I saw my friend Thomas Trumpinski yesterday(he wrote the guest review for MAGA 2020 and Beyond). He was at Chambanacon over Thanksgiving weekend. It's a smaller convention in Central Illinois, and has been going for a long time. Gene Wolfe has long been in attendance at the convention.
I was told that Gene has recovered enough that he attended the convention for a time each day. He is currently residing in a rehabilitation center, and hopes to return home eventually.
I have no updates on where to send cards, but am sure he would appreciate any prayers for him.
When you play Social Justice, the world loses.
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Halloween's supremacy in spending is a measure of spiritual crisis
On Sunday, I heard on my Catholic radio station(it's local and mostly has EWTN programs), a commentator who was in shock that Halloween had passed Christmas in popularity. Not only was he in shock, but he failed to see both the reasons and the best response that Christians in general could have.
I'm going to start with looking at the reasons. First, more and more people are nones. That is not to say atheists, but rather that they posses no faith. There's also been a rise in wiccan and other pagan belief systems, including the hedonist form of Satanism(I'll not discuss the diabolic version).
How many years have teachers and parents been telling children, at least in the United States of America, "You can be anything when you grow up."? And slowly, when they reach adulthood(not maturity), it is uncovered for the lie it is. Still, the lie is attractive, and also attractive is the occasion of celebration.
But the celebration of religious holy days and festivals is largely a foreign concept, especially when one looks at the family problems of the day. When kids start seeing all the problems of Christmas and Thanksgiving in coordination at both mom and dad's houses, and want stability instead, the concept is undermined. Yes, further than the materialistic nature Christmas has taken on more and more.
Since family has been destroyed as a concept for many, there's the attractiveness of celebration with friends. And while holy days are indeed appropriate to share in feasting, they've already been poisoned in many minds and hearts. And Halloween in the minds of the nones has nothing to do with faith, after all, it's been associated with witches and horror for ages in pop culture.
Enough discussion of the causes. Let's look at what the response should have been, and can still become.
First, We should start calling the day by it's proper name: All Hallow's Eve. Names are words of spiritual power, or Christ would not have asked the names of the demons possessing people. Also, note Adam's first job: naming everything. When you name something, and it responds, you have gained some control over it. Some may call this magic, but music and art have similar effects on the soul, that are ultimately inexplicable by "science".
The second part has some progress made already, albeit in a less widespread form than we need. Presentation of heroes of faith. I put it that way, for two reasons. The first being that Protestants don't recognize saints as such, and the second being that there are many heroes of faith not thus honored in Catholic or Orthodox traditions.
We are seeing well written novels come out that respect faith, and "Christian" movies are starting to get the need for less insular audiences as well. Who's missing? The commentators and populizers. But I don't think it's for the same reasons quite as conservatives. Some may be due to ignorance, some due to a rejection of portrayal of sin, which is lying to ourselves. We are fallen, and have redemption only as a gift.
And I have seen many push the idea of reading only old books, and the superiority of old art, etc. But the problem there is, if they won't help with supporting the new works, the restoration they desire will never happen; art needs funding. You want to replace modern garbage with real art? Put up or shut up. Enough with the navel gazing superiority.
When you play Social Justice, the world loses.
I'm going to start with looking at the reasons. First, more and more people are nones. That is not to say atheists, but rather that they posses no faith. There's also been a rise in wiccan and other pagan belief systems, including the hedonist form of Satanism(I'll not discuss the diabolic version).
How many years have teachers and parents been telling children, at least in the United States of America, "You can be anything when you grow up."? And slowly, when they reach adulthood(not maturity), it is uncovered for the lie it is. Still, the lie is attractive, and also attractive is the occasion of celebration.
But the celebration of religious holy days and festivals is largely a foreign concept, especially when one looks at the family problems of the day. When kids start seeing all the problems of Christmas and Thanksgiving in coordination at both mom and dad's houses, and want stability instead, the concept is undermined. Yes, further than the materialistic nature Christmas has taken on more and more.
Since family has been destroyed as a concept for many, there's the attractiveness of celebration with friends. And while holy days are indeed appropriate to share in feasting, they've already been poisoned in many minds and hearts. And Halloween in the minds of the nones has nothing to do with faith, after all, it's been associated with witches and horror for ages in pop culture.
Enough discussion of the causes. Let's look at what the response should have been, and can still become.
