Fanboys Anonymous

Yeah, yeah, I know. "Have you been living under a rock?" Maybe, because I haven't picked up a single issue of X-Treme X-Men until very recently. Perhaps one of my favorite writers, Greg Pak, takes on the character Alison Blaire (aka Dazzler) and pulls her through a multidimensional quest to save everyone and everything. Sounds good, doesn't it?

I know a lot of people out there are not fans of Dazzler, and I can see why. I'm not one of those people, however. I've loved Dazzler since reading her standalone series from the eighties. Her character is somewhat atypical. Mutants tend to rush headfirst into being superheros (or super villains), using their new powers to benefit mankind. Well, Dazzler sort of took that and put a different spin on it. Intending to only ever use her powers to make people happy through her music, Dazzler was time and time again turned into the reluctant hero. The delicate balance between her personal life, her career, and her heroism made for a nice story.

Pak brings much of that same balance here in his X-Treme X-Men series. This twelfth installment of the books is an exemplar of the line that Alison walks and shows how truly developed her character has become in the past issues. Despite the notable change in her overall demeanor, we can still see that the bright and optimistic Dazzler still exists, and that conflict within her makes for a compelling narrative.

The writing is met with a mixed response that I had with the art. While expressive and detailed, I found something a bit lacking in the drawings of Dazzler. Andre Arujo seems to be missing something I can't quite put my finger on that takes away a little of the sass and "swag" that Alison usually carries about herself.

As promised, the events of X-Treme X-Men are going to have some big impacts on the mainstream continuity. I have a feeling I know what's going to be going down, but I'll leave that for the rest of you to find out for yourselves. For all you Dazzler haters out there: give her a chance; she packs a badass punch!


Score: 9/10

I've had a lot on my plate recently, so Fearless Defenders didn't immediately jump to the top of my read list when it debuted a couple of weeks ago. Well, things have calmed down quite a bit, and I finally had the opportunity to dive into this work by Cullen Bunn and Will Sliney.

As a fan of the original Defenders from the early days of Marvel, I'm glad to see such a classic and underrated character like Valkyrie making a triumphant return to the spotlight. A couple of other B-list characters seem to be tagging along for the ride, too, namely Misty Knight and Daniel Moonstar, the (de-powered) leader of the New Mutants. I'm glad to see that Marvel is using this Marvel NOW! movement to shed some spotlight on these lesser known characters that have a great deal to offer.

The book, in general, may largely be considered "fan-service" initially, with tons of busty babes, girl-on-girl action, and an all-female cast. Fearless Defenders #2, however, sets clearly  defined plot points that draw the reader into the story past the superficial. There's a nice touch of mystery (maybe too much at some points) and danger to it all, as well, as the story is brought together piece by piece, leaving readers wondering where it all connects.

Overall, Fearless Defenders is shaping up to be a pretty strong Marvel NOW! series. While Bunn has left readers somewhat in the dark with the entire picture of what's happening, the witty writing and the expressive and vivid penciling by Sliney detract from that fact a little. This is hardly the lesbian sex-capade story that people have made it out to be, and I look forward to seeing what girl power can accomplish in the coming issues. As Doctor Strange often says in one Marvel vs. Capcom 3, "I'm starting an all-female Defenders. What do you say?"


Score: 7.5/10

Oh yes comic book fans, the Age of Ultron is finally upon us and I have to tell you it's as puzzling as ever.

Marvel's "Superman" Brian Michael Bendis has shaped a rather disturbing story about a universe on the brink of destruction, but the only problem is that it's not running aside any of Marvel's other mainstream titles that don't have the letters AU imprinted on the label.

The fact is, no one knows if this is the future or some kind of alternate reality. Why kill off a ton of characters that you have already spent time on bringing back? What makes Spider-Man so special in all this?


So many questions and no answers yet from the either Bendis or Marvel which is frustrating. But that's what makes this title so appealing, it draws the reader in and leaves us wanting more questioning what's happening and how this all can be resolved.


