DC is Printing All Their Comics Just an Hour Fom Where I Live

In news I found kind of interesting, DC switched their printer from Transcontinental Printing--which is located in Canada and due to COVID-19 had a temporary shutdown--to a location owned by LCS Communications with the printing factory being used found in Owensville, located just about an hour and 15 minutes from me in Saint Louis, Missouri. Owensville is basically the middle of nowhere, but it must have been appealing to have a factory there for LCS Communications as I imagine they have a huge printing press out there. DC seems to have decided to not only explore alternative distribution but to switch-up the printer they use as well. I just find it a bit funny they are printing their thousands of comics an hour or so away from me.

I Continue to Watch the, "Star Citizen," Debacle With Vague Amusement

If by Universe you mean janky prototype of a game, sure...

Oh, "Star Citizen" you are such a delightful mess to witness. I wrote at the start of the year about the game and how it's raised absurd sums of money but continues to be in a development Hell of sorts with little in the way of an actual, playable, game. Instead, players can continue to spend tens of thousands of dollars of real money for virtual ships and the promise of being able to enjoy them in the game at some point in the future, just don't ask exactly when. Hey, don't worry though, you can fly the ships around a bit for an upcoming weekend free of extra charge and imagine them doing more besides just zipping about without anything to do in terms of gameplay (and then whatever you can play seems to usually crash after about 10 minutes, so at least you won't have time to get bored). If you like a ship, feel free to throw your money away buy those expensive ships after sampling them and maybe get to use them as something other than a decoration in another 10 or so years.

I think of, "Star Citizen," the same way I think about the eternally delayed, "New Mutants," movie: It will probably be fun if it ever comes out, but at this point, I doubt such a thing will happen anytime soon, if at all. Honestly though, at least, "New Mutants," could just be dumped on Disney+ in a worst-case scenario because it's actually done. "Star Citizen," seems to be a mixture of ideas and vaporware 8 or so years into development with 300 million-ish dollars invested. Yes, you read those numbers right.

I Know I'm Late to Report this, but Bandcamp is Really Cool

The website (and now also app) Bandcamp has been around since 2008 or so. It started really taking off some years ago, however, and while I knew of it I had not really used it at all. I don't know why I was waiting, however, because Bandcamp is really awesome. It is a bit like Spotify-meets-iTunes but with the focus on independent artists. Singers, bands, producers, podcasters, and so forth can upload their singles and albums, offer them for free with optional payment, require a small minimum payment (with you able to pay more) and then let you stream or outright download their tracks. Many bands sell physical merchandise such as CDs, records, or cassette tapes too.

I recently dipped into Bandcamp because I've been fiddling with my old cassette player and tapes; I joined a Reddit group about tapes and someone (a music artist named Goldkey) shared how their indie folk-pop album had a cassette for sale there along with streaming rights. I joined Bandcamp, bought the cassette with the streaming rights, and spent the following hours checking out the wide assortment of creators and their content in almost any genre you can think of on the site. It was pretty cool.

A glance at the landing page of the site from the other day.

Bandcamp is probably the best website for indie artists around, letting them make money on their works beyond the pennies-for-millions-of-streams offered by sites like Spotify (and I say this as someone who loves to use Spotify, but we're being honest here). I don't know why it took me so long to start using Bandcamp, but now I'm glad that I am and would encourage anyone else who hasn't tried the site or its app out yet to give it a browse & listen!

Now DC is Finishing Some Series as Digital-Only Releases

I wrote about how Marvel was going to be closing-out some of their mini-series as digital-only releases. Well, it seems DC decided that would work for them too, but will be doing it with some concluding ongoing titles. "Supergirl," #41 and #42 will only be found digitally as will, "The Terrifics," #28, #29, and #30. I'm glad these books will be able to actually end somewhat on their own terms as opposed to suddenly being cancelled, but man, that must be annoying if you were collecting individual issues.

Now you've got to buy these issues digitally or in trade paperback as while you were able to hold a physical copy of, "The Terrifics," #27, there never shall be an actual floppy of #28. These aren't mini-series with a handful of issues out, either, these are long-running series that DC has clearly decided to just call it quits with. For those of us who like to have a physical comic, I wonder how wary it will make readers in the future. I mean, his could backfire. Imagine if you like a comic but worry it could suddenly go digital-only and then be cancelled. What would keep you from just trade-waiting a number of titles, figuring they'll end-up only in trade for a physical copy anyway? It's a bit of tightrope, and I hope Marvel and DC walk it carefully.

Yes, I Like Guy Fieri Too

As this article on Buzzfeed discusses, Guy Fieri is a pretty cool fellow. For quite a while Fieri was often mocked by the internet for his over-the-top appearance and silly catchphrases, but over time people have come around. A stand-up comedian named Shane Torres defended Fieri, folk noticed Fieri raises a lot of money for charity, helps a lot of people such as children who want to learn to cook, and the while time Fieri has made it clear he's aware people mock him for looking so zany, he just doesn't care.

