Shaquille O’Neal is Involved in a Comic About a Historical Pirate. It Sounds...Good?

Look, plenty of celebrities get involved in making comic books. Quite often they are incredibly forgetful books, or the celebrity has basically zero involvement besides licensing their name and likeness to be used in the comic. Exceptions to this, "Rule," exist, of course, because Gerard Way (of My Chemical Romance) and his, "Umbrella Academy," comics remain an utter delight (which also received a Netflix adaptation that varied in quality from amazing and imaginative to uninspiring and tepid). Hence, when I saw a headline declaring Shaquille O’Neal was involved in creating a comic, I assumed it would be something about basketball. That, or involve someone who looks like him that also happens to named Shaq before becoming a superhero, or something. Instead, it is a historical fiction piece on, "...the West African pirate known as Black Caesar, who was active in the Caribbean during the early 1700s." That sounds pretty cool, actually.

"Vengeance Unchained: The Legend of Black Caesar," is the full title of this five-issue mini-series. Shaq isn't super involved in the comic as far as I can tell, with writer Stephanie Williams, and artist Ray-Anthony Height (and his team at Studio Skye-Tiger) doing much of the comic creation, but it is still something that says Shaq, "Presents," so I suppose without his involvement this wouldn't get made. This is the first-ever comic Shaq has been involved with, and I'm not sure if he brought the idea of the book to Archie or they asked him about it, but he discussed in a press release about the book, “Growing up, I always loved stories about warriors who refused to quit. Black Caesar starts as a king, loses everything, and takes his freedom back on his own terms. That’s the kind of story I want to help tell. We built something that’s going to entertain you and make you think. I’m ready for the world to see what we created with Archie Comics, an iconic brand I have been a big fan of for many years. Archie has such an incredible legacy of storytelling, and being able to collaborate with a brand that has meant so much to generations of fans made this project even more exciting for me.”

The real Black Caesar doesn't have a ton of documentation, but enough is out there to confirm he did exist. He was (apparently) a war chief who became enslaved before joining in piracy and serving under Blackbeard up until that infamous pirate was killed. Black Caesar was arrested and faced trial, but he was acquitted, and then what happened to him next remains a bit of a mystery. I just think it is cool to see a celebrity known for a variety of other things (basketball, sports commentary, a tiny bit of acting, a short rap career) engaging in a comic about a random-but-quite-interesting subject. I'll check out the first issue this October!

Athletes, Coaches, Sports Gambling, and the Ethical Quandary America Has Entered

The NBA is in the midst of a gambling scandal, but I'm getting ahead of myself here. First, keep in mind how sports gambling used to only be legal in Nevada. Sure, it happened everywhere, but it was underground/secretive/mafia-related or simply little bets among friends outside of a relatively small radius. Then, it started expanding into other states, whether technically not being gambling, as with daily fantasy sports, or just straight-up legalized betting. That said, athletes would surely not get involved, however. They must've been paid enough and had the morals to never be involved in fixing their games. Right? Right? 

Then, in 2024, a little-known player named Jontay Porter became sloppy with his secret bets, got caught, and I wrote how he was, "The tip of the iceberg," for more trouble to come. Well, it is 2025, and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, and former NBA player and coach Damon Jones were all arrested last week as part of a lenghty FBI investigation into illegal gambling. The FBI was probing both illegal sports betting as well as fraudulent poker games with incredibly high stakes, and surprise, surprise, folks from professional sports were involved. Everything from fake injuries (for the basketball games) to hidden cameras and X-ray tables (for the poker hands) has been revealed--with assorted crime families/mafias involved too. It is a mess, and it is darkly hilarious how many people are saying, "I'm shocked!" I mean, really?

Let me express that I have zero issue with sports gambling for those with no involvement in a game from a moral standpoint. Missouri recently asked us to vote for or against it, and I marked, "Yes," on the ballot. If someone bets responsibly and doesn't have an addiction/problem, let them say a certain horse will win a race or their favorite team will win a game. I'm all for letting people do what they want, and I genuinely hope the tax dollars Missouri will get from the newly legalized sports gambling go to good use--it officially starts on December 1st. That said, I will never act surprised that there are people looking for a way to take advantage of a new opportunity to make money--regardless of how illegal or unethical it is. What did anyone think was going to happen with the meteoric rise of sports gambling?