So well done Marvel for bringing forth a rather interesting and unique story that most definitely has the reader on edge.

My Score 8.5 out of 10

Why does the Superman franchise love the letter "L" so much? It's a question that's bugged me for many years ever since I started to pay attention to just how many times the letter pops up. There's a difference between having some alliteration like Peter Parker and Reed Richards, but there's an overabundance of the L-letter in Superman to a ridiculous level. How much of an overabundance, you say? Take a look...

Lois Lane
Lucy Lane
Lana Lang
Lyla Lerrol
Luma Lynai
Lori Lemaris
Lionel Luthor
Lex Luthor
Lutessa Lena Luthor (Jesus Christ)

Lest we forget that Superman's ancestry is The House of El - meaning that everyone in his family has the attribute....

Kal-El
Jor-El
Kara Zor-El (who goes by Linda Lee)
Mon-El
Cir-El
Kon-El
Lara Lor-Van El

*extra points go to the Earth-Two Superman, who quite literally has it changed to Kal-L.

You might as well at this point

So what gives? Personally, when I see something like this, it's a detractor. I'm someone who loves puns and subtle references to meanings of names and such, but this is overkill. It's at a point where it comes off childish to me - something that comics have been fighting against since their inception. I just think it's silly and when you look back on old Superman comics that have him continually fighting apes and Lois Lane sticking a lead box on her head to prevent Superman from seeing her face, it's embarrassing for something that is actually quite an impressive and amazing mythology.

If you know me, you know that Stephen Strange, famously known as Doctor Strange, is my favorite comic book character of all time. Formerly an internationally known neurosurgeon, the arrogant Doctor Strange fell from grace when he lost the ability to perform surgery following a car crash. In a desperate search for a cure to his ailing hands, Strange makes a last ditch effort by traveling to the dwelling of the Ancient One. After a trying series of events, Strange falls under the Ancient One's tutelage and eventually becomes the Master of the Mystic Arts that we all know him to be.

As you can imagine, I was quite excited when Marvel announced their Marvel NOW! campaign last year, promising to breath new life into the franchise and bring in new readers by making "soft reboots" to a slew of characters and teams. As you can also imagine, at this point, I was quite disappointed when a new Doctor Strange title wasn't announced. This disappointment was slightly ameliorated when they restored Strange's title of "Sorcerer Supreme" and again ameliorated when they announced Strange's part in the New Avengers title, but I was, and still am, left wanting. Stephen Strange deserves his own Marvel NOW! title, and, by the Hoary Hosts of Hoggoth, I'm going to give you five good reasons as to why!

1. Accessibility to New Readers

Strange's story is one that many readers can relate to and/or understand. It's a story of redemption, it's a story of forgiveness, and, most importantly, it's a story of the forces of good fighting the forces of evil. While Strange's history has seen its fair share of complexity over the years, his overall background is not that hard to understand. He doesn't carry an incredible amount of "baggage" compared to many other Marvel characters. An explanation of Strange's history could very well be accomplished through one well-written splash page to bring new readers up to speed.

2. Doctor Strange Season One


Not only does Strange have a fairly simple history, curious readers need not delve into decade-old comics to get a full story on his origins. Marvel recently released a series of graphic novels called Season One. Doctor Strange was one of the characters included in this series, and, having read most of the Season One books, I can objectively say that Doctor Strange Season One (by Greg Pak and art by Emma Rios) was one of the strongest, if not the strongest, book of the series. Not only do readers get a beautiful retelling of Doctor Strange's origins, but they also get a tale that has never before been told.

I have personally been responsible for getting quite a few people into Doctor Strange, referring them first to the Season One book. Most have noted how accessible and compelling the character of Stephen Strange is. Marvel did a great job on this introductory book, so why stop there?

3. Sorcerer Supreme Again

If there is one mainstream craze I can get behind right now it isn't zombies, it isn't pirates, and it definitely isn't the Harlem Shake. It's the surrealistic obsession (or perhaps mass realization) of the awesome power of the mustache!

