Be it on Facebook, twitter or even blogs; I rarely post ‘chain’ statuses or similar type posts. When I do, you know it’s because I think it’s got the potential to be fun or entertaining. In this case, this one is just pure goodness. Someone somewhere started a blog ‘Reader Appreciation Award’ and it’s made its way around to me.
Firstly I want to thank ‘Flodo’s Page’ for naming ‘Corps Conjecture’ as one of his favorite blogs (or at least one worthy of inspiring him to do his own). Considering CC hasn’t even been up for a full year yet, that’s quite the compliment and I thank him for it.
Now, what is a ‘Reader Appreciation Award’? Well, basically it’s what the name implies except for blogs. So it’s the Annual B.R.A.A. then I guess. I therefore now coin that acronym and credit it to myself. Anywho, a B.R.A.A. is an award that bloggers give one another for general awesomeness. It’s not based on any sort of democratic system between us bloggers. It’s really up to the discretion of each blogger that participates. It’s basically a shout out to blogs that we feel are of superior quality in some fashion.
Now, one of the rules is that you have to pick between 10-15 blogs to give a shout out to. I can’t do that. Not because I don’t feel like it, but because I don’t READ that many blogs. Between work, co-hosting duties over at ‘The Lanterncast!’ writing for this blog and writing for my new Ragman blog, my time to actively keep up with other comic related things is fairly limited. Add to that the fact that I am an active podcast listener, you get even less time. So the blogs I keep up with are strictly the ones I have/make time for.
Now, this in NO way means that the blogs that AREN’T listed aren’t listed because I think they’re crap. That’s simply not true. For instance, I’m only listing four of the eighteen blogs that participated in my ‘Ghosts’ Annuals blog cross over. I think each of the blogs that participated are quite amazing and post interesting things over and over again. But the ones I actively keep up with are the only one that made the cut. The others I read, but sporadically and at length. (In other words, I’ll remember I haven’t read them in awhile and one day I’ll swing by the site and read like 25 posts in a row, just randomly)
So now for the rules to this bad boy…
1. Thank the blogger that nominated you and link back to their site.
2. Pick 10-15 blogs that inspire you and link forwards to their sites. (In my case I’m going with 5)
3. Answer 10 questions posed by the person who nominated you.
4. Ask 10 questions for your own nominees to answer.
5. Include the Reader Appreciation Award logo on your blog post.
6. Get in touch with as many of your nominees as possible to let them know how great they are!!
2. Pick 10-15 blogs that inspire you and link forwards to their sites. (In my case I’m going with 5)
3. Answer 10 questions posed by the person who nominated you.
4. Ask 10 questions for your own nominees to answer.
5. Include the Reader Appreciation Award logo on your blog post.
6. Get in touch with as many of your nominees as possible to let them know how great they are!!
So on to the blogs I’ve picked:
1) Firestorm Fan:
Firestorm Fan has been going for a good few years now. This site is run by Shag, one of the two powerhouse DC character bloggers that makes up the new(ish) podcast called ‘Fire and Water’. Firestorm Fan itself, however, is the home of ALL things Firestorm. And I mean ALL things. Firestorm suddenly appear on a sticker? Shag is going to find out about it and dedicate an entry to it. But the man clearly has a love for the character and when you get into actual issue or character breakdowns, he’s going to devote a lot to giving them their due.
2) Aquaman Shrine:
Aquaman Shrine is run by the other (some say better) half of the ‘Fire and Water Podcast’ team, Rob. Rob’s been going at Aquaman Shrine for a significant amount of time. Aquaman Shrine is essentially in institution in the comic’s blogging world. They do issue breakdowns, merch features, cosplay features, creator interviews and even epic birthday celebrations. For a blog dedicated so specifically to one family of DC characters, this blog has a lot of pull.
This one is newly discovered by me. I found it when I was surfing through the net trying to find a JLA centric blog to participate in the ‘Ghosts’ cross over. Man what a find! When this blog does something simple like an issue breakdown/review, it goes ALL OUT. We’re talking down to “Where are they now” segments in which he breaks down where each of the creators on the issue is now and what they’re working on. Other features include cameo appearances, annotations and more. It is DEFINITELY one of the more definitive takes out there for JLA material.
