For this months 6 on 6 as always I had to include a Tsum Tsum. Originally, I only planned to collect the Star Wars or Marvel versions. However when I saw the “Dory” version Disney released to conjunction with the release of Finding Dory, I had to change my mind.
R2D2
When I posted my 6 on 6 photos for March, I mentioned I acquired a collection of Star Wars tins. This R2D2 version has moved around over the years. First it was in my bedroom for a while, holding odd buttons, then ear-rings and odd ear-ring backs. Now it is on my desk holding paperclips.
Batgirl Funko Pop! & Dorbz
As you may know Batgirl is my favourite character. So I adore buying anything Batgirl themed (yes I own Batgirl knickers and pyjamas), the very first Pop Vinyl figure I brought was Batgirl. It is also my favourite Pop Vinyl. Shortly, after buying her I also brought the Dorbz and Mopeez versions.
Pez Dispenser
Another blue cowl. I love Pez dispensers, but don’t really like the sweets. This year, I have found several stores are selling geeky Pez dispensers. So far I have brought a Darth Vader, Minion and several Marvel comic characters including this Captain America one.
Oyster Card
As I Londoner I always carry around my trusty Oyster Card. (The contact-less payment system used on public transport in London). I know I could use Apple Pay or credit card, but I love my Oyster Card. Maybe one day they will offer Oyster Card Nails.
Team GB
Finally, my beloved Team GB t-shirt (and scarf), which I had to include as the Rio 2016 Olympics started this weekend. I become obsessed with the Olympics in 2012. We were lucky enough to attend several sporting events and spend a lot of time in our fabulous city enjoying the extra events laid on. (You can read about my adventures during the London 2012 Olympics here.)
Before I start the review of The Killing Joke, there are a few things you need to know about me. I grew up loving the Batman: Animated Series. If you ask me who my favourite Joker is, I would reply Mark Hamill. As I have mentioned before Batgirl and Robin are my ultimate OTP.
Along with Star Wars, Batman was one of my first fandom. The first graphic novel I ever read was Knightfall. When I began reading collecting comics a friend recommended The Killing Joke. To this day it has remained one of favourite books.
As you can imagine I was over the moon when they announced they were turning the story into an animated movie. I had always thought The Killing Joke (and Long Halloween), would make an amazing movie. To me the book read like a movie. My excitement for this movie was heighten when I heard the original Batman: Animated Series team would be working on this film.
Spoiler Warning
The Killing Joke is infamous for two reasons it is seen as the origin story for The Joker and it is the story line that shows when Barbara Gordon was paralysed. Whether the story line part of the Batman canon varies. Pre-Flashpoint tales like No Mans Land or Hush feature Oracle (Barbara Gordon’s new alter ego), where the Batgirl of Burnside story line ignore The Killing Joke.
As you may know The Killing Joke is a short graphic novel, to counteract making a short film. They created an original story line explaining Barbara Gordon’s last days as Batgirl and why she retired her cape and cowl. As a result, almost turns into two mini movies or episodes of the TV show.
The “Batgirl” story line is just awful! Batgirl is regularly dis-empowered and shown as a sexual object. She shown as being desperate for Batman’s approval and affection. The movie begins with Batgirl explaining how she is Batman’s sidekick, there is no mention of the rest of the Bat-family. (I’m assuming this is post-Jason Todd and Dick Grayson is in Bludhaven).
This Batgirl is objectified by the bad guy, Paris Franz. He calls her hot and his special girl. A red-head prostitute explains how Franz made her wear a black cowl during sex. Later Franz manipulates Batgirl into doing his bidding just by flirting with her. Another bad guy proclaims “it must be her time of the month” after she beats him up.
Batgirl
Her relationship with Batman is even worse. He disapproves of her and she desperately tries to please him. When they finally do have a conversation and physical altercation it ends with Batgirl stripping off and kissing Batman.
When Batgirl isn’t shown as a sex toy of the criminals and vigilantes of Gotham she is portrayed as a love sick puppy librarian. There are several scenes where Barbara is chatting to her gay work colleague about her messed up relationship with he yoga teacher (aka Batman). This gay best friend character is based on every gay stereotype that exists.
There were a few good scenes in this part of the story. Batgirl’s fight scene whilst trying to escape from the apartment, and a glimpse of her detective skills as she hacked into the police camera to track down Franz. But for the main part it is just shows Batgirl as a weak, submissive woman.