First, We should start calling the day by it's proper name: All Hallow's Eve. Names are words of spiritual power, or Christ would not have asked the names of the demons possessing people. Also, note Adam's first job: naming everything. When you name something, and it responds, you have gained some control over it. Some may call this magic, but music and art have similar effects on the soul, that are ultimately inexplicable by "science".
The second part has some progress made already, albeit in a less widespread form than we need. Presentation of heroes of faith. I put it that way, for two reasons. The first being that Protestants don't recognize saints as such, and the second being that there are many heroes of faith not thus honored in Catholic or Orthodox traditions.
We are seeing well written novels come out that respect faith, and "Christian" movies are starting to get the need for less insular audiences as well. Who's missing? The commentators and populizers. But I don't think it's for the same reasons quite as conservatives. Some may be due to ignorance, some due to a rejection of portrayal of sin, which is lying to ourselves. We are fallen, and have redemption only as a gift.
And I have seen many push the idea of reading only old books, and the superiority of old art, etc. But the problem there is, if they won't help with supporting the new works, the restoration they desire will never happen; art needs funding. You want to replace modern garbage with real art? Put up or shut up. Enough with the navel gazing superiority.
When you play Social Justice, the world loses.
Sunday, November 26, 2017
Injustice Anthology Review: The Good, The Bad, and the Merc
Cower not, fierce reader! Today we look over the third anthology from the Wandrey/Kennedy 4 Horsemen universe. There's of course lots of guns and lots of shooting. But you knew that, or at least you should.
Chris Kennedy opens the book with a preface, explaining why they invited so many authors to play in their world. This is followed by an Foreward by David Drake, an excellent author of the old school that writes stories and doesn't treat fans or other authors badly for having politics he disagrees with.
Argonaut by Kal Spriggs- An underequipped merc unit is deployed to what is supposed to be a cakewalk. Misinformation and bad leadership lead toward disaster. But some mercs that don't fit in elsewhere might have enough to say about that.
Shell Game by Terry Mixon- A family merc company takes some big chances to complete an impossible mission. Are they good enough at the old switcheroo?
The Last Dragon by Terry Maggert- A story in two parts. Part one features a captured courier. Part two follows a mining operation on one inexplicable planet.
Hero of Styx by T. Allen Diaz- A story of death, the weight of command, exotic species, and betrayal.
The Beach by Philip Wohlrab- This story follows a medic with a merc unit as they attend to the horrors of the battlefield.
Velut Luna by Chris Smith- A kid gets sprung from juvie and into a contract with an employer she doesn't understand.
Keep the Home Fires Burning by Jason Cordova- A merc that wants to help his nation through his company ends up captured when things go sideways.
Vremya by Mark Wandrey- The surviving brother at the head of a mining company decides to go for the big time in the galactic resources game. Always have an astrophysicist along, gravity does very strange things.
The Last Guardsman by Stephanie Osborn- A bounty hunter is the last of his line. He's sent after a very dangerous killer, as well as the secrets he stole.
Unto the Last-Stand Fast by Robert E. Hampson- A retired merc shows back up to fight to protect the Interstellar Catholic Church and his home.
The Demon of Ki-a by Eric S. Brown- A company is hired to fight an enemy for a peaceful settlement. They find out the information they've be given is most inadequate.
Under the Skin by Marisa Wolf- A depik hunter goes after a contract that one of his clan failed.
Inked by Mark Wandrey- A MinSha tattoo artist has a crowd for a day, and an observant human merc ends up with something he didn't expect.
Angels and Aliens by Jon R. Osborne- A Protestant preacher joins a company as a contractor to help troops, but also help answer his own questions about aliens, heaven, and hell.
Life by Chris Kennedy- This is a continuation of a story from the previous anthology. Dr. Avander fights for his life both in an arena and in a lab.
Lessons by Kacey Ezell- A depik babe is taken to die in the woods. She is found by an aerial predator, and taught for a time.
There's some nice surprises here. The fact that faith plays a larger role here is nice, as is the fact that not every story is milsf. 8 of 10 fell deeds.
When you play Social Justice, the world loses.
Chris Kennedy opens the book with a preface, explaining why they invited so many authors to play in their world. This is followed by an Foreward by David Drake, an excellent author of the old school that writes stories and doesn't treat fans or other authors badly for having politics he disagrees with.
Argonaut by Kal Spriggs- An underequipped merc unit is deployed to what is supposed to be a cakewalk. Misinformation and bad leadership lead toward disaster. But some mercs that don't fit in elsewhere might have enough to say about that.
