Category Archives: General

Gift Guide: Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman Gift Guide

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I will earn a commission. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link.

As the Wonder Woman movie is finally getting released on DVD and Blu Ray this week. I thought I would put together a gift guide of some of the Wonder Woman merchandise available. I have written before, how I impressed I was with the amount of merchandise DC Comics have created. Whilst, it still isn’t ideal it is an improvement on other franchises.

Den of Geek wrote an amazing article over the summer highlighting the problem with the Wonder Woman merchandise. And the problems Star Wars and Marvel fans have faced. I know the amount of girly products available might offend some people. I don’t mind it. In fact, I love it when cosmetic companies have collaborations with geeky fandom. Like the MAC Wonder Woman range from a few years ago or the Covergirl and Star Wars collection. Yet, it is pointing out the lack of Wonder Woman merchandise for non-girly fans!

Wonder Woman Gift Guide

Wonder Woman Gift Guide
Wrap Bracelet // Cross Body Bag // Mug
Nail Wraps // Shopping Tote // Top
Mason Jar // Make-Up Bag

What do you think of the girlier merchandise? Do you like geeky themed make-up or jewellery? Or would do you prefer to buy Lego sets and action figures?

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Art of the Brick: DC Heroes

One of the top items on my bucket list for this summer was the Art of the Brick show. With such busy schedules over the summer, we had to leave it until the last weekend to visit. Nathan Sawaya, has had art exhibitions all over the world, all using Lego as his medium. Build as the world’s largest Lego exhibition. Over 2 million bricks have created sculptures of DC Comics Super Heroes and Super Villains.
Art of the Brick: DC HeroesArt of the Brick: DC HeroesArt of the Brick: DC Heroes

Art of the Bricks: DC Super Heroes

Art of the Brick: DC HeroesArt of the Brick: DC HeroesArt of the Brick: DC Heroes
Art of the Brick: DC Heroes
I expected the exhibition to just feature life-sized figures of characters from DC Comics. The kind you see in the Lego Stores or at conventions. Yet, it was an interesting mix of statues, and smaller figures. Lego was even used to recreate of classic comic covers, and brick pictures which adorned the walls.

Art of the Brick: DC HeroesArt of the Brick: DC HeroesArt of the Brick: DC Heroes

What amazed me the most about these pieces of art, was the attention to detail. The Wonder Woman portrait had hidden Lego stars and shields in the frame. The full-sized Batmobile, included bat shaped headlights. Tiny bat motifs in the hubcaps and even a personalized license plate.

Art of the Brick: DC HeroesArt of the Brick: DC Heroes
Art of the Brick: DC HeroesArt of the Brick: DC Heroes

Unfortunately, the Art of the Brick: DC Superheroes has now closed. Hopefully, Nathan Sawaya will do another exhibition in London again soon.

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Con Envy

We are in the middle of Comic Con season! Whilst that is great to hear all the news about my favourite TV shows, or see trailers for upcoming movies. Watch the live stream of panels and see all the amazing photos on social media. It also means Con Envy! You know the feeling dreaming that you too could be in Southern California experiencing the wonder that is San Diego Comic Con (SDCC).

Con Envy

Whilst I had always been aware of SDCC and wanted to go, it wasn’t until about twelve years ago con envy set in. It was still in the early days of social media, so there wasn’t a lot of places to see the delights of SDCC. That year, I was obsessed with Lost, it was just after the first season had ended and I was eager for news of season two. I found a recording of the panel from “Hall H” and soon after that my infatuation with SDCC began.

Over the years, social media had increased my con envy. I have watched countless panels youtube, seen hundred of photos on Instagram, seen all the breaking news via Twitter. The weeks after SDCC I read numerous blog posts about other peoples experiences all dreaming that one day I will get to go! But this year I am going to try to be a little more realistic in an attempt to control my con envy.

First of all, you spend a lot of time at cons queuing. Yes I know lining up all night can be fun and that you make friends in the queue. But let’s be realistic, you have to queue to enter the convention centre, queue for the panels, queue for the shops and even queue for the toilets! It gets a bit much.


via GIPHY

Secondly, even if you are at the Con you will have FOMO. Have you seen the timetable for SDCC, it’s full. There would be a lot of events on at the same time. I know from previous experience you have to make decisions which panels or events you want to attend. Then there are all the unexpected moments that you hear about after all. When you are not in line you are rushing about to get somewhere.


via GIPHY

Finally, you would spend a lot of money! Cons are expensive, not just the tickets, travel and accommodation. There is also the merchandise. Funko, Hasbro and Her Universe are all teasing their SDCC exclusives online plus all the figures or comics you would buy to fill in your collection. Then there is the artist’s alley and official merchandise. It all adds up. Oh who am I kidding, we all know I will end up buying the Con exclusives from eBay for twice the price.


via GIPHY

Recommend reading if you are going to SDCC

Geeks Who Eat – Not Getting Hangry At A Con
My Geek Parade – How To Budget For A Con
The Nerdy Girlie – Comic Con Survival Bag

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A to Z Challenge

A to Z ChallengeI have seen this quick challenge on a few blogs, The Howling Wolfheart originally started the A to Z movie challenge. However Geeky Brunette expanded it to include television programmes. I have attempted to do both challenges!