Iconic image from The Killing Joke
As for the second half to the story, the one that does not include Batgirl, this does not disappoint. The pages of Alan Moore’s novel appeared on the screen, his words are transformed into the dialogue of the movie. Bruce Timm recreated many of the iconic images of Brian Bolland artwork perfectly onto the screen. Mark Hamill and Kevin Conroy reprise their roles as The Joker and Batman wonderfully.
As in the graphic novel the rape of Barbara Gordon is implied at and not seen. Jim Gordon’s torture and systematic humiliation are sinister but not terrifying. The story line is still extremely disturbing, it is definitely not safe for children.
Whilst watching this film, I kept asking myself “is this why I haven’t had a Batgirl movie?” I know producers know how to make movies with decent female characters. I have even seen female comic book characters portrayed well onscreen like Black Widow or Hope Pym. The Jessica Jones TV programme also showed a female lead comic book adaption can work. So why was this so bad.
Every week Kayla from Epicfied hosts a Fandom Friday Q&A about a specific fandom and asks readers submit their answers. Last week, it was five general questions about fandoms, so I thought I would turn my answers into a blog post – so you could get to know the fandoms I love (You can read their answers here).
What are your top five fandoms?
Star Wars
Game of Thrones
Marvel Cinematic Universe
Batgirl
Sherlock
What is a fandom you love but isn’t extremely popular?
I am going to have to say Orphan Black, I love this show and became hooked from the first season however, no one I know seemed to watch it, so that’s why I adding it here.
What is a fandom you highly recommend?
Too many to mention, I spent a few years convincing all my friends to watch Game of Thrones just so I could discuss each episode, spoilers and theories.
Ice & Needle at the Game of Thrones Exhibit
I know a lot of people have read the New 52 Batgirl, but I prefer the pre-Flashpoint version, with Barbara Gordon as Oracle and Cassandra Cain as Batgirl, so I guess I would recommend reading Batgirl: Silent Knight or Birds of Prey: Vol 1.
Do you collect anything?
My largest collection is Star Wars based, in the attic I have a lot of merchandise from the 1990’s, Episode One Lego sets, board games and dozens of Expanded Universe books.
A few of my favourite tsum tsum
Last year, I brought a few Tsum Tsum, this year as they released two Star Wars waves and a Civil War set, I seem to have developed a larger collection, with the Finding Dory and The Force Awaken sets being released this month, I think my collection will continue to grow.
Anything else? Like many I am still not over the fact the Firefly got cancelled!
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.
Currently Knitting… I actually went to a knitting group this month and cast on a new project – first one this year! I’m knitting the Quaker Yarn Boomerang Shawl in a gorgeous blue Whimzy yarn. Currently Playing… Einstein said “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again” He clearly has never played Cooking Dash! Every night I replay the same level learning all the customers order by heart hoping to get five stars. Currently Listening… Since the news last week of Prince’s death we have listened to his music. Jason’s favourite album was Diamonds and Pearls and I love Purple Rain, so these have been on continuous loop in our home. Currently Loving… The Killing Joke trailer. I am so excited about this new animated movie. I have always loved the graphic novel, so am excited to see it translated onto the screen.
Currently Reading… Following on from this, over the last few weeks I’ve re-read some of my favourite Graphic Novels, like The Long Halloween and Dark Victory. Currently Watching… Obviously, I am over the moon Game of Thrones is back and have watched the first episode several times this week. I also loved Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt!
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.
This is my Missed One, catch up for the beginning of March (last week). Obviously, this will contain spoilers.
Barbara Gordon & Richard Grayson (DC Comics)
My OTP
Whether this couple are Batgirl and Robin or Oracle and Nightwing, they are my ultimate pairing, “my first OTP.” Over the years, we have seen them go through a lot, her accident, the death of their mentor and even him faking his own death. Last year, there were some amazing storylines involving these two, The Convergence storyline, his return to Gotham and although in Future’s End it seems they are no longer romantically linked I am hoping the new Rebirth later this year may rewrite their future together.
Logan & Veronica (Veronica Mars)
The happy ever after couple
I’m going to call these two my “the happy ever after couple” in the television series I was always Team Logan. Even though he was very immature in high school and still not ready to commit in college, in the movie he had grown up. The movie was the perfect ending for True LoVe shippers, plus we got to see Logan in his uniform!
Rory & Jess (Gilmore Girls)
hope I get a happy ending couple
I’m referring to this couple as my “hope I get a happy ending couple.” Like Logan Echolles in Veronica Mars, Jess was too immature in their relationship to realise what he had, when he had grown up it was Rory who was in the wrong place. As the new mini series is going to air on Netflix later this year, I am hoping these two will finally get together.
