March was very much a month of two halves. I started the month with by celebrating my 10 year wedding anniversary, in the miserable rainy weather. By the end of the month, I was stressing out about my course and finances. On the plus side we have had a few amazing days of sunshine here in London.
Currently Reading… Batman: Hush by Jeph Loeb & Jim Lee
My reading this year seems to have an old school Bat-family theme. Which involves me re-reading a lot of my favourite trade paperbacks from pre-New 52. This month, I re-read Batman: Hush. This is definitely one of the storylines that cemented my love of Batman.
Currently Watching… Iron Fist
Despite all the controversy surrounding Iron Fist, I decided I would watch the show. I have loved all the previous Netflix/Marvel programmes, and whilst I could find fault in them, I was expecting something impressive with Iron Fist. The show wasn’t as bad as publicised, yes it was a little slow, it could have been 8 episodes instead of 13. I didn’t like or understand some of the characters, but did I loved Colleen Wing and Davos (Steel Serpent).
Currently Playing… Fun! Hospital
One of my all time favourite PC games was Theme Hospital (and it’s sister game Theme Park). I have found several time management games centred around a roller-coaster in the app store. Until now I hadn’t found one based around a hospital. Fun Hospital is very similar to Theme Hospital, you even have to try and cure “invisibility”
Yesterday, the news broke that Joss Whedon would be writing and directing a standalone Batgirl movie. I have a lot to say about this and I will save it up for a future post, but for now I will say I am thrilled! I adored Buffy, Angel and Firefly and can’t wait to see his spin on my favourite hero.
I thought I would start a new semi-regular series on my blog, My Monday Musings. That roughly translate to if something geeky has been on my mind lately I will blog about it! This week I want to talk about the DC Extended Universe (DCEU).
I grew up loving DC Comics! In the 1980’s I watched repeats of Wonder Woman and Batman programmes on TV, and the Superman/Supergirl movies on VHS. A decade lately, and it would become all about Batman, the Tim Burton movies, The Animated Series and The Dark Knight Returns graphic novel. (My love of Marvel did not start until this century). But in the last few years, my love for DC has waned.
The comics continue to interest me, I loved the Batgirl of Burnside storyline and adore all the extended Bat-family. However, after the Christopher Nolan films, the DC movies seems to be a mess. I’m not currently up to date with the animated series. But stated before how disappointed I was with the The Killing Joke animated movie.
DC on TV
Of the DC Comics related TV programmes, my favourite was Smallville, but recently all DC Comic shows seem to be dominated by the programmes of the Arrowverse. I didn’t like the first few seasons of Arrow, however, I think the show has improved recently. I really like Supergirl and Flash.Supergirl has dealt with some interesting themes this season and handles them amazingly well, especially Alex’s coming out speech.
Legends of Tomorrow is a little more fun, but still enjoyable to watch. At the end of last year they had a crossover storyline for the four shows and I believe they are planning more. This shared universe seems to be successful and is working, to the extend that they are adding to the universe, as the Black Lightening series was announced last week.
The other DC related programme, Gotham is not part of the Arrowverse. The show is a little darker and serves as a great introduction to the major players in the Batman universe. I do not think Gotham will be ever crossover to the Arrowverse, but with the multiverse you never know.
The Extended Universe
Which brings us back to the DCEU. I want to like the DCEU, I eagerly went to the cinema last year to watch both Batman vs Superman and Suicide Squad and left the cinema disappointed both times. When they release the Wonder Woman movie, I will go and see it, because it’s a female superhero movie! I really want this cinematic universe to work!
There is no denying there appears to be issues with the DCEU. Every week this year, there is a new rumour about the Batman standalone movie. First the was a completed script, then it is unfinished. Ben Affleck was directing the movie, then he left. After numerous rumours as to who was taking over. Last month they announced Matt Reeves will direct the Batman movie and Chris McKay will direct a Nightwing standalone movie afterwards. Which lead to rumours Affleck would step down after the Batman movie.
What I don’t understand is why, they need to make a Flash movie. I like Grant Gustin as Flash, he has made the role his own. I am sure Erza Miller will be great in the role, do we need another Flash? Likewise with the Justice League movie, the Arrowverse has already laid foundation of the Justice League on screen (it is even part of Legends of Tomorrow), do we need another Justice League?
It is easy to compare the DCEU to that of the more successful Marvel cinematic universe (MCU). But the MCU has existed for over a decade and it did have some hiccups in the early years (Hulk). The MCU has also linked their TV shows to the movies. Agents of Shield and Agent Carter have this done this very directly. Whereas the Netflix/Marvel shows have done it a little more indirectly. Having characters mention of the “Battle of New York” or individual Avengers, link these shows to the wider MCU. Why can the DCEU not do the same.