Now, mustache praise certainly isn't new. Mustaches have been a symbol of power and bad-assory since the Iranian horsemen of 400BC! To this day facial hair is a symbol of power and values in modern Arabian and Slovak cultures. It's about time us Americans have caught on! And so, as a fanboy, I pay homage to the 7 greatest mustaches to grace my television screen.

Let me preface this by saying to be on this list you must be remembered for at least 1 major role on a television show, so many iconic mustaches will not be eligible. And of course, this is only this dorks opinion of the matter. We at Fanboy's Anonymous would love to hear your Top 7 and perhaps I'll do a recap based on fan votes. With all that out of the way, let us get started!




A man who has maintained his man mane deep into old age. Credit is certainly due for that. There have also been internet memes of him looking like a cat. Alliteration and rhymes will give you diabeetus.




The man had long goofy ears, buck teeth, a massive protruding chin, and a nose nearly the size of the rest of his head. Yet that wasn't even the wildest thing about his face! Nigel's ginger mustache was integral in completing his now infamous comical look. Not just for The Wild Thornberrys, but would you be able to take that man as a credible animal show host without it? I sure couldn't. Blargh!




I have to admit, this should probably be number 1 for me. It's the first mustache I remember seeing as a young lad and being like "Dang! Look at that fellas mustache!" However it is tainted by one fact: the man shaved it off!!! Why on earth would someone want to do that?? All admiration for the man was lost for me on that day. I have not been able to watch an episode of Jeopardy since. Trebek just looks like an old man now. And not a suave Sean Connery-like old man. The kind of old man that poops his pants. Yet, he has continued to prosper and remain famous despite the loss of his mustache. In fact, I cannot tell you how hard it was to find good picture of him WITH his mustache. Go ahead, try it! Image search "Alex Trebek" and see how tough it is to find a photo of him still sporting his iconic upper-lip hair.




The first time I saw it, I honestly wasn't sure if it was real or if it was a caterpillar crawling on his face. It didn't help how it danced about as the man spoke. A certainly unique look all around but once again capped off with a fantastic facial fro. Unlike our previous slot, he never changed. And we thank him for it. Thanks, Gene!




Well I'd be darn-tootily lying if I didn't say that Ned Flanders was the most friendly looking neighborino in television history. Always with a wide smile, knit sweater, and a big warm mustache to greet you. The half-circle shape is also quite impressive and pretty tough to duplicate in real life. Bless animation for allowing mustaches like this to be possible!




Just... just... the man is a sexual icon! And perhaps nothing plays a greater part in that than his picture perfect mustache. If you knew someone in the 80s/90s that grew a mustache, it's very likely they did it because of Thomas Magnum. Alas, the Selleck 'stache loses out on the number one slot only because of it being the perfect performance of a regular mustache. I prefer a little more creativity. And so...




"Dirty" Dutch Mantel is one of the most infamous names in professional wrestling. You may not have heard him talked about in the households like a Hulk Hogan or a Steve Austin, but anyone in or heavily familiar with the sport (yeah I said it!) know and recognize him instantaneously. He's been a wrestler, a booker, and perhaps is most well known (and recently seen) as a manager. In general, managing is a dead art in modern professional wrestling. So for WWE to call this guy up and bring him back to TV speaks volumes of his ability to make an unforgettable impact.

We The People... think that mustache kicks ass!

You see that man to the left? That's Jack Swagger. Or to you non-wrestling fans: nobody. Just by looking at him you can tell he's a bland as saltine crackers Gary Busey look-alike. Would you ever want to pay your hard earned money to see him involved in a Wrestlemania main event? But then you see the man to the right. Who's that character? That is Zeb Colter! He's formed the role of the Vietnam Vet (which he really is) who is angry about immigrants in America (which he also probably really is...). I'm sure none of this is shocking to you based solely on that gamy look to him.

He fits the part of a cagey redneck war veteran to a T. And yes, that mustache is the most important part. The first time you see him, you can't help but be at least intrigued by what he has to say because of the mustache alone. The power of the stache! And then, he backs the stache up! This makes Zeb Colter / "Dirty" Dutch the number 1 TV Mustache for me.