A to Z Movies

The Avengers
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Captian America: The Winter Solider
Dazed and Confused
Empire Strikes Back
Finding Nemo
Guardians of the Galaxy
Heathers
Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade
Juno
Kill Bill
Lion King
The Magnificent Seven
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Oceans Eleven
Pulp Fiction
The Quick and The Dead
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Star Wars: A New Hope
Terminator
Unforgiven
Veronica Mars
Wonder Woman
X-Men
Yu-Gi-Oh! The Movie: Pyramid of Light
Zack and Miri Make a P*rno

A to Z Television Programmes

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Breaking Bad
C.S.I. Crime Scene Investigates
Doctor Who
Elementary
Firefly
Game of Thrones
House of Cards
iZombie
Marvel’s Jessica Jones
K
Marvel’s Luke Cage???
Mad Men
The Night Of
Orphan Black
Pretty Little Lies
Quantum Leap
Ripper Street
Sherlock
Twin Peaks
Unbreakable Kimmy Schimdt
Veronica Mars
The Wire
The X-Files
Yu-Gi-Oh!
Z

I was unable to think of any TV shows being with “K” or “Z,” can you think of any? The Killing (the orginial Danish version), has been on my to watch list for a while. Maybe it’s time I checked it out.

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Monday Musing: Agatha Christie

Monday MusingAfter the Murder on the Orient Express trailer appeared online last week, I discovered a group of fellow Agatha Christie fans on Twitter, all excited about the movie.  I’m not going to focus on the trailer too much.  Just to say, the setting looks amazing, the cast is epic. Personally, I am just not sure I can accept anyone other than David Suchet in the role of Hercule Poirot, but we will see. Inspired by a conversation I had with Cuteek, I thought I would, tell you why you should become an Agatha Christie fan!

Geeks Guide to Agatha Christie

You might think Agatha Christie are old boring novels and period dramas. Not really a thing for geeks, well I am here convince you otherwise! Several of Christie’s novels have computer game versions. There is even an anime series based on some of the characters. Christie’s own life also included a mystery, her disappearance in 1926. Which featured in the Doctor Who episode “The Unicorn and The Wasp.”

Agatha Christie Statue

Most people will know the TV adaptations of Christie’s work. The most famous adaptations are the BBC version of Miss Marple with Joan Hickson, which serialised all 12 Miss Marple stories. Next is the ITV version Poirot, with David Suchet in the lead role. They adapted all 70 of books and short stories featuring the detective over the 13 season.  As both these adaptation series stay true to the source material, I would highly recommend them.

It is worth noting with all the adaptations Christie’s work is often altered. The classic Murder at the Gallop is a re-telling of Death after the Funeral. Changing the protagonist from Marple for Poirot. The ITV remakes of Marple, updates a lot of the story for modern audiences. These adaptations also take other classic Christie novels and insert Marple into the storyline. The Murder is Easy or The Sittaford Mystery episodes do this. Other times, a Christie story is reworked into a new story. Noteworthy is the 2003 film Identity,  this psychological thriller is a re-telling of And Then There Were None.

In these TV series many “geeky” actors appear. Three episodes that are worth watching are the Marple version of Murder is Easy, featuring Benedict Cumberbatch. The Poirot episodes to look out for are, Wasp Nest, which stars a very young Peter Capaldi and Death after the Funeral featuring Micheal Fassbender.

Do you like Agatha Christie? What is you favourite book? Are you looking forward to the movie? I’d love to hear your comments.

Recommending Reading

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I will earn a commission. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link.

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Everyday Cosplay: Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman Everyday CosplayI can’t believe this weekend, the Wonder Woman movie will be released? We are finally getting to see the Amazonian princess in her own live action film. We have been planning this weekend for weeks. Where will we see the film? Where are we going to eat afterwards? (What do warriors eat?) and of course what will I wear to the screening!