Shell Game by Terry Mixon- A family merc company takes some big chances to complete an impossible mission. Are they good enough at the old switcheroo?
The Last Dragon by Terry Maggert- A story in two parts. Part one features a captured courier. Part two follows a mining operation on one inexplicable planet.
Hero of Styx by T. Allen Diaz- A story of death, the weight of command, exotic species, and betrayal.
The Beach by Philip Wohlrab- This story follows a medic with a merc unit as they attend to the horrors of the battlefield.
Velut Luna by Chris Smith- A kid gets sprung from juvie and into a contract with an employer she doesn't understand.
Keep the Home Fires Burning by Jason Cordova- A merc that wants to help his nation through his company ends up captured when things go sideways.
Vremya by Mark Wandrey- The surviving brother at the head of a mining company decides to go for the big time in the galactic resources game. Always have an astrophysicist along, gravity does very strange things.
The Last Guardsman by Stephanie Osborn- A bounty hunter is the last of his line. He's sent after a very dangerous killer, as well as the secrets he stole.
Unto the Last-Stand Fast by Robert E. Hampson- A retired merc shows back up to fight to protect the Interstellar Catholic Church and his home.
The Demon of Ki-a by Eric S. Brown- A company is hired to fight an enemy for a peaceful settlement. They find out the information they've be given is most inadequate.
Under the Skin by Marisa Wolf- A depik hunter goes after a contract that one of his clan failed.
Inked by Mark Wandrey- A MinSha tattoo artist has a crowd for a day, and an observant human merc ends up with something he didn't expect.
Angels and Aliens by Jon R. Osborne- A Protestant preacher joins a company as a contractor to help troops, but also help answer his own questions about aliens, heaven, and hell.
Life by Chris Kennedy- This is a continuation of a story from the previous anthology. Dr. Avander fights for his life both in an arena and in a lab.
Lessons by Kacey Ezell- A depik babe is taken to die in the woods. She is found by an aerial predator, and taught for a time.
There's some nice surprises here. The fact that faith plays a larger role here is nice, as is the fact that not every story is milsf. 8 of 10 fell deeds.
When you play Social Justice, the world loses.
Friday, November 24, 2017
Missed a few KS comics worth a look yesterday.
I got reminded of one in particular earlier today by Jon Del Arroz. I knew I'd only looked at one tab, the "graphic novel", and forgot there was at least one decent looking project in the "comic books" section.
Also know that Kickstarter doesn't sort by length of project, and there's been a bit of theft from and by comics creators. Please do some research on their past if you want to back, I'm not going to discuss that more here.
This is the one I forgot: Q-Ball #1: Honestly this looks really cool, I just don't like the pricing for physical. If you like martial arts books, seriously. Take a look.
Now for a more odd sf book: Gone: It looks like it could be interesting, but it is not action packed. I'd say more a conceptual mystery tale.
Deathworlds 1: billed as The Divine Comedy by way of Robinson Crusoe, I would be tempted. Again, I'm not a fan of the pricing here.
And now for the bizarre fun story
Sharks on a Train: Oh man. We got a superspy adventure, with a brain in a jar, lovely dames, and oh yeah, a GUN THAT SHOOTS SHARKS(I think). At least that's what it looks like. I will comment on these guys as project runners, as I can. They deliver. And the pricing is ok, 5 for softcover, 14 for hardcover. IF somebody has a HUGE budget and wants to do film, um yeah that's here too, for the low price of $999. PLEASE.
When you play Social Justice, the world loses.
Also know that Kickstarter doesn't sort by length of project, and there's been a bit of theft from and by comics creators. Please do some research on their past if you want to back, I'm not going to discuss that more here.
This is the one I forgot: Q-Ball #1: Honestly this looks really cool, I just don't like the pricing for physical. If you like martial arts books, seriously. Take a look.
Now for a more odd sf book: Gone: It looks like it could be interesting, but it is not action packed. I'd say more a conceptual mystery tale.
Deathworlds 1: billed as The Divine Comedy by way of Robinson Crusoe, I would be tempted. Again, I'm not a fan of the pricing here.
And now for the bizarre fun story
Sharks on a Train: Oh man. We got a superspy adventure, with a brain in a jar, lovely dames, and oh yeah, a GUN THAT SHOOTS SHARKS(I think). At least that's what it looks like. I will comment on these guys as project runners, as I can. They deliver. And the pricing is ok, 5 for softcover, 14 for hardcover. IF somebody has a HUGE budget and wants to do film, um yeah that's here too, for the low price of $999. PLEASE.