Han & Leia (Star Wars)
So Close
I invested a lot of time reading the Star Wars Expanded Universe books, I liked Han and Leia as a married couple, and even more as parents. When I heard about Episode 7 (which would later become The Force Awakens), I was excited to see Han and Leia as husband and wife, I imagined little Skywalker/Solo children – I was thinking a mini Leia with pigtails. Whilst The Force Awakens didn’t disappoint, theirs wasn’t the happy ending I was hoping for.
Wash & Zoe (Firefly)
Too Sad
Over thirteen episodes and a movie, it was impossible not to fall for this dysfunctional couple. Maintaining their romantic relationship onboard Serenity, surrounded by all the waifs and strays. Whereas Mal and Inara are the parents of the crew, Wash and Zoe are the loved-up cool aunt and uncle. Again they did not have the happy ending, I would have liked for this couple.
Thank you The Nerdy Girlie & Super Space Chick for creating Fandom Friday check out their blogs for more information. Or follow the #fandom5 or #5fandomfriday on Twitter.
I’m extremely behind on my 100 cups of coffee updates, lately I’ve tried to not be so connected to my phone when out and about. When I’m catching up with friend I’m chatting away not trying to frame the perfect shot for Instagram, I’m not constantly looking at my screen I’m enjoying winter in London. Whilst it does make life more interesting, I have missed out some amazing stories to share – I guess I have to find the happy medium.
My plan is to find it in the New Year, I will write-up coffees 11-20 over the holiday period and start again with the final 80 cups of coffee in 2016.
What is #100cupsofcoffee? You can read about the project here. You can see all the photos from the #100cupsofcoffee project on Instagram.
I have taken a break from Five Fandom Friday, as I don’t really have time to blog regularly during the holiday season. When I saw Funko Friday’s theme for today was The Funko I Want Most for Christmas, I thought I would join in.
I don’t really have a large Pop Vinyl collection, If I see one I love I buy it, so my wish list is mainly rare or limited edition figures I have seen online.
“Metallic Black” Batgirl (SDCC 2010 Exclusive) I can’t seem to find a photo of this version but I know it exists
I have the regular Batgirl Pop! Figure, along with the Dorbz and Mopeez ones. This metallic black version is closer to the costume from the comic. I am hoping they do a version with the purple and yellow costume from the Batgirl of Burnside comic.
Unmasked Captain America (ToyMatrix.com Exclusive)
There seems to be a lot more Marvel Funkos than DC (I am guessing this will change with the release of the films next year), there have been several Captain America figures – one for each film – but this unmasked version from The Winter Solider is my favourite – he just looks so “all American hero.”
Black Widow with Shield (Gamestop Exclusive) Again this is a variation of the Avengers: Age of Ultron figure, but this time with the shield, I adored the scene in the movie when Black Widow rides in to “pick up after the boys” and this figure reminds me of this scene.
Director Coulson With Lola This one isn’t really a limited edition figure – instead one of the “Ride” figures. Agent Coulson was one of the coolest characters in the MCU and in Agents of SHEILD he got cooler with the addiction of his flying car!
Eleventh Doctor (Fez) (Hot Topic Exclusive) Eleven will always be my favourite Doctor (I just adore Matt Smith), he is the guy who taught us Bow Ties were cool, he also saved the world whilst carrying a mop and wearing a fez (which is also cool).
An obvious choice really, I love the new Batgirl of Burnside costume, purple leather jacket and yellow doc martins! What is not to love about this new costume?
As I wear a lot of blue, I have joked that I look like Sadness (if I still wore glasses I think it would be my nickname). Disneybound (I love this blog) has done an amazing version of this everyday cosplay of this character.
As fashion is cyclical, a lot of the clothes I see in shop now are similar to what I wore as a teenager, and back then I just wanted to dress like Angela Chase (with the boyfriend that looked like Jordan Catalano).
During the first season of OUAT, Mary Margaret had the most amazing wardrobe, floral skirts, pretty blouses, cozy scarves and lace berets.
Peggy Carter (MCU)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCA2F96-ulo
1940’s style icon who can also hold her own! Who wouldn’t want to be Agent Carter? In the first episode alone she had an iconic blue suit and red hat to that stunning white evening gown!
Thank you The Nerdy Girlie & Super Space Chick for creating Fandom Friday check out their blogs for more information. Or follow the #fandom5 or #5fandomfriday on Twitter.
Cable Bag – I love Farrah’s alternations (the adding of leather handles rather than knitted ones) makes this perfect knitted handbag – it has been in my queue for years.
6 on 6 is a monthly photography challenge started by the Scruffy Little Nerd Herder #6on6
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