The idea for this ensemble is based around the jeans. As soon as I saw them they immediately reminded me of Wonder Woman’s star patterned shorts. I wanted to incorporate them into a themed everyday cosplay. The rest of the outfit has it’s inspiration is from on the comic book version of Wonder Woman’s outfit. With a hint of the DC Bombshells costume.

I intended this cosplay to wear to a screening of the Wonder Woman movie, so included the logo top. However for a more everyday look, a plain red t-shirt would work just as well. Love and Madness are fast becoming my favourite jewellery brand. I loved their Star Wars collection and the Sword of Athena is just as amazing.

Wonder Woman Everyday Cosplay

T-shirt // Belt // Cuff // Bandana
Jeans // Lipstick // Necklace // Coin Purse
Shoes // Earrings

 

Are you excited to see the Wonder Woman movie? Are you planning on dressing up, I’d love to see you outfits.

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Star Wars Gift Guide

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I will earn a commission. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link.

For May the Fourth, I created a guide of some of my favourite Star Wars themed merchandise. It used to be as a Star Wars Fangirl if you wanted to express your fandom it was restrictive. You could wear a patch or badge. Maybefind a keyring. Or wear unisex t-shirt, which was often unflattering.

Now that has all changed. Design companies like Loungefly are working with Lucasfilm. Together they are creating innovative accessories for the female market. Independent Designers can also create interesting items to sell on Etsy, or t-shirt du jour websites like Teepublic. So today, fangirls can express themselves everyday in many ways.

Jacket // Make-up Pouch // Charm
Necklace// Collared Top // Wrap Bracelet
Coin Purse // Scarf

Jewellery is one of my favourite ways to show off my love of Star Wars. Everytime I wear my Love and Madness opening crawl cuff, I get compliments. I also adore their Leia necklace in discreet enough to wear to work and still show off your fandom.

I recently discovered the UK-based website EMP are selling some of the Her Universe collection. Including the 40th anniversary Bomber Jacket. Before, I have had to order direct from American website, paying as much in postage and customs, as I did for the dress. So I was to see some items available here. I hope EMP start selling more items in the future.

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Favourite Bookstagrammers

Between the Pages Last month, I noticed several of my favourite geeky bloggers were all writing about Disney. I discovered it wasn’t a coincidence, these bloggers were all taking part in the Geek Blogs Unite theme. Which for March was the Happiest Place on Earth.

This months theme is “Between The Pages”. You can read more about Geek Blogs Unite on their blog or via the Facebook Group. With quite a wide scope to talk about, rather than write about my favourite book, or what I am now reading. Instead I thought I would focus once again on Bookstagram.

Bookstagram is a sub-community on social media, mainly on Instagram, to showcase, books and reading. The instagrammers, use props like candles, flowers or memorabilia, together with a books. Combining photography and books, bookstagram has blow up on social media. People use props or  interesting locations and to show off books on Instagram. Since I wrote about it last year, a new social media app, Litsy has started which combines bookstagrams and book reviews.

My Five Favourite Bookstagrammers
  1. Reading a books whilst enjoying a cup of coffee is the perfect combination. Bookbaristas is one of the most popular bookstagrammers, she highlights amazing coffee shops and cafe in New York City, with a mini book review included.


  2. dropandgivemenerdy creates beautiful themed flatlays, most noteworthy are the recent coloured flatlays. She is also a Brand Rep for LitJoy Crate and Charm with Me, so is a great account to follow to see unboxing photos for these subscription boxes.


  3. depepi is the queen of Funko Friday. She fills her instagram feed with cute photos Funko figures. However, she has recently started a #booksandpops series, every photos pairs a book with a figure.

    A post shared by Pepi Valderrama (@depepi) on


    A post shared by Pepi Valderrama (@depepi) on


    A post shared by Pepi Valderrama (@depepi) on

  4. I love a_bookish_shelf‘s photos as she used classic bookstagram shots of some of my favourite compositions types, like #bookandcandle, #socksunday and #bookishrainbow which can all be seen on her feed.

    A post shared by Danielle (@a_bookish_shelf) on


    A post shared by Danielle (@a_bookish_shelf) on


    A post shared by Danielle (@a_bookish_shelf) on

  5. jordandenenyc is best known for original geek chic clothing, and she used her instagram to highlight her range. But she also is taking part in the 100 cups of coffee challenge on Instagram, only she posts her coffees with books.

    A post shared by jordandené (@jordandenenyc) on


    A post shared by jordandené (@jordandenenyc) on


    A post shared by jordandené (@jordandenenyc) on

    Are you a bookstagrammer? Do you have a favourite bookstragram account that I should follow let me know.
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Monday Musings: Batgirl

Monday Musings: Batgirl

I had planned to stop writing about the DCEU for a while. My Monday Musings have all involved this franschise and I wanted to talk about something a little more personal. However the news that Joss Whedon was going to write and direct a stand alone Batgirl movie changed all that. Over the weekend, I had seen several articles about the Batgirl movie, arguments for and against Joss Whedon directing. Ideas for possible storylines and dream casting ideas. So here we are again, another Monday and another Musing about the DCEU.