When you play Social Justice, the world loses.
Thursday, November 23, 2017
Thanksgiving Day post: Kickstarters to look at
Yeah, I know. Most people do a post about being grateful for what they have and the people around them. I saw my family last weekend, ok?
First up, is one that I'll grab eventually, but can't currently. Flash Gordon for Savage Worlds. This look like they know and love the material. And while I have no experience with Savage Worlds, the presentation so far is dead right.
Now to something more active. Mars Open: Tabletop Golf is a flicking game that goes above and around stuff. Watch the videos for some cool action. And as a dexterity game, this will be either hot or cold for people.
Side Effects is a party game(cards) about dealing with mental illness, the treatment thereof, and the problems the treatments may give.
Commies! is another party game, this time about gaining control of the Party. Politics, deals, and backstabbing. Possibly some erasure from history as well.
Mountaineers is a 3D climbing boardgame, which claims a lot ov variability due to double sided walls and a deck our climbing routes to follow.
Now for a couple of graphic novel projects
Beasts of the Black Hand is a WWII dieselpunk book, with mysticism and moody art. Ron Marz is writing, so let that be part of your guide if you know his material.
Adventures of the 19xx, book four looks like a pulp adventure, with a focus on the Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
When you play Social Justice, the world loses.
First up, is one that I'll grab eventually, but can't currently. Flash Gordon for Savage Worlds. This look like they know and love the material. And while I have no experience with Savage Worlds, the presentation so far is dead right.
Now to something more active. Mars Open: Tabletop Golf is a flicking game that goes above and around stuff. Watch the videos for some cool action. And as a dexterity game, this will be either hot or cold for people.
Side Effects is a party game(cards) about dealing with mental illness, the treatment thereof, and the problems the treatments may give.
Commies! is another party game, this time about gaining control of the Party. Politics, deals, and backstabbing. Possibly some erasure from history as well.
Mountaineers is a 3D climbing boardgame, which claims a lot ov variability due to double sided walls and a deck our climbing routes to follow.
Now for a couple of graphic novel projects
Beasts of the Black Hand is a WWII dieselpunk book, with mysticism and moody art. Ron Marz is writing, so let that be part of your guide if you know his material.
Adventures of the 19xx, book four looks like a pulp adventure, with a focus on the Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
When you play Social Justice, the world loses.
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
Where I talk about some of this week's comics.
And nope, I won't be talking about Doomsday Clock. Read it. Done with it. I wanna talk books I can say are worth a try.
Nope, though I'll get the "normal" book out of the way.
The Demon: Hell is Earth #1(DC): Literally the complete opposite of the Deadman mini. No origin, just right into the story. Writing and art are solid, if not quite top tier. There's a direction and the characters are interesting. Explosions, demons, and hellfire. Plus Jason Blood acting as Etrigan's conscience. Yeah. I'll keep reading.
Onto the next least unusual.
Sherlock Frankenstein and the Legion of Evil #2(Dark Horse): If you haven't been reading Black Hammer, you really should. The story is good. This? This is a side story in the same world, and if anything, it's better. This issue features an interview with the retired servant of an eldritch god, cthu-lou (he's a plumber by trade). Writing is awesome, character design is wonderful, and art is for the most part solid.
Ok, now for something not yet trippy.
The Villain #1 (Red Giant Entertainment): While Neal Adams has his name on the book, it's as a concept creator. The writing is good. The art is an bit of near non-descriptiveness. I'm unsure if that's intentional. By non-descriptive, I mean you get the near everyman idea of each character, even if it is clear which one the narrator is here. I'm curious, so I'll try again.
Now to the trippy books.
Doppelganger #1 (Alterna Comics): This doesn't feel like anything special until you really get towards the end. The main character is a corporate employed family man. But once the twist sets up, it really digs in fast. Art is appropriate for the slice of life story presented at first, and the writing is good. And at Alterna's buck fifty, it's a very solid read.
Imaginary Fiends #1(Vertigo): Now this is a ride. We have a great underlying idea, conceptual terror that stems from what goes wrong with the idea, and black bag investigations. This is some of what Vertigo has done really well in the past, so it makes me happy. Like a pair of cats tossing a mouse back and forth. Yes, I want to see what paths this takes.
When you play Social Justice, the world loses.
Nope, though I'll get the "normal" book out of the way.