There is really no horrific scandal for Fieri, he's just a sweet guy. There once was a rumor started by a disgruntled fired employee that he was homophobic, but that was quickly quashed by it being pointed out Fieri's own sister whom he was extremely close with (and who passed of cancer some years ago) was gay and he supported with her (and continues to support) a number of LGBTQ initiatives. The meanest thing people can say about Fieri is that he's a bit much and his food is unhealthy, but you know what? Him, "Being a bit much," is basically his brand, and you complain his food is unhealthy but then you want to go to a chain restaurant and shovel some, "Garbage fries," in your mouth while tut-tutting about Fieri, like a hypocrite. Meanwhile, he's promoting junky food, yes, but from locally-owned places as opposed to an Applebee's.

Guy Fieri is just a cool dude who wants to make tasty food and spotlight others who make tasty food on his shows like, "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives," as well as, "Guy's Grocery Games." Yes, the alliteration is a lot, but what did I just say about Guy? I'm a fan of Guy Fieri and enjoy his shows while realizing his unique fashion style and tendency to yell excited catchphrases can irritate people. Still, even if you bugs you, Guy Fieri is a really cool...guy.

Some Cool Live Internet Comic Sales Are Coming Up!

With COVID-19 having shut down being able to go to shows, one thing I have enjoyed doing it watching live comic book sale events from some of my favorite friends/vendors. I thought I would spotlight two snazzy ones coming up...

My friend Eric Meyer of STL Comics has done two of his live sales to much acclaim and while I'm bummed he can't do any in-person shows for the foreseeable future I greatly enjoy his digital events! He'll be doing, "Live Sale #3," on Facebook tomorrow, May 15th. It'll go from 6:30PM-10:30 PM Central Time and is sure to be fun.

Thomas Milster of Alliance Comics and Games is another really cool guy and he'll be doing the, "Alliance Comics Toys and Games Facebook Live Comic Book Sale!" this May 21st on Facebook at 6:00 PM Central Time. Tom has said to expect some awesome deals so I'm eager to tune in.

Rant-Reviews: Basically The Smidgen That Was Available

Not As Much Going On With Comics...Yet

There has not really been any new comics lately in terms of floppies at your local comic store. We have COVID-19 shutting down the planet to, "Thank," for that. Still, regular shipping of comics from Diamond will resume on May 20th. That said, DC has dipped their toe into alternative distribution and other publishers have me on their press list and share digital review copies of their upcoming titles now and then. For this reason, I do have a small number of new titles that are recently out or will be out sometime in the foreseeable future. Let's review the smidgen that was available, shall we?

Things that Could be Acquired for Reading

It Eats What Feeds It #1-#3
From the quality people over at SCOUT Comics, this comic is written by Max Hoven as well as Aaron Crow and Illustrated by Gabriel Iumazark. I was able to read all three issues of this mini-series and did so with gusto right before bed. It ended up keeping me up for a bit, however, as this was a scary and at times grotesque tale! A young man named Kenny goes to work as a live-in handyman for a beautiful older woman named Francois, but things are not at all what they seem as things get progressively dangerous. Hoven and Crow create a fantastically creepy story and Iumazark's minimalist art-style makes the moments of detailed and eerie violence really stick with readers. Give the whole series a chance as it takes a little bit for the horror to really ramp-up, but the payoff when things get terrifying is worth it.
5 out of 5 stars.

Ludocrats #1
Well, this is an odd one. A long-in-the-works comic written by Kieron Gillen and Jim Rossignol with stellar art by Jeff Stokely and published by Image. The idea is its a bunch of aristocrats of the absurd who get up to all kinds of silly and violent mischief. However, one of their own may be conspiring against them and this results in even more crazy and bloody shenanigans. I liked it, with the jarring zaniness clearly intended, and as I said, it looks really good. You can grab a copy and see it for yourself on May 20th, I believe.
3.5 out of 5 stars.

Batman and the Outsiders #12
This is kind of in stores now, as the small number of comic stores that have tried DC's alternative distribution model can get this book and others. With that said, most stores will probably just acquire this via Diamond when they start shipping again. I was able to get my hands on a copy though and wanted to review it. Bryan Edward Hill continues to knock it out of the park writing this book, with his characterizations of each hero ringing true as they fight that always-troublesome Batman foe, Ra's Al Ghul. I'm always happy to see Jefferson Pierce/Black Lightning in a comic, and other fan-favorites such as Cassandra Cain get to shine too. This is a great Outsiders team and Hill makes them work together fabulously.
4.5 out of 5 stars.

Murder Hobo #1
Another title published by SCOUT Comics, writer Joseph Schmalke and artist/colorist/letterer Jason Lynch have a hilariously raunchy comic here. Focused on adventurers telling tales of when they met violent, thieving, and horny characters who joined their party on a quest, Schmalke and Lynch provide some humorous accounts of these dangerous individuals just utterly wrecking everything with their mixture of bloodlust and desire to hump like there is no tomorrow. There are some clever jokes thrown in too, but I loved the wild and crass humor that kept landing some great punchlines. Depending on Diamond's shipping this one should be in stores sometime in June, but it may end up being July. It is definitely recommended if you don't mind some gross-out humor.
4 out of 5 stars.