Now this one is BRAND new to me. As in I didn’t even know it was going to participate in the blog cross over until a scant few hours before the posts went up. If you’re a fan of ‘The Lanterncast!’ you know that I’ve recently become fairly obsessed with comics history (specifically DC comics history). There really isn’t anything more directly related to comics history than Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. This one is also super detailed and very respectful of the historic significance of the subject matter it covers. I like that.
Ok ok. Technically this one isn’t a BLOG but it’s hosted by blogspot so allow me the loophole. This podcast dedicated completely to the ‘Legion of Superheroes’ is AMAZING. Like crazy amazing. It’s hosted by two hilarious girls named Adriana Ferguson and Kristen Van Dam who “recap issues of the Legion so you don’t have to”. What makes it hilarious? They review issues of the Legion in ORDER. So first appearance going forward which entails a plethora of stories where these asshole kids from the future just like to screw with Superboy and Supergirl from time to time. At one point, an entire team of Legion rejects commits an “accidental holocaust” on the entire populace of a planet. If that’s not enough material for these girls to make you bust a gut, then you must not have a soul. Now they don’t post often. In fact, it’s been about seven months since the last episode, but you’ve GOT to subscribe on iTunes. So, SO good.
So there’s my five. Again, I just DON’T keep up with enough blogs to meet the pre-required 10-15 blog list. But one of the other rules is to answer a set of ten questions put forth by the blog that nominated you. So my answers to Flodo’s questions are as follows…
1. DC, Marvel or Other? Which comic’s publisher is your favorite?
DC hands down. DC Comics has always been one of my favorites. People who are Marvel “Zombies” like to refer to the Marvel-verse as the more “realistic” of the two main companies. That’s exactly what I DON’T like about Marvel. Don’t get me wrong I LOVE Marvel. Four of my top 20 favorite comic’s characters of all time are from Marvel (Gambit, Firestar, Venom & Thor). But I grew up with DC. Superman is not only an icon, he’s a role model (well, depending on the incarnation). That theme music from the Christopher Reeve movie? That’s HEROIC. Yeah, Marvel is amazing, but there’s just something about DC…
2. Who is you favorite writer or artist currently working?
Favorite artist is Ivan Reis. Favorite writer is Scott Snyder. (Sorry, Geoff Johns has lost a lot of his steam lately.)
3. Who is your favorite writer or artist from the past?
Easy. Denny O’Neil (writer) and Neal Adams (artist)
4. What superhero do you think makes the best team player?
4. What superhero do you think makes the best team player?
The Flash. He has always seemed to be the great equalizer of the JLA. I know people say that Martian Manhunter is the ‘heart’ of the JLA, but I’ve always seen Flash (regardless of if it was Barry or Wally) as the ‘heart’ of the team.
5. Whose superhero costume do you hate the most, and why?
5. Whose superhero costume do you hate the most, and why?
Dream Girl of the Legion of Superheroes. Every time I see it, it either looks like some sort of swimsuit or just doesn’t look right. I have yet to have a ‘favorite’ incarnation of her costume.
6. If you could bring one title back from comic book limbo what would it be?
6. If you could bring one title back from comic book limbo what would it be?
Nexus. No question about it.
7. What’s the best comic book cover you’ve ever seen?
7. What’s the best comic book cover you’ve ever seen?
I’m particularly fond of ‘Green Lantern/Green Arrow’ #85. It’s not the best cover ever, but it definitely one of the most iconic and the more I see it, the more I like it.
8. Comic book action figures – way cool, or a step to far?
8. Comic book action figures – way cool, or a step to far?
Way cool. (If done right)
9. What was the best comic book single issue that you read in the last 2 months?
9. What was the best comic book single issue that you read in the last 2 months?
Honestly I don’t know. I tend to think of these types of questions in terms of ‘one shot’ issues and none of the series I have been reading have had ‘one shot’ issues. So I’ll just say any of the issues of ‘Punk Rock Jesus’ that have come out in the aforementioned 2 months.
10. Finally, the age old question: if you were writing, who would win a fight between Superman and Hulk? What’s your logic?
It’s a draw. The madder Hulk gets, the stronger he gets…and he heals. And Superman is Superman. I know it’s a cop out answer, but it’s true.
And the last rule was for me to put to you my 10 questions should you decide to follow suit on the “Blog Reader Appreciation Award” shenanigans. I know each of the blogs I mentioned are SUPER busy and probably don’t have the time to create such a post, but on the off chance that they do, my questions are as follows.
