try to hold on to that romantic notion that one day, when I’m handing someone a towel, or getting my coffee at Starbucks, I’ll meet someone and know that there could be potential there. I won’t let Grindr take that away from me completely. 

Web Series Watch Party: It Could Be Worse

Since the web series The Outs had concluded at the end of the month, I have been in search of a new web series to fill my time with. This search had been proving fruitless until about a week ago, when I stumbled across It Could Be Worse, a darkly comedic web series created by Mitchell Jarvis and Wesley Taylor. After watching the first few episodes I became hooked and buckled myself in for the funny and rather twisted ride.

It Could Be Worse follows the life of Jacob Gordon, played by Taylor, as he deals with his needy, neurotic boyfriend and his insanely odd parents. Gordon's life is turned around when an old flame, Ben Farrel, returns to New York City and prompts Gordon to start changing things in his life.

Wesley Taylor who portrays Jacob Gordon in It Could Be Worse.
Photo courtesy of Google Images. 

So far there have only been ten episodes that have been released, but there are more to come. Even as I sit, writing this post I wait in anticipation for the next episode to be put online. Each episode has a run time of anywhere between 7 and 10 minutes. These episodes are not wanting for content, despite their short length.

The writing for the series has been humorous and dark, causing the viewer to find the perfect mixture of awe and hilarity in each episode. Taylor and Mitchell have provided audiences with a wicked storyline that does not disappoint. Each episode builds on past episodes, expanding the plot and characters but still keeping the watcher in anticipation for what twist could come next. From drugs to pooping in the ladies room, It Could Be Worse provides excellent coverage of the topics and plot twists that we all yearn for.

The series was awarded Indie Series of the Week on welovesoaps.net, and was nominated for the win for four consecutive weeks. It Could Be Worse is quickly becoming one of the most talked about series on the web. All of this is completely understandable. With the great writing, and the absolutely outstanding performances from the cast, this series provided what I was looking for after my emotional ending with The Outs.

The series also has wonderful guest stars sprinkled throughout the episodes including Audra McDonald, who plays Jacob Gordon's shrink, and Debra Messing, a neighbor of Jacob Gordon's who doesn't seem to get along with him very well. These are just a few of the wonderful surprise appearances that come up in practically every episode. The entire cast is filled with the latest faces from on and off Broadway, and any theatre lover would be ecstatic to watch this.

Each character gives a wonderful performance as well. Taylor's portrayal of Jacob Gordon is phenomenal. Every mishap that comes his way deepens your sympathy for the character, and sometimes makes you want to jump into the screen and comfort him once another thing in his life goes wrong. Overall, the cast does a wonderful job of bringing this fantastic, dark world to life.

If you are interested in watching It Could Be Worse you can find all ten episodes here. Enjoy!

The Best (and Worst) Thing to Happen During My College Career

As well as being a lover of books, I am an avid lover of good television shows. I'm just going to throw that out there now. But I never really got to watch any TV my freshman year at college. If I did it would be an episode of Glee (thank God that stopped after first semester) or shows like Weird Addictions or Call of the Wildman. This was partly due to the fact that my roommate and I were generally not watching TV while working on homework, or hanging out with friends. TV was something we turned on right before we turned the lights off to wind down from the day.

I still don't watch a lot of TV now that I have an apartment, and a TV to myself. The only show I follow religiously is Parks & Recreation and if you don't watch that show, then you are wrong. The irony of the whole situation is that, while I don't watch a lot of TV, I watch a gigantic ton of TV shows.

The answer to the conundrum: Netflix.

One of my roommates hooked me up with his subscription when I was trying to watch the 90s version of X-Men on Youtube and it wasn't working out. After that, it all went down hill. I became hooked to the site, and began to log a solid five to six hours in front of the computer screen watching cartoons, British sci-fi shows (five guesses on what show I'm talking about) and comedy shows like Parks & Rec and 30 Rock.