Still Plenty of Quality
Even though there are fewer comics coming out currently, there clearly are some great reads on the horizon and some solid options on stands now (if your shop can deliver or do curbside pick-up). I am excited for when more comics come out again and am excited for you to have a chance to read all these books as well!

Television Tuesday: Mama June Barely Appears on Her Own Show Now

Watching the latest season of, "Mama June: From Not to Hot," which has the additional subtitle, "Family Crisis," reminds me of the classic play by Samuell Beckett, "Waiting for Godot." Basically, the entire play centers on the main characters talking about and waiting for Godot, who never shows up. Godot is covered in-depth and the center of focus, but does not ever appear. Now, since developing a severe drug addiction and horrifically codependent relationship with a sleazebag named Geno, Mam June never sees her family and has zero interest in her show. She got healthy, had weight-loss surgery, did funny shenanigans with her family, and then disappeared to spend her time at casinos or selling anything she can for drug money. The show didn't stop though, it just shifted focus a bit.

Now the show is more about the kids as they get older and June's adult relatives being concerned about her. The show does not only talk about June, but she is often talked about, worried about, or addressed. she hasn't appeared in-person, however. It has been more a case of everyone reacting to news reports, leaked videos, or trying to find her before a court date. It has taken an odd show and made it all the more surreal. By watching the various shows about Mama June, Honey Boo Boo, and the rest of the family you can see how fame and a decent chunk of money drastically affected this family. Some people turned out okay and weathered the complexities of money and popularity, others crumbled into a hot mess. This zany family had divorce, dramatic lifestyle changes, and now has been dealing with the all-too-real impact of addiction.

Lauryn AKA Pumpkin and Alana AKA Honey Boo Boo

"Mama June: From Not to Hot," always lists resources for help with addiction when it airs every Friday on WeTV. It acts like it is trying to be educational. It honestly comes across a bit exploitative, but at the same time has a weird inspirational element in seeming how some members of the family--such as Lauryn/Pumpkin--have stepped-up to lead and help everyone in the face of their Mother's total breakdown. Lauryn is 19 and has her own 2-year-old daughter with her partner, but assumed custody of Alana (Honey Boo Boo) and seems to be working hard to keep the family as a functional unit. It is impressive to see someone so young take on so much.

Then there still is Mike/Sugar Bear (June's Ex-Husband and Alana's assumed Dad) and his new wife Jennifer around for comedic relief and some additional drama. The whole thing is weirdly watchable with its mixture of silly moments and extremely serious ones. It's about as trashy as reality television can get, but that's always been a big guilty pleasure of mine. Hence, I'm gonna keep tuning in as long as the show keeps going--and hopefully, someday the main star (June) will actually get help and get clean.

So...Raw Egg Whites are Basically Safe to Ingest?

I was reading interesting things on the internet as I try to keep informed of news and random trivia. This led to me to a piece by Jim Vorel of PASTE who wrote about why egg whites are safe in many alcoholic drinks where they give it a silky, "Fizz." I am one of those people who has always been paranoid of raw eggs--I ate a really undercooked sunny-side egg once as a child before I took a plane flight and threw-up in the middle of the aisle after the plane landed upon suddenly feeling quite ill and spending a couple more days sick didn't help either. So yes, I've got a bit of a complex. However, it seems egg whites generally are quite safe.

The reason eating raw cookie dough can be risky lies more with the risk of salmonella in flour (something I have read about flour an assortment of places) and many chickens now don't have salmonella that often due to being vaccinated. The biggest risk with an egg is the outside shell these days, which makes cleaning the shell thoroughly before cracking them and getting the insides a key aspect of avoiding illness. There is a tiny and almost negligible risk to anyone with a normal and healthy human immune system, but overall egg whites and eggs, in general, are generally safe to ingest raw in your alcoholic drinks, some of those keto salad dressing recipes, etc. In closing, when you eat raw cookie dough it's the flour that might get ya, not the eggs. Ain't that a kicker?

Have a Wonderful Mother's Day!

My happy wife and sleepy son.

I want to wish everyone a happy Mother's Day. Whether you're a Mother by birth, adoption, or have served a Motherly role to someone, you are awesome and matter a lot. If I may offer an opinion, I think one of the best Mothers around has to be my wife, Samii, who is a stellar Mom to our son, Clarkson. I love them both so much and am thankful for them.

Also, to those who have lost pregnancies or children, I want to wish you a happy Mother's Day too as the love you have for your child you were unable to give birth to (or children you lost) is just as valid as those with children who currently are here with us. I want to offer my comfort and support to those who have lost their Mothers as well--I know this day can be hard. Much love to all the amazing Mothers!