A popular player who has made tons of money from winning big games and getting endorsements has little reason to risk their reputation and fortune on anything resembling sports betting, but someone who is barely known yet has the right connections could get some hefty paydays. Via your friends, you have bets made that you won't quite sink enough baskets, or will come up with fewer shots on goal in a hockey game than is thought should make. We think a player should work as hard as they can for their team and themselves, but a fake sprain in the first quarter, adding an extra ten grand or so to your pockets when you barely get much time on the court/field/rink as it is...that could be tempting for some.

We like to think of human beings as ethical and rational, and many of us are! The thing is, there are people who will take advantage of power. Whether power corrupted them or corrupt people seek power is a question for philosophers to spend arguing until the end of time, but the point remains that a lot of folks will take advantage of opportunities given to them, ethics, laws, or anything else that should stop them be damned. I want anyone playing any game to follow the rules and do their best. Whether you're a high school point guard, collegiate quarterback, in the NHL as a goalie, or engaging in a poker night with chums, cheating or fixing a game is wrong, obviously! Still, hearing people who shouldn't have been involved in sports gambling cheated surprises me as much as hearing about cases of insider trading, embezzling, or anything else. 

There will be those with the power to cheat who eagerly do so, we just have to hope that most people are ethical and do the right thing for no reason other than knowing it is simply the right thing! All of that said, feigning surprise to learn that some athletes and coaches could possibly be involved in illegal sports gambling is just silly. Cheaters are always gonna cheat; it is just the means of doing so that change.

Starting Early September Off Right With News and Links!

It's September 2025. Billie Joel Armstrong has gone to sleep and will awake when the month ends (as the memes say, even though the actual song is a lot sadder than folks realize). Let's share some interesting links and pieces of news!

Many folks might remember, "Linsanity," or the period of time where a young NBA player named Jeremy Lin captivated audiences with some amazing gameplay. I don't even follow basketball much, and I remember it! Well, after a trailblazing career, Jeremy Lin has announced he is retiring from Basketball. I hope he enjoys some rest and relaxation! Meanwhile, Bill Belichick maybe should've stayed retired from coaching or just had an off (debut) night with collegiate football.

With the remake of, "Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater," as, "Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater," the original game and this well-received update (new graphics and some gameplay adjustments) have been getting lots of press. It was a fantastic game 21(!) years ago and I plan to try the remake. I'm just glad they kept the fantastic James Bond-style opener, "Snake Eater," which has its own interesting origin story.

The AV Club has been doing a tournament of sorts that is in the second round to debate the best action franchise of all time. I suppose in terms of a franchise with no outright bad entries, the, "Mission Impossible," brand could win--every single flick is good that I've seen (I'm behind some). That said, ya'll know, "Predator,"-related movies hold a special place in my heart, stinkers aside.

Heidi MacDonald of The Comics Beat doesn't beat around with the bush discussing how Manga is wiping the floor with U.S. comics lately in an article titled, "The story that should terrify the American comics industry." For years, manga has been booming--especially with young folks--and the American comic industry has done okay, but who knows what the next ten or even five years hold?

I hope to make a more dedicated post reviewing the latest Sabrina Carpenter album, "Man's Best Friend," as I'm only halfway through it so far (my medical stuff threw a wrench in many plans). What I have heard, however, is great, and other reviewers are vibing with it too.

Returning to the subject of video-games, one does wonder when the next, "Big," $80 game will be. It seemed inevitable that games would cost more, but some Nintendo endeavors aside, lots of other publishers got cold feet at the idea. I'd wager, "Grand Theft Auto VI," could charge whatever it wants and get away with it, but we'll see as its (alleged) May 2026 release date approaches.