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Currently Feeling… Adventurous
Over the last few weeks Jason has had to work overseas. We are not used to spending time apart, so I took the opportunity to travel a lot this month. As a result I spend the beginning of October in Gibraltar visiting him for the weekend, and a fortnight in the middle of the month in Manila.
Currently Reading… Batman: No Man’s Land
I have toyed with writing a series of blog posts about Batgirl recently so have done so research – e.g. re-reading some old comics and trade paperbacks.
Currently Watching… Luke Cage
Currently Listening to… San Junipero Playlist
If you have seen the Black Mirror episode San Junipero, you will understand why I have become obsessed with the soundtrack. For days after watching the episode I couldn’t get the song “Heaven is a place on Earth” out of my head.
Currently Eating… Birthday Cake and Halloween Candy!
It was my birthday at the end of October on Halloween, so it’s the ideal time to pig out on sweet stuff!
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.
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!
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This Friday I’m going to talk about the five films that are released this summer that I’m most looking forward to. You might notice that several of these films are sequels to my comfort films from last week.
Finding Dory
Normally I say don’t make a sequel to a classic movie, but the follow-ups to Pixar’s greats like Toy Story have been amazing, so I have high hopes for this film. I’m looking forward to learning more about Dory – discovering how she learnt to speak whale and hopefully seeing her reunite with her family.
Everybody Wants Some
Technically, this isn’t a sequel but Richard Linklater has referred to this film as a spiritual sequel to Dazed and Confused. I love Dazed and Confused, the plot set over one night, the script (Just Keep Living), and the cast (it’s one of the first films for both Ben Affleck and Matthew McConaughey). I’m hoping this film serves up a lot of the same.
Captain America: Civil War
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKrVegVI0UsIt’s the latest instalment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, A Captain America film, Steve and Bucky back together! Ant-Man joining the team, introducing Black Panther and Spider-Man into the MCU – what is not to look forward to about this film!
Suicide Squad
I know Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice wasn’t well received by the audiences and critics, and I’m trying not to judge this film based on the previous DC movie. Whilst I am a little concerned about seeing a new Joker (can anyone top Heath Ledger), that hasn’t stopped me adding it to the list!
Jason Bourne
ITV have a tendency to show the same films in the evenings, the Ocean’s Eleven films and the first three Bourne films, as result Jason and I have seen these movies several times and they have become guilty pleasures. Now we have Matt Damon back as Jason Bourne ready to bring down Treadstone.
My friend M has numerous amazing Star Wars tattoos done by some amazing tattoo artists, when he mentioned one of the artists, Adam Guy Hays would be at the London Tattoo convention, I jumped at the chance to get inked. Due to limited time, we had to opt for smaller tattoos and each picked on of the “symbols” from Star Wars. I had the rebel alliance symbol on left foot below my ankle. The following year, Adam returned to London and I completed the set with the Empire symbol on my right foot.
Another Star Wars Tattoo
For my next tattoo, I am hoping for another Star Wars tattoo, hopefully at Star Wars Celebration this summer. Ideally I would love an X-Wing, especially Poe’s new black ship.
Cross Stitch Shield
I am completely in love with this tattoo! I am awful at cross stitching (I always end up with tons of knots at the back of my work), but the combination of craftiness and geekiness of this tattoo, just makes me adore it. Shame the artist is based in Turkey.
Batman Symbol
Finally, I would love a classic yellow and black Batman logo!
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.
So another year and another Knit Nation has gone… I took things a lot easier this year only volunteering on the one day and not doing any classes, but at least I got to shop! I was meant to be on the registration desk during the Friday night preview howver I did manage to get over to the marketplace and have a wonder around. I have to confess this year I avoided the Wollmeise stall (it was too busy and on my limited timescale I opted to check out the other stalls).
Last year, I entered the marketplace with a definite plan, a shopping list of yarn and intended pattern – this year I wasn’t so organised. However I did spot this pattern online and knew I had to have it. I hadn’t seen Pippa’s yarn in the flesh so I was excited to see her vibrant yarn in person.
Without a shopping list I mainly browsed, but without any idea what to knit, I was really hoping for inspiration. I also enjoyed seeing more of Alice’s yarn in person as well as old favourites like Natural Dye Studio, but opted not to buy yet more sock yarn.
I did however fall in love with a lace yarn at Juno Fibre Arts (a stall I regretted not buying from last year) and then went a little mad at the Bothered Owl stall buying not only some more fabulous stitch markers (a Telephone Box and Hot Dog), but also the most amazing Batman project bag.
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.
and 
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