Zeb Colter's Personal YouTube Channel
So what did ya think? Who would you rather have on your list? Do you have an awesome mustache of your own to share? Show us in the comments below!

This review contains potty-mouth language.

This film caught my eye because of its title. It shares the same titles as the super cheesy 90's TV show about UFOs, aliens, and government cover-ups and conspiracies. Sounds sort of like the X-files, right? Say yes, and I'll slap you.

Judging by the trailer alone, this movie looked awful. The scenes they chose for the trailer made the movie laughable. Being the lover of all things extraterrestrial that I am, I had to see this movie in theaters.

First, I'll give you a quick synopsis. The movie revolves around a struggling family of four. Then birds fly into their house. Aliens.

You still with me?

Right... Now let me take my filter off for a moment.

This movie tries to make you give a shit about the fact that daddy can't find a job and mommy sucks big, fat ass at being a realtor. It tries to make you give a shit about the oldest son struggling with his teen angst and the little brother who speaks every sentence as if he's asking a question. But in the end, it doesn't fucking matter. Aliens.


The aliens have technology or supernatural powers to render themselves invisible to the naked eye, to seemingly teleport, and to make their abductees lose control of their bodies. These are beings that traveled light-years through space to study human beings. Far more advanced than anything we humans are capable of. Yet these aliens resort to teenage level pranks to toy with their prey and "make themselves known."

The next time your house gets TPed, the next time you hear the door bell ring and open the door to find a burning bag of poop on your door step, the next time you get a phone call from someone asking if your refrigerator is running... you may be getting abducted by aliens in the middle of the night.


Ok, I'm going to stop acting like I just completely hated the movie. The movie was actually entertaining aside from the fact that the character development is shit and the aliens are prankster douche bags. There were tense moments that made me clench my b-hole.

I thought for sure that I would be disappointed with the reveal of the antagonists at the end, as I am with most movies (Insidious, Mama, Signs). But we never actually got a really detailed, close-up look at these aliens. They stay shadowed and we're only able to see their figures. They didn't look cheesy and fit that typical "grey" type alien descriptions.

The movie takes a twist at the end, I've already spoiled enough, but I won't spoil this. It's not something that makes or breaks the film. Twists, in my opinion, should be shocking moments that make you scream "F'REAL!?!!" This movie's twist was pretty stale.

All of that being said, I didn't leave the theater feeling like I completely wasted my money as I do most of the time I see horror movies in theaters. Don't rush out to see it. Hell, wait for it to come out on Netflix or Red Box. Nay, try your damnedest to see it for free. If you do end up seeing it, you'll probably find yourself asking yourself the same thing I did the entire movie... "What the fuck is that on Keri Russell's upper lip?" Also, those aliens ate the SHIT out of that watermelon.

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Episode 15 of the I Got Gameplay podcast is now online. On this episode, Michael, Sean and the returning Braeden Mayhew discuss the up and coming releases of 2013 with special guests Mike Paden and Brandon Ligan.

The gang also discusses Sean Mitchell's foray into porn and idea's for IGG merchandise with hilarious consequences.

You can check out this episode and the previous two by using the following links:

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Stitcher: http://adf.ly/IwSd0

If you'd like to join the discussion, like us on Facebook and comment on our page here: http://adf.ly/IwSfZ

You can also subscribe to the podcast's YouTube channel at http://adf.ly/IwShu

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In my latest video request and Fanboy's Anonymous debut with this series,  I talk about the possibility of Super Smash Bros. 4 having a stage creation and online distribution setting similar to that of Mega Mab Powered Up and LittleBigPlanet.

These games featured an easy to use mechanic that allowed many creative individuals to create very intriguing level designs that looked as if they were made by the developers themselves, and published for online play. It may be a stretch for Smash game but it would be necessary as far producing quality content to keep gamers invested in the online play.