1) Who is your favorite B-List or lower DC character?
2) What/who inspired you to start your blog?
3) Epic Meal Time?
4) What is the first comic book you remember reading?
5) Who is better, the Justice League or the Avengers? Why? (And who makes up the teams as you see them?)
6) Favorite ‘Godzilla’ movie of all time?
7) In your mind, what sort of posting schedule makes or breaks a successful blog? Why?
8) Blondes, Brunettes or Redheads?
9) What is your favorite non DC or Marvel comic series?
10) Marvel is going to make another movie. Other than the ones already announced or being considered, which character would you choose and why?
And that’s it! Oh, if you’re a READER to this blog, answer those questions in the comments below! I love feedback and I put a lot of thought into the majority of those questions. I’d love to hear your feedback!
Thanks again to ‘Flodo’s Page’ for honoring me with a vote and including me in on the fun!
Don’t forget to “follow” Corps Conjecture (click that little ‘follow’ button somewhere off to the right of the page) and comment!
You have some great questions there so I thought I'd have a crack at putting my answers to them:
ReplyDelete1) Who is your favorite B-List or lower DC character?
A. Flodo Span, former Green Lantern of sector 875… bit of an obvious one but there you are. It’s not many B-listers can take down a sentient space sector!!
2) What/who inspired you to start your blog?
A. I’ve listened to and admired a number of comic book podcasts (including Lanterncast!) for quite some time now. After I joined twitter I realised how many people had taken it upon themselves to explore their favourite hobby via blogs as well. Given that I have an extensive collection of GL back-issues and a love of writing it clicked that this was something I would enjoy getting involved in. I think it’s great that all these bloggers and podcasters support each other as a community instead of looking on the whole thing as a rivalry.
3) Epic Meal Time?
A. A double portion of barbeque ribs washed down with a bottle of Guinness.
4) What is the first comic book you remember reading?
A. The first ever comic I recall reading was a UK kids comic called The Beano. The first superhero book I ever read was a Punisher one-shot but I can't recall the title. The first comic I ever had on standing order was the TMNT kids comic to accompany the 80’s cartoon.
5) Who is better, the Justice League or the Avengers? Why? (And who makes up the teams as you see them?)
A. A difficult question with so many iterations of both teams but my favourite line-up is probably from Grant Morrison's JLA: Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Martian Manhunter, Aquaman, Kyle Rayner and Wally West. They were hevay hitters one and all but with the twist that Wally and Kyle had a little competition going prooving themselves as legacy characters. And every super team needs a Martian Manhunter!
6) Favorite ‘Godzilla’ movie of all time?
A. The original Japanese version of King Kong vs Godzilla. That movie cracks me up.
7) In your mind, what sort of posting schedule makes or breaks a successful blog? Why?
A. I always think I need to post content at least once a week in order to encourage and reward regular readers. Also, I think a review with major spoilers should not be posted until at least two days after that comic books publication but preferably within a week to keep it fresh. This is made a little bit easier in my GL focused blog as DC usually bring out each of the four lantern titles on a different week.
8) Blondes, Brunettes or Redheads?
A. Is Green an option? Every DC fan has something they lost with the arrival of the New 52 and for me it was Jade. This was made all the harder because she hadn't long been returned to the DCU with Brightest Day.
9) What is your favorite non DC or Marvel comic series?
A. It’s a toss-up between Volume 1 of The Authority (Ellis, Hitch, Millar and Quitely), and Garth Ennis’ Preacher. If someone was to argue that these are both technically still DC, albeit imprints (Wildstorm and Vertigo), I would nominate the Terminator series from Dark Horse or Gilbert Shelton’s The Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers. The original Terminator series took the mythos of the T1 film and created a world that blew my mind. And speaking of mind-blowing, Shelton’s stoned heroes offer a masterclass in comic book comedy that has been often imitated but never surpassed.
10) Marvel is going to make another movie. Other than the ones already announced or being considered, which character would you choose and why?
A. They have already made films of most of my favourite Marvel characters (Punisher, Daredevil, Blade, Spider-Man and Ghost Rider) with varying degrees of success. I guess the one that is missing is Moon Knight. I think that Mark Spector would make an excellent character study for a mature superhero flick and it certainly wouldn’t be short of action.