just finished Batman, the dark knight returns.... holy crap.  I've been a fan of batman for a long time now, I would watch the TV series, the movies, some of the comics, in that respect, nothing holds a candle to this book. the story telling got a bit bogged down with the constant, panels displaying the TV reporters.  and at one point I decided not to read those as I continued through the book.  after going back over those panels in particular I now realize their expressed purpose.  the book itself would lack much of its gritty and controversial content if not for those panels covering the public reaction to batman.  as a fan I've know the batman back story and some of the more famous storylines for a while now.  up until this book, however, I never really placed my perspective in that of the public eye on Batman.  it is this element that I believe defines this novel in such an incredible way.  

if this were a movie, valuable time would have to be dedicated to public interviews and news publications, things that would disinterest the common moviegoer.  

on top of that, the ending was brilliant.  the only lax in the story I might have is the demise of the Joker. it was dark and psychotic and perfect, and rivals that of the joker's fate in Batman:Arkham City.  

overall Fantastic stories, make you feel and think, and this book was beyond that.  I liked it much better than Watchmen.  

my only grip is that it so clearly ends the batman legend. but all good things must one day end. 

if you're a batman fan. don't miss out.  get this book now. 

Your Gaming Space

Every Gamer has a favorite posture or set up for gaming.  most are as unique as their handle or gamertag.  Mine, is right in front of my computer, in a comfy computer chair with the soft hum of Wing Zero to my right, the lights dimmed, maybe some music playing the background, my monitors elevated to right about my head height sitting down (that one's tricky, I'm a tall guy) and my peripherals in easy reach along with a hot cup of tea  and some twizzlers. (great Gaming food by the way)
this posture is a bit different if I'm about to read a book or graphic novel.  for that I like to have my legs elevated to about my midsection so I generally choose a couch or my bed.  there can only be a single light in the room over my right shoulder, and I have to be propped up enough to not crane my neck.
the point I'm trying to make is that every gamer has an atmosphere that helps them blot out the distractions of the world so they are open to a new experience.
for those of you who have never played a game, or have never read a novel or comic book seriously, evaluate your atmosphere.  you might be the only thing holding yourself back. :)
until next time kids.. stay tuned.

Go Time

Technically I should have posted this information weeks ago.  however as life goes one gets busy and losses track of things.
Graphics and gaming is a very interesting class in which we, the students, examine the language of graphics in comics and video games to better understand how and why these mediums are so popular, and how they can be used to learn and teach.
personally, I was excited to hear of this kind of class.  I have an Associate's degree in computer networking and systems administration from Thaddeus Stevens College in Lancaster, afterwards I discovered, while unsuccessfully looking for a job in the IT field, that I enjoyed greatly the experience of teaching others, especially high school students.  so I made the transfer to Shippensburg University under the ITBE major.  this major is a Business Bachelor's degree with a minor in information technology and a K-12 teaching certification. in this light I believe this class might work as a major course specifically for the ITBE Major.  such things, however are not my call.
so far in the class I've really enjoyed Blankets.  right now I'm reading persepolis but not enjoying it quite as much.  I don't know if it's the subject matter or the art of the work that is making this book more of a chore, but I can take enjoyment from the Indy game I'm playing.
I chose Mass Effect 2 to play, for several reasons, not least of which is the fact that Mass Effect 3 is coming out in a month, and I did want to play through ME2 one more time to refresh my memory before the new one comes out.
now I get a grade for it though.. so that's a first.
more to come, stay tuned kids.
-Exodus