In the last game things were kept very simplistic to the point where your options for actual battle stations, obstacles, floors and backdrops were very bleak and the mechanics as whole were very underwhelming and disappointing. So here's hoping that a next installment will improve a signifcant amount over the last game's attempt at player created stages.

From the mind of Michael Burhan, to all who read this, comes a comics review column like no other. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the Fanboys Anonymous debut of Comics Rundown!.

This edition is a rather disturbing one as I reach into the depths of the DC's New 52 to review a bat book like none other: Batman Inc #8.

The plot of this issue continues the ongoing fight between Talia al Ghul and Bruce Wayne as the Bat family attempt to put a stop to her plot to destroy Gotham. She is aided by the clones of her son Damian, someone she sees as a failed experiment.

Now, for those of you who haven't been hiding under a rock, you would know that in this issue Robin meets his untimely demise at the hands of his duplicate and a few trained marksmen. What makes this issue a worthwhile read is that it tends to bring closure to Damian's story by reuniting him with Nightwing.

The conversation is a somber one having Robin call Grayson his "favorite partner" as a way to show that these two share a brotherly bond that will divide the bat family upon Damian's death. This small scene is writer Grant Morrison's way of showing the impact that this young and untamed youth has had and thus makes this loss and even greater one.

This is where this comic shines. It brings closure to Damian's story but also tears the Bat Family apart, thus bringing Batman further into the darkness.

Since it's announcement last year, Marvel fans have been dying to see every scrap of footage possible for the upcoming Deadpool video game. The project is a joint collaboration between Marvel, High Moon Studios, and everyone's favorite merc with the mouth, Deadpool! Well, good news, folks, because another trailer for this game has just hit the internets via IGN.



As promised, it looks like the game is going to be filled with guns, blood, guts, glory, girls, and fun! Deadpool is set to be released late this year and will be rated M. For more information and to pre-order, be sure to check out the official website.

Excited for this game? Comment below!

I don't know why, but I admittedly wasn't too keen on Cable and X-Force when it first released. Maybe it's because I'm not that huge of a Cable fan. I don't know. But after some coaxing from various people, I decided to pick up the first four issues and check it out. Boy, oh boy! I was missing out!

Cable and X-Force is headed by Dennis Hopeless, who has some damn good writing to show off. With a gripping plot and great characterization and dialogue, Hopeless paints a picture of an "outlaw" X-Force team that we're all familiar with. Still, it's certainly not all serious all the time with this group of mutants, as shown brilliantly in this comic.

Normally, a book that shows off "down time" is one that scores relatively low, because there isn't much plot progression and little character development. Hopeless is surprisingly able to excel in both of these areas, giving us a glimpse into each of the characters through the medium of their relationships and "having fun." I found the pairings of Colossus/Domino and Forge/Doctor Nemesis especially well thought out, as these characters seem to get along perfectly. A, shall we say, match made in heaven?

The penciling by Salvador Larroca was somewhat on-or-off for me. While characters like Doctor Nemesis (a new personal favorite of mine) are drawn pretty well, historically youthful characters like Colossus and Hope look a little "old." I could have sworn that Peter looked about seventy years old in one particular panel. Overall, it doesn't detract much from the writing, but there are little details here and there that just don't seem to fit quite right with some of the characters.


Cable and X-Force #5 is a notably good time for both readers and characters alike. With some great character development and banter-filled dialogue (shots! shots! shots!), I find it hard to believe that anyone would be un-amused by this issue. Hopeless is taking his time with this story, and, with writing like this, I really don't mind at all.

Score: 9/10

Okay, so the last issue of All-New X-Men didn't really cut it for me. Scott Summers, in general, was never that interesting of a character to begin with. Still, one bad issue isn't writing me off the entire series, especially when the series has proven to have had some very strong character development and plot lines. Enter: All-New X-Men #8.

This latest issue brings something that I think myself and a lot of other readers have been expecting for some time: the confrontation between past Warren and present Warren. The character of Warren Worthington III has been through a whole hell of a lot of crap. From having his wings removed to becoming Archangel to basically dying and being reborn, the number of characters that have had as tragic a story-line as Angel are few and far between.