Everyone is assuming the Batgirl movie will be about Barbara Gordon, most people associate her with Batgirl. I am guessing this is correct as it might be confusing for audiences to suddenly introduce Cassandra Cain or Stephanie Brown as Batgirl. Unlike Wonder Woman, there have been several live action versions of Batgirl onscreen. Most iconic is Yvonne Craig’s version from the 1960’s TV programme. Then the awful version from the 1997 Batman and Robin movie. Finally, a post Killing Joke version of Barbara Gordon in the short-lived Birds of Prey TV programme.

If I had to pick a dream writer/director for a Batgirl movie, Joss Whedon would be high on my list. He has created some of my favourite TV programmes, he creates interesting characters, as well as included numerous strong women. His filmography is extremely varied, vampire shows, a space western, a musical series and a Shakespeare adaption. He has written comics for Marvel and directed two films for the MCU. Joss Whedon can do Batgirl justice.

Joss Whedon is so much more than just the director of The Avengers films but it is hard not to mention them when talking about him. The first Avengers film, helped create the MCU as one entity, elevating these films into some different. For me the highlight of these films was his interpretation of Black Widow. Whilst, Black Widow first appeared in Iron Man 2, it was in The Avengers that her character became more interesting. There has been criticism of her storyline in Age of Ultron, but for me she still a fascinating character.

What I would like to see?

Originally, I had hoped Barbara Gordon would be introduced into the Arrowverse. As I mentioned before I like the DC television programmes, I would have liked to see a Batgirl programme added to this franchise. Arrow has already introduced Black Canary and Huntress. I imagined taking these characters and adding them to a Batgirl and Birds of Prey TV Show. But a feature film, would be incredible.

As for the storyline, it is unclear where in Batman’s timeline the DCEU is taking place, yes he appears to be an older version of Bruce Wayne. In Suicide Squad they hinted that the Joker had killed a Robin (assuming Jason Todd). So I am guessing around three years into Batman’s career, around the time of Killing Joke. Of course, the Batgirl film could be set out of the timeline and be an origins story.

If they are adapting an existing storyline from the comics, I would like to see Year One, up until to Killing Joke. I hated the animated version of Killing Joke, but I still believe it is one of the best Batman storylines and I would like to see it a decent adaption. Whilst leaving the heroine paralysed might not be an ideal ending. The end of Batman vs Superman shows the DCEU aren’t affraid to take risks.

Batgirl (New 52)

Another option could be the new 52 storyline of The Darkest Reflection. A post Killing Joke version of Batgirl, still traumatized by her attack, but trying to find her place back in the Bat-family. This could be darker, more like the Jessica Jones TV show, making the character more interesting than the comical version of Batgirl from the previous Batman movie franchise.

What do you think about the news of Joss Whedon directing the Batgirl movie? What storyline would you like to see in the film? Do you have any ideas who should play Batgirl?

Recommended Reading

Is Joss Whedon the Right Choice (CBR article)
Is Joss Whedon the Wrong Choice (CBR article)
Fan Cast for Batgirl (Nerdist News)
Batgirl: Year One
Batgirl: The Darkest Reflection TP (The New 52)

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I will earn a commission. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link.

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Gift Guide: Beauty & the Beast

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I will earn a commission. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link.

To mark the release of the live-action version of Beauty and the Beast, tie-in merchandise has filled the high street stores. Whilst you might expect to see children’s dress-up clothes or playsets. Actually, this merchandise caters for Disney fans of all ages.

Cushion // Mirror // Phone Cover
Sweatshirt // Mug
Charm // Make-up Bag // Candle Holder

The Disney Store has lovely range including, a compact mirror and phone cover. My favourite item in their collection is the sweatshirt. Clinton’s cards have used their floral Beauty and the Beast pattern on various products including this cushion. Online Retro store Truffle Shuffle have the full range of Disney Couture jewellery and some cute smaller items like this make-up bag.

I can’t talk about Beauty and the Beast merchandise without mentioning the now famous Primark purse. This purse based on “Chip” has caused a stir on social media. I wasn’t luckily enough to find one, but am still hunting in my local store.

Have you seen an amazing Beauty and the Beast merchandise in store? Did you buy anything to add to your collection? Were you lucky enough to find one the Chip purses?

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