2 Random Notable Things Are Occurring--Diamond's Auction and March Madness

March 19th was the deadline for bids on Diamond Comic Distributors' various sub-companies. March Madness has started this week as well. Both things are very different but both are also big and notable events for sure. I honestly only care much about one, however (Diamond). Bids protected by NDAs have been submitted. Come Monday the 24th, a lot more will be revealed as Diamond finds itself broken and sold into various parts. Various rumors have spread about Diamond and what the future holds, and nobody can be sure what is going to happen. That's a lot like March Madness, which often finds people making brackets that have one-in-a-120 billion odds of being perfect. Seriously, your odds are a lot better to win the lottery than they are to create a slam-dunk bracket. We've all got theories about Diamond and March Madness but until everything is said and done it is just a lot of (most likely incorrect) guesswork.

I am incredibly curious how things shake out with Diamond and know a ton of people are pumped about March Madness. Even if I don't follow basketball much (pro or collegiate) it still is always great to see how excited people get. Plus, that bulldog mascot from Drake University (Griff II), is a real cutie. As April arrives a lot will be figured out regarding Diamond and on April 7th March Madness will have its National Championship to determine a winner. In other words, by mid-April, we'll know a lot more than we do now about both of these subjects.

Television Tuesday: The First Two Episodes of, "Clipped," Build Suspense Expertly

"Clipped," is a six-episode series by FX on Hulu and is based on a real event when audio was leaked of the owner of the L.A. Clippers, Donald Sterling, saying a whole lot of racist stuff. The show is based on the ESPN 30 for 30 podcast, "The Sterling Affairs," and as it is a dramatized version of events that means some parts are a bit fictionalized of the 2014 event but other aspects are disturbingly true. Episodes drop early in the morning on Tuesdays, so the third one is actually viewable now but I have not yet seen it. That said, I am excited to watch it as the first two entries are superb at building suspense and setting up the messy downfall of Donald Sterling.

To summarize what happened, Donald Sterling had an assistant (known as V) whom he had some sort of relationship with (not exactly even sexual, but more almost like he was coddling and infantilizing her) and when things went sour she leaked a lot of audio of him saying some really racist and otherwise offensive things. There was a ton of fallout and episodes 3-6 will clearly cover that. Such a short summary does a disservice to a number of complexities the podcast and now show dig into, however.

The primary cast is fantastic. V is portrayed by Cleopatra Coleman and comes across less as the evil opportunist some tried to paint her as and instead seems a bit scared, worried about her own livelihood, and dangerous enough to cause a lot of trouble if she feels threatened. Jacki Weaver plays Sterling's wife, Shelly, and is superb in showcasing a mix of rage, sadness, and abject terror at what will happen if the things her husband has said on tape are revealed. Ed O'Neill portrays Sterling and nails a solid blend of seeming a bit like a buffon but also having a scary and nefarious edge lurking below his aloof surface. 

 Laurence Fishburne absolutely kills it as Doc Rivers, however. Everyone has praised his portrayal as the coach of the Clippers, and he puts in work. With the way he walks, gestures, and does the voice he truly is showcasing some acting chops. That said, some of the actors portraying athletes have had it noted they don't look much like the people they are meant to represent. It isn't too distracting, but Blake Griffin really does not look like Blake Griffin.

"Clipped," and its first two episodes build a bundle of suspense while moving at a nice breezy speed putting the pieces in place for the infamous P.R. fiasco. There is a bit of a trashy soap opera feel to it all, but the show leans into that vibe with little Instagram montages and such between scenes. This was a social media event right as social media really began taking off a decade ago, and, "Clipped," doesn't show away from that. I am excited to watch the next four episodes of this series as I only vaguely recall just how messy everything got and taking a deeper dive into what occurred should be interesting and entertaining!

5 out of 5 stars (for the first two episodes).