So, that obvious begs the question, how is this all portrayed in the comic? Bendis is very clever in his writing, juxtapositioning the very lighthearted personality of the "new" Warren with the obviously dark secrets of the past. Young Warren is justifiably inquisitive about his past and after several failed attempts to garner information, he comes to a very real conclusion: "Something really bad happened to me." It's not much to go on, but it is certainly enough to elicit a mental breakdown.

Speaking of mental breakdowns, let's talk Jean Grey. She is absent from the majority of the book, save for the end, where she basically comes at you from behind with a baseball bat and knocks you over the head. Bendis is clearly building something here, and, as a Jean Grey fan, I am both thrilled and worried.


While I was a little disappointed early in the book about not having much information revealed to Warren, I saw the direction that the book later took and amended those disappointments (albeit it took a little more than halfway through the book for the real plot action to pick up). There's also a nice "laugh out loud" scene in the book between Iceman and Kitty, though I might have preferred if it was between Young Iceman and Kitty, maybe to show a little more development between the old and present X-Men. All in all, All-New X-Men #8 is another solid addition to a collection of solid books. Well done.

Score: 8.5/10

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Episode 14 of the I Got Gameplay podcast is now online. Michael, Sean, Nick and special guests Mike Padan and Brandon Liggan present the gaming Oscars and award the biggest and brightest in the gaming industry.

Categories Include:

Best Xbox Game

Best Sony Game

Best Nintendo Game

Best PC Game

Best Portable Game

Best Score

Best Developer

Best Game (Cross-Platform)

Worst Game (Cross-Platform)

You can check out this episode and the previous two by using the following links:

Lybsin: http://adf.ly/IwSX3

iTunes: http://adf.ly/IwSaK

Stitcher: http://adf.ly/IwSd0

If you'd like to join the discussion, like us on Facebook and comment on our page here: http://adf.ly/IwSfZ

You can also subscribe to the podcast's YouTube channel at http://adf.ly/IwShu

(Note: the links use adf.ly, just click skip to go to your required destination.)

Young Avengers #1 was admittedly a very nice opening issue for the series. Offering a great look into each of the individual characters and accompanied by a stylistically appealing presentation, the book was a pleasure to read for me, especially considering that I was going in blind.

Young Avengers #2 is a bit of a slow-down compared to the opening issue. Focusing on just three characters and one plot-line, I was a little disappointed at not seeing the likes of any of the other characters. Though there is a very small hint of them near the end, it is nowhere near enough to the unity of the book that I was expecting.

In any case, we find ourselves following the adventures of Hulkling, Wiccan, and Loki in this issue. The story suffers a bit from pacing problems. Parts of the story felt rushed, while other parts felt unnecessarily drawn out. The tail end of the book is particularly confusing, especially, I suspect, for new readers with no prior experience with any of the characters.

In any case, aesthetically, the book looks fantastic. There is attention to small details that I took notice of which really made the overall experience a little more enjoyable. The little "tumblr" page at the beginning of the issue was a nice touch and really gives the book a very youthful and hip feel.

Young Avengers really isn't starting to feel like an "Avengers" book... At least not yet. The team hasn't been assembled, and it seems that characters are dealing with each of their own problems independently for now. This book certainly isn't a very strong one for the series, but it has no doubt kept my attention with the stunning visuals. I look forward to seeing what these youngsters have to offer in future installments.


Score: 7/10

It seems like an eternity since the last issue of Witch Doctor Mal Practice hit the shelves, and it will, no doubt, feel like another eternity before we see another issue following the current book. In any case, let's live a little in the present and talk about this week's installment of the series: Witch Doctor Mal Practice #4!

As is the usual trend, this issue picks up right where the last one left off. Eric is seemingly in trouble but somehow manages to magic his way out of it. Perhaps I should pause here and make my one complaint about this book. I do not think it is explained anywhere (or even hinted at) how Eric manages to conjure up this mystical power that saves his life. There's really no mention of it at all for the rest of the book. Maybe it's a developing plot point? Most likely, but an acknowledgment or a hint would have been nice.