The Demon: Hell is Earth #1(DC): Literally the complete opposite of the Deadman mini. No origin, just right into the story. Writing and art are solid, if not quite top tier. There's a direction and the characters are interesting. Explosions, demons, and hellfire. Plus Jason Blood acting as Etrigan's conscience. Yeah. I'll keep reading.
Onto the next least unusual.
Sherlock Frankenstein and the Legion of Evil #2(Dark Horse): If you haven't been reading Black Hammer, you really should. The story is good. This? This is a side story in the same world, and if anything, it's better. This issue features an interview with the retired servant of an eldritch god, cthu-lou (he's a plumber by trade). Writing is awesome, character design is wonderful, and art is for the most part solid.
Ok, now for something not yet trippy.
The Villain #1 (Red Giant Entertainment): While Neal Adams has his name on the book, it's as a concept creator. The writing is good. The art is an bit of near non-descriptiveness. I'm unsure if that's intentional. By non-descriptive, I mean you get the near everyman idea of each character, even if it is clear which one the narrator is here. I'm curious, so I'll try again.
Now to the trippy books.
Doppelganger #1 (Alterna Comics): This doesn't feel like anything special until you really get towards the end. The main character is a corporate employed family man. But once the twist sets up, it really digs in fast. Art is appropriate for the slice of life story presented at first, and the writing is good. And at Alterna's buck fifty, it's a very solid read.
Imaginary Fiends #1(Vertigo): Now this is a ride. We have a great underlying idea, conceptual terror that stems from what goes wrong with the idea, and black bag investigations. This is some of what Vertigo has done really well in the past, so it makes me happy. Like a pair of cats tossing a mouse back and forth. Yes, I want to see what paths this takes.
When you play Social Justice, the world loses.
Tuesday, November 21, 2017
Casefile: Arkham: Her Blood Runs Cold
01 Publishing sent me a few books awhile back, and it turns out the first one I read isn't out yet. That's ok, I can still talk about it. Yeah, I read a digital version, and had a few moments of frustration typical of my experience with digital comics. That's a format flaw, not a flaw in the comic itself.
No matter, I can still chat about the story and art a bit.
As to the art, it's pretty good black and white art, with a lot of noir touches. Sure this could be done in full color, but even then, a limited color scheme would work better. But B&W is a good feel for this. In some ways, I almost feel the art is trying to be a touch too realistic in terms of styling, but I prefer more impressionistic touches for this type of story.
What is Casfile: Arkham? It's setup to be a series of graphic novels, all of them standalone. Why? Because too much continuity scares people. Because the pulp hero novels are that way. The stories are part noir detective, part eldritch traditions.
The writing, also is pretty good. I should mention that there is some sexual content in the book. Storywise, it fits, same as the depiction of "ancient religions". But, neither thing fit everyone's taste in books, and some will read it, but don't want graphic novel versions for various reasons.
There's insanity, scheming, plots for power, and appeals to ancient evil. 01 put up a trailer for you to check out, it doesn't show much, but it's something:
I honestly enjoy the mix in Criminal Macabre a bit more, but this is pretty good stuff. And if you like the horror of Things Man Was Not Meant To Know, this might tickle your fancy. 01 Publishing has their motto as "No Safe Space". I can get behind that.
When you play Social Justice, the world loses.
No matter, I can still chat about the story and art a bit.
As to the art, it's pretty good black and white art, with a lot of noir touches. Sure this could be done in full color, but even then, a limited color scheme would work better. But B&W is a good feel for this. In some ways, I almost feel the art is trying to be a touch too realistic in terms of styling, but I prefer more impressionistic touches for this type of story.
What is Casfile: Arkham? It's setup to be a series of graphic novels, all of them standalone. Why? Because too much continuity scares people. Because the pulp hero novels are that way. The stories are part noir detective, part eldritch traditions.
The writing, also is pretty good. I should mention that there is some sexual content in the book. Storywise, it fits, same as the depiction of "ancient religions". But, neither thing fit everyone's taste in books, and some will read it, but don't want graphic novel versions for various reasons.
There's insanity, scheming, plots for power, and appeals to ancient evil. 01 put up a trailer for you to check out, it doesn't show much, but it's something:
I honestly enjoy the mix in Criminal Macabre a bit more, but this is pretty good stuff. And if you like the horror of Things Man Was Not Meant To Know, this might tickle your fancy. 01 Publishing has their motto as "No Safe Space". I can get behind that.
When you play Social Justice, the world loses.
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