Jontay Porter is the Tip of a New Iceberg When it Comes to Professional Sports, Gambling, and Ethics

Today is a sports-themed kind of day, I guess, considering I just wrote about a new sports card store earlier and now have this post! It's funny as I used to never write about sports but now I touch on that along with other popular culture. Now then, I have zero problem with sports gambling because if it can bring income to states, and isn't hurting anyone (problem gambling should obviously be addressed), then states should do it. That said, if sports leagues are going to partner with gambling sites/entities, have them advertise a bunch, pay for stuff, and otherwise be a huge part of sports, can anyone really feign surprise if some athletes take all that as a sign they can get involved in sports gambling to some degree? It was announced that Basketball player Jontay Porter was caught by the NBA illegally gambling on his performance to make money and working with bettors. He is going to be the tip of the iceberg in regards to some athletes trying to game the system to make extra funds.

Think about it. If you make gambling a huge part of the game, don't be stunned when those playing the game see a way to possibly get some scratch--ethically/legally or not. It's a new era of professional sports and gambling on a sport has mostly come out of the shadows, but plenty of metaphorical dark crevices for illicit activity remain. I don't know if there is enough light to stamp out everything questionable that could occur--although thanks to everything being legal various systems noticed the odd betting patterns regarding Porter, at least. Pete Rose's gambling on baseball was Earth-shattering news decades ago. Now, that's going to look positively quaint compared to the shitstorm I could see hitting pro sports in the coming years if athletes try to get in the game on their games. It isn't right, but I can predict it happening more and more. 

Porter isn't an isolated case, either, just the most brazen so far. Major League Baseball's new star player Shohei Ohtani has his own scandal by proxy. Ohtani's translator, Ippei Mizuhara, allegedly stole 16 million dollars from him and placed sports bets without his knowledge, but only so many players have a translator to blame (I'm not saying Ohtani did any illegal gambling, but if it ever came out he did, my lack of shock would be evident). We aren't even halfway through 2024 and already two sports have been rocked by gambling scandals. I'd bet--no pun intended--that there are going to be a lot more gambling fiascos before the year is done. I mean, don't forget that the Summer Olympics are this year, and plenty of legal sportsbooks are ready. I'm bracing myself for a mess with that, although I hope nothing sketchy occurs. Time will tell.

314 Sports Cards is a Stellar Place to Buy (What Else?) Sports Cards

I've gotten into hockey cards as of late (and sometimes I'll dabble in other entertainment cards as well for fun) and National Hockey Card Day was this last Saturday. I was unable to make it out to any stores on the day itself but had the chance today to visit one I'd heard good things about and had been meaning to visit, 314 Sports Cards.

Located at 9640 Olive Blvd in Saint Louis, MO (63132 area code), 314 Sports Cards is a fun shop! They've got all the fandoms represented that others know and love as well as the one I follow, hockey! Everyone there was extremely nice when I visited and I appreciated how they gave me some of the free cards for National Hockey Card Day that they still had leftover! You can buy hobby boxes of a variety of products and individual packs of some items too. There are notable single cards for sale as well. With, "Sports Cards," in their name it makes sense they have plenty to offer!

Matt (left) and Devin (right) posing with some of their awesome wares!

314 Sports Cards is a great spot to visit in the Saint Louis region whether you're an expert in the hobby or a relatively newer person like myself when it comes to sports cards. I'd recommend stopping by their shop or buying from them via their website; I know I'm excited to have another great sports card shop in the region to frequent!

The Machinists Hall Sports Cards & Collectibles Show is Really Cool!

I've written about how I got into hockey the past handful of years and then late last year began really enjoying hockey cards. When I saw that Machinists Hall was going to have a sports card show, I reached out to them and asked if I could come and cover the event for my blog. They said yes, so today I attended my first-ever sports card show! The Machinists Hall Sports Cards & Collectibles Show was a little intimidating to think about going to as while I know a ton about comics, I will not pretend to know even 10% as much about sports cards (although I've learned a lot about hockey cards these past months). That is why I appreciated how of the many dealers at the show everyone was incredibly friendly and not at all judgemental at my, "Newness," to sports cards.

There was a range of cards from tons of baseball and basketball to a chunk of football, and hockey had some representation along with fandoms from Pickleball to Pokemon (and a bit of wrestling). Everything from expensive single cards to cheap bundles was for sale, along with sealed packages from the past to the present. If you were looking for a specific sport or era, it was likely represented by a number of dealers here!