As the story continues, we get some really great albeit short character development, especially for Penny. We also see Eric and the loyalty that he has developed for the good doctor and the lengths at which he will go to save his life. Guiding the doctor's astral form through his own body to eradicate a parasite is pretty intense.

Aside from the minor plot point that I felt could have been approached a little bit more clearly, Witch Doctor Mal Practice #4 offers everything readers have been enjoying for the past year: beautiful artwork, dark humor, and a gripping set of characters. Sure, this is maybe one of the weaker books of the mini-series, but even that isn't holding it back all that much. Just look at the score!


Score: 9/10

Next week I'll be in Boston for the AWP Conference and one of the last panels looks at video games, comics, and fan fiction as legitimate literature. I'll totally blog about that in March, but for the sake of dipping into the topic, I have a confession to make. Since this is Fanboys Anonymous and what better on a first post than a little geeky soul-bearing, here goes:

In 2003, I discovered fan fiction.

It was a cool summer night. Sucking on my braces and scratching a pimple, I was clicking through PlayStation's flash website for Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus for the six-trillionth time, dodging the searchlights with my cursor and wishing for just one-more-adventure ohgodplease! So I opened the Google machine and typed three words: Sly Cooper stories. Don't know why. Don't know what I expected to find. But my adolescent life as I knew it was over. The fic was “Mark of the Master” by Atolm2001, a still-not-finished (read as: dead) multichap adventure. (I've since looked up the author on deviantART and left a thank you note. No response. Creep status: dutifully earned.)

I loved it then, I love it now, but there has not been a minute since that I haven't been weirdly ashamed of the hobby. You might be thinking "so what?" or "that's cool" or if you're like every other fanfic enthusiast I've spoken to, you might completely get my shame because hear me out: modern fan fiction to this day has no solid footing in the writing world, and even among fandoms it can sometimes be considered excessive. Maybe even considered a little weird, even if only to the self-conscious writers themselves. I am even shy about it! And full disclosure: since 2003, I've written fic for Sly Cooper, Jak and Daxter, CSI, Bones, Wicked, Big Bang Theory, and Mass Effect, and for every fic I've written, I've read thirty more. This past July, I spent four entire days reading a 98 chapter Mass Effect story on my phone.

Me, reading aforementioned Mass Effect fic at a Coldplay concert, as all normal people do.

I've only been comfortable admitting my dalliance long-term relationship with good ol' FanFiction.net for, oh, maybe a year now, because I've finally gotten to the point where I'm embracing its influence on readin' and writin'. But while it's fun, creative, sometimes straight up good quality reads—is it legitimate literature?

It can be. Some of it is garbage, sure, but some of it is better than novels I've slogged through. You can't publish it (*) but good fic upholds all the criteria of quality writing. And at the end of the day, some of the things we call good writing, even some of the things we call [monocle] canonical English Literature [/monocle] are, in fact... FAN FICTION!

And so, after my deepest confession, I give you five of my favorite Glorified Fan Fictions:

5) The Entire Star Wars Extended Universe

Thanks, some geek on Tumblr!

Publishing fan fiction is usually a pipe dream, but the SWEU authors pull it off and continue to make bank. This is what rules about open world building and open creators. Say what you want about George Lucas' creative decisions, but he opened his world to the fans and created a beautiful monster.

4) Grendel by John Gardner

Not just high school readin'.

Speaking of beautiful monsters, if you haven't read Grendel, give it a shot. It's a really kooky but awesome take on the villain from the epic poem Beowulf.

3) Wicked by Gregory Maguire

Also a Tony Award-winning musical!

My all-time favorite novel, Wicked is another Grendel-like treatment of a villain. Wizard of Oz fan fiction for the win!

2) Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead by Tom Stoppard

"Audiences know what to expect, and that is all they are prepared to believe in."