I'm still a little tender over the series finale.
Photo courtesy of Netflix via Google Images

This all seemed great! Finally, I had a database where I could find the shows I wanted to all in one place. I started compiling a list of shows that I wanted to see. A list, might I add, that is still in existence today, while I am writing this post. This show list coupled with my addiction to Netflix began to run my life, and dictated how much time I spent in front of the computer. There was even one day that I stayed in my room the entire day, marathoning the entire second season of Avatar: The Last Airbender (woops don't tell my professors. I still got an A in the class I missed, it was one time). My friends knew that if I was laughing at something on my computer I was generally watching a show on Netflix. It was bad.

My Netflix addiction took a peak during the summer. While I was living in Columbia working towards getting residency in Missouri, I could spend close to 7 or 8 hours straight of watching Battlestar Galactica, Charmed, and any other tv show that I could stream. After getting off work I would walk in to my apartment and go straight to my laptop. Before I knew it, the day would be gone and I would have gotten through half a season of Torchwood.

To this day I have been unable to stop my continual use of Netflix. But I have embraced it, and am no longer ashamed of how often I use it. Netflix has become a way for me to relax after a long day of class, studying and writing. It provides an outlet for me to unwind during the week while still being entertained and without having to deal with pesky commercials and advertisements. The most important thing is that I have found a way to balance my Netflix use and ensure that I don't watch anything before my work is done. And that's what college is all about, finding the balance between school, work and life.

Netflix has become part of my life. I use the streaming service everyday, and I have practically gotten rid of conventional television in my life. This has become true for many people in my generation, I believe. Especially among the group of people I spend most of my time with, the TV doesn't play a major role in our everyday life. We use the television for video games, and using consoles to get Netflix on the TV so that we don't have to watch movies or shows on our laptops all the time.

I know that I am a Netflix junky, but I also know that I am not alone with this particular vice.

Can I Be Pavel Andreievich Chekov?

With the second semester in full swing now, I've found very few opportunities to blog. I'm still working vehemently on the 2013 Reading Challenge, although I did have to switch books due to some changes (just a heads up the next review will be on Mr. Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan). Many of my professors in the J-School would find my lack of blogging as being lazy, but I just call it being busy with class, internship, projects and work. This semester has a smaller class load, but way more work outside of the classroom. Maybe. I need to check on that.

Anyway, with the added work hours and the internship that I am participating in, I try to find time to spend with my friends and roommates. Recently we all started watching Breaking Bad together on Netflix, starting from season one. Other activities we do together include cooking dinners together, going to Taco Bell and McDonalds (conveniently placed near our abode) and playing video games together. This last option took on a fun, new form tonight that I felt would be a great way to spring back into the blogosphere.

This turn of events came in the shape of an iPhone app called Spaceteam. The app was realeased Nov. 29, 2012, by Sleeping Beast Games according to this website. It is a cooperative party game where 2 to 4 people sit on their iPhones and scream nonsense words at each other. Each player is randomly assigned a panel with buttons, switches, dials and knobs on them. Each player must follow instructions that are meant to move the team on to the next sector. The instructions are time sensitive, and the best twist of all, the instructions are sent to your teammates so there is quite a bit of shouting out orders. The entire time you're playing the game the ship is falling apart, and space anomalies such as thermal storms, asteroids, and wormholes make it harder to follow the instructions being shouted at you.

Once you think the game is easy it gives you crazy words to shout out.
 Photo courtesy of Apple, via Google Images. 

One of my roommates found out about this app from a Podcast that he listens to regularly and told the rest of us to download it and that we would be playing it later in the evening. We were all curious as to what the game was even about, but we downloaded and waited to get back to our apartment in order to try it out. Right before we started playing we asked what the game was about and he said, "It's like Star Trek. We each get a panel and we have to fly a ship."

I immediately asked if I could be Chekov. Or Scotty. But mainly, I wanted to be Chekov. I mean come on, Chekov is awesome. He's a pretty sweet pilot And who wouldn't want to have that great, Russian accent?

How can you not want to be him?
Courtesy of Wikepedia via Google Images

Anyway, after we worked out the debacles with the Wifi and the Bluetooth, we all joined in on the Spaceteam fun. Our living room was filled with shouts of, "set shiftcrane to 1," "activate zeta-rack," and one of my favorites, "cancel subscriptions." There were also times when iPhones were vigorously shook to avoid asteroids, and even moments where we had to flip upside down so as to not be sucked into a wormhole.

The wormholes make your screen go all wonky so you better flip.
Photo courtesy of the wonderful and amazing Chelsea Kim.

Our team was only able to make it to Sector 8 before our ship burst into flames from the expanding star that we were attempting to outrun. This app was some of the most fun I've had playing a game on my iPhone. Even more so than the "critically acclaimed" Temple Run. The game gets stressful as you move on through the sectors due to the fact that your time grows shorter and the commands start to come in faster. But even with everyone shouting orders and instructions at the same time and no one truly knowing what is going on in the game, we were able to pull it together and get through seven minutes of the game. SEVEN INTENSE MINUTES.

Seven minutes was the longest time we clocked as a team of four tonight.

I would definitely recommend this app for any group of friends looking for a fun way to spend an hour or two, especially on a weekday when movies, Netflix and homework aren't sufficient enough distractions. Not to mention it's free so that's an added bonus. Be ready to scream at your friends and recite crazy, technobabble that will make absolutely no sense!

Just a hint, if you play with two people, it's a lot less intense since you won't have three people barking instructions at you, but it feels more like a dialogue between two pilots in the middle of the Bermuda triangle when the plane is about to go down. But I highly recommend playing in a group of four, since this is way more fun and intense (and slightly stressful when you get to higher sectors) but it's all for a good time.

Enjoy it! And play where you can be loud (my friends and I talked about how funny it would be if a group played during a lecture and were shouting instructions over the professor. Easy way to get kicked out of class) otherwise you may encounter some problems with the flux oscillator.

Live Blogging the 2013 Golden Globe awards with Connor

I always get pretty excited when it comes for the time of the year that the award shows start airing. I am an avid lover of many television series and movies, and it's a great thing to see the people who bring these things I love get the recognition that they deserve. And since this is the first year that I am running a blog while award season is going on, I figured why not, live blog the Golden Globe awards, and see where it goes from there.

I'm pulling for a lot of actors and actresses to get awards tonight, especially Jessica Lange, Maggie Smith, Anne Hathaway, Tommy Lee Jones and Ben Afleck. I am also having a crisis because both Amy Poehler and Tina Fey are nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series for Parks and Rec and 30 Rock. I love both of these wonderful comedians and both of these shows, which is making it hard to try and predict which will win, because I feel like both of them are brilliant.

Check back here throughout the night as I give updates and my own personal commentary on the awards as the night goes on!

6:28- finally tuning in to the red carpet special. I usually enjoy watching the interviews, however it's not the best part of the night! P.S. Daniel Day Lewis still looks a little bit like Abe Lincoln.

6:30- Adele appears on my screen and I think I just fell in love with her all over again.

6:33- Richard Gere will always be Billy Flynn in my life. Even with the white mane.

6:34- If Adele doesn't win Original Song I may set something on fire.

6:44- I swear if Hugh Jackman starts singing, I will drive to the awards right now and give him the award he deserves (hint: It's not a Golden Globe, it starts with P and rhymes with lunch.)

6:51- Sofia Vergara is amazing and beautiful. That is all.

7:00- Oh yay it's time for the awards show.

7:08- Tina and Amy are both brilliant. They gave a wonderful introduction for the night.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture: Christoph Waltz
I was hoping Leo would get this one, but it's the same movie I guess. OH WELL.

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series, or Motion Picture Made for Television: Maggie Smith
I couldn't have been happier. Maggie Smith is an amazing and wonderful actress. Too bad she couldn't have been there tonight.

Best Mini-Series or TV Movie: Game Change
Not what I was pulling for, a little sad not to see Sigourney Weaver up there.

Best Actress in a Mini-Series or TV Movie: Julianne Moore
Why didn't it go to Jessica Lange? Because people make poor decisions.

Best Actor in a TV Series Drama: Damian Lewis
Just proof that I need to start watching Homeland.

Best TV Series Drama: Homeland
Once again, more proof that I need to start watching this show again.

Best Original Score: Mychael Danna
None of the awards I'm hoping for are coming through. About to give up on everything. At least this isn't the Oscars.

Best Original Song in a Motion Picture: Adele
Finally! Looks like I won't be burning anything in my town.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture made for TV: Kevin Costner
Benedict Cumberbatch would have been my first pick for Sherlock, but that's OK too, I guess.

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture- Comedy or Musical: Jennifer Lawrence
Couldn't be happier! She is definitely a talented actress and deserves the award. Also can Will Farrell and Kristen Wiig host my life?

Best Supporting Actor in a TV Series, Mini-Series or TV Movie: Ed Harris
Just keep on rolling in the disappointments tonight. No, it's OK. I can take it.

Keep on trying Megan Fox...

Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture: Anne Hathaway
Holy cow, I couldn't be happier. Her performance as Fantine was stunning and she definitely deserves that award.

Best Screen Play for Motion Picture: Quentin Tarantino
I wasn't entirely surprised with this one. Just wish my pick had won.

Best Actor in a TV Series Comedy or Musical: Don Cheadle
I'm seriously about to give up on rooting for my picks. Nothing against Don Cheadle, he is a wonderful actor, but I was hoping for a 30 Rock win.

Best Foreign Film: Amour
We get it, you both have thick accents that make it impossible to understand you, the commentary wasn't that necessary. Unfortunately I was unable to see many foreign films this past year so I'm not entirely sure which was the most deserving for this category.

Best Actress for a TV Series- Drama: Claire Danes
Wait, did anyone else see Homeland winning!? But really, Claire is a wonderful actress, and I had no idea she was Temple Grandin in Temple Grandin! Which is a brilliant movie and she was marvelous as the title character.

Sacha Baron Cohen can host my life too as far as I'm concerned.

Best Animated Feature Film: Brave
Another point for Connor! I'm very excited that this was the winner, what a great movie!

Aziz Ansari is the best.

Best Actress in a TV Series Comedy or Musical: Lena Dunham
My heart has been broken yet again. How could Tina/Amy not get this! Oh well, good for Lena, congrats on the first time winner!

"Drunk" Amy and Tina are pretty funny, I was wondering where that would go. I can't believe Tina just made a Taylor Swift joke though! Maybe that will turn up in her next album.

Also Jodie Foster is awesome and she has been a great actress over the years. What a great person to win such an award. Can't wait to see where she goes from here.

Best Director of a Motion Picture: Ben Affleck
I was honestly quite surprised by this. I honestly thought that Tarantino or Lee would have won. But this is actually really exciting. Glad he got it.

I honestly feel like the cast of SNL is taking over this awards show. Can they do it for all other awards shows? This honestly doesn't feel like a bad thing.

Best TV series Comedy or Musical: Girls
I wish I had HBO so I could see what the hype about this show is. I was expecting Smash to win. Then I remember that it's HBO. The more nudity, the better the show, right?

Best Actor in a Motion Picture Comedy or Musical: Hugh Jackman.
I can only hope that he won this for his acting, because that was pretty great. The singing on the other hand, probably should have cost him the award.

Best Motion Picture- Comedy or Musical: Les Miserables
Can anyone say predictable in French? I really did enjoy the movie and I'm happy that it won, but I am an ardent Wes Anderson fan and I was really hoping for Moonrise Kingdom, even though I know it didn't stand a chance.

Best Actress in a Motion Picture Drama: Jessica Chastain
I am really excited to see Zero Dark Thirty and it's really exciting that she got this. I really am looking forward to seeing her performance now.

Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama: Daniel Day Lewis
And Lincoln takes the gold! I did enjoy this movie and I thought that Lewis gave a wonderful performance, as he has in the past. His portrayal of Lincoln was very well done.

Best Motion Picture Drama: Argo
Congrats to Ben and the cast of Argo! I am very excited that this won.

Well then! What an interesting night. While I walked away from this first of many award shows a little upset, I'm sure that with at least one of the many more that are on the horizon I won't be too upset. I was happy with some of the results but I still think the night could have gone a little bit better. We can't win all of them though.

And so concludes the Live Blogging of the Golden Globe Awards Show. Thanks for checking this blog, and following the updates. My next live blogging event will most likely be the Academy Awards, and on that note, good night!