It wasn't just cards, of course. There were balls, pucks, and Funko Pops plus old magazines that (mostly) related to sports in some fashion. I even saw a comic or two along with the occasional Marvel trading cards. The vendors were eager to talk about their varied wares and it was really fun to interact with this card fandom that has similarities to the one I know quite well (comics) but is also very different. 

Gibson came with me and enjoyed the show too!

All my pictures you see in this post I was able to snap before the show kicked off and it got busy, fast. The Machinists Hall Sports Cards & Collectibles Show runs through Sunday, so try and go this weekend if you live in the area (or can make the trip). It's only $3 to get in tomorrow and free on Sunday! Here is the link again for the show so you can check it out too!

Why Jason Collins Coming Out Is Important And A Good Thing For Society

Jason Collins

I've expressed support for LGBTQ rights on my blog, because gay rights are simply human rights. That is why when I heard about Jason Collins coming out and receiving mostly support I was happy. I was happy that our society is getting to a point that a professional athlete can be different from the perceived  "norm," and still be supported. Not too long ago in history if an athlete wasn't white, straight  and Christian they faced scorn and even violence. We have long viewed athletes as role models in our society (for better and worse), so for someone to not be afraid to say they are different should be an inspiration to youth. I am bugged by people who say, "Why does this mater?" though.

If you've talked with enough people about Jason Collins or listened to the news you have probably heard some variation of, "Good for him coming out, but it doesn't matter. What matters is how good he is at the sport." This whole line of thought is seemingly delightful with its, "Live and let live" philosophy but just doesn't work. The idea is that a person should be true to themselves and not be afraid to openly discuss who they are, and the person they love. Someone can be a great basketball player, writer, or doctor, but if they have to hide who they are it is sad. That is why the whole idea of brushing things off with a, "I don't care," is just annoying to me.

This does matter because there already are people who are reacting to Jason Collin's announcement in horrendous ways. I've seen too many pictures and ".gifs" on the internet saying something like, "Tim Tebow discusses being a Christian and is insulted, Jason Collins says he is gay and is called a hero," as if Tebow's choice of religion and Collins being born gay are somehow entwined. Last time I checked Collin's hasn't tried to force homosexuality on anyone while meanwhile Tebow espouses about his views all the time and crusades against a woman's right to choose. Tebow has every right to be whom he is, but I get angry when I see him trying to force his ways on other people. This article sums up the strange way people are linking Tebow and Collins, and I agree that it is ironic people who have persecuted others (anti-gay people) are now playing the victim.

LeRoy Butler

I'm not anti-church, I just think we should treat everyone with love and not all people think that. I tip my hat to LeRoy Butler who proudly says he was raised in the church and tweeted his support to Jason Collins. It causes me to become very upset however when I then see Butler share that a church he was going to speak at canceled on him because apparently the very act of supporting a gay person violated a, "morals clause". Seriously, a former athlete does little more than offer praise to a fellow sports-player for being open about who they are and suffers consequences--yeah, don't tell me Collins coming out doesn't matter.

I want this to be a nation where both Tim Tebow can be looked up to for being open about who he is, and Jason Collins can be equally lauded for not hiding a big part of himself from society. As long as they both are respectful to others I see little problem with Tebow's faith or Collin's sexuality. I just think that instead of brushing either's actions off with an uncaring shrug, we should think carefully about how both men are looked up to now for very different reasons by potentially different people (although there could plenty of gay evangelical people out there who are fans of both now), and at the end of the day other than professional sports being a bunch of folk playing a game, it also is about people showing us how to be the best we can be--whether in terms of physical ability on the field, or in being good role models off the field.

I'm proud of Jason Collins, and his coming out is as important as all the other trailblazers in professional sports doing their part to make our games not just exciting to watch, but a reflection of what makes us as a society so wonderful. Namely, a diverse group of people working together toward a common goal--whether that goal is as big as striving for equal rights or as simple as getting a ball down the field/to the other side the court.