This absurd and goofy-deep play is Hamlet fan fiction at its finest.

1)Paradise Lost by John Milton

I'm not sure I even understand it.

Bible fanfiction. Not kidding. Also very canonically foundational to so much English literature and has even infiltrated some religions in interesting ways. I like it for the scene where angels and devils are throwing mountains at each other. Badass.

So there you have it. Fanfiction can be found on college syllabi. I’ll be looking forward to how the panel at AWP in Boston handles the "as literature" argument, and I’ll let you know what the geek folk say.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to write a sestina about Dovahkiin!

While Uncanny X-Force #1 wasn't an utterly amazing issue, I find myself quite excited at the prospects of what this story and what this team has to offer. This seemingly "grab-bag" team of mutants is extremely diverse, and it is both intriguing and satisfying to see how they interact with each other and work in a group dynamic.

There is a great deal of what I would call "dark humor" floating around the dialogue and banter that occurs in this book. The character interactions seem authentic, especially those that occur between either of the ladies (Psylocke and Storm) and Puck. These interactions contrast beautifully with the dark and gritty nature of the story itself. The story leaves us, once again, with a bunch of questions on our mind, though this issue does a much better job at connecting some of these dots for us. Still, there may be some parts of confusion for readers that aren't too familiar with a couple of the peripheral characters.

Perhaps my favorite part about Uncanny X-Force is the artwork, which I find to be extremely well executed and further enhances the mood and the story. The use of color is fantastic, offering a vivid and expressive noir-esque-type feel. It's everything I could ever ask for in a comic book drawing, and it makes Uncanny X-Force all the more fun to read.

Although I felt this issue wasn't as strong as its predecessor, I still think it's a book that will certainly draw readers in nevertheless. The creators of Uncanny X-Force are reeling us in bit by bit, and, once this series gets into full swing, I imagine that it's going to be a wild ride.


Score: 7.5/10

For the fourth meeting of the monthly Fanboys Anonymous roundtable discussion podcast, the members chat about the 85th Academy Awards 2013 Oscars. Hosted by Tony Mango, the panel includes Michael Burhan, Sean Mitchell, and Tuc To.

Some topics we address:

• 2013 Oscars - 85th Academy Awards show itself
• The results of the winners for the 85th Oscars
• Do the Oscars shun fanboy culture?
• Will Iron Man 3, Man of Steel, Thor: The Dark World and other movies coming out in 2013 have a presence in the next Oscars?

You can watch all the parts of the podcast below. Make sure to subscribe!

Bendis' take opening issue of volume three of Uncanny X-Men was, in most respects a strong one. Several elements of the plot immediately stood out: the broken mutant powers, the betrayal, and the start of a new "anti" X-Men team. Starring Cyclops, one of the most hated characters in current continuity, Uncanny X-Men walks a fine line between intrigue and distaste.

Unfortunately, Uncanny X-Men #2 falls into the latter category. I had noted in the previous review that Bendis' portrayal of Emma Frost is far from adequate. In the opening scene, Emma comes off as a whiny sixteen year old teenager, which, as many of us X-fans know, is the complete opposite of what the infamous White Queen actually is. The teen drama continues as Scott and Emma begin to discuss their "feelings." It's like a deleted scene taken out from Mean Girls 2, and nobody wants to see that.

From there, we are introduced to several of the other new recruits. What is an attempt to give each character more depth and characterization turns out to be an utterly annoying and confusing exchange. There is no sense of urgency or real concern in any of these characters. In fact, it's almost comical at points, which is not really the vibe I think Bendis was going for. The whole thing just feels very compressed and rushed.

Perhaps the the only stand-out moments in this issue were the look into the manifestation of Emma's new powers, though it was overshadowed by the fact that her dialogue was utter hogwash. The end of the issue provides a promising beginning for the next book, which leads me to believe that these new Uncanny X-Men should do a lot less talking and a lot more fighting. It would just be better for all parties involved, because what Bendis is currently doing with this particular set of characters is painful to read.